#checkmark's music mix

[staff]

Hello, Tumblr. This is a badges update.

Just popping in to tell you about all the nifty badges you can get to decorate your blog these days. You, too, could be the proud owner of The President’s Shoelaces (authentic, we promise), the Rainbow Crab, or the extra special Supporter Badge subscription that changes color as your support progresses. Here’s a full list of all the shiny knickknacks you can currently purchase from TumblrMart:

Supporter badge: This is the big one. This is how you support Tumblr in an ongoing fashion. This badge changes color the longer you subscribe to support Tumblr, starting off with Steel and working towards a very shiny Oil Slick, which demonstrates you���ve reached the highest level of support for this lovely little corner of the internet you call home. Read more about this one here.

Visionary, Literary, Shutterbug, Playlist, and Fashionista identity badges: We have a whole host of badges you can pin to your blog, leaving no one in the dark about your main passions. Are you an artist, a writer or reader, a photographer, a musician, or a style icon? Is your blog a curation of all your favorite art, writing, photography, music, or fashion? Then there’s a badge here for you! 

The Color of the Sky: That old meme that curses your dash now and again? Yeah, you can now wear it on your blog to show off your mischievous side all year round. 

The President’s Shoelaces: For when you want people to know you Know.

Crabs: Regular or Rainbow, you choose. Just know that crabs are something of a Tumblr mascot now, and wearing them on your blog shows that you either  (1) love crabs, (2) participated in crab day on Tumblr on July 29, 2023, or (3) know what to do when the news goes November 5, 2020 on you. 

Lunar badge: For all those who love the moon or simply need to know when they might not be sleeping well, this badge changes throughout the lunar cycle.

Important Babylonian Checkmark: Show your solidarity with disgruntled customers throughout time and space with the help of this extra special checkmark.

Hewie and Bones Halloween badges: Celebrate Tumblr’s national holiday in style. The Hewie and Bones badges bring that special Halloween feeling to your blog year-round. 

That’s all for now! Enjoy mixing and matching your badges to your heart’s content! What’s more, if you have an idea for a badge you’d like to see, get in touch with us, and we’ll see what we can do about that!

[sweetestofchaos]

Hold On Ft. Jackson Wang

Genre: Slice of Life, Fluff (?)

Warning: Anxiety Attack, Grinding, Jackson in a mesh shirt, Body Rolling...nothing too crazy

Paring: Jackson x Reader

Rating: Teen (17+)

Summary: What starts out as a rough night morphs into the night of your life.

Word Count: 2.5K

A/N: Requested by the lovely @omgsuperstarg. Thank you so much for waiting and I hope this is okay. I wasn't sure if you were looking for something soft or smuty, so I went the softer route with a lil spice.

You were here, finally. Tonight, was the night that you would get to see Jackson Wang perform in person on stage. You were a little bummed that his VIP tickets sold out before you could get them, but it happens. You knew that it was a slim to none chance. Your tickets weren’t bad, you were still pretty close to the stage, if you got lucky, you could still squeeze your way to the barriers. Just in case you wore a pair of custom made nike sneakers. They were all back with green and yellow crystals mixed together on the checkmark. Your outfit was very simple, you didn’t want to dress too crazy in case it got a little too hot or someone got a little too excited. The last concert you got dressed up for, someone’s ring got caught up in the ties of your shirt and you ended up flashing half the people around you.

A black mesh onesie that had an open back and cinched at the waist was paired with light washed jeans with rips in the thighs. The bedazzled green and yellow chunky belt added a little extra to the outfit and pulled everything together as it matched the mismatched yellow and green diamond earrings you wore. You wore your hair in its normal style and settled on a simple black winged eyeliner, a pop of silver shimmer in the corner of your eyes, a rose gold highlighter and lined your lips in black with a tinted lip gloss. 

As you finished getting ready, your phone rang and you saw that your friend from online was calling. The two of you meant online and just clicked, it would be the sixth time that you would see each other in person. She was able to get a ticket to Jackson Wang’s sound check and you offered to let her stay at your place so that she wouldn't have to pay for a hotel. You grabbed your car keys, snatched your phone from the dresser and answered it. You were hit with the sound of your friend breathing heavily and a muffled voice in the background.

“Hey, hey. Listen to me okay?” You quickly rushed out of the house and hurried to your car. “I’m on my way to you. I need you to breathe with me, kay?” You coached your friend through her anxiety attack. The phone sounded muffled for a moment before a new voice was on the line.

“Hey, um…this is Eddie. D-Do I need to do anything? Can I do anything to help?”

“Can you just stay with her, please? I’m fifteen minutes away. Is she outside the venue? God, I should have left with her.”

“We’re inside the venue. I passed her in the hallway and knew something was wrong.”

“Thank you, Eddie. I really appreciate you stopping to help her.” You glanced at the time on the dashboard and frowned. “If you're comfortable, she should have a bottle of klonopin in her bag, can you give her one. It will help with the attack.”

“One pill? Yeah. Yeah, okay.”

“I’ll be there soon. Please call me back if anything happens. Her password is 4687, it spells Got7.”

The man, Eddie laughed lightly and a smile pulled at your lips. Good to know the stranger had good taste in music.

“Security just got here, they want to move your friend to somewhere safer that is not out in the open. What’s your name? They can wait for you at the front of the venue.”

You gave your name to Eddie and hung up, determined to not crash as you sped towards the venue to help your friend. You reached the venue and parked, nearly crashing as you swerved into a spot. You made sure that you had your ID, phone and bag before you ran into the venue. You rushed past the long line of people waiting to get in and gave security your name as they tried to stop you from entering the building. 

“Right this way.” A guard led you into the building and you could hear the sound check starting up. You felt bad that your friend and the stranger, Eddie, were both missing it. The guard knocked on a door that had a do not enter sign on it and when the door opened you saw a young man that you didn’t know.

“Eddie?” You questioned and the guy smiled with a nod his head.

The two of you shook hands and you stepped inside the room. Your friend was curled into a ball on a couch with a bottle of her tucked into her lap. 

“Oh, sweetie.” You walked over and sat beside her. Silently, you pulled her into your arms and smoothed your hand over her hair while you kissed the top of her head. “Thank you, Eddie. I am so sorry that you missed part of the sound check. I can cashapp you for the trouble.”

Eddie waved you off as your friend started to cry into your shoulder. She muttered how embarrassed she was and you shushed her. She had nothing to be embarrassed about, these attacks happened to a lot of people and there was nothing wrong with it. Eddie chimed in with his two sense and your friend sighed. You helped her get herself together, thankfully you had some makeup in your bag and were able to touch her up. 

“Do you want to stay or go home?” You asked your friend and she wanted to stay. She would call it quits early if she felt another attack coming on. The guard from before led the three of you to the sound check and another guard gave you an upgraded ticket so that you could stay with your friend in case something happened. 

“The perks of being my emotional support human!” Your friend joked and you rolled your eyes as you melted into the crowd together with your new friend Eddie.

As people moved around, you slowly made your way to the front of the crowd and Eddie acted as your personal body guard as he made sure that no one touched your friend or got too close to her. You were thankful for him and the excitement for the actual concert started to hit once Jackson Wang disappeared from the stage. More people were let into the venue as the start time got closer and the same guard from before was in front of the barricade. He kept an eye on your friend and again you felt thankful for such kind people.

The whole venue was plugged into darkness and everyone screamed as the beginning note of 100 Ways started to play. Light slowly started to get brighter and smoke filled the stage before Jackson Wang himself appeared on stage. You thought your eardrums were going to bleed with how loud everyone had screamed. The set list was perfect, Jackson sang a lot of the songs that were your favorite. Your friend, Eddie and you sang along and danced your hearts out as Jackson threw his hips around on stage like no one business. The man looked good, dark make up on his face, silver blonde hair hung in his eyes and that black outfit…yeah mesh was made for him.

Water was thrown on the crowd, dancers interacted with those close to them and Jackson took a moment to address the crowd. His speech was nice, he spoke about himself, his hopes, his dreams and how he was feeling about himself nowadays. It was touching to know that he trusted everyone enough to share his thoughts and feelings so openly. After a few more songs, you noticed that Jackson had spotted someone. He kept coming over to your section of the crowd and interacted a lot more with those around you. Your friend touched his hand and you thought that she was going to die right there in front of everyone. Eddie was just as bad, the man almost dropped when Jackson tossed him a water bottle. 

You were happy that your friends were enjoying themselves. At some point Jackson disappeared from the stage and the whole place went nuts. You blinked and it seemed like he just popped up in your section right in front of the barrier. He stood in front of you and grinned as he adjusted the mic by his mouth.

“Hey. Do you have a boyfriend?”

Jackson looked right at Eddie and you laughed, “He’s a friend. No boyfriend.”

“Really?” Jackson sounded surprised and nodded his head before he waved his hand. “Come on up!” He watched as the guards helped you over the barrier and he took your hand in his once you were safely on the ground.

You had seen videos of Jackson online where he had pulled fans up on stage and danced with them. It was wild and sexy. It was something you had dreamed about many, many times and now it was your turn. You glanced over your shoulder to look back at your friends and they were foaming at the mouth. Jackson led you on stage as the notes to 'The Moment' started to play and placed you in a chair in the middle of the stage. The moment you sat down the beat dropped and Jackson Wang was body rolling in front of your face. The black mesh shirt he had on didn’t hide anything and you drank in every inch of his pecs, abs and the thin patch of dark hair and disappeared into his black dress pants. 

You felt hot, your face was warm and the music was so loud. Jackson was there in front of you and the next moment he wasn’t. He walked around you in a circle with the rest of his male dancers and you sat there numb and relaxed. So, he wanted to give a little dance, okay. Eye contact, and lots of it. Jackson didn’t look away from you once and you refused to back down from his challenge. He smirked as he dropped to his knees and body rolled slowly and when he rolled over and started humping the floor, his eyes were on you.

You bit your bottom lip and raised your eyebrow. Accepting your silent challenge, Jackson jumped to his feet and crowded your space. His legs were on either side of your thighs and he grabbed your face in his large hands. They burned your skin in the best way as he sang to you and booped your nose before he stepped away and started dancing again. The other dancers stroked your cheeks and winked at you as they moved about and you took it all in stride. A lap dance is a lap dance. Even if Jackson Wang was the one giving it, you weren’t going to back down.

Jackson came back in front of you and pulled you to stand up by your hand. The chair disappeared and it was just the two of you on stage dancing. He danced close, his body firm, sweaty and warm as he kept to the beat. You placed your hands on his shoulders and trailed them upward to the nap of his neck where you then fiddled with the ends of his hair and scratched your nails lightly against his skin. You felt Jackson shiver under your touch but his voice never wavered as he grabbed your hand and slid it down the length of his abdomen. He stopped just above his navel and you trailed your hands back, your fingers spread a little wider so that you could catch his nipple between them on purpose.

Jackson smirked and the song faded into 'Dead', where Jackson then grabbed your hand once again. He spun you around and pressed himself against your back as he sang in your ear. You felt his heart beating against your back and the warmth from his body seeped into your own. You were led into an open elevator and Jackson kept you close, as he pressed his forehead to yours, those icy blue contacts striking against his tanned skin tone. He continued to sing and you danced with him, giving the crowd more of a show than the rest of the fans that he pulled onto the stage.

You kept up with his body rolls and leaned into his touch. Your arms wrapped around the back of his neck as he sang, “So, hold on, are you really dead to the world? Slow down, you're not really dead to the world.” 

You swayed your hips to the beat as Jackson cupped your face in his hands softly, his thumb stroked the apple of your cheek. His hands went to your hips, his forearms rested on your sides while his hands hung respectfully above the small of your back. You hid your face in his shoulder and laughed which made Jackson rest his cheek against the side of your head.

“Right now, I'm about to take you to the house, be under covers, lovers, dead to the world. You told me never take your time in vain.”

The open elevator started to rise and you tightened your hold on him. You weren’t a huge fan of heights and your body tensed up a little. Jackson felt the tightness in your body and he pulled you into a hug as he finished out the song. His voice was strong and soothing in your ear as the elevator disappeared up out of sight. Jackson quickly turned his mic off and rubbed your back.

“I'm sorry. I didn’t ask if you were afraid of heights. Are you okay?”

“I’m good. I’ll be better back on the ground.” 

Jackson huffed a small chuckle and held you tightly as the elevator started to come down behind the stage.

“You can hang back here if you want or go back to your spot.”

“My friends-”

“They can come back too! I wouldn’t mind hanging with you all after the show…if you want?”

As the elevator touched the ground Jackson pulled away from you and you grabbed his hand. He looked down at your hand around his and back up at you.

“We would love to hang out after the show. I’ll be here.”

Jackson grinned and you let go of his hand as he turned and told one of the guards to grab your friends. Jackson rushed off for a quick outfit change and a staff member offered you a chair. You accepted it and waited for your friends to arrive backstage. You saw them before they saw you and you rushed to their side.

“Oh my God!”

“Bitch…what the fuck?!” 

Eddie and your friend were besides themselves as they gushed about how good you and Jackson looked together. You really didn’t mean to show out, you were just having fun. You didn’t want to waste a perfectly good opportunity to have fun, so you just enjoyed yourself and danced along. 

“We got invited to an afterparty…”

“What?!” Eddie and your friend were dumbfounded. An afterparty? W-With Jackson Wang?

“What? He thought I was cool, and you losers are cool by default.” 

[afyrian]

this really is TRULY one of the cutest things I'ver ever seen ugh wyr you're so creative!! sending in my answer for a pen pal match <3

⌧ letters and bottles ⌧ music ⌧ sunny (and rainy, can we get a mix?!) ⌧ pompompurin ⌧ something deeper (curious abt this one!)

also, is your theme new or am I going crazy? looks so soft and cozy!!

hello [ellie], thanks for signing up for the ☆ switch it up penpal service !! sunny side of love agency | m.list

above is your chosen stamp! the blooming of flowers representative of your choice between rain and sun <3 but we always appreciate a good questionnaire, so let us run the numbers and give you your well deserved analysis…

mmmh you chose letters and bottles? writing and the sharing of that writing seems to be something you enjoy. giving yourself and your enjoyment of creation to others is a unique and lovable trait of yours. by sharing it, much like joining this service, you’re creating a community for yourself! and what about your music choice? media is an important part of culture and life, including music. by choosing music, our algorithm indicates that you’re a listener. someone who listens to every line and problem of the people around them, even if it grows worrisome and destructive ahh, sunny weather, my favorite. oh, and an erased checkmark on rainy? a mix of the two, or being unable to choose, is a rainbow. likely representative of enjoying the twists and changes of life. even though change is scary, you always seem to be able to see the rainbow at the end <3 pompompurin… a popular choice! the world famous golden retriever who has a twinge of mischief inside. similarly to him, your foodie side is hidden within. picking him gives me the idea that you like to kickback sometimes, spend time with friends!! and something deeper, something different. we all have friendships, relationships, but sometimes you just want something past that. you want someone who knows your inner thoughts, how you work. but maybe that something deeper is inside of you, you love yourself and finding outward relationships will come <33

obviously, i’m just human, so these may be wrong. so, let’s just blame the algorithm ;) if you have anymore questions regarding this service, feel free to connect! - wyr (your handler)

THANK YOU!! i never tried anything like this before so i’m happy other people like it 🙂‍↕️ and the theme is new!! i wanted a change because i’m insane but i love this new one <33 and it was partially inspired by you changing yours!

[nevermore-grimes]

The Elemental Rhythm Tumblr Dashboard Simulator!!! 🎵

I was going to make a part two for my last tumblr dashboard simulator, but then I was like, “Lemme make one for my paracosm’s band AU!” and now here we are.

Also a quick note: The urls and pfps are the same as they are the first part for the sake of ease.

TW: Crude humor

🎤 the-elemental-rhythm ☑️ Follow

Catch our latest single, a cover of Vana’s BEG!, coming to anywhere you stream your music!

🔥 not-ember-blade Follow

I have so many questions. First of all, who tf owns this account? 🤨

💄 hopeless-hottie Follow

Uhhh… We all do? Do you not have access to it?

🔥 not-ember-blade Follow

No??? Wtf???

💰 i-am-iron-man Follow

Yeah, well, your PR team strongly advised against it, so no Elemental Rhythm tumblr for you, Red.

🔥 not-ember-blade Follow

Damn…

🪞 mirror-mirror Follow

Dude, you’re asking all the wrong questions. I just wanna know who bought the verified checkmark.

💧 sweetest-otaku Follow

I did! I wanted us to look official. ☺️

🪞 mirror-mirror Follow

Well, now we look like desperate sellouts.

💧 sweetest-otaku Follow

Oh.

#I thought it was cute at the time #Sorry

(9,293 notes)

🎤 the-elemental-rhythm ☑️ Follow

Check out our full discography, now compiled together on Spotify! It'll be coming to other streaming services soon!

🔥 not-ember-blade Follow

I'm fully convinced my sister's making most of the posts on this account. 🤣

💧 sweetest-otaku Follow

Did I make it that obvious? 😅

#Whoopsies! #I guess I do make them all sound super cheery #but that's just because I love us! #Hehehe!

(1,898 notes)

❤️ a-random-fan Follow

Ahhh! The Elemental Rhythm made the perfect choice for their lead singer! I just love how Nevermore always puts her whole Embussy into every song.

🔥 not-ember-blade Follow

...My what?

#Also #You know the others sing too right? #Like I'm not THE lead singer #I'm one of four #Also please never mix my former hero name with the word 'pussy' ever again

(213 notes)

🪞 mirror-mirror Follow

Yo, i-am-iron-man. Dude. When's our next tour?

💰 i-am-iron-man Follow

First of all, I'm your manager. Don't call me dude.

🔥 not-ember-blade Follow

What do you want us to call you then, dude?

💄 hopeless-hottie Follow

I vote we start calling him daddy~ 😏

💧 sweetest-otaku Follow

...I'm not doing that. 😳

🪞 mirror-mirror Follow

I miss when this thread was about our tour dates.

#Can we go back to that? #Please? #For my mental health

(429 notes)

🔥 not-ember-blade Follow

A member of my PR team just called me, sobbing and begging me to shut the fuck up- 💀

#Like damn #I'm not gonna #but damn

(236 notes)

🔥 not-ember-blade Follow

They don’t. They fuckin’ love it! Never miss a show. Front row, in fact.

And neither should you! I'll send you a ticket to our next show so you can see us perform Kiss Me You Animal by Burn the Ballroom live. I think you’ll enjoy it. 😌

#I don’t know about flailing #but there will be much moaning #See ya there anon!

(10,528 notes)

💰 i-am-iron-man Follow

I need to have a discussion with my band in regards to their social media usage. Clearly, PR isn't doing their job very well.

💄 hopeless-hottie Follow

Does this mean I can't promise to flash my tits if we hit a million streams on our latest single?

💰 i-am-iron-man Follow

WHAT??? DON'T DO THAT!!!

🪞 mirror-mirror Follow

"You ladies"? 🤨📸

💰 i-am-iron-man Follow

Oh, come on. Don't twist this around. You know what I meant.

🔥 not-ember-blade Follow

Me watching everyone in the notes flame Tony for accidentally sounding sexist:

🔥 not-ember-blade Follow

Also, to the person who said "You'd know a thing or two about heart problems" in response to his tags, you may be going to hell, but you have my utmost respect. 😭

#Also I laughed so hard I started choking #and one of my boyfriends had to do the heimlich on me #So thanks for the failed assassination #I'll still be seeing you in hell #just not yet #lmaooo

(13,840 notes)

🎩 petition-to-kill-the-fedora Follow

The petition to get Nevermore to stop wearing fedoras is currently at 1,257 signatures. Let's keep it going!

🔥 not-ember-blade Follow

First of all, it's one fedora. ONE. Second of all... Y'all hate it that much?

#This ain't a democracy #No amount of signatures is gonna get me to trash my hat #but damn...

(258 notes)

💧 sweetest-otaku Follow

not-ember-blade mirror-mirror hopeless-hottie Do you guys watch our fan edits, too? I think I fell down a hole. Chase said I was watching them for three hours straight but it only felt like two minutes. 😅

🪞 mirror-mirror Follow

The first and only one I saw of myself was a thirst edit. Never again.

💄 hopeless-hottie Follow

Speak for yourself! I watch fanmade thirst edits of myself every morning!!! They're like affirmations, but in video form while that one mashup of Pony by Ginuwine and Bloodline by Ariana Grande is playing.

🔥 not-ember-blade Follow

I'm with Gif on this one. I watch thirst edits of myself at least once a day. My favorites are the ones to random German songs.

💧 sweetest-otaku Follow

I mean, I was talking about the cute edits where we're all dancing... or holding hands... or singing... or other cute and non-sexual stuff, but good for you...

#Now let's stop talking about this #You two worry me

[sinceileftyoublog]

Benny the Butcher Album Review: Everybody Can't Go

(Def Jam)

BY JORDAN MAINZER

Over the course of his rise, Benny the Butcher's been ticking boxes, and Everybody Can't Go might be the biggest checkmark of all. The Buffalo rapper's Def Jam debut isn't so much a linear story of how he started on the streets and arrived at his current throne, as it is a juxtaposition of flexes and contemplation. That is, on the album's best sequences and even within its strongest songs, Benny balances braggadocio with the vulnerability inherent in reflection.

Take a glance at the featured artists and producers involved in Everybody Can't Go, and you can sense its momentousness. He teams up with not only the heavy hitters of his Griselda crew but top rappers of their time like Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg, the latter of whom helped Benny get his Def Jam deal. Every song is produced by either heady legend The Alchemist or banger expert Hit-Boy. "When I invite 'em to the lab," Benny raps on opener "Jermaine's Graduation" over an Alchemist piano loop, "They be scared to play what they got," proclaiming his musical prowess and shooting down any unfounded rumors that Griselda would be breaking up. It almost makes you forget that earlier in the verse, he waxed on his mother's drug abuse and dealers like him who didn't survive, but with Benny, the ability to switch headspaces on a dime is the product of many lives lived.

Throughout Everybody Can't Go, Benny deftly mixes humor and pathos. He outshines even Jadakiss and Babyface Ray on the snare-heavy "Pillow Talk & Slander", declaring "I got the aura of a boss" and delivering the line of the album, "I lay on a n**ga like Katt Williams' perm," before lamenting that he was never able to provide for his brother (rapper Machine Gun Black) when he was alive, or even bring him along for his current ride. Benny is gripping on "How To Rap", navigating the greed and negativity inherent in street hustling and the music industry, all while subverting expectations. "Turn it down and show 'em that your number was inarguable / And when they double back, you charge 'em triple what they offered you," he raps, letting us in on a pearl of wisdom before winking, "That's how you rap--they probably thought this was a coke song."

Benny and many of the album's featured artists bring the best out of each other, and not just because Lil Wayne hilariously exclaims, "My kennel is a bungalow," on "Big Dog". Snoop Dogg's verse on "Back Again" is ad-libbed and unexpectedly but thankfully casual. Armani Caesar is spritely and horny on "Buffalo Kitchen Club". ("He like what he see in his visual / I make that dick disappear, it's a miracle.") Even Benny's vocal timbre is versatile in conjunction with others, Hit-Boy tastefully dipping it in auto-tune on "Big Tymers" to diverge with Peezy's drawl. And of course, the album's closest thing to a posse cut, "Griselda Express", gives you that craved mix of Benny gruffness and Westside Gunn's thrilling shrill trills. It's a self-reflexive song that simultaneously possesses a universe that extends beyond the scope of Everybody Can't Go and makes Everybody Can't Go better. That the crew has given a new life to hip hop vinyl collecting and appeals to both conscious rap fans and contemporary hip hop heads renders their potential akin to Benny's favorite analogy--an unstoppable train. But as much as Benny looks forward and back on Everybody Can't Go, you get the sense that he and Griselda know it's an achievement worth basking in for some time.

[mal-likes-biscuits]

This week has been such a mixed bag. My kid spontaneously decided she can read well enough to make reading to herself in bed with quiet music a thing she loves, which is absolutely marvelous. Little bookworm: checkmark.

Also my remaining grandparent is in palliative care now and I just spent 7 hours at the hospital keeping my dad together. Like I appreciate my ability to channel a zen level of calm when it comes to handling death, but I need a break, you know? It has been two months since we lost the last one.

[theflashknight]

I'm still alive. Been working on some music, and as of typing this, I'm sick. Once I get better, I swear, I'll record some vocals for some of my tracks, and release one of them

Off subject: Gosh, Twitter is going downhill...I'm at least glad I created this account, just in case anything were to happen. Will I completely use Tumblr moving forward? It's very possible, assuming Twitter just keeps self cannibalising itself with the bad practices said site are utilising. If it doesn't, then, I may keep using it, albeit, without Twitter Blue. I don't need that checkmark

Anyway, on the subject of new music I've been working on, here's a piece of track art for what may be the next track I'll release once I've recorded my vocals, as well as do the final mixing and mastering:

In the meantime, take care, Everyone!

[xxsycamore]

Welcome to SEXY IKEMEN SUMMER!

Duration: July 10th - September 15th

(September 15th is the deadline for posting your works IF you want them to be featured on the Masterlist!)

╰┈➤ Sexy Ikemen Summer is an NSFW creation challenge exclusively for the Ikemen Series games (Ikevil, Ikevamp, Ikepri, Ikesen, Ikerev, Ikegen). It is inspired by y2k magazine aesthetic! As you pretend to fill in the checkboxes for those...ahem... sex tips in the magazine, in reality, you can use them as prompts for your creative works! Liam art on the cover done by me!

⋙ MASTERLIST ⋘

GUIDELINES:

Minors do not interact!🔞

You can participate with all kinds of creative works (fanfiction, fanart, moodboards, etc.)

Your works can be explicit or suggestive!

Create only as many works as you can, don't pressure yourself to put all those checkmarks!

There are no rules on how to use the lists - you can just do "locations" or you can just do "techniques", or you can mix and match them together. You don't have to follow the order either.

The Bonus Challenge is practically you hiding those items in your works like easter eggs for your followers to find! Again, no hard rules here.

Genre, Characters, Pairings, and possible AUs are all up to you. Just make sure to use content warnings if needed!

Tag your works with #sexy ikemen summer and/or #sexy ikemen summer cc and mention this blog, @xxsycamore , so I can find your work and feature it on the Masterlist of the challenge. You might see me reblogging your work from my main, @kissmetwicekissmedeadly

September 15th is the deadline for the Masterlist, but you can continue posting for the challenge after that date too. If you don't want to be on the masterlist, let me know!

Don't hesitate to ask questions, I'd be glad to help!

Have a Sexy Ikemen Summer...

Under the cut you'll find a banner you can use for your works (completely optional), as well as the three lists written in blank text.

🔺 Here's the challenge's free to use banner!

TOP 10 HOT LOCATIONS TO FUCK YOUR IKEMEN THIS SUMMER!

Your rich friend's summer villa

Abandoned mansion (caution!)

Under the shade of a nice tree

In the car(riage) while traveling

Inside a rocky boat

Fitting room

The festival booth you're volunteering at

On the beach at sunset (so romantic!)

At someone's summer wedding

Private pool

10 techniques to drive your ikemen crazy 👅

Blow cold air on their neck

"Accidentally" make your clothes come loose

Dare them to skinny dip with you

Forgo underwear on the date

Ask them to apply sunscreen on you

Make them work up a sweat then call them sexy

Let them play dress-up with you

Be oblivious about the melting ice-cream

Lean into their chest while in the water together

Go down on them with a cold tongue

BONUS CHALLENGE

inflatable flamingo

hibiscus flower

cocktail

polaroid camera

coconut

musical instrument

beach ball

sunglasses

straw hat

Food-stealing seagull

[peanutsarebad4me]

Virtual Sketchbook 2, Daniel Mentzer

Journaling:

Unity and Variety- Unity is the combination and completion of elements in a work of art. An art piece with unity has the characteristic of oneness. A standard and finished Rubik's cube has unity as its structure is defined, and one color is represented around each panel. Variety offers a collaboration of different elements in a work of art. An unfinished Rubik's cube shows variety as colors are mixed upon one another, and its shape can become altered through rotation.

Balance - The distribution of visual alignment, position, or weight in a work of art. Art could have symmetrical or asymmetrical balance. A turtle is symmetrically proportional to oneself, whereas a fiddler crab is asymmetrical.

Emphasis and Subordination - Emphasis draws the focus of an audience to a particular area. Emphasis can be used to highlight areas of importance and draw the artist's purpose or message further across. Subordination is the area that is contrasted and diminished apart from the area of emphasis. Subordination is neutral or of lesser importance. Emphasis and subordination is used through camera work in film. Films often use focused lenses to to draw our attention towards the main character or a crucial scene.

Directional Forces - A piece of art might include implied directional forces. When a viewer looks at a piece of art, their eyes might be directed from one area to another. This path could be determined through lines that are imaginary, or are truly provided.

Repetition and Rhythm - Repetition in art is when visual elements are continuously recurred in a sequence or pattern. Rhythm is when elements of a sequence are followed through in repetition while containing variations. Rhythm creates a sense of movement or flow. Music can have elements of repetition and rhythm.

Scale and Proportion - Scale is the visual appearance of size in correspondence to a separate thing or object. Proportion is the sizes that correspond and make up one individual object of its own entirety. A human being is uniquely proportional to one's own self. However, an ant is significantly small in scale to the size of a human.

Writing and Looking: "Sauce Boat with Ladle," Eva Zeisel.

This art piece has unity, as both instruments have a defined structure, and appear to belong to one another while remaining as separate objects. They are both the same color and have implied directional forces. The "Sauce Boat" appears to be an open bowl at its base, while extending and opening up and outward. The "Ladle" is flat on surface, while its base is a defined spoon shape. The ladle is small in scale to the Sauce Boat. Both objects could have symmetry when viewed at a different position and angle.

Connecting Art to your World: Colors can affect mood and trigger emotional responses. I believe red can stimulate a sense of hunger. I know that I have driven past the red Chick-Fil-A or McDonalds sign and suddenly started to crave a meal when I previously was not hungry beforehand. If I were to choose a color scheme to represent myself, I would choose white and different variations of blue. The Tampa Bay Rays share the same color scheme, of which I am reminded of the times my father and I watched baseball games together. The first car I purchased on my own is blue. My first uniform at my first job was blue. My bedroom is also white and blue.

Art Project:

I can recall memories from when my siblings and I were little. My mother and father would tell us we were going on a road trip, but would not tell us where our destination was. One of my first memories was when I was 3 years old and my parents gifted me and my siblings a surprise visit to Disney World. I have always been fascinated with theme parks and have an interest with the history of Walt Disney World. The memories I have with my family is what I believe makes me who I am.

-Daniel Mentzer

Photo Design:

Group 1: Logos

McDonalds- Golden arches

Nike - Swoosh / checkmark

PlayStation - Letters "P" and "S" intertwined

Disney - Walt Disney's signature

Starbucks - A circle with green and white color scheme including a siren character

Apple - A bitten apple

Google Chrome - A circle with blue center, surrounded by a red, green, and yellow ring

Minecraft - Block of dirt as used in game

Target - 3 circles with 2 red and 1 white 

Android - Green robot character

Hyundai - An italicized letter "H" surrounded by an oval

Toyota - Three ovals that represent the shape of a steering wheel ; Each letter of "Toyota" is also hidden in the symbol (Did not realize this beforehand!) 

Logos are designed to be memorable and attract the attention of consumers. The way I know about these logos is most likely through advertisements such as commercials, billboards, or social media. 

I have made psychological connections that allow me to recognize the logos and retain memory of what the company or brand does, and how it makes me feel. Logos that have distinct and unique features make the viewer wonder what they are looking at and draw attention to the product or company. 

[airadam]

Episode 164 : The Jordan Year

"...baking soda, get it crackin' when you mix me with Kane."

- Checkmark

If you're like me, every time you write 23 this year you're thinking it! The first episode of 2023 is here, and we go mostly on the downtempo tip and mix up the genres in a big way, so there's almost sure to be something new for everyone in the mix!

RIP to Laylaw and Gangsta Boo.

As mentioned on the voiceover, you can now keep up with the schedule for all my streams (and I'll start putting my IRL shows here too) at events.airadam.com!

Twitter : @airadam13

Twitch : @airadam13

Playlist/Notes

Termanology ft. Raekwon : Passport Kingz

I was reminded of this track after listening to a podcast about citizenship and a shady character known as the "Passport King"! It has an ominous-sounding intro (as an aside, that pastor should be in prison), and then doesn't let up for the rest of its running time, with Raekwon and then Term going hard over Staik Selektah's production. One verse each is the perfect dosage. Find this on Termanology's 2018 "Bad Decisions" album.

[Dru Kevorkian] Smif-N-Wessun : Reloaded (Instrumental)

Just screaming mid-2000s New York, this is the instrumental for the title track of Smif-N-Wessun's third LP. I could hear this beat on the soundtrack (and too loud) for a street DVD of the era...

El Michels Affair & Black Thought : Grateful

Looks like there's a big treat coming later in the year, with the collaborative "Glorious Game" due in April. One of the best writers in Hip-Hop history in combination with one of the coldest bands in years? Yeah, that's a must. This lead single was released this month to give us all a taste and it's a great appetiser. The flute kind of hypnotises and draws you into the thick mists of the rest of the music, where Black Thought is waiting with high IQ, high-density street lyricism. Be grateful, indeed.

Shabba Ranks : Have This Woman

Coming off the back of the "Ting-A-Ling" sample woven into the "hook" of the preceding track, I thought I'd take the opportunity to move straight across into a Shabba track, and one that I just recently digitised during the task of taking on my whole reggae and dancehall 7" section! Over the "Girl A Love" riddim, Shabba's lyrics remind me that despite the gyalist/player image put forth in most of his catalogue, he's been happily married since 1992 - so he and his wife will just have celebrated their pearl wedding anniversary!

Camp Lo : Award Winning

They may never have got the level of acclaim that the title speaks of, but those who know know. Bars upon slang-filled bars on this deep album cut from "Ragtime Hightimes", with Ski on production. Play this one loud in your headphones when you need to go somewhere and let them know who you are :)

Above The Law : Another Execution

Including this one as a tribute to the recently-departed Laylaw, who was an integral part of the Above The Law story - not only did he manage them, but he has production credits on their debut "Livin' Like Hustlers", including for this track. It's a slow and low number on a classic sample, and if you want the instrumental then you can find it on the B-side of the "Murder Rap" 12". Unusually for ATL, it's Cold 187um solo on the mic, in storytelling mode with two tales of having to let that thing ring out.

People Under The Stairs : Chris Says 'Nice One' (Bonus Beat)

This short semi-interlude track from the 12" of "The Cat" is actually only 44 seconds long, so I looped part of it up to make it a suitable length to include here - just because it's a nice piece of digging/production that PUTS clearly included just for that extra flavour! RIP Double K.

Gangsta Boo ft. DJ Paul & Juicy J : Where Dem Dollas At?

I've not historically been a big follower of 3-6 Mafia, so I bought this track specifically to play it on this episode. DJ Paul and Juicy J of 3-6 are on production, but even though DJ Paul also takes the third verse, he has to play second position behind Lady Boo, which is only right. This was apparently the big hit on 1998's "Enquiring Minds", Boo's solo debut which paved the way for two more LPs over the next five years - and one which I remember being advertised in The Source back in the day. RIP Gangsta Boo. 

Machinedrum : Center Your Love

Machinedrum is, amongst other things, half of the duo Dream Continuum alongside Bristol's Om Unit (formerly the turntablist 2Tall), but this is a beautiful solo exhibition of electronic composition. The drums are hectic in timing but not loud, and elements come in and out creating a soundscape around the vocal; I can't tell if that's a repeated sample or a singer brought in for this track specifically, and if I'm honest, I can't make out the words either 😆 Ten years old this year, it's taken from the "Vapor City" album which is available on Bandcamp - definitely worth checking! 

Children of Zeus : Cali Dreams

California is a long way from the cold and rain of Manchester in many ways, but as they say, you can dream! I've got at least three copies of the 2021 "Balance" LP (vinyl, digital, and cassette) that this is taken from - so hopefully that gives you a prompt to go and get at least one! As much as Konny says it's "just another weed song", they elevate way past the average with their writing and execution. Their production is great too, and they bring in additional skilled musicians to crystallise their ideas - listen to this track outside of this episode to enjoy the long outro segment. Zeus!

Massive Attack ft. Liz Frazer : Teardrop (Mad Professor Mazaruni Vocal Mix)

Most of you will know the original version of this classic from the "Mezzanine" LP, and I even played the instrumental version of this remix a few years back - but today, you get the brilliant production of Mad Professor with the beautiful vocals of Liz Fraser in perfect combination. While Fraser can sound good on anything, her floating vocals are set really well here into the echoing, dubbed-out production. Apparently Madonna was the original choice of the songwriter to deliver this lead vocal - with all of the respect due to her, I don't know if it would have been as timeless as the final version turned out to be.

[Mr. Rogers?] Trae : Swang (Remix Instrumental)

While uncredited on the 12" single, I think this quality beat might be the work of Houston's Mr. Rogers, who, appropriately for this cut, is something of a car expert! You'll probably recognise the song it's borrowing from for its melodic underpinning, but it sounds to be all replayed/interpolated and so probably dodged the sample clearance issues that the original mix had... 

Torii Wolf : 1st

An entirely new track to me even though it was a 2016 release, I only became aware of it when a DJ played it recently on a DJ Premier raid train on Twitch. Yes, this is a DJ Premier production, giving a sturdy backing to this New York singer/songwriter. Not only that, he apparently did another eight tracks on her 2017 LP "Flow Riiot", so it's one to check out for those wanting to hear some real deep Preemo cuts from the modern era!

The Doppelgangaz : In The Black

With their most recent album coming out just before Xmas last year being titled "Black Cloak Lifestyle" you have to give them credit for committing to that lift for real. Starting with ominous pianos, it's not long before the live-sounding boom-bap drums and bassline come in to augment them, and those rhymes of course from the self-styled "Ghastly Duo". A self-contained unit who handle their own production as well as all the MCing, they're dedicated to their craft.

Soul Supreme ft. Big Daddy Kane, Checkmark, and DJ Revolution : Come Get It

This one had been, unfairly, languising forgotten on my shelves until I digitised it recently. Big Daddy Kane is a legend, and is clearly the headliner here - it takes a brave MC to go after him, but Checkmark (of Skitzofreniks) does just that on top of production from one of Sweden's finest,  Soul Supreme. Seasoning the pot beautifully, DJ Revolution contributes the cuts for this straight-up Hip-Hop gem. It's available on the 12" I'm playing it from, but also on 2003's "The Saturday Nite Agenda". Can't believe it's twenty years old already!

Sonnyjim ft. English and KoSYNE : Barcodes

This made me smile when I pulled the "Soul Trader EP" off the shelf recently, as at one time or another I've either DJed for (in cipher sessions) or produced everyone on the track! This is a fittingly-titled track, with all the MCs spitting out bars with confidence over KoSYNE's rugged beat - and the punchlines are plentiful. While you hear the main part of the track here, there's an extended ending with some ill freestyling... which you can get if you pick up the EP!

Dr. Dre : Murder Ink (Instrumental)

I've got to admit, I'll always prefer the original "The Chronic" to "2001". That said, you can't deny that Dre continued to refine his skills as a producer and engineer over time, and the sound quality of the production on his second solo LP was crisp and flawless - to my ears, at least. This track works a classic horror film sample into the mix with deadly effect.

The Lady of Rage : Necessary Roughness

To end the episode, just a high-quality track from an MC who never got her due. According to a recent interview, she was effectively punished for not jumping into the middle of someone else's beef, which is a great shame. This is the title track from her lone LP, and every bit of the mic control she displayed on "Afro Puffs" is on display here on top of a beat that reminded me of Craig Mack's "Get Down" - turns out they both were produced by the same man, Easy Mo Bee!

Please remember to support the artists you like! The purpose of putting the podcast out and providing the full tracklist is to try and give some light, so do use the songs on each episode as a starting point to search out more material. If you have Spotify in your country it's a great way to explore, but otherwise there's always Youtube and the like. Seeing your favourite artists live is the best way to put money in their pockets, and buy the vinyl/CDs/downloads of the stuff you like the most!

Check out this episode!

[ashfaultradio]

This episode is a look back on all the bands who have contributed interviews to ASHFAULT RADIO.

Episode 10 features local and international bands including COCK SPARRER, MUNICIPAL WASTE, THE ADICTS, LILIM, X, BULLDOZER and so much more! It’s time to fucking PARTY!!!

Who Killed Spikey Jacket - Throw Up the Punks (00:29)

X - Soul Kitchen (2:05)

SNFU - Drunk on a Bike (4:28)

Black Flag - No Values (7:12)

DRI - I Don't Need Society (9:09)

Dealer - Don't Worry I Got You Man (10:25)

Dirty Work - Out For You (12:45)

DS13 - D.I.Y. Or Die (14:48)

Dead Boys - I Need Lunch (15:35)

Dead Kennedys - California Uber Alles (19:07)

Cock Sparrer - We're Coming Back To You (22:33)

Golers - Gateway to Mars (25:48)

Municipal Waste - The Art of Partying (29:10)

HAXAN - New World (31:14)

LILIM - Prettiest Girl (34:48)

SAGO - Harm's Way (36:38)

Lydia Lunch - Atomic Bongos (38:45)

MUTANK - P.O.P.U.L.O.U.S. (41:00)

Napalm Raid - Endless Walls (42:39)

Oi Polloi - Your Beer is Shit and Your Money Stinks! (45:27)

Rotten UK - Slipping into Darkness (46:17)

The Adicts - Joker in the Pack (47:43)

The Erections - Don't Fuck With Me (50:31)

The Murder Squad t.o. - Send the Wolves Packing (52:36)

UK Subs - Riot (54:39)

AHNA - Colony (57:23)

Alcohol Fueled - Poision (1:03:24)

Anvil - Metal on Metal (1:04:57)

Brutal Wulfsex - Brutal Wulfsex (1:08:46)

Bulldozer - Fallen Angel (1:12:36)

Cauldron - Summoned to Succumb (1:16:25)

Horse Lung - Dragon (1:21:36)

Malignant Tumour - Earthshaker (1:28:45)

Manacle - Stand Tall (1:32:54)

Midnight - All Hail Hell (1:37:03)

Paranoid Visions - Missing in Action (1:40:28)

Piledriver - The Executioner (1:44:21)

Red Alert - Still Burning (1:49:10)

Sardu - Metal Punk Exploding Master (1:52:39)

SATAN - Trial By Fire (1:56:25)

Shitfucker - I Am Of The Devil (2:00:42)

Volur - White Phantom (2:05:26)

Bishops Green - Senseless Crime (2:11:30)

Mayhem - Cursed in Eternity (2:13:40)

Sex Master - Cellar Door (2:18:38)

[cryptidcasanova]

Skull Rock Reckoning

Demon!Eddie Munson x Reader

Ohmygoodness. Like, holy shit, I got the coolest Hellfire Haunts request in my asks. I had it all ready to go, was going to save it in my drafts, and then it never did save. Poof. It’s just gone, not in asks or drafts, so I am so sorry if I am losing you in the tumblr mess!

It was a request for Demon!Eddie, using prompt #1 (I’ve waited lifetimes for you.) It was so so sooooo good, I just had to write it!

Summary: Imagine if Jason Carver and his buddies tricked the reader into going up to skull rock, and instead it was really a sacrifice ploy. They were trying to sacrifice them to summon a demon (Eddie) who is less than thrilled, but it turned out to be a soulmate encounter.  

So! If this was your ask, please let me know, and I’m sorry I lost it in the mix!

Warnings: Dark!Soulmate AU, Yandere, Soft!Dark Eddie, Violence, Blood, Dubious themes.

Words: 3k

Jason Carver was the golden boy of Hawkins High, and even after he graduated, his name still carried the same authority.

Sure, you had seen him around. You remembered the way he laughed around his friends and how his eyes would linger when he thought you weren't looking when you two were in school. You knew of his popularity and affinity for the cheer squad. So yes, you knew of Jason Carver.

You just never expected to hear him call your name while you were cruising down the grocery store aisles.

The sound of it was strong, and you turned to see him walking down the aisle with a shopping basket in his hands. You stopped with a slight wave. The smile he gave you was jolting.

"Hey," He grinned. "Have you ever been up to Skull Rock?" He asked, leaning against the wall of canned food.

He had never initiated a conversation with you before, but then again, neither had you. You two ran different circles growing up.

"I can't say I have." You told him with a lazy grin, moving down the aisle to pick up a jar of peanut butter. He watched with mild fascination.

"We're throwing a little party up there for Halloween. Tomorrow night. Spooky things go on up there," Jason continued, and you walked alongside him.

You turned your head back to his, catching his stare. "You know, they say it was a place for satanic worship." He teased.

You rolled your eyes playfully.

"It sounds like a bunch of hocus-pocus."

He scoffed lightly, putting a hand over his chest.

"It's the best place to be. There are no cops, and there will be drinks and music. It'll be a lot of fun." He said. "And I wanted to see if you'll come this year." He gave you a serious look.

You had never been invited by Jason Carver to a party before.

Even when Steve used to throw parties, that was different. You knew Steve, had mutual friends with him. Jason was hardly an acquaintance.

"I don't know," You thought about it, weighing the pros and cons.

"Give it a chance," He smiled again. "Give me a chance. I can pick you up and everything."

You gave him a once over.

Jason wasn't a regular on your radar, but you did notice him. It was hard not to with his popularity and good-boy persona. And you didn't have any plans.

"Oh, what the hell," You nodded with a grin. His dashing expression was blinding. "I'll bring beer."

You should have known it was too good to be true.

Jason had his own agenda all along. You couldn't have known that it was a trap, that you were just another checkmark on his list.

You couldn't have known even when he picked you up in his truck the next day. He was a gentleman, complimenting your little black dress and bat earrings. You got all dolled up for Halloween. He even offered to help you bring your beer bottles to his truck.

For a fleeting moment, you were excited.

But as soon as you opened the truck door, his old basketball buddies jumped out. You were in too deep. You knew something was terribly wrong.

They dragged you into the backseat, covering your mouth and holding you down. The fight was laughable. There were four of them, covering your mouth with duct tape and surrounding you in the truck. They were terrible.

Your wrists and the crook of your elbows were taped. Above your knees and down by your ankles were taped. It was a little more than overkill.

And then, you were trapped between two of them in the backseat while Jason drove, one of his cronies messing with the music.

You couldn't fight off the roll of nausea in your stomach as one of them wafted something under your nose. Was it sage? Weed? It was disorienting, and you couldn't get away.

"Let's go catch us a monster, boys." Jason grinned, looking in the rearview mirror with wild eyes. "This is the year; I can feel it."

There was something deceptively charming in those eyes, something much darker than you thought Jason Carver could be capable of.

There was no Halloween party at Skull Rock.

You tried to fight against the hazy feeling in your head, even as Jason's silhouette in the front seat got blurry and you slumped against the backseat.

He was the monster.

The night was quiet when Jason and his goons finally dragged you out of the truck and into the woods. You had no clear sense of direction. You felt stoned, your legs swaying lightly as he carried you over his shoulder.

The terrain was rugged, and you could feel stray branches and pine needles hitting the back of your legs.

Your vision was blurry, even as they finally broke through the trees to a small clearing. The trees dispersed, and as you were turned around, Skull Rock was the least of your problems.

In front of Skull Rock, Jason and his friends had drawn a symbol on the floor around you. A pentagram, for fucks sake. It was surrounded by a ring of salt, and you looked at your captor like he was bat-shit insane.

“What’s the matter?” He cooed, crouching down in front of you. “We did this all for you. I said it’s gonna be a lot of fun.”

Two images of Carver swayed in front of your eyes, and you groaned out a complaint as he tugged you forward to the middle of the circle. Your knees dug into the cold ground, and you tightened your arms, trying to fight against him.

“Come on, don’t be like that.” He tormented, pulling a dark robe over his shoulders. “We can’t do it without you. There’s never been anyone in the god-forsaken town quite like you. No one is good enough. No one pure enough.”

Your stomach was in knots.

Around the outside of the circle, you could see the others lighting candles and setting down bowls of spices, crystals, and coins around the star tips of the pentagram. You thought your heart was going to beat outside of your chest.

“There’s just one more thing.” Jason tugged at your hands, and you looked at him pleadingly. “Don’t look so scared, babe. You are the prettiest sacrifice we’ve had.”

You hardly had time to notice the pocketknife he procured before it was too late. He was tugging your hands, laying them palms up into the air before slicing across your skin. Your eyes went wide in horror, and you went to scream but couldn't.

Your hands were shaking, your eyes blurry with the threat of tears.

The next thing you knew, Jason pushed down to the forest floor, straight in the middle of the circle. And as your bloodied palms touched the ground, the men began to chant.

There was a pit of anguish in your stomach.

The candles wavered, and as Jason and his goons chanted, you could have sworn that a thick fog filled the area.

You pushed yourself up to your knees. A wild wind blew through the clearing, and the smell of iron filled your lungs.

You were going to die there.

The chanting waned and wavered until the words were booming in your head. You could feel every unintelligible syllable in the crevices of your heart. It was a seizing, aching feeling. You felt like it would pull you in different directions until you realized the candles blazed with a burning hellfire. You could feel the heat against your skin.

Something was happening.

A figure slowly emerged out of the fog, sprouting from the ground in front of you. Tall and humanoid, you fought back the cry clawing up your throat. You couldn’t see anything except for the outline of two fiery eyes. It was clear to see they were angry. You needed to get out of there.

It was a man stepping out of the fog. The candlelight illuminated the shadows of his body. He was bare, save for several tattoos scattered across his skin, and his hair was a wild halo of dark locks that cascaded around his shoulders. As the figure came into view, you had to shake your head to ensure your eyes weren’t deceiving you.

He was captivating.

Glowing eyes and a rounded nose looked down at the circle, his expression void of pleasantries.

"Abaddon, mischief maker, we summon you to the land of the living,” Jason’s voice boomed across the circle.

Even behind the ridiculous cloak, you could sense Jason’s confidence wane.

He got what he wanted, didn’t he?

The man, that thing, you thought, tilted his head to the side with a scowl. You almost thought you saw sharp canines poking into his bottom lip.

“We summon you with the blood of the innocent. That's what we brought you.” Jason called out with a snicker. “Hell, she might even be a virgin.”

Your head snapped from the figure to the cloaks, bile souring your tongue. You resented them, all of them.

The figure stepped forward, the dark fog swirling around his feet.

"You will do our bidding," Jason spoke bravely now. "We've called upon you, and you will obey my wishes-" But Jason's words faded as the creature reached its full height.

"No."

The lone syllable made your hair stand on end. You looked up at the man, what you so desperately tried to make out as a man, but it was fruitless. His movements were too smooth, calculated like a predator.

The heated embers of his eyes were harrowing, annoyance dancing across his features. Two short horns were poking out from under the mess of curls.

The creature stalked forward in the circle, and Jason took a step back, but you couldn't move. You couldn't breathe.

"I was not summoned here for you. I don’t serve you."

His expression shifted as he towered over you. The beast of a man crouched down to your eye level. It took everything in you not to scream or lash out. But you were terrified.

He was deceptively handsome, and the shadows of his face were illuminated in the candlelight.

His eyes, blazing with hellfire, changed, just for a moment. If you blinked, you would have missed it, but you could have sworn those dark eyes were brown. That they were almost human. But it was gone in a flash. The weight of the situation you were in was harrowing.

"You're not supposed to be here."

The low rumble of his words was unexpected, and you looked up at him in shock. His words were gentle, his tone leveled.

His eyes narrowed, burning with something angry as he looked down at your palms. You were clutching them both to your chest. The dark cloth of your dress and exposed skin bloomed red.

You were trembling.

He reached out slowly, tugging your hands away from your body before looking at the slashes welling with blood. You were too frightened to move as his eyes swept back to yours.

"They hurt you."

With his other hand, s sharp claw cut the bindings on your arms and legs. It was like he was cutting through butter instead of layers of tape. You watched in amazement as he pulled the tape back from your lips. The shuddering breath you took didn’t deter him.

The man's focus returned to your bloody palms, cupping his hands under yours like a bowl. His hands were warm, his touch slowly dissolving the tension in your shoulders.

"They tricked me," You whispered blindly.

Your focus shifted, fixated on the feeling of his warm hands in yours. Hot, angry tears rolled down your cheeks. You watched as your blood bled between your fingers onto his and down to the ground. A low sound at the back of the creature’s throat pulled your eyes back to his.

It was frustrating. If you thought about it for a moment longer, you would have realized the sound of it was needy, longing even.

“What the hell is going on?” You heard Jason curse from outside the circle, making you wince.

The creature looked at you, his eyes narrowing.

"Oh, sweetheart," His voice was tender, apologetic. Clawed fingers trailed up and over the side of your face. His eyes danced across yours.

You could have sworn you were in a trance.

For a moment, the pentagram and the men outside the circle disappeared. You let all thoughts fade away, looking at the man in front of you. And you just looked at him, scanning the curve of his eyebrows down to the cupid's bow of his lips. He was so stunningly familiar. God, he was beautiful.

"Close your eyes." He instructed, and at your hesitance, he leaned in. His clawed hand cradled your chin, and you watched his eyes soften for the second time, umber pools staring back at you. He smelled of earth and iron. “I will not forsake you.”

His tone was your undoing.

With another long moment of looking at him, you followed his instructions and closed your eyes. He hummed in approval as you felt his touch fall away.

There was a sudden crack, like lightning, in the air. You could smell metal, the heat of it fanning your face. But you kept your eyes closed.

You were steadfast even when the sound of shocked screams and pleas came from Jason and his band of goons. And then there was a thunderous noise of thousands of wings flapping around. A low-clicking noise surrounded you. Bats were swarming the skies. The sounds of carnage tore at your senses. Your lip quivered before you could control yourself.

And all too soon, it was quiet.

Fear gripped your heart, and you were compelled to call out.

“Ad – Abm –” You started but stumbled. You didn’t remember his name. There was a gentle sound of footsteps crunching on leaves before you heard him come back to you.

“I’m right here,” His voice was darker but still controlled. “Don’t call me that name, angel.”

You opened your eyes at the endearment. What was staring back at you was almost human.

You were right. His eyes were brown with the slightest glow, and Jason was gone as you looked around the circle. They were all gone. And his attention was solely on you.

“Your blood,” He urged, pulling your attention back to your hands. “Sweetheart, we need to stop the bleeding.”

You nodded blindly. God, when did your hands start shaking?

He took your left hand and turned it over, dragging his thumb along the incision.

The wound closed before your eyes, leaving behind a raised, thin scar. You let out a breath of relief. Rivulets of your blood stained his hands, but he didn’t care.

The man hesitated when he dropped your hand and moved to the other. You looked up at him carefully.

“You called for me,” His words were heavy, and the air around you was charged with electricity. When you looked up at him, his face was set with the hint of a smile. "I've waited lifetimes for you."

Your heart was hammering in your chest.

You tried to stutter out an apology, that it was all a big mistake, but the shake of his head silenced you. His intentions were set.

"You bled for me," He raised his other hand and sliced into his own palm with a clawed index finger. "And I will bleed for you.”

Thick, dark ichor pooled against his skin. It wasn't natural. You closed your fist instinctively.  

"But, why?" You dared to ask. "Why would you do that?"

The look he gave you turned into a boyish grin.

"Because you called for me. I'm bound to you," His eyes were tormenting. "You didn't think I'd go away so easily, did you? If you don't like the sun, I'll make it rain for you. I'll fix all your broken things. I'll keep you nice and close. I'll keep you safe. Don't send me away, angel."

The lilt of his voice was hypnotic.

You weren't sure you could turn him away. You didn't know if you even wanted to. He saved you.

As you listened, your heart ached. You wanted that. You wanted to believe him.

"I'm already bound." He tried again, inching closer.

His plea was so soft, so tender. At the call of your name, your breath hitched, looking up at those big brown eyes. He was looking down at you expectantly.

"Take my hand. Don't make me beg."

He was down on his knees in front of you, his face shrouded in shadows and candlelight. He wasn't the monster you thought him to be.

"Who are you?" You asked in a whisper.

You pushed yourself up to your knees, meeting his eye level.

"Just call me Eddie, sweetheart." He grinned, holding his palm up to you. "Please, take my hand. And I'll explain everything."

You weren't sure if it was the compelling look in his eyes or the softness of his words, but how could you say no?

He saved you. Eddie saved you from the monsters in the woods.

You took his hand without looking away from his eyes, feeling the heat and strength in his hold. You swore you could feel the inky ichor as it mixed with your blood into the cut.

And the way Eddie's eyes lit up? It was like you had hung all the stars in the sky.

But it was too much. The heat in your veins was all-encompassing. You could feel the nerves in your body going haywire.

Eddie’s toothy grin was the last thing you saw before your eyes fluttered shut. He pulled you close before you could fall, sinking into his embrace.

There was a new excitement in his eyes. The candlelight flickered, more intense than it had ever been before.

He was already bound to you. But what he didn't tell you was that you were willingly binding yourself to him. Eddie wasn't worried; he'd have forever to find a way to tell you.

Back to Hellfire Haunts.

[narcoticwriter]

Me: (looks at leaks) Okay, new characters! Can't wait for their storylines . . .

Genshin Twitter: WHY ARE THEY WHITE-PASSING AND PALE AND STEREOTYPICAL AAAAAAAAAAAAA-

Me: (looks at my roots and being a historical nut) (cracks knuckles)

In what may be one of my most controversial posts yet, I attempt to explain and process what the hell is up with the Sumeru leaks.

I do not expect to not be clowned for this.

Folks, you kinda jumped the gun on this one. Seriously. I have a few points to make on this and it may not be liked, but as a history enthusiast and someone who loves to learn, I have to clarify some things.

If I do get some things wrong, feel free to correct me on them! That's kind of the point here. I'm always ready to learn some more.

1.) Sumeru is somewhat based on the Abbasid Empire.

If people bothered to look at the content we've received about Sumeru so far and actually pay attention, you will be able to tell that there are Indian, Persian, and South Asian elements to the region as well as Middle Eastern. This is shown in the little bits of information that you can find here.

And if one looks at the reaches of Islamic empires throughout history, it will show that at some point, these elements have mixed, matched, or have come into contact with each other during the Islamic Age.

The picture below represents the reach of the Islamic Empire during its initial run from 622-750 CE under the Umayyads along with the Islamic Golden Age under the Abbasids.

The regions that are shown here include Egypt, Persia, the Arabian Peninsula, Northern Africa, Central Asia, India, Turkey, Iberia, and Central Asia, but they do not do justice to the spread of their culture and Islam at the same time periods.

(Please note that while the empires did not reach these areas the places shown were heavily influenced by Islamic culture and religion, thus forth making them majority Muslim at the time.)

And as you can see, South Asia is right there.

Now look at these maps compared to a modern map of the same areas and tell me with a straight face that this region wasn't diverse enough to hold multiple cultures besides Egyptian and Arabic.

This would not only explain the different regions featured in Sumeru concerning the characters but also why they may or may not look different and dress as such. I'll go into the really gritty bits about the dress later.

2.) The Baghdad House of Wisdom definitively inspired the Dendro Archon's basis as the Archon of Wisdom and Sumeru Academia

This point speaks for itself, but just to be sure people get it, the Baghdad House of Wisdom was considered the height of knowledge and intellect for centuries during the Islamic Golden age.

As the crown jewel of the capital of the Abbasid Empire, every nation in the known world and their rivals wanted a piece of what was in that place! We got math, language, science, stories, art, music, and all sorts of stuff from them. In fact, we have them to thank for preserving a good chunk of human knowledge, even with its destruction in 1258 by the Mongols.

Now, wisdom is typically defined as the application of knowledge and intellect combined with practical experience, which Sumeru may or may not have a lack of at the moment if Lisa brings this point up once or twice with the state of Sumeru's intellectual elite. This may or may not be the hinting of inspiration from the Abbasid Empire's decline due to bureaucratic corruption, heavy taxes, social strife, civil war, and the impending Mongol invasion.

With this, it's no mistake that Sumeru Academia and the area surrounding it sounds a hell of a lot like that intellectual haven and that it may or may not serve as a tragic future plot point.

3.) Dori's design does take some checkmarks for orientalism, but for less reasons than you think.

Yeah, you guys need to look at this first. You need fresh eyes.

First of all, I'm going to tell you to completely banish Disney's Aladdin from your mind. It holds no bearing on what I'm about to say. None. It's a cheap copy. Don't even process it, because I'm going to bring up the real inspiration of One Thousand and One Nights.

Contrary to popular belief, the stories contained in One Thousand and One Nights is not based in just the Middle East. There's actually a lot of it based in Persia and Mesopotamia as well as in India, South Asia, and some of China.

If the time period of this is to be believed (the book itself was published around the same Islamic Golden Age I keep bringing up), the style of dress was vastly different from what people think, and speaking of their style of dress, I'd like to introduce you all to something called the shalwar kameez.

The shalwar kameez is popular in Central and South Asia (Pakistan, India, Afghanistan) and As you can see, the bagginess of the bottom is very accurate, and given the established fact of Sumeru's basis, this dress has some historical basis and concrete reasons for it to exist.

Now, let's talk about the lamp. There is real basis for this to be a thing, but I need to clarify some things first. This lamp is based on an oil lamp and to be fair, the basic design for it being made of metal and its look stay true to its purpose and sticks to the regions discussed here. Bronze oil lamps of this look were definitely around.

Now I will briefly touch on the djinn. Djinn are classified as beings of elemental energy and naturally inclined to pranks, harmful or playful as well as possessing an unholy amount of power and knowledge. Djinn in Islamic canon have been known possess people, produce offspring with them, and be described as a force of good or evil.

In the tales within the One Nights, however, they are typically trapped in small objects, typically a ring or a lamp. The rubbing of either of those things can summon them out. In the tale "The Fishermen and the Jinni", the jinni (djinn) is the one to grant the fishermen three wishes, while in the tale "Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp", Aladdin acquires a djinn in a ring and a more powerful one in an oil lamp.

So the djinn in the lamp at its basis is not stereotypical at all as the idea of having an all-powerful being trapped by something relatively insignificant to its existence is common enough.

However, the overarching cry of what I believe the rest of the design is based on is something that I can see wholeheartedly. The 'dancer girl' top does not mesh at all with the time period described in detail and does indeed give to the stereotypical orientalism. This video goes more into length on that here.

So yes, there is issue with the dress and inspiration behind it, but it was not the egregious crime it was made out to be.

4.) I am personally terrified that appearances have such large precedence over personality with people in this fanbase.

We haven't met them. We don't know them. We have no idea what they're really like at all. And yet, despite this fact, everyone loses their shit once they aren't what they envisioned them to be based on what they look like. Even if they are pale as hell, why does it matter so much? Do I wish that they could consider that? Sure! Will it cripple my enjoyment? No!

As someone quite dark-skinned myself who has suffered constant mischaracterization and bullying at the hands of literally everyone around me for acting certain ways while looking the way I do, I find it puzzling and concerning that people are so quick to write people off because of the color of their skin as the very same thing has happened to me.

As a result, this point has to be made as controversial as it has become:

Culture does not equal looks and there is no difference between discriminating against skin colors because the basis of it is the same.

Let that sink in for a second.

People really call themselves 'not racist' and 'educated' and then they pull this kind of heinous shit in public discourse and pretend that it's completely okay because they looked white.

And I guarantee you that if they were dark-skinned, people would still call it racist for being 'the stereotype'. I've seen it happen and it will likely happen again. You can't please anyone anymore.

----

So those are my thoughts on the leaks and everyone's reactions to them. Feel free to agree, disagree, or do something in between because I don't care anymore. I'm tired of skin color determining everything here. It exhausts me.

Take the L and go.

[ophelliate]

Casanova Takes

Now as a quick explanation as to why this is here instead of Foreverland, uh, here.

Looking back, this album is definitely gonna be the easiest to review out of the backtracking since I technically already wrote down some of my thoughts for the sake of analysis, and while that connotates to my downhill spiral in December, it's still manages to be an album I love despite the overconsumption.

I recall listening to this album back in the summer honestly, but it didn't really click to me until about November once I decided to truly look at the songs instead of listening to it as some background music. Now I consider it and a lot of TDC music as an addiction at the moment, so I guess it was worth it. I think the songs itself however are a little tricky to explain in summary.

1.) Something for the Weekend

I know this contradicts what I just said, but it's hard to judge this song without any bias behind it. This song was how I found TDC in the first place, and since then I've worked with it in many occasions, whether it be for my own characters and fiction, or what's even sillier, my original interpretation of the song. I'm not the best at analyzing any sort of writing, which is why for these reviews I rely on people's and the artist's views, but without it, I first thought this song was about class blindness. Considering TDC now, that wouldn't be surprising, but I'll say my confusion with "woodshed" I blame completely on watching pony.mov as a child. Aside from my personal relations though, yeah this song is a banger and I understand why it was the band's biggest hit.

2.) Becoming More Like Alfie

I have very mixed feelings about this song. On one hand, it's slaps so hard. The rock essence to it just makes me wanna go crazy, and once you know the context to the song/satirical criticism, it's pretty fucking funny. But the main con is the fact that if you don't get the Alfie reference or look it up, the lyrics are horribly dated if not just outright horrible. For the most part, I push it aside since I got the reference after a panicked google search but getting it is both pivotal and uncommon firsthand. So, I understand why there's discomfort around the song because how many casual-listeners would know the movie in the first place or look it up themselves (unless the movie was popular in 90s Europe)? Anyways the song's good, screw emo-parkers.

3.) Middle Class Heroes

I don't care much for this song sorry. The opener always turns me off, I'm way too impatient with it. Also in my eyes, the verses are fairly repetitive and not really engaging, chorus has a similar issue for me. The bridge and climax of the song is nice though, but everything else is very mid to the point that I forget about it. The lyrics are fine and I do find it amusing that a decent amount of it is in reference of Hamlet? I count it in the bin of "Neil Hannon is a weirdo bookworm" songs for that reason alone.

4.) In & Out of Paris & London

The percussion bothers me teehee. It's memorable but that's the most memorable thing about the song which I don't want. The song overall is okay but I don't really listen to it. Lyrically though I like it in that regard. Honestly I enjoy #horny songs by TDC which this album has aplenty, so this passes the checkmark with the lyrics. Also the fact that this was the song to reference Dickens makes it a little funnier to me.

5.) Charge

Hands down this is the funniest song in The Divine Comedy's discography. I'd say so far to the statement but it'd be incredibly difficult to compete with this at the top. I think a lot of my opinion on it helps with the fact that my first real listen to it was casually during the end of my government class. Simply imagine the shock, the embarrassment, the instinctive pain from trying not to burst out laughing or crying; this song is an experience. By concept alone, it kills me. The salsa-rock fusion-d beat makes it unbelievably catchy. The goddamn sexy 90s music parody in the middle makes me feel so unbelievably unhinged only for the final chorus to punch me in the face again. I hate this song and it makes me love it so goddamn much. Neil Hannon is a weirdo.

6.) Songs of Love

I think the people who like this song are just nostalgic because for me, it's heavily overrated. Thematically I don't think it fits all that well in the album and it reads to me as vanilla even with the comparison of teens as animals. Especially after Charge, this almost causes whiplash. Like yes, overall the song is very sweet but I just think it's okay if not a tad cheesy for my own taste. Though as I said earlier, the teenagers are goddamn animals narrative of the song does make the lyrics cheeky in those aspects.

7.) The Frog Princess

This song I have a little bit of bias over again because admittedly the lyrics match well for my OCs. This one exemplifies Hannon's storytelling skills quite well and simply makes for what I think is a funny story out of a breakup song. Musically I also think it fits well with modern indie audiences (I think– honestly this thought comes from the fact that I could see a Tally Hall cover of this) and I enjoy it in its timeless regard. Oh and can I mention that before writing this I actually watched two TDC liveshows on YouTube and I find it absolutely hilarious that Hannon apologizes in both instances of singing the song like "this was a while ago, we're fine now, I'm so sorry–" I love it.

8.) A Woman of the World

As much as the whistling reminds me of k-dramas, dear god this song is a banger. I have no idea what Breakfast at Tiffany's is actually about but Miss Golightly, I'm so jealous you have this song it's absolutely wonderful. The jazziness of the whole piece is so stylish yet sophisticated and the bridge's rise in key makes for its own thrills. Then there's the instrumental break which... it makes me want to kick in the air and go crazy during a grand broadway show. It's iconic. It's dazzling. It's a woman of the world. What could be better than that?

9.) Through a Long & Sleepless Night

I already knew this but I stand corrected. I like to consider this song as The Divine Comedy's Bohemian Rhapsody mainly for the dramatism but also for the impact it evokes for the album. I wrote 2263 words worth of annotated analysis, that's how obsessed I went over this song. The lyricism of this song evokes emotions that just ooze out of the vocal performance and instrumental only aids it in glorious execution. Oddly enough I feel like the song radiates like a perfect form of teen angst for me even though contextually, it's not about people like me at all. The song despite its subject matter manages to create a strong connection to its audience without even seemingly trying and it makes me go crazy. I want to scream the lyrics every time I hear it until my throat hurts, blast the climax at the max on the speakers where my head rings, and I would have a giant smile doing so. Although may I ask: I've seen reviews of the album and thoughts/comments on this song and– how is this song seen in a comedic angle? Like I can vaguely see it but I would just like an explanation on that perspective. But other than that, this song is its own beast of an icon and I genuinely wish I could find live recordings of it that aren't audio only.

10.) Theme from Casanova

I'm humored by the narration and somehow manages to blend nicely as an aftermath to the last song? I'm not entirely sure why myself since it reads as definite whiplash but honestly, I think it's simply such a harsh turn that it seems like a fever dream. I don't know how but it gives me Dreamworks vibes but in a good way. It's a daydream of a lovely vacation in Italy or nostalgia of a first love you had years ago. You're at the edge of something, the end of something and good memories are the only thing following behind you despite some trouble in the middle. I like it, and I hope to grow old and have it hummed at random as a result.

11.) The Dogs & The Horses

Lowkey this is a weird place to end the album in but I appreciate the epilogue. I'd joke around and say this is super emo, and I will but it charms me in its own passion. The chorus gives so much vigor as the trumpets riveting in the background. It might be a little too dramatic but its what drives the entire song forward. I admit I get emotional with the cheesiness to the point that I decided to be extra and play this at the very last minutes of 2021. There's just something to it that makes it all work and I believe its that hint of genuineness in delivery that makes me smile but almost want to cry at the very end of the last chorus,,, It also mentions a horse so I'm obligated to like it.

God I love this album–

Something funny I recall when I first went into a deep dive was actually finding a review on here discussing the album and– honestly it was hilarious to me because they absolutely despised this thing. I couldn't help but laugh at it because it was so aggressive; they wanted Neil Hannon to perish for an album that's literally called Casanova.

But aside from that review, I ended up looking at a decent amount of reviews whether it was published ages ago or not and all I could remember was being upset that they were all very summary-based instead of in-depth. It's honestly why I do my takes/reviews in this format because I wanted specifics on songs that were simply brushed off.

Also in the middle of writing this and watching live-shows, I came into the realization and questions: what the hell even is the demographic for The Divine Comedy anyways? Or really, what are the demographics of the music I listen to anyways? I never really put much thought into it because statistically I should be listening to like– Olivia Rodrigo or something but TDC is an anomaly to me because I can't instantly think of an answer. So, is it a general audience thing? Well probably not since a lot of the content is adult in nature? Is it a European thing to just say "adult"? I don't know, but as some teen in the states, I ended up connecting to this music a fair amount. I guess I should just appreciate it on that alone.

Otherwise and moving back into topic, yeah Casanova is amazing. It probably should be number one in my rankings but as you can see, for a majority of the songs I ended up talking about my own personal connections with it and how my relationships with it makes me adore it. You can say that it's a strong reason to put it higher but I think that makes me far too biased to make me look at it critically.

This is The Divine Comedy's big-break, and well it does deserve the title in my eyes, no matter how weird it is at first glance. And now for a follow-up? A Short Album About Love? Huh, uh, yeah you can tell by the rankings how I may feel about what's coming up next.

Three Best Songs of the Album:

1.) Through a Long & Sleepless Night

2.) A Woman of the World

3.) Something for the Weekend

Album Rankings Worst (affectionate) to Best (more affectionate):

7.) Regenration (2001)

6.) A Short Album About Love (1997)

5.) Bang Goes the Knighthood (2010)

4.) Fin de Siecle (1998)

3.) Absent Friends (2004)

2.) Casanova (1996)

1.) Victory for the Comic Muse (2006)

lmk if you have any of your own thoughts or want some more from me.

[alloveroliver]

Vincent x MC "Masterpiece."

Rating: Fluff to Smut 18+

A|N: This goes from “Aww.” to “:O” really fking fast. 

WC: 3,300+

Ikemen Vampire Fanfic

Without cars and crowds, the evening wind picked up nothing but serene sounds. Crickets gently chirped, and leafs quietly brushed one another. The branches rustled together, making an organic symphony that the wind carried up to the balcony you leaned on.

Vincent’s warm hands ran up and down your forearms, warming your chilled skin. From behind, he bent forward and nipped at the shell of your ear. 

“Is that better?” His silky hands moved faster, creating heated friction. 

“Mmm,” You relished in the sensation. “Much better.”

His gentle chuckle against your pulse made you wiggle into him. Vincent pressed his solid chest against your back and sighed. “Maybe if you were wearing more than just my shirt, you wouldn’t be so chilly.” 

“I just want to be out here for a moment. The fresh air is nice.” You pressed your lips together into a thin line and angled your face to him. “Don’t you agree?”

Crystal clear eyes, unintentionally smoldering, met yours. “If only I found fresh air as pleasurable as you do.” 

“You can’t be satiated, can you?” You cocked a brow. You grew closer and swept your lips over his warm temple. 

“Neither can you, my darling.” 

It was the truth; in fact, everyone in the mansion knew this fact at this point. Neither of you left the confines of Vincent's large room in over a day, barely leaving 48 hours prior to attending a special dinner hosted by Comte himself. It was ‘mandatory,’ according to Sebastian, who you understood to be trying to get you two to socialize once again with the house members. 

At dinner, Vincent couldn’t behave himself, and you too felt the shroud of lust still looming over your heads. The result of a new relationship with someone who you had extreme chemistry with. His fingers teased your inner thighs, and his lips met your neck and mouth many times before Isaac asked not-so-kindly to ‘get a room.’ Sebastian tisked, and Arthur winked as Vincent obliged, pulling you by the hand until you made it back to his room. 

“I don’t deny that.” Your thoughts were brought back to the present moment, to your handsome boyfriend clinging to you. Biting your lips, you cupped his cheek in your hand to angle his mouth to yours. He met you with fervent youthful energy. 

His fingers slid through your hair as he kissed you again and again. “I have a new idea. It’s something to help your muscles relax.”

“Is that so? What does this idea entail?” You hooked your arms around his neck and let the sparkling sky be the backdrop of your view. 

“I want to paint your body.” His nose brushed yours, making his golden hair tickle your warm skin. 

“That does sound amazing. Even if you are the reason for my sore muscles.” 

His chuckle was light and airy. Warm breath danced over your skin as he pulled you in for a sensual kiss.

Back in the bedroom, you pulled your hair up into a top-knot bun and slowly unbuttoned the oversized shirt you’d borrowed from your boyfriend. Vincent was always gracious enough to let you borrow his clothes during the time spent in his room. It was only lightly stained with streaks of blues and oranges, a painting shirt that engulfed you in his soothing scent. 

“Slower.” He tilted his head down from where he sat on the floor. His eyes darkened, and his bangs cast a shadow over his features. “Undress slower for me.” 

You halted at the button below your breasts, twining the button flirtatiously before removing it from the slit. It was a powerful feeling, knowing how deeply you were affecting him. However, moving at such a sluggish pace made him wildly impatient. His chest heaved, watching your body become bared for him.

The extra sheet on the bed wrinkled when you lay across it. The white cotton licked at your glowing skin, helping to soothe your bashful state. Entirely bare, you were prepped to become his new canvas — a blank slate for him to work into a unique piece. Vincent watched you from the corner of his eye, unrolling his leather paintbrush holster. 

He found a medium-sized brush, larger than the ones he was used to using on a flat canvas. He chose a one and a half-inch wide soft bristle paintbrush, with a long solid handle. He examined the piece, smoothing the bristles down with his fingers before deciding on it. 

“Do you want me on my stomach, or…?” You spoke quietly, watching the night air pour into the bedroom window and rustling the light curtains. 

Vincent shone a bright smile, “Your back would be a great place to start. Laying on your stomach would be ideal, for now.” His lulling voice helped your hands unclench the fabric. 

Letting out a long breath, you relaxed against the bed and turned your head to watch him. Vincent sat shirtless on the floor, surrounded by small containers, usually filled with colors. His pants where baggy, riding dangerously low on his hips. He leaned forward, dipping the massive paintbrush into a jar and swirling it around. 

“The mixtures are ready.” He chimed, standing to his feet in one fail swoop. 

Vincent moved the jars closer to the bed and sat them on the floor. You kept an eye on him as long as you could, until he made his way onto the bed behind you. The springs creaked with his weight as he moved to the side of your waist. 

“It smells nicer than your other paint’s scents.” You took in a deep breath and moved your eyes to focus on the flickering candle atop the nightstand. “Is that a new candle?” 

“It is a new candle, but that’s not what you’re smelling.” Vincent flicked the dry brush bristles over your back. Around your spine, the gentle touch of the bristles made you wiggle and jerk. With your hair in a loose messy bun, some strands wiggled free. But, your hair bun wasn’t to be presentable, it was to keep your locks from being covered in colors. 

He was hidden from view, making your eyes begin to wander around the bedroom instead. You tried to focus on the drying canvas that lay flat against the far wall, but it was too far away to make out. The room was filled with hints of you. Smaller shoes sat by the door next to his larger ones, and his bookshelf was littered with small gifts you’d given each other over time. 

Your eyes kept scanning the neutral hues until you landed on some pictures of the two of you together, highlighting the previously bare walls. It was home, a place for your heart to feel full and safe. His arms were also home, his scent was paradise, and his voice was your haven. 

“You’ve been very tense lately.” He began in a low tone. The mood of the room was spa-like as candles flickered, and ambient romantic music played on the radio.

“Hmm,” You adjusted your arms up above you on the sheets. “I’ve been told I carry my stress in my shoulders.”

His fingers tranced your shoulder blades, and he hummed. “Whoever told you that seems to have been right.” 

Vincent leaned over your body and dipped his broad brush into the pot. You prepared yourself for a quiet evening once he began. Your boyfriend had unparalleled focus; only a few people on this planet could ever master. Once he began in on a task, that was the only thing on his mind for miles. 

The first touch of the paintbrush to your spine made your eyes roll back. The liquid was warm to the touch and seemed to penetrate all the way down to your bones. Unlike his other attempts, the extra paint seemed to drip down the dips of your back. 

“Wow, what is that?” You inquired, wondering why he would let the paint drip in such a fashion. “What technique are you using?”

“Well,” He started off, voice soft and low. He dipped the brush again and began to run it along your waistline. “It’s not paint.” 

A moment passed while you wracked your brain to figure out just what he was doing. His lack of super-focus made you question whether he was actually creating something.  

“If it’s not paint, then what is it?” 

Vincent bent down and kissed your shoulder. “Close your eyes,” he whispered. “Take in your surroundings and tell me what you sense.”  

A long brush stroke ran from the bottom of your neck down to the roundness of your backside. Vincent continued the stroke until the brush ran down your calf to your ankle. Closing your eyes like he asked, you took in what information you could. 

The warm sensation radiating from the liquid was definitely strange. It felt amazing, like a small massage everywhere it covered. Taking in a deep breath, a wave of a scent you hadn't noticed washed over you. 

“Lavender?” You whispered. 

“Mhm,” He coaxed. “Yes, and what else?” 

The image of a garden flickered in your mind. “I smell roses.” You giggled when he flicked a checkmark on your back. 

“Correct! Lavender and rose oil mixed in with body oil.” He let the access oil drip along the back of your thighs before rubbing it in with the brush. “These fragrances promote restfulness and relaxation.”

Vincent dipped the brush into the third container and ran it along your neck. The warmth engulfed you, letting your heavy lids close at once. 

“Mmm…” You hummed, relaxing your shoulders as he ran the bristles over them. 

“What do you smell now?” He asked quietly. 

Memories of summer and a crisp relief from the heat floated in your mind. This scent laced with another fruity one that tickled your nose. 

“I feel like I can almost taste the fruit.” You melted further into the bed. 

“Yes.” He praised. “Apple fragrance helps curb anxiety, and the ylang-ylang gives you a sense of peace, relieves tension, and promotes a good night's sleep.” 

Your mind wandered the longer he painted the warm oils on your skin. A thought popped into your head, and you spoke it without much contemplation. 

“Isn’t ylang ylang known for being an aphrodisiac?” Your voice was quieter than the gentle music playing on the radio. 

He was silent for a long moment, swiping the brush in circular motions over your hips. 

“I don’t know,” He leaned in toward the back of your head. “Is it working?” Vincent’s whisper was as soft as silk. Your breath caught, and he chuckled. “I’m teasing, of course.” He snickered and went back to his task. 

Your body grew tenser the longer he brushed along your skin, contrary to what he was trying to accomplish. The thought of a more intimate touch set your heart on a race. The sensuality of the moment came crashing down, and you realized just how hot your body had become. Your skin became silted in a pink hue, either due to the heat of the oil or the internal inferno in your core.

“Vincent?” Your small voice muffled in the sheets. 

“Yes? Would you like more attention to a certain area?” He stated, concerned that he could be doing a much better job. “I’m sorry, this is my first time doing something like this.”

“No, no.” You shook your head and pressed your face into the bedding. “I was just… I wanted to tell you that I want more.” 

Your heart pounded in your ears. After a long pause, you turned your head to peek a look at him. If you hadn’t spoken up, you might have let the evening go by without letting him know just how much he affected you. 

His cheeks dusted in a peach color while he dipped the brush into a pot. The oil dripped over your thighs, and he ran the brush along the inner portion. 

“Like this?” The bristles teased the inner seam of your leg that met your torso. 

“Y-yes.” Your thighs relaxed open, and he took the liberty to explore more of you. 

After a long pause, he cleared his throat. “Your body is so gorgeous.” He whispered. “How you come alive for me is incredible.” 

The bristles ran along your outer lips, and you pressed your face hard into the bed. You could feel your core grow slick from the increasingly intimate touch alone. 

He took his time, making sure to run the brush along every inch of your center. The more he moved the tool, the more defined you could feel the bristles. He ran it between your slit in three-second intervals, moving up and up away from your bundle of nerves. 

“The longer I stroke you, the puffier your pussy gets. Do you like being teased?” His weighted words hung in the air as you held your breath.

“Uh, huh…” You agreed, grasping bedding and pulling it to your chest.

The brush moved down until he swiped it around, yet out of the way, of the spot you wanted it to touch the most. Scented oils mixed with your own lubricant while he purposefully missed the apex of your sex. 

“I’ll keep that in mind.” He taunted. 

Vincent’s touch made you jump. The sensation of his cold fingers was alien when you were so used to his paintbrush all this time. His fingertips slid along the curve of your ass down between your thighs. 

Your cheeks burned when you realized just what kind of view your boyfriend must be having right now. He sat back between your ankles while your legs were parted. He evidently had a fantastic display of your most intimate places. 

His fingers moved along your folds until they surrounded your summit. He didn't touch the nub but instead used his fingers to spread the hood back and expose the entirety of your clit. 

Whimpering, your legs jerked, wishing to close with embarrassment — what an excellent view he truly had that he could know precisely where to touch. 

“Why are you acting ashamed?” He wondered, moving the brush closer and closer to the exposed nub. “It’s just the two of us. You can relax with me.” Vincent urged. 

It was hard to relax while your heart galloped in your chest. You forced your legs to relax and open a fraction of an inch wider in good faith. 

The bristles, soaked in warm oils, finally met your swollen clit. The gasp you made caused Vincent to pause for a long moment. His ears perked up while his eyes watched your body language. He wondered if he’d hurt you at first but slowly realized the sensitivity you must be dealing with. 

He had teased you long enough that you felt your muscles tense with minimal effort. He swiped the brush over the exposed clit again. The moan you heard rip from your throat sounded foreign even to your own ears. You didn’t know you could sound so lewd in such a simple mewl. 

Pulling his fingers wider, he circled your clit with the brush until your hips bucked into the bed. You wanted to cry. It felt so good. Waves after wave radiated from that spot and washed over your entire being. 

The moans wouldn’t stop. They managed to grow louder and louder as he sped up. Vincent’s breathing was ragged the longer he played with your clit. 

“I-I want you. Can I have you?” He asked, moving the brush so quickly stars began to cloud your vision.

“You don’t have to ask.” You puffed out. The back of your neck began to break out into a sweat while your legs tensed and toes curled. “But let me... ah, just- I’m so close.” 

The bristles brought about a magical feeling against your sensitive skin. With every rotation, your muscles grew more and more taut. It was as if heated water bubbled to the top of the pot before it suddenly spewed over the edge. 

Your body pulsed over and over again, releasing and tensing your core muscles. The sensation of heat washed over you while your body climaxed with force. The last few pulses allowed you to catch your breath from the intense release. 

Vincent tossed the brush to the ground. His hand slipped under your stomach, and he pulled up your hips. His low hanging pants were pushed down over his hips, and his body aligned with yours. 

“I want you so bad, I- I need you.” He kissed along your spine toward your shoulder blade. 

Vincent's teeth scraped the nape of your neck before his lips tantalized your earlobe. Tingles arose on your arm with his immodest touch. 

He held your back to his chest while he slowly pushed his length past your folds. He moved slowly, allowing your hole to stretch in kind with his girth. Pieces of your hair began to fall out of your messy bun and frame your heated face. 

“Ah, Vincent.” Your hand came up, and you buried your fingers in his hair. 

The sense of touch and closeness you felt brought springs of love to life in your chest. You loved him, thoroughly and without any doubts. You knew he was the one, the man you wanted to spend the rest of your life with. With how much care he took of you and your body, you knew he felt the same. 

Vincent set a slow and shallow pace, making sure to lavish your neck with hundreds of tiny passionate kisses. 

“I love you,” He whispered, warm breath wafting over clammy skin. 

“I love you too. I love you so much.” Your hair fully came undone, unraveling with a spiral like a ribbon. Strands stuck to your forehead and neck, but you didn’t have a moment to mind. 

“I want to bite you, May I?” Rhythmic thrusting was evident in his tone. Vincent kissed his favorite spot below your ear.

“You don’t have to ask…” You used your fingers that were twined in his hair to push his lips harder onto your neck. 

He obliged, sucking lightly to inflame the area before ultimately sinking his teeth into the skin. It was like grabbing the hot end of a curling iron for a split second before the heat felt like that of the orgasm you'd just had. Pleasure raced to every inch of your body until you were entirely under his spell. 

With the combined rocking motion of his hips against your backside and his teeth piercing your neck, you quickly climaxed once more. Vincent moaned and drew your blood in harder with each pulse your tight walls made around his cock. 

You rocked your hips back into him with every thrust he made, egging him on. “You’re going to make me cum.” He moaned, finding a new spot to bite.

Vincent moved faster, filling the room with a mix of wet sounds and heavy panting. He raced to find his own release while indulging in your life force.

The outside world beyond the balcony lived on like normal. Branches rustled against the winds force while leaves broke off and chased the air. Cool weather wafted into the room, bustling up the curtains and smoothing over your heated skin. 

Gentle music on the radio lulled into a new song while Vincent gently held you close in his strong arms. The scent of lavender and sweat permeated the bedroom, leaving both parties coated in a slick sheen. 

.

.

.

When he said, “Let me paint you.” I took it a bit too literally.

Vincent saying “I’m teasing of course.” Took me 900 years not to write “...unless?” asldkfjlsd

Thank you for reading!

Masterlist is at the top of my blog~

[puppypaw-wc]

okay it’s time for some rhythm ranting (i came up with that and i am so fucking proud of myself for it)-

so rhythm heaven megamix is the fourth rhythm heaven game, preceded by three other games (as you may guess): rhythm tengoku for the gameboy advance, released in 2006 in japan only, rhythm heaven for the ds, released in 2009, and rhythm heaven fever, released for the wii in 2011/2012 and for the wii u in 2016. as megamix’s name implies (esp it’s japanese/korean name, rhythm tengoku (in japan)/rhythm world (in korea) the best+), it’s a mix of lots of rhythm games from past games. not all of them, though, because the developers wanted to spite us by not putting bon odori in. /j oh and like people like dj school and shit and it’s not in it. people modded dj school in though, no i am not kidding, people literally modded in a full game and i don’t know how. i mean donk-donk and tambourine have also been modded in somewhat for remixes but anyways back to my point-

the rest of this’ll be under the cut tho-

so one of my main problems with megamix is some of the game choices. rhythm tengoku only had 25 unique, non-sequel rhythm games. out of those, nine were excluded. that’s almost half. for perspective, though, three of those games are bon odori, rap men, and toss boys, which basically need audio cues to be played. bon odori relies on it’s song, where you clap whenever they say “pan” and clap twice quickly when they say “panpa”, rap men relies on its audio and you do something different depending on three different kinds of cues, and for toss boys you need audio cues to know who it’s being tossed to. and logically, they’d likely want to translate the games, so given that they seemingly didn’t get that big of a budget for dubbing, they weren’t included... but quiz show was. what’s the problem with quiz show, you may ask? well rhythm heaven as a game is a rhythm game. quiz show literally doesn’t require rhythm. basically the host will press the button a certain number of times and in order to pass the game you just need to press it the same amount of times. that’s literally it. in megamix you get the game’s skill star if you press it to the same rhythm, but it’s still not required. it’s also dumb because you literally have to play it perfectly in order to pass it. all you need for a perfect is to press the button(s) the same amount of times. if you press a button the wrong number of times, the game ends once the number you were supposed to hit it is revealed. quiz show is literally pointless. the only times it’s used well are in remixes in tengoku. in remix 6, at least in silver, it uses the previously played game, the clappy trio, as a hint, with the host asking, “how many members are in the clappy trio?”, before hitting the buttons three times. in remix 4, the rhythm for both the quiz segments goes with the music. i mean on the last one he can add an extra press and it’s fucking bullshit but whatever. i’m not mad. but my point is that in megamix, they added a game that doesn’t require rhythm as opposed to a multitude of actually liked games from tengoku. there’s non-included games that don’t require audio cues, i should add. showtime, polyrhythm, tram and pauline, wizard’s waltz, and for fuck’s sake, thinking about it, the games that likely weren’t added because of audio cues wouldn’t HAVE to be dubbed. just do what the tengoku fan translation did and translate the on-screen subtitles but leave the audio in japanese. please just give us bon odori stop holding them hostage-

i talk about tengoku but i’m pretty sure rhds is the game with the most non-included minigames. ds was played sideways, almost purely using the touch screen with the exception of rockers 2 in the last set of games. it had a unique control scheme, with three types of controls: tapping, where you just tap the screen with the stylus or your finger; flicking, where you flick your stylus or finger like you’re making the end of a checkmark, according to “the secret of flicking” reading material thingie you can read when you unlock the cafe; and sliding, where you just. slide your finger. megamix only has tapping, and even then that’s only when you’re using simple tap mode and i don’t want to imagine how that handles games that use the b-button. as i mentioned, tengoku had almost half of its games missing. ds has twenty-five rhythm games if you include the credits game airboarder. ten of those weren’t included. that may not seem like a lot, but ds is most peoples’ favorite rhythm heaven game, and two of the most loved games in the fandom, dj school and love lab, are from rhds, and neither was included in megamix.

fever has the least cut games over all, with only five of its original rhythm games being cut. fever had twenty-nine original rhythm games, with one more (rhythm test) also appearing in its remix 10. the ones that didn’t make it in are tambourine, donk-donk, tap troupe, shrimp shuffle, and night walk. night walk’s exclusion was probably since gba night walk made it in and they didn’t know how to name them differently, bUT YOU DID IT WITH THE KARATE MAN GAMES??? DID WE REALLY NEED ALL OF THE KARATE MAN GAMES, A PREQUEL, AND A NEW GAME? THAT’S FIVE DIFFERENT KARATE MAN GAMES IN MEGAMIX. THAT’S TOO MANY TIMES TO PLAY THE SAME GAME. granted only three of those times are required to beat the game (prequel karate man, gba karate man/karate man returns!, and karate man senior), but my point still stands, they gave us literally every karate man game but not night walk or something. it’s especially dumb to me because they gave figure fighter both a prequel and its sequel because they looove figure fighter... instead of including shrimp shuffle, which really desperately needs to be included, please let me know what a frame-perfect input looks like so i don’t keep getting barelys that look fine because like all my inputs are barelys but they still break the perfect-

,,, onto another thing before i break something or kill someone.

so the dubbing for megamix is a little odd. as i said, the game likely didn’t have that big of a budget for dubbing, especially when compared to other games in the series. the prologues for games use the same three or four generic fonts despite the japanese version using the original fonts, the returning games that have lyrical songs just use the original version of the song with the exception of fan club 2, the two lyrical remixes weren’t dubbed (komeki no story, lush remix’s song, is simply instrumental with english audio, while in the japanese version it has lyrics. i’m a lady now, honeybee remix’s song, is in english regardless of audio), and lastly,,, the dubbing for the returning tengoku games where there’s vocals.

so in space dance, the whole game uses audio cues. there’s three of them in total: “turn right”, where you press the right d-pad button on “right”. note that when they say it it does not sound like they are saying turn right. at all. i’m not sure why, it’s not just the gba’s bad sound quality because well. bon odori exists. and also because it’s the same in megamix when you use the japanese audio. my immediate thought is accents but i don’t know if japanese accents are a thing. might just be because of the fact that japanese people tend to pronounce r’s as l’s? not sure though. “let’s sit down”, where you press the down d-pad button on “down”. it also doesn’t sound like they’re saying “let’s sit down”. and lastly, “pu-pu-pu-punch”, where you press the a-button on “punch”. in order to punch. because that’s a dance move. like seriously, space dance is fun but how is this a dance? um anyways, in the english version of megamix they changed it so it’s more clear what’s being said but the dubbing’s not the best. firstly, they changed “turn right” to “and pose” even though that is definitely not posing. it’s weird since. that’s the only one that was changed. i don’t know how to describe what they did to space dance and most of y’all probably don’t play rhythm heaven so you don’t understand, so here’s a perfect gameplay of space dance with japanese audio (it took time to find), and here’s one with english audio. ,,, okay so the english one’s of cosmic dance because i. forgot what exactly i was doing. and got distracted looking through the comments. so now i know that they still reused space gramps’ voice for cosmic girl in cosmic dance. which like. wut? you redubbed it but you. you still reused. you still reused space gramps’ voice for her? megamix dubbers are you okay? i’m kind of concerned.

the other game that has audio is purely japanese audio. marcher/marching orders. it’s a keep the beat game where you play as a squadmate following the sarge’s orders. the rhythm heaven wiki’s description for it is basically what i said but they’re better at describing things then me so.

“In this game, a rookie is undergoing marching training with her squadmates while following their Sarge's orders. The player controls the rookie at the end of the line. There are four commands that the Sarge will yell.

"Attention, March!"

"Attention, Halt!"

"Left-face, Turn!"

"Right-face, Turn!"

The player must perform these with proper timing along with the other squadmates. Just before the game ends, the squadmates will be moved offscreen, still marching as the game ends.”

in the japanese version, the commands he says are obviously different, though i. do not know what he is saying. so have my attempts at romanizing it.

“gento susume!” = “attention, march!”

“gento commoback!” = “attention, halt!”

“meski meek!” = one of them? i don’t really know which and it feels inconsistent, at least in marcher 2. i think it’s right-face turn but i’m not one hundred percent sure.

“meski peek!” = the other one. so i think left-face turn.

,,, yeah i don’t know japanese, sorry if this (as in literally any of this) is offensive to anyone that does. i’m just trying my best. the wiki doesn’t say what he says in the japanese version. unlike for other games.

now in the japanese version, the sarge has a somewhat deep voice. but in the english version... he doesn’t.

um here’s a perfect in tengoku and here’s one in megamix that i think has english audio since. it says it’s the english version in the description. but i’m not listening to it.

u h my last nitpick with megamix is the prequels. so prior to lush remix, almost all the games played are prequels, easier and shorter versions of the actual games. after lush remix is completed and the towers of lush woods are unlocked (i’m just taking this from the wiki, wtf is lush woods), all the games from then on are the original versions, with “2″ or something else stuck onto them for the games that had prequels. this makes it irritating to find certain games on the wiki because it’s just like “no i don’t want normal wii micro-row i want wii micro-row 2 rhythm heaven wiki please” or whatever. also the picks for games that have prequels are all over the place, and some of the prequels’ music doesn’t seem to fit and makes it feel like all the patterns in the prequels for games like rhythm tweezers and clappy trio are the exact same. is it the exact same? because if so then that’s cool (i suck at rhythm tweezers and clappy trio-) but also very boring. i get that they wanted to start people with something easy but some of the games that have prequels were already easy. karate man (gba) is literally the first game in tengoku but it still has a prequel. rhythm tweezers is the second game but it has a prequel. clappy trio’s the fifth and it has a prequel (granted it is kind of hard). fillbots is the third in ds and it has a prequel. air rally is relatively early on in fever. you get my point. and the weird thing is that in some cases at least, games that have prequels which remove stuff from the actual games don’t have practices for things in the actual version. for example, air rally’s prequel doesn’t have forthington (the cat) changing distances, except for the last one which he apparently always catches, but wii air rally obviously does. granted, the rhythm’s the exact same when he’s far away (for some reason? i don’t think that’s how it should work-),  but it should still have practice. oh and in air rally they just completely removed the clouds that semi-block the visuals later in the game. yeah i don’t know either. that seems to be the only instance of that occurance, though.

another prequel nitpick: so i love rhythm rally. like it is the best game in ds imho. it’s fun, it’s not that hard (it is kind of hard but i still have fun), though i do play on emulator, god knows how hard it is when you’re like me and don’t know how to consistently flick dear god send help- but u m in megamix rhythm rally has a prequel. which may not seem bad or anything until you learn something. megamix rhythm rally is the shortest game in the series. showtime from tengoku is seven seconds longer while munchy monk from ds is twelve seconds longer. rhythm rally’s prequel is thirty seconds long. thirty seconds. t h i r t y s e c o n d s . d,,, don’t paddlers literally have to play ping-pong to not get like. really sick? i don’t think thirty seconds is a long enough ping-pong game to avoid that- y’all’s planet is literally named ping-pong but you only play for thirty seconds. on top of a flower. okay wtf is with the scenery on this planet, it has a resident rhythm heaven void that we should be concerned about why are there so many voids, s p a c e i t s e l f , a giant flower, and a giant cake. two concerning things and two things that are weird but not concerning. seriously though why are there so many voids in the rhythm heaven world? someone should look into this, i’m concerned.

u h anyways that’s all. have a good day.