afternoondreaming

[afternoondreaming]

Hello, dear viewers! What better way to plan gags for future chapters than to draw out ideas!

[afternoondreaming]

Hi, dear viewers! Sad to say, I’m kind of burnt out at the moment with writing. So! I figured I’d give you a quick funny doodle to tide you over until the next chapter! Drew my own insert again- still trying to think of a name. I think Noon? I hazard to call myself Dream.

[afternoondreaming]

Hi, Sorry to bother you, but the Ao3 the latest chapter got merged together :(

Not a bother, dear viewer! Thank you for letting me know! It should be fixed now.

[afternoondreaming]

New chaaaaapppp!!!!! X3<

Also, nice drawing! I love it! :D XD

Aw, thanks, dear viewer! I hope it was a good holiday treat! I’m hoping to get another chapter done and published shortly after New Years!

[afternoondreaming]

I know this isn’t a chapter, dear viewers, but Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all! I thought I’d draw Mr. Puzzles and my insert for NBLSB! I’m unsure what to call myself—- Afternoon? Noony, maybe? Who knows, but enjoy the Soul Eater pose anyways!

[afternoondreaming]

Imagine: Mr. Puzzles Meets his Narrative Foil

We interrupt your regularly scheduled program to bring you this special showing! I got an incredibly sweet ask from a viewer, @autisticfoxgirl333, about an OC of theirs and Mr. Puzzles. While I forgot to put in my rules that I won’t write for other people’s OCs, I will gladly write an imagine about a generic “you” insert. So! I’m writing a generic version! Hope you don’t mind, dear viewer, and enjoy the program! (By the way, lovely drawing you submitted!)

Mr. Puzzles is a man who craves popularity and positive attention. He’s charismatic, though a little awkward. Therefore, when he’s met with someone kind yet avoidant of the public eye, he’s almost a little baffled.

Someone like you? With your radiating generosity and sincerity that shies away from the silver screen, he almost considers it a waste. You would do amazingly! Why couldn’t you see that? He would make attempts to involve you in programs and while you’re too shy to disagree, your sheepish performance didn’t exactly bring in the ratings.

And yet, he found himself enjoying it. On occasions he would bring you into his Puzzlevision Adventures with no intention to broadcast them. Simply enjoying your company and seeing how you react to different situations. Where he struggles to catch the eyes of others with a manufactured bravado, you seem to naturally attract attention that you don’t even want with your inherent demeanor.

You bring out the good in him, and he brings out the good in you. You allow him to be genuinely himself, and he allows you to come out of your shell and be a bit more in the public eye. Complements of one another that enhance characteristics that are already there. You give him the confidence to start crafting more original stories too, and he’ll give you roles that aren’t center stage due to your sheepishness, yet ones that still get a tiny bit of screen time to show that you’re thought of.

Given you’re actually a true companion to him, you both become rather inseparable. Though it never feels suffocating. He will gladly take on interactions you’re either too tired or too hesitant to engage in, and given he’s a man prone to stress, you help him regulate that.

Either way, you both have a pleasant time. After all, you’re the peanut butter to his jelly! The silver to his screen. He wouldn’t want it any other way.

[afternoondreaming]

No Business Like Show Business (6/?)

Eheh, soooo I lied! Happy holidays, you’re getting a chapter! And one from Mr. Puzzles’ POV of all things. I figured it had been a minute since we were inside his head. I hope you’ll all enjoy!

The room was dark. Quiet now after God knows how many movies. Mr. Puzzles had long since turned off his staticy screen, you having fallen asleep somewhere in the middle of Lord of the Rings. He… Wasn’t quite sure what to do. In fact, he wasn’t really sure of anything at the moment. Why had he even stayed after you dozed off in your chair next to him, popcorn bowl still in your lap as your head lulled? His plan was to leave after all, no reason to stay. And yet… Here he was. Still sitting on the opposite end of the loveseat facing you, even keeping his screen blank so as not to wake you with the light. Perhaps it was to prevent waking you- certainly that had to be it. Though, why would he care? Were he in his right mind he would’ve had no qualms with abruptly rising to his feet and making a grand exit. But, he wasn’t in his right mind.

The evening had been good. The two of you had found a rhythm to conversation, the shared love of cinematography and writing shared between you making it so easy to just talk. To the point where you had to pause the movies multiple times to swap opinions and fun facts— purely because he enjoyed it… You never pandered to the man, never blindly following along with his opinion nor being overly contrarian. He found that you were headstrong, yet not overbearingly. Passionate about your work, eager to share and innovate. Not as passionate as him, of course, who could ever match that; but to find someone with such a spark for the arts. It… Pleased him more than he would like to admit. He had needed this- whatever this really was…

What in the hell was this feeling? His gloved hands came to his face, leaning his screen heavily into his palms. Mr. Puzzles was a charismatic man, in a way he was almost made for the screen. Grand, larger than life, and had grown used to trying to please audiences with finesse and honeyed words. He never really succeeded though. Popular. That is what he wanted to be, what he strove for every second of every day. What he molded himself to try to achieve- and it seemed he finally, finally achieved even a small bit of it. His sidekick- no, Starlet- seemed to at the very least tolerate his company. Perhaps even consider him a friendly acquaintance- though he’d hazard to make that assumption. The way they talked to him, smiled at the movie on his screen, laughed at the jokes, had a glimmer in the eye when discussing the skills of the trade. He… Wanted to see it more. God, he wanted to see it more.

It had to purely be the admiration he was addicted to; Surely. He has made the first step in making his first… Friend. The man let out a heavy sigh, flinching when he realized how loud it was as he froze and waited for your reaction. When it didn’t come, he relaxed again. He hated this feeling; the sensation of not knowing for sure. Life wasn’t a movie or script, it was nuanced. Uncontrollable. His hands fell from his face, gaze resting on your features again. He needed a smoke. With great care the gangly man slowly rose from his seated position, pausing every few moments when he thought you were about to stir from your slumber. As he was about to step away from the loveseat, he turned back, sighing in annoyance as he grabbed a blanket to put over you. Why did he care?! It was annoying, it was-… He couldn’t have his minion catching a cold before their first day.

Over exaggerated sneaking steps carried him to the door, his screen flickering to life again now that the light wouldn’t wake you. “…Good night, Starlet.” He whispered, hand turning his volume knob down to the lowest it could go before he stepped out, closing the door with a soft click. The producer leaned against the railing of the outdoor balcony path that connected all the apartments, lighter clicking as he attempted to bring the flame to life, face exhausted as he brought it to his screen for a drag. The sky was full of stars as he gazed up, moon high in the sky while he watched the smoke twist up into the heavens. He loathed having someone to care about now. If SMG4 or any of his cronies came- he finally had something to lose other than his plan. A friend. A true friend- or one in the making, at least. He hated it. He… Was excited to ask your opinion on the movie come Monday.

[afternoondreaming]

Howdy, everyone! Due to prep for the holidays, I’m unsure if a chapter is gonna come out in December— I’ll be working on it but I doubt it’ll get finished, my apologies! Either way, have a good holiday season everyone!

[afternoondreaming]

Love the latest chap!<3 Also, I think you need to fix it in Ao3 cuz they all got merged together, kind of Junyhybynuujumu

Aw nuts! I’ll get to fixing that, thanks!

[afternoondreaming]

No Business Like Show Business (5/?)

Finally! Back to another showing, folks! Things are slowly getting more interesting. What exactly is going on with the strange scenery? Will you figure it out? Will you ever grow used to your boss' antics? Stay tuned to find out! Also, a special thank you to @just-j3ster for the recommendations on tags!

Waving back to your apparently ‘benevolent’ boss, you straightened yourself out before going to greet him. “Hey, Mr. Puzzles!” Your tone was rather chipper despite the long drive, turning to look at the moving truck before returning your gaze to the TV head in front of you. “You sure you wanna help? I could’ve just asked my work friend.” While it was rather kind of him to offer, you wouldn’t want to impose on your newfound superior.��

“Of course!” His voice was sing-songey, screen turning to a joyful yet uncanny face. “I said I would help, and a good mastermind always helps their sidekick.”

“Really? Still on about that ‘sidekick’ thing?” Sighing was all that statement could be met with, turning to walk to the back of the truck as you dangled the keys. “Let’s get to work then, Boss.” Despite the sarcasm dripping from your voice, Mr. Puzzles didn’t seem to notice. Simply following after you, every single step for him being three for you. The bastard really was tall. With a turn of the latch you shoved the door upwards, gazing at all your earthly possessions. “Ready?”

“Surely! Ah- however…” The look on his screen went awkward, turning slightly away from you in what seemed like embarrassment. “While I have moved before, I just…Haven’t helped someone else.” He coughed to cover the last statement up, switching his picture back to normal. “I’m sure it is similar enough, right? Moving couches and getting stuck in tight stairwell corridors having to pivot and all that?”

“Are-… Are you referencing Friends?” Your arms went slack, looking up to him in disbelief. “Are you being serious and referencing Friends?”

“It… Is my main frame of reference.” With how he slouched in disappointment… He must’ve actually been serious. 

“Well, we have one singular loveseat to move, first of all. Not a whole couch.” You pat the man on the back in an awkward attempt at reassurance. “Second of all, you don’t really need a frame of reference for it. You and I are just gonna move furniture and then in the end, I’ll get some takeout to pay you back. Simple.” Without giving him enough time to protest you picked up a box from the moving van, surprising him by suddenly putting it into his arms. “Let’s get to work! We’re losing daylight.”

“Right! Yes-aha! Onwards!” He recovered from the surprise quickly, holding the box strangely in his long arms and making his way towards the stairwell entrance. 

All in all, it would take around three hours to move most of everything from the moving van into your new apartment. And, despite you once asking for the keys and him throwing your whole printer at you, it went well enough! You were on the last of the boxes as your phone began to ring, excusing yourself to answer it as you watched Mr. Puzzles work. 

“Yo yo!” Tori’s voice rang through the other side, bringing a weary smile to your face. “What’s goin’ on? You regret not taking up my offer to help you move now~?”

“Hey, Tori.” You leaned against the side of the truck, grateful for the moment to relax. “It’s been going well enough, so no, I don’t regret it.” Despite the statement your tone was obviously joking. “Besides, I did end up getting help.”

“Really? What, now that you’re a big shot you decided to hire some moving company?”

“No, I didn’t hire anybody…” You were trepidatious about your answer, but didn’t want to lie to your friend. “My boss decided to help…?”

“…Nah you’re lying.” Tori was understandably shocked. “The head of Puzzlevision just… Decided to lend you a hand?”

“Yeah- I mean, I guess?” You watched Mr. Puzzles, currently struggling to find the best way to hold an awkwardly shaped box. “He’s weird but nice enough.”

“But-like-” Your friend stumbled over her words. “He’s the head of the studio! Why does he give a fuck?!”

“Listen, listen” You replied calmly, getting her to quiet down so you could speak. “Things at Puzzlevision are… Weird. Even just here is weird…!” Turning your gaze from your boss to your surroundings, you once again acknowledged the strangeness of the scenery. “Everything is… Color corrected. Saturated. Even how he moves is over exaggerated!” Case in point, the man was over dramatically trying to keep his balance while making sure the box didn’t tumble down the stairs. “It's just really Twilight Zone around here, man. I can’t go into it right now, but…”

“You’re going to have to dish the gossip later, okay?” Tori said assertively, managing to get a chuckle out of you. 

“Okay okay, sure. We’ve still got more to move, so I can’t talk for long.” After all, you didn’t want your new boss moving your things by himself. That would be taking advantage of his kind offer! “I’ll talk to you later, you snoop.” 

With some short goodbyes you hung up, returning to the TV man’s side. “Sorry ‘bout that.”

“No need!” He replied, fixing his rolled up sleeves and dusting off his gloves. “This was all quite fun! A true bonding montage between mastermind and minion!” Another one of his dramatic poses were struck, prideful look on his screen.

“Well, it's not over yet! And- yet again- Screenwriter.” You corrected him habitually as you grabbed the last box, pulling down the back door of the moving van and locking the car with a click. “Now’s the time where I pay you back with takeout. Now, ‘you more of a pizza or Chinese food person?’ He’d follow behind as you walked over to the stairwell entrance, trudging back up the stairs for the umpteenth time that day.

“I…” Mr. Puzzles began, that awkward look washing over his screen once more. “Don’t really eat, Starlet.” Oh… Right. He had a TV for a head. Of course he wouldn’t eat. You felt so stupid, finally reaching your apartment door and bumping it open with your hip.

“Fuck, I’m sorry, I hadn’t even thought of that… Why didn’t you tell me earlier when I mentioned it!” You dropped the box in the inside hall, groaning as you walked to the loveseat the two of you had moved today and allowing yourself to fall into it.

“Well, I simply didn’t want to rain on a trope!” The man fretted in attempts to console his new sidekick, trying to dismiss it with the wave of his hand. “If it was a veritable tradition, then who am I to deny the audience?!” Who was he to deny the tried and true trope when it worked so well? And, partly, it was selfish. He never had the opportunity to help someone like this before, so the thought of being able to bond with the one who would hopefully turn his ratings around was an enticing thought. After all, loyalty was earned and he had to assure that you wouldn’t be swept away by SMG4 and his group of simpletons when he inevitably came to ruin it all.

“Well I can’t just eat without you, that’s plain rude!” You tossed your arm up in emphasis, letting it fall limply in your own frustrations.

“Not at all! We could do something else if you want to repay me! We could-ah…” Mr. Puzzles looked around before snapping his fingers, coming up with an idea. “We could watch a movie! Aha! Yes, that would be the perfect activity for my newly acquired Starlet Sidekick to partake in with me.”

“...I guess it's thematic.” You replied, sitting up as you looked over to your television set. “I haven’t set up my DVD player or internet, though… I could do it now, I guess.” Shrugging, you got up from your seat, starting to make your way over to the various unpacked boxes.

“Ah, no need for all that! I can play whatever you’d like!” He chirped, happy face flickering onto his monitor.

“...You can play it? Like… On your face?” You weren’t exactly sure what you expected. Logically, it would make sense that a TV could play movies, but… That was his face. “So, what, do I just stare at your face the whole time…? Can you even talk when you’re doing that or am I just basically alone?” Were these questions insensitive? Possibly, though, you couldn’t tell. Luckily, Mr. Puzzles just met your questioning with laughter.

“I suppose you’d be staring at my face, technically. And, no, you wouldn’t be alone~! I can talk through it just fine while I’m playing a feature.” He could sense you were impressed and subsequently got more smug, causing you to roll your eyes. “My precious TV head is much more useful than just displaying my magnetic features~”

“...Uh, yeah, sure, casanova.” You couldn’t possibly roll your eyes any harder at his self aggrandizing antics, but he didn’t seem to care. “Come over here, then.” You waved him over, patting the empty space on the chair and seemingly confusing him.

“Uh, pardon you?” Mr. Puzzles asked, pointing at himself.

“Well, I’m not gonna have you sitting on my coffee table.” Shrugging, you got up and walked over to the kitchen. “Sit down and face where I’ll sit. I’m gonna make some popcorn. You got any movie recommendations?”

You wouldn’t see it, but for a slight moment, a line of bright pink would flicker across the producer’s face for a moment. His plan was to just retract his body into his head and rest on the coffee table, but… You actually just wanted him to sit with you. He’d… happily oblige if it meant earning the loyalty of his new sidekick. He’d take a seat you had assigned him on the small loveseat, fixing his face lest you returned. “Of course I’d have movie recommendations!” He began, glad to focus on it. “I’ve seen everything! We could go strictly classics if you’d prefer: Casablanca, Psycho, The Godfather, Gone with the Wind…” He listed off titles as the sound of popping popcorn lightly rang out from the kitchen, only stopping when you came back with the bowl.

“Let's go with Casablanca, yeah? Been a while since I’ve seen that.” You replied, sitting down cross legged while you situated yourself to lean against the armrest and watch the TV man.

“Ah, you’ve seen it~!” Mr. Puzzles said happily, his head tuning off his face and onto the opening as his hand fiddled with the volume knob. “I knew I made the good choice of hiring someone with taste~! I hope you don’t mind Puzzlevision commentary throughout, then.” He adjusted himself a final time on the couch, resting his head in his hands as he directed it at you.

“As long as you’re correct, it's fine. Hell, I’ll pitch in too when I remember something.” Popping some popcorn in your mouth, you smiled as the familiar intro played. Mr. Puzzles was eccentric, there was no denying that. But, thanks to today, you didn’t find his eccentricities as annoying. “Thanks, again, Mr. Puzzles. For the help.” You kept your voice low so as to not disturb the movie too much, becoming rather transfixed on the screen in front of you. “You’re… Quite welcome.” He replied, similarly quiet. “Oh! Now, you see, they used this shot because…” Mr. Puzzles would ramble on for a while about fun facts, the awkwardness of staring at what was eventually his face fading away when you got engrossed with swapping facts and opinions.

[afternoondreaming]

when you get this, list 5 songs you like to listen to, publish. then, send this ask to the last 10 people in your notifs (positivity is cool!!) :)

Oh wowie! I've never had an ask like this before! I have a lot of songs I like, so this is tricky. I'll just do what I've liked lately!

Break a Neck {ODETARI and Ayesha Erotica}

Daisies {Black Gryph0n and Baasik}

Wolf in Sheep's Clothing {Set It Off}

My Way of Life {Frank Sinatra}

2econd 2ight 2eer (That was fun, goodbye.) {Will Wood}

[afternoondreaming]

Take your time, looking forward to it! X3

Thanks, dear viewer! I’m struggling a little with structuring, but I wanna make sure ya’ll get the best chapter possible!

[afternoondreaming]

What is goody my gang! I’m working on what’ll hopefully be a longer chapter than normal! and a funny one, at that. So stay tuned!

[afternoondreaming]

WEEEEEEEEEEEE!<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3 i’mma give you a THOUNSANDS OF KUDOS Even it said *you already give kudos :)* I STILL!! Jdjjdjdjjejdjdjjcjdjd

I’m so glad you’re happy, dear viewer! May it be an enjoyable viewing experience~!

[afternoondreaming]

Ta-da~! The official release of the cross-posted AO3 NBLSB is officially here!

I hope you all find it to your liking! I've never actually formatted on there (well, not in...three years maybe. Oh jeez.) So if there's any mistakes, feel free to comment and tell me! The AO3 release may tag a little behind, but I'll try to keep it as close together as possible. Also, I'm considering making our own little fic here it's very own tag! Any suggestions, dear viewers?

[afternoondreaming]

No, not the Ao3 requester! Nunyhugbubg XD Different Anon!

“Though, it is really cool to read it in Ao3, I agree with the Anon! (No force!)”

(God I hope I connected the right asks! Would be real embarrassing to get it wrong twice lol). Well then, thank you, different anon! My apologies, I’ve never gotten any asks really before this, so it’s not my forte. I’ll definitely have to get this up on AO3 for everyone.

[afternoondreaming]

I wanna rain you with lots and lots of love and kudos, luv it!!<3

I’m so glad!!! Thank you, dear viewer! I’m gonna assume you were the AO3 requester too lol. It means a lot!