#and desertduo all over again

[scribbling-dragon]

i am in SHAMBLES about ranchduo they were just so easily loveable. and at the end im being told to go, to go home, because, you're still here?

i dont think im going to be normal about them for a long time

[isjasz]

The brainrot continues (Blame @vesperionnox and @cherrysherin we are dragging the whole server down with this au)

Part 1

[thirdtimed]

its so crazy how 3L is literally not that serious. but It Can Be. if you use your beautiful mind

[ice-lice-and-2-many-dice]

I know everyone is freaking out over the buttercup situation, especially my fellow desertduo enjoyers, but I think we need to bring attention to THIS moment

[pansetta]

Brb going insane over desertduo/scarian again

[killldeer]

i am going so so so insane over grian’s “shes dead scar. you won” and evidently for an ENTIRELY different reason than everyone else. like i get the ppl seeing the warm fuzzy desertduo “grian standing over scar’s shoulder with a proud smile” moment and all but i saw those little messages and my heart just fucking BROKE. something about the no-punctuation-no-caps just made it feel so devastating, like grian was not at all happy to say it. scar was continuing to call after pearl because they really were just messing around by the time it was down to them, like he was eager to keep having fun with it, and grian almost just had to break it to him that it was over. and that he was alone. again.

i just. oh man. ohhhh my god man

[katkat030]

FIC RECSSS :D

I am absolutely insane about so many of these and I genuinely can't recommend them enough. Like the post that inspired this, I'll probably tag authors if I know their Tumblr urls, but please let me know if you want me to remove any and I will!

Fair warning that most of these have shipping!

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But oh, the bloom by @sillyfairygarden (read here) ongoing.

Ough. Whimsy, Pearlescentmoon, the best version of desertduo I've ever read, and indecipherable sounds of me screaming. If there's one fic I ever want people to read, it's this one. There's a reason I'm putting this first, as much as I hate to pick favourites! Warning: you may will fall in love with the story. Possibly my favourite author - cannot recommend their works enough <3 (The Champion's Banquet also made me go not just a little insane)

It's an absolute necessity to highlight the tags on this one: blows a kiss to the sky. for all my pearliemoon lovers searching for wonder and whimsy in the world around you // Now with more angst! // a man leaves the life he loved to explore the beauty of the world

More fic recs under the cut!

you came at the brink of the end of the world by Anonymous/ @louiessleeplessnights (read here) ongoing.

I don't know how to even begin describing this. I think it made me fall in love with Boatem all over again. It's hilarious, sad, beautiful, Scar calls Grian trouble, they're both idiots and in love, and it's everything I'd look for in a published novel and so much more. This fic permanently altered my brain chemistry and I cannot recommend it enough times. SO SO SO well written. Warning: it's rated explicit, but a few updates ago it was just mature - chapter 20 and the first half of chapter 21 are the ones you might want to skip if that's not your jam! It's just kissing but it gets... a bit heated lmao.

An excerpt from the description:

[grian is falling from the sky, scar has more magic in his blood than he realized, and everyone else is so much better at seeing than they are]

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Redstone and Skulk by @silverskye13 (read here) ongoing.

Once again lost on how to describe this. Could I leave it at "please please please please read it I love it so much", by any chance? The worldbuilding is so fleshed out, probably my favourite example of characterisation I've ever seen and the descriptions are everything.

Helsknight and Tanguish (the hels version of Tango) are the duo ever. There's no shipping in this, just intense platonic bonds and lifetime devotion featuring a cranky knight and a pathetic wet cat. I love them so much.

Excerpt from the description:

Tanguish is Tango's hels, and they get along a lot better than most hels and their hermits should. Unfortunately, the universe wasn't made to house both of them. Helsmets were made to return to their hermits eventually, making a complete person. Except what happens when the hels is the stronger of the two? What happens if they really don't want to be?

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there are many downsides to being a marine biologist by donnerstag/ @martynsimp69 (read here) complete.

Unashamed to say I binge read this in exactly two days; 26 chapters, an epilogue, accompanying mermay oneshot collection (read here) and nearly crying later, I'm here to say you should totally check it out too. Because fis 🐠 and mermaid Martyn Warning: some unethical experimentation, and I think there's mention of alcohol.

-

Hot Tea by @tunastime (read here) complete.

The Ethubs fic ever (and the first one I ever read!) This is what introduced me to *gesturing vaguely* whatever the heck they have going on, and I haven't been the same since. Warning: brainrot.

I'm once again stealing something from the description since tumblr oh-so-helpfully destroyed half my draft:

“Let me over,” Bdubs says again, and as he sees Etho open his mouth in protest yet again, he lurches forward, stuttering out his words. He nearly knocks the tea out of his own hands. “Just—just for tonight. Just tonight.” Etho knows he has to divide the base between them. It's the only way to settle, now, knowing everything between them. How Bdubs shouldn't be there. Etho builds the fence. Etho divides them. And Etho divides himself in the process.

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Between Us, We Have An Ocean by inkachu (read here) complete.

Only recommending this because it made me cry, and it's so well written. No shipping, just a foster care au in which Gem and Etho are... siblings. That doesn't even begin to cover how much the story really gripped me. It's soft, it's sweet, it's sad, it's amazing. Warning: I haven't cried while reading a book in probably a decade, and this is the one exception. Not to worry, I promise it won't hurt too much (saying how it ends would be a spoiler, but I promise the ending won't haunt you forever).

It's so gooood.

An excerpt from the description:

“My mum couldn’t take care of me, so she gave me to Canada.” Gem announced cheerily, swapping her red pencil for a yellow one, drawing what could only be a sun in the top corner of her page. “Then Canada found me a new mum.” Etho clicked his tongue. “Right.” “What about your mum?” “She uh, Couldn’t take care of me either. So I go to other people’s houses and they take care of me for her.”

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From the Archives by @sixteenth-days (read here) complete.

there's also an extra bunch of character studies/AUs/very cool bonus stories called From the Archives: Marginalia (read here) complete (?)

riverbed and mouse hole/black hole from Marginalia are my personal favourites. Playing around with like the physical structure of a text that way is super inspirational. I have all of the main fics downloaded to reread offline whenever I'm travelling/away from home! There's no need to know anything about The Magnus Archives to understand - personally I'd never heard of it before reading this. Also no shipping in the main fic :)

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lost in the dark (he's got a heavy heart) by @definitelynotshouting (read here) (author's explanation of the premise here) ongoing.

Warning: I'll give the warning for this one straight up, there are heavy themes like suicide and depression - Grian is going through it! If you're going to read it at least heed the ao3 tags :)

I'm stealing an excerpt from the fic to explain this one:

This hunger is a low rumble deep at the core of him, steady in the same way one might test a newly healed bone. The kind of fragile after a respawn, when your skin has knit together but the echo of pain still lingers. It doesn't hold him hostage anymore– he can muster the strength to look past it, and that, out of everything that's happened to him over the past year, is what's most frightening.

-

Time to Kill Today by RimeThyme/ @going-to-the-sun (read here)

Featuring THE Ethubs song ever, some cool references to Mindcrack, and take on their relationship over the years. <33 read it, you won't regret it!

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Laugh rule - list of titles that made me laugh, mainly oneshots

THE DIVORCE OF THE CENTURY by glossyblue/ @good-chimes (read here)

The Government Institute for Ghost Supervision (G.I.G.S.) by glossyblue (read here)

The Rules of Buttercup Camp by glossyblue (read here)

Dead Heat by glossyblue (read here)

Interlude from Another Reality: Married Life by sixteenthdays (read here)

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Okay 2 more fic recs and I'm done, I promise xD

You Could've Applied Online by Anonymous (read here)

Actually hilarious and such fun to read! Stealing something from the description again:

Bdubs stuttered over his words, hand holding the knife tensing around the handle as he looked around the room. Was he being pranked? Did Scar do this? He couldn’t think of another conversation that had confused him more than this. Etho’s eyes crinkled around the edges, mouth subtly changing into what Bdubs imagined was a smile as he felt irritation creep into his mind. “You’re joking right now.” Another shift under the mask. He was definitely smiling now. “How’d you guess?” Or: Bdubs kills someone (on purpose), makes people angry (NOT on purpose), and somehow gets a boyfriend in the process. Or was he a bodyguard? Bdubs doesn't really know himself. Oh, and Etho just wants to pay his rent on time. Preferably without another dead roommate.

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Spring Blossoms by Fire_Cat (read here)

Ethubs, Stardew Valley-esque. Super fun read, highly recommend :D

Stealing from the description once more:

Burnt out and exhausted with city life, Etho packs up and moves to the old abandoned farm his parents owned before he was born. It's sat empty for thirty years and it's not in a good state, but he's determined to make the most of it. The town is full of good people, and he quickly finds friendship in abundance. Amongst them all though, one stands out. Bdubs is kind and funny and exceptionally talented at a number of things. He's handsome too, and Etho can't help but crush on him, just a little bit. They get along fantastically right from day one, but Etho keeps his feelings to himself. It's just a crush, it'll go away. And besides, it's not like Bdubs would ever like him back... Right?'

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pleaseee consider reblogging this for more people to see! <3

it took hours to make this post but not nearly as long as it would've taken people to write the fics

If you end up reading and enjoying any of these, PLEASE go and give the authors some love in the comments! Writing really isn't an easy feat (or quick)

[krashlite]

I feel so insane over c!desertduo rn cause y’all will never understand them like I do

Scar was scapegoating this mf the entire time but Grian thought he was in charge, that he was saving this man over and over but it’s situations Scar put himself in on purpose. They hate that they have to be in each others company CONSTANTLY but they hate the silence more.

There’s so many interpretations where Grian’s in denial abt needing Scar but it’s true in reverse. Scar keeps having to convince himself that Grian’s expendable when he knows That’s Not True.

They wouldn’t hold hands or have a picnic (or other romantic gestures) but they find excuses to prove the other person needs them, they find reasons to make the other stay because they’re projecting.

“He’s expendable” “This is temporary” they both project this on the other. It’s a very toxic codependency that reinforces itself over and over because of the nature of the games, and I think it’s something they both realize in LL, but in different directions.

Scar misses it for all the wrong reasons and Grian is determined to never let it happen again.

Grian has shaky alliances all season long due to self sabotage, and Scar consistently tries to get someone else, Anyone Else into the same situation Grian was in. Not out of some power trip but to fill the void that left behind

[tatertato]

life series smp winners playlists part 1

okay so i've been just absolutely brainrotting over this for like weeks now and its time to finally post it!

i've basically just been compiling songs that i think fit each of the life series winners, and they're either songs i've seen work really really well in animatics already or songs that would probably work really well, but are less popular or not associated with this fandom (yet)

i'll be linking+listing them here as well as providing little snippets of explanation for why i think the song fits, but i don't feel like making actual spotify playlists or smth, so if anyone else wants to do that, be my guest.

ofc i still had trouble finding good songs for some of them- if anyone seeing this has a good idea that i missed, lmk and i'll update these posts (no promises tho)

i was originally gonna put all of them into one post, but fortunately i have come to my senses, so this is part 1. here we go!

update:

pt 2 (LL!scott)

pt 3 (DL!pearl)

3rd Life: Grian

Eighth Wonder - Lemon Demon: this song gives major Watcher!Grian vibes imo

Extra clever Earth-bound spirit Ghost in the form Of a mongoose (watcher in the form of a player)

Hello, I'm here I'm living in the wall I know I might be small (common headcanons of short grian, also living surrounded by cactus walls!)

Jim, let me go I watch like Hell (self-explanatory)

2. A Big Day for Grimley - AJJ: this one is because of this animatic, and also the lyrics fit the characters almost too well

I went back to the desert, little Midwest in me And now I am colder than I used to be (it feels like him reflecting on his experiences in 3L)

I came back to the desert, and the desert came into me And now there’s a quietness, and it’s deafening (returned to the desert for the final duel, and now that he's the only one left, the absence of his partner is deafening)

i could go on much longer about this song, but i feel like the animatic sums it up really well so GO WATCH THAT GO GO GO

3. Take Me to War - The Crane Wives: i know that everyone and their mother has done desertduo crane wives, but i've yet to see anyone use this song, which is a shame since its one of my favorites!

I've earned myself a reputation That my bark is much worse than my bite But I keep snapping at Goliath's hands With all of my tiny might (technically, he's not red, and also his traps keep failing, so the threats are pretty empty, but that will not stop him from being a menace)

Take me to war Honey, I dare you I'll be the sweetest thing To ever scare you Give me a fight I can't resist Give me something to break with my fists Take me to war Honey, I dare you (same thing as the last one, but i had to put the chorus in this post, it's just too perfect)

So I will leave it where it's standing And instead I will find me a match I'll turn it all to kindling I'll burn it all down to ash (we love a bit of arson in this fandom)

4. Community Gardens - The Scary Jokes: this is watcher!grian again, sorry not sorry- i do have a really vivid image in my head of an animatic for this song tho (the brainrot goes deep, i cannot escape)

Full disclosure, I am a monster A creature of despair, not that that should be a cause for concern (its so watcher coded im gnawing on the walls)

You'll be fine, you honeycomb Who could ever hurt you? Who could be so cold? You'll be fine, oh, honey pie Who could ever hurt you? Who could be so unkind? (ok so remember when i said i had an animatic idea about two sentences ago? ya. so i imagine this part as watcher!grian going through and causing the final deaths of all the winners (except scar we'll get there i promise) for instance, smiting scott at the end of LL, severing pearl's soulmate string in DL, and checking the time left before killing martyn in LimL)

The culmination of man's mistakes came the day The sun ran so hot, it turned the desert to glass (this is the whole "hail mary" thing where they blew up the whole desert and still didn't kill anyone)

If there's something to be learned from all these losers It's that the price that you pay For arrogance and a false sense of immunity Is to face the wrath of a dying star (false sense of immunity is scar's no kill passes, reputation points, etc., which really didn't mean all that much in the end (see: Bdubs))

5. Passerine - The Oh Hellos: aside from the obvious bird symbolism (passerine are songbirds), the overall theme of this song fits the character pretty well! (i think it could also apply to DL jimmy if you squint)

You were the song that I'd always sing You were the light that the fire would bring But I can't shake this feeling that I was only Pushing the spear into your side again (3L typical desert/light/sun/fire imagery, with a bonus helping this time of 3L typical self doubt and/or survivor's guilt! you love to see it)

My palms and fingers still reek of gasoline From throwing fuel to the fire of that Greco-Roman dream Purifying the holy rock to melt the gilded seams It don't bring me relief, no it don't bring me nothing (more arson what can i say- also the hollow existentialism that comes with killing your friends)

When he comes a knocking at my door What am I to do, What am I to do, oh lord (ok i like to imagine this line as grian realizing that scar's SL win means he goes to hang out with the winners now, meaning uhoh reunion time! that's about to be awkward!)

6. Do It All The Time - IDKHBTFM: yeah i know it doesn't seem like it fits at first, but i think parts of it captures the spontaneous silliness of 3L pretty well

No reason why I'm only doing anything I want to do Because I do it all the time We're taking over the world A little victim-less crime (making monopolies (or trying to) really just because)

Now we're so young But we're probably gonna die It's so fun We're so good at selling lies (this one's pretty on the nose, but you get the idea)

and that's all for grian! stay tuned for LL!scott next!

[kiwinatorwaffles]

3rd life - rules of the universe (extended rewrite)

desertduo? on MY ao3????? if you remember my 3L anniversary writing, this is a rewrite with an extended section!

words: 1,030 characters: grian, scar, others mentioned summary:

you think about the betrayal of your ally. you think about how scar — that traitorous man, threw away your friendship over a stupid slip of paper, and how scar ordered bdubs to kill you baselessly. you touch your chest where the arrow struck, bitterly brushing your hand over the mark that has formed. scars will form for two reasons: if it's interesting enough, or if it’s of emotional importance. betrayal is not interesting. you feel nothing emotional for that traitor. so why is the mark still there?

or, a study on scar's betrayal and grian's vengeance.

full fic also under cut!

when a player dies and respawns, they reset back to their state of code at full health. any injuries or modifications they might have had will reset as well, leaving them in a generally healthy condition.

however, there are two rules in the universe when it comes to scarring.

the first rule is well-known by everyone. if the universe thinks the reason for the injury is interesting enough, the player will keep the physical reminder of it.

tango had a scar from an explosion where he was launched up to height limit and said it was the funniest experience of his life so far. ren has a cut on his mouth from that time he tried to eat amethyst (in his defense, he had “tempting cravings”). there are countless other silly times where a player has gotten an injury and it left a mark just due to how ridiculous the said event was, and that’s usually the reason why players have scars.

the second rule states that if the reason of injury is something of importance to the player, then the mark will form.

you think about the betrayal of your ally. you think about how scar — that traitorous man, threw away your friendship over a stupid slip of paper, and how scar ordered bdubs to kill you baselessly. you touch your chest where the arrow struck, bitterly brushing your hand over the mark that has formed.

scars will form for two reasons: if it's interesting enough, or if it’s of emotional importance.

betrayal is not interesting. you feel nothing emotional for that traitor. so why is the mark still there?

the time you killed him by complete accident. the prank, the badly-timed creeper, the sudden boom, and the shouts. you felt awful. he knew that. you formed a pact, owing your life to him until you die for the first time. and you took off to the desert, riding on the back of his beloved llama.

the time he and you cleared out an entire forest to gain a monopoly on the wood. it didn’t work, and you were frustrated at all that time you both wasted in doing so, but he laughed it off. we can always try again, he said, and you ended up laughing too. you’ll get ‘em next time. you knew you could. he knew you could. 

the time he fell off a cliff and crawled back to you with a sad bouquet of wilted flowers. can we still be friends? he asked, tears welling up in his puppy-dog eyes. you had spent the past few days trying to convince other players that the “friendship points” were a scam and he wasn’t to be trusted. he knew that. did you know that? he could hear you, but he pretended not to. he came back anyway. you took his flowers, smiled, and said yes.

the time you set up the trap that killed three players. you claimed he was the one who forced you to, but you were the one who executed the plan while he was off stealing cookies. you enjoyed every second of it — the setup, the wait, the sudden boom, and then nothing. he said you were brilliant. you knew you were brilliant. the most dangerous green life paired up with the first red life — together, you were unstoppable. 

the time you holed into a bunker together. you lost your first life that day. you didn’t owe a debt to him anymore, but you stayed. you said it was a tactical advantage. you knew that wasn’t true. he knew that wasn’t true. but neither of you said anything.

he knew that. all of it. did you know that? 

and still, he turned on you, after all that you’ve been through.

you ambushed him, pushing him into the pool, eyes red with vengeance and tears. he didn’t fight back. you can kill me, he said. for everything you’ve done to keep me alive. he offered you the enchanter. you had completely forgotten about it in your rage. it didn’t matter anymore. you froze, blood and water dripping from your blade, unable to take his life. you couldn’t do it. he didn’t expect that. you didn’t expect that.

the ghosts screaming in your ears wanted blood. he didn’t let them break your friendship. after everything, after the betrayal, you’re still friends. you both knew that. so you returned to the desert, to pizza’s grave — where it all began, and where it’ll all end.

now you stand before him, surrounded by cacti and fire. you remove your armor. you toss aside your sword. your arms tremble, but you don’t care. he’s stalling. you’re stalling. the ghosts scream for you to fight, on three, two, one — green, yellow, red. even as your fists land blow after blow, pushing him back into the spikes, he’s laughing. you’re laughing. i’m so sorry, you both say, your laughter mixing with tears, your blood staining each other’s hands. 

you land the final blow. he’s gone. you don’t feel good. 

you brush your hand over your chest, where the arrow struck. he killed you, and you returned to collect his debt. you’ve won. you both won. but you stand alone, in an empty world, surrounded by his final possessions and your blood. there’s nothing left to harm you.

but there’s one more life to go.

the universe gifted you with a memory. a memory of every laugh, cry, scream, punch, and every single drop of blood that stained your hands and clothes, the red liquid seeping into your red sweater. you cursed the universe for its sick sense of humor. but as you plunge into the sandy depths below, both wings limp against your back, you can’t help but to spend your last moments thinking how maybe, the universe was right all along.

the rules of the universe state that scars will form for two reasons: if it's interesting enough, or if it’s of emotional importance.

he was important to you. his partnership, jokes, pranks, and even his betrayal. you should’ve known that. you wish you had known that.

and right before you hit the ground, you hope he knew that too.

[m0on-shro0m]

Ahem.

From the recent Hermitcraft episodes involving Grian, Scar, and Doc? The declared war? Yeah I’d like to inform you…

We are going to have Desertduo fight a war THAT they started on accident.

It’s 3rd Life all over again but in different circumstances.

[thatonefatgumsimp]

Which Secret Life POVs I've Watched So Far (will be updated and edited as I finish)

OK so I may or may not have gotten distracted again- oops- but basically I'm putting here which POVs I've already watched in full and what my first thought about each one was.

-WARNING: wall of texts and ramblings from an mcyt obsessed audhd under the cut...and also spoilers. Don't click unless you're ready for simultaneously spoilers and an ungodly amount of text lol-

Grian: "God this series is so hype I can't wait to see what all happens and- OMG GEM IS HERE! :D GEM IS GREAT! I can't wait to see her kick Etho's ass at PvP again /lh ...waiminute...is that logo on the statue...is that the Watcher logo??? Huh??? Wait...and why does it have the same mossiness of the Entity and Grian's s9 base? Suspicious...OMG the chaotic Best Friend energy with Mumbo and Grian- tbh would be me and my best friend on any given day. Amazing. Their laughter is so infectious too lmao- Oough merch! Pretty :3 Wait it's over already? Aweeeeh ): can't wait for the next episode tho!"

Mumbo: "Wait he switched sides of the circle when Martyn punched Jimmy lmaoooo just like 'these people are crazy, save me, Grian-' 💀 The best friend energy omg still amazing I love their dynamic so much! Ooh a sideways house that *IS* an interesting idea! WHY DOES JIMMY KEEP BREAKING THE CRAFTING TABLES LMAO Hmmmmm Impulse ik cherry blossom is great, but that salesman voice is indeed very sus. I'm with Mumbo on this one."

Skizz: "Idk I watched it when I was very tired last night and all I remember is 'Awwweh a frog! Take care of him...WH- TANGO!!!' and also him apologizing to Gem which was very nice. Oh yeah and love island <3"

Jimmy: "Alright, Timmy, you've got this. Just don't die and- OMG MARTYN NOOOO LMAOO- Aweeeh it's like when you have a really young sibling or you're, like, a parent or something and you kiss the child's scraped knee to make it feel better- 🥺 wholesome. THANK YOU! I thought I was alone in recognizing that symbol, thank you for acknowledging it. JIMMY LOOK OUT OMG YOU'RE GONNA GIVE ME A HEART ATTACK! OK but the task. This man is an absolute menace lol. Aweh that's very nice of Scar to compliment Jimmy's outfit! SCOTT LMFAOOOO YOU'RE SO RIGHT, BUT AT THE SAME TIME 💀 Jimmy building in the Mesa? Tumble Town 2 electric boogaloo?? 'Hmmmm if Scar's building a shack, we're gonna have to have a shack-off, mine's better.' NO JIMMY DON'T STEAL THE CAMEL! D: pftttt Scar would- remember the Relation-ship? And the Ranch? Arson boy lol. THE VALLEY GIRL ACCENT I CAN'T- 😭"

Scar: "OK, Scar, you can do the task, I believe in you. I've seen 4 other POVs which prove that you failed, but I still believe in you. OMG THAT'S WHY HE COMPLIMENTED JIMMY'S OUTFIT LMAOOO I WASN'T PAYING ATTENTION- So true, Scott. So true. But you can't stop them, they're still gonna end up neighbors. I know, I already watched Jimmy's POV. SCAR NOOOO YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO TELL THEM- The way he jumped in the water- 💀 hc that c!Scar shook out his long-ish messy brown hair like a dog after that. Cuz he would. 'I'll make an exception for you. The first and ONLY exception.' if someone doesn't use this as, like, a fanfic title or something I swear- literally perfect material for a c!Scarian fic title. AWEEEEEEH HE CALLED GRIAN THE LIGHT OF HIS LIFE- I CAN'T BHATGLFYSJBJSRSKBLBK 🥺 Scar just like 'y'all crazy. Bye.' AWEEEEH GRIAN AND SCAR'S CAMEL RIDE! DESERTDUODESERTDUODESERTDUODESERTDUO! The way they stare at the hole Big B dug like *insert surprised Pikachu here* awwwwweh the way he let Grian have the cactus monopoly 🥺 you will never not convince me that bullying is their love language. c!desertduo bullies each other affectionately...I'm so normal about c!desertduo I promise- HE TALKED ABOUT ASOKA FOR 30 MINUTES OFC HE DID- 💀😭 I was wondering why he didn't include it lmao- NOT SCAR TREATING THE CAMEL LIKE A DISNEY RIDE LOL learning about the task goodies with Tango, Jimmy, and Scar 101 'IS IT A ROCKET' LMAOOOOO- HE'S SUFFOCATING AGAIN- SCAR BE CAREFULLLLL!!! Ik it's not in the comments, but, I GOT TO THIS POINT AND I'M ENJOYING IT, SCAR! Love this series sm and I'm only 5 POVs in lol. 'It's looking kinda like a shack' 'fancy house and exotic materials' indeed, Etho. Also yes, Scar, part of what gave it away is that ur favorite color is orange lol /lh the fact that Jimmy is the only one I've seen to call him 'Obi' when he says 'Hello There'- amazing. 'Nonono it's not a shack, look at that entrance!' But, Scar, you just said- ...OK- 'this is my shack' OK, Scar I'm confused. Is it or isn't it a shack? Ofc he cut out the arson threats and allegations smh /lh 'until next time, we'll see you later, and don't forget to subscribe because you may just become. SCARRRRED FOR LIFE!' ...yes I've memorized his outro-"

Martyn: "Wait OK before we start- are we sure that punching Jimmy didn't just, like, transfer the canary's curse? /lh like it could also be that he won last series and now he's the 'wet cat' of the first episode like I saw in another post, but like, what if?? I guess we'll see, huh? The awkward 'goodbye' and then walking the same way lmaooo 💀 Lizzie and Gem: 'WE HAVE TO GET TO THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS!' Martyn: 'uhhhhh anyways so-' what am I gonna get? Well uhhh probably one of the life hoodies, but I'll probably have to convince my mom to get it as a Christmas gift cuz I already spent a lot in the last month cuz I have no self control- but yeah probably the balloon hearts hoodie or the drippy hearts one. Love those. 'Ofc no wearing helmets' Scar, who has a helmet: 'Hi, Martyn!' 'oh mY GOd you scared me-' Payback for the jumpscare to Grian last series /lh /hj 'friends?' 'friends?' 'friends?' 'Helloooooo!' 'Martyn!' Idk why but that interaction made me exhale like- just imagine shouting through the walls in a cave to your friends irl. Omg now I'm imagining it with the reverb- 'you couldn't spare a heart, could you?' gives off the vibes of 'please sir, could I have some more?' Oliver Twist who? /lhj Bdubs and his chainmail lol 'THERE'S A SPAWNER?!' yeah...he's definitely having a rough first session- o7 'what is happening out there-?' I'd like to know too, Martyn, unfortunately I haven't watched their POVs yet. Also Etho saying 'BDUBS RUN! HIDE!' I- I'm normal about c!Ethubs I promise- 'YOU GOT HORSE ARMOR?!' ofc the local horsegirl /lhhj would ask about that lol- NOT ETHO TURNING INTO CANADIAN DAVID ATTENBOROUGH AND NARRATING HIS, MARTYN'S, AND BDUBS' ADVENTURES THROUGH THE CAVE- I- 💀 'this could go viral' true, Bdubs lol. BDUBS' MIC CUTTING OUT I'M CRYING- Gem's reaction of 'a what?!' and Scott's response of 'we just don't have a healer' is just perfect lol. Love that. WE'RE PLAYING THE MARTYN GETS NERFED MOD! TODAY WE CODED IT SO ALL THE MOBS ATTACK MARTYN AND ONLY MARTYN! that's the vibes Scott's comment gave me lol- 12 HEARTS?!? MARTYN!! OMG BE MORE CAREFUL!!! This Martyn nerf hitting hard- 'this could be really bad if I get poisoned-' YES IT COULD, MARTYN, YOU'RE ALREADY AT 12 HEARTS- IT'S LIKE YOU'RE TRYING TO BE THE FIRST TO YELLOW- /lh bro Martyn being risky is making my anxiety go 📈📈📈📈📈 BE MORE CAREFUL, MARTYN, PLS- I BEG OF U- MARTYN GOING TO THE NETHER- 📈📈📈 MARTYN THERE ARE GHASTS- PLEASE- I- AAAAAAAAAAAAA! MARTYNNNN! OMG! IS HE ALWAYS THIS RISKY, USUAL MARTYN VIEWERS?! CUZ IF SO IDT I'M GONNA SURVIVE BINGING ALL THE LIFE SERIES- 'ughhh I swear, dude, I swear, I'm gonna cry!!!' I AM TOO, PLEASE STOP GETTING INTO DANGER, MARTYN- Martyn saying damnit is me the whole time he's out risking his hearts. My heart can't take this kind of pressure, Martyn please stop being so riskyyyy- 😭 nINE HEARTS- MARTYN!!!! Istg I'm not surviving this episode- my heart is just- 📈📈📈📈📈📈📈 his pICKAXE BROKE?! OH YOU'VE GOTTA BE KIDDING ME! 'OH MY GOD, THE SUN!' I'M HAPPY TOO, HOPEFULLY HE DOESN'T LOSE TOO MANY MORE HEARTS. 'I've been to the nether and everything!' Yeah, imma be honest, I don't get that one. Like, didn't you write a song lITERALLY CALLED 'Screw The Nether' with friends????! /lh Lizzie's 'oh wow' 💀 fIVE AND A HALF HEARTS!! MARTYNNNN!!! OMG! 📈📈📈 NOT THE DROWNED- 😭 LEAVE HIM ALONE, BRUH, HE JUST TRYNA SURVIVE- Martyn panicking- same, bestie- Lizzie just like 'oh you stole my bed? Didn't notice' 💀 #1 way to tempt a horsegirl: offer something to protect his horse /lhj Cleo's laugh lol- infectious. MARTYN ZOOMING IN AND JIMMY JUST BRINGING BACK SCAR'S CAMEL IN THE BACKGROUND I CAN'T-"

OK I'm posting this and I'll rb for the other POVs, but Cleo's next.

So let's see, next rb is probably gonna be Cleo, Gem, Tango, Scott, Bdubs, and Pearl.

Third rb is probably gonna be Etho, Joel, Lizzie, Impulse, and BigB.

3 maybe 4 rb max.

[quartz-eye]

Desertduo oneshot for Kuiper-BeltAU. Just some fluff. And a small tiny introduction to nothing and something.

---------

Imagine a realm where vast shards of crystalline ice drift in a swirling cosmic ballet. These shards, gleaming with a spectral luminescence, are inhabited by beings of myth and wonder. Ethereal creatures, born of starlight and the primordial essence of creation, call the Kuiper Belt their home. They flit and soar through the void, their forms as transient as the constellations above.

The crystalized nothingness was their only home, nowhere else to go, because their home stretched for millions of miles, it was never ending, as if they owned it all, and nothing at the same time.

A gentle hand reached out to poke at the crystalline shard, the nail barely scratching over the top layer, making it slightly move away with a glass like sound. The disturbance made it shimmer in the light that seemed to come out from every angle of the Universe.

The small crystal was pulled back in, the gravity not letting it go nowhere far, at least for now, for now it was trapped, like all of them.

They weren't trapped tho, they were home, at least that is what Scar thought. He seemed to feel content with staying where he was, unlike the rest.

They seemed urgent to find a way, to discover ways of being a part of society that didn't know of them anyways. Had he not provided enough?

The more he thought about it, the more sour feeling overtook his mind. The silence that hung in the atmosphere only worsened his rage, biting down on his lip, in a swift movement pulling the floating space dust in his orbit, creating a new gas planet in his hands.

That is all that it was, is that where all of them wanted to go to? A rock with life on it? It was that simple, there was nothing to see, it was just dust and air.

A slight sparkle appeared in the small crystal, the new planet was quickly crashed together in his hands, dropping the remains, leaving new asteroids in the system, someone would deal with them.

As he suspected the glistering became stronger, and so did the cold ari started to fade away, a careful, yet calm hand placed itself on his shoulder.

''For everything you worry about, I am impressed by how are you still alive.'' Grian whispered in a slightly foolish tone, stepping next to Scar and sitting down at the glassy edge of the crystalized rock.

A moment of silence lingered in the air, it never got too old to view the passing sparkles of falling meteors, it made them feel like a kid on the Earth again. Watching the raindrops drip down on the car windows and making up the most absurd games in their own head, just to entertain their bored minds.

Grian was snapped back to reality, to present, hearing a low huff of disagreement, ''Nothing I am worried about. Just tell me what is not here, that is anywhere else.''

Both of them made eye contact, Grian always felt like he was staring into nothing when looking at the others eyes, it felt like any sign of life was missing from them. And who was he to know if it wasn't true, and who was he to judge when his own eyes were just as empty on the daily, burned out from the heat.

Grian tilted his head, thin sounds of jingles from every possible jewelry on the man made a heavenly sound, like the wind chimes in a summer's day after a cold war. A weak smile appeared on the Sun's face, feathers slightly shifting, ''Difference. They aren't seeking for anything but difference, Scar. Let them have it, they will be back in no time,'' he grabbed Scars hand, and with the help of his own, made a motion their way with it to get the broken pieces of the newly formed, and broken planet, back, ''it will take only so much time before they realize that a humans body can only handle so much time.''

He melted the planet back together, giving it a solid core with the heat, ''What you create and hold, is what everyone depends on, we need you more than you know, so don't expect us to ever leave.'' Grian gave Scar back the fixed planet.

Suddenly it felt dear to him, it hurt to think of breaking it. A simple dwarf planet with no one to go to, no moon to guide it, no stars to follow, no rings to travel with. It was a loner.

His loner with a core. With a swipe of his hand, in silence he named it CFBDSIR 2149-0403.

Before he could place it anywhere, a small ''Learn to let go. Just for a moment.'' singed in his ear.

Scar looked back at Grian, ''I don't think I can.'' He felt like cracking, had he really gotten attached to something he had no time put in?

''It will come back eventually, let it float away, it will find it's way back to you when it is ready to.'' Grian calmly opened Scars fingers and freed the small ball of it's future ahead of itself.

Both of them looked as it floated away amongst everything else, crystals casting a cold reflection on it, it looked blue, it was a cold rouge.

Somewhere out in the forever lasting nothingness, a soul felt a pull towards the rouge, both lonely things, yearning for a connection. A bright white humanoid figure formed out of a ball of white void.

A glowing dust hand reached out far, far away for something that was so close, yet forever away. The soul cried out to it.

Home is where a core lays, life is formed where it seeks it.

[mylifeactually]

The Underlying Thoughts of Grian (Third Life Desertduo)

Scar was nothing but a schemer. I looked into his face and knew that this man wouldn’t stop at anything to use all these damn reputation points he spread across the whole server and turn me into this monster that would lead him to victory.

What scared me was how much I enjoyed being dragged around like nothing. I often demanded things from others. I was the one to pull the tight strings wrapped around my friend's wrist, but it had been a long time since I had been suffocated by someone whose ropes didn’t keep me set there.

I tied the strings and kept tightening them, and the pain that was supposed to hurt was the pain I was desperately chasing. I wandered the server with his red lives empty threats, and I felt adrenaline pumping through my veins.

I watched Scar when he rested, hair tussled and thoughts filled with bloody howls, and I would rustle some sand and dirt away from his hair and keep myself smothered next to his body heat. Scar was something for me that was addicting, and I couldn’t lose the power.

When he quickly took my yellow life after Bdubs won something I deserved after all my hard work, I was so furious that I was forcefully removed from the grasp I had put myself into.

The anger that fueled my body after landing with a red name was terrifying. I couldn’t understand how Scar didn’t do worse with what went through his head. I was terrified with myself, but I wanted to take this anger out, and it was going onto the traitor. Not even the murky waters could stop me when I saw Scar for the first time.

I felt stumped when he killed Bdubs and told me I could take his life. I felt as if he had pulled the rug out from under me. It’s what I wanted. I wanted to take this man’s life for messing with my feelings, or maybe I tried to pretend that Scar was myself; I was ready to fight myself and the mind tricks I played on not just everyone but myself. I let Scar get this far, and he was nothing but a menace, but it was to benefit me.

I was supposed to win, right? So why did I feel so heartbroken when I sat in the boat with Scar for a moment while the hollowed ghosts that were once our friends whispered for one of us to win the game? Winning was all that mattered to us; we just wanted to go home and live the life we used to live, where we were all friends once before, and it changed in this new world.

I didn’t want to win, and I didn’t want to do this anymore. I hated the games that I was playing with Scar. I’ll know the monster I became and that teaming with Scar, although it had memorable moments, will forever hurt me. I’ll be forever crushed by the prospect of teaming with Scar again.

So, as we stood in the cactus circle, my fists lifted, and Scar's arms defended his face; I slammed my now broken knuckles repeatedly into his face, and tears dripped down my face as he begged for the release of death.

His last breath that had gathered was congratulating me, and I couldn’t live with myself. The monster that I was, wanting nothing but the world for the man I had helped to have power, was bleeding under me. I brushed his hair one last time with my hand, feeling the sand that gathered within his hair quickly with the winds, and I stood up, my legs wavering.

I stood at the edge, a bittersweet smile placed on my face, throat raw as tears continued to streak my cheeks. I knew this would never be over; it would always be a new challenge, but I get to rest for a moment peacefully, I get a second to remember the man I brought to the edge with me as I drop myself to the painful ground.

I was only ever meant to watch.

[sxthee]

My blog's just revolving around them now, huh? Gods, there's no escape for this chronic brainrot—

ANYWAY.

You know how when you brainrot on desertduo sm, every song you hear is just about them???? I just had a ponder and invisible strings by taylor swift vaguely represents them???

OKAY HEAR ME OUT—

(Ramble under the cut)

I believe this song can be taken from Grian's internal dialoguing. Like Grian slowly having a soft spot for Scar and realizes he's not all that bad as soon as he slowly got to know him better. Also a great allusion to Double Life that makes use of the "soulmate" thing, wherein that idea is usually represented with strings tied to people (to which where the song will be used!)

Paragraph one. Grian crossed various places just in hopes to find his soulmate (and is walking on grass), and coincidentally, met (or revealed) him surrounded by the greenery. Teal was the color of the shirt could be just his shirt getting wet from the river water that could be visioned as teal-looking. You used to work at to make a little money just basically describes Scar's conman days way back on Third and Last Life, where he would "work" to make a "little money" to which that would be resources.

Paragraph two. Grian was baffled and confused as to how everything fell exactly to where they were at. There weren't any clues to give him a sign of this eventual thing, and for some reason, it's so intriguing. And to him, it's kinda funny at how of all things, he was tied to him. He could not believe that.

Paragraph three. Bad was the blood of the song in the cab (on your first trip to LA) ; clearly, there was somr "hate" in Grian. Hate because he was paired with Scar — someone who's prone to disasters (and whatever Grian has going in with him lmao-) And there was some slight argument between them to which where they should base. Scar wanting to reside in the jungles(?) with the Jellie pandas, and Grian on a hill across Joel and Etho (but it wasnt much of an issue because Scar came to terms with it anyway by creating a compromise himself by bringing the pandad to their base, and it's because he's Scar). While that bad blood part was more on Grian, the "secret soulmate" thing was definitely a bad blood between Scar, BigB, and Grian.

Paragraph four. Now THIS. This is what I believe to be the epitome of the desertduo in this song. As time progressed and they spent more time each other, as what most would agree (and have portrayed them), they would slice each other open out of love, and bleed them out of love, yet they are the remedy to that because they love each other. Like two forces dancing, colliding and creatinf pressure and damage as they draw closer, yet every repel they take would take then closer, to only repeat the cycle again — something like that, that's how their relationship works. And the repetition of the isn't it just so pretty to think all along there some invisible string, tying you to me? Is like something that Grian repeats in his mind over and over again. Yet again, as if he was in disbelief, yet amazed. Like.. "What the hell?" And simultaneously "Wow, he's gorgeous".

Paragraph five. Forgive me if I may have made a mistake in connecting the lyrics to the "canon" story, but as far as I could remember thanks to the desert duo dynamics I see on my feed, Scar was the one who saved Grian, like his blanket — his comfort — amidst the battlefield that they were in. Maybe Grian was still scared of hurting Scar so he pushed him away, yet Scar had his arms warmly open for him, locking away Grian's insecurities by barb wiring, and by forgiving him, and forgetting the past and wanting to move on and live with him in this new life they have. They've gone through so many hardships, and even if they had briefly separated via alliances on Last Life, somehow, they would still wound up to each other's side. (Also, with Watcher Lore being applied + the power of fanfiction, A string that pulled me out of all the wrong arms right into that dive bar: it could be Scar pulling or saving Grian from the watchers without hesitation)

Paragraph six. It's not "canon" compliant, since the two of them are just so— (iykyk) Anyway. If we are to restate this into a fanfiction with no angsty ending, we could say that Grian eventually came to terms with the past and is no longer chained to it.

Paragraph seven. It was at this point as if Grian had accepted it that it was kinda a wonderful thing. He was intrigued and found it beautiful that they were tied by a mere string. Scar gave him a hard time (he did too) and misunderstandings and quarrels were created in the process too, but in the end, it still felt like heaven. Blissful. To be by his side.

But of course this is Grian who were talking about. He may have accepted it. But he won't ever openly admit it.

JSNSKFNEJJRNRNR i have no idea if this made any sense, or had i correctly remembered how it goes to connect it to the lyrics. this is literally just all over the place, i apologizeeee JESNFNDNN what are your thoughts about this?? (-v-")7

[arc852]

if you're still down to do prompts for hermitcraft, how about g!grian and t!scar. If you've watched the 3rd life series, perhaps grian being a protective bodyguard to fulfill his debt. (Potentially scolding scar for being too risky, or both being chaotic and causing trouble).

Then out of curiosity whos perspective(s) do you default too for both dsmp and hermitcraft? Sorry for such a long ask too! Got excited for potential desertduo g/t content cause there is a lack of g/t stuff for hermitcraft in general.

 Sorry this took me a while but I loved this prompt!

 Also, I’ll answer your question first. Honestly, my default for dsmp is usually Tommy or Wilbur and for hermitcraft it’s Grian or Scar. Leaning more towards Tommy and Grian usually. 

 And I agree! There needs to be more hermitcraft g/t! Especially with desert duo, they are my favorite. So I will do my best to provide!

 I had a lot of fun with this prompt. I usually write Grian as the tiny and Scar big but this was a nice change and I’ve learned that Scar can be just as much of a chaotic tiny as Grian can be! So, I hope you enjoy!

Warnings: mentions of non-permanent death 

Word Count: 953

 ___________________________________________________________

 “Scar!”

 Grian reached out and grabbed the tiny before he could get any closer to the edge of the ravine, uncaring about Scar’s yelp as he did so. He held the red life to his chest and sighed a little in relief knowing Scar was safe now.

 Honestly, it seemed like the only place Scar was safe was in Grian’s hands but Grian couldn’t very well hold onto him forever.

 “Grian! Come on, I wasn’t that close to the edge.” Scar said, pouting. Grian let out a deep breath before bringing Scar up to his face.

 “Scar, you died to this same ravine not two days ago. I’m not taking any chances.” 

 “Aww, so you do care!” Scar said, smiling wide but with a hint of mischief under it. Grian felt heat rise to his cheeks.

 “I’m just fulfilling my debt. The second I lose my first life, I’m gone.” Grian said, but with each time he said it, it felt more and more like an excuse. Grian turned around and started to head back toward their base, Scar still in hand.

 “Uh huh, sure. Whatever you say!”

***

 Scar wasn’t in bed when Grian woke up.

 That was not a good sign.

 The two had taken to sleep in the same bed, since, well, lack of resources and stuff. And Scar, being a tiny, got cold really easily. So it was just more beneficial for them to share.

 So when Grian woke up and didn’t feel the minuscule weight on his chest, he knew something was very wrong.

 He quickly got up and started scouring their base, being careful to keep a close eye on the floor just in case. “Scar! Scar, where are you?!” There was no answer and the base was silent. 

 Again, not a good sign.

 Grian continued to search before he heard faint voices coming from outside. Immediately, Grian wasted no time in running out, stopping to see Scar talking to Joel.

 “-we’ll give some to you if we find any, you get some reputation points, and all I humbly ask for is that diamond sword of yours.” Scar said, looking much too comfortable with being on the ground with Joel looming over him. Not that Joel could kill Scar, not unless Scar tried attacking first, but nothing was stopping Joel from grabbing Scar and holding him captive.

 And with Scar trying to scam him, it was a very likely thing to happen.

 “Scar! What are you doing?!” Grian exclaimed before Joel could say anything. Scar turned around in surprise but met Grian’s eyes with a bright smile.

 “Oh hey Grian! Just making a little deal with Joel here.” Scar said innocently, obviously not knowing or caring about the danger he was in.

 Grain groaned, face in his hands before going closer and scooping Scar up into his hands. Once again, Scar was much safer in Grian’s own hands. At least now if Joel tried anything he would have to go through Grian. Scar barely reacted this time and instead made himself comfortable.

 “So, about that deal…?” Scar said, getting right back into business. 

 In the end, Scar somehow managed to convince Joel to give up his diamond sword for, well, basically nothing. An empty promise of dark oak saplings and reputation that didn’t even matter. Grian wasn’t sure if he should be impressed by Scar’s ability to scam or disappointed in Joel for falling for it.  

 Probably both.

***

 Grian gasped, eyes flying open. He sat up, hand gripping at his chest. He had been shot. He died. He lost a life. His first life. He was yellow now.

 He had no real time to think though. He had to get back out there. He grabbed the supplies he had hidden away and ran back out to their siege in the desert.

 Scott was the only one there. Everyone else was nowhere to be seen. Scott was talking with him and Grian spoke back but all Grian could really think about was Scar. Where was he? Was he okay? There were no other death messages in the chat but could they have taken Scar as prisoner?

 Grian and Scott gathered what they could and then made their way into the forest.

 And then Grian saw Scar and his rapid heartbeat finally slowed down, the tension in his shoulders relaxing when he realized Scar was unharmed. Scar ran over to them and Grian kneeled down. “Scar, how did you live?” Grian asked, instead of all the other things he wanted to say.

 Scar grinned. “I don’t know.” He was slightly out of breath, but that was to be expected. Instead of scooping him up or grabbing him, Grian held out his hand, palm up, a silent invitation for Scar to get on.

 Scar took it with no hesitation.

 Making sure he was secure first, Grian stood back up and turned to Scott to discuss their next move. 

 It wasn’t that Grian had really forgotten about his and Scar’s deal. About his debt to the tiny man. But he chose to ignore it. Because there was no way Grian would have ever been able to leave Scar behind.

 They were in this together and Grian would continue to keep Scar safe.

***

 A ring of cacti surrounded them.

 Voices in his head telling him to fight. To kill.

 He looked at Scar, on the other side. He was still smiling despite everything. They both knew who would win. Everyone knew it was an unfair fight.

 It didn’t matter.

 Grian was supposed to keep Scar safe.

 He never wanted to hurt him.

 But now he would be his downfall.

 They counted down.

 And in the end, it was quick.

 For both of them.