#but i will keep listening to composers i love and keep loving their music <3 | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

nottivagos · 4 months ago

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Hello, welcome! Was feeling fluffy tonight and wanted to write Rockstar!Daniel being all lovey dovey in an acoustic ballad for Popstar!Reader.

an: this fic is HIGHLY INSPIRED by Jacob Slater's solo album "Pinky, I Love You", and more specifically the song "One For The Pigeons" which I've linked if you want to listen to it whilst reading.

Pinky, I Love You. || DR3

The sun sunk low in the inky blue hue and hazy pastels of purple and red, basking in the laziness and lethargy of its excruciating heat. Summer’s days had been slow this year, the humidity creating snail-paced hours that made you feel like it had been forever since the coolness of the night.

The stillness of the early evening was eerie in your shared house. Whilst you'd been lounging through the humid rooms, Daniel stayed put in his air-conditioned private studio, trying to compose a new song.

He'd been stuck in a rut. Reusing ideas was unethical and he seemed to not have anything as a muse, nothing creative to allow the music to flow with ease and the lyrics to articulate easily.

Until he had his epiphany. His musical calling, perhaps. The heat had brought you closer together, despite cohabiting in the same house for over 3 years already, the love reciprocated and still pure to this day.

He'd curated a series of ballads, confessing his tender love, gratitude for your kindness and the gratefulness for the time and the blissful memories he shared with you, had been composed and messily scribbled on scraps of paper scattered around the room.

Fingertips sore from over-playing, he heard your faint footsteps walking down the long, dark corridor to his studio. He smiled contently, before speaking up.

“Pinky,” Danny called out, comfortably resting his back against the wall, acoustic guitar placed on his thick, tattooed thigh. “Come here,” he added, his tone softer than usual, “please?”

— ⟡ —

The nickname made you giggle. The origins of it humouring, though its use beforehand being more out of malice than endearment. You’d acquired such a name on one of your first encounters with Daniel, at a music awards ceremony, where you were both nominated. Danny, best known for his rowdy rock anthems, was a cocky thing in his prime. Rude, arrogant, messy, destructive— you name it, Danny was it.

You, on the other hand? Well, you were (and still was) an aspiring pop artist, nominated for ‘Best New Artist’. Timid and quiet, dressed in a fine, sequinned, pastel pink dress specially tailored for the event. A complete contrast to the cocky rockstar.

Maybe that’s what brought you two together. Daniel, thinking he was ‘above you’ in the music industry, spewed many drunken insults directed towards you that night, ‘Pinky’ being one. It wasn’t to his surprise that he scared you, no, it was intentional. But after a forced apology he had to make because of his PR team, the nickname stuck, and you didn’t mind one bit.

It was obvious to you that Danny maintained the mindset that he had to keep up this facade, the act of him being a ‘bad boy’ to the public, which allowed him to achieve his heightened fame. It was hurtful to witness, as down underneath that, Daniel was a sweetheart. A smitten one, truly, but overall he was a gentleman. Not a jerk who destroyed guitars for a living.

Danny liked the tranquility you brought with you, it was like the breath of fresh air he needed. However, his label disagreed. He became ‘too sappy’, his punk-like albums and singles becoming more powerful, love songs, all influenced by your presence in his life. Despite his anger, which he still had from his early days, he made the risky decision to go independent— breaking away from the shackles his angsty past had given him.

To his label’s surprise though, his independent solo record was a hit, many of his older fans now more mature, happily accepting his newer style with open arms. The day the statistics came in, you were overwhelmed with joy, (a tear or two being shed on the side) for him and for the career path which overall boosted his mental health.

— ⟡ —

“Hmm?” you hummed sweetly in response, walking over to where Daniel was perched on the floor.

“Sit with me, love,” he gently patted the space next to him, smiling warmly and loving as his brown doe eyes softened upon matching your gaze.

Happily obliging, you took your seat beside Danny, his empty hand locking with yours, fingers intertwining ever so tenderly. The moment was beautiful, a faint flush painting the apple of your cheeks as you smiled bashfully at him, like a giddy school girl.

“Pinky, my darling,” Danny began softly, “You're the most beautiful woman I've ever met.” Reaching over his guitar, he brushed a few stray strands of hair behind your ear ever so gently, before falling back to his original position.

You diverted your gaze away, cheeks flushing incredibly hot as it radiated off of them. “Stop being sappy, Dan,” you mumbled in response, slapping him playfully against his shoulder.

“Never,” he chuckled richly in response, eyes flashing back to your own.

There was something about you that Daniel couldn't describe. Was it the softness of your accent? The tender features of your perfect face? Your gentle morals? It was a fuzzy feeling, one so warm and homely, that he hadn't felt since he was a child.

Clearing his throat, “I just wanted to say thank you, I suppose.” His words were nervous, the tone slightly wavy.

“For what?” you questioned, voice as sweet as honey.

“For helping me..” he sighed, “you know.” His spare hand rubbing the back of his neck, “Be me, you know?”

“It's nothing, really,” you laughed off casually, “I only want what's best for you.” You added with a soft peck on the cheek, crawling over the guitar still in his lap.

You glanced at it for a moment, “Any luck musically?”

Danny's breath hitched slightly. The love ballad. “Yeah,” he answered with a quick nod, “Can I.. Can I play it for you?”

“Sure thing, sweetheart,” you answered with a smile. Following, Daniel let go of your hand, propping up his guitar properly on his lap.

Clearing his throat, you watched his Adam's apple bob for a moment as he gulped, burly arms coming to hug the instrument with care.

A simple strum followed, creating a melodic riff from the get-go, as his hands meticulously glided up and down the frets with ease. The guitar pick made the strings vibrate so angel-like, the instrumentals of the song calming and soft to your ears, like a soft lullaby.

Beautiful vocals pooled out of his mouth, rolling off his tongue like poetry. The lyrics were tender, very thoughtful, and overall endearing. He took quick glances at you between lines, those specks of hazel in his eyes becoming more noticeable in the sincere softness of them.

“Your love is a language beyond words..” he perfectly harmonised, his rhythm and tempo quickening for a short moment as he reached the chorus again.

Bashfully smiling, you felt your eyes begin to water slightly. The love ballad he was singing ever so gently made you emotional. It was raw. Pure raw emotion, true feelings not even written on a page, just spontaneously composed in what you could only believe was a day.

By the time you sniffled, the song was over. Your lip trembled slightly, Danny noticed this quite quickly, placing his guitar to the side before cupping your cheeks in his calloused palms.

“I'm guessing you liked it then,” he chuckled, thumb coming to brush a stray tear off the burning apple of your flushed cheek.

“You idiot,” you mumbled, sniffling as the tears ricocheted from your wide, loving eyes. “My make-up is going to be ruined.”

“I'll take that as a ‘yes’ then,” Daniel replied even softer, his voice barely heard as his lips tenderly brushed against your forehead.

You laughed through your childish blubbers, making Danny smile even more wider than he already was. He brought his face close, his nose touching your's slightly.

“Pinky,” Danny whispered against your lips, nose nuzzling closer to your own, “I love you.”

“I love you too, Danny,” you murmured as your lips softly met each other so tenderly. "Always."

i'm going to bawl so much i love rockstar!daniel it's not fair guys. it's. just. not. fair. WHEN WILL A ROCKSTAR LOVE ME?! anyways, lots of love - notti <3

#nottivagos #f1 #f1 fanfic #f1 fic #f1 scenarios #f1 x reader #daniel riccardo x reader #daniel ricciardo imagine #daniel ricciardo fanfic #daniel ricciardo #dr3 x reader #dr3 #daniel ricciardo drabble #drabble

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elizais · 1 year ago

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when you know, you know.

when they realise just how much they love you ft: nikolai, bram, poe part 1 here content/warnings: mentions of murder (poe's ability), shortttt, i tried to keep it as a gn reader but i might have slipped up at points. i wrote bram without the sword and in current day bcs i was struggling dudesss i think this is my first time trying to write for bram and poe so please take these with a pinch of salt but the lovely person who requested it was so polite i couldn't pass it up <3

nikolai was.. lively to say the least. i mean, just having a partner would be (in his eyes) something tying him down. but, for you? being with you would comply with him wanting to be free. you granted him freedom from all of the negative thoughts that could plague him.

walking down the high-street with you, hand in hand as he pondered all of these ideas. the both of you were strolling towards a cafe that kolya had begged to go to for its "famous pirozhki".

he was not in his usual attire today, wearing a simple blue turtleneck sweater and jeans that fit him loosely. you had to admit, he looked close to incredible when you contrasted it to his usual wear. even though his outfit was different, his personality did not falter in the slightest.

swinging your arms forwards and backwards quickly as you walked, he giggled at whatever joke he was thinking of. turning towards him, you smiled. "kolya?" you poked his upper arm for his attention. "what type of bird is that?" you asked, glancing at a small bird hopping through tree branches. as he looked over, it flew away.

his braid fell over his shoulder, laying softly as he considered making a witty joke. the truth of what he was thinking was of how much he adored you, how you pointed out birdies, watched comedy shows with him, tried your best to cook his favourite meals, put up with him using his ability to scare you..

he thought back to earlier, you had brushed his hair into the usual neat braid as he spoke about what tricks he was going to pull on sigma and fyodor too. he laughed as you frowned, claiming "leave sigma alone, he has a casino to take care of, babysitting you is my job."

bram was, aside from being a vampire and that, perfect. his personality was complex, but you often joked that it wittled down to him just wanting to sleep.

today, you were both sat on the sofa as he spoke about aya. you were brushing through his hair. "she was telling me about some artists, i think she meant composers." he explained, going on about music as you giggled. his hair was showing some curls towards the ends that you were entertaining yourself with.

he was kneeling in front of you so that you could face his back and toy with his hair.

"what is amusing?" he asked politely, refraining from turning around incase he messed up the braid you insisted so stubbornly on putting in his hair. you pulled the long braid onto his shoulder and he saw how you had refined the hair past the bobble into a sweet curl.

he smiled softly as you spoke, "what genre do you want to listen to? does aya have any recommendations?" you teased and he let out a soft chuckle. cherishing these sweeter, saccharine moments were as good at keeping him alive as his ability was.

he put up with the garlic jokes, playing dumb vampire films on tv (he really does love hotel transylvania!), the teasing.. all because he loves you !!

poe was like a breath of fresh air to be around. there was never a need to be loud or extroverted with him. and those were just bonuses on top of getting to hang out with a raccoon all of the time. you were currently in another room trying to trim karl's nails.

key word: trying

ed was in the study, writing another novel. whether it's for ranpo or not? who knows. karl wasn't putting up a fight but more so.. wriggling around. any sane person would have given up by now but with the amount of time this raccoon spends around your shoulders? zero chance.

once you finally finished, you swooped karl into your arms and carried him back to edgar. "ed? have you eaten or drank water recently?" you asked, setting down karl and walking over to him as he closed the book before him. he nodded as he looked up to you from his armchair.

"yes, and i have finished it!" he exclaimed, you furrowed your brows in confusion. "finished what, love?" he presented you the book proudly. "it's just like the film we watched a few weeks ago. you said you wanted to live in that manor house, no?" and that's when it clicked for you.

he carried on, "when you want to go, all the characters will be there! i had to add in another to die but other than that? it's the same!" he excitedly explained. tracing over the clothbound cover with your name on the front, he added one more thing. "oh! and to figure it out in one of the office desk drawers it will let you know what happened."

you smiled at that, he didn't want you to struggle. unfortunately, his ability was only murder mystery related so he couldn't write a book about a sunshine land where nothing went wrong. yet he tried his best, for you!

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sanhwaism · 1 year ago

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bf!ateez and that one specific habit they do that highlights their love language

pairing ⟡ bf .ᐟ ot8 x gn .ᐟ reader

genre ⟡ established relationship, romance, fluff

author's note ⟡ haaaaapy valentine's day 💌☁️ not long ago i have reached 100 followers eeek ^_^ so so grateful for every single one of you!! take this as my gift for both this milestone and valentine's day <3 (the specific habit of theirs will be written in italics just so it can be easier to spot hehe)

k. hongjoong — quality time

ah yes, the busy and very hardworking captain :,)

he's aware of the time spent in his studio; composing and producing music are in his nature after all!

so he feels very thankful that you are understanding and always there for him to cheer him up or reassure him that he doesn't have to feel guilty even when he's pulling all nighters there

yet he still feels bad deep down

at the same time he can't abandon his work

so every chance he gets — and i mean EVERY — when he's not that overworked he makes sure to learn about what you're into so he can spend time with you in a way which you'd enjoy the most

whether it's a new game you're into, or a tv show or a book or

the moment you mention it ONCE???? be sure he's taking a mental note and paying the closest attention to it

because he acknowledges that it will be useful for later

no matter what it is, he'll try his best to pick up on it so you can have a great time together

"oh is this the new video game you started playing? guess what i actually got into it as well so we can play it together now!! :D!"

"oh i know you told me about this book you're reading so i bought a copy as well and i started it whenever i took breaks at work!! let's talk about it!! :D!"

sobs

he's genuinely so thoughtful

so yes, knowing how much time he spends away from you makes him want to learn more about your interests so the moment he has you back in his embrace, he will make sure to repay you in the sweetest way possible!

p. seonghwa — words of affirmation

the type of boyfriend that always makes sure you know how great you're doing and how proud he is of you :(

he wouldn't go a day without praising you

if he is away from you because of work, expect a very early morning message from him in which he wishes you a good day ahead, that you will do great no matter what and he hopes you get to eat some yummy food in the meantime

and then later that day more encouraging words to keep you motivated and to also remind you that he loves you dearly

sobbing again

he wants you to tell him every detail about your day so he can praise every single effort you're making out there, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is

he'd tell you that just thinking of you gives him enough energy to go throughout the day

and he'll try his best to comfort you with his magical healing words if there is something you're going through

one thing about seonghwa is that he will validate your feelings no matter what. and that makes you feel so safe and appreciated and so so loved :(((

he's just comfort personified

he feels like hot chocolate served with marshmallows on top in front of the fireplace

if he's home and there are no miles that distance him from you, every single affectionate word that comes out of his mouth sounds even more soft hearted if that's possible

because not only does he know how to pick the best words and when to use them, but also the tone of his voice is just so soft and soothing

and now that no screen separates you both, his praises feel even more meaningful

he'd gently smile while caressing your cheek and whisper that he missed you so much and now that the day is over, everything that you have accomplished makes him so proud <3

j. yunho — physical touch

oh my god

PLEASE listen to me

when i say that i keep seeing those specific cutest clips of yunho that altered my brain chemistry

i mean it

they altered it so badly to the point where my opinion on his love language changed

everything clicks in your head the moment you realize that yunho has been doing this gesture to you after you two got more comfortable with each other

you walk baside him while holding his hand?

all of the sudden you feel his large, soft hand on the top of your head

he looks at you all smiley while you talk to him?

the next second his hand is moving towards the crown of your head, cutely ruffling your hair

you're eating and paying attention to the food before your very eyes?

headpat.

another headpat.

cute little soft headpat

is it the height difference that just makes him unable to control his hand from such sweet gesture?

probably

most certainly, actually

he just can't help it :( one look at how cute you look and you don't even get the chance to finish your sentence be–

yup. headpat!!!!!

it's never enough for him, there are times where he feels the urge to just start speedily yet gently tap the top of your head countless times while your head just bops up and down

the way people do with their pets when the cuteness aggression hits (please tell me you know what i mean)

if you dont i gotchu i provide with visual representation here! (volume warning!!!! its loud!!)

he finds that HILARIOUS and so adorable at the same time

he'd just start giggling and you can't help but enjoy his laugh and playfulness

but if he doesn't stop you're gonna get dizzy a bit so he'll recieve a headpat in return!

... just a more aggressive one

call it a cute bonk ^_^

emotionally prepare yourself not to get TOO affected by his sudden puppy eyes because how dare you do such thing to him :<

apologize with a forehead smooch and he'll get all shy and so cutieful

k. yeosang — acts of service

your personal trainer angel fairy dreamy looking like boyfriend

fondly sighs

yeosang's love for you is so gentle and thoughtful

he's your safe haven

his best way to express his feelings is by making sure you're always taking care of yourself, especially reminding you daily to take your supplements and vitamins!!

one day while you were cuddling him on the couch, you expressed your desire to have a more balanced and healthy lifestyle because he inspires you to do so

that was the moment a big shiny lightbulb lit up above yeosang's head

because he had the perfect idea how to help!! :D

the next day you'd already have in your hands a cute storage vitamin box that he got for you where you can organize your vitamins by days so it can be easier for you :(

of course he has one as well

he is always the one that helps you buy them once you run out

and he'd try his best to do his research based on your preferences and what seems to work best for you

when you tell him how much of a big difference they've been making and how much more energetic you feel, his smile melts your heart

he gets all bashful and giggles to himself, waving his hand as if he doesn't consider that he has done a lot

(well i consider eating him in one bite)

after all, that's what a good boyfriend should do! no biggie!

but yeosang has no idea how much it means to you; for him to always check up in you, to be your daily reminder just in case you forget about the vitamins, to diligently help you achieve the healthy lifestyle you strive for

c. san — physical touch

everyone please act shocked

of course it's physical touch

i feel like i'd commit a crime if i didn't pick it

he's just a cute clingy cat :(

you figured out his love language quite fast, a little bit after you have made your relationship official and gave him your consent

he was shy at first

VERY shy

at first he could feel satisfied enough even with just your hand in his, or a timid hug

honestly he just wanted you near him!

but after some time when both of you got more comfortable with each other and after lots of showers with affection,

he started attacking your cheeks in the cutest way possible

every time he would have you near him, you'd see him suddenly leaning towards one side of you

next second you'd feel the softness of his cheek touching yours

and not only touch

but he would push himself even closer to you if that's possible, smushing your cheeks together while he's pouting

as if he wants to fuse both of your bodies into one because having you like that against him?? clearly isn't enough

also starts gently rubbing it against your own cheek, humming to himself because of how nice the feeling is while his eyes are closed in content

with time you got used to it and even started to like it and look forward to it

(every time i see clips of him doing that to other members i can't help but giggle)

he's just the cutest <3

no one cats the way san cats

s. mingi — quality time

the type of boyfriend that if he could, he would attach you to his hip like a lucky charm forever and ever

because you always bring him luck, inspiration and hope whenever he has you near him :(

he feels a bit lost in your absence, always looking for ways to hear from you one way or another

so a lot of times when you two would blissfully share each other's space, mingi would ask you to attend his dancing practice, so you can witness what impressive moves he came up with and what choreographies he has been working on ^^

he is truly sososososo talented

and you'd just watch him with your lips slightly parted, amazement written all over your face as your eyes would follow the way his flexible body moves like water, with such calculated and striking motions

or other times, when he'd willingly share his personal space with you in his studio where he worked on so many new instrumentals and demos that might be useful for the group's future releases or his solo projects

every minute he would turn his head towards you just so he could catch a glimpse of your face expression

and he would smile to himself as he'd gaze at the endearing way you enjoy the rhythm and overall vibe of the music

his eyes would start sparkling in the dim lighting as you praise his efforts and works

and the biggest, cutest smile would adorn his bare face

sobs mingi.. mingi!! ^__^ mingi :3 MINGI!!!!!!!!

from that moment on, he only grows more confident to have you partake in any type of project he's crafting

you soon realize that you're the only one that gets this treatment

that's how big of an effect you have on song mingi. and he loves you dearly. always share your feedback and space with him. pretty please with a cherry on top <3

he said that not me

j. wooyoung — BITING gift giving

sorry let me get serious

WOOYOUNG.

this man emanates love through every single pore so it was SO hard to pick only one love language

but it had to be done!

he's typically in his sugar baby era

but when it comes to you????????

i hope you're prepared to get spoiled ^^

his love for you is just too strong

but so is his credit card!

even before both of you confessed to each other, wooyoung had been giving you subtle hints that he was having a crush on you

and a lot of his hints were consisting mostly in him buying something for you

you eyed a cute plushie through the shop's window?

"waa, wooyoung, this plushie is so cute don't you think!!!!"

wooyoung thinks that he is buying it for you!!!!!

and you know what

he's getting two plushies actually, because they remind him of you and him

once he steps out of the shop, he hands the plushie to you with the cutest smile plastered on his lips and a twinkle in his eyes

"look, it's us," he exclaims as he brings his plushie close to the one in your hands and, to your utter surprise, makes them aggressively kiss.

(i just made myself SO devastated by writing that oh my god)

that was actually the day you two admitted having a crush on each other

from that day on, wooyoung's need to spoil you only grew

he'd want to match with you not only when it comes to a pair of plushies or ten, but clothes as well

not those that are SO visibly matching, instead more subtle ones that sort of compliment each other's looks and make you two match perfectly, like two puzzle pieces :,)

yes, wooyoung would be the one that would buy the clothes for you and surprise you with soooo many bags in front of your door, so excited for you to try on everything

he's whipped! can you blame him :(

you are his happiness and he wouldn't have it any other way, you deserve every single gift, end of discussion!!

c. jongho — acts of service

the acts of service king

i said what i said!!

also the king of americanos yup yup iktr!

speaking of americano coffee :>

in the beginning of your relationship with jongho, you'd often have dates at the prettiest, comfiest cafes in town

you'd both order your usual drink of choice, and whenever you'd get coffee, he would pay extra attention to what type of coffee is it so he can get a cup for you next time and impress you with it

not just coffee but shh this is about coffee shh

after some time, you took the relationship to the next level, moving in together;

and whenever jongho had to leave earlier than you for his schedule, the mornings would smell like the best freshly made coffee you had ever smelled

because your sweet and attentive boyfriend would try his best to copy the recipe of your favorite coffee drink

from scratch as well

grinding the best coffee beans he could find into grounds

using water heated between 195°F-205°F

aiming for a total brew time between 3-5 minutes

like this is serious for him.

because he NEEDS it to be perfect and he NEEDS to cutely brag about it and he NEEDS to make you feel very pleased!

"hey, y/n, would you like some coffee?"

"no, thank youuu, my boyfriend made me the best cup of coffee this morning !!"

he would also leave a lovely note next to the mug :(

what more could you ask for. seriously.

you're gonna have some people become jealous but hey! choi jongho THE choi jongho chose you <3 and you will always be the only one he would make coffee for, from scratch, at the first glow of the sunrise

you are the apple of his eye

the only apple he would never break in half

see what i did there :D

𓏲 ࣪₊♡ taglist: @yuyusuyu

{💌ྀི} masterlist.

#ria.snhw #ria!drabble ateez #ateez imagines #ateez scenarios #ateez headcanons #ateez x gender neutral reader #ateez x you #ateez x reader #ateez fluff #hongjoong x reader #seonghwa x reader #yunho x reader #yeosang x reader #san x reader #mingi x reader #wooyoung x reader #jongho x reader

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crackedpumpkin · 1 year ago

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𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 | 𝟎𝟏 |

a/n: about fucking time lol im so exhausted. hope yall enjoy <3

Warnings: Contains cursing

AU Inspo: Soulmates can hear each other listening to music. The further the distance, the softer the music. The closer, the louder until they find each other.

| [ 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 ] | [ 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 ] |

— — — — — — — — — —

“Soulmates are essential to survive. There is nothing like the sensation of meeting each other for the first time, and subsequently knowing that you’re fated to be with each other forever. Through thick and thin, they'll always have your back.”

You snort. Miss Grenadine lifts her brow into a delicate arch, her unamused expression remaining the same as you cover your mouth, trying to fake a cough. “Is there something you’d like to share with the class on your last day?”

People around you start to snigger, and you can feel the glances poking your skin like tiny mosquitoes buzzing all over. “Not really.”

“No, no. Please, enlighten me as to what exactly you find so amusing about soulmates.”

“Maybe it’s because she hasn’t found hers yet?” Another classmate suggests. You turn around to see Henry smirking, high-fiving the rest of his friends who’re evidently entertained by his jab.

You roll your eyes, letting a huff slip past your lips. “And you keep arguing with yours, no wonder I’m not jealous that I don’t have one yet.” His friends suck in a sharp breath between their teeth in a hiss, glancing warily between you both.

“Thank you for your input, Henry. But I asked your classmate, not you.” He’s silenced from uttering another word under Ms Grenaline’s sharp gaze, wilting into his seat with a muttered retort under his breath.

You turn your attention back to your teacher who’s waiting patiently, hands folded over her stomach in a motherly manner. But you know better. This is fake sympathy, flaky pity in her eyes as she thinks to herself how unlucky you are for not having yet met your soulmate.

You get it. You’re an anomaly. It’s ‘not normal’ for people to not yet meet their soulmates by the time they’re 18. One way or another, the universe always finds a way to pull two people together by the age of 16. Yet, you’re the exception.

“I just think the whole music thing is annoying. I mean, do you all not get annoyed? What if you hate metal, but they love it? Even then, it’s just insane how much our lives border on needing someone. Why not just travel alone? Enjoy life?” You lean back in your seat, crossing your arms defiantly as Ms Grenaline’s eyes widen with every word.

You watch her take a moment to compose herself, plastering a smile on her face as she comes up with the right words to say. Honestly, you couldn’t care less what she wanted to say to you; it’s your last day here anyway.

“Well,” She pauses, clearly struggling on how to phrase her words in a way that wouldn’t get you to retort once again, “It’s…a very difficult process to describe in words. I understand where you’re coming from with the music aspect, but over time just like how one day you can wake up and decide that you like the colour purple, you’ll experience something similar.”

“You’re right.” You nod. She’s momentarily taken aback by your agreeable response, only to frown when you continue speaking. “It is a difficult process to put in words. And you know what? Maybe not everyone needs a soulmate.” You flash her a toothy smile just as the bell rings, grabbing your bag and starting for the door. “Been good, Ms G.”

You don’t turn to see her reaction, focused on getting to the diner on Sixth Street where you’d promised to meet up for one last meal with your friends before you moved to Ninjago City. Putting the earbuds into your ears makes you wince, shaking your head slightly as the familiar yet nauseating sound of jazz plays faintly in the back of your mind.

Stupid jazz, stupid music, stupid soulmate.

Right. Your soulmate. You still haven’t told anyone this, but a few months ago, you began to hear the faint sounds of smooth jazz play now and then in your head. You thought you were just going crazy at first, but upon further observation, you concluded that there could only be one cause: Your soulmate was nearby.

But for some annoying reason, your soulmate loves jazz with a passion. it was always either that or soft rock. Plus, they’re always annoyingly far enough to not have it impounded into your head, but still close enough to have it constantly on repeat in your head.

The day it first started, you had just finished watching a horror movie and were about to go to bed. However, your soulmate had decided that 5 AM was the perfect time to start listening to soft rock. The sharp twangs of an electric guitar and the steady beats of the drums were enough to keep you up instead of getting your beauty sleep.

lil binder [ 02:00 PM ]: u otw yet?

You grin at the message on your screen, typing out a reply to your friend, Melody, as pop music blasts away through your earbuds and effectively drowning out the beginnings of a saxophone.

smartie pebble [ 02:00 PM ]: yea be there in 7

Melody was just one of many of your friends. She had found her soulmate at the tender age of 15, accidentally spilling ice cream on him because she had been too distracted talking to you. Having bore witness to the entire ‘love-at-first-sight’ moment between them, you scooched away as she proceeded to forget about your entire existence in the next hour.

However, now Luke and her were inseparable, and wherever she was, he was bound to be there too. Luckily though, you had bonded with him over your mutual love of cooking, with Melody constantly being on the receiving end of many of your competitive inventions.

“Yo, it’s the one and only rockstar of our generation!” Luke crows as you enter the diner, and you instinctively stick up your middle finger at him. He grins, slinging an arm over your shoulder as you set down your bag in the booth seats.

“About time you got here.” Brendan greets, subtly nudging Nico who glances up from his game for a moment to say a quick ‘hi’. The former is in his uniform as usual, while Nico decided to change out of his, relaxed vest and tapered pants his go-to outfit.

“You’ll never guess what happened today.” Nico arches an eyebrow, though his gaze is focused solely on the rhythm game on his screen.

“Let me guess, you got into another argument about soulmates again.” You look up to see Melody arrive at the table with a large tray of food, tucking away the strings of the apron around her waist. “When will you learn that it’s inevitable?” She sighs, pinching the skin between her eyes and shaking her head in disapproval.

“Maybe it’s because she’s around us too much,” Luke pouts, snaking his arm around her waist. She grins, ruffling the top of his head.

“Please, for the love of the First Spinjitzu Master, make it stop,” You groan, pretending to gag and narrowly dodging the packet of chilli she throws in your direction. Picking it up, you tear it open and squeeze out the sauce, dipping the fries into it and eating them with relish.

“So, what’d Ms Grenaline say this time?” Luke focuses his attention on you, letting go of Melody who slides into the seat next to him. Nico steals a fry, munching away even though his meal is right in front of him. He even put away his phone, eagerly waiting to hear what new fight you’d gotten into today.

“She just said some shit about soulmates being essential to survive. Y’know, the usual mumbo jumbo.” You shrug, unwrapping the double cheeseburger and taking a bite.

“Sounds about right to me.” Melody raises her hands in surrender once you glare at her. “But hey, who am I to judge? Definitely not because I have a soulmate, and definitely not because he’s right next to me.”

“You’re so right.” She rolls her eyes at your automatic reply, barely audible through the massive chunk of pickle in your mouth.

“I know your family’s kinda complicated, but it doesn’t have to affect your outlook on soulmates forever. Besides, aren’t you moving to the city for your stepmom? That’s kinda progress.” Brenden volunteers his opinion, sipping away at his diet coke. “Don’t you glare at me young lady, you know perfectly well why you’re going. You like her.”

“As if,” you scoff, forcing down the last bite of lettuce and crumpling the empty wrapper. Melody doesn’t blink an eye at how fast you’ve consumed the burger, already having seen it for at least 6 years.

“She got you the signed copy of Black Beauty, remember?” Nico says quietly, tilting his head. “And besides, you haven’t fought with her in a long while.”

You bite back a retort, hating how right he is. It’s been at least three months since you’d gotten in a fight with your stepmother - the longest duration so far. “Look, she can try to bribe me all she wants, but I’m going to quickly get through school and move out so I can travel away from her.”

“Mmhm. You’d have a good chance, considering that you got into Business Relations at Ninjago University, so…” Your friends go quiet at the mention, as if just realising that you’re leaving tomorrow morning.

“I’ll be back for summer vacation anyway,” you casually state, finishing off the fries with a satisfied grin. “With autographs from those ninjas you’re always raving about.”

“You promise? I’ll cut off your pinkie finger if it doesn’t come true. You know a pinky promise is legally binding.” Melody warns.

“I don’t know how you put up with her.” Luke shrugs as you turn to him, amusement in his eyes as he glances at Melody who’s still glaring at you.

“River time?” Brenden suggests, trying to lighten the mood. Melody nods, turning to face the kitchen staff behind the counter a short distance away.

“Hilda, I’m heading out!” She calls out, untying the apron and draping it on the seat as everyone leaves the booth.

“Fuck off!”

“Will do!” Melody grins slyly, gesturing to the exit. “Let’s bounce before she realises I didn’t clear the tables.”

“Love you too Hilda!” You shout back to the grumpy old lady with a fond smile, waving goodbye as you leave.

“River time! River time! River time!” You join in on their chanting, laughing without a care in the world - and ignoring the faint sounds of guitars and saxophones playing in the back of your mind.

— — — — —

The truth of the matter is, picnics by the river are among the top few activities you’d willingly leave the house for. After having a few drinks and getting up to a couple of shenanigans, your friends dropped you off at your place with tearful goodbyes.

Nico had refused to let go of your arm, citing ‘who would I hug when you’re gone?’ as the reason why. He had let go after you promised to hug him all he wanted when you came back. It was also then that you vowed to never let him drink again.

After showering and emerging from the steam with a clearer (and significantly less tipsy) mind, you make your way to the comfort of your futon, avoiding stubbing your toe on the luggage near the door. The moving company had already taken most of your stuff, and all that you have to your name now is a singular suitcase, a sling bag, and your futon.

You wriggle under the blanket, staring up at the ceiling and feeling the tiredness finally hit you with full force as your eyelids slowly close. The warmth draws you to sleep, dreams calling your name and reckoning for you to come into their embrace.

Unfortunately, your soulmate doesn’t like to sleep at 1 AM. Soft rock starts playing, and you press your face against the pillow to muffle your annoyed groan. You press the pillow on top of your face, wishing desperately for the music to stop, though you know it’d do nothing to help. Forcing your eyes shut and thinking of anything else to drown out the noise is the go-to method for you, and hopefully, it’ll work this time as well.

Stupid jazz, stupid music.

Stupid soulmate.

— — — — —

A quick Google search in the morning while you brush your teeth reveals a plethora of cafes in Ninjago City, all ready for you to explore. Accidentally clicking on a notification, however, brings you to a separate page where the headline of a news article practically screams at you.

‘Famous Author to make an appearance at Ninjago Museum Fundraiser! All proceeds from the auction are to be donated to preserve local history.

The bestselling author who goes by her pen name of Hanla will be making an appearance at the Ninjago Museum’s Fundraiser occurring next week. Locally curated pieces of artwork and a book of poems written by Hamla herself will be auctioned off. Hamla has also stated that 100% of all proceeds made in her name will be going toward the local conservation of Ninjago’s history. For all fans of her works - You, Me, and the Beat, Beauty and her Phone, and critically acclaimed bestseller Honey, Where Are My Pants?, be sure to stop by for an autographing session that Hamla will be attending! Our local heroes - the Ninja, will also be attending the session, so make sure to get your photos taken with them!’

“Are you ready yet? We gotta leave in an hour, Munchkin.” Your father calls out from downstairs. You pause to spit out the toothpaste in your mouth, gargling the residue and letting the menthol sting your lips after rinsing.

“Yeah, just gotta shower and I’m good to go.” You reply loudly, turning your attention back to the mirror. A round, puffy face stares back at you, eyebags apparent after only managing to fall asleep at two in the morning.

You really should stop drinking so late at night. Luckily, a shower helps to reduce the puffiness in your face, and you step out of your room looking somewhat presentable in a lavender hoodie and shorts.

The gentle sunlight shining through the bare windows breathed life into the room and the curtains that once decorated the small window seat. Where your bed once sat was empty with the polished mahogany wood underneath.

Endless nights of laying in your plush bed with your bedside lamp's dim yet warm glow seemed so distant in your memories. Your hand lingers on the doorknob, mumbling a soft goodbye before shutting the door and heading downstairs to where your father is waiting.

“Shall we?” He grins, placing the last of your luggage in the car boot. He closes it, offering a hand to you. You take it, allowing him to guide you to the front seat where the radio is already playing your favourite pop songs.

As he starts to drive, you’re momentarily distracted with taking the perfect picture for your Instagram story, singing along with your tone-deaf father who’s belting out ABBA as he drives past the massive signboard signalling goodbye. You watch it pass, fields and clouds dotting the sky moving by steadily.

It’d be a lie to say you wouldn’t miss home. But this is a chance at a new beginning - maybe one that could change your life for the better. As faint jazz starts up in the back of your mind, you smile softly. Not even that could dampen your mood.

— — — — —

You stir, eyes fluttering open at the annoying sound of drilling and construction. You blink a few times, sitting up from where you had slumped against the window while you slept. Your vision clears, and you move your hands away to see bright lights and skyscrapers galore around you.

You're here.

Ninjago City is filled to the brim with people and endless traffic. Your dad scowls at the long line of cars in front of him, glaring at the red light that seems to take forever to turn green. You fiddle with the games on your phone, focusing intently on beating the next level of Candy Crush.

You mumble a cuss when 'Game Over' appears on the colourful screen, and he immediately turns with a suspicious gaze. You smile nervously, trying to play it off as though you hadn't said anything.

Luckily, he turns back around, choosing to let it pass.

You stare out the window, watching the shops pass by in a blur until you spot one that catches your eye. “Dad, could you drop me off here?” He doesn't question your sudden request, making a turn and parking next to the sidewalk.

You open the car door and exit, looking up at the sign on the storefront.

'Ninjago Doomsday Comix'

“Emily’s already making dinner, so just meet us back at the new apartment.” He texts you the new address quickly, eyeing you suspiciously. “Be nice.” He warns, satisfied with the small nod you give in reply.

“Yeah, just gonna take a look around the place, y'know, before I get lost tomorrow.” You joke. You adjust the straps of your small bag before settling it in a comfortable position on your back.

“See you later then, munchkin. Call us if anything happens. Should be safe since those ninjas are around.”

Before you can question what he means, he drives off with all the rest of your luggage. You were lucky that your dad had visited the city multiple times on business trips and that he was primarily a hands-off parent.

“Right. Ninjas.” You mumble with a shake of your head, striding off toward the comic book store. The door swings open easily, a jingle catching you off guard. A man at the cashier counter greets you with a friendly grin that eases your nerves, and you walk up to him.

“Hi, do you know where to find Starfarer comics?”

“Well, right here, of course!” You cringe at his response, realising how poorly worded your question was. It elicits a chuckle from the man in front of you.

“Just kidding. I'm Rufus, Rufus McAllister, or you can call me Mother Doomsday. You're a new face around these parts. What's your name?”

“I just moved here, so maybe that's why." You reply, clutching the straps of your bag with a small smile at the friendly man and throwing in your name as well as an afterthought.

“Well, welcome to Ninjago City! I hope the city treats you well. We got the ninja protecting us, so that's added security too.”

“Right,” You smile emotionlessly at him. Is everyone here such big fans of the Ninja? Sure, Melody’s a fan, but not as much as bringing them up every chance she got. “Good to know.”

Rufus pauses with his lips parted, seemingly processing your words. A relaxed grin slowly forms on his lips. He glances towards a specific aisle, seemingly contemplating.

“It should be fine then….” He mumbles. You're just lost in where this conversation had ended up.

“Aisle Eight is where we keep the best-stocked Starfarer comics.” He gestures to the area he had been staring at earlier. You thank him with a brief nod, walking over.

The aisle is relatively empty, save for two other people. A blonde guy in a green hoodie is flipping through the latest issue of Starfarer with keen interest, engrossed in the colourful pages.

Next to him is another boy with slightly wavy and choppy black hair, the smooth and silky strands making you both envious and curious about his hair care routine. In contrast to his friend(you assumed), he regards you with a suspicious gaze.

Oh no. He’s hot.

You find it odd, feeling mildly unsettled by the intense stare he gives you. It wasn't a good one; more on the wary side than interested. You brush it off, ignoring the pair and scouring the shelves for issue number three.

You finally find the comic you're looking for, but it's directly opposite the pair.

After all, what would you be if not cursed with horrid coincidence?

You practically tiptoe over, clearing your throat slightly as you grab the comic book and start reading. Green Hoodie(Greenie, you decide to nickname) looks up in surprise, only now noticing your presence. Mr. Grumpy Pants(The nickname suits him perfectly), on the other hand, doesn't bother hiding the grimace on his lips at your presence, looking away.

You stiffen, eyes shifting into a glare.

Rude.

Greenie hits his friend's shoulder in a light punch, looking at you with an expression of apology. “She should be fine. Rufus wouldn't send anyone over here without vetting them first.” Greenie whispers to Mr. Grumpy Pants, referring to his earlier behaviour.

“Yeah, but what if they're…you know? I don't want another repeat of what happened with Jay.”

Oh. Oh. I see now.

You almost drop the comic book in your hands, caught off guard by how attractive Mr Grumpy Pants' voice is. You tense, now more aware of their presence. Even though you don't want to eavesdrop, you can't help how your ears practically perk up, hoping to hear more of the deep voice from earlier.

Plus, they weren't doing a very good job of keeping their conversation a secret.

“I trust Rufus. He's a good friend.”

“...Maybe.”

“Is that…? OMG! It's them!!”

You're interrupted from blankly staring at the same page for the past ten minutes, having focused on the conversation behind you, though the pair had stopped talking a while ago. You look up at the store's glass windows, startled by the sudden sight of a group of girls pressed against the glass, staring intently at the two boys behind you.

“Fuck.” You watch all the colour drain from Greenie's face while Mr Grumpy Pants smacks his palm against his face, sliding it down and sighing heavily with an utterly defeated expression.

"Not again…" You hear him mutter. “And watch your language,” He adds, elbowing Greenie who just sticks out his tongue. The girls grab their phones, snapping photos of them. You realise that you're probably in them, too, considering the lack of distance between you both.

"Girls, there's the door!!" The tallest and most commandeering of the group holds open the entrance to the comic book store, and they swarm towards it.

"Cole, run!!!" Greenie yells, taking off to the back door that Rufus quickly ushers them both through. You grab the issue of Starfarer that Greenie dropped on the floor in his hasty exit, watching the fabric of Cole's shirt almost get stuck in the doorway.

At least now you know his name.

You place both the comics back on the shelf, leaving with a quick wave to Rufus, who nods goodbye. You pull out your phone, look up directions to the apartment and slowly make your way there. You grab your earbuds, put them both in your ears and start your playlist from the beginning.

You're next to an alleyway, just steps away from a ramen store, when your arm is grabbed and pulled into an alleyway next to you. A yelp rips free from your chest, losing your balance and almost falling.

A strong and warm arm holds yours firmly, pressing you against the cold brick wall. Your eyes automatically squeeze shut when your back hits the wall with a grunt, opening your eyes to see Mr. Grumpy Pants from earlier.

What the everloving fuck-

His hand is pressed firmly against your mouth, and your hands curl into fists, summoning all the strength in your body to land a solid punch on his chest. He yelps, pressing his lips tightly together to silence himself. He glares at you, and you return it just as angrily. Your fingers close into fists, readying yourself for another punch, aiming for his jaw next.

He shushes you, and you only just notice his pinched brows and the shine of sweat on his forehead. He had tugged you behind a wall that separated into a small alcove, out of sight from the sidewalk you were on earlier.

"Turn that nauseating song off." Cole winces, muttering through clenched teeth. Your hands slow to a stop, confused by his words. He grabs your phone out of your hands, pressing pause on your beloved playlist before you can protest.

Your eyes widen in shock, staring up at his stupidly handsome face. His dark brown eyes are filled with the fear of being caught, and you catch yourself admiring the shaggy black hair that frames his face in the most annoyingly perfect manner.

Your mind races with incoherent thoughts, but one sticks out like a sore thumb.

Your soulmate's a celebrity?

For a celebrity, his music taste sucks ass.

"Am I getting kidnapped right now?" You voice out the most pressing concern on your mind, though it comes out muffled. He turns back to face you with an incredulous expression.

"You don't know who I am?" His voice is hushed, waiting for the horde of fangirls to run past your hiding spot. Your eyes narrow, pushing his hand off of where it's placed on your shoulders. You try to ignore the tingle his touch leaves behind that spreads to your hands and how his choppy bangs somehow manage to fall over his eyes in a somewhat attractive manner when he turns to face you.

"In the past twenty minutes, you've glared at me, been rude, and practically held me hostage," You snap at him, irritated by the lack of common human decency he seems to display. "And what do you mean nauseating? If anything, you're the one giving me headaches with that god-awful noise you call music that you play daily! I mean, who wakes up at 4 AM?? Only a psychopath, apparently."

You finish your mini rant, having reached the end of your already thinning patience with the boy in front of you. You pant slightly, trying your best to reign in your temper.

"Noise? Noise?? I could say the same for you! You're disturbing my sleep at night with those ear-splitting synths and breathy singing that sounds like they're on the verge of hyperventilation!" Cole retorts with thinly veiled disgust, taking a step back, dusting off his hands, and wiping them on his pants.

You eye the action, feeling insulted. Both of you stand in the alleyway, silently glaring at each other. Cole breaks the stare first, scanning the area behind him once he realises the fangirls are gone. You grin, elated at the quiet victory.

“You really gotta get more variety.” Your smile drops as soon as the words leave Cole's lips, and yours press into a thin line.

“Speak for yourself.” You can barely hold back another biting remark. If anyone were to see you now, they'd mistake you as enemies rather than the soulmates that you are.

He groans, rolling his eyes. You're tempted to ask what he does for a living but choose to stay silent. You shake your head, still in disbelief that you've found your soulmate. “Out of all people…” You mutter under your breath with a scowl.

“I could say the same. I don’t know how someone like you ended up as my soulmate.” He retorts, seemingly having overheard.

“I’m glad we share the same view then. At least that’s one thing we can agree on. Now, let’s make a deal. You go right, and I go left and we never run into each other again. Deal?” You propose, holding out your hand for a handshake. He eyes it for a solid moment, mulling over his decision. Instead of shaking your hand, however, he merely nods, crossing his hands over his chest. Your eyes narrow.

How insufferable.

“Looks like they’re gone.” He takes a moment to glance out of the alleyway, starting in the direction opposite and leaving you to your own devices. You continue to glare at his retreating figure, driving home your irritation by placing your earbuds back into your ears and hitting play.

Immediately, Cole's songs start playing in the back of your mind, much louder than before. You let out an irritated groan, turning to glare at his broad back. Curse his well-chiselled body and toned arms.

Stupid soulmate.

— — — — —

“So, how was your first day in town?” Your stepmother, Emily, sits down opposite you, taking out one of the hair clips she used to keep the bangs out of her face. Her hair is messy, tied into a ponytail and her skirt is stained with spaghetti sauce.

“Decent. Went to a comic book place.” You say through a mouthful. Your response is short, but it’s more than what used to be quiet dinners around a tension-filled dining table in the past.

“That’s good. Doomsday Comix, I assume?” She doesn’t flinch from your wide-eyed gaze, caught off guard by how eerily accurate her guess is. “I used to work there when I was younger. I hope you found the comics you were looking for. Starfarer, right?”

“Right,” You reply unsurely, spooning another bunch of pasta into your mouth. You forget that Emily had been born and raised in Ninjago, only having met your dad during one of her trips for ‘inspiration’. You and she had a rocky relationship, but one could say that you’re currently making progress - you think.

“Did you meet the ninja?” Your dad asks, taking some sliced-up steak on his plate and placing it on Emily’s. You eye the way she lights up at the action, a nauseating feeling beginning to stir in the bottom of your stomach. “I hope if you got in trouble, they got you out of it.”

“Oh yeah? What’re the ninja gonna do, spin me around till I get a headache?” You snort, chewing on an irritating broccoli stem that refuses to get chowed down on. “Mystify me to pieces? Bore me to death?”

The sarcastic jabs don’t phase your dad in the slightest. He shrugs, used to your disbelieving comments. “Just be careful out there still, okay? I know Ninjago City is safe but there are still pickpockets around and petty crimes.”

“Which is exactly why I called in a favour from an old friend.” Emily smiles softly at your father, but it fades slightly when she looks at you, uncertainty in her gaze. “He’s an instructor, and I’ve asked him to teach you self-defence so you can at least protect yourself.”

Your hand slows to a halt, the singular piece of spaghetti dangling off your fork as you blink owlishly at her. “I never asked for your help.” The words slip out before you can stop yourself, hurt flitting across Emily’s face before she composes herself, clearing her throat and picking up a piece of broccoli.

Aaand that’s a streak of 3 and a half months without being mean, gone.

“I just thought that maybe you should stay safe. Besides that,” You can sense the carefulness in her words, trying to choose the right ones to say. “I have an event coming up that I’d like you to attend. It’s a fundraiser, and I would like you to be there.” She pauses for a moment, looking from your father to you. “Both of you.”

“No thanks,” The clang of the metal fork against the porcelain plate makes her wince slightly at the harsh sound. You stand up with your half-empty plate, appetite vanishing just as quickly as a passing breeze. “I’m gonna head out. School stuff to catch up on and all.” You spot your father starting to stand up with a frown, only to stop when she places her hand on his arm and shakes her head sadly.

You ignore it.

Besides, you have a best friend to call.

— — — — —

“I think I met my soulmate today.” You instinctively pull the phone away from your ear just as she starts screaming.

“What? Where?? When?? How????? WHO???”

“Comic book store, today,” you reply, playing with a strand of your hair to distract yourself.

“Comic book store? Oh no, he’s a nerd.” The mock horror in her voice makes you suppress a defeated groan, picturing exactly how wide her smug grin is. Closing your eyes, you take a moment to inhale slowly. Damn. She remembers.

When you were younger, you had made a bet with Melody as to what kind of person your soulmate would be. Being the naive child you were, you had bet on him being a superstar.

Melody, on the other hand, had bet that you'd end up with someone the complete opposite of you. A secret nerd.

Even at the tender age of 15, she had already read countless romantic books filled with cliche tropes. Right now though, this knowledge is absolutely terrifying to you. You hear a sigh of satisfaction over the phone, lips curling into a frown. “I’m not going to do it.”

“You have to! We pinky promised. Plus, Todd’s back home and if you don’t want me to tell him about-”

“I’ll do it,” you groan, cutting her off from the effective threat. “The First Spinjitzu Master sent you down for just one reason and that was to make my life even worse.”

“Wait.” Melody says, “What happened to your whole spiel about ‘oh I hate soulmates and I never want to have one, bleh bleh bleh’ ?”

“First of all, that is not how I sound. Is that really how I sound to you??” You gasp. Maybe your whole stance against soulmates was getting a bit too much, even for Melody. “Besides, it’s nothing new. His stupid jazz started a couple of months back or something.” You grumble, deciding to collapse on your bed instead of pacing your room.

“And you didn’t tell me??” She says incredulously, her voice raised. You can hear a faint “What didn’t she tell you?” in the background, recognising the voice as her brother’s.

“Nothing!” She shouts back at him, “I expect details. Right fucking now.”

“It’s not much,” You sigh, looking up at your ceiling and letting your phone rest beside your head, her voice filling the quiet room through the speakerphone. “It came outta nowhere and honestly? If nothing happened, no way am I about to fly across the world just to see him. I have school. And homework.”

“You’ve never handed in a single piece of homework on time.” Her voice has a hint of accusation.

“What can I say? Moving gives you a whole new perspective on self-reflection.” You shrug nonchalantly, though you know she can’t see it.

“What’s his music taste?”

“Smooth jazz and soft rock.” You groan at her awws on the other end, “Yeah, let’s see if you still find that cute when you’re trying to sleep and he decides to blast music at 4 AM.”

“An early riser. Maybe he works out?” Melody’s wistful voice doesn’t go unnoticed.

“I sense dissatisfaction with your current soulmate.” Your snarky reply makes her chuckle.

“You wish. Luke’s gonna start going to the gym 'cause I said I liked his biceps last week.” She says with amusement, “Right, I have a date tomorrow. Should I wear the pink blouse or blue?”

“Blue.”

“Pink it is.”

“Why do you even bother asking me?” You say blankly, grinning when she barks out a laugh. “Have fun on your date.”

“Remember to get autographs!”

“I won’t if you don’t shut up and get to bed.” The call instantly concludes with a monotonous dial tone after you hang up, placing your phone on your table with a grin. You open your laptop with a new sense of purpose, searching for articles on the ninja. Your unfulfilled promise haunts you, knowing full well that although most of your friends thought it was a joke, Melody would be intent on at least fracturing your pinky finger if you didn’t get their autographs.

A sudden knock on the door startles you and your hands quickly close the laptop instinctively. The door slowly creaks open, and your dad steps inside. You turn away, pretending to busy yourself with tidying your desk with minimal clutter. “Is this about dinner?”

“Well,” you hear him hesitate. “Kind of. Look, it’d mean a lot to her if you went, y’know. Besides, the self-defence instructor we asked to teach you has already accepted.”

“Can’t you get a refund?” You finally turn to face him, lips parted to say more until you scan his face. Sunken cheeks and eyes filled with sadness stare back at you, hoping that maybe, just maybe, you’d be more open towards his wife. Towards her.

And just like that, your temper which had slowly begun to bubble up again at the mention of your stepmom dies down, left with nothing but wisps of resentment. You swallow down the lump in your throat, unable to meet his gaze.

“Fine. Tell Hamla that I’ll go to her charity fundraiser, whatever.”

He breathes a sigh of relief, while you focus on your fingers already picking away at the skin on your thumb. Tiny flecks of peeled skin land on the floor, invisible in the lack of light. The skin is red and raw underneath, but you can’t feel the pain, focusing instead on the repetitiveness of the action.

“Thank you, munchkin.”

The door closes without any further conversation, and the weight on your chest suddenly lifts. It’s still there, but significantly less than before. You close your eyes, hands curling into fists as you breathe out slowly but shakily. It’s fine. Everything’s fine.

You open the laptop back up, allowing the bright screen to distract you from any further thoughts. The picture of the ninja fills your screen, one in a black gi catching your eyes. What was he again? The Earth Ninja?

Glancing at the closet, you mentally flit through your outfit options for the fundraiser. A thought nags away at your brain, as if on the edge of remembering one very important fact. You pull up the article from this morning, rereading it once more as it hits you, looking from the article to the picture a few times before your lips pull up in a slow smile.

Looks like you’d get their autographs sooner than you thought.

#ninjago #lego ninjago #cole brookestone #cole brookstone x reader #cole x reader #ninjago x reader #cole ninjago #lego ninjago x reader

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collapsedglasshouses · 3 months ago

Text

FOLLOW YOU [Nick Folio x f!Reader]

: ̗̀➛ MASTERLIST

: ̗̀➛SUMMARY: At thirty-seven, Y/n’s life feels like a series of wrong turns—divorced, jobless, and still unable to say no to her parents' expectations. But when she meets Nick, a confident and carefree man ten years her junior, one impulsive night with him challenges everything she thought she knew about herself. : ̗̀➛PAIRING: Nick Folio x f!reader : ̗̀➛WARNINGS: MDNI (i warn you, i'll bite if i catch you), 18+, reader is ten years older than nick, SMUT SMUT SMUT [oral sex (f&m receiving), protected pinv, nick whimpering >:)], mentions that reader is a writer/wants to write, mentions of reader's previous marriage, mentions of matt's lotr obsession and how its shown in fanfics, swearing (idek if it is a warning on my blog anymore, its always present lmao), nick calls reader sweetheart, fluffy smut hehe, y/f/n = your father's name : ̗̀➛WORD COUNT: 6.2K : ̗̀➛A/N: So here's the long awaited request. Again... sorry it took me so long, but I just needed time to get into it. I also kind of answered another request with this (another anon asked for fluffy folio smut, so ur welcome <3). This piece is inspired by Follow You by Bring Me The Horizon and I hope you catch the references c: Enjoy and let me know what you think! <3 TAGLIST AND DIVIDER CREDIT AT THE END

Sometimes, you wondered where you had taken a wrong turn in life. You were approaching your forties, divorced, and had just quit the job you once swore would carry you to retirement. On top of that, you still couldn’t figure out why you lacked the courage to tell your parents "no" - especially when it came to attending their annual parties, extravagant celebrations meant to showcase their success in the music industry.

They had started their record label shortly after your dad had left his old band - right around the time you turned three. You didn’t remember much of life before then, but you had always been aware of the shift. Your mother loved reminiscing about the days when your father was a carefree, bubbly spirit, always lost in music and adventure. Yet, every year at this event, his attempt to reclaim that persona only made it painfully obvious how much everything had changed. It was a cruel reminder of the version of him you never got to experience.

It wasn’t that you didn’t love your father - you had your moments. But looking back on your childhood, you saw the contrast between his distant, absent nature and the high-spirited character he played at these gatherings. It was no wonder your marriage had unraveled so quickly - just over a year ago; you had recognized the same facade in your ex-husband, the same manufactured charm that cracked under the weight of reality.

Despite your silent vows to endure these nights for the sake of keeping your parents happy, the resentment still crept in, suffocating you.

You caught your own reflection in the bathroom mirror, adjusting the neckline of your dress - a simple black gown with a high slit, a deliberate choice against the more extravagant dress your mother had picked out. The discussion about it had already been held, and as expected, your mother had sighed in disappointment but relented. At least the heels and necklace sat right with her.

The event had been going on for an hour, yet it already felt like an eternity. Of course, you had arrived early to help with the final decorations, avoiding your father in the process. He had been too engrossed in boasting about their latest signing - a rising metalcore band. You hadn’t even bothered to listen to their music, uninterested in indulging yet another conversation about his triumphs. Worse still, he had managed to lace his bragging with subtle reminders that your own life was, in his eyes, going nowhere. His disappointment clung to you like a second skin, suffocating and inescapable.

You inhaled sharply, composing yourself before stepping back into the party, your practiced smile back in place.

An hour later, you found yourself stuck in a painfully dull conversation with a producer who couldn’t keep his eyes off your cleavage. You were contemplating an excuse to leave when your mother’s voice interrupted.

“There you are! I’ve been looking for you.” She appeared at your side, her manicured hand pressing against your back as she steered you toward the bar. "I need you to meet some people."

You barely had time to react before you were standing in front of two men. One was tall, covered in tattoos almost from head to toe, while the other, slightly shorter, had long dark brown hair up in a bun. Both turned to you with polite smiles, setting down their drinks.

“Don’t be rude, Y/N.” Your mother’s whisper was sharp as she leaned toward your ear. “These are two of the members from our new band. Bad Omens, you remember?”

You forced a brighter smile, though it felt unnatural, and muttered a soft, “Hi.”

They returned your wave with casual nods.

“These are Noah, the singer, and Joakim, the guitarist,” your mother continued, beaming with pride as if she had personally discovered them herself.

Sensing your discomfort, they nodded again with small smiles, clearly recognizing your reluctance to be there. Without warning, your mother excused herself, abandoning you with them and leaving you scrambling for small talk.

You took a long sip of your drink before clearing your throat. “Nice to meet you.”

“The pleasure’s all ours,” Joakim, the one with long hair, said with a smirk. “We didn’t know Y/F/N had kids.”

“Yeah, he tends to forget to mention that,” you replied, forcing a chuckle.

An awkward silence stretched between you, and you shifted your weight from one foot to the other. “So, how many are in the band?” you finally asked.

“Four,” Noah answered. “Our bassist got sick before the event, and honestly, I have no idea where Folio wandered off to.” He smiled, seemingly trying to put you at ease.

You nodded, looking around, already searching for an escape route. “I don’t wanna keep you up.”

“You’re not,” Joakim assured you. “We get how nerve-wracking these events can be.”

You appreciated the sentiment, but it wasn’t enough to make you stay. “I think I’m gonna get some air,” you excused yourself, not waiting for a response before slipping away.

Weaving through the crowd, you found your way to the second-floor balcony, a hidden haven where you knew you wouldn’t be disturbed.

Or so you thought.

Pushing open the door, you were met with the sight of a man sitting on the floor, staring out at the city skyline. The unexpected presence startled you, nearly making you drop the bottle of wine you had swiped from storage.

“Jesus, you scared me,” you breathed out, clutching the bottle tighter as he turned to face you.

He had dark hair, cut short, and a tattoo creeping up the side of his neck. Leaning back on his hands, he regarded you with mild curiosity - cigarette in his hand.

“Didn’t think anyone else would come up here,” he said simply, turning his gaze back to the view.

You sighed before settling down next to him, offering him some of the finger food you had grabbed along the way. “Don’t worry, I’m not gonna judge you for running away. I do it every year.”

He chuckled, taking a pastry from your hand. “What band are you in?”

You raised an eyebrow. “What makes you think I’m in a band?”

His expression shifted to surprise. “Not like there’s anything wrong with being in one,” you said, feeling how your face heated up.

You then took a deep breath before taking a sip from the bottle. “My father owns the record label. Which means I have to be here.”

“Ah,” was all he said.

You studied him. “That’s it? No follow-up? No sucking up because my dad might give you a better deal?”

He scoffed. “Considering you’re up here instead of schmoozing, I figured you’d had enough of that for one night.”

You exhaled a laugh. “Fair enough. So, who are you? Considering how you look, I’d guess you’re in a band.”

“What makes you think I’m in a band?” He exclaimed, mocking your earlier expression.

You smirked with him as he clearly enjoyed throwing your words back at you. “You look young, and your eyes still have that glint of hope.”

He laughed. “That’s dark.”

“And I’m not wrong.”

“I’m 27,” he said, feigning offense.

“Exactly. Younger than me.”

He shook his head, smirking. “I’m with Bad Omens. I’m their drummer.”

You tilted your head, defeated. “Damn, I really can’t outrun you guys at all.”

“What do you mean?” he asked, surprise threading through his words.

You sat up straighter. “What do I mean? You mean, besides the fact that you are my Dad’s new favorite topic to talk about when he’s not subtly bashing me for making all the wrong life choices?”

“Can’t be that bad if he still invites you to things like this.” He mumbled, making you roll your eyes.

“How encouraging of you,” you scoffed, pushing yourself up from the ground as a cold breeze drifted over the balcony.

“That’s always been my strength,” he said with a grin, stepping up beside you at the railing.

For the next few minutes, you both stared out at the city lights in silence. He radiated a calmness that made it easier to think about the things you’d been trying so hard to ignore.

“Can I be honest with you?” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper, hesitant to break the peaceful quiet between you.

“Of course.” He glanced at you briefly before looking back at the skyline.

You exhaled. “Sometimes, I’m disappointed in myself.” The words left your lips like a weight lifting off your shoulders.

“Why?”

“I feel like I’ve done nothing with my life, and I’m rapidly approaching forty.”

“You’re really bitter for a woman in the prime of her life,” he mused, making you shoot him an offended look. He smirked before continuing. “Maybe you should try living in the moment… Just a little.”

“That’s easy for someone your age to say.” You crossed your arms.

“Come on.” He shrugged. “Being in a band is a great example. But let’s be real - I can’t see myself drumming at seventy. Well, I can, but my back definitely won’t be on board.”

You huffed but couldn’t help relaxing a little. He had a point, even if you didn’t want to admit it.

“What do you want to do?” he asked, curiosity sparking in his eyes.

“I want to go home.” You grinned, but he just rolled his eyes.

“I’m serious. What do you want to do with your life?”

You let out a long sigh, thinking. “Honestly? I’ve always wanted to write.”

“Like novels?” He took a final drag of his cigarette before flicking it to the ground and stamping it out.

You nodded.

“So why don’t you?” he pressed, and the frustration bubbled up - because that was the one question you never had an answer to.

“Because I need to make a living, and a few unfinished Word documents aren’t exactly paying my rent,” you muttered, running a hand over your face.

“If J.R.R. Tolkien had said that - our tour manager would be stuck with some pretty dull fanfiction about him, since no one would’ve written about his Lord of the Rings obsession.”

You chuckled. “Wait… so you read fanfiction about your tour manager?” You wiggled your eyebrows at him.

“You’re dodging the question,” he shot back, meeting your gaze. For a second, you held it before smirking and looking away.

“And you don’t want to admit you’ve read fanfiction about yourself and your bandmates,” you teased.

Before silence could settle between you again, he spoke up. “Alright, hear me out. Let’s get out of here. We’ll go wherever you want, do whatever you want. And - just to contradict your assumption - I appreciate creativity, but I’d rather not read fanfiction about myself.”

“You’ve gone mad.” You cried out in shock at his request.

That was when he made the statement that turned the whole evening around. “And you’re boring.”

Not even ten minutes later, the cool night air wrapped around you as you and the guy, who finally told you his name was Nick, slipped away from the grand event, leaving behind the murmur of conversations and the clinking of expensive champagne glasses. Your father’s party had felt suffocating, each forced interaction weighing you down like a stone. But out here, under the city lights, you could finally breathe.

“So,” Nick mused, his hands tucked into the pockets of his jacket, “where to?”

You glanced at him, his dark hair slightly tousled from the wind, his expression open and waiting. For a moment, the answer eluded you. You hadn’t expected him to actually follow through on his offer to go anywhere, do anything. Most people just made empty gestures, but not him.

Then, a memory flickered in your mind. “There’s this small carnival on the edge of town,” you said. “I haven’t been there in years. And it’s open until midnight.”

Nick grinned. “A carnival? I like it. Lead the way.”

The cab ride was filled with easy conversation and laughter, the lingering tension from the party dissolving into the background. When you arrived, the sight of colorful lights spinning in the distance and the scent of cotton candy and fried food instantly lifted your spirits. It was a world away from the pristine elegance of your parents’ gathering, and you welcomed the contrast.

“Alright,” Nick said as you both stepped onto the fairgrounds, hands tucked into his pockets. “What’s first? Ferris wheel? Haunted house? Overpriced snacks?”

You tapped a finger against your chin, pretending to deliberate. “You know, I think I’d like to see you utterly fail at one of those impossible game booths.”

His mouth fell open in mock offense. “Excuse me? You know I’m a drummer. That means, I have impeccable hand-eye coordination.”

You laughed, nudging him toward the nearest booth, where a pyramid of cans sat daringly on a wooden shelf. The game operator smirked as Nick handed over a few bills and took aim with the weighted baseball. His first attempt barely rattled the metal. The second was better, but still, they stood firm.

“You know,” you mused, watching him narrow his eyes at the stubborn cans, “it’s okay to admit defeat.”

“Never.” He rolled his shoulders back and took a deep breath before throwing his final shot. To both your surprise, the cans crashed to the ground with a satisfying clatter.

Nick turned to you with a triumphant grin. “Told you.”

The game operator begrudgingly handed him a prize - a stuffed bear with comically large eyes. Without hesitation, Nick turned and placed it in your arms. “For you.”

You laughed, hugging the plush toy to your chest. “I have to admit, I’m impressed.”

“As you should be.”

For the next hour, you wandered through the fairgrounds, riding rickety coasters and attempting to best each other at whack-a-mole. The easy banter between you never faltered, and you found yourself genuinely enjoying the moment in a way you hadn’t in a long time.

Eventually, you found yourselves standing before the Ferris wheel, its towering frame outlined in twinkling lights. You hesitated for only a moment before Nick took your hand, tugging you gently toward the ride. “Come on. It’s not a real carnival experience without this.”

The ride attendant ushered you into a seat, and as the wheel began to turn, the world seemed to slow. The city sprawled out before you, a sea of golden lights stretching into the distance. The sounds of the carnival faded, leaving only the gentle creak of the wheel and the occasional burst of laughter from below.

“This is nice,” you admitted softly, hugging the stuffed bear to your chest.

Nick glanced at you, a small smile playing at his lips. “Yeah, it is.”

A comfortable silence settled between you as you reached the top of the wheel. The carriage rocked slightly with the breeze, and you shivered involuntarily. Without a word, Nick scooped closer, weirdly shrugged off his jacket since the carriage was rather small and draped it over your shoulders.

“You didn’t have to do that,” you murmured, touched by the gesture.

“I know,” he said simply, his voice warm. “But I wanted to.”

You turned your head slightly to look at him, only to find him already watching you. His gaze was soft, steady, and there was something about the way he looked at you that made your breath hitch. You didn’t really know if you would regret this whole thing, considering you had completely different lives. On top of that he was almost ten years younger than you. You didn’t even know what you wanted. Then, his words shot into your head again. ‘Maybe you should try living in the moment.’

Before you could get lost in your doubts, you leaned in.

The kiss was soft at first, hesitant - like testing the waters before diving in. But then Nick’s hand lifted to cradle the side of your face, his thumb brushing against your cheek, and you melted into him. The world around you faded, the moment stretching infinitely as his lips moved against yours in a slow, deliberate kiss. Your hands searched for something to hold onto and soon grabbed the front of his shirt to pull him even closer to you, causing him to sigh into the kiss in surprise.

When the Ferris wheel began its descent, you finally pulled away, your heart was hammering against your ribs. Nick studied you for a long moment before a slow smile spread across his lips.

“That was unexpected,” he murmured, though there was no surprise in his eyes - only something warm, something hopeful.

You swallowed, suddenly shy. “Was it… okay?”

His fingers trailed lightly down your arm before settling over your hand, lacing his fingers through yours. “More than okay.”

The city lights, the carnival sounds, even the crisp night air - they were all secondary to the warmth of Nick’s hand in yours, the lingering taste of the kiss still on your lips.

As you walked back toward the exit of the fairgrounds, his hand still entwined with yours, you felt something shift inside you. For the first time in a long while, you weren’t dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. You were just here. Living in the moment. With Nick.

And it felt right.

When you reached your apartment building that wasn’t too far away from the carnival, you hesitated at the door, glancing up at him. He watched you expectantly, his expression unreadable. In any other moment you would have said your goodbyes and vanished into the comfort of your home. But not today.

“Do you…” You hesitated, then exhaled, smiling softly. “Do you want to come in?”

Nick’s lips twitched upward, and without a word, he followed you inside.

The night was far from over.

You suppressed a giggle as Nick almost instantly pressed you against your front door, his lips meeting yours in a forceful manner, causing you to drop the bear he had won for you on the floor. It’s like you forgot to breathe for a solid minute, taking the moment in before kissing him deeper. Your tongues met as you clutch onto the dress shirt he was wearing.

You felt how his hands roamed your body as if he tried to memorize every inch of you. The need for him sat deep in your stomach and begged him silently for any kind of resolve from his teasing hands. Your hands wrapped around the back of his neck, fingers dancing over his hair as you slowly guide him towards your bedroom.

He let out a small yelp as he stumbled at the edge of your bed, causing you to laugh as you collide with him on the mattress. For a short second, you both caught your breath before looking in each other's eyes. The easy banter was quickly replaced with intensity in the form of his brown eyes staring at you as they darkened with desire.

You had seen this look in a couple of eyes before, but never had it felt anything like his gaze. Everything suddenly felt like it made sense to you. Like everything that happened to you needed to happen to lead you to this moment.

One of his hands slowly traveled downwards, hiking up your dress and grabbing your thigh before he turned you on your back. You instantly wrapped the leg he was gripping onto around his waist to drag him closer to you.

You felt his hot breath on your face, when he whispered. “As much as I love this dress, I bet it would look a lot better on the floor.”

“Just like your shirt.” You threw back at him with a smirk before leaning into him again, your lips meeting in another kiss as you slowly but surely slipped out of your clothes.

You sighed out in anticipation, while his hands started to travel over your body again. When his fingers latched to your pussy, drawing small circles over your panties, your thighs began to shake. “Holy shit. You’re already so wet, sweetheart.”

He added more pressure, watching as you threw your head back. “Shit, that feels good.”

“Does it?” He teased as his lips attached to your neck with wet kisses. “You like that?”

“Fuck… yes. I-...” You let out a small moan. “I need you.”

In any other scenario you would have felt weird. You couldn’t really remember when was the last time you let go of yourself, but when Nick softly giggled against your neck and pushed your panties to the side, your mind was filled with nothing but him. He was everything you saw. He didn’t wait long before slowly pushing two fingers inside of you.

“Fuck, if you already feel so good like this, I don’t even know how amazing you would feel around my cock.” He sighed in a deep voice.

For a couple of seconds he curled his fingers inside of you and you internally cursed yourself out for not getting with a drummer way earlier. But then, he suddenly removed his fingers without a warning, causing you to moan out in disappointment. But that feeling was quickly gone, when he carefully leaned on his knees and hooked his fingers into the waistband of your panties.

You looked each other in the eyes, as he slowly dragged the fabric down your legs. He never once broke eye-contact as he plastered small kisses on your inner thigh, slowly but surely getting to the part where you needed him the most.

Your back immediately arched when you felt his tongue on your pussy, taking slow but determined licks. “You taste so good.” He gasped, his tongue replaced by his finger for a moment, while you moaned.

After that he lifted your legs over his shoulder, while his mouth told you he knew exactly what he was doing. Before long, your legs started to shake in his grip. Your hands tangled in your sheets as he drew whine after whine from you. That was when you felt his fingers back inside of you, causing you to squeeze your eyes shut while almost screaming out his name. The combo of his curled fingers and the gentle suck on your clit caused you to arch your back even more as you felt the pleasure washing over you. Without a warning you snapped, crying out his name in desperate pleas as he tried to keep your hips from moving against his face. He could drag you through hell if it meant you could be held by him for any longer.

He coaxed you through your high, kissing your pussy until you stopped to shake under his touch.

You quickly sat up, dragging his face to yours. You could taste yourself on his tongue as you kissed him.

“I need to see you.” You confessed as your hands travelled to the button of his trousers, opening it - not wasting a second to slip it down his legs.

“How bad?” He tried to tease you with a lopsided grin and yelped when you took all your strength to turn the two of you - him now laying on his back.

You quickly straddled him, letting your hands roam over his torso as you placed small kisses on him - beginning at his neck, slowly making your way down to the seam of his pants. You didn’t even know who he was a day ago and you did exactly see yourself with a guy younger than you, but as you sucked and bit into his skin - marking your territory - you felt like being on top of him was the only place you belonged to.

You smiled to yourself when you felt him tense under your touch and ever so often he let out a breathy moan or bucked his hips upward. The evidence of his arousal was astonishingly clear, the bulge in his boxers clearly visible - almost begging for your attention. Nick felt like he was your one-man cult at this point.

You slowly slipped off the bed, kneeling between his legs while looking him deeply in the eyes. “I think you’re the one to explain how much you want this.” You mocked his teasing tone from just minutes before.

“Please.” He muttered under his breath - almost shaking. While you wanted nothing more than to hear him begging for it, you needed to admit that you were rather impatient yourself, so you slowly hooked your fingers into the waistband of his underwear - dragging it down so painfully slowly, he let out a long stuttering breath.

You carefully wrapped your hand around his member, soaking in the hiss he let out at the contact. You watched his face, observing every little reaction he had to you as you slowly placed your lips on the tip of his cock. “Oh, god-” Nick choked out.

You couldn’t help but smile at his frame. You were certain, the look he had on his face belonged in an art museum.

You placed a small kiss on the tip, licking at the drop of precum that gave the clear indication of his arousal, as if his hard on wasn’t enough. You hummed at the salty taste, leaning in to suck every last drop off him.

You didn’t look away from his face as you leaned in closer and took a long lick over his shaft. “Shit - Fuck… I-... That feels-... hmmm. You’re all I need.”

Your heart swelled with pride as you finally took him into your mouth, almost too enthusiastically bobbing up and down on his length. His moans sounded like the most perfect melody you’ve ever heard as his right hand landed in your hair to get some kind of stabilization.

“You need to… fuck- Imma cum if you don’t stop.” He whined out and the grip on your hair became firmer.

For a second, you ignored his call out, continuing to move up and down. Only when you felt him slightly twitch in your mouth, you pulled away - his grip loosening on your hair - causing him to moan out in frustration, his hips chasing after you.

You let out a small giggle as you stood to your feet again, crawling up to him with a playful glint in your eyes. His gaze darkened with something deeper, something unreadable yet intoxicating. The space between you felt electric, each inch you closed sending a thrilling pulse through your veins.

Just as you reached him, his hands found your waist, firm yet hesitant, as if savoring the moment before taking more. With a swift motion, you were on your back again, the cool air against your skin a stark contrast to the heat rolling off him. Your breath hitched as he hovered over you, his weight pressing into you in a way that made your pulse race.

His smile was slow, knowing, filling you with a warmth that you weren’t sure you had ever felt before. His fingers traced a lazy path down your arm, barely touching, but setting your nerves alight with anticipation. You could feel the heat of his breath as if he was your oxygen, teasing, making you wait.

When his lips finally brushed against yours, it was achingly soft - a whisper of a kiss that sent a shiver down your spine. He pulled back just enough for you to chase after him, your lips parting with a quiet plea. That was all it took.

He groaned softly before deepening the kiss, his lips molding against yours with slow, deliberate intent. His hand slipped to the small of your back, pulling you closer until there was no space left between you. The kiss turned feverish, needy, a slow-burning fire that threatened to consume you both.

Every brush of his lips, every teasing stroke of his tongue, sent sparks igniting beneath your skin. Your fingers found their way into his hair, gripping tight as you pulled him impossibly closer. He responded with a deep, satisfied sound, pressing into you, letting you feel the full weight of his desire.

Time blurred. The world outside of this moment ceased to exist. There was only him - his touch, his breath, the way he kissed you like he was starving for you. And as he broke away just enough to rest his forehead against yours, his breath rough and uneven, you knew this was only the beginning.

“You’re something else, you know that?” he muttered against your lips, his voice rough, edged with something unreadable. The warmth of his breath ghosted over your skin, sending a shiver down your spine. His words, soft yet intense, settled deep in your chest, making your heart stutter.

You blinked up at him in surprise, caught off guard by the way he was looking at you - like you were something rare, something he wasn’t sure he deserved to touch but couldn’t stop himself from reaching for. The space between you felt charged, a quiet storm building, the weight of unspoken things pressing down on you both.

His thumb brushed over your cheek, slow and deliberate, like he was memorizing the shape of you. His lips hovered just above yours, close enough to drive you insane, but he didn’t kiss you again - not yet. Instead, his gaze held you in place, searching, burning, making it impossible to look away.

For a brief moment, it almost slipped your mind that you had just met him hours ago. That this intensity between you had no logic, no reason to exist - but it did. It was there, thrumming beneath your skin, threading through the air between you, pulling you deeper into something you didn’t fully understand.

“I think if you don’t fuck me in the next couple of seconds, I’ll confess my love to you.” You joked even though you weren’t entirely sure if there wasn’t a tiny amount of truth in your humorous statement.

“Your wish is my command.” He answered with a smirk on his face, before he got up, rumbling through the pocket of his pants. He quickly opened the shiny package, before rolling the condom on his member.

After that he crawled between your legs again with a smile that warmed your entire body.

“So, you just have a condom in your pants at all times?” You joked, which he responded to with a teasing “You don’t?”

You hadn’t enough time to answer him as he dragged his cock through your wet folds, causing you to moan out surprisingly loud. You quickly bit down on your bottom lip to muffle the sound as he slowly pushed inside of you.

He placed his right hand on your cheek as he bottomed out, brushing your lip. “Don’t do that, sweetheart. I wanna hear you.”

You choked back a whine, swallowing hard as his words seeped through you. “That… That feels good.”

Nick smiled as he wrapped an arm around you. He lifted his hips, slowly filling you before bringing it back out. His name slipped over your lips like it was a prayer.

You meet his hips as you found your pace. Your head almost instantly felt dizzy, still being worked up from your previous actions and you knew he felt the same. Heat was building in your stomach as you repeatedly moaned out in pleasure, desperately seeking your climax.

“Please tell me you’re close. I won’t be able to hold back any longer.” Nick whined out, his forehead touching yours as you slightly nodded, not being able to form comprehensible words.

“Nick.” You whimpered out as his hand travelled between you, almost instantly starting to circle your clit again.

The movements of your hips in combination with his hand sent you over the edge almost instantly. You quickly leaned up and kissed him, your moan being swallowed by his mouth as you clenched around his cock. Not even ten seconds later, you felt him twitch inside of you, each thrust harder than the last before he pulled away from your mouth with a loud moan of your name - the grip of his hands on your hips almost bruising as he came undone.

His lips brushed against yours one last time before he pulled out and let himself fall to your side, his breath still uneven, his forehead resting against neck. The air between you was thick, charged with something neither of you wanted to name but both felt down to your bones.

For a long moment, neither of you spoke. You just lay there, breathing each other in, letting the world around you settle into quiet stillness. The only sound was the soft rustle of the sheets beneath you, the steady rhythm of your breaths mixing together in the hush of the room.

You turned your head slightly, just enough to look at him, your pulse still thrumming in your ears. He was watching you, his gaze unreadable yet full of something intense, something that made your stomach tighten. His fingers traced absent patterns along your arm, a lazy, absentminded motion that sent shivers through you despite its softness.

Everything about this felt unreal. The warmth of his body beside yours, the lingering press of his lips still ghosting over your own, the weight of what had just happened settling between you like a secret neither of you were ready to break.

It almost felt foolish, how easily you had fallen into this - into him. How just hours ago, he had been a stranger, a passing moment in the grand blur of your life. And yet, here he was, lying next to you, his presence as familiar as if he had always been there.

He let out a slow, measured breath and turned onto his side, propping himself up, discarding the condom in the trash nearby before leaning on one elbow as he studied you. “What are you thinking?” he asked, his voice low, rough around the edges.

You hesitated, your fingers absentmindedly playing with a loose thread on the sheet. What were you thinking? That this was insane? That you should be questioning it more? That you didn’t want him to leave?

Instead of answering right away, you reached out, letting your fingers trail down his arm over his tattoo, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath your touch. He didn’t move away. If anything, he leaned into it, like he craved it as much as you did.

“Stay,” you finally murmured, the word barely more than a breath. It came out quieter than you intended, but you knew he heard it by the way his expression shifted - something softer, something more certain.

His lips quivered into a slow, knowing smile, like the answer had been obvious before you even asked. “I wasn’t planning on going anywhere,” he admitted, his voice tinged with amusement, but also something else - something real.

A warmth spread through your chest, easing away whatever hesitation had been lingering there. You exhaled, turning onto your side to face him fully, your fingers still tracing his skin absentmindedly.

“Good,” you said softly, and you meant it more than you probably should.

He didn’t say anything else - he didn’t need to. Instead, he reached out, pulling you close again, letting you settle into him like it was the most natural thing in the world. His arm draped over your waist, his touch easy, unhurried.

As you lay there beside Nick, the quiet hum of his breathing steady against your skin, a thought crept in - the kind you usually tried to push away.

How had you ended up here?

Just days ago, you were drowning in the weight of expectations - your parents’ insistence, the suffocating parties, the career that no longer felt like yours. You had spent years following a path you once believed in, only to realize too late that it had never really been yours to begin with. And yet, for all your running, you had never truly stopped long enough to ask yourself what you actually wanted.

Until tonight.

Tonight, you hadn’t thought about the past or the future. You hadn’t worried about disappointing anyone. You hadn’t been the woman who always said yes to keep the peace.

Tonight, you had let yourself feel.

Nick stirred beside you, his arm tightening around your waist as if he could sense your thoughts pulling you away. You glanced at him, the soft glow of the night casting shadows over his features. He was so young - too young, maybe - but there was something about him, something steady and unshaken, that made you feel more yourself than you had in years.

The realization sent a quiet thrill through you, equal parts terrifying and exhilarating.

This wasn’t a part of the plan. He wasn’t a part of the plan.

And maybe that was exactly what made it feel so right.

You exhaled slowly, pressing closer to his warmth, letting the weight of the moment settle over you.

For the first time in a long time, you didn’t care where the night would lead.

For the first time in a long time, you weren’t looking for the wrong turn.

Maybe, just maybe, you were exactly where you were supposed to be.

: ̗̀➛ dividers by @saradika-graphics

: ̗̀➛ TAGLIST: @measuredingold @cncohshit @circle-with-me @jilliemiw86 @justeli6 @sitkowski @exitwoundsx

#nick folio x reader #nick folio smut #nick folio fic #bad omens fanfiction #bad omens fanfic #bad omens fic #bad omens rpf #collapsedglasshouseswrites

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mylovesstuffs · 4 months ago

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100 Reasons Why I Love SEVENTEEN !

A/N: Okay, let’s be real—this was both the easiest and hardest thing I’ve ever written. SEVENTEEN gives me too many reasons to love them, so narrowing it down to just 100 felt like I was betraying 1,000 others. But at least, I tried. This list is a mix of my emotional breakdowns, daily fangirl struggles, and moments where I stare at my bias list wondering how it got so wrecked (answer: SEVENTEEN). If you’ve ever felt personally attacked by their talent, visuals, or Hoshi’s tiger agenda, welcome to the club. And yes, I know I was dramatic at times, but listen, if SEVENTEEN can drop masterpieces out of nowhere, I’m allowed to be extra !

I didn’t keep it monotone or too serious as neither SEVENTEEN nor I are ever that serious so why should this list be? That being said, I genuinely love them with all my heart. If you think I’m trolling, I promise you, I’m absolutely not. Keep reading, and you’ll see that every reason listed here comes from a place of genuine love and appreciation.

1. The way they roast each other more than a barbecue on a summer’s day.

2. Hoshi’s tiger obsession – honestly, who wouldn't let him?

3. Seungkwan’s diva energy, which could power a small city.

4. Dino pretending he’s not the maknae when he absolutely is.

5. Woozi’s height jokes—yes, I'm (we're) going there.

6. Joshua being the gentleman but slipping on camera lol.

7. Dokyeom's laugh. That contagious sound deserves its own Grammy. Please nominate him.

8. How Jeonghan tricks them like it’s his life’s mission (or purpose).

9. The constant chaos of 13 people trying to talk at the same time.

10. Minghao’s perfectly timed “Please stop.”

11. When they do ‘rock-paper-scissors,’ it’s more intense than any K-drama and let's this game decide fates TT.

12. Joshua’s “I’m from L.A.”—okay, flex.

13. The Going Seventeen episodes that feel like survival shows (it fr is).

14. Dokyeom's ‘twoteen’.

15. Jun randomly living his philosophical life mid-interview.

16. Every time they forget Dino’s an adult now.

17. The fear in their eyes when Woozi holds a guitar. (Mingyu...)

18. Vernon being… Vernon. Is he confused, or are we?

19. Seungkwan screaming at literally everything—relatable king.

20. Mingyu thinking he’s subtle about being clumsy. He isn’t.

21. How they’re truly a family—you can feel the bond.

22. When they cried after winning their first Daesang.

23. How they protect each other without saying a word.

24. Seungcheol always being the dad figure they need.

25. The way they celebrate each other’s little wins.

26. Their constant gratitude toward Carats.

27. How Woozi composes music like a wizard.

28. How every member brings something unique and different to the group.

29. That time they promised to stay together forever (cue tears).

30. How they work so hard but still stay humble.

31. Daring to ruin my bias list every single comeback.

32. They choreograph like they’ve got 28 legs.

33. Do they have to look that good? Like, chill bro.

34. Why is their discography so perfect? No skips?!

35. How they make even random words sound deep (adore uuuu).

36. “13 members but one team” – poetic and unfairly cute.

37. How they can make me laugh and cry in the same hour.

38. Their concert VCRs—pure emotional damage.

39. How Mingyu casually models while being a cinnamon roll.

40. Every time Hoshi says, “I'm a tiger.”

41. Woozi’s producing. Absolute genius.

42. SEVENTEEN's choreography – they invented synchronization.

43. Kyeom’s voice. Heaven called; they’re jealous.

44. Seungkwan’s ad-libs that hit harder than my alarm clock.

45. Jun being an underrated vocal king.

46. Vernon’s raps – smooth like butter.

47. Minghao’s art – talented and soulful?

48. Dino proving maknaes aren’t babies anymore.

49. S.Coups’ leadership—he carries 12 chaotic kids on his back.

50. Jeonghan’s ability to make any concept work.

51. How they’ve sacrificed so much for their dreams.

52. The sleepless nights we know they’ve had.

53. When they talk about missing their families.

54. Seeing them tired but still giving their all.

55. Their honesty about their struggles.

56. Watching them grow from rookies to legends.

57. Knowing how much pressure they’ve faced as a 13-member group.

58. When they write letters to Carats and it feels so personal.

59. Their vulnerability in their music—‘Don’t Wanna Cry’ anyone?

60. Knowing they truly care about each other like brothers.

61. Hoshi’s hand gesture that looks like a paw.

62. How they never explain Vernon’s randomness.

63. Joshua being everyone's favorite Hyung-oppa-angel-gentleman.

64. Dino’s Michael Jackson dances—we see you, King.

65. Mingyu cooking like he’s on MasterChef.

66. Jeonghan cutting his hair and the world losing its mind.

67. When Woozi’s serious face becomes extra serious.

68. Their obsession with food—it’s basically another member.

69. Every time they express gratitude towards Carats, it feels like they truly mean it.

70. Seungcheol constantly babying his members, and we love it.

71. The way they manipulate my emotions like puppeteers.

72. They’ve made me spend money I don’t have.

73. I didn’t ask for this level of emotional attachment, yet here I am.

74. Their photobooks take up more space than my furniture.

75. Why do I know their blood types? This feels illegal.

76. They live rent-free in my head, and I’m charging them soon.

77. The way they casually drop bops while I’m still recovering from the last one.

78. Their lightsticks—why are they this pretty?

79. I tell myself I’ll bias one member, but they drag me into OT13.

80. They’re the reason I learned how to stream like a professional.

81. They make me feel like I’m part of something special.

82. Their love for Carats—it’s so genuine.

83. Every moment feels like they’re leaving a legacy.

84. They’re more than idols—they’re inspirations to me.

85. Their messages about youth and teamwork hit deep.

86. How they remind me that hard work pays off.

87. Knowing they’ve changed lives, including mine.

88. The way their laughter feels like sunshine.

89. They’ve taught me to appreciate every little moment.

90. They’ve turned 13 into my favorite number.

91. SEVENTEEN just being SEVENTEEN.

92. They don’t take themselves too seriously.

93. They’re down-to-earth despite their success.

94. The way they constantly grow but stay true to themselves.

95. Their genuine friendship—you can’t fake that.

96. They make being a Carat feel like being part of a huge family.

97. Their artistry—it’s unmatched.

98. Their passion, which is so contagious.

99. The fact that no other group could ever be them.

100. Because, honestly, they’ve made my life brighter in so many ways.

ⓘ There you go, a completely balanced (read: unhinged) list. What’s your favorite reason? Or did I just write all the reasons you already had?

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doyoulikethis-videogame-song · 7 months ago

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Ask Masterpost 10/12/2024

I will be answering all the BLOG RELATED asks I have received since opening my inbox here :). Going forward, this is how all asks will be answered (if they are not time dependent or something). I will make a new post with new asks every saturday.

my friends and i have been including youtube links in our submissions. is that helpful or annoying?

It's helpful! Thank you :)

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Have you gotten a lot of repeat submissions? Like, songs requested by multiple people? If so, what’s the most requests you’ve gotten for a single song? (You don’t need to say what song it is if it’s one you haven’t posted yet)

I don't remember the name, but I've received a song from 'In Stars and Time' about seven times now

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I submitted a song from an indie game listing the author as the composer, but then I realised that's not exactly true, as all the music in the game is from a public free gallery. because of that, there's no official upload on youtube. would that still be ok? p.s. thank you for your work, I've come to really love this blog and i look forward to the new polls every day 💕

I'm going to say no, even though the song is in a video game it's not technically intended for the video game itself. I'm curious as to what game this is though.

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@kaerran said: Speaking of which: I avoided submitting a game earlier because the only versions I found on a quick search were entire-soundtrack-as-one-video and I wanted to make things easier on you. Is it okay if I submit my mid-90s games even if they don't have nice convenient Youtube links?

Of course that's okay, I'll find a way to work around it even if I have to crop the specific song out myself.

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Say a song that's made for a game and is in said game gets an official release of an alternative version that *isn't* in a game. (Ex: an extended version or a version with vocals) I assume that the in-game version of the song is acceptable, while an alternative version that isn't in any games are not. Asking because I've already submitted a couple in-game versions of songs that have official extended/vocal versions that aren't in-game.

Both are acceptable, for two reasons:

It's an official, original release/remix, presumably on an official album, for a video game, so it is technically a form of VGM even if it's not in the video game itself

I wouldn't be allowed to post the official NieR remix albums if I excluded these types of songs

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@moonlight-fox said: Hey. Question for when you reopen submissions - For songs that have lyrics, do you want the name of the lead vocalist as well as the composer, or just the composer?

If you know both, feel free to include both! Specifying would help a ton as well. Submitting the artists is optional as I'll almost always go verify it myself but it is very much appreciated.

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are there any games with more notable soundtracks that you're surprised HAVEN'T been submitted yet (if any)?

As of writing this, I haven't seen a single song from Persona 5.

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Hi, love the blog! Is there any way you could tag similar series? Like, tagging all the soulsborne games with a from software tag, that sort of thing? If not, it’s cool, I would just find it useful. Have a great day, keep up the awesome work! <3

I started doing this when I saw this ask, I hope the way I've categorized things is good so far! If anyone has any suggestions for further categorization feel free to send them in my asks (within reason, lol)

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can you put the number of the song in the anonymized title? would help us keep track of which song we're listening to if we're also scrolling

I also started doing this as soon as I saw this ask, thank you for the excellent idea.

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Are songs from live-service video games that have ended service permitted? I'm guessing that the answer is yes because I think I saw Dragalia Lost here but I just wanted to be sure before preparing songs to submit next month. Also, I noticed in your pinned post that it still says "submissions are always allowed" - since the rules are different now, you might wanna change that just in case some ppl get confused :3

Yes, songs from live service games that have ended are permitted :) (provided I can access the songs somehow of course)

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are we allowed to submit official live versions of video game songs? does its availability online matter (like how the splatoon concerts were officially uploaded, but the kirby 30th anniversary concert was only livestreamed once and has to be pirated now)?

If it's on an official album, I'm going to say yes. So no to the kirby concert -- but if the splatoon songs are on an album, they're allowed.

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i cant find if youve answered something like this already, but whats the verdict for songs thatare in video games, but werent made for them? like for example the inclusion of pre-existing low roar songs in death stranding.

As of now, I'll only accept songs that were intentionally made to be included in the OST/album/music of a video game series -- so no preexisting non-VGM songs or anything like that.

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out of interest, how far along the submission queue has been posted? when were the most recent posted songs submitted?

3.8% of the entire submissions I have received have been posted. Everything in active vote right now was submitted in July, hence the need to severely restrict submissions...

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are we allowed to ask if certain games/series are in the queue? because i cannot for the life of me remember if i submitted something a while ago and dont want to accidentally send it again when submissions reopen ^_^;

You can DM me for this as to not publicly post any spoilers :')

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@disgustedorite said: Um, when were the most recent songs submitted? I submitted a batch a while back when submissions were open and there's been no sign of any of them...I hope Tumblr didn't eat it @_@

Tumblr may have eaten it, but it's probably just as likely that I got a million gazillion submissions ahead of you :')

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genuine question did someone submit the entire destiny franchise at once or is it that popular and i just never see anything about it

Yes, in the very early days of this blog -- about the tenth submission -- someone submitted ~30 destiny songs.

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Do you accept music from mods? I mean, obviously you dont accept anything right now, but ykwim

Yes, as long as it's an original composition/remix :)

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@woolooism said: has any song won with any of the "i don't like it" results? if no, which one has the biggest relative percentage of it?

I'll have to check, but I think (off the top of my head) the song with the most "I don't like it" results is the Ao Oni chase theme

Edit: Apparently, it is actually this song from Lisa the Joyful!

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@violetsquare111 said: i'm curious, do you know when exactly the currently-running polls were submitted? curious just how far off mine are lol. (but i would guess mine are still a few months out based on the insane number of submissions you shared. 3000... oh god...)

July, so... yours are far off :')

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Do songs created for an event in a community engine driven rhythm game (i.e. original songs for custom charts in a rhythm game/community driven game engine) count for submissions? If so, how will they be counted?

I think I'm going to need an example of this scenario because this seems REALLY highly specific, haha

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A suggestion. When a song has lyrics, use a video that shows the lyrics in the reveal post. Please and thank you.

I'll do my best, but these aren't always the easiest to find, and I try to use songs from official sources as much as possible to prevent the risk of the video getting copyright stricken off the playlist.

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@only-blogging-2-save-rock-n-roll said: Would you ever consider doing joke polls for April fools day? Stuff like those MIDI remakes of song from Franchise A in the style of Franchise B

Probably not, only because it's not an official remix. I may post funny songs depending on submissions.

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would you be willing to maybe make a tag for just the polls, even if they're already over? i like going through them all without knowing what game they're from and i also dont keep super on top of checking this blog for new polls. thanks!!

There is one! It's #closed vote :)

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@sparrow-va said: Hi! I've had the hare-brained idea of possibly making some Youtube vids of listening to & reacting/trying to identify songs from this blog starting from the oldest submissions for my channel (LaserBearCat Gaming), is that something you'd be okay with? Obvs we would credit & link your blog for the source of the tracks c:

Go right ahead!

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I noticed the rules about submission has changed to one song per period per person, which I can totally understand given the amount and when trying to keep a fair chance for everyone will this rule be applied retrospectively too? just wondering because I had been submitting more than one song and just would like to know if I'd need to submit them again one per month now if I would like them to be considered as a submission eventually Also thanks for running this blog it's become one of my favourites and I check it out almost daily

No, It's not going to be applied retroactively -- I don't even know if I'd be able to enforce that because the sheet doesn't record who submitted what (right now).

#vgpollasks #vgmpaskpost

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choosingwhatmatters · 6 months ago

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Music in The Loyal Pin, Episode 16

Once upon a time, I started out writing about the music of The Loyal Pin. I had planned to make my posts a weekly thing but had to give up after episode 5 because I realised that time is a finite ressource. Meh. Still, one last time, though, I want to sing the praises of the piece of art that is The Loyal Pin. What a show!

I try to keep it short and simple, but, uh, well, that's not my strongest suit. I want to talk about the three pieces of music that have stood out to me the most.

Theme 1 - Pentatonic

The first piece I want to talk about appeared in my very first post about the series, and it was also the first recording I ever did. We hear it in episode 1 when Anil jumps/falls from the tree and lands on Pin. It is also what starts of the first intro song.

In episode 16, the theme accompanies what has to be Anil's most epic speech (which is saying a lot) about the future of love and marriage. According to the tone of the speech, underneath the piano there are now strings playing different harmonies to the ever repeating theme. This is a clip from the actual show because how do you ever imitate something like this?

I still can't believe this innocent theme from episode 1 is now making my throat hurt. The strings! The harmonies! My little heart.

Theme 2 - Pin's heavy heart

Conveniently, the second piece I want to talk about is one that I mentioned in the second post I've ever written about the show. It's also my favourite piece of the whole series. I think there is not one episode where it is not featured and there are many different versions of it. In the early episodes, it is a wistful melody that often accompanies scenes in which Pin is sad.

In episode 16, when Patt asks Anil to take care of Pin for her, we hear a sweet, cheerful version of the theme. Yet another cheerful version sounds when we learn that Lady Ueang has refused to marry the man her mother has intended for her.

Theme 3 - Helpless

There is also one theme that hasn't changed at all. I have written about this piece in my post about episode 5. It accompanies scenes in which our princesses (again, Pin: princess of my heart) experience emotions they don't know how to deal with. The thought of your favourite person going to England. Losing your parents when you are very young. Fleeing from your princess because her kissing lessons make you feel too many things at once. Accepting that you have been hit by the unstoppable force.

In episode 16, we can hear the theme in three instances: First, Patt apologises to Pin and they reconcile. Second, Pin faces the anger of Anil's father and falls into her Anil's arms after the confrontation. Lastly, Anil opens her birthday present from Pin and freezes when she realises that it is a ring box. Aaaaand I am tearing up again. This show, y'all. This music.

My goodness, there is so much more to say. But I think I will leave it at that. Maybe one day, when I am an old woman studying music again, I will be able to dedicate this music the time it deserves. I have never been able to find out who composed the music (there are several people listed), but whoever they are, they did one hell of a job!

Thank you, dear friend, for taking this journey with me. If you're a fan of Thai gl, I think we'll meet again soon. In any case: Stay safe and listen to music.

#the loyal pin #utsch choosing music #i still can't believe the Thai ministry of commerce funded the show #what a time to be alive #oh wait that's a different earworm #thanks again for riding along #i will never forget this show

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sexiestpodcastcharacter · 1 month ago

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Sexiest Podcast Character 2024 — Scripted Undefeated Bracket — Round 3

Propaganda

Alice Dyer (The Magnus Protocol):

She's a funny witty girl that does a lot of sarcasm but actually cares a lot about her friends. Everyone in OIAR desires her carnally, it doesn't have to be canon to be true.

Renée Minkowski (Wolf 359):

the most badass commander there is. she spent a week hunting a plant monster living on the air ducts of her station with a goddamn harpoon. she managed to keep her people alive and get them home. she managed to keep Eiffel alive for like five years and for that alone she deserves a fucking medal

She did not just spend one week hunting the plant monster, she spent TWO WEEKS hunting the plant monster. Later on, she used the very same harpoon to murder an evil capitalist WHILE SHE HAD A BULLET IN HER CHEST.

Art of Alice courtesy of @auxilion.

Additional propaganda below the cut:

Alice Dyer (The Magnus Protocol):

she's funny she's done with all this bullshit she teases her coworkers and is just a delight to listen to

Trans girl who flirts with everyone to cope with trauma what more could you want

#alice dyer you goose <3

#alice dyer 100%

#Never finished tmp but it's Alice 100% she's so

#alice sweep!!! #hell yeah

#ALICE DYER #MY WIFE

#ALICE SWEEP

This is propaganda for all the female characters. Voters please remember how pretty all women are and factor that into every single vote you make. Thank you.

Renée Minkowski (Wolf 359):

She's haunted by the memory of the first time she took a life, and what's sexier than a character with regrets?

She works out. Muscle women. Enough said.

She's devoted to protecting her crew above all else, and despite her self-doubt, she's REALLY damn good at it.

She's a theater kid! She loves musicals! She writes showtunes! Sondheim is her favorite composer!

She Russian-Roulettes a guy into not blowing up her ship, and does such a good job of it that he never even realizes there aren't any bullets in her gun.

She's been trapped in a time loop, possibly multiple times.

She's the best character in all of audio drama, I love her, she's beautiful, she's sexy, and she deserves every vote.

#minkowski my beloved. love of my life. other half of my heart. sexiest woman in podcast ever. i love her

#MINKOWSKI!!!!!! #i love her sooo much fun fact

#my girl! my favorite girl! she won! #let's keep this energy going everyone!

I don't really remember anything about Wolf 359 since I only listened to a few episodes so I'm throwing my lot in with whoever has the most compelling/funniest propaganda. I think this would be funny and I commit to nothing if not the bit

This is propaganda for all the female characters. Voters please remember how pretty all women are and factor that into every single vote you make. Thank you.

#2024 Round 3 #Alice Dyer #Renée Minkowski #Renee Minkowski #The Magnus Protocol #Wolf 359

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xxsycamore · 1 year ago

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Can you do Mozart & wet dreams?

Träumerei

╰┈➤ Mozart has never allowed himself as much as to think of her romantically. Strangely, his most recent dreams are all but lascivious, and twice as confusing. träumerei [noun, german] - dreaming

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart x MC • rating: E (MDNI) • tags: Wet Dream; Mutual Pining; Feelings Realization; Denial of Feelings; Love Confessions; Miscommunication; Fainting; Hand & Finger Kink; Vanilla; Dream Sex; Ambiguous/Open Ending • wordcount: 1,104 • masterlist

• Welcome to my personal kinktober challenge, Visions of Temptation 2022 - that’s right, 2022. You can find the new one, Visions of Temptation 2023, here. DAY 3: WET DREAM

"Mozart… Mozart, touch me more with your hands, please…!"

It would be too easy, the composer muses in his thoughts, but he can't find it in himself to deny and tease her anymore. It warms him from the inside when she craves him so, his hands, his touch, so much that she's writhing underneath him. But when she lets out these beautiful moans, the spark of warmth blooms into a consuming fire.

"You love it so much when I touch you. You don't need to beg me. If you want me to touch you, then undress and show me where you need to be touched."

***

"No, that's all wrong. Did you not pay attention when I showed you? Here. Look."

Deft fingers dancing on the piano keys, Mozart repeats the chords with ease in yet another demonstration. His gaze moves on her even before the last notes can fill the air, making sure she's paying attention this time.

Even if it does things to his head, being this close to her.

Given that she was in his dreams just last night. Dreams that were not so innocent...

"I did, it's just… it seems like I was watching you play the piano, and not the notes you play. Tehee…"

His hands. He's not the type to seek eye contact, but more often than he catches her looking back, he catches her looking at his hands.

***

"I want more…I need more, please…please, Wolf!"

It catches him by surprise, how naturally it came out of her mouth. In contrast, her face is burning, gaze not as bold as her tongue, making him want to rain kisses on her hot cheeks. She needs to understand how happy she just made him.

He keeps moving inside her, gently removing the hands she tries to hide her face with. He needs to make love to her more, to give her more until she's pliant and spent and satisfied in his arms.

"You finally said my name." Betraying his own wishes, Mozart finds more appealing spots to press his lips against other than her face. Her neck, where her blood pumps in a rhythmic pulse; the metronome telling him to play her like a melody; to eat her one fang-filled bite at a time. "Keep saying it. I want to hear you say it more."

***

"Where do you want me to put those, Wolf?--Oh! I m-mean, Mozart! I'm so sorry. I didn’t mean to sound disrespectful! It just slipped out and-"

Something he didn't expect to hear outside those dreams that haunt him. Just an accident. Merely a slip of the tongue.

"That's fine, don't apologize. Are you okay? You're shaking."

She puts down the folded sheets where Mozart points her to, hurrying to find anything else to keep her hands busy with and mask some of that trembling. While nervously tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she unknowingly barrens her nape for Mozart's gaze.

"Yeah, I'm fine, I just…couldn't sleep well last night."

"Me too. Be careful not to overwork yourself."

***

"Wolf… I actually… have feelings for you-…No that's awful! Too straight to the point. Ugh. Wolf, I…."

Listening in disbelief, Mozart is overtaken by all sorts of emotions. Her confession came out of nowhere. But she's so finicky about getting it right, she just keeps saying it again and again.

"The truth is, ever since I came to the mansion, I found myself attracted to you and before I knew it… I was truly in love. I grew up with your music, and hearing it has always soothed me in times of- Nonono, what am I thinking? I grew up with it? I'm definitely not saying that part!"

And from finding himself embarrassed, Mozart now finds himself letting out chuckles he can't control, so much unlike him. His heart feels so light, glowing with the newly discovered reciprocation of his feelings.

"I knew that already… you were being pretty obvious, you know. To think that I doubted it still… Hurry up and settle on your confession so I could make mine, would you?"

***

Today she's nowhere to be seen, and for good. Downing another cup of coffee, Mozart hopes he could drown those pestering, illogical feelings in the bitter liquid along with what remains of his sleepiness. Concentrating on his work has never been this hard and he hates it; the sound of ruckus coming from downstairs joining in the cacophony of distractions until he gets up from his desk and goes to check it for himself.

He sees her then, unconscious in the arms of another man who luckily broke her fall. Somebody answers Mozart's horrified gaze with a brief reassurance that she'd most likely overworked herself and it's nothing any more serious than that. The residents are shocked when it's none other than the composer himself who insists he'll take care of her and carry her to her room.

It's maybe on the way there when he realizes, or maybe it's when he finds himself tucking her in under the covers.

Her room, that is adjacent to his.

Her bed, which is positioned in a way that is mirrored to his own, with only a thin wall separating the headboards.

His keen ear as a composer. One thin wall…

"M-Mozart…"

Her glossy eyes stare at him under heavy lids, gradually widening as if in disbelief.

"Idiot, you're going to work yourself to death. How long has it been since you last had an adequate amount of sleep?"

He's no good scolding for this with those most likely noticeable dark circles under his eyes, alas.

"Alright, alright, I'll rest! I'm closing my eyes the second you go through that door! Jeez…Hey Mozart?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you for— Are you okay? Your face is red…"

It's funny how fast the tables turn when her hand touches his forehead in an utmost caring manner, and Mozart has to remind that she might be too warm herself to accurately check for him. And judging by the way she has the energy to frown and bark at him, it must be okay now for him to take his leave.

"I'm right nextdoor if you need anything."

"I know where your room is, Mozart…!"

"And one more thing." He keeps his hand on the doorknob, turning his head to look her in the eye one more time. "Next time you have trouble sleeping because there's something on your mind, just come see me."

The only answer he gets is a shy nod that comes after a rather long pause. And it's satisfying enough of an answer.

Taglist: @arsnovacadenza @ale-teodora @kimi00twin @otomelady @privilegedpancake @g-kleran @pumpumnnnp @thesirenwashere @ravenarld @kimmy-banana @devonares @galaxyprison @sadshaxk @starshards26 @thewitchofbooks @acethephoenix256 @ikevamp-shrine-2 @nad-zeta @crystal13unny @lordsister @ikemen-banshou @themysticalbeing @otome-scribbles @rhodolitesrose @coornn @kpop-and-otome @queen-dahlia @kisara-16 @chaosangel767 @ikemenlibrary @queengiuliettafirstlady @aurora-morning @aquagirl1978 @ikemenlover24 @mcofthemansion @joy-the-reader @katriniac @ikemen-writer @tele86 @lovely-bubb1es @aria-chikage @babyblue0t7 @rhodoliteschaos @shrimpy-kitsune @nightghoul381 @xbalayage @lucyw260 @kittygrimm88 @lokis-laugh @ndoandou Let me know if you want to be tagged/untagged!

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samlizzy71 · 1 year ago

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I love your art! It’s so nice seeing trans art by a trans person about happy trans people :))))

Any tips for a beginner artist? What to draw, how to stay motivated, etc.

Thanks! I hope you have a wonderful day.

Thank you so much!! w I wouldn't know what to say, the usual "keep practicing" doesn't look like much of a help x) but sadly, is the only thing that will make you better as an artist. I always say that a good sign is that, a while after you've finished a drawing, you start finding imperfections, mistakes, and things that can be improved. Don't be obsessive, and be aware that your drawings won't be perfect, don't think that it means you're useless or anything, is part of the process. Don't hate what you do if it doesn't look as nice as you'd like, that won't get you anywhere, but is fine if you don't like old drawings after a while. That's a sign that you're growing and getting better. You're now able to identify what you can do better, I would worry if after years you still think your drawings are perfect, that means you're stuck there. However, when you become aware of one of those things that can be improved (for example, you realize that in a previous drawing, hands looked weird), try to do it better next time. Don't say "I can't draw hands", just try it x) And you won't suddenly make them perfect, but now you know what you have to work on.

Use references, DON'T copy or trace, but as a visual artist, you have to be very *visual*, so, look at the way others have made their own art, and see what you like about different styles. Search for pictures of people doing activities you want to draw, doing different poses, etc., Is like writing or composing music, you need to read or listen, even if you will create something new, it's great to have references and guides. As for motivation, that's more difficult ^^ It is completely different for each. For me, the motivation at first was creating characters I could surround myself with when I was feeling awfully lonely and depressed, you know, to give them their own lives to get myself distracted from my own. Now my motivation comes more from knowing other people have found themselves in my characters and stories, and that somehow what I create has helped them, even if just a few, even if just a little. I like to compare my old drawings with the newer ones, just to see how much progress I've made x) This is my first digital drawing from 2012, versus one from 2024 (Some people improve a lot faster, I just took a lot of time because the first years I didn't draw as much, in 2018 I only made 3 drawings)

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duckchu · 1 year ago

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Hello, honey! I've been following you for a long time and I adore your works! And I want to make a request! HEARTSTEEL members x Fem!Indie game developer!Reader. Reader has been creating indie games for a long time (such as Undertale and Deltarune), and also writes soundtracks for them (like Toby Fox. I love this genius!). I would also like to create an indie game based on the League of Legends universe (I would choose Targon from the regions, and I would choose Aphelios from the characters that the player would control). But I don't have any programming skills! So I'll have to write interactive fanfic... Thank you very much! You're just a sunshine!💋💋💋💋

Sorry for the long wait (I recognise how long actually named asks sit in my inbox for rather than anon ones, idk why) and thank you for the kind words

I also kinda didn't know how to go about this so every guy has 3 "parts":

You working late

Putting one of their items as cosmetic (kinda changed in Kayn's and K'Sante's part)

And music

Kayn

Thinks you're cool

Enjoys sitting with you late at night while you code

May or may not convince you to sneak a Rhaast easter egg in

Though will often try to distract you if you're not paying enough attention to him

Enjoys bothering you when you compose

He's silly like that

So please, for the sake of your sanity, lock your room

Yone

Doesn't mind your work, but will make you stop if you're pulling all nighters

Might even pick you up and carry you to bed, telling you you need some sleep

One day, while he was watching you play test, noticied one of the items in your game looked suspiciously like his mask

Finds it really cute

Will help you with the music, if you'd like

Loves working with you

Aphelios

You stay up all night working?

Cool, he is too

Unless he notices you're tired

Then he pulls you into his lap and works with one hand while petting your hair with the other

It makes you fall asleep in seconds

Let him play test pleaseee

When you do, he 100% the game in a week

Not because it's easy, but because he's a sweaty try hard

Found you put his mask in the game as a cosmetic

Melted on the spot

Sometimes will give you songs as gifts

So you can put them in the game

Loves hearing them if you decide to use them

Ezreal

He's such a bitch if you overwork yourself

Will try to direct your attention to him at all cost

-Y/N, I'm boreeed -

Please keep on torturing this little shit with lack of attention

He deserves it

But also

If you put his sunglasses as an item, he will love you ten times more

As for the music?

Doesn't really know a lot about composing but loves listening to your pieces

Sett

You're overworking yourself?

No, you're not.

You're sitting on his lap and watching a movie with him

Doesn't care about your protests, you have to take care of yourself

When he first saw your character having his beanie on when you were playing the game, he had to do a double check

Gave you a big hug

He thinks it's really cute

As for the music, he thinks it's really good

You scrap something?

He's gonna use it as background for his totally awesome solo

Don't tell anyone else tho

He'll get embarrassed

K'Sante

He can't force you to rest, but he will insist on it

If you have some important work to do, he won't try to stop you, but will bring you meals and drinks if you want

Will usually chill in your room and design while you work

Speaking of designs... he was surprised when you asked him if you could take a look at his tablet

But he trusts you, so why not

Was shocked when one day he saw you putting one of his designs as a clothing option

Loves it and thinks that it looks good even when pixelated

Although he's not the greatest composer, he will try to help you

It usually turns into fan favourite soundtracks

So you don't mind his suggestions

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tomedonaki-hakujou · 1 year ago

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Mesmerizer: My Thoughts on why it is THE Vocaloid song of the DECADE

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(All thoughts here are highly subjective, and may feature incomplete information. I just wanted to get my thoughts out about Mesmerizer and why its success works a lot.)

As of 2020, the Vocaloid scene has been booming with plenty of new music & activity, each year bringing more and more hit songs, it's almost hard to keep track of them all. With the release of Satsuki and Channel's "Mesmerizer" music video, I think this marks an extremely emblematic song, encapsulating what the 2020s of Vocaloid is all about, and what it can become.

"Mesmerizer" is a short and catchy song featuring Hatsune Miku for VOCALOID4 and Kasane Teto for Synthesizer V. It features a highly chaotic instrumental. It is composed by Satsuki, previously known for "CIRCUS PANIC!!!" featured in Project Sekai. The music video is made by Channel (aka caststation), who is known for various viral Miku animations like mikumikuplaylist and Rabbit Hole by DECO*27. All of these details about this song are very important, and in my opinion, I think they each represent a part of the strength and popularity of Vocaloid culture in the 2020s.

Short Songs and Covers

As of 2020, shorter songs, often less than 3 minutes, have gained a lot of popularity – take a look at Kanaria's breakout hit "KING," or the songs on DECO*27's "Mannequin" album such as "The Vampire," "Animal," and "Cinderella." Part of the major appeal of these songs, and why they work so well, is that they have to be immensely catchy, easy to listen to, and most importantly in my opinion – easy to sing. That's right – one major aspect of 2020s Vocaloid culture are covers sung by utaites, VTubers, and other singers. This spreads the Vocaloid music to people in different audiences. It's much easier to sing and produce a cover of a shorter song than a longer song, and it's much more appealing to do it for a trending song. Kanaria's songs and DECO*27's "Mannequin" songs have gotten this treatment of mass-cover trends due to their singability and ease of production. (Take it from me, it's much easier to publish a Kanaria cover than producers like Yunosuke or Kashii Moimi, from whom I love covering from.) Of course, even aside from Kanaria and DECO*27, there's other producers who create shorter songs with great success – take Nakiso, Suriii (aka Three), Chinozo, Azari, and _x0o0x_ for example.

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Although, that's not to say longer songs over 3 minutes don't get popular either – take PinocchioP, Kairiki Bear, Teniwoha, nulut, and Camellia for example. Both song structures have their different appeals, and it's all about how the composer utilizes that time.

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However, longer songs aren't necessarily new in the Vocaloid scene, and have been the standard for over 10 years since the scene's beginnings in 2007-2008. It's shorter songs that have emerged as a new niche and new musical approach as of 2020, and it's the style more representative of this era. "Mesmerizer" takes the approach of the shorter song that's arisen in this era, while conveying a strong music composition as well. A shorter song with a stronger composition & musicality has a higher chance of staying within viewer's memories.

Chaotic Composition

Chaos, frenzy – the music style of "denpa" has gained more popularity in recent years with songs like "INTERNET YAMERO" (by Aiobahn) and "Hito Mania" (by Sasuke Haraguchi). (Although "INTERNET YAMERO" is not Vocaloid, it still deserves a mention for its audience & subculture overlap.)

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As of 2020, we can hear more experimental and varied composition and production styles in top VOCALOID songs – melodic, consonant, and synchronous music isn't always the move now. Usage of sound effects as percussion (gunshots, glass breaking, etc) creates more appeal or intrigue in certain songs.

The sound design in "Mesmerizer" is, well, mesmerizing. I think it encapsulates a lot of the sweet, simple, catchy and appealing aspects of the short-form song style, while also having complexity & chaos that synchronizes with the main beat/melody. If there's a song I would most directly compare "Mesmerizer" to in its composition style, it's probably going to be "Marshall Maximizer" by Hiiragi Magnetite. Both of them have a lot of chaos going on to create texture in the song, while still being harmonious with the overall composition to create a pleasant listening experience.

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There is one part of "Mesmerizer" that deserves a most special mention, which is the bridge – or commonly referred to as the "hypnosis" section. Here, the sound design is used in tandem with the MV and story during Teto's bridge part. The music suddenly seems to fade in and out to convey that Teto is not quite fully "present" in the song; her consciousness slowly fading in and out as she tries to resist hypnosis (what's happening is a low pass filter's frequency point being slowly reduced and then increased, but that's advanced audio lingo that you don't need to worry about if you don't understand).

Unique and special sound design moments like these are what draws viewers into songs and keeps them interested.

The Music Video

While simplistic music videos are common in Vocaloid in the era of 2020s, animated music videos still have their appeal and popularity as well, and have made a bit more of a comeback as of 2022 and 2023. Take songs like:

"Lagtrain" by inabakumori (MV by Nukunuku Nigirimeshi)

"Konton Boogie" by jon-YAKITORY (MV by Ichimaru)

"Override" by Yoshida Yasei (Art by Shishiya)

"Kyoufuu Allback" by Yukopi (Animation by Oz_yarimisu)

"Momiagewo Shakaagewo" by Nunu(...)nunu (dude. I'm not writing their whole name.)

"Kafu-eine" by Hiiragi Magnetite (Animation by Sena Yuuta)

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Songs like these have MVs that lend themselves easily to replication for covers or animation memes within the animator community. In addition, they're just very strong and fun MVs in their own right for enjoyment. Not every producer has the energy or resources to create an animated MV like this, but being able to do so certainly gives the song a stronger appeal.

Especially within derivative fanwork, more complex MVs of songs with simpler MVs also get popular. Take the "Gokuraku Meme" that derives from Pepoyo's "Rakuraku Anrakushi" or most notably for this analysis – Channel's "Rabbit Hole" animation from DECO*27's song. These are two strong examples of the power of animation in the Vocaloid scene. Many admire Channel's "Rabbit Hole" animation for its smoothness and appealing style – many have found themselves watching it on repeat as if it's mesmerizing (heh,) but maybe most importantly, the animation features a "shock factor" in the pseudo-sex fakeout scene at the end, which contributes to its virality.

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When applying these skills to a full music video, Channel really showed the best of their strengths in "Mesmerizer." Their mesmerizing animation style tells a simple story that keeps the viewers engaged with smooth tweening, strong sense of beats, and of course – enjoyable and cute dance movements. Channel also employs "shock factor" once again, towards the end of the music video in the final chorus – where Miku gets completely mesmerized/hypnotized, and goes crazy-insane. This moment is popularly depicted in the countless fanarts of "Mesmerizer," a testament to its impact. Additionally, the MV has a lot of small details about it that has caused much intrigue and analysis regarding its story. Theorizing about the meaning of songs is a vital part of Vocaloid fan culture.

Project Sekai

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Project Sekai is a HUGE factor in the thriving nature of the Vocaloid scene as of 2020. Events like "Proseka Next" help smaller producers break out of niche and obscurity and helps boost their popularity. Such was the case for Satsuki, who won a "Proseka Next" event with their song "CIRCUS PANIC!!!"

"Proseka Next" isn't the only kind of event that helps boost producers. There's the regularly occurring "Vocaloid Collection," as well as demo songs and contests held for newly released voicebanks. Companies like Sega/Crypton and Kamitsubaki Studio regularly engage the community to give it vitality, and spark their creativity.

Although "Mesmerizer" is not a song for any contest or event, it's entirely possible that without "Proseka Next" and the preceding "CIRCUS PANIC!!!" song, Satsuki's "Mesmerizer" might not have been the breakout hit it became.

The Vocalists

Finally, the vocalists. Hatsune Miku VOCALOID4 and Kasane Teto Synthesizer V.

Although she hasn't received a vocal update in nearly a decade, Hatsune Miku V4X is still one of the most popularly used vocalists in the Vocaloid scene – after all, she's Hatsune Miku, who's only become more popular and recognizable to almost anyone on the Internet. Especially in recent years, many takes on Miku's design draw from her V4X design, and Mesmerizer Miku is no exception. Although V2 Miku has strong appeal in her thick hair shapes, V4X's thin hair is easier to draw, adapt to different artstyles, restyle, and reiterate. (This is just my opinion though, I do think V4X is the best Miku for how well she lends herself to derivatives versus her other designs. Also, I think for the case of Mesmerizer, V4 Miku is probably the easiest to animate... Other Miku styles might not have worked for the MV's favor.)

One of the defining factors of the 2020s Vocaloid scene is AI vocalsynth. AI vocalsynth sounds more realistic and is often easier to use than its predecessors. Probably the first notable AI is CeVIO's KAFU, who received plenty of usage since her demos in 2020 and her release in 2021. As someone who owns KAFU myself, I think she's one of the most beginner-friendly vocalsynths – her autopitch tuning is rather pleasant and easy to work with as a baseline, and her configuration quality/ease of use just feels better than other vocalists on CeVIO AI. She also has a great capability for high range, much thanks to KAF's own high note capabilities. On top of that, she has quite the unique vocal tone that makes her instantly recognizable. I think these are all reasons why KAFU is highly popular.

To succeed KAFU, enter Kasane Teto, a beloved UTAU vocalist and character from the beginnings of the Vocaloid scene – now updated for Synthesizer V AI. She shares a lot of traits with KAFU that lend to success – ease of use, good vocal quality, and recognizable voice. Also, both KAFU and Teto SV have origins from a pre-existing fanbase – KAFU in KAF's popularity, and Teto from being a pre-existing popular character. Teto's SV was highly hyped and well-received, causing an explosion in her usages. Of course, UTAU isn't everyone's cup of tea and can be hard to use, and Teto had only been receiving rather niche usages in the 2020s Vocaloid scene – at least, up until her SV came and revitalized her.

In fanon, Miku and Teto have a popular relationship or dynamic, being friends or rivals. To use them both together in "Mesmerizer" builds upon this dynamic and establishes an appealing familiarity. In addition, "Mesmerizer" has a strong overseas reach outside of Japan – since Miku and Teto have high recognizability and popularity therein as well (and also thanks to Channel's preceding viral works.)

(Characters like Adachi Rei, Zundamon, and KAFU are also popular, but lack popularity outside of Japan.)

Although Synthesizer V is known for realism, many Japanese producers use it in a way that reflects "Vocaloid-esque" or artificial charm, which Teto embodies in "Mesmerizer." This makes her voice match up to Miku's more, creating a great duet that doesn't sound too jarring – rather, complementary.

Wrapping-up Thoughts

"Mesmerizer" is a song that, in my opinion, embodies a lot of the things that define the Vocaloid culture of the early 2020s. As someone who's always been an avid advocate and fan of the new Vocaloid scene, it's been amazing to see it come this far and reach greater heights, especially overseas. I remember being frustrated or mad that a lot of overseas Vocaloid fans don't actually listen to 2020s Vocaloid, despite it being highly popular in Japan. But with "Mesmerizer," I have hopes things will start to change. I have hopes that overseas fans will listen to the richness, diversity, and greatness of 2020s Vocaloid. I have hopes they will be drawn into the scene and look forward to new releases by new producers. I have hopes that "Mesmerizer" will ignite new creativity in producers and artists in the future to come, to build a new era; continually contributing to the idea of a "new soundscape." I believe "Mesmerizer" is the defining mark of this era of Vocaloid, and maybe might even become the top defining song in the footnotes of Vocaloid history.

#analysis #vocaloid #synthesizer v #cevio #utau #vocalsynth #mesmerizer #kasane teto #hatsune miku #long post #synthv #Youtube

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