#and another much worse one today

[cosmogyros]

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[ancha-aus]

RealAgeAu Drabble - Cafe Gossip

I am back with another Drabble <3 It is another kitty one hihi.

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Also. @spotaus You better be ready :D

Timeline wise? about like... 9 months after nightmare got deaged. Guys have been in farmtale for like half a year (so where the gang is it is winter)

*--------------*

Ccino sighs as he tries to find the damn cattoy. He swears Berry hid it somewhere around the cattree. He just knows. He can see Berry staring at him with joy as Ccino searches.

Ccino huffs as he shoots a glare at Berry "Anyone saying you don't like pranks is a filthy liar."

Berry has the nerve to jump down and nuzzle him with a purr before wandering off.

Ccino starts to doubt if the toy is actually here. He sighs and sits down at the base for a moment. Watching as Dream's cat version, Sun, rushes by. Sniffing, searhcing and crying loudly.

Sun makes a lot of noise as he goes and it breaks Ccino's soul.

Sun rushes to another room and a lot of noise comes from it. Well, that doesn't matter really.

It isn't like he gets cross-universe customers anymore anyway.

Ccino used to be a bit of a hotspot for other travelers. They all loved to visit him and eat as his cafe.

But... well.

That changed when he heard people whine about the damage that Nightmare and his gang had done.

And ccino had questioned why they thought they knew better than an actual god whoes job it was to do what he was doing.

That had just been the start. people said he agreed with what they were doing and how. Ccino tries to explain multiple times he doesn't say what happens is right. but he also tried to explain that just that it is stupid to think they knew better if they don't even know their reasons.

Quite a few insults his way later and the customers left.

It continued like that for a while. Now his place is a lot more quiet than it used to be. Ccino doesn't mind however. Honestly? this way at least the special cats cna mvoe around freely without Ccino having to be worried someone will connect the dots.

And people from his own universe still visit anyway so he is good still.

Ccino sighs as he rises to his feet and quickly goes to the counter. he crouches down and opens a cabinet and smiles softly "hey there Noot." he slowly reaches his arm and hand inside.

Noot blinks his one good eye open and sniffs the hand. then he pushes his head into Ccino's hands for pets which he happily gives one of his favourite cats.

Noot purrs loudly and Ccino feels a part of him relaxes. At least Noot didn't seem to get worse and evne the vet agreed.

...

Look maybe he shouldn't have taken a cat that is somehow connected to a very important person in the multiverse but Ccino was panicking!

He was so afraid Noot had been dying and by expansion Nightmare! He got the cat packed up and took him to the vet.

Ccino doesn't think he ever heard Murder, Oreo, Stain or Rust sound that panicked. ever. ccino had felt horrible about taking Noot away form them. The tiny kitten crying had been soulbreaking.

But he needed to be sure. So he took Noot straight to the vet and waited.

After a long examination and some vague lies the vet reassured him that Noot was just an old cat. To make sure the cat was comfortable and to let him rest his body when he felt the need.

ccino had felt such intense relieve he doesn't think anything is going to meassure up to that. ever. He happily took Noot back to the cafe and let him and the others of his little cat gang cuddle as he got to work.

He hallowed out one of the cabinets and made a comfortable little cat den for Noot and any of the cats that followed him around.

Ccino sneaks a look into the cabinet and smiles "alone today?"

Noot just keeps nuzzling his hand.

a sound of something landing. Ccino glances up and sees Murder on top of the counter, staring menacingly at him, which is sightly ruined by the cute kitten he holds in his mouth.

Murder huffs and quickly jumps down and climbs into the little cubby. He lays the kitten right by noot before starting to groom the bigger cat.

Ccino chuckles before rising back to his feet. He leans on his hand as he watches his cafe and keeps an eye on his cats.

Eventually Ccino's eye lights find a pamphlet. He takes it into his hands and rereads it.

It is a message from the Stars. a short explanation that Dream had been in the wrong and making things worse while Nightmare had been helping people.

It felt amazing being right.

Ccino chuckles as he hangs it on the news board before moving back to the counter. His mind thinking back to the one time he met the Stars... It had been ages ago. Back when the Stars patrolled the multiverse for the Crescents. longer than a year ago...

Ccino sighs as he grabs Stain off the counter again. He tried to give the cat a strict look "don't do that. you could get hurt." Stain just makes a little blep as he stares at him.

Ccino chuckles as he puts the cat back to the ground. Stain looks insulted by the very idea of it before huffing and walking off.

He smiles at the cats carefully before stretching his limbs out.

All in all it had been rather quiet today. Some customers had come by and one of the older cats had been adopted. it always warmth his soul to see one of the older gentle cats finally finding their forever home.

The bell rings and Ccino looks up with a smile "Welcome to the Cuddle Cat!" then he sees who it are and freezes.

He never actually met or saw them in person before. His little corner in his nowhere cafe wasn't exactly a big place. it was just a quiet spot people who wandered lost tended to find. It is how most of his cats arrive here too.

So no. He had never truly expected the Stars to just walk in.

The three walk over with purpose and the one with the golden crown smiles brightly. Ccino immediantly knows this is Dream. Mostly because well... it is just the shape of Dream's face is exactly like Nightmare's...

Dream doesn't seem to notice or maybe he assumes his shock is because of awe? Ccino doesn't feel excited. in matter of fact. he feels a bit sick. Wait! What time is it?!

He glances at the clock. okay. okay. it is only 3. that gives him enough time to get these three out before Ngihtmare's normal arrival time.

Oh shit he really is going to lie to the Stars isn't he?! No Ccino. don't panic. Maybe they won't even ask about that stuff?

Dream starts speaking and Ccino focusses back on him. Dream smiles as he speaks "Hello, I am Dream. and these are my teammates Blue and Ink." Blue waves when his name is said and Ink puffs up his chest when he is named. Dream smiles "We are the Stars. we protect the multiverse."

Ccino gives a slow nod "Yeah.. I heard about you guys. euh... welcome to my cafe. it is a cat shelter and cafe in one, if you wish i could tell you a bit about the concept?" when in doubt return to your customer service lines and voice. go full npc.

Drema blinks before looking curiously at the cats. he gives a smaller smile "I would love to hear it.".

Strange. This smile seems more honest to Ccino. Well, not his business.

The cafe however is!

Ccino takes a moment to explain how this place takes in wadnering cats nad helps them heal and socialise until they are ready to be adopted out again. The cafe is to encourage people to relax with some food and drinks to get familiar with the different cats.

At the end Ccino smiles "Would you like to order something?"

Ink grins and looks proud "We are the saviors of the multiverse!" he grins and looks pointedly at the food items "These all look very good! I would love to have some."

Ccino immediatnly feels done with all three of them even as Dream and Blue give Ink disapproving looks. Ccino had 'famous' customers before. Mettaton tries it each time.

Ccino smiles brightly back "Well! Let me know which one you want to buy! The prices are right by the display."

Ink blinks at him wiht two questionmarks in his eyes. Ccino jsut keeps smiling.

Ink frowns before grinning again "We are saviors. It would be very nice to be given thanks."

Ccino tilts his skull "What did you save us from exactly? I don't feel very saved. Not to forget. I don't do special discounts. if you want something you can pay for it."

Ink glares but Blue stops himw ith a shake of his skull. Blue pulls him back and Ccino can hear Blue berate Ink for acting entitled and just because some people gave him stuff deosn't mean everyone has to.

Dream smiles "Sorry for him." he pulls out a wallet and looks through the many different types of money and gold in there "Three chocolate milks and three shortcakes please."

Ccino nods as he gives the price before turning to make the drinks and get the cakes. It only takes a moment to ready the drinks and food and give them over in trade for the money.

Ccino gives them a smile and motions them towards the table as he turns to put the money away.

A moment later and Ccino can't help but feel like he is being watched. He looks over and sees the stars drinking but also quietly talking. Ccino notices the glances shot his way and it makes him a bit nervous.

It isn't like he made it a secret that he didn't allow slander of Ngihtmare nad his gang in here. maybe that protective feeling he had was going to get him into trouble after all. But how could he not? It wasn't his fault that he had found Nightmare sound asleep in the reading chair before, using his tendrils to wrap around himself as all the gang cats laid around him.

Ccino felt justified in his protective feelings.

silence surrounds them as ccino just does what he usually does.check inventory. check the cats. make sure the machines are clean.

The stars take a long time. it is already past four before Ink and Blue leave.

Only Drema walks voer to him with a gentle smile. Ccino raises a brow "Was something wrong with your order?"

Dream blinks and shakes his skulll "no! Not at all! It was amazing! It is just... I wanted to talk."

Ccino frowns and gives a slow nod "Well. It is quiet now so it should be fine. is there something wrong?"

Dream takes a deep sigh "It is... about my brother." his soul freezes and Dream gives a gentle smile "I have heard.. rumours that he visited this place. I wanted to be sure everythign is okay. and if you dind't realise at least warn you!"

Ccino frowns as he turns back to the machine "I have been clear to everyone in here. I don't allow slander."

Dream frowns as he looks unsure "and I admire that! But... it is for your own safety. If my brother visits this place I need to know. especially when he does."

Ccino shoots him a glare "and why woudl you ened that? To control my place? to control who is allowed to come here and go?"

Drema sputters and backs off looking shocked "of course not! It is for safety reasons!"

Ccino huffs as he crosses his arms "Give me the reason. Because no one here has ever been brought into any danger from Nightmare or the crescents. The people who make the most trouble are those who feel entitled to things or information or feel like they have any say in what i do with MY business."

Dream just gapes at him. clearly unsure what to do or say next. a bit of doubt appears on his face as he rubs his arm "I am just trying to help..."

Ccino huffs as he turns abck to the spotless counter to clean nothing "Give it to someone who actually asked for it or wanted it. I don't need anyone spreading hate and rumours in my place."

Dream just stared at him but afterwards he left.

Ccino is still unsure where he had gotten that bravery from. Protective feelings are overpowered honestly.

The Stars never returned.

Of course they didn't. Ccino had made it clear he didn't want them there at least.

It did slow his customers though and it was a shame to see that happen but at least he ddin't have to worry as much.

Well, that was before Ngihtamre disappeared without a trace.

THe bell rigns.

Ccino looks up and says his greeting wiht his normal smile "Welcome to the Cuddly Cat-" and he freezes.

Because that is Dream. Looking nervous and shy as he waves.

Ccino doesn't even think as he glares before speaking "Well if it isn't the god that didn't evne bother to read his own job description."

Ccino expected a lot.

He did not expect Dream to start laughing before smiling happily a she answers "I know right? I made a mess of things... It is just..." he rubs his arm "I heard you have... very special cats and i was hoping to meet them?"

Ccino wants to say no. Tell him to leave.

But...

The pamphlet.

The fact that Dream's cat version had been screaming his little head off searching for Noot.

Ccino sighs as he waves him up "make sure to turn the sign to closed please."

May as well see this mess through.

*--------------*

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[spookythesillyfella]

UUGHH I JUST HAD THE WORST DAY IM SO ANGRY AND FRUSTRATED GRRRR !!!!! goes to draw my best friend @jumjum-crafts 's guy to blow off steam

★ version without text + reference image under cut :

★ song : "STATIC ELECTRICITY HUMAN – Computer Flavor" – kairikibear

[fictionadventurer]

The more I learn about Civil War politics, the more I'm convinced that Lincoln's most impressive and useful leadership trait was that he never let his pride get in the way of doing his job.

Other people in Lincoln's position would have come to Washington with something to prove. They'd have resented the insults and tried to disprove them. They'd have tried to seize power and credit, rejected help, spent a lot of time trying to reach a certain level of respect.

Lincoln's response to, "You're just a backwoods lawyer with no executive experience who makes too many dumb jokes," was pretty much always, "Yeah. And?" He had no interest in petty personal power plays. He had a country to run. There was a war on. It didn't matter what people thought of him so long as the job got done.

He was aware of his personal shortcomings and was always willing to accept advice and help from people who had more knowledge and experience in certain areas. He presided over a chaotic Cabinet full of abrasive personalities who thought they were better and smarter than him, but he kept working with them because they could get the job done. For example: Stanton was absolutely horrible to him when they were both working as lawyers. Just incredibly mean on a personal level. But when Lincoln needed someone to replace Cameron, he swallowed his pride and appointed Stanton as Secretary of War, where Stanton proceeded to be mean to everyone in the world, but he whipped that department into shape and kept it running efficiently through a very chaotic war. Pretty much no one except Lincoln would have been able to put up with that. He could put up with people who were personally difficult if they could do the job he needed them to do--which he was only able to do because his own ego didn't get in the way.

Lincoln's example is a prime demonstration of how humility isn't underrating yourself--it's being so secure in your own abilities and identity that you don't need to attack anyone or defend yourself to prove your worth. He knew his shortcomings, but he also knew his strengths. He was willing to give other people credit for successes and take blame upon himself for failures if it kept things running smoothly. He was secure enough in his own power that he could deal generously--but firmly--with people who tried to undermine him. In a city full of huge egos, in a profession that rewards puffed-up pride, that levelheaded humility is an extremely rare trait--which is what made it so impressive and effective.

[2hoothoots]

because i'm predictable, what're bobby and chloe up to in the villain au? or how's the dynamic between sam and dogen since he's taken psychoisolation to the extreme?

Bobby's in a pretty similar position to the regular timeline - at least, at first glance. he's overworked and underpaid, constantly crunching to try and keep on top of the ever-growing mountain of paperwork his superiors keep handing down to him.

but i think the trajectory of his character looks pretty different? he never really met Raz at Whispering Rock. he never got humbled by him, never had to suffer the embarrassment of his spot as top dog being yanked away by some new kid... but he also never really got to go through a lot of the character growth from their ensuing rivalry? he's definitely mellower than he was as a kid, but he's got a lot of unresolved issues bubbling under the surface - anger problems, poor self-esteem, a tendency to lash out at authority figures...

he still really believes in the work he's doing, and wants the Psychonauts to be the force for good he knows they can be. but he's carrying a growing burden of stress and exhaustion, stuck in a toxic work environment that's more likely to change him (or just make him snap) than he is to change it.

his only real friend at the Motherlobe is Chloe. Chloe is... well! again, first-glance, not that much has changed. she works the same job in the Motherlobe's engineering and aerospace department, and she still gets to pursue her childhood fascination with space.

but the harsher work culture and the more pragmatic, efficient environment have exacerbated some of her less personable traits. she's blunt, rude, and almost fanatically devoted to her work, to the exception of basically everything else. her workplace safety standards are lax, and her ethics laxer. she'd sell the Psychonauts out for one corn chip if she thought it'd get her better funding for her pet projects

[xcziel]

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[saeshiraw]

tired girl hours i’m just ranting bcos i don’t have enough time to cry

[kitticula]

healing from brain damage is definitely the worst injury ive ever had to heal from so far 😞 this shit is so difficult yall

[scentofpines]

in class today i felt so incredibly out of place again, why does it have to be so hard for me? and, i like this girl, but every single time we have class she mentions her "autism" while happily chatting with 3+ ppl at a time, completely effortless, while im sitting there, staring and trying to focus enough to even understand the conversation bc there is so much noise around me that i feel like i'm about to either explode or shut down completely and i feel like an alien trying my best to somehow socialize and understand what is going on and really to just get through this.

[kimtaegis]

the bitter hilarity of not ever wanting to be perceived yet feeling incredibly hurt whenever you’re being overlooked

[vampyroteuthid]

was wondering why i was suddenly experiencing such a bizarre pain and then remembered i have a silly little psychosomatic (?) condition (?) where that just happens if i'm stressed enough and funny enough i've been very stressed lately. at least that's what i'm telling myself it is and they did actually do the diagnostics on this one and found nothing fr so. ?

[gingerbreadmonsters]

it's okay i can take my time this is a leisure activity vs give me my fucking dopamine NOW

[lunacchi]

I hope we meet again someday, my friend...

[sealeneee]

siiiiiiigh

[killjoy-prince]

That scientist should not be 18 years old are you kidding me???

[tblsomedoodles]

Little Morgan doodles

I had to watch some bullshit training videos at work so have some simple Morgans I drew to get me through it.