#also makes me wonder if the band had a falling out or whatever because their new singles sound exactly like . the guy with the m in his nam

[fakecats]

i’m so sad kamiboku just. does not sound the same anymore like i get music and bands change but now it’s just anime op music

[folklorebau]

the one — eddie roundtree

pairing: eddie roundtree x fem!musician!reader

description: after breaking your heart and losing your trust, eddie tries to win your heart back. through all the hurt, comes a lot of light.

warnings: written in interview style like the book! reader is a musician but she isn’t in the band, use of Y/N (</3). REQ’s are open!

🍸 ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ 🎙️ ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ 🪩 ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ 🎧

Eddie: I asked myself a lot of questions back then, but I could never actually answer any of them. It was like everything good had blown up in my face and it was all my fault. I didn’t really know what to do.

Karen: Chase two girls, lose the one. I always knew Eddie loved Y/N, but he also loved Camila. I told Eddie he had to go away and have a think about everything.

Warren: Whatever he felt for Camila, it was different with Y/N. Camila was his first love, sure, but Y/N is the love of his life.

Eddie took himself away from the band for a few days, he arranged it with the necessary people and put in place a ‘getaway plan’ as he recalls it. He stayed away for an extra week, hiding away in a small town in the Pacific Northwest. When he came back he had a new guitar, a green Fender Stratocaster, and a few unfinished love songs.

Warren: Why he took himself up to Oregon of all places I will never know. He would of been welcome to hand on my boat but the man had shit to sort through I suppose.

Karen: Whatever he did those few days he was gone worked wonders.

Eddie: The second I got back I picked Karen up and swung her around. I couldn’t thank her enough.

Y/N: I wouldn’t be a second choice, I left because that’s what it felt like with him, that I was always going to be second choice.

Eddie: I always thought I knew best but I really didn’t. I knew Billy wouldn’t like the songs I had written, because it was always what him and Daisy had written that mattered. I think Karen was nervous when I told her I’d been writing.

Karen: I thought he had gone mad. [Laughs]

Billy: I would have heard him out at least, but… no I probably would have hated whatever he had come up with. I was a control freak like that. We [Him and Daisy] both were.

Eddie: I didn’t care what Billy thought of them. I hadn’t written them for Billy, I wrote them for me, but also for Y/N.

Y/N: [Laughs] They were… well they were okay! He poured his whole heart into them, so they were special but Eddie Roundtree is not a songwriter!

Eddie: She said that? [Laughs] Well… she’s right! I suppose I just wanted to tell her how I really felt. Once I had shown her what I’d come up with she sat down next to me and just started scribbling all over it.

Y/N: I wanted to finish one of the songs.

Eddie: She had picked one out, ‘The 1’. It was about what you wish you had, what you could of had if you hadn’t messed everything up.

Y/N: I kind of wanted to make him sweat a bit.

Eddie: I was so nervous, I just kept thinking say something, say anything!!

Y/N: We stayed up late laughing, drinking, writing. We talked about Eddie’s time in Oregon. I told him what I had gotten up to.

Eddie: Then she told me she had missed me.

Y/N: I was so worried to let him back in.

Eddie: I was so glad she let me in. So glad.

Eddie Roundtree sold the song to an up and coming band. Y/N and Eddie were credited as the songwriters for the record. Upon release it climbed the charts to number 32. The pair celebrated with the band they had sold the record to by buying them lunch one afternoon in California.

Eddie: She made me work for it.

Y/N: Like I said, I wanted to see him sweat.

Eddie: I didn’t mind though. Life was very fast, very unpredictable back then. I got to slow down with her, just making sure she was okay, checking in, having meals together, falling asleep next to each other, it was all… it felt like a sure thing. I felt very lucky, and the most alive I think. Yeah.

Y/N: He had asked me a couple times, can we make this official? I told him to wait it out. I think I wanted to know that he would stick it out, that he would wait for me for once. A lot of our relationship at the start felt like me waiting around for him. It wasn’t a payback thing necessarily, more just, I don’t know. I was protecting my heart.

Eddie: I felt very… unsure. I didn’t know if I was worth it to her. I think she saw that in me, that I didn’t really value myself. She turned that around.

Y/N: One night before a show, I turned up and he was so shocked to see me. I remember his face just lighting up, I knew then. I knew with everything in me, I wanted him and he wanted me.

Eddie: I had pined and grovelled for months and right before I am about to step on stage to a sold out show, she kisses me. I couldn’t believe it. I actually couldn’t believe her! I swear she just liked to see me sweat.

Y/N: I didn’t mean to! At the time I had gone to just see the band. Well, I was going to see Eddie too but I didn’t intend on kissing him! I’m glad I did though.

[monstersinthecosmos]

There's a million clues about how Lestat & Marius are similar characters, like father & son, and I wish so much that we had more content about Marius in his first couple centuries when he was still a fledgling. As much as VC assigned mortal age to your temperament, there's still some clues to Marius's emotional dysregulation in his years with Pandora, even leading to their breakup.

But he lapses into the same fits of despair as Lestat and struggles with his nature. I'm thinking about this part in B&G when he has to slaughter the first group of cultists and has a meltdown realizing this is what it's going to be like forever:

But though deeply touched by their mishmash of Christian and Persian ideas, of their wild notions, and by their curious appearance of innocence, I was also horrified by the fact that this was a new religion among the blood drinkers, and they spoke of other adherents. They spoke of a cult. The human in me was revolted; and the rational Roman was more confused and alarmed than I can express. It was Pandora who quickly brought me to my senses and gave me to know that we must slaughter the whole band. Were we to let them go, others would come to us, and soon the Mother and Father might fall into their hands. I, who had slain old pagan blood drinkers with ease, seemed somehow unable to obey her, perhaps because I realized for the first time that if we remained in Antioch, if we maintained our household and our lives, more and more blood drinkers would come and there would be no end to killing them in order to protect our fine secret. And my soul suddenly could not endure this possibility. Indeed I thought once more of death for myself and even for Those Who Must Be Kept We slaughtered the zealots. It was a simple thing to do for they were so young. It took only moments with torches and with our swords. We burnt them to ashes and then scattered those ashes as, I'm sure you know, must be done. But after it was over, I lapsed into a terrible silence and for months would not leave the shrine. I abandoned Pandora for my own suffering. I couldn't explain to her that I had foreseen a grim future, and when she had gone out to hunt the city or to do whatever amused her, I went to Akasha.

And as much as mortal age gives vampires perspective on humans, gives them perhaps more respect for mortality, gives them solid foundation for understanding the price of immortality, there's still something to be said by their literal age and how they've maybe ripened or calmed down. Lestat is absolutely a unique mess, but how will he mature in 2,000 years? It just makes me wonder about the overlap in their personalities, and how much will change and how much will stay the same, and if Marius is simply a little more chill because he's old as fuck. (There's also the lore that most vampires don't live through their first century anyway, so there's something here about the innate personalities of the ones who last longer and their potential or ability to adapt.)

I've been thinking too about how Marius is prone to big sleeps, and although we're told it's part of the vampire lore and that other vampires do it, a significant portion of the main cast don't. We think it's normal because Marius told Lestat it's normal. Marius saw this struggling young vampire who reminds him of himself and thought "Of course, yes, sometimes we get overwhelmed and need a break", and although he comments on the fact that most vampires as young as Lestat don't yet need to, we also know he was having these despondent fits, hiding in the shrine for months at a time, in his first couple centuries.

[suckerfordylansstuff]

Let your guard down

Request: Hello! I was wondering if you were interested in writing an angsty Steve Harrington x Robin Buckley x reader (all platonic because the reader is under 18) story where they all work at Family Video. The reader is really shy and timid. When she first started working at Family Video, Steve and Robin thought it was kind of funny the reader would just do whatever was asked of her and they would push their work off onto her so they could mess around. Then Steve starts to notice things about the reader like bruises and not having anything to eat on her lunch break or anyone to pick her up or drop her off. He grows a massive soft spot for her. One night a group of guys from school that always bully her show up and start harassing the reader, cornering her in the back of the store. They’re all bigger than her and she’s scared of them. Steve gets super protective and makes the guys leave. She’s trembling with anxiety even after they are gone and Steve calms her down and then she confesses that they bully her all the time at school. Steve and Robin start looking out for her more.

Pairing: Steve Harrington x platonic!reader x Robin Buckley

Warnings: cursing, bullying, bleeding

Notes: Hope you like the fic and sorry for taking longer than I expected, college just started which means a lot of assignments to organise and deal with. Also, sorry to anyone named Mark, it just came to me. Stay safe out there!💕

~Masterlist~

Steve had just rung up a customer when the door of the store flew open revealing an out-of-breath Robin entering the store. He wished the sweet lady who had just rented ‘The Karate Kid’ goodbye and let his eyes fall on his best friend leaning her forearms on top of the counter, trying to catch her breath.

“You’re late.” Steve simply told her.

“I know, I know. Band practice went on longer than I expected.” she took quick deep breaths to calm down her beating.

“Even the new hire came in earlier than you.”

“We have a new hire?” Robin’s memory wasn’t the best, but she definitely didn’t remember Keith telling her about a new hire.

Steve pointed towards the back of the store where a familiar figure to Robin was organizing the Halloween section they always set up during October. It took a moment for Robin to get her thoughts sorted out, but as a light bulb lit up in her mind, she was already calling out your name and saying hello as she remembered you are also a suffering student at Hawkins High.

She watched as your head lifted and turned toward her, not finding it odd that you responded with nothing more than a small wave before returning to your work. Even at school, you were one of the quieter kids, so Robin took the wave as an accomplishment.

“You know her?” Steve was the one now leaning, watching his friend’s interaction with furrowed brows. When you had come into the store just an hour ago and quietly told him you were the person Keith told him to expect, Steve was excited. He liked meeting new people and given you were fairly around his age he was excited to have another friend. But as he began showing you around, he quickly realized you weren’t much of a talker, which disappointed him. So, he was just rambling on and on about the store and its requirements while you simply nodded at his words, your eyes not even meeting his. When he noticed Robin was running late, he took the decision to stay behind the counter and assigned you the job he was supposed to have already finished, which you took without question, silently arranging the shelves.

“Yeah, she’s from school, but of course, you don’t remember her.” she smirked at him. Robin loved teasing him about his past personality, and Steve hated it.

“Will you stop it with that?” he followed her movement as she walked to the breakroom to get her things sorted out before coming back out to start her shift.

“Why don’t you go and help her out since she’s doing your section?”

“I was covering for you, smartass.”

---

So, all of your shifts went on as they usually would. You were mainly the one organizing the shelves with the returned or new tapes you would get; Steve was the one to help customers around the store and Robin was usually sitting by the register. When they didn’t have any customers, they made sure to show you some of the other sections around the store, so at any given moment you would be able to help out without any problems.

Robin usually tried to start conversations with you, mainly about an assignment you both had or complaining about an annoying teacher, but your answers were short, so after a couple of tries, she stuck with casual conversation.

This has been going on for a week. You would all come at your required times and do your jobs. Well, you did your job quietly while Steve and Robin chatted away the second they didn’t have to actually work.

Steve was confused at how closed off you were. At first, he thought it was because he had done something to you back in High School that he didn’t even remember, something so bad it made you hate him. However, he quickly realized that your closed-off behavior wasn’t just for him, you acted that way around Robin and Keith too, so he at least knew it wasn’t personal. Still, he couldn’t help but wonder why you were like that.

It was a week after you first started and all three of you were on the closing shift. You had closed the store, but you still needed to prepare everything for Keith who would open tomorrow. Robin was closing the register when she began looking around the store for Steve. She couldn’t find him anywhere so she turned to you, who were sweeping the floors, getting rid of all the dirt the customers would bring in during the day.

“Hey, have you seen Steve?” she watched your eyes drift behind her as you pointed at the same direction, before continuing your task. Robin turned her head over her shoulder only to watch in horror how he was already out of his work clothes and ready to leave.

“Well, I’m off. I have a date tonight and I can’t be late. See you tomorrow.” he waved at the two, but neither of them responded and for different reasons.

“Woah, woah, there dingus. What do you mean you’re off?” Robin’s legs quickly made their way over to Steve blocking his way out of the store.

“It usually means I’m leaving, Robin.” he scoffed, turning to look at you waiting for a reaction over this, but looked back at Robin when he saw you weren’t even paying attention to them.

“I told you yesterday that I can’t close because I have to study for a test tomorrow, Steve.” Robin’s arms crossed over her chest while Steve grimaced when the memory finally hit him.

“Well, I can’t cancel on the date, I’ll look like an idiot.”

The pair began arguing over who deserved to get off work early the most, not realizing your movement stopped as you turned to stare at them.

“I can close.”

For a second Steve was startled by the new voice, but relaxed when he realized it was you. He thinks this was the first time he had heard you say so many words at once, hearing your voice clearly for the first time.

“You sure?” he questioned you and sighed with relief when you nodded your head.

“Alright well, we have a list of what needs to be done around the store at the back if you don’t remember anything and then you just lock up with these right here.” you watched the brown-haired boy make his way at the counter and grab the set of keys you already knew where there.

“I know.” you took them from his grasp and placed them in your pocket.

“Good.”

“Thank you, seriously, we owe you.” Robin had just grabbed her stuff and opened the door for the two of them. They wished you goodnight before leaving the store and you behind.

---

That’s how it started. At first, they were really thankful you could cover for them, but as time went on they realized you were always ready to take over. Sometimes it happened while Steve was too busy to finish the work he had started because he was flirting with a cute girl. By the time he had rang the girl up and escorted her out, he went back to find his section ready and you leaving without a word. You also helped out Robin when she would inevitably forget she had to do something.

The pair didn’t question it at all. They actually found it pretty convenient, and so they started testing just how far was your limit. Whenever they were busy, talking, or bored they would assign you a task they were supposed to be doing. They were a little hesitant at first, trying to see if you would catch up to what they were doing, but you always took on the job without complaining. And since you weren’t complaining they thought it was the perfect plan. And it’s not like they didn’t do anything, they just watched more movies now at the store unbothered. And isn’t that what they were supposed to do, they told themselves, watch the movies they had to give out the perfect recommendations to customers? They were doing them a favor.

---

November had just started and you were once again over at the Halloween section, taking everything down, as you listened in to Steve’s awful attempt at flirting with yet another customer. You heard him laugh at his own cheesy joke when his body collided with yours sending you and the tapes you were holding on the floor.

Steve’s head immediately whipped around and started cursing when he saw you on the floor. He turned back to Rebecca, the girl he was talking to, to excuse him for a moment, but realized she was already gone.

“Great…” he mumbled under his breath before focusing his attention back to you “Hey, I’m sorry, I’m such an idiot. Are you okay?”

You watched him from the corner of your eye kneel down next to you, but you didn’t look up to meet his eyes, just started picking up the tapes from the floor.

“Hey, here, lemme get those.” he took the tapes from your hands and placed them in the cart you were previously using. He grabbed the rest of them and then let his eyes fall on you once more “Want me to help you up?” even though he put it as a question he didn’t wait a second to grab your wrists, ready to pull you but to your feet, but his movement quickly died down when a wince came from your mouth, your eyes snapping closed as if you were in pain.

Steve immediately removed his hands off you, looking terrified wondering what he did “Oh my God, are you okay? Did the fall hurt you? I’m sorry, let me look-”

He saw. You didn’t register his actions before it was too late, and he saw. He saw what they had done to you, and now you were scared. You didn’t expect Steve to help you up. You didn’t expect him to grab you by your wrists, the same place they used to tug you around when they threw insults in your face. You didn’t expect him to notice your pain, you always thought you hid it well. And you definitely didn’t expect him to worry and inspect upon your pain, because no one else has ever had. But he did. He grabbed your long sleeve, pushed it up, and he saw them. You did tear off his gentle grip and pulled the sleeve back down, but he had clearly seen the purple bruises on your arm.

“I’m okay.” you told him quietly, your eyes staying on the ground.

You stood still for a second, trying to decide what you were supposed to do now, waiting to see the way Steve would react as well.

“All right. I’ll, um… I’ll finish over here, alright? Go see if Robin needs any help.” you weren’t sure if you were glad he didn’t comment on it, but you left without a second thought, praying he wouldn’t make it a big deal.

---

After that incident, Steve’s eyes mostly never left your figure while at work. He always watched you do your job. At first, he told himself it was out of curiosity over the bruises, but it wasn’t long till he realized he was worried. Because it wasn’t only the bruises that picked his curiosity. Suddenly he started seeing all those things about you that hinted at something wrong.

He was able to notice your wincing more often, especially when you thought no one was looking, always caressing your wrists after a long shift. He also noticed that you never had a break during work. He tried to recall when he had last seen you have a meal here, but other than the occasional granola bar during full shifts on the weekends, you never brought anything else with you, which was a drastic difference compared to him and Robin.

When he ran it by Robin, she tried to take a more logical approach to the whole thing, but she also found it weird.

“I mean during the weekdays it could be because we’re having lunch at school, but on the weekends… I don’t think I’ve seen her sit on her break longer than 5 minutes.”

“Right? I don’t know, maybe I’m overreacting here, I mean, not everyone has our appetite.” Robin nodded at his words “But I’m starting to get a little worried here. And I can’t outright ask her because I don’t know her that well. Plus there’s no way she would answer me, right?”

“Well, collectively, we’ve only heard her say 20 words? So, no, it won’t be easy to talk to her.”

“Try and see if you could approach her more in school, see how she acts there. Does she have any friends? Maybe we could ask them?” his brain was trying so hard to find some way to help you without scaring you away.

“To be honest with you, it is a little hard to keep track of her around school. She always seems to disappear in between classes, like she doesn’t wanna be found.”

He thought his talk with Robin would be reassuring, but it ended up being anything but that. So for the rest of the day he made sure to help you out with your work and stop putting more things on your shoulders. He decided he would try to get on your good side, so he could approach you about his worries.

---

You had just helped a little kid pick out a movie to watch with his mother when loud laughter and yelling caught your attention. Your eyes shifted at the front of the store in curiosity before they widened. Your heartbeat picked up and you could barely feel your legs as they started guiding you away from them.

‘What are they doing here’ you thought. You were used to them at school, but here? How could you hide it? You can’t go out the entrance door without them seeing you and the break room is on the other side of the store. Your mind was screaming for you to hide, but as his eyes fell on you, you knew it was too late.

---

Steve eyed the group that entered the store suspiciously. He had never seen them in here before, but he remembered their faces when he was back in Highschool. Back then they were just kids, mostly getting into trouble with stupid pranks they did around school, but they build a reputation for themselves, so of course ‘King Steve’ would have them in his radar. He didn’t like them, but he couldn’t just go up to them and demand to leave the store, he would be fired.

So, he decided to let them be and only interfere if something bad actually happens.

He was helping out a sweet lady, telling her all about the movie she was interested in just so she could make sure nothing scary is in it. He spent a good five minutes doing so and then proceeded to ring her up and show her out the store, holding the door open for her, when Robin’s figure appeared next to him.

“Hey, can you deal with Mark and his little friends? I really don’t feel like talking to them outside of school.” Steve nodded at her words. Mark was the ‘leader’ of the group, the one telling the rest what to do and what not to do.

“Yeah, I will, don’t worry. Is he still as stupid as I remember him?” they made their way to the register, leaning their bodies as they waited for another customer to enter.

“Oh, he’s worse now. They’ve started picking on people a lot more, not just dumb pranks.” he watched her pick out a candy from their candy jar and pop it in her mouth.

“He hasn’t tried anything on you or the kids, right?”

“No, don’t worry. Just victims of his stupidity reeking the entire school.”

Steve smirked at her exaggeration but stopped when he realized you weren’t anywhere near his eye sight “Have you seen Y/n?”

However, before they could start looking for you, the yells coming from the back started becoming more prominent. Robin sighed at their behavior and Steve stood up straight, patting her back “I’ll go kick them out.” he made his way towards Mark and his friends and clapped his hands to announce himself as their heads came into view behind all the shelves “Alright, guys, If you don’t sto-”

Steve froze. When he saw you down on the floor, hiding in the corner while Mark stood before you, his hand gripping your hair, he nearly lost every sense of control he had in him, but he knew killing wouldn’t resolve to anything good right now.

“What the fuck are you doing? Get off of her.” he yelled at him as he pushed his way to the asshole above you, punching him across his face and when the guy stumbled, trying to find his balance again, he grabbed him by the collar of his jacket and pushed him into the wall. The rest of the group started scattering and left the store quickly as they realized they had been caught.

“Steve, what’s…” Steve could sense Robin was now watching everything that was happening but couldn’t focus on anything other than Mark in front of him. He wanted to hit him again, he wanted to beat the shit out of him, but for now he had to stop, because he wasn’t his main focus, you were. He needed to make sure you were okay first and then if you gave him the green light he would get Dustin and they would hunt Mark down.

His fist was already in the air in a way to threaten Mark, and it was working. The boy in front of him despite being the horror of Hawkins High for some of the students that attended, to Steve he was still just the scrawny kid he used to see run around the halls. And Mark remembered Steve, who couldn’t remember him? So, even he knew not to test the King’s limits.

Steve’s fist slowly lowered as he once again grabbed onto his collar “If you ever try anything on her or anyone again, I will not hesitate.” he pushed him into the wall one more time before sending him forward. He watched him nearly fall on the floor before he quickly ran to the door and left the store.

It didn’t take long for Steve to come back to his normal self where only one thing was important. Making sure you were okay. Turning around he saw you still on the floor, your shoulders shaking. He could tell you were crying even though your face was angled to the floor. Robin was before you trying to access the situation, but each time she would try to put a comforting hand on your shoulder, you shook it off. He didn’t even think you were doing it on purpose, you were just scared.

“Hey, hey, Y/n? Can you hear me?” he kneeled down and spoke in a soft voice. He wasn’t sure what the best approach would be when someone is having, what he would assume this is, a panic attack, but his instinct told him ‘just don’t startle her’.

He waited for some kind of response, but you only shook harder at his words. You could hear him and you could understand him, but your body wasn’t making it easy to answer him. You wanted to say it’s fine and then walk away and never talk about this again, but you’ve been caught red handed.

“It’s okay, you don’t have to say anything. Can you nod for me and tell me if you can stand up?” your breathing was quick and tears were falling from your eyes, but you eventually pulled through and nodded your head. You heard the boy before you let out a sigh of relief before he started speaking again “Alright, great. Robin, go and flip the sign up front, we don’t want any customers right now.” you heard Robin agree and the sound of her footsteps came next. Your eyes were closed, so you were relying on all your other senses to understand what was happening. Suddenly, you felt a cloud of warmth surrounding you, Steve was closer to you now, you realized “I’m going to help you get up and we’re going to walk to the break room, is that okay?”

You were able to let out a shaky ‘yes’ before you felt his arms loop around you and help you stand up. Without realizing it, you made it to the break room where you were sat on top of a chair while the others stood around you, trying to help you.

Robin helped you through your panic, guiding you to follow her breathing, while now with your eyes open you could see Steve run around trying to find water for you and some kind of bandage for your hand that was bleeding. After the fall you had landed on top of the moving cart and managed to scratch your hand as you tried to stop the harsh impact.

Eventually, your breathing was back to normal, your eyes were red, and the water bottle was in your hands, one of them wrapped with bandages. You were focusing on the water and not on your two coworkers, who were starring at you from across the table in the break room waiting for you to speak. You guessed Steve didn’t have a lot of patience since it wasn’t long until his voice filled your ears.

“Do you want to tell us what happened?” his voice was soft and you were thankful for that. You weren’t sure why you were expecting to hear him angry, as if he has ever been anything but nice to you, but you feared that after seeing you on the floor they would call you all those things you already knew about yourself. Stupid, weak, a bitch, like how he called you.

After a couple of seconds you were able to nod your head and look them in the eye, before speaking softly “Um… Mark and the rest, they uh… they’ve been messing with me-”

“Messing with you? More like-” Robin spoke up, her voice filtered with anger. She felt terrible for not noticing how you felt. She was never too good at filtering her words and action, so when Steve nudged her, she knew it wasn’t the time to let her emotions get the best of her “Sorry.” she motioned for you to continue, but you quickly shook your head thinking you sounded dumb.

“It’s not even a big deal, seriously.” your good hand was playing with the cap on the water bottle.

“Not a big, deal? Y/n, you’re bleeding. And I’m guessing the marks I saw on your arm were from them too?” Steve was getting defensive. He couldn’t believe you thought this was any kind of ‘okay’. He started feeling the same way he does when the kids are in danger and he wants to do anything, everything, to make you feel protected and safe.

“You saw those?” your voice was a mere whisper at this point.

“Yeah, I saw those. Y/n, what they are doing is wrong. No one should be treated like this, especially not you. If they ever try anything again, you come and tell me, alright?” you watched as his eyes met yours when he kneeled down before you once again. You could see he was genuine, and you could feel your guard being let down.

“Oh, I’ll make sure they don’t, because from now on you’re not leaving my side at school, okay? They’re not going to hurt you ever again.” Robin made a promise to herself to be your personal bodyguard at school.

You looked at both of them and then your eyes filled with tears again “I’m really scared…” you finally admitted to them.

“I know, but you shouldn’t be. From now on you have us, okay? We’re sorry for not noticing sooner, but you can truly trust us.” Steve held out his hand for you, which you took gladly.

“We want to help.”

You sniffled at their words and finally let out your first smile in front of them. Your first smile in a long time “Thank you.”

~~~

[acourtofthought]

Speaking of longing......

SJM uses the word to convey true desire and emotion between possible love interests:

Rhys looked up, meeting my gaze. And whatever was on my face—I think it might have been mirrored on his: the hunger and longing and surprise.

Longing is not just sexual desire (evidenced in the above and below):

His wings flared, chest heaving as stars sparked in his eyes. And it was the longing there—beneath the desire, beneath the need—it was the longing in those beautiful eyes that made me glance to the mountains tattooed on his knees.

She writes hunger AND longing, longing BENEATH the desire and need. Longing always stands apart from the sexual feelings.

I wondered why no one had yet mentioned what now shone in Cassian’s eyes as he gazed at my sister. The sorrow. And the longing.

This is further proven when she says the following in regards to Nesta and Eris:

And then he turned toward the other subject in his letter, facing Nesta before he asked, “And my offer for you?” Not one ounce of affection or longing laced his words.

She's sure to make it known that Eris’s offer to Nesta does not come from a place of genuine emotion.

Elucien hasn't been ready to knock down the walls between them.

“Stay out of it. She’s not ready, and neither is he, no matter how many presents he brings.” I lifted a brow. “Snoop.” Mor leaned back against the steps, utterly unrepentant. “Let him live with his Band of Exiles. Let him deal with Tamlin in his own way. Let him figure out where he wants to be. Who he wants to be. The same goes with her.”

But that doesn't mean there aren't real feelings that exist:

I think so. It wasn’t just about what he thought—it was the … feeling. I sensed no ill will, no conniving. Only concern for her. And … sorrow. Longing.

Lucien inclined his head in a bow, the movement hiding the gleam in his eye—the longing and sadness.

Cassian’s heart strained at the pain etching deep into Lucien’s face as he tried to hide his disappointment and longing.

Rhys longed for Feyre and ended up with his mate.

Cassian longed for Nesta after she pushed him away in ACOMAF / ACOWAR and before ACOSF when she pushed him away again but he still ended up with his mate.

No one disputed that what they felt for the sisters was genuine despite knowing or suspecting a bond existed, even when the timing wasn't right for the females.

Longing doesn't necessarily equal love (yet) but it does point at something authentic. SJM is fairly obvious when real feelings are involved and not just ones of lust. She's also pretty obvious when a possible relationship exists for the right reasons.

Tamlin and Feyre's relationship came about because he knew he needed to make a human fall in love with him to break his curse. I think he eventually had real feelings for her (though not necessarily healthy ones) but it was initially forced out of necessity.

Chaol, much as he did love her, struggled to accept the different sides of Celaena which Dorian calls him out on.

Dorian and Celaena seemed to have a genuine attraction and affection for one another, they even had shared interests. However their relationship was wrong, what with her being the Kings assassin and him being the Crown Prince. She wasn't willing to have a forbidden relationship because forbidden isn't healthy and typically ends poorly in these books.

Look at the LoA and Helion. They attempted to have a forbidden relationship and that had a poor outcome. As a product of that relationship, not only did it lead to Lucien's abuse for his entire life but the LoA's abuse as well.

I have hope that the LoA and Helion will eventually reconnect but it's not going to happen so long as they remain forbidden.

Azriel's interest in Elain came about as she first gave him a reason to feel useful (damsel in distress in need of saving) then because he started thinking on how his two brothers are with her sisters so why wasn't he also given a bond within the same circle? Especially once he realized he may actually have to let go of Mor and Elain got him a gift while not getting Lucien one (Nesta never got Cassian a gift yet they ended up together, just saying).

But their "relationship" doesn't read as healthy. He doesn't support Elain's desire to do more, he barely even talks to her and when he does the conversation is shallow at best. Not to mention, tiptoeing around and hiding their interest from friends and family and Azriel's disrespect towards an ally are all unhealthy tropes within the world of SJM. The E/riel setup reads as problematic compared to SJMs other endgame couples especially because Elain has been fairly open towards the possibility of them which is different than the start of Feysand and Nessian since the sisters closed themselves off from the brothers, refusing to know them.

Lucien wasn't interested in emotional connections when the mating bond with Elain snapped. Evidence shows he spent centuries not believing it possible ever again as he remained emotionally committed to Jesminda. And while I don't think he feels something for Elain because of the mating bond, I think nothing short of the mating bond was ever going to have him open himself up to the thought of another female. He thought he lost his mate therefore no one else could break him of the hold Jesminda had over his heart except for his actual mate.

But he did not have longing for Elain until he actually had a conversation with her. He said he wanted to meet her just once to know if she was worth fighting for (as he had yet to truly interact with her and knew she was engaged) yet nearly two years later, it is Elain he still longs for.

Again, SJM doesn't use the word longing in this series unless it's attached to genuine feelings.

That Az has never been noted as longing for Elain while Lucien does on multiple occasions is noteworthy. People claim Azriel knows Elain because he put a name to her power but that's not knowing Elain. There are no examples in the book of Az truly knowing her as a person. He gave her TT but Elain doesn't like violence or cruelty. It was a necessity that Elain armed herself but nothing about that scene had anything to do with him knowing her, she wouldn't even take the knife until Feyre assured her she wouldn't need to use it. Mor and Lucien, not Az, were the ones who made it possible for someone to carry out Elain's vision of finding Vassa. Elain spent months being depressed where Az offered no suggestions for her healing while Lucien is the first character who insisted that they get her outside. Az was relieved not to get Elain a Solstice gift the first year, shouldn't he have wanted to if he knew her so well? And Amren, not Az stood up for Elain and her right to do more. Amren, not Az, was the one who forced them to see that Elain was capable.

The current Elucien setup is in line with so many other of SJMs endgame couples while still being unique to their personalities and the way the bond came about. Regardless of their current stalemate (an Archeron speciality), they have similar values, similar temperaments, and similar personal struggles. There is a mating bond and there is longing and if you pay any attention at all to SJMs preferences, that's the formula for an endgame couple.

[mysticficti0n]

Heyyy! I know you haven't written in a while but I was wondering if you could write a story on like Tom and Y/n having an argument because Y/n saw him flirting with one of the girls in the bar and her band (yes y/ns in a band) and Tokio hotel don't know they're baso together so they're egging it on and then Y/n storms out and is followed by tom and they carry on in a screaming match until Tom kisses her and then Blah blah the bands find out

luv you n merry Christmas! we miss you B

love this idea!!

(but first let me explain my absence 😬- so I have literally been lacking in the creativity department and really had just no energy to do anything, which I am sorry about ive been so stressed with work and family- but guess who's back bitches- me, its me- also I hope you all had a good Christmas!)

It was meant to be secret

∞༺♥༻✧✧༺♥༻∞　　∞༺♥༻✧✧༺♥༻∞　

warnings- swearing, smoking, drinking, cheating(ish)

words- 1000

I swayed my body to the music, throwing my head side to side with my eyes closed just feeling the rhythm, it was the first time in a while I'd had a night off from tour, It was great though being on tour with not only my band but with Tokio Hotel too, they're like the male equivalents to us so we worked amazing

"Y/n!" a voice broke me from my music trance and my eyes snapped open to see Rosa grabbing me "look over there" my head followed where she pointed and there was Charlie. Charlie making the biggest fucking heart-eyes at Tom "they're so cute!" Rosa smiled sipping her drink

"aha yeah" I frowned- nobody knew... they couldn't know for now. I went to the table where I felt my drink and bag and snatched it up finishing whatever vodka shit I had left "I'll be back" I smiled, I pushed through the crowd but it wasn't long till I saw other familiar faces

"where you off?" Georg called grabbing my wrist pulling me closer to whisper in my ear so I could hear him "not leaving are you?"

"no no- just gotta call someone quickly" he gave me a look to which I gave a smile to and he let go of me. I carried on my way out but decided to turn and just look back and there he still was, closer than ever with Charlie "dick" I spoke before I walked out.

I unzipped my purse and pulled out my cigarets, lighting one and holding it to my lips- why would he be so close with her, I mean I know they're friends but surely... thats to close, one cigaret turned into the pack each puff helping stop any tears falling from my eyes. "Hey hun you okay?" a voice asked, I looked up to see another girl, bleach blonde hair, circles of mascara under her eyes and lipstick smudged on her cheek

"yeah just seen my erm... boyfriend I guess getting cozy with another girl" I laughed stamping out the bud

"ugh boys are the worst- you're beautiful so he's making a huge mistake" she slurred but I could tell it was all coming from a nice place "keep your head high beautiful" she came over and wrapped me in a hug- who knew a hug from a random drunk women would make me feel better?

"thank you" I breathed watching her walk away, I stood just staring out at the street until I decided I should probably go back in. I fixed myself and went to push open the door and as I did- who appeared

"oh babe I've been looking for you everywhere" Tom smiled but all I could do was sigh and try and walk past "woah whats up?" he spoke but I had no time to hear him out, not now. "Y/n" I felt his hand wrap around my forearm and bring me back out with him and pulled me to stand in the alley with him

"Tom not right now" I complained trying to get past him and his face dropped "just let me go in"

"no what the fucks wrong you've been out here for ages, obviously something isn't okay!" he said sternly and he wasn't wrong "did someone do something?"

"yeah- yeah they did" I said looking him dead in his dark eyes "they got to fucking close to someone who's meant to just be a friend- didn't they Tom" I spat shoving him off me

"What! what are you on about you're fucking delusional"

"oh fuck off Tom, like you don't know- you and Charlie should just fuck on the floor huh, you know I really thought you liked me being that I'm your fucking girlfriend" I watched as his tongue poked his cheek, hands dropping to his side "yeah I saw- so go fuck yourself Kaulitz"

"yeah- I'll fuck Charlie while I'm at it as well then?" he taunted

"I dare you" his eyes flicked looking me up and down, his tongue now playing with his lip-ring "you're such a fucking cunt- how could you do this"

"your hot when your angry" he soothed

"fuck you" I yelled going to walk away before hands on my waist dragged me back and he pressed his lips against mine, my hands went against his chest to push away but I quickly melted

"you know I don't want anyone but you right" he spoke between the kisses I nodded "you're the only one I care about and the only one I want to do everything with" my arms now wrapping around his neck pulling him back in "you're so beautiful Y/n" he moaned

"thats great but please just kiss me" I grinned seeing a smirk appear on the boys face, he snaked an arm under my leg and spun us around my back against the brick and him between my legs, I felt him push on me "fuck Tom" I groaned as his lips moved down my neck

"I have no clue where- Oh Tom! To- HOLY SHIT" I herd the yell of Megan and me and Tom broke away "NO WAY!" I looked to Tom then back to Megan who was now with Charlie, Rosa, Bill, Gustav, Georg too

"shit" I whispered hiding my face in his chest

"whats happening here then?" Bill quipped with a laugh, Tom looked to me and back to his brother "wait really?" Tom nodded and we all stood there confused

"wait you guys haven't even spoke what the fuck is it?" Gustav asked sipping his beer

"can I?" Tom looked down to me and I nodded, he pressed a kiss to my head before looking back to the crowd of our friends "Me and Y/n... well she's my girlfriend" he smiled and everyone yelled and ran over asking question after question

"can't believe you never said anything!" Rosa laughed shoving me

"it was meant to be secret!"

[mediaconsumernightwriter]

The Rampant Success of boygenius

Finishing a sold out tour dressed as the literal Holy Trinity and now coming up to an SNL performance, it’s safe to say boygenius isn’t the underground indie supergroup that they once were. Due to the status of indie royalty that Phoebe Bridgers has acquired the past few years, the group grew in popularity with her.

I have to be honest, my introduction to them wasn’t successful. I first listened to their first project boygenius when I was doing a deep dive into Phoebe’s discography. I had no idea who the other two were and didn’t care much, since I didn’t love the ep. I have changed my mind on a good portion of these opinions.

Everyone on TikTok freaks out about Phoebe (and Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo, etc.) so obviously when the new songs came out, it was all I was getting on my fyp. It appealed to my curiosity. So when the record came out, I listened to it. I could give you a detailed list of thoughts on each song, since I wrote them down (just let me know if you’d like something like that for a post), but I won’t. What I will tell you is that after 7 months since the album came out, I sit here with a “always an angel, never a god” tattoo on my leg. How did this happen?

First, I fell in love with certain songs in the record, one of them being Not Strong Enough. I usually don’t listen to lyrics on the first listen but the lines I have tattooed resonated with me. Secondly, they’re sung by Lucy Dacus. A year ago, I wouldn’t be able to tell you who she was. But that’s the beauty of boygenius: I discovered a beautiful soul, singer, songwriter, woman, etc. and usually the gateway for boygenius is Phoebe, as I mentioned, but you end up falling in love with Lucy and Julien. I fell harder for Lucy, since she’s my favourite artist at the moment (and I shamefully haven't listened to Julien’s music).

I think the appeal of boygenius to the main public, even if it’s mostly lesbians in love with the singers in the group, is that they each have their own fanbase, sound, unique voice, and they all bring something different to the table. Every boygenius fan has a favourite “boy” (as with everything) but they support the band because they see how much love and respect the boys have for each other. If you’re wondering why I’m calling them “boys”, you’re just not in the fandom and that’s okay.

Also, the music is good. I haven’t talked much about it, but you put three talented songwriters together and you’ll obviously get good music. The instrumentations are also beautiful and so well put together with the lyrics and harmonies. One of my favourite songs is Without You Without Them and that’s an acapella opening to the record, starring stunning vocals and harmonies from the boys. I’d recommend it.

I’m excited about their performance on Saturday Night Live, since Phoebe’s sparked so much controversy last time. There’s also been a request for “real musicians” to perform on SNL again, whatever that means, but if there is such a thing as real musicians, the boys are it.

I will make a separate post on Lucy someday, maybe focusing on my favourite songs and lyrics, and maybe report to you when I listen to Julien’s music. For now, I leave you with another beautiful lyric that makes me hopeful to fall in love, if not in this life, in the next one. “If you rewrite your life, may I still play a part?”

[tokiro07]

Undead Unluck ch.211 thoughts

[I'm Beggin' of You Please Don't Take My...Band???]

(Contents: power system analysis - Unchaste, character analysis - Kururu)

Damn, didn't get to make the "don't take my mom" joke, but at least I still got to use the Jolene joke at all

Speaking of things I was wrong about, I'm bummed that Kururu's interaction with Kaede wasn't at least somewhat amicable, but it is clear that there's something wrong (probably from a development in Kururu's life or manipulation on Soul's part), so it's definitely not too late. I was at least right about Fuuko and Julia joining the band to replace lost members, though! Just...not at all in the way I initially projected! I also seem to have been right about Kaede and Raita's souls being the components that Fuuko needs to fix her vessel, but I won't worry about speculating on that this week

The real meat of this chapter though is Kururu herself, as she's finally getting some much-needed development and her stocks are going through the roof! Both her near-useless power and her fairly generic archetype have been fleshed out tremendously in this one chapter alone, doing wonders to hype me up for what's to come next in her story!

Starting with Unchaste, we've seen a lot of Negator abilities undergo massive changes between Loops, like Unfair's activation requirement switching from being hated by others to acknowledging others' strengths or Unstoppable's deactivation switching from breaking oneself to breaking something else, but I think this is the first time that the target has changed

Previously, Kururu seemed to define chastity as a lack of love; if her target knew love but didn't currently possess it, then to her, they were living a chaste life. In other words, while she couldn't negate "true love," Kururu could fill the holes in the hearts of those who were lacking love. This is why she thought she thought she could affect Fuuko, but because she believed Fuuko wasn't actually in love with Andy and was instead just pining to have someone to fill the void created by her decade of isolation

Now, Unchaste creates that hole and then fills it. Now, chastity isn't just the lack of love, it's also the the purity of devotion. Being faithful to your beloved is a chaste act, so naturally, adultery is an Unchaste act. If "true love" is chaste, then Kururu can negate it and steal it, creating an impure love built on deception

...Wait a second, this really IS Oshi no Ko!!!

Ahem...so not only is the targeted concept expanded, the overall effect seems to have expanded as well, though that might just be because we never really saw it in action. We were told that those affected by Unchaste "bum rush" Kururu, and Kururu called Fuuko her "captive" when she used it on her. I'm assuming the idea was that the target would obey her whims, but that's not really how it was explained. I always thought it was an ability meant for drawing attention, like an aggro ability, and that the targets would basically chase down the user

However, not only did the fans seem unaffected, but the people she wanted to effect are acting as they normally would towards the people they already love. This implies that either a) the overall effect has changed, and b) that Kururu's level of control over who is affected has changed. She isn't just unilaterally affecting everyone who hears her music, she specifically went out of her way to steal Kaede's bandmates. In other words...

Kururu's tragedy has already been averted!

Her original problem was that her fans rushed the stage and the concert had to be stopped, and then even after she got more control she didn't want to cheat by making people love her over other idols by any means other than her own talent. Now, not only are her fans not rushing her, it seems she can also decide who does and doesn't fall under her spell! Thanks for the help, Soul, the only thing we need to do now is fix whatever confidence issue she has and she'll be a friendly in no time!

Well, there's probably more to it than that, of course. Honestly her real tragedy has probably just been changed like Feng's, but still, the act of defeating her here and subsequently having a discussion with her will probably be all we need to fix her. The question though is how

Presumably, she might still be able to use Unchaste on the fans if she needs to, like if she perceives that they're leaning towards Kaede over her. If Kururu's abandoned her pride and is willing to use Unchaste to make fans now, then Kaede will need to take advantage of some kind of weakness within Unchaste. My guess is it will have something to do with the soul, since she seems to be gaining access to hers, so maybe by "touching the audience's souls with her own," Kaede will wipe away Kururu's negation?

In fact, the soul is probably Unchaste's weakness overall. If Andy were to come in, I think it's pretty safe to say he'd be able to resist Unchaste, and the best way I can think of for him to do that would be for him to use some immutable aspect of his soul to retain his memories of Fuuko

Of everyone, I think that Nico would be the most resistant since Unchaste erases and replaces memory, which would require that the target forget details about their past. Since Nico is Unforgettable, he should be immune inherently, but even if he isn't, the expansion of his memory from his brain to his soul likely gives him an extra line of defense

How the rest of the cast who aren't present would fend off Unchaste isn't super relevant, though. The important thing is how Kaede and Raita will manage, and I think that Kururu gave us a pretty big hint this chapter

"Up until now, all I've wanted to know is what you have that I don't. I have that thing now. I'm done losing."

At a glance, it seems like the thing that Kururu has in common with Kaede is the ability to appeal to her specific audience, as evidenced by her aforementioned enhanced control of who Unchaste affects. Thematically, though, one would assume that the thing that Kaede has over Kururu is love

"True Love is Sincere! Infatuation is Mere Veneer!" - Kururu's encantation, Viz translation "Ai wa magokoro. Koi wa shitagokoro." - original Japanese “With love (愛), the heart (心) is right in the middle (真心, sincere) but with mere flings (恋) the heart is underneath (下心, ulterior motives.)” - literal translation

Kaede is willing to make her voice sound awful to a general audience in order to appeal to a specific audience with poor hearing. To Kururu, that must seem like Kaede is willing to change herself, throw away everything that makes her her, to be loved. No wonder, then, that Kururu has completely changed her style from pop to death metal; her very identity no longer matters to her as long as people will love her

But that's where her mistake is. Kaede isn't beloved because she's willing to bend over backwards and be someone she isn't to gain love from the crowd; she's beloved because she's a genuine and earnest person with a sincere love for the crowd. She's flexible enough to change her approach to ensure that her audience will have the happiest experience possible, even if it means letting someone else take the spotlight

Kururu, meanwhile, has always been portrayed as someone willing to change herself to appeal to others; she lies about her hobbies, her skills, and even her favorite foods, all to make her brand more appealing to a general audience. In other words, Kururu's true self is hidden behind a veneer, a focus-tested pretty face put on with the ulterior motive of garnering maximum popularity. This version of Kururu doesn't care if the crowd enjoys themselves, she cares that the crowd loves her

The distinction is pretty subtle, as in the end the crowd should theoretically have a good time either way, but one performer aims to give the crowd something to cheer for, while the other aims to take the crowd's cheers

Whatever ends up happening between her and Kaede, I'm honestly just really glad that I was finally able to dig this deep into Kururu's character. I don't think it's a controversial statement to say that Kururu was one of if not the least interesting Negator previously, she was certainly near the bottom of my list when I did the character sorter, but now? Well, I won't say she's one of my favorites just yet, but damn if I'm not attached! And her arc isn't even done, she's in her villain era right now! How much more will I like her when she turns good and gives us a genuine smile??? We've probably got a few more weeks until we find out, and I can't wait!

Until next time, let's enjoy life!

[orionchildofhades]

steddie swapping soulmate au part 13

part 1 |[...]| part 12 | part 13 | part 14 | Ao3

---

What follows is the longest talk Steve ever had.

He sits numbly beside Robin, the silence surprisingly easy between them.

Or perhpas it's not that suprising, given they both stripped their souls bare.

Robin doesn't like Steve.

Not because he's unlikeable but because Steve is a boy and he isn't a girl. And Robin, who is a girl, also likes girls.

It doesn't shock Steve has much as it could have, not when he knows his other soulmate is a boy. Not when he knows that he would do anything to not see the disdain in Eddie's eyes. Not when he knows he would have fallen in love, if Eddie had not clearly showed him he didn't want him.

But Robin says that, if Steve won't be a dick about it, they can still try to be friends. They're going to share a body, after all. Several time in their lives.

Steve, in returns, explain what happen with Eddie.

Robin seems surprised that he has two soulmates. Even more surprised to learn that Eddie, defensor of minorities, rejected Steve so straighforwardly because he is a man.

When Robin attempts to hug him, it feels very strange. Not many people have tried of offer him physical comfort in the past. And none of them were taller than him.

He doesn't find it uncomfortable.

It takes a while longer for them to settle into some sort of agreement. Robin was not expecting a relationship, of any sort, and Steve could clearly see how afraid of him she had been.

Yet they are soulmates, even if they are meant to stay platonic, which Steve is ready to accept if it means he has someone by his side. There is a reason why they are supposed to be linked.

Even if the universe made mistakes before.

Still, Robin agrees to give him a chance at friendship, as long as he doesn't drag her as his girlfriend, or tries to make her join the popular crowds.

"I like being a nerd, you're not all nice about it but I'd rather have good grades, band practices and people with whom can hold a meaningful conversations rather than being some eye candy, and speak of nothing but silly rumours."

Stings a little bit, but he can understand.

He, too, would like to have some meaningful conversations.

They don't really part for the rest of the day, but they stay away from the crowds. They don't really talk either.

Robin is fast to grab her own bag and start working on the class she is currently missing.

Steve is the one to go out and join society for a little while, just to grab them some food. He is amazed by how easily he can cross the corridors with Robin's appearance. He probably shouldn't, realising that she probably is often made fun of, but he can't help but wish for the same kind of invisibleness. It feels so much more peaceful.

They both go back home, Steve to Robin's, Robin to Steve's. He tries to apoligise for the empty walls and lonesomness of his own, knowing how uncomfortable it make him, who is now used to it, feel. Robin just waves him off.

She cares so little about it, Steve wonders if he is overreacting.

When he falls asleep in Robin's colourful sheets, he tries to enjoy the few seconds of warmth, hearing the sounds of the TV playing in the living room, the faint light under the door, nothing like the creepy cricking of his empty house and the cold morning he'll face, alone again tomorrow.

Steve tries not to feel down when he does wake up alone.

He is used to it.

He ignores thoughts of Eddie, a well-oiled routine, but his mind does stop on Robin.

He wonders if the universe truly hates him, wonders what he did to deserve two soulmates who wanted nothing to do with him.

Not Robin, she said she'd give me a chance, he reminds himself. He'd take whatever she was willing to give, even a half hearted friendship.

In the corridors of the school, alone for once, his head full, he doesn't realise when he bumps into no other than Eddie Munson.

The man is still taller than him, his hair flowing around his face with something akin to grace.

"Congratulation, man," the other man says, bumping a heavy ringed hand against his shoulder.

Steve almost wonders what it means before Eddie continues. "Your soulmate. Did a right number on me yesterday," he laughs, something deep and it would perhaps be enjoyable if it did not stab Steve's heart in a thousand different ways, if it wasn't at his expense. Does the man really hate him so much that he can't accept that Steve has someone else? At least he should feel free of the burden Steve was.

He just pushes past Eddie, not caring if he bumped into his shoulder and made the other man's bag fall.

He tries as hard as possible to keep the tears in.

He only manages to until he reaches the bathroom.

[likeadevils]

I was wondering if you know who most of the songs on fearless are about? I always hear about the Joe J breakup ones etc but I guess I’ve always wondered who the love songs are about and if any are for him? I do remember she said fearless (song) was “the best first date I never had” but do you think it’s inspired by anyone?

obligatory i don’t know anything this is all speculation, and also i apologize if some of this is stuff you already know i just kinda threw it all in there

most of the vault was written before sessions for debut had wrapped, so probably drew (her first boyfriend who she dated for like a year and broke up when he went to college, our song and tim mcgraw are about him, teardrops on my guitar is about a second drew who she never dated) don’t you, that’s when, we were happy, and you all over me where all written around when they together/ breaking up (@taylor-on-your-dash’s fearless timeline is a really good resource, it’s in their pinned)

then there’s the sam armstrong chunk (normally i would feel bad putting a random guys first and last name out but he brings up at every opportunity that taylor swift wrote a song about him and has gone on like game shows and stuff about it so like idk)— come in with the rain, white horse, probably the other side of the door, you’re not sorry, and bye bye baby, maybe the way i loved you, and a slim chance of tell me why. tell me why and the way i love you could also be about a second, unnamed guy that she never fully dated, but also the degree to which she was fully dating sam is a bit hazy, so like, who knows (once again, @taylor-on-your-dash’s fearless timeline is really good, go check it out)

then we get into taylor’s single touring days. superstar is about joe nichols, probably (he was in the country music scene in the late aughts, an early version mentions the subject being born in arkansas, and there just isn’t that many famous people born there). fearless is in here, which makes me think it really is just daydreaming about a first date. fifteen mentions drew again but is mostly about abigail anderson. breathe is about emily poe, her fiddle player who left for law school. hey stephen is about stephen barker liles of the band love and theft who taylor played a gig with. he wrote this song in response, she was like 17/freshly 18 and he was six years older than her and i dont like how the song lowkey plays up her youth but whatever. you belong with me is inspired by someone in her band getting in a fight with his girlfriend but mostly fictional. love story is likely about martin johnson of the band boys like girls, who taylor was in a flirtationship with in spring 2008 (she was freshly 18 and he was 22 and her parents reportedly disapproved). they continued to be friends until 2009— she wrote two is better than one with him for his band, and you’ll always find your way back home, if this was a movie, and the unreleased drama queen together for her stuff. (gaylors like to claim she dated him for like three years because of this one reddit post and also that she wrote dear john about him, for some reason, which, no).

and then there’s the joe jonas chunk— jump then fall, today was a fairytale, forever and always, and mr. perfectly fine. and also if this was a movie, i’d you count that, which i don’t.

[thebeatles-world]

Tough Love (Part Two)

Here is: Part One

After with John accusing you of going back out with your ex, you haven't heard from him for two days.

Then one day out of the blue, the phone rang. You answered it, not even wondering who it was.

''Hey. It's John.'' A British accent said on the other line.

You were caught off guard when you heard John's voice on the other side of the phone.

''Oh hey.'' You answered him. You were wondering why he would call you after two days of not talking to you over the phone.

''I was just wanting to see how you are doing?'' John asked.

''Oh, I'm fine. How about you?'' You were bitter and mad that John acted like nothing happened and he didn't even give you a reason to why he just disappeared on you for two days of not talking to you.

You wanted to ask him why he ignored you for two days straight? But you knew if you asked him that, he would have probably gotten mad with you.

So you and John continued to talk on the phone like nothing happened. He even asked you for your mailing address so that way you and him could send letters back and forth while he was touring with his bandmates.

You didn't know that John was starting to be successful in his career. He was in a band called The Beatles.

As John was slowly starting to be famous, the phone calls and writing letters back and forth didn't stop.

In the letters, John wrote that he wanted to be with you and that he wanted to see you. You wanted to see him too but work got in the way of things and you going to college did also.

You fell madly in love with John still. He told you over the phone and wrote on the letters that you had such a beautiful heart and you were the strongest women he's ever met.

Throughout the days of you and John talking over the phone and writing letters to each other, you couldn't stop thinking about him. You felt like a young teenager falling in love all over again. John did make a special impact and impression on your life.

One day, you noticed that John was slowly becoming distant towards you. The letters have stopped. The phone calls were becoming shorter. You thought because he was touring with his bandmates that this was happening.

But in that case, sadly it wasn't. Whatever John was thinking, he lost interest in you.

He stopped returning your calls and your letters. You became heartbroken and sad that one night, you cried over John while listening to ''She loves you.'' By The Beatles. It crushed your heart just listening to John singing when you played the album ''Please Please me.'' By The Beatles on the record player.

You have decided to move on from John. It was hard. It was even harder going out to public and seeing Beatles albums, Beatles magazines, Beatles accessories, Beatles posters, and just The Beatles everywhere. You felt like you couldn't escape this.

No-one knew that you were John's secret lover. Not even after he stopped talking to you.

You and John had a connection with each other before he stopped talking to you. You and John even talked about marrying each other one day in the future if you two started dating.

''But It will never happen because he stopped talking to me.'' You sighed.

You wonder the reasons why he stopped talking to you...

Overthinking is the scariest thing ever...

Comment down if you want a part 3???

[tinywitchgoblin]

i was wondering if i could get a ship request!

i'm 19, cis, use she/her pronouns, i'm an INTP and a taurus. I also have ADHD, depression, and suspect i'm also autistic.

I'm 5'7", have medium length dark brown hair, and eyes that are the color of the void. Im pretty lanky and have awful posture. i'm native american!

i'm primarily a musician! i play lead guitar for an all-girl band, sing, write my own songs, and play an array of other instruments. I will spend hours and hours practicing without even realizing the time passing. it's both a hobby and a my biggest passion that i hope to turn into a career one day

Other than music i like to draw and do makeup. Currently i'm in college and i work retail at a makeup store.

I'm pretty quiet sometimes, but when i get to yappin'...especially when it's about something i'm interested in😮‍💨

i've always had a hard time getting guys to like me and i think it's because they hate that i'm funnier than them. I literally do bits irl, and will actively do physical comedy and make up situations (like the other day my friend and i were joking about what if they made an anime musical) like imagine brittany broski that's my sense of humor pretty much.

anyways thank you so much i hope this is enough haha

(I'd love to hear some of your music if you're willing to share it!)

Thanks for participating!

I ship you with...

Hunter!

One of Hunter's favorite ways to decompress and relax his senses is to listen to music. That's actually how he met you- through finding (and listening to) your music. He finds it comforting, and when he hears you and your band play in person, he immediately falls in love. It takes him a little while to work up the courage to ask you out, but he's ecstatic when you say yes. He's super supportive of your career as a musician, and loves to be a part of your songwriting process. Sometimes he even helps out a little bit! He almost cries when you write a song about him; it makes him feel seen and loved in a way he's never felt before.

Hunter loves your sense of humor, and enjoys hearing you do comedy. He's been so uptight for so long, and when he starts laughing, it's like a massive weight off of his chest. You love to hear him laugh- he doesn't have a particularly loud laugh, but it's infectious all the same, and there are times where you and he will laugh so hard you're practically rolling on the floor. Crosshair loves making fun of him for it, but that isn't going to stop him from enjoying your humor- and being with you in general.

When your depression is really weighing down on you, Hunter is always there with you to guide you through the rough days. He'll cuddle with you, get you some tea, put on some music, whatever you're comfortable with and/or need in the moment. He's also good at helping you take care of yourself. If you need to take some medicine, he's got it in hand for you. If you need a bath, don't worry- he's already got it going, plus he restocked your favorite body wash. If you need a reminder to eat, he grabs an easy to eat meal (like ramen or something) so it doesn't mess with your body too much but still allows you to eat something. He's very supportive of you however you're doing, in whatever you're up to, because a happy you means a happy Hunter, too.

-

Thanks for reading! If you want a ship request like this, drop it in my ask box (but it might take a while), and don't forget to reblog <3

[io6nha]

˚˳⊹₊°⋆—̳͟͞͞ ୨୧ . . . 𖥻 her ❟ p. jongseong ?!

FOUR : stay, stay with me ( + written, 635 words )

your mother has been bombing your phone ever since you sneakily left the house with jay, wanting to escape everything while you still can. as of the moment, you really hated her guts. she was someone selfish, self-centered, even. and whenever you see her name, you are reminded with the way how she talked to you earlier— as if you were an inanimate object; something she could easily dispose as soon as she gets what she wants from you. as much as you wanted to hate both of your parent’s guts eternally, you just couldn’t. probably because at the end of the day, they were still your parents; the people who gave you life. jay could easily read the distaste on you face whenever you phone lights up, showing your mom’s non-ending threats. she has also been calling you so much. this resulted to you turning on your phone’s airplane mode just to receive peace and appreciate the place where jay took you.

“y/n?” jay called, noticing how your face had a softer expression as you were drawing in the sand, which contrasts how it was earlier. the way your phone has been ringing non-stop really frustrated you. “yeah?” you look at his direction, still holding onto the twig you’re using to draw doodles on the sand. “have you ever thought of moving out?” he asks, leaning back. “i have. but i know it would just be useless; my parents will get me tracked down and the cycle of them controlling my life starts again.” you reply, back onto drawing doodles a bit harsher that before, as you were reminded of how bad your parents were. “let’s say i’ll help you. what do you think?” jay offered. your situation right now was really reminding him of his younger days which explains him feeling the need to help you in every possible way ever. “jay, i don’t want to be a bother. i’ve already disturbed your rest day today, and—” you blabbered, not used onto being offered help by people other than your friends. “we’ve talked about this already, remember? you’re in no way bothering me. and when it comes to you? whatever it may be, you will never be considered as a bother in my life. i’m always here for you, okay?” jay reassured you, combing his hands through your hair. because he sees his younger self in you, he really had the urge to protect you from everything. you then ponder, thinking about his offer. you really did want to get out of your situation, but thinking about the consequences made you shiver. you didn’t want to get jay in trouble.

jay notices a mannerism you had; pouting whenever you’re focused on think of something serious. he lightly squished your cheeks, making the two of you laugh. “you’re pouting, is there something on your mind?” you were shocked on how fast he could pick up details about you. “well,” you trailed off, looking anywhere but his eyes. “well…?” he copied, waiting for you to complete your sentence. “i was wondering if it would be fine with you if i stay at your place for a few days.” you shyly asked, hoping that your request wasn’t too much as you drew doodles for the nth time, trying to ease the growing anxiousness on your chest. jay was happy to know that you trust him enough to ask this certain question, he was ecstatic with the information but he decides to suppress his smile. “i don’t mind. too be honest, it gets pretty lonely since i live alone. having you around would be really fun.” he responds, a smile growing on his face, with his face slowly heating up. “you’re blushing.” you tease him, your lips also curving onto a smile as you pinch his cheeks.

ㅤㅤㅤ ㅤ masterlistㅤ.ㅤprevㅤ.ㅤnext

ぬ̳ ‣ SYNOPSIS ♡% !ㅤㅤthey always say that opposites attract, and this may be the theory on why someone like you, a crowd pleaser who cares so much about every details, finds yourself falling for your best friend’s older brother- park jongseong, a member of the band “ecstasy” and someone who only cares about the good things and doesn’t give a fuck about the negativity people give off. you knew all the reasons to stay away, but playing with fire is fun, isn’t it?

ぬ̳ ‣ TAGLIST ( OPEN ) ♡% !ㅤㅤ@yenqa @urszn @ahnneyong

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤ ▭ ▬ ▭ ▬ ▭ ▬

[extraavocado]

Darling, you look wonderful tonight.

Alex and Henry have been together for almost three years, and plans for the future are at the backs of both of their minds. Little does the other know they may have the same idea for the perfect anniversary gift. And that by the end of the night, they are going to be the soon-to-be The Diaz-Fox's, both of them already choosing what last name they'd take into married life.

And Then He Asks Me, Do I look Alright, And I Say, Darling, You Look Wonderful Tonight.

Read On A03 Here

Click On More To Stay Here to Read

“Sweetheart, have you chosen a suit for our anniversary dinner yet? ” Henry asked the week before, wanting to make sure that they both had what they wanted ready to go, he knew Alex wasn’t one for fancy dates or fancy suits, but it felt like a special occasion ( it was going to be one ), the suit he’d chosen was a baby blue suit with a dark blue shirt, with gold accents, something Alex often told him brought out not only the color of his eyes but made the golden hues of his hair shine too, getting reservations at L’Artusi had been difficult, but he’d managed it, how he wasn’t sure, but wanted to show Alex off, show the world just how pretty the man he loved was. His gift had been a challenge to get, then again Alex would argue it was Henry’s because how do you get someone’s ring size without asking them and alerting them to your plans?

Alex rolled his eyes playfully as he put down the book he’d been trying to read and wrapped his arms around Henry, bringing him into a soft, sweet kiss “Dont worry, your pretty head baby, I’ve got it specially made at that place you told me about, like a good boy”. Henry would have argued that Alex very rarely listened to him and wasn’t a good boy but he didn’t want to ruin the soft mood they had going. Alex had made sure that he got a suit that would compliment his features and complexion, he didn’t want to disappoint Henry, after all, he knew the place they were going had taken him months to secure a reservation for their anniversary itself, shocking really, but he also knew that this was part of Henry and his love language so never said anything, even if he did feel it was slightly excessive.

In secret, Henry had asked Nora for help, and Henry had asked Pez, how the other never caught wind of what was going on was a mystery, but then again, why would they question their friends asking questions about jewelry and watches, it seemed like a normal conversation, especially since, being with Alex, Henry had started to wear more feeling more comfortable with expressing himself, that, and Alex had given him one of the many rings he wore and it comforted him, especially now his signet ring and Alex’s old house key were stored in their memory box. Sneaking around felt wrong, but the good kind of wrong, and well if anything, Aunty Pez would be glad to see Henry happy, and Nora had always known that deep down Alex wanted to marry, he just hadn’t known it.

And Then He Asks Me, Do I look Alright, And I Say, Darling, You Look Wonderful Tonight

Henry’s phone is resting on the nightstand his romantic songs playlist is playing as he’s putting the final touches to his outfit, inside his jacket pocket sat a ring box, on the inside was a ring, a beautiful silver band, with the inscription on the inside And because of this handsome peasant boy, the prince's armor began to fall away. A memory of the story he’d once told Alex, it was their story, a story being written at the time, it was still being written now, but Henry had let the final part of his armor down and was now proud, he wasn’t afraid of the world, because in Alex, he found a new strength, a new hope for life. Now his and Alex’s love was his armor and he was ready to stand at whatever came at him….at them.

The soft melodic music was echoing through their place, causing Alex to smile where he was getting ready, his deep crimson suit, white shirt, and black tie had all been chosen for a reason, inside his jacket pocket was the ring he’d chosen for Henry his too was inscribed, his was more of a paraphrase from one of their old emails, but it still meant a lot to him, he wanted to show he’d meant it then, and he’d mean it always. Tengo a mi Príncipe, que me adora genuinamente, el rey de mi corazón y de mi alma. His was of course in Spanish because he was a romantic nerd, but he also knew Henry loved it when he spoke Spanish, so why not give him a small amount to carry with him each day?

Alex walked into his and Henry’s bedroom, as the sound of Wonderful Tonight started to play, he lent in the doorway for a few moments before he was spotted by his other half and brought into his arms, the taller male pressing a kiss to Alex’s cheek as he slow danced with him, something they hadn’t done in a long while, humming softly along to the soft music, his lips pressed to Alex’s ear as he sang along, changing the words as he went, so it suited them more, “And then he asked me, do I look alright, and I say yes my darling, you look wonderful tonight.” He brought his hand up to Alex’s chin and pressed a soft kiss to his lips, it was true though, he did look wonderful, and the suit had been the perfect choice.

I feel wonderful Because I see the love light in your eyes

At dinner they were shown to their private room, something Henry had asked for if it were possible, mostly because he didn’t want everyone getting wind of what may happen, he wanted to keep that between himself and Alex, of course, they’d tell their friends ( in reality, Nora, Pez, and Bea ) We’re already well aware of the plans they both had and found it amusing that the two men who’d been too stubborn to see how deeply they were in love, were now planning to ask each other to marry them on the same day. It was going to be perfect, that’s if they both got over their nerves and stopped asking so weirdly.

“ Sweetheart, are you okay, you’re unusually quiet?” Henry’s voice broke through Alex’s thoughts as they sat waiting for their main course to be brought out, he was so used to the animated and excited way he spoke that he thought he had broken, or that he’d gotten overwhelmed by everything. Alex swore to himself, he’d not noticed he’d been that quiet then again, Henry was too, though he had always been known for his more shy and reserved state so it wasn’t that surprising. He nodded and flashed a warm smile at Henry, his eyes finding the others, searching for the sparkle he always found there and sighing in comfort “I’m good baby, just feeling wonderful, I can feel the love in your eyes, I’ve always felt it in your eyes.” Henry couldn’t help but smile and shake his head, he missed the romantic side of Alex, it often stayed hidden, but this felt nice. It felt like the Alex who used to send him flirty texts ( He still did, but he also sent a lot of texts that, as he’d once put it, were not safe for anyone’s eyes but his.) Henry brought Alex’s hand up to his and pressed a light kiss on his ring ringer, which caused his heart to flutter, soon the would be a band here. Soon he’d be able to gaze at his hands even more as he spoke with them.

Once they were done with food and they were more relaxed, a bottle of wine half drunk between them, their hands together across, the table playing with each other's fingers, just talking, and enjoying the night out for their anniversary, Henry glanced at Alex, the loose curls cupping his face, the way he looked as if he were blushing every time he spotted Henry looking, he wondered how he’d gotten so lucky. He moved his hand away to take the small box from inside his pocket, playing with it in his lap, not realizing that Alex had done the same. It was now or never. Henry was the one who got there first though, he was up from his seat and at Alex’s side, ring box open, his voice shaking as he did so, it wasn’t as if he’d been rehearsing this in his head for weeks now.

“Alexander Claremont-Diaz, ever since we met, you have captivated me to no end, You’ve broken down bridges and my armor to be the one I can turn to when the is a storm inside my head, the one who can bring me back when I am on the edge. Your smile, your intelligence, and your willingness to love someone, someone who thought they would never find happiness, you guided me to find the light within myself and told me I was enough, told me that my love was everything you’ve needed. And I love you, you were the one who I was searching for. Will You Marry Me?”

He rested the ring box on the table, took the hand of Alex’s that was closest to him ( Thankfully not the one with the box in), And pressed a kiss to it, he hadn't looked up, he didn’t want Alex to see the happy tears that were falling down his cheeks, he didn’t want to admit that he was so happy in love that it made him cry to think about them being husbands, showing the world wrong.

Alex got down on the floor at Henry’s height moved his fingers to Henry’s cheek and wiped away the tears “Baby look at me please?” and smiled softly showing Henry the box he’d been holding too and placed it in his hand so he could see the ring, his hand was shaking at he got the box Henry had placed on the table and brought it down to them too, his own eyes sparking with tears. “To answer your question yes Henry, yes I’ll marry you, there's nothing I’d want more, but now I have a question for you too.” He kissed Henry softly, and sweetly before settling back and taking Henry’s hand in his, stroking a thumb over his ring finger as he spoke too, his accent was softer than usual, but the same light drawl he had was there, causing Henry’s smile to widen even more.

“Henry Fox, I promised that I would always look after and cherish your heart, you may no longer be the prince of England, but you will always be my prince, the king of my heart and my soul. When I felt empty and lost, you made me feel complete again, you understand me in ways I don’t understand myself, and despite how much I used to annoy you, you stayed around, I will always storm any castle for you, with you, for our love, for what we want in the future. From the moment I laid eyes on you, and that smile of yours, I knew I wanted to be yours forever, the only one who ever made sense in my heart, you are my soulmate, the one who came to me in my dreams. I love you too, so will you Marry Me?”

Was it cheesy yes, would they have it any other way? No, this was them and somehow it did fit the narrative for how they’d both been talking recently, in a mixture of laughter and tears through little kisses, and nose nuzzles, they somehow slid the ring onto the other's finger, hands shaking as they did so. It was now official, Henry somewhere along the way had said Yes to Alex’s question, in a blur of laughter and joy. Henry hummed softly and pressed a soft kiss to Alex’s lips then cupped his cheeks and gazed into those beautiful eyes of his. Wondering how he’d gotten so lucky. He then wrapped his arms around him from behind, taking a few moments to enjoy cuddling before they’d need to leave and head home. Henry had learned a little bit of Spanish wanting to impress Alex, a kiss on his cheek and then neck.

“Cariño, te amo, por siempre y para siempre”

And with that, Alex took Henry’s hand in his and kissed him softly before leading them out, back to their brownstone house, back to the place they called home, where they were now starting a new chapter in life, as soon-to-be husbands. A whisper through a stolen kiss as they entered their place, a smile etched onto their faces.

“Te amo también Henry Díaz Fox”

[abstractnaturaldisaster]

Turn the Record on and Wonder What Went Wrong (Preview)

Steve and Eddie circled each other after the final battle with Vecna. Steve was confronting a part of himself he had packed away so far in the back of his mind he’d never intended to revisit. Eddie was grappling with the fact that Steve had at best ignored him and his friends in high school and at worst cheered as the other jocks played hunt the freak with Eddie and his Hellfire cohort. Nancy breaking up with Jonathon didn’t help Eddie’s confidence in his new friendship with Steve either. Everything felt so fragile. Every touch felt like it was a statement of intent and neither Steve nor Eddie were quite ready to figure out what that meant. Eddie put his pent up energy into his music, churning out new songs for Corroded Coffin to try out during their upgraded Friday night gig at the Hideout. Turned out that being wanted for murder really upped your metal street cred.

Steve still worked at Family Video with Robin while they were both figuring out what their futures would look like. Nancy had surprisingly stayed in Hawkins after the final battle because she was able to get a differed start date from Emerson. The “earthquake” in Hawkins had made national news and Emerson seemed particularly understanding of Nancy’s request. Steve wondered if Dr. Owens and the feds had something to do with it. Nancy fit into Steve and Robin’s friendship with unexpected ease and the three of them often passed the long summer days at Steve’s house enjoying the AC Steve’s parents still paid for out of guilt they had left their only son to deal with the fall out of the Hawkins disaster alone. They would listen to old records Steve’s parents had left at the suburban mansion and put on aggressive false mid-atlantic accents while pretending to host fancy shindigs for important clients. Eddie and the rest of the party would join them often but no one else had slotted into Steve and Robin’s codependency as easily as Nancy. 

It wasn’t that Eddie didn’t like hanging out with Steve and Robin and Nancy, it was that the Steve and Nancy of it all made Eddie’s skin itch. He didn’t know how to explain it without breaking the delicate tension between him and Steve. Eddie wrote about it instead. He wrote songs about boys with brown eyes and NPCs that were always just a little aloof and above whatever adventure the party was on. Thankfully the Corroded Coffin boys didn’t call him on any of it and let him work through the Steve Harrington problem via power chords and ballads. At some point, Eddie had written enough songs that the band was ready to send out a demo to labels to see if they caught any interest. On a whim, Eddie threw one of his ballads onto the end of the album. A song about a boy who was just out of reach.

Everything was everything But baby it's the last show Everything could be everything But it's time to say goodbye so Get your last fix, and your last hit Grab your old girl with her new tricks Honey, yeah, it's no surprise That I got lost in your brown eyes

***

Spoilers for the fic ahead!!

***

So I should absolutely be working on my big bang story but this idea came to me and I had to start it. I was listening to You and I by Lady Gaga and I had this sudden vision of Steve buying the Hideout. I also thought about Eddie making it big and coming back to Hawkins for Wayne’s wedding to Claudia (I low key ship this so hard). Of course Steve would be hosting the wedding at the Hideout. So then I was thinking about other Lady Gaga songs that were Steddie-coded and Brown Eyes seemed like such an obvious one. I also might use this story to write some background Will / Gareth because I am becoming invested in that pairing, lol. Please sound off in the comments about what you’d like to see in this universe!

[dropintomanga]

At Least Let the Love Remain

I wonder. How many of you have met someone you loved due to your fandom and thought those were the best days of your life? What could be better, right? And then when life happens and suddenly that relationship ends for good, do you take your rage out on the interests that was supposed to bring you joy?

Reading about Akihiko Kaji and Ugetsu Murata's complicated relationship in Given reminds me of how we often don't have enough courage to end things when they should end and sometimes, the right person may not exactly be THE one. And it's going to be okay.

Akihiko wanted to quit music because of his shame over sticking with Ugetsu despite very glaring flaws. But he realized how dumb it was to think that way. It took his bandmate (and new lover), Haruki Nakayama, to slowly open up to a healthier perspective.

I'm always reminded of why people ignore red flags in relationships. We think we can fix people. We believe that people can change with the right amount or won't change despite whatever life brings.

While people can make you love things, they can make you hate things just as much. Hobbies can filled with drama due to various egos. But I feel that the scariest thing that leads to a disinterest in a hobby is when topics like competition, clout and money are brought into the picture. This is apparent when Akihiko notes how much he despised Ugetsu to a certain degree over his talent with the violin, an instrument he originally took seriously before his rock band career.

But Mafuyu Sato, who was ironically helped by Ugetsu, reached out to show how much music can be emotional in a good way with a powerful song during the band's live performance tryout for a festival that spoke volumes. When relationships eventually fall apart, music can still give you a reason to keep moving forward.

Music isn't supposed to be competitive and about hyper-consumerism; its innate purpose is to bring people together from all walks of life with song. I just read a study about a community-based effort to have people with disabilities learn to play music together. They had 3 different groups of people learn music and everyone came out better for it despite one group preferring art over music.

And the best part is that the music made people social and want to talk to one another.

Haruki was the social glue in Given as while he wasn't the most talented of the band, he knew how to motivate them enough to keep at it together. That's what made Akihiko really start to love him.

This year, I was like Akihiko and reminded how much I love music. Although I never played an instrument, I grew up with MTV in the 1990s' and lived through what many fans my era would say was a really good decade. There was so much experimentation. I got into big beat/electronica and wanted to be an electronica DJ when I was in my early '20s.

My interest in music was on and off as I got older. I showed little to no interest in mainstream music. My soundtracks were mostly video game music. And then all of a sudden, I got into K-Pop because of NewJeans' 2022 debut song, Attention. When I heard it, I felt such a strong sense of emotion like Akihiko felt when he heard Mafuyu's song. I was taken back to my adolescence listening to 1990s' music. I started to remember the days when it felt like everything was possible in a time when America was thriving.

Listening to that song slowly got me more interested in other K-Pop acts (mostly girl groups). The more I got into it, the more I remembered, "Oh yeah, this is why I REALLY love music. And I also want to move my body to it." Why did I forget? Maybe because society has beaten into me that I need to act my age in order to stay competitive.

Now, I just dance whenever I can to the K-Pop songs I really like. I think the mental lock I put on myself because of failed relationships took so much out of me. But slowly, that grief has dissipated.

If you're really into music (or anything that you're interested in), cherish it and remember what got you hooked in the first place. Dance, sing, jump, go to concerts, shout with fans, etc. That's what I want to say.

Like Given wants to tell its fans, let the love for music remain. Let the songs that resonate with our hearts be something that binds the strings of connection.