#basil yells at cloud

[makerscockandballs]

I finally had my top surgery and I've been crying ever since I woke up because I'm so happy and I feel like all the weight of the past years has come off my shoulders to the point where they had to sedate me. I can't describe how fucking happy I am. I can finally wear what I want to wear I can pick up cats and hold them close I can go swimming and I love water so so much I can hug my boyfriend and let him rest on my chest. All these everyday things in life and and I get to have them now.

[greenandsorrow]

Hey, could u write a Basil from Omori oneshot x reader. Male reader that just met Basil at the park while Aubrey and her gang were bullying him. Reader at around the same age as Basil. Reader taller than Basil. Obviously Basil kinda crushes on reader but is shy. Thank u.

by your side•°

🌻Basil x male!reader, sfw🌻

-> fluff/comfort, dare I say cute, descriptive, tall!reader, Omori spoilers, Polly, the Hooligans, a bit of swearing

!!! I don't usually do male!readers, but I was so excited to write for this flower boy!

The artwork is by @/milkymilkyshark on X.🍃

FARAWAY TOWN, 200X

You always liked the peaceful and mundane environment of this place. It's the place you've spent most of your spring breaks in, visiting your grandparents and playing games on their fourth generation computer. The roads are never full of traffic, stray kittens are always at your disposal to pet and each house has its own front yard.

The weather in FARAWAY TOWN is mild, sunny for the most part, the clouds above your head white and fluffy and the grass under your feet bright green and freshly mowed.

Since you've grown out of carelessly playing with your Hot Wheels and bored of rebuilding the same Lego sets over and over again, you decided it's time for a detour at the nostalgic town of your childhood.

As I said, it's quiet and uneventful here... almost. Your grandma kept you up to date with the tragic death of a young girl, four years ago. A suicide that stains the backyard of one of the utopic looking houses.

A shame.

Still, as much as you may be fond of this little town, you don't know its residents all that well. Maybe your detour will change that. You could use some company...

A fresh tee, shoes, keys, a few coins and you're out of the door.

Luckily, everything is within walking distance, so it's easy for you to plan a route for today's outing in your head.

OTHERMART is your first destination of the day. Last time you were here the shop was much smaller. It must've been expanded and you're definitely not complaining about it. You buy two cans of lemonade and some discounted snacks.

After exiting the shop, you debate on whether you should sit by the fountain or walk all the way to FARAWAY PARK, but the thought of enjoying your snacks while being surrounded by nature wins. FARAWAY PARK it is! The possibilities of meeting people are also more favourable in the park.

As you get closer and closer to it, you start hearing birds chirping, kids laughing and yelling, even the occasional bark of some dog. You're tempted to give the venting machines on the entrance a go, but you've used all you had on your snacks and soft drinks.

To your surprise though, it's not just shouts of joy and laughter that can be heard...

"Creep!!!"

Your curiosity is peaked and before you know it, your legs have already carried you to where the -not so happy- shouts are coming from.

The scene in front of you is upsetting to say the least. Six kids your age have surrounded a short boy, who is hugging himself while whimpering, while the pink-haired girl of the group keeps hurling offences his way.

Your chest tightens. This is wrong. You don't know what the full story behind this whole ordeal is, but bullying is certainly not the way to deal with it.

Your height has always made you appear older than you really are and in this moment of havoc, you decide to use this advantage of yours to end this poor boy's suffering. Keeping your strides confident and determined, you get next to the pink-haired girl, placing a hand on her shoulder. You want to appear intimidating.

AUBREY jumps slightly at the unexpected contact and you seize the opportunity to talk first.

"Don't you have anything fucking better to do?!"

She does look furious, but still a bit startled.

"W- what d- did you say?!"

"I'm sure you heard me the first time! Six to one?! Are you really such a big jerk?!"

Some of the kids in her group have turned red in the face, or are avoiding looking your way. That's good. You're not looking for a full blown out fight anyway.

But what are you doing then? Meeting people like your initial goal was? No. You're defending this blonde boy.

Fortunately, after some angry glares and muttered curses, the group retreats from the park. The girl with the pink hair is the last to go.

"We're not done!"

You can't help but roll your eyes at her over the top, tough nut to crack persona. It doesn't matter that much though, she's walking away now and you're left with the victim of her fury.

Despite his stature, he must be your peer. He has fluffy, blond hair with a pink flower tucked behind his ear. He's wearing a green sweater vest over a white button-up shirt, beige shorts and black shoes. It's clear as day that he's a shy one, with a dose of insecurity -based on his body language-.

His teal eyes are kind. The blue in them is so light that they almost look like they're made out of glass... or the glass-like effect is due to how he's still sniffling and wiping tears off his delicate face. He's beautiful, fragile looking.

Have you been staring? Oops-

You don't want to make him feel any worse. AUBREY made him feel trashy enough.

"Thank you..."

His voice is shaky and soft. You nod in response. Oh gosh, you don't have it in you to leave him alone after what he just went through.

"Don't mention it..."

A pinkish blush surfaces on his cheeks and he starts fidgeting with the hem of his sweater vest.

"I- I- I... You really shouldn't have bothered with me... But I'm grateful for the way you interfered. Really."

"Told you it wasn't any trouble. Now, now... What's your name?"

"I'm BASIL. It's very nice to meet you."

How he manages to smile after the crap he endured momente ago is beyond you.

"I... I have some junk food in this bag. We can share it."

You impress yourself.

Spontaneousness means following your heart and you can't help but melt a little inside at his surprised and flustered expression.

"Are you sure? It's just... You bought these for your own enjoyment. I- I wouldn't like to be a nuisance... Y- you really don't have to share your food with me."

"Pick a bench."

BASIL complies silently, his gaze finding an unoccupied bench on a quiet corner.

"...that one?"

"Cool."

You begin walking towards the selected bench. Casting a quick glance behind, you notice that BASIL still is frozen in place, not believing you're not seeing him as a burden and that you actually want his company.

"C'mon!"

Your voice seems to snap him out of whatever trance he was in. His melancholy and anxiousness are the results of MARI's death, combined with AUBREY' bullying. Obviously, you wouldn't even imagine the first reason.

You sit in a slightly awkward, slightly soothing silence. You handed him one of the cans of lemonade and opened a pack of gummies, placing it between you.

"Thank you."

The eye contact he makes is fleeting, but you mentally give him kudos for trying.

"So, what was all this fuss about?"

"With AUBREY?"

"Yeah, not that I care about her stupid name."

BASIL makes a choked sound, maybe a failed attempt to chuckle.

"It's... It's just a misunderstanding. I don't want to tire you with the details."

"You won't tire me. I asked for the full story. You have my permission to start talking non-stop."

"You're very straightforward... You remind me of a friend of mine, KEL"

"Um, I really don't know anyone around here."

"That's okay. You know me now."

You smile at that. He blushes and looks at his shoes. Unbeknown to you, BASIL is starting to develop a strong sense of devotion towards you. You rescued him from the Hooligans, you're patient with him, you're even sharing your precious snacks!

"About the misunderstanding... I don't want to make you see AUBREY in a bad light because of what I'll say."

"She was so cruel to you! How can you defend her?!"

"We used to be friends and-

...she's been through a lot."

"That's not enough to justify her behaviour."

A shrug. He knows you're right. He drops the talk about AUBREY.

"I- I enjoy... enjoyed taking pictures. My memories with my friends are my most treasured possessions. It's nice to be able to capture a whole memory in just a single frame."

There's something really pleasant in his voice. BASIL still is nervous and flustered, however, he now appears to be more willing to talk and more at ease in your presence.

"And that's why I kept a PHOTO ALBUM that contained all the memories I made with my friends..."

"That's interesting... and sweet. Still, I haven't heard anything about misunderstandings."

A sad sigh.

"Are you sure I'm not making you bored with all the talking?"

"I'm invested, you can't stop now."

You sip your lemonade and he chews another gummie. BASIL can't suppress a smile. A sincere one at that, because it reaches his teal eyes. It's been a long time since he had any human contact with someone who isn't Polly.

From what he tells you, the misunderstanding happened because AUBREY got angry at him and stole his PHOTO ALBUM, thinking he had vandalized the photos, even though the photos were actually tampered with by another friend of theirs. She's practically blaming him for something he didn't do.

You want to ask him why would that other friend do such a thing in the first place, but something in his gaze holds you back from doing so.

Luckily, after his explanation of why that girl hates him, you move on to discussing lighter subjects. You don't even realise how much time has passed as you listen to him talk about his plants. That boy has quite the green thumb.

Whether it's some good old gardening, or tending to flowers, to trees, even growing vegetables... he's done it. You're certain his house must look very fairytale-like.

It's afternoon now! Did you spend the whole day rumbling with BASIL? Are you ready to say goodbye? No

"You can come over for dinner. My granny will be more than happy to have you."

BASIL's usual anxiousness gives way to excitement. Grandparents are a sensitive topic to him, but he's so giddy at the prospect of having you as a friend that he doesn't get triggered by the mention of your grandma. In all honesty, your invitation has his stomach doing backflips... That's not something he's felt for a friend before.

Strange.

✿

Chicken with rice is today's main course, with apple pie for dessert. BASIL seemed really pleased, but you're not the biggest fan of pies. So you let him have your own slice as well. It's a good thing you took your dessert in your bedroom, otherwise grandma wouldn't let you rest without eating at least half a slice.

"You have a big Lego collection", observes BASIL from his esteemed place at the edge of your bed. You're sitting right next to him.

"Yeah I know, but I've kind of grown out of it as of late."

Your gazes meet almost involuntarily and you're sure that you're sharing the exact same thought. Moments like this have you believing in telepathy.

The evening passes by with you and him building brick houses, castles and more. You start simple, following the instructions of each set. Soon though, you both allow your creativity to take control.

BASIL has seen many butterflies in his garden, but he never thought possible he'd be able to feel them flutter their wings in his stomach.

When it's time for him to leave, he has a pitiful expression on his face.

"Don't worry, you can come over again tomorrow."

"R- really? I mean... I'd really like it if we kept in touch."

✿

In the morning, the door bell wakes you up. You sit up slowly, stretching and rubbing the sleepiness off your eyes. It's a bit early for you, but you go answer the door anyway.

Your hair is a mess, your thoughts a blur. Who could it even be?

"Good morning! I wanted to give this!"

Here stands Basil, handing you a little flower pot.

"Oh... Hello. What's th- What kind of flower is that?"

He smiles brightly as you take the pot in your hands.

"I'm glad you asked. These are daffodils! As you can see they have a bright and joyful yellow colour. Daffodils are strong, resilient flowers that pop up year after year!"

You're happy. He makes you happy, even when you're hella eepy.

"They symbolize friendship... as well as new beginnings! They're one of the first signs of Spring. Well, you're my new friend, so I thought that you should have them!"

"And what about the new beginnings aspect?"

Another smile.

"Oh! Don't worry about that!"

You'll never know it, but you saved BASIL in the word's truest meaning. He gives you a quick but tight hug.

"That's all for now! I have to visit my granny at the hospital! But we can meet afterwards!"

Once he closes his mouth, you both fall silent and turn tomato red. You manage a smirk and then you're both laughing, giggling and planning your day.

Thank you so much for reading!💛🌼

Support a struggling writer! PayPal link🌻

My masterlist -> click here

The dividers are by @saradika-graphics .

[storiesaplenty]

Bridgerton Masterlist

Our Family

Lord Debling x f/Reader

Just like all my other stories, this has not been proofread, but please enjoy.

Warnings. None

Requested by anonymous. I hope you like it, and such a cute idea

From my previous account plentyoffandoms.

WC: 836

©️ storiesaplenty 2024: do not repost or translate my work. This is the only place I post my work.

Summary: Lord Debling & his wife were odd by their society standards. Their marriage was arranged, but they bonded over their unique interests, and soon found love. Their love grew into a massive family, with another one on the way.

My wife and I were strolling in our garden, with our children running around. It was getting late in the evening, and it was the perfect time to look up into the night sky.

Our children were very excited as the night sky had no clouds and they could see the stars.

They are also excited as the summer flowers are starting to bloom, and many bugs are starting to come out due to the warmer weather coming on.

My wife and oldest daughter, Ivy, were discussing their latest book they had read, and I was keeping an eye on the younger children, but their oldest brother, who is Ivy's twin, Berry was keeping them from wondering off.

When I first met my darling wife all those years ago, I was not happy. My parents and her parents got together and arranged our marriage.

Her and I are considered odd in our society as my love of nature and her love of astrology. Most people could not wrap their heads around it.

Our parents were concerned that my way of life at the time was no means for a lady. I was leaving after the wedding and her staying at our estate, but not her.

She joined me on my adventures, getting to know the real me, and I got to know her. I showed her the beauty in our world, and she showed me the beauty of our vast sky.

The first few days into my trip, I became concerned that we were getting lost, but she showed me how to navigate with the stars.

I truly became memorised by her, and I slowly fell in love with the woman my parents arranged for me to marry.

Once she became pregnant, I decided that it was time for us to settle at our estate and start to make a home worthy of our children.

Archer and Basil ran past me, laughing, bringing me out of my memories.

"Now boys, please watch where you are going." I said to them, not wanting to ruin their fun, but for then not to get hurt or hurt one of their siblings.

"Yes, father." They muttered before running off, playing some game of tag that is only between the two of them.

I helped my wife up the hill, as she was once again pregnant, but our sweet little Cordelia came rushing down the hill, wanting to help her mother up the hill.

Cordelia is the youngest at four years of age and is excited to be a big sister.

My wife sat down on the bench I had placed here not long after we came home.

"Now, you all know the rules. No fighting, no shoving, no yelling. We all get a turn." I didn't like to impose 6 many ruled on my children as our society does that already, but after the first time we did this, and the telescope got broken, their mother and I knew that some rules had to be put in place.

I stood next to the telescope as our children, from oldest to youngest, looked up into the night sky, completely in awe.

Ivy, Berry, Aurora, Archer, Basil, our other set of twins, Willow, Jupiter, Celeste, and Cordelia all took their turns, then rushed to their mother's side, asking her questions.

"Now, now, my darling children, it is your mother's turn." I said as they parter for me to get to her, to help stand her up from the bench.

"Take your time, dear. We have all night." She gave me a soft smile and leaned into look into the telescope. Our children ran off to play the scavenger hunt game I made for them before we came out here.

They had to find a certain bug or plant and cross it off their list. I even drew pictures next to what they need to be looking for.

Once, I knew the children were occupied, safe, and having fun, which I could tell by the squeals of laughter coming from around our garden, I wrapped my arms around her waist and placed my head on her shoulder.

"Oh, Alfred, it is just beautiful." She said as she straightened and leaned back into my arms.

"Not as beautiful as you, my beautiful wife."

"You shush now, husband. You are going to make me become vain with all your praises." Her and I laughed at that.

I turned her around in my arms so we were facing one another, I kissed her while placing my hand on her stomach, her and I was giggling at feeling our newest one kicking.

"Oh gross, they are kissing again." I heard Archer say before running off.

"How about when we are done here, and they are put to bed, you and I have some fun our bedroom."

"It's like you are trying to get me pregnant, even though I am already pregnant." She teased.

"That we do Alfred, that we do."

[lovevalley45]

#fictober24 - day two

"It's been a long time."

original fiction (power payback)

word count: 911

tw: in-universe discrimination

The nursery felt strange without Grandma Rosemary. 

It had hit her many times over the past few days. But as Primrose flipped through a ledger started long before she was born in her grandmother’s office, it still didn’t feel quite real. It was hers, now, she supposed. Her parents had let Rosemary Marotto handle the books and taken care of the hard labor themselves her whole life. Now it fell onto her and her MBA. 

A knock on the door broke her train of thought. She looked up to see her mother lingering in the doorway. Primrose hadn’t even known she was at the nursery. But if there was anyone harder to keep away from her plants than Rosemary, it was Delia Marotto. 

“You don’t have to knock. That’s why the door is open.”

Her mother laughed. “You sound just like her.” But the comment lacked her usual mirth. Her usual overalls were replaced by a ratty gray sweatshirt, dreads braided into pigtails down her back. “How are you doing?” 

“I miss her,” Primrose answered. “But she wouldn’t want me to waste time crying over her.” 

“Crying ain’t wasting time, you know.” 

“I know.” But she let her attention fall back to the ledger. 

Her mother sat on the edge of the desk. “I don’t want to put more on your plate. But with you taking Mary’s place back here, and just figuring out how to run things with her gone, we’re gonna need some extra help.”

“You’re asking if I’m gonna lift Grandma’s embargo on Daisy working here,” Primrose said. 

She sighed. “Your grandmother said some harsh things about your sister. Some unfair judgements on why she wasn’t allowed to work here, ever again.” 

Those were certainly some words to describe what had happened. Delia had been hard at work in her greenhouse after she’d sent Sprout to talk to Grandma Rosemary, but Primrose had been right at the counter as she’d heard the yelling. 

“We don’t need your monsters running around. And I’ve already chosen Prim to succeed me. When I die, she’ll be the one in charge. She just has a better eye for business. You can muck up your mother’s garden, not mine.”

But Daisy was always stubborn. She just had to dig her heels in. Primrose, not too far from the closed door to her office, could only listen and wince.

“I can control it. I’ll wear gloves while I’m here. Or- or I can help Dad, I’m strong. It’s the 21st century, women can be strong too.”

“Wearing gloves is not controlling it. I would have never let Delia marry my son if I knew all of my grandchildren would be little freaks-”

“I’m not a freak!” 

“Then cover up those scars and do something about that hair. The Marotto name has been besmirched by your lack of self-control. Your sister-”

“Fuck Primrose! I’m not her, I don’t want to be her.” Sprout sniffled. “Why do you hate me? I just made one mistake.”

Whatever their grandmother said had been too quiet for Primrose to hear. The conversation had hung over her like a dark cloud. 

She had known already that her botanokinesis was weak, not as strong as either her sister’s or her mother’s. It dug at her a little that it was part of why her grandmother had preferred her over her siblings, especially after Basil got his terrakinesis. That and being named after her, of course. 

Primrose had never told her mother what Rosemary said about her. Not when she knew how she saw her as her only family. 

“It’s been a long time,” Delia said. “Rosemary designated you to handle the business side of things here. And hell, I don’t wanna be behind the desk. But Sprout’s waited long enough.” 

Would Daisy even want to come back? Last she checked, her sister was getting ready to transfer to UNBC to continue getting her bachelors’ in criminal justice. Maybe her dreams of being a private investigator rung unrealistic to her. But shit, Grandma Rosemary had been wrong about Daisy. She knew that she didn’t have to be like her if she didn’t want to. 

But it was more than that. “What about her Talent, Mom?” 

“She-” Delia closed her eyes, tears slipping out. “I couldn’t let her work with the plants like I do. Not just because of the- the florabeasts, or whatever her and Magni call them. Dr. Merlo said her botanokinesis is practically gone after the accident. She can’t manipulate the plants like I can.” 

It hated her to know that was one thing Primrose was better at than her. Even if by a fraction of difference. 

“I don’t think she’d even want to come back, Mom,” she said after a moment of silence. 

“I loved your grandmother. I really did. I still do.” Her mother shook her head. “But I should’ve pushed back harder. Your father as well. She was still just a kid, and maybe - I don’t know, maybe if we hadn’t been so afraid, it would have come back.” 

“Me too. Maybe I could’ve changed Grandma’s mind.”

She shook her head again. “Prim, you were barely older than she was. That’s my fault. I fought so hard for her against those awful Brashers, but I couldn’t do shit against my own mother-in-law.” 

Primrose closed the ledger in her lap. “I guess it’s too late for regrets.” 

Delia wiped her eyes. “Yeah.” 

But Primrose knew she was lying.

[ratsoh-writes]

A Karen is getting into an argument with them, but another Karen gets in to defend them: Basil, Sugar, Pluto, Peaches, Cider, Compass, Sparks, Finn, Quill and Papaya

lol I like this ask

Basil: yea he’s not about the drama. Basil silently slinks away as the two Karen’s battle to death. If he stayed he probably would’ve started crying or something

Sugar: Ngl, this is kinda hot. At first sugar was a worried wreck at the confrontation, but now the two opinionated ladies are trading blows and… it awakens something in him. Sugar ends up having a brief toxic whirlwind romance with the Karen who defended it. The relationship didn’t even last a month and crashed and burned horrifically, but it was fun while it did last

Pluto: he kinda just floats away mortified as the karen who’s defending him calls the other Karen out for “yelling at a little child”. Seriously lady?? He’s not in stripes and has the voice of a grown man. He doesn’t look that childish does he??

Peaches: he uses some of that southern hospitality his mother drilled into him to appease both Karen’s with some free pie. They’re scaring away the other customers after all. He’ll b*tch about the scene to his friends later

Cider: he tries, he really does try to be polite about it, but his temper gets the better of him. Cider calls both ladies out on being terrible customers at the bar, and his mom makes him take a breather out back while she and barley smooth things over.

Compass: his eyes kinda glaze over and he dissociates through the whole argument. Both Karen’s get annoyed with him when it becomes clear he’s not paying attention any more

Sparks: he’s frantically trying to make both ladies stop fighting, and naturally he does this through flirting. Both Karen’s leave rather flattered and thinking they’ve still got the moves. Sparks is just happy nobody’s yelling anymore lol

Finn: oh boy oh boy he HATES when this happens. Every year his troop has at least one Karen mom/dad but this year there’s two and they hate each other. Finn is actually at the point where he just moves the kids away to leave the parents to fight it out.

Quill: for anyone who doesn’t know his special ability; when he’s startled, his wings create a cloud of chalk like dust. Both Karen’s got dusted and are now screaming at him over their ruined clothes. But alas, quill is in the sky hauling *ss to get away from them lol

Papaya: when the two Karen’s start fighting, then turn to papaya to try and make him pick a side, his sister enters the ring. Now there’s a three way fight between the Karen’s and mango, and poor papaya is just trying to drag his sister away before she beats the crap out of another Karen. Mango please! You almost got sued last time!

[cowardlychimera]

y'know what. more Sunny headcanons or whatever. if I've already said any of these before pretend I didn't okay

used to mimic random animal sounds with Kel when they were younger. often did it at night during sleepovers until someone either yelled at them to shut up or threw a pillow at them (or until they both passed out)

every time everyone played house Sunny would always either play as a cat or a random object. mostly so he has an excuse to take a nap

would always join Aubrey for plushie tea parties when asked

always tried helping Hero with stuff, and even if there wasn't really anything he could help with Hero would make something up because he could never say no

always preferred Mari's cookies over anyone else's, even if she accidentally messed them up, and if asked why he'd simply say "because Mari made them"

can and will make a wish every chance he gets. fountain? wish time! birthday candles? absolutely wish time! dandelions? no way he's passing up that!

researched flower symbolism to impress Basil

a little scared of dogs but that's not gonna stop him from petting them whenever he can

loves cloud watching, and just watching the skies in general

used to explore the forest a lot with Mari, but they didn't go very far anymore after Sunny accidentally found a dead deer

[ampheenix]

Sunflower Day 4: Angst

So, then…

This was it.

Omori stood, hair rustling in the cool breeze as he looked down and over the city, whilst the DREAMER made pathetic struggles to regain control. His stony gaze flickered for a second, wincing at the havoc being wrecked inside his mind.

No matter. He would save him no matter what… it was his role, who he was.

If this was the only way left to save the DREAMER from further suffering…

Then, so be it.

…

…It was a long way down…

Did he want to jump?

Yes, Omori decided.

Sunny was no longer thrashing about wildly, and had gone completely silent. Omori could tell he had finally accepted it, and was relieved. Good, he had finally given in, finally understood why he was doing this.

His hospital gown flapped in the wind as he prepared to take a stop forward, eyes on the bright blue sky and fluffy clouds surrounding him-

But all of a sudden, he heard a door slowly creak open behind him, footsteps pitter-pattering behind him on the rooftop, sounding almost tentative.

Well, that could be a problem, Omori thought to himself. Better to get rid of his intruder so that they couldn’t try to stop him.

He turned around with a neutral expression, that flickered when he saw BASIL.

“BASIL! BASIL HELP!!” Sunny cried desperately from the inside, now thrashing against the surface of Omori’s mind again. The monochrome boy’s brow furrowed, what a pain.

 Basil stood completely silent, widened eyes darting from the rooftop’s edge to where Omori stood, uncomprehending. His shaky hands grabbed onto the sides of his blue hospital gown as if to steady himself, blinking away tears that threatened to fall, before he opened his mouth.

“S-sunny. P-please, just… j-just step away from the edge.” Basil’s voice cracked, eyes pleading, and Omori’s eyes narrowed.

“No.” He said shortly, and turned back towards the city. This was clearly a waste of time, and he was running short of that at the moment.

Omori winced despite himself, trying to ignore the headache throbbing at his temples.

The DREAMER was fighting like a wild animal inside, clawing tooth and nail at Omori’s defences with an energy he certainly hadn’t had before. What on earth could have occurred to trigger this-?

Nevermind.

Omori already knew, eyes turning to level on Basil accusingly- before they widened slightly.

Aubrey, Kel, Hero, Mari and Basil ran past the blonde boy in the hospital gown on the rooftop, laughing and yelling at the top of their voices.

“Omori, there you are!” Mari exclaimed with relief, in a gently chastising manner as she put an arm around him. “I was so worried!”

“Hurry up already, you’re taking foreeeever!” Aubrey whined, folding her arms petulantly as Kel did the same, looking impatient. “Yeah, c’mon Omori! We’ve been waiting for ages now!!”

“Pfft, as you can see, Kel and Aubrey are the same as ever.” Hero smiled warmly, before his smile slipped a bit, looking uncertain. “But um, you have been taking your time which is fine, but… y’know, the others are getting a tad impatient…”

Basil gaped at all of this behind them, and Omori turned to look at him with a neutral expression, before it flickered. Omori clutched his head with both hands, willing away the pain, he refused to let the DREAMER be held back by Basil again.

Shoot, this wasn’t good… Omori’s fingernails dug into his skull, drawing blood as he struggled to focus. Mari’s arm loosened and his friends crowded around him, looking concerned. “Omori?”

It flickered again and again and again and-

Sunny gasped, choking out a cough as he struggled to breathe, eyes screwed up as he tried to ignore the agony at his temples.

“B-basil!!” He got out through the lump in his throat, feeling tears sting his eyes as he desperately tried to fight through his friends towards him.

“S-sunny?! Is that you, are you, are you- under c-control or something?? O-oh God, it’s Something again i-isn’t it?!” Basil said frantically, stumbling towards him over the roof despite his exhaustion because fuck, Sunny could die here.

And it would be Basil’s fault, again.

“Omori? Why are you trying to run away?” His friends said accusingly, and Sunny stumbled back as their faces appeared to distort, stretching into sinister glitched smiles as they walked towards him in unison.

“N-no, I, I just… I didn’t, pl-please, stop!” Sunny said, panicked, and his eyes locked onto Basil’s just as he flickered again. Sunny gasped as the sheer pain hit, Omori clawing and stabbing the inside as he attempted to fight back through.

He let out a hiss as his fingers found bloody welts left there just a few seconds earlier, desperately trying to calm down… “Basil… pl… please… h-help…” He whimpered, falling to his knees as his friends swarmed around him, slowly dragging him over to the edge.

“SUNNY!” Basil gasped, desperately trying to stagger over to where Sunny stood- god, curse his hospital-bed-weakened body!! “Just- h-hang in there, I- I’m coming!!” He choked out, feeling tears blur his vision as his voice shook, trying his damn best not to have a panic attack because fucking GOD this was NOT the time. He would not let Something take Sunny away again!

 Sunny Omori inhaled sharply, pulling himself up as he resolutely ignored the pounding coming from his skull. His friends distorted back into shape, kind faces looking worried for him as they helped him to his feet and over to the rooftop’s edge.

Basil blinked back tears, hands shaking from desperation and fear as he shoved his way in-between Kel and Aubrey, ignoring their irritated expressions, before he finally, finally got a hold of Sunny on the forearm, dragging him back to safetywith all the force he could muster.

“Sunny, co- come on!” Basil’s voice trembled, but kept trying to push throughout the bone-deep exhaustion that was weighing down his entire body because this wasn’t about him.

Omori glared at him, trying to pull his hand out of Basil’s vice-like grip before his pinched expression flickered, the DREAMER scrabbling at the insides desperately as he struggled to overtake his alter ego. Sunny took a deep breath, before making a final push through-

“Sunny, pl-please, co… come back!” Basil sobbed, struggling to keep pulling through the bone-deep exhaustion that weighed down his entire body, gripping onto Omori’s hand like it was his tether to life itself. Through his blurred vision, he realised that Something was finally gone, and Sunny’s terrified, pale face was staring back at him.

“Hey, stop that you jerk!” Aubrey said angrily, pulling at Basil’s hands still gripping tightly onto Sunny’s wrist. Kel joined her in trying to pull Sunny away from him, stubborn as he glared, “Omori doesn’t want to come with you!”

Mari’s face distorted, glitching out as her nails dug painfully into Basil’s hands. He let out a yelp, tightening his hands as he stared fearfully into the dark abyss of her eyes. Mari smiled so wide her mouth started to stretch and bleed at the edges, as she said kindly, “Come on, he won’t be happy here! We’re just helping him, can’t you see?”

Hero’s face lengthened nightmarishly, his glitching hands joining Mari and Aubrey’s as they started to drag Sunny further towards the edge. “Are you really trying to stop Omori from what will help him most?” Hero said with a disappointed frown, and Basil shook his head confusedly, tears still blurring his gaze as he screwed up his eyes and pulled.

“St-stop it, just stop it!” He cried, feeling red-hot pain flare up from where his childhood friends were raking their nails down his arm, the hot blood welling up on his arm feeling like a burning fire, turning his fingers to charcoal.

He opened his eyes against his will, and was met with… his own face.

Basil looked at him sadly, colourful flowers moving with his mint-green hair as he shook his head slowly, chagrined.

Basil slowly blinked his blue eyes and tilted his head slightly, as if confused.

“You’re supposed to love this boy, right?” The mirrored version of himself whispered gently, and Basil stiffened completely, terrified as he met the other’s eyes.

“I love him too, so I’m doing what’s best for him.” The green-haired boy leant in closer, a small smile dancing on his lips.

“Seems to me like you’re being a bit selfish.”

Basil froze completely, trembling as the childhood version of himself reached forward to where his friends were digging their nails into his skin, and foolish thought for a moment he would remove his friend’s fingers for a moment, sagging in relief.

Basil met his counterpart’s eyes, and watched as he grinned maliciouslyat him with relish before he lifted his fingers, before raking them down his arms as hard as he could.

Basil let out a broken sob, feeling hot blood running down his arms. He gazed pleadingly at Sunny who was being weakly pulled forwards and backwards like a ragdoll.

Their eyes met, both of them terrified. Sunny tried to say something, looking anguished before he screwed up his face, clearly in pain.

“I… B-basil, I’m…” Tears welled up in Sunny’s eyes, and Basil realised with startling clarity that this was the first time he’d ever seen him cry. A sob forced its way out of his throat, and Basil hopelessly tugged back and forth at Sunny’s arm even as his childhood friends clawed at his fingers.

Their eyes met again, both of them desperate as Sunny spoke for the first time in four years.

“I-I’m sorry.” Sunny choked out, voice cracking pathetically and before Basil could say a word, Sunny’s eyes turned stony. His face slackened and his painful wincing stopped, and Basil knew he was back.

Sunny Omori started pulling with his friends, teeth clenching as he tried to get away from the boy who had caused all this in the first place, who had ruined Sunny’s life before it had even begun. The boy whose existence he had to keep deleting over and over every time he found out the truth, again and again and again.

Omori became ANGRY.

It was all this boy’s fault.

With the help of his friends, he made one final yank, clenching his jaw at the agony assaulting his temples. Ugh, why couldn’t the DREAMER see he was doing this for him?!

Finally free, Omori followed his friends to the edge, feeling a warm fuzzy feeling inside as he looked around at everyone’s bright and happy faces. The pain in his head caused by the DREAMER hadn’t yet abated, but he barely noticed it when he was blinded by the brightness of his friend’s smiles.

“You ready, Omori?” Mari said with a gentle smile, holding out her hand for him to take.

Omori dipped his head forward in assent, taking her hand gently, and her smile widened.

“Thanks, little brother… I knew you could do it.”

“S-SUNNY! PL-PLEASE!!” Basil choked out through the lump in his throat, because oh god oh GOD please let Sunny still be there!!

It couldn’t be too late, it just couldn’t…

Eyes so blurred by hot tears that he could barely see anything, his hands weakly reached out to find…

…

Empty space.

…

Basil glanced around, scrubbing at his eyes because surely he just- he just can’t see him, Sunny, Sunny hasn’t jumped yet, there’s still time-  

And with tears cold on his cheeks, eyes red and unblemished arms burning with phantom pain, Basil’s slowly lifts his head.

Basil’s vision is perfect, as he glances around.

…He’s alone.

No one else is here.

Basil’s eyes are dull, as he walks over to the edge of the roof.

He doesn’t look down.

His tear-stained hospital gown flaps in the wind, as a cream-coloured tulip in his hair is picked up and carried away on the cool breeze…

…

…It’s a long way down.

The world is very quiet, as Basil slowly takes a step forward.

I’m sorry too, Sunny. He thought to himself, exhaling softly as he began to fall. I’m so, so sorry I couldn’t save you.

…

Goodnight.

[benevolenterrancy]

Find the Word!

Find the words from the list in your wips and post the paragraphs they belong to.

tagged by @basil-touche (technically my mainblog @carriagelamp was tagged but it feels like it makes more sense to put this on my art/writing blog) Thanks for bouncing this into my court!

Sea Eye (I don't have the word sea in any of my current wips so I used a word from the post before mine)

For once, Wei Wuxian obeyed without objection. Going by the noisy swallowing, his entire focus right now was on not throwing up and in keeping upright while shudders raked his body. Lan Wangji turned Wei Wuxian’s face without asking, fingers skimming first across the sheen of sweat beading across his head, and then touching gently at his ears. No blood in either the ears or eyes. Three of seven apertures were bleeding. Not an auspicious sign, but not as dire as it could be.

Star

There had been a glow closer to the ground too, the faintest suggestion of a cleared space, of light and fire dotting the ground like stars did the sky. A village or a town? It couldn’t be the Cloud Recesses, he supposed — you had to walk up the mountain to get there from Caiyi, but if only he could find this other town, perhaps he could figure out how to get home.

Pleasant

It… was good. It was quite good, actually. Very different from anything he was used to, but what would normally have been a painful heat was instead like a burst of bright flavour across his tongue, the spice a pleasant surge through his mouth that accented the flavours rather than overwhelming them. Even if he wasn’t hungry and it felt heavy when he swallowed, it was undeniably good.

Walk

Perhaps it hadn’t been him or the failed array that had stripped the golden core from Wei Wuxian’s chest. What if it had been missing for far, far longer? After all, why would someone choose to walk the narrow, winding path, so alone and fraught, if they had a choice? Especially someone like Wei Wuxian, who may speculate and offend but never truly wanted be without companionship. But if one didn’t have a choice… if one had no spiritual power but a war to wage, then what?

Linger

Then he brought Chenqing to his lips. Inquiry had never been meant to be played with anything other than a string-instrument, in truth, and Lan Wangji wasn’t sure if it could possibly work on a  flute like this, but he had to try. If he had truly knocked Wei Wuxian’s soul from his body, then surely it must linger. He had to know. And if it was there, he had to catch it in a soul bag before it had a chance to dissipate. He had to convey that he would do whatever it took to fix this tragedy.

---

I'm not sure who to tag who's currently working on fics... @morporkian-cryptid @planningconquest @rose-of-pollux @tuttle-4077 @yarrayora? any of you want to play? or if you see this and feel like sharing wips, please feel free to join in

Words for the next round: accident, hope, touch, sweet, yell

[omarvel-comics]

Prologue

@mikkokomori

Hero was excited. It was time for winter break. Ever since Sunny revealed the truth of Mari's death a year ago, Hero switched his major from Medicinal Practice to Culinary Arts to become a chef and make Mari proud. His roommate though, was still a med student. Hero had just finished packing. He was going home. His parents were gone, last minute business trip. They took little Sally with them, so it was just gonna be him and Kel. Before Hero could get into his car, he felt a hand grab his shoulder. He spun around and saw his roommate, out of breath.

"Hero…*huff*...dude…*huff*...you gotta help me!" He said. Hero rolled his eyes. Peter, his roommate, had a bad tendency to procrastinate.

"My final is tomorrow! You're a med student-"

"WAS a med student." Hero corrected.

"Yeah whatever point is you gotta help me!" Peter said, dramatically clinging onto Hero and sobbing.

"OK ok." Hero said.

"Great! Meet me in the radiology lab!" Peter said, running off. Hero made his way through the snow covered paths to the lab. Inside the lab were lots of sealed off areas, along with Hazmat suits. No one noticed that a spider was in one of these areas as the area was sealed and radiation poured in. Hero walked through the halls, and eventually found Peter. After studying a bit, the door to the chamber opened. A student in a hazmat suit stepped out. So did a Spider. As Hero walked, he noticed the spider and froze. It was his natural reaction around spiders. Fear clouded his mind.

"Yo Hero! You coming? I'm gonna be late for my date with Gwen if you don't hurry up!" Peter yelled, trying to guilt Hero into moving, because if push came to shove, he totally would leave Hero and go on his date. Hero was screaming internally as the spider crawled on his legs. Peter came to check on him and noticed the spider bite Hero's leg. Peter squished the spider.

"Man, you really need to get your Arachnophobia under control!" Peter said.

"Heh heh…yeah…"

Peter and Hero parted ways at the train station. Hero got on the train to head to Faraway. He didn't feel good, but just thought it was a cold or something. He was glad to be going home. He lived in a small town, though there was a city about 30 minutes away by car. Cities were dangerous, with super villains around. And Nearby City only had cops, not its own Superhero. Hero didn't like going to Nearby but thats where the closest train station to Faraway was. Kel was going to pick him up, since he just got his license. The train ride was a few hours long. Hero felt nauseous, so he took a Tums. He was feeling really weird. Anyway, he was almost home anyway. The train stopped in Nearby station. Hero got off and saw Kel.

"Yo! Hero!" Kel called. Hero waved. He STILL didn't feel well.

"How are you? How's college?" Kel said, a big smile on his face.

"I-I don't feel well…" Hero said.

"Well…ok! You can see my expert driving skills! Hehe~" Kel said, dragging Hero to the car. Throughout the car ride, Kel was talking, but Hero wasn't paying attention. Why did he feel so bad? Was it something he ate? Hero didn't know…

"Alright Hero! Home Sweet Home!" Kel said. Hector ran up to the car as Kel and Hero got out of the car.

"I can't wait to spend time with you again! I'm sure Aubrey, Basil, and Sunny will be excited too! Sunny is visiting and staying with Basil and-" Kel stopped talking when he noticed Hero holding his head.

"You ok?" He asked.

"I think I need to sleep…" Hero said. Kel masked his disappointment with a smile.

"Well, let's get you to bed!" Kel said. Hero went to their shared room, and went to sleep.

[lacunasbalustrade]

Paruko Nanana; livestreams & podcasts on a computer, a phone, an iPad, a MacBook, and a headset all at once. "only someone like you could handle all that."waking up on chilly rainy mornings at 6 am after studying till 2am, so used to telling the camera to get your good side that you forgot how some liked seeing you with silly haircurlers in. drinking bubble tea; the joys of youth. can't stretch or flex for your life, but the Easter Bunny couldn't jump higher. your idea of comfort food is french fries in ketchup someone save you from yourself, healthy living is working & playing hard in your book, bicycling in gardens, affection badly expressed, using short forms & text emojis, talkative but comforting, conscious of other people's existence,"YOU. you get me."

Kazane Fujimaya: positivity post accounts, local thrift shops and flea markets, haggling good-naturedly. that specific moment when the sun starts to rise and you've hiked up to the top of some steep hill that smells of fresh bamboo and steamed chestnut buns. it's sunrise over calm waters and there are no clouds if there are you're in the wrong place. being a regular customer, would volunteer at pet shelters but you're allergic to fur, eating egg mayonnaise sandwiches with black pepper and dropping it on your lap, you'll never get that stain out if you soak it for the rest of your life. vegetable soup is so good you swear by it, feeling alienated from everyone by some really hurtful circumstance but going home to face it regardless. "hey, are you awake yet?"

Kuguru Uki: clay scent of contented pottery wheels, oven mitts, potwarmers, the way lavender hangs in the air over the blue that has yet to descend and bring twilight with it, getting ready to leave and sitting down to pull on your shoes over your feet in their padded socks. never yelling in case you startle someone nearby who's working. getting used to warmed-up rice balls in place of actual meals. inhumanly good at playing those claw machine games, even when they're rigged. "fifty points to gryffindor", sitting and revising your notes only to realise that your handwriting is embarrassingly rushed, redoing them although it's still readable. life's a balancing act and you are a champion. compromises. "there you are, I've been waiting for you!"

Megumi Mamakari: buying instant fashion from high-end malls, inhaling the aroma of cold-brew coffee beans in a place so cold your fingers are turning pink, mini whitebread tuna and lettuce sandwiches that crunch underneath your teeth, doing ballet as a kid and never tiptoeing again because your toes are still bruised underneath your socks. crawling under the bed because you take hide-and-seek very seriously. copying people's handwriting is a strange hobby but if it's not fascinating your hair isn't lemonade pink. the most starched out days when moisture hangs so thick you could slice it with a knife, the clouds are as grey as your jumper, lightning may strike any moment, that's part of the thrill. rollercoasters & haunted houses, "laugh all you want. you can't deny it."

Suzuha Amanosuzu: perfect eyeliner. flawlessly groomed, prideful with a reason, being the benevolent queen is difficult but you'll do it with grace and strength if it costs you your beautifully manicured fingernails. "End of discussion - there's nothing more to say" bubbly apple cider bursts against your palate, let it wash down the aromatic basil-topped lamb cutlet that's laid out artisan style on your porcelain plate. korean dramas and scandalous romance novels, you know the myths better than the history professor does, that doesn't disconnect you from reality. snapping a painted fan closed, elegant victorian fashion, stars coming out in a whole parade across the galaxy at 4am (you glow brighter than all, this is light pollution my dear), "what, are my feelings a concern to you?"

Ku Teito: flashy sunsets on the subway, riding on the carousel when the circus comes to town. big hearted only means your heart falls harder, darling; the air smells lonelier at night when you're out patroling on your lonesome: you always work yourself to the bone. chocolate roll bread fresh from the oven that your teeth sink into like butter. drafting reports by using the speech function because you'd rather use your hands to play Minecraft and Nitendo Wii games instead, you actually subscribe to legitimate music services instead of pirating. good for you. the world is so big and you could fit in a pocket of my hands, you need to be protected but only wish to protect others, selflessly, brightly, purely. it's not about the ego for you. karaoke master. "you can never match up to me, but go on and try!"

Mrs Fujimaya: making jokes that aren't funny. stop using your humour to cut wounds open in yourself; those who love you do not want to watch you bleed. i know you've been staying strong all through every trial, just a little longer, keep standing, please. having a picture perfect memory: the differences in the world you move forward through is as glaring as the sun to you, you are the closest to realisation you've ever been. keep going. popcorn salted dissolves in your mouth leaving only hard kernels of truth - the scent of flower pollen is one you'll never forget as you kneel in front of his portrait (in front of him at his grave.) days when you couldn't bear to open the windows and no one kept track of time for you, it's so hard being a mother who has to shoulder her little girl's pain on top of her own. "you don't have to worry, I can push through like a freight train."

Suzumi Mikado: the clouds are so much closer than you thought at first, green crocuses, leaves falling in a crochet pattern, beckoning storms and their irises of calm, the final light of the day, twisted paper cones of salted peanuts, tricoloured pansies, black tulips "you sure don't mess around, do you?" mad rollerblading skills, probably jogged every day before school, had a million graduation photo albums and her son's smile, bulldog terrier as a childhood pet, against light pollution, manic for radio dramas. constantly smells of hugging, how can someone smell like hugging? the one who eats door-to-door salesmen for breakfast, but charms the entire parent support group with your boisterous enthusiasm and courageous grace of carrying yourself well. you are a survivor. "you! stand up on your own two feet!"

Ageha: little white lies. the epitome of showbiz. slightly bizarre but you never want those clicking high heels to stop, champion of climbing trees. snakes and the divine are inextricably connected like the four beasts of the directions that protect a large snake coiled at the centre of the world (isn't that what you are?) time doesn't leave a mark on you, to you it is inconsequential my lady. spray that hibiscus perfume once again and watch me become enthralled by it. pancakes are a go to breakfast with your secret sauce that's really just citrus juice mixed with cream and vodka. kindness in the mask of an expertly carried theatre performance, or the rhythm of a street dancer, you bring tidal waves wherever you step. "you should know by now, that isn't enough to keep me entertained. show me something spectacular!"

Sofia Sakharov: compassion never picked up on, you prefer it that way. sticky food like homemade jam with the pips squeezed out, borscht and rye bread a familiar but not comforting texture on your pale tongue. days and nights blend together when you are the very essence of stars and the sun is right beside you - what more do you need? never have you ever been interested in the moon. putting up with things, a magenta that demands attention. unconsciously mimicking those around you and copying theur behaviour; it must be a pattern by now to blend in. that's all you've ever been asked to do. little ways of being rebellious. blunt and insensitive comments that scream for someone to try and uncover their source. tsarina of a thousand fullstops, sarcasm, matryoshka dolls,"who are you to lecture me?"

Terumi Kuchinawa: hungry looks exchanged between lovers. you probably learned french in school. speaking of that, slightly burnt french toast scarred like the sun's surface with a thousand pits, sweet and thick like a promise. here you are at the steps of the school waiting for the pigeons to take flight, over the rising light that illuminates your world (and you alone.) smell the cigarettes and stamp your foot at the irresponsible person who ruined your beautiful morning. where is the shyness and insecurity that you hide so well under the surface? oh but my dear you are a dragonfruit; when squishy, you burn with a whoosh of fire. not so innocent are you? your worth has pain dormant in yourself all the time you were searching for someone to give it to. "you're pathetic! but then, I guess you already know that."

[verra-lol]

Sunny was walking alone. The sky was clouded, and the air was thick and foggy. Light rain drizzled down on his hat and on the sidewalk. He shivered. Sunny should've listened to Mari when she said to wear a jacket and pants, not a gray short sleeved shirt and khaki shorts.

He kept walking. Sunny watched as the rain pattered on the grass beside him and on the leaves of the trees that made up the dense forest. He saw something from the corner of his eye and stopped. A sign that read, "Keep off the grass!" and beside that, two pairs of muddy footprints. Sunny decided to follow the footprints out of curiosity.

Sunny toed through the mud, careful not to make any noticeable footprints. So far, the only thing he could hear was the chirping of wild Forfinch, small black and white finches with four wings. As he went deeper into the forest, he could hear some chatter and hid behind a bush.

"See? I told you it was worth it! Just look at this spot!" A female voice shouted.

Sunny peeked up from the bush to see an enchanting forest clearing. There were many Buzzileaves, small bee Pokemon with leaf-like wings and light yellow fluffy collars. Kermole, giant rose seeds with faces and feet and Peresprout, a brown egg-shaped creature with triangular legs and a rose sprouting from its head, were waddling around. Soft light was shining through the canopy, illuminating a large stone in the middle coated in moss, grass and flowers that was shiny due to the rain.

In front of him, Sunny saw the two people who appeared to be his old friends, Aubrey and Basil. Their appearances had changed a lot since he last saw them.

Aubrey now had pink hair and a light blue do-rag with a Pokeball patch that had once belonged to Mari. She wore black triangular sunglasses and a black tank top with a blue blazer that had white vertical stripes. Aubrey had a long, dark denim skirt that extended down to her ankles. She had white, pink and blue walking shoes.

Basil wore a dark blue bowler hat with a pink flower in it. He still had blond hair. Basil wore an off-white long sleeve with pink flower inspired cuffs and a matching collar and fanny pack. He had pale green jeans with white embroidered flowers dotted all over and brown hiking boots.

"I guess, but we're going to get yelled at if we get caught. Or worse." Basil said timidly.

"Stop being such a crybaby already! You always do this when we do exciting stuff." Aubrey hissed, "It's not like anyone's out here anyways. They're all so wimpy that they wouldn't dare step on some measly grass."

Aubrey stepped further into the clearing, accidentally tripping over a long string of grass and a bush near the rock. She grunted.

The string of grass flicked back and forth, and the rock started to rise up. Aubrey yelped and jumped backwards as the rock grew four, huge legs. The boulder was actually a huge elephant!

The elephant Pokemon was mostly stone gray with dark green spiking patterns on its legs, tusks and ears. It had a thick moss ruff encircling its neck and rich, floral greenery on its back, stretching down to the tip of the tail. Its long trunk also had some moss on it, and some grass and yellow flowers surrounding the nostrils. The elephant's eyes were a piercing yellow and had grass over the top of them resembling eyebrows. On the top of its head, it had more grass that connected to the back greenery.

The elephant turned its head to Aubrey and Basil and narrowed its eyes. It faced them head on and prepared to charge up an attack.

Aubrey turned around and started to run, but Sunny jumped out of the bushes. He grabbed both Basil and Aubrey's arms and dragged them to the floor behind the bushes just before the elephant charged forward.

"EEK!--" Basil screamed but Sunny covered his mouth.

The elephant screeched to a stop when it realized it didn't hit anything. It looked and listened for any sound, but there was only the rain pattering against the leaves. The elephant turned around and walked back to the clearing, where it settled down and went back to sleep.

Sunny uncovered Basil's mouth and he let out a sigh of relief. Basil turned to Sunny and his eyes widened.

"Sunny? Is that you?" Basil whispered.

Sunny nodded, "Hi. It's been a while, but I think we should talk later. That thing could wake up any minute now."

Sunny stood up and walked out of the forest with Aubrey and Basil following.

They made it out, but were greeted by an irritated man with half circle glasses who was standing on the sidewalk. He was bald and had a thin brown beard and mustache that were connected. The man wore purple suspenders, a white, long-sleeved button up, a black tie with fossils on it, and gray formal pants. He had swamp green rain boots on and was holding a clear umbrella.

"What do you think you all were doing in there? You could have gotten seriously hurt!" He said.

Aubrey was scrunched up and silent. Basil noticed this and said, "Uh, sorry, I got a bit lost."

"A bit lost? You do know what lies in those woods right?" The man questioned.

Basil shook his head.

"Legend says that a monster named Graphelant roams the forest disguised as mere grass and kills any person who even walks near it," The man said. "You all were lucky enough to make it out alive."

"I'm sorry, it was my fault. It wont happen again." Basil looked to the side.

"Good. Now go home, the rain is getting worse." The man walked off.

Basil sighed. "I'm, uh, gonna listen to him. Polly is probably going to get worried. Bye, Aubrey. Can we catch up later, Sunny?"

Sunny nodded.

"Thanks." Basil left.

"So, Sunny," Aubrey turned to Sunny. "Why were you hiding in the bushes? Were you following us?"

"Sort of." He replied.

"You weirdo," Aubrey snickered. "Don't follow me right now though, Okay? I have to meet with my boss about some work things and he doesn't take too kindly to spectators. See you around."

Aubrey then walked away.

After that long outing, Sunny was tired. He decided to call it a day and go back home.

[makerscockandballs]

heyyy please wish me luck, I had a job interview for a temp job today and the agency man was super nice and said I have great chances, now I just have to wait and hope that the slots are still free / will stay free for me, and that they take me!!! it's ideal in so many ways and I'd be so happy to get that job!!!!!

[cheeriofluff]

OMORI FANFIC: Backyard Shenanigans.

First fanfiction lets go!! Its a silly cute one for now so sit back, relax make some Coffee/Tea and enjoy! also it's my first one so it may be sloppy lol.

It's mainly just wholesome fun so nothing too serious.

Also sorry in advance for any spelling mistakes

It's been quite the boring day for everyone, with the power out and with it being cloudy out basil has no idea what to do with his friends.

"Sorry you came all this way just to sit down and not do anything sunny..." Basil says frowning, he was hoping sunny would have a good time with them, especially since it takes a while for him to get there when visiting

"Its cool." He simply replied with a straight face as Aubrey groans

"AAAAAAUUGGH no it is not "Cool" Sunny, WHY NOW OF ALL TIMES DOES THE POWER SHIT ITSELF" Aubrey yells

Kel laughs like an idiot "Ooohhh Aubrey said a baad woorrddd" he says teasingly

"You're on the list" She replies smirking at kel.

Kel sweating Intensely says "Basil what does she mean??? What list??? BASIL"

Basil stays silent and awkwardly chuckles "uhhh...i don't know actually...maybe she means list of friendship!" he replies

"Oh phew, ok good." Kel replied

"OH i just remembered something we used to do when we were younger you guys! Come follow me!" Basil runs out to his backyard. Shrugging Aubrey decides there's nothing else she can do and follows basil to the backyard.

"Basil? What is out here that you Wanted us to follow you so badly for?"

"Aubrey....we're at war with the sky" basil says as he holds up a nerf gun

"!!" Aubrey Got hit with a wave of nostalgia remembering some fun Roleplays she had with basil sunny and kel whenever it gets rainy.

"Heh...The sky ain't gonna win and you know it, For i, General Aubrey Will Destroy the evil cloud monsters AND END THIS WAR" Aubrey says Holding a squirt gun she found on the ground.

"Hehehe, ahhh like old times right Aubrey?" Basil says smiling at her as he points the toy gun to the sky "hehe Do your worst cloud people!"

Just then, the unthinkable just happened.

A rain drop landed on basil's shoulder, Basil dropped his gun and clenched his shoulder in "Pain"

"AAAAUUGHHH i've been hit!! NOOOOOO" basil says on the ground like a lump

"BASIL?!? YOU BASTARDS, THAT WAS SO UNFAIR, WAIT UNTIL I-" *raindrop lands on Aubrey's Arm*

"AH SON OF A BITCH AAUGH"

She falls to the ground

More rain comes softly sprinkling down, sometimes hitting their legs, sometimes their backs.

"Aubrey....im not gonna make it.....uugghhh....go on...with out me aaauuughh" Basil says in a overdramatic tone

"IM NOT LEAVING YOU MAN, YOU'RE NOT DYIN ON MY WATCH BASIL." Aubrey says Furiously shaking basil as he goes "EHWAHEAHQA" Every shake she gives him.

"SUNNY KEL, WE NEED BACKUP QUICK!" Aubrey yells at them, still relaxing in the house.

"I'll get the wagon." Sunny says calmly

"KSHHH This is kel to Aubrey, Kel to Aubrey do you read me over? KSHHH" Kel says Imitating a Walkie talkie.

"KSHHH THIS IS AUBREY I READ YOU, WE NEED BACKUP NOW KSHH"

"KSHHH no can do, you didn't say over. Over KSHHH" Kel says smugly looking at Aubrey

"KSHHH YOU ARE ON THE 2ND LIST OVER KSHHH" She yells over at kel.

"Aubrey....i see the light..." basil says doing dramatic Gasping

"DON'T GO INTO THE LIGHT PLEASE, THERE'S NO CHUCK E CHEESE IN HELL" Aubrey says still shaking him furiously.

"I am going to throw up if you keep shaking me and i'll die twice." Basil says half jokingly

Just then, The fence door just got kicked open Looks like back up has arrived!

*Sunny slowly and calmly walks towards the two with a wagon*

"Sup." Sunny says with a straight face.

"DON'T "SUP" ME, BASIL IS DYING THANKS TO THE STUPID CLOUD MONSTERS, YOU GOTTA HELP ME GET HIM TO SAFETY!"

"Ooohhhh woe is meeee" basil says doing dramatic death poses looking like an absolute fool.

"Ok." He says as he grabs basil's arms, Aubrey grabs basil's legs and they both lift him up and throw him on the wagon

"OW GUYS, PLEASE" He yells in pain, he then adds "i hit my funny bone :("

"Oh grow up you big baby." Aubrey says smiling and messing with his hair

Just then, an unexpected Plot twist Happened. Kel squirts Aubrey with a Water gun

"MWAHAHAAAA YOU FOOL, I WAS UNDER COVER THIS WHOLE TIME!!"

Kel yells as he is seen wearing floaties with a cloud pattern on them.

"Oh boy..." sunny says covering his face trying not to laugh

"That's it...You messed with the WRONG AUBREY YOU JERK!" Aubrey walks towards him Cracking her knuckles

"NOW YOU WILL FEEL MY WRATH!" She yells.

Kel replies with a simple "HA, YOU WISH. YOU CAN'T EVEN HANDLE MY TRUE POWER"

While the two are bickering over who is stronger Sunny looks over at basil and says "Is your funny bone ok baby man?" Teasing him.

Basil blushes and replies with "D-Don't call me baby man..." pouting at him.

Just then, hero opens the door

"What the hell are you dorks doing out in the rain yelling like Psychopaths???" He says giggling to himself

Silence fills the area, everyone is staring at hero and after about 5 seconds Aubrey replies with a simple Shrug saying "i dunno."

Hero laughs At this and says "oh you nerds, come on inside. It's too cold for you out, plus i made some hot cocoa for everyone"

Instantly kel runs in yelling "GIVE ME THE MOST WHIP CREAM"

Everyone then excitedly gets up and walks inside to enjoy their cocoa and the rest of the evening.

Maybe today wasn't so boring after all.

[some-mari-thoughts]

/Stranger drops the bread, yells for Mari, picks it back up and runs off, there's still a little cloud of particles hanging from the reveal/

sjdhgs i don't think toastable basils have a place in Black Space..

Oi i offer a toast for Stranger

S: ... (Why's it so undercooked?..)What do i.. do with it?....

----

1: Pretty please do any and all OMORI asks on my OMORI blog - i specifically made it so my followers here don't need to block spoilers post-factum. It's in the pinned post. This blog's main following is only familiar with the surface-level content of the game and most things around both Stranger n Mari are not surface level :<

2. i have a blog where u can interact w stranger :) its on hiatus but who knows maybe an interaction can wake it back up

[omorial]

Broken Choices

Schedules don't exist and I'm posting this right after I wrote it bc I lack self control.

Inspired by this comic by @oworii because it haunts my every waking moment.

CWs: suicidal character, suicide attempt, omori secret ending spoilers, lashing out

▪︎▪︎▪︎

Kel almost froze, but he was glad he didn't, he was so glad he didn't. 

He had been coming to check on Sunny in his hospital room, only for him to not be in his bed. He was lucky he spotted the open balcony door. 

He was so lucky to have seen that.

He walked out, only to freeze momentarily when he spotted Sunny out there.

Sunny, standing at the edge of the balcony, the railing broken.

Sunny, about to- to jump.

Sunny, about to leave them like Mari did.

Kel jerked into motion when he saw Sunny take a step off the balcony, grabbing his arm before he could go any farther. He distantly registered he was crying. It wasn't that surprising, really.

"S- Sunny…" he swallowed, pulling his friend away from the edge of the balcony, the broken railing. "What are you… Su- Sunny! Wh- what were you thinking?!"

Sunny didn't respond, only tensing in Kel's grip.

"Kel!" He glanced back to see Aubrey coming towards them. "There you are! What are…"

Kel pulled Sunny closer to the door inside, pulling him into a hug without thinking.

"S- Sunny, you…" he took a shaky breath, still not fully processing what just happened. "P- please. I- if you're having any- any problems, at all, just- just talk to me- to- to any of us, please."

"Why is…" Aubrey was talking, he could hear her. "Sunny, shouldn't you be in your room?"

"I- I-", Kel's voice shook, his emotions going haywire. "I know I'm not the- the best, but- please let me help. "I- I mean it, I'll tr- try to do whatever I can.."

"Sunny, you look like you're in shock…" he heard Aubrey take a step closer to them. "What happened..?"

"He- he tried to j-" Kel stopped, shaking slightly. "He tried to jump."

"Jum- what-"

"He tried to WHAT?!"

Kel registered that Hero had said that, so he was out here now too, but he was too focused on Sunny. 

"P-please, Sunny- jus- just talk to us. I know it's- it's stressful to move, but… we- we're still friends, okay?"

"Kel- Kel, you should slow down.." Aubrey's voice cut into his thoughts. "I think you- you're overwhelming him…"

"We should- we should go back inside."

"I- I'll call you, okay?" He was rambling now. Aubrey is right, he should really stop talking but just- he just can't. "You- you're not alone, you don- don't have to be alone anymore.."

"Is- is it about Basil?" He pulled away, looking at Sunny. "I- I don't know what happened between you two, but- but we can- we can fix this! Please just- just… let me help-"

Hero grabbed his shoulder, finally jerking him out of the moment. "Kel! Kel, come on, we should really go back inside first-"

"You two… you're crowding him, this isn't going to-"

"Kel."

He barely heard it, but Sunny finally said something. They all went quiet. Kel breathed.

"Yeah? What is it, Sunny?"

"L- le- let me.. let me- let me GO!!"

Kel yelped when Sunny shoved him, hearing Hero and Aubrey call out their names. He hit the ground, tears still falling as Sunny ran back over to the railing. It felt like his heart stopped.

Then Aubrey went after Sunny, grabbing him even as he yelled at her to stop. To let him go let him go Kel let me go-

Hero put his hand on his shoulder.

"You okay, Kel..?"

"Ye- yeah." He swallowed. "Is Sunny..?"

"Aubrey has him. Let her handle it for now, okay?" Hero helped him stand on shaky legs. "Hey, take deep breaths, okay? You're okay, Sunny's okay."

Looking over, Sunny seemed to be.. somewhat calming down now. Aubrey got him away from the edge again, calling Hero over.

"You need help?"

"Nah, I've got him. Could you.. go check on Basil?"

Confusion clouded Hero's face. "..what?"

Aubrey looked over at him, before looking away. "Just- just in case. To- to be.. safe."

"O-oh. Yeah, okay. You've got this?" Hero glanced at Sunny.

"Yeah.." Aubrey was quiet. "I've got him. Calling anyone else out here would probably make it worse."

Hero nodded, leaving.

"Let me go let me go let me go let me go.."

"Sunny- Sunny, we've got you. I'm not letting go. You're gonna be fine, okay?" Aubrey turned Sunny and pulled him into her as he continued to talk, the words devolving into mumbling he couldn't hear.

Sunny fell to the ground, and Aubrey fell with him, continuing to give him silent comfort. Kel heard him sob.

Kel stood there, hands gripping the edge of his shirt.

What had.. what had they missed?

[sunnysviolin]

Omotober Day Three- Picnics

If you want to read it on ao3 (now as one singular fic because I am a dum dum) you can do that here

When Hero suggested that the five of them get together and have a picnic, Basil was nervous, but excited. There was a part of him that would always be afraid, but more than anything he wanted things to go back to the way they used to be. A picnic could be the start of that.

But Basil should have known that things could never go back to the way they used to be.

“Forgiveness, reader, is, I think, something very much like hope and love - a powerful, wonderful thing.

And a ridiculous thing, too.”- Kate DiCamillo

Basil wasn’t really sure what to expect when their group decided to get together for a picnic again like they used to, but his first inclination wouldn’t have been that there would be a fist fight about to break out.

After the fight, and the hospital, and everything that came after, things had gotten surprisingly calm and quiet. The guilt that had eaten his insides for all those years was gone, and in its place was peace. Yes, he still felt awful about what they had done, but the secret was over, and he no longer had to hold all of that pain by himself.

Their friends had accepted the truth at varied rates, and Basil was sure it would take a long time before they ever even came close to forgiving him or Sunny. Aubrey was still quick to anger, Hero was still avoidant of the pain, but things had changed. Something about those last few days Sunny had spent with them in Faraway had changed them all, made everyone more open to trying with each other again. Even after they learned everything.

It felt good to be friends again, to be able to look at their faces without the self loathing threatening to crush him. He would take whatever halted measures of friendship they would give, if it only meant not being alone again. So when Hero suggested a picnic, Basil eagerly agreed without thinking twice.

He should have thought twice.

The planning had gone perfectly fine. Kel was a hundred percent on board, and he had even offered to help with making the food. The other boy seemed most pleased that it was Hero specifically who was extending the branch out. Basil knew that, of all of them, Hero was probably going to have the most mixed emotions about what he and Sunny had done. Still, Hero was Hero. Even if he hated them both, he would never reveal it.

Aubrey had seemed unsure, but Kel’s enthusiasm and the promise of getting Sunny back to join them had her agreeing. Basil knew she and Sunny talked on the phone pretty often, maybe even more than Sunny and himself. Aubrey was trying hard to make up for the last four years, and she spent most of her time with Basil or by herself. She said it was to ‘figure things out’ and he didn’t pry. He knew how hard it was to accept things in your past that you didn’t want to think about or the parts of yourself that you didn’t like all that much.

Then there was Sunny. They had all crowded together around Kel’s home phone to talk to Sunny about their idea. He had agreed to come and made plans to sleep at Kel and Hero’s house the night of their picnic. Logically it would have made more sense for him to stay with Basil, there was more room at Basil’s house, but it went unspoken between them why Kel and Hero had extended the offer instead. He would catch the train in and out and be back by dinner the next day, it wasn’t a far journey. None of them had seen Sunny since the hospital, at least not in person, and Basil wondered what it might be like to lay eyes on the other boy now.

The day came and they had split into natural groups. Most of the preparations were already done, but there were a few things to finish up on the morning of. Hero would take care of finishing the food, Aubrey would set up in their spot in the park, and Basil and Kel were going to go pick up Sunny from the train station.

Everything was good. The day was bright and warm with not a single cloud in the sky, Sunny’s train had arrived right on time, and Sunny had even greeted them both with quick but tight hugs and a small smile. He was still wearing an eyepatch (and apparently would always be from now on) but he looked a lot better. The bags under his eyes were gone, and the greying pallor of his skin had vanished. He held himself a little straighter, spoke a little more, and the air of fear that seemed to surround Sunny had dissipated into nothing.

Kel had grabbed both of their hands and swung them through the air as they walked towards the park, chattering about what he and Hero had planned for that day. Basil was content to let Kel do most of the talking and shared a secret amused look behind his back with Sunny. This was something that had happened all the time when they were kids, and the nostalgia of it was easy to fall into.

When they got to the park and saw Aubrey, things were awkward for all of two seconds before she punched Sunny gently on the arm and ruffled his hair, bringing them over to the set up she had created. The picnic blanket was a checkered blue, not red, but it was soft. There was the scent of flowers in the air from the bushes nearby in bloom, and a breeze twirled the pinwheels clustered in the distance. It felt so blissfully...normal. Like they could just fall right back into step where they left off all those years ago.

Basil should have hit himself over the head for thinking that.

It started so innocently. They were waiting for Hero to arrive and sighing about how nice their little corner of the world was, when Aubrey made an offhand comment about her friends potentially joining them next time. Before Basil could even really process what her words, Kel had said no. He hadn’t said it in a joking way or to tease her. Kel had snapped, and the tension in his shoulder and the hardness of his eyes told them all that he was deadly serious.

It was jarring. Of all of them, Kel had always been the friendliest. Hero may have been the most popular, but Kel wasn’t far behind his brother in natural charm. He was sweet and sincere, and almost always willing to get to know people. It wasn’t like him to shut down so quickly or with such force. Kel’s face was stormy and he was avoiding eye contact with all of them, keeping those hard eyes locked with the ground. Aubrey seemed livid, but she sat stony and silent, waiting for more of an explanation. The one that came only made things worse.

“I just don’t see why you would even wanna be around them anymore,”

Aubrey, loyal beyond words, had swooped in to defend the rest of her gang, claiming that they were good people who were great friends. This had only made Kel scoff, which infuriated her even more. Basil was used to Aubrey and Kel getting into arguments, he was even okay with the escalated fight that had happened at the dock (seeing as he blamed himself for causing it), but this was unlike any of those.

Normally it was Kel who kept fairly cool during these things, and Aubrey that went ballistic. Yes, Kel fought right back with her and gave as good as he got, but he had always seemed calm and collected, mostly joking around and poking fun at how red Aubrey’s face would get.

Now it was his cheeks that were tinged, and his throat that was raw from screaming, in a way that Basil had never seen before. He stayed silent and tried to keep himself small, hands clasping together over his chest as he tried to remember the deep breathing techniques Polly had been teaching him. They didn’t seem to be working. A quick glance to the side showed Sunny in a similar state of distress, watching their friends argue with a wide eye and clear panic etched into his features.

Aubrey and Kel’s argument devolved fast, going from something that held worth to just being insults hurled back and forth. They began to advance on each other, clearly done with words and moving past to blows, but a voice cut through, breaking the intensity that had caught them all firmly in its grip.

“What’s going on?”

The four of them turned around simultaneously, varying stages of guilt evident on everyone’s faces. Hero emerged from the brush, carrying a large wooden picnic basket on one arm, his mouth turned downwards.

He surveyed the moment and sighed, a tired sound that betrayed a weight that they all knew Hero carried but refused to let them bear with him. The eldest walked over and gently placed the basket down on the blanket, glancing at each of them in turn.

“You okay, Sunny?” Hero asked, and Sunny nodded. He seemed calmer now that someone was intervening, but fear was still there. Hero patted him once on the top of his head and peered around the youngest. “Basil?”

Basil nodded too, his own words caught in his throat. It wasn’t the same as when Something had been squeezing him too tight to breathe, it wasn’t that bad yet, but it was still pretty bad. Nothing he couldn’t handle though, and Basil knew that Hero needed to be focusing on the other two right now. With both of them checked on, Hero stood at his full height and stared at the others.

“Explain,”

Both teens burst into words, voices raising as they tried to shout over each other and interject to disprove what the other had just claimed. Hero listened to the cacophony for a moment and then raised his hands, yelling over them to quiet down. Once it was settled again, Hero turned to Aubrey.

“Aubrey, you go first. You can talk with no interruptions. Then Kel is going to talk with no interruptions, and we’re all going to listen to each other. I want each of you to explain to me why you’re fighting, okay?” Both teens nodded, and Hero sat down, gesturing for the other two to sit back down as well. They did, and then Aubrey began to talk.

“Out of nowhere Kel starts going off about my friends and talking bad about them for no reason,” Kel made a noise here and Hero looked at him. The younger brother rolled his eyes but stayed silent, and Hero waved a hand at Aubrey to continue, “I don’t get why he’s so angry, but I don’t care. He had no right to say all of those things. That’s why they don’t like you, you just assume the worst of them.”

Kel shot a harsh glare towards the girl, something fiery and fueled with a deep rage that was completely out of character for him. Then when he spoke, the oddities only continued.

“I didn’t start ‘out of nowhere’. You started this by saying you wanted us all to hang out with them. Like we’re all pals. Did you forget that the only thing you did when you spent time with them was bully people and act like none of us mattered to you? You keep talking about how you wanna change, but you don’t. You just want to act like nothing you did mattered. They bullied m- Basil for years! If you’re really our- his friend I don’t know why you don’t want to protect Basil from those guys,” Kel finished his speech with a huff, crossing his arms and curling in on himself.

“I apologized to Basil plenty already!” Aubrey replied, a glance to Hero when she began. When he didn’t interrupt her, she kept going, “He forgave me, and now we’re trying to get past it. Isn’t that what you want?”

“Maybe we should listen to what Basil thinks?” Hero suggested, trying to keep the conversation from riding off the rails as it had before, “If you’re both so worried about him, it seems like his opinion would be the most important thing here,”

Then all eyes were on him, waiting to hear what he had to say. Basil twisted his fingers in his lap and laughed nervously, his mouth filling with cotton as both sides of the argument clearly looked for his backing.

“I-I don’t know?” He finally replied, the words sounding small and useless, only making everyone madder, “I wouldn’t mind trying I guess. Seeing if if it works out, ya know?”

Hero perked up here, shooting Basil a grateful smile. Aubrey seemed vindicated and her anger began to melt. The tension eased out of the air, and Basil breathed out. It was all going to be okay now. It was just a regular Kel and Aubrey fight. They would hug the way Hero always forced them to at the end of their arguments, and then the five of them could enjoy the afternoon together.

“Kel, if Basil is okay with it then it’s fine. Why don’t you two hug and make up and then-”

“What if I’m not okay with it, Hero?!” Kel exploded, cutting his brother off, “What about that?!”

Stunned silence coupled with an even stronger tension surrounding the group. Kel and Aubrey fighting he could understand, even Kel and Aubrey dragging Hero in to play referee he could understand, but never before had Basil seen Kel yell at Hero. Kel worshipped the ground Hero walked on, his big brother could do no wrong, and Basil had never seen any evidence that he ever had.

But Kel wasn’t done yet, and he continued his yelling. It was like something had cut into him with those words, and now that something, dark and black, was finally getting a chance to leak out of Kel. Basil knew all about Somethings. About how painful it was to live with them, about how they always eventually burst out and demanded to be seen. He just had never thought Kel might have a Something too.

“It isn’t fair that they get to spend years being terrible people. and then just act like they never did any of it. It isn’t fair that I have to just pretend like they weren’t awful to me. Like I didn’t spend most afternoons crying on my walk home because of them. Like I didn’t have to second guess everything single thing I did because they made me think that I was a bully.”

Basil had remembered hearing them calling Kel that before, and it had confused him then too. Kel had never done anything like bullying to anyone, but Basil had dismissed it. It seemed so ridiculous to him, he thought Kel would have just let it go too. Apparently not

“All I’ve ever done is try to help. I smiled and laughed and pretended like nothing bothered me because that’s what everyone else needed. And what did that get me? A bat to the face and being told by my own bullies that I was the one messing with them. They’re the bullies. Mean, angry bullies who I never did anything to. Except try to be friends with you.” Kel finally pulled his eyes to Aubrey with this final word, cutting his furious ranting off with a half laugh half sob. He brought his knees up to his chest and put his arms on top of them. He wasn’t crying, but the pain in his eyes was enough to make Basil’s own chest ache in sympathy.

“And then you let them call me a bully. When I didn’t do anything except try to help.”

Kel dropped his head against his knees, hiding and breathing harshly. His shoulders rose and fell. Up and down and up and down as he panted with exertion from his outburst of emotion. None of them made a sound. Basil wouldn’t have known what to say after that, and he was sure no one else did either. They also couldn’t have been prepared for the final blow that was about to be dealt.

“You all just wanna pretend like none of it ever happened...like all that time didn’t matter.” Kel’s voice was muffled, but the words hit all of them like a punch to the gut.

It wasn’t just about this one fight, it wasn’t even just about Aubrey’s friends. It was bigger, stretching out for years and years of suffering that had never been addressed. Basil’s breath caught in his throat, and he could see the others were in a similar state of shock. He looked down at his interlocked fingers, his stomach twisting up in knots.

It was so easy to forget with Kel. It was so simple to just get lost in his happy go lucky personality and his endless bounds of optimism. He always had time for them all, always willing to go that extra mile to help out his friends when they needed him.

He hadn’t given up on them. He hadn’t stopped knocking on Sunny’s door, even when he never answered. He hadn’t stopped saying hi to Basil, even when he didn’t say hi back. He hadn’t stopped encouraging Hero, even when Hero had no encouragement left to offer in return. He had even still looked for the good in Aubrey, when she had nothing good to say about him. That was just who Kel was, someone who kept trying.

But Basil knew better than any of them that a person could only be pushed so far before there was a part of them that was cracked and bleeding and needed others to heal it. Kel was a nice person, a happy person, but that didn’t mean he didn’t have his moments of doubt. The times where he needed to rely on them instead of the other way around. He never pushed, so no one ever was forced to notice all the bad thoughts and emotions piling up under that sweet sunshine smile. It was just easy to forget that those things existed behind his joy and his upbeat attitude.

They were the people who should have remembered to look. They were the ones who should have known. They had all wanted things to go back to the way they were, but the truth was they couldn’t.

There was no way to erase four years, no way to let go of what had happened to Mari. It existed, it was real, and all of them had tried to ignore it. All except for Kel, who had done everything he could to hold them all together without so much as a complaint. He was right, instead of acknowledging his sacrifices, they had acted like none of it had ever happened. That was what was unchallenging, that was what took no effort. But that was also what was killing Kel inside.

He didn’t know what they could say that would even start to mend four years of their friend trying and failing and continuing to try against all hope. What could a person say to that kind of dedication? What kind of thanks could be given to someone who took on that burden without a word until it had nearly crushed him?

It turned out that Basil didn’t need to know the answer. There was someone else who did.

Aubrey rose up from her spot across from Kel on the picnic blanket and plopped down next to him, turning her head away from the other boy. Her hand moved to his, settling on his elbow and grabbing his attention. Kel raised his head, staring silently at her as she looked at him from the side.

Basil didn’t know what conversation the two of them had without words, but he suspected he would never know. Things like that were only ever meant for two people, and even asking about it was treading on something sacred. Whatever it was, it was enough for Kel to uncurl from the position he had put himself in. He sat on his knees facing Aubrey, and she turned to do the same. She took a deep breath and raised her head, meeting his gaze fully.

“I’m sorry,”

It wasn’t much, when it came down to it. It wasn’t a long speech filled with tears and impassioned pleas. Aubrey wasn’t on her knees begging for forgiveness, or making promises to be better. She hadn’t even said it in a special tone or in a whisper meant just for the two of them. It was an apology, nothing more, nothing less.

It wasn't really much, but it felt so big. They were all touched by her words, all impacted by the enormity of such a small but profound statement. Sunny edged closer and leaned against Basil, and the weight against his side was warm and grounding. He looked down at the top of Sunny’s head, and the vines looping around his spine eased away once more.

When he turned back, Aubrey and Kel were hugging, sitting up on their knees and clutching hard to one another. He wasn’t sure which one of them moved first, but it wasn’t something he had ever seen. Basil has only ever seen them giving each other quick little hugs, or the awkward side squeezes Hero demanded after their fights. But this wasn’t either of those. It was genuine and real, and they both seemed a little reluctant when they pulled apart.

Hero, ever the older brother, beamed and pulled the basket to the center of their group, changing the subject to the food that he and Kel made. To anyone outside of their group, it might have seemed like a callous way to change the subject, but the other four were grateful for something to switch their minds to.

With the moment over, Aubrey went back to her usual brusque, digging into the basket and pulling out a sandwich and bottle of water. She grabbed the food and Sunny’s hand, dragging him over to one of the corners and demanding to hear about his new house. Sunny obliged her, talking about his room and the renovation plans his mother had begun.

Kel drifted over to Hero, falling against his brother’s side and leaning his head against Hero’s shoulder. Basil didn’t interrupt, but he watched Hero wrap Kel in his arms and whisper in his ear, something that had to be comforting given how Kel nodded and snuggled closer to his brother. Hero squeezed Kel and turned to Basil.

“How’s the new garden coming along?”