#it’s just such a catchy song I love it I can’t help it I hear it I Have To Dance

[mintmentos]

Literally can’t contain myself I Have To Dance whenever I hear I’m Not Getting Better

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Machiko Kyō (Rashomon, Floating Weeds, Older Brother Younger Sister)— Considered an early sex symbol in Japanese cinema. Also just an ethereal beauty who can also go feral/unhinged in a glorious way.

Judy Garland (Meet Me In St. Louis, A Star is Born, Summer Stock)— Judy is the GOAT when it comes to classic movie musicals. The voice of an angel who deserved so much better than she got. She can sing she can dance she can act she's a triple threat. Though she had a turbulent personal life (her treatment as a child star by the studio system makes me mad as hell like Louis b Mayer fight me ((she was made to believe that she was physically unattractive by the constant criticism of film executives who made her feel ugly and who manipulated her onscreen appearance by capping her teeth and using discs in her nose to change its shape and Mayer called her "my little hunchback" like imagine hearing that as a child and not having damage)) she always goddamn delivered on screen and in any performance she gave. She began in vaudeville performing with her sisters and was signed to MGM at 13. Starting out in supporting parts especially paired with mickey Rooney in a bunch of films (she's the best part tbh) she eventually transferred to the lead role. She is best known for her starring role in movie musicals like the iconic Wizard of Oz (somewhere over the rainbow still hits hard and is ranked the top film song of all time), meet me in St. Louis (Judy singing have your self a merry little Christmas brings tears to the eyes she is that powerful), the Harvey girls (she looks like a technicolor dream and sings a catchy af song about trains), Easter parade ( dancing and singing with Fred Astaire), for me and my gal, the pirate, and summer stock ( with pal Gene Kelly who she helped when he was starting out and he helped her when she was struggling). But she also does non- singing just as well like the clock ( her first movie where she sings no songs and is an underrated ww2 era romance), her Oscar nominated a star is born ( like the man that got away she put her whole soul in that and I have beef with the fact she lost to grace kelly ((whom I love but like still not even her best work)), and judgement at Nuremberg (a courtroom drama about the nazi war criminal trials). Outside of film she made concert appearances to record-breaking audiences, released 8 studio albums, and had her own Emmy-nominated tv series. She was the youngest (39) and first female recipient of the Cecil B DeMille award for lifetime achievement in the film industry. Girl was a lifelong democrat and was a financial and moral supporter of many causes including the civil rights movement (she was at the March on Washington and held a press conference to protest the 16th street Baptist church bombings). She was a friend of the Kennedy family and would call jfk weekly often ending the calls by singing the first few lines of somewhere over the rainbow (she thought of them as Gemini twins).She was a member of the committee for the first amendment which was formed in response to the HUAC investigations. Though she died far too young and tragically she remains an icon for her work and her life. As a girl who didn't feel like i was as pretty as everyone else I have always felt a connection to Judy and I just really love her.

This is round 3 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Machiko Kyō:

Judy:

Judy's voice alone qualifies her for at least top ten hottest HOT VINTAGE MOVIE WOMEN. She was a truly incredible swing singer, with a stunning voice on top of her technique. Her short dark hair looked incredible in just about any style. Have I mentioned her swagger? I can’t do it justice with words. She had swagger. She was funny as hell, and clever too. Incredibly charming and cool. I adore her.

Her eyes, her voice have bewitched me

I mean how can you beat the one and only Judy? She's beautiful, her smile is contagious, the way she sings with her whole body. You can't help but love her.

Beautiful woman, love her singing voice. And she can do everything between happy or silly and angry or heartbroken

[yaekiss]

𝑴𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝑵𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒙𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

꩜ Room Content: GN! Dom! Reader x Sub! Kaveh, no gendered terms for reader, no mention of reader's anatomy, handjob & blowjob (Kaveh receiving), praise (Kaveh receiving), lmk if I missed out anything ! ꩜ A/N: I've been thinking about writing something for Kaveh again lately so thank you pringles for sending in this prompt!! Also a huge thank you for waiting! Hope you enjoy the fic !! <3 ꩜ This was written for @xxpringlesxx as part of my Care for a Fic fundraising event for Gaza! If you would to request a fic of your own, do check out the event post above ^^

As he busies himself with washing the dishes after dinner (it’s his turn today), Kaveh hums along to the tune of that catchy love song that’s been popular in Sumeru lately, one that’s been stuck in his head all week. 

From where you’re seated, you can hear the water run and plates and glasses clink as he washes them and puts them away on a rack to dry. However, interspersed between the mundane noises and his light humming, you pick up frustrated huffs. 

Concerned for your lover, you crane your head over to look at him, and you see the problem. He’s constantly rolling his shoulders back and sharply tilting his head to each side, probably trying to pop a stubborn crick in his neck.

Making your way over to the kitchen, as you get closer, you can’t help but notice that his posture looks tense as he hunches over the sink. Mind processing, you recall him complaining about his latest commissions to you over dinner.

(“Can you believe the client even suggested that?” He sighs before lifting another spoonful of soup to his mouth.

“And don’t even get me started on the deadlines, dearest! I don’t know how I’ll survive this one without pulling a few all-nighters,” Kaveh all but wails. The soup doesn’t really make it into his mouth since he just sets the spoon back into the bowl so his hands are free to tug at his hair.

You laugh lightheartedly, take his hands out of his hair gently, then pick up his almost empty bowl of soup so that you can refill it. 

“You’ll need all the energy you can get then, I’ll get more soup for you. And I hope you’d still get some rest though, beloved,” you chide him softly.)

He hears you pop into the kitchen and he turns around to face you.

“Hey, just finished the dishes, do you need something from the drying rack?”

You shake your head, “Nope. I was just wondering if you wanted a massage, since you’ve been working hard and your shoulders are tense, is all.” 

Kaveh answers as he wipes his wet hands on a clean dry cloth hanging by the wall, his tone chipper, “That’ll be nothing but heavenly, thank you so much, dearest. Ugh, you don’t even want to know how much my shoulders have been killing me lately.” 

He allows you to lead him into your shared bedroom, where he promptly faceplants down onto the mattress, a tired muffled sigh leaving him. Reaching over to the bedside table, you pick up the tub of lotion in the drawer. Opening it, you look back down at Kaveh who’s still sprawled out prone on the bed and you sigh.

“Come on, don’t you think it’ll be better and easier for me without your shirt in the way?” He doesn’t answer but you know he heard you because of the way he kicks his legs, as if throwing a fit. 

“But I just got comfy,” he groans, his grumpy tone muffled by the mattress under him. Ultimately, he sits back up, pulls his shirt over his head, folds it quickly and sets it to a side, then flops back down onto the mattress, all in quick succession.

Clambering over him to straddle his lower back, you scoop a nice dollop of the lotion and spread it across the expanse of his back so that your hands can smoothly glide over his skin. You start from between his shoulder blades, where you rub it into his shoulders and take note of how tense his muscles are. While you work at the knots in his muscles, he relaxes more and more until he has practically melted and become one with the bed. 

Then gradually, your hands make their way down to his waist. When your thumbs dig into the area around the small of his back, he shivers under you, along with a low hiss. 

Unbeknownst to you, your beloved Kaveh lays pinned and squirming beneath your hands as he desperately tries to muffle the moans that itch to make their way out of his throat. He fights back the urge to buck his hips downwards, you were nice enough to help him wind down from a busy couple of days and yet here he is getting hot and bothered under your touch.

It’s not his fault that you’ve been running through his mind, who wouldn’t be enraptured by you? You’re the only thing keeping him sane in spite of his growing workload, his thoughts wandering to his dearest lover throughout these hellish days as a balm to soothe his weary soul.

The more he tries to tear his traitorous mind away from you, the more it conjures up increasingly scandalous fantasies of how this current situation could play out. What would you do to him? Tease him until he’s begging for his release, a full-body blush painted across his skin? Or perhaps the inverse, where you’d wring climax after climax out of him until he’s mumbling nothing but utter nonsense, limbless in your arms? How’d he love for your hands to drift further down his body, trail under the waistband of his pants to where he needs you the most.

Your voice snaps him out of his daze and drags him out of his daydreams.

“Done with your back, beloved. Flip around for me?” He hears you coo from above him as you move to sit on the bed so he can change his position and yet, hesitates to turn upwards and face you.

Mainly, due to the tightness in his pants right now.

“Hmm, Kaveh? What’s wrong?” The concern in your voice is evident and he tries everything to will away his hard-on until he’s confronted with the fact that he has no choice but to do as you say, lest he causes you to worry even more.

Slowly, he peels himself off the mattress on shaky hands while the tips of his ears are burning red. But before he flips over completely, he manages to mumble out a weak, “Um. Uh. Just don’t look down too much…”

When he’s finally done shifting positions, you’re able to see just how bright of a blush has settled on his face, his brows knitted together as he quickly moves his hands to the front of his pants. However, it’s too late and you’ve already caught a glimpse of what he’s trying to hide. (And really, the rumpled state of his pants aren’t helping his case.)

Kaveh knows that you’ve realised when a mischievous look flashes across your face, “Aww, why didn’t you just tell me? Just an innocent little massage and you’re already so worked up?” He didn’t know his face could get any hotter but it does when he recognises that you’re teasing him.

Fortunately for him, it seems like you’re in a merciful mood tonight as you drag your fingertips down past his navel, goosebumps rising on his skin along the path you trace out. When your fingers go to hook under his waistband, you ask, “Do you want this?”

Kaveh thinks he has never nodded this hard in his life.

Prying him free from the confines of his clothes, he’s already almost fully erect, to which you quickly fix. Wiping your hands of the remaining lotion still clinging to them, you procure a different container, a water-based lubricant this time, and slather it generously on your palms and fingers to bring it up to your body temperature. 

Wrapping a hand around his base, you stroke upwards in a fluid motion, making him jerk his hips up into your fist. Eyes squeezed shut, Kaveh hisses sharply when he feels your other hand snake up to his chest and flick at one of his sensitive nipples. 

Filthy slick noises fill the room as you take the time prying moan after moan from his lips and he looks utterly debauched lying under you. A messy halo of golden blonde hair frames his face aflame with colour and you sear this image of your beloved into your memory.

“Are my hands really that good?”

“Hnn… Ye-yes! More, please…!” He slurs, half out his mind.

The combined onslaught of pleasure proves to be too much for him as the telltale sign of his thighs tensing signals his oncoming release. Yet, just as he tips over the edge, you instantly stop your ministrations, pulling your hands away from him.

But before he can whine out in disappointment, you take him into your mouth. The sudden replacement of your hands with the warmth of your tongue takes him off guard and it rips a drawn out keen from the architect. Your hands rove around his body, alternating from pinching and toying with his chest to kneading at the muscles of his thighs and ass.

“Absolutely lovely, beloved. I’m so lucky to have such a hard worker, someone so kind and earnest in everything that he does,” he moans unabashedly at your praise, head pressed back hard against the bed as he tries to hold himself back from coming too soon. Unshed tears cling to his eyelashes as he blinks rapidly at the overwhelming sensations.

“Going to… hah! Need to-!” At this point, Kaveh’s mind has been reduced to mush, his fingers tangled in the bedsheets as he begs and babbles in between breathy pants.

“Go on, beloved, anything you want,” you coo, pressing a kiss to his inner thigh. When you lick up the underside of his shaft and take his drooling tip into your mouth, a hand twisting at the base whilst the other toys with his balls. His muscles lock up as his back arches off the bed and he cums with a shout. 

Stars dancing behind his eyelids, he moans when you press your lips to his and he tastes himself. His hand scrambles to find yours, fingers entwining as his thoughts fill with nothing except the love he has for you. 

When you break away from him, Kaveh sighs against your cheek, plastering kiss after kiss across your face. But you’re not done pampering him for tonight yet, and he knows this when you nibble at his ear.

“Looks like you’re still tense, how about we continue your massage, hmm?” 

Thanks for reading! Consider supporting me on kofi if you enjoyed this or check out my other works hehe ♡

If you'd like to request a fic of your own, do consider checking out my event post!

[penkura]

Hi! I'm currently on my traffy brain rot-

May I request a law x Reader but reader has a tendency of always wearing headphones and/or play music on full blast because she can't stand silence too much. I mean I can't stand silence because you don't know what's in a specific space and silence just means something negative in me lmao.

Also, I listen to music mostly because I feel/express emotions more freely than without music because I find emotions hard to feel/express. It's alright if you don't add this to reader but I hope this helps somewhat explaining their love for blasting music.

Hello!! Traffy brain rot is SO REAL GOSH. It just comes randomly and sticks for months at a time good lord.

I also have headphones on most of the time, it's how I focus and sometimes is the only way I can get any work done, I hate the silence, there's always something on my TV or in my ears.

I hope you enjoy!!

Law knows when you’ve taken over his office, it’s the only time there’s ever music blasting from a radio snail or whatever little device it was you picked up on an island before. He doesn’t mind it per say, only because you have decent music tastes and it’s normally something he can tolerate, he doesn’t mind those moments when you’re both in there. He’ll usually be reviewing charts or the supplies list before your next docking, while you’d be writing up reports he’s asked for, it’s always comfortable even with music blaring as you work.

This time, your music isn’t playing out loud, you’ve got your headphones on and it makes Law wonder if something might be wrong today. You only really have your headphones on if you need to be left completely alone, even then you don’t take over his office but stay in your room or the common area, not wanting to feel like a bother towards your captain/boyfriend. He’d never call you a bother, Law loved you too much to ever think that. He doesn’t mind when you take over his office or bedroom honestly, anything for you to feel safe and comfortable, he’s willing to allow.

It only really becomes a problem when you don’t hear him speaking to you. A few times you’ve left your headphones on during crew meetings and he’s had to stop and make sure you’re listening, making you hand them over until he was done. At least it meant you weren’t in silence, not with your crewmates talking to and whispering with you. Your headphones aren’t on all the time, only when it’s too quiet, and you can’t stand the silence anymore.

And then, the other time it’s a slight problem, is when he needs to check in with you on your reports or anything else, and you don’t hear him.

“Hey, hey.” You jump when Law taps your shoulder, surprising him when you turn your head quickly, wide eyed when you know he’s done this before to get your attention. Taking your headphones off, you ask him what he needs and he points at the report on your desk. “Have you finished that yet?”

“Oh, shaking your head, you turn back to it and slip your headphones back on, “Almost, just a few more minutes, okay?”

Nodding, Law almost leaves you alone to finish, before putting his hand on yours, making you stop your music again as you give him a questioning look.

“What are you listening to?”

“Mm, it’s Uta’s new song. It’s really catchy, you wanna hear it?”

“No, I’m fine,” you shrug and go back to work, while Law puts an arm around your shoulders and kisses the top of your head, “Just making sure you are too.”

[wooataes]

Real Eyes, Fake Lies (Part Ten)

Pairing: soulmate!Lee Jihoon x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 4.2k

Warnings: Hanahaki!AU, angst, alcohol consumption, green-eyed monster named jealousy, tears, lots of crying, heartbreak, mentions of death, suggestive thoughts? guilt, swearing

Summary: What do you do when you find out the one person that was created by the universe to be yours doesn’t want you back?

A/N: It has been a long time coming! Oh my goodness guys, thank you so much for your incredible patience with me as I have been navigating my life into the new year and getting my life together essentially. I finally (with the support of my friendos) managed to get this up and out for you all! Thank you all as always for your love and support of refl! 🥰

- Tae 💜🌸✨

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Jihoon was so fucked.

To his credit, he is trying. Trying to ignore the fact that his body feels some sort of attraction towards his soulmate, situated only a few feet away from him on a beach chair. Trying to ignore the ink embedded into your skin along your collarbone that he can see out of his peripheral vision. 

Trying to ignore temptation. 

Your sunglasses are pushed up your nose to keep the sun out of your eyes, having opted to let the sun warm your body up instead of making your way into the water. It’s unusual for Jihoon to see you so still and so silent, simply basking in the sunlight as a hand belonging to Jisoo reaches up to pat your calf. Jihoon immediately scowls to himself when he sees the older man glance up at you from his towel, asking quietly if you’re good to which you respond with a little nod and smile before leaning your head back again and relaxing into the beach chair.

Your soulmate heaves a soft sigh as he checks his phone for the fourth time in the last two hours. Ji-ah was due to arrive back in Seoul soon and he has been growing increasingly more worried the longer it takes for her to not answer. 

“Y/N!” A loud voice rouses you from your hungover slumber, causing you to whine and look at the shadow that is now blocking the sun from you that comes in the form of a 6’2 man named Kim Mingyu.

“Mm?” You grumble.

“Why won’t you come swimming with us?” he pouts at you, hands on his hips.

“I’m having my enrichment time out of my enclosure.” You deadpan, eyes closing again, a little grin forming on your face as you hear Mingyu let out a loud whine.

“Please can you come in the water?”

“Why does it have to be me?” You groan.

“Because Wonwoo can’t do swimming because of an accident when he was younger, Kwan and Sol are in their own little honeymoon phase world over there,” he points to said couple who are making an intricate sand castle, “Minnie is hanging off Soonie-hyung like a rash, Hannie-hyung will just attempt to use us all as a floatation device-”

“What makes you think I won’t do the same?” You raise your eyebrow.

“AND,” he glares at you, ignoring your comment. “Your brother is sulking that it’s only me who is playing with him. Please?”

“Do I have to?” You throw your head back with a dramatic sigh.

“If you don’t come in the water willingly, I will have to take you by force, Y/Nie.”

“Ha ha ha.” You roll your eyes. “I’d like to see you try.”

Jihoon has kept his back to you both for the entirety of your interaction with Mingyu, deciding on his own that he needs to actually follow Jeonghan’s advice and actively make an effort to at least attempt to ignore you and help you move on. He is finding it extremely difficult, however, due to the bikini you’re currently in looking too inviting for you to wriggle your way into his thoughts like a catchy song that can’t seem to escape his brain.

Mingyu seems to take your words as a challenge though, as not even two seconds later, Jihoon is alerted by a shriek coming from you.

“KIM MINGYU!” You try and scold, the large man having now scooped you up into his arms, marching his way towards the water. Jeonghan and Wonwoo both begin to laugh at the way you flail and kick to no avail.

“Yes, Y/Nie?” Mingyu grins at you, and you thrash more.

“Kim Mingyu, I swear if you don’t put me the fuck down right now…”

“Oh, put you down?” He smirks. “Okay!”

“YAH!” You let out another squeal as he moves to drop you, but you’re faster. You immediately wrap your arms and legs around his torso, squeezing onto him for dear life. Seungcheol bursts out laughing at the sight of you, a big smile on his face as he watches on.

“I meant out of the water, you BRAT!” You smack at Mingyu’s back, who only trudges deeper into the water. You whine loudly and cling tighter to him. 

“Are you sure you want to call me a brat when I could sink both of us into the water right now?” He raises his eyebrows at you, arms down by his sides as you hold onto him like a backpack..

“Yah!” You whimper, burying your face into his shoulder. Jihoon bristles at the feeling in his stomach. “Okay, okay, I’m sorry! I’ll hang out!”

“Told you it would work.” Mingyu smirks to your brother, who only grins back triumphantly.

“I hate that you know me too well.” You groan, carefully untangling yourself from the overgrown puppy’s broad back, shivering at the feeling of the cold water as you sink your feet into the salty beach water. “I swear to god though, if you try to push me under the water, I will end you.” 

Soonyoung only giggles at the glare on your face, glancing back to the shore at Jeonghan. “Hyung, isn’t she cute when she’s angry?”

“The cutest!” Jeonghan calls back, an amused smirk forming on his face as you shoot your brother’s soulmate a glare.

“I hate you all.” You grumble, crossing your arms with a pout, only making the boys around you giggle more.

“Oh come here, you big baby.” Seokmin turns around, offering his back to you.

Jihoon feels the immediate change in your mood lift to excitement, glancing over to see you happily perched up on Seokmin’s back, who wades slowly through the water with you comfortably resting against him. 

“Thank you Minnie~” You sing sweetly, hugging around his shoulders.

“Hey!” Mingyu points accusingly at you. “That isn’t fair! I went through all that work to bring you out here only to have you be coddled in the water too?”

“Be grateful I’m even here, Mingyu.” You playfully glare at him, Seokmin turning you away from him as Soonyoung starts cooing and patting your head, making you grin.

“Aish, what are we going to do with you…”

For the next hour, Jihoon knows he is torturing himself by listening to the others around him (aka you) have fun. Him, alongside Jeonghan, Wonwoo, Seungkwan and Hansol watches as you with the others play happily around in the water. For the better part of twenty minutes, the game of choice, chosen by the birthday boy, has been Marco Polo. You have opted out of this game, your soulmate keeping an eye on your head currently nestled against Seokmin’s warm shoulder, eyes fluttering closed as the heat from the sun covers you like a blanket and makes your sleepiness return at full force. You look peaceful, he thinks. 

His calm thoughts soon turn to discomfort as he feels his phone vibrate against his pocket, hurriedly reaching down to check the text, only to feel himself deflate at the message from his girlfriend.

Made it safe. x

No nickname, no warmth, no nothing. This is seriously unlike Ji-ah at all, and it has Jihoon nervous. Should he reply like normal? Or should he give his girlfriend the space she needs to handle her emergency?

“Jihoon-ah?” Wonwoo’s voice cuts his thoughts short, startling his housemate as he turns to stare at him with wide eyes. “You okay over there?”

“Uh, y-yeah.” He hums slightly. “Ji-ah just let me know she made it home safely.”

“That’s good, isn’t it?”

Is it?

“Yeah, I suppose.” Jihoon replies after a short pause, sighing quietly. 

“It’s okay to be worried about her.” Wonwoo smiles at him, patting his shoulder gently. “After all, she is your-”

“YAH!” Your voice squeals out, alarming the others as they turn to look at the ocean. You’re swatting at your brother, who is loudly cackling and snatching you from Seokmin’s arms. “Get away from me, you big buffoon!”

The others upon the shore begin to laugh and smile at Seungcheol as he spins you around bridal style. “You dare be rude to your big brother on his birthday, hmm?”

“HANNIE OPPA!” You shriek as Jihoon glances at your brother’s soulmate, who simply smirks back. “DO SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR SOULMATE!”

“And ruin my hair if I fall into the water? You’re on your own, Ladybug.”

“You bast-AAAAAH!” You yelp as Seungcheol tosses you to Mingyu, who catches you effortlessly. “I hate you all!”

“What did I do?!” Seungkwan fires back immediately, wagging his finger dramatically at you as the others laugh at the joyful mood surrounding them all.

Jihoon breathes a sigh of relief at the change of subject from Wonwoo’s questioning, letting his head lean back to briefly glance at the sky as he delves back into his own thoughts.

“Aw, come on guys, leave the girl alone!” Jisoo chuckles as he rises from his towel, tucking a surfboard under his arm. He jogs into the sea, sitting up on his board as he paddles his way over to the group. “Come here, Goober. I’ll save you from these punks.” He laughs as Mingyu turns away from him, holding you tight to his chest.

“Nuh-uh! She stays with us!”

“She’s not going to stray far, promise.” He pats the board gently, making the tall man sigh and plonk you down in front of your childhood friend.

“Thank you, Shua’ppa.” You smile sweetly at him before poking your tongue out at Mingyu, who huffs and splashes you playfully, making you yelp.

“Do you know how to surf, Goob?” Jisoo asks gently, giving you a cheeky grin.

“Hong Jisoo.” You deadpan, raising an eyebrow. “I am a homebody girl from Daegu. What do you think?”

“Well,” he ignores your sass, crossing his arms across his chest as you mimic him. “Would you like to learn?”

“When I feel like throwing up from how the ocean is rocking me right now?” You laugh. “I think that’s a recipe for disaster.”

“Hmm.. you make a compelling argument.” He hums sagely, reaching up and stroking his chin, trying not to grin at the sound of your giggles. “How about then I teach you how to keep your balance on the board? No wave riding.”

“Can you guarantee that I won’t fall in?” Jisoo simply raises his hand up, his pinky extended to link with yours, flashing you an angelic smile. You narrow your eyes for a moment before reaching out to link your pinky with his. “I swear, if I fall in…”

“Trust me, Goober!”

Jihoon blinks and raises his head as he feels your amusement filling his veins, eyes coming into focus as he curiously gazes out to the sea to see why you’re feeling this way.

Your legs are shaking as you attempt to stand on the idle surfboard, your nervous laughs reaching down to where your soulmate sits. Jisoo is standing behind you with his large hands settled delicately on your bare waist, keeping you steady as he talks quietly into your ear on how to stand correctly that Jihoon can’t hear.

Jihoon feels his hair stand on end as his eyes zero in on the older man’s hands resting on your bare skin, bristling in his chair slightly.

“You can do it, Ladybug!” Jeonghan is cheering from the shore, an amused grin on his face as you flip him off.

“Focus, Goober.” Jisoo’s voice is steady as he keeps his hands on you.

You take a deep breath, standing with your legs apart as he directs you, biting down on your lip and holding your arms out to keep your balance, your eyes squeezing shut.

“That’s it!” Seungcheol cheers you on from the water, keeping a hold on the surfboard so it doesn’t toss and tip as much.

“Look at her go, babe!” Seungkwan coos excitedly to Hansol from their spot in the sand, as his soulmate watches on with an amused smile.

“Bug, open your eyes!” Soonyoung laughs at your scrunched up face.

“Goober,” Jisoo laughs, both hands now in the air. “You’re doing it. Open your eyes.”

You slowly open your eyes, looking down to see your legs balancing on the board. Your eyes widen as you look around at Soonyoung, Seokmin, Seungcheol and Mingyu in the water, all cheering excitedly at you and Jisoo standing behind you with a proud grin.

“Holy fuck.” You laugh nervously. “I’m doing it.”

“WOOHOO!” Seungkwan cheers from ashore, waving excitedly with Hansol as Wonwoo simply gives you a thumbs up from beside your soulmate, who just stares with a bewildered look on his face, not knowing how to comprehend the feelings that are in his stomach.

“See?” Jisoo smiles charmingly at you, leaning in to press his lips to your temple. “I told you that you could do it.”

Jihoon grimaces at the shy smile that graces your face.

“Jihoon-ssi?”

“Hmm?” Jihoon’s brain switches into focus at the sound of your brother's voice calling out for him.

They had been back at the campsite now for roughly two hours after a long birthday dinner in the city for Seungcheol, full of fried chicken and even more alcohol. Everyone now has settled down around the campfire, ready for a final night of alcohol and drinking games for the last hurrah of the trip.

“Soonyoungie said that you are studying music production.” He smiles warmly at him. Jihoon bristles. “What made you want to pursue that?”

“O-oh.” He stutters. “Umm..”

It’s not that he was afraid of his soulmate’s brother and the fact that if he knew that he rejected his precious sister, he’d rip his head off, no, it was the fact that Jihoon isn’t a very sociable person. He has never been one to hold any type of conversation for very long with anyone unless it was something he was passionate about. Luckily for him, music is one of his specialties that he could go on for hours about. So, he does.

”My older cousin is an amateur producer and songwriter.” Jihoon quietly smiles. “He has a few albums that he’s made at the moment. His soulmate does choreography for some of his tracks. I always thought he was really cool and wanted to follow his footsteps and do what he does. I guess I’m kind of his protege now?” He shrugs his shoulders nervously with a chuckle. “There’s just something I find really interesting about breaking down a song into different segments and sections, and creating completely new beats and melodies from the source material.”

“Wow,” Seungcheol replies with curious eyes. “That’s actually really interesting.”

”I suppose so,” your soulmate nods his head as he smiles shyly to himself.

“Do you plan on releasing things in the future?”

“Oh! Um.. Maybe?” He blinks. “I write a few things here and there, but they’re not very good, I don’t think.”

“Don’t downplay your skills and hobbies, Jihoon-ssi.” Seungcheol pats his shoulder once as he rises from his spot by the campfire. “If you enjoy it, that’s all that matters.” He makes his way to grab himself a second serving of the birthday cake you had brought from your work for the final night of Seungcheol’s birthday celebrations.

Jihoon smiles to himself.

He is so kind. No wonder you turned out so well. After all, he did help raise you for most of your teen years.

“It’s not tap, tap, kick,” Soonyoung instructs loudly. “It’s tap, kick, tap! Yah, don’t you remember anything from this routine, Kwan-ah?”

“We made this dance four years ago, Hyung.” Seungkwan glares, hand on his hip. “Please spare me for not remembering a dance that is nearly HALF A DECADE old.”

“NO EXCUSES!” He shouts back, pointing dramatically as he begins to get back into position. “Five, six, seven, eight!” Seungkwan groans and begrudgingly begins to move in time to Soonyoung’s movements, much to your amusement as you weave your way through the camping chairs, bundles of bracelets in hand.

“One for you,” You chirp, two bottles of soju deep as you slide a bracelet onto Seungkwan’s wrist as you pass without skipping a beat. “And a specially made tiger one for you,” You coo, squeaking and giggling as Soonyoung takes your hand, twirling you in his arms and dipping you dramatically as the bracelet slides with ease onto his wrist, your loud laugh echoing through the empty forest and right into your soulmate’s ears, sending goosebumps down his arms.

”Thank you, Buggie Wuggie Boo,” Soonyoung coos, making you groan and shove him away.

“ICK!” You yell as you continue to pass bracelets through the group, Jihoon eyeing you out of the corner of his eye as you draw closer towards where he sits. “Here you go, Hannie-Oppa!”

”Thank you, sweetheart.” your brother’s soulmate smiles, ruffling your hair as he admires the colourful beads on his wrist.

Jihoon takes a deep breath as he feels your presence draw closer, eyes downcast as you fiddle with one of two bracelets in your hand. “Jihoon-ssi,” your voice is once again timid and shy, and he dislikes it. “I didn’t know what colour you liked, and I noticed your wardrobe is pretty void of colour, so…” You quietly place a simple black and grey beaded bracelet with his name written in lettered beads in the middle on his lap. “I thought it matches your look.”

Jihoon stares at the bracelet, picking it up and examining it between his fingers. He can feel your nerves running through your stomach, fiddling with the remaining bracelet in your hands. After a soft sigh, Jihoon slips the bracelet onto his wrist, cheeks warming at the kind gesture of you still including him.

“It’s perfect.” Jihoon smiles softly to you. “Thank you, Y/N.”

Your cheeks flush as you give him a small smile, turning and making your way towards Chan, who said quietly beside Wonwoo as he ate.

“I saved the best bracelet for last,” you smile to the youngest, sliding the final bracelet onto his wrist delicately.

“What colour is it, Noona?” Chan asks quietly, staring at the beads intently.

“Well,” you begin, sitting down beside him. “I made this with every coloured bead I could think of. It’s a rainbow.”

“Huh?” Chan balked, tilting his head. “Why would you do that? I can’t even see them…”

”I made it this way because then, the day that you meet your soulmate,” you nudge the bracelet, “you will be able to see all the colours of the rainbow straight away.” Your eyes light up with a little smile.

Jihoon’s stomach drops at the sound of hope and joy in your voice that is almost infectious, and he scowls to himself.

“Hannie-Oppa did the same for me, see?” You chirp, holding your hand out and showing Chan your nails, now chipped and slightly overgrown. “He gave me all the colours I could have on my hand, and I wanted to do the same to you.”

“B-but…” Chan takes a quiet breath. “Noona.. wh-what if… what if I meet my soulmate and it doesn’t work out? What if… what if I’m left behind and look like a complete fool?” He stares at his lap, knee bouncing nervously.

Your soulmate feels a twist of discomfort in his gut at the maknae’s question, turning his head to see the same discomfort evident on your face.

“Chan-ah,” you smile softly, reaching up to ruffle his hair. “Don’t be silly.”

“B-but you-”

“Uh-uh-uh,” you wiggle your finger at him. “Things like that only happen to people like me, who are just simply unlucky in life.” Jihoon feels the dagger pressing against his chest. “You, little one, are lucky, and I know your soulmate will be absolutely smitten with you when you meet. And, in that impossible scenario,” You bump your shoulder against his, “you’ll always have all of these guys here to spend time with. And even Noona too.” You add on for good measure, smiling sweetly at him. Jihoon feels the dagger twist inside him. Chan shyly smiles back, leaning his head against your shoulder, signaling for you to give him a big side hug, cheek resting against the top of his head.

“Promise I’ll always have you, Noona?”

“Silly boy,” You giggle. “I couldn’t leave you alone, even if I tried.” You ruffle his hair once more, causing him to whine and swat your arm, your giggle growing once more as Jihoon feels his stomach twist and tighten, a million thoughts once again flooding his mind.

“Okay,” Seokmin settles comfortably in his chair, looking around at the circle. “Here’s a question.” He hums quietly at the small group that has formed around him of you, Wonwoo, Jisoo, Jeonghan and Jihoon. “If you could have one wish that could be granted, what would you wish for?” Before anyone can open their mouths, he points aggressively towards Jeonghan. “NO WISHING FOR MORE WISHES!”

“Yah, you’re no fun.” Jeonghan whines, slumping in his chair and crossing his arms.

“I would wish for…” Wonwoo mumbles. “Being able to have enough money in my pocket at all times to be able to afford what I need at that time.”

”That is… oddly specific.” Jisoo chuckles.

“But practical.” Seokmin grins.

“I would wish for Seokminnie to let me answer questions the way I want to.” Jeonghan huffs, shooting him a playful glare as Seokmin gasps loudly, pressing his hand to his chest in shock,

“How dare you!”

”What about you, Goob?” Jisoo nudges your side with a little smile.

“I’d wish soulmates didn’t exist.”

The group falls silent, the air filling with awkward tension as they balk, trying to think of an answer.

“Bug, I…”

“Not for the reason you think.” You mutter, staring into the fire with a dull look on your face. “If soulmate’s didn’t exist, I’d only have divorced parents, not a dead mother and an absent father. If soulmate’s didn’t exist, I’d still be able to go home and see my mother and tell her about how my day went. If soulmate’s didn’t exist, I’d actually be wanted.”

Jihoon feels his heart twist, teeth digging into his bottom lip as he eyes your face. You look empty. Jihoon can’t feel a thing, and that frightens him.

“C’mere.” Jisoo takes your hand delicately, leading you to a small clearing; the same clearing that Jihoon went to the night before.

The little conversations start up again, Jihoon’s ears zeroing in on Jeonghan’s light scolding to Seokmin as to why he’d ask such a ridiculous question. His ears are ringing as your emotionless words echo through his head, making him feel worse than he ever has before.

“Goober…” Jisoo encourages you quietly to speak.

“Remember how you asked me yesterday if I was okay?” Your voice shakes. “If I was broken?”

Jisoo nods slowly, hand resting on your shoulder.

“A-and I said to you I was fine?”

“Mhm…”

“I-I.. I’m not. I’m not okay.” You whimper, bottom lip trembling. “I’m living a good life, I have a job I love, friends and family who care about me, I can-” you hiccup. “I-I can see colour… and I’m fucking broken.”

You let out a loud sob, a heartbroken wail, letting yourself fall into Jisoo’s arms, your face burying into the warmth of his sweater as your arms wrap tightly around him. Jisoo feels his own tears filling his eyes at the sound of your broken cries, your hands gripping the back of his sweater for dear life, as if afraid he would disappear.

”I know, Goob… Don’t worry, I got you. Let it out.”

“Are you sure it’s been resolved?” Jihoon smiles at Ji-ah as they stroll through the street, making their way to Love Letter cafe.

It has been a week since he has returned from Busan with you and the others; the group having been mostly quiet as they recovered from the long weekend of partying and merging back into their daily lives. This is the first time Jihoon has seen his girlfriend, having given her space to get through her emergency. He’s finally happy he is able to have a date with her after being at university all week and catching up on the projects he wasn’t able to do while on the road trip.

“Yes, babe, I’m sure.” Ji-ah smiles back at him. For some reason, though, Jihoon finds the smile uneasy and almost hollow, and he can’t figure out why until a quiet voice cuts his thoughts short.

“Ji-ah?”

He pauses as he sees a tall man in front of him with a single rose in his left hand, right hand reaching up to scratch the back of his neck.

“Hajoon.” Ji-ah whispers out with a nervous breath, almost like she’s been caught.

Jihoon freezes at the sight in front of him - his not-soulmate with red tinged cheeks and shy smile on her face, and a stranger looking just as shy and sheepish smiling back at her. He feels his stomach drop as his mind flashes with realization at the scene unfolding in front of him.

He knows the look on her face. He has seen that look before with Wonwoo and Mingyu, Junhui and Minghao, and especially with Seungcheol and Jeonghan.

His heart breaks a little, as Jihoon knows in his heart that he’s already lost his girlfriend to her real love, her soulmate.

Real Eyes, Fake Lies Taglist

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(48/50)

[thehuntfortrencherlostmedia]

Hello folks.

So, I waited a while to let everything marinate in my brain before writing this. Haven is an interesting album to discuss in the grand scheme of the Trench discography. Everything feels familiar & status quo, but different, new & exciting all at once. Its production is fantastic throughout and truly allows for everything to shine. It’s also their most cinematic album to date, which is saying something given what Astoria was inspired by.

So let’s break down each track, shall we?

A Normal Life: Already gushed about this one when it came out and my thoughts haven’t changed one bit. This just might be my new favourite opener. There’s just a little sprinkling of everything from all across their discography that allows this beauty to marinate and stand on its own.

Lightning & Thunder: I’m torn. I like it still, but I do think that when you listen to it within the context of the album it loses something. It was definitely made to be a radio single. There’s nothing wrong with that.

I’m Not Getting Better: Straight to the point, catchy & fun. I really have nothing else to say on the song.

Down To You: Arguably the biggest earworm on the album. This one gets in your head and it just stays with you.

Now or Never: The By Now of the record for me. Soft & yet full of momentum all at once. This is a dream worth fighting for, indeed. Also, while both INGB & DTY show off a more R&B/Funk flow, it really sticks on this song, and now that you’ve noticed it, you’ll be hearing it a lot throughout the record.

Into The Storm: Hello, Porcelain. But also… it’s own thing. It might not be giving up, but I don’t see it as surrender either. I see it as going with the flow, facing your problems head on. This is also the first true dive into Josh’s relationship with Amanda on the album, and how he’s so happy they finally figured out how to co-exist.

Ancient History: Oh hi, Astoria. You mind if I take elements of Burning Up & Yesterday and blend them into something new? And how about the past arguments in his and Amanda’s relationship don’t matter, and how it was nice to meet back up with her. It shows how time can heal relationships. Also, SAXOPHONE. That is all.

Stand and Fight: The actual Porcelain of the record. People thought they were gonna go in a This Meets War for this song, when instead it’s a slow burn that truly stays with you.

Turn & Run: Here’s how you do a sequel song and then make it stand out from its older brother. Much like the combos of Celebrity Status/Perfect & B-Team/Toy Soldiers, both sides of the coin make me giddy inside. And holy cow… welcome to the edge indeed. That hint of Fix Me screaming… I need more of it Josh. Please? I’ll be a good girl. There’s also a lot of Masterpiece Theatre II on this one. Easily my favourite of the short songs.

Worlds Collide: I go back and forth on this one in my head. There’s parts of me that love it, there’s parts of me that feels it’s too similar to the two tracks before it…. And then we have the end. And that just… made me smile. Also, I love Josh SCREAMING “Nobody’s Safe” and the fact they left in the vocal crack. That’s how you can tell his emotions are in full display here. So yeah.

Nights Like These: The comforting palette cleanser after three songs hit you with whiplash back to back to back. It’s very reminiscent of tavern songs, sea shanty’s & is just a warm hug of a track. Also, breaking down the fact that sometimes it’s nice to have just a cozy, relaxing night with friends. Feels like the Who Do You Love of the record too.

Remember Me By: Um, Micheal? Did you just possess Josh again? This feels so 80’s R&B I can’t help but love it. Also, Ian! Nice to hear you sing, bud. We’ve heard the other three all throughout this record and now we get your voice on top of the amazing percussion. Kudos.

Haven: So, here we are. The closing track. And, it’s good. It feels like they took The Killing Kind , Masterpiece Theatre III & End of An Era Abd threw them in a blender… and the result came out great, but… it does lack something to me? And if anything, it brings out the fact this album fits into the Relationship Theory too: It is about starting anew like I said ages ago but also about how their relationship (Josh & Amanda) isn’t perfect but he loves the imperfection now that they’ve figured out how to make it work. She might’ve broke his heart once but he reconciled & became stronger because of it. And now he can show that all across these 13 tracks.

So yeah. Haven’s likely my album of the year, and I do like it. But I do think that while it has some of the highest highs the band had ever reached, I do think they didn’t fully nail the Hero’s Journey theming & that it’s not as cohesive as some of their other work. It’s a sturdy S-, easily #2 or #3 in my overall rankings, even #1 depending on the day.

[mochatsin]

WHEN MC SINGS

Before Devildom, you loved to sing. It’s something you do whether you’re alone or with anyone. You didn’t tell the brothers though, but they find out eventually when you’re caught because you thought you were alone.

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

Lucifer 

He was walking around the house to check on his brothers, but he stopped when he passed by the music room. 

One of his records was playing, but he was sure he left it off though so he wondered why it could be playing. 

Before he opens the handle, he hears the singer being accompanied by a voice. Your voice. 

He immediately lets go of the handle. He didn’t want to interrupt your singing since he’s not sure if he’s ever gonna have this chance again. 

Your voice was melodic and you harmonized well with the singer. This was one of the opera songs that he introduced to you since it was safe for human ears. You loved it so much you have it memorized. 

You just wanted to dust off the shelves as part of your cleaning duties, but thought that a little bit of tunes won't hurt anybody. Unfortunately for you, the oldest and most powerful of the brothers was actually outside the door listening to you sing your heart out. 

All he can think of was how much it was a crime that he never knew about this talent of yours until now. 

When you finished the song, you heard a small round of applause and you turned only to find him standing by the door. “You never told me that you were so talented. I hope I was the first to witness this show.”

When he’s stressed from work, he would invite you to his room and you would sing him one of his favorite songs to soothe his nerves. It’s always effective. 

Mammon

He wanted to go to your room and talk about his ‘latest and quick money-makin’ scheme’ as usual. 

He was so excited, he thinks his plan could work and it’s fool-proof but before he could barge in, he heard you humming a soft melody. It’s a habit you always do when you’re studying alone. 

Mammon is so thankful he stopped himself from barging in your door, since your humming has evolved to singing. 

To him, it’s one of the best things he’s ever heard of in this century. There’s something so soothing about your voice when you sing, he’s drawn to it.

He found himself leaning onto your door to hear you clearly, but he didn’t know your door was left ajar and accidentally stumbled into your room which made you stop. 

Now you’re both turning red. 

“D-DON'T GET THE WRONG IDEA IT'S NOT LIKE I WAS LISTENING TO YOUR ANGELIC VOICE OR SOMETHING!!” 

Honestly, he thought about using your singing talent to catch a few grimm. He knows for sure it’s a good plan. But he’d rather keep you for himself. 

Levi

The moment he hears someone playing the opening of his favorite anime, he’s scrambling outside his room to find out who it is. 

No one in this house could possibly share his love for anime without him knowing right? The only person he can ever think of is MC. 

You were in your room, rewatching your favorite episode and started singing along to the song. He was absolutely stunned at how fast you could memorize the lyrics too since you just saw this a few days ago! 

But he doesn’t blame you since the song was meant to be catchy, to the point he unknowingly found himself singing along to it as well. 

He only realized it when you stopped and turned in his direction. He seemed more embarrassed than you are judging by how red he looks.

You smiled and invited him over, where you rewind the opening so you both could sing it together. 

Levi can’t help but stutter every now and then when he’s that close to you. You find it cute anyways. 

He finally found himself a new karaoke buddy to sing all his songs with.

“Y-yknow with your voice, you can totally make it big if you made those song covers on DevilTube!”

If you actually do consider that, Levi will definitely be your new manager and biggest supporter. Expect him with light sticks while cheering you on.

Satan

Sometimes when you two are alone together, you would slightly hum some tunes under your breath while reading books with him. 

You think he doesn’t hear you, but he’s a demon so of course his hearing is sharper than an average person. 

That doesn’t mean he wants you to stop though, so he lets you. It helps him relax and enjoy books more when you do. 

For the past few days you’ve been humming the same song and it’s driving him insane. He wants to know what it is, but asking you that is admitting he heard you this whole time and he doesn’t want that to end. 

That’s until he passed by your room and heard the familiar tune playing but this time accompanied by its lyrics. Finally! He wanted to stay for a few minutes to listen to the lyrics and search for the song. The singer is rather talented so he can’t help himself. 

But when he peaked he couldn’t believe that it was actually you who was singing. How could you have been this talented without him realizing it?! He’s been reading next to someone with the voice of an angel!

It’s only when you finished that he entered the room with a smile on his face. 

“I came here to ask you about that song you’ve been humming this whole time but… I think I got more than what I’ve bargained for.” 

You didn’t know what exactly to be embarrassed about. Is it the fact you were caught singing or the fact he heard you this whole time? 

But he never made fun of you for it. He welcomes it actually. So he lets you sing all you want when you both are alone. It’s a win for him either way. 

Asmo

He has this tendency of showing you what’s trending lately on Devilgram. Whether it’s about him (it is most of the time), new places he wants to check out, or funny reels, it’s no wonder that you’re so updated with everything. 

Some of those clips have audios from the latest hit songs. And one night Asmo showed you several clips of a trend that uses that song at least 50 times. Now it’s playing in your head like a broken record player until you listen to the whole song yourself. 

It was a hit song for a reason honestly, as you found yourself singing to it every time you fixed yourself up in front of the mirror. 

Asmo was just about to do your hair for you when he overheard you singing. He’s wondering about your grades in seduction and witchcraft because he absolutely fell for your charms. 

You’re stunning, beautiful, and even so talented! He’s head over heels for you and all he wants now is to show you off to the world. 

You spot him by looking at the mirror of your vanity, and he looks like he’s barely holding in squeals of excitement before running to you. 

“OMG you never told me you loved the song! If you posted yourself singing it on Devilgram then i'm SURE you’ll get so much likes. I can already imagine the views darling!” 

Would hype you up every  time you sing, whether it's alone or in a karaoke booth. He’s always going to be your number 1 cheerleader. Next would be Levi. (They would both have light sticks) 

Beel

He was in the mood of getting a snack and he promised to get some for Belphie as well when he went to the kitchen.

Beel found some light from the kitchen area and thought that someone else was there. He hoped it wasn’t Lucifer or Satan so he could grab his snacks in peace. 

He stopped when he heard you singing to a small song while cooking up something. A small habit you have when you’re bored and sure that no one else is around. 

Miraculously, Beel forgot about his hunger because he was so enchanted by your voice. It makes him smile. It’s like you’re in your own personal world when you sing your heart out, and he’s a part of it now even if he’s just outside the kitchen. 

When you finished, you turned around and found Beel just standing outside the kitchen. You asked what he’s doing just standing there and he smiles. 

“I was supposed to grab a small snack there but… I wanted to listen to you more without disturbing you. You have a great voice after al—” his stomach growled before he could finish his sentence. 

You let him have a taste of whatever it was you’re cooking as thanks for the compliment. 

Beel had to deal with a grumpy Belphie who’s been waiting for the snack he accidentally forgot. 

When Beel starts getting nervous about his upcoming match, he asks if you can sing him something soothing to calm down his nerves. It became some sort of pre-game ritual now between you two. 

Belphie

It’s part of your daily routine for you to spend an hour or so just napping with Belphie. Well, more like he spends time sleeping on your lap while you do homework. 

Sometimes when you’re sure he’s fallen asleep, you would sing soft songs but not too loud that you would wake him up. 

Though there was one time that Belphie couldn’t fall asleep. He felt comfortable laying his head on your lap, his eyes were closed but not asleep.

That's when he heard it. Your voice was so melodic as you were singing a small lullaby. It’s like you dedicated the song to him and he’s loving it. 

He feels himself slowly getting sleepy, so he wraps his arms around your waist and smiles with his eyes still closed. 

You stopped because you thought you might’ve woken him up, unknown to you that he wasn’t even asleep the entire time. Though he whines before he speaks. 

“I like it… when you sing. It’s easier to fall asleep so… can you please continue?”

How could you say no to his request honestly? You stroke his hair gently with your fingers while you continue with the rest of your lullaby for him.

Now whenever he can’t fall asleep, he’ll come looking for you and ask if you can sing for him while he sleeps on your lap. 

Sometimes he would just pretend he’s sleeping so he can hear the rest of your songs, but he never tells you that. 

[sombrathedragon]

HI HI hyperfixation question time!!

I’ve never listened to EPIC, tell me a few reasons you love it (bc I wanna know if I should listen to it) and tell me your favorite song so I can go listen to it immediately :D

Ooo okay !! :D

let me give a summary first: EPIC is a musical adaptation about Homers Odyssey. It’s broken up into 9 sagas, with each saga being about 4-5 songs long. The sagas basically break up Odysseus’s journey into different parts: The Troy saga (Odysseus and his men winning the Trojan war and beginning to sail back home, we also get a introduction to Odysseus’s mentor, Athena here !!) The Cyclops saga (Ody and his men having some trouble in the Cyclopes cave) The Ocean saga (Ody and his men trying to sail back home to Ithaca through storms and troubles (spoiler alert they don’t make it)) The Circe Saga (Ody and his men landing on Circe’s island instead, with Ody having to convince Circe to give his men back. (Fun fact in the actual Odyssey Ody stays here for a year! I don’t think they do that in EPIC though!)) The Underworld saga (Ody and his men travel to the underworld and get a prophecy on what the rest of the journey is going to be like (‘nother spoiler Ody doesn’t like it, also this is the end of Act 1!!) the Thunder Saga (Ody and his men going through tricks, betrayal, and Zeus himself) the Wisdom saga (Perspective change we’re now back in Ithaca in the POV of Telemachus, Odys son!! Telemachus now being under the guidance of Athena, gets help from her to fight the suitors and convinces her to go help her old friend (cough cough HIS FATHER) who may or may not be stuck on a certain goddess island for 7 years (cough cough CALYPSOS ISLAND) another fun fact this is actually all the sagas released currently! There’s still 2 more in the works which are the Vengeance saga (Ody gets off of Calypsos island and actually sails home, but of course he encounters another monster and another god, that man can’t get a break!) and the Ithaca saga (We go back to Ithaca to see Penelope, his wife and the 108 suitors there, who don’t exactly treat Penelope and Telemachus the nicest.. but Odysseus is finally home and I won’t spoil much more but he does kill the suitors :] yayyy happy ending !!)

Anyways, actually answering your questions now !! Some of the reasons I love it are that the music is absolutely amazing, the callbacks with the instruments combined with the vocals are enough to make me bawl my eyes out sometimes :’) Same with the talented animators and artists in the fandom, who just make my jaw drop when I see their masterpieces. Also the community is just lovely, it sometimes gets toxic but overall it’s a relatively chill and peaceful fandom! but urghhh my favorite song? Ahhh they’re all so good !! I would have to say Little Wolf from the Wisdom Saga, it’s very catchy and very groovy, but I do also love The Challenge from the Ithaca saga as I love my girl Penelope !! (sadly it’s not released yet, how I listen to it is Jorge (creator of musical) sometimes puts out snippets of the songs, and wonderful fans combine them together so yeah :])

Anyways I DEFINITELY recommend it if you need a new musical to hear, it’s just perfect <3

[aporeticelenchus]

While struck down by Covid (alas, alack, etc), I’ve been watching operas on my mom’s Met Opera account. So far we’ve gotten through:

Barber of Seville (2007, Peter Mattei and Joyce DiDonato):

Charming! A delight! I want to spend more time with the music later to get a better sense of individual movements. Largo Al Factotum looms large and is as good as promised. I enjoyed Peter Mattei as Figaro and Joyce DiDonato as Rosina a lot too! Bartolo’s patter songs are fun. Looking forward to hearing those again.

Marriage of Figaro (1998; Bryn Terfel and Cecilia Bartoli as Figaro and Susanna; Renee Fleming and Dwayne Croft as Countess and Count):

Finally watched a Figaro production after listening to it a million times! Also a delight! For some reason they switched out Susanna’s two solo arias, which threw me. I saw some reviewers thought Cecilia Bartoli did a little too much physical comedy, but I really liked her. Renee Fleming was a great countess; Porgi Amor is still a dead bore to me but that’s not her fault. Cherubino was adorable, but seemed to struggle a bit with Non So Piu.

This continues to be my favorite opera, and I enjoyed this as a production. I plan to watch the other two productions available on the Met on Demand later.

Don Giovanni (2000; Bryn Terfel, Renee Fleming, Solveig Kringelborn, Hei-Kyung Hong):

I’ve now spent enough time with Don Giovanni to have an opinion: it’s good, but I don’t like it nearly as much as Figaro. The plot flow and pacing frustrate me. There are some standout musical moments, but also some parts that drag (hi act 2 Donna Anna). I do love La Ci Darem and Hei-Kyung Hong’s Zerlina was charming. Finch’Han Dal Vino and Deh Vieni A La Finestra are songs I enjoy from Don G, and of course Lepprello’s little list is fun. Donna Elivra generally has good music behind her, as does Act 1 Donna Anna.

Does Don Ottavio need to be in this opera? I’m just…not sure he does….

Every time I hear the Statue sing “Don Giovaaaaaaaannnnniiii” at the end, my brain fills in “from thy dark exile thou art suuuuuuumoned”, and it took me a bit to realize I was pulling that from Iolanthe. I like to think it’s a deliberate musical homage by Sullivan.

I definitely want to watch some more stagings of Don Giovanni; overall I enjoy the opera and I can imagine it changing a lot with different directorial choices.

Die Fledermaus (1986, Kiri Te Kanawa, Judith Blegan, Tatiana Troyanos, and some men probably)

I love an operatta. I love a dumb musical comedy. I love a catchy waltz I can’t get out of my head. Two thumbs up; great use of my time listening, bad use of my time trying to follow the details of the plot because it did not really matter. Special shout out to the Overture for being a jam. It almost renders the rest of the operetta superfluous.

A+ joke having an opera singer character who won’t stop singing during the talky bits. Love that the prince is a trouser role; that helped me through some of the dumb gender stuff elsewhere.

Total blast. I plan to listen to some more recording, including two English-language adaptations. (The POP Opera project did their English-language adaptation set in 1920s Hollywood; that’s on my short list to watch) I think I like J Strauss II!

Carmen (2014; Anita Rachvelishvili and Aleksanders Antonenko)

I’ve seen Carmen before, but it’s been awhile. My mom loves Carmen; I…struggle with it. Maybe it’s just my pro-comedy bias.

The music is very good, of course; the Habañera and Toreador song are some of the most recognizable music today for a reason. The Act 1 overture is great! Short and punchy! I think the opera might be growing on me musically as I listen to it more; I’ve found the group numbers initially overwhelming, but with a little more time i can better parse the music and find parts I really like.

But anyway, I liked most of this production! I thought the Carmen was compelling, and Don Jose was a good singer (I just hate his character a lot). The set deign (1930s Spain vibes) worked for me, which was a pleasant surprise.

Going to see La Boheme tonight! Wish me luck.

[shellbells-things]

SMERALDO GARDEN MARCHING BAND is here!

I was filled with so much anticipation for this song! Excited because of what we know Jimin is capable of, grateful because I knew this song would help to fill the Jimin sized hole in my heart (miss the heck out of him), and anxious to hear the next part of the story he is obviously trying to tell us with his solo music. When I first heard it, I was very surprised because it wasn’t what I expected at all. I mean the name should have been a clue that it was going to be “whimsical”, but I wasn’t expecting something so….happy. FACE was very dark, for the most part. You couldn’t help but FEEL it in your soul. This new song is the complete opposite! It’s radiates a hopeful, happy vibe and I pray that it is symbolic of Jimin coming through that dark time and into a happy, settled place. The more I listen to it, the more I love it. It’s catchy in the best sense of the word! The MV actually fits the vibe well (think Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band or the Music Man) and Jimin’s smile and cheekiness just makes me happy. So, mission accomplished Jimin! I can’t wait to hear the rest of MUSE!!!

Oh and of course, we must discuss his intentions with this song. Is he talking to Army? To the BTS members? To a single special someone <wink wink>? All of the above? Hmmm. That’s a discussion for another day 😉. For now, go stream the heck out of SMERALDO GARDEN MARCHING BAND!!! With every listen, you’ll become a little more joyful.

[pocket-sized-nightmare]

here’s my entry for @gem-pearl-week 2024 day 7! today’s prompt is “dancing”

The music disc is new.

It’s an experimental loop from Cub – just a test of the disc-burning system. He’s put it up for sale in the horn store for a discount, and of course, curiosity kills the Pearl once again. She drops a few diamonds into the chest, takes a disc, and returns to her shopping spree.

It takes her until she unpacks her inventory at the end of the day to remember the disc is there. “Oh, hey,” she murmurs as she takes it out of her pocket and looks at it. “Forgot about this one! Guys, I got us some new music.”

From another room, Matchbox barks happily in response.

Pearl takes her jukebox out of a nearby chest and plops it down on the floor. “I didn’t know people made music here.”

To her surprise, the back of the disc has names written on it. One particular name catches her eye – according to Cub’s annotation, Gem provided some guitar chords. “Oh, nice, I gotta tell her about this!” Pearl drops the disc into the jukebox and presses play.

The song is weird. It’s really weird, with odd chip noises and computer sounds scattered throughout. It’s as though someone pressed random piano notes and then set them to a rhythm. It definitely isn’t the sort of song most people would find catchy – or maybe even enjoyable. But still…

A fizzy, bubbly feeling builds up in Pearl’s chest, spreading out to her head and body. Her wings flutter almost involuntarily, opening and closing in a soft rhythm. She taps her foot and bobs her head, and her fuzzy antennae bounce around. It’s so much fun. It’s too much fun.

The song ends its loop and starts over in a seamless transition. Pearl feels her brain overflowing with that fizzy feeling. She wants to listen to it over and over. She can’t quite talk, but she can’t help but make soft clicking and squeaking sounds. Her wings flutter, her antennae bounce, she beams with excitement, and then–

Pearl bounces on her toes, practically drifting into the air. Her hands flap interchangeably with her wings, joining her endlessly moving antennae. She giggles and squeaks as Gem’s upbeat guitar riff joins the instrumental. Okay, that part’s catchy. It loops again, then again. Pearl has probably listened to it more times than everyone else on the server combined, but she doesn’t want to stop.

There’s a knock on her door.

The sudden sound startles Pearl out of her fizzy feeling. Could anyone hear the music disc? Did someone see me? Are they going to judge me? “Oh, okay, I’m coming!”

Pearl opens the door and realizes two things at the same time. First of all, her visitor is Gem, which would be fun at any other time. But second of all, and more importantly, her windows were wide open. Gem definitely heard the music – and saw Pearl dancing.

Gem waves. “Hey, Pearl! I just came to place an order for– ooh, is that Cub’s song? It’s really catchy!”

“Yep!” Pearl tries to play it off. “The jukebox is in the other room. What did you want?”

“Wait, can we listen to it? I haven’t heard it yet!”

“Sure!” Pearl surreptitiously flutters her wings as she follows Gem towards the music.

Gem stands next to the jukebox and bobs her head to the beat. “I love the way Impulse’s drumbeat sounds. It’s such a fun rhythm.”

“It is,” Pearl says. She allows herself to tap her foot a few times, but she forces herself to keep her head and wings still. Be normal, Pearl. Your partner helped make this song. Don’t make her feel weird.

Gem’s guitar riffs join the instrumental. Pearl holds her hands behind her back and wraps her arms around her wings, but she can’t stop bouncing on her toes. She does her best to watch and mirror Gem’s expression.

Except Gem doesn’t do that.

Gem bobs her head side to side, letting the weight of her antlers shift her body back and forth. She taps her feet loudly, mimicking Impulse’s drum rhythm. When the song loops, Gem giggles and claps her hands over and over. As energy builds up inside her body, Gem bounces on her toes and wiggles her fingers in the corners of her vision.

Pearl watches. She’s supposed to find Gem’s movements weird or off-putting. She’s supposed to cringe and turn away. She’s supposed to react in any of the ways people have reacted to her in her years growing up.

Gem shakes her head again, sending her curly red hair drifting in the wind. She catches Pearl’s eye and grins.

Pearl feels a soft blush spread across her face. She’s beautiful.

Pearl lets her arms fall to her sides. Her wings flutter. Her head bobs.

Gem’s guitar riff begins again.

Pearl and Gem, two halves of the same celestial coin, dance together. The room overflows with giggles, flapping hands, bouncing rhythms, and pure joy. At one point, they both impulsively grab hands and spin around. Pearl flaps her wings, lifting Gem into the air, and Gem lights up with laughter. The song repeats over and over, but neither Pearl nor Gem feels their energy fade. They’re sharing it with each other, humming the guitar tune and bouncing in rhythm. When Pearl finally gets tired and takes the disc out of the jukebox, she and Gem both flop down on their backs, laughing with flushed faces and messy hair.

As their laughter turns to calm breathing and their grins melt into peaceful smiles, Gem turns to Pearl. “I’m really glad you like it. I’ve been practicing guitar a lot lately.”

Pearl’s eyes widen. “Wait, did you write that?”

“Mhm!” Gem nods. “That was an early project. I dug it up when Cub asked.”

“That was so good! You have to write so much more, Gem. It was so catchy.”

“Maybe I’ll have to share some more music,” Gem says. “I’ve got a few things I haven’t shown anyone.”

“Yes, please! Anytime!” Pearl grins. “I think I’ve probably listened to this song a hundred times by now.”

Gem laughs sheepishly. “Oh, I’m gonna do that the moment I get home.”

They lie together on the carpet for a moment longer, holding hands. Pearl grins mischievously, stands up, picks up the disc, and drops it back into the jukebox.

As they dance with each other again, Pearl and Gem have never felt more graceful.

[songofsutarima]

@acklum has tagged me. For..five songs I’m obsessed with right now? So I suppose I’d have to say:

Bored by Sara Kays- as soon as I heard the first chord I knew I’d like it. Then the lyrics resonated with how I’ve felt frequently. “I don’t think I’m interesting enough, to keep this up, to keep your love”

Remember That Night? By Sara Kays- again, just something that as soon as it started was just “oh…I like this.” And again, it struck a chord in me. You can obviously tell given my recent poem “Were You Bored? Do You Remember?”.

Flare Guns by Quinn XCII featuring Chelsea Cutler- it’s just so catchy. How do you not accidentally walk around singing “flare guns go off in my head saying not to call you this late, still I dial those numbers every time”?

(This is starting to look like I’m lovesick… whoops. The next two aren’t gonna help. 😂)

I Need You by Jelly Roll- this is the artists fault. And the fact that I love singing along to it. And I feel it deeply. “Close my eyes and I pray cuz I feel the sky’s falling on me” “And it feels like I might lose my mind, is this real life? Can’t anyone hear. my. cries? Will you forgive me?”

Bottle & Mary Jane by Jelly Roll- I mean…. It takes all of five seconds to know why this one is on the list. “Lately I’m drowning my pain..with a bottle and Mary Jane. No matter what I take I feel the same, I’ve been bound by these shackles and chains.”

Now, ordinarily if and when I decide to participate I try to think of all the people I’m supposed to tag…but that sounds like a lot of effort for three in the morning in a country I’m still not used to. So I’m gonna tag who I can think of quickly and then turn off my light. Obviously please feel no pressure to participate. And if you see it and wish you were tagged, please. Participate!

@jordynhaiku @most-ment @mindful-hempress @ruedeirdre18 @queenofthepeasants

[roguelov]

AU where Morpheus wasn’t in the fishbowl and was able to experience the punk/rock/early 2000s edgy eras.

Death pulls him out of The Dreaming to experience humanity again since the times are changing and he needs to not be cooped up in his room like a moody teenager. They go to festivals where humans are more comfortable, everyone is dressed similarly and more expressive. Their truer selves in a sense.

Morpheus rolls his eyes at the humongous groups of people, the loud screaming of lyrics, he’s still not fond of interacting with humans and finds this whole trip a waste of time.

Suddenly the show starts and Reader is the opening act on stage playing to their hearts content. They’ve got the whole crowds’ attention in the palm of their hand. The songs’ lyrics are deep, catchy and has everyone else screaming/singing along.

Morpheus can practically feel everyone daydreaming about living better lives, getting that job, speaking up to their parents, etc. and is stunned at how much was brought out from all these humans just from one of Reader’s songs.

They end their song with a bang where confetti bursts from the edges of the stage and the crowd is loving their slow exit off to the side as they wave and blow kisses. Morpheus’ eyes follow them the whole way and the feeling he’s receiving from all the daydreamers slowly dissipates.

The main acts make their way on stage after a few minutes and the rest of the show continues without Reader being seen again. Morpheus being slightly sad he can’t hear another song. The sensation is the same from the other singers but not as strong as earlier with everyone daydreaming when Reader was at center stage.

He and Death stayed for the whole event and she asks what his thoughts are from the experience.

“What of the first singer? They were only onstage once compared to the others.”

“Why don’t we go see them then?” Death smiles knowingly and leads them both to the backstage area.

Reader is in their own section getting cleaned up and making sure they have everything. When they spot Death they run up to her with a big smile and hug her.

“I’m glad you could make it! What did you think?” They ask, still vibrating with adrenaline from the festival.

They converse with Death for a while as Morpheus stands off to the side, silently observing this person who evokes such strong dreams from people with their voice and music. A portion of himself in The Dreaming is doing research about this human who has caught his eye.

Just who are they? What drives them to make songs? What’s their inspiration? Are they single?

“And who’s you’re friend?” He suddenly hears.

Morpheus is pulled back to The Waking and sees Reader is giving him their full attention. He’s tongue-tied. Words of introduction lodged in his throat with no way to escape. The brief look into Reader’s dreams leaving him breathless and hungry to know more.

Death quirks an eyebrow at this sudden silence but hides a smirk and tells Reader a little about her brother. Eventually finding his voice, Morpheus joins the conversation just as Death excuses herself to return to her duty.

Cue friends to lovers with the King of Dreams and Nightmares being the number one fan of Reader. He always watches them when they have a show and is the first to hear a finished song and asked for any critiques. They both are fashion icons, mostly with Reader helping find an outfit for Morpheus.

This idea popped into my head and just kept going anyways I hope you liked it as much as I do 🤗

DUDE I DONT LIKE THE IDEA I FUCKING LOVE IT

Dream adored when you visited.

He especially loved the music which always followed you. It may be a hum on your lips or an actual melody - a half completed song - trailing behind you on the wind.

You were his lovely muse, his songbird.

Currently, you were in the Dreaming. You were in a music room - one Dream specifically created for you - filled with instruments found all over the Waking and the best recording studio ever imaginable.

Sitting on a couch, a laptop rested in your lap with headphones dangling around your neck. You were almost feverishly working on your newest song, one that had been stuck in your head all day. It was going along okay, it could be better. You hit a bump in the process and you wanted a fresh pair of ears.

“Dream? Could you have a listen to this?” You asked, handing over the headphones.

Dream, directly beside you with a book in hand, set the book in his lap and nodded. “I would love to.”

He put on the headphones and you anxiously pressed play. Dream was taken away, taken on a journey with your music and how you weaved your lyrics.

You truly were gifted.

Once it finished, he handed over the headphones. “So?” You nervously asked.

“I loved it.”

You groaned, “But you always say that. What does it need? Something feels missing. The chorus is catching yet it seems to … I don’t know, basic? It feels like I need better wording.”

Dream smiled softly. “I’m sure everyone will love it.” I know I do, he thought.

“But -“

“How about you take a break?” He suggested. “You had been at it all night since you first came. Relax and I’m sure time away will provide new perspective.”

You grumbled, glancing back at your screen. “How about just one more hour? I’m right there, I know it. Maybe it’s the second verse, to be honest I wasn’t completely sold on it. Or maybe it’s the melody altogether -“

He closed your laptop.

You gasped, and playfully glared at him. “Dream -“

“Time away is what is best, songbird.” He stood up, extending his hand towards you. “You will figure it out, I know you will. But, you must give yourself a break.”

You sighed. You placed the laptop and headphones down. Your hand slid into his. He easily helped you up. “Okay, okay, Sandman, I’ll relax.”

He smiled softly. “That’s all I ask.”

[hangster-hangout]

The Love Chicken

“My dad said he knew my mom was the one over a bottle of wine and the best roast chicken he ever had.”

“And now you’re making it for Hangman. So he can figure out that you’re the one.”

“Something like that.”

Bradley cooks for Jake. It goes even better than expected. 

(post canon, getting back together, straight up sweet fluff)

The ridiculously catchy intro to an old Fall Out Boy song cuts through the classic rock station he has on. Phoenix.

Bradley puts her on speaker as he sautés the green beans and glances at the timer on the stove. 

“Hard deck in an hour?”

“Can’t. Plans.”

“With Hangman? Bring him along.”

“Maybe later.” The timer set for the potatoes goes off and it takes Natasha about two seconds to put it together.

“Are you…cooking for him?” And Bradley is a lot of things but he’s not a great liar so while he tries to think of a way to change the subject, Natasha lets out a low whistle. “It’s going to be different this time, right?”

Because she was there for the first time, the messy fights and makeups that never truly fixed things. Bradley and Jake had something that burned so bright but crashed before it truly had a chance to take off, both of them falling too fast and terrified the other wasn’t.

Bradley was going to make sure it was different this time. 

“Yeah. It already is. These last two weeks…” After the mission he and Jake had been damn near inseparable. At first, Bradley thought Jake just needed to see him, needed proof he really did survive. But the more hours they spent together, laughed together, the more Bradley realized this is what it was supposed to be like. 

Bradley was aware he never truly got over Jake, but he forgot just how desperately he loved him. And unlike all those years ago, he was finally courageous enough to tell him. 

“My dad said he knew my mom was the one over a bottle of wine and the best roast chicken he ever had.”

“And now you’re making it for Hangman. So he can figure out that you’re the one.”

“Something like that.” It’s a testament to how nervous he must sound that she doesn’t make fun of him. 

“What time is he coming over?” Bradley glances at the clock. 

“Five minutes. But it’s Jake so-“ he hears a rustling of keys in the door. “Oh god, he’s here.”

“You got this Bradshaw. Enjoy the Love Chicken.” And Bradley barely has enough time to hang up and toss his phone on the counter before Jake walks in. 

“You said to bring a bottle of wine but I weirdly don’t know if you’re a red or white guy so,” he holds up his hands, a bottle in each. “I brought both.” Jake looks between the roast chicken resting on the stovetop and the kitchen table set with actual cloth napkins. “You trying to wine and dine me so you can tell me you need help burying a body?”

“Can’t a guy do something nice?” Rooster rolls his eyes and gets the roasted potatoes out of the oven. Jake lets out a low whistle. 

“Oh this is very nice. I love roasted potatoes.”

“I know.” Bradley says and he turns to the vegetables so Jake doesn’t see the red flush coloring his cheeks. 

They open the red wine and have an easy conversation over dinner, only arguing about the superior movie in the Mighty Ducks franchise.

“But the Bash Brothers! And the knuckle puck!” Jake waves his fork around and Bradley laughs but doesn’t give in. He’ll never bet against the original, that movie helped raise him.

He takes a deep breath, knowing that dinner is near over and its time to actually talk to Jake. Bradley puts his hands on his thighs, forcing them to be still and is about to start talking when Jake swallows another bite of chicken and makes a satisfied sound.

“Jesus Bradshaw, you cook like this again for me and I’ll marry you.” Jake leans back in his seat and the sunlight hits his golden hair just so perfectly and before he knows it Bradley is blurting out:

“Okay.”

It’s silent. Jake’s eyes pop open and Bradley can feel his cheeks start to heat up, the flush working its way up his neck. There’s no way he can play this off as a joke, no way to take it back. It was too serious, too honest and too revealing of everything he ever wanted.

“Shit,” Bradley mutters under his breath. “Shit Jake, I’m sorry, I made this dinner to talk to you about maybe giving us a shot, like a real one.” The words don’t stop coming out and Bradley starts talking even faster. “Because you’re really important to me and I want a relationship with you because I think, no, I know you’re the one and-“

He’s interrupted by the sound of a chair scraping across the floor. A second later he has a lapful of Jake Seresin and he has barely enough time to register the shock before he is being kissed. 

And oh boy is Bradley being kissed. 

It’s different from the ones they shared before, kissing Jake was always incredible but it had an undercurrent of competition and neither every truly let themselves get lost in it. This was nothing like that. The walls were down for both of them and they were both, finally, all in. 

Bradley’s not sure how long they stay like that until Jake moves his head slightly back and rests his forehead against Bradley’s. 

“Holy shit. I really might marry you.” Jake’s voice is full of wonder. Bradley rolls his eyes but brings his hands up to cup Jake’s face.

“Typical, you fly right from being friends to being engaged.” On the last word, a shiver runs through Jake.

“I’m dead serious, baby.” Jake says and Bradley’s heart is about to literally leap out of his chest. He stares at Jake for a second more and smiles.

“I already said yes, didn’t I?”

—

Later, as they are tangled up in bed and Bradley’s head is resting on Jake’s bare chest, Jake leans over to check the time on his phone. He chuckles and Bradley look up at him, one eyebrow raised.

“A new message in the group chat.” Jake holds his phone out for Bradley to see.

Phoenix: So are you two boyfriends?

“That’s presumptuous to send it to everyone.” Bradley snorts and Jake laughs. 

“Sweetheart, I’m pretty sure you’re the only one who didn’t realize i was a sure thing.” And even after everything that happened over the last few hours, hearing it still makes Bradley smile. 

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Jake runs a hair through Bradley’s curls. “I’ve been crazy about you since like…five minutes after we met. Hasn’t really stopped.” Bradley adjusts himself so he’s next to Jake.

“Never stopped for me either. Doubt it ever will.” And Jake smiles and Bradley thinks ‘yeah, this is it.’

“That’s what I’m counting on.”

Hangman: Fiancées actually. See y’all Monday.

And they turn off their phones and fall back together.

[jvngkook97]

Baby Shark

synopsis; in which there’s a shark in the water, just not the one taehyung is thinking of.

pairing; boyfriend!taehyung x girlfriend!reader

genre; fluff, humor, established relationship, drabble

warnings; if it’s not already by the title, the baby shark song will become stuck in your head and I am deeply sorry for that.

rating; 18+

w/c; 1,157

a/n; yeah, idk. just enjoy this fluffy crack.

When the shutter of the camera clicks, you can’t help but stare at the monitor to revel in the beauty of your boyfriend – Taehyung.

His hair is matted to his face from the water, droplets falling off his hair and onto his semi-tanned skin just from being outside alone, white suntan lotion still prominent on the bridge of his nose, dark blue swimming trunks hug his waist perfectly, black sunglasses on and wide smile on full display for you. The background of the surrounding happy people that are scattered along the stretch of pier you’re on, as well as the vast blue water and green mountains only serves as a means of enhancing his natural allure.

How did you get so lucky?

“I am not getting in that water.”

A deep frown is on his face, but still, it doesn’t marr his charm.

His arms are what’s keeping him from completely falling underneath the water, the veins in his arm prominent from the muscle being used in order to allow him to, once again, attempt to persuade you to join him in the crystal clear waves. You currently sit on the edge of the pier, on your shared blue and white striped towel, his glasses now off and next to you on said towel, perfectly and fully content with only having your feet touch the cool and dangerous body of ocean.

His next words get cut off by the faint sound that seems to be getting closer. Now within earshot, you hear it, for the upteenth time just this day alone.

‘Baby Shark, Do Do Do Do Do’

It causes you both to groan in unison.

The family of three walks by you, the father carries their little one whose face is fully glued to a blue tablet, eyes wide as they watch the colorful family of sharks. When the song fades enough, does your boyfriend finally speak again.

“I hate how catchy that song is.”

All you do is nod in agreement, eyes still honed in on the family, your mind going to a place where Taehyung is oblivious of. Your arms cross over your stomach reflexively, a small gasp of fear escaping your mouth, before your head goes under the water.

Taehyung used your moment of deep thought to his own advantage, grabbing you by the waist and pulling you into the water with him. When you both reemerge, your hair is like a thick curtain that’s glued to your face. For a moment, you freak out not being able to see, holding onto Taehyung for dear life. He just chuckles at you, one hand of his being enough to release you from your hair prison as he pushes it off your face.

The next time he sees your eyes, they’re piercing daggers into his very soul, and he shivers. Whether it be from your stare, or the small bit of wind that passes by, he’s not sure.

“I loathe you.”

“You love me, you mean.”

“No. Loathe is correct.”

He snorts in amusement, but doesn’t take your words to heart. He knows you’re only joking. Especially when you curl yourself into him even more, another bout of warm wind floating on by that causes goosebumps to arise all over your body.

When your heart returns to a normal pace, you allow yourself a moment to take in the scenery around you, and when you see the same child floating by that was once enamored with the song on the tablet, in a shark designed floating device, does it give you an idea. However, not wanting to falsely alarm those around you who are enjoying the rather shark free waters, you decide to whisper in Taehyung’s ear instead.

“There’s a shark in the water.”

You can feel him tense underneath you, your arms still firmly secured around his neck, and his around your waist. You have to bite your lip to keep from letting out the giggles that wanted to escape. You can see his eyes scanning the waters, before his body goes lax again upon realizing there is no actual threat, and instead zeroes in on the same kid you saw earlier. He lets out an exasperated sigh, shaking his head, but he still laughs.

“You almost got me there, y/n.”

“Sorry, I meant to say there’s a baby shark in the water.”

“Yeah, I know. There’s plenty of kids out here right now.”

You shake your head vehemently.

He wasn’t getting it.

“Taehyung, yes, there’s toddlers and teens, but there’s also a baby in the water.”

Your eyes connect, but his brain still doesn’t.

“Baby, there is no baby out here that I can see.”

His brows are furrowed in confusion.

You let your forehead fall against his now half dry shoulder in defeat, then you pick your head back up and grab his face with one of your hands to get him to really look at you when you say it again.

This time, slowly.

“There. Is. A. Baby. In. The. Water.”

He purses his lips, the gears turning in his head, your eyes still focused on one another.

Then, his eyes grow big.

“No.”

“No, what?”

“No.”

“Taehyung, what are you—,”

He whispers it underneath his breath, as if it’s a secret no one else can hear. Which, in a way, he doesn’t want anyone else to hear and have it get out into the world before he can personally tell those he loves.

“Is my baby….having a baby?”

Your lower lip starts to tremble, eyes brimming with nervous tears. All it takes is a subtle nod of your head to confirm that yes, in fact—

You are pregnant.

“Oh my–,” he stutters over his words. Then playfully glares at you. “Y/N, I’m sorry but that was making no sense whatsoever!”

You gasp, offended. Own eyes squinting at him, tears successfully dried up.

“That made perfectly good sense!”

He lets out a bellowing laugh, one that garnishes the attention of those near you, but only for a moment. He spins you two around in the water and you squeal, closing your eyes, and holding on tightly. When he stops, his forehead is against yours. He waits for you to reopen your eyes before he lets out a soft smile for you only.

“I love you, and I can’t wait to meet our—,”

BABY SHARK, DO DO DO DO DO DO~

Both your faces become flat, and you inwardly curse the adult who purposely blasts the awful, stupidly catchy song, on a personal Bluetooth speaker for all to hear. No doubt due to the excess whining of the toddler you heard prior demanding the song be played, but still.

He gives you a loving kiss on the lips.

“We are never showing that song to our kid.”

“Never.”

Of course, that doesn’t mean that someone else will. Or rather, one of your babies many uncles won’t do the deed for you.

[ecargmura]

Maho Aku Episode 12 Review + Final Thoughts - The Cutest Enemies-To-Lovers Story

Because this anime’s finale is just Byakuya and Mira being cute as heck for the final time, I’m going to just give my overall thoughts about the entire anime!

This is the cutest enemies-to-lover anime I’ve watched and now it’s over… This is a show where it’s impossible to ask for a second season because there isn’t anything else to adapt. Still, I can’t deny that this has been one of the most entertaining animes of this season…and it’s only a 12-minute long anime!

It’s crazy how much Bones did to make this weekly 12-minute anime be concise with the pacing and how well they animated it! I loved the cute moments between Byakuya and Mira and how each character helped play a part for both leads, whether they be the sleaziest and the worst character (Cat Familiar), or the cutest thing ever (Fomalhaut). From the beginning, Mira fell for Byakuya, so it was nice seeing her fall for him throughout the 12 episodes. I do like that all the characters have distinct personalities, even if they don’t appear much. I personally enjoyed Hibana and loved whenever she showed up on screen to give Byakuya a chiropractic adjustment and throwing f-bombs.

I like the world building with how there are actually multiple magical girls and familiars with the introduction of Hibana and her Bird Familiar and how the familiars are actually angels. The evil organization fight against the magical girls, but I do wish that we get to learn a bit more about them—we never even saw the Evil King. I guess my only issue with the worldbuilding is that I wish there was more to it. Why do the familiars need the magical girls? Who’s the actual villain? The fact that these will never get answered does upset me slightly.

The music was great! I really loved the songs used for the magical girl transformation! Hibana’s magical girl song was clearly the highlight with the constant blurting of F*ck in the background. I also loved the opening and ending songs as they were catchy!

The voice acting was really good! The two leads reprised their roles from the drama CD and I think they did a good job! I normally associate Yuuki Ono with cool roles, so it was nice to see him do comedy! Actually, I did like his role as Hori from Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun! I feel like Ono amped up his comedy game with this anime! His outbursts were so hilarious, especially when he flips his switch from serious to down bad. Byakuya is voiced by Mai Nakahara. It’s nice to hear Nakahara not voice an anime mom for once! Two animes I’ve watched, she voiced an anime mom. It was nice to hear her go out of her usual comfort zone and voice soft-spoken and adorable Byakuya! I think she did a really good job making Byakuya sound young and convincingly young! The other cast did a splendid job with their characters! Other than Hibana and the Bird Familiar, I also enjoyed Hiro Shimono as Alcyone because I originally thought he was Natsuki Hanae, so I’m mentioning him here because he fooled me. Though, if I had to pick a stand out role, it’d be Ayako Kawasumi as Bellatrix. No one ever expected the stoic and aloof officer to be extremely perverted! I sure didn’t!

Overall, this is a quick watch but I totally recommend it if you want something cute to watch! It’s super cute! I do plan on getting the manga! What are your thoughts on the anime as a whole?