04 ♥ audio (Jan. 22)

[matadorable]

[After Newton's request, Manolo wasn't able to think about anything else, and the usual compulsion to play his guitar only grew more intense with every hour that passed.

He knows what he needs to do now, despite the way his stomach keeps doing flip-flops at the thought of broadcasting something so personal, pieces of his very heart, for everyone to hear.

Eventually, Manolo scrapes up the courage to turn on the feed.

He wants to dedicate this music to everyone who needs someone right now, whether it's because they're lonely, sad, or frightened. But Newton already cautioned him against making any sort of preamble, so without a word he begins to gently strum his guitar.

Unlike his public performance earlier this month, however, these songs have a distinct ranchera sound to them and are completely Manolo's own work. Each word, each note serves as a bridge into his soul.

The first piece (which may vaguely sound like this) is inspired by Newton's original message. An appeal for people to reach out if they need a shoulder to cry on, to let themselves be vulnerable enough to receive help, and to call on Manolo if they need someone to support them. A solid reminder of the power of friendship, of community, and the universal need to lean on somebody. His soulful words carry a strong sense of warmth, love and security that anyone listening to the live broadcast may end up sharing themselves.

The second piece has the mellow tone and rhythm of a soothing lullaby that might remind someone of this a little bit, and it includes gentle reassurances that everything's going to be alright, so please, try to relax, let your mind unwind, and allow your body to get the rest it may need. People listening to the live feed may find some much-needed calm and respite in this particular song, and anyone who's been struggling to rest lately might discover that the song has temporarily taken the edge off their stress and anxiety enough to help them finally get some shut-eye once bedtime actually rolls around.

Once both songs reach their conclusion, and the final chords fade away, Manolo quietly ends the broadcast.]

Comments

[audio]

[timecapture]

[Because she's really not good at mind-texting.]

Thank you, Manolo.

[audio]

[matadorable]

For you? Anytime, Max. [There's clear concern in his voice.] I don't know what else I can do for you right now, but...if there's anything, anything at all, please let me know.

[timecapture]

Thanks. You're doing enough. Just take care of yourself, okay?

[It was nice to be able to hear music again.]

[matadorable]

Thank you. You too. As...best as you can, anyway. And if you ever want to hear more songs, let me know. Alright?

[timecapture]

I will.

[She's... really not in a position to guarantee taking care of herself, but she'll try.]

[matadorable]

...Good. [A beat.] Do you need some more company?

[timecapture]

That sounds great. How are you holding up?

[matadorable]

Well, I'm fine, so you don't need to worry about me. You were right, actually. About me and my friend. We worked things out.

[timecapture]

I'm glad to hear it! It's good to hear that things worked out.

[matadorable]

Thank you. I hope this means he and I can work together to help everyone somehow.

[timecapture]

I'm sure you can. And if he's even half as nice as you are, you two will do great.

[matadorable]

Oh, Joaquin is great! He was practically a superhero back home.

[timecapture]

Did he have powers?

[Because here, that is a legitimate question.]

[matadorable]

He had a magical item that gave him powers. I hear a lot of heroes back home actually get their strength from such things.

[timecapture]

Wowser. How did he get it?

[matadorable]

From a god. It was a gift, like many magical items tend to be. This one, though, was...probably not something humans needed to have.

[timecapture]

Gods exist?

[Really, Max?]

[matadorable]

...Yes?

[timecapture]

Wowser. I never really believed... well, I didn't know what to believe.

Are they at least nice?

[matadorable]

I can't speak for all worlds, I guess, but that's how it works where I'm from.

Some are very nice! The one who gave Joaquin that item? Not so much, no.

[timecapture]

True, but even if our worlds are separate, it's nice to know some of what's out there.

Really? What was that one like?

[matadorable]

He was a liar and a cheat with a weakness for bets. And also a sore loser. This is a bad combination when you're dealing with a death god. Not exactly good for your health, you know?

[timecapture]

That sounds awful. I'm glad you're away from that.

[matadorable]

Well, I made sure he got an earful before everything was said and done. Maybe he learned his lesson.

[timecapture]

You told off a god? That's awesome!