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[mediaheights]

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[yourmomsawh0r3]

Santa Baby

pairing: pedro pascal x f! popstar girlfriend

The stage was bathed in warm, festive light as snowflakes made of glitter descended from the rafters. The audience buzzed with excitement, eagerly awaiting the star of the night. Y/N’s highly anticipated Christmas special was live, showcasing her new holiday album. Fans worldwide tuned in to witness her performance, and among them was her proudest supporter her boyfriend-turned-fiancé, Pedro Pascal, seated in the front row.

Y/N’s voice soared through classic carols and original songs, each note wrapping the room in holiday magic. Dressed in a red velvet gown that shimmered under the lights, she was the picture of festive elegance. Her diamond necklace sparkled with every turn, but her smile was the true showstopper. Pedro leaned forward in his seat, utterly entranced, his warm brown eyes never leaving her.

Then came the moment that would be talked about for weeks. The band struck up the jazzy, slinky notes of Santa Baby, and the audience erupted into cheers. The curtains parted to reveal Y/N in a dazzling new outfit: a fitted red velvet bodice trimmed with soft white fur, paired with thigh-high boots and a sparkling Santa hat. She strutted across the stage, microphone in hand, her playful grin promising something extraordinary.

Pedro chuckled as she made eye contact with him, her flirty energy aimed directly his way. He shook his head, already knowing she was about to steal the show.

Her sultry voice filled the air:

Santa baby, slip a sable under the tree, for me…

The crowd swayed along, their energy building with every lyric. Y/N’s performance was captivating, her charm impossible to resist. Pedro’s grin grew wider as she playfully gestured toward him during the bridge:

Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.

The audience roared with laughter and applause at her antics. Pedro, his face beaming with pride, clapped along, his eyes shining with admiration. But then, the atmosphere shifted as she reached the iconic line:

Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing a ring…

Y/N paused dramatically, her voice trailing off as she raised her left hand. The spotlight caught it, making the enormous diamond engagement ring glitter like the North Star. Gasps and cheers erupted from the crowd, and Pedro froze, caught completely off guard. For a moment, he looked stunned, but then his face broke into the most radiant smile, his eyes glassy with emotion.

The cameras panned to him, capturing his reaction as he stood, clapping and laughing, his expression one of pure love and pride. Y/N flashed him a cheeky grin, finishing the line with a twist:

…and I don’t mean on the phone!

The theater exploded with applause. Y/N gave a playful twirl, blowing Pedro a kiss and mouthing, I love you. He returned it with a blown kiss of his own, shaking his head as if to say, You’re unbelievable.

By the time Y/N finished her set, the news had already gone viral. Social media lit up with clips of the performance, fans gushing over her flawless vocals and Pedro’s swooning reaction. Headlines blared:

“Pop Star Y/N Drops Engagement Bombshell During Christmas Special!”

“Pedro Pascal and Y/N Are Officially Engaged And It’s the Holiday Surprise We Didn’t Know We Needed!”

The next morning, Pedro sat on the couch, scrolling through endless memes of his smitten expression. Y/N curled up beside him under a cozy blanket, her engagement ring catching the morning light.

“You really couldn’t wait to tell the world, huh?” he teased, showing her a tweet comparing him to a love-struck Hallmark movie character.

“What can I say?” she replied with a smirk. “I like making a statement.”

He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Good. I want everyone to know I’m the luckiest man alive.”

Her smile softened as she laced her fingers with his. “Merry Christmas, Pedro.”

“Merry Christmas, future Mrs. Pascal.”

That evening, as the snow continued to drift softly outside, they decided to celebrate their engagement with a romantic soak in the outdoor hot tub. The steam swirled into the crisp winter air, and the glow of the nearby fire pit illuminated the space, casting flickering shadows over the snow-covered patio.

Y/N stepped out onto the deck, wrapped in a plush robe, her cheeks rosy from the cold. Pedro was already in the tub, leaning back against the edge with his arms sprawled out, the muscles of his chest glistening from the rising steam. His dark eyes fixed on her with a heat that rivaled the bubbling water.

“Come on in, future Mrs. Pascal,” he teased, his voice low and inviting.

Y/N smirked, dropping the robe to reveal her figure in a deep red bikini that matched the festive mood of the weekend. Pedro’s breath hitched, his gaze dragging over her like she was the only thing in the world.

“You’re staring,” she said playfully as she descended into the water, the warmth enveloping her instantly.

“Can you blame me?” he replied, his voice rough as he pulled her closer the moment she settled in. “Look at you. You’re stunning.”

She slid onto his lap, her legs straddling his waist, and wrapped her arms around his neck. The contrast of the hot water and the cool winter air made her shiver slightly, but Pedro’s hands on her hips quickly warmed her up.

“You’re not so bad yourself, Pascal,” she murmured, trailing her fingers along his jawline.

Pedro chuckled, but it quickly turned into a groan when her lips brushed against his. The kiss started slow, a gentle exploration, but quickly deepened as the tension between them simmered into something hotter than the water surrounding them. His hands roamed her back, sliding lower as he held her firmly against him.

“You know,” he murmured against her lips, his voice thick with desire, “you completely ruined me last night with that performance.”

“Good,” she whispered, biting her lip as she looked at him. “I wanted to drive you crazy.”

“Mission accomplished,” he said, his grip tightening as he kissed her again, his lips moving down to her neck, trailing over her collarbone.

“Pedro,” she breathed, her voice a mix of a plea and a tease.

He pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, his dark eyes blazing. “Say it again,” he murmured.

“Pedro,” she repeated, her hands framing his face as her lips brushed against his in the faintest of kisses.

“No,” he whispered, his smirk returning as his hands dipped into the water, pulling her closer. “The other thing. The thing I’ve been waiting to hear all day.”

She smiled, her heart thundering in her chest. “I love you, future husband.

Pedro’s laughter rumbled through the air before he captured her lips again, the kiss slow, sensual, and filled with the kind of love that made the world stand still. And as snowflakes melted on their heated skin, they knew this was the start of a holiday season they’d never forget.

[familiarscars]

Lost In Control | Bad Omens | CHAPTER 01

adult content | minors do NOT interact.

⋆ 𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆. Bad Omens X ex-girlfriend and singer!Reader.

⋆ 𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒. You and Noah had a difficult ending but you still need to support each other for the band.

⋆ 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆(𝐒). melancholy, ex-boyfriends, difficult relationships, alcohol abuse, bad words.

It's okay to not agree with the characters' attitudes during the fic. It's good to remember that the story is fiction from the author's sick mind and of course they will make dubious decisions according to my fantasies. Nothing is done to be compared to reality.

Loud music, the smell of cigarettes, screams, and applause.

This was his nightly routine.

His throat vibrated as he gargled for the vocal exercises he needed to perform before going on stage, all while warming up his arm muscles in front of the mirror. The atmosphere in the band was anything but pleasant, but you had to overlook it because of the people outside shouting your name.

They always deserved more from you.

It was because of them that was still here.

You spat the liquid into the glass and took a deep breath, touching up the lipstick on your lips. Adjusting your clothes into place, your hair was good enough. From the box on the dressing room table, you picked up the microphone and plugged in the feedback device into your ears. It was showtime.

“You’re on in five minutes. For God’s sake, at least pretend on stage that you don’t want to kill each other backstage. This show is really important for the band!”

“No need to repeat what I already know, Matt,” you said, rolling your eyes as you left the dressing room with him trailing behind.

“Everyone already knows, darling, but you two seem to forget that the damn contract keeping our rent paid and our asses clean depends on your performance on stage. And let’s face it, it hasn’t exactly been stellar these last few shows!”

Matt planted a negative memory in your mind right then. You recalled that your fans had noticed the radical shift in energy during the shows, which had become a hot topic on blogs and Twitter debates. The last thing you wanted was your name caught up in controversies, but being near him seemed to attract everything you despised.

You were exhausted.

For two years, you had been on the road with the band, touring endlessly—one show after another, with no breaks, no chance to experience even a shred of what it meant to have a normal life. You couldn’t eat at a restaurant without being photographed or go to a bar without someone asking for a picture. This was the life you had always wanted, but you never imagined how draining it could be when there were no moments to simply be yourself.

The band had grown increasingly reclusive in social interactions. Some unpleasant incidents on the internet had made you wary of engaging with the public, creating a distance that only grew wider. Being forced to see the same faces every single day was enough to drive anyone insane.

And in the midst of it all, as if things weren’t exhausting enough, there was your relationship with Noah, growing more unsustainable by the day.

You reached the edge of the stage and watched the intro begin. Your audience roared, chanting your name. The heat from the packed arena ignited your veins, filling you with adrenaline as they waited for the headliners of the night.

From the corner of your eye, you spotted Noah approaching. Without a word, he warmed up, twisting the glove on his long fingers as he adjusted the microphone. Next to him, with a backstage pass around her neck, was a girl you’d never seen before. Judging by the way she looked at him, it was clear she was the random fling he’d slept with the night before.

“Looks like someone had an excellent night, huh?” you said sarcastically, not even sure if he could hear you. “I thought Matt told you it was against the rules to hand out backstage passes to every girl you sleep with.”

You could taste the bitterness of your own words. The raw anger you felt toward him was so intense you wanted to hurl the microphone to the floor and lock yourself in the dressing room. He did this on purpose. He wanted to destabilize you. He wanted you to be angry at yourself for standing on the opposite side of the battlefield.

“Maybe instead of worrying about my life, you should focus on not going off-key tonight,” Noah muttered close to your ear, leaving your body stiff as he walked away toward the stage.

You stepped onto the stage with a wide smile, masking the turmoil inside. The crowd was ecstatic to see you, and despite your exhaustion, you gave it everything you had. Up there, you tried to erase everything weighing down your heart. You poured it into every guitar riff, every lyric you sang.

Your voice had never been more powerful. Between verses, you and Noah locked eyes with a hateful intensity, as if sparks were flying from your irises. If the microphone could beg for mercy, it would, under the force of your grip during your part.

“I lie to myself like it’s not too late,” you sang with emphasis, pacing across the stage, never breaking eye contact with him. “Convinced the past can still be changed.”

“We know it’s gone, but I can’t move on,” he shot back, dividing his gaze between you and the crowd. For a fleeting second, it felt like the world disappeared, leaving only you and Noah in that place. “I want to rewind, but it just replays.”

“But it’s too late to turn back now.” Without realizing it, you skipped part of the song, consumed by your fury.

The show had ended, and you were met with a roaring ovation from the fans as you left the stage. On your way to the dressing room, you felt a hand on your shoulder and turned immediately.

"How are you?" Folio’s tone was gentle as he walked alongside you with slow steps. "Maybe it’s just in my head, but I’ve noticed you’ve seemed a bit off these past few days."

"I’m just tired, Nick. Nothing for you to worry about," you assured him with a smile, and he nodded, parting ways as you entered the dressing room.

"If you need anything, you know you can count on me, right?"

"Of course! Thank you for that!"

The door closed behind you, and as soon as you turned around, you were startled, backing up against it as your breath hitched. Noah was sitting on the couch with his legs crossed, his expression far from pleasant. Before you could take a step forward, you tried to steady yourself.

"We’ve already talked about you coming into my dressing room without permission, Noah. Please leave." Your tone was cold as you pointed to the door without looking directly at him. "There’s a reason we asked for separate spaces, and I’d like you to respect that."

"Matt’s right," he said, ignoring your request as he leaned back on the couch. "We’re letting this ruin the band. If it’s not on stage, it’s in the studio or at home. Every place we’re in has turned into a battleground because you can’t deal with someone from your past like a normal person."

"Of course, you’d say this is my fault!" you laughed bitterly, crossing your arms as you paced back and forth. "I have to put up with you being immature and flaunting the random women you sleep with every day in some pathetic attempt to push me away, but I’m the one who can’t handle being around you?"

A frustrated sigh escaped your lips.

"Since we broke up, you’ve been trying to prove to yourself that you’re above all this, and maybe you are. Because while you’re out there moving on with your life like nothing happened, I’m falling apart!"

You spat the words impulsively, but you hadn’t meant to say them—not because they weren’t true, but because opening up now wouldn’t change anything.

"That was never my intention…"

"That's never your intention, Noah," you said with a weak smile. "The person on the other side is never going to admit they’re wrong, and that’s fine. Screw it. I just want you to stop acting like I don’t exist!"

A shadow loomed over you, and in that moment, all the air was stolen from your lungs. Noah was so close there was no room to step back. You felt your skin burn, hating yourself for still being affected by his proximity—the same man who had been ruining all your days.

"And how could I?" Noah said softly, lifting your chin with his index finger. "If I could ask you for just one thing, it would be to teach me how to get you out of my head as easily as you got me out of yours."

He had no idea what was going on in your mind.

"It’s very simple…" you said, pulling his hand away from your skin and stepping back. "Just start hating me."

As your gaze met his, you noticed something different from what he usually displayed. You had never been this direct with him about what you’d been carrying inside yourself all these days. Noah provoked you constantly because he believed he still held a place in your heart. But now, he seemed to be confronting the reality that it no longer existed.

"If my presence in the band bothers you so much, I can leave. I don’t need to tell them the real reason—just that I’m tired and want to take a break from all this crap." A heavy sigh escaped your lips, and you ran your fingers through your hair, messing it up.

The band had been your dream from the start, and you had never felt more alive than when you were on stage. Your audience had given you everything, reminding you daily of how special, talented, and important you were.

But you were fully aware that you had ruined it all the moment you crossed the line of professionalism with Noah. Not when you were young and reckless, unable to see that while you were an excellent team carrying the band, you were terrible for each other.

Some things just weren’t meant to be.

"And what are you going to do after leaving the band you helped build?" Noah asked, his tone hardening. He forced your attention back to him, stepping into your line of sight and locking his glittering eyes on yours. "Are you going to keep drinking out of control, getting high like there’s no tomorrow, and throwing away your dream like you don’t deserve it? Damn it!"

"If you really care about what I’ll do, then just leave me alone, please," you said, lowering your head to avoid changing your mind if you looked at him for too long. "I need to pack my things and get on the bus before Matt shows up."

"This conversation isn’t over."

"If it’s up to me, it is."

With that final, cutting remark, Noah left you alone in the cramped space that now felt even smaller after this argument. And now, you’d have to board a bus with him and endure a 12-hour drive to the next destination.

Your chest ached as tears streamed down your face, that distinct scent of his lingering in the air and making it unbearable to breathe.

It was getting harder with each passing day.

[thorniest-rose]

Hi everyone,

A lot’s happened over the last few days and I know that I’ve been under a lot of scrutiny and the subject of conversation, so I wanted to take a moment to talk about it with you. I didn't address it last week when I was told that people in the fandom were posting about me and sharing screenshots of my blog. This was to protect my mental health, but now I want to share my own thoughts.

It's really hard not to lash out in situations like this because of how much it hurts. To go through something like this is shocking and humiliating, it rips the ground up from under your feet. But I didn't want to go on the attack because I knew how much worse that would make things. No matter how opinionated I am, conflict makes me feel sick and makes me want to hide. So instead of lashing out, I've done a lot of thinking over the past few days, not just about what's happened to me, but about things I've done and what could have led to this.

Firstly, I want to apologise to everyone whose feelings I may have hurt when I posted certain things in the past. I want any space that I cultivate to be a happy, positive one for the people who spend time here and at times I think I’ve unintentionally created an atmosphere that has felt combative or alienating. I honestly never consider myself to be a well-known writer or someone whose voice has reach in the wider fandom. No matter how many followers I have or how many people read my fics, I always see myself as a girl just spending time on her tumblr, but that's naive and I should have recognised that in a shared space, all opinions are seen and have an impact. 

Discourse is my least favourite thing about interacting in fandom and there have been times where I’ve let myself be drawn into it. That doesn’t mean it’s ever okay to look down on what other people enjoy and I really regret posting those things now because that’s not who I am as a person. Expressing displeasure and other negative feelings isn’t what I want to engage in and I should remember how easy it is for flippant, spur of the moment comments to be taken out of context. Saying things like “I don’t like this” even on my own blog is immature and beneath me and I’m genuinely sorry.  

I am also in no way any sort of authority on how these characters are written, no one is. A fandom is for everyone. I’m passionate and vocal in my own space because I treat my tumblr as a slumber party with my friends, but in my enthusiasm, there have been times where it seems like I’m saying my characterisations are the only valid ones. I don’t think that’s the case at all, and I genuinely love and admire the creativity in this fandom. I’ve said this before, but just because I have preferences doesn’t mean I want every characterisation to be the same as mine because that would become extremely dull. I believe that any and all interpretations should have an audience.

However, while I take responsibility for the things I've said on my blog, the things that have been said about me in response have been extremely spiteful and damaging. I never wanted a war with anyone. I should know better than to court discourse in such a volatile fandom, even inadvertently. To take issue with me and what I said is fine, I accept the criticism and apologise; at times my comments have been juvenile and mean-spirited. But a group of people targeting me, screenshotting my posts, calling me names and attacking what I write isn’t proportionate at all and encourages a wider pack mentality. I think we should all remember that there is an actual person behind the screen reading the things that we post and that our words can cause real harm. It’s easy to dehumanise an avatar and a username. And I think it speaks to a rot at the heart of fandoms that so many people find pleasure in fighting and where feelings can fester into hatred and vitriol.

I am outspoken and passionate about what I love. I sometimes bristle at things I see that don’t gel with my ideas or at a misjudged tone, and I post about them instead of seeing the bigger picture and moving on. It’s a flaw and something I’m working on, to be more open and less reactive. I don’t want fighting or tension, and I don’t want rivalries. I also don’t ever want to make people feel like their characterisations are wrong/invalid/unworthy or that they themselves don’t belong and that I’m some kind of fandom queen bee trying to ice them out. While that’s genuinely never been my intention, I can see how things have been taken that way and I’m sorry for that too.

Again, I’m sorry to everyone I’ve hurt or alienated with comments that I’ve made. I always want to be kind and compassionate. And while I don’t think what’s happened over the past few days is OK, I can see the bigger picture and why things I’ve said, or the atmosphere I’ve cultivated, has planted seeds of resentment. I've also unblocked the person who's been posting about me, if they want to reach out to talk privately.

I know there are people reading this who have been following me for the past four years, and in that time have seen me struggle, and fall down, and make mistakes, but hopefully grow and learn from those mistakes too. I’m so grateful to you all.

I’m going to take a break from tumblr for a week or so, to spend time away from socials, to connect with friends and other passions and focus on self-care. And to write, of course, because I’ll always be writing, whether it’s here or elsewhere.

See you all soon,

Brooke 💕

[wolfstargazer]

I really liked your comments about the bridge scene in PoA.

What do you think the impact of that film was? Do think Wolfstar would have been as popular as it became without it?

Ooooh great question anon!

Much of the genesis of Wolfstar, from what I remember, did come about following the publication of Prisoner of Azkaban. It's probably difficult for new or younger fans, or for fans who have only ever really engaged with fanon, to appreciate the atmosphere in the fandom whilst the stories were still being told.

Prisoner of Azkaban changed the trajectory of the fandom in many ways. It was the first time a whole cast of adult characters was introduced that had rich stories outside of the Golden Trio. It was the first time we really learnt about the First Wizarding War in any detail. It really was the moment when the Marauders fandom was born.

In regards to Wolfstar it was something that developed out of the publication of the book alongside the interest in the Marauders. My own personal view is that, for many fans who became shippers, it simply was the best and most interesting explanation to the dynamic between Sirius and Remus in that book. They had a lot of chemistry and a lot of history off the page that was referenced. They had a tragic backstory. This is all fertile ground for shipping.

I have yet to be convinced that there is a better explanation for Remus actively concealing what he knows about Sirius in the story, and his knowledge of the castle, and his being an Animagus, even after he breaks in with a knife. Only love and regret make sense. It captured my imagination and hasn't let me go since.

I think the film really brought the story and the ship to a wider audience of fans who may not have read the books. The mood and atmosphere of the film is so tender, and moody, and full of regret. The scene on the bridge is just one of many moments of this, but David Thewlis' performance is full of sadness and the scene in the Shack has rightly become infamous to Wolfstar shippers for a reason.

In conclusion, I think the Wolfstar ship was already sailing before the film. But the film definitely helped it sail along 💜

(I'm posting this again, but this article really articulates the development of Wolfstar in the fandom whilst the stories were still being written).

[iam-lnt]

Hetamyu is great and here's sort of a......theatrical analysis pov of why

last time i ranted about "hetamyu being great" (👈this post right here) i'm not exactly being clear, and since the production itself has much that I can analyze (already written a 2k article abt the stage 💀) I figure I can do better

So I...analyzed all Hetamyu that I've seen (excluding the live mash-up versions since technically those are more like concerts than theatrical plays) from the following perspectives under cut

(warning: it's long as fuck. I'm not even kidding. I opened the cut myself after finishing it and I felt like I'm going to faint)

I've warned y'all.

Symbolic and innovative staging

Stage is something often overlooked as a regular audience, which, when doing analysis, should not be. Whatever happens in the play happens on the stage, and thus the stage, when being designed, will be closely linked with the play itself. The stage in hetamyu use the classical three-side proscenium stage, which is what one would imagine when saying "a stage".

The stage of hetamyu episodes holds meaning with respect to the historical period/symbolic, thus assisting in story/theme telling. Examples:

The great world: Round middle part of the stage with the spin-able plate in the middle; a callback to the time period (great exploration) and its ideal that the Earth is "round", like the stage. 

In the new world: The big book design in the background can 1) engross the audience in the story as if they’re reading a book themselves, 2) add to the historical sense of the play with the parchment-like material, 3) as the actor themselves move the page it feels like they're telling the story themselves, and also adding onto the fact that if actors flip to the page before, it's like someone's trying to turn back history

The world is wonderful: The high platform behind can be symbolic for its height representing the strength of a nation behind higher than others; it’s also a way to isolate the one on top with those on ground level to highlight a specific character via height

The general staging of hetamyu is progressively more creative. Examples:

The great world: movable stair pieces

In the new world: ngl that book design is pretty good

Fantastic world: use those tall iron rack/frame things to mimic a boat and the hang-down cloth to mimic the Fuji mountain.

That's really something bc often theater production will not choose a realistic display of everything, since all they have is a limited amount of stage (not like, for example, tv series where they have green screen or sth). Choosing a creative yet fitting method to narrate a wider perspective is soooo important and inspiring. Hetamyu, being stories of grand history stories, obviously cannot put a palace, a tank, a wall, or a mountain on stage. So they either 1) leave it blank and up to imagination accompanied by assisting dialogues/actions or 2) use shapes that are alike to the presented view. If done well, you wouldn't even notice that "things are not real", bc despite no realistic object is presented, the whole atmosphere allows your brain to fill the gap--all the reason why hetamyu exceeds expectations in this field.

The use of comedy

It's easy to notice that hetamyu is laughable as hell. Not joking, I cannot finish a play without shaking with laughter somewhere (although it tend to get serious and angst towards the end…will talk about it later), and I'm sure most have similar experiences. This means that comedy is well used in production of hetamyu. I'd like to divide the comedy parts in hetamyu into two components:

--Personality of characters-- This one is easier to understand. The wacky idiots we have in original hetalia manga/anime is basically the source of humor, including but not limited to 

Italy whipping out his white flag

America yelling "I'm number 1"

Which is working well, of course. But one thing that I’m glad is that hetamyu didn’t stop there with the characterization—it expanded on what should be "them being just dumb" and turned them into real and heart-felt characters, such as

Italy preferring peace over war (Grandpa Rome etc etc)

America actually being number 1 in the world and feeling "lonely" (in The world is wonderful. Ah I love that line sm)

Of course we can see that many of the said expansion on characterization is already done in original hetalia, and it’s true, hima already handled their characters well. But my point is that hetamyu did not use comedy solely for comedy, it did not use stupidity/egocentrism/bickering only for the laughter—it's a reflection of unique traits of characters, which in turn makes us love them even more.

--Improvisation-- The script itself purposefully leave out certain parts for the actors themselves to improvise. Now I'm not sure if it's a common thing generally in Japanese theater production of popular anime (I'm guessing it is), but I always love this design. Usually, one play will have multiple points for multiple characters' improvisation skits. 

The actors themselves (from what I've seen in BTS videos) will plan out jokes to tell during these improvisation parts. For one, these skits break the fourth wall well, bc actors would often use irl examples (eg commercials, quotes, songs, films, famous ppl) to mimic and/or cue; for another, it's a weird extension of the character themselves, so it's funny because the characters we know are being weird…either ooc or completely in character. Examples of there improvisation skits include

The great world: America drawing random stuff on a pull-out blackboard and explaining it to everyone when Japan asked. [The improvisation is what would be drawn and how he would explain.]

Fantastic world: How France and England would bicker and exit the stage. [The improvisation is how their arguments would turn to different topics and how France will end their conversation with a one-liner; and also an extended improvisation of the other one-liner Spain commenting on them two]

Expanding just a bit here, these improvisations remind me how Commedia dell'arte (an Italian theater tradition) will have "Lazzi", which is a set sequence of improvisation, in their play production. I think it follows certain steps to create a Lazzi but I…did not do my research on this one, sadly. Also I think it can correspond to "jig" in English. [Sprinkling in random theater knowledge even if this whole post is basically theater knowledge]

Themes, ideals, and conflicts

Typically, a theatrical production will have an "intention" of some sort, which would be what the producers want to tell by staging a play. From the intention derive possible themes and ideals. Conflicts, on the other hand, is used for pushing the plot forward and towards a climax, consequently telling a propelling story (see the classical plot diagram). A arguably successful play will most likely have insightful themes and perceptive ideals along with a well-set conflict to tell the themes and ideals. 

—Themes and ideals via the plot— Hetalia has little plot, or to say a hella lot of plot bc it's the whole freaking history. Thus, hetamyu chooses this approach: tell a story in a certain historical period (or as the show develops, multiple periods). We see hetamyu tell stories of the great exploration, the unification of Italy, the opening of Japan, and so much more. 

What's impressive is…it is hard enough to tell a good historical story, it is harder yet that hetamyu is dealing with nation personifications for god's sake. I commented once before that it's pretty amazing that although there's a decent amount of typical fandom fights in hetalia (just like others), during the course of my being in the fandom, never have I seen once that hetalia meddle with political arguments. It has so much potential for political fights but I’ve seen…none. Like literally how. Hetamyu handled some of the most dangerous topics (like world wars and colonization) and advocated peace over everything. Okay hetalia did that also, but that's another story. Also credits to @thecursedislander for pointing out a possible symbolism of peace = pasta since Italy's supposed "weakness" is actually a brave advocation for peace and cheerfulness, I think that realization broke me somehow.

You'd expect this "history story + peace and love" troupe to, ugh, fade in its usefulness if it's used too many times, and yes the producers of hetamyu noticed that. This is why, when I finished watching Fantastic world, my jaw dropped—hetamyu tackled a problem called "Japan's lack of culture due to recent history, and also it's relationship with his mentor China". Okay that’s impressive as hell bc consider the real world audience and um idk real world politics???? I'm impressed at the production teams' insightfulness in history as well as their dedication to bring a light-hearted and loved show on stage. Like I would often describe to my friend, the themes tackled in hetamyu made me believe that whoever wrote the script must have either a Philosophy or a History degree or sth, because the sort of "realization" brought forth by the telling of themes is just that brilliant and open-minded

—Setting up conflicts— Every hetamyu has a main conflict accompanied by sub-conflicts. Example:

The great world with the main England-America relationship

The world is wonderful with the main North/South Italy relationship, 

Fantastic world with the main Japan inner conflict and his relationship with China, along with sub-conflicts such as Japan-Netherlands or Japan-America. 

This approach is useful because it avoided the show being just a chaotic mess of idiots running around doing stuff. Now it's…a chaotic mess of idiots running around doing stuff and trying to fix their problems/the main conflict. Welp. You get the idea. Essentially conflict pairs help set up a reasonable plot for the 2 hour show to go on while showing all the drama. Also who is in the conflict tells a bit of the theme, like how Japan-China conflict can call back to the theme of culture integration etc. 

Other production elements

Just going over them quickly bc this is already too long…yeah.

Lighting: use of different colors of light to indicate shifting of atmosphere on stage; e.g. iconically the opening scene for The world is wonderful/flashing lights to add to tension on stage/blue to create an atmosphere of freezing cold during Russia's scenes

Music: Not much I can say other than the songs are getting progressively better. Compare those in Singin' in the world and the newest The glorious world and you'll see what I mean. I feel like the composers add more into the instruments, like strings, guitars, keyboards, and stringed their melodies together better. 

Props: Also getting better, and more creative. Like Chibi America's cradle, the HRE hand doll, and all the stuff lying around the stage in The glorious world. 

Actors and casts

This is not my strong point in analysis bc this is technically not included when analyzing a play. But I decided to add this in anyway, because if a play is good enough it can educate not only the audience but also the actors themselves. 

—Specific roles— I like the fact that actors have specific roles when it comes to producing a play; like Russia's actor specialize in telling the oldest corniest coldest jokes ever, Germany's actor being the only voice of reason and thus a good choice for ending improvisation skits, and Italy and America's actors being the absolute kings in chaotic improv. 

—Characterization— I ranted about it once before I think, but the actors of hetamyu giving the characters a new set of characteristics is something I dig so much for. The most obvious one got to be England; his actor Daisuke literally portrayed this supposed gentleman as his original sassy self, which is hella fun. Other actors do similar things, but I'd argue those are harder to spot bc they matched their characters' freak pretty damn well.

—Wholesome, encouragement, and growth— So this whole family of hetamyu cast is wholesome as hell. It's like that with many other shows, in which the cast bond over the experience. With hetamyu it’s better because they have a long time span—the first hetamyu Singin' in the world came in 2015, and the last hetamyu The glorious world just ended touring this year in 2024. 

Also, the break after the first three production (in which they started a live one, thinking that it's the end of hetamyu's production and they're not going to make new shows together…I'm not sure about the reasons tho) and the return afterwards are great opportunities for the cast to bond over.

We can see the growth of multiple cast members, e.g. Ryoki, Italy's actor, was only 16/17 when he first starred in 2015, and bro's now 26 and striving in his career as a singer, and Gaku, Prussia's actor, was a rather new member of the cast (starting from In the new world) and can be quite shy, but other members encouraged him and cheered him on and look at him now! Okay he's still like the bullied kid in the cast but at least he knows he's loved by the fam (/hj). 

One last thing, I like how the main casts won't forget to include the ensemble cast into their improv skits just for fun. Cuz like, without the ensemble the play wouldn't be complete, so even if they're just dancers for background aesthetic and props moving, they're still a crucial part of the play. And I adore the fact that main cast also keeps that in mind. Respect. 

I can go on about the cast dynamic for ages and start a new rant on their acting skills or sth but I'm afraid I've already run too far away from our topic. Point is, show so good the cast is in tears (literally)

Conclusion

I have no good conclusion for all these...(gesture helplessly above)...stuff. So in conclusion hetamyu is awesome and we love hetamyu 4ever.

Also feel free to spill any thoughts & suggestions !! Diverse pov/opinion needed for better analysis and my brain may or may not be deprived of braincells <3 in da hetamyu club we all fam

[lieutenant-teach]

Young Jedi Adventures – opinions, impressions

Such a lovely cartoon series! At last I see smth that is really pro-Jedi, Jedi-positive – and it’s a fucking cartoon for pre-schoolers! But it’s so much better than ‘The Acolyte’ or ‘Ahsoka’, no comparison – the creators actually follow the established lore! Don’t twist the narrative to serve personal political goals! Likeable characters! Following SW themes! Jedi are actually shown as canonically compassionate people believing in the best of those around them! And they draw lightsabers when defending themselves with no qualms! Take that, ‘Acolyte’!

The general feeling of the series is very Star Wars – both in atmosphere and Star Wars-y music. It was pleasant to hear the Force Suite every time Jedi use the Force – nice touch that somehow doesn’t feel excessive like in ‘Rebels’ s1. Also I had fun counting how many times the same extras appeared in different locations in roles of different persons – the same Nautolan, the same old Ithorian or a Mirilian boy who simultaneously is a citizen and a Jedi youngling. Although I think there should be more non-Human younglings.

As it’s a kids show, characters are nice to each other, even in enemy relations you won’t find any hard material. The main heroes almost never criticize each other, or do it very gently it’s unbelievable. But nice. If anyone fucks up, they apologize, friends support and immediately help. Ahh, too sweet for my adult cynic heart. It’s very relaxing to watch – you don’t expect heavy content of betrayal or hurt.

It has unfairly low rating on IMDb – thanks to adult idiots who blamed a pre-school / primary school kid cartoon for being too simplistic, too naïve – both with ‘twists’ and lessons laid out plainly in simple words every episode. Also these viewers bitched about adults endangering kids by letting them on missions alone. This cartoon is not for adults, it was never meant to be for adults! It’s not ‘TCW’ or ‘Rebels’ with serious themes for wider audience. And of course, the main characters are kids doing cool stuff – it’s as simple as that.

I was quite glad to get more interesting lore about the High Republic timeline. I don’t care if it’s ‘canon’ or not, I like it – I use it. Waiting for season 2. I hope Kai and Co will uncover the ‘mystery’ of Prince Cyrus / Taborr.

[aois-amaterasu-painting]

Gekirock interview (July 2017)

Through "Dainippon Itan Geisha" and into the summer outdoor live, "BURST INTO A BLAZE 3": Featuring a fan-voted setlist showcasing "The Best of the Best" of the current GazettE!

After completing the additional performance of their 15th-anniversary commemorative show Dainippon Itan Geisha ‘Bou Dou Ku Gudon no Sakura’ and wrapping up the HERESY LIMITED TOUR17, the GazettE is set to host their first large-scale outdoor concert in nine years, "BURST INTO A BLAZE 3" on August 19. They’ve also announced their participation in ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2017.

In this interview, we explore the plans for "BURST INTO A BLAZE 3," dive into the much-talked-about RAD MARKET merchandise—praised for its outstanding style amid increasingly fashion-forward band merch—and hear advice from the members, who continue to command tremendous support 15 years into their career. We also discuss their thoughts on the media and advice for the next generation.

Interviewer: You’ve just wrapped up the live house tour, HERESY LIMITED TOUR17. How was it? Do you feel like your performances have become more refined?

RUKI: Hmm… Honestly, it was a while ago, so I don’t remember much (laughs).

Uruha: It’s only been two months (laughs).

Interviewer: When I watched your performance at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium First Arena (March 10), I noticed some attendees seemed a bit unsure of how to vibe with the show. Did you feel like the fans got more used to it over time?

RUKI: By the time they were getting used to it, the tour was already over.

Interviewer: The songs from your early "Itan" era have a different approach compared to your louder, more rock-driven tracks. When performing those older songs, what do you consciously focus on? I imagine the challenges are on a different vector as well. With louder tracks, I feel like the vertical axis (the beat and rhythm) is dynamically emphasized. In contrast, the songs from the "Itan" era have a sharper, more edgy atmosphere and seem to require more meticulous expression. What are your thoughts on this, Kai?

Kai: For us, it doesn’t feel like the two are polar opposites, but the older tracks have their own charm. I focused on how to interpret and express those older songs in a way that fits who we are now. I’ve never really thought of it as "this is how we are now, and that’s how we were then."

Interviewer: So, would you say you were able to play them naturally?

Kai: Yes, I think so. Surprisingly, it came together quite smoothly.

Interviewer: What about you, Aoi?

Aoi: With our recent loud songs, there’s often a balance to maintain with sequences, and they’re primarily built around riffs and power chords. But with the older tracks, the phrases had a much wider range. That’s completely different from what we do now, so it felt nostalgic in a way—like, "Oh, it’s been a while since I’ve played these kinds of phrases." Still, since those phrases came from me originally, it felt like I was able to enjoy them together with the audience.

Interviewer: The anguished guitar on "Sugar Pain" (from the 2005 mini-album Gama) left a strong impression. It was amazing.

Aoi: Thank you very much.

Interviewer: What about you, Uruha?

Uruha: The loud tracks we’ve been playing up until recently involved a playing style that focused on locking in with the rhythm. The guitar parts were largely written with an emphasis on how to make the rhythm sound powerful. But with the older songs, there were more floating, cutting-style riffs. Personally, I found the groove much harder to grasp with those.

Interviewer: The rhythms are quite unique and unconventional, aren’t they?

Uruha: Yes, that’s true. The guitar parts often feel detached from the drums, with many floating, upper-layer melodies. In our recent songs, we tend to focus on syncing with the drums, which makes the live performance experience feel significantly different.

Interviewer: It really highlighted the unique pleasure of a visual kei-style twin guitar setup, something distinct from the typical loud rock twin guitar arrangement.

Uruha & Aoi: Thank you very much.

Interviewer: What about you, REITA?

REITA: During the DOGMA era (from their 8th album released in 2015), we were mostly tuning to A or B. We hadn’t played in standard tuning or even a whole step down for a long time, so it was quite challenging to adjust. When you’re in A or B tuning, the looseness of the strings creates this specific low-end resonance. But with standard tuning, you lose that effect. Since the bass drum’s tuning and tone remain the same, I had to figure out how to compensate for that low-end depth, which was tricky. Plus, these older songs aren’t as focused on tight, vertical synchronization as the louder tracks, so while playing them, it sometimes felt like the performances weren’t locking in perfectly (laughs). That kind of frustration lingered a bit.

Interviewer: I see. Unlike loud tracks where the synchronized vertical rhythm stands out, it might have been a bit harder for the audience to catch the rhythm and fully vibe with it.

REITA: Yeah, that could be it. We even adjusted a few songs to make them easier to follow.

Interviewer: Personally, I found that elusive quality fresh and very cool. What about you, RUKI?

RUKI: Comparing now to back then, it’s like two completely different things. The way we perceive and create sound is completely different. Nowadays, we make music by changing the key to suit the situation. Back then, we had songs where the lyrics would be like this, but the music would be like that... Performing them now, I felt it highlighted what we do well today. It also brought flashbacks of our old selves, so I'm glad we went for it.

Interviewer: Let’s talk about the upcoming outdoor live show, LIVE IN SUMMER 17 "BURST INTO A BLAZE 3", scheduled for August 19 at Fuji-Q Highland’s Conifer Forest. It’s your first large-scale outdoor concert in nine years and the third one overall. The trailer mentions the theme of "liberation from darkness." Does that symbolize a desire to simply enjoy being outdoors?

Aoi: Yes, we want to enjoy the outdoor setting. That said, I’m a bit worried about the weather because last time, it rained.

Interviewer: Was it a heavy downpour?

Aoi: No, just light rain...

RUKI, Uruha, REITA, & Kai: (laughs)

Aoi: If it’s going to rain, it should just pour already. A light drizzle doesn’t even make for a good story (laughs).

Interviewer: I see. Light rain isn’t quite legendary material (laughs).

Aoi: If it had been a torrential downpour, we could’ve said, "That day was insane!" or something (laughs). I hope we can make it a memorable live this time.

Interviewer: I’ve never been to Conifer Forest before. What’s the atmosphere like?

Aoi: It’s really in the mountains. It’s located beside or behind Fuji-Q Highland, and from the stage, I remember there was nothing but mountains beyond the embankment.

Kai: It’s basically a forest.

Interviewer: A forest—does that mean it has an outdoorsy atmosphere?

RUKI: Not really. It’s closer to feeling like a sea of trees (laughs). There’s no outdoorsy or lighthearted feel to it.

REITA: Yeah, it’s not exactly "pop" in atmosphere (laughs).

Interviewer: Oh, I see. Since it’s a venue where many artists perform, I thought it might have a more cheerful ambiance.

RUKI: I think when the crowd is there, it might feel that way.

Interviewer: In the second-floor clubhouse, there will be an archive gallery titled "EXUVIA", displaying past costumes, ESP guitars and basses, YAMAHA drums, and more. It sounds like an impressive and extensive exhibit.

Aoi: Yeah, since the space is limited, we’re aiming to show as much as we possibly can.

Interviewer: How big is the space?

RUKI: It’s reasonably large. It’s comparable to a venue where you might hold a big wedding reception.

Interviewer: I recently attended David Bowie’s major retrospective, and even just seeing the costumes was captivating. Given the GazettE’s dedication to costumes, this exhibit feels like something special and invaluable for fans.

RUKI: Putting together this archive exhibit made me realize we need to take better care of the items that represent our history as a band. We should preserve them properly (laughs).

Interviewer: I imagine it will get very crowded. Are there plans in place to manage that?

Aoi: Yes, visitors will have a set time to view the exhibit. I think the staff will handle that part efficiently.

Interviewer: Like your Yoyogi National Gymnasium performance Dainippon Itan Geisha, the setlist for this concert will also be decided by fan voting. The initial rankings had "INSIDE BEAST" at number one, followed by "Filth in the beauty," "TOMORROW NEVER DIES," "Cassis," and "Hyena." Have there been any changes in the rankings since then?

REITA: There have been some slight changes. One or two songs shifted, and I think "VORTEX" climbed higher. Ultimately, singles and more well-known tracks—if I can put it that way—tend to rise to the top.

Interviewer: Did you vote this time as well?

RUKI: Yes, I did. But the song I voted for ranked pretty low. It’s a bit pathetic, isn’t it? (laughs)

Interviewer: Aoi, did you vote?

Aoi: What?! No! Why would I vote? (laughs)

RUKI, Uruha, REITA, Kai: (burst into laughter)

REITA: Because you want to (laughs).

Aoi: But it’s us who decide the setlist! That’s like tipping the scales, isn’t it? (laughs)

REITA: I know, but still... I just kind of wanted to see what would happen if I voted (laughs).

Aoi: Ah, I see. In that case, I might try voting next time (laughs).

Interviewer: How did you feel when you saw the rankings?

Kai: Lately, the songs we’ve been performing in live shows before Dainippon Itan Geisha tend to rank higher, and that makes me happy. Having tracks like "INSIDE BEAST" and "TOMORROW NEVER DIES" near the top is a good sign since they’ve become live staples.

RUKI: Yeah, it’s definitely a good trend.

Interviewer: The details for the merchandise to be sold at the concert haven’t been announced yet, but RUKI, the designs you create for RAD MARKET’s goods are always incredibly cool. I was blown away by the T-shirts from the Dainippon Itan Geisha concert, especially the use of the word "ANTITHESIS."

RUKI: ANTITHESIS means "the opposite". The new designs are going for a more sporty vibe.

Interviewer: One standout feature of your designs is that they aren’t just for live shows—you’d want to wear them casually, too. They don’t just scream the band logo across the front. Is there anything in particular you focus on when designing?

RUKI: I try to incorporate whatever trends are popular at that time. It’s something we won't be able to do next year.

Interviewer: Honestly, they look cooler than T-shirts from some high-end brands that cost ¥30,000.

RUKI: (laughs) Well, men’s clothing can get really expensive.

Interviewer: If you were to wear your own band’s merchandise, like a T-shirt, what kind of design would you want?

RUKI: It depends. The challenge is how to make a typically “uncool” band T-shirt look stylish (laughs). Even with foreign bands’ merchandise, there are some shirts that are hard to wear out, you know?

Interviewer: Like what, for example?

RUKI: Like those of recent bands. I can wear Sex Pistols, but… (laughs).

Interviewer: I think I kind of understand what you mean (laughs).

RUKI: It’s the kind of thing that becomes cool again over time. Stuff like vintage 1980s L.A. metal shirts—METALLICA or MÖTLEY CRÜE—those are wearable. It’s about wearing something that’s a bit ironically uncool.

Interviewer: Ah, that makes sense!

RUKI: Like IRON MAIDEN shirts. Those are kind of unfashionable, aren't they (laughs).

Interviewer: Yeah, they’ve got that subtle pop charm. I’ve even seen black rappers like Tyler, The Creator rocking MAIDEN shirts, and it looks surprisingly fresh. It’s become a thing for rappers to wear metal T-shirts, hasn’t it?

RUKI: Yeah, it’s definitely a trend. Apparently, there’s this whole market where vintage band T-shirts sell really well because American rappers and celebrities wear them. Some people are making a fortune selling super vintage stuff to them—it’s become this huge trend (laughs).

Interviewer: The shirt you’re wearing today is a Kendrick Lamar T-shirt, right? It’s super cool. I don’t think you can find that in Japan yet. Where did you get it?

RUKI: Yep, it is. But where I got it is a secret (laughs).

REITA: "DAMN."!

Aoi: What’s that? A band?

RUKI: He’s a rapper.

Aoi: I don’t have that kind of taste like RUKI does, so I don’t really wear band shirts much, except maybe the GazettE ones. But when I wear them to work, I end up matching with the other members (laughs). So I stopped wearing them, but now they’re the ones matching, and I’m like, “Come on!” (laughs). Privately, though, I still wear them. Oh, that reminds me—ages ago, I went to see EXTREME live and bought a T-shirt as a souvenir for RUKI. But I’ve never seen him wear it (laughs).

RUKI: It’s safely tucked away in my collection (laughs).

Aoi: In the unfashionable section (laughs).

RUKI: No, no, it’s great (laughs).

Kai: I’ve never bought a band T-shirt myself, so I wouldn’t know. But if I did, I’d probably focus more on the design than the logo.

REITA: A while ago, I was looking for a MÖTLEY CRÜE shirt. But the ones I wanted were crazy expensive—like *¥30,000 because they’re vintage. And the ¥3,000 ones just didn’t appeal to me.

*¥30,000 ≈ €184

Interviewer: I kind of get what you mean.

REITA: Still, spending ¥30,000 on a T-shirt feels ridiculous, so I didn’t buy it in the end.

Interviewer: Do you think 30,000 yen is too much for a T-shirt?

REITA: Of course! It’s expensive, isn’t it? (laughs)

Aoi: Wait, we’re talking secondhand, right? It's called vintage (laughs).

REITA: Ah, yeah, I guess so.

Aoi: Still, ¥30,000 is too much.

REITA: Right? I’d even hesitate if it were brand new.

Interviewer: I’m looking forward to the new RAD MARKET merchandise announcements. Are the member-produced food items still in development?

RUKI: Yeah, we’re planning to do a taste-testing session soon.

Interviewer: The Fuji-Q live sounds like it’s packed with festival vibes and exciting ideas—I’m really looking forward to it. Also, you recently announced your appearance at ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL. That was a surprise, considering that visual kei bands have only recently started performing at these kinds of events. (the GazettE will perform on August 11th.)

Uruha: Yeah, it’s a completely unknown experience for us. I imagine it’ll have a very different vibe from something like "LOUD PARK" or "KNOTFEST," which makes it exciting. I’m picturing it being somewhat similar to Hokkaido’s RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL.

Interviewer: I feel like the so-called “Japanese rock kids” will probably enjoy it pretty openly. Plus, the atmosphere is great—peaceful and relaxed.

Aoi: That makes me feel a little less nervous (laughs).

Interviewer: Going back a bit, how did you feel about your performance at last year’s "KNOTFEST"?

RUKI: Well, we did our best (laughs).

Uruha: I think the audience reaction was better than how I personally felt about it.

Interviewer: In your previous interview (from the March 2017 issue), RUKI mentioned that modern visual kei, with its core in loud rock, seems to have "hit a ceiling." I found that insight to be very sharp. I interviewed a band that has openly expressed their admiration for the GazettE, and they incorporate elements like 7-string guitars, Djent, and progressive styles, with a high level of skill. It made me wonder if that’s the natural direction loud rock evolves toward. I've also spoken with other visual kei bands and even some fans, and I often sense a feeling of insecurity or complex about being associated with visual kei. After celebrating your 15th anniversary, as a leading figure in visual kei and someone who guides future bands, could you offer any advice to those who might feel unable to proudly say they love visual kei or don't feel confident about it?

Aoi: Hmm, honestly, we don’t really care about what others think, so I don’t have any words to offer (laughs). But I think it's good for each person to do their own thing in this scene. In the loud scene, for example, when a certain style becomes popular, like Djent, it just becomes saturated, right? That "follow-the-leader" mentality isn’t necessary, you should just do things your own way and let them fade or evolve however they will.

Interviewer: Loud rock is also starting to settle into certain formulas, but it still manages to endure over time, doesn’t it?

Aoi: But that's not so easy for visual kei. There are people doing their own thing in their own way, and if those people can survive, I think that’s all that really matters.

Interviewer: How about you, Kai?

Kai: Well, I’m not really in a position to say much... but what I think is that there’s something cool about sticking to one style. That’s why I like bands that stick to their style.

Interviewer: Do you mean in terms of their musical style?

Kai: Both, actually. Including their attitude. I don’t really get deeply involved with other bands, so I can only comment from a superficial perspective (laughs).

Interviewer: How about you, REITA?

REITA: If we're talking about the kids who can't feel proud of being part of visual kei, I don’t understand why they can't say it with pride, but I guess that’s just how they feel. That can be a good thing, though. "Visual kei" is a name everyone knows, but not many people are fully immersed in it, and maybe that’s what's good about it. Also, when people say things like, "Visual kei shouldn't be at this kind of festival," that actually makes me more motivated. I think it becomes a driving force.

Interviewer: So, you’re saying that complex feelings can be turned into motivation.

REITA: Exactly.

Interviewer: What do you think, Uruha?

Uruha: I can’t really offer advice, but I think if someone can't proudly say they’re part of visual kei, it's actually proof that they're self-aware, and I think that's pretty smart. We’re doing the core of visual kei, but when we were younger, we were very edgy. In that sense, I think the younger generation is a lot smarter. It doesn't matter what others think—this is a world where no one will guarantee anything for you, so it’s best to just do things the way you like.

Interviewer: What about you, RUKI?

RUKI: Not being able to take pride in visual kei… Well, I guess I don’t really care about anyone else outside of us.

Interviewer: During the live performance at the National Yoyogi venue, you made a declaration to "proudly continue in visual kei," which sounded like a statement of commitment to the visual kei scene.

RUKI: I’m not really interested in visual kei as a "scene." To me, "visual kei" is more like being an inventor—something that encompasses makeup, costumes, packaging, and everything related to visual presentation. So, it really depends on what you mean when you say "visual kei."

Interviewer: I think it’s also about the fact that your background is rooted in the visual kei scene.

RUKI: Visual kei itself has become so subdivided, so we’re just us, and others are just others. That's why I don’t have any advice to offer. Of course, we’re grateful when people say they like our music.

Interviewer: I don't know if it's just coincidence, but almost all the bands I interview or meet in venues say that they've been influenced by the GazettE.

RUKI: What do they say they like about the GazettE? Like the era?

Interviewer: It varies by era, but a lot of them talk about the spirit of the band, and they speak passionately about it. For example, many people thought that visual kei was synonymous with bad musicianship and lack of technical skill. But after attending a live performance, like the "Shikkoku", they realized how good you actually are! They were surprised by not only the skill but also the high level of sound and production. If you actually saw the live show, you wouldn't have any bad feelings, right?

RUKI: I’m grinning, actually (laughs). It really depends on what part of us they like. When people become fans of a band, some of them fall in love after reading an interview, and some after watching a documentary.

Interviewer: You mentioned that some people become fans of a band by reading an interview, but I feel like lately, there are fewer people who develop a liking for a band from reading an interview. Over time, media has changed, and now there are more outlets, especially with the rise of the internet, but the content often feels the same, like the same types of questions being asked. I say this with some self-reflection, and I realize this question might sound strange, but since you’ve given many interviews, do you have any thoughts about the types of questions that get asked?

RUKI: It feels like media has shifted from magazines to the internet, but the questions haven’t really changed since the magazine era. I hate to say it, but the questions I hear from the inner circle, the ones that are specialized in visual kei, aren't very interesting to read. In the past, I was often asked about personal things. But then again, not all fans necessarily want to hear about the music side of things. What people are most interested in is the mindset or the emotional side—what we’re thinking or feeling. Personally, I pay attention to those aspects. For example, interviews with bands that are disbanding are often very awkward, and I find the way that tension comes through quite interesting (laughs). Things like that—a glimpse into the true nature of a band—is what I find interesting.

Interviewer: Do you all read media interviews? What kind of articles are you interested in?

Aoi: When I read band interviews, it's rare for me to get a bad impression of someone.

Interviewer: So, it's usually non-offensive, right?

Aoi: Oh, I see what you're saying (laughs). Well, I don’t really end up disliking anyone after reading their interview, but I’m not particularly drawn to them either. But I think non-offensive, neutral responses are the best.

Interviewer: What about you, Kai?

Kai: Hmm, if it feels like they're just saying ordinary things, I’ll just pass it by (laughs). It’s more common with people who are older, but there are some who say very nasty things, right?

Interviewer: That's certainly true (laughs).

Kai: Whether it's for better or worse, I tend to pay attention to people like that. I end up getting more and more immersed, thinking, "Why did they say that?" "What’s the reason behind that statement?" I find that interesting.

Interviewer: So, you want to know why they said it. How about you, REITA?

REITA: I’m going to say something that might not be the best... but I don’t really read interviews in print. I do like video interviews, though. I enjoy paying attention to how they say things, their tone of voice, the pauses, their phrasing—those are the things I find cool. But when it’s in writing, I find it hard to know how seriously to take it. It’s a bit difficult for me to tell how much of it is genuine.

Interviewer: Hmm... That hits a bit close to home...

Aoi: But sometimes, when (the interviewer) transcribes it, they make the artist sound like they're using a really formal tone, right? (laughs). It makes it sound like they are being really condescending. I'm a bit taken aback by that. Like, "Whoa! I'm not saying that at all!" (laughs).

Interviewer: I see (laughs). How about you, Uruha?

Uruha: Personally, I don’t really read band interviews in magazines. Instead, I read interviews that come with scores. I’m more interested in comments about their performance, the playing itself. I’ve never been that interested in the mental or emotional side of artists.

Interviewer: So, you were originally more interested in the craftsmanship side of things. How about you, RUKI?

RUKI: I don’t really read other people's interviews, but sometimes I do read interviews that show up on my Twitter timeline. They’re often from different genres, and when I read those, I think, "Wow, that's impressive." There are statements where people say things like, "I’ve got nothing left to lose." The lack of responsibility in their statements is so clear, and I really like that.

Interviewer: Yeah, interviews with idols can sometimes be really surprising.

RUKI: That feels like it’s closer to their true nature. Also, I find articles about foreign artists interesting.

Interviewer: For example, Corey Taylor of SLIPKNOT criticizing Donald Trump, although not many media outlets report on that.

RUKI: I really like stuff like that. Trent Reznor from NINE INCH NAILS is really critical of the music industry. He’s a huge name, and even though he’s making his own music with a lot of passion, he says things like the music industry is dead, it’s rotten, and there are no inventors left in the industry. I think it would be amazing if people in Japan were as bold as that. Like, "Sorry, but it’s over!" (laughs). It’s hard to find that kind of honesty in Japan... When it comes to artists, it's about whether they’re going commercial or staying true to their art. Watching how that unfolds is really interesting.

Interviewer: I’ll take that to heart. I've always felt that things that are inoffensive are less likely to catch on to people other than fans.

RUKI: Yeah, album interviews are usually the least interesting (laughs). Part of it is the times we’re in. Back in our day, there was a certain thrill in digging deeper into things like spirituality—or the deeper mindset behind what they were saying—or not saying.

Interviewer: These days, you can usually look everything up online right away. I also feel that the GazettE is really good at using social media, but at the same time, it must be difficult. Are there things you’re careful about when it comes to social media?

RUKI: I try not to say things as if I’m always right, though it’s not like I actively remind myself to do that. I just try to avoid saying unnecessary things, since there are so many different people out there.

Interviewer: It’s a tough situation, right? Especially for famous people, who are under so much pressure regarding compliance these days. I’ve noticed, although this doesn’t involve the GazettE specifically, that on social media, there’s a never-ending debate among live kids about live manners. I often think it's pointless.

RUKI: I used to be the type to speak up about live manners. I don’t do it much anymore, though. Back in the day, if something came up, I would write long posts about it.

Interviewer: Do you have any thoughts when you see debates about live manners?

RUKI: Since I’ve been the one to bring it up in the past, I kind of feel like, "Can’t people just enjoy things normally?" I do think people should be more mindful. Sometimes, you have to say things strongly for them to be understood.

Interviewer: I sometimes think that maybe these things can only be solved by not engaging in debates at all.

RUKI: Hm... I wonder if it’s because of the way society has shifted that things have turned out this way.

Interviewer: From a fan’s perspective, what the members say is absolute, right? So, maybe instead of vague statements about manners, it would be better if the band clearly set some rules.

RUKI: That's right, it’s the same for every band. If you don’t want to cause trouble, then don’t say anything. But if you’re okay with causing trouble, then go ahead and say it. I think it’s tough for bands playing in live houses, though. The places where we always have trouble are live houses, too.

REITA: I think it’s because we also play in halls.

RUKI: Right. So this problem will probably continue forever.

Interviewer: But it’s a bit contradictory, isn’t it? Going to a live show is a positive experience, and you’re basking in the afterglow, but then you open social media, you might see something like, "There were people with bad manners!"

REITA: That's really unpleasant, isn't it? I don’t understand the idea of trying to make everyone know about someone. If it’s about a specific person, just tell them directly.

RUKI: REITA has spoken (laughs)!

[mimble-sparklepudding]

Highlight a FFXIV blog that deserves more recognition by a wider audience.

Highlight a FFXIV blogger who is always a joy to interact or RP with.

Highlight a FFXIV blog with some impressive gposes or screenshots.

An example of a FFXIV blog that definitely deserves more recognition would be @lunarcupcake.

Honeybun is a character I'm always delighted to see on my dash and I am really enjoying seeing her adventures in Tural. With some great screenshots and gposes, this is a blog that deserves more attention. Plus @lunarcupcake is always very nice and supportive to others (including me!) and sometimes posts seaside pictures with ice creams!

2. Well I've already given one example of a FFXIV blogger with whom interacting sparks joy, but there are plenty more. One example being @umbralaether who I have been following for almost as long as I've been on Tumblr.

Not only is their blog replete with excellent writing and beautiful screenshots (the graphical upgrade has made Eisha even more stunning I feel), but @umbralaether has never been anything but kind and encouraging, even when things in their own life have been tricky.

3. There are so many blogs with impressive gposes and screenshots that it feels almost impossible to choose one, but having made the game, it would be a very poor show if I didn't stick to the rules. So I will choose @furys-mercy as an example of a FFXIV blog with excellent gposes and screenshots.

I mean I can't even begin to imagine how you go about creating a picture like this.

The blog includes dynamic gposes, emotional gposes, atmospheric gposes and even (ahem) really rather sexy gposes. @furys-mercy could easily fit into any number of potential FFXIV blog suggestions - they are a joy to interact with, they have an unreasonably attractive OC, their responses to ask games are always really interesting - but when I consider blogs with absolutely astounding gposes then I immediately think of @furys-mercy...

[jokeroutsubs]

[ENG translation] Joker Out end the tour with a gig at Padova Hall

A report from the Padova gig. Original article written by Marianna Grechi for Inside Music, published on 31.03.2024. English translation by IG valohwave, proofread by IG GBoleyn123.

Thursday, the 28th of March, marked the end of the tour of Joker Out, the Slovenian breakthrough rock band of the 2010s new wave that made itself known to the wider public with their participation at Eurovision 2023. They played a short set focusing on freshness and coolness, and where you could breathe a certain Erasmus-like atmosphere - for the nostalgic ones.

Fresh from the gig in Milano, whose venue was relocated at the last minute from Magazzini Generali to Circolo Magnolia, Joker Out closed their tour at Padova Hall with the same energy of five friends getting together on the weekend to jam in a garage. Sometimes the complicity among the members is so tangible, it seems they are unaware of having an audience.

Disclaimer: A full immersion Slovenian course might prove to be useless for following a Joker Out gig because the repertoire includes also Serbian songs like 'Demoni' and 'Ona' and some new hits like 'Bluza' and 'Šta bih ja'. So relax, jump, try to at least get the vowels right, and enjoy the concert of Bojan Cvjetićanin's band.

The evening is opened by Bigoyday, a brass band from the Plain of Brescia, that immediately gets the crowd going to the sound of wind instruments, and then, the party begins. A few minutes to get the stage ready and there they are: Bojan, Jan, Kris, Jure and Nace on stage in all their beauty.

Bojan with a glittery eyeshadow, Nace dressed as a "geek", a shirtless Jure, each of them has their own character and yet everything is so spontaneous. I get so lost in this marvel that I don't realise we are already halfway through 'Gola'. Around me something weird happens: everyone is singing, some with a thick Italian accent, others are clearly native speakers, and we're all here in Padova for Joker Out.

From the very beginning the gig feels like an international karaoke - just like during Erasmus! - and it literally becomes one when Bojan comes down from the stage to let the first rows sing verses from 'Umazane misli', each in their own language.

In a few minutes, they touch all our weak spots. We go wild for 'Katrina' and 'Plastika', but there's also Bojan's piano moment with 'Everybody's Waiting', dedicated to those suffering from anxiety and panic attacks. Within an hour, we reach the song that changed Joker Out's life, 'Carpe Diem', precisely the Slovenian version they brought to Eurovision 2023.

At the end, the boys hug each other, they bow. Not without a message of peace against all wars before they end with an acoustic and moving 'Novi val', sung with the choir that is the audience. Among lights and hugs the Erasmus experience is over, we've all got to go back home.

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[yourmomsawh0r3]

Santa Baby

pairing: Tyler owen’s x f! popstar girlfriend

The stage was bathed in warm, festive light as snowflakes made of glitter descended from the rafters. The audience buzzed with excitement, eagerly awaiting the star of the night. Y/N’s highly anticipated Christmas special was live, showcasing her new holiday album. Fans worldwide tuned in to witness her performance, and among them was her proudest supporter her boyfriend turned fiancé, Tyler Owens, seated in the front row.

Y/N’s voice soared through classic carols and original songs, each note wrapping the room in holiday magic. Dressed in a red velvet gown that shimmered under the lights, she was the picture of festive elegance. Her diamond necklace sparkled with every turn, but her smile was the true showstopper. Tyler leaned forward in his seat, utterly entranced, his blue eyes never leaving her.

Then came the moment that would be talked about for weeks. The band struck up the jazzy, slinky notes of Santa Baby, and the audience erupted into cheers. The curtains parted to reveal Y/N in a dazzling new outfit: a fitted red velvet bodice trimmed with soft white fur, paired with thigh-high boots and a sparkling Santa hat. She strutted across the stage, microphone in hand, her playful grin promising something extraordinary.

Tyler chuckled as she made eye contact with him, her flirty energy aimed directly his way. He shook his head, already knowing she was about to steal the show.

Her sultry voice filled the air:

Santa baby, slip a sable under the tree, for me…

The crowd swayed along, their energy building with every lyric. Y/N’s performance was captivating, her charm impossible to resist. Tyler’s grin grew wider as she playfully gestured toward him during the bridge:

Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.

The audience roared with laughter and applause at her antics. Tyler, his face beaming with pride, clapped along, his eyes shining with admiration. But then, the atmosphere shifted as she reached the iconic line:

Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing a ring…

Y/N paused dramatically, her voice trailing off as she raised her left hand. The spotlight caught it, making the enormous diamond engagement ring glitter like the North Star. Gasps and cheers erupted from the crowd, and Tyler froze, caught completely off guard. For a moment, he looked stunned, but then his face broke into the most radiant smile, his eyes glassy with emotion.

The cameras panned to him, capturing his reaction as he stood, clapping and laughing, his expression one of pure love and pride. Y/N flashed him a cheeky grin, finishing the line with a twist:

…and I don’t mean on the phone!

The theater exploded with applause. Y/N gave a playful twirl, blowing Tyler a kiss and mouthing, I love you. He returned it with a blown kiss of his own, shaking his head as if to say, You’re unbelievable.

By the time Y/N finished her set, the news had already gone viral. Social media lit up with clips of the performance, fans gushing over her flawless vocals and Tyler’s swooning reaction. Headlines blared:

“Pop Star Y/N Drops Engagement Bombshell During Christmas Special!”

“Tyler Owens and Y/N Are Officially Engaged And It’s the Holiday Surprise We Didn’t Know We Needed!”

The next morning, Tyler sat on the couch, scrolling through endless memes of his smitten expression. Y/N curled up beside him under a cozy blanket, her engagement ring catching the morning light.

“You really couldn’t wait to tell the world, huh?” he teased, showing her a tweet comparing him to a love-struck Hallmark movie character.

“What can I say?” she replied with a smirk. “I like making a statement.”

He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Good. I want everyone to know I’m the luckiest man alive.”

Her smile softened as she laced her fingers with his. “Merry Christmas, Tyler.”

“Merry Christmas, future Mrs. Owens.”

That evening, as the snow continued to drift softly outside, they decided to celebrate their engagement with a romantic soak in the outdoor hot tub. The steam swirled into the crisp winter air, and the glow of the nearby fire pit illuminated the space, casting flickering shadows over the snow-covered patio.

Y/N stepped out onto the deck, wrapped in a plush robe, her cheeks rosy from the cold. Tyler was already in the tub, leaning back against the edge with his arms sprawled out, the muscles of his chest glistening from the rising steam. His blue eyes fixed on her with a heat that rivaled the bubbling water.

“Come on in, future Mrs. Owens,” he teased, his voice low and inviting.

Y/N smirked, dropping the robe to reveal her figure in a deep red bikini that matched the festive mood of the weekend. Tyler’s breath hitched, his gaze dragging over her like she was the only thing in the world.

“You’re staring,” she said playfully as she descended into the water, the warmth enveloping her instantly.

“Can you blame me?” he replied, his voice rough as he pulled her closer the moment she settled in. “Look at you. You’re stunning.”

She slid onto his lap, her legs straddling his waist, and wrapped her arms around his neck. The contrast of the hot water and the cool winter air made her shiver slightly, but Tyler’s hands on her hips quickly warmed her up.

“You’re not so bad yourself, Owens,” she murmured, trailing her fingers along his jawline.

Tyler chuckled, but it quickly turned into a groan when her lips brushed against his. The kiss started slow, a gentle exploration, but quickly deepened as the tension between them simmered into something hotter than the water surrounding them. His hands roamed her back, sliding lower as he held her firmly against him.

“You know,” he murmured against her lips, his voice thick with desire, “you completely ruined me last night with that performance.”

“Good,” she whispered, biting her lip as she looked at him. “I wanted to drive you crazy.”

“Mission accomplished,” he said, his grip tightening as he kissed her again, his lips moving down to her neck, trailing over her collarbone.

“Tyler,” she breathed, her voice a mix of a plea and a tease.

He pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, his blue eyes blazing. “Say it again,” he murmured.

“Tyler,” she repeated, her hands framing his face as her lips brushed against his in the faintest of kisses.

“No,” he whispered, his smirk returning as his hands dipped into the water, pulling her closer. “The other thing. The thing I’ve been waiting to hear all day.”

She smiled, her heart thundering in her chest. “I love you, Mr. Owen

Tyler’s laughter rumbled through the air before he captured her lips again, the kiss slow, sensual, and filled with the kind of love that made the world stand still. And as snowflakes melted on their heated skin, they knew this was the start of a holiday season they’d never forget.

[rottenpumpkin13]

Thinking about Sephiroth and Aerith being siblings and they have escaped Shinra together (Ifalna still couldn't make her way out with them, sadly), Aerith still joins the gang to overthrow Shinra but Sephiroth doesn't really participate in it, he lets Aerith make her own decision but it doesn't mean he will go along with it. The Avalanche only knows some bits about Aerith's older brother, the man is almost like a shadow, he isn't keen on conversating, prefers to be left alone and watch people, he lets Aerith do the talking and blends into the background perfectly, which is quite a feat considering that Sephiroth is even taller than Barret. Tifa once joked that Sephiroth is like Aerith's family cat, a 6'7' cat but nonetheless, a cat.

At least that was their impression of the silver-haired man until "Aerith" got captured by Hojo.

--o--

When Hojo finished his monologue, he noticed that his today's audience was a bit strange.

He expected the half-Cetra to be angry, to be disgusted, outraged by his mention of her deceased mother in such a vulgar way, but the said girl just sitting there, smiling pleasantly at him, there was a hint of amusement at the corner of her almond eyes during his earlier monologue.

It is almost like the girl is mocking him.

"I remember you used to be more talkative than this, dear. I guess that Spiecemen-S does rub a few of his good antics on you."

The atmosphere hung over the lab immediately changed at the mention of his other escaped work, it became more eerily. The girl still has a pleasant smile on her beautiful face, but it looks somewhat... wider, perhaps it was due to the lack of light in this lab?

"I don't know that, professor." Finally, he got her first reaction of the day, her voice was soft. "... I think it goes the other way, Aerith has her way of changing people."

She slowly rose from the wooden stool and walked toward him, green eyes fixed on him like how a predator observing their meal. Upon close look, she truly is a spitting image of Ifalna. Aside from the obvious similarities shared between them like the delicate features and the earthly green eyes, Aerith possessed even the smallest creak on Ifalna's face. Hojo remembers every single detail of his work, he can firmly say that not a single trace of Gast can be seen on Aerith's appearance, which is not true because he knows that the girl has her father's eyes.

All in all, it's uncanny to look at her.

"What's wrong, professor? Cat got your tongue?" She burst into a small fit of giggles at her own joke, hands clasped behind her back as she bent down slightly to look directly at his eyes. Was she always this tall? Hojo can't help but question himself that.

"As much as it entertains me to listen to your delusional monologue, I think it's time for us to end this conversation."

No longer the earthly green eyes that comfort any tired soul it glimpsed itself at, her eyes now possessed the bright mako-green color, staring unnaturally at Hojo and Hojo alone.

Slitted pupils tracing the mad scientist's movement, the girl- no, the creature purred deeply at him.

"Good to see you, Father."

(Yeah for anyone who is confused, the Aerith that got captured is actually Sephiroth lol. I got inspired by the scene where Sephiroth turns into Tifa to trick Cloud.)

*gnawing at the bars of my enclosure* ASDFGHJK I LOVE THIS

[back2thebasics]

Gojo X Reader - First post!

MDNI - 18+ - Fem Reader x Satoru Gojo

Gojo x Reader - Bad Reputation

Synopsis: You're tasked with being a publicist for Satoru Gojo. For most the job would be a dream come true but you dread the job because of his recent behavior. Nights out partying till 3 am and leaving with random women. You decide to schedule an in-person meeting to discuss his recent paparazzi pictures and his declining reputation. 

I drew the fanart myself and I will be posting it in a separate post.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

He’s late as always. You watch as he casually strolls into the small restaurant without a care in the world. He wears a pair of black designer sunglasses and a mostly black outfit to match. It's a stark comparison to his icy white hair which is perfectly coiffed. He spots you and smiles wider in that cheeky grin that you have grown accustomed to. His long strides bring him to you in a few steps.

“Wow, look at you today. You're all dolled up. Is there a special occasion?” He teases and pulls out the chair across from you then plops down into it somehow remaining graceful. 

“These are just my professional clothes, also you're late. I've been waiting an hour for you. Where were you?” you ask, hiding most of your impatience.

“Sorry I was busy. I had to drop someone off.” He replies.

“Please tell me you were discreet about it.” You scrunch your brow knowing the answer already.

“Does it matter? You're the one who told me last week that I have a reputation as a womanizer.” Gojo’s piercing blue eyes barely visible beneath his shades. 

“Yeah but if you want that sponsorship to choose you over the other candidate, you're gonna have to clean up your act. They're looking for someone that is marketable to a wide audience not some playboy who is out clubbing every night.” You let your emotions show in your tone a little more. 

This man will make you go gray early with the way you have been juggling his public image. Despite everything you have gone through for his career, you found yourself thinking about him more than you should. 

“Alright whatever you say, darling. I'll tone it down but only on one condition.” Satoru leans forward propping his elbows on the table.

“What do you want?” You ask skeptically.

“Go on a night out with me. Not for work but just for fun. The rules are no thinking of work and if you hate it then you never have to do it again. I'll be good, but only if you let loose for one night. So what do you say?” Gojo quirks his head slightly waiting for your response.

“So just one night and you'll stop all the partying and the hookups? It seems way too easy, what's the catch?” You scrunch your brows not buying a word.

“Catch? There's no catch. I promise. Come on it’ll be fun. Think of it like a work trip, but it's all fun and no business. Sounds like fun right?” He tries to convince you flashing his perfect white teeth in an arrogant smile.

“Fine but no funny business okay, and I'm not leaving after the bar closes. I decide when it's time to go.” You set your terms. 

“Deal.” His smile is blinding.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

A few nights later…

You enter the club with Satoru following behind you. Of course he picked the most popular spot in the city. You have been to clubs before but you prefer the chill atmosphere of a nice bar instead of extremely loud music and sweaty bodies grinding against each other. You dressed up for the vibe of the place. A small tight black dress and heels paired with a full glam. If there are gonna be pictures of you two in the press at least you will look good. It is inevitable but after tonight he has promised to tone it down to make your job easier. All you have to do is get through the night. Should be easy right?

Gojo walks over to the VIP section immediately after the bouncer nods you in and lets you skip the long line outside. I guess being this famous has its perks. You feel a strong hand on the small of your back. You look back to see Gojo smile down at you and nod over to the bar. He leans down to say something in your ear so you can hear him over the music.

“Can I get you a drink, darling?” You feel his breath against your neck and it sends tingles down your spine. You blush and look over to the busy bar where there is another line forming.

“Yeah I guess one drink wouldn't hurt but it looks pretty busy we might have to wait a while.” You reply into his ear which is at a perfect height with him leaning down. He pulls back and smiles with a wink before continuing to lead you further into VIP. 

Hidden away in the back of VIP is a second bar that is way less busy and looks to have all the top shelf liquors. He leads you to a set of two leather armchairs on the left of the bar. He sits down in one of them and then motions for you to sit as well. 

“Shouldn't we go order?” 

Right as the question leaves your mouth a gentleman dressed in an all black suit approaches both of you carrying a tray. He sets down a carafe of ice water and a set of empty glasses.

“What can I get you and the lovely lady tonight Sir?” He questions seeming to know Gojo already. He must be a regular here. 

“I’ll take a whiskey on the rocks.” He motions to you for your order.

“I’ll take a mojito.” You tell the server 

“Perfect, I will be back with those drinks in a minute.” The server goes to the bar and gives the order to the bartender. 

“So are you having fun yet?” Satoru starts the conversation. He sits leaning back in the chair his leg crossed like he owns the place. 

“Yeah, this place is nice.” You lie 

“Be honest with me. I can tell when you lie you have a horrible poker face you know.” He jokes looking around the club to the dance floor where an ocean of bodies grind to the music.

“Okay fine, you want me to be honest. Its too hot in here and I feel a little self conscious. I don't know its stupid. Nevermind.” You try to brush it off

“Self conscious? You look hot right now.” He flirts. 

“Satoru, stop your my boss, it's weird for you to say I'm hot.” Youre caught off guard by the unexpected compliment. Why is your heart racing suddenly?

“What? I can't say the truth? You are looking stunning this evening not that you don't look good everyday.” Gojo remains cool as a cucumber while you look more like a tomato from the harmless flirting. That’s all this is right? The server returns with the tray of drinks and places them down on the table next to the water. He leaves with a polite nod and you pick up your drink gulping it down needing a little buzz. Satoru takes a sip of his whiskey and sets it back down. He looks over at you with a look you've never seen from him before.

“Follow me I know somewhere less crowded.” He stands taking his drink with him. You do the same and don't have time to question anything before he walks towards a set of double doors. Once inside, you see that it's a pool room set up with 2 pool tables and some couches near the back. The room is completely empty and much cooler in temperature than the rest of the club. He grabs a pool cue from the wall and turns to face you with a cheeky smile.

“Have you ever played before?” He asks handing you the cue and grabbing one for himself. 

“No, I've never played. I don't know how.” You reply truthfully. You have no idea how to play and lying won't help you.

“That's okay I can teach you.” He says like it’s no big deal and then he walks over to you and stands behind you. He positions you and instructs you how to shoot but you can't focus with how close he is to you. You feel his strong chest pressing against your back and he gently cradles your arms to show you the proper hand placement. You know your face is probably beet red but you nod along to his explanations trying your best to listen to the rules of the game. 

After playing a couple games and him winning both of them you both sit on the couch to finish your drinks. You've been nursing your drink so you don't feel different from when you walked in.

“For a beginner, you're pretty good. Not everyone can keep up with me so that's a sign of natural talent.” He laughs leaning back into the leather sofa and taking a sip of his Whiskey. He has also been drinking slow which is surprising given his recent history of nights on the town.

“Or a sign that I have a good teacher.” You wink at him letting go a little.

“You're right, it's all about how well you listen to instruction.” His tone takes on a flirtatious tone.

Your eyes meet his, he has ditched his usual sunglasses tonight. His crystal clear eyes search yours like he is reading your thoughts. You hope he can't because it would be very embarrassing for you.

“So do you have a boyfriend?” He asks casually still keeping his eyes on you but they start to roam a little as he looks down at your body. You feel your cheeks heat more and you break eye contact. You try to control the flutters in the pit of your stomach at the inquiry.

“No.” Your answer is simple and softly spoken.

“That's good.” His reply is the same

“Why would that be a good thing?” You ask a little breathless from the way your heart rams into your chest again and again. 

“Because then I don't have any competition.” He smiles at you but his eyes are heated and his gaze still roams over your body.

“Woah wait a minute, I'm not some toy that you can play around with Satoru. If you brought me here to use like one of your hookups, then you've got it all wrong.” You stand up quickly the flutters dying out at the thought of being just another one of his conquests that he will drop off at 5am.

“Is that what you think of me? That I am just some playboy incapable of feeling something for someone without there being sex involved?” He asks quirking a brow. He sounds almost hurt that you see him that way.

“No, but I am your publicist I didn't exactly think you were flirting with me when I asked you to meet up so you could clean up your act.” You grab the wine glass and chug the rest of the red wine. 

“Why do you think I suddenly started acting out and bringing attention to myself when that wasn't an issue before?” Gojo chuckles downing the rest of his drink as well. He looks off pensively.

“What? So you did all that to get my attention. Trust me there are other ways to do that! I dont know a text or email would have done the job.” You pace in front of the couches running your hand through your hair. The last 2 month's worth of stress pushing down on you, the late nights trying to get bad paparazzi pictures off the internet were just the tip of the iceberg. 

“That's lame and so not my style. I must admit the first time was an accident and then when you called me and got all mad at me I just thought it was… I don't know cute.” He watches you pace his eyes following your movement. 

“Cute!? It was not cute, I’ll tell you that. It was stressful and infuriating to see pictures of you drunk with some random girl leaving a club every night. Do you know how hard it is to get paparazzi to delete stuff like that? I had to pay off so many people. Yeah sure it was with your money but still!” You vent not even caring that he is your boss anymore. He put you through this so he gets to sit here and listen to your rant.

“Another thing that got me hooked was seeing you get jealous. Although you might not admit it to me. Every time you would call I could hear it in your voice.” Gojo looks amused but you can tell he is being serious.

“I am not!” The lie leaves your lips and as it does, the realization hits you. You are jealous.

The silence confirms it.

“Fine. Maybe I am a little jealous but what does it matter? I'm still your publicist.” You grumble crossing your arms in defiance.

He stands up towering over you and he walks over to you standing close enough that you need to tilt your head up to look at him. 

“Then I'll just fire you. Simple as that.” Satoru says it like it's the simplest logical answer.

“What? No! You don't have to fire me. Just tell me what you want.” You look up into his ocean eyes searching to see if he is joking, but it is the most serious you've ever seen him. He usually has a laid back nonchalance to him but not right now. His heated gaze and the way he leans into you intently the tension between the two of you is electrifying.

“I am interested in you and I have never been this intrigued by someone before. So if you will agree I would like to see where this goes.” Gojo looks at you with desire and yearning. You can see that he has been thinking about this a lot. 

“Okay fine we can see where this goes but I am going to be honest I don't know where to start.” You look away feeling embarrassed. You don't have a lot of experience and especially not in situations like these. Does he want to go on a proper date or skip all that stuff? 

“Maybe we can start here.” You feel his hand gently grasp your chin as he turns you towards him to look at him once more. He leans in and has to bend down to accommodate for the height difference. Your breath catches in your throat and threatens to leap out of your chest. He gets closer and the instinct to close your eyes takes over as his lips finally meet yours. There are instant sparks and something inside you snaps. Your lips press together and the kiss intensifies as he gently swipes his tongue across your bottom lip. You can't stop the moan that comes from you and he pulls away smirking.

“We can slow it down.” Gojo looks like he is holding himself back. The thought of stopping makes your stomach twist. You want him too.

“No.” The response is rushed and breathless.

Satoru pulls you in for another kiss. This one is more hungry and intense than the last. You let out another soft moan and his hands slide down to cup your ass. The hem of your dress is near the tips of his fingers and if he wanted to, he could pull your dress off in one quick motion. Your heart skips a beat at the thought of that happening. He pulls away again and his face remains inches away from yours.

“Should I lock the door?” he asks his voice low because of the close proximity. 

You simply nod not wanting to fumble over a response and ruin the moment. You have had sex before but something about Satoru Gojo is different. 

He makes you feel shy and flustered. As he turns to go lock the door, you watch him saunter away with his usual walk but a little more rushed. You admire his wispy white locks that you resisted gripping when you were kissing. Your gaze travels down his muscled back towards the narrow hips that make his shoulders look bigger. Then you stare at his butt a little, his tight dress pants make it look so cute and you think about how he would react if you tried to grab it. The thought makes you smile and you don't notice how quickly he has turned around because he catches you staring at his ass.

“Are you enjoying what you see beautiful?” He taunts teasingly as he strides over to you.

“Oh, my god I was definitely not checking you out.” You laugh trying to play off the embarrassment. 

“Oh, you definitely were.” Gojo reaches you and his body backs you into the nearest pool table. He boxes you in and places his strong forearms on either side of you. He leans down and your heart rate picks up

“So where were we?” He asks in a sultry voice,

“I don't know you tell me.” You reply with a slight challenge.

He responds with actions instead of words and he pulls you into another passionate kiss. He slides his large hands down your body and then when he reaches your ass he surprises you by lifting you up and setting you down on the edge of the pool table. It adjusts your height difference and he no longer needs to bend down to reach your lips. Now that you are the same height you lace your arms around his neck and the previous urge to run your fingers through his hair overpowers you. His hair is so soft and fine that it feels like silk and you hear a low rumble coming from Gojo when you gently grip it in between your fingers.

His large hands grip your hips and he pulls you in even closer until you are pressed up against him and you can feel something hard pressing against your lower stomach. You moan into the kiss and slide one hand down from his neck to his crotch once you reach your target your hand lightly rubs over it over his pants and he nips your bottom lip before pulling away. He pulls back far enough so he can look you in the eyes and he looks conflicted.

“If we keep this up. I- “He huffs, cutting himself off and then he continues.

“I don't want you to think this is just about sex.” His tone turns more serious and his eyes search yours to see what you're feeling.

“I didn't mean what I said earlier. You're right, I was jealous when I saw you with those girls but I pushed it away because I thought the feeling was stupid.” You reply telling him the truth.

All those photos you saw and all the times you wished you were the woman in the picture with him. Now that fantasy was coming true.

“You know I never actually hooked up with any of those girls in the photos. I only escorted them home because they were too drunk.” Gojo tells you and from his sincere expression you can tell he isn't lying.

“So you were just being some hero all along making sure women got home safe. Here I was stressing that you were going off the rails.” You can't help but laugh.

“I’m not a hero for doing the right thing, I'm just a responsible owner.” He replies casually.

“Owner? You own this place?” You question shocked. You knew he had a few properties in the city but he didn't mention he owned clubs. 

“Yeah this one and a few others you have probably already seen me leaving. All for work purposes. Did I have a drink or two on the job, of course, but I wasn't there to party like you thought. Was I going to tell you that? Absolutely not. All because of those phone calls I'd get from you the next morning where you’d scold me and use your cute little annoyed voice. I'm sorry it caused you stress, but I didn't know how to get you to talk to me more.” Gojo smiles at you and he looks almost nervous. 

You making him nervous gives you the confidence to say what you're thinking without restraint.

“You know, it’s funny, because I used to fantasize about being one of those girls. I would imagine what it would be like to be with “The Satoru Gojo” and I would think of all the things you would do to me. I always repressed those thoughts thinking I was delusional for thinking about you that way.” You recall the nights you stayed up tossing and turning over your confused feelings for your client. 

Satoru grasps your chin and smiles devilishly at you.

“Is that so? You've been thinking about me. What do I do to you in these fantasies?” He questions you teasingly, and it sends a new wave of heat through your body.

“You see me on a night out and you order me a drink then you kiss me and we fuck in the bathroom of the club or your car.” You tell him exactly what you picture in your mind.

“Well lucky for us being the boss comes with a bit more privacy.” He jokes and leans in again.

You kiss him with need and undo his pants and he gently lifts your ass to pull up your tight black dress. You help him by lifting your ass a little so he can successfully take off your dress. You're left in a black lacy set that you chose to go with the black satin dress. You're happy you decided on a matching set tonight not thinking anyone would see it especially not Gojo. He admires your body and pulls down his pants leaving him in tight black boxers. He unbuttons his shirt his eyes tracing over every single inch of your exposed skin.

You take your turn admiring his body when he finally peels off his shirt to reveal sculpted abs, and a broad muscled chest. You can't help but touch as you place your hands over his warm chest. His beautiful ivory skin, decorated with beauty marks like the finishing touches to an artist's masterpiece. 

“There are no words for a sight like this. You are absolutely breathtaking my darling.” He glides his hands over your thighs which are parted around his hips. He suddenly seems to get an idea and you watch as he lowers himself to kneel in front of you. You still sit on the edge of the pool table so his face is now eye level with your lacy black thong.

“How about I help you relieve some of the stress I caused in the past 2 months. It's the least I can do.” His confident borderline arrogant cadence turns you on even more. 

“Well, I guess you're right. I would like compensation for the gray hairs and the frown lines I will develop soon.” You joke but run your fingers through his hair and he makes a low humming sound in his chest as he slowly pulls your thong down your thighs. He looks you in the eye and you keep your hand gripped in his hair as he reveals your soaking wet pussy. Gojo grips the back of your knees and in one swift moment he scoops you up so your bottom half is dangling off the pool table being supported by his strong grip on your thighs. You let go of his hair and lean back on your elbows on the soft velvet table and watch as he kisses your inner thighs trailing down to your core. You enjoy the sight of it and feel your pussy getting even wetter. He finally reaches your dripping slit and licks a trail from the bottom of your opening to your clit. You gasp and let out a soft moan.

“Mm, you taste so sweet beautiful” He looks up at you with sparkling blue eyes and you grip his hair a little tighter.

He goes back to your core and focuses on your clit sucking it gently and flicking his tongue. Your eyes roll back and your head falls back as you release a breathy moan. He keeps the suction from his lips around your clit and teases a finger at your entrance. He enters it slowly and your hips squirm enjoying the slightly larger size than your own. Your moans grow louder as he begins to curl the finger hitting your g spot just right. He increases the suction and speed and it tips you over the edge. You've never come this fast in your life and your legs begin to shake uncontrollably. You ride the orgasm and he doesn't stop until you're coming down from the second wave. 

“Does that feel better? I love seeing you come for me.” He praises you looking at you with the most satisfied smirk. 

“I want you Satoru.” Your response is breathy and comes out as a plea. Your throbbing pussy aches for him. 

You sit up and he stands up so you can see the thick outline of his large shaft through the tight black fabric of his briefs. You help him pull it down and off and you watch as his large cock springs free of the restrictive material. 

Your mouth almost waters at the sight of it and you make a mental note to return the favor later. He surprises you when he picks you up and you wrap your arms around his neck and kiss him giggling a little when he walks the both of you to the nearest couch where he puts you down. His large body hovers above yours as he lines his tip to your slick entrance. He enters nice and slow and you feel as he fills you inch by inch until his full length is inside you. 

“Fuck, you're so tight baby.” Gojo readjusts himself and then slowly pulls out to push back in. You're not used to someone his size so there is a slight discomfort but it only lasts a few thrusts and then it’s replaced with pleasure. You moan as he picks up the pace slightly and gently squeezes your tit with one hand while the other keeps him from crushing you with his body weight. He leans back and you watch him fuck you slowly. Then he slowly increases pace looking into your eyes. 

“You are so pretty when you’re under me moaning on my cock.” He praises you his heated gaze admiring you. He takes both of your hands and pins them above your head with one hand. You feel a rush of pleasure as your pussy clenches.

“Satoru fuck that's so good.” You moan out.

“Oh you like that beautiful. I felt your tight little pussy grip my cock.” 

“Yes I love it so much.” You reply feeling hazy from the pleasure. Gojo teases your nipple with his thumb and index and the slight twinge of pain when he plucks sends a rush of wetness to your already soaked cunt. He grunts taking on a fast slightly rougher pace. He pumps into you holding onto your legs so he can spread you wide for him. He reaches down with one hand and rubs circles on your clit with his thumb. Your moans get louder and needier as you climb up to the peak of another orgasm. It crashes into you just as strongly as the first one and you see stars as he pounds you through the toe curling climax. Once you're finished, he does not stop. He fucks you hard and fast, pounding into you. You feel yourself building to a third orgasm, Satoru's pace does not slow and his hand returns to your clit. He pushes you to climax once more just as he reaches his own. He pulls out swiftly to cum on your abdomen. You watch as he releases, and the sight is magnificent. Gojo leans forward to kiss your forehead and then he peppers kisses down your face until he reaches your lips where he gives you another deep passionate kiss. He pulls away and quickly walks over to a bar cart in the room containing a few cloth napkins. He grabs a few and returns to you to clean up your stomach. You watch as he cleans you attentively making sure to clean it properly. He helps you put on your underwear and dress before he dresses himself. 

“Now I'm sure you're already aware about the paparazzi waiting for us outside. I will hold your hand the whole time just close your eyes for the bright flashes, and I'll lead you to my car.” He tells you caressing your hair.

“Oh, trust me I came prepared for that. That was also part of my fantasy.” You joke and he laughs and gives you a kiss before leading both of you out through the back where a small crowd of paparazzi stand in the back alley. 

The flashes are blinding but you close your eyes and let the strong hand guide you. You trust him and while he leads you to his car. You remember seeing those pictures of him in this exact spot. Now you're the one leaving the club with him and as the camera flashes surround you, you can't help but smile.

[slackville-records]

Richie Havens’ performance at Woodstock in 1969 is one of the most memorable moments of the iconic festival. As the opening act on Friday, August 15, Havens took the stage in a tense atmosphere, where delays in transportation meant that many performers were still en route.

Havens, an established folk singer known for his soulful voice and captivating guitar work, began his set with a stirring rendition of "Freedom," a song that resonated deeply with the audience and the spirit of the times. The song was a powerful anthem that combined elements of traditional spirituals with contemporary themes of liberation and social justice.

His performance was characterized by its improvisational nature; he adapted to the moment, weaving in new lyrics and messages as he played. With a mix of original songs and covers, including "Here Comes the Sun," he created a profound sense of connection with the crowd. His unique blend of folk, blues, and rock captured the essence of the counterculture movement.

Havens’ heartfelt delivery and passionate energy set the tone for the festival, embodying the ideals of peace and love that Woodstock represented. His ability to engage the audience was palpable, making them feel as though they were part of something larger than themselves.

The performance not only showcased Havens' remarkable talent but also solidified his place in music history. It introduced his music to a wider audience, and he became a significant figure in the folk and rock scenes.

Richie Havens' set at Woodstock remains a defining moment, emblematic of the festival's spirit and the broader cultural shifts of the 1960s. His legacy continues to inspire musicians and audiences, reflecting the enduring power of music to bring people together in moments of celebration and reflection.

[prettyinpurplelights]

IV.

“I cannot believe we actually made it.” Mia gripped your hand excitedly, her acrylic nails digging painfully into your skin.

“Girl, hold my hand any tighter and you’ll crush my bones. I won’t have a hand to collect my diploma with.” You giggled softly, prying her fingers off the back of your hand so you could lace your fingers together instead, her sweaty palm pressing against yours.

“Sorry.” She replied and you squeezed her hand in response. “I’m just so nervous, can you believe after all our hard work, we’re finally here?”

“I know.” You sighed, looking out into the audience of family members and friends that were filling into the giant cathedral to watch and support their loved ones on one of the most important days of their lives. You and Mia had finally come to the end of your degrees, and today would encapsulate the last four years of all nighters and countless assignments. You were graduating with a Master’s degree in fashion design and marketing, Mia in medical neuroscience with psychology. As well as saying goodbye to your university, you were both parting ways with the city too, leaving Marseille for Paris early the following morning. During your final year, your main project was to put on your own fashion show, making the pieces as well as being responsible for promoting and marketing the event. You didn’t sleep for several weeks, but it had all been worth it because the show was a huge success, landing you the highest grade in your cohort as well as a job waiting for you at Louis Vuitton, whom having interned for them the summer before, and after your show being such a hit, offered you a place at their headquarters in Paris. Mia had also secured a fellowship in one of the biggest hospitals in the country, working with their research department on new treatments and cures and finding the causes for all sorts of illnesses to do with the brain that she had tried to explain to you but had gone completely over your head. All you understood was that it was incredibly competitive and very hard to get into, so you were extremely proud of her, and very excited to start this new chapter of your young adult lives together. You had already leased an apartment to share, and moved almost all your stuff over during the summer break. It was now a matter of starting to unpack and make it more of a home when you both returned to Paris for the last time in less than 24 hours.

“Ouuu I see Elliot!” Mia squealed, waving her hand that wasn’t holding yours excitedly. “He’s with our parents, come on, let's go and say hi before grad starts.” She stood up, dragging you down the small steps where the choir would usually be during mass, instead, today, it was where the graduates were to be seated during the graduation ceremony. She pulled you through the aisle, mumbling a few excuse me’s as you weaved through the sea of people talking to each other, the atmosphere electrified with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming ceremony.

“Mommy, Daddy!” Mia's smile grew wider as she hugged her parents tightly. Her parents had moved to London when she was 14, her dad’s hotel business was expanding and he’d started to branch out into the rest of Europe. Mia was supposed to have gone with them but she didn’t want to move to England, and after a lot of bargaining, she’d managed to agree with her parents that she’d live with her grandmother instead, hence how you became friends, she had moved to Bondy late into the school year and the only spare seat in your form tutor was next to you and the rest was history. Unfortunately, Mia’s grandmother had passed away just before she was due to start university, and since she was officially an adult, her parents let her stay in France. She’d fly out to see them regularly but it had been a while since she last saw them, and they’re very busy people so you knew she was very pleased to have them here and you’re glad they could show up for her.

You hugged your own parents, your dad clicking at his camera repeatedly, making sure he had enough photos to commemorate this occasion.

“Dad, I don’t even think I’m in the frame in the one you just took.” You laughed at him, as he squinted behind the lens.

“Close enough! I’m so proud of you, my sweet baby girl.” He leant over to kiss your cheek before walking off, muttering about finding someone to take a group photograph.

“You know I don’t think he made such a fuss when I was graduating.” Elliot appeared by your side, his hand reaching up to grab your cap, to remove it so he could ruffle your hair. You ducked under his arm, knowing exactly what he was trying to do and pushed him away from you.

“Don’t you dare El, I was up at 6 this morning doing my hair, you’re not messing it up!” You scowled. “And besides, we both know I’m mum and dad’s favourite.” You added. A smug smile spread across your face as you shrugged your shoulders.

“Whatever,” he rolled his eyes. “At least I’m the smart one, all you do is play with pretty fabric all day.” Elliot had graduated with a degree in sports science the year before, ending up at PSG, working as part of their medical staff. From what he had told you, he was really enjoying himself, and it probably helped that it was the same team Kylian played for, those two together, you were sure they were putting the other PSG players and staff members through hell.

“You know without people like Y/N, the rest of us would have nothing to wear, you’d be naked right now.” Mia slid up to Elliot, her arm wrapping around his waist as his went over her shoulder and squeezed it.

“I know you wouldn’t complain about that.” He replied.

“Mmmm, probably not.” She looked up at him, pursing her lips as he reached down to kiss her.

“Ew, the both of you. Please, I’m literally standing right here.”

They both laughed, pulling away just as your dad returned, some poor 20-something looking boy in his stead, holding the camera.

“Where’s Marco? Is he not coming?” Elliot asked, craning his head around to see if he could spot your boyfriend.

“Um…he’s in Tokyo. We broke up.”

Ex-boyfriend.

“Oh shit, sorry sis. What hap-“

“Group photo everyone, quick together!” Your dad interrupted his sentence, and you were thankful for his extraness in that moment, not wanting to answer any questions about your break-up. Your dad ushered you, your mum, Elliot, Mia and her parents into a huddle. It took a couple of minutes to organise everybody, your dad was kind of a perfectionist; it’s probably where Elliot got it from. You were stood between Mia and your mum, your brother behind the both of you. You turned to face him and from the look in your eyes and the way your lip turned downward slightly, he knew what you were going to ask, the issue of Marco long forgotten. Someone else was on your mind now.

“He’s going to be here Y/N. He might be a bit late, but he’ll be here.”

“He didn’t come down with you?”

“I had to pick Mum and Dad up so we got a later flight, he said he’d make it down himself. He wouldn’t miss this. I’m sure he’s on his way.”

You nodded, as you turned back to the boy holding the camera, mustering up the biggest smile you could, trying to ignore the way your heart felt so heavy in your chest and the sudden way your gown started to feel stuffy and uncomfortable. You and Kylian weren’t on bad terms, in fact, you were great. It had been almost three years since you’d decided to take a step back from him, and focus on yourself and who you were outside loving him. Not to say you stopped loving him, you don’t think that was something you’d ever be able to do, but you’d reached a point where he wasn’t all you thought about and it didn’t dictate everything you did and consume your entire being. You’d even managed to date someone this year, your first official boyfriend, Marco, for about 10 months, until he had to move to Japan for a student exchange transfer and you’d mutually decided to end things while you were on a good note because long distance for a whole year was not worth it; you’d remained friends though. You liked him a lot, but you didn’t love him, which was one of the reasons why he’d also agreed, howbeit reluctantly, to break up before his transfer, he’d told you he loved you 2 months prior and you were still yet to say it back. He had wanted to stay for you, but you encouraged him to go, not wanting to hold him back, especially when his feelings were so strong for you and yours were…well, not as strong. You didn’t want to disappoint him if you still couldn’t commit several months down the line and he’d thrown his future away for you.

“Graduates please make your way to your assigned seats, the ceremony will begin in 5 minutes.”

You and Mia hugged your families one more time before making your way back towards the stage. Your phone buzzed in your hand as you sat down, bringing it up to your face.

“Kylian?” Mia asked, her inquisitive nature causing her to lean over your shoulder and read the text on your phone.

“Ouuuu Marcoooo.” She sang teasingly as sat back and unlocked her own phone.

Hey, I know we’re not together anymore, but you’re still my friend so I wanted to wish you luck today! ♥️ proud of you always

Thank you Marco 🥺 I really appreciate it. How’s Japan treating you?

It’s amazing. The culture is just wow. And the sushi DEFINITELY tastes better here. You’d love it.

Your fingers hovered over the keyboard, ready to type out a reply when he sent another message.

I miss you.

You heard Mia wince audibly next to you, obviously reading the conversation between you and Marco.

“Get your big ass head out of my business.” You bumped your shoulder against hers as you sent Marco a quick reply about the ceremony starting so you had to go, not at all in the mood to unpack what that “I miss you” meant.

“Shame. I liked Marco. He was good for you.”

“Mmmm.”

“At least he congratulated you, better than that idiot your brother calls a best friend.”

“Ky’s our best friend too. And I thought you were on his side? Team KyY/N?”

“That was two years ago Y/N. He couldn’t even be bothered to send you a message about not coming.”

“El said he’d be here.”

“You think so?”

“I told him about today personally. He promised me he’d be here. For the both of us.”

“Oh we both know which one of us he’s coming for. And honestly I couldn’t give a fuck if he shows up for me, no offence. But for you? I’m skinning him alive the second we get to Paris.”

“He’ll be here.” You whispered to no one, almost as though you were trying to convince yourself. He had given you his word he wouldn’t miss today when you’d called him a few months ago about it. Initially you thought it might be weird, speaking to him on the phone, since you’d only been texting recently, but the thing about you and Kylian is no matter how much time you spent apart, you never fail to fall right back into your usual stead of things.

You hadn’t seen him since your birthday at the end of January, where there’d been a sort of awkward moment when you’d introduced him to Marco, who then had been your official boyfriend for a couple of weeks. He had just gotten back together with Renee, they had been together since your little confrontation at the airport two years back when you’d told him to focus on her. They had been on and off since they’d started dating, from what you’ve seen in the media, Kylian never really talked to you about her. From what you’d read over the course of the years, they’d broken up a couple of times, not that you cared or were keeping count.

******

He picked up after 3 rings, his face filling the screen when he answered. You gave him a little wave and a smile spread across his features, his dimples greeting you.

“Y/N. Hey.”

“Hi!” You replied, your voice chirpier than you’d expected it to be.

“You okay? Did something happen?”

He must’ve noticed the way you anxiously chewed at your bottom lip, your telltale sign something was wrong or you were nervous. In a similar way, he would squeeze his eyebrows together and his nose would twitch involuntarily when he was feeling the same. The harder he scrunched his eyebrows, the less nervous he was, the increased frequency of frown lines strewn across his forehead meant he was more likely to be angry instead. You knew each other’s tics and tells, probably better than you knew your own. By logic you and Kylian should’ve worked, you complemented and contrasted each other in the most perfect ways, but for some reason, the universe didn’t seem to agree and rather preferred to have the two of you in constant awkward situations and miscommunications leading to petty arguments. It was a quite cruel joke to be honest.

“Um, no, everything’s fine, I’m good. I was just wondering what you were doing August 1st.”

“Hmmm, the league starts again the week after that I’m sure, so just training.”

“Or nothing, if that’s what you need me to be doing.” He added and you couldn’t help the way your heart fluttered a little bit his words.

“Well Mia and I are finally graduating on the 1st. My parents and Elliot will be there. I was wondering if you wanted to come-“

“I’ll be there.”

“Really?” He laughed at your response.

“Gummy, you’ve wanted to be a fashion designer for as long as I’ve known you. I remember when you took it upon yourself to be mine and El’s stylists in middle school, I don’t even know why I let you do that, you used to put me in the most ridiculous outfits.”

“All you wanted to wear to school was your football kit.” You rolled your eyes. “I was trying to broaden your horizon a little bit.”

“Even then, you had talent, I can’t even imagine what you’re able to do now.”

“Well not to brag, but I am on track to finish top of my class.”

“Didn’t expect anything less from my girl.” He smiled genuinely and heat rose rapidly to your cheeks as you looked away from him for a moment.

“Of course I want to be there for you. But are you sure you’re 100% about it? Not to brag, but I am kind of a hotshot on the football scene right now.” He mocked, using your words against you playfully.

“Oh shut up!”

He laughed again, before continuing.

“I’m serious though Y/N, I know you like to stay out of the limelight and stuff, I don’t want to ruin that for you or steal attention away. This isn’t a private party like your birthday.”

“I want you there Ky, I want everyone I love there. I’ll be okay.” You nodded. Just then, you heard your boyfriend call out from your bedroom, his voice growing louder as he neared you in the kitchen.

“You ready babe?” He wrapped his arms around your waist, pressed a kiss against your cheek when he noticed you were on the phone.

“Oh hey man!” He waved at the screen. “How are you doing Kylian!”

“Hey…Marco. I’m good.” The smile on Kylian’s face dropped briefly as he greeted your boyfriend with a slight grimace. You quirked your eyebrow, wondering what the hell that was about but now it was his turn to break eye contact, looking everywhere but at you and Marco.

“How’s Renee?”

“Ummm she’s good. We’re…good.”

“Still can’t believe this guy is dating the biggest supermodel in the world, very fitting.”

You scowled, turning to face Marco, his comment grating on you a little bit.

“As opposed to you dating what?” You questioned, daring him to say some more bullshit.

“The hottest, smartest, kindest girl in the world of course.”

“Hmmm, better be.”

“How did you deal with her quick temper all your life Kylian?” Marco asked, and you elbowed his rib in response.

“You see what I mean?” He laughed, walking away from you. Kylian didn’t even bat an eye, he looked like he wanted to be anywhere else in the world at that moment.

“So anyways-“ You started but Kylian interrupted you, the words tumbling out of his mouth faster than you could register them.

“I gotta go. But I’ll be there August 1st. You have my word.”

“Oh, okay, yeah sure. Say hi to Renee for me.” You had barely managed to get out before he ended the FaceTime abruptly.

******

That was the last time you’d spoken, save the occasional text, but not once had he mentioned he wouldn’t be able to make it to your graduation. So by the time the ceremony was done and you had collected your diploma and walked down the aisle to cheers from your family, received more congratulations and took even more pictures and said your goodbyes to your family, to say you were simply pissed off was a great understandment. Some fool had even thought it would be funny to do Kylian’s infamous goal celebration in front of the cameras before collecting his diploma which amused everyone in the cathedral but vexed you even more. Kylian had always been there for you, he’s always tried his best to be present when you needed him, this was one of very few times he hadn’t shown up for you. But it hurt still, this was probably the most important thing you’d needed him for, and he’d not even bothered to shoot you a text he would be a no show.

“I know for sure he got on that plane Y/N.” Elliot had tried to reassure you earlier when you’d walked him and your parents to the Uber they had booked to take them back to the airport.

“Well that means fuck all to me. He’s not here.”

“Gosh he’s such an idiot. I’m going to skin him alive when I see him.”

“Funny your girlfriend said the same thing.” You laughed, but not really feeling humoured in the slightest. “Don’t worry about it El, I don’t know why I expected any different from him.”

“I know he has the funniest way of showing it, but he cares about you Y/N. And he loves you.” You ignored his comment, giving him one last hug before he slid into the front seat of the cab.

“I love you El.”

“Love you too sis. Always. You and Mia have fun tonight alright? And I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

You nodded, saying goodbye to your parents once more before the car pulled away. Mia appeared at your side, leaning her head on your shoulder.

“Mia?”

“Mmhm?” She replied.

“Let’s get absolutely fucking wasted tonight.”

———

“Why the fuck did you listen to me when I said we should get wasted last night.” You groaned, flopping onto the couch, your suitcases abandoned by the door. You’d finally arrived at your apartment in Paris, a little before midday, exhausted and terribly hungover.

“You looked like you needed it.” Mia sat by your side, laying your head on her chest and rubbing your shoulders.

“You’re so lucky you recover quickly, I still feel like I’ve been hit by a monster truck.”

“I’m gonna go out and do some food shopping, I’ll bring you something. Get some rest.”

You’d practically gone straight from the bar to the train station. You, Mia and your group of university friends had gone out to celebrate graduating, and also spend one last night together before you all split and went your different ways. It had been a great night, but you’re definitely regretting it now, as you were sure the others were too. You hadn’t even had a chance to shower as you and Mia had to pack the last of your stuff and hand in your old keys to the landlord before 7am since the train to Paris Lyon was leaving Marseille St. Charles around 8.

You decided to take a long shower while Mia was gone, you usually felt much better after a good soak. You’re glad to have your little travel toiletries bag because you had absolutely no idea where anything was; the apartment was filled with countless unopened cardboard boxes. You had about two weeks before your new job started so you and Mia could hopefully unpack and decorate in that time.

Definitely starting tomorrow. There was absolutely no way you’d be putting together furniture and organising your wardrobe today, you planned to stay in bed as long as you could instead.

You had just stepped out of the shower when you heard the doorbell ring, probably Mia who had forgotten her keys. You wrapped your towel around you, securing it as you opened the door.

“Did you not take your key-“ You looked up, your sentence breaking down half way through when you realised it wasn’t Mia in front of you. You rolled your eyes, moving to close the door in his face but he was quick, his foot reaching out to block the door from locking.

“Y/N, hear me out, please.”

“I don’t give a fuck about what you have to say Kylian, take your foot out of the way before I crush it.”

“I have boba?”

You paused for a second, still refusing to look at him.

“What flavour.”

“Mango milk tea with passion fruit pearls. I brought croissants too, from the best bakery in Paris. Very expensive. Very tasty.”

You opened the door wider, letting him walk through, cursing him for knowing you so well. He set the items on the little bit of space he could find on the kitchen worktop that wasn’t covered in boxes before turning to look at you.

His eyes scanned your body, starting at your legs, stopping when his eyes met yours. You felt stuck to the spot, your blood turning to lead as your eyes remained fixed on his, his mouth slightly ajar, your heart pounding fast. You forgot you were angry at him for a minute, flashbacks of the last time he’d seen you like this flickering across your mind instead as you suddenly remembered you were wearing next to nothing. Your hands came up to cover your chest and legs, breaking the both of you out of your hypnotic state.

“Umm…I’ll be back. Gonna put something on.” You muttered.

“Yeah…umm…sure, I’ll wait here.”

You raced to your room as quickly as you could, ignoring the funny feeling in your stomach and the way your heart was racing like it was running out of time. You rummaged through the boxes, trying to find one that had some clothes in it. After a couple of minutes of sifting through books and shoes and everything else, you managed to find a bag at the bottom of one of the boxes with your gym clothing.

You pulled the shorts and a t-shirt over your head, rolling your eyes when you realised which top you were wearing. You walked back into the room with your arms crossed, trying your best to look angry as you faced Kylian, a smile spreading across his face when he noticed your top.

“Wipe that smug grin off your face, I could only find my gym stuff and it was the only top in there.”

“You work out with my name on your back?” He held out the boba to you, his eyebrow raised in amusement.

“Shut up. These jerseys are surprisingly very breathable.” You snatched the plastic cup out of his grasp, piercing the film lid with the straw and taking a sip.

“Well yeah, we do run around in them for 90 minutes so we’d hope they’re breathable. Remind me to get you a new one from this season though, that one’s a bit outdated.”

“This one’s just fine. Thank you for the boba.” You raised the cup at him before stretching your hand out, pointing to the open door that led to the hallway. “You can go now.”

“Y/N-“

“Kylian I don’t want to hear it. You think what, by bringing my favourite drink and cracking jokes everything’s okay?”

“No, of course not. I tried to call you last night.“

“And I didn’t answer for a fucking reason. Did it cross your mind maybe I didn’t want to talk to you after you stood me and Mia up?”

“Listen-“

“There’s not an excuse you can give me that’s valid Kylian. You promised me you’d be there. I kept looking out for you, the whole ceremony, even after it was over, we lingered around the venue for so long my parents and Elliot almost missed their flight back home. Of course I didn’t tell them why I wanted to wait around, they still think you’re the best thing that’s happened to them besides their own kids.”

“Y/N, I’m sorry. I got on the plane to come to you, I swear-“

“So you were in Marseille yesterday?”

“Yes, I was on my way to-“

“Funny you were in Marseille yesterday.”

“Y/N-“

“Because I was in Marseille yesterday, and this morning too actually, up until about hmmm, 4 hours ago? But I didn’t see you. At all.”

“Y/N-“

“You’re so-“

“Y/N STOP TALKING!” He suddenly yelled, your sentence cut off midway by his outburst. You don’t think you’ve ever seen this many frown lines across his forehead before, he must be really pissed. That makes two of you.

“Don’t raise your voice at me.”

“Well I don’t have a choice if that’s the only way to get you to fucking listen.”

“I don’t have to listen to anything you have to say.”

“You know what? You always do this. You always assume you know what I’m going to say, or how I feel so you just cut me off before I get a chance to even explain myself.”

“Because I know you’re going to come out with some bullshit Kylian! Always you and your empty fucking promises, I’m so over it. But sure, prove me wrong. Go on, explain yourself then.”

You raised your arms as if to say he has the floor to speak. He clenched his jaw, his lips in a tight line as the both of you stared at each other, a million and one emotions swirling around you. Anger, pain, disappointment, sadness. If looks could kill, the both of you would be simultaneously 6 feet under.

“I swear I didn’t mean to miss your graduation Y/N, I really wanted to be there. I literally got to the airport and I, I bumped into Renee. I swear it was unplanned, I had no idea she was going to be there, and we just started talking and she had a lot she wanted to say to me, and honestly I didn’t realise how long we were together for, I swear it wasn’t my intention to miss your ceremony.”

“So what was so important that you had to talk about there in that moment, for such a long time-“

“She wanted to get back together.”

“You broke up?” This was news to you, as far as you were concerned, Kylian was still dating her, you hadn’t seen anything in the tabloids about them breaking up.

“Yeah. A couple of months ago.”

“So you’re back together now? For what, the 5th time?”

“It’s complicated Y/N. I love her.”

A sharp but fleeting pain travelled across your chest and it took everything in you not to physically keel over. It was laughable, how easy it was for one person to completely lose feelings they claim to have had and fall in love with someone else, while the other couldn’t even utter the words to another, whether they meant it or not. Because the pent up feelings were still there, choking you, gripping your heart tight and rendering you useless, incapable of loving anyone else, but him. You felt like dying, maybe it would hurt less than living in this sick and twisted reality, this constant loop of being reminded he’s never going to love you the way you love him.

“Yeah, Kylian, I can tell. Because she clearly means more to you than I do. I told you about this weeks in advance, you gave me your word yet when something better comes along you’re quick to just brush me under the rug like you always do.”

“I’m sorry, it wasn’t my intention. I didn’t even know how to talk to you when I realised I’d missed the ceremony, I didn’t think you’d want me there-“

“Of course I’d want you there, you fucking idiot, you’re my best friend. Why else would I ask you personally to come?

“I knew you’d at least be with your family, Mia, Marco.” He said Marco’s name with such disdain you almost laughed at the audacity he had to seem irked by the mere mention of your ex-boyfriend when he had a girlfriend of his own.

“Marco is in Japan. We broke up. For good.”

“Oh. I didn’t know.”

“Why would you? You don’t talk to me about Renee, I don’t talk to you about Marco. Some kind of unspoken rule right?”

There was a silence between you before he spoke.

“I’m sorry. I know you loved him.” For someone who’d been in your life for almost two decades, perhaps Kylian really didn’t know you as well as you thought he did. Or maybe you were so good at pretending you’d managed to convince everyone but yourself you’d been in love with Marco.

“Anyways Ky, I think you’ve done all your explaining. You can leave.”

He rounded the kitchen island, stepping closer to you so he could take your hand that wasn’t holding the drink, gripping it softly in his.

“Y/N, I really am sorry. Please, l don’t want us to start your move to Paris on a bad note. You have no idea how happy I am that you're finally here to stay. Let me take you out tomorrow. Just me and you, a celebratory dinner. On me. Heck I’ll even take you shopping, any store you like, I’ll carry all the bags and not complain one bit.”

A soft giggle left your lips and you cursed yourself for letting him get away with his shit so easily.

“Please, I’m sorry gummy. It won’t happen again. Let me make it up to you.”

“You better bring your shiniest Amex card tomorrow when you pick me up.”

“It’s a date.” He smiled, and you tried not to think too deeply into what he’d just said.

Just then, you heard the front door close, Mia appearing in the doorway with several shopping bags, singing to herself. She noticed you and Kylian stood in the middle of the kitchen, your hand in his and she rolled her eyes, knowing you had definitely let him off easy. Luckily for you, she wasn’t about to do that. She smiled sweetly, before reaching into one of the bags and pulling out an orange. It happened so quickly, you didn’t not anticipate the orange leaving Mia’s hand with such force, heading straight for Kylian’s head. He managed to duck at the last second, the fruit finding the wall behind him instead of his skull.

“Mia what the hell?!” He shouted.

“Fucking dickhead. You’re lucky that wasn’t a knife.”

/———-/

Part 4 finally 😭😭 just two more parts to go! Sorry it took so long please forgive me 🤞🏿 and it may seem like it’s going round in circles but they gotta do this stupid arguing and not talking about their feelings 5 times before they finally get their shit together so we’re getting close to the happy ending, very soon though it’s deffo going to get very messy before it gets better 😵‍💫 I hope y’all like it <3 (also it’s half 3 in the morning and I haven’t edited this entirely so I’m super sorry for any mistakes 🙏🏿)

Also I know the French don’t do graduations (shame if you ask me, I loved my grad) but I had to have one to fit the story 🤭

And I’m sorry for making y’all wait, im back at work and it’s hard to find the time to write (I had a bit of writers block) and also I find it hard to write super short pieces so it does take me a while to write so I’m super grateful to y’all for being so kind and patient 🥺🫶🏿

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