#Barnaby's laugh is something else

[tiramegtoons]

recording from Billie Bust Up's kickstarter livestream: https://www.youtube.com/live/OcuC7luZhv4?si=9Tizay87HpUoqSmn&t=23898

[magicalpuppet]

"Are you new here? I’m new too." What if the one she met wasn't Frank at all?

If somebody is interested in the madness “theory”, I'll put it right under here.

Keep in mind before continuing: this is straight up just a theory/headcanon, I'm gonna share it without any other purpose than having fun theorizing. I put some points you can follow, I am sorry this is gonna be long and crazy.

So, I believe the puppet Julie met could be...Wally.

This whole madness was caused by Julie's story in the video "regard forgetfulness silence"...

The memory The way Julie is speaking seems off to me, as well as the way she recounts her first meeting with Frank.

She "think" that's how she met him, isn't it strange she can't recall precisely how she met the dearest puppet to her?

We know Julie have difficulties with her memory, but she seems to remember stuff that happened when hanging out with Frank, why the most important moment is so unclear to her?

This could mean that she can't remember the interaction correctly and that her memories are being heavily corrupted by something or that the whole thing is made up by someone.

The encounter

Even the encounter is iffy, the puppet she met doesn't seems to speak like Frank Does.

"Are you new here? I'm new too. My name is Frank"

This speech pattern sound more similar to Wally to me.

And after that, she says that he made a corny joke and she laughed at it, we know that Frank is not really the one who tells jokes. Heck, he is not even good at telling them.

You could argue about Wally and jokes too, he's not very skilled at telling them after all, but I can imagine two scenarios: -Him speaking normally and not realizing he is saying something funny to her. (this could apply to Frank too)

-His best friend love to tell jokes and we know that Barnaby encourage Wally to chat and tell jokes to the Neighbors, it could be that noticing she was scared he tried to tell a joke to her.

The fruit basket

Okay now I am really looking into stuff, I know, but why would Frank bring a big fruit basket around? Julie says it's because he was going to say hi to her but we know the friendliest neighbor in the whole place is Wally itself. Wouldn't it make more sense for him to be the one going to say hi?

The fruit basket could also just be related to Wally going out into the woods to paint a still life since he is a painter.

“Was he mad?”

She was worried that "Frank" was mad at her when they met.

Strange, because Frank emotions are very easy to read, he's a very expressive puppet. We also know that when he feel a very strong emotion (like being mad) his head spins. Why she would question it? If it was Wally, his emotions are more difficult to read and it could be that she didn't understood his intentions immediately.

Wally itself

The fact she bring up Wally while recalling Frank's meeting is strange too. She says she met Wally the same day, why not meeting the whole neighborhood then? Maybe it was just them at the beginning and it would make sense in that case.

But Wally comes up at the end of the audio asking "Did all that really happen, Julie?" like he is asking her like all of that was made up or straight up incorrect.

Aaand I'm done! I'm not even sure any of this makes sense to anyone else, but it was stuck with me since the update and I wanted to draw it and share it.

Maybe it was Frank, maybe it was really Wally, maybe it never happened in the first place but... Everything sound too strange to be as the story says.

And don't get me wrong with all of this! I love Frank and Julie relationship a lot, I am not going against them in any way. I like to go deep inside the stories I am following and I speculate a lot about stuff! (Also I wanna apologize if my english is not the best, it's not my first language)

[dodgeballstuckonthegymceiling]

I think Wally was the last one to realize he liked you.

If you like my work, please consider commissioning me or leaving a tip on Ko-fi (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶)

Wally crushing on the Reader

★ The first day you met, he tucked stray strands of hair out from your face. You didn't know this but he thought about ways to style your hair. Could your hair hold ribbons? What if you brushed it differently? You have many options.

★ There's something about you that Wally liked. He just could put his finger on it. You're different. Perhaps it wasn't one thing, but everything. Wally simply likes you. He likes being around you. And not in a way he can define.

★ Barnaby was the first to figure out Wally had a crush on you. One day, the pooch saw his friend staring. ''They're nice to look at." Was what Wally said. Not knowing what that meant. What that implied. But Barnaby did.

★ Wally knew he liked you. But love? That's something else entirely. He loves Home and his friends. You, however, are different. He loves you in a different way. A way he doesn't quite understand. At least not yet.

“They’re really something, huh?” Barnaby thinks one day. Voicing his thoughts to Wally. Carefully watching his friend's reaction.

Wally nods. “Yes.” Then pauses. Slowly tuning his head towards Barnaby. "Why did you say that?”

Barnaby grins. “No reason... Just had t' check.”

★ Wally always has his attention on you. Even when somebody else is speaking (Sally) he keeps you in the back of his mind. If you're laughing, he watches how your shoulders shake. Remembering the tiny details most miss.

★ When Sally talks fast, Wally's focus shifts. Not to her but to you. Gauging your response. She notices this. "Hey! Wally? Earth to Wally? I'm over here." And she teases him about it later. He doesn't realize how often he does it!

Sally wonders if Wally has feelings for you. So she tests it. Explaining something that's boring, then dropping your name into conversation.

The moment she says your name? Wally’s attention is all on her. And his pupils dilate just a bit.

“Aha!” Sally shouts, pointing at him. “Caught you! You like them!”

Wally just blinks. “I like everyone.”

★ Wally draws you. And he doesn’t just sketch you once. He tries different angles and expressions. Ask what he's doing and the only answer he gives is "Drawing," because it's the truth.

★ You could carry Wally around like a stuffed animal, if you wanted to. He's comfortable being picked up. Barnaby does it all the time. And Wally leans into the touch like its second nature. Saying "you're strong" as you carry him into a different room.

★ If the two of you are walking somewhere, he insists on holding your hand. His grip is gentle. And he doesn't care about people seeing. Probably because, in his mind, the action is perfectly innocent. Let go and he does too.

★ After weeks of watching Wally swoon over you, Frank decides its time for an intervention. He sits Wally down and tries to explain what romantic feelings are. Finally getting through to him.

“We need to talk.”

"Okay.”

Frank sighs, rubbing his temples. “You have feelings for them.”

Wally tilts his head. “I know. I have feelings for everyone.”

Frank groans, cringing at how painfully oblivions it is. “No, Wally. Romantic feelings.”

Wally pauses, mulling over the idea in his head. "Is... Is that different?” Frank stares at Wally. Silently judging him. 

“Yes.”

Wally blinks slowly, absorbing the information. "Oh.”

[youracebuddy]

I'm in Love with my Best Friend

Reboot Wally x Reader

Rating- Teen

Word count- 1,407

This can also be found on AO3!

This oneshot is a gift for @kawaiialeisha!

Sorry if any part of it doesn't make sense, I mostly wrote this one right before I fell asleep!

------------------------------------------------------------

"Neighbor?"

Wally whispered, lavender eyes locked gently onto yours. He had requested to talk to you one-on-one today, but you didn’t have the faintest clue why.

“Yeah, Walls?” You spoke, gently patting the spot on the bed next to you. You tried your best to give him a reassuring smile, but you couldn’t seem to stop your concern from seeping into it.

He returned the smile weakly, taking the opportunity to slip next to you and lean into your side. You were quick to lean into him in return, your heart easing at the sight of a small smile threatening to break his complicated expression.

“So… are we going to talk about it, or just sit around and be mopy all day?” You teased, lifting up your other hand to ruffle his messy pompadour. He simply batted your hand away, seemingly unable to form the words that he wanted. Your smile dropped in return, only now realizing that this might be more serious than the usual shenanigans that are exchanged between the two of you.

After a moment's consideration, you decided to throw caution to the wind to see what on earth could be wrong with your best friend. You yet again reached out with your free hand, this time setting it below his chin. You gingerly pulled his head back to meet you, only to be greeted with a face full of crimson.

You couldn’t help but giggle at the sight, as you’d never seen him that deep of a shade of red before. What on earth could have gotten into him?

“Dude. Are you okay? The last time I saw you this red was when Barnaby made you laugh so hard that you nearly choked!” You prodded, proceeding to gently tilt around his head further to see the extent of it. The strangest thing that you could notice, though, was it increasing in intensity the closer you got to him.

“Wait. Walls, were you always this soft?” You asked, eyes filling with wonder at the thought. Sure, you had held his hand before, but nothing could prepare you for the fuzziness of his face. It was as if it was a mixture of the finest velvet you could imagine, with the squishiness of a cloud.

Before you knew it, your other hand was on his cheek, gently cupping his face in your palms. You ran your fingers over the soft material that he was made out of, stopping just shy from his ears. During your little… discovery, his expression had shifted from shock to something much softer. His eyes were half-lidded, the void black of his eyelids unable to stop the shimmer of his lavender irises in the soft morning light.

To your surprise, he reached out his felted hand to rest on your face, flushing your cheeks with warmth. It was a new sensation, unlike anything else that you’ve felt. It slowly seeped through your bones, filling each and every inch with comfort.

“You… get it now, don’t you?”

He murmured, his smile returning once more to grace his features. He slowly traced his fingers down to the bottom of your chin, leaving your skin tingling in memory of his touch. A deep, silky laugh escaped from his lips as he continued.

“Whenever you touch me, the strangest things happen to me. Before, it was just the same as usual. But now, for whatever reason…” To express his point, he took his hand off of your chin, bringing it up to rest atop of your own hand cupping the side of his face.

…You didn’t want to think about how deeply you wished for him to do it again, or how when he nuzzled his head into your hand it felt right.

“That happens.” He whispered, letting his eyes flutter closed. He sighed deeply, clearly still trying to get to the bottom of this.

You, on the other hand, had some ideas.

“Walls, can I kiss you?”

His eyes shot open, and he practically fell off of your bed in shock. When your brain finally processed what you said, your face felt like it was going to simply melt off from the heat.

“W-WAIT, I KNOW THAT SOUNDS REALLY WEIRD!” You yelped, frantically waving your hands in front of you to try and snap him out of his thoughts.

“Well, it’s usually related to something romantic when you first feel this way, right? Then, if we kissed, wouldn’t it… tell us if we liked each other?”

Wally thought this over for a moment, before slowly nodding in confirmation. It did nothing to stop the blush on his face from deepening further, however.

You thought it was really, REALLY cute.

Taking a deep breath to calm down your now fluttering heart, you silently opened your arms to him for an invitation to come closer. His eyes flicked down to your arms, then back up to your eyes, as if asking if this was really okay with you. After a small nod of confirmation in response, he wasted no time to close the space between the two of you and snake his arms around your torso, gently pulling you close.

You quickly returned the embrace, already feeling your nerves calm down from the hug. The two of you were always affectionate with each other before, but it just felt… different, to say the least.

It felt like you truly belonged somewhere, for once.

After what felt like hours of just holding onto him, he slowly brought his head up out of the usual crook of your neck he kept it in, glancing down to your lips.

“...Of course you’re shy right now, Walls.”

You murmured, unable to stop the affection you felt towards him from seeping into your tone. You brought your hand under his chin once more, pulling him closer with a sense of tenderness that you didn’t even know you were capable of.

Running your thumb slowly across his cheek, you leaned forward, and gingerly kissed him on the lips. His felt was ticklish against your own lips, causing you to pull back out of surprise. You opened your eyes to look at him, only to see him gazing back at you with the saddest expression that you’ve ever seen. Letting out a quiet snort and a whispered “sorry”, you brought your lips back to his.

Now ignoring the ticklish sensation, you allowed yourself to fully focus on the kiss.

His lips were soft, of which was greatly expected due to the fact that he was made of fabric. But, as the kiss continued, you couldn’t help but notice how he was melting into you.

His grip on you slowly loosened as he allowed himself to fall limp against you, leaving the warmth of sunshine wherever he touched. He was completely snuggled up to you within mere seconds, bringing up his hands to pull your head closer to his.

With that final movement, you suddenly started to feel the kiss in its entirety. The warmth of his lips slowly seeped into yours, sending a shiver down to your spine.

You deepened the kiss further without a second thought, slowly moving your mouth against his in a loving, tender dance. Your fingers slowly ran through his now-ruined pompadour, arms keeping him firmly in place.

The kiss continued for as long as you could hold your breath, not wanting to rip away the sheer trust and vulnerability between the two of you. But, just like everything else, it had to end.

Breaking off the kiss, you leaned forward to rest your forehead against his, greedily gasping for air. Your eyes fluttered open, instantly scanning his expression to make sure you didn’t accidentally make him uncomfortable.

To your great relief, there wasn’t a hint of pain in his expression. Instead, his eyes were half-lidded and filled with warmth, his smile goofy and lovestruck.

“I’m in love with my best friend.”

You breathlessly whispered, fresh realization dawning across your mind. When you focused back on him again, any worry about the new development completely vanished.

In the short time that your brain had wandered off, he had settled himself back against you, his body splayed atop of your own. He was gently nuzzling his face into your hair, letting out small, occasional mumbles and whispers that you couldn’t make out. The only thing that mattered to you was that he was happy, and you were too.

“I love you, Walls.”

“I love you too.”

[londonhalcyon]

Hi, I’m personally writing my own fanfic on MC and Merula so I want to ask about some tips about writing complex characters.

Wow, I’m honored that you would ask me! That’s a huge compliment.

And uhhhhh good question. So much of the way I approach writing characters is by feel, which isn’t helpful advice at all. It’s tricky to list out tips because I don’t actively think about it while writing, but let’s see if I can break it down. This might be long.

For one, I don’t try to write complex characters; I try to write people. All people are messy, with their own contradictory emotions, desires, thoughts, and actions. It’s important to keep that in mind.

Characters are not defined by their surface level traits. They are not action figures that parrot the same three lines when you push a button. I see younger and newer writers fall into this trap all the time: they’ll take a character’s most common traits and make them their only traits. For example, Merula, who is often snarky and mean, will be written as only snarky and mean, no matter the situation or who else is involved. Real people instead behave differently in different moments.

Understand the character’s motivations. Their motivations drive all their actions and reactions from moment to moment. What do they want? How far are they willing to go to get it? What do they care about? What would they sacrifice? When would they throw in the towel? These motivations may be big (e.g. protect the love of their life) or small (e.g. buy a pasty without setting the food cart on fire) and may change with the scenario. A lot of writers like to jot down the answers to these questions as a form of brainstorming. I don’t; I prefer to work out each character’s motivations as I write, which is why my earlier fics feature more “prototype” versions of those characters.

Establish consequences for the character’s actions they didn’t predict. People are unpredictable, and so is the way they respond to each other. Have you ever told a joke that flopped? You expected people to laugh and they didn’t, leaving you floundering for what to do next. How other characters react to your character—and how that character reacts to their reactions are important details to think through. Merula, for example, is often mean by default. Realistically, not everyone is going to tolerate that—not all the time. If someone gets upset with her in a way she didn’t expect, now what is she going to do? Backpedal? Get defensive? Double down? It depends who she’s dealing with and how she feels about them, as well as how much she’s willing to admit she’s wrong in that moment.

Put yourself in the character’s shoes and walk through every moment of their story with them. This is my entire approach to writing—and what I unhelpfully said I do by feel. I drop my characters in a situation and write their actions and reactions beat by beat, thinking through their thoughts and feelings as I do. You have to figure out how to get into the character’s head. There’s a lot I don’t have in common with Merula. My parents aren’t murderers or fascists. I had an awesome childhood and have an incredibly loving relationship with my family, who support me in everything I do. But I had zero emotional regulation as a teenager. It was easier to yell or cry than process anything I felt (yay secondhand generational trauma). Because of that, writing a character who poorly deals with complex emotions, and who can’t stop herself from lashing out even when she knows it’s wrong, is as easy as looking in a mirror. Find ways to connect with the characters you write, or, if you truly have nothing in common, then listen. Listen to how the people around you talk and act. Take in their words and mannerisms and find inspiration there.

Let’s walk through an example together. In the “Poffle for your Problems?” one shot, Barnaby shows Merula a picture of Lily, prompting this reaction from Merula:

“I still miss her,” Barnaby said.

Merula almost said something cruel. Then she almost said something dismissive. When she realized there was no one else around to hear her, she said the truth instead. “Me too,” she whispered, because Barnaby wouldn’t judge. He never did.

Motivation/characteristic —> action/reaction

Barnaby wears his heart on his sleeve. —> He freely admits to missing Lily.

Merula doesn’t process her emotions well. Barnaby being able to admit aloud something she struggles to even think about upsets her. —> Her knee jerk reaction is to say something cruel as a form of defense.

Merula just had a lot of fun with Barnaby, who is one of her only friends. She doesn’t want to drive him away. —> She catches herself and changes her intended comment to something dismissive so she can still pretend she doesn’t care.

Merula realizes there is no one in the room who would judge her if she did admit to caring about Lily. She hates not being able to deal with her feelings as easily as Barnaby does, but he makes it safe for her to take a stab at it for once. —> She admits to missing Lily too.

Like I said: beat by beat. (Notice that my bullet pointed breakdown is longer than the actual scene. This is by design. Avoid spelling out absolutely everything for your audience. Less is more.)

Writing realistic characters takes practice: both practice writing and practice living. I’ve been writing fanfic as a hobby on and off for about fifteen years, and I’m still learning every day. Honestly, out of everything I’ve shared so far, the best advice I can offer is to get out in the world and interact with other humans. Listen carefully. Ask good questions. Observe. If you can get a feel for people, you can get a feel for characters.

[jellyarchived]

hello!

could you write the neighborhood with a sweetheart! neighbor?

they find trinkets whenever they’re walking outside to relax in whatever spot they find comfy/involved in the regular shenanigans and gift it to their neighbors once they’re distracted doing something else (they remind me of a crow now that i think about it 😭)

whether that’d be a butterfly charm, a pie hair -tie or a pop soda metal cap, they’ll try to make it look like its brand new again if its rusted and the paint is worn off.

share slices of fruit and lend an ear when they find them feeling down or in a pickle

the neighbor can’t tell jokes for the life of them so they pay for their supplies with bets (long time card game rivals with howdy)

people can’t tell if they’re in a romantic or platonic relationship with any of the cast.

for them, its somewhat in between but they love and care for their neighbors regardless

sorry for making this so long, feel free to shorten or decline this req! hope you have a nice day (⊃｡•́‿•̀｡)⊃💗

Woah woah woah anon!! Don't worry about it being too long! I love the effort you put into your request!

Welcome Home cast with a gn! Sweetheart neighbor

Warnings: /

𖤐 — Everyone in the neighborhood knew what type of person you were (in a positive way of course!). You looked out for them, frequently gave them gifts, lend an ear for them and hanged out with them as much as you could.

𖤐 — It wasn't surprising that you came back with something new to give them as a gift, handing it to one of your neighbors while saying its something that reminded you of them.

𖤐 — You were right there whenever one of your neighbors was feeling down, listening to what they have to say, lending them advice (if you're good at it!) And giving as much comfort as you could to turn their mood better.

𖤐 — One thing you don't necessarily understand, would be jokes. Whenever Barnaby cracks a joke or two, muttering on how you don't get it while receiving a pat on the back with a chuckle from Barnaby (who tries to explain the joke in the way you'd understand), was something that would happen from time to time.

𖤐 — Not that anybody was really bothered from it of course! You'll understand it some day, for the time being, you'll be hearing Barnabys simple knock knock jokes!

𖤐 — Often it would happen that you'd pay for your supplies with a simple card game, setting bets with Howdy while either winning or losing the bet. It is, of course some small friendly rivalry between the both of you, ending it with a laugh and waving you goodbye after the card games for your supplies.

𖤐 — Something that's entirely different with each of your neighbors, is when you hang out with them. It was a difference experience with each of them which never got boring or too repetitive.

𖤐 — May it be some fun games with Julie (maybe even sports! Of course, if you want to take the risk with an accident), talking about bugs with Frank, listening to Barnabys jokes and attempting to crack one on your own (even though you end up telling your joke completely wrong), riddles or even another round of card games with Howdy, helping Eddie deliver mails around the neighborhood (if he allows it), baking with Poppy, acting out a random play Sally had in mind or even painting with Wally (if you can paint, of course!).

𖤐 — Another thing that has occasionally happened, was that one of the neighbors (or anybody outside of the neighborhood) falsely assuming you're dating someone from the neighborhood, and pop the question the moment they could. Which you nicely declined, shaking your head and saying you guys are only friends.

𖤐 — Everyone in the neighborhood was your friend. You loved them dearly and appreciated them a lot (hence the constant gifts and trinkets you give them). You cared for them deeply, considered them a new found family even.

𖤐 — it's something you never want to change, and hopefully never will change on it's own.

[mydearyanderes]

Yandere! Welcome Home Neighbors Headcanons | Part 1!

Headcanons of how all the neighbors in Welcome Home would act as Yanderes!

Characters: Barnaby, Eddie, Frank, and Howdy!

TW: Threats, suicidal ideation, stalking, workplace harassment 

Barnaby B. Beagle 

It would take a lot for him to become full on obsessed with you

He’d act less like a boyfriend and more like an overprotective father

Barnaby wants you by his side 24/7, no matter what

If you don’t? Well get ready for a lot of a lot of passive aggressive comments about how he “just wants to protective” and how you’re being stuck up

He shrugs off any legitimate concern you have for the relationship, instead just laughing off all of your kvetching, as he calls it

Don’t forget that Barnaby is 8 feet tall

He’d never hurt you, no he’d never dream of it!

However

I can see him not so subtly reminding you how much larger he is compared to you, how he could easily overpower you if he wanted

Hopefully this keeps you in line

As long as you’re on his good side, he’s a great guy! Always laughing and joking with you, doing everything in his power to make sure you are entertained and won’t leave him

Eddie Dear

Oh he’s just so smitten!

Definitely a love at first sight type of guy

Stumbles over all his words when talking to you, you just make him so nervous! 

He respects your personal space, after all he doesn’t want to make you uncomfortable! 

However he doesn’t really understand the concept of emotional space

Eddie will inject himself into any and every activity you get yourself in to

Talking to Frank? Eddie’s there! Relaxing under a tree? Eddie’s there! Sleeping in the privacy in your own home? Eddie’s there.

He’ll send you anonymous love letters, but it’s really obvious who sent them

Because when he gives the letter to you he says things that make it blatant that it was him 

“Oh this guy really seems to like you!” “I haven’t even opened the letter yet...” “O-oh uhm... uh... I went through your mail?”

Terrible at lying

Overall a pretty harmless yandere, just wants your love and attention, even through rather creepy means

Frank Frankly

His yandere tendencies will only show after you two have been dating for a while 

He’ll whisper things here and there, about how your friends can’t be trusted

Barnaby is annoying. Sally is arrogant. Wally is creepy. Poppy is uptight. Etc.

No one is good enough for your attention, for your love

Even Frank battles with the idea that he isn’t good enough for you

You’ll have to spend many late night assuring him that, yes, he is good enough and that, yes, you do really love him

If you ever try to leave, or do anything that doesn’t involve him, he’ll guilt trip you until you stayed

You’re right, Frank is worthless and unworthy of love, you should just go ahead and leave him

If you call his bluff, and you continue to have relationships with others besides him. Or worse, break up with him, he’ll go mad

At first it’s trying to use logic to get you to stay. Then he get’s angry, yelling and throwing things in your direction and threatening to hurt himself. Lastly he’ll collapse to the floor, crying and sobbing until you decide to stay with him again, even for just a bit longer

He’ll repeat this cycle for as long as needed

Howdy Pillar

It starts out as a small crush, then it snowballs into something much, much more sinister 

You know how Barnaby pays for his hotdogs with jokes?

Well for you, you’ll have to do increasingly more and more elaborate things

Howdy does this purely to enjoy your company, even if for just a few minutes longer

It may even get sexual, assuming you two are already in a relationship

He gives you, and only you, ridiculous discounts on items 

Things in the store that you wanted that weren’t in the store are suddenly there now

Even things that you don’t remember telling anyone else that you wanted

He may even hire you as his assistant in his store, so he can rest easy knowing he’s with you most of the day

Soon, it won’t be enough. Howdy wants you around him constantly now. You’re too perfect to only see for a few hours a day

He’ll coerce you into a relationship with him if you two aren’t dating

If you refuse? 

Well, you don’t want to know what Eddie will resort to if you do that

[welcome-to-puppet-hell]

Smile - (OneSided?)Wally Darling x Puppet!Reader

One can tell a lot about someone based on their smile, Wally thinks. Can tell who actually likes you—a wide and warm spread of a mouth, showing something genuine and honest—and who just tolerates you, at most, based on how small their smile is. Even in the neighborhood, Wally is able to distinguish how a neighbor might feel about him, just based on a smile.

Something Wally noticed about you, right away, is that you don’t smile all the time. Even if you’re smiling for customers entering your bookshop, it doesn’t always last long—unless it’s with neighbors you’ve decided are worth smiling for. Unlike the other neighbors, you don’t put on smiles or airs. You wear all your emotions on your sleeve…which is, admittedly, quite a feat considering you exist as everyone else does.

(As a puppet.)

But one day, Wally is watching you talk to Barnaby.

He was a bit distracted by a book about a painter—a man haunted by night terrors and other horrors from his own mind, but still saw the world so beautifully—when he heard you let out this laugh. 

He is drawn back to reality right away, his eyes immediately darting to land right on you. You are still laughing, this beautiful mix of giggles and snorts and a bit of gasping, while hugging your belly and your eyes clenching closed as your mouth widens in this smile—this grin that glows like sunshine, in a way that slams him right in the chest. It occurs to Wally then, not for the first time, that you are beautiful. He always thought so, since his eyes first found you; but it’s all so different now that you’re so close, now that you’re finally in the neighborhood, now that you’re finally within reach after all this time. And your beauty absolutely shines when you smile.

(I just…I wish…so badly…) 

Barnaby watches you with a lazy smirk, his eyelids hooding over to emphasize the mischief in his expression. He bends his elbow right on the counter and leans in a little towards you, his smirk widening a little.

“What’s this? A laugh? At one of my jokes?” He teases. “I thought you said my jokes are so awful that I should be in prison.”

You let out another laugh, then open your eyes to smirk up at him. “And they are! I’m not wrong. That joke was particularly heinous, in fact.”

“Was it?”

“Indeed, it was. I only laughed because I feel sorry for you.”

“Oh, do you?”

“Yes, I find you very pit-i-bull.”

Barnaby’s face falls as he gapes at you, his mouth drops open. You merely smirk up at him, your arms crossed over your chest. Despite being rather short, at least an inch taller than Wally, you look up at Barnaby with no fear or hint of intimidation over his severe height. Wally swallows into his rather dry throat, his hands clenching as his whole being fills with warmth. Gorgeous and brave, you really are the full package.

I just wish, he allows himself to want, if only for a moment. While it’s safe to linger on such thoughts. I wish you would smile like that for me. Just once. Just a little bit.

Suddenly, Barnaby lets out this choking sound, while grasping his throat.

“I think that one did it! Finally found a joke terrible enough to kill me,” he keeps gasping dramatically, spinning to lean back against the counter, one paw over where his heart rests in his chest. As he continues his fake cough, Barnaby’s eyes roll to land on Wally, his expression turning playful. “Little buddy! Remember me as I am…!”

Wally finds his own smile widening, despite the sting in his chest. He steps forward to join in, falling into his role seamlessly.

“What’s wrong, Barnaby?” he asks, his tone innocuous.

“What’s wrong is that a murder is being committed—and they’re the culprit!”

“Oh, don’t be so dramatic, Barn!” you say, still grinning. “A killer joke won’t hurt you.”

“Ah, it just keeps happening! Will my suffering ever cease—?”

Wally’s grin widens, amusement bubbling in his chest and growing as he watches Barnaby rolling on the floor in “pain” and you continuing to laugh. His eyes catch the width of your smile and immediately, his insides begin to melt. All the words he knows he should say—like a script he’d long memorized—freezes in his throat. His hands squeeze tightly around the book he’d previously pulled off the shelf, one consisting of paintings made by that sad Dutch painter with the one ear. Despite the smile forever glued to his expression, every inch of him begins to tremble, his hands itching to hold yours, just for a moment, just once—

(“Waliford?”)

Wally Darling freezes in place, all thought turning to static.

(“What are you thinking?” The voice reaches his ears, despite the distance. Something inside him turns to ice and pulls, almost choking him. “I know you are not thinking of breaking The Rules…are you?”)

No. No, I can’t.

He swallows and turns away before anyone notices.  

But you do. A frown settles back on your expression, your brow furrowing to narrow your eyes.

[lovesicklooney]

So this is something that’s been knowing at my head so I’m just gonna drop it off here. Does anyone remember in the early rise of “Welcome Home”, a lot of fans portray Wally as a Yandere character? I know a lot of people don’t think that now (probably, idk) but I started to think of what it would be like if the other characters were Yandere’s!

Down below are what the other members of Welcome home would be like if they were a Yandere towards Wally, mainly because he’s suppose to be the main character in the show where it’s from. I’m also not including home on this list because I like to consider them Wally’s ally if the other neighbors were after him in a Yandere manner. No this is just my personal headcannon if they were Yander or had Yandere feelings towards Wally, I know they aren’t actually like this in the world of Welcome home but I had fun writing this so be my guest. I might write a few dabbles about them in the future if I feel like it. Enjoy @:)

Barnaby: (Clingy/Possessive) Barnaby would be very dependent on Wally emotionally without showing it, hiding his true feelings behind his comedic behavior. If anyone would spend too much time with his best friend, he’ll make sure they wouldn’t be around to take his place as Wally’s best friend. He wants to be the one his little buddy goes to for anything, from the smelling things like asking a question to something urgent. He views Wally as his number one best friend and will do anything to keep him as such. No one can be his best friend but him.

Eddie: (Obsessive/Overprotective) Eddie would one hundred percent be protective of Wally, regardless of the situation. He could spend the day by his side if he could, so he chooses to watch him from afar. Always eyeing Wally whenever he’s out delivering mail, making sure nothing bad would happen to him. Sometimes he’d invite Wally to hang out at his post office, something to make paper mâché rings or other silly crafts, anything to keep Wally as close to him as possible. All he wants is to be close with the neighborhood darling.

Frank: (Delusional) Frank doesn’t know many social cues, but still knows more than Wally. So whenever Wally would do something friendly or simply nice for Frank as a friend, Frank would take it as signs that Wally likes him more than friends. Acts such as drawing bugs and giving them to Frank as gifts, listening to him rant about bug facts, or even just giving him a simple compliment, Frank would take it as Wally being flirty and affectionate towards him. This would lead to Frank developing his own feelings for Wally, keeping every gift Wally would give to him, and often fantasizing about Wally in unhealthy ways.

Howdy: (Delusional/Manipulative) Howdy would lie, sell, cheat, anything just to be in the same room with Wally. Wally has been learning how to tell jokes from Barnaby, testing out his new skills with howdy at his place. With Wally’s friendly behavior and by spending so much time at Howdy's shop, Howdy is under the impression that he must feel some type of way towards him. Otherwise, why else would he spend so much time at his shop? Whenever he isn’t at Howdy's shop or isn’t spending time with him, he’d do anything to lure Wally back into his shop. He’d have some kind of sale or new product that Wally would be interested in and want to go back into his shop, whatever he can to convince Wally to stay longer.

Julie: (Compulsive/Obsessive) I was considering her as more of a clingy type, but I think she’s more likely to act on her compulsive urges. Julie would act on the first thing she thinks or feels when she sees Wally, whether it be pulling him into a tight hug or somehow dragging him straight to her house. Whenever he’s around, all Julie can think about is him. His laugh, his smile, his sweet reassuring words, even his lovely drawings he made as gifts for her won her heart.

Poppy: (Clingy/Overprotective) Poppy, Similar to Barnaby, would be emotionally dependent on Wally but only to an extent. She’d likely go to him for either reassurance or reassure him/make sure he’s okay. With Poppy being an expert in the kitchen, she always makes extra food and she always saves some for Wally to either eat with her or save it for later, as long as Wally gets to taste her cooking. She especially enjoys it when Wally comes over to help with her crochet, even gifting him with a pair of mittens or sweater as her way of showing gratitude other than food. He has an entire closet of well knitted sweaters made by her. She likes to make sure Wally is taken care of, whether it be that he’s properly dressed, fed, protected, no matter the cost.

Sally: (Self-indulgent/Delusional) The brightest star in the neighborhood, who only wants the eyes of the neighborhood darling on her. She adores the attention he gives her, from showing up to her plays to even being a part of them, from playing a character to helping make the props. She loves having him around, even when they aren’t doing anything she can’t get enough of his presence, his smile, his kindness. He doesn’t have to hang out with her outside of helping her with her plays here and there, but he chooses to anyway. Why else would he willingly choose to be around her, this mindset gave Sally the impression that he has some type of feeling for her like how she does for him.

[sleepingdeath-light]

human au + sentient puppet reader hcs ; wally darling

requested by ; suninwalls (14/05/23)

fandom(s) ; welcome home

fandom masterlist(s) ; here

character(s) ; wally darling

outline ; “Hello! Unfortunately, I was also tapped in a underground concrete box by those puppets. I can't leave! Can I ask for Human!Wally and puppet!reader (a little switcheroo). How would he deal with a sentient or hunted puppet that he or someone else brought to his house. Have a great day!✴️🌟”

note ; i need to refresh myself on the lore after this, but since this is a complete role shift au it shouldn’t be too badly ooc

warning(s) ; human & puppeteer au, mostly fluff!

though your friendship had started off on a… rough note to say the least, once wally has gotten used to the whole ‘sentient living puppet’ thing, the two of you became as thick as thieves

(after all, puppeteer or not, most people would panic if the puppet they just bought from an auction suddenly sat up and started talking to them of their own accord — arguably, if anything, wally handled the whole thing quite well by pushing through his fear to introduce himself to you and ask you about yourself)

whenever any of your stitching becomes loose or one of your button eyes falls out, wally is always there with a needle and thread to do some last minute repairs — he’s not at poppy’s level of mastery over textiles, but he knows just enough of the basics to keep you healthy

he’s brought you on the ‘welcome home’ set a couple of times when you’ve complained about being bored when he’s left you home alone, and you’ve been incorporated into a couple of episode sketches here and there — typically to teach a lesson about empathy, self acceptance, or something else along those lines to their young audience

(it’s always a good laugh, even if it is a bit strange for you to watch your fellow puppets get human limbs, or whole humans in some cases, shoved inside of them in order to bring them to life — like you know they aren’t alive like you, but it’s still a deeply disturbing thing to witness)

(wally has also had to pretend to be your puppeteer to hide your sentience before, which earned him plenty of praise for his vocal range and a very stern talking to from you about warning you before grabbing you by the hemming — you forgave him, obviously, since he’s your dearest friend and the absolute most, but you’ve never let him live it down)

when he’s not working on set, he’s up in his workshop painting something or another (a trait he shares with his most well known character, which you never fail to joke about) — most of the time he just paints whatever comes to mind, other times he’ll start painting you because your puppet proportions are so unusual to him that he can’t help but try and capture whatever thing you’re doing at that moment

his close friends and fellow puppeteers are the only other people who know the extent of your sentience, and they’ve all readily accepted you into their friend group — for better or for worse

for example, julie and poppy are forever planning and crafting up new outfits for you to wear (including a recreation of the wally puppet’s outfit which everyone seemed to find rather amusing) and making sure all of your materials are well taken care of, whilst barnaby is someone who is quick to rope you in to whatever prank he’s about to pull on your dearest human companion — you never really know what you’re going to experience from one day to the next, but you wouldn’t have it any other way

[koryfromhome]

PLESE ANYONE CAN MAKE THIS AU!?

🕯️ Welcome Home: Shadows House AU

🌑 OVERVIEW:

In this AU, the Welcome Home cast is split into two groups:

Shadow Nobles – faceless, soot-emitting puppeteers who live in the upper levels of the manor.

Living Dolls – perfect lookalikes created to serve the shadows and express their emotions for them.

The setting is a towering, eerie mansion known only as The House, with different wings (e.g., East Wing for Poppy, South Library for Frank). The Dolls and Shadows go through daily “Debut” rituals, tea parties, and mysterious lessons.

🏰 SETTING:

The House: A sprawling baroque mansion with winding halls, gothic chandeliers, and secret passageways.

The Doll Ward: Where the Living Dolls sleep, train, and care for the soot left behind by the Shadows.

The Garden Room: A place where Julie’s Shadow throws chaotic garden parties… and where rules are always “accidentally” broken.

The Library Tower: Maintained by Shadow Frank and Doll Franklin — forbidden books abound.

The Servant’s Hall: Howdy and his doll manage supply logistics and rumors, secretly controlling the House's economy.

🧍‍♂️ CHARACTER ROLES:

Wally Darling

Shadow: Mysterious, quiet, artistic. Draws creepy murals using soot. Always watching.

Living Doll (Wally): Expressive painter. Appears cheerful but hides memories of something “before” the House.

Dynamic: The Shadow never speaks; the Doll speaks for him. Their bond is unnaturally close — too close.

Barnaby B. Beagle

Shadow: Lazy, soot-heavy, always lounging. Eats constantly, soot clouds puff when he laughs.

Living Doll (Bartholomew): Dutiful, always cleaning up after his Shadow. Loyal but aware of something wrong.

Dynamic: Bartholomew often deflects for Barnaby during Debut trials.

Julie Joyful

Shadow: Loud, cheerful, and unpredictable. Throws parties that leave soot trails everywhere.

Living Doll (Juliet): Hyperactive but obedient. Secretly terrified of what happens when a Doll fails to mimic.

Dynamic: Julie often pushes Juliet to break rules “just for fun.”

Frank Frankly

Shadow: Cold, calculating, loves logic puzzles. Never speaks aloud.

Living Doll (Franklin): Writes everything down. Tries to understand the truth about the House.

Dynamic: Both are silent partners, but the Doll is closer to rebellion than anyone else.

Sally Starlet

Shadow: Storyteller who can shape soot into moving images.

Living Doll (Sally-Mae): Writes scripts for her Shadow. Overworks herself.

Dynamic: Co-dependent — neither knows where the other's mind ends or begins.

Poppy Partridge

Shadow: Nervous and shy. Rarely speaks unless spoken to.

Living Doll (Poppet): Animal caretaker. Her birds often react strangely to the Shadows.

Dynamic: Very soft and sweet — but the birds might remember a darker truth.

Howdy Pillar

Shadow: Merchant and networker. Controls trade of goods and information in the House.

Living Doll (Harold): Smiling always, but calculating behind the eyes.

Dynamic: One of the most powerful Shadow-Doll duos in the House.

Eddie Dear

Shadow: Quiet and full of soot, constantly breaking things by accident.

Living Doll (Edric): Gentle but clumsy. Often punished for his Shadow’s mistakes.

Dynamic: Innocent pair… or the perfect cover?

☁️ LORE IDEAS:

Soot Sickness: When a Doll fails to reflect their Shadow’s mood correctly, they cough soot — a sign of rejection.

The Grand Debut: Every Doll must pass a trial where they prove they can perfectly mimic their Shadow — or be discarded.

Memories: Some Dolls begin to remember things… like living outside the House. Wally’s Doll is one of the first.

The Mirror Room: Forbidden place where Shadows and Dolls can “see” each other fully for the first time — the truth is terrifying.

🎨 STYLE & THEMING:

Color Palette: Deep navy, gold, crimson, and candlelight yellow for Shadows; soft pastels and creams for Dolls.

Visual Cues: Dolls have slight blushes and reflective eyes; Shadows are all-black with glowing outlines.

Themes: Identity, control, rebellion, truth vs. obedience, and the cost of self-awareness.

i beg....I cant do this I am a horbal artist......plese

i saw this and thought of it bc I cant find the au anwere.....unless any one knows were this came from

[friendlyrandomperson]

April Fools’ Gay.

Chapter 1: Hmmm…

The last five years have flown by like the wind; the two men have had their first kiss, said their first I love you, they have completed each other in a way nobody else was able to do. They’ve shared laughs, they’ve cried, they’ve had heart-to-hearts.

They’ve loved each other through everything, their bond only growing stronger by the day.

With each wag of a tail, each buzz of an antenna, the pair have grown closer and falling more in love than ever.

And well…

Barnaby’s as head over paws for Howdy as he was the day they got together, and has decided that he’s going to do something a bit… different this April Fools’ Day.

To be Frank, it is no prank.

Chapter 2: How many…

“Heya, Frank!”

Frank scoffs. “Of course. Barnaby.” Frank thinks, a scowl forming on his face as the beagle sits down next to him criss cross applesauce style. “Hello, Barnaby. What do you want from me?” Frank says, not looking up from the tomato plants he’s tending to, lightly holding Lyco in his right hand and rotating him slowly, back and forth, Frank’s hat shading his face slightly.

“I need a bit o’ wisdom.”

Frank sighs heavily, letting Lyco go and dusting his gloves off on his overalls before crossing his arms and turning to Barnaby.

“And why would I give you advice?”

”Well, you an’ Ed are the only married ones ‘round here, and Ed’s workin’ so…”

”What does our marital status have to do with this?”

”Well… I was thinkin’ of maybe…”

Barnaby rests his right elbow and hand on his knees and raises his brows, also raising his left hand and wiggling his ring finger.

”Y’know.”

Frank’s eyes immediately went wide as he realized what he had just been told.

Frank raises his brow and tosses his arms up as he whisper shouts to Barnaby, “You’re going to WHAT?!”

——————————-🐶🐛——————————-

Frank had gotten himself cleaned up and was sat on his plush loveseat across from Barnaby, who was on the couch.

”Heh, gee Frank, I didn’t expect ya to help me out with this sorta thing.”

Frank picks up his teacup and sips his chamomile before speaking.

”I feel obliged to, after all, we are acquaintances.”

Frank pauses, sips his tea again, sets the cup down on a coaster on the coffee table, and crosses his left leg over his right leg, resting both of his hands on his left knee.

”What do you have in mind?”

Chapter 3: Goodness.

Eddie walks through the door of his and his husband’s home, hanging the mail bag on the coat rack and hanging his hat on top of the bag’s strap.

“I’m home, darlin’!”

Eddie walks into the living room, and to say he is surprised to see his husband and his husband’s main headache trigger in the same room talking over tea would be a severe understatement. Frank, still mid-sip of his fourth cup of chamomile, looks up towards Eddie and smiles against the cup, swallowing the warm tea and looking up at his husband with all the love in the world. “Welcome home, dear. Did your day go smoothly?” Frank says, calm and seemingly… relaxed. Eddie smiles warmly. “Absolutely, sugar.” Eddie turns to Barnaby and places his hands on his hips, popping one to his left. “Now I know you two typically don’t get along, what’s the occasion?” Eddie says, eyebrow raised as he looks back and forth between the two with a curious smile on his face.

”Well… I figure Barnaby should be the one that tells you.”

And that, ladies, gents, and everything inbetween, before and beyond, is how Eddie and Frank Frankly-Dear ended up discussing Barnaby’s surprise for Howdy. Eddie had taken a seat in the loveseat that was placed next to Frank’s, something they had done early in their relationship when Eddie had begun to stay over.

”Well, I reckon the best thing you can do Barn, is just be honest with ‘im. Dishonesty won’t get you anywhere,” Eddie takes a hold of his husband’s hand before continuing, “especially in a relationship. So if you’re gonna do this, you gotta be clear about what chu mean, and you can’t take this back, alright?”

Barnaby nods, before resting his elbows on his knees and taking his ears in his pointer fingers and thumbs, rubbing circles into them and furrowing his brows in thought. Suddenly, his fingers stop moving and his ears perk up as he raises his eyebrows, widening his eyes in the process.

He holds out his left paw in front of his face and wiggles his ring finger again, furrowing his brows in confusion.

”Do I buy two or one..?”

Chapter 4: Oooo!!!!

”YOU’RE GONNA PRO—“

Julie was immediately cut off by Barnaby putting his hand over her face, muffling the rest of her sentence.

He crouches down to her head level and whisper shouts, “SHHHH- I appreciate your support, Kid, but I gotta keep this under wraps!” He takes his hand off of her face and stands up straight again.

Julie whispers, “OHHHHH, so it’s a secret! Well don’t you worry Barnaby, I won’t tell a soul!” Then she runs her hand along her lips in a zipping motion, flicking her hand as if tossing a key away. Julie “unzips” her lips and places her hands on her hips. “So, what do you wanna do for ‘im? He likes you, but I don’t think he’ll close down the shop on a Tuesday for you.” Julie says, staring at Barnaby with curiosity as he howls with laughter. Barnaby wipes a stray tear from his eye before speaking again. “I’m not doin’ it today! I gotta get it just so, as Frank would put it.”

Julie nods, grabbing Barnaby’s arm and tugging.

“Well what are we waiting for? C’mon, follow me!”

The two ended up at Poppy’s, who was delighted to hear the news and offered to help plan. The three ended up on the floor of Poppy’s barn, with Julie taking the lead in the conversation, passionately writing down her ideas on printer paper Poppy brought out for her, using crayons also provided by the red bird. Barnaby and Poppy would add things on, only fueling Julie’s excitement and enthusiasm about the whole situation, causing more printer paper to be scattered across the floor, writing of all the colors across their surfaces.

Unfortunately, the conversation did not stay on proposals.

Around four hours later, the three ended up in the kitchen, and now Barnaby is frantically sprinting around the house trying to find a fire extinguisher as flames pour out of the oven, Poppy hiding behind a chair, and Julie fanning the flames with her (now off of her body) apron*.

Barnaby runs back in holding the fire extinguisher, pulling Julie back and pulling the fire extinguisher’s trigger, extinguishing the flames and all chances of those cookies being salvaged.

Chapter 5: I dunno about this.

Julie had been proposing ideas the entire afternoon, repeatedly and rapidly, writing them down as she spoke and only going quiet when she needed to breathe.

“I dunno ‘bout this Jules…”

Barnaby had his head in his paws, sitting on Poppy’s couch as the mentioned bird sipped her glass of water next to him.

”Julie dear, a proposal is a very personal thing. Barnaby should choose for himself how and when he wishes to propose to Howdy.” Poppy says, her gentle voice carrying the weight of the world. “He said he wanted help!” Julie remarked. “Yes, a bit of assistance from a friend can be helpful, but overall it is up to the person who plans to propose.” The bird turns to Barnaby and placed her wing on the dog’s shoulder. “You’ve barely said a word all evening, dear. What do you think you should do?”

The bird’s words rang through Barnaby’s head, Poppy’s sweet voice gently offering an opening for the Beagle to speak his mind and plans.

Barnaby sighed deeply as he rested his hands on his knees.

He lifted his hands and counted the days.

31 days. One month until April Fools’ Day, one month until Howdy becomes very aware of who plans to prank who, where, when, and how.

31 days until he has to persuade Howdy to go somewhere with him.

And Barnaby knows full well Howdy’s gonna think he’s pranking him.

“I think I need to find a way to get some rings and get Howdy out of the bodega.”

Chapter 6: Too many strings.

“Well I can’t give him flowers, he’ll think it’s gonna shoot water at ‘im!”

Barnaby and Frank had been going back and forth for hours, while Eddie, Julie, and Poppy sat criss-cross applesauce on the floor of the FranklyDear’s living room, which had been rearranged for more space just so that a board could be added into the middle of it. String the same color of red as Poppy twisted around each neon yellow smily face tack that Julie provided, connecting little pieces of paper with ideas and questions to debate.

”Barnaby I highly doubt he’ll believe you want to shoot water at him on a date.”

Eddie piped up.

”Well, pumpkin he is doin’ this in two weeks…”

”Two-“ Frank counts on his fingers, eyes widening as his head moves up so fast it makes a noise similar to the crack of a whip.

”WHY DID THIS NOT COME UP SOONER?”

Frank immediately opened a notepad and scribbled down various notes, swiftly tearing out the page and tacking the piece of paper to the board.

The list went as follows:

No-gos

-Sunflowers (Known for water sprays.)

-Cream pies (Known for ending up all over faces, never consumed.)

-Glittery gift boxes (Known for having spring toys fire out in all directions when opened.)

-Vague answers (Leaves room for negative interpretations.)

-Abrupt date request (Will seem suspicious.)

”Barnaby why did you not mention that you planned to do this on the one day Howdy would believe you are up to no good?”

Chapter 7: Nervous?

“Oh my gosh Barny he’s gonna love these!!!”

“Heh, you think so Jul?”

Barnaby had finally gotten ahold of the rings he purchased for Howdy; two beautiful diamond rings that shone like moonlight on the surface of a lake. They shared a box, one next to the other, their gold bands and shining diamonds greatly contrasting the deep crimson velvet that coated the inside of the rings’ current home. Barnaby, Frank, Eddie, Poppy, and Julie worked together and managed to come up with the best plan, leaving what was going to be said and the date all up to Barnaby. Everything was going smoothly; except, one crucial detail was missing.

Barnaby still had not gone to Howdy to ask him out on a date, and he had two days left to do it.

Well, it should not be very hard! After all, they go on dates all the time!!!

Just not on April 1st… oh dear, maybe this will be more difficult than he thought.

Barnaby shakes his head and places the box on the table in front of him.

“I’m gonna go down to Howdy’s ‘nd ask ‘im out, that way it won’t be too sudden.”

Barnaby grunts as he stands, walking over towards the door before he feels a small, feather light touch before a small hand wrapped around his. His eyes go down, seeing the perfect pink against the beautiful baby blue.

“Somethin’ wrong Jules?”

Julie’s mouth tilted up, her eyebrows furrowed just a little, a small crease forming inbetween them. “Don’t be nervous, ‘kay?”

Barnaby chuckles slightly, confused as to what the monster meant. He took his right hand and rubbed the back of his neck, his left hand still firmly grasped by Julie.

“Why would I be nervous? It’s just Howdy!”

“Your ears are down, Barny.”

Barnaby’s ears perk.

Of course Julie of all people could read that man like Frank reads the new edition of a butterfly novel.

Chapter 8: That bell.

The soft chime of the bell rang through the shop.

Oh that bell.

That’s what started the whole thing, isn’t it?

It became the sign that Barnaby was there. The sign he’d see the most amazing pooch on the planet.

It hit him a week before they officially got together; a week before the fireworks.

It was a simple day, shelves were stocked and everyone was coming in on time, like usual. First, he would take Poppy’s groceries to her barn. 5:30 am sharp, she would greet him at the door and they would have tea until 6:00, afterwards Howdy would freshen up the bodega and make sure everything was nice and neat, finishing at 6:05.

6:10

The bell would chime, Frank Frankly. Purchases varied with him; the one non-constant thing.

Slight Chat, A Butterfly Fact, and Away With Everything Intact.

6:20.

Sally, panic buyer. Runs in, anywhere from 6:20-6:30 am, frantically running wildly in the store, somehow never knocking a single thing down.

Conversation, Idea Of A New Invention, and On Her Way With New Intentions.

6:40.

6:40-8:29.

No chime during this time; a good mind rest. Making sure everything is in its place, ready for the next person to walk by and see.

Collected thoughts, collected “currency”.

8:30

Joyful Miss Julie, skipping in with a “Hiya Howdy!”

Apples, bananas, fruits of all sorts; says it helps her during sports.

Conversation is never tame, ideas never ever lame, on her way to play another game.

8:50.

The next forty minutes whiz by, no customers, everything ready to buy.

A pleasant sight for an entrepreneur guy.

9:30

Eddie Dear

Oh dear.

Another package, conversation goes on and on, by the time 10:00 rolls around, Howdy is glad he’s gone.

Eddie’s kind, he’ll give him that. But he’s much too clumsy and far too much to make up for the long, long chit-chat.

10-10:30

Thirty minutes, a routine easy for a caterpillar to do, a setup of a hotdog stand for a friend that’s blue.

10:30-????

A break of routine, these two can be. That’s what makes it fun to our dear Howdy.

Wally Darling and Barnaby B, Howdy’s dearest friends, clear for all to see.

They stay and they chat, always amusing at that.

It’s a nice little game, jokes wild but tame, until they must go, oh it saddens all of them so.

That’s the routine, except on Sundays. Everyone comes by, even Poppy, to grab necessities for their week on Sundays. No routine, no expectations. Just whatever may be planned gets their needed things.

That bell started it all. Each interaction had one thing in common; it started with a chime, each and every time.

————————————————————————

“Howdy, Honey!”

Howdy smiles, pulled out of his thoughts by the kind, deep voice of his lover.

“Howdy, Baby! How are ya?”

“I’m doin’ swell, but I’ve got a question I would like to tell.”

”And what might that be, sweetie?”

”I’d like to take you on a date, and April the First sounds really great.”

Howdy begins to snicker, his composure slowly falling apart at the silly rhyming game.

”I’d love to go; see you at eight?”

Chapter 9: Flowers.

April 1st has arrived.

Barnaby, Frank, Eddie, Julie, and Poppy had managed to keep everything running normally, keeping suspicion away and keeping Barnaby’s plan intact.

7:30 pm.

[Fast, short knocks in the tune of Shave and a hair-cut, two bits!]

Eddie’s deep, southern voice shifted through the door, “Come on in Barn!”

Barnaby opens the door and immediately shuts it behind him, revealing the formal wear the beagle was wearing.

Frank walks over to look at the door, his mouth going agape at the sight of the dog. Frank shakes his head quickly, straightening his bowtie and sighing.

”You really put effort into yourself today, Barnaby. Well done. Follow me.”

The round, plush blue dog follows the thin, grey man into the living room, where Julie and Poppy sat, chatting over chamomile Frank had prepared, Eddie sitting on his chair and watching over the two.

Catching a glance of the dog, Julie’s eyes went wide as she dropped her cup (Frank specifically kept imitation glass for her because of this habit), shooting up from her place on the floor and running to Barnaby, tackling the man, almost sending them both to the floor despite being half his size height wise.

“BARNY!!!! YOU LOOK SO GOOD!!!”

Barnaby laughs as he rights himself, Julie going on and on about how Frank had a surprise waiting.

Wait, a WHAT?

If that blue dog learned ANYTHING throughout his years, it’s to NEVER trust a surprise on April Fools’ Day. He got his pranking talent from his mother, and she made a very convincing sponge cake.

”A surprise you say?”

”Yes, and it’s time to show you. All of you, follow me.”

Frank led them out to the backyard, opening the greenhouse they kept in the back left corner to reveal the most astonishing array of flowers, the colors blending beautifully with each other, reds and blues and purples and whites, any color you can think of.

”I typically do not allow anyone to do this, however I will make an exception. You will all find the right flowers and bring them in, and I will help arrange them. Hurry now, it’s 7:45.”

Everyone scattered, Eddie staying behind with his husband, who was watching the chaos unfold with a calm expression.

Eddie rests a hand on the man’s shoulder.

”You really do care about ‘im, huh?”

”Oh hush, you know I’m only doing this because of the proposal. I would never allow him anywhere near me if this was not the case.”

“Proposals that special to ya, honeybunch?”

”Yours was, and still is, Dear.”

Eddie wrapped his arms around his husband’s shoulders, planting a kiss on his cheek and watching the other three wander the greenhouse, picking out greens, blues, whites, oranges, and teal flowers.

Chapter 10: April Jewels~!

7:55, a bouquet wrapped and ready.

A dog is shoved out the door, heartbeat anything but steady, holding picnic supplies wrapped in the blanket they would soon rest upon.

Barnaby sprints, faster than a dog of his stature should be able to, back to the tree that started everything.

Setting down the bouquet softly against the tree, he lays the blanket down, setting aside the supplies, setting everything up properly.

7:58.

Barnaby sprints back to the bodega, bouquet in hand, abruptly stopping and smoothing out his hair as soon as he reaches town. Checks his watch.

7:59, a few seconds until eight. It wouldn’t do well to be late for the date.

8:00

Barnaby peeks through the door. Howdy’s is nowhere to be seen. Odd…

Barnaby slowly opens the door to prevent the bell from going off, allowing it to ring as he shut it behind him.

He hears the soft footsteps of two pairs of feet from the door behind the counter, and he whips his left arm backwards to hide the bouquet, the other arm straight beside him.

Oh wow.

————————————————————————

Howdy closed the shop at 7:30, early but Barnaby had told him this was quite important.

He slid aside his clothes, picking out the most pristinely kept suit he owned.

A deep, midnight blue suit, he never wore it unless it was extremely special, like for a wedding.

Well…

Nevermind that.

He grabbed a pearl white button up dress shirt. The caterpillar sprinted over to his iron and, after what felt like forever, saw it had warmed up and ironed both his shirt and his suit.

Picking up the warm, non-wrinkled dress shirt, he smiled softly before sliding it on, placing each arm through its own sleeve before using all four hands to button it, he’s had enough practice to do that with ease.

He slipped on his suit, repeatedly tugging it just in case any stray wrinkles appeared.

He went to his room once more and held up four ties.

Blue, Teal, Red or—

Brown.

Howdy’s mind wandered as he held up the tie.

The brown was like the leaves in autumn, softly blowing in the breeze; the color of the trees the leaves rested on.

The color of Barnaby’s eyes.

That settled it. Howdy placed the other three ties back and neatly tied the tie in a Windsor knot, practiced and simple, but still very nice for a formal look.

He walked over to the bathroom and gave himself a look-over.

Hair styled? Check.

Tie symmetrical and tight? Check.

Howdy patted himself down, nodding slightly, walking over to the living room and picking up his wristwatch, glancing at the time.

7:58.

Howdy smiles, walking out of his house and back into the Bodega. He highly doubted Barnaby would go to his house to pick him up; that never happened.

He hears the bell softly ring as he enters the back, a grin appearing on his face as he walks through the door and out in front of the counter to see his (clearly hiding something) boyfriend.

His antennas shoot up and buzz as he sees the gorgeous man before him.

Howdy’s mind wanders to his plan, eyes wide in surprise as he looks at his spouse.

Oh dear

This is a bad idea and Howdy knows it.

————————————————————————

The dog shakes his head, blinking twice before smiling shyly at his boyfriend of 5 years, pulling his left arm in front of himself to reveal the bouquet of teal roses he had plucked himself.

When arranging the flowers, the others did ask why only teal roses.

Barnaby simply told the truth. Howdy’s favorite color is teal, and Frank told him roses are a declaration of love, so he chose teal roses to combine that.

Everyone lost their minds and immediately decided only Barnaby’s flowers would stay in the bouquet.

Howdy’s eyes darted to the bouquet, his heart fluttering, his antennas curling into a heart as they continued to buzz lightly.

His eyes went back to their normal size, his pupils changing to resemble hearts as he met his boyfriend’s eyes, which had the same thing happening with them, and he could tell the poor dog was worried about his reaction.

He walked over to the dog, closed his eyes, and gently pressed his lips against the soft, baby blue lips of his lover.

“You look beautiful Barn. You wanna get goin’?”

💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍

[hypnautic-cereal]

❤️Stick(ers) with love❤️

🎨🦋A Welcome Home fan fic🌸🐛

Summary: Wally wants to hang out with his friends on a warm summer day, but he worries over picking the pilings off his fleece skin

Word count: 1,396 words

Characters involved: Wally Darling, Home, Julie Joyful, Frank Frankly, Howdy Pillar

Contents:

Dermatillomania (portrayed via fabric piling and cotton)

Fluff :D

Helping friends

Compulsions

Additional art at end jumpscare lol

Notes: This is my first time putting one of my fan fictions actually out in the world sooo any constructive criticism is appreciated. This is somewhat based on my own experiences with dermatillomania, and honestly I just kind of wanted some kind of outlet to share how I feel about it sometimes :,D

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wally had woken up a little bit later than usual, but nothing would deter from the smiling summer day that the neighborhood had today. Home opened up one of its windows to let Wally have a nice breath of the morning summer air, and a small wave of heat rushed inside as Wally happily sighed. Crossing his arms over the windowsill, he felt something on his arm that had been unconsciously bothering him for months now. It seemed to have been piling from his fleece skin coming up again for Wally. It didn’t seem to bother Wally for the time being though, but Home was always concerned over Wally picking at the pilings. The piling picking would sometimes go to the point Wally would pick too hard and bits of his cotton insides would peek out.

Home warned through the creaking doors and floorboards for Wally to not pick at his arm this time around if he wanted to go outside with short sleeves today. Home also warned that he would dig too deep into his skin again and ruin his arm; “it’s done enough scarring to your beautiful skin already, Wally” Home creaked, pointing to the very tiny seams Home had to patch for him. Wally didn’t seem to fond of the idea of wearing his cardigan on an already warm day, but he didn’t seem fond of picking at his skin either, so he decided to wear his cardigan over a shorter sleeved white button up. Wally was going out to Howdy’s Place with Julie and Frank for smoothies and milkshakes, so Wally was more than eager to go outside and play.

After showering and preparing his hair, Wally was all dolled up to go and hang out with his friends. Wally stepped outside and waved goodbye to Home before going on his merry way. Although there was a nice breeze every now and then, the summer heat made Wally feel like he’d turn into butter if he didn’t find anything to cool him down. As Wally made his way to Howdy’s Place, he decided the cardigan was too much for him, and wrapped the cardigan around his waist. The summers heat felt so much better on Wally now that he didn’t have his wooly blue cardigan to retain heat.

The bell inside Howdy’s Place’s door gave a nice ring, and Wally stepped inside to see his friends waiting for him. Wally sighed and wiped the droplets of sweat off his forehead before sitting next to Julie. The three got Neapolitan milkshakes, but separate. Wally got a simple strawberry milkshake, Julie got a double chocolate milkshake, and Frank got a plain vanilla milkshake. Julie paid for the trio’s drinks, and thank the stars that Barnaby’s joke lessons are working out finally for her. After Howdy and the trio had quite the laugh from Julie’s jokes, Wally, Frank, and Julie happily enjoyed their milkshakes. While Julie yapped on and on to Frank about her summer plans, Wally once again crossed his arms as he happily enjoyed his milkshake. Whether he was aware of it or not, Wally felt the pilings on his arm again, and started to pick at it.

It didn’t hurt, but at the same time it did. It felt as if Wally was pricking his arm with a somewhat dull sewing needle all over his arm. He wasn’t doing much else while his friends talked and Howdy managed the store, but his focus was still on drinking his milkshake, so why was he picking at his skin? Perhaps it’s a need for perfection. How else was he going to get his arm smooth again from the piling? Wally didn’t feel exactly bad for doing it, but at the same time he did.

“Wally, are you doing alright there?” Frank asked as he looked over to Wally. Blinking from his state of thought, Wally looked back over to Julie and Frank. “Oh, yes! I am doing well.” Wally exclaimed monotonously. Wally uncrossed his arms, but still held onto his one arm that had all the piling, rubbing his thumb against it all. Julie tilted her head to side to take a look, and took note of how Wally rubbing his thumb against his arm. “Is your arm ok Wally? Can I see?” Julie asked curiously. Wally looked to the side in thought, and considering he can’t exactly hide his arm now that Julie’s curious about it. Julie holds her hand out kindly to Wally, and Wally allows Julie to see his arm, continuing to look away reluctantly.

Julie took a closer look at the pilings in an odd sense of curiosity. It seems like rainbow monsters like Julie haven’t been through anything like this before. Frank looked over from where he sat as Wally took back his arm to go back to his milkshake.

“You don’t have to be ashamed of it Wally.” Frank comforted to Wally. Wally looked back up from his milkshake to look at Frank, surprised at the words they had to say. “It’s something that’s compulsive to you, right?”

“Compulsive?” Wally asked as he tilted his head in question.

“Something you tend to do on repeat, regardless of how often you try to control it.” Frank explained calmly.

Wally understanding what the word meant now, he nodded his head a bit sadly, knowing what Frank described fits to Wally’s picking. “Hm…Well, you don’t have to feel sad about it!” Julie exclaimed to Wally.

“I don’t?” Wally asked.

“Not at all! If all that describes something compulsive, then that should mean that Frank and I’s flappy hands are compulsive too!” Julie said excitedly.

Wally and Frank laughed to Julie’s enthusiasm. “Well, you aren’t wrong in that sense Julie, no. Though it’s different to what Wally’s compulsions are, that being his skin picking.” Julie looks to Wally’s arm, then back to Wally.

“Does itttt..hurt whenever you pick at your skin Wally?” Julie asked curiously.

Wally shook his head no.

“It hurts, yes, but it only feels like a pinch every time.” Wally explains in his usual monotonous tone.

Julie tries to get an idea after learning this new information, and spins around on the barstool seat while sipping her milkshake. Glancing at the rack of sticker sheets Howdy has in his shop, the lightbulb flickers in her head with an idea. She quickly got down from her chair, grabbed a sticker pack, and went back to her seat.

“Hey Howdy! How much for the stickers?” Julie asked as she waved the sticker pack in the air.

“One joke per pack, Jules!” Howdy answered.

“….Well, whatdya call a sticker that’s always late?” Julie asked Howdy.

“Hmm, I dunno Jules, what do you call a sticker that’s always late?” Howdy questioned back.

“Stick around! It’ll show up eventually.” Julie answered.

Although it took a couple of seconds for Howdy and Frank to catch on, it was a holler and a half once they got the joke (Wally laughed, but he didn’t quite understand). Howdy wipes a tear from his eye from the laugh and settles down. “Oh boy, alright you won this one Julie. Now, whatdya need those stickers for anyway?” Howdy asked a bit puzzled.

Julie demonstrated by putting a sticker on her face, and slowly peeling it off. “I think that since there’s a little itty bitty bite of hurt whenever Wally picks at his skin, Wally can put these stickers on his arm! That way when he tries to pick at his skin, it won’t hurt as much!” Julie prompted. Wally and Howdy were bedazzled by the idea of using stickers on Wally’s arm to pick at rather than his own skin. “The peeling of the stickers could give the same stimulation Wally gets from digging into his skin to get the pilings off of him! Not a bad idea Julie.” Frank admitted.

Julie gave a little flappy hands to Frank’s approval of the idea, and turned to Wally for a true test of approval.

“What do you think Wally? Does it sound good to you?” Julie asked excitedly.

“That idea sounds like the absolute most! I think we should try it!” Wally said as he gave a happy nod in yes.

Julie jumped in joy as Wally said yes to her idea, and Julie, Frank, and Howdy all helped to cover Wally in as many stickers as he wanted.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I’ll probably draw some art of the ending too where Howdy, Julie and Frank are putting stickers all over Wally :3

[dodgeballstuckonthegymceiling]

For the human asks I'm assuming they're an adult. What if the reader was a child? A child that's stuck in Home, has no idea how to take care of themselves etc.

.

That's a good question!

If you like my work, please consider commissioning me or leaving a tip on Ko-fi (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶)

Wally, Barnaby, Poppy, Howdy & child Reader

Wally

★ He sees the situation at face value. You were somewhere else, now you're here. Isn't that how children work? They just appear sometimes. Like how baby rainbow monster blushes come from flowers. Wally never questioned it.

★ When he realizes you struggle to care for yourself, he steps in. Teaching you to comb and brush your hair. Showing how you can get it to look just right. And guiding you through ways to put it up if your hair is long.

★ Home seems to have a soft spot for this new child. Sometimes, when Wally is brushing your hair, Home pulls out the bathroom drawers. Allowing you to choose whatever hairpins or you want. Though Wally doesn't remember leaving those things in the bathroom...

Barnaby

★ "So, kid, you just appeared one day? Pretty neat trick. Can ya teach me?" Laughing it off in front of you. But when he's alone, he thinks about it. Who was taking care of you before this? Last time he asked, Home slammed all his windows shut. Like a warning.

★ He called his mom for advice. Thinking she'd know more than him. Thanks to her, Barnaby knows what to do. Before the call he had been feeding you ice cream for dinner. Now, you only get away with that on your birthday.

★ The day he found you is your birthday. Barnaby decided that. And nobody argues about it. Because, honestly, what would they do? Just pick another day? You can't remember your real birthday. Hell, nobody knows how old you actually are.

★ Barnaby loves playing keep away. Holding something so out of reach you have to think outside of the box. It's his way of getting you to use "active problem solving skills" as Frank would call it. Sometimes, Wally helps you.

Poppy

★ Everything about your situation concerns her. And she takes you under her wing as soon as she meets you. There's something terribly wrong with this situation. She can feel it. "Oh, honey. This wont do. Come along, you'll be staying with me." Leavening no room to argue.

★ She makes sure they eat, sleep, and stay safe. Practically adopting them. Asking questions carefully. "Sweetheart, do you remember what you like to eat?" To try and jog you're memory. Though it doesn't work.

★ On nice days, sometimes you convince her to go outside. Talking abut how nice the flowers look and what you've seen the others do. At first she just smiles and nods, trying to be polite. Then, the idea of standing by the door feels less scary. If you're lucky Poppy might walk you to the bodega.

Howdy

★ Howdy doesn't say anything out loud. But he thinks about how you got here. Don't you have any family? A single person looking for you? It's odd. But there are no answers when he looks for one. So he tries to avoid the topic.

★ Instead of jokes, Howdy lets you pay in skills you've learned. Folded laundry? He hands you a candy bar. "Good work, kid!" It's his way of encouraging you to learn. If you're up for it, he shows you how to mop the floor. In exchange for something off his shelves.

★ If you don't show up for a day Howdy gets worried. And asks around when too much time has passed. Telling Barnaby "The kid hasn't been by. Have you seen them?" When you finally show up? He pauses whatever task he's on to ask where you've been.

[jacenotjason]

The Opposite AU Phone Calls!

[The phone rings 4 times before its answered] [soft music can be heard]

Good evening. This is Barn’s Books, can I help you? [silence]

Hello? [the sound of a page turning]

[silence, theres rustling as Barnaby turns off the music.]

Is anyone there?.. Is this a prank call? [He whispers] I’m sorry, dear, I don’t know what you want me to say. I-if you’re speaking I can’t hear you. [silence]

Ah, well.. Come down to the library if you need to speak to me! I’d love to see what this call was for.. Goodbye! [he hangs up]

[The phone rings 2 times before its answered]

Hello? This is Julie Joyful speaking.

[silence]

Hello? ..Are you there?

[silence]

What is this, some kind of game? Listen, I’m not interested in playing with you, Frank, I’m really busy! I was in the middle of writing my next show and you interrupted my creative mind!

[silence]

Whatever.. [she hangs up]

[the phone only rings once before its answered]

Hellllooooooo~! You’ll have to speak up, I have bleach in my hair!

[silence]

[louder] Hello!! [silence]

Is this some sort of game? Should I say something? Is it a- oh! Is it a joke!? Oh! Oh! Whose there? No, wait! You say knock knock, then I say whose there!..

[silence]

[he giggles] I don’t think you know how this goes. Welllll, go ahead and call back when you figure it out!! Bye byee!! [they hang up]

[the phone is answered in the middle of the 5th ring]

[Eddie groans and speaks like he just woke up] Hello..?

[silence]

Hello?

[silence]

For fuck- hey, dickass, I don’t have time for this. I was in the middle of sleeping off a hangover and I thought this was an emergency, because thats the only fucking reason people here call me, so I woke up! Now, I gotta go do this stupid- mail delivering bullshit hungover. If someone gets stabbed or punched or kicked or cursed out, its your fault, asswipe. [he abruptly hangs up] 

[The phone is answered in the middle of the first ring]

[a fake, cheery tone] You’re callin’ Howdy’s Place! The only store in Home, [said with a laugh], Howdy speakin’.

[silence]

..? I said, this is Howdy’s Place! The only store in Home, home of everything you want and things you didn’t know you needed! For prices seen no where else!

[silence, with a repeating sound as Howdy tapped on the counter]

[he drops the cheery tone] This ain’t funny. My time is money, and if I’m not getting paid I don’t have time. So if you’re not callin’ to order something, I’m gonna ask ya to not use this line. 

[Howdy’s tone changes as he thinks, no longer speaking to you] Hm.. Maybe I can charge for prank calls.. [a chuckle] hm, kill two birds with one stone. Paid, and no more stupid calls..

[he clears his throat and talks on the phone again] Well! This has been delightful. So long! [he hangs up]

[the phone rings 5 times and seems like its not going to be answered. It’s answered just before it’s ignored]

[silence]

[some shuffling]

…Julie?

[silence]

…Howdy? Eh- Eddie?

[silence, a long, shaky inhale can be heard]

[her voice cracks, like shes going to cry] bye.

[she hangs up.]

[the phone hardly has a chance to ring before it is answered]

[loud music can be heard]

Yo!

[silence, the sound of Poppy moving things can be heard]

What’s up, kiddo? [she says a little louder] Sally? That you? [the music is turned down]

Hello? Anyone there? I don’t wanna hang up on ya, but if you’re not gonna answer, I got things to do..

[silence]

Alright, well.. If its an emergency, feel free to call right back! Or, come see me! My doors always open! Love ya!

[she hangs up]

[pof203]

Together under a starry sky.

NOTE: This takes place in AU since (SPOILER ALERT) at the end of Tiger & Bunny 2, Yuri died. Also, he’s Jewish, based on a piece of fanart I once saw.

It was Christmas Eve in Sternbild again. The shops were lined with decorations of holly, tensile, lights, and popular Christmas figures of Santa and such. The streets were full of vehicles either trying to return home for the Holidays or going to parties or getting last minute gifts or food. But no place in Sternbild was busier than the Sternbild Mall.

The Sternbild Mall was bustling with last minute shoppers, adults taking their children to take pictures with Santa Clause, and those just wanting to hang out with friends and family either in the food court or, the most popular, ice-skating in the mall’s skating rink.

Barnaby Brooks Jr. took some children from the orphanage to the mall to shop for presents or take pictures with Santa. Barnaby also convinced Kotetsu Kaburagi, the hero formally known as Wild Tiger, along with Antonio Lopez (Rock Bison) and Ivan Karelin (Origami Cyclone), to help out. Kotetsu also brought his daughter, Kaede, as well. However, she wasn’t too happy when her father had her take a picture with Santa, as well.

“Think of it as stocking stuffer for your grandma,” assured Kotetsu. “You and I know she’ll love it.”

“Okay,” Kaede groaned in defeat. “But only if Barnaby is in the shot with me.”

“I don’t mind,” said Barnaby.

Barnaby goes next to Santa with Kaede while Kotetsu goes to the other side.

“I said if Barnaby was in the shot,” scolded Kaede.

“Why not?” said Kotetsu, shocked.

“If I wanted Grandma to have a picture of both you and Barnaby together, I’ll just give her one of my pictures.”

“But I don’t you have any pictures of us with you in it,” said Barnaby, with a smile.

Kaede just couldn’t say no Barnaby when he makes that smile and lets Kotetsu in the shot.

“Somethings never change,” Ivan said to himself quietly.

After the pictures were taken, Kotetsu noticed something.

“Where’s Antonio?” he asked.

“He said he wanted to do some last minute shopping,” answered Ivan.

“Let me guess: For Agnes?”

“Who else?”

“I take you’re still upset that when you found out he was getting a gift for someone during the X Incident, it was for Agnes and not you?” asked Barnaby.

Ivan was silent for a little bit and finally answered, “Maybe a little… Probably for the best.”

“And why is that?”

“Well, if Antonio had gotten me a gift… Edward would surely be jealous.”

Everyone, even Ivan, couldn’t help but laugh at that.

Meanwhile, in a jewelry store, Antonio was having a hard time trying to decide what to get Agnes for Navidad (Christmas). There were many trinkets to choose from, but which one would be perfect for a woman of power like Agnes Joubert… Especially one in his price range. True, his shared payment with Ivan is good, but his sole payment from Kronos Foods hasn’t been looking so good.

“I guess that like Origami Cyclone a little more than Rock Bison,” Antonio remembered his boss saying.

“If you are not going to buy anything,” said the snooty salesclerk. “I must ask you politely to leave.”

“Hold your cattle,” said Antonio, his gaze still fixed on the display case. “I’m still making up my mind.”

“You should get her something in gold,” said a voice behind Antonio.

He turns around to see Ryan Goldsmith and Karina Lyle.

“It’s okay, I’ll vouch for him,” said Ryan.

“Certainly, Mr. Gold,” said the salesclerk. “By the way, I’m a huge fan of yours. How about later, you can get me an autograph. I would also like to get one from Blue Rose for my kids.”

“I think I can arrange that. I’ll even have them ready in time for Christmas.”

The salesclerk leaves.

“You know you have to charge him for my autograph, right?” asked a stern Karina.

“I’ll pay for it,” assured Ryan. “In the meantime, what’s eating you, Antonio? Trying to find something nice for your mother?”

“Ha, ha. Very funny,” said Antonio, sarcastically.

“You’re looking for something for Agnes, right?” asked Karina. “You should get her some ruby earrings. She has a thing for red.”

“Too expensive. The best I can get her is something from the desk display.”

“Those ones are always not that impressive,” said Ryan.

“I know. But things haven’t been going well at Kronos Foods for me.”

“What about your shared payment with Ivan?” asked Karina. “You still have that, right?”

“Why do you think I’m looking at the desk?”

Antonio just looks back at the display, completely unsure.

“I just want to get her something special. Like the gift she got me for my birthday the other week.”

“I still can’t believe she actually got a gift for someone,” said Ryan, still remembering the party at Justice Tower.

Antonio looks at his wrist. The gift Agnes got him for his birthday was gold bracelet with a topaz buffalo head whose eyes are zircon, both are Antonio’s birthstones.

“What could I possibly get her that could top this?”

“Well, you could get her that cake at the bakery we just passed,” suggested Ryan. “We know should love it. Especially with-“

“Ryan!” scolded Karina.

“Sorry.”

“Look, Antonio, we know how much you like Agnes, we really do. And we can tell she likes you, too. I’m sure that whatever you get her, she will like it. It’s the thought that counts.”

“I know,” said Antonio.

He takes another look at the display case until, he spots something. There, just a little on the side that one could be forgiven for not noticing them sooner, were two plain gold pendants, each looking like the broken half of a heart.

“I think I know which one,” said Antonio.

“Would you like those monogramed?” asked the salesclerk. “It’s cost extra, though.”

“I’ll think about it.”

The clerk goes to get the key for the case.

“By the way,” said Antonio. “What brings you two here? Doing some shopping yourselves?”

“We already did all our shopping online,” said Karina. “We’re here to do a show at the skating rink.”

“That reminds me,” said Ryan. “Have you figured which song your gonna sing?”

“I’ve decided the classic All I Want For Christmas Is You. And what about you? You’re still not thinking of singing that one, are you?”

“Say what you will, the King killed it with Blue Christmas. I don’t know why you’re so upset about it.”

“Well, we still need a song for the duet.”

“Have you thought of one, yet?” asked Antonio.

Ryan and Karina just stare at each other.

“We’re working on it,” answered Ryan, nervously.

“Your purchase is ready,” announced the clerk.

Antonio paid for the pendants and he, Karina, and Ryan leave the store.

“I need to catch up with Kotetsu and the others,” said Antonio. “Barnaby brought the orphans, Kotetsu brought Kaede, and I brought… Ivan.”

“We’ll see you at the show,” said Karina and she and Ryan left.

Antonio managed to catch up with the others.

“We’re going to take the kids ice-skating and then watch the show before we leave,” said Barnaby.

“Yeah, I ran into them,” said Antonio. “But I have to warn you, Ryan’s singing a song by the King.”

“Oh brother,” said one of the orphans.

Later at the skating rink, the party was skating on the ice. Kotetsu and Antonio were not so graceful, unlike Barnaby and Kaede where were practically swans out there. Ivan stayed off the ice to watch the gifts they bought.

“Sorry, Ivan,” said Kotetsu. “You drew the shortest straw.”

Ivan watched as the others enjoyed the ice.

It’s probably for the best, Ivan thought to himself. We’re an odd number. No one would partner with me. Now even my partner.

Ivan looked to the side and saw someone selling roasted popcorn. Ivan thought about getting some, but he had to stay and watch the gifts. Suddenly, he saw a sight he never thought he would see. Someone was buying the popcorn and it was…

“One, please,” said Yuri Petrov.

Suddenly, Yuri noticed he was being watched. He recognized Ivan and knew he wanted popcorn, too.

“Make that two,” he said.

After buying the popcorn, he sat down with Ivan and they enjoyed their treat.

“Doing some chopping, I see,” said Yuri.

“Not really,” said Ivan. “I’m just here with them.”

He pointed to his friends one the ice. Barnaby was helping Kotetsu back up after falling on the ice for eighth time with Kaede laughing while Antonio was still trying to keep his balance, much to the orphans’ amusement.

“Someone had to watch their gifts.”

“Are there any there for you?” asked Yuri.

“I don’t really celebrate Christmas. My family’s from Russia. What about you?”

“I’m Jewish. I celebrate Hanukah.”

“Right.”

Ivan and Yuri return to watching the skaters on the ice.

“How are you holding up?” asked Ivan. “I heard about what happened to your mother. It must be hard.”

“It will be different,” answered Yuri. “This will be my first Hanukah without her. It’s always been just use since my father passed.”

“Don’t you have anyone else? Other family members?”

“No. My mother was an only child and didn’t even have cousins. Her parents passed long before I was born. As for my father, he never talked much about his past. Not even his family.”

“How come?”

Yuri was just silent at the moment and finally said, “Like I said, he wouldn’t say.”

“Alright. I won’t pry further. But if you don’t have any plans tonight, you could come to my place. We don’t celebrate Christmas, but my parents come to visit none the less. But my father just had eye surgery, so they can’t make it this year and all my other relatives live too far away.”

“What about the other heroes?”

“Kotetsu and Barnaby are going to a party at Barnaby’s apartment. Antonio’s relatives came over from the West Coast to celebrate Noche Buena. Ryan is going to a Holiday party that Nathan is hosting, I wasn’t invited. Karina is spending it with her parents and grandparents. Keith’s parents are visiting. Pao-Lin went with Lara and her mother to visit their relatives out of town. Same goes for Thomas who is spending it with his sisters and dads in Pleiades and Subaru who went to his hometown of Panjourney.”

“… I’ll think about it. But for now, it’s good to talk to someone about this.”

And Yuri was. The only other people he has ever told that his father was Mr. Legend were Kotetsu and Barnaby.

After some time, Kotetsu, Barnaby, Kaede, Antonio, and he orphans decide to sit down as the stage lit up in front of the Christmas Tree and Blue Rose and Golden Ryan cam on stage.

“Happy Holidays, Sternbild!” cheered Blue Rose.

“Get ready for a golden night!” Golden Ryan also cheered.

Almost everyone in the mall exploded with excitement and holiday spirit.

“Then here we go!” Blue Rose and Golden Ryan said in unison.

Blue Rose then began to sing All I Want For Christmas Is You. Many of the people, most of the men, ended up singing along to this very popular song at this time of year.

“Thank you, everyone!” thanked Blue Rose.

“Now for my go,” said Golden Ryan. “Let’s take it a bit slow with this little number.”

Oh boy, Blue Rose thought to herself.

Golden Ryan begins singing Blue Christmas. Many of the people were weeping over the smooth words of a song that was originally sung by a music legend.

After the song, it was time for Blue Rose and Golden Ryan to do their duet.

“It took a while, but we finally came with a song we can both sing,” said Blue Rose. “A little something a friend of a friend of mine heard. She called them and her friends gave us permission to sing this song.”

“And you can sing it, too,” added Golden Ryan. “So, shall we?”

“Yes!” screamed the crowd in delight.

“Then here we go!” Blue Rose and Golden Ryan said in unison. “Here’s For NEXT Christmas!”

The two heroes began singing their song as many people began singing along. It was a night to remember.

After the show, it was time to call it a night. Antonio found out that Ivan and Yuri were going to spend the night together and decided to invite them come home with him for Noche Buena… He made it hard to refuse.

“Before we go to your place, I’d like to stop by the prison to drop off Edward’s gift,” said Ivan.

“I don’t see why not,” said Antonio. “He’s still your friend.”

Ivan felt a little awkward about visiting a criminal he once tried to kill.

In the parking garage, Antonio, Ivan, and Yuri drive off with Antonio and Ivan in the former’s van with Yuri driving after them. Kotetsu and Barnaby were helping the orphans on the orphanage bus while Kaede was waiting for them in Kotetsu’s car. They notice Blue Rose and Golden Ryan are signing autographs for the jewelry store clerk. After helping the last orphan on the bus, the nun driving it drives off back to the orphanage.

“Thanks again for helping me, today,” said Barnaby. “I really appreciate it.”

“No sweat, Bunny,” said Kotetsu with a smile. “I’m just glad you decided to let my family celebrate at your place. We were going to do it at my place, but the water’s been acting up.”

“Well, to point it out, should have had those pipes checked a long time ago.”

“Well, to be fair, I was kinda busy being a hero. And I’m still kinda busy new with the company.”

“Either way, I’m glad you’re having the party at my apartment. I was going to invite Mattia, but some of his friends from college invited him to catch up out of town. But he said he’ll be back in time for New Year.”

“Yeah.”

Barnaby looks to Kaede in Kotetsu’s car who was on her phone. He sighs.

“Something wrong, Bunny?” asked Kotetsu, a bit concerned.

“I’ve never had a family Christmas since I lost my parents,” answered Barnaby. “I’ve always had Mr. Maverick and Samantha… Well, more like it’s just Samantha since I learned the truth. And since I met all of you, Christmas was no longer lonely. But still, it would be nice to spend it with a family and not just friends.”

“I know how you feel, Bunny. Ever since Tomoe passed away, Christmas hasn’t been the same. There were times I tried to go back to Oriental Town to spend it with Kaede, Muramasa, and my mother, but I had to be a hero. There was nothing I could do. But now that I’m no longer a hero, I have all time in the world to spend it with them… So why aren’t I happy?”

Barnaby places his hand Kotetsu’s unsure face and started to feel more comfortable.

“You’re still a hero, Wild Tiger,” said Barnaby, happy to be with Kotetsu in that moment. “Just in a different way. You still help people one way or another. Having time for your family is just new. Give it time, you’ll get used to it and you’ll be happy. You’ve become your own kind of hero… That’s why I love you for it.”

Kotetsu was very happy to hear that. He always knew his partner believed in him, even though he wouldn’t admit in the past. He places his hand on Barnaby face and stroked it with his knuckles which Barnaby liked.

“And I love you, too, Bunny, for being there for me,” said Kotetsu.

Before either of them knew it, they were now embraced in a passionate kiss… It was a Christmas gift to each other they would never forget.

They part as Kaede begins calling from the car.

“Hey, Barnaby, Uncle Muramasa wants to speak to you!”

Barnaby takes the phone.

“What is it, Muramasa?” he said.

“Hey, Baranby?” said Muramasa’s voice. “You know that big pink flower with the green and yellow leaves?”

“My Coral Orchid? Yes.”

“I have a question… Is it rare and expensive? No, Kaito! Leave the dirt alone!”

Barnaby quickly hands Kaede back her phone.

“I think it’s time to go,” he said.

“I think we better,” said Kotetsu.

With that, Kotetsu, Barnaby, and Kaede were on their way.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

This fanfic is for @pearlnareff for the Tiger and Bunny Secret Santa 2024.