#but her music got me through my teens and i just want to commemorate that for nostalgia

[clarabowmp3]

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[kunikame]

a short fic about blasting songs in miyukis room (which later becomes the cafeteria) with the seidou boys written for my linked playlist bc i felt i needed to write this. hope you enjoy <3

i only wrote the things i imagined! feel free to imagine any other scenarios for other characters with the songs! if you do, let me know in the comments! id be happy to read them <3

warnings: i betaread this while listening to enstars songs. fem pronouns. lowercase. probably nothing more but lmk :)

ㅡ！tags: @toges-wife / fill form/pm/ask/comment to be added! (if you’re in bold i can’t tag you)

after the boys secured a spot at nationals you figured it called for a celebration or something, so you grabbed kuramochi and eijun - who in turn grabbed furuya and haruichi - and raided miyukis room. he really didn't want to let you guys in, koushuu disagreed aswell, but too bad because majority wins. kuramochi set up the speaker and the playlist you now and the previous 3rd years threw together started playing.

the others were of course alarmed by this because, loud upbeat music? from miyuki and koushuus' room? seto takuma has never run so fast in his life. everyone sprinted over in worry, only to see the blame lay on you - which made way more sense.

they also wanted to join the celebration but the room was too small to hold all of you, so eijun proposed the - for once - brilliant idea to move to the cafeteria, which you did, after a moment of stunned silence. the previous 3rd years who were still hanging out there with some of the 2nd and 1st years also joined the party, as they should.

the song that started through shuffle was where them girls at. thanks to it you found out the kominato twins listen to nicki minaj - as they should. you and the pink haired twins along with seto, kawakami and yui were screaming the nicki songs at the top of your lungs.

the guys really got into cruisin for a bruisin, it was their favorite song from when you all watched teen beach movie together! the whole reason you added it to the playlist. surprisingly, shirasu and aso took the spotlight for this one!

jalebi baby and shut up and dance were entirely yours and kuramochis songs. he asked you to dance with him for both, how could you refuse? neither of you would be caught alive admitting to be flustered with the other so close to you, though. You could swear you saw ryousuke recording and snickering, but it might've just been your imagination.

big time rush didn't even a need a voting, everyone knew who the big 4 were for that one. koushuu (unwillingly), miyuki (unwillingly but he got really into it), eijun (willingly, got too into it) and furuya (he had fun?). it was a precious sight. you all had a great laugh over their perfomance, but it was great. their voices meshed together unexpectedly well.

the greatest show started playing exactly when coach kataoka came to check what the commotion was. miyuki and yuuki, as the captains, took the lyrics for this one. they switched each line, and it worked really well. all the background vocals were done by the rest of you. it was a sight to see. you all working together. almost like during matches. rei placed a camera in the cafeteria to record and commemorate the whole thing. her and kataoka chose to stay with you, while ochiai decided he'd rather not. thank heavens.

after the boys had their moments, you figured it was the girls time to shine, and the playlist seemed to agree with you. the moment you heard the intro to girlfriend you ran to get whatever you could use as a microphone and got ready to sing your heart out, fellow manager and close friend takako joined you soon after. the guys clapped after your perfomance, enjoying it to the fullest just as you enjoyed theirs.

this is what you adored about the seido baseball club. you were like family. a huge family with its ups and downs that always came back together. everyone supported everyone, but there was still friendly competition.

die young. "i hear you heart beat to the beat of the drums" *everyone bangs a fist on the nearest surface* "oh what a shame that you came here with someone-"

dj got us fallin' in love. jun shone with this one. his voice cracked while screaming "CAUSE BABY TONIIIIiiiiGHT". continued like nothing happened. professional

of course, some songs passed without any screaming as you get tired and so do your vocal cords, but the music never stopped. volume lowers and people sit down to drink and talk a bit, then when another screamable song comes up the volume goes back to max and it's like you never stopped. you were peacefully laughing with seto when kuramochi called out to you, pushing the volume higher on the speaker. immediately recognizing the intro you grabbed your bottle and it's like you were waiting for this moment your entire life, except everyone else was confused. ryousuke didn't remember this song being in the playlist.

"once upon a time, a few mistakes ago-"

ryousuke walked up to kuramochi after you got into your singing. "dude, what's this about?" kuramochi while never once breaking his fond gaze off you simply shrugged, "reminds her of her past crush on narumiya- or was it sanada? i dunno, some guy she met through us.. always played this song when she realized who the guy was, so she added it here i guess." ryousuke just hummed in understanding then moved his gaze over to you, surprised to see you now standing on a table with the guys around you sweatdropping but cheering you on nonetheless.

when memories by conan gray came on, someone moved to lower the volume only to stop at the death glare they received from you and miyuki kazuya himself. For someone who was so against this, he sure got mad over that song, huh. It became a heartfelt duet, but noone understood why a duet with you 2. It was a secret.

"so there's no good reason in make-believing that we could ever exist again. I can't be your friend, can't be your lover, can't be reason we hold back eachother from falling in love, with somebody other than me."

after that, the night continued in this spirit. everyone was enjoying themselves, everyone got a chance to sing their song be it alone or with someone, even coach and rei! as the playlist was slowly running out of songs to play, the one song you put on 'hide in playlist' begged to be played. you, of course, granted it's wish, as it was a song you left for last on purpose. you called out to your co-organizer, kuramochi, who looked at you and based off your sparkling eyes instantly knew. a loud "hey!" came out of his throat, and the idle chatters volume slowly went down.

"everyone, if you would please look over here," you said waiting for them to switch their gazes over to you, "yeah, thank you. so, uh, first of all congratulations on todays win! i never for a second thought we wouldn't make nationals. i knew if anyone, you guys would do it. with the 3rd years there to support you, with the field players and us in the dugout, with coach kataoka, the pitchers, all of you. i knew you'd make it, and i'm so endlessly proud of you! of your hard work, will to fight, endurance.. i can't wait to see how far you - we - can go. let's aim for the top. now, if you would all please rise for the 2010-2014 seido baseball club anthem!"

coach kataoka and rei nodded along with your speech, as they felt the same way - proud of how far the boys have come - and though confused, stood up along with everyone else. most people stood in silence and slight confusion, looking toward kuramochi for answers, only to be left disappointed when the man wouldn't give any. he simply continued staring at you with a very warm and fond look in his eye.

the nights - avicii

Once upon a younger year

When all our shadows disappeared

The animals inside came out to play

Went face to face with all our fears

Learned our lessons through the tears

Made memories we knew would never fade

everyone instantly recognized the intro, smiles and grins lighting up their faces. the joyous screaming resumed, only this time it was everyone, not just a couple people. You ran over to kuramochi and miyuki, grabbing each hand, motioning to them to keep the chain going. soon, everyone was holding hands and jumping around together, screaming at the top of their lungs.

One day, my father, he told me

"Son, don't let it slip away"

He took me in his arms, I heard him say

"When you get older

Your wild heart will live for younger days

Think of me if ever you're afraid"

He said, "One day, you'll leave this world behind

So live a life you will remember"

My father told me when I was just a child

"These are the nights that never die"

My father told me

each time a "Hey" was yelled in the song, it was also yelled by the group (jun was having the time of his life). eijun encouraged everyone to jump along for emphasis, an idea many supported.

though miyuki and koushuu were originally against this, you think this might be the first time you've seen kazuya genuinely happy, and koushuu coming out of his shell. your party was probably heard all the way to the other dorm buildings but you didn't care. that was a problem for tomorrow, for now you decided you'll just live in the moment.

[thewildsophia]

.Hello, Teen Crisis Hotline. Clone High//Van Gogh x Reader

Depressed!Van Gogh x Reader

A/N: I use depressed a bit loosely in this one so there’s no trigger warning.

Word Count: 2357

~~~~~~~~~~

When Joan had come to you asking that you help her out with the Teen Crisis Hotline you couldn’t say no. You weren’t the closest of friends, but the two of you had an unspoken rule that if shit were to hit the fan, you’d have the others’ back. Or in this case, if one needed help with something, the other would do what they could to help. 

If you were being honest with yourself, you were thrilled when she asked you to help her out. You had always wanted to do something to help those who are struggling mentally since you knew how serious and overlooked mental health was. 

Joan had specifically asked that you help out with the hotline the day of JFK’s party, which you quickly agreed to. It wasn’t like you were going to that party. 

But you figured she probably was going, despite her saying she wasn’t, to try and get Abe to notice her. Seriously, she could do sooo much better. 

It was a little past 7pm when you had gotten the first call. It was a female talking about how difficult her school work was becoming and how stressed she was becoming because of it. You talked to her for about 45 minutes, comforting her and giving her tips on how to stay organized and study. 

After that it was quiet for the next couple hours and you were doing school work during that time. Gandhi had forwarded a call to you around 10pm without a heads up and your phone began ringing. You answered it with a cheerful,

“Hello, Teen Crisis Hotline. How may I help you?” 

“Hello?” The person answered. Their voice was deep and slightly raspy, yet it didn’t sound especially masculine. 

“ Hello,” You greeted again, “Are you alright?” The person sighs before answering,

“For the most part, yeah.” Okay, definitely a guy. 

“I-Um,” The guy continued, “Am I on…speaker phone?” What was this guy talking about? 

“No, you’re not on speaker phone.” You responded. You heard the guy shift on the phone before saying, 

“Good, the last person I talked to had me on speaker,” You heard his voice crack, “There were a lot of people who laughed at me because of it.” You were pissed at Gandhi. You knew he was an ass that didn’t care about the hotline, but you didn’t think that he would do something as shitty as that. 

“Gandhi put you on speaker?” You asked, not even think about it.

“Yeah…” He sighed. 

“God what an ass,” You said before you even realized it, “I mean-I’m sorry that he did that to you. I can assure you that you’re not on speaker and I’m the only one here.” You corrected yourself. You heard the guy chuckle before saying, 

“No you’re right, he really is an ass.” You giggled to yourself before remembering what you were here to do.

“So, how are you feeling?” You asked. The guy was quiet for a while before answering you. 

“I’ve…been better,” He said, “It’s just…okay, I already have depression and for a while it wasn’t too bad; I was able to kinda keep it in check. Lately, however, it hasn’t exactly been that easy.” 

“Ah, I understand what you mean. Do you have any idea why it’s been getting worse?” You asked. He was quiet for a moment and you were worried that you had struck a nerve. 

“I do,” He began, “Ever since I’ve gone here, I’ve been kinda…‘harassed?’ I’m not sure if that’s really the best word but recently it’s been getting worse.”

“Would you mind telling me who’s doing this?” You asked when you thought he was done. 

“Um, yeah, I would. I-I don’t want to call anyone out.” He said. You were a bit upset that he didn’t tell you since you couldn’t help him if you didn’t know who was doing this to him, but at the same time you understood. 

“Okay, that’s fine, I understand. Do you…have any support? Like from your family or some close friends?” You asked. 

“Well, my foster parents are okay. They care about me and I know it, but I don’t think they really love me. As for friends…” He paused and sighs, “I’m not really good at making connections with people, so I don’t really have any friends; besides maybe the people I work with in class.” You were quiet, making sure he was done, before continuing. 

“Alright. I do want to know, how do you deal with this harassment?” You questioned and once again he was quiet for a moment. 

“I, uh, don’t really do anything? Like, if you’re asking what I say to them then I don’t say anything. But if you’re asking how I cope with everything…” He trailed off.

“How do you cope?” You asked him. You heard him shift again yet he remained quiet, “Do I need to be concerned?” You inquired after your mind had thought of the worst. 

“No, no, I just…I listen to music a lot,” He started, but you didn’t say anything to try and get him to speak more.

“That and, uh, I cry…a lot. Sometimes I just turn the lights off in my room and cry. It’s…comforting in a way. I don’t know how to explain it.” He choked out, his voice cracking a few times. 

“I understand what you mean,” You say, trying to comfort him, “Sometimes it just feels nice to let everything out. Personally something I do is get in the shower clothed and just…cry, letting everything out. I know it sounds odd but, for someone who cries to cope, this is one of the best pieces of advice I can give you.” You explain to him. You hear him chuckle on the other side of the phone. 

“I’ve actually heard that one before,” He said, and you imagined that he had a smile on his face, “I haven’t done it before though. Everytime I’m hit with one of those emotional outbreaks I’m just too tired to start a shower.” 

“It really do be like that sometimes.” You say with a dopey smile. 

“Yeah,” He sighed, “One of the only ways I was able to…to cling to my sanity was that no one known how miserable I truly am. But it would seem that I lost that since Gandhi put me on speaker phone.” He admitted with a sniffle at the end. 

You were quiet for a moment. 

“You’re lonely, aren’t you?” You quietly inquired. You heard him suck in a breath and shift again.

“How did you know? How could you tell?” He quickly questioned. 

“It wasn’t too hard for me to piece it together,” You began, “You said that your foster parents do care about you, but not in a familiar way which had probably created a border between you and them. You also mentioned how it’s difficult to form connections with others, so you most likely don’t have anyone in the school to talk to. The fact that you called the hotline in the first place also suggests this. Therefore, you probably spend a lot of time by yourself, and no matter how much of an introvert someone is, being alone for that long would eventually get…lonely.” You finished, waiting for him to say something. Maybe you went too far with that analysis?

“Wow that’s…impressive that you were able to determine that so quickly.” He said. 

“Was I right?” You asked curiously.

“Yeah, pretty much.” He answered. The two of you were quiet for a while before you asked him,

“Could you tell me your name?” This whole time you were trying to determine who you were talking to. Right now, you’ve managed to narrow your list down to four people: Issac Newton, Charles Darwin, Vincent Van Gogh, or Ludwig Von Beethoven. 

He hesitated for a moment before answering you.

“I’m Van Gogh, Vincent Van Gogh.” 

“Called it.” You said in your head, smiling. 

“I see,” You say, “I’m Y/N. It’s nice to meet you Van Gogh.” 

“The pleasure’s all mine.” Van Gogh greets. 

You thought about where to go from there until an idea pops into your head. A devious smile spreads over your face before you speak. 

“You know what I think you need, Van Gogh?” You heard him hum in question, “A little bit of revenge on Gandhi. I’m 97% sure that’ll bring your spirits up.” 

“What are you suggesting?” He asked, and you would hear the smirk in his voice. 

“You are an artist, aren’t you? Well, it’s your lucky day because I’m the clone of F/N L/N, one of the best acrylic painters in history.” You announce before continuing, “I’m suggesting that we make a…memorial of Gandhi, commemorating his work for the hotline.” It was quiet for a few seconds before Van Gogh asked, 

“What floor are you on?” 

“Floor 5, room 18. I have a shit ton of acrylics and spray paint. If you’ve got gouache, bring it.” You answered quickly. 

“Be there in 5 minutes.” He said before hanging up. 

You laughed as you quickly got your shoes on and gathered your spray paints in a duffle bag, putting your acrylics and brushed in a plastic container. You slung the duffle bag over your shoulder when you heard a knock at your door. You answered it, being greeted by Van Gogh in all his tiny glory. 

“You bring the gouache?” You asked while locking your dorm’s door. 

“I’ve got gouache, oil, and acrylics.” He answered with a smirk. You smiled and couldn't help the heat that rushed to your face. He was so adorable. Yet so…despicable.

“Got any complaints about stopping by that party real quick? It’ll be easy to get in there since it’s late and they’re probably hammered by now.” You suggested, glancing over at him to gauge his reaction. 

“Lead the way.” Was his answer. You did as you were told, the two of you making your way over to JFK’s house as quickly as possible. You snuck in through the back -- you had to help him over the fence -- and from there you two looked for Gandhi. 

Van Gogh had spotted him first; he was talking to Joan, something about screwing herself over. Joan had quickly removed his belt and Gandhi said something but you weren’t in range to hear it before she held up his boxers -- which you assumed to be his. His pants fell and you looked away as he was quickly…“exposed” by her. 

“Ah, good thing there was no one around to see that.” Was all you heard from him as he turned around and walked away. 

“Oh yes,” You heard Van Gogh say next to you, “No one, indeed.” He finished while looking at you with a smirk. You smirked yourself when it clicked in your head what he was planning to do. 

“I’ve got just the place.” You said while getting the two of you out of the party. 

Next thing you knew, you two were in front of a wall that the majority of students walked by when going from their dorms to the school. The two of you started on your painting and it took you close to three hours to finish it, but it was very much worth it. You and Van Gogh signed it at the bottom and had even taken Van Gogh’s photo with it. 

It was past 2am when everything was said and done, so the two of you made your way back over to your dorms. You walked with him to his dorm, chatting with him the whole time. 

It was weird; it felt as if you had known him for years, the conversation between you two coming so naturally, yet you had only known him for a few hours. 

When you had reached his dorm you asked, 

“Hey, what time do you leave to go to school?” 

“Around 7am, why?” He answered.

“Great, I’ll be here at 7 to walk with you,” You said while turning and making your way to your own dorm, “Goodnight, Van Gogh, see ya’ tomorrow!” You shouted back at him. Van Gogh smiled to himself, face warm.

“Goodnight, Y/N.” He said. You turned and smiled at him before turning the corner and heading up stairs.

Even after you had gotten back, set everything down and changed you couldn’t stop thinking about him. He was so lovable, how could anyone make fun of him? You figured people saw him as an easy target since he’s usually quiet and passive. 

But you’d make sure he’s treated better. That was your final thought before drifting to sleep. 

~~~~~~~~~

Staying true to your word, you made sure you had gotten up early -- only getting like 4 hours of sleep -- to walk Van Gogh to school. When you had made it to his dorm he was already waiting for you, and it was only 6:50am. 

The two of you made your way to the school, talking the whole way. Your conversation quieted down when you turned the corner that had the painting on it. 

There was a crowd of students laughing and taking pictures. Looking through the sea of students you saw Gandhi, slack-jawed and in awe. You quickly pointed him out to Van Gogh and the laugh that left his lips was a nerdy, yet adorable and just perfect to you. 

The two of you continued to walk by and people cheered for you both.

“See, look: they like you.” You say while nudging his shoulder. His face blossoms in this bright pinkish-peach color that you have never seen before and the same chuckle leaves his lips again. Your stomach did flips and your face felt hot. 

“Thanks, Van Gogh, Y/N!” You heard Joan yell from somewhere, but you were too focused on Van Gogh to care. It was his voice that brought you out of your dazed state.

“Thank you, Y/N, for helping me and all.” He said while rubbing the back of his neck. You cheeks were sore, but that didn’t stop you from smiling one last time.

“No problem, Van Gogh.”

[hotarutranslations]

Morning Musume '21's First Album in 3 years and 4 months. Ishida Ayumi talks about the current state of the group: "We've become pastel"

Morning Musume '21's 16th original album "16th ~That's J-POP~'' was released. It's been 3 years and 4 months since their previous album, it's a recording with 16 songs including their hit singles and new songs. We talked about the current group's changes and current situation, as well as the future outlook with sub-leader Ishida Ayumi.

2 People Graduated From My Same Generation and I Changed Myself

--"16th ~That's J-POP~" will be your first album in 3 years and 4 months, how is the response different from your previous album?

Ishida: 3 years and 4 months ago it was "15 Thank you, too", right? It feels like it was a long time ago, I don't remember (laughs). The members have also changed a lot.

--Do you think there is anything that has changed since then, Ishida-san?

Ishida: It's completely different now. 4 years ago Kudo Haruka-chan and Iikubo Haruna-chan were still in the group and we had a division of roles amongst our generation. Harunan (Iikubo) watched over the group as an older sister, Duu (Kudou) was very close to our juniors and they adored her. I was just paying attention to what was going on, but I probably wasn't looking around that much. In the last 3 years, those 2 from my generation have graduated, it was the biggest change for me. I've come to think "I have to do it myself" towards the things I relied on those 2 for. Therefore, I came to think about how to close the distance between my juniors like Duu did; Sato Masaki-chan told me "Ayumin, you've become kind. You've mellowed out,". That's where I've most changed.

Learning How To Let Your Eyes Jump Along a Curve

--As an idol, what was the biggest event you had in those 3 years?

Ishida: It was Rockin' (ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL). We were invited to RockFes, it was an amazing experience.

--You appeared in 2018 and 2019, in 2019 you were the first performance on the main stage.

Ishida: It's something I'm most proud of in my life, it was such a big event that I want to talk about it forever. We knew how to excite our fans but, we wondered how to excite those that aren't our fans; during Rockin' everyone really thought about that. Everyone knows "LOVE Machine" and "Renai Revolution 21", they'll dance to that. But, for like "Seishun Night", a song where everyone can make some noise and dance together, how could we convey that to those that are seeing it for the first time? To the guests in the back, how we can make it reach out; we really studied those kinds of things.

--What did you find there?

Ishida: It was our line of sight. Intuitively I thought the line of sight should be straight forward, but you can also curve it. Jumping over the people in front with a "I'm sorry", we learned the technique of jumping with our line of sight like "I'm looking at you". For us (in Japan) I think we did it when we stood at Budokan and Yoyogi (National Stadium). 

How To Make It Resonate With Those That Don't Know The Previous Morning Musume

--With this album the single released last year "Junjou Evidence" was also included. In Tsunku-san's liner notes he wrote "you don't have to carry on with tradition" "Breaking free from the past, step up to what's next". Has Ishida-san also thought about that sort of thing?

Ishida: I've thought about it. But, those making the current trends, those in their teens and twenties, they don't know the previous Morning Musume, do they. It's different from us chasing after them, I've come to think about this a lot recently. It's better for us to make Morning Musume as the current us, I wonder if the current audiences would listen to it.

--It was the group's 20th anniversary in 2018, right?

Ishida: Certainly during the 20th anniversary, we sang "Morning Coffee" with our seniors, it was really a wonderful commemoration. I think that it was a big event for those that have always supported us. Of course we want to cherish those people as well, and while also respecting our seniors previous songs by singing them with the feeling of their importance. But, with our current songs it's not like "how would our seniors perform this", so it will resonate with those in their teens and twenties, I think it's alright to attack it with this expression.

There Are Many Songs About Dreams and The Future It Makes Me Almost Cry

--There are a lot of positive songs on the album like the new song “Junjou Evidence”, right.

Ishida: There certainly are. There are a lot that talk about dreams and the future, I think.

--There is the appearance of love songs like “Renai Destiny ~Honne wo Ronjitai~” but, you’re singing <Let's do it all, do all of it>.

Ishida: I love this song. It feels like it has the passionate message of “Break through the status quo. Do what you want to do”, it makes me almost cry. The tears especially come when singing the hook that's in a high key, it's really dangerous (laughs).

--Are there others songs that resonated?

Ishida: With the ballad “Nakimushi My Dream”, I straightforwardly feel “it's wonderful,”. With the current coronavirus, I think dreams like opening up a shop collapsed. Since recently it's like <dreams are disappearing one by one without a sound>, I think this song can reach those people. <It's ok to be an honest crybaby> also resonates, right. It's not like “Do your best while looking forward,” its teaching “It's alright to look back on things too,”. I’m also like that when I’m feeling down.

Do you cry secretly too?

Ishida: I do. But, on the other hand, if it's too painful tears won't come out right? When those kinds of people hear this song I also want their tears to flow. it's better to cry because it's refreshing. I really want everyone to do their best.

Its Unsatisfying To Always Spend Each Year The Same

-- “Hey! Unfair Baby” is like <Break free! Break free!>.

Ishida: It feels like “Break it! Break it!”, right.

--Do you think the current Morning Musume needs that kind of mode?

Ishida: Through all of the songs on the album, Tsunku-san was saying “Let's move forward, lets change,” I don’t know whether that was a message sent to us, or if it was towards the situation in the world. The time when I was saying “I must change” may have passed a bit. Now, I’m already enjoying various things already. Rather than forcibly changing, if it doesn’t work I’ve realized I’ll continue like “Well, let's do this”.

--When was your “I must change” period?

Ishida: I thought, “Is this ok as is?”, it was about my performances around 2015. I had been in the group for 4 years, I was always feeling like “I can’t lose in dance!” But, I started to worry like, “You can’t impress people just by dancing precisely”, and I thought I wanted to become more mature.

--Did you get over it?.

Ishida: As I got older, it was something I learned naturally. It was recent, before the coronavirus. I’m having fun doing all the concerts I get to do for work but, I wanted to bring something out like “let's do more interesting things,”. I’ve been active in Morning Musume for 9 years, I thought “I’ve been spending every year the same,”. I get to do concerts all year, and I do birthday and Christmas events, it doesn’t change every year. With that, from January of last year, I did a solo play for my birthday event.

--It seems like it was well received.

Ishida: Since then it's been like, “If I want to do something, I’ll be able to if I work hard,” and, I’ve changed myself from within. Before I was embarrassed to say what I wanted to do, I would end up giving up like “it's probably impossible,’ but, I’ve come to think “Let’s say it,”.

Euphoria is The Most Charming Thing About The Members Now

--Tsunku-san named this album “That’s J-POP” but, how has Ishida-san taken in the music?

Ishida: I feel like a lot of the songs really stir my emotions. Now, it's hard to talk about dreams with this situation, you’re not able to do things you want to do, I think from listening to this album, you’ll certainly be able to do your best to stay positive. Something that I really like, the kind of passion from our seniors in Morning Musume that has been passed down, I feel like that's apparent in this album.

--What do you think is something good about the current Morning Musume ‘21?

Ishida: There is an image of pastel colors. Around 2016 and 2017, I feel like it was more primary colors. Individually we’re strong, everyone was on fire. When you watch a live video of Morning Musume ‘21 from a birds eye view, the members' euphoria is the most charming thing. Compared to when we were doing formation dances, there were places where we were all matching, but honestly there were places where we weren’t matching. We really had to dig into it. But, recently Tsunku-san also told us, “It's not necessary for the juniors to be exactly the same as the seniors,”; I realized that the charm of everyone being the same was the Morning Musume from a bit ago. Now if there is a cute song all of the members try to get along with each other, it’s charming. It feels like the air is suddenly brighter. The fans will smile towards us, the whole space looks like its pastel. I think that's Morning Musume ‘21. 

The 15th Generation Changed The Color Of The Group

--Were the pastel shades brought in largely from the three 15th generation members that joined in 2019? 

Ishida: It largely was. The 15th generation changed our color.

--Did you play a central role in educating the 15th generation as a sub-leader?

Ishida: That’s right. I taught them various things. In particular dance but really only in the beginning. Now I’ll give them some advice if they’re having difficulty dancing, but I don’t tell them detailed things like “have your hand angle like this,”.

--Is that the policy of growing at ease?

Ishida: If we get to have another solo concert tour, since it's important for us to be in an arrangement, I think I’ll teach them. Now we’re doing Hello! Project concerts and it's important to have fun. Since that fun will certainly be conveyed to the fans, that's what they should focus on.

Knowing They’re Not Only Wholesome But Also Silly

--For each of the three in the 15th generation, could Ishida-san give us their good points and things to improve on?

Ishida: Yamazaki Mei-chan is always lively, and her singing voice is really cute. Standing on stage, she seems to be having fun even during cool songs. It's healing for us as well that she brightens the space just by her being there, I want her to always have that kind of presence. Earlier this year for the ballad concerts, Kitagawa Rio-chan found her own way of singing, it's really good. Since it's probably because she is confident in the song, as it is, I want her to keep moving forward.

--Kitagawa-san’s photobook came out last year, and she was recently on the cover and had the opening gravure for “Young Magazine”.

Ishida: Since we haven’t been able to do a lot of events or concerts with the 15 generation, I don’t think the fans know a lot about Kitagawa. With the feeling of wholesomeness like, “I’ll do my best to not lose to the seniors,”, she came in with the simple approach but, she's really a funny girl. I’m hoping that everyone will come to know about that later.

--Also, for Okamura-san?

Ishida: Homare-chan has a funny side. That humor will come out when she is with her seniors. Talking with her, it's like “Eh, isn’t that strange Japanese?” and “on the contrary, isn’t that rude?” she’ll say something by mistake like that, it's silly. I want her to show that sort of thing, since she is a cute girl that's like a baby (laughs), I want to watch her grow.

I’ll Light The Fire Before It Becomes Pale

--Do you have any thoughts about the future image of Morning Musume?

Ishida: Ideally, whatever happens, I want the root of Morning Musume to remain. If we go on like the current pastel, we will end up becoming an uninteresting group. It's good right now. But, if we continue with it for a long time and we end up becoming a pale color, I might not like that. If the members don’t color it properly, I’m worried it will get paler and paler, you’d have to add a deeper color at some point. From now on, I want to keep the fire burning.

--With the “root of Morning Musume”, originally it was a group that was formed from those who lost an audition and they competed with each other, is that that group's genetic origins? 

Ishida: That's right. When the time comes there's like a “lets do it!” kind of enthusiasm. Like during Rockin’, everyone was really cool, I felt the air of Morning Musume that I like. I know that the current members are cool too, so I hope to have another time where we can turn on that switch.

I Want To Challenge Various Things I Think Are Interesting

--In Tsunku-san’s line notes for “Jinsei Blues” he wrote “Fukumura and Ishida could stay active till they’re 40, I want them to walk a new life that will blow people's minds,”. For Ishida-san, do you feel motivated to stay in Morning Musume till you’re 40?

Ishida: I don’t know but (laughs), if I stay a long time in Morning Musume, it may feel like “it's because Tsunku-san said that,”. If I can continue finding things interesting with my activities I’ll continue; l’ve said before that if I think something like “this is interesting!”, I may go that way in the future. It's important to maintain the status quo but, it's a bit boring isn’t it?

--Recently you sold “Ishida Bread” at “HinaFest”, right. You also did a solo play at your birthday event; with Ishida-san’s high dance skill, do you think you want to go into musicals?

Ishida: I like plays but, I think it's different than just going with plays. Since I’m greedy, I want to dance and sing. I don't want to just be an actress like Kudo Haruka-chan. I want to challenge various things, I’d be happy if you’d watch over me.

Profile Ishida Ayumi Born January 7th, 1999, hometown is Sendai, Miyagi. Passed the 2011 “Morning Musume 10th generation member “Genki Jirushi” audition”. Her first single release was “Pyoko Pyoko Ultra”. In December 2018 she became a sub-leader. She appears in a once a month corner “Ishida Ayumi Goes!” on “Ara Ara Kashiko” (Sendai Broadcast).

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/byline/saitotakashi/20210403-00230490/

[wrathandgreed]

I can’t get my drawings to go how I want, so I figure I’ll *write* out my MCTober stuff, with the help of piccrew :) And as I’m behind, I’ll start at Day 1 anyway. I haven’t written in forever (and I’ve never written for the brothers), and I don’t know how to format stuff on Tumblr Mobile. So, bear with me.

Day 1: MC Presentation

This is Rae. She is

[[MORE]]

- pretty pale, despite having grown up in California. She’s one of those people who just burns in the sun, so she tends to cover up and wear lots of sunscreen.

- Is around 23, but looks younger. The fact that her entire style is “rebellion” makes people think she’s in her late teens.

- Also has a sweet face. The kind of face that makes her seem trustworthy despite the attire. The face that draws in people needing directions, kids who’ve lost their parents, and tourists who need pictures taken. The fact that she will, without complaint or question, give directions, help locate parents, and cheerfully take pictures only reinforces that.

- She has color-shifting hair, although that reddish color in the picrew is *close* to her natural shade. Just plumped up a few saturation points. At other points she’s gone to black with pink streaks or green tips. Once, when a friend was learning how to do hair, she had one of those super expensive full-on rainbow undercuts, but everyone agreed it was a bitch to maintain and wasn’t worth it.

- When not in RAD uniform, she tends to dress in a kind of rock-casual. Ripped jeans and band-tees are her favorite things, along with belt chains and as many necklaces as she can get away with before they start tangling. It makes sense when you consider she sang with a metal band in her first few years of college. They still play occasionally, but most of them are too focused on their studies to do the hardcore networking it takes to “make it” in music.

- She tends to do heavy eye makeup, but very little on the rest of her face. No nail polish, since she’s constantly chipping or chewing it off.

- Her headphones are as much a constant for her as they are for Levi.

- Personality-wise, she presents as friendly....almost pathologically friendly. If Luke is a chihuahua, she’s a Labrador. She’s game to try anything, has endless energy, and is willing to tag along on the most mundane errands. It seems to take a lot to offend, upset, or frighten her. Deliberately hurting her usually does it.

- Then she’s silent. Whether it’s because she’s protecting herself or giving you the silent treatment is anyone’s guess.

I imagine it goes something like this.....

Lucifer hadn’t been in favor of the exchange program. Far too many things could go wrong. However, it was what Diavolo wanted, so Lucifer would ensure it went well. In order to support Diavolo’s initiative, Lucifer had done everything he could think of to prepare for the new arrival. He had planned on how to deal with errant lower demons attempting to either eat their flesh or steal their soul. He had planned for magical accidents in their classes. He had even planned for the off-chance that their new arrival might be too terrified to leave the House for a few weeks.

He thought he had prepared for everything.

What he hadn’t prepared for was a human who not only wasn’t terrified, but was actively enjoying herself.

A female shriek pulled him from his room and he was halfway to the common room before he realized it had been a shriek of laughter, not distress. Since he was close to the room anyway, he decided to investigate. He had left the girl and Mammon watching TV, so it wasn’t a surprise that things went wrong. The two of them together somehow managed to make more trouble than Mammon did on his own. At least trouble with Rae rarely involved Mammon stealing, so it was trouble that was easier to deal with.

Rae’s loud laughter sounded again as he stepped into the room, just in time to see her evade Mammon and climb to the top of the back of the couch. In her raised hand, high over her head, she held her D.D.D. On the inside of her wrist was the gleam of his pact mark.

“Erase it!” Mammon called as he got back to his feet. There was laughter in his voice, almost enough to make Lucifer smile. His younger brother often talked about how much fun he was having, but really seemed to have little of it.

“Or what?” Rae sputtered over her giggles. “You can’t hurt me. You can’t - “

Suddenly Mammon wasn’t where he’d been. In a move too quick for the human to follow, he had snagged her off the top of the couch and leaned her backwards over it, her head towards the cushions. She still held the phone out of reach, and she was still laughing - mostly because Mammon was tickling her. She wriggled as hard as she could, but no human wriggling could match demon strength. Her shirt bunched up towards her breasts and one of her necklaces smacked her in the face. As she flailed, she caught sight of the older brother.

“Lucifer!” She called. “Catch!” The D.D.D flew through the air towards him.

At the sound of his older brother’s name, Mammon immediately let go of Rae. She fell back onto the couch cushions, cackling, but Mammon was red. “Stupid human,” he muttered. “If I get in trouble, it’s your fault.”

“Why should you be in trouble, Mammon?” Lucifer asked smoothly. “Anything I should know?”

“N-no! I haven’t done nothin’. Haven’t had TIME to do anything, what with the pet-sitting you’re makin’ me do.”

Rae rolled her eyes as Mammon gestured at her. She was still trailing giggles, calming down from the frantic tickles. “He’s just mad.”

“Am not!”

She started sidling closer to Lucifer - and her phone. “He got a little sad - “

“Did not!”

“ - at the movie we were watching.”

“They were separated forever!” Mammon’s flush grew worse and he couldn’t help a sniffle. “All because of some dumb vow made before they even met! It ain’t fair!”

“So I took a photo. Y’know, to commemorate the moment.” She’d made her way to Lucifer and held her hand out for her phone. He placed it in her hand and she smiled. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I apparently promised Levi I’d watch something with him tonight. I don’t remember making that promise, but he’s insistent I did.”

“Hey! Why’re you spending so much time with Levi? I’m your first guy!”

“Yeah, and he’s my second.” She pulled up the hem of her tshirt enough to show another pact mark, shimmering and peeking up from the waistband of her jeans. “And my second guy wants to watch something called I was a Teenage Vampire Who..... uh, Something Something Something Before the World Ends.”

Grumbling, Mammon moved towards the room’s exit too. “Well, if I can’t talk ya out of it, I can at least make sure ya aren’t bored. The Great Mammon will sacrifice his night to keep ya entertained.”

“Are you sure Levi will let you in? Do you know today’s code?”

“WHAT FRIGGING CODE?”

Lucifer pinched the bridge of his nose as the two walked off, still bickering. Fighting. Play-fighting. Whatever they were doing, Lucifer wanted no part of it.

Why couldn’t the House have gotten a normal human?

[heathcliffdt]

Whatever Souls Are Made Of

Summary: It had been three years since Gar last saw Rae, and he was still reminded of her in the most trivial little things. A post-Christmas fic.

It had been three years since Gar last saw Raven in person. Of course there had been a few calls here and there, but both sides were courteous enough not to sustain the calls for longer than necessary. Sometimes, he wonders if Raven was just being her usual self—he knew her, he knew that she was untrusting, she was skeptic, she doubted. And despite the fact that Garfield was among the few whom she trusted, he didn’t become complacent. He didn’t want to intrude or to impose. 

Besides, it had been three years already. 

What did he know about how she was doing?

He knew nothing anymore. He was brave enough to admit that. He was a realistic and pragmatic person now; he grew up. Should teen Garfield be present, he would pride himself that he had permeated through the brazen thick walls Raven had built around herself.

Before the team broke up, Garfield became confused. He was spending more time with Raven—they would hang out in her room, she’d show him some few harmless spells (how to establish a bond between familiar and sorceress, how to convert dried flowers to charms). It was a two-way street: Raven, on her part, met Gar halfway. She hang out with him, accompanied him to stupid arcades despite the blinding flashing lights and loud noises. One time, when chilling in the living room of the Titans Tower, Garfield playfully placed his headphones on Raven’s ears.

“What the—“

“Listen to this, Rae. Just give it a shot.”

She gave him a doubting look. “I don’t know, Beast Boy, you’re too loud for my liking. I’m sure your songs are too loud as well.”

“Yet you choose to hang out with me rather than turn me down,” he said. To this, Raven felt her cheeks heat up. She only hoped he did not see the red creep up in her cheeks.

Garfield fiddled through his phone, scrolling through his songs on his playlist. Raven tried peeking at his list to see if there were any familiar song. Suddenly, a song blasted through Gar’s headphones.

When Raven first heard the song, she gave Gar a questioning look. Beast Boy? This song? He listened to songs like this? That night, when she was in bed, Raven listened to the song Gar made her listen to earlier. Garfield had no idea of the little efforts Raven made to meet him halfway.

It was no brainer that Garfield and Raven were at the polar ends of a spectrum. Their compatibility even as friends are so, well, low. Raven would much rather isolate herself from the company of people; if she chose however to be with people, she would want to be with those who understand her. She loved Robin’s beautiful mind, and how reassuring he was of a friend. For Raven, Robin was the complementary muslin darkness to her moon. While Gar on the other hand, who was poor in handling his internal strife would prefer the company of those who could provide him the ability of forgetting his scars temporarily. People like Vic—and Terra even—made him forget that he was a monster. 

Clearly, Raven and Gar would be each other’s last option for a good company. 

Yet there they were, in front of the local theatre entrance three summers ago.

“A stage play? Really?” Raven raised her eyebrows at Garfield. At first, it appeared to her that maybe he was trying too hard. Theaters were simply not his interest, it was so not him.

“Ahhh hehe,” Garfield ruefully scratched his nape. “Hey, I dunno, I uh, love theatre. Thought you might want to see a play or something.”

Raven looked at Garfield. She felt Garfield. Garfield was always easy to read—on the surface level, that is. To her, Garfield was wild flowers, beautiful in a porcelain vase on top of a table. Wild, as they might be poisonous as well. She studied him carefully this time: he was nervous, the rate of his heart increasing. But she felt blitheness and warmth spreading in the fields of gardenias and flowering almond. The fact that the small futile happiness of Garfield scared Raven. Probably because his feelings crawled up to her skin and she felt in that moment that she was happy as well. 

“I, uh, I didn’t know that, Beast Boy. That you love theatre.”

He gave her his signature flashing smile. “‘Course! I’m a trash for the performing arts!”

To this she chuckled lightly. “Really now?”

“Hey, if this date turned out well, and you liked it, maybe we could see a musical or a classic reruns of Humphrey Boggart.”

“You watch Humphrey Boggart?”

“I gots class. Vintage,” he winked at her.

She rolled her eyes fondly and smiled. “So what are we seeing?”

“Wuthering Heights. It’s just a local production, but I looked up their blog and there were positive reviews.”

“Wuthering Heights?” Raven shot at him. Garfield’s eyes widened in brief terror as a response to Raven’s reactions. 

“Yeah, why? Is something wrong?”

Raven was not sure if he was pulling on her leg. Raven loved Wuthering Heights. It’s her favorite book. And Gar And Garfield was not supposed to know that. Or was he mocking her? Wuthering Heights screamed gothic what with all the elements of a gothic piece of literature present—the haunting ghost, the moor which never saw a blink of the sun, not to mention, the house with gothic architecture. 

“Beast Boy, what do you think you’re doing? Are you making fun of me?”

“What?” Garfield squinted his eye in confusion as he scratched his head. “What the hell are you talking about, Rae?”

“If this is some kind of joke, just don’t. I know you think I’m creepy, bu—“

“Whoa, whoa. Why the hell are you bringing this up now? And didn’t we settle this before?”

Raven felt Garfield’s emotions piqued up. It shifted quickly like a madman. One moment he was so reluctant and bashful, the next he was excited and pumping, and now he was just straight out frustrated and quite confused. Raven pursed her lips and this time, thought carefully of the words she would let loose.

“Garfield,” she said softly. 

Gar’s shoulders slumped to this. His frustration and annoyance immediately escaping his senses. “Rae? What’s wrong? Something’s wrong, isn’t there?” because Raven had not called Garfield his real name ever until this very moment.

“Garfield,” his name in the movement of her lips was an irony: it was a foreign word but senses screamed at her that no, it was not. “Wuthering Heights is my favorite book.”

“It is? Then that’s sweet, isn’t it? I just don’t see why you’re getting all mad at me. Please let me understand.”

“I mean, I, uh, I love the book for a great many reasons, Gar. Not because it’s, you know,” Raven cleared her throat.

“What?”

“Not because it’s what you call creepy.”

“Oh.”

Okay. Now he understood. After that particular misunderstanding, Gar never told Raven that she was creepy. He admitted that it was a careless remark but it did not incapacitate him from pursuing a deeper friendship with him. “Hey, I know you must know that I’m not the biggest fan of books out there, but I am aware that Wuthering Heights is a gothic tale.”

Raven did not respond. She shifted on her feet awkwardly to Gar’s remarks.

“If you think I’m pulling a joke on you, or making fun of who you are, then you’re wrong.”

Garfield held Raven’s hand in his. At his touch, Raven lowered her head to hide the beet red on her face. 

“I just want you to enjoy the things I find cool. Seriously, Rae. Also, I would never use the things you love against you. Why would I even?”

The only response she gave him was a tight affirmative squeeze at his hand.

On Christmas morning, Raven woke up to a brown package that arrived through mail.

It had been three years since she last celebrated Christmas. For her, Christmas was all about being with loved ones; she had been living alone for three years, and her walls had never been higher and more solid than ever. Just why would she even celebrate the holiday? Sure she did receive postcards and pictures from her friends which overtime turned to just phone calls and sms, but to actually go as far as celebrating it, what’s the use if you’re alone? 

It was a surprise that there was actually a package for her that Christmas. A real Christmas present. 

Raven was a sentimental person. Of course things scarred her. She didn’t detest the holiday. How could she, when it was among the nicest and warmest she had ever felt. To commemorate, the only effort she exerted for the memory of Christmas was when she brew ginger tea. It tasted like the cookies she and her friends baked on Christmas eve—Starfire overdoing her cookies, and Gar liking the remains of the bowl of the cookie dough. 

She went to her counter and poured hot water over her teacup. Carefully she took a small sip. Raven lifted the package and studied it. ‘Huh, who could have given it?’

She unwrapped the present disinterestedly. Maybe it was just her landlady giving out towels or planners or some compulsory gifts demanded by their unwritten contract. 

When Raven opened it however, it was a tattered secondhand copy of her favorite book. 

Wuthering Heights the cover read. Underneath it was the name of the author, Emily Brontë, in a smaller, thinner and less defined font. 

She stood there for a good couple of minutes, her tea had probably ran cold. Her hands shivered as she held the book. Her mouth gaped at it in awe and in panic. It took her another minute before her mind told her to flip through the pages.

When Raven opened the cover of the book, a piece of paper showed itself before her. After reading what was written in the paper tucked in between the cover and the first page, she knew that it was the best Christmas present ever. 

For a long time, it was kindness that made her cry. Not pain, not hurt, not betrayal. But kindness.

Rae,

Merry Christmas. I hope this came in on time. I haven’t seen you for a long time already, but I remember you in a lot of things. I got this copy from a secondhand store. And I know it’s a dumb idea to gift you one since it’s your favorite. Surely you already have a copy of it. I miss you. Take care.

-Gar

an: hello !!!! this is my first bbrae fic i ever post and it is not timely so forgive me. lets be friendsss. also it had been my headcanon that raven's fave book is wuthering heights since i think she has an exquisite taste in classic literature and is a romantic herself. and the song that bb made raven listen to was i will follow you into the dark by death cab for cutie. :> 

[liv-andletdie]

Crowd of Thousands

Characters: Link, Zelda, OC Pairing: Zelink Rating: Teen Summary:  “The smile, the voice, the eyes. He’d mentioned home, they used goat milk? It had all been so clear! How had she missed it?!” Zelda and Link find comfort in a shared dislike of parties.

I’d like to thank @zeldasdiaries and @welcometofeelstowneveryonesdead for casting their critical eyes over this work. Thank you both this wouldn’t have been done without you xxx 

Ao3 Link

<><><>

If there was anything that still unsettled the young Hero it was parties. Small get togethers he could handle, family affairs around the fire, joking and drinking and singing songs until the sun rose it’s weary head over the horizon. Those were events he enjoyed, that he missed almost. The joyful laughs of his family echoing into the air and the smell of goat stew and pumpkin pie cooking over the fire were absent from his new life in Castle Town.

It had been almost a year since the invasion had ceased, months since the rebuilding of the city had been completed, and days since the final tile was replaced on the roof of the highest tower. And to commemorate the occasion the court had called for a ball, an extravagant celebration for only the high society of Hyrule. Men and Women from all over the country came decked out in their most elaborate gowns. The women draped and in silks and drowning in diamonds, the men wrapped in decorative doublets with shining gold medals pinned to their chests. The overpowering stench of different perfumes fought for dominance in the air, suffocating and sickening.

Link hated it.

He hated how pretentious everyone was, he hated how they swanned around the room laughing at pathetic witticisms and patting themselves on the back, he hated how they ignored the issues of the families still struggling in the city below, and he hated how they looked at him.

They saw him as nothing more than a curiosity, a novelty to explore and tease. They all wanted to meet the “Hero who saved Hyrule” and as such he was paraded around the room like a prize Goat headed to slaughter.

Link was drawn out of his musings by the feel of a silk glove against his arm. He turned his head sharply to the Duchess next to him, her squawking obnoxious laugh cut right through him as she clutched his sleeve in her talon like grip, a glass of champagne perched in her other hand. Her husband (Or at least Link assumed he was her husband) patted his own chest roughly in his laughter, spilling his drink onto the floor and over his shoes.

“My boy” he guffawed through his laughter “You really do know how to turn a phrase!”

Did I say something funny? Link wondered trying not to let his disdain show on his face. The Duchess beside him dug her talons in deeper, pulling his arm towards her.

“He’s right, you really are quite astounding. Where have you been hiding all this time?!” She leaned in, her breath heavy with alcohol, her garish smile painted red just hovering over his cheek. Link could feel every cell in his body telling him to run, to get out of there before she got any closer. But hours of etiquette lessons with Auru and Shad told him the opposite. It would be impolite to run screaming from the woman beside him, no matter how uncomfortable she was making him.

“Ordon” was his polite reply as he tugged his arm from her grip, jostling her slightly as champagne spilled from her glass, adding to the growing puddle on the floor.

“I’ve heard wonderful things about Ordon” she sighed, teetering and swaying in her high heeled slippers “such marvelous trees”

She’s drunk he concluded, watching as she tried to keep balance, her arm flailing and landing on her companion's shoulder.

“Oh yes such wonderful trees” he agreed raising his almost empty glass in a toast. Link copied his action out of fear of seeming impolite, before excusing himself to hide in the corner of the room, desperate for a little peace and quiet amidst the bustling noise of the crowd.

Hidden by the shadows he could survey the room in it’s entirety. His eyes swept over the long velvet curtains and the polished marble columns, the carved statues of deities and nymphs, the stunning frescoes that decorated the ceiling detailing stories from the country's long and difficult history. He watched as couples spun and danced in the center of the room, silks and satins of all colours shifting and moving in time with the waltz. The band played in the corner, their instruments appeared almost golden in the light from the ornate chandeliers above.

Those not dancing lingered on the edge of the floor. Groups of people stood talking and laughing and making as much noise as possible. Link tried to ignore the sounds as he gazed over the crowd, searching. A flash of deep purple silk caught his eye to his right and he found her.

Princess Zelda, the heir to the throne of Hyrule.

Over the months since his return north he and her Highness had grown…close. They knew each other, or knew of each other. They saw each other in the hallways or at dinner, sharing short, curt, conversations; a fond greeting followed by small talk and ending with the mutual promise and agreement that they just must do this again. From anyone else Link would have found the whole exchange to be merely a formality, cold and devoid of meaning. But with Her, with Zelda, he found himself believing every word! Every promise to find him in the hallways, to make time for tea so they could sit and have a proper conversation, seemed so sincere that it made his heart ache in his chest.  

But The Princess was a busy woman, what with a city to repair and a country to rebuild. He couldn’t blame her, nor could he blame their hectic schedules. They both had work that they needed to complete, jobs that they needed to do, all for the good of Hyrule. And just because the final tiles had been replaced and the statues in the square repaired it didn’t mean that their lives were about to get any simpler.

He tried to shake the dread from his shoulders at the thought of his, once simple, life becoming any more complicated than it needed to be and instead tried to work up the courage to cross the room and be closer to his Princess. He contemplated walking over to her and starting a conversation, but it was generally frowned upon to speak to a monarch before they made the effort to speak to you. He never knew, she may find it insulting that he dared to assume that she would wish to speak to him.

Would she even want to speak with him?!

Why is this so complicated? He cursed, it should be simple! But it wasn’t, and it seemed nothing was anymore.

Letting out a deep breath his eyes locked on the Princess again. She was stunning, her long brown hair falling in waves down her back, her arms and neck were decked with jewels, glittering diamonds caught the light at every angle making her look like she was made of pure starlight. The long skirts of her dress were accented with amethysts and a heavy silver crown sat high atop her head. He watched as she spoke to some noble, her rosy lips pulled into a polite smile. He could tell by the way she clenched her fist slightly that she was having about as much fun as he was.

Then she turned, excusing herself, and headed towards the doorway. She seemed to almost glide across the floor in her haste to escape the hot and crowded room.

At that moment Link wasn’t sure what came over him, perhaps it was a desire to make sure she was alright, or maybe it was sheer curiosity to see where she was going in such a hurry, but as he watched her slip through the gap between the large ballroom doors he felt his feet move to follow her.

<><><>

Zelda leant against the wall of the corridor, a hand raised to her temple in an attempt to ease the dull pounding thud there.

She hated parties.

Ever since she was a child, following along behind her brother and her father, the large noisy crowds had been nothing but a source of pain. Hundreds of people all gathered in one room, their heavy perfume making it difficult to breathe, all asking her questions and fawning at her dress or her hair. The attention was too much and most of the time her father rarely noticed where she was anyway, she would sneak out onto the balcony to count the stars, or she would feign an illness to be excused and spend the rest of the evening curled up in bed reading her favourite stories over and over again.

That all changed when her brother took the throne however. She was then expected to sing and dance, to perform when asked and to smile when demanded. Her headaches began to grow and soon she no longer needed to fake them. Thankfully her brother had let her leave whenever she wished.

She didn’t dance anymore.

She didn’t sing.

The only conversation she had made was with nobles who knew not to keep her waiting too long.

The music had been soft.

The perfume not nearly as suffocating as it once was.

So why was she in such agony!?

The Goddesses curse me she thought bitterly, rubbing her forehead as the pounding only got worse. She’d tried to grin and bare it, to remain the perfect image of a perfect princess that they all expected from her, and she couldn’t even do that right! Her father’s voice rang in her ears, You’re a disgrace, a failure, not fit to rule!

Shut up! She wanted to scream, her hands moved to cover her ears to try and block out the words, Shut up! Shut up you’re wrong! You’re wrong! She slid down the wall, curling up into a ball on the floor with her head between her knees, her hands still clamped over her ears. Every happy moment she had felt that evening was drowned in the darkness she now felt.

She hadn’t even gotten to speak to Link.

She’d wanted to, by Nayru she’d wanted to. She’d wanted to speak to him more than anyone else in the room, and yet every time she’d tried to some noble had stepped in her way! Demanding attention and keeping her from him. She tried not to get mad at them, it wasn’t like they knew she was following him around the room, instead remaining calm and greeting them and thanking them for whatever “sizeable donation” they had put forward to help with the repairs.

Talking with Duke Eldeer had been the final nail in the coffin. He must have bathed in his cologne, for the smell radiating off of him was overpowering! She could still taste it in the back of her throat, the sharp stinging scent had caused her to run from the room in pain, abandoning any hope of talking to the handsome man with the beautiful blue eyes.

She could still picture her Hero, dressed in finery and jewels. His new green tunic was heavy with embroidery, intricate patterns in silver and gold thread decorated the collar and cuffs. His worn brown boots had been polished till they shone and his shaggy hair had been somewhat tamed for the occasion. She’d watched as he spoke with everyone, Lords and Ladies, Counts and Countesses, all the time wearing a polite and courteous smile. The very image of a Hylian Gentleman.

The pain in her head flared up once more as she leaned back against the wall, resting her head against the ancient stone and brick. The voice of her father was long gone, replaced only with a dull ache in her heart. She wrapped her arms around herself, the silk of her gloves like ice against her bare flesh. What she wouldn’t give for a little heat.

Soft footsteps broke her from her reverie.

The moonlight streaming in through the thin windows cast a faint silver glow over the stones, barely lighting up the corridor enough to see her own hands in front of her face let alone anyone approaching. She pushed herself to her feet, smoothing down her skirts as she tried to make out the figure in the darkness.

Then he stepped into the light, blonde hair shining silver under the moon, his eyes bright and blue. Link.

Oh they really are cursing me now, she thought trying to regain her composure. What is he doing here? What does he want!?

Link stood there, his body shaking with nerves or the cold she wasn’t sure. He looked like he wanted to say something, to call out to her. She watched as he opened his mouth only to have the words die on his tongue, a look of anxiety in his eyes.

Belatedly the reason came to her, he was waiting for her to speak first, to instigate the conversation lest he overstep his boundaries. She felt a hint of frustration colour her cheeks, We’re alone, does he really think I’d hold him of all people to that rule?

“Speak freely” she said, cringing slightly at how weak her voice was. She was meant to be a leader, a Queen! Not some doe eyed maid.

“Your Highness” His voice was soft, nervous, and gentle. She could see him reach out towards her slightly, his hand shaking. “Are you alright?”

There was no malice in his tone. No mocking her for leaving the party, no questioning why. He was honest in his concerns, caring only for her wellbeing. Zelda felt a blush settle at her collar at the realisation, the skin growing hot despite the chill.

“I’m perfectly fine” she lied, trying to make her voice seem confident despite the shivers running down her spine “just wanted a little quiet that’s all”

Link didn’t seem to believe her. He wrung his hands in front of himself, the leather of his new gloves was still hard and stiff and uncomfortable. She watched as he went over his words in his head, trying to find the best way to phrase his concerns and not seem patronising.

“Forgive me” he began “but you look like you’ve been crying?”

Have I been crying? She wondered, bringing her hand to her cheek. She felt the silk at her finger tip grow damp with tears, the realisation causing the dull ache in her heart to spread down her limbs.

“It’s the headache” she responded, almost robotically “I get dreadful migraines sometimes”

The look in his eyes wasn’t one of pity or derision. He held no contempt for her as a soft, small, smile found a way to his lips.

“I can help with that” he offered with a shy shrug of his shoulders “I know a good headache cure, works every time”

Zelda glanced at his outstretched hand, the leather of his glove shining dimly in the light of the moon. A different feeling steeled her heart, the numbness dissipating and making the tips of her fingers tingle with electricity. She could feel his eyes on her, watching her, waiting patiently for her response.

She stood silently, weighing up her options. She should politely decline his offer, she should return to the ballroom, she should dry her tears and smooth her gown and march right back into the room she’d fled from. She shouldn’t be thinking about how wonderful it would be to spend some time alone with Link, she shouldn’t be tempted to reach out and take his hand, she shouldn’t be seriously contemplating letting him take her to her room, and she really shouldn’t be spending time alone with him unattended especially considering how neither of them were married.

To be found, alone in her room with an unmarried man would spell disaster for her already fragile reputation! It would be unwise, foolhardy, ridiculous! She was going to tell him “thanks but no thanks, I’ll be fine” and waltz right past him! Yes, she wasn’t going to get herself tangled up in drama all over a little headache.

Taking a deep breath, Zelda reached forward and took his hand in hers.

“I would appreciate that very much, thank you”

<><><>

I can’t believe I’m actually doing this! Zelda sat at her fire, resting against the plush cushions of her armchair. A small table stood between her and Link as he sat before her stirring, what looked like, pink milk in a teacup. He seemed focused on his task, sitting only on the very edge of his seat. He mixed a few teaspoons of sugar into the concoction, the edge of the spoon clicking against the inside of the cup as he stirred.

Since she had taken his hand and let him escort her to her rooms, far from public decency and prying eyes, he had retreated back into silence. He barely even looked at her, his eyes seeming to burn holes into the table in front of him. She couldn’t remember him being so… so shy? Perhaps shy wasn’t the correct word, perhaps the correct word would be respectful?

Zelda had seen him through Midna’s eyes. She had seen his sass and his arrogance, his annoyance and his patience. He was a man of few words and many emotions, Where is that man? She wondered looking over his hunched form next to her.  

According to Auru, Link had spent days studying proper etiquette in preparation for the ball that he was currently missing out on… thanks to her. Zelda tried not to linger on that, straining to hear the faint singing of the orchestra downstairs.

“Are you enjoying the party?” she asked, playing with the ring she wore. The subtle twitching of his ears was the only sign that he’d heard her. He continued stirring the drink for a moment before raising his head to look at her.

“Would you like me to be honest or polite?” he asked sliding the drink across the table towards her. Wordlessly she picked it up, holding the teacup with poise over her lap.

“I would prefer you to be honest” she admitted casting a glance at the drink “as I would like you to be honest about what I am holding currently”

He let out a soft chuckle, the sound causing her pulse to race slightly under her skin. She watched as he removed his gloves, leaving the leather on the table as he rubbed the skin of his knuckles.

“Warm milk,” he started, counting the ingredients off on his fingers “a little bit of red potion, and sugar for the taste. Back home we use honey and goat's milk but… well sugar seemed a lot less sticky and there ain't no goats in Castle Town.”

Zelda nodded, accepting his answer, and lifted the teacup to her lips. Already the scent of red potion was making her skin crawl, uncomfortable memories of loving arms and caring words stained a dark crimson by the vile taste of the potion. “It’s meant to heal you” her brother had told her once “if they made it taste good you’d want to drink it all the time” She hadn’t been so sure of that, even as a child.

She steeled her nerves and took a sip. The supposed “cure” hit her tongue and she recoiled at the… sweet taste? Sweet? She ran her tongue over her lips to make sure and… yes, it was sweet. Her brother’s words suddenly made sense as she lifted the cup for another sip.

“Whaddaya think?” Link asked leaning back slightly in his chair, his thumb still massaging the skin over his knuckles.

“Wonderful” she sighed “I wasn’t expecting it to be so sweet. If I’m honest I was expecting it to taste-”

“Gross?”

“I was going to say sour” she giggled, giving him a look of mock disapproval which he only smiled at. A rough, country boy smile that promised mischief in the woods. Zelda tried to ignore the feeling that she’d seen that smile somewhere before.

“You still have not answered my question” she said, quickly schooling her tone to that of a reigning monarch, desperate to change the subject and to get him to stop smiling at her with such a … wonderful smile. “Are you enjoying the party? And remember you promised to answer honestly”

“I don’t remember making such a promise” he joked, finally leaning fully back against the soft cushions “but, if my Princess wishes me to answer honestly then so I shall”

Zelda tried not to blush, the way his voice had lingered over the words “my princess” caused a pleasant pounding in her ears (which she was sure was the sound of her own heartbeat) She resolutely took another sip of her drink casting her gaze into the fire, avoiding him and his charming eyes.

“I’m not enjoying it” he breathed out in a confession. She felt her heart jump paradoxically. One half of her expect to feel sad that her esteemed guest had not enjoyed the festivities, and yet the other half caused her lips to twitch in a small smirk, happy that someone found the ball as dull as she had.

“All those… people downstairs” he continued, disgust clear on his tongue “They only care about me because I’m the Hero or whatever. I betcha that they wouldn’t give someone like me the time of day”

Zelda turned her head to look at him, taking in the way the light of the fire danced over his features. The soft scowl that made his eyebrows scrunch together and his lip pout. He was utterly adorable.

“Be careful” she warned, hiding her smirk behind the rim of her cup “I might be exactly like those … people downstairs. Only interested in your company for the acclaim” It was a hollow tease, a joke, a jest. She watched as his face shifted from it’s scowl, a soft smile taking the place of his pout.

“You ain’t like that” he sighed, his voice low and humble “You were never like that”

“How would you know?” she asked, genuine curiosity causing her to drop the act. He hadn’t known her before… he couldn’t have. “For as long as I have known you, you have been the Champion of the Gods dear Hero”

He just shook his head, the same mischievous smile caused his eyes to sparkle in the amber light of the flames. That smile, it felt all too familiar, like she had seen it and reveled in it once before. She wondered if he had smiled like that during his journey, if Midna had been honoured to feel its warmth. Surely not, she dismissed the theory, if I had seen his smile then...I would have held onto that for as long as I could.

Then it all made sense.

The smile, the voice, the eyes. He’d mentioned home, they used goat milk? It had all been so clear! How had she missed it?!

“Where do you hail from?” she asked, her voice quiet as a mouse. She leant forward in her chair, fragile teacup close to shattering from how tight her grip was.

“Ordon” he breathed, sighing as if the word was heavy on his chest. His eyes held a fire in them, one that made the flames in the hearth seem cold. A shiver ran down her spine as memories and images came back to her, a fresh spring, a cheering crowd, her brother kneeling in the waters with his arms held out to her, a faint promise that everything would be alright, and…and...

“You’re the boy in the tree!” she gasped, almost throwing her drink over her shoulder “You were there you… you… you’re real?”

Link let out a loud and joyful laugh. His eyes squeezing shut as his hand came to rest on his stomach. “Why wouldn’t I be real?”

She felt her cheeks grow warm, a bright pink blush bloomed on her face. She turned away from him with sudden shyness, hoping that he hadn’t seen the change.

“I couldn’t see you when I left the spring, I thought I had made you up in my mind” She admitted, lifting and tipping the tea cup to drain the last of the mixture from it. “I’m really rather ashamed now”

“How so?”

“I almost didn’t recognise you” she sighed, keeping her eyes on her cup. She could feel him looking at her, his soft gaze burning against her skin. She could imagine him sitting beside her, his lazy smile as he leaned back comfortably in his chair, his messy blonde hair falling over his eyes slightly, his bare hands playing with the embroidery at his cuffs. She tried not to let her thoughts linger on him and yet…

“I’ll forgive ya” he joked, his smile clear in his words. “I was a wolf when you saw me again, and it ain’t like we knew each other or anything” The rest of his sentence was clear, he wouldn’t voice it but she knew what he was thinking, It would make sense why you wouldn’t remember someone like me

But she had. For years she had often wondered about the boy in the tree.

She had been 14 years old. Her father had passed on to the Sacred Realm and in his place her older brother was to rule as regent. He had insisted on taking her to the light springs, all 4 of them. She remembered that it had been controversial to travel all the way to Ordon for one afternoon prayer, “Surely” the naysayers had remarked “you needn’t travel all that way, it’s hardly even part of Hyrule! There’s no point”

Her Brother had ignored them.

The crowds had been so loud, news spreading across the region that the Princess and the King were to visit the spring. People had flocked there from all over, desperate to see even a glimpse of her, to see if she really was as beautiful as the poets described. Even now Zelda could remember the screaming, the shouting. People praising the Goddess as her big brother led her by the hands into the spring.

She’d been so terrified, her heart pounding against her ribs. Her throat had gone dry and each breath had been a struggle. She’d wanted to run back to the carriage and hide, she’d wanted to wrap herself in her brother’s coat and disappear forever, she’d wanted the crowd to stop yelling for her and praising her. And as she stepped into the water of the spring, she had wished for a friend.

She would never know what made her look up, maybe it was a rustle in the trees? Or birdsong overhead? Whatever it was it wasn’t important as she had scanned the treeline around her. The tall green giants had loomed over the two of them in the spring, protecting her and shielding her. And hidden in the trees was a boy.

A boy with the most unruly blonde hair, and the most magnificent mischievous grin.

“You smiled at me” she said, her eyes turning to that child, now all grown up. “I was so scared but… you smiled at me and I felt like I could do anything. I kept that smile with me for years, when I needed help or courage I’d… well it’s rather embarrassing to admit now but… I’d remember your smile, and everything would be easier. I could have picked you out in a crowd of thousands”

Link blushed scarlet at her words, shifting in his seat as if he was suddenly too hot. She tried not to smile as he scratched the back of his neck bashfully, his ears steadily turning a light pink. His smile was small, growing as her words sunk in.

“Shucks” he breathed leaning forward as if to tell her a secret. Zelda found herself leaning in, the distance between them lessening with each breath. “I just remembered you ‘cus I thought you were pretty. Not to say that you ain’t pretty now! Well I mean you’re… you’re beautiful but… please stop laughing at me”

Zelda couldn’t help it, loud joyful giggles and snorts leaving her at his beautiful bewildered expression. Her arms wrapped around her stomach as she laughed, leaning back in her chair and pulling her knees up. It was all she could do to contain the happiness she felt. Only the boy in the Trees could make her feel so loved.

She heard him chuckle beside her, his laughter growing until it filled the room. It was sweeter than music, more magic than poetry. She opened her eyes to see him smiling at her as they laughed together. The sound of their joy drowning out the music from the ballroom below.

<><><>

~ 6 years Prior ~

Augustus sat with his head bowed low. Ancient prayers and hymns still warm on his lips as he held his sister’s hands. The carriage shook around them as they traveled over the rocky and uneven paths of Ordon and Faron.

He was King? It still hadn’t sunk in. Just a month after his father had been laid to rest in Kakariko, forever beside the woman he loved, Augustus had been crowned King. It almost didn’t feel right or tasteful, the meal from the wake had barely been cold before they served the coronation feast! The council had been so quick to move, to place the heavy burden on his shoulders.

Not even Zelda had been spared. She was 14 years old, now heir to a vast and ancient Kingdom.

Augustus lifted his head, his eyes trailing over the young girl sitting before him. Her simple white gown was still wet, clinging to her knees and calves, a grey fur cape had been wrapped around her shoulders to keep her warm as she dried off. Her long brown hair was left free to fall down her back. He noted, with mild concern, that the ends were still wet. Her crisp white Kokoshnik sat at her crown, giving her the illusion of a halo. Her cheeks and nose were still pink from the chilled air.

By Nayru, by Din, By Farore, he prayed, grant me the strength to protect this child and lead her.

Zelda had her head turned towards the window, her eyes jumping from tree to tree as they passed. She looked like she was searching for something in the foliage, perhaps a bird?

“Zelda?” he breathed, the silk of his glove stroking her bare hand. In a few years she’d have to start wearing gloves, she’d be an adult! She’d be looking for a husband! Suitors would come asking him for her hand! For his baby sister’s hand in marriage! The thought terrified the new King greatly.

“Zelda?” he tried again, watching as her ears twitched. She’s ignoring me… again, He frowned. She’d always been a quiet child, preferring to let her words speak more than her actions, but recently she’d grown silent towards him. He couldn’t place what it might have been other than the death of their father but… he’d just followed tradition… hadn’t he.

“Zelda?” he said, a little more forcefully this time. She was going to have to learn, she was the Crown Princess now she couldn’t keep acting like a child!

“You promised you’d call me by my name when it is just us two” she murmured, her eyes still fixed on the trees outside, searching, begging.

“Zelda is your name”

“My other name. You promised, Your Majesty” She spat out the title like acid. Augustus could feel it sting in his chest, the cold rebuttal felt worse than drowning. This child is going to be the death of me, he promised Just you watch and see. Taking a deep breath he hung his head once more.

“...Antoinette” The name was a surrender, a white flag he would gladly wave over his head as long as his little sister would smile at him again. It had been given to her upon her birth. Their mother had chosen it as she lay cold, the life and warmth draining from her eyes as her husband wept.

“Yes?” she answered, her gaze still firmly directed outside. Only her ears gave away that she was listening to him.

“What are you searching for in the trees?” Of all the possible answers to his question (and there were many) he was expecting something along the lines of “I’m looking for animals” or “not searching for anything, just thinking” He would have put his money on it, a full wallet of ruppees on the table, that she was say anything except...

“A Kokiri”

A Kokiri? A Kokiri?! Augustus tried to wrap his mind around it, was she serious? Had the prayers gotten to her? Maybe she’d been reading too many fairy tales when she was “unwell” during the lavish balls and parties?

“Annie… Kokiri don’t exist anymore” he regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth. Zelda turned on him, a fire in her eyes as she squeezed his hands in hers. He was reminded vaguely of a wild animal staring down their prey.

“There are real! I saw one”

Wait? What? Augustus slipped a hand from hers to rub his face, pinching the bridge of his nose in an attempt to alleviate his oncoming migraine.

“You saw one?” he asked, skepticism colouring his tone “when?”

“Just now at the spring! He was in the trees! He smiled at me” Zelda’s eyes seemed to light up as she spoke, recounting how he’d waved at her from his perch and how she’d wanted nothing more than to climb up the tree and join him. Augustus watched the whole time, a warm feeling settling in the pit of his heart as he saw how happy she was, How excited she was!

He couldn’t take that from her. She’s still a child, he reminded himself, Let her have her fun while she can.

“Dear Antoinette, why didn’t you say that before?” He gasped, in a voice that he prayed would be believable to the wise young Princess “I never knew they traveled so far south, he must have come especially to visit you today”

“Do you think so?” she breathed, her eyes practically shining at his words. “I asked the Goddesses for a friend, do you think they sent him?” She was practically jumping up and down in her seat, prim and proper Princess Zelda replaced with the excitable Lady Antoinette.

“Maybe” Augustus said, running his thumb over the back of her knuckles. “We never know. The gods work in mysterious ways” He watched as she moved to stare out the window again, her eyes searching desperately for her new little friend.

“I do hope I’ll see him again” she breathed, pressing her nose up against the glass “he had a nice smile”

Augustus sighed, happy to give her this one moment of joy. The road wouldn’t be easy for her, she was going to need all the help she could get. “Maybe you’ll see him soon” he murmured, but Zelda wasn’t listening, her attention focused outside, wondering if, maybe, the boy in the tree was looking for her as well.

The End.

[tkpro-scenarios]

Hello! Is a "who do you choose to be your boyfriend after this date ended?" scenario acceptable for Ken and Ryou? If possible, could they have separate endings? Thanks in advance!

Hello! Thank you for the request!It got quite long so it’s under the cut.Hope you like it~!

- Mods nana and mari

It amazed you how mature both of them were about eachother’s feelings for you. It was a testament to just how strong theirfriendship was that not even falling in love with the same person came betweenthem. Both boys stood before you, respecting each other’s feelings but also confessing them to you loud andclear.

“[Name], I know this puts you in a difficult spot but…”Ryota began, trying to find the right words when his blue-haired companionstepped in.

“There’s no way either of us is gonna back down! Not when weboth know there’s a chance!” Kensuke stated, his determined expression freezingyou on the spot.

You looked from Ken to Ryota and back again. “E-Even if yousay that…I’m sorry but…” your gaze fell to the floor as you gripped the hem ofyour shirt.

You wanted to kick yourself. Here they were, pouring out alltheir feelings for you yet you still didn’t know who your heart belonged to.You were in love with both boys.

“I wanna give you two an answer, I really do! But…” yourheart clenched at just the thought of having to reject one of them. You closedyour eyes before any tears could spill out when you felt a hand on yourshoulder.

“[Name], you don’t have to do this right away. The lastthing we wanna do is pressure you into picking one of us.” [E/c] hues opened at the sound ofhis gentle voice, Ken’s emerald hues smiling warmly at you. “How about we allgo on a date first and then you pick?”

“Huh?” Both you and Ryota blinked at him in confusion.

“Y-Y’know…like a three person date!” he whisked his head backand forth between you. “We’ll all go somewhere on a date together and then atthe end of the date, you can pick who you really see yourself with. How ‘boutit?”

Silence hung in the air, feeling like lead on his shouldersas he awaited your response.

“As weird as it sounds, it’s actually not a bad idea.” Ryotamused, nodding in approval. “I think it could work, what about you [Name]?”

You smiled and nodded as well. “I think so too.”

You looked to Kensuke whose lips already spread into a wide grin.

—

The idea was to go on a series of dates, each one planned byone of the boys so they could ‘show off their cool side’ to you. They rangedfrom a day out in the park to watching a musical, and today it was Kensuke’sturn to take you guys to the amusement park.

“What part of…make it stop…sounded like…spin it faster…?”Ryota hissed, covering his mouth as he leaned against your shoulder forsupport. You slowly led him away from the spinning teacups ride.

“Sorry! I didn’t know which way I was supposed to turn it!”Kensuke scratched the back of his head, winking and sticking his tongue out in a cutesy way.The wavy-haired boy growled at his childhood friend when you spoke.

“Ryota-kun, are you alright? Do you wanna sit down for alittle bit?” you asked, leading him to a bench and helping him sit down.

“Thanks…” he sighed, leaning his head back to gaze at thecloudless sky.

“He’s definitely out of commission for a while…” theblue-haired youth frowned, green eyes soon lighting up once they saw anotherattraction. “Ooh, let’s check that out‼” he pointed to a scrambler ride.“[Name], let’s go!!”

You followed his gaze before looking back at a defeated Ryo.“But we can’t just leave Ryota-kun here.”

“I’ll be fine. I could use some peace and quiet.” Ryotasaid, ruby eyes still focused on the sky while he shooed you two away with hishand. “Maybe I’ll head over to the souvenir shop. You’re carrying your phonewith you, right? I’ll call you guys once I feel better.”

—

“Looks like Ryo’s at the souvenir shop… He said he found something interesting that he wants to buy, so I guess we’ll be meeting up there. Let’s get him a water bottle and some ice cream after we’redone…” the blue-haired teen mused, putting his phone away to look back to you. “[Name], are you okay?”the young idol asked, raising an eyebrow at your pale face.

“Y-Yeah! Just a little nervous, I guess?” you saidwith a weak smile, following behind him as the line moved forward. “I was finewhen we walked in but now that we’re next, I’m starting to feel a littlescared!” You laughed when something squeezed your hand.

“Don’t worry about it, [Name]. I’m right here with you! I’llbe sitting right next to you so it won’t be scary, alright?” Ken said with a warm smile, squeezing your hand once more when a chuckle escaped your lips.

“You’re so cute!” You laughed, making the teen let out a surprisedgrunt. “Throughout the whole day, your eyes were sparkling and you were runningall over the place, getting on ride after ride. And now you’re even helping me feel better! You’re very cute, Ken-kun!”

“C-Cute?!” Kensuke pouted, pulling you closer. “The point ofthese dates is to show you how cool Iam! Don’t forget that, okay?” he whispered, leading you down the line.

You held back another laugh, holding Ken’s hand tighter asyou followed after him.

He really was too cute.

—

The next date was planned by Ryota. A sweets convention washappening nearby which consisted of renowned pastry chefs from allover the world visiting to showcase their desserts and skills. As acommemoration for the event, small plush toys and trinkets were on sale forattendees to buy.

“…This is why I don’t like the dates you plan.” Theenergetic youth pouted, fiddling with his clothes. “Everywhere you wanna go isalways so high-class and formal, I feel all stiff wearing this!”

“You could use a little more class, Ken.” Ryota sighed,fixing the disaster that was Ken’s tie. “Everywhere you want to go is always socrowded and loud. I’m pretty sure [Name] wants some peace and quiet for once.And besides…” he began, pulling out the larger part of the tie. “You owe me forthe mayhem that was your amusement park date, don’t you think?” thesilver-haired teen smiled, making the tie tighter to emphasize his point.

“Yes yes, I’m sorry.” Ken replied, loosening the fabric.“But Ryo, are you sure you should’ve helped me with this? I’m technically your rival,you know?” he asked with a cheeky grin.

“I’d like to think we’re above all that.” Ryota replied witha shrug, turning on his heel. “After all, we can’t have you busy with your tiewhen you should be keeping your eyespeeled for when I sweep [Name] off her feet.” He turned his head back to returnthe challenge with a smirk.

“R-Right back at you!” Kensuke declared when they saw youapproach.

“There areso many different desserts on display here! Even the merchandise is so cute~!”you gasped in awe, taking in the mouth-watering sight before smiling at the boys. “I can’t believesomething this grand was happening so close by!”

“We’re lucky that it’s taking place when it was my turn topick a date.” Ryota mused, elbowing Kensuke’s side to get him to stop staringat you. But he did understand his feelings—it’s not every day they got to seeyou so dressed up. “If it we left it to Ken, who knows where we’d be gettingdragged off to.”

“Hey—”

“Guys, c’mon.” you stepped in before an argument ensued,looking around the venue again. “There’s so much to see so let’s not waste anytime!”

—

“Wow! [Name], look! This mille-feuille looks so tasty~!” the hoary-haired teen gasped, moving to another section of desserts.

“Umm…”

“And this! A cremeschnitte…I’ve never had one before but itlooks delicious!” he laughed, ruby eyes sparkling at the custard cream cakebehind the glass.

“Ryota-kun?”

“Ahh, I don’t know which one to buy! What do you think, [Na—”Ryota finally looked back, realizing he had let himself get carried away. Standingstraight, the wavy haired youth cleared his throat to regain his composure. “I-Imean…which one would you like to try, [Name]?”

You gave a wry smile, holding back a laugh at the faint red dusting hischeeks before you nervously began. “…We lost Ken-kun.”

“Huh?”

You motioned around you, showing that the blue-haired youthwas nowhere in sight. “I don’t know where he went. I’m so sorry!” youapologized with a bow. “I turned around and he was gone!”

“No no, it’s not your fault.” Ryota shook his head, fishinghis pocket for his phone. “Honestly, where could that idiot have gone…” hegrumbled, swiping through his contacts list when it hit him. Garnet eyes lookedup at you who blinked curiously.

“On second thought…let’s let him be lost for a little bitlonger. He needs to learn to reflect on his actions.” He stated, putting hisphone back in his pocket and offering you a cordial smile. “Let’s look for him whileleisurely enjoying the displays, alright~?”

“Ryota-kun, your sadistic side is showing…” you muttered,sighing as you made your way closer. “As cute as it is watching you hop fromone dessert display to the other, here.” You took his hand into yours, lacingyour fingers around his. “I don’t want us getting lost too.”

“Hop—?! I-I didn’t hop around‼” Ryota retorted with a pout,feeling his face warm up while you laughed. “And I’m not a kid that we need tohold hands like this!”

“Well I don’t want us to get separated.” You replied,pulling the youth along. “No matter who I pick, alright?” you looked back athim, [e/c] orbs clearly showing how conflicted you still were.

Ruby eyes blinked at you, glancing away as he took the lead.

“L-Let’s hurry up and find Ken before the cremeschnitte’ssold out.”

His footsteps tapped against the floor, eyes narrowing as hegave your hand a tight squeeze.

—

“Kill menow…” the hoary-haired singer grumbled, burying his face in his free hand.

“I-I don’twanna get lost again, alright?!” the green-eyed boy exclaimed, his own cheeksflaring red at the stares you were getting.

“Then don’tforget to charge your phone before leaving the house next time.” Ryota growled.

You laughedat the silly predicament. The three of you strolled through the convention, Kenon your right while Ryota was on your left—both boys refusing to let go of yourhand, resulting in a sight akin to school children on a field trip holding eachother’s hands so they won’t get separated.

You madeyour way outside when they let go, Ken and Ryo stopping in front of you toplace something in your hands.

You staredin confusion at the items resting in your palms, looking up at the two idols.

“Today’s thelast day of the dates.” Ryota reminded, looking up at the clock in the middleof the plaza. “It’s already been two weeks since we started this weirdexperiment.” He chuckled at the memories of the past few days, eyes opening tolook at you. “…But now it’s time to make a decision.”

“Thosestraps are part of a matching set. We each have our own so…” Ken looked at hischildhood friend, then back at you. “…bring one of those phone straps to us.Whichever one you pick, that’s the guy you want to date.”

“We’ll bewaiting for you at the seating area so sort out your thoughts one last time andmeet us there by 1:30, alright?” Ryota instructed to which younodded.

“Well then,we’ll see you later [Name]!” Ken waved goodbye, the two boys excusingthemselves to head back inside the convention hall.

“Ken, treatme to some cremeschnitte~”

“…What evenis that? And why do I have to buy it?!”

“As a rewardfor finding you, of course! Do you know how hard it was to find you in thatcrowd?”

“Did youeven try to search for me? All I saw was you holding hands with [Name]!”

“Holding–?!L-Listen here, it’s because you got lost that [Name]…”

You giggledat their banter, taking a breath as you looked at the straps in your hand. Onehad a crescent moon attached to the end while the other had a clear-coloredcrystal, it’s strange shape faintly reflecting the sunlight with a dull gleam.

You smiledwistfully at the trinkets, bringing them to your chest. Through all the fun youthree had over the weeks, you finally made your decision. You finally knew whoyour heart really belonged to and chose the…

> Thecrescent moon strap

> Thecrystal strap

Yaegashi Kensuke

Garnet eyes widened at the crescent moon strap in your hand,closing as he shrugged with a smile.

“Ah-ah! I lost~” Ryota slapped his friend on the back,making Ken stumble forward with a yelp. “I’m telling you this right now but don’texpect my help this time around.” He stated, making his way towards you. “Make[Name] unhappy and you’ll have to answer to me, alright Ken~?” the wavy hairedidol turned to offer his good friend one of his zero degree smiles.

“I-I won’t!” Ken replied, standing straight.

Ryota chuckled, facing you again to place a hand on your loweredhead. “[Name], don’t feel bad. It’s frustrating but Ken’s the one you want. There’snothing I can do about it.” He ruffled your [h/c] locks with a gentle smile.“No matter who you pick we won’t be separated, right? It might take me some time to sort out my feelings but we’ll still be friends.”

[E/c] hues looked up at the boy, nodding with a shy smile. “Thankyou, Ryota-kun.”

“Well then, I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone~” the youthsang, waving goodbye. “Ken, I’m reminding you again. I don’t need to know thedetails. Ever.” He gave a serious look before taking his leave.

“Y-You won’t, alright?! Get out of here already!” thegreen-eyed idol exclaimed, feeling his face heat up. Taking a deep breath, hecalmed his nerves to address you.

“[Name]…can I see that strap for a sec?” Kensuke asked,holding his hand out. You blinked curiously, handing it over and watching as hepulled out his own strap which consisted of small stars.

“I told you they’re part of a matching set, right? You havethe moon while I have the stars.” He explained, taking your crescent moon andpressing it into a small section of his star strap. “When you put themtogether, you get the night sky!” he showed off the straps with a childishgrin, emerald hues sparkling. “Isn’t it cute?”

“Oh wow!” you marveled at the two phone straps, giggling atthe cute design. “‘Be my star’?” you asked, looking up at the energetic singer.

“W-Was it that obvious?” he gave an awkward laugh,scratching his cheek. “I saw it at the shop window and thought it was a reallycute concept.”

You hummed in agreement, a sly grin playing on yourfeatures. “But it’s nowhere near as cute as you though, Ken-kun!”

“Ah—! There you go again!” You laughed at his adorable poutwhen Ken merely sighed and returned your smile. “Ah whatever, I don’t reallycare right now! I’m so happy!” he took your hands into his, expression turningdetermined.

“[Name]…I might not be as cool and reliable as Ryo but Idefinitely won’t let you regret choosing me!” he declared, holding your handstighter. “I promise!”

“I know.” Your expression softened, placing a hand to hischeek as you pulled him closer for a kiss. Emerald hues widened at your action,slowly closing as he returned the affection. His hands wrapped around yourwaist to pull you closer, a soft chuckle escaping his lips once you pulledaway.

“Ahh what do I do? I’m so happy!” he whispered, resting hisforehead against yours. He blinked, shoulders tensing as he stared into youreyes. “C-Can we do that again?” Kensuke asked, closing his eyes to kiss you againonce you nodded.

Sure he might’ve gotten lost in a giant crowd just to buy aphone strap…but you were so worth it.

Sakuraba Ryota

The dark blue-haired boy let out the breath he had held in as he saw the crystal-shaped pendant strap that you held in your hand, before turning to his best friend, “Looks like I lost~” he said as he placed a small pat on Ryo’s shoulder.

“Ken…” Ryo said quietly as Ken turned to look at you. “Aww, don’t feel bad you guys! In fact, I’m happy for you guys! And I had fun these last few days!” he said as he brought you and Ryo in for a hug.

“Ken-kun…”

“Well, I better go now. You better not mess this up, Ryo!” Ken said, only to have Ryo huff at him. “Yeah, yeah, now go!” Ryo urged

“Okay, okay, geez.”

As Ken had left, Ryo let out a long breath, finally relaxing his shoulders. He then looked at you and gently smiled, “Thank you, [Name].”

You smiled back at him and said, “There’s nothing to thank me for, Ryota-kun.”

“Ryo.”

“Eh?”

He moved closer to you and took your hands, “Just call me Ryo.” he said with a smile. He took your strap before fishing out a strap of his own and placed the two crystal pendants on top of each other, when it had aligned, you saw a beautiful flower insignia that had formed. 

“Each crystal has their own stroke, but when aligned and placed on top of each other, you can see a beautiful flower.” Ryo explained

“It’s like it had bloomed.” you said

Ryo looked at you and smiled, “Seems so.”

You then giggled at him and said, “Well, with this, I’ll get to see more of Ryo like a while ago. Happily hopping from one food booth to another~” 

Ryo’s composure soon crumbled as he stuttered, “I-I didn’t hop!”

You giggled at his embarrassment. “Geez, and the mood was going well too.” Ryo muttered.

Seeing as you wouldn’t stop giggling at his embarrassment, he pulled you closer to him and kissed you. “W-Wha… R-Ryo…?” you said in surprise.

You saw him slightly blushing and with a slightly irritated look on his face. “You wouldn’t stop laughing at me…”

“Those straps…” he added

“Hm?”

He paused for awhile before saying, “No, nothing… Never mind.”

“Eh? R-Ryo!”

He smirked at you and said, “That’s for laughing at me.”

“Ryo!” you pouted, only to make Ryo kiss you once more. “I’ll tell you some other time, okay?” He wrapped his hand in yours as he led you back to the food stalls, “Let’s enjoy the pastries once more, shall we~?”

As you two went around the convention side-by-side once more, he thought to himself that he should thank Ken for the amusement park fiasco the other day… Or not.

[arplis]

Arplis - News: Rolling Stones’ 3rd San Bernardino concert had Byrds as opening act

May 15, 1965 was the date of the Rolling Stones’ third of four concerts in San Bernardino, and like the first two, it’s going to be commemorated in this space.

Perhaps the only 20th century musical acts with more cultural impact than the Stones would be the Beatles or Frank Sinatra (your mileage may vary), so we may as round up all the known facts. History must be served.

As a refresher, the British band performed its first concert in North America at San Bernardino’s Swing Auditorium on June 5, 1964, back before almost anyone in the States had heard of them, and got a rapturous reception, while flopping on the rest of the tour. When they returned to the Swing on Oct. 31 that year, they were again a hit, and by then were well-enough known that the rest of the tour went much better.

“Officer Enforces ‘No Touch’ Rule” was the caption of this Sun-Telegram photo from San Bernardino’s Swing Auditorium concert May 15, 1965 with the Rolling Stones. (File photo)

Some fans brought their own signs to San Bernardino’s Swing Auditorium on May 15, 1965 for the Rolling Stones’ third concert. “A Sign of Teen-Age Love Springs Up” was the Sun-Telegram’s caption. (File photo)

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Bill Wyman, left, and Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones play May 15, 1965 at San Bernardino’s Swing Auditorium. (File photo)

Wendy Nicholass and Mick Jagger are photographed backstage at San Bernardino’s Swing Auditorium, probably before the band’s May 15, 1965 concert, the band’s third of four at Swing. (Courtesy Wendy Lambert)

Girls in the audience react to the Rolling Stones at Swing Auditorium in San Bernardino on May 15, 1965. Original Sun-Telegram caption: “Rolling Stones Gather No Moss, but Shrieks, and Sighs, and Moans.” (File photo)

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By the way, if you want an idea of what the Stones were like at that second Swing concert, the 1964 music documentary “The T.A.M.I. Show” provides evidence. Part of an all-star concert at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium only two days before their San Bernardino performance, the Stones run through “Around and Around,” “Time is on My Side” and “It’s All Over Now,” all to be done at the Swing, plus “Off the Hook.”

You can see that Mick Jagger is already showing confidence as a frontman. Keith Richards, by contrast, is just another member of the band.

Anyway, back to the May 15, 1965 concert. The band was touring the country to promote its third album, “The Rolling Stones, Now!” According to the chronology on the fan site timeisonourside.com, on May 11-12 they recorded at RCA Studios in Los Angeles, where they laid down “Cry to Me,” “The Spider and the Fly” and a little number titled “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” — perhaps you’ve heard of it?

After a concert in San Francisco May 14, they headed south for dates in San Bernardino, Long Beach and San Diego.

At the Swing, a 10,000-capacity hall on the National Orange Show Fairgrounds, 3,000 fans showed up that Saturday night, paying $4 to $5, according to an account in the San Bernardino Sun-Telegram.

The stage was roped off, with 35 policemen in helmets posted at entrances and exits, patrolling the aisles and surrounding the stage. “Two matrons were present,” the newspaper’s Ron Plotkin wrote, “as well as a nurse.”

(Six days later, a barbershop quartet concert, titled “Barbershop’s A-Poppin’,” drew 6,000 to the Swing. Yes, men in straw boaters outdrew the Stones. However, I don’t believe any nurses or riot cops were required.)

Starting at 8:30 p.m., four acts warmed up the audience for the Stones. The first three: the Bushmen of Rialto, the Driftwoods from Big Bear and the Torquays from San Bernardino.

Interviewed in 2008 by The Sun’s Nick Cataldo, Bushmen rhythm guitarist Wayne Gondos recalled the show as the biggest of their short career. The teenagers, who attended Rialto Junior High and Eisenhower High, had won a battle of the bands contest for their opening slot.

“It was exciting. We couldn’t hear ourselves play,” Gondos said. “The curtains opened and all I could hear was screaming. It was impossible to see anything because of the bright spotlights in our face. The crowd was getting so crazy that we were decoyed out the back door and into a laundry truck.”

The final opening act: the Byrds, whose “Mr. Tambourine Man” single had been released in April. Isn’t that something? L.A.’s Byrds opening for London’s Stones — in San Bernardino.

Cutting it a bit close, the Stones arrived at the Swing at 9:45 p.m. Backstage, the band “signed autographs for about 30 swooning girls whose names were chosen in a drawing out front,” Plotkin wrote.

The band then took questions from reporters, who included John Morthland, the San Bernardino High teen who had scored an interview with the band the previous October for the Sun-Telegram and who went on to write for Rolling Stone and Texas Monthly.

“We don’t listen when we hear ourselves termed ‘symbols of resistance against authority’ and that sort of rubbish,” Richards said. “We don’t even think about it, because we are not in beauty contests. We want them to like our music. That’s what we’re onstage for.”

“We couldn’t believe the crowd we got in San Bernardino,” Jagger exclaimed of the June 1964 concert. “It was very good — the best place on the entire tour. They put us on a lot of variety shows with dog acts and that gear, and people just didn’t like it. I guess they just weren’t ready for us yet. But here it was just like back in England.”

At 10:15 p.m., with the crowd chanting “We want the Stones,” the band took the stage for a 30-minute set.

“From that moment until after their last number at 10:45,” Plotkin wrote, “the huge hall echoed with an almost continual roar — three thousand youngsters screaming themselves hoarse. Three girls tried to break onto the stage and were carried out of the hall by police. Many literally sobbed with joy throughout the performance. Others threw personal items like brushes and combs onto the stage as offerings to the Stones.”

Well, the long-haired band could have made use of brushes and combs, right?

The exact setlist isn’t known, but Morthland’s story says the band opened with “I Need You,” and that as Jagger pointed to girls in the crowd, each reacted as if he were addressing her personally. Other songs named by Morthland: “Around and Around,” “Time is on My Side,” “Off the Hook,” “Little Red Rooster,” “Route 66” — a hit at the two previous Swing shows, it has the crowd-pleasing line “Kingman, Barstow, San Bernardino” — and “The Last Time.”

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The curtain swung shut, Plotkin wrote, and the band dropped their instruments and ran out the stage door, where a driver waited in a car with the engine running. They were soon on the San Bernardino Freeway, bound for an L.A. hotel.

The road manager told Morthland the band would be back in October, but the next we would see of them was also the last we would see of them: July 24, 1966, their fourth and final San Bernardino concert.

David Allen gathers moss Friday, Sunday and Wednesday. Email dallen@scng.com, phone 909-483-9339, visit insidesocal.com/davidallen, like davidallencolumnist on Facebook and follow @davidallen909 on Twitter.

Arplis - News source https://arplis.com/blogs/news/rolling-stones-3rd-san-bernardino-concert-had-byrds-as-opening-act