Chapter 1: Becoming Mutuals
Chapter Text
TikTok Video - Posted March 18th by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 30.9k
Likes: 10.8k
Comments: 305
Saved: 1,5k
A music studio, professionally lit. The camera is steadily focused on a brightly grinning man with a thick, dark beard and a backwards turned baseball cap, curly hair poking out through the brim. He is wearing heavy studio headphones. There is a fast, heavy dance beat in the air, something euphoric and eager. The man winks to the camera, before turning more properly to the microphone, starting to sing. The energy he gives off is vibrant enough to burst through the screen, his expression intense.
“I am found in your kiss
Thrill and Heat
All and More
My moon in the night sky
Ya Amar, Ya Amar!”
Audio: Ya Amar - Studio Version - Joe Al Kaysani
Caption: Recording @ CopleyStudios
Eurovision Count Down: 62 DAYS TO GO - See you all in Malta!
#Eurovision #JoealKaysani #studiodays #recording
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TikTok Video - Posted March 19th by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 28.8k
Likes: 10.7k
Comments: 324
Saved: 2140
The same man, still with the cap, sitting on a huge, blue couch, clutching a large water bottle. He is flanked by a young black woman and a sandy haired older man. The former is smiling, the latter is drinking from a flask with a peeling post- it reading ‘definitely juice’.
The dark haired man waves.
“Hi everyone! For those of you new to my face - I’m Yusuf al Kaysani at home, Joe al Kaysani on stage, JoeKaysaNova on all social media and just Joe to my friends and Booker-”
“Ouch.” The sandy haired man drawls around the mouthpiece of his flask. He doesn’t seem too bothered.
“- and I am here, together with Nile Freeman and Sebastien le Livre, to officially announce that I’ll be representing the Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest!” Joe beams at the camera, while the two others give variously excited responses (Nile claps and whoops - Booker takes another swig of his ‘juice’ with a muffled ‘yay’.)
“We’ll be doing a countdown, some behind the scenes stuff AND we’ll be posting reaction videos to my competitors’ songs in the upcoming competition.” Joe lists off on his fingers, then winks, “We’ll also try to charm your votes out of you in advance, but hey, keep that on the downlow from EBU, okay?”
“Is that against the rules or something?” Nile looks confusedly between the two men. They share a look.
“We’ll also be teaching dear Nile here about Eurovision rules, etiquette and history.” Joe adds solemnly.
“Sorry for being a confused American.” Nile huffs and slumps back on the couch.
“Never.” Booker drawls, then grunts when a well placed kick strikes him in the shin.
“Anyway! Stay tuned, see you around on the next video!” Joe gives the camera a final bright grin.
The video loops.
Original Audio
Caption: 61 DAYS UNTIL EUROVISION
Introducing Nile Freeman (NileBytheRiver) and Sebastien le Livre (LeLivreDance), the best backup dancers and friends a man could ask for, lighting up the stage with me this May!
#Eurovision #bestfriends #vlog
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TikTok video posted 20th of March by SanremoRai
Views: 430k
Likes: 60,1k
Comments: 407
Saved: 12k
A stage, lit in low, intimate lighting. A lone man sits on a high stool, one foot resting lightly on the ground, the other hooked in under the footrest. He is huddled over an acoustic guitar, broad shoulders half slumped, as if embracing the instrument.
He begins to play - a slow, sorrowful song, long fingers caressing well worn strings and weaving a mellow melody.
The man lifts his head, pale, sea coloured eyes latching on to the camera. And then, he sings.
“Strada davanti
Piú lungo dietro
Vado avanti
Inoltrare…”
Two minutes and fifty seconds later, there is a final strum on the guitar. The man lays his hand flat across the strings, ending the trembling note. He stands from the chair and bows his head, one hand over his heart.
There is a full five seconds of silence.
The ensuing applauds are like claps of thunder, announcing the end of a week-long heatwave.
Audio: Inoltrare - Nicky di Genova - Live at Sanremo
Caption: Congratulations to our winner, Nicky di Genova, who will be representing Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest!
Congratulazioni al nostro vincitore, Nicky di Genova, che rappresenterà l'Italia all'Eurovision!
#Eurovision #SanremoRai #music
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TikTok Video, Posted March 20th by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 29,1k
Likes: 10.1k
Comments: 150
Saved: 2,1k
Joe, Nile and Booker are on the big blue couch again. A laptop is balancing precariously on a low coffee table in front of them. Booker sits in the middle this time, fiddling with the sleek machine. Joe nudges him over and over, earning himself a grunt of frustration.
“Come on, Book, what’s the hold up?”
“Just - gimme a second, stupid Youtube-ads…” A rather foul French curse word follows and Nile whistles low under her breath.
“Wow. Ever heard of ad-block, old man?”
“Okay, how about YOU do it then if you’re so f-”
A sharp cut. Nile sits in the middle now, Booker sulking to her left, while Joe is shaking with suppressed laughter on her right, hand pressed over his mouth. It does nothing to hide the mirth in his dark brown eyes or the way they crease with well defined laugh lines.
“Okay! Who do you want to size up first, Joe?”
“Hmm…let’s start with France. Any predictions about your homeland, Books?”
“Artsy and very French.” Booker’s hip flask is back. The post- it proudly reads, ‘Still definitely juice’.
“The hell does ‘very French’ mean?” Very liberal use of quotation marks on Nile’s part here.
“You’ll see.”
Twenty seconds later, a small square at the bottom right displays the video the trio is watching. It is, indeed, Very French. Booker looks completely nonplussed. Joe and Nile are gaping.
“That…is a lot of Eiffeltowers.”
Booker nods solemnly.
Audio: L’amour L’Eiffel - Melodie Rouge - Live
Caption: 10/10 Eiffeltowers. 10/10 vocals. 1/10 for Excessive Frenchness (Booker’s score, don’t come for us). Say what you want about the French, they do know how to put on a hell of a show.
#reactions #French #HowManyEiffeltowersAreTooMany? #EurovisionSongContest
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TikTok Video - Posted March 23rd by NickyDiGenovaOfficial
Views: 20.1k
Likes: 2331
Comments: 105
Saved: 514
A dimly lit bedroom, with several houseplants in the background. Centered in the shot is a tall, broad shouldered man with pale eyes, a handsome face, the most defining feature of which being his large, hooked nose. He is dressed very casually in a gray t-shirt that, unfortunately, washes him out a little. He shifts in his seat, glances off camera, then forward.
“Hello.” His voice is heavily accented in Italian. He lifts a hand in greeting. “ I am Nicky di Genova. I am a singer, I am going to be representing Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest and my social media manager told me I needed to make social media accounts. My social media manager is a very scary woman and so I must do what she asks.”
Off screen, a soft grunt of annoyance. The man on screen glances over and his lips twitch into a smile that immediately softens his face.
“I will post updates on the competition preparations here and I hope you will enjoy them. Thank you.”
The video loops.
Original Audio
Caption: Andromache tells me I need hashtags. I do not know what she means, so I am typing this and hoping she won’t double check.
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TikTok video, posted on March 23rd by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 25k
Likes: 10,6k
Comments: 1,2k
Saved: 8k
Same blue couch, same trio of familiar faces. Nile turns from the laptop to nudge Joe.
“Alright, who’s up next?”
“I hear Sweden has a real contender this year.” Joe leans back, hands folded behind his head. The fabric of his blue sweater stretches taut against his biceps.
“Oh? Something like Abba or?”
“Oh my God, Nile, Sweden has OTHER exports than Abba.” Joe snorts at her, earning himself a shove and a huffy look. “And no, it’s some young guy…I think he won some sort of singing competition over there or something.”
“Oooh, are we getting a Kelly Clarkson vibe?”
“Let’s not get our hopes TOO high.”
One jump cut later, all three are watching the performance. All three look just a tiny bit miffed. Booker is drinking from his flask. The post it taped to the front has a surprisingly well drawn baguette on it.
The video plays in the right hand corner. A young man is standing on a set made out of glass, balancing on some menacing looking contraption in front of a screen, sending pixelated shooting stars all around him. He’s singing something about peace and bursting out like aforementioned shooting stars.
“Could he get more literal?” Joe mutters, rubbing his jaw in astonishment.
“Your set has a giant moon backdrop, chill.” Nile smirks at him.
“Yeah, well, I don’t have fake tears shooting out of my eyes!”
“Like shooting stars.” Booker deadpans, just as the singer belts out the same line.
The three look at each other, then burst out laughing in unison.
Audio: Shooting for Stars - Jonas Holm
Caption: 10/10 Shooting Stars. 10/10 Fake tears. 1/10 Originality. Guy is going to get a lot of jury votes.
#reactions #music #Eurovision #shootingstars #Sweden
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TikTok Video, posted on March 24th by NickyDiGenovaOfficial
Views: 145k
Likes: 16k
Comments: 107
Saved: 467
The camera footage is a little bit shaky, depicting someone walking through a modest studio apartment. It comes to a pause by a window, showing three healthy potted plants of various colours and sizes.
“Andy, my social media manager, says I need to post as often as possible. I am still not quite sure what I should be doing. So. Here are my plants.” Nicky says, and a large hand comes out from behind the camera to poke and prod a bit at the leaves. “Carina, no?” Much softer, barely picked up, Italian.
“I have named them Clara, Rio and Padre Giovanni respectively. You may guess which one is which.”
The video loops.
Original Audio
Caption: I still do not dare ask Andy what hashtags are.
AndromachetheScythianMedia commented:
damnit Nicky
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied:
:) they like the plants
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TikTok Video posted on March 24th, by NilebyTheRiver
Views: 34,1k
Likes: 9,5k
Comments: 227
Saved: 2,5k
A dance studio. Nile and Booker stand side by side, dressed in dance wear; Nile in a grey crop top saying New Orleans and tights, Booker in a black t-shirt, tights and shorts. They are both aglow with sweat.
Off screen, someone counts sharply in Dutch, ‘één twee drie vier’ and the pair begin to move in time to the bombastic, excited beats of ‘Ya Amar’. What follows is a lot of acrobatics, lifts and turns, performed near flawlessly.
They end with Nile held off of the ground in a desperate embrace, Booker’s thick arms around her slim waist, her arms and legs around his neck and hips. Both are heaving desperate breaths, all tangled up for ten full seconds, before Booker drops her back to her feet, both of them grinning at each other. They share a high five, then Nile bounces over to the phone, picking it up and flashing it a peace sign, before the video loops back to the start.
In the left corner, there is a splash of text - ‘56 DAYS LEFT TO EUROVISION’
Audio: ‘Ya Amar - Studio Version, by Yusuf al Kaysani’
Caption: Practice makes perfect! @ LeLivreDance
#dancing #Eurovision #YusufalKaysani #liftsandshit
Reposted by: JoeKaysaNova, LeLivreDance
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TikTok Video posted on March 30th by AndromacheTheScythianMedia
Views: 145k
Likes: 50k
Comments: 650
Saved: 12k
A scenic shot of Nicky, walking with his arm around a much shorter woman with long, black hair - the woman looks over her shoulder and laughs, waving at the person behind the camera. They are on a beach, at dawn, walking along the shoreline, just far enough so that the waves can reach their bare feet. Nicky is carrying both of their shoes hooked in his long, relaxed fingers.
Something soft and sweet plays in the background, but it doesn’t fully drown out the soothing rush of waves, or the slightly grating sound of wind in a telephone microphone.
The text across the top reads ‘Taking our Italian son for a walk. Too early for this shit.’
Audio: Life in a Pond - Lama House
Caption: Out with @ NickydiGenovaOfficial, he gets restless in the mornings.
#beach #morningwalks #oceanbreeze
QueenQuynh commented:
<3
NickydiGenova commented:
:)
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TikTok Video, posted on March 30th by LeLivreDance
Views: 10k
Likes: 618
Comments: *this user has disabled comments*
Saved: 23
A POV video of someone driving a motorbike down a long, empty stretch of road. It seems to be either very early morning or late night, as no one else is out and the sunlight is pale and ambiguous.
If one squints, you can see a reflection in the rearview mirror of two people, rather tightly entwined.
Some old school rock plays throughout the video,
Audio: The House of The Rising Sun - The Animals
Caption: A beautiful day for a drive.
#motorcycle #motorcyclecontent #peugeot #theanimals #beautifullife
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TikTok Video posted on April 2nd by NickyDiGenovaOfficial
Views: 110k
Likes: 79k
Comments: 1,5k
Saved: 40k
A dimly lit shot, the camera aimed low, leaning against a wall on the floor perhaps. It shows a balcony in sunset, overlooking the sea. Seated on the ground against the metal railing is Nicky, long legs stretched out in front of himself, head tilted to a three quarters degree, eyes far away.
He is playing a quiet tune on a well loved guitar. The camera barely picks up the thrumming, as well as the quiet drone of his voice.
“Chissà se tu mi penserai
Se con i tuoi non parli mai
Se ti nascondi come me
Sfuggi gli sguardi e te ne stai
Rinchiuso in camera e non vuoi mangiare
Stringi forte a te il cuscino e
Piangi e non lo sai
Quanto altro male ti farà la solitudine…”
Original audio
Caption: Andy said I should show music here, not plants. I decided to sing a favorite song of mine - La Solitudine by Laura Pausini. I hope you enjoy.
Andy, I still do not understand the purpose of hashtags. Sorry.
Reposted by: AndromachetheScythianMedia
AndromachetheScythianMedia commented:
Just give me your damn phone and I’ll do the hashtags.
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied to AndromachetheScythianMedia:
Grazie mille :)
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TikTok Video, posted on April 3rd by AndromacheTheScythianMedia
Views: 130k
Likes: 27,5k
Comments: 124
Saved: 11k
A studio, a little spartan, but clearly well kept. Nicky is in the recording booth, a little hunched, somewhat cramped in the narrow space, hands kept in his back pockets. His eyes are closed and he is singing. The video only depicts the music, though, soft thrums of a guitar.
A text across the bottom says,
“Recording day - Nicky di Genova, friend and talent both”
Audio: Inoltrare - Nicky di Genova - Instrumental version
Caption: Idk how he always sounds better live, need to figure the mixing out.
#recording #recordingbooth #singing #Inoltrare #Eurovision
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TikTok Video posted on April 3rd by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 2,5M
Likes: 1,8M
Comments: 20k
Saved: 355,5k
Booker is whistling idly, while Nile is poking around on the laptop. His arm is wrapped around the back of the couch, so when she leans back she ends up resting against it. Joe is glancing at them with interest.
“So, we’re doing Italy today, right?” Nile turns to Joe, pauses for a moment for the look in his eyes, then pushes on. “Any thoughts from the veteran Eurovision experts?”
“Honestly, Italy is always very good.” Joe muses.
“Making up for how lousy they are at football, I guess.” Booker grins. Joe throws his head back with a bark of a laugh.
They high five over an exasperated Nile’s head.
There is a cut, then they are focused on the laptop, the video they are watching playing in the right corner.
“Inoltrare…what does that mean, Joe?” Nile asks curiously, as the song title and artist name slowly fade away from the screen, to deliver them to the actual performance.
“Forward. Wonder what it might be about.” Joe cups his hands together between his knees, relaxed and open.
On the video, the stage lights turn on and reveal the singer, hunched over an old looking guitar.
“Not much of a show.” Booker comments wryly. “Is he wearing jeans?”
The singer IS wearing jeans, as well as a dark t-shirt and simple green jacket.
“Nothing wrong with a neutral outfit.” Joe says, eyes darting across the man with curiosity.
“Says the guy wearing all leather on stage.” Booker snickers, then jumps when Joe reaches across to pinch his side.
They quiet down as the man in the video lifts his head and as he begins to sing, the casual air on the couch quickly changes.
A minute in, Joe’s hands are cupped over his mouth and his brown eyes are wide and sparkle suspiciously.
Booker’s flask hangs limply in the air, halfway to his mouth, forgotten in suspension.
Nile is slumped low in her seat, worrying her lower lip between her teeth.
As the song comes to an end and the applauds start up, Nile releases a heavy breath and sits up, reaching out and pausing the video.
“Holy shit, guys, that was beautiful.” She looks to Booker, who nods with a quiet hum, no more glib words to share. “Like, I don’t know Italian, but that was just…I could FEEL it, you know? Man. Joe, what was the song abou-” She turns and her mouth snaps shut.
Joe’s cheeks are red, his mouth hangs open slightly, slack with awe. His eyes have not left the screen on the laptop, where if the little square to the right is to be believed, Nicky di Genova is smiling at the camera, hand on his heart.
“Uh…Joe?” Booker looks over to him too, then kicks his foot. “Joe?”
“...I am going to marry that man.” Joe says, with heavy conviction and solemness.
Audio: Inoltrare - Nicky di Genova - Live at Sanremo
Caption: 10/10 would marry Nicky di Genova. But Joe would fight every single would-be suitor to the death.
#Eurovision #Italy #NickyDiGenova #loveatfirstsight
Reposted by: AndromachetheScythianMedia
AndromachetheScythianMedia commented:
I’ll let him know.
JoeKaysaNova followed NickydiGenovaOfficial
NilebytheRiver followed NickydiGenovaOfficial
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TikTok Video posted April 5th by JoealKaysaniFans
Views: 15,5M
Likes: 1,9M
Comments: 10,8k
Saves: 400k
A black screen with white text.
‘Joe al Kaysani simping over Nicky di Genova for 2 minutes straight gay’
What follows are a bunch of clips of Joe, Nile and Booker, still on that couch, short excerpts taken out of the original video of reacting to ‘Inoltrare’.
First, it is just a supercut of Joe’s face, watching the video for the first time. His face going from curious to enthralled to enamoured, set to the dulcet tones of Inoltrare. Several bits of text float around his awed expression, the way he covers his mouth, tears up.
‘Number 1 yearner’
‘get yourself a man that looks at you like Joe looks at Nicky’
‘love at first sight’
‘Iamnotfine’
‘falling in love in real time’
‘Joe.exe has stopped working’
And then follows a whole lot of patched together clips, without any background music to go along to it.
Joe, just having finished his first viewing.
“I am going to marry that man.”
Cut
Joe, earnest and teary eyed, gesturing wildly to the laptop, while Nile pats his shoulder soothingly.
“The song is about self discovery, struggling to move forward from something larger than yourself, learning to love yourself with your sins and flaws - I can’t even - GUYS, it’s the most beautiful song I have ever heard-”
Cut
Joe, pacing in front of the couch, hands in his hair, manic, while Nile and Booker share extremely confused stares.
“- and that VOICE, it is like an angel from heaven, Wallah, how is it so perfect? I could feel it IN my heart, all the way to my toes and all my fingers, I never want to hear anything else-”
Cut
Joe, squatting by the laptop, having started the video again, eyes sparkling excitedly. “Isn’t he the most beautiful man you have ever seen?”
Booker and Nile give each other yet another highly miffed look.
“I mean. He’s alright.” Booker says, slowly.
“ALRIGHT?!” Joe gasps in completely unexaggerated outrage.
Cut
Joe glowering at a rather bemused looking, half slumped to the side Booker. Nile is quivering with badly withheld laughter.
“His face is the sort of face Romans would carve into marble, attempting to emulate their Gods, trying and failing to seek perfection, because perfection is THAT! And you call it ALRIGHT? That is blasphemy, Sebastien-”
Cut
Joe, once again pacing, hands thrown in the air, speaking so rapidly in Dutch that there is no way to keep up, even for a native speaker.
The subtitles simply say ‘Idiot in love’
Cut
Joe, sprawled on the floor, arm draped over his eyes, shuddering, chest heaving with desperate breaths. “I love that man beyond measure and reason.”
“Definately beyond reason, holy shit.” Nile laughs, nudging him with her foot.
Joe groans in lovesick misery.
The video loops.
Original Audio
Caption: I think he may have a crush.
#romance #pining #JoetheYearner #JoealKaysani #NickyDiGenova #JoeNicky #NickyJoe? #Eurovisionlove
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TikTok Video, posted April 6th, by NickyDiGenovaOfficial
Views: 3,4M
Likes: 850k
Comments: 9k
Saved: 10k
Nicky is seated by a kitchen table. In front of him is a tablet, branding taped over with a brilliantly orange sticker depicting a cartoon cat. He keeps glancing off screen, looking politely confused.
“What are we doing, Andy?”
“I’m going to show you something that Quynh found and I want your honest reaction.” A firm, yet amused female voice (presumably ‘Andy’) says off screen.
A soft giggle comes from behind the camera, and Nicky looks at the person filming (presumably Quynh) with mild trepidation.
“Alright, I suppose.”
“But before that - do you know who Joe al Kaysani is?” Andy asks and Nicky blinks.
“No? Is he famous?”
“Right now? Kinda.” Quynh pipes up behind the camera, lightly accented voice full of mirth. That earns her another slightly suspicious look from Nicky.
“He’s the representative from the Netherlands for Eurovision.” Andy clarifies and steps into frame, picking up the tablet. She pushes her black hair back with one hand. The camera briefly zooms in at her bare arm and the way the muscle flexes as she does. “He has been doing some reaction videos to other countries’ songs.”
“Oh. He has reacted to mine, then?” Nicky tries to peek at the screen, but Andy holds it out of sight for him.
“Mhm.” Andy’s expression can only be described as a full blown smirk.
“And so now I will react to him reacting to me? It is getting a little, eh…” A small pause, where Nicky purses his lips, thinking. “...convoluted.”
“It’ll make sense in a minute.” Andy says.
“More like, two.” Quynh chimes in.
Both women snicker.
Nicky looks resigned.
The video cuts. Andy is out of frame again, the tablet is in Nicky’s hands and he is leaning back in his seat, inspecting the screen intently. In the lower right corner, the video plays.
Joe al Kaysani simping over Nicky di Genova for 2 minutes straight gay’
Nicky sits stock still the entire time. His eyebrows raise, his lips twitch, but that is pretty much the only reaction he gives.
By the end of the two minutes, there are two very red stains high on his cheeks. He places down the tablet with a soft click, then folds his hands over the screen. Taps his forefingers against the backs of his hands. Turns his head just so and steadily focuses his eyes off screen, to where Andy is.
“Thoughts?”
“Why did you show me this?”
“You didn’t like it?” Andy sounds mightily pleased with herself.
Nicky wrings his hands, briefly. The colour rises a little higher on his cheeks. For a moment, he mumbles in Italian. Then, he lifts his gaze back up, sits a little straighter.
“...it is flattering. And I am happy he enjoyed the song and understood it.” The Italian finally lands on.
“Nothing else? A reply to this lovely man currently infatuated with you, maybe?” Quynh asks. She must be doing something amusing with her face, because Nicky’s lips twitch into a smile when he looks at her. With a shrug, he turns back to the camera, an almost apologetic look to his otherwise stoic face.
“I am not looking to date right now.”
Original Audio
Caption: He’s still blushing, you guys. //Andy
#NickyDiGenova #reaction #JoetheYearner #Eurovision
Reposted by: JoeKaysaNova, NilebytheRiver, LeLivreDance, AndromachetheScythianMedia
QueenQuynh commented:
Stone cold heartbreaker.
JoeKaysaNova commented:
Don’t mind me, just picking up the pieces of my broken heart over here :’).
LeLivreDance has followed NickydiGenovaOfficial
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TikTok Video posted on April 6th by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 1,1M
Likes: 347,1k
Comments: 2,5k
Saved: 30,3k
Joe stands by his kitchen window, looking dramatically out on the street, leaning his weight heavily on his forearm braced against the glass. The video is filtered in grainy black and white.
A very sad, very dramatic piano plays in the background, as well as a voice over of a teary female voice saying,
“They ask you how you are, and you just have to say that you're fine, when you're not really fine, but you just can't get into it because they would never-”
Black text at the bottom of the video proclaims:
“When your future husband rejects you and you have to compete against him in Eurovision in less than two months.”
Audio: Katy Perry Interview 2014
Caption: I’m fine tho :,)
#heartbreak #i’mfine #crying #struggles
LeLivreDance commented
Pathetic.
JoeKaysaNova replied to LeLivreDance
:(
NilebytheRiver replied to LeLivreDance
Just because it’s true, doesn’t mean you have to say it, Book
JoeKaysaNova replied to NilebytheRiver
>:(
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TikTok Video posted April 7th by NickyDiGenovaOfficial
Views: 750k
Likes: 62k
Comments: 430
Saved: 3k
Another wandering shot of the same studio apartment, coming to a pause by a shelf with four potted plants. They are lush and most of them in full bloom, bringing quite a bit of colour to the otherwise very plain space.
“Someone asked for more plants. So, here we have Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo. No, they are not named for the, ah…” There is a pause. “Tartarughe Ninja…the teenager ninja turtles? Ehm…either way, it is not that. They are named for the artists. I hope you like them.”
A gentle, large hand comes out to rearrange the pots, a quiet little click of tongue following.
“I need to water them. Ciao, for now.”
The video loops.
Original Audio
Caption: Andy says they are called Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
#tmnt #plants #Eurovision
QueenQuynh has commented:
omg look at Donatello he has gotten so big!!!
NickydiGenovaOfficial has replied:
:) :) :) I am very proud.
AndromachetheScythianMedia has replied:
Don’t encourage him, babe, he was supposed to post a song today
NickydiGenovaOfficial has replied:
My apologies. I will sing once they are watered.
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TikTok Video posted on April 8th by NilebyTheRiver
Views: 2,1M
Likes: 190,5k
Comments: 1,2k
Saved: 20k
This one is shot via the front camera of a phone. It shows Nile and Booker huddled together in the corner of a brightly lit dance studio. They are both a little sweaty and red cheeked.
“Hi, Nicky!” Nile waves to the camera, then gestures between herself and the clearly annoyed man on her left, “I’m Nile, this is Booker and we are Yusuf al Kaysani’s best friends in the entire world-”
“Hey, I thought we agreed /I/ was the best friend, I’ve known him a decade longer than you.” Booker gives her an almost affronted look as he interrupts her, earning himself a good natured shove, shoulder against shoulder.
“Yeah, well, quality over quantity, all that stuff.”
Booker huffs, but concedes with a mutter of something in french.
“ANYWAY, this video isn’t about us. It’s about Joe! And making you, Nicky, realise what he is made of.”
“Which is?” Booker tilts his head to her - there is something warm and fond under the amusement in his voice.
Nile grins. “Boyfriend material.”
The video cuts and the two are now in a different location - By the looks of it the entryway to an apartment. The walls are lined by art, mostly charcoal drawings of faces and a few larger oil paintings depicting colourful landscapes. Nile is in front of the camera, someone else (presumably Booker) is filming.
“First things first. Not only can Joe hold a tune while doing a handstand, he is also an artist.” She gestures around herself, taking on the serious face of a museum tour guide as she slowly walks backwards along the art covered walls. “Get a load of all this.”
“Or, get a load of-”
“Guys, what are you doing?” Joe’s voice comes through faintly, as if calling from another room. “The game’s starting!”
The video cuts.
Original audio
Caption: Day 1 of trying to wingman our bestie. @ NickydiGenovaOfficial, do you like art??
#wingman #wingwoman #boyfriendmaterial #YusufalKaysani #NickydiGenova
Reposted by: AndromacheTheScythianMedia
AndromachetheScythianMedia followed NilebytheRiver
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TikTok Video posted April 10th, by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 300k
Likes: 12k
Comments: 113
Saved: 988
The trio is back on the blue couch. Joe is in a tank top and jeans, fanning himself absently with his baseball cap. The other two are similarly windswept and sweaty.
“We’re doing another Nordic country today, right? To mock the way I am dying to dive into a pile of snow?” Joe asks, pushing back some rather badly tousled dark curls from his brow, huffing when they fall right back a second later.
“Hey, man, you decided today was core-day, not us.” Booker gives him a good natured shove over Nile’s shoulder.
“Don’t blame me for my bad decisions.” The expression on Joe’s face may or may not be accurately described as a pout.
“Stop bickering and tell me what to expect from Finland.” Nile gives them both a hard look.
“Loud.” Booker opines, just as Joe says, “Rock or strange.”
“Rock or-”
A hard cut to some very rapid Finnish rapping, set to a backdrop of orange and pink, lots of neon and flashing lights. The singer seems to be dressed up as a sparkly, glittery bear?
Once the video stops, Nile is sitting with her hands pressed together in what might be prayer, pressed to her lips, staring blankly ahead.
Booker looks at her, then at Joe.
“We broke the American.”
Audio: Villi Paraati by Otso - Live
Caption: 10/10 Brain Rot. 10/10 Stage show. -2/10 Eyeballs. May kill American brains. Perfect Eurovision vibes.
#Eurovision #Finland #Flashwarning
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TikTok video posted April 10th, by AndromacheTheScythianMedia
Views: 998k
Likes: 35k
Comments: 800
Saved: 12k
Nicky is sitting with his back against a tree in a park, eyes closed, face turned up towards the filtered down sunlight, enjoying a spring breeze.
“Hey, Nicky? Do you like art?” Andy asks, sounding all too casual.
“Hmm?” Nicky sounds maybe a little half asleep, not moving or opening his eyes.
“You know. Paintings and shit?”
A faint, confused frown furrows his brow.
“Sai che mi piace, Andy.”
“English, Nicky. It’s for TikTok.”
Nicky cracks his eyes open to give her a curious glance. “Yes, I like paintings.”
“Cool.”
“...Andy, why are you smirking?”
The video cuts.
Original audio
Caption: Nicky likes art. To whomever might be wondering. He just doesn’t use social media unless I tell him to.
#art #NickydiGenovaOfficial #JoetheYearner
NilebytheRiver commented:
oooh, he’s an old man like Sebastien, got it.
LeLivreDance replied to NilebytheRiver:
Just cause we’re not glued to our phones 24/7. The youth today, I swear.
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TikTok video posted April 11th, by NilebyTheRiver
Views: 3,5M
Likes: 870k
Comments: 12k
Saved: 1,5M
A gym, empty save for one person - it is a small space, clearly more of a private gym than a public one. It is filmed from around a corner, so the angle is a bit awkward, but still shows off QUITE the sight.
Joe is very sweaty, doing pull ups. He is also very bare chested, wearing only a pair of very small, very tight shorts. They hide not much at all. There is no faltering in the pull ups whatsoever, just muscles flexing and relaxing smoothly with each rep.
The camera flips to selfie mode and shows Nile, wide eyed and gesturing with her hand wildly, then the camera flips back to show Joe still doing pull ups, seemingly still without much effort.
“Day 2 of wingwomanning - are you seeing this, Nicky? Holy cannoli or whatever you guys say in Italy idk”
Audio: Sexy Back (yeah) - Justin Timberlake
Caption: Day 2 of wing-woman-ing for Joe. @ NickydiGenova, not just an artist but a work of art, right? @ AndromachetheScythianMedia, make sure he sees this yeah?
JoeKaysaNova has commented
WHAT THE HELL NILE???
NilebytheRiver has replied
Thank me later :)
AndromachetheScythianMedia has commented
Good form
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TikTok video posted April 11th, by AndromachetheScythianMedia
Views: 1,2M
Likes: 320k
Comments: 6k
Saved: 14k
Stitch incoming , is overlaid with the clip of Joe at the gym. It goes on for all of five seconds, before it cuts to Nicky’s kitchen.
The video is a little bit shaky, as if the person filming might be laughing rather heavily. It is impossible to tell, though, as the Beatles ‘Help’ is playing in the background.
Nicky is sitting by his kitchen table, judging by the familiar plants behind him. His face is buried in his hands and he is halfway bent backwards over the back of his chair, head tilted back. Though it is impossible to read his expression, there is a very obvious flush to his exposed neck.
Probably unrelated, there is a tablet face down on the table in front of him, shoved quite a bit aways from him.
The video has a text at the top simply saying,
“He saw.”
Audio: Help - the Beatles
Caption: I think his exact words were "Santa Maria Madre di Dio”, not holy cannoli though
#help #thirstymuch? #NickydiGenovaOfficial #JoetheYearner
JoeKaysaNova commented:
Oh. *blushing emoji*
NilebytheRiver replied to JoeKaysaNova:
Told ya.
JoeKaysaNova followed AndromachetheScythianMedia
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TikTokVideo, posted April 12th by NilebytheRiver
Views: 2,1M
Likes: 112k
Comments: 754
Saved: 7,4k
Nile and Booker, sitting shoulder to shoulder on a familiar blue couch. She looks mischievous, he looks bemused. Nile speaks, barely above a whisper.
“Hi, Nicky! Glad to see you enjoyed our last video, I feel like we are really getting somewhere with this.” She grins. Booker gives a lazy thumbs up of encouragement.
“But, I don’t want to make it seem like Joe’s just all dimples and big muscles-”
Booker shrugs. She shoves him, good naturedly.
“So, here’s the next good bit of boyfriend material. Observe.” Nile clears her throat, then raises her voice, as if calling someone in a different room. “Hey, Joe! Say something cool in Italian!”
"Qualcosa di bello.” Joe’s voice drifts in, a little distracted, but spoken without a hint of an accent.
“What does that mean?”
“Something cool, in Italian.” Joe sounds very smug.
Nile rolls his eyes, as Booker snorts. “Okay, so he’s a smartass, but like-”
The video cuts.
Original Audio
Caption: Day 3 of wingmanning. Starting to think this guy doesn’t deserve it. But if you’re into it, @ NickydiGenovaOfficial, there it is: Joe’s fluent in Italian and Smartass-ese.
NickydiGenovaOfficial commented
Impressive :) Speaking more than one language is hard work
JoeKaysaNova replied to NickydiGenovaOfficial
I speak 7 actually
NickydiGenovaOfficial followed NilebytheRiver
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TikTok video, posted April 13th by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 950k
Likes: 80,1k
Comments: 231
Saved: 20k
The trio sitting together on the couch. Joe is looking a little sour, turned away from Nile sitting in the middle. She rolls her eyes at him and elbows him in the side.
“Come on, don’t be mad.”
“I can’t believe he followed you.”
“He’s not following me either.” Booker says, taking a sip from his flask. The post-it on it now declares ‘JoetheYearner’.
“That is in NO WAY reassuring, Book-”
The video cuts. Joe is still pouting, but is at least sitting more leisurely by Nile, even if he sends her phone on her lap annoyed little glances.
“So, England-”
“Terrible.” Booker interrupts immediately.
Nile gives him a hard look. “Booker.”
“ J'ai raison. ” He shrugs a broad shoulder, then slips an arm around the back of the couch. “You’ll see.”
The video starts. The stage is bright and colourful, red, yellow and green lights flickering everywhere. A pair of young women are performing together - one is rapping, the other is singing along to the bright, excited pop on the song. All in all, it’s perfectly average.
When it ends, Nile looks between Joe and Booker, looking perplexed.
“It was fine? What are you even-”
“0 points.” Joe declares, getting up and wandering off screen.
“Again.” Booker agrees, taking a swig from his bottle.
Nile groans, covering her face and slumping back.
“I’ll never understand this stupid competition!”
Audio: Stop, Wait, Go - Lights Up - Live
Caption: -100/10 - sorry England, you’re getting a 0 this year too.
Don’t listen to these assholes, I think you were great /Nile
Don’t listen to Nile, she’s an American. /Joe
For once, Joe’s right. /Booker
#England #Eurovision #LightsUp #0points
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TikTok Video, posted April 14th by NilebytheRiver
Views: 5,5M
Likes: 810k
Comments: 6k
Saved: 98k
A park, the sun blaring down, looking almost sweltering despite it only being springtime. Joe’s on his back in the grass, laughing, smiling widely, dimples on audacious display. He is holding what looks to be an equally excited golden retriever puppy, hefting it high over himself, then brings it down to coo and kiss its cute little face, while it pants and returns the affection.
Nile flips the camera and scowls a bit at it, before flipping it back to the darling scene.
“Yeah, sure, I only feed you and take you on all the walks, Snickers.” Blocky letters bemoans at the top of the video.
Original audio
Caption: Pls, @ NickydiGenovaOfficial, distract this man for me so I can have my baby back. :(
NickydiGenovaOfficial has commented:
They look cute together :)
NilebytheRiver has replied to NickydiGenova:
ur no help >:(
LeLivreDance has replied to NickyDiGenova:
Don’t fall for the dog trick, Nicky.
JoeKaysaNova has replied to LeLivreDance:
BOOKER, HE CALLED ME CUTE, DON’T RUIN THIS FOR ME
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TikTok Video, posted April 15th by AndromachetheScythianMedia
Views: 800k
Likes: 52k
Comments: 5k
Saved: 90k
Nicky in side profile, sitting on his balcony. He’s reading a book, the cover can barely be seen, the title ‘La Divina Commedia’ peeking out for the camera and watchful eyes to spot.
“Hey, Nicky?”
“Mm?” He turns a page, not looking up.
“What’s your favorite food?”
“Preferito…?” He looks up, pauses when he spots the camera. His brow quirks. “ È di nuovo TikTok?”
“Yes, now answer.”
Nicky looks back to his book. For a long moment, he doesn’t answer. It could have been seen as disinterest, if it wasn’t for the fact that his eyes aren’t moving, rather he looks a little lost in thought.
“Pasta. Something simple.”
“Italian?”
The look Nicky gives the camera is surprisingly stern.
“Obviously.”
Original Audio
Caption: Your move, loverboy. @ NilebytheRiver get your boy in the kitchen.
#pastalover #NickydiGenovaOfficial #JoetheYearner #feedthisman
NilebytheRiver commented:
Uh oh.
JoeKaysaNova replied to NilebytheRiver:
Oh ye of little faith
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TikTok Video, posted April 15th by NilebytheRiver
Views: 3,1M
Likes: 230k
Comments: 1546
Saved: 80k
Nile, in selfie camera, seated by a kitchen table. She is looking ready to burst out into either laughter or tears - presumably the former, from the way her voice is wobbling with mirth.
“So, uh…Joe, tell me what you’re doing?”
Some rattling and a muffled curse.
“Cooking my very ungrateful friend dinner.”
“And…how’s that working out for you?” Nile’s voice is choked, her cheeks flushed red. Then, the camera is flipped.
Joe is glaring at her, half turned to face her, half turned towards the stove where there are several pots and a skillet steaming with heat. The front of his white shirt has a very unsightly, huge red stain on it.
“Just great, thank you.” The sarcasm is almost as heavy as the droplets of red sauce dripping down the front of the stove.
Nile giggles. “Wanna tell me how the hell you made pasta sauce EXPLODE, Joe?”
Joe does not, judging by the way the video ends with a disgruntled yelp and a wooden spoon flying at Nile’s head.
Original Audio
Caption: Sorry, @ NickydiGenovaOfficial, this was supposed to be day 4 of wingmaning, but the pasta Gods frowned on us. Pls have pity on him.
#cookingfail #JoeKaysaNova #oops #howdoespastaexplode
NickydiGenovaOfficial commented:
Lower the heat and get a wider saucepan :) hope that helps
JoeKaysaNova replied to NickydiGenovaOfficial:
I am mortified but also - hi :)
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied to JoeKaysaNova:
:) hi
LeLivreDance replied to JoeKaysaNova:
Smooth
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TikTok Video, posted on April 16th by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 500k
Likes: 210k
Comments: 1,1k
Saved: 23k
Nile, Joe and Booker are on the couch again. Joe’s in the middle with Booker’s arm slung over his shoulder, while Nile leans sideways to adjust the laptop better on the table.
“So, Ireland.”
“Do you remember the one with the horns? And the trans-flag bikini?” Booker looks at Joe.
“Bambi Thug. Amazing.” Joe nods, humming. “Crown the witch.”
“Uh.” Nile looks between them nervously.
The video cuts. The singer is distinctly hornless, dressed in a long flowy skirt and loose fitted blouse. She is singing along to soft folk music, guitars and some older looking instrument that gives off a sort of haunting, indescribable tune.
“It sort of reminds me of Landslide.” Joe says, smiling.
“You really want to compare her to Stevie Nicks?” Booker gives him the longest look.
“Reminds me, I said, not a complete copy.”
“Who’s Stevie Nicks?” Nile asks.
The room is completely silent for a moment. The men share horrified looks.
“...I have never felt so old in my life.” Joe says, voice choked off.
“Merde.” Booker mutters, then pushes Joe and Nile to scoot away on the couch, so he can reach the computer, “Time for a fucking music lesson, Nile.”
Audio: Báite - Fiadh - Live version
Caption: 10/10 Fleetwood Mac-vibes. 10/10 Vocals, holy shit that end note. If Stevie Nicks ever sees this, pls know you are an icon, Nile is simply just a baby.
#Eurovision #Ireland #Báite #StevieNicks #youththesedays
NilebytheRiver commented:
OKAY people, you can stop DMing me now, I got a full damn college course on the cultural importance of Fleetwood Mac already!!!
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TikTok Video, posted on April 16th by NickydiGenovaOfficial
Views: 1,1M
Likes: 450k
Comments: 3k
Saved: 15k
Nicky, looking a little rumpled, as if he might have just rolled out of bed (not helped by the fact that he is wearing flannel pyjama pants and a worn navy blue t-shirt), sitting on the floor with his back against a plain wall. Legs comfortably stretched out, guitar across his lap, head bowed over his instrument.
His voice is a tiny bit raspier than usual, gravelly and unhurried as he sings;
“I took my love, I took it down
Climbed a mountain and I turned around
And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills
'Til the landslide brought me down”
Nicky tilts his head back against the wall, closing his eyes - keeps playing, taking a visible breath.
“Oh, mirror in the sky, what is love?
Can the child within my heart rise above?
Can I sail through the changin' ocean tides?
Can I handle the seasons of my life?”
When Nicky reopens his eyes, they are a little misty, distant, looking off beyond the camera, as if he has forgotten it is there.
“Well, I've been 'fraid of changin'
'Cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I'm gettin' older, too”
Nicky plays on, bowing his head back over the guitar, focuses on his fingers - the way they thrum just a little harder on the strings, work out clearer, harder notes. There is a brief clench of jaw, something raw that his hair shields from view as it slides over his brow.
When he finally continues singing, his voice is a tiny bit strained, but still clear, strong in the otherwise silent evening.
“Well, I've been 'fraid of changin'
'Cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I'm gettin' older, too
I'm gettin' older, too…”
Nicky lets his fingers come to a halt on the strings, lets the last few notes die out. Rests his fingers against the strings, once they do, a gentle touch.
The last verse, he sings acapella, much softer than before, head turned away, eyes looking a little wet once more, lit up by a pale light (if one studies the reflection in them closely, one can see a pale, high moon shining there).
“Ah, take my love, take it down
Oh, climb a mountain and turn around
And if you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well, the landslide will bring it down
And if you see my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well, the landslide will bring it down
Oh, the landslide will bring it down…”
The song ends. Nicky remains where he is for a long few seconds. Then, he puts aside the guitar, pushes himself to his feet. The camera follows them as they bring him over to the camera, picking it up and the video ends rather abruptly.
Original Audio, Landslide - Fleetwood Mac
Caption: Another personal favorite. It strikes a lot of chords in me. Change is good, but change is hard. Landslide by Fleetwood Mac.
#landslide #singing #fleetwoodmac
Reposted by: AndromachetheScythian, QueenQuyhn, NilebytheRiver, JoeKaysaNova
QueenQuyhn commented:
<3 For the record, I very much like who you changed into.
NickydiGenova replied to QueenQuyhn:
:) You are a good friend, Quyhn.
NilebytheRiver commented:
Yeah, okay, I get the Fleetwood Mac- hype now.
JoeKaysaNova commented:
I so wish to hear every bit of thought you have about this song one day, it’s one of my favorites too. <3 Beautiful
NickydiGenova replied to JoeKaysaNova:
That sounds lovely :)
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TikTok Video, posted April 18th by LeLivredance
Views: 3k
Likes: 70
Comments have been disabled by user
Saved: 19
A very messy kitchen table is at the centre of the shot. There is a board game being played, but it’s difficult to tell which one from the angle of the camera.
Two young boys sit with their backs towards the camera, obviously deeply engrossed in the game.
Across from them sit Nile and Joe, just as invested in the proceedings. Nile is moving a piece across the board, then throws her hands up with excitement and Joe theatrically groans and slumps in his seat - but his dark eyes sparkle with mirth, betraying the act.
Audio: Mess is Mine - Vance Joy
Caption: Game night. It takes a village.
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TikTok Video, posted April 18th by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 5,5M
Likes: 540k
Comments: 1332
Saved: 20k
Joe looking, simply put, absolutely shell shocked. There is some beautiful, ethereal sounding music in the background, ending in a musically toned yell.
Above his head hovers a screenshot of a TikTok notification:
NickydiGenovaOfficial has followed you.
Audio: Noah Kahan & Hozier
Caption: If this is a dream, nobody wake me.
#dreamcometrue #lovestory #holyshit
Chapter 2: First Meeting IRL
Notes:
This chapter got away from me. It was not meant to be this long, but. Here we are. I regret nothing.
Any translations in the fic are made through google translate and I apologize if they are wrong - any native speakers of any languages mentioned are free to correct me and I'll edit accordingly.
I have also made a Spotify playlist for this fic, in case you want to listen to the music involved in each chapter! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/648NIEGvgmxRZfwCLWCRuK?si=517a3b8f7aa24220
Enjoy the chapter!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
TikTok Video, posted April 19th by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 2,5M
Likes: 880k
Comments: 14k
Saved: 76k
A well lit recording studio. Joe stands flanked by Nile, who looks very excited to be there, and Booker who looks decidedly less so. They’ve dressed to match, in tight fitted, black clothing. Joe has a sweatband around his forehead, keeping his curls contained.
Joe grins widely, stepping forward, closer to the camera. He has a microphone in his hand.
“Now that I’ve got your attention, Nicky - I think it’s time to raise the ante.” He points to the camera, winking. “Get ready to be wooed, my heart.”
Joe turns to Nile and gives her a meaningful nod.
Nile bends at the knee and then quickly straightens again. She’s holding a boombox, hefts it up on her shoulder. She gives him a thumbs up.
Joe turns to Booker and nods once more.
Booker sighs, heavily. Then, he walks off screen. There is a click of a switch and the lighting changes dramatically. It’s suddenly both darker and brighter in the room - the lamps in the ceiling have turned off, replaced by colourful spotlights.
At the same time, Nile pushes the play button on the boombox, nods her head hard and a pair of sunglasses, previously perched on her brow, drop to cover her eyes.
A heavy beat, full of eighties’ nostalgia, blares through the room. Booker returns into frame, also donning sunglasses. Then, he and Nile both start to clap along to the beat.
Joe lifts the mic to his lips.
“Oh, Nicky, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind
Hey Nicky!
Hey Nicky!
Oh, Nicky, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind
Hey Nicky!
Hey Nicky!”
It’s all enthusiasm and surprisingly steady vocals with a touch of rasp around the edges and Joe is clearly having the time of his life bellowing out the lyrics. Then, his voice takes on a note of yearning and he falls to his knees, reaching for the camera, starting to crawl towards it perfectly on beat.
“Oh, Nicky, what a pity you don't understand
You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand”
Joe straightens on his knees to grasp at his heart dramatically.
“Oh, Nicky, you're so pretty, can't you understand?”
Another wink, a saucy brush of fingers, a caress against his chest, before reaching towards the camera again.
“It's guys like you Nicky!”
“Nicky!” Both Booker and Nile echo, pointing to the camera.
“Oh, what you do Nicky, do Nicky,”
Joe swoons, into a rather impressive backbend, still on his knees.
“Don't break my heart Nicky!”
With an acrobatic move, his hands taking purchase on the floor, Joe leaps back to his feet and he points to the camera, face flushed, a little sweaty. Nile and Booker hurry forward, flanking to pose together with him.
“Hey Nicky!” The trio shouts together.
The video ends.
Audio: Original audio, Mickey - Toni Basil
Caption: My first attempt at a serenade. Anything for the love of my life, @ NickydiGenovaOfficial
AndromachetheScythianMedia commented:
Holy shit.
QueenQuyhn commented:
omg Nicky hates that song
JoeKaysaNova replied to QueenQuyhn:
Wait what?? :( :( :(
QueenQuyhn replied to JoeKaysaNova:
he’s gonna love this tho
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TikTok Video, posted April 11th by NickydiGenovaOfficial
Views: 2,3M
Likes: 755k
Comments: 20k
Saved: 50k
Stitch incoming , proclaims a bold white text, over the video of Joe’s cover of Mickey - more specifically, the part where he is on his knees, grasping his heart.
Just a handful of seconds later, the video cuts and shows Nicky, seated in front of his plants, head bent over a tablet. His shoulders are shaking slightly with the tail ends of a laugh and he straightens, pushing his hair back. The smile on his lips is brilliant.
“He is a little ridiculous, isn’t he?” He asks, looking to the camera - or slightly above it, to the person filming.
“Yeah. What did you think?” One can actually hear the grin on Andy’s face.
Nicky chuckles again, looking down to the tablet. His thumb brushes against the screen. His eyes soften, just so.
“He is very funny.”
“Just funny?”
“I like funny.”
The video ends, with Andy flipping the camera and doing a thumbs up.
Original Audio
Stitched with JoeKaysaNova
Caption: Nicky likes funny. :)
#reaction #JoetheYearner #ridiculousbutcute
AndromacheTheScythianMedia has commented:
@ JoeKaysaNova, try a romantic one next time, he likes that more.
JoeKaysaNova replied:
*an emoji doing a salute* Yes, Boss.
-
TikTok Video posted April 12th by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 500k
Likes: 49k
Comments: 349
Saved: 12k
The trio is back on the couch, Nile in the middle, Joe with both arms draped over the back of the couch and Booker curled up over the armrest on the other side. His ankle may or may not be hooked with Nile’s, judging by the angle of their legs, but the table blocks the view so there is no way to be actually sure.
“Wait, AUSTRALIA is in this?” Nile looks at Joe, then Booker, in obvious disbelief. “How? Why?”
“Dunno. EBU invited them, I guess.” Joe shrugs.
“Then why can’t America be in it?”
“Because why the hell would we invite America?” Booker looks appalled at the mere suggestion, glowering at Nile from over his flask. The post- it declares, “No more 80ies Pop, PLEASE”.
There is a cut, where Nile has now placed two pillows between herself and the two men. Her and Booker’s ankles are decidedly NOT hooked now.
The Australian contribution is…quite shiny. There is a band wearing silvery suits, two women playing aggressive electric guitar, a man playing surprisingly demure drums and a male, very handsome singer belting at an impressively high key, weaving between them and flirting with the camera the entire way through.
As the song concludes, the three all slowly nod.
“Pretty good.” Booker remarks.
“Mhm.” Nile agrees.
“Won’t stand a chance, though, as always.” Joe finishes with a solemn sigh. “They’ll never snag any twelves from the juries. As per usual.”
“Wait, why?” Nile seems to forget her previous sourness, leaning her elbows on the cushion separating them.
Joe and Booker share a look over her head.
“Oooh, man, we haven’t explained the voting blocks to poor Nile, have we?”
“Time to cue up Måns and Petra, they’ll explain it way better than we ever could.”
Audio: Coming Through - Argentum
Caption: Booker googled it. Apparently Australia is IN the Eurovision Broadcasting Union, that’s why they’re in. The more you know etc
#Eurovision #Australia
NilebytheRiver commented:
What do you MEAN Norway always gives 12 points to Sweden, how is that fair?!
QueenQuyhn commented:
I always vote for Australia, not changing this year either.
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied to QueenQuyhn:
:(
QueenQuyhn replied to NickydiGenovaOfficial:
But obviously I am voting for you twice as many times as I do them, dear heart!
NilebytheRiver replied to QueenQuyhn:
Wait, you can vote more than once?!
LeLivreDance replied to NilebytheRiver:
Oh boy, we have much left to teach you.
-
TikTok video, posted on April 13th by AndromachetheScythianMedia
Views: 800k
Likes: 67k
Comments: 541
Saved: 1k
The shot shifts as there is a bit of a fumble of a phone being propped up against something. The image clears and shows a restaurant. Candle lit and cozy, a small table with white and black checkered cloths.
Andy and Quynh sit curled up in a booth, facing the camera. They both smile at it, then turn to each other. Andy brushes a kiss to the shorter woman’s cheek - Quynh in turn kisses her jaw. Their hands are tangled together on the table. They each have a glass of sparkling wine in front of them.
Date night. It says, simple and sweet, across the top of the video.
Audio: All I want is to be your girl - Holly Miranda
Caption: The years go by fast. <3
#date #wlw #romanceaintdead
QueenQuynh commented:
Babe <3 That’s gay.
AndromachetheScythianMedia replied to QueenQuynh
You know it
-
TikTok-video, posted April 14th by NickydiGenovaOfficial
Views: 1,2M
Likes: 490k
Comments: 1,2k
Saved: 50k
Feet padding across wooden floors, panning up into a plain, but very neat bedroom. A double bed takes up most off the floor space, but what draws the eye is the multitude of large potted plants. One in each corner, a few crammed together on the windowsill.
Nicky is humming quietly. Something slow and a little solemn. As he pours water from a watering can onto a strelitzia closest to the bed, a few words make it out,
“Remember me, love…when I'm reborn…as the shrike to your sharp…and glorious thorn…”
He returns to humming, as he moves on to the next plant, then the next.
The video ends without ceremony or further commentary.
Original audio, Shrike by Hozier
Caption: Quiet before the storm. It will be a busy time from here on out.
#plants #hozier #singing #shrike
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TikTok Video posted on April 14th by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 4,5M
Likes: 850k
Comments: 2k
Saved: 13k
A wood paneled studio, rather large - at its centre is a large, black piano. Seated by the keys, relaxedly leaning his arms over the top of it is Booker. Standing beside it on either side of him is Joe and Nile. The camera seems to be sitting on a tripod some feet away.
Joe produces a small microphone, clearing his throat. The sound comes through crisp.
“So, a little birdie told me you like romantic songs, Nicky. I’ve been racking my brain for the perfect one and…I think I found it. Without further ado - Book?”
Booker cracks his knuckles, then shifts until he is properly poised to start playing. Soft, solemn notes start pouring out. The acoustics are good.
Joe takes a deep breath, then sings, voice a low, intimate drone,
“When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love…”
Nile, leaning against the other side of the piano, starts harmonizing, taking a slightly higher key, humming along wordlessly. Joe’s got his eyes closed, one hand clutching the mic, the other resting on the back of the piano. His fingers are shaking.
“When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one there to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
To make you feel my love…”
Joe cracks his eyes back open, sends the camera a warm look. Fingers trailing the polished black surface of the piano, he wanders closer to it.
“I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I will never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
No doubt in my mind where you belong…”
Booker joins in the harmonizing now, at a lower key. Behind where Joe is wandering ever closer to the camera, he glances up at Nile, who has her eyes closed while focusing on her key.
“I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling down the avenue
No, there's nothing that I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love…”
The music picks up. Booker is hunched over the piano now, playing with far more gusto than at the start. Joe’s voice takes on a new, heavier tone. A rasp at the edges, as he belts, puts power on the next few lyrics, just a hint of strain showing on his face, hand on the piano for support now, not just show.
“The storms are raging on the rolling sea
And on the highway of regret
The winds of change are blowing wild and free
You ain't seen nothing like me yet…”
Joe’s about an arm’s length away from the camera now. This close, there is no mistaking the yearning in his dark eyes. His voice softens once more, into something low, heartfelt. As if he is pouring the most fragile contents of his heart out, into the final lyrics. As if the words are coming straight from his soul.
“I could make you happy, make your dreams come true
Nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the Earth for you
To make you feel my love
To make you feel my love…”
Booker continues playing for a few more trembling notes. Beside him, Nile opens her eyes. Looks right at him, while he’s occupied. They are far enough back that it’s not something someone might notice, unless they are looking for it, but she reaches out and brushes her fingers against his shoulder. Booker smiles as he plays the final note, head bowed.
In front of the camera, Joe takes a few breaths, shoulders heaving with the effort (or perhaps the emotion coursing through him, but who is to say). He stares into the camera lens, as if he can see something beyond it, something precious and dear. Then, he lifts the microphone back to his smiling lips. His hands are steady now.
“Spero che ti sia piaciuto, Nicky. Ciao.”
The video loops.
Original Audio, Make you feel my love - Adele
Caption: Did you feel it? :) <3 @ NickydiGenovaOfficial
#NickydiGenovaOfficial #adele #ballad #incurableromantic
AndromachetheScythianMedia commented:
That’s more like it.
QueenQuynh commented:
that was beautiful, Joe, wow <3 and who knew Booker could play so well???
LeLivreDance replied to QueenQuynh:
*emoji doing a peace sign*
Reposted by AndromachetheScythianMedia, NilebytheRiver and others
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TikTok draft, filmed on April 14th by QueenQuynh, never posted
A candid shot, most likely filmed without the subject realising it.
Nicky is on his balcony, back to the camera. He has headphones in, watching something on his phone. Whatever it is, it seems that he is entirely engrossed in it.
Whatever it is, the camera finds as the angle changes to come from behind and the side, it has caused tears to start flowing soundlessly down his cheeks.
“Oh.” Quynh says, softly, behind the camera.
The video ends abruptly.
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DMs between JoeKaysaNova and NilebytheRiver
April 14th
JoeKaysaNova:
Idk, he hasn’t reacted to it yet or liked it or anything
NilebytheRiver;
You know Andy said he doesn’t use social media much
JoeKaysaNova:
Yeah, but Andy also always shows him things…maybe it was too much?
It was definitely too much, wasn’t it?
NilebytheRiver:
It was A LOT, Joe, but it was good. I’m sure he’s just busy.
JoeKaysaNova:
I’m gonna go dig myself a hole to hide in forever thanks
NilebytheRiver:
omg you absolute drama queen STOP
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Texts between Andy and Nicky
April 14th
Andy:
You okay?
Nicky:
Yes.
Andy:
okay.
Quynh said something about crying?
Nicky:
I’m fine
Andy:
okay
you know you can tell me if you’re uncomfortable, right?
Nicky:
I’m not.
It’s just a lot.
Andy:
I can ask Joe to back off if you need some space.
Nicky:
I don’t want space.
It is crazy that I like him so much without even meeting him, isn’t it?
Andy:
I asked Quynh to marry me after two months, so I don’t know about that. Time is a construct. If you like him you like him and that’s good.
You’re allowed to like him, Nicky.
Nicky:
I know. Thank you. :)
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TikTok Video, posted on April 15th by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 860k
Likes: 230k
Comments: 445
Saved: 13k
The trio on the all too familiar blue couch. Joe seems a little distracted, scrolling on his phone while Nile sets up the laptop. Booker gives his screen a quick glance, then nudges Nile to get started. She also gives Joe a quick look before speaking up, voice loud and chipper. Joe startles visibly and jerks his head up to focus on the camera. The smile on his lips is a tiny bit strained.
“Okay, so! Spain!” Nile says, slapping her knees and looking at the two men expectantly.
“Always amazing.” Joe says, tucking his phone into his back pocket and shifting forward on the couch to look intently at the laptop. “Either going to be some big party vibes or more of an artistic thing…it’s either a Chanel or a Blanca Paloma situation with them, really.”
“...uuuh, what does-”
“We’ll show you later.” Booker promises, leaning across her to press play on the video.
The answer is immediate - the video in the corner is instantly recognizable as a party vibe. Two incredibly good looking women are singing a duet to a heavy dance beat.
About two thirds in, the women throw their microphones to their backup dancers and square up against the audience.
“Ooh, dance break.” Joe says with palatable excitement.
It starts off as a tango, then quickly devolves into break dancing and acrobatics - somehow, the two women maintain body contact the entire time, moving in such sync it is sometimes difficult to tell who is who.
The song ends with one of the two women dipping the other dramatically, while their backup dancers fall to the floor in heaps around them.
“...I feel a little threatened.” Nile says at length.
Booker nods. “Thank fuck we won’t have to compete against them in the semis.”
“We won’t?”
“They’re in the Big Five.”
“...that some kinda super hero thing?”
“I forget she knows so little.” Joe sighs.
The video ends with Nile smacking Joe with a pillow. Hard.
Audio: Uno, Dos, Suficiente - Llamas Gemelas
Caption: 15/10 dance break. 10/10 stamina. 1/10 because we feel threatened.
For those who don’t know, like Nile - the Big Five are countries who have automatic placement in the finals. It’s Italy, France, Spain, the UK and Germany. Why? Money, that’s why.
#spain #dancebreak #Eurovision
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TikTok video, posted on April 16th by NickydiGenova
Views: 870k
Likes: 115,8k
Comments: 1,2k
Saved: 23k
Nicky sits with his back up against the railing of his balcony, the camera nearby, presumably leaning against the doorframe. He has his guitar perched on his lap. His expression is a little sheepish as he gives the camera a small wave of his fingers.
“Hello, Joe. Um. I wanted to say, thank you for singing to me. It was nice. So I thought I’d return the favor.” He clears his throat, thrums his thumb against the strings. It is possible he is nervous. “So. Here goes.”
It’s not quite a ballad that he plays. There is a heaviness to the guitar, some solemness, even with the rather fast chords. Nicky begins to sing, smooth and controlled, gaze fastened on the horizon.
“I want to live where soul meets body
And let the sun wrap its arms around me
And bathe my skin in water cool and cleansing
And feel, feel what it's like to be new.”
Nicky tilts his head back against the railing, closes his eyes a moment as he plays, then opens them again as he continues,
“'Cause in my head there's a greyhound station
Where I send my thoughts to far off destinations
So they may have a chance of finding a place
Where they're far more suited than here…”
A faint smile tugs on Nicky’s lips, as a breeze comes and rustles his hair, as he plays a bridge and quietly hums along to the guitar. His foot taps along to the beat, barely more than twitches of his toes. Somehow, the wind seems to ease, just in time for the second verse.
“I cannot guess what we'll discover
When we turn the dirt with our palms cupped like shovels
But I know our filthy hands can wash one another's
And not one speck will remain…”
The song picks up speed here, lyrics melting together, Nicky’s playing and voice both taking on a new, more urgent tone.
“I do believe it's true
That there are roads left in both of our shoes
But if the silence takes you
Then I hope it takes me too.”
For the first time since he began to sing, Nicky’s eyes turn to the camera. The look in them is intense, the sort of look that, if one were heavily invested, they might be persuaded to drown in their ocean coloured depths.
“So brown eyes, I hold you near
'Cause you're the only song I want to hear
A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere
Where soul meets body
Where soul meets body
Where soul meets body…”
Nicky lets the song taper off, slowing the motion of his hand, until it stills and he presses his palm flat to the strings. He seems to be a little breathless, shoulders rising and falling rapidly. Pink cheeked, he sits still for a few seconds, gaze still on the camera lense. Then, his gaze drops to his lap. There’s a rather unreadable expression to his face for a handful of seconds.
Nicky gets to his feet, steps over to the camera and the video ends with a quiet murmur that the microphone doesn’t quite pick up.
Audio: Soul Meets Body - Death Cab for Cutie
Caption: I hope you like it :)
Nicky won’t tell me why he chose this song, but he’s blushing, if anyone would like to know. //Andy
#DeathCabForCutie #serenade #guitar
JoeKaysaNova commented:
Well, that certainly didn’t make me fall in love any less.
NickyDiGenovaOfficial replied to JoeKaysaNova:
:)
LeLivreDance commented:
Joe’s face down on the floor rn
JoeKaysaNova has replied to LeLivreDance:
Could you let me seem cool for like, one second?
NilebyTheRiver commented:
Man’s googling wedding rings.
JoeKaysaNova has replied to NilebyTheRiver:
Man’s got to be ready.
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TikTok Video posted on April 16th by NilebytheRiver
Views: 990k
Likes: 165k
Comments: 812
Saved: 60k
A dance studio. Mirrors all around the room are capturing the scene, as well as the camera.
Joe is laying on the hardwood floor, face down. He's got tight fitted dancer clothes on, tights and a t-shirt with cut off sleeves, seemingly caught mid-rehearsal.
On the floor next to him is his phone - Nicky's latest video is playing, the dulcet tones almost drowned out by the desperate, muffled murmurs of the man on the floor.
“-and Nile, it's such a PERFECT song and I just can't even believe he serenaded me back and the lyrics are about brown eyes and forevers and ohmyGod I think I'm dreaming, am I dreaming-?”
Booker steps into frame and nudges him in the ribs with a sneakered toe. Hard, by the sound of Joe's yelp.
“Nope.”
“.......oooohhhh I am in so much trouble...”
The video cuts just as Nile bursts out laughing.
Original Audio
Caption: Just in case you thought we were joking about the face on the floor, @NickydiGenovaOfficial
#JoetheYearner #dork #lovemakesyoustupid
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E-mails sent on April 17th
From: wiredmedia
To: copleystudios, andromachethesythianmedia
Subject: Interview with Yusuf al Kaysani and Nicky di Genova?
Hello,
I have taken the liberty to send this message to both of you, to inquire about a joint interview between your talents, Yusuf al Kaysani and Nicky di Genova.
The last few weeks, the internet has been all over their interactions online. We would like to collaborate in an interview starring these two. We are certain this could benefit both their careers and highlight them for the Eurovision song Contest to those who might not yet know them.
Our suggestion would be for them to do a Wired Auto Complete Interview, as their presence in the online sphere has really taken off and it would make for an interesting set up, to see what the online community might wish to know about them.
Please get back to us at your earliest convenience. We would love to set up a conference call and discuss this further.
Best regards…
From: copleystudios
To: wiredmedia, andromachethescythianmedia
Subject: Re: Interviews with…
Hello,
We are always looking for good opportunities for media appearances. It seems like a really good opportunity for both of us, indeed. I will request a heads up for the questions to be asked, but other than that, I don’t see why we could not do this. We do, however, have a tight timeframe to consider with Eurovision preparations and our upcoming travel to Malta, so I would like to get the ball rolling as soon as possible.
Yusuf is in, as long as Nicky is.
Best regards
James Copley
Copley Studios
From: andromachethescythianmedia
To: wiredmedia, copleystudios
Let’s get it set up.
//Andy
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DMs between NickydiGenovaOfficial and JoeKaysaNova April 17th
JoeKaysaNova:
Hey, Nicky!
Seems we’ll be doing an interview together soon! I’ve never been to New York before, so that’s exciting. Anyways, I was hoping that maybe we could go out for dinner or something after? Maybe lunch? Or just coffee, if that’s too much.
As you can probably tell, I am completely chill and not at all a nervous wreck writing this. :)
NickydiGenovaOfficial:
Hi Joe :)
Dinner sounds good.
I’ve never been to New York either. Or really out of Italy, for that matter. But I am excited :)
JoeKaysaNova:
It’s a date!
You know, if you’d like. Maybe.
NickydiGenovaOfficial:
:)
Looking forward to it. I will see you in New York :)
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TikTok Video posted on April 18th by NickyDiGenovaOfficial
Views: 2,1M
Likes: 765k
Comments: 15k
Saved: 67k
Nicky seated by his kitchen table. He is pruning a very pretty calathea plant, large hands deft and gentle with the leaves and soil.
“Hey, Nicky.” Andy’s voice comes from behind the camera, casual.
“Mm?”
“Since you have a pretty big interview coming up, let's do some media training.”
Nicky looks up. Catches sight of the camera, then squints beyond it. “...Andy.”
“Hush and trust the process.”
There is a rustle of papers and Nicky looks even more cautious.
“So, Nicky - what would your ideal date be?” Before Nicky can do more than blink, Andy goes on, “Beach, museum, club, dinner.”
There is a pause, in which Nicky simply stares blankly.His gaze flickers briefly between the camera and the woman behind it, as if he cannot quite make up his mind about where he is supposed to look.
“I. Would an interview not be about my music?”
“You have to be ready for all sorts of questions, Nicky.”
“If an interviewer asked me that, I would call them unprofessional.”
“Just answer the question, Mister di Genova.”
Nicky leans back in his seat, crossing his arms, the only sign of outward defiance. After giving Andy a final stern look, his face shifts into something thoughtful.
“What kind of museum is it?”
“Does it matter?”
“Yes.” Nicky does not elaborate.
“Fine. Art history museum.”
“Hm. What time of day?”
“Really, Nicky?”
“The beach in the morning is very different from the beach at lunch, Andy.” Nicky’s stare is heavy and unnerving, completely serious.
“Any time you really like for all of the options, come on!”
“Is it a first date?”
“For fuck's sake - yes!”
“Then the art history museum.”
“Christ, Nicky.” There is a rasp of pen, almost as annoyed sounding as Andy’s voice.
Nicky’s expression is the sort of innocent where one knows exactly what they are doing.
“What kind of music would you listen to in the car, driving to the date? Country, pop, rock or romantic ballads.”
“The radio, probably.”
“ Nicky.”
“If I am driving, I want to hear if there is an emergency road report.” Nicky shrugs.
“Pick one, damnit.”
“The radio station I listen to mostly has rock. So that one, I guess.”
Another rasp of pen on paper.
“If you were a pastry, which would you be? Cinnamon bun, croissant, garlic bread or donut.”
Nicky frowns. Deeply. “Is this a trick question?”
“What?”
“Well, first of all, I am not a pastry.”
“The question is if , Nicky, I swear-”
“And secondly, garlic bread is not a pastry.” Nicky huffs and there is real indignancy now in his voice as he goes on, “It is antipasto. ”
“Okay, so don’t pick that one.”
“But I like it the best of the options. I will choose a different one to fit the question. Can I be biscotti?” His voice lilts almost hopefully for the prospect.
“For fuck's sake - fine, sure.” More rapid rasping. “What length of shorts do you prefer on your man? Board shorts, above the knee, mid thigh or the shorter the better.”
Nicky frowns again. There is a heavy sigh off screen.
“What?”
“Are we going to the beach now? I didn’t pick that answer.”
Some not so muffled cursing.
“Or is he wearing shorts to the museum? He might get cold. And I am not sure it is appropriate, depending on the lengths you suggested and how strict the museum is with dress code.”
“No, it - in general, what would you like him to wear?”
“Whatever he is comfortable in.”
A pause.
“...you know, I will give you that one. Right, next one-”
“These questions are a little dumb, Andy.”
“See, if you paid attention in media training, you'd know not to say that and just play along and be pleasant.”
Nicky shrugs. “I am Italian, we don’t stand for cazzate.”
“Whatever. You’re a little dumb. Moving on. What is your ideal food to have on a date? Pasta, sushi, fondue or cake.”
“We are back to faulty labels. Cake is not food, cake is dolce. ” Nicky stares at Andy over the camera, unblinkingly calm. Even in silence, one can FEEL Andy seething at him. After a few moments, Nicky relents with a heavy sigh. “Fine. Pasta. Let me be your Italian stereotype.”
“Final question. How does your perfect date end? A longing look, hugging at the door, kissing at the door or in their bed.”
There is a long pause. Nicky blinks, slowly. His hands are back to being folded on the table. Maybe a little too tight, if one judges by the pallor of his knuckles.
“Nicky?”
“...no comment.”
“That’s not-”
“Andy.” This time, Nicky’s tone has a finality in it that Andy doesn’t question.
There is a cut. Nicky looks more than a little miffed. There is a glossy magazine folded up neatly in front of him and he is eyeing the page it is left open on sceptically.
“... ’What is your ideal partner type?’ This was a quiz?”
“Yup. What’s your result?”
Nicky’s lips press tightly together and he gives Andy a long, hard look.
“...I can’t tell which it is supposed to be. Someone has crossed it out and written…something else on it.”
“Oh?” Andy’s voice is full of very obviously faked surprise. “Well, what does it say?”
Somewhere along the line, Nicky’s ears have turned red.
“...I am going to finish pruning Callie.” He says, closing the magazine. He pushes the chair back, then disappears out of frame.
The camera shifts as Andy picks it off of its’ stand and she carries it over to the table. She re-opens the magazine and zooms in. It takes a moment for the image to focus properly, but when it does, it shows this:
At the bottom of the quiz, there are four boxes with different “guy type” descriptors. One of them has been crossed over rather hard with black pen ink. Scribbled underneath is this:
“Your ideal partner type is Joe al Kaysani - handsome artist-types with pretty eyes. You should say yes to a date with him, once he asks.”
Original Audio
Caption: The quiz never lies.
#quiz #Q&A #NickydiGenovaOfficial #Joedefinatelydidntpaymetodothis
JoeKaysaNova commented:
I’ve heard it’s a very accurate quiz. (Unrelated - Andy, expect the wire to come through soon, great job
AndromachetheScythianMedia replied to JoeKaysaNova:
*saluting emoji*
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TikTok Video posted on April 20th by LeLivreDance
Views: 50k
Likes: 21k
Comments: *this user has disabled comments*
Saved: 5,1k
The video is clearly shot seated from a park bench. There are tons of greenery, but barely any people around - probably due to the seemingly early hour, if the gray dawn light is anything to go by.
On a long leash, originating from somewhere behind the camera, is an adorable golden retriever puppy. It’s waddling about in the grass, pausing to sniff in different places every now and then.
Step-dog-dad duties are hard. Proclaims a rather dour title beneath it.
Audio: Rosa Dear - Ruth
Caption: Snickers is fine @ NilebytheRiver. Enjoy New York.
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DMs between JoeKaysaNova and LeLivreDance
JoeKaysaNova:
Book, Nile asked me to remind you: Walking the dog actually involves walking the dog. As in, you have to also be walking, with the dog.
LeLivreDance:
Damnit.
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TikTok Video posted on April 20th by AndromachetheScythianMedia
Views: 1,2M
Likes: 330k
Comments: 1,4k
Saved: 67k
Milano Malpensa Airport, 5:30AM. says the text at the top left of the screen.
The video shows a pretty quiet, but not entirely empty airport. The lighting is entirely too bright for such an early morning. Nicky is standing at a self-check machine. The already defined shadows under his eyes are even darker than usual. He is tapping away at the screen slowly, squinting at the instructions. Something must have happened, because there is a red little error message and he turns his face to Andy, looking exasperated.
“Perché lo sto facendo? L'hai già fatto prima.”
“No time to learn like the present, Nicky.”
There is some more, quieter and possibly darker muttering in Italian as Nicky turns back to the machine and starts over.
“You get through it, I’ll buy you a pastry.”
That earns her a very rude hand gesture over Nicky’s shoulder. The camera shakes with her laughter and the video ends.
Original Audio
Caption: A rare treat - cranky Nicky. He’s just worried for his plants. @ QueenQuynh, make sure you take care of them good, yeah?
QueenQuynh commented:
He left me 5 pages of instructions, Andromache. F I V E.
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied to QueenQuynh:
Remember that you love me, please :) Don’t forget their lullabies.
QueenQuynh replied to NickydiGenovaOfficial:
Omg you are such a nerd. <3
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Private Instagram story, posted on April 20th by Andy
Shot in front camera. Sitting on a plane, Andy holds her phone out in front of herself, then does a shushing sound. Pans the camera slightly to the seat next to her.
Nicky has his head on her shoulder, arms crossed, clearly asleep.
Baby needed a nap , says a cheeky text at the bottom of the screen.
Quynh and Joe have both reacted with heart eye emojis.
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TikTok Video, posted April 20th by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 800k
Likes: 249k
Comments: 1,2k
Saved: 3,4k
Nile and Joe are also on a plane. Both have eye masks pushed up on their foreheads, dressed in matching sweatsuits. They are both holding tiny cans of ginger ale, which they clink together with their pinkies up, as if about to take a sip of champagne. They drink, then pull their masks down in perfect sync, settling back in their economy seats.
Underneath the video, the chorus of Empire State of Mind is playing.
Audio: Empire State of Mind - Jay-Z
Caption: New York, here we come! Got a real exciting thing coming up, stay tuned!
#NewYork #Mediatour #gingeraleisbestsodafightme
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TikTok Draft, filmed April 22nd, never published, on JoeKaysaNova’s account.
Joe stands on a rather busy sidewalk, hands in the pockets of his black leather jacket. He’s wearing sunglasses that reflect the hustle and bustle of people moving around him, as well as Nile filming when he turns towards the camera. He’s chewing gum with a slightly concerning ferocity.
“Nervous?” Nile asks.
Joe shrugs, looks around himself.
“Gonna need you to use your words like an adult, Joe.”
“If I open my mouth too much, I’m afraid I might vomit.”
“Ah.”
The video ends abruptly.
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TikTok posted April 22nd by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 5,5M
Likes: 1,1M
Comments: 18k
Saved: 600k
“I think I see him.”
Joe’s craning his neck to try to look over the many, many people filing past. The camera zooms in, showing him holding something behind his back, but the angle is off and the camera quickly pans away when Joe says, “Yeah, I - that’s definitely - holy shit, Nile, how is he so -”
“Breathe, dude.”
“Easy for you to say, you’re not meeting the love of your- hi!”
Joe cuts off his frantic whisper with a no less frantic greeting, as Nicky di Genova steps out of the crowd, joining him at the side, pressing into the side of the building they are currently huddled outside.
“Hi.” Nicky is wearing a black beanie, looking a little tired, but he is smiling.
Both men stand silent for a moment, just staring at each other, smiling. Then, Joe jumps to action ( it MIGHT be because someone behind the camera poked him right in the ribs, if one were to focus on the way it briefly got half a step closer to him).
“Right! Er, I - I got you something!”
“You didn’t have to, Joe.” Nicky looks a little caught off guard, but his expression brightens when Joe quickly reveals what he was hiding, thrusting it out in front of himself.
“Fuck me.” Andy mutters, stepping out from behind Nicky, disappearing out of frame and into the building beside them.
A tiny potted plant rests on his palm. It has small, pink buds, not quite in bloom yet. The pot is painted with shockingly intricate patterns of blue, green and pink.
“A begonia?”
“Yeah, I - you know, since you’re travelling, something small you can bring back. Remind you of us meeting…er, given it goes well and you want to. Remember it.”
Nicky is blushing as he takes the flower from Joe’s hand, tucking it neatly against his chest. His thumbs stroke the small pot. His eyes don't leave Joe’s.
“It is going very well so far.”
Joe’s smile is brilliant.
“Ey! Lovebirds! They’re waiting for us, get your asses in here!” Andy shouts and the video ends abruptly with Nile almost fumbling the camera and a very blurry shot of both Joe and Nicky jumping and sheepishly heading for the door.
Original Audio
Caption: Joe meeting the love of his life. Guess he’s got SOME moves.
#meetcute #firstmeeting #loveatfirstmeet
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TikTok Video posted on April 22nd by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 2,8M
Likes: 750k
Comments: 9k
Saved: 120k
A set, all white and bustling with people. The camera seems to be held by someone standing to the side in a corner. It is zoomed in to focus beyond the rapidly moving crew and staff.
Nicky is sitting on a high chair, ankles crossed, hands folded between his knees. His head is bent down slightly to give easier access to the hair stylist currently doing some touch ups on him. He is smiling and conversing politely.
Beside him sits Joe on a similar chair. He seems to be all done and ready for the shoot.
He is also watching Nicky with the dreamiest of expressions. A faint smile, arms crossed, as if he can’t believe his luck. When the staffer is finished with Nicky, he turns to Joe, who quickly schools his expression into something less earnest. He asks something and Joe nods and gives a wink so quick you might have missed it if you blinked.
Something sweet and dreamy is playing in the background of the video, with lyrics cooing about being enchanted to meet someone for the first time.
The camera flips and Nile gives an exaggerated roll of her eyes. She looks very pleased, though, despite it.
The video loops.
Audio: Enchanted (Taylor’s version) - Taylor Swift
Caption: This is what you get when you give me the power over your social media, Joe, deal with it. Only truthful reporting. //Nile
Reposted by AndromachetheScythianMedia, NilebytheRiver and others
-
DMs between LeLivreDance and NilebytheRiver
April 22nd
LeLivreDance:
Please tell him he’s totally toast from me holy shit
NilebytheRiver:
He’s a total sap, it’s disgusting.
LeLivreDance:
Happy for him though.
NilebytheRiver:
Obviously.
Nicky is honestly almost too perfect for him, it’s a little freaky.
-
YouTube Video titled: Joe al Kaysani and Nicky DiGenova Answer The Web’s Most Searched Questions - WIRED
A white filming space. Two chairs very close together. Joe and Nicky are there, their knees brushing. Joe’s sitting comfortably, half slumped, legs crossed, one arm around the back of Nicky’s chair, the other hand on his own propped up knee. Nicky sits more primly, back straight, hands folded between his slightly parted knees. Joe’s wearing a nice pair of slacks and a sweater that clings to him like a second skin. Nicky is wearing a flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows and jeans about a size tighter than what he usually wears.
Joe grins at the camera and raises a hand for a wave, while Nicky simply maintains eye contact with the camera.
“Hi! I’m Joe al Kaysani,” Joe gestures to Nicky and shoots him a smile, then looks back to the camera, “This is Nicky Di Genova and we are here to do the WIRED autocomplete interview!”
The video cuts to some theme music, together with the text of, “ Autocomplete suggests the most common searches on the internet.”
Then, it is back to Joe and Nicky, Joe with his face turned to Nicky, asking softer, more candid, “How was that?” and Nicky smiles and murmurs, “Very good.”
Joe turns to the camera and beams, his smile rivaling the brightness of the studio lights above, “Very good, he says.”
More theme music and the text, “ So WIRED asked Joe and Nicky some of the Internet’s most burning questions.”
Back to Joe and Nicky. Joe is looking off camera, shifting a bit, “So who is going first…?” A big piece of white cardboard is handed to him and he laughs, looking it over, “Oh! Guess it’s me!” He tilts the cardboard so it rests on his chest, squinting down at the text upside down.
“Shall I hold it?” Nicky offers.
“Oh, yes please.”
Nicky holds the cardboard sign. There is a Google search bar printed on top, with the text “Joe al Kaysani” in the search bar, and in several rows further down, white strips of paper covering the end of whatever the question must be relating to him.
Joe reaches over and peels off the first, reading, “Joe al Kaysani…birthday!” He laughs, winking at the camera, “Absolute best day of my parents’ life, the day I graced this Earth and gilded their lives. But I’m guessing you’re asking WHEN I was born, and that glorious day was the 16th of January 1995, which makes me thirty years old and more importantly, a Capricorn.”
Nicky makes a little noise. When Joe looks at him and curls a brow in question, he looks sheepish, “I somehow thought you were born in summer.”
“I get that a lot. When’s your birthday?”
“October 22nd.”
“Ooh. Libra.”
“Is that good or bad?”
“Could be better, could be worse. Depends on how well we communicate.”
Nicky looks politely confused. The video cuts to Joe peeling off the next piece of paper, dropping it casually on the floor between them, “Joe al Kaysani…full name! My full name is Yusuf al Kaysani. Well, TECHNICALLY it is Yusuf ibn Ibrahim ibn Muhammad ibn al-Kaysani, but that is more than a mouthful, so.”
“Do you prefer Joe or Yusuf?” Nicky has abandoned looking at the camera at all, his full focus on Joe across the white cardboard.
“Eh, Joe is what I go by most of the time. Usually if I hear Yusuf, it means I am in trouble with my mom.” Joe grins. “Which do you prefer?”
Nicky hums, taking a moment ot think. “I think I like Yusuf better. But I don’t want you to feel like you are in trouble.”
“I am always in trouble around you.” Joe sighs, then winks. An eagle eyed viewer might catch Nicky’s gaze flickering away and a faint pink hue growing high on his cheeks.
A cut and Joe is peeling off the next piece of paper - Nicky’s cheeks are still flushed. “Joe al Kaysani…height! A little anticlimactic but…I’m 1.83.”
It is the last question on the board. Joe takes it and carelessly tosses it over his shoulder and Nicky turns to follow its trajectory with some trepidation.
A cut and a new board is brought out, this time with Nicky di Genova in the search bar. Nicky looks a little nervous, peeling off the first paper, while Joe peers down at the first question revealed.
“Nicky di Genova…full name.”
“Ooh, can I guess?” Joe asks excitedly. Nicky nods and makes a small motion of his hand as if to say ‘go on, then’. “Okay…Nicholas?”
“No.”
“Damn, too obvious…Nicolai?”
“Not that either.”
“Dominic?”
Nicky blinks. “Wouldn’t that be ‘Dom’?”
“Friend of mine from college went by Nicky and his name was Dominic.” Joe shrugs.
“Hm. No, not Dominic. Third strike and you are out.” Nicky looks very pleased when Joe barks out a laugh. “It is Nicolò. Nicolò di Genova.”
“Nicolò…I like that.”
Nicky’s cheeks are flushed again, as he reaches for the next strip of paper. “Nicky di Genova…meaning. Meaning?” He looks up and over confusedly, to the people behind the camera.
“Huh…like, meaning of the name, maybe? Like, if it’s more than a name?” Joe looks too and smiles, looking at Nicky again, “Yeah, what your name means.”
“Oh.” Nicky scratches at his jaw, then settles his hands back on his knees. “It, ah…means Nicky of Genoa. As in Nicky from Genoa, as in being from the place.”
“Are you?”
“Mm. My family has lived in Genoa for almost a thousand years, or so my nonna says.” Nicky shrugs, smiling briefly at the camera, then at Joe.
Joe whistles. “What a legacy.”
A cut and Nicky tugs another slip of paper. “Nicky di Genova…singer.” There is a pause, then he looks to the camera and gives a small, almost solemn nod. “Yes.”
Joe laughs, throwing his head back, still grinning widely when he straightens it to look at Nicky. His smile lines are on prominent display.
Nicky ducks his head, hiding a smile of his own as he pulls the final piece of paper. “Nicky di Genova…age. Oh. I am turning twenty seven this year.”
“Three years younger than me. Huh. I thought you were older.”
“I get that a lot.” Nicky says solemnly. He plucks the piece of cardboard from Joe’s hands and carefully slides it to the floor, then accepts the next board. It says ‘ Did Joe al Kaysani’
“Uh, oh.” Joe says with put on worry. Still, he is steady when he pulls the first paper, “Did Joe al Kaysani…break leg? Oh, man, I hoped people had forgotten!” Joe groans. Nicky looks more than a little concerned. “One of my first shows I tried to do a stage dive. Went about as you’d expect with only like twenty people in the crowd.” He reaches down and tugs up his slacks on his right leg - there is a surgical scar running up his shin and he taps at it twice, “Broke my tibia in two places, had to get surgery to set the bones properly. Couldn’t perform for weeks.”
“But you are alright now?” Nicky frowns down at the scar, then back up at Joe.
“Oh, yeah, no lingering effects or anything. I was just bored out of my mind waiting for it to heal.”
Joe pulls the next piece of paper. “Did Joe al Kaysani…act?” He hums, straightens a bit in his seat and flicks the strip of paper from his fingers. “I got to play Jafar in a friend’s graduation project for film school. I think it’s still on Youtube.”
“Oh.” Nicky blinks. “Remind me to look it up.”
“Please don’t, she put me in this God awful wig and cloak and I was way too over the top, you’ll never respect me again.” Joe pleads with some not entirely put on dramatics.
Nicky’s face remains carefully neutral. “Now I definitely must remember to look it up.”
Joe pouts, but moves on. “Did Joe al Kaysani…poetry?” He pauses, just a moment. Long enough that Nicky quirks a brow, just so. “Uh…yeah, I mean. I’ve written some. A lot. Most of it ends up in my music, but…I published a book. A while back. Nothing too interesting.”
“Oh? What is it called?”
“...Incurable Romantic. It’s mostly love poems. Or, well, poems about love. Generally.” Joe shifts in his seat, taps his foot in the air a second. “All kinds of love. Romantic love, familial love, love of the world and beauty…I don’t know, it sounds so pretentious whenever I talk about it.”
“Poetry is the language of the soul, they say.” Nicky says, quietly. He does not seem to find it pretentious at all, judging by the earnest glint in his pale eyes. “I think it sounds lovely, Joe.”
“You and the like, seven people who bought it, maybe.” Joe mumbles. But he does seem more at ease, as he peels off the last bit of paper. “Did Joe al Kaysani…box? Yeah! I mean, not professionally. But I started as a kid to put on some muscle. I spar with Booker at our local gym, still.”
Nicky watches him intently for a handful of seconds, long and hard enough that Joe asks, “What?”
“...I can’t imagine it. You seem so gentle.”
“Ask Booker how I broke his nose once and I’m sure he’ll disagree.” Joe looks a little flustered for some reason. He’s smoothing down his hands against his slacks, rolling the final bit of paper against his thigh.
Nicky makes a disbelieving little noise. A jump cut later, Joe is holding another piece of cardboard. The search bar on top of it says, Is Nicky di Genova.
“Is Nicky di Genova… Italian.” Nicky gives a quiet snort. “Sì, sono Italiano. I am almost offended that it is on here.” He gestures with his hand to himself, as if it says all it needs to, then moves on to the next strip.
“Is Nicky di Genova…a fencer” Nicky looks a little taken aback, but quickly settles into a smile and a nod. “Yes. I fence.”
“With like, the net helmet and all that?” Joe pushes, curious.
“As a child, yes. But I didn’t like it, so I switched to heavy fighting. With the ah, longsword? I still do it with Andy.” Nicky tugs out his phone from his back pocket, scrolling a moment and then turns it to Joe to show. The picture is projected onto the video as well, showing Nicky in some protective gear, wielding an honest to God longsword. “They are blunted, but they still bruise quite badly.”
Joe stares hard at the phone. Then up at Nicky. Then, finally to the camera, expression carefully blank.
“...I have nothing appropriate to say.”
It is Nicky’s turn to burst out an unexpected laugh. There is a small, unintentional snort at the end, while he pockets his phone again and reaches for the next slip of paper.
“Is Nicky di Genova…Catholic.” Nicky stares a second too long at the prompt. Then, a wane smile touches his lips and he looks to the camera, “Yes, for my sins.” The look in his eyes is complicated. “Though I can’t say I practise much anymore. I have not been to Mass for some time.”
Another slip pulled. “ Is Nicky di Genova…ah.” Nicky stares a bit for the word revealed.
Is Nicky di Genova a priest.
“Priest?” Joe asks, after having turned the board to himself to see what it said.
“...yes.” Nicky says, after a moment of silence. “I went to seminary school at eighteen and I was ordained when I turned twenty four.”
“Wow. That…sounds young.”
“Mm. I started early and I worked hard. My parish’s bishop, Father Giovanni, wrote a letter of recommendation and I got…mm…an exception? To be ordained early.”
“...but you’re not a priest anymore?”
“No. I only worked as one for a year. I…” Nicky trails off. His fingers clench together between his knees. “...I had a bit of a crisis of faith. So I left my position.”
“...can you just quit being a priest?”
Nicky chuckles. “It is a job. It is a little complicated, spiritually. But yes, you may quit being a priest whenever you like. Though technically I am still a priest, I suppose. Once you are ordained, no one can take that from you, but I no longer have the rights or obligations that were bestowed upon me by the Catholic Church.”
“Do you miss it?” Joe’s got his legs crossed now, body tilted towards Nicky. He’s watching him intently, dark eyes solely focused on his face.
“Sometimes… I miss feeling useful. Feeling like I have a purpose. Feeling close to God. More than anything, I miss feeling like I am helping people.” Nicky takes a deep breath, releases it. Then, he lifts his gaze to Joe, lips carrying the faintest of smiles. “I do not regret leaving. But change is hard.”
“...oh.” There is a look of recognition in Joe’s face. A blink and you’ll miss it sort of thing. “And now you’re a singer.”
“I always liked performing the hymns.” Is all Nicky has to say to that. “You may throw it, now.”
Joe does. The board soars over his shoulder, disappears into the white space behind them with a ‘thunk’.
Another cut and Nicky holds Joe’s board this time. The search bar reads ‘ Is Joe al Kaysani’.
“Is Joe al Kaysani…gay?” Joe blinks. “That’s blunt. Yep.” He tosses his piece of paper over his shoulder.
“Is Joe al Kaysani…famous?” He laughs, shrugging, “More so now than a few months ago, I’ll tell you that! And more so in the Netherlands than anywhere else.”
“Is Joe al Kaysani…hot?! Woah, hey- I can’t answer that without being either accused of narcissism or self-deprication!” Joe huffs. Then glances up at Nicky. Winking. “Lucky we have an unbiased guy right here to answer that. So, Nicky - am I?”
Nicky’s cheeks pinken. His eyes flick from Joe’s unruly, curly hair, to his eyes, his lips, his neck. Then, he lifts the board, so it is between them, hiding him from Joe’s view. He looks to the camera, then nods, just once.
When he lowers the board, Joe looks decidedly miffed but he goes on to the next strip of paper.
“Is Joe al Kaysani…an artist?” Joe hums. “Yeah, I suppose I am. I paint, I do charcoals and I’ve got an art degree from KABK.”
“KABK?” Nicky prompts.
“Koninklijke Academie van Beeldende Kunsten.” When Nicky’s eyes widen just a little, Joe laughs and goes on, “ The Royal Academy of Art in Hague. I owe a lot of my love for all the arts out there to my teachers and my friends’ teachers.”
“I would like to see you paint, sometime.”
“Yeah?” Joe looks hopeful, completely transparent with it.
“Mm.” Nicky nods. Joe’s next smile is a little more subdued, as is his quiet murmur of, “Okay then.”
Another cut. Joe struggles a bit with the paper, muttering, “The glue is -”
Nicky reaches down. Their fingers brush. Joe may or may not freeze, staring at how Nicky's fingers nimbly peels the paper back, then looks up at him encouragingly.
“Uh. Joe…is Joe al Kaysani a dancer?” Joe looks to camera. If one squints, he may look a little flushed this time around. “I dabble. I’ve got nothing on Nile or Booker, though.”
Nicky drops the sign carefully once more. There is a quirk to his lips that could be read as pleased, in the way a cat is pleased after knocking a glass off of a table.
The next sign gives a small problem. The search bar reads Joe and Nicky. The two look at each other.
“Wanna hold it or read?”
“Hold, please.” Nicky says politely, taking it from Joe.
“Joe and Nicky…Eurovision. Honestly a bit surprised it didn’t come up sooner. Yeah, we are competing in Malta on the 17th of May!” Joe twirls the paper around one finger, fiddling with it a bit. “We'll be fierce rivals in just a few weeks, huh?”
“Fellow contestants, I think.” Nicky smiles, nudging his knee against Joe’s. “I am not planning to be so antagonistic.”
“I can’t promise anything. Booker says I am a terrible loser.” Joe grins.
“I know that is not true.” Nicky shakes his head. He doesn’t elaborate, just gestures for Joe to keep going.
“Okay, so…Joe and Nicky…TikTok.” Joe hums. “The start of our story.”
“We follow each other.” Nicky offers the camera.
“Nicky posts plants.”
“Joe posts ridiculous things.” Before Joe can do more than pout , Nicky adds, softer, “Beautiful things too, sometimes.”
Joe closes his mouth.
Another piece of paper tugged off with a soft rasp. “Joe and Nicky…dating.”
Nicky blushes. Vividly. His hands are suddenly fiddling with the board, bending the corners he’s holding it by. After a glance at Joe, who is just grinning and waiting for him to answer, he finally murmurs “We have not been on a date yet.”
Joe beams at the camera. Mouths, ‘YET.’
“How many more are we doing? This is fun!” Joe asks as Nicky carefully drops their joined board, still a little red.
“Final two.” The stage hand says, offering him another board, chuckling as they walk away to the sound of Joe going ‘awhhh’.
The final board for Nicky reads, Can Nicky di Genova.
“Can Nicky di Genova…piano. I can be pretty slow sometimes.” When Joe snorts, Nicky gives him a pleased little glance. “I did play some, in seminary. But it is a skill that needs maintaining and I did not.”
“Can Nicky di Genova…guitar.” Nicky hums. “Well-”
“Yes.” Joe says, lightning quick, before the paper slip can even hit the floor. Looking at Nicky a little as if he is the one responsible for raising the sun each morning. “Amazingly so.”
Nicky ducks his head, rubs the back of his neck. “You are too kind.” He dismisses, ignoring the way Joe huffs for his humility, reaching again for the board, nails scraping gently at the glued down paper.
“Can Nicky di Genova…harmonica.” Nicky gives a surprised little noise, blinking. “Yes! I…am not sure how they know to google it, it is not something I show off, but…yes. I do.”
“Huh.” Joe blinks. Squints a moment at Nicky, who tilts his head patiently, waiting for his verdict. “...yeah. It suits you.”
“I will show you sometime.” Nicky offers with a smile, then reaches for the final slip while Joe preens a bit for it. “Can Nicky di Genova…dance. Oh, no, very much no. Andy says I have two left feet and she is right.”
“It can’t be too bad.” Joe tries.
“I almost broke her wife’s foot during a waltz on their wedding day.” Nicky deadpans.
Joe winces, tossing the board to the side like a frisbee. “...I stand corrected.”
“Not a strong end for me,” Nicky hums, craning his head to follow its flight across the studio.
Joe’s final board is back to the basic “Joe al Kaysani” and has quite a few strips of paper to pull. Joe whistles at the sight, as Nicky settles the board against his thighs.
“Oh boy, okay, let’s go…Joe al Kaysani…French. Uh.” Joe looks mildly miffed, crumpling off the newly peeled piece of paper. “No…decidedly not French. I’m Dutch with Tunisian parents.”
“Maybe they mistook you for Booker?” Nicky says, then laughs loudly when Joe gives him a horrified, offended look (the look eases almost immediately for Nicky’s mirth into something that can only be described as lovesick).
“I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that and move on.” Joe peels another. “Joe al Kaysani…Italian? Geeze, I wish, that would make things- oh! Wait!” He is suddenly beaming, looking to the people behind the camera, “Is this referring to what languages I speak?” A very faint, amused ‘yes’ can be heard off screen and he laughs, pushing his hand through his curls. “Well, that makes a lot more sense. Yeah, counting here, it’s seven so…yeah, I speak seven languages fluently. Got a few more I could understand if people spoke to me slowly, but-”
“Truly?” Nicky blurts, interrupting him. His eyes are a little wide.
Joe raises an inquisitive eyebrow at him. “I know I told you this.”
Nicky looks a little guilty. “I sort of thought you made it up to impress me.”
“What!” Joe gasps, clutching dramatically at his heart, while Nicky cringes in his seat, “What an accusation of my honor! I’d never lie to you, Nicky, that’s no honest way to a man’s heart!”
“I do apologize.” Nicky bows his head, but he is looking more at ease, lips pulled into a wry smile. “I suppose it was just a little unbelievable to me. I barely speak Italian on my worst days.”
“Well, let me make a believer out of you.”
Joe taps the first prompt, “Oui, je parle français. Et tu es un chanteur incroyable, Nicky.” There is a tiny bit of an accent, but the sentence flows with ease from Joe’s tongue.
(There are subtitles. They say “Yes, I speak french. And you are an incredible singer, Nicky.”)
“Oh.” Nicky says. The wide eyed expression is back.
Joe grins, taps the next one. “Parlo italiano. Mi piace stare con te.” This one is less accented than the French.
(“I speak Italian. I really enjoy being with you.” )
That makes Nicky smile, fingers curling a little tighter on the cardboard. “Anch'io.”
(“Me too.”)
The admission seems to give Joe pause, but only for half a beat. Then, he is peeling off the third prompt - this one saying “Joe al Kaysani - Dutch” .
“Ik spreek Nederlands. Je hebt prachtige ogen. Ze lijken op de zee.” Joe’s looking Nicky heavily in the eye as he speaks, not faltering for a second and he doesn’t break the contact until he has to look down for the next slip of paper.
(“I speak Dutch. You have beautiful eyes. They look like the sea.”)
“Joe al Kaysani - German.”
“Ich spreche Deutsch. Mir gefällt das am wenigsten. Aber ich mag dich, sehr sogar.”
(“I speak German. I like it the least. But I like you, very much.” )
“Joe al Kaysani - English”
“Well, this one you know for SURE that I speak.” Joe laughs, moving on without further comment,
“Joe al Kaysani - Greek”
“Miláo elliniká. An boroúsa, tha éftiachna éna marmárino ágalmá sou kai tha to fýlaga sto spíti mou, allá tha ítan mia ftiní apomímisi tou alithinoú.” Joe gestures to all of Nicky while he speaks. Nicky follows the motions of his hands with his eyes, but they find their way back to Joe’s rather quickly. He is holding on to the cardboard sign for dear life.
("I speak Greek. If I could, I would make a marble statue of you and keep it in my house, everything would be a cheap imitation of the real thing.")
“Joe al Kaysani - Arabic”
Joe’s face softens. So does his voice, low and almost hypnotic. “'Ana 'atakalam alearabia. 'Ana munbahir bijamalika. Laqad waqaeat fi alhubi min alnazrat al'uwlaa. Laqad kan ladayk qalbi. Hayati.”
(“I speak Arabic. I am struck by your beauty. I fell in love at first sight. My life.”)
There is a long moment of silence. Someone has edited an instrumental version of ‘Can you feel the love tonight’ underneath it, possibly for comedic effect. It’s certainly not hard to see why, with the way Joe and Nicky watch each other for those seconds, all intense eye contact and expressions that say far more than either of the two probably realise.
The board falls from Nicky’s suddenly numb fingers. The ruckus of it hitting the floor snap the two out of the moment and they both straighten in their seats. Joe winks at the camera. His hands are smoothing down the front of his sweater. Nicky schools his expression into something more stoic.
“Impressive.” He deadpans.
The video ends.
-
TikTok Video, posted April 22nd by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 3,3M
Likes: 990k
Comments: 12,5k
Saved: 312k
A very nice looking restaurant, modern and yet incredibly cozy. A camera slowly pans over a four seated table.
Andy sits across from the camera. She is drinking what could be water, heavy on the ice. The small sip, paired with the tiny clench of her lips speaks for it being some sort of white liquor, rather. She smiles for the camera, brief and sharp, then glances to the side and gives a tiny, almost imperceptible nod.
The camera pans over to the seat next to her. Nicky sits there, leaning forward with his elbows on the table, hands clasping the outside of them. He’s changed into a nicer shirt, a pale blue. He’s smiling, entirely focused on whatever is in front of him.
The camera pans again, to the seat next to the person filming. And there is Joe - he’s changed into a dark henley shirt, sleeves rolled up to almost mid bicep. He’s animatedly telling a story, hands making shapes and motions as he goes, aiding the endeavour.
The two men seem entirely engulfed in their conversation. Another pan of the camera reveals neither of them have even touched their food, while Andy and Nile have nearly finished theirs.
Enchanted by Taylor Swift, is once again playing endearingly over the video.
It’s going very well, indeed.
Audio: Enchanted (Taylor’s Version) - Taylor Swift
Caption: I’d say something mean, but they really are just entirely too cute.
#romanceintheair #enchanted #fallinginloveinrealtime
-
TikTok Video, posted April 22nd by AndromachetheScythianMedia
Views: 3,4M
Likes: 670k
Comments: 2k
Saved: 40k
New York streets at night. Brightly lit and dazzling, buzzing with crowds, despite the seemingly late hour.
The camera is following Nicky, walking slowly along the sidewalk. His hands are tucked into the pockets of his coat. There is a tinge of pink across his cheekbones and he seems unfocused and introspective.
“Did you have fun?” Andy asks behind the camera.
Nicky hums, absently. Looks at her and smiles. Nods.
“Good.” She sounds pleased.
“He is…” Nicky trails off. Seems surprised at himself for speaking, then looks ahead. Gaze growing distant, thoughtful once more.
“Yeah?”
“...more. Than I expected.”
“More? More how?”
But Nicky doesn’t elaborate any further. He just hums again, pushes his hands deeper into his pockets and continues walking.
Caption: Any guesses to what ‘more’ means are appreciated.
#cryptic #firstdatefeels #NewYork
-
TikTok posted on April 23rd by User redacted
Views: 1,5M
Likes: 222k
Comments: 550
Saved: 86k
A sneakily shot video from across Central Park. The footage is a little grainy, as the person filming seems to be standing quite far away, zooming in.
Joe and Nicky are standing on a small bridge suspended over a park path. They are tucked in against the railing, to stay out of the way of the people wandering across it, both with their arms crossed over the fine marble. They are standing close, shoulders brushing, just chatting. Joe says something that has Nicky bowing his head, shoulders shaking with laughter, before looking back up. Even through the grainy footage, one can tell his expression is fond.
They are both holding empty ice-cream cups. They must have been talking for quite some time.
“Omg didn’t expect to catch Joe al Kaysani and Nicky di Genova on their first date on camera omgomgomg”
a clearly overwhelmed bit of text across the bottom of the video proclaims, not quite suiting the soothing Ed Sheeran music playing in the background.
The video loops.
Audio: Kiss Me - Ed Sheeran
Caption: they are so cute irl I can’t even
#loveisreal #JoeandNicky #toocute
-
TikTok posted April 24th by NilebytheRiver
Views: 600k
Likes: 230k
Comments: 912
Saved: 80k
JFK international airport. It is incredibly busy. People are slouched in seats by a gate, lining up at another for boarding. Others are rushing past to try to make their connections, or walking with relieved slumps of finally being at their destination and heading for the baggage claim.
The focus of the video is not on those people, however.
Centre stage is Joe and Nicky. Standing by one of the windows overlooking the tarmac, backlit by the early morning rays of the pale New York sun, wrapped in a tight embrace. Joe’s hand is cupped at the back of Nicky’s neck. Nicky’s arms are woven around his waist, his face pressed into his shoulder.
The camera flips, shows Nile - wide eyed and almost trembling with excitement - then the camera flips back to the pair. They hug, until Andy walks over to tap Nicky’s shoulder, telling him something. Nicky pulls away from the embrace and as he turns, he looks just a little bit dazed. He picks up a small duffle bag from the floor and swings it over his shoulder.
Joe might have tears in his eyes, but the camera is far enough away that it’s impossible to tell.
The two men share a look and a final smile. Their fingers tangle, just a moment, as Nicky walks away - the touch drags, until he is finally out of reach, stepping up to the gate to scan his boarding pass. He disappears beyond the doors to the walkway.
The video ends with a final shot of Joe, leaning on one forearm against the window, giving a small wave to Nicky, who reciprocates it before heading up the stairs to the plane.
The video loops.
Audio: Something - The Beatles
Caption: Dragging his ass back home before he hops on a plane to Italy. Thank God we’re all going to Malta soon.
#love #sayinggoodbye #JoetheYearner
Notes:
I hope you enjoyed!
Chapter 3: First Date
Notes:
So this fic was supposed to be 3 chapters long. Then I hit 9k words on the third chapter, before I could even get to the first semi-final. So.
...yeah, you all are just gonna have to deal with there being 4 chapters. My sincerest apologies. Peace Peace Love Love and all that.
(seriously having too much fun thinking of silly little scenes and videos and I googled way too much about the long prep for Eurovision, so I just wanna do the contest and the relationship justice idk I hope you guys don't mind)
Chapter Text
DMs between LeLivreDance and NickydiGenovaOfficial
April 23rd
NickydiGenovaOfficial:
Hello, Sebastien :) this is Nicky
I was wondering if you maybe had a copy of Joe’s poetry book? I have been looking for it, but no online store I go to seems to have it in stock.
LeLivreDance:
Hey
I have a couple of them on my shelf actually. Want me to send one?
NickydiGenovaOfficial:
That would be wonderful, thank you. My address is…
LeLivreDance:
Consider it done.
NickydiGenovaOfficial:
How much do I owe you?
LeLivreDance:
A couple of beers in Malta and making sure Joe sees you reading it
NickydiGenovaOfficial:
:)
Of course.
-
Private Instagram story, posted by Joe al Kaysani on April 25th
A selfie. Joe's shirtless, in bed, tucked in for the night. He has one arm slung over his head. He looks exhausted, but there is a tender excitement in his dark eyes. In the background, something with a lot of piano and heavy bass guitar plays.
“Jet lagged to hell, back sore from two 8 hour plane rides, got to do more press and go for a jog in the morning, prepare for Eurovision and pack for another trip in less than a week, but never been fucking happier in my life”
says the text floating over his head.
Audio: Something Beautiful - NEEDTOBREATHE
-
TikTok Video posted on April 25th by NickydiGenova
Views: 1,3M
Likes: 390k
Comments: 1,1k
Saved: 40k
A heavy country music song is playing in the background of the video. The chorus keeps returning to this one sentiment: Dad’s gonna kill me.
Nicky and Quynh are wandering around the former’s apartment. The latter is looking very nervous, hovering and following in his every footstep.
Nicky has his hands clasped at the small of his back, leaning in to peer up close at the many plants sitting on his kitchen windowsill. He gives a small nod, then moves on.
A cut and they are in the bedroom. Nicky is gently running his fingers along the leaves of a huge bird of paradise plant. On the other side of the plant, Quynh gives the camera a heavy look. One can’t tell if she is beseeching for help, or sour because of the lack of it.
Nicky lifts his head, asking Quynh a question. She jumps to attention, staring wide eyed at him as she answers it. There is a long, tense pause, then Nicky nods and wanders on. Quynh slumps in relief, then hurries after him as he leaves the room.
A final cut and the pair are now on the balcony. Nicky has his sleeves rolled up, digging in a balcony box full of plants. By him, Quynh is leaning against the railing, head hung, awaiting his verdict. She looks a little bit like a martyr, awaiting her pyre.
Nicky finally straightens, brushes some dirt off of his palms, then turns to Quynh. His lips curl into a smile and he nods to her.
Quynh, in an overexaggerated fashion, drops to her knees and slumps onto her elbows. As she does, the music cuts out and there is a voice over of a very relieved man’s whisper, “Oh thank God.”
Audio: Dad’s gonna kill me - Richard Thompson, Brooklyn 99
Caption: Nicky doesn’t play about his plants.
#plantdad #indanger
QueenQuynh commented:
I have never sweated more in my life
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied to QueenQuynh:
You did good :)
QueenQuynh replied to NickydiGenovaOfficial:
T-T thank you, Nicky
AndromachetheScythian commented:
Thought I’d become a widow a moment there.
-
TikTok Video posted April 26th by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 2,2M
Likes: 590k
Comments: 2,3k
Saved: 45k
Joe’s in selfie camera, filming himself walking down a sunny Amsterdam street. He’s sipping casually on an iced coffee, dressed in a leather jacket and black pilot sunglasses. Briefly, his eyebrows peek up over them in a cheeky wink, and the camera flips to the front.
In front of him, Booker and Nile are walking Snickers. The dog is happily prancing and tugging a bit on its leash, dragging them towards what looks like a park up ahead.
Booker and Nile are also holding hands.
The camera flips back to Joe, who tugs his sunglasses down the bridge of his nose and gives the camera a meaningful look and roll of his eyes.
Is it third wheeling if there is also a dog involved, or do we call that a full hecking SUV? questions the blocky letters at the bottom of the screen.
Audio: You, Me and Steve - Garfunkel and Oats
Caption: Wanna bully me about my love life, Nile? Two can play that game.
#thirdwheel #date #dog #Snickersisbestgirl
NickydiGenovaOfficial commented:
Don’t be mean, they look very sweet together.
JoeKaysaNova replied to NickydiGenovaOfficial:
Can I be mean for just a second? I promise to apologize.
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied to JoeKaysaNova:
Fine, as long as it is a good apology.
NilebytheRiver replied to NickydiGenova:
You know, I was about to thank you for being on my side but now idk :(
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied to NilebytheRiver:
:) Mi dispiace
-
TikTok Video posted on April 27th by NickyDiGenovaOfficial
Views: 3,2M
Likes: 940k
Comments: 13k
Saved: 120k
Nicky is sitting by his kitchen table, being filmed head on. In front of him is a familiar tablet with a bright orange cat sticker on it.
He waves a bit at the camera, smiling in a way that could only be described as mischievous.
“Hello. I recently had a movie recommendation and I would like to share my first time watching it with you all.”
“And what movie is that, Nicky?” Andy drawls behind the camera.
“It is labled “Jafar's revenge - a Student Film”. ”
A cut with Nicky sitting comfortably, leaned back, arms crossed. At the right hand bottom of the screen, the film in question is shown.
At first is the title card (“Jafar’s revenge”, in bold black and reds), with some atmospheric sintir being played, a rather nice sounding theme music for the entire thing. The text slowly melts away into a slightly cheap looking set, draped in red silks and golden trinkets and lit with oil lamps.
A door to stage right slams open and in storms Jafar…a very familiar looking man, if not for the stylings of him. He is dressed in black robes, with red lining poking out in the sleeves and collar. His hair is wild, synthetic black curls mixed with peeks of more natural locks at the front and stuffed into a tall headpiece.
Nicky's entire face lights up with delight. “Oh.” His voice is decidedly choked.
“Alas! That damn beggar boy!” Jafar spits, throwing his arms in the air.
“ Oh. ” Nicky intones once more. His shoulders are already shaking.
It is quite the watch. Jafar has a whole monologue about his evil plan. Part way, it becomes a dialogue, when he starts to banter with a parrot in the corner - a surprisingly amusing voice over done by a woman, giving Iago even more sass than the animated version. There is also a very impressive bit of slight of hand, where Jafar somehow produces a full length snake headed staff from his sleeve and does a whole magic ritual, which ends in a pretty believable puff of smoke and has him seemingly teleported out of the room, leaving Iago behind to cough up what sounds like half a lung.
The acting, through the whole thing, is just as campy and terrible as Joe had warned.
By the end of the five minute clip, Nicky has folded over the table. His face in his arms, entire body shaking with mirth, overcome by it.
“So. What do we think?” Andy sounds like she is only seconds away from laughter herself.
Nicky straightens, face flushed, swallowing down another burst of giggles. “Ehm. He was not exaggerating. And that is saying something.”
“What do we rate it?”
“Oh, ten out of ten, I will be watching it all week.” Nicky deadpans. There is no hint of irony to it.
That finally has Andy breaking into laughter as well and the video ends.
Original Audio
Caption: You are a decidedly better poet, artist and singer, Joe. I still consider you a Renaissance man
#acting #jafar #masterpiece
JoeKaysaNova commented:
Is there a shovel somewhere so I can bury my shame? Or myself?
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied to JoeKaysaNova:
:) no shame, Joe, I still respect you, I promise.
AndromachetheScythianMedia replied to JoeKaysaNova:
I don’t
LeLivreDance replied to AndromachetheScythianMedia:
I'll drink to that
NilebytheRiver commented:
If I printed t-shirts with Joe as Jafar, would anyone wear it??
JoeKaysaNova replied to NilebytheRiver:
NILE
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied to NilebytheRiver:
yes
JoeKaysaNova replied to NickydiGenovaOfficial:
NICKY
LeLivreDance replied to NickydiGenovaOfficial:
I like you, Nicky, you can stay.
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied to LeLivreDance:
:)
-
TikTok Video posted on April 28th by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 2,2M
Likes: 800k
Comments: 23k
Saved: 45k
Final studio rehearsal before Malta! Proclaims a quickly projected message at the top of the screen.
A dance studio, brightly lit. The camera is on a tripod and can be seen in glimpses in the many mirrors lining the entire room. Glimpses between three people moving, that is.
Joe walks away from the camera, to stand centre stage. Nile and Booker flank him, heads bowed, hands clasped behind themselves. Joe tosses a mic from his left hand to the right, settles into a comfortable stance with his free hand on his hip.
What follows is an impressive array of acrobatic dance moves from Nile and Booker, paired together and dancing behind and around Joe, who belts out ‘Ya Amar’ with perfect voice control, even while he also performs a few moves of his own. Most notably, a one armed handstand, belting out part of the chorus, still without faltering. The move ends in a summersault, where he rolls into a sitting position, winking at the camera, before whirling back to his feet and continuing his choreo.
The song ends with Nile and Booker wrapped in a desperate embrace, and Joe on his knees. All three breathe heavily for several beats of silence, then turn to face each other with excited grins. Off screen, there are claps and cheers.
The video ends.
Audio: Ya Amar - Joe al Kaysani
Caption: Nothing like a clean run to hype you up for the real thing! Next time we rehearse will be on stage in Valletta! @ NilebytheRiver and @ LeLivreDance, are you pumped?!
#Eurovision #Valletta #Malta #dance
NilebytheRiver commented:
I AM HELLA PUMPED!
LeLivreDance commented:
Yeah, sure.
NilebytheRiver replied to LeLivreDance:
Hey, yo, calm down, Book, you’re gonna hurt yourself with all that excitement.
LeLivreDance replied to NilebytheRiver:
*shrugging emoji*
NickydiGenovaOfficial commented:
Very impressive, guys. I look forward to seeing you live. :)
Reposted by AndromachetheScythianMedia, NilebytheRiver, LeLivreDance and others
-
TikTokVideo posted on April 29th by AndromacheTheScythianMedia
Views: 1,2M
Likes: 670k
Comments: 2,3k
Saved: 56k
A shot of a spacious studio. In the middle of the floor is a long legged stool.
Sitting on the stool is Nicky. He has his hands folded between his lightly bent knees, looking at the camera with a small smile. He waves.
The camera pans to Andy, her hands on her hips. She inclines her head. Mouths along to an audio,
“My work here is done.”
The camera flips to Quynh who mimes the next line, looking confused, “But you didn’t do anything?”
The camera flips again and follows Andy as she throws double peace signs in the air and backs out of the shot. “Exactly.”
The camera pans back to Nicky. He looks as politely reserved as ever.
The video loops.
Audio: Tuxedo Mask Sailor Moon meme
Caption: Thank fuck for easy choreo.
#sailormoon #choreo #thechair
JoeKaysaNova commented:
It’s easy when you are working with perfection I guess ;D
NickydiGenova replied to JoeKaysaNova:
that is too generous a description, Yusuf. But thank you.
JoeKaysaNova replied to NickydiGenova:
I said what I said and I will die on this hill.
AndromachetheScythianMedia replied to JoeKaysaNova:
Chill out, Romeo, no one is taking him from you.
JoeKaysaNova replied to AndromachetheScythianMedia:
Damn right
-
Texts between Joe and Nicky
April 30th, 1:17PM
Joe:
So, what are my chances of getting you to go on a date with me in Malta? A proper one?
Nicky:
Are you asking me on a date?
Joe:
Not asking, just inquiring what you might think about me asking. If it’s leaning more yes or no way
Nicky:
I think you will have to ask to find out.
Joe:
Stone cold.
Nicky, do you want to go on a date with me in Malta?
Nicky:
:)
Yes.
Joe:
*party streamer emoji*
Nicky:
But please ask me in person also.
Joe:
*saluting emoji*
TikTok Video posted April 30th by NickydiGenovaOfficial
Views: 5M
Likes: 2,1M
Comments: 23k
Saved: 760k
A familiar, scenic shot of Nicky’s balcony. The light is golden and soft from the setting sun, glints in Nicky's short, dark hair. He seems to be just out of the shower, as it is a bit damp against his temples. Soaking up the last rays of sunlight alongside him, is a tiny flowerpot with a begonia, sitting just at his hip.
Nicky settles in against the railing, arms crossed over his guitar. He smiles, small and shy. “Hi, Joe. And, well, everyone else. I…have tried to record this a few times already. I have a bit of a hard time finding the words I want to say, to express…” He trails off. Absently runs his thumb over the strings. His gaze falls to the side and he sighs. “I am still having a hard time, it seems. Maybe it is best I just sing. Andy, edit this part out.”
(She, evidently, did not. )
Nicky settles his guitar better in his hands, against his knee. He closes his eyes. Pauses, clenches and unclenches both hands, resting the guitar against his chest. Then, he finally starts to play. A soft, beseeching melody. When he starts to sing, his voice is softer than usual, but no less heartfelt.
“Wise men say
Only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you…”
Nicky swallows visibly, opens his eyes. Gaze far away from the camera, looking out at the view. Though it isn’t clear if he is actually seeing it, with how his eyes look quite dazed. He lets out a long, heavy breath for the next few strokes of his fingers on the strings, then goes on.
“Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you?”
For the briefest moment, there is a flash of something painful, something complicated in Nicky’s eyes. Someone who plays guitar themselves might catch his fingers slipping the tiniest bit on the next chord. But he gathers himself and goes on, resting his head backwards against the railing.
“Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be…”
Nicky lets the note tremble out into silence. Straightens up against the metal bars at his back and bows his head for a moment, taking a beat. Taps his fingers softly on the wood. A smile tugs on his lips and his expression softens as he lifts his head again. When he next opens his eyes, he keeps them trained on the camera.
He sings the next part acapella.
“So take my hand
Take my whole life, too
For I can't help falling in love with you
For I can't help falling in love with you…”
Nicky hums quietly another few seconds on the soft melody. Tilts his head just so, once it is over. He gives a small, helpless shrug. His fingers find the small potted plant next to him, tracing the swirling patterns of colour with the very tips of his fingers. Follows them without releasing the camera from his gaze for even a second, as if he has them memorized.
“I think I said what I wanted to say. Ti porto nel cuore. Ci vediamo a Malta, Joe.”
Audio: Original Audio, Can’t Help Falling In Love - Kina Grannis
Caption: I don’t know that I’ll ever say exactly what I wanted to. But I hope that is alright. :)
#ballad #guitar #serenade #Nickyyearnstoo
NilebytheRiver commented:
Holy shit. This was amazing, Nicky, I can’t believe how talented you are. For real. Wow.
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied to NilebytheRiver:
:) Thank you, Nile.
QueenQuynh commented:
Nickyyyyyy *teary eyed emoji*
AndromachetheScythianMedia commented:
Proud of you.
-
Texts between Joe and Nicky
April 30th, 9:21 PM
Joe:
Can I call you?
Nicky:
Is everything alright?
Joe:
More than. Please?
Transcript of a phone call between Joe and Nicky
April 30th, 9:23 PM
“Yusuf?”
“Hi, I- I don’t have a lot of time, I am packing for tomorrow and I have a Zoom meeting with Copley in a minute but- I saw your video.”
“Oh. Did you…like it?”
“Nicky. Nicky, that’s - that is not the word for what I felt hearing you sing that song. I just had to - you meant it? That…that you’re…?”
“I wouldn’t have sung it if I hadn’t meant it, Joe.”
“Ah. Good. Okay.”
“...was it too much? I know it is soon, but… meeting you in New York, for me it…it was…I haven’t been able to stop thinking and feeling.”
“No, not - not too much. You know I’m crazy about you.”
“Mm.”
“Like, utterly insane.”
“Hah.”
A long pause.
“...I can’t wait to see you again, Nicolò.”
“Anch’io, Yusuf. Soon, yes?”
“Yeah.”
Another pause. Comfortable.
“I should let you pack.”
“Right. And I should let you, uh…”
“I was going to bed.”
“...it’s nine thirty, Nicky.”
“I wake up at six in the morning, Joe.”
“For what?”
“...it is when I get up every morning.”
“ Santa Maria madre di Dio . I have found your only flaw.”
The call ends with Nicky laughing.
-
TikTok Video posted May 1st by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 1,8M
Likes: 760k
Comments: 4,3k
Saved: 80k
There is some relaxed RnB playing over the video showing a nice looking plane, with broad seats laid out in a herringbone seating layout. It is clearly a higher class of travel than the last time.
Nile and Booker are lounging in some rather swanky looking plane seats. Nile lifts a glass of complimentary champagne at the camera. Booker gives a lazy peace sign, slides lower in his seat, jean clad legs spread comfortably.
The camera flips, revealing Joe, in a fancy seat of his own. He waggles his eyebrows at the viewers, then gives a bright grin and a thumbs up. He’s got a snap back baseball cap on - someone reaches over, flicks the brim and sends it toppling off his head. Before he can scramble to put it back on, it reveals a rather impressive set of bedhead. Curls standing up every witch way.
The video ends.
Audio: Trip - Ella Mai
Caption: Heading to Malta! Big props to @ CopleyStudios for giving us a business class ride to the big show!
#businessclass #thebigtimes #fancyasheck #Eurovision
QueenQuynh commented:
Someone needs a hairbrush.
JoeKaysaNova replied to QueenQuynh:
Not all of us can have princess hair, Qunnie. *angry huffing emoji*
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied to JoeKaysaNova:
It’s cute :) nicely tousled
NilebytheRiver replied to NickydiGenovaOfficial:
Get a room, guys, sheesh
-
TikTok Video posted on May 1st by NilebytheRiver
Views: 750k
Likes: 412k
Comments: 1,1k
Saved: 30k
The camera is zoomed out into landscape mode. The video shows a large building with sandy gold walls and impressive roman vaults, beautiful grey stone steps and neatly trimmed hedges. There is a red carpet trailing up the steps, towards the gold trimmed doors beyond the vaults.
Hotel Phoenicia is emblazoned above the doorway in elegant script.
“Home sweet home the next few weeks” is emblazoned in far less elegant, blocky letters across the bottom of the video.
There is are several jump cuts in the video, showing off different aspects of the hotel in question:
A fabulous pool, with plenty of chairs around. The blue water looks cool and inviting, rippling and glinting under the spring sun. Beyond it is a beautiful view of the seaside, equally inviting, with several boats dotting the clear waters.
Several small clips of a Spa area, with more pools, pale blue and white couches with little tables and beautiful clean and bright architecture that inspire calmness.
Then a hotel room - spacious, sleek and painted white with blue detailing on the bed and curtains, with large windows opened and revealing more of that ocean view. The video ends with Nile bounding into the room and promptly flipping face first onto the queen sized bed, kicking her feet.
Audio: Hotel Room Service - Pitbull
Caption: 10/10 would stay here again based on the vibes alone. Bit salty Joe got a suite and we got regular rooms tho, not gonna lie.
JoeKaysaNova commented:
Don’t hate the player, hate the game *sunglasses emoji* (no but like, come hang out in my suite, I miss you guys)
NilebytheRiver replied to JoeKaysaNova:
fine, nerd
NickydiGenovaOfficial commented:
We will be staying in the same place :)
NilebytheRiver replied to NickydiGenova:
omg! We can have breakfast together! *excited emoji*
NickydiGenova replied to NilebytheRiver:
Sounds lovely
-
DMs between JoeKaysaNova and NilebytheRiver, May 1st
JoeKaysaNova:
Just a heads up - Nicky gets up at 6am. Every morning.
NilebytheRiver:
Holy fucking shit, there’s a 6 /AM/ too???
Wait, how do you know that?
JOE?!
JOE YOU LITTLE SHIT ANSWER MY TEXTS-
-
TikTok posted May 1st by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 4,3M
Likes: 1M
Comments: 34k
Saved: 120k
A very nice looking hotel suite, more specifically a lovely seating area. The colour scheme is a muted gray, white and blue. Beyond a handful of neat little chairs are a pair of doors, leading further into the room. The video is focused on a small side table, though, at the centre of the room.
There is a cute little gift bag on it, as well as a vase of very pretty yellow and orange sword lilies. Leaning against the vase is an envelope with…honestly, kind of blocky handwriting, saying, ‘Per il mio uomo dagli occhi marroni.’
“So. Someone left me a gift.” Joe’s voice is amused, with perhaps a tinge of overwhelmedness. “I think I know who it is from, but…let’s see what it is, hm?”
The video cuts to Joe sitting in one of the blue chairs, tugged over to be right by the table. He’s in the same clothes as his travel video. He winks at the camera, then tugs the bag closer to himself and peers inside.
“Oh!” He gasps, reaching in. When he pulls his hand back out, he’s holding a very nice, wrapped box. Judging by the clear lid, there seem to be some sort of cookies inside. “Oh, man, amazing! I didn’t want to have to run out and get snacks already…these look really good.” He reads the box a bit, smiling. “Ricciarelli…almonds and lemon…huh. Can’t wait to try them.”
The next item he pulls out is a box of candy. The front of it has a picture of a cup of espresso being poured over a piece of chocolate. Joe hums curiously as he turns it this way, then that. “Pocket coffee. Cute. Might need it these next few days.”
The final thing Joe pulls from the bag is a bottle of white wine. He whistles as he turns it over to read the label. “Coronata. I’m going to have to ask Booker, but this looks really nice. Wow.” He’s grinning to himself as he places it down on the table. Briefly, his fingers brush against the flowers, before plucks the envelope from the table. He waggles it at the camera. “This, I’ll be reading in private. Just in case. You guys have seen me blush enough on this app, I swear.”
With that, Joe winks and the video ends.
Original Audio
Caption: My first ever unboxing video I guess. Thank you @ NickydiGenovaOfficial, you sure know how to make a man feel special <3
#snacks #unboxing #spoiled
NilebytheRiver commented:
Wow, Nicky is way smoother than I ever gave him credit for
JoeKaysaNova replied to NilebytheRiver:
I’m toast. Buttered and fried.
NickydiGenovaOfficial commented:
:) I am happy you liked it. A presto.
-
TikTok posted May 2nd by QueenQuyhn
Views: 30k
Likes: 2,5k
Comments: 117
Saved: 8k
A clothing store, it looks rather upscale with sleek, classy lines and pale grey and gold walls. The video is taken outside of a changing room, the person filming seated judging by the angle of the shot.
The changing room door opens, revealing Nicky. He is dressed very smartly in fitted brown slacks, a white shirt and a modern looking suit jacket, reaching to just about mid thigh. He smiles sheepishly at the camera, pushing his hands into his pockets, turning this way, then that.
Quite fittingly, the song “Sharp Dressed Man” is playing in the background.
A cut and Nicky exits the changing room again, this time in a black turtleneck and slacks, both clinging rather tightly to his tall, lean frame. Nicky awkwardly tugs at the sleeves and gives the camera a weary look.
Another cut. A burgundy suit with a thin black tie, which for some reason is leaving Nicky blushing to match the fabric, fussing with his hair this time around. Perhaps a comment was made behind the camera, but one cannot tell with the music playing over the video.
Yet another cut. A pair of suspenders over a steel blue shirt hold up a pair of soft grey slacks. Nicky shifts and adjusts the thick straps of them, eyening himself in a mirror off screen. He doesn’t look entirely displeased, if still slightly flustered, shooting the camera glances every now and then.
A final cut and outfit. This time, another suit - three piece, navy blue, showing off his broad shoulders. Nicky wanders closer to the camera, murmuring something - the person filming briefly puts the camera down and when it is picked back up, he is finishing adjusting a pair of cuff links. Shrugging the suit jacket on better, then looking at himself in the mirror. He pulls a bit of a face.
“Trying on clothes for Eurovision - someone’s in desperate need for date party outfits” The next at the bottom cheekily declares.
The video loops.
Audio: Sharp Dressed Man - ZZTop
Caption: What are our favorites?
#outfits #shopping #NickydiGenova #sharpdressedman
JoeKaysaNova has commented:
He looks lovely in everything, but I’m partial to the first one. <3 He’s smiling in it.
QueenQuyhn replied to JoeKaysaNova:
omg you sap, that is cute <3 he’ll get it
NickydiGenovaOfficial commented:
Do not lie to him. You made me buy all of them.
QueenQuyhn replied to NickydiGenovaOfficial:
Well, he is right - you looked good in everything. *shrugging emoji*
-
TikTok Video posted May 2nd by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 1,3M
Likes: 560k
Comments: 12,4k
Saved: 90k
Joe, Nile and Booker, seated on the cute blue chairs. The chairs are all pulled up close to the circular coffee table. On it are the chocolates from the previous video, the Pocket Coffee logo on prominent display.
“So! I wanted you to try the chocolate Nicky sent me!” Joe says brightly, reaching out and plucking the bag from the table. He offers it to Booker and Nile in turn.
The two give each other quick glances.
“Seriously, Joe? A taste test video?” Booker squints at the bright red wrapper.
“What are we, working at Buzzfeed now?” Nile drawls.
“Hey, I just wanna share my snacks!” Joe pouts at them. “You know, be a good friend?”
Nile squints suspiciously at him. “Uh-huh.”
Booker just scowls down at the candy in his hand. “What even are they?”
“Coffee flavoured chocolate.” Joe takes one of the candies for himself and starts unwrapping it.
“Ugh. I don’t even like coffee.”
“They’re great, I promise! Come on, Book, don’t insult my, uh - my Nicky’s tastes now, eat up.”
Nile and Booker share another dubious look. Then, they unwrap their candies as well.
In unison, the three lift the chocolate to their lips. Nile pops the candy into her mouth. Booker takes a cautious bite into the middle of it. Joe stops with the candy at his lips. Too late, Nile catches the mischievous grin on his face, just as she bites down.
Nile’s eyes widen.
Booker curses loudly and muffledly in french as what looks like an entire cup of coffee dribbles from his mouth and the uneaten half of candy still in his mouth. Instinctively, he cups a hand under his chin to catch the liquid before it hits the floor.
Joe throws his head back with a booming laugh, slapping the arm of his chair.
“JOE!” Nile coughs out his name, chewing hard a few times and finally swallowing. She flies up from her chair and darts off screen, where one soon hears a lot of loud gulping, presumably water being chugged. “The hell was that?!”
“Pocket Coffee!” Joe declares mirthfully, finally popping the chocolate into his mouth and chewing - though it’s decidedly graceless, as he is still shaking with laughter.
“Putain de Merde.” Booker chokes out, wiping at his face. “Was that a SHOT inside?”
“Never seen you choke on a shot before, Book, that’s pretty impressive.”
Nile pops back into frame, way too close to the camera, scowling down at the lens.
“Nicky, I think you’re awesome, but you have terrible taste in men. I’m gonna introduce you to better men. Men who don’t force cold coffee down their friends’ throats.”
“Hey, woah-”
The video ends.
Original Audio
Caption: I may need new backup dancers, guys :/
#worthit #PocketCoffee #howboutthatcupajoe
NickydiGenovaOfficial commented:
Next time, I will send Ferrero Rochers instead.
NilebytheRiver replied to NickydiGenovaOfficial:
I meant it, Nicky, you deserve so much better.
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied to NilebytheRiver:
:) I think I am content, but thank you.
LeLivreDance commented:
Italy’s not only bad at football but bad at candy, too, merde
JoeKaysaNova replied to LeLivreDance:
uh oh.
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied to LeLivreDance:
I suppose if you like watching self centered divas showing off silly tricks instead of actually playing the game, you would find Gli Azzurri “bad”, yes.
LeLivreDance replied to NickydiGenovaOfficial:
If you like being bored to tears watching all the play happening in the midfield, instead of actually trying to score goals, by all means
JoeKaysaNova replied to LeLivreDance:
Booker, I beg you, don’t start this fight - I’ve already gotten more than an earful about it
AndromachetheScythian replied to JoeKaysaNova:
Down in front, I brought popcorn.
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied to LeLivreDance:
I suppose we will have to continue this discussion in Malta.
LeLivreDance replied to NickydiGenovaOfficial:
So it seems. Looking forward to it.
-
DMs between LeLivreDance and JoeKaysaNova
May 2nd
JoeKaysaNova:
Could you maybe chill? I’d really like it if Nicky felt welcomed when he comes to Malta.
LeLivreDance:
Huh?
I like Nicky.
JoeKaysaNova:
What?
LeLivreDance:
We should hang out.
JoeKaysaNova:
I am so confused.
LeLivreDance:
Any guy so willing to defend his football is good in my book.
JoeKaysaNova:
Huh.
LeLivreDance:
Even if he’s completely totally fucking wrong.
JoeKaysaNova:
Yeah, that checks out.
TikTok Video posted May 4th by NickydiGenovaOfficial
Views: 3,4M
Likes: 800k
Comments: 2,5k
Saved: 56k
Nicky is heaving a large, black bag off of a luggage carousel. He squints down at the tag on it, then nods and pushes it over to Quyhn at his side. Then he grabs another of a similar size, rolling it absently backwards to the person filming. As he straightens, an old lady approaches him and catches his attention with a tug on his sleeve. He is a fair bit taller than her and has to lean down to hear what she is saying. Once it is clear what she wants, he offers a smile and a nod and wanders after her.
A cut later, the camera zooms in further down the carousel, where Nicky helps the woman haul her bags onto a luggage cart. She takes his hands and squeezes them afterwards, speaking rapidly. Nicky simply smiles again, gives a parting nod and walks back to a rather bemused looking Quyhn.
The camera flips and Andy is shown walking, filming her face and over her shoulder as the other two trail behind her. Despite her wearing heavy, black sunglasses, it is still somehow clear that she is rolling her eyes.
This was going to be a ‘arrived in Malta’-video, but I guess it’s just us showing Nicky being a damn good samaritan.
says the text underneath the video.
Audio: A Random Act of Senseless Kindness - South Sixty Five
Caption: But yeah, we arrived in Malta.
#Malta #Eurovision #goodsamaritan
NickydiGenovaOfficial commented:
No good deed too small, Andy.
AndromachetheScythianMedia replied to NickydiGenovaOfficial:
No good deed goes unpunished is another saying, Nicky. Lady stole our cab.
-
Texts between Joe and Nicky
May 4th, 9:10PM
Nicky:
:) We are almost at the hotel now.
Joe:
!! I’ll see you soon, then!
I mean, unless it’s too late to see you.
Idk if you need to head straight to bed.
Nicky:
I’d like to see you tonight, even just to say hi
Joe:
<3 I’ll wait in the lobby
Security footage - The Phoenicia - Lobby
9:34PM
Andy and Quynh are by the reception desk, talking to the concierge. Money and keys are exchanging hands.
Behind them, Joe and Nicky are locked in a tight embrace, looking in no hurry to part.
Andy and Quynh share a look once they turn and see them. Then they wander over. Andy says something.
The pair finally step out of the hug, but they don’t move far. They interlink their fingers. Nicky says something to Andy, who rolls her eyes and hands him a key.
Nicky and Joe go to the elevator. They don’t let each other's hands go. Joe pushes a button. The doors close.
And they do not let each other's hands go.
-
TikTok Video posted on May 5th by NilebytheRiver
Views: 3,2M
Likes: 780k
Comments: 1,6k
Saved: 130k
A very beautiful looking hotel breakfast space. It is on the fancier side, with marble tiled floors and soft golden stone walls, tall vaulted ceiling.
Something soft and pretty plays in the background, which does not at all suit the scowling expression on Nile’s face. It is early morning, clearly, and she has her hair up under a silk scarf. Her sour expression is betrayed by the way her eyes are glittering with amusement, though.
“I can see what’s happening.” She mimes, then quickly turns the camera to the seat beside her. In it is Booker, looking quite bedraggled and decidedly more earnestly grumpy. Still, even so, he mouths along with the voice over, “What?”
Nile turns the camera back to herself, puts on a frustrated face and throws a hand in the air, “And they don’t have a clue!”
“Who?” Booker stares blankly down the camera as it turns back to him. He has a huge glass of orange juice in his hand - though it looks a little light and has a suspicious amount of bubbles in it.
When the camera pans back to Nile, she places a hand dramatically over her forehead and swoons in her seat, “They’ll fall in love and here’s the bottom line: ” Nile swings close to Booker so they are both in the shot, holding up a hand in his face with three fingers up. “Our trio’s down to two!” She exclaims, dropping one finger in time to the lyric.
“OH!” Booker fakes a shocked gasp. The energy does not reach his eyes. He takes a huge gulp from his glass.
Nile points to him as if to say ‘you get it’, then away beyond the camera, which flips accordingly to show a very sweet, domestic looking scene.
There’s Nicky and Joe, sitting opposite one another. Nicky is smiling over a cup of coffee, cupped in both hands and held to his mouth. He’s listening to a decidedly rumpled looking Joe, speaking animatedly about something or other, half leaning across the table. Under the table, their ankles are tangled in a mess of pyjama pants and hotel branded slippers.
The camera flips again and Nile leans heavily on Booker, doing dramatic, flowy motions with her hands in the air towards the camera. He’s still looking tired, but there is also something undeniably fond in the way he looks at her theatrics. Her miming takes on an exceedingly melodramatic flare as she goes on,
“The sweet caress of twilight, there’s magic everywhere and with this romantic atmosphere, disaster’s in the air!” The last word drags out and Nile makes the camera go incredibly shaky, making the video end on a humorously blurry note.
The video loops.
Audio: Can You Feel the Love Tonight - The Lion King
Caption: Kinda rude not saving us seats is all I’m saying.
#rude #thirdwheel #canyoufeelthelovetonight #timonvibes
JoeKaysaNova commented:
And you call ME dramatic.
NilebytheRiver replied to JoeKaysaNova:
You really wanna start that fight, Joe?
JoeKaysaNova replied to NilebytheRiver:
…fair enough
NickydiGenovaOfficial commented:
You two are very funny. But you could have joined us, we had space.
NilebytheRiver replied to NickydiGenovaOfficial:
Tomorrow! <3
LeLivreDance replied to NilebytheRiver:
I am NOT getting up at six am again in this lifetime.
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied to LeLivreDance:
:(
LeLivreDance replied to NickydiGenovaOfficial:
fine okay
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied to LeLivreDance:
:) !
-
TikTok Video posted on May 5th by AndromachetheScythianMedia
Views: 1,2M
Likes: 450k
Comments: 3,2k
Saved: 24k
A shot overlooking an indoor pool. It shows a pair of long legs in jean shorts, with a laptop perched across the thighs. Beyond it, it zooms in on Quynh, in the process of doing laps in said pool.
Work could have a worse view. Says a cheeky text underneath the video.
Audio: She works hard for the money - Donna Summer
Caption: She do.
#hotel #spadays #workfromspa #Eurovisionprep
NilebytheRiver commented:
Idk who simps harder - you over Quynh or Joe over Nicky
AndromachetheScythianMedia replied to NilebytheRiver:
I think you do know the answer to that, Nile. Or at least the answer less likely to earn you a smack over the head.
NilebytheRiver replied to AndromachetheScythianMedia:
*saluting emoji* Yes, ma’am.
-
TikTok Video posted on May 6th by NilebytheRiver
Views: 1,3M
Likes: 490k
Comments: 2,3k
Saved: 90k
Nile wandering around Valletta. She’s filming the ground, showing her shadow holding hands with a taller, broader one, then films ahead. They are walking past a pretty, circular fountain in a lush garden.
A cut and they are on a pretty terrace, overlooking the sea. There are several arches lining the fine cobbled path. Nile sets the camera up on something, then tugs a bemused looking Booker to stand beneath one such arch. She hugs him around the waist, grins brightly at the camera. Booker folds a heavy arm over her shoulders and pushes his sunglasses up into his hair, posing with her.
His smile is decidedly fond, when she releases him after a quick squeeze and hurries over to the camera.
The final shot is of the ocean view, a slow, panning thing that shows the sunlight streaming down into the waves.
Checking out the sights. Gonna get busy soon.
Audio: Lost - Frank Ocean
Caption: Seriously love Valletta so far. Gotta come back after the contest.
#valetta #travel #beautifulsights
-
TikTok Video posted by on May 7th JoeKaysaNova
Views: 3,2M
Likes: 1M
Comments: 29k
Saved: 130k
A sweeping shot of a brightly lit stage. No stage lights, just regular lamps shining down, putting everything in stark, shocking detail. The stage is shaped like a horseshoe, stretching far off to the sides at a curve, with a section in the middle jutting straight out.
Nile and Booker are wandering around together with some staff. The pair are performing a slowed down version of their performance. Every few steps, the staff put down masking tape in little crosses in different places.
“Just a little bit of backstage stuff for you all…we’re having our rehearsal today. Booker and Nile are putting their cue marks on before we do a full out. Mine…” The camera pans further behind them, showing off some red tape marks. “...are already done. I got a lot less work to do. You know, with my feet at least. I’ll see if they let us film the actual rehearsal.”
There is a cut. It seems it was allowed. The camera is balanced precariously at the front of the stage, aimed up and forward at the trio. A playback version of Ya Amar plays as Joe and the others dance. Behind them is a screen, projecting a giant image of a full moon, glittering silver and white, illuminating them almost ominously from behind.
There are several cuts throughout, showing them adjust and shift things around, Joe frowning a bit up at the screen and calling to someone off stage - the next shot, the moon is a lot less bright, or perhaps the rest of the stage lights are, to off set the looming vibe of the previous version.
The video ends with Joe picking the camera back up with a thumbs up, sweat on his brow, looking more than a little exhausted.
Original Audio, Ya Amar (Studio Version) - Joe al Kaysani
Caption: We’re so close now, guys! Less than a week until the first Semi - hope you’ll all tune in and vote!
#Eurovision #rehearsal #isthemoontoobig?behonest
-
TikTok posted on May 9th by NickydiGenovaOfficial
Views: 2,5M
Likes: 690k
Comments: 45k
Saved: 120k
The Eurovision stage once more.
There is only one mark on the stage, at the very edge of the center walkway. There is a tall, black stool with a tall back on top of it. Standing by it is Nicky, hands clasped behind his back. He is listening intently to instructions from a stage hand, who is pointing in different directions. Once he is done, Nicky nods and takes his seat. Another staffer hands him his guitar and he gives them a polite half smile, before settling in.
There is no playback. Nicky just plays and sings, not minding that the acoustics are not quite right, considering the guitar isn’t plugged in to any soundsystem.
A jumpcut later, Nicky plays out the final note. He looks around towards the camera and quirks a brow.
Andy’s hand emerges from behind it and shows a firm thumbs up.
Nicky smiles, then slides off the chair.
The video ends.
Original Audio
Caption: Nailed it in one. Praise be for easy stage management.
#rehearsal #camerawork #Eurovision
-
Video filmed by Andy, 10th of May, sent to Joe
Nicky squints at the camera as he pushes his keycard into his door. “Perché mi stai filmando?”
“Don’t worry about it. You going in or what?”
“...is this a prank? Because if it is anything like-”
“It is nothing like Turin. Jesus, Nicky, will you ever let that go?”
“Not until I get rid of the glitter. And I haven’t.”
“Fine, fair. It’s not a prank. Go in.”
Nicky sighs heavily through his nose. Narrows his eyes at her one last time, then finally pushes the keycard in all the way. He opens the door with some trepidation, but doesn’t seem to spot anything too egregious, as he steps inside without further comment.
“So, why are you-” Nicky goes silent.
The camera pans to what he is looking at. Nicky’s got a suite too, so there is a familiar looking circular coffee table. And sitting on it is a very pretty bunch of potted hydrangeas. The purple blue flowers are vibrant against the dark wood. Leaning against the pot is a box of biscotti, as well as a neat, folded card.
“Oh.” Nicky breathes out. He makes his way over to the table, slowly trailing his fingers over a rounded cluster of flowers, touch gentle as can be. Under his breath, barely audible by the camera, he murmurs. “Quell'uomo ridicolo.”
“What does the card say?”
Nicky takes it, unfolding it. He reads it silently, once. His lips quirk. “‘I don’t know if this counts as in person, but I will shoot my shot. Nicky, will you go on a date with me? If yes, meet me in the lobby at four. If no, enjoy the biscotti and have a lovely evening. Love, Joe.’”
“And? Will you?”
Nicky looks at Andy over the camera. His expression is soft, but also amused. “Are you sending this to him?”
“Wouldn’t want the suspense to kill him this close to the contest.”
Nicky snorts. Folds the card back up and puts it down on the coffee table. “You are both ridiculous.” It’s said with fondness, no trace of malice. “Yes. I will go. So I must ask you to leave so I can shower and get ready.”
“Don’t wear shorts.”
“Wha-?”
The video ends abruptly.
-
TikTok Video posted on May 10th by NilebytheRiver
Views: 3,6M
Likes: 998k
Comments: 58k
Saved: 230k
The lobby of the Phoenicia. Shot from what looks to be over the back of a lounge sofa, behind some strategically placed potted plants. A song with heavy heist vibes is playing in the background.
Centred in the shot is Joe. He’s wearing a very nice pair of black slacks, paired with a black henley and a dark grey blazer - the latter is flung casually over his shoulder as he is standing waiting, other hand tucked in his pocket. He is chewing gum and his eyes are all but glued to the elevator doors. His curls and his beard both are very neatly groomed.
Then, the elevator finally opens and out steps Nicky. He is running his fingers through his short, brown hair and his eyes scans the foyer. He’s dressed in a (to an avid viewer) familiar brown suit, hanging stylishly off of his lean frame.
Joe stands sharply at attention. His lips pull into a wide, bright smile. When Nicky’s searching eyes find him, he smiles too - softer, more reserved, no less brilliant.
The two meet half way. Joe says something that makes Nicky duck his head, turns his smile a different shade of pleased. Their fingers brush as they speak for a few more moments.
Then, Joe makes a gesture towards the doors and Nicky nods. They walk out together. As they disappear out of frame, Nicky slips his hand into Joe’s.
The camera flips and reveals Nile and Booker, both wearing rather large sunglasses. They nod, in sync, towards the lens. Then, they rise together on cue and head for the doors as well and the video ends in a blurry shot of two men completely engrossed in each others’ company, completely unaware of the two people tailing them.
Audio: The name is Bond…James Bond - Casino Royal theme - David Arnold
Caption: Just gotta make sure our boy is a gentleman. And has some footage of the first date with his future husband.
#firstdate #cute #EurovisionRomance
-
TikTok draft filmed on May 10th but never posted by NilebytheRiver
Streets of Valletta. Nicky and Joe are walking together, almost out of sight. They are still holding hands. Joe is leading the way, weaving them through the rather busy streets under the afternoon sun. There is also a pair of headphones connecting them as they walk, dangling with one earbud in each ear.
“So where do you think they’ll live?” Asks Booker.
“Huh?” Nile keeps the camera steady, but it’s a little less focused, leading one to believe she is looking away from her work.
“Joe and Nicky. If they end up together after all this. Where do you think they’ll live? Italy or the Netherlands?”
“Uh…I mean, I haven’t thought about it.”
“Do you think they have?”
“.......shit, Booker, can you be a little more pessimistic?”
“I’m being realistic , Nile. Someone’s got to be.”
“It’s a first date, Book, it’s allowed to be just fun and romantic. It doesn’t have to come with a five year plan and a mortgage." Nile seems to focus back on what she is filming, trailing the camera back to Joe and Nicky from where it had sort of ended up filming a random part of the sidewalk.
“Romance is all well and good, but at some point you have to be pragmatic and realise that-”
“I’m gonna re-record.” Nile interrupts sharply, the camera turning down sharply to the ground. “No more pragmatism or whatever, okay? Joe’s happy, let him be happy. He’s had a rough year.”
“I want him happy too, Nile. And not heartbroken when the rose coloured glasses come crashing off when he realises this is more complicated than singing pretty songs to each other online. What, are we just gonna let him get invested and forget about real life, so we get stuck trying to dig him out of-”
Nile interrupts again and this time, her voice could cut glass, “I mean it, Sebastien, stop it. We can talk to him later, but right now, he’s having a lovely first date and we’re gonna be supportive friends and ooh and awh about it, okay?”
“...fine.”
The video ends.
-
TikTok Video posted on May 10th by NilebytheRiver
Views: 3,5M
Likes: 980k
Comments: 21k
Saved: 65k
Another Taylor Swift song is being played in the background, soft and sweet, with additional vocals by some Ed Sheeran, set to some pretty nice guitar.
The video is being filmed from around a corner of a pale yellow building. It zooms in on a sign saying MUZA in black and white, then zooms back out just in time to see Joe and Nicky walk inside. Joe briefly brushes his hand at the small of Nicky’s back, guiding him in ahead of himself.
One jump cut later and the camera is now panning a rather lovely looking art museum. The shot is focused on a room with green walls, lined with several gold framed classical art pieces. Joe and Nicky are standing in front of one depicting a woman dressed in blue garb, holding a child to her chest. They are standing close, shoulder to shoulder, deeply engrossed in conversation.
There is a sudden movement like someone tries to duck out of sight, as it seems like the pair are about to turn towards the camera, blurring the shot. The camera flips to show Nile and Booker laughing and hurrying around a corner.
Another cut to a room full of sculptures. Joe and Nicky are admiring a bunch of small figurines showing horses caught and frozen in a variety of poses. Joe’s hand has returned to the small of Nicky’s back. One of Nicky’s hands is resting lightly on Joe’s side in turn.
Another cut. A beautiful, maze-like hall with white walls and large paintings lining each flat surface. This time, it seems Nicky is the one explaining something, with the pair of them halted by a halo-ed woman and child. Joe’s listening with rapt attention and follows without hesitation when Nicky hooks a hand under his elbow and pulls him along to another painting.
A final shot shows the pair wandering through an extensive gift shop together. Nicky laughs and shakes his head as Joe lifts up an expensive looking earring in the shape of a golden sword, holding it to the Italian’s ear where a much more subtle silver ring sits. They peruse the shelves together, with the camera following them stealthily at a distance.
By the fact that they leave with Joe sneaking a flat square box into his jacket with one hand, Nicky’s hand in the other, it seems he purchased something , though the footage doesn’t reveal what.
Audio: Everything has Changed - Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran
Caption: Lost them after this, unfortunately. But it seems like Joe’s got it under control anyway so. Wingmen retiring for the evening. Guess we’ll get the tea after.
#MUZA #wingmen #artmuseumdate #babies
-
Private Instagram Story posted on May 10th by JoeKaysaNova
A pretty restaurant with stone walls and wooden benches, as well as rather distinct, pale green tables. Along the walls are several shelves with wine bottles, as well as holes in the rock walls where other bottles have been stuck in - for storage or decoration, who can tell.
Nicky is centred in the shot, conversing quietly with a nicely dressed waiter, who is showing him a bottle of wine. His eyes are rapt with attention, glowing a little in the pale light coming from the lamps above.
The camera flips and shows Joe and he gives the lens the tiniest of winks.
It’s not Italian, but he seems happy anyway <3 says an almost smug caption at the bottom.
Location: Legligin hovers in the top right corner.
-
Security footage - The Phoenicia - Third floor hallway
9:45PM
A security camera is set up above and angled downwards and to the side. It shows a hotel hallway and a row of doors. The walls are white, the lighting dim and cozy, the carpet lush.
Nicky and Joe walk into frame, slowing to a stop by a door. Their fingers are loosely entangled for a moment, before Nicky tugs his hand back, smiling and turning his back to the door, looking up into Joe’s eyes. They are both smiling. The energy in the hallway is suddenly quite more charged than it had been a moment ago.
“Thank you for tonight, Joe. I had a lot of fun.” Nicky’s voice is soft, barely picked up by the high tech camera above. He’s clasping his hands together behind himself, worrying his thumb against his wrist.
“Me too.” Joe hums. He sways, for a moment, back and forth on the balls of his feet. There is a long moment of silence, and then he says , “So, I have a problem.”
“Problem?” Nicky frowns.
“Yeah. I have no idea how to end this date.”
Nicky blinks.
“You didn’t answer that one.” Joe clarifies. His lips pull into a slanted smile.
Nicky’s eyes widen with sudden realization. Even with the dim lighting it is obvious how his cheeks flush, slowly, steadily, starting at his cheekbones, spreading to his nose and the rest of his cheek.
“Oh.”
There is a pause, where Nicky just stares at Joe, who starts to look nervous, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. Then, Nicky’s eyes soften. He reaches out, brushes his fingers against Joe’s jaw, then cups it with his palm. Gently, he angles Joe’s face down, steps into his space.
The kiss is light, but sure. It lingers. Joe’s hands find their way to Nicky’s waist, curling into the fabric of his suit jacket. Holds him close.
Nicky breaks the kiss with nary a sound, leaning back. His eyes are half lidded . Joe’s eyes open and looks at him as if he just hung the moon in the sky.
“Like that.” Nicky murmurs. His voice sounds wrecked, low and husky.
“...could you show me again? I, uh, wasn’t paying attention.” Joe’s voice is light, but there is a slight tremor to it that betrays him.
Nicky gives a sharp laugh, snorts. Still smiling, he steps in close again. The kiss is decidedly longer this time around, more intimate, with Nicky’s arms wrapped tight around the back of Joe’s neck. Joe’s arms disappear under Nicky’s suit jacket to hold him nearer.
It ends with Nicky’s back pressed to his door, giving a breathless sound as they part. If Joe’s gaze was bright with admiration before, it is doubly so now. If a tiny bit more glossed over and dark with something else.
Nicky guides him a step backwards, hands sliding down to his chest. He’s smiling down at his own knuckles, then looks back up into Joe’s eyes. “...good night, Yusuf.”
“Night.” Joe murmurs. Watches him unlock his door and slip inside. As the door snicks shut, he takes a step backwards and lets out a quiet groan. Covers his face with both palms, drag them down. When they lift, his smile is absolutely radiant, bordering on goofy. “...damn.” He breathes out into the solitude of the hallway.
Then, he laughs and walks out of frame, a new pep to his step as he goes.
Chapter 4: Official
Notes:
And so we arrive at the end of this fic! This one really, really got away from me - but I am ultimately extremely happy with it. I hope you guys will enjoy it all the way to the end! <3 I also want to say thank you for all the kind comments so far!
Love love peace peace, etc! <3
Chapter Text
TikTok Video, posted on May 10th by NilebytheRiver
Views: 3,4M
Likes: 670k
Comments: 13k
Saved: 34k
Filmed from the inside of Joe’s suite. The camera is aimed at the door. We hear a mechanical click and then it swings open.
Joe visibly startles in the doorway, catching sight of the camera and the person filming. He slumps against the doorway with a groan. One of his hands flies up to clutch at his heart.
“Holy SHIT, guys-”
“Sooo, how was the date?” Nile interrupts. Her grin is audible.
Joe returns it tenfold. It starts slow, pulling his lips wide. His eyes light up in a way that is entirely too telling. He sighs as sweet as a Disney princess, leaning against the door. Slowly, he slides down against it until he is seated fully on the floor, legs stretched out in front of him. He stares dreamily up at the ceiling. “He’s perfect.”
“That good, huh?” Booker drawls from behind the camera.
“I can’t believe I found him, Sebastien. He’s a dream given flesh.”
“Oh my God, stop.” Nile does not sound like she actually wants him to stop. Her voice takes on a decidedly mischievous tone, almost sing-song. “Did you guys kiss?”
Joe’s smile goes from dreamy to slightly roguish. He winks. “Oh, Nile. You know how the saying goes about gentlemen.”
“.......oh my God you totally kissed-!”
The video ends with Joe throwing his shoe at the camera.
Original Audio
Caption: Joe’s aim is getting better.
#ow #firstkiss #JoetheYearner
-
TikTok Video posted on May 10th by NickydiGenovaOfficial
Views: 1,5M
Likes: 340k
Comments: 16k
Saved: 43k
Nicky, now sans suit jacket and shirt sleeves rolled up, is leaning over the railing of his suite balcony. The camera films him in profile. There is a certain flush to his cheeks, a warmth in his eyes. He absently turns a harmonica over and over in his hands. It catches the light coming from inside, glinting with each pass. Then, he holds it properly and lifts it to his mouth.
After a brief pause for breath he begins to play. It’s a slow, almost solemn song, played with some vibrato on certain notes and a slightly jazzy undertone. The music carries quite well, drowning out some bass coming from far below. A soft wind rustles his clothes, musses his no longer gelled back hair.
Less than two minutes later Nicky finishes, lets the final note simmer and die out slowly. The video ends with him still leaning over the balcony, smiling towards the ocean.
Audio: Goodnight Julia - SEATBELTS
Caption: :) It has been a good night.
#harmonica #somenights #sunset
JoeKaysaNova commented:
Sure has :) (also wow)
QueenQuynh commented:
heading over RIGHT NOW omg
-
TikTok Video posted on May 11th by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 2,2M
Likes: 379k
Comments: 19k
Saved: 42k
A shot of Joe’s hotel suite, aimed at a cleared out spot in the middle of the room. Madonna’s ‘Vogue’ is playing in the background, specifically demanding for someone to strike a pose.
Nile struts into frame. She’s wearing a gorgeous light blue chiffon dress, floor length with a flowy train that she tosses dramatically before indeed striking a pose, hand on her hip, the other shooting the camera a peace sign. She walks off to the other side of the frame, doing a ‘come hither’ motion behind herself with her fingers as she goes.
Booker walks in after her, dressed in a far more casual style - black jeans, black t-shirt and a black suit jacket. He unbuttons the suit jacket with a flick of his fingers as he comes to a stop to pose as well. Feet planted wide apart he pushes his hands into his back pockets and lifts his head high, staring down the camera. As he walks off he shoots fingerguns over his shoulder.
Joe comes into frame last. He steps in confidently, curls groomed to perfection, rubbing at his trimmed beard. He’s wearing dark slacks that stick to him like a second skin, a nice white button down with several silver chains flashing through the three open buttons up top. Similarly coloured rings glint on his fingers as he casually tosses a leather jacket up over his shoulder, turning this way, then that in front of the camera. Winking, he shrugs the jacket on, salutes the camera and then walks off rubbing his hands together.
A cut and the three are standing huddled together, Joe in the middle, arms crossed - Nile and Booker frame him sporting finger guns. They are all acting very stoic. It lasts for all of two seconds, before the three friends laugh - Joe hip checks Booker, then ducks away laughing as Booker tries to grab him and Nile goes for the camera to end the video.
Audio: Vogue - Madonna
Caption: We clean up pretty good. Think the Eurovision red carpet is ready for us??
#Vogue #models #Eurovision #carpettime
-
TikTok Video posted on May 11th by NickydiGenovaOfficial
Views: 1,9M
Likes: 320k
Comments: 19k
Saved: 129k
Nicky is standing in front of a full length mirror. He’s gently correcting a dark blue blazer on his broad shoulders, turning to face the camera and showing off matching slacks and a white linen shirt with a couple buttons undone. He pauses a bit when seeing he is being filmed, sighs and reaches up to push his short brown hair back from his forehead.
“Andy-”
“Just making sure you’re press ready.”
“I am, I am just nervous I will say something stupid.”
“Loosen a few more buttons on that bad boy and no one will care what you say.” Quynh quips out of frame. The camera follows Nicky’s sharp stare at her, where she is lounging on what looks like his bed if one judges by the begonia on the nightstand. When the camera pans back to him, Nicky has rather buttoned an additional button on his shirt. Quynh boos.
“You look great.” Andy assures. “Just remember to take an extra breath before answering anything and you’ll be fine. And mind the sass.”
“Mente la impertinenza, yes, yes.” Nicky mumbles, turning back to the mirror. He gives himself another once over, sighs. “I will do my best.”
“All we can ask. Let’s go, the car’s waiting.”
Original Audio
Caption: Baby’s first red carpet. They grow up so fast //Andy
#sharpdressedman #pressday #mindthesass
-
TikTok Video posted on May 12th by JoeNicky4ever
Views: 4,4M
Likes: 700k
Comments: 18k
Saved: 149k
A title card, black with white text and framed with a series of Pride flags and hearts and sparkle emojis.
Joe and Nicky simping for each other for 2 minutes straight gay
A long, red carpet, lined with interviewers - different influencers, drag artists and journalists standing elbow to elbow in an eclectic array. Slowly making their way down the gauntlet are the different contestants. The vibe is very much like a party, everyone seeming to be in good spirits. In the left corner is a watermark proclaiming Eurovision Song Contest YOUTUBE, showing where the edit got most of its’ footage from.
There is a sudden zoom, to the corner of the feed, a little grainy. The focus is now Joe talking to Andy and Nicky. He has a hand on the small of Nicky’s back. Nicky’s hands are folded neatly in front of him and he has his head tilted towards Joe, listening intently. Plenty of sparkling emojis are edited in around them, as well as the text Boyfriends spotted next to them. Underneath the video, very quietly, is once again Enchanted by Taylor Swift.
A cut and Nicky is standing in front of the camera, smiling politely at the interviewer - an attractive, blonde woman in a very sparkly dress.
“So, Nicky, a little birdie told me that you only started making music last year?” She asks, voice bright and cheery.
“Yes. I have been singing for longer, but last year I was encouraged to start performing.”
“And then you went on to compete at the Sanremo festival? That is such a huge step!”
“Mm, my manager Andy has a lot of connections. It is all her doing, I owe her a lot.” Nicky’s lips twitch. “I try to pay her back with dinners.”
“Speaking of your manager - she also manages your social media, yes?” Nicky nods with a quiet hum and the woman goes on, still as bright and excited but with a certain undertone of mischief, “There has been a lot of hype over your posts lately. Especially concerning a certain romance that might be brewing behind the scenes?”
Nicky’s face is carefully blank. But there is no hiding the pink hue starting to show on his cheeks under the bright red carpet lights. “Oh?”
“Rumor has it that you and the Netherland’s contestant have been flirting online for the last few months…?”
Nicky clears his throat. Glances off to the side, lips quirking just a tiny bit more into what could almost be described as a smile. “You could say that.”
“There might even be talk of the two of you having gone on a date? Should we expect a relationship status update soon?” The woman winks and nudges Nicky with her elbow.
Nicky’s blush rapidly grows more vibrant. He looks off to the side again, eyes catching on something (or someone). Suddenly, he looks more at ease, shoulders sinking. A proper smile, warm and gentle, spreads across his face, softening it. “We had a lovely time. I think that is all I can say for now.”
“Aw, but-”
“Okay, time’s up, Nicky’s got a lot of people to chat to.” Andy suddenly steps in and, placing a hand on Nicky’s shoulder, gently urges him along. The blonde woman can’t even think to argue, it seems. Judging by the way she stares, it might have something to do with the way Andy looks in her fitted black suit. What a woman says a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it text in the left corner.
A cut and now Joe is the one standing in front of the camera, smiling brightly. He has his hands comfortably clasped behind his back, ready for his interview.
“So, Joe, we were just talking to Nicky - “ Joe immediately looks away, further down the red carpet. He seems to find what he’s looking for, smile brightening, before he looks back to the camera and interrupts,
“He looks incredible, doesn’t he?” “Nr.1simp has entered the chat” appears for the briefest second above his head.
“Oh, uh, yeah. He does. So, we asked him about your date…he said you had a lovely time but didn’t really elaborate-”
“Yeah, Nicky’s a private person like that.” Joe nods, once more interrupting - somehow, he makes it smooth, like a natural continuation of the conversation. “But we did have a lovely time. Valletta is beautiful and dare I say far more romantic than other places that boast the most romantic cities in the world. Paris’ got nothing on it and you can quote me on that.”
Off screen, there is an offended huff, barely audible. Joe glances over and winks. His lips briefly quirk into a smirk. Nr1menace has entered the chat flashes even briefer on screen.
A cut and Nicky is now in front of a different interviewer - someone dressed in an incredibly detailed, colourful gown and an equally colourful wig.
“So, Nicky - which country is your favorite to win this year?” The person asks, putting their mic up to his face with a flourish.
Nicky looks thoughtful. “Mm…my favorite or who do I think will win?”
“Both!”
“I think Sweden has a very good chance of winning this year. It is the sort of song that the juries like.” Nicky gestures a little while he speaks - the sort of absent motions one does when they are used to speaking with their hands. “But my personal favorite is Ireland. I think she has a unique voice and it is the type of music I listen to day to day.”
“One would think the Netherlands would be your favorite.” The interviewer says, not a little coyly.
Nicky gives a quiet chuckle. “You asked in the contest. In general it is a different thing.”
The interviewer squeals. A plethora of blushing and wide eyed emojis burst on the screen. Nicky moves along down the carpet, head ducked. Even so, he doesn’t quite manage to hide the pleased look on his face.
A cut and it is Joe’s turn in front of the interviewer. “Joe, which country is your favorite to win this year?”
“Oh, Italy, obviously!” Joe exclaims, smiling wide and exceedingly bright. “I can’t say enough nice things about Inoltrare, Nicky’s voice is like an angel’s and I think everyone in Europe is going to fall as much in love with it as I have.”
“You know, Nicky said his favorite song was Ireland’s.”
“Not surprising.” Joe says, utterly non-plussed, still smiling brightly.
“He also said in general, you were his favorite.” The interviewer winks.
Joe’s face goes a rather fetching shade of pink. All around him are suddenly blushing emojis, emojis with heart eyes and covering their little yellow faces. Again, he looks off down the red carpet. Reaches up and rubs the back of his head a moment, then smooths his hair back down. “Well, isn’t that sweet?”
Another cut and we see Joe and Nicky slipping through a pair of doors in the background of an interview with a different contestant. They appear to be holding hands. Sneaky bois flashes across the scene as it replays in slow motion.
The video ends with a short montage of snap shot moments where the men are in the background of other interviews, walking together, brushing fingers against each other when they part, sharing secret smiles across the red carpet and one particularly eye catching moment that has them tucked away against a pillar, Joe’s hand on Nicky’s hip and Nicky’s on Joe’s chest, running a thumb lightly back and forth against the bare skin there. All set to romantic music and a banner across the top reading:
Love is real
Original Audio
Caption: i can’t even with these two omg love is real
#Eurovision #love #JoetheYearner #NickyYearnsToo #cuties
The comments are filled with a mix of excited GIFs as well as people lamenting and wishing this type of love will hit them like a train to the face.
-
TikTok Video posted on May 12th by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 1,2M
Likes: 167k
Comments: 1,1k
Saved: 2k
A restaurant, seemingly at lunch. It looks to be rather casual, with a lot of TV screens around, most of them showing some manner of sports games.
From the side, the camera is showing Nicky and Booker, both gesturing towards one of said TV screens - gesturing so hard, in fact, that they are in danger of knocking over their half full glasses of beer from the table. The tone of their voices can’t be heard, as a very cheery song drowns them out by proclaiming:
“Sports go sports
Athletics are number one
Participants are heroes
Go team yeah!”
idk how but they are shouting in Italian and French and totally understand each other anyway??? says a very confused text at the top of the video. The camera pans to the other side of the table, where Nile has her face buried in her hands, clearly suppressing laughter.
Audio: Sports Go Sports - Garfunkel and Oats
Caption: Don’t worry, we left before anyone could get hurt.
#sports #theygonfight #europeansandfootball
QueenQuynh commented:
LOLLLL the only thing that can piss our precious boi off - sports
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied to QueenQuynh:
Not sports. Wrong opinions about sports.
LeLivreDance replied to NickydiGenovaOfficial:
Nope, you’re not getting me going again, I’m an adult
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied to LeLivreDance:
:) ok
NilebytheRiver commented:
American football is superior anyways
LeLivreDance replied to NilebytheRiver:
seriously?
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied to NilebytheRiver:
Do not get me started on this - why do they call it football, when they play with their hands?
LeLivreDance replied to NickydiGenovaOfficial:
Beats me, mon ami.
JoeKaysaNova replied to LeLivreDance:
Ah, the one unifying factor of sports in Europe - hating on American football.
-
TikTok Video posted on May 12th by NickydiGenovaOfficial
Views: 2,2M
Likes: 346k
Comments: 6k
Saved: 13k
Someone is filming walking across a familiar hotel room, camera wobbling a little with each step, heading to some glass balcony doors. It steps through and pans across the pretty view, then down further to focus on the balcony itself.
The camera finds Nicky leaning back in a padded patio chair and one leg crossed comfortably over the other, ankle hooked across his knee. It is early evening, judging by the dim sunlight streaming in, bathing him in a yellowish orange glow. He’s got his sleeves rolled up, clearly enjoying the warm spring air.
He is holding a book, one large hand cupping the spine and fingers splaying on either side of the cover. The other is absently running a page between forefinger and thumb while he reads.
“What’cha got there, Nicky?” Quyhn asks behind the camera. Nicky’s lips quirk up a bit in a fond smile, but he doesn’t lift his gaze to her.
“A book.”
Quynh huffs. “I see you and Andy have exchanged comedy tips.”
“She taught me everything I know.”
“You’re lucky I love you. What are you reading?” The camera steps closer and then lowers - a soft squeak indicates Quynh has taken a seat in the second patio chair.
Nicky shifts his hold on the book to flip the front towards her wordlessly. The cover has a beautiful charcoal drawing of a dove in flight carrying a square envelope with a bright red heart sticker keeping it sealed. On the letter it says ‘Incurable Romantic’ and in the left hand corner the author’s name is written in subtle, black letters. ‘Yusuf al Kaysani’.
“Is it any good?” Quynh asks.
Nicky hums, turns the book back to himself and squirms his shoulders against the chair. “It is beautiful. I don’t read poetry much, but I think so.”
“Got nothing to do with the author being cute?”
Nicky sends her a quick glance, eyes sparkling with warmth. “I can’t deny being biased.”
The video ends with Quynh lightly kicking Nicky’s ankle and giggling viciously.
Original Audio
Caption: It really is good, though. My favorite poem is ‘On Distant Shores’.
#poetry #bookreview #incurableromantic
JoeKaysaNova commented:
WHAT
NickydiGenovaOfficial replied to JoeKaysaNova:
:)
AndromachetheScythianMedia commented:
Come back to the room, @ QueenQuynh. I’ll show you something way more romantic.
QueenQuynh replied to AndromachetheScythianMedia:
Is it you naked?
AndromachetheScythianMedia replied to QueenQuynh:
You know it.
QueenQuynh replied to AndromachetheScythianMedia:
heck yeah.
NilebytheRiver commented:
omg Nicky you won’t believe the shade of red Joe just turned
JoeKaysaNova replied to NilebytheRiver:
DID NOT
NilebytheRiver replied to JoeKaysaNova:
The all caps really sells how cool you are, good job
-
Text between Joe and Nicky
May 12th
Joe:
How did you get that book???
Nicky!!!
Nicky:
Hold on, finishing ‘Trash or Treat’. I like the little drawing of the racoon under it.
Joe:
!!!!!
NICKY PUT MY BOOK DOWN AND ANSWER ME RN ):<
Nicky:
Sebastien sent it to me as a gift
Joe:
That bastard.
Nicky:
:) I really like it, Joe.
Joe:
I’m coming over and I am stealing it back
Nicky:
I won’t say no to you coming over, but I am locking it up. It is my most prized possession now.
Joe:
Don’t think being cute will get you out of trouble, you minx.
Nicky:
:)
Joe:
Damnit.
-
Security footage - Hotel Phoenicia - Third floor hallway
18:37
Joe storms into the frame, seemingly at a light jog coming from the elevator. He’s a little bit of a mess, hair askew, linen shirt and trousers wrinkled as if he might have been lounging in bed. He comes to a stop by a door and knocks. Smoothes down his shirt best he can, then crosses his arms and tilts his hip, forcing the grin on his face away and replacing it with a very put upon pout. Holds the pose with what seems to be some difficulty.
The door opens a few moments later, revealing Nicky. His face brightens into a smile before he bursts into laughter seeing the look on Joe’s face. He takes a moment to compose himself, then reaches out and brushes his fingers against Joe’s cheek.
“Oh, poverino.” He coos. Takes a step back, takes Joe’s hand and pulls him over the threshold to his room.
Before Joe steps out of sight, his sulky expression melts into something far less sour. Something absolutely unguarded and devastatingly adoring.
The door closes. The hallway remains quiet for a very long time.
-
TikTok posted on May 13th by NilebytheRiver
Views: 620k
Likes: 88k
Comments: 568
Saved: 6k
Filmed at the hotel breakfast from across the table. The subject is Booker, sitting with his phone propped up against a decorative vase in front of him. He’s smiling, warm and fond at the screen, chewing on some toast.
The camera flips and shows Nile, looking more than a little fond herself, lower lip pouty and expression sweetly sentimental.
Kids wishing him good luck and having breakfast, adorable as heck, I swear says a clearly fond text across the bottom.
Audio: Father Figure - George Michael
Caption: I’m not tearing up, you’re tearing up, shut up - but also tune in tonight, our Semi is on!!!
#cute #Eurovision #bestdad
-
TikTok posted on May 13th by LeLivreDance
Views: 450k
Likes: 58k
Comments: 2k
Saved: 21k
A very familiar hotel breakfast once again, filmed at a suspiciously similar table as well from the previous video.
This time, Nile is the focus of the shot. She’s got her phone propped up against the vase too and appears to be cooing at it, waving at the screen and giggling every now and then. The camera lifts and shifts and goes behind her, revealing what she is looking at.
There is a face time call going. In it is a pair of women Nile’s age and Snickers. The dog is excitedly barking at the screen and at times takes up the entirety of it, as he pushes his snout right to the camera.
Kid wishing her good luck, doing his best, says a far more wry text at the bottom of the video.
Audio: Father Figure - George Michael
Caption: So anyway, semis today - can’t decide if I want to get through or if it would be nicer to just chill and watch the finale on TV tbh
#Eurovision #dog #bestmom
AndromachetheScythianMedia commented:
Can definitely see the family resemblance.
NilebytheRiver replied to AndromachetheScythianMedia:
I know right??? He’s got my eyes <3
DoubleDizzy commented:
lol good luck tonight guys
-
TikTok posted on May 13th by AndromachetheScythianMedia
Views: 1,3M
Likes: 359k
Comments: 2k
Saved: 34k
A hotel suite, filmed from a large bed. The camera swoops to one side, showing Quynh in a bathrobe, a huge bag of chips on her lap and sitting against the headboard. Swoops to the other side and shows Nicky, also in a bathrobe and pyjama pants and propped up against a pair of large pillows. The camera swoops forward and shows a flatscreen TV showing footage from the first semi finals.
The scene lights flash and glint red, white and blue, drag on horizontally and then dissipate.
Across the screen, ‘The Netherlands’ fades into view, the same colours superimposed as a fluttering flag within the text. Underneath, a white text proclaims:
‘Ya Amar - Joe al Kaysani
Music and Lyrics: Joe al Kaysani
A cut later, Joe is in the middle of his performance, going into the chorus. He marches up to the front of the stage, grinning, fully in his element as he belts,
“I am found in your kiss
Thrill and Heat
All and More
My moon in the night sky,”
Joe winks to the camera zooming by him, points to it, “Ya Amar,” Then points to the crowd, holding the microphone towards them,
“Ya Amar!” Comes an exalted echo from the crowd. Joe throws his head back with a burst of pleased breath, then dances backwards and goes on.
The camera flicks to Nicky. He is hugging his knees staring at the screen, all but enraptured. His smile is not nearly as vibrant as Joe’s but it is utterly delighted.
Another cut and the camera is coming back to the end of Joe’s performance where he dramatically falls to his knees while Booker and Nile embrace behind him, all three perfectly centred on the backdrop of a beautiful full moon. All three breathe heavily and then Joe jumps to his feet, punches the air and waves brightly to the camera and the crowd, shouting his thanks until the camera finally cuts away from him to show a panorama shot of a crowd going wild.
A final cut and the camera has returned to Nicky. Quynh is there too, having draped herself over his legs, cooing up at him, “Is he your favorite NOW, babe?”
Nicky’s cheeks are flushed and he smiles down at her, lightly petting her smooth, dark hair. “He always was.” He murmurs, maybe a little breathless. A laugh tumbles past his lips when Quynh squeals in excitement and promptly rolls off the bed and the video comes to a rather abrupt end.
Original Audio
Caption: Got there first. Better not throw the competition for your man, Nicky.
#Eurovision #Semifinals #JoealKaysani
NickydiGenovaOfficial commented:
I have more pride than that, Andy. But he did very well, no? :)
AndromachetheScythianMedia replied to NickydiGenovaOfficial:
He was alright
JoeKaysaNova replied to AndromachetheScythianMedia:
I think that’s the nicest thing you have ever said to me. *teary eyed emoji*
AndromachetheScythianMedia replied to JoeKaysaNova:
Stop checking social media and focus on the show, man.
JoeKaysaNova replied to AndromachetheScythianMedia:
*saluting emoji* Yes boss
-
TV footage from the First Semi Final
May 13th
The camera is panning over the Green Room. All the artists are seated in individual booths, dyed in soothing whites and bright pastel reds made of what looks to be a pleather material. The contestants are flanked by their entourages and there are a plethora of small flags being waved representing their countries.
The camera changes to one aimed at the hosts, a young woman and a handsome older man, standing at a glass podium.
“And so, we only have one spot left to announce,” The young woman says, looking down to her cue cards, face severe. The older man nods solemnly, then makes a joking show of trying to peek at her notes - she pulls them away with a disapproving, playful scowl. “Our tenth country that will go through to the Grand Final…drum roll please…oooh, the tensions are HIGH…”
The screen is suddenly split into five, showing the countries still waiting for a spot in the finals. We see Slovenia, Cyprus, Georgia, Croatia…and a very familiar contestant from the Netherlands. They are all at the edge of their seats, looking appropriately tense.
(Joe, noticing the camera, does wink at it and makes an effort to relax his shoulders. Booker and Nile are flanking him - Nile has her face buried in his shoulder and Booker looks characteristically non-plussed)
“Our final entry to go through…is…” There is an altogether too long pause. The crowds are decidedly getting restless, calling out, barely muted out, all waiting for the verdict with open impatience. “THE NETHERLANDS!”
The five split screen immediately zooms in on the camera on Joe. He jumps to his feet with a gasp and then drags both his friends into a three way hug that looks just a tiny bit too tight, if one judges by the way Booker seemingly chokes in the middle of it.
-
Instagram story by JoeKaysaNova, May 13th
A selfie of Joe, posed on his hotel balcony. In the background is the vast, star studded night sky, a full moon (or maybe a sliver or so from it) lighting up the space. His face is soft, expression a little tired, but also full of mirth.
In his arms is a beautiful bouquet of mixed flowers - colourful and bright, all yellows and pinks and gentle greens. They are brightened even further by some sort of filter placed on the picture.
Thank you for all the support, everyone - can’t wait for the finals!! And an even bigger thank you to Nicky for the flowers <3 says a slightly sappy looking caption, trailed with many, many hearts.
-
TikTok Video posted May 14th by NilebytheRiver
Views: 990k
Likes: 212k
Comments: 549
Saved: 14k
A video filmed in a hotel bathroom. The lighting is a tiny bit too bright to be flattering, but Nile still manages to look absolutely stunning. She is dressed to the nines in a skintight leather crop top and matching shorts, hair done up high and wearing the sparkliest of eyeshadow. She throws up a peace sign and blows a kiss at the camera.
Club Euro ain’t ready for this heat says the cheeky caption splayed across the top of the video.
The video loops.
Audio: TiK ToK - Ke$ha
Caption: Wish me luck babysitting the old men lol
#clubeuro #dancethenightaway #nightout
-
TikTok Video posted on May 14th by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 3,4M
Likes: 410k
Comments: 13k
Saved: 40k
A sweeping shot across a busy club. The place is a blur of moving bodies and flashing lights of colourful neon green and pink and the glint of glass from bottles and drink glasses held high. There is a thudding base, the kind that you can feel in your teeth and excitable voices singing along to the music in the background - not well, but definitely loud. The lyrics seem to be in rapid Finnish.
The camera pans away again to the table the video is filmed from. Nile is standing by it, arms raised, laughing as she dances to the heavy beat. Behind her sits Booker, looking impressed and tense at the same time, dressed in a t-shirt and a shade too tight jeans.
The camera flips to show Joe, grinning widely at the camera and shooting a peace sign. Then it tilts to show Nicky sitting beside him, looking decidedly bemused, but he does smile a little wider when Joe turns to face him. They hold eye contact for a long moment, before Nicky ducks his head and takes a sip from his drink.
Joe focuses the camera back to himself and winks as a text pops up for a moment across the top of the screen.
Club Euro doesn’t disappoint
The video loops.
Audio: Cha Cha Cha - Käärijä
Caption: Three old men and a party girl walk into a club. It goes pretty much as you’d expect.
#ClubEuro #dance #party #bookeristoooldforthisshit
-
Instagram Story posted on May 14th by NilebytheRiver
A video shot with the front camera of a phone. Nile is in the middle of a crowd of dancing people, looking absolutely in her element, head thrown back, eyes closed, swaying to the music, one arm in the air, the other holding the camera steady and aimed down at herself.
Behind her, you can just barely make out the shape of a man, a familiar broad chest and large hands resting lightly on her hips. Following her movements rather than guiding them.
The words Only good vibes are written across the bottom of the video in swirly, neon orange lettering.
-
Instagram Story posted on May 14th by JoeKaysaNova
A photo with a cute effect added to give the picture a border of golden sparks.
Joe’s behind Nicky, arms wrapped around his waist, chin hooked over his shoulder. The camera seems to be propped up against something, showing the pair seated together in a quieter part of the club. The picture has frozen a few beams of neon coloured lights across their faces, illuminating their matching warm smiles for the camera to capture.
We’re just here for the cocktails proclaims the caption of blocky letters above the golden border.
-
Instagram Story posted on May 14th by NilebytheRiver
A sneaky video focused on the dance floor, shot between the arching back of a woman covered in body glitter and a man wearing a pair of impressively tight, silver booty shorts.
It shows Joe and Nicky wrapped around each other. Joe has his hands on Nicky’s hip and small of his back, seemingly guiding him along to the beat. The Italian is doing a surprisingly, perhaps even shockingly good job of keeping up. His arms are wrapped around Joe’s neck and he is looking at him through his lashes. Somewhere along the evening, he has rolled up his sleeves and loosened a few buttons of his shirt.
Not too bad for a pair of old men, Nile opines in her caption. There is also a blushing emoji partially covering its’ little yellow face at the end of the message.
The video cuts just as Joe seems to be ducking down - for a kiss or to praise Nicky’s dancing remains a mystery.
-
Instagram Story posted on May 14th by NilebytheRiver
At the top of the screen, there is a sticker of a digital clock - the time of posting is, according to it, 02:18.
A video, slightly shaky, showing Nile walking down the streets of Valletta. In her hand is a fast food paper cup with a thick straw. She sips on it with a slightly dreamy expression, then flips the camera to film ahead of herself.
Joe and Nicky are walking ahead of her. Joe has an arm around Nicky’s waist and Nicky one wrapped securely around Joe’s neck. Their steps are decidedly unsteady. If it is due to overconsumption of certain alcoholic beverages or the way they are attempting to feed each other fries while walking remains a mystery.
The text ‘Obligatory McD-stop to crown a great night out’ provides some context to the video in a semi-translucent border across the middle of the video.
-
Texts between Andy and Nicky
May 15th, 08:15
Andy:
Missed you at breakfast
Nicky:
yes
Andy:
You good?
Nicky:
I think something died in my mouth.
Andy:
That’s tequila for you
Nicky:
never again
Andy:
sure
Did you have fun?
Nicky:
It was different. Not my thing. But yes.
Joe made it fun. :)
Andy:
Sap
Quynh is bringing you coffee and toast
I’m sending my regards and having a jog on the beach without you.
Nicky:
:) She is a good person. You have much to learn from her.
Andy:
she’s also bringing pickle juice.
Nicky:
sorry?
Andy:
*shrugging emoji*
-
Texts between Nicky and Quynh
May 15th, 08:20
Nicky:
just so you know, I am not in my room right now. no need to rush with the coffee. I’ll be back soon.
Quynh:
!!!!!!
You saucy bastard. Where did you wake up?
Nicky:
:)
Quynh:
!!!! NIICKYYYYYYYY
-
Texts between Joe and Nile
May 15th, 09:10
Nile:
sooooo
Joe:
too early for vagueness, Nile
Nile:
Nicky slept over?
Joe:
and definitely too early for gossip ;)
Nile:
!!! So there IS gossip?!
Joe:
lol no
we were wasted and fell asleep with our jeans on
Even with the headache, best sleep I’ve ever had
He’s an angel :)
Nile:
damn, I was hoping for some steamy tea and all I get is lukewarm leaf juice.
Joe:
One of these days, young lady, you’ll understand the simple joy of waking up next to the love of your life and cuddling in the early morning light.
Nile:
I prefer being awake all night and getting sweaty tbh.
Joe:
okay TMI NILE I DO NOT NEED TO KNOW THAT
Nile:
Then I am definitely not telling you about when and where Booker went to bed last night ;D
Joe:
NILE PLEASE, I AM NAUSEOUS ENOUGH ALREADY
-
TikTok Video, posted May 15th by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 2,4M
Likes: 235k
Comments: 1,2k
Saved: 45k
Filmed in a hotel room suite, specifically in a bedroom. Someone has set up a low bed tray, ladened with various snacks and drinks across the bottom of it as well as further refreshments on a table set up by the side of the bed. The camera pans to show the elaborate set up, while a song speaking of Eurovision tropes plays in the background.
A cut later and Joe repeats the pan, only now there are people in the shot as well.
Nile and Booker are sitting together up against one side of the kingsized bed. Nile waves with a grin - Booker gives a decidedly less friendly, french hand gesture that Joe quickly pans away from. Beside them is Nicky, ankles crossed and hands cupped around a steaming mug, smiling beatifically at the camera. The shot lingers and then quickly shoots away, as if the one filming suddenly remembered there was more to show. The camera finds Andy and Quynh, who have congregated at the foot of the bed in a nest of pillows on the floor with the latter’s head resting on the former’s shoulder.
Another cut later Joe seemingly has moved to the empty space on the bed, filming the TV as the second semi-final starts playing - zooming in dramatically on the Eurovision logo as the video comes to an end and then loops.
Audio: Love Love Peace Peace - Måns Zelmerlöf & Petra Mede
Caption: Watching with all of my favorite people - Eurovision really does bring people together :)
but on Saturday we are all enemies again make no mistake ):<
#Eurovision #Semifinals #snacksislife
AndromachetheScythianMedia commented:
Bold words from someone within popcorn throwing distance.
QueenQuynh replied to AndromachetheScythianMedia:
I’ll hold him down, you throw.
JoeKaysaNova replied to QueenQuynh:
A GIF of a Simpson character with the words ‘I’m in danger’ flashing across the screen
NickydiGenovaOfficial commented:
:) it was a lovely evening. congratulations to Armenia for making it through this year.
-
Snippet from Eurovision press tour
May 16th, early afternoon.
A camera pans across several contestants sitting lined up in a row on a podium. A large banner hangs behind them, the words ‘United by Music’ emblazoned in large letters across the colourful fabric. Underneath is a subtitle - Love will Prosper where each ‘O’ is replaced by a stylized heart - the slogan of this year’s Eurovision . Each contestant has a sign in front of them with their names and countries typed out for the crowd of journalists below to see.
A bunch of branded merch are also lined up along the tables set up in front of them, together with skinny mics placed in front of them. All of the Eurovision sponsors are represented - the most prominent being on all of the water bottles, provided by Merrick Pharmaceuticals. Each of them have the logo stamped across the entire bottle, loud and proud, as well as claiming a number of health benefits in large print along the sides.
In full view of the cameras we see Joe squint at the water bottle placed in front of him. Then, he takes it and very pointedly leans down to place it on the floor, out of sight.
Later, after many a playful question and quip and congratulations to all the semi-finalists, a journalist calls on him,
“Joe! I can’t help but notice you put away your water earlier…not thirsty?” There is a chorus of mildly amused chuckles among the journalists and contestants alike.
Joe doesn’t laugh. He shrugs, crosses his arms and leans over the microphone. “I just don’t want to be associated with that company.”
There is a sudden tension in the room. A few contestants share a glance. Someone coughs at the back of the room.
“Oh?” The journalist questions. He sounds a little bit hesitant, as if he isn’t sure it is a good idea to go on. Still, he does. “How come?”
“It’s a notoriously immoral company.” Joe goes on, not even blinking, clearly not giving a damn about the way the temperature drops or the way the contestant to his left’s smile has become noticeably strained. “Not only are the health benefits of their products highly exaggerated and their working conditions for employees ratched, but they are also performing painful and unnecessary animal testing. Did you know that they killed a quarter of a million lab mice already this year? And we’re not even half way through. Not exactly,” Joe makes air quotes as he goes on, “‘life forward’, is it?”
“I, uh…I didn’t know that.” The journalist clears his throat. A bead of sweat trickles down his temple. “That’s…”
“Maybe we should move on.” The MC of the event cuts him off in a far too chipper tone. “I see another hand raised over there…”
The conference ends rather quickly after that.
-
E-Mails sent on May16th
From: MerrickPharmaPR
To: copleystudios, ESC
Subject: The Water Incident
Mister Copley,
I have taken the liberty of adding the Eurovision representatives into this e-mail chain, as I think this involves all of us at this point.
Firstly, we are highly appalled at the slander coming from your contestant during today’s press conference. We assume this was not authorized by your company, but it still reflects quite poorly on you if you cannot control your talent and allow them to spread such blatant misinformation to our consumers.
Merrick Pharmaceuticals pride ourselves in our work ethic and the way we conduct our research. For Mister al- Kaysani to imply otherwise is not only incredibly indecorous, but also incredibly damaging to our brand. It would not be out of the question for us to sue him for defamation, as well as your company for breach of contract. We expect a certain decorum from the Eurovision contestants, considering the huge contributions we have made to the contest over the years.
We will, however, settle for an apology and an assurance no further comments such as the ones at the press conference will be made by Mister al- Kaysani or anyone else from your team. If you do not comply, we will pursue further action on behalf of Stephen Merrick, who was very distraught by this negative media attention his company has received.
Best regards
Noel Johnson
From: copleystudios
To: MerrickPhramaPR, ESC
Subject: Re: The Water Incident
Mister Johnson,
First, let me personally apologize for the comments made by my client this afternoon. We of course realise the seriousness of the situation and will act accordingly.
Rest assured that I am having a very firm conversation with Mister al- Kaysani regarding this matter. He certainly should have known better. No further comments will be made towards your company for the duration of the contest, I will personally make sure of that.
I will have Mister al-Kaysani write a heartfelt apology and send it your way as soon as possible.
Best regards
James Copley
-
Texts between Joe and Copley
May 16th
Copley:
I’ve managed to smooth things over with Merrick’s PR team for now, but please don’t pull another stunt like that, Joe. Merrick Pharmaceuticals are known to be extremely litigious.
Joe:
Being quiet is being complicit. If someone asks, I’m not about to pretend to love the taste of MP vitamin water. They should be glad I didn’t mention they’re funding an active genocide right now and not just of mice.
Copley:
This is not the time for a crusade, Yusuf. Unless you want to be sued for millions of dollars, which I certainly do not, PLAY BY THE RULES. If someone asks anything, at most you will reply ‘no comment’. This is not only your career on the line here, alright? I cannot afford to lose my health insurance and you know that.
Joe:
Fine.
Copley:
I am sorry, I understand it is difficult.
Once the contest is over, you are free to say what you like about their company. Just not in regards to the Eurovision. And not anything that could be seen as slander. Make sure you add ‘allegedly’ to everything and show reputable sources for your claims and you should be fine on that front.
Joe:
Oh.
Copley:
I’ve got your back, Joe. Don’t doubt that.
-
TikTok posted on May 16th by JoeKaysaNova
Views: 3,4M
Likes: 220k
Comments: 5k
Saved: 76k
Joe, slightly sweaty, sitting cross legged on the floor of a dressing room. He’s being filmed from above as he does a dramatic swoon and flops onto his back, doing a thumbs up once he’s settled down. He is clearly breathing heavily, chest straining against his tight leather vest.
At his side stands Booker, very unenthusiastically fanning him with a magazine.
Jury show done - hope for at least some twelves tomorrow fingers crossed explains the context of his exhaustion.
Audio: Ya Amar (Studio Version) - Joe Al-Kaysani
Caption: The journey is almost over, guys - ONE DAY LEFT UNTIL EUROVISION FINALS!!!
#Eurovision #finale #yaamar
-
TikTok posted on May 16th by AndromachetheScythianMedia
Views: 1M
Likes: 189k
Comments: 3k
Saved: 35k
A sneaky shot across a restaurant. Nicky and Quynh are up by a buffet table, heads close together as they are inspecting something laid out on a tray before them. Quynh pokes a bit at it with a pair of tongs, before shaking her head and grabbing Nicky by the arm to pull him further down the line. Nicky follows dutifully, nodding along whatever it is she is saying.
Bring two foodies to dinner, they said. It will be fun, they said. Says a rather wry sounding text across the top of the video as the camera follows suit.
A cut later, the pair are back by the table. The camera pans over three plates - two that look very particularly put together, a third that is basically a pile of random food. The camera pans up to show both Nicky and Quynh looking utterly disgusted. It doesn’t seem to be an act.
The camera flips and shows Andy. She shrugs and puts a forkful of food in her mouth. From that brief glimpse, an eagle eyed viewer might spot a mix of some form of white fish, cheddar cheese, a cut of pork and a piece of pineapple. All dripping with a mysterious red sauce.
The video ends abruptly.
Audio: Eat Steak - The Reverend Horton Heat
Caption: All food’s good if you’re hungry enough. Bit of a celebration gone wrong I guess. Congrats to @ NickydiGenovaOfficial to a successful jury performance.
#foodie #foodporn #foodcrimes #Eurovision
QueenQuynh commented:
BABE. You have the most advanced palate I have ever known and you just decide to do THAT with it I can’t even I want a divorce.
AndromachetheScythianMedia replied to QueenQuynh:
I’ve seen your midnight cravings, you can’t judge me.
NickydiGenovaOfficial commented:
If you didn’t also pick the best wines to pair with anything, I’d refuse to share a table with you ever again.
AndromachetheScythianMedia replied to NickydiGenova:
Lucky me then
-
Security footage - Hotel Phoenicia - Third floor hallway
May 16th
21:39
We see Joe wandering into the empty hallway. He comes to a pause by a certain door. Hesitates there for a long few seconds. Pushes his hands through his hair, his neatly groomed beard. Licks his lips, then finally knocks.
The door opens within just a few moments revealing Nicky, dressed for bed in pyjama pants with bare feet poking out the bottom and a t-shirt. He smiles warmly, leaning his shoulder against the doorframe.
“Good evening, Joe.”
“Hi.” Joe returns the smile, brushing his fingers against Nicky’s when the man reaches out for him. “Just wanted to, uh, wish you good luck. You know, tomorrow. In case we miss each other at breakfast, I thought I’d just…” He trails off, then shrugs once he can’t find a way to finish the thought.
“Mm. It will be busy.” Nicky agrees. His smile wanes just so and he reaches out with his free hand to brush it against Joe’s jaw. “Are you okay? I heard something about trouble with Merrick-”
“It’s fine. All sorted.” Joe interrupts, hitches his smile a grade higher on his face.
Nicky is quiet. Holds his gaze steadily on Joe. After a few seconds, Joe’s shoulders slump and his smile slips away.
“...okay, so it’s a little stressful.”
“I can’t imagine. I was surprised. You put a huge target on your back. They could have taken you out of the competition for it. I-”
“I don’t regret saying it.” Joe says, defensiveness evident even through the poor audio quality.
Nicky frowns. “As you shouldn’t. I was going to say I thought it was very brave of you to stick to your beliefs, Yusuf. You are principled and you don’t back down even when it could have cost you. I...I truly admire that about you.”
Joe’s face twists for a moment. Nicky makes a sound in the back of his throat. Pulls him in and holds him tight. He murmurs something into his ear, too quiet for the camera to pick up. Whatever it is causes a visible shudder to run down Joe’s spine and Nicky wraps his arms tighter around him.
For several minutes, the two embrace. More inaudible sentiments are shared, judging by what little can be seen of their faces. What is said is only for them to know.
Joe’s the one who steps back. Not far, just far enough to brush a kiss to the corner of Nicky’s lips, then a proper one to his mouth. “...I’m good. Really, I am. I’ll see you tomorrow, yeah?”
“Yes.” Nicky cups his cheek in his hand briefly, smiles when Joe turns his face to press a kiss into his palm for the gesture. “Good night, Joe. I hope you sleep well.”
“Sweet dreams.” Joe steps away. Waits with his hands in his pockets and a small smile until Nicky has closed the door to his room again. Then, he draws a deep, deep breath. Tilts his head back and stares up at the ceiling.
“I’ll ask tomorrow.” He mutters to himself. And with those cryptic words, he turns and disappears out of frame.
-
TikTok posted on May 17th by NilebytheRiver
Views: 769k
Likes: 198k
Comments: 459
Saved: 10k
A video filmed with the front camera. Nile is in the centre of the shot, holding the phone aimed at her, Joe and Booker as they stand in their hotel hallway. They look a little bedraggled in casual sleepwear.
Nile mimes along to the lyrics of the song - if they can be called that in that moment, as they are little more than soundbytes;
“Bing-bop-boom-boom-boom-bop-bam,”
As she finishes the final word, Nile sharply jerks the phone to the right and there is a sudden transition. The next frame, they are suddenly standing in a brightly lit dressing room. The Netherland flag is prominently displayed in the background, as well as a row of vanities with mirrors and gold trimmed lightning bulbs.
The trio are now fully dressed and glammed up for the show in their performance outfits. All leather and plenty of bare skin. Nile winks at the camera and mouths along to the lyrics once more,
“The type of – I'm on, you wouldn't understand,”
The video ends with Joe picking Nile up over his shoulder and walking forward past the camera, grinning wildly while she kicks and struggles. Her laughter is muted under the sound of the music. Booker remains where he is and simply does a thumbs up at the camera.
Audio: peekabo - Kendrick Lamar
Caption: EUROVISION FINALS, HERE WE GO!
#Eurovision #Finale #kendricklamar #yaamar
-
TikTok posted May 17th by NickydiGenovaOfficial
Views: 1,2M
Likes: 330k
Comments: 5k
Saved: 88k
A rather busy corridor, possibly part of a backstage area. The camera pans around the mayhem slowly. People are running around carrying electronics, cables and many other things. It is dimly lit, probably would be a bit of a hell on the ears if we could hear all the ambient noise going on. As it is, the audio is still a bit of pandemonium with a female voice screaming and slightly grating, panicked music.
Then, just as the camera finds what it is looking for, the music transitions into something much more tranquil.
We see Nicky, sitting in a chair against the wall. His head is lightly bent, his hands folded relaxedly around a neatly folded up piece of red, white and green fabric. His eyes are closed and he looks to all the world as if he might be simply taking a nap in the midst of the chaos. Over the unbothered scene, the female voice from earlier goes on to sing very sweetly,
“All the time, I’m grateful all the time”
The video loops
Audio: All-American Bitch - Olivia Rodrigo
Caption: Locked in and ready to go
#nickydigenova #Eurovision #timetogo
-
SNIPPETS FROM THE EUROVISION FINALS - THE BBC BROADCAST
The contest starts as it always does - the Eurovision anthem played loud and proud over their logo. Te Deum in D-minor fades out into exuberant applause as the stage lights up in a spectacular display. Red and white lights flash intermittently like fireworks across the top and herald the start of the opening act - the previous year’s winner’s song remixed with several of Malta’s most successful acts of years previous.
Once the show ends, the bright and excited voice of Graham Norton exclaims, “Good evening and welcome to the Eurovision! Like always, I am your gracious voice over and provider of snappy commentary, Graham Norton…and as we watch the contest come to a start, I will remind you of this year’s theme as it comes flashing across your screens…no, not the Maltese flag, but ‘Love will Prosper’. Cute and as always, ultimately pointless.”
-
Next comes the flag parade. The welcome and introduction of each country and their contestants, a beloved intro to the contest. Malta’s own Destiny of Je me Casse-fame is the one to provide vocals and sassy dance moves at regular intervals during the proceedings. This year sees the stage darkening and then bursting with pillars of sparks in each country’s flag colours in between each entrance.
“Someone in Malta’s pyrotechnic community must have bribed the contest,” chortles Graham as the sixth country presented, Iceland, enters. “because I have never seen quite this many explosions in the parade before. I can almost smell the black powder from up here, goodness me.”
Netherlands enters as the twelfth country in the parade. The stage bursts with red white and blue as Joe marches down the centre stage, flanked by Nile and Booker. All three are holding hands, Joe with Netherland’s flag held up in front of himself. As the camera comes swooping down, he follows it and gives a very winning wink.
“Joe al-Kaysani, everybody - the most charismatic thing to come out of that place since Eddie van Halen.” Drones Graham with a hum.
A handful of countries later, it is Italy’s turn following a very impressive vocal riff by Destiny. The stage bursts in red white and green. Nicky has his flag held in steady hands, lifting it slightly as the lights come on and he smiles. Lifts a large hand and waves to the crowd, straightening the strap of his guitar a little across his chest to stop it from sliding up too high.
“Italy is being represented by Nicky di Genova, a personal favorite of mine to be quite honest…though I always did like Italians, ask anyone.” Graham chuckles, then goes on with a tinge of clearly put on sorrow, “Although I have heard rumours I might have to fight a certain Dutchman if I went any further than that statement. So for my own safety, I shan’t.”
The rest of the flag parade goes on in much the same fashion, with a few memorable comments from Graham, such as:
“Here comes France! As if we could make any mistake with that hat - who knew you could fit so many Eifeltowers on a single beret? Certainly not me.”
“Our lovely girls from England! Fingers crossed they don’t STOP at zero points.”
“A hundred unicorns died for Switzerland’s outfit. Was it worth it? That remains to be seen.”
“Germany, bringing home the title of ‘most impressive beards’ this year, I am quite sure. But please don’t tell the gentlemen from Norway that I said that.”
“For anyone wondering what Finland’s contestant is wearing - don’t come asking me. I seem to have been struck blind.”
The flag parade comes to an end with Australia and a final quip from Graham, “We end with the down under and go straight back up to the top with our lovely hosts explaining the rules to us as if we have not known them by heart for about a thousand years…”
In short, for those that may not know, the pair explains: All contestants will perform. The number to call or text to vote is shown during each performance. Everyone watching may vote as many times as they like (for a fee), except for the country they are currently residing in. There is also an international jury system - every country has a jury that gives out a score from 1 to 12 to their top ten favorite contestants (the numbers 9 and 11 are skipped for some reason, no one is quite sure why they fell so out of favor as to be cut for time). The jury points are delivered first and then the public’s votes are converted to points and added on. At the end of the night, the country with the most points wins.
“And with the formalities out of the way,” The female host chirps and claps her hands together, “let’s begin the show! Let’s welcome our first country to the stage: Armenia!”
-
The contest starts and falls into a familiar pattern. The country’s name and flag is announced on screen, then transitions into what the Eurovision calls postcards: Little scenes that both introduce the artist and highlight the beauty or history of the hosting nation by taking them to iconic locations within the country. A small advertisement for them both. Then comes the performance. Rinse and repeat, though sometimes interrupted by the hosts coming in to quip and banter with each other - particularly before any act with an intricate stage set up to deal with.
The Netherlands is the twelfth country to perform.
Joe’s postcard takes us to a familiar art museum. We see Joe wandering with a solemn expression through the halls of MUZA, hands in his pockets. He cranes his neck this way and that, taking in as much as he can. It is clear that the amazement in his eyes is in no way faked. He is joined by Booker and Nile in a red walled room and they pose together in front of a painting in a circular frame as the screen fades away to herald the performance proper. The whole scene is narrated by Graham,
“Ah, and here we have the Netherlands and we are only one step away from what I am sure will be a riveting half time show…but before that, no less riveting is Joe al-Kaysani. Here seen exploring the MUZA art museum…though a little birdy tells me it is not his only visit there since coming to Malta. He charmed the crowd during the semi final, let us see if he can repeat that performance, hm?”
Joe doesn’t just repeat the performance. He exceeds it. Somehow, it is even more high energy and intense than the semi final, each stunt hit by him and his dancers to perfection. At the call and response of ‘Ya Amar’, the entire arena echoes with the exalted voices from below the stage.
By the end, Joe is on his knees and Booker and Nile embracing behind him. He is panting heavily, leaning backwards fully against the stage floor - and then he flips to his feet with a burst of laughter, raising his hands to the crowd before bringing the mic back to his lips to shout, “Thank you, Valletta! Thank you, Europe!” And then he yelps as Nile and Booker grab him for a three way hug, lifting him up off of his feet. His laughter is loud, amplified as the microphone is still by his lips, the joyful sound bouncing around the arena until it is cut off by the sound technicians and the transition to the next number.
“They say joy is contagious and I am inclined to agree.” Graham opines brightly.
-
Italy is the eighteenth country called to bat. The postcard takes us to a beach at dawn. We see Nicky wandering down the white sand, hands in his pockets, windswept and coming to a stop by the water’s edge. His face is stoic and serious as he gazes across the waves, silently greeting the rising sun in a strikingly handsome profile.
“Nicky di Genova is up next. Little is known about him, this is apparently only his second significant performance in his life. Inoltrare is the name of his song, it means forward in Italian and, well…I think I will just let his performance speak for itself.”
The lights come on. Nicky is seated in his high chair in the middle of the stage. His outfit has changed since his last performance - a pair of neat grey slacks, white shirt with rolled up sleeves and suspenders tying the outfit together. He has his head bent over the guitar, fingers brushing the strings. The camera pushes in close and as it does he lifts his gaze to meet it and begins to play. As he does, the screens behind him come on as well.
In the background, we now see a winding road, shifting slowly from sunrise, to daylight, to sunset to midnight as Nicky sings.
“Strada davanti
Piú lungo dietro
Vado avanti
Inoltrare…”
Throughout the performance, the crowd is entirely silent. A hushed sort of silence, the kind associated with emotional awe.
When the song ends, Nicky thrums the strings hard, then cups them gently to hush the note.
Behind him is a brilliant sun, shining over a road that continues going even as the music stops.
For several seconds, there is only silence. During it, Nicky stands and takes a bow. As he straightens, the crowd erupts in thunderous applause.
“Italy, everybody.” Graham murmurs. His voice is decidedly choked. “What a performance. He has us all eating right out of his hand.”
-
The show goes on. After what feels like many hours, every contestant has finally performed and is seated in the green room. A deceptive name considering the colour scheme is as far removed from green as possible with its reds and whites.
As they wait for the last few minutes of voting to pass, the hosts wander around the contestants and drop in for quick interviews.
“Good evening, Joe!” The young woman of the pair approaches him. Joe quickly scoots aside to give her room to join him on the plush red couch. He may or may not push Booker almost off of it to do so.
“Il-lejla t-tajba, Marija!”
Marija gasps in delight, “Oh, someone has done their Maltese homework I see!”
“Language is my passion.” Joe demures.
“As are leather pants.” Graham drawls as the female host laughs and continues the rather banal conversation.
A few couches away, the older male host takes a seat between Nicky and Andy.
“A beautiful performance, Nicky, truly,” He says, shooting a bright white smile his way. “Not one dry eye in the house, I bet.”
“Thank you very much, Milo.” Nicky returns the smile, if quite a few shades milder.
“And how are you enjoying Malta so far?”
“It is beautiful. I very much would like to come back someday and explore it more.”
“On a honeymoon perhaps?”
Nicky blinks. “That is a little forward, I think.”
“HAH!” Graham laughs as the host seems to flounder under the direct response. By Nicky’s side, Andy seems to be faring no better judging by the way her shoulders shake and how she has turned her face away from the camera.
-
The voting closes during an extravagant duet performance by Destiny and Ira Losco. Not long after, Milo and Marija (after their third outfit change of the night) convene up on a raised podium above the contestants.
“It is time for what you have all been waiting for.” Says Marija.
“For us to start talking again.” Milo agrees solemnly, laughing as his co-host swats at him with her cue cards. “No, but seriously - it is time to reveal the jury votes. As always, we will call each country and they will deliver us the votes. And once we have all the jury votes, we will move on to the most important thing - you guys’ votes, the televotes!”
“And in approximately fourteen hours, we should know which country is victorious.” Graham drawls. It is a well known fact that the delivery of the votes is a slow and arduous process, trying to milk as much drama out of the proceedings as possible.
The first jury twelve, from Norway, goes to Sweden. The camera pans to an excitedly jumping Jonas Holm who blows kisses and mouths his thanks vividly.
Over the next ten countries, there is a clear theme. Sweden receives six out of the available twelves, each time to excited screams and bouncing of their performer and his team. They don’t receive a score lower than 7 from the other four juries.
During this, Italy receives their first twelve points; from Germany. They have been receiving a steady stream of points from each country, so it isn’t exactly a shock but Nicky still blinks in clear surprise and then puts a hand to his chest and smiles at the camera in gratitude.
He looks similarly stunned when he immediately receives a second one from Poland. Again, his reaction is a mild and heartfelt motion and nod to the camera, while Andy grabs him by the shoulders and shakes him good naturedly.
The night goes on. Joe receives fair scores as well, with his first and only twelve being from Austria - he immediately jumps up together with Nile, both of them visibly ecstatic. Booker simply takes a swig from his drink and gives a small salute.
Sweden continues to rake up high scores from the juries. With each one, Jonas looks a little more smug, even if he does very loudly and gratefully cheer for each one.
Italy, however, is not far behind.
Nicky starts to look a little overwhelmed when he receives his eighth twelve; this time from the Netherlands. He is holding Andy’s hand very tightly with both of his own, pale eyes wide as they stare up at the score board displayed on a screen in the arena. When he receives that particular twelve, his smile takes on an almost amused twist and he turns his head to look to his left.
“Italy is the favorite of more than one Dutchman, that is for sure!” Graham says amusedly. “Speaking of.”
Cheekily, the camera turns to where Nicky is looking - at Joe, who is up on his feet and clapping as if it was him receiving the points. He also very visibly winks and blows a kiss, before Nile and Booker both yank him back down into his seat.
37 countries (and many cringy country spokespeople) later, Marija and Milo turn to the scoreboard.
“Alright, so!” Marija beams at the camera, “With all of our jury votes counted, the standing is as follows! In fifth place, we have Belgium! In fourth, Ukraine, third is Spain, second Italy…and in first with a hundred and five point lead is Sweden!” The crowd cheers, but it is unclear which of the countries the cries are for.
“We will move on to the televotes soon…but first, let us check in with our contestants!” Milo declares, as the pair make their way down to the green room.
“Or we could just move on, but sure.” Graham grumbles good naturedly.
Milo approaches Jonas with another million watt smile. It is reciprocated immediately by the young swede, who is currently confidently sprawled out in his seat.
“It’s looking pretty good, isn’t it?” Milo asks.
“Cheeky.” Graham opines.
Jonas throws his head back with a laugh, then shrugs in an attempt at playing the comment off, “Can’t complain, no…it is good to know Shooting Stars touched so many hearts in the juries! I look forward to hearing what the public thinks, too.” He winks at the camera. There are a few cheers, though perhaps not as many as Jonas expected, judging by the way his smile kind of falters for a second.
Marija has meanwhile made her way to Nicky. He seems somewhat shell shocked, still clutching Andy’s hands as if he might float away if he doesn’t.
“Quite the showing, Nicky, congratulations! How are you feeling?” Marija says, taking a seat by him and offering him the mic to speak into.
Nicky ducks his head a bit over the offered mic, clearing his throat. His voice is still a tiny bit tight as he answers, “Thank you. I am…I don’t know what to say.” He takes a breath, looks at Andy at his side. She grins encouragingly and he turns back to Marija, then looks to the camera with a shaky smile. “I am very grateful.”
“Humble to the end, it seems.” Graham drawls, as the contest proceeds.
After another few brief interviews, Milo and Marija move back up to the podium. A hush is drawing over the crowds as the score board comes back up on screen.
“It is time to reveal the points given by the public.” Marija says with grave solemnity.
“You’d think she was announcing the next pope.” Graham quips.
“We will go from the bottom of the score board, to the top.” Milo explains, shuffling his cue cards and looking down to them briefly. “So, the United Kingdom…you received from the public…” A rather too long dramatic pause. “Zero points.”
“A tale as old as time.” Graham sighs as the camera pans to the contestants. They seem to take it in good cheer and receive quite a bit of love from the crowd before the show moves on.
The scores on the lower half of the board are rather quickly dealt with as none of them are exactly stand outs. By the time they get to the Netherlands at a modest tenth place, not much has shifted in the standings. Joe lifts his head when it is his turn, smiling. He reaches out and takes Nile’s hand, wraps an arm around Booker’s shoulders.
“The Netherlands…you have received from the public…” Marija’s face shifts from a put on stoic expression to a brilliant grin, “Two hundred and fifteen points!”
Joe’s jaw drops. Nile squeals and leaps to her feet, while Booker briefly grabs Joe into a headlock, before instead grabbing onto Nile and lifting her up high in his arms. After a second of stunned staring, Joe seems to jerk back to himself. He too gets to his feet laughing, fists clenched and lifted to the sky as he turns to the camera and shouts in wordless glee.
“That puts the Netherlands in the lead for now! Congratulations!” Milo shouts and gestures dramatically to the board, as the Netherland’s flag jumps and soars straight to the top of the list, only twenty points over Sweden in second place.
“Probably not enough to win, but what a score!” Graham cheers.
The tension rises as the top ten countries receive their scores. Joe remains in the lead. Spain gets the closest to overtaking him with a very solid 123 points, but ends up just slightly short.
All eyes turn to Nicky next. The screen splits into three - showing Joe, Nicky and Jonas as the last contestants vying for the coveted first place.
“Thunder and lightning, it is getting exciting!” Milo keens, fanning himself with his cue cards.
“Oh my God.” Graham mutters. “Get on with it, will you?”
“Italy needs one hundred and ten points to take the lead,” Marija says, looking down to her cards.
On screen, Joe cranes his neck - at the same time, Nicky turns his head just so. With the split screen, it looks as though they are looking straight at one another. Judging by the fond expressions on their faces, it might actually be the case. Joe winks. Nicky smiles and then turns back to the screen. Andy leans in and whispers something in his ear that makes him laugh and relax his shoulders a little further.
“Italy. You have received from the public…” Milo pauses. Takes a breath. Another. Looks down at his cards. Then, in a shockingly loud shout announces, “300 points!”
For a moment, Nicky looks as though he might faint. Beside him, Andy lets out a triumphant noise, grabs him by the shoulders again and shakes him while the rest of the team shouts with excitement. All around him, Italian flags are being forcefully waved or shaken in the air (one particularly viciously by Quynh in a corner of the shot).
On the split screen, for the first time, we see Jonas’ smile falter. Only for a moment, but definitely long enough to be noticeable as Graham gleefully quips, “He looks like he just swallowed a lemon.”
On the split screen, we also see Joe jumping to his feet and cheering as if he was the one receiving the score. His grin is true and brilliant as he turns to where Nicky is, clapping loudly. Pride glowing in his dark eyes.
Nicky snaps out of his stupor, finally, face brightening with a subdued but no less resplendent smile. He accepts the crushing hug Andy gives him, ends it with an awkward little back pat. He throws a look over his shoulder - cheeks flushing pink and warm for what he sees. He lingers for a few moments, eyes sparkling before giving a small wave and turning back to the camera. He covers his heart with both hands, nods towards it and the viewers beyond.
“Three hundred points, my word…just a few shy of Måneskin’s record in 2021. When Italy landslides, it certainly does so with style.” Graham muses in the midst of all the lingering shots of celebration.
It takes several minutes for the green room to settle back down.
“So we are down to the wire. Only one more score to reveal.” Marija says. It has become impossible for her to hold her grave expression. She is smiling as she bows her head down to her cue cards.
“And at this rate it will be revealed in approximately twenty minutes. If you need a bathroom break, this might be the moment.” Graham mutters.
“Sweden will need at least 196 points to win.” She goes on, unaware of the scathing comment just made.
The screen is once again split, this time in two. On one we see Jonas with his team - his smile is still wide and sure and he has his arms wrapped around two of his background dancers. There is an excitement and an ease to him as he waits for the result to come in.
On the other is Nicky. He has his hands folded together between his knees, head bowed. His eyes are closed and his lips pressed tightly together. Andy is at his side, one strong arm wrapped around his broad shoulders - as if trying to hold him together. Her face is severe, aimed forward towards the camera.
“In the next few minutes, history will be made for one of these artists.” Milo says, voice low and full of perhaps a tad more gravitas than the situation requires.
“No, no, by all means. Make this three hour show teeter on a four hour one.”
“Sweden or Italy, who will be our winner?”
“We’d know if you read it out.”
Finally, Marija looks back down to her cue cards. Takes a breath. “Sweden. You have received from the public…” The crowd falls silent, save for a few whistles from impatient mouths. Everyone waits with baited breath for the words that will set them all free from the suspense built up over the course of several weeks, days, hours.
“One hundred…and NINE points, which means Italy is our winner!”
At the start of the sentence, Jonas was already half way out of his seat to cheer. The camera clips away from him just as his face falls and his eyes go wide and his mouth starts to form words of rather unsportsmanlike disappointment. Thankfully not picked up by any nearby microphones, at least not any live ones.
At the very same moment, Andy’s jaw clenches and she squeezes down bruisingly hard on Nicky’s shoulders. The entire green room erupts with confetti canons, shooting golden pieces of paper into the air. At the same time, Nicky’s head shoots up and his pale eyes snap open to stare ahead of himself in disbelief. He only gets a single moment of shock before Andy yanks him up to his feet and draws him into an almost violent hug. A second later, a third person joins it - Quynh, who has been rather anonymous during the show itself and mostly off screen. The two women squeeze him tight between themselves and jump with joy.
Nicky returns the hug, head lifted high, looking still a little out of it. He turns his head, this way and that. Then, his eyes finally catch on something and his expression changes. Determination fills his eyes. With a final squeeze, he extricates himself from his team and weaves his way through crowds of other congratulatory contestants and well wishers. He even politely sidesteps one of the stage hands trying to usher him off towards the main stage.
The camera follows, as curious as Graham Norton who muses, “Is he trying to get out early to avoid traffic?”
Only a few moments later, his destination is clear.
Joe meets him, runs up to grasp him by the waist. Grinning broadly and shouting something, lost in the din.
Nicky cups his face with both hands, leans in and kisses him. Immediately, Joe’s kissing back, drawing him nearer. For long moments, they both seem to forget about where they are, the world around them. Lost in a moment that is only for them to share, even if viewed by millions of people.
Around them, several people gasp. Some clap. The joy of it is contagious and brilliant.
Graham for his part laughs, loud and breathless for several seconds. Joy, indeed, seems to be dreadfully contagious. “NOT the show I was expecting, that’s for certain!” He finally manages to squeeze out before being reduced to mirthful giggles once more. “A beautiful celebration to be sure, though!”
It is not meant to last, unfortunately. A very sheepish looking stage manager comes up to pat Nicky on the shoulder. Nicky and Joe part, both of them looking at her. Joe is grinning wildly, eyes twinkling with mirth Nicky looks like a deer caught in headlights, cheeks flushed as he nods along to what she is saying. He looks at Joe, returns his grin with a shaky smile and steps back.
Their linked fingers pull free of each other slowly as he follows the stage manager through the throng of photographers and security guards. One could imagine they’d much rather have kept holding on, longing in the second their hands part, still angled towards one another.
“So Italy is our winner of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest,” Graham narrates as we watch Milo and Marija up on stage discussing what a wonderful show it has been and make a few bantering quips at each other to give Nicky some time to come up and join them on stage. Behind them, a stage hand is also preparing Nicky’s set - simply carrying that high chair to the middle of the stage and hurrying back off again. “Congratulations to Nicky di Genova! A worthy winner to be sure and a winner in more ways than one tonight to be certain.”
Finally, Nicky is up on stage with Milo and Marija waiting. Marija hands him the Eurovision trophy, a beautiful glass sculpture in the shape of a 1950s microphone. He cradles it carefully with both hands to his chest, dazedly staring out over the roaring crowd. A few minutes of standing ovations later, Milo steps close and places a microphone at his mouth.
“Congratulations, Nicky! How do you feel?”
“I. I have no words.” Nicky’s voice is choked and he has to clear his throat before going on. “This is incredible. I am blown away. I had hoped I would reach people with this song, but this many…” He trails off and then laughs, ducking his head. “Incredible.”
“We are going to ask you to perform your song again, but do you want to say any words to Europe before that?” Milo asks. Subtly, he has put a hand under Nicky’s elbow to steady him.
“Yes.” Nicky nods, then looks to where Milo indicates, at the camera. His sea green eyes are full of tears, but he manages to keep them where they are. “I am so grateful for everyone’s support. I was simply happy to be here, I had no expectations. I can’t express how it feels to have won. Thank you.” He holds the trophy to his chest and bows his head, shoulders taut with emotion.
“Short and concise and from the heart.” Graham says as the hosts both give their thanks to Nicky and ushers him off to get ready. A stage hand gives Nicky his guitar, which he accepts after having set the trophy down gingerly at the foot of his chair. “Thank you, everyone for joining me on this broadcast. Enjoy the dulcet tones of Nicky di Genova’s winning performance of Inoltrare, because I certainly shall.”
The Eurovision concludes with Nicky on his chair, gold confetti falling all around him like rain. Some catches and sticks in his hair as he goes into the chorus.
“Chi può dirlo
Dove questa strada
Potrebbe portarmi
Ma ovunque mi porti
Fedele a me stesso
Lo sarò sempre
Mi porta avanti
Inoltrare…”
Nicky’s voice carries through the stadium. There is a certain kind of relief in his tone that was not there before, something certain. As if something within him changed forever within these walls. It is a different, but no less beautiful or stirring performance. And if his vocals are a tiny bit shaky, if his cheeks are flushed and his lips tremble with emotion during it all? No one will mention it.
The camera cuts away from his performance only once.
It shows Joe, leaning on his crossed arms against the back of a couch in the green room. His eyes are sparkling with adoration. His lips mouth along to the words, perfectly in sync.
As the song ends, on a low, thrumming note, Nicky stands from his chair. The final thing the broadcast shows, before fading to the Eurovision logo, is Nicky pressing a kiss to his fingertips and looking skyward.
-
TikTok Video posted on May 17th by Eurovision
Views: 20M
Likes: 3,4M
Comments: 50k
Saved: 800k
The winning moment, broadcast under the dulcet tones of Taylor Swift. The camera zooms in on a clearly stunned Nicky as he is pulled to his feet by Andy and Quynh and is pulled into an excited three way hug. The music picks up as we see him looking around himself, until his eyes catch on something and then he moves, as the lyrics show up on screen in time to the music,
There was no chance, trying to be
The greatest in the league
Nicky pushes his way through people trying to congratulate him, eyes having one sole focus and then the camera centres on him as he comes to a stop in front of a clearly ecstatic Joe. He says something as he grabs Nicky by the waist, his smile huge and brilliant.
More words show up, just as Nicky cups Joe’s face, leans in and kisses him soundly on the mouth.
Where's the trophy?
He just comes running over to me
The footage goes into slow motion as the song continues playing for another few seconds, depicting how Joe and Nicky share in that passionate, joy filled kiss, wrapped in each other while the entire world keeps spinning around them.
The video fades to black, then loops.
Audio: The Alchemy - Taylor Swift
Caption: Love and Music is what connects us all - Congratulations to Nicky di Genova and Joe al Kaysani for finding both during the contest. <3
#lovelovepeacepeace #Eurovision #JoeNicky #winner #loveandprosperity
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