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zvdvdlvr · 1 year

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this dance | ellie williams

🎟️ - OVERVIEW : it wasn't ellie's fault she was basically in love with the queen's daughter (aka: The Princess of Zypher). however, as her highness's personal knight, ellie herself would never be allowed to make a move on her feelings. when the neighboring Kingdom of Peace shows, will Ellie accept a dance with Princess y/n?

🎬 - PAIRING : knight!ellie williams x softie!princess!female reader

📼 - WARNINGS : possible ooc ellie, homophobia is not a thing, kissing, religious use of 'your highness' and 'princess', fluff, inexperienced ellie, kinda sub ellie idrk,

🎧 - K.J.'S PLAYLIST : die for you by the weeknd, juliet by cavetown, bad idea! by girl in red, girls by girl in red

📓 - K.J.'S DIARY SAYS... first ellie williams thing, be nice pretty please

"Your highness," Ellie greeted stiffly. The sight of Zypher's future queen in a just-barely opaque light pink dress that fell just below her kneecaps was enough to make Ellie salivate.

"My favorite guard! Good morning, Ellie. When did your shift start? Pardon my forgetfulness, my timetable has been jam-packed since the first full moon of the month." y/n's light, conversational tone was genuine. Ellie had been watching over the Princess for years and new when she had her professional face on.

Ellie swallowed, falling one step behind y/n's right side. "Don't trouble yourself with the shifts, Your Highness, for they are incredibly confusing." Ellie knew it wasn't right to be conversing with her charge, but Ellie religiously followed the rule 'only speak when spoken to', and there was no way she'd break that, especially when y/n was the one asking tge questions.

"I see," y/n nodded.

On the way to the dining eoom, Ellie took this time to gather her thoughts and admire the princess. Her dress had maybe three or four thin layers of the same shade of light pink the Queendom of Love was known for. Both of the current queens were quite fond of light colors and because every couple is known for the favorite color and motto, light pink was the Kingdom Color. The bottom of the dress flared out the tiniest bit- something Ellie smiled about.

Princess y/n wasn't known for gravitating to long, puffy dresses. She really only wore the bigger dresses to important ceremonies or celebrations.

"What do you think about the upcoming ball tonight?" y/n asked, starting her way down a staircase.

Ellie hummed. "So long as you are content with these plans, I am happy." In truth, Ellie quite liked when events like these happened. Not because she got free food from the castle, no, she got to see Her Highness float around with a bright and mostly genuine smile.

"That's not what I asked," y/n mused. She stalled at the last step, lifting her hand in a manner as if she was offering herself to a dance. Ellie carefully stepped down and lifted her uncovered hand to y/n's.

Immediately pleased with y/n's happy reaction, Ellie helped y/n off the stairs. "Why thank you," y/n smiled, looking up at Ellie. "Now please tell me if you do or do not anticipate the arrival of the Kingdom of Peace? The Kings are really quite nice, in case you didn't know," y/n asked. It was true, the two married men that let the infamous Kingdom of Peace were very patient and joyful people, so there was really no reason to not want them to arrive.

However, the Kings' daughter, Princess Dina, was rumoured to have been quite taken with Princess y/n. Of course this would be good if they ever decided to marry, but Ellie couldn't help but feel a bitterness bloom in her gut because of another person liking Princess y/n.

"I am not, uh," Ellie started, nodding in greeting to one of her fellow on-shift guards. "I'm not one for dancing, I think. I never have been."

"Oh," y/n said quietly. "Do you not know how to dance or just don't like it?"

Princess y/n was a façade. The cool, calm, calculating personality was false. y/n, however, was curious and childlike. Princess y/n acted if she knew a lot, never doubting herself because that's how she was raised. y/n wanted to be proved wrong, to learn. Ellie thought it was cute how y/n would feel safe enough to be herself around Ellie.

"I was just preoccupied with different things. I was never taught, but I would probably be a horrible dancer even if I was tutored," Ellie explained, trying to keep pace with the fast-walking person in front of her.

"I see," y/n murmured. The rest of the walk was quiet.

"Are you ready, Your Highness?"

Ellie's breath lodged in her throat when y/n pulled Ellie by the arm into her quarters. "I require assistance!" y/n said, pulling Ellie down the short hallway into her room.

"Uh, where are your maids?" Ellie asked, averting her eyes to the floor. She felt bashful seeing the princess in her undergarments.

"It's nothing you haven't seen before," y/n shrugged. "I do not want advice from the maids... They try too hard to spare my feelings. But you, I know you. If I order you to, you will give me your honest answer and I need an honest answer."

Ellie nodded, still holding a staring contest with the floor. "I see. What do you need help with?"

"My eyes are not on the floor, El."

The nickname made Ellie look up and realize just how taken she was with the princess. "How can I help you, Your Highness?" Ellie asked. She felt herself sweat under her armour, knowing that she was nothing compared to the woman in front of her. y/n's hair was pulled back into a braid halo. Two pieces were pulled from their spots and curled, framing y/n's face beautifully.

"What dress should I wear?"

Stepping aside, y/n gestured to an array of gowns hung up from a rack. Ellie felt her jaw slacken at the array of fabrics and designs. y/n wanted Ellie, who had no taste in fashion, to pick out a dress for y/n to wear? At a piblic event, no less. Ellie looked back at y/n to make sure she wasn't joking. When the princess only gave a small smile, Ellie turned back and examined the dresses carefully.

Withing thirty seconds, Ellie had chosen the three dresses that would look the best.

The first one was, of course, a light pink dress that hugged tight ffom the collarbone to the waist. From there, it was a beautiful mix of a blinding white and the same light pink. It was strapless.

The second dress was a dark blue dress. It had a matching pair of gloves. The dress was also strapless, hugging tight to the wearer's breasts. An intricate bead pattern was sown from the bottom of the dress up to the lower thigh, sewn with silver beads.

The last dress. The last dress took Ellie's breath away. Ellie decided the person that picked out y/n's dress liked exposed skin because this, too, was strapless. It was a shade of viridian with matching green jewels attatched in patters. All along the bodice were patterns of jewels placed in swirls.

"I quite like the green one," Ellie murmured. She stepped forward and raised her gloveless hand as if to run a hand along the fabic. Upon realizing y/n was suddenly very close to Ellie, the latter stilled and let her hand resume its place: clasped behind Ellie's back.

"I like it too." y/n replied, watching Ellie. Ellie never let y/n close enough to see her face this close. But now y/n could count the freckles dotting Ellie's skin. Beautiful patterns made the sun made y/n smile. "Thank you for your help."

The peacefulness of the moment was shattered. Ellie nodded and looked back down. "I will be outside to take you to the ball. Night has nearly fallen, my lady." Ellie paused and looked up. "If you need anything else, I'm outside." With that, Ellie turned and left.

y/n dressed with a smile, thinking of the soft contemplative expression on Ellie's face. It almost made y/n a little dissappointed that her dress fit perfectly without needing to unzip the back- another excuse to pull Ellie back into the room.

After slipping on her heels, y/n dabbed some blush on the apples of her cheeks and swiped some dark tinted lip gloss onto her lips. y/n couldn't help but stare at herself in the mirror. She knew Ellie would never dabble in any kind of relationship with her, but it never hurt to attempt to get closer to Ellie. It wasn't like y/n didn't see the way people from all the different Kingdoms, Queendoms, and those places between but y/n didn't fancy Princess Dina or Prince Jesse the way they liked y/n. No, y/n only had eyes for Ellie.

Even if y/n's mothers had cautiously given the okay that y/n could date anyone (despite job, gender, pay roll), y/n didn't want to overstep with Ellie. Ellie was someone that had opinions and knew what to say. Ellie's a hard worker, someone that doesn't slack off and y/n didn't want to ruin the relationship that y/n had worked so hard for.

"Time to go," y/n whispered to herself. She exhaled as if to rid the anxiety from her mind and then started for the door.

Ellie's pacing was cut off abruptly as the door entering the princess's room opened. All at once, the air was sucked from Ellie's lungs.

The beautiful green dress was nothing compared to y/n, but Lord did it make her look amazing. There was a faint childlike pout to y/n's lips, something that Ellie couldn't help but smile about. There was a glint in y/n's eye, but from what Ellie could not figure out.

"May I be the first to say you look..." Ellie trailed off, searching for a word that would do y/n justice, "untouchable."

y/n laughed, even if she was slightly puzzled behind the meaning of Ellie's statement. It was a compliment, nonetheless. "I think you may be the first and only person saying that to me tonight." y/n offered Ellie her arm, and the two set off to the ballroom.

"If I may," Ellie started, helping y/n down every granite stair, "why am I the one that always escorts you to palace events? I don't mean to sound... abrasive, I just would think one of the Queens or... a partner would escort you."

y/n seemed to think about Ellie's question. "I, for one, am not courting anyone because I happen to fancy someone. As for the parent suggestion," y/n paused. "I have no idea. Maybe mama- sorry, Queen Tara just wants her own dance with Queen Jillian. It doesn't matter to me because I get there less then five minutes later."

Blinking, Ellie reeled back to y/n's first sentance. Who does y/n fancy? Is it someone Ellie knew? Why hasn't y/n made a move? Not speaking because of her status, but y/n could get anyone she wanted! Obviously Ellie wasn't expecting y/n to reciprocate Ellie's feelings, but it was still a hard medicine to swallow when y/n talked about liking someone.

"Ellie," y/n spoke. She was very close to Ellie, one hand on Ellie's upper arm and one on her lower arm. All at once, Ellie cursed very colorful words that her armour was so thick. "We're here. Are you okay? You zoned out."

The worry in y/n's tone actually made Ellie want to kiss y/n. "I'm well, my lady," Ellie murmured, eyes still locked on y/n. "Shall we go?"

"Yes of course," y/n nodded, pulling her hands from Ellie.

The enamoured knight took y/n's hand and the pair rounded the corner into the ballroom. Immediately all eyes were on Princess y/n and the knight. "Good evening," y/n greeted with a polite smile.

"Princess!" A feminine voice rang out. The crowd cleared and the visiting royalty emerged. Dina first, her dark hair pulled back into a hairstyle similar to y/n's. Princess Dina's bright smile pained Ellie.

Was Dina the one y/n held out hope for?

The two princesses embraced, Dina fawning over y/n's dress while the kings and queens made their way over. Everyone else besides Ellie went back to what they were doing before.

Ellie stood, rigid. She greeted Princess Dina's parents with a firm handshake, and fell back behind y/n. King Finland and King Derrick greeted y/n in a similar fashion as their daughter had.

The Queens smiled at each other, probably talking about the dress y/n was wearing.

"You are relieved, Williams," a familiar voice said.

Ellie nodded without looking back. When the hugs were done and over with, Ellie approached y/n and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I will be around if you need me," she said quietly. Ellie was close because the joyful music was loud. In fact, Ellie was so close, she almost fainted at the feel of being so close to y/n.

"Thank you," y/n replied back, touching Ellie's armoured forearm.

"Hello!"

Ellie turned to see y/n standing in front of Ellie expectantly. There was a devious smile on y/n's face and she swayed slightly. "Hi," Ellie greeted back.

"May I have this dance?" y/n asked. It had been many hours since y/n had arrived, and the ball was nearing the end. The music had slowed down considerably, letting the adults replace the spots on the floor their sleeping children had left.

"You know I can't dance."

y/n shrugged. "We don't have to dance... We could just sway," she proposed, waiting for an answer.

"Very well," Ellie sighed. She obediently followed y/n to a small area on the edge of the open area.

"Put your hands around my waist, El," y/n ordered, placing her hands around Ellie's neck and letting them rest on Ellie's cool to-the-touch armour.

Shyly, Ellie followed imstruction. The knight swallowed, eyes trailing from y/n's waist up her bodice to ending up looking y/n right in the eyes.

"Come closer."

Ellie scooted closer to y/n, appreciating the warmth that radiated off the princess. "Are you having fun?" Ellie asked, getting lost in y/n's eyes.

"I think I'm having a marvelous time," y/n smiled. "Thank you for doing this with me."

"Of course. So long as you're happy."

"You should know I value your happiness as much as mine," y/n scolded. Ellie couldn't help but crack a smile.

"Yes, Your Highness," Ellie groaned teasingly.

Silence reigned between the two of them after that. y/n and Ellie, lost in each other's gaze. After a long moment, y/n scooted closer. Now the two were just a hairs length apart.

"Ellie."

"My lady."

"Ellie you never asked the question I wanted you to ask," y/n murmured.

"I apologize... What question was I supposed to ask you?" Ellie was confused. Had she completely ignored something y/n had said? If so, that would probably be awkward.

"When I said I favored someone..." y/n explained slowly.

"Yes?"

"And then we arrived at the ball..."

"I don't follow?"

"You didn't ask who I fancied," y/n stated. Her eyebrows furrowed as she searched Ellie's eyes.

"Oh." Ellie said. "I see."

"Yes," y/n muttered uselessly.

"My lady?"

"Yes?"

"Who do you fancy?"

"Do you really wish to know?" y/n asked, smiling up at her guard.

Ellie scoffed playfully and rolled her eyes. "Yes," she answered. Her tone grew serious again. She felt y/n fiddle with the little baby hairs on the back of Ellie's neck. The warmth and tenderness of y/n's smaller, softer hands compared to Ellie's made Ellie want to hug y/n and squeeze her until she passed out.

"I'll give you three hints. Okay; first hint... you know her very well."

Her. Ellie almost had an aneurysm. Her. Ellie had a chance if things with y/n and her current crush didn't work out. Her.

"That's probably a little more than half the kingdom's population, My Lady," Ellie pondered.

y/n tsked. "Then that eliminates a good 40% of people anyway. I'm joking. Hint number two... she is often seen with me."

Often with her? Like, physically with y/n or in a necklace or ring or something?

"Third clue: she picked out this dress for me."

Suddenly, all movement stopped. Ellie's heart stilled in her chest. Ellie picked the dress out for y/n, but maybe not officially. Maybe it was a maid y/n was talking about. Princess y/n was known for being good friends with some of the maids. Oh. Ellie's heart dropped.

"Oh? Is it... Esmerelda? Veronica? I can't remember how many maids you've made friends with over the years," Ellie started. Her voice cracked and she had to look away from y/n's soft face. The face Ellie fell in love with.

"No, no. Not them. Would you like another hint?"

Ellie nodded, still avoiding eye contact.

"She's standing right in front of me."

Tears burned in the corners of Ellie's eyes. "If you're joking, My Lady-"

"No, no, angel," y/n cooed, wiping a tear from Ellie's face with the pad of her thumb. "Ellie I love you. I'm in love with you."

Ellie's eyes closed and she leaned forward to rest her forhead onto y/n's. Ellie's hands that were situated on the small of y/n's back brought y/n closer until the two were both practically molded into each other.

"May I kiss you, El?" y/n whispered.

Ellie pulled her head back. "You never have to ask, My Lady."

With great care, y/n cupped Ellie's cheeks and pulled her closer until their lips touched.

Ellie tasted like salt and coffee. Her lips were careful, as if she'd never been kissed before. A content sigh came from Ellie as y/n kissed Ellie more intensly.

y/n, Ellie concluded, tasted the faintest bit of alcohal. Her lips were a drug, however. A drug Ellie wanted to overdose on daily.

Finally y/n pulled away, heart melting when Ellie chased her lips. "We should talk about this tomorrow. I'm afraid I'm exhausted and Queen Jillian has already excused herself. Will you escort me to my room, Ellie?"

"Of course, Your Highness," Ellie mumbled, lips puffy. "Are you... going to say goodbye to the Kings? Princess Dina already went to bed," Ellie explained.

"No. They're having their own fun, we shan't disturb it. Let's go."

The walk to y/n's chambers was quiet. Silent, even. y/n reached for Ellie's hand, twining their fingers together.

"Will you kiss me good night?"

Ellie looked up. Here y/n's room is. "Would you like me to?"

"I wouldn't be asking if I didn't want you to," y/n replied.

In response, Ellie leaned forward and awkwardly pecked y/n on the lip. "There. More tomorrow. Good night, my lady."

y/n shook her head, laughing. "Good night, El. Sleep well!"

Ellie went to sleep on her cot thaf night with the largest smile ever seen.

fin.

whoa this kinda dog water. anyway ill edit tomorrow i just wanted to post smth even if its buttfuck 1 56 in the morning good night im tired sleep well you gay whores <3

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kintheartist · 5 months

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The Tale of Napoleon Gerard, AKA Nips Garhunter

This post was available early to my patrons, so if you'd like to see stuff like this from me please consider joining my page!

I'm currently playing in a Curse of Strahd campaign in which every single player, independently, decided: "you know what would be amazing is if I brought a really stupid character for this horror campaign," and that's how we ended up with a party of absolute idiots. It kind of makes things worse when stuff goes south...

Nips is just a big, sweet, dumb boy who speaks with a strong Southern Belle accent. He's very polite and friendly and just wants everyone to get along. His backstory is that he was mostly raised by his gramma, Betty--inspired by my own grandmother as a way to memorialize her.

Betty's daughter (Nips' mother) was a bit of a rebel and ended up becoming a mistress of the duke of their province, a tyrant named Duke Gerard. She fell pregnant with Nips and died in childbirth with him. The duke tried to take Nips from Betty, but she absolutely refused and visited the ducal palace every single day. Nips was such a handful and so stubborn with every nursemaid except for Betty that the duke finally gave up and allowed her to raise Nips as long as he lived in the palace the majority of the time.

The ducal family had a legitimate son after a few years, though, and Nips was ignored in many ways because of this. He spent his childhood running away to his gramma's house and baking bread and peach jam with her. When his younger brother reached inheriting age, however, the duke sent Nips away. He became a bit of a hero in a quiet fishing village for saving their waters from an overpopulation of gar, thus his assumed surname "Garhunter." "Nips" isn't what he was called growing up either--his grandmother called him "Leon."

He's worried about his grandmother and tries to sneak back to see her whenever he can.

In my current campaign, he's stuck in Barovia and wants nothing more than to get back to his gramma. I'm playing him as a paladin with a homebrew oath--the Oath of Family. His "spells" often involve him whipping up homecooked meals and his "holy symbol" is the sun hat his gramma gave him.

It's been a pretty rough campaign, though. Nips is very homesick.

He has grown to VERY MUCH dislike Strahd for both personal and general reasons--all I'll say is that our party adopted Vasili as our favorite NPC and brought him everywhere with us. Sooo when the party was invited to dinner at Strahd's mansion, Nips showed up in his full ducal regalia in order to try and show Strahd that he refuses to be cowed.

That patch on his chest is the Gerard family's symbol, a spear in an open field. The family specializes in spearfighting; thus Nips' proficiency with the spear for fishing.

It's been hard for Nips to face Strahd because Strahd reminds him of his own father; a tyrant. In a way, living in the fishing village gave Nips a way to avoid facing the damage his father has done and avoiding the responsibility ingrained in him since birth of protecting the people of the dukedom. The moral quandaries in Curse of Strahd are difficult for him. It's distressing to him when he can't help everyone. A part of his spirit is becoming bitter and hard.

Not to mention that our time at Strahd's castle didn't go well...

He actually has a playlist as well, if you would like to listen to it on Spotify 💚 >>HERE<<

Also check out @birdlimes and @izuris and of course the DM ruining all our lives, @rookdaw, for more art from the campaign B)

#curse of strahd #dnd character #dnd paladin #dnd 5e #dnd art #why yes this is the campaign where the bard decided to hook up with strahd why do you ask #stares at bird

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malusokay · 2 years

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Things I do when I'm bored

Being bored sucks; maybe you can find some inspiration in the things I like doing when I don't have anything else to do! <3

Organizing my Pinterest. I love Pinterest :)

Browsing on Sephora. My favorite brand's atm are The Ordinary, Too Faced, Dior, and Laneige.

Looking for antique furniture online. I'm moving soon, so I'm keeping an eye out for cute things, haha.

Playing the Piano. I've been playing since I was 6!

Taking pictures on my Mac. We all know the Macbook Photo booth aesthetic, lmao.

Sending cute anonymous asks to people on Tumblr. Who doesn't get happy receiving lovely messages?? Spread more love.

Cleaning my room. Might as well do something productive, right?

Reading. I've always loved books. Do you guys have any recommendations for me?

Argue with people on Twitter. It's a guilty pleasure of mine, don't judge me, okay?! my Twitter is malusokay, follow me, I'm famous.

Go on walks and pick flowers. I like putting them between book pages to dry and find later. <3

Playing animal crossing. I have always been a Nintendo girl.

Going on late-night walks with my dog. I have a great Pyrenees so walking with him at night, being completely safe, makes me feel so peaceful. :)

Making playlists. Confessions... I use apple music.

Cooking or baking. I just made Strawberry Jam!!

Adding things to my Christmas wishlist. It's never too early to start making a wishlist. I love Christmas.

Making bucket lists. Currently working on my Autumn one! should I upload it when it's done?

Making little vlogs. It's a little hobby of mine; maybe ill start a youtube channel one day..

Cleaning out my closet. I love shopping, so I regularly donate old clothes to make room for new stuff!

Today I hit 36k on my Twitter and 3k here on Tumblr, so I just wanted to leave a quick thank you! I'm so glad people enjoy my content <3

✩‧₊*:・love ya ･:*₊‧✩

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renaiswriting · 8 months

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Shadows of Desire (part 10)

Pairing: Yoon Jeonghan/Reader

Summary:

You always thought the only romance you would experiment with in your life was the one between pages under the flames at midnight. That was until you found him, because the feel of his fangs digging into your neck was more than addictive.

Word count: +5.4k words

Warnings: Mentions of death, mentions of blood.

If you want to be tagged, please fill out the tag list form.

Author's note: shout-out to my Shadows of Desire playlist because it really helped me find inspiration to write this part lol

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"Are we running out of garlic again— Hey! Wow, why are you so jumpy?"

You looked in and shook at Luke as he lifted the mess you had made without missing the swearing coming from his mouth.

You apologized, but your shoulders were still tense.

"I don't know," you replied, noticing that Luke was still expecting an answer. "I just had a bad dream, I guess."

The memories and the well-lived sensations came back to your mind once again, and the ghost of a person you thought you knew made an appearance in your mind.

"You've been locked in your room way too much lately," Luke clicked his tongue, and I don't think it's doing you any favors. Maybe you should go outside for a while. Why don't you go and pick some blueberries? Mark told me there are barely any left. God knows when we will have some jam if we don't use it now."

"I don't know..." Luke frowned, sitting down on your bed and looking at your current state.

"Why not? It was never an issue before. Want me to go with you?"

"You hate going there." You shook your head. "I'll think about it, alright?" You offered, but your poor attempt to fool Luke was in vain.

"I'll go and get Mark if you want to go with someone; maybe that friend of yours could tag alone as well?"

You froze on your spot.

Your heartbeat quickly started picking up, and your hands suddenly felt way too cold.

"No."

Luke looked at you weirdly.

"I don't want to see him."

"What happened?" Luke asked. "Did he do something?"

You stared at Luke.

What could you answer to that question?

You were still pretty confused yourself.

Technically, it was a bad dream.

Like the one you had years ago where you stole Susan's sheep and made a meal with them.

It wasn't real.

But the feeling was so real that it did make you feel like you were the most horrible monster ever.

And even though you could still tell it was a dream, you weren't so sure this time.

It had felt so real.

You could remember every single thing that had happened in front of your eyes.

Every single thing

And that made your head feel dizzy.

The lines that differentiated between what was real and what was a product of your mind were blurry.

"No." You finally spoke. "I just think it would be for the best for me to stay away from him. At least just for some time."

"Keep him from taking you the wrong way." Luke nodded. "Why don't you go and have tea with Susan? A woman can only be truly understood by another woman."

"Yeah, maybe." You nodded, and Luke thankfully took it. That was the best he would get anyway.

"Mark is going tonight." Luke informed me, cleaning his throat, not knowing where to look. You wanted to laugh; he was usually really awkward whenever he tried to comfort you.

"I'll bake a pie then." You promised. Your words had the effect you were expecting, taking some of the worry off Luke's face.

"If you want to." He shrugged, but there was a pleasing smile on his face. You could tell he was already looking forward to the dessert. "We're running out of fruits, though." He mentioned it on his way out of your room. "You might want to go and buy some before it's too late."

You wanted to slap yourself.

Of fucking course you were running out of fruits; you have been eating them every day as if it were your last meal.

And not just fruits.

You have been doing everything as if it were your last.

You weren't sure if it was because you have always loved fruits and the eating part helped you calm down from all your nervousness and anxiety or if your body was genuinely making you devour everything that was in front of you because there was a thin chance of it being your last.

"Luke I don't want to go alone." You cried, jumping from your bed to rush towards the front door where Luke was standing, putting his biggest jacket over his shoulders.

"I'm sorry, but I cannot go with you. I still own them some money; if I go there, they will not let me live." Luke replied, taking his favorite hat from the chair.

"Are you going to Mark's?" You asked hopefully.

"Yeah, but only to bring back my beer. I bought a lot in the bar last night, and I was so drunk that he fooled me into giving it to him. He's not going to be back until it's dinner time."

"Can't you really not go on your own?" Luke sighed frustratedly, trying to free himself from your hold on his arm.

"I will try." You mumbled, the pout in your face not really doing anything to make Luke change his mind.

"It will only take ten minutes." He reassured you, "Are you sure you want to go in your pajamas?"

It was dark.

Not peach-dark.

But dark nonetheless.

The sky was slowly turning from pink to purple, dark blue, and finally black.

And the birds making sudden noises were making your heart beat as if you were in a race.

You hated the way you had the urge to turn your head with every step you took.

You saw a girl walking in front of you, and that somewhat made you feel safer.

At least you weren't completely alone.

You forced yourself to take a deep breath and stop walking.

Breathe, you reminded yourself.

And for the next ten minutes, as you wandered deeper into the darkness of the tall trees that covered what was left of the light, you kicked at a rock you had found on the ground.

Somehow, it helped.

It was not a person.

Or an animal.

But you felt somewhat accompanied.

Less lonely.

Oh, Jiji, you lamented that the poor thing was probably still in a lot of pain from the snakebite she had come up with earlier that morning.

That's what she gets for wandering around at night, you thought, shaking your head.

Luke had made you swear that you would let Jiji sleep outside one night because every morning he woke up with the living room full of the remains of Jiji's needs.

The poor dog had almost no outlet to do any of her business at night.

But you couldn't help it; you were afraid something bad would happen to her.

This time it was a snake bite, but next time it might be a bite from a...

No.

Nothing like that

Stop it.

But obviously, it was easier said than done.

All those memories, all those sensations... Your heart was still aching against your chest, beating so fast whenever you caught yourself wandering around that nightmare.

It was like your lungs suddenly had trouble holding in air because no matter how much you tried to breathe, the air was never enough.

It was difficult to correctly classify all the emotions you experienced when you couldn't help but think about them.

Were those images simply a figment of your mind, a twisted fantasy that your subconscious was trying to prove?

You had never experienced anything similar; all your dreams, no matter how beautiful or terrifying they had been, were always a blur.

When you woke up, you could remember, on a good day, at least a quarter of what you had actually dreamed.

If anyone asked you, there were only a handful of dreams that you could actually remember, and even these had not been as sharp as those of that night.

Jeonghan... You had come to consider him a friend.

He had earned a soft spot in your heart.

You felt like a stupid young girl.

Had it all been a game to him?

What was it?

All this time, all the shared moments? All the nights you'd asked him to stay with you while you were falling asleep, so vulnerable, you'd left it up to him to do whatever he wanted.

You swallowed the saliva that had accumulated in you dryly; the knot in your stomach didn't seem to go away.

Your fists clenched, and you kicked the rock as hard as you could in the direction of the nearest tree.

Maybe all those times Luke and Mike teased you, telling you that you weren't ready for the real world, they were right.

Walking in the direction where the poor rock that had accompanied you up to that moment had fallen, you let yourself fall beside it.

You drew your legs up to your chest, allowing your elbows to jab against your knees.

Your hands covered your face as a frustrated sigh escaped through your fingers.

You hated it. The way your heart was still beating fast as, with your free hands, you pulled the dagger out of your back that Jeonghan had plunged into you

You had trusted him so much.

Maybe his friend sensed it.

Maybe he hadn't been the true villain you had believed him to be.

The nausea suddenly became more noticeable as the realization formed in your mind.

His friends.

Fuck.

They were probably part of it.

Monsters.

All of them.

The ones who hated you

The ones who didn't want Jeonghan to hang out with you

Those who didn't even want to see you a kilometer closer to Jeonghan.

Alarm bells began to ring in your brain, and your body was, once again, at the beginning of a crisis.

Even with the big gulps of air you were trying to inhale, the feeling that you were suffocating didn't stop.

The palms of your hands made contact with the ground, with different branches, sharp rocks, and wet grass tearing at your skin on contact.

Your eyes were wide open like two saucers, and tears were starting to fall down your cheeks without your permission.

Were you about to die?

You had never had such a near-death experience, but you were sure you were half a foot away from passing to the other side.

The memory of that dream popped into your mind, almost as if mockingly asking you, "Are you sure you were never about to die before?"

A cold hand landed on the center of your back; his body invaded the ground, glued to yours, while with his other hand he tried to move his face to the ground.

You screamed.

Or so you thought, because you felt a heartbreaking burning sensation in your throat.

Your hands moved quickly from the floor, where they had been supporting your weight, to try to fight whoever was there.

But now that your body was still leaning on the ground without your hands to help distribute the weight, you lost your balance, making you shut your eyes, ready for the impact of your face hitting the ground.

Your heart skipped a beat when the words careful hit your ear.

Jeonghan was holding you close to his chest.

Your hearing was trying to sharpen as much as possible so you could catch a hint of a heartbeat.

But all you could hear was your own heart thudding against your ear.

"Shhh." Jeonghan spoke low, his voice entering your ears like a spell. "Breathe," he instructed. "Take five deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Can you do that? Can you do that for me?"

"You... You came to—you're going to kill me." You replied, your voice almost impossible to understand because of your gasping breath. Your eyes wouldn't stop leaking tears, your eyes were red and puffy, and your nose was running.

"Breathe." Jeonghan replied, trying to bring your altered mind back to his simple instructions. "Copy the way I'm breathing."

His cold hands were holding you as close to him as possible without actually hurting you.

But instead of calming you, his presence was having the opposite effect.

You started kicking and slapping his arms and hands away from you.

The slapping on his hands shocked him enough to let you go, and as soon as you were out of his hold, you moved as far from him as possible without standing up.

His eyes were on your face, studying your every move. Both of his hands were raised, facing you, so you could see his movements.

"(Y/n). Please breathe; you're going to hyperventilate." He sat down in a much more comfortable position, but that slight change in posture was enough to send you into panic mode once again. "I won't move, alright? Look at me. I'm here. I won't move closer." He stated this, even moving a few centimeters back.

"You're going to hurt me; you came here to finish what you attempted to start, god knows when." You shook your head in disbelief. Your words were slowly becoming more understanding as you were starting to accept your fate. "Did you invite them? Are they around?"

"Them? Who are you talking about? It's just me. Jeonghan." He replied, looking confused enough. His right hand was where his heart, if he were still a human and alive, should be beating.

"Your friends." You replied. Your eyes were still red, and old tears were still on your cheeks. Your eyes were looking at him, but they were emotionless. All the previous crying had somehow drained you of any other feeling.

This was it. You thought. There's no going back now. There's not a single chance to get away with this, not alive at least.

I hope I taste awful. The thought came to your mind, and a wave of angriness started to build inside of you. I hope they all get poison from my blood. I hope they remember me for being the worst they have ever tasted.

"I'm not with them." Jeonghan replied, looking defeated. His eyes traveled from your face to the ground, and a frown was visibly on his forehead. It felt out of place. His face didn't match those expressions.

"So you came here to have me all to yourself?" you laughed. The lack of grace in your laughter was more than evident.

"No." Jeonghan replied, backing away a few steps as if the very question was physically hurting him. As if your words were daggers stabbing him. "I'm not going to hurt you."

"But you tried to."

"(Y/n)..." Jeonghan stood up, walking five steps closer to you.

"You did. Back off. Now. I don't want you near me."

"I'm not here to hurt you; I'm here to protect you. I want to talk with you." Jeonghan replied, his voice sounding like a plea.

"And if I say no, then what will happen? Will you play with my mind, with my memories, the way you have been doing all this time?" You replied angrily. "I don't know what games you're playing, but I'm out. I won't take part in it any longer."

"You played with my memories; do you have any idea of how fuck up that is? Do you even know how fucked up it is to wake up not sure of what's real and what's not?" You added. "No, you have no idea." You replied to yourself before Jeonghan even got a chance to reply.

"I didn't mean for you to get this scared of me."

"Well, it's a little bit too late for that."

"I only ever meant to protect you. I swear. I never tried to hurt you."

"Shut up. I don't want to listen to you. I don't want to see you. Just go and leave me alone. You and all the others that are just like you."

Jeonghan frowned once again. "It just doesn't make sense. I don't understand what could have possibly happened for you to get so—what did you see?"

"And now you're going to play dumb?" You were sick of it. I'm sick of the situation and of Jeonghan. You stood up, starting once again on your way to the place where you should already be.

You wondered if Luke was already back.

Did he realize you were not home yet?

"(Y/n)! Wait." Jeonghan ran to walk next to you. "Please, I think there's something wrong."

"Besides what you did?" You asked sarcastically.

Jeonghan holds you by your wrist, making it impossible for you to escape from his grip.

"Don't touch me." You spoke with a much braver voice than you really felt.

In reality, you wished for nothing else but for Jeonghan to tell you it had been just a bad dream.

A nightmare.

"You were lying down. In the ground. There was blood. Lots of blood. I tried to help you, but you stood up and tried to kill me." Your eyes naturally moved to his half-open mouth, his shinny teeth, and his sharp fangs, which only now were a little bit too sharp for them to be considered... Normal.

His eyebrows drew so close together that they almost seemed to form a unibrow. If there had been any more color in his face at that moment, it would have been gone.

The cold night breeze did nothing to stop the shivers and shivering that ran through your body. Your feet and hands were already frozen, and you didn't need to see your reflection to know that both your cheeks and nose were red.

The breeze blowing through the dampness that had left such a cry helped keep you grounded in reality.

What Jeonghan had already done, you had no way to change.

As much as you wanted to beg and wish it were otherwise, what was done was done.

"No, that's not—those are not the memories that I hide from you; that doesn't—listen. That's not what happened that night; it wasn't me that did that. It was someone else." Jeonghan spoke quickly, his words barely making sense as he started a new sentence before finishing the one he started before. You could almost physically feel the way his brain was working overtime in such a short time.

"That night I was hunting near your house. When I heard a scream. Your scream. I don't usually get involved, especially when I know it's another one of ours—another vampire, hunting. But this area is usually my clan's. We try not to hunt humans, so our diet is mostly animal. Sheep, in my preference. So I was alarmed. When I got to where I heard that scream, I saw you with another vampire. A vampire who unfortunately seems to be more involved in your life than you think. The only memories of that night I erased were of myself when I started fighting that vampire."

"Am I supposed to believe you?" you asked incredulously. But the truth was, you didn't know what to believe anymore. "I'm sure about the people in my life. And not one, not one person in that small circle, would be able to hurt me."

"(Y/n), I need you to trust me on this one. Please. I really think you're in danger right now. I don't know what to do—maybe Seungcheol might know; he's the oldest of my clan." Jeonghan started thinking out loud, talking to himself while holding your wrist tightly while he started walking deep into the woods, making you follow him clumsily behind.

Your heels dug into the ground as best you could, trying with all your might to avoid being dragged to wherever Jeonghan was trying to take you.

His hand was gripping your wrist so tightly that his fingers were already beginning to mark your skin.

"I'm not going anywhere with you; let go of me!"

Jeonghan turned, glaring at you. "I regret to inform you that on this occasion you don't have much of a choice. You are in danger."

You began to struggle again to get him to let go, but a wave of peace and tranquility washed over you, making your brain feel funny and a little dizzy.

You didn't quite remember why you had been so upset.

What had happened?

You smiled.

You had no idea.

"Better?" Jeonghan asked you again, this time holding you more gently. You nodded, still a little confused but unable to help the oeaueueueque chuckle that escaped your lips. Jeonghan smiled back, switching hands to hold your wrist with his left hand and your back with his right. "I'm glad. Now we'll go to my place; I need to check that everything is okay before I return you home, okay?"

"Okay."

Slowly that dizzy, tingling feeling in your head began to disappear. It was like you had a cloud in front of your eyes, and with each step, you could see more clearly.

Jeonghan was walking briskly, but he seemed to remember that you needed to move slower, especially with so much darkness.

"Where—?"

"We're almost there." Jeonghan replied gently, but his gaze was on the ground, still too busy with his own thoughts.

You didn't try to fight your way out.

It was in vain.

You couldn't even see the ground; there was no way to escape and run away from there without being discovered.

You walked in silence for about another five minutes. Five minutes that made you think about every single possibility, every possible scenario

Five minutes in which Jeonghan was constantly turning backwards and sideways, sharpening his ears to their maximum capabilities

Five minutes to say goodbye.

Jeonghan had told you he didn't plan to hurt you.

But they were on their way to the house he shared with those who hated you so much.

You closed your eyes, talking to your mother for a few moments.

When your eyes opened again, you found yourself in front of two lanterns and a large black gate, which protected a huge house that looked like something out of those old stories you loved to read.

Both the gate and the house at the back of the road were black. Some lights were on, and you could have sworn you saw two shadows moving behind the white curtains of one of the second-floor windows.

If you weren't so terrified, you would have found it very pretty.

It was like a castle.

Jeonghan opened the gate, letting you walk first before closing it again behind himself.

"They won't hurt you." Jeonghan mentioned noticing your tense shoulders. You didn't bother to reply at all, giving him the cold shoulder instead.

The door opened, and a strong smell of lavender invaded your senses.

It did kind of help to calm your nervousness and anxiety a little bit.

The floor was made of a shiny material that made the colors white and black shine as if they were made of glass.

They felt nice on your now-barefoot feet.

There was some really low music coming from one of the rooms.

And at the end of the hall, there were big, pretty intimidating stairs.

One man, with fair skin and ash blonde hair, walked down from the second floor, his shoulders bouncing up and down with each step he took.

He walked so relaxed that you really wanted him to make you believe he meant no harm.

"Hey." He greeted you as he walked past both of you, entering another room from the first floor.

"Have you seen Seungcheol?" Jeonghan asked him, his hand pushing you softly from your back towards the room the guy had just entered.

He shook his head, pouring himself a red drink in a glass. Your stomach suddenly felt sick once you realized what he was drinking.

Blood.

He took a bug-glup of it, sighing happily once the blood hit the back of his throat.

"I haven't seen him for the whole night." He spoke again, his teeth now looking quite red as well.

"I'm just waking up anyway; maybe ask Wonwoo?"

"Thanks, Vernon." Jeonghan replied, grabbing himself by the wrist and entering a spacious living room.

The place was huge. There were multiple armchairs. They were all white, and their cushions were red.

In the center of the room, there was a black piano and many paintings on the walls.

Your eyes instinctively moved to the large library that took up an entire wall.

Wonwoo, as you guessed, was a tall, slender young man with big shoulders and a small waist.

His hair was black, and his eyes were perusing the words of a book that must be at least a thousand pages long.

His eyes reminded you very much of the eyes of a cat.

"What do you need?" He spoke. His voice was deep and clear.

"Have you seen Seungcheol?" Jeonghan asked again.

"No. He probably went to the village. As far as I know, he had some business to take care of there." His eyes didn't move from his book, but the next question did take you by surprise. "What is she doing here?"

"Please, let me know when Seungcheol's back." Jeonghan replied instead, taking you to one of the rooms upstairs.

The bedroom was small—bigger than yours but way smaller than the two other rooms you have been to in that house. It had a big bed that could easily fit three people comfortably, maybe even four.

There were some plants here and there, but most of them were already too dry to bring back to life, and a big closet

There was nothing really personal there.

Nothing that screamed Jeonghan

So it did make you second-guess if that was actually his room.

"You can take a seat." Jeonghan offered, pointing at the small sofa under the window.

"I'm alright." You replied.

"It might take a while before he comes back; I really suggest you take a seat." He repeated himself. "Are you hungry? I can go downstairs and make you something to eat."

"No, I would rather go back home."

"Look, I know you're mad at me. I know that. I understand that. But I really did all that for your own good. There are things that you can never know happened—things that your brain removed for your own good. And if it were in my power—if it were up to me—I'd be telling you by now. All of them. In great detail. But I can't. Not without knowing how dangerous it is. So please trust me. I'm asking a lot, I know. But please let me do some research. Let me find out what's within my reach before I start talking and put us both in danger."

You remained silent but sat down on the couch, as Jeonghan had indicated.

Jeonghan breathed a sigh of relief, taking off the coat he had been wearing and putting it away in the closet.

"Would you like a sandwich? I'm sorry that's the best I can offer you, but as you must have discovered, our diet isn't the most diverse on the planet." Jeonghan offered with a small smile.

"Okay." You accepted, and your stomach was seconds away from starting to growl hungrily. "But not too big; my brother had promised me to cook dinner tonight."

It was an obvious hint you had thrown at him, and Jeonghan seemed to pick up on it just as quickly.

"I'll try to get everything done quickly so you don't have to miss your dinner." Jeonghan promised. "But I'm not sure how late Seungcheol will be."

You nodded, allowing Jeonghan to go and bring you something from the kitchen.

You could hear some noises here and there, but you purposely ignored them and distracted yourself with the view of the outside you had from Jeonghan's room.

The moon looked very beautiful that night.

"Thank you." You thanked Jeonghan, accepting the plate he was handing you. His cold fingers brushed against your fingers accidentally, and you wanted to think.

"I hope it tastes good."

"It does," you replied, taking a second bite.

Jeonghan watched you eat with a smile on his face. He seemed too happy with the outcome of his sandwich.

"You're not going to eat?"

"I can't." Jeonghan shook his head. "Anything other than...you know, it goes bad for my stomach."

"What if you eat human food, then?" you asked curiously.

"I throw up." Jeonghan replied calmly. "It's involuntary; I like to smell food." He added. "It reminds me of when I could eat it. But no matter how many times I try to eat it, it tastes bad to me."

"And how do you know when you have to...?"

Jeonghan chuckled softly. "I can sense when I need to hunt." He replied. "You can feel it in the back of my throat—the need to drink blood. My body gets cold."

Your eyes widened, remembering how Jeonghan's body temperature felt compared to yours.

"Don't worry, I'm not on the verge of having to go hunting yet or drink blood. My hands are the first to get cold."

"So you can't drink that until you feel it in your throat?" You tried to ask for help to calm your own erratic heart.

"Oh, no. I can drink whenever I want."

"Then why not drinking now? Don't you have blood downstairs?"

"Yes." Jeonghan took a deep breath, his eyes moving to yours. "But I don't want to scare you any more than you already are."

"I'm more terrified to know that you're in the same room as me with the slightest feeling of hunger." You confessed to him.

Jeonghan looked at you for a few seconds, contemplating your words and his options.

"Would you feel more comfortable with me drinking here or in the kitchen?"

"Here." You replied confidently. "I need to know if it's just as scary as in my dream."

You needed to start being able to distinguish what was true and what wasn't.

For your own sake.

Jeonghan nodded. "Very well, then."

He came back to the room with a bottle that, fortunately, made it impossible to see what it had in its interior.

He took one last look at you. "Are you sure you want to see this?" He asked.

"Yeah."

He nodded, taking a deep breath before his lips met the bottle. As the liquid started filling his mouth, his shoulders started being so tense, his eyes shut tight, and his forehead frowned as he took more and more of the blood.

His breath became more erratic, sounding as if he were fighting to fill his lungs with air.

He opened his eyes; they were full of red. His pupils were so dilated that you couldn't see where they started or where they ended.

A shiver ran through your body, not knowing what to make of his gaze on you.

It frightened you.

But it intrigued you.

You were unable to break eye contact.

With shaky legs, you stood up, walking closer to where he was.

He followed your every move, and as you got closer, the sound of the blood traveling down his throat became louder.

Your hands slowly approached the bottle, holding it on your own.

Jeonghan's eyes opened wide, but he freed the bottle from his own hand, letting you do whatever you wanted to do.

You held it intact for a few minutes until it was fully empty.

You sit down next to him, taking a quick look at the bottle and at his red lips.

"What does it taste like?" You asked him, trying to fill the awkward silence that had fallen on you both.

"Like chocolate." He joked. His eyes were still fully dilated. He looked drunk with blood. "Less sweet, though. Since it isn't fresh blood."

You nodded, looking away.

"So?" Jeonghan asked after some minutes, and you looked at him confused. "Was it like in your dream?"

"Oh," you replied, "no. I don't know. It wasn't really from a bottle there."

"Oh."

"Yeah."

"Alright." He added, looking everywhere but you.

"Can you try it?" You asked him at the same time he was saying, "I should better bring that downstairs."

"What?" He asked, alarmed.

"Can you try it?" You repeated yourself, bringing your arm closer to him and uncovering your skin from the fabric that was covering it.

"No." He shook his head. Looking seriously at you. "Why would I ever do that?"

"I need it." You looked at him straight in the eyes. "I don't know what's real and what's not, and this is the only way. You were the one in the dream; I need to see if it is like that."

"You almost had a panic attack today when you saw me; do you think this is really the best idea? What if it is like your dream? How could that be of any help? I need you to trust me and understand that it wasn't me."

"Please."

"No."

"Just for one second." You tried again. "Please."

"Maybe another day. It was definitely a lot for a single day."

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randomvarious · 2 months

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1990s House Playlist

Alright, folks, this is the week where I add a bunch of sweet bangers to this slowly growing 90s house playlist of mine, almost all of which come from one of my favorite dance mixes of all time, Dimitri From Paris' Monsieur Dimitri's De-Luxe House of Funk, which was released back in 1997 by biblical electronic music monthly Mixmag as part of their own Mixmag Live series.

Now, you can't find most of the tracks from this mix on Spotify, but luckily there's still one that you can: Parisian Bob Sinclar's "Visions of Paradise," which predates his making of really annoying tracks, like his update on C&C Music Factory's "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)," by a whole bunch of years 🤢. This one, though, is a pretty perfect track for the middle of any late 90s house mix. Bob sampled the vocal from a 1991 house track of the same name by a Long Island duo called Island Noyze Productions, and he imported a retro streak from a few-second portion of Brooklyn disco-funk band Brass Construction's scorchingly uptempo 1976 tune, "Sambo." But he also mixes those samples with some surging orchestral strings that sound like they were definitely sampled off of some other old record too. Great stuff that has over 193,000 plays on Spotify right now.

Bob Sinclar - "Visions of Paradise"

But while there's only one tune from that legendary Dimitri mix on Spotify, the rest of them can be found on YouTube. And a few of those happen to be remixes that were done by Dimitri himself, like his "Enchanted Forest" mix of Björk's "Isobel," which prior to its inclusion on his own mix, could only be found on a 12-inch single version of "Isobel" that had only been released in France in 1995. Currently, there's only one copy of that record up for sale on Discogs, going for over $300 🤑. But the version I included here, which comes directly from Dimitri's mix, has about 7,400 plays on YouTube.

And another superb tune is Glasgow native Paul Hunter's "May the Funk Be With You," which he released as Second Crusade in 1996. This is a track that samples from two different songs: 1976's "Intergalactic Love Song," by Charles Earland, which supplies the tune's delightfully whiny and full synth, and Denise LaSalle's own 1980 song, "May the Funk Be With You," which is responsible for its lovely vocals. Older sounds blended with a modern house beat. Really excellent track that's currently sitting at a little over 85,000 plays on YouTube 😌.

Cheb Khaled - "N'ssi N'ssi (Jamming The Casbah Mix)" Bjork - "Isobel (Dim's Enchanted Forest)" Second Crusade - "May the Funk Be With You" Morning Kids - "Free Lovin'" Teddy G - "Captain Dobbey" Brand New Heavies - "Sometimes (Monsieur D's Underground Behaviour Mix)"

Check out the YouTube playlist here, and check it out on YouTube Music here.

So this new update brings us to 15 songs that clock in at an hour and 42 minutes on Spotify, but on YouTube, we're now up to 35 songs that lasts for 4 hours and 8 minutes. So you know which of these is the better option, even if Spotify is the more convenient one.

Next week, New York!

Enjoy!

More to come, eventually. Stay tuned!

Like what you hear? Follow me on Spotify and YouTube for more cool playlists and uploads!

#house #house music #dance #dance music #electronic #electronic music #music #90s #90s music #90's #90's music #playlist #spotify playlist #spotify playlists #youtube playlist #youtube playlists #youtube music playlist #youtube music playlists #playlists

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mysimsloveaffair · 1 month

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Brianna: Upstairs?

Her tone indicates how shady the suggestion sounds. Dwight certainly doesn’t mean to make her uncomfortable.

Dwight: On second thought, I can grab it and bring –

Her eyes light up with interest, and Dwight can almost see the exact moment she decides to take him up on his offer.

Brianna: I’m curious to see what goes into creating some of this stuff.

Dwight: Okay, cool. Come on up!

Bri follows Dwight halfway up before stopping suddenly.

Brianna: You’re not bringing me up here to murder me, are you? I’ve heard about that new technology that can turn sim ashes into diamonds.

Dwight: True, but I assure you it’s cheaper to purchase diamonds, and that process takes more work than I have time for.

Brianna: Oh

Dwight: *reassuring chuckle* Don’t worry. You’re safe with me.

Bri climbs the rest of the stairs and looks around.

Dwight: *to his smart speaker* Lin-Z, play my ‘favs’ list.

Bri starts bobbing her head as soon as she hears the first song.

Brianna: Oh, you’re up here jamming! I love this song.

Dwight: Same here

Dwight walks over to his table and begins gathering his tools. Bri walks over to watch.

Brianna: So, what are you working on?

Dwight: This is going to be a set of dangling botanical earrings.

Brianna: That sounds interesting. I’d like to see the finished product. How long does it usually take?

Dwight: About an hour or so. Stay as long as you like. I could use the company.

Bri calculates the hour it would take him to finish and considers her plans for the day. She decides that watching Dwight work is much more interesting than some boring office New Year’s Eve/ Retirement party. She’ll get to the party when she gets there.

She’s suddenly conscious of herself standing there, breathing down Dwight’s neck. She’s sure that her proximity will impede his work, so Bri turns and walks away while swaying her hips to the next song on Dwight’s playlist, another favorite.

Brianna: I’m going over here to be nosy.

Dwight: Make yourself at home. I have nothing to hide.

Bri makes her way to the bookshelf and spots a piece of paper sticking out of one of the books. Without thinking, she pulls it out.

Brianna: I hope this wasn’t serving as a bookmark or something.

Dwight is unbothered. He continues diligently working as Bri looks closely at the sheet.

Brianna: Hmmm, a report card - from Foxbury University. So, you went to college?

Dwight: I did and graduated with a degree in Fine Arts.

Brianna: Cool. Good grades, too! I went to Britechester for one semester, landed a bomb internship - which led to my current job, and dropped out.

Dwight: So what do you do?

Brianna: I work as a Food Critic for the San Myshuno Times.

Dwight: Uh oh! I’d be terrified to cook for a critic.

#banks day 22.4 #sims #sims 4 #TS4 gameplay #TS4 legacy #black simblr #brindleton bay #banks fam #bankgen4 #ea creator network #interlude

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ubeerosophy · 4 months

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Old Song I Know

I consider the music playing in my car to be a critical part of the experience for my passengers when I’m driving for Uber/Lyft.

I’ve had thousands of people in my back seat, and trying to ensure that whatever song is playing when they get in my car appeals to them is no easy feat. Whether they are with me for 3 minutes or 2 and a half hours, I want that time to be as enjoyable as possible. Often a passenger is heading somewhere undesirable, like work, and other times they may just be having a bad day. If possible, I want to help them escape for a few moments.

The first couple of weeks I did Uber/Lyft, I didn’t have anything playing in my car. I was still navigating the whole process and I wasn’t sure what was normal or comfortable. In hindsight, the silence was probably pretty awkward for those early passengers. At some point, I began putting on a local radio station that played the most current and popular music. That was okay, but then I found that after a couple of years I was still listening to the same songs 9 or 10 times in a single day. More often than not, songs I hated. I decided there had to be a compromise to where I wasn’t spending my entire workday trapped in a car listening to what I considered to be insufferable music. I made a playlist of just the popular songs I didn’t hate and began using that. It worked for a while, but then I grew tired of it as well. Eventually, knowing that on some level 80’s music appeals to most people, I threw together a playlist of instantly recognizable and upbeat songs like “Take On Me” and “Beat It.” It proved to be a pretty successful move, and passengers would regularly hum or sing along to artists like Prince or Don Henley, while in-between rides I would serenade the empty space with The Outfield or Depeche Mode.

About a year ago, I started producing a 90’s themed podcast and YouTube channel. (the90sweekbyweek.com, thanks for asking!) While deep diving into the music of that era, which is far more representative of my formative years than the 80’s, I decided to switch to a 90’s Uber/Lyft playlist. As I watch people my age reminisce over a song or a moment they associate it with, I’m offered a sense of shared nostalgia. For instance, I had a passenger the other day talk about a tour they recently attended that included the band New Edition. While New Edition itself is more closely associated with the 80’s, they spawned several acts that are considered quintessential 90’s. In this case, the song “Poison” by Bel Biv Devoe had come on while they were in my car. “Poison,” by far, elicits some of the most positive reactions from my passengers. Rightfully so. I’ve heard it a thousand times in the past year and still haven’t gotten tired of it.

Selecting songs from the 90’s to put into a playlist for an extremely diverse group of random people is a lot harder than it may seem. Especially when you’re trying to find music that you yourself don’t hate or will get burned out on quickly. Obviously, if you’re trying to bring someone’s mood up or give them a positive experience, you can’t just go with what were considered the most popular songs of the 90’s. Many of them have inappropriate lyrics or intense musical arrangements, and others tend to be too mellow or melancholy. In addition, what I consider to be the best songs of the 90’s may not be the best choices for an Uber/Lyft ride. I long considered Pearl Jam’s song “Black” to be my favorite of any era. After years of playing it over and over, I’m not as high on it as I once was, but still consider it a vital part of any 90’s playlist I’m making for myself. Honestly, every song off the “Ten” album could go on a 90’s playlist and I’d consider it acceptable. Not a single song on that album, however, has made it on my Uber/Lyft 90’s playlist. I just don’t see them helping anyone’s mood for the amount of time I’m taking them wherever they are going. On the other hand, “Jump” by Kriss Kross or “Fantasy” by Mariah Carey have a pretty high success rate.

Sometimes, after I’ve listened to a song for the hundredth time, I start to question my decision to include it in the first place. And I’m not going to lie, “Ice Ice Baby” is still in rotation, but every time it comes on, I get a little embarrassed. God forbid that anyone who doesn’t know that I compiled a list of popular 90’s songs think that I just chose to listen to Vanilla Ice on my own accord. I’m not judging anyone that chooses to express their inner Rob Van Winkle on a regular basis, he’s just not real indicative of anything I choose to associate with. Another example of a song on my current 90’s Uber/Lyft playlist that I second guess is “So What’Cha Want” by the Beastie Boys. It’s one of my favorites on there, but with such a heavy beat and staticky vocals, I wonder if the appeal is broad enough for the myriad of people entering my car. Conversely, while it’s also currently in rotation, I fear that “Plush” by Stone Temple Pilots has a tempo that is too slow to bring or keep people’s spirits up.

It's difficult to separate your affinity for certain songs and the memories you attach to them from the unknown experiences of others. Especially complete strangers. I’m constantly questioning and refining my 90’s playlist. Imagine you are getting in an Uber or Lyft, and the driver is playing 90’s music. If you are looking to be in a festive or positive mood, what songs would you want to hear? What songs would it be hard not to smile at or begin humming along to? Feel free to leave your thoughts and suggestions in the comments and thanks in advance!

And now…a haiku:

though the songs differ

everyone has a soundtrack

if you will listen

“Where words fail, music speaks.” ~ Hans Christian Andersen

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amber-lucca44 · 1 year

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My 100 favorite artists 💖⭐⭐⭐

I'll keep updating this list as long as it's here :3 ❤️

Black Veil Brides

Kendrick Lamar

The Devil Wears Prada

Fall Out Boy

Alesana

Nine Inch Nails

Bring Me The Horizon

Renee Phoenix (Fit For Rivals, Pink Fly, solo)

Chvrches

Asking Alexandria

Escape The Fate

PVRIS

Melanie Martinez

Eyes Set To Kill

Sleeping With Sirens

From Autumn To Ashes

A Day To Remember

Underoath

Hayley Kiyoko

Senses Fail

Beartooth

Funeral For A Friend

The Number Twelve Looks Like You

Pearl Jam

I See Stars

Blessthefall

Against The Current

Slayer

Architects

Motionless In White

Avenged Sevenfold

The Pretty Reckless

My Chemical Romance

Metallica

Of Mice & Men

Nas

Saosin

Nirvana

Pierce The Veil

Run The Jewels

Janelle Monáe

Chunk! No, Captain Chunk!

Tonight Alive

Oceans Ate Alaska

Avril Lavigne

Slipknot

Attack Attack!

A Skylit Drive

Blink-182

The Used

Emery

Taking Back Sunday

From First To Last

Lacuna Coil

Paramore

Parkway Drive

All Time Low

Deftones

OutKast

glass beach

Anathema

Lamb Of God

2Pac

Anthrax

Marina

Miss May I

Garbage

You Me At Six

Linkin Park

Squarepusher

Taylor Swift

August Burns Red

Green Day

Aiden

Lorde

Meshuggah

Four Year Strong

Trivium

Deicide

In This Moment

Atreyu

Dance Gavin Dance

Sunny Day Real Estate

BTS

Lindsey Stirling

Mayday Parade

Coheed and Cambria

American Football

Against Me!

2Pac

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Volumes

For Today

Bury Tomorrow

Haste The Day

Cannibal Corpse

Conquer Divide

Boys Night Out

Iwrestledabearonce

Suicide Silence

Me on YT and a playlist with my favorite songs!

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daniigrimm-blog · 1 year

Text

Yeah Boy & Doll Face, this is Bulletproof Love so Throw a Match into Water cos Today I Saw The Whole World and it's The Jaws of Life

Pierce the Veil did the walk of shame out of a tour with All Time Low in 2017 and that same year announced that drummer Mike Fuentes would be leaving the band; they cited that they wanted a safe feeling environment for their younger fanbase and honestly in the six or so years that the two girls that came forward with receipts and allegations really nothing has been done and that is a shame. A couple to a few years ago (not sure on exact date) they did a quarantine video featuring the drummer however and they have yet to remove his image from their Epic Win playlist but I do digress, it does seem the band has been trying to turn over a new leaf and move on sans Mike Fuentes.

That being said, let's do a deep delve into what exactly has been up with Pierce the Veil--active members are now Victor Fuentes (guitar), Tony Perry (Lead Guitar), and Jaime Preciado (Bass).

So what have these guys been up to the last decade?! Well it seems they were busy growing and having families. That's right ladies, sorry to say--these three starling studs are currently off the market. Sad, I know, but that's not why we're fucking here. We are here for the music. I did think that it was very sweet that Vic, Jaime, AND Tony settled down with seemingly the loves of their lives and that Danielle, Vic's wife, recently gave birth to their first baby Violet Valentine Fuentes! I'm excited for them and their newest adventure together as new parents. As a parent myself I wish nothing but the very best for them and as someone who can no longer make these cute little babies, I am certainly excited for whatever pics they have to share.

Now let's talk music.

Where were you on February 10th, 2023 when The Jaws of Life dropped? i was in my room, I know rather anticlimactic but, I am always in my room. Introversion aside, I remember putting on my headphones and gearing up to rock out to PTV's newest jams and my god was I not disappointed.

In an interview for Blabbermouth.net Fuentes says: "This album has truly brought us closer than we've ever been. It was extremely difficult for us to be off the road and apart for so long. We've never missed anything more than playing music together and never had such an strong appreciation for recording, touring, and simply being in the same room together than we do now. 'The Jaws Of Life' is about how life can sink its teeth into you and try to devour you. The negativity in the world and within your mind can be a vicious thing. We're extremely grateful for this record, our fans, and the opportunity to play live music again."

The first single release from the new album, was Pass the Nirvana--let's start here. Clowncore visuals aside (I am deathly afraid of clowns!) I'd say the music video takes me right back to a 90s grunge era when I was a stinky teenager watching TRL on my couch. Flash warning, for the sensitive.

“‘Pass the Nirvana’ is about the many horrible traumas that the youth of America have endured over the past few years. COVID, no proms, no graduations, an insurrection, school shootings. The list goes on. Their lives have been tossed around like clothes in a dryer, as the tensions within our country have infiltrated our own homes, friends, and families. To me, the song represents a euphoric detachment from all of that anxiety and stress and about finding some form of peace or nirvana.”

That tracks. The grungy guitar riffs and metaphorical lyrics really tie this track together in a pretty plaid bow. There were a lot of things this year that made me question what year it was, but I'd relive the 90s again as adult this time--why not? could be fun, some of the trends were neat.

The second single on the album is throwing the same vibes; albeit the song is different in many ways as the first single. For instance, both are desperate situations with meaningful lyrics. Both have underlying 90s grunge rock vibes. But Emergency Contact is essentially about a pair of lovers; one is ready to move their relationship further and is frustrated with the other who is still unsure if they should. Vic Fuentes tells you the meaning in his own words here. It's a lovely melody that I think is comparable to their collide with the sky style. Which was also very nice to hear again.

Now that brings me to their third single off their Fifth album (Fearless Records) , The Jaws of Life, Even When I'm Not With You. This is my FAVORITE out of the three singles so far, but I am as HUGE sucker for a good rock ballad.

“This song was inspired by a text my manager sent me while I was going through a rough time. I thanked her for being there for me, and she said, ‘Even when I’m not with you, I’m still with you.’ That phrase touched my heart and inspired me to write a love song dedicated to my wife about no matter how far away I am on tour, I’m still devoted to her, and we will always be connected through our love.”

The lyrics are sweet, the looping riff is melodic and wonderful and I 100% love this track. Favorite track on the album? No, sorry--but definitely my favorite listed of the three singles. If you hate Gold Medal Ribbon or the vibes thrown on Misadventures then I don't want to hear anything you have to say. Your opinion is sadly invalid here on my blog, move along.

How many tracks are on The Jaws of Life? 12.

So we've already been over tracks 2-4, no need to readdress those. Let's go back to the Death Of An Executioner.

“The visual of this song, to me, is a car that’s following you—like the video for ‘Karma Police’ by Radiohead. It’s got its headlights on your back, and it’s just kind of slowly creeping on you. To me, it represents social media and people expecting perfection out of you and always waiting for you to make a mistake so they can run you down and destroy you. I like the title ‘Death of an Executioner’ because it describes killing the person who’s trying to kill you.”

Hello Alt Rock/Rock Electronica Radiohead influences! YES, I am HERE for it 100%. The harmonizing laid over vocals just work. And the filter effect over Fuentes' voice is mesmerizing. Kinda partial to the repeating of "blood red moonlight" as a good scene setter too--just GREAT imagery here. Plus, have you listened to it yet? You should--the song goes really hard.

Flawless Execution. It's the fifth track. on the fifth album.

“This one’s kind of hard to describe. I feel like it’s about people blurring the lines between love and sex and vice versa. It’s almost about when you’re OK with being used because you want to be close to the person so badly. You want love so badly that you’re actually OK with being used or abused, kind of like the Bill Withers song ‘Use Me.’ So, it’s about those extremes that we go to just to be validated. If you’re always desiring someone’s approval, it can go to some toxic places.”

"I'll scar you with my flawless execution every time." This. is actually one song that really caught my ear the first time I heard it. Man what a smooth earworm it really is! And that chorus really hooks you. Not sure what that says about me, now knowing the meaning of the song (fuck it I already kinda knew what it implied), nah--it really doesn't change my mind. This song slaps. It's definitely one to put on and really enjoy.

So far, I really think that consistently this band has grown with each album release and that really says something. Personally, their Dance Gavin Dance/Myspace screamcore on A Flair for the Dramatic wasn't my favorite (I know Ill get hate for that) but they were still growing as people and as a band. After doing infinite amount of touring and getting to know other musicians/bands they did some dabbling and grew into Selfish Machines--Besitos really hooked me. And it just got better from there my dudes! Hold the freaking phone! When Collide With The Sky and new doors and opportunities were opening for them--that was it for me. I was a fan. Misadventures , which won album of the year in 2017 circulated so many times on my playlist that I lost count. And then--radio silence. Man, when the allegations dropped I was heartbroken.

For a long time I did not support a band that I loved because of one person doing a misdeed and that was not fair. Not fair to the people who weren't involved, and not fair to me personally because of what their art does for me. When they finally addressed things and booted that rootie tootie from the band, I almost threw confetti into the air! They did the right thing, for those girls, for the fandom, and for the band. Now, they could begin to grow--and GROW THEY DID.

It took just short of a decade but we finally got NEW Pierce the Veil, and man am I just so happy with what they have given us. That finally brings me to the title track, The Jaws of Life.

“It’s about trying to get released from life’s grip and finding your way. There’s a line in it where I say I’m having the time of my life rotting in the sun, inside the jaws of life. It’s trying to be OK with where you are and starting to feel happy again—I’m making my way, and I know that I can see some light. There’s a lot of ’90s influence in this song musically, which I’m super stoked on. The verse feels like Tripping Daisy or Superdrag—I was thinking about their song ‘Sucked Out’ a lot when I was writing this one.”

That is super befitting because so far I can hear all the 90s undertones and influences from track 1 to the title track. Superdrag, Tripping Daisy, Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, Bush, Soundgarden, and a little Nirvana. These are great fucking influences to have and man, I love that they are just spinning them into their own modern grunge pop and I am here for it. As a fan of many different types of rock and pop I have to say this is taken and done--and it is done well. Kudos to production and underlying bts workers/musicians that put their time and effort into this. This album is fully flushed out, very well produced, and thematic from track one to track twelve. Just pure perfection.

This is what went into the Production of PTV's fifth studio album.

The seventh track on the album is quite possibly my favorite. It's consistently stuck in my head no matter what I do to get it out but I'm not even really trying at this point--it's too good. It can take up rent free space in my head for as long as it possibly desires to--because jesus fuck it is glorious! It's called Damn The Man, Save The Empire.

“I’ve been trying to use this title for years, but it’s never felt right until now. It’s a quote from one of my favorite movies, Empire Records. Lyrically, it’s about how no one can really know who you are until they’ve really spent some time with you. I feel that way sometimes when people follow our band on social media and think they have me pegged, but you’re seeing what I want you to see, not who I fully am. So, it’s just reminding people about that superficial experience.”

Instrumentally this combines grungey hard guitars with dreamy vocals that portray that same kind of dreamy vibe that social media gives you with a filter on it. "No one like us anyway..." is another relatable vibe but im starting to get that not everyone is built to be an extrovert and you only live one life--so why spend it trying to please people that don't like you when they don't matter? Great song. Even better message.

Track 8 is called Resilience.

“With this song, I had this vision of that classic scene in the movies when the hand pops out of the dirt after they’ve been buried alive, and the person starts pulling their body up to the surface. It’s like when you’re digging your way out of this hole, and your eyes finally see the sun and they adjust. Also, one of my most proud moments on this record is that we got to use a quote from Dazed and Confused to start the song. We actually had to have the actors approve that. It was such a win for the album.”

It starts off with a familiar scene from a movie most of us grew up with. I don't know about the children today, but I don't really care. It's a cult classic and Idgaf what the kids younger than me have to say about it really. The acoustic guitar is melodic and almost waltz like, and vic's crooning swoony voice wraps this song up nicely. "It's odd that I-keep runnin into spiderwebs, runnin into spiderwebs at night." was a really neat lyric I picked up on in that song. Very neat visuals.

Track 9 is called Irrational Fears . It's a 20 second interlude of an air flight assistant talking over an intercom. I don't really have much to say about this.

Vic said this:

“This is an interlude that sets up the next song. It was inspired by that first scene in the movie Garden State, with Zach Braff, where he’s on a plane that’s going down and everyone is freaking out around him, but he’s perfectly calm. We wanted to set the scene with this British flight attendant being all chipper but saying really dark things. Jaime made the music, and then my friend who’s a voice actor recorded the voiceover in London. It was a fun challenge, and I’m really proud of how it came out.”

Track 10 is called Shared Trauma and it's vapidly becoming one of my favorite PTV tracks. I guess personally, it touches very close to home. My family hasn't had the easiest life up until now, we have a lot of shared trauma but it's made us closer because of it--and it's certainly helped us grow knowing that.

“The title kind of speaks for itself. I’ve always felt that shared trauma and going through a traumatic experience with somebody can be one of the strongest bonds in human existence. Knowing that you’ve both been through something together will always connect you in such a powerful way. I think that’s beautiful—it’s the good that can come out of the bad. Musically, it was very much a collaborative band effort that came out of this loopy analog beat that Jaime sent me. It was really fun to write.”

So Far, So Fake starts off with couple of slow arpeggios that set the mood for the song which is cut into like a knife by Vic's sharp vocals to form a smooth even climb through the rest of the melody. The chorus is catchy, man, and does it stick if you let it. It's a hit. 100%. If they were to make another music video off this album, I would get in line to watch this one (but who are we kidding? I would get in line to watch any videos they decided to make as long as Mike isn't in them.)

“This song was written in 2017, so we’ve had it for a long time. It was one of the only ones that made it from some of the first writing sessions we did before the pandemic. It’s about if you’ve ever been betrayed by somebody you felt was a friend, and the wound never really mended—where even an apology doesn’t feel like it’s enough. It feels like it can never really be resolved. So, it’s a bit angry, a bit sour, a bit difficult to think about. But I always want to write about things that are affecting my life.”

I do recall a time where Vic had mentioned he was cheated on by someone who wasn't exactly exclusive with him? I don't remember the interview exactly but I do remember hearing it. Maybe that applies here. Maybe and I'm not saying this to start anything--it hits even closer to home and it's about Mike and what he did. They are family, and the band did lose out on a member. I imagine that would affect everyone very deeply and there would be wound that needed healing. I'm glad though, whatever the case, that Vic was able to get this out--it seemed he needed to. Music can be very therapeutic. Not just to us but to the artists who create it especially.

The final track on the album is called 12 Fractures and it is a lovely duet between Victor and an artist named Chloe Moriondo. She/They have never come up on my radar before but some how are an active member on the emo scene. She's/They've hung out with everyone from the likes of All Time Low, and Simple Plan, and now to Pierce the Veil and I love her/them for it. And can I just say that Her/Their voice is just wonderful. It's safe to say, I love this song.

Shout out to all the legal smokers of medicinal 420. I cannot wait til they federally legalize. We just need to move forward as a society but I digress, "Oh thank god for THC" is one lyric grab I loved from this song but it's just one. And it makes it all that more relatable.

“The song was called ‘12 Fractures’ before it became the 12th song on the album. We didn’t plan it like that. I’m glad it worked out that way, but it also makes things confusing. I’m actually looking at our vinyl right now to make sure it doesn’t just say ‘Fractures.’ But this one came from a deeply personal story about a friend of mine who went through a divorce. I watched two of my favorite people in the world just fall apart. When friends break apart like that, it’s like losing a family member. It’s super difficult, even as a bystander. It was cool to get Chloe on the song to bring the story to life. I’m a big fan of hers, and I think she did an amazing job.”

Now that I heard her/them on this song I will certainly be looking into her music because to be quite frank I just hadn't heard of her. I do love getting new music on my radar all the time though and this is usually how I find it. Artist collabs are SO so good for expanding the playlist repertoire-just trust me.

Did this convince you to go get The Jaws of Life and give it a listen? I sure hope so. It's fucking amazing on many levels. They did grow, they did change, and what they created is something I'll be blasting on my playlists for the next few years--but hey, let's maybe not make us wait another decade for new tunes next time guys? Pretty please?

Thanks.

D. Grimm

Sources:

here

Some may not be linked because of space in the post my apologies, they can be found with a simple google search.

#music #music blog #rock music #pierce the veil #vic fuentes #tony perry #jaime preciado #fearless #fearless records #jaws of life #the jaws of life #selfish machines #a flair for the dramatic #misadventures #collide with the sky #musician #jams #album review

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ash-and-starlight · 2 years

Note

hey! i was wondering if you have any songs you relate to the avatar characters (i'm currently making zuko, azula and sokka playlists and I want to see if anyone has any recs!)

thank uu

this ask Plagued me and all the answers will feel monumentally stupid as soon as i post lmao but i’ll try

(side note i find assigning songs to blorbos sooo difficult because lyrics, vibes & music all have to align and finding the perfect fit is nearly impossible)

putting them beneath the cut bc the post got long and i didn’t want to be annoying fjhddj

azula - 1) arsonist lullaby by Hozier, this one is self explanatory (and i guess it could fit for zuko too?) but all the lyrics feel so azulacore to me. 2) you’re gonna go far kid by the offspring -> “with a thousand lies and a good disguise / hit ‘em right between the eyes” “when you walk away, nothing more to say / see the lightning in your eyes / see them running for their lives” excellent upbeat songs to conquer ba sing se to and 3) crying lightning by the Arctic Monkeys, i wouldn’t say this one is a perfect fit but “with folded arms you occupied the bench like toothache / stood and puffed your chest out like you never lost a war” yeAH.

zuko - 1) born on my own by Emigrate, -> “break down the walls / that keep us all / flames in waves / so beautiful / holding some / up in my soul / i am in control / born on my own” peak zuko to me and 2) giving you three songs at the price of one because all the three Unforgiven by metallica could be zuko angst moment: banished edition jams like “new blood joins this earth / and quickly he’s subdued / through constant pained disgrace/ the young boy learns their rules”, like “lay beside me, tell me what i’ve done / the door is closed so are your eyes / but now i see the sun” LIKE “was he the one causing pain / with his careless dreaming? / been afraid / always afraid /of the things he’s feeling ” go off emo boy

sokka - okay these are mostly vibes but idk my heart says they’re sokka songs if you get it you get it 1) thinking of a place by the war on drugs “i’m moving through the dark / of a long black night / just moving with the moon / and the light it shines” and ALSO an ocean in between the waves by the same band and 2) sjamboska by the gang of youths -> “ in the thick of my heart / by the skin of my teeth / until i’m forgotten / and covered in weeds / and my withering soul is in the sea / i will hold on to you / hold on to me” oUGH okAY! He’s carrying that weight!!

#now that i subjected u all to my terrible music taste i can die in peace #best of luck with the playlists!! if u feel like sharing the finished product i’m always down for blorbo centric song recs #ash replies #ask

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seoul-bros · 1 year

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RM's Indigo, a voice for a world on the edge

Indigo is an album reflective not only of Kim Namjoon's personal journey but also of the times we live in. A world in which people are encouraged to live in a virtual world, fed by a non-stop flow of spectacle online and separate from the hard work of face-to-face interaction and growth that is necessary to learn to be a human.

In the first album track Yun, RM quotes his favourite artist Yun Hyong Kuen "He always said, "Be human first", "Forget the art, play and feel the joys and sorrows". In other words, it doesn't matter how talented or skilled you are if you don't live your life, speak your truth, and know what it is to be human, your art will say nothing to you or anyone else.

In the video below, RM talks us through the origins of the album and the development of each of the 10 tracks. Definitely worth watching but perhaps listen to the album first to understand your own pure and immediate reaction to the music without being influenced by his words.

youtube

I have listened to it several times now and the tracks that are beginning to imprint and will be put straight on my current playlist are Wildflower, Lonely, All Day and Change Pt 2.

With lyrics, RM isn't leaving anything to chance. Look at the verses of All Day with Tablo. There is a message for us all in there, if you don't make a stand for your own life and your individuality, you will be comfortably subsumed into the machine.

Another thing to watch out for is the Tiny Desk Concert which based on what RM says about his birthday was filmed in August this year. It was nice to hear Seoul again and he also sings Yun and Still Life.

youtube

He said he had been working on the songs with these guys since 2019. We've certainly seen him with John Eun before but what about the other guys?

The whole mini concert was like an informal, cozy jam session with good friends. Loved the intimacy of that and it really suits the overall vibe of the album.

RM Instagram Post

Updating with the magazine film which has interviews with each of the collaborators on the album.

youtube

Post Date: 02/12/2022 updated 04/12/2022

#Indigo #rm #kim namjoon #namjoon #indigo #still life #wildflower #change pt 2 #lonely #yun #all day #tablo #john eun #bts solo careers #bts #bangtan #Youtube

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kobbers · 1 year

Audio

Joining in the Horizon Base Jams for the first prompt: a ship playlist for Feb 14th! except...

My Aloy ship is “none of the above”. So I decided to try a list for aroace!Aloy, instead. c:

in which I explain my choices (is this cheating?):

1) Would be the sole song if I had to condense the premise down to one. I just like how a lot of the lyrics work with Aloy crammed into the POV spot, especially in the context of the opening of Forbidden West.

2) Aloy’s burden: constantly deflecting advances when she’s just trying to... advance her mission. Sigh. Please go away.

3) Now we’re getting a little introspection, realization that she’s just not into these things people keep asking about. “Maybe one day, someday,” but... maybe not!

4) Starting to discover the connections that do matter to Aloy! While she's working on stopping a very real existential threat, it becomes equally important to her as a preservation of Elisabet’s legacy... and the work of the other “Ancestors” who made this current world possible.

5) Aloy is surprisingly empathetic to strangers from the outset of her journey, despite everything. But it’s one thing to help a stranger in need and move on, and another to provide (and receive) continued support to/from a friend. This might take a bit to get used to.

6) The admission: “I’m limited.” Relaxing her tight control on her... everything, and letting a precious few alter her path for the better.

7) The first song that came to my mind for a platonic playlist. Now we’re throwing around serious phrases like “best friend,” and maybe even admitting that pesky l-word without fear of misinterpretation.

#horizonbasejams #aceloy #horizon zero dawn #horizon forbidden west #playlist #Beyond the Horizon #playlists are incredibly hard for me because I listen to like 80% instrumental songs lol #we'll see if I can scrape together any others this week -u-

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bonesandthebees · 1 month

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I also got Priory of the Orange Tree!!! I’m currently reading a the new hunger games book (or I would be if school wasn’t killing me, I was enjoying reading that damnit). But that one is next on my TBR. Also, the same day I got it, I got like 2 other books from friends + the book I had on my to read on the train, so I was just walking around Brussels with 4 books like a champ (I really need to spot buying books now). (Also, on of the books was Fairy tale by Stephen King, so as you can imagine, my bag was very heavy.)

Anyway, yeah I don’t know what it is about the Dutch accent that makes it sound so goofy. It’s the intonation pattern or maybe the hard g’s Idk. The accent very much stands out among our Flemish Dutch and all those accents. Another big difference it that Flemish Dutch has a lot more loaned words especially from French. Like in the Nederlands they say jam (which I guess is the same as in English) but we use confituur like the French word. But then there’s also Belgian French which is different from French French. Like we say pistole in both Dutch and French and it’s a round type of bread. But if you use that word in France, it very much means the same as pistole aka the gun. Languages are so much fun.

Anyway, I need to go to sleep cuz I’m dead tired, but I will think on the Dutch songs, because there’s so many to chose from. Do I take the classics? The famous ones? Or just the ones I like? Which genre? Which artists? Oh the options. (I can also do French songs btw, cuz we have some very famous French singers no matter how many times France tried to claim them).

-🌲

oh my god you were carrying around 4 books including a stephen king book and priory??? both of those are huge your arms must've been so sore

aaaaa so happy you have that though!! very excited to hear your thoughts spruce :D also the new hunger games book was so good too. funnily enough it was the book I read right after I read priory. hope you enjoy it!!

yeah I definitely think it's how much harsher the Dutch accent is compared to the softer Flemish Dutch accent. also I've heard that Belgian French (Wallonian French I guess? do you guys call it that or just Belgian French?) has a few differences from French French. I also heard you guys actually have a normal number counting system? so like instead of France French's '68, 69, 60-10, 60-11, 60-12' to the amazing '4-20' for 80, you guys just have like. normal numbers. my Belgian friend told me that once and I think it makes so much more sense

well usually with music my taste is a bit all over the place but for the most part I'm very into indie rock, a bit of alt rock, sometimes indie pop, and a bit of folk. but then also one of my favorite songs is an 80s synth pop and I also have a playlist for heavy metal so my taste varies lol

#ask #spruce anon

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vexx-ation · 4 months

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12 Albums of 2023

The nature of my current job means that I have pretty long periods where I'm doing hands-on but mindless work. Since I'm working with samples that can't be contaminated, being able to mess with my phone to adjust my music is out of the question, and so I entered the world of Youtube playlists and full albums, giving me hours of uninterrupted jams. Because of that, I've widened my music taste quite a bit and found a ton of new albums, so I thought it would be fun to highlight some of my favorites from this year!

TECHDOG1-7: Patricia Taxxon

There isn't anything I can say about this album that encapsulates the experience of listening, except to assure you that about a third of the way in I could feel new neuronal connections happening in my brain. This album puts all of her talents on display, reaching an almost divine level of vibes. Drawing on all her experiences and previous work, this feels like a beautiful medley of all the things that made her previous albums so beloved. The lush quality of Taxxon's music is all-encompassing, stimulating the senses so thoroughly that I can't recommend anything but sitting back, closing your eyes, and letting the album itself guide you.

Note: Including TECHDOG1-7 is a bit of a cop out on my part, as this is a compilation of 7 albums released in succession by Taxxon. They're all great though, so you can't do wrong picking any one of them :)

2. Music for Animal Cafes: Nobonoko

Though I find Animal Cafes to be one of many absolute bangers in nobonoko's discography, there's something to be said about this album in particular. It has all the brightness and joy present in their other works, and vibes spectacularly throughout its hour runtime. The established mood is jazzy and comfortable, and serves as a great entry point into the rest of their music.

3. SEPPUKU: chocomilk-chan

At almost two hours in length, SEPPUKU is easily the longest album in this list (not including the TECHDOG compilation). It uses that time effectively, effortlessly changing timbres and textures throughout its run without ever losing its core. The harsh, almost crackly drum synths provide an effective foundation for whatever new components chocomilk adds on top, from lush chords to piercing chimes. This is an album that experiments with sound while focusing on maintaining momentum, smooth enough to chug along in the background and complex enough to intrigue anyone who wants to listen more deeply.

4. arc,regn: greenhouse (Halley Labs)

I don't think Halley Labs has ever produced anything but great albums, and this is no exception. Right from the beginning, you're met with lush chords and masterful use of panning, which continues throughout the entire album like a lifeline. Not only is the music rich with complexities, catchy lines, and musical talent, but there is an obvious mastery of the medium itself on display. The album creates a world all its own as it weaves through new sounds and arcs. I wouldn't bother putting this on as BG music, as the layers of sound here are more likely to draw you in like it did me!

5. Pawprint Panic!: Napcast

This album absolutely jams. Calling to mind indie DS-era titles, the bouncy and bright synths are kept moving by a groovy bassline and funky drums. Jazzy melodies soar overhead on toybox-esque synths and piano, maintaining a grounded but playful quality. Expertly unified, it truly feels like an OST dredged from the 00s golden age, imbued with an infectious rhythm and bangers that make you wonder how this isn't on every VGM playlist. Listen in an open room, because this album WILL make you want to dance.

6. anemoia: kurokocchi

This album is all about contrast. The piano melodies wouldn't feel out of place in a lofi jam or a music box, but thrashing beneath is a drumbreat that lends an almost manic energy to the songs. With simple, looping lines that encircle and chase the frenetic percussion, anemoia captures the essence of gleeful, uncontrolled anxiety. The bursts of sound and wild motion makes the album pass by in an instant, leaving you breathless with its memory when the final beat hits. Don't listen after a cup of coffee-- your heart might stop.

7. Mage's Cauldron for Sweet Dreams: Tottomori

And now for something completely different! A reprieve from the endless list of high energy beats and breakcore that I just recommended, Mages Cauldron instead creates an overwhelming sense of calm, relishing in the stillness and silence. With sparse melodies and long stretches of quiet, Mages Cauldron soothes and placates, seeming to slow down time itself as it constructs its ambiance. Building as the album continues, you can see the forest take shape in your mind's eye through the melodies. This is an album to sit by the fire with-- let yourself be invited to the world it creates and relax.

8. Lucky Tiger: Telenights

Ever listen to an album that just *vibes*? If you like that kind of music, Lucky Tiger might be your jam. With steady grooves, carefully placed pads, and a subtle yet confident mastery over sound design, Lucky Tiger creates an atmosphere like no other. The albums slides effortlessly back and forth between more ambient qualities and forward grooves, encouraging you to move along with it. Disparate elements from classical guitar to jazz sax to hiphop percussion hold hands, nothing overpowering the other as the album fuses these styles to create something all its own. Take a sip: it goes down smooth.

9. Sun Colored Eyes: Mabisyo

In the same (vapor)wave as Telenights, Mabisyo delivers expertly with snazzy beats and a concrete atmosphere throughout the mixtape. This album serves as a highlight to the refinement of their production process, expertly blending samples and making great use of their sonic toolkit to elevate the experience. Each song builds on the last, adding more layers and using samples in entirely new ways that form a melodious, cohesive whole of all the disparate parts. TLDR? This thing bangs.

10. music for bugs - camiidae

Light, airy, and with the cutest accompanying visuals I have ever seen, music for bugs wins my vote for most delightful album of the year. Laying the bells and piano with nature sounds gives the album a friendly and soothing ambiance, which carries the soft melodies and sparse chords. A great album for a nice walk

11. Meadow Theatre - Gumboot

In the same vein as music for bugs, Meadow Theatre creates a naturalistic, quiet ambiance accented by soft, hiphop beats. Drawing from a myriad of samples and mixing them with elegance, the album creates the ideal environment for quiet contemplation, settling into looping sections at the end of each track that know just when to change things up before they overstay their welcome. It's a nice album to settle down with

12. Seasons - Kate Short

Rounding out the list is the only non-instrumental album, which maintains a sweet and soft acoustic quality throughout. With poignant lyrics and a masterful understanding of space and silence, Short creates an album that glides along with poise. With lush instrumentals and a clear voice, this album becomes nothing short of transcendental

#music #album recommendations #long post

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