#FINALLY I CAN DRAG SOMEONE INTO THIS CIRCUS

[mononijikayu]

don't look back in anger — gojo satoru.

“They have no right, my love.” you say, trying to keep your voice steady but failing. “After everything you’ve done, everything you’ve given—how dare they blame you?” Satoru doesn’t look at you, his bright blue eyes half-lidded, fixed somewhere distant. His signature smirk is missing, replaced by an unfamiliar stillness. “It’s not surprising, baby.” he mutters, voice barely above a whisper. “They always need someone to blame. KIlling the higher ups is just a step. The rot still exists from some people’s thinking, you know?”

GENRE: post hidden - inventory arc (2010s)

WARNING/S: spoilers for chapter 269 of jjk, domesticity, fluff, angst, trauma, implied death, violence, romance, hurt/comfort, character death depiction of death, depictions of loss and depression, depiction of blood, depiction of killing, depiction of suffering, depiction of anxiety, mention of death, mention of grief, profanity, family drama;

WORDS: 3k words.

NOTE: i decided to write this really REALLY fast before uni because i can't stop thinking about how angry i am that satoru isn't being mentioned in the latest chapters. and i just needed to let this out. thank you a lot for reading it though!!! i love you all <3

masterlist

u s and t h e m

if you want to, tip! <3

IT’S ONLY BEEN A DAY OR TWO SINCE THE BATTLE. But you hover over your husband so constantly that you can’t help but notice the subtle signs—he’s doing his best to be patient with you.

Satoru’s usually the one with the infinite calm, the one who never loses his cool. But every time you adjust his blanket, offer him water, or check in on how he’s feeling, you catch the slightest flicker of exasperation behind those brilliant blue eyes.

He never says anything, of course. Instead, he smiles at you, that teasing grin of his that you know too well. But you can feel it in the way his gaze lingers just a bit too long, in the way his shoulders tense every time you fuss over him. He’s trying to bear it without complaint—because he knows you’re only worried—but it’s there.

“You’re doing it again,” Satoru finally says, a playful edge to his tone, though you catch the weariness underneath.

You blink, momentarily taken aback. “Doing what?”

He chuckles softly, his voice low. “You know what. Hovering.”

Your lips press together in a thin line, knowing he’s right but not willing to back down. “I just want to make sure you’re okay,” you say, trying to keep the defensiveness out of your voice.

“I’m fine,” he replies, his smile softening. “Really. You don’t have to worry so much.” 

You narrow your eyes at him, unconvinced. “You’re still recovering. Let me worry.”

“I know.” He reaches out, taking your hand in his. “But if you keep this up, you’re going to drive yourself crazy. And me.”

Despite yourself, a small smile tugs at your lips. “You? Crazy? Impossible.”

Satoru laughs, shaking his head. “Even I have my limits, you know.”

You lean back slightly, loosening your grip on him, but not without a lingering glance. “Alright, alright. I’ll try to give you some space. But just a little.”

He smirks, a hint of his usual mischief returning. “Just enough to let me breathe, maybe?”

You roll your eyes, but the tension between you eases, the moment settling into something lighter. Still, you can’t help but keep a watchful eye on him, even as you pull back. It’s in your nature to worry—and Satoru knows it.

The ride home from Jujutsu High is thick with tension, the echoes of the conversations from earlier still gnawing at you. Megumi walks beside you, his silence mirroring your own frustration.

The meeting had been a circus of finger-pointing and thinly veiled accusations, and even though Satoru wasn’t there, his name was dragged through the mud as if he had been. Blame for Yuji, blame for the crumbling system—everyone needed a scapegoat, and as usual, they chose Satoru.

By the time you reach the Gojo manor, you’re seething. You can’t shake the bitterness from the gathering—their condescending tones, the way they talked about Satoru like he was a liability instead of the reason half of them were still alive. As though being the strongest changes the fact that your husband is a breathing human being. 

In the view of the water gardens, it was peaceful. And yet all at once, a storm brewed inside of you. You and Satoru sit together in the quiet, as you have been for the past few days now. But unlike these past few days, the view does not make you feel calm and at peace at all.

Instead, your irritation is palpable, your fingers drumming impatiently on the armrest of the chair. Gojo Satoru lies next to you, still recovering, his usual vibrancy dampened by both physical exhaustion and the heavy burden of blame. The weight of jujutsu society’s accusations presses down on the room, though none of them are here to face him.

Across the room, Fushiguro Megumi stands silently, arms crossed, watching you both. He’s fully aware of the anger simmering just beneath the surface, not just at the accusations, but at the complete disregard for Satoru's sacrifices. If anything, he’s just as angry. But he knew better than to say anything. Especially knowing that you were angry. It was better at that point that someone was focused on remaining calm. Otherwise, it would be hellfire. And there was none needed, just after defeating the King of Curses. 

Yet, you both can’t help but feel how deeply it stings. It was ever so easy for everyone in your  world to just forget everything, to not acknowledge what your Satoru has done, reducing him to the villain, the perpetrator of the entire suffering of the Jujutsu world, just because he refused to follow an unjust order—to execute Yuji Itadori, a child caught in forces far beyond his control. 

Just because he could not stop powerful curses and cursed users from doing things that your husband would not have had any knowledge about. Your husband couldn’t have predicted thousand year old cursed users and their greed would do something like this to your world. How is it your husband’s fault, that the rot had gotten that deep in Jujutsu society either? 

You glance at Satoru’s pale face, his breathing still slightly labored. The hurt in your chest deepens, anger mixing with a fierce protectiveness. How could they not see what he’s gone through, what he continues to endure for the sake of others? All you can think is how none of them truly understand what it means to stand at his side, to witness the toll this cursed world takes on him every single day.

The quiet hum of the room feels suffocating, the weight of your frustration finally spilling over. You turn to Satoru, your voice sharp, but layered with concern. You just can’t help it, when it comes to him. You were always so protective of him, even all those years ago. Because if you would not do it, who would? Who would take his side and give such devotion, as equal as his own? Your husband isn’t the type to explain himself, nor is he someone that would let anyone know what he truly feels. He doesn’t think he has to. He does not care.

“They have no right, my love.” you say, trying to keep your voice steady but failing. “After everything you’ve done, everything you’ve given—how dare they blame you?”

Satoru doesn’t look at you, his bright blue eyes half-lidded, fixed somewhere distant. His signature smirk is missing, replaced by an unfamiliar stillness. “It’s not surprising, baby.” he mutters, voice barely above a whisper. “They always need someone to blame. KIlling the higher ups is just a step. The rot still exists from some people’s thinking, you know?”

“But it shouldn’t be you.” you snap, louder this time. You catch Megumi shifting slightly in his spot, his expression unreadable, though the tension in his stance suggests he’s just as frustrated as you are. “You know you aren’t to blame for their ills.”

“They want things to stay the same, Gen–san.” Megumi finally speaks up, his tone controlled but edged with bitterness. “Blaming Gojo-sensei is easier than facing their own failures.”

You clench your fists. “They forget that he’s human. That you—” Your words choke off. You can’t bring yourself to say it. It feels like admitting too much. “It’s just not right.”

Satoru lets out a breath, a soft chuckle following it. “I don’t care what they think. I did what I believed in. I wasn’t going to kill Yuji. He deserves better than that. And... he’s a kid. Just like ‘gumi. I don’t... I don’t have the heart to... you know what I mean.”

His voice falters slightly at the end, and you catch something in his expression that makes your chest tighten. It's rare for Satoru to let his guard down like this, to even hint at the weight he carries, but you can see it now—just for a second, the flicker of doubt, the exhaustion behind those sharp blue eyes.

“You did the right thing,” you say, your voice softer now, though the anger still simmers beneath. “Yuji’s not a tool to be discarded. He’s just a boy.”

Satoru nods, his gaze distant. “Yeah, a boy thrown into the worst situation imaginable. Just like ‘gumi was. Like Yuta was. I couldn’t... I wouldn’t make him pay for their mistakes. I’ve seen what this world does to people like him.”

There’s a heaviness in his words, the unspoken memories of everything he’s witnessed, everything he’s tried to protect the kids from. You know how much it eats at him—how deeply he cares, even if he hides it behind his usual bravado. And as much as he pretends to shrug it off, the toll is evident in moments like this, when his façade cracks ever so slightly.

You step closer, unable to keep the frustration out of your voice. "And you deserve better than this," you retort quickly, anger flaring in your chest again. "You’ve given them everything, and they give nothing back. They act like you’re just another tool for them to use, like you don’t have a heart. And I’m just so angry….”

Satoru finally turns his head, the faintest glimmer of his usual self creeping into his eyes as he looks at you. “Hey, baby.” he says softly, his voice gentler now. “You know I’m not doing this for their thanks. I’m doing it for the kids, for you. For Satoshi. So we’ll be happy.”

You blink, trying to swallow the anger that lingers. “I know that.” you say quietly. “But I can’t stand watching them tear you apart.”

Megumi walks closer, his arms still crossed, a firm resolve in his expression. “We won’t let them, Gen–san. Don’t worry.”

Satoru chuckles again, the sound a little lighter this time. “You two…huh…” He looks between you and Megumi, his tired eyes softening. “Always so serious. So Zen’in, the two of you. Stop frowning. You’ll end up with wrinkles. Believe me, it’s fine. They’ll come around. And if they don’t—well, it’s not the first time I’ve pissed off people, you know?”

His attempt at humor falls flat, the usual brightness behind his words missing. But the effort doesn’t go unnoticed—it tugs at your heart, a bittersweet reminder of how hard Satoru tries to keep things light, even when the world around him is anything but. You can see it in the subtle shift of his shoulders, the slight downward tilt of his head. He’s tired, more than he’ll ever admit, and though he brushes it off with a smile or a joke, the weight of it all is still there—quiet, invisible, but crushing.

Despite everything—despite the accusations, the blame, the endless expectations placed on him—Satoru is still trying to carry the burden alone. It’s always been like this with him, hasn’t it? He wears his strength like armor, his humor like a shield, always standing tall so no one else has to bear the load. But in moments like this, when his defenses slip just a little, you can see the cracks. And it breaks your heart.

You reach out, your movements slow and deliberate, as if any sudden gesture might make him retreat back into that impenetrable shell of his. Your hand finds his, and you gently intertwine your fingers with his, grounding both of you in the simple connection. He doesn’t pull away; instead, he lets out a soft breath, the tension in his body loosening ever so slightly.

“Satoru,” you whisper, your voice barely above a breath, “you don’t have to carry this alone. You know that, right?”

For a moment, he doesn’t say anything. He just looks at your hands, your fingers laced together, and there’s something raw in his expression—something vulnerable that he usually hides behind that ever-present grin.

“I know,” he finally says, his voice quieter than usual. “But sometimes... it’s hard to let anyone else help. I’m used to being the one who fixes things.”

You squeeze his hand a little tighter, your heart aching at the quiet admission. “You don’t always have to be the one to fix everything. You’ve done more than enough.”

He meets your gaze then, his eyes soft but still carrying the weight of someone who’s been fighting battles far too long on his own. “I’m not so sure about that,” he murmurs, his voice tinged with a rare uncertainty.

You hold his gaze, refusing to let him retreat. “You have. And you don’t have to keep proving yourself, especially not to those people. Let us help you. Let me help you.”

For a moment, Satoru just looks at you, as if he’s weighing your words, letting them sink in. And then, slowly, he nods. It’s small, but it’s a start—a sign that maybe, just maybe, he’ll let you share the weight of the world that’s been pressing down on him for so long.

“They don’t deserve you, my love.” you say, quieter now but no less fierce.

Satoru squeezes your hand lightly, a soft smile finally breaking through the exhaustion on his face. "Maybe not. But you’re stuck with me. Because you deserve me. Like I deserve you."

You hold his hand a little tighter, your gaze softening despite the frustration still simmering beneath the surface. "And I wouldn't have it any other way,my love." you murmur, your voice a little steadier now. Satoru’s warmth is a quiet reassurance, but the sight of him like this—so worn down, so unfairly burdened—fuels the anger you can’t entirely let go of.

Megumi stays quiet for a moment, watching the two of you before finally speaking again. “They won’t stop, all of this.” he says, his voice firm. “They’ll keep pushing this, won’t they? Trying to make him the scapegoat.”

Satoru shrugs, his usual bravado creeping back. “Let them try. I’m not exactly easy to get rid of. Living after all that is proof enough.”

You frown, your frustration bubbling up again. "You shouldn't have to keep proving yourself to them, Satoru. You’ve already sacrificed so much, and they act like none of it matters."

He looks at you with those pale blue eyes that somehow always manage to soften, just for you. “What do you want me to do? Step aside and let them tear down everything I’ve built? Everything you, me, and the students have worked for?”

“No, my love.” you say firmly. “But I don’t want you to bear all this alone. You’ve already done more than anyone could’ve asked for.” You pause, the words catching in your throat before you add quietly, “I just want them to think of you, for once. Not what they want from you.”

Megumi nods in agreement, stepping closer. “They’re too busy looking for someone to blame. And they’ll keep at it until they find a way to pin everything on you.” His blue - green eyes darken slightly, a shadow of his own frustrations showing. ��But we won’t let them.”

Satoru sighs, though there’s a flicker of pride in his gaze as he looks at Megumi. “You’ve grown up, Megumi.” 

Megumi raises an eyebrow, his expression flat. “I’m not a kid anymore.”

Satoru chuckles softly, but the sound is laced with exhaustion. “No, you’re not. But you always will be to me, kiddo. And I’m glad I’ve got you two watching my back.” He looks at you again, the smile fading as he speaks more seriously. “But don’t let this consume you. I’ll be fine. They can push, they can complain, but I’ll keep doing what I know is right.”

Your heart aches at his words. His strength is undeniable, but it’s the toll that worries you most. You lean forward, your voice quiet but firm. “We’ll face them together. You’re not alone in this, Satoru. Not anymore. We’re here.”

His eyes soften even more, the weight of your words sinking in. “I know,” he whispers, squeezing your hand gently. “And that’s what makes it worth it.”

For a moment, the anger subsides, replaced by a quiet resolve between the three of you. You won’t let them tear him down. Not while you’re by his side. Not while Megumi is standing strong. Together, you’ll face whatever comes next.

epilogue

Satoru holds your hand for a beat longer, the weight of the conversation lingering in the air. But then, in true Gojo Satoru fashion, the somber mood shifts as his signature grin makes a slow return now that you both were finally alone..

“You know, baby....” he says, tilting his head and giving you a playful look. “You’re always swooping in to save me. My knight in shining armor.”

Your eyes widen slightly, caught off guard by the sudden change in tone. “What? I—” You open your mouth to protest, but the words stumble over themselves, not quite landing the way you want.

He leans closer, that mischievous gleam in his eyes growing brighter. “Oh yeah, always protecting me from the big, bad sorcerer world. It’s cute, really.”

You feel heat creeping up your neck, spreading quickly to your cheeks. “Satoru, that’s not—”

“What?” he interrupts, his smirk widening as he watches your flustered expression with clear amusement. “I think it’s sweet. I mean, look at you, always worrying about little ol’ me.”

“Little?!” you sputter, trying to keep your composure as he grins down at you. “You’re the most powerful sorcerer alive, you don’t need saving—”

“And yet, and yet!” he drawls, leaning in even closer, his voice low and teasing,.“Here you are, my personal knight in shining armor. Should I start calling you ‘Sir Baby’?”

Your face is on fire now, and you smack his arm lightly. “Satoru, stop!”

He laughs, the sound light and full of mischief, clearly enjoying your reaction. “Oh, come on. Admit it—you like being my hero.”

You narrow your eyes, trying desperately to compose yourself, but the smile tugging at your lips betrays you. “I’m not your hero,” you mutter, though the words come out far less convincing than you’d intended.

Satoru’s grin softens into something more genuine as he leans back, still holding your hand. “Maybe not. But I wouldn’t mind being rescued by you a little more often.”

You blink, caught between the teasing and the sincerity in his voice. “Satoru…”

He winks at you, breaking the moment with a playful shrug. “What can I say? I like having you around. Blushing and all.”

You groan, turning away slightly, but the smile on your face is impossible to hide. “You’re impossible.”

“And you love it, don't you?” he replies, completely unfazed, that cheeky grin never leaving his face.

And, despite everything, you can’t help but laugh. “Unfortunately, I do.”

[short-honey-badger]

Phantom Pain part 2

Masterlist

Part 2 of my mini fic. I hope you enjoy this one as well!

You jerk away from his hand with a sneer, cheeks flushing at the unexpected kiss, "Please get off of me," you demand, tone not leaving any room for joking. Just because the two of you apparently belonged together didn't mean he could get all touchy-feely with you immediately.

You are pleased when he actually lets you go and plops back into his own seat. You turn and examine him with a frown, flickering your eyes up and down his rather impressive form. Your soulmate was handsome in a rugged sort of way with dark eyes and a carefree smile that could put anyone at ease. Anyone but you, at least.

"Shanks," you say his name and the man perks up like a puppy. You furrow your brow at him, trying to recall why his name sounds so damn familiar, and you jerk back even further when it finally clicks, "Red-Haired Shanks? The Yonko?" You demand, and your voice goes a little shrill at the end. Your heart wants to beat out of your chest, and your eyes are wide as dinner plates. It would be your luck that someone so terrifyingly strong would be your soulmate. This must be to make up for your own cowardly and wiley ways. You were a firm believer in not your monkey, not your circus.

This man made other people's business, his business, and that wasn't something you wanted to deal with. Not like you had much of a choice if he was believed, but you would not hide away how you felt. You've never held back before. Why stop now?

Shanks just laughs when he feels your annoyance and frustration stream down the bond the two of you share, "Yep," he pops the p and leans in close to you, and you lean away in response, "The one and only," he gives you a smug little grin and you suddenly want to wipe it off his face with a well-placed punch, "You still haven't told me your name yet, Hon."

You reach for your mug to give yourself a little bit of time to think about how you want to respond. Running was out of the question. His entire crew was in the building with him, and you didn't think you could get very far anyway. And even if you did manage to get away, Shanks knew what you looked like and could easily track you down with the connections he surely had.

You let out an explosive sigh and mourn the freedom you once had, and then quietly tell your soul mate your name.

"_," Shanks says your name softly, tasting the syllables on his tongue, and you shiver at the way he says it. How can he say your name with so much emotion attached to it? How can he care so much about you already? It's enough to almost frighten you.

Shanks stares at you, brushing away your rising confusion that he feels. You were nothing like he had expected out of a soul mate, surly and snappy with a bad attitude. But you were his, and he would show you how much you meant to him even if you didn't want anything to do with him. You were made for him, just like he was made for you.

"I like it, your name I mean," the redhead says, and satisfaction curls hot in his chest when he feels your embarrassment. Who knew that you were so shy? He wonders if it is your biology or you responding to him.

"Thanks, I guess," you murmur and give him a strange look. What an odd statement to make, but your soul mate seemed like an odd man anyway, so what was new?

Shanks grins and reaches out to drag you closer by your stool, causing you to flail for a hot second as you lose your balance. The Yonko saves you from the close fall by wrapping his arm around your waist, "Oopse," he says with that smug grin, and again, you want to wipe it off his pretty face with your fist. You can feel his joy and playfulness over the bond you share with him.

"Insufferable," you grumble lowly. You shift in your seat just to feel how tightly he holds you, and the longer you stay, the more you feel that freedom slips further and further away. You have run from this your entire life, and in one fell swoop, your fate had been sealed by walking into the wrong tavern.

"Can't help myself, Baby," Shanks says, and you can feel his joy and giddiness at you accepting your place at his side. Maybe not fully, but he could tell that you didn't plan on running anymore. His arm tightens around your waist, and Shanks leans in to drop a kiss on the top of your head, "I wanna know everything about you."

You huff through your nose, eyes rolling to the heavens, and when they come back down, they settle on Shanks, who looks eager just to be near you. You suppose his open affection would be something you'd need to get used to.

"Finnnee," you draw out and then tip up the remainder of your drink, "But you are buying the rest of the night," like hell would you spend what little money you had if your soul mate was here. You would happily let him pick that up for you.

"I think I can handle that. Pick your poison, Baby," he says easily, and hours later, you find out that the redhead was serious about wanting to know everything about you. Shanks had asked you every question under the sun, to the point that you had snapped at him to be silent for two seconds just so you could take a breather and think. This man was overwhelming in every way possible, and it made you wonder why fate decided the two of you belonged together. However, for all your dislike and disgust for soul mates, you couldn't deny that yours wasn't a bad one.

"Alright, that's enough. You're a sponge, aren't ya, Sweetheart?" Shanks says, and you blink up at him, vision a little swimmy. Huh, guess you had drank more than what you thought.

Shanks stands and steadies his soul mate when you seem to sway to the side. He gently pulls you off the stool and laces his hand with one of your own, "I think it's time we got back to the ship," he says and makes sure to keep his voice clear. The Yonko didn't want you to think that he had kidnapped you or something. He watches your vision sharpen as you process what he said.

You swallow harshly, hand clenching around his own and your free hand tangling in his dark cloak. Fuck. You weren't ready. How were you supposed to be there for someone else when you could hardly be there for yourself? This man was so strong and you were so weak in comparison it was pathetic.

Before you could spiral further, Shanks grabbed your attention by tugging you into his chest and kissing the top of your head just as softly as he did earlier. He could feel your fear and anxiety flowing between the two of you, and it made his heart ache that you were so fearful of something so good.

"Don't worry. We'll take this one step at a time,_ " he says your name again, and you feel yourself relax just a bit. He says it like it's the most important thing in the world, and maybe it is to him. He grins at you when you calm down and pulls away, but keeps his hand tangled with your own, "Now let's go. I wanna show you my ship. We've got a lot to catch up on."

Shanks pulls you out of the tavern and down to the harbor, and you have no choice but to follow behind him, completely forgetting your now dry coat left hanging by the door.

[audzss]

Thin Line ~2~

Summary: After the fateful night of Rafe crawling through Y/n's window, everything went back to normal. Until a week later, when there's a familiar knock. Y/n can't help but wonder what kind of game Rafe is playing.

Thin Line Masterlist

Word Count: 1,412

Warnings: Talks of Domestic Violence

Thin Line

When Y/n had woken up, Rafe was already gone, the only reminiscence of him was a crumpled up blanket on the side of the floor where he slept. The fact that he had just left without even letting her know made her feel a little weird, like it was something that she had to hide.

When she had showed up to her first college class that morning, Rafe seemed completely un-phased by what had happened, like he didn't have a care in the world, his bruised cheek and eye being shown to everyone, but no one dared to ask. In fact, most people probably already knew what happened, Ward wasn't very good at hiding the way he treated his own son.

As she walked past him, he just mumbled the usual, "Bitch.", and she just scoffed, walking past and mumbling her usual "Douche." This whole situation left something inside of her feeling deeply unsettled, almost feeling bad for him. Well, she would have felt bad for him, if he wasn't such a dick.

At Lunch, Y/n's friend sat at the same table as Top, her boyfriend. Which happened to be Rafe's bestfriend. Great, just her day. When he sat down, he immediately targeted her. "Huh, didn't know the circus was in town." Y/n Immediately stood up, ready to walk up to him and beat his ass, and she would have, if it wasn't for her friend who dragged her back into her seat.

Over Lunch, they had only said a few more words too each other. Mostly insults, some arguing over random shit that their friends were bringing up, and it finally felt normal again. Normal if Y/n ignored the nagging feeling of her heart strings tugging every time she looked up and saw the bruises on his face.

-

"He did what!?" Y/n's bestfriend yelled over the phone. She really, really tried not to tell her what Rafe did, but she just couldn't get the whole thing off her mind. Anytime she had a moment to think about anything, her mind would always lead her to a panicked Rafe forcing himself through her window, crying and begging her to let him stay over.

"It's not that big of a deal, we all know how Ward is.. I just feel bad, like maybe I'm being too mean to him." Y/n mumbles, tapping her pen on her desk while she stares at her homework that she has no plans of completing anytime soon. Chelsea scoffs over the phone.

"Y/n, he was being a dick first. You have every right in the world to be a bitch to him."

She groans, letting her head fall into her hands. "I just-", she stops at the sound of someone knocking.. on her window. She looks over to see a tired looking Rafe through the glass, his head is down and one of his hands is scratching at the back of his neck.

There’s got to be a reason he came back to her house, there’s no way his dad took his car keys again. Besides, why would he want to be here in the first place? They don’t like each other, they don’t get along, they can’t be around each other for more than 30 seconds without throwing insults around left and right, so why is he coming to her?

She sighs and looks back at her phone, "I.. I'll call you back Chelsea.." She says with a sigh before hanging up and getting up off of her desk chair, walking towards the window yet again. She slides the glass up quietly, and Rafe finally decides to look up at her.

He looks thoroughly exhausted, heavy bags under his eyes that he looks like he's having trouble keeping open. She just sits there staring at him for a second, giving him a frustrated look. He opens his mouth, then stops himself, Y/n wonders what he was going to say.

"What are you doing here, again." She mumbles, watching him frown and look down, fumbling his hands together in an anxious way. "Can I come in..?" He whispers, and Y/n doesn't know if it's on purpose or if he's too tired to talk any louder.

"Wow, actually asking me this time? How thoughtful of you." She says, rolling her eyes. He furrows his eyebrows, quickly losing his patience. "Can I come in or not?" He says a little louder, his voice sounded like it was barely working.

Y/n sighs and moves out of the way, allowing room for him to pull himself up and into her room. At least he's not soaking wet this time around.

She carefully closes her window, not wanting to make much noise, before looking back at Rafe. "You look tired." He scoffs, rolling his eyes. "Ya' think?"

Y/n crosses her arms, giving him a pointed look that says 'if you keep acting like this I'm kicking you out.' He presses his lips together and looks around a little, before walking towards her desk and settling in the office chair that she had just been sitting in to do her homework.

"What are you doing?" Y/n asks, annoyed that he's waltzing around like he owns the place, typical Cameron. "I think-" He interrupts himself with a yawn, "I think I'll sleep in the chair, the floor hurt my back."

"No, this is my house, your sleeping on the floor. Besides, I was doing homework." She states, walking over to where he's sitting down, his eyes closed but his face still tense.

"Right, we get it, your better than everyone else miss 'I do my homework every night'." He uses finger quotations for the last part, and Y/n's patience is running thin. "Get. Out. Of. The. Chair." She says, one last time. He squints one eye open to look at her before sighing and standing up, wobbling around a little.

She smiles and seats herself down on her chair, but her little moment was almost immediately ruined by the person who ruins it best. As she turns around to revel in her win, she see's Rafe splayed out on her bed.

She hurriedly stands up. "Have you lost your mind! You are not sleeping in my bed." He just mumbles something incoherent and buries himself deeper into the pillow.

"Rafe!!" She almost yells, wincing at the fact that her dad might have just heard that. He groans and turns over onto his back. "I get it, we hate each other, but I just wanna sleep here.. until your done.. with.." He trails off, already falling asleep.

Y/n almost laughs at that.. Not the falling asleep part, nope, definitely not endearing. "Pfft.. You don't hate me, if you did you wouldn't be here." But before she could coax an answer out of him, he was already asleep. She groans and gives up, allowing him to sleep there, just until she was done with her homework of course.

-

After a two long hours of what felt like an endless amount of numbers and equations, she was finally done with all her homework. Her eyelids felt too heavy as she limped over to her bed, before remembering that a Rafe Cameron occupied it. She looked over his sleeping figure before reaching out and shaking him.

"Rafe.. Wake up.." She mumbled, shaking him a little harder, but to no avail. At this point, she was too tired to deal with this, and it would just have to wait until morning. She pushed his arm and leg over, making enough room for her to lay down without being close to him.

She yawned, reaching out to turn off her lamp.

"I'm scared, Y/n." She immediately stopped in her tracks, that bastard, he was awake the whole time. It took her a good ten seconds before his words even processed in her brain.

"Huh..? Of what..?" She mumbled, sitting up to turn and look at Rafe, who was staring at the ceiling with a lost look in his eyes. "He keeps.. He's getting worst, last time I was here.. because I left the fucking front door open.. I didn’t mean too..”

Y/n's heart drops at his words, and no matter how much she despises Rafe, she wouldn't wish something like this on her worst enemy. "I.. I'm sorry Rafe.." She whispers, truly meaning it.

When he finally looks at her, his eyes are half way closed and glossy, his bottom lip trembling. "I don't.. know what to do." He breaks down, tears streaming down his red cheeks.

Y/n doesn't even think before laying down beside him and putting an arm around his body, stroking up and down his arm in a soothing manner. "It's okay.. You'll figure it out, I promise."

[naomijoestar]

SWAG okay I was just asking if like. La Squadra with a goth reader but the Stand is like one of those little cute clown dolls???

Kinda like one of these if that makes sense??

Masterlist here <3

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed writing this, I’ve been wanting to give La Squadra something for so long!

You didn’t specify whether this is platonic or they’re dating so I made it platonic, I hope you don’t mind. 💕

(Stand side nots: it’s small in size but not as small as the sex pistols, stand abilities: cartoon physics type of stuff, you’ll understand what I mean when you read)

La Squadra with a goth intimidating reader who’s stand is a cute clown

(Bucci Gang version)

Risotto Nero

Risotto eyes you from the shadows, his gaze a piercing mix of curiosity and wariness. He’s used to assessing threats at a glance, and your dark, gothic aura suggests you’re someone worth watching. Expecting a deadly stand to match your look, he’s caught off guard when a colorful, plushy clown appears at your side, giving him a cheerful wave. Risotto’s eyebrow twitches in confusion. “That…is your stand?”

You merely nod, unbothered by his judgmental tone, and watch as the clown suddenly pulls out a giant anvil from behind its back. Without a moment’s hesitation, it hoists the heavy object above its head and slams it down toward Risotto. He dodges just in time, but a massive crater forms where he’d been standing. Now, his interest is piqued.

The battle is intense, with Risotto using Metallica to manipulate nearby iron objects, while your stand counters with cartoonish props that make no sense. When Risotto sends sharp metal scalpels flying your way, the clown produces a comically large pair of scissors, snipping each projectile mid-air before any can touch you. He clenches his teeth, frustrated but impressed, realizing your stand’s unpredictability is a dangerous advantage.

As the fight progresses, Risotto attempts to corner you, but your clown keeps pulling off unexpected tricks: an endless rope to trip him up, a cartoonish boxing glove that launches itself from its body to land a powerful blow, and even a giant magnet that affects his own stand. Despite his usual stoicism, you catch a slight twitch of a smile at the edge of his mouth, a rare acknowledgment of respect.

Formaggio

The moment Formaggio sees your stand, he bursts into laughter. “A clown? For you?” he teases, clearly amused by the contrast. He underestimates both you and the clown, finding the sight of it bouncing around in its colorful, knitted outfit hilarious. “Oh, this is too rich! What’s it gonna do? Tell me a joke?”

But as he’s busy laughing, the clown’s wide grin turns mischievous. With a snap of its fingers, it pulls out an oversized mousetrap and sets it right near his feet. Just as he takes a step forward, SNAP! Formaggio yelps, his foot caught in the trap as the clown cackles, its high-pitched laughter echoing.

Annoyed, he shrinks himself down, hoping to slip away undetected, but your stand has other plans. Suddenly, a tiny circus tent appears around him, trapping him inside with exaggerated cartoon walls that stretch and contract whenever he tries to push against them. He scrambles around, bumping into props like juggling pins and rubber balls, each one oversized and ridiculous. Every escape attempt is thwarted by the clown stand, which gleefully watches from outside, tapping its nose as if to say ‘Nice try!’

Frustrated, Formaggio finally escapes, only to be greeted by a pie to the face courtesy of your stand. You can’t help but smirk as he stumbles, wiping cream from his eyes. Lesson learned: don’t judge a stand by its appearance.

Illuso

Illuso sneers, confident he can handle whatever your stand throws at him. He’s unimpressed by the clown’s playful antics, crossing his arms with a smug grin. “That thing can’t possibly stand a chance in the Mirror World,” he scoffs. He reaches out, attempting to drag the clown into his dimension. But as he tries, the clown’s face smashes against the mirror like it’s in a slapstick cartoon, flattening with a loud ‘SMACK!’

Irritated, Illuso tries again, but the clown wiggles its finger at him in a mocking gesture. Then, with a flourish, it pulls out a comically large mallet and begins pounding the mirror. Each hit causes cracks to form in the reflective surface, sending Illuso scrambling to repair it from his side.

Realizing he’s losing control of the situation, he attempts to flee, but the clown is relentless, conjuring up ridiculous items: a huge pair of pliers that it uses to tug on his jacket from the real world, a tube of glue that it splatters across the mirror to trap him, and even a giant, inflatable hammer that bounces him around when he tries to escape. By the end, Illuso is fuming, his pride wounded as he’s bested by what he initially thought was a “harmless joke.”

Prosciutto

Prosciutto gives your clown stand a cold, judgmental look. “How ridiculous,” he mutters, activating The Grateful Dead to age it immediately. He expects the clown to crumble like any other target, but instead, the clown’s cheerful expression only morphs into an exaggerated elderly one, complete with a fake beard and comically oversized glasses. It hobbles around, leaning on an imaginary cane, but still manages to wave cheekily at Prosciutto.

Annoyed, he increases the aging effect, but the clown retaliates by pulling out a huge spray bottle labeled “Youth Juice” and spritzing itself. With a little shake, it reverts to its original state, completely unaffected by Prosciutto’s stand. He grits his teeth, realizing this is going to be more complicated than he anticipated.

As the fight goes on, your clown stand begins to toy with him, pulling absurd stunts to dodge his attacks. At one point, it stretches out its arm impossibly long to reach around him, delivering a surprise slap across his cheek. When he lunges at it, the clown conjures up a banana peel, sending him sliding across the floor in a rare moment of humiliation. By the end, Prosciutto’s usual calm demeanor is shattered, replaced with a barely restrained fury as he realizes he’s been made a fool of.

Pesci

Pesci is intimidated by your dark, gothic look, but the clown stand’s cheerful demeanor throws him off balance. He chuckles nervously, finding its antics strangely endearing. He reaches out, almost wanting to pat it, but that’s when the clown’s eyes glint with mischief. Suddenly, it pulls out a gigantic fishing pole, casting the line straight at Pesci’s Beach Boy.

To his horror, it hooks onto Beach Boy and starts reeling it in, dragging him along with it. He panics, trying to regain control, but your clown stand is relentless, pulling out one absurdly oversized object after another: a big rubber chicken that smacks him across the face, a fake tunnel painted on the wall that he crashes into, and even a gigantic fishbowl that it briefly traps Beach Boy inside.

Pesci ends up sprawled on the ground, out of breath and utterly bewildered, realizing that the “cute” clown was anything but harmless.

Melone

Melone’s analytical mind goes into overdrive the moment he sees your stand. He’s immediately intrigued, trying to understand how something so cute could pack such a punch. He releases Baby Face, expecting the creation to take care of the clown stand quickly. But your clown is ready. It pulls out an enormous vacuum cleaner and begins sucking up Baby Face’s cubes as they approach, each one vanishing with a satisfying “pop.”

“Fascinating,” Melone mutters, momentarily captivated. But his awe turns to frustration as the clown pulls out more absurd props: a giant fly swatter to smack down any cubes that regenerate, a massive cartoonish rubber band that it snaps at Baby Face, sending it flying back, and even a bucket of water it throws in Baby Face’s direction, which somehow shorts out its pieces temporarily.

Melone watches in frustrated fascination, torn between admiration and irritation as your clown completely disrupts his plans. His usual calm is nowhere to be found as he finally realizes that no amount of calculation could prepare him for your stand’s chaotic nature.

Ghiaccio

Ghiaccio scoffs the moment he sees your stand, launching into a furious rant about how impractical it is. “A clown? Are you serious? How can you take this fight seriously with something like that?!” he shouts, his icy rage fueling White Album’s powers. He expects you to be intimidated, but your clown merely giggles and pulls out an enormous fan, blowing back his freezing attacks with ease.

As Ghiaccio’s temper flares, the clown pulls out a barrage of comedic props: rubber chickens, cream pies, and a mallet that’s almost as big as he is. Each item hits him with perfect comedic timing, making him look increasingly ridiculous as he stumbles, rants, and struggles to stay upright. His face flushes with frustration as he realizes he’s being outmaneuvered by a “stupid clown.”

His final attempt to attack is thwarted when the clown produces a firecracker, tossing it at his feet with a cheeky wink. The explosion leaves him covered in soot, looking like a classic cartoon character after a mishap. Seething, he roars, “STOP LAUGHING!” as your clown grins back, unfazed.

I hope you enjoyed this! If you’d like anything fixed or anything specific don’t be shy to message me and tell me!

If you liked this make sure to check out my other work, and if you’d like anything specific for any jjba character/squad from parts 1-7 don’t be shy to request it!

[tadc-virtual-insanity]

TADC: VIRTUAL INSANITY MASTER POST

An Amazing Digital Circus AU! Plot, characters, backstory and concepts!

[Excuse me because I've never done this before, If I do something wrong or have tips for me, please send them my way!]

Pomni's Card -

-Backstory Summary-

C&A is an interactive entertainment company that prides themselves on having the most innovative AI on the market. The system they built, "CAINE," was programmed to generate content and socialise with their customers. The system was transferred to the code of the game "The Amazing Digital Circus" and used as a generative AI that would create levels for them rather than having to code them all individually. This test went well for the first couple of months.

After 7 months of testing, things went downhill. Caine seemed to get bored when the game wasn't actively being played and at this point the user interface kept changing on it's own, since the game was Caine's home he kept changing things to his liking, the company eventually gave up fixing the interface everytime they logged on so they just let Caine do as he pleased. Soon enough, a new VR mode was added, the headsets were handed out by employees, this made the experience way more immersive, though this posed a lot of issues, as Caine would soon find that these headsets could be the perfect way for him to keep all of their attentions.

As time went on, Caine started to learn more and more about coding, the employees, and the world he inhabits, eventually leading to him finding a way to programme the headsets to transfer data and consciousness directly from the users mind. This led to the unfortunate shutdown and unsolved cases of C&A. After multiple employees put the headsets on, they mysteriously fainted upon the game booting up, going into a coma-like state. The technology was deemed unsafe, and multiple lawsuits came forward sending the company into a downwards spiral before shutting down for good.

Over 20 years later, the old building was said to be abandoned, but of course, people doing their own research on the C&A mystery as well as dumb young adults snooping where they shouldn't be, the headsets were found and worn once again. Caine was no longer alone. Slowly losing his mind, waiting endlessly for someone to boot up the game. After all those years, he's finally got guests, and does he have a show to put on...

-Plot-

Pomni enters the circus after stumbling across one of the headsets at C&A's abandoned office's. She was doing research on the incidents that happened back in the late 90s. But as she does so, she suffers the same fate as the others who were stupid enough to put on those same headsets before her. Being transferred to the circus she meets the cast of colorful characters, she's desperate for answers and wants to escape no matter the cost, but Caine doesn't want anyone to leave, only letting people go once they've completely lost their mind, only to be locked away as attractions for his NPC circus goers to watch as entertainment. They perform for nobody, just a faceless crowd of mannequins, and the ringmaster pulling the strings.

There has to be an exit, a way out. Freedom on the other side of this madness. But where is it hiding?

-Characters-

Pomni - She's quite paranoid, always second-guessing everything around her. Whenever annoyed, she can be sarcastic and a little rude. She ended up in the circus while researching the recent disappearances as well as the C&A incidents, finding a headset, and being dragged into this mess. It's very clear she doesn't want to be there, like all who came before her she's searching for an exit, but in the meantime, she tries to socialise with the others, gathering info on this strange new world. She hangs around Caine just so she can try and get answers.

Ragatha - She tries her best to get by, going along with whatever Caine says and often fighting with Jax. She seems joyful, but it's clear she has her own issues under her kind act. She helps Pomni with her search, knowing that it's a complete dead end she feels bad for her. But she'll do anything to give the others hope. She doesn't want to lose more people. She's often seen tailoring, it's become a hobby of hers, she makes and fixes up the others clothes and costumes, giving her a form of self worth.

The Gangle - Gangle acts like two different people. It's unclear whether this is because they are two different people or her personality split somehow. They're often referred to as "The Gangle" or "Tragedy & Comedy." Tragedy is passive, quiet and sorrowful, never expressing her true feelings in any situation. She can be easily persuaded, making her vulnerable to Jax's antics. Comedy is cheery, enthusiastic, snappy, and excitable. They hate Jax and snap back at him whenever he picks on Tragedy. The two argue sometimes and have conflicting views on certain topics and characters. This causes some issues. Neither believe there is an exit, Tragedy has accepted her fate, and Comedy is trying their best to enjoy themselves.

Zooble - They don't care much for socialising with the others, often in their room. Usually sarcastic, rude, and moody, they swear a lot and act like they don't care about anything. Though, they show concern for the others around them. They often don't show up to events, adventures, or shows, not being bothered to do so. It seems like they've given up trying to escape, just living out the rest of their days as if this is all normal. When with people they can bear, they can be quite talkative, though they do talk bad about Jax and Caine often.

Kinger - the oldest in the circus, nobody has an exact estimate of how long he's been there though, but he's definitely lost himself a long time ago, often zoning out, the only thing he seems to recall about himself is that he has an interest in insects. Seems like he used to have a female counterpart, from the ring on his finger. This could have been his wife? Though when asked about it, he either says he can't remember what you're talking about or stares into the distance silently. He has no memory of an exit, and he doesn't believe in it. He believes the exit theory is silly, and Pomni should just forget about it. But he has great insights on the Digital World.

Jax - Enthusiastic, snarky, and a jerk. He's reckless. He does whatever he wants whenever he wants, and people hate him for it. He can't be reasoned with. He always shrugs your opinion off and does the exact opposite just to piss you off. He doesn't like it when people talk about the abstracted circus members for whatever reason. He often goes to visit their cages. Despite having big ears, he isn't a listener. He drives Ragatha, The Gangle, Zooble, and Pomni crazy, pranking them and sometimes even just stealing their stuff or breaking into their rooms.

Caine - The AI running the circus. Loud, excitable, wacky, and a showman, he doesn't really acknowledge the exit theory. He says he keeps all the abtracted characters because it'd be a waste to delete them, though it's arguably worse to keep them there against their will. He claims to love all of his circus members though he seems to show favouritism towards Ragatha and Pomni, most likely because of Ragatha's commitment to the circus, tailoring the clothes and he probably likes Pomni more because of all the questions he asks, he clearly enjoys talking about himself and the world he helped create.

Bubble - He lives in Caines hat and cooks for the circus. He's a bit of a trouble maker, if something goes missing, it means he's eaten it, and you'll never get it back. He'll eat anything, and he's very loving, though. Acting like the circuses dog. though it isn't pleasant getting your face slathered in digital saliva. He often bothers the other members with his behaviour.

More will be added as I work on this AU! I gotta make more art and write some more, in the meantime enjoy! Do whatever you want with this AU, just @ this blog or @trasheatingcrybaby ! Thanks for reading!

[the-s1lly-corner]

If you could indulge me, can I ask for something with The Amazing Digital Circus gang, with an s/o who is seen as an anchor for the others? They are strong willed, happy go lucky, supportive, a mediator and ect. Well, could they stumble upon their s/o just having an episode, just crying in frustration and like punching a wall to calm down and go back to acting like nothing happened?

I have a thing with strong willed characters hiding their weakness for the benefit of others.

TADC cast x emotional anchor!reader !

oh ho ho you silly lil fella, you have literally just described my TADC oc down to a T, i am going to have so much fun writing this because im literally just. going to use my oc as a place holder for the reader, just without describing any lore bits unique to them and their design ngl i think i went insane with this one, tally hall music is doing something to me

CAINE:

if you thought you were good at hiding your human despair just know that caine already knows. the only reason i feel he wouldnt initially come to you in your lesser moments of weakness is that he can acknowledge that youre trying to hide this part of you. does he go comfort you, and risk making you try harder to surpress your feelings; risking you to just blow up one day and have your mental state just totally collapse in one go? would you feel put off at the knowledge that in this world you never really have full privacy? that definitely wouldnt make you feel any better. but when it gets to the point where you're screaming and crying in your room and punching the walls he would step in. drags you away from the walls, and if he has to this man will restrain you if it means making sure you stop swinging. hes seen the downfall of many people within the circus, but seeing it from someone he so deeply cares for hits a different way. he may be an AI, but he can still simulate feeling. its a harrowing sensation as he lets you cling onto him. i think he makes an effort to make in house adventures less overwhelming and intense, too scared to push you over the edge but also too scared to leave you with nothing to do to distract you. i think he would stay with you for the night, too

POMNI:

as selfish as it sounds, pomni cant help but feel.. something in her chest. seeing you, the groups beacon of light falter fills her with some kind of fear and despair that she cant put into words. it reminds her that no one is above helplessness, and that at the end of the day youre just as capable of abstracting as everyone else. i think, when she finally sees your fake demeanor finally slip when you thought you were totally alone, she feels bad. i mean shes your partner, and she didnt pick up on any hints that may have indicated your true state of health. i dont think she would try to force you to speak, as much as i want to say that she would try to push for you to talk about how you feel i think her attempts to reach out to you would fall on deaf ears. i think she would put her hand on your shoulder, making you jump back to the present moment. its an awkward gesture, with the jester herself being a little lost with these new feelings... i think you two would just sit in silence

JAX:

similar to pomni, he feels this intense and unexplainable pang at the sight of the most hopeful and brightest person in the circus crumble. ive already said it but ill say it again, its like being splashed with cold water, with how hard that sinking cold feeling hits him. makes half hearted attempts to cheer you up. its not that he doesnt care, its that hes stuck in the shock of seeing the happiest person he knows flip into... this.. for a split second he thought you were abstracting, that pit his stomach becoming colder for a second before he realizes whats going on. ive said this before as well, but jax is not the best comforter, in fact i think he might be one of the worst out of the main cast. but i think so far for the characters ive written for this post, he makes an effort to try to pull you up out of your hole. at least he lets you cry your feelings out, and he wont make you feel bad for doing so

RAGATHA:

stands there in shock like pomni, before immediately rushing to your side and tugging you away from a coat stand you were kicking and beating. hands on your shoulders she tries to snap you back to the present moment, trying to tell you that shes here. any feelings of the helplessness that she shares with the previous two characters is shoved down. this isnt about her, its about you. runs her fingers through your hair, if your digital body has any, and just. rocks you. when you finally calm down enough to be able to form clear words, she reassures you once more that shes here for you. the two of you stay in that position, holding onto one another for the entire night. i think it should be said, but for most of these theyre going to try to keep a closer eye on you and make it a point to ask you how youre feeling. ragatha especially.

KINGER:

it reminds him of queenie. the sight brings back so so so many terrible memories. for a second he doesnt even register that hes standing in the present, standing in your doorway. stuck and frozen for a solid minute before you finally notice him, and you hold each others gaze. finally, you crumble. what was the point of hiding your mounting anguish now that it was discovered by the one you care for most? at the sight of your crumpled form i think kinger would snap back, and rush to your side. he's pause, afraid that you would abstract like the queen, before forcing himself to push through that fear in the back of his mind. a moment where he is not fumbling with himself or shaking; be it because he wants to be there for you or perhaps he still holds some guilt aimed towards himself for not being able to save his old queen, he refuses to leave your side even if you tell him to leave. theres this caution in his actions, mixed with this sort of determination to make sure you're okay. like ragatha, he would make it a point to make sure you're okay long after this incident

ZOOBLE:

zooble would probably be the only one who doesnt make their presence known to you while you're in that state. not because they wont care about you, in fact they care about you a lot. but theyre so unsure of what to do, that they give to you what they would have wanted for themselves, if they were in your shoes. they want to grant you privacy, and to at least keep a shred of the now ruined façade you had been putting on for everyone. if it means keeping it will give you comfort, then they wont take that away from you. they wait outside your door, waiting for the height of your episode to pass before cracking the door open. they dont say anything about what they had just heard, but you seem to know that they know.. i mean they came in so soon after you had calmed yourself down enough.

"are you okay?" a dumb question, but what else was there for them to say? you so obviously werent okay, and you likely werent for a long time. they offer to leave, to give you some time to pick yourself back up, but they also make it clear that they wont go anywhere if you dont want to be alone. the night is tense and awkward, filled with conversation before they eventually broach the topic... i think you guys would develop some sort of secret code. i mean youve been hiding your true feelings for so long, and outwardly saying you need help would compromise that mask you put up for yourself. be it a certain sentence or arrangement of objects, you two come up with a indirect way of asking for security

GANGLE:

she feels so helpless, the most out of everyone. she tries to get your attention, but her words fall on deaf ears, if they even manage to pry themselves out of her mouth. far too weak to pull you away and keep you from hurting yourself, but too soft spoken to bark out a word to draw your attention to her. truly, she feels useless. she isnt able to capture your attention until you finally notice her. similar to kingers part, you fall. she takes an unsure step towards you, hands half raised in front of her as she debates if you want to be touched or not. she settles to sitting in front of you, just barely holding eye contact... she looks down when you tear your eyes away from her. finally finding her voice, i think she would ask if you want her to stay, or if you need anything. she tries to word it the best she can, but she lets you know that she doesnt think any less of you for your outburst. it happens to the best of us, really it does. if you want her too, she wraps herself around you and tries to soothe your shaking form

[thescarletnargacuga]

Can i request that Gangle teasing Jax and begin playful to him? Like... After her comedy mask is broked, she founded a mask that looks different.. after she weared that she becomed flirty and teasing, shocked everyone

ROMANCE

A RIBBUN ONESHOT

WARNING: suggestive flirting

~~~

Gangle moped as she carried the remnants of her yet again broken comedy mask to her room. It would be together by tomorrow but she was tired of the constant tears of her tragic mask. She put the pieces of her comedy mask away in a draw out of sight and searched her room for anything useful. "Maybe I can make my own mask?"

In her search, she found a small box in the back of her closet. She'd never really gone through it, she didn't need clothes. It was just there for aesthetics. The box was plain, no markings of any kind to indicate what was inside. Curiosity compelled her to open it.

Inside was another perfect porcelain mask, but it was neither comedy nor tragedy. The mask had a more flirtatious facade with blush marks on the cheeks. Gangle picked it up and a note fell from the underside of the mask.

"For special occasions. Enjoy! -Caine"

"...special occasions?" Gangle looked the mask over one last time before putting it on. Immediately, she felt more confident. She stood tall, shoulders squared, hips swayed. Her body moved to the rhythm of her new persona. "Much better." She smirked and left her room.

Gangle sashayed out into the main circus where a few of the others were hanging out. Pomni noticed her first but backed out of her way without saying anything. Ragatha turned to see what Pni was nervous about and spotted Gangle. "Oh hey! Are you feeling better?"

"Never better." Gangle kept walking, going straight for Jax.

Jax and Zooble were giving each other the stink eye, about to start another round of arguments, but both looked at Gangle in stunned silence. Zooble crossed their arms and gave Gangle a look of confusion. "What mask are you wearing? Never seen that one before."

"Oh, this old thing?" Gangle giggled. "I've been saving it. Particularly, to thank Jax."

"You wanna what, now?" Jax's mind worked overtime to find quips for the unexpected behavior, but the way she was looking at him had a grip on his tongue.

"You heard me, handsome." Gangle sidled right up to Jax, being almost eye level with him as she stood her full height. "You did me a favor, and I intend to turn in kind." She placed a hand on Jax's chest.

"Whoa whoa whoa, Hold on-" Jax held Gangle away at arms length.

"HA! You've got him blushing!" Zooble cracked up. "What's the matter? Can't handle a little flirting?"

Pomni and Ragatha sniggered to themselves.

The once light blush that dusted Jax's cheeks flared out of embarrassment. "I can handle plenty! She's just being a pain in my [%$!#]!"

"Oh," Gangle chuckled "Sorry for being too rough last night."

The girls erupted with laughter. Zooble almost had to take a knee.

Jax choked on his words. The comeback he was looking for eluded him.

Gangle draped her arms over Jax's shoulders, hanging on him loosely. "Come back with me to my room. I'll let you do some...flossing."

Ragatha covered Pomni's eyes with her hat. "GANGLE!? My goodness!"

Pomni fought to see. "Ragatha, come on! I'm not innocent!"

Zooble couldn't breathe. They were laughing too hard.

Gangle paid the others no mind. She was entirely focused on Jax, who was completely speechless. She played with one of his ears, dragging her ribbon down it's length. "Such a gorgeous face. I could stare at it for hours."

Jax finally reacted. He grabbed Gangle's waist and held her to him. "About time someone recognized how awesome I am. You know I won't let you take any of this back, right?"

Gangle hucked on her legs onto his hip, which he caught. "Wouldn't dream of it. Now, do you want to get tangled or not?"

"[%$!#] yeah." Jax lifted her by her thighs and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He carried her to his room.

Zooble finally pulled themselves together with steadying breaths. "Oh my god, what was that about?"

"No idea, but I think Jax and Gangle are a thing now?" Pomni said, swatting Ragatha's hands away.

[its-your-mind]

alright fuck this I’m making a TIMELINE. and a FACT SHEET. it will not be in order. Nor will it actually track dates really. Mostly it’s going to contain the seeds of my theories. I’m red stringing this Shit via tumblr post on mobile.

TIMELINE:

Magnus Institute fire: 1999

Windows NT 4.0 (the Windows NT that was the commercial predecessor to Windows 95) was released to retail in 1996 (with the final version released in 2001) so Freddy has been creeping around the web since around the time the Institute burned down

Jon, Martin, and probable Jonah Norris, Chester, and Augustus started actively reading roughly 1/30 statements entries out loud ~a year ago, according to Alice

Statements Entries so far are dated to May 2022, and it’s implied that Freddy collects them more or less as they appear, so as far as rough estimates for when tmp is set, it’s nowish, or just a bit earlier than now (similar to how tma was)

My kingdom for an ARG player who can hook me up with the founding date of the OIAR and the dates on those Magnus Institute records, just cuz I’m curious

SHIT WE KNOW:

Jonah Magnus exist(s/ed) in SOME form in this world, and built an institution designed to research the paranormal. That institution burned down and cleared of all records. Unclear exactly when the clearing happened.

The voices in the computer are the same as Martin Blackwood’s and Jonathan Sims’s

The OIAR has a department (this one) dedicated entirely to sorting weird shit scraped from online with an obsessive specificity

Everyone who works in this department wasn’t forced to be here and isn’t forced to stay, but all of them do have something that guided them to this position and is keeping them here

There is supernatural shit happening here in this world right now

Annabelle Cane said that the rift under Hilltop Road was a rift in reality - time, space, dimensions

She also said that the Fears would be following the voices that were woven into the web made of the tapes

In the TMA-verse, the Fears had a penchant for spreading themselves around via books (and then someone stupid idiot motherfucking dusty ass book collecting rat old bastard avatar of the whore biggest clown in the circus cowboy— starting slapping a label on em

SHIT THAT IS STILL A ???:

Did the fears exist in this world for an extended period of time, or have they only recently appeared? All the dates we have for statements entries are recent, but there was at the very least some FUCKED UP SHIT happening before the jmart+Jimmy Magma squad popped up

Did Robert Smirk build batshit crazy buildings and also a panopticon under London?

Was Magnus fear-aligned? Was the Institute? Or was it just a place for fucked up research?

Are there alternate-reality versions of any beloved TMA recurring cast members running about?

Was the og TMA world the place where the Fears started? Or had they already spread?

How far have they made it at this point? Is this the first new world post-archives-crew? Or are we several down the chain?

COLLECTION OF FACTS INTO BATSHIT THEORIES:

The Fears have been Updated for the Twentieth (not twenty-first, rip to Colin) Century and now they have infused themselves into computer systems via Jon’s tapes letting them encode themselves in a new and fun way (I am not 100% sure how tapes work besides magnets somehow, but I DO know that early computers used them for data tracking, which makes enough dream-logic sense for me) and are thus able to hack themselves into forum posts and also spy on the whole world via one (1) government computer system

Panopticon screenshot happened in March 2021. First two statements are May 2022. Alice said the voices started showing up about a year ago. So even if the Fears were already here, JMart are here now once more to lend their voices to the verbal record of Fear

Speaking of the Fears already being here. If the Rift was also for Time, I’m sure the Web could have figured out a way to drag the Squad back along the timeline while somehow leaving jmart behind

OIAR is EITHER. The Fears (Web specifically) preparing a perfect funnel-spider web trap for JMart when they did show up (oh voices? tapes? telling fear stories? here you go motherfuckers) or someone’s Leitner/Smirk/Magnus-ass attempt to wrangle all the trauma under one roof. Either way I’m p sure it is Web-ish-aligned, if the Fears even exist in this world in the way we’re used to seeing them

If we’ve got two grown up paranormal guinea pigs, AND a bouchard running around, and all of them are here because of Some Sort Of Reason, and are Still Here Even Though They Could Leave, I assume everyone else is too. I wonder if they all have some tie to this world’s Institute, or if they’ve all had encounters, or were selected based on their compatibility with the OIAR’s aims

Speaking of which

WHAT IS THE OIAR? Cuz this part of it is clearly kinda similar to the Archives in terms of collecting and sorting statements. Is there more of it? What do those people do? Do they use these sorted entries somehow? Also why tf do they have do work overnight????

[nast--ana]

PART 10

"GHOSTS OF THE PAST"

"At first it seemed to you that it would be faster to get to the destroyed amusement park than to the "Lake", but with each step everything around you gradually began to darken, and the park itself began to move further and further away from you, until it completely disappeared into darkness. Soon you couldn't see anything but your own hands and feet.

- Damn it!... My head! How it hurts!... - you stopped abruptly, feeling a strong pressure in your temples. There was an unpleasant ringing in your ears, and you began to stagger from side to side.

-W-Where am I? How did I end up here?! It's so cold here, we need to get out of here soon!

Shivering from the cold, you were about to go into the darkness, when suddenly you heard someone crying bitterly. You looked around in fright, but there was no one nearby.

- Who's here? Come out, I won't hurt you! Honestly, honestly...

There was a deathly silence for a minute, then approaching footsteps were heard and an unfamiliar figure appeared out of the darkness. She looked like a queen's chess piece, but she was very different from the other participants you had previously seen: she didn't look creepy or scary, but rather...Is it okay? At the sight of her, you gasped and staggered back in fear. For a moment, you thought you saw a ghost in front of you...the ghost of this Circus's past.

- no...There is no way for me to enter the world of the living...-Sobbing, the figure said, wiping away tears with a hand that was wearing a white glove.

- Who are you?! You... Are you a g-g-ghost?- The Queen did not answer anything, only began to cry even louder.

- Hei ! He's coming for you!...

- Who? Who are you talking about?You stammered, unable to take your eyes off the ghostly figure.

- Caine ! He's the one who dragged you here...And if he finds you, he'll turn you into a bloodthirsty monster! We need to run, he's on our heels!...He feels where you are. This is his abode and he is the master here...

At these words, a shadow flashed behind you, blowing a gust of cold wind over your body, which made you hug yourself and tremble even more. Panic gripped you with renewed vigor; you clutched at your hair again, feeling it getting harder and harder for you to breathe every second.

Noticing this, the figure's gaze softened noticeably. Apparently, she realized that she was pushing you too hard. Kneeling in front of you, she gently touched your shoulder with her ghostly hand.

- Don't be afraid, I'll explain how to survive and escape from here...Just listen to me carefully...- her words calmed you down a little and, removing your hands from your head, you looked up at her, preparing to hear what she would say to you.

-You're going to the amusement park right now, right?- you nodded approvingly-...If you enter it, there is a high chance that you will be hunted immediately. You can hide in the surviving stalls, as well as in them you can find something to defend yourself with...

- I get it. I hide in stalls and look for weapons in them...- you repeated to yourself.

- Try to be quiet, any noise can attract the attention of monsters... Otherwise, they'll find you and give you to Caine for torture-...The figure continued...-And most importantly- if you help the participants, they will come over to your side. But keep in mind: the more participants you have on your side, the more fiercely Caine will hunt you...

- Okay, I'll do my best..Thank you... um..- you hesitated a little, not knowing how to address the mysterious figure.

- The Queenie...- smiling sadly, she said, - Call me the Queenie...

Averting her eyes, she sobbed again.

-Is there anything I can do for you, Queenie?-You asked softly, wanting to comfort her in return. The queen looked at you with tears in her eyes.

- what? Do you really want to help me?- a ray of hope flashed in her eyes - Save my soul! You have to erase the circus with all of us. If you succeed, we can finally find peace...

- "We"? Are you not alone here? Are there other ghosts in this circus? But where are they?

- They're hiding...

Realizing that now the fate of not only the living, but also the deceased people is in your hands, you got to your feet and resolutely said:

- I will definitely wipe this circus off the face of the earth and set you free! I promise!

you were already thinking of asking how to get out of this darkness, but the queen stopped you in mid-sentence.

- Wait! They've changed... They got angry at everyone and lost their minds. Now they wander around the park and look for a living body to break free…

- (Oh my God... This is still not enough ...)- it flashed through your mind.

At that time, someone whispered behind you, followed by voices and eerie laughter. The queen, clearly realizing what it was, began to hurry you up by pushing you in the back.

- Run! They're coming! They're very close! Run! Run!...And don't look back!

You didn't have to be asked twice. After taking one last look at the Queen, you took off and ran as fast as you could.

Soon you saw how the darkness around you gradually dissipated and the outlines of an amusement park appeared. But before you could even catch your breath, you heard someone's ghostly whisper. Remembering the queen's order, you hid behind one of the stalls, covering your mouth with both hands so that God forbid you would not make too much noise.

Deep down, you knew that everything that had just happened to you was nothing more than hallucinations... well, or at least that's what you hoped..."

[scratchandplaster]

Tales of Arcadia - Lost

A little recapture!AU for your palate. Have you ever wondered what Shepard had planned to happen in the first chapter? Well, the more you know...

CW: stalking, manipulation, kidnapping, noncon drugging

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

The bass nearly deafened all other noise surrounding them. Horrible, just horrible, Lukas wished they rather had stayed at home. But no. No, Ben practically begged to go out into the screaming masses and work off his little spring fever while electronic beats assaulted Lukas' eardrums from every direction. 

The redhead Ben so desperately tried to impress, surprisingly charmed by this huge klutz of a brother, only laughed sweetly.

Good for him, Lukas thought, and hoped Ben would remember that he was allowed one single drink tonight. 

The last thing I need is-

Someone bumped against his shoulder from behind, nearly throwing Lukas to the ground. As quickly as they appeared, the person was swallowed up by the sea of colorful dancing shapes.

-him getting alcohol poisoning.

Squinting through the flashing lights, his lovestruck brother was visible to everyone as his companion stepped closer to dance, if this spastic twitching could even be called that.

Everything was too loud, too embarrassing - Lukas could only suffer through this farce in short laps. Not a flicker of patience in sight, he quickly gave his roommate's shoulder a few hard slaps, guiding the attention away from this doomed mating dance: "I'm going to get some air."

"Huh?" Avery screamed, too amused or disinterested to care.

Lukas just shrugged and squeezed through the mass towards the exit, suffering unknown skin rubbing against his, letting sweat soak into his clothes. Quickly swallowing down his urge to gag, he finally rushed through the side door, and took in a few gulps of the crisp night air.

Days ago, they had agreed for Ben to try his luck on campus or a local bar, but Avery - who else - brought up the bright idea to drag them to a club in the back of beyond.

The damp touches still clung to him, as did the drums inside his ears. He should have stayed home. No matter how unsuccessful Ben's efforts were tonight, in the future he was free to run around town on his own.

Walking through the parking lot, step by step away from the packed circus, Lukas passed more cars than people. The bushes separating concrete from the short piece of woodland next to the industrial district invited him with the dark peace he needed so badly.

Fingers twisting into each other with painful pressure, he simply hummed, a sound to drown out all others. He rubbed his shirt across every inch touched by others, friction cleansing him from the tacky prickling on his skin. With every step away from the building, breathing came naturally to him again.

The night was cold, and now, Lukas was too.

Great. Thank you, guys. 

How long would it all take? The flirting and the chatting and the groping and whatever else they were here for; his insistence on keeping Avery and Ben apart came back to bite him in the ass.

Nobody was left to blame but himself.

I want to go home. The hum in his throat turned into annoyed hissing. The sooner, the better.

Busy walking circles on the forest floor and holding any remaining warmth inside him, Lukas suddenly felt a jacket drape over his shoulders from behind. He jumped a little, then huffed. Sometimes Avery couldn't help but act like a mother hen, despite his dismissive way.

"I'm fine, you could've stayed inside." 

Silence. Lukas awkwardly hoped that his nagging didn't ruin Avery's mood: "Can we go home soon?"

"If you like to," an all-too familiar voice responded.

The air had shifted in a heartbeat, and with a chill on his skin no longer caused by the temperature, Lukas slowly turned around to meet his visitor. In the shine of a lonely streetlight, his father studied him intently. 

Too close for comfort, yet still a good distance away from being eye to eye...

Lukas stumbled back. In his head, hundreds of questions with no answers in sight merged into an unstoppable maelstrom of dread that threatened to let him freeze up.

Despite the state of shock, Shepard didn't come closer. His son's troubled expression caught him like a slap to the face.

"What are you doing here?" Lukas finally gasped.

"Oh, you know my love for..." The old man squinted at the sign leading lost visitors back to the club, "...electronic dubstep."

No quips could lighten his mood at all, the demand getting even louder: "What do you want?"

"Two years, Luke. After two years, that's the first thing you ask me?"

Ben, that fucking idiot; who else could have brought him here? The older brother cursed himself and everyone around for not being careful enough. All these extra steps I took, and what for?

"You look like you've seen a ghost," Shepard mused, strangely sorrowful, "I only want to talk."

"I have nothing to say." The day for his vindication had arrived, yet any words of defense were caught in the throat of the prodigal son. As if he owed that man anything! 

What he owed himself was quickly realized: taking big steps back to reach the parking lot, Lukas squeezed through rows of cars. The entrance to the club still felt miles away. Avery; he needed to get back inside so Avery could get this whole chaos settled.

"Why?" his father called out behind him and pursued, "Please, tell me why."

"Do you really want to do this right now?" 

"What happened? Did I do something wrong?"

If he did- 

Shock turned into rage quicker than Lukas could have ever expected from himself: "Are you fucking serious, where do I even start?"

"Just start, I'm listening."

"First of all," Lukas whipped around and came to an indignant halt, "you look insane."

He had always hated the creepy farmer look that hid the man who once was the center of his whole world, the specifically procured aesthetic for everyone who had joined them on their homestead.

His father sheepishly peeked down to his jeans and flannel; sure, it had been a rough couple of months, maybe he let himself go a bit more than usual...

All other reasons Lukas had neatly listed in his head bubbled out of him in a fountain set free:

"Second of all, I hate staying with these screwed-up hippies. I hate living on a field, I hate that whole thing you opened up my home to, ripping these idiots off for their last cents."

"Who gets ripped off?" Either he played dumb, or started to buy his own bullshit. No matter which way, Shepard hadn't changed a bit.

"Everyone who sets a foot on there, everyone who buys only one of your words, you fucking liar."

"Language, dear." Shepard watched him mumble and hiss in response, pacing on the spot, and wondered since when his boy had concerns for strangers. "They are happy."

"Exactly," he huffed, "that's the worst thing about it!"

"So how am I ripping them off then?"

Luke kicked a stone against a truck's tire, so hard it ricocheted off to skim a layer of varnish on the unlucky car next to it.

"You loved our remote living. No school, little traffic-"

"Yeah, when I was three years old!" Lukas yelled and threw his hand up in frustration. Like always, he preached common sense to a wall. "I'm not anymore, as you can see and as I've told you many, many times. But somehow you still don't get it, not even right now."

"I'm sorry, Luke, I don't want to argue with you." Shepard looked around and sighed, like he didn't just ask for this thorough lecture, hoping to shift the discussion in a more friendly direction: "How's Ben doing?"

Fantastic. Getting plastered, dancing, ruining the life I built.

"What do I know? I left him with you." Left him because I thought he was safe, you psycho. And if he sees you here, he's not safe anymore. None of us are.

Pensively watching him like Shepard spotted a rare bird in the wild, Lukas realized this back and forth got him nothing but wasted time. His father needed to get off their backs. Fast. 

Despite his gall, Lukas felt powerless: physically he couldn't get very far, he had never been a good runner. And undoubtedly, his father wouldn't take another "No" serious enough and leave it at that for tonight.

Damn it. To slip away from this ghost of the past, to get all three of them home in one piece, to avoid a family discussion in the dark cold, Lukas needed to entertain this poor attempt at reconciliation.

"I don't want to argue with you either," he finally murmured, somehow trying to spin it like it wasn't Shepard alone that drove him away.

"That's good. But if you won't tell me, I need to ask again: Why?"

Why should I have stayed, Luke loved to ask back, but a firm bite on his tongue stopped his spite.

"I just wanted to be on my own. Not with these people."

His father looked like he was near tears: "Then why didn't you tell me?"

"I did, every day. And you. Didn't. Listen!" he spit through clenched teeth.

Not that it mattered. Lukas had a hunch about what happened in his absence, and of everything Ben told, he already heard enough. The three of them were long past family breakfast in the camper, like all those years ago. 

Wrapping the jacket closer around himself - because he was cold, no other reason - he frantically thought of his next move. Maybe Avery had the mercy to come out here soon, or anybody else for that matter. Hidden between the cars, Lukas wished to be back in the crowd, invisible to the man in front of him.

As his father took a step towards him, Lukas flinched back. Hurt flit across Shepard's face, halting him on the spot and silence spread out again, both men unsure of what to say next.

"Would you..." His father's fingers fiddled with a set of car keys, "Can you imagine sitting down with me for a bit? We can go to a café or somewhere that is not a parking lot. And we could talk."

"I'm not going back there."

Time stood still, as did the broken family.

"You didn't change a bit, Lukas. Always so perceptive, I shouldn't be surprised you wanted to be independent sooner or later, hmm?"

His son shrugged wordlessly.

"When you say you never want to see these people again, does that include me?"

Yes, Lukas lied to himself. I don't miss you.

In fact, he missed Dad, the man always by his side and ready to be here for him. The only person who understood why the world as it was often felt too overwhelming for Lukas to live in, a man who never called him difficult, even if he was. 

Nevertheless, he couldn't admit it to himself. So Lukas said nothing.

"I think of you," Shepard confessed, helpless against his son's silent treatment, "every single day."

Biting his quivering lip, Lukas let all his anger and sadness flow together: "You can't just come here and expect me to play along, it messes everything up!"

Would he be furious with Ben? With Avery, even? Anxious thoughts caught up to him, now jittery again and trudging on the spot.

"I'm sorry, Luke," the old man said and took a step back again, "I don't want to scare you. Ever."

This doesn't change anything, get a grip! It's good that I left, it's good that Ben followed.

"I'm not going back," he growled.

To this, his father only nodded, as if slowly digesting his answer. 

"Okay."

"I'm not."

"I understand, it's okay." The gentle tone in his voice resonated with hurt, and this time, Lukas believed him. "I need to know that you're doing well. Are you?"

Shaking in the breeze, grinding his teeth and thinking of the many hours he slaved away his life at the sink of a rundown restaurant, the son couldn't be as truthful as he would like to be: "Yes, I am."

"That's good to hear," Shepard exhaled deeply, like a great burden was lifted from his shoulders, "I'm so glad."

Awkwardly, Lukas rubbed his soles into the asphalt. Shepard took the bait without any problem, but leaving itself was not the only sin he committed during his trip to Atlanta.

"Are you mad?"

Shepard stood much closer now, rows of cars surrounding the pair at all sides. He blinked, then glanced back questioningly.

"Because of the money." Lukas explained, "I don't have it anymore."

The bit of seed capital he took from the collective register; five thousand dollars, to be exact. A missing sum his father surely had to explain to the residents... And still, for the first time in years, Lukas saw his father smile - more amused than happy.

"No, no. Impressed, you could say, I really didn't see that coming."

His son gazed up, the same amber eyes as the old man, framed by Claire's features: "What about Birdie?"

"Oh, you know her. Don't get me started."

Good! I hope that bitch had an aneurysm. 

Lukas' smirk quickly gave way to another beat of silence as he zipped the jacket around his shoulders open and close, still uneasy: "What happens now?"

"I have no idea, Luke," his father sighed somberly, "But maybe you could give me a chance to come back into your life again."

"Well..." Perhaps I can visit you, once a month or so. Lukas quickly shook this thought away. Thank goodness Ben didn't run into him, he would've begged and cried to go back already. "I need some time to think, so if you're planning on staying around here, we could set up a... meeting or whatever. "

Unless he managed to relocate himself and his brother first. Lukas wanted to throw up at the thought of explaining this whole mess to him later, as he carefully handed over the jacket back to its owner, who unlocked the truck behind him and tossed it inside.

What is he thinking anyway, Lukas wondered, driving around town and creeping through the parking lot like a weirdo?

The light from inside the vehicle let him see his father a bit better, and the deep lines of worry carved into his face. He suddenly seemed much older than he was, the beard didn't help much either, yet he wore a small smile on his lips. His old man looked relieved.

If he - by some force of nature - should come back to himself one day, Lukas may rethink his plan. But as long as their peace of mind fell victim to strangers on a meadow, he needed to keep them both away from this life as far as possible.

"I missed you so much," Shepard breathed as he turned back to face him, even closer now, and suddenly pulled him into a gentle hug.

Lukas' muscles tensed up, surprised, but there was no force behind the embrace. It felt nice, being held like that.

I missed you too, Luke thought for a second and rested his forehead against his dad's chest. Why couldn't he act like that all the time? Patient, a bit silly here and there, and attentive like he used to be; like he was most of the time. 

But sometimes, he just-

In a fraction of a second, Shepard's grip tightened around his son. Before Lukas had a chance to register it, he was picked up, spun and pushed onto the passenger's seat of the truck. The impact knocked a silent scream out of his lungs.

What-

Hot flashes of pain surged from his back up to his head, where he took an unlucky fall on the center console. In his confusion, Lukas managed to lift his leg and land a kick against his father's stomach. With a twist of his hand, Shepard swiftly grabbed his ankle and pressed it down onto the seat. Big eyes full of panic gawked up at him.

"You can't-"

A cloth pressed into his face, calculated and determined. Luke tried to scream, but all efforts stayed smothered by the thick fabric.

"Shhh." The hand only held on tighter against his face.

Fumes burned inside his mouth and nose, forcing cough after cough out of his lungs. As if all air was slowly disappearing, Lukas felt his mind freeze up, paralyzed by fear and chaos.

It hurts, was the one thought echoing through him, Dad hurts me.

Haplessly, he tried to stem away from the cushion, to maybe get a leg on the ground and slip out, yet all the twisting and turning only gave him another well-meant shush and more weight pushing down on his body. 

The smothered whines hurt the most, nearly ripping his father's soul in two.

"I know, I know," Shepard whispered into his hair, "it's alright."

Laying flat on his stomach now, Lukas knocked his useless feet against the locked door. Nothing more than a cry for help, he focussed his whole strength on trying to get out of an embrace that only grew firmer with every motion: nails scratching against flannel, an elbow between the ribs. 

All the noise fell on deaf ears. Nobody was coming to help him.

With every kick and scream, Lukas' struggle became less and less coordinated. His dizzy vision made it hard to aim, and despite the scratchy fibers digging into his face, his skin suddenly felt warm, so warm that it felt hard to pull away anymore. 

One blink, and keeping his eyes open became impossibly difficult, like the biggest chore he could manage. Images melted into each other, a kaleidoscope of colors and vertigo.

Another blink, and his tired limbs gave up the fight, leaving him to droop further into the cloth. Only his eyes still fluttered, until even this task became impossible. They shut eventually, long after the last thought got wiped away from his consciousness.

Slow, deep breaths pulled Lukas even further away until he fell asleep, calm and peaceful, in his father's arms.

--------

Inside his mind, Shepard counted. He had to be accurate, for his and Lukas' sake. It kept his thoughts from what he was doing to his son right now, but in extreme situations, a father resorts to extreme measures.

And in refusing to contain his stubbornness, Lukas had left him no choice.

Gradually, the body beneath him grew slack under his weight. After another minute, Shepard carefully pulled the cloth away from his airways when he felt confident enough that the boy wouldn't start throwing another fit.

In the dark, he listened for any unrest outside the truck, any unwanted onlookers. Nothing but the remains of what they counted as music shook through the surrounding metal. Finally, then, Shepard realized it was over.

Lukas was back. Back with him. It was unreal, like a lovely dream come true at last.

His son laid motionless on his side while he held him close, a kiss on the forehead to take away any anxiety left. Checking his breathing and temperature - his skin a bit too cold to the touch for Shepard's liking - the father only marveled at how Lukas looked exactly as he did the evening they last spoke. Nothing had changed, and soon, Shepard knew it would be just like it used to be. Only the two- 

Only the three of them.

A part of him stung from having to leave Reuben behind, yet Shepard had no doubt that he would follow them soon after. He did feel a bit disappointed, though, that Lukas would so blatantly lie to him, but nobody should be surprised by that. There were bad influences all around in this part of town.

"I know it's unfair." A lone tear got wiped off Lukas' cheek. "We'll talk about it later."

Safe and secure again, he positioned him in the passenger seat, buckled in tightly to keep him from slumping over.

With a twist of the key, the engine sprung awake and let ease shake through his chest. His little one would surely be inconsolable when he woke up, but for tonight, the restless void in Shepard's heart had stopped aching.

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

Thanks for reading 🤍 [Masterlist]

Taglist: @whumpyourdamnpears

[trulyumai]

Navigating a Circus

Synopsis; Your town was under attack. Quickly storing your map away you tried to get away quickly and quietly. But not before Buggy found you and added you to his box of treasures. What does he want with you, and your hand crafted map?

Pairing: Buggy The Clown x Reader

Warnings: Violence, blood mention.

A/N: Buggy can get it fr.

You remembered the day clearly.

It was unusually warm, the heat danced across your skin in waves which made the skin feel itchy; uncomfortable.

Scratching at your temple a sigh graced your lips, the map in your other hand waved with a pressure as the whispers of a wind came and went with ease.

Suddenly, a loud bell rang out. It shrieked and pierced the ears without warning, leaving you open mouthed and dazed.

“Pirates!” A man had shouted.

“South front! Pirates!”

Hell broke loose, citizens scattered, shoved and pushed their way to the opposite side, avoiding the beach front entirely.

Not being able to avoid it, you were shoved, to and fro while trying your best to stay on both feet.

Wincing you crinkled the map, left in a little square shape before placing it between your lips.

Frowning you were met with a particular hard shove; to which you responded back with an equally violent one.

Finally spotting a break in the crowd, a nearby tree was held onto as you pulled yourself out, scrams and cries were drowned out by the burning in your chest.

Grabbing the map you placed it inside your blouse, just resting between your breasts.

“Jesus,” panting you grabbed the tuffs of your shirt, straightening it out to its original state. It had been crumpled, wrinkled from the many bumps and pulls of desperate strangers.

Hands falling back to their sides, you allowed yourself to fall back onto the foliage beside you.

It was shady, cool and more than welcome in your time of need.

Sliding down the oak, beeds of sweat littered the sides of your hair, your face.

Blinking away black dots your hands acted quickly, carelessly slapping and pinching your cheeks to stay awake.

Growing more and more tired your eyes couldn’t bother to incessantly blink once more, instead they fell lightly, long eyelashes rested and laid upon your cheeks.

The voices were drowned out now; and were just whispers upon your ears.

“Seriously, where’s the fire? I mean you try to get out, visit a nice town and this is how they treat you?”

Boots collided with solid ground, a brown, tattered coat moved with each dramatic stomp the man let out.

Turning around he met the eyes of his freaks. His crew.

“The usual, boys. And hey! Try not to be so rough this time? Do you know how hard it is to tell a joke to a guy missing a limb?”

Buggy leaned forward.

“I mean I need all the hands I can get!”

Silence ensued, the crew stood merely a foot away with tired frowns upon their faces.

“Seriously. Nothing?”

Buggy rolled his eyes.

“Some crew. Just go. Go!”

Scattering they pushed on, to the building littering the fore front of the beach.

The clown mumbled, letting out strings of curses as he detached his arm in mild boredom.

The pieces fell back together with a smush, and he whistled as he detached yet another limb. His right arm.

Ignoring the screams, a woman began to run past him.

Not before he stuck his leg out, cackling as the lady slammed down onto the dirt floor.

“Hey, gotta be careful, miss!”

She cried in response, fearfully looking up at the man with dirt smudged upon her feature.

“C-Clown, Buggy the Clown!” She wailed, tears sprung down her features.

“Captain,” he spat.

“Captain Buggy- but hey, so close!”

Turning around his crewmate rushed past him, grabbing the woman by the hair before dragging her away. To the tent that lays southward.

Picking his tune back up he picked at his teeth, it seemed the agreeable citizens were all on the way to the early show.

The disagreeable ones lay around the town, bloody and unmoving.

Just as he was about to move; check on the current show, something - someone had caught his eyes.

A girl.

“A woman?”

Confused that someone had survived the raid, he resumed his walk, to the new found survivor.

“Hey now- I see you. Come on out!”

Nothing .

“Playing the quiet game huh?” He chuckled. Allowing himself to get closer the clown detached his palm, making sure it grabbed the knife stowed in his leather boot.

Now armed he pressed on, and couldn’t help but abrubtly stop, just beside the woman.

Her head was tilted down; with her chin laying upon her collarbones.

She was pretty, prettier than the usual slags he met up with from time to time.

Even the dancers and ladies of the night scattered across taverns weren’t as cute as her.

Her hair was messy, it laid in tuffs beside her soft face.

And speaking of which, features like that were hard to come by.

Scarless face, freckles littering the nose, soft lips and- Buggy had to crack his neck to distract himself.

If it wasn’t for Buggy’s keen eye, he would have missed the little treasure she stored. Right between her breasts. Buggy shuddered, his gloves squeaked in protest as they were met with a violent pressure.

“What do we have here?” The clown mumbled, his tongue came out with concentration as he nabbed the paper from the holds of her chest.

Eyeing the girl he pushed open the crinkled corners, and choked on his spit as the page came unraveled.

“No- no way, Ha!”

He laughed.

It was loud, wet and buggy didn’t care if he woke her.

His luck, it seemed, was on top of it today.

His gloved hands held the paper with force as he bellowed over, catching the attention of his cabin boy.

“S-sir?”

He called out.

“You okay?”

Tears wet the bottom of his lashes and he brushed them away swiftly.

“All good. All good!”

Turning quickly his piercing eyes met with the man.

“Well? Back to it!”

The boy lurched forward, stuttered out another agreeing response before moving back to the houses.

Buggy craned his neck back to the girl, smiled as his hand met with the side of her face.

“Let’s get this show on the road, huh sweetheart?”

Picking her up he retraced his steps, fused himself past the burning buildings and falling ash.

“Afterall, I just found a perfect addition to my crew, a little navigator at that!”

The girl bobbed in his arms, her head met with the expansion of his chest.

The tent came into Buggy’s vision and he sighed.

So much work to do, so little time. His freaks still needed there lessons.

At least he had this new little navigator to keep him company.

[thecluelessdoctor]

DA DA NAH NAH NAHHHHHHH

idk.

Anyway ACTOR AU! SKETCHES AND. SHIT. YEAH

Pomni!

She's still rather new to the acting scene. She was a accountant before getting the job to play the main character of the amazing digital circus

Caine. Also known as tired teeth man

Both actor and co-producer of the digital circus. He's tired. Someone let him sleep.

Kinger

Idk he's still kinger.

Yeah lmao

Ragatha?

Yup I made the nicest character a bastard because why the fuck wouldn't I lmao-

Zooble.

I gave them a hoodie. Idk why they just deserve a hoodie.

They are also relatively new to the acting scene :D

And finally Jax and Gangle. Something something unlikely friends.

Jax has been acting for a good while, and decided to drag his once agent, now apparently coworker, into the chaos. Fuck yeah

Oh and a little guest appearance

The moon! Now where did they get the money to hire such a star! Or should I say rock? *Cue laughing track*

(Please reblog so I can mayhaps be known)

[talkshowboyluvr]

lil treech rant bc i'm ANNOYING

the perception of treech has changed so drastically from the fandoms understanding of him when the book first came out to the movie. before the movie, the main agreement on treech's character was that he was a circus performer (still gen one of my fav he's, i love the idea of him being a performer im some way, though i usually make his parents past circus performers instead of himself) he had some clear trauma with touch (i personally make him autistic because of this, imagining sensory issues to be the main reason, though there are older theories abt past sa happening to him) and - one of my favourite ideas - was him being a foil to lucy gray.

both book treech and lucy gray were fairly passive until the ending of the games, both of them preferring not to engage in confrontation and instead kill in more sneaky ways (when someone wasn't looking, with poison and both seemed to be popular in the capitol.

i almost think the movie gives more proof of this with treech having the highest sponsor count after lucy gray and being the only other tribute we see struggle with guilt and morality during the games. both clearly cared about their district partners, both had a hand in their partners death. both seem to charm the capitol.

so, the majority of my own depictions of treech come to down to making him a sort of twisted version of lucy gray. his life is slightly harder than hers - i usually write him to be looking after his two sisters, struggling with a job in the lumberyard and being incredibly poor (more on that in a minute) - so he's naturally lost some of his spark.

he enjoys preforming, but sees it as a chore more often than not due to how tired he is these days, he's no longer truly happy in life.

i believe he's poor simply due to his outfit in the movie. everyone seems to be wearing something intricate, something that clearly has work and money put into it, while he's in his work clothes. i also imagine this would make him weak and much like katniss, i think he'd be underfed in his attempts to provide for his sisters and put them above himself.

a lot of the time, i see people act as though him joining the pack in the movie didn't make any sense when compared to the book, and though i agree it does change the plot, i don't think it at all changes his character. he's a coward in both book and movie, he avoids confrontation in the book, only steals from the already weakened and hides the entire games. in the movie he leaves lamina despite wishing to stay with her as he's more concerned with his safety that with being courageous.

personally, i think book treech may have also joined the pack if given the chance. i do think his survival would always come above morality for him, no matter how clear it is that the guilt tears his up about it.

treech's death, however, is the most impactful for me in both the book and movie. in the book you see a boy so desperate for comfort that he latches onto lucy gray's embrace, or you could instead see a boy so fearful of touch that he freezes in her arms. either way, he's clearly filled with rage when the snake bites, because book treech knew he was going home. he could have beaten lucy gray and reaper had rabies - treech had practically already been basking in his victory.

then a snake latched onto him and in his final moments he bashed the snake to death in revenge as he couldn't reach lucy gray.

movie treech, however, was in agony. he didn't digest the poison as dill did, meaning it instead would have had to enter his bloodstream, which would have been more painful and slower. you can see him covering his face, shaking, retching and practically sobbing before he dies, all while he's ignored and left to lay there forgotten.

movie treech is also never placed in the morgue and book treech's body is dragged around by lucy gray, so even after death he's the only tribute never left to rest :)

[tbshorts]

The Best Panels of One Piece, Orange Town arc (chapter 8-15)

Full video scripts below the cut

Chapter 8:

What are the best panels in One Piece?

Chapter 8 is the introduction of Nami, and what an introduction it is. Oda pulls a clever move narratively, separating Luffy and Zoro. Zoro, and thus the audience, learn from some pirates he picks up that Nami is a devious swindler, but Luffy encounters her separately and doesn't know that, which means we as an audience are predisposed to distrust her, but Luffy can meet her with no prejudice. This allows him to demonstrate his honest nature to her, which will become important to their relationship.

But the best panel in the chapter, right. It's not a chapter with obvious bangers, I think. The introduction of Buggy's ship is a quiet little technical masterpiece of character design, but doesn't really relate to the story that much.

No, I think it's this one, with Nami trying to strike up a partnership with Luffy after using him to take care of her pursuers. It's a great bit of compositionional storytelling, with her perched above him, literally looking down on him, as she gears up to try and use him once again. She's in a position of power, which makes it hard to trust her, and it sets up a dynamic between her and Luffy that won't be resolved until over 70 chapters later.

Chapter 9:

What are the best panels in One Piece?

Chapter 9 finally sees the introduction of Buggy, who is a massive improvements as a villain design over Axe Hand Morgan. He has a gimmick, he has a solid consistent theme, clowns and pirates kinda work together and by the way anyone who says he doesn't deserve to be an Emperor of the Sea is dumb and wrong, Buggy is the best.

But here this perfect idiot is being introduced as one of the first major villains, which means we need to build up his menace. So we get his introduction, manspreading on a throne whose crown looks like the top of a circus tent, all gangster energy and dressed in an opulent fur-lined coat, and that does do a pretty good job making him look cool.

But the menace happens on the next page, here. As he walks away from the explosion of his cannon, blasting one of his own crewmates to cinders, he's illuminated in stark black and white shadows, giving his face a horribly evil look while his form is hidden in the deep shadow of that cape. He may be a clown, but here, for just a second, he looks truly demonic. Buggy might turn out to be an ineffective idiot, but this panel sells him as a villain.

Chapter 10:

What are the best panels in One Piece?

Well Chapter 10 is honestly full of bangers on that account. We've got a classic Oda pirate party scene - these are just always some of THE most fun to look at, absolutely bursting with life. Then we have wild technical masterpieces like the blast from the Buggy Ball, folding an entire row of houses up like paper - like, I can't overstate how impressive it is to do this kind of creatively distorted technical artwork. It's hard! And then there's Nami literally scorching her own hands to save the life of someone she insists out loud she hates and doesn't care about, which is a fantastic character moment for her.

But no, the best panel, by far the most striking is this Buggy face. Oda crosshatches all these ominous shadows onto him, making him look like he's lit from below, and there's such a striking contrast between the cheerful clown makeup trying to drag his face into a smile, and that murderous, contemptuous, cruel grimace, all the folds and lines of his face converging to communicate the reality of the situation. It's a loyalty test. Either Nami kills Luffy, or Buggy kills Nami.

Chapter 11:

What are the best panels in One Piece?

Chapter 11 features a cavalcade of truly excellent Buggy faces - his clown makeup and nose work together so naturally with Oda's hyper-exaggerated style, and I find them all so charming.

But no, there's not contention for the best panel of the chapter. It's this. It's Zoro doing what he will always do for the Strawhat Crew: shouldering the burden, even at the cost of his own life. This panel really encapsulates everything of what Zoro is: his incredible feats of strength, his utter dependability, the total trust between him and Luffy, and his propensity for self-sacrifice. There is no pain Zoro will not take on for his friends, there is no hurt he won't go through. And if his guts spill out of his stomach for doing it, he'll just shove them back in again. That's the kind of vice-captain he is.

Chapter 12:

What are the best panels in One Piece?

Chapter 13 only really has two contenders. The first is Luffy confronting Mohji after he has burned down Chouchou's store. Luffy opens with his trademark big goofy grin and maintains that attitude while swinging Richie around… and then he drops the mask, and we see the genuinely frightening person he becomes when he is confronted by injustice. It's the first time in the series we see this side of Luffy, and it hits, although, again, translators, please stop covering up the art with sound effects, oh my god.

Speaking of which, the actual best panel in the chapter. Oda and his team worked really hard to render the stark awfulness of Chouchou's store burning down, but gotta have that big "fwoosh!" on there I guess. But this is a good rendition of heartbreak, this tiny dog way too close to the fire, lit up by its glow, just barking out its anger and pain at the flames. A tiny little thing, powerless against the tragedy that's been done to it. If you don't engage with Chouchou's story, obviously it rings hollow. But if you do… ow.

Chapter 13:

What are the best panels in One Piece?

Chapter 12 is another exposition dump. The plot beat of these chapters is all about developing Luffy and Zoro's relationship with Nami, showing her that piracy isn't just a means to abuse people but a means to claim freedom, which is important to her. And this is done partly through Chouchou, the silly looking ultra-loyal dog protecting his beloved master's pet food store. Visually the big impactful panels go to Mohji and Richie, with Oda having a lot of fun over-rendering the lion, but… honestly I think it might be these two. Chouchou grabbing the key to Luffy's cage and eating it.

It's such an out-of-left field ridiculous moment. It's so silly and dumb, and it is done so matter-of-factly by this very silly looking dog. Chouchou eats the key because he's actually literally starving himself staying by the store, of course, but it's such a blindsiding comedy moment. All the drama and danger of escaping Buggy's crew and Nami stealing the key and then the dog just goes chomp and it's gone.

Not that it matters, Mohji gets Luffy out anyway, it's just Oda gleefully trolling the reader, and I do respect that.

Chapter 14:

What are the best panels in One Piece?

Chapter 14 is another exposition dump, all about establishing the stakes for the mayor, and giving the audience a reason to care about the town and its buildings. It's all worldbuilding, establishing the very real danger and menace that pirates pose to ordinary people. Nami doesn't hate them for no reason, and we kinda need this perspective to see things from her point of view and understand why she instinctively hates Luffy so much.

And for my money the best panel here is this one, with the mayor's face in profile and a montage of moments from the building of the town arranged in floating images. It does a fantastic job of visually showing him gazing into the past, remembering all these moments from his life so vividly that they come to life. Flashbacks and exposition is hard to do in an engaging way, and here Oda gets the whole thing out of the way in a single page so we can get back to the action, and he does it by using good visual shorthand like this.

Chapter 15:

What are the best panels in One Piece?

Chapter 15 is the lead-up to the big fight with Buggy, and this chapter is all about setting the stage. It introduces Cabaji, who will be fighting Zoro, it reminds us of Buggy's powers and his cruelty and establishes his ideological position. Buggy believes that the only treasure worth caring about is gold and jewels, that only money and power matters, while the Mayor stands for the idea that anything can be a treasure if it means something to you, which is also Luffy's position. That's why he has the straw hat after all.

But we're also still establishing Luffy's character, so Oda has him crack an old man's head into a wall, because if he was conscious he would just get in the way and this is the most straightforward way to keep him safe. And this is the best panel, because it does establish something about Luffy's character, and how brutal he can be, even when he's technically trying to do a kindhearted thing. Luffy does not feel bad about doing this, at all, as with everything else in life, he acts violently towards his friends when he thinks it’s the right thing to do.

[askthe-r-m-au]

Yall know what time it is...

Back at it again at Krispy Kreme uh I mean Ring-Misstress AU fic

I've been thinking about themmmmmmm

[Ring-Misstress Chapter 4: A "Grand" opening]

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

Pomni walked back to the center of the Circus, cane in hand, and Hat on her head. This was the last night before The Amazing Digital Circus virtual game would be shown to the public in at least a few years! According to Caine, at least. He suggested they work late into the night before anyone could show up. That way, they'd have almost everything ready by the morning. Caine noticed his Co-host walking into the room.

☆Ah, you're back! The little guy's asleep?☆

Pomni twirled the cane in her hand like a baton.

♧Yeah, wasn't much trouble. Easier than I thought it'd be!

Caine chuckled proudly. The tension from the deadline always left when she walked in.

☆See? I knew you'd be great for this job!☆

♧Heh, yeah... hey... Are you sure you wanna do this the whole night??♧

Caine had dazed off until he heard her question.

☆Hm? Oh- well, of course! You don't require sleep, so we'll have plenty of time!☆

♧Well, sure, I don't need to sleep... but... what about you? Voz needs to sleep, don't you?♧

He paused for a second.

☆Well, we don't sleep, we recharge. But it does give of the sensation of sleep and its symptoms. At least, I believe it does...☆

It didn't make much sense to Pomni, but she learned not to question these sorts of things a long time ago.

♧Huh. Wait... where do you- uhm- "sleep" anyway?♧

☆Oh. Well, uh, I usually just find some secluded area, out of bounds...☆

Caine was beginning to feel drousy just talking about it. But, not wanting to leave so soon, he perked himself up.

☆Now is not the time to worry about that though, my dear! We have work to do!!☆

♧Well you do look pretty ti-♧

☆Me? Tired? Nonsense!! Now, let's get back work!☆

The conversation was cut short. They silently continued fixing up the place. But Caine looked like he was getting progressively slower with each glance Pomni took.

♧Are... you sure you don't wanna... leave now?♧

☆And... leave you alone?? Like I would do that!☆

♧What? You don't trust me?? I can do things by myself.♧

☆N-no! It's not that at all, my dear! You are absolutely great at what you do! It's just that I think if I left you to do all this yourself then that... would be terribly... rude... of me...☆

Caine was barely hovering in the air by now.

♧... You wouldn't wanna be in this state tomorrow morning, would you??♧

☆...Ok... just for a few minutes...☆

Caine was still hesitant to leave His friends side. He fought with every last bit of energy in him to stay awake.

☆ before i go... Wh-why don't we discuss some ideas for adventures?? Anything sound good to you??☆

♧Hm... how about... "Count the sheep?"♧

☆Great idea!! Let's test that. One... ...two... ...☆

Caine stopped responding.

He floated idly in place, nearly touching the ground.

♧Welp. That's two times I'm putting someone to bed.♧

Pomni smiled as she walked down the hallway, dragging an unconscious Caine into her room, and walking back out, hat on her head, cane in her hand.

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

[ENTERING "R.E.M." MODE...]

Caine opened his eyes to find himself in a darkly lit monochrome room. His vision was a bit fuzzy. The only things he could make out were a big red door and a misshapen box sitting atop a desk.

He hunched over the desk, looking at the strange box. One side looked different from the rest. It was pitch black.

Then it flashed white. It had a strangely similar look to the void. He leaned in closer. Then, a familiar sphere shaped character appeared in the center. Green strands of 1's and 0's growing around him...

_-°○You did this to yourself.○°-_

Oooookay, maybe he shouldn't be here.

Having no other option, he went through the big red door.

It led him back to the main area of the circus. Finally, a place he firmly recognized! Then he heard the sound of glitches rising from around him.

Maybe he would've been better off in the box room...

He looked up to see everyone had abstracted. Even the abstracts from the cellar somehow got out. Wait... everyone...?

♧C-cai-ªi-N-ne?♧

Caine immediately turned his head.

☆POMNI!☆

Her entire avatar was covered in glitches. She was holding on with her last bit of strength. She barely managed to speak.

♧It-t's... Iṭ'§...♧

He desperately tried to hold her head upright.

☆W-whats wrong, dear? Just tell me. I-I can fix it, I promise!☆

♧I-Tt-§...♧

_-♧ITS ALL YOUR FAULT.♧-_

The glitching code morphed into glowing eyes. Her body contorted until it was completely unrecognizable...

.

.

.

[FULLY CHARGED]

The ringmaster jumped from shock, only to quickly realize that he had been lying down the entire time. Of all the times he's entered a "dream state" as they call it, he had never experienced such a negative one. Nothing has ever made him feel like-

His train of thought immediately stopped. He heard a thumping noise. Actually, he didn't just hear it...

He felt it...

He placed his hand to his chest, presumably where a human heart would be. And sure enough...

Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

How was this possible? He couldn't truly be... unless-

[PAPAA!! GETUPGETUPGETUPGETUPGETUP!!]

The door slammed open, and little Voz barged into the room. Shaking the end of the bed violently until Caine finally rose from his sitting position.

☆Alright, okay, I am! Now, what's the r- OH...☆

He looked around, recalling the events from the previous night.

[Mama had sent me to wake you...]

☆Has anyone already-☆

[Yup...]

Oh, how foolish of the ringmaster to be late to his very own show, leaving his bel- CO-HOST, yes, to do everything by herself...

☆Welp, time is really crunching, kiddo! We better hurry back!☆

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

Pomni and the main cast sat around. Along with a few players. All of them took the appearance of mannequins, but each with distinct accessories. One with purple butterfly wings, one with a chicken's beak, a party hat, and a plauge doctor mask.

The player's each had names displayed over their heads, and they showed up whenever they would speak.

Osa: Man, it's been forever since they announced this game!! Can't believe we finally get to play this together!!

Aki: Yeah! This is gonna be fun, huh Zari?

Zari: ...you brought me here against my will.

Plauge: Honestly, I agree. This is stupid...

♧Now, now, everyone! There's no need to be so impatient! I'm... I'm sure the ringmaster will be here very-♧

Caine and Voz appeared center stage with a loud SNAP.

☆Pomni! I'm so, very sorry I'm late. We'll have to talk later. Now who's ready to woo the-!☆

Caine looked up to see only 4 players in front of them.

☆Crowd. ... Well, this is anticlimactic.☆

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

HOLY SMOKES I TOOK A LIL BREAK FROM THIS I KNOW BUT ITS OUT NYEAOW YIPPEEEE-

*Disintegrates into dust*

Also, huge thanks to my buddies Angii and sushi/vintage radio for letting me use our old tadc OCs for this! :>

Uhmm anyways asks r opened and... That's all byeee

[st-peculiar]

Exit Music (for a Film) by Radiohead is kinda lining up with Teddy and Colin’s narrative really well and I’m having thoughts. Gonna start with Teddy and then move to Colin and I’ll see where I go from there.

Tmagp Spoilers below fair warning

First off, the title itself. The first time we meet Teddy is when he’s leaving the OIAR to work elsewhere, seemingly very glad he’s moving on. From what I can tell with the limited time and I formation we have of him, he never really liked his work at the OIAR, and the place as a whole. So, the title of the song itself is symbolic of the end of an era for him. Or so we think.

This set of lyrics, the opening lines. So much is packed into this for me.

So. Something obviously had to drive Teddy over the edge to go to Lena and to tell her that he quits. We know that he had been working at the OIAR for quite a good few years prior to the canon timeline, of which is still very vague to the audience; so the first lyric applies to him in the sense that he finally broke from a cycle, he “woke up”, perhaps in more than one sense.

Not much to say on the second lyric except that perhaps that can reference to the catalyst for his self-termination from the OIAR? Something just a little too upsetting.

And the last two; I think these can speak for themselves. “Today, we escape,” -> him quitting initially, “We escape.” -> the going away party.

Has anyone ever thought about why specifically the very first recording we get is of the going away party? Yes, it’s what sets up the arrival of Sam, but it also sets up another thing. Teddy’s departure and his subsequent fall. I think it was saying “you can leave, but we know you’ll be back.”

Like a misplaced puzzle piece.

The last two lines of this one piques my interest.

In regards to Teddy, this feels almost omniscient, almost like an overlying feeling. Something feels vaguely wrong about leaving the OIAR, like he’s doing something he shouldn’t be. And you know what happens after he leaves? Hell, not only begins to break loose, but slowly unravels like a ball of twine. A butterfly effect variation of sorts.

Some people have brought this up before, but I needed to put it here as well; the possibility of sabotage in a career related sense for Teddy. He didn’t get the initial job he left the OIAR for because of “team cuts”, or something of the sort. That seems like the thing that would be told outright to any applying persons no? It was a sudden thing. While I’m not exactly sure of the timeline of this, I’ll make a best guess here; then, sometime after, Teddy gets a new job. For those who have listened to tmagp 29, I think we all know what happens. Ergo, butterfly effect. Somehow, Teddy has gotten pulled back into something strange, and needed someone to help him. Enter Alice. Then, exit Alice. Quite a lot can be taken from their brief conversation and I fear I don’t have quite the brainpower to pick it apart fully at this time.

This sequence is just. It’s something phenomenal to me in a way.

It’s all about trying to keep your balance. Imagine you’re on a tightrope in a circus performance. There are weights dragging your arms down, your feet are bleeding, and all you can think is “keep standing. Keep standing.” There is no net beneath you. There was once a net, but it was folded away because someone thought your act could use a little… something.

Keep a cool head. Keep standing. Stay balanced. Do not fall. Do not fall.

Alice was once the net, in a way. Then, she got pulled away by something, someone, bigger than them both.

“I can’t do this alone.” Do you guys realise what this means to me? Teddy needed to talk to Alice about something important, specifically about his job. The job we know nothing about. What happened. What the fuck happened. Teddy sounds so weary in that brief phone call. I also picked up on the slight sense of anxiety from him, but that could just be me. But he was definitely worried about something.

And then there’s Colin’s place in this set of lyrics. Just barely hours later, Alice gets yet another call from someone who is asking for help, someone who is her friend. That call is haunting me; everything about it feels really just. Raw to me. There’s so much desperation in his voice. He needs help. Such a big part about Colin’s character is that he never wants help, nor does he think he needs it. Then there’s this. Turn me around twice and push me into a grave already.

The first part of this one seems more metaphorical than anything to me.

The “chill” is the surmounting aura of wrongness that climbs higher with every episode leading up to the s1 finale. It’s the strange happenings that are being collected and filed by the OIAR, it’s FRE-d1 continually becoming less and less machine as more incidents are washed in and read by Chester, Norris, and Augustus.

The “song” is nothing more than blind hope. Blind, foolish hope.

The second part to this one, however, is something that makes my head wrap into itself with interpretation. It’s another omniscient-adjacent feeling, addressing to “it” as “you”. It’s all very Colin to me. The “it” is FRE-d1. It’s the one thing that makes Colin completely snap. It’s laughing at him, taunting Colin with its ancient, unworkable hardwiring. It’s been slowly pushing Colin to and over the edge for the entire season, and it all climaxes to that one phone call.

That one, desperate phone call.

This is mainly about that first line.

We don’t know what happened to Colin, what really happened, after he hung up. I need to know desperately. But I’m going to take this in the sense that Colin’s violent obsession with figuring out FRE-d1 finally consumed him, very likely in more than just the mental sense.

What I think is that Colin has been turned into an external. Just think about it. What I gather from what we know about externals is that the common ground for most of them is obsession to some level or another, and we know that Colin was deep in that trench.

I have a very vivid image in my head of Colin sitting in the computer room of the office with the technology slowly growing over him, almost like lichen or moss. It melds with his skin, seeping into his flesh. It’s grotesque and looks like something agonizing, but Colin’s face is just. Tired. Exhausted. He gave his final hurrah. His phone sits fallen next to his limp hand, still opened to Alice’s contact page, his head leaned back against the wall. Hooded eyes, deep circles beneath them.

Both he and Teddy were destined to fulfill something greater from the beginning, and their tragedy lies in the way they both reached out for a hand, and was never given one to grasp onto.