#and certainly they don't like it when musicians are political

[lifemod17]

Welp

[dragon-kazansky]

The song in our hearts

Lestat De Lioncourt x Female Reader

A musician with a heart that sings and an admirer who wishes to see his songbird thrive. Two beings in different worlds get caught up in each other when someone threatens to steal his songbird's spotlight. Loving Lestat isn't simple, and your life will never be the same again. What is eternity without chaos?

{Masterlist}

{Next Chapter}

Chapter One - Secret admirer

Music fills the room as you press the keys with a loving touch. Your eyes are closed, no longer needing to follow the notes on the page for you have played this piece a hundred times over until you perfected it. Music burns in your soul and you will honor every note in every song. Playing music was as easy as breathing for you. Natural. Those who listened to you would agree.

As the song came to an end you let the final note linger slightly, holding onto the bliss and happiness playing the piano brought to you. You had almost forgotten you were not alone. Applause shakes you from your momentary peace and you turn your eyes to your audience. The theater was full of adoring fans of yours, all standing up to give you praise for your music. You smile and stand, taking your bow. Playing your music for these people was a delight, but playing music in general was your pleasure.

Not wishing to linger, you give one final bow and exit the stage, your section for the night is done. You make your way down to your dressing room, other performers patting you on the back or applauding you as you pass them by. The itch to return to your solitary room never felt greater.

They do this every week. Congratulate you. Every time you perform on that stage, always a Friday night, they make a fuss over you. Music was your passion, not the glory after. Of course performing for people would always be special to you, but you were more prideful in the music than the performance. You didn't want people to make a fuss over you, only the music.

That didn't mean you didn't appreciate the small gestures.

As you get back to your dressing room, Amelie is waiting for you. She's a dancer from France. She came to America having been promised a big break, but what she found instead was very different. Now she performs in the theater with her heart full of wishes. She could be worse off as things go, but she certainly wanted more. Perhaps the world as her stage.

“You have more gifts.” She smiles as she opens the door for you. You roll your eyes knowing exactly what she refers to. Your secret admirer.

“Please, Amelie, no need to get so excited.”

“But they're from him!”

“Of course they are. They're always from him.”

You walk over to your dressing table to see a bouquet of flowers, different from the week before, and a small box sitting underneath them. You pluck the card from the flowers and look at the beautiful handwritten note.

‘When your music plays, my heart sings.’

“He's so romantic.” Amelie fans herself dramatically, letting out a small high. She's clearly teasing you.

“He is very kind.”

“What's in the box?” She asks.

You pull the box closer and open it carefully. Inside is a very expensive looking ruby teardrop necklace. This is the first time your mystery admirer has gifted you jewelry. You can't help staring at the jewel. It's beautifully rich.

Amelie stares at it in awe. Her eyes sparkle. “A necklace? He must really love your music.

You barely take note of Amelie as you stare at it. You close the book softly and put it down. “I need to get ready to go home.”

Amelie stares at you as if you had grown a second head. “Just like that?”

“Yes,” you say, standing from the table. You take her arm and usher her out gently “Don't wait up.” You close the door behind her and gather your things.

The manager at the theatre shows you out. He, like all the others, congratulates you on your performance. He reminds you that he looks forward to hearing you perform again next week. You just smile politely and try to make your exit as painless as possible as you leave.

The walk back to the little shed-like house you call home isn't a short one. Like most evenings, you decide to cut through the park to get back. Luckily, New Orleans was very much awake after dark. The streets were always full of people and clubs were open to anyone passing by. You felt safe enough walking home. There's a bench you always walk past cutting through the park. Tonight there was only one gentleman on it. He watched you walk by, but didn't say anything. That was the only interaction you got from anyone tonight.

It's Friday again. Your turn to perform was coming up soon. You were in your dressing room with Amelie getting ready. As you look at your make up in the mirror, Amelie leans on close over your shoulder and looks at you through your reflection. “You should wear the necklace.”

You meet her eyes through the looking glass. “Why?”

“So he will see it.” Her smile was so telling. Since the first gift from your admirer arrived she had been on the case. She was obsessed with the thought of you and this stranger. Amelie found it romantic.

“I don't know.”

“Oh, you have to! Maybe he will come see you after the show.”

You stand quickly from the table and look at her. “Please, Amelie. We don't know who this is. The gifts are welcome and I adore the thought, but I can't feed into this.”

Amelie pouts. “Please wear it. You know we'll never let anything happen to you.”

You sigh softly and eye the box on the table. It had been kept in your dressing room all week. The manager had seen to it that it was looked after.

You reach out and open the box, ignoring Amelie's squeal behind you as you gently lift the necklace from its safety cushion.

“Let me help.”

You let Amelie take the necklace. She places it around your neck and connects the clasp. You gently touch the ruby teardrop hanging comfortably around your neck. It really does look expensive.

“It's beautiful,” Amelie whispers.

You agree with her.

Your name is called and you know your time for dawdling is over. Amelie leaves in a hurry and you take a moment to summon your confidence to go out there. Despite doing this every week, performing with an audience never felt any easier.

You took a deep breath and walked out onto the stage. The room filled with applause as you approached the piano. You faced the audience and took a bow, but kept your gaze low. You couldn't bring yourself to actually look out at them, especially knowing your admirer was among them. You took your seat at the bench and focused on the keys. They were calling to you, begging you to touch them and play your wonderful music.

A few beats of silence fill the air as your fingers rest upon the keys. You feel them under your fingertips. A welcome feeling. Then you begin. Music flows freely from your fingers and your magic takes hold of the hearts in the room. Your music lures your audience into a silence so they can hear every note.

The man in the box leans forward in his seat. His eyes are trained on you with desire and fascination. His angel has blessed his night with her music once more. You had no idea the power you held over him. He longs to hear you play for the rest of time. Your music is your gift.

For the next half hour you fill the room with your music. As usual you blank out the people listening, not even letting their applause break you out of your zone this time. It's just you and your piano. Your dearest and oldest friend.

As you near the end of the song, you nearly want to make it never end. You could simply keep going just to enjoy the magic a little longer. Except, you can't. Your time is up and you have to end the show. You finish the piece and get barely any time to lift your fingers from the keys before the room is flooded with applause. You lift your gaze and see everyone on their feet. You take a deep breath and stand, bowing to the crowd before taking your leave.

Your admirer watches you go with keen eyes. The glitter of red around your neck brings his lips into a satisfied grin.

When you return to your dressing room Amelie squeals and pulls you into a hug. You smile and give in, returning the gesture. On the dressing table you notice more flowers. As Amelie gushes on about your performance, you walk over to the flowers and take a look at the note. It's written in the familiar handwriting of your admirer.

‘A star like you deserves to sparkle.’

You smile softly. Subconsciously, you reach for the necklace around your neck. Amelie is still talking behind you as you take a seat at your dressing table. However, she's cut off when someone knocks on your door. You turn and call for them to enter. The theater manager enters and smiles at you.

“There's a young man here wishing to meet you.”

You stand and look at him curiously. “Who?”

The manager steps aside and in walks a handsome young man. There is a smile on his face as he comes to stand before you. He reaches for your hand and brings it to his lips. You find yourself enamoured by him as he looks at you with those fascinating blue eyes.

“Bonjour.’

The air from your lungs feels like it's all gone with that one simple greeting.

“Hello.”

His smile seems to widen, if that were possible. He's tall, has blond hair that reaches his shoulders, and those eyes… He chuckles which breaks you out of your staring at him. You drop your gaze, slightly embarrassed at being caught.

“It's alright, you can look.”

You feel even more embarrassed now.

The moment is broken when Amelie comes closer with a grin on her face. You turn to her slowly and narrow your eyes slightly. You're silently asking her what she was doing, but she wasn't even paying you any attention. Her focus was solely on the man who was still grasping your hand. The realization that your hand was still in his has you pulling away. The man doesn't seem to mind, he simply smiles as he watches you.

“You came to see us?” Amelie asks.

“Ah, well, not quite.” He focuses on you. “I came to see you.”

Amelie looks between you both and then gasps. You both look at her, him with amusement, you with confusion.

“He's your admirer!”

The man chuckles and turns back to you with his sharp eyes. “I am indeed.” He reaches out and lifts the ruby up from your chest. You glance down and notice his long nails trailing along the jewel. You lift your gaze back to his eyes.

“You?”

“Oui.” He seems incredibly proud to admit it, but you suppose he would be. He had been sending you gifts for weeks without so much as his name tied to them.

“Who are you?”

“I am Lestat De Lioncourt.” He grins. “I know who you are.”

For some reason, him saying that sent shivers down your spine. You're unsure if you like it or not.

Amelie stands there and realizes there is no room for her at this moment. She feels a little hurt you haven't even introduced her to this mystery man. She's been invested in this exchange since the gifts first started coming. Amelie receives the message and slinks out of the room unnoticed.

Lestat makes himself comfortable nearby on the stool at your dressing table. At first he looks at his reflection and then he turns to look at you. “Disappointed?”

“Huh?”

“Are you disappointed?”

“By you? I don't quite understand why I would be. I really appreciate the gifts.”

Lestat is pleased by what you have said. “I have admired you since I first came here. From the moment I discovered you.”

“I'm… honoured.”

His lip twitches with a grin. He's amused. “Honoured? Not… flattered or charmed?”

His words send a little tingle through you.

“Well, yes, I suppose. Those too. I don't have many admirers.”

“Non? I find that hard to believe.” There's a slight purr to his words. He's speaking smoothly and it tickles your brain in just the right way. His accent is beautiful.

“You're French?”

“Oui.” He grins. It makes you smile.

“What brought you to New Orleans?” 

“You could say… the people.”

You can't help smiling and turning your gaze away. You've been in the room with him for a whole five minutes and he already has such a huge effect on you.

“Why the gifts?”

His strange blue eyes seem to brighten when you ask that. He leans forward slightly with a grin. “To express my admiration for your talent.”

You smile. “Do you like the piano?”

“Very much. I play too.”

“You do?”

He nods his head. “I would be honored if you accepted my invitation to come play for me in private at my home.”

You stare at him with surprise. That had been an unexpected invitation.

“I don't usually…”

“You are free to decline, but I would be delighted to host you.”

“I… I'd be very happy to.”

The smile on his face seems to grow as he stands from the stool. He takes a couple of steps toward you and reaches for your hand. You watch, unable to look away, as he kisses your hand gently.

“I shall send details soon.” With that, he leaves. You spend a good couple of minutes staring at the door after he's gone, only to be broken out of your trance by Amelie coming in.

“Well?” 

You smile. “I think… I have a date.”

@awanderingghost @theprettiesthead @cosmixstar @theblueslytherin @katherine2098 @sawendel @floofdeloop

[jinnie-ret]

destined at the VMAs

stray kids x musician!reader (platonic)

genre: fluff

content warnings: none.

word count: 1.7k

summary: a musician under the name CLOVER is starstruck when she meets her favourite group Stray Kids at the VMAs, only to find that they're big fans of her too

This imagine is written in first person under the name of an artist called CLOVER.

As voted for by you! Make sure follow to have a say in regular polls for what I'll post next!

Or if you have any ideas you want to see them you can send in asks!

Hope you enjoy!

MAIN MASTERLIST

"Okay guys, I'm really excited right now because we have the one and only CLOVER, all the way from the UK and making her debut American television appearance here at the VMAs!" an interviewer for Entertainment Tonight introduced me to the camera whilst other celebrities arrived and walked the pink carpet.

"Hi!" I greeted her politely and waved at the camera. I felt so excited to be here at the VMAs, my first time in America and it was on such a well known awards show, I couldn't believe it. I hoped my fans liked my bold type of outfit too, a beautiful black gown with a daring slit up the side where it rested against my thigh.

"Welcome to the US, CLOVER! We're so happy to have you here, how are you finding it?" the interviewer asked me, holding the mic out.

"It's big. America is so much bigger than I expected it to be, especially compared to back home," I said with wide eyes, wearing a shocked expression on face which made the woman opposite me laugh.

"That's right, you've come all the way over here from England, right? How excited are you to perform here?" she asked me.

"I'm incredibly nervous, if I'm honest haha. There's so much talent here so I just hope that people will enjoy what I bring too," I smile, wiping my hands down on my dress awkwardly. I really hoped the camera didn't somehow pick up the sight of my sweaty palms.

"Well I've seen some of your performances before and let me just say, I'm a big fan myself!" she confessed, which made me heart feel warm.

"Wow thank you so much!" I blushed, hands clasped together now. I really couldn't stop fidgeting with them.

"I mean, you've been nominated for best new artist! That must feel amazing right?" she smiled at me.

"It really does, to be nominated for an award, let alone perform here is just beyond my imagination. Like Ice Spice, Peso Pluma, Pink Pantheress my UK sister is nominated too! It's crazy!" I exclaim, hoping I'd meet my fellow UK artist too, not realising that later on I'd meet a different honorary British artist.

"Speaking of, is there anyone else you're excited to see here today?" the interviewer leaned towards me, like she was ready for any gossip.

"Wow, pretty much everyone!" I laughed, "but I'd have to say Demi for sure! I'm excited to see them perform I've loved their music for years! Also Maneskin and there's Stray Kids and TXT too! I'm so excited for Stray Kids oh my god..." I ramble, waving my hands in the air as I talk excitedly, unable to hide my big smile.

"Stray Kids certainly seem to be stealing everyone's hearts this year, I spoke to them earlier, and... wow," the interviewer laughed with me, and it felt like having a conversation with a friend at that point.

"I don't blame you haha," I giggled.

"Well, thank you so much for chatting with us, CLOVER, we'll see you out there later tonight, best of luck!" she smiled at me before turning to the camera and ending the interview. I waved bye to her and the camera and walked round the corner, heading backstage with my manager and taking a deep breath in.

It all felt so surreal, I was sure I caught a glance of Taylor Swift and waved and smiled at her, shocked to have gotten the same actions returned and squealed, unable to help myself as I jumped around and bumped into someone behind me.

"I'm so sorry!"

"Oh my god sorry!"

We both apologised at the same time. And when I turned around to see who it was I thought I was going to spontaneously combust right there and then.

It was Felix of Stray Kids.

"Felix?!"

"CLOVER?!"

What. The. He knew who I was?

"Oh, you know Stray Kids?" he asked me shocked, an adorable expression on his face as he helped me rebalance myself, I was wearing heels after all.

"I should be asking you the same question, I've been listening to you guys for years!" I gushed, probably embarrassing myself a bit but Felix didn't seem to react to that, seeming to get excited himself.

"You have? Wow... Stray Kids are such huge fans of your music, we really love your songs," Felix happily explained to me, still holding onto my hands as he waved them excitedly.

"No way... that's insane!" I couldn't put everything I was thinking into words.

"Tell me about it," he laughed, pulling his hands away to scratch the back of his neck.

"Felix!" the other members walked over, not noticing me at first, which was lucky otherwise they would have seen me looking at them like they were ghosts.

"We've been looking everywhere for you!" Bang Chan patted his shoulders, speaking in Korean and then turned to see me, a shocked expression painting his face.

"Sorry I didn't mean to be keeping Felix," I then spoke back in Korean, some of the members seeming to jump back in shock at hearing their native language.

"Woah, CLOVER?! Wait, you speak Korean?!" Han bounced on his feet, beaming at me.

"Yeah my best friend is Korean so I ended up learning it, definitely helped when watching you guys. This is just like a dream, I can't tell you how amazing it is to meet you guys!" I felt myself getting almost hyper by seeing them in front of me.

"We could say the same to you! We're all big fans of you!" Changbin stepped up, whilst some of the other members stood back nervously.

"If I'm being honest I didn't believe Felix when he told me that," I shook my head in disbelief.

"Well believe it now," Seungmin laughed, seeming to feel more comfortable now.

"I'm so hyped to see you guys perform tonight! How are you feeling?" I asked them, feeling more confident now as the ice had been broken.

"I think we're nervous but we're going to do our best out there," Lee Know shyly admitted.

"We could do with some words of encouragement, could you say Stray Kids hwaiting?" Han asked cheekily.

"Han we've just met her, don't scare her away," Hyunjin did his iconic laugh.

"It's fine, it's fine haha. Stray Kids hwaiting!!!" I cheered for them and they all clapped for me after, making me blush and hide my face.

"Your Korean is really good," Jeongin commented.

"Thank you, well, like I said, it's all thanks to my friend. She's so cute, she'd cheer me on before every gig I used to do like, CLOVER hwaiting!!" I share, hoping they wouldn't find it weird how I'm rambling on.

"Hahaha, that's cute, is she a stay too?" Bang Chan asked hopefully.

"Oh, big time! She's the reason I got to know your music and watch your variety stuff too," I nod back at him. They all let out sounds of amazement.

"You watch our other stuff?" Changbin asked shocked.

"Yeah! I'm a big fan of SKZ Code!" I admit sheepishly.

"Wow that's a good friend you got there," Seungmin nods, smirking.

"She's the best, she's supported me through my music the whole time," I grin, thinking about my best friend. I wish she could have come to America with me but she was too busy.

"Are you planning on releasing any new music soon?" Felix asks me.

"Well, I'll let you in on a secret, I'm working on some right now!" I fake whisper to them, but it didn't really matter. I was speaking to them in Korean at this point so it wasn't very likely anyone backstage would expose the fact.

"You are? Wow I'm looking forward to it already, you have such a unique sound," Han praises my music, making me a hold a hand over my heart.

"Wow that honestly means a lot coming from you guys. You have such a unique sound too and it inspired me to go with the direction I really wanted to in my music," I compliment them, seeing their eyes light up.

"Thank you! Have you ever thought of collabing with another artist?" Changbin asks, seeming to be hinting at something as Minho pats his shoulder warningly.

"Well, now that you've brought it up, I've always wanted to make some songs with you guys," I confess shyly, blushing even more when they all ask 'really'?!

"That would be amazing, I think we could create something great together," Bang Chan nods, a more professional tone as he thinks about their music.

"Perfect! Well I have to go now, but I could get our managers to exchange numbers?" I say, realising I should be getting ready to find my seat.

"We'd love that!" Felix claps his hands together happily.

"Great! Well it was lovely to meet you guys!" I wave as I start to walk away, before I turn snack around quickly and call over to them, "oh, by the way Han, thanks for representing us British Stays, your accent is the best," I daringly tease, giggling to myself as I walk away.

I felt like I was on cloud nine. I met my favourite people in the world... and we were going to try and collab together. It really doesn't get better than this.

Except it does.

For my performance I had changed into a beautiful green dress to match the nature filled scene behind me, performing one of my songs called 'Salvia'. It was a reassuring song to comfort a partner, before the scene behind me started showing dying flowers as I transitioned into a song called 'Rotten to the Core', the pure opposite of the first song. As I ended the performance I saw Stray Kids up and applauding for me, and I smiled and nodded in their direction.

Then I saw them perform too. And the remix they did blew my mind. I was so happy they were getting recognition from other artists too, who may not have seen them before. And I returned my admiration for their performance as I gave a standing ovation of my own, seeing them look my way too.

It all felt like a dream. The future was really looking up, especially with a collaboration with my favourite people in the midst of it all.

[studentinpursuitofclouds]

hi mousey!! been a while since I sent you an ask

I was putting on my make up earlier today and an idea came to mind, I need to know your opinion on this

how do you think the sdv + sve bachelors would react to a farmer who asks to do their make up? which ones do you think refuse? which ones ask before the farmer does, "can you do it?"? and which ones just accept?

hope you have a great day <3

Hope you have a good day too, dear anon, and thanks for the ask! ☺️❤️

SDV and SVE bachelors react to the Farmer who asks to do their makeup:

Shane:

"Babe, I don't know anything about this."

Still, Shane tries to try to give them a makeup so they don't get upset.

Unfortunately, it didn't work very well.

But he does get a funny little face made of mascara on Farmer's cheek, heh.

Next time, however, he'll refuse, as he'll only make it worse.

Well, at least Shane and Farmer got a funny little memory.

Elliott:

Surprisingly, Elliott agrees right away.

And what's more surprising is that he manages to help Farmer with the make-up very well.

Everything is precise, neat and harmonious, like wow!

Surely our long-haired writer hasn't been a stylist before?

Elliott is happy to do Farmer's make up and tells them not to hesitate to ask him for help in the future.

Harvey:

"Oh, make-up? I'm sorry, my dear, but I don't think I can..."

Harvey does agree to help, though he doesn't count on success.

Totally calm when applying mascara to Farmer, but accidentally paints their cheek with mascara anyway.

On the third or fourth attempt, the doctor manages to give Farmer a simple and quite passable make-up.

Hey, a reason to be proud, he helped his loved one!

Sam:

Hell yeah, Sammy can do quite good make-up! A little different, though.

The young musician has been thinking about make-up for his music band for a long time, so he's had time to practice.

Even though Farmer needs a light, simple ("and boring" as Sam described it) make-up, he can still help them.

And will do very well with mascara and foundation.

"You sure you don't want cool make-up like metal bands? Eh, okay..."

Sebastian:

Sebastian definitely uses black eyeliner (my headcanon, you can't change my mind).

At times our dear emo was too lazy to do his own eyeliner, so will ask Farmer for help first. "Hon, can you help with the eyes please?"

Doesn't know much about the rest of make-up products, but if you need to emphasise your eyes, Sebby will never refuse a request.

And he'll ask for it himself if Farmer's okay with it as well.

Alex:

What make-up? He's not a girl!

To be honest, Alex has only had a couple of make-ups, which are usually done by gridball fans, and, well, that's basically it.

So if Farmer's going to the stadium, then Alex can help with cool sport fan make-up.

If it's just some regular make-up, then no, sorry. He can't do it.

He could try, but he'd end up with paint all over their face. Oh well, at least he tried.

Victor:

"Makeup? Oh, I've never done it, but my mom does her own makeup every day. Maybe she could help you?"

If Farmer insists on getting help from Victor specifically, he will politely decline.

He'd be interested in the idea, though, and a little later he'd watch tutorials on his laptop or ask Olivia.

The next time Victor offered to help Farmer with their makeup, wanting to practice.

"I thought it sounded interesting. Besides, we'll have one more common interest."

Magnus Rasmodius:

"Only with magic can I fulfil your request."

For Magnus, magic is almost the solution to all problems. He thinks magic will help here, too....

With his hands? Sorry, Farmer. A wizard certainly can't do your make up by hands. Only with a spell.

Well, he still has to remember the spell.....

Hold on, he should ask Camilla, she's definitely using that kind of spell.

Lance:

Another clever mage from the magical society where agree to help Farmer with the help of his magic.

He also watches his appearance and sometimes uses spells, but he doesn't do his own makeup and tries to take care of himself without cosmetics.

How then he knows the spells of instant perfect makeup is a mystery.

A snap of his fingers and in a second, he has perfect makeup on Farmer's face.

Though in the future he may learn a couple of basics on how to do Farmer's makeup without magic. Just because the process itself is kinda interesting.

[lord-squiggletits]

Reasons why I don't buy into "posh, aristocratic, and/or bigot Pharma" headcanons

Listed in no particular order, mostly prompted by a conversation with a mutual (that I've also had many times in the past with other mutuals)

For some reason people assume that being a flight frame is what would make Pharma so prideful and disdainful towards everyone else? But in IDW1 canon, flight frames are actually an oppressed class who were restricted by functionism to only be allowed to be soldiers or cargo lifters. The only flight frames who got to go outside of that mold were ones who got special exemptions (Jetfire) or ones who schemed and took advantage of politics (Starscream). If anything, being a flight frame would be a source of self-consciousness/annoyance for Pharma, since he would be seen as unusual and probably get constant "wow I didn't know flight frames could be doctors" type comments that single him out because of his body and not because of his actual skill or personality. It's possible that he might be proud of being a flight frame AND being a doctor, like being so good of a doctor that being a flight frame doesn't matter. But Pharma certainly wouldn't feel prideful or entitled to anything JUST for being a flight frame.

Re: bigoted and/or functionist Pharma: I think this headcanon comes from the fact that Pharma worked at the New Institute yes, but so did other characters such as Chromedome, Rung, and Brainstorm who are neither posh nor functionists. It seems rather unfair to assume that Pharma specifically must be a functionist or hate the lower class because he worked at the New Institute, when other characters who were in the exact same situation weren't presumed to be bigots just because they worked at a shitty place. Also as my point above states, why would Pharma be a functionist when functionism is the institution that would've kept him from being a doctor if he (presumably) wasn't forged with medic hands?

Speaking of bigotry, it's canon that Pharma and Ratchet were best friends since they worked at the DMF together, which was pre-war; how in the hell would it be in-character for Ratchet to be best friends with Pharma if he was an open bigot and a functionist? Ratchet would literally never. Plus, secondarily, Pharma is canonically in love with Ratchet, so if he were some sort of posh aristocrat, it'd be pretty odd for him to be best friends and shack up with a guy that's as down-to-earth and rude as Ratchet is. Not impossible, but for me personally, it counts as a mark against posh!Pharma because I think the fact that Pharma was best friends with Ratchet means that we can form a broad outline of his personality based on the type of person that Ratchet would like enough to be best friends with.

Pharma's diction and way of speaking isn't "high class" at all. He pretty much speaks like any other "normal" character in MTMTE does, but what's more, there are actually a couple of instances where he speaks in a much more casual and loose way. Little details where he says "coz" instead of "cause/because", uses words like "chap", that time he chainsaws someone and says "Feels rough, doesn't it?" I wouldn't say that Pharma is lower class or anything, but when looking for evidence that he's posh or stuck up, his diction/manner of speaking is a good place to start, but there's really no evidence of any poshness there at all. MAYBE that one time he talks to Ratchet talking about "instruments" and making an analogy between a surgeon and a musician, but in that case he was just using a metaphor to make a point to Ratchet.

In general, the only notable thing about Pharma that anyone talks about related to him (besides "going insane and killing patients") is the fact that he's a good doctor and all the various feats he's pulled off. One would think that if he was some sort of posh bigot, people would complain about it or bring it up when talking about their memories of Pharma, but no. Literally Pharma's primary trait is that he's a hella fucking good doctor. I GUESS you could argue that since a lot of doctors IRL are rich bc they get paid a huge amount of money, that means Pharma is also rich and sees himself as above everyone else, but that seems like a rather large leap to make from what little we know about Pharma. And everything we DO know about Pharma points to the fact that being a doctor was his entire life, and the only specific case where he wants to be seen as "superior" is with regards to Ratchet, another doctor who Pharma feels insecure in comparison to. So again, canon points us to the fact that Pharma really only cares about practicing medicine, and the only person he wants to feel superior to is Ratchet, because Ratchet is a better doctor than he is.

[lavenderbexlatte]

day 6: size difference

monsta x 1.2k words female reader insert Reader x Lee Jooheon NSFW

🖤 warnings: nonsense. descriptions of body size/body image, mild and undefined size kink 🖤

kinktober masterlist

connect with me! / masterlist

There's no way to describe the look on this guy's face other than...shook.

It doesn't seem like it's a bad reaction, though. You smile at him nervously, as he works through whatever is sending him. He's watching you approach the table with that unmasked surprise, waiting as you weave your way through the crowded cafe.

You'd expected some awkwardness on a blind date. It's fine.

At least he's cute.

Super cute. He's got a lovely strong face, deep dimples that you can see even now when his face is at rest. His tight t-shirt and fitted jacket do nothing to hide his strong chest, and he sits in that confident man-spread, legs apart and a deep slouch.

He straightens up a little as you get closer.

For all of his apparent struggles, he does speak first. "Hey."

"Hi," you answer, slipping your coat off in the warmth of the cafe and settling it on your chair back, mostly for something to do with your hands.

"So, you're Jun's friend," he says.

"Yeah." You tell him your name, just in case, and he nods.

"Jooheon."

"Cool."

You're settled into your chair, thinking mostly about what you're going to go order to drink, but also a little bit about this guy and his continued astonishment.

And finally, he lets you in.

"You're short."

It's not your fault. You laugh. You can't help it.

"I guess I am," you agree. "Kinda."

You think you're pretty average. You certainly have coworkers and friends who are shorter, and smaller. But he's looking at you like he's never met someone smaller than himself.

"It's cute," he clarifies, as if suddenly realizing how he's acting, how a different person might take offense to his bluntness.

"You don't meet short people often?" you ask.

Jooheon smiles, and instantly, you're melting. Those dimples sink even deeper, and his eyesmile threatens to overwhelm his whole face.

"I work with famous people," he says. "Tall, dark, and handsome."

You know what he means, even if it's an off-target line to use about women. Celebrities are so often tall and delicate, a cold and sharp kind of cultivated beauty. Not exactly words to describe you. It makes sense, you guess, that maybe wasn't expecting someone like you. But that's an interesting tidbit, overall.

"Famous people?" you repeat, curious.

"I produce., and write."

"Music?"

"Mm."

So, he's a musician. Jun said he was in entertainment, but this is much more interesting than you'd expected, more low-key. You'd been half-expecting a local newscaster, or, like, a theater director.

"Are you ready to order?" you ask him.

"Yeah, lemme..."

He leans forward, retrieves a slim wallet from his back pocket.

"I can pay for my own," you say, as you stand up again.

You can feel Jooheon following you to the counter, and you're hyperaware of him standing a polite distance behind you as you speak to the cashier. Maybe you're shorter than he'd expected, but he's also taller than he looked sitting. You think he can probably look right over you, can see the cashier clear over your head.

The idea of it sends a little thrill through you.

It's not like you go for tall guys, exclusively, or anything. But Jooheon's immediate fascination with your size has you feeling...something.

You're too stuck in your own head, because as the cashier reads out your total, a hand darts in from the side, supplying a card that the cashier takes without even blinking.

"Aw!" you protest.

"I got it," Jooheon assures you.

Oh.

He's very close, now, leaning right up against you, hand propped on the counter as he waits for his credit card back.

"You are cute," he says.

It's a simple compliment, but the sincerity of it leaves you standing there for several dumb seconds after the purchase is completed, and Jooheon has already walked away.

Maybe that's how you find yourself pressed to the wall of his apartment building lobby.

Not even the apartment itself, but the lobby. Next to the elevator bay, right beside the button panel, waiting for the elevator car to come down and meet you.

Jooheon's pouty lips are feeling you out, straying from your mouth, down your jaw, your throat, and back. He has one knee propped against the wall, between your legs, threatening to hold you off the ground completely.

"You're so strong," you say breathlessly.

You hadn't realized he's quite so strong, or so broad. He's got the kind of solid filled-out look of a guy who works out, but also eats well. Working muscles, rather than aesthetic muscle.

Jooheon just feels so big.

He pulls back to wow you with those dimples again. "Thanks."

"Should we be doing this here?"

"Who's gonna stop us?"

It's a valid question, but any complaints about public indecency are answered for themselves when the elevator arrives, and Jooheon sweeps you into it.

"Everything okay?" he asks.

He's holding you gently by the waist, fingers playing up your spine like piano keys. You're kind of lost in him already.

"Yep."

"Cute."

He keeps saying that. He better stop, before you believe it.

You can't remember the last time you kissed someone this much, spent so much time just exploring another person. That's probably why you're so smitten, right now. Pure overwhelm.

His apartment is nice. The lobby was a giveaway, but you can tell by a hazy glance at the interior in the dark that he makes comfortable money. You'd want to take a look around, in other circumstances.

In these circumstances, there's no time.

"I want..."

Jooheon takes an agonizing moment to hang up his jacket, and yours, and he glances at you with mirth in his eyes. He's making you wait on purpose.

"What do you want?"

"Just...I mean..."

"Me?" Jooheon asks.

He lets his expression go wide and curious, childish wonder. He's teasing you, acting cute on purpose.  The effect is ruined - or enhanced, you can't decide - by the sight of his broad chest and big arms, biceps wrapped in the tight cotton of his fitted tee. That face and that body-

"You," you agree.

"Then come get me, cutie."

He walks farther into the apartment, and you follow.

On your back beneath him, both of you bare from the waist up, you can't help but compare. The planes of his muscles, the jut of his ribs, the sheer breadth of your chest he can span with only one hand...

"So fuckin' little."

He mutters it, but it sets you on fire.

"I'm not that little," you say.

Jooheon laughs, dimples out full-force. He leans right down until you're face to face, his body covering yours so completely. "Yeah, you are."

As if to prove it, he draws back, takes you by the hip, and turns you right over onto your knees.

Flustered, you let your forehead rest on the mattress. It's like he can just do whatever he wants. He's so solid, so capable. You can't even see him, now, and he's still looming, demanding all of your attention.

"How much can you take, cutie?" he asks.

He's a big guy, in general, but the question has you tingling.

As well as you can with the constriction of clothing on you lower half, you arch into him. "How much do you have to give?"

"Wanna find out?"

[zee-has-commitment-issues]

Cabaret rant. Go

I already answered this and then tumblr deleted what I wrote and I’m PISSED.

SO

They changed the theater a lot since the last time I was there (the last time I was there was for Mean Girls like 7 years ago). They've changed enough that they must be fairly confident this is going to be a long ass run of the show because it certainly cost them MONEY.

They have you enter through the side in an alleyway because the show is about the Kit Kat Club, an underground club in Berlin, 1940s. Before you even go in, they check your ID to see if you're over 21, and if you are, you get a little stamp on your wrist.

You have to walk through the alleyway to get into the theater after you pass security. At the end of the alleyway they ask for your phone, where they put a sticker over your camera. There are no phones allowed before, during or after the show. Wait until you get outside.

Once inside, they check your 21+ stamp. If you have one, they hand you a shot to take before you go down to the pre-show entertainment.

Pre-show entertainment is a cabaret-esque experience, with dancers and musicians who make their way through the crowd as you are drinking and mingling. They have custom cocktails for the Kit Kat Club, and that is all they serve besides wine and champagne.

When it is time for the show, you are ushered to your seats or tables. The stage is a circular platform in the middle of the room and it isn't very big. The actors and performers must walk through the audience to get on and off of stage, which results in many of the show-goers becoming the show, with talk backs, the cabaret girls/boys dancing at their table, etc.

Eddie Redmayne (yes THAT one) plays the Emcee right now and he is PHENOMENAL. Delightfully creepy in his role. He did break character once after a truly horrific joke that got more laughs than he expected. It was fun.

Gayle Rankin (yes THAT one) is playing Sally Bowles at the current moment. I had literal goosebumps after she sang Cabaret, the title song of the show. It was insane. She was insane. I was in awe.

The whole thing was very androgynous as well, and they didn't shy away from the sexual nature of cabaret that so often gets watered down when it's talked about. They are prostitutes, almost every single character in the show, and they talk about it. They show it. They don't, however, make it purely about fem-presenting prostitutes.

Men and women wore the same costumes throughout the entire show, no matter what that costume was. Shorts? yes. Dresses? yes. Suits? yes. They wore the same thing. Some fem-presenting performers wore subtle makeup, whereas some of the masc-presenting performers wore bright pink eyeshadows and glitter on their nipples.

There is a historical inherent inequality in how sex work is shown for women vs men in these kinds of shows - in this show, even, despite it always being a step ahead - and this rendition of it did not have that inequality. Everyone was equally celebrated and judged for it, and everyone showed the same amount of skin.

The thing about Cabaret is that it is interpreted differently by every single director that puts it on. No two renditions are alike, and that's the beauty of it. This particular rendition was a uniquely incredible study in performance art, and a wild commentary on the world's current political climate.

If you are unfamiliar with the show, Cabaret takes place in the beginning stages of Nazi Germany. Do with that what you will. Think of the crossover between that time and this one as you will.

(spoiler: most characters in this show are thinking "it's fine, nothing will happen, the election doesn't really matter, the nazis won't come into power")

I don't want to spoil everything in this interpretation, especially not the ending, in case anyone goes to see it or in case a recording or something comes out at some point, but I will say that one of the BIG lines in the ending is "if you are not wholeheartedly against this, you might as well be for it" and it was an incredible commentary on current times.

Another part of the show that gets changed from one rendition to another is the closing number, which is an almost word for word reprise of the opening. One of the lines is "even the orchestra is beautiful" and in the closing number, the orchestra begins to play out of tune after that line. It was insane. It was brilliant.

It was truly a one of a kind experience from start to end. There was no sense of it being part of a bigger show, even though logically we knew it was. From start to end it felt like you were truly a part of this Kit Kat Club, and it made the ending hit so much harder. During the intermission the actors came out and sat with people in the audience, spoke with them, drank with them, danced with them and brought them on stage. There was no "them" and "us." It seemed like we were just as much part of the spectacle as they were, even though that's obviously not the case.

It was brilliant. A show I'll simply never forget. It left everyone feeling exactly how you should feel at the end of Cabaret, with the Emcee's words haunting you

"Where are your troubles now, eh? Forgotten?"

Here are the only two pictures I really got from the night:

left: 21+ stamp and phone sticker; right: alley entrance right before phones must be put away

[carnivore-voyeur]

twitter is absolutely dragging per through the mud right now over that pic and ash to the point i uninstalled the app bc its a fuckin cesspit rn. you and other ghost tumblr accs are the only people i trust to be sane and fucking research before making BOLD claims too in line with stereotypes

I debated on addressing it at all, but I made a post explaining what I think of the situation with context that is so clearly missing from the conversation. I was honestly surprised that was the picture people were referring to years ago when I heard a rumor that Per was "posing with a Swastika" as that had not even registered when I first saw the image. I dismissed the rumor back then because I saw no evidence of it. Now that I know what picture it's in reference to, it most definitely is not what people think it is and I think the only reason why people have brought it up is because they need fodder to attack Per over dating Ash Costello.

As I've said before, Ash has said and done things that people have openly criticized before including being rude to fans and being racially insensitive. She clearly has a lot of problems, but we're not privvy to her relationship with Per and it's no one's job to tell him who he should or should not date. He's a grown man and he can figure that out for himself, even if we don't particularly like who he's dating. If people decide not to support him based on that, then that's their prerogative.

I don't blame people for being upset with Ash (or Per by association) as a result of the fact that she's recently performed with Disturbed whose frontman is an unapologetic Zionist. How knowledgeable she is about that is beyond my understanding at this point, but it is concerning nonetheless.

At the same time, a lot of musicians and bands that are well liked still work with them and/or refuse to cut ties with Zionists in the business. Think about the fact that most of our beloved musicians and bands in the scene have not been outspoken about Palestine, and let that sink in. Clearly this needs to be addressed on a larger scale in a way that can't be easily dismissed as "cancel culture." However, when fans act more like stans than political activists then it just enables the problem further.

I think it's perfectly fine to criticize her for that. She's been doing multiple collabs with different artists lately, and I think she's trying to revive her career after years of controversy. Still, as someone who claims to care about human rights, she should be more discerning on who she chooses to work with. I don't blame people for being critical of Per by association, either, but their criticism should make sense. One Twitter user claims you can't support Per because he supports Ash who supports the singer of Disturbed - okay, but when does that guilt by association stop? Tobias supports Per. All of the other unmasked Ghouls are friends with them, and quite a few are friends with Ash as well.

I can certainly be upset when my favorite artists associate with people who say and do harmful things. With that said, I think we need to have a larger conversation about holding outspoken Zionists accountable in the metal scene because I keep seeing bands like Disturbed and Avenged Sevenfold - both who've been unapologetically supportive of Israel, continue to get work. I think part of that is because metalheads often position metal as opposed to "cancel culture" and it's hard for fans to even have a conversation with mainstream artists without them thinking "Oh you're just trying to cancel me for speaking my mind." This goes back to metal actually being canceled politically during "The Satanic Panic." We need to get over our discomfort in being openly critical of musicians and bands we like.

It sucks, I know. I listened to Disturbed a lot in my teenage years. However, I personally have to let them go because their vocalist has done more harm than good with his political beliefs. I would love for other artists and musicians to do the same and stop associating with people like this but that doesn't often happen in the mainstream metal scene. Let's not even get into the fact that Pantera is still hailed in the scene despite multiple band members being associated with white supremacist acts, symbols, and beliefs.

All in all, though, like most of the controversies over Per's dating life that have been brought up - Per has said nothing. Per hasn't voiced his opinions on much of anything politically, which is both good and bad. He doesn't really exist online and it's hard to have any kind of honest conversation with him when you have fans DM-ing him with inappropriate or rude messages that don't have anything to do with voicing valid concerns.

I saw a Twitter fan complaining that Per blocked them on Instagram for suggesting his dog and his girlfriend are ugly. Why wouldn't he block you in that situation? If fans wanted to ask him questions about his actions or political beliefs, that's fine. That has to do with accountability. Otherwise it's normal to block harassment over things that have nothing to do with that. I'm fine with people criticizing Per as long as it's addressing the content of his own words and actions. A lot of people aren't doing that. They're just making jokes about Per being a Nazi, which isn't true at all.

[naomi-nana]

summary || when waiting for your husband to come home, you didn't expect for it to be like this.

pairing || modern au!kaeya x fem!reader

warnings || angst, cheating. lowercase intended

a/n || hi hii! writing two fics in a day?! how unusual of me >:) i am very bored and i wanted to write angst, so. enjoy!

── 𝐊𝐀𝐄𝐘𝐀 𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐇🎐|| TRAGIC ༉‧₊˚✧ .

the night is cold. and your husband is yet to return. you are waiting for him infront of the door, listening to the fine tune composed by your favourite musician.

your husband had left for work this morning, promising to take you to dinner tonight. yet he has shown no sign of returning.

a part of yourself had lose hope in waiting for his return, but you still convince yourself that he surely will return.

kaeya is my husband after all.

you are wearing a lovely white dress, with a hint of dark blue. the one he bought you for your birthday. he has been telling you countless of times how pretty the dress looked on you.

opening your phone once more, you saw the messages you've been sending him an hour ago. he didn't respond to any of it, nor did he even read one. you were beginning to get frustrated and decided to lower the volume your music and turn on the television to get your minds off of him.

surely watching a movie would make the time passes faster?

you decided to watch a movie you've been wanting to watch since last week. you were originally going to watch it together with him, but he is too busy to even look at you in the morning. let alone watch a movie with you.

thirty minutes has passed by and still no sign of him showing up. you wanted to watch the movie but you are too tired to even look up and watch it properly. your stomach aching to eat something, yet you still reassure yourself that he surely will come home.

kaeya is married to me, after all.

your eyes shot wide when you hear a knock to the door, it must've been him. quickly pausing the movie and fixing your dress, you come up to the door and opened it with a smile. only to be disappointed when you saw your neighbour.

"good evening, miss." your smile faltered at your neighbour's voice. you were expecting to hear his voice, saying 'I'm home' just like he used to. but instead, you were met with another voice.

well, it certainly is my fault for getting my hopes up.

"oh, yes. good evening. is there anything wrong?" you tried to keep smiling so your neighbour won't notice how tired you are.

"i'm sorry to inform you this but, you know the lady down the road over there, right?" he pointed towards the house down the road and you nod. "i think i saw your husband's car infront of it.."

your mouth opened slightly. what does he mean by your husband's car? there's no way his car is parked infront of someone else's house. it must be a mistake.

"maybe..it's a mistake?" you tried to keep your polite manner to your neighbour. even though deep down you are actually screaming. you don't know how to feel right now.

your feelings are pretty mixed. anger. sadness. you know that it's your husband's car, you know that both of them always 'accidentally' met each other at the supermarket. hou know that they are close.

but yet, a part of you still wants to deny it.

"yeah..it might have been a mistake. sorry to have bothered you. have a good night, miss." he waved his hand and left your house. you didn't close the door immediately, standing infront of your doorway with an empty face.

you watched your neighbour get inside of his house with the hope of him going back and tell you that it's a prank, that it's only a joke. but he didn't.

you really want to cry loudly right now. so loudly that your husband will listen to your cries and goes to your home to comfort you.

i want to be comforted by someone, anyone.

yet there was no one.

everything seems blurry, your music seems to keep getting louder and louder. you can't move your body at all.

where is the promised eternity of love?

you sat down slowly, looking at the floor with watery eyes.

why does it have to be so tragic?

naomi-nana 2023. all likes, comments & reblogs are appreciated! <3

[princessasmosprincess]

Charmed, I'm Sure

Chapter 29

Summary: No human has ever avoided Asmodeus's charm. Except for you.

Pairing: Asmodeus x GN Reader/MC

Genre: Drama, angst, a bit of fluff.

Warnings: None in this chapter.

***

Author's Note: This chapter was going to be much longer but I decided to split it so I could spend more time working on the second half and not leave you all hanging for so long. Perfectionism has been a struggle for me lately.

***

“...Well then, I suppose it's about that time,” said Diavolo when everyone at the table seemed to be finished with their meal (aside from Beel who had already begun grumbling that he wanted fourths of the angels’ cooking). “Alright then, here we go!”

Diavolo’s magic filled the room in a bright gold flash that nearly blinded you, and when it subsided the dinner table was gone and the ballroom was filled with hundreds of partygoers, with more filing in as musicians began to play from a gallery high above.

The brothers, along with Diavolo and Barbatos, had transformed into their demon forms, wings and tails proudly on display. You stared at them in awe, having only seen a few of their forms before. They were all stunning.

“Surprised?” said Solomon, coming to stand next to you, “Magic really does come in handy sometimes, huh?”

“We were the only ones here just a bit ago, but now look at all these people.” Luke surveyed the crowd looking both intimidated and amazed.

“They're all guests from across the Devildom, and there certainly are a lot of them.” said Simeon.

Diavolo’s voice easily carried through the full ballroom, “Well then, let the dance begin! Everyone enjoy yourselves!”

The musicians began a dreamy classical number and couples took to the floor.

“Yo, MC.” Mammon nudged your shoulder, “Um, like...you know... Uh, I mean, like...uh…”

You looked at him, patiently waiting as he stuttered.

“L-Like, you've gotta have weird tastes to ask a human like you to dance. I'm guessin' no one here's gonna do that, huh? Ahahahaha!”

You sighed, so this was how he was going to go about asking you to dance? Always with the insults, surely he was better than that.

Mammon continued, looking everywhere else except for your face, “So y'know, as long as you don't have a partner, I guess I could maybe go ahead and pair up with you for a lil bit.”

Then again, he did seem nervous. You decided you should give him a chance.

Just as you were about to answer in the affirmative, Lucifer took hold of your arm, “MC, come dance with me. Now.” And he ushered you all the way to the center of the dance floor without another word.

“You couldn't let Mammon have his turn? He asked me first.” you huffed.

“In general, there are all sorts of reasons why one might ask someone else to dance.” Lucifer ignored your comment and settled his arms around you in perfect form for the dance, “For example, they might be interested in them, they might want to touch them, or they might simply be doing it out of politeness.” He leaned in, “Or it could be because they want to have a private conversation.”

You pulled away, uncomfortable with his closeness. You made yourself small. Pride demanded humility, that was something you’d learned the last time you faced Lucifer, and for the sake of your safety you would give it to him without question.

Lucifer smirked, your reaction seemed to be his desired effect. “It seems like you’ve been getting a lot of assistance lately, from Barbatos, Luke, Solomon… And that’s not to mention the pacts you have with my brothers. You’re up to three, now?” He twirled you once, the movement flawless but devoid of passion.

“I-I’m just following Diavolo’s wishes.” You said as you returned to him. “He encouraged me to make pacts, remember?”

“Is that so? Then you’re a much more, ah, dedicated exchange student than I’ve given you credit for. If only that would show in your grades.”

“My attention has been split lately,” You raised an eyebrow. Why was he coming at you with this now? “Without the use of magic I don't have much in the way of protecting myself. You should know that as well as anyone.” Feeling bolder, you decided to let a single barb loose. It wasn't like he could really do anything to you in a room full of Devildom nobles and the Demon Prince.

“And yet,” Lucifer sneered. “You reek of magic. Asmo’s magic.”

You nearly tripped over your feet, but Lucifer's firm hold kept you upright, “Asmo’s magic?”

“Yes, I noticed it all throughout dinner. He’s cast some sort of protective spell over you.” He pushed you away to twirl you again, keeping contact with your hand until he dragged you back into position.

You were so confused. Why had Asmo done that when he seemed so unhappy with you? Sure he had lightened up a little at dinner, but you knew very well he could hold a grudge for a while. Besides that, what reason did he have for casting a protection spell on you now?

“And the charm on that bauble of yours has been updated as well, with Solomon’s magic. What is it you’re plotting with them?”

An accusation, but not one totally unfounded, “We’re not plotting anything.” You said, indignant. And it wasn’t exactly a lie, you’d never planned anything with Solomon. At least you hadn’t done so recently. “Solomon fixed my bracelet when we were in the labyrinth. It protected us down there.”

It hadn't helped with Henry but it had kept the spiders away. And the vines. They had seemed so full of life but none of them had touched you or the others, though you had a feeling they would have without your little charm of protection.

“Why do I have trouble believing that?” The flames of Hell blazed in his eyes, “Do you really think that little bracelet of yours will protect you from the likes of me?”

“This isn't about you, Lucifer.” There was no way he’d heard about the task Asmo had given you, was there? And even then, a stolen picture was hardly worth reacting like this.

You attempted to lean away again but Lucifer pulled you closer, his arm wrapped around your back as if embracing you, your body flush against his, “I respect my brothers' freedom to do as they wish. However, if I ever sense that you've become a threat to either Diavolo or us…” He spoke directly into your ear, “...then I will show you absolutely no mercy. Understood?” His grip on your hand pressing painfully into the bruises Asmo and Mammon had left yesterday.

You struggled to free yourself from him, wincing in pain as he pressed you closer. His hold on you only tightened. “I want to be good friends with all of you, Lucifer.”

“Well, that's not what I want."

***

“Poor Mammon,” Asmo laughed over the rim of his flute of sparkling gold demonus, “But the first born always gets what he wants. I am a bit surprised Lucifer was so determined to dance with them.”

“How so?” said Solomon. “MC does seem to be in high demand.” He inclined his head to the rest of Asmo’s brothers who all looked anxious to dance with MC. Levi was even reciting his opening line under his breath, pacing at the edge of the dance floor while repeatedly wiping his sweaty hands on his pants.

“Can’t imagine why…” Asmo muttered, taking a sip.

“Hm,” Solomon smirked, “And I take that to mean you’ve figured out your feelings towards them?”

“As a matter of fact, I have.”

“Well?”

Asmo laughed again, linking his arm around Solomon’s, “They’re nothing more than a toy to me.”

It would be fun stringing you along as if he’d actually make a pact with you. Asmo wasn't naive like Beel or touch starved like Levi or stupid like Mammon. He was clever as he was beautiful, even though he showed that side of himself rarely. He had no use for a pact with a magicless human, regardless of how Lord Diavolo encouraged it for the good of the exchange program or whatever misguided nonsense he thrust upon the Devildom. There would be no benefit for Asmo. His time was valuable.

“This whole time I’ve been making this situation bigger than it actually is. I let them get in my head, you see.” said Asmo, “I’ve been feeling so out of sorts lately, but I’ve realized all I need to do is get them out of my system.”

“I see,” said Solomon as he took a sip of his drink.

“You almost sound disappointed. Is it because they’re another human?” Asmo reached up to stroke Solomon’s cheek.

Soon he would be back to his normal carefree self, Asmo was sure of it.

“Honestly, you really shouldn't b–" Asmo suddenly yanked at Solomon’s arm, frantically dragging him down as if he was drowning, his eyes wide. "Solomon! Solomon, what is Lucifer doing to them?!”

Solomon looked out into the dancers, following Asmo’s gaze. There you were in the center of the dance floor, struggling against Lucifer’s superior strength. Most who saw you would probably just assume you were unpracticed in the dance and that Lucifer was dutifully leading you through it. But there was such fear in your eyes. Fear and pain.

Solomon removed his arm from Asmo’s grasp, the demon pale and panicking beside him.

A toy? That’s really all you were to him? Solomon suppressed a chuckle.

“I’ve got this.” And he made his way through the dancers.

***

Cross-posted on AO3

[samiwife]

Photographs and Pictures ੈ✩‧₊˚ (Steve Jansen x Reader)

A/N: Hello everyone! This is fanfic for the band "Japan". More specifically this is a fanfic of Steve Jansen bc he's so pretty. Also, I can't find any fanfics of him so I decide to make one <3

𓆩♡𓆪= Smut

ੈ✩‧₊˚= Fluff

⋆ ★= Angst

Photography was always something you were passionate about. So when you finally got a job as a photographer for famous bands around Europe you were excited. You always wanted to explore the world of musicians and take photos of the newest bands. Music was also something you were fond of. You didn't play any instruments or sang but you still love researching bands you thought were cool.

Until one day you got a call from your manager telling you that you had an opportunity to take photos of a new-wave British band named "Japan". You never heard of them before so you were curious about what they were like. You wondered if they were nice or what their music sounded like. You accepted the offer and a week later you were flown out to the UK to take photographs. When you landed in the UK, a cab was already waiting for you. Which isn't something special knowing your company always rents cabs for employees. You got into the cab and were driven to the studio the band was told to record in. You watched out the window to see the beautiful buildings and cafes nearby. Eventually, you reached the studio. You walked out of the cab grabbing your camera equipment along the way. You walked into the building and then to the front desk.

"How can I help you love?" The lady at the desk asks. You smiled and shuffled in your bag for your papers of identification. You still were nervous because this was a band you never met or knew. Most bands you photographed for were ones you did research prior.

"Uh I'm a photographer for a magazine, I'm here to take photos of the band Japan." You said handing the desk lady your identification papers. The lady takes the papers and examines them. She then smiled and looked up.

"Okay honey, the band you'll be working with is down the hall second room to the right." She said with cheeriness in her voice as she hands back the papers to you. You grab them and quickly shoved them into your bag. You thanked her and began walking down the hall where the lady said. As you walked down the hall, you noticed the many studios that were lined up that were used by many bands famous or obscure. Then you finally reached the studio that was supposed to be the one. "Studio 7" the door label read. You inhaled and turned the door handle and walked in. As soon as you walked in, you saw your manager talking to who you assumed was the band's manager. As you walked you noticed a group of guys standing with their instruments. You assumed that was the band by the way they presented themselves. Then, your manager walks up smiling.

"Y/N so glad you could make it! So basically, all you need to do is just follow the band around and take photos of them. Also, they're aware that you're taking pictures so don't be nervous." Your manager states as you can see all the band members stare at you. You nod and walk towards the band.

"Hello everyone, I'm Y/N. Your professional photographer. I'll be just following you and taking photos for the magazine. So if you guys want, I would like an introduction of you guys." You said with politeness and kindness in your voice. Each of them smiled and nodded. One by one, they stepped and introduced themselves.

"Well certainly, I'm David Sylvian, and nice to meet you". The blonde says while shaking your hand.

"I'm Richard Barbieri, pleasure doing work with you!" The dark-haired man states while shaking your hand as well.

"Hi! I'm Rob Dean." The curly-headed man says while shaking your hand intensely. You chuckled at the way he was excited.

"Hello! I'm Mick Karn, pleasure meeting you love!" The pink-haired man states while shaking your hand. You were intrigued by his hair color since it was very vibrant and looked cool. Lastly, a raven-haired man walks up sheepishly and shakes your hand before introducing himself.

"C'mon mate, introduce yourself to the young lady!" David states while hitting his shoulder. He sighs and looks at you, you noticed he had the purest green eyes. You couldn't help but blush a little.

"My apologies, I'm Steve Jansen. Great to meet you." He states still shaking your hand. You nodded and thanked him. You smiled and took out your camera. You instructed the band to form a line and pose for the cover of the magazine.

"Yeah so, I would like you guys to pose and maybe smile a bit. This is for the cover of the magazine you guys will be featuring in." You state while holding up the camera and motioning them to the side. The band complies and formed a group-like pose. You snapped a couple photos and nodded for them to know they were in the clear. All of them rushed over to see the photos you took. All except one, Steve. He just stood there waiting for the next instructions. This struck you as odd because usually when you took photos, everyone wants to see. But you just shrugged and showed the photos to the rest.

"Steve don't you want to see the photos she took, they came out great!" Mick says while turning his head towards Steve. Who was kinda just staring off minding his own business. Steve looked at Mick and nodded. He walked up to you, and you showed him the pictures. He nodded. But, he didn't crack one smile, which is odd. You wondered if there was something wrong. So you asked.

"Is there something wrong with the pictures, you'd like to fix?" You asked Steve while looking at him. Steve still remained silent and looked at the photos longer. His eyes slightly squint. Steve then looked at you and slightly smiled.

"Sorry Y/N, if I made you feel like I didn't like the photos. These are nice photos. You are good at this." Steve said with a full smile this time. Your heartbeat suddenly raced with Steve's smile. You never fell this hard for any of the bands you photographed, in general, you never fell this hard in love with anyone. Steve was different but you couldn't describe your feelings. You barely knew him, yet he made you feel like you were on cloud 9.

"I'm getting hungry, I'm heading to the nearest cafe to grab something. You guys coming?" David states while walking slowly away from the group. All the guys accept and start walking with him. Steve looks back at you and notices you're not coming.

"Y/N, you're not coming?" Steve asks while walking closer to you. You shake your head. You had to edit the photos and send them to your manager.

"Sorry Steve, I can't. I have to edit these photos and send them in." You said while holding your camera and flipping through them. Steve frowned and took the camera from your hands.

"Hey! I was editing those!". You said shocked at the sudden action. Steve chuckled and puts your camera on a nearby table. Steve was clearly taller than you so you couldn't fight it.

"C'mon Y/N just walk with us to the cafe, you can take extra photos of us while we're in the cafe. It'll make a good edition of the magazine. See it like a behind-the-scenes of our band." Steve explains while picking up your camera again. He hands you the camera. You think for a second and then accepted. Steve smiled and grabs your hand. He drags you out of the studio and starts walking in the direction of the cafe. The guys were already ahead since you took a long time to accept the offer.

"So Y/N, what got you into photography?" Steve asks while walking. You were shocked by how social he was now. It was a few minutes ago that he didn't want to talk but now he's so cheery and social.

"Well, I've always taken my dad's camera from his office and messed with it with a couple of my friends. Then eventually, it became my hobby to take photos of anything that interest me." You explain while Steve listened while looking at you deeply.

"Huh, but why specifically photographing bands instead being a photographer for animals or nature?" Steve asked. You never really thought of that, you mostly photograph bands in different countries. They were mostly rock and punk bands in Europe. Japan was the first indie band you've worked with.

"Well, I guess it's because I've liked all kinds of music. So I combined two of my favorite things. Music and photography." You explained while looking down. Then an idea hits you, and you pull out your camera and quickly snapped a photo of Steve. Steve was shocked at the sudden photo.

"Hey! I wasn't ready! That's not going into the magazine is it?" Steve said while pointing at you. You laughed and took a look at the photo. You smiled and saved it.

"Haha, you said I can make a segment of behind-the-scenes photos of you and your band. Now I'm just working on it. Plus, you look handsome in this photo." You said while smiling. Steve looked down and his cheeks were kinda red from your comment on him being handsome. Eventually, you reached the cafe. Steve held the door for you and you walked in and saw the guys sitting at a round table. You and Steve walked to the table and sat. Steve sat across from you.

"What took you guys so long?" Richard asks. You were too busy looking at the menu to answer the question. Steve rolled his eyes jokingly and pointed at you.

"It was Y/N, I invited her but she didn't want to go so I had to convince her to go. I told her she could add a behind-the-scenes photo section of the magazine." Steve explains, causing the guys to chuckle and laugh. You rolled your eyes and continue to look at the menu. Eventually, the waiter comes up and takes everyone's order. A few minutes later, everyone received their food and started eating. You began to eat, and you look up and see Steve not eating but instead, he was looking at you smiling.

"Steve, why are you not eating aren't you hungry?" You asked while still eating. Steve smiled and looked down. You shook your head and continued eating. Then you had another idea. You picked up your camera and snapped a photo of Steve at the table. Steve rolled his eyes and started eating. You laughed at his eye roll and continued to eat. A few minutes after eating, everyone was finished with their meals. Everyone got up except you because you were busy looking at the photos you took. But, another person still remained. Steve. Steve sat at the table with you waiting for you to be done editing so he could walk with you. You finally stopped looking at the photos and got up and saw Steve waiting.

"Why did you wait for me?" You asked Steve while he smiled at you. He then chuckled. "It's because I wanted to talk to you more, it was nice talking to you on the way here," Steve said. You felt your heart race and your cheek blush. Steve wasn't a bad-looking guy and you did indeed have a crush on him. You smiled and started walking. You guys talked about your lives and Steve explained that David was actually his brother. And they started the band together. You were so interested in him. You felt like you could talk to him for hours. You and Steve eventually reached the studio, the time was 6:00 PM. Usually, around that time, you got to leave to go home. You noticed too that everyone was gone, you assumed everyone just went back home. Which left Steve and you alone in the studio.

"Looks like it's just you and me Y/N," Steve said while sitting on a chair in the studio. "Yeah seems like it." You responded back. You walked next to Steve and sat in the chair next to him. You and Steve continued to talk until 6:30.

"Have you ever fallen in love, Steve?" You asked not really thinking of the question you asked. Steve blushed and looked down. He cleared his voiced and answered. "Well I don't know, I see women who I think are absolutely stunning but I'm not sure if I will call it love. I usually know it's love when I talk to them and know them." Steve explains still blushing. "Yeah, have you ever met a woman that made you feel like that?" You asked Steve still not thinking. Steve blushed harder. "Yeah, I have. She was so unique I never met anyone like her." Steve says while looking at you. "What was her name?" You asked while slightly blushing. "Y/N" Steve said with full confidence. Your face turns red and you felt your heart race faster than before. Steve smiled and gently grabs your hand and softly caresses it. You looked down trying to hide your redness from him. Steve then gently grabs your chin and pulls you in for a kiss. Your lips met with Steve's. The kiss was soft and angelic-like. The kiss deepened a little more. You two kissed for a minute until you pulled away. Your face was still red from the kiss. Steve smiled and got up.

"Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow Y/N," Steve said while winking at you. You were still stunned by the kiss. "U-uh yeah see you tomorrow at 3:00!". By the time you said that, Steve walked out. You sighed and took a minute to catch your breath. You then looked down and saw a napkin where Steve was sitting. You grabbed it and opened it. The note read "xxx-xxx-xxxx call me love <3". It was Steve's number, you put the note in your bag and walked out of the studio and then outside of the building. You called a cab and rode in the backseat thinking of Steve and his note. You thought to yourself.

"Being a photographer has its benefits, and today my benefit was him." You said to yourself as you stared out the window to see street lights and other cars.

[ryanhamiltonwalsh]

I've had a wonderful 4 days in Dayton, Ohio. Two nights of Guided By Voices for their 40th year together, great bands like Kiwi Jr. and Built to Spill opening for them, and then just a lotta kind, friendly welcoming folks sharing their community and the love of music.

I was going to skip the final event at WINGS Sportsbar today but former GBV manager, and all around genuinely kind and fantastic person Rich Turiel (who we are lucky enough to have as fan and supporter of DECK), told me I oughta make time for it. Well he was right because I was able to meet Bob Pollard before I had to run out to the airport. Rich accompanied me to say hi and told Bob that I was the guy who wrote that book, Astral Weeks. To my surprise, Bob said, "you wrote that book? You're that guy?!" putting his arm around me said, "I read it twice."

I thought he was just being polite but then he said, "what's the name of that hill where the cult lives?" I said, "Fort Hill?" Bob said, "yeah that's right. Man I shoulda brought my book for you to sign." Now, at this point, I'm in a fair amount of shock. This guy is a hero of mine. His music is so great and his story is so inspirational, well...it's certainly had a *huge* effect on me, to say the least. So then I tell him that a certain musician from the book was furious about it when it was published. I'll skip names here. He goes, "Fuck _____. Their music sucks. You should name you next book, ______ MUST DIE." haha. Then he expanded on it and said each chapter should be about a terrible musician with each chapter being a name and then MUST DIE. It sounds dark, sure, but I was laughing my ass off. This is his sense of humor. It was super funny. The other names he suggested for other chapters? I won't say, but it's was f'ing hilarious.

It went on for, like, five minutes. We talked about Jonathan Richman, Velvet Underground, and then Rich took this photo. Bob said, "We gotta be shaking hands for the photo. Great book." I told him I would certainly mail him a signed copy of the book and he said, "Yes but would you do me a favor. Would you write in the inscription _____ MUST DIE?" More rolling laughter. Perfect end to the trip.

Rich Turiel, thank you for orchestrating that moment. I'll never forget it!

Headed back to Boston. Recording more DECK tomorrow. Don't stop now! :) <3

[ladycharles]

There has been a lot of discussion lately about Scorcese's Goncharov, and yet I haven't seen anyone post about this oddity of popular music it inspired.

Lord Charles, for those who don't know, was a British rock artist who rose to acclaim in the 1960s, releasing a string of psychedelic rock records with his backing band The Ladies. While a lot can be written about their importance in that scene, this particular track hails from 1974, after the original Ladies had disbanded (Lord Charles would continue to use the name, but after 1971's Legendary Gears his records were recorded with session players).

Charles had first crossed paths with Matteo JWHJ 0715 sometime in 1972, but it was while wintering in Italy in December of 1973 that Charles attended one of Matteo's infamous Cine-Bacchanal parties at his Naples villa. It was here that Matteo showed a work print of Goncharov to his guests. Martin Scorcese was in attendance, fresh off the success of Mean Streets, and he offered to bring it to America.

Apparently witnessing this conversation, Lord Charles offered to contribute an original song, and while it is unclear whether Matteo and Scorcese took him up on this, he soon set out for Philadelphia where he was set to begin the infamously coke-fuelled sessions for It's Alright (I Love You Both).

Like many British rockers of the era, Lord Charles had become highly influenced by American popular music, particularly funk and soul. He often cited Curtis Mayfield's Superfly as a major influence, and it is clear that his Goncharov borrows liberally from that soundtrack's bass heavy narrative funk (unfortunately he did not borrow Mayfield's political conscience, making his Goncharov quite a shallow exercise in comparison to Mayfield's portrait of inner-city struggle). The track also features an exagerrated "Russian" motif, typical of the often problematic cultural signifiers in 1970s music (see "Kung Fu Fighting").

The track was cut with an unknown group of session musicians, but it is presumed to be the same band with which he recorded It's Alright. It is likely that the existing version is not final, and that some of the guitars at least were intended to be rerecorded, with speculation that the 'da svidenia Goncharov' line was only part of a planned chorus. Matteo was apparently in attendance at the sessions, having convinced Charles to include what he claimed was a bit of Russian dialogue cut from the film (in typical Matteo style, this was apparently a bizarre prank, as any Russian speaker will note that it has nothing to do with the story).

Unfortunately, when Goncharov had failed to receive wide release before Charles' new record, the song was shelved until 1977 when RCA released it as the b-side to a reissue of It's Alright without Charles' consent. This lack of communication hurt the song's commercial prospects - Lord Charles had apparently completely forgotten about the due to his contemporaneous cocaine use and gave an interview describing the single as a "hoax concocted by a record company desperate to attach any sewer rat to my name, lest it grow wings". The record was pulled due to the controversy and only 200 pressings are said to have been sold. It was only in 1989 that Charles would acknowledge it's authenticity in his autobiography "The Lord's Prayer - how I survived sex, drugs, thinking I could write funk, and drugs".

Sorry for the long description but I was really hoping to hit all the important points. I quite like this one and do wonder if it had ever been intended as an original song in the film (as is perhaps suggested by Matteo's participation). It isn't the best tune of his, and particularly pales in comparison to its influences but it's certainly worth the novelty to hear a British psychedelic singer performing American funk influenced music about a Russian character in an Italian film produced by an American. If you liked this post definitely check out my blog where I feature similar music from time to time.

"Tick tock tick/the clock runs down/cock shoot click/my luck runs out"

-Lord Charles, Goncharov (I'm a bad, bad man)

[cyraniadebergerac]

Sherlock Holmes/Star Wars AU

Something I've had in my head and wrought some things for though am likely not going to finish, but I want the premise out to be introduced. I wrote more notes for this, but don't have all of them with me at the moment. (I may have written this out before but don't recall.) Main gist is this.

Thrawn as Sherlock's French cousin.

Sherlock does have French relatives in the books, one of which purchased Watson's practice. Placing Thrawn among that group then not only ties him well with Sherlock, who Zhan has stated was the inspiration for Thrawn, but also ties him in with a culture and family with artistic connections (Sherlock noting one French relative as a noted painter). From that type of background along with him and Thrass staying at times with Sherlock and Mycroft, Thrawn could develop his ability to see into how people think through the art they make/like/grew up with. Thrawn then figures out how to use that in a tactical manner and in particular pursues naval strategy.

Within the acd era, Thrawn could be Mycroft's main military advisor as his French heritage, potential French Naval service, and unorthodox ways would get in the way of him being a vice admiral (or higher) in the British Navy and certainly would if he were to be the Master of the Sea (a parliamentary position appointed to members of the House of Commons, something Thrawn's political incompetence would never net him).

Within a modern era, Thrawn would have been reluctantly brought on board by Mycroft to help against terrorist attacks and other threats as, while he doesn't mind his cousin personally, he does see that Thrawn's methods would not be seen in a favorable light as they can basically boil down to stereotyping enemies by the art they grew up with/surround themselves with/make. To be fair to Thrawn, he never reduces a person down to stereotypes, only seeks an accurate knowledge of how other people think, and does also make sure to learn everything he can about those he's up against and anything else potentially relevent and is willing to adjust conclusions based on new information. But it still doesn't make him politically correct even when his methods work. And so adds to how he's too abrasive for politics.

Either way, when he drops by Baker St., he has fun helping on cases with Sherlock and Watson as well as going against Sherlock in chess, which come to stalemates or near victories for one side or the other. He's also been around Sherlock enough that he can know what Sherlock's thinking whenever he plays the violin (music being a form of art he doesn't rely on as there can be several different people involved in what's going on for one peice of music, the original composer, the arranger, the musician themselves, and the conductor with any orchestral music. But as Sherlock does improvise his own pieces in order to better think, Thrawn could read into those then be able to apply some of that to when Sherlock's playing other works). He does sometimes think that Sherlock should seek to do more, to become the leader of Scotland Yard and so be able to change and better how detective work goes. Sherlock though has never wanted that life and is content with the one he has, so Thrawn let's it be.

(Does create a terrifying but fascinating mental image of Mycroft as the British Government, Sherlock as the British Long Arm of the Law after finding a similar position for himself in Scotland Yard as Mycroft did in the government though Sherlock still prefers to go out and solve cases himself, and Thrawn as the British Navy, making sure no one dared attack the nation or it's people while still very much believing in preemptive strikes. Thrass helps as the main diplomat for all of them and hopefully, Watson still ends up with Sherlock and so can be an effective balance against Sherlock going too far. But still, especially in the 1800s with Britain in the height of it's power...)

Of course though, Thrawn shouldn't be without his own Watson, well Watsons as he has now. Gilad Pellaeon can be the most direct mirror to Watson, a Scottish army man who fought in Afganistan and has since been discharged. In Pellaeon's case, he was an army captain (or lieutenant) when his discharge came. He then doesn't have many hood prospects until a chance meeting with Thrawn (and Eli, either before or after first meeting Thrawn). And he impresses Thrawn enough that he takes him on as a bodyguard/tactical sounding board/potential successor, kinda (Pelleaon would be older than Thrawn so that last part not really...Never let it be said though that Thrawn doesn't always seek to teach those under his command). In my idea, what impressed Thrawn was demonstrated when they were first met involving a case where Eli had been kidnapped and Pelleaon was grabbed with him when he tried to save him. At the rescue, Pelleaon demonstrates his ability to take command when command is needed, quickly come up with a plan then work to enact it, rally people to himself, and his care for others that he sees as working with him or as people needing his help. But that scenario could be changed easily.

Eli Vanto, meanwhile, was an Australian naval ensign looking to get into the logistics and have a quiet desk job looking at numbers, but he proved to have a real knack for numbers, able to outshine even the Holmes in that department without being at all related to them. Thrawn found him up and scooped him up to become his personal attache/information analyst/potential successor. Eli's miffed about this change of his life plans, but he does enjoy the life now and does cone to like Thrawn. Ky idea with his intro was that he found out someone was cooking the books for the naval supply but no one else noticed because the numbers were small and added up over time. Feel free to make that different though if wanted.

[searchingforserendipity25]

hi! i am intrigued by "wondrously wrought" if you feel like sharing!

Hi! Thank you for the ask @jouissants <3

Wondrously Wrought is pretty new. I meant to get it done for Day 2, on Day 2/3, which was mad hubris, but might have worked, the first draft was done, if I could be happy with it. And I am! But it's a big concept to put in a single snippet in time, and I'm trying to avoid making it mostly exposition while drawing a blank on other scenes. 

The concept: Maedhros & Maglor are Codependent by Design. Specifically, Feanor’s design, who takes the good old Noldor tradition of hierarchical politics and imbuing filial devotion on children, turns it up to a 100 and gifts his firstborn the sort of custom-made brotherly ideal he never had and obviously has no issues about.

Near and dear they were, Fëanáro's children. Maitimo could not yet believe his brother was soon to go to the musicians for study; he thought he might go a little mad, even with the visits and the seeing stones and the letters. He knew Macalaurë would certainly go a little mad; and not for the first he wondered at their parent's ambitions, that stitched vast talent and hunger for the Song with the most binding fealty.

Child-making was a craft as any other among the Noldor, as full of complicated collaborations and covetous secrecy as goldsmithing or alchemy. All parents had their preferences in design; it was only that not all of them sought so pointedly to build a matched set as Nerdanel and  Fëanáro had.

They had not meant harm in it. But it was a difficult thing for Macalaurë to be; and a difficult thing for Maitimo to be held to.

“What do they even want another one for,” Macalaurë demanded. It came out stifled, words tight in his mouth. He was not whispering, but Maitimo could tell he was being very careful for his voice not to carry.

“To love, I gather,” Maitimo chided. “That is the end in itself, when making a child.”

In the privacy of their quarters, Macalaurë made an atrocious face against Maitimo's breastbone. “O, that is prettily said! Go quote the Indisian Sonnets at another quarter, if you please. Are we not satisfactory, as the fulsome performance of brotherhood? In blood and heart, surely, there is nothing lacking."

I don't think I've written a Soul Bond-ish thing before outright, it's a strange challenge! Extra thanks, looking for a snippet actually ended up inspiring me to get more of it written.

[eurovision-revisited]

Eurovision 2006 - Number 25 - Krug - "Putujem sama"

HD Upscaled Evropesma-Europjesma 2006! Fans are getting serious!

This is Krug - essentially a three-piece band with added musicians when needed. The core three personnel are singer Dragana Perunicic and song-writing, guitar-playing brothers Dragan and Dražen Miljanović. They formed in Podgorica the previous year and prior to this had been touring the former Yugoslav counties. Getting not only into Montevizija but qualifying for Evropesma-Europjesma was a big step into the limelight for the band.

Putujem sama (I Travel Alone), written by Dražen, is filled with dramatic soaring (and sawing) synths that seem to have something urgent to tell us. The guitars come in here and there to interrupt both the singers and the synths. Structurally it's all over the place, like a news studio trying to deal with three different breaking news stories simultaneously. And I like it - you can't predict exactly where it's going next or how it's going to wrap up.

Dragana in red and her fellow singer (whose name I don't know) have voices that work well together to let us know that they walk alone. They're not in relationships as they seem to be repressive and possibly violent. There's certainly violence again their souls implied. The chorus is intriguing. It's a repeat of the lines,

Idem, putujem sama Tražim ljude bez mana Krijem ono što otkrijem

meaning,

I'm going, I'm travelling alone I'm looking for people without flaws I hide what I discover

which for a pop song trying to get to Eurovision is exceptionally twisty and philosophical. The whole piece feels like 1980s expressionist synth-pop from a serious band with serious hair. There's mystery and aloofness here in vast quantities. I'm sure that's why it appeals to me so much.

That it got through Montevizija at all is amazing - it came ninth receiving all twenty-two of the points it got from the jury and nothing at all from the televote. At the big and controversial final in Belgrade, it could only manage twenty-first of the twenty-four songs with a zero televote again and four points from one of the Montenegrin judges.

This was Krug's only national final appearance. They have very little else in the way of published music in traditional formats. No record deal. This is the point when I normally say the band split up and now one of them is a vocal coach.

Except they didn't they stayed together performing in the clubs and concerts of Montenegro and the Balkans. They did rename themselves slightly becoming the KRUG Music Team and seem mostly to have made a living in the background of the music industry writing and arranging songs for others. Seemingly without credit. Recently they have given interviews to left-wing outlets about the state of musicianship in Montenegro and more generally and how impoverished a career it is. They also claim that some of their songs have been banned from Montenegrin TV, possibly for political reasons.

They have however managed to make and finally release some of their own compositions on YouTube in the last four years. To Nisam Ja (It's Not Me) is below. For now KRUG Music Team remain resolutely outside the mainstream.