#but then i got sidetracked doing karaoke to musicals and listening to musical songs

[amiharana]

NO BC IMAGINE choir kid link vs theater kid revali..

imma need to know the parameters for this one because i was a choir kid and in my high school that was basically the same thing. do u know how many choir kids got converted into theater freaks when our show choir did a hamilton medley for the choir show? yorktown had everyone by the throat ✋😭

what does 'choir kid' entail in this context. like is link in a standing choir or a show choir? because then it makes a little more sense if he's in a standing choir and then attends the school play where revali is one of the leads for fuckin um. Once on This Island idk, and (1) is very interested in the performance of singing and dancing at the same time because it's def more fun than a standing choir that only sings technical pieces, and (2) does revali. does revali um. does he get to kiss people on stage often. like is that a thing that the theatre kids do often, do they do musicals where the characters kiss. does revali kiss boys by any chance, like romantically. hey when's the next play and do they have a sign-up sheet or like, wait zelda come back—

i'd like to propose choir kid link x orchestra kid revali 👁️ i once had an ex-choir-kid-turned-orchestra-kid friend who insisted that orchestra was superior to choir because their skills were reliant on manipulating an instrument to sound beautiful and that singing/dancing wasn't impressive at all. me personally i don't put down other people like that, but i've always admired those who play instruments and have always been really cool with orchestra kids :] but revali kinda reminds me of that friend. canonically, revali is very proud of his skill with a bow so i think it's kinda fitting if he were proud of his skill with like. a violin or a flute or some shit LOL

orchestra kid revali beefing with choir kid link because he thinks playing instruments is more impressive than screaming at the top of your lungs on a stage like a maniac lol...... except he was totally into link's solo parts as orpheus when they did "wait for me" in their hadestown medley for the choir show. when their school's orchestra and choir decide to do a collaborative show, revali sours at the idea of collaborating with the choir but then remembers that link is in choir and then perks up. teba calls him out immediately for that 😭

idk just choir and orchestra doing a tech rehearsal and revali almost messes up his part by falling behind the tempo because he's just so enamored by how pretty link's voice is 🤭🤭🤭 and link being nervous and wanting to sing well because revali is watching him like a hawk <333 link and revali practicing extra hard so they can impress each other during the show <333 and after the final show, urbosa brings flowers for the performers as a congratulations but instead she shoves one bouquet into revali's arms and says, "go to him. i know you want to." and winks.

(revali will yell and squawk at her for it, but he takes the bouquet and stalks away to the dressing rooms to where link is, knocking on his dressing room door softly, suddenly feeling shy. when link comes out looking at him with wide eyes, revali offers the flowers and tells him "you performed well." link will take the flowers and blush, then look back at revali and say, "you did too." and they're just staring and blushing at each other in the hallway, until more choir kids exit the dressing room and break the silence. they ooh and aah and giggle over link's new flowers, teasing him and revali, to which revali snipes and link blushes brighter, but they look at each other again and give each other shy smiles. they could get used to this :>)

[madstronaut]

PSA: i am an absolute sucker for meet-cutes

ya know what's funny? every time I have the passing thought wondering if I'll run out of fic I've bookmarked to (lovingly) rant about, my moots/cod writers never fail to deliver new bangers after bangers... at this rate my bookmark folder is bursting at the seams and threatening to explode into a big flaming glorious ball of confetti and words and emotions and tears (mine, my tears, those are all mine-)

I have also had the most exhausting past few weeks and seeing memes crop up about "becoming important at work is ruining my life" hit a little too real for me to laugh without crying a teeny bit but you know who i know got me? FANFIC WRITERS MY BELOVEDS THAT'S WHO 💖💖💖 (whom? fuck idk anymore how did I even get my job when I fuck up basic grammar lol)

I have been listening to Posty's new country song with Dolly Parton and it feels incredibly gaz-coded to me... I recently went karaoke-ing and let me tell you I would flirt hardcore by alternately winking constantly/making deep unblinking eyecontact into kyle's baby browns while singing this song anyway sorry totally sidetracked by daydreaming about making out with gaz and then wearing nothing but his hat while i ride his d- [rest of sentence drowned out by dolly parton's bridge]

ok fuck THE FIC WHERE WAS I BACK TO THE FIC

Reading: Firefighter!Kyle by @stellewriites

ok to start mister mistoffelees!!!!!!! what a name I swear cat owners give their pets the wildest names (I met someone who had two cats named porterhousesteak and shakeandbake - both names were pronounced like one word) (also on the off-chance charlotte if you're reading this, let's pretend we are two ships passing in the night and you can ignore my videogame military men thirstblog and i'll ignore the names you chose to bestow on your pets)

and even before stelly described him I KNEW HE WAS AN ORANGE CAT 😂

also I have not read or seen Cats the book/musical/movie prior to reading this fic but this made me want to so that I can flirt with stelleverse!kyle

“please misty, my arms are tired and my neighbours have probably already lost all respect for me,” you groaned. it turned into a huff when he turned away to clean his paws, ignoring you again. “you win! there, happy? you furry little orange devil, you fucking win!”

🤭🤭🤭 ok but let's be real we've all been there pleading with pettos and having full-on one-sided conversations with em

you pulled out your phone and skimmed the articles you’d pulled up advising you on how to get a stuck cat out of a tree.

*running to google* also is this not the most millenial/gen-z thing to do!!!! lmao the things I have googled....

“ah that looks like a job for our best man, don’ya agree, si? think this requires garrick’s expertise,” the man said again, smirking at the man sat next to him up front.

we stan a man who sees someone and goes "that's my mate's type" i feel like soap would be such a good wingman

“oi! i’d be happy to help the bonnie thing with their pussy, but ah thought you might appreciate stretching yer legs,” ‘tav huffed from the window.

irl men saying this to me: mace to the face first, questions later

fictional video game men saying this line to me: *practicing deep lunges so I can open my legs for them even wider*

“ahh ok,” kyle nodded. he tested the balance of the ladders against the tree. “musical or book?” my mum used to love t. s. eliot, so i know probably more than i should about it,” he joked, slowly reaching his hand out for misty to sniff at.

NERDY MAMA'S BOY THEATER LOVER CAT WHISPERER HIMBO KYLE MY BELOVED (seriously stelly just took all my fucking weaknesses and rolled them into firefighter!kyle)

“it’s what we’re here for,” kyle said easily, shrugging as he came to stand before you. “plus, it’s always easy when the callers are so pretty.” “hah! right, yeah he’s a cutie,” you said and wiggled your fingers at misty, letting him bat at them. kyle waited for you to look up before replying. “i meant you,” he said a little sheepishly.

"he said a little sheepishly" that cat better get back in that tree to make space cos I'd be taking a running leap into his arms after rizzing me up like that

“like, how? on the emergency number?” you hinted. “ah fuck,” he swore and patted at his pockets. you heard the scotsman laugh from the truck and hid your own teasing smile behind your hand.

SCCREEEAAAMMMING

I would be remiss not to include this cute little challengefic stelly wrote that I have daydreamed about multiple times after reading (I usually picture gaz or soap here when I read about college/uni!141)

the fic also reminds me of the large lectures I attended in college (I was a solid sit near the middle or 2/3 up the room but never allll the way in the back student) where I observed in no particular order:

several randos watching various LOTR movies on their laptop

watching Pirates of the Caribbean and Dragon Ball Z was also super popular

also anime porn! FUCKING WHY THO SIT AT THE VERY BACK IF YOU'RE GONNA DO THIS YOU FUCKING DEGENERATE I DID NOT NEED TO SEE THAT IN MY SOPHOMORE LINGUISTICS LECTURE

also re: chronic anime porn purveyor -> seeing a girl straight up go over and unplug his charger from the wall socket AND his laptop and just WALK AWAY WITH IT 😂🙌 (my queen I still think about you from time to time after all these years, I oft pray to match a thimbleful of your energy)

girl playing Pokemon Red on an emulator on her laptop (I was riveted and also went to search and download the same and got lost in the sauce burning through all the pokegames for a hot minute too...THANK YOU ARIA!!!!!!!!)

guy playing tetris on his comp at an INSANELY god-tier speed level; i'm positive he did it for an audience because i swear i saw people attempting to look for and sit behind him to observe him during classes to watch his ass play (noooo this wasn't me who said that also he was kinda cute in a 'you are very competent in this weirdly niche area and i find that kinda hot' way)

girl dropping $800+ on topshop website (am I dating myself mentioning topshop lol is it still around?!?!)

guy speedwriting a paper for another class and turning it in - all during a totally unrelated class, honestly was impressed

girl flawlessly applying liner, lipstick, and a glitter topper without spilling or getting the glitter everywhere (btw at a 9am lecture? slay sis)

anyway can you tell i went to a very large uni lol OK WHERE WAS I BACK TO FIC BACK TO FIC

you stared at the screen unblinkingly, thoroughly distracted from your course and the discussion around you until a hand holding a slip of paper appeared at your shoulder in your peripheral. you flicked your eyes up and found the professor busy facing the board and took the chance to swivel in your seat to look up at the one above yours and the handsome man that currently claimed it.

I can physically feel my pupils popping til they engulf my eyes as I read this - also I loved the premise of this challenge (cali my beloved making bangers as usual @the-californicationist) with people having to guess who the chara was! one of the verrrry first fics I read in cod fandom was an insert-blorbo-of-your-choice-here x reader that I looooooooooved; I find the fill-in-the-blank aspect verrrry titillating✨

“i could maybe think of some way you could thank me,” he acquiesced, smile turning sly. “better concentrate on the front of the class for now though.” he nodded forward.

can also physically feel my pupils turning to heart eyes at this line 😍UNFFFF YES YES LET'S HAPPILY BRAINSTORM THE MANY MANY M A N Y WAYS I COULD THINK OF THANKING YOU GOOD SIR

i met some of my best mates (and earned some wild stories to boot) at uni, as they say over on the other side of the pond, and all the fun cute chaotic little moments of serendipity sprang back up when I read stelly's works and made me feel incredibly nostalgic ���🥰🥰 going old school and pulling out my 2008 neutrogena lipgloss out of memory lane for my chef's kisses for yooouuuuu mwahmwahmwahmwah😙👌😙👌😙👌😙👌

[paradoxengine]

When I got Covid a few years ago it didn't really feel too bad but I had always felt like I couldn't sing the same way I used to before then. I wouldn't call myself a good singer but I wouldn't call myself a bad singer either, I didn't get into my HS Chorus but the reason the teacher gave was that she didn't think I would be able to sustain singing for a whole period, which very well could've been letting me down easy but I don't think that's the case. Anyways, I'm getting sidetracked but when I went to karaoke last month it felt like I was still debuffed but then out of nowhere it kinda came back to me during I think Man in the Mirror. Now I still think my voice is slightly worse off than it used to be, at the very least it feels that way, but I want to build it back up. Because I love singing so so much. Like I will just randomly say words or end sentences in a little sing-songy way and it's not even intentional all the time. But I'm thinking maybe I wanna do more than build my singing voice back up. I'm thinking what if I got it to be better than it ever was? It's probably the type of thing that's better to do when you're younger, but I might be willing to try anyways. Imagine if I ever had any even semi-formal vocal training. Imagine if I knew how to actually read and understand sheet music. And I've been putting it off but I probably wanna do some vocal training anyways for feminizing my voice. I don't know if I'll ever actually go through with this, partially because I feel like I never quite have time to do stuff I want to do, and when I do have the time I have to choose between like 100 different things that I'd also want to make or do or learn. But I think singing is maybe different because I don't think I'd mind being bad at it. I mean, I'm already kinda bad at it, relatively speaking anyways, and it doesn't bother me too much. It's still fun. Like, as a counter example, as much as I'd love to learn how to do art I don't think I ever will because I don't think I would enjoy doing art if I was mediocre at it, which I would have to be if I was practicing. I don't know why I'm writing all of this. Well I do, it's because I'm feeling a bit hype from listening to some pop songs but also...frustrated that I don't have the range for some of them. But frustrated in like a positive way, where I'm almost looking forward to a time where I could potentially have the range. Anyways, probably won't tag this because I'm just kinda using tumblr as almost like a diary or journal now. It feels nice to use it this way because I feel like I wouldn't be writing all of this down if it was purely for me and me alone, but at the same time I do not have many tumblr followers, so there's a good chance no one even sees this. But maybe they will because now I've written so much, it's almost like a text version of "Do You Love The Color Of The Sky". But even if people see this, will they probably read this whole wall of text? Doubt!

[summonerscenarios]

Hey I hope you're doing well now!! If it's not much I couldn't get this out of my head while I was making my fanfic. How would a scenario with one of the guilds holding a talent show with the MC signing up and perform the song 'In a Moments Time' from Skullgirls would go?? How would the Summoner's and Outlaws react to the songs 'questionable' lyrics?? Have fun!!

Heyya~! Got very sidetracked with this and focused more on the singing aspect than the actual song lmao - but I do hope it’s okay~!

--------------

The Summoners

Shiro’s surprised to see you volunteer for the talent show - when the whole event was first set up it was done so as a means to ease tensions between the outlaws and the Summoners, as the wedge between them at the moment was still apparent even with you there to bridge it. When you confide in him that you’d decided to take a crack at signing up he’s supportive, though you don’t tell him exactly what you’re planning to perform for it, and it isn’t long into the talent show when you disappear from the Summoner’s table disappearing backstage. He wonders what you’re going to do when the music starts up, the tune soft yet lively and Shiro has to admit that the tune is kind of nice to listen to. You take to the stage right before the lyrics kick in, bringing the mic up to your lips and it’s then he realizes what you’re going to be performing. He mulls over whether he’s heard you sing before - if you have he can’t remember when, but those thoughts are soon washed away by the sound of your voice as you sing along with the music. The first two parts of the song sound well enough, and works well with your singing - you’re a lot better than you give yourself credit for, he’ll be sure to tell you as such once you’re finished - but by the third part you can see Shiro’s expression from the audience as his eyebrows raise the moment the word ‘bite’ leaves your lips. He could be interpreting the lyrics wrong, but they do sound somewhat questionable when sung in a slow, soothing croon like they are right now; regardless of the lyrics you at least look like you’re having fun, your hips swaying as your voice gains volume emboldened as the song continues, and honestly he’s just glad to see you enjoying yourself regardless of the song you’re singing.

Kengo’s antsy about the whole talent show idea and you can tell from the way that he’s slumped in the Summoners booth, arms across his chest and feet propped up on the table. He has no idea where you’ve gone, with you having ducked away during the performances and not returned, but he’s about ready to get up and go find you himself by this point. He’s halfway through convincing Toji to come along with him to look for you when the music starts up and the smooth tune filters out from the nearby speakers. All eyes turn to the stage, and seeing you step out onto the platform, microphone in hand, he expects you to make some kind of speech - maybe you were the show’s presenter? Considering how involved you were with the talent show becoming a reality it really isn’t that far of a stretch. However he doesn’t expect you to actually start singing, and the moment you do you can see him physically straighten up in his seat at the sound of your voice. You didn’t tell him you could sing! Much less that you sounded damn good at it too! Sure, Kengo doesn’t fancy himself much of a musician, preferring music with a faster pace, but the jazzy tune fits your voice, and he’s gotta admit that it’s a pretty good song. There’s a whoop and holler from the other tables, cheering you on, and not to be outdone, Kengo joins in, encouraging you a bit too loudly as he keeps getting warnings from Shiro and Toji though your smile grows just a little wider at the sight as you continue to sing. He doesn’t see much of a problem with the lyrics themselves, after all they don’t sound like they’re anything that questionable, so you definitely won’t get any comments from Kengo about it by the time the song concludes; what you will get is a slap on the back from Kengo as soon as you sit down as he asks how long you’ve been singing like that - you’re just full of surprises!

Ryota’s honestly really excited for the show! So much so that while the whole thing was being set up he helped out alongside you putting this whole thing together with some of the other outlaws. The last time you guys were all together in Kabukicho territory things were really tense and it just wasn’t a good time for anyone involved, so he sees this as a chance to start getting to know the outlaws better - even if they’re pretty closed off now, Ryota hopes that this event will at least show them that the Summoner’s come to them with the best intentions, where they can just have fun with events like these. He’d actually thought about signing up for the talent show too, but he didn’t have many ideas on what to actually perform so he relented and decided to just watch the others perform from the Summoner’s table, cheering for every person who’s brave enough to take to the stage and enjoying the different kinds of entertainment. After Hanuman rejoins the table he’s gushing over the tricks that he pulled off when Hanuman exclaims that you’re up next and Ryota turns around in his seat just in time to watch you finish up the testing with your mic, sliding into view through the curtain and taking your position at the center. Right on cue the instrumental kicks up, the beginning notes making for a perfect lead up for you to finish preparing to sing the lyrics; you look nervous but excited, and when you start to sing it’s clear that you gradually gain more confidence as the song progresses. The lyrics, alongside the smooth piano and the tone of your voice makes him flush a little, especially when you spin and wink at the audience for good measure during a particular flush of confidence - you’re definitely enjoying performing way more than you thought you would and it shows. At the applause you flush and quickly slide off of the stage and move back to join your guild members, where you’re greeted by Ryota’s excited applause as he praises you for how amazing that was, and you’ll quickly find your attention pulled into where you learned that song and what other kinds of songs you’ve been learning - this is definitely the start of many karaoke plans in the guild’s future.

Toji didn’t have the experiences with the Outlaws that the other Summoners had (namely due to certain location circumstances), but seeing the Summoner’s getting so excited about the talent show right in the heart of the other’s guild he tries to keep it optimistic. True, things are somewhat tense at first, but with you, Ryota and Hanuman running all over the place pulling people into conversations while things are being set up, it isn’t long before the members start mingling and genuinely conversing with one another. Even he gets pulled into a few conversations with Kabukicho’s members, which goes a lot smoother than he’d first thought they would, but it isn’t long before the show actually starts and he ends up wandering back over to join his group at the guild table. When he had watched you disappear backstage, Toji simply assumes that either you were heading back to talk to the people responsible for the work backstage or to check up on Hanuman, given that the boy had made no attempts to hide his excitement about signing up. That assumption is proven false when Hanuman comes out and finished his performance, hopping down from the stage and skipping back over to the table without a trace of you in sight; when you do show up however it’s your turn to take to the stage, and when you begin shuffling the microphone in your hands, looking over to the speakers and waiting for the music to start Toji realizes that you intend to perform in this show too. You open your mouth and the words flow out in a steady rhythm, more melodic than he’d ever heard from you before and Toji has to admit that he’s stunned. Toji has caught you hum before, when you’d been cleaning and thought no one else was around after school hours, but hearing the full volume of your voice he didn’t think you’d sound so good. He’s taken aback enough that the actual lyrics do not entirely register, but upon watching you sway along to the song he starts paying more attention and as the words sink in he’s very conflicted - to others they may be subtle, but to Toji they’re flustering, and surely you knew what those lyrics were on about too! Normally he’d call you out on such a thing, especially because you’ve played music before with far more ‘questionable’ lyrics, but seeing you sing and slide around the stage he decides to bite his tongue - you look genuinely confident, enjoying yourself as you follow along with the rhythm of the song, and he’s not going to ruin your enjoyment over mere lyrics.

Hanuman had actually signed up for the talent show himself! It’s a chance to have fun and show off some of his coolest tricks that he’s been working on back at the guild, so when the idea of a talent show was first proposed he was excited to jump at the opportunity. Though he didn’t learn that you were planning to sign up too until he was waiting backstage for his turn, excitedly bouncing between backstage and peeking through the curtain to watch the other performers when he spotted you slide out of your seat and sidle backstage during a momentary break. Hanuman greets you excitedly once you dip past the curtain into the waiting area and watches you curiously as you start rummaging around with the equipment looking for the wireless microphone amongst the crates. He doesn’t hesitate to join in on helping you look, asking you questions about what you’re planning on doing for the show and chattering about how exciting this whole event has been so far while you look; eventually he plucks the mic in question out with a triumphant yell that you’re quick to hush in case the others past the curtain end up hearing him. He flashes you a bashful grin at the realization but tosses you the mic right as his turn comes up, and with a thumbs up and wishing you good luck he ducks onto the stage and disappears past the curtain. By the time he’s finished Hanuman hops off of the stage and joins his fellow Summoners at the table, excitedly talking with Ryota right up until he spots your head peeking out from the stage curtain, meeting his gaze and smiling as you sidle out onto the stage. As soon as he hears people start cheering for you Hanuman takes that as his cue to join in on the fun too - going so far as to leap onto the back of the booth so that you can see him rooting for you. The lyrics go right over his head as he’s more focused watching you have fun as you sing and spin around, even going so far as to whistle and holler until he gets pulled back down into the booth right before the song comes to a finish, still grinning and clapping for you as you hop off the stage and go back to join them.

The Outlaws

Tetsuya wasn’t entirely on board with the idea of a talent show to begin with, especially when it was proposed by the Summoners - it took some negotiating and agreeing to have it on Kabukicho’s ground to actually set the whole thing in motion, but for the most part the event sets itself up, with plenty of people surprisingly eager to take part making for little actual work needed to get it set up. By the time everything’s done Tetsuya has to admit everything looks pretty good, and people are in good spirits which always makes things easier - even the most prickly of their members seem to be gradually warming up to having the Summoners around, joining in on conversations as the finishing touches are put up just for aesthetics sake. Tetsuya watches people shuffle around from his booth, keeping an eye on the last few people wandering and eventually finding places to settle down and enjoy the show. Most of the main members are sat with him, With Suzuka keeping an equally keen eye on the progression of the event, and Tetsuox shuffling in his seat as tho itching to get up and move, but there’s a relative peace in the room when the actual show starts and the first performer of the talent show steps onto the stage. Things go smoothly - sure there’s a few kinks here and there, a couple jokes that don’t go over too well, but by Tetsuya’s standards it’s going smoothly. But then the last contestant - it’s one of the Summoners, Tetsuya tries to remember the name. Hanuman? Yeah, Hanuman - jumps off of the stage and leaves the space empty, but not for long. Not even a few moments later someone else steps out onto the platform, drawing all the eyes in the room when everyone recognizes you, figure bathed in the warm spotlights that beam down onto the stand. You’re holding up a microphone, casting a look back at the speakers as though waiting for something, and a second later said speakers spring to life, a jazzy sort of tune muting out all other forms of sound as it begins playing. It sounds familiar, but maybe that’s because he’s spent one too many nights pulling security at Kabukicho’s clubs as a lot of the songs there have the same kind of smooth rhythm; even so he waits to see what you’re going to do,and when you first begin to sing even he has to pause. He didn’t expect your voice to be so soft, almost deceptively so - it’s not what he thought you’d sound like singing, yet it’s definitely not bad, in fact, he has to admit your singing voice is a damn good one, and you seem to know how to use it as just about everyone is listening to you sing. Tetsuya isn’t phased by the lyrics, they aren’t really all too questionable compared to some of the songs he’s heard over the years so he settles for watching you sing, only moving to scold Tetsuox when he cheers you on loud enough that his ears still ring by the time you’ve reached the final part of the song, swinging hips coming to a stop as your voice filters off with the last couple of fading notes. As the applause roars across the room Tetsuya joins in, languidly joining in on the clapping as he watches you flush at the attention and grin, moving with an extra bounce in your step in your trek back over to the table.

Suzuka doesn’t entirely know how to feel about the whole show idea when it’s first broached by the Summoners - most of the plans that involve you end up dragging everyone into some kind of trouble, or maybe you’re just that good of stumbling head first into other people's problems. Regardless though it seems as though your right hand makes for a damn good negotiator, as after just a meeting or two the talent show is decided up, taking place right in the heart of one of Kabukicho’s buildings and getting set up with more enthusiasm than Suzuka’s seen since the last festival. She keeps a keen eye on things, watching Summoners and Outlaws alike as they work together to pull up curtains and set up lights and talk as though they were one group and not too - it’s unusual, but not entirely unpleasant seeing them get along. By the time things are done Suzuka’s sat at one of the Outlaw’s booths with Tetsuox and Tetsuya in tow, the three of them watching over the final preparations until things are done and the show’s started. When you move away from the Summoner’s booth she immediately notices; you aren’t subtle, even as you try not to bother the performer already on the stage and duck between the tables trying to cause as little of a disturbance as possible, and she watches you right until you disappear from sight beyond the backstage curtain. You aren’t gone for long though, as she spots you not a few minutes later reappearing from the curtain, though this time you step directly out onto the platform, settling right in the center where the lights bathe your form in a warm golden hue as the song kicks in from the speakers. She hadn’t been told you were planning on joining in on the show, so she leans up a bit at the sight of you, admittedly curious to see what stunt you’re going to pull this time. The soft croon of your voice washes over the crowd like a wave, and for a moment it’s easy to mistake it as the voice from the track, but watching your mouth move as you turn to better face the audience it’s clear this is your voice, and you’re singing along to the melody with enough precision that it’s clear you’ve been practicing. You start off quiet, but as the song goes on you gradually gain more confidence, visibly getting into singing along to the tune as you swing and sway around the stage. Similar to Tetsuya, Suzuka’s heard her fair share of songs, some good, others questionable enough to make her visibly cringe just remembering them, so she doesn’t get fussy about some of the lines like you might expect, but they’re not the kind of words she’s used to hearing coming from your mouth so she is surprised at your song choice, but doesn’t really blink at the fact you’re singing it now. What she does react to is when Tetsuox hollers out a cheer off support with no care for the fact that he’s louder than anyone else in the room, and Suzuka’s quick to drag him back down into his seat with a hiss to can it, thankfully saving her ears from any more yelling until your song’s finally finished.

Tetsuox’s psyched to see his boss come around Kabukicho, so when there’s talk about a talent show that you guys are planning to set up he’s excited since that means you’ll be coming around more often leading up to it. When he’s not having to do rounds around the guild’s territory he’s with you and your friends helping with the heavy lifting, intervening in your stead to carry things around and help get the major equipment sent over to the place that it’s supposed to be. With his aid working alongside the other Outlaws and the Summoners tasks get done much faster, with things being hoisted up and wires being connected until everything is working and ready to go. He gets restless being stuck in the booth for the whole show, wanting to get up and wander around the audience instead or at least bounce between the Summoner’s and Outlaw’s table between performers. Tetsuox stays put though, at least until the next contestant enters onto the stage and he realizes that it’s you, having moved away from your respective table and ducking backstage only to step out onto the platform with a microphone in hand and music backing you up. The rowdiness dies down at the sound of you singing along to the tune you’ve picked out; you look nervous about performing even with your singing, so Tetsuox decides you need a pick-me-up and cheers you on, encouraging you far louder than he probably should have as not even a minute later Suzuka’s got him by the collar and is dragging him down hissing at him to can it and just let you sing. His encouragement seems to have done the trick though, as you physically brighten and gain a more confident stance, the next line of the song coming out louder and more confident as you allow yourself to pour your focus into the music. Other people join in on cheering you on as well, especially coming from over at the Summoner’s table where Kengo’s being just as loud as Tetsuox was, only to receive similar treatment from Shiro and Toji as they pull him back down as well - it’s honestly hilarious seeing the similarities playing out between the two sides. Everyone’s clapping by the time you finish, and you aren’t back at the Summoner’s table for very long before Tetsuox’s out of his chair telling you about how coolly you nailed that show - ain’t no one gonna hold a candle next to your performance!

Tsukuyomi isn’t often awake during the day, only truly coming alive once the sun sets, so he finds himself pleasantly surprised to wake up to find guild members zipping around making the finishing touches to what’s shaping up to be a hell of a talent show. Seeing the performers shuffling backstage he’s decided that he’s going to stick around to watch how this plays out, and is only further convinced to stay once he spots you and the other Summoners mingling amongst the outlaws. Tetsuya doesn’t look too pleased to notice that Tsukuyomi has sidled over to the table to join them, resting his arms across the back of the booth and leaning against it as he watches people move around on the stage. It’s an interesting feeling - being the audience rather than the performer isn’t usually his style, but it makes for a refreshing change and his attention only trul turns away from the stage once he notices someone moving away from the Summoner’s table. It’s you, standing up and ducking past tables and patrons in a bid to reach the backstage without causing a disturbance and disappearing from view just as quickly as you’d appeared. And that’s the last that’s seen of you right up until the last person has finished with their show, and as they leave and go back to their group someone else takes their place on the stand. It’s you, fiddling with the buttons to turn on your microphone while casting a glance at the speakers, where not a moment later music begins playing. The tune’s pleasant to Tsukuyomi’s ears, and he leans a little more against the top of the booth as he tries to recall if this is a song that’s played at the club before; but then you start to sing, and he can practically see all trains of thought in the room stop at the sound of your voice. They’re mesmerized, listening intently to you as you sing and Tsukuyomi finds himself smiling at how easily you’ve captivated your audience - your voice is charming, that much everyone in this room can agree on (tho many wouldn’t say it) and even he finds himself entertained by the way that you perform, swaying and turning in time with the song as you become more emboldened by the positive responses from the onlookers. For a moment the two of you meet eyes, and his expression is cool as he smiles, winking at you and feeling pleased when you almost falter and look away trying to refocus back onto the song. You finish strong, regaining your confidence and beaming by the time you finish still buzzing as the tables break out in applause. Tsukuyomi makes a note to find out the name of that song, it’d fit right at home at one of his performances - maybe he could convince you to do an encore, he thinks as he watches you move off of the stage and head back to your own table.

[notasdriedapricots]

The Tender Trap: The Origin Story

This is just pretty much a disclaimer for the disaster that’s coming.

I TALK A LOT OMG HOW DID YOU KNOW? Here's a TL;DR: -The Tender Trap is canon as shit, because I never intended to write a fic, and much less to publish it, but one thing lead to the other and I ended up kinda liking it. I love them so much. There's quite a lot added to it, but there's still a fair bit of the original thing in there, because again, that was the original goal. -However, if you think there's too much still there, let me know! I think I've modified it enough, but that's only my opinion. -If you catch technical mistakes, grammatical errors, weird vocabulary... let me know! English is my second language. -There's an after-villa sequel in the oven that has more angst (the game doesn't leave much space for that) and honestly is more fun. Or at least I've been having so much fun with it. I have to finish it first, though. I might hate it by the end, but we'll see. -Funny story: It was untitled for months. The day I randomly found a title while listening to Ella Fitzgerald, I kinda decided to 'fuck it, just upload it somewhere'. And so here we are. That was literally yesterday. -The first real chapter will likely be posted on AO3 on Thursday/Friday, depending on how much longer I keep messing with it :D

800 words of me rambling under the cut. How annoying is that.

I transcribed the whole goddamned game. In past tense instead of present, mind you. As one of the most popular memes in my country preaches: Why? There is no 'why'?

Well, there is. Just for clarification, that transcription is not what I will be posting. I'm not that dumb. No, I wanted to add nuances to the story without altering it, so I used what the game gives us as the skeleton. I wanted to see if I could make nonsense dialogue and the whole amnesia deal make sense by turning it into inside jokes, sarcasm, and anxiety. (Prosody is a wonderful thing). I tried my best to not contradict what has been explicitly said, regardless of how. much. I. wanted. to. change. it. That was the challenge, to reframe it so it made sense. Did it interfere with the 'creative process'? Nah, it was pretty fun, and I work well with a structure in place. The post-villa thing is way freer and oh god it's so over the place I have to put some order to that I don't even know where it's going but I found out I love writing domestic shit and I LoVe Lucas' mother.

This idea lead up to extending some scenes, adding others I felt were missing, composing internal monologues... And I ended up writing fiction again after like ten years. Which is not a "take it easy on me" card, by the way. Be ruthless, I can take it, mainly because I did this just for fun. I know I'm rusty, what's new? I know it mainly shows in the first chapters because the game forces a pace that's too fast and too slow at the same damn time and there's only so much my brain can do. I might rewrite them at some point, who knows. Also English is not my first language, so I can only hope there's something that sounds hilarious in there somewhere that you can point out so we can laugh about it. Let me know! I've loved this language since I was three, I want to use it properly. Also punctuation is sometimes different (commas and the necessity of explicit pronouns in English are a pain in the ass compared to Spanish) so you're welcome to correct that as well if you catch a mistake. So I don't intend to put myself at the same level as some of the fantastic writers in this fandom; you keep writing art, I'm just here for shits and giggles, and because this was insanely fun for me.

But going back. I started getting sidetracked, as I tend to do when I write, as you can see, so I had to get the scissors and cut those parts that weren't adding much to the main plot (telling Gary to apologize to Marisol is very nice but this chapter is already over 8000 words long, SIR) to make room for other parts that needed more depth, so amongst other things we have the emotional breakdown and apology we deserve after CA (or at least one that makes me feel bad, I don't know) and a lot of chats so these two actually get to, you know, know each other? Oh, and smut, ejem. Yeah. That.

In between I wrote half the after-villa sequel, canons for Liz, headcanons for Lucas, (head)canons for them together, pages and pages of questions and answers from both of them, fashion headcanons, families and exes, best friends; I put together pinterest folders with pictures of so (so) many people, clothes, apartments; I even wrote a musical episode where Liz has a karaoke battle with her ex in a jazz joint that's one of my favourite things because the songs are just *chef's kiss* I mean, Liz singing 'Cry me a river' is so cathartic... Anyway I started adding shit, mostly thoughts, to the game's dialogue, and it ended up in this abomination that never intended to be anything but fun. I'm not particularly proud of the first couple chapters because the cut/don't cut thing looking at the wordcount, trying to decide if I butchered the original dialogue, reduced it to a general paragraph, or pretend the scene never happened, all while having a chapter that was too short to split into two (or that would have one of them containing too little new stuff) but so long to be just one... was painful. I'm still dealing with that as I tweak the next chapters, but as soon as I have a somewhat definitive word/chapter count, I'll let you know. Just know that it's long, so do with that what you will.

SO, welcome. Take a seat, help yourself to a drink, and stay for as long as you like. When I got into this I went to the ball, so now I'm just dancing.

[imthequeenofcordonia]

For the man who has everything

This is my contribution to @choicesfebruarychallenge that’s being hosted by the amazing @bi-cookie​ and @cxld-play. The prompt is: Karaoke. Thank you for including us all. 

Paring: Drake x OC (Lily Rys)  

Word count: 1,573

Warnings: Brief talk about mental health. 

A/N: All characters belong to Pixelberry other than Lily.

Permatag: @desiree---1986

Drake and lily tags: @addictedtodrakefanfic​, @msjr0119​

“So we’re being joined by Crown Prince Leo and his younger sister, Princess Lily,” the Radio host, Gary Hall- a friend of Ana Di Luca’s and the host of Cordonia’s most popular radio station spoke into his microphone in front of him as he adjusted his headphones so they were more comfortable.

He turned to the royal siblings, “Thank you for coming.” 

“Thank you for having us,” Lily answered. 

“First things first, Leo congratulations on your engagement to Countess Madeleine.” 

“Thank you,” Leo smiled. 

“You and the Countess just arrived back from a very successful engagement tour. You got some extraordinary press because of it. 

“We did,” Leo nodded, “It went better than we expected it too. We’re both really happy about how well it went.” 

Gary nodded and turned to Lily. “Lily you also just finished your first solo tour, tell us about that.” 

“It was fantastic. As you said, it was my first solo tour, I went to Aunernal, i was actually able to stay a couple of days longer than was intended and got to see where my mother grew up. Like Leo’s tour I got some amazing press and it went really well,” she explained. 

“When was the last time you visited Auvernal?” Gary asked. 

Lil thought for a second, “I was about seven it was just before my mother passed away.” 

“Now the big reason we invited you is because of your mental health campaign. Lily you’ve been quite open about what you've struggled with in the past.”

Lily nodded, “Yeah, i think if we’re going to be telling people to open up and talk about it, it would be hypocritical if i didn't do it myself. These types of things kind of go both ways, you can’t tell someone to do something and do the complete opposite.”

“It’s a very brave thing to do,” Gary noted. 

“In a way it was but it needed to happen to show that everyone, no matter who you or where you come from, that mental  health issues can affect you. We’re always taught how to look after our bodies but we really need to know how to look after ourselves mentally too and how to talk about it if you are struggling,” She explained. 

“Like your tours the campaign is getting a lot of attention and people are talking about it,” Gary mentioned. 

“That’s exactly what we want. I couldn't be happier with how it’s going.” 

“Good. Now you two agreed to answer some questions that people have texted in.” 

“Yep,” Leo nodded. 

“Are we going to regret this?” Lily asked. 

“Quite possibly,” Gary teased. “Okay first question comes from a woman called jenny. She wants to know if you’re allowed phones?” 

Leo laughed, “We are yeah.” 

“Really?” Gary asked, “Have you got a family whatsapp group?” 

“No, but I  would love that,” Lily said, turning to her brother, “Should we get Liam, Dad and Regina to get in on It too?” 

“I don't think that’s gonna happen,” Leo said, shaking his head with a grin. 

“Next question is from Michael. He wants to know if Leo and Liam were in a fight, who would win?” 

Leo shrugged, “Me, obviously.”

“I sense a little bit of sibling rivalry going on?” 

“Just a bit,” Leo revealed, smiling. 

“ He also wants to know if all three of you were in a fight, who would win then?” 

“Lily,” Leo answered. 

“Why?” Gary asked. 

“I did mixed martial arts for about six years. I could take them both,” Lily said, rather confidently.

“I am learning so much,” Gary said excitedly. “This is the highlight of my career. Okay, we’ve got a couple more. These are one i actually want to know. Kate wants to know what you watch on TV? Do you watch stuff on royalty and you’re like, it’s not like that at all?” 

Lily laughed, “Funnily enough i started watching The Crown the other week and yeah, I mean I've met the British royal family and it is kind of accurate.” 

“Did you watch that movie called ‘Queen Eleanor’? Was that accurate? Because that is based on your life.”

“I have seen it,” she nodded, “There’s a few little bits in there that quite how it happened but for the most part it’s spot on.”

“Do you watch anything else?” 

“I love Supernatural. I’m three seasons behind, i really need to get on that.” 

“What about you Leo?” Gary asked. 

“Me and Madeline have just finished Game of Thrones. We were a little bit behind, just finished it last night.” 

“I haven't watched it,” lily chimed in. 

“You should,” Leo advised. 

“It is good. Now we’ve got two more. David asked if you’re allowed to order takeaways?” 

“Yes,” Lily nodded. 

“They must never believe you when you order it to the palace.” 

“We don't actually order it to the palace. Somebody, that is not us, will go and pick it up,” Lily explained. “Or if your Prince Leo, he’ll do it himself.” 

“I love how normal you two are,” Gary said, which caused the both of them to laugh. 

“We are just people,” Lily said. 

“That lives in a palace,” Gary  mumbled, “Now, last question before we move on. When we see you out and about you are wearing the most regal of outfits, do you have any comfy clothes?” 

“Yeah, definitely,” Leo nodded. 

“Those outfits are amazing but sometimes are a little bit uncomfortable,” she revealed, “ Yeah, of course we have comfy stuff we wear at home.” 

“Okay,” Gary nodded, “Today is a special day. It’s His Majesty's 70th birthday today.” the siblings nodded. “Do you still buy him presents? What do you buy for the man who has everything?” 

“That is the question,” Leo said, turning to his sister. 

“It’s hard. Last year Leo brought him a phone.” 

“That’s perfect for your whatsapp group,” Gary chimed in. 

“He actually spends a lot of time on it,” Lily revealed. 

“I can imagine it: him sitting in the palace playing Candy Crush. That’s brilliant, that is.” 

“He’s flying through the levels though,” Leo said. 

“I was joking. Does he seriously play?” 

Lily nodded, “He’s a little addicted to it actually. 

“Talking of your father’s birthday: there’s a video going around the internet of you, Lily, singing his favourite song for his birthday from a few years ago.”

Lily hid her face in her hands as her body shook with laughter. When she looked back up, her face was red and her eyes were welling. “Did you have to mention that?” she jokingly scolded, “I was fourteen and this was when i was really getting into music. I was learning how to play the guitar, piano and attending singing lessons. Like we’ve said it’s hard to know what to buy him so I sang him his favourite song.” 

“But the thing is you’re actually good,” Gary complemented. 

“Thank you,” Lily grinned. 

“Singing was a passion of yours, wasnt it?” 

“It definitely was. My mother loved to sing when I was a kid, I must get it from her. The rest of the family aren't really into music like I am,” she explained. 

“What’s his majesty's favourite song at the minute?”

“Someone you loved by Lewis Capaldi,” Lily explained. 

“Really?” Gary asked, his brow furrowing, “I am learning so much right now. The king likes playing Candy Crush and likes Lewis Capaldi, is he a Billie Eilish fan too?” 

“Actually he does like to hum the tune to bad guy so maybe,” Lily shrugged. 

“So We’ve got a backing track to someone you loved,” Gary told her. 

Her brow furrowed, “Okay...Where is this going?”

“I think you know, little sis,” Leo grinned at her. 

“We’ve got it from good authority-” 

“Our brother,” Leo interrupted. 

“That his majesty is listening and we would like to know if you’d sing your dad's favourite song for his birthday? We’ve also got it on good authority that you haven't got him a present yet.”

She sighed, “I feel like i’m going to regret this: I’ll do it.” 

Lily put her headphones on, adjusting them so they were properly on her ears and Leo put his on too.  Lily scooted her chair closer to the table and leaned in a bit closer to the microphone. “Happy birthday dad.” 

The music started to play, Lily focusing on when the right time to jump in was. 

“I’m going under and this time i fear there’s no one to save me,” she started, singing into the microphone. 

“Wow,” she heard Gary mutter and she continued, focusing intently on what she was making her voice do, remembering all the tricks and techniques she learnt from her teacher. 

Finally she came around to the chorus, “Now, the day bleeds into nightfall and you’re not here to get me through it all, I let my guard down and you pulled the rug, I was getting kind of used to being someone you loved.” 

And then finally the song drew to a close and the both men applauded the young princess, who smiled gratefully at them, removing the bulky headphones.  

“That was a cover of Someone you loved by Lewis Capaldi from the extraordinary Princess Lily Rys!” Gary spoke into the mic. 

Lily was grinning widely, getting sidetracked when her phone dinged. She peeked at it to see a text from her boyfriend. 

Drake: You were amazing  😉

Which only caused her grin to grow wider.