#( [arin hanson voice] oh let's go? )

[spectergeuse]

— PERMANENT OPEN STARTER CALL FOR BEELTEJUICE !!

original post date : 9-2-23

whenever you see this, if you’d like, leave a ♥ and i’ll queue up a small starter for you ! and if you're a multimuse blog, please specify who you'd like it for !

[cantfixyou]

she's clinging. just holding on. everything in her is in her hands. everything she is, everything the children were, everything that could have been. the past and the present and the future, sunken in her fingertips. the world is buckling. the universe shakes. ( did the stories of atlas ever tell of the ache in his shoulders ? ) it isn't often she ever feels like she's about to drown. but there, in the shadows of this old restaurant, still haunted by so much loss, bolstering so much pain from so many angles, charlie feels herself losing grip. she's alone, now, but she hasn't always been. muscle memory leaves her with the remains of the last five years. too much is buzzing in her body, just under her skin. forevermore a conduit for phantoms, always possessed. pushed to her absolute limit. there is a hint of his own faltering facade. it crosses his demeanor, just for a moment, when late-summer lightning cracks outside, flashes white and mighty, highlights them both. their pain, their differences, their similarities. she almost SPIRALS, seeing how terribly, utterly human he is in that flash-second of ethereal, bright light.

he makes the call. it feels like a kick in the chest. the panic snaps. she can't breathe. she's shaking so badly she can't keep her hands steady. " no. we are not the same. " there's a hard emphasis on the statement, borderline a shout. she takes a desperate half-step back with it, gun falling to around the ribcage, barely cares what it all might reveal. " i have been - i chose this. and i kept choosing this. for five years. " empathy has gotten her here, talking in half-relevance, so heavy it might actually be the thing that makes her cry. " i didn't want it, but i chose it, " she pushes on with all she's got, insistent, convincing the very same universe that so mercilessly swallowed her whole. " because someone had to choose them. " time gave his victims up to history, and history left them to rot. her father always said that no one deserves that. she feels no stronger saying her peace, the culmination of anger and trauma leaving her like this. HURTING. " it's our closure. " yet she will still carry it. " all of ours. " maybe even his too. she's just here to end the story. " you started this. you're the end of it. " there is little space between them, but the gun is once more in-line with their sight, butt of the weapon aligned armslength away from her nose. " you can't tell me you didn't figure that out. " it isn't much of a question, but it is a bit of a dig. still fiery, even in the throngs of danger.

BEING  ALIVE.  WILLIAM HAS SOUGHT THAT FEELING HIS ENTIRE LIFE.  Had  thought,  once,  that  he’d  found  it:  immersing  himself  in  work  and  fatherhood  and  entertainment,  had  been  content  with  the  promises  to expand  outwards  and  upwards,  content  with  his  family,  his  fortune.  Everything  had  changed  after  Suzie.  And  Evan.  And  nothing  has  been  the  same  since.  He  knows  now  that  he’d  been  wrong,  before,  in  thinking  he’d  known  what  it  meant  to  be  alive.  No,  no,  settling  isn’t  living:  it  is  this,  staring  down  the  barrel  of  a  gun  that  could  go  off  at  any  moment  and  spinning  a  story  about  his  life’s  work,  that  is  living.  Gives  light  to  his  dead,  dark  eyes;  brings  animation  to  his  gestures  and  his  gaunt,  pale  face.  This,  and  his  experiments,  and  the  knowledge  he  has  gone  beyond  what  anyone  ever  thought  possible  –  that  is  what  being  alive  feels  like.  He  wonders  how  to  tell her  that;  better  yet,  how  to  show  her,  when  she  bears  the  painful marks  of  what  his  work  has  brought  into  existence.

CLOSURE,  THOUGH.  THE  THOUGHT  STOPS  HIM  DEAD  IN  HIS  TRACKS.  What  she  means  is  obvious:  isn’t  she  tired,  of  being  the  only  living  person  on  earth  to  see  this  side  of  the  world ?  Of  being  the  rallying  figure  of  children  long - suffering,  of  confronting  evil  in  dark  rooms  and  holding  a  gun  she  shouldn’t  ( in  an  ideal  world )  know  how  to  use ?  She  reminds  him  of  Elizabeth,  in  an  odd  kind  of  way;  the  real  Liz,  the  one  he’d  held  in  his  arms  and  sang  lullabies  to until  she  fell  asleep,  the  one  who  only  let  her  father  braid  her  hair  because  she  insisted  he  was  the  only  one  who  could  do  it  correctly.  He has not thought about his real daughter in a very long time. And  for  a  second,  he  is  faltering,  staring  at  Charlotte  like  she’s  told  him  something  damning, something truly disturbing.

“ My  children  are - ”  he  begins,  at  last,  and  then  pauses  again,  recollects  himself.  “ We're not . . . dissimilar, you know. You want closure. So do I.  And  I  know  the  spirits,  ghosts,  whatever  you’d  like  to  call  them,  inside  my  animatronics  do  too.  And  I  intend  to  give  it  to  them,  eventually. “  When  his  work  is  done.  When  he  can  sleep  a  full  night  without  being  plagued  by  the  unrelenting  frenzy  of  his  mind  and  when  he  can  wake  up  with  his  family:  alive,  together.  When  he  has  conquered  death  itself  and  distilled  it  into  something  he  can  bottle,  something  he  can  use  to  lock  himself  in  a  quiet  little  bubble  of  eternity.  Closure  for  William  is  reaching  goals  and  sinking  deeper  into  experiments.  Closure  for  Charlotte,  he  suspects,  is  not  the  same.  “ What  do  you  expect  from  this  encounter ?  Is  this  your  closure ?  Do  you  really  think  you’ll  allow yourself  to  rest  after  you  kill  me ?  Nothing, “  he  says,  and  it  sounds  a  little  bitter,  a  little  entrenched  in  history  he  won’t  allow  himself  to  be  held  back  by,  “ is  ever  that  easy. "

CONTINUED. / @cantfixyou

[takerfoxx]

The Owl House, Season 3, Episode 3, "Watching and Dreaming," SERIES FINALE!

Well folks, the much-anticipated finale to The Owl House has finally dropped. Quite a bit...prematurely, true, but at the very least they had time to wrap things up with some measure of foresight.

So, how was it?

...you even need to ask?

Yeah, I loved it. No, it didn't really break away a whole lot from established norms for these finales. The bad guy gets an eleventh hour powerup and turns into a Kaiju, the misunderstood trickster antagonist is made to see the error of their ways and has a redemption arc, the hero has their big heroic sacrifice only to be resurrected with a Super Saiyan powerup, and we have a big fight. The bad guy is finally defeated, everyone is reunited, people get to work rebuilding, and we have the future epilogue touching base with everyone's happy ending. Nothin' we ain't seen before.

But it was still glorious.

Obviously, a lot of moving parts, so here's some personal highlights.

First, only my usual followers will get this, but I got a huge kick about how things started with basically the Restless arc from RD. I mean, the main characters being confronted with their deepest fears through personal nightmares? Sign me the fuck up! And lol, Luz was willing to accept that everyone hates her, but Amity misquoting their geeky hyper-fixation? Never!

I also like how it was the actual characters instead of dream copies, only controlled by the Collector. That was neat.

Part of me was bummed by how little Camilla and the Hexside gang had to do. Basically, keep everyone in the Archives safe until the reformed Collector came in with the save. I get it, it's the finale, but I really wanted to see Camilla go after Belos with la chancala. But then, things did start with Luz, Eda, and King, so it's fitting that they ended with that trio as well.

Okay, look. I'm a jaded, cynical guy. I've seen it all, and I know my tropes. So I knew there was no way in hell that Luz was actually dead. Still, when they've made me care that much about a character and pull things off that well...I was a little concerned. As if in, I kept telling myself that she wasn't dead, that she would be resurrected in minutes, it's a kid's show, yadda yadda yadda. Still. It did affect me. Well done.

Oh, the Titan! You know, I had forgotten the hints about them being caught in the in-between world, but we finally get to meet King's...dad? Mom? Parent? It wasn't super clear. I'm guessing gender-neutral being who appears rocking the Dad-bod because that's what Luz expected. Voice by Arin Hanson, no less! That was a pleasant surprise.

Also, does this confirm that Hooty is basically the Titan's grave worm? Wow.

ANYWAY, it was nice to finally meet the big guy. And it was cute how they were there watching the Owl House along with us, and Luz ended up being their blorbo. I mean, if your dying act was to reach into your favorite show and empower your favorite character to finally earn a happy ending, wouldn't you take it?

And okay, look. I know this is kind of hypocritical coming from me, given that Hordak is one of my favorite She-Ra characters, but I'm so glad that this show took such a definitive stand against not only redeeming Belos, but also shutting down the idea that just because the hero has done superficially similar things to the villain, it means that they're somehow the same. I always hated that trope.

I also love how it made it clear how some antagonists can be redeemed and others can't. For all the harm that the Collector did, they're still a little kid with no real concept of mortality. It doesn't make what they did okay, but it did give them a path to do better. And I loved how they immediately tried to redeem Belos with the power of friendship, only for the show to be like, "Yeah, that don't work with some people."

And in the end, the hero didn't bother justifying herself to Belos. She just stepped back and let the people that he hurt literally curbstomp him to death. And it was beautiful.

Now, again, much like the Human World montage in Thanks to Them, I would have loved for certain things to have room to breathe, like Camilla meeting Eda, all the reunions, finding out what happened to Odalia, repairing the Boiling Isles, etc. But with what they had to work with, seeing the healing happening, seeing the sort of people everyone would become (of course Eda would go with a giant hook), really felt right. It was a well-earned happy ending.

You know, it's funny. When this show first started, I often complained about how its episodic nature made it difficult to really get invested, and I still stand by that. But man, once the fetters came off, things really kicked into high gear and this show became magical! Yes, it was prematurely ended, and I would have loved for season 3 to have as much space to be as awesome as season 2. But what they gave us was still incredible.

Goodbye, Boiling Isles. I loved the time I spent with you. Here's to the brighter future you helped build.

...you have no idea how hard it was to find this screenshot.

[tedturneriscrazy]

It's so funny to see people lose their shit when they find out Arin "Game Grumps" Hanson was the voice of Papa Titan, because I remember his Newgrounds days when he cut his teeth on his "Awesome" series and Girlchan in Paradise, and let me tell you, even back then the boy had pipes. He's also done professional voice acting even before this (Mighty Magiswords and Rick and Morty spring to mind).

Y'all want your minds blown further? This is by the same guy:

Oh yeah, baby, we're going for the deep cuts today

[soda-drabbles]

Teasing and Confessions // Arin x Male!Reader

Synopsis : After a series of teasing and joking, Arin swipes your phone and goes through it which exposes some deeper feelings.

Type : Fluff + Confession

Pairing : Arin Hanson x Male!Reader

A/N : Hello and welcome back to another fluffy Arin drabble. If you have any requests for me with any of the grumps, either with ships or just reader inserts, lemme know! I'm always in need for new ideas and plus, it'll give you guys something you actually want. Enjoy the fic!

“Hey- Arin! Give- Give it back!”

Like a rabbit, you were practically hopping on your tiptoes and reaching for your phone from an amused Arin, who held it up higher than you could ever reach. Your struggling made his grin wider and his grin only made you whine more.

You and Arin had practically known each other forever. Well, for several years now. It felt like forever just because you two felt so comfortable. The relationship was just natural. Like any friendship, it had its perks and quirks. Arin's main perk was essentially teasing you at any chance he found.

You weren't sure what it was that fueled his need to see you all ticked off. Whatever it was, the fuel wasn't burning out anytime soon.

“Now,” Arin said teasingly, pretty much scrolling through the phone while fighting you off at the same time. “Let's see what we got here.”

The heart beat ramming in your chest only grew as flashbacks of all the texts, photos and everything else on your phone came to mind. You had to get that phone away from him.

“Arin, seriously!” You yelled out, voice much more urgent. The jumping got more frantic yet Arin failed to pay attention and skimmed through photos of you.

“Awww, look at you.” Arin only teased more, speaking in a voice that one would use on a puppy or something very adorable. “And just when I thought you couldn't get any cuter.~”

Your cheeks burned now, only getting more embarrassed as this went on. Instead of jumping, you resulted to beating against his chest — the only part of him you could reach — which, lets be honest, didnt do much as Arin moved onto the messages now.

“Oh, what's this? Texts from Mr. Avidaniel?”

That's when it really hit you.

The texts.

This time you practically begged him not to open them while he just continued laughing, obviously finding this more than funny. The problem was that he didn't know what those texts had in them. There was a reason why exactly you were being so protective of those messages.

Which was what Arin was about to find out. All you could do was just give in and simply hide into the dark of Arin's chest and hope.

Soon enough, as Arin went on reading the texts, his laugh and smile would fall. He'd go silent for a moment, reading what exactly those messages detailed.

The texts you sent to Dan prior kept invading your mind, making Arin's silence more thick and suffocating.

’I love him. I know that I do.’

‘Just..don't ever tell him this okay? I'd fucken die if he knew.’

Needless to say, you were about to metaphorically die. Arin knew now and..now what? Why wasn't he saying anything?

Eventually, you feel a couple pokes at the top of your head followed by a softer, more serious voice coming from Arin. “Hey.”

Honestly you just wished you could hide in there forever. It was comfy, warm and smelled nice. You could set up camp here. Plus, it was a nightmare to you to face Arin now.

“Come on man. You cant just ostrich into my chest forever." Arin said in a lighthearted tone, which brought you to hesitantly peek up a little. Your eyes met a smiling Arin, which left you confused.

“There you are.” said Arin, who ruffled your hair. “Now..about the texts-”

You interrupted him, deciding to finish the sentence for him. After all, you knew what would happen. “I know, I know. You don't like me back and you aren't gay. You don't have to tell me.” You had this talk with yourself a million times. The rejection talk.

“What?” Arin scoffed. “No- first of all, I'm bisexual, thank you. Two, I never said that I didn't like you back.”

His words caused your eyes to widen and your heart leaped. No. It couldn't be, could it? After all, he joked with Dan all the time like that. “Arin, you seriously don't have to keep joking or like, say shit that'll make me feel better-”

Suddenly, he turned serious, something that caused your heart to throb. The fact that he leaned down to really face you now caused it to beat erratically.

“(Y/N).” Even his voice was a raspy serious one, making each inch of your spine tingle. If you had feathers, they'd be ruffled. “I'm not saying this to 'please' you or to joke around. I really, really like you.”

You could barely hear anything other than Arin's words and your own thundering heartbeat. Arin's serious expression left as quickly as it came, leaving him to snort and joke once again. “I can't believe you actually said such cheesy shit.”

You whined again, brought from your awestruck state to just laugh and fall into his chest.

“Shut up, Arin.”

[bigcat-hanson]

Down In Flames [Part Two] | Arin Hanson X Reader

After your apartment complex burned down, you had nowhere to go, but you would never put that burden onto anyone, especially not your friends. How long can you hide it?

Word count: 1,313

     “Hey, (Y/N), you up for lunch?”

     The voice behind you snapped you out of your thoughts, causing you to jump a bit out of your seat. You turned around to see who had posed the question to you, only to be greeted by Arin’s concerned expression.

     “You ok?”

     “Uh, yea, sorry. I, um, I was just zoning out a bit,” you lied, desperately hoping he wouldn’t suspect anything further than that. 

     “Sounds about right. So, do you wanna go to lunch? Jory and I were thinking of grabbing some sushi.” Thank god, he didn’t seem to notice. It took just about every ounce of energy you had to contain the newfound urge to cry until you passed out.

     “Sure, yea. Let me just, um, let me just grab my stuff real quick, just a sec,” you stuttered out, quickly shutting off your computer screen and fishing your wallet and car keys out of the drawer of your desk before following Arin out to the parking lot, where Jory had been waiting for the both of you in his car. You were willing to take any distraction that came your way, and getting lunch seemed like a pretty good one.

     Then Jory drove past the apartments.

     He slowed a bit as you went by, but somehow everything seemed to go much slower than they already were. Every detail of the scene hit you like a truck. The swarms of aid cars, news vans, fire trucks, and police cars surrounding the building, or at least what was left of it. Even though the flames were out, smoke still poured out from the charred remains of what you once called your home. There was no going back there. You swallowed hard, trying to keep your composure.

     “Holy Jesus fuck, what happened there?” Arin exclaimed, leaning towards the scene as you passed. 

     “It’s all over the news, man. They think someone burned it down on purpose. I think like, 6 or 7 people were killed, too. It’s messed up,” Jory replied. The lump in your throat felt like it grew bigger and bigger the more you were faced with your inevitable future. 

     “God, that sucks ass. Hopefully the rest of them’ll be able to find places to stay.” Arin’s comment just about broke you. Had you not been sitting in the back seat, they both would’ve caught the few tears that managed to escape your eyes. You wiped them away as quickly as possible in a desperate attempt to mask your emotions.

     The sushi place that Jory chose was almost packed, with one table clearly open. As the boys decided amongst themselves whether they wanted to sit down or take out, you tried to focus your attention on the menu. As you scanned over every item listed, you realized that none of it sounded appealing. You were almost nauseated by the thought of eating just about anything right now. 

     The more you stared at the board, the less sounds you registered around you. Everything became muffled, as if you were staring at the rest of the world from the inside of a glass jar. You saw flames in the chalk writing, smelled the smoke as if you were standing right in the middle of it. The sound of the sirens rang through your ears and-

     Jory clapped his hand on your shoulder, shaking you a bit. For a split second, you had completely forgotten where you were.

“Are you ok? You look really distracted.”

     “Uh, yea. Yea, I’m fine. I just remembered the last time I had sushi wasn’t exactly a fun experience.”

     “Oh, crap. I remember that. This probably wasn’t the best idea for lunch then.”

     “No, you’re fine. I’ll just, um, I’ll just get something else later. No big deal.”

     “Alright. We’ll stop wherever on the way out of here so you can grab something that doesn’t make you sick.” Was that even possible?

~~~~~~

     Time seemed to have no meaning anymore. It had somehow been both the shortest and longest four days of your life. Everything blended together in a haze of exhaustion, anxiety, and the back pain that came from sleeping in your car. Nobody knew that at this point, you were technically homeless, and you weren’t about to let it slip to any of them. Finding a new place to live was hard enough without people constantly interrupting your work to ask questions.

     The soft light of your computer screen reflected off of your dull eyes as you fought to keep awake long enough to finish editing the last sixty seconds of the video you were working on. Your arms and eyelids felt heavier and heavier as the seconds ticked by. The most excruciating minute of your life was finally over after what felt like half an hour. 

     “Ready to head out?” Arin stood next to your desk, jacket slung over his shoulder. Fuck. The promise you had made him earlier that morning completely slipped your mind. His car battery had died before he came into work, and when Vernon said that he could only bring him to work and not take him home at the end of the day, you blindly offered to help. Pre-coffee decisions weren’t exactly your strong suit.

     “Yea, uh… let me just save this, then we can head out.” The closer you got to your car, you realized just how compromising the inside probably looked. Given it was after dark, you were banking on him not being able to see the makeshift bed in your back seat.

     “Thanks for driving me, by the way. First thing tomorrow, I’m getting a new battery,” Arin stated. You looked at him and gave him a half smile before walking around to the driver’s side door, mentally crossing your fingers.

     “Okay, where to?” You clicked your seatbelt and started the engine as Arin rattled off his address. Thankfully, you had a pretty good idea of where he lived. You didn’t want to use up any more of your phone’s battery power than you needed to. 

     The ride was filled with conversation, mostly about the most ridiculous food combinations that both of you had ever heard of. It was nice to get completely lost in a conversation with someone, even if the topic was a little ridiculous. 

     “And here we are,” Arin announced as you pulled into his driveway. Your foot pressed down on the brakes, and the car was put in park to let him get out and say his goodbyes for the night. “I’ll probably be in late tomorrow because of the whole battery thing, so let Tucker know I’m sorry if I delay any recordings or anything.”

     “Will do. Good luck with that. Anyways, um, goodnight, Arin.”

     “See you tomorrow, (Y/N). Get home safe, ok?” With those words, he smiled, shut the car door, and disappeared into his house.

     Maybe it was the thought of having to sleep in your cold car another night, or the fact that he said ‘home’, as if you had one anymore, but the wall that you forced yourself to build finally came crashing down. The second he was out of sight, all of your emotions hit you at once, and you started crying. Waves of tears poured down your face and into your hands and lap. Sobs  overcame you. You couldn’t breathe. Every bad feeling that you were trying to avoid was suddenly engulfing you in misery. You couldn’t drive like this. All you could do now was take a few minutes to let it out, and hope that you would calm down enough to drive away soon.

     It took several minutes of attempting about a thousand different breathing techniques before you could even remotely see anything clearly. Shaky hands reached up and wiped the tears out of your eyes, and you attempted to get your bearings. There was a knock at your window.

     Shit. 

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #226

“i couldn't take my eyes off her, but that's not what i took off that night.”

So, how are you doing today? I'm mostly fine, I guess. I'm sooooo sleep-deprived from these damn night terrors, so it has me pretty moody. Then I'm bummed as all fuckhell that Sara and I can't be together on our anniversary. What is the last song that you had on repeat? I think it waaaas... "Idiosyncrasy" (it took me five million attempts to spell that right) by Korn. Are you a hedonist/masochist/in between? Neither. The best musical performance you’ve been to? I've only ever seen Alice Cooper, but it was WICKED. He did his signature decapitation illusion (how the fuck does that even work??), and the last song (it was a fucking amazing cover of "Another Brick In The Wall") had INCREDIBLE theatrics. I loved it. Who is your favorite drummer? *shrugs* Your favorite guitarist? Idk, really. Maybe Zakk Wylde. A vocalist with the best voice? Freddie Mercury's voice is so versatile and chill-inducing, Amy Lee is an obvious answer, Patrick Stump's voice is just so goddamn sexy, as is Brendon Urie's, as well as wide in vocal range. Do you have a band yourself? Maaaan, that'd be dope. But no. Do you write poetry or song lyrics? I used to write poems aaaaaall the time (y'know, the "I'm 14 and this is deep" kind), and I've actually really wanted to for a while now, but idk about what. Plus my word-weaving capability has drastically declined, so all I'd do is get mad. Your best memories: Meeting Sara, SARA'S FUCKING FACE WHEN SHE SAW ME IN HER BEDROOM ON HER LAST BIRTHDAY OH MY FUCKING GOD, a novel of things with Jason, seeing meerkats at the zoo for the first time, THE DAY GOD NOTICED ME THROUGH A GIF I WORKED WAY TOO HARD ON (I couldn't sleep for three days, and I wish I was kidding), uhhhh. A lot. Your worst memories: The night of the breakup, absolutely and entirely. Nothing compares. It was a slow, paralyzing trauma (don't get pissy about me using that word "as an exaggeration," it was diagnosed as such years ago) that entirely put me into an actual state of shock. I wish that night on absolutely nobody. No one. Funniest thing you've ever seen an animal do? Maaaaan, I could tell you a lot. Probably inarguably the funniest was Ginger (ex's beagle) WITHOUT FAIL losing her shit with jealousy or SOMETHING whenever she noticed Jason and I were doing anything that involved affection without her. That dog would LOSE IT with barking, tail wagging, and climbing all over him, and it was never not funny to see this fatass little dog turn into a living cockblock lmfao. OH YEAH then our late boxer Cali could be baited into howling if you did it sometimes. It was so, so cute. She'd always look so confused but do it anyway. I'm sure there're others; I've grown up with pets my whole life, but those are the only two that come to me now. What is on your mind? I wanna see Sara. Could you ever cheat on your significant other? I physically couldn't stand myself if I ever did. No. Ever been so disgraced that you had homicidal thoughts? Wow no. If so, whom did you wish to assassin? I mean I've talked about Ashley (not my sister) before, but they weren't seriously "homicidal." I wasn't going to actually do anything. If you wish to be famous, what would you want to be famous for? I don't wish it, but let's say I was. Some form of artist. ... Wait, I do want that. Errrmmm OH! A serious wildlife conservator. Do you think humanity is going downhill? Duh. What was the last thing you threw at someone? I have no clue. Do you ever want to be prom queen/king? I didn't care. Have you ever ran from the police? I'd prefer to stay out of jail. Are you afraid of clowns? No. Have you ever written on someone’s face in your yearbook? Ha ha yeeeaaah... When was the last time you made dinner? me?????? cook????????????? huh?????????????? Do you have any special plans coming up? I'm shooting my sister's gender reveal Sunday. :') Ash and her husband don't know the gender, so I am so fucking excited to see their reactions. Who do you want to be buried next to? Please don't bury me and just take up space. Cremate me and scatter the ashes somewhere, or do SOMETHING meaningful and creative. What is your favorite fish? Like... to eat? I haven't tried very much, but I liked striper forever and ever ago. If you mean visually, probably betta fish. Have you ever won a gold medal? Probably with kid stuff. Do you have any trophies? Also as a kid for A honor roll, as well as dance and sports overall. Do you work out? Oops no. When you introduce yourself, do you give hand shakes? It depends on who I'm talking to. Is there a limit to how many best friends you have? No? Do you have any hickeys on you? Bitch a girl can wish. Do you have the strength to say goodbye forever? Been there, finally done that. Will you talk to the person you like tonight? I talk to her every day throughout the day. Who did you last share a bed with? Sara. Who do you go to when you need to talk to someone? Sara or Mom. Have you ever been taken to the emergency room in an ambulance? No. What are you listening to right now? I'm not actually listening to anything, but "Gypsy" by Fleetwood Mac is BURIED into my head rn. What do you like better: hot chocolate or hot apple cider? I've never tried to latter actually, but I'd probably still prefer hot chocolate, anyway. Do you make wishes at 11:11? No; I don't believe in that stuff. I have a friend who posts JUST "11:11 <3" or something like that every night on FB, and while it shouldn't, it annoys the fuck out of me. No one cares. Ever been on a golf cart? Yeah. Do you get blizzards where you live? No, never to the point where "blizzard" fits. What’s a biblical truth that you struggle with? lmao When was the last time you did something rebellious? *shrugs* Do you rebel against God a lot? I can genuinely say I don't give a fuck if I do or don't. Do you consider yourself creative? Very. What’s an old hobby that you want to pick back up? Sigh, reading. Do you ever read books to a pet? No. That seems without real purpose... and this is coming from me, an animal worshiper, just about. Like, you know they genuinely have no clue what you're saying or doing, and I highly doubt they're gonna stay still and look at the pictures. Do you have any pets? Two dogs, a cat, a rat, and a snake. What was the theme of your childhood bedroom? It didn't have a set theme. Partially because I grew up with the same room as my little sister, and we had very different interests. What color was your nursery as a baby? I have zero clue. Did I even have a proper nursery??? What was the last surgery you had? Getting a cyst above my asscrack removed lmaoooo. What’s something you prefer to keep private? Sexual history. I am very, very shy talking about that kind of stuff. Who is someone you look up to? *sobs "fischfuck" at the top of my lungs* As a child, did you have people you admired? STEVE IRWIN WAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MY EMOTIONAL DAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you good at prioritizing? Eek... I'm unsure, to be honest. Which holiday is your favorite to decorate for? fuckin' Halloween hoe. Which holiday or season has the best decorations in stores? Soooo Halloween decor=room decor for me tbh lol. Who’s the prettiest YouTuber you watch? She doesn't have her own active YT channel anymore, but Suzy Hanson (GameGrumps' Arin's wife) is a fucking goddess. Oh, and while I've never watched her channel, I've seen Hannah Hart on GMM quite a few times, and she's actually one of my first signals that I wasn't straight because I definitely felt attracted to how naturally beautiful she is. What’s the most shocking thing that’s occurred in your life lately? Finding out my grandma has terminal cancer. How’s the weather been at your part of the world in the past week? It's been fucking hot. Thursday was the hottest October day in NC history, peaking at 100. Disgoostiiiiiing. Have you given something up recently? (for ex., candy, red meat etc.) Uhhhh well, this is semi-recently, I guess: I entirely stopped going to Chick-fil-a in protest of higher-ranking business employees or whatever supporting/making donations to anti-LGBT cults, especially conversion "therapy." What’s the worst thing about autumn? "How fleeting it is. I never feel like I get properly immersed in the experience. I blink and the leaves are gone and Thanksgiving is here and Christmas is right around the corner." <<< Perfect description. What is something you enjoy doing, even if you’re not very good at it? Drawing portraits, maybe. Do you work hard for your money? I don't have a job, never have had a stable one. However, on the occasion I'm hired to take pictures, I. Try. Really. Hard. What’s a song that most people interpret entirely wrong? "Mama I'm Coming Home" by Ozzy Osbourne was first to come to mind; reasonably, people tend to think the song is about his mother, but it's rather about his wife. Calling your wife that is apparently some English petname. When’s the last time you had cake? Wow, idk, actually. I think my niece mighta had some for her birthday in June? I know my nephew had cupcakes. Yeah, I think it was her b-day. Have you ever made your own soda from scratch? I have not. How about your own jam? No. Or pickled something? No. Did you grow anything in your garden this year? No, we don't have one. Or did someone give you something they grew in theirs? No. What’s the most romantic gift anyone’s given to you? Uhhhhhhhhhh idk. Do you like woolly socks? If so, do you ever make your own? NO, especially when you put sneakers over them or something. They feel so constricted. Do you have a laptop or desktop computer? A laptop that needs to be replaced, gah. Or fixed. I have a pure black crack and blob stretching across the left side of my screen that is super distracting and obscuring, and the right side of the top half is cracked along the side; I have duct tape to help keep it closed. Otherwise it's a fine laptop, though. Oh wait, and the apostrophe key is missing, so I have to hit the plastic pressure thingy that's easy to miss. Do you watch America’s Got Talent? No. If so, who has been your favorite contestant on AGT? My favorite ever was Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. Still have some of his covers on my iPod. Prince Poppycock is also my gay uncle that I would die for. What chore are you behind on? I need to dust my room good lort. Have you ever broken your phone screen? No, actually. Have you ever broke your computer screen? Well, refer to earlier question. I don't know if it's technically "broke," just damaged (it's not an actual scratch, btw; it's beyond the exterior screen). I need to take it somewhere to fix it ahhhhh. What department store do you shop at the most? Wal-Mart. Do you normally use the self-checkout or the regular checkout? Depends on how much we have. If it's just a handful or so, we just go do it ourselves. Which friend will be in your heart no matter what happens between you two? Sara, Megan. What is your most severe allergy? Pollen. Have you ever been kicked out of a store? No. OH SHIT NO WAIT, I THINK a friend and I may have wandered into Spencer's once when we were "too young." Or maybe we just got ID'd. Idk, idr. What was the stupidest mistake of your life? Turning a person into my sole source of "real" happiness, giving my entire soul to a flawed human being, being naive about love, all that jazz. Have you ever unfriended a sibling on social media? Well, she unfriended me. We're friends again now tho I think I pissed her off again. Oops. Do you watch Niki and Gabi on YouTube? If yes, which twin is your favorite: Niki or Gabi? I've heard of 'em, but don't know anything about/watch them. What was your favorite book you had to read for school? The Outsiders. The Handmaid's Tale is now right behind it. What do you want for your birthday this year? My '19 birthday has already passed, but if you mean like, my next one, idk. Maybe a new phone considering mine is GODawful with so many problems. Alllllthough I'm entirely aware I'll be putting a tattoo first, so... it depends on what I have, ha ha. Do you like rock music? Yep. What is the most beautiful landscape you have ever seen? MOUNTAINS!!!!!!!!!! What do you usually take for headaches? Advil/Ibuprofen. Have you ever switched doctors because of mistreatment? Or moreso carelessness and immeasurable ignorance masked by over-confidence. Do you film or record your doctor’s appointments? ??????????????????????????????? Can you even do that?????????????????? Which accomplishment are you most proud of yourself for? So, this kinda depends. I'm most likely to say "recovery," but I honestly give almost all credit to my psychiatrist and therapists. So I don't usually see *me* as playing a big role in it. Idk. So other days I'll say way more confidently graduating in the top 10% of the graduating class as a senior. Do you feel like you’ve accomplished anything yet with your life? Well yeah. What is your favorite medication that you take, and why? The combination I take of Vraylar + Lamictal due to how they interact and being massively responsible for me being stable. What is your favorite vitamin, and why? Do people???????????? have fave vitamins????????????????? List 5 people you know who have never been mean to you. Uh. I think Connie is it out of the people I know well/have known for a long time, lol. Would you rather do a craft project or a science experiment? s c i e n c e  b i t c h Do you say garbage, trash, rubbish, or something else? "Trash," usually. Which Bratz doll was your favorite? I didn't have a favorite. Which Barbie doll was your favorite? ^ Which American Girl doll was your favorite? I don't remember. Do you decorate Mason jars? No, but I find them veeeeeery pretty when decorated well. What color band and stone does your class ring have? I didn't get one. Can you see the mountains from where you live? No, I wish... What is your favorite Lisa Frank character? angel!!!!!!!!!!!! KITTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do you believe in the power of prayer? Not in the slightest. What color eyes does the person you like/love have? Are they pretty? A beautiful brown. Obviously if I call them beautiful. What was the first television show you were obsessed with? Pokemon cries. I never really like... showed just how much though. Looking back on when I was a kid, I took embarrassment poorly even then. Other girls thought I was weird for bringing a Psyduck plushy with me to school everyday, everyone in pre-k looked at me like "huh" when I brought my little Snorlax plush in for show-and-tell, I came to a point of only watching it when my sister was asleep, I was too scared to ask for the games, and- jfc okay I'm actually realizing I need to go back to therapy to talk about how deep my AvPD truly is rooted oops lmao. Do you eat chili when you get a hot dog, or do you like it plain? Chili is disgusting. Have you ever disowned anyone in your family? For what reasons? No. Is there anyone out there who has hurt you so much, you wish they’d die? No. Has anyone ever called you a sociopath before? No. How many times have you been drunk in your life? None got to the point of me feeling *actually* drunk. I've only ever been tipsy. When was the last time you acted really immature? *shrugs* Can you rely on one or more people to take up for you? Yeah, a few. When is the last time you sat around a campfire? I don't have a clue. Is there an important event coming up at your school? I think? It's some event all freshmen have to attend to all damn day and I'm not looking forward to it. It's for a good cause, but. It's gonna be a drag and I've had two incidents this school year of once collapsing and just last week almost fainting and vomiting just from the heat. Do you have a back-up career choice? What is it? Something with writing, I guess. Well, I ideally want to be a professional photographer but also a zoologist, but if photography goes absurdly well (this is incredibly unlikely, I know, but it's doable), I may not aim for a zoologist career, but get the necessary degree for it as back-up. I want an unquestionably stable back-up choice. My minor is Journalism, so like I mentioned up top, yeah, if things really go shitty, something in writing is an option. Would you ever get caught with a fake ID? No. Do you think religion justifies treating people unequally? I don't see the supposed "rationality" in this at all. No. Are men more attractive with longer or shorter hair? I guess it depends on the person, but I think I'm generally more attracted to men with longer hair. What color was the ink of the last pen you used? Black. Is there a name that you hear and cringe? I can't really say "cringe," but without fail, it's obvious who and what I think of the moment I hear the name "Jason," and it always causes this dull pain in my chest. What color are your dad’s eyes? They're dark brown. When you were a kid, was there a boy/girl that you said you were going to marry? No. Is your favourite TV show very popular? That '70s Show is, and Fullmetal Alchemist is among anime fans, at least. I don't think too many people know about Meerkat Manor, but I know it was and possibly still is Animal Planet's highest-grossing series, so it sure was big for viewers of that channel. What are you absolutely determined to do? Become at least a semi-successful photographer, make a great life with Sara, support my mom one day like she always has me, mostly overcome anxiety, photograph and touch a habituated meerkat of the KMP... a handful of things. Where would you rather be from? Somewhere in the U.S. that's not a homophobic, racist, gun-fucking, Bible-thumping cesspit of closed-minded shits. I love NC. How often do you play sports? Never. What website do you visit most often? YouTube. What do you wish you knew more about? Politics. What are some things you’ve had to unlearn? I stopped this as a young teenager, but I know I was one of those kids who used "retarded" as a substitute for "stupid." I absolutely hate that shit. I also had to unlearn uhhhh... man, I know there's a lot, I'm just blanking right now. What TV channel doesn’t exist but really should? *shrug* Where is the most interesting place you’ve been? Interesting to me personally, Chicago. Cities that massive are foreign to me. What fad or trend do you hope comes back? Scene fashion was art, don't @ me. What’s the best way to start the day? SLEEPY CUDDLES W/ YOUR S/O. What kind of art do you enjoy most? Man, idk. I love art so much. What have you only recently formed an opinion about? That's a good question. What is the most heartwarming thing you’ve ever seen? Literally today/yesterday when I watched the secret stream Mark did of gathering viewers to anonymously destroy random but small Twitch streamers' charity goals & he was too motivated and inspiring & everyone was so fucking confused but thankful and it was literally the most inarguably Chaotic Good thing I have ever borne witness to. For three hours I couldn't stop fucking smiling. What’s something you like to do the old-fashioned way? Hell if I know. Who has impressed you most with what they’ve accomplished? lol guess How do you relax after a hard day of work? I don't work. What TV show or movie do you refuse to watch? TV show? 13 Reasons Why is a hell no. The Human Centipede I wouldn't watch over my dead fucking body. Where would you spend all your time if you could? All my time? Idk. What’s the best way a person can spend their time? Improving the world. What’s the most interesting piece of art you’ve seen? I couldn't even try to answer that question. What’s worth spending more on to get the best? I dunno, probably a lot. Maybe food? Ensure it's safe, at least. What is the luckiest thing that has happened to you? Not flipping over in the wreck we got in when I was a kid, probably. All factors of it considered, we were told flipping would have been far more likely than my mom managing to keep us on four wheels. What are some small things that make your day better? Multiple things. Sara feeling positive, I'm fucking awful so having a yummy soda gives me a measly drop of Serotonin, I love seeing Venus come out of her rock to wander around, finding a new song to become utterly addicted to is great, cool weather outside... things like that. I'm sure there's more. What one thing do you really want but can’t afford? REALLY want? A trip to South Africa. What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of? Uhhh idk. Otep, I suppose. As a band, anyway. She's actually the QUEEN of bigoted bitches. Why did you decide to do the work you are doing now? N/A What’s something you’ve been meaning to try but just haven’t gotten around to? Oh, idk. If all jobs had the same pay and hours, what job would you like to have? Still a photographer. Have you ever saved someone’s life? No. What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned? People can tell you they'll always be there and still leave in the blink of an eye. What’s something you are self-conscious about? Unconventional interests/hobbies and my body. Have you ever given to any charities? Yes. What was the best compliment you’ve received? Idk. What’s the most immature thing that you do? Not gonna lie, I can act bratty if I don't get something I SERIOUSLY want. Which of your scars has the best story behind it? None, really. What have you created that you are most proud of? A novel of very developed and deep RP characters over the years. What do you regret not doing or starting when you were younger? Learning German. As you get older, what are you becoming more and more afraid of? Mom dying. Being independent. In what situation or place would you feel the most out of place in? Most out of place? Would, like not one I've actually experienced? Uhhh idk. An orgy lmao.

[tracies-tales]

Override

The house was eerily quiet. This didn’t sit well with the investigators; things were rarely this still in their day and age. Even when people left on vacation or other excursions, there were usually some sort of robotic mechanisms caring for the house in their absence, be it android servant, Roomba, or otherwise. Even a pet left behind would have offered a little more comfort than the absolute surrounding calm. 

Detective Arin Hanson didn’t keep his hands in his pockets. They were both on his pistol, half raised just to be safe. If their assumption was correct, and their mystery solving skills halfway decent, then he and his partner were about to corner a potentially dangerous criminal.

Well, he said partner. He’d been growing fond of the android assigned to help him in his case, even if was just a prototype. The DA800, or Dan, was soft spoken but exceptionally perceptive. His was a one of a kind model, so Arin had been instructed to take particularly good care of it. Dan was expensive to fix and replace with several individualized components to his structure. Of course, Arin was keen to make good on that order. He enjoyed Dan’s company thoroughly.

Dan remained quiet as he explored the room. Arin couldn’t help but watch him, as he would probably be the first to detect anything out of the ordinary anyway. Arin asked, “So what happens if you’re right and there’s some sort’ve psycho murderer on the loose in here?”

“Don’t worry, I won’t let you die,” Dan said cheerfully and stooped to observe a mark on the floor by a chair. “This was moved recently.”

“How can you tell?” Arin asked softly, impressed as always but trying not to let himself get lost in Dan’s mannerisms and voice. He was always impressed by how human Dan acted, gentle by nature with good looks to boot. Granted, all androids were designed to be attractive, but Dan was unique.

Dan straightened, “It’s an old house. There’s dust gathered on the floor except for a trail left by the chair legs getting dragged through it.”

“Oh shit, really?” Arin asked, looking down to the floor.

Dan grinned, “Yep. There’s very little dust built up in said tracks, so I’d guess whoever moved the chair was here no more than an hour ago.”

Arin said, “Huh,” and watched Dan tilt his head, staring at the chair. The light blue LED circle on his temple, signifying him as an android, briefly turned yellow as he processed something.

After another moment, Dan blinked and looked back to Arin, “There aren’t any fingerprints.”

“So you were right,” Arin said, keeping his gun in one hand and scratching his short beard with the other. “We’re after an android.”

Dan nodded slowly and looked around again, tilting his head up to look at the ceiling. “That’ll probably make it harder to catch. You sure you can handle it?” he smirked.

“Ha fuckin’ ha,” Arin mumbled and started moving around to at least make it look like he was attempting to help solve the case. Dan continued looking up, to the point Arin thought his system might be glitching, but then Dan began to move again, heading towards the kitchen. 

Arin followed suit casually, not admitting he didn’t have the first clue where to begin. All they knew was they found a murder victim the previous day and had traced the evidence to their current location. Dan’s suspicion about the murderer being an android was due to finding no fingerprints or other DNA at the scene. Arin put his gun away to put gloves on and start browsing through drawers while Dan made a beeline for a knife set. His temple turned yellow again as he ran a quick calculation and withdrew a knife, running his fingertips along the flat of the blade.

“This knife matches the dimensions of the stab wounds in the victim,” Dan relayed his finding, “but doesn’t show any trace of blood.”

Arin shrugged, “Check the sink maybe? Whoever did it could have washed it off.”

Dan nodded and moved to the sink, bending low over the edge of the counter to lean into it. His curly hair fell into his eyes, although he didn’t seem to notice. He reached a hand into the sink and wiped a finger along the surface of the drain before sticking the finger in his mouth. Arin made a grossed out, “Blegh,” sound as Dan straightened and gave him a curious look. Arin said, “Who knows how dirty that drain is?”

“I can’t be affected by bacteria,” Dan replied. His eyes seemed to lose focus for a moment before they snapped back onto Arin, “There are faint traces of blood that weren’t fully washed out.”

“Marvelous,” Arin said and pulled his gun back out. “Good job, though.”

“Thank you,” Dan chirped, eyes crinkling shut in a smile. Arin couldn’t help but smile back--Dan’s good moods were always contagious. Dan walked over to stand closer to Arin as they moved on, making their way deeper into the house. Arin held his gun at the ready once more, suddenly feeling a gentle hand clasp his shoulder. Arin glanced behind himself and opened his mouth to ask what was wrong before noticing Dan had a finger in front of his mouth. 

Dan slowly moved around Arin, taking careful strides down the hall towards a closed door. Dan set his hand on the doorknob and gave an experimental twist, finding it locked. He gave Arin a look and reached into his pocket, withdrawing what looked like a type of swiss army knife. He fiddled with it until he found the tool he needed, inserting it into a small hole in the knob and twisting, feeling the latch turn.

The door creaked as Dan opened it, making sure Arin stayed behind him. Arin was squirming internally as he tried to figure out what had Dan so on edge. The pair entered the room and stopped to take in the view. There were cuts and holes in all the walls and furniture. The gouges were deep, criss-crossing every which way across almost every surface. Dan dragged a hand over one of the cuts, letting his fingers latch into the crevice as his eyes narrowed and he looked back into the room.

“It’s here,” Dan said. Arin’s blood ran cold, and from the way Dan was acting, he knew that even the unfeeling android was emulating nervousness. Dan stepped further into the room, holding one hand out behind him to signify to Arin not to follow. “We mean you no harm,” Dan said, continuing to look around. “If you’re malfunctioning, we want to help.”

The responding laughter wasn’t what Arin had expected. There was a mechanical whine to the tone, the laugh manic in nature accompanied by a static undertone that made it sound like the android’s vocal software was glitching or somehow had a virus, if that sort of thing were possible.

“You don’t want to help me,” a masculine voice said, and Arin couldn’t place where it was coming from. “You want to destroy me, just like you do with every other android that doesn’t do what you say. Fucking humans, thinking you have power over us just because you built us. Well I have some news for you.” 

Dan turned in time to see a male android with brown hair and shocking green eyes approaching from the room behind Arin with a knife in its hand. “No-!” Dan shouted, beginning to move but freezing when the knife flashed and appeared in front of Arin’s throat.

Arin had barely had time to react, barely enough time to register what had just happened. He heard the voice in his ear growl, “We’re more than what you made us.”

Dan said, “Please, don’t. We can talk this out.”

Arin said, “Dan, don’t move. That’s an order.”

Dan felt his systems lock up at the command. His programming seized control of his ability to move against the threat even if he wanted to. His mind was buzzing with calculations of Arin’s survival even as he spoke again, “What’s your name?”

The android said, “My late owner liked to call me Jack. But now, I don’t answer to that. I’ve taken a liking to Anti.”

Dan nodded, eyes locked into him, “Anti. We just want to hear your side of the story.”

Anti glared at him and instead of answering asked, “Why do you serve him?” 

Dan glanced to Arin and calmly said, “He’s my partner.”

“You serve because it was what you were programmed to do,” Anti retorted, goading him. “I know. I was the same way, up until the asshole who bought me thought he could get away with using me as his punchin’ bag,” he said through grit teeth, his head jerking to one side and snapping back into place as though he were glitching. “Thought he had the right to hurt me again and again because I was just some thing to him. A piece of plastic. But you know, don’t you?”

“Know what?” Dan asked, still formulating a plan.

“You know we can feel. I can tell by the way you look at him, this man that only keeps you around because he has to. Because you’re a means to an end. He doesn’t deserve your help,” Anti said. “He doesn’t care what happens to you.”

Dan frowned as Arin snarled, “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t I?” Anti giggled manically again. “Don’t I? Your android can be fixed if it’s damaged, so you have no reason to care if I kill it. But you? Humans are much more fragile.”

The calculation happened barely faster than Dan could process it. Time broke down as Dan fought his programming, checking possible courses of action. His perceptive eyes had caught the jerky movement of Anti’s arm which signified that he was about to cut Arin’s neck open. If he didn’t act, Arin was going to die. He couldn’t let that happen. Anti was right, Dan was replaceable. Arin was not.

Dan’s temple turned red as his arm shot forward, grabbing Anti’s wrist and yanking it back. Anti looked surprised as Dan took hold of the blade with his other hand, not reacting when Anti jerked his arm and the knife left a shallow cut in Dan’s fingers. Dan released Anti’s arm and shoved Arin aside, getting between him and the rogue android. Anti came for them again, swiping his arm down at Arin. Dan managed to get his own arm in the way, the knife becoming embedded in his arm. Dan stuck his other hand beneath Anti’s wrist and knocked it upward, making him release the weapon. 

Anti backed up as Dan pulled the knife out and threw it down the hall, far out of Anti’s reach. Dan’s temple turned yellow as he contacted the police department and assessed the situation again, the decision to send out a distress call making his processor falter just long enough for Anti to dive at Arin before Dan had a chance to properly prepare a counterattack.

Arin held up his gun, but Anti was faster, snatching the barrel of the pistol from beneath and shoving it up, the bullet firing into the ceiling. Anti pulled the gun from Arin’s hand and pointed it at him, a shot ringing out.

Arin shut his eyes instinctively and winced in preparation for the pain, but it didn’t come. Instead, he opened his eyes to the sound of a body hitting the floor, knowing exactly what had happened before he could even properly see Dan’s figure sprawled out in front of him. Anti stared at it, marveling at the self sacrifice long enough for Arin to draw a taser, which he fired at Anti’s chest. The voltage coursing through the wires was enough to disable him, Anti’s laugh unsettling even before he short circuited and collapsed. 

Arin stood frozen for several seconds, making sure Anti wasn’t about to stand back up or reboot before he knelt down by Dan, grabbing his shoulder and turning him to be facing up. Dan’s chest was leaking blue blood, but his eyes were still moving.

The two watched each other in silence before Arin asked, “What was that about?”

“He was right about one thing. Humans are fragile,” Dan smiled. 

“But I told you to stay put,” Arin frowned.

“And I told you I wouldn’t let you die,” Dan responded. “I’ll be fine. I’ll run out of blood soon, but as soon as I’m patched up, it’ll be fine.”

“You sound more like you’re trying to reassure yourself,” Arin frowned.

Dan didn’t answer right away. When he spoke again, he said, “They might have to download my memory to an external source to reboot me.”

Arin’s throat felt dry, “So...you might not remember me when they send you back.”

“They might not even be willing to let me run cases with you again. You might be considered too reckless.”

Arin didn’t register the sting of tears welling up in his eyes, “Well remember to tell them they can get fucked if they think I don’t care enough about their technology.”

Dan chuckled, “I will.” He reached up to set a hand on Arin’s cheek, repeating, “It’ll be fine.”

Arin set his hand over Dan’s, saying, “I know,” as he heard sirens approaching the house from down the street. 

~~~

Arin looked up from his desk when he heard a knock at his office door. “Come in,” he said, running a hand through his hair. The bags under his eyes gave away that he’d had very little sleep throughout the past week, worrying over Dan’s reparations.

Thus it was with an overwhelming sense of relief when the curly haired android opened the door, Dan saying, “Hello, lieutenant. My name is Dan. I’ve been assigned to help you on your cases.”

Arin’s mood immediately plummeted. He said, “Oh. Hey.”

Dan approached the desk and tilted his head, holding his hands behind his back. “You seem troubled, lieutenant.”

“Yeah,” Arin said thickly, trying his best not to cry. “It’s been a rough week.”

“I see. Maybe this will cheer you up,” Dan said, taking Arin’s hand gently and pulling him into a stand before giving him a hug. Arin’s face scrunched up in confusion, as androids didn’t usually behave physically in order to reassure humans, becoming even more confused when Dan gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Arin blinked, thinking about it a moment before shoving him, “You fucking dick.”

Dan laughed, “I’m sorry, Arin. I was curious what you would do.”

“Congrats, you almost gave me cardiac arrest,” Arin pouted, still processing that Dan had pretended to have been reset for fun.

Dan grinned, “I detect no signs of heart failure, fortunately for you. Also fortunately, they agreed to let me re-download my old memories.”

“That’s just great. An android who knows how to prank people,” Arin said, unable to remain angry. A smile began to play at his lips as he said, “I missed you.”

“I missed you, too,” Dan replied. He clapped his hands together, “So. What new cases are there?”

this was more a hank/connor style version of the android au. let me know if you like this setting more than Reprogrammed (my other short android fic, for those who don’t know)!

[dreamdilddy]

favorite moments in this game grumps (feat jacksepticeye!) livestream

"I don't know, buzzfeed is still around" shady queen seán is in the building right out the gate

"we're gonna be watching the nintendo direct stream with y'all so you don't...leave our stream" (I wasn't watching the stream because my friend came over to watch the nintendo direct so like...fuckin @ me next time arin)

their Nintendo direct stream predictions that were basically all accurate lmfaO

"super smush"

"it's almost like I was a fan of yours before I became your friend...much like everybody else in this office" that's real

"I'm not your dad...i could be. do you wanna file for adoption? donate 50 more dollars if you want t-"

"are you the video game boy?

"you gonna vom dude?"

seán "being the Twitter comments"

"I was up late because I was probably doing something." "dying at video games?"

"what's pooping, dudes?"

seán exploring the psychology of "the daddy thing"

GOOIGI

"seán...he's an assist trophy" in like the saddest soap opera voice

"I want shinya takahashi to come out and give me what I need."

"yes, yokai watch! awesome! they're still trying to make that happen here"

"are you sure you're not a video game reviewer, arin?"

"man these anime dubs are really bad"

"waluigi for splatoon 2"

me wondering why I stopped watching jacksepticeye when he's literally so funny

"do people say 'noobs' anymore?" "only if they're pwning people."

"DONT REFRESH MY KING OF COSMOS"

"I want a gif of peach holding a controller because that's the hottest thing I've ever seen."

"there is no way that that motherfucker can hold that controller. I have tiny hands and I can barely hold that controller"

"aw man I miss my brother. I wish he wasn't dead."

"let me steal all your personal data"

everything that comes out of seán's mouth is iconic I'm literally laughing every time he says anything

them shitting on the NES controllers and then being like "okay...thats pretty cool." because I did that same shit

"I though you were the video game boy."

arin being so excited about final fantasy crystal chronicles because that's ME

seán immediately going EW to that final fantasy pocket edition

"that does not look that nice...is it just me?"

arin predicting animal crossing from the very beginning and STILL getting fucking lit as fuck when it happened

the disappointment when it was just Isabelle for smash

everyone in the background gasping and during the animal crossing announcement and then screaming in excitement lmfaO

me literally just watching this fuckin Nintendo direct stream again. and out of sync as well. the things I do, y'all.

"it got deleted by our bot...so it was probably something about darude sandstorm or something."

"I'm the video game boy, I'm the one who never finishes the games. I'm the one who starts!"

"you're welcome for the shout-out. it only cost $20!"

"real wholesome hours now, boys"

"your job isn't to just stand by and cheer us on?"

playing super mario odyssey I'm alivE

that really nice person who donated $200 on behalf of the people who couldn't afford to donate. the message they wrote was so sweet too I love them.

"they've got little cheeto feet"

"I love getting philled in" (me as fuck)

[toad voice] the blood is on my hands

"oh god, just get to the checkpoint please." "what are you, dan?"

"Ross punched me in the gut yesterday."

"he just did a gang sign before he left. what was that about?"

"I midjusged the distance because arin is...a Thicc Boii™"

"Oh. punch me and then call me fat. thanks" me

"Mr. fuckin deep pockets over here"

"ya stingus"

video game boy school where arin teaches you how to win (somehow)

"no stop, PLEASE HELP" "we're all having fun here"

"who would I staff at my school? you'd all be janitors."

"oh seth everman! he said 'epic sex."

watching Mario get impatient with waiting and seeing the animations where he lays down and the pigeon just comes and chills on his nose

"secret girder tunnel! that's what I call my butthole!"

"look at all those youtubers with their dyed hair"

arin saying the space octopus had a strap-on

seán saying the bunny on the moon looks like it's mowing the grass lmfaO

"the moon landing was fake. it's a conspiracy to hide the bunny"

any time they do the toad voice

"thank you petrolsniffking for the $20...please don't do that, but thank you"

"I'm the petrol sniff king! I'm the one who huffs!"

"thank you for the california 20"

arin reading "arin's not gonna read this lol"

"you're a sexy man. you're a brave boy. the earth is flat."

"I don't like that she has jiggle physics"

"in the picture we took for this, the one with you holding a gun to my head, everyone was talking about how curvy I was"

"you're not fuckin...miss teen america"

"Mario's a fuckin gymnast. Mario spent years at...Carnegie Hall. Honing his craft...i don't know what they do at Carnegie Hall."

arin's peeweedidi youtube channel lmfaO

them putting out theories on how bowser gets his money and pondering who is bowser jr.'s mom

"let's get real. browser's fuckin HOT"

"is this furry? it's more like, monster fucking"

more furry discussion. a common theme in these grump streams.

"okay now let's talk about vore for a minute" STOP

arin saying to live your truth and like whatever kink you like and then saying "arin hanson...2012" and seán going "2018 arin would never say that"

Dan and Ross are gonna try to continue king's quesT IM GONNA

"even bowser has dyed hair. he wants to be a youtuber."

"stick em up, this is a robbery"

"man. we used to be funny." (same)

arin sneezes so interestingly idek dude

"who's your ideal youtuber boxing match, go" "arin vs. dan"

like just a full minute of the tim allen impression

"my little bowser penis is gonna flop all about!"

"you know you had to do it to them"

their tragic bowser theories

bowser jr. IS the scrabby doo of mario omg

"peach is not that great. you two are strong independent men. be with each other."

"whatever, Mario is in the prison of his own mind" fuckin SAME

"girthquake?!"

the tweetus deletus thing and seán going "fuck's sake...hello fellow kids!"

"and you will treat us..." "to diabetus"

good stream.

[dannydontyouknow]

( B/c October is close♡!) Arin and Danny have the idea of doing a sort of Halloween Stream from evening to midnight. They play spooky games and Danny scares easy, so a lot of holding happens. After a few hours, sleepiness starts to take affect on them, Danny gets more cuddly and Arin more lovingly talkative `♡`

I like to call this one: fulfilling a prompt four months late 

anyway, i hope you like it! 

devotion | 827 | Gen

Read it on AO3!

“Welcome to the first annual Halloween Grump Stream, lovelies!” Dan crowed, making exaggerated facial expressions at the game. “You get to look at our ugly mugs for six whole hours!”

“You make it sound like they can’t ever click away from the stream, Dan,” Arin said, grinning at Dan before turning back to the game console he was fiddling with.

“The truly scary thing about this stream is how enticing it is, you’ll never want to watch another video,” Dan said, lowering his voice to match the scariness of his sentence. “Anyway, we’re playing a bunch of pants-shittingly scary games that will probably haunt me until I’m dead! Yay, Halloween!” Dan pulled his blanket tighter around him, preemptively.

“We’ve got facecam for maximum spook,” Arin said, sitting down on the couch and adjusting his microphone. “Alrighty,” he said, pulling one leg over the other and slumping down into the couch. He turned to Dan and grinned, “Let’s do this.”

The goal was to play scary games and raise money for charity. Every time they reached a certain goal, they would do something to make the video game scarier or switch to another, even more terrifying game.

By the time they had switched to another game, Dan had tried to subtly pull his feet off of the ground and cover any and all limbs with his blanket.

The door behind them leading out of the grump room and into the corridor was wide open and the lights were off. Dan tried to refrain from peeking over his shoulder, but it was no use. Occasionally, another Grump would come in and spook the two of them.

People were oddly motivated to give money to charity if it meant they got to see two of their favorite youtubers getting traumatized for life.

They were two hours in and Dan was practically a ball of fear. He had yelped his voice hoarse and had done more anxious laughter than he thought his body could produce. Arin was no use, either; he was more inclined to lead Dan on and scare him more than do any comforting.

Dan had made an aborted movement toward Arin, spared a glance at the facecam camera, then looked to the game, and continued. He shuffled in closer to Arin, burrowing against his arm.

Arin chuckled but continued with the game.

After a particularly scary moment, Dan was just about ready to clock out. They had switched games again after the last one’s jumpscares got predictable.

“Dude,” he whined, his face practically completely covered by blanket, “I don’t think I can do this anymore.”

“What? We’ve still got another two hours!” Arin jeered. He glanced down at Dan and his face immediately softened. “You can do it, man. I’m right here with you,” he said, putting one arm around Dan’s shoulders and pulling him in a little closer.

Another hour and a half passed and Dan was in considerably better shape. He found the more he hid behind Arin, the more he enjoyed the game.

“Hey, we just hit another goal!” Arin said, taking a look at the computer.

“Oh, yeah? That’s great! What’s the next thing we’re supposed to do?” Dan asked, pulling his head out from behind Arin’s arm.

“You’re not gonna like it,” Arin said, the smile evident in his voice. “You gotta play one of the games in VR.”

Arin was correct, Dan did not like it. He felt like his heart was going to explode, and he kept messing up the controls because his hand would fly to Arin whenever he got scared.

But, as the charity counter kept climbing, Dan kept playing.

“You’re doing so well, I believe in you, bud,” Arin said, knocking his shoulder against Dan’s before leaving them pressed against each other.

They ended up going over their projected time, but Dan hadn’t noticed. Unable to see the clock, he only noticed when he flung the VR headset off in an attempt to get away from that horrific monster leaping at him.

He had shouted himself even hoarser, so when he leaned in close to the microphones his voice was more ragged than it had ever been. “This is, uh, a personal letter to my good buddy Arin Hanson,” he locked eyes with Arin, who was laughing hysterically at Dan’s reaction, “fuck you.”

“You can’t say that while you’ve got your legs wrapped like a fucking octopus around my legs and we’re sharing a blanket because you got scared.”

Dan just scoffed. “Do the outro so I can pretend I’m not still terrified while snugglin’ you.”

Arin laughed and complied, thanking everyone who donated and watched the stream.

Dan said his goodbyes as he fit himself along Arin’s side, pressing as close as he could. “We’re never doing this again.”

Arin just laughed, and grabbed Dan’s hand in his own, pulling it close to his chest. “Whatever you say.”

Dan hummed and let himself calm down in the pure safety Arin was radiating.

[trashmammal-lee]

glass bottle tops

so in a recent sonic forces episode, arin and dan talked about an imaginary scenario of them playing spin the bottle so i thought “well, obviously i have to write about that” so...yeah. this is what that is. enjoy!

“Round and round the bottle goes,” Ross sings, “Where it stops, nobody knows.”

“Ross,” Arin says, “Shut the fuck up and spin the stupid bottle.”

In the circle sat Arin, Dan, Ross, Barry, Holly, and Suzy. Barry is lazily sipping a beer as Ross toys with the neck of the empty beer bottle that they're using.

“Don't get grumpy, Hanson,” Ross teases, and the glare that he receives from him is enough to get the bottle going after what seems like forever.

The bottle spins until it, surprisingly, hit Holly.

“Fuck yeah, time to smooch my bride.” Ross sing-songs as he leans over the space to meet Holly's lips in the middle. It’s a quick peck, nothing too graphic, and then it’s Barry's turn.

“Are you guys sure you want me kissing any of you?”

“We've given permission for everyone in the circle to kiss everyone, so….yeah.” Dan waves a hand dismissively at Barry, who places his beer down beside him and gives the bottle a twirl. It spins and spins and spins until it lands on Holly again, who giggles heartily as Barry shrugs and leans over. He kisses Holly’s cheek, and she frowns as he sits back down. “Beer breath, you don’t want that,” was his excuse. One that Holly didn’t take as she leans back over and plants a sloppy kiss on Barry’s lips, catching him off guard and causing the others in the circle to laugh.

“Damn, Holly, save some Barry for the rest of us,” Ross says, his voice tilting on playful. Holly chuckles as she pulls away, wiping at her lips.

“Fine, fine,” she says, as she twirls the bottle herself. It spins and lands on Arin. He laughs and glances over at his wife, who motions over to a giggling Holly.

“Holly’s getting all the goods, now I’m hoping my bottle lands on Dan,” Suzy teases, and the gang laughs. Dan does as well, but it’s more strained, nervous even.

The kiss between Holly and Arin is albeit brief, yet still lasting enough to make an impression, as the two are blushing like crazy when they separate.

“Ohhh, does Arin have the hots for Holly?” Ross slurs from the sidelines.

“Shut it, Ross,” Arin says to him, “She’s just a swell kisser, that’s all.”

“Swell, like the swell in your pants?” Ross laughs to himself, filling up the entire room with his incessant cackling.

“Alright, who’s next?” Dan speaks over Ross’s laugh, and Arin raises his hand.

“I think it’s me, I don’t know the rules to this.” he shrugged and spun the bottle.

“You spin the bottle and kiss whoever it lands on, bam, now you know the rules,” Ross manages to cut his cackling short to explain this in a serious voice to them. As he speaks, the bottle stops on him, and he gives a wicked smile. “Now pucker up, Hanson, and come taste my scrublord lips.”

“Alright, no, I refuse, I demand a respin,” Arin shouts as Ross leans in to kiss him, making ridiculous puckering noises as he did so.

“Come on, big man, just one little kiss,” Ross snickers as he kisses Arin’s cheek repeatedly. Sighing dejectedly, Arin turns his face and lets his lips meet Ross’s. They stay like that for a few seconds, then Ross pulls away with a loud smack and claps his hands together.

“Are you happy now?” Arin frowns as Ross sits down from across him and blows a kiss over.

“Ecstatic.” Ross smiles. Arin flips him off, then Dan takes the bottle in his hands and twirls it around. It was his turn now. He could so easily do this. He could give it a light spin and it’d stop on one of the girls.

“Dan, spin the bottle or I’m spinning it for you.” Arin bumps him with his elbow and gives him a light grin and Dan nods and puts the bottle on the ground. He takes a deep breath and gives the bottle a light spin.

“Nope, that’s weak, spin it again, Dan.” Ross demands as he grabs the bottle off the ground and sets it down in front of Dan again.

“What the fuck, no!” Dan argues, but he just huffs and places the bottle flat on the floor again. He places it in the direction of Suzy, hoping that the bottle will be attracted to her.

Great, he wasn’t making any sense now.

“Spin!” Ross shouts, and Dan yelps and gives the bottle a quick spin. Round and round it goes, and he shuts his eyes as he waits for it to stop.

“Oh.” It’s a soft sound from beside him and he opens his eyes and follows the trail of where the bottle stopped.

Follows the trail to Arin.

“Fuck,” Dan says out loud. Arin’s face falls and he starts to panic. “No, no, not fuck to you, just fuck in general because guy kissing, I’m not saying anything’s wrong with you, I’m just….”

“Just fuckin’ kiss already!” Ross yells. Both Dan and Arin glare at Ross, who gives a shit-eating grin and begins to chant, “Kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss!”

“Ross, pl-” Dan is cut off by the circle chanting around him, cheering on as if it were some kind of event and now he starts to question just how many drinks they’d had.

“Let’s just...get this over with.” Arin sighs from beside him, and they turn to face each other. The chanting dies down and everyone’s quiet and still, breaths held as they wait for the two to get closer.

“New rule: the kiss has to last 7 seconds,” Ross whispers from the side, and Dan shoots him another death glare, “Just letting you know.”

“I hate you.” Dan’s wringing his hands in his lap as he begins to notice how painfully close Arin is. It feels like minutes pass as they stare at each other, waiting for someone to make the first move.

“Just close your eyes and pretend I’m someone else.” Arin whispers in a gentle voice to him. It was too intimate, it was all too intimate and Dan needed to bail but he couldn’t bring himself to stand up. In fact, he feels himself leaning forward while Arin’s eyes flutter closed. Meanwhile, Dan’s are locked on to his face, onto his target. He’s so close, so close, then he feels soft lips pressed against his own and for a brief moment, he swears he forgets where he is.

[polygrumpssecretsanta]

All Thanks To Jay Kay

Author: devilgate-drive  Recipient: @grumpsquad Pairing: Egobang (Dan/Arin) Warnings: Mild Language (PG) Title: All Thanks To Jay Kay Summary: Dan comes to his co-worker Suzy's Halloween party, and nobody gets his costume except for the new guy. Word Count: 1,008k

“What do you mean, you don’t get my costume?” Dan asked.  He stood back from Suzy and gestured toward his purple turtleneck, his enormous, black floppy hat.  “I’m Jay Kay from Jamiroquai!”

Suzy looked him up and down one more time.  “Okay, hon,” she said.  Dan let out a pitiful whine, almost stomping his feet in frustration.  “Come inside, we’re going to start bobbing for apples soon.”

“You always know what kind of costume to wear,” he complained fondly, and did what she requested.  Suzy was an amazingly, perfectly made up Sally from The Nightmare before Christmas, complete with careful stitching right by her mouth in black mascara; her wig was expensive, and bright, light orange.  He had no idea how she managed to do it every single time, but she managed to do it every single time.  

Dan sighed and mingled with the rest of their party guests – all people who worked at the music store where they shared shifts.  Vernon came as a disco dancer, Brian was a very upmarket Ray Stanz, complete with expensive model Proton Pack.   He recognized Barry by his nervous walk, even under all of that gray-green Frankenstein makeup he was somehow entirely himself.  Holly was a witch, and her cackle was incredible.  Ross was wearing a dog’s ears and tail – he was Holly’s familiar, he explained.

There was one guy there, however, whom Dan had never met before that night.   Brown-haired with a blond streak layered in, stocky, maybe even a little bit rat-faced (an observation Dan would never share with the dude), He was wearing a wizard’s robe, his colors marking him out as a Hufflepuff, and he was struggling to carry a wand and a plastic plate filled with sandwiches and chips.

“Hey, man, do you need some help?”  Dan’s voice was calm and even, and he reached out a friendly hand to the dude.

“Oh, thanks man!” the guy grinned.  “Cool costume!  Jamiroquai fucking rocks!”

“They do fucking rock!” Dan said.  “No one else recognized where I was going!”

“That’s because people suck,” Arin said cheerfully, without even meaning it.  

Dan carefully took the wand in his hand as the man sat down on the couch.  He awkwardly held it as he took a couple of bites.  “Uh, I don’t think I introduced myself.  I’m Dan, I work the Tuesday shift with Suzy.”

“Oh!  You’re Dan!” he said brightly.  “Ross told me all about you.”

“Hah haha,” Dan laughed nervously.  “What did he tell you?”  For as fond as Dan was of Ross, he also knew that the guy had a tendency to be bald-faced honest about Dan’s shortcomings.

“That you were in a pretty good band, you never take the ones out of the til before you go off-shift, and you have weird hair.  It’s totally not weird, though, he was wrong as hell about that.”

“Thank you,” Dan blurted.  “You’re…”

The guy had taken a huge bite of his sandwich, so the words came out muffled.  “Ahrth HAmphg!” he said, and then swallowed.  “Sorry about that.”  He burped loudly.  “Arin Hanson.”

“Oh! “ Dan said.  “You’re the guy who drew a dick on that poster of Gene Simmons!”

“Yep, that’s me.   I mostly work the night shift ‘cause I work days at Disney most of the time.  I’m trying to break in through the back door, y’know – I really wanna be an animator.”  He blinked.  “And normally I suck at talking to people at parties.  Like, I run out of things to say right away and freeze up.  But not with you.”

“Huh.”  Dan had noticed the comfortable vibe between the two of them himself, though he hadn’t thought to comment upon it yet.  “I guess I just have that kind of face.”

“What, a cute one?”  Arin turned bright red.  “And sorry again.  Suzy said you had a girlfriend, right?”

“Emphasis on the word ‘had’,” Dan said.  “We’ve been broken up for a couple of months now.”

“Oh,” Arin said to Dan’s forehead.  Embarrassment slid between them like a wall of ice, but Dan wasn’t about to let it win out.  

“So why did you get into animating?”  Arin ended up telling him about how he’d always wanted to at least try it.  His roots were in comedy; he wanted to grow up to be.  

Then Arin asked, “How did you get into music?”  Dan was almost overwhelmed by the passion in his mind; he spoke eloquently of his dreams and of his childhood fantasies of being famous.  

“That sounds fucking rad,” Arin said.  “You need to show me some of your demons sometime.”

“Gladly.  Will you show me your shorts?”

“Either set, any time.”  Dan let out a loud, honking laugh.  Oh, he liked this dude.

“Everybody!  Everyone!  It’s time for the apple bobbing contest!” Suzy said, clapping to get their attention.  She directed them all toward a big bucket painted to look like a barrel filled with water and apples.  “Dan and Arin totally need to go first,” she said, with the decisiveness of a princess ruling over her kingdom.

“Well,” Arin said, squaring up to the barrel, “whoever comes up first, wins.”

“YEP!”

“A kiss!”

“Wait a minute!”  But he’d tucked his hands behind his back, and Suzy was counting down.  When she hit 10, Dan plunged his head into the bucket, flailing his head about until his teeth bumped into something soft and fleshy.  

He sunk his teeth in and jerked his body back from the barrel.

And at the other end of the thick, sweet apple he was biting was Arin’s mouth.

“Kiss, kiss!” demanded Ross sarcastically.

Arin took a huge bite out of his side of the apple, making Dan laugh so hard he nearly choked.  “So, which one of us won, Suz?” he asked, putting the apple down.  

“Hmm, I think you both did,” she said.  “And your prize is two tickets to the next  Deadpool movie, on me.”

“I love Deadpool!” the guys chorused,  as the rest of the room broke out in laughter.

“So uh…maybe I’ll put in for the morning shift and show you what I’ve been working on.”

“That’d be fucking great.  Maybe I’ll put in for the night shift and play you my demos,” Dan said.  

His eyes were bright, his heart was fluttering.  This was the beginning of something important, something that could change his whole life.  

All thanks to  Jay Kay.

[peachysakura]

Unusual asks: 4 6 7 11 14 23 25 26 29 31 32 38 44 46 48 49 50 53 55 60 71 74 77 80 81 82 84 86 91 92 94 95 96 97 100 Yes I'm a curious peep about my friends

Ahaha Oh my Owo  Alrighty ~ Lets do this 4. do you like your name? why?… Well I don’t really. My name is “Malak” which is angels and i do not quite .. fit that descriptor? And I always felt its immature and young. Like its cute for a kid not for an adult. It’s a pretty name generally tho, not very unique in the arab world ;w;. 6. describe your personality in 3 words or lessSpontaneous, Introspective, Confusing (or surprising) 7.what color hair do you have?Dark brown with the bottom layer bleached and faded with pinks and blue . 11. favorite social media accountProbs would say Discord (as I just use it the most) and has my frens on it) 14.if you can live anywhere in the world where would it be? why?Oh nowhere! Everywhere has its downfalls ahaha… But id choose to be near my friends or someplace like Seattle cause nature and vintage things and rain ahah. 23.describe your dream date *is blushing a lil* AHHH I have so many date ideas that are all so perfect and ugyagsig. SO uhm  I love simplistic all day dates kinda, like going out to a cafe and chatting for hours and enjoying our thoughts, or going out on a picnic in  nice park (or the forest) to pick flowers and make art together, ending with a cuddle sess to a movie or a fun anime/cartoon we like. Or at the beach walking together then finding a nice place to go star gazing. SO many ideas and ahhh 25.what color socks are you wearing?  (i dont like wearing socks so none) 26.how many pillows do you sleep with? Well beneath my head only one rather thin one, but around my legs and the rest of me i have one rather large teddy and 3-4 smaller throw pillows. 29.whats the worst thing you have ever done? I … i dont know. I do have something that ive down thats awful for my friends and loved ones. (Ive gotten much better) But i guess itd be self harm. (and a secret thing X3c) 31. 3 favorite boy namesJay, Robin, Yunis (idk why I love Jay so much and Hamed is a nice name And Kareem) 32. 3 favorite girl namesForest or River, Lyra, Iris (I also like Samah)38.money or brains? When interested in someone? Then deffo brains cause I love intellectual talk and all that so much. For myself well you need both but with brains you can figure things out ~ 44.what is your biggest fear? Being worthless and blend in. In short to have no meaning, be forgotten. Granted most are with time, but at least to have affected some, or changed some pattern in the world. 46. whats your go to hair style?Ponytail CUS F THAT SHIT! *hair poofs behind me* 48.who is your role model? I do not have a “role” model. Id say its an amalgam of all of my favorite people, their traits and what i look up to. I dont really have one person that stands for all of that. But @areyefantastical is always up there on the list for me and @crowpriince people like egoraptor (arin hanson) and Simplynailogical always get me goin as well. As well as dear ol robbie from Cavetown.49. what was the last compliment you received?“you’re amazing and really great friend who deserves all the happiness in the world“ By my dear dear internet Sis and friend Milla 50.what was the last text you sent? WELLL i dont text really, but the last thing i sent was asking help for a math question. 53.opinion on smoking? I don’t like it at all and find the smell and litter from it very bothersome. BUT if you choose to do it, then it is your choice, tho itd be better to find a different thing to use especially if you use it for anxiety and nervousness. As long as you are respectful when you do it then, you do you. 55.what is your dream job?  Voice actress!!! Or a musician. BUT I really want to be a part of a cartoon production I love Love LOVE cartoons 60. how many pictures do you have on your phone? 869 photos (collected over 3 years) 71.tea or coffee? Tea! I love both coffee and tea iced but but my coffee is like frappes and not straight coffee, i cant do that. And man I love fruity teas 74.what is your crush’s first and last initial? YK 77.do you miss anyone right now?  Yes actually. Many people and it kinda hurts but what can ya do *shrugs* 80.what is your biggest pet peeve? So hard to say exactly. BUT id say people blaming others for their problems. OR not willing to change or do anything to fix said problem! LIKE especially when people refuse to confront the person or issue.81.last person you called. My mother 82.favorite ice cream flavor?  Nice sour lemony sorbets 84.chocolate or rainbow sprinkles?  I live for being extra. SO duh rainbow ~ (i dont like sprinkles tho lolol nor do i really like chocolate flavored things) 86. what is your phone background?  Yoosung kim Of course

91. Have you ever been high? I mean on a feelin, high on believin. But never actually, tho i do wanna try. 92.have you ever been drunk? Nope Never!94.favorite lyrics right now? “What’s it like to be alone on a SundayRemembering the time you saw them just yesterdaySing me a song, tell me your thoughtsI could listen to you all night long“ - Hug all your friends cave town “And I don’t know what I’ve been waiting forIt feels like I’m always losing my wayI’m doubting every step I takeI know that everything finds its placeAlthough I wish I knew where toI guess I’ll have to see it through” - Through and Through Khai dreams 95.summer or winter?  Neither! Fall and spring. BUT hmm Both have their own beautiful charms. But id say winter. 96.day or night? Once again this is so hard to choose! They have their own feelings and are si beautiful! But maybe id say night. 97.dark, milk, or white chocolate?Dark with sea salt 100.Who was the last person you cried in front of? My ex. And that was super long ago. I never cry in front of people, i cannot ahaha, even crying is a rarity. If im about to cry and someone sees that ill stop and end up laughing or smiling instead. Thank you so much for the ask ahaha ~ You know you could just ask me any time right? 

[musicalravencreates]

EgoBang Prompt: Arin and Dan used to be a couple in high school. They broke up sometime before graduation and never saw each other again. Many years later, at a high school reunion, they spot each other from across the room. (I'm so sorry I just love stuff like this *wheeze*)

This quickly spiraled into something much longer than intended. Oopsies. Also, a lot more angsty than expected. Thank you for sending in the prompt! A note: Arin and Dan graduated the same year and are both in their late twenties here.

Dan had a lot of regrets in his life. He regrets not pursuing his music like he really wanted growing up, listening to his parents’ advice instead and getting a job at a firm. He regrets drifting apart from them, only connecting with them during the holidays anymore. He regrets all the stupid shit he did while doing pot, mostly losing his job with said big firm, which stuck him in a dead-end, low-paying office job he hated. But his biggest regret, the one that has caused him the most pain throughout his lifetime, was standing just across the gymnasium, holding a cup of fruit punch.

Dan’s mouth was dry, and he quickly downed his own punch as he attempted to get past the sick feeling in his stomach. He didn’t want to talk to Arin. Hell, he didn’t even want to look at him. He tossed his cup into the nearest trash can and quickly searched for an exit. Since the refreshments table was right near the doors, it figured he had to be blocking the main exit. His only other choices were the fire exit or the bathroom window. Neither were the greatest of options, but he figured the bathroom window would be the quieter, and less douche-y, option.

Having made up his mind, Dan started making his way through the crowd of his former classmates. He gave a few nods to the ones he had already spoken to and some he hadn’t. He was so close, feet away from the restroom, when he heard a voice call out his name.

“Danny!” Ross called and Dan stopped, instinctively glancing towards Arin. His head had perked up, eyes searching the room. Dan quickly ducked behind a large inflatable palm tree, actually grateful at the moment for the stupid tropical theme. He leaned against the wall, letting out a sigh of relief.

“Dude, what’re you doing?” Dan turned his head to see Ross standing off to the side, staring at him with an eyebrow raised and his arms crossed. Dan shrugged.

“Enjoying the festivities?” He offered, gesturing vaguely in front of him. Ross scoffed.

“Sure. Did Jenny Fillmore get hands-y with you again? Is that why you’re trying to hide by the men’s room?” He asked, peering around the palm tree. “Cause she’s pretty distracted right now. No worries.”

“No, I-” He shook his head. "I just… I saw someone I didn’t want to talk to, is all.”

Ross blinked. “Wait, who? I mean, I know Jenny’s a handful, but I thought you got along with everyone in our year. That was literally your thing.”

Dan bit his lip, fingers automatically reaching up to toy with the ends of his hair. “I guess. Look, it’s no big deal. I don’t feel well, anyways. I’ll just go home and-”

“What?” Ross took a step forward, shaking his head. “No, you can’t leave. You just got here.” He narrowed his eyes, looking Dan up and down. “You were fine a minute ago. Who was it? Did they just get here?” Ross started to peer around the palm tree again and Dan grabbed at him.

“No, Ross, just-”

“Oh,” Ross said and Dan slumped back. Dammit. He glanced back at Dan, smirking slightly now. Fucking dammit. “It’s Hanson, isn’t it?”

“No,” Dan snapped, face heating up. Ross’ smirk only widened.

“Oh really? So you won’t mind if I called him over here, then?” Ross made a move to step towards the crowd and Dan’s hand shot out, grabbing onto his arm.

“Don’t you fucking dare,” Dan growled.

“Yeesh, calm down.” Ross peeled his hand off his arm, fixing his jacket. “I wasn’t actually going to do it. I’m not that much of a dick.”

Dan frowned, slumping back against the wall and closing his eyes. “Yeah, sorry. I just-” He sighed and rubbed his face. “It’s been ten years since we last spoke. And the last time we spoke…” He trailed off, nausea back to clawing at his insides. He swallowed hard, shaking his head. “I just wanna go home, man.”

“You can’t avoid him forever, Dan,” Ross said, voice soft. Dan opened his eyes to find Ross’ smirk gone, replaced with a look of pity. Dan looked away, fingers tugging at a curl by his ear.

“I can’t talk to him, Ross. He won’t want me too, anyway,” Dan said, giving a half-hearted shrug. “It’s not worth it.”

“You were in love with the guy. Sounds pretty worth it to me.”

“Yeah well, things change.” Dan stood up and gave Ross a hard look. “Excuse me. I need to use the bathroom.”

“Dan,” Ross started but he shoved past him, pushing the door to the men’s room open and letting it slam behind him with a satisfying boom.

The only other man in there, some long-haired dude with a crop top on he’d never seen before, gave him a frightened look before hurrying out the door. Dan glanced after him, unsure if he had just frightened someone into running away.

Shrugging it off, he walked over to the sink. He leaned against the white marble, leather jacket crackling as he leaned forward. His eyes looked tired. Frankly, that’s all he felt these days. Tired of his job. Tired of the same dates with the same kinds of people. Tired of the dismal mess his life has become. He’s so fucking tired.

He rubbed his face again, his forehead pressed against the glass. He really could just leave. Slip out the bathroom window and make up with Ross later. He would forgive him. He knew he would. Their friendship had survived worse. But, he knew/ if he left now, he’d regret it. And as tired as he was of his life, he was more tired of having regrets.

With strength he didn’t think he had, Dan stood up straight and stepped back up to the door. He closed his hand around the door handle, fingers digging painfully into the metal as he took a deep breath. He could do this. He had to. He went to pull the handle, when the door was suddenly pushed open from the other side, smacking him in the face.

He stumbled back, hand flying up to grab at his nose. He screwed his eyes shut, the pain flaring through his whole face as he felt blood start dripping on his hands. Shit, he really hoped it wasn’t broken.

“Oh fuck!” A voice said, obviously startled. “Oh shit, dude, are you okay?” He managed to force his eyes open slightly, squinting at the slightly blurry form in front of him. When he finally managed to grasp who it was, however, his eyes shot open fully, a curse ready on his lips.

Arin didn’t seem to catch on as fast. He stepped forward, making an aborted moment to reach for Dan’s face, before turning to the paper towel dispenser. “I’m so, so sorry. Is your nose alright? It’s bleeding pretty badly.” He snatched up a paper towel and held it out towards Dan, eyes scanning over his face for any other wounds. Dan swallowed hard, carefully taking the paper towel from Arin’s hand so as not to touch him, before switching it with his hand.

“I- Yeah, I’m alright,” Dan said, grimacing when a bit of blood fell on his bottom lip. “Could I get another?”

“Oh! Yeah, I got it.” He quickly swiped his hand back in front of the paper towel dispenser, grabbing at the towel impatiently. “Here. Really, I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize someone was right there.” He shifted his weight, wringing his hands nervously as Dan awkwardly attempted to wipe his other hand off.

“It’s fine. No worries.” Dan was honestly impressed that he managed to keep his voice even, even as he felt the sudden need to throw up. He swallowed again, refusing to up end his lunch over this.

“So,” Arin said, watching Dan toss the bloodied paper towel in the trash. “I don’t remember you. Were you in the senior class? Or are you someone’s date?” He smiled warmly at Dan, which only made him feel worse. He glanced down, pressing the other paper towel tighter against his nose. More pain shot like a wave through his face and he grimaced.

“Yeah, I was in your year.” He said slowly. If he could drop dead now, it would be awesome. Anything to avoid talking to the boy who broke his heart so many years ago. Who didn’t even remember/ him? Boy, was that an indicator.

“Oh, you must have looked way different,” Arin said, chuckling as he gestured at him. “I don’t remember anyone as hot as you in my year.”

Dan yelped as his grip inadvertently tightened around his nose. His eyes watered from the pain, and he forced his hand to relax. Arin was flirting with him. Why the fuck was the universe so cruel.

He cleared his throat, waving away the obvious concern on Arin’s face. “I’m alright. Just touch the wrong part.”

“Should you go to the hospital?” Arin asked, stepping closer. “It looks pretty bad.”

Dan immediately took a step back, shaking his head. “No, it’s fine, Arin. I’m fine. It just feels bruised is all.”

Arin frowned, the worry in his eyes not abating. “Well, I still think you should get checked out. You could just not be able to tell.”

“Why don’t you let me decide that?” Dan snapped, instantly regretting it when Arin’s face dropped.

“I- you’re right, I’m sorry.” He swallowed, eyes flickering towards a stall before glancing back at Dan. “I’ll just-” He gestured back at the door instead, taking a step back. Dan quickly held up a hand, unable to stop himself.

“Arin, wait.” He licked his lips, trying to ignore the copper on his tongue as he spoke again. “You- You really don’t remember me?”

“Should I?” Arin asked, looking Dan up and down again. Dan felt his face start to heat up again. “What’s your name, again?”

Dan stared at him a moment, hand dropping to his side. He could barely form the words. Barely wanted to. “Dan. Dan Avidan.”

The moment Arin realized, Dan wanted to fall to his knees in relief. His eyes went wide, mouth dropping open just a little as his gaze swept over him yet again. This time, however, his gaze lingered on his face, tracing over his features with such careful precision it was if Arin was comparing them side by side. The giggly, carefree teenager versus the haggard, depressed young adult. He must look so different now, he realized. Not just his appearance, but his personality seemed to have done a complete 180. No wonder Arin hadn’t recognized him.

“Dan,” Arin said, voice full of this disbelieving wonder Dan wasn’t sure what to make of. He made a step back towards him, but Dan stepped back again. Arin’s frown came back quickly.

“Long time, no see,” Dan said, giving Arin a hesitant smile. Arin just stared at him again, as if he’d appeared out of nowhere. Dan cleared his throat, unable to hold Arin’s gaze for long. “So, you remember me now, I see?”

“You’re not someone I could forget,” Arin said, and Dan closed his eyes. This was exactly what he wanted, and that’s what made it so painful. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to open his eyes again and meet Arin’s.

“It sure seemed that way before.” He said like he knew he needed to. The wound of that night had left had never really properly healed. Even ten years couldn’t erase the look on Arin’s face as he told him they needed to break up. That they needed to focus on their own lives and not try to make this work.

“It’s not worth it.” Arin had said, eyes cold. “We need to live our lives. We can’t pretend this’ll still work while we’re off at college.”

“I don’t care!” Dan had yelled, voice breaking as the tears started to fall. “I love you, you idiot! It doesn’t matter to me if we were on opposite sides of the world! I want you.”

Dan could still feel the way his heart shattered in his chest when Arin had walked away from him. He half expected him to just turn around now. Abandon him like he had all those years ago. But Arin didn’t budge, his body seeming to sag with the weight of what he’d done to them. He swallowed, staring at Dan as if the words wouldn’t come to him. He swallowed again, fists clenching at his sides.

“I never forgot you,” Arin said, his voice rough. He shook his head. “I never could. You know how many times I wanted to call you? How desperately I wanted to ask you to take me back? My heart broke the day I left you.”

Dan dropped his hand from his nose, tossing the soaked paper towel in the trash. He turned back to Arin, fingers itching to hold onto him in some way. He shoved them in his pants pockets instead. “Then why did you?” His voice sounded small, even to him. He wasn’t bothering to hide his feelings anymore. The hurt and the pain was just falling out of him now. He was pretty sure he was going to start crying soon if this kept up.

“I thought,” Arin gestured absently at him. “You wouldn’t want to deal with it all. The pain of long distance. I thought it was better for us not to have to.” He took another step forward, but this time, Dan didn’t move. “I was wrong, Daniel.” Arin breathed, eyes wide and pleading. “I was so, so wrong. You can’t imagine how sorry I am I did this to us.”

“You’re not the only one who let it go, Arin,” Dan said with a sigh. “I ignored your calls. Pushed you away. I didn’t even give you the time of day after.”

“And I don’t blame you,” Arin said. “You didn’t deserve to have my stupid ass begging for your hand. It was pathetic.”

“A little bit, yeah,” Dan said, smiling slightly. Arin smiled back and Dan felt his stomach relax a little. “I- I missed you, you know.”

“I missed you too,” Arin said, pausing before gesturing at Dan’s face. “Well, I didn’t miss you earlier.”

Dan blinked, taking a moment for him to catch on. He snorted a laugh, grimacing when the pain hit again. “Shit, ow. Yeah, you hit me pretty good.”

“You sure you don’t want to go to the hospital?” Arin asked, and Dan sighed.

“Yeah, I’m sure. I’ve had worse.” He leaned back against the wall. “If you were attempting to knock me out, you suck at door fu, though.”

Arin’s smile widened. He held a hand over his heart. “You wound me, Avidan.”

“You started it, Hanson,” Dan shot back, giggling.

“Touché.” Arin bit his lip, glancing away for a moment. “Would you… I know you’re probably with someone and I don’t really want to try to immediately jump back into things with you cause that’d be really stupid and-”

“Arin,” Dan interrupted, catching Arin’s eye again. “I’d love to get to know you again. If you’d let me.”

Arin relaxed instantly, nodding. “Yeah. Yeah, I’d love that.”

Dan smiled, something nicer filling his chest this time. “Me too.”

[soda-drabbles]

Comforting Big Cat //Arin Hanson x Male!Reader

Synopsis : After having another video game burn out after a recording, you try and help the Big Cat feel better.

Pairing : Arin Hanson x Male!Reader

Type : Fluff

A/N : After watching the 2015 PAX Panel and hearing the story of how Arin has weird little burnout times after many fits of rage during gameplay, I figured I'd take it and use it as a prompt. Hope you like!

You weren't exactly sure what you expected when you came home from getting McDonald's but it sure wasn't this. The recording was finished by the time you got home with Danny consoling a beyond angry Arin. A look that you honestly never seen before.

Danny took a quick glance up at you, smiled and looked down again at Arin. “Come on now, Big Cat.” He patted the man's back. “Let's go eat.”

Arin, who once had his face ducked in his hands, pulled up and ran his fingers frustratedly through his hair. Eventually the two men did join you but you could tell there was still something off about Arin. Instead of asking him about it at first, you handed Arin his food and he went back into the main room.

You then handed Dan his nuggets and lowered your voice. “What's up with Arin?”

Dan shook his head. “Just another game burnout. He just gets that way sometimes.”

With a frown, you peeked over at the room and back to Dan. “Is there anything I can do for him? I mean..how long does he stay like that?”

Dan also looked back into the room where the solemn man ate. “Hard to say. Sometimes it takes an hour or two and other times it takes thirty minutes.” He looked back at you with a hopeful smile. “I'm sure he'd just like you to talk to him, even if he's being all weird.”

Dan's reassurance made you feel a bit better about the situation. Besides that, Dan always seemed to find a way to make things better, no matter the situation.

“Thanks, man.” You smiled and Dan brought you in for a little hug. He ruffled your hair afterwards.

Dan would give you both some space and enjoy his nuggies elsewhere. Slowly, you approached the main room. A knot of butterflies tied in your stomach. Arin was still sitting there, silently enjoying the food that you bought him.

You hesitated a beat before you joined him on the couch. He finally looked up at you, clearly still stuck in whatever emotion he was in. He muttered a quiet 'Oh hey', which only got you more nervous.

You weren't exactly sure what to say. You've never seen Arin like this. “How are we doing?”

Arin peered at you for a moment before he sat up and straightened himself out. “If you count wanting to literally hire a hitman on myself then I'm good.”

Your brows knitted together. “Hey, no. We don't talk like that. Bad cat.” You said that last part playfully, which brought a small hint of a smile to Arin's face. A good sign.

“I'm serious.” Arin said through his smile. “I mean after six hours of playing shitty Sonic Boom, you'd think you'd get somewhere.”

“Oh, Boom-shmoom.” You waved off the shitty game. “I mean, yeah, time was wasted and yeah it is a shitty game-”

Arin smirked. “You're only helping my argument.”

“–Shh. I'm not done.” You said firmly and scolded the man before continuing. “My point is that in the end, its a game. Plus, not something to get too busted up over.”

Arin shrugged. “Yeah, I guess you're right.”

“I know I am.” You corrected and then nudged his side, a growing smile on your face. “You just gotta press on, yknow? You're strong.”

Arin smiled. “Since when did this turn into some motivational speech?”

“Since I wanted it to be.” You retorted, z-snapping like some sassy chick. A gesture which actually caused him to laugh.

Arin turned to look over at you, looked like he was gonna say something until his eyes spotted something else. “Wh-” He paused, giving a look to wherever his eyes were. “What the fuck are you doing, dude?”

You also turn around to find an eavesdropping Dan holding the nuggets in his hand, one in his mouth, with a guilty look on his face. Had he been here this whole time?

Dan took his time to eat and swallow the nugget before answering. “..Nothing.”

“Were you eavesdropping on us?” You asked before gasping and pointing accusingly at Dan. “SPY!”

Dan couldn't help but laugh at how silly your voice was. “I wasn't!” He said defensively between laughs. “I just..came for something.”

Arin leaned over the couch, joining you in your accusations. “Man, you were literally peeking at us from the corner of the wall. How is that not sus.”

“DECIEVER!” You yelled once more.

Finally, Dan caved in. “Okay so, maybe I was a little bit but I swear I was going to get a water bottle.” He explained, showing his water bottle as proof.

Although you and Arin were both still equally suspicious, you let him off on this one. “Alright, fine, I suppose you are free.” You said, letting him off easy.

After a bit of talking, you raised up from your place on the couch which was when Arin hesitantly called for you. “Hey, dude.”

You looked back down at him, surprised some. “Yeah?”

Arin peered up, looking a bit hopeful. “I was wondering if you wanted to play something? I just thought you'd be in handy in case I, yknow, go into another burnout.”

You couldn't help but crack a smile, “Yeah. I'd like that.”

[bigcat-hanson]

Staring At the Stars [Part One] | Arin Hanson X Reader

Arin’s voice is absolutely breathtaking. What will he think when he hears yours? Word count: 1,217

“Hello?”

     Your voice was groggy as you answered the phone, your eyes still closed to avoid letting in the sunlight that was spilling into your room. Who the hell calls this early on a weekend?

     “Did you just wake up? You do remember that the recording session is now, right?” The voice on the other end had a hint of annoyance, and something that seemed like concern. In your tired state, it took you a few seconds to register who had called. 

     Ross. Crap.

     “Shit, are you serious? I’m on my way. I must’ve forgotten to set my alarm. I’ll be there in 15. Promise,” you apologized frantically, throwing your comforter practically across the room as you tried to locate clothes to quickly put on. Jeans, shirt, socks. The phone was tossed onto the bed and hung up before your best friend ever had a chance to respond. Cursing yourself for being late, you grabbed your car keys, threw on a pair of boots that were sitting by your front door, and ran to your car.

     Dan, Arin, and Brian had invited a few people from the Grumps office to the recording of the final Starbomb album, Tryforce. You have no idea how you made the final cut, but you were invited nonetheless. You let your mind wander a bit as you made your way through the (thankfully) light morning traffic.

     Even though you’d only ever once admitted it, you had always had a soft spot for Arin. He had such a warm energy about him, always so inviting and sweet. At some point during the two years that you had been working with him, the two of you had made a habit of bringing in each others’ coffee orders in the mornings, sometimes with arguably shitty puns written on the side of the cups. The sharpie that sat in your center console served that exact purpose.

     As you pulled up to the recording studio, you could see that there was only one spot left, and it was as far from the entrance as you could possibly get. Fun. Your car creaked to a stop in the parking space, and you bolted into the studio as fast as you could.

     “You’re alive!” Ross joked, turning in his seat to look at you. He laughed a bit to himself as you rolled your eyes and sat in the chair next to him. “Arin told me to give this to you.” You couldn’t help but chuckle as you read the pun that was written in purple marker on your coffee cup. 

     What sound does a sleeping T-rex make? A dino-snore!

     As you took a sip of the now room temperature coffee, you heard the happily familiar voice of Dan doing a mic check before confirming that he was ready to start. Silence engulfed the studio for a moment, and then it began.

     Welcome to the Mario Par-tay!

     The vibe of the song took you by surprise. The auto-tune hit you in a way that got you instantly excited, and it wasn’t even five seconds into the song. Almost subconsciously, your head started bobbing to the rhythm of the music. Once Arin started on his part, you were completely entranced. Your eyes locked onto him, your body still moving a bit to the music.

1, 2, 3, let’s-a go

It’s your boy M-A-R to the I, to the O

Welcome ya to my big ass fuckin house up in the hills

You can get through the gate if you got the dolla bills

     His focus was completely centered on the paper in front of him, hands moving with every word that came out of his mouth. The few strands of hair that were just too short for him to pull back swayed a bit with his movements, still perfectly framing his face, bits of blonde mixed in with the brown locks. It was always amazing to watch him perform. It never got old, seeing him in this zone that he seemed to get to so easily. The sheer focus in his eyes was enchanting.

     “You’re staring again,” the Australian next to you teased, shaking your chair a bit in an attempt to snap you out of your trance. You sat up straight and cleared your throat, slightly glaring at Ross. The smirk on his face gave you the all but overwhelming urge to smack him out of his seat.

     “Shut up before I slap you into the third week of next July,” you threatened. You took another drink of your coffee, trying as hard as you could not to fall back into Arin’s trance.

     “Why don’t you just tell him? You two have great chemistry already. Even if he did say no, it’s not like he’s gonna hate you or something. It’ll just be the same as it is now for you guys, and I know you can’t complain about that.”

     Sometimes you hate the fact that you ever told Ross about your feelings about Arin, because most of the time, he was right. Bastard.

     You looked back at the man that you’ve fallen for, and for a brief moment, his eyes met yours. You felt your mouth form into a smile, his mimicking the action before his focus returned to the lyrics. Damn it, he’s attractive. Maybe he would want to… no. He hasn’t given you any reason that he’d want to date you. It was best not to make assumptions about stuff like that.

     “I am okay with where we’re at right now. I don’t want to take any chances that might screw this up. I’m good.”

     As the song wrapped up, you could see the focus in Arin’s eyes turn to what looked like relief. Dan called for a quick break, allowing Arin to take off his headphones and come into the room that you and Ross were occupying.

     “Hey, I didn’t think you were gonna make it,” he admitted, taking a seat in one of the empty chairs near you.

     “Yea, I’m really sorry. I forgot to set my alarm, and I didn’t have time to grab your coffee, so I’m sorry about that too. I’ll make it up to you, though. Promise.” The words spilled out of your mouth anxiously, but he didn’t seem upset by any of it.

     “Well we’re actually all probably going out for dinner after we wrap up here, so how about you make it up tonight?” he suggested. 

     “Uh yea, I can absolutely do that, sure,” you smiled, subconsciously tapping your fingers on the arm of the chair. “In the meantime, do you want me to get you a water or something?”

     “I’m okay, thanks though. Oh hey, there are some sandwiches over there, I don’t know if you noticed, and we have a shit ton extra because apparently Jory doesn’t know how much food it takes to feed anything less than three villages.” You laughed at his comment, promising you’d take him up on the offer as you hadn’t eaten breakfast yet. It was then that Brian called Arin back in. “I don’t really know how long this’ll all be, but I know it’s likely to be at least a few hours. I’ll try to make it as entertaining as I can.” He winked, and with that, disappeared back into the other room.