#ALSO THEY DID PROFESSIONAL RECORDINGS OF THE CUT SONGS !!!!

[vicsnook]

Wildest Dreams | Bob Floyd x Reader x Jake Seresin

word count: 2701

warnings: break up, SMUT MINORS DNI 18+ , oral, fingering, sex

song pairing: Wildest Dreams - Taylor Swift

notes: Hi y'all! Hope all is well. I have been on a Hangman kick lately and also with 1989 probably being the next re-recording well this was inspired. Please forgive me for making our sweet Bob not so sweet but I promise we will get sweet Bob back soon. This will have more parts so stay tuned! Please if you don' t mind like and reblog!!! Also thank you for all the likes and reblogs on my previous works, it truly means the world to me.

The breakup was sudden. A string of arguments over phone calls that didn’t last more than 5 minutes were the cause. Bob’s deployment was extended but Nat was shipped back. He was Cobra’s new backseater and with that came new trust issues.

His short or missed phone calls, no texts, and lack of caring came as a surprise. The biggest slap in the face was when he missed your birthday. Everyone at the Hard Deck huddled around the laptop waiting on him to pop up any second yet he never did. That was the night it all was over for you.

You ran out of the Hard Deck trying to hide the tears from the rest of your teammates. Only Jake and Nat knew about the fights and were both surprised at how sweet Bob might have all been an act. You could hear footsteps behind you in the sand as you quickly dried your tears ready to pretend you were fine. 

“I’m okay, I just needed some air,” you said turning around to find Jake headed towards you. “Come on, let's get you out of here,” he said, wrapping an arm around your shoulders as he guided you to his car. You let the tears fall as he drove you home. Jake was one of the only people you trusted and who knew exactly how you felt.

“Want to talk about it?” he asked as he approached a stop sign in your neighborhood.

“It’s over. I’m going to break it off. Not that there’s anything left either way.” 

“Are you sure, Peach? I know things have been really rocky the past couple of months but maybe talk to him first?” he mumbled as he pulled into the driveway.

“There’s nothing to talk about Jake. He didn’t show. I’m done waiting for him when all he seems to care about is Cobra.” your tone was harsher than you expected but it was true. Bob assured you when he was assigned as Cobra’s backseater that it would be strictly professional. Yet the friendly outings blasted all over her social media and Bob’s exasperation whenever you asked were enough for you to come to the conclusion that your relationship was over. 

Jake followed you to your door knowing you shouldn’t be alone. Usually, you’d try to get him to leave but you were exhausted. He watched quietly as you started putting Bob’s things and gifts in a box. 

Nearly an hour later you were finished. The tears came and went but when you closed the top of the box the heartache seemed to worsen. You turned around and walked over to Jake who stood up and engulfed you in a hug as you started to sob.  “Let it all out, sweetheart. I’m here,” he whispered against your head as you cried.

—

Your phone ringing woke you up and as you reached for it the events of last night came reeling back in. The call ended as you stared at Bob’s face on your screen. 3 missed calls and 1 text. 

Clicking on the text you felt your stomach sink as you read it. “We need to talk and I’m so sorry about last night baby. Love you” you stifled back a sob. It was over. His face popped up again as his call came through. Hesitant you answered it anyway. Better to get it over with now.

“Hello?” he said quietly. 

“Hey” 

“Look Peach, I’m really sorry I missed last night” he sighed. “I’ll make it up to you. Work is just really stressful and-”

But you’d heard that before. He’d make it up to you and things would be fine for a while but it would be just a matter of time til it happened again. Cutting him off you ripped off the bandaid. “Stop, please. Bob, it’s over. I can't do this anymore.” 

“No! Peach talk to me please” he pleaded as you ended the call. 

He tried to call again but you didn’t answer this time. Instead, you headed for the shower not even bothering to take your sleep shirt off as you got in. Sitting on the tub letting the hot water soak you as you sobbed. You wanted to go back into your room and answer the phone but you knew it was better this way. He would’ve never broken up with you so it was up to you to take the hint and end it. 

A knock on your bathroom door startled you. “Peach, is everything okay?” said Jake from the other side. He never did leave last night. You figured he slept on the couch and stayed to check on you. “Yeah, I’ll be out in a sec,” you shouted back trying to hide the fact that you’d been crying. “Okay, I’ll be in the kitchen.” the uncertainty in his voice told you he knew you were lying.

You threw your clothes into the dryer that was thankfully in the bathroom then wrapped your towel around you and headed to your room to get dressed. Jake shouted breakfast was ready as you clasped your bra. “Coming!” you shouted back, throwing your Navy sweatshirt on.

“Hey stranger, made you some pancakes,” said Jake as he slid the plate in front of you. Chocolate chip, your favorite.

“You didn’t have to do that Jake,” you replied quietly as he shrugged in response. Your appetite was non-existent but you didn’t want to seem ungrateful so you scarfed down one of the pancakes.

“Bob called. He’s been calling me and Nat all morning.” 

“Did you answer?” you swallowed hard. Hoping he didn’t.

“No,  but have you talked to him?”

Staring down at your plate you mumbled back “Yeah. I ended it and hung up on him.” 

“Oh sweetheart, I’m so sorry.” 

Jake pulled you into a hug before you could even reply. Sticking by you the rest of the day as you dropped off Bob’s things at Nat’s and then watching rom-coms with you that only managed to make you cry even more.

—

Bob tried calling the first week. An abundance of texts sat unanswered on your phone too. He even sent you roses which ended up at Nat’s since you didn’t want them but didn’t want to throw them out. But as the 2-month mark neared he finally stopped. According to Nat, he wasn't on Cobra’s social media anymore and he asked her about you every week but it was too late now. 

He said, "Let's get out of this town

Drive out of the city, away from the crowds”

The sound of Jake’s truck in your driveway snapped you out of your thoughts. He’d been there through it all for you. Making you get out of the house and not letting you drown in sorrow. Today he was taking you to a flea market you’d mentioned at work. It was a 2-hour drive and you tried to get him to reconsider but he just said he loved a good road trip and you knew you couldn’t fight him.

The drive-up was uneventful and you couldn’t deny Jake’s playlist was great. Singing along to Jolene as he pulled into the parking lot. “Wow this place is huge,” you mumbled. 

Jake smiled up at you as you walked the booths. His arms holding your new books. You turned around suddenly bumping into Jake when you realized you passed the records booth. He grabbed your waist to prevent you from falling.

He's so tall and handsome as hell

His green eyes were on yours as he towered over you. You couldn't help the butterflies in your stomach as you shook your head to snap yourself out of the trance and then quickly headed toward another booth. 

—

As you and Jake ate that afternoon at a little cafe on the side of the road you couldn't help but stare at his handsome features. A couple of times he made funny faces when he caught you staring and you tried to shake off the feeling you got when he did.

Standing in a nice dress

Staring at the sunset, babe

Walking back to the truck you stopped to take a picture of the sunset. The breeze ruffling your blue sundress. Jake ran ahead of you and opened the truck door for you. Standing in front of him, as he towered over you, your eyes flickered down to his lips.

Red lips and rosy cheeks

“I like your red lipstick,” he whispered. You looked down as your cheeks blushed but his fingers lifted your chin to look up at him. Before you could overthink it you pulled his shirt and pulled him down to you, pressing your lips to his as his hands reached for your waist. The kiss was slow and it felt natural as his tongue tangled up with yours. 

When you finally parted to breathe, he tucked a strand of your hair behind your ear. “I’m sorry if I overstepped” you mumbled to him as you turned to get into the truck. “I’m not sorry,” he replied as he rounded the truck and got in.

 Jake grabbed your hand as you got on the highway back to Miramar, a comfortable silence had settled between y’all. Only being interrupted when he pulled into your driveway and you asked if he wanted to come in.

Setting down your books on the coffee table, Jake excused himself to the bathroom. Your mind still reeling from the kiss. Your heart still ached for Bob but you couldn't deny the feelings that had recently come to the surface as you started to hang out more with Jake.

You turned on the tv and put on Game of Thrones which was Jake’s favorite then headed to the kitchen and poured two glasses of red wine. “That for me?”  he asked as he came and grabbed the glass for your hand and quickly pecked your lips. “Yes, I uh also put on Game of Thrones. We can watch something else though if you want.” you rambled as you followed him out of the kitchen and then settled on the couch.

“Nah, this is perfect” he replied as he stretched and placed his arm on your shoulders, pulling you closer to him. Jake was very into the show but you couldn't concentrate on anything other than the fact that he’d kissed you twice today and now it was nearly midnight and he was still here. On the one hand, you didn't want him to leave but you also didnt want whatever was happening to progress quickly and ruin your friendship.  “Hello? Earth to Peach?” he said breaking you out of your thoughts.

“Sorry, what were you saying?”

“I said it's getting late, maybe I should go,” he stared at you waiting on a response. You eyed the wine on the coffee table now empty. Not wanting him to drive home under the influence you responded “You’ve been drinking, it’s okay if you stay.” 

“Peach, I’m okay really. I don't want to overstay my welcome.”

“No, please. Stay.” your lips crashed into his before he could say anything else. The kiss started slow but it turned more passionate as you moved to straddle his lap. His hands were on your ass as your tongues fought for dominance. You pulled away and slowly got up, holding his hand as you guided him toward your room. 

I said, "No one has to know what we do"

His hands are in my hair, his clothes are in my room

“Are you sure about this, Peach?” he mumbled while kissing your neck. You nodded in response as a moan escaped your lips when he pulled your hair. “Use your words, Peach.”

“I’m sure” you whispered as he laid you down on the bed and climbed on top of you. You pulled his shirt up and ran your hands across his abs as he kissed you, only pulling away to take his shirt off. His right hand squeezed your breasts as you desperately kissed him. Your body jolted with every touch. There was no denying being touch starved from Bob’s long deployment might have influenced this to happen so quickly but as he kissed your thighs your mind went blank. 

And his voice is a familiar sound

Nothing lasts forever

But this is getting good now

“Can I eat you out?” Jake mumbled against your thigh. “Yes,” you panted as he slowly took off your underwear and threw it somewhere with the rest of his clothes. He sucks on your clit and your fingers grasp for his hair as your moans fill the room. He pulls away and licks a stripe from your entrance to your clit, his green eyes piercing through yours as you moan his name. “You like that, honey?” he says as he thrusts one finger in you and you feel your legs start to shake. 

He adds another finger and hits your g-spot as he sucks on your clit. Your legs tighten around his head as he starts to go faster. Your vision goes white with pleasure as your legs start to shake while you come in his mouth as he continues to finger you through your orgasm. “You taste so good baby” Jake mutters as you start to come down from your high. 

You taste yourself on his lips as he kisses you. He pulls away to take off his jeans as you take off the sundress and chuck it on the floor. Quickly his lips are back on yours as you grab his bulge and he groans in your mouth. Your fingers tug at the waistband of his boxers and as you pull them down you grab his cock. Slowly stroking it as he pulls the boxers all the way off.

“Are you sure you want to do this, Peach?” he asks once more as you kiss his neck. “Yes, Jake” you respond and so he reaches down to his pants on the floor and pulls a condom out of his wallet. He quickly puts it on and as he rubs his cock against your entrance you wrap your legs around him and pull him to you. Moaning his name loudly as he begins to thrust slowly into you.

 “Faster, Jake” you whine as he starts to quicken up the pace. He lowers his right hand down to rub your clit as he thrusts into you. You kiss him desperately as you feel yourself getting close. His left hand squeezing your breast. “I’m close” you moan and that sets something off in Jake and he begins to thrust faster and harder into you.

Screaming his name you feel yourself coming and he comes too as your cunt tightens around his cock. Holding on to you as you both come down from your highs. He slowly pulls out and chucks the condom into your bedside trashcan. Laying beside you he pulls you to his chest as you throw your leg over him. Both of you drifting off to sleep.

— 

You'll see me in hindsight

Tangled up with you all night

Burning it down

Monday rolls around too quickly and Jake has been at your apartment since Saturday night. He leaves early that morning to get to work before you and at work, you both act like nothing happened since you didnt want the team to know. Worried about what they might say.

Jake winks at you as you head for the showers and your mind wanders back to last nights steamy shower with him. You hurry while getting dressed and practically run to your car and when you pull into your street you see the familiar truck in the driveway. As you park next to him he gets out of the truck and rounds your car to open your door. Making you giggle as he throws you over his shoulder.

But before he can walk to your door a car door shuts behind you and when you lift your head to see who it is, it's the one person you were not prepared to see again.

Bob.

Say you'll see me again

Even if it's just in your wildest dreams

(click here to read pt 2)

#top gun fandom #bob floyd #jake hangman seresin #jake seresin x reader #bob floyd x reader #top gun maverick #jake seresin imagine #top gun hangman #jake seresin smut #Spotify

[greed-the-dorkalicious]

All the discussion around AI lately got me thinking about an incident recently in which a guy got his ass sorely beat by the vocal synth community

For those of you not familiar, “vocal synths” in the electronic music sense typically refers to programs like Vocaloid, SynthV, UTAU, Alter/Ego, DeepVocal, etc., digital instruments that allow composers to create, as the name implies, synthesized vocal tracks. The way they work is that they draw from libraries (referred to as “voicebanks” or VB for short) of special studio recorded* vocal samples from singers singing different syllables at a consistent pitch. The program then splices these together and adjusts the pitch to match whatever notes you put in- You want to do All Star, it’s gonna string together “[suh][m] [buh][di] [wuh][n][s] [tO][ld] [mi]” or something like that. Basically it’s an extremely complicated sampler.

(*unless you’re using UTAU or another build-your-own-vocal program in which the “studio” is only metaphorical, and is sometimes somebody’s basement with a Rockband mic plugged into a laptop.)

Now, there is no threat of vocal synths putting actual singers out of a job. Even the best vocal synths always have a bit of a robotic sound to them, and the voicebanks take hundreds of hours of recording time from you know, actual singers. Any piece made with vocal synths has to be worked by a human hand in a process called “tuning” in order to sound any good, whether you’re trying to make it sound human or leaning into the robotic sound. This isn’t something that’s being done on a corporate scale to cut costs- This is something pretty much exclusively being done by small scale indie music hobbyists because we fucking love Hatsune Miku and her weird buddies. Most folks are less interested in doing something that sounds 1:1 like a human voice and more in going beyond what humans can do to make shit like this

One of the leading vocal synths right now is Synthesizer V (SynthV), created by a company called Dreamtonics. SynthV offers fancier versions of some of its voicebanks, which are called “AI” voicebanks. These use machine learning trained on, again, professionally recorded and legally licensed vocal samples to help make songs sound a little bit more smooth, a little bit more in line with whatever singing style you’re aiming for. Everything else previously mentioned still applies: They’re still painstakingly recorded and programmed, you still need to tweak it yourself to get it to sound just right, and it’s still never going to sound 100% like a human. And that’s fine!

For this next bit y’all are gonna have to trust me because the tweets all got deleted, though if anyone wants I’m happy to pull up screencaps of talking shit about it with other vocal synth folks when it happened lmfao

So basically. Since ChatGPT type grifters have convinced people that “AI” means “magic plagiarism button”, back in April some dipshit NFT guy on Twitter started complaining on an official SynthV update post that SynthV (which he apparently believed to be called “Dreamtonics”, the name of the company that makes it) should allow people to make voicebanks from “their own voice”, insisting that it would be easy and PROFITABLE!™ to do so. He also clearly did not actually mean “their own voice” but rather “the voices of celebrity singers shamelessly lifted without their consent”, which was made extra obvious from a tweet on his own page that was like “Teehee people in monitored Twitter spaces don’t realize their voices are being recorded and fed into AI!” which he then deleted after I linked it on the thread about SynthV. lol.

Dude proceeded to get whupped by actual vocal synth people basically saying shit along the lines of “Yeah we can all tell you just want to commit cheap plagiarism, jackass” and “Dude why are you here when you clearly don’t understand the very very basics of what this software even is” and “Go make an UTAU voicebank if it’s so easy then”. (UTAU being a Japanese freeware program that hasn’t been updated since 2013. Creating an UTAU voicebank is complicated and takes a lot of time and technical knowledge.) He still refused to learn the basics of how vocal synths work, and proceeded to ask if “UTAU or Diff is most compatible with Dreamtonics”, a question absolutely no one could make any sense of? Lol.

Anyway, I don’t have anywhere in particular I’m going with this, I just think AI grifters are morons, and it’s obnoxious how the vague and misleading term “AI” has gotten nigh-mythologized by shady tech companies to the point that people can’t tell the difference between perfectly reasonable assistive technology and magic plagiarism.

Btw, fun fact for anyone who’s wondering, there do in fact exist legally/morally questionable UTAU voicebanks spliced from outside vocals. These are called “jinriki” voicebanks and not only do they take the same amount (if not more) of hard work as any other voicebank, they’re far from the insta-Beyoncé this dude was aiming for, and instead they sound um. like this

[rosewaterconley]

I solved a mystery that only I care about lol

ok so I have no clue what I'm doing and social media terrifies me. I will probably never touch this account again. why did I have to follow 3 algorithm-selected accounts to get into this website? I can actually name 3 people I'd want to follow on here and it's none of the people your fucking robot told me to follow. but hey, I feel like I have to post it here rather than my blogspot since nobody in the world actually uses blogspot and I want people to see this!

so anyway, there's this band out of the city of Milwaukee called Hero of a Hundred Fights. they dropped a couple CDs in the early 2000s and seem to have broken up, though all their members have been in bands since. that'll be important a little later. for now, Hero of a Hundred Fights are important to me on 2 levels:

I'm a Wisconsinite who has a tiny bit of an obsession with local history and art and really fuck with their weird mathy little corner of the 2000s hardcore scene

I'm a Faction Paradox fan and their 2001 EP The Remote, The Cold contains numerous references to the series! if you've heard of this EP before, it was probably in the context of some "music that references Faction Paradox" list or another

about #2... see, everyone already knows that track 2 is called Faction Paradox and track 3 is called The Celestis. we've all long since put together that the title is a reference to Lawrence Miles' Interference. but what about the lyrics? unfortunately, we don't know. they're not online, and the vocals are good, mind, but rather incoherent.

well, we didn't know. until I ordered a CD copy for like $8 lol. that's all it took! so here you go, the lyrics booklet plus some of the other artwork featured on the CD. artist Nick Slough did a great job on this art and it's a shame only the cover is widely available online (though that's hardly a problem unique to the physical version of this one album). turns out, this is some kinda concept album based on the Miles novel Interference. cool! really love the lyrics on Rope especially. "I need your blood to get this vessel running" and "my life was in your hands, I cut them off and now they're mine" are both raw as hell.

the cover art is pretty interesting. this album was recorded in 2000, released in 2001. the entire creative process occurred before the first standalone Faction Paradox release, The Book of the War. this means the album is entirely Doctor Who-based, not based on the FP series itself. it also means, if we assume the humanoid characters on the art are supposed to be the Remote, that this is the first-ever professional art depicting them!

disclaimer: the booklet lyrics don't 100% match up with what's said in the songs! it's mostly accurate but unfortunately there are some sections missing, some repeated bits that are only written once et al. that's all par for the course but I figured I'd mention it - especially in the case anybody wants to use this to transcribe the lyrics on Genius or some other site like that.

and while we're here, Hero 100 member William Zientara has been in a billion different bands, and I think he's probably the most responsible for the Doctor Who theme on this album. See, he was also in a short-lived band called Managara - named after a Doctor Who tie-in novel so obscure even I, owner of a complete set of Virgin New Adventures who spends my work breaks combing through digital copies of old fanzines, have only ever heard it discussed a handful of times. one of their songs is called Happiness Patrol. more recently, in 2021, he was in the band Fuiguirnet, who have a song called What Grows From the Seeds of Doom! which means Zientara has been randomly tossing Doctor Who references into songs from at least three different bands for twenty years!

so uhh without any further rambling here's the lyrics and art:

#faction paradox #hero of a hundred fights #music

[misslavenderlady]

Hey bestie!!! I don’t know if your asks are open. If not just yeet this out. Buuuut

May I pretty pretty please get a fem! Vamp Reader fic with maybe being a mate of Paul and Marko (best two to be in between—) who’s got like a rocker style,,,,I mean yk my style but? 👉👈 👁️👁️

And maybe some smut. I feral for them-🤭😇

(Also just realized I can’t put pictures in this damn. I was gonna give you an meme angel emoji 😭♥️

Ilysmmm and you’re doing amazing!!! Keep up the fabulous work!!! 🥹♥️♥️

Waiting for a Girl Like You🌹

Marko/Paul/Female!Reader

Summary: You have the most gorgeous men in all of California wrapped around your finger. Even though they're vampires, you love them so much. Soon they'll make you one of them, and it's a very pleasurable change~

Thank you @auntvamp for the request! I hope you enjoy this! Everyone, give Auntie some love! ♥️

WARNINGS: Nsfw/Smut/18+ Readers Only, Poly Throuple, Flirting, Pet names, Dirty Talk, Teasing, Nipple play, Vaginal Sex, Anal Sex, Double Penetration, Language Kink, Threesome, Creampie, Blood drinking, Vampire transformation, Song lyrics

You were a bombshell in every sense of the word. Beautiful, blonde, stylish. Wherever you went, heads turned and eyes widened as men and women alike stared in awe at you. It was quite the ego stroke to get that kind of attention.

But there was much more to you than looks. You had many passions and dreams to keep your spirits high. The skills you had in makeup were professional-level, you had a deep love of painting, and you were a hardcore fan of all things rock-and-roll. It felt like there was a music video going on in your head, constantly spinning you around with the fun tunes you loved so much. 

Everything that made you the way you were caught the attention of two other blondies. Marko and Paul, you adoring lovers. It was at a record store where you met the two of them. Your hand fell on a Van Halen record, as did the hand of another shopper. To your surprise, the other person interested was a lot like you. Blond hair, blue eyes, and dressed like someone in a rock band. 

You were immediately in love with the gorgeous stranger, and the look in his eyes told you he felt the same. 

As if that weren’t already amazing, it got even better. A shorter boy with long curls dressed in leather and patches came up to him, holding some cassette tapes to show off. His words were cut short when he saw what had caught his friend’s gaze.

You didn’t think it was possible to fall in love twice in a matter of seconds, but it turned out to be so. It was just meant to be. 

Marko and Paul swept you off your feet in no time. They asked you out on three-person dates to the boardwalk almost every night. Even if it was the same location, there was always something new and exciting to do. Sometimes they’d take you to romantic dinners and let you get your favorite foods. Sometimes they’d show you the wildest rides at the theme park. You had a growing collection of stuffed animals from all the carnival games they had mastered. 

When it first started out, you worried that one of them would get jealous of the other. That they would start fighting over you and insist you pick one of them. It was your worst nightmare, as you couldn’t possibly imagine having one of them instead of both. Thankfully, they worked so well together giving you equal attention and love. You were more than happy to give that love back. 

The true challenge in your relationship was learning they were vampires. 

It was a miracle that you took it so well in the long run. They were true, honest-to-God monsters that hunted and devoured humans for sustenance, yet you still longed to be with them. Paul was still that lovable goofball who liked to dance around at concerts with you. Marko was still the artistic soul with a sense of playfulness and mischief. You would never stop loving them, and it relieved them both to know they hadn’t driven you away.

The three of you had a true bond, and it was about to get stronger. 

They had invited you over for a night in at their cave hideout. You practically lived there at that point, having a special room in one of the alcoves that was full of your stuff. Band posters, makeup, slim, black outfits, leather jackets, rollers, and a mountain of pillows and blankets to keep you warm in the chilly cave. It was so nice to be able to call it your second home. 

Marko and Paul were eagerly waiting for you on the couch, visibly perking up when you stepped into the room. It warmed your heart to be so wanted.

“There’s my principessa!” Marko cooed, reaching out to take your hand and plant a kiss on your knuckles. It always got you going whenever he spoke his mother tongue.

“Hey, Sugar! You’re lookin’ fine as hell tonight~” Paul purred, eyeing you up and down in hunger. 

You giggled flirtatiously at their sweet words. They always knew exactly what to say to make you feel good. You all but melted into their embrace as they got up from their spot and held you in their arms. 

"Hello, my loves," you greeted them, kissing Paul's cheek, and then Marko's. "Where are we going for date night today?" 

For a moment, your boys were silent. There was a visible shift in their mood, any sweetness turning sultry as they eyed you hungrily. You knew that look very well. It meant pleasure was going to come your way. 

"Actually, we were hoping to…stay in tonight~" Marko said. 

"Yeah! We actually have a surprise set up in your room~" Paul whispered, leaning in close to nibble on your ear. 

Shivers ran down your spine from the excitement building up inside. You didn't want to waste a second, so you let the two of them lead you from the lobby and down the hall to your special room. The beating of your heart was getting faster as the anticipation built up.

When you finally arrived, your excitement only grew stronger. 

The room was decorated beautifully. Rose petals scattered, candles illuminating the space, a silky, red blanket spread over your bed. Paul’s boombox was propped up on the nightstand and playing music from your favorite romantic rock station.  

“Do you know what today is, baby~?” Marko whispered in your ear, wrapping his arms around your waist as he did so.

You shook your head, as you weren’t sure what the special occasion was. Paul snickered as he nuzzled your neck.

“It’s the one-year anniversary of us telling you that we’re vampires. We wanted to surprise you….and offer you something as a present~”

Your eyes widened as reality washed over you. It wasn’t a secret that the boys wanted you to become one of them. It had been on your mind for quite a while now, but you wanted them to be the ones to decide when the time was right. They were savoring you for who you were as a human, but they adored the idea of spending eternity with their lover. 

They stared at you with such intensity. Such passion. You could tell how badly they wanted to claim you in every way. How could you possibly refuse?

As the opening notes of the next song started to play, you sweetly asked for them to take you.

So long, I've been looking too hard

I've been waiting too long

Sometimes I don't know what I will find

I only know it's a matter of time

Paul was the first to kiss you, caressing your cheek as his lips met yours. You loved the way he smiled into each kiss he gave you, expressing how happy he was to be with a woman like you. The two of you worked together to remove your jackets and shoes, already feeling too hot with your clothes on.

Marko stole you away for his own kisses and helped you slip off your top and your skirt. He loved it when you wore skimpy outfits under your trusty leather jacket. It made him act extra handsy. You couldn’t stop yourself from giggling as he nipped playfully at your lip.

When you love someone

When you love someone

It feels so right, so warm and true

I need to know if you feel it too

With all three of you naked and eager for more, the boys pulled you down on the bed. They absolutely spoiled you with affection, Paul running his tongue along your exposed nipple while Marko sucked at your neck to bruise you with hickies. Sighs fell from your mouth as you relaxed into their touch. They knew just what you liked.

“Lemme fuck you, Sugar. I need you so goddamn bad~” Paul purred. You nodded eagerly, and Marko helped position you so you were leaning up against his strong chest. He pawed at your breasts, holding you close and savoring your body. 

Paul was practically salivating while lining himself up to your pussy. The tip of his cock rubbed over your clit, teasing you just a bit. It made you mewl and shiver with desire. Your bottom lip stuck out, giving a silent plea for him to finally fuck you. 

Maybe I'm wrong

Won't you tell me if I'm coming on too strong?

This heart of mine has been hurt before

This time I want to be sure

“Shhhhh babygirl, I gotcha~” he cooed as he slid right in. The two of you moaned out, both of you overwhelmed by the pleasure. Marko snickered into your neck as he watched all the fun play out. You could feel his own cock pressing against your ass and his fingers teasing your hole. 

“Ooooh Paulie…yes~” you moaned out. He filled you so perfectly as if your bodies were meant to be together. Without even thinking, you wrapped your legs around his waist, and pulled him in closer. Behind you, Marko was keeping you close as well, toying with every sweet, sensitive spot you had.

I've been waiting for a girl like you to come into my life

I've been waiting for a girl like you, your a love that will survive

I've been waiting for someone new to make me feel alive

Yeah, waiting for a girl like you to come into my life

Paul slipped his tongue past your lips, kissing you deeply to express his lust. It made you dizzy as your head clouded, the only thought on your mind being how good the boys made you feel. Meanwhile, you could hear the sound of Marko grunting in your ear while he pushed his lube cock into your ass. The sensation of getting filled even more was making you tremble and shake. 

“God fuckin’ damn, I love this ass~” Marko growled. “Like a vice grip on my cock….mmmh…makes me wanna keep you like this forever~”

If all went well tonight, he could possibly fulfill his wish. You wanted nothing more than to feel the embrace of your two lovers all night long. Every night could be like this. Three vampires ravishing one another as mates and making the most of immortality. The mere thought only added to your pleasure.

You're so good

When we make love it's understood

It's more than a touch or a word can say

Only in dreams could it be this way

Marko and Paul moved perfectly together, matching each other’s pace of thrusting in both your holes. Their moans were only turning you on more. Your voice mixed with both of theirs, singing out your pleasure. It only encouraged them to keep it up.

“Oooh amore mio….sei tutto per me~” Marko whispered in your ear as he fucked you. He always said the most romantic things in Italian. It never failed to make you blush.

“F-Fuck….shit…I l-love…love you, Sugar~” Paul moaned, barely able to form a full sentence. Still, it was cute to see him so intoxicated from your body.

When you love someone

Yeah, I really love someone

Now, I know it's right

From the moment I wake up 'til deep in the night

There's nowhere on earth that I'd rather be than holding you tenderly

You couldn’t possibly last much longer. With the way they stuffed you and filled you up, your body was getting closer and closer to the release you needed so badly. Your legs tightened around Paul while you reached around to caress Marko’s chiseled face. It was like your body was screaming for them. 

“Marko! Paul! Oooh god! FUCK!!” you cried out. The waves of ecstasy came crashing down on you, and it was absolute perfection. Your boys were quick to follow, both of them cumming deep inside your body together. Their animalistic growls rang out as they filled you to the very brim.

The three of you collapsed onto the bed, panting and glistening from the intense fucking you had gone through. A lazy smile painted your face and your mind and body went absolutely fuzzy from the afterglow. You were incredibly grateful to have not one but two lovers that always made you cum. 

I've been waiting for a girl like you to come into my life

I've been waiting for a girl like you, your a love that will survive

I've been waiting for someone new to make me feel alive

Yeah, waiting for a girl like you to come into my life

“Now then~” Marko said, interrupting the peaceful moment. “How about we give you that gift we mentioned?”

You perked up as Paul slipped away for just a moment to grab a familiar-looking wine bottle. Red jewels glimmered in the candlelight, catching your eye. The two of them smiled as they handed you the drink.

“It’s got blood from both of us in it,” Paul explained. “That way we’ll both be claiming you. Even when we’re apart, you’ll always have us with you”

I've been waiting for a girl like you, I've been waiting

Won't you come into my life?

It was all so incredibly romantic. Your heart swelled with love for Marko and Paul. They were so good to you. They really were your soul mates, and you never wanted to experience life without them by your side. As you uncorked the bottle, the sweet scent of their blood teased your nose. This was really happening. You would be a vampire.

There was no hesitation as you took a sip. 

You were still a bombshell. Though the sunlight was your enemy and the night brought you inhuman powers, your beauty had followed you into your new, undead life. The rocker look was still your style, but now there was a sense of mystic charm to your personality. People still stopped and stared, but now you could lure them to follow you. 

Lure them away and quench your thirst for blood.

And all the while, Paul and Marko stayed by your side. They were amazing teachers, showing you all the ropes for using your powers. Whether it was flying in the sky or fighting hunters, they cheered you on. You knew you were going to love them forever, and you would enjoy every second of it.

#the lost boys #tlb #female reader #marko x reader #paul x reader #paul the lost boys #marko the lost boys #writing request #my fic #Nsft #Smut

[hooked-on-elvis]

A filming day during the '68 Comeback Special production (June, 1968) 🎥⚡

— Recollections by ANN MOSES, editor of TIGER BEAT and NEW MUSICAL EXPRESS MAGAZINES, as published in her Facebook on January 8, 2024, Elvis' 89th birthday.

Happy Birthday in Heaven to ELVIS PRESLEY , born January 8, 1935. He would have been 89 today. I feel the best way to honor Elvis is to share some of my in-person memories from his incredible Comeback Special from 1968 — Ann Moses

THE CONTINUING STORY OF ELVIS AND ANN MOSES (EDITOR OF TIGER BEAT) FROM NEW MUSICAL EXPRESS:

ELVIS TAKES OFF TINY TIM AND RICHARD HARRIS

Last week I told you how I was chosen to sit on the steps of the stage when Elvis was performing before the tele-film camera in Burbank. They were recording the hour-long Spectacular to be seen in American on December 3. I promised to tell you about my further encounters with Elvis this week, so here goes: As Elvis left the stage, his face dripping with perspiration, his straight hair hanging over his eyes after such an energetic half-hour workout, everyone expected the end had – too soon – arrived. Wrong! After a few moments the executive producer appeared to inform us that this had been a dress rehearsal and Elvis would be back as soon as his leather suit dried out, and go through it all again.

Great News

It was great news because to have a small taste of greatness would have been cruel. The first set whet our appetites and the gathering was openly happy that the appetite might now be satisfied (if that’s possible)! During the half-hour break, Priscilla Presley, Elvis’ wife, descended from the seats where she was watching him and glided backstage to see her husband. She did not return. Meantime, the executive producer stayed on stage to entertain the audience by answering questions about El. I asked how much he had contributed to the creation of the TV Special. The producer said El had done about 75 per cent of the creating. He also said El was easy to work with and his professionalism had cut the time allowed for filming. To fill time and keep us occupied, as if we weren’t content to merely sit and wait for him to return, the producer called the Blossoms on stage to do a song. This Negro (remember this was 1968 and the correct way to describe the black girls) girl trio, who performed on the old “Shindig” show and have aided the Righteous Brothers on their tours, backed up Elvis vocally in the special. “We’d like to sing a gospel song for you,” one of the girls said. “You know, Elvis really loves gospel songs. Every time we’ve had a break in the past two weeks he drags us off to some corner to sing gospel tunes, isn’t that a groove?” she went on.

The Blossoms (American female group): Photo 1 from 1966 (left), clockwise from top: Fanita James, Jean King, and Darlene Love. The group's formation changed over the years but those are the female vocalists of the Blossoms that worked with Elvis.

On the '68 Comeback Special, the full group appear onscreen during the Gospel number (second picture from 1968 — from left to right, Jean King, Elvis, Fanita James and Darlene Love). Darlene Love also sings the female vocals for 'Let Yourself Go' song, used for the bordello scene.

The Blossoms also have uncredited roles on the film 'Change of Habit' (1969) on which they act as Elvis' character's neighbors performing as his backing vocals for the song "Rubberneckin'", right at the beginning of the movie, although the female backing vocals for the actual song was recorded by other female artists during the American Sound Studio sessions in January, 1969. I'm not sure if for the movie version they recorded the song again, with the Blossom's backing vocals, but probably no — if that's so, the girls participation on the "Rubberneckin'" scene is specifically with their acting, dubbing the original recorded song. The movie was filmed between March and April, 1969. Still for the "Change of Habit" movie, the Blossoms sing the female backing vocals for "Let Us Pray", song used during the closing scene in the church. The Blossoms recorded a few more songs with Elvis.

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

Continuing Ann Moses' article:

Then they sang a gospel tune and it was a groove too. I would have loved to hear Elvis join with them, but anyway. . . A few more minutes, in which the executive producer introduced all of Elvis’ buddies and then HE was back. This time he was much more at ease in front of the audience. He began to joke with those of us close by, sitting on the platform. “I hope you don’t mind if we do a few of those numbers again,” he smiled, “I really goofed up some of them the last time.” The band was ready and it began again. But this time seemed even more exciting because it was likely we knew him better. That may seem hard to comprehend since we’d only been there a couple of hours, but that’s the way he makes you feel!

Some new twists

Some of the songs had been recorded previously and when he’d get to them in the medley he just cut up the original lyric. Like when “Love Me Tender” came around again he sang “. . .you have made my life a wreck and I hate you so. . .” then he’d laugh and go on to the next tune. Once through the whole medley and everything stopped for a prop change. A special set had to be set up for the finale. Instead of leaving this time, Elvis bent down to me (are you ready for that – me!) and said “What would you like to hear?” I blurted out, “Your Time Hasn’t Come yet, Baby.” * He gave me an inquisitive look and I said: “The new single.” “Right,” he said and started singing the song.

Movie soundtrack: "Speedway" (1968)

"Your Time Isn't Come Yet Baby" was released a few weeks before the movie, as a single, on May 21, 1968, with "Let Yourself Go" on the opposite side (the second song, is part of the '68 Comeback Special setlist, used during the bordello scene where Elvis acts opposite to Susan Henning). "Speedway" movie was released only a few weeks before the filming for Elvis' NBC TV Special had begin, on June 12, 1968 (although the film was completed in the early summer of 1967), while the videotaping for the "'68 Comeback Special" was filmed from June 27-30, 1968.

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

Continuing Ann Moses' article:

The microphone was turned off. He called to have someone turn it on. Another girl said, “Sing ‘U.S. Male,’” and he said in a deep voice “I’m a U.S. Male. . ." but still the mic was off. Others ere calling out songs now and while he waited for someone to turn on the mic he bent down to sign some autographs. He got back up and strummed the electric guitar and tried again, but still no sound. So he left. It’s really awful to complain in light of what we were all experiencing, but to think we would have had private little 15-minute concert except for that rotten dead-mic, well. . . it would have been great. The set was ready. It was a black box some 25 feet long and as high and wide as a room. At one end there were flashing colored lights darting in all directions. At the open end was our platform and the microphone. Elvis returned, casually, but things were not quite ready. The mic was on now. Someone asked “How’s your daughter?” Elvis answered, “Oh, about this long,” he held his hands out about a foot apart as he smiled broadly.

I found this moment on Youtube Shorts (Elvis talks about baby Lisa Marie and also sings one verse of a song we'll talk about soon, recorded by Tiny Tim):

As we know, Lisa Marie Presley was born in February 1, 1968. By the time the '68 Special was being filmed, little Yisa was close to reach 5-months-old. An infant, the King's little Princess. ♥

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

Continuing Ann Moses' article:

“How long have I got?” he questions the director, “I’m getting embarrassed.” There was no answer, so he began singing “Tiptoe through the tulips” in Tiny Tim style. It was hilarious and even he couldn’t help breaking into laughter.

“Tiptoe Through the Tulips” by Tiny Tim. Also known as "Tiptoe Thru’ the Tulips with Me", is a popular song published in 1929. Singer, Tiny Tim, release his version in April, 1968. It was a new tune when Elvis was singing it out of fun during the '68 Comeback Special filming, as Ann Moses remembered happening.

You can hear Elvis singing one verse of this song on the Youtube Shorts I shared previously when Ann Moses mentions Lisa Marie). What a funny guy, our Elvis. ♥

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

Continuing Ann Moses' article:

“Well, how about. . .’someone left the cake out in the rain’. . .” He was now mimicking, in an extra-deep voice, Richard Harris’ hit record “MacArthur Park.” Again, he laughed.

You can listen to Richard Harris' song on Youtube, here.

Everything was ready now. He took that special stance and GLARED at the camera. The music started. . .”If you’re lookin’ for trouble. . .you’ve come to the right place.” Rough and tough, he was singing “Trouble,” twitching lip and all. But then he called, “wait, wait. . .” and the tape stopped. He looked at us and said: “Did you see that?” He was laughing again. “I got my lip caught on the microphone!”

This above isn't the take Ann is referring to (I didn't found it [:(], but one of the takes he sings "Trouble" during one of the '68 Comeback Special's stand up concerts). You got the picture.

Continuing Ann Moses' article:

He goofed the famous lip twitch. Of course, it had to be right. It all started again and this time it was perfect. In the middle of “Trouble” the tape broke into “Guitar Man” with Elvis singing “well, I’ve come a long way from the car wash. . .” and he sings about heading back down the road with a guitar slung over his back. He picks up his guitar, slings it over his back and walks off down the black corridor into the flashing lights symbolizing the future. The audience was hysterical and that’s good because the reaction is all on tape too. It was so spontaneous and so beautiful. What I gather the special is all about is sort of a life story of Elvis through his music, ending of course, with him walking into the unknown future, that for him can only get better. All I can say is I didn’t sleep for two nights and I’m still having dreams. I guess that’s what can happen when you’re touched by magic! — Recollections by ANN MOSES, editor of TIGER BEAT and NEW MUSICAL EXPRESS MAGAZINES, as published in her Facebook page on January 8, 2024.

Pictures 1-2: Elvis '68 Comeback Special. Picture 3: Ann Moses on "Elvis: That's The Way It Is" (1970, theatrical version).

ON ANN MOSES: Ann is one of the girls appearing on "Elvis: That's The Way It Is" (1970) documentary on the fan interviews portion of the film. In one of her interviews years later, Ann says that she was a fan of Elvis previous to the '68 Comeback Special but her love for him hibernated for a while during Elvis' Hollywood years (60s) due to all the new music for the youth that was happening at the time, but then ever since 1968 and Elvis' comeback to performing live in 1969, Ann was again a die hard fan, instantly — and that she is until today. Every now and then she talks about Elvis Presley on her Facebook page, sharing articles she wrote on him to the magazines she was an editor for back in the days, also about her experiences watching Elvis performing live, the time she visited him on a movie set in 1969, and so on. Ann Moses published a memoir book where she talks about her experiences as a young woman living among big stars in the 60s and 70s - obviously she mentions Elvis there. Her memoir book is entitled "Meow! My Groovy Life with Tiger Beat's Teen Idols", published in 2017.

Picture 1-2: Elvis and Ann Moses during and after his press conference at the International Hotel (August 1, 1969 - the press conference was held right after Elvis' opening night at the hotel's showroom). Pictures 3 and 5: Elvis performing at the International hotel on August 2, 1969, both photos by Ann Moses. Picture 4: Ann Moses.

#elvis presley #elvis #elvis the king #68 comeback special #elvis fans #elvis fandom #elvis history #60s elvis #1968 tv shows #60s tv #Youtube #tiger beat magazine #new musical express magazine #vintage magazines

[kavehsclaymore]

Traces we Left

an 4nemo smau

DISC 1 - Track 5 : A Second Opinion

"Yahoo~!" The hum of the air conditioning is too loud for the studio he's in, but he isn't recording right now, so Kuni ignores it. Jean should have kicked him out of the building by now, but 4nemo's success gives them certain privileges within their agency; Kuni will take advantage of that without a shred of remorse. "Hello, Venti," he says anyways. "You sound... energetic." "Hi!" Venti replies through the speaker. "Yeah, it's morning! I'm full of sunshine!" "Morning bird," Kuni replies. "You say it like it's a bad thing!" Venti laughs. "Anyways... What's up, 'mouchie?" "I need your advice," Kuni responds. "As a professional... And a friend." He ignores Venti's dramatic gasp. "He called me a friend!" "Can you listen to a song?" he asks. Venti gasps again. "Wait... You wrote a song?" He can hear the way Venti's voice takes on a new level of excitement. "Oh, oh!!! You're writing a single!" "An album, actually," Kuni admits. "If someone would actually listen to the first piece so I can move on to the rest." Venti makes a high-pitched noise that sounds embarrassingly like a squeal. "Okay, okay, I'm listening! Go ahead!" They switch to a video call. Kuni props his phone on the table. "The quality'll be shit," he warns, and reaches for the guitar propped against the wall. "Don't care! Sing, 'mouchie!" And he does. Kuni plays the chords and sings the words he's written down for this song. Once he's played through it once, he goes over his ideas for instrumentation and points out the places he thinks need polishing. Venti is silent for a moment when Kuni is done. "You're pouring your whole heart into this," he notes. "I can tell." He smiles. "Now, as for the song itself, it's got a few problems." Kunikuzushi can take criticism at face value. (All the 4nemo's can; it's the only way they've survived for so long in a cut-throat industry.) "What did you hear?" he asks instead, straight to the point. "What do I need to change?" "It isn't that you need to change much, per se. It's all really pretty and appealing, aurally..." Venti twirls a finger around one of his loose teal-dyed locks thoughtfully. "But you're trying to say too many things in one song. I think you should spread those ideas out. Like this part--" he hums part of the song "--that's a whole other melodic idea, you can make it a different song entirely!" Kunikuzushi looks at the sheet music spread out before him, plucking strings absently as he goes, and then reaches for his pencil. He marks the spot Venti means, and then a few more places where that also applies. "So, in this spot, too..." He strums the chords he had written down, humming the melody; Venti joins him. Then he changes the chord qualities and his strumming pattern, and Venti makes a noise of approval. "Ah, I see." "Yeah, that's the spirit!" He taps his chin. "And about the instrumentation... It's your first solo album, and your 5wirlies are more into that introspective stuff, so you can keep it pretty simple if you want to. Whatever you write, it needs to fit your album's narrative, at least loosely." They go back and forth like this for the next hour, until the clock shows that it's past 3am when Kuni looks up next. He begrudgingly tells Venti that he has to get some rest, and after a bit more back and forth, they end the call. Kuni gathers his belongings and heads outside. As he slips into his car and drives home, his mind goes back to what Venti said, over and over again. He knows the advice is solid - Venti's a musical prodigy, and getting a master's in composition, so one would hope he knew what he was talking about - but it sparked a different thought for Kuni altogether. Namely, that his songs can follow the same narrative.

a/n: hello scaranation! some things to note:-pretend that inazuma and mond have totally different timezones ok ok -update: i fixed the link, but it broke the formatting of the pictures and i cannot for the life of me fix it.... sorry :<

Summary: As your final semester in university begins, your childhood friend-turned international idol Kunikuzushi decides to make good on the promise he made to you all those years ago.

He's going to write you a song.

Scaramouche/Wanderer x gn!y/n

ALBUM: Traces we Left

prev | masterlist | next

Credits: Y/N's circle || Kuni's circle

DISC 1:

Track 1 | Track 2 | Track 3 | Track 4 | ▶ Playing Now: Track 5 | Track 6 | Track 7 | Track 8 | Track 9 | Track 10

DISC 2:

Track 11 | Track 12 | Track 13 | Track 14 | Track 15 | Track 16 | Track 17 | loading....

((message to be added to taglist))

taglist: @misfireezreal @crowbird @i5yanfei @tjjjrsj @kunikuzushisbeloved @raideneiari @dazaisfavgf @orionicchaos

#scaramouche x y/n #scaramouche x reader #scaramouche x gn y/n #scaramouche x gn reader #kunikuzushi au #scaramouche au #genshin impact #genshin impact smau #scaramouche smau #kunikuzushi smau #wanderer smau #4nemo #4nemo au #4nemo smau #5wirl #venti #barbatos #6reeze #kunikuzushi x reader #wanderer x reader #wanderer x y/n #kunikuzushi x y/n #smau #does this count as fanfic? im tagging it anyway lmao #fanfiction #traces we left #scaramouche #wanderer #kunikuzushi #4nemo venti

[rarepears]

Shen Yuan and the ancient hairdresser

Ok, so fun fact about Ancient China: there were professional commercial hairdressers.

No, not for cutting hair. They washed and combed hair.

In the Song dynasty commercial hairdressers began to appear in significant numbers. Known as “tweezers workers (镊工)” or “comb workers (栉工),” these craftsmen could earn a decent living. Writer Zhang Duanyi (张端义) recorded in his Gui’er Ji (《贵耳集》), a book collecting anecdotes of the Song dynasty, that the infamously corrupt chancellor Qin Hui (秦桧) once paid 5,000 wen for a haircut, enough to buy about 120 kilograms of rice at that time.

So... who has access to that kind of ungodly amount of money for such luxuries and would spend that kind of money? Shen Qingqiu.

Not Shen Jiu, mind you. He is more than aware of the value of each coin and copper. He'd know where to go find a valuable bargain... if he could even bare to allow someone near his neck like that other than courtesans. He probably had courtesans combing his hair in fact.

Now Shen Yuan on the other hand has no concept of ancient money. Well, even if he did, he would lack the common sense coming from a rich background.

(Shen Yuan: What could a banana cost? 10 bucks? Pft, that's cheap. Shang Qinghua: Bro...)

And even if he knew how much it cost... a freshly transmigrated Shen Yuan would consist it a worthy investment because he doesn't want to do it, he has to stay in character and Shen Qingqiu was known for his Pristine Appearance. It's not like the original goods had any servants on hand and Shen Yuan couldn't very well have a disciple do it! Plus the original goods had plenty of money laying around (and plenty more letters of rich nobles offering sky high prices for calligraphy and painting commissions that Shen Yuan didn't have to even complete - he just had to find something from Shen Jiu's piles of practice sheets from years prior to ship out.)

So Shen Yuan heads into town (following the helpful google map instructions of the system) to find a hairdressing artist to do his hair. And he gets into the habit of going down every week for a lovely comb and washing. It's great! The guy is good looking and a great conversationalist. A+++ service!

(Historical note: In Lin’an, the capital of the Southern Song dynasty (1127 – 1279), the hairdressers even formed an industrial association, called the “hair-dressing community (净发社).” The members of the association, known as “hairdressing artists (净发艺人),” established an industry guidebook, which was titled “Instructions on Hairdressing (《净发须知》).” The guidebook listed 10 requirements for hairdressers, not only calling for them to have excellent professional skills, but also to be good-looking, intelligent, eloquent, and easygoing, so that they could provide good service.)

Hence, even after Luo Binghe moves into the bamboo cottage and offers to help comb his shizun's hair, Shen Yuan still goes down every week to visit his go-to hairdresser, unaware of the fuming jealous little sheep he leaves behind each time. He's also totally unaware of the fact that the rest of the sect thinks he's sneaking off to the brothels with each trip too (since that's where the original goods got his hair washed and combed at.)

#svsss #svsss au #the scum villain's self saving system #mxtx #shen yuan #shen qingqiu #shen jiu #luo binghe #svsss ideas #chinese webnovel #combining history into fanfiction: Shen Yuan and professional hairdressers in ancient china AU

[cheiyunn]

Kimisute main story [２部 ] Part 6

Side:Argonavis

[Sharehouse]

Banri: Look at this! We have people who’ve never heard of us until now saying our songs were good!

Yuto: It looks like the sponsored live was received well, so we’re getting more press too

Ren: Interviews… they were so nerve wracking…

Rio: In opposite effect, I feel like I was calmed down by all your nervousness

Wataru: Considering all the bands the were present during LRfes all collective had their major debuts as well, it’s no surprise there’s so much talk

Banri: When we got cut off by Duck River I really didn’t know what was gonna happen so…

Banri: It was really a stroke of luck that we got picked up by Furusawa-san

Yuuto: I know right! And unlike LRfes, the label will fund the lives that we want to do too

Yuuto: If you compare it to before, it feels like a weight has been lifted off our shoulders

Yuuto: It really helps that I can cut down on side jobs and fully focus on band activities too

Wataru: They also told us to start working on our new single as well

Ren: I’m really looking forward to a new song by Wataru and Rio..!

Ren: Maybe you’ve already decided what kind of song you want it to be?

Wataru: Hm…. I’m still at the concepting page so..

Rio: Same here

Banri: I mean, you just got the official order from Furusawa-san right?

Banri: When we went pro, it now feels like we’re able to make songs because of the help of others

Yuuto: The production scheduling is based off our own pace so it helps alot too

Yuuto: A new song is important but because we got the confirmation for the next live, we need to get ready for that one too

Wataru: Well, considering your pick flew off somewhere during our previous live Yu…

Ren: Eh? Really?

Yuuto: So… Wataru caught on huh. I thought I had played it off cool enough though…

Wataru: Nah, I think it worked. I’m sure neither Banri-kun nor Kikyo-kun noticed, right?

Banri: Not at all

Kikyo: I had also noticed. But since it was such a small thing, I didn’t bring it up

Yuuto: I’ll be more careful so it doesn’t happen again…

Wataru: ….oh really. I need to be careful too, I think I’ll need to replenish what supplies we have

Yuuto: You’re usually more grounded than me so you’ll be fine, I’m sure! Even if something did happen, you’ll probably get through it without a second thought

Banri: On the topic of our next live, shouldn’t we decide on a setlist?

Yuuto: That's right. Since we have more fans that listen to us now, shouldn’t we try and add some more stuff to our setlist..?

Ren: Yeah. Including the people that were here from before, I want to hold a live that everyone will enjoy

Banri: We want to actively try new things while also balancing maintaining our normal image too right

Wataru: Yup, so we don’t become stagnant too

Rio: …then, how about we take reference from the things from the previous fes?

Banri: Good idea! We can mix in components of our label to mix up our taste, so how about discussing this with the people at the label then?

Yuuto: ‘kay, we’ve got some ideas for our next live done so maybe we can end it here for today

Yuuto: At this pace, being able to eat purely by band activities isn’t far ahead..!

Banri: Fingers crossed–

Yuuto: It feels like despite all that, lady luck is on our side!

Ren: Yeah!

Rio: …even if we’re starting off on a strong foot. It isn’t good to relax just yet as well

Yuuto: Whoa Rio, no need to dampen the mood like that

Rio: Even if it goes well in the beginning, there isn’t a guarantee that it’s smooth sailing to the top either

Rio: The world of professionals shouldn’t be underestimated

Yuuto: I know that’s that, but right now we’re doing well so isn’t that enough to be happy about..?

Rio: In the beginning it was good. I was glad as well, that everything that we’ve done so far was being acknowledged

Yuuto: So why then…

Rio: But. The major debut from Apollo Record is yesterday’s news

Rio: To add, the ST//RAYRIDE duo has been made in charge of our guidance, remember

Yuuto: And what’s wrong with that…

Rio: I’m not sure how long we can stay excited or, how long we can have this straight up ahead viewpoint… It feels like our abilities are being tested by the people around us

Rio: Don’t you think so too, Goryo?

Yuuto: I won’t deny what you’re saying Rio. But at the same time, I want to look forward with a positive attitude..!

Rio: There’s a difference between fighting for it and just staying positive–

.

--[Yuuto’s phone buzzes]--

Yuuto: … !?

Rio: Goryo…?

Banri: Eh, whats… what’s wrong Yuuto-kun?

Yuuto: uh..nothing…! Anyways, thai conversation is over. I’m going to my room..!

.

--[Yuuto leaves]--

Banri: …uh… did anyone get the vibe somethings off?

Wataru: …ah… maybe… it’s because of … this..

Ren: Lemme see. ….「Hokkaido Hakodate, City Council Member Arrested 」...wait, isn't this person… Yuuto’s father..!?

#fromargonavis #argonavis

[standupcomedyhistorian]

Today (12/16/23) is the 10th anniversary of one of my favorite comedy specials—

what.

Yes, it's been a whole decade since Bo Burnham graced the world with his YouTube special (and now major comics are following his model lol). While people think of what. as a Netflix special, Bo's plan was to distribute it freely via the internet on 12/17/13 (and he took a pay cut to make it happen!).

Here are some other fun facts about Bo's second comedy special:

1. The trailer is filmed in the Ruhm, Bo's guesthouse and studio that makes an appearance again in Make Happy and in a little special called INSIDE 😉

2. This comedy special was Bo's first professional collaboration with Chris Storer (creator of The Bear) after they met on Adventures in the Sin Bin and it marks Bo's first time directing. They would go on to co-direct Make Happy together and Bo's obviously directed MANY items since, including his incredible story about a teenage girl called Eighth Grade!

3. Bo begins the special wearing three pairs of pants—two red ones and one black pair—a white tee, a dark gray hoodie, confetti in one pocket, a pack of playing cards in his OTHER pocket, and his mouth is full of water. Damn, that's a lot of stuff! 🤯

4. But he doesn't have the water IN his mouth for the stool scene! That was spliced together with the live performance footage (and pretty seamlessly, clearly, since folks asked him about it online).

5. The song Repeat Stuff has a brilliant music video that accompanies it. And the girl that Bo murders at the end is none other than the Vice President's stepdaughter! That's right, Ella Emhoff is Kamala Harris's daughter through marriage, and she is a famous model and artist.

6. Speaking of that music video, the exterior of the house Bo breaks into at the beginning is Bo and Lorene's own home at the time. And that house was used in The Nightmare Before Elm Street franchise (a fact the realtors emphasized when selling the place in 2021—I would have focused on Bo's studio personally haha).

7. The music video also has a cameo from one of Bo's friends, Paul Scheer, as the manager! I actually met Paul at a Human Giant event back in the day, and he was very nice (along with Aziz Ansari and Rob Huebel).

8. While Bo released his special entirely for free, he did have two other items that were for sale at the time—the what. CD (recorded in Madison, WI, thus he says "Get on my level, Madison" in Sad) and his book of poems Egghead. I own the poetry book, obviously, but I cannot find the CD for sale anywhere.

If you or someone you know is willing to sell their copy, PLEASE DM me! It's the only item he put out that I don't own in some capacity—and I would love to complete the collection! 🥰

9. Egghead is amazing in both its print and audiobook versions. In fact, the latter is like a whole separate comedy special and well worth the price to hear Bo reading so enthusiastically and with different hilarious voices. Highly recommended...and I have a kid-friendly list of poems here if you're interested.

10. Finally, what. features two of my favorite subversive bits: Andy the Frog and the Fishing song.

I was thinking a fun video idea would be to create a Bo Burnham "Kids Show" with all of his darkest routines that seem like they came out of a demented Sesame Street (so like Wonder Showzen haha).

Here's the potential order:

-Disney Lessons (Words Words Words)

-what. Intro (starting with "melted into childlike wonder" to Lizard)

-How to Make the Perfect PB Sandwich

-A Slow Joke

-Andy the Frog

-The Squares poem

-Fishing in the Park

-How the World Works (can include Outtakes Bo and Socko as well)

-YouTuber Thank You

Anyway, I just think that would be hysterical if any editor wants to take a crack at it. Please give me credit tho! ✌🏼🐔

#Youtube #what #bo burnham #bo burnham what #milestone #10th anniversary #repeat stuff #ella emhoff #paul scheer #the nightmare on elm street #lorene scafaria #inside bo burnham #bo burnham inside #human giant #egghead #standupcomedyhistorian

[thistaleisabloodyone]

Jr.Exile - with the exception of GENE, hilariously enough - could maybe be called the EXILE GENERATIONS generation. EXILE GENERATIONS (hereby referred to as EX-GEN because less characters) was a trainee group where one had to pass a professionalism review to become a backup dancer for other Exile Tribe groups.

I cannot find a GENE member in the list of former EX-GEN members on the wiki, but:

RMPG has 6 former EX-GEN members - Shohei, Itsuki, Shogo, Makoto, Kenta and Riku FANTA is basically entirely former EX-GEN members - Taiki, SawaNatsu, Hori Natsuki, Leiya, Keito and Shota BBZ has four former EX-GEN members - Ryuta, Masa, Rikiya/Ricky (I never know how to refer to him 😩) and Miku PsyFe also has four former EX-GEN members - Tsurugi, Jimmy, Kokoro and Ryoga

So much rambling beneath the cut re: GENE and Jr.Exile

I do feel like this makes the gap between GENE and the other groups - more obvious? It feels like there's a gap there, at least for me, where I often accidentally sort GENE into what I call Founding Exile, with Exile, JSB3 and Exile the Second. (The fact that GENE debuted two weeks after Exile the Second, but nearly ten years before PsyFe probably doesn't help that)

If RMPG hadn't had a 2.5 year debut delay, it would feel less extreme, I think, since RMPG and GENE are around the same age. GENE's average age is 30, whereas RMPG's average age is 27, and GENE's youngest member was born in 1996, the year RMPG is missing. Hilariously, Likiya is actually older than Mandy by two months, which means the oldest member of RMPG is older than the oldest member of GENE.

But I think a part of it is definitely the debut gaps - RMPG probably would've debuted in 2015 if the musha shugyo hadn't basically caused a collective mental breakdown, since GENE had a 7 month gap between formation and debut, Exile the Second had a 5 month gap between formation and debut, and JSB3 had a Less Than One Month gap between formation and debut (they really threw JSB3 straight into the deep end there 😂)

But since the musha shugyo did cause a collective mental breakdown, they didn't debut until January 2017, putting an approx. 4 year gap between them and GENE. Then FANTA debuted in December 2018 (~6 years after GENE), BBZ in May 2019 (~6.5) and PSYFE in July 2022 (nearly 10 years later), so GENE has a 4+ year lead in experience and name recognition over everyone else in Jr.Exile.

There's also the fact that, like, FANTA and PSYFE mbrs were backup dancers for GENE - I own the Speedsters tour recording and, like, two or three songs in, I realized I was playing an Easter Egg hunt of "Find the future Jr.Exile member" with the support dancers.

#thistale rambles #generations from exile tribe #the rampage from exile tribe #exile tribe #jr.exile #this makes me wonder if that's part of why they moved lil out of jr.exile #because i fucking swear lil was originally announced as a part of jr.exile #before they formed neo exile and moved lil over #because a. more than 10 years between lil and gene #and b. lil is missing the commonality that ties jr.exile together #ex-gen still technically brings gene into it #because even though i can't find a former ex-gen gene mbr #ex-gen were support dancers for gene #neo exile has the commonality of they all came from icon-z #(random aside - if you've played my rampage mbr trivia quiz #the meanest trick question is actually answered in here)

[prettybirdy979]

Neil Gaiman & FourPlay String Quartet (in Sydney)

So last night I was SUPER fortunate and got to go see Neil Gaiman and the FourPlay String Quartet at the Sydney Opera House. It was an amazing night, a two and a bit hour show that is a little hard to sum up as a show. 

So I’ve got some thoughts under the cut (Spoilers for anyone going to the Melbourne show, which will likely be the same or at least very similar). I’ve remembered as best I can but well, only human and there was a lot in a fairly long show

Before that though, some general non-spoilery thoughts:

The things the Quartet could make their instruments do was almost miraculous. Neil described them as a string quartet who is also a rock band and I fully saw that. They all had talent and it was an honour to see them perform live. I hadn’t realised that wasn’t a didgeridoo in one of the songs until I saw the cello perform. 

As you can see in the pics of the stage (none of Neil or the group since we weren’t allowed to take them and I wasn’t gonna break that rule) I was extremely close. Close enough I hear the seal on Neil’s water crack at the start. But they were set up to be visible to all. The show was also sold out

Neil himself was captivating. Everyone shut up to listen when he spoke, regardless of what he was saying. We also had a couple of hecklers but one was helping and the other handled with a sigh and moving on

Nearly every song that they performed, Neil explained how it had come to be either something they had written or something they performed. It was an interesting look into the songwriting process and even the processes of performing (and how much you can learn in thirty minutes

The way it was performed, most of the time Neil was reading words to music or having music performed while he read but at one point he did provide backing vocals for a song and actually sung four of them as the main vocalist

Neil said we were brave for coming, since he struggled to explain it and we all took a chance on coming. If you do ever get the chance to attend one of these shows, I recommend taking it. It was so worth it, i enjoyed every moment of it

The show was professionally recorded! So maybe one day we’ll get to see bits of it (or all of it) for people who couldn’t attend

Now for more specific (and possibly spoilery) thoughts:

They started the show with Clock, which Neil mentioned as one of the few songs they’d be performing tonight that he didn’t write (his exact words a little bit in was that the words were “nicked from Bill” as it’s Shakespeare’s Sonnet 12). Something I noted for a lot of the performance and specifically this song was how he kept his hands always gripped behind his back except when he was talking with them. 

Then talked about how the band met (at the Opera House fourteen years ago) and became friends. He then mentioned the poem he read on 26th January 2011 at the Opera House, which was backed in Tasmania by didgeridoo, which the cellist said he could copy. And thus they came full circle with the song Poem first read on January 26th 2011 at the Sydney Opera House. As mentioned above, the cellist was right

Next song was Mobius strip. Not much to say about this one except that it’s one of my favourites from the album and very gesture filled

So both Neil and the band did something solo, starting with the band. They performed Neverwhere, a song they wrote but named for a Neil novel (with his input) since they believed it belonged on the album

Bloody Sunrise was next, which if you’ve not seen the music video for you should. It’s the one Neil was backing vocals for and they had a vampire come out to play the glockenspiel and 'harrass' Neil for his blood (jokingly). I think the vampire in the show was the same person as the video but if not, she was a very close match. The vocalist for this is Lara Goodridge, from FourString and her voice is amazing 

Next up was a Batman poem which had Neil detail his relationship to Batman through the years while the band possibly improvised music? They mentioned having no safety net for it (which prompted a comment from one of them about Batman not having a safety net) so it was at least one of the lesser rehearsed pieces. The poem was very touching and ended on a note that made me shiver

Song of the song was next; I’m struggling to recall many thoughts about it other than I liked it and it was great to see live

Ended the first half on Psycho by Leon Payne, which Neil sung. Backstory of this one was that they hadn’t had an encore during their first tour so they’d learnt this in a hurry as the encore for Carnegie Hall. The song was great and violin managed to make truly upsetting sounding cords and it was awesome!

This song also prompted Neil to mention the well known joke about Carnegie Hall, which a heckler set up for him (How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice). Then one of the band members (Peter I think? I’m terrible with names) also made the joke about them having proved the joke wrong since their encore for it wasn't really practised but learnt in half an hour at lunch before the show. It’s a running theme

In the first half there was also a running joke performing at the Opera House then going to Tasmania (as you do, Neil said one time) because apparently Neil has done that multiple times

Second half opened with Neil’s solo thing, the reading of his short story Click-clack, The Rattle Bag which was apparently written while he was in Australia 10 years ago staying at someone's house. Partway through the story, as it got spooky, click clack noises were made and it ended on a hell of a note

The Wreckers followed. Neil mentioned it was a poem he’d written for someone very sad

Before the next song Neil mentioned liking our weather, which was miserable that day, because all the rain that falls in his home right now is soft and fluffy. This prompted the next song which he called Umbrella, which had him reading words to the music and had the band sing a chorus he also spoke. Not sure where the words are from but it was a good song

The second sung by Neil song of the night was one he said was written to be a 3am torch song, that used to sung to a bartender. But it’s updated for the modern era so it was called I Google You (which is what you do now when you're heartbroken)

After that was a song they said had never been performed before, only rehearsed. As backstory Neil mentioned the tale of two men (whose names I forget) who’d published a dictionary of well, rude slang in the late 1800s/early 1900s. Neil had gotten his hands on 2 volumes of it to begin with then a 10 volume version and the song, "To suck the sugar sick or up-tails-all" (I think, the second part of the title did not stick in my mind that well), was just various euphemisms for sleeping together used by the Victorians read to music. Including the two in the title! Lara did the vocals for those euphemisms related to women

Next two songs were Signs of a life, and then In Transit as the 'last song'  

Which of course it wasn't. They came out for an encore, with the words “Two songs and we all get to go home, that's the rule” (prompting a heckler to ask “To your home?”. Neil just sighed)

First encore was a song I didn’t recognise but is apparently Makin' Whoopee and was sung by Neil. Apparently not well rehearsed since Neil jumped the gun on the lyrics at one point and said 'clearly we need to rehearse more'

Ended with The Problem with Saints, which is a song he said he wrote during a session where they were trying for eight songs in eight hours and managed six in twelve. Neil implied this one was written at 4am and the only reason he’s the one who sung on whatever first album it's on it is because it was 4am when it was written and he didn't protest

And that was the show! It was a long night (not helped by public transport being its usual trackwork happy self) but an amazing one. Well worth seeing and I hope I’ve passed on some of the bits to you.

#Neil Gaiman #FourPlay String Quartet #Neil Gaiman & FourPlay String Quartet #sydney opera house #my life #long post #i got wordy and specific under the cut

[endlich-allein]

Day 23 — Favorite Rosenrot Song

I love this album with all my heart. Rosenrot is probably the album that marked me the most. I like its dark, melancholy, slightly gothic atmosphere. I find it unfortunate that some band members don't like it and therefore this album didn't get the chance it deserved with the media and live. Perhaps this is due to the fact that Rosenrot is an album which was conceived as a patchwork, made up of songs recorded for Reise Reise and reworked demos. I also know it's an album dear to Till's heart, even though he said they did it too quickly and weren't in a good mood at the time.

Regarding the songs, there are some interesting facts about some of them. Benzin, for example, was written by Till because Paul, who liked the word benzin, pestered him for months to write a song about that word.

Mann Gegen Mann, a fucking banger, is a song about homosexuality. Till after writing the lyrics for this song, asked German artist and proud member of the LGBT community, Peter Plate if this song might offend gay people. Plate replied that they were completely acceptable, which validated the presence of this song on the album.

Stirb Nicht Vor Mir also has a rather special story. This song was written and composed at the very beginning of the Emigrate project, when there was talk of Till and Richard doing this band together. This song completes the love story of these two (#tillchardisreal) with the trilogy : Stirb Nicht Vor Mir / Let's Go / Always On My Mind.

Zerstören song denouncing the war in Iraq and presenting George Buch Jr as an uncontrollable child arsonist.

Feuer und Wasser who came to Till while he was swimming. But which also refers to those years as a professional swimmer in the GDR with all the suffering it caused him.

One of Ollie's favorite songs is Ein Lied. According to him, it was recorded in 10 minutes, the lyrics of Till and the guitars at the same time (which is rare with Rammstein). Ollie said of this in 2005 :

"It was an honest, pure moment that we could never reproduce, so we took the original version for the album."

Without forgetting the mythical Rosenrot and the magnificent and moving Wo Bist Du.

But my favorite song, and those who follow me for a long time know what song it is, it's Spring !

I love this song for two reasons :

The first is the theme. Two years ago, when I had done a challenge similar to this one, I had already talked about it at length. But for fun I'll talk again about it. This song denounces the mentality of the people of our time. Today, nothing shocks us anymore. We live and see every day that passes things that should revolt us, disgust us, make us react in one way or another. But instead, we passively watch the world destroy itself. You know, it's like when there's an accident on the road, people slow down to take a good look at what's going on. And the worst is that we wish the worst, we wish to see blood, to see injuries. It also denounces the mass effect. Because we are many, we feel strong and protected. We think that because we are many, we are right. But this mass does not hesitate to condemn, to crush dissenting voices. Like this crowd that wants the man in the song to jump, to commit suicide, while he is only standing there to observe the view.

This song is full of dark humor and irony as Till knows how to write them so well. The interpretation and the music are serious, melancholy as if Rammstein were becoming observers of humanity, tired and overwhelmed observers. Somewhat disillusioned.

The second reason for my love for this song is the mystery surrounding it. Paul said that there are two songs Spring Jungle and Spring Weiter and Spring comes from these two songs. There is also the fact that the text was worked over and over again, that even Till was frustrated by it. Originally, Spring was supposed to be a long song, in all, Till had written a long version. But to stick to the music, he had to reduce it and cut important pieces. One of my dreams is to read this long version.

#31 days rammstein challenge #31dr+c #rammstein #till lindemann #flake lorenz #paul landers #christoph schneider #oliver riedel #richard kruspe

[jmdbjk]

This is mostly about Tae...I guess?

So Kim Taehyung threw some (very small) bones at Armys this week by recording two Welives... for a total of 9 minutes and 59 seconds... lucky us! ... I guess?

He informed us it is not often he is working on a song/music... what he said makes it sound like he’s really been a man of leisure lately. Good for him. He at least blessed us with his presence... some were expecting it. Now I will have to pay closer attention.

Is or was Tae’s album really ready and waiting in the wings? When he was putting songs together and hinted that KTH1 was soon... which he’s been saying for years now... what was the delay? 

During Festa, Tae was saying something about the order of the songs wasn't just right or something was missing and Yoongi said  you just gotta make a decision, put it out there and learn from it...

And now whatever he releases has to be... well, SHOULD BE, NEEDS TO BE... fully professionally produced work. After what Hobi, Jin, Joon and Jimin released... Tae recording stuff in his home studio ain’t gonna cut it. He mentioned he trashed all those snippets he’s leaked for us. Maybe he did and he’s re-recorded them in the real studio with real producers and real musicians making sure its top notch... except not lately... because he works on music only occasionally... we'll see I guess?

[FYI, If you are on the side that thought that was Jungkook singing in the background of Tae’s live, or actually physically present with Tae, well... you do you, Boo ... I guess... tin foil hats are cheap.]

Also, this happened... nighty-nite bedtime habits/preferences videos from each member.... cute-ish and all but... really? Cute but kind of juvenile.

This week has really been interesting. The fan discourse has been eye-opening for me, personally. This solo era is beginning to sift and sort the fans into clearer silos. Really... interesting. 

It's like these fashion ambassadorships have created a new ripple of doubts and theories as to what will happen next and maybe it won't be what everyone expected.... AGAIN.

#he done woke up Smaug i guess #he'll find that one bare spot and stab it and regret it #i don't have a problem with zero Tae music #just dont say you are and then you dont #acting Tae would suffice for me #the company's bottom line doesn't hold anyone back from making money...think for once

[milfygerard]

Where did you get four months? They were very much together at the Grammys right before her tour started.

Not Physically! And not seen at a party with her! If you look a the pr removed timeline (multiple breakup/falling apart songs recorded for and then cut from/bonus tracked for midnights esp YLM hits different and dear reader, the lover house packed up/burning imagery in the visuals that likely took at least over a month if not more time to create considering the complexity of the tour, the end of the Lavender Haze and Bejeweled MVs implying a breakup as well as the Karma vid that was likely filmed pre-tour around jan-feb which includes a visual reference to the breakup, the fact songs from TTPD was being worked on before midnights was even released) It's far more likely they broke up at an unconfirmed time likely before or around the release of Midnights, possibly earlier considering how private they were as a couple.

I also want to note that if this is the case, i am not at all begrudging taylor for this. I fully think that keeping the breakup under wraps until the eras tour was about a month in progress, allowing for the tour (and midnights as an album) to stand separate from personal strife or potential PR drama, as well as giving her time to grieve and at least start to recover. I'm not always a fan of her PR and her death grip on the narrative but in this case it was necessary for her to not just for her sanity's sake but also for her art and her career. PR work and creating relationship narratives is just another part of her job and her art, it doesnt make her "fake" or anything it just makes her an image conscious celebrity which she has always been.

Unless Taylor or some reliable source close to the situation releases a tell all with exact names and dates, we'll likely never know, but I think its important to take Taylor at her word that she is artistically a narrative builder and professionally a shrewd marketer, and that her public persona and its story is as much apart of that as her writing and songs.

#ask #anonymous #taylor swift #shes been in this life arguable since the age of 13 and has been a true public figure since 16-17 #shes an expert of public presentations of private relationships its part of the job of Being Famous #her and travis dont get spotted on public dates by accident #<- honestly i include the bahamas swimming beach shots/paps catching a private kiss in that which shes been utilizing since harry. Her #desired vs undesired pap shots are v different and i dont think shes had an undesired one since rep imo. Shes very much in control #she knows how to dissappear #she seems happy w travis and i think she wants everyone to know that! its PR utilization #Built public narratives allow for a separated private relationship where people dont have to dig bc they already have ''private'' beach pic #like this is part of what makes taylor interesting! its a delicate tightrope that she walks and she walks it w precision #thats all sorry for the long response to a short question i just have a lot of thoughts on taylors pr work as of recent #2 clarifications 1. i do not think travis is some sort of beard or prship at this point however i still do not care about him #and 2. i still understand why people would be upset w the pap candids esp if they disagree w me on thinking its preplanned paps #ok thats actually all.

[piracytheorist]

Okay thoughts about the musical! I will go into a bit of a detail so if you prefer being surprised by how things appear in the musical, then skip this post.

It's about 2 hours and 40 minutes long, not counting a 30-minute-long break in the middle and the last ten or so minutes of bows and the cast saying goodbye. It's a big thing, though it doesn't show anything that hasn't been shown in the anime already - although from what I noticed, the lyrics and dialogue are based on the manga dialogues. It even adapts scenes from "Fullmetal Lady", which was adapted by a manga chapter further down the line.

First thing you hear after the orchestra tunes up is sounds of guns firing and bombs falling. The music starts and it's soon joined by a young Twilight crying.

Yeah :)

It's framed as Twilight looking at his past. After this very intense and dark intro, it starts adapting from the very first page of the manga. Some stuff are shown as "action" on a projected screen. The Handler appears from the very beginning, acting like a sorta narrator and also the one who introduces Operation Strix to Twilight.

It skims through details, but main scenes are kept and half the time the dialogue is spoken, the other half sung. I did not particularly like that they took the manga dialogues as they were and simply turned them into lyrics, there are lots of instances where the rhythm and lack of rhyming sounded awkward, but it's not too distracting from the entertainment.

I'm not an expert in musicals, but it looked like a well-standing production. I can't lie that I did notice some weak spots in the main actors' singing, but I give a pass because it was a very long production and they might have been tired from constant rehearsals and performances. Around 2/3 of the first part Twilight's poor actor was sweating buckets and didn't even have the time to wipe it off. But he still acted, sang and danced without showing any signs of tiredness or stress. In fact he was pretty funny in his acting! Yor's actress did some cool moves, too, she looks so badass as the Thorn Princess. The Anya actress from the performance I watched was very good, especially for her age! Good singing and great "placement" on stage.

Franky was fun! He seemed to really enjoy it, or simply really really get into the role. The Handler had some awesome dance moves and a strong voice, they knew what they were doing with her actress - also she has a very swaggy song right after the break, that accompanies the "Fullmetal Lady" part. I hope they release the songs from official recording off live performances, cause some of them are pretty cool!

And I swear, Yuri is far from my favourite character in the show, but just like the English dub, in the musical he just serves. He's so fucking enjoyable, and looked super professional in his dance and sing combo - I might need to rewatch, but he might have been the best at singing and dancing at the same time from all the cast. Paired with his overdramatic acting he was so much fun to watch!

By the way, the choruses were damn near impeccable. While I noticed a few flats and weak high notes from the main cast, I don't think I noticed a single mistake from any of the chorus parts. I was even taken aback by one; when Anya has a flashback of the lab scientists, said scientists sing in a chorus about how she has to study and has no time to cry and play. And it's awesome! Though you also feel sad because halfway through it Anya (the character, not the actress) bursts into tears and you're just like :( stop hurting her :(

The design changes are cool and smooth. Some back dancers/singers help with the changes sometimes but they feel very part of the whole thing. It doesn't take you away from the action. Fight choreographies are pretty good, too. I mean, they are theatrical ones, it's obvious they're fake, but they're faked well and professionally. You don't expect cutting and montage on a theatrical performance, after all!

You might have noticed from the video I posted, but Henderson's actor did a good job being a meme playing.

In general the whole presentation has a feeling of... not taking itself very seriously. Like, they have an entire movement just for Bondman! It's still very professional but they also take it a little lighter - aside from scenes where gravity is needed, like when Anya or Twilight have their flashbacks, when Yor kills her target, when Yuri interrogates that guy they arrested, etc. I think there's a good balance overall.

After Yuri's visit ends, Twilight has his moment of thinking how he felt jealous of Yor and Yuri, and though the acting was a little subtle, I really liked it! I like it as a moment in general so I'm glad it was added there and done justice!

I'm not sure whether Fiona really had time to be a part of the musical. She only appears a little before the end, in an adaptation of the "Nightfall" episode/chapter, and though it's done well (and the singer has a great finish line) it feels a little shoehorned in, lol. She was still enjoyable and I understand why they added her, but still. She was fun to see her fangirl about Twilight and Twilight being none the wiser - I feel that was even more accentuated there since it was live action, lol.

Near the end is also the Loidman part, with a choreographed fight between Loid and Yor! I missed some action though because some cameraman decided to film Anya's reaction from up close instead. Cute, but not the center of attention, dude!

Anyway, it then ends with a bit of a "summary" of how Anya has to become an Imperial Scholar (we get to see her in her school uniform!), and a full-cast and chorus reprise of the beginning song, which is certainly not an earworm for me right now SUBETE WA YORI YOKI SEKAI NO TAME NI I mean what

Overall, it's quite entertaining, and I'm not a big fan of musicals myself! Again, it's a long watch, and you have to be mindful that you're watching a filmed theatrical performance, but I would recommend it for its humor.

#sxf #sxf musical

[bramble-scramble]

Bea and Phantom: The Stinger Incident

Hey Sparks of Hope squad, hey Phandom. So I was looking through Bea’s backstory in detail and I noticed something, a little detail that I think may have big implications, and might even help explain why Bea and the Phantom’s relationship didn’t work out....! Posted under the cut due to length and moderate spoilers. (Also shoutouts to @turqrambles​ for letting me run this by them and discuss before writing this post!)

(Ok so first of all ignore the weird cropping and bad quality on this, I got this from my stream and cropped out the goofy thing I had in the corner lol)

“A whole new generation of fans was exposed to Bea when she became a celebrity host for the annual Galactovision song contest. Unfortunately, the Phantom was her co-host. The two constantly tried to outshine each other, eventually ruining their voices.” This is what Beep-0 has to say about this illustration, and I’m sure most of us took it at face value as a depiction of that. I was like, well, kinda weird they ONLY show the Phantom clearly suffering and blowing out his voice, but I didn’t give it too much thought.

But when I revisited the image again, I noticed a couple things. First of all- that’s the Phantom’s phonograph, right? For evidence, the same type of notes are coming out of it as are coming out of his own mouth.

Now, the phonograph is one of the things he was made out of. It’s literally part of him, and in a very real way it IS his voice. Of course, it’s normally inside of him. So why would he take something so important out? Make your own fantheory- maybe it amplifies and augments his own singing (here it appears to be doubling it and sending it in a different direction). Still, he’s very protective of it and wouldn’t normally do this, but let’s say he was around someone he had come to trust, someone he felt he could be vulnerable around, someone he cared for.

So the SECOND thing I noticed, was like “aww, he’s letting Bea use her stinger as the needle for the record! That’s kinda, sweet and intimate tbh...” but then I realized, ok, that’s not how phonographs work lol (the horn wouldn’t play any sound if it wasn’t using its own needle to read the record) and then I took a closer look and I’m like oh no, her hitting the record with her stinger is a BAD THING.

Look at the little burst effect happening here, the same one coming from the Phantom’s mouth. You can imagine the record scratch sound effect. She’s hitting the record with her stinger and MESSING HIM UP.

I do NOT think this is implying he actually lost his voice because of this! Even if this record got completely scratched up, it’s still just one record and could be replaced with another. I think it’s still true they both blew their voices out by trying to outdo each other. I think this illustration is just giving us subtle evidence of one occasion where she bumped the record with her bee booty and caused him to choke/crack, in front of a vast audience. You can imagine how someone as prideful as he would react to that.

So now the question is, did Bea do this on purpose? Was she trying to mess him up in order to out-compete him? Personally, I don’t think so. I’d like to think she’s a better person than that, that she genuinely cared for him and respected him and would never humiliate him on purpose (after all, she seemed to have an angry phase when they broke up), and that she has the professional standards to not want there to be an outright mishap like this during a performance. In the illustration, it doesn’t look like she’s aware of doing it, and given how good these backstory pics are at conveying subtle detail, I think they would have made her look way more mischievous if it was intentional on her part.

So we’re left with a very unfortunate incident. The Phantom thought he could trust her with something extremely important to him, and she let him down. She probably SHOULD have been more careful and aware! On the other hand, it was a genuine accident on her part, one she probably felt super guilty about. But no matter how much she may have apologized, I think it likely that the Phantom could never fully forgive her due to his pride, and this became a seed of bitterness and loss of trust planted in their relationship.

This is my personal theory for why they broke up. Of course, there was likely more to it than that; with both of them being so competitive and sort of diva personalities, it may have been destined to never work out no matter what. But I do like this as a particular impetus for their relationship crumbling, because to me it seems very realistic, kinda tragic, and makes me mutually sympathetic to both of them. The Phantom may have dumped her in a jerky way, but a partner doing something that shatters your trust is a difficult thing to cope with, even if it wasn’t out of malice on their part.

Feel free to agree, disagree, write a fanfic, or whatever! At the very least I hope you find me pointing out the record scratch thing to be interesting and run with it in your own way!

#mario + rabbids #mario plus rabbids #mario + rabbids sparks of hope #mario rpgs #fan analysis #bea #the phantom