#Mark vocals & guitar
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
mariocki · 5 months ago
Text
Tumblr media
Infinite list of favourite lyrics: 225/?
Billy Joel - Big Shot (1978)
"Well, you went uptown riding in your limousine,
With your fine Park Avenue clothes;
You had the Dom Pérignon in your hand
And the spoon up your nose.
Ooh, and when you wake up in the morning
With your head on fire
And your eyes too bloody to see,
Go on and cry in your coffee
But don't come bitchin' to me."
#favourite lyrics#billy joel#big shot#1978#52nd street#the opener to Joel's 1978 album (and getting a single release the following year) this catty little number marked a significant moment in#the singer singwriter's career. 52nd Street would be Joel's first album to top the Billboard 200‚ won a handful a grammys and was one of#the first albums ever released on CD a couple of years later. Joel had wanted a slightly new sound to differentiate the album from his#previous studio efforts‚ and hired a slew of talented jazz musicians to help him craft something different. this isn't perhaps the track#that shows the clearest growth in his sound‚ but its swaggering‚ sneering‚ heavy in your face delivery and spiky guitar are a hell of a way#to open an album. Joel has variously claimed to have been inspired by a meeting with Bianca Jagger or that there's no truth in that rumour‚#depending i suspect on his mood when asked; he's also admitted to a certain amount of autobiography to the lyrics‚ and i buy that#personally (it's very easy to read a kind of self hating monologue to the mirror kind of vibe into the song imo). a sly take down of social#poseurs and the nouveau riche of late 70s New York (later lyrics name drop Elaine's and Halston)‚ i particularly like the quick switch in#tone in these opening lines: chauffeured limousines and designer clothes quickly giving way to the seedy detail of the coke spoon in the#nose. there's little sympathy from Joel who strikes a provocative vocal style‚ particularly for the chorus which is enunciated so clearly#it could almost be being spat out. Big Shot was the second single from 52nd Street and was‚ like the album‚ a commercial success#peaking at number 14 (his third highest charting single at this point). afaik it didn’t have a uk release tho‚ alas
13 notes · View notes
deerest-me · 6 months ago
Text
*puts on beret picks up cigarette holder and starts talking about differences between the TTYD remake soundtrack and the original*
#well you see.... ze use of dynamic tracking is a definite enhancement. zis cannot be argued... HOWEVER#the choral vocal synthesizer has disgustingly wide vibrato. this is particularly observable in the final chapter where it causes the#entire sinister atmosphere to become melodramatic / modernday adventure movie esque. too orchestral. truly robs the original of its impact.#and is not explainable by hardware limitation whatsoever. there are marked improvements in not only using waveform synthesis...#e.g. the choral pads that pop up in the new sewers theme. very tasteful. chimes in the thousand year door chamber. shamisen in glitzville.#electric guitar. definitive improvements. additionally bringing modern music sensabilities can be an enhancement: grodus' battle theme#conveys his seriousness much better with an industrial electronic edge to it. plenty of additional examples throughout.#however. comparing the final boss themes there is this ``enshittification'' of videogame remakes that can be seen#the major hollywood adventure movie soundtrack problem aforementioned. play enough remakes and you'll notice it. blending into the same.#the shadow queen is meant to have an air of ``sickliness''. of gloom. kinda her whole deal. lost in the remake in my opinion.#(i am almost tempted to gather audio clips and play them side by side. to an audience of absolutely ZERO)#this is not even mentioning that there are no BEES in the remake's final battle theme. <- the punchline of this entire thing#anyways. this post was inevitable. i have an insane ear for soundtracks and sfx as u may have gathered.
5 notes · View notes
howdyfriend · 1 year ago
Text
I need to shake normal people things around with my teeth like a dog
Tumblr media
me rn
13 notes · View notes
classicjdog · 7 months ago
Text
man playing guitar hero with the actual guitar controller is really really fun. no wonder that shit was so popular back in the day. in my childhood i played a decent amount of gh with a normal controller, but playing it on the guitar is definitely more fun, at least once i got used to it
wish i'd inherited my older brothers' talent for the game but twas not to be unfortunately, no 5 star through the fire and flames on expert for me lmfao but i'm still having a lot of fun doing fairly well for myself on hard and barely scraping by on expert
the 2 songs that i've replayed the most so far are hotel california & eruption. hotel california strikes a really nice balance between being really fun & engaging to play while still being totally doable even for someone with my shitty level of skill. like it's not some super easy song where you're just strumming away at the same chord progression over and over for 5 minutes, there's lots & lots of hammer-on/pull-off sequences, but those sequences are very much on the easier end of the spectrum. it is, at least so far, the only song that i've 5 starred on expert, it's really fun and obv it's a super good song too
eruption is also very very fun cause it's literally just a 2 minute guitar solo and it's REALLY HARD. it's so hard that i really shouldn't be able to do it, like it's the final song in the van halen career mode which means the game places it on that same tier of final boss-type songs as like through the fire and flames & jordan & the like, but since it's so short it's actually just barely doable for me. at least on hard, i haven't even tried it on expert lol. it's also the only song where i've successfully done that both-hands-on-the-fretboard thing that i saw my brothers do back in the day. any time it could potentially be useful i'm usually too overwhelmed by the number of notes to even think to attempt it, but i'm pretty sure eruption is specifically designed for you to have both hands up on the neck of the guitar since that's literally what eddie van halen did whenever he played the song irl, which i do think is a really nice touch
#also sidenote#playing all this guitar hero is making me wanna start playing my real guitar again#like after a decently long session of guitar hero the tips of my fingers are pretty sore#which kinda brings back fond memories of the stupid steel strings on my guitar leaving marks on my fingers lol#it's been so long since i've touched my guitar i've completely forgotten every single song i knew how to play#i knew how to play like 5 or 6 different undertale songs!!! i played save the world AND hopes and dreams for my year 12 exam!!#i learnt shit like american pie & the man comes around!! the man who sold the world!!#cruel angels thesis! a bunch of songs from steven universe! the little guitar part from el mañana by gorillaz! various other random shit!!#i tried to learn the intro to crazy on you by heart and gave up in like 2 seconds cuz that shit's impossible!!!#now it's all been flushed down the memory toilet#i guess i can just learn them all again. i mean i've done it before right?#oh and another sidenote i just remembered#the first couple guitar hero games didn't get the rights to most of the songs so the soundtrack is mostly covers#and obv pretty much all of them are inferior to the originals#but i just wanted to make special mention of the cover of killing in the name from guitar hero 2 cause that shit was HORRIBLE#butchered an absolute all-time classic but they butchered it in a really funny way so it's fine honestly lmfaooo#like the instrumentation is fine. inferior to the original but prime rage is a high bar to clear so i won't give them shit for that#oh except the guitar solo omg they made that thing sound like shit lol#but the vocals. christ almighty. CONTROL I WON'T DO WHAT YA TELL ME!!! CONTROL I WON'T DO WHAT YA TELL ME!! UNDER CONTROOOOOL#guy is certainly no zack de la rocha is all i'll say. thank goodness they got the real version of bulls on parade for gh3
0 notes
starlightkun · 1 year ago
Text
🎶🛌
1 note · View note
givememilksevilla · 2 years ago
Text
GMM 'Dressing Room Sessions' lost tape covers: 1. Helter Skelter 2. Holidays in the Sun
Track 1. Helter Skelter
Track 2. Holidays in the Sun
Tumblr media
0 notes
doyoulikethissong-poll · 6 months ago
Text
Aaliyah - Are You That Somebody? 1998
"Are You That Somebody?" is a song recorded by American singer and actress Aaliyah for the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack. It was written by Static Major and Timbaland, with the latter producing it, in addition to performing a guest rap. It is an R&B, pop, soul, and avant-funk song with hip hop influences. Its production also incorporates other instrumentals such as staccato guitars, beatboxing, and drum and bass. The Dr. Dolittle soundtrack was released on June 16, 1998 and consisted of a blend of hip hop and contemporary R&B. The soundtrack was a huge success, peaking at 4 on both the Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and was certified 2× Multi-Platinum on October 20 the same year.
Upon its release, "Are You That Somebody?" received critical acclaim from music critics, with them praising its off-beat innovative production. In 1999, Aaliyah earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for the song. Initially, it was ineligible to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 because it was an airplay single not commercially released to retail stores but in December 1998, Billboard changed its policy to allow airplay-only songs to chart, and the song eventually peaked at number 21. Internationally, the song achieved even greater commercial success, peaking at number one in New Zealand and number three in the Netherlands. It also peaked at number 11 in Canada and the UK.
An accompanying music video for "Are You That Somebody?" was directed by Mark Gerard with choreography orchestrated by Fatima Robinson. It received acclaim from the music industry, receiving Best R&B Video and Best Video from a Film nominations at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards. The video also earned a nomination for Outstanding Music Video at the NAACP Image Awards. Throughout the years, critics have praised the video for its choreography, with many highlighting the flamenco routine depicted in the final scene.
"Are You That Somebody?" received a total of 68,8% yes votes! Previous Aaliyah polls: #217 "Try Again".
youtube
867 notes · View notes
jentlemahae · 2 years ago
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media
88 notes · View notes
fushiguruuzzzz · 1 month ago
Text
+ CHAPTER NINE // COOLIO.
series mlist
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Tags — mentions of alcohol, mentions of cheating, implications that readers mother was cheated on, angst Words — 0.7k
Tumblr media
Toge Inumaki was a liar.
Toge Inumaki was a big fat liar because not only had he promised he’d be watching you, but he also said girls never paid him any mind. As you stared at him across the room, through the clumps of people swaying drunkenly along with your music, you could see him contradicting both of those statements. You had to force your voice to remain steady as you watched them, eyes locked onto the frame of the woman clinging to him like she was wrapped around his finger—like he was hers to wrap around. Was he? Well, it wasn’t like he was yours either, but that knowledge didn’t do much to soothe the aching in your ribs.
His back was turned to you. You could only imagine his face, but you figured it was much more attentive than it was when he looked at you. She was pretty by any standards, she just had this… glow to her. She radiated looks and confidence, magnetic and enticing as she batted her lashes up at him. As much as you hated to accept it, you knew Toge was only a man. Thats what you’d always known. That’s why you never bothered with men in the first place, until now, when you’d foolishly believed his eyes weren’t those who wandered.
Ripping your eyes away was a challenge, and had your chest not been resident to the bitter sickness planted by another’s beauty, you’d have been proud.
Her hand was on his arm. She was laughing. His shoulders shook as if he was too—but he remained faceless, expression as unknown as his entire presence felt in the moment. Was she leaning closer? You felt your heart pulsing in your ears, entire body crumpling in time with the beat. There was a sharp ringing in your ears, blocking out the strumming of guitars and the beating of drums. Then her lips were on his and you suddenly felt nauseous and the room was shrinking around you—all you knew was that you needed to get out. It was suddenly a curse that you had this love song to finish, because how could you let such tender things fall from your lips when all you felt inside was anguish? You felt utterly foolish. You’d been warned of these things, told stories like urban legends of the boys and the girls who swooped them up in their claws. You dared to glance back and were met with the same horrible sight, except it somehow felt worse than it had before.
And suddenly, you were your mother in a younger woman’s body. Nothing but a bystander to the downfall of your own romance. Her lips were on his, claiming the place you’d hope to mark as your own. It hit just a little too close to home, so you treated it like home. As soon as the familiar tune of the song ended, you ran. The microphone hit the ground and left nothing but a dull clang in place of your melodic vocals. You darted away so quickly that you didn’t see the way he scrambled away from her, nor the way his mouth opened to call after you. All he was met with was a door swinging shut and the crushing weight of a wrongdoing that wasn’t his, the misfortune of bad timing shattering his bones as well as your heart.
Megumi, Nobara, and Yuji didn’t waste any time in following you. They’d been frozen in place, background characters as the scene unfolded before them. The three shared one pit in their stomachs, growing deeper with the stretch of your absence and the desperate look in Toge’s eyes. His own friends were all the same, lips parted and for once, they were collectively unsure what to do. Only those who remained in the bar knew of your not-quite-lover’s resistance, those who had left only seeing one side. The bad side; the vague, untrue one. The one that would make you hate him, and even he knew that.
Toge lingered there, unable to swallow the lump in his throat as he glanced between where you once stood and his three peers. Shoving his face into his hands, he groaned. He was completely fucked.
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Toge was HORRIFIED
Like he actually jumped four feet away from her
He only has huzz when he doesn’t want the huzz
Toge started blasting xxxtentacion full volume and lying starfish position staring at the ceiling
He was also chewing gum. Apparently the entire bottle of dawn dish soap didn’t wash out the taste of sluttery
Yn started blasting sad Lana del Rey and they were twinning from different households
“Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars” ass
Nobara went on a hate rant about Toge and threatened to sign him up for the military
Tumblr media
I should really start proofreading shouldn’t I. Forgive me if these are booty I peaked as a writer a while ago Christmas break is almost over… 💔 I want to get Kilby girl done before then PLSSSUHHGG I’ll try. Ig…
Taglist — closed 50/50
@anotherwriternamedclara @ruruisru @adoresia @auroratumbles @sh0ot1ngst4r @soobin1437 @mystic-megumi @cinnamxnangel @lizbix @s3ns4ti0n4l @anonnieghost @s4toruz @gumims @bubybubsters @k4ss11333 @rreveurdoll @kaged-kitty @rwura @aldebrana @hqnge @good-mourning0 @daisies-and-domming @vi0let-writes @dazaisfavgf @hearts4aloise @coolgirl458 @keyaea @jealovsie @sirenla @academiq @mammoanlmao @moonchhu @ichcocat @blubearxy @hayl09 @q2uq2u @potteraep @fiannee @lailakys @jxisnwaol @treeguzzler @yatiimariiee @zayuriluvs @kr1nqu @cloudxox @azinniyaa @laaalaaaloooppppsiiieeeee @rottingvxmpire @gradmacoco @spkyssn
229 notes · View notes
mydear-corinthian · 7 months ago
Text
my rockstar boyfriend
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
synopsis: neil explaining the meaning of his favorite song in an interesting way
pairing: neil lewis x reader
warnings: SMUT +18, rough sex, fingering, squirting, creampie, breeding kink, p in v
notes: RUSHED and writers block.. based from my 2nd fav rock band and their song, divider by cafekitsune
main masterlist | cillian masterlist
Tumblr media
The sound of Neil's guitar and his vocals made you shocked as you arrived at your house after coming back from a long day at work. The garden was filled with empty chairs, a big sound system and a small stage.
You laugh at the sight of the decorations, and you know how your boyfriend puts  effort into every surprise that he does to you. Neil's black tank top and his black sunglasses definitely made him hotter as he played the riff from the song Rein Raus by Rammstein. Neil sang with all of his heart, excelling the song's solo as he smashed his notes on his Les Paul guitar. As the song ended, you clapped loudly, cheering for him.
Neil removed his guitar, gently placing it on the guitar stand before dropping off the stage to run towards your direction. His hands found their way to your waist and lifted you up, hugging you tightly.
"You like the surprise?" Neil asked, giving you a kiss on your lips.
"Fucking hot," you answered, chuckling.
You returned the kiss, you gripped his hair as you began to savoured the kiss more.
You know that your boyfriend is talented, and he has a lot of skills, since he watch a lot of movies but him playing the guitar? It was fucking hot. Just him playing a riff makes you feel warm and wild.
"What song did you play?" you asked, breaking the kiss.
"Oh it's a song by this German rock band: Rammstein. Rein Raus. Great song."
"Rein Raus?" you tilted your head in confusion. "What does that mean?"
He laughed at your question. The song for him is definitely a banger, but what's more interesting is the song behind it. Neil began to guide you inside your house, opening the front door and then locking it before his lips met yours again.
You dropped your bag at the sudden action, but you kissed him back again. Both of your lips were too desperate for each other's taste as his tongue began to meet yours. He carried you suddenly and tossed you on the sofa.
"You really want to know?" he asked.
You nodded in response, getting wetter and wetter after the steamy making-out session.
Sex
"Maybe it'll be better if.. I demonstrate it, hm?" he teased.
Neil's kisses trailed down from your lips to your neck, sucking it and marking you as his. You moaned at the pleasure once he sucked that sweet spot of yours.
"Fuck— yes, Neil,"
His lips found its way to your thighs, kissing passionately until he reached near your clothed panties. "So wet now, hm?"
"Please, Neil.. I need you," you let out a small whimper when you felt his hot breath on your panties.
"Let me give you a show, honey."
Neil undressed your soaking wet white lace panties, tossing them somewhere on the floor. The cold air touching your wet cunt made you gasp.
"What a pretty sight," his index finger toying around your clit. "So wet for me."
While his finger toyed with your clit, the rest of two of his fingers entered your pussy, fingering you deep and quickly. The sound of your wet juices echoed all over the living room. Every single movement of his finger inside touches your sensitive spot, making you spread your legs wider and moan.
"Ah! Yes, yes, yes!"
"Cumming, princess? Yeah, go on, cum for me."
Feeling a wave of pleasure and a knot in your stomach, you moaned loudly. Your legs started to shake violently, your mouth hanged open, feeling your orgasm come sooner.
"I'm so close, Neil— I- ahh!"
Your orgasm finally came as you let out a last loud moan. Neil's fingers stopped pumping inside you as he saw how his fingers were now coated with your white juices. He gently took out his fingers then licking it clean, tasting you.
"Taste so fucking sweet."
"Now—" his hands started to unbuckle his belt. "Here is the meaning."
Neil removed his pants after he unbuckled his black punk-like belt. His boner was seen clearly on his Calvin Klein boxers. On the other hand, you unbuttoned your long white work shirt and then your bra, tossing it on the floor too. Neil, now removed his boxers, his hard cock sprung free.
"Tell me if it hurts, okay?" he genuinely showed concern as he asked you.
"Mhm, okay," you nodded. No matter what the situation is, Neil never fails to be gentle to you and make you feel comfortable, and you're happy with that. His gentleness makes you love him more.
His palms stroked his member a few times before he slowly entered you. The feeling of his fat cock made you gasp out loud.
"Fuck, you're so tight," he murmured. "I can do this forever."
"Oh my god! F-feels so good—" you moaned, your hand gripping the headboard of the sofa.
Slowly, he started to thrust. Your head rolled upwards as he hit that sensitive spot inside your fucked pussy. The long sofa chair creaked at each thrust Neil made. As his pace was going faster and faster, your moans became louder. Neil lifted your legs and placed them on top of his shoulders, allowing him to penetrate deeper into you, in and out.
Suddenly, Neil pulled out, making you confused. He grabbed your body and immediately placed you on top of his lap.
"Ride me." he said.
You nodded feverishly. Both of your hands gripped his shoulders as you aligned your needy cunt to his massive dick. You slowly pushed down, but Neil pushed your hips down harshly and with no warning, allowing you to let out a loud moan. You started to ride him slowly but sensual, making sure that his dick hit all the sensitive spots there and yes, he did. His hands gripped on your hips, supporting each thrust he made.
"Yes, baby, that's it—fuck! Good girl. Keep riding me like that."
The way he praises you and calls you nicknames made a tint of pink appear in your cheeks. His head rolled backwards, his eyes shutting closed while he savored the pleasure.
"Deeper, please.. Neil, deeper," you cried out.
"Mhm just like song, yeah? Good girl, you're learning. Fuck, you're so pretty when you ride me— Jesus lady!"
Neil slammed your hips harder and deeper into him. Both of your breaths quickened as he pounded while you rode him. You let out a series of pornography moans at the feeling of bliss which made you feel nothing but euphoria and makes bright stars.
"Gonna c-cum again, Neil.." you panted, continuing to ride him as you try to reach your peak.
"Me too, baby. Fuck— I'm gonna cum inside you, yeah? Take it, baby, take it."
After a few more thrusts, you finally came and squirted all over his dick with a mixture of your own cum. The cushion in your sofa was soaked, leaving wet marks all over it.
"Ah! Neil—" you moaned.
Neil plunged your hips deep, his orgasm reached, spurting his warm cum all over your walls. His cock throbbed as he felt you clench before pulling it out. A mixture of yours and his cum dripped into your fucked hole.
"That was amazing," Neil said, trying to catch his breath as his chest heaved up and down heavily.
Your body rested on his chest, tired from the heated sex. Your cushion was now stained with your juices and Neil's cum.
"You should probably introduce me to more sex songs," you said.
"I really should," he laughed before giving you a short but passionate kiss.
328 notes · View notes
redroomreflections · 7 months ago
Text
Hotel California | Track 1: Smoke and Mirrors
Tumblr media
Natasha Romanoff x Fem!Reader
Summary: Natasha Romanoff, frontwoman of the punk rock band Velvet Rebellion, falls hard for a woman she believes is too good for her. Their intense relationship unfolds in the chaotic world of rock 'n' roll, where they struggle to balance fame, personal demons, and their undeniable passion for each other.
W/c: 7k
Chapter 1/12
Masterlist | General Masterlist
Note: I was going to wait to post this since I have fifty-leven WIPs but to make up for me not being able to write for a while and also finishing two stories in the coming weeks - here we are. I'm nervous about posting this one for some reason. Hope y'all like it.
Themes: love, fame, sex, drugs
Track 1 - Smoke and Mirrors (each chapter is a track)
In the world of music, there's no denying that Velvet Rebellion's sound is electric, their melodies are undeniably addictive. But offstage, the drama and chaos surrounding this band have been the subject of endless tabloid fodder. It's a classic case of the music being sweet, but the rest of the package is a tad sour. Will their rock 'n' roll lifestyle ultimately overshadow their undeniable talent? That remains the question on everyone's lips.
The TV channel flicking produced a rapid succession of blips and static.
"You know, when it comes to Velvet Rebellion, it's clear that Natasha Romanoff is the best thing about the band. Her vocals are just on another level!"
"Oh, absolutely! Natasha's stage presence is incredible, and her voice, that raw emotion she pours into every note, it's what sets them apart. But let's not forget the rest of the band; they bring their own magic to the mix!"
Another press of the button. Another channel emitting the same rhetoric. 
"So, what are your thoughts on Velvet Rebellion, the band that seems to be taking the music scene by storm?"
"Look, I won't deny that they've had their moments. Natasha's got a powerful voice, and they've had some catchy tunes. But let's not forget, there's more to rock 'n' roll than just one person. We bring our own unique sound to the table, and we're here to show that rock isn't a one-trick pony."
Suddenly, the screen goes black. The television has been turned off. The room is silent. 
“Whatever,” The mysterious person tsks. There are better things to do. 
In the dimly lit room, the first flicker of a cigarette lighter illuminated a shadowy figure, and a guitar's haunting melody echoed through the air. It was a simple beginning, a humble birth of sound that would eventually become the anthem of a generation.
Images flashed in rapid succession—a chaotic whirlwind of memories and moments that had defined their journey from obscurity to stardom. The flashing lights of a small, dimly lit club, the very place where they had played their first gig, gave way to a sea of screaming fans, arms raised in fervent adoration.
“Bucky! Bucky!”
“Steve, we love you!”
Talk show interviews brought them into living rooms across the nation, their faces beamed into millions of homes as they shared their stories and their music with the world. The camera panned to Natasha, her fierce gaze unyielding as she answered questions with poise and grace.
And then, there were the guitars. Guitars being smashed in a blaze of glory on stage, a ritual that had become their trademark. The destructive catharsis of the act symbolized the release of their raw energy and passion into the world.
Groupies and fans clamored for their attention, their devotion evident in the longing looks and outstretched hands. Each face in the crowd told a story of how Velvet Rebellion's music had touched their lives.
Late-night studio sessions followed, with the band working tirelessly into the early hours, crafting the songs and lyrics that had earned them their place in music history. In the dimly lit room, the flicker of a cigarette lighter once again marked the beginning of a new song.
Magazine covers splashed with their images adorned newsstands across the country. Excerpts from clippings of their first studio album, "Velvet Love," told a tale of raw, unbridled emotion set to music—a story that had resonated with countless souls.
The montage painted a vivid picture of a band that had journeyed through the highs and lows of fame, never losing sight of the music that had brought them together. Velvet Rebellion had carved its path through the music industry, leaving an unforgettable mark on the hearts of those who had listened and loved.
*************
Sunlight filters through the curtains of Natasha and Wanda's cozy Los Angeles apartment. Disheveled yet determined, Natasha sits on the edge of her bed, cradling her guitar. She strums the strings absentmindedly, searching for that inspiration that once fueled Velvet Rebellion. Her fingers danced over the strings of her trusty guitar, each note a whisper in the quiet solitude of the bedroom.
Natasha's hair framed her face, and frustration lined her expression as she strummed the chords once again. The next album's melodies were meant to be born here. Yet, inspiration remained at arm’s length, teasing her like a fading dream.
"Come on Natalia," she whispered gruffly, remembering the name she had left behind long ago.
With a sigh, she shifted her gaze to the muted TV on the dresser. A NEWS REPORTER's face appeared on the screen, accompanied by headlines that could never escape the relentless clutches of the media. She searched for the remote to turn up the volume as the face of one of her bandmates, Tony Stark’s pictures appeared. 
NEWS REPORTER
(on TV)
“In a surprising turn of events, Velvet Rebellion's Tony Stark was arrested last night for public indecency.”
Natasha's eye-roll was instinctive. Tony always had a way of making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
NEWS REPORTER
(on TV)
“...fans and critics alike have noted the band's gradual decline, and it seems the once-revered punk rock indie sensation is now on the verge of falling apart.”
The reporter's words cut through Natasha's indifference, a scalding reminder of the shadows that had been gathering around them. She couldn't deny it; the band had been stagnant for too long.
Fury sparked in her eyes, and she clenched the neck of her guitar, momentarily abandoning the song. The Velvet Rebellion of yesteryears, the band that had ignited stages and won hearts, couldn't be reduced to this—a spectacle of controversies and dwindling star power.
Returning her attention to her guitar Natasha sighed. The room's stillness hung heavy as she gently laid the guitar down on the floor. It felt like a futile effort, the muse remaining frustratingly out of reach, leaving her with an empty canvas and an aching desire to create.
Her gaze dropped to the small, black notebook, its pages filled with aborted attempts to capture the essence of their experiences and emotions in song. But today, those pages mocked her, an unforgiving reminder of the creative void that had taken its home within her.
Just as her frustration reached its peak, the bedroom door swung open with a soft creak, and in walked Wanda, a bowl of popcorn cradled in her hand. She plopped down on the bed beside Natasha, her eyes rolling in a knowing, teasing manner.
“How’s writing going?” Wanda asked, grabbing a handful of popcorn to plop into her mouth. 
Natasha let out a weary sigh, her notebook momentarily forgotten as she shared her woes with her best friend.
“You have no idea. It's like I've hit a wall, and I can't seem to find my way around it.” Natasha said. “How are we supposed to come up with another album with no songs? It’s been two years. We’re going to be known as one-hit wonders.”
“First off that’s a bit dramatic,” Wanda attempted to calm her down. “We made the hot rock and alternative songs billboard charts for our debut. I think the momentum is still there.”
Wanda cast a glance at the muted TV screen, where a news reporter was still busy dissecting Tony's latest escapade. She couldn't help but roll her eyes, mirroring Natasha's exasperation.
“And of course, our dear Tony adds another branch to the publicity tree. It's almost impressive how consistently he manages to get into trouble.” Wanda shook her head. 
After placing her bowl of popcorn on the dresser, Wanda decided to abandon her sitting position and instead flopped onto her belly, propped up on her elbows. She grabbed Natasha's small notebook, a curious glint in her eyes as she skimmed through the handwritten lyrics and scattered notes.
“You know, Nat, I think I see where you're stuck.” Wanda hummed to herself for a moment. 
Turning her attention to Wanda, Natasha felt her frustration momentarily ebb away, replaced by curiosity.
“Oh?” Natasha eyed her. “Please, share your wisdom.”
Wanda's eyes sparkled with an unexpected idea, and she pointed to a particular verse in the notebook. Her voice took on a sultry, poetic quality as she suggested a new lyric.
“How about this: "In the shadows of desire, we ignite the night."
Natasha's eyes widened in surprise as the words resonated deep within her. She quickly reached for her instrument and strummed the guitar, incorporating the new lyric into the melody, and in that instant, it all fell into place. A smile grew on her face, and she turned to Wanda.
“Wanda, that's brilliant! Thank you!” Natasha leaned forward to kiss her cheek. “I know why I keep you around.”
Wanda beamed in response. 
"Speaking of," she began, her voice casual yet laced with an underlying purpose, "we've got a gig this weekend. It's a birthday party for Harley Jameson, you know, the producer's daughter."
Natasha's response was swift and uncompromising, her will clear in her refusal. Her head shook slightly as she firmly voiced her decision, her thoughts already drifting toward the disturbing pattern of her bandmates taking liberties with decisions without consulting her, the lead.
"Absolutely not, Wanda," Natasha declared, her tone leaving no room for negotiation. “Aren’t we better than performing for snot-nosed brats?
Wanda, ever patient and understanding, propped herself up on her elbows. 
“Well, when that snot nose brat is paying us fifty thousand dollars plus a retainer,” Wanda shrugs. “And all the booze and food we want.” Her words were measured, spoken with the calm that came from knowing this conversation was inevitable." Nat, remember," she began, "you're the lead, not the boss. We haven’t been taking gigs because you've been declining. You know we need to keep the momentum going."
Natasha's jaw clenched in frustration. She leaned back, her gaze shifting to the ceiling as she contemplated her response.
"There's a reason, Wanda," Natasha explained, her voice tinged with concern. "Our brand has taken a beating lately with all the scandals we've had over the years. It’s not a good look being so new. I want us to lay low for a while, let the storm pass."
Wanda sighed, her eyes reflecting her understanding of Natasha's concerns. But she also recognized the band's need to keep going ahead despite the challenges.
"Nat," Wanda said, her voice gentle and reassuring, "I get it, I really do. But we'll be fine. Harley's party should be a breeze, and I promise we'll stay out of trouble. We'll stick to the music, no antics."
Natasha's hesitation lingered. Ultimately, the trust she had in Wanda, her lifelong friend and partner-in-crime, began to outweigh her reservations. She finally nodded, a reluctant but willing acceptance of the gig.
"Alright, alright," Natasha conceded. “We'll do it. But just this one, and we'll play it safe."
Wanda's eyes sparkled with a victorious smile, recognizing that she had won this battle for now. With that agreement, they returned to their songwriting. 
**************
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the manicured lawn of Harley Jameson's grand estate, Velvet Rebellion gathered on the makeshift stage. Around them, staff and party planners began to decorate the backyard. Their instruments glistened under the setting and stage lights. 
Natasha, her guitar slung securely across her shoulder, couldn't help but notice Tony, seated behind the drum kit, his sunglasses doing little to hide the lingering effects of his earlier indulgence. She approached him with a stern expression, a hint of frustration in her voice.
"Tony, you better get it together," She warned. "We're not messing this up tonight."
Tony, ever the charmer, brushed off her concerns with an easy smile and a wave of his hand.
"Nat, I promise, I'm fine. See?"
With that, he launched into a lively drum solo, his sticks dancing skillfully across the drumheads. The rhythm was tight, the sound electrifying. Natasha couldn't help but acknowledge his undeniable talent, even as she sighed in resignation.
"Great," she muttered to herself, "the sunglasses are his secret weapon now."
Standing beside Natasha, Steve placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. His quiet and calming presence was a balm to her nerves.
"It's alright, Natasha," He reassured her, his voice steady and comforting. "We'll get through this gig, just like our old days. Tony’s recovering but he seems fine."
Together they glance back to their bandmate who was more than likely inebriated. Tony chugged a bottle of water, before crushing it and dropping it down onto the floor beside him. 
Natasha's gaze softened as she looked at Steve, a small smile forming on her lips. “Yeah, he’s the epitome of fine.”
“Okay,” Steve pulled her gently to the side. “What’s the problem?” 
“Nothing,” Natasha shrugged. “I just can’t help but think that gigs like this are beneath us. I mean we went from performing at the MTV Video Music Awards to this? A sweet sixteen?”
Steve looked at her. He had been through thick and thin with Natasha and knew the depth of her concerns. 
“Natasha,” He replied. “I get your worries, but I promise this is a good thing for us. Todd Jameson is one of the biggest music producers in Hollywood right now. There will be a lot of executives here just to support his daughter. Think of what that could mean for us.”
“Fine,” Natasha nodded. “But if he fucks up I kick his ass.”
“Oh, you bet. Right after I’m done kicking it,” Steve joked causing Natasha to burst into laughter. 
Natasha steps back over to the mic. “Alright let’s take it from the top.” 
As Natasha prepared to lead the band into their rehearsal of the first song, the peacefulness of the backyard rehearsal space was abruptly disrupted by the arrival of Harley Jameson. She swept onto the scene with all the extravagance befitting a Hollywood princess, accompanied by a harried-looking party planner and another woman, who appeared to be a guest.
Harley, the embodiment of a spoiled heiress, immediately began issuing orders with a sense of entitlement that left the party planner flustered.
"No, no, no! These decorations are all wrong! Change them around! The mirror ball should be over here. And I want a live peacock by the pool. It's not too much to ask, is it?" Harley demanded impatiently.
The party planner, clearly overwhelmed, tried to keep up with Harley's demands. "Harley, we only have a few hours before the party starts. It's going to be challenging to make all these changes in such a short time."
Harley huffed, uninterested in the logistical challenges she was causing. "I don't care about that. Just get it done. My dad said I could have whatever I wanted."
Meanwhile, Harley's attention shifted to Velvet Rebellion, her face lighting up with enthusiasm.
"Oh, my God! I've been dying to meet you! I'm a huge fan!" she exclaimed with excitement. “I’m so happy I could get you here.”
She bounded over to the band, seemingly oblivious to the chaos she was creating, and introduced them to the party planner and you.
"This is Velvet Rebellion!" Harley introduced with enthusiasm. "Steve, the keyboardist, Tony on the drums, Bucky on the electric guitar, Wanda, the second lead singer and bass guitar, and Natasha, the incredible lead singer!"
You and the other woman exchanged glances, your expressions a mixture of frustration and amusement at the whirlwind that was Harley Jameson. You gave a small wave, opting to be in the background of this exchange. 
Wanda, ever the peacekeeper, managed to maintain her composure and put on a friendly smile despite Harley's overwhelming energy. She nodded graciously at Harley's enthusiasm.
"Oh, thank you so much, Harley!" Wanda replied with genuine warmth. "We're thrilled to meet you too. Your party looks like it's going to be incredible!"
Harley's energy showed no signs of waning as she delved into the details of the band's performance. When Wanda mentioned their planned first song, "Smoke and Mirrors," Harley immediately piped up with an alternative suggestion.
"No, no, no," Harley interrupted with fervor. "I want you to start with 'Ink and Whiskey.' It's my favorite!"
Natasha, who had been preparing to protest the sudden change to their setlist, hesitated as she saw Wanda's meek demeanor. However, it was clear that Harley's demand had disrupted their carefully planned sequence.
Natasha began to voice her concerns, but Harley's retort was swift and smart-mouthed. 
“We’ve already planned this out for-” Natasha began. 
“Oh, you can change it, can’t you? It’s just a silly setlist,” Harly questioned. 
Before Natasha could respond, you intervened with a calm yet authoritative tone.
"Harley, let's tone it down a bit," You advised, your demeanor oozing an air of authority that surprised Natasha. Harley listened, her earlier defiance giving way to a more composed demeanor.
“Sorry, I’m just excited,” Harley shrugged. 
Natasha found herself intrigued by your presence and the respect Harley seemed to show you.
"Alright," Natasha conceded with a smile, "since it's your birthday, we'll start with 'Ink and Whiskey.'"
Wanda offered a nod of agreement, and the tension in the air began to dissipate.
Harley, feeling triumphant, turned her attention to the party planner.
"Sarah, darling, let's make sure everything is perfect. I want it to be a night to remember!" Harley changed the subject, pulling you both back into a conversation with ease. 
Sarah, the party planner, nodded and tried to hide her relief that the brief crisis had passed. 
"Of course, Harley. Everything will be just as you want it."
Natasha watched the exchange between Harley and Sarah, her curiosity piqued more by you. 
“Who’s the chick?” Natasha pointed over to you with a tilt of her head. She got shrugs from Steve and Bucky. Tony was way too distracted to answer as he flirted with one of the staff. Wanda squinted to see if she could guess. 
“I don’t know,” Wanda said. “She looks vaguely familiar, but I’m guessing it’s not her mom.”
“Interesting,” Natasha mumbled to herself. She shook her head. There was no time for whatever the thumping in her heart was proving to be. She was here for the band and for the music. Also for the money, she couldn’t forget the money. 
As the preparations for the party continued, your cell phone suddenly rang, breaking the conversation flow. You excused yourself with a polite smile and stepped away from the group, heading toward a quieter corner of the backyard a few feet away.
Natasha couldn't help but overhear snippets of your conversation, the tone of your voice suggesting a heartfelt exchange, likely with a significant other. Natasha discreetly glanced in your direction, her curiosity getting the best of her.
Your voice held a gentle warmth as you spoke softly into your phone, your words filled with affection and longing.
 "I miss you too, sweetheart. Yeah, the party's getting started here in a couple of hours. It's not the same without you. Can't wait to see you soon." You smiled. 
Natasha couldn't hear the other end of the conversation, but the tenderness in your voice painted a clear picture of a loving connection between you and someone special.
Meanwhile, Harley, always the inquisitive host, began questioning Steve and Bucky about the band and its music.
"So, guys," Harley started, her interest genuine, "Have you ever thought about going solo? I am dying to know the secret."
Steve and Bucky, accustomed to answering these questions, engaged in a friendly chat with Harley, even if they also found her annoying. 
As Natasha discreetly observed you from the corner of her eye, she couldn't help but be captivated by your natural beauty. You were dressed in a simple white t-shirt and form-fitting jeans, a look that should have been unremarkable, but on you, it was utterly captivating.
The way your hair was styled, framing your face in soft waves, added to your appeal. Your skin had a radiant glow, and your features held an understated elegance that drew Natasha's attention. Despite the casual attire, you exuded a timeless charm that was impossible to ignore.
Natasha found herself admiring the effortless beauty that seemed to emanate from you and she wanted to know more. 
Just as Natasha started to pretend she wasn't eavesdropping, you turned around with a warm smile, catching her off guard. She quickly toyed with her microphone stand, feigning indifference.
You found her reaction amusing but were soon drawn back into your phone conversation. Natasha couldn't help but wonder about the person on the other end of that call and what had sparked such a genuine smile on your face. 
She toyed with the mic stand for as long as possible, physically forcing herself not to look your way. It’s a few more minutes before you returned to the group. You turned your attention to Harley and Sarah.
"Harley, don't forget, you have that hair appointment in an hour," You reminded her, glancing at your watch. "We need to make sure you're all set for your big night."
Harley, momentarily distracted by the band's presence, nodded in agreement.
"Oh, right! Thanks, y/n. I'll head out now," Harley replied with a grin. She turned to the band and offered her farewells. "Catch you all later!"
With that, Harley and Sarah departed, leaving Velvet Rebellion alone in the backyard.
As the group began to disperse, you took a moment to say goodbye to the band. 
“See you guys tonight,” You said. “I’m sure you’ll do great. If you need refreshments just ask one of the staff and they will be happy to help you with anything you need.” 
Natasha responded with a small smile and a nod, a subtle acknowledgment of the brief but pleasant interaction.
Once you, Harley, and Sarah were out of earshot, the rest of the band couldn't resist teasing Natasha. Wanda, with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, chimed in.
"Uh oh, I know that look," Wanda teased, earning a knowing chuckle from the others. Natasha's momentary fascination with you hadn't gone unnoticed, and her bandmates were more than happy to playfully nudge her about it.
“There’s no look, I don’t have a look.” Natasha rolled her eyes. 
“Sure, you don’t,” Wanda grinned. “Any bets on how long until she gets her number?”
“I say within the hour,” Tony raised his hand pulling out a single, crinkled five-dollar bill from his back pocket. 
“Fifteen says they sleep together after the show,” Bucky shrugged. Steve is the only one to remain silent. 
“I don’t know,” Steve scratched the back of his neck. “I think I’ll save my thoughts for later. The girl barely said two words to any of us.”
“Thank you,” Natasha said. “Now, can we rehearse like a proper band?” 
She tried to erase your image from her head as she positioned herself in front of the microphone. 
From the top. 
*****************
The night was alive with energy as Velvet Rebellion took the stage, the crowd gathered around, eager to soak in every note of their music. Natasha oozed confidence and charisma, a star in every sense of the word. The opening chords of "Ink and Whiskey" filled the air, and the crowd erupted in cheers. This birthday party was a rager if she’d ever seen one. Natasha always considered rich people stiff and uptight. Going to plenty of parties once their debut kicked off their careers. Stiff drinks, weird pleasantries, and even more drugs. She was being proven wrong with this particular shindig. 
She moved to the edge of the stage, her presence magnetic. She sang with a passion that could be felt in every corner of the space, her voice carrying the weight of their lyrics. The audience couldn't help but be drawn into her performance, and they eagerly joined in, singing along and dancing to the beat.
Wanda, standing beside Natasha, bled a different kind of cool and calm. Her steady presence provided the perfect balance to Natasha's fiery performance. It was clear to anyone watching that their dynamic was the secret to their success.
Natasha lowered her head, giving Wanda the floor to sing her part of the chorus. Wanda’s hands moved steadily between the chords as she sang into the microphone. 
Ink and whiskey, the pages of our hearts,  
Tangled in the chapters where love starts,  
In the darkness, our secrets we confide,  
With every word written, our souls collide
Natasha steps forward, moving close enough to the microphone so that she and Wanda could harmonize the last verse. Her eyes travel from Wanda’s, smiling as they share in the energy and joy of being on stage before she maneuvers herself to face the crowd. 
In the night's embrace, our love's sweet refrain,  
Ink and whiskey, like a runaway train,  
Through the highs and lows, we'll find our way,  
With every word we write, love's here to stay
In the front row, Harley danced with her friends, reveling in the music and the excitement of the night. The atmosphere was electric, and the joy was contagious.
As Natasha sang, she scanned the crowd, her eyes landing on familiar faces among the sea of B-listers and music enthusiasts. But the one that stood out the most was you. Your eyes locked, and Natasha couldn't resist a playful wink, a silent acknowledgment of your earlier encounter.
You raised your glass in a silent toast and clapped enthusiastically when the song came to an end. You weren’t a huge fan of the music genre but you could see why Velvet Rebellion was such a rising star amongst new artists. Their stage presence was undeniable, the song was catchy and the beat was electrifying. It helped that Natasha was cute. All good things in your book. You can’t take your eyes off the stage as they move into their next song. It’s a bit disjointed considering Harley made them change the setlist around the last minute but it seems smooth either way. Natasha dances a bit for this one, her body movements fluid and effortless. Almost as if she’s had some training. 
You’re momentarily distracted when a distant family member comes to say hello. 
The show must go on as Natasha continues to sing her heart out. 
**********************
The final notes of their setlist rang out, and the crowd roared in appreciation. Velvet Rebellion had given their all, and now it was time for the DJ to take over and keep the party going.
Wanda had convinced Natasha to stay a while longer, promising that the night was still young and full of possibilities. Tony, ever the charmer, remarked with a grin, "I see a few MILFs in the crowd that I wouldn't mind mingling with." He slipped into the crowd with ease, chatting up the first single woman he saw. 
Natasha, however, remained all about business. She stood at the bar, surveying the party and keeping a watchful eye on her bandmates. The chaos and revelry around her seemed to blur into a colorful swirl of dancing bodies and laughter.
It was then that you approached her, catching Natasha's attention. Your presence was a welcome change of pace, and Natasha couldn't help but appreciate the genuine compliment she received.
"You guys were incredible," You said with a smile. "I'm impressed."
Natasha, always a woman of few words in such settings, offered a gracious nod of acknowledgment. 
You extended your hand with a warm smile as you introduced yourself, "I'm y/n. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Natasha shook your hand firmly and replied, "Natasha. Likewise."
You couldn't help but notice Natasha's reserved demeanor. Almost as if she felt too cool to be here. 
"I couldn't help but wonder," You began, your curiosity evident as you raised your voice above the music. "why aren't you out there dancing like the rest of your bandmates?"
Natasha offered a wry smile and shot back, "I could ask you the same thing."
“Touche,” You nodded. “I’m not much of a party girl.” You turn towards the bartender. “Do you want a drink? Eric here makes the best mojitos.”
“Sure, I’ll have a sex on the beach,” Natasha asked. 
“You heard the woman,” You jokingly said to Eric as he began to make your drinks. As you focused your attention on grabbing a few napkins, Natasha gave you a once-over. Your party dress was a delightful balance of simplicity and style. The knee-length and backless dress showcased a flattering silhouette, hugging your curves in all the right places. The deep, midnight-blue fabric was decorated with tiny, shimmering glitter that seemed to twinkle with each movement you made. Its sweetheart neckline and delicate spaghetti straps added a touch of femininity to the ensemble, while the mid-thigh slit allowed for easy movement as you moved. The overall effect was a cute yet elegant dress that perfectly suited the festive atmosphere of the party.
Natasha's observant eye caught the jewelry adorning your wrist. It was subtle but tasteful, hinting at a level of refinement that didn't go unnoticed. It was at least half of her salary for tonight’s show. This only interested her more. She needed to know who you were. She wanted to know the mystery behind you and your name. 
“Here you go,” You step back over to Natasha to hand her a drink. “I hope I’m not being too forward.”
“Not at all,” Natasha shrugged. 
"You know, if you're looking for a bit more quiet, we could step inside for a breather." You suggested, tilting your chin towards the house. 
Natasha considered the offer, realizing that a change of scenery might be a welcome respite from the party's chaos. With a small smile, she agreed, "That sounds like a good idea."
You led Natasha through the sea of people and inside the mansion to a nearby office where the music's relentless thump was muffled, and the atmosphere was quieter. It was a welcome change from the frenzied party outside.
As you settled into seats close to each other on the couch, drinks in hand, Natasha couldn't help herself and began to ask you questions. 
“Why did you ask me in here tonight?” Natasha asked. “Not that I’m complaining. I have been invited into much worse places.”  
“Thanks, I think,” You chuckled. You sensed Natasha's curiosity and offered a simple explanation, your eyes holding Natasha's in an unspoken connection."I enjoy meeting new people," you confessed, your voice soft but sincere. "And I've decided I wanted to talk with you."
You took a sip of your drink, your gaze thoughtful. "I also wanted to apologize for Harley's behavior earlier. She can be... spirited at times."
Natasha waved off the apology with a small smile, understanding that spirited was one way to describe Harley's antics.
You went on to explain, "Usually, I don't speak up like that, but my uncle has a way of spoiling Harley. It's... complicated."
Natasha's curiosity got the better of her, and she asked, "Your uncle? He’s Todd Jameson?"
You took a moment before revealing, "Yes. He and my dad are half-brothers. Making Harley my little cousin. I don’t admit it often."
The revelation left Natasha intrigued. She had heard the name Todd Jameson before, a figure of significance in the entertainment industry. The connection between you and Harley was now becoming clearer, and Natasha couldn't help but wonder about the family connection.
“That would make your dad…” Natasha began. 
“Nick Fury, the one and only,” You finished for her. “Different fathers. My dad is somewhere out there tonight. It’s a thing I don’t like to admit to strangers.”
“I get it,” Natasha nodded. 
The revelation about your family connection to Todd Jameson made Natasha pause for a moment. She had always admired the award-winning jazz player turned talent manager, Nick Fury, from afar. His contributions to the music industry were legendary, and Natasha couldn't deny that she was a fan of his music.
She decided not to fangirl, though, and instead offered a genuine smile. "Your dad is a legend. I've always been a fan of his music."
Your eyes lit up with appreciation. "Thank you, Natasha. I'll be sure to pass that along to him." You set your half-empty cup onto a coaster, before turning back to Natasha. “So, watching you on that stage. Not many people have that star power. I was wondering if you have experience dancing? You were incredible.” 
Natasha's eyes sparkled as she recalled her performance. "The way I danced on stage during our set, it's a part of who I am. I guess you could say it's a bit of my background showing through."
Your curiosity piqued, and you guessed, "Ballet, then?"
Natasha nodded. "Yes, I did ballet for sixteen years as a child. I even got into Juilliard."
Your eyes widened in admiration. "That's amazing, Natasha. How did you get into singing and music?"
Natasha took a sip of her drink and smiled as she delved into the story of how she got into music. It was a story that she didn't often share, but there was something about her conversation with you that made her feel comfortable opening up.
"It all started back in high school," Natasha began. "I was really into dancing, and it was an elective at my school. But then, one day, I decided to join the choir on a whim. And I fell in love with singing and songwriting. I grew up in a rough neighborhood. I needed something to keep me out of the house and off the streets."
She paused for a moment, reminiscing about those early days. "So, I started writing songs, and my friends Wanda and Steve would go over to Steve’s small bedroom. We'd play our rented instruments and experiment with different sounds. It was just a fun little hobby at first."
Natasha's gaze drifted, lost in the memories of those simple beginnings. "Then Bucky, Steve’s best friend well, he's always been a bit of a troublemaker, but he's got a talent for the electric guitar. And Tony...his dad's pretty wealthy and bought us all our equipment. Plus, he's good at the drums."
She chuckled, shaking her head. "It was a bit of a motley crew, but that's how Velvet Rebellion came to be. We started playing in small venues, dive bars, and country clubs. And somehow, we made it here."
Natasha's usually guarded demeanor had softened in your presence, and she found herself enjoying the opportunity to share a piece of her journey with someone who seemed genuinely interested in her story.
“I love that,” You nodded. You and Natasha share a smile before she asked. 
“Is your boyfriend here tonight? I don’t want to keep you too long,” She fished for more information. 
“No, no,” You shake your head. “No boyfriend. You?”
“Not really into monogamy at the moment,” She shrugged. She doesn’t know if this statement will bite her in the ass later but for some reason she trusted you. “Tell me about you. Are you in the family business or?”
"I've always had a bit of a connection to the music world," You began. "As a teenager, I sang a few backup vocals for artists my uncle produced. I guess you could say I almost pursued a career in music, but life had other plans for me. I got pregnant at seventeen. Dedicated to finish school and go to college."
You took a thoughtful swig of your drink and continued, "Now, I'm a publicist. I don't mean to brag, but I'm good at what I do.When I'm not working, I'm taking care of my daughter, Isabella. She's nine years old and the light of my life."
Your face softened as you spoke about your daughter, and you couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and joy. "She's with her dad for the weekend," you added, "and we co-parent quite well."
Natasha was genuinely interested in your life outside of the party scene, and she couldn't resist asking, "Do you have any pictures of Isabella? I'd love to see her."
Your eyes twinkled with delight as you pulled out your phone and began to share a few adorable images of your daughter. Natasha couldn't help but smile as she admired the photos, enjoying this glimpse into your world beyond the music and the party.
“Here she is at gymnastics practice,” You flipped through a few pictures of Isabella’s smiling face. “And swim. She is a little spitfire and she wants to do it all.”
“Wow,” Natasha smiled as if Isabella were her own child. “Do you ever want more?”
“Maybe one day,” You said wistfully. “For now I feel pretty full with everything in life. You?” 
You noticed the change in Natasha's expression and asked, "Is something on your mind?"
Natasha sighed, leaning back into her seat. "I just don't know if I'm cut out for motherhood," she admitted. "I have a younger sister, Yelena, she’s attending the University of Cambridge in England now. She's even developed a bit of a British accent." Natasha couldn't help but chuckle at the thought.
"But," she continued, "I enjoy the fast-paced life, the music, the performances, and the constant movement. A significant other won’t quite understand that I don't always have the time. Not that I don’t ever want that someday but…” Her voice died down. 
You listened empathetically, understanding the complexities of Natasha's life as a musician. "I get that," you acknowledged. "But it's essential to find the right balance for you, whether it's in your music career, personal life, or something in between. My dad was able to do it. When he crossed over into hip-hop there was definitely a lot he missed but he still made things happen"
“Really? Well, I will have to ask him for pointers.” She grinned. 
Just as the conversation was reaching its peak, there came a polite knock at the office door. A member of the party staff popped in to inform you that they were ready to sing "Happy Birthday" to Harley.
You turned to Natasha with a warm smile. "It was nice meeting and talking to you, Natasha," you said genuinely.
Natasha, not wanting the connection to end, began, "You know, I'd love to..."
But before she could finish her sentence, your cheeks flushed, and you interrupted already knowing what she was going to say, your voice bold, "Are you going to call me, or are you going to leave me hanging in the wind?"
Natasha couldn't help but laugh at your sudden assertiveness. It was a pleasant surprise. "I’m not that type of woman," Natasha said. At your look, she laughed again. “You got me there.”
You returned her smile and handed Natasha your phone, saying, "You'll just have to trust me with your number instead, and I'll call." Asking for her number instead eased the pressure off Natasha, and also your nerves at hoping she’d call. 
You gave Natasha a wink and chucked a thumb over your shoulder to indicate you were going back to the party. Natasha nodded and watched you walk away. When her eyes trailed lower she doesn’t even feel guilty about it. 
Natasha left the office, rejoining her bandmates outside in the backyard, just as they were preparing to sing "Happy Birthday" to Harley. The festive atmosphere was in full swing, and the energy of the party was infectious.
As the crowd gathered around Harley, Natasha's eyes scanned the faces, and they landed on you, who was standing among the partygoers. Your eyes met, and you shared a knowing smile, a silent acknowledgment of the connection you had developed.
Tony, always quick to pick up on things, couldn't help but tease Natasha when he noticed her grin. "So, did you get her number?"
Natasha rolled her eyes at Tony's assumption but then burst into laughter. "No," she replied with a playful smirk, "she took mine."
The party was still in full swing when someone on stage stopped the music with a loud, "Hey, everyone! Can I have your attention, please?"
The spotlight shifted to the stage, and all eyes turned toward the source of the interruption. It was a friend of Harley's, and he had a mischievous grin on his face as he spoke into the microphone.
"I have a special surprise for our birthday girl tonight," he announced. "We have someone here who's agreed to sing 'Happy Birthday' to Harley, and I think you're all in for a treat."
A collective cheer and applause erupted from the crowd as they eagerly anticipated the surprise. The spotlight moved to you, highlighting your face and putting you on the spot. You managed to not look like a deer in headlights which was a feat in itself. Natasha's curiosity was piqued, especially considering you had mentioned you weren’t much of a singer.
You tried to protest shyly, but the crowd begged you to come up on stage. Encouraged by their cheers, you reluctantly made your way up to the spotlight.
Once on stage, you cleared your throat and took a deep breath, your nerves palpable. You began with a little birthday speech, your voice tinged with affection and humor.
"I want to wish a happy birthday to my cousin Harley," You began, your smile directed at the birthday girl. "Even though she's a bit of a brat," you teased, earning laughs from the crowd, "she's my brat, and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Then, as expected, you began to sing "Happy Birthday." Your voice, which you had modestly downplayed earlier, was nothing short of remarkable. It was soulful, sweet, and filled with a depth of emotion that resonated through the entire backyard.
The crowd, including Natasha, was utterly blown away by the unexpected talent that you possessed. Your voice filled the air, making the birthday celebration even more special and memorable. It was a moment of pure magic, and Natasha couldn't help but be captivated by your incredible singing ability.
Natasha decided two things then and there. One, she really liked you, and two, boy, was she in for a ride.
---> next part
246 notes · View notes
jpopstreaming · 1 year ago
Text
BUCK-TICK's Atsushi Sakurai Passes Away at 57 Due to Brainstem Hemorrhage
Tumblr media
An Emotional Farewell to the Iconic Vocalist During a Fan Club-Exclusive Performance
The music world is in mourning as Atsushi Sakurai, the charismatic vocalist of the iconic Japanese rock band BUCK-TICK, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 57. The devastating news was officially confirmed, marking a sudden and shocking end to the artist's three-and-a-half-decade-long career.
On the fateful night of October 19th, Sakurai was performing at the fan-club exclusive event "BUCK-TICK FISH TANKer's ONLY 2023" at KT Zepp Yokohama in Kanagawa. Unfortunately, due to his deteriorating health, the performance had to be halted. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Sakurai could not be saved and passed away at 23:09 due to a brainstem hemorrhage. The family, respecting their privacy in this trying time, conducted a private funeral. However, according to the band's management, a memorial to honor Sakurai will be organized at a later date.
BUCK-TICK, composed of Atsushi Sakurai, Hisashi Imai (Guitar), Hidehiko Hoshino (Guitar), Yutaka Higuchi (Bass), and Toll Yagami (Drums), debuted in 1987. They rose to fame in 1988 with the hit single « JUST ONE MORE KISS », propelling them to national stardom. Celebrating their 35th anniversary this year, the band had just hosted a grand anniversary concert in their hometown of Gunma in September. They were just commencing their 36th year in the music industry when this tragic incident occurred.
Sakurai's untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the fan community and the music industry at large. It's a loss that leaves a void difficult to fill. The late singer was renowned for his mesmerizing vocals and enigmatic stage presence, qualities that have touched the lives of countless fans globally. His voice will forever resonate in the hearts of those who admired him. While the band's future remains uncertain, Sakurai's rich legacy ensures that he will continue to inspire generations to come.
767 notes · View notes
smileysvech · 1 year ago
Text
dating jeremy swayman
nsfw under the cut, minors please dni
physical touch and quality time are his top love languages, you cannot convince me otherwise
he’s always wrapping his arms around you and pulling your body into his bigger frame to engulf you in a hug
he loves a good cuddle and getting to hold you in his arms while you rest your head against his chest so you can hear his strong and steady heartbeat
he spends so much of his time out in nature, away from his phone with no distractions, so if you went on a hike with him he'd be so present and in the moment with you
jeremy talks a lot about how he wants to work his ass off to earn every opportunity he gets to play and he has that mentality in the bedroom too… he will work to please you and do everything he can to earn the reward of making you cum
part of being a goalie is having intense focus and being dialed in so he would be incredibly focused on how your body responds to his touch and his voice and he’s able to read your body so well and knows just how to make you completely fall apart
he’s so patient and usually isn’t in a rush and likes to take his time with you and prefers slow and sensual yet passionate sex over a quick rough fuck (though he’s not entirely opposed to it)
but he will ALWAYS perform some good aftercare for you
he's so attentive when he's leaving soft kisses all over your skin as he cleans you up, checking in on you "you okay there, pretty girl?" and murmuring "you did so well, love you so much", massaging any part of your body that might be sore
he also plays guitar so we know he’s skilled with his hands
his fingers are probably calloused and a little rough but it feels amazing when he rubs them against your clit or when he finally slides them into your wet and waiting pussy
he’s got a praise kink (hello?? telling ully “I’m coming handsome!” and the “fuck she’s a good girl” clip that lives in my head rent free like he’s not afraid to give out compliments and loves to worship you!!!!!!!)
he’s often described as one of the most vocal goalies so he’s gotta be just as vocal in bed
he will let you know how good you make him feel with his deep moans and groans and breathy curses when your lips are wrapped around his cock or your pussy is fluttering and squeezing him
“fuck, that’s it. right there. feels so good. such a good girl for me.”
“keep doing that, baby.”
also BITING KINK
y’all seen the way he bites his jersey???
I just KNOW he would love biting and marking you up
maybe it starts off as just soft, slow kisses but soon the two of you have moved to the couch and you’re perched on his big lap straddling him while making out
one of his big hands has found its way into your hair at the base of your neck and with an ever so gentle tug he signals for you to lean your head back so he can detach his lips from yours and trail kisses from your shoulder to your collar bone and up your neck and jaw
he lets his teeth sink into your flesh and you wince a little bit at the stinging sensation but he quickly eases any of your discomfort when he runs his tongue along the mark he left on you
god he would love leaving bite marks and hickeys all over your neck and breasts
he would be so smug about it too, just leaning back and admiring his work with a little cocky smirk when you run your fingers over the marks he left you when you assess the damage in your bathroom mirror later
you roll your eyes at him, but truthfully you love it too because it’s a reminder that he wants you and you’re his girl
and how can we not discuss his confidence and cockiness?
the way he is always smirking and winking during warmups
AND HIS MANSPREADING
the man knows he's packing
I have it in my head that he loves when you sit on his lap and wrap your arms around him to keep your balance
and he LOVES when you ride him
he enjoys seeing the pleasure on your face as you take what you need from him, doing whatever it takes to get yourself off on him
and after he's sure you've had at least one orgasm, he'd take control and thrust his hips up and drive his cock into you deeper and deeper, finding your most sensitive spots to bring you to another earth-shattering orgasm
tagging a few of my fellow sway girlies: @pyotrkochetkov @senditcolton @barzysunflower @cellythefloshie
400 notes · View notes
jokeroutsubs · 8 months ago
Text
Tumblr media
Joker Out Masterpost for new fans
New fan of Joker Out? Say no more! 
Getting to know a new artist you’ve found can be intimidating if it’s all in another language, so we’ve compiled some of our favourite interviews, articles and lore here! You’ve arrived in a wonderful fanbase, welcome from all of us here at JokerOutSubs! 
If you’d just like a short overview of the band and their history, you can watch this excellent Finnish summary of them that we’ve translated (14m 53s).
youtube
But if you want to dive into the details, then check out our timeline, full of videos and articles translated by JokerOutSubs! 
Timeline graphic:
Tumblr media
Timeline in details below the cut 👇
Timeline in details: 
How did the band form? 
Joker Out was formed from two bands, Apokalipsa and Buržuazija. 
Apokalipsa included Bojan Cvjetićanin (vocals), Martin Jurkovič (bass) and Matic Kovačič (drums) 
They gained some traction with young people around Slovenia, particularly with their song 'Mogoče' ('Maybe'), which you can watch on YouTube here.
They came to the attention of Kris Guštin, who was inspired to start learning guitar! He discusses the details in this video (at 9:40). 
Kris then met Jan Peteh, another student of his guitar teacher, and at their teachers advice, they formed the band Buržuazija. 
Bojan attended their second ever gig in 2016, and decided these two excellent guitarists were exactly what had been missing from Apokalipsa, as he wasn’t happy with their current guitarists. He asked them to join, and they accepted
The new lineup (Bojan, Jan, Kris, Martin and Matic) decided to rename themselves Joker Out. The name means nothing, but they thought it sounded good and was the ‘least horrible’ of all the ideas they could think of. 
So, in 2016, Joker Out was officially formed! 
November 2016, Kot srce ki kri poganja: 
Joker Out’s first music video was for their song ‘Kot srce ki kri poganja’ ('Like a heart that pumps blood'), filmed in Jan’s hometown of Vrhnika! We eventually got this song on Spotify on their 2023 album Live from Arena Stožice!
Music video: Kot srce ki kri poganja
English Interview (from 3:37 to 6:05): Joker Out discusses filming the music video
June 2017, Špil Liga:
One of the earliest performances for Joker Out was at Špil Liga, a competition for young bands in Slovenia. They won, and recorded their winning song, Omamljeno telo (intoxicated body) in November as part of the prize. 
Live (33m): Joker Out at Špil liga
Interview (5m): Reflections on Špil Liga in 2023 
c.2017/18, Bojan’s attempt at going solo:
The band took a hiatus c.2017/18, and Bojan considered going solo at that time, even working with a few producers. He eventually realised that he belonged with the band! Hear him tell the story:
Reel (1m 23s): A1 Vajb - Bojan’s fail
2019, A change up for the band:
The band began working with their current producer, Žare Pak, and their videographer Mark Pirc, in 2019 - both of whom have been referred to as the sixth member of the band. This led to a change in their sound and production quality, which culminated in ‘Gola’ ('Naked'), the first of their songs to be a big hit!
Music video: Gola
Zlata piščal ('Golden Flute') - Best New Artist 2019:
Joker Out won their first Zlata piščal award in 2019, for best new artist (one of many they’d go on to win!) This is a kind of Slovenian Grammy! Covid interrupted the proceedings, but you can see their interview for it here (3m 59s)- 
Interview: Joker Out wins a Zlata piščal ('Golden Flute') for Best New Artist 2019
Umazane misli, and a new member: 
During the Covid times, the band began recording their first studio album, 'Umazane misli' ('Dirty thoughts'), which was originally going to be released in March 2020 but was repeatedly delayed until October 2021. The first half was recorded with drummer Matic Kovačič, but the band felt they needed something extra and brought in Jure Maček to help write the arrangements. They loved him so much, he never left! 
Interview (from 10:40 to 11:36): Bojan talks briefly about Jure joining the band
COVID times, and Cvetličarna: 
The band had arranged to do two concerts at Cvetličarna, a very important venue in Slovenia and a big break for them. This was delayed several times due to Covid, but eventually managed to go ahead in October 2021 for the release of their first album. 
Video (1m 14s): Cvetličarna promotional video
Live (1h 28m): Joker Out at Cvetličarna
Interview (34m 55s): Bojan discusses Cvetličarna, its importance, and Covid
Umazane misli album launch: 
'Umazane misli' was extremely well received! The band would go on to win two more Zlata piščal awards, Newcomers of the Year in 2020 and Artist of the Year in 2021.
Interview (37m 08s): Umazane misli album presentation
An acting career for Bojan? 
Around the same time as 'Umazane misli' was released, Bojan began considering an acting career. He acted in two episodes of the series ‘Gospod Professor’ and in another series, which was eventually reworked as a film called ‘Kaj pa Ester’ and released in December 2023. He decided music was his passion though, and he wanted to fully focus on that. 
Interview (from 10:04 to 11:30): Bojan discusses his acting career
Interview (2m 11s): Kaj pa Ester interview
Interview (2m 30s): Kaj pa Ester première
Article: Bojan on Kaj pa Ester
September 2022, Križanke:
The band got straight to work writing their second album, 'Demoni' ('Demons'), and decided to present it in September 2022 at Križanke, another hugely important venue in Slovenia. This whole concert wasn’t recorded, but we have an interesting advertisement they did for it, an interview and a clip of one song live from Križanke! 
Video (5m 4s): Full Joker Out Hotline trailers
Interview (2m 16s): Joker Out with parachutes to Križanke?
Live (4m 7s): 'Novi val' ('New wave') live at Križanke
Interview (44m 35s): Demoni album presentation
Another new member! 
After Križanke at the end of 2022, Martin Jurkovič, one of the founding members of the band, made the decision to leave to focus on his studies.
Video (2m 20s): Martin's departure
Thankfully, he was replaced by the wonderful Nace Jordan, who remains the bassist in the current lineup.
Article: Nace Jordan discusses joining the band
2023, Eurovision:
Joker Out were then internally selected to go to Eurovision 2023, and began recording their Eurovision song, 'Carpe Diem', in Hamburg in December 2022. To learn more, you can watch the Carpe Diem series, a documentary series which followed their entire journey. 
The first episode, recording Carpe Diem, can be found with subtitles in multiple languages by JokerOutSubs!
Video (16m 41s): Carpe Diem Ep. 1 - Hamburg
The band performed their song for the first time live on Misija Liverpool, a televised debut, on the 4th February 2023.
Video (27m): Joker Out performing at Misija Liverpool
There are quite literally hundreds of interviews with Joker Out during the Eurovision era. Here's one from just before the final, that we have translated.
Interview: Joker Out before the final on the 13th May
And a few English interviews that became famous in the fanbase! 
Interview (24m 29s): Eurovanja
Interview (8m 10s): Seize the Day situations
Interview (17m 18s): Tiktok Live
Interview (6m 30s): ‘Never have I ever’
Interview (14m 12s): Madrid Eurovision
Result
Joker Out came 21st at Eurovision, which they were satisfied with.
Interview (1m 36s): Bojan talks about their results
European tour and Sunny Side of London (22nd September)
Luckily, the best was still to come for Joker Out! The rest of 2023 was spent on an extremely successful European tour, and they also released their first English single, 'Sunny Side of London', in September. 
We at JokerOutSubs were also thrilled to interview the band twice on their tour!
Original Interview (15m 25s): JokerOutSubs interview in Tampere
Original Interview (14m 37s): JokerOutSubs interview in Poznań
6th of October 2023, Stožice:
All of this, however, was building up to Stožice. This is the biggest closed venue in Slovenia and Joker Out managed to sell out their October show there - an extremely important milestone for Slovenian artists. 
Interview (15m 4s): Stožice and their whirlwind post Eurovision career
Live: Full concert live-streamed part 1 and part 2
A lovely moment at Stožice was when former members Martin Jurkovič and Matic Kovačič joined the band onstage to perform 'Kot srce ki kri poganja'!
Interview (2m 4s): Martin and Matic discuss the experience
Interview (5m 9s): Joker Out post Stožice impressions
London era and Everybody’s Waiting: 
Joker Out spent the beginning of 2024 in London, where they wrote new music, did live cooking shows on Instagram and met the incredibly talented photographer, Damon Baker, who did a beautiful series of photoshoots with them. They also released their next English single, 'Everybody’s Waiting', in February. 
They sat down with us at JokerOutSubs to discuss all this on the 20th February!
Original Interview (59m 13s): JokerOutSubs interview in London
March and April 2024, ‘See you soon’ tour:
The boys then embarked on the ‘See you Soon’ tour, another very successful European tour. They played three new songs live during the tour, two of which we translated from the concert videos of our members!
Live:  First performance of 'Bluza' ('Blouse')
Live: First performance of the hugely popular 'Šta bih ja' ('What would I')
We at JokerOutSubs also interviewed the band a fourth time in Padova!
Original Interview (22m 7s): JokerOutSubs interview in Padova
Now you know a little bit about Joker Out’s history, let’s look a little bit at the members of the band as individuals! 
Who are the members?
Bojan Cvjetićanin - singer
Tumblr media
Charming, charismatic and an all round green flag, deep down we’re all Bojan girlies! See him here on Cosmopolitan's Blind date, Portrait with Coffee and a lovely interview he did for Delo! 
Interview (8m 49s): Cosmopolitan's Blind date
Interview (18m 3s): Portrait with Coffee
Article: “If we believed that we were “kings”, that wouldn’t be us”
Jan Peteh - guitarist
Tumblr media
The mysterious mathematician of the band, Jan and his cat Igor have stolen the hearts of the fanbase. Here he is on Undercover Mathematician and on Metropolitan podcast with ex bassist Martin! 
Interview (3m 26s): Undercover mathematician
Interview (43m 57s): Jan and Martin on Metropolitan podcast
Kris Guštin - guitarist
Tumblr media
Known for his organisational expertise, 'slay pose' and 'cake baking skills,' Kris stays fabulous on and off stage!
Video (1m 5s): NGVOT backstory (Kris’ breakup) at Cvetličarna
Article: Interview with the entire Guštin family
Jure Maček - drummer
Tumblr media
Described consistently by his band mates as ‘čaga’ (party), Jure brings a chaotic energy to Joker Out that we love to see!
Video (41s): Jure’s cheating (in school!) story
Interview (18m 3s): Sunday Chat on Radio 94
Nace Jordan - bassist
Tumblr media
The oldest member of Joker Out, Nace is a genuine sweetheart who fit like a glove into Joker Out despite joining much later! 
Article: "Enriched by a special [Eurovision] experience"
Interview (18m 24s): Interview with JokerOutSubs in Umag
Get to know the whole band! 
They mostly do interviews together, so here are some of our favourites!
Interview (16m 52s): Vičstock Unplugged
Video (7m 3s): Joker Out pre-Križanke Instagram Q&A compilation
Interview (54m 42s): Multisciplinary panel at Bežigrad High School
Article: Joker Out for DELO
Article: Joker Out for Mladina magazine
Interview (6m 42s): Joker Out for RTV SLO
Interview (1h 1m): Joker Out for N1 podkast
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning a bit more about our favourite band! 
If you’d like even MORE translated interviews, articles and Instagram stories, you can find us on Tumblr, X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Spotify under the name JokerOutSubs!
Tumblr media
P.S: If you wish to share this post with new fans, we also provided QR codes!
Tumblr media Tumblr media
189 notes · View notes
anystalker707 · 4 months ago
Text
Do i want to be you or fuck you
Pairing: Sam Monroe x [gender-neutral] Reader Summary: sam never had to deal with another alternative person around, so you're giving him a hell of an identity crisis. Tags: kind of enemies to lovers / sam in a crop top / reader leaves lipstick marks on his stomach
MASTER LIST
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Sam didn’t know how to deal with that situation because he never had to, but now seeing someone steal his attention didn’t please him. He wondered if he was punk enough, though it was a stupid thought.
Fuck’s sake, though. Sam was the one who would attract attention all around and cause rumors because of his style, and he wondered if he had lost his effect. Black clothes, chains, studs, and alt music were his thing, so he didn’t see why some of his friends were running to you to ask your opinion about the new Slipknot album.
Your makeup, clothes, and accessories were always on fucking point. Sam hoped you wouldn’t notice how he was staring. No, it wasn’t about how beautiful you looked, laughing, chatting with whoever with a can in hand, sometimes dancing lightly to the song of the shitty local band in that stupid venue. It was at your shirt, wondering how the fuck you’d managed to get a tour-limited shirt like that. Of a band he liked. He was sure you didn’t even understand the meaning behind the songs. Your favorite album was probably the main one, and you skipped the underrated songs only because they weren’t that popular. That shirt would probably look better on him, anyway.
“You just came here for nothing? To sulk there?” Josh cut through his thoughts, annoying, as always.
Sam’s gaze met yours, but he quickly averted his eyes to the small stage and the group moshing in front of it, taking a drag from his cigarette. “Shut up.”
“What?”
“Shut up,” Sam scoffed as he shook his head, taking a deeper and faster drag from his cigarette, holding back the cough that tickled the back of his throat as the smoke burned down his throat.
The wall behind Sam dug into his shoulder blades, the faint ache spread through his back from how long he had been standing there. He didn’t like that band—he knew the bassist had been in a class with him in the second year of high-school, but he could barely listen to any instrument aside from the guitar and under the vocalist’s exaggerated vocal fry. The venue wasn’t all that good either. Not like the band would be able to afford one.
Going there seemed like a good opportunity to get high and drink, but the moment Sam saw you, his excitement fizzled away, giving in to that bitter feeling.
“Fuck off,” Sam made sure to say to Josh, ignoring the complaints muffled by the bad cover music while walking off to a spot where you couldn’t see him. He lit another cigarette, watching the glowing red lines trickle closer to the filter with the drag he took. His throat burned, and he became a little more lightheaded, though it didn’t hit so strongly anymore. Maybe he could save some money to go to a real concert next summer. Get good merch.
Even with the dubious background, Sam still got a cup of energy drink with cola and vodka at a stand, only able to take a few sips of it before he lost grip on the cup, even more so given the moisture that accumulated around the cold cup, and it went straight to the ground, spilling some of his drink on his shirt. His cigarette fell right into the puddle. He whipped his head back, scowling. Of course, it had to be you.
“Oh my fucking god,” Sam exhaled sharply, motioning to his ruined shirt—at least the short-sleeved one on top.
You raised your eyebrows as your eyes skimmed him up and down, shaking your head with a soft sigh. “Not my fault that you suddenly stopped walking in the middle of the way. You could’ve at least walked off to the side or something.” Your gaze fell to the cup on the ground. “It wasn’t any good, after all. You wasted money the moment you bought it.”
Sam mirrored your expression mockingly before he looked down at his shirt. He tugged on the hem so that it wouldn’t cling to his skin. “You really suck, y’know that?”
“Just take off the wet shirt, since you got another one under it,” you said as if it were obvious. His mouth opened and closed a few times, but Sam didn’t say anything, only shaking his head and making you sigh. “Come on. Do you want a spare shirt? Or will you keep stinking alcohol and get sticky until you get home?”
As much as Sam wanted to argue, you had a point. He could hear his mother complaining already. Right before he could say anything, your hand was around his wrist to pull him out of the way, away from the risk of having another drink spilled on him, even if not his own.
“I can buy you a shirt from the merch stand as an apology,” you said.
Sam followed your gaze to the shitty merch stand selling ridiculous handmade merchandise. That band definitely needed a new art, and he definitely wasn’t wearing any of that stuff. The sneering air in your words made annoyance boil under his skin, but he did not want to give you the satisfaction of knowing your effect on him.
You laughed. “I’m being serious.”
Well, he wasn’t doing enough of a good job of hiding his annoyance, but again, how could he? Sam took a deep breath. “You’re ruining my night,” he grumbled, tugging his shirt over his head, trying to avoid the wet parts.
“Oh? Me? I didn’t even do anything…” You trailed off, observing his shirt come off to reveal that the undershirt was, in fact, a long-sleeved crop top that stopped a little above his abdomen. It wasn’t even wet, since the drink had only spilled on the bottom half of the shirt, where the crop top did not reach.
Sam held the shirt in his hand, and the words died on his tongue when he noticed you. He gritted his teeth. “Do not look at me like that.”
You blinked a couple of times. “Like what?” But you didn’t even have the shame to look at him in the eyes, continuing to observe the pale skin of his stomach, which contrasted highly with his dark clothes and the happy trail that disappeared into his low waist shorts along with his v-lines. You finally looked him in the eyes, but it was just for a couple of seconds. “Like what?”
Many things ran across his mind, but none of which Sam could actually voice. Looking at you itself was hard. “Come on,” he muttered and cleared his throat. Warmth prickled his cheeks and the back of his neck. “I didn’t think I’d have to take my shirt off.”
“Well,” you exhaled—that look was enough to make his whole body tingle, “you shouldn’t even have chosen to wear it, in the first place. It’s not cold tonight, and your fit looks way better this way.”
When did you step closer? Sam gulped, his eyes scanning your face, the dark eye makeup and that almost black lipstick which he only knew the real color because of how it would reflect a metallic, deep red glint when the light managed to hit it, something that hardly happened, given how it was a gig in such a fucked up venue. He gulped, his fingers tightening around his shirt. How was he supposed to answer that?
Sam looked down for a moment, hoping it would clear his mind enough for him to be able to chain at least two words together coherently. “Well, you should give me your shirt instead, actually.”
You chuckled. “Are you envious of it, or do you want to see me shirtless?”
And he felt like dying inside again, groaning in frustration when your words made his skin heat up once more. Damn it. You were insufferable.
“Either way, it’s a no,” you added. “I—”
“You’re a fucking poser, why’d you have that shirt?”
“I’m not a poser!” You scoffed. “I was there!”
“For the opening band?” When you glared at him in return, Sam felt a certain pride swell in his chest. Now the tables had turned. “Nuh-uh, doesn’t count, my bad. It’s so annoying.”
“How long do you spend analyzing me daily? Do I have to think, ‘how does this affect Sam?’ before I dress up every day?” You crossed your arms over your chest, and part of Sam hated himself for enjoying that annoyed look so much.
Sam shrugged. “You really think you have that much of an impact on my life?”
Your hard look continued despite the deep breath you took, tilting your head. “I mean, you don’t give me many reasons not to think so.”
Raising his eyebrows, Sam hummed in fake amusement. “If I’m being honest, it feels more like it’s the other way around,” he said, his hand moving to play with his belt, and of course, your eyes followed as if it were the most interesting thing in the world. A grin tugged on Sam’s mouth, widening when you let out a string of curses under your breath, and he shrugged, running his fingers along his lower stomach lightly, about to step away when your hand wrapped around his upper arm.
“You can’t just do that and leave me here like this,” you said with a glare.
“Do what?” Sam raised his eyebrows. The upper hand was his, after all, finally. Something stirred inside him with that look. He sighed, playing with one of your necklace pendants, an electric guitar. Fuck, he wanted that. He wanted everything you had, maybe. Everything you were. Having your attention, the closeness, your scent was so good.
“You think you’re hot stuff, right?” You scoffed. Your grip loosened a little, thumb rubbing circles into his arm.
Sam hummed faintly. “I have many reasons to think so,” he said with a shrug, his eyes falling to your lips for a second, and you fucking returned the gaze. How miserable could you be? He bit his lip, a finger hooked on your necklace to pull you closer until your breath fanned over his face. “Though, I might want a little something instead.”
You clicked your tongue. “Ugh, Samuel.” You turned your face right when he leaned in, in a way he ended up pressing his nose to your cheek instead. Should he feel embarrassed or glad about it? He clicked his tongue, squeezing your waist with his free hand.
“Don’t call me that.”
“Okay, babe,” you said, and his skin tingled again.
“I hate you so much.”
“Well, I don’t think you’ll hate what I’m about to do, yeah?” You didn’t give him time to breathe a word before you pulled him towards another spot, near the alley, without anyone, only illuminated by a flickering light post and stinking of a piss and drinks mix, and the music felt a little more tolerable now that it was slightly muffled.
Sam felt like complaining and cursing again, but he held himself back when you sat down on a wooden box and held him in front of you, fingers hooked in his belt loops. He looked down the alley, observing nothing in special. “What the fuck are you going to do? I swear— Nngh!” Sam moaned. He immediately whipped his head down, eyes widening when he saw you kiss his exposed stomach. Your lips were warm. They lingered against the skin, then you kissed another spot, then another.
Sam’s skin rose in shivers, and he could feel his blood rushing south. Your breath fanned over his skin; you were leaving lipstick stains everywhere, the dark marks contrasting with his pale skin—it shouldn’t feel that good. He didn’t even know he was so sensitive on his waist, or down his v-lines.
His knees went wobbly, so he held your shoulders tightly, unable to tear his eyes away from you, but it didn’t compare to how weak he felt when your eyes held his gaze, while you tugged his waistband down just a little so that the kiss mark disappeared into his shorts. It felt like your lips were pressed there forever, but it was over too soon. Your lipstick was already faded by the time you pulled away, slightly smudged.
Ground was put under his feet again, and Sam suddenly felt hyper-conscious of everything. “You’re gonna kill me, but I really hope to kill you first.” Sam tugged on your arm so that he could pull you up to your feet and kiss you on the lips, not caring that his shirt fell to the ground while he held firmly onto your hips, managing to pin you to the wall after some wobbly steps. He wasn’t aware of how much he craved you until now. The messy wet kisses made a shiver run down his spine, and his shorts grew even more uncomfortable, feeling way too tight. Your teeth tugged on his lip, and adrenaline rushed through his veins.
You smiled against Sam’s lips, kissing him back with the same enthusiasm. Your hands cupped his neck to pull him closer—he moaned into the kiss and pressed his body flush to yours, and the kiss was only broken because your lungs ached for air.
“Fuck,” Sam breathed as he nuzzled your neck, trying to process the chain of emotions and sensations that you had given him.
A breathless chuckle escaped your lips. The warmth of your body was replaced by the cold night air when you stepped away, looking down at your work on his stomach with a proud grin. It gave you a sense of ownership over Sam. “You look so hot.”
Sam quickly wrapped his arms around your waist again, kissing your neck more. He craved it now. “I’m looking forward to more of it, hm?”
⋆°。⋆🎧🎸★ 𝖇𝖆𝖉 𝖗𝖊𝖕𝖚𝖙𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓 ★🎸🎧⋆。 °⋆
Tumblr media Tumblr media
142 notes · View notes
susiekern · 2 months ago
Text
3. the one with the concert
warnings: swearing, alcohol, suggestive
word count: 1.825
masterlist
previous | next
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
If anyone were to see you now, they’d assume you were high. But it was just the adrenaline coursing through your body as you first sit in the Uber and then wait at the gates. Thankfully, Yuji decides to match your vibe, so Nobara is left with the two of you, bouncing up and down, and Junpei, who could win an award for the most shy person ever. Or maybe he was just intimidated by Nobara? Who knows? Either way, you four must look hilarious, because when Maki shows up to let you into the “work” zone, she bursts out laughing.
“Does it count as harassment?” Hearing her question, Nobara pouts and leans on the green-haired girl dramatically.
“It hasn’t even started, and I already had enough.”
As pouty as she is, when you go into the venue and she sees how close to the stage tickets from Maki allowed you to get, she gets excited too. As a security manager, Maki gets tickets for each event, but it’s rare for her to actually use them, so she usually gives them to friends. And damn, VIP tickets for The Fallen? Four of these would probably cost a small fortune.
“I’ll see you guys after, but have fun! Y/n, don’t drool too much, I like our cleaning ladies.” Maki jokes before going through one of those “staff only” doors and leaving you to boil in excitement. Not too long after, the whole hall gets dark, marking the start of the concert.
When you hear the first notes of “The Fall”, lights turn on, illuminating four figures on the stage, and the crowd behind you erupts in cheers. For a moment you feel like a teenager again. It’s the same thrill every time, exactly like when your dad took you for your first live concert ever. And then this deep voice starts singing, bringing chills and goosebumps to your skin.
For the next hour, your eyes are stuck on a man in the middle. Something about him was just hypnotizing, even if you couldn’t see his face behind the black and gold mask. Maybe it was his voice alone, maybe a tall body dressed fully in black, maybe his fingers playing on the guitar like it was the sole reason for his existence. You’re not sure.
But something about Zenin makes you feel like a teenage fangirl seeing her idol for the first time, and you’re not even mad about it.
Tumblr media
“I’m serious, guys, he could tell me to jump from a damn cliff, and I’d be happy to do so.”
Yuji, sitting next to you in a tight club booth, nearly dies choking on his beer. You were squeezed on the black leather couches, far enough from the dance floor to be able to talk and exchange thoughts about the concert, joined by a few other friends.
For you, it was a cloud nine. The Fallen was one of the bands you could listen to on repeat, which you often did, and your Spotify Wrapped was hard evidence. You’ve discovered them back when they’ve released their first single. There was something about their music that had you in a chokehold every time. The most impressive were their lyrics, so well thought through, hiding metaphors and little mysteries, and vocalists... The main vocal was deep and raspy, the kind that makes your whole body react to it. If it was possible to fall in love with just someone’s voice, you were down bad.
It was also the mystery thrill that intensified that feeling. The Fallen are four men, performing in modified oni masks, their identities hidden behind stage names. Zenin, Suga, Koki, and So. They never spoke on stage. The best fans got were a few videos of Zenin and Suga chuckling at something, but nothing else.
“I’m actually curious why they keep the hidden identities so hard, even outside of their shows. They had one rehearsal yesterday, but only after everyone left the building, only a few people from their team could stay.” Maki says, ripping you out of your thoughts.
“Maybe they’re all ugly and they worry about losing fans without proper face cards.” Nobara jokes. “Or they’re protecting themselves from female versions of Noritoshi.”
“Right, I’m going to the bar, please change the topic before I come back.” You sigh and get up. It takes you a few minutes to get through the crowd on the dance floor; Supernova is packed as always on the weekends. It’s one of the “fancier” clubs in town, high on the list of go-to places for people who want to loosen up after a stressful week. You finally get to the counter and place an empty beer bottle on it.
“No stalkers on your arm tonight?” A deep voice near your ear makes you jump a little, and you turn to see Megumi next to you.
“Funny you say that, but no.”
“Too bad, I was hoping for a full-time job as a bodyguard.” He snickers and leans a bit on the bar.
“Thought you were out of town?” You ask, changing the topic, but Fushiguro only shrugs and nods at the bartender, lifting your empty bottle.
“Got everything done faster than expected.”
“Well, you’ve missed a great concert, so your loss.” When the bartender sets two bottles on the counter, you don’t even have time to take your phone out of your pocket before Megumi gives him some cash.
“It’s on me.” He smirks at you, seeing your furrowed brows. “So, you enjoyed the show?”
“They could play at the dumpster using children’s toys, and I’d enjoy it.” This statement earns you a laugh. For the next minute or so, both of you just stand there in surprisingly comfortable silence, taking a few sips of beer and observing people. You also use that occasion to quickly eye him up, taking in a black t-shirt with a loose collar, ripped jeans in the same color, and his hair that’s ever messier than usual. He looked good, but when did he not?
“Didn’t know you were such a fan.” His words pull you back to earth, and you realize your hand tingled a little, tempted to brush back one black strand from his forehead that looked out of place even in this chaos. Scolding your own brain, you nod and pray he can’t see the blush that creeps on your cheeks. Hopefully, shitty club lighting was on your side. “What do you like the most?”
“Lyrics, I think. They’re well written, and it feels a bit like reading a book. They make you imagine the story, see it with your own eyes, if that makes sense.” His question took you by surprise, so it took you a minute to answer. You turn your head towards the dance floor to avoid his piercing gaze, which warms up more than just your cheeks. There’s also this insufferable smirk on his face that makes you want to scream with frustration. “And combined with Zenin’s voice… damn.”
“I’ve heard he writes all of their songs. But I prefer Koki. He seems cool with the white hair, don’t you think?”
You turn back to him and shake your head a little, meeting his gaze finally. In the dimmed lights of the club, his green eyes remind you of a deep forest. One you easily get lost in.
“I’m not into drummers.” You admit, barely noticing your own suggestive tone, that it seemed to challenge him a little.
“What are you into then?” He gets closer to you, which somehow doesn’t really bother you. Blame it on the alcohol, the two-and-a-half beers you’ve had. Yeah. Alcohol. You can also blame the fact that you get a little closer too.
“Guitarists. You know, I’ve heard they’re skilled with their fingers.” Your cheeks are on fire from your own words, but the way he glanced at your lips for just a second pushes that feeling to the back of your mind. Somewhere in the forest.
“Want me to show you?”
Tumblr media
It’s Sunday evening, and you were slowly wrapping up the stream.
“What can I say? Sucks to suck.” You laugh when Yuji groans into his microphone.
For the last three hours, you’ve played a few different games, and every time he lost against you. It wasn’t really surprising, seeing how miserable he looked in the camera. You two talked before the stream a bit, and he admitted he had no idea how or when he got home from Supernova last night. One moment he’s at the bar, and Nobara orders a round of tequila; the next moment it’s 3 pm, and he’s hungover as fuck in his bed. You sighed with relief hearing this, because it means there’s no way he knows what happened at his apartment. And there was a list of things that took place. Not that you’re really proud of it.
“Easy to say when you’ve disappeared and left me with that tequila monster you call a friend.” The pink-haired man hides his face in his hands, peeking at his own chat through his fingers. “Don’t laugh at me, people! She betrayed me after ten years of friendship!”
“Nine.”
“Ah, fuck off.”
Still laughing, you stretch a little and pull your hoodie off. All of the equipment you needed to keep the stream running made the temperature in your room go higher than usual, and you were close to your melting point.
“Now, now, don’t cry, Ita. Promise I won’t leave you alone on the battlefield next time.” You coo at your friend and lean a bit closer to the desk to read the messages.
yusshi: understandable, tequila is a no-no.
[…]
trackstar32: OH miss y/n
lan2137: if that’s why you left Yuji alone, I understand
zeyde_: holy guacamoly
viviaaan: Alexa, play Careless Whisper.
“What are you all on about?” Furrowing your brows, you follow the chat.
“Yooo, bro, what is that?” Yuji leans closer to his screen, his eyes focused on your video call. Suddenly he opens his mouth and looks like he’s connecting the dots in his head. At the same time, you finally notice what your chat was talking about. Hickeys. Starting at your throat and trailing down to disappear under the hem of your shirt. “Octopus got to you or—” You can actually see his eyes fall down to the shirt itself, and you swear, there’s a lightbulb over his head. A curse falls from your lips when you remember you’re still wearing the shirt you stole from Megumi’s chair this morning. And judging by the look on his face, Yuji recognized it. Damn roommates.
“Alright! I think that’s enough for today. I’ll talk to you later, Ita.” Not waiting for a response, you end the call and go through your normal ending for the stream. A few minutes later, you turn everything off and grab your phone, immediately seeing a message on the group chat.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
“YOU DID WHAT?!”
Damn roommates.
Tumblr media
67 notes · View notes