#between song curation and interruptions

[humblemooncat]

3 and 24 for otp asks!!

I think I might do this for all of Ki'to's polycule since I need to yell about these specific things related to them.

Who kissed who first?

With Aymeric, it was Ki'to who initiated the first kiss. Though, while more reserved due to his upbringing, Aymeric was all too happy to reciprocate. It was just after peace had been finally restored to Ishgard's relationship with the Dravanians, and both of them were very happy to finally see the fruits of their labor, and that happiness really lent itself to their first kiss. Honestly, it was probably the push Ki'to needed to confess as well. (The kiss happened not too long after the confession)

Similarly, Ki'to and G'raha's first kiss was right after the confession. Though this one was out of desperation, elation, and a need to be as close as possible. When Ki'to stormed into the Crystal Tower after returning from the First, it was all he could do not to stumble as he sought G'raha out. There was a pause and hitched breath as he waited to see if the blood-infused soul crystal would work, and as soon as there was a hint of recognition in his face, Ki'to could not stop himself from pulling Raha as close as humanly possible. The words fell out of his mouth before he could even process, and when Raha - stunned as he was - finally reciprocated his feelings, Ki'to pulled him in for a very long, very tearful kiss.

As for Estinien, since it wasn't until post-EW that they got together, I imagine Ki'to sent him an invitation to visit him out in the Cieldalaes. When he finally had time to stop by, they ended up making it a full-day date. When it came time for him to leave, Estinien actually initiated their first kiss, as he lifted the miqo'te up and gave him a little goodbye kiss. (I'll be posting this gpose shot soon, actually. :3c)

Have they dedicated songs to each other?

Considering he loves music, absolutely!

Here are the songs I dedicate to each of them as pairs.

Ki'to & Aymeric: Feel Good by Gryffin & Illenium (ft. Daya)

Ki'to & G'raha: (@ each other, honestly) Be There by Krewella

Ki'to & Estinien: Trust by Boy Epic

And a bonus for Ki'to to all his husbands: Home by Jacob Lee

And an extra bonus because angst. Ki'to to Haurchefant: Love Has No Limits by Fleurie

[killakirby]

ephemeral (bang chan)

developer notes ☽: inspired by my ig for you page being bang chan bf edits...i did not ask to be depressed because i can't find a man suitable for my standards :) fuck u christopher for being so fine tonight

soundtrack☽: birdie - kota the friend

notifications☽: 818 words, fluff, not proofread, gnl!reader

"time is our only dilemma"

a warm yellow-toned ambient glow is cast within the bathroom from a small desk lamp that you’ve commandeered as a substitution to the harsh fluorescents of the room’s installed lights. a small bluetooth speaker rests on the countertop next to the lamp on its third to last volume setting cycling through a random spotify playlist you’ve selected. it’s probably one out of the hundreds of comfort character playlists you’d never tell a soul that you listen too.

but, you realize that chan’s most likely seen the embarrassing and unending list of the cutesy-fictional catered playlists you’ve become obsessed with in the previous weeks as he’s logged in to your spotify account on his phone. a few months ago, you discovered a new playlist hiding within your massive library that you didn’t add or create, entitled “songs i listen to remind me of you.” that was at the front of your recently played, the cover photo being a picture of you asleep on the couch in chan’s studio (a photo chan’s never shown you). when you clicked to investigate further, you were shocked to see the playlist filled with over a hundred songs, and a description filled to the word limit. tears filled your eyes as you read the romantic note chan had left for you to see, and you listened to the whole playlist while cleaning your entire apartment. there wasn’t a single moment that the heat left your flustered cheeks or the sweet smile left your face. and when you met with your boyfriend in person, you certain that he was blushing underneath his mask when you alerted him of your findings, and he revealed that he was going to surprise you with your specially curated mixtape on your next visit to his studio. 

when you asked why he was giving you such a sweet gift so randomly, his answer came without hesitation. chan said, “there doesn’t need to be a reason for me to express my love for you. of course this gift is meaningful enough for valentine’s day, or an anniversary, or your birthday, but any day i have with you is enough for me to treat you like the love of my life.”

and after a revelation like that, how could you remember the embarrassing fanfic-esque playlists you had downloaded to your phone? they literally don’t matter anymore, not when you have a whole dime piece, respectful, sexy, intelligent, thoughtful-ass christopher bang chan confessing his undying love for you.

that’s all to say that you probably should’ve selected that mixtape to play through tonight, but it’s too late to change that fact, as you would hate to disturb the bubble of space you’ve created in the bathroom to retrieve your phone from the bedroom. and to interrupt the peaceful bath you and chan are enjoying. it’s a rare night that chan was able to join you in your apartment instead of you going to his dorm to see him, and the night is made more precious at the fact that he fought his workaholic tendencies to join you earlier in the evening around seven pm rather than his usual appearance past midnight. and a spontaneous date night was suddenly underway; you and chan cooked dinner together made from the dregs of ingredients in your sparse fridge (grocery day is tomorrow), made progress on cleaning up your animal crossing island together, and even got a few episodes into a short anime you wanted to watch with him. a bath was the only reasonable option to end the cozy date night you both started.

the water is probably half-an-hour away from transitioning from warm to lukewarm, and the bubbles are starting to become sparse. you’re nestled in between his legs, back pressed against his muscled-pillowy chest, head resting aside one of his shoulders to avoid smushing shower cap against his face. chan’s head is propped on the shower tiles, his neck elongated and your fascinated with the view of his adam’s apple bobbing and throat swallowing as he speaks softly to you. his eyes are shut, but he opens them every time you speak to him, seeping with the adoration he has for you. his hands rest on your waist underneath the water, and every so often he squeezes you lighty, and traces patterns on your skin he only knows. eventually you two find yourself running out of things to talk about, but the silence that follows isn’t uncomfortable. you gladly allow your eyes to flutter closed, and chan begins humming softly; both of you are well aware that you should wrap up the bath, as you both still have early starts tomorrow morning, or rather–this morning.

moments like these are few and far for a man of chan’s lifestyle, and neither of you are going to be the one to cut it short. while this scene is ephemeral, that does not mean it is insignificant.

much love, <3 kirby !!!

© killakirby - piracy and plagiarism are not allowed. no reposts on any form of media

[kathrynharinger]

FOR: @colemonroe WHEN: 1st of December, 2023. WHERE: The Lost Word.

It was late afternoon, while the golden hour was officially bathing the store in that ethereal light she'd come to love, a hot steaming cup of coffee beside her as she hummed lightly to herself. The creaking wooden floor, worn by the footsteps of countless book lovers, singing its own song in response to Kathryn. That subtle scent of aged paper mixed with the burning jasmine permeated the space. This had become her safe space in the time since she'd arrived here in Tonopah.

With nimble fingers, Kathryn sorted through a heavy stack of weathered books, each one a portal to another world. And most that she'd repurposed for a new venture she'd be taking in the coming weeks. Some bore the weight of history, their leather-bound covers telling tales of eras long past. Others, with vibrant and modern designs, spoke of the ever-evolving nature of literature. And soon they'd tell a new story of transportation and illegal endeavours.

That smirk crept across her lips in response.

Kathryn had created two distinct piles on the worn oak table at the center of the store. One stack that was far too valuable to sell, a collection that would find her a good price. The other, meticulously curated, was the collaboration between Kathryn and Cole. Those books with barcodes she could repurpose. The store was far too quiet for this to have been her only venture, even if she didn't need the cash. This job it gave Kathryn purpose in this town, and it had started to form the idea of one ideology in particular.

Home. This...this could be home.

However, her thought was interrupted when the ring of the doorbell at the shop entrance. Looking up, she cocked her head to the side. "I never really took you for the ancient book loving type," Kathryn joked as she eyed Cole. "Everything okay?"

[slidingvinyl]

Make Your Wedding Reception Disco Memorable with a DJ!

When it comes to planning your wedding reception, you want everything to be perfect. From the venue and the décor to the food and the entertainment, every detail matters. One way to ensure that your wedding reception is a night to remember is by hiring a professional DJ. A skilled DJ can elevate your reception into a memorable disco experience that will have your guests dancing the night away. In this blog post, we will explore why a DJ is a must-have for your wedding reception and how they can make it truly unforgettable.

Setting the Mood with Music

Music sets the tone for any event, and your wedding reception Disco is no exception. A professional DJ has the expertise to curate the perfect playlist that matches your preferences and the ambiance you want to create. Whether you envision a romantic atmosphere with soft ballads or a lively disco party with funky beats, a DJ can tailor the music to your vision.

Additionally, a DJ can smoothly transition between different music genres and tempos to cater to the diverse tastes of your guests. This flexibility ensures that everyone at your wedding reception, from your grandparents to your friends, will find something to groove to.

Seamless Transitions and No Dead Air

A live band is a popular choice for wedding receptions, but they often require breaks between sets, which can result in awkward pauses and dead air. With a DJ, you can enjoy a continuous flow of music throughout the evening. They can seamlessly transition between songs, ensuring that there are no interruptions in the dancing and celebration.

A professional DJ knows how to read the crowd and keep the energy high. They can adjust the tempo and style of music to match the mood of your guests, ensuring that the dance floor remains packed and the party never stops.

Personalization and Requests

Your wedding reception should reflect your unique style and personality as a couple. A DJ can work with you to customize the playlist, incorporating your favorite songs, meaningful tracks, and special dedications. This personal touch can make your reception feel intimate and memorable.

Furthermore, a DJ can take song requests from your guests, allowing them to feel involved and engaged in the celebration. These requests can add an element of surprise and excitement to the night, making it even more memorable for everyone.

Professional Equipment and Expertise

A professional DJ comes equipped with high-quality sound and lighting equipment. They understand how to set up and operate the gear to create a visually stunning and acoustically pleasing atmosphere. This attention to detail enhances the overall experience for your guests and ensures that your reception is not just a disco but a spectacular one.

Moreover, a DJ has experience in handling technical issues that may arise during the event. They are prepared for any unexpected challenges, so you can relax and enjoy your reception without worrying about audio glitches or equipment malfunctions.

Master of Ceremonies

Beyond playing music, a DJ can also serve as the master of ceremonies for your wedding reception. They can make announcements, introduce the newlyweds, and guide the flow of the evening. This takes the pressure off you and your bridal party, allowing you to enjoy the celebration without worrying about managing the event's logistics.

Interactive Entertainment

A DJ can bring interactive entertainment to your wedding reception. They can organize fun games, dance-offs, and other activities that engage your guests and keep them entertained. These interactive elements add a layer of excitement and enjoyment to the night, making your reception stand out as a truly memorable event.

Conclusion

In summary, hiring a DJ for wedding reception is a fantastic way to make it a night to remember. With their expertise in music selection, seamless transitions, personalization, and entertainment, a DJ can transform your reception into a disco extravaganza that will leave your guests talking about it for years to come. So, don't miss the opportunity to create unforgettable memories with the perfect soundtrack – hire a DJ and let the music take your wedding reception to new heights!

[hangon-silvergirl]

D (just something you wished for & you almost missed ), F, H, I, M, S?

Hi Ariana! Thanks for the ask. 😊

D: Is there a song or a playlist to associate with just something you wished for & you almost missed?

Yes! The chapter title is from a bonkers Christmas song by the New Kids on the Block called Funky, Funky Xmas. You can listen to it as part of the playlist @majicmarker and I are curating as the chapters are being posted.

F: Share a snippet from one of your favorite dialogue scenes you’ve written and explain why you’re proud of it.

One of my favorite dialogue scenes I've written is the library scene in Chapter 5 of Marigold. I'm proud of it because I think it does what I intended it to do; it's an inflection point in the story, and it's where it shifts into being a love story, a romance; a slow-burn over the course of what is, honestly, an affair. It's built largely on feelings, especially Chrissy's worry, but the way they talk to each other is fundamental. There are a lot of lines that I really like in that section, but I think that this is my favorite bit: The kiss lingers longer than it should given they’re technically in public and that these sorts of encounters should really be more clandestine considering the nature of the thing between them. Eddie alludes to as much when he pulls away, says, “We-- We should probably set, uh. Some ground rules? I don’t-- I’ve never had… Illicit… Uh, you know. Not in a recurring sense. What do we even… No, wait,” he grins. “Tell me, Chrissy Cunningham, what would you call what we’re doing? Hanky-Panky?” “Eddie,” Chrissy says, almost warningly, but genuinely she’s too amused and too well-kissed to really get indignant about his teasing. “Shush. As opposed to what, anyway? What would Eddie Munson call it? Skullduggery?” “What am I, a Hardy boy? Nah. What about a dalliance?” Chrissy scrunches up her nose. “No? Alright, well fling implies that I’m going to give up without a fight, and fat fucking chance Cunningham, so be warned. Love affair makes me feel like I’m feeling up Lady Chatterley, so that’s out.” He’s rambling now, but she doesn’t interrupt, because he’s too cute to be allowed. She bites her bottom lip. “In being upfront about my affections, madam, I’ll say that I pretty much wanna romance the shit out of you, ya know?” Chrissy sighs, brings a hand up to his face. He leans into her palm. “Can we call this a Maybe, maybe? A Could Be, Should Be?” Chrissy swallows hard. She doesn’t really know how to answer without flipping her life like it’s a table. So she kisses him again. “Maybe,” she cautions breathlessly once she pulls away. “I can work with Maybe,” Eddie replies. He gently moves her hand from his face to his chest, over his heart. “Feel that wild beat? Va va voom,” he says, then he takes a deep breath. “I might be, ah, drunk on post-coital reverie still, or like, recovering from whiplash, but. You rocked my world before you helped me rock my van, sunshine, ya know?”

H: How would you describe your style?

Descriptive, predominantly. I have very clear visuals in my head when I'm setting a scene, and I want it, to the extent that it's possible, to be immersive for the reader.

I: Do you have a guilty pleasure in fic (reading or writing)?

For writing it's Modern AUs, and especially romantic comedy. I love writing texting in fics (which is not everyone's cup of tea, I know), and I've definitely leaned into the coffee shop AUs. I also love writing character studies. For reading? A little angst is fine here and there, but I love it when a story makes me laugh. I much prefer funny over serious.

M: Got any premises on the back burner that you’d care to share?

Aw, man, I've got so many WIPs on the go. I want to finish a couple of more of them before I start exploring other things, but: - I have a rough outline of additional stories for the Last Chance to Run universe (runaway bride), which will more or less flow like a 90s sitcom style - I'd love to explore these HCs further: Pandemic Roommates, Hollywood Celebrities, and Fake Dating Ahem, I also may or may not be plucking away at a one-shot inspired by this post, where OPs mom met her dad by taking out an ad in the newspaper (and they dated for 3 months over the phone)? Because I have no self-control, I guess. 😅

S: Any fandom tropes you can’t resist?

Idiots in Love. Pining. Soulmates. Self-aware codependency.

From the FanFic Ask Game. Happy to answer more.

[alexmorganweb70]

The Ultimate Guide to Using Spotify Pair: Tips and Tricks

In the vast universe of music streaming platforms, Spotify shines as a beacon of unparalleled convenience and diversity. Among its array of features lies Spotify Pair, a lesser-known yet incredibly powerful tool that can revolutionize your music listening experience. This comprehensive guide aims to walk you through everything you need to know about Spotify Pair, including tips, tricks, and best practices for optimizing its use.

Understanding Spotify Pair

What is Spotify Pair?

Spotify Pair is a feature that allows users to seamlessly connect their Spotify account to other compatible devices. By pairing devices, users gain the ability to control their Spotify playback from any paired device within the same Wi-Fi network. This eliminates the need for manual switching between devices and enhances the overall user experience.

How does Spotify Pair work?

When you pair a device with Spotify, it establishes a direct link between your Spotify account and the paired device. This connection enables you to play, pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, and more, directly from the paired device. Spotify Pair essentially acts as a bridge, allowing you to extend your Spotify experience beyond your primary device.

Benefits of Using Spotify Pair

Seamless Integration

One of the key benefits of spotify.com pair is its seamless integration with various devices. Whether you're listening to music on your smartphone, laptop, or smart speaker, Spotify Pair ensures a smooth transition between devices, allowing you to pick up where you left off without any interruptions.

Enhanced Accessibility

With Spotify Pair, accessing your favorite music becomes more convenient than ever. Whether you're at home, at a friend's house, or even at a party, you can easily control your Spotify playback from any paired device within the same Wi-Fi network. This level of accessibility enhances the overall listening experience and empowers users to enjoy their music wherever they go.

Personalized Experience

Spotify Pair enables users to personalize their listening experience like never before. Whether you're creating custom playlists, exploring new genres, or discovering curated content, Spotify Pair allows you to tailor your music experience to suit your preferences and mood.

Tips for Using Spotify Pair Effectively

Tip 1: Explore Compatible Devices

Before diving into the world of Spotify Pair, take some time to explore the various devices that are compatible with the feature. From smart speakers to gaming consoles, Spotify Pair works with a wide range of devices, giving you plenty of options to choose from.

Tip 2: Optimize Your Wi-Fi Network

To ensure smooth and seamless playback, it's important to optimize your Wi-Fi network. Make sure your router is placed in a central location, away from obstructions, and consider upgrading to a faster internet plan if necessary. A stable Wi-Fi connection is essential for maximizing the benefits of Spotify Pair.

Tip 3: Create Custom Playlists

Take advantage of Spotify's vast library of songs and create custom playlists for different occasions and moods. Whether you're hosting a party, going for a run, or relaxing at home, having curated playlists at your fingertips enhances the listening experience and adds a personal touch to your music selection.

Tip 4: Experiment with Collaborative Playlists

Invite friends and family to collaborate on playlists, creating shared musical experiences that bring people together. Collaborative playlists allow everyone to contribute their favorite songs, fostering a sense of connection and community through music.

Tip 5: Stay Updated with New Features

Spotify is constantly evolving and introducing new features to enhance the user experience. Stay updated with the latest developments and features of spotify.com/pair by regularly checking for updates and exploring the app's settings and menus.

Conclusion

Spotify Pair is a powerful feature that has the potential to transform your music listening experience. By seamlessly connecting your Spotify account to other devices, you can enjoy greater accessibility, personalized customization, and a seamless playback experience. With the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to unlock the full potential of Spotify Pair and elevate your music listening to new heights.

[shrutim12]

Traversing The Realm Of Ad-Free Music Streaming

In the ever-evolving world of music streaming, there's a silent revolution happening – the rise of ad-free platforms. As our playlists become the backdrop of our lives, the intrusion of ads can feel like an unwelcome interruption to the harmonious flow. So, let's dive into the realm of ad-free music streaming, where uninterrupted beats meet the melody of financial sense.

The Quest For Uninterrupted Melody

Ad-Free

Imagine this: you're grooving to your favorite tunes, the rhythm building, and then – a sudden break for an ad. The flow is disrupted, the vibe shattered. Ad-free music streaming rescues you from this plight, offering a sanctuary where uninterrupted melodies can flourish. No more abrupt transitions from your favorite track to an advertisement jingle. It's music without compromise.

A Budget-Friendly Sonata

Ad-free options often strike a harmonious balance between cost and content. These platforms are not just about eliminating ads; they're also about delivering value for your money. With affordable subscription fees, you can enjoy a vast library of songs without the discord of interruptions, making it a pocket-friendly choice for the discerning music lover.

Also Read: Discover Fresh Music Daily With These Apps

The Players In The Symphony

Gaana

Gaana, a leading force in India's music streaming scene, stands as the ultimate sanctuary for uninterrupted sonic bliss. Seamlessly fusing local Indian tunes with global hits, Gaana offers an ad-free subscription that goes beyond eliminating interruptions – it crafts a curated musical journey where every note is savored. More than just playlists, Gaana ventures into podcasts and original content, transforming into a cultural hub. Opting for Gaana's ad-free subscription isn't just about uninterrupted music; it's a concise, immersive exploration of curated soundscapes and cultural conversations, making it a maestro in ad-free music streaming that resonates with millions.

Amazon Music

In the landscape of ad-free music streaming, Amazon Music stands as a mighty river, promising an uninterrupted flow of melodies to its listeners. This platform, backed by the tech giant Amazon, offers a diverse array of tracks, seamlessly blending global hits with the rich tapestry of Indian music. With an ad-free subscription to Amazon Music, listeners can embark on a musical journey unmarred by disruptions, experiencing the pure essence of each note. The platform's commitment to providing an immersive sonic experience makes it a noteworthy player in the world of ad free music streaming, ensuring that the river of melody flows freely for those seeking an uninterrupted musical voyage.

Also Read: The Impact Of Music On Productivity And Concentration

Decoding The Melody Of Subscription

The Affordable Symphony

Subscribing to an ad-free music streaming platform isn't just about removing interruptions; it's an investment in an uninterrupted sonic experience. The subscription fees are akin to the price of a couple of cups of your favorite chai, making it an affordable luxury for any music lover. The value lies not only in the absence of ads but in the added perks that come with the subscription – higher audio quality, offline downloads, and an enhanced user interface.

Free vs. Paid

While free versions of music streaming platforms exist, they often come at the cost of ads. Upgrading to a paid subscription is like unlocking the full potential of your musical journey. It's not just about removing ads; it's about gaining access to a premium musical experience that transcends the limitations of the free version. It's a small price to pay for an uninterrupted symphony.

The Road Ahead

As we navigate the landscape of ad-free music streaming, the question arises – is it worth it? For those who cherish the seamless flow of music, who want to curate their playlists without the interruption of ads, the answer is a resounding yes. The road ahead promises a more immersive and enjoyable musical odyssey, where the melody takes center stage, unmarred by the static of advertisements.

Also Read: Transform Your Music Listening Experience With These Apps

Conclusion

In the world of music apps similar to Spotify, the ad-free experience emerges as a crescendo of harmony. It's not just about eliminating interruptions but about embracing a musical journey that flows seamlessly from one note to the next. So, if you find yourself yearning for uninterrupted melodies, consider diving into the world of ad-free music streaming – where the rhythm reigns supreme, and every beat is a step closer to musical nirvana.

[downloadspotifypremiummodapk]

Unlocking a World of Music with Spotify Premium

In a world where music is the heartbeat of our daily lives, Spotify has emerged as a key player in revolutionizing how we access and enjoy our favorite tunes. At the core of this musical revolution lies Spotify Premium, a subscription service that transcends the boundaries of traditional music consumption.

Seamless Streaming Experience

One of the most alluring aspects of Spotify Premium is its seamless streaming experience. The Premium tier offers users an ad-free environment, eliminating interruptions and allowing for uninterrupted listening pleasure. You can Download Spotify Premium mod apk here.  No more abrupt breaks or pesky ads to disrupt the rhythm of your playlists; instead, it's a continuous flow of music tailored to your preferences.

Enhanced Audio Quality

The quality of audio can significantly influence the way we experience music. Spotify Premium steps up the game by offering high-quality streaming, allowing listeners to savor every beat, note, and lyric with crisp clarity. This enhancement in audio quality, coupled with the absence of ads, elevates the auditory experience, making it a haven for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

Unlimited Access

Gone are the limitations of shuffling through songs or being restricted to a set number of skips. Spotify Premium offers unlimited access to an extensive music library, enabling users to select and play any track at any time. Whether it's the latest chart-toppers, classic hits, or niche genres, the expansive collection caters to diverse musical tastes without constraints.

Offline Listening

Life doesn't always have a stable internet connection, but that shouldn't stop the music. Spotify Premium comes to the rescue with offline listening capabilities. Subscribers can download their favorite playlists, albums, or podcasts to their devices, allowing for uninterrupted enjoyment, even in areas with limited or no internet access. This feature adds a layer of convenience, ensuring that the music doesn't stop, regardless of the circumstances.

Exclusive Features and Personalization

Spotify Premium goes beyond just ad-free listening and improved quality. It offers exclusive features like Spotify Connect, allowing users to seamlessly switch between devices and control playback. Moreover, Premium subscribers gain access to Spotify's personalized playlists, like Discover Weekly and Release Radar, which curate music based on individual preferences, making the musical journey even more delightful.

Value for Music Enthusiasts

Despite being a subscription-based service, Spotify Premium packs substantial value for music enthusiasts. The benefits it offers—ad-free experience, high-quality audio, extensive library access, offline listening, and exclusive features—are a testament to the value proposition it presents. For many users, the convenience and enhanced experience outweigh the cost, making it a worthy investment in their musical indulgence.

Conclusion

In a world saturated with music streaming platforms, Spotify Premium stands out as a pioneer in providing a comprehensive and enriching musical experience. Its commitment to delivering exceptional audio quality, seamless usability, and a vast music library has solidified its place as a favorite among music lovers worldwide. Whether you're a casual listener or a devoted audiophile, Spotify Premium opens the doors to a world of music, ensuring that every beat and melody is savored to the fullest.

[the-cash-cow]

Reshaping Music Diversity: The Influence of Music Applications

In a world buzzing with tunes, the digital landscape has become the fertile ground for music lovers. No longer confined by physical CDs or local radio, the era of music apps has dawned upon us, revolutionizing how we access, discover, and experience music.

The Evolution of Musical Accessibility

Gone are the days of flipping through stacks of CDs or tapes. Music applications have become the one-stop-shop for diverse melodies. With a plethora of genres and artists at our fingertips, these apps have bridged the gap between music aficionados and their desired tunes.

Music Apps: A Gateway to Musical Diversity

The beauty of these apps lies not just in their convenience but in their ability to introduce us to the diverse spectrum of music. From classical Indian ragas to contemporary global beats, the options are endless. Embracing such variety enriches our musical journey, opening doors to new cultures and sounds.

Also Read: Top 10 Classic Rock Songs Every Music Lover Must Hear

Navigating the World of Ad-Free Music

One of the significant perks these applications offer is ad-free music. No more interruptions disrupting the soulful flow of melodies. This feature ensures an uninterrupted musical experience, making each listening session an immersive journey.

Exploring Morning Playlists: A Fresh Start

As we wake up to greet the day, the morning playlist sets the tone for what lies ahead. Several apps curate playlists specifically for the morning vibe, blending soothing melodies or energizing beats to kickstart the day on a harmonious note.

The Quest for the Best Music Downloader

Finding the best music downloader has become a priority for many. The convenience of downloading tracks for offline listening has reshaped how we enjoy music on the go. Exploring these download features in various apps becomes crucial for a seamless musical experience.

Also Read: Find Your Next Favorite Podcasts With These Apps

Discovering Diverse Music Apps in India

India boasts a vibrant music scene, and the availability of music apps caters to this diversity. Here's a list of noteworthy applications:

1. Gaana: Offering a vast collection of Indian and international tracks, Gaana stands out for its diverse playlists.

2. Wynk Music: Known for its regional language selections, Wynk Music provides an extensive library catering to various Indian languages.

3. Amazon Music: With its ad-free interface for Prime subscribers, Amazon Music provides a seamless musical experience.

4. Apple Music: Embracing a global perspective, Apple Music offers a wide range of genres and exclusive releases.

5. Hungama Music: Known for its handcrafted morning playlists, Hungama Music caters to various moods and moments.

6. YouTube Music: With its vast video library, YouTube Music allows users to explore music visually while curating morning playlists for a refreshing start.

Conclusion

Music applications have become the modern-day jukebox, reshaping how we perceive and consume music. With their diverse offerings and ad-free experiences, they have woven a musical tapestry that connects individuals beyond boundaries, fostering a global symphony of sounds. Embrace the diversity, explore the options, and let the melodies guide your journey through the harmonious realm of music.

[deerydear]

I kind of hate allowing politics to consume this blog. I started off making it as a peaceful retreat.

I've had other blogs strictly-for-politics, but then they start to feel like a black-hole of anger and misery. Art in the middle?

I threw my hands up in protest, after my old political blog got banned. In anger, I had told someone to fuck off.

So I was like, "fuck it! Everything goes here!"

I'm only human.

The museum curator is a human. Ah-ah-ah!

He could do a better job.

On the other hand, it does bring up the question: "Do I care about this enough to interrupt my original plan?"

Yes, what value does each thing have?

It isn't just "what you're talking about", but "how".

If you're talking about something in an unfruitful way, what value has that?

I went skating at the roller rink, recently... I love dancing. You see how each person dances to the same song in their own way. It suits them.

They must seek out the groove, as themselves... not as "Ms. Automaton."

"What do I have to say on this subject, which is of value?"

"Are the things I've heard on it to be trusted?

Should I do my own research?"

Research takes time, and it is rewarding.

Hey, through all this study, you may learn to recognize if someone is out-of-their-depth.

It isn't a competition, though. The competitive attitude is often what drives more people to speak on something they know little about. They may want to sound smart, or they want to bring about justice with their own hands. In the latter case, they want fo be recognized as 'a good person'. Turning 'morality' into a competition. An Ego strut.

Hey, but what's wrong with wanting to be a good person?

...Nothing. It's with wanting to be "looked at" as a good person. It's the thought of wanting to be praised, even if you did a haphazard job. People are praised for their work.

"Excuses-abound makes for a full set, but a bad orchestra."

Does it matter if the art is bad?

Does it matter if no one with a hearing ear will listen to you?

"Oh, I talked about this, this and that! I'm good!"

"...but you did it in such an obnoxious, self-righteous way, that a lot of people have developed a repugnant association between your behaviour, and the cause you want to fight for.

So sad."

Can't we have a discussion and have some time to change our minds?

Can't we have a little book club at the café?

I felt guilty, because I'm speaking about a part of my own behaviour... but I'm also petitioning myself. I'm asking these questions to myself, first. Remember...

Come on, let the night in.

[avtechnologysworld]

Creating a Multi-Room Audio System for Seamless Music Playback

Music enhances any environment and sharing it throughout your home creates an amazing experience. However, playing the same song in different rooms without interruption can be difficult without the right equipment. In this blog post, we will discuss how to create a seamless multi-room home audio system for enjoying wireless music playback all over your house.

Choosing the Right Components

The first step is selecting high-quality audio components that are compatible with each other and support multi-room functionality. Some key elements to consider for your home audio system include:

Speakers

Choose high-fidelity speakers suited for different rooms that can handle various genres of music. Opt for brands known for their audio quality like Sonos, Bose, or Klipsch.

Amplifier/Receiver

You'll need a multi-channel amplifier or AV receiver powerful enough to drive your speakers. Look for ones with networking capabilities and support for popular music streaming services.

Streaming Device/Controller

This forms the “brains” of your home audio system. The most versatile options are smart speakers like Google Home or Amazon Echo that double as controllers. WiFi connectivity is essential.

Cables and Connectors

Ensure all components are connected with high quality, shielded cables resistant to interference. Optical audio cables work best for transmitting digital audio signals between devices.

Setting Up the Technical Aspects

Once you have the ideal components, the next phase is setting up the technical aspects to achieve effortless playback:

WiFi Network

Establish a strong, reliable WiFi network throughout your home to allow all devices to stream audio wirelessly. Consider a mesh system if your house is large.

Multi-room Audio Software

Install software like Sonos S2 or Bose SimpleSync on your smart speakers and amp to synchronize playback across rooms. Test connectivity between devices.

Voice Control Setup

Configure voice assistants for hands-free music control using simple voice commands. Say "Hey Google, play jazz in the living room and kitchen."

Grouping Rooms

Group different zones/rooms together so one trigger plays the same song simultaneously. Fine-tune volume levels to achieve balanced sound.

Personalizing the Experience

Once setup is complete, personalize your home audio system to suit your preferences:

Choose Music Sources

Select streaming services integrated with your smart speakers like Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music etc. Store MP3s locally for private playlists.

Create Playlists

Curate multi-genre playlists suited for different activities/moods and name them - "Dinner Party", "Workout Mix" etc. for one-touch access.

Control via Apps

Download compatible control apps for your smart devices to manage playback remotely when away from home. Amazon Music, Pandora and TuneIn Radio work well.

Adjust Equalizer Settings

Tweak equalizer/crossover settings in the amp/receiver settings to optimize sound for different room acoustics using test music.

Consider Expanding Coverage

Add additional smart speakers, outdoor speakers or in-ceiling/in-wall speakers as your home audio system evolves for complete coverage both inside and outside your home.

With the right equipment setup and personalization, you can now transform your house into a wireless, multi-room music paradise with seamless playback all throughout. Your home audio system becomes a wonderful way to enhance any environment and activity using just your voice. Music is meant to be shared - enjoy it effortlessly all over your smart home!

[xcrystalzero]

all the things i believed

pairing: xiao x reader

summary: you've only seen the boy who lives in the apartment one over from yours a few times, but you knew the look of someone who wanted to seem intimidating when you saw one. so, why was his music taste so adorable?

alternatively, xiao thinks that the apartment walls are a lot thicker than they actually are and accidentally exposes the fact that he's not nearly as angsty as he wants everyone to believe.

note: soft xiao makes me way too happy. also, here is xiao's playlist! i recommend listening while you read :) if you guys like it, i'll make playlists for my fics more often!

"I'll miss you!" Your roommate had her arms wound tightly around your torso and it didn't seem like she planned on letting go any time soon. She was also squeezing just a tad too hard and it was starting to hurt.

Gingerly, you patted her on the shoulder, subtly attempting to pry her off of you with your other hand. "I'll miss you too... But remember, it's only two weeks and then you're back!"

That only served to make her pout even more as she finally pulled away "Two weeks is so long though! How am I going to survive without you and your brownies?"

"Hah, so you're really only worried about not having brownies huh?"

"You know that's not what I meant!" she whined, causing you to giggle slightly. Honestly though, there was no way anyone watching could possibly think that she would only be gone for two weeks. Your roommate had decided that she needed three full suitcases and the world's largest carry-on purse for her little trip, and you were honestly a little worried about it.

"Ahem..." Your bonding moment was promptly interrupted by a soft but very present voice directly behind you. Whirling around, you came face to face with a vaguely familiar figure.

It was the golden eyes that caught your attention first. Even in the strange fluorescent light of the hallway, they almost seemed to have a light of their own, a hypnotizing sort of gleam that you couldn't bring yourself to look away from. Of course, the rest of him was no less than stunning either. Dressed head to toe in black with his angular features and lean build, he was striking.

His eyes widened slightly as you turned towards him though they settled fairly quickly back into what you could only assume was his trademark glare.

"Just... trying to get through." His voice was gruff, but much softer than you had anticipated. Perhaps even gentle?

Oh yeah, that was how you knew him! Your schedules must have been somewhat similar since you were sure you passed him at least a few times a week. You had never talked but you were pretty sure you had seen him going into the unit one over from yours quite a few times.

So this was your neighbor huh? He was cute, if a little intimidating.

"Oh sorry!" your roommate chimed in. "We were just leaving, we'll get out of your way!" She began to scoot her bags to the side and you quickly joined in, wheeling one of the suitcases to the side, though you couldn't seem to keep your eyes off of the guy. Every time you looked away, it was as though your gaze was drawn back towards him by some unnatural force.

It helped that he seemed just as awkward with the whole thing as you did, alternating glancing between the you and your roommate, the floor, and his phone. As soon as there was enough space for him to squeeze by, he did, mumbling a quick thanks as he made his way down the hall, unlocking his door and disappearing into his apartment in what felt like a second.

After a moment of silence, your roommate piped up again. "He's cute!"

"He can probably still hear you!" you whacked her across the shoulder, causing her to pout in your direction again, though the teasing look never left her eyes.

"He's kind of your type too isn't he?" she all-but waggled her eyebrows in your direction to which you rolled your eyes.

"Aren't you already late for your flight"

"Oh shit!"

~~~

The apartment felt so strange when you were alone. Usually around this time of night, your roommate would have come banging on your door to join her for her late night rom-com marathon or to help her chose an outfit or the party she was going to. Tonight however, everything was quiet.

With a sigh, you slumped over onto your bed, scrolling aimlessly through your phone in hopes of finding some sort of entertainment.

That was when you heard it. The soft sound of an instrumental through the wall, slowly building in volume as you assumed whoever lived in that room turned up the volume.

"40 days and 40 nights... I waited for a girl like you to come and save my life..."

Aww cute, love songs! Had you been busy or doing literally anything else, you might have been annoyed, or at least a little worried about exactly how loud they had to be playing their music for you to be able to hear it. As things stood though, it was a welcome distraction.

"You were out of my league, all the things I believed, you were just the right kind yeah you were more than just a dream..."

Oh yeah, you knew this song too! There was a sort of second timbre to the sound and you wondered if the person playing the music was singing along as well.

Wait, who was playing that music. Judging by the sound, it was likely the unit one to your left where their wall joined with yours. The unit one to your left...

Multi-colored hair and golden eyes... The cute guy? Pulling yourself immediately up into a sitting position, you pressed yourself to the wall before immediately realizing how crazy you were acting.

He was just playing music, that wasn't anything weird.

"Romeo take me, somewhere we can be alone..."

Taylor Swift. He was playing Taylor Swift. At that, you started laughing. Wow, appearances really could be deceiving huh? You sighed as you leaned with your back against the wall, letting the vibrations from the music soak into your very being.

You were sure that you'd heard music coming from that unit before but he wasn't usually loud at all. Maybe something was different today? Maybe you'd ask him when you next saw him. And maybe, he'd actually want to talk to you when you did.

Or maybe not.

So for now, you let your head rest against the wall, letting the music and soft singing lull you into relaxation.

~~~

That was it, you despised public transportation. All you wanted was to get out of your apartment for one day and take your work to a nearby cafe. So of course, when you ran outside to catch the bus that came once every hour, the bus driver looked you straight in the eye as he closed the door right in front of you and drove off. And then for good measure, it started raining.

You sighed, burying your face in the backpack on your lap. If the bus app was right, which it rarely was, there was another bus you could take arriving in the next few minutes, so maybe this wouldn't be as awful as you thought.

The sound of footsteps entering the little bus stop booth got your mind off of your moping as you raised your head just enough to peer over at who it was that had just joined you.

Oh. Standing there, hood pulled up over his multi-toned hair and seemingly permanent scowl fixed on his lips, was your hot neighbor. Your hot neighbor with very interesting music taste if last night told you anything.

Since nothing could go right for you, the moment that you looked at him, he looked at you, meaning the two of you got to share a few agonizing seconds of awkward eye contact before he pointedly turned away with a soft "tsk". That being said, you were sure that you weren't imagining the slight tinge of shock you had seen in his gaze for a moment.

"You've got good timing, there's one coming in like 5 minutes." You had no idea how you had managed to get the words out without stuttering or blushing the moment he turned back to look at you.

"That's good..." Yup, that was an expected response, and yet, you really just wanted him to keep talking. So this was the end of your story with the gorgeous emo boy next door. Relegated to exchanging conversation about public transportation and nothing more. It was really the wasted potential here that was killing you. So many cute interactions that would just never happen. Ah if only the bus would come so that you wouldn't have to wallow in your despair any longer.

"I... thought you were leaving yesterday?"

Oh? You whirled around way too quickly to face the man, causing his eyes to widen as he shifted away instinctually.

"Oh, I was just helping my roommate move all of her stuff," you managed to get out, summoning what you hoped was a non-nervous smile to your lips.

"Those were all her bags?" he seemed horrified, enough so that you couldn't hold back your laughter.

"I said the same thing! She's kind of insane sometimes but I love her..." Well, it was no or never. "I'm [name] by the way!" You smiled and extended a hand out towards the boy.

He regarded you for a moment with a look you couldn't put into words. After what felt like an eternity however, he gently took your hand in his own, holding it for barely a moment before pulling back again. "Xiao."

Xiao. There was a strange sense of relief that came with this new knowledge. Know that you knew his name, was it couth to ask him what his favorite Taylor Swift song was? Probably not. But there was a chance that you might literally never be able to talk to him again... Meh, it was as you were thinking before right? Now or never.

"Hi Xiao. I liked your playlist last night by the way." The words came out more effortlessly than you had thought they would, carefree and teasing.

You were a little bit surprised though when you glanced back over at Xiao, only to find him eyes blown wide as a deep red spread quickly across his cheeks. "Y-You!"

"Honestly a pretty good curation! If a little unexpected..." You had no idea what it was about this guy but he really brought the snarky, teasing part of you out. Maybe it was the fact that while he usually looked cold and intimidating, blushing, embarrassed Xiao was strangely adorable.

"I thought you left!" Xiao blurted out. "I mean... There were so many bags... And your roommate said that you guys were leaving..."

You stared blankly at him for a moment before immediately dissolving into peals of laughter. Xiao had the gall to pretend to be offended for a moment before he looked away with a soft huff. "What..."

"You know, I kind of thought you were scary at first," you managed between giggles. "I guess not though!"

"Ugh, you're insufferable." Xiao rolled his eyes though you were sure that you saw the slightest hint of a smile as he did. "Why were you listening through the walls anyway?"

"Xiao, it was literally so loud."

"It wasn't that bad!"

"And I think I heard some singing too! Say, you in a band? Do you guys usually just write love songs?"

"I was not singing!"

There was a strange warmth in your chest as the two of you went back and forth. So things could go right for you after all?

~~~

Sadly, you and Xiao hadn't been going the same way, so when his bus came - before yours you might add - the two of you had parted ways. The sun had been going down when you made your way back home, satisfied with a productive day, though the memory of your conversation with Xiao was still taking up a lot more headspace than you would have liked.

So this is what it was like to simp for a guy? You weren't sure you liked it.

Setting down the takeout you had picked up on the counter, you crashed onto your living room couch with a low groan. Sleep would be nice right about now, but also, you had to eat and shower and clean...

"I wonder what Xiao's doing?" The thought appeared in your head suddenly and you almost smacked yourself right then and there. Why were you always thinking about him? You'd literally spoken to the guy once, and it wasn't anything special! Just some teasing and his little retorts... And his cute blush... And his little smile... And the way he pretended to be annoyed when he was clearly enjoying it... Wow, this was worse than you thought.

"CAN YOU FEEL MY HEART?"

You yelped, jumping up in your seat at the sudden noise, coming once again from the wall separating you and Xiao's units. You paused for a moment but before you could stop yourself, you were back up on your feet, making your way over and banging against the wall.

"You're not fooling anyone Xiao!" you yelled, not sure if he could even hear you. Apparently he could since the music stopped as quickly as it had started. There was a moment of silence as you pressed your ear to the wall, waiting for his next move. What you did not expect was to hear sound in the other direction. A knock on your door.

Confused, you made your way over, unlocking the door and pulling it open to reveal, Xiao? He was still wearing his giant black hoodie, though the glare was missing.

"Did you run out of sugar or something? Or fake angsty songs to play?" you questioned with a grin.

As expected, he let out a soft huff, turning his head away in fake exasperation. "You're a menace."

"So what I'm hearing is that you want me to send in a noise complaint!"

"You idiot... I'm just here to-" For whatever reason, he was blushing again.

"Here to?" you prompted, wondering if you should invite him in or offer him water or something. He was tugging at the collar of his hoodie too...

"J-Just here to say that if you're going to sit there listening through the walls, you might as well just come over..."

Did you hear that right? You stared at him for a moment longer, blinking slowly. This was probably a dream right? You were so tired when you got home that you fell asleep and now you were dreaming.

"I mean, you don't have to if you don't want to..." Or maybe not.

"You know, normal people just invite people over without pretending to be edgy right?"

"Shut it, are you coming or not?"

"Yeah yeah I'm coming. Oh yeah, I got takeout, I'll bring it. It's from that new place down the street, Wangshu Inn. Have you ever had Almond Tofu before?"

"... you're unbelievable."

note: i want a hot neighbor like xiao... i did have a hot neighbor who i did hit on, but then i found out that he had a girlfriend so i stopped... but xiao would be better.

[ipuckwithhockey]

Just Ask- N. Patrick

a/n: More Nolan stuff? Yup. I should preface this with the fact that we should all be considerate of all hockeys and their personal lives. They have lives that do not include us and we should respect that. This includes their online accounts whether they are private or public. I say that because this does slightly touch on Nolan’s music taste/interest in music, but there’s nothing specific. Also, lets remember that this is all fiction! We’re just here to have some fun. Anyway, this is a short one, nothing too crazy. Let me know what y’all think!

warnings: drinking, swearing

------

Meeting the Flyers was a byproduct of your friendship with Carly. The two of you have been friends for ages and she introduced you to the boys early into her relationship with Travis. You were able to avoid being the consistent third wheel by finding a comfortable place within Travis’ group of friends. Although Carly and Travis have insisted that they try to set you up with someone on the team, you continually refused, saying that it would be awkward if it didn’t work out. Not to mention the fact that you didn’t think any of the guys were interested.

The lovesick couple bothered you about it for ages, trying to push Beezer and Frosty on you, and then saying that you and Nolan would be “so cute” together. Joel and Morgan were great, you loved them both dearly, but there was no way you were dating either one of them. They were more compatible with each other than with you.

However, the last one you didn’t disagree with. You agreed, and thought that you and Nolan would make an exceptionally cute couple. It takes two to tango though, and Nolan definitely isn’t interested. Nolan has always been friendly and your personalities mesh well enough that you would consider him a good friend. The two of you even hang out by yourselves when TK and Carly cancel on you to do god knows what. You’ll grab food or watch a movie, but he has never made any inclination that he feels anything more than platonic towards you.

Nolan is shy, and dry, yet incredibly funny. He’s blunt and has a few sharp edges to him, but he’s not the fiery time bomb that TK resembles. He’s more reserved, laid back, and you can feel at ease with him because of it. You loved Travis to bits, and he was the perfect match for Carly’s outgoing personality, but you can only handle so much of him.

Take right now for example. You’re standing in the kitchen of a post-win house party, and Travis is incessantly nagging you to go talk to Nolan. The house you’re in is full to the brim with people you’re sure they don’t know and you and Travis are in the kitchen fixing yourselves another round of drinks. From where you’re standing you can see Nolan in the family room towering over a few doe eyed girls who hang on his every word. They are fixated on him, and you think that he could tell them to get on their knees right then and there and they would do it gladly. (You’re not sure you would say no either, so no judgement there.) 

You’ve seen him take girls home from parties and bars, and he’s seen you with your fair share of conquests as well. It doesn’t bother you, and you figure it doesn’t bother Nolan either. Would you mind being the girl he took home? No, not at all, but unfortunately that was a role you would probably never be cast in. Even if you were you wouldn’t want to be one of those other girls anyway. You wanted to be the girl. You wanted to be the girl who made him forget about all the girls before you.

Your silent pining was becoming a little sad, and as much as you hated it, you couldn’t do anything to change how you felt about him. When you first met Nolan, you figured your little crush would soon dissipate, but the opposite ended up occurring. Now you were the sad, lonely, pining girl. You hated being her, but you couldn’t help it. You were totally gone for him.

“Come on, he’s not even listening to whatever those girls are saying to him. And you know he’s been checking you out since you got here.” Travis lays it out simply for you but you’re quick to refute, “Trav, he’s only looking over here because you haven’t stopped staring at him all night. If any two people at this party are into each other it’s you and Nolan, not me and Nolan.”

“What are you guys getting so heated about over here? And why do you keep looking at Nolan like that, Trav?” Carly comes over to tuck herself into Travis’ side as he puts his arm around her. You make a face at Travis as to say, “I told you.”

“He won’t leave me alone about Nolan, thinks I should go over there and interrupt the fan club.” You motion in the direction of where Nolan is still standing in front of his little doe eyed fans.

Carly’s eyes light up, “Oh, he totally checked you out earlier! You should go over there. Scare all those little girls away. They never had a chance anyway,” she explains matter-of-factly.

“Carly! You’re supposed to me on my side, remember?” You look between your friend and her boyfriend, who’s grin is getting bigger and bigger as spreads across his face.

“Look, you can deny it for as long as you like, but he’s totally into you, and you’re totally into him. Travis and I both know it.” Carly and Travis look so satisfied with themselves, that they think they’ve played matchmaker between the two of you, but you’re still not convinced.

“Ok, give me 5 reasons you think he could possibly like me, or that we are somehow compatible, and then maybe I’ll go over there.” You motion back in Nolan’s direction.

Travis is quick to the pitch, “You’re both oddly quiet. Like it kind of freaks me out when I come into the room and it’s just the two of you sitting there on the couch, and you’re not even talking! Sometimes the TV isn’t even on. It’s just silent. Like who even does that?”

This elicits an eye roll from you as you remember the many times Travis has walked in on you and Nolan sitting in a quiet room together, neither of you feeling the need to constantly fill the air with pointless conversation. Travis has never understood it.

“What about how Nolan always gets you drinks when we’re out?” Carly chimes in.  “He doesn’t do that for everyone. Hell, I don’t think he’s ever asked me if I needed another when he’s headed up to the bar.”

You’ve never noticed that he doesn’t ask anyone else when he goes up to the bar. Thinking about it now, it does seem kind of odd. But the two of you will often find yourselves next to each other while you’re stuffed inside a packed bar on any given weekend, and you figure he’s just being nice since you’re usually one of the only single ones there.

“That’s only two, and your reasoning is horrible. He’s just being nice and being introverted is not a crime.” You lean back onto the counter behind you as you cross your arms in front of your chest.  Now you’re facing toward the open room where one of the girls has inched her way closer to Nolan.

“He’s been a lot more excited to go out lately. He always asks if you’re coming. The last time we all went out I gave him a hard time about it. I don’t think his face has ever been that red.” Travis explains. “That’s another one! Whenever you show up or you do that thing that girls do when they’re flirting, you know the one where they touch a guy’s arm when they’re talking, he gets so red. Like tomato red.” Travis isn’t very eloquent in delivery, but you understand what he’s saying. “That’s four, baby.” He reminds you.

“He gets red when anyone talks to him and whenever anyone is brave enough to touch him. And I do not do that flirting thing.”  You look to Carly for reassurance, “Do I?” you ask.  She doesn’t offer the reassurance you were looking for, instead stating, “Oh, you totally do that. Sorry, you’re just not that subtle.”

“Oh my god.” You let your head hang back as you look up to the ceiling, “He probably thinks I’m an idiot or just creepy.” You really didn’t think you were that obvious, but clearly you were wrong. He probably feels bad for you because he knows you’re totally into him. “Well, if that wasn’t enough to deter me from ever speaking to him again, that’s still only four, so I think I’m going to call it a night and head home and then never show my face near Nolan again.” You try to exit the kitchen with the last bit of dignity you have left but Travis is quick to jump in front of you.

“Nope. I have a fifth one.” He’s standing there with is hands on his hips and you’re sure he thinks it makes him look more commanding. You just roll your eyes for what feels like the millionth time tonight.

“Really? You think it’s good enough to get me over there?” You quip back at him as you nod back towards Nolan.

“Oh yeah.” He nods back, “And if it makes you feel better Nolan is super obvious too. Like I said, tomato red.”

“So, are you going to tell me the fifth reason or are you just going to keep me hostage here all night?” Now you’re mimicking his stance with your hands placed firmly on your hips.

“It pains me to admit this one because he doesn’t even let me do this,” Travis sighs. “He lets you have the aux every time you’re in his car. No questions asked, he just lets you play whatever you want. Doesn’t even complain about it!”

You’re processing what Travis is saying. Nolan did always let you choose the music in the car, but you didn’t think anything of it. You probably grabbed the aux without hesitation the first time you hopped in his car. That’s just what you always did with your friends. It never dawned on you that he might not let other people do that too.

It checks out though, Nolan loves his music. It’s important to him, and his perfectly curated playlists are like little works of art for him. You’ve watched him manicure his playlists for hours as he sits on the couch, and admittedly you have similar taste in music. Maybe that’s why he didn���t care? Maybe you just always chose songs that he would have also picked? Although there was that one week where you made him listen to the Frozen soundtrack on repeat. He probably wouldn’t have picked that one…

You don’t have time to decide on why you think Nolan would ever let you get away with something he holds so sacred because he has since left his group of girls and has found his way into the kitchen where you’re still squared off with Travis.

“You guys gonna pull your pistols out soon?” Nolan mumbles an announcement that he has entered the room, and you realize that you’re still stood in front of TK, both of you with your hands on your hips.

“Nope, we were actually just heading out to play pong, we’ll see you guys later!” Travis quickly ushers himself and Carly out of the room, and before you can protest, you’re left alone with Nolan. He’s leaning against the counter opposite to you, and when you move your eyes to rest on his figure you can’t help but do a quick intake of just how good he looks. He’s wearing the same basic outfit that just about every other guy in the house is sporting, and yet it looks so much better on him.

“What was that about? You guys okay?” Nolan asks.

“Uh- Yeah, Trav just being Trav, you know?” You attempt to brush off the topic of what you and Travis were discussing prior to Nolan’s arrival. Similar to those times that Travis was referencing, neither of you feel compelled to fill the air with unneeded dialogue, and you fall into a comfortable silence. Neither of you are saying anything now and Nolan takes the time to twist off the cap to another beer from the fridge.

“I was gonna go out back. It’s too hot in here, wanna come?” Nolan nods his head to the sliding glass door at the other end of the kitchen, and you respond by following him out to the deck. The quietness and crisp winter air that fills your lungs is refreshing. The two of you lean against the railing of the deck and enjoy the break from the chaos inside. You continue in your silence and you can’t help but watch as Nolan takes long drags of his beer, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallows.

“Can I ask you a question?” You ask, and without speaking he nods, giving you the go ahead.

“Why don’t you let Travis have the aux?”

Nolan chuckles a bit, “Of all the things you could ask, that’s what you choose?” he retorts before answering, “If you must know, he has horrible taste in music. But also, I don’t let anyone have the aux. My car, my music. It’s the rules,” he states, taking another quick swig of his beer that’s almost empty now.

He confirmed what Travis had said to you, but you’re not convinced. There had to be a catch. He probably never realized that you did it. You’re sure of it.

“But you let me have the aux?” You form the sentence with a question mark on the end, and your eyes follow Nolan as he leans over the railing to look out into the backyard. He’s avoiding meeting your eye, and you can tell he’s thinking, deciding on what he’s about to say.

“Probably ‘cus I can’t say no to you,” the muttered words come out under his breath, like he doesn’t want you to hear it.

“What? What does that mean?” He lets out a huff of air as his hands push is his long hair back out of his face, something he only does when he’s stressed.

His body turns to face you now, “You could literally tell me to jump off a bridge or run through this house naked, and I would probably do it. No questions asked.”

The quizzical look that occupies your face prompts him to continue. He’s frustrated, you can tell, “I just don’t know how to say this without fucking us up as friends…” He starts to pivot away from you again, but you reach out for his arm, stopping him from leaving, “What if I don’t want to be friends?” You’ve chosen to be the bold one now, and if it bit you the ass you were just going to have to live with that, but you can’t help but feel like you’ve both been on the same page all along.

“You don’t want to be friends with me?” Hurt. Confusion. Annoyance. They all flash across Nolan’s face before you can interject again, “I don’t want to be just friends with you. I want to be more than that. I want to be the girl you take home when this party is over, and the girl who gets to wake up next to you every morning after, and even if you don’t want that, you need to know that’s how I feel about yo—“

He doesn’t say anything, he doesn’tt pull you into a heart wrenching kiss, there aren’t fireworks playing behind you. To your surprise, Nolan has chosen to haul you over his shoulder, your arms falling over his back as he walks swiftly back into the house.

“NOLAN! What the fuck!? Put me down!” You yell at him as he continues to carry through the house. The party is so wild by now that you’re sure no one even notices the 6’2 hockey player with a girl over his shoulder.

“Nolan! Seriously. Put me down!” You’re feel like a little toddler who has gotten herself in trouble, and when Nolan finally does place your feet back on the ground, you’re outside next to his car that is parked in front of the house. He sets you down, and you’re slightly dizzy from being swung around like a rag doll, but he steadies you in front of him with his hands on your waist.

“What the fuck was tha—”

He cuts you off again, but this time he isn’t hauling your body into the air. This time his hands are on either side of your face and his lips find yours and there are even metaphorical fireworks going off as you kiss him back. You stand there, pushed against the side of his car, with his hands tangled in your hair, and your tongues exploring each other mouths. When you finally come up for air he pushes back away from you so that he can meet your eye.

“If you wanted to be that girl all you had to do was ask.” A smirk is plastered across his face, and you lightly shove at his chest even though it does little to move his large figure.

You surrender, “Okay, but we have to get an Uber, we’ve both had too much to drive.” You can’t help but grin back at him as he reaches for his phone to order a car for the both of you. When the car arrives, you get in to head back to Nolan’s apartment with your hands wrapped together. “I can’t believe Travis was right,” you say as you let your head rest on Nolan’s shoulder and he turns his head to you with his eyebrow furrowed, “Right about what?”

[sleepylixie]

3.1k words, Angst, Fluff (Romance), Non-idol AU

Kim Hongjoong X fem! Reader

Inspired by Love you Like Me- William Singe ( Playlist here )

Beware of Profanity, Heavy themes of infidelity, implied sexual activity 

The studio was loud, bustling with murmurs and movement, lighting being fidgeted with and artists putting in the final touches to the simple, neutral toned set. A shiver traced down your back as you watched people walk this way and that, preparing everything to be perfect just in time, just before the cameras begin rolling and the star of the show settles in front of the camera-

The steady buzz of your phone in your hand interrupted your train of thought. Took him long enough, you thought to yourself as you watched the name flash across the screen. Hongjoong. 

Not a couple of months ago, his contact’s name had been ‘loml’ with a red heart- how quickly things change. You knew he would call you before you were to go on-air, a tradition that he had unfailingly kept alive over the last 3 years. This particular call however, was different. Special. 

Because it was going to be the last. 

You would miss his calls, you mused as you accepted the call. His smooth, lilting tenor always greeting you with- 

“Hello, starlet.” 

The amused endearment didn’t make you smile like it used to. You used to shy away from it when you had initially started dating Hongjoong. Over the years, however, you had truly grown into a starlet in your own right so the inside joke was now laced with adoring truth. 

“Hello, my love.” 

Your voice was soft, mellow, the perfect replication of how you would respond to him in better times. Funny how a relationship you’d valued as much as your career had come down to pretence and secrets- 

“Are you ready?”  

The real question is, are you ready? The response was heavy on your tongue but you swallowed it down, letting a sardonic smile curl up the edge of your lips as you hummed into the phone, a show of contemplation.

“I think so.” 

If only he knew what you were talking about. 

“I’m sure you are, you spent so much time in the studios with Chris. Trust yourself, darling. You’re going to do amazing.” 

There had been a time when his reassurance would’ve given you enough motivation to rule the world- now though, it felt like nothing but a sham. Pretty, deceptive falsities that he kept up only for the sake of his promise to you. A game of make-believe he seemed to be amusing himself with. 

He was going to find out soon enough, you convinced yourself. He was going to find out soon enough that you were no game to be trifled with. 

The producer caught your eye, motioning to the set – it was time. 

“It’s almost time, I need to go.”

What a glorious double entendre this conversation was. 

“Good luck, my love. I’ll be watching the live.”

You hummed again before hanging up, coughing into your hands as you made your way to the set. The producer flashed a smile and thumbs up at you as you took your seat on the stool meant for you. 

“We’re going to be live in 3 minutes. Ready?” 

Between your makeup artist doing some final touches on your face and the sound technician checking the wires and mic-set for your in-ears, you returned the producer’s thumbs up with a confident smile- more confident than you were truly feeling, you were sure. 

“Ready.” 

All too soon, the 2 minutes had passed and you were sat alone in front of the camera, nothing but a mic in your hand as the producer did a countdown- Rolling in 3,2,1-

The first strains of the backing track flowed through your in-ears, your grip on the mic tightening as the repetitive, building melody washed over you like the tune of a haunted nursery rhyme. With the melody came the memories, a barrage of feelings tinged angry red and melancholy pink. 

After all these years, it seemed your love really had to end the way it began- mic in hand, lyrics at your lips and leaden heart in your chest. This time though, he wasn’t the healing balm, he was the twisted knife itself. 

Kim fucking Hongjoong.

“He never calls this late at night, no… But I can tell he’s been drinking all night long.” 

The studio was pin-drop silent except for the soft, dragging lilt of your voice. The track Chris had made for you could catch a listener’s attention all too easily- the magic your voice brought with it soon afterwards only served to hook the listeners more. 

You remembered slipping into the studio one rainy 2 a.m, scrawled sheets of paper feeling heavy and hot in your pocket. Chris had been rightfully concerned with your deceptively put together appearance, knowing exactly what had brought about the torrent of words you had thrown onto the table. 

Chris had always been safe, warm comfort for you- from the days of pulling all-nighters before graduation to the sleepless nights spent recording and producing in your shared studio, your friendship had come a long way.

But you’d shaken your head at him, urging him to look at the sheets. The memory of your pen slicing into the sheets was still burnt onto your fingertips, your vision almost blurring with tears as you scrawled every word that came to mind. Fiery, sensual, vengeful words seared onto the paper, a clear reflection of everything that had silently plagued you every night, every sunset, until you broke.

 “He sounds upset, I’m asking baby where you at, I called you earlier but you didn’t call me back…”

You met Hongjoong a little more than 4 years ago in a dive bar- him, the tired university student looking for a break and you, the evening’s entertainment. Your set had been entirely covers of moody love songs, reminiscent of your own sentiments- all you wanted to do was write your own music but it seemed all rookies were destined to be stuck with small gigs and other artists’ music. 

But for some reason, this one man with electric blue hair that contrasted- clashed, even, with his formal outfit had approached you after you finished your set. Only when he sidled closer to you did you noticed the paint splatters on his cuffs and the tiny earring dangling against his neck. The first thing he told you was that he had fallen in love with your voice and would love to get you a drink so he could hear it more. 

Even in the heartbroken haze you were in, you knew there was something about this odd patch-work quilt of a man with a sparkly smile that you couldn’t shake. Conversation had been uncannily easy after that-

Falling in love with Hongjoong however, hadn’t been a cakewalk by any means. 

 “He’s breaking down, I’m about to lose it… I’m screaming who the fuck were you with…”

Falling for Hongjoong was walking through fire and hail and ice; it was always expecting the worst out of each other but somehow ending up with the best too; to see each other as flawed humans before possible targets of affection. It took a good part of a year for the both of you to acknowledge any sentiment beyond friendship for each other, even more time to consider dating. 

He’d been hesitant at first- so had you. But as Hongjoong murmured to you that fateful evening your relationship began, the thought of not knowing how you’d be together was one he could not digest. Sometimes you wish you hadn’t agreed- but to disagree would’ve been a regretful lie. 

Over the years, it had always warmed your heart to have known without a shadow of a doubt that he would walk through all the world’s calamities for your hand in his.

Kim Hongjoong was perfect, after all. 

The perfect son of a perfect family, the visual arts graduate with a perfect score, the perfect fit for a job as an art gallery’s curator- Surely, his love was tinted with the same shade of perfection as the rest of him?

You were wrong. 

 “I grab my keys you better tell me where you at… he said he fucked up but there’s no taking it back...”

Kim Hongjoong was fickle as a wayward breeze where the matters of the heart were concerned. It was easier for him to let people love him, feel the adoration for him rolling off people’s eyes and bodies than be the person to love freely. Love was vulnerability to him, but gods, did he make vulnerability look gorgeous. 

Maybe the very reason he began to love you at first was because you didn’t care for his perfection.

His words still echoed in your ears sometimes, especially in nights that were woefully sober or afternoons that were hopelessly unproductive. There had been a time when the only things you remembered of the honeyed rasp was from your best dreams, promising you forever in every day- 

Not anymore. All you remembered now was the way he had sounded that night, alcohol and regret mixing badly in his veins, voice rough and stilted and broken as he asked you for forgiveness, for space in your heart despite his mistakes.

 “I gave everything to you and this is what you turn around and do…”

You wish you’d never driven to him after his teary confessions, hoping against hope he was pranking you and had only drunk too much to cater to common sense. You wish you hadn’t walked yourself to his best friends’ night club and have to witness the look of pity Seonghwa and San cast upon before handing Hongjoong over to you. 

You wish you hadn’t put yourself through the utterly tragic ordeal of picking up after him. Especially now, that you know how the future would look after that night. 

The memories steeled your voice through the smooth notes, the music rising and falling as the backing track began to build. You’d struggled to record this section of the song- your breath always seemed to catch and hold when you sang the words, your chest feeling too heavy, tongue too leaden to mouth the next lines. But today, the tune was like second nature to your lips, the sentiment almost easy to express. 

Surely he was watching now, wherever he was, the lyrics’ meaning sinking into his skin with every word. Some tiny, savage part of your brain hoped he felt the same cold terror and sense of unfairness you felt all this while- you hoped he would drown in it until it consumed him, soul and all. 

 “Did she have it all, all that you wanted for you to go and break your promise?”

He’d crawled into your bed with you that night, holding you closer than he had ever held you in 3 years. Soothed your tears of pure disappointment and cried way too many of his own, your shoulders shuddering as you pulled each other closer. Murmured apologies a million times, over and over again against your skin as he curled his body around yours, until you fell into a restless sleep. 

You still remember the time-dampened images of the nightmare you had that night, the shadows laughing at you for being an inadequate girlfriend, an unfit person, that he probably cheated because you weren’t doing enough for him. You’d awoken a mere couple of hours after the both of you had nodded off, Hongjoong’s grip on your body still tight despite his state of slumber. 

Was he worried you’d wake up and walk away?

He would find you in your kitchen in his old shirt when he woke up anyway, tired eyes and tired limbs and enough coffee for 2 in the French press. 

 “I wanna know, every secret you’ve been hiding…I wanna know just how long have you've been lying…”

A mistake, he’d called it. One-off error in judgement, a single moment in time he had chosen not to listen to his better sensibilities. It had happened once, entirely because of his lapse in judgement, he said. It would never happen again; he swore to you. Promised to you with your hands in his, earnestness in his gaze that you had never been subjected to until now- then again, he’d never given you reason to mistrust him until now. 

You’d asked for a promise from Hongjoong that day- a no-closed-doors policy on your relationship. It should’ve been a no-brainer as far as you were concerned, but it seemed that people like Hongjoong needed the reminder that not all people lived the way they did. That love wasn’t reckless free fall to everybody, a spark that burns fast and bright and fizzles out just as quick. 

 “I wanna know, does she fuck you like I did…I wanna know, and will she love you like I did…”

You wish you’d been less mature about the whole affair. 

Singing the words aloud only made you wish you’d thrown the words at him the first time it happened, instead of now, behind the safety of two screens and physical distance. You should’ve allowed yourself the sheer meltdown that the situation warranted, allowed the rage to take over your system even if it was for those few unfiltered seconds.

Hongjoong’s actions hadn’t deserved the maturity you afforded them. But you couldn’t blame yourself- in those fleeting moments, the primary emotions you had felt was that of inadequacy. You should’ve trusted yourself more.

 “Boy this ain’t how it’s supposed to be...Dancing between someones else’s sheets…”

After the burning hurt from the fiasco died down, it felt like Hongjoong had taken it upon himself to prove to you how special, how important, how absolutely irreplaceable you were to him. In the haze of it all, you ended up loving it. 

The once almost stoic man was now making an effort to be more to you, less of the disappointment he had caused you. He made an effort to talk to you, open up about his frayed relationship with love – hesitant at first and then naturally. 

I care about you. I love you; he’d murmured to the ceiling one night. You were silent, body resting against his as he arranged the sheets higher around your bodies. I wanted to know what we’d be like together and I haven’t regretted a second of it. I can’t imagine my days without you around.  A soft kiss planted against your hairline that you returned against the crook of his neck as sleep claimed you.

 “I can’t believe this is really happening, your guilty conscience is going to be the death of me..”

The next few months were a daily reminder of how much Kim Hongjoong had come to know you over the years of your relationship. Your favourite flowers turned up like clockwork at your desk every Tuesday, accompanying a note in his quick, scratchy handwriting – a new tradition of mid-week dates at experimental restaurants with oddly planned menus. Voice notes of his raspy morning voice sending you sweet affirmations that rung in your ears late into the afternoon. 

Even the way he touched you felt softer, more… reverent. Like he’d had a taste of what he stood to lose and never wanted to think of it again. As each day passed, you found yourself resting easy, basking in the attention and adoration and soft romance of it all.

Looking back on it, you should’ve known. What was it they say about a cheat?

They expect you to be loyal to them despite their faithlessness.

 “You got so caught up in the moment...But she’ll only love you when she’s lonely…”  

The second time it happened, the only thing your heart felt was a wildfire doused in rage and an almost crippling sense of treachery. A fellow artist in the same recording company as you had slipped into the studio late one night, just as you were packing up to head home. She’d pulled you to the couch on the side, holding your hands in hers as she hesitated before asking her questions- Are you sure your boyfriend is faithful? He keeps leaving the club I perform at with other girls?

Your fingers curled tightly around the mic, trying your hardest not to let your other hand clench the fabric covering your legs. You would give the world neither the privilege nor the misfortune of knowing how much truth this song really held. The world didn’t- no, Hongjoong didn’t deserve it. Not anymore.

 “This ain’t a game you better tell me where you're at, No boy, you fucked up and there’s no taking it back..”

You’d dropped by Hongjoong’s apartment that night, hands shaking in your coat pockets and head spinning from the rush of emotions. You had a spare key, and it was only a matter of dropping him a quick text before letting yourself in. Betrayal? Rage? Frustration? Disappointment? It was the disgusting cocktail in the pit of your stomach that led you to snoop through his phone while he was in the shower-

You wish you hadn’t but oh, you’d be damned if you weren’t glad you had.

He’d brought girls to his apartment at the end of so-called club hopping nights with Seonghwa. Every Friday. Ever since he’d made his ‘promise’ to you.

Every single Friday.

He’d bedded some random chick from the clubs and then turned up at your doorstep every weekend like nothing had ever happened.

Every. Single. Friday.

 “I gave everything to you …and this is what you turn around and do..”

You remember slipping out of Hongjoong’s apartment as quickly as you had turned up, faking an emergency at the studio to dash out the front door. Stubbornly holding your tears at bay as you drove back to your own neighbourhood, out of the car and into your apartment. Collapsing on your couch in a daze just as the breakdown began.

You still don’t know if the tears you shed that night were of anger or sadness- with the urge to destroy everything Hongjoong stood for, the only thing you wanted to do was never see him again.

For a second, you were transported back to that disaster of a night, the studio melting away into the familiar walls of your apartment, closing in on you as the despair and bottomless rage set in. There was an edge to your voice as you sang now, more angry than sad like before. Was he listening? Was he able to hear your farewell in the lyrics?

Was he panicking that you found out? Or worse, did he not care at all?

 “Did she have it all, all that you wanted for you to go and break your promise?”

The next morning, you’d woken up with puffy eyes and a heavy heart, but with one clear motive seared into your mind- revenge.

You’d allowed him into your heart, let him build a home there for years and years. You had loved him every way you knew how to- broken at first, unconditionally later. You’d given him trust, a currency you were known to be stingy with- and he turns around and does this to you.

Maybe that was childish of you; maybe a more mature person would’ve broken it off that day, wallowed in heartbreak and made efforts to move on. But no, not you.

If Hongjoong had found it acceptable to take girls home while being in a relationship with you, he would definitely find it acceptable if you aired some of his dirty laundry yourself.

 “I wanna know every secret you’ve been hiding…I wanna know just how long have you been lying..”

Chris had been concerned when you walked into the studio, looking almost entirely functional and not worse for wear at all.

It made sense, your best friend’s worry. It had only been 3 days since…since the incident and besides an update message, you had burrowed yourself at home and entirely unreachable. But here you were today, sheets of paper filled with your scrawl covering the table in front of you- lyrics.

Read them, you’d muttered, shoving the pages towards him- your hands shook slightly, the first crack in your façade. They’re a bit of a mess, but they mostly make sense.

Only you would remember being drunk off your mind on whiskey and later, wine the whole time. Alternating between feverish writing and heartbroken sobbing. Pretending to be completely fine to Hongjoong, telling him to not ‘interrupt your creative process’. Staring out into the starrless night skies and wishing that one day soon, Hongjoong would feel the hell you were feeling now. One day, you would look a camera in the eye and sing these lyrics out loud, for the world to hear, for him to hear. And you’ll be damned if that day, Kim Hongjoong didn’t get his final taste of who he’d just lost.

 “I wanna know…does she fuck you like I did, I wanna know,  will she love you like I did..”

Getting the right feel to the lyrics while recording the song had been all too easy, waving off Hongjoong’s curiosity about your newest project easier so.

It was a surprise for him, you would smile, dropping fleeting kisses against his cheekbones and jaw just the way he liked. He always smiled and dragged your mouth to his own, letting his smile slide against your own, murmuring that he was going to follow you into the studio to take a peek for curiosity’s sake. 

Talk often fizzled out at that point, because god, it was so difficult to stay away from each other’s bodies and out of each other’s arms after the long days of being your own people, strong and resourceful and adult and independent. It was easier to let your muscle memories take over, touch and sense and feel every single wretched thing that Hongjoong was so capable of making you feel.  

 “She won't do you like me, she won't love you like me, baby…she won't touch you like me, she won't love you like me, baby…”

You would be lying if you said you didn’t get a wild sense of pleasure singing those lines, your eyes not leaving the camera pointed at you. Was it revenge well served? A broken heart being healed?

Over the weeks of preparing for the song, you’d realized how true those words were. The burning sense of betrayal and hurt hadn’t faded in the least- you still woke up every morning feeling lesser than, but never again. Never would you let anybody feel like this again.

Nobody would love Hongjoong like you could. It was about time he realized that. Pity, though, that you wouldn’t be around to witness it. 

“She won't love you like, she won't love you like me.”

The music fizzled out into silence, the producers counting down as you stayed still- 3,2,1 cut! In pursuit of the feeling of reckless freedom, Hongjoong had lost the one person he claimed made him feel like he belonged. How unfortunate for him, you mused, as the studio erupted in claps, the producers grinning widely and everybody smiling at each other. In the middle of the chaos, the door swung open- His eyes were wide, short blonde hair a windswept mess against his forehead, the single stalk of your favourite flower hanging limp in his hands. Surely there were paint marks on his cuffs, and the tiny earring would jingle prettily when he moved, but as his gaze met your dead ones, you could only think one thing-

She won't love you like, she won't love you like me.

Thank you for reading! Do let me know what you think~ xoxo, Elliana.

Network Tag: @kpopscape​

[lightsovermonaco]

His Good Sweater: Chapter 15

Masterlist

Thanks to @acollectionofficsandshit for being my bestie and beta reading! This would have never happened without her ❤ Make sure you read Roman Profile, set in the same universe!

Word Count: 6.5k

Recommended song: “Cloudy Sky” by Tundra Beats

A warm breeze tears at your hair as you step off the tiny plane and onto the runway in Nice, following the handful of other passengers to the terminal. Pierre had agreed to let you fly out to Monaco on the condition that you obtain permission from your professors to skip two weeks in a row. As soon as you promised personalized autographs, they all agreed to let it slide as long as you emailed in your coursework and sat in on online lectures. Considering how light your course load was later in the week, it would be no problem at all.

You were glad you had the foresight to curate your schedule to work around most races. Mondays you endured twelve hours of lectures and labs in order to leave the rest of the week open with a few scattered credits hours. The only classes you would miss were general courses like physics midday Thursday and a German culture class on Friday morning, leaving you the opportunity to watch most of the action first hand.

Honestly, for a weekend spent steeped in the rich culture of Monte Carlo, there was no price you wouldn't pay. Glamorous galas and round the clock parties ruled the extended five day race weekend, with the annual fashion show and other activities taking up an extra day. There wouldn't be a spare minute for you to catch your breath, not that you minded.

Pierre himself picks you up from the airport in a borrowed custom black Ferrari complete with a stitched signature between your heads. Apparently sharing with Pierre's Monegasque best friend was to be the theme of the weekend, Pierre handing you a set of keys as soon as you’ve somehow loaded your luggage in the tiny boot ahead of the cockpit.

“Charles was kind enough to let us bunk with him this weekend,” Pierre starts before leaning in for a quick kiss. Even the small gesture carries the weight of his affection and makes your heart soar. “I’ve got press events this afternoon after practice and you’ve got that lecture, so I’ll drop you off and take you out for a late dinner tonight.”

“So many words so quickly,” you quip but nod along. “That sounds perfect. As long as you’ve got the time, I’ll take it.”

“I always have time for you.” As your raised brow, he amends, “Okay, I always make time for you at least. There’s always some dark corner somewhere we can sneak off to even at the fanciest events.”

"I might have to take you up on that offer." 

In a twist of your usual role, you attempt to place a hand on Pierre's thigh but the position of the car allows only your fingertips to meet the skin left exposed by the shorts he wore. He notes the gesture with a raised brow but doesn't comment, only shifting enough that your palm lays flush. 

The rest of the drive passes in amiable silence, the radio and the occasional lyric being sung by one of you the only interruptions. The coast of Monte Carlo comes into view far too soon and before you know it Pierre is practically shoving you out of the car with a peck on the cheek and a promise to be back at a reasonable hour. You have no idea how he had managed to make the act of literally kicking you to the curb loving, but he had his ways you supposed.

You didn't mind at all that you are given access to Charles' homey flat to use as your home base for the weekend; Pierre has already claimed the guest room as your shared space for the time being. You set up camp on the slightly stiff mattress, settling back against the throw pillows you suspect Charlotte had picked out. She had probably decorated the entire apartment, considering the carefully selected art and the tactfully arranged racing memorabilia. Unlike Max’s sparse bachelor pad that was decorated solely with helmets, trophies, and a selection of furniture picked straight from a sample room on a warehouse floor, Charles’ home had a woman’s touch evident in the framed vintage circuit posters and monogrammed towels in the guest bath.

It was unfortunate that your physics lecture ran fifteen minutes into free practice one, meaning you were forced to observe from the balcony instead of the garage. The view from here was probably better anyway, offering a sweeping vantage of the Nouvelle chicane and the bay beyond. If you tried hard enough you could pick out Charles' yacht from here, the red paint sticking out like a sore thumb against the backdrop of the blue sea. You unfurl your French flag and hang it beside the Monagosque one already secured to the railing before pulling up a chair and settling in to watch your boys whiz by.

You realize with a start that they had all become your boys- not just Pierre but Charles, Max, and Daniel too. When grouped with Charlotte and Daniel's girlfriend, they were your found family, the people you knew you could call at three in the morning and they would pick up. Any one of them would leap at the chance to grab dinner or see a movie when they were in town either for business or for pleasure. The seven of you were a family unit that no force, man-made or natural, could ever hope to break apart.

You smile as Max's Red Bull screams through the famed chicane, riding the red and white bubbled curb just enough to lift a wheel from the pavement. He liked to cut that corner in practice and eke out those hundreths of a second to improve his lap time.

Pierre takes advantage of his outlap to slow down enough to wave up at you as best as the cramped cockpit allows him to. You blow him a kiss as he goes by, sending your wishes for a safe podium finish on Sunday along with it on the wind. Because of the narrow streets, overtaking was near impossible, thus making Saturday's qualifier crucial to securing a spot in the top three. There was no doubt in your mind that with a few minor tweaks Pierre could rocket his Alpha to a top spot.

Your phone rings just as an Aston cruises through and you step inside and close the sliding door before answering.

“Hello?”

“So how long can you wait to buzz someone in before it’s considered rude?”

"Um, a couple minutes?"

The huff your friend lets out causes your shoulders to shake with laughter. "Let me in you-"

Whatever insult she had been poised to throw your way is promptly cut off by the high pitched revs of an engine as another car flies by on the streets below. You laugh and hang up but only after her screech of surprise nearly shatters your eardrums.

A minute later your best friend arrives more than a little winded from the multi story climb. "They need an elevator. I wasn't made to do that many stairs."

"It's a historic building, they can't defile it with an elevator. Plus the codes-"

"Oi, love, save it for your nerd friends okay? I'm here to watch rich men sling their cars around the streets of Monaco, eat some food, and talk about life, not for a history lesson."

The grin creeping across her face negates the cross words and you take one of the takeout bags from her hands. "Whatever this is smells good."

"Well it better," she starts, helping herself to a glass bottle of water from the fully stocked fridge, "because I got everything but the kitchen sink. When in paradise and all that."

"Daniel's not doing half bad today," you point out, leading the way back onto the tiny balcony. Once you move the chairs it's just large enough for the two of you to sit comfortably on the sun warmed concrete, knees almost touching but plenty of space in front of you to lay out the meal. "I saw he was p1 at one point. Those tweaks to his front suspension seem to have done the trick. Looks like he's finally getting the hang of that McLaren, huh?"

"Yeah, he struggled a bit at first but he's put in so many hours on track and on the sim, I know he's gonna get into the groove soon." She lays out the plastic containers of noodles, rice, egg rolls, and whatever else she bought in front of you. "Dan's been frustrated lately but honestly I think that helps. He's always been one to channel his anger into something productive and use it to get the results he's after."

"Like that time he turned his crash in qualifying into a podium in Brazil," you offer in example. "No one thought he'd recover from that."

"That's exactly what I mean." You snag a few noodles with your chopsticks as she launches into a deep dive into her lover's driving. "Daniel knows it's now or never with McLaren. With that kind of motivation he can get it done. Like his driving style is different from Lando's and people have been ripping on him because Dan hasn't immediately gotten in and won- it takes time."

"You're preaching to the choir, birdy." You didn't even know where the nickname originated from, but after a drunken night out you had woken up to your friend's name changed in your phone and the contact photo updated to a picture of a blue bird and the name had stuck. "Pierre is a prime example of what can go wrong in that situation."

"Well yeah." She stuffs a dumpling in her mouth and hastily chews to get back to whatever point she was trying to make. "He's doing so well this year though, I wouldn't be surprised if he took sixth actually. He's gaining on Lando and Perez pretty damn quick."

You smile as Pierre whizzes by again down below. "His confidence is back. After he got cut it was hard on him but the past two years have been therapeutic. Except for the part where I ripped his heart out but that's semantics."

You had carefully begun the tedious process of taping him back together in the month that you had been reunited. He was healing, you both were, and sometimes it crept up on Pierre and those nights he held you a little tighter, kissed you a little longer.

"I know you weren't watching him closely this summer so I took the liberty of doing so in your stead." She snaps her chopsticks at you and gives you a pointed look. "His pace was amazing in every single race. Something clicked in those couple months and gave him some sort of clarity. Whatever it was, I've never seen him so empassioned and willing to take a chance and make moves anyone else would balk from. Pierre is the rising star this year and I think it's partly thanks to you."

You frown down at the circuit below. Giving you a grain of credit for Pierre's success this season didn't seem right, not when it had been Pierre himself who had dug down and found the courage to push himself past his limit to succeed. 

"I went back and watched all the races I missed," you admit, pausing as another racer streaks past. "Even in the pre race interviews you can see the drive to win in his face and the way he carries himself."

The coverage from Austin had been especially brutal to watch. Heartbreak had weighed heavily on his shoulders and it was the only time you had seen him wear sunglasses for a formal interview. The rain cloud followed him the entire weekend until the podium interviews when he finally smiled.

"Don't beat yourself up over it, love. Pierre came back swinging and he's gonna have an amazing contract outside Red Bull's sphere of influence after one more season. The offers will come pouring in once he's in the top three next year." She winks at you, the playful atmosphere from earlier returning to replace the dull one that had settled over your tiny patch of reality. 

"And this weekend I have a feeling we are going to have a sexy, sexy podium." She pats her knees, the remnants of an old sporting injury that she claimed acted up when a storm was brewing. "RIC GAS VER, I can feel it in my achy old lady bones."

"Oh please," you say and roll your eyes. "GAS RIC VER. Props for trying though."

"Max would be pissed if he knew we both predicted third for him."

"He would have our heads for sure." You both laugh, the sound drowned out by the guys on their cool down laps below. "You better get moving if you want to meet Daniel at the garage. It's at least a twenty minute walk."

"Didn't Pierre tell you about dinner?" She tips her head. "Charles and the boys are apparently going to attempt to feed us all here tonight. Not quite sure how we'll all fit but we can make it work."

"I guess that explains the overfull fridge," you remark and shake your head. "Pierre didn't tell me but I could use a night in with all of you."

"God, with all that uni work you've been doing I'm not surprised. Have you gotten your senior project yet?"

"I don't get that until second semester, thankfully. I'd go insane if I had to juggle that and the season."

She sips her drink, leaning back to prop herself up on the heel of her palm. "Do you know what it is yet though? I remember you saying you were getting the description soon."

"I'll be designing a library inside and out," you say proudly, earning a golf clap for your enthusiasm. "Architecture, electrical systems, lighting, the whole nine yards. If I win the competition I get to present it to the property owner and they might even build it for real."

"Damn, wouldn't that be sweet?" She knocks her shoulder against yours. "Seeing something you created come to life like that?"

"Yeah it would. Sometimes I think I should've chosen a different degree though." You eye the curbs below where the mechanical marvels had passed by hundreds of times in the last hour. "I think I let myself get pressured into a role I didn't fancy as much as I thought I did."

"There's always time to go back," she points out. "I mean, I'd suggest finishing this degree since you're in the final laps but after that you can get a different degree and do what you love. The track is where your heart is and you should listen when those engines call your name."

"I know I should." Going back to school for a second degree would be like pulling teeth at the beginning, having to sit through all the general classes again before getting into the nitty gritty but it would be more than worth it in the long run. Aerodynamics or even automotive engineering are paths you had thought about exploring in the past, maybe you'd give one of them a go.

"Plus how sick would it be if you got to help design Pierre's car? You'd be like a little husband and wife team."

You gape and point a finger at her accusingly. "We aren't married!"

She bats your hand away. "Oh please, give it six months."

The jingle of keys outside the door interrupts your conversation, both of your heads turning in tandem to greet the intruder.

"Charlotte!"

"Caio ladies! Long time no see!" The Monegasque woman drops her bag at the door and promptly situates herself between the two of you on the cramped balcony. "What have we here? That looks good." 

Swiping the chopsticks from your fingers, Charlotte grabs a healthy bite of lo mein. "Oh god, this is delicious. Is it from that place down the street?"

"Mhm," your friend says, slinging an arm around Charlotte's shoulders. "Google said it was the best in the entire country and I must say, they did not disappoint."

"Which would be impressive if the country was more than a few square miles," you point out playfully. "But it is up there as some of the best I've had."

"Considering we're eating dinner in a few hours I probably should restrain myself but…" Charlotte trails off with a grin and bites into a still steaming egg roll. "Ugh, it's too good to stop."

"I can't remember the last time the three of us were in the same room," you remark, "uni has been keeping Char and I busy while you-" you jab a finger at the third member of your inseparable trio, "-have a big girl job that takes most of your time and a boyfriend who steals the rest."

"Speaking of uni," Charlotte starts, speaking over Birdy's protests, "senior project? Tell me about yours!"

Charlotte spends the next half hour needling you for information and suggesting different finishes for your potential library design, putting her own architectural studies to good use. 

The boys arrive at some point, Daniel and Charles stooping down to greet their respective girls. Pierre hangs back and waits patiently for his turn, leaning down to press a kiss to the crown of your head so as to not disturb your conversation. Max groans from somewhere inside and complains about public displays of affection until Pierre points out they aren't actually in public.

"No, I agree, the red carpet doesn't work for a library," you continue without missing a beat. "It's too in your face and would distract from events and displays."

Charlotte nods. "This blue would work better I think." She shows you a palate on her phone, pointing to the one she liked. "Plus it plays off the painted steel and glass framework overlooking the central courtyard." 

"That one has my vote," your friend offers, her chin resting on your shoulder. "That blue is just bright enough to be fun but not enough to take away from the aesthetic."

You laugh and screenshot the picture to send to your email. "At this rate my entire senior project will be designed before dinner."

"What if I changed the exterior to a stone facade? If they've got the money I might as well-"

The three of you drop your attention to the avenue below, eyes drawn by a camera flash. You had no idea who the man was but clearly he knew you, shouting your name to try catching your attention long enough to secure an exclusive quote. Your stomach drops to your feet and you lean away on instinct, head thudding against the glass sliding door.

"Oh for gods sake," your friend mutters, subtly shifting in front of you in a sort of rudimentary human shield, "is nothing sacred anymore?"

They always managed to find you, no matter where you went. You had gotten better at ignoring them when they were polite, but at times like this when you were simply trying to enjoy a night on a private balcony with your friends, it was annoying more than anything, however the underlying anxiety still reigned front and center.

"Apparently not," Charlotte notes, already gathering the empty takeout trays and stuffing the design books the three of you had been pouring over back in her bag.

A gentle hand rests on your arm and you jump. "Come on love, let's go in."

The shouting from the kitchen immediately provides you something to latch on to and distract yourself from your thoughts.

"Charles, you're already messing up the bread. I told you to make garlic bread- I didn't say butter with a side of bread."

"If this fucking thing would work-"

"Max, shut up and work on your dish. We don't need the complaining."

"Sounds like Pierre took on the role of head chef," Charlotte teases. "Which is good because Charles is a shit cook."

"And it sounds like he has quite the domineering streak," your friend adds.

Both girls laugh and you chuckle. "Pierre has never made me something I haven't liked. And Birdy, I'm ignoring that comment." Even when Pierre was blissfully unaware of your rising anxiety, he calmed you from a room away.

"No, I agree with that." Your friend sinks into the couch and pulls you down with her. "Hopefully he's teaching Dan and Max a thing or two because that duo burns anything they touch."

Another round of laughter has the pain in your chest easing enough that you can address the issue at hand. "I still don't understand why everyone is so fascinated with me. Neither of you get hounded like that, do you?"

Charlotte shakes her head. "I've never really had any problems. Monaco is a little expensive for paparazzi to hang around for any extended time. And I've been around for awhile, I'm old news."

"And Daniel took care of anyone coming near me early on," your friend points out. "No one really bothers us after that incident last year, and when they do we just ruin their shots by making faces at them. Can't print it if it's not intriguing enough." 

"It really is just me then." You sigh and hang your head in your hands. "I'm not even that interesting- I'm a student! I don't do anything besides hang out, go to class and study. Maybe the occasional day at my internship. The most tabloid worthy thing I do is switch up what train I take home."

"You're a mystery, and fans will always eat up any puzzle pieces they're fed. Doesn't matter whether they're true or not, they'll pick at the bones until there's nothing left but dust to be blown away by a stray wind."

"That's what you have us for though," Charlotte chimes in. "We know you're brave- you've already proved that so many times- but when it gets to be too much you can lean on us. We'll hold the vultures at bay."

"Thanks," you croak, throat tight. "Don't know what I'd do without you two."

"Eh, you'd be fine, just a little worse for the wear."

Drying his hands on a plain white kitchen towel, Pierre sweeps into the sitting room. "Okay mademoiselles, dinner will be served in ten minutes." He pauses when he notes your posture, instantly analyzing the room and turning to your friend. "Don't tell me. Birdy, was it paps?"

"Yep, they were outside. Just one shark this time."

Pierre swears under his breath and rakes a hand through his hair. "I thought I'd taken care of that."

"I'm okay now," you assure him. Unconvinced, Pierre's gaze sweeps over you as if he could physically see any mental scars you possess.

"I'll make a call after dinner." Crossing the room, he cradles your face and presses a kiss to your forehead. "Love you."

You smile up at him, the lingering tingles in your fingers fading away to nothing in his presence. "Love you too, chef."

"Let's get this living room ready for a meal," you suggest, calculating how to get seven seats around a common table. 

"Birdy, move that side table over next to the coffee table. Pierre and I can sit on the throw pillows and use that. Char, help me with this."

Charlotte jumps into action, helping you drag a heavy antique trunk to the opposite side of the coffee table from where your other friend worked. "Perfect," she says, stepping back to admire your handiwork. "Tables are a little uneven but it'll work."

No sooner than you had said it do Pierre, Charles, Daniel and Max enter bearing plates and trays laden with the meal they had labored to prepare. Pastas, various sauces and slightly burnt bread take up most of the space of your makeshift dining room. Charlotte brings out plates and utensils while you and your other friend grab glasses and plenty of wine from the undercounter fridge.

“Oh, right to the good stuff,” Daniel remarks, noting the 3 on the label. “Charles, how much of this did you buy? Are you single handedly responsible for the shortage?”

“I may have bought a case,” Charles says, snatching the bottle and pouring himself a healthy glass. “Gotta support my friends, I would expect the same dedication from any of you.”

Pierre settles into the makeshift floor cushion to your right while Max sits at your left. Dan and his girlfriend share the loveseat across from you, while Charles claims the armchair with Charlotte makes herself comfortable on the arm. It didn't matter if you were in an upscale restaurant or at someone’s hotel, when the six of you ate together sharing was key. Everyone had something different and dishes were passed between people family style.

“What was Max in charge of?”

“I made the sauce,” he says, a hint of pride in his voice. The smile on the Dutchman’s face was enough reason to worry, especially when you took his horrible track record of mixing up tablespoons and teaspoons when measuring ingredients.

“Right, plain noodles for me then,” Daniel’s girlfriend teases, the first to reach in. Max’s defense of his cooking skills are drowned by the laughter of the six of you. 

“It actually turned out well,” Pierre notes, spooning a heaping helping of everything onto his plate. “I tasted everything before it came out.”

“The mark of a chef,” you point out, accepting the basket Pierre passes you and selecting the least crispy slice of bread left. “If he keels over, we know not to eat it.”

“I’m not that bad,” Max protests. “I only burnt soup one time!”

“Because homemade pasta sauce is the same thing as soup from a can, huh?” Daniel laughs, his girlfriend beaming at him as he does so. She watched him with a light in her eyes that you had come to recognize as pure joy. Integrating with the tight knit group only a few years ago meant that you may not share childhood bonds with any of them like Pierre and Charles or Max and your friend, but you knew her well enough to suspect that her and Daniel were endgame.

Absently, you wonder if any of your friends thought the same about you and Pierre. 

Pierre’s hand on your thigh draws your attention. He tips his head, a question held in his shining blue eyes. You simply nod and offer him a warm smile that he mimics instantly. The finger he swipes across his chin is enough to have Max miming throwing up.

"Remember when you thought Dan and I were bad?" Your friend asks, jabbing her fork in Max's direction. "At least we don't do that cutesy stuff at the dinner table."

You grin and lace your fingers through Pierre's. "No, you just make me go to the bathroom with you and-"

"Yeah that's enough of that story," Daniel cuts in. Dan cuts you a look that insists you drop the subject and you oblige, if only because you don't want to embarrass yourself as well as him. "Charles, you excited to race at home again this year?"

"I hope I have better luck than normal," he says with a chuckle. The Monegasque picks at his food, likely recounting his previous shortcomings at his home prix. Monaco was a tight, tricky track where even a millimeter of oversteer was known to send a racer into a barrier and end their race.

"I have a feeling we are in the presence of this week's podium finishers, ladies." You raise a glass and the two women follow suit, clinking them together before taking a sip.

"What's the prediction for this week?" Max asks and you and your friend share a knowing glance. You bite your lip, not giving any indication where your loyalties lay.

Daniel rolls his eyes at your refusal to answer. "Fine, we can drag it out of you. Who's gonna be p1?"

"Pierre," you blurt at the same time Charlotte and your friend say their own boyfriends names. 

"Ow," Max mumbles, rubbing his chest. "Good thing I've seen plenty of orange in the streets this weekend because damn, apparently none of you favor me."

"Did you expect anything different?" Pierre's thumb sweeps over your knuckles as he speaks. "Where did you put Max?"

"Third," you say, shooting the Dutchman an apologetic smile. "Only because Daniel owns these streets. Better luck next year?"

Max clutches his heart in a show of dramatics. "Third! That's painful, that's really painful. I'll have to prove you wrong and go for pole tomorrow."

"Hey, you'll have to fight the rest of us for it," Pierre points out with a laugh. "We won't go easy on you."

**********

Race weekends are always a jumble of press and adrenaline. You don't know how Pierre manages the countless appearances, random interviews, and hoards of fans asking for pictures or autographs. He handles it all with the grace of a racing god, like he had done it a million times and was more than happy to do it a million more.

When he stoops down to greet a young fan, your knees nearly give out. He speaks low and soft to not startle the shy little girl who hides behind her dad's leg but lets Pierre hold her on his knee for a photo.

"She likes your hat," you point out. "She hasn't stopped looking at it."

Indeed, the colors of the French flag hidden under the flat brim seemed to have drawn her attention. "I'll trade you."

Pierre plucks the plain white cap off the girl's head and replaces it with his own, which promptly falls forward to hide her eyes. You can physically see the shift in Pierre when a tiny smile lights up her face. One day he would be an amazing father; he had a gift when it came to children. Hand him a screaming baby or a shy toddler and they would warm up to him in a matter of minutes.

Case and point, the little girl now giggling at Pierre as he pretended to pull a coin from behind her ear.

"Okay sweetie, let Mr. Gasly go along," the girl's dad says, scooping her up. "Thank you. Good luck today!"

"Anything for a future Tauri fan," Pierre says, taking your hand again and waving to the girl as they walk away.

By the time you've made it to the Alpha Tauri garage, your cheeks hurt from the smile you've kept on your face for the cameras. Facing them was easier than you had expected. No one made any rude remarks or tossed you any questions you found too complicated to answer, instead people had been respectful for once. It was only Friday but perhaps the weekend wouldn't be as miserable as you had been expecting.

A breathless engineer stops Pierre as soon as he enters the garage. "Oh, finally. We need you in the aero room to go over a few changes before practice. We have a couple options but we need your opinion to narrow it down to which you think is best."

"Give me ten minutes Jon," Pierre says, glancing at you. "Let me get her settled."

Jon shifts on his feet but nods. "Okay, that's fine I guess but make it quick if you can."

"I'll be right back," Pierre promises, only to be immediately stopped by another woman asking to go over track conditions. Pierre rakes a hand through his hair and sighs, seemingly torn.

You make the choice for him. "Go ahead, I know you're busy. I know the way." You smile when his shoulders drop slightly, the only evidence of the tension that had pulled his muscles taught. Pierre was on edge because he expected you to be on edge, but as it turned out, his concern was unnecessary.

Pierre plants a kiss on your cheek. "I'll see you in a couple hours. There's food and coffee in the cafe, you just have to show your pass. They should know you."

"Stop worrying, you mother hen." You wave a hand, eyes sparkling. "Go do your job."

A final grin is his parting gift, one that you tuck away to pull out and enjoy again later. You watch as he talks animatedly with an engineer until he rounds a corner and is out of sight before you pick your way through the building to his unlocked driver's room. It was cramped but somehow manages to be the best decorated on the calendar by far, which was to be expected considering it was at the most opulent track.

Pictures of his various wins and podiums line the left wall, hanging above a low, square and rather uncomfortable looking couch. Candid photos of you were scattered throughout, whether they had simply not been taken down when you'd broken up or if he had already been back to replace them was beyond you. A desk was tucked in the opposite corner, covered in strewn papers and a tiny fridge with cans of flavored red bull. Despite what was shown on tv, he preferred the flavored cans over the traditional ones, often switching out the contents with watermelon or peach behind the scenes.

You snag a can of watermelon before plopping onto the stiff couch and pulling out your laptop. Figuring you had time to kill before your next lecture, you queue up the archive of races at your disposal and choose your comfort race: Monza 2020. Pierre's first win was one you could watch a thousand times and never get tired of.

Before you even click play you can already hear his radio message to his team after he crossed the line. You can already see the shit eating grin on his face and the grief that followed when he was the last on the podium. The phone call minutes later had been filled with tears of joy on your end and a mishmash of barely intelligible French and English that you didn't even try to decipher. His boundless joy had been all that mattered in that moment and you would do anything to see him on that top step again this season.

Your heart stutters when the race is red flagged the exact same way it had when you'd watched it live last year. A knock at the door startles you from your stupor. You can't keep the grin off your face, knowing exactly who you'd find on the other side.

"Hey you-"

Instead of dirty blonde hair hidden under a backwards cap, you're greeted with bouncy red curls and a sharp smile. "Hello. I'm not sure we've met, I'm Sylive."

You bite back a groan. "We've met," you say, shaking the woman's hand. "Multiple times, actually."

"Oh well, my apologies. I'm no good with names and faces." She laughs like it wasn't her job description to remember details. "Anyway, I wanted to ask you to please lay low this weekend. There's a lot going on in the press and everyone's focus is on you. I'm not quite sure why."

Again, her laugh grates on your nerves. Try as she might to intimidate you, it would take more than a few passive jabs to get under your newly-thickened skin. "I haven't been following. What are they saying?"

"Oh, you haven't seen?" She tips her head, assessing you. She smiles, obviously glad to be the one to deliver the news. "That you've turned Pierre soft. Dulled his racing instinct. After the race in Austria and that interview he gave asking people to leave you alone really showed his hand. It's not good for his image to place you above his career. He needs to present an image of power, not a soft-bellied racer who will roll over and quit the minute you tell him to."

If you were Max, you would have already decked her. Luckily, you had a slightly less slippery handle on your leashed temper than your friend.

"Excuse me?"

Sylvie rolls her eyes so hard you're surprised they don't fall out and bounce across the floor. "Honey, no need for dramatics. I don't care what the two of you do behind closed doors, but keep out of the cameras, alright? I'll have enough to deal with after the two of you walked in together today making heart eyes at each other,  especially after Pierre told the press to leave you alone. Don't make my job harder than it needs to be, and we won't have a problem."

The rocks of the carefully constructed dam holding back your retort shift, your words suddenly flowing like a raging river. "How does our relationship affect Pierre's racing at all? Kimi, Seb, Perez- they're all married and no one uses that against them. They've got kids and no one accuses them of having gone soft. What's the difference? Why does it matter that Pierre asks people to be decent? Hell, Grosjean retired after his crash because of what it did to his family and no one thinks less of him. How is my presence enough to imply I come before racing?"

"Clearly you're both too busy whispering sweet nothings to each other to read a column. Take a look at this and reconsider."

Sylvie shoves a print out of a gossip column at you, which you immediately throw to the couch. "I'll get right on that."

Narrowing her eyes, Sylvie makes to leave. "I have no problem having you evicted. Stay out of the cameras or I'll find somewhere else for you to be."

You glare after her as the door slams. The love Pierre held for you had nothing to do with his performance on track. If nothing else, it served as a motivator for his success and he had said as much. Sylvia's comments still cut their way into your heart and you sit frozen on the couch turning them over and over in your mind until another soft knock startles you. You hastily shove the print out inside your laptop and snap it shut.

"Yeah," you answer bleakly.

"Hey," Pierre says gently, instantly picking up on your sour mood. "Hope you didn't get too bored."

You almost laugh. "No, not at all. I kept myself busy."

"Good." Pierre slouches next to you and pulls you into his lap. "I'm done for the day. How about I take you to my favorite cafe? It's right by the harbor so you can get a nice view of the sea. Maybe even see a few of the guys on their track walks."

"I think I'd like that," you say and kiss his cheek. Screw what Sylvie thought, you'd prove to her that Pierre was just as talented a racer with you at his side as when you were absent this summer.

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[moonculus]

terrible things ~ wilbur x reader

angst

warnings: death, weapons, kissing (all non-descriptive)

pronouns: implied she/her

notes: inspired by the song, terrible things by mayday parade. i apologize in advance <3

☾　‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾　‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾　‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾　　☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙　☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙　☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙　☽

that’s when i met your father, the boy of my dreams. the most beautiful man that i’d ever seen.

“mommy?”

you looked away from your coffee cup to meet your child’s bright eyes staring back at you.

“yes, honey?” you asked, smiling softly.

“what happened to my father?”

immediately, you felt your heart tighten. you had put off talking about your husband for as long as you possibly could. phil, techno, even tommy. everyone who cared for you worried about you. you had thrown yourself into caring for your child, barely even giving yourself time to feel.

“when you’re older, baby,” you tilted your head sympathetically.

the daughter clung to your leg, pouting up at you with puppy eyes. the same her father would make whenever he wanted a hug or kiss from you. you were never the disciplinarian. to be honest, neither of you were. you hoisted your daughter onto your lap, preparing yourself emotionally.

“well, since i was your age, i was convinced i would be a leader. no one could ever tell me i needed a husband, i thought boys were frivolous. while my friends would talk about crushes and cooties, i would talk about sword skills and the inner workings of our country. i never thought i’d need anyone. until i met your father…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

you swung your wooden makeshift sword at a tree, grunting as it was stuck in the bark. you pulled at the handle, kicked at the stump, and eventually plopped down in the grass beside it, frustratedly.

“need some help?” a soft voice asked you.

a small boy your age crooked glasses and a yellow sweater he seemed to be quickly outgrowing.

“no. i can do it myself,” you huffed, brushing yourself off and attempting to pull the sword out again.

“my dad says it’s always best to accept help, even if you think you don’t deserve it.”

“my dad used to say if you can’t do things on your own, you shouldn’t do them at all.”

“your dad’s wrong,” the boy shrugged, leaning against the tree.

“do you mind?”

“i’m wilbur,” he grinned, sticking his hand out for you.

“i’m tired of this,” you folded your arms against your chest.

“well, tired of this. do you want to be friends?”

“my dad said friends make you weak,” you muttered, shifting from foot to foot.

“your dad’s wrong,” he repeated, smiling. “anyways. sometimes, everyone needs a knight in shining armor.”

with a swift hit to the handle in exactly the right place, the sword fell to the grass. your chest rose and fell as you glared at the weapon.

“thank you,” you mumbled.

“i’ll take a friendship as an apology.”

you rolled your eyes at him, a smile threatening to cross your face.

“fine.”

wilbur’s face lit up with a toothy smile.

“but,” you began, pointing a finger at him. “only because i owe you.”

“oh, of course,” he nodded, stifling a grin.

“y/n. my name. i’m y/n.”

“y/n,” he repeated. “i like it. i’ll see you around, y/n.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“and then what happened?”

your curious daughter that had been squirming in your lap, now settled, relaxing in your arms.

“well, a few years passed, and we became practically attached at the hip. inseparable…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

i can tell by your eyes that you’re in love with me

“stay together- be safe!” phil called after the two of you, as if you would’ve gladly left the other alone.

“we will!” you chorused, already bolting away.

the once short and underdeveloped boy had grown into a lanky, somewhat scrawny teenager. stretch marks dotted his knees from an unexpected growth spurt at twelve. he had long since ditched his glasses, claiming that he was too mature for his crooked lenses. suspiciously, he had adopted the spectacles back once he had overheard a conversation between niki and yourself in which you told her you thought boys with glasses were cute.

the two of you flopped onto your backs at the same willow tree you had first met. it had become a memorial of the start of your friendship, a place you visited often.

clouds drifted through the sky, the both of you pointing out ones that looked like ducks and cats.

“d’ya ever think about your future?” wilbur asked you out of the blue.

“yeah. i’m gonna be a ruler. you can be one of my royal consorts,” you shrugged.

“what’s a consort?”

“i dunno, i heard my mom use it once. i suppose it’s like an advisor of some kind. you’re my second in command!”

“well, i’m fine being your second. as long as you don’t let it go to your head,” he nudged you, smiling.

you rolled your head to the side, meeting gazes with wil. his eyes searched your face, and for a second you were confused. you had barely even acknowledged the thought of crushes- you didn’t know what they felt like. later on, you could assume it felt a little like this.

the two of you leaned in, connecting your lips gently. neither of you had any clue what you were doing, it was both of your first kisses. as soon as it began, you pulled away. you didn’t miss the blush creeping into wilbur’s cheeks, just as he didn’t miss the smile you tried to hide behind your hand.

“i- crap. i li-“ wil stammered.

“i know.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“ew, cooties!”

“you’re right, cooties. that’s why you never kiss boys,” you pointed at your daughter.

“anyways, we loved each other. we had since the day we met, just were too young to know it…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

im asking you, please. you know that i love you, will you marry me?

“gods, you look beautiful, honey,” niki cooed as she placed flowers behind your ears.

“you think so?”

“i know so! wil is going to be speechless.”

“we haven’t been out for weeks, with all of the battle preparations,” you sighed, placing your face in your hand.

“don’t remind me. there you are, perfect!” niki smiled, squeezing your shoulders gently.

“thank you so much, i owe you.”

“oh, hush. you owe me nothing,” she dismissed. “now, hurry! he’s waiting.”

there was a calm breeze as you walked to your willow tree. the air smelled floral and familiar, like it was curated just for you. you heard the soft strum of a guitar, and your steps quickened.

a grin plastered itself across your face as you saw your love, surrounded by blue petals and lanterns, plucking the strings of his instrument. it was a scene out of a movie as you took a seat in front of him. he smiled at you softly, not speaking until the melody finished.

“i love you,” he began, clasping his hands around your own. “i have loved you since i’ve known you. you are my muse, my meaning. without you, i’d perish beyond means. i promise i’ll care for you when you’re sick, when you take up half of the bed, when you insist on midnight walks- i’ll take it all.”

by now, tears of happiness were falling down your face, you practically already nodding.

“y/n y/l/n,” he started, pulling out a dark ring.

you interrupted him, throwing your arms around his neck and all but tackling him to the ground.

“will- you- marry- me-“ he laughed in between kisses. “i’ll take that as a yes.”

“yes, yes. of course it’s a yes, you idiot. i love you,” you smiled.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“but if you lived happily ever after, where’s dad?”

again, your heart felt pained. your eyes filled with tears as you squeezed your daughter’s hand.

“sometimes, it was just never meant to be…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

please don’t be sad now, i really believe, you were the greatest thing that ever happened to me.

you were married as soon as possible, only your close friends and family invited to the wedding at the willow tree. a few months later, you were expecting. once you told wilbur, he was ecstatic. your family was growing. alas, the past few weeks had been strained. wil had grown further apart from you, feeling as if he were worlds away while he laid next to you. it all became clear, all the pieces clicking once the three of you stood in the final control room.

“wil, please. you’re going to have a child- you have me! you can’t do this, think of everyone,” you pleaded as phil held your arm.

“i’m sorry, my love. truly. i wish there were another way. i will never stop loving you. never,” he smiled sadly, his fingers dancing across the button that would annihilate your entire nation.

“it was never meant to be.”

phil held you close as you sobbed, his shouts at his son drowned out by the sounds of explosions. once the dust settled, you saw your boy, the same one who had always had the brightest eyes, dull and lifeless as he stared at you.

“i love you,” he mouthed as he nodded at phil.

you didn’t quite understand what was happening, not until it happened. your hand flew to your mouth to muffle your screams as the man’s blade plunged itself into it’s target. you scrambled to your lover, his soul already left his body. you cradled him in your arms as long as you could before his father had to carry you away from him.

from that day forward, you pledged to throw everything you could into daughter- the legacy of your late husband. you swore you’d never leave her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

don’t let it get you, i can’t bare to see the same happen to you.

“he’s gone?” she breathed out, tears falling down her little face.

“yes,” you sniffled, failing to hold back your own tears. “yes, he’s gone. but he loved us very much, even if he never got to meet you.”

your daughter clung to your shirt, not fully understanding everything. you would explain to her later more in depth, when she was old enough to understand.

“you were his unfinished symphony. his little melody,” you smiled down at her.

melody would learn to understand her father through stories from you, her uncles, and her grandfather. the two of you continued to visit his final resting place- the willow tree you had buried him at. for a while, it had only reminded you of misery, memories you’d never get to relive. but, ever since melody had been born, the tree was rejuvenated. it even seemed to sway as if it were listening when you spoke.

your wilbur, his love, and your baby, melody.

your symphony.

☾　‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾　‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾　‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾　　☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙　☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙　☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙　☽