The Song Prompt Version 2 (Pitched by: Alwaysdoubted)
Goal: Pick any song, doesn't matter what artist, genre, or style. Anything is on the table. Once you choose one, apply that song to the couple and have their interactions and the scene tie into it. The song title and artist must be stated at the top. The only difference is, the song must be given to you by your partner.
Song: Strangers to Lovers
Artist: Aaries
Album: Always Remember
Couple: Xan (GbNF Take) and Xianghua
The Scene
The fire properly stoked, the three of us can get adequately warmed up. Ivy's idea of going on a hike away from society wasn't what I expected. A couple of days where I wasn't asked an assault of questions was something I desperately needed for my mental health's sake.
I still cry over all of them. Cass, Shun, Kalina, Baba, Kin, Taki-senpai, Aeon. Setsuka.
Setsuka... That loss was one I'm still struggling to recover from, only from the fact of what I did after I caught word of her death.
I interrogated everyone in Osaka about Mitsurugi's location to challenge him like he so desperately wanted. Only for me to murder him in front of an entire crowd of people before he had the chance to draw his weapon. I think that was when I started spiraling down that dark path.
But to think that I would attempt suicide?
Not even I knew how deep I was, and to be comforted multiple times? Never would I have imagined that to be in my future, especially by the two women I'm currently traveling with.
I didn't expect Ivy to show empathy, but she knew of my struggles in detail since her sister was killed by the man Abyss was before his transformation. Therefore, she understood the pain of losing a loved one. Still, I didn't expect her to stay longer than Amaterasu and Tsukiyomi, anyone could've guessed. But longer than Edgemaster? That's something I couldn't believe if I were told.
And Xianghua?
We fought together a handful of times. I remember when she dueled me for my hand in marriage when I was traveling with Shun and Kalina years ago. Our mutual skill with a sword allowed me to understand her own feelings of insecurity and inferiority to Kilik. Only when she finally felt like she surpassed him, he passed away too.
We've all lost something in a sense, some more than others. Through my time with them and this moment of clarity, I realized all of this and accepted it.
Ivy might've brought us here for another reason, far away from the cities to a cabin only she knows about in the middle of England's forests.
"Here we are. We'll be staying here for the night. I hope you don't mind this, Xan."
"Not at all, Ivy. I thank you for bringing me out here. Being around so many people after what's happened the past few days was not helping my lingering anxiety." I sat across from Xianghua as the fire warmed me up.
Ivy sat next to me, ever the bold one. "Good."
"I'm really enjoying my time with you both! The forest is so breathtaking."
"Well, I know my spots where I want to get away. I'm glad you can join us, despite not being as well known to us. More me than Xan."
"Thanks for bringing me. Xan and I have shared a few battles together, and I've learned a lot about and from him. Edgemaster taught us both, so it's just another web that connects us. If I'm honest, it was by chance that Edgemaster and I ran into Xan at that moment. He told me he would visit me and asked if I wanted to come. I said yes. I didn't expect to have a hand in saving your life. But I'm glad I did so! If you died, we would've lost one of the world's greatest warriors!" Xianghua explained the circumstance that led her to me.
"I thank you, Xianghua. And you, Ivy. I don't know if Edgemaster and the twin goddesses would've been enough to convince me to relent."
"You were truly in a dark spot. But no need to worry. You need not suffer alone anymore as you have me."
"For what it's worth, you have me too!" Xianghua added with her trademark bright smile.
Her optimism's getting to me. I smiled back, albeit not with as much strength. The fact that I tried brightened her expression even more. I don't know if it's the fire, but my cheeks felt warmer from the sight. I don't think anyone noticed.
"Well," Xianghua stood up. "I'm gonna make a final stroll around before it gets dark. I'll be back shortly, okay?"
"We'll be here."
Xianghua nodded before leaving the site.
Ivy then put me on edge. "Don't think I didn't notice your blushing at Xianghua, Xan."
Shit, she did notice, my cheeks burning up.
"She's a cute one, isn't she? I admit, Xianghua has a very infectious aura about her. How else could she get someone who's skulking like you to blush at the mention of her name? You barely know her personally," Ivy reminded me.
That was very true. I barely knew anything about Xianghua, but here I am, blushing like she's Izumo no Okuni.
"I don't know, Ivy. Have you seen Xianghua's swordplay before?"
"I haven't had the pleasure."
"It's so graceful and beautiful to watch. Like Xianghua dancing with her sword in hand. Much better than my own style as original and effective as it is."
"It seems you're drawn to the effort she put in to improve herself. To catch up to the monk... and you."
"Catch up to me?"
"Selling yourself short is not befitting of someone as strong as yourself, Xan. Depressing events aside, you do realize that you're arguably the most powerful swordsman alive right now?"
"Not true. Edgemaster is still alive," I swiftly countered.
"But he's training you in the ways of the Edgemaster, correct? Meaning it's only a matter of time until you surpass him and inherit the mantle. No one knows how long it'll be until then, but the clock is ticking. Can't you tell that Xianghua feels similarly as you do? Despite knowing just as little as you do her?"
"There's no way. What traits in my swordplay can possibly be admired?" I questioned, convinced there isn't an answer.
"Oh, that's easy."
Bewildered, I turned toward her, wracked with confusion.
"Your style's adaptability is without equal, accompanied by an extreme level of precision and speed. Added with an ability to maximize enemy mistakes without mercy is merely a couple of reasons. The level of intelligence needed to begin comprehending how you approach combat is something I rarely see. And parallels your skills with a sword much as you do hers. I can see something sparkling in the both of you, and I will at least try to let you see it as well. She can make you so happy, Xan, if her ability to make you blush so easily is any indication."
"B-but-" I tried to voice a counter, but much to my shock and fear, I couldn't. "Fine. You win, Ivy."
"Good, at least you know when you're beaten. You've bested so many people who've opposed you that I feared you didn't know. But I am your elder, and seeing as I am one of the few people who genuinely have your best interests in mind, you should listen to what I'm saying. Now, when Xianghua returns, you two will speak and clear the air. I will even leave you two."
"Why are you pushing so hard for this, Ivy? I thought you wanted us to be close too?" I wondered aloud.
Ivy's only response was hugging me deeply before pecking my cheek. "But we are both cursed with longevity, my dear. We have all the time to strengthen our bond. Xianghua doesn't have as long as I to spend time with you. Plus, there are some things that even I can't help you with. This matter is one of those things."
Her wisdom was something I didn't know Ivy was capable of having.
"I will suffer with you in due time. But for now, you need a special type of intimacy that Xianghua can provide in spades."
Xianghua returned from her stroll, looking no worse for wear. The time at hand, Ivy sprung her plan. "Well, now that Xianghua's back, I will take a watch of the area. I'll be back in a few hours. By all means, Xianghua, take my spot."
Please say no, please say no.
"Sure! Thanks, Ivy!" Xianghua ecstatically said as she took Ivy's place.
"I will return shortly. Enjoy the fire, you two." Ivy then left us alone.
Well... might as well make the most of this opportunity. "Did you enjoy the trip today, Xianghua?"
"Uh-huh! The scenery was beautiful. Fall back in China is nowhere near as beautiful to look at."
I agreed by nodding. "Japan is much the same. The beauty is short-lived as winter normally comes after, and those are dreadful."
"That makes sense since China and Japan are close in proximity," Xianghua concluded. "So, how are you feeling? As opposed to a few weeks ago, I mean?"
"Much better. I thank you for saving me, Xianghua. Especially since you don't know me well."
"No need to thank me. It was the right thing to do despite not being around you much..." She laid her head on my shoulder. It took a lot of willpower on my person to not jump at the sudden motion. "I feel much calmer when I'm around you. Like everything is going to be okay if you're nearby."
"I am not deserving of such an honor, Xianghua."
She gazed into my eyes. "But I will still give it to you. You may be a stranger, but we can still be friends."
"I welcome that, Xianghua. But... I wish to be more than that." I admit. "Xianghua, you are lovely, and I will be forever indebted to you and Ivy for saving me. I may not be worthy of you, but if you need anything of me, just ask."
My pitch to her was of unconfidence. Unexpectedly, Xianghua kissed my cheek with such passion despite the lack of fire. She kept her lips there, letting the feeling simmer.
"I'm happy you feel that way... because I don't want this to end with us being friends. I want us to be lovers." She then straddled me. "Will you be my lover, Xan?"
Don't back out now, Xan. She can heal you; Ivy said so!
I nodded, completely speechless. Xianghua's face brightened as she kissed me on the lips with fervor and love. I returned it in kind, hoping that this woman can cure the ache that Setsuka left me since she passed.
Xianghua broke away first. "Shall we head inside? Lover? Ivy won't be back, so we have some time to ourselves."
"Yes, of course. May this union last for as long as it can," I said to her.
She kissed my nose, causing my blush to return in force. "I hope it lasts forever. Let's go." Xianghua began pulling on my arm, guiding me to the lodge. "We're wasting time out here."
Song: Angels / Your Love
Artist: Mr. Jukes feat. BJ The Chicago Kid
Album: God First
Couple: Marcus & Loren (Both are OCs)
Fandom: Tekken
The Scene
New York always held the moniker of the city that never sleeps no matter what may be happening in or around town. Times Square was always a marvel to look at during a lazy stroll. The bright lights and signs can be blinding for anyone regardless of their social stature. Never mind physical sight; the same could be said for ambition.
However, the projects were a sprawling maze of poor, unkempt housing falling by the seams - ripe for crime.
The city's police force remained corrupt as ever by way of the recent events around the country. Everyone was on edge for yet another racial-related incident, just as the ones before then, and sadly, the ones afterward.
Atop one of the many skyscraper buildings stood a lone figure, face shrouded in darkness as he overlooked the town he called home. His mind roiled under constant strain at the activity going on at ground level. Even from his position, he could tell when the next bus and train stop would commence. That usually served as his ticket to school and other functions, but not tonight.
Marcus, earbuds inside each ear, closed his eyes, vibing to the current track on his IPod.
Nights like these felt like heaven to the teenage boy while out on patrol. His shift this evening didn't have any wayward occurrences as some previous ones had. A common carjacking and a bank heist, all considered child's play. They weren't on top of the priority list, but those were his orders until he could partake in more essential missions.
Just like his parents.
Marcus considered them his guardian angels watching from afar or literally via surveillance. They tracked his performance the past few months and were generally pleased with his uptrend in progression. Of course, the standards held to him were impossible to ignore, though that hasn't stopped Carla. It only seemed to spur her on further.
Hence why Marcus hasn't won a sparring match against her... yet.
Both of Marcus's hands went upward in that familiar hand gesture. "Rin! Pyoh! Toh! Sha! Kai! Jin! Retsu! Zai! Zen!"
Sleep under moonlight, 'til summer's gone
Gazing at stars bright, wake before the dawn
See all the angels, circle above
if you are able, you could be my love
Unexpectedly, Marcus jumped off the edge, hurtling downward in a plunge from nearly 3,000 feet. His awareness from this height and distance didn't falter, seeing perfectly the signs and nearby buildings to avoid a fatal crash and burn. He flew through the air as if he was shot out of a cannon before spinning midflight. An almost silent 'thoom' sounded as he landed atop an unsuspecting taxi driver's vehicle before hopping from car to car. Marcus's speed increased with each movement, darting in a blur unseen by all patrons in his vicinity. The display finally ended with him stopping within a dark alleyway.
Emerging from the depths, Marcus had managed to change his attire from mission induced to a more relaxed dress - baggy jeans, a dark shirt, and tennis shoes. No one noticed him at all as he immersed himself within the walking throng. He had one last stop before heading home for tonight.
Someone was waiting for him.
Sleep under moonlight, 'til summer's gone
Gazing at stars bright, wake before the dawn
See all the angels, circle above
if you are able, you could be my love
Within a hole-in-the-wall diner, an ebony female sat by her lonesome, absently stirring a spoon in her now lukewarm coffee. Loren had been here for only a half-hour, but it felt longer due to waiting on her guest to arrive. She crossed her legs covered in comfortable leggings, her torso adorned in a long sleeve sweater and a bubble vest.
It wasn't easy to see him most days despite going to the same high school. Both were involved in obligations outside of studies - sports, music, class president (Loren), and many other things. Yet she couldn't imagine all of which he had to juggle, being the son of the infamous ninja duo who worked for the United Nations.
Lorne smiled at the memory of their first meeting, which wasn't what one would say was conventional. She had been dealing with a few bullies that continually harassed her throughout her freshman and sophomore years. Marcus had happened to be walking home with his siblings before he saw what was going on. Immediately, he and Carla broke up a potential fight, more like Carla caving in one of the girl's nose. The others fled the scene as Marcus helped escort Loren home. They talked nonstop on the way there and eventually exchanged numbers.
They've been inseparable ever since.
It makes no sense
Traveling the distance
To get so far
And something's been missing
"Sorry I'm late."
Loren smiled. "Another mission?"
Marcus came around and gently kissed her forehead before taking a seat next to her. "Parents had me track another bogey tonight. That's the third one this week."
"You know there's no worry, Marcus," she dismissed his lack of punctuation. "Did you at least catch the guy?"
"Just barely. The authorities showed up before I could get some answers." Marcus kept his voice down. "I'm starting to get sloppy."
"I wouldn't say that. You just have to play by a specific set of rules. Crooks like that don't."
A frown was Marcus's reply. "Who are you? My girlfriend or mom?"
Loren's sly smile wasn't lost on him. "You really want an answer to that?"
"Eh... no."
"Smart man." Loren giggled before kissing him. "John, can you get me another coffee?"
The barkeeper nodded wordlessly and began preparing the drink. He finished in no time and gave it to Marcus, who made sure the tab was paid before leaving.
I thought I was good
But I really wasn't living
'Cause I ain't had
The feeling you're giving
Marcus raised an eyebrow. "How many?"
"Only two. You know it's rude making a girl wait. Mission or not."
"Trust me, I'd rather be doing something with you than being a nightcrawler all over town."
"Is that so? Hmm..." Loren gave her boyfriend a pensive stare, wondering if she had heard correctly. "And what do you mean by doing something?"
Marcus could only roll his eyes. "Not like that. We promised each other, remember?"
Thinking 'bout your love
(Now I feel it taking over me)
Thinking 'bout your love
(Now I feel it taking over me)
Thinking 'bout your love
(Now I feel it taking over me)
Baby, I need your love
(Now I feel it taking over me)
Marcus could only roll his eyes. "Not like that. We promised each other, remember?"
A light laugh spilled through painted brown lips. "I know. I know. Lighten up. Anyway, you did promise to help me with my Honor's Algebra."
"And what do I get in exchange?"
Loren pouted. "What? Is being my handsome boyfriend not enough for you?"
"Yeah, one who's a walking target for anyone looking to foil the UN. But since I did promise to help you there..." Marcus then grasped her hand. "Then let me take you on an actual date when I don't have a mission. Dinner and a movie?"
Seeing as this was a golden opportunity, Loren made a quick decision. "Ok, loverboy. But only if I get to choose the movie."
Your love
Yeah, my love
(Now I feel it taking over me)
Yeah, would you be my love? (my love?)
(Now I feel it taking over me)
My baby, b-baby, my love
(Now I feel it taking over me)
Yeah, would you be my love (would you be)
Marcus's face fell in horror. Loren was notorious for picking nothing but cheesy, romantic flicks that he held nothing but distaste for. Yet, he couldn't complain too much because his own movie preference always involved action and explosives, pretty much what his night job is now.
Making matters worse was how Loren had leaned forward from her spot on the stool, her ebony eyes swelling with bright, hopeful countenance. "Pleaseeee?"
The boy ninja exhaled deeply, his fortitude steadily crumbling as he knew this would be hopeless to win. "Alright. But no chick flicks."
To his surprise, Loren closed the distance in a soft but firm kiss. "Glad your parents taught you to compromise."
'The things I do for this girl,' Marcus muttered in his head.
(Now I feel it taking over me)
(Would you be) be my love, baby?
(Now I feel it taking over me)
Would you be my love?
(Now I feel it taking over me)
(Yeah, yeah) My love (be my love, baby)
(Now I feel it taking over me)
Ooh, would you be my love?
(Now I feel it taking over me)
My love?
John, who oversaw the entire exchange on the other side of his table, could only shake his head. "Kids nowadays."
AD: Believe it or not, Loren is an actual childhood friend of mine. We've been friends for almost 20 years dating back to our parents being in the military. She is basically a character in this short exert.