#and their names are two halves of a Melody

[moeblob]

I started fanart today but my thumb kinda hurts so I can't finish it so take OC art I never posted as my 'art of the day'.

Melo (mute) and Lody (can talk) are the twin advisors to the demon lord Sascha. They're probably his two most trusted demons and they adore him and respect him. While everyone in the demon army calls him "boss", Lody addresses him as "my lord" or "our lord" if with Melo.

Their pink/yellow eyes are actually a link of sorts. Whatever Melo sees, Lody can see. Whatever Lody sees, Melo can see. So they often travel apart from each other to have a wider range of what's going on in order to help Sascha determine the wisest course of action.

[aphroditelovesu]

I'm love with the yandare soulmate Au 😍 so could we please get a Eros love letter for his soulmate?

My soulmate,

In this vast cosmos, where stars dance and destinies intertwine, I found the pure essence of my existence in the radiant form of your being. From the moment our souls recognized each other, my journey gained meaning because with you I found the fulfillment I longed for.

I am the God of love, of passion, but with you, my beloved, I discover the true meaning of these words. You are the light that illuminates my being, why my heart beats so intensely. Sometimes I get stuck in a frenzy of indomitable emotions, wishing to protect you, keeping you just for me. But isn't this what soulmates feel for each other?

Every beat of my heart is an echo of your name, every sigh is a melody that sings your presence. In the most intimate corners of eternity, our destinies were intertwined by the spinneret of destiny, and the love that unites us is as old as time itself.

Our souls are two halves of a divine whole, united by the immensity of the heavens and the eternal bond of love. Our bond transcends any space or time, as we are destined to dance together in the cosmos, intertwined by the intensity of this love that transcends the boundaries of time and space.

May each dawn find our hearts aligned, and may each evening bear witness to the strength and beauty of our love. For, my dear soulmate, you are the light that illuminates my journey and the anchor that keeps my soul at peace. You are my reason for being, my divine inspiration, my inexhaustible source of happiness.

With all my love,

Eros ♡.

[desultory-novice]

Hey Dess! Are you officially back? I came up with a list of weird questions while you were out to meditate on while you rest your eyes! Some rotisserie chicken to go, if you will. First question: What are your opinions of Lololo and Lalala? Do you think they have any relation to Lolo and Lala from HAL's Eggerland series? Their offspring, alternate universe counterparts, reincarnations, whatever that thing in the anime was, etc.? Rest well dude 😘

In a matter of speaking! (Dess says, weeks later.) And weird questions are totally acceptable, as long as they're more like this! Cause it's a pleasant surprise to be asked about Lololo and Lalala!

Gosh, did you know, the first HAL game I ever played was "Adventures of Lolo" on the NES! I...couldn't beat it. I was too young to work out the puzzles. I loved how waddle-y Lolo was!!

(waddle...dee?)

So, for those not in the know, in Lolo's own series, he's... well...

:looks up the Eggerland series, since Dess had only played "Adventures of Lolo":

...Uh, wow, there were a couple of these, weren't there?! Huh, Lolo was a musician? And Lala was a dancer?! (Reminds me of my Marx and Magolor hcs... Oh no! Perfomance couple, my love...!)

Anyway, Lolo has a love interest named Lala who he rescues and marries and he becomes King Lolo and the two eventually have a kid named Lulu who is just like them but yellow!

In the anime, there are similar looking characters named Fololo and Falalala (although the "fo" was added to the English dub for.... uh, I have no idea why! ^^) who are, ahem... :checks cue cards: ...two halves of the same Nightmare Enterprises monster that were split in two as part of a money-making scheme and to hide from King Dedede that they were a super weak monster. They were somehow kicked out and taken in by the good guys after that?

(Did I get it right?)

As for Lololo and Lalala in game... ARE they from Eggerland?

I guess "from Eggerland" depends. To me, they've left their mark as 100% "official" Kirby characters. HAL Labs has included a number of cameo characters before, most notably in Dream Land 3 which not only had Chao from Yuyuki appearing in DL2 (who was turned into the "girl" Gooey in the English version) but bounty hunter Samus Aran!

For those who have any faith in the accuracy of the Kirby Encyclopedia, I want to note that Chao, Samus, and the others were noted to NOT be "true" Kirby characters. (Sorry, Escargoon fans, as the same was said of him and his appearance in Mass Attack...)

But not Lololo and Lalala! They seem to be their own characters, as distinct from their anime selves as anime Dedede, anime Meta Knight, and anime Kirby are from THEIR game selves.

(Which is probably good because that is seriously a weird origin story! There's something to be said about the delightfully gender-bending and even genderfluid-positive (!) idea that there is a fully capable masc and femme side to every person, able to live on independently - although HOW independent is arguable because Fololo and Falala never seem to want to be apart - but the fact that tacking a bow onto the girl side was the only way they could depict this was a little cheesy. I know, I know. Kid's comedy show ^^)

Another thing is that, apparently (?) before their origin as a single being is known, they are treated as siblings in the anime? (And yet, their episode is called "The Melody of Love." That's not...uh...)

While at some point (fandom wiki says in the promotional flyer for Twinkle Popo) they were called "a married couple!" I think I personally tended to see them as "together" rather than siblings and I can only assume that impression came from Adventures of Lolo since there was no way I could have seen the Twinkle Popo flyer.

That said, they're NOT the same Lolo and Lala (to me) because they're not cameo characters. And the names... Lolo and Lala's kid was Lulu but it's not weird for the next generation (or several generations down) to be named after grandparents or other family members back in the tree. But for them to both be named after one lends credence to "maybe they're siblings after all?"

....I think I just think of them as "Lololo and Lalala." I'm probably not going to ever draw ship art of them, so does it matter how they're related? To me, they're just together. From my first days with Kirby's Dream Land, once I got over the initial pleasant surprise of "Oh my gosh, It's Lolo and Lala from Adventures of Lolo!!" (Tiny Dess, they are LoloLO and LalaLA. Get it right!) they quickly grew to be like any resident of Dream Land to me! A familiar, comforting presence!

Well, okay, the whole "Castle Lolo" thing makes me see them as Dream Land / Popstarian nobility of a sort! Maybe not on the level of royalty, like his hammer-wielding majesty, although they DID side with him in the initial food-stealing incident! (They weren't chosen to protect a piece of the Star Rod, which is very interesting. Maybe the anime was onto something with them being "too weak?")

Either way, I'd say they're pretty laid back nobles, letting everyone use their castle for fights! Maybe it's one of those things where they open it up every now and then for parties and games?!

In short, while I have no answers, I like them well enough and I'm always happy to see a reappearance of them! And maybe next time they appear, HAL will let us know whether they're a pair or pairing!

(Although this is the same studio responsible for keeping the Ado / Adeleine debate going so probably not! ^_- )

[vishnavishivaa]

Haimavati

Just a small snippet on UmaShankara.

****

The Universe was humming in a melody of pure Joy, taking its cue from the beautiful notes that sprung from the Lotus hands of Sarasvati, as She played Her Veena by gently strumming the strings. Happiness for the Universe was arriving soon, and even in the depth of His meditation, Shiva knew well who it was, and why said happiness was wafting like the fragrance of Sati through Amarnath.

A smile alighted Shiva's face as the mula roopa of His other half who was ever with Him arose from the light that had the source as Mena's womb. She shone like molten gold, Her skin having taken the form of Her Kaalika roopa. Her Lotus petal eyes shone in Love, Compassion and Gentleness, even though those same ones looked like fury for those who followed the path of Adharma. She was the Mother of the Universe, much like He Himself was the Father, as well as the Protectress, which is very visible in the thousands of arms containing different weapons.

He knew She was encapsulated in His aura, and He in Hers, both ever the same, two halves of One. He was called Ardhanaarishvara, for She was one half of Him; Shiva and Shivaani, both the very same.

He smiled in gentle affection at the prayers of the Devas to their Mother, and blessed Her, for He could feel Her heart yearning for them. With a smile of maternal affection and a blessing of all wishes coming true for the Devas, Shivaani vanished into the womb of Mena once more, the latter's labour kickstarting immediately.

Delight filled Shiva, as She was born in the tithi that would be famous for His aaradhya Sri Rama, Her skin as dark as Her elder brother's, Her beauty outshining all beauty in the Universe, Her love for Him singing through every inch of her tiny body. He smiled, gentle, yet wide, joyful yet mysterious, a sign of all that was to come at the birth of Shivaani as Haimavati, the daughter of Himavan.

"Uma," He whispered, Her name in His baritone reverberating across the Universe, the name one that made His heart soar as if He were not a God, a name which was Sati's, and one that will be Haimavati's in the future, a name so dear to Him, much like every single name of His beloved's.

With another smile, this time tender and deep, Shiva resorted back to His meditation, knowing that Her childhood will be one filled with not just one form of Parattva, but every single form, owing to the equal views of Her parents.

******

@vibishalakshman @thelekhikawrites @celestesinsight @krishna-sahacharini @kaal-naagin @krishnapriyakiduniya @nirmohi-premika @chemicalmindedlotus @whippersnappersbookworm @sakhiiii @ambidextrousarcher @willkatfanfromasia @nspwriteups @dr-scribbler @rupkatha-banerjee @theramblergirl @hinsaa-paramo-dharma @moon-880 @thegleamingmoon Please let me know you thoughts, and do let me know if the rest of you want to be added to the list. 

[randomvarious]

Today's compilation:

The Best of Doo Wop Ballads 1989 Doo Wop

Looks like when Rhino decided to put out their own doo wop series back in 1989, they ultimately chose to halve the genre into two distinct parts: Ballads and Uptempo, or as I prefer to call them, Makeout Point and Sock Hop. If given the choice, I'd much prefer to listen to the Sock Hop stuff, because those are the tunes in which groups tend to get a lot more adventurous, and the combination of all the members' vocals usually has a higher rate of yielding something that's significantly more dynamic. However, if I ignored the more formulaic Makeout Point tunes entirely, I'd definitely be missing out on some pretty fantastic vocal feats too, in which frontmen—the genre was vastly predominantly male-driven—deliver some deeply soul-piercing and heartfelt falsettos 😌.

So here, Rhino collected a bunch of the single-biggest doo wop ballads that ended up defining that whole 50s to early 60s era, and while there aren't any particular surprises or underheard gems on it, if you want some doo wop 101, it's really as good a place as any to start your journey.

Now, do you folks wanna hear the neatest piece of doo wop trivia that you're probably ever gonna learn in your entire life? Here goes: back in 1961, a group from Brooklyn called The Jive Five made their glorious debut with the all-time classic, "My True Story," which managed to make its way up to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B chart too. You might not recognize this song solely by its name, but if you give a listen to its iconic chorus, I think that there's a decent chance that you may've heard it before:

🎶Now they must cry, cry, cry whoa Their blues away (cry, cry, cry their blues away)🎶

So after the Jive Five released that legendary single, they never managed to put out anything as commercially successful ever again. But you know what else they ended up doing that proved to be extraordinarily more famous than "My True Story" ever was? *The* goddamn Nickelodeon jingle, which they recorded for the network in the '80s, and is still used in Nick's own bumper ads to this very day! 🤯

And they did more, less remembered jingle work for Nick too, a lot of which you can find in a video like this one here. Pretty neat, huh?

And another song I think that's worth remarking upon here is The Flamingos' "I Only Have Eyes for You," simply for its recognizable and reverbed "sh'bop-sh'bop" backing vocal. The Fugees sampled it on their terrific 1996 song, "Zealots," while Wyclef interpolated some of its lead vocal melody for the chorus too.

🎶Another MC lose his life tonight, lord🎶

So it's definitely not my favorite wing of doo wop, but for this Makeout Point fare, I think a solid handful of these are still plenty good to this very day, and one of them even ended up coming with a really cool piece of trivia attached to it too 😎! Pretty good entry point for the slow stuff.

Highlights:

The Skyliners - "Since I Don't Have You" The Five Satins - "In the Still of the Night" The Jive Five - "My True Story" The Flamingos - "I Only Have Eyes for You"

[marattok]

Elena

Once upon a time, in a small town nestled among rolling hills, there lived a young artist named Elena. She spent her days painting the beauty of nature that surrounded her, finding solace in the vibrant colors on her canvas. One sunny afternoon, while sketching by the riverbank, she met a charming musician named Alex. He played his guitar with such passion that it stirred something within her soul.They soon fell in love, their hearts beating in harmony with the sweet melody of their burgeoning romance. Alex would serenade Elena as she painted, filling the air with music that matched the whispers of the wind through the trees. They spent endless days exploring the countryside together, discovering hidden paths and secret meadows where they would dance under the starlit sky.As their love blossomed, Elena's paintings grew more vibrant, capturing the ethereal essence of their connection. Alex found inspiration in her art, composing songs that mirrored the depth of their bond. They were like two halves of a whole, weaving their dreams and desires into an intricate tapestry of love.And so, in that quaint town among the hills, Elena and Alex found a love that transcended time and space—a love as eternal as the changing seasons and as beautiful as the masterpiece they created together.

[icravemusicx0x0]

rating music pls dont hate me #27 | ARMAGEDDON - AESPA

AESPA's themes is all about power and confidence. AESPA's aesthetic has always been supernatural or at least unique and eccentric. ARMAGEDDON is not a different breed, but the debut studio album expresses this theme and aesthetic like a whole new game, might as well be better.

AESPA's is not the least unknown in the k pop industry. they made hits like BLACK MAMBA, SAVAGE, and most notably DRAMA which reached international recognition. they even have a song for the soundtrack a film about TETRIS, even it is a hit. the concept around AESPA is about the virtual world. their group's name, AESPA, combines the english initials for "avatar" and "experience" with the english word "aspect", meaning "two sides", to symbolize the idea of "meeting another self and experiencing the new world".

we can split the already 30 minutes-short album ARMAGEDDON into two halves. the first half of the album are tracks are electro dance pop songs, ending at LICORICE. its cool and very danceable. this production style has always been a part of aespa's discography, and the track really boldens that, even more creatively. from BAHAMA so forth we get a calmer and fun tune. i like AESPA's songs that focus more on vocals, it shows a lot of talent in them. the girl quartet can really express beautiful ballad melodies just like in MELODY, the last track of the album. this makes the album experience wide in genre. yet this idea is still not really reasonable to be necessary. i believe there is another approach which can make the album better.

overall, ARMAGEDDON feels like a completed and well polished album but it still has taste of dullness in it with room to improve. yet it is still a very matured and great start to this up and coming group.

underrated gem(s): LICORICE, BAHAMA - song of the summer fr, MELODY - the key change may make people feel overwhelmed but im fine bc they ate the whole ballad performance UP.

tracks that i rec listening: SUPERNOVA, ARMAGEDDON, SET THE TONE, LIVE MY LIFE.

worst track: PROLOGUE - this is such a basic song man.

overall score 6.5/10 - this is all opinion so pls no hate

[corinneecrivaine]

The Day You Healed My Soul.

Chapter 6

Between Past and Present

Sapphic Romance Fanfiction

Main characters Kit and Jade (Willow 2022)

A soft morning light gently awoke Kit from her daydreams, lulled by memories of Emma that still permeated every corner of her room. She got up, leaving her notebook on the bedside table, preparing for her new day. However, the events of the previous day had unsettled her, subtly manifesting themselves in her every hesitant gesture and the troubled look she furtively caught in the mirror.

Arriving at the restaurant, she exchanged a shy smile with Jade before plunging into work. The day passed between services and cocktails, complicit exchanges and glances that spoke louder than words.

Jade mentioned Boorman's invitation.

— Ready for tonight? she asked.

Kit hesitated, her eyes reflecting a deep uncertainty. Going to this party represented a confrontation with her complex emotions and with the spark that was growing inside her, a spark named Jade. She let out a sigh before answering.

— I'm not sure it's a good idea for me to come.

But Jade persisted.

— And missing the Boorman parties that the whole island is talking about, impossible. (She put her hand on her friend's shoulder.) It'll just be a chance to have some fun. We can go together if you like.

Although the idea of being at this party filled her with apprehension, she finally agreed.

The hour drew near. When she opened the door, Jade's sparkling eyes awakened a glimmer of wonder in her. A mutual attraction captured in their knowing glances settled in. Although still reserved, Kit took a deep breath, preparing herself to face the life that continued to unfold around her.

Once there, the two friends found themselves immersed in a magical, enchanting atmosphere. Strings of lights surrounding the façade of Boorman's warehouse projected their dancing glow onto Jade's sparkling dress, making her even more seductive. At her side, wearing elegant black canvas pants and a navy-blue silk blouse, Kit radiated an aura of mystery and charm.

The mystical sound of musical notes, at times soft and melodious, at others percussive, combined with the enchanting scent of jasmine, carried by a gentle breeze, overwhelmed Kit with a sense of fulfillment.

The two friends were mingling with guests dressed in extravagant outfits, when Boorman, as eccentric as ever, swapping his paint-splattered vest for a psychedelic jacket, matching pants and fancy jewelry, joined them. His eyes widened with an enthusiastic smile.

— You look radiant !

Jade looked at him and replied with mischief.

— Thanks Boorman, but don't go overboard..

He placed a hand over his heart dramatically

— You make a magnificent couple.

Slightly embarrassed, Kit quickly retorted.

— We're friends.

Just then, a female voice, full of excitement, rang out in the distance.

— Jade !!!

Elora radiated unreal beauty. Dressed in white pants that harmoniously emphasized her gait, matched with a lace bustier. The lines and sophisticated cut of her outfit highlighted her natural grace, caressed by magic. Her face lit up with a radiant smile, she rushed to embrace her friend. In a burst of joy, Jade made the introductions.

— Elora, let me introduce you to Kit.

Kit smiled warmly.

— Kit, this is Elora, the island's pastry magician and our invaluable baker. She's our bread supplier.

— Ladies, I don't want to interrupt this wonderful sentimental moment, but if you'd like to head over to the buffet. Boorman exclaimed, spreading his arms wide, revealing the hearty dishes just waiting to be savored.

— Great idea, I'm starving. Said Elora enthusiastically.

Kit discovered a buffet of a thousand colors, pyramids of exotic fruits, alongside rivers of melted chocolate flowing down gourmet fountains, and veritable edible sculptures with heavenly names. A variety of seafood dishes, refreshing and phosphorescent cocktails.

— You're right, Jade, Boorman doesn't do things by halves !

Jade picked up a skewer of delicately grilled seafood and handed it to Kit.

— Here, taste this.

An explosion of flavors caressed every taste bud on her tongue, between the salty sensations and the tenderness of the grilled, spicy seafood. Kit felt transported into an ocean of delights. Her gaze met Jade's, creating a silent sensory connection between the two young women.

— Little did I know that behind this eccentric being was a famous cook.

Elora hurried to reply to Kit.

— Oh no, it wasn't Boorman who prepared all these dishes, but his friend and my baker : Lori.

Kit smiled before answering.

— In any case, this Lori seems to be an artist in the kitchen. It seems like every dish is an edible work of art. And you, Elora, what's your specialty ?

Elora laughed softly.

— My pastries. They have a fairytale touch, especially my muffins.

Jade couldn't help but intervene and add mischievously.

— You're very modest, Elora. Lori didn't cook all by himself, and the names of each preparation are rightfully yours.

Embarrassed, the young woman changed the subject.

— Welcome Kit to our enchanted world. Let yourself get lost in the magic that surrounds you.

Just then, a young man arrived, with casual elegance and a mischievous smile. He adjusted his jacket slightly, looked at Kit with an air of curiosity and declared in a soft, melodious voice.

— If magic hasn't enchanted you yet, Princess, perhaps a poetic melody might remedy that.

As he spoke, he approached Kit and curtsied, placing a soft kiss on the back of her hand.

— May I introduce myself : Graydon.

The young woman was taken aback by the man's long black hair flowing wildly around his face, and his beard accentuating his neat, elegant appearance, making him a man from a bygone era. He wore a dark suit with a white satin shirt. His vest, adorned with fleur-de-lis motifs, and a fine silk scarf accentuated his aristocratic style.

Elora smiled and answered Kit with a touch of humor.

— I don't know why, but he always thinks he's a prince from ancient times. (She turned gracefully to Graydon) My princely poet. she said before kissing him.

Graydon answered her lovingly.

— You radiate elegance, my love. I love it when you wear those refined pants and bustier. They enhance the sparkle in your eyes and your natural charm.

Exasperated, Jade retorted.

— We're going for a walk. she said, before walking away with Kit.

The two friends let themselves be carried away by the bewitching magic of the party, lost in the enchantment of a crowd vibrating to the rhythm of the music. The intoxicating phosphorescent drinks projected a verdant glow, reminiscent of fireflies dancing in the middle of the night in an enchanted forest. With every sip, a fruity explosion of exotic flavors ignited the palate. Every smile exchanged, every silence shared, forged a deepening emotional bond. Kit felt the weight of her emotions intensify, crescendoing, passionate, as she shared moments with Jade. Their eyes met, reflecting a glimmer of complicit tenderness.

A little later in the evening, everyone gathered around a campfire whose golden flames mingled with the blue of the starry night. Graydon played his flute, accompanied by local musicians improvising a gentle melody. The air was charged with aromas, a mixture of wood-fire smoke, the salty scent of the ocean and incense fragrances evoking a sense of mystery. The sea breeze gently caressed each member of the group, soothing them. Scorpia had joined them, snuggled up against Boorman, her eyes fixed on Kit.

As everyone was lulled to sleep by the music, Boorman took a deep breath and shared a few words with Kit.

— Graydon's parents have run the island's most famous family distillery for generations. They look forward to Graydon taking over.

— What does Graydon want to do ? Kit asked curiously.

Boorman smiles, delicately holding a cup of tea infused with local herbs.

— Well, he prefers to write poetry and play music. His grandmother used to say that music is a balm for the soul. He finds fulfillment in the arts, unlike the conventional family business.

Kit's face darkened slightly, her thoughts unconsciously wandering to Emma. She sighed before asking.

— Is it so difficult for him to reconcile his artistic aspirations with his family's expectations ?

Boorman shrugged his shoulders.

— I guess it's a daily struggle he has to face between his obligations and his choices.

Kit nodded and inhaled deeply, enjoying the sea breeze and the warmth of the campfire. She saw in Graydon's story her own emotional struggle.

The music gently stopped and the musicians put down their instruments. Scorpia turned to Elora.

— Why don't you tell us the story of the island's guardian.

Everyone cheered her heartily.

— Ok. A long time ago, a man seeking redemption for all his past deeds was lost at sea. Alone on his boat, doomed to certain death, he was drawn by a distant call. The benevolent spirits, protectors of the island and nature, had just saved his life. Discovering the beauty of this place, he let himself be guided by the songs in every tree, every leaf, every trickle of the waves.

Considered a living link between magic and the inhabitants, he became the island's guardian. Some say he's always there, his spirit linked to this enchanted place. In quiet moments in the middle of the night, it's possible to hear his whispers in the sound of the wind. Others claim to have seen lights guiding lost souls.

Lori arrived just then, and as she joined the group, he added.

— As much as this island has a bright, salvific side, it also has a side that will engulf anyone in the abyss of their soul.

Scorpia angrily stormed off.

— Damn it, Lori, you just ruined the mood !

But Lori insisted.

— Come on, Scorpia, don't tell me you've never felt there was something sinister going on.

Scorpia shook her head.

— No, I don't feel anything like that. This place is a source of healing and peace. That's all that matters to me.

— Fine, think what you like. But everyone knows that there can be no paradise without its dark side. This is the duality of all existing things. Shadow cannot exist without light.

To ease the tension, Boorman stood up and invited everyone to follow him.

— My faithful friends, it's time to honor our tradition of wishing lanterns.

He led them to a place where piles of lanterns twinkled like will-o'-the-wisps.

Jade, whose face was bathed in the soft light of a lantern, shared with Kit the secrets of this enchanted custom.

— It's an ancient tradition. We write our wish on this small parchment and place it in this lantern. We release it into the sky, and the universe makes it come true. Here, your turn.

She handed Kit a small piece of parchment and a lantern. The latter hesitated, skeptical at the idea, and murmured.

— A wish... Between the possible and the imaginary.

Enthralled by the mystique of the moment, Jade urged her friend to accept.

— You do have one wish, Kit. Everybody's got a wish.

— After all, we're on a magical island. she replied with a smile.

Kit took the small piece of parchment and the lantern and set off on her adventure. As she wrote her wish, it seemed to her that this intimate gesture carried meaning, as if each word placed on that small piece of parchment simultaneously connected her to Emma and freed her from her suffering.

As they launched their lanterns together, watching their ascent until they disappeared into the starry background, Kit, her eyes riveted on her wish, let a slightly melancholy thought turn to Emma.

Graydon roused them from their reverie by wrapping his arms around both of them, and with a big smile, shared the existence of a mystical presence at the party.

— Ladies, would you be up for an escapade into mystical territory ? A reliable source tells me that the island's most exceptional adventure teller is attending the party.

Kit and Jade exchanged glances. Without giving them time to react, Graydon led them through the crowd, directing their attention to a small, secluded tent. The red sails danced in the night breeze, giving off a subdued glow.

Before leaving them, he spoke passionately.

— Ready to let yourself be guided through the twists and turns of spiritualism ?

— I think when it comes to magic, or whatever you want to call it, I'll be fine. Kit replied dryly.

But Jade, her eyes sparkling with excitement, was no longer listening to her friend.

— Absolutely, Graydon, we're ready. she says excitedly.

She ignored Kit's skeptical look and headed for the little tent. Kit sighed before following her, murmuring to herself, "You look too much like Emma, Jade."

Graydon left them, winking and smiling.

Inside, an enigmatic woman awaited them, seated at a small round table draped in a white velvet veil, on which rested various esoteric tools. Her hands, gloved with fine black lace, were clasped in front of her, and her mysterious allure was accentuated by a long, dark cloak that concealed most of her body. Her untidy, deep-black hair framed her face with indiscernible features, concealed by the flickering light of the candles on the table.

With a graceful wave of her hand, she invited the two friends to sit down. The young women complied, looking at each other in silence before taking their seats.

The fortune-teller gently took each woman's hand, her gloved fingers gliding tenderly over their skin. Despite the aura of mystery that surrounded her, this woman seemed imbued with benevolence. When she spoke, her soft, melodious voice echoed in their minds.

Whispering, she said :

— Together, we'll explore the depths of your soul, where your most secret aspirations and deepest fears reside. I invite you to surrender to this experience, to let go and trust the process. Be open and honest with yourself.

She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply to harmonize her own vibrations with those of Kit and Jade. After a few seconds, she lifted her eyelids and stared at the two friends, but her attention was particularly focused on Kit.

— There are so many shadows in your Kit eyes, the past intertwined with the present, both linked by a strong pain in your soul, a burden you can no longer carry or hide behind that bandage.

Kit shivered at the words, the candlelight flickering to the rhythm of her anxious heart. Her voice trembled slightly as she asked:

— Who are you, anyway ? How do you know my name and what do you know of my pain ?

Preoccupied by what she had just heard and her friend's reaction, Jade gently placed a comforting hand on her arm while whispering softly :

— It's all right, Kit.

The fortune-teller smiled slightly at Jade's reaction, then took a deep breath before answering Kit.

— I am the messenger of the past and the present. I see beyond appearances and feel the soul's deepest emotions. Your pain is so visible in your aura, a suffering that has haunted you for far too long. What remains is an absence, a love, both unfinished. Your father knew the secrets of this island. Your beloved Emma left you a flame that consumes you.

The words struck Kit like an icy punch to the soul. Her heart raced, sweeping away any attempt at inner calm. Not knowing what to think or feel, between anger, sadness and perhaps hope. She tried to conceal her emotions, but the tone of her voice betrayed her when she asked :

— My father... What do you know about my father ?

Stunned by the evolution of the session, as she became aware of the intense pain linked to this absent father tormenting her friend's soul, Jade tightened her embrace on Kit's arm to show her presence and support, addressing her with a look of solicitude.

The fortune-teller continued to address Kit in a soft, soothing voice.

— Explore this island, Kit, discover its mysteries, dive deep into your soul. It's time to release those emotions and thoughts that hold you back. Don't be afraid of what you might discover, for it's in exploring your deepest truths that you'll find peace.

Caught up in rage, a storm of fury swirling inside her, Kit stood up abruptly.

— That's enough!!! She exclaimed as she left.

Jade turned back to the fortune-teller, her face marked by concern.

— Sorry.

But before she could leave the room, the mysterious woman called out to her.

— You were destined to meet in this place, Jade. Your destinies are intimately linked.

*******

Overwhelmed by her emotions, Kit decided to isolate herself, and as she walked through the drunken, joyful crowd, she felt a mysterious call that guided her towards Boorman's warehouse.

As she explored this unusual place, a temple of heaps of objects, each stranger than the last, the lights flickered, creating dancing shadows on each shelf. Her footsteps led her to the motorcycle. She turned to Emma.

— What am I doing here, Emma ? I don't know what to think, what to feel.

She placed her hand on the motorcycle seat, closed her eyes and let the silence wash over her.

Suddenly, a presence at her side broke the stillness of her thoughts. Kit reopened her eyes and saw a shadow approaching her. For a brief moment, she thought she saw Emma's face, but as the figure took shape, she realized it was Jade. Jade gave her a sympathetic look.

— I'm... I'm sorry, Kit, about what happened at the seance. she murmured tenderly.

But as her friend remained silent, looking back at the bike, Jade tried to soften the situation.

— Are you going to restore it ?

Kit took a deep breath and nodded her head.

— I can’t.

— Kit, accepting Boorman's offer doesn't mean you'll betray Emma's memory. (She paused before adding.) Do you think she would have wanted you to stop living ?

— What do you know about what she would have liked or not ! You don't know her !

— Kit, listen to me, I...

Jade tried to calm her down, but Kit, her fists clenched, took a deep breath, her emotions still bubbling up inside her, and cut the conversation short.

— Coming here was a terrible mistake !

She left, leaving Jade alone, silent, meditating on what had just happened.

When the young woman returned to her group of friends, Scorpia couldn't help but intervene when she saw her sister's sad face.

— Where is she ? Scorpia asked sharply.

— Stop it, I have neither the desire nor the strength to argue with you. Jade replied in exasperation.

In order to calm the tension between the two sisters, Elora addressed Jade gently.

— Come with me.

She pulled her away from her sister and began to question her.

— What happened ?

— I hurt Kit's feelings unintentionally by mentioning Emma. She locked herself in her anger. she replied sadly.

Elora took her hands.

— It's painful for her, caught between her past emotions and the present. Find her. Just tell her you're sorry. I don't think her anger is directed at you, but rather at herself.

*******

Kit walked along the moonlit beach, seeking some solitude to soothe her spirit. She gazed at the horizon, where the stars, twinkling on the surface of the ocean, lulled her soul with the gentle melody of the waves. The solitude and contemplation of this natural immensity were for her a refuge from the emotional storm that overwhelmed her. When she turned her head, her gaze met that of Jade, motionless, a few yards away. Without a word, a torrent of emotions passed between them. The gentle breeze caressed their faces and accompanied Jade's footsteps, an echo of tenderness vibrating in the air of that magical night.

She stopped beside Kit, their eyes gazing at each other. She spoke tenderly.

— I'm sorry Kit, I didn't mean to hurt you. I know how hard it is for you, this suffering you're going through.

Jade gently took her hand. Kit shivered involuntarily at the touch and, against all expectations, welcomed the gesture by tightening her fingers around Jade's.

— I'm sorry, Jade, for getting so carried away. I don't know how to deal with all this, my emotions, my pain.

— You don't have to face it alone.

Kit smiled slightly, then let herself go against Jade. The two women remained silent, lulled by the gentle melody of the waves. Their heartbeats were in tune, and a feeling of peace washed over them. The moon illuminated their silhouettes. They remained entwined, enjoying the moment.

*******

Alone at home, Kit couldn't get the fortune-teller's words out of her head. Sitting on her bed, she tried to understand the meaning of her words.

She murmured to herself, "What connection could my father have with this island ?"

Just then, she plunged her hand into the cover of her notebook and pulled out a photo of Emma. As she looked at the portrait, she thought back to the vision of the warehouse.

« Were you really there ? This place is driving me crazy. »

She thought, overwhelmed by a mixture of confusion and apprehension.

[kirric-the-fan]

Giving Big Band Precure a post to itself bc I put a lot more info for it in the oc cure season collection than I had originally. +this also adds some of the ep ideas I now have for it.

Big Band Precure:

“One! Two! Three! Four! Big-Band Pre-cure!” (Big Band Cures play in their own transformations and use music or music themes for all their attacks).

Series summary: Aoi comes to Kanon town to investigate the apparent disappearance of the Suite team. She discovers a new enemy, Discord, and a powerful dissonance that weakens her transformation and traps her within the town, only to be saved by a new precure. Aoi has to uncover the identities of the new Big Band Precure and help train them to take down Discord, and save the Suite team.

The Band have music-themed band nicknames, as well as their names and cure names.

Setsuko/Fret/Cure Tune- Blue cure, lots of rock chick vibes, lots of influence from wild azure. Guitar attacks. Lion (from Aoi’s crystal animal) guitar pick. Pocket extendable guitar handle head that extends a neck to become a guitar to strum, and the body magically appears when you strum it. Good with all guitar-like instruments. Big fan of Wild Azure.

Toshiko/Fury/Cure Rock- Black and silver punk rocker cure. Drum attacks. Item: Tambourine bracelet (Bracelet turns to tambourine and/or drum to drumkit, and sometimes other percussion). Pen and pencil drumsticks. Can play pretty much anything percussion, or that needs rhythm.

Tsuyomi/Forte/Cure Classic(al)- Burgundy, velvet cure. Smart jacket, like an orchestra performer. Item: Fan to piano attacks (The fan has a piano key pattern on and separates to make the keyboard, with the side slats becoming the stand). Often takes the more classical instruments. Violin, piano, trumpet in a pinch.

Shiori/Fandango/Cure Pop- pink+blonde cure. Sporty dancer vibes. Headphones mic dj deck and vocal attacks. Item: Compact halves that turn into headphones or microphone. Clashes a bit with Tune over who has lead vocals. Eventually learns to harmonise, and earns Tunes’ approval to sing lead. Best dancer of the squad. Tends to take lead vocals, or mixing. Sometimes keyboard. Also flute, to everyone's surprise.

Timbre: Fairy from the song kingdom hiding out on Earth. Blue fairy with a quaver quiff. Uses her limited amounts of power to help the big band cures, and needs to rest a lot in between. Turns into a keyless music box when asleep. (also has a very delicate but in tune snore). The cures later learn they have to sing the right note to unlock the music box and wake her up again. Turns out that she was the fairy companion of Ballad before he went bad, and she is trying to stop him destroying everything.

Discord- BBEG, chaotic power capable of disrupting people's heart songs.

Aoi/Cure Gelato as stuck/ mentor (Adult)

Banshee, Howler and Screech (Ellen/Siren, Hummy and Noise respectively.) (As corrupted bbeg monsters)

Ballad/Discord- BBEG. Jealous Prince of the song kingdom (Jealous of Major Land and its music). Created the dissonance and seeks discord.

Feedback, Static, Flat, Sharp, and Mute- generals created from the other five corrupted Fairy tones (Others at: one caught with Melody and Rhythm each, and the single uncorrupted one with Muse)

The Duet of Despair- corrupted Melody and Rhythm (potential)

(Later on Discord causes a time travel break which allows Aoi to go back and find out what happened, only to learn that the corruption of the fairy tones was corrupting the treble clefs, and Gelato is forced to become the one that seals the team away to be saved in the future.)

Eps and ep ideas so far:

Ep1: Aoi's arrival, Discord, and a new tune.

Aoi Tategami, renowned rockstar and lead singer of Wild Azure, comes to Kanon town for a concert. Secretly there to check in on some missing friends and co-precures, she runs into a new enemy, Discord, bent on sowing discord, and stealing the world's music. With her lion power-up missing and unable to find her friends, Cure Gelato is caught in a one-on-one showdown where she is quickly overpowered and detransformed, in dire peril until she's saved by the appearance of a new cure, Cure Tune. But the cure disappears before she can find out who she is.

Ep2: Heart thief. Setsuko and the lion.

The newly minted Cure Tune comes to terms with her powers, and the fairy form of the crystal lion. She struggles with ethics of having 'borrowed' the lion, but after another fairy, Timbre from the song kingdom, appears and thanks her for her help, she knows she can't give it back while precure are needed. Timbre explains that Discord has conquered the Song kingdom, isolated Major Land, and has turned its eyes on Earth to destroy the music there. And they need to stop it. Timbre wants Setsuko's help in creating more cures so that they can. Timbre tries to turn a bracelet into a transformation device for the next cure, but it doesn't have enough power yet, and it falls apart, with Timbre falling into an exhausted slumber after using up her powers. Setsuko's a little put out because the bracelet was a gift for the fairy. But nevermind. She recycles the pieces she can, including a small drum charm. It's more difficult than expected explaining the situation to her friends: the rule-abiding Tsuyomi, and the hard-headed Toshiko, And matters become complicated when Aoi Tategami-san joins their school as a music teacher, planning on organising the class into bands. (Setsuko and co introduction) Setsuko saves the class from discord. The lion crystal indicates it wants to stay with Cure Tune.

Ep3: She's eccentric, isn't she?

The classes with Aoi are weird. She talks about cooking more than about playing, but is still insistent on the class forming bands. Setsuko struggles to convince her friends to join her in a band, and eventually is forced to transform in front of them to save them from one of the discordant creatures. It looks like Tune is about to be overpowered, when Tsuyomi and Toshiko get on their instruments and help her.

Something wakes in Toshiko's drums, and her drumsticks become different. She can't do anything more with them, but there's a hint she might become Precure.

Ep4: Dis-concerted

The trio catch up on what they know, and while she doesn't say it, Tsuyomi is disappointed she didn't get a transformation item. Meanwhile Toshiko's item isn't working to let her transform. Setsuko says maybe it takes time to power up- she had her guitar for a few days before she could use it. They look for another fairy, or lion crystal to help.

Tsuyomi misses out on tickets to the Wild Azure concert, despite being a big fan. Her and Toshiko clash. During the big fight, Tsuyomi is thrown into Toshiko's drum set, breaking one of the drums and silencing her music. Toshiko doesn't care, revealed to be more worried about Tsuyomi despite Tsuyomi's worries. Toshiko drum improvisation support allows Tune to beat the bad guy and protect her friends. After, Tsuyomi makes Toshiko a bracelet by way of apology, with lots of jangly bits she can play with. Toshiko loves it, and offers Tsuyomi her spare ticket to see the concert. Tsuyomi thought she'd already promised it to Setsuko. Turns out Setsuko baked Aoi a cake to try and sweet-talk her into getting into the concert, and tutoring their band. Which worked.

Ep5: Blue Azure concert.

Enemy attack. Aoi solo. Cure Tune joins her. Is nearly defeated. Aoi captured when she tries to sing still. Tune tries to sing. Toshiko tries to play the drums, but the drum set is smashed. As is the piano Tsuyomi is playing at. She is down. Toshiko declares something about the dissonance being unable to stop the beating of her heart, and drums up a storm of magic, becoming cure rock, and giving everyone the ability to get up again. They play, and the roar of the crowd knock the enemy away. They disappear before anyone realises who they are.

Timbre has regained enough energy to wake. She welcomes Cure Rock, and takes the fan Tsuyomi has, and puts magical energy into it, encouraging them to keep playing.

Ep6: Tsuyomi has a piano recital, but seems to have slipped out of her groove, especially because her teacher is being a bit hard on her. She is one of the few students still getting lessons from Hibiki's dad, but he's a bit distracted too. New enemy appears, and prevents Tune from singing. Rock is also stuck. Piano cuts through the noise, distracting the enemy long enough for the others to defeat it. When the enemy attacks her, the fan is able to knock it away, even though she doesn't transform. They defeat it.

"You know you were probably able to transform right?"

"Next time. I don't think these creatures are done with us yet."

Ep7: Recital

Tsuyomi's recital goes well as she changes tune and has fun with it, but ends up scoring badly. She gets a crowd favorite award, and says she values that more. She is in with the band 100% now, and the team go all in on their practice until Aoi tells them they're missing something. They try to find it, going all out in the next battle, all transforming together, and getting a new group attack. They're pumped up, and go back to Aoi to try and impress her but she just reiterates that they're missing something.

Ep: Aoi tells the band they need to pick a fourth member to qualify for the battle of the bands. They struggle to find someone, and even ask Aoi to join them. She turns them down, even though they work so well as a team. Setsuko heart and voice conflict. Doesn't know which way to go.

Aoi brings Shiori in to join the team. Ep: Setsuko hates Shiori, and the two immediately clash. (Shiori was kicked out of her other band by a coup because she was too single-minded). Shiori is seen as the popular kid, and a bit obnoxious. Setsuko learns how Shiori is just genuinely passionate about music, and Shiori coming to see how Setsuko is the same, but from a different angle. Setsuko also senses that Shiori has a transformation item, and that it hasn't activated yet.

Ep: She has to decide whether to give her the nudge to become Precure too. She doesn't, and Tsuyomi and Toshiko get hurt in a fight.

Ep: Setsuko decides to tell Shiori about the precure stuff. Even if it sounds crazy. Shiori is thrown. Wants to bail, but then Setsuko ends up in trouble, and Shiori saves her as Cure Pop.

Ep: They decide they could stand to listen to Aoi more and train hard for their first performance together, only for it to be crashed by Discord.

Ep: Aoi steals her lion back. Setsuko can't transform, until Shiori gives her the heart from her hairclip that turns out to be her lucky pick. Tune arrives, and the team get an upgraded joint attack. They discover Aoi is a precure.

Ep: Toshiko seems very black and white aggressive rock sorta person, but she shows a softer side by singing a ballad in a talent competition. Sings about how everyone expects her to be a certain way, and she's more than that.

Ep: One of the enemy creatures finds and attacks Toshiko whilst she's showering at home. She manages to fight it off, but the cacophony makes her parents suspicious, and she has to cover by claiming she came up with a new song for the band, and bluffs that they're looking at moving into heavy metal. Annnd her parents can't wait to hear them perform it. She has to rope the rest of the squad into making an out of character song, but they struggle to connect with it. They do their best, get to the performance, and end up flunking until one of the creatures attacks again. They have to fight the creature, and defeat it, but the audience seem to enjoy it, assuming it's just the song and the effects from all that. Toshiko reveals her parents are big metal fans. But she does say to them that she thinks they aren't going to go down that route. They're just happy they tried it out.

Ep: Tsuyomi has to teach a younger kid the piano, but he isn't interested, preferring to play computer games. She ends up playing the computer games, and trying to use them to interest the kid, even cutting the music out to show him what it would be like without. She then enlists Shiori's help to introduce him to music mixing, and that sort of thing, where they can rig up game controllers to make music. Piano is just a slightly more direct controller. Just when he's starting to get interested in playing, discord disrupts it my making the notes he plays off. They have to fight it, and give the kid the encouragement to keep trying.

[letstalktea]

Pet Zombie

Content: afab!Grima!Robin (they/them) x Risen King!Chrom, dubcon, emotionless sex, ntr(?), angst

Word Count: 2k

There was beauty in the way crimson flames licked the endlessly smoke dyed sky. The perfume of blood and the melody of the enemies’ lamentations as their cities were razed to the ground was an art form few could appreciate in full. Not like Robin could. Not like Grima could. Though, to be fair, there was hardly a distinction between the two since the day Robin came into their birthright as a vessel. The poor thing’s spirit had broken so thoroughly that what few pieces remained were being strangled by Grima’s own will. And that was, after all, for the best. Robin was born to be Grima’s flesh, not their morality or their conscience.

But, still, the flesh remembered and those tiny shards of Robin that remained longed. And, if Robin – if Grima – wanted something, then it would be theirs. Even if only so they could use it to completely destroy what remained of their other halves' rebellious nature.

The hot air around them, that of smoldering homes, smelled of ash and charred flesh, the taste of it lingering on their tongue as they breathed it in. They overlooked their work with an artist’s eye, standing above it all with rapture. Then, a sigh of contentment at the world they had wrought; a world that was theirs to undo.

“I wish you were here, Forneus,” they said to a long departed ghost. “If only so I could see your terrified face once more.”

It was a shame he had to die for his betrayal, but it was only far too human to be unable to see the beauty in the end. That’s why Grima didn’t need any humans as the world came crashing down; only their loyal Risen who understood the perfect nothingness the world was heading toward.

And in their chest they felt a stirring; a slight pang as they saw the devastation and weeped.

The poor thing was fighting again, despite how fractured it already was.

Grima took little joy in destroying what was, in essence, a speck of themselves, but they would much rather cleave away an infected limb before the rot spread throughout their body than risk letting it atrophy and decay into a stump. And the sharpest knife with which to cut was that which Robin longed for.

They stared forward into the jumping fires that consumed buildings and bodies alike and raised their voice. "Attend to me."

It was a concise order directed toward only one of their many death-embraced soldiers.

From the flames, the shadow of a figure began to come into view. His broad sword was laced with fresh blood the same color as his eyes, his silver armor clinking with every step, and his royal blue hair glowing against the backdrop of the ruination he'd directed in their name. He was their once enemy turned knight; Robin's compatriot made pet; a king turned butcher.

He was Chrom and he kneeled before Grima with reverence. 

They held their hand out to him as a master did to their lesser. "Serve."

He took their gloved hand and rolled it down their wrist without a word. There was no emotion, not even disgust, as they allowed his hands, cold and grey, to peel away their clothing was part of the plan. Every action was a calculated display to bring the disparate part of themselves back into line, not something done out of desire or malice. It was an act of service in their name.

First the robes, then the belts that held their padded armor in place, ending with the padding itself. Each article of clothing fell onto the barren ground one after another, until the only thing adorning them was the faint glow of the still burning embers of the town he'd ruined at their command.

And now, as his pale lips ghosted over their hot skin, he served them in a different way. They allowed him to kiss their stomach, to trail his way upward until he was at their breasts and running his tongue over them in a way that demonstrated he was moving only on muscle memory.

They allowed him this small bit of his former humanity, this miniscule knowledge of pleasure and how to give it, if only so they did not have to lead him through every action when they did not care for it outside of its function to keep their other half in line. If not for his use as a tool towards that end, they would have left him dead and rotting at The Dragon's Table. As far as tools went, however, this one had proven its value time and time again. Both as a leash to keep Robin suppressed and a blade to cut down the very humans he'd once attempted to protect from their own impulses.

As Chrom let fragments of memories turned instinct guide him, he wordlessly nipped and sucked at their breasts. They had the feeling that he would have said something if he had still been human enough to have such things to say. Perhaps something sweet that would make their – Robin’s – heart flutter. Although, judging by the small spark of devotion in his eyes that seemed to gaze straight past Grima themselves, it was fair to say that there was enough of a memory left in that empty skull of his to have desires of his own. Desires that bordered on heretical given that Robin and Grima were one and the same, and it was a crime to lust after one’s master with the eyes he did.

His lips were chilly as he crawled up their skin, especially when compared to the heat of the flames nearby. He reached the junction of their shoulder, trailed over their neck, and, as he rose once more, Grima stopped him before he could dare to kiss them. They placed their hand against his face, pushing him away with a grimace on their face.

“Do not overestimate your position.” It appeared the memories he was allowed to act upon went deep. Good. Memories that ran deep would also cut just as deeply. “Ready yourself and lie down.”

Like gravity, he was pulled back to the ground. This time though, he was not disrobing them but himself. Slowly but surely, he pulled off each metal metal plate, or at least the ones that needed to be. He discarded them haphazardly in the same place he had theirs and did as they commanded. He lied down. He rested his naked body against the ground and stared upward at his master. Grima would almost be disgusted that he was already hard, but that was the purpose of allowing him such human follies. It kept them from having to invest more than necessary in ensuring their tool was sharp.

They stood over him, perfect and powerful and domineering. Then, they engulfed him. With the body that they had stolen, they sat atop him with their knees on either side of his hips and their head held high. It was domination made flesh. A pose that Grima could see in their – Robin's– memories in which a stranger turned friend turned confidante lovingly put the beloved exalt of Ylisse in his place. Beneath them where he belonged. At least Grima could agree with their vessel on that front.

That memory was as stolen as their body; a voyeuristic view of what humans considered to be a happy moment. A glimpse into the life of another that would only ever serve to remind Grima of how foolish humans truly were. As much as Grima was, in some sense of the word, grateful to their other half for being born to host them, they would always be disgusted by their humanity. The same humanity they could feel Robin fighting for at the corner of their shared mind.

Robin clawed, tore, and screamed for Grima to leave this memory alone, to not spit on the shards of the humanity they were so desperately clinging to. They wailed and sobbed weakly to not have it be perverted by the destruction that Grima had carried out with their hands and the ghost of someone so precious to them. 

But Grima did not have sympathy for an infected limb.

Which is why they allowed Robin the tiniest amount of control. It was better to give Robin the rope with which to hang themselves rather than wasting their own limitless power to do the same. It would barely be a fraction of their consciousness , but it would be enough to ensure Robin truly got a taste of what they wanted.

They bent at the waist, leaning over the used-to-be man beneath them. Their white hair fell around his face, a mockery of a curtain between them and the world as they – as Robin and Robin alone – were allowed to view what remained of their partner. He was there in body, but the heartbeat had stilled and the spirit had been subsumed by the will all Risen share; the one given by Grima to see all life snuffed out just as his had been.

Robin, weak and tired inside their own body, wept. The small part of them that hadn't yet been broken and shattered wept softly, tears falling down onto Chrom's face below, even as they smiled at seeing their partner again. It was a complicated smile, joyous to once again see their partner and melancholic to know neither of them was the person they wanted to be.

Their fingers moved slowly, fighting for any amount of control they could against Grima's overpowering will, as they laid their fingers against his cheek. 

"Hi." It was all Robin's shattered consciousness could say.

Chrom had no reaction beneath them. He was, after all, ordered to serve. To not be anything more than the tool Grima made of him.

And it was that exact distance that further fractured what little of Robin's own psyche was still left struggling beneath Grima's oppressive will. The constant, agonizing realization that, no matter what they tried, no matter how often they broke free for a brief moment, no matter how much they reenacted the motions their body remembered, it would never be exactly what they longed for. The world they had built up, the life they had seized after they managed to flee once before, the people who mattered most to them and who they promised eternity to, none of it would return to them. No matter how much they longed for a different reality, this was the one they were confronted with.

And that confrontation would destroy them bit by bit until what little of them was left either vanished completely or decided this world was too cruel to let survive. Either way, Grima would win.

For now, however, it left them tired. Robin shirked back into the recesses of the mind that was once solely theirs, unable to continue watching the consequences of what it meant for them to have been born Grima's perfect vessel and lover of their enemy. 

The distinction between the two was growing weaker and weaker by the day, however. So, as a way for Grima to celebrate the cruel surgery to control the rotting limb they called Robin, they took what it was they – or, potentially a part of Robin that was finally beginning to see events their way– wanted. It was growing difficult to tell whose desires truly guided each action anymore.

They rolled their hips against his emotionlessly, allowing their body to indulge in pleasures that their mind couldn’t care less about. After all, Robin's– perhaps Grima's or both's– longing still needed to be quenched. The only difference was that Robin longed for a man long dead and gone while Grima longed for the obedient pet he had become.

[dreamse]

character  chronicles  .   

persephone quinteiro and daelorian belafonte. 

born into one of the most prestigious families in new york, it wasn’t a big surprise that media attention would come easy for persephone. rearing highs as she fancied herself to be jay gatsby, or never-ending lows as she locks herself into her room for two months straight, always a collection of empty notebooks at hand that will be filled by the end of that period. her old money family might be known by its name, but the magazines drew a blank when it came to her personality. haunting songs are released and performed, and while interviews are easily avoided, her mother would knock on her door to ask if the dosage of her meds would need to be upped. the same mother who could scream and lash out one morning, while not remembering it the next and bringing her breakfast in bed. taking her down and lifting her up, while her father stopped feeling the need to protect her from it. once doting on his daughter at every chance, he now took after your uncle, your mother’s brother, in his stoic nature. fame is a way to be loved, persephone believes. so rather than avoiding the camera’s in ways her family had done all this time, or trying to blend in with the normal class folks as if her surname held no power at all like her cousin winnie, she looked them up. after all, there was no better high than hearing people chant your name. 

persephone and daelorian have been thick as thieves from the moment someone had tried to bully them for their particularly out-there names. the yin to her yang. the sun to her moon. the peanut butter to her jelly. they have memorabilia from kindergarten, where instead of a family portrait, they would draw a picture of the two of them, to countless of bff necklaces the younger years, walls full of polaroid pictures as they entered their teen era and wanted to change up their room  ––  their, as they shared their entire boarding school experience, to having each other’s back to this very day. it was daelorian who would make sure that persephone would eat on the days she’d forget it herself. daelorian who would help her shower, help her piece her scattered lyrics into songs, who would distract persephone’s racing mind by luring her towards the piano and playing a melody. she wasn’t on persephone’s level by any means, but they were two halves of a whole. persephone would always join her on that bench, even to simply lay her head against the other’s shoulder. at least she would get out of bed. despite having a band of her own, each acoustic song persephone performed, was done with daelorian. it was their moment, sacred even when it terrified daelorian. it was persephone’s way of doing something in return, to pull daelorian out of her comfort zone. she deserved to be seen. a shared sentiment between the two of them, continuously rotating between who would be saying it to who. it’s the safest space they’ve ever known. 

as the third child to a marriage that was beyond repair, negligence came with the territory. daelorian couldn’t fix her parents, not in the way her grandparents were convinced thought she would. with thirteen aunts and uncle’s, it certainly worked for them, but her own parents needed their own houses rather than to be forced into the same room. she couldn’t remember a day where she wasn’t cuddling up to her mother in order to gain her attention, and while irritated, it would distract the older woman from her argument with her father. he, however, was harder to distract. stuck in his ways where his will would have to be law, he had the habit of pushing his youngest daughter away. a fifty dollar bill would be handed over afterwards, as if it would fix the problem, and before daelorian knew it, they would be joining her grandparents at yet another fancy event. they’d look like a united front, her older brother and sister putting their differences aside to please the grandparents as if the entire family only lives to serve them. daelorian was no one to go against it, not when her grandparents were among the founding members of one of the nation’s most elite boarding schools. she was kept soft, throughout it all. persephone made sure of it, to protect daelorian in ways she wasn’t protected herself, and daelorian let her. while there is a bite to her for the sole reason of wanting to be able to protect herself, her name, and the people around her, the softness of her heart was always present. sometimes lingering in the corners, waiting to be center stage, and sometimes from the moment someone would lay eyes on her, if they were deserving of it. for better or for worse, she didn’t want to be the child who made it explode, so she became eager for praise instead. not from the public, as it gave her the impression they would have expectations of her, too. nobody but her loved ones. 

[minkieater]

one dream, one city, two boys, endless possibilities ✮

TWO ➺ the boyfriend masterlist | next as a junior at NYU, you just landed your dream internship. you didn't think a shot at your career would come with secrets, mistakes, and drama... at what age do you really start to grow up?

if you've read luck or carousel... this one's for you.

w. smut mdni 18+ ! alcohol consumption wc. 9.7k

it’s been two weeks. 

two weeks of constant pondering, paranoia, tension, anxiety… name it, you’re feeling it. all your personal projects have taken a hiatus, you can barely get into a creative mindset to work on your assignments. you’ve sat brainlessly in class, biting on the cap of your pens, fidgeting with anything you had around you. you’ve laid in bed, tried to watch tv, tried to get your mind off of mingi. you’ve barely slept, tossing and turning almost every night whether jeongin was next to you or not. 

not once has the feeling of guilt shown itself, not once has regret been in anxiety’s passenger seat in a drive by. you can only think of him, the strength he used to lift you onto his lap, the regretful look on his face while he apologized, the coolness of his rings on your cheeks. you wanted to do it again.

you’d never done something like this in your life, it felt like two halves of you were ripped apart with no one to sew them back together. with your friendships you’ve always been painfully loyal, willing to put someone in the ground for them if need be. with your romantic relationships you’d been the same, you couldn’t place why you’d do something like this now, this far into your relationship. it was unfair to jeongin, unfair to your friends who still look at you with love and innocence, unfair to yourself who has the love of their life in their hands yet pining after another. 

it was an accident, but if you could go back in time, you wouldn’t change a thing. 

your friends haven’t noticed any difference in your behavior, even riley, who was too wrapped up in a dilemma of her own to notice what you’re going through. you couldn’t talk about it with her anyhow, you couldn’t talk about it with anyone. today is the first day you’ve started to feel like you’re okay, maybe it’ll work out, maybe you got away with it. 

you see yourself differently: sneaky, deceiver, cheater. if that’s what you had become… 

you laid on the couch in the studio, the same studio you’re always in, trying to rip your thoughts from your head and cook up something creative. your legs were bent up with your head on the pillow, one arm laid over your forehead and the other tapping against your stomach, hearing the beat in your head. 

you sighed and stood, moving over towards the desk, figuring you might as well pour everything you’re feeling into a song. or at least try to, if your brain will allow you to create a melody. 

you put your headphones and start fucking around before something clicks. an hour goes by without you even noticing… then it’s two… then three�� and you’ve created a song the fastest you ever have in your life. 

an r&b song, a haunting piece with an ambient, moody vibe, a subtle bass line and very minimalistic beats compared to your other work. for the first time, you listen to your own music and can imagine the vocals over the melody. you pull out the notes app in your phone, already flooded with different entries of lyrics you’ve never been able to place. you create a blank page and get to writing, letting your fingers pour all of your thoughts out.

words about confidence and manipulation occupy the screen, a storyline of going back to an ex because they can offer more than the singer’s current partner. there’s an ambiguity to the lyrics, an uncertainty you’re left with at the end, wondering if going back would be a better idea than staying in the current relationship. 

it’s not exact to your situation but it’s close enough, the story you created is less incriminating than what your situation really is. you smile at your screen, wondering how you’re going to get this recorded without another person helping you. 

an idea pops into your brain, one you shut down as fast as it popped up. he hasn’t shown back up in the studio since that night, and you want it to stay that way. mainly because you don’t know how you’ll face him again without jumping his bones. 

you feel lighter after getting your words out, like you got your feelings off your chest without having to say them to anyone. 

a knock is heard at the door, and instead of the heat that usually fills you with the knowing of who it could be, your body freezes. a chill slithers up your spine and you squeeze your eyes in hope that it’s not who’s usually behind that door. 

“hey, baby,” you hear your boyfriend’s voice and whip around in surprise, plastering a smile on your face. he leans down and kisses you. 

“what are you doing here?” you ask, eyebrows furrowed. it’s rare that he comes to the studio, he’s usually working on assignments or his own projects. you’re notorious for coming to the same studio room every time, no one else usually comes to this one due to the equipment being a little older. it works for you and it’s always empty, it might as well be yours. 

“i was walking through wash on my way back from class, i assumed you’d be here. missed you,” he smiles, giving your head a small scratch and then brings his attention to the monitor, “watcha working on?”

“just a melody i’ve been playing with for the past few hours,” you remain nonchalant, shrugging your shoulders. 

“can i hear it?” he asks sweetly, bending at his knees so only his eyes peer over the desk.

“there’s a chair right over there, innie,” you pat his head. thank god you didn’t record any vocals yet. 

he lets out an oh! and pulls it over, the smile that permanently sat on his face is bright, eager to listen to your work. you press play, patiently waiting for his reaction. 

jeongin will listen to your music from time to time, usually only when you ask him for his opinion, not that he’s knowledgeable enough to give any real feedback. supportive he is, though, so when you need to hear ‘it’s so good!’ or ‘i love it!’ you know who to ask. 

as the song ends, he sits with an eyebrow raised, “this is a different vibe than usual, yeah?” 

you nod, “i’m in a mood, this is what came out of it.”

“i like it, sounds like music to fuck to. what mood are you in?” his smile turns mischievous, eyebrows wiggling, and your skin crawls. 

you play it off with a laugh, “not that mood.” you guess it could be a sexy song, but the emotions behind it aren’t remotely close to having sex with your boyfriend. a sour feeling sits in your stomach. 

“are you gonna stay for a while or can i steal you? it’s monday and i have class all day tomorrow, i want to get my ki time in before it gets too late,” he leans his head back against the chair, staring down at you. 

“your place or mine?” you needed out of this building. you take your hard drive out of the system as he stares at you in surprise, he was not expecting that to actually work. 

“mine?” disbelief is clear in his voice, and you want to laugh. if he only knew why you’d agreed so quickly, why you needed quality time with him. after spending hours driving yourself insane, creating art dedicated to a man you shouldn’t pay any attention to, you needed to replace the thoughts with jeongin. you just wish you felt a little remorse about it. 

you pack up your backpack and sling it over your shoulders, ripping the door open with jeongin following closely behind. he links your fingers together, picking up his speed to walk alongside you. you make it halfway down the hall before you hear two pairs of footsteps get closer from around the corner, down one of the side hallways. 

it feels like slow motion as you walk past the opening in the hallway, yours and jeongin’s heads turning to look at the same time, just for the pair of people to nearly intercept you at the turning point. they come to a halt to let you pass, and jeongin’s hand tugs at yours to bring you to a stop. 

almost a full fourteen days without seeing his beautiful face and perfect body. tall and lean but muscular, a true sleeper build, with perfectly messy hair and a face chiseled by aphrodite herself. as your eyes drift and you take notice of the tiny blonde number by his side, you immediately feel sick to your stomach. you would involuntarily throw up from both anxiety and this random girl standing so close to him if you had ingested anything today. 

you do your best to keep your cool. your voice does not waver as you say hello to him with a smile, jeongin doing the same. the men make small talk and your ears ring so loudly you couldn’t make out a single word of what they were saying. the blonde is smiling at you and you can’t bring yourself to smile back at her, fighting to keep all of your emotions below the surface. 

it doesn’t make sense as to why this would remotely bother you. for starters, you have a boyfriend, but even if you didn’t, you two have only kissed once. flashbacks of your extensive conversation fill your mind, suddenly regretting your vulnerability. talking about your childhood, life back home versus in the city, why you got into music, your dreams for the future. why would you share such special thoughts with someone whom you have no space for in your life? somehow it made it worse that he shared those same things with you, if not more. 

looking at the small, blonde and blue eyed, model-esque girl beside him, you wish you felt bad. you wish you could smile at her, get her name, maybe even make a new friend. she doesn’t deserve the cold glint in your eyes, you have no right to be wearing that look in the first place. all you could feel was the harsh pang of jealousy that was beginning to consume you, beckoning to show itself. 

as you say goodbye his eyes meet yours, and for a split second you swear you can see the same depth of jealousy you wore beneath them. another thing the two of you have in common, you suppose. you faked the same smile as before and gave a small wave, turning on your heel to walk away. you didn’t know when yours and jeongin’s hands unlinked but you searched for it again, sliding your fingers between his. 

“you okay?” he sweetly asks from beside you, and you pull your lips together in yet another fake smile. you nod quickly, squeezing his hand a bit tighter. 

the fifteen minute walk back to his apartment was quick, you just listened as he rambled about his day, telling you all about his classes. you usually take everything in, ask him questions, learn more about his studies. you can relate a little bit sometimes, he was getting his masters in musical theatre writing. it didn’t overlap too much but you could learn anything from anywhere, so you typically listened actively. today, you were short circuiting, like you’ve been for the past two weeks. 

when you finally got inside, the couches were filled with his three roommates and an extra few lounging as well. riley was seated next to chan with felix on the end of one couch, on the other was seungmin, han and minho. changbin was cozied up on the recliner, hyunjin sitting on the floor between his legs. you mentally prepared yourself for the hours to come, especially with riley there. 

never in your over two years of friendship have you ever deliberately kept something from her, not that you ever possibly could until now. she’s been so wrapped up in whatever she has going on you weren’t up to date on her situation, you haven’t had the mental capacity to listen to her troubles let alone help her try to solve them. by the looks of it she seemed just fine cozied up next to chan, and that was enough for now. 

“everyone’s favorite married couple! they’re home,” felix sings out into the spacious room, falsetto bouncing off the walls. you put on your best smile, waving to everyone. 

“i can’t believe you’re here before 9 pm ki, i was starting to get nervous that our innie was your dirty little secret,” seungmin called from the couch, one side of his lips lifting into a smirk. 

“i’d say 6 is too early for a situationship, dontcha think? don’t those usually happen later at night?” you ask, setting your backpack down on the kitchen table and your eyes shoot to riley, hoping chan doesn’t catch it. a small smile forms on her face in response and the smile alone puts you at ease.

“wouldn’t you love to know?” he asks rhetorically and you roll your eyes, you’d be panicking that he knew something if this wasn’t seungmin’s usual attitude. feisty, snarky, cocky, rich boy rude, every term in a thesaurus under ‘irritating’ would fit just fine. 

“i’d say around one in the morning if you were looking to come over later, keeks,” hyunjin peeks his head around changbin’s knee, sending you a shit eating grin. this makes your smile genuine, and you can’t help but giggle. 

“make sure you leave the door unlocked for me,” you wink at him as you make your way over to the living room. 

“hey now,” jeongin calls as he follows behind you, “if ki’s going, i’m going, too.” 

“the more the merrier, baby,” hyunjin shoots your boyfriend a classic smile, licking his lower lip. jeongin scowls, even though he should’ve expected that response from your friend with the most active sex life, despite being single. 

“what are you guys up to?” you ask, looking around the room. you catch riley’s eye again, her head leaned back on chan’s shoulder. you both share a warm smile and you can feel the excitement shedding off of her, but something feels off about it. you make a mental note to make time for her. 

“we were watching hairspray,” han answers, holding up the remote with a smile. 

han, your favorite one out of the group other than hyunjin, the only one you’ve actually shared a couple classes with. he’s getting his bachelors in songwriting, maybe staying for a masters in music theory and composition, you weren’t sure. you don’t even think he was sure. 

“5 pm on a monday and you’re watching hairspray? none of you bitches have class?” you lift an eyebrow, scanning the room. everyone but changbin shakes their head no, amusement clear on every single face in the room. 

changbin doesn’t attend school in the first place, him and hyunjin live a couple streets down in their shared apartment. the pair work at an upscale hotel bar around the corner from their place, both have been working their asses off since they graduated high school. changbin dj’s as well at various different bars and clubs, a fun hobby turned side hustle. hyunjin is still in school, a senior with an art degree, his lifelong hobby became his career. at least once he graduates it will be. 

“well press play, they’re about to do new girl in town!” you sit on the floor in front of seungmin and han, jeongin taking the space right beside you. you stretch your legs over his lap and he immediately starts running his fingers over the tattoos on your shins, knowing them by heart. 

the rest of the movie was spent singing along, han or changbin cracking jokes, or riley, felix and chan either praising or picking apart some part of the performance. with the three drama majors in the room, all of you as a group could never watch a movie in silence or in peace, especially a musical. it didn’t matter to you though, you loved it, you welcomed it. you loved this group of people, so many different personalities that worked scarily well together, blended into one big group. as much as you wanted to bask in this feeling of appreciating them, that tiny voice in the back of your head reminded you that you’d lose everything if they found out what you did. 

“wanna watch another one? we could watch grease,” felix offers with his eyebrows raised, eyes shining with excitement. you involuntarily yawned, leaning your head back onto han’s leg. 

“we have work soon, we should head out,” changbin says from the recliner, using his hands to brace himself as he gets up, careful not to bump hyunjin with his knees. 

“boo,” minho calls from behind you, and like a domino effect, everyone joins in with disapproval.

they both smile, hyunjin swiftly standing up from the floor, “i’m sorry! money calls and i answer.” 

this only makes the rest of you jeer louder, now even putting some thumbs down in the air. they give you guys waves and goodbyes as they leave, leaving the recliner seat open. you and jeongin quickly look to one another before smiling, knowing you both thought the same thing at the same time. he hops up to sit on the cozy chair, spreading his legs so you could sit comfortably on his lap. you pulled the blanket hyunjin had on the floor over the two of you, bringing your feet up to lay across jeongin’s legs as he reclined the chair back. 

“ki, did you apply for an internship? jeongin was telling us something like that,” chan asks, and you notice that riley’s legs that were once in front of her are now swung over chan’s thigh. 

“yeah! i decided to apply a little earlier than usual, but last week i met with the internship supervisor and applied to atlantic, republic, epic, and RCA,” you counted on your fingers, making sure you didn’t forget any. 

“oh shit, you applied to atlantic? that’s huge, dude,” han smiles wide, “i hope you get it!”

“they’re the number one record label in the city, aren’t they?” seungmin asks, an eyebrow raised. 

“yeah, they have insane artists signed. cardi b, lizzo, don toliver, charlie puth, bruno mars, i could go on for awhile,” you sigh, “i’m shooting for republic, but the chances of getting into republic are even more slim than atlantic. don’t get your hopes up.” 

“don’t be pessimistic you ass, you could very easily get accepted. don’t those two douchebags from the party a couple weeks ago intern at republic? if they got in you totally can,” minho declares while readjusting himself on the couch cushion, letting his hand rest on han’s thigh.

minho is one of the quietest ones in the group, yet when he has something to say, he says it with his chest. he is opinionated and funny about it, but one of the kindest and gentlest people you’ve met at NYU. 

the diss on mingi makes the urge to defend him sit at the tip of your tongue, instead you lay your hands out on the blanket and let out a small chuckle, “republic has the weeknd, ariana grande, daniel caesar, post malone, lil wayne, greta van fleet… you can see the appeal and why it’s so prestigious.” 

“you’re so talented i don’t see how you wouldn’t get it,” jeongin says from under you and you giggle, kissing the side of his head. 

“thank you, but it’s a fight, y’know? hundreds, probably thousands of people are trying to get employed there, let alone intern,” you shrug. 

“yeah, but we go to NYU,” riley adds, and the entire room agrees, shrugging and nodding in a ‘she has a point’ kind of way. you nod with a small smile, choosing not to explain further, they just didn’t get it. 

you guys did end up watching grease, singing your hearts out and reflecting on how musicals and films in general have changed from the 80s until now. when you put a bunch of creative students in a room, especially when their studies mostly revolve around music, dance and theatre, this topic of conversation is common. it’s comforting, being in a room full of people who understand your mind for the most part, even if the only person in the room with your major is yourself. 

way past the time you had all eaten dinner and watched a few episodes of whatever seungmin had on the tv, you and jeongin had decided to wash up and go to sleep. he did have classes all day tomorrow when you only had 1, you didn’t want to keep him up any later than he needed to be. you didn’t know if you’d even be able to sleep.

riley headed home hours ago, han and minho went back to their shared apartment right before dinner. without everyone here, the place felt entirely too big, quiet, and empty. seungmin and felix were both quiet around when they moved about the apartment, which always made you nervous when you first started to stay the night here, especially when jeongin told you chan has insomnia. the place is huge, making sounds echo through the whole apartment, but that’s something you care less and less about as time goes on. two years later and they feel just as much as your roommates as they are jeongin’s.

your shared shower was quick and innocent for the most part, as they usually are, washing each other’s hair and shared kisses and small, intimate touches all over. you pulled one of jeongin’s tees over your body, the size of it swallowing you, and continued to squeeze the water out of your hair with a towel. jeongin sat on the bed facing you, shirtless, with a pair of baggy pajama pants covering his lower half. 

“you know i love you, right?” he asks, looking up at you, wet hair laying flat from the weight of the water, framing his face. he scrunched out most of the moisture, his copper locks curling up more as it starts to dry. 

you paused your movements, looking at him, seeing his vulnerable truth laid out across his face. “of course i do, baby, and i love you too.” you dropped the towel, moving to stand in front of him, putting your hands in his hair. 

you massaged his scalp and his eyes fluttered shut, leaning his forehead against your stomach, “no, ki, like i really love you. ‘m always thinking about you, dreaming of our life together after we graduate.”

you shuddered, taking in a breath, feeling a tightness in your chest. tears welled up in your eyes and you looked to the ceiling, praying they wouldn’t fall. 

“i don’t wanna freak you out or anything, i won’t say anything else, just want you to know that. can’t imagine my life without you in it.” 

with that, the tears fall, you couldn’t help it at that point. for the first time in two weeks, guilt has shown itself, and it’s choosing to stick to you. you quickly wipe your eyes, looking down to him, and he peeks up at you, resting his chin on your stomach instead. 

“no, baby, why are you crying?” he asks as his arms move to the backs of your thighs, pulling you towards his lap. you crawl onto his lap, straddling him, and lay your head on his shoulder. 

“i love you too jeong, i’m sorry i’m so busy and so tired all the time. you don’t deserve it, i’m so sorry,” you’re apologizing for the wrong thing and you know it, but you can’t bear to say the truth. the tears kept falling and you break into a sob, uncontrollably gushing onto his shoulder. 

“ki, baby, i didn’t mean to make you cry, i’m sorry,” he lifts your head, wiping your tears, “i just wanted to remind you how much i love you, that’s all, please don’t cry.” 

he leans forward and attaches your lips to stifle your cries, hands cupping your cheeks. your sobs halt after a few minutes, you could taste the saltiness of your tears sliding into the kiss as you melt into him, into this familiar feeling he gives you. the feeling of being home, the same feeling the starless sky of new york gives you, that nostalgic comfort that is so different yet so inviting. it’s been so long since you’ve paid attention to this peace within jeongin, since you’ve allowed yourself to let him remind you why you fell in love in the first place.

you couldn’t believe yourself, couldn’t comprehend why you did what you did when you have this perfect, beautiful man under you. the man you want to live in a penthouse with in the middle of the city, the one you want to put a ring around your finger. in that exact moment, you took all of your thoughts and feelings about mingi and locked them in a box, pushing them to the deepest pit in your brain possible and then pushed farther. you’d never look at him, think of him, dream of him, acknowledge his existence again if that meant you could make the man under you happy for the rest of your lives. 

with that thought your kisses turned eager, filled with the motive of desperation, wanting to prove to him that your thoughts rang true. you wanted him to feel your love, feel your rekindled desire for him through your touch. and like always, he understood you immediately, without knowing the real reason why. your tongues danced, exploring each other’s mouths like this was the first time they’d ever been introduced. he pushed his hands into your hair, pulling it slightly, making a gasp slip past your lips. his legs spread ever so slightly, making you sink a bit further into his lap, feeling him pressed up against your unclothed core. 

you ground your hips against his, eliciting a deep groan from the back of his throat right into your mouth. you swallowed it, taking your time moving your hands from his shoulders down to his chest to his abdomen, feeling every bump and curve of muscle like you’d never touched him before today. you pushed him back, down onto the bed and lifted yourself off of his lap, needing to taste him, needing him to feel as important as he made you feel all the time. you dropped to your knees on the floor and he sat up on his elbows to watch you. his usual happy, bright pupils were blown, clouded over with lust. he needed this just as much as you did. 

marked fingers slipped inside the waistband of his pants, mouth watering before he was even exposed. as his pants made it to his ankles you wasted no time, licking a stripe up his shaft and spitting directly onto the tip of him. your hands made quick work, pumping him, and the sounds that left his lips were lethal.

“fuck,” a long and languid groan escaped his lips, only pushing you to elicit more out of him. you wrapped your lips around him, your hands and mouth working as one, using more than enough spit. just how he likes it, and you know he likes it messy. 

he sat up more, his hand finding your hair, fingers burying themselves in your roots with fervor. you could see his core tense up, muscles more chiseled than they were when he sat relaxed, and his head rocked back. you were choking on it now, your gag reflex had clocked in, throat constricting around the length of him. “just like that baby, fuck you look so pretty wrapped around me.” 

you loved it when he treated you like that, used you instead of having a care in the world for your comfort. you wanted it to be all about him, you wanted him to do as he pleased, not to worry about how you felt. you didn’t deserve it. as your nose touched his pelvis, his hips bucked into your throat and he whined. he sounded so beautiful, so angelic yet so dirty. with the last jerk of his hips he’d twitched in your mouth, emptying himself directly down your throat. you popped off of him with a gasp, catching your breath, smiling up at him and licking your lips. 

“c’mere,” he mumbled as he picked you up off the floor, strong arms flipping you onto your back on his navy blue comforter. he cages you beneath him, kissing you even messier than before, his tongue no doubt tasting himself all over yours. his hand made its way between your legs, spreading your slick before slipping two fingers in. your back arched, pushing you up into his chest, strangled moans leaving your lips.

“need you,” you mumbled between kisses, hand finding it’s way between his legs again, making him hiss in overstimulation. 

“not yet, wan’ taste you first,” he mumbled back and you wanted to complain until you were pushed up the bed. before you could process, his tongue was already licking a stripe up your center, any complaint you could’ve came up with was long gone. you immediately twitched, your hips bucking into him, making him smile into your core. he always ate like a man starved and he always finished his meals, two habits that didn’t waiver especially when it came to you. 

his fingers slipped back inside, curling up to hit that one spot that always had you seeing stars. you begged him, chants of right there and don’t stop between other mumbles of things that didn’t make sense. it didn’t take long for you to finish around his fingers. he stayed rhythmic, lips wrapped around your clit in constant suction until you rode out your high, too much pleasure forcing you to arch your back to shift your hips away from him. 

“please, jeongin,” was all you could get out, you needed him inside. you needed the closeness, the connection, the skin on skin contact. he pulled his shirt over your head, mouth immediately attaching to a peaked nipple, making you arch into him again to feel his bare body pressed against yours. a dramatic whine leaves your throat, you were far gone, miles past impatient. 

he pushes you up by the backs of your knees, finally slipping inside, making the two of you moan in unison. 

“fuck, i love you so much,” he groans, pausing at the hilt to let you adjust. the raw emotion bleeding from his skin into yours, the two of you moving perfectly in sync, you’d never had sex like this before. in your two years of being together, it’d never been so powerful, so passionate. you couldn’t help the tears that began to slip out again, they came without a warning and they wouldn’t stop. he kissed them away, cradling your head in his hands as he pushed into you steadily. 

“i love you,” you choked out between thrusts, repeating it like a spell, hands reaching for anything they could grab. his broad shoulders, solid biceps, chiseled jaw, perfect curls… you wanted to feel all of him.

his speed picked up, hands moving to lift up your hips to bully that special spot again, the volume of the both of you growing louder. “god, you’re so perfect, made f’me,” his words are instinctive, staring down at where the two of you joined. there wasn’t a single thought behind his stare, just a primal gleam to his dark, rich, fox like eyes. 

you grabbed his face, making him look at you, craving the intimacy of eye contact as tears poured down your cheeks and that familiar feeling in your stomach tightened, “inside, jeongin, please baby. inside, want it inside.” 

you yelp as the coil snaps, no doubt heard throughout the whole apartment as you finish around him, core pulsing as his thrusts become erratic. “needed this, need you, love you so fucking much,” his words are still detached, mindless as he buries himself inside you, letting out the most pornographic moan, unloading himself inside. you felt warm, full, entirely complete as he catches his breath, leaning the full weight of himself on top of you. 

your hands go to his hair, scratching his scalp with your nails, making him shudder. you can feel him still pulsing inside, eliciting small noises out of you. “wanna stay like this,” you mumble, voice low. his face, buried in your neck, leaves small kisses along the side. 

“can’t,” he’s barely audible between kisses, “that was so good. so perfect.” 

you hum in agreement, feeling your tears pool at the base of your neck, moving your hand to lightly scratch his back, “love you, innie.” 

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

you were sitting in the middle of prince, yunho and wooyoung beside you when you received the email. with a mouth full of beer, you couldn’t believe what was displayed across your screen, beer nearly shooting out from between your lips. you swallowed with a loud cough, dropping your phone onto the table, covering your mouth as your cough progressed into a fit of several. as you loudly choked on your beer, wooyoung lifted up your phone, reading the screen. 

mumbling, he read, “we are happy to inform you that after careful consideration,” his voice gradually got louder and clearer, “we have selected you to join republic records as an A&R intern for the spring term?!” 

he looked at you, eyes wide with disbelief, “shut the actual fuck up!”

yunho quickly stands and wraps his arms around you, wooyoung following suit, both jumping up and down, congratulating you a hundred times in the time span of 30 seconds. 

“holy shit, holy shit, holy shit, dude, i can’t believe you got in! this is fucking awesome!” wooyoung is yelling, clapping his hands in excitement. 

“i’m so proud of you ki, this is such an achievement. this is perfect,” yunho’s smile is warm, his voice a lot calmer than wooyoung’s, “we should celebrate.”

you sat there, jaw still on the floor, staring at the both of them in utter shock as they stood before you expectantly. you quickly picked up your phone, running a hand through your hair, reading the email again.

“what the fuck is A&R?” you mumble, then look up two your 2 friends, “what the fuck is A&R?!” 

“girl, how the fuck should we know? read the email!” wooyoung yells, bringing his beer to his lips again, taking his seat back on the stool. 

you scroll down, “it stands for artists and repertoire. your role will involve assisting the team in scouting new talent, attending live shows, reviewing demo submissions,” you take a deep breath, pausing to to look up at the two who are staring back at you with focused faces, “you may also assist in coordinating recording sessions and compiling reports on industry trends.”

yunho gasps, “holy shit, keeks, that’s a huge responsibility.” 

your hand slaps over your mouth, not knowing how to answer. your eyes go back down to the email, skimming the words on the screen, “i’m supposed to start in january, but they’re letting me start in november.” 

“that’s good! that’s soon!” wooyoung’s hands go up, that wide smile still on his face. 

“do you think you’ll be in the studio at all? i feel like nothing on that list puts you behind the desk,” yunho lifts a brow, and you want to kiss him for thinking of your best interest. “mingi’s in the studio almost every time he’s there, but he’s more like an assistant to the producer he’s with that day. he told me hongjoong is closer to a producer than an intern.”

the mention of mingi makes you cringe, but you’re at the point where even your internal reaction is significantly less than it would’ve been weeks ago. you’re almost at the point where it feels like nothing happened. 

you shrug, “they know what i’m studying, maybe where they put me is the position they need assistance with right now. a foot in the door is a foot in the door.” 

“and that’s exactly the attitude you should have,” wooyoung nods proudly, “my ki, my sweet, innocent angel from bumblefuck nowhere, working at republic records. you should call your mom.” 

you make a face, upper lip twitching in discomfort, that is on the bottom of the list of things you want to do right now. you want to call jeongin, tell your whole group of friends, throw a party and dance away the adrenaline that's shooting through your veins. 

the thought of seeing mingi at republic crosses your mind, making your heart beat a bit faster against your chest. republic records is a huge building, if you’re lucky, you won’t have to see him at all. your lives will be entirely separate and you can continue doing what you’ve been doing, pretending he’s an acquaintance whom you know nothing about. 

“we really should celebrate, though,” yunho interrupts your thoughts, “what are you guys doing tomorrow night? i heard there’s a really fun club in brooklyn.”

your and wooyoungs’ necks both snap at that, looking at yunho in disbelief. for him to want to go anywhere other than prince is unexpected, he loves it here, this has been his spot since he discovered it.

“you? a club?” wooyoung raises an eyebrow, “since when do you and clubs get along?”

“ivy’s friend from work told her about it,” yunho blinks, “this is a huge deal, what better excuse to check it out? i’ll get us a table and everything.”

you shrug your shoulders, “i’m down, why the hell not?”

you pick up your phone again, rereading the email. with it already being early october, you only have a couple of weeks to get your life in order before you start. you try to find excuses for why you’d start early, you didn’t know if record labels had busy seasons, or if holiday season would be one of them. 

the next night came quickly with you sleeping in for most of your saturday, the numerous celebratory shots bought for you last night doing nothing to make your morning somewhat productive. you needed to call your internship counselor, email the record label back, fill out paperwork, get yourself organized to actually start. 

instead you woke up four hours before your friends were coming over for the pregame, jeongin shirtless and still sound asleep next to you. you pulled your comforter down and kissed up his spine, soft pecks to coerce him into opening his eyes.

he groaned when you got halfway up his back, a soft but deep sound transferring from his chest to the pillow under his head.

“we only have four hours,” you mumbled between kisses, “get coffee and breakfast with me.”

“four hours is more than enough,” he moaned, “stop kissing me or we’re gonna have no time.”

you chuckled at that and swung your leg over his, straddling the backs of his legs. you smacked his butt playfully and he made a noise of annoyance, “get off of me, breadwinner, i have to go cook and clean.”

you laughed louder, leaning over to lay on top of his back, forcing your arms under his chest. he made too many jokes last night about how you were getting into your career so fast while he’d still be in school for another 3 years, making you the primary earner in your relationship. 

ever since that specific night you spent with jeongin a week ago, you’ve felt like you just started dating again. your relationship was rejuvenated, both of you feeling like you couldn’t get enough of one another. both of you noticed a difference but neither of you wanted to bring it up, scared it would stop the second wind of a honeymoon phase you were in. 

“get up, we have to go,” you said into his hair after putting your head directly beside his on the pillow, “no time to waste, it’s literally 4 pm.”

“4?” he asked in disbelief, his voice a bit louder. he clearly didn’t process when you’d said it a minute earlier, brain still fogged over from sleep, “i haven’t slept this late since i was in high school.”

you climbed off of him and left your bedroom, riley crossing the hallway from the bathroom to her bedroom. she looked you up and down before a laugh escapes her, eyes focusing on your hair. 

“did you just wake up?” she asked through her laugh, pausing in her steps. you nodded with your lips sealed tight. jeongin came up behind you, a yawn leaving his lips, and she laughed even harder.

“i think we spent our friday nights very differently,” she leaned against the doorway to the bathroom, “i’m sorry i can’t come tonight, chan really wants to take me to this pop up art exhibit in queens, he’s been talking about it for days.”

“no biggie, you were there last night. we’re going to a club anyways, neither of you would enjoy it,” you swung your hand in a don’t worry about it movement, leaning your back into jeongin’s chest. his arms secured themselves around your torso, sitting his head on top of yours. 

“you guys are gross!” she yelled at the display of affection, turning around to go back to her room quicker than she was before. you rolled your eyes and went into the bathroom to shower, jeongin’s arms still tightly wrapped around you. 

with only four hours to get ready, you stopped to get coffee and something to put in your stomach before heading back home. you hadn’t been to a club in awhile and the small part of your closet dedicated to clubbing outfits reflected that. you chose your shortest, skimpiest dress and a pair of boots, accessorized with all of your favorite jewelry. you wrapped your hair up in a quick updo, knowing even though there’s a slight chill to the city air at night, you’d be sweating in the club if you kept your hair down. your makeup was messy and dark, more sultry than you typically did it. you felt good, great even, you were ready to go out to celebrate yourself.

jeongin was the first to get to your apartment, only running home to change, and he looked delicious. you adored him in all black, it was your favorite color on him, especially when he had his arms visible. with a tank top on, silver chain and baggy jeans, you wanted to undress him in the small entryway. if someone else didn’t show up within minutes you weren’t sure if you’d make it to the club at all. 

“we don’t have enough time, stop looking at me like that, pervert,” he pointed a finger at you, reading your mind.

“i’m here!” yunho entered right after, and you looked back to jeongin with a pout. he mouthed i told you and you ripped your focus from him to yunho, who walked into the entryway with ivy right behind him. “i brought don julio and sour mix!”

“you know me so well, jeong yunho.”

an hour later there were six of you in your cramped kitchen, you’d taken far too many shots for a pregame. you were feeling the liquor, tequila always made you talkative, in combination with the reason for going out you were nearly bouncing off the walls of your apartment. when wooyung entered your apartment with san beside him, you were grateful riley had left the apartment when she did. you’d told wooyoung that riley wasn’t going tonight, but you definitely didn’t take into consideration everyone meeting up here beforehand nor did you think of the state san would be in.

you’d never seen him so… miserable. bags under his eyes, a slouch in his posture, he looked utterly defeated. you’d heard riley arguing with him over the phone plenty of times the past couple of weeks, which you assumed was because she ended things with him. you still hadn’t talked to her about it, you put all the context clues together enough to make out your own version of the story. seeing him so sad only confirmed what you’ve been thinking, if riley was here you’re sure that’d only make him feel worse. 

you all hopped in an uber together, heading to the club no earlier than 9:30. with almost an hour drive ahead of you, you made wooyoung connect his phone to the speakers, at least listening to good music on the way there to keep your energy up. by the time you got there your already buzzed mind had lessened a bit, which only left room for more shots.

yunho wasn’t lying when he said he’d set everything up. you got in with ease and an entire section was waiting for the six of you, the lights were dim save for the strobe lights covering every inch of the dance floor, leaving your table in the dark. a navy blue booth wrapped around the black table, which was covered with buckets of ice, bottles of liquor, and mixers that were brought over by bottle service. that was new to you, something you’d never experienced before, cheers surrounding your table with a huge sign that read ‘congratulations ki!’ 

as much as you were embarrassed from so much attention on you, you were overwhelmed with gratitude towards your friends for the gesture. tonight was already so good, so special, you wondered why you didn’t go clubbing more often.

“we didn’t get sour mix, how about a vodka soda?” jeongin asked from beside you, already holding the bottle of vodka in his left hand and the pitcher of club soda in his right. your face scrunched up but you nodded anyway, knowing the simple drink would get the job done. 

bass pounded through your blood, the loud music heard in your entire body. you all began mixing drinks, pouring shots, dancing along to the music around the table. after an hour's drive you desperately had to pee, you excused yourself and immediately began your hunt for the restroom. 

you passed the bar and yunho caught your eye, your eyebrow popped up in question as he leaned over the bar, face oddly close to the bartender. you recognized her, she was just at your table, delivering the drinks, and the gaze she kept on yunho the whole time was starting to make sense. you decided to leave it, putting the picture in your back pocket, and continued your search for the bathroom. 

when you got back jeongin handed you the drink he mixed for you, and your face scrunched up in disgust. on top of it not being your favorite thing to drink, he made it entirely too strong. 

“you will never be a bartender, ayen,” you stuck your tongue out, letting the first sip run its course through you. you felt the heat from the liquor run down your throat and sit in your stomach before it settled, allowing you to take another sip. 

“i even tried it, i didn’t think it was that bad,” jeongin counters, shrugging. 

“too strong?” san asked from the couch, “lemme try it.”

you handed your drink to him from across the table, and he took a sip through your straw. he let out a loud woo! that you knew meant it was too strong and you laughed, the bartender himself backing up your claim. he took a big swig of it and picked up the pitcher of cranberry juice, filling your glass back up to the top then handed it back to you. you gave it a good mix with your straw before trying it, the taste 10 times better than it was before.

“much better, feel like i should tip you for that,” you smiled and he let out a small chuckle, you wanted to pat yourself on the back for getting miserable san to smile. wooyoung was already somewhere on the dance floor and you let your gaze turn to the crowd in search of him, now feeling your buzz pick back up, you wanted to join him. 

“gonna go find wooyoung, join me,” you leaned down to jeongin who was sitting on the end of the booth and pecked him quickly, grabbing his hand to pull him towards the dance floor. 

you kept your hands linked as you began your search, pushing through the crowd, looking for the flopping mess of dark hair that was no doubt already dancing with someone. wooyoung was on the same level as you, if not more intoxicated, he took every shot with you before you had left the house.

you finally found him in the middle of the crowd, a girl with dark hair pressed to his front, a tall guy with blonde hair whose hands were glued to his hips behind him. you smiled, this was wooyoung in his element, a sight you always loved to see. wooyoung was the prime example you had of being yourself and doing as you pleased, fuck what anyone else thought. it’s why you kept him so close to you, he wasn’t just your biggest supporter but he pried you out of your small town shell with ease. 

you yelled to him over the music to steal his attention and he grabbed your hand over the girl in front of him. jeongin kept himself close to you, his hands on your own hips mimicking those on wooyoung’s. his eyes were glazed over, already in his element, drunk and clearly horny. you laughed, dancing along to the music with the four surrounding you. 

you switched partners a few times, jeongin did too, which took you by surprise. whenever he drank he always kept it to a minimum, never letting his walls fully come down, always cautious of what’s surrounding him. as you saw him dancing with the girl with the dark hair you knew he was feeling the liquor, going along with whatever was presented to him. unlike him, you did get jealous, keeping an eye on her arms that hung over his shoulders. there was space between their bodies, the opposite of how you were pressed between wooyoung and the blonde. 

“hello?” wooyoung said in your ear in shock, which was his language for what the hell is going on? wooyoung was used to you being flirty with him when you drank, how sometimes you’d use it to your advantage to get on jeongin’s nerves. what he’d never seen before is jeongin do it to you.

you shrugged and finished off your drink, keeping your empty glass close to you as you kept dancing, turning every few minutes to face either wooyoung or the blonde. jeongin stayed in your peripherals, his dancing was still innocent, you could read the impish look on his face as he kept his focus on you, knowing exactly what was running through your mind. 

his arm reached out for you and you grabbed it immediately, letting him pull you towards him, pressing his lips to yours harshly. he could feel the jealousy radiating through your body as his hands went to your lower back, your arms swung over his shoulders exactly how the girl’s were moments prior. 

“is my baby jealous?” he pulled away from your lips, pressing his lips to your ear so you could hear him clearly. your bodies swayed, his leg in the middle of yours, grinding yourselves against one another to the beat of the song.

“not even a little bit,” you huffed out the lie, your voice labored with need as his knee pressed between your legs. 

“not fun when it’s done to you, huh? thought you’d get me all worked up dancing with wooyoung?” his voice was deeper, sounding like velvet so close to your ear, “got you worked up instead.”

you grabbed his jaw and made him face you, kissing him instead. your bodies came to a still as the music pounded from his body into yours, just focused on each other and the taste of each other’s mouths. you didn’t care that you were in public, didn’t care that you were surrounded by so many people, you needed him now. 

“come get a drink with me!” wooyoung yelled, pulling the two of you out of your bubble, “stop fucking on the dance floor, it’s gross.”

“you’re one to talk,” jeongin replies with a smirk, eyes glancing over to the blonde he was just kissing a moment ago.

“save me, he’s a bad kisser,” wooyoung said quieter so only you and jeongin could hear, a specific volume with the music still blasting in your ears. 

you and jeongin both laughed, following him back through the crowd and over to the table. it was quieter at the table, your skin still vibrated with the rush from the dance floor, somehow you felt more drunk as the area felt calmer. you refilled your drink the way san had mixed it then made the same for jeongin who’s head was somewhere else, too.

“let’s take more shots,” wooyoung suggested, not giving anyone time to answer as he set up six shot glasses. san waved it off, not wanting one, and the rest of you stood around the table to take them. 

“where’s riley? i totally thought she’d be here,” ivy asked you after she took the shot back, sitting back down on the cushioned booth. you sat on the end, jeongin stood next to the booth. 

“she has a date with chan tonight,” you replied with a smirk, your words slurring, you picked up your glass to take a sip through the straw. 

“chan? i didn’t know they were seeing each other,” ivy’s eyebrows furrow and excitement floods through you, remembering how long it took to actually get them together. 

“finally, i’ve been trying to get them together for years! i’m so excited it’s finally happening,” you settled into the booth next to her, getting comfortable on the couch. 

“years? why the hell did it take so long?” ivy moved her perfectly curled hair behind her ear to hear you better, zoned in on the conversation. as she batted her long eyelashes you couldn’t help but think how lucky yunho is to have her, she’s gorgeous.

you got into the story, telling ivy from start to finish how riley and chan finally got together, the alcohol helping you to not spare a single detail. jeongin interrupted you and you waved him off, too immersed in your conversation with ivy for whatever he had to say, he would have to wait.

“who?” you heard san’s voice and your blood ran cold, you totally forgot he was here. you could’ve been a little quieter, you didn’t have to air out riley’s business with her ex situationship right there. embarrassment floods through you, your cheeks heating up. 

“san, i-” 

“who are you talking about, ki? who’s been seeing chan for the past two weeks?” he was sitting straight up, shoulders back, and it made you slump. you wanted to crawl inside your skin and never come out. jeongin stood closer to you at hearing san’s tone and the chill within it, he didn’t like it one bit. 

“i think you already know who, san,” you took a breath, “i didn’t realize you didn’t know?” your brain was doing somersaults, you’d been hearing them argue for the past two weeks but you assumed it was because she broke things off with him. the uneasiness that consumed him, the glint in his eyes told you he really didn’t know about anything you were talking about, he had no idea riley was seeing chan. 

it’s not like riley and san dated, riley and chan weren’t dating either, you assumed. they were just seeing one another … which is more than what you thought riley and san were doing. at the end of the day, riley was still single, free to see whoever she wants. 

wooyoung who was standing behind san bent down to his ear level with a hand on his shoulder, saying things you couldn’t hear. tension laid over the table like a blanket, and you felt microscopic. you were embarrassed, regretful, and fucking drunk. 

as san took a swig from the bottle of whiskey, you could see his entire demeanor change. the misery he’d been sporting since he walked through your apartment door was replaced with darkness, some sort of menacing fire as his eyes tore through the crowd. ivy was shifting uncomfortably next to you, eyes glancing up to yunho, not knowing what to do in this situation either. 

san stood, taking another swig of the bottle, and wooyoung had a satisfied smirk on his face, still stood behind the barrier of the booth. he patted him on the shoulder over the gap, then made his way over to the table, ushering san to join him. as they left for the dance floor you glanced up to jeongin, eyes wide.

“what the hell did i just do?” you asked him, still stiff in your seat. 

jeongin shrugged, “he seems fine now. i’m sure you’ll find out from ri later, don’t let it get to you, let’s go dance.”

you stood, flattening out your dress, beckoning your buzz to return on a more positive note.

“i think we’re gonna head out,” yunho said from the booth, adorning an apologetic smile. 

you pouted, “yunho! it's too early!”

“i can only take clubs for so long, you know that,” he waved his hand, “i already took care of the bill, my treat.”

you gasped, “yun-”

“don’t say a word, i love you, kid,” he stood, him and ivy ushering themselves out of the booth, “congratulations ki, you really deserve it.”

he envelops you in a hug, planting a kiss on your head and you physically melt into his hug, tears quickly coming to your lash line. you will them away as you look up to your tallest friend, “love you too, yun, thank you so much.”

you hug ivy and they both say goodbye to jeongin, leaving the two of you on your own. you glance at each other, both wearing blank expressions, before you crack smiles at the same time. 

“should we take another shot?”

[iverlove]

Beautiful Souls I encourage you that if you Love Music, Listen to Frequencies that will fulfill your Mind, Body, and soul. Music expressions and waves channeled throughout your Inner Self straight from the Highest Power of the Universe as a Blessing that Will Restore your [Pineal Gland] creating a powerful cleansing of your Amazing existence during your Journey as of Human Being. The pineal gland (also known as the pineal body[1] or epiphysis cerebri) is a small endocrine gland in the brain of most vertebrates. It produces melatonin, a serotonin-derived hormone, which modulates sleep patterns following the diurnal cycles.[2] The shape of the gland resembles a pine cone, which gives it its name.[3] The pineal gland is located in the epithalamus, near the center of the brain, between the two hemispheres, tucked in a groove where the two halves of the thalamus join.[4][5] It is one of the neuroendocrine secretory circumventricular organs in which capillaries are mostly permeable to solutes in the blood Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Beloved Souls, Now that you know this: What are you waiting for? Will you continue letting the Toxicity of the Music with Disturbing Subliminal Messages take your Blessings Away??? Stop listening to those Toxic and Diamonic "Musicians, Artists, and Singers of the Dark!!!! I understand if some of you believe that what I am trying to tell you is to Impose a Lifestyle in your way of Living your Life. Well, Not at all; However I tell you that I am Just the Messenger; and as of matter of Fact: "Yes You Got Free Will"; God Loves every single one of you who Did that for Us. So it's Completely Up to You; To Join me in This Transformation Of Hearts by IverLove at The Gym of The Souls or Just Keep yourself in the Dark by allowing Toxicity to Deploy Your Brain, Your Life, Your Blessings, and the lives of Other Around you. To make this more Graphic in your Thoughts and Think: Those Celebrities, artists, Singers, etc. were Blessed by God; and Those are the ones after Reaching Fame; Money, etc what they DID: Was turn their back on God By spreading Evil content and corruptive and Destructive Lifestyles that had already Damaged their Brain; Without you realizing it that They become Richies and Powerful because of you. Because they achieved their Goals; which was Brainstorming with each one of you regardless of the Devastating Effects of your Journeys. My Beautiful Souls, the time has come; review your ways and remember; I do not want your Money; I don't want to take your blessings and either make your golden time go to waste. All I Want is To Love You the Way God Wants BY TRANSFORMING HEARTS At the Gym of the Souls. Sending Much Lights and Blessings to your Thoughts. IverLove Ivan Enrique Varela. IV333

[faunastanza]

Stolas: First Speech pt. 2

(part 1)

Stolas asks for a question, and River says "what's your favorite color". He asks what the opposite of looking is, and River says not knowing. Shizukan meanwhile looks more upset and shaky. Stolas asks for another question, and RIver says "what do you want to say to me?" Stolas closes his book and says this is the last part. Let's recap just for fun.

Words ⦁    Undertown -> Melody ⦁    Andrealphys -> Growing ⦁    Wishes -> Connection ⦁    Art Pyramid -> Gravity ⦁    Opposite of Rain -> Plume ⦁    Opposite of Looking -> Not knowing

Questions ⦁    How will breaking the goal save the angel's life ⦁    What's the angel's goal ⦁    Why do you choose to move ⦁    What are Stolas' feelings about angels ⦁    How are you ⦁    What's your favorite color ⦁    What do you want to say to me

How these all led to the conclusion Stolas comes to, I don't know.

He goes up to Shizukan, who's covering their face, and says that he sees them.

i see you baby

Shizukan shakes their head. Stolas says yes. He says that the angel's goal is turning Althar into an Undertown of Dreamers, with angels ruling, and that their goal was to use Stolas and that they tried to break into the art pyramid at some time. Shizukan holds a hand up to their head like they're going to faint while Myandery is like "...oh."

Stolas points at Shizukan and says "say yes or angel dies". The little dragon says that Shizukan looks like its in pain. Myandery is freaked out and asks who has to say yes. Shizukan does... something, pounding their fists on the bundle maybe. Stolas says that the angel will say yes to his words or they'll die, and that he's right.

i'm the dm here and i'll godmode if i want to

The dragon points out that Shizukan can't talk. Shizukan continues writhing and clawing at itself while Myandery says that it can't speak any words they can understand. Shizukan nods frantically as they continue pounding the floor. Stolas looks smug while saying "yes". Myandery says that Stolas was right and begs Shizukan not to hit themselves. Stolas touches the collar around Shizukan's neck, saying "unlock".  The collar falls off and it kind of looks like Shizukan splits into two? One of the halves kind of looks like that one weird sibling of Neon's that had the headlamp whose name I forget. Xenon I think.

i'm of two minds about this

Shizukan then drops the whole outer layer of its body, or some of the white it had in its design...? It's not entirely clear.

like the stupid face on the skin there.

Shizukan opens their mouth and begins screaming. Myandery is confused and terrified as Shizukan beats on their head and keeps screaming. They find a big needle on the ground with an angel eye in the hole, and they use it to stab the collar. They then get threads in their hands again while Myandery looks aghast. Stolas points to a door and says that the angel is killing someone.

This is kind of difficult to make out, but during this Razca is having some kind of seizure. I think its Razca anyway, but she dissolves into vapor to River's confusion. Myandery asks who's dying, absolutely baffled, while Phoebe, also confused, asks if they can stop it. Stolas says "Dreamer". Sweater cat and two other characters leave while the dragon stays behind, asking how to stop it. Shizukan has a whole bunch of threads going on now while Myandery sits nearby, holding onto their sombrero. The dragon asks what's going on and asks Shizukan to stop, but they take a swipe at them with their needle.

The total confusion of all of the players and the abruptness with which this happens feels like this was a plot twist Glip pulled out of nowhere and their players weren't prepared for it but had to roll with it, but that's just the vibe I get. Myandery screams at Shizukan, asking why they're killing someone. Shizukan continues screaming. Myandery responds with "That's not an answer!" which is pretty funny.

shizukan!! i beg you!!

I THINK Shizukan seals the doors so no one else can leave. Stolas grabs the bundle Shizukan was carrying and the broken collar, which startles Shizukan. They try to stab Stolas and nick his cloak in the back, causing Nuez to freak out and scream not to do that. "Why do you think you need to do that" Nuez screams, which is an odd follow-up.

Stolas grabs the needle and kicks Shizukan in the face, disarming them. Shizukan starts pounding on the floor and hitting their head again while Myandery sobs nearby. River is also watching and seems oddly unbothered. In the back of Stolas's cloak, a bunch of angel eyes open up. Nuez asks what Stolas is going to do with the needle. Stolas shoots her a death glare. Nuez, more calmly, asks him how he's feeling. Furious, Stolas shouts at her not to touch him with her words.

We go back to podium Stolas, who wonders why someone in Althar would lead him to kill himself. He doesn't know why, not yet, but he doesn't feel very much about it at the moment. He says that his own life feels more like a puzzle to solve and he's an outside observer, pushing pieces around to see what changes within himself. Can he solve this future suicide? Does he even hope to do so? Why or why not? This feels like an essay question. He says it's hard to feel, so he writes and watches and thinks.

What makes his death any different from a mite in the sand, he wonders. What made his death any different when a parasite took him? He says he doesn't know, and that's why he's searching for the answers to those questions and why he's in Althar. He looks for why his home was taken from him and for places that move him, and direction that means something to him, not Andrealphus. Fine, take away the only character I sort of liked. >:( He says he wants to see stories and will be actively looking for them. He wants to find something he wants to make alive and keep alive. Perhaps in this, he'll solve the riddle of his suicide.

He asks again for people who want a united Althar to think about what kind of stories they want to share. He then says goodnight. Did any of that stuff with Shizukan even matter or was it in the alternate future that Stolas said might not even happen? UGH

[deputygonebye]

@xgoldxnhour asked: “dance with me.”

Vinyl disc spun around and around, an old record supported by an even elder record player. What had once been considered an odd piece, a collector item that brought character and charm to their home, a bit of history not completely destroyed by the battles of the past, filled the Walsh family residence with music. Soft and simple, a country melody that accompanied slow song. Perfect for dancing, El only needed to say the word and Shane was up, upon his feet from his place on the sofa, living room coffee table moved out of the way and record player grabbed for. Far from the dance halls that they used to venture to, that little space in the living room was as grand as any. Dreamlike - untouched by the hands of time and the cold fingers of grief - a piece of heaven that could be claimed as their own. Small turntable positioned just right; on the coffee table that had been lifted, its needle adjusted to the farthest groove, static voice and gentle guitar strum played through slightly abused speakers.

Name of the song uncertain, just as was so for the featured musician who sang, it didn't matter once Shane took Eloise into his embrace, pulled her close and put one hand to her hip. The other gone to grasp her own - their fingers laced together, two halves that made a whole. Parallels uncanny, there was more gray to his hairs, then. More lines across his forehead, nearest his mouth, the light freckles that dashed across the bridge of his nose. Hands that had been scarred; marked by more than the actions of his own person, the consequences that only Shane could bestow. Some of Eloise's gold had turned to silver. Styled above her shoulders, her countenance daubed by motherhood and survival, her blues persuasive. She was no longer the woman that Shane once knew. Changed - so much like he - but familiar, nonetheless. Beloved still, still his girl, his love, the most wonderful thing to have ever happened to him. Eloise held so close, Shane guided their dance together, but they both knew that it was the heart, their hearts, that counseled their waltz pace.

Eyes gazed down onto her, contentment within those browns, Shane reminisced. "Remember the first time I took you dancin'? We went down to that little hall just outside of King County. I'll tell you what, for a girl raised outside of the Southern United States, you sure did have some good moves, El. Impressed the hell out of me, left me needin' a drink or two to refresh before the night was over!"

From one foot to the other, a sway between them, the dance continued. Followed the rhythm of the music - smooth basslines - the distance between Eloise and Shane that grew lesser, until they were pressed together, the arm around Eloise looped around her entire middle.

"Kiss me, baby." Shane commanded, though the order was far from a demand and rather an actual plea. A prayer from husband onto wife; devotion that conquered all.

Their love sealed through kiss, Shane whispered against Eloise, the plush of her mouth and the taste of her lip balm, a miracle found amongst the rubble of a rundown supermarket, oranges and cream.

"I love you, Eloise Walsh. I love you so much."

[pluviacuratio-a]

@fiercelywinged whispered: ❝ Your name fit into my mouth better than my own ever has, like I was born to speak it. ❞

MEME

{ ♪ } -- Bella smiled softly, tilting her head as she looked at him with infinite affection.

Some small part of her wanted to turn to her love of romance novels and say something sweet about soulmates and whatnot... But she found that it wasn't fitting. While yes, Keigo made her soul sing, she didn't feel as if they were two halves of a whole... They were each whole in their own right, but acted as complements to one another. Harmony and melody coming together to make a beautiful song.

"There are probably some who would say they were born for their partners, who claim the whole soulmate thing... But, the entire idea of soulmates usually hinges on being halves of a whole... And I don't think that's the case. We're both whole, even if there are some parts of us that are tattered and frayed, but I think it's more akin to complementary colors... We suit one another, making each other look and feel our best."

Her hands moved to find his, smiling wide.

"Not to mention the fact that hearing you say my name, and getting to say yours, feels better than listening to my favorite symphonies."