#How To Get Tango Coins

[oh-snapperss]

The Ultimate Guide to MCC!

New to watching mcc? Have no idea where to start? Or maybe you already watch mcc, and just want information all in one place?

Well, good news! I'm insane about MCC and made this massive post for no other reason! I plan to keep this updated as I think of other vods/clips and new stuff happens, so if you want to be sure you're reading the most up to date version of the post, click here.

With all that out of the way-

What is MCC?

MCC stands for Minecraft Championships and is an event organized by Noxcrew, who develop and test the games, and Scott Smajor, who makes the teams! The event takes place usually once a month, and 10 teams of 4 people compete to be the top two teams overall by playing eight minigames! The top two teams battle it out at the end by playing Dodgebolt (first to win three rounds takes the crown).

Noxcrew announces the teams and next date of the event on MCC's official twitter and their newsletter via email, although @mcc-updates posts the teams here as well after they're announced.

Some useful links and more information on the event:

mcc.live - Official site that updates live during the event! Team scores are updated live here, and links to all the streaming POV's are included. You can also find information on past MCC's and how an individual performed!

MCC Wiki - Community run wiki for the event! You can find information on any player that's ever been in an MCC, information about how the event works, and information on individual events.

A list of active games in the event, and how each are played can be found here!

Canon VS. Noncanon MCCs

Sometimes, Noxcrew decides to host an MCC that is considered "noncanon". Typically, this means that something about the event is different, and player's coins and stats for that MCC will not go into the overall average of their played events. Some examples of noncanon mccs:

MCC Pride (held once a year, typically raises money for the Trevor Project!

MCC Rising (only players who have never participated in an MCC before may be in it!)

MCC Scuffed (April Fools MCC, the entire event was scuffed on purpose, an incredibly funny overall event)

MCC All Stars (Only players who have won an MCC participate)

With all of that out of the way, some iconic and hilarious clips from across the events!

(note: where I could, I've included the vods that these clips came from!)

Grian's Iconic 1v3 Dodgebolt (MCC 17)

Jimmy Solidarity's 1v3 Dodgebolt (MCC 28)

Illumina EWW (MCC 15)

Purpled's nearly perfect Parkour Warrior run with Ranboo and Charlie losing their minds in the background (MCC 26)

Purpled's perfect Parkour Warrior Run (MCC 32)

Jojo's insane Sands of Time carry (MCC 31)

"Joel, I want a divorce!" (MCC 10)

"Sapnap I will eat your children!" (MCC 18)

Lord Grian Dreamslayer (MCC 9)

Michael Mcchill's Ace Race breakdown (MCC All Stars)

Purpled and Wallibear get in trouble for having "gay sex" in MCC pride (MCC Pride 2024)

Etho accidentally steals Tango's torches after Tango dies (MCC Kick Off, Hbomb's vod review)

MCC Iconic Vods/Fan Favorites!

Orange Ocelots MCC 17 - Grian, Falsesymmetry, Petezahutt and SB737

Orange Ocelots MCC 24 - Tubbo, Tommyinnit, Hbomb and Jack Manifold

Blue Bats MCC Scuffed - Smallishbeans, Smajor, Fwhip and Geminitay

Cyan Coyotes MCC 24 - PearlescentMoon, Aimsey, JojoSolos and Hannahxxrose

Blue Bats MCC 9 - Falsesymmetry, Rendog, Hbomb and Fruitberries

Pink Parrots MCC Kick Off - TangoTek, ImpulseSV, Ethoslab, and Skizzleman

If you want some other great channels and streams for MCC, I've listed some below!

All Things MCC is a channel hosted by Seapeekay and always uploads a video after each MCC featuring their picks for the top ten plays of the event! They also do team predictions + the occasional other video on MCC. Super fun, and a great way to catch some clips you may have missed during the event.

MCC Vault posts clips of various perspectives from various events--typically another way to see things you might not get to see otherwise.

Wolfeei Extras makes content about both MCCI and MCC, and has covered Etho's MCCI arc, MCC team predictions, and SandwichLord's leaderboard domination. Additionally, Wolfeei does content with participants of MCC, such as watchparties. Overall, a great channel to watch to stay in the loop of what's going on!

If you're a Sands of Time enjoyer, Hbomb94 usually goes live the day after the event and vod reviews at least one POV of Sands of Time from each team. Super entertaining, and a fun way to really get to know the strats for that game.

You may be thinking-wow, these games look really fun! Is there a way for anyone to play them?

The answer is yes-and no. While some of the games are not currently available for download, Noxcrew has a public minecraft server called MCC Island, available for anyone to join and play! As of right now, the available games to play on that server are:

Parkour Warrior (available in singleplayer mode and a fast paced competitive mode)

Sky Battle (eight teams compete instead of ten, and there are maps available that are not played in the main event!)

To Get To The Other Side (three rounds instead of six, uses a mixture of maps from the event and maps that are not played in the event)

Hole in the Wall (be warned--there are traps, different maps, and overall is a harder game on the island. My personal fav:D)

Battle Box (three rounds instead of nine, mixture of maps

Dynaball (Not a MCC-event game, but a team based game involving tnt!)

Rocket Spleef Rush (One round, different maps!)

Noxcrew has stated they plan on adding more games to the server, and there are events and other things happening too!

IP to join the server: play.mccisland.net

You can find more information and official forums here!

Additionally, you can download Terra Swoop Force and play it on a singleplayer world or put it in a server with your friends! Link for the download and instructions here.

Finally, Grid Runners is an available map on Bedrock edition only--I don't know much about bedrock, only that it is an option. Link to that info here.

I think that's about it for now! I'll update this as I think of things or am asked to add something:) Hopefully this helps a bit, cause I know coming into this stuff with no info can be overwhelming!

[leapdayowo]

Redstone and Skulk au time!

To start off with, here’s cat!Tanguish college au

(ignore that I don’t know how to draw people holding a sandwich from memory)

Tanguish is a scrappy alley cat Tango found who one day escapes from Tango’s apartment. Tanguish ends up trying to steal Helsknight’s lunch, but fails at first and falls on his face. Helsknight feels bad and gives Tanguish bits of meat and bread from his sandwich bonding them for life. He then wraps up Tanguish in his theatre cloak (he’s definitely a theatre kid + does historical reenactment fights with swords and such) and tries to take him to a shelter or vet or something, but Tanguish spooks when a really loud car passes by and runs into an alleyway. HK almost decides to leave it at that, it’s not his problem, but then hears Tanguish yowling and hissing and the sounds of another cat doing the same. He rushes into the alley and gets Tanguish away from the biggest cat he’s ever seen (it’s the Demon), but in the process he gets a good slash of claw marks across his face.

From there he takes Tanguish to his place, cleans them both up, and from there they have a bunch of misadventures of HK trying to take care of this scrawny, half hairless cat while also trying to find its owner/take him to a shelter/keep him. Eventually, he would find the Hermits on campus (who I am imagining are a more chill fraternity), and comes across Tango hanging out with Welsknight. Tanguish and Tango are happily reunited, HK looks like he got into a fight with a lawnmower the other night, and Wels takes glee in pointing that out while the two (they’re definitely brothers) are unhappily reunited.

Later that night, Tanguish escapes again and follows Helsknight home. When HK discovers this, he begrudgingly texts Wels to tell Tango Tanguish is with him (having not thought to grab Tango’s phone number earlier). There’s probably some joint custody thing that happens and Tanguish gets to eat muffins from two different friend groups now :3

And on the other side of the multiuniversal coin: dog!Helsknight college au

This one is not as fleshed out, but essentially Helsknight is Welsknight’s dog who he keeps on campus, but HK has gradually grown to hate Wels. The coliseum group are all dogs too, and one day at the dog park, Helsknight runs away from Wels. He then stumbles across Tanguish (not a cat) who is getting harassed by these guys he used to steal things with along with other petty crime (not a crowd he wants to be with anymore), and when things get violent, Helsknight jumps in and attacks the guys (except Tanguish). Tanguish freaks out, but is trapped in the alleyway and can’t escape from this aggressive dog attacking everyone, so he holes up on a dumpster. When all the aggressors are gone, HK barks at Tanguish which scares the young man enough that he tries to scale the alley wall instead of get off the dumpster. He slips and falls down painfully next to Helsknight. More concerned if he broke a rib and finding some blood on him, he doesn’t notice HK checking him over until a rough paw tugs at his shirt.

He cautiously lets HK sniff his face and hands before getting up and slowly walking himself home. HK looks scary and is a big dog, but for some reason he has chosen to stick by Tanguish. They get to Tanguish and Tango’s apartment (roommates :3) and Tanguish has to introduce Tango to the Big Scary Dog that saved him and wants to be their third roommate, only to find out the HK is Welsknight’s dog who ran away a few days ago. At any mention of Wels’ name however, HK pins his ears back with a low growl. Regardless, Tanguish and Tango try to take HK back to Wels, and when they do everyone can tell just how unhappy HK is with Wels (he just doesn’t like the man’s vibes). Not knowing what else to do, Welsknight lets HK stay with Tanguish and Tango as a trail run to see what happens.

So yeah, Tanguish ends up with a big scary dog who keeps unwanted people away from him :3 HK eventually gets less hostile towards Wels over time, but still is not very friendly towards him. And yeah, dog versions of the coliseum crew playing in the dog park :3

Last one :) warden!Helsknight au

even less fleshed out than the other two. I like the idea of Tanguish being able to do the shrieker sound, but then thought what if he could actually summon a warden with it?

So Tanguish is an inexperienced witch (maybe, or is just magical) who can do basic ice related magic, but one day he steals from a woman part of a larger crew of bounty hunters or something, and he gets chased down by them. He gets corner in a strange part of the woods and does the shrieker noise three times to ward them off, which doesn’t work until after the third try a tall armored warden!Helsknight emerges from the soft soil and scares off the bounty hunters.

I don’t really have much else in mind except Tanguish sitting on Hk’s shoulders while the two try and figure out what to do in the world (which is very vague I know). I’m not sure what HK’s relationship to Wels is like or if Wels would also be a warden (if he was I imagine he’s been on the surface much longer).

uhhh yeah! If anyone wants to run wild with any of these ideas, go for it! Maybe just mention me as an inspiration if you make something from these, but yeah they are free for anyone to develop further if you wish :)

[strongestbanner]

What If:

Logan and Victor decide to forgive each other, escape together and live in a small cabin located in Argentine Patagonia (probably in the Río Negro province, towards the mountains of the west) 🏡❤️‍🩹🇦🇷

They both accepted that they are two sides of a same coin, and they'll always be there for each other, no matter the circumstances <3

(If you wanna cry at the end, keep reading)

Logan gets addicted to drink mate and can't live without his thermo (he choose Lumilagro when he just arrived bc he didn't have enough money for a Stanley thermo, but he doesn't give a f*ck). His favorite yerba mate is Rosamonte: the most bitter yerba mate for his taste 👌🏻

Vic shows off Logan the words he already knew in Spanish after so many missions. Now he learned to say to Logan: "enano boludo" (fool runt) just for piss him off.

Victor has become very punctual at merienda time, he always waits for Logan with sweet facturas (like biscuits, croissants) (sometimes Logan is sick of eating sweet, so he asks Vic to bring salty facturas too). Also, Victor LOVES membrillo's facturas (quince jam) (his beard always ends up dirty as if he had blood on it, never forgetting his animal instincts).

Of course, Logan got a job at a sawmill, he has too much experience with wood hehehe. And Victor worked for a time in a food distributor for a bakery, but he got fired bc he was caught stealing some cookies with membrillo. So, now he stays at home doing housework (surprisingly, he's very clean and hates finding cobwebs on the ceiling).

Logan secretly listen to Tango music, somehow he feels internally moved and sometimes cries too!! He also bought some Carlos Gardel vinyls to send for Laura's birthday <3

They both bought earplugs to use once a month bc they discovered that they have a lobizón neighbor 2 km away (the argentine werewolf 🐺).

At first they slept in different rooms, until Victor decided to have a sleepover after watching a chick flick movies marathon with Logan over a weekend (yes, they have Netflix). How did he convince him? He used his secret weapon: kitten eyes ✨ This is how slowly Victor's old room was transformed into a leisure room. Now they have a shelf full of classic literature books (and Spanish literature too bc Vic is so interested in it and he wants to still learning). Some CDs and vinyls of Logan bc he also likes argentinian national rock (He seems to like "Los Piojos", "Intoxicados", and "Patricio Rey y sus Redonditos de Ricota" 😂).

This is for the argentine fans: LOGAN SUPPORTS BOCA JUNIORS CLUB 💙💛💙 He's not a very huge fan for football games, but he stays focused watching them. While Vic usually falls asleep at half time on the sofa with him.

Victor convinced Logan that he would control his bloodlust, so their household is never short of a good supply of meat. Unfortunately, this is a vile lie. When Logan is away, Victor takes advantage of those free hours to hunt and devour little animals like hares or deer. He knows his schedules and how much time he has to clean up his tracks. Who knows how long he can sustain the lie 🫣

In my mind their first kiss was PURRFECT. The coldest month is July (it's winter there), so, after a week of overcast skies, one night Logan went outside the cabin to smoke a joint. He observed the number of visible stars until he realized that Victor was stalking him with a cup of tea in his hand. They both sat on the front steps and IT JUST HAPPENED. Logan tried to deny what happened, FOR SEVERAL DAYS. But Vic managed to take away his embarrassment and make him enjoy it many times more bc he ✨obviously✨ kissed him first.

It hadn't been a year yet and Logan had invited the X-Men to his whereabouts to celebrate his birthday in October. Logically, Victor didn't like this idea at all, so he decided to flee to the forest. Logan had so many feelings fluttering in his chest, but he knew better than to waste such a beautiful and special day. He looked for Victor and found him cooling off in a river. He was so upset and a little jealous, but Logan convinced him because they would make barbecue. It was a VERY uncomfortable moment for Victor, he was not sorry for what he did, but Logan took care of making him feel part of his family <3

Ofc, I wrote all this with my tears.

I don't consider myself a good writer and my English is very poor, but if anyone wants to make a fanfic or fanart of this TAG ME PLS 😭💖

[enpr-ss]

TWO HOURS??!?!?!?!! WE ARE FEASTING TODAY GIRLIES

Etho “I suck at parkour” Slab nailing the lava area while being chased by ravager and vexes.

“What is this garbage!” One of my favorite Etho catchphrases.

Sir how did you get up there. And of course your strategy is to camp even when Tango changed it to stop you from doing that. Dies and immediately does a level 1 treasure run. Peak Etho.

HE’S SO GREEDY!! “Can we get four more embers” dude you want 25 embers on a level 1 medium run? Man is delusional. I CANT BELIEVE HE GOT AWAY WITH IT!!! BRO. Tango must have been fuming. Etho has some frost ember loss aversion here lol.

DOES HE HAVE 3 LOOT AND SCOOTS???

“I am not going to be greedy…. I’m going to get my crowns and get out…..You would treasure hunter me just before I leave.” THE DUNGEON IS TROLLING HIM SO HARD. the sheer petulance in his voice, the slight shakes in his mouse => excellent storytelling

His strategy is solid. And of course he’s the first one to figure out the spider passage, with its high risk and rewards. Of course he likes it. LOL ONLY 21 FE ARTIFACT WHAT A SCAM HAHA. He doesn’t even care about getting out on a “worthless” run. This guy. He’s always one short.

“That means we’re going to get a great artifact, the best one ever.” Gets a 23 Artifact. “I’m going back to medium! This is baloney, man!” LOL GET SCAMMED.

Silk Road is such a good name for the spider passage.

HE GOT ETHO WALLED AGAIN HAHAHA. but he loot and scoots on by the ravager. Plot armor. “Happy tunnel leads to misery bridge” LOL TRUE

28 COINS! HE KEEPS GETTING TROLLED BY THE DUNGEON. SPEAKS IT INTO EXISTENCE. “Even if I get an uncommon card here” gets the lowest uncommon card. Even Cub and Tango are counting his dings LOL.

He needs more pockets to stuff all of his treasure in! “Oh we gotta need to leave” ember pops up behind him. The shaky cam, the sneak card playing all too late, no clank block… the dungeon wants him to stay in SO BAD! It’s even getting sneaky about it. 39 COINS! “Tango doesn’t need to know about this.” Tango sighs.

Man will nearly die to clank and hazard multiple times and still refuse to buy blockers. And then the other hermits gleefully reporting his dings.

“Eleven! Oh my god this is just getting ridiculous” -Cub

with the last indignant “thirteen!” before the cut

THE TREASURE DING AND THE SLOW HEAD TURN BACK. TECHNOBLADE MOMENT.

“I’m not running hard after I fail until I build up my deck” buys frost seeker and treasure cards and tomes instead of blockers.

I cannot believe he got a refund. He deserved that ravager fair and square. That’s favoritism. Tango just wants to see Etho suffer in Hard (same). And Cub and Jevin joining the peanut (heh) gallery to heckle him along. And Cub coming in strong on the trolling right on the get go.

“What’s your run success rate Tango, huh?” ETHO TRASH TALKING BACK!! Trolling his audience with greedy plays LOL.

His greed kills him so much.

Dude that etho wall jumpscared me too! He unstuck that ravager what a pro.

[atarathegreat]

TR Boys Crackhead Headcanons

Kazutora Hanemiya

Man spreads because why should you have space on the train

shoves puzzle pieces together that don't match because "this part fits, see!"

broke his own finger just to feel what it was like

moves furniture so people bump into it on purpose

crops everyone else out of photos he's in and doesn't even use the photos for anything

sometimes wears shoes on the opposite feet just to see who will notice

has and will break granola bars on anyone's bed

Mitsuya Takashi

learned to bake so he could put laxatives in cake (fuck around and find out)

hates who his sisters hate

definitely shit talks kindergarteners with Luna

wore a matching dress with his sisters to the movies, pummeled the guy that tried laughing at him

doesn't stop the conversation when he enters the public restrooms

Nahoya Kawata

walks down the upward escalator

smacks everyone in the back of the head because he feels like it

had court once, laughed on his way out because he was falsely found not guilty

has and will drink milk from cereal bowls without having cereal

sits and stares at Souya without blinking until Souya gets uncomfortable

knocked out a guy's teeth and kept them to send back to him via mail

Souya Kawata

Prefers to sleep in a pile of stuffed animals

the bed hasn't been slept in for three years

actually writes poems and hangs them around the city, ended up on the news for it

Cries to ASPCA commercials

Gets angry when Nahoya falls asleep on the couch, drags him back to bed by his feet

completely believes he could solve true crime

Keisuke Baji

Sharpens his teeth with a nail file

tried wearing contacts once but didn't soak them in contact solution so he only dried his eyes out

calls everyone babe platonically

if he can't find both shoes he only wears one

has a scrunchy collection

thought he was spiderman once and jumped off a roof

will shake his ass when standing still (mad tango skillz)

Kokonoi Hajime

Has a book of rare coins

has a button collection

uses chalk hairdye

plucks his eyebrows too thin

can ballet dance

TikTok feind

Manjiro Sano

Calls in sick to places he doesn't work

Got fired from three places he didn't work at

always orders kids meals

has a tantrum until Kenny cuts his hair

uses clear nail polish regularly

has debated getting a trampstamp

does his hair straight up before fixing it so he can look like a unicorn

Ken Ryuguji

has gone bald, does not work for him

draws in tattoos on the side of his head

has a collection of fake earrings that he tried once (Howls Moving Castle theme)

keeps flavored lube in his room just so he can taste it when he wants something sweet

Taiju Shiba

Thinks he can pull of orange (makes him feel like a baddy)

carries an eyebrow pencil everywhere

fights random females for fun

punches himself in the face for being late to things

had frosted tips in middle school

has staring contests with himself

Hanma Shuji

eats ice cream with a fork

eats soup off a plate

has a closet full of plaid clothing, irons it before wearing because "who tf fights with wrinkles in their clothes"

swears by hair gel

tried hairspray once, didn't taste nice so he threw it out a window

after being dubbed the Reaper, he wore a grim reaper outfit

will kiss and the homies and say no homo

Chifuyu Matsuno

plans to name his first child after his cat

has a Baji shrine next to his Peke J shrine

reads his Yaoi books in public and has outburst when things don't go how he wants them to

locked himself in a pet store and threatened to kill himself if he didn't get a cat, his mom beat the shit out of him for it

screams "real or cake" before biting literally anything

Tetta Kisake

puts milk before cereal

writes cursive only to annoy others

once slept on the roof of his house to make his mom feel bad for yelling at him

has a dog name Roscoe (it's a female)

definitely has little man syndrome

thinks girls are into his "mysterious" vibe (literally just doesn't speak to anyone and has RBF)

once pretended to be gay thinking he would get into a girls slumber party

Hakkai Shiba

the only girl he can talk to is his sister (that's just a fact)

moves the family photos around to see if Yuzuha will notice

is regularly on discord but he pretends to be a girl so he can troll guys

swings from trees like hes a monkey because he thinks its faster than running

worked at a haunted house and crawled across the floor like some messed up spider, he was playing as a scarecrow, it was a childrens haunted house

Takamichi Hanagaki

tries to scale buildings by the fire escapes

copies the others fighting styles hoping to look just as cool

eats a raw egg every morning

crops himself out of photos so no one can find him

unironically calls Hina his little princess

colors in the boxes to crossword puzzles

[blueishspace]

Third life with divine domains

Part 5: session 7 and 8

Fandom

@shortystack75 hits again with wonderful ideas! I think Watcher BigB is not unlikely to develop in the fandom! It sounds extremely fun! Also yeah, this would be a bit after Hermitcraft season 7.

@easily-distracted-by-fandom too, you are on a roll! The god of Justice and Punishment working serving Pain and Sorrow is... Commentary of some kind on the judicial system... Also yeah, I see your point about the kingdom's being considered very differently by fandom with It's alliance with Frosted Forest.

I also think that knowing Ren and Scott they would negotiate a lot and would originate "other side" animatics...

Session 7

Scott creates a new wall around Frosted Forest... In cobblestone this time, wouldn't want a forest fire would we?

Impulse and Tango still play both sides... Scott is suspicious of Impulse in both timelines but in this one he tells Ren and not Grian. No one knows who burnt Skizz's banner in this timeline, Impulse is suspected.

Scar and Grian can't ask Scott and Jimmy to help lure the Dogwarts army to the tnt trap... So they have to either ask the Castle which they do not trust, try to defeat the army on their own or give up on their idea... The tnt is already placed and doing it alone is suicide so...trust the Crastle it is.

Impulse still leads Dogwarts to the desert though he definitely needs a different reason considering the very different context...

Let's consider how this goes down: Grian sets of the tnt, no one dies because of the code error decreasing tnt power like in canon. BigB and Joel weren't online this session which means its: Ren, Martyn, Skizz, Etho, Scott and Jimmy attacking. And Scar, Grian, Tango, Bdubs and Cleo defending. Impulse probably does that thing he does in canon where It's not clear who's side he's fighting because he's just being there running around.

Cleo is unlikely to risk Bdubs so they likely make him stay hidden...of course Bdubs is unlikely to listen but it's day time at this point and he's boosted by his powers enough to survive... As for Jimmy ? Well he is not boosted in the desert and has mostly passive abilities and isn't as strategical as Scott so...him dying isn't too unlikely... It's a 50/50...so I flipped a coin! And... Jimmy dies first... despite the changes this stays the same.

Grian still dies like in canon and Cleo dies much like how Scott does in our version of Third Life.

The Crastle arriving to save Scar doesn't happen as they are already there so Scar dies and goes to red but this means Cleo and Tango don't die rescuing him...

Martyn still dies, and the why is because of Jimmy's permadeath consequences: When Jimmy dies the forests lose their leaves and more importantly players get Weakness I while inside forest biomes... So even without Scar taking a lot of Martyns health not happening he still gets separated from the other and surrounded by mobs while affected by Weakness. This is without considering that since Tango isn't dead he can still be at low health without Scar.

Now things start complitely deviating as the Dogwarts vs Crastle confrontation doesn't happen since they are already enemies which means Cleo doesn't die, Skizz doesn't die and Impulse isn't revealed to be a traitor.

Scott "buries" Jimmy on top of the mountain near Frosted Forest and promises revenge... ...Winter IS coming, just in a different way... White Winter.

Session 8

Grian wonders about changing sides now that he lost his first life but realizes that...yeah, not possible at this point.

The Siege of Dogwarts is very different. In canon Scott kills BigB but this time around he's on the opposite side and I'm going to say, he kills Scar. I just think he deserves it and It's not ...unlikely... actually, It's quite likely if Scar is less careful as a yellow life.

Joel still gets killed by Ren before he can escape but Scott isn't even anywhere close to where he dies in canon so...yeah...

However for Scott's second death ...he doesn't die since he's with Ren...but someone has to...which at this point is likely Cleo as she would take Scotts place in the retrieval mission.

Now, without Jimmy and with team desert as his killers Scott has little choice but becoming part of Dogwarts... permanently.

At this point It's unlikely this is the last session, Scar still kills Martyn and then Ren while Scott is killed by either Cleo or Joel... I'm going to say Joel because...reasons... but then he is forced away as they all have more lives and he doesn't...also Martyn's dying means nearby entities gets hurt which means he's also at low health...meaning this Third Life lasts at least 1 session longer.

Scar and Grian run off followed by The Crastle people including Impulse who finally sides with them officially while Dogwarts needs to recuperate and doesn't attack back... So session 8 ends in a... Tense stalemate of sort between Dogwarts and Sand Crastle.

Lives

Let's remind ourselves!

Impulse and BigB are green lives.

Grian, Ren, Etho, Joel and Tango are yellow lives.

Skizz, Scott, Martyn, Cleo, Scar and Bdubs are red.

Jimmy is...dead.

Fandoms

Let's be honest...this is just me begging for fandom related ideas again.

Previous part

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First part

[the-al-chemist]

Tango for Tongues

A/N: For @hphm-ship-week’s prompt “Dance”. Excuse the gross title. This is a Diego story.

Warnings: a would-be teenage lothario, awkward kisses, a plot twist…

Spring had sprung. The nights were getting lighter, the frost had thawed, and the first flowers were starting to bloom. But the warmer weather and longer days were not the talk on anyone’s tongue at the castle. No, the students at Hogwarts had only one thing on their minds: the upcoming Celestial Ball.

With Ball Fever taking the castle by storm, Diego Caplan had seen a unique opportunity arise. It turned out that Jae Kim was not the only wizard in his year with entrepreneurial spirit, for Diego had managed to make a small fortune in the last few weeks. While Jae had been brewing beautification potion — or at least stewing something that could pass for beautification potion — Diego had been giving his female classmates private lessons on his specialist subject.

Kissing.

And he was something of an specialist, if he did say so himself. He had kissed more girls than any of the other boys in his year group. A Sickle a lesson was a fair price to pay for such a level of expertise. Clearly, the girls thought so. He was fully booked until next Thursday.

His next client was due to arrive at any moment: Belladonna Beauchamp. Hers was not a name that Diego recognised, and as he waited for her to arrive, Diego found himself hoping that she was decent looking — not that he wouldn’t give her a quality service if she wasn’t, of course. Thankfully, when the door opened, in walked a remarkably pretty girl with blonde hair and brown eyes, dressed in a Ravenclaw uniform. She was rather petite, and not overly familiar looking. Probably a third year.

“Hi, are you Diego?” she asked.

“I certainly am. Belladonna?”

Belladonna nodded, her hair tumbling around her shoulders as she did. Diego held his hand out towards the chair opposite him, and she took it. As she handed him a single silver coin, he took a better look at her face. Her skin was so clear it almost seemed to glow, and her lips were so full that Diego was surprised that no one would have kissed her before.

“Are you nervous?” he asked. She giggled slightly.

“Um, a little. We’ve played spin the bottle in my dormitory a few times, if you could imagine that...”

Diego could definitely imagine that. In fact, it was only the sound of someone coughing in the corridor outside that distracted him from imagining that.

“But I’ve never kissed a boy before, not properly,” continued Belladonna. “This will be my first real kiss.”

“Well, there’s nothing to be worried about,” Diego reassured her. “Kissing is very simple, as long as you don’t overthink it. It’s like dancing — just trust your instincts and follow a lead. That’s where I come in. I’ll lead, you follow. Ready?”

Belladonna nodded her head, and ever so slowly, Diego leaned in and kissed her. She returned his kiss, her lips closed. She was not bad, especially for a relative beginner, and he told her so once he had pulled away.

“How do you feel about trying again, with tongues this time?”

“Hmm…” Belladonna’s teeth grazed her bottom lip for a moment before she smiled, revealing a set of perfectly straight white teeth. “Oh, go on then.”

This time, when Diego kissed her, she did not only kiss him back, but she did so passionately. It was like a tango between them, and he wasn’t even sure that he was the one leading anymore. By the time her hands came to rest on either side of his face, he was so lost in the kiss that he almost forgot that he was supposed to be teaching her — not that she needed much instruction.

“Are you sure you’ve never… UGH!”

As he pulled away to ask his question and opened his eyes, Diego was filled with revulsion. If it weren’t for her hands holding him still, he would have recoiled from Belladonna.

Except it wasn’t Belladonna that was sitting with him anymore.

Gone were the bouncy blonde waves and chocolate-brown eyes, the peachy skin and full, tempting lips. Belladonna’s face had grown sallow, her nose crooked, her hair black and lank and greasy. This wasn’t Belladonna.

This was Professor Snape.

As Diego swore and retched, Snape doubled over laughing, cackling and snorting. He screwed up his face and it changed again, becoming heart-shaped, framed by a shock of raspberry-pink hair.

“Oh, for Merlin’s sake!” Diego half-shouted. “Tonks!”

Outside the door, a second peal of laughter sounded, and in walked Tulip Karasu. Tonks winked at her.

“Told you it would be worth lending me your spare uniform.”

Tulip smirked. “Yes, you were correct. That was fantastic.”

“But, really, Diego?” Tonks sighed. “I can’t believe you fell for it again.”

Neither could Diego. He hadn’t believed it last time, or the five times before that. He scowled at the pair of them, both now almost breathless with laughter.

“Haven’t you run out of Sickles yet?” he grumbled.

“Maybe. Maybe not.” Clearly bored of him, the girls left the room, arm-in-arm. Before the door shut behind them, Tonks turned back around and blew him a kiss. “Until next time, lover boy.”

There would not be a next time. Diego would make sure of that. He shuddered as he looked at the chair Tonks had left vacant.

Perhaps he ought to just give dancing lessons instead.

[silverskye13]

This might be worldbuilding spoilers, or it might be something I just missed, but do Helsknight and Wels have an equivalent to the reflection thing with Tango and Tanguish, or is that just a Tanguish exclusive? Either in terms of Hels being able to go straight to Wels or just another way of them being connected. Started wondering because of your description of Hels polishing all his armor + Tanguish's knife and how it didn't seem to affect Hels at all

I wouldn't call it spoilers! Its been left intentionally ambiguous for awhile, because I still want to use it as a surprise in the plot for a couple of the plot points. It's also been a little bit since it was discussed in the plot itself.

Most of where Tanguish's reflections have been talked about are the first 3? Chapters? Before he really starts to befriend Helsknight. And Helsknight's have only been really explained once, in two? Paragraphs in his POV chapter. So! Squishy teleportation worldbuilding below the cut.

Whether or not a hermit/helsmit pair can meet each other is subjective, and how they can do it kinda varies. The only thing I've decided for sure, as a rule across the table, is that their links are exclusive.

So Tango/Tanguish can see each other, and hear each other, through reflections, and they can travel to each other through reflections [if both of them are available/near a reflective surface]. But they can't see anyone else, and no one else can see or hear them. Tanguish looks like he's talking to himself when he's talking to Tango in a reflection, and vice versa. They can see hazy shapes/silhouettes of what's happening behind the other person [Tango being able to tell when Tanguish is stealing, Tanguish being able to see Welsknight's silhouette standing behind Tango] but they can't hear conversations or see expressions. They can only see impressions of the world near each other.

Helsknight and Welsknight channel their link through shadows. When Helsknight travels to Hermitcraft, the world around him gets darker, like he's falling through cracks in the void. It has a very physical radius that other people can see. While Hels/Wels can hear each other through that dark, no one else can. They also can't do the same two-way radio type talk. If one of them yells a challenge through the space, they can hear it, but Helsknight couldn't stand in a dark room or talk to his shadow and have Wels hear it. Instead, they share emotions. I feel like it has to do with how Hels started as the voice in Wels's head, he's inherently tied to Welsknight's self worth [and lack thereof]. Particularly strong emotions come through. I imagine Helsknight can feel Wels's self righteous vengeance when he commands Tanguish, but has no idea the context. Most of what Wels feels from Helsknight is anger, which he mostly ignores, unless its very strong. If he thinks Helsknight is violently angry, he will often pull him through their link so they can fight instead. He thinks he's doing a kindness to someone [mostly though, he wants to justify doing violence against his other half, who he blames for his own uncontrollable emotions.]

Both Helsknight and Tanguish [and their doubles] can pull people through those links if they so choose. There has to be physical contact [Helsknight carrying Tanguish through worlds to Hermitcraft, Tanguish holding onto Helsknight when he flips his coin]. I also think, if someone were to latch onto them and be dragged through, it would be risky where they would end up. Being able to pull another person through worlds hinges on you holding onto them so they follow your link through worlds. If you were fighting when you fell through, trying to force someone to let go, and they did, they could follow you, or they could fall free somewhere else.

[empyrisan]

11! Favorite comment you’ve ever recieved on your work?

(For the Artist Asks Game back in March)

It's not a single comment, but every now and then, this post of old sketches of the Stan Twins dancing the tango gets liked/reblogged.

And almost every time, I'm treated to such delightful praise from people saying how much seeing these doodles of Stanley and Stanford made them happy, finding them sweet and wholesome. They're just tiny little doodles, but people really respond well to seeing characters interacting together! As a bonus, there are those same sketches in a higher res, with little coins for size comparison!

[amethystfairy1]

In TT, does Gem have any kind of moral code she follows? Like, if someone hired her to take out someone who had really done no wrong and was simply just an obstacle her client just wanted gone...would she kill them? Or do mercs like her only take jobs direct from the Mercenary Guild?

Gem takes high-paying jobs direct from the Mercenary Guild. She only works through the guild, which is how shes been able to keep her identity as a pretty little nature elf largely a secret despite her infamy as 'The Slayer'. If it gives her enough coin, she doesn't particularly care...

...for example, it's a bit of a throw-away line, but remember that bratty son of Lord Heath who water-burned Tango awhile back?

Yeah...he may or may not have met the business end of her broadsword because he decided to bully the wrong person at prep school, and they put in a request with the mercenary guild. That is heavily implied in "I thought I was getting better" when Mumbo runs into the two of them and asks for advice about avians.

All the same, because of the exclusivity of her services and how much she charges for her hits, it kind of self-filters to the point where anyone she has on her list is never purely innocent...you end up with a number that large on your head while still being a totally innocent soul, after all...but if her client wants someone gone, she'll make it happen, all for the right fee.

[vulcan-bourbon]

writober 2023

Day 16 - Patron

Grian felt incredibly awkward being a freshman transfer in the middle of the school year. An unpleasant turn of fate in the form of the loss of accreditation of his own university and an emergency transfer to a completely unfamiliar (by all measures) educational institution forced him to catch extra weak attacks of anxiety that did not allow his brain to calm down.

And now he tiredly wandered along the corridor, looking for the right office, completely lost in the walls of this building. Everything could have been better if he had turned on his inner “social devils” and made friends even with the first one he came across, but due to the current situation, there was absolutely no strength and “spoons” for unnecessary social relationships.

Violet eyes, full of lack of sleep, glanced wearily at the vending machine. The taste of synthetic instant coffee automatically reflected on his lips; this is not the most pleasant drink, which he would prefer to drink exclusively for emergency purposes when he is broke. For example, unfortunately, now. Due to the unexpected relocation, as well as unexpected expenses, it was worth not spending much until a way out of this unpleasant financial hole was found.

But, as luck would have it, the vending machine itself stood at the entrance to the chain cafe from which came the pleasant aroma of freshly ground coffee, the knocking of the holder, and the pleasant sound of espresso, which could now be flowing in his body instead of blood.

Xelqua lets out a sad, quiet groan looking towards the intersection of the machine and the cafe at the same time.

- Hey, new guy, are you looking for something hotter? - He heard giggling next to him and, shaking his shoulders slightly, he automatically turned towards someone else’s voice.

Standing nearby was a thin guy with blue eyes and blue-blue hair that looked like fire when he moved slightly. He was a head taller than Grian, from which the feeling of his elevation clearly made itself felt. His strange dark clothes, reminiscent of a black thin raincoat, some kind of stupid turquoise sweater, pale skin and smile evoked the vibes of some villain from a comic book. The ones about super heroes...

- Suppose? - Grian said thoughtfully, drawing out the words and looking away from the guy towards the coffee shop and sighing heavily. — I doubt you can offer me anything interesting.

- And I think I can. To begin with, — the guy holds out his thin fingers stained with red and blue ink, — My name is Tango and I know that you are new here, I want to introduce you to our university.

— Grian, — Xelqua tries to grin in response, as if trying to inflate his worth and pretend that he is a self-sufficient adult guy and in general such an acquaintance for him is like rubbing two fingers on the asphalt.

- So, Grian, what about finding you a patron within these walls? - Tango giggles, lowering his palm and crossing his arms over his chest, smiling contentedly.

- Do you offer this to everyone? - Grian snorts quietly, looking at how self-confident Tango becomes before his eyes after such phrases.

- No, only such handsome handsome men. — Tango winks, making Xelqua try really hard not to blush. It's not often that such hot guys flirt with him.

- Oh, Tango. Let's buy me some coffee first, I refuse to flirt with my sleepy brain. - Grian jokes, nodding towards the machine gun. If he saves a couple of coins, it will be better.

- No problem. - Tango smiles contentedly, nodding towards the machine, but walking past it and heading towards the coffee shop.

- Hmm, Tango. I can get by with synthetic coffee.., — Xelqua says hesitantly, internally not believing that he can be treated to real coffee.

- Well, first of all, this is my friends’ coffee shop and I can buy a drink at cost. Secondly, I heard that sad sound that you made literally looking towards the coffee shop, well, and thirdly, I can’t afford to kiss someone’s lips that just touched artificial coffee. - Tango jokes, not hiding his laughter, - Okay, the last one was too much. I can simply afford to treat a person that I like coffee. How do you like that?

In just a few words, Tango managed to get upset at how stupid he was, to be touched by how cute he was, and almost roll his eyes at his cute nonsense.

-Are you always this stupid? - Grian snorts, hiding his smile and walking ahead of the guy into the cafe.

- No, only with such handsome guys who suffer from caffeine. You are the easiest victims. - Tango giggles, from which he immediately receives an elbow in the side from Grian, but sees how Xelqua is pleased with such stupidity, he only smiles guiltily. On the other hand, how else can you approach handsome strangers?

// I carefully remind you that еnglish is not my native language, I’m just learning and thank you for your understanding,,,,

[thescribeoflostmemories]

*coughs* Pants in kakegurui au with reader as a (personal) housepet

Let's say the only reason Pantalone is holding back himself is because you were his benefactor when he first arrived to the academy, losing to him on purpose so that he could pick some cash up for himself everytime it's fund collection time. Everyone knows this isn't some special treatment for him since you do it for everyone who's lacking in funds (for the student council's fund collection) but Pantalone on the other hand is like, *lol*(classic template, I'm sure yk what he does alr)

And pants being the sly bastard he is, uses the cash he won from you to gamble with others, slowly *leveling up* till he becomes the student council treasurer now.

Oh how he wishes he can just talk with you like the other students do but he's just so shy *lol more to insecure but it's ur call here* so when he heard the news you lost in a big game because you've been tricked by one of the students you tried to save, it's show time for Pants *lol*

He acts hella fast too, he won't give you the time to recover from your debts so boom, fund collection time, you are screwed big time.

now you are inevitably a housepet and Pants didn't waste time in trying to be your saviour *lol*, oh you should have noticed how he's the one who has been pulling strings behind your back. You are in fact, not a bad gambler so he ensures that no one will play with you. (The rest is your call)

But one scene I'd love to see (if possible) is probably Pantalone taking you in as his personal housepet (maybe reader lost their sanity by pants' sweet words and the fake security he gives reader) , while your status remains a housepet, the collar and leash on you definitely warns people to not toy with you unless they want to *lol* become one.

Classic and simple but hey, maybe you know a way to add spices :3 (tia *rolls*)

Silent Night

Original title: “Lord of the Night”, " Mine, Mine, Mine! “

Kakeguri Au

Yandere! Shy(?), soft (?) Gambler!Pantalone x house pet! Reader

(Songs listened to while writting: Stalker’s tango by autohearts, Something no everything is wrong by Madoka, whims of fate persona5, Elite four pokemon gen 5)

“Assuming both of them are teens, and mentions of alcohol and abuse of substance is present. But either way, Yandere isn’t a first choice for a healthy romance, not that I am judging by the way. Even if this reached 6,600 words, this work somehow feels so cheap in a way.”

- P of Li’mu

" Even if you have stayed true, the path one will take is ever treacherous and more despicable. Everyone has their own shadow to deal. And every Wiseman is a fool. “ - Scribe, The overseer of Li’mu.

—

“Where is she? It has been at least an hour!" Walking over to the young student who was supposed to be the overseer of the appointed match, they had just received the notification from their cell phone.

Your seventeenth attempt to grasp upon the reigns that taunted you so by the coined cruelty of your own carelessness.

“Where, is, she?" Repeating your statement like a revenant hungry for flesh, wanting the answer in your mind to be vanquished.

The word irked you further once you heard the nickname they associate with you. “Bonny, she backed–” the reasoning is more than enough to be furious, clenched fists pushed the ill-fortunate student away.

You then proceed to storm out of the common room, seeing Pantalone chatting with a student who had a yellow armband.

Hearing a hint of their conversation, “tell that jester, the appointment—” Hushing themselves once they noticed you.

" Ah, senpai, how was it?" His veracious ghost of a smile made present upon facing you. Waving a dismissive gesture at the schoolmate away, in which did so.

“ Fie. " Words came out more like a roaring sizzle of a fire, indication of another failed attempt.

“ Let’s get you home Senpai, I have some new clothes for you to try on. “ Without fear, he showed the paper bags that have the high end named brands.

At home, walking out of the curtains of the walk-in closet is you, grumbling. Even though it is your own abode, you are not sure how to feel about it now that the Regrator is a frequenter in your comfort zone.

" Are you comfortable with that? " Pantalone asks, shuffling the deck of cards in his hands seamlessly wedging the cards between the others. Eyes closed as he faced you, you who wears the gaudy pink punk-like aesthetic ensemble. All you need is bubble gum to complete the look of a rebellious teen.

“ I would not say uncomfortable but, " You sighed, putting on the fingerless leather gloves and flexing your hand. “ Still, wearing something like this, is borderline of the school’s dress code. ” You raised your concerns, the choice of style is seemingly at random. He knew you prefer a more lovely coloured hue hence he got the one you might ‘endure’ the most.

It's fishnet like hosiery, black leather boots. Dreamy coloured lower article, matching sleeveless top, loose jacket. You look far from being who you were before this whole mess. Especially that black lacy necklace you wear, adding a tiny cute bell to it. The purpose of it? He says it is the latest trend, not that you care about it.

Pantalone frowned a bit, and put away the deck of cards, " Sorry, but I have to atleast make you wear something like this. You know how they act if they know you aren't being treated like a 'housepet'." True, with all the false information circulating, you were sure Pantalone wouldn’t come out of his room for a while. Much like when news spread when your ownership fell to him.

You then sat down on the plush bed of yours, crossing your legs and arms facing him. Is there anything in this room that is not ‘gifted’ by him? The decor, the bedding, clothing—

Pantalone called out, suddenly, "You look so," The bespeckled young teen smiled shyly. “ Stunning in that." He continued his words, especially with how ‘tall and intimidating’ you were compared to him in those high boots.

“Pantalone, please," Another sigh escaped your lips as you looked at the pile of gifts you received from him. It doesn’t feel like a gift for some odd reason. But all of these were the things you found interesting and loved, like that latest game you wanted, or that stuff toy you were eying, even clothes for you to wear whenever he brings you to meetings or indulgent parties he was invited to. Perhaps he doesn’t want you to miss out on things he has?

Pushing up his eyeglasses that reflected a fragment of yourself on it. "You don't have to worry about that, you can repay me back, once you found an opponent that could spell out freedom." His signature thinly veiled smile that seems relaxed in your presence.

Adding to that he replied with, "You'll find them, because I trust that brain of yours to think up a plan." Him being the treasurer does give him some perks of possibly scraping a few zeroes into his name. But you knew he wouldn’t stoop to such a low blow, especially that he prefers a more ‘sophisticated’ approach.

You were about to ask him of that strange person earlier, though. Quickly silencing that trivial thought. It was not your place to question what a person entails, no matter how strange and unfamiliar they are.

“It is not easy to scout out opponents,” Given how much you were willing to bet. A meagre brooch that passed down to you as an heirloom is considered a mere child’s decoration to them. But to pawn it, and pay the compounded interest is not ideal.

“I would have thought others would think I would be easy prey to battle considering my connection to you. ” Another concerning thing is that he was recently promoted into the newly established circle called; ‘The Court’ as the ‘King of Coins’. With that kind of title, it would have garnered much attention to you as a chance of mooching off of him. But the juxtaposition of your initial plan, it might as well crumble to dust.

Eyes closed, as you tapped your finger against our arm, "Don't worry, you can just depend on me for now.” Pantalone gestures over to the basket woven object next to the bags of designer clothing,

" Come on now, I got some sandwiches and snacks. I even got a reserve space for us at Jovino’s.” It was almost like you could imagine him wagging his tail, if he has one that is. Opening your eyes just to face away from him with an aspirated expression.

“Pantalone, I appreciate that you would at least take this a tad seriously.” Voicing another concern of yours to him, it is not like a housepet to have a say against their owner. That is at least one thing that sets you apart from them, you are merely ill-stricken with fortune.

That seemed to make him frown, "What's so wrong in having a break once in a while, senpai?" He pouted, it is just so frustrating to see the cul-de-sac of your labour. “You do not have to push yourself," the Rex of earthly desires huffed, crossing his arms. Though, seemingly to understand your point.

Your last opponent, Miss Patisilinia, one of the somewhat richer students yet within your reach of having a higher chance for freedom, had stood you up at the last moment. Like the others who you challenged fell and failed to obtain the winds' breath. Choices thawing thinner and inconceivable each time you try. Treasured assets on hand were resorted to liquefying, thus transferring to the Regrator whenever you lost and he won it back for you. Sitting down on the bed, its plush memory foam sank from the weight.

You can't keep this up, especially the dripping pile of hallowed promises being shouldered by him. ‘Are you even productive enough that another person will have to sweep you off your feet?!’

"How long will this string of mishaps continue?" Pulling on your hair and throwing yourself back on the bed, you’re at wits end. This never ending cess pool game ping-pong of unpaid debt and loans are the heaviest burden of any gambler.

The investor of the hundreds if not dozens of assets under his keen watch tried to comfort you, “ Senpai, please–" Face softened, coming closer and leaning down on the bed next to you to place his gloved hand on your shoulder.

How vexing! To think he claimed himself as your Kohai…

Brushing him off, gently. Turning your back on him while still laying on the bed, mumbling in a low voice you said: "I, this is insufferable." Even though he hasn’t done anything to harm nor force you to do stuff for him, it is kind of him, compared to what others could force such repulsive commands they’ll give you. He does bring you along to his trips, meals, and seemingly keen on listening to your financial advice.

"You could find someone, you just haven't met them yet," Pantalone leaned his head on your side. “Wait a little longer okay, they’re just provoking you to lose your temper.” While that is true, you don’t have anything worthwhile anymore by that time comes.

Much like the previous school vice-president; Oscar, once a wealthy man now turned into a tumbling jester upon loss to one of the Court.

Your throat feels like someone is suffocating you.“How much do I owe you?” one-hundred and eighty-five school days since you were in liability. Those insulting names they called you; ‘Bonny this, Bonny that.’ You were not some sycophant to Pantalone.

Pantalone hesitates as he dictates the amount you lost and he gained. “Do you want me to put it in the journal for you?” You were never fond of putting things on paper. Though certainly grateful that he did not place a compounded interest rate on it nor ask anything much more.

Not even facing him and letting him lay on your side still, “No, no need.” Before you were turned into a house pet, he was a considerably casual gambler, in your eyes at least. Always hanging from the sidelines after you had taught him the ways of the school. Despite his accumulated ranks, he had much rather spend his time with you.

Always so aware of this growing affections, politely declining of his yearning grandiose amore so he would find another that would suit him.

“What am I going to do with you?” The bespeckled, inky haired lad sighed, sitting up from the bed knowing he might not be able to convince you to go on a picnic with him. Not in this state at least. “We really need to loosen you up a bit…” Adding that statement.

With a clenched fist that scrunched up the bedding, “I do not need rest, what I need are answers to solutions. I cannot just be idle,” Dismissive of his idea of being so still, being on standby only feasts upon the Damocles that hangs over you.

Muttering as well as honoring you, “Senpai.” Lazy eyes that stared back at him, realising the singed contemplation of his words.

“ My apologies, I was just–” you say, trying to retract your sentence.

His gloves hand gave pause. " It is understandable considering your position, but please, as for who I am now, I am responsible for your well being. So, please, just this once: humour me. " He pleaded, with softened stillness. Even with his plea, you know your answer to him out of contrite.

Lights erratically move, distasteful music thrums through the speakers of the dance room floor. Laughter of haughty, grim socialites made clear. This is not your forte; Abuse of substance, intimate comfort and loose tongue of conflict, it all reign supreme in the Jester’s playground.

Thanks to Pantalone for the early reservations, still wearing a similar attire from last week now lay resting behind the trinket curtains that poorly give privacy, one cascade down on one side. Sitting on the semi-circle couch with a table in the middle, across from you is a briefcase of his.

Then entered the beast that swaggered “ Are you having fun, Senpai? " Smiled Pantalone, holding a bottle of champagne in his hand and pouring himself a glass that uncomfortably sits at the edge of the rim.

Holding in your tongue that you clearly do not want it to spill over. Hesitant hands held the thin stem of the glass before your resenting gaze peered at the sparkling money that flowed into the clear oubliette, a reflection returned even the most boldest gaze.

Only the booming silence between you in this false box of seclusion remained evident, it is concerning to know that the annual after finals party that promises darkness for depraved emotions. Blaring lights of multi-colored dangers and intangible noises that pass in and out to the other ear. The bottle of champagne was then placed at the table in front of you.

“ Senpai, you do not need to be so, uptight." His posture mimics one of yours, before carefully taking your own glass by the rim from you to grab your attention to him.

“ I have no words, but reserved for any actual opponent. “ And stayed silent you did. Stewing with self-made rejection and tears to brood about your own misery.

The ever artful smile on his face is still, strobing light of pristine dread hit his face. He then hums and gives the gold coloured champagne back to you.

“Since the night is still so young, how about we entertain your idea of freedom?" Standing over you as he raised his glass.

There it is, that uneasiness that settles in your gut. Switching from alert thoughts to another.

Staring at the flute wine that he proposed the prospect of your world cage to be open.

“Look around you, Senpai. Everyone is having fun except you. “ his own cup that greedily has his ooze rest almost readily to the top, only taking careless, shy sips of it. Controlled hands that move so freely, making gestures to the people of the dance floor, not caring for the singular drop of extravagant affluence on to the ground from his prize.

“ I will allow you to let loose, just this once." Pushing up the lenses to properly rest on the bridge of his nose.

“Have some fun,” he pulled out from the suitcase of what seemed to be a stack of 1000 yen similar to a smooth brick and tossed it onto the low table in front of you.

“A gift from me, to help you get started." He hesitated for a brief moment, trying to find the right word to not put a blow on what little dignity you have left.

“Why?” What you gave is an incomplete and incorrect phrase, my dear, it should be—.

“Because: as your Kohai, companion, and fellow schoolmate. It is not wrong to find a supporting pillar of strength for a time.” He replied with confidence, swirling the almost overflowing champagne in his hand that it was held so absent-minded-ly that’s been tainted.

But before you could muster up the strength to phrase your concerns, he raised his free hand. “I am well aware that you do not take charity lightly, which is why I propose we play a game; once that you have found yourself in a predicament,” He then raised his transparent glass to you, your face seemed to blend with the ever bubbly liquid.

" I shall step in, now knowing this gambling world has too many variations for one such as yourself.” He spoke as if he already knew the outcome and already decided your fate in a mere glance—.

‘But this could be our only chance.’ Muttered Es, a lone quiet voice of your own mind that rivaled your own Ego Rex. Yet the darkness that slither up to your eyes of a shadow that mirrored you.

‘Take it and be permanent in a state, or never take it and be forever mournful?’ You and I knew what must be done.

Without a word, you hastily took the dough that was presented to you. Its grainy texture of bills felt like it was meant to be savored, every sliver of it.

“ Very good, now, if you excuse me.” He then makes a toast before swiftly and voraciously gulping it in one go of the liquid gold in his hand followed by a server in muted colors collecting the empty container from him.

“ I shall leave you to your hunt; enjoy the night, Senpai.” The ravenous bespeckled young man bid you farewell for now with a shy look on his closed eyed smile before waving and leaving with the briefcase in hand.

Instead of just waiting for some sod to take the initiative, to think you’d be your own worst enemy; the worst kind of parasite, an opportunist.

___________

“Three of a kind!"

How quickly the tables have turned. Earlier you were so desperate for a breath of relief. Underhand tactics are below you, even if it does give leverage. The Ego Rex does not approve of it.

“Flush!"

Gasping, you are running out of time, four hundred quib and it still isn’t enough to ensure your freedom that drown out by the singer from the speaker; ‘Keep your focus’

Cheating hands that tried to play you into their game, it was clear you were not here to entertain the folly they wanted.

“Pay up!" Yelling out against the voices of the masses that cooped in this dreary game edifice, Simply esurient!

‘Win it’

Coughing out the smoke that the people rolled in lavished mold, the scent is ever nauseous enough to choke on it. The giggles from the gaggle of salacious ladies cooed and comforted the loser from his loss.

‘Maybe lose it all.’

Another hour has passed as you look down at the total winnings you have. It was not enough to satiate the looming debt that chained you. Any slip ups are not allowed, once you do– well, let us hope we do not need to think of it much.

‘So we roll the die, see where it may fall’

From there you spotted a game of sic bo. Your mind tells you it is a simple game, but you knew better than to blindly leave it all to chance.

Nearby are the whispers of wealth; ‘—Oh, to have dreams that are of grandeur!’ ‘ One such as thine should we the (?) feast upon the nines.’ ‘A little wait is all you need—’

Just as you were about to leave, taking a single step, a certain person caught your eye.

‘ — spin the wheel, see whom it may call.’

It was Patisilinia..!

“You!" Stomping towards her, pushing aside the other loitering faceless. She was playing a card game with three other students who wore a similar outfit as hers. Your hand placed on her shoulder and forced her to look at you.

You could see her clearly. Ruffled long black hair that covered one side of her face, and that unnerving eye that stared back at you. Even after the school day, she still wears the school uniform so boldly, the only difference is that she has a gold earring hanging on her earlobe.

No words came out from Patisilinia, instead a young man with long red hair stepped forward.

“ If it isn’t Little Bonny, savant of the Elite King of pentacles. Enjoying the night of ” A young flirtatious, slick red haired man winked. The wild right eye seemed to be glittering with lucre trained on you.

You recognized him in an instant, they were the former Elite C. A. R. D.s that was dissolved, Oscar: Ci-devant vice-president, The Duke of Diamonds. But why, out of all the people you could have run into.

“Leave her alone, brother. We have no ill qualms with her." The person on the other seat said, they look similar to Oscar but with shorter and fluffier hair. His eyes are obscured by a metal masque, with only a hint of gold piercing through the eye slit. His apparel mimics those of impeccable discipline and emotion numbing obligation, the Regent of Cups, Justin.

What are the two C. A. R. D.s doing here? Especially playing with Patisilinia, To mock you even more? Or was this a trap laid by—

The Trampled stud raised his hand, “Funny you should say that brother, but we have every right to pick a fight with her. “ Deft finger dragged on the wooden border of the table as he walked over to you. Aggressively swipe off the dust using his finger off the table before pinching it off his skin. Not breaking eye contact with you for even a moment.

“How about a game, Miss Secretary?” He replied with a shy sly smile aimed toward you, " a little tit for tat, if you know what I mean.” The same finger he used to drag on the table is now slowly caressing your cheek on the backside.

Now is not the time for theatrics, pushing the red head away from you and giving him a stern look.

“You are overstepping the boundaries, warlock." Crossing my arms over my chest, the hint of chime from my choker sounded.

“No need to be so abrasive, dear. You’re just in time for a little, reunion.” It was clear that he was not appreciative of you appearing but, that inane grin he has indicated his intentions.

The dealer then walked in with a brand new deck of cards, it was way more than the standard bicycle was used. No, this was way taller and foreboding.

“ Let’s play a game, just like old times, Sweet-ums.” Taunted the one who used to be your closest companion. Grabbing the deck of new cards that seem to be a perfect fit in his hand.

With a huff, brushing past him. “ I don’t have time for this, Oscar.” You then grabbed Patisilinia’s wrist to drag her, but was stopped when Oscar grabbed the girl’s other hand.

" Up-up-up! She stays, the contract states; she has to complete her obligations.” He wagged his free finger with such smugness.

“Bullshit" replied you, who knew you couldn’t do anything for her now. Just as helpless as you were to the whims of stringed strangers.

“ Read the terms and conditions, funny Bonny! " Oscar laughed. " Now, let go, former equerry. The boss has more than one query." A single tug on your fellow teen made you let go, you could see her staring back so longingly as he dragged her back to the gambling table.

‘Another one lured into the sweet promises of untold glimmer of joy, little servant.

They never change, neither did you.

“Release her, now, Duke." His steps were stopped once you made your move, humming in mild curiosity.

“Come back to your senses, did ya?"

Justin took a step forward, a small frown made present, " Savant, you do not have to humor my brother’s antics, it is all just a mere jest to him. Turn away and continue your hunt.” Yet despite that, perhaps that is why you decided to step up against them.

“Save it, Jush. Perhaps we could make a deal with the one who raised their sword.” The smile upon Oscar’s visage rises this familiar trepidation. Once fearful now the every fiber in you, yearns to gnaw at him using primal discomfort.

Just as you were about to pounce at the short red haired ‘Duke’. “ What is it that you desire, little Scintillating friend? '' Oscar suddenly asked, as if the world went dim, spotlights aimed, leading all eyes upon the sou of a soul!

Dry lips parted to speak,“ My freedom. ” You wanted to graduate from this hell hole, though you didn’t expect his next words.

“ You’ll have it then. “ He said nonchalantly, of course, you aren’t stupid. It reeks with foul intentions.

" What’s your plan, Oscar? " Your eyes then darted around from him to various spots around the room, even upon the dealer and on the poor student.

“ Can’t an old friend help another? “ Scoffing at his words, knowing he wouldn’t do it for no real reason, and friends are no exemption.

He then suddenly added, " Well, if you are that negative about me, how about this? ” Oscar then walked back toward the table and made a hand gesture. " Round one is on me, and round two: I’ll unshackle little itty bitty missy if you win. ” Pointing at the student who wears a bucket hat, she had not spoken since you entered the room.

The sickly looking girl in school attire, you always knew everyone in the school. And yet that student with the yellow arm band eludes your watchful eye.

Even though you have no obligation, and you were about to gamble with her earlier. Still you stood up for her, somehow. Perhaps, it was by fate that you wanted her to be bound to you, as you were to Pantalone? What maddening sadism came over to you?

Oscar gave the deck to the dealer with gentle ease." You do know how to play our favorite, right? " The red haired and vocal socialite asked, and you responded with a nod.

" Excellent! Let the stage, begin. ” Both players then drew a card from the darken dealer. Tired eyes beheld, three people holding their cups up in the air in celebration. I threw the card down on the table so they could see it as well.

From his side the Devil card of the major arcana was thrown, facing upside down. The chains that connected from its fist to the two sinful beings.

“ Lowest, go first. '' Oscar chuckled as the dealer collected the two cards quietly to begin the shuffle. Giving five cards to both of us.

The Lovers; A trump card! Queen of Swords, that could be of use as well later on a bid. Three of coins, ace of coins, and ten of coins. All three are useful to sacrifice until a good card comes up.

It was silent in the game room, the muffled sounds of the songstress could be heard ,

‘Give into temptation.’ As if!

The silent dealer spread a set of cards, revealing one of them.

“Call” You announced before pushing some chips and organized. Face turned unrelenting, tuning out most of the sounds and focused on the game and Oscar. But not before you have felt the eyes of a coyote staring down, watching your every move.

Fingers tapped against the table, as his own brother took his side beside Oscar just as always. “ How long will you last against me, or better yet, why didn’t you ask us for help? ” The ‘Duke’ asked.

The cards felt like they were moving too fast, the ticking of the clock sounded so loud even with all the chatter and debauched music playing. Skin touching the grooves of the linen card, as a set after the other were exchanged.

“ Was pride too much for you? ” he childishly tilted his head but then broke into a sly smile. “ Or was it— ” But you stopped him, if you weren't in a situation like this; a good wring of his neck would surely che—.

“ If you want to continue to gamble against me, I advise: you should keep that mouth of yours shut, Oscar. ” Silencing him, as you gave a side eye. Gripping the cards ever close to you.

“Pft, of course, of course,” He waved your words off.

It was a decent, fair, dead-honest trade. By the time you made your bid on the card the ‘first’ round had ended.

“Round two~” Oscar sighed, taking a sip of the sweating beverage next to him.

As the dealer gathered the cards once more, the short haired colleague spoke “ You were always the brave one. "

“ Perhaps that’s why so many leave mountains of love letters or do anything to be close to you.” He continues his words as he glances up at the card dealer who had their own austere expression, staring at the shuffling cards.

“Stop beating around the bush, you flaming-boy-band-cabaret.” You knew what he was going to do. All he speaks of is mere trickery.

“ You’re the center of everyone’s attention, why leave? “ You could see the green tint of his eyes scanning you up and down. Not a word was spoken as the line of fibery cards hit each other loudly.

Another five sets of cards unto the table in front of us.

‘You will win this…’

Empowering yourself with such flimsy words. As you recall your past victories, this gambling peer seems to be indulging your serious face.

Another somewhat alright hand that showed themselves, Justice, by the dealer. “ This feeling, I almost forgot these emotions… " Chuckled Oscar, twisted ecstasy displayed upon his face.

" Was it your heart, or is it just mine? “ What is he blubbering about? Is he trying to stall again?

Glancing back at your hand, reveals: Eight, nine, ten of swords, while the last two revealed to be seven of cups and king of swords…

No trump cards to play, seems like the king of swords is your only hope, if you played your cards right and bluff Oscar into folding, you could have a chance. ‘You could do this.’

‘Success so clearly in view, but is it merely a trick of the light?’

“Miss.”

Someone with a soft voice spoke. Looking beside you is Patisilinia, her hand is placed upon your shoulder. “ You do not have to do this, it’s alright. There is no need to prove anything to anyone. “ ‘The end waits, for the slightest lapse of concentration, afterall.’

Instead of being grateful for her words, the walls seem to whisper conspiracy in your ears. ‘ prove what? Is she one of them? She was suspiciously quiet earlier, she must be. ’ Keyed eyes glance up and down on her appearance, she is equally fretful and wrung out like a drenched shirt.

“ Do not talk like that as if you knew me for a long time, Patisilinia.” Such coldness of your response made the one eyed girl back off.

“Sorry, you just look really stressed and… “ Leaning closer to whisper; " That card guy, can you tell me about him? “

Looking at the plain looking man that wears a golden bow tie, eyes shadowed by their ruffled black hair. Even the smile is so lovingly, yet so evidently sinister.

Thoughts of what this could mean have entered. ‘Who is he?’, ‘do those two have a connection with him?’, ‘is this a ploy?’

This stirring agitation raises more alarms. Gripping onto the luxurious playing card granted more signs of edged awareness.

" Why don’t we switch it up a little? “ With a sly lazy grin, he tossed a cheque on the gambling table, a cashout that weighs more than your debt.

" All, or nothing. “ He added.

You had no money to pay back should you lose. “Bastard, spill it, this is your attempt to save face, isn’t it?! “ Pointing an accusation at him, to which he calmly and teasingly replied; “I have no idea what you’re talking about darling."

‘Self-Preservation is paramount at all costs!’

Refusing to show even a hint of woe, you have failed to realize that there are more than the people in the room who are staring at you.

“ I won’t let the battle end your way, coward! “ You have no idea what is up his sleeves, though for sure it isn’t pleasant.

Hasty gaze placed upon the cards you’ve held. There is no point in integrity if the opponent has no respect!

‘in this decrepit tomb of refined fashion.’

With grit teeth, and rekindled blade. Despite of Ego Rex had said, securing the win is more important than being sorry and ended up with even more trouble.

‘Come on, let's just enjoy the spice// (Of) Life and feel so free//’

Vision slightly blurry for a moment as you heard the songstress’ words. Fueling you to push onward to a better possibility. Though, it is most probably why they prefer this kind of masquerade.

“ This Someone has not rusted yet. " The Dealer mused, as he began to shuffle the cards with ease.

With using every trick you have accumulated over your days as a normal student. It was going relatively well, until you noticed your points are slowly building up compared to Oscar.

“Hoho, surely this will be our very best bet.” Chuckled Oscar, though him speaking like that makes you feel on edge.

—

In a fit of illusioned madness, everything seems to blend and melt once Oscar prompts his arm on the table, revealing his conniving smile.

You should have known that being so wily and clever, deceiving and swindling never ever makes a person so clever. Was this, who you truly are? The scummiest of all gamblers.

“Save your dignity, little Bonny." Hearing the chair being scraped against the floor caused you to stand up and look at the hulking figure of the Captain that followed the wealthy student Regrator.

You tried to follow suit in an attempt at pulling the ‘bodyguard’ of Pantalone. “Capitano— wait!” you cried out, disregarding tugging on to his arm and silky clothes, " Don’t tell Pantalone! Please!" Tears escaping your eyes as it all happened so fast that you couldn’t process what just happened.

“My apologies, but he is already here." Eyes widen as you see Pantalone, opening his briefcase from the entrance of the room. In one swing, an unfathomable amount of paper bills began to shower everyone in raining crisp geld.

" I’m disappointed, Senpai. I told you if you were in a bind, I wouldn’t mind that I have to help you out. “ No, that’s not the look of a stymied person.

" Let us fully relax, and relish all of these! " His voice seems so primal yet refined, as if his inner demons were being satiated by the act he had committed. Followed up with a wave of his other hand to catch a wad of bills to fan himself.

“Capitano, please help me!" Backing away from the affluent stud and begging at the bodyguard to help.

He stayed silent, making the alarm in your mind blaring. Facing the three you were just with.

“Oscar! Justin! Pastilinia, Please! “ The more you tried to scream out the three would answer you the same. Attempts to move closer failed.

" What isn’t real, could never fade. I truly enjoyed your performances, Regrator, Captain, and of course you as well dear little Servant." The dealer smiled and waved so cheekily.

" Pastilinia! “ Screeching out, anxiety from the realistic danger turned aggressive. Dilated eyes focused on the one eyed girl before you heard a soft click.

" Huh… ? " Moving your gead slightly to see the ever twinkling face of the Regrator just over your shoulder. Not realizing he had let go of the fan money and briefcase to attach a leather leash that’s wrapped around his other fist.

“Dearest Senpai. You haven’t forgotten our promise do you?" Breaking away from his space.

" I can still win! I just need a little bit more time. “ he tugged on the leather to pull you back, making you gag and move closer to him. “Right, Pastilinia!?"

When you realized that your bargains no longer reach his ears, “ How could you?! “ Your aggressive tendencies became apparent as hands reaching out for the sickly girl and the rest that basically sold you out to lash out on.

“ I’m sorry but the Jester promises us happiness as well.” Pastilinia replied softly.

Justine scoffed, " a fistful of happiness more like."

“ SCREW YOU! " You roared as you tried to go over to the three but somehow Pantalone managed to get a good grip on the string to drag you away

“Now, now, we don’t threaten a stranger with a good time, Senpai." No matter how many times you hear him say that, it is always so unnerving.

On your knees and clawing at the carpeted floor, you would have held tightly onto if it weren’t for the money he spilled earlier to make it even more difficult. “ Please, have mercy Sire, Pantalone, Regrator.” Never in your life would you think of being seen this pathetic, infront of your old friends at least.

As a last ditch to hold on to, " MASTER!!!" You screamed that held so much vile emotions into the night. In hopes of making out of this treacherous cage alive.

He once dreamed in the dark for the most part, and now, it is your turn little pet.

Bonus cutscene:

Pantalone truly did wanted to be the one to save the day, yet you did not have a say in what he trade away. He waited for this moment ever since his first day in this academy.

“That’s not how you do that." He chuckled as he moved over to you so he could aid you in putting the clothes on, well more like a jewelry thats running across your body like a sash it doesn’t even conceal anything. It felt cold to the touch, making you shiver.

Pantalone steps back to admire the model that wore nothing but gold jewelry on the bed.

Of course, you felt shame that you tried to cover your chest and hid your lower parts using the blanket. No matter what you did, all it does is add more tease for him to unwrap.

After a glance at the name wheel, he smiled before picking up wrapped candy and putting it in his mouth.

This bewilders you until he pressed his lips against yours, passing the hard peice of candy to you. It tasted chokingly sweet yet sour at the same time.

Tongues twirled and swirled around the hard candy, making loud wet squelches.

He moaned as he lean closer to enjoy it further until you were almost going to fall backwards on the bed if you haven’t clung to his clothes.

With one last push, he successfully laid you on the bed, making the gold on your body made satisfying clinks.

“Be a good girl, for master~" he tugged on the leash, rolling up into his fist.

Confused on what he wanted you to do, you only gave a whine. Though afraid if you pissed him off again.

" Down here, Sweet.”

He purred as he pull down his trousers revealing his shaft.

" It’s alright, take it slow.. be careful.” He guided you closer that his free hand is gripping your hair.

“Be… mindful.” He thrusted into your mouth, letting out soft grunts and moans.

The jingle of the gold pieces on your body sound whenever you and him made skin-on-skin contact.

“Af… after this… you.. you got .. puzzle… solve.. “ Bated breath, Pantalone reminded you of the tast he given you. Though it was an excuse to get behind you and do unspeakable things.

Hints of tears began to appear on your eyes as you felt his tip poking down your throat. You wanted to speak, but all you could do is suck on this one-eyed snake.

The night is only half eaten afterall.

[teruthecreator]

Mingus.

AND IIIII GET A LITTLE BIT MINGUS KHAN DONT WANT YOU TO GET IT ON WITH NOBODY ELSE BUT MINGUS. WITH NOBODY ELSE BUT MINGUS KINGUS

Sexuality Headcanon:

i dont really think about this too much but she has a bit of bisexual slay i think

Gender Headcanon:

cis woman for sure tho she could have a bit of agender slay if she wanted

A ship I have with said character:

now this is gonna seem like a big surprise to everyone, I Know, but i REALLY like normingus. i think about these two CONSTANTLY like something well and truly sinister has taken over my brain and reduced me down to a child slamming two barbies together like “theyre kissing theyre kissing” like its bad for me. god just like. the flavors of normingus you can have. the bitter rivals/enemies to reluctant friends to lovers pipeline is real and it lives in my heart. truly and honestly i think they are an untapped well of potential EVEN OUTSIDE OF JUST STRAIGHT UP SHIPPING THEM. i think their dynamics of being like two sides of the same coin when it comes to callum is super interesting, and theorizing on how they both could grow and change as people post ch3 is super fun to do bc like. they both have been given a second chance at life, how will they use it? also there’s the fact that mingus hires norm on and finally has a reliant employee other than tango. the kind of bond these two could forge even outside of a romantic sense is really cool and i wish more people touched on it!!!! tho of course i Do still rlly like them in a romantic context im ngl, and i Also wish people explored this dynamic more. but In General i think norm and mingus are an untapped well of potential!!!!!!!!!!! and i have literally TOO MANY fic ideas revolving them it’s actual insanity

A BROTP I have with said character:

mingus and tango have a dynamic that im EXTREMELY fond of, partially by my own doing. i think the like begrudging (on mingus’ end) friendship they have is so special. like tango is just an employee but he’s also been at mingus’ side for the longest time and is probably the one person she can trust to back her up if shit goes awry. but GOD FORBID if you ever told tango that he would start giggling and kicking his feet like fucking spongebob and you’d never hear the end of it. so mingus has to keep him at arms length even though i think she genuinely sees some parts of herself in him and wants to encourage him to thrive. in a suuuuuuper post canon world, when mingus eventually steps down as mayor, i think she fully endorses and encourages tango to run in her stead. a passing of the torch, in a way, and tango takes the endorsement VERY personally like i think he’d start bawling and hug her so tight and mingus would reluctantly return the embrace. god they’re just so silly you guys

A NOTP I have with said character:

i have yet to see a ship with mingus that has genuinely made me scratch my head so uh. nothing for here!

A random headcanon:

this is kind of random and i touch on it in tryt, but i think she collects knickknacks (specifically novelty snowglobes but also other things). i think her office in town hall is very deliberately kept very sterile and like. devoid of personal affectations because she is trying to maintain an Image there. but her house is a different fuckin story. i think callum probably started collecting novelty snowglobes and mingus just noticed how her house growing up was full of them, and eventually when her dad died and she was given the house back she just. continued callums collection. started bidding for super expensive ones on ebay and going out of her way to find antique stores with little knickknacks from her pawpaws time. i think it would be a kind of private joy for her, to have this ongoing collection of Things some of which connect her with her pawpaw, and something she would NEVER dare show another soul. that is, until she starts making friends and having people over and everyone can realize how much of an oddball she truly is <3

General Opinion over said character:

guys i really fucking like mingus. mingus is FASCINATING as a character like she takes herself so seriously and yet is So Ridiculous it’s really funny. and just her whole motivations and her perspective on life and her grandfather it all just makes me wanna tear at the walls and scream and cry. genuinely the first time i played through chapter 3, mingus’ monologue at the end brought tears to my eyes bc i resonated with her longing on such a level it like. it really put her into perspective for me. and since then i’ve just become more and more fond of her like ohhhhhhhhhhh i love her guys. i really do. mingus kingus forevar and evar

[enpr-ss]

3 HOURS!!!! LETS GOOOOOOOO

“That guy’s in a funny spot…. And yet I’m not laughing” etho pls

Him jumping off the stairs to dodge being trapped by 2 ravagers is just so cool. And then he enters level 3 and it’s pathetic tiny slime man again. “I wanna go homeeeee”. He’s so panicked in the dripstone it’s great. HOW DID HE DODGE BETWEEN THREE VEXES AND A RAVAGER AND EVOKER TEETH OH MY GOD. he can’t make the chain parkour when it’s not going LOL. and then he gets help from Pearl to do parkour! Everyone is an etho girl. All that and he dies to a vex.

The audacity to call Gem a chihuahua when he started it and the one who shakes like a little dog.

That’s an interesting strategy of also considering the slots the cards take up. Never thought of it that way before. That one should swap commons for rares makes sense obviously, but the way explained it! What a gamer.

BRO HE TRUSTED THAT CARPET BLOCKER SO MUCH!!! such a greedy boi. He has his loot path READY. so far he seems to be more scared of level 1 than of Willie. The shaky cam is REAL. DOUBLE REPAIR KIT HOLY!!!!! THE DUNGEON LOVES HIM. 3 EMBERS 2 CROWNS 4 COINS!!!! Tango probably limited it to 1 repair kit a run because he’s etho-proofing it. He knows. HE’S LEAVING THE DUNGEON WITH LIKE 10 CLANK BLOCK!!!

I’m not surprised he’s willing to trade 4 tomes for bounding strides. Jump boost is no joke. Etho knows that any game breaking strats he employs is going to be nerfed. He is self aware. Mountain climbing ravagers are no joke.

What a greed run. Wide turns to get the treasure! Evasion + tome = “a failed rusty run”. this guy.

Speedrun!!! Server literally forcing etho not to be greedy. All that in 5 minutes.

“There’s no ravagers here” SIKE. I really like how he strategizes and really makes use of his deck and where the cards get deployed. Less shriekers in level 3 means a chance to build up clank block. Gotta go down to level 2 asap to trigger treasure and keys there. Lure the ravagers to create an exit path. OF COURSE ITS THE GEM OF GREATNESS THAT TROLLS HIM BY BEING ONE BLOCK OFF. HAHAHAHA. SECOND WIND CLUTCH!!! HAZARD BLOCK WITH A RAVAGER BUT IT MADE A DIFFERENCE ANYWAYS!! JUST BARELY MADE THE CHAIN PARKOUR!!! Rusty!!! 6 EMBERS 4 COINS AND A CROWN OH MY GOD. Noooo he missed the crown in the center! “We stumble and we run” “STUMBLE”. The Shaky Camera!!! “I don’t want to see Swagger right now if I see Swagger I’m going to cry” *Swagger pops up immediately* “nooooooo”

HE JUST BE JEDI MINDTRICKING THAT RAVAGER INTO THE ROOM!!! Hypno must be fuming right now. I cannot believe he jumped right over Willie’s head, got stuck, and still manages to swim to shore without getting a single hit. Cub is so sad right now. Etho always has a Strat for the worst case scenario of being hazard block (a hard learned lesson right there lol), and he’s so happy when the way is actually cleared for once. Dodging that ravager and then MOMENT OF CLARITY RIGHT BEFORE HE EXITS!!! The dungeon is taunting him and wants him to stay so bad. AND THEN SWAGGER IN THE SHOP!!!

So he WAS a honey doper and sus stew slurper. Your barrel betrays you Etho. Oof that was rough. Ravager wrangling on level 1 is hard sometimes. He gives fair deals!! And calls out ripoffs! And it still doesn’t work lol. Infrequent runners giving out shards for cards makes sense because they aren’t going to use those shards anyways and having fun in dungeon with better cards matters more lol.

Remember when Tango said that people would never hit treasure limit on level 1? Especially without getting a key? Etho and Hypno and Gem are laughing at his redstone right now. Etho badmouthing Sprint before reluctantly buying it and now he loves it. Etho explores ONE time and immediately gets punished and he vows to never make that mistake again. HE GOT SANDWICHED BY THE LEVEL 2 DOORS LOL. HE ETHOWALLED HIMSELF. And of course the shop continues to torment him with bounding strides and nimble looting. I think he made the right choice there; especially since his deck has so much clank block.

How does he always get sprint right before entering level 3?? Rigged. HE ALREADY MEMORIZED LEVEL 3 AND LURES WARDENS AROUND!!? DARES TO UNSHIFT WHILE BLINDED AND ITS RIGHT THERE?!?! HOW?!! ETHO MY MAN HOW ARE YOU DOING THIS?!?! And then he misses Willie right there. AND HE MAKES IT!!! EVEN WITH A CAMPING RAVAGER!!!

Gem is absolutely right. Tango would hide an egg in the spiders den.

HE DOES IT AGAIN!!! Sprint right before level 3, in and out in roughly a minute, loot and scoot speeding his escape. And now Rusty!! 3 embers, 3 coins, and 3 crowns. That’s a lot. And he talks to Rusty like he’s telling his wild stories too. Sprint might be op, especially for level 3. Maybe tango should consider either nerfing it, making it more expensive, or limiting which level it can play at. He got 10 crowns. That’s insane. I don’t think anyone has ever left with 10 crowns without finding an egg / egg loot.

Etho: this is a deck building phase…. Here are three very good cards that I could buy. Hmmm…

Etho: *buys 5 tomes*

Etho: *hands in 20 tomes*

I hate him so much why is he like this. I think sprint and a time would have been fine too. But yeah any of those cards would have been fantastic. AND HE CALLS GEM A TRYHARD IN THE CAKE ROOM. THIS LITTLE SHIT.

AND THEY ALL GANG UP TO BEAT HIM UP FOR TAKING SO LONG. HAHAHAHAAH. BEST MOMENT OF DECKED OUT RIGHT HERE. JUSTICE AND KARMA HAS BEEN SERVED. OH MY GOD. HE SEES GEM FIRST WITH HER SWORD BUT ITS BDUBS WHO PUNCHES HIM TO DEATH. YES. THIS IS SO SATISFYING. AND THEY STEAL HIS CROWNS AND CARDS.

Etho out here defending victims of scams and bad deals. First Cleo now Bdubs. And of course Bdubs voted armadillo when Etho specifically said not to. Gem’s a loyal ethogirl!!! That’s why she wants to beat him up so much. Etho on his rants. We love it. And then he just sets up Bdubs perfectly for Scar’s ravager jumpscare. Love that jump boost activated at the perfect time for that as well.

Wow that’s a lot of coins. Wished he didn’t cut him looping those ravagers though. And look he’s too scared to do the gem vine swing over the ravager in the spiders den. I’m really liking the crystal tings for level 3. It sounds so cool. Etho’s got level 3 down pat. Oh my god that bdubs track gave me a legit jumpscare. Was that tango messing around?? And I can’t believe that Etho maxed out the treasure for both levels. Of course he did. How does the shop always troll him with a card that literally just out of his reach.

That was a classic turn around the corner and BAM ravager jumpscare. Truly it is the spooky season this phase. Slime Etho!! Look at him go, looping wardens and finding the right spot somehow in all that blindness and tension. He got loot and scoot combined with bounding strides. And it got wasted because he was blinded and the warden was right there. The jump boost lasts for so long. The ravager wrangler is back at it! And he’s just there telling tales to Rusty as he waits for the loot to dispense. 2 coins, 4 embers, and 3 crowns!! Max Clank? We haven’t seen that for a while. YO THAT RAVAGER WAS RIGHT THERE HOW DID HE NOT SEE IT?!? HOW DID HE SURVIVE? Bro the redstone delay with the vexes saved his life right there. I CANNOT BELIEVE HE JUST CHARGED THROUGH RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE RAVAGER ON ONE HEART!!!! OH MY GOD. AND HE MAKES IT!!!! That shaky camera though.

Wait has Etho not died on level 3 yet? Omg he isn’t afraid to not perma-sneak. Look at him breaking the game again. The wild thing is that he found a parkour shortcut that many people had thought impossible previously. And of course jump boost occurs immediately after. His runs are just hilarious. I THOUGHT HE WAS ABOUT TO JUMP INTO LAVA HAHA. And what a perfect ending with the exact amount of frost embers needed to purchase suit up.

44 CROWNS!!! WHAT.

[inverted-flowers]

More hermits as deities!

I got very stuck on Impulse because I was so determined to do his... But well uh... yeah...

Bdubs: God of The Day

Good nights rest

Sunrise

Daytime

Horses

Enjoyable travel

Healing through rest

Safety at night

Symbolism:

Moss

Clocks

The sun

Horses

Sleep caps

Offerings:

Clocks, either working ones like pocket watches or fake art pieces

Blankets

Medicinal herbs

Lavender and other herbs associated/for calming and sleep

Notes: Followers would place shines in areas where they could get lots of sunshine. The most traditional spot would be in a bedroom window that gets lots of light.

Gem:

Feminine strength and power

Honesty

Self defense

Cottage life

Note: I only recently started watching her and honestly my poor health and lack of wifi is preventing me from watching most rn.. poor timing but I really wanted to include her because she's wonderful. Also she's rather Athena coded. Athena is a greek goddess of war who's also a patron goddess of craftsmen. I rest my case do I not?

Impulse:

Impulsiveness

Symbolism:

Yellow, gold, and black

Lower case i

Offerings:

Gold

Scar: God of The Trade

Trades and deals

Manipulation and verbal trickery

Facades

Aesthetic gardening

Beautiful trees

Symbolism:

Fae and vexes

Offerings:

Money

Snacks

Gardens and landscaping work

Notes: His typical worshippers could be traders, but especially those who work the land. Garden and field workers under the wealthy could be a particularly big group. Since typically fae are known for their twisting of words and also incredibly nature based, it's only right to include them.

Joel: God of Pride

Pride and bravado

Self awareness, shame, and false bravado

Sarcasm

Symbolism:

Lighting (I had to ok?)

Ogres

Offerings:

Notes: His followers are totally ubber secretive. Also I imagine that he's sort of a two sides to a coin type. In art maybe he's depicted as both an ogre and a man with green antenna. Which is used indicates which "side of the coin" is at play. I think there's a lot more to be included in his list too.

Tango: God of Ambition

Distractions

Intense focus

Mechinisms

Ambition

Passion, excitement, rage, and drive

Symbolism:

Red, icy blues for certain periods

Fire

Offerings:

Notes: Can I just jokingly say he's the god of adhd? Lord he was just about Impulse all over again in this process.

Xisuma: God of Music

Music and expression through it

Guidance

Community

Commitment (correct me, I'm not what you'd call an avid fan)

————

Overall notes:

I assume Cleo would be referred to as a diety instead of a god or goddess. When I inevitably start watching her content because oh my god a person who also uses they/them and another pronoun maybe I'll try to revisit this but I dunno if I'll remember lol. So if any who's a fan of their's had ideas please please share! I'm very curious of them!

I've also kinda broken it up into categories and I have more to add to this topic so I'm looking to do a post where I talk more about it! Feel free to join in when I do.

And just like last time, I'd love to hear other's ideas with this. If there's any gaps I left or people I haven't included, I welcome you to toss in your input. Even if you're just adding onto something that I didn't leave blank! I read all the ones people shared with the original post and it was lovely. Honestly I might explode because I still can't come up with much for Impulse so input would be greatly appreciated.

(Also I cannot believe I didn't include bdubs in the first post so I'm added him in here. How the heck did I not notice? He's the one I started with!)

Edit: it took me an embarrassingly long time to notice I didn't put the handful of ideas I had for Impulse down.

[scribbling-dragon]

Watcher’s Nest Café

Chapter 7

summary:

“I don't know,” Tango stands by the door, both drinks in hand as he waits for Jimmy to finish his conversation. He smiles at Scott when he catches his eye before looking away again, watching the people outside, on the street. “Maybe you will! How am I meant to know? I don't think you even know what you're gonna do half the time.”

“I’ll be there,” Scott settles a hand over the back of Jimmy’s hand, patting it a few times before pulling back again. When he looks up, Jimmy is regarding him with suspicion.

“I know where you live.”

“I am well aware.” He smiles at Jimmy’s frown deepening, bordering on the edge of a scowl.

“I have nothing against dragging you, kicking and screaming, out of your apartment.”

(ao3 link)

(masterpost)

(6,239 words)

super quick reminder that this is The Party Chapter- and there’s alcohol consumption! and they’re silly so they don’t do it entirely responsibly :]

“And you’ll be there?” Jimmy leans against the counter, on the opposite side than he normally is. He stares at Scott, watching him carefully. The tips jar is rather full today, the coins stacking up inside are just peeking over the edges of the label, well over halfway to being full. “Definitely?”

“Well, I'm not about to let the cider I bought go to waste, am I?”

“I don't know,” Tango stands by the door, both drinks in hand as he waits for Jimmy to finish his conversation. He smiles at Scott when he catches his eye before looking away again, watching the people outside, on the street. “Maybe you will! How am I meant to know? I don't think you even know what you're gonna do half the time.”

“I’ll be there,” Scott settles a hand over the back of Jimmy’s hand, patting it a few times before pulling back again. When he looks up, Jimmy is regarding him with suspicion.

“I know where you live.”

“I am well aware.” He smiles at Jimmy’s frown deepening, bordering on the edge of a scowl. “You show up uninvited every few days, it’s rather hard to forget.”

“I have nothing against dragging you, kicking and screaming, out of your apartment.”

“We’d both fall down the stairs and break our necks,” Scott notes. The café is quiet, with most students either in exams, sleeping off a hangover, or already preparing to go home for the holidays. The customers left behind are their regulars, or far too tired to listen to their conversation, so no one spares them a second glance. Tango glances back at them again, tail twisting behind him before it stills. “Knowing your luck.”

Jimmy does scowl then, face scrunching up and feathers ruffling.

“I’ll be there,” he promises, before Jimmy can say something else. “For now, I think there’s someone waiting for you,” he glances pointedly in Tango’s direction, “with two slowly cooling coffees.”

“Fine,” Jimmy pushes back from the counter. “I will bring other people to your apartment, and then they’ll know where you live.”

“The horror.” He replies, deadpan. “I’ll see you tonight.”

“Yeah,” Jimmy waves him goodbye as he leaves, already caught up in Tango again, the bell twinkling behind the pair. Tango tucks his nose into his scarf as soon as they leave, pulling his winter coat tighter around his shoulders. He looks like a middle-aged mother, with a coat that long. But Jimmy refuses to hear a word against it, quoting that Tango gets colder during winter than he normally does. Tango’s hair catches on fire on the regular, so Scott is less inclined to believe him.

His front bar is empty today, all of his friends abandoning him for some random thing or another. He tries not to feel too upset by their absence, reminding himself that it’s an unusually intense period of the year for them, even if most of it is already over. And he’s going to see them later anyway, so there’s no point in missing them.

He pointedly does not think about Martyn. He doesn't.

*

He’s never been to Grian’s house before, despite being friends with the man for several years. He knows he shares it with his sister and several of his friends, all of them living in different areas of the house. It’s not particularly big, but he vividly remembers Grian telling him how he thought one of his friends was dead because they didn't see him for two weeks. When he did find the friend, they were asleep in a wash basket. Scott learned not to question it. 

He’s heard more than enough rumours about the Zedaph character that pops up every now and again in the various stories he gets told. From what he’s gathered from other people (because he’s never actually met the guy- he’s doubtful that the guy even exists) the man is insane. He’s friends with Tango, apparently, and Jimmy sees him every now and then. Apparently he fell asleep on a lamp, once.

He barely has the opportunity to knock a second time before the door swings open and he almost smacks Grian in the face. Warmth and light spill out onto the street, a gust of warmth sweeping over him and beginning to thaw his frozen scales out. Then he’s being grabbed, manhandled through the door as though worried he’s going to turn tail and bolt. It’s so abrupt that he almost drops the drinks he brought with him, stumbling over the threshold of the house.

It’s still beyond him how Grian manages to afford this place, even with his host of odd roommates.

Grian bounces in place in front of him, giddy with excitement and beaming. It’s jarring, and Scott finds himself leaning slightly backwards, away from the energy Grian is exuding. His arms are being yanked up and down from the grip Grian still has on him, and it’s entirely possible that he’s just forgotten he’s holding onto Scott.

“Good evening,” he greets, allowing Grian to jerk his arms about in his excitement for a few moments longer before he carefully extracts himself from Grian’s grip. “Seems the party’s already started.”

“Started an hour ago,” Grian sounds breathless, and more than a little drunk already. “We were about to send out a search party for you, was drawing straws to decide who should be the one to drag you out.”

“I made my own way here just fine.” He scans over Grian again, taking in the slight flush of his face. “And I doubt any of you should have been out on the streets if you’re all like this.”

“We aren't,” Jimmy pokes his head around the doorway, leaning forward slightly with the weight of a clingy boyfriend. Scott’s seen the way the two cling to each other many times, especially when they were more in the habit of both coming to his apartment to hang out with him. He has to smother his laugh at the sight of Tango’s arms slowly tightening around Jimmy’s neck, legs wrapped around his waist. He looks like an oversized, flammable koala. He smothers his laugh by disguising it as a cough into the crook of his elbow. He does a pretty poor job of it, based on Jimmy’s responding glare

“You alright there?” He asks. Jimmy’s face scrunches up, nose wrinkling in irritation. “You seem a little…burdened.”

“We were drinking before everyone else got here,” Grian informs him, slinging an arm around his shoulders and pulling him down. Scott almost thinks he’s going to whisper in his ear, but when he speaks it’s closer to a shout. He has to fight not to wince and cringe away as Grian continues, “Just a little bit, and then a little bit turned into actually quite a bit, and then Tango was sad. Because Timmy wasn't here! And so we then had to wait, with a sad Tango, until Timmy arrived. And then we were all fine again!”

“Easy for you to say,” Tango grumbles. His tail sweeps across the floor, dragging over the carpeted entryway. Scott’s still in his winter coat, and it’s beginning to get too hot to wear it. But Grian also has a tight grip around his neck, and he knows the man did some kind of fighting classes as a kid. He’s not escaping this hold any time soon- at least not until Grian lets him go. “Your boyfriend is right there. You live in the same house as him.”

“Timmy also lives in the same house as you,” Grian frowns, taking a step forward, pulling Scott with him. “You share a room. You share a bed.”

“Oh my god!” Tango twists, releasing his hold on Jimmy. He almost slips to the floor, and Scott can see it now, the long drive to the nearest emergency room. Jimmy fumbles, but manages to keep him from that fate by grabbing him and holding him tight to his chest. Tango doesn't even seem to notice, more focused on trying to glare at Grian. Which seems to be taking some effort. “You can't just yell about that! What if there’s someone…homophobic.”

“There’s no one homophobic here,” Jimmy says. He pats Tango on the head, running a hand through his hair. Tango makes a huffing noise, sounding scarily like the street cat Scott befriended when he was twelve. But instead of hissing and lashing out, he just turns and wraps his arms around Jimmy’s neck again.

“How much did he have to drink?” He asks.

Jimmy makes a pained face, a small noise dying in the back of his throat before he speaks. “One shot of vodka.”

“He’s almost as bad as you, you were just made for each other.” He teases, voice light.

“Thanks, Scott.” Jimmy disappears back around the corner, back to whatever party is currently going on. It’s quieter than he expected it to be, but he can still hear the slight sounds of music from the next room over.

Grian doesn't release him, turning him around until they're face to face, until Grian’s face is inches away from his own.

“Careful,” he nudges Grian back an inch, until they don't look like they're about to kiss. “You're great and all, but I don't want to kiss you.”

“Ew,” Grian shoves him back another step, shaking his head. It loosens his grip just enough that Scott manages to slip free, pulling his coat off. “I don't wanna kiss you. I have a boyfriend.”

“I know.” He hangs his coat up beside the others, confident that it won't be stolen. Or at least not taken on purpose.

“I wanted to say something,” Grian stares at the floor for several long moments, and Scott waits. He’s curious about how much Grian’s had to drink, if he’s already drunk. And how much of a lightweight he is in comparison to Tango. “Oh! Yes!” He’s grinning again, pulling Scott closer. The curl of his lips does not fill Scott with confidence. “Martyn is here,” he whispers. Like it’s a secret.

“I know.” He whispers back, deciding to entertain Grian just this once. And uncertain of the sudden quiet that has descended over the entrance. “He invited me.”

“And?” Grian blinks up at him.

“And what?”

“What are you gonna do about him?” Grian nudges at him, grinning, still. “He’s been making eyes at you for weeks, and you're all he can talk about, when you're not there. You've got him obsessed, Mr. Smajor.”

“Still not my last name,”

“And until you give me a last name, that’s what it will remain.” Grian grins up at him. “Mr. Smajor.”

“Alright,” he carefully extracts himself from Grian’s hands (-didn't he already do this? When did Grian grab him again?). “Where d’you want the drinks?”

“In the kitchen,” Grian says, gesturing vaguely to the house ahead of him. Scott nods, smiling, like he definitely knows where he’s going. Apparently, it’s convincing enough, because Grian wanders back into the main room.

It leaves Scott in the entrance, clutching his box of drinks, and considering- actually, really, considering dropping the drinks off and then leaving again. He can at least say he came, then. He arrived at the party, and then left again. Maybe a bit earlier and quicker than everyone else expected, but he still upheld his end of the deal.

He sighs, pushing past that and ignoring the thoughts of a nice, peaceful evening at home. He wants to spend time with his friends, even if that means spending time in an unfamiliar place.

He pokes his head into the second room he comes across, relieved when he finds that it is indeed the kitchen he was looking for.

Xisuma looks up from where he’s stood, nodding in greeting before returning to his phone. It’s plugged in, and X leans over it, squinting at the screen as he brings it closer to his face.

“You're gonna damage your eyes like that,” he comments. He sets the drinks down on the counter, beside the other bottles of alcohol. Simply looking at the sheer amount of it makes his head pulse a little, a sharp spike behind his eye that makes him feel vaguely ill.

X hums, then looks up, blinking as he registers Scott’s words. “I already wear glasses, I can hardly damage them further.”

“Now,” Scott laughs, leaning back against the counter, “you say that, but I know someone that had to wear jam jars for glasses, the lenses were so thick.”

“Lens thinning exists for a reason,” X responds. He continues squinting at his phone. “I don't think this is legible anyway, the writing is just so…”

“Bad?” X nods, then volunteers the phone up, allowing Scott to peer at the…he’s not actually sure what he’s meant to be looking at, actually. “What is this?”

“God knows,” Xisuma sighs, taking the phone back. “I missed a few classes and thought I could get the notes off one of my classmates, but either they took this while running, or they simply hate me.”

“I doubt they hate you,” he says. It’s hard to imagine someone hating the man. He’s nice to everyone he speaks to, if not a little awkward. He’s good at managing the more eccentric habits of his friends, too, from what Scott’s heard. “You're, like, the nicest guy around.”

“Don't let Martyn hear you say that,” Xisuma comments, not even bothering to look up from his phone. “He might get jealous.”

Scott wishes, not for the first time in his life and definitely not for the last time, that the floor would simply open up and swallow him whole. Or some deity would take pity on him and smite him where he stands.

“You know about that?”

“All the Hermits do,” Xisuma glances up at him, before apparently giving up on deciphering whatever it is that his classmate sent to him and switching his phone off. “There’s a bet on it.”

He sighs. “I'm not actually surprised.”

“They haven't told Martyn yet, so I wouldn't worry.” Xisuma reassures, though he looks more amused by it than anything. “And Pearl remembered to wipe the whiteboard off as well,” he continues at Scott’s confused look. “It had all the bets on it and the timescales for when…yeah.”

“Thanks for telling me,”

“Not a problem,” X smiles. “You going through?”

“Probably should.” A cheer rises from the next room, alongside a few groans. He’s not sure what they're doing in there, but it’s definitely loud. X winces at the volume, muttering something about noise complaints. Scott would’ve thought that their neighbours would already be desensitised to the noise. “Reckon they'd drag me through otherwise.”

As though summoned by his words, Jimmy stumbles in through the doorway. Tango is suspiciously absent, no longer hanging from his neck like an overly emotional koala. Jimmy brightens up when he spots him, grinning from ear to ear and lunging towards him.

“C’mon!” He’s weirdly breathless, cheeks flushed and his hands are clammy when he grabs at Scott. He doesn't even give him a choice, dragging him through. Scott leans back against it for a moment, digging his heels in, before he realises that Jimmy is unaffected and is simply continuing to drag him from the kitchen.

He casts one last look back at Xisuma, trying to communicate his desperate need for help. Xisuma avoids his eyes, sipping at a drink he didn't have a moment ago.

Scott will remember that next time X arrives at the café tired and deprived of caffeine. He makes sure to communicate this in his glare, in the last few moments he spends before being dragged towards the crowd, even if Xisuma faces away from him. The man feels it anyway, he’s perceptive like that.

“Scott!” Several people cry out at once, some slurring their words more than others. Pearl looks pretty happy to see him, waving at him despite being only a few feet away from him. She seems to realise this a moment later as she flings herself across the distance, colliding with Scott harshly enough to send them both to the floor.

He thanks whoever bought this rug for cushioning their fall and making sure they don't end up in A&E.

“Pearl,” he pats her awkwardly on the head. She’s absolutely drunk. There’s no way she isn't, especially not with how she’s hugging him still, clinging on when she’d rather punch you in the arm than hug someone. Though she does seem to be attempting to break his ribs. Or at least crack a few.

When his clawing at her arms apparently gets desperate enough Cleo hauls her away with a laugh. Pearl doesn't seem to care too much, simply turning her affections onto the nearest limb. Which happens to be Cleo’s arm.

“Right,” he manages, once he no longer feels as though his lungs are going to collapse. “Clingy drunk. Forgot that.”

“Hard to forget when she uses you as a pillow most of the time.” Cleo shakes their arm around as they speak, giving up after a moment as Pearl seems content to cling onto them. “Honestly, it’s like none of them have ever had a drink before.”

“They're actually just like this,” he stands, brushing himself down, trying not to feel too self-conscious about what he’s wearing. It’s not something he’d normally wear, too long and flowy for what he does as a job- too prone for getting caught on various instruments or for someone to grab at. He smooths it down, dropping the hem when he realises he’s begun to pick at it. “It gets worse, I promise.”

“Don't say something like that,” Cleo groans. “It’s bad enough as it is. I'm surprised no one’s vomited on the carpet yet.”

“And no one’s going to!” Grian yells. He pops up from somewhere, looking particularly affronted at the thought that someone might be sick on the carpet. “Do you know how hard it was to clean last time?”

“Yes,” Cleo mutters, far too quiet for Grian to hear and obviously just for him. “He complained about it to anyone that would listen the entire time.”

“And you didn't help him?” He asks, voice straining as he tries not to laugh at Pearl. She’s managed to slip from Cleo’s arm, her grip loosening as she becomes far more interested in something else. Something that only she can see, apparently.

“He was the one that vomited on it last time.”

Scott laughs at that, because it feels appropriate to do, and because he’s not sure where the sudden tension had come from. He’s definitely grateful now that it’s managed to disappear, leaving him feeling a little looser and his ability to breathe restored.

Cleo grins after a moment, sharp and containing something that Scott doesn't at all like, actually. And why was he feeling relaxed in the first place? This whole thing is clearly just a ploy to stress him out as much as possible-

He turns to look where she’s looking, making extremely awkward eye contact with Martyn from across the room.

And, now. Scott prides himself on being very well put together all of the time. He remains unflappable in the face of things that flap other people. As such, he likes to think that he can remain very calm, even when everything else in him is definitely not calm. He can at least look like he’s feeling calm.

He flushes, turning back around. “I don't suppose you have a drink? Something strong?”

“Of course,” Cleo indulges him, handing a drink over. He only sniffs at it once, gets an eye-wateringly strong smell of alcohol from it, and decides that it’s good enough. “Wouldn't be a good friend otherwise, huh? Bit of liquid courage before you go get your man.”

“He’s not my man.” He’s pretty sure he just inhaled some of the drink, burning his throat as he coughs, shoulders shaking with the force. “What the hell, Cleo? Why?”

“Felt like it,” Cleo grins. “Go on, you've been hopelessly pining over him. We’d really love it if you two could get over yourselves and just kiss.”

“Ooh, yes,” Pearl lurches back to life, swaying unsteadily on her feet as she stands. She grins, wide and unabashed. Scott can see the relation between her and Grian, suddenly, as her eyes glint with mischief. “Go ooon, you know you wanna.” She nudges at him, which is actually more of a shove, and it almost sends the alcohol of unknown origin all over him.

He stumbles over his own feet - he’s had barely any alcohol yet, definitely not enough for him to be feeling weak-kneed and about as steady as someone on ice skates as he walks over to Martyn.

“Hi,” he clears his throat, averting his eyes. He can feel his face warming, hoping that the dim lights are enough to cover what is probably the embarrassingly red shade of his face. “Haven't seen you in a bit.”

“Yeah!” Martyn nods, he’s smiling, a hand raising to rub at the back of his head. “I've been busy, too busy to come see you, sorry about that- I mean, I wanted to come see you! I just didn't have the time, end of term and all, you know?”

“Yeah, I know.” He sips at the drink, “It’s fine, really, don't worry.”

(He ignores the way he had watched the empty seat- the seat he had begun to think of as Martyn’s seat. Which is ridiculous, really, because Cleo sits there. And Pix sits at the bar as well. But that seat was Martyn’s, for some stupid, ridiculous reason that Scott can't find it in himself to name.)

He looks up, then, catches Martyn’s eyes just as he looks at him. His cheeks are pink, flushed from the alcohol (and maybe something else? His traitorous mind murmurs) and his eyes shine oddly beneath the light. But not in a bad-odd way. But in a good way, because everything about Martyn is a little bit odd, but everything about him is good, as well. Good in a way that he finds himself struggling to grasp and understand.

The weight of his watch, sitting heavy in his pocket (always heavy, never light, constantly reminding him of its existence- but somehow heavier in this moment, as though something is twisting it, turning it, forcing it to dig into his heart) pulls him backwards. Pulls him out of the moment and he looks away again.

“I'm going outside,” he announces, though it’s far too quiet for anyone but him and one other to hear. “It’s too warm in here.” He pauses, looking back at Martyn again. He waits, one moment and then another. Allow himself a few extra seconds of hesitance for Martyn’s brain to catch up. The invitation sits between them, extended but unopened.

Martyn blinks. “Mind if I join you?”

He pretends to mull it over for a moment, eyes glancing downwards. Something about Martyn’s eyes are too heavy at the moment, the blue of them staring deep into him, as though they can see all the nasty little secrets he keeps squirrelled away in there. “Not at all.”

They walk as a pair back into the kitchen. Xisuma is gone, and his phone is too, charger left hanging from the port and off the counter. Scott tucks it back onto the countertop as Martyn wiggles the back door open, sliding it open.

The cold air rushes in, and Scott shivers, mulling it over for a moment longer before he steps outside. Frost-coated grass crunches beneath his feet, threatening to slip beneath his heel if he moves too fast.

He tips his drink back, finishing it off too quickly, but grateful for the warmth of it as it settles in his stomach and warms his throat. Martyn stomps his feet on the ground behind him, tucking himself deeper within his hoodie.

He sits down on the stone step, ignoring the way the cold seeps into him immediately. Ignores the way it makes his leg ache something fierce, the feeling springing back to life from where it had been soothed earlier by warmth and easiness.

Martyn sits beside him. Or, well. They sit against each other. They don't leave a gap between them, Martyn leaning against him and Scott leaning back into him, both of them holding the other up even though they aren't nearly drunk enough to need that yet.

Maybe getting drunk would be a good idea. Maybe he’d be lucky enough not to remember this in the morning if he fucks it up irreversibly. Maybe Martyn won't remember it either.

“Man,” Martyn laughs out into the cold air, breath condensing in front of him. “I'm way too drunk for this.”

“You're drunk?” He twists to face him, studying the man’s face and the flush on his cheeks - though that could just be the cold - and the dilation of his pupils. “I couldn't really tell.”

“Really?” Martyn sounds surprised. And a few of his letters stumble over each other, the word coming out half-slurred, and, alright, maybe he is a little drunk. Though Scott had failed to notice up until now.

“Really.” He confirms. “I thought you were as sober as me.”

“Doubt you're gonna be like that for much longer,” Martyn laughs. “You got Grian’s mystery mix from Cleo, right?”

“That’s what that was?” He gasps out. He’s had Grian’s mystery mix once before, and it was enough to make him miserable for three days straight, as well as swearing off ever trying it again. “No, you're kidding, I've got work tomorrow.”

“I'm sure no-one will be able to tell the difference, sunshine, you’ll greet them with the same smile as always.”

Scott shoves his shoulder into Martyn’s, sways with the motion as Martyn returns the favour. Sunshine. He tries to put his mind off the nickname, even with the affection Martyn puts behind it there’s nothing else to it. Nothing else that it means, even if his brain nudges and tries to convince him otherwise.

Martyn taps at his knee, light enough that it doesn't hurt, only sending a dull pulse through the joint. Scott glares at him for it anyway, shuffling his legs a little further out of reach.

“Sorry,” Martyn glances up at him, eyes wide and apologetic. “Don't…know why I did that.”

“Yeah you do,” Scott replies easily. “Just ask, I'm not gonna bite.”

“It seems like everyone else knows all about you,” Martyn says, sounding almost like he’s complaining as he leans a little further into Scott. His chin digs into Scott’s shoulder. “And I'm left wondering about the mystery that is the mysterious barista.”

“That’s because everyone else does know all about me,” the weight of Martyn against his side is oddly comforting. “We all went to secondary together. And those that didn't were around during my brief stint at the uni.”

“I feel like I'm intruding on something.” Martyn’s exhales a sigh, and the warmth of it brushes over the exposed skin of Scott’s neck. He fights not to shiver at the feeling, tucking his hands a little closer to himself, leather creaking as he folds his hands into tight balls. “But…there’s just something about you. I feel like I'm being drawn in- not that I'm opposed to that!” Martyn leans back, if only so he can look Scott in the face. They're close like this, almost nose-to-nose, and he would have to be stupid not to notice the way Martyn glances down at his lips. 

He ignores it. Ignores the flip of his stomach and the stutter of his heart. It doesn't mean anything, he tells himself. (But it could, his brain murmurs.)

Martyn continues. “Just, tell me something about yourself. Anything. It could be your favourite colour, I don't care.”

“And what would I get in return?” He asks, only half-teasing.

“I would answer any question you asked.” Martyn says. He sounds unusually solemn, something so far from the normal Martyn that it brings Scott to a halt.

“Alright,” he leans back on his hands, accepting the fact that he’s going to be frozen completely after this. Whatever this is right now will be worth whatever aching pain he gets tomorrow. “Lay it on me.”

“What’s your favourite colour?” Martyn asks immediately.

“Seriously?” He laughs into the cold air. “I thought you’d be a little more creative with your first question, but my favourite colour?”

“I know a few things,” Martyn leans closer to him. “You gotta warm someone up before you sweep in with the heart-stopping questions.” This close he can almost feel the warmth radiating off of the other man. The way the alcohol makes his eyes half-lidded and heavy. He really is drunker than Scott first thought. “So, favourite colour?”

“Cyan, easy.” He answers. “What’s your favourite colour?”

“Green.” Martyn glances down at himself. “Isn't it obvious?”

“I don't like to assume.”

“Alright.” Martyn thinks for a few moments, obviously considering his next question. “Do you have any family nearby?”

“No.” He answers immediately. “Moved away as soon as I turned eighteen, didn't look back.” It’s only half a lie. “You?”

Martyn’s eyes weigh heavy on him. Almost as heavy as the watch sewn into his breast pocket. He altered all of his clothes to have a small, invisible unless you're looking for it, pocket for him to keep the watch in.

“Yeah,” he says after a moment. “My mum lives nearby, take the train to go see her a few times every month.”

“That’s nice.” His words feel a little fuzzy, the world a little softer around the edges. A little more syrupy with how he moves through it.

“Your…leg,” Martyn says. “What’d you do to it?”

“Broke it,” he answers easily. It’s not something he’s ashamed of, but he doesn't mention it unless someone else brings it up, waiting to see if they even mention it. “I was a dumb kid and even more dumb when it came to handling the broken-ness of it. Didn't heal right, I don't think, but I never got it x-rayed after the cast came off, so…I dunno. It just hurts a lot.”

“Worse now?”

“You owe me two questions,” he says, then sighs. “Yeah, the cold doesn't help. Rain neither. Can feel the rain comin’ about an hour before it rolls in. Dunno why.”

“Lay your questions on me,” Martyn spreads his arms wide, as though asking Scott to aim for him.

“Ever break a bone?”

“No, but I did chop the end of my little finger off once,” he wiggles the finger for emphasis. “Got it sewn back on.”

“Why did you become a marine biologist? Or choose to study it?”

“I dunno,” Martyn’s head comes to a rest on his shoulder, hair tickling against his neck. It makes something warm bloom in Scott’s chest, something that he tries not to think too hard about in case it disappears. “I just realised, one day, that we didn't know much about the ocean, and that I wanted to be one of the people to find that stuff out.”

“Nice.”

“Why a barista?” Martyn asks. “You're not lacking in…anything really. So why choose a coffee shop?”

“Didn't know what else to do,” he shrugs. “I quit uni, left, and I was already working at the café. Grian was getting ready to leave, to focus more on his studies when it got harder and find another job more related to his field, and I was the perfect candidate for the next manager even if the boss hates me.”

“You're not the boss?” Martyn asks.

Scott lets the two questions in a row thing slide. “Nah, barely see him around, really. He just comes in every now and then to make sure everything’s runnin’ as it should be.”

“Huh.” Martyn says.

“Got a girlfriend?” He asks, before he can convince himself not to. Or even think through the question for longer than the words take to form in his brain.

Martyn shakes his head, hair brushing over his exposed skin. It shouldn't make him feel as charged as it does, electricity zipping down his spine and forcing him to sit up a little straighter. “Not since secondary school, but those were more just things for fun than anything serious.”

The silence stretches between them as Martyn looks for his next question. If Scott tilts his head just slightly to the side, aims his head just slightly downwards without jostling Martyn about too much, he can see the way his face scrunches as he thinks, brow furrowing as he stares at the frozen grass ahead of them.

“You ever dated anyone?”

“Jimmy,” he answers. “Two years before we realised that we preferred each other as friends.”

“And then he found Tango?”

“Yeah,” he smiles a little at the memory of Jimmy stumbling over his words as he attempted to describe Tango to him. “They're sweet together. They're good for each other.”

Martyn hums, the sound vibrating against his throat. He comes up empty, fishing for new questions, poking around in his brain for a few more moments as he tries to find something to ask Martyn. He comes up empty.

“I got nothing more for you,” he says. “All questions, gone. Evaporated directly outta my brain.”

“You know that’s a cause for concern, right?” Martyn asks, but there’s humour behind his words. “But…I’ve got one for you, if you’ll let me ask two in a row.”

“You've already done that.” He says. “Twice.”

“Have you ever thought about kissing someone?” Martyn asks, strangely breathless and pulling away from Scott slightly. It leaves him feeling bereft as the weight leaves him and more than a little cold as Martyn’s warmth goes with it. He turns to look at Martyn.

“Plenty of times.” He answers.

Martyn looks back up at him. And, maybe it’s terribly clichéd of him to say, but it’s almost like the stars themselves have been caught in his eyes; drowning in the deep abyss of water that seems to swim inside of Martyn’s eyes.

“And…me?” Martyn asks. “Have you ever thought about kissing me?”

“I-” his breath stutters, catching in his throat as the taste of alcohol sours on his tongue. Martyn’s eyes are hazy as he looks at him, slightly unfocused from whatever it was that he drank earlier. “What?”

Martyn withdraws, looking unusually subdued. “Sorry, sorry, dumb question. Let’s just forget this ever happened, yeah?”

“No.” He replies. Martyn looks back up at him, eyes wide. The stars seem to shine brighter inside of them. “You're drunk. I'm drunk. We’re both drunk. This- this isn't the time to be talking about stuff like this.”

“That’s not a no,” Martyn says. He looks dangerously hopeful. Scott probably looks the same.

“Ask me in the morning.” He decides. “If you still mean it, ask me in the morning.”

“Alright. I’ll ask you in the morning.” Martyn looks at him. “Because I do mean it.”

Scott can only hope that he does, because he’s not sure how his heart would cope otherwise.

*

He’s not sure when he fell asleep, only that Grian announced it was a free-for-all and tossed a bunch of pillows and blankets everywhere.

Him and Martyn had gone back inside when the cold got too much and the alcohol wasn't keeping them warm anymore. Cleo watched him from the corner of the room, nursing her own drink, but Scott didn't go to her and she didn't come any closer.

He wakes to the sound of his own phone alarm, blaring at him at an uncomfortably early time. It’s accompanied by the groans of several people as he struggles to turn it off. “Sorry,” he apologises to the room, swinging his legs off of the sofa he managed to claim for himself. Jimmy and Tango are curled up on the sofa opposite him, only a tail and tuft of hair poking out from beneath the blanket identifying it as them.

He steps carefully over the people strewn over the floor, wincing every time he has to put a little too much weight on his leg, shifting carefully from one foot to the other with a muffled hiss.

Xisuma is sat in the kitchen, and his brother is as well, both of them chatting quietly over a small breakfast. He’s only met X’s brother a few times, not enough times to even know his name, but he gives him a friendly smile anyway when the cereal is pushed towards him.

He waits for longer than he should, knowing that he’ll have to set up as people start to drift into the café. But he waits anyway, because if he waits Martyn might be awake before he leaves. And it’s a dumb thing to wait for and to hope for, but he waits anyway, picking at his cereal half-heartedly, thanking Xisuma when he passes him a couple of paracetamol.

When he’s leaving, everyone else is stirring, a few people sitting and chatting quietly in groups. Either trying to remember what it was that happened the previous night or simply complaining about their headaches.

Martyn is scrolling on his phone, the last Scott sees. He glances up as Scott pauses in the doorway, smiles at him before looking back to his phone.

Scott pulls his shoes on and tries not to feel like his heart is splintering apart in his chest.

(He only slightly succeeds.)