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cardest · 4 years ago

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Russia playlist

Gorbachov! Tear down that wall.......and turn up this Russia playlist! The Cossacks are dancing to this one and the yaks are singing. Russia, Siberia, Moscow, St Petersburg and a cold war. It’s all here in this Russia playlist. Hit play: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-iHPcxymC18F7oDKY8zH1IOplzHM05MY

We begin the journey in Siberia and make our way across Genghis Khan territory towards Omsk and beyond. We have a look at Chernobyl, Ukraine for a look around and make our way up to Moscow, We finish up this playlist in St Petersburg. Hope you enjoy it.

RUSSIA

001 FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE 007 OST - Main theme 002 Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train 003 The Beatles - Back in The USSR 004 Iron Maiden - Mother Russia 005 Sisters of Mercy - Dominion / Mother Russia 006 Ramones - Cretin Hop 007 Sting - Russians 008 Russkaja - Peace, Love & Russian Roll 009 Robert Simon Thomas - Troika (balalaika) 010 Jello Biafra, The Guantanamo School Of Medicine - We Created Putin 011 The Cult - Siberia 012 Mastodon - Siberian Divide 013 Yes - Siberian Khatru 014 Pesnokhorki Barnaul - Cossacks songs of Siberia 015 Diablo Swing Orchestra - Siberian Love Affairs 016 The Kills - Siberian Nights 017 The Night Flight Orchestra - Siberian Queen 018 Altai Kai - Traditional Siberian music 019 Vallenfyre - My Black Siberia 020 Skyhooks - Jukebox In Siberia 021 MISERY INDEX - Siberian March 022 Wooly Mammoth - Mammoth Bones 023 Grumbling Fur - Siberian Priest 024 Iron Maiden - Genghis Khan 025 Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Night enchanted 026 The Locust - Live From The Russian Compound 027 ACCEPT - Russian Roulette 028 Cavalera Conspiracy - Genghis Khan 029 Diaframma - Siberia 030 Renaissance - Mother Russia 031 Echo & The Bunnymen - Siberia 032 Dschinghis Khan - Genghis Khan 033 Bad News - Warriors Of Ghengis Khan 034 The Hu - The great Chinggis Khan 035 Shah - Escape 036 Ray Stevens - Surfin USSR 037 Ramones - Locket Love 038 Heirs - Russia 039 The Dillinger Escape Plan - Hero of the Soviet Union 040 Natalia Albychakova - Takhpakh 041 Svetlanas - Go Fck You Self 042 Maloletka - Irkutsk Path 043 Kuban Cossack Choir - The hat all around 044 The Lords of the New Church - Russian Roulette 045 Paul Lay Trio - Irkutsk 046 Elvis Hitler - Rocking Over Russia 047 Russian Circles - 309 048 Thylacine - Irkutsk 049 Valeriy Voloshin and gruppa Pyatiletka - Irkutsk 050 DEVO - Cold War 051 Güiro Meets Russia - It's Not The World, It's You 052 Powerwolf - Nightside of Siberia 053 Altai Kai - Oilo oilo altai 054 Arkona - Yarilo 055 Depeche Mode - People Are People 056 Gorky Park - Bang 057 Igor Stravinsky - The Rite of Spring, Part 1- 3 Game of Abduction 058 Martika - Toy Soldiers 059 Transvision vamp - revolution baby 060 The Stranglers - No More Heroes 061 Gari Gari - Russian gypsy music 062 Russian Sailors - Dance Yablochka 063 Manic Street Preachers - Revolt 064 Elton John - Nikita 065 Krokus - Russian winter 066 Prince - Ronnie Talk to Russia 067 Soviet SOunds - Baikal-Amur Railroad 068 Genesis - Land of Confusion 069 Duran Duran - Planet Earth 070 Today Is The Day - The Russian Porn Ballet 071 Nytt Land - Ballad of Gjallarhorn 072 Rotting Christ - Ветры злые - (featuring Irina Zybina) 073 Metallica - Blackened 074 Anneke van Giersbergen, Árstíðir - Russian Lullaby 075 Der Kommissar - After the Fire 076 Czas relaksu - Andrzej i Eliza 077 korobushka - Folk Russian 078 Peter Gabriel - Red Rain 079 FEAR - Bomb the Russians 080 Rush - Heresy 081 RUSSKAJA - Energia 082 Megadeth - Peace Sells 083 King Crimson - One More Red Nightmare 084 Sodom - Nuclear Winter 085 Bruce Cockburn - If I Had A Rocket Launcher 086 Talisman - Hey you Horses! 087 Styx - Cold War 088 Grateful Dead - Throwing Stones 089 Gimines - Kai armonika tyliai užgros 090 EXHUMED - Coins Upon the Eyes 091 Mastodon - The Czar 092 CCCP - American Soviets 093 Sapce Rockit - Supersonik Elektronik 094 Septic Flesh - The Eldest Cosmonaut 095 Quicksand - Cosmonauts 096 Arkona - Zimushka 097 Abracadabra - Damned Dances 098 Pink Floyd - Two Suns In The Sunset 099 Prince - 1999 100 Trololo Guy - Sean Sell Duck with Fake Subtitles ( Buffalax Style ) 101 Armonika - Gromatele Parašiau 102 Diablo Swing Orchestra - Vodka Inferno 103 Accept - Balls to the wall 104 Killing Joke - New Cold War 105 UB40 - The Earth Dies Screaming 106 RAMONES - Bonzo Goes To Bitburg (My Brain Is Hanging Upside) 107 TCHAYOK - Zavarka - Mi-minable 108 COH - Soii Noir 109 Vircator - Tunguska 110 Scorpions - China White 111 Tears For Fears - Everybody Wants To Rule The World 112 The Stalin - 解剖室 113 KAIRA - OХ РA 114 Alexander Robotnick - Ce n'est q'un début 115 Tunguska Electronic Music Society - Alpha Kawu 116 Arkona - Odna 117 Cist - Antisceptic 118 Sabaton - Nuclear Attack 119 Leningrad Cowboys - Katjusha 120 PRONG - Rude Awakening 121 Imperial Age - And I Shall Find My Home 122 Так - пела метель 123 Fear Konstruktor - Nonexistence 124 Oneohtrix - Russian Mind 125 Police - Every Breath You Take 126 dEpEchE modE - Two Minute Warning 127 Ultravox - Dancing With Tears In My Eyes 128 Sigue Sigue Sputnik - Love Missile F1-11 129 Metallica - Fight Fire With Fire 130 David Bowie - Heroes 131 woven hand - my Russia 132 Survivor - Burning Heart (Rocky IV OST) 133 Forest - As a Shade Above This Land 134 Tesla - Modern Day Cowboy 135 Colossus Form - Son Of Nature 136 The Flying Lizards - Russia 137 Djivan Gasparyan - A Cool Wind Is Blowing 138 Iron Driver (feat. Pasha Mrachek) - Prisoner of time 139 Pussy Riot - CHAIKA 140 Boris Alexandrov - Катюша (Katyusha) 141 DEVO - Going Under 142 Motor - Yak 143 Nuclear Assault - Nuclear War 144 Edward Artemiev - Station (Solaris OST) 145 Soviet Valves - Puritan Blues 146 Verasy - Polet 147 FAVALLI - Yuri Gagarin 148 Wolfmother - Cosmonaut 149 Yuri Gagarin - Psychological Discontinuity 150 Witchfinder General - Soviet Invasion 151 Korrozia Metallah - Russian Vodka 152 Russkaja - Kosmopolit 153 Dio - Gypsy 154 The The - slow train to dawn 155 Blues Pills - Gypsy 156 Rush - Red Lenses 157 Corey Hart - Komrade Kiev 158 Master - Metal Doctor 159 Howlin Rain - Phantom In The Valley 160 ARKONA - Liki Bessmertnykh Bogov 161 Pitchblack - IHATEU 162 Ozzy Osbourne - Killer of Giants 163 Scorpions - Wind of Change 164 Yat kha - Chorumal Bodum 165 Nadezhda Babkina, Russkaja Pesnja 166 Ramones - Here Today, Gone Tomorrow 167 Russian radio - red flag 168 Manicure - Atomic Summer 169 The Dillinger Escape Plan - The Threat Posed By Nuclear Weapons 170 Love Among Freaks - Berserker 171 ARIA - HERO OF ASPHALT 172 Temnozor - Fatherland 173 Walknut - Motherland Ostenvegr 174 Weird Al Yankovic - Now That's What I Call Polka! 175 Underworld - Underneath the Radar 176 Skyclad - Polkageist 177 Helloween - Russian Roulé 178 John Coltrane - Russian Lullaby 179 Julian Cope - russian revolution blues 180 Rodrigo y Gabriela - The Russian Messenger 181 Kate Bush - Babooshka 182 ВИА - Чаривни гитары 183 Mastodon - The Last Baron 184 Hovert – Omyt 185 Minsk - Consumed by Horizons 186 Kypck - Stalingrad 187 Def Leppard - Gods of war 188 Black Country Communion - Big Train 189 Sabaton - Stalingrad 190 Doomsquad - Russian Gaze 191 Soviet Soviet - Human Nature 192 Murray head - one night in bangkok 193 The Korgis - Young n Russian 194 Chelsea Light Moving - Communist Eyes 195 Helix - Champagne Communist 196 UDO - Train Ride In Russia 197 Mr Weebl - Russian Dancing Men 198 Jamie Jones - Siberian Express 199 They Might Be Giants - Sold My Mind to the Kremlin 200 Ed Khuild - lolololololololol 201 Sepultura - Itsari 202 Vy Pole - Enormous 203 Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Fifteen Feet Of Pure White Snow 204 Gogol Bordello - Gypsy Auto Pilot 205 Buffalex - Horse Eat My Nipple 206 Municipal Waste - Wolves of Chernobyl 207 Drudkh - Cursed Sons II 208 Chernobyl - A song for the fallen 209 Russkaja - Hometown Polka 210 Toxic Holocaust - Out of the Fire 211 Hail Caesar! Soundtrack - 19 Soviet Man 212 The Blow Monkeys - The Man From Russia 213 The Devil's Blood - The Anti-Kosmik Magick 214 Orchid - Cosmonaut of Three 215 Vergeltung - Cold War 216 KYPCK - Alleya Stalina 217 Cabaret Voltaire - Calling Moscow 218 Red Army Choir - Polyushka Polye 219 Iron Curtain - Ready To Strike 220 Porcupine Tree - Russia on Ice 221 Sigue Sigue Sputnik - 21st Century Boy 222 Al Stewart - Roads to Moscow 223 The Rolling Stones - Sympathy For The Devil 224 Soviet Soviet - ecastacy 225 KREMLIN - Will You Feed Me 226 AC/DC - Heatseeker 227 ANJ - Gorbachev 228 Katyusha (Катюша) - Aleksandr Marshal & Valeria Kurnushkina 229 ARKONA - Stenka Na Stenku 230 Black Obelisk - The wall 231 Skyclad - Catherine at the Wheel 232 Pussy Riot - Kropotkin-vodka (Kill the sexist!) 233 Brian Eno -- Stedelijk 234 Zola Jesus - Siphon 235 Insect Inside - The First Shining of New Genus 236 MR. ZIVAGO - Little Russian 237 The Real McKenzies - Midnight Train to Moscow 238 Red Army OST - KGB 239 The Toasters - Night Train to Moscow 240 Thy Catafalque - Urania 241 The Apogee - Hieronymus Bosch 242 Sabaton - Panzerkampf 244 RUSSKAJA - Barada 245 Oneohtrix Point Never - KGB Nights 246 Faith No More - A Small Victory 247 Mike and the mechanics - A Call To Arms 248 Michael Jackson - Stranger In Moscow 249 Blondie - Contact In Red Square 250 Rammstein - Moskau 251 Pseudogod - deathwomb 252 KGB - Subway Sleepwalker 253 Igor Butman Big Band - Moscow at 3am 254 Genghis Khan - Moscow 255 Demon - Blue Skies In Red Square 256 Type O Negative - The Profit of Doom 257 COH - Red Square 258 Cougars - Red Square 259 Ray Conniff - Moscow Nights 260 INDIANS IN MOSCOW - Indians in Moscow 261 Radio Moscow - 250 Miles 262 Kingdom Come - Crown of Moscow 263 Powerwolf - Moscow after dark 264 U.D.O. - Decadent 265 System Of A Down - Störagéd 266 Closure In Moscow - Pink Lemonade 267 VIBRATORS - DISCO IN MOSCO 268 IRA PETROWA - MOSKAUER NÄCHTE 269 Visage - Moon Over Moscow 270 Farmers Market - Red Square Dance 271 Wonderland - Moscow 272 Courtney Pine - Red Square Gagarinesk 273 Stray Cats - Storm The Embassy 274 German Shepherds - Communist Control 275 Moloko - Radio Moscow 276 March of the defenders - Moscow 277 Takako Nishizaki - Podmoskovnye vechera( Moscow Nights) 278 Simple Minds - Moscow Underground 279 The Spotnicks - Moscow 280 The Russian Jazz Quartet - Journey from Moscow 281 Bob Crewe Generation - Miniskirts In Moscow 282 MODERN TROUBLE - FLY TO MOSCOW 283 Gorky Park - Moscow Calling 284 BB Gabor - Moscow Drug Club 285 Doe Maar - De bom 286 Manicured noise - Moscow 287 Russkaja - Ras Dwa Tri 288 PLANET P PROJECT - Armageddon 289 Clan of Xymox - Muscoviet Musquito 290 Gogol Bordello - 60 REVOLUTIONS 291 Uriah Heep - Gypsy 292 Living Colour - Cult Of Personality 293 The Hollies - Russian Roulette 294 Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen - Red Square 295 Frank Chacksfield - Under Moscow Skies 296 Thomas Dolby - Eastern Bloc 297 The Redskins - Kick Over The Statues 298 The Alchemist - Moscow Mornings - Sunrise 299 N.O.T.A. - Moscow 300 Svetlanas - Where Is My Borscht? 301 Against Me! - Russian Spies 302 James Horner - Gorkij park (Gorky Park 1983) OST 303 Hetalia Russia - Moscú 304 Roberto Jacketti & The Scooters - Moscow Nights 305 Ram J Holder - The Blues in Moscow 306 Ivan Rebroff sings Russian folk songs - Moscow nights 307 Jethro Tull - Crest Of A Knave Said She Was a Dancer 308 Men At Work - Its a Mistake 309 Skeewiff - Moscow Mule 310 The Clash - Ivan Meets G.I. Joe 311 Captain Sensible - Glad its all over 312 Ulfdallir - Steel Armor 313 Arkona - Oi Ti ne Vecher (Oh Not That Evening) 314 Lena Katina - No Voy A Olvidarte 315 JOHNNY M5 - Moscow Nights 316 Eddy Huntington - U.S.S.R. 317 Selsius - Moscow 318 WINTERUS - MOSCOW 319 Mr. Zivago - Love in Moscow 320 Brutto - Moscow Calling 321 Udo Lindenberg - Moskau 322 Aliza Kashi - Moscow Nights 323 Angelic Upstarts - Last Tango In Moscow 324 ASIA - Russian Dolls 325 Blaze Bayley & Thomas Zwijsen - Russian Holiday 326 Kate Bush - Breathing 327 Roger Waters and David Bowie - When the wind blows 328 Roky Erickson & The Aliens - Sputnik 329 Moscow - Orange Juice 330 Ivan Rebroff - Cossack Patrol 331 Alexandr Gradsky - Как молоды мы были 332 James Horner - Gorky Park - Following KGB 333 B.T.R - Moscow City 334 Gogol Bordello - Hats Off To Kolpakoff 335 CCCP - Sputnik [Cosmos] 336 Russkaja - Go Sputnik 337 Red Spektor - Cosmonaut 338 Bald Red Lady - Cosmonaut 339 Ulver - Russian Doll 340 Hawkwind - Sputnik Stan 341 Bad Acid Trip - Putin Fears Pussy 342 Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime 343 Dark Tranquillity - Arkhangelsk 344 TOTAL REJECTS (This Night) I'm Going To Be Destroyed 345 Manic Street Preachers - The Next Jet to Leave Moscow 346 Billy Joel - Leningrad 347 Victor Smolski - The Heretic 348 Boney M - Rasputin 349 Type O Negative - Tripping A Blind Man 350 Leningrad Cowboys - Leningrad 351 Accept - Stalingrad 352 Russian Folk Music - Russian Winter 353 Cavalera Conspiracy - Rasputin 354 Kontrust - Rasputin 355 Bersarin Quartett - St. Petersburg 356 Folkearth - From Volga to Bosphorus 357 Anastasia - Rumor in St. Petersburg 358 Retox - Soviet Reunion 359 Fireside - Let Rasputin Do It 360 Mastodon - Oblivion 361 St.Petersburg Ska Jazz Review - Volga River Boat Man 362 THERION - The Khlysti Evangelist 363 The Mountain Goats - Evening in Stalingrad 364 Rage - Soul Survivor 365 Indigo Girls - Closer to Fine 366 ARKONA - Slavsia Rus 367 Russian Folk Music - Kalinka (balalaika) 368 Catch 22 - The Decembrists Song 369 Joanna Stingray - City of Lenin 370 Aria - Attila 371 KAUAN - Khurum 372 Balalaika Ensemble Wolga - Cossacks Dance 373 The Liminanas - Russian Roulette 374 Vasiliy Shumov - Porridge 375 U.D.O. - I GIVE AS GOOD AS I GET 666 Russkaja - Change

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-iHPcxymC18F7oDKY8zH1IOplzHM05MY

#russia #moscow #russian playlist #russian songs #siberia #russkaja #arkona #rasputin #leningrad cowboys #cavalera conspiracy #cossack #type o negative #svetlanas #pussy riot #cold war music

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minimarker · 6 years ago

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The Talllle of Glennnn and Daaaale

(and Gaiiiil and Marrrrsha)

(Note: some of the footage of the 2017 P4A was lost. This compilation was the best I could do from my memory and the footage available. If I made any mistakes or forgot any parts I apologize.)

In the 2017 Project for Awesome the Missoula crew were hanging out the first night when Brit Garner brought a bunch of props from a local theatre. As Hank said, “Brit is here and she brought… something terrifying.” That terrifying thing was Glennnn the sheep. From one angle Glennnn looks like he smoked a bunch of weed and then killed someone. From another angle Glennnn looks like he’s very tired and knows a lot about you. From yet another angle Glennnn looks proud, like a spiritual teacher. Like a gentler Rafiki mentor. Apparently, Victoria looks at Hank like Glennnn a lot, especially when he has “ideas.” Glennnn reminds Hank of Undertale. At one point Glennnn was called the Merlin to Hank’s King Arthur. Hank quickly became so attached to Glennnn that he promised to work Glennnn into the sequel to his book.

Glennnn came to the stream with two hats: a green visor and a gold crown. When wearing the green visor, it seemed like he will do your shady taxes and launder your money for you. Or maybe play poker with his friends. Does he have a gambling problem? No, he’s just a CPA. When wearing the crown, he is King Glennnn. We will get to that later.

Soon a consensus was made on the spelling of Glennnn. Glennnn must have 4 n’s, three of which are silent. It does not matter which three are silent. Later we learned that Glennnn is pronounced “Glen” if the last three n’s are silent and “Gle-n” if one of the later n’s is the audible one. At this point chat was overtaken with sheep emojis, all from Glennnn the Sheep Father. Some chatters went overboard and were informed that Glennnn can’t have five n’s, we must keep it reasonable!

Quickly we learned more about Glennnn: he is a hollow shell full of wisdom … and MURDER. Hank claimed that NASA is hiding the fact that for years they have observed Glennnn through a powerful telescope. Someone claimed that Deadpool wishes he didn’t wear such a skin-tight suit and instead wore Glennnn’s hat… and nothing else.

Meanwhile, the nerdfighters quickly made social media accounts for him. Glennnn The Sheep soon had an Instagram with a screenshot of the P4A stream as the profile picture. The bio read “Hi, my name is Glennnn, the last three n’s are silent. My favorite people are the Nerdfighters that are currently watching the livestream of the Project for Awesome!” A twitter account was also made for Glennnn, @GlennTheSheep. Later, when describing the discrepancy in n’s on social media, we were advised to type as many n’s as your heart tells you to find Glennnn on social media.

Soon Matthew Gaydos joined the stream and was introduced to Glennnn. Matt found his legs “interesting” and when chat asked him how to buy the sheep Matt said “You can’t! Glennnn is a human! No, he’s not!” Hank questioned if Glennnn is 100% sheep and Matt clarified that he is 4% wood and 96% sheep. When Matt had to step away he left Glennnn in charge of the stream.

Somehow Glennnn lost his hat. Matt gave him the crown and declared him King Glennnn. King Glennnn of the Glen, Hank added. It is Glennnn’s Glen, he is not king of the forest. Daaaale is his brother, King of the Dale. And Marrrrsha, of the Marsh, is their sister. Clearly glens were named for Glennnn. As Hank said “If Glennnn can see you, you are in his Glen. You are turning into a sheep. Can you feel it?”

Hank invented a new version of Instagram for Glennnn: Glennnnstagram. All pictures on it are of sheep and glens, except the one picture of a dale from when Glennnn visited Daaaale. Chat suggested a Glennnn theme park and Matt seemed confused about what that would entail. Hank suggested making a hat with Glennnn on it as a perk for P4A 2018 (as of the posting of this it has not been announced as a perk but Glennnn and Daaaale plushies are totally a thing!). Much of this conversation happened while Hank’s face was being painted to look like Pizza John. Hank then declared that Hank-Pizza John Green of the Glen is a subject of King Glennnn. Chat requested that someone kiss Glennnn and Matt promised that someone would at 1.4 million dollars. Hank offered to kiss Glennnn, although I am not sure if he ever did.

Soon talk turned to a major event in Glennnn’s past. Apparently, a sheep’s hair is only shorn when he loses in battle. Glennnn’s hair is the longest in the Glen. Daaaale’s hair is slightly longer. Glennnn of the Glen is the hero of the Battle of Glen-Dale. The elves know him. Songs have been dedicated to Glennnn. It is proposed that Lin-Manuel Miranda or Al Roker should write a musical of the battle of Glen-Dale.

Then Rodney appeared and it was confirmed that Glennnn has Rodney’s back because, of course he does. Rodney said, “the sheep is everything” and as Glennnn was passed from person to person we learned that holding Glennnn feels so right that you forget he’s there. For a time Glennnn wore the frog hat instead of his crown. We also learned that Glennnn plays the banjo just like Ed Helms and Ryan is his middle name. Maia and Valerie drew Glennnn eating corn in a timed competition.

The next day we learned that Glennnn is everyone’s baby. He belongs to the world. Unknowingly, Destin was encouraging donations by offering to write donors’ names on magnets and one was a sheep. The chat insisted that the sheep was Glennnn. Soon a donation came in from Glennnn but Destin rejected his name because he “is not a real person.” The chat declared that while other magnets were worth a certain donation amount the sheep should cost $1000 in honor of Glennnn. Ben donated $1000 and Destin insisted “but does he want the sheep?” He then offered that Ben could name the sheep whatever he wanted. When Destin wrote on the sheep he could feel how much it mattered to chat. “This is the most important thing I’m gonna write on a sheep, probably in my life.” Destin writes “Ben (Glenn)” and chat quickly corrected: Glennnn has four n’s.

Back with the Missoula crew we learned that Glennnn is Tuna’s favorite quadruped. Since we had last seen the Missoula crew, Ashe had made a painting of Glennnn. The donations reached a milestone and Brit brought in a surprise. DAAAALE HAD ARRIVED! Daaaale bowed to Glennnn, for he was the hero of the Battle of Glen-Dale.

“All hail Daaaale!” someone declared. “Disagree!” countered Hank. Soon it was questioned where Marrrrsha is and Brit clarified “I drive a Honda Civic, I can only do so much.” After a brief debate, it is confirmed that Daaaale has four a’s and can be pronounced as “Dale” or with a bleating sound in the middle (like a sheep). Soon the battle between Glennnn and Daaaale was sparking again, they began to tally a donation battle between the brothers. “Is the vote just a tally? I’ve made a spreadsheet!” someone said, proving how nerdy we all are. The spreadsheet was put to use as the tally was called the “popular vote” and the spreadsheet was used to count the amount donated to each sheep. Suddenly most of the Missoula crew was on Daaaale’s side. “We’re just excited by the new thing” said Caitlin (and seconded by Hank).

The following was determined about the First Battle of Glen-Dale:

-It took place in 1994 (Possibly 640? Possibly yesterday? It couldn’t have been yesterday!)

-Different spellings are all accepted: Glen-Dale, Glennnndale, Glennnn-Daaaale

-Hank’s recap of the Battle: “This is Glennnn, king of the Glen. This is Daaaale, king (queen?) of the Dale. The Dale and Glen were once one land until the Battle of Glennnndaaaale. Very sad for Gaiiiil, their mom. Their sister, Marrrrsha, inherited the Marsh that no one wanted, so it is a peaceful land.”

Now we are in the Second Battle of GlennnnDale! Accusations were thrown at the brothers and slogans were created:

-Glennnn had cow pox and did not tell his lady-friends about it

-A vote for Glennnn is a vote for cow pox for the entire flock

-Tip the scale for Daaaale

-Justice for Daaaale

-A win for Glennnn is a fail for Daaaale

-Daaaale has kind eyes (contrasting the discussion of Glennnn’s eyes from the first day)

-“If Daaaale fails I will wail”- Julie

-Glennnn is such a good friend!

-RiverDAAAALE!

-What do we know about Daaaale? Nothing!

-Daaaale is against Net Neutrality

-We are feeling sheepish about Glennnn

-Daaaale will prevail

-Tip the scale for Daaaale

-Glennnn and Daaaale have beef with each other

-A vote for Daaaale is a vote for a world of snacks

The Battle paused to introduce and catch up the new guests. Brit explained everything as “Brit brings props from community theatre but they are now their own things and stories.” At this point Daaaale was wearing Shrek ears because Shrek lives in a swamp. (I’m still confused on this one since a dale is not a swamp.) The new guests were happy to jump into the Battle and insisted that cow pox gave us vaccines. As their connection to the stream went in and out it was commented that the Battle is causing wooly connections and shear brilliance of puns. I’m not sure you herd me. Chat declared the puns to be flocking awesome.

As the Battle waged on and the donations continued to pour in Brit called for peace: “I need to take them back in the same vehicle.” Hank agreed, adding that Glennnn and Daaaale need to go sit in the same basement together. Soon donations were submitted for peace and were tallied under the joint ticket of Gaiiiil and Marrrrrsha. Unfortunately, this peace was short-lived as the debate was reignited by the question of if Glennnn or Daaaale is older. Eventually it was decided that they are twins but Glennnn is older.

As is to be expected, Harry Potter was soon pulled into the battle. In the heat of anger Glennnn was declared a Slytherin but it was soon walked back. He is a Gryffindor. Daaaale is definitely a Hufflepuff. Both Glennnn and Daaaale love Harry Potter. The discussion of Harry Potter brought us back to Nerdfighteria and Brotherherd 2.0 was born, as were its fans the Herdfighters of Herdfighteria. Quietly Brit lamented, “Why do I feel like they are never going to be returned?”

“I’m for Daaaale, but when I look into Glennnn’s eyes I feel the need to vote for him” commented Hank. There is definitely something about Glennnn’s eyes. Ben (possibly the same Ben from before) made a big donation in Glennnn’s name. He was declared Glennnn’s SuperPAC which was soon replaced with SuperHERD (or SuperFLOCK). Since Glennnn was given larger donations than Daaaale, Glennnn was declared a puppet for Big Sheep. Soon the Second Battle of GlennnnDaaaale was ended due to the $5154 donation that did not vote for either sheep. The votes were tallied and Glennnn won the Second Battle of GlennnnDaaaale.

As they were finishing up for the night Brit went to wash dishes and found a picture of Reed hugging a different sheep from the theatre… and also a large goat (which Brit did not bring to the stream because it was too big).

You would think that would be the end of Glennnn and Daaaale for the evening BUT NO! They traveled to Synema Studios to visit that crew into the wee hours of the morning. Michael Aranda questioned why Glennnn gets to be the lord and savior (and wear the crown). He was then given a quick recap of the story. Soon it was discovered that Glennnn and Daaaale were in marching band together as drummers. As the stream continued the Synema crew gave Daaaale a lot more attention than Glennnn because Glennnn is a king and “Daaaale just lives in a swamp” (Note: a dale is not a swamp). At the end of their shift Michael declared that it was more of an honor to be in Daaaale’s presence than Glennnn’s and chat was offended.

As the 2017 Project for Awesome came to a close Hank thanked Glennnn and Daaaale for their efforts. Glennnn appeared to celebrate the end of the livestream. After John and Hank said goodbye the last shot of the stream was Glennnn.

(Here’s a link to my Butfartman Lore Compliation.)

#Glennnn #Daaaale #Project for Awesome #P4A #Nerdfigher #Nerdfighteria #Butfatman

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gaypasta · 6 years ago

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do you want fries with that?

chapter 13 Read on Ao3 Chapter Directory

The quiet blanket of darkness shrouded the quarry, enveloping the group of teenagers in their own bubble, untouched by the universe. The fire that Mike had managed to get blazing, even with the dampness of Winter settling in every tree branch and log, had set a warm glow around the Marsh, the light from the flames gently bouncing off the thick forest that surrounded them. Their own little pocket of Derry that was just for them.

The little clearing of the Marsh had quickly become the group’s usual hang-out-spot, so much so that all of them - bar Ben, who was working - had biked through the frosted streets of the town, trekked down through iced leaves and mud, with only a pair fo flashlights between them and the moon peeking from behind the trees to guide their way (not that they needed it, they knew the area surrounding the Quarry and Marsh like the back of their hand). It was cold, being December, but none of them had ever queried their collective decision to sit in the great outdoors - all too fond of their time spent there to ever really contest it.

So there they were sat, a group of somewhat misfit teenagers all bundled up in thick coats and scarves and whatnot - thankfully the thickness of the forest around them managed to keep some of the heat from the fire from completely dissipating into the air, and their coats were thick enough to fend off any shivers or teeth chattering they would have. Stan noted that even Richie had forgone his usual outfit of shorts and t-shirt for a frayed pair of jeans that rose high on his ankles - clearly he had dug them from the pits of his closet - and a heavy knit sweater that hung off of his frame so much that Stan had originally mistaken it for a blanket at first.

Richie was sat on the ground, opposite where Eddie and Stan were sitting on the soft fabric of the camping loveseat that Mike had adorned them with one evening after helping his Uncle clear out their garage. Previously, they had all sat on the cold ground, or fought over the log which allowed their pants to avoid the worst of the mud and moss stains - there hadn’t really been much of a fight in reality, just some light-hearted complaints as Eddie and Stan claimed their seats, sat close as to not fall off, shoulders usually pressed together.

The camping couch had been the first addition, a mossy green fold-out seat, that had definitely seen better days.It came with small holes in the arms, netted in mesh to hold drinks presumably, Stan usually pulls off his wool mittens and folds them in it instead, hating the way the fabric rubs against his wrists - which were burning more than usual tonight, after Stan scratching at his left one earlier in an effort to calm his need to skirt around and fix everything.

The next addition had been a plain white plastic deck chair, small splinters running through the back and a couple of strange stains that didn’t quite rub out under Eddie’s furious scrubbing with disinfectant wipes. Richie refused to tell anyone where he found it. He stole it from his neighbour’s front yard after they ran over his bike in their shitty pickup truck, he had told Stan later. Stan doubted they would even notice it was gone. Ben had procured two camping chairs from his parents, who were happy enough to part with them, they were in better shape than the one that Eddie and Stan shared, but they were smaller - only fitting one person at a time. Sometimes Stan or Eddie would sit in those, but today they had sat down together, enjoying each other’s company.

In total there were five seats for their rag-tag group to sit on, or seven if the large log was included. Richie still maintained the ground was way better, being ‘one with nature and all that shit’. Stan knew he just liked to pick tufts of grass from the ground - which is exactly what he was doing now, tugging at the cold grass and plucking it out of the ground, letting it fall onto a small pile on the thick plaid blanket that Bill had rolled out for him.

Richie was in an animated discussion with Bill, who was sifting through his beaten up backpack, while Richie was fiddling with the grass in a pointed effort not to meet eyes with Stan, who was watching the two with a twinge of a headache in his forehead. Stan wasn’t sure why he was staring at Richie with such venomosity - he wanted Richie to know he was mad at him, but with the way Richie shifted to face Bill made Stan painfully aware that Richie could tell he was mad at him, and was purposely avoiding him. Stan clutched his thermos in his hands, feeling the ridges of the handle ache into his fingers a little.

Eddie eyed him up from under his thick wooly hat that was so large on his small head it kept falling over his eyes, his knees up to his chest, holding his tiny hot water bottle into his stomach - an attempt to ward off hypothermia, which his Mother had told him he would catch if he so much as left the house during Winter. “What’s the matter with you?” Eddie quipped, sounding mildly annoyed which everyone had grown to accept was just the way Eddie’s voice sounds, holding no real contempt.

“Nothing. Why do you ask?”

“You're about to geiser your fucking chicken soup.”

Stan forcibly relaxed his hold and turned to meet Eddie’s eyes, not that he could see anything more than a row of small dark lashes from the bottom of his eyes, “It’s tomato soup.”

Eddie mumbled a whatever and changed to topic of conversation to criticism of Bill’s choice of snacks for this evening.

“Are you fucking kidding, you know I can’t eat that much sugar! I’ll go into sugar overload or whatever and fall into a diabetic coma - are you trying to fucking kill me, Bill?”

Bill laughed as he laid out the crackers and chocolate on his blanket, “I duh-don’t think that’s how it works. Besides, you’re not even duh-duh-diabetic.”

“Yes I am, I can’t eat much sugar - don’t you remember when all I had in my lunchbox in fucking elementary school was a cheese sandwich and sliced cucumber - I wasn’t even allowed an apple because it sent my sugar levels up!”

“Juh-just try it?” Bill pleaded, stabbing a marshmallow onto what looked to be a piece of barbeque equipment, Bill must have noticed Eddie eyeing the tool with disgust because he quickly followed up, “I washed it and it’s duh-disinfected.”

Eddie opened his mouth in another complaint, slapping Bill’s outstretched arm away as he tried to poke Eddie with the marshmallow.

“You didn’t seem all that concerned with sugar when you were knocking back cocktails like a stripper in Vegas.”

“Yes, dickweed and then I passed out.”

“Puh-pretty sure that wuh-was more the alcohol's fault than the sh-sugar.”

“That’s a lie!” Eddie flustered, stumbling over his words as he does when he gets agitated. Beverly laughed from between Richie and Stan, perched with her legs crossed in the stolen chair. Eddie turned with a sharp, “What!”

“Eddie, you probably don’t even remember climbing up Richie like a monkey.” She said and judging by Richie’s face - he didn’t either. Beverly laughed again at Richie, “Oh my God - Bill definitely took a picture - I think he took about a hundred.”

Eddie’s face fumed a violent pink, “I didn’t do that.”

“Awww, Eds! You couldn’t keep your hands off me, just wanted to climb me like a tree you little devil, don’t worry - if you wanted my bananas all you had to do was ask.” Bill laughed and elbowed Richie lightly, “Ow - shit - I don’t want to hear you complaining about me being boney, Big Bill - I feel like I just got stabbed in the ribs.” Bill elbowed him again.

“You wuh-were asking Stan what it felt like to be tuh-tuh-tall, then you just stuh-starting climbing Richie, to guh-get onto his shu-shu-shu-shoulders.”

“You ended up hitting your head on the doorframe and started crying, then passed out like three minutes later.” Mike finished for Bill, who had started to choke on his words as he tried to bristle down laughter.

Stan could hardly remember that, replaying it in his head was like watching TV from ten feet underwater, but he found himself biting his own laughter at the mental image nonetheless.

“I fucking hate you all. Give me the stupid marshmallow and shut the fuck up.”

Bill handed everyone out their marshmallows, all but Eddie and Stan getting theirs pierced onto a clean-enough looking stick, clearly snapped off from a tree. Stan wasn’t overly partial to sweet things, but he toasted his marshmallow nonetheless. Mike was telling Bill all about a baby lamb he had helped be born, pretending not to find it amusing when Eddie blanched and grew a little green at the details, while Bill looked at him in awe, his face interested and completely drawn into everything he was hearing. Bill never had anything but love for his friends painted across his face, Stan briefly thinks that whatever girl Bill ends up falling in love with just might be the most loved girl on the planet. His eyes flicker to where Richie was lying sideways on the log, fully leaning on Bill and conversing erratically with Beverly about some show they had both been keeping up to date with, his cigarette leaving trails of orange amber in the air as he wildly gestured, almost burning himself a couple of times.

Stan feels slightly out of place, sitting where he was, because for the last week or two - ever since he and Richie had began sneaking beer and wine and all sorts into their bedrooms and kissing behind the secrecy of their closed doors - they had sat beside each other. It had earned a look from Eddie as Stan gestured Richie onto the foldable double seat, but nothing was said as Eddie sat on one of the single fold-out chairs, rubbing it with a disinfectant wipe before sitting down. Stan feels slightly lost without Richie shouldering him to encourage him into a conversation, or slinging an arm obnoxiously around his shoulder to draw Stan into whatever shitty monologue he was doing. His eyes followed Richie’s cigarette and he found himself tasting the nicotine from Richie’s breath.

He swallowed as the thoughts of Richie’s dirty cigarette breath panting into his own started swimming through his head. He tried to roll the tension from his shoulders as he imagines Richie panting his dirty cigarette breath into someone else’s mouth.

Richie catches his eye for a moment, his mouth stuttered a little around his story before he furrowed his brows and made a point of looking away from Stan. It didn’t help Stan get any less mad at him.

Stan was finding himself brewing over the incident that had happened at work, the very thing causing the current tension between the two. When Stan returned from outside to continue work, Richie just sailed past him with a cigarette dangling from his lips without looking at him. In fact, Richie hadn’t looked at Stan the rest of the shift. It made Stan livid. It wasn’t enough that Richie was using him as a practice fuck, but Richie was trying to drag his name through the mud just because he’s getting pissy about everything.

“Well, I think we see why Stan never does any of the cooking.” Eddie’s voice snapped Stan out of his trance, he had been staring at Richie - who had looked up at the noise and gave him a strange look. Stan’s marshmallow was burnt - to put it lightly - to shit.

“I’ll remember that when it’s my turn to bring the snacks,” Stan said, scraping the burnt food off of his prong against a rock in the fire pit, wincing at the long white strings of sugar that connected the two - it reminds him of when him and Richie pull apart after kissing and their lips are joined by a string of their mixed saliva. Gross.

Not gross.

Stan’s stomach twisted as Richie let out a loud “OOOOOOOOOO - Eddie’s favourite chocolate brownies? Withheld!”

Stan usually baked his own goods to bring down, it relaxed him and it gave him something to busy his hands with. His friends have tried his food enough between Stan bringing in something to sell in the dessert counter every weekend, to him whipping up some pastries or cakes to bring down to the Marsh. And true to Richie’s statement - Eddie was borderline obsessed with Stan’s brownies - always moaning obscenely when he ate, much to the joy of Riche and the exasperation of literally everyone else. Somehow his ‘diabetes’ was always forgotten about those days.

Eddie’s face was instantly bright with panic, “Well - I - no, right - Shut up Richie, God you’re such a tool - cooking and baking are completely different, right?” He looked around the group for support, all of them feeding quickly into this little bit they had started and looking deep in thought.

“I don’t know, Eddie - it doesn’t seem very convincing…” Beverly started.

“I buh-believe Stan has the right to withhold any buh-buh-baked goods he sees fuh-fit.”

“You’re the judge, Stan.”

Stan hummed in mock thought, tapping the pad of his finger against his chin as Eddie vibrated next to him, “Both sides have compelling arguments, this might take a while to reach a fair decision.”

“Oh wow! Stanley on the fence about something, what a shock.” Richie said, lowly, wiping a bit of chocolate from his smore off his mouth. He missed a bit, Stan noticed - just on the corner. Richie met his eyes and forced out a laugh to punctuate his statement. Stan knew better of course, as the rest of them let out small chuckles at Richie’s playful jab - Stan knew there was little playfulness behind it.

“Is Richie Tozier making obsolete observations in an effort to make himself the center of attention? It’s been a while since we’ve seen that.” Stan forced with a sordid smile, biting his tongue a little.

Richie scowled at him for a second, just quick enough so that no one but Stan - who hadn’t lost eye contact - would notice, “Stan the man gets off on a good one. Let’s roll out the red carpet for that one.” Richie lightened his tone and mimed himself unfurling a large carpet, shaking it and laying it in Stan’s direction. Stan shot him the finger in response.

The rest of the night had followed pretty much the same pattern, Richie and Stan throwing digs at each other under the guise of jokes, with laughter in their voice but venom in their eyes as they stared each other down.

“Aw, your Mom’s a bitch? Sorry to hear Eds - but hey! Look on the bright side, she can’t be any more of a bitch than Stan.”

“Beverly - we know you’re not a slut - or whatever those assholes in your class call you. That title goes to Richie.”

“Hey, Stan - wanna show us how much of your dick the Rabbi cut off?”

“Stop molesting Mike - none of us know how many STD’s you’re carrying.” “If that stick up your ass was any deeper it would be tickling your prostate.”

“No, I don’t think those are jokes, Eddie. I think Richie is just truly that desperate that he would fuck anything with legs at this point.”

“Do you guys reckon that Rabbi’s diddle kids the same way priests do? Maybe that’s why Stan’s such a frigid.”

The two quipped back and forth, raising the occasional look of shock from Bill or Eddie - who had known the two for so long that they knew when both Richie and Stan had overstepped the unspoken line in the sand. They said nothing, however - just shooting curious glances at the two and continuing the conversation along its way.

It wasn’t until Richie made comments about the small string of bruises on Stan’s neck that Stan had desperately tried to cover during the week that Stan had decided he had taken enough of this petty back-and-forth bullshit. He’s had enough of Richie painting him as something he’s not, enough of Richie being bitchy, enough of Richie saying shit just to get a reaction out of him and his friends. It wasn’t fucking fair.

So he had stood up, grabbed Richie’s arm mid-smoke and pulled him out of the clearing, out of the Marsh and downhill, just far enough that the wind wouldn’t carry their voices and concealed enough in the trees that they would muffle them too. Richie had tried to tug his arm free and remain seated, but Stan threatened to dislocate his shoulder and he followed suit with a look of displeasure.

Stan all but threw Richie’s arm out of his hand when they reached what Stan deemed a good enough place to talk. Richie looked offendedly at his arm, rubbing it gently and not meeting Stan’s eyes.

“What is your fucking problem .” Stan seethed.

Richie had the decency to look somewhat sheepish as he backed himself into a tree and laid his weight against it, trying to shrink a little under Stan’s eyes, which were sharp and small, squinting at Richie with anger. Richie didn’t respond but he had the look on his face of wanting to say something, but deciding against it.

“Richie, you can’t push my buttons all day, embarrass me, point out my fucking hickeys to my friends - which, by the way, none of them had even noticed - only to decide to stop the trash talk when I’m asking you why. Asking you why you’re acting so weird about everything all of a sudden.”

Stan stopped himself before he went any further. Not looking to rant at Richie anymore than he just wanted Richie to stop being weird. All this aggression and spite was coming out of left field, and between Stan trying to deal with the sinking feeling in his chest every time he thinks about Richie moving on, to the clutching of his stomach he gets whenever he thinks of Richie in ways that no one else has seen him and with the addiction he’s found himself within Richie’s mouth - it was leaving him stressed and worn thin. His disorder had fed into the stress and he found himself sleepless most nights because he could swear the gentle ticking of his watch fell out of beat every twenty-three seconds. He was confused, he was upset, he was angry and he just wanted his best friend to be there with him, side-by-side like they had been.

Richie cricked his neck a little, making Stan cringe when it made a cracking sound. Richie stays silent for a moment, but the look on his face makes Stan let him - Richie looks like he’s mulling over his words, opening his mouth every so often just to close it and start the process again.

It was rare that Richie really thought before he spoke.

“I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I was just messing around.” Richie looked like he didn’t even try to believe his words.

“Don’t bullshit me, Rich.” Richie’s eyes flickered to Stan’s at the nickname, prompting him to pull out another cigarette - having lost his previous one when Stan yanked his arm a little too hard and he had to drop it to regain balance. “You - you can’t just decide to start lying to me now.”

Richie struggled to get a flame from his lighter, twisting his body against the wind a little to catch a pocket of still air. “What am I lying about, then?”

“You tell me.”

“I don’t get it.” Richie took a drag, face relaxing with the rush of nicotine.

Stan moved closer towards him, only maybe four feet between them now. He could see the tobacco curling as it burned in his cigarette. “Stop it. I’m not going to play this game - I’m not playing cat and mouse with you so that you can skirt around the topic and confuse me into dropping it.” Richie shot him a look, “Don’t look at me like that - you know that I understand how you work. I know that you’d love to pretend not to know what I’m talking about, dodge my questions until I get frustrated and then you feed into it, making comments and being a trashmouth until I walk away. I know your game plan, Rich and you know me well enough to know I won’t play it. ”

Richie’s face bled from a look of shock into a small smile. A gentle smile that comes naturally to your face when you’re content, like when you step into a particularly warm patch or sunlight, or when you smell something that reminds you of a good memory, or when you’re sifting through old photos of you and your friends. A small smile that isn’t overly conscious or prominent on the features, but a comfort nonetheless.

“Of course you do.” Richie looked at Stan with an atypical softness, Stan felt like he was under a microscope for a moment, “I just - uh,” Richie trailed off, taking a drag of his cigarette and blinking in thought, “It’s just messing with me a little, us going from two innocent little church boys who want to do nothing more than make their Mommys proud to fuckin’ like rabbits in heat. Forgive me for getting a little whiplash, Staniel.”

Stan’s face heated a little, “We had sex once.”

Richie laughed and winked, taking another drag - for dramatics probably.

“I- is that the issue?” Stan’s stomach had started to hurt a bit, “We can stop. You didn’t have to get all defensive and bitchy about it, all you had to do was say, Rich.”

Richie almost choked on the smoke in his lungs, “No! No, we uh - we don’t need to stop.” He eyed Stan with a little uncertainty, “Unless you do?”

Stan shook his head, toeing the ground with his thick winter ankle boots, “Not really. It’s fun, right?” Stan met Richie’s eyes then, and they both felt a small smirk creep onto their faces before Stan quickly looked away, his face heating up - God it’s cold, no wonder his face is heating up.

“Yeah, it is.”

Stan cleared his throat, “But - why are you getting weird about it, then? It was your bright idea, dumbass.” Richie shrugged, relaxing into the tree, “Hey - don’t get complacent, Richie. We’re not done.”

“I told you why I was acting out, now let’s kiss and make up.”

“No - I want you to apologize.”

Richie blinked, hand falling from where he had gone to grab Stan’s arm. “What for?”

Stan took a deep breath, “For calling me gay in front of my friends, Richie.”

Richie’s jaw clenched a little, his words were spoken forcefully, like he was trying his best to force them out of his throat, “Oh I didn’t realize being gay was so disgusting -”

“Don’t be a dick about it. You know what would happen if rumors spread, Richie. I’m not just some kid, hell, I’m not even just some Jewish kid - I’m the Rabbi’s son. This fucking town hates us enough, what do you think they’ll do if they find out the Rabbi’s son is gay? What do you think all the higher ups in the Synagogue will think? It would ruin us.”

Richie bit his tongue, “But you’re not gay, right?”

“Obviously.” Stan’s fingers dug into his forearms.

“Obviously.” Richie said, a sardonic smile on his face. “So, what? Do you think one of our friends is going to go spread around Derry a rumor that you like dick? Does that fit the script of this little fantasy movie you’ve got playing in your head?”

“You know that’s not what I meant.”

“No! I don’t, Stan. Because you’re the one getting so paranoid at the fucking horror that any of our friends might possibly think you’re gay. I don’t care if you like dick or not - and neither do they - do you really think Big Bill is going to give a fucking hoot if you start swinging for the other team? Hell, Bill probably wouldn’t even bat an eye if you got down and started giving him a fucking handy - he would just give you a great ol’ pat on the back for being ever so brave.”

Stan stepped closer to Richie and gave him a light shove, “Stop it.”

Richie glared and flicked his cigarette off to the side, barely half smoked, “Stop what? Telling you the truth? The truth that not a single one of us will give a shit if you’re gay, if I’m gay - if fucking Mike’s horse is gay - the only person that has an issue with it is you.” Richie stabbed a finger into the center of Stan’s chest.

“I’m not gay, and I don’t hate gays, either. The reason it irritates me is because it’s gross. I don’t like you fucking talking about me and sex at all.Keep our fucking sex life out of your trashmouth and in the bedroom.”

Richie moved his finger from a point and just … rested his palm on Stan’s chest. “Ha - like it’s our dirty little secret, Stanley?”

Stan’s chest tightened at that, a flush of heat washing over him so fast it made him a little dizzy, he found himself shifting slightly closer towards Richie without really realizing it. “Yuh-yeah.” He choked around the word, his voice cracking. Thanks a lot, puberty.

Richie seemed to catch onto that, a knowing smirk creeping onto his face. The same smile Richie usually shoots Stan after he locks his bedroom door, creeping over to Stan who’s sitting patiently on his bed and leaving Stan all but ravaged in a matter of minutes. Shirt collar unbuttoned down to his chest, lips swollen from gentle tugs and light bites, neck sheening with saliva - and sometimes light peppers of blue and black - if Stan was particularly inebriated either from the alcohol or the need coursing through his veins.

Stan barely had a moment to stall himself before Richie grabbed his coat, pulling him forward to crash into his mouth. Stan immediately becoming pliant under Richie’s mouth, following his movements and moving in tangent with him as though it was a dance they had rehearsed for months on end. Richie pulled away soon after pulling Stan forward, too soon.

“Is this okay?”

Stan found himself moving towards Richie in impulse, lips just brushing against Richie’s every time he lets out a short puff of breath. “Huh?” Great contribution, Stanley. Stellar performance.

Richie kissed into him lightly, a smile ghosting his lips, “We’re one-hundred percent sober. Does that not bother you?”

“Didn’t last time.”

Richie paused for a moment, a sentence clearly dancing on his lips before he swallowed it, taking Stan’s mouth in the process, “Alright.”

They kissed for a while, open-mouthed with Richie sucking on Stan’s bottom lip every now and again, the cold air nipping at the wetness of their lips, Richie’s hands still grappled in the front of Stan’s coat - as if Stan would melt away into the icy ground if he let go. Stan doesn't think he could move away from Richie if God himself pulled at him. A tongue would occasionally trace Stan’s lips - which he would open - only for Richie to trace his lips again and go back to dancing his lips over Stan. Fucking tease.

“You like this being a dirty little secret, huh?” Richie said, words murmured into Stan’s mouth - who let out a groan in response, “You like running around with your best friend in secret?”

Stan groaned a little louder as Richie pulled away only to move to kiss along his jaw, working his way from Stan’s chin to his ear, before pausing and burying his head into Stan’s temple. Stan could feel him mumbling something into his skin, but Richie just shook his head when Stan asked what it was. The thought was pushed out of Stan’s head when Richie gave a firm kiss to his temple - making Stan’s stomach twist heavily. Then he imagined it. Them touching, mouths wet against each other, Richie clutching onto Stan’s coat and face buried in Stan’s hair. Everything - but instead of Stan it was someone else and the twisting in his stomach turned into lurching, a hollow almost painful feeling. He twisted his head, shaking Richie off his temple - who frowned at him through his stupid coke-bottle glasses.

“What?”

“Nothing.” Stan knew it was ridiculous, selfish even, to bring up. He had no right to feel like Richie owed him anything, he knew that this was for fun, that it was just a bit of fooling around for whoever their future partners may be. Stan briefly wonders how much of this could be applied to a woman. He shook the thought.

Richie looked unimpressed, “Don’t make me repeat your big spiel about you knowing when I’m lying back to you - because I will. Well, not word for word, cuz, to be honest, I wasn’t really paying that much attention - but the same sentiment, yeah?”

Sten just stared at Richie, trying to fumble over words in his head, trying to gather all the rogue thoughts in his head and staple them into a cohesive sentence, with Richie’s stupid fucking face half an inch away.

“It’s just uh -” Stan stopped himself, not quite knowing why he started with nothing to say. Richie made a ‘go on’ motion with his hand, “It’s stupid.”

“I know you are but what am I?” Stan pinched his neck roughly, “Ow - who pinches a neck what the fuck - sorry, go on.”

“No.”

Richie looked amused and painted a stupid puppy-dog look on his face, “But what abwout us being fwiends? Fwiends don’t keep secwets…”

“I’ll tell you under the conditions that you never do that again.”

“Deal.”

“I just - it feels weird that we’re doing … this stuff,” He gestured between their mouths, “and someday we’ll be doing it with other people. It’s just a bit strange to think about.”

Richie looked somewhere between aghast and intrigued, “Like… a threesome?”

Stan briefly wonders if the coroner would believe Richie just choked himself to death. Yes, officer - he just wrapped his own around his neck and choked himself to death right in front of me! I have no idea how he did it. “No. Like with our future girlfriends. Or uh - boyfriend, I guess.”

Richie looked crestfallen for a moment, a strange look ghosting over his face that Stan had never seen before. It made him look much older - an appearance of seriousness and the face of someone who was far too tired for someone so young slowly took over his features. Stan didn’t move his eyes off of Richie’s face even as his friend slowly rose a hand to his face, resting his palm on his face. It was so light, Stan wondered if Richie was actually touching him at all or if it was his imagination - yet it was the most definable feeling that Stan had felt all evening. More than the harsh cold, more than the biting anger, more than the open mouthed-kisses and Richie murmuring into his mouth.

“I don’t think I could have anyone after y-” Richie shut his mouth closed, so quickly that his teeth clinked together, Stan just blinked, “You’re my best friend.” He settled with. Stan’s heart felt like it was going to beat right out of his chest and lie in a heap on the dirty ground.

“You’re my best friend too, Richie.” Even if you are a jackass.

Richie stared at Stan, in the same expression he sees Beverly staring after Ben with, or Bill after Georgie. Without leaving room for argument, it was a look of pure, unadulterated love. Stan’s heart was beating in his fucking guts when Richie placed the most gentle kiss in the world on Stan’s mouth.

“Then that’s enough for me.” Richie said it as though it was final. Like the final piece of the universe had just been slotted into place, planets aligning and stars burning and supernovas beaming, as though that single sentence was enough to stabilize everything that had happened, a final explanation and final prescription to Stan’s worries. It just made Stan’s stomach ache even worse.

Richie parted, the look wiped off his by face now, replaced with a neutral expression, if not with a little tug upwards of the lips. He tugged on Stan’s arm - parallel with how Stan had pulled on Richie’s not minutes before. Richie was laughing as he tugged Stan through the trees - almost slipping and sending them sprawling down the hill, never once loosening his grip on Stan’s arm until they made their way back to the Marsh, to be met with questioning glances.

Richie waved it off with a joke about Stan beating him up, evading the questions at hand, covering up the truth with a grin and walking effortlessly into a separate conversation. Stan thinks he’s very good at that.

Despite Richie’s loud laughter ringing out at Eddie as Mike tries to place a daisy chain on his head, while Eddie desperately tried to shake him off, there was something off about Richie. An air of sadness floated around him, his shoulders didn’t jump as much as they usually did when he laughed, his fingers constantly around a cigarette, consistently filling his lungs up with smoke without a second thought, his spare hand faintly fidgeting with the hem of his massive jumper. Richie could fool everyone else - but not Stan.

Stan briefly sees the flash of Bill’s camera, but he ignored it - the picture of Eddie with a daisy crown and a huffy face will no doubt be catered into his hands in a couple of minutes. He continues to watch Richie - who Stan had decided - is much more of an enigma than he first appears.

Stan can’t help but shake the feeling that their conversation only left him with more questions than answers, and that it had been little more than a thin sheet of wallpaper spread over a growing expanse of mildew, a cheapshot temporary cover-up of a deeper seeded issue. Stan can’t quite shake the feeling of his heart fluttering every time Richie does much of anything.

He spends the rest of the night wishing he could kiss that smudge of chocolate on the corner of his mouth off. Company be damned.

#stozier #it 2017 #it 2019 #it fanfiction #stan uris #richie tozier #dywfwt #anyone else remember when this was a simplelittle diner au lmao

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imadeablogforart · 6 years ago

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Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019: Dreams/Yellow

......if the dream is an unpleasant one,

then the color yellow represents deceit .....

It’s really, really hard to have a crush on someone when they think you’re an animal.

Now, that’s a sentence Micah never thought he’d have to put together in his head!

The young man had been traveling back and forth between Sharance and this little settlement out in the middle of the desert. Micah had hoped that it was a one time encounter, but when he kept bumping into the three occupants there, he decided to help them in anyway they could. He always always entered in wooly form, and never told anyone in town what he was doing.

Maybe a part of him wanted there to be unity between humans and monsters, and that’s why he wanted to travel between the settlement and the town so much. But if he really believed that was possible at the moment, he wouldn’t feel so inclined to hide. No, the real reason he went back to the settlement every other day was to see Zaid.

Zaid was a bit childish, and loud, god was he loud! But, despite this, and supposedly because of this, Micah found himself having the saddest crush of the century on the dwarf. He was loyal, and driven, amazing in a fight, and so, so pretty. The look on Zaid’s face the first time Micah gave him Tempura Udon was one that he would cherish forever. The dirty blond hair that he always kept back in a ponytail had Micah guessing what it must feel like to touch, and the eyes that Zaid bragged so much about were worth all the hullabaloo. Micah could stare into those pools of silver for hours if Zaid let him.

Fortunately, Zaid had better things to do then sit there and let Micah stare at him. Heck, Micah had other things to do too! (Not necessarily better things, but, you know.) It kept Micah distracted, but there was always the underneath of it all where he felt dark and sticky, like being trapped in a pool full of honey when wasps are coming for you. Micah was lying to Zaid about what he really was, and what he really was was part human. Human, as in the race that destroyed the town Zaid was from and the reason Zaid was camped out in the middle of the desert with a couple of weirdos with horns sticking out of their foreheads.

Micah wanted to tell him, and he promised himself that he would someday, but for now, he was willing to admire him from his three foot tall point of view.

One night, Micah had finished a battle request from Zaid and decided to try and rush back to the camp to get it outta the way for tomorrow. Beside, seeing Zaid again could be nice. As he was crossing the desert, he realized that by the time he got there, Zaid would most likely be asleep. Despite this, Micah transformed and hopped his way to the camp.

Was it creepy that he was okay with walking in on Zaid to “give him the completed battle request” when he knew full well the dwarf would be fast asleep? Absolutely! Did that stop the little golden wooly from hobbling his way through the camp, realize that no one else was home, and waddle contentedly into the dwarf’s tent? No!

Just as he suspected, Zaid was out like a light. The wooly tip toed over as to not disturb the sleeping dwarf and peered into the bed to get a look at Zaid’s face. He was so pretty, even when he was sleeping. He snored like a pig, but hey, it was kind of cute, and not too annoying considering how loud the dwarf usually was.

Micah just about had his fill of watching Zaid when the dwarf suddenly took a sharp intake of breath. His face contorted into that of being in pain, and he writhed around in his bed.

Micah bah-ed out his shock, and bah-ed even louder to get Zaid’s attention and ask him what was wrong.

“N-No… please, don’t! Stop!” Zaid cried out, and just like that, Micah realized that Zaid was still asleep. “Why are you doing this?!”

No matter how much Micah bah-ed, or how loudly, it only seemed to make Zaid worse. “Stop it! You’re hurting the animals!” He’d cried, and that shut Micah up. He thought for a moment about shaking him awake, but his hands were too frickin tiny to reach, and he didn’t want to hit Zaid. That would just make it worse.

He wasn’t thinking straight. There was a flash of light, and then Micah was on the bed with Zaid and pulling up up into a sitting position. “Wake up, Zaid! It’s just a nightmare. Zaid, please!” Micah shook him lightly, his unbridled panic subsiding as he saw Zaid open his eyes and look up at him.

It came right back when Zaid’s jaw dropped and he screamed at the top of his lungs.

“Ahh!”

“Ahh!” Micah screamed out of surprise, and shot his hand forward to clamp it down on Zaid’s mouth.

Zaid squirmed and began punching Micah with all of his strength. Micah yelped and grabbed the dwarve’s hands, forcing them down to the dwarf’s sides and glaring at Zaid. “I’m trying to help!”

“Get off me!” Zaid growled, snapping his teeth at Micah with his hands pinned, but unable to get a hand up on this unusually strong human. “I’ll kill you! Get out of my home!”

“Calm down! It’s me.” Micah pleaded with the dwarf, having to struggle with and pin Zaid down to the bed entirely. He groaned out in pain as Zaid clawed at what he could get to, but Micah held strong, staring hopefully into Zaid’s eyes. “Please, Zaid! It’s me!”

Zaid starred with wide eyes for a moment, and slowly but surely, the unbridled terror melted away into confusion, then sadness, then hot red rage.

Micah gulped, his strength suddenly disappearing under the harsh ray of… betrayal that seeped from those silver pools, only to yelp as he was kicked away. Micah shook the dizziness out of his head and sat up only to find Zaid had scrambled off his bed and ran outside.

“Oh, no!” Micah transformed and scurried after him. He had to stop him from telling the others! But, then Micah remembered that the reason he had been in Zaid’s tent in the first place was because he was sure that Koruna and Ondorus weren’t home. Still, Micah rushed to catch Zaid, and burst out of the tent frantically looking around to see where he went.

The footsteps Zaid left behind cast shadows in the sand as the moon rose higher in the night sky. Stars glimmered as if they were laughing at Micah and the mess he’d gotten himself in, and he ran through their sights as he analyzed the footsteps. They went to both of the horned people’s tents, and then off into dessert.

Did he go out there without his weapons? Micah worried as he transformed back into human form so that he could run faster. His feet pounded against the sand, specs of it flying into the wind behind him as he kicked it out from underneath him in his stride. Micah panted heavily as he searched the desert for any sign of him when he came across a pack of shadow panthers that seemed a little too eager to be huddled around something.

Micah unsheathed his sword and attacked them with vigor, and when they were all lights floating up to join the stars, Micah finally let his guard down and checked on whatever they had been huddled around.

Zaid had certainly seen better nights. He was unconscious with bite and claw wounds all over his body, and his clothes were ripped to smithereens. Micah winced at the sight and rushed to force a healing potion down Zaid’s throat. Once he was sure he had swallowed it, Micah picked Zaid up and carried him back to the camp.

The demiwooly was sure that Zaid was back in bed and properly bandaged. He thought of turning around, running away, and never coming back, but he knew he could never do that to his friend when he would probably have questions and still looked like Hell had gotten a hold of him.

Micah prepared for Zaid’s return to the land of the conscious by cooking the dwarf’s favorite dish: Tempura Udon. He’d just so happened to be able to find much of what he needed around Zaid’s room, and he’d had some ingredients in his sack that he’d gotten from monsters when he dropped them. The smell of cooked food permeated the night are as the crickets chirped just outside. It would have been peaceful in any other circumstance, but to Micah, it felt like he was just in the eye of the storm.

Rustling clothing reached Micah’s ears, the blond man looked down to see the dwarf glaring at him. He was certain the dwarf would get up and kick him again if he weren’t so weak.

“I’m sorry I kept it from you.”

“You should be!” The dwarf yelled, but winced in pain and calmed back down. “Why didn’t you… no, I know why you didn’t tell anyone.”

“If it helps, you’re only the second person to know.”

“The second?” Zaid huffed. “Who was the first? Some human?”

“A demiphoenix, actually. I can’t tell you their name though. We half-monsters like to keep it down low.” Micah clarified, smiling when he saw the shock on Zaid’s face. “I’m a demiwooly. I know, not nearly as exciting, but…”

“Cuter.” Zaid shrugged, then his face flushed. “I-I mean, less threatening!”

Micah chuckled. “Thanks. I think the acorn hat helps.”

Zaid sighed.

“Are there any questions you have for me?”

“Were you ever going to tell me?”

“I was, but not like that. I wanted to break it lightly to you, but then you were having a nightmare, and my “bah”s weren’t cutting it and my little paws were too short to reach you, and I didn’t wanna jump on you, and… I panicked.”

Zaid looked away, his ears burning red much to Micah’s concern. “I don’t remember the nightmare I was having.”

“Yeah, this one must be a bit worse than that, huh? A real live human reveals himself in your camp after a year of lying to you about his identity.” Micah jokes, though it was hardly a joking matter. The blond amnesiac was just like that sometimes. “I really am sorry.”

“No, it’s okay. I mean, it’s not! But… I-I don’t know.”

Micah sat closer to Zaid and handed him a bowl of steaming tempura udon. The dwarf accepted it, which was a good sign to Micah, and the human sat at the edge of his bed. He watched Zaid nibbled at the food and fought with every fiber in his being to not reach out and run his fingers through Zaid’s hair. To stop himself, Micah had to transform back into a wooly. He bahed cautiously, “[Are you going to tell the others?]”

Zaid was quiet, which was scary for Micah because Zaid is never quiet. After what felt like forever, the dwarf cleared his throat and curled up on himself. He took a long time trying to decide whatever he was thinking about, and when he did, he set the empty bowl to the side and turned to stare at the patiently waiting wooly. There was a clear tint of pink on his cheeks as he asked, “Could you transform again?”

Micah wasn’t sure why Zaid wanted him to do that, but if it would keep the dwarf from ratting him out with Koruna and Ondorus, then he’d do it.

The dwarf winced at the light, but his eyes widened and he groaned loudly, covering his face with his hands. “Oh no…”

“Wh-What?” Micah patted himself down, trying to see if he had anything on his face or if he was bleeding anywhere. Much to his dismay, he couldn’t find anything out of place. “What is it?”

“You’re hot!”

#so is that a yes or no #zaid #zaid rf3 #rune factory #rune factory 3 #rfweeks #RFUnleashTheGays #Micah #Micah rf3 #rf3 protagonist #Micah x Zaid #Zaid x Micah

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robronsecretsanta · 7 years ago

Text

Fanfic: Run To Me Through the White Night

Merry Christmas Aiko @strongboyfriends!! I hope you have a wonderful holiday period :)

Run To Me Through the White Night

Robert took a sip of his whiskey, relishing the burn in the back of his throat and the warmth in his empty stomach. He fixed his gaze ahead of him and rolled his eyes when he noticed the Christmas decorations hanging off the shelves of alcohol behind the bar, taking another sip from his glass and letting the whiskey roll around his tongue before swallowing.

He hated Christmas, and this year was turning out to be no exception.

The whiskey has been preceded by a phone call from his sister. Vic had been invited to spend Christmas with her boyfriend Adam and his family, and Andy and Katie were well settled with their children and there was no chance they would invite him. Not that he would say yes if they did.

So here he was, one week until Christmas with no plans other than a frozen pizza and eggnog by the carton. At least he would have alcohol. He set down his empty glass and waited for the bartender to pour him another when his phone buzzed in his pocket.

“Hiya,” Robert said.

Aaron’s gruff voice sounded on the other end. “You sound happy.”

“Just wonderful thanks… or I will be when I get myself another drink.”

Laughter trickled down the line. “Buy me one and I’ll meet you, yeah?”

Aaron. Another Christmas grump, someone to share his misery with. Robert ordered two pints and a whiskey with a small smile on his face. He had met Aaron at university, he was studying International Business and Aaron studied Civil Engineering but somehow they had ended up at the same Fresher’s week party getting drunk playing beer-pong. The friendship that had started from beating everyone at that particular party had persisted through graduate degrees and whatever else was thrown at him. Aaron was the only person with whom Robert felt he could be truly himself, and any appearance by him was going to make his night better.

Fifteen minutes later Robert felt a rush of cold air and turned around to see Aaron walk through the door. He nodded at Robert when he spotted him, and made his way over to the barstool next to Robert where he removed his coat before sitting down.

“Alright?” Robert asked.

Aaron, in a very Aaron way, shrugged. It was all the answer Robert was going to get at the moment. Aaron sat down and took a pint from in front of Robert.

“How’s the car?” Robert asked. Aaron sighed.

“There’s this one piece I can’t find anywhere, no one’s got a spare… but enough about me, why are you so surly?” Aaron asked.

“Vic’s cancelled Christmas, said she wanted to spent it with Adam and his lot. So either it’s me and Andy and Katie - which isn’t going to happen - or I spend it alone.”

Aaron frowned. “What about Diane and Doug?”

Robert took a sip of his pint and scoffed. “Spending it with Laurel and his grandchildren.”

“Right,” Aaron said, letting out a sigh. “So…”

“So, I’m alone for Christmas!” Robert let out a disappointed laugh. “I mean I’ve never been a fan of it anyway, so I’m fine with spending it alone with a frozen pizza and a lot of alcohol.” Robert looked at Aaron and noticed the crease on his brow, the way he tugged at his bottom lip. “What?”

“I just talked to Mum… Told her about Ed.” Robert’s mouth dropped to an ‘O’. “She didn’t exactly take it well, had expected him for Christmas and she really liked him - almost more than I did.”

“Never a good sign,” Robert joked. Aaron chuckled and shook his head.

They sat a while in silence, each contemplating their own issues before Aaron looked over at Robert and caught his eye.

“What about you spend Christmas with us?”

“You what?” Robert exclaimed.

“Yeah,” Aaron continued, “you’ve got nowhere to go, Mum’s already expecting a +1 and I’m sure they wouldn’t mind.”

“Your Mum’s not exactly a fan of me.”

Aaron’s smile faltered. “I’ll talk her around - if you want?”

“A Dingle Christmas?” He thought about it, about spending it with Aaron, and warmth spread through his body, a small smile formed on his lips at the thought. The Christmasses he had spent with Diane and Vic had been fun but he lost the sense of truly belonging to their family a while ago. The Dingles were a real family, for better and for worse. “Yeah, alright.”

“I’ll call her in the morning, yeah?” Aaron said.

They lifted their beers and Robert held his eye as they took a celebratory sip.

Chas reluctantly accepted the idea of Robert spending Christmas with the Dingles. Aaron smiled as he told Robert, nose pink from the cold and with his hands stuffed in the pockets of his trousers. They agreed to drive down together on Christmas eve in time for tea and then spend the next few days with them, as was tradition. A weird mixture of excitement and nervousness flooded Robert at the prospect but he attributed it to spending Christmas with people he didn’t know, with traditions he had yet to witness. Aaron smiled at him and genuinely seemed happy he was joining and it was enough for him to look forward to it like he hadn’t in a while.

Robert drove to Aaron’s place on the 24th in the morning to pick him up. There was a thin layer of snow on the ground, not enough to cover the streets thankfully, and Robert had always loved the snow - the look of it, how it covered the world and make it seem more beautiful than usual, especially when he was inside and could look out into it. The isolation that came with snow was one of the things he loved the most.

Aaron walked out of his flat with a bag slung over his shoulder, a plastic bag in his hand and a bobble hat on his head. Robert snorted.

“Really?”

“What?” Aaron asked. In lieu of an answer, Robert pointed. “It’s cold, what d’you expect?!”

Robert shook his head and grinned. This might actually be fun. He opened the boot and Aaron threw his bags in, carefully placing the plastic one on the back seat of Robert’s car. When Robert looked at him for clarification he shrugged and said: “Presents.”

“For an army?” Robert joked.

“For my family.”

Robert paled. “Fuck. I haven’t got that many -”

“It’s fine, Robert. No one’ll expect you to bring something for everyone. Now, we leaving or what?”

Aaron waited for Robert to nod meekly before sitting down and turning up the heating in the car. Robert shook his head before getting behind the wheel and driving the car towards the Dingles, all the while wondering what the hell he had gotten in to.

The Dingles lived in a small village on the countryside and Robert and Aaron were staying with Aaron’s Mum in her house while they were spending Christmas with Zak and Lisa who lives down the road in a cottage. The village was picturesque, small country lanes and brick houses lining the roads, all covered in a thick layer of snow that dusted the trees and houses beautifully. Robert drove carefully through the village while Aaron reminded him of where to go. Robert had been here before once or twice but the weather had transformed the village into something almost unrecognisable.

He parked the car and shut off the engine. “Right.”

“Ready?” Aaron said with a grin. He smiled, big and unguarded. It was dazzling.

“I think so.” Robert said. He got out of the car and popped the boot. “I’ll try and prepare myself as best I can.”

Aaron carefully took out his bag of gifts and Robert handed him his bag as they made their way to the front door.

“Just relax, yeah?”

Robert swallowed, and nodded.

Aaron barely knocked on the door before it was slung open and a grinning Chas stepped out to hug her son. “Love! You’re here!” Her curly hair surrounded Aaron as her arms wrapped around him.

“Hiya.” Aaron held her tight until she pulled away and looked at Robert.

“Welcome Robert,” she said, her voice curt.

“Thanks for having me,” Robert replied. She nodded at him in return. The glance in his direction was cursory at best. She patted her son on the cheek and moved to allow them to pass. “Come in, make yourselves at home!”

“Thanks,” Aaron mumbled as he walked inside.

They shed their jackets and scarves and other winter gear before making their way into the living room, leaving their bags by the staircase.

“Want a cuppa?” she asked.

“Mind if we get our things upstairs first?” Aaron suggested.

She smiled. “‘Course not! You do that and I’ll make you a brew when you get down.”

“Come on,” Aaron said, patting Robert on the shoulder. “We might we a bit cramped.”

They dragged their things upstairs and Aaron opened the door to his bedroom. “This is us.”

The room was snug with a big double bed taking up most of the space. A large cupboard stood opposite and there was a large window overlooking a snow-covered field. Robert smiled. “Looks great.”

“We’ll have to share a room. This house isn’t that big, Liv’s next door and Mum’s got her bedroom at the end of the hall.” Aaron glanced up at Robert and shrugged. “I hope you don’t mind?”

“‘Course not,” Robert replied, setting down his bag, “we’ve slept in the same bed before Aaron.”

“Yeah, but -”

“I’m just glad I’m not alone on Christmas, yeah?”

Aaron’s lips tugged into a smile and he bit his lower lip. “Right.”

They set their bags down and Robert sat down on the bed, taking in his surroundings for the next few days. They were homey, comfortable and nice, with warmth drifting up from the living room, the faint sound of Christmas music accompanying it. There were blankets draped over the foot of the bed and Robert realised he felt right at home.

“Why does your mum hate me?” Robert asked. Aaron turned around with a large jumper in his hands and froze.

“You what?”

“You mum really doesn’t seem to like me much, I can’t figure out why…” Robert trailed off. “Last time I was here was for your birthday last year, I can’t remember doing anything to warrant her dislike.”

“She doesn’t hate you,” Aaron mumbled, averting his eye and turning around.

Robert got up and pulled out a pair of wooly socks. “I don’t believe you.”

Aaron looked at him in the mirror and their eyes met. He looked almost frightened. “I’m sure it’s nothing yeah? Just, play nice.”

“I will!” Robert laughed. “I will win her over with my amazing thoughtful present and my charm.”

Aaron snorted at that, and Robert threw his socks at him.

They came downstairs 20 minutes later to find Liv in the kitchen with Chas.

“Aaron!” she yelled as she got up and ran to hug her brother.

“Good to see you too, sis!” he said, grinning as he hugged her. “Alright?”

She nodded and pulled away, ponytail a mess behind her. She smiled at Aaron before looking at Robert, whereupon her smile promptly fell.

“What’s he doing here?” she asked.

“Liv!” Aaron exclaimed. “He didn’t have anywhere to go this year, so I invited him.”

“Thought Ed was coming this year?” she asked, eyeing Robert with skepticism.

“We broke up,” Aaron said.

Liv scowled at him. “But he was so good!” she shot Robert a look. “So you’re the replacement?”

“Oi, Liv.” Chas had her arms crossed over her chest. “Robert’s a guest, yeah. Be nice.” She looked to the both of them and smiled. “Cuppa?”

“Yes, thank you Chas.”

She smiled at him before looking at Aaron to see if he wanted one as well. Robert almost perceived a wordless conversation passing between them in what could only be described as vague facial expressions and some very nonchalant shrugging. Aaron was the King of shrugging.

Robert sat down at the table with his tea and listened to Aaron talk to Chas about the business, how he was doing, and in turn ask about their lives, catch up a bit since last time.

“Well, as you know, Liv got into a bit of trouble with her school for a bit of bad behaviour, messing with one of the teachers…” Chas trailed off and glared at Liv, who shrugged. Robert chuckled. “So she is grounded for the foreseeable. Paddy is so excited to see you, I managed to convince him and Rhona to come by tomorrow for a snowball! Leyla and Ross moved into one of the cottages down the road, though I honestly don’t know how she puts up with him…”

“This the one who was suspected of stealing cars?” Robert asked. Chas nodded in response.

“He swears he has stopped all that now, and knowing Leyla she’ll have made sure of it.”

Aaron took a sip. “I’m glad to hear it, want to see Leo too while I’m ‘ere. Got a present for him, didn’t I.” Liv perked up at the sound of that. “Yes I’ve got you something too,” Aaron said and she grinned at him.

“I’ve got you something too,” Robert said. Liv stared at him.

“You what?” Aaron asked, a small smile on his lips.

“I just figured as I was coming here, I should show my gratitude.” Chas was looking at him, eyes searching for something Robert couldn’t put his finger on. Aaron, on the other hand, was smiling. He bit his lower lip and Robert smiled back, warmth spreading through his body.

As the mugs emptied Robert found his gaze returning again and again to the window. The fields behind Emmerdale looked almost ethereal with the blanket of snow that covered them, the sunshine casting shadows from the trees and making the snow sparkle. It was a beautiful place and Robert knew growing up here must have been wonderful. Looking at the laughter and happiness that flowed between Aaron and his family gave him a pang in his chest; it was so blatantly something he never had, something he had never been a part of.

Aaron caught his eye and shot him an inquisitive look. Robert shook his head. Instead, Aaron nodded towards the window and grinned. “Want to go for a walk?”

After finding a warm jumper, his hat and gloves, and the thickest socks, Robert trudged downstairs and put on his jacket, scarf in preparation for the cold outdoors. Aaron grinned as he saw him come down, pointing at the woollen hat in Robert’s hands.

“You are going to get some shit for that,” he said. He was wearing his bobble hat again and Robert shook his head.

“At least mine is stylish, mate. Yours is far too fluffy for my taste.”

Aaron scoffed, tugged the hat down to cover his ears.

The snow had stopped falling some hours ago, and now it cast a beautiful untouched blanket over the street on which Chas lived. Robert’s car had a thin layer and Robert knew he should be worried about what the cold was doing to it but as he looked outside the window he couldn’t make himself care. It was too beautiful.

Aaron walked down the stairs and stuck his hands in his pockets. Robert followed.

Aaron started walking down the road, turning around to make sure Robert was with him, waiting slightly for him to catch up. The sun was low in the sky and it would set in an hour or two, but it set the snow glowing and made Aaron’s face light up. His straight nose, perfect and now slightly pink from the cold air cast a completely straight shadow across his cheek and Robert couldn’t help stare at it.

“Where are we going?” he said. His voice rang out in the silence and was absorbed by the snow, making it seem muffled.

“I’ve got somewhere I wanted to show you,” Aaron replied, a grin on his face. He looked inexplicably happy, face shining just as much as the ground was.

“Right,” Robert said. His breath condensed in front of him as he breathed out and the weather meant every step was taken carefully. It was more tiring than expected. “If we were going hiking you could’ve told me,” Robert joked.

Aaron looked over at him. “Not far now.”

The snow crunched under their feet and Robert started to feel the cold seeping in through his woolly socks and scarf. He pulled the scarf up over his nose and stuffed his hands further down his pockets.

The road they walked down opened up onto a field that glittered in the sunlight. It was beautiful, and Robert stopped and took it all in, from the snow-covered trees to the small pavilion that peaked out behind bare branches. He looked at Aaron, who nodded towards the building.

Aaron walked through the snow with his hands stuffed in his pockets and Robert followed. The footsteps they left almost made Robert feel guilty for disturbing the peaceful setting.

“What’s this?” he asked as Aaron carefully walked up the steps.

Aaron took a look around, walked over to the railing and, with a gloved hand, wiped away some snow from the bannister. “Wanted to show you something,” he said.

Robert walked up beside him and looked over his shoulder. Carved onto the wood and barely visible through the ice that covered it, were the words ‘Aaron woz ere’. Robert grinned.

“When did you make that?”

Aaron shrugged. “A while ago, obviously.”

“You clearly couldn’t spell back then,” Robert commented and Aaron shot him a look and a grin.

“Spent a lot of time here, hiding from Mum when she was mad at me.”

“Must’ve been here 24/7 then.”

Aaron guffawed. “Pretty much.” He walked around the porch and stared out at the surrounding field. Robert stared down at the inscription, let his fingers run over it. He was so entranced by it he didn’t even notice Aaron collecting snow in his hands, and throwing it at him. It hit him square on the side of his face.

“Ow!” he yelped, wiping snow from his cheek. “What was that for?”

Aaron grinned at him, shrugging.

“Like that is it?”

When Aaron simply nodded, Robert knew it was on. Robert grabbed snow off the bannister and threw it at Aaron as fast as he could before running down the steps and onto the grass. Aaron wiped snow off his face and ran after him, but Robert was prepared. He threw two snowballs at him in quick succession, one launching above Aaron’s head and the other hitting him on the shoulder.

Aaron ran towards him and wrapped his arms around Robert’s waist when he tried to run, and then started throwing snow from the ground in Robert’s face. He couldn’t tell what was up and what was down and after three good fistfulls of snow flung down Robert’s collar and shirt, he toppled over and pulled Aaron down with him.

Robert overpowered him, toppling him over and shoving snow in his face whilst holding his arms together with one hand. Aaron squirmed beneath him and managed to knee him in the side, earning a yelp from Robert. The cold was starting to seep through his clothes but Robert didn’t care - he fought as Aaron tried to roll on top of him and managed to keep Aaron lying on the ground.

With a triumphant laugh he leaned down and was suddenly struck by the blue in Aaron’s eye, the snowflake caught on his eyelash and the flush to his cheeks that their fight had created. Aaron shone as much as the snow did, mouth and eyes smiling in the setting sun.

“Your mistake old man,” he grunted, before overpowering Robert and sitting on top of him. He held Robert’s arms at Robert’s sides and stared Robert straight in the eye.

Robert was suddenly acutely aware of Aaron towering over him, breath heady and warm on his face as he laughed triumphantly. He couldn’t help feel the heat that emanated from Aaron’s body as he pinned Robert to the ground. Robert caught himself staring at Aaron’s lips, how they curled into a smile.

Robert took a deep breath and then another before he looked Aaron in the eye again. “Had enough?” Aaron asked. Robert swallowed hard, and nodded.

Aaron got up and brushed himself off before extending a hand and helping Robert do the same. Warmth spread up from Robert’s hand, a warmth that shouldn’t unsettle him as much as it did. Aaron smiled as he brushed some snow off Robert’s shoulder.

“We should probably get home, my guess is tea’ll be ready soon.”

Robert met his eye and saw nothing of the revelation he had just had in Aaron’s open face, his trusting smile.

“Sure,” Robert managed, tongue heavy. “Let’s go.”

They walked back together in companionable silence and by the time they made it back to the house tea was almost ready.

Aaron let Robert have the first shower and soon enough both of them were warm and dry and went down to eat. As they ate dinner, Aaron laughed and joked and Liv joined in, ever the doting little sister. He smiled, and Robert couldn’t look away. He had never felt so acutely aware of someone as he did with Aaron, his every move was noted by Robert’s eyes, his every smile a glaring light in Robert’s view. He was stunning and Robert couldn’t look away.

They took turns brushing their teeth in the small bathroom they shared with Liv, and before he could sort out the mess that was his head, Robert was in bed with Aaron. Well, they were both clothes and wearing pyjamas but now when Aaron jumped under the duvet, Robert felt alert and so aware of every bit of fabric between them.

“You want to read?” Aaron asked, looking over at Robert. His curly black hair made his features soft in the lamp light. Robert swallowed. There was no way he could concentrate on that right now.

“I’m alright, thanks.”

“Suit yourself,” Aaron said. This was followed by a yawn. Aaron turned over and switched off the lamp on his side of the bed, snuffling slightly before he found the right position. “Night, then.”

“Night,” Robert followed. He lay on his back and stared at the ceiling, willing his limbs to relax as Aaron’s breathing evened out and his body relaxed. It took a few hours but finally, Robert drifted off with only a few inches between himself and Aaron.

Morning tore Robert from his fitful sleep with the sun shining through the window, made him roll over and open his eyes slowly, forgetting where he was until the sight he was met with reminded him..

Aaron lay next to him, hands tucked under his pillow and mouth slack-jawed. His pillow had a slight damp spot from where he had drooled and Robert stifled a chuckle.

He shifted and lay on his back, took a deep breath. This was Aaron. He had known Aaron for years, they were friends. Robert looked at him and felt only the warmth one felt after waking, the comfort of good company.

Aaron shifted and groaned. “Time is it?” he mumbled.

“No idea.” Robert looked over at him. “Merry Christmas.”

Aaron smiled through the haze of sleep, eyes still closed. “Right, Merry Christmas.” He threw an arm over his eyes and opened them slowly.

“How does it work here?” Robert asked. Aaron turned his head and glared at him.

“What d’you mean?” Aaron asked back.

Robert shrugged. “I’ve only ever done Christmas with the Sugdens and despite Vic’s best attempts to make it a cheery affair, it’s always felt more formal than anything.”

“So?” Aaron asked, voice softer this time.

“Do we bring presents down? Have breakfast first? I’m just trying to figure out what to expect.”

Aaron chuckled and Robert felt it through the mattress. “Breakfast first. I’m starving.” Robert nodded. “But bring them down yeah, we’ll open them after. Not that you should’ve brought presents.”

Robert scoffed. “Of course I’d bring presents, don’t be daft.”

Aaron sat up and the bed sunk where he sat. Robert followed, getting up and throwing on some clothes. “Stop right there,” Aaron said. “You are not wearing jeans to Christmas morning.”

“I can’t wear this, can I?” Robert looked down at his checkered pyjama bottoms and his bare feet.

“Throw on a jumper and some socks, yeah?” Aaron rolled his eyes. “It’s just Christmas, Robert. No need to dress up.”

Robert grabbed a pair of socks and chucked them at him.

As they descended the stairs they were met with the smell of coffee and cinnamon rolls. Aaron took the stairs fast, plastic bag with presents in hand and Robert took the steps considerably slower and with none of Aaron’s apparent excitement.

“Merry Christmas, love!” Chas exclaimed. When Robert walked in she was letting him go from a hug. “Merry Christmas, Robert.”

“Merry Christmas,” he said.

“Liv not up yet?” Aaron asked.

“Liv, up before 9 willingly? You have clearly never raised a teenager.” Chas retorted.

Aaron gave Chas a vicious grin. “Be right back.”

Chas smiled as Aaron ran back up the stairs to wake her up.

“Need a hand with anything?” Robert asked.

She smiled at him before walking back into the small kitchen. “Mind putting these on the table?”

Robert busied himself until the sound of footsteps down the stairs made him look at the door. Aaron had a smile on his face and was followed by Liv who looked every bit the disgruntled teen.

“Merry Christmas,” Chas said.

“Merry Christmas,” Liv replied back. She rubbed her eyes and looked at Robert. “You too.”

“Thanks,” Robert replied.

Breakfast was a relatively quiet affair - the radio was on in the background playing the usual collection of christmas songs while they talked and ate. Robert talked more, talked about his business and his family and Chas even seemed to enjoy his company. Liv was too tired to make any snide comments, and Aaron was Aaron. Robert got up to make more tea and found himself smiling effortlessly as he did so.

“Right, time for presents,” Chas said.

Robert turned his head to see Chas clearing the table and Aaron getting up to help. They cleared the table quickly and Aaron pulled out his bag from behind the sofa. He watched with rapt attention, and smiled when he saw Chas pull out an envelope and shoot him a curious look.

“Is this what I think it is?” she asked. Aaron shrugged but Robert could decipher his shrugs well enough by now to know that was a yes. “You didn’t!” She opened the envelope to find a booking for a spa-weekend in the city, with everything included. She laughed with mirth and lept out of her chair to give Aaron a hug. “Thank you, love!”

“Thought you deserved it,” Aaron returned, wrapping his arms around her.

Robert caught his eye and smiled at him, stomach fluttering. Aaron wasn’t the warmest of people but when it came to those he cared about, he did whatever it took to make them happy. Liv yawned next to them and waited expectantly for her turn. Robert sat down and joined them at the table, cup of tea in hand.

Aaron pulled out a small package for Liv and a slightly larger one for Robert. Liv unwrapped hers at lightning speed and when the wrapping paper was discarded, ran her fingers over the front of the newest VR game she had been gunning for. “Thought you could come visit me and we could play it together,” Aaron added. Liv beamed at him.

Robert opened his slowly, meticulously peeling the tape with his fingers before revealing a beautiful hardback edition of his favourite book. The beautiful gold and red and black cover gleamed and the raised letters of the authors name had Robert practically mesmerised. “Open it,” Aaron urged. Robert did as he was told. Inside on the front page was the author’s signature.

“How did you…?” Robert asked.

“Took me a while but you can find anything on the internet if you look long enough. First edition,” Aaron added. Robert met his eye. Aaron looked almost nervous but his smile was genuine.

“Thanks,” Robert said, meaning it more than he could express in front of Aaron’s family.

Chas handed Aaron a bulky gift and handed Robert one of similar size. As they unwrapped them Aaron groaned and Robert froze. Aaron discarded the paper and revealed a large Christmas jumper with a huge snowman covering the front and small snowflakes filling out the dark blue fabric. Robert lifted a matching red one out of his bag.

“Christmas jumpers?!” Aaron said incredulously.

“I got them for you and Ed, and didn’t have time to get something else for the two of yous.”

Liv snorted next to Robert. “You don’t have to wear them but it’s something,” Chas said with a mischievous grin on her face.

“Thanks,” Robert said, lifting it up and holding it up to his shoulders. “Even think it’s the right size.”

Chas beamed at him. “Thought you’d like it.”

Robert handed his presents to each of them. Chas smiled at him gratefully when she pulled out the cashmere scarf. Liv unwrapped hers and made a vomiting noise. “1 Direction, really?!” Aaron laughed at them both and Robert shrugged.

“Couldn’t think of anything else,” he joked.

Aaron unwrapped his present and let out a small gasp when he pulled a picture out of an envelope. “You found it?!” he exclaimed.

“Yeah. Contacted someone up in Leeds who had the spare part for it, and it’s waiting for you when you get back. Couldn’t exactly bring it here and all,” he added.

“What is it, love?” Chas asked.

“Robert found me a spare part for that car I’m fixing up - have tried looking for it for ages,” Aaron grinned. “Thanks mate!”

Robert felt a twang in his chest he couldn’t place but kept his smile from faltering. “No problem,” he said. He lifted his tea to his lips and took a sip, finding it almost cool against his lips.

Christmas lunch was at the older Dingle generation, Zak and Lisa. By 11 am Chas, Liv, Aaron, and Robert were bundled up and ready to go. Aaron and Robert had been talked into wearing their silly jumpers and Liv was laughing until Chas found a pair of antlers on a headband. That had her quiet for a good while.

They walked over together, Chas bringing some food and Robert happy to help carry. Robert spotted a giant wreath on a door further down the road and wasn’t surprised to find it to be the house they were walking towards. Chas knocked on the door and didn’t wait before entering.

“Hiya, Merry Christmas!” she said as she walked inside. Robert and Aaron and Liv were greeted by Christmas music and warmth and the smell of turkey as they entered and Aaron gave Robert a tentative smile before they set the dishes down on the nearest table and took off their jackets.

The woman Robert assumed to be Lisa walked over to them with her arms wide. “Oh look at the pair of you! Merry Christmas loves,” she greeted, giving Liv and Aaron a hug before turning to Robert. “Who’s this?” Lisa asked.

“Robert,” Aaron said, “my mate I told you about.”

“Ah yes, the stray!” she joked before moving in to give Robert a hug. “Any friend of Aaron’s is welcome here anytime.”

“Thanks,” he said, awkwardly returning the impromptu hug. Aaron raised his eyebrows at him over Lisa’s shoulder. “Merry Christmas,” he said, and Lisa smiled at him.

Robert was introduced to all the Dingles, though he had to admit there were so many of them he couldn’t really remember who was who. The one called Cain gave him a stern look as he shook his hand whilst holding a can of beer in the other one. Robert was handed a snowball and Aaron took one with a suspicious look on his face.

“Paddy, remember Robert?” Aaron asked. Robert recognised him from past encounters and shook his hand.

“Right, yes… Robert, welcome!” Paddy said, looking between the two of them. “Nice matching jumpers, are you two…?” he asked suggestively.

“No, no, no,” Aaron laughed, “he’s just a mate who needed somewhere to spend the holidays. Take your head out of the gutter Paddy.”

“Yes, of course! Sorry I just assumed,” he said, pointing between them. “Right, Merry Christmas and all that. Thought Ed was coming?”

Aaron looked up at Robert before answering. “I broke up with Ed a few weeks ago, it wasn’t working out…”

“He was a bit boring so I don’t blame you,” Robert joked. Aaron frowned at him. “What?” Aaron shook his head and looked at Paddy.

“How’s Rhona?” Aaron asked.

The conversations were mostly concerning people Robert didn’t know and events he hadn’t attended, but he found himself enjoying it in spite of that. They sat down for lunch and it was chaotic, people passing dishes down the 15-man long table, sharing the masses of food and beer and all the time Aaron sat beside him, talking, laughing, making sure Robert felt included. People were kind, he felt like a guest despite not knowing more than five of the people here and a young girl called Belle talked to him for a while about what he did and how he’d met Aaron. It might not have been family but he felt more welcome here than he had ever felt at home.

He was currently talking to Carly, a fellow non-Dingle, about the madness that surrounded him, laughing into their snowballs. He looked over the room and found Aaron looking at him, smiling. Without meaning to, he froze, caught up in the blue of Aaron’s eye and the way they shone in the candlelight. That ugly jumper made his eyes all the more blue and his soft curls made him look all the softer.

Carly cleared her throat next to him and he looked over, spell broken.

“You and ‘him…?” she asked, and Robert shook his head.

“No, we’re just….” he trailed off, not knowing what to say. Were they friends? He felt a pang in his gut but he couldn’t explain it, it felt wrong. He took a deep breath and she patted him on the shoulder.

“You’ll figure it out I’m sure,” she said, eyes glinting.

“Which one’s yours again?” he asked her.

She pointed towards a tall gangly man wearing a purple paper hat and a jumper with antlers on the front. “That one, Marlon.”

“The chef, right.” Robert smiled at her. “He seems…”

“Eccentric?” she finished. Robert chuckled. “Yeah. Mind if I go over?”

“No, ‘course not.” He smiled as she walked over and wrapped her arms around him and he gave a small yelp of surprise.

Robert was on his third snowball and was starting to feel the effect as he took a sip.

“You work in consulting, right?”

Robert looked up to see Paddy leaning against the kitchen table, sipping beer from a can. He had a slight flush to his cheeks and was wearing a rather boring fleece jumper.

“Yeah, I do. Bit boring but it pays well,” Robert said.

“Heard about the present for Aaron, must’ve cost quite a bit yeah.”

Robert shrugged. “Not really, and it was worth it so…”

Paddy set his can down and crossed his arms over his chest. “So,” he said, looking around as if to check for prying ears, “when’re you going to tell him?”

“Tell him what?” Robert asked. His heart beat faster in his chest as he looked at Paddy’s scrutinising gaze.

“Tell him that you’re in love with him.”

Robert stared at him. He felt his palms go sweaty and he set the glass down on the counter behind him. Panic rose in his chest, panic at the suggestion, panic at the ridiculous notion, but mostly panic because Paddy might be right. Was he?

“I -” Robert began but paused again. He looked over at Aaron. He sat next to Chas on the sofa, drink in hand and smiling at whatever was being said - it was indecipherable over the hum of the crowd and the Christmas music playing in the background. His smile was wide and it unfurled something in Robert’s chest, a sense of dread and overwhelming appreciation for this one person. Aaron was… amazing.

Aaron looked over and nodded in Robert’s direction, lifting his glass as if to cheers with him from across the room. Robert complied, took a sip and felt the burn of alcohol all the way to his stomach. Aaron was the kind of person he wanted to be, strong and well-meaning and honest and so so good, but maybe he was also the person he wanted to be with. The thought hit him like a tonne of bricks, knocked the breath out of his lungs and made him grip the counter.

“You… you didn’t know?” Paddy asked. All Robert could do was shake his head. “Right.. I just assumed…”

Robert ran through the past few days, the warmth he felt when they fought in the snow, the way his skin tingled where Aaron had touched him, his heart soaring when Aaron smiled. “Fuck,” he managed. He was in love with Aaron Dingle.

Paddy let him catch his breath before he leaned forward and continued. “Look, you should tell him. You clearly make him happy or he wouldn’t have brought you here. He might even feel the same.” Robert met his eye, found them open and honest and not at all mocking. “I want him to be happy, alright?”

Robert nodded. He took a few breaths and didn’t even register Paddy walking off to play with Leo.

The rest of the evening Robert couldn’t think of anything else, couldn’t manage to join in any conversation. His mind was completely focussed on Aaron, where he was, what he was doing, what he was thinking. Aaron consumed him, and Robert didn’t know how to make it stop. Maybe he didn’t want to.

It was late evening before the Dingle Christmas celebration was deemed over and people gathered their things and walked home swaying. Robert and Chas carried some now empty pots back and walked carefully home in the snow to avoid slipping. Aaron and Liv walked ahead, opening the door and helping Chas and Robert get inside.

After a cup of tea that settled Robert’s somewhat nervous stomach they all made their way upstairs to go to bed. They brushed their teeth and changed to pyjamas in silence, Robert not knowing what to say and Aaron not needing to speak. When they jumped under the covers Aaron looked over at him, smiling.

“Had fun?” he asked.

Robert nodded. “Thanks for inviting me.”

“No problem. Didn’t want to think of you at home in your boxers, all pathetic and sad.”

Robert punched his shoulder. “Oi, I would not have done that.”

“Oh you definitely would.” Aaron laughed and Robert felt his heartbeat pick up at the sound. “I know you well enough to know that.”

“Fine,” Robert grumbled. “Good thing I can guilt you into spending time with me,” he joked.

Aaron didn’t laugh. “You don’t,” he said.

Robert heard the honesty in Aaron’s voice and didn’t know how to answer. Instead, he looked at Aaron’s eyes, those striking eyes that made his stomach flip and his heart thud in his chest. He was beautiful and Robert couldn’t help but let his gaze fall to Aaron’s lips, soft and firm and he imaged leaning in, pressing his lips to them and kissing Aaron.

He swallowed hard. Aaron was looking at him, face soft and mouth gorgeous and dear god how had Robert not seen it before.

“We should sleep,” Robert said.

“Or… we could go downstairs and binge a few episodes of Top Gear?” Aaron suggested.

Robert grinned. “The latter option sounds better.”

They snuck downstairs and soon enough they were sprawled on the sofa, with a beer in hand and a blanket thrown over their legs.

When Robert woke up on Boxing Day with a slight headache and a smile on his lips. They had ended up staying up until quite late and crashed after one beer too many. It had been nice, fun even, despite the nerves that seemed a constant now. There was a moment, brief and fleeting where Robert had thought maybe … just maybe Aaron felt the same. He looked over at Aaron’s pillow and found it empty. He rubbed his eyes and got up, confused at having no recollection of Aaron getting up at any point during the night.

Robert threw on some trousers and a jumper and went downstairs to find Aaron in running gear and Chas sitting at the table with a cup of coffee.

“Morning,” she said and smiled at him. “Tea? Coffee?”

“Coffee, thanks.” He looked at Aaron, still sweaty from his run, and hoped his jaw hadn’t fallen too far. “Didn’t notice you getting up.”

“Didn’t want to wake you. Just went for a run this morning.”

Robert frowned. “Why d’you do it to yourself?” he asked.

Aaron laughed and got up. “Just going to grab a shower,” he said. “Up for a movie or something after?”

Robert nodded. Chas handed him a steaming cup of coffee and he sat down at the table to have some toast.

“Heard from you family?” she asked.

“Victoria called yesterday so wish me Merry Christmas - she’s celebrating with her boyfriend’s family. My stepmum called last night.”

“Sounds nice,” Chas said. “Don’t you have a brother as well?”

“Yeah, but me and him don’t really get along…”

Chas nodded. “Aaron mentioned something about that… you slept with his wife?” Robert stared ahead and took a bite of toast, letting the sound of chewing filled the silence between them. Robert looked up to find Chas looking at him while she cupped her hands around her coffee.

“Everything alright?” he asked.

“Fine,” she said curtly. At that moment Aaron came bounding down the stairs in his jogging bottoms and a comfortable jumper, wet curls still clinging to his forehead. Robert took a relieved breath.

“Right, let’s see what stupid movies are on, yeah?” he said, sitting himself on the sofa and switching on the telly. He looked up at Robert and grinned. “You joining?”

“I’ll leave you two to it,” Chas said before clearing her cup away and leaving the room.

Robert sat down next to Aaron, leaning back and resting his head against the back of the sofa, coffee cup still in hand. Aaron flicked through a few channels before landing on Die Hard, and only 10 minutes in. Aaron made a triumphant sound and settled in to watch it with a smile on his face. Robert smiled too - he knew it was Aaron’s favourite.

Aaron shifted on the sofa and then their legs were touching, knee to knee as they both sat and relaxed.

“How was your run?” Robert asked.

“Fine,” Aaron said. “Just needed to clear my head is all.”

Robert wanted so bad to reach over, take Aaron’s hand in his and tug him close. He wanted him so much his body ached with the need to reach out. He wanted Aaron and he knew he couldn’t keep quiet about it.

Just as McClane killed two thugs and Robert opened his mouth to speak, Aaron’s phone rang. He pulled it out of his pocket and frowned as he looked at the caller-ID. “It’s Ed.”

Robert tried to keep his face calm before answering. “You alright?”

Aaron nodded and Robert felt his stomach drop at the next words: “I’ll just take this, yeah?”

Robert was left sitting in the empty living room as Aaron walked upstairs to take the phone call, with what could only be described as a hole in his stomach. This was Ed, good-looking and kind and nice Ed, who Aaron had been seeing for over a year. Ed was talking to him and Robert could only imagine what was being said. Ed asking Aaron to take him back. Aaron accepting.

It was all too much. Robert got up and walked to the kitchen, making himself a glass of water as the TV played in the background. He downed it in one in an attempt to quench the fire in his gut but it didn’t work. He was freaking out and he knew it was irrational but he couldn’t make it stop. He had to get out.

Robert stepped out into the snow and walked down the road, snow crunching under his feet and with more snow falling. He briefly regretted not wearing a hat but going back was not an option - he couldn’t go back to and see Aaron, not when his head was a mess and he wanted to throw something. Instead he walked aimlessly through the village until he came by a small river and a bridge that ran over it. He walked half-way over and stood for a second, looking out at the water flowing and the icy branches draping over it. He took a deep breath, and then another.

Aaron should be happy. That was all he cared about. If he had to live with the wrenching pain of seeing that with someone else, then that was what he would do. If that was with Ed, boring, nice Ed, then so be it.

Robert looked over the water and let out a sigh.

“You alright?”

He looked over to see Aaron standing on the edge of the bridge, bobble hat on and smiling. Robert shifted on his feet.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” he asked.

Aaron shrugged. “You left just as I finished talking to Ed.”

“How is he?” Robert asked.

“Fine,” Aaron said with a shrug. “He’s struggling a bit but he wanted to know when he could come over with the last of my stuff.”

Robert stared at him as comprehension dawned. “So… you’re not getting back together?”

Aaron shook his head. Robert felt lighter, couldn’t help but smile. “Robert, what’s going on?”

Aaron took a step closer, and then another, and then another, until he was standing right in front of Robert looking into his eyes, searching.

“I -” Robert began. “I can’t, Aaron.”

“Why not?” he asked. He was so close Robert could count the hairs in his stubble, could lean in if he wanted to and kiss his lips. Robert couldn’t help looking but he shouldn’t, he couldn’t.

“I want you to be happy…” he said. Aaron sighed and looked up into his eyes, unafraid.

“Let me start then. I never told you why I broke up with Ed. I did it because I knew I couldn’t be with him while I was in love with someone else.”

Robert froze at that, heart hammering in his chest. “You…?”

“I’m in love, and he’s fit and intelligent and I can’t ignore it anymore. Ed knew and confronted me and I couldn’t deny it.” Aaron stared up at Robert’s face and Robert wanted nothing more than to leave, to run away and not have to face the pain he knew was coming. “Don’t you want to know who it is?” Robert stood silent, unable to speak. “Too bad, because I need to tell you. It’s you, Robert.”

Robert’s stomach dropped and his breath caught in his throat. “You what?”

Aaron smiled sadly as he looked at Robert’s surprise. “I’m in love with you. Have been for years, I just haven’t been able to tell you because I was worried this would happen.”

Aaron pointed to him. Robert couldn’t move except to take a breath, flooding his lungs with oxygen because he needed to think. This was too much, too good to be true.

“You love me?” Robert asked.

“Yes,” Aaron said, now placing a hand on Robert’s arm. “You are funny and good and you’re my best friend.”

Robert’s eyes flickered from Aaron’s eyes to his lips and smiled. “I… I love you too.”

The smile Aaron’s face broke into was the most beautiful thing Robert had ever seen. He bit his lip and moved a bit closer and Robert physically felt his heart flutter. There were snowflakes on one of his eyelashes and snowflakes on his bobble hat and his cheeks were red. “Yeah?” Aaron asked.

Robert licked his lip and nodded. “Yeah.”

He saw Aaron move in before it happened, saw him close his eyes and lift his head up before Robert closed his eyes and their lips touched. Aaron’s lips were warm despite the cold air making Robert’s lips melt and mould to his. The stubble framing his mouth was scratchy against his face but Robert didn’t care. Robert finally got control of his senses and put his hand on Aaron’s waist and tugged him closer, tilting his head and deepening the kiss. Aaron opened his mouth and let Robert’s tongue meet his own and it made Robert feel light-headed and just want more and more and more.

It was impossibly good, kissing Aaron. His mouth was firm and demanding and all Robert could do was give him everything he asked for. Robert’s lips were numb when they finally pulled away, staring into each other’s eyes and smiling like idiots.

“That was… unexpected,” Robert said. Aaron hummed in response and pressed a gentle kiss to Aaron’s lips.

“Not unwelcome, though.”

Robert chuckled. “No, not unwelcome.”

Robert leaned in for more and Aaron pulled back a bit. “What now?” he asked. Robert reached up and brushed Aaron’s cheek with his thumb.

“I don’t know,” he said, and his laugh echoed down the creek. “We go back, watch a movie?”

“Tell my Mum?” Aaron looked hesitant.

“Well, I think she’ll figure it out because I won’t be sitting on the other side of the sofa.”

Aaron chuckled and leaned his forehead against Robert’s - it reverberated through Robert’s body. “She might need an explanation.”

Robert lifted Aaron’s head up and kissed him again, sliding his tongue into Aaron’s mouth and breathing into Aaron’s cheek. Aaron pulled away again before he got too carried away and Robert couldn’t help chase his lips as they left.

“You know that’s why she didn’t like you,” he said. His voice was heavy and Robert loved knowing it was because of him. “She knew I loved you and hated that you didn’t know.”

“I’ll apologise to her because I was clearly an idiot.” Robert pulled him closer and pressed their noses together, resting his forehead against Aaron’s. “I love you, I want you.”

“I love you too,” Aaron whispered.

Robert intertwined their fingers and walked back across the bridge. “What do you say we go for a walk before going back?”

Aaron nodded, smiled at him in a way that made his heart soar. “Yeah, I’d like that.”

#robron #robron fanfiction #aaron x robert

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