#Rp snippet

[angeart]

I like when you both keep adding to posts, yes pls keep getting carried away with things

Sick and exhausted Grian only seeing his options as death now or death later, give the poor birb some comfort T-T

-🎀

oh hello! i was about to get carried away again and add another bit there pff. but you can have it here.

and dw, scar is doing his best to provide grian with comfort <3 (it's the only thing he has left to give—)

here's another grian snippet:

Exhaustion is the only thing he feels with any remote semblance of coherency; everything else is pushed aside, dulled and veiled and numbingly just out of reach, tucked into unimportance even as feeble heat and staticky prickling continues pooling at Grian’s thigh. He doesn’t pay it any attention, the way he doesn’t pay his heavy, unmoving limbs any attention; it doesn’t quite feel like his, anyway. Nothing does.

Nothing but the soft fingertips pressed carefully against his skin, and the lips brushing his cheek. 

He thinks maybe that is his.

A quiet half-hum, half-coo escapes him at the gentle affection. He yearns to lean into it, to ask for more, but his body doesn’t listen. (Not his anymore.) (It belongs to pain and fatigue.) (It belongs to some spreading void, rot snaking its fingers through him, coaxing his organs to give up.) 

With a weak heart wishing for more, he remains limp in Scar’s hold, everything he has left completely entrusted into Scar’s care. The remnants of the fear are wolf-eyes shining in the dark, but Scar is his campfire, warm and protective, throwing  a shield of light at Grian’s surroundings, keeping dangers at bay. 

[painsandconfusion]

The Whispering Woods

I wrote a little thing showcasing one of my oc's magic in rp and she (Aris) made me write a song for it so idk enjoy is suppose

Aris takes a moment, minding the proper melody. Translating in her mind and adjusting as she can. The instruments in the corner seem to play themselves, the wood of the string rapping to a harmonic rhythm to set an eerie cadence as the woodwinds blow like literal wind, fogged and eerie and nearly toneless. Her hums create the rest of the soundscape. Finally, she beings to sing.

All good children know Of the whispers of dark Of the stories of shadows And the blood of the lark They know to stay put And to hide in their beds When the whispers of woods Creep inside their heads

As she speaks of the woods, golden plumes of trees sprout up from the ground, nearly unnoticeable at first until a person or two points them out. Slowly, throughout the song, they grow toward the ceiling, outlines only with the texture of bark like golden threads woven through the air

The trees grow the sweet words That cloud a man’s mind That coax him to come With his kin dragged behind Theyll creep in your ears And split through your skull Theyll carve you to pieces And pluck out your soul The woods, the woods, The whispering woods Won’t you lend them your softest ear? The woods, the woods, The whispering woods How can one man decide what to fear?

The trees are in full bloom now, leaves twisting through an invisible wind and fluttering around them in the darkness. A woman made of the same golden thread blooms to life as well - just in front of Aris. There's a single beam of light that follows as the young (quite young, perhaps 16) woman begins to spin and roam in a dance.

Pliana was kind The fairest of maids With the voice of the lark And songs in her head She’d roam yellow hills And tell all the tales Of the creatures she met Of blight, wind, and gale

Darkness grows and the notes and echoes enforce this. The face of a man peeks over one of the windows - far larger than life and taking up much of the wall like a projection. Like a chess master's angered ponderance from the viewpoint of the chess piece he's scrutinizing.

A sorcerer saw And wanted her song To cut out her throat And bottle it up Pliana ran fast U’til her feet blistered The sky fell to dark As she ran She ran She ran She ran to the whispers

Pliana's golden outline dives and skitters around the 'stage', dodging firey attacks that the sorcerer aims at her. Often losing her footing, she leaves her dropped flower basket behind to sprint toward the woods.

The woods, the woods, The whispering woods Won’t you lend them your softest ear? The woods, the woods, The whispering woods How can one man decide what to fear? No one had ran there For shelter before The woods knew of nothing But how to keep score They wrapped her in smoke And clad her in bark Let her sing through leaves And live in the dark

One of the trees has wrapped the sobbing girl into a hug, comforting her in the embrace. Slowly, So slowly, Bark forms around her, encapsulating her completely until she's one with the tree. The tree stands again, just as it was before.

The sorcerer plunged Through thicket of trees Snarling cruel words and Dark vows of defeat Yet he could not survive, Try as he would, The goddess of whispers, The scream of the woods

The sorcerer's scream is highlighted by something betwixt the screech of the violin and the cry of a human voice, floating the line between them effortlessly in a distant echo that backdrops the song rather than playing an active part in it. Slowly, the trees start to fade into darkness.

The woods, the woods, The whispering woods Won’t you lend them your softest ear? The woods, the woods, The whispering woods How can one man decide what to fear?

When the trees have faded completely, the only thing left is Aris still encapsulated in her glow. But even that has begun to fade. By the time the final note and the reverberations are completely gone, so too is the light. And they are left in darkness. Stillness. An eerie, cool peace.

[the-character-lounge]

Spinel finds his Special Jewel

Randy chuckled and without another word, went over to his duffel bag. “S- Sit down and c- cover your eyes. I w- want to draw out the suspense!” he chuckled and kept the black box hidden with his body as he opened his duffel bag up.

"Oh you're really going all out with this, it better be good." Spinel wagged his tail a little and sat down, covering his eyes with his hoof. He had a bit of a nervous looking smile on his face, anxious. He thought of this as a nice reward for today's achievements. His ears flicked, the only sign he was trying to figure out what Randy had by listening.

There was the zip of a duffel bag, and the shuffling of hooves on the floor. Then, even while his eyes were covered, he would’ve felt the presence of the ram standing in front of him. It was quiet for a moment. Then, the sound of a lid being removed from a box of some kind, and a light giggle. “.. O- Okay… y- you can look now.” When his hooves left his eyes, a gorgeous collar laced with silver chains and lined with rhinestones sat in a velvety black box, and Randy held it proudly in his hooves. “I- It would have c- come with fl- flowers and s- some cake.. b- but I d- didn’t get to g- go get those th- things before we g- got here.”

Spinel's back legs kicked a little from impatience, and his mouth screwed up in confusion when he heard a box. He slowly lowered his hooves, and instantly his eyes widened at the sight. He had to do a double take, and looked at Randy in disbelief, not thinking Randy the sort to get this kind of gift. He wanted to play it cool but he felt so flattered by it suddenly and a giggle escaped before he could stop it. He cleared his throat, slowly picking it up to observe it. "Wow, it's.. really all-out..."

Rnady sighed with relief and laughed. “I- I was so worried you w- wouldn’t.. l- like it. B- But Cai kn- knew what she was d- doing. Sh- She helped me p- pick it out for you.” He pointed to the stones on the collar. “A- And don’t worry about th- the rhinestones. Y- You can switch them o- out for any g- gems you want. A- At least, th- that’s what the st- store guy said.” He stared at the collar for a moment, before chuckling again. “.. I- I’ve never b- bought anything l- like this f- for any pony… b- but I um..” he started to blush, and he averted his gaze from Spinel. “.. I wanted t- to.. to buy you s- something special. S- Something th- that would pr- prove I will… u- um.. that I will.. t- take care of you.” He chuckled nervously, and stared down at the velvet lining of the box, feeling really coy and sheepish all of the sudden.

Spinel was examining the whole thing, and popped out one of the rhinestones after Randy explained, a look of fascination on his face. He put it back for the time being, and looked back up in surprise again. Very slowly, his face started to grow hot, considering Randy's words about 'taking care of' in relation to.. Well, a collar... After playing with the chains a little, he unfastened it, then gave Randy another curious look. "Should I put it on with a mirror...?"

“O- Oh, d- do you want t- to try it on now?” he asked, chuckling. “W- Well.. wh- why not? Y- You want t- to try it in the b- bathroom? O- Or is there an- another place w- with a mirror you w- want to try it on?” His tail wagged with excitement, wanting to put the collar on Spinel and see what it looked like.

"Of course I want to try it on now, it's fucking gorgeous!" he said a little too excitedly, his eyes positively lit up. He looked two steps short of getting a diamond ring at that point and eagerly hopped off the couch to bound off to the bathroom.

He chuckled and followed him in, letting Spinel get positioned in front of the mirror. He set the box down on the sink counter, and removed the collar very slowly. “You’re going t- to look stunning with this~” he said as he undid the strap. The bell jingled a bit as the collar opened up, and Randy stood up on his hind legs so that he would have the height to see. It was almost ceremonious how slow he brought the material up to Spinel’s neck, and slid the collar all the way across his neck until it completely wrapped around. He did the back up, keeping the collar snug but not tight around his neck. After he finished looping the strap through, he stared at Spinel in the mirror in awe. “.. I t- take that back. You make that collar look stunning love,” he whispered, his cheek pressed to Spinel’s. “.. wh- what do you th- think?”

Spinel's flush grew deeper each passing moment, and he found himself holding his breath. When he heard the snaps, he finally let that breath out with a silly little laugh, and held a hoof up to jingle the bell a little bit at the compliment. He gave Randy a pout, but it quickly turned to half lidded flirtation. "I think you're right~"

Randy softly touched his cheek, returning the gaze with a determined, confident look. “C- Consider this a pr- promise; th- that I will t- take care of you a- and protect you for as l- long as you desire. For as long as it takes. I w- won’t let an- any pony hurt you. And I will keep y- you safe.” He leaned closer, their lips almost touching. “I o- only have one small request c- concerning this promise. You must seal it with a kiss~” His eyes were calming and soft, and he waited for Spinel to make the first move. “S- So what do you s- say my love?”

The unicorn was staring in supposed slack-jawed wonder, feeling small suddenly. He touched the collar gently as Randy spoke, and it looked like he was having a really hard time accepting and believing his words. But he desperately wanted to. He really did. At the same time, he felt horribly ashamed that he needed protection, and his lip quivered when he could feel the warmth of Randy's lips so close to his own.

And he was frightened.

He was honest to god frightened to seal the deal, frightened that he'd be hurt and that it was all just a silly little pretend fantasy that would end the moment he wasn't good enough any more. And it didn't help that he'd noticed now how much Randy was saying 'love' now, and he wasn't sure what that meant. Were they... In a relationship now? A couple? When did that happen? Or was this where that decision was supposed to be made?

... But he wanted to be safe. And he wanted to believe there was a pony who would never abandon him. And if this was a contract to make sure of that, then... He closed his eyes and pushed forward in to a passionate kiss that was full of need, hesitance, perhaps desperation, and the way he pulled Randy in with his hooves was less about holding him and more about confirming he was real.

Maybe he didn't know what this meant, but as long as it meant Randy would want him and need him and never leave him, he almost didn't care what they were considered.

He smiled, and sighed softly through his nose. Spinel he.. he deserved to know that some pony cared about him enough to stay by his side. That there was some pony who wanted to protect him from the harshness of the world.. and from himself. The minute their lips touched, a rush of emotions caused his heart to race. There was satisfaction, and anxiety. Intense tenderness, and fear. Doubt, and determination.

Randy wanted this; he wanted to feel like he was doing something for some pony else for a change. He needed to feel selfless for a change. The irony of this being that he was doing something for some pony else in order to feel good himself… but was it selfish to want to be self-less?

Spinel was a project to be sure, but hell so was Randy. But this warmth in his chest he felt every time he was around him; every time he heard that laugh, or saw that smile, or felt his fur against his; it had to mean something.. right? It had to mean this was all worth it. And, things had been so great these past few days… he knew they couldn’t be an accurate reflection of how this thing would work out, but if felt like a glimpse into something greater. At least.. that was the hope.

As for what this was.. what the two of them were now, he had no idea himself. Things had moved along so quickly… he knew being a couple was certainly a leap. And he wouldn’t want to call what ‘this’ was a relationship without Spinel’s approval. He realized that what he had promised, and the gift given, were implications of something deeper than just ‘friends with benefits.’ But.. isn’t that where this was going? Wasn’t sooner better than later?

The ram’s lips tenderly left Spinel’s. His eyes slowly opened and he smiled calmly. “.. And y- you’re sure?” he asked in a hushed voice. “.. D- Do you.. h- have any um.. any concerns? S- Something y- you want to ask a- about or..” He chuckled and shrugged. “S- Sorry… I kn- know that’s… pr- probably a bit of a mood killer… b- but just w- want to talk n- now instead of f- fight l- later.”

Spinel's eyes were clouded by the end of the kiss, dazed and somehow in submission to whatever this was. It took a moment for the question to register, and he snapped back to reality with a quick mask of a pout and glare as his eyes darted off to a random object to the side. "Sure about ...what?"

“A- About.. um… th- this?” he said, his hoof gesturing between the two of them. “D- Do you.. have any concerns?” He rubbed the back of his own head nervously. “If.. if you’re worried about an- anything at all, w- we could talk about it now… i- if you want that is.”

Fuck. So this really was something bigger than just a gift. His breath caught in his throat. He didn't know what to do. He didn't know what Randy was asking or implying. His eyes locked back with Randy's in order to try and scan them, extract information, anything to make him feel less stupid and panicked than he felt now.

He didn't want to admit he had no idea what this was about, he just couldn't. "... Just keep doing your job."

“O- Oh..” his smile faded a bit, and he nodded. He was a bit disappointed that Spinel still felt like he couldn’t talk to him. It made Randy feel like he didn’t trust him enough to voice his concerns. But, Spinel was probably just as scared as he was about… well whatever this was. It would’ve been nice if Spinel had been the one to help clarify if they were in a relationship. Randy wasn’t comfortable setting the boundary because he had no idea if Spinel would like the boundaries he set. He forced a smile anyways, and kissed his nose lightly. “S- Sure.. n- no problem…”

"I fucked up, didn't I?" he asked bluntly suddenly. And that's where it all bubbled up and he couldn't contain it any more, he was definitely upset that he had no idea what was happening. "Why don't you just tell me when I fuck up okay? Then I don't have to feel like a fucking idiot all the time." He couldn't stop it. It felt good to be angry. Even though Randy just said he didn't want to fight, it was like everything was telling him to be defiant and do it anyways.

“I-.. Wh- What??” Randy recoiled slightly, and looked at him, confused at where that was coming from. Oh no.. no no no they weren’t going to fight were they? Not again, they couldn’t. Not now. Was this his fault? Had he not.. trusted Spinel enough? Maybe he really didn’t have any other opinions to voice. Had Randy been to suspicious? “… Y- You didn’t.. I’m s- so confused.”

"Then why did you look disappointed?! Don't start lying to me to make me feel better!" He backed up, anger and pain in his eyes. He didn't want to be this, but it just kept going and going, he was angry at himself the most for all of this. For not knowing what to do or say, and now for reacting like this, he was angry that he had to feel angry. He trembled from just how much the rage was starting to course through him. "What do you want from me, dammit?!"

“I just w- want you to n- not hold anything back. Y- You seem so c- confused about all of this.. a- ask questions li- like I ask questions. I w- want you to tell me wh- what confuses you, s- so I can help cl- clarify things you don’t u- understand.” He sighed and dropped back down to all fours. “And I d- don’t want us t- to fight.” He was honestly scared to death this was going to get worse, but he stayed as calm as possible.

"This whole thing- This whole thing is fucking confusing!" Seeing Randy calm... It made him feel stupid for being this mad. He took heavy breaths, paced around a bit, stomped, gave a few disgruntled grunts and growls, until eventually he just plopped himself in the tub, keeping his neck and head above the water of course so as not to damage the collar. He swayed a bit and grumbled, feeling too ashamed of himself to look at Randy. Pretending he couldn't see him looking so pathetic.

He sighed and came over to the water’s edge. Sitting on the edge of the tub, looking into the water, he spoke in a very soft voice. “Wh- What confuses you? Just go th- through each thing, a- and we can talk about it w- without getting into a y- yelling match.” There was a trusting look in his eyes as he turned his head to give Spinel his full attention.

Spinel tensed, guilt overpowering the rage now. He was just a big, angry, useless fuck up. He shook his head over and over, trying to find words, there was just too much he was confused over. "I don't know."

“.. I- I’ll ask questions,” he said as he very gingerly pet the back of his head. “.. Ar- Are you c- confused about… about the present?”

He breathed, focusing on the petting, giving Randy a timid, pensive stare. "I don't think so... You wanted to get me something nice, it's not like I haven't done the same for you multiple times." He paused, narrowing his eyes a little. "Right...?"

“W- Well.. yes of c- course. B- But it wasn’t.. just a present.” He continued to gently pet him. “.. I- It’s my w- way of s- saying I’ll take c- care of you… I gu- guess you can take that how you w- want.”

".. Take care of me how? You don't think I'm weak, do you...?" he bit his lip, backing up just a little bit from the touch. "I got this far on my own, why do I need to be taken care of? I don't... Understand..." His eyes wandered to the side. This wasn't at all like what happened whenever ponies said things like 'I'll take good care of you'.

“I d- don’t think you’re w- weak Spinel. Y- You’re very str- strong. Y- You’ve had to be st- strong to get wh- where you are.” He took his hoof away, sensing Spinel didn’t want to be petted anymore. Randy stared off, narrowing his eyes as he tried to collect his thoughts. “.. Wh- What I mean by ’t- take care of you’ is that.. I’ll always b- be there to comfort y- you, a- and keep you s- safe. T- To help explain th- things you don’t u- understand, and help you remember that stars glow even when the night i- is gone.” He softly dipped his hoof in the water, and swirled it around a bit. “.. S- So that’s wh- what I mean wh- when I say I w- want to ’t- take care’ of you..” He stared at the colored water and sighed.

"But you weren't going to do that if I didn't accept this gift? What makes it different now? Would you just... Not do it unless I-- I don't know, agreed to everything you asked me to do?" He breathed a little heavier, feeling panic rising again. "If I mess up would you stop?"

Randy smiled slightly, and shook his head. “No n- no.. Sp- Spinel..” He leaned down to eye level with him and smiled. “I w- would’ve wanted t- to protect y- you. Collar o- or no collar… I just th- thought it was a nice touch.” He chuckled very lightly and gave the bell a tiny jingle. “.. H- Honestly Sp- Spinel… y- you would h- have to h- hurt me s- so bad.. th- that I’d think you d- didn’t w- want me to b- be there for you anymore. You’d h- have to s- say or d- do something s- so… evil that I’d th- think you were telling me th- that ‘my j- job is over.’” He stared off again. “.. S- So, unless any of th- that were to happen, I w- won’t st- stop.”

He looked away a moment, flushing slightly at the bell being played with but trying to keep his focus on what was being said. "Well. Half the time, I have no fucking clue what will hurt you." He looked at him, paused, then laughed in that odd way that he had before. His eyes went cold, but there was the heat of anger lingering in them.

“If the things you like about me change, then you wont want me any more. Haha, and don't deny it either, that's exactly what happens. Every fucking time. I know from experience, from trying to lick everypony's assholes with a fake smile plastered on my fucking face. I was perfect for them, whoever they wanted me to be, but I guess that was never enough for the greedy pigs." He grinned sardonically, his tone picking up arrogance and nonchalance.

"So I figure, fuck everyone else's feelings. I'm not here to make them feel comfortable. It's about me, and I'm going to speak my mind so they know exactly who I am and if they hate me then at least I know they're not worth my fucking effort. And if they weren't worth my effort in the first place, I wont show them shit. I drop them as fast as I can.”

Now his expression became serious, and deep as he looked in Randy's eyes judgmentally and expectantly.

“... So what happens if I wind up not being who you want me to be, Randy...?”

Randy felt like his jaw was going to drop open. He had no idea that… was this why he got so angry? He swallowed and furrowed his brow, looking past Spinel to try and figure out what to say next. He felt himself growing anxious, and his hoof stirred the water a bit faster. When he felt like he had come to a solid point in his thinking, he took a deep breath. “.. T- To be h- honest?” he looked at him, but not in the eyes. He just studied Spinel’s face. “I- If that.. sc- scenario you described did happen… s- some things w- would probably change.. b- but y- you’re my fr- friend. And I w- would always c- care about y- you.. a- and care for you. E- Even if it wasn’t i- in the same way.” He took his hoof out of the water and examined the cracks along his frog. “B- But I d- don’t want that to happen. I don’t th- think that it ever will happen e- either. N- Not as l- long as w- we keep.. t- talking things o- out like we are n- now.” He set his hoof down on his own thigh and rubbed it softly. “A- And… And I’m hoping that y- you realize I’m d- different from th- the others… that I d- don’t want you t- to be something y- your not.” He looked into his eyes for just a moment. “I’m c- confident that th- the things I l- like about you w- won’t change… a- and as for who I w- want you to be? … I w- want you t- to be the s- same old beautiful self that burns brightly e- every day I see you. The wonderful y- you I know you are c- capable of b- being.”

"What do you mean 'the same way'? How do you care about me now?" he narrowed his eyes in confusion, biting his lip. He didn't know there were different types of care. His cheeks reddened a bit at the rest of Randy's words, and for some reason noticed he had very attractive eyes that he didn't really notice before because they used to be hiding behind those giant stupid glasses. He breathed and got ahold of himself, distracting his eyes by quickly clancing at Randy's ear spots instead, quietly counting them to keep himself from feeling... Flustered?

He cleared his throat softly. "Something felt really different about this gift. I feel like I missed something important."

He smiled and slipped into the tub with Spinel, kneeling between his legs and resting his hooves on his chest. “L- Let me see if I c- can help you u- understand wh- what’s different about this gift.. a- and how I c- care about you n- now~” He leaned forward, and gently kissed him, tilting his head just slightly to give him a bit more of an angle to suckle at his lips. As they kissed, his hooves slid up from Spinel’s chest to his collar, and pulled him closer. It wasn’t a forceful tug, but a very gentle and encouraging one. His eyes closed as he continued to hold the kiss, and a small smile formed at the corner of his mouth.

He blinked a moment, at first not sure how a kiss was going to explain anything since they'd kissed a million times by now. But then he felt the tug and suddenly he found himself melting from burning up. And his mind wandered back to what he saw in Randy's eyes, making the burning even hotter until he had his eyes closed in bliss while he longingly leaned in to the kiss. When the kiss lingered, he didn't escalate it. He simply toned it down and pulled back in silence, eyes slowly opening as if he were trying to squint at a light after waking up. And it clicked, making his mouth hang open slightly as he shakily whispered, "Agates... Like from the beaches, far far away..." A hoof slowly lifted to touch Randy's face, but then cautiously pulled back as if he were too fragile to touch, covering his mouth slightly in wonder. And he whispered once more, sounding completely in awe and disbelief, "You're my special jewel..."

Randy suddenly felt.. overwhelmed. Hearing those words come from Spinel… Was this really happening? He blinked a couple times, his cheeks burning brightly as he stared into his eyes. He didn’t know what to do. He wasn’t sure if he should kiss him, or hug him, or… or goodness was that an appropriate thing to do right now? No no of course not. This moment… this rare moment. It was too special for something as simple as sex. But he didn’t know what to do! The feeling in his chest… the warmth had grown into a raging fire. His whole body felt like it was.. melting into the water around them. He felt the butterflies in his stomach, and his heart raced and pounded. But.. he was completely speechless.

Spinel pulled his hooves close to himself, it looked like he was scared to touch Randy now. His face was still hot and his body felt weak suddenly, and the sheepony in front of him looked more and more fragile to touch. When he spoke, it sounded like he was in some sort of romantic daydream, like this was a moment he was secretly waiting for since he could first have dreams. "They don't need to be polished... Or shaped... Perfect just the way they are..."

Randy squeaked and covered his mouth. Holy shit was.. was he being poetic? It was such a turn of the tables, and Randy felt himself sinking into the water further and further. What.. what was happening? Was he.. were they… an agate? I- It sounded so beautiful… did Spinel really see him that way? His tail wiggled unconsciously, and he giggled quietly. “M- Me? P- Perfect? I- I don’t.. I don’t kn- know about… about that I-.. I’m just… um.. I mean… if that’s h- how…” He felt so hot in the tub, and even hotter as his eyes took in just how radiant and divine Spinel’s body was. “.. H- Hot,” he said, talking more about Spinel’s body than the temperature of the tub.. though it did feel like he was evaporating.

Spinel just stared at him, still in shock and drinking in the realization. His horn lit up, and Randy could hear rattling behind him as a decorative bowl as lifted and levitated over. It was a fairly mundane and common decoration that most really wouldn't notice or at least they wouldn't think anything of it beyond it being a common knick-knack. But, considering the rest of Spinel's belongings, one might realize it seemed out of place in comparison to all the expensive items that decorated everything else. In fact, he had quite a few of these bowls set out throughout the suite, looking like simple accents to the rooms to make things look more symmetrical. When the bowl was brought in front of Randy he nudged it forward against him. It was full of differently colored beach agates, though this particular bowl had an assortment of white, cream, clear, and golds ranging from brown tones to orange. He gave it one more little shake and smiled kind of... Dorkily to be honest, and nodded encouragingly. "Go on, look for one that matches. I know there's one in there."

Randy adjusted his glasses, but stayed staring at Spinel for a minute. He didn’t know if he was being serious at first, but the encouraging nod made him look down into the bowl, and his eyes glistened from the reflection of the stones. He looked back up at Spinel one more time, before searching around inside the bowl. He removed a stone small enough to fit in his hoof, and he studied the rippling colors in awe. A rich, rigid red rippled out towards the edges, with marble white echoes reflecting movement frozen in time. He swallowed nervously, and turned the stone over in his hooves, admiring its beauty and wonder. B- But.. this wasn’t who he was… was it? If Spinel.. some pony who had the harshest judgement of character he had ever known, s- said he was as beautiful and perfect as this stone… then did that make it true? Was he agate beautiful?

Spinel watched him a bit excitedly as he sifted through the bowl, and when he seemed to have chosen one he put the bowl back and suddenly hugged Randy tightly. It just felt like that was what he was supposed to do. But, while the hug was tight, it seemed frail and just slightly had him shaking as he whispered in slight fear, "Don't let me drop you. Don't crack."

Randy was caught off guard, and almost dropped the stone. But he held it tightly in his hoof, and hugged Spinel back slowly. He nodded, and tenderly kissed the side of his neck. “As l- long as we h- have stars and clovers.. I’ll be st- strong… and I’ll never break.” He rubbed his back, and kissed his shoulder before burying his cheek into the side of the collar.

[lking-creation-hub]

Honestly, [Were-Character] wasn't entirely sure what happened. Just that he had seen something, and it had made something snap in him. And then there was ripping and tearing - his own skin at first, from the speed of his shift, and then the flesh of something else.

[agilneanrose]

Rosemarri set her hands on the ledge and leaned. Heavy curls that had yet to be bulled into any style trickled forward to curtain her shoulders and dance mid-air. There he was! The sneak. “Mister Greer..” She called, his name burdened with laughter. “You waste your coin on a runner when you are already here?” She huffed loudly, a little shake of her head given. “I do not have a sitting room and only have one shoe..” Her voice trailed off and a frown tugged to life - was she bellowing out of an inn window like a hooker? Titans she was.

@burrichgreer - Rp snippet mention

[thedarkstar-ffxiv]

There she stood. Screaming at me with every ounce of strength left in her body. Tears streaming down her flushed cheeks and all I could do was stand there. Staring at such a painful express but mine never changed. This made her even more angry. Angry with me. “How can you stand there like nothing happened!?” The voice bellowed throughout the empty halls. “Did you truly care so little about me!? Do you know what you put me through!?” Crash. She threw something within arms reach. What? I did not care. She had every right to be angry with me. With the situation my position put her in and as she threw things at me, missing just barely. I wasn’t sure if she had such bad aim or if it was on purpose but all I could say at her anger was, “I know.”

[bookished]

( a collection of fun and adventurous dialogue prompts. adjust phrasing as necessary.) feel free to make edits to better suit your muse, but please don’t edit or add on to the original post <𝟑 if you like, please consider supporting me through tips, it's highly appreciated.

"Want to try sneaking into the movie theater?"

"There's this exclusive sky bar on the top floor. I bet if we act confident enough, we could just walk right in. Ready to blend in with the high rollers?"

"You know the 'Staff Only' areas in aquariums always look so intriguing. I've got an idea involving lab coats and clipboards. Interested?"

"There's a secret passage in this art gallery that leads to a hidden exhibit. I overheard the curator talking about it. Shall we go exploring?"

"I've always wanted to see a movie from the theater's projection room. I've got a friend who works here – you get what I mean?"

"So, that exclusive restaurant is fully booked for months, but I may have 'borrowed' a couple of names from the reservation list. Feeling adventurous?"

"The old amusement park's been closed for years, but I know a way in. Imagine having all those rides to ourselves under the moonlight."

"I heard there's an underground speakeasy in this library. Apparently, you need to whisper a password to the librarian. Wanna try our luck?"

"Remember that fancy pool party we weren't invited to? I've got two waiter uniforms and a brilliant plan. You in?"

"There's a secret rooftop garden on top of that skyscraper. I bet we could talk our way past security if we pretend to be lost interns."

"I know this sounds crazy, but I found a hidden door behind the museum. Want to see where it leads after closing time?"

"The local TV station does live broadcasts from that studio. I bet with the right timing, we could sneak onto a set during a commercial break. Ready for your 15 seconds of fame?"

"I discovered a hidden hot spring in the woods just outside town. It's a bit of a hike, but imagine a midnight dip under the stars."

"There's a secret room in the library that's usually locked. I copied the key while volunteering. Want to see what forbidden books they're hiding?"

"Remember that fancy cooking class that was full? Well, I may have found a way for us to observe from the kitchen's back entrance. Hungry for some culinary espionage?"

"I know how to get onto the roof of the tallest building downtown. The view of the sunset from up there is incredible. Shall we?"

"There's a masquerade ball at the governor's mansion tonight. I've got two masks and a wild idea. Care to crash a high-society party?"

"My friend works at the zoo and says we could help feed the penguins after closing time. Interested in a secret animal encounter?"

"I heard this old theater is supposedly haunted. Want to sneak in after hours and do some ghost hunting?"

"There's a secret beach hidden behind those cliffs. The catch? We'll have to climb down a rope ladder to reach it. You up for it?"

"I found an old map of the city's underground tunnels. Fancy a subterranean adventure date?"

[b0nelessdoodles]

i keep thinking im gonna like actually finish these but that ain't happening so have some gay people

[ask-elland-n-will]

[Polyjuice Swap 2024!]

[William drank the wrong Polyjuice Potion: is there any doubt whose fur got into his vial?

Context: some Polyjuice Potions (sponsored by an organisation wishing to remain anonymous) have been specially produced for this Halloween party. They are meant to be swapped between students in secret to allow for fun interactions and "who are you"s. The rule of fun for bending the rules is allowed: long duration, change of clothes, transformations that are not normally possible with Polyjuice, and so on.]

William was really excited about this event as he was one of the people in charge of it, just like the year prior (as much as Cassandra claims it to be her idea). Potions allowing the user to change into some spooky creatures in spirit of the Halloween were a success back then, especially for those who didn't have a costume. Everyone from sandy mummies to cats with pretty bows roamed the ballroom (and some — wreaked havoc).

Changing into their classmates was not the aspect they'd considered until this year, and the permission to do it officially took Will a lot of time and effort. The prefects had to make sure that no transformed student left the designated area, that only the 7th-years took the polyjuice vials, and that the potions themselves were acquired from a reputable source.

William expected some cheating to occur, but not that it would affect him personally. And yet.

He took the vial he was given with excitement. Who would he become! Who else is participating! What is the pool of students he's picking from! William spent a few days looking through his archives, trying to recall his friends' mannerisms and speech patterns, obvious ticks and smaller details, typical topics of conversations, and so on. He was so prepared to play his role that—

— that when he watched in horror as teal fur started growing all over his face, as he felt the same hairy needles spread over the rest of his body, as sharp claws replaced his carefully manicured fingers (at least it didn't spread to his feet?), and as his lips— Merlin, he no longer had the lips, he had a beak! When all of that looked back at him in the mirror, all hope for a fun evening was lost.

[Welcome to the Swap!]

[lettersnorth]

“Maybe I’m too much of a distraction.” "Aislinn, darling. You are the most welcome distraction that a man could ever ask for."

[angeart]

burny burny <3

grian blinks, and the item is flying at him, and he reaches for it without thinking, catching it as if it was the most natural thing in the world. it's cool and smooth against his fingers, ready to cause havoc.

he glances up from it at the cabin, then at scar. casually, he throws it up and re-captures it, a tiny ghost of a grin on his lips. his hands are steady now.

"alright." his eyes twinkle with mayhem, with retribution.

--

by the time he steps outside, the inside is filled with thick smoke and flames. yet he emerges unscathed, eyes alight and intense and lips curled into a smile, flint and steel once again tossed and caught as its job is done.

grian takes only a couple of steps before he's swivelling, wanting to take it all in. wanting to see this destruction in the process.

he stands facing the building that's quickly being consumed by an uncontrollable fire, set by grian's controlled hands. his wings flare out, bright and violet, the burning cabin a backdrop of deserved destruction.

the giddiness in him tips over. his wings are spread, without fear, for all to see. the cabin is the beacon here.

grian laughs.

[angeart]

you know what... also have this.

grian's miserable and in pain and barely coherent, craving some stability and comfort.

All the sensations come muffled to him now; something is draped over him, he knows it, he knows, but it keeps slipping past his awareness anyway, something in him not quite able to decode it. The only thing that really seems to matter is the softness of Scar underneath him (so very different from cold, jutted, rocky floor), and the steady rise and fall of his breathing where Grian lies pressed against his chest.

His leg still incessantly shoots signals of pain, something warm budding and blooming at the epicentre of his wound, even as the rest of him continues trembling with the deeply-sunken cold. His bones feel frosted over, the chill an ache of its own; the cloak and Scar’s embrace and the fire are tiny comforts, substantial but surface-level, not enough, never enough. (He’s so, so cold.)

A small sound leaves him—half a whine, half a chirp—and he’s dazed enough to not feel embarrassed about it. (He’s barely aware of it.) Weakly, he nuzzles against Scar, letting himself sink against him as the heartbeat underneath his ear lures him to forget all the fears and tensions.

He could slink into a dream, he thinks. A nice, warm, bright dream.

Maybe there, he could have enough strength to kiss Scar.

Maybe there, Scar would laugh wildly, the sound tipping into a breathless giggle for Grian to kiss some more. 

Maybe there, Grian could spread his wings wide, catch the warmth of the sunlight over his feathers, marvel at the soft breeze as he takes Scar’s hand and steps closer.

Maybe there could be flowers. And wheat. And freshly baked pastries. And cookies. And a soft, wide bed.

And more laughter. And carefree kisses. And—

The pain in his leg doesn’t stop, keeping him just on the verge of awake, just enough for him to realise how wishful all of that is—how much he can’t have any of that. A tiny sob tears out of his throat and he shifts, burying his face in Scar’s chest. His arm trembles where it lays draped over Scar and his fingers weakly curl, trying to hold onto him. Trying to make this be enough.

A ravaging need to take kindling and a flint and steel and burn all the hopeless wishes down rushes through him. (They hurt. They hurt, he wants them gone, he wants it to stop.)

The hands on his waist are an anchor that he desperately scrambles to tether his attention to. There, warm fingers pressed into his sweater, holding him steady and safe. A promise on Scar’s lips about more time, about a future. A plea for more rest.

Grian wants to succumb. He really, really wants to. He curses his body and his mind and the tattered remains of his aching, aching soul for denying him the comfort of nothingness, even as exhaustion presses down on him, making it hard to breathe. He just wants some respite. A little bit of relief. A small break. For himself, for Scar.  

He wants to flare out his wings and scream.

But he’s long past the point where he’s allowed to get anything he wants. And so he remains curled in Scar’s hold, tucked against him without any control left, weak and helpless and completely defenceless, hurting, hurting, hurting.

---

Fear snakes through his body, slick and many-clawed, wrapping around his ribs one-by-one, then reaching for his throat. It tells him that this is it. That he’ll never get better. That he’s too weak and too hopeless, that he’ll never be more than dead weight now, that things will never stop hurting. It tells him, sickeningly and wretchedly, that he can either make himself worse and bleed out, or live long enough to have his wings ripped from his body as he wails and screams, unable to do a thing about it.

There are still gentle fingers in his hair. 

His chest is now hitching, lungs empty, knocked faulty and askew; he can’t remember how to breathe.

He doesn’t want to bleed out.

He doesn’t want his wings to be torn off.

He doesn’t want to be trapped and pinned down and captured. He doesn’t want to be unable to run. He doesn’t want to hurt.

His wings twitch, partially unfolding in a sharp, jerky, panicked motion, knocking the cloak off them. A loose feather drifts down to rest against Scar’s hand, the one that isn’t sifting through Grian’s hair. Grian’s fingers curl a little more, as if trying to claw and cling, but he can’t. His touch is soft. Weak. It means nothing.

He’s powerless. Helpless. Useless.

(He’s going to die.)

His stomach churns, queasy and nauseous, rioting against the sickness that flows through his veins. His wings tremble, barely held up in their semi-outstretched state; they’re already faltering and dipping a little, without folding in, threatening to come into contact with Scar’s body without Grian’s full awareness or intent. 

The pain and panic muddle his brain, erase the lines between present time, past experiences, and all the horrible what ifs. He’s dragged under somewhere that threatens to kill him, and he doesn’t know how to disentangle himself from it, locked in a headspace that’s somehow even more hostile to him than this world is. But—

But Scar is still here.

He’s still here, and Grian clings to him, and his wings helplessly dip a little lower, their weight all of a sudden too much. “I don’t— I don’t want to— Scar, I—” The words tumble past his lips breathlessly, rushed and crumbling, fractured little things full of aching terror. He can’t say it. His voice won’t listen to him, just like the rest of his body.

He wants to call Scar’s name again. Tether himself to it, put shackles around his limbs and press the chains to Scar’s palms. 

He wants to be more than just a trophy to be hunted and dismembered; he wants to have a tombstone and—

No, no. Not that. 

He wants to hear his own name on Scar’s lips.

He wants to matter. To exist. To breathe.

He wants to stop hurting.

He wants—

He—

“... Talk,” he rasps out, pleads, begs. 

I mean I will ask both eventually but I figured one at a time, y'know? that's why I said today xD

So for hhau... you guys have mentioned a couple times Grian having a fever after the arrow wound? The wound from the confession fic I assume? Anything you're willing to share on that? Can I offer bribes for that?

I imagine it was a very not fun time for Scar...

-🎀

Oh not fun at all!

Yes, it was due to blood loss and fatigue and a number of other things after that leg wound from the confession fic.

This is actually more or less where we left off on our Big RP Document™ before we got addicted to just randomly rambling and mini rp-ing LOL but that means I’ve got some snippets I could share!

^ but firstly this, from our notes at the bottom of our like 200+ page doc pfffff—

anyway here you go 💕

“Hey, hey,” Scar murmurs, pressing his lips to Grian’s head as he speaks. “Shhh, it’s okay, I’ve got you.”

Grian’s skin is warm beneath his kiss, but he’s shivering into Scar’s hold, and it doesn’t seem to be entirely due to whatever nightmare he just woke from. Scar’s blood, as if in tandem, also runs cold at the realization.

He has no idea how to treat a fever.

Well, that’s not completely true. He’s an expert at nursing sick hermits back to health when he has access to everything he needs. But there are no fluffy beds, warm towels, hot soup, and soft cats to curl up against anyone here. He has no oversized jackets to offer, no tacky blankets, no obscene number of furnaces to tuck under his bed. At best, Scar has a fire, some gross pond water, and a half-eaten fish.

And himself.

He always has himself to offer.

“C’mere,” Scar soothes, wrapping his arms around Grian wholly, his hands meeting his own forearms as he holds on tight and secure, engulfing Grian in what little warmth he has to offer.

Right now all they’ve got is a crummy box of a room made of terracotta and clay in a dark, damp cave, a small fire, some water, and a few scraps of food. Grian is weak and often struggling to speak, leaving Scar to somehow, hopefully, find a way to make them survive.

And while we haven’t necessarily written it all out yet, I basically see this time as Scar’s transition from a bumbling, goofy hermit to someone capable of providing and defending.

[the-character-lounge]

Meeting with Sugar again (This one's a long one)

Spinel looked out the window, keeping an eye out. This time they didn't spot the pink pony along the way, but it was a bit earlier than the last time so he wasn't worried just yet. But as fate would have it, it seemed, once the taxi arrived to their destination and they stepped out, they could spot a very distinct pink pony with that same big fluffy dog he was walking before coming down the street. He didn't notice them yet.

Randy watched the candy colored pony approach, and he nodded. “B- Bury that h- hostility d- deep down for n- now okay? L- Let’s just g- get through th- this as quickly as p- possibility w- with the least i- insult to injury we can manage.” He adjusted his scarf and strode confidently towards Sweet, pretending not to notice him at first. When they got within waving distance, Randy engaged him with a wave and feigned a surprised look. “H- Hey! M- Mr. Smiles!” he said with a friendly, cheeky ring in his voice.

Bury the hostility? It seemed easy enough, but when he saw the pony he locked up a bit. He didn't feel angry. He felt the undeniable urge to run. He even took a few steps back and turned his head down nervously, realizing he wasn't at all prepared for this. Maybe if he just played it off shy... He very slowly moved next to Randy, glancing at him and then at Sugar with a fake curiosity. It did all he took not to stare in horror at the dog which damn near resembled a bear.

Sugar meanwhile gasped excitedly when he saw Randy, and eagerly waved back with a big smile. The huge fluffy ball of dog that made him look rather small in comparison seemed well behaved enough, tail wagging to the new ponies but keeping quiet and by Sugar's side obediently.

"Heeey, it's- Randy right?! Good to run in to you again, how are you?"

Randy nodded eagerly and beamed. “I- I’m doing very w- well!” He looked over at the giant, bear-ball of floof. “Wh- Who uh.. who’s your friend?” he asked, pretending to be slightly nervous about the presence of a dog. Consistency was important, and he had to remember he was ‘sort of afraid of dogs still.’ He leaned back against Spinel, trying to both comfort him and remain consistent with his previous little white lie.

When Sugar came close to them he put a hoof up and pet the big dog's neck, "O-oh right, goodness you keep catching me with the more intimidating looking ones huh? This is Leo, a Tibetan Mastiff. Raised him myself."

Leo made a huff noise through his nose at the mention of his name, and started panting contently.

Sugar glanced at Spinel, then Randy, getting an awkward but playful smile "Aaaand who's your friend?"

Spinel couldn't say anything. He just stared at Sugar, giving a really odd smile before slowly retreating a little bit behind Randy. A fruitless effort, since he was taller than the ram.

Randy giggled, and slowly turned around to take Spinel by the shoulders and bring him back to his original spot. “Th- This is my um.. w- well m- my special some pony~” He stood up on his hoof-tips and gave him a sweet, very tender kiss on the cheek. “H- He’s the uh.. o- one I was reading th- the a.. article about?” He flushed and looked up innocently.

Spinel flushed a little as well, keeping his eyes averted. Yes, acting shy was the best way to excuse not looking at someone who looked so damn similar... He cleared his throat softly, and wanted to introduce himself, but it just came out all wrong when he spoke because he just kept thinking about those expectant green eyes on him. "Hello sir, it's a good day today, my name is Spinel."

Sugar blinked, tilting his head slightly and keeping the smile, "Well I hope it's a good day yes! I'm Sugar-Coated, or just Sugar." He paused, noticing Spinel's reluctance and tried to reassure, "Nothing to be ashamed of, you two look great together..!"

Spinel's ears perked slightly. Did they really? He glanced at Randy awkwardly.

Randy flushed himself, and looked over at Spinel, shrugging and laughing hardily. “W- Well I like t- to think so!” he said, trying to keep up the act. He hadn’t realized he was going to pretend to be so shy. He was kind of expecting him to take the reigns. But it looked like he was going to have to lead this dance. “S- So, wh- where are you o- off to? O- Or are you j- just taking your p- pooch for a walk?”

"Oh just a morning walk, already did his uh, 'duties' in the park so it's just strolling around for now." He paused a moment, trying to think of what to say next and kicking his hoof around a little, "What about you two?"

Spinel looked up finally, but was looking at the dog rather than Sugar. "Just getting some coffee together. Nothing too special."

Sugar couldn't quite put his hoof on why Spinel was being so odd, but then it clicked and he couldn't help but chuckle a little. But he kept it to himself and looked between him and Randy.

“W- Would you like to join us?” he asked, and gestured with his head to the diner. “I- It would be w- wonderful if we c- could chat, a- and you could g- get to know m- my loverr~” he said with a tiny purr, giving Spinel a playful look before chuckling. “Wh- What do you s- say? I- I’m buyin’!”

Lover? Did he have to say lover? That was beyond cheesy. Who even said that any more? Spinel flushed deeply and quickly turned without a word to go to the diner, not listening for the verdict.

Sugar watched Spinel walk off in that dramatic fashion that he did, awkwardly looking at Randy. "Uhh did I say something wrong?" He blinked, then cleared his throat, "A-anyway well, if you don't mind, if he doesn't mind either, I mean... Sure! Let me just..." He led the big dog to a lamp post and tied up the leash to it, giving Randy another awkward look, but smiling, "He just being shy about the open affection? Eheheh, I know how that is, you're a bit like Flora, can't help but show love no matter what ponies think right? Took getting used to."

Randy looked back at Spinel, scowling a bit at how crass he was being. They needed to keep up the appearance, not go storming off. After all, he was the one who said that this was all an act. He turned back to Sugar and looked up innocently as he shrugged. “I c- can’t help it! H- He’s just so… c- cute!” He giggled and started heading for the diner as well. “I st- still need to meet your l- lovely fiancee! Y- You still have my number right?” he said as he opened the door for him. “We should d- definitely g- get together for dinner soon!” This.. ‘acting’ thing was a lot easier than he thought it would be. Maybe it was because he was already in a good mood from earlier.

"Yeeap she says the same thing whenever she licks my face out of nowhere." He rubbed his cheek awkwardly and flushed, clearing his throat and smiling again before walking and chatting while he held the door open for Randy, "We'll have to meet up before the show, I'm sure she'd just love both of you to bits. She's really big on supporting well- uh- you know- less than accepted couples." He didn't want to be rude of course, not wanting to make Randy feel weird or anything.

Spinel was already sitting at a table, a basket of creamers in front of him as he tapped his hoof impatiently.

Randy chuckled and softly patted him on the back. “W- Well isn’t th- that nice? I’d l- love to hear m- more of her th- thoughts on that.” He smiled and sat in the chair next to Spinel, and looked over at him with a smitten smile. “D- Did you already o- order the coffee love?” he asked with less zeal, but with the same charming tone as a significant other might have. He looked over at Sugar and leaned on the table, grinning pleasantly. “S- So! What have you been up to s- since the last t- time I saw you?"

Spinel nodded, "Of course, hon. Ordered 3, black so you can add whatever..." He kept his eyes on Randy, only sideglancing Sugar on occasion. It was really unsettling how he could feel the word 'uncle' in the back of his throat every time he thought about addressing him.

Gosh they were pretty cute, Sugar never saw a same sex couple up close like this before and he found it interesting how they just seemed like any ordinary couple, if not a little awkward but he could see why considering it was Canterlot. He'd sat down across from them and looked out the window to make sure he could see Leo just fine before looking back to talk, "Oh, not much. Yesterday, Flora and I mostly just set up her stand in the arena entryway to encourage donations for a new animal shelter here."

“Oh w- wow! That sounds wonderful!” He chuckled and softly leaned against Spinel. “W- Well, I’m sure y- you’ll t- take first prize! A- And I’ll be sure to try and dr- drop by her st- stand and s- see her again. M- Maybe I’ll slip y- you a check as well!” He gave Spinel a gentle, comforting nuzzle, and looked up at him for a moment, smiling a much more comforting smile then an infatuated one. “S- So, wh- who so f- far has m- made a pledge t- to the shelter?” He looked back over to Sugar and smiled. “B- Besides me of course. A- Any o- of your friends? O- Or maybe s- some of your brother’s friends?”

"Oh-oh that would be- that would be wonderful-!" Sugar replied almost a little too excitedly. Wow, usually he was pretty terrible at finding donors, things really were turning around...! "You'd be the first one I guess, the dog show was where we wanted to start it. Flora's great though, she'll do fine I'm sure." He poked his hooves together, flushing with a smile. "I don't know if his friends will or not, probably since he has a lot of them, but usually he finds ways to gather up enough to make up for whatever we don't."

Spinel managed to look at him curiously, "You know, come to think of it, you do seem really familiar...? I think I might know him." He leaned back looking up in feigned thought, then threw on a big uncharacteristically cheerful smile as he spoke in a singsong voice, "Chin up, chin up, it's another beautiful day!"

Sugar's jaw dropped, and just a moment it looked like nerves took over and left him frozen. But he melted in to a laugh and a wide eyed smile, "Yes! Yes, that's definitely my brother!"

[Randy looked at Spinel in silent shock. He couldn’t believe what he just heard. Spinel not only told Sugar his name, but revealed that he knew Candy. If he had known any better, he would have dragged Spinel to the side and ‘delicately’ explained why what he had just done was a horrible idea. But, he would wait. Spinel obviously had a plan… or at least he hoped he did. He looked at Spinel with false curiosity. “Y- You know Sugar’s br- brother?”

Sugar also looked curious now, and played with his bowtie a little.

Spinel gave a shrug, "Only a little. Caaaandy, I think?" he eyed Sugar, who gave a prompt nod. He smirked a little after but it was covered by a grin. "I don't really know him too well, I've just met him a few times and he probably wouldn't remember me. But he certainly leaves an impression."

"Ahaha, he really does. He's always been like that, just going all out with everything. Probably why everypony likes him so much." He looked down, smile getting a little distant, "He's not afraid of anything, it's amazing."

He saw that smile fade. Sugar had a gross amount of respect for some pony that really didn’t deserve it. Perhaps it was time to alleviate some of those insecurities he was having. He deserved that much at least. “.. y- you know, a little f- fear does the soul g- good.” Randy shrugged and softly put his hoof on Spinel’s thigh under the table, rubbing it softly. “F- Fear can k- keep us in line, a- and prevent us fr- from doing something th- that could get o- ourselves hurt or th- the ponies we care about… s- so maybe it’s n- not such a g- good thing that y- your brother ‘isn’t a- afraid.’” He continued to softly stroke the top of Spinel’s thigh, hoping that it was providing some comfort. “Y- You become.. a r- risk wh- when you charge i- into something w- without e- even the sl- slightest bit of h- hesitation. M- Maybe I’m wrong.. b- but th- there is n- no bravery i- if there is no f- fear to o- overcome.”

Spinel actually felt like agreeing with Sugar for a moment, and that frightened him. It was a good thing Randy brought him back to reality with that touch, and he moved closer to him as he quietly listened.

Slowly, as Randy spoke, Sugar's smile began to fade. He looked around, and quickly focused on the waiter as the coffee was brought over, giving probably more thank yous than needed and absently taking multiple packets of sugar and dumping them in his coffee. He didn't stir though, and tried to take a sip of the coffee before wincing and jumping slightly from how hot and bitter it was. He put it down and chuckled nervously, stirring his coffee and looking out at the dog. "I-I guess but... Better to be fearless than a coward, right...? Hah..."

“B- Being afraid and h- having fear; th- those don’t make you a coward.” He gave Spinel’s thigh one more gentle squeeze before he took his own coffee and poured some cream into it. “I- It’s choosing n- not to confront those things.” He sighed and stirred his coffee. He stared at Sugar with a knowing look, and shrugged. “I d- don’t think y- you’re a c- coward if th- that’s what you’re i- implying… y- you have a l- lot of courage t- to be in the r- relationship you’re in. T- Take it from us,” he said as he softly held Spinel’s hoof in his and smiled. “Being br- brave can be as simple as saying, “I love you.” He looked up at Spinel as he said those three words, a soft look in his gaze.

"Oh. Hm." the pink stallion stirred a little faster, smiling but with his brows showing a pain that could only be described as guilt. Surely an expression Randy was familiar with, considering his occupation. He warmed as he talked about Flora though, and he looked really comforted by that while giving a nod and finally sipping his coffee once more. He warmed even more seeing this inspiring couple in front of him. "Hardest thing I ever did in my life, but I guess now that I've said it, I don't have to be afraid any more..."

Spinel stared at Randy, finding himself feeling agreeable to everything he was hearing. Was it because he was mellow, or was it the fact that right now he felt like a vulnerable kid at the moment? When Randy said those words, his hoof gripped back, and he smiled almost hesitantly. "Or hell.. Just admitting how scared you are is enough."

Sugar's eyes widened a moment, and he lightly choked on his coffee a little before putting it down and laughing a little. A rather... Broken sounding laugh.

Guilty.. of what though? Did he feel guilty that he was in love with a creature not of their species? Or.. was there something else that he hadn’t confronted. He looked over at Spinel and smiled. “Th- That’s true too. Smart and c- cute~” He softly nuzzled his shoulder before looking back at Sugar. “.. Being af- afraid is natural, friend. And like my very sm- smart colt-friend here s- said, a- admitting y- you need to f- fix something l- like a particular fear is a f- form of br- bravery all on its own. A- And it’s th- the first step t- towards turning th- that particular weakness into a strength.” He smiled and took a sip of his coffee. “A- And the wonderful th- thing is, y- you don’t have t- to do it alone. Wh- Whatever it is y- you fear, y- your lovely w- wife will b- be able to h- help you overcome th- that adversity.”

Spinel flushed at being called smart, honestly flattered by the compliment. He started putting sugar and creamer in to his coffee and sipped it as well. He hoped the conversation would steer away from all these ooshy mushy feelings and get more on track, but he wouldn't push it. He opened the gate so it was up to Randy to go through. He wanted to talk to Sugar as minimally as possible. There was no way he'd let this guy think they shared any kind of meaningful bond. He didn't want to associate with any relations to Uncle Candy.

Sugar went quiet and listened, nodding a few times and then giving a sigh with a smile. "She's a lot stronger than I am but that's okay. She gives me a lot of that strength. I didn't mean to make things depressing." He moved his hooves up as if pulling his face in to a smile. "Chin up, right?"

Spinel visibly quivered a moment, and looked ill. He covered by gulping a large amount of coffee.

Randy sensed the discomfort that brought the unicorn. He felt bad there was nothing he could really say to help him, so he’d do cute things like compliment him and give him tiny signs of affection. “W- Well, h- having some p- pony to b- be there for y- you, and t- to bring o- out the best in you i- is definitely important.” He smiled and took another long sip of his coffee. “Y- You stay w- with her S- Sugar. She’ll h- help you b- become s- something you n- never thought you’d be c- capable of becoming. A- And, e- even though you m- may not realize it.. you’ll bring o- out the best in e- each other.” He spoke with an experienced confidence, and he tried to help ease Spinel’s discomfort with a small neck kiss. “M- My stallion has certainly d- done that for me~”

Sugar nodded and smiled, gaining more confidence. "Oh I will. Still, I'm sorry I took up this conversation, I kind of feel like a... A jerk right now since I don't know very much about either of you. Um..." He paused, glancing away a bit and thinking. What was he supposed to ask about these ponies...? This whole time it was mostly just Randy asking him things. "Hhooow long have you two known eachother?"

Spinel was between impatient and flattered and uncomfortable and it was not at all a pleasant combination. So he lept on the question just to keep himself in some kind of check, "Couple of years. We didn't actually get along too well at first, sort of on and off deal. But.. I guess when I was in trouble he pulled through for me and we had more in common than we thought." He actually managed to smile sweetly at Sugar, but his eyes were closed and actually he was clenching his teeth.

Randy chuckled, a bit uncomfortably. He didn’t realize they were going to be that specific. He looked at Sugar and smiled. “W- What about y- you and Fl- Flora? H- How long did you two kn- know each other before y- you became e- engaged?” He really needed to try and wrap up this conversation so they could return to the pressing matter at hoof. All they needed was one name. They c- could use Spinel’s contacts and Randy’s connections to find the pony if they could just get a name. He smiled, but impatiently wiggled his tail, hoping things would speed along.

"We've been friends for a while, a-actually I met her because of my brother. He made a huge donation to one of her fundraisers for a dog shelter and it surprised her since, well, we're a family of renowned breeders and she assumed we'd all be snooty about mutts. But- but I love mutts too! And I really liked her, n-not because she's canine but because she's really headstrong and loyal. We were best friends for about four years before she got me to admit I liked her." He scratched his head and laughed a little. "It's only been a year and maybe I'm a big dummy but my brother always told me to just go for things if I wanted them, and I kind of blurted a proposal a couple months ago. It's surreal."

Spinel was not paying attention to this conversation at all any more. This guy was boring as fuck. Instead he just made lovey eyes at Randy and nuzzled him, pretending he thought the story was cute.

Randy giggled as he was nuzzled, but was inwardly growing more and more anxious. “I- It’s amazing how f- fast things can m- move along huh?” he asked, putting his foreleg around Spinel’s shoulder and hugging him from the side. “W- Well that’s wonderful th- though! I h- hope the wedding i- is phenomenal!” He took his coffee in his other mug and took a sip. “H- How is your br- brother by the way? Th- The last time we spoke, you s- said he was away o- on business.”

"Oh I don't think it could be anything but..." Sugar trailed off dreamily, eyes now off in the distant dreamy future. He tensed and drank the rest of his coffee at the question, and momentarily paused to flag down the waiter for another cup. Once the waiter was gone, he looked back at the two, twiddling his hooves anxiously with a little smile. "Aaaactually I was going to meet him again later today! Just ah, hang out a bit around Canterlot, sightseeing... I'm just thankful he made some time for me really!"

Spinel inwardly felt like throwing up. Who would want to spend time with that disgusting, loud mouthed, smiling maniac? "He does charity, right? Wow. I never thought it was such a time consuming thing."

Sugar's smile faultered and just one moment there was a hint of doubt and confusion. "Heh...?"

“W- Well that sounds nice. I- It’s just o- odd to me th- that he ’has’ to make t- time for you. Y- You’re family! H- He should al- always tr- try to make t- time for you!” He leaned on the table and sipped the last of his coffee before flagging down the waiter for another cup as well. “H- Hopefully h- he won’t tr- try to bring his b- business into your leisure t- time today. Th- That would be unfortunate. I kn- know that I h- hate it when he brings up a- all the annoying people at w- work wh- when we should just b- be having a good time~” Randy playfully nudged Spinel, and gave him a cute stink eye and pout before looking back at Sugar. “H- He doesn’t t- talk about business wh- when you’re hanging o- out does he?”

Spinel gave a grunt at the nudge, huffing at Randy after. He kept to his coffee, since he didn't finish it yet. He continued to keep his eyes more or less away from Sugar, but it might have been making it worse since from the corner of his eye he couldn't tell him apart from Candy. He hoped this conversation could be over soon.

Sugar scratched the back of his head awkwardly, "O-ooh ah, no he doesn't really talk much about it, uh, mostly we'll probably talk about the dog show and other canine related things..." He crinkled his nose a moment, "I mean, him talking about his work wouldn't bother me since I talk about dogs all the time, that'd be unfair wouldn't it?" He hesitated and went silent for a while, getting his new coffee and staring at it while he stirred in the sugar.

“I s- suppose so,” he replied, deciding to drink this cup black. “B- But really? He n- never.. t- talks about ponies wh- who bother him a- at work or an- anything like that? I- I’m surprised. I f- feel like b- being in the ch- charity b- business, he might encounter a l- lot of s- self righteous hoity t- toity t- types that would m- make him grumpy.. or s- something like that.” It was definitely really direct, but looking at Spinel he could gauge that this whole experience was making him really uncomfortable. He’d definitely do.. well something for him after they got the information they needed.

"Oh no, he's not the sort to talk badly about ponies behind their backs! P-plus I don't think he really has any ponies he doens't like. He uh. He kind of thinks those hoity toity types are funny. I dunno." He sipped his coffee slowly. Sure, his brother was kind of weird but he didn't seem that strange. He mumbled in thought, "Some of the ponies he knows are kind of..." he trailed off, then shook his head, knocking against it scoldingly with a hoof. "Ahahh nevermind I'm just judging books by covers and that isn't right of me."

“Th- They do wear f- funny clothes.. sometimes,” he said, not sure how t- to respond to that properly. He softly smacked his lips at how bitter the taste was. He hadn’t drank it black in awhile, not since Spinel had given him a case of the sweet-tooth. His eyes grew wide, looking like his interest had been intrigued, but was, in reality, freaking out that Sugar wasn’t willing to talk. “N- No no! D- Do tell! I l- love a little g- gossip!” ‘… gosip?’ Celestia on high he was such a filly. He took an awkward sip of his coffee and shrugged. “O- Only if y- you’d like that is!”

Spinel quickly nodded alongside Randy, knowing the power of peer pressure and waving a hoof eagerly for Sugar to continue. "Nothing you say could possibly be as bad as the things I sometimes say about ponies, try me!"

Sugar looked between the two of them. Oh boy. He wasn't good at talking about other things like this. But he didn't want to disappoint new friends and maybe he'd be a little more at ease if he talked about it? "Well o-okay... But don't take it too seriously, I mean, ponies think rottweilers and pitbulls are bad just from looking at them, so ponies I guess uh..." he cleared his throat, losing his train of thought a moment. He drank some coffee to regain himself and continued, hunching slightly and speaking hushedly, "Some of them seem really really mean... But somehow he gets them to support those charities and that's really amazing but..." he scratched his foreleg anxiously, "I feel silly but I always get nervous meeting them. But then, ponies just.. mostly... make me nervous..."

“O- Oh, I hope w- we don’t m- make you nervous,” Randy said with a comforting smile. This was good, this was really good. They just had to keep him talking. “M- Mean huh? H- How are th- they mean?” He leaned forward a bit, his genuine interest allowing to show in order to make it seem like he was intrigued. He felt bad that this wasn’t some kind of.. fun personal visit, and that it was strictly business. But, the sooner they got this info, the sooner Randy could perhaps try to actually be his friend. Sugar seemed like the kind of pony he would get along with, regardless of who he was related too.

"Oh well uh, sometimes I just do errands when my brother has too much on his plate and they don't really... Talk to me much. I don't think they like me actually. Probably were expecting him. I-I'm not as good at talking with ponies like he is, so maybe that's it. I don't know. Scowling. Eye rolls. Snatching things without a thanks and ignoring me..." The more he continued, the more he seemed to be beating himself up, slowly sinking in to the booth and looking more and more tired. "I try. I really try, I do."

Randy had a concerned look on his face, and he pouted. “I- I’m sorry Sugar. I- I’m sure you do… They s- sound l- like the k- kind of jerks Spinel has to d- deal with. D- Do you kn- know their names? M- Maybe they’re the s- same ponies!” he said jokingly. He watched Sugar get more and more despaired, and he felt worse and worse. The poor guy really wanted to impress his brother, that much was obvious. He wanted to tell Sugar everything. That he was better than his dirt-bag brother. But, there was no way they could. Sugar could slip, and maybe even tell Candy about their ‘encounters.’ They couldn’t risk anything… he just hoped that maybe his little ‘joke’ could coax out the right information, so they could put this whole thing to rest.

"I-It's none of my business, I'm just doing a quick errand so..." he shifted uncomfortably, realizing he was sinking and quickly sat up straight. He downed the rest of his coffee and put on a big smile, looking like he was ready to get up. "Anyways I'm sure there's more to it, and he does have a lot of contacts so there are bound to be a few not so nice ones. Others have been just fine! Nice. Really nice." He looked at the two of them appologetically, "You two seem great though, I'm happy for you! Uh. Really. I'll talk with Flora, we caaan have a double date...?"

Spinel did something a bit odd. He cheerfully agreed with a nod, but then stopped Sugar as he was getting up. "Well hold on, you can't go meeting your brother like that, let me just..." He leaned up and reached out, adjusting Sugar's bowtie and collar a little, seeming to fuss around a bit, "Your tie was really off." He patted the pony assuredly, then nudged his chin up a little and gave him a wink, "There, pretty." He then sat back down with the same cheery smile as before.

Sugar was speechless, and flushed a bit with a really awkward laugh following, "Uh--uh- thank you! Uh. Y-yeah I'll uh, I'll call you later, then, L-Leo's going to get anxious if I don't- Um- Thank you for coffee but I should- You know!" He said all of this as he was clumsily trying to move away.

Randy smiled and waved after him. “I- It’s fine! Yes yes pl- please call! We would l- love to h- have dinner w- with the both of you!” Oh he was smiling on the outside, but inside he was cursing himself and beating the devil out of himself. How could he have let him get away without so much as a name? This whole thing… well it wasn’t a complete loss, but he was still pretty pissed off that they hadn’t gotten anything more than what had already been said. Regurgitated information didn’t help them, it only cemented this.. ‘relationship’ with Sugar. He continued to smile and wave though, not letting the character break until Sugar was completely out of sight.

"Chin up, it's a beautiful day!" Spinel called after Sugar, waving as he did so. Sugar tripped a moment after that, waving awkwardly and moving a bit faster. He waved at them one more time through the window as he walked off with the dog, seeming for a moment relieved to get out of there.

Spinel was grinning ear to ear. Not happily, but monstrously.

Randy, however, put his face in his hooves and let out a long, frustrated groan. “D- Dammit dammit dammit!” he said in a hushed voice. He wanted to kick something hard and break it in two. He kept his face in his hooves, not wanting to face Spinel. He felt like he had failed him, and he began feeling guilty and ashamed. “.. I- I’m sorry…” he mumbled, feeling hopeless.

"For what? He's meeting his brother today. That's great news." He leaned closer to Randy, nudging him a little and giving a soft 'psst' to get him to look up. Lifting his lapel a little, he revealed what looked like an ear piece taped under it, and he gave a smug little proud smile. "Learned a new trick~"

“Wh- What did you….” his voice trailed off, and he stared at the speaker in awe. Spinel had put a wire on him. He had put a fucking wire on him. Immediately, all those anxieties, all the worries and the shame and… it all just melted away. “… I f- fucking l- love you y- you bloody genius!!” He nearly lunged at him, and pulled him into a swift hug, before looking up at him, and giving him a big, fat, wet kiss on the lips. After holding it for a second, he broke it excitedly and looked back through the window. “Th- That’s why y- you.. th- the bowtie! Wooahaha!” he leaned back in his chair, and ran his hoof through his mane. “I c- can’t b- believe it!” he looked over at Spinel again. “I w- wasn’t kidding wh- when I called you smart y- you know!” He grinned and took Spinel’s hoof in his. “Y- You did good Sp- Spinel. R- Real." He sighed with relief and sank in his chair.

Spinel was in shock, to say the least. The outburst, then the kiss, then the compliment... He was left staring slackjawed and awkwardly with a flush slowly starting to burn up through his face. "Ah. Aheh. Well." he cleared his throat, mouth twitching to a smile but it was incredibly awkward due to his sudden embarrassment. He shook off a little as he felt a shiver go down his spine and he turned away slightly, grabbing up the creamers and trying to distract his own stupid display with them.

Randy grinned and leaned on him, softly pressing his lips to his neck. “Y- You did good love.. I- I’m really impressed.” He sighed softly and chuckled. “K- Kind of makes me w- wish I had th- thought of that in the f- first place.” He rested his cheek against him and sighed. “Th- Thanks for st- staying on your h- hooves love. Y- You’ve saved our asses.”

"We ah- we um- we don't have to keep- pretending th--" he trailed off in to a sputter, staring off blankly. He could feel his ears burning, and the strong urge to slink and hide under the table so Randy would stop looking at him acting so dumb. He made a strained elongated noise that was akin to a squeak.

[lking-creation-hub]

At that point he was too young to identify the look that crossed her face as 'pained'. Looking back, though, he understood. She wanted to do best by her son, they just couldn't afford to do much more than survive.

-- From as of yet unnamed fic

[frank-zhang-praetor]

Valgrace - Behind the Scenes : Part 1

I have more somewhere so maybe it will be a series.

[magnetic-regent-magneto]