#customized karaoke tracks

[flowerandblood]

The Last Drop (2/?)

[ modern • vampire • Aemond x female ]

[ warnings: kissing, description of blood drinking and bleeding in general, sexual tension, angst, toxic relationship with Alys ]

[ description: Encouraged by the information that the town he has landed in is not known for having the most vigilant police in the world, he decides to go on a little hunting trip to finally quench his burning thirst. However, not everything goes according to plan. (A lot of sexual tension, grumpy, gloomy Aemond). ]

* English is not my first language. Please, do not repost. Enjoy! *

Next chapters: Masterlist

_____

He was only supposed to stay in this town for three days, eat to his heart's content and return by train to one of his flats a few hours away.

Or at least that was his plan.

He didn't know why he was standing outside a nerdy club where, from what he understood, game and board enthusiasts ate popcorn and nachos while sipping drinks.

Admittedly, he worked on a laptop and using a computer made his life a lot easier: he didn't have to show up at the company as he did his tasks remotely, but he was still far from a fan of modern technology.

He felt that it was killing something, although he wasn't sure what.

She told him that she worked there and that he should come visit her on her shift. She said something about drinks with an extra element, which surely was blood, that she wanted to prepare especially for him.

He was unable to grasp neither the full absurdity of the situation nor why he was just standing outside the entrance like an idiot, instead of returning to his quiet, well-ordered life.

To Alys.

He sighed, glancing down at his phone, seeing that she had sent him another two new messages, several missed calls showed that she was starting to get impatient.

He swallowed hard reading the last message, recognising that he didn't feel like letting Alys play with her at all.

He wrote back and tucked the phone into his pocket, running down the stairs to the premises which were twinkling with lots of coloured lights and neon.

As he stepped inside, he immediately heard 80s electronic music – the Depeche Mode track I just can't get enough was pounding from the speakers around him. The club's clientele was mostly very young, dancing in front of large monitors following the instructions of some character, singing karaoke, playing at a PlayStation or bent over large boards, planning the entire game.

"Hi!" He heard a cheerful voice from behind the bar – when he looked there, he saw her and her wide smile, her hair pinned up in a ponytail on top of her head.

He didn't understand why her eyes sparkled with joy at the sight of him, and why he felt a pleasant warmth at the thought.

Was he so desperate to be noticed and needed?

He thought he was pathetic, but still his feet carried him further to the counter behind which she stood.

"I'm so glad you're here. Would you like to try the drink I mentioned yesterday?" She asked immediately, while her shift mate started to serve another customer.

He just nodded, for some reason embarrassed and overwhelmed, sitting down on one of the high chairs just off the bar.

He saw that she had gone to the back room and then returned with a bottle in which he was sure there was blood.

He looked around anxiously, but no one took any notice.

"I'm going to make a drink for my friend with rum, ice, cherry and apricot juice." She said aloud, pouring something that was certainly not cherry juice along with the other ingredients into a shaker.

He couldn't hide his surprise at the fact that he didn't see any sign of discomfort or fear on her face that someone would discover what she was doing – on the contrary, she seemed delighted to share her next treat with him again.

Although he didn't admit it out loud, fuck, her blood jellies were so good.

She poured the contents of the container into a nice tall glass and put a cardboard straw in it, placing the whole thing right in front of his face.

"I hope you will like it." She said lightly, immediately moving on to attend to the customer behind him.

He reached for the glass, raised it to his lips and hesitantly took a sip from it. He had to bite his lower lip to hold back a smirk of amusement.

It was delicious.

For some reason, being with her made him feel like a human again and maybe that's why he came back.

Maybe that's why he couldn't leave.

"What do you think?" She asked aloud, preparing an order for a second customer, already with completely normal ingredients.

"Very good." He admitted, throwing her a drawn-out, satisfied look.

For some reason, he was smiling.

Her shift ended an hour later so, as per her request, he waited for her at the exit. As she came out of the back room, one of the guys, similar in age to her at least in appearance, clearly drunk, approached her.

"– hi – shit, I know I'm drunk and – you know – but – fuck, will you give me your number? – sorry if I'm imposing –" He mumbled, clearly stressed and filled with emotion.

He saw that this confession had impressed her and did not make her uncomfortable, however, he knew she would refuse.

She, unlike him, was not playing with her food.

"Forgive me, but I already have someone." She said and looked up at him, surprising him completely.

He snorted, shaking his head in disbelief.

"– oh – I'm so sorry – I thought –" The boy began to babble, clearly embarrassed, wanting for sure now to erase from her memory what he had said and just disappear.

"– it's okay – you're really sweet –" She assured him warmly and walked past him, throwing him a horrified, apologetic look.

"You already have someone?" He sneered, walking up the stairs at her side, stepping out into the fresh night air at last.

"Sorry, I didn't know what to answer. Don't be mad. Otherwise he'd be getting his hopes up." She said with sincere concern, grabbing his coat sleeve, clearly wanting him to accept her explanation and look at her.

"Nevermind." He said, not knowing what he was doing here.

I should go home, he thought.

"If you want, you can rest in my apartment." He heard her voice and swallowed loudly, thinking that he shouldn't.

He shouldn't, but he ended up lying in her bed anyway, with his fangs sunk into her fragrant neck, snuggled into her soft flesh. Her fluffy pyjamas, consisting of trousers and a shirt buttoned up the front, smelled of some pleasant, delicate washing powder.

He had to undo a few buttons to reach the hollow of her neck, or at least that's how he explained it to himself – his hand, as he drank her blood in slow, lazy sips, brushed her plump breast under the material, founding itself there completely by accident.

Every time his thumb, also by accident of course, rubbed her hard nipple, something on the edge of a sigh and a moan left her lips: her body tensed like a string, vulnerable and responsive to his every move.

It occurred to him that what he was doing, as well as the reactions of her own body, were a surprise to her – she was certainly not as experienced in these matters as he was, if at all.

That thought aroused him even more.

When he finally pulled away from her, he wanted to take his hand from under her shirt, but her fingers stopped him, pressing it back against her skin. He sighed as she turned with him, when, trailing her knuckles along his long jaw, this time it was her moist lips that reached his neck.

He licked his mouth and flinched, feeling the dull pain and sting as her fangs dug slowly into his flesh. He closed his eyes, focusing on the softness of her breast under his hand, kneading it gently in his palm, feeling the wonderful, intimate scent of their blood all around them.

Sip after sip she quenched her thirst, cuddling up to him like a small child – he couldn't help the pleasant shiver that ran through his lungs as she threw her leg over his hip, pressing her body against his.

When she finally pulled away from his neck, she laid her head on the pillow right next to his – their lips, chins and cheeks were all sticky with blood. When she leaned towards him, they simply kissed: he grunted with delight, feeling their mingled taste melt on his tongue, and pressed her tighter to himself, clasping his free hand in her hair.

It doesn't mean anything, he repeated to himself, forcing his tongue deep into her throat, rolling with his hips back and forth, rubbing his swollen erection against her lower abdomen.

He was simply tired and she was a break from the monotony of his life.

He would get bored with her quickly, as he did with all the women before her.

He opened his eyes as she pressed her forehead against his, listening to their loud, raspy breaths. He gasped as her fingers ran down his cheek, as the tips of their tongues brushed invitingly, clicking with each lazy lick, sending a delicious, hot shiver down his spine.

It was one of the most perverse sensations he had ever experienced in his life.

He was unable to contain the pleasant, warm feeling that spread through his heart as she combed her fingers through his short hair – to his displeasure, she broke the caress and kissed the tip of his nose.

He was fully hard, but he had no intention of taking more from her than she was willing to give him.

"Why did you come?" She asked in a whisper, stroking his cheek with her thumb.

He simply looked at her for a moment, wondering what he should answer.

Why he had actually done it again.

"I don't know." He replied finally. "I don't know the answer to that question."

His words did not discourage or sadden her, as she smiled with understanding.

"I see. Rest now. I will too." She said softly.

They both lay on their stomachs, embracing each other with their arms around each other's waists – their foreheads still touched as they both closed their eyes.

For some reason, he wanted to feel her close.

They weren't friends, just some strange kind of lovers, he realized with pain, but he felt a strange discomfort at the thought, indicating that he himself wasn't sure he believed what he was trying to tell himself.

What had he really come for?

What was he expecting?

Was he simply curious about how her drink tasted?

How their night would turn out?

Would he drink her blood again?

Will they have sex?

Will they fall asleep next to each other?

He closed his eyes, recognising that it didn't matter.

For the first time in many years he had fully quenched his hunger.

The thought that this was surely the last night he would spend with her filled him with a strange kind of sadness and regret – he held her close in his embrace, knowing that he would eventually have to tell her that he didn't live here at all.

That he had lied to her.

When she woke up and lifted her head, she saw his face – she smiled sweetly in a way from which he felt a sting in his heart.

Although all sticky with blood, she looked so innocent.

"I lied to you." He said.

She blinked and shook her head, surprised and horrified, her expression one of complete consternation.

"What do you mean?" She muttered.

"I didn't move here. I just came for a while. You know. To eat." He explained, feeling that for some reason his heart was pounding in his chest like crazy.

Why was he scared?

"Oh. I understand. We don't know each other well yet, you had every right to act like that. Don't worry." She said reassuringly, making him feel an uncomfortable tightness in his throat, a wetness under his eyelids that he hadn't felt in years.

What was happening to him?

"There's someone out there waiting for me. And I don't want her to find out about you. It would be dangerous for you. I'm leaving today." He whispered with surprising difficulty, hearing, shocked, that his voice broke at the last sentence.

He saw her eyebrows arch in pain, her nose twitched as her eyes turned red with tears, the request and plea for him to stay written on her face so clearly that she didn't need to say anything.

Instead of stopping him, however, she let him go and pulled away slightly.

"Your friend?" She asked, not looking him in the eye, but at his chest.

He had a feeling that if he opened his mouth, he would cry.

He let his broad, pale hand raise – his fingers ran gently across her cheek in some hopeless attempt to comfort her.

"If I could, I would take you with me." He said with difficulty, hearing, embarrassed, how pathetic it sounded.

She laughed, but it was a chuckle full of sadness and disappointment, from which he felt a cold, unpleasant shiver.

"Is that how it is with you? Do you play separately and then come back together?" She asked.

He swallowed hard, feeling as if a stone had fallen to the bottom of his stomach, dragging him down.

He felt ashamed at the thought of how accurately she had judged him.

"Go back to her, but don't mention me. I don't need any more problems, much less a jealous woman on my mind." She said, rising from the bed at last, leaving him with emptiness and coldness all around.

"Of course. I'm not going to expose you." He muttered, raising himself up on his elbow, stupefied, feeling like he'd woken up from some deep sleep.

It wasn't real.

"Do you need blood? I can give you a few bags." She said calmly, standing with her back to him, pacing the kitchen as if she were preparing to make herself breakfast.

"No. No need."

The sky outside the window was cloudy, exactly as his thoughts – he was sitting in a train car filled with people, and although he usually struggled to control himself, he felt no hunger.

Her blood satisfied him.

He lowered his gaze, wondering why he didn't feel like he was coming home at all. Usually after such a journey he was tired and discouraged, relieved to return to what was familiar to him. Now, however, he felt like he was sinking deeper and deeper into the dark, damp underworld of his heart.

What was really waiting for him there?

He got the answer as soon as he crossed the threshold of his flat.

Alys was waiting for him with candles all around her, which she must have lit beforehand. She looked very good: an elegant knee-length black dress perfectly accentuated her physical assets, her long hair falling loosely over her shoulders.

He didn't know why, but the sight of her made him feel uncomfortable.

Is this how it is with you?

Do you play separately and then come back to each other?

It's not like that, he thought.

It's just that when I go home, she's already waiting for me there.

Always.

"What's that face? Did you kill someone?" She asked with a hint of amusement, rising from the couch, a pretty, ornate goblet filled with blood in her hand.

Fresh blood.

He didn't want to know where she'd gotten it or who'd paid for it.

"No." He replied wearily, putting the keys down on one of the shelves in the corridor.

I don't have the strength for this, he thought.

"I've missed you. This city is so boring when you're not around." She said softly, combing her long nails through his short hair.

He felt an unsettling shudder when she did this: unlike her touch, in which there was first and foremost a desire for comfort, there was pure sexual intent in Alys's.

She wanted to get straight to the point.

He closed his eyes as she embraced him from behind, as her lips placed a kiss on his neck, as her free hand slowly slid down his torso between his thighs. She froze, not finding there what she had clearly expected.

He wasn't hard.

"What's the matter? Aren't you in the mood? Didn't you miss me?" She asked, and he sighed, taking her hand from his crotch.

"No." He replied again, pulling his coat off his shoulders.

He felt the atmosphere around them grow thicker, knowing that her momentary silence was not a good sign.

She was preparing to attack.

"Are you in love with some poor human girl again? You'll get over it, as you always do. She'll eventually grow old and die, and you'll come back, seeking comfort from me." She muttered with a kind of certainty in her voice that annoyed him.

"What are you doing in my flat?" He asked dryly, knocking her off guard.

She looked at him, wrinkling her eyebrows, increasingly frustrated.

"I came to say hello to you. I was hoping for a warmer welcome." She replied coldly.

Welcome, meaning wild sex full of blood?

"I don't recall inviting you. I want to rest." He said dryly, sidestepping her, feeling some kind of frustration and regret.

Because of you, I had to leave her behind.

She needed me.

But if I had stayed with her, she would have found out what a jealous monster you are.

Alys was able to reconcile with his female human lovers because she knew they would eventually disappear – she herself did not shy away from such excesses, fucking young, handsome boys whenever the opportunity arose.

A female vampire, however, would be a threat to her.

"Ah, yes. You only need me when you cry and miss your mummy. When the remorse and memories of how you killed your father come back. But don't worry. I know you better than you know yourself. Have fun, and when you're done, come and we'll forget this conversation." She said dispassionately and grabbed her coat, putting on her high-heels on the way, leaving his flat with a loud slam of the door.

He rested his hands on the countertop and leaned forward, for some strange reason feeling relieved.

He was alone.

He sat down at his old oak desk and opened his laptop – he sighed heavily as he saw 46 new emails from work, knowing he would have to wade through them all one by one.

He had always loved reading, and over his far too long life he had read so many books that he thought he might be able to make some money from it. He therefore became an editor and translator for a publishing house that released volumes of poetry, but also books on history and philosophy.

He liked this job: he received assignments by email, and could discuss them over the phone. His employers were happy with his work, and his readers praised the fidelity of his translations and revisions, so in the end he managed to live on that alone.

He used an alias and false documents so no one has yet realised that he has been several other people in different countries over the past decade.

He could, of course, like other vampires, simply kill rich people and steal their life savings, however, he knew that in the long run such a life was very miserable: for obvious reasons it is then easier to draw attention to yourself and you still have to hide.

He had enough of that.

Maybe that's why she made such an impression on me, he thought.

She lived as if nothing had happened.

He sighed, running his hand over his face, feeling nothing but remorse at the memory of the expression on her face when he told her he was leaving. He didn't understand why those three days had affected him so much, why she, a stranger, had made him doubt himself completely as a person.

Maybe it was because he had touched her even though he shouldn't have: she had no obligations to anyone, he knew, however, that by entering into any kind of intimate relationship with her, he might be exposing her to Alys' wrath – and even though nothing but a kiss had actually happened between them, he had the feeling that they had had sex at least a few times.

This kind of unforced, intense intimacy, this touch full of desire and need for closeness, was so painfully sincere that it went beyond what he was usually familiar with: what he had done was not only out of his physiological needs, but out of something much deeper.

Something more sad, more pathetic, more real.

Some part of him wanted to be human again.

[finelinefae]

Bestie I literally just read flower and I’m OBSESSED and I can imagine y/n trying to turn tattooh into a swiftie whilst he tries to explain the rap beef to y/n 😭

no bc this was such a good and unique idea i had to write a little something for it !!

wordcount: 1.3k

. . .

“Okay, so what was it again?” Y/N asked, a dip between her brows as she fastened the bow on a bouquet of flowers she was completing for a baby shower they had been invited to next weekend. 

“So Kendrick-”

“The guy who featured on Bad Blood?” Y/N double-checked. 

Harry chuckles, “I mean he’s also a Pulitzer Prize winner but that too.” She nods, waiting for him to continue, “So he featured on a song with a bunch of other artists basically taking aim at J Cole and Drake-”

“Oh I know him, he posted a picture of him and Taylor on his Instagram that one time two years ago,” Y/N says. 

Harry nods, desperate to finish explaining to her the current online events he had been obsessively keeping track of over the past twenty-four hours, “Right, right. So anyway,” Harry continued to explain the ongoing tension in the world of rap circling the internet with Y/N nodding a long, nothing but confusion on her face. 

Amongst many things, Y/N and Harry’s music tastes were polar opposites. Whilst Y/N loved pop - Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo - Harry tended to lean more towards alternate music, genres like rap and grunge or anything before the 2000’s. He loved rock bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. On their first New Year’s Eve together, they’d spent the entire night at a karaoke bar in the city, four Shania Twain sons deep by the time the clock hit midnight. 

Although they were at opposite ends of the spectrum when it came to their music tastes, they loved talking to each other about what they were listening to. They would share their weekly Spotify stats over dinner at the end of each week and make playlists for each other to listen to whenever they were taking the train somewhere. 

As Harry finished explaining, Y/N picked up the bouquet and carried it over to where he was sitting, placing it on the table in front of him. 

Even as he was speaking, Harry automatically reached out to slide an arm around her waist beneath her fuzzy, pink cardigan rubbing circles with his thumb over the exposed bit of skin on her hip. 

“That sounds… really complicated, H.” Y/N sighed, “I’d hate to get into an argument like that.”

Harry smiled at how adorable she looked with pouty lips and concern on her face, “Lucky for you flower, y’ much too difficult to get into any kind of argument with.” 

Harry and Y/N rarely had major arguments. Typically, their disagreements were over minor or unimportant matters, often ending with Harry showering her with kisses as an apology or Y/N clinging to him until he forgave her.

“And he wants Drake to die?” Y/N gasps, “That’s awful.”

Harry nods, watching her hands carefully move around the flowers in the bouquet to get them in the perfect place. “Hmm, ‘s not the nicest thing to say to a person,”

Y/N sighed, sitting on his thigh when her legs got too tired from standing. His lips puckered against the base of her exposed neck from where she had tied her curls up with a scrunchie. He inhaled the floral perfume he had bought her for Valentine’s Day. She was obsessed with it, dousing herself in it every morning and before she went to bed.

“Have you listened to Taylor’s new album by the way?” Y/N wondered, turning to hook her leg over his other thigh so she was straddling him. She was pressed between him and the worktop, her arms moving around his neck and fingers fiddling with the curly baby hairs by his neck. 

Harry winced, “Ummm…”

“Harry,” Y/N huffed, “You said you would listen to it so I could talk you through it track by track.” 

“I know! I’m getting to it, y’know I’ve jus’ been busy this week.” Harry stated, which was true. It had been the school holidays and a lot more customers had visited both their shops than usual. 

“The album came out weeks ago,” Y/N said, pushing herself off of him to start putting everything away for tomorrow. 

Before she could take one step, Harry grabbed her wrist and pulled her into him, “I will, baby - promise, I’ll get to it and then y’ can talk for as long as y’ want all about it. Y’ can even put your pj’s on and show me y’ little dance y’ used to do when I heard y’ havin’ y’ little solo parties before we met,” He smirked against her neck. 

Y/N blushed, clearing her throat and moving away. Her eyes narrowed, “You better.” She walked back to the front desk, “And they weren’t solo parties! Marsh was there too,” She said, referring to her little cat. 

. . .

During her lunch break, Y/N reached for her bag to eat the pasta salad Harry had prepared for her that morning before they left for work. When she unzipped the bag, she found his Star Wars lunchbox inside instead of her own.

She slid off her seat and walked straight to his tattoo shop next door, knowing he had probably mixed up their lunches and ended up with her Cinnamoroll one.

She pushed the door open, expecting to hear the strums of an electric guitar or the low grovel of an indie rock band playing over the Bluetooth speakers. But instead, she was shocked to hear the voice of her favourite singer. 

Her heart soared even before she saw him as she walked past the front desk. "Hey Mike, what's with the music?" She asked as if she didn’t know already.

“Harry insisted he put it on this morning. You have to go in there and tell him it’s killing the vibe.” Mike grumbled, taking a puff of the vape in his hand. 

Y/N smiled, “I quite like it.”

“Of course you do,” He rolled his eyes. 

Y/N walked through to the back rooms where she heard the steady sounds of a tattoo gun. Her eyes found Harry, deeply focused on the design he was tattooing on someone’s wrist. 

Y/N stood to one side and waited patiently, “Okay that’s all done,” Harry clicked his tongue, pushing his chair away and wrapping up the tattoo for the customer. 

After the customer had left, she stepped into the room, “Hi Harry,” She beamed, floating over to him. He looked so cute and cuddly today, wearing a grey sweatshirt and black trousers with his usual Doc Martens and a navy-coloured beanie to cover his curls. 

A smile carved onto Harry’s face, “Hi flower,” He removed his gloves and met her halfway, pulling her into a hug and kissing her softly. 

“Missed you,” She murmured against his lips. 

“Miss you always, flower.” He brushed a loose curl behind her ear, “Thought I wasn’t meeting y’ ‘til later?”

“Oh,” She pulled out the lunchbox and handed it to him, “I think we got our lunches mixed up,” 

Harry furrowed his brows, grabbing the plastic bag with his lunch inside only to find her pink lunchbox instead. He chuckles, “Ah, must have been the early morning getting to me.”

“S okay,” Y/N grins, “I like your music choice by the way.”

Harry smirked, “Promised a girl something,”

“Oh really?” Y/N’s grin deepened, “Well I’m sure she’ll be very happy you kept your promise.”

“I’ve been thinking about her all morning, getting to hear her talk non-stop later about her favourite songs.” He says, her arms sliding up his torso to meet at the back of his back. 

She stood on her toes, his head dropping and their noses brushing together, “All morning?” 

“All the time,” He breathes, “Can’t seem to stop thinking about her since I met her.”

“Hmm, well she’s a very lucky girl.” Y/N murmurs.

His lips met hers, the low light above shining down on them as the Tortured Poets Department came to an end and ‘Lover’ played on shuffle over the speakers of his tattoo parlour. 

[angeliqueiguess]

Late-Night Mischief (l.dh)

007. The Event

w.count: 931

The first thing Y/n noticed was the line outside the store.

It snaked down the sidewalk—a mix of curious locals, overly excited teens, and regulars clutching their phones, chatting eagerly. Y/n peeked out the window, her stomach tightening more with each passing second.

“This is insane,” she muttered, glancing over at Haechan, who was fiddling with a microphone at the back of the store.

“This,” he said with a massive grin, “is called success.”

She shot him a look that could kill. “Don’t screw it up. We’re one power outage away from a full-blown disaster.”

“Relax,” he said, slinging an arm around her shoulders like they’d been best friends for years. “We did it. And by ‘we,’ I mean I did it.”

“Wow. Color me impressed,” she replied, dripping with sarcasm.

As the clock struck midnight, the store transformed. Twinkling string lights lit up the room, the speakers buzzed with energy, and the microphone gleamed under the fluorescent lights.

Mark stood behind a makeshift DJ booth (really just a counter stacked with snacks and soda cans), mixing tracks on his laptop. Jaemin hyped up the crowd with his usual over-the-top flair, while Jisung filmed every moment for social media.

“Well, my friends,” Haechan’s voice boomed through the speakers, amplified and brimming with enthusiasm, “welcome to Midnight Karaoke! Your new favorite spot for snacks, songs, and questionable life choices. Who’s ready to sing?”

The crowd erupted into cheers, and Y/n watched from behind the counter, a mix of disbelief and—though she’d never admit it—a little admiration. The energy in the room was electric, even before the first song began.

“The first performer…” Haechan scanned the crowd dramatically, “…will be me. Obviously.”

Haechan’s performance could be summed up in one word: extra.

He kicked things off with a dramatic rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody, complete with exaggerated gestures and some questionable high notes. The crowd ate it up, cheering and laughing as he strutted through the aisles like it was a world tour.

Y/n, on the other hand, was dying of secondhand embarrassment behind the counter. “Is he always like this?” she asked Mark, who was busy adjusting sound levels.

“It’s his thing,” Mark replied, laughing. “You’ll either get used to it or you won’t.”

Noticing Y/n’s discomfort, Haechan turned and pointed straight at her with a theatrical flourish.

“This part,” he said into the mic, “is dedicated to the lovely Y/n, who works way too hard and needs to learn how to have fun. Take it away, Freddie!”

As he belted out the next verse, every eye in the room turned to Y/n.

“Kill me now,” she muttered, ducking behind the counter to hide.

Surprisingly, the event ran smoothly—at least for a while.

Customers took turns singing everything from K-pop hits to cheesy 80s ballads. Snacks flew off the shelves, and the room buzzed with laughter and flashes of phones capturing every moment. Even Mr. Kim, who had stopped by to “check on things,” couldn’t help but crack a smile.

“You know…” he said, arms crossed as he surveyed the crowd. “This might actually work.”

“Don’t jinx it, Mr. Kim,” Y/n replied, though deep down, she was starting to think the same.

Of course, with Haechan, chaos is never far behind.

The chaos began with a “snack-off.”

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Haechan announced, holding up a bag of chips like it was a golden trophy, “I declare the first-ever snack-off! The winner gets… eternal glory and a box of Pocky!”

He pulled two people from the crowd—a hyped-up teenager and a slightly confused middle-aged man—and brought them to the center of the store. Their challenge? A round of Chubby Bunny with marshmallows.

The crowd loved it. Y/n? Not so much.

“Are you seriously letting people choke over free snacks?” she hissed, pulling him aside.

“It’s called entertainment, Y/n,” he shrugged. “Relax. No one’s—”

Right on cue, the middle-aged man coughed violently, sending two marshmallows flying between the aisles.

“You’re cleaning that up,” she said, glaring at him.

The next hiccup came when one of the speakers cut out mid-song.

Mark scrambled to fix it while the crowd groaned in disappointment. But Haechan, ever the showman, jumped onto a counter and launched into an acapella performance.

“Can someone get him down before he breaks something?” Y/n sighed, rubbing her temples.

But the crowd ate it up, pulling out their phones to record as Haechan serenaded the room with a surprisingly heartfelt rendition of Someone Like You. Even Y/n had to admit, begrudgingly, that his voice wasn’t bad.

When the speakers came back on, the room erupted in applause, and Haechan took a dramatic bow.

“Thank you, thank you,” he said, flashing a grin in Y/n’s direction.

By the end of the night, the store was a complete wreck.

Empty chip bags, spilled drinks, and crumpled flyers littered the floor, but the cash register was packed, and the buzz in the room was undeniable.

“Sales are up 40%,” Mr. Kim said, skimming through receipts. “Not bad for a first event.”

Y/n leaned against the counter, exhausted but strangely satisfied. “It was a mess.”

“A fun mess,” Haechan countered, handing her a cup of instant coffee. “Admit it—you had fun.”

She sipped her coffee, refusing to respond.

“Come on,” he teased. “I saw you bobbing your head to that guy’s Taylor Swift cover.”

Y/n rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop a small smile from creeping onto her face.

As ridiculous as the night had been, Haechan’s wild idea had worked. For the first time in a while, she allowed herself to think things might actually turn around.

prev/next masterlist

angie’s note: i totally see haechan doing this with his extra looking ass, i love him sm

taglist: @thegracerammy @yewshi @haefelt @pjsteroid @kodasity @yukisroom97 (let me know if you'd like to be tagged in the next chapter)

[haveyoureadthispoll]

A former Rookie contributor and creator of the popular blog Effing Dykes investigates the disappearance of America’s lesbian bars by visiting the last few in existence. Lesbian bars have always been treasured safe spaces for their customers, providing not only a good time but a shelter from societal alienation and outright persecution. In 1987, there were 206 of them in America. Today, only a couple dozen remain. How and why did this happen? What has been lost—or possibly gained—by such a decline? What transpires when marginalized communities become more accepted and mainstream? In Moby Dyke, Krista Burton attempts to answer these questions firsthand, venturing on an epic cross-country pilgrimage to the last few remaining dyke bars. Her pilgrimage includes taking in her first drag show since the onset of the pandemic at The Back Door in Bloomington, Indiana; competing in dildo races at Houston’s Pearl Bar; and, despite her deep-seated hatred of karaoke, joining a group serenade at Nashville’s Lipstick Lounge and enjoying the dreaded pastime for the first time in her life. While Burton sets out on the excursion to assess the current state of lesbian bars, she also winds up examining her own personal journey, from coming out to her Mormon parents to recently marrying her husband, a trans man whose presence on the trip underscores the important conversation about who precisely is welcome in certain queer spaces—and how they and their occupants continue to evolve. Moby Dyke is an insightful and hilarious travelogue that celebrates the kind of community that can only be found in windowless rooms soundtracked by Britney Spears-heavy playlists and illuminated by overhead holiday lights no matter the time of year.

[eflen-n-reegee]

Peter’s Playground

First Floor:

Mountain Goat Elementary - A play school which holds classes each afternoon.

Meerkat Kindgarten - A play kindergarten which holds classes each morning.

Day-to-Dusk Care - A daycare center for regressors.

The Playground Public Library - A library that carries a large collection of picture books.

Questions and Answers - A place where strangers can meet, discuss regressing and caregiving, and learn from people with more experience.

Arm in Arm - A place with bean bag chairs and lots of stuffed animals, where people who enjoy physical contact can hang out and cuddle.

Serenity - A place with cots for naps or quiet resting.

The Bounce House - A trampoline park.

Pitfall - A play gym with a huge foam pit.

The Roadway - An indoor go-kart track designed to look like a small town.

The Playhouse - A theater where regressors can perform.

The Swap - A place where people can exchange toys, or donate toys they no longer play with.

Konami - An arcade which features both cabinet games and various consoles.2nd & Charles - A used bookstore.

Sing Along - A karaoke lounge.

Imagines General - A play doctor’s office that specializes in toy repairs.

La Fantaisie - A playfood restaurant.

Made-Up Mart - A pretend store.

Sweet Tooth - A candy store

Lego Store - A store that sells legos.

Build-A-Bear - A store where people can create their own stuffed animals.

Yankee Candles - A store that sells scented candles.

The Display Shelf - A store that sells collectibles.

Furever Joys - A store that sells supplies for pet regressors.

Hot Topic - A store that sells fandom and punk clothes and accessories.

The Toy Box - A toy store with a very diverse inventory.

Roberts’ Furniture - A furniture store that specializes in custom-made pieces.

Hobby Lobby - A craft supplies store.

Gap - This particular Gap is partnered with the Playground and sells a lot of childish clothing that isn’t found anywhere else.

Technicolor Theater - A theater that plays a large variety of movies and TV shows.

Food Court - A place for people to eat.

A - Sbarro - A pizza place

B - McDonald’s - A burger place

C - Coldstone - An ice cream place

D - Subway - A sandwich place

E - Panda Express - A Chinese food place

F - Arby’s - A sandwich place

G - Taco Bell - A Mexican food place

H - Childhood Favorites - A buffet with a variety of “kid” foods

I - KFC’s - A chicken place

J - Culver’s - A burger place

Second Floor:

The Science Museum - An interactive museum focusing on science, including inventions, the human body, and weather.

The Natural History Museum - An interactive museum focusing on natural history, including dinosaurs, animals, and bugs.

The Toy Museum - A museum discussing and displaying toys through the centuries.

[katriniac]

I LOVE THE IDEA OF CLAVIS AT KARAOKE! OMG 🤣 @yarnnerdally These lyrics are hilarious! Perfect! 😆

Clavis has gotten evicted from the karaoke in the capitol, so he has set up a karaoke lounge in his creepy ol' mansion instead.

Cyran tries to hold in his weary sigh as he once more presses the 'PLAY' button at his master's request.

As usual, they are the only two occupants of the garish violet-and-silver lounge.

Neighbors try to ignore the bass thumping, fearing what pranks might befall them if they were to complain about the noise. 😆

My brain is officially garbage. Just.

Clavis twerking to Fergalicious.

Do with this what you will.

[the-lincyclopedia]

Winter holiday fics by lincyclopedia

Thanks for the tags, @cricketnationrise and @doggernaut! When you tagged me, I wasn't sure if I had any winter holiday fics. I have 12, across four fandoms. In my defense, I have over 200 fics total, so I lose track of what I've written sometimes. (Also, looking back through my AO3 account, it's like, man, I used to write. Unfortunately I've been too depressed to do much of that for a while now.) Anyway. Here's what I've got, organized by fandom:

Check Please

Deck the Halls with Balls of Holly

Ransom misunderstood the lyrics to "Deck the Halls," and he and Holster wind up making some interesting Christmas decorations for the Haus.

This is a super short one-shot featuring platonic Ransom & Holster friendship from Bitty's POV. (It's part of my series of fics based on misheard song lyrics.) The relevant holiday is Christmas.

Palentine's Day Karaoke

This fic is inspired by @softfloralbro's story "Shitty Knight's Palentine's Day Spectacular" and is basically a karaoke playlist wrapped in narration. The basic idea is that SMH has a karaoke party on Valentine's Day, and everyone serenades their friends. Set in February of Year 2.

This fic is full of SMH friendship, music, and not much else. The relevant holiday is Valentine's Day.

In Your Warmth I Forget How Cold It Can Be

In a world where the graduation kiss never happened, it's winter break of Bitty's senior year, and Bitty and Jack are both out and single. The plan is for Bitty to spend New Year's Eve with Jack at Jack's condo, but that plan goes awry when Bitty and Jack return from the airport to find a homophobic slur painted on Jack's parking space. TW for homophobia.

Basically, this is canon-divergent Zimbits getting together. The relevant holiday is New Year's Eve.

too long i've been afraid (of losing love i guess i've lost)

Dex gets disowned after coming out as gay. SMH is there for him.

Basically, angst, hurt/comfort, and platonic Frogs content, plus some platonic Dex & Bitty. The relevant holiday is Christmas.

Five Times Lukas Was Homesick Plus One Time He Didn’t Have to Be

It can be hard to go to school in another country where everyone speaks a different language and no one celebrates your holidays. Luckily, Lukas has friends to help when he’s homesick.

Okay, this is a 5+1 and only one of the scenes is actually about a winter holiday, but I like that scene, so I'm including this fic on the list. The relevant holiday is St. Lucia Day.

When Lucia Day Dawns

For Lukas's senior project as a music major, he has to plan/lead a public music performance. He decides to form a choir to sing Swedish Lucia/Advent/Christmas songs on St. Lucia Day (December 13). This is the Friday before finals and everything is stressful—until the concert starts and suddenly it’s perfect.

This is another Lukas-centric fic about being Swedish. The relevant holiday is St. Lucia Day.

Carry On

Right Now

A one-shot set during Christmas break of Simon and Agatha's fifth year at Watford. Even though they're not ultimately meant to be, they made sense as a couple once.

This is very jossed by Any Way the Wind Blows, but I still kind of like it. It's pre-canon Simon/Agatha. The relevant holiday is Christmas.

Stranded

After leaving Baz's house and dropping Penny off in London, Simon and Agatha get stranded in a ditch in the middle of a snowstorm. Ex awkwardness ensues.

Unlike "Right Now," this fic features Simon and Agatha as exes. The relevant holiday is Christmas.

Sounds Like a Date

Baz is a barista stuck working on Christmas Eve. Simon is a handsome customer.

This is a coffee shop AU featuring a Snowbaz meet-cute. The relevant holiday is Christmas.

Yuri on Ice

Ice Quality

One of Yuuri's college friends invites him to spend Christmas with her family, and Celestino approves as long as Yuuri promises to skate while he's there. Trouble is, the town's indoor rink is closed for renovations. A one-shot set during Yuuri's time in college in Detroit.

This is a pre-canon platonic Yuri & OFC fic. The relevant holiday is Christmas.

Happy New Year, Otabek!

Yuri and Otabek have been best friends for four years, and Yuri's had a crush on Otabek for a while, but he never expected Otabek to like him back. Until, that is, Otabek gets drunk at the Grand Prix Final banquet and says some things Yuri doesn't expect. It's going to be a very interesting New Year's celebration in Almaty . . .

This is a post-canon Yuri Plisetsky/Otabek, and it's the only multi-chapter fic on this list (though it's still pretty short). The relevant holiday is New Year's Eve.

Sherlock

Over the Table and through the Giggles

John has insisted on hosting a Christmas party. Again. Everyone but Sherlock is drinking, and John is telling stories about Sherlock, and suddenly Sherlock decides to kiss John. Plotless fluff.

This is a canon-divergent Johnlock getting-together scene based more heavily than you might guess on my sober-but-sleep-deprived friends and me being ridiculous in high school. The relevant holiday is Christmas.

I'm guessing a lot of people have been tagged, especially from the Check Please fandom, but I'm going to try to pull in some Queen's Thief folks. I tag @worldsentwined, @newtsoftheworldunite, @hoeratius, @eponymiad, and anyone else who wants to play!

[disco-elysium-via-polls]

🎵 Whirling in Rags, 8 pm

GARTE, THE CAFETERIA MANAGER - "Can I help you?" He arches an eyebrow.

3. "Garte, I saw another *thing* at the Whirling..."

GARTE, THE CAFETERIA MANAGER - "Another thing -- great. I love those."

"Klaasje. In Room #3. She nicked the phone line."

GARTE, THE CAFETERIA MANAGER - "Why?" He stops himself. "No. Fuck it. I don't wanna know. I don't want to know why these degenerates do what they do. I thought we had *one* good guest in the building..."

SUGGESTION [Easy: Success] - He really doesn't like it being Klaasje.

"Yeah, I bet you didn't want it to be her."

"Well, anyway, mystery solved. I don't like loose ends."

"You have Lena. Lena is a good customer."

GARTE, THE CAFETERIA MANAGER - "What's that supposed to mean? Fuck you, buddy -- she's not my taste. Good thing she pays for her stuff on time, I'll forward her the bill and be done with it."

+5 XP

VOLITION [Easy: Success] - Hmm... wow. She really isn't his taste. Her spell hasn't spread here.

GARTE, THE CAFETERIA MANAGER - "Now was there anything else? I have, like, four thousand coasters to stack and then I need to wash dishes because it turns out I have to do that too now."

3. "There's something else I want to ask about."

GARTE, THE CAFETERIA MANAGER - "Yes?"

4. "Garte, I need to sing karaoke now."

GARTE, THE CAFETERIA MANAGER - "No, you *don't*. It's not happening."

COMPOSURE [Medium: Success] - He tries not to look at you -- it's dangerous to *acknowledge* the karaoke man.

"Yeah, but..." (Look him in the eye) "Johnny Law is about to tear it up sad-style."

"Why do you even have the PA system if no one's going to use it?"

"It's part of my quest of self-discovery. Help me."

"This is my way of apologizing for the trouble I've caused. Please let me say I'm sorry."

"You're right, it's not the right time yet."

GARTE, THE CAFETERIA MANAGER - "The Whirling doesn't need more *sad style*. That's one of the styles it can do without right now."

3. "It's part of my quest of self-discovery. Help me."

GARTE, THE CAFETERIA MANAGER - "The Whirling's not a charity or a musical therapy clinic, it's a commercial establishment. You're going to scare away the customers."

2. "Why do you even have the PA system if no one's going to use it?"

GARTE, THE CAFETERIA MANAGER - "It's for the..." He begins confidently, but then stumbles on his own words. "It's for no one. It's a prop. I'm not letting anyone use it after the Great Karaoke Catastrophe of '44."

"What happened in '44?"

"It's not a prop. It's for your clients. I know it's used."

"When was the last time you had a band play here?"

GARTE, THE CAFETERIA MANAGER - "A lot of people got killed because some asshole wanted to sing karaoke."

"It's not a prop. It's for your clients. I know it's used."

GARTE, THE CAFETERIA MANAGER - "Okay, yes, it's for *some* clients," he admits reluctantly.

"I'm a real client, I've paid my bills and I have the right to use the karaoke machine."

"Okay, *fuck* me then! Just FUCK me!"

GARTE, THE CAFETERIA MANAGER - "Hah! Well!" He comes up with a counterargument. "We don't have any tapes. They all got stolen."

DRAMA [Challenging: Success] - He's lying. But whatever, you don't really *need* his lame tracks.

"It's all right, I have my own song with me." (Give him the tape for "Smallest Church in Saint-Saëns".)

GARTE, THE CAFETERIA MANAGER - The man in the vest and the violet shirt stares at the tape you've just given him. He begins to frown. Hard.

AUTHORITY [Easy: Success] - This is the look of a man who's *defeated*. He knows he's out of excuses.

GARTE, THE CAFETERIA MANAGER - "Fine. Fine. Climb on that stage and do your thing, just get out of my hair." He shakes the tape at you. "I'll plug it in for you. Damn this karaoke machine..."

PERCEPTION (HEARING) [Medium: Success] - "I'm having it uninstalled," he mumbles to himself.

INLAND EMPIRE [Easy: Success] - Oh yeah. Time to do the damage.

And we still have half an hour before the evening ends. Nice.

KARAOKE STAND - The stage is all set up for your performance. Feels... silent. You can hear the pellets creak under your feet.

SAVOIR FAIRE [Easy: Success] - You feel a little dizzy. A little *unsteady*, suddenly.

GARTE, THE CAFETERIA MANAGER - "So, are you ready for your... *thing* now? Let me know when I should turn on the karaoke carousel."

"Look, Kim, I'm going to sing karaoke!"

Put your lips against the microphone -- test it.

Look around the room first.

[Drama - Formidable 13] "I'm ready, Garte. Hit play."

[Leave.]

KIM KITSURAGI - "I can see that." The lieutenant steps away from the stage, ready for your performance.

2. Put your lips against the microphone -- test it.

KARAOKE STAND - Immediately a loud feedback noise startles the room. You feel like an amateur. How are you supposed to hold the mic? Should you just *sing* into it? Where should you stand?

3. Look around the room first.

KARAOKE STAND - The bar is full and buzzing with chatter. No one is paying you any attention, but still you feel your knees turn to noodles. Okay, now a couple is looking at you! Even worse...

INLAND EMPIRE [Easy: Success] - They are going to hate you.

4. [Drama - Formidable 13] "I'm ready, Garte. Hit play."

-1 Too close to the mic. +1 Superstar cop.

We could have gotten way more modifiers to this check.

DRAMA [Formidable: Success] - The air is thick with anticipation.

Someone dims the lights as the music starts... Okay. Here we go...

ANCIENT REPTILIAN BRAIN - "I would often go there. To the tiny church there. The smallest church in Saint-Saëns -- though it once was larger.

How the rill may rest there. Down through the mist there. Toward the seven sisters -- toward those pale cliffs there

I would often stay there. In the tiny yard there. I have been so glad here -- looking forward to the past here

But now you are alone. None of this matters at all."

DRAMA - A lazy applause fills the room. You feel your hands shake as awareness of your body returns to you.

Thank you, Ancient Reptilian Brain.

"I want dedicate this song to whoever wrote me that fucking letter. I still love you. Thank you very much, asshole."

"I'd like to dedicate this song to my partner, Kim Kitsuragi." (Nod to the lieutenant.)

"I'd like to dedicate this song to Garte for letting me sing it. It's all shit, Garte."

"I don't want to dedicate this song to anyone. I performed it for myself."

DRAMA - This guy really carried you.

[1-up-chump]

Hey i love your content i was wondering if i can make a request? Can i pls have some h/c of Fujin, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Rain, and Nightwolf having a crush on s/o who is a famous V-tuber twitch streamer(as in she plays video games and does blogs and has karaoke stream on twitch) because she needs the money to fund her animal rescue team and planet rescue team(as is taking care of the plants and trees ect) and will they buy her merchandise.

Thank you hope your having a good day/evening/ night english is not my first language so i am very sorry if i confused you :)

A very specific ask but i did have fun with this one! And don't worry, English is my first language and it can be annoying at times even to me xD sorry no gifs bc i put more effort into the texts. Im selectively lazy

V tuber Xreader who raises money for a wildlife charity

Fujin:

Fujin has always been fascinated with internet as soon as he was introduced to it. The idea that mortals can share so many things with other mortals through a screen makes him so happy about the progress humanity has made. But mostly, the "memes" are hilarious even if he doesn't understand half of it.

The concept that you are really popular on the internet both made him feel proud of you and concerned for you at the same time. Of course "concern" being mostly jealousy, but as easy as it comes, easy as it goes. Such as the wind he commands.

When you said that you were planning to do a "charity live stream" event, fujin wanted to know everything about it. He always loved how generous and kind you were.

If fujin had some free time (which he has more of than his brother, but you're not sure if it's because raiden has more responsibilities or just takes them more seriously) he'd ask you if there was anything he could help you with.

And as a matter of fact, you did include him in your plans for the livestream. You custom made him a v-tuber avatar to match with yours. You nervously asked him if it was ok to make him a white fox wearing his outfit. Fujin was so ecstatic over the virtual matching outfits he kissed you as a response.

Needless to say, you raised 500 over the intended goal. And you trended as "top 5 cutest tuber couples" for months.

Liu kang:

Liu kang knew of "tuber" stuff, he just didn't really have an interest in knowing more. However when he found out that you were quite popular as a "v-tuber" he watched one of your streams and was glad he did. Liu saw you in a whole new light, you were so passionate in entertainment it was almost as close as Johnny cage. However, biased as liu might be, you were FAR better than the actor. With no offense to Johnny cage..

When he heard you were doing a charity stream he was more than happy to not only watch, but donate a little bit himself. Liu admired that, despite being popular, you never let fame get to your head. And instead use it to do good.

Liu kang couldn't help but have the biggest smile on his face when you gave him a shout out and committed to a whole half hour bit of you gushing over him. Which is where you originally intended to end the stream after the goal was met but since you saw his name in the donations you went a bit off track.

Kung lao:

Kung lao has only ever used the internet for two things, to look up what some English words mean (liu kang had always been farther ahead of him with the nuance of english, specifically one time looking up what "nuance" ment in mandarin. Translation is a nightmare) and listen to music.

When you mentioned you were a "v-tuber" and had to explain it to him. Kung lao indulged to see one of your livestreams. And just when the monk thought he couldn't get any more smitten with you, he swears he's going to marry you. Eventually.

When you mentioned you were doing a charity, kung lao was not only extremely supportive. He mentioned it whenever it was appropriate. Needless to say you were shocked at how many donations were coming in. With so many supportive messages, you nearly started to cry when, at the last leg of the donation goal, an anonymous donator not only fulfilled the charity goal, it broke it by thousands. And you knew who it was by the donation message alone, you've been around the hot shot celebrity/earthrealm warrior Johnny cage long enough to know exactly how he talks even in text.

After the event you went to thank kung lao for spreading the word. Kung lao tried to be humble about it, but you kissing him just made him propose to you on the spot.

Regardless of your answer then and there. Kung lao is just happy and blessed he met such a beautiful soul like you.

Rain:

Rain is a bit confused about using earthrealm's "internet" but even he had to admit it was extremely useful. And also extremely annoying. No wifi in outworld nor edenia sucks.

Rain often has to visit you just to use it. And that's how he learned you were a "v-tuber". He never thought you were the "idol" type, but when he watched you do your live stream in real time, you had so much confidence and passion in acting out as your "internet persona". Rain thought he couldn't fall harder for you, and for once he wasn't mad when he was wrong.

When you casually mentioned a charity livestream to support earthrealm's wildlife. Rain took that as a grand gesture to display his affections to you. Of course he gets a bit offended when you get the donation, and not recognize him. Although rain reflects that maybe he should have told you his username was "trueroyalrainpurple" before hand. (All the ones he wanted were already taken, rain is so annoyed with the internet)

Regardless you're happy you fulfilled your goals and give rain a big kiss before, and after he tells you that he made the big donation to surpass the goal.

Nightwolf:

Nightwolf is confused and annoyed why people are surprised that he knows how to program, let alone know how to use the internet. Must be some sort of stupid sterotyping. Regardless he absolutely supports your "v-tuber" career. When he can, he has helped you troubleshoot a game or "technical issues" more than once.

You have begged him to join you at least once during your livestreams. But unfortunately he never has the time. But this time he does, and you both decided on a charity stream. He even designs a matching v-tuber avatar with you. Although you are a bit jealous his is so much cooler looking than yours, which nightwolf laughs and kisses your cheek endearingly.

The moment you exceed the goal you share a "virtual tuber kiss" that has the internet talking for several months. Many clamor for nightwolf to become a v-tuber like you, unfortunately he has far too many responsibilities to even try something like this again. Perhaps in a different life when the realms aren't in jeopardy every 5 gods damn days.

BONUS SHANG UNDER CUT

(Bc im on a role!)

Shang tsung:

This man hasn't touched a computer since 1995. Which means he views the modern internet just like someone's dad. He just learned what a meme is not too long ago. Of course, shang tsung is easily adaptable and gets the hang of things with time.

Shang tsung was surprised that you were something of a popular idol on the internet. He was ready to support your endeavors as you were his favorite little soul.

The hardest part for shang tsung was deciding if he wanted to be anonymous when donating to your livestream charity. Or be bold and let you know exactly who gives you everything you always want.

Regardless, shang tsung knows you're going to be so happy. And that means more lovey kissy time. All according to his flawless plan to appease his little blossom.

[lurkingteapot]

5 Songs Tag - Queer Asian Live Action Shows Edition

@troubled-mind put this together, and @plantsarepeopletoo tagged me.

When you get this, list 5 songs from the Asian QL shows that you actually listen to. 🎶 They do not have to be custom-made for the series. 🎶 Non-western tracks only. Let's support Asian music and languages! 🎶 Feel free to tag anyone who may be interested in participating. 🎶 Add #5qls tag to your post for others to find the new favourites!

I should probably preface this with the fact that I … don't really listen to music. I mean. I do? but only when I'm learning a language, obsessed for other reasons (songs connected to a shows I love, etc), or trying to drown out other noise out. I don't even have a spotify account.

That said, here are a few songs I've listened to often enough that I can sing along to them by now or even know them by heart. This selection ended up kind of sappy, lots of ballads … l do listen to rock and hip hop, too! but those don't feature that heavily in the shows as much, unless it's Tilly Birds and while I LOVE Tilly Birds, I figure everyone already knows them.

SO.

1. 邓丽君 《月亮代表我的心》 (Teresa Teng "The Moon represents my heart")

This is a bit of an odd one – I'd known it for 12 years at the point Moonlight Chicken unveiled it as a theme song, because it's a CLASSIC. I cannot make claims about whether it's a song every Chinese person knows, but it's definitely one of those songs every person who learned Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language in the past 50 years knows. It's heartfelt. It's devastatingly simple. It's an evergreen. I love it to bits.

2. 25hours ไม่เคย (Never)

This doesn't actually make an appearance as more as a mention: Pat suggests it as a song to play for the Christmas concert in one of the flashbacks to Pat and Pran's high school days in Bad Buddy. I was (still am, arguably) obsessed with the show, so I sought it out, and it hit me like a freight train, because ouch. This was the first Thai song I learned to sing by heart, and I love it lots, still.

3. 宇多田ヒカル 「Prisoner of Love」 (Utada Hikaru)

Since we're talking queer shows in general, I get to include this! "Prisoner of Love" is the theme song to one of my all-time favourite shows, "Last Friends" (2008). It's also a really lovely one for karaoke.

4. Q Flure กันและกัน (Each Other)

THE Love of Siam song. Stuck with me. I prefer the version in the movie, but dang, this is still powerful as all get out.

5. Billkin กีดกัน (Skyline)

The entire soundtrack to ITSAY and IPYTM is FIRE, but I had to go with the OG classic here. First song I tried to copy the lyrics out for in Thai. The Chinese version is also gorgeous.

If you've made it this far, consider yourself tagged and let me know if you do this? :D

[kishoremehta]

Born This Way

My license https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dd1UTnysgHvsvc9ThtfR1NtcSvH1azCo/view?usp=drivesdk

LGBT+ Pride Flags: The Original Collection. From Gilbert Baker's original 1987 flag designed at the request of San Francisco's Harvey Milk, through today, here is a collection of 32 LGBT+ Pride Flags representing biology, social networking, identity, inclusion and the arts. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1149629?ref=Solitarymaninblack

There are fantastical stories with actual transgender characters, some for whom that is central and others for whom that isn't. And there are stories without transgender characters, but with metaphors and symbolism in their place, genuine expressions of self through such speculative fiction tropes as shapeshifting and programming. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/667587?ref=Solitarymaninblack

The author of the life-changing book, Loving Someone Gay, recounts his own life journey from shame, failure, guilt and fear to pride, self-confidence and understanding of true feelings. Sharing how he made the transformation himself, the first officially openly gay psychologist in the U.S. and "father of gay-oriented psychotherapy" points the way for others to claim gay identity and gay pride. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1028924?ref=Solitarymaninblack

Award winning lesbian author, Misty Crimsonlay, introduces us to the loveable Penelope Jones, a 40 plus woman who always seems to struggle with the fast paced changes of our modern world. In this first edition of the series, she is confronted by her girlfriend Jemma's own unorthodox attitudes towards lesbianism, a challenge to their relationship that sees a surprising twist by Penelope. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/458347?ref=Solitarymaninblack

[atplblog]

Price: [price_with_discount] (as of [price_update_date] - Details) [ad_1] From the brand About JYX For inquiries, call 022 68795106. We are committed to designing exceptional karaoke equipment for customers worldwide. 【Dazzling Light Show】 JYX wireless karaoke microphone built-in colorful disco lights, which will dance to the rhythm of the music, creating an electrifying atmosphere and elevate the entertainment to a whole new level. The colorful lights have several modes such as circling, breathing, and flashing. They will flow with the music rhythm, offering a festive atmosphere of happiness for parties at home, yards, gardens, or pools. 【Flexible Vocal Removal Feature】 Enhance your musical fun with our intuitive vocal removal technology. Simply double-click the "🎤" button to freely remove or restore music vocals at your convenience. Ideal for karaoke enthusiasts and music lovers alike, this feature allows you to customize your audio playback, turning any song into a karaoke track or a pure instrumental at will, making each listening experience uniquely yours. 【TWS Mode】 Experience the magic of harmonizing voices with our karaoke machine's TWS (True Wireless Stereo) function. Just connect 2 karaoke speakers wirelessly, whether you're singing a heartfelt ballad or a lively duet, this innovative feature produces better stereo effects and more stunning sound effects, allowing you to better experience the beauty of music. 【Waterproof Travel Speaker】Take your music anywhere with our waterproof kids bluetooth karaoke speaker that's designed to withstand rain, snow, and spills. There is a handle for outdoor adventures, beach trips, or pool parties.The small size will be perfect for putting in your bag or suitcase. 【Small Size but Large Capacity】 Built-in 45,00 mAh rechargeable battery ensures 3-6 hours of fun. This small portable karaoke machine ensures that the music never stops, allowing you to create lasting memories with your favorite tunes. 【Superb Sonic Sound】 Built-in 2.5" full range speaker, the whole frequency is low to slice for crystal-clearer sound. The powerful speaker delivers super loud and crystal-clear sound, and the karaoke microphone doesn't distort the audio even at higher volumes, bringing stunning music and a wonderful atmosphere to your party. 【Top Gift Choice】 Are you still looking for a memorable birthday gift? This is not just a karaoke machine, it is also will be a night light. It is a great gift for those who love to sing, play and lose themselves in the magic of music. The soft and beautiful colorful lights will be also a good nursery light for kids.

Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. 【Reliable Customer Support – Always Here for You】Your satisfaction is our top priority. For any pre-sales questions or assistance with product usage, contact our Customer Service Hotline: 022 68795106. If you encounter any non-human-induced quality issues within the warranty period, email us at yanfei-in@jyxspeaker.com with details and supporting videos. Our dedicated team is here to provide prompt and reliable support to ensure you enjoy a hassle-free experience. [ad_2]

[betaejun]

Muzic City 02

The morning sun barely peeks through Hongdae's streets as Taejun slips into his usual room at Muzik City, honey tea already warming his hands. Room Seven feels like an old friend now, familiar enough that he notices the slight scratch in the wallpaper near the screen has grown longer since last week. His phone balances perfectly on the music stand - a setup he's perfected over countless Saturday mornings - while he pulls up the backing track for his latest audition piece. The song fills the small space, and Taejun closes his eyes, letting the melody wash over him. The first run-through is always about feeling rather than perfection, something he's constantly reminded of. Still, his fingers unconsciously find the cross at his throat as he begins to sing, his voice carrying the weight of both his cultures - gospel runs learned in Chicago churches blending seamlessly with the subtle influences of Korean ballads his mother once sang.

Hours slip by like water, marked only by the steady decrease in his tea and the growing confidence in his runs. This is where Taejun feels most himself, in these quiet morning sessions before Hongdae properly wakes up. No need to navigate cultural expectations or worry about fitting in - just him and the music and the gentle morning light painting patterns across the karaoke screen. His voice grows stronger with each repetition, though something in the bridge still doesn't sit quite right. He makes a note in his phone, knowing he'll obsess over it during dance practice later. The morning staff have stopped checking on him, used to his serious practice sessions that stand out among their usual weekend crowd. Through the wall, he can hear the first regular customers arriving, their laughter and chatter signaling the end of his private sanctuary. But for now, in these last quiet moments, Taejun lets himself dream about standing on stage, showing them everything he is - the military brat who quotes scripture in two languages, the Korean adoptee finding his way home through music, the boy who believes some dreams are worth every early morning sacrifice.

[spardhaschool]

10 best party songs for new year eve! | Spardha School Of Music

Celebrate the arrival of the New Year with the perfect playlist from Spardha School of Music! Our selection of the 10 best party songs will have everyone dancing, singing, and enjoying every moment of the night. With a mix of upbeat tunes and timeless classics, your New Year’s Eve will be filled with fun and excitement 10 best party songs for new year eve!

Happy New Year!🎁

Did you know people have been celebrating New Year for over 4,000 years? Or that in Spain, eating 12 grapes at midnight is a tradition for good luck in the year ahead? 

Around the world, people welcome the New Year with unique customs, but one thing is the same everywhere - celebrating new year with music and dance!

New Year’s Eve is all about good vibes, fun memories, whether you’re hosting a house party, heading to the club, or just vibing with friends, and that one playlist that keeps everyone on their feet. 

Whether you’re dancing till midnight or singing karaoke with friends, the right mix of songs can set the tone for the perfect celebration!

Here is the perfect playlist of a mix of western and bollywood songs that can turn any New Year’s celebration into an unforgettable one.

1. "Happy New Year" by Abba

This song captures the bittersweet emotions of leaving the past behind and stepping into a hopeful future. Perfect for quieter moments during New Year's celebrations. It’s about cherishing memories, accepting change, and holding on to dreams as the calendar turns. Start your year by learning to play this beautiful tune on the piano.

2. “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars

With its energetic beat and infectious lyrics, “Uptown Funk” will get everyone on the dance floor. The retro vibes mixed with a modern rhythm make it a timeless party starter. Learn to dance to this song and make the New Year party even more exciting. 

3. “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd

“Blinding Lights” is a perfect track for late-night celebrations. Its euphoric vibe is hard to resist. The retro-modern blend gives a perfect mix of nostalgia and high energy.  Brighten up your New Year by learning the iconic melody on the guitar!

4. “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa

This disco-inspired hit is an anthem of party by Dua Lipa’s powerful vocals and music. Its groovy beats are perfect for a New Year glow-up moment. Channel your inner diva by learning to sing this track. 

5. “Levitating” by Dua Lipa feat. DaBaby

This fun, cosmic-themed track is all about joy and celebration. Its lively tempo and captivating melody make it a perfect choice for New Year festivities. It’s great for both upbeat dancing and feel-good singalongs. Add magic to your New Year by singing the song on ukulele.

6. “Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai” from Khoobsurat

Badshah and Aastha Gill set the ultimate party vibe with this Bollywood track. The title says it all—this track ensures the party never stops! Get the party started by playing this song on the guitar or dancing your heart out till the party ends! 

7. “Ghungroo” from War

Arijit Singh and Shilpa Rao’s duet is a glamorous Bollywood hit with an upbeat yet soothing melody. It’s a classy track that transitions beautifully from dinner vibes to dance floor energy. Challenge your friends and yourself to master the song’s signature steps. 

8. "Badtameez Dil" – Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

This song is a playful mix of peppy beats and quirky lyrics that gets everyone on the dance floor. With its upbeat tempo and groovy rhythm, it’s the ultimate celebration anthem that screams fun. Why not  learn its choreography and teach your friends too?

9. "Gallan Goodiyan" – Dil Dhadakne Do

This song is the life of any party! With its seamless transition of verses among the singers and high-energy beats, it’s perfect for group dance vibes and bonding. Why not learn to sing this song on karaoke with your friends and bring the house down at your new year eve gathering?

10. "Chaiyya Chaiyya" – Dil Se

This iconic track, composed by A.R. Rahman, combines Sufi-inspired lyrics with high-energy beats. Making it a timeless dance-floor favorite. With its unique train-top choreography. This New Year, why not learn the song’s vibrant beats and dance along to its classic steps?

Conclusion

This New Year, why not include music or dance in your daily routine? Even just a few minutes a day learning a song or practicing a dance move can bring so much joy.

It’s not just about learning something new; it’s about finding a happier, more creative version of yourself. So, make this year special. Start learning the guitar you’ve always wanted to play, or join a dance class you’ve been thinking about.

So, what’s your favorite party song? Share in the comments and let’s keep the celebration going.

Happy New Year! 🎉

[beatverse1]

Mastering the Digital Soundscape: Essential Tips for Content Creators

The digital era has revolutionized how creators produce and distribute content. From music to videos, innovative tools and platforms have made it possible for anyone to share their creativity with the world. However, success requires more than just talent; creators need to leverage the right tools, strategies, and insights. Whether it’s managing audio, enhancing visual storytelling, or monetizing content effectively, mastering these aspects can significantly boost your online presence. This guide dives into essential elements, such as identifying audio trends, using music resources, and understanding copyright systems, to help you stand out in the competitive digital space.

Understanding YouTube’s Payment System

YouTube has become a cornerstone for creators seeking to share their talents and earn revenue. If you’ve ever asked yourself when do you get paid on YouTube, understanding the platform’s monetization requirements is crucial. Before receiving payment, creators must join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), which requires a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 public watch hours in the past 12 months. Payments are typically distributed monthly, with revenue sourced from ads, channel memberships, and Super Chats. Ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria and consistently produce engaging content will help unlock these monetization opportunities.

Adding Custom Sounds to TikTok Content

TikTok thrives on creative expression, and incorporating custom sounds into your videos can elevate your content. Knowing how to add your own sound to TikTok is a skill every creator should master. Custom sounds help personalize your videos, making them more relatable and unique. Start by recording your sound or uploading audio through the app’s features. Once uploaded, TikTok allows you to trim, edit, and sync the sound with your visuals. Custom sounds not only enhance your videos but also have the potential to trend within the platform, giving your content a wider reach.

The Role of a Music Lyrics App in Content Creation

Music is a powerful storytelling tool, and using a music lyrics app can add depth to your content. Such apps provide access to accurate, synchronized lyrics that can be integrated into your projects, whether you’re creating music videos, educational content, or social media posts. Many apps offer advanced features like real-time lyric display, custom visual themes, and integration with streaming platforms. These tools are especially beneficial for karaoke creators, lyric video designers, and musicians looking to enhance their audience's experience. With the ability to create immersive audio-visual content, music lyrics apps are an invaluable resource for creators.

Leveraging ISRC Numbers for Music Tracking

For musicians and producers, managing their work’s metadata is critical for copyright protection and revenue tracking. An ISRC number—International Standard Recording Code—is a unique identifier assigned to individual recordings. This number ensures that each piece of music is correctly registered and tracked for royalties. Whether you’re uploading to streaming platforms or licensing music for commercial use, an ISRC number streamlines the process. Additionally, having this identifier helps track song usage across different platforms, ensuring you receive proper recognition and compensation for your work. It’s a vital tool for professional musicians navigating the complexities of the digital music industry.

Finding the Right Audio on Instagram

Instagram has emerged as a leading platform for creators to discover and share audio content. Knowing how to look up audio on Instagram allows you to tap into trending sounds and create videos that resonate with a broad audience. Instagram’s search feature, available through Reels or Stories, enables users to explore trending audio clips, save them for future use, or add them directly to their content. This function is particularly useful for aligning your posts with current trends, increasing visibility, and engaging with your audience. By utilizing trending audio effectively, creators can boost their reach and create memorable, impactful content.

Conclusion

Success in the digital space hinges on mastering the tools and platforms available to creators. From understanding YouTube monetization systems to utilizing apps for music and lyrics, the resources available today provide endless opportunities for creativity. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram also offer unique ways to connect with audiences, while tools like ISRC numbers ensure your content is protected and monetized. Whether you’re a musician, a video creator, or a digital storyteller, leveraging these strategies will enhance your content and help you achieve your creative goals.

[ryancookmusicusa]

Creative Ways Wedding Bands Are Personalizing Performances

Let the Music Tell Your Story

A wedding is like a story, and the right band can help narrate it with music. Couples are teaming up with their bands to curate playlists that reflect their journey. Some bands even go the extra mile by rearranging songs to fit a couple's vibe, like turning a party anthem into a romantic slow dance. For couples who really want to make it special, West Chester wedding bands will compose original songs just for the big day.

Adding Unexpected Sounds

Who says a wedding band has to stick to guitars and drums? Bands are getting super creative with their instrument lineups. Steel drums bring a beachy vibe, saxophones add a jazzy flair, and violins create an air of elegance. Another fun trend? Nature-inspired sounds. If you're having an outdoor wedding, how about incorporating wind chimes, bird songs, or even ambient forest noises into the music? And let's talk about live looping for a sec: musicians layer sounds in real time to create rich, multi-instrument tracks. Watching this magic unfold live? Total goosebumps.

Guests as the Star Performers

Imagine halfway through the reception, the band hands out tambourines or microphones, and suddenly your uncle is belting out a Bon Jovi classic. Whether it's spontaneous karaoke moments or a planned surprise (maybe your bestie secretly rehearsed a song?), these interactions turn the entertainment into a shared experience.

Some bands even offer "guest DJ moments" where your friends and family can vote on the next song. It's like a mini battle of the bands but with your people calling the shots. And for a theatrical twist? Flash mob-style performances where the band blends into the crowd before bursting into song. It's like your wedding just became a scene from a musical.

Custom Playlists with Surprises

Everyone loves a good surprise, and bands are getting in on the action. They'll sneak in unexpected song mashups or transition seamlessly from one genre to another to keep guests guessing. One moment, it's a tearjerking ballad for your first dance; the next, it's a high-energy dance-off track. Couples are also using song requests to honor loved ones. Maybe your mom loves Motown, or your partner's grandparents always slow-dance to Frank Sinatra. Bands are weaving these personal nods into their sets, creating touching moments that feel like a warm hug for everyone in the room.

Why Personalization Is the Real Showstopper

A wedding isn't just an event, it's a feeling. And when the music reflects your love story, it hits differently. Personalized performances make the entire celebration feel connected, from the first note of the ceremony to the final encore at the reception. If you're planning your big day, exploring what wedding bands have to offer is a must.