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

[resipiscent]

[holy shit.

Riku's seen this guy post before but it's only now that he's actually sat down and listened. The first song is nice, but the second one...

His problem has always been, even before coming here, that he can't sleep. He goes until he passes out, trying to avoid it. This... he feels like he might be able to actually stop for a moment.]

Is that your power?

[matadorable]

heartsong

thats what my power
is called

im told it helps
with many things

but today
i just wanted to
do something for people
who were stressed and scared
and tired

[resipiscent]

Well, you've done a good job of it. Feel like I desperately need a nap. Which is a good thing, for me.

[matadorable]

im happy to hear that

if i can help
at least one person
then i am satisfied

you normally have trouble
with sleeping?

[Audio]

[monge]

[Magic music phone strikes again!

Although difficult thanks to the sudden case of drowsiness, Komasan manages to work his comm without setting anything on fire. You can't just ignore a performance like that, it's not allowed.]

Monge...

[yaaaaaaaaaawn]

Are you gonna be okay tonight, zura...?

[After all, last time he played a song, it was because he was sad. Just gotta make sure nothing's wrong.]

[Audio]

[matadorable]

[He hears that yawning and wonders if maybe his little friend had needed some sleep before now...]

I'm okay, Komasan. [There's a sad smile in his voice.] I know a lot of people are really on edge right now, though. I wanted to try helping them, and...this is the best I can do until for now.

[Audio]

[monge]

[He needs all the sleep, protecting a house full of fuckboys people is hard work.]

Your best is so monge~

[Which is the highest of Komasan praises.]

I bet a lot of people feel real good right now because of you, zura...

[permaaction]

[medalsome]

[Joaquin had had a rough day, emotionally. Work had been fine, his jog had been fine, but then he had stopped by to see Hermann and gotten a rather distressed message from Newton and that had been enough to leave him ragged around the edges. Jumpy. Conflicted.

So it's with great relief that he finds himself relaxing after he's been pacing about his room for a bit. It's almost unnatural, how the progression of his nerves relaxed, like taking a hit of his cigs without even lighting one up. And then he realizes he hears something, tender and soothing, music. Manolo.

He moves to stand in the hallway, moving to his friends' door and just resting against the frame while he listens. It's relaxing and he doesn't want the music to end, but eventually it will and it does, but he doesn't move immediately, not sure if he wants to or not....]

[matadorable]

[Once Manolo turns off the feed, he lets out a quiet sigh that sounds almost tired, gazing down at his guitar. After a moment, though, he senses a familiar presence watching him, and he turns toward the door.]

Joaquin...?

[medalsome]

[Joaquin stands up straight, moving as if he were prepared to leave if asked.]

Hey. Sorry, didn't mean to creep up on you like that. Just thought... maybe you wanted to talk a little since...

audio;

[subourbon]

[Alison has been having a rough time, trying to adjust to this new world only to have one of her sisters abducted during the transition period. She's spent the last few days and nights practicing the superpowers she'd never expected to use, her stress and anxiety building up to a breaking point. So when she hears this music and benefits from it's calming effects, she feels inclined to reach out for two reasons: to express her gratitude, and to gauge whether he'd be interested in performing at events when this whole nightmare situation is over. War or not, the show must go on.]

That was really beautiful! Thank you for sharing your music.

audio;

[matadorable]

[No matter how much praise he gets, Manolo is always humbled when he hears how much other people seem to enjoy his songs.]

Thank you for your kind words. I'm very happy you enjoyed it!

[subourbon]

I've never really heard anything quite like it, or been so strongly moved.

[Which is saying something, because Alison is absolutely the kind of person who cries while watching musicals.]

audio.

[booyahh]

[ Traci is silent for a few seconds before actually getting around to speaking at all. ]

Thank you. That was...really nice and it's a pretty cool ability you have. It is an ability, right?

audio.

[matadorable]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[Manolo's voice is warm and sincere.]

And...yes, my file says I have an ability called "Heartsong".

audio.

[booyahh]

I did. A lot. I bet everyone that heard it did too. [ A beat ]

Heartsong? That sounds like the title of a power from a Saturday morning cartoon! No offense.

[kendo_taisho]

[Heiji'd been getting desperate for something, anything, that could help him find his friend, to help those kidnapped, and had been staying up long hours reading into the night. Anything he could get his hands on. He knows murderers and thieves. He doesn't know soldiers and war.

The music was soothing, and while he doesn't quite plan on going to bed just yet, it clears his head so he can think a little calmer.]

Ah, t'think there's someone with a power like that here.

permavoice;

[matadorable]

[There's a soft smile in Manolo's voice.]

Music is a powerful thing.

[kendo_taisho]

More than I'd expect!

[He sounds cheerful, despite the situation, but Manolo's songs went a long way towards rebuilding his confidence that everything was going to turn out okay.]

Is that somethin' the porter gave ya?

[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.]

[audio]

[royalcodsman]

That was beautiful! You play really well.

[audio]

[matadorable]

Thank you very much. [You can hear the soft smile in his voice.] I am honored by your kind words.

[audio]

[royalcodsman]

No need to be so modest. Just telling it like it is!

How long have you been playing?