#but of course rap music is crossing the line

[felixisfruity]

woah. me when i go into the notes of a post and its people trashing on a guy that as far as im aware is . a genuinely nice dude

[pink-princess-pussy-pop]

Scream For Me Rafe Cameron Ghostface x Reader PART 4

Warnings: Language, Rafe being a perv, sexual innuendos

Rafe texts in Blue, Ghostface texts in Red.

Scream For Me Masterlist

You probably shouldn't be getting into a car with a boy you hadn't spoken to in weeks, if at all. Especially with the serial killer running rampant around town.

Could Rafe be the OBX killer?

Your eyes snapped to him, in the driver's seat, one hand on the wheel, the other resting on the window edge. You had half expected him to start playing rap music the second you got in the car, but Rafe and you were sitting in silence.

"Y/N?"

He was talking to you.

"Wh-what? Sorry, I was-"

"It looked like you were checking me out." He chuckled, side-eyeing you.

Shit.

Suddenly you were stammering over your words.

"N-n-no. I was just thinking." He nods to himself.

"M'kay." His head turns forward again. "I asked for your address."

Rafe, of course, already knew how to get to your house, but in order to keep the suspicions down, he needed to ask. As far as you knew, Rafe had never been near your home, let alone been inside it.

"Oh, um. Just take the next right." He does.

Was Rafe always this attractive?

Fuck.

Now you were checking him out.

Look away. Look away. Look away before he notices.

But damn. His jawline and...

"You're doing it again, baby." Your nose scrunches.

"Ew, don't call me that." You turn away from him. "Next left, please." He looks over at you again, legs crossed away from him. He's so close to you he could just reach over and touch the hem of your skirt-

What in the world were you doing to him?

His hand tightens on the steering wheel as you pull the hem down.

"It's the third house after this right."

"So, are you a golfer?"

A question that Rafe already knew the answer to, but again, he needed to keep the suspicion down.

His hand squeezes the steering wheel again at your giggle.

"No, I hate golfing. I was just out with my family. They don't love me being home alone right now because of the killer."

His lips twitch into a smile.

"But it's alright for a guy you barely know to take you home... to an empty house?"

"I mean, they know who you are it's not like you're just a random guy I met on the street. I go to school with you and your family name is all over the OBX."

"Alright, babe."

He's parked in your driveway.

"I told you not to call me that."

Your heart flutters at the smile he gives you.

"Nope. You said I couldn't call you baby. I dropped the 'y'."

You roll your eyes and turn to open the door, hiding the blush from him.

But the door is locked.

Your heart drops.

As you jiggle the door handle, ready to yell at him, he's on the other side of the door, opening it for you. Unfortunately, when the door opens, you go with it, falling out of the car and into his arms.

"Shit, babe. You ok?" At the current angle, your face is right in line with his crotch. You snap your head to his face, the situation becoming increasingly intimate.

A whole slew of vulgar words run through Rafe's mind at your position below him.

On your knees in front of him, your hands wrapped around his arms.

He'd be taking a cold shower tonight.

You scramble up to your feet, brushing off your skirt. When you look up, Rafe is looking down at where your hands are currently holding up your skirt.

You drop it immediately and his eyes snap to yours, another smirk on his handsome face.

Shit. He really was handsome.

"Uhhhhh, thank you. For bringing me home." You push past him, walking to your front door.

His hand wraps around your wrist, pulling you back to him.

"Wait." His tongue darts out to wet his lips. "What sort of gentleman would I be if I didn't walk you to your door?" You look away from him.

What was going on?

Rafe flirted with nearly every single girl in your grade. You had watched it happen. He'd sweet-talk them, fuck them, and then move on like it never even happened.

He had never done it with you.

You knew you should resist his charm, send him on his way without a second glance. But how could you when he was looking at you like that?

He gently pulled your arm, leading you to your own door. He then watched as you fumbled with your keys, and then fumbled to put the key in the lock. He was grinning when you finally stepped inside and turned around to him.

"Thanks, again. I uh- I can Venmo you if you want or..."

"Don't worry about it. I'm always down to give a pretty girl a ride." You stared at him, the double meaning causing you to gape at him in shock.

"You ok in there?" His finger pokes your forehead and you slap it away.

"Stop that." Your eyes narrow into a glare. "You may go, Rafe." His eyebrow raises.

"Can I get your number first?" His hand is on the top of your door frame and you blush at the way he's looking down at you.

"Why do you want my number?" He pulls his phone out of his pocket.

"Why wouldn't I?" You stare at his fingers typing on the screen before he holds it out to you.

Against your better judgment, you take the phone out of his hands and type your number in.

"See you later.” he smiles at you, another one that gives you butterflies and turns to walk back to his car.

You shut the door, lock it and turn around.

"What the fuck?"

Your phone buzzed.

Have a good night......... babe. ;)

You don't reply.

Rafe, back in his car, smiles down at his phone.

Time for the real fun.

As you walk up the stairs, your phone buzzes again.

You look very pretty right now, sweetheart.

I cannot. im so excited for this.

Taglist: @iameatingmyhair@cherrrywraith@lil2023@lcvrsheart@sophiah2253 @mila1224 @iamlilykrav @emotionalldamage @earthruled @bluuuughh @sunsetargent @kingedmund007 @iluvbunnyhops @steveharie @rafelover @tarrenshayne @stcrkeyluvr @idktheusual@eddiemunson86 @taylorswiftloversera @wh0r3-for-klaus @veescorneroftheworld @wildwallflower24@poge-life@fuckmelikestilesstilinski @user556677889900 @lonnielain@sachaa-ff@xhaliemax@kravitzwhore@coryisagee@multidimensionalslut@fratboyharrysgf0201 @iheartthe90s @settingmoxn @lewisroscoelove@hannahxhoney @iluvcatslolol @x2skyler @user36376373 @kkmstblog @kinokorii @pickingviolets@somebodys-enola@bloody-mf-bsc@rafesxgold @img-stilinski24 @nmedina8611@tahliac11@sublimepenguinpeach-blog @bru1sedhe3rt @byarmstrongs @lulu-lovesellie

[alldoll3dup]

Yelloooooooo!!!!!! I got a request. Can you write a brozone x pop/rap troll fem reader?? Where there related to the bros? I honestly can't think of anything else, but ik for sure theres gotta be crazy angst and comfort!!!

P.S. LOVE YOUR STORIES

▐ Do you mean all of them together or the separate reaction of each of them? I'm going to do it all together as a one shot kisses 🫶🏻 (but if not, you can make another request)

P.S THANK YOU SO MUCH

໑୧﹒★﹒Brozone x pop/rap!Reader - Headcanon's/one-shot ᰍ﹒∿

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 - You are a pop and rap troll, you were already considered part of the family by brozone what would be their reaction? Lets see right now

𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦 - Trolls band togeter

𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 - GN!Reader, angsty, platonic

★ When you told them...

– You were really nervous about telling them this, but Poppy and Viva were encouraging you

– Ok you were freaking out, Poppy and Viva got them together and said you had something to say, what were they thinking??? You wanted to stick your face in a hole and never come out

– The two left leaving you there with the confused brothers, you took a deep breath and started telling them

"Okay then well, I wanted to tell you this, because you are like brothers to me and I think you will support me in this"

– John Dory has already started to panic, she has already started to imagine a million things

💭 "IS SHE DATING? DOES SHE NO LONGER TRUST US? DOES SHE WANT TO MOVE AWAY???"

"Well, I'm a pop and rap troll" - you said looking a little embarrassed and JD's jaw dropped to the floor

"Ah, what a silly thing, y/n, everything is fine" - said branch carelessly with a hand on your shoulder (I didn't know what color to put on him, srry)

"SILLY?? NO ITS NOT SILLY HOW CAN YOU BE BOTH? IS THIS POSSIBLE?" - JD didn't understand anything

"Calm down, John Dory, this is normal, I, for example, am a pop and rock troll" - Floyd said, smiling slightly and you were a little sad about JD's reaction (I have a hc that he is a rock troll)

"WHAT YOU ARE A ROCK TROLL???" - He said turning his head to Floyd

"Hey man, relax, this is more common than you think" - Clay said looking angry at JD because he noticed your sad reaction

"My kids sing all kinds of music all the time" - Spruce said with a nasal laugh

"John Dory, you're making Y/N uncomfortable stop it" - he said quietly to John Dory with a sideways glance

"Okay, it doesn't enter my head either you're a rap troll or you're a pop troll, or you're a rock trolls or you're a pop troll"

"Why not both JD?" - you and Floyd said at the same time

"Because it's confusing and strange, it doesn't make sense to be both"

"Okay, that's enough of trying to change other people, John Dory" - Clay said, already irritated

"Clay just relax, okay? It dont make the argument worse"

"But he's right, John Dory is crossing the line!" - and you remained silent watching them argue and left with Floyd

★ When you went out with Floyd...

– He comforted you even though he was also sad about the situation

"Hey, it's okay, don't mind Dory, he'll understand soon"

"But why fight like that? They can't argue without fighting..."

"I know Y/n... it's okay" - he hugged you gently and you hugged him back

– You stayed there until the branch appeared because he got angry about arguing with John Dory

★ A few days later...

– You hadn't spoken to John Dory for a few days and she was really sad about the way he treated you

– He studied a lot about this being more than one thing and thought it was really cool

– He felt horrible about the way he treated you and asked Spruce and Clay for help on how to apologize to you

– Clay didn't want to help at first, but Spruce convinced him to help

– Of course, Floyd and Branch joined in on this, Branch would distract you along with Floyd, Clay and Spruce taught John Dory how to say sorry (which was an almost impossible mission)

– They prepared a "little party" with a huge sign saying "WE ACCEPT YOU Y/N AND FLOYD"

– When you got there JD practically jumped on you crying and apologizing saying how proud he was of you (he had done this to Floyd before the party)

– You ended up getting emotional and forgave him and promised that you would teach him more about being a troll with two musical genres

▐ That was hard to write, huh? Hope yall liked it

▐ Sorry if there are any grammatical errors love you guys ♡

★ REQUESTS ARE OPEN ★

- Read this before making a request

[v3nusxsky]

Words hurt| angst

*A/n~ I'm sorry I needed to write angst due to personal reasons. Therapy of sorts yet I still wanted to share it with you all. *

Tw~ self harm bullying?

Prompt~ reader has abilities of the mind and isn't in control of them yet. In a meeting with the principal their control slips and Larissa learns new facts about reader. Angst with some comforting at the end. Teacher/student platonic

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You knew it was rare that Nevermore accepted student admissions mid way through the term. You realised how lucky you were for the opportunity. Previously, you had been to school with the "Normies", the word itself making your skin crawl. You thought you were normal once. Those years at the school were traumatic to say the least. No one understood you, your mannerisms, your shy nature. Why would Nevermore be any different?

Unfortunately for you, Nevermore seemed to be more of a challenge. Despite the fact you prided yourself on being intelligent, you struggled in most of your subjects. I mean bounty? What school would normally teach bounty? No normal school that's what. No matter how hard you tried, the hours you put into your studies, your grades continued to decline. Obviously you had your grace period, in which you were given to settle into your new home. After all it was a massive adjustment, moving half way across the country. New environment, new people and new classes. However after the period of time you were given your grades continued to steadily decline. That was what brought you here. Weekly progress meetings with the one and only Principle Larissa Weems.

The meetings were strictly professional of course, but due to your reserved nature Larissa's concern for you only grew. You didn't speak much. A simple nod of your head here and a tiny gesture or hmm in acknowledgement. Due to the growing concern, and declining grades Larissa felt compelled to keep a close eye on you. Often she would search for you on the quad hoping to see you with newly found friends or at least conversing with someone. Not even Enid could get your attention. No you always sat on the same bench at the back of the quad with a book drawn up to your face just enough to see the tops of your glasses. Your eyes dancing over the pages as you had some earbuds in. It was only then that you seemed to be truly relaxed. Your shoulders were less tight, one leg crossed over the other and hands loosely clutching your book as if it was a life line.

This recent meeting was due to start in your study period. A saving grace really. Despite your grade's declining you had caught up on all the work you could. Just nothing staying in. Frustrating as it was you much preferred to study in the safety of your dorm, study hall with others was the worst form of torture you could imagine. The bell rang out over your music causing you to mark the page and slip your book into your tote bag. Earbuds in, you slowly made your way to Larissa's office.

Brains. Fascinating things but minds? Those were deeper than that. You knew that first hand. The eyes maybe the windows to the soul but the mind? That was definitely something. As you made your way to your meeting you were tormented with the minds of all the other students. Overwhelming didn't quite describe the torture. Being new to this ability thing, your control was definitely not strong. In fact you had no clue what you were doing. Sometimes you just yearned for it all to stop. To be alone with your thoughts. It was as you rounded the corner that the mind of Wednesday Addams caught your attention. It was a gory scene, blood everywhere and all sorts of instruments left out. And no it was not the musical kind. Blinking rapidly you attempted to shift the image from your thoughts and quickly but quietly rapped on Larissa's door.

Permission granted, you slipped into the office silently making your way to your usual seat. Only then did you take your earbuds from your ears and pausing your well thought out playlist. Your fingers shook ever so slightly as you fiddled with the wires in your lap.

"So Y/n, I looked over your grades and although your bounty grade is quite low there's been some small progress in other subjects." She stated eyes glued to you watching your reaction. Which was a simple nod. "Your bounty teacher is Mrs Thornhill yes?"

Again a small nod was all she received. When you looked up into the sapphire colour iris's only then was the principal able to see how unfocused your eyes were. Odd. She was use to the blank stares, unusually laser focused gaze. But unfocused eyes? They almost seem clouded by something she couldn't quite place. How peculiar.

"Are you alright dear? You seem rather odd today" she questioned you softening her gasp ever so slightly. She maybe your principal but all of the students in Nevermore were treated as if they were her actual children.  You hadn't told Larissa what type of outcast you were. In fact no one in Nevermore knew. However An auditable gasp filled the room as images forced their way into the older woman's mind.

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Shadows leaked from the gaps in the enormous trees around you. You could feel the soft crunch of leaves and soil below your body. The feet of others near you. Body curled up into a feeble attempt of comforting yourself. The taunting of the others ringing over your ears.

"Oh look it's scared!" One taunted

"Freak"

"Stay out of our heads"

"Monster"

"Weirdo"

Was a few of the disgusting comments hurled your way. Tears flowing freely as you were cornered with no way out. Only then did you catch sight of what they had with them. Objects that seemed to be ready to be used on you. All you had to do was endure it and attempt to be braver than you are.

"I didn't go in your heads. Why would I want to" you spat out at them hoping to end this quicker so you could go home.

"Liar" the ring Leader roared.

"You don't belong with the Normies Y/n you do know that don't you? Freak"

"Misfit"

All while hurling these awful insults, each teen took it in terms to bring their objects down on your body. A few bats and some even using their own hands or feet to punctuate their hate. Only when the leader spat hate on you did he bring his silver pocket knife down on your arms. Blood spilling from the slashes there. Causing you to cry out as the familiar stinging pain took over your mind. Only then did the group retreat laughing amongst themselves, leaving you alone bruised and bloody on the forest floor of your home town.

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Tears flowed freely almost as if they were caressing your cheeks. Your mind reeling at the memory, unsure on what brought on that particular memory now. Of course it wasn't abnormal for you to relive some of the moments in your life that caused you direct pain. Especially since moving it was a more common occurrence. Normally, you'd be in your dorm, in your own space. Most definitely not sat in your principals office. Your misty sea blue eyes flickered up to see the shocked expression on the women's face. Oh fuck! You hadn't  just ? Fuck. She had seen what you saw. How? Why? How would you approach this. Larissa didn't even know you had abilities of the mind. Let alone that you had absolutely no idea on how to control it.

"I-uh Miss Weems - ss orry i um sorry" you stuttered out ashamed of your lack of control. You immediately stood to leave before any response could be given. It was the delicate fingers wrapping around your fingers that grounded you.

"Darling, it's okay. You can control minds yes? Or was that some kind of physic vision?" You could see the concern in her eyes. You tensed at the question. No one had ever reacted well when this came out. But for some reason the comforting touch and the soft look in her eyes allowed you to feel safe. Even her thoughts were following that theme.

"Mind" you whimpered out looking at the ground. "I'm sorry I don't have any control I didn't know I could do this a few month ago. And now it's all too much. I didn't mean to do it. I'm sorry I really didn't mean to." More tears straying down your cheeks as you felt compelled to explain your side of the story.

"Hey hey hey, hush little one it's okay you're only young. It's okay to not have control over it yet. She lightly tilted your chin upwards ensuring you would hear the next words."would you like to learn? I could help teach you."

"You read minds?" You questioned absolutely dumbfounded at this reaction.

"Not quite but I know a few people that do similar to you. And my ability itself is controlled in a similar way." Her tone was soothing and showing a understanding of what you may be feeling. Perhaps you weren't so alone in this. "What you showed me? Was that a memory?" You could tell she was treading carefully here.

"Yes... a month before I came here." You clarified feeling so small. Almost like you were back in the forest again.

"Oh darling I'm sorry. I'm going to share something with you that may help. Your abilities will be closely linked to your emotions. Certain things may trigger you to lose your control over who you let in your mind. You clearly have the ability to project and I'm assuming you can read minds too?"

You nodded only thinking about how exhausted you were

"I'm so fucking exhausted now"

"Y/n? Are you tired?"

"Hmm what?"

"You said you were tired..."

"I didn't speak... *fuck I did it again*"

"Normally I wouldn't allow the language but Y/n you're excused from classes for the rest of the day. Go to your dorm and rest okay? Come and see me later and we can start to work on your control. Maybe then you'll be able to focus more on your work." Her tone was commanding but gentle causing you to nodded and place an earbud back into your ears. You watched as she observed you resuming the playing of your playlist.

"Y/n?"

"Yes ?"

"Does the music help?" Curiosity was a strange feeling but she couldn't help herself but ask.

A small nod was all the response she got as you focused on the thumping of the beats in the music.

As you were leaving one thought stood out to you

"You're an intelligent girl Y/n you're going to be alright."

Word count~ 1849

*A/n~ little bit of angst with some comforting Larissa. This is your daily reminder that words do in fact hurt and kindness is always free. I'll see you in the next chapter of course. Also messages are open for anyone who just needs a listening ear. Thank you for reading.*

[spiegelgestalt]

Nail a [_] to the cross, he's walking round like Teezo

So one of the things I see rarely talked about is the way Kendrick Lamar frames his involvement in the beef with Drake not as something good or admirable but as him doing something evil that reveals him to be a hypocrite. And which could lead to his own destruction And i find that fascinating.

Let me explain

Let's start with "Like that": He frames his starting the rap beef as him choosing violence (i.E wickedness) which if you take the story line of DAMN. into consideration will lead to his death (maybe just the death of K. the good person). But he's willing to sacrifice his peace (6:16 in LA) because he'd "rather be dead than let a canadian [_]" disrespect PAC by buying his ring (Euphoria). This sentiment of sacrificing your own integrity for the things that are important for you also plays a role in the music video. K. goes to the court house and later to prison for his crimes. He does exactly what he said he would do in XXX. if someone threatned his family or the things that are important to him. ("I chip a [_] than throw the blower in his lap, walk myself to the court bitch i did that") - he has symbolically killed Drake and is now being judged by the court of public opinion.

There's also some other stuff: his confession to god in 6:16 in LA; one of the meanings of the title Euphoria. It describes the happiness one can find inside a battle and in violence. A dangerous drug which will seperate you from all your loved ones. (K. uses that word in M.a.a.d City to describe the romanticization of street violence - he also uses the word in "King's dead". A warrior who seeks Euphoria -> seeks the thrill and happiness of the battle. I have a lot of thoughts about "King's dead" which imo describes how K. would be if he turned out to be the evil King Killmonger). "Meet the grahams" is a horror-song and a lot of people came out of it comparing K. to a serial killer -> and that was supposed to happen. (SN: Seeing the reactions online i sometimes want to take people by the hand and say: relax he didn't really talk to the family members, it was a literary device, they don't have to listen to it, he didn't even say anything specific about them -> if you break it down in terms what was said about the family members it's far closer to "let it rain on you like Virigina Williams" than to the shit Drake did in family matters) But back to my point. After meet the grahams we were supposed to feel a bit sick and a bit sorry for Drake. The track was so vicious that it made people forget what Drake had said in the first place. And i'm pretty sure it was meant to be that way.

And last but not least: in not like that K. describes himself as the boogeyman but more importantly he puts Drake in the position of Jesus. He is the one who gets nailed to the cross, who get thrown to the wolves so that public may ridicule and humiliate him. K. fully knowing that this is against his religion, that he's becoming an enemy of god, does it anyway. That's why he has to hide the bible (which is of course another hint towards DAMN (put the bible down and go an eye for an eye for this shit). He can't help his wicked nature. He knows the answer is love but he can't stop himself from hating. And you know. I find that framing really cool. It makes me like him more.

[chibbypanda]

Paradox Live | what the anime’s finale could’ve been…

General SPOILERS of the events that happened during the first Paradox Live.

The finale of Paradox Live the Animation was a mess.

It was a bundle of anime original ideas that were cool on paper, but felt haphazardly executed due to the show’s pacing. There is only so much twelve episodes can do, and it seemed that it wasn’t enough time to flesh out those ideas.

I can go on about my thoughts on Allen’s conflict with his father or my mixed feelings towards the unnamed scientist’s motives, but I’m here today not to burn the final episodes to the coals. Rather, I want to explore the season finale and what it might’ve been.

Before I do just that, I need to share some context.

The drama CDs implied that a major incident happened at CLUB paradox before the events of LIVE.

While the incident in question was never explicitly explained, it did cause three major events:

It made Kanata remember Nayuta’s “death.”

It revealed that Alter Trigger not only organized Paradox Live, but implied that they intended to do something to the performers.

It made the performers realize just how powerful and dangerous phantometal can be.

What made the anime stand out at the time (fingers crossed that the manga will have its own take in the future) was how it portrayed that very incident. In the anime, Alter Trigger forced Kanata to remember his repressed trauma to turn him into a phantometal vessel that will spread the metal erosion to everyone inside CLUB paradox.

The purpose? To make everyone become one with the metal. Why? I have no idea. The scientist just said that he wanted to become messiah and to strip away humanity’s pain and suffering…or something. Okay, Haruomi did comment that the scientist just wanted puppets to control so maybe the scientist wanted to take over the world. That said, considering how everyone affected would likely die as soon as the metal reaches their literal hearts…I don’t know how the mind control thing will happen.

Frankly, I don’t know if the scientist would’ve had any control of the rampage at all. He may have started Kanata’s descent to madness, but unless he has a way to actually control Kanata himself…technically the scientist’s experiment has run wild and for all we know, Kanata might’ve just devoured the entire venue with the scientist in tow.

Other than that, I have no clue of who the scientist is as a person nor understood his implied history with BURAIKAN (except how he apparently killed Chisei or directly contributed to his death). He’s just a mad scientist who happened to conduct a similar experiment ten years ago, and then decided to do it again.

There’s just so much missed potential there.

And of course, the day was saved when BAE, TCW, and AKYR gathered together to sing a friendship rap to free Kanata from his metal-induced state. The rap was well-sung and I love the lyrics. I understand the show’s intent behind its setup, though it’s a bit hard to believe that it’s what saved Kanata considering that he and the others were barely friends but anyway—I’m not here to burn them. I did that already in other places. I am here to wrap my head around the intentions of these plotlines to find a bright side. Because when I think about it, they could’ve been quite something.

This is where I get loosely philosophical.

Based on the finale’s resolution, it seemed like the show intended to hammer in the message of how music has the power to connect people in ways that are hard to see but can be felt regardless. That’s why the scientist used Paradox Live for his plan, as well as why the characters tried to reach Kanata through music.

It appeared to be a nod to the general project as it was an outlook originally said by Tsubaki, Naokira’s wife and Yohei’s friend. She believed in music’s power to connect to others which was why she saw the potential of phantometal.

To me, this line of thinking seems to be inspired by the words of German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer who wrote the following in his book, “The World as Will and Representation”:

Therefore music is by no means like the other arts, namely a copy of the Ideas, but a copy of the will itself, the objectivity of which are the Ideas. For this reason the effect of music is so very much more powerful and penetrating than is that of the other arts, for these others speak only of the shadow, but music of the essence.

The human will is defined as an insatiable force that drives people to act and move forward towards their goals, even though there’s no guarantee that this “goal” will be achieved. Thus, it becomes the “root cause of all suffering” but nevertheless the thing that makes us human. Therefore, it is said that in order to be at peace with one’s self—one needs to temporarily release themselves from the will by momentarily losing themselves to the arts—one of them being music.

With that in mind, Schopenhauer believed that out of all the arts music could pierce through a person’s will the most because it was seen as a direct representation of the human will. He believed that unlike the other art forms that could only capture the shadow of things, music can be presented as itself.

Okay, that sounds interesting, but how is it related to Paradox Live?

It might be just me, but as I said before, I think the finale attempted to implement Schopenhauer’s view on music in its anime-original finale.

For one, the scientist’s plan was already messed up as it is. He basically forced someone to relive their repressed trauma to cause a dangerous chain reaction that could claim the lives of every person the venue—or even the city if he’s not stopped. On it’s own, it’s clear why he needs to be stopped.

That said, if you look at it in a more philosophical lens, then it becomes more poignant as to why everyone—Haruomi especially since he’s the only one aware of what’s actually happening behind the scenes—was strongly against it.

As stated before, Schopenhauer believed that music can be used as a means to temporarily release oneself from the will in order to ease one’s suffering. Emphasis on temporary because while the human will can cause suffering—it is nonetheless the driving force that allows humans to overcome suffering and thus live. The arts, let alone music is never meant to be used to destroy what makes us human. It is meant to connect and inspire us to keep going—to remind us that life is worth living.

“Losing oneself isn’t salvation.”

Haruomi told the scientist during their confrontation. The scientist’s plan is the antithesis of music’s purpose. To him, it wasn’t enough to temporarily release humanity from their suffering. No, he wanted to use music to permanently strip away the human will to “save” humanity from their suffering. And by doing so, he essentially took away their will to live, and thus their sense of self. How is that any different from being dead?

There’s this other cool detail I noticed, and it’s probably there for drama and stuff, but when Kanata was turning into the vessel fake BURAKAN told him this:

“Change the world with your screams!”

On one hand, it’s villain dialogue but on the other hand it could’ve been another nod to how the scientist’s plan was the antithesis to what music is. They could’ve said, “Change the world with your song!” or somewhere along those lines. After all, Kanata’s chosen because of his music (also the fact that he won by default which is a questionable writing decision for the anime).

So why screams? If music is perceived as the closest representation of the human will, then it can be argued that Kanata lost his music the moment he lost his will to live. It kind of happened in the LIVE drama. After remembering the truth of his situation, Kanata lost his reason to live which led him to lose his reason to sing and thus he couldn’t create illusions.

Just a quick tangent, this seems reminiscent to what happened to Allen in the season finale—when he lost his ability to use illusions. Could it be that because his will has been shaken by doubt, it affected his music and thus his phantometal? If it weren’t for the choice to make cozmez win by default, then I would’ve been sold on this plotline.

In context with the anime’s finale, it seems have happened again when Kanata transformed into the phantometal vessel. By forcing him to confront the reality of Nayuta’s “passing,” Kanata has lost his reason (Nayuta) to sing or live, and by having his will snuffed out—so does his music. And by being possessed by the metal, he’s forced to snuff out the will of others in turn.

That’s why CLUB paradox was filled with static, screams, and whimpers. By using music to snuff out the will, music has unsurprisingly died with it. That sounds so cool, and I wish that the anime fleshed out that concept.

Actually, come to think of it, I wonder if the way Kanata remembered Nayuta’s “death” would have affected the severity of the incident.

In the anime, Iori made a comment that Kanata’s metal went berserk due to its owner’s memories being forcibly opened—implying that Kanata’s state of mind made the situation worse. The original project has yet to reveal how Kanata exactly remembered the truth, but the manga did show that illusion Nayuta disappeared on his own without any prompting from other forces (in the anime, illusion Nayuta disappeared because fake BURAIKAN’s pushed Kanata into a corner).

If illusion Nayuta is a piece of Kanata’s subconscious, and he disappeared in his own accord…does that mean that Kanata felt that he’s ready to let go deep down? But again, it’s still unclear if the manga will adapt its own take of the incident so whether Kanata’s mental state affects the incident itself is still up in the air.

Back at the topic at hand, there’s also the Friendship Rap—the resolution of the story. I think its main issue was in its execution because story-wise it makes sense. The show has established that music has the power to connect to others, and philosophically music is the closest representation of the human will. Therefore, gathering together to sing their hearts out in hopes to reignite Kanata’s will makes a lot of sense.

“Remember cozmez’s music and our sound!”

That’s what Allen pleaded to Kanata. By remembering the music he made with Nayuta, as well as the music that drives him to get better at his craft, Kanata was finally able to regain his sense of self.

When he was struggling near the end of Last Verse (the moments before Allen summons his phoenix illusion), I want to believe that it’s Kanata fighting the phantometal with everyone too. He wanted to live. He wanted to be saved. He wanted to face life head on, even if Nayuta won’t be there with him (Nayuta’s alive in the end, so lucky him).

And so, in the end, the scientist plot—and in turn his warped philosophy was thwarted. He was literally beaten up by Haruomi and figuratively defeated by the characters’ strong bonds (or at least, they would’ve been strong bonds if the show didn’t pace it in a way that makes it feel like a gathering of acquittances).

And that’s how I think the show would’ve been.

With more time, Paradox Live the Animation would’ve been a fun yet compelling exploration of the power of music and its connection to the human will. They could’ve fleshed out the scientist’s motives and his history with BURAIKAN, as well as show more moments of Kanata bonding with the others in order to make the Last Verse more poignant in its message of human connection.

But alas, the show is already over and we can only think about it in retrospect. Regardless, the show will always hold a special place in my heart for its quirks and I hope that a season two will be greenlit. Like please! I want more ParaLive anime content!

That’s all for now. What are your thoughts on Paradox Live the Animation? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

[randomvarious]

2 Unlimited - "No Limit (Rap Version)" 1992 Eurodance / Techno / Eurohouse

If you're an American, you might think that the biggest tune that Belgian-Dutch dance project 2 Unlimited ever put out was their 1991 debut single, "Get Ready for This," which, absurdly, managed to earn its keep as the country's #1 sports anthem, and might still actually hold that same title to this very day. And maybe you don't remember how the trailer for the first Air Bud movie went exactly either, but as you're reading this and trying to piece it all together in your head right now, let me just stop you and tell you that, yes, of course, "Get Ready for This" starts playing when Buddy shows up for his first official game! I mean, it would basically be sacrilege for it not to! That's how inextricably linked that song is to American sports!

But anyway, even though "Get Ready for This" was definitely 2 Unlimited's most popular tune in the States, it was "No Limit" that was, by far, their most successful song pretty much everywhere else. And as their fifth overall single, and the first off of their 1993 sophomore LP, No Limits, it would end up topping the charts in thirty-five different countries, while not even making the Billboard Hot 100 here. And unless you were in a club-equivalent of a T.G.I. Friday's that would dare play this gaudy tune in the US, the only other place where you might've gotten a dose of it was most likely at your nearest partial portal to mainstream Euro-raveland: a sports arena.

Now, it definitely didn't happen as much in the States, but people everywhere else across the globe who were above the age of twelve really genuinely seemed to go absolutely ape over this very Belgian-and-Dutch-made tune. They really couldn't get enough of that relentlessly blaring, bouncy, and industrial synth riff that sounded like a pair of thick metal plates had been wrapped in thin coats of rubber and were forcibly being clanked against each other.

But whatever you may think of this completely insane piece of music, which was probably, really, the hardest straight-up rave tune to ever cross over into the US mainstream, the video for it that hardly ever aired on American TV was spectacular. I mean, they built the set to look like they were performing from the psychedelically rainbow-colored inside of a pinball machine, folks. The only thing that could've made it better is if they had found a way to make it look like there was a giant pinball freely entering and exiting the shot too, as Ray rapped and Anita sang. Plus, I wonder if the metal-rubber synth sound inspired the pinball machine idea in the first place, since metal balls constantly bounce off of tightly wound rubber bands inside of those things 🤔.

And here's something truly astonishing that I neglected to mention in yesterday's post about 2 Unlimited: did you know that in a bunch of the group's UK-released singles, Ray's rap verses were actually deliberately stripped out entirely? The guy who ran the label that was licensed to release the group's music there—Pete Waterman, of famed British songwriting and production trio Stock Aitken Waterman—really hated Ray's verses, to the point that he just erased them! And he particularly referred to Ray's contributions on "No Limit" as the worst rap that he'd ever heard 😂.

But he wasn't wrong! Ray's raps were nonsensical and very Eurodancy-bad! But it also made the UK versions of the videos really awkward too. For example, in "No Limit," Ray gets plenty of face-time, but his role as a vocalist is merely reduced down to the lines of "Let me hear you say 'yeah!,'" "come on!," and "TECHNO, TECHNO, TECHNO, TECHNO!" 😭

And despite the fact that he was apparently steaming mad about this, the song still reached #1 in the UK and so did the No Limits album itself, which ended up making 2 Unlimited the first Eurodance-rave group in the UK to break the cycle of having popular singles, but then those singles not translating into substantial album sales. So, Waterman may have wielded a heavy-handed axe, but the results seem to have spoken for themselves. Poor Ray! 😞

Also, I just searched "2 unlimited commercial" and "2 unlimited ad" on YouTube, and it doesn't look like any restaurant has ever licensed this song in order to advertise any kind of 'bottomless' or 'all you can eat' kind of promotion before, which, really, feels unbelievable at this point. Someone please pay me lots of money for manifesting this idea into existence 🙏🤑.

More fun videos here.

[solitaryandwandering]

Shuffle your on-repeat playlist and then list the first ten songs!*

*any playlist on any platform will do!

Tagged by @wen-kexing-apologist. These games always terrify me. My On Repeat playlist never makes sense to me, let's see what unmitigated horrors (or great stuff!) we get!

Heavy Cross by Gossip - This was on a character playlist for The Bright Sessions (a very fun podcast); hadn't listened to Gossip in a HOT minute. Obviously I rectified that by listening a lot! This is such a fun rocker.

Very Good by Block B - I don't actually love this song (tbh I like the Japanese version better) but it has come up on a few playlists because it's very popular, so. Definitely a throwback, to an era of (club) music I also don't love all that much. Zico kills it on his rap, of course. And yet, he delivers that cringy chorus. The man contains multitudes.

Sunset by Caroline Polacheck - Now THIS is a great song. So lush. The combination of her voice and Spanish guitar is divine. Not actually my favorite off the album (Desire, I Want to Turn Into You), so this is your sign to listen to the whole thing!! You won't regret it.

Waltz #2 (XO) by Elliot Smith - Another off a Bright Sessions playlist, yet again an excuse to listen to an artist I'd not revisited in ages. It's such a nice, heartbreaking song, one of my favorites to listen to last month. Feels like it could've been made in Laurel Canyon in the 70s.

On the Radio by Regina Spektor - Guess where I got this? Another classic artist, another classic song. Its melody and lyrics are really great.

Guilty as Sin? by Taylor Swift - Her latest album was just fine, but this is one of the better songs off it. Not entirely sure how I feel about the production, but it has some neat moments. I definitely can't help singing along to the chorus. Particularly love the moment the drums kick back in and everything crescendos after the bridge.

Loud Bark by Mannequin Pussy - Listened to this album (I Got Heaven) last month, and this is one of their best off what was a really solid record. A definite mood.

Fortnight (feat. Post Malone) by Taylor Swift - I have pretty mixed feelings about this song (that asylum line is a bit of an eye roll) but does have a catchy melody. And for all I scoffed at the Post collab, he does complement her well. I like the music video a lot more than the song itself.

What Now by Brittany Howard - One of my favorites off my favorite album of the year, so far!!! I really hope I can see her in concert this year. Someone give me ten thousand dollars so I can pay all my bills and get a ticket! This song SLAPS.

I Don't by Brittany Howard - Love!!!!! Everything about this is gorgeous. And the lyrics, so sad yet hopeful.

If you're reading this, consider yourself tagged!

[namenoted]

get to know me meme !

TAG NINE PEOPLE YOU’D LIKE TO KNOW BETTER !

1. favorite colors: grey, black, white —— i have some colors i prefer, but i have a shade differentiation color blindness, so it's all base colors to me unless heavily satured. you can see my color preferences in my psd choices across my blogs.

2. favorite flavors: salty, spicy, umami, sweet —— i have a broad palate, there isn't a lot i dislike. lemon and cherry are heavy preferences for fruity flavors.

3. favorite genres: horror, fantasy, slice of life, anything that's like nostalgic, sociopolitical, etc. i like romance sometimes, but more shoujo than live action.

4. favorite music: very broad, from run the jewels to tracy chapman to stray kids and block b to mia to just about anything. i even have a few country tracks i like. i'm a huge rap, r&b, jazz, and blues fan. i love anything in the lofi genre, vaporwave, and ambient nosises.

5. favorite movies: the lion king is my all-time favorite movie (thus hamlet my favorite play). i enjoy like all horror slasher series like jason, michael, freddy, etc. so it's hard to pick and choose, but i'm a huge freddy vs jason fan.

6. favorite series: bioshock, death note, danganronpa, mob psycho 100, kny, kingdom hearts, ouran (my wife does a lot of ouran fanart and products for our booth and store!), animal crossing, cowboy bebop, inuyasha, yu yu hakusho,

7. last song: bad girls by mia

8. last series: for games, bioshock infinite. for anime, i think like mob psycho or something. for manga, yu yu hakusho. for live action shows, i think we finished riverdale (listen, i love hate-watch that show, it's a guilty pleasure and i had to know as a true archie fan what the hell was going on, i already started so i wasn't going to stop)

9. last movie: i think it was maybe like the puss in boots movie or the mario movie or something, we did a binge watch to catch up on some animated films recently, but it could have been a random film from streaming lbr

10. currently reading: i'm about to start no longer human when i finally have the time 

11. currently watching: yu yu hakusho rewatch, currently

12. currently working on: the manga (writing by me, art by ottermelon) that's associated with the lore and canon of the blog hehosts, making perfumes and colognes for my new series lines, restocking our store, and getting ready to leave for many cons these next three months. does that count?

tagged by: no one, i stole it from multiple sources tagging: uh you of course

[daliain]

hey!! I see that u have not gotten a lot of writing action, or requests really, but I have one!! If you have time, of course :)

its abt like blush blush, and Im sorry but I recently fell back into that damn hole😭👍 but thats ok. It was abt like volks x male reader who’s very quiet, daydreams 24/7 while listening to music….

IM SORRY ITS SO FKING WEIRD BUT IF U NOT ACCEPTING THESE ANYMORE FEEL FREE TO DELETE!! Anyways your last work was *mwah* I loved it so much, it was so captivating……good job!! Yeah srry this is very long haha, if this crosses any lines then delete, or if ya dont want to. :’)

I wouldn't mind writing this request! So don't worry. And thank you for the compliment! I'm glad you like it!

To be honest I'm entirely sure if you want a headcannon or a one shot so I am just gonna assume it's a headcannon if you wouldn't mind!

So here it is! <3

◇◆☆◇◆☆◇◆☆◇◆☆◇◆☆◇◆☆◇◆☆◇◆☆◇◆☆

Volks with male reader who listen to music while daydreaming and is very quiet (Headcannon)

➷➹♡➷➹♡➷➹♡➷➹♡➷➹♡➷➹♡➷➹♡➷➹♡

>For Volks, He really doesn't mind if his Boyfriend daydreams while he listening to music.

> Though he was rather curious on what song genre was he listening too.

>Sometimes his a sneaky little wolf boy and just rap is arms around his boyfriend waist, place his on his shoulder and just looked him in the eye.

>He did this to caught Male!Y/n of guard.

>That sneaky little wolf bastard.

>But really he wondering what was getting daydreaming from the song he was listening.

>but overhaul his pretty chill about having a boyfriend who's really quiet and daydreams all the time while listening to music.

>Though he have to come up to him in order to get his attention on him.

>for me, I like to think his touch starved

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Sorry if this was rather rushed-

I hope you like it!

I'm gonna sleep now bye :D

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

[musicindustry123]

Breaking Genre Boundaries: The Role of Collaboration in Music Evolution

In today’s music landscape, collaborations are no longer just a creative option—they are essential for pushing artistic boundaries and breaking the conventions of genre. With the rise of streaming platforms and digital music consumption, artists are increasingly stepping out of their comfort zones and experimenting with cross-genre collaborations. This fusion of styles, sounds, and cultures is reshaping the industry and appealing to a more diverse and global audience. From country blending with hip-hop to electronic beats merging with jazz, collaborations are shattering preconceived notions of what music genres are supposed to sound like. The power of collaborations in the music industry has never been stronger, as these partnerships not only produce innovative music but also help artists reach new audiences that they wouldn’t normally connect with. In this era of musical diversity, genre boundaries are fading fast, and collaboration is the driving force behind this evolution.

How Collaborations Break Genre Barriers

The music industry has always been shaped by trends and influences from various genres. However, the shift towards cross-genre collaborations has intensified in the past decade. One of the most significant outcomes of this trend is the breaking down of rigid genre categories. Today, it's not uncommon to hear a song that blends rock, rap, and EDM, creating a completely new soundscape.

For example, the collaboration between rapper Lil Nas X and country singer Billy Ray Cyrus on "Old Town Road" challenged the idea that country music and hip-hop couldn't coexist. This unexpected fusion not only created a viral hit but also led to broader conversations about the flexibility of genre. Similarly, Linkin Park's collaboration with Jay-Z on the "Collision Course" EP was one of the earliest mainstream examples of rock and rap coming together to form a hybrid genre, helping to popularize the rap-rock movement of the early 2000s.

These examples highlight the power of collaborations in the music industry, not just as creative endeavors, but as tools for broadening musical definitions. Artists today are eager to blur the lines between genres, crafting sounds that appeal to diverse listeners across multiple demographics.

Creative Freedom Through Cross-Genre Collaborations

Collaborations across genres offer artists the chance to step outside their traditional musical identities. Musicians can explore new sounds and influences without being confined to their usual style, allowing for immense creative freedom. In fact, some of the most revolutionary music today stems from collaborations that mix seemingly incompatible genres.

For instance, electronic music producer Skrillex has teamed up with artists from a variety of genres, including reggae legend Damian Marley and rapper Rick Ross. Each collaboration brings something unique to the table, allowing Skrillex to explore new soundscapes while retaining his own distinctive style. These collaborations create innovative compositions that redefine the boundaries of EDM, reggae, and hip-hop.

Similarly, jazz artists have embraced collaboration as a way to keep the genre fresh and relevant. Jazz, a genre that has long prided itself on improvisation and fusion, has seen artists like Robert Glasper collaborating with hip-hop acts such as Kendrick Lamar. These partnerships produce albums that not only push jazz into contemporary spaces but also showcase the versatility of artists who aren't afraid to experiment outside their comfort zone.

This creative freedom is one of the biggest reasons for the growing trend of genre-blending collaborations. By working with artists from different musical backgrounds, musicians are able to reinvent themselves, experiment with sounds, and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry. It’s not just about making a hit song—it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in music.

Audience Expansion Through Genre Fusion

One of the primary benefits of genre-crossing collaborations is audience expansion. When artists from different genres collaborate, they have the opportunity to tap into each other's fan bases. This can lead to a significant increase in visibility and engagement, especially when the collaboration reaches unexpected or niche markets.

Take, for example, the collaboration between Latin pop star Shakira and reggae artist Wyclef Jean on the song "Hips Don’t Lie." This partnership not only produced a global hit but also exposed Shakira’s music to a broader, more diverse audience. Similarly, the collaboration between Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar on "Bad Blood" brought together fans of both pop and hip-hop, creating a cross-genre phenomenon that dominated charts worldwide.

Collaborations like these are particularly effective in the era of streaming, where playlists often blend multiple genres. Listeners are more open to hearing a mix of styles, and cross-genre collaborations help cater to this demand. Artists who collaborate across genres often find that their fan base expands significantly, as listeners discover new genres and artists through these partnerships.

Furthermore, by collaborating with artists from different genres, musicians are able to diversify their portfolio, making them more versatile and appealing to booking agents, festival organizers, and advertisers. This increased visibility not only benefits the artists themselves but also helps to build a more inclusive and diverse music industry.

The Impact on the Industry and Future Trends

The rise of cross-genre collaborations is not just a passing trend; it is fundamentally changing the way the music industry operates. Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube are designed to break down genre barriers, allowing listeners to discover new music regardless of traditional categorizations. As a result, the music industry has had to adapt by promoting more genre-blurring collaborations to satisfy audience demand.

Music festivals are another area where genre-crossing collaborations are thriving. Events like Coachella and Glastonbury are known for booking artists from different genres, and collaborations often occur live on stage, bringing an unexpected yet thrilling dynamic to performances. The rise of these genre-inclusive festivals points to a future where music is no longer segmented by rigid labels, but celebrated for its diversity.

Looking ahead, collaborations in the music industry are expected to continue evolving. With the growth of global music scenes, such as the surge of Afrobeat and the continued rise of K-pop, collaborations are likely to become even more culturally diverse. These cross-border collaborations will not only challenge traditional genres but also introduce new sounds to international audiences, further expanding the global influence of music.

The power of collaborations in the music industry cannot be understated. It is driving the creation of new genres, expanding audiences, and reshaping the way we consume and appreciate music.

Conclusion:

Cross-genre collaborations are undeniably changing the music landscape, opening up new avenues for creativity and audience engagement. Artists from different musical worlds are coming together to produce innovative sounds that challenge traditional notions of genre. The power of collaborations in the music industry has proven to be a key force in driving this evolution, breaking down barriers, and allowing artists to reach new heights. As technology continues to advance and audiences become more open to diverse musical influences, the role of collaboration in music will only grow stronger

[just-orbiting-you]

i’ve been a fan of bts since 2017 and then took and brief break in 2022 and then came back in 2023 right before FACE. so i wasn’t here for the live anon was talking about where tae went live in jungkook’s house and then JK went live right after frustrated. i’m assuming it happened in 2022 or early 2023 but i was scrolling through their weverse lives and couldn’t find it. maybe i’m blind 😭 if you could help me or explain it more plsss. also as someone who’s been a fan of jimin and jungkook’s bond for so long and have seen tae’s behavior i have to say it’s definitely something that has been so strange in the last year. to me he was never to type or be “jealous” or outright obsessed with fan service. he use to be so relaxed and comfortable in his role in BTS and knew how to please the fans without being so over dramatic with the fan service, it’s been disappointing to see cause he use to shut down things like that, best explain being “get out of that imagination of urs” (forgot how he phrased it). anyways i definitely believe you and all the anon’s have been spot on with noticing his behavior. maybe it stems from the solo eras, maybe he wasn’t confident enough in himself to achieve certain things without pleasing his biggest supports (tkkers) because when you compare his solo career to jimin there’s a big different, jimin has been very secure in himself and tried to have a solo career where it’s about him, if im not wrong he even told yoongi on his show that he didn’t wanna ask him for help writing lyrics cause he wanted to do it himself and with his producers, comparing that to tae who asked JK to use his studio and then purposely mentioned it randomly so people can talk and theorize. jimin wanted something separate from BTS and he tried his best to not mention that much or involve them, aside from the small part namjoon had in writing like crazy. anyways sorry for rambling, i haven’t really cared much about taekook and tae’s obsession with name dropping cause it seems to be one sided to me and for that i dont believe it genuine, but all of ur anon’s have opened my eyes a bit and its been interesting to read up on everything

hey anon! thank your for insights! i'm glad you've enjoyed the anon convos on this blog.

in regard to the laundry from another anon, here are the two links.

tae's live with hobi, jungkook's live afterward

of course this is just the reading of situation. after tae turns on the live in jungkook's house i think jungkook felt obligated to go on live. despite him saying he had to do his laundry, he still kept the live on. he keeps apologizing, saying they just turned it on and he didn't really have a plan to go live that day, then has a reality check mid live like "you don't need to see his side of me, what am i doing." he just seemed really frustrated, like a boundary was crossed by turning on a live in his house not on his own terms. but he also made it clear he invited the members over in their groupchat and tae and hobi showed up, which anon wrote cleared up any theories of why tae was in his house.

idk just interesting.

your comments on jimin and tae's solo careers are interesting. i too have always praised jimin for sticking with pdogg, finding his own group to make music with, and staying with them. it allows him to remain authentic in his work and i really admire that. i think he has utilized the members when he is looking for advice and talent. like namjoon is the one songwriter in his life he trusts and feels confident in, so he went to him for lyric advice. he talks to jungkook about singing, and jungkook lent his vocals for letter. it's strategic while still remaining appreciative of his member's talents. jimin seemingly is developing a passion for music making, which makes me so happy. seeing him be a little student of the rap line makes me so excited for his solo career trajectory.

tae i think has different goals in a solo career, mostly falling in line with curating a mood, aesthetic, and visuals which serve a narrative. this doesn't make him less than, but just different than jimin here. he contacted min hee-jin, used different song writers from in house, and created a r&b, jazz, pop fusion album. i wonder how he felt about deviating just slightly from how others did their projects, as he went very genre focused rather than mainstream pop and more aesthetically focused over writing lyrics personally, etc. but it think tae also worries about fan perception and feels insecure in his fan relationship, so sharing about key members keeps that in tact since he will get attention. on top of the theory that tae may not have been close to all members, but stayed close to jungkook during solo era, adds to the fact that he only shared about jungkook. if his only frequent contact was with jungkook, that's the only bts things he will have to share.

interesting to compare these two releases, thank you for your ask!

[music-theory-blog101]

Timber and theme  

General theme 

Eminem uses the metaphor of toy soldiers to illustrate how rappers in these feuds are like pawns in a game, controlled by external forces (possibly record companies) that profit from the controversy.  

The song references several real-life feuds in the rap community, including the one between Eminem and Ja Rule. Eminem criticizes Ja Rule for crossing a line by mentioning Eminem’s daughter in a diss track. He also mentions the deaths of fellow rappers The Notorious B.I.G. ,Tupac and former D12 member Bugz, highlighting the harsh reality of these feuds. 

In essence, “Like Toy Soldiers” is a plea for peace in the hip-hop community and a commentary on the futility of violence 

verse 

Eminem’s Vocal Delivery is crucial to this song his raw, intense, and emotive voice adds authenticity to the lyrics. His timbre reflects vulnerability, anger, and regret. All of which suit the theme of the song incredibly well. 

The drums are probably my favorite feature of this song, the snare roll sounds like an army's drummer, which of course suits the idea and name of the song very well 

The minor key sets the somber tone for the song  

The piano’s timbre is melancholic and reflective. It sets the mood from the very beginning. 

All four of the previously mentioned features of the song add up to make a a verse with high emotional impact  

Sidechain Compression seems to be used subtly to make the piano and vocals work together without clashing. 

While the song maintains a relatively straightforward arrangement, subtle audio effects such as reverb and eq enhance its overall texture 

Chorus  

Strings (Sampled or synthesized): The sampled strings during the chorus contribute to the song’s emotional impact. They add warmth and depth. They seem to have been filtered to soften their attack and blend in with the piano. 

Sidechain Compression is used subtly to make the piano and vocals work together without clashing. 

The  samples from “Toy Soldiers” by Martika and its original timbre influenced the overall sound of Eminem’s track heavily, it also provides a nice contrast to the sparsely textured verses of the song.�� 

The chorus kicks in at very important moments in the song, just as Eminem is at his most frustrated the Pettys feuds, the second chorus kicks in right after he says ‘knowing it could pop off at any minute’ the second time it kicks in his last words are ,frankly I'm sick of talking I'm not going to let someone else's coffin rest on my conscious,(this is also the last time he talks in the song). The music video reflects this intense moment, both times the chorus kicks in, the video shows his friend in a hospital bed with what I presume is a gunshot.

[v3nusxsky]

A willing sacrifice| angst

——————————————

*A/n~ I'm sorry I needed to write angst due to personal reasons. Therapy of sorts yet I still wanted to share it with you all. I'll even throw a second chapter in tonight NSFW because I also have that drafted*

Tw~ self harm bullying?

Flashbacks in italics and shown by ****

Prompt~ reader has abilities of the mind and isn't in control of them yet. In a meeting with the principal their control slips and Larissa learns new facts about reader. Angst with some comforting at the end. Teacher/student platonic

You knew it was rare that Nevermore accepted student admissions mid way through the term. You realised how lucky you were for the opportunity. Previously, you had been to school with the "Normies", the word itself making your skin crawl. You thought you were normal once. Those years at the school were traumatic to say the least. No one understood you, your mannerisms, your shy nature. Why would Nevermore be any different?

Unfortunately for you, Nevermore seemed to be more of a challenge. Despite the fact you prided yourself on being intelligent, you struggled in most of your subjects. I mean bounty? What school would normally teach bounty? No normal school that's what. No matter how hard you tried, the hours you put into your studies, your grades continued to decline. Obviously you had your grace period, in which you were given to settle into your new home. After all it was a massive adjustment, moving half way across the country. New environment, new people and new classes. However after the period of time you were given your grades continued to steadily decline. That was what brought you here. Weekly progress meetings with the one and only Principle Larissa Weems.

The meetings were strictly professional of course, but due to your reserved nature Larissa's concern for you only grew. You didn't speak much. A simple nod of your head here and a tiny gesture or hmm in acknowledgement. Due to the growing concern, and declining grades Larissa felt compelled to keep a close eye on you. Often she would search for you on the quad hoping to see you with newly found friends or at least conversing with someone. Not even Enid could get your attention. No you always sat on the same bench at the back of the quad with a book drawn up to your face just enough to see the tops of your glasses. Your eyes dancing over the pages as you had some earbuds in. It was only then that you seemed to be truly relaxed. Your shoulders were less tight, one leg crossed over the other and hands loosely clutching your book as if it was a life line.

This recent meeting was due to start in your study period. A saving grace really. Despite your grade's declining you had caught up on all the work you could. Just nothing staying in. Frustrating as it was you much preferred to study in the safety of your dorm, study hall with others was the worst form of torture you could imagine. The bell rang out over your music causing you to mark the page and slip your book into your tote bag. Earbuds in, you slowly made your way to Larissa's office.

Brains. Fascinating things but minds? Those were deeper than that. You knew that first hand. The eyes maybe the windows to the soul but the mind? That was definitely something. As you made your way to your meeting you were tormented with the minds of all the other students. Overwhelming didn't quite describe the torture. Being new to this ability thing, your control was definitely not strong. In fact you had no clue what you were doing. Sometimes you just yearned for it all to stop. To be alone with your thoughts. It was as you rounded the corner that the mind of Wednesday Addams caught your attention. It was a gory scene, blood everywhere and all sorts of instruments left out. And no it was not the musical kind. Blinking rapidly you attempted to shift the image from your thoughts and quickly but quietly rapped on Larissa's door.

Permission granted, you slipped into the office silently making your way to your usual seat. Only then did you take your earbuds from your ears and pausing your well thought out playlist. Your fingers shook ever so slightly as you fiddled with the wires in your lap.

"So Y/n, I looked over your grades and although your bounty grade is quite low there's been some small progress in other subjects." She stated eyes glued to you watching your reaction. Which was a simple nod. "Your bounty teacher is Mrs Thornhill yes?"

Again a small nod was all she received. When you looked up into the sapphire colour iris's only then was the principal able to see how unfocused your eyes were. Odd. She was use to the blank stares, unusually laser focused gaze. But unfocused eyes? They almost seem clouded by something she couldn't quite place. How peculiar.

"Are you alright dear? You seem rather odd today" she questioned you softening her gasp ever so slightly. She maybe your principal but all of the students in Nevermore were treated as if they were her actual children.  You hadn't told Larissa what type of outcast you were. In fact no one in Nevermore knew. However An auditable gasp filled the room as images forced their way into the older woman's mind.

*************************************************Shadows leaked from the gaps in the enormous trees around you. You could feel the soft crunch of leaves and soil below your body. The feet of others near you. Body curled up into a feeble attempt of comforting yourself. The taunting of the others ringing over your ears.

"Oh look it's scared!" One taunted

"Freak"

"Stay out of our heads"

"Monster"

"Weirdo"

Was a few of the disgusting comments hurled your way. Tears flowing freely as you were cornered with no way out. Only then did you catch sight of what they had with them. Objects that seemed to be ready to be used on you. All you had to do was endure it and attempt to be braver than you are.

"I didn't go in your heads. Why would I want to" you spat out at them hoping to end this quicker so you could go home.

"Liar" the ring Leader roared.

"You don't belong with the Normies Y/n you do know that don't you? Freak"

"Misfit"

All while hurling these awful insults, each teen took it in terms to bring their objects down on your body. A few bats and some even using their own hands or feet to punctuate their hate. Only when the leader spat hate on you did he bring his silver pocket knife down on your arms. Blood spilling from the slashes there. Causing you to cry out as the familiar stinging pain took over your mind. Only then did the group retreat laughing amongst themselves, leaving you alone bruised and bloody on the forest floor of your home town.

*************************************************

Tears flowed freely almost as if they were caressing your cheeks. Your mind reeling at the memory, unsure on what brought on that particular memory now. Of course it wasn't abnormal for you to relive some of the moments in your life that caused you direct pain. Especially since moving it was a more common occurrence. Normally, you'd be in your dorm, in your own space. Most definitely not sat in your principals office. Your misty sea blue eyes flickered up to see the shocked expression on the women's face. Oh fuck! You hadn't  just ? Fuck. She had seen what you saw. How? Why? How would you approach this. Larissa didn't even know you had abilities of the mind. Let alone that you had absolutely no idea on how to control it.

"I-uh Miss Weems - ss orry i um sorry" you stuttered out ashamed of your lack of control. You immediately stood to leave before any response could be given. It was the delicate fingers wrapping around your fingers that grounded you.

"Darling, it's okay. You can control minds yes? Or was that some kind of physic vision?" You could see the concern in her eyes. You tensed at the question. No one had ever reacted well when this came out. But for some reason the comforting touch and the soft look in her eyes allowed you to feel safe. Even her thoughts were following that theme.

"Mind" you whimpered out looking at the ground. "I'm sorry I don't have any control I didn't know I could do this a few month ago. And now it's all too much. I didn't mean to do it. I'm sorry I really didn't mean to." More tears straying down your cheeks as you felt compelled to explain your side of the story.

"Hey hey hey, hush little one it's okay you're only young. It's okay to now have control over it yet. She lightly tilted your chin upwards ensuring you would hear the next words."would you like to learn? I could help teach you."

"You read minds?" You questioned absolutely dumbfounded at this reaction.

"Not quite but I know a few people that do similar to you. And my ability itself is controlled in a similar way." Her tone was soothing and showing a understanding of what you may be feeling. Perhaps you weren't so alone in this. "What you showed me? Was that a memory?" You could tell she was treading carefully here.

"Yes... a month before I came here." You clarified feeling so small. Almost like you were back in the forest again.

"Oh darling I'm sorry. I'm going to share something with you that may help. Your abilities will be closely linked to your emotions. Certain things may trigger you to lose your control over who you let in your mind. You clearly have the ability to project and I'm assuming you can read minds too?"

You nodded only thinking about how exhausted you were

"I'm so fucking exhausted now"

"Y/n? Are you tired?"

"Hmm what?"

"You said you were tired..."

"I didn't speak... *fuck I did it again*"

"Normally I wouldn't allow the language but Y/n you're excused from classes for the rest of the day. Go to your dorm and rest okay? Come and see me later and we can start to work on your control. Maybe then you'll be able to focus more on your work." Her tone was commanding but gentle causing you to nodded and place an earbud back into your ears. You watched as she observed you resuming the playing of your playlist.

"Y/n?"

"Yes ?"

"Does the music help?" Curiosity was a strange feeling but she couldn't help herself but ask.

A small nod was all the response she got as you focused on the thumping of the beats in the music.

As you were leaving one thought stood out to you

"You're an intelligent girl Y/n you're going to be alright."

Word count~ 1849

*A/n~ little bit of angst with some comforting Larissa. This is your daily reminder that words do in fact hurt and kindness is always free. I'll see you in the next chapter of course. Also messages are open for anyone who just needs a listening ear. Thank you for reading.*

[bigwhispersbluebird]

BTS reaction when they are jealous  (Hyung Line)

Author’s Note: I often read a lot of reaction based fics and realize that perhaps my take on it is a little different. So here it goes. Do tell me if you like it or agree or just anything. Also, I am new to this so excuse me for any mistakes. Thanksss

Warnings: None

Seokjin or Jin

He watched from far as a man in his 20s approached you from behind as you finished the call you had excused yourself to attend. Judging from your reaction, he concluded that you knew the guy. Even though he couldn’t hear a word, your comfortable laugh, the way you slightly hit his shoulder while talking and mimicked his body language, Jin felt a weird irk inside him.

Don’t misunderstand, Kim Seokjin was very confident about himself but there was a part of him that often wondered if he was enough. He might be handsome but there were more handsome people around. He was not the smartest or the most athletic and he came with a load of baggage. So much that he couldn’t cross the room to where you were standing and openly declare that you were his gorgeous and brilliant girlfriend.

His thoughts were intruded by the chime of his phone. 

“You okay?”, your text read and he looked up to spot you a few tables away. The young stranger gone now and your eyes only on him. 

“No. I am Jin”, he replied in his usual manner, trying to hide the truth, cracking the worst joke ever in the process and wincing at himself as soon as he sent it.

He watched as you laughed unabashedly as soon as you saw the screen, your eyes glistening and he realized that this laugh was just for him. 

“You must be really in love with me if you laughed at that”, he sent and watched as you read and suddenly the same look overtook your face that he had seen on himself so many times when he was with you. 

He only took his eyes off you when his phone chimed again.

“Of course. Who else would ever compare?”

Yoongi or Suga

This was getting annoying for him. Yoongi would call himself a pretty calm person especially after the ten years of life as an artist had made him immune to almost everything happening around him. But this was getting on his nerves. 

You had walked into HYBE tonight and after just being at Genius Lab for a few minutes, you had asked about Do-Yan and went to seek him as soon as Yoongi told you that he must be in PDogg’s studio. Had it been a one time occurrence, Yoongi wouldn’t even have cared enough to think much into it but after this becoming a routine, he was over it. 

Do-Yan was a talented young producer who was contracted for TXT’s new album. You were heavily involved in the A&R activities of BigHit Music and were actually the person who had discovered Do-Yan. In your perspective, he could be a great asset and while he was just here on a temporary basis, you wished to persuade him to sign him as a BigHit producer permanently. PDogg had agreed with you and now you both were on the task of convincing him to stay. 

Unaware of this all, Yoongi decided to do something about the situation. As he typed the messages to the management team, he knew that this was very petty of him but he was beyond the point of caring right now. 

The next time you asked him about Do-Yan, Yoongi did not look up from his computer as he said, “He has been moved”. 

“What?”, you were shocked to say the least. “Moved? What do you mean moved?”

“He will be working with Bang PD directly now so he will be in the other building.”

“So, he signed the contract?”

Now Yoongi was getting agitated, “Why do you care so much?”, he had turned his seat around and was now only focusing on you. His tone was still calm but inside he was screaming.

Oblivious to the storm inside him you said, “Why wouldn’t I? He must have else he would not have said yes to that since...”, Yoongi was not even listening anymore. 

“He did. I talked to the management myself and got him to say yes”, Yoongi said. His voice low and his back now turned to you. “You can move there as well if you want to see him and care about him so much”.

“You...but you didn’t know”, suddenly all the pieces fell into place in your mind and you scolded yourself mentally for not noticing it yourself. 

“Yoongi”, you called out to him softly as you moved closer to his chair. “Jagiya”, you called again as you kneeled beside his chair, taking his hand lightly in yours. 

“I just wanted him to join the company so I was spending most of my time on that. I am sorry that I did not clear it to you. I’ll make up for all the lost time now that you’ve got it done”. 

Yoongi couldn’t even remember what he was angry about as you placed yourself on his lap, pulling him close to leave a gentle kiss on his lips. 

After a while your phone rang and you announced that you had to go for a meeting. As you inched closer to the door, you remembered something and without even turning around you said:

“I can’t believe you got him moved”

You closed the door behind you but not before hearing his low chuckle.

Hoseok or J-Hope or Hobi 

“I think Yeonjun and I should perform on something more sexy?”, you said with your eyes fixated on his face waiting for a reaction.

His eyebrows furrowed and then as if thinking about it, he immediately turned to you, nodding, “Yes, I think it will work great with both of your stage personalities”.

You were surprised. This was not the answer that you were expecting. You had hoped that he would get jealous like all those TikTok boyfriends. 

But you were not going to be dejected so easily. 

“Why don’t you help with the choreography?”, you suggested, a plan already forming in your head. 

“Y/N, I would have been offended had you not asked me”, he said as he showed off his gorgeous smile.

After a few days when you three started working on the performance, you tried to make Hobi jealous. You would suggest even more suggestive moves but he would just think about them and excitedly agree to them or politely decline saying how it does not fit with the steps. 

He would watch as you danced, concentrated and focused, but unwavering. 

After weeks of this charade, you grew tired and when Yeonjun excused himself to leave for a music show you exasperatedly sighed in front of Hobi who was monitoring the recently shot dance practice video of yours. 

“I don’t think you even care about me”.

“Huh?!”, Hobi was bewildered. “What?!”

“Yeah, you don’t care if I go throw myself in someone else’s arms”, your voice was loud in the empty dance studio. You lowered it again, “you don’t care”.

“Y/N”, Hobi was now closer to you, looking straight into your eyes. “I care. I care a lot. I care that this performance is amazing because this is a great opportunity for you. I care that your steps show exactly how good of a dancer you are. I care and that is why I would never let anybody else do it instead of me”. 

You were surprised. This was not what you were looking for but it was a pleasant difference. 

“And I would care if it was not a performance. I would, I do care if anyone even looks at you in the wrong way but I would never take it out on you. I want you to be able to perform without worrying what I would take it as. I want you to be loved by everyone in the audience”. 

His arms slowly snaked around your waist and under your sweatshirt, “just not the way that I do”.

Namjoon or RM

Namjoon had watched you the entire night, his eyes refusing to leave your figure as you rushed around the venue making sure everything was perfect. 

It was the last concert of the tour and you as the tour manager were adamant on making it memorable and smooth. Double-checking everything, you finally allowed yourself a moment of peace as you saw your boyfriend rehearse his performance for Trivia:  Love. 

Namjoon locked eyes with you, smiling and rapping his lines as if talking to you. Suddenly, you felt the weight of something on your shoulders and you looked away from the stage realizing that it was your assistant, Alan, who had just covered you with his jacket. You smiled gratefully as he extended a hand holding your coffee. 

“You should rest for a while before we meet back for sound check”, he suggested and you looked at your watch to see that he was right. Tonight was going to be hectic and a power nap was definitely needed.

You had not even realized that the stage was now empty and the leader was standing right by your side. His eyes were not on you, but on the man now sitting beside you, glancing at his jacket on your shoulders. 

Shrugging the jacket off, you asked, “Are you done? Any issues?”. 

Not answering your question, Namjoon kept staring at Alan and you felt bad for the poor guy. You asked again and this time Namjoon’s lips turned into a smile, “None, jagiya”. Jagiya?! 

Now you were the one staring daggers at him but he did not waver. Instead, with the same smile plastered on his lips, he took off his jacket and placed it on your shoulders, pulling the zipper closer together as he made his way to where Alan was sitting. Alan immediately got up, excusing himself and vacating the seat that now your boyfriend occupied, his hand reaching across your shoulder to pull you into him. 

You resisted. 

“ ‘Jagiya’. Really?! Really, Namjoon?”

He just smiled at that, genuinely this time. “Come on, you know I lose all calm when it comes to you”.

“Calm and senses, both”, you murmured as he laughed and pulled you closer and you let him, closing your eyes and resting before work would call you again.

[kim-monsterlings]

Edel - M Nokken x F Human (Reader) // NSFW

The pictures do not belong to me. I only created the mood board, with a thank you to @handy-dandy-monster-candy​ for helping edit the photos! Do not repost my work anywhere.

Content: NSFW/Lemon; mentions of moving home, selkie friend, light flirting, gifted flowers, bakery treats, slight angst, flirting with fae, kissing, receiving oral, penetrative sex (+ mention of protection), with a fluffy ending

Wordcount: 4302

Faebruary Summary: of your new neighbour and struggling to befriend him

Masterlist // Faebruary Masterlist

No more than twice before moving in had you met your soon-to-be neighbour. On both occasions – the first a tour of the cosy, ground floor apartment, and the second on the day of finalising the lease - he greeted you with the gentlest of handshakes, warmed by a tenderness born of restrained strength. He owned the building and lived in the flat across from yours, apparently for years now.

“Call me Edel. It’s my pleasure,” he’d said the first morning, with a tilted smile and a soft, almost musical accent. His voice distracted you the entirety of the tour so much so that the flat itself barely made an impression. Instead, you remembered Edel and the soft waves of long, dark hair, how the sunlight caught his cheekbones when passing large, bay windows. “You’ll love it here. I promise.”

Had you moved in for the neighbour with a crooked smile and his unimposing nature, a month from dragging indoors the last of your belongings, you would have been sorely disappointed. Even your first meeting left you wanting more; whether that came in a passing smile when crossing in the hall or more, you weren’t yet sure. With less than a couple of feet from his home to yours, you still couldn’t find it in you to initiate that new relationship, and now it felt like you had waited too long.

You didn’t need to wait any longer.

Moving entwined with an independence you had lacked. Now closer to work, closer to friends and with enough distance from home you really felt free, settling into a new routine preoccupied you for a month. That, and decorating with warmer shades of paint and softer cushions, so that now, curled beneath small window lights, you saw him.

The farthest end of your shared garden faded into outgrown woods, sheltering a lake so far only seen in the advertised photos of the property. Not a cloud marred the pale light cast over Edel’s bare back, shadowed by the hair loose against his shoulder blades. He left the back entrance of the building barefoot, never looking from the tree line before fading into it.

He hadn’t returned when you retreated to bed, no matter how slow you walked, peeking back and hoping for another glimpse. With a fresh coffee in hand the next morning, a blur drifted by, the slender form of your neighbour emerging from the woods. In this light, warmer and clearer for your prying, a slight sheen glistened over his bare body, curls where his hair before rested straighter. Steam no longer rose from your mug when you finally looked away, but it was harder to force Edel from your mind.

Retaining the picture of the slight hue beneath falling water led you into your favourite bakery hours later. Favourite not only because your best friend owned it, but now for its proximity to your home, too. This infatuation thrived in the space of a month alone, then being for the soft touch of his palm to yours a, his quiet laugh at your persistent questioning the flat before he answered each with enduring patience. It was more than that, now, and when your close friend found you in her doorway, the dappled pelt draped around her shoulders reconciled with your neighbour’s night passed in a lake, and his melodic way of speaking.

Isla’s loose braids of pepper hair rested along her coat, flyaway strands wisping around her dimpled cheeks when she grinned. Since your moving, where before you would only see one another on occasion, you would pass with a wave, either beckoned by her or entering with some time for catching up, just to make up for the distance no longer between you.

Though, not today, and without a word of pleasantry you said, “I think my neighbour is fae.”

“You mean Edel?” With Isla so close and her recommendation an incentive to renting the flat, her knowledge of the area was invaluable, even in muffling a laugh behind a cough. Her lips still curled when she continued, “he’s a nokken. Didn’t you know?”

She asked like your drawn eyebrows and frown hadn’t been answer enough. “Like fae? Water fae?”

“Distantly fae.” As Isla reached for your favourite treats, the light caught her pelt. “You seem to attract us.”

Her teasing warmed through you as she handed you the warmed bag. She refused payment, though didn’t turn you from the tip jar on the promise of seeing her tomorrow. 

This hadn’t changed anything. You loved your home and living with a nokken hadn’t – wouldn’t, change that.

Knowing what he was, tonight you crept nearer the windows at the faint creaking of doors opening in the hall. The same silhouette left and without the marring confusion or worry for him leaving so late, you tiptoed closer. On a darker night, the moonlight illuminated his muscles tensing with each step further from where a human would choose to rest.

Halfway gone, he faltered, a misstep bringing pale light to cast from his chest to his low hips. Hair darker than the shadows clinging to him tangled about his slender frame when his head tilted. With the slight wind fluttering his hair, it would frame his sharp features beautifully tied back, but then his eyes reflecting white light pinned you. Only then had you the sense to duck.

That shame clung to you long after retreating from your lounge. Maybe he hadn’t seen you, rather only the curtain swaying as you fled, but he had sensed you all the same, turned right to where the the netting tucked back for you to follow him down to the trees. If not for the signed lease, the mortification nearly had you packing your things.

Even as temptation tickled you with a shadow passing your window, you smothered it. Where you curled into the counter, kettle boiling, was far from view had he ever been able to see into your home; he couldn't through net curtains, but reminding yourself came with the sting of shame from last night.

Hiding from him worked until gentle raps came at your door. If he had come now to question your staring, to challenge your urge to watch him walk deeper like he belonged in the night, no defence would rise to your lips.

Edel braced himself on your doorframe. He'd just returned from the lake: hair curling now, the loose trousers cloying to his thighs. That little defence you had ready - an apology, really, drowned beneath the breath fleeing you at his fingers brushing your cheek.

“Come with me."

What little knowledge of fae you now cherished alarmed you, but not so much you didn't move from him. "To the water?"

"Wouldn't you like to?" Lake water followed the muscle of his chest, ending at the darker hairs of his abdomen. Edel's smile burned when you found him looking down to you. "Is that not why you watch me?"

"Call it curiosity," you said, though your breath trembled. He had seen you.

His warm hand fell from your cheek. "Tomorrow, then?"

With a noncommittal, "maybe," and a shared smile, Edel left you to collapse back against your closed door.

No invitation called you to the lake, but a water lily laid outside your door reminded you of the nokken across the hall. The cheaper rent - now, you knew, from fear of living with a creature like him, one related to fae - blessed you not only with a blossoming friendship, but fresh flowers brightening your home with his returns.

Each night on his path to the woods, Edel would pause. Sometimes that was all, just a second's hesitation, but other nights, he would turn and find you half-hidden. Those nights you treasured for the slight tipping of his head to the trees in an extended invite.

You never accepted, and he never stopped offering.

It wasn't so much the fear of entering unfamiliar waters with a nokken hindering you but that you would embarrass yourself. The bright lilies started your day warm, and to follow him would cross a line you weren't ready for; but one you so badly wanted to cross.

The soon familiar routine and its floral scent hadn’t seemed anything more than pleasantries, until a night you replaced the water for the flowers after waving Edel down the garden. Out of love for Isla when she waived a cost, you returned a tip, but you hadn’t offered anything for the flowers nor the smiles from your neighbour. Your friend would never claim a debt against you and while, you doubted Edel would, hoped he wouldn’t, the accumulation following weeks living on his property could amount to any kind of debt, if he chose to claim it.

What better way to appease fae, than with gifts in return?

"Fae like sweet things," Isla told you that afternoon. Sugar coated her fingertips from a long day, a slight dusting along her coat tucked at the back counter, never far from her. She gestured back to the shelves of recipes lining the old bakery.

That wasn’t all that you wanted, though. Isla waited while you fidgeted, seeking the right words. Of course fae liked sweet things, but you wanted Edel to like them, too. Not solely for their purpose in repaying a debt but for who gifted them.

“Like?”

"Bake him something sweet and the effort is gift enough. Try this."

Your friend scowled at the note tucked into her tip jar on handing over a recipe, but waved you out with a smile. The honey-sweetened scent lingered in your home with the flowers after meticulous effort, wafting with you into the hall.

Edel’s breath formed your name, your bodies brushing from his step taken out of his door. On time, too, and the flowery perfume rose from him, stronger and somehow sweeter. His gentle hands rose to your arms, thumbs rubbing slow circles. He was all that stopped you from trembling.

Through a warm accent, he asked, "have you come to join me?"

"Another night, maybe."

"Maybe," he echoed. His eyes fell to where you lifted a warm box. "Those smell lovely."

"They're for you. For the flowers."

"For the flowers," he whispered. The gentle embrace broke like he planned to accept your gift, but instead he brought a foot of distance between you. "You do not owe me anything. If the flowers created such an impression, I am sorry."

The forced tilt to his lips came and went before you could explain, and you stood in the hall long after the backdoor swung open and shut again.

He hadn't returned the next morning. No flower graced your doorstep but when you were just stepping indoors from work, the blur passed your window earlier than each night before, and your stomach dropped.

The tentative friendship fractured further come morning, at a time your absence was known. No flowers came when you left, but the backdoor closed as you turned down the hall. Your distraction allowed him time to leave without your seeing.

So when you finished a painfully long week of waiting and hoping to cross paths, you waited some more. You would go to the water as he had always hoped but going at a time when he was there hadn't been harder. He went to avoid you and by chance after waking late in the night unsettled, finding a glimmer of moonlight disturbed by your neighbour fading banished all remnants of sleep.

In all your nights of peeking through curtains, Edel had never shivered. It was cold. It was windy and dark and you had never been so far down the garden, spurred into the trees by the persisting ache in your chest. It eased when you neared the lake, but replaced with dread as you knelt on a small, wooden platform jutting over the bank.

The water was unforgivingly dark. An unholy screech tore from you when something skimmed your hand hovering against the surface. Edel rose faster from the water to steady you than you could comprehend, cold hands gripping you by your ribs before you toppled forward.

His thumbs stroked in slow circles as you forced yourself to calm down. "You deserved that."

“I’m sorry,” you whispered, your heart a weight in your throat. "I miss the flowers."

"Oh?" His head tilted, bringing long hair to cling to his chest in slight waves. "The flowers and their debt?"

Each word hit like a crack to your ribs. "I'm sorry."

When his hold left, it felt like more of a rejection than his avoidance, until he sighed. "It's late."

"It wasn't just repayment. It was a gift, too." He hadn't looked up again. "I promise I've not be waiting, either."

Edel breathed a laugh. "How did you know to come now?"

"I saw you leaving."

His lips rose as you seemed to lie, but before you could remedy it, his palms flattened to the deck. He rose on the strength of his arms alone until water lapped at his hips. It was when he continued to lift himself that the absence of any clothing had you staggering back.

Old wood groaned beneath you but it was quieter than when you said, "I can walk back alone."

At first unsure, his fingertips brushed yours. You hadn't looked back - he was standing, dripping, bare, but curled your hand with his until you muffled your surprise at the touch of webbed skin, as timid a touch as his following whisper.

"You don't have to."

The walk would have been silent, had you not asked to suppress the rising fluttering in your chest, "why aren’t you cold?"

"Are you cold?"

"Freezing."

Edel squeezed his hand to yours. "Then dress warmer tomorrow. Goodnight."

Tomorrow came so soon, with a soft tap to your door all it took before you were smiling up to find him leaning close. No lily, but he reached out to take your hand again.

"Before we go," he murmured, and you rested against the closed door, angled back below him. "Do you know how long this apartment was left empty? Before you?"

His face fell when you shook your head. "I knew it was empty for some time, but…"

"Two years. Over twenty-six months." His touch softened when he released your hand, revealing the thin webbing tickling you. Edel's lips twitched when you traced along it with your fingertip. "Do you know why?"

You hadn't the heart to say it, only nodding.

"Those lilies were gifts," he began and stared at your hands sliding together. "I may be folk, but I have no malicious intent in luring you to the lake. I only ever sing in the shower or beneath the water. If I ever-"

"Never," you said. Irrespective of whatever threat he thought of he posed, you didn't care.

"I'd love your company."

When you tugged on his hand, he fell in step. "I'd love yours, too." 

Late in the evening, Edel would meet you in the hall. Until you shivered or tired, you would spend the time on the deck while he floated in the water. The lilies returned after he ventured back to the lake, but without fail, he walked you back the short way to your door. His touch would pull on your hand until falling with a smile always soft on parting.

What little progress made found its way back to Isla when she urged you in, with instructions to offer him the same treats he before refused; not as a gift like they had been, but something you wanted to give him. You promised to meet him later, after you had warmed the honeyed puddings, even holding your ground when his frown tugged at your heart before leaving. Carrying them down to him was worth it, if only for the rising nerves in your chest - the good kind.

The scent teased him from the water. Edel extended a hand to draw you closer before his bright eyes widened. "Not in trade?" 

"Not in trade,” you nodded. “I promise."

"While I do believe you," he murmured, and your throat tightened as he lifted himself to your height. "If this is not in trade, give me something more."

His breath fluttered against your face. Your fingers curled against the edge of the platform. "Like?"

"One kiss." Edel's hand stroked from your crossed leg up, rising to your waist. "If you would like to. As a gift."

The wood might have splintered beneath your hands when you lifted your chin. Water dripped from his hair, cold to your face but the heat of him, his hand tight against your hip, lit a fire in your stomach.

It lasted no more than a passing second before water rose back to his chest. Edel grinned from the lake, his lips fleeting against your knuckles still locked tight to hold yourself from following him in.

He no longer left bare down to the garden since your accompanying him, though the night you first saw him, he hadn’t been either. Whether he dressed anticipating your stare choked you, but freed you to turn once to your door. Edel stilled at the kiss his cheek and you were inside before he could fully utter your name aloud.

His cheek tasted of the sugar form your honey treats.

Another week, you would have celebrated the weekend, but nothing helped pass the time until it was late enough his door opened. Edel hadn't closed it again before you were there, breaths fast and smiling up.

"I'm coming."

"Good," he breathed, before lowering himself to steal a light kiss. His hand tugged on yours. "Now?"

Though this had been why you were restless all day, having him soften, both hands rising to your cheeks to lift you closer, nearly made you faint. He whispered your name and kissed you so gently, you tiptoed and sought him again.

This time, he lingered. With your foreheads together, he ran his hands along your arms. "I've never kissed someone into stupor before."

"Don't tease," you gasped. He was still sweet on your lips and he carried that same floral scent you loved, clouding your thoughts.

"Was I not clear?" He kissed you again but lifted himself so you could see the warmth to his pale cheeks. "It's you I want, not just company."

"Me?"

"You."

"You want me?" Edel hummed, his touch tracing up your arms again. "Prove it."

He gasped and as he stared after you, inching backwards over the threshold, it felt like too much of an overstep. Then it passed and he followed you, the door closed and locked behind him.

His lips rose crooked. "Go on, then."

The apartment mirrored yours in layout and later, by his side, you would marvel at the softer hues in his decorating, more greens and greys, but you were running beyond the lounge, past large windows to an open bedroom door.

His arms came around you and aided in slipping free your clothes, until his bare chest warmed your back. "I'm to prove I want you, yes?" The heat of his palm stroked down your stomach. "Is that right?"

"Yes," you gasped, trembling already at his hand slipping lower.

"Kneel on the bed for me," he whispered to your throat and you were helpless, only hesitating at the end. Edel circled the bed and when he turned, your stomach fluttered at him tying his long hair up. His chin tipped in an unmistakable invitation. "Come here, beautiful."

His hands on your thighs lifted you closer when you gasped, astride his chest and swallowing hard. He kissed your inner thigh, undeterred by your small whine.

"Wouldn't this be better if I laid down?"

His tongue ran over his lips. "Please."

"If you need to stop," you whispered, though the strain of withholding yourself from bringing his flushed lips to where you ached most nearly overcame you. “Edel?”

"If I need air, I will tap your thigh. I won't, though," he teased, and guided you to kneel around his head, so grateful his hair had already been knotted back. "Come here…"

You lowered yourself evidently not fast enough, as Edel let free a groan and drew in a slow breath. The headboard trembled with your clutching it tight, knuckles aching like last night on the lake's platform.

One, slight touch of his hot tongue to your slit had you gasping, forgoing any inhibitions and rolling down against him. Edel made as many sounds of contentment and circled his thumbs into your thighs, parting your folds for him to lift his face higher.

"Do you… do you need me to-"

"Closer."

Edel's groan came when his lips softened against your clit, gentle at first before he focused there, mindful of how you clenched and what made you whine, then what made you gasp. The flattening of his down dragged, coaxing your cries louder. He drew on the coil burning in your navel with each stroke of his hot tongue, down until he curled it against your aching centre and tasted you around him.

One hand fell low, tugging at his hair to keep him close. Every flick of the muscle prolonged the tingling running down your spine, down to your toes curled on the sheets.

Soft palms gripped your thighs in aiding you back once your moans eased to harsher breaths. Edel settled you over his lap, but your body already so sensitive against him made you tingle again. He faced you with a glistening smile, one tended to by his tongue before you chased after his moan.

"Is that proof enough?"

Your forehead rested to his, breathing deep. "Proof?"

"Proof of how much I want you." He laid kisses along your throat and when you thumbed the waist of his trousers, his eyelids fell low with a hummed moan. "Say no."

"No."

His cheeks were flushed, hair curling at his temples from your body around him, so unlike the weight to his dark stare. "I'd like to prove my want with you sitting like this-" he rolled his hips up against you, and both of you shared a moan. "Is that what you'd like?"

Edel relinquished himself to you. Only in trousers, you caught yourself moaning just from reaching to stroke his length. He stretched from the bed for protection as you inched closer again. The tint of blue to his body tempted you closer, wanting nothing more than to already have him.

Edel kissed the heat falling from your cheeks down to your throat as you undressed him. The tint to his body captivated you, down to the blue hue to his dark head. He stretched back from the bed for protection, though trembled with the pad of your thumb tracing up the veins running along his length.

That shared thought brought his hands to your hips, your body lifting above him. His cock pressed to you, slick and aching, and you clenched around him when taking him deep. That sensitivity hadn't faded and dizzied you, adjusting still when he kissed you.

"I was right. My pleasure," he said, before his body moved against you, his cock dragging along your fluttering walls.

My pleasure, he'd greeted you on your first meeting, but you disagreed. Every arch of his body brought him deeper, and every kiss enticed another whimper until you were trembling so soon around him again.

"So beautiful," he whispered. His hand cradled your face, thumb running along your parted lips as he peppered touches along the column of your throat. "Everything I've ever wished for."

"Edel-"

He gasped with you as you tightened your legs around his hips, clinging to him at the returning pressure in your abdomen. The lake could wait. You wanted to spend forever in his arms, letting your head fall back so his tongue could trace down to your collarbones.

Edel grunted from your hand unravelling his hair, only to draw his lips to yours as his thumb graced your flushed clit. One firm stroke and you cried loud, your rhythm faltering as your orgasm overcame you. He continued to rub your nerves, an arm banded tight around you until he moaned your name and stiffened.

Until your breaths eased, you clutched each other close. The gentleness in his care as you rested by his side was no different than any other time, tucking an arm beneath your crown as you lazed in his hold.

You woke alone.

The bedsheets were cold, tousled and bathed in the same moonlight he had left you for. No light came from his lounge as you left in his trousers and your shirt.

The night wasn't so cold, but quiet. Each step nearing the lake matched your racing heart, and it rose to a crescendo finding him waiting in the water, reaching out to hold you when you undressed. Even if the night hadn't been cold, the water was, so you curled tighter to his chest.

"You left."

He waded deeper, kissing your temple. "I'd have been by your side before you truly woke."

"I'm awake now."

Edel breathed quietly against your hair. "I wanted you to feel free to go."

"Is that what you want?" If not for the water strengthening his embrace, you would have turned away. "For me to leave?"

His lips curled down, though he looked beyond you. "I'd rather now than later."

"Was I not clear?" Edel's shoulders softened from beneath his jaw. "It's you I want, until you want me gone."

Where his lips had been hours before, he kissed your throat, soft against your flitting pulse. It was promise enough as he cradled you to him, holding you all the way back to his bed, and neither of you planned on leaving soon.