Reignited

Reignited

After what seemed to be hours spent recording, Dia hit the play button on the dj's laptop, starting up the cheery tune. The chord structure, the catchy syncopated rhythm, even her own performance of the vocals - they were perfect! She closed her eyes and started swaying to the beat.

Frederick shot her an annoyed glance, and quickly shut off the recording, much to his friend's dismay. He folded his arms and groaned.

"It's terrible." The Octoling declared, his voice deadpan and dejected.

"Why?" Dia squealed back. "That was our best take so far!"

"And it sucks."

"Explain! Do you wanna change up the score or something? Are the lyrics too corny? Oh, um....is it me?" The blue Inkling's voice softened with her last question.

Frederick sighed and grabbed his friend's hand, his other on the laptop's trackpad. His eyes locked onto the screen as he replied.

"It's definitely not you," He said sternly. "Listen to this section right here."

He skipped to a certain part of the recording, and played a few seconds of it. He winced as he picked up on the mistake.

"You hear it, right?"

"No. "

"Listen again!" Fredrick played the clip back, this time wiggling his fingers in the air, mimicking his keystrokes. "That synth line was so damn depressing! That's the build to the chorus - it's supposed to be loud and in your face. I played it so half-assed- it's horrible! And boring! Hell, that's how I sounded during the whole thing."

"Well...." Dia began, shifting uncomfortably in her chair. "Maybe this genre isn't your thing, ya know?"

"And punk rock isn't yours, but that hasn't stopped you!" Fredrick snickered. He let go of Dia's hand to get up and stretch. "I can't stay in one genre forever. I wanna be a better producer, so I need to branch out. And besides, I really want this bubblegum - y pop thing to work. Your voice is so much better suited to this rather than my edgy old songs."

"I mean - there's nothing wrong with your punk stuff! I liked them!" Dia giggled. " But I see your point!" She got up from her chair and went to the fridge, pulling out two bottles of iced tea. She tossed one to her friend, who just barely caught it.

"Maybe you just need to take a break! Get some fresh air, find some inspiration! You're probably burnt out from working too hard!" The blue Inkling grinned.

"No thanks. " Fredrick replied quickly, looking away nervously.

"Actually, we should go out! There's a gorgeous place I always go to when I need to think! I can show you!"

"Okay fine...." He grumbled, rolling his eyes. "As long as we get food along the way, I won't complain!"

"Yay!" Dia cheered. "C'mon, let's get going! You're gonna love it!"

The blue Inkling put her hat back on and grabbed her friend by the arm. Still groaning about it to himself, slipped his messenger bag on his shoulder and slipped his headphones inside before the pair left the Octoling's apartment.

For the first time in maybe a week, Frederick found himself outside in the early afternoon sunshine. Was it always this obnoxiously bright? He followed behind Dia, who was humming loudly as they got on the next train together.

Finally on board, the two took their seats. Already winded from that short walk, the Octoling caught his breath and looked over at his friend next to him. He had noticed the straw fedora she was wearing earlier, when she first came over, but only now did he realize how nice it looked with her blue pinafore dress. Tying it all together was a pair of daisy stud earrings - something he could only see now that he was up so close.