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aruanimess · 2 months ago

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Hi! Back at it again with another Reverse AU idea that popped into my head while rewatching episodes of AOT. Mainly to do with Armin and Marco's relationship in the canon. I'm feeling a bit cruel with this one!

Obviously, we know how these two had a pretty good bond together for those three years, how Armin paid attention to detail to his craftsmanship - (if that's the way to say it?) - while working on his ODM, which changes two scenes in my head. First, Marco's death. Obviously, I think that moment was tragic for RBA as a whole in the canon, though I do believe Armin losing a friend, needing to kill him because of Reiner's demands. I don't think Armin in the end would follow with Reiner's demands, trying to somehow possibly figure some scenario where everyone goes their way, before Reiner simply ends up killing him. Either that be via. Titan or using his blades to stab Marco and then later be eaten. (Although, I think Reiner would still take his ODM gear, for.. plot purposes.) (Also, wanted to mention. I like to think that the scene before & after Eren recuses Armin from the Titan's mouth, it was in a way just.. giving up. Witnessing the cruelty that he was one of the reasons of it happening, completely breaking down after Eren, his friend, saving him.) Second, the investigation of their ODM equipment. When Annie, Connie and Armin being there. We know how Armin originally knew for a month that Annie had SOMETHING to do with Marco's demise, leading then him to figuring out later, that she was the Female Titan. Though how does that play when he's the Titan? I personally think that nobody would catch on that it is Marco's equipment, though the guilt would slowly eaten within him and begin to mentally drain him to the point of nearly spiralling. That's all I really have.. sorta? I have more to yap about, since this is definitely a personal favourite AU to talk about, though I'll not bore anyone to death yet.

I'm grateful for you to listen to my silly ramblings!

Hello!!! 🤗

Trost huh? Oof... That's a hard one to adapt in a reverse AU since Armin played such an important role in the Paradisians winning the day. His absence leaves pretty big shoes to fill in on the Paradisian side. Like who comes up with the idea to seal the gate? Who figures out how to use Eren's titan or how to retake HQ? Who persuades the Garrison to allow Eren to live?

The storyline would need to get tweaked quite a bit. At the same time, it's a pretty big event in the timeline, the reason Eren is revealed as a titan in the first place.

Some random ideas in a desperate attempt to make it all fit: Eren pulls Armin out of the titan's mouth (I love the idea of Armin giving up on life btw, it's pretty consistent with the character), then when the Garrison captures him. Instead of arguing with the soldiers, Mikasa and Annie just grab Eren and make a run for it, escaping in the titan infested Trost. Meanwhile, Armin argues with Pyxis in favor of Eren's life because he feels indebted to him. Reiner actually helps with this since he needs Eren alive. Back in Trost, Annie spots the boulder and comes up with the plan to seal the gate. Unlike Armin though, she suggests they do it to halt the endless flow of titans that have put her, Eren and Mikasa in a tight spot. Eren transforms and freaks out. Both Annie and Mikasa help him come to his senses by using a combination of motivational speeches and tough love. Then Eren executes the plan with Annie and Mikasa protecting his path. The Garrison soldiers and Pyxis see this unfold from atop the Wall. Armin catches on what EMA are trying to do and encourages the soldiers to help them, with pretty much the same argument he used in canon.

Now, the Marco incident... Perhaps Bertolt and Reiner are talking about Armin's alliances, wondering whether he's still on their side, and Marco overhears this. I agree that Armin would probably not aid in his murder, especially if we assume that he has no one waiting for him back home. The way I would solve the equipment inspection is have them kill Bean and Sonny some other way. Maybe they steal someone else's gear and pin it on them, or perhaps they release the titans from their bindings so they wreak havoc in the city and the Survey Corps are blamed. Idk, Armin is a smart boy. He'd figure something out I'm sure 🤭

Anyway! That's all I've got! I love hearing your ideas for this AU, I'm so happy everyone has found it so inspiring 💕

#asks #armin arlert #annie leonhart #aruani #reverse au

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samv73 · 1 year ago

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I'm desperately trying to get the inspiration to write again so here's my notes for a few/most of the main characters so far.

SPOILERS FOR THE BOOK ARE BELOW

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Name: Toby Nguyễn

Overall personality: quiet, slightly ominous during later events but known as childish in early events.

Often known as: early events-the one who gets to be a kid. Later-the fucked up guy that the group tends to avoid.

'Canon' event: Pushing Sam off the roof.

Theme song: the killing kind by Marianas trench

Favorite color: red.

Most likely AU: Hanakai disease, Toby would suffocate and die.

Personality type: INTJ-T

Important relationships: Jack-best friend. Conny-friend. Sam-victim. Oliver-enemy. Noah-manipulation relationship.

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Name: Jackson Alejandra Ortiz.

Overall personality: Impulsive, funny.

Often known as: fills awkward silence with jokes.

'Canon' event: Getting locked into the cabin by Oliver.

Theme song: Raging on a Sunday by Bohnes

Favorite color: blue.

Most likely AU: AOT, lives out of pure spite.

Personality type: ENFP-T

Relationships: Toby-best friend. Oliver-fuck you, man. River-complicated. Conny-mixed feelings, he feels replaced.

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Name: River Buckly.

Overall personality: Sarcastic, repeatedly says they hate you when they actually think of you as family.

Often known as: M o m.

'Canon' event: Getting shot in the mall.

Theme song: Despair by Leo.

Favorite color: orange.

Most likely AU: Switcharoo, River is the yandere and they are horrifyingly great at it. Everyone dies.

Relationships: Toby-eh. Conny-apparently the mom of. Jack-slight grudge, but respects him. Oliver-complicated (probably fucked, but not canon). Sam-awkward friends. Noah-dog/dog person sort of relationship.

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Name: Conny (no last name known because that just fits him.)

Overall personality: Bubbly, childish.

Often known as: The hyperactive one in the corner stealing things.

'Canon' event: the conversation between him and Jack at the mall. (NOT YET IN THE BOOK)

Theme song: rule #21 - Memento Mori by Fish in a Birdcage.

Favorite color: yellow.

Most likely AU: He is technically everywhere if you consider the odd 3rd wall breaking to be canon, so he is his own AU.

Relationships: toby-complicated. River-MOTHER. Jack-Feels guilty for taking his place. Noah-best friend.

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Name: Noah Torres.

Overall personality: Judgemental but caring.

Often known as: the clawed that may or may not be plotting your demise.

'Canon' event: Helping Toby murder Sam.

Theme song: If I Killed Someone For You by Alec Benjamin.

Favorite color: blue.

Most likely AU: non infected AU, Noah raises an orphaned infant Jack and ends up sacrificing himself to save Jack later in life.

Relationships: Toby-thinks they're friends but they are not. Jack-close friend. Conny-good friend. Oliver-despises greatly. Sam-feels horrible about helping in his death.

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Name: Oliver Costa

Overall personality: Military-ish, can't handle vulnerability

Often known as: the weird guy who has lots of enemies, most being in his own group.

'Canon' event: Trapping Jack in the cabin.

Theme song: Everything Stays, Aventure Time.

Favorite color: Blue.

Most likely AU: Cyberpunk AU, Ends up being very successful and dies in a heist.

Relationships: Toby-used to be friends but now are estranged. Jack-He regrets everything he did to him. Sam-Childhood friends. Conny-Likes his childishness.

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

Name: Axel Ward.

Overall personality: quiet, shy.

Often known as: The one person in the group that nobody entirely trusts but everyone agrees is needed.

'Canon' event: Being left in the mall during the horde.

Theme song: Two Birds.

Favorite color: purple.

Most likely AU: red string AU, Absolutely loses it upon finding his other half and actually cries.

Relationships: Alex-doesn't trust him anymore. Toby-weary. Conny-Likes his carelessness. Jack-Idolizes him. Noah-fascinated.

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Name: Nyx Harris.

Overall personality: Childish, lovesick, massocistic.

Often known as: The mysterious but caring person who really likes to fuck with people's heads.

'Canon' event: (undecided)

Theme song: Still into you by Paramore

Favorite color: Green.

Most likely AU: (undecided)

Relationships: (too early to tell)

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#yandere x reader #x reader #zombie apocalypse #yandere

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welcometohomeworld · 2 years ago

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I couldn't resist asking what the #AbyssAu tag is. Now we know that Connie belongs there, and I can't wait to see how this unfolds. Could we get some story about it?

In this infinite dark ocean of planets, we move as a small speckle of life. We are blessed with an ignorance that prevents us from going insane to the wonders and knowledge that resides in the deepest parts of space. It is, but a cold, dark place.

Down in The Abyss, a silent and timeless space, a Yellow and a Blue god await. The old tales explain that both creatures maintain the order of the universe, and, we as humans, have the duty to prevent their rage. It is said that they are able to control time and space itself. And, humans created an order which had a sole purpose, satisfy these gods and keep them happy to prevent their demise. All their society was based around that sole purpose.

-It's a sci-fi Au, inspired in Cosmic horror and the fear of the unknown. Both Blue and Yellow are eldritch gods, that live in a place called 'The Abyss'. To come to our realm, they usually use vessels, and Connie is one of them( For Blue). They use vessels because their presence can cause insanity, that is why nobody knows their real names and are only referred by their colours.

#su au #abyssAu #eldrich horror #eldritch #mythology #deities #horror concept #steven unvierse au

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xgardensinspace · 5 years ago

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I'm so excited about your prompt list! I am a SUCKER for tattoo shop/flower shop so could I get AU #2 with lines #1 and #7? I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Ahhh! I’m nervous to press POST because it’s my first PUBLISHED fic, but for you, Yikes…I’ll do all the things! x) Since I know what happens in the story…I probably think it’s great, and this is actually a disaster xD I had SOOO much fun writing this fic, however, because I really like the AU topic, and I instantly got WAAAY too many ideas…I looked up DRABBLE on the interwebs…turns out a drabble is supposed to showcase your creativity and ability to convey a good story in 100 words…This fic LEFT that category extremely early in the game (I ended with 2,903 words xD)…so I guess I’m not a creative writer, and I apologise xD But then again not really because I REALLY do love this story idea :) My soup mate, I hope you enjoy this LONG ficlet as much as I do xD It’s cluttered with personal headcanons we’ve spoken about :’)(And if anyone else would like to send me a prompt, here be the list)

This story is AU 2: Flower shop & Tattoo shop AUwith lines 1: “I never expected to meet you here.” + 7: “You’re too distracting with your handsome face and… your… everything!”

Here we go! (Under the cut, I think? First time doing this xD)

Steve stands outside of…Atomic Midnight Tattoos…preparing for his demise. He breathes in, then out, and opens the door of the parlour. As he walks inside, he is greeted with a smile by a lady that looks suspiciously like Connie Marble. “Hi, welcome in! Do you have an appointment with one of our artists?” Steve reaches the counter and says “I-I don’t, sorry.” He’s never been to a tattoo parlour before. He doesn’t know the procedures; he’s only aware of the pain factor from stories his friends have shared. “No need to apologise, it’s alright. I’ll ask and see if any of our artists have free time for a flash tattoo appointment. Be right back.”

Steve waits for a second, looking around the parlour with it’s red on (darker) red damask wallpaper, and the wooden baseboards and door frames painted black. He admires the chrome chandelier above him and especially loves the exotic plants decorating some corners of the shop. When “Connie” returns, Steve stops his prying and gives her a hopeful look.

“Hurricane Bill isn’t busy at the moment. Would you like to see examples of his work? Or just book now..?”

Hurricane Bill? What kind of fucking name is that? “No, it’s alright. We can just book now. It’s…it’s not a big deal of a tattoo, so I’m sure Bill’s skills will do.” He hates that the last part rhymed a little.

The lady in red chuckles behind her hand and tells Steve to fill out a release form while his tattoo artist prepares and sets up his work station.

As Steve returns the release form, he hears the sound of rubber soles approaching on his left.

“Harrington?”

Steve turns quickly to see the owner of the boots, and time suddenly stops.

“Billy?!”

A chuckle.

“Yeah, it’s me…don’t cream your pants.” Billy winks at Steve.

“Oh god…” Steve’s face flushes and he covers it with his pale hands.

“What are you doing here?” (‘Connie’ leaves to the back, giving these two idiots some space.)

“Well…what do you think?” One hand remains on Steve’s face.

“I never expected to meet you here…”

“What? I can’t get a tattoo?”

“No, I mean I never expected to see you in CALIFORNIA.” Billy holds his arms across his chest.

“Oh…well Robin and I just opened business here and-”

“Woah! Wait, wait…come into my room and you can tell me all about it while I sketch, yeah?”

And so Billy leads Steve into his “studio” and closes the door behind them. Billy gestures for Steve to sit on the dentist-looking chair, and Billy takes a seat on a rolling chair next to him, quickly fetching for his sketchbook. The room is small, but looks efficient and organised. There’s many drawers; hygienic products and ink on some shelves; a sink; a few photos framed over the eggplant painted walls; and some potted succulents scattered here and there. There’s also a small bookcase that catches Steve’s eye, and a fancy lamp on one of the corners.

“So, what are you looking to get tattooed today?” Billy grabs a pencil from his desk.

“Well…” Steve starts nervously. “I kind of lost a bet and-”

“Oh no.” Billy lowers the sketchpad to his lap.

A beat.

“I have to get ‘DINGUS’ tattooed and…” Steve trails off, a shade redder than he was before.

“Like…the word DINGUS…on your dingus?” Billy teases with a smirk plastered on his face as he ties his hair back into a bun.

“What? No! That would be…inappropriate.” And there Steve goes placing his hands to his face again.

Billy doesn’t say anything and just waits for Steve to tell him more about this horror-piece of a tattoo idea.

“It…it has to be a tramp stamp.” he says in a very wonky, very unsure tone and looks down the whole time, obviously embarrassed.

“Oh…ok, no. I’m not doing that. That makes me uncomfortable.” Billy gets up and puts his sketchpad away. He seems tormented by the situation and Steve just “What? What do you mean? It’s just-”

“Steve, I don’t care if you lost a bet.” He looks back at Steve. “Hell, is your friend…Robin?” Steve nods once. “Is Robin at least paying for the tattoo?”

“Well, no, I lost the bet so I-”

“No, fuck that shit. I’m not fucking up your beautiful body that way.” He begins to remove his jacket. “Do you trust me?”

“What? N-not really …I haven’t seen you in years its-”

“Wow…ouch.” Another beat. “No here-” Billy takes Steve’s left arm and places it over Steve’s head. “Just trust me. Keep your arm here for me. I’m going to lower the upper part of the chair…just sit still.” Billy fiddles with the bottom of the chair and Steve would be lying if he said he wasn’t panicking a little. Suddenly Billy grabs at his shoulders and gently brings Steve’s head down on the chair. He gives him a pillow to lay his pretty head on and Steve is still nervous…but also, Billy just fucking called him beautiful. He doesn��t know what to expect anymore, but he also doesn’t want to get up and leave. As scared as Steve feels in the moment…he’s also immensely curious to see what Billy is up to.

Billy gets some sharpies and a disposable razor from one of his many drawers. He presses play on his boombox and Kashmir by Led Zeppelin begins to play from the speakers just audible enough to be comfortable. Billy then shaves the back of Steve’s forearm, and then starts free-handing some design on his arm. Steve can see nothing; he’s not allowed to. He only feels the smooth tip of the markers making delicate lines on his skin, and it almost feels…seductive.

“So tell me about this business of yours. I’m intrigued.” Billy asks while he continues to mark Steve’s arm.

Steve actually smiles at that…Billy’s interest makes him feel more at ease. “It’s a flower business! It’s actually right across the street from this shop.”

“Oh, no way! That’s you guys? We saw the establishment come to life little by little. It looks like a very homey shop. Congrats.”

“Thank you! We’re very proud of it. Robin and I just opened last week and so far everyone’s been so nice and supportive.”

“Is Robin your girlfriend?” Billy asks nonchalantly, but with a hint of worry at the VERY back of his voice.

“Noooo.” Steve says with an almost brooding tone. “Robin is my best friend and nothing more than that…”

Billy scoffs at that statement and tries to lighten the mood after Steve’s tone. “Hmm…yeah sure…because friends can’t be real best friends unless they make you get tramp stamps across the street. Is she cackling over there, or how come she didn’t come witness the glory of her suggestions?”

“Well she went out of her way to restock some flowers today…she’s expecting the tramp stamp when she arrives and now…I don’t know what to tell her.”

“That’s alright. I can talk to her if you’d like…” Billy scribbles at the bottom of Steve’s forearm. “I won’t miss adding DINGUS on this fucker anyways.” He continues sketching.“So why flowers?”

“Well, I’ve always been very attracted to flowers…they’re just so pretty, and plants are SO interesting! Robin has also told me I have an eye for detail. Flower arrangements are a great way to combine my skill and passion.”

“That’s admirable. Say…do you think I can swing by your shop, and request a special bouquet for my girlfriend after our session?” Billy smiles, even if Steve can’t see it.

“Sure!”Steve tries to sound enthusiastic, but waits a little before adding with another brooding tone“…you have a girlfriend?”

Billy chuckles. “Nah! Mag is my best friend. She has a girlfriend though! And I’m pretty sure they’d love to have some flowers in the apartment. It’s been a while…”

“Huh…funny how both of our best friends are lesbians.” Steve makes a remark, and Billy rolls his eyes but manages to crack a laugh anyways.

“Hmm…yeah, a little weird. Alright, I’m done sketching and-NO! No no…you can’t look!” And Steve pouts a little when Billy grabs and keeps his arm over his head.

Billy then starts to prep the tattoo machine. He grabs some black latex gloves and brings his small table with ink caps closer. “Alright Stevie, I’m coming in. Are you ready?”

But Steve is still stuck at the fact that Billy just called him Stevie. “Umm…” and then he catches on. “Ready…yeah, sure. Let’s do this.”

“Alright. Remember to just keep breathing, and if it gets too uncomfortable…count to 10, focus on your breathing, or talk to me! I want to make this a comfortable experience for you. Wait…is this your first tattoo?” Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd washes over the sudden silence.

“It…it is.” Steve’s eyes narrow a little at the corners.

“Oh wow…a virgin amongst us. Well, it’s a pleasure to be your first.” Billy winks at Steve as he cuts some paper towels from the roll. “Okay here we go.” And Billy’s needle starts buzzing and comes in contact with Steve’s arm. He drags the machine across, and Steve feels a ticklish kind of pain. He’d heard people compare the pain to cat scratches, but Steve’s never been scratched by a cat…He begins to think it might not be as painful as people make it out to be?

“Why don’t you tell me more…I want to catch up with your life. What have you even been up to?” And Steve is touched by Billy’s generous gesture to learn about his life. So they talk through the session, learning what things have changed and what has remained the same since high school; and it almost feels surreal that they’re able to talk as if they’d just seen each other yesterday. Getting the lineart done was a breeze, and the random moments of silence were brief. Somewhere down the line though, Billy feels a ragged breath coming from Steve the third time he comes in to apply colour.

“C’mon, Steve…deep breaths now.” The room tenses a little, and in the air you only hear Steve’s panting, followed by Billy’s constant “I’m sorry” mumbles and “breathe, breathe” or “You’re doing great!” but Steve still seems in discomfort. “Would you like a break? I can give you 5 minutes if you need them.”

Steve seems in a bit of a daze, and he doesn’t give Billy a reply, so he gets worried. He places his machine down and removes his latex gloves to fetch Steve a cup of water.

“Can I trust that you won’t peek at your tattoo?” Billy asks in a delicate voice, and gets nothing but a soft nod from Steve. Billy takes this opportunity to flip his mixtape over, and goes outside the room for the water. When he returns, Steve has kept his left arm over his head like a good boy. He also has placed his right arm over his soft tummy and brought his legs up, dirtying up the chair with his sneakers. Steve looks comfortable and so inviting with that pair of forest green shorts, making Billy’s heart skip a beat.

“Is the water for me? Hellooo…”

Steve’s sudden preppier tone brings Billy back to, and he apologises nervously. “Sorry, you…you’re too distracting with your handsome face and… your… everything.”

Steve isn’t taken aback by the comments anymore. He’s getting more and more comfortable around Billy, and so he puts his right arm out to take the water from him. Steve takes a few gulps and Billy presses play on his mixtape before getting a fresh pair of latex gloves. “We’re about halfway through…do you think you can take some more pokes for me?” Steve holds the paper cup between his teeth, no hand required.

“Okaaaay” he mumbles through the cup in a childish tone that makes Billy smile.

“Hey…I know what will take your mind off the pain. Why don’t you tell me about your favourite flowers?”

And so Steve lightens up and starts to tell Billy about Cyclamens, Hydrangeas, and Gazanias. Of how much he adores Daffodils, Gardenias and Lilies the best. He doesn’t miss mentioning how much he loves the colour of Lilacs and Caucasian pincushions, as well as his current obsession with adding Baby’s-Breath to every arrangement he makes.

Billy doesn’t fail to chime in about his love of Delphiniums, Irises and Penny Blacks…

“I also like those, ummm…what do they call them? Ace of Spades?”

“Oh! The ones with all the tiny buds in deep red?” Steve still holds the empty paper cup in his right hand. “That’s a good pick! You probably would also like Passifloras.”

“What are those?”

“The crazy purple ones with-…geez, I don’t know how to describe them. Maybe I should just show you?”

“I would like that very much!” It almost felt like Steve was no longer in pain! So they continue talking and they both comment on the amazingness of succulents; they agree that water lilies are great and that magnolias are precious flowers that should definitely be in the flower arrangement for Billy’s best friends back in his apartment. At some point Steve sheds a few tears because apparently flowers make him very happy…and Billy thinks he might be mixing his emotions with the pain of his pokes…but he can’t help to find Steve crying over flowers to be extremely endearing, and it makes him smirk like crazy.

When Billy is done, he sprays water on Steve’s arm and wipes away with a paper towel, like…twice too many times, Steve thinks, because honestly…that shit stings!

“Okay champ, you can have a look now!” Billy says enthusiastically as Veterans of the Psychic War by Blue Öyster Cult nears its end.

He helps Steve get up from the chair, and guides him to the mirror on the wall. Steve is extremely nervous; what if Billy just did some crazy, but very meticulous lettering work for the word DINGUS all across the back of his forearm? He did say the word dingus would be there…he just didn’t want to make it into a tramp stamp…apparently. But throughout this journey Steve realised that he’d gained an immense trust in Billy.

Billy, who had once beat the living daylights out of his face, now made him feel so safe and comfortable throughout the pain of this tattoo…he couldn’t possibly have fucked-

Oh.

Steve stands in front of the mirror, gasping into his right hand. He has no words…he’s frozen. Billy stares at Steve, then at the tattoo, and back to Steve.

Steve brings his left arm across his chest and glides his eyes over the neo-traditional dagger that decorates his arm. He traces his gaze from the tip of the blade to the handle…and marvels at the sight of the flowers wrapped on the handle, gracing near his elbow. Billy notices Steve looking at the flowers; their deep purple shade making a lovely contrast on Steve’s skin tone, and says,

“I wanted to make a homage to your new flower business, and Orchids are my favourite flowers so I…” he drops his comment at the sight of tears in Steve’s eyes.

“Oh, Steve please don’t cry. You’re being a baby, just-” Steve has now enveloped Billy in a tight hug, and he doesn’t know what to say. Billy just eases into the hug and pats Steve’s back. He’s very glad to see Steve is content with the outcome of his work. Above all, he’s also secretly VERY glad to see Steve again.

Back at the front counter, Steve complains that Robin will punch him because the word DINGUS is only a shade darker than the stems of the Orchid; and SOOOO TINY.

“Just send her over to punch me. Guess I’m to blame for not respecting the bet.” They both giggle nervously and stand timidly around. Parting is such sweet sorrow…and neither one of them knows how to break that ice.

“So…” Steve finally begins again. “How much do I owe you?”

Billy chuckles a little. “Oh, right. Well, how about you pay for my dinner? I half-assed your original tattoo design anyways.”

“Oh…no, I insist. What you did is so beautiful…I must pay full price.”

“Right…” Billy says assertively. “Pay for my very expensive dinner at the fanciest, most overpriced restaurant we can find, and we can call it even Steven” And they both just burst out laughing.

“Alright, it’s a date then.” Steve smiles, and Billy flutters his eyelashes at him, leaning forward and placing his arms on the counter.

“Can I get my private tour of your flower shop now, pretty boy?” Billy winks at Steve and that makes him blush like crazy. In his flushed panic, he looks down and catches a glimpse of Billy’s arms on the counter. He notices a dagger tattoo on the back of his right forearm, and Steve melts for a second.

The next time he sees Billy inside his flower shop again, there’s a pair of white lilies adorning the handle of his dagger, making Steve melt twofold. Lilies are Steve’s favourite flower.

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minecraftfan11onscratch · 5 years ago

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What do you think of that new episode? And what do you think Pink can do in Homeworld Bound in your AU?

Adored it! And the finale... oh god I'm worried for steven on “everything’s fine”

Now, for Pink Diamond in CHM AU, her powers (the supersonic yell, the empathy telepathy, the aura to force Gems to be happy perpetually) respectively show that, before the Diamond Days arc, she tried to force a smile and tell herself and the others everything was fine, even faking being a highly empathetic Gem once she “met” Connie, only for the persona to shatter and fall apart pretty easily, showing she’s in constant denial of White’s demise and wrecked by it, coping with it by pushing the others away, until Connie reaches out to her.

In Homeworld Bound, Pink learned to admit to herself not everything is fine, and she doesn’t have to force herself to smile and bottle emotions, becoming more honest and straightforward. Now, her aura can force her to feel the inner emotions of other Gems, giving them the means to understand themselves.

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kentonramsey · 4 years ago

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We’ve Reached Peak Tchotchke

As our external worlds have been shrunken by mandates to spend less time outside, our interior lives—that is, our lives inside four walls—have expanded to fill the void. Interiors are suddenly taking up more real estate in our daily lives and social media feeds (metaphorically, that is), imbuing the smaller details of private spaces with more visibility and therefore more significance. The Reign of the Tchotchke has thus begun, thanks to an unprecedented exposure to the various objets that people choose to surround themselves with.

A tchotchke is typically defined as “a small object that is decorative rather than strictly functional,” but in these decidedly atypical times they have taken on additional meaning. There is something special about bearing witness to other people’s something specials–the little things that punctuate a room like exclamation points, fancy or simple, artfully curated or haphazardly placed, new or nostalgic–small clues to the precious secret of how someone else lives.

I’ve been bookmarking tchotchke sightings over the last few months. Below are some of my favorites, organized by category into the ultimate tchotchke shopping guide, for your punctuating pleasure.

The Tchotchke So Nice You Don’t Want to Cover It Up With a Glass (Even If It’s Technically a Coaster)

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Last day posing with my tulips before they meet their sad demise oddly feel more at ease with my apartment than ever before even though it is 100% more messy most days (I shoved all my shit under the couch )

A post shared by mi-anne chan (@mianne.chan) on May 6, 2020 at 12:10pm PDT

Eye spy with my roaming eye: a coaster so nice it defies functional logic and begs to stand alone, with nary an obligation to separate sweaty glass from unsuspecting table (though bonus points that it can easily waffle between its art object status and its destiny to buffer condensation, as exhibited in the above carousel). Why not roll with the ceramic floral route and consider these Liberty of London coasters? Or this lovely set made from Portuguese tiles?

See All 2

The Tchotchke That Looks You in the Eye

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Finishing touches etc KNICK KNACKS MATTER!!!!!!!!

A post shared by FlexMami Sydney, AUS (@flex.mami) on May 6, 2020 at 3:06am PDT

There’s something quite compelling about the marriage of a classic bust with a distinctly modern color like neon yellow or baby blue, which is why if someone else doesn’t buy these pistachio bust bookends for $21.95 I absolutely will. Alternatively, here’s a turquoise statue that would look great on a mantle, and here’s a butter-colored one that doubles as a vase.

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The Tchotchke That Waves Back

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Flowers to freshen your day

A post shared by Blanca Miró Scrimieri (@blancamiro) on May 30, 2020 at 10:56am PDT

Handshakes may be out of style for quite some time, but hand tchotchkes are all the rage. Here’s a cool pink one, and a gold one that offers some assurance. On the pricier side, this hand comes replete with a bowl to fill with M&Ms–or whatever suits your fancy.

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The Tchotchke That Holds Your AirPods, Thank You Very Much

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Scenes from inside. (Desk; dress-up dinner; dudes; dessert)

A post shared by Connie Wang (@conconwang) on Mar 24, 2020 at 2:36pm PDT

Maybe it’s just because I’m constantly misplacing my AirPods, but the idea of having a designated tchotchke in which to tuck them into bed every night (or after using them) is extremely appealing. Possible vessels include: this espresso cup, and this asparagus jar.

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The Tchotchke That Belonged to a Young Englishman Who Was Picking Grapes in France

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A favourite new thing: a circa 1780-1800 harvest flask from @lacquerchest. Gretchen from Lacquer Chest says she assumes this belonged to a young Englishman who was picking grapes in France. It would have had a leather or fine rope strap running up through the lugs in either side, with a cork attached, so it could be slung over a shoulder. I love the script so much

A post shared by Luke Edward Hall (@lukeedwardhall) on Jul 6, 2020 at 4:34am PDT

I highly recommend vintage flasks on Etsy for your next Internet rabbit hole. Particularly enchanted with this one, this one, this one, and this one.

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The Tchotchke That Undulates, One Way or Another

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Keeping a little personal stash of “just in case” has paid off, and I’ve learned you can never have enough @rachelsaundersceramics

A post shared by Ryan Norville (@cinnamonryan) on Apr 26, 2020 at 8:25am PDT

A tchotchke’s charm potential increases tenfold when it happens to resemble a macaroni noodle, or a ric-rac border on a slice of thick card stock. Do as Ryan Norville does and check out the ceramics offerings at Rachel Saunders or Home of the Brave. I also love this seller on Etsy, whose designs have a similar aesthetic.

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The Tchotchke You Could Conceivably Light on Fire

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{Werbung/Markennennung} Welcome to candyland #frolleinherr #interior #interiordesign #deco #decoration #shelfstyling #pastelinterior #shelllamp #candles

A post shared by Karoline Herr (@frollein_herr) on Jul 8, 2020 at 11:23pm PDT

A candle becomes a tchotchke when it’s fun or pretty enough that you’re reluctant to actually light it on fire–this is a cardinal tchotchke rule. Candles that potentially fall into this auspicious category include: this twisty guy, these friendly-looking blobs, this lovely lady, this cereal bowl, and anything by Piera Bochner.

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What are your most beloved tchotchkes? I want to hear where you got them, and the stories behind them, in the comments.

Feature Image via Maggie Shannon.

The post We’ve Reached Peak Tchotchke appeared first on Man Repeller.

We’ve Reached Peak Tchotchke published first on https://normaltimepiecesshop.tumblr.com/ We’ve Reached Peak Tchotchke published first on https://mariakistler.tumblr.com/

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erenforlevi · 7 years ago

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just one touch // an eren x levi soulmates au (chapter two)

Previous Chapter

Title: Just One Touch

Genre: AU (soulmates, reincarnation)

Pairings: Eren Jaeger/Levi Ackerman (main), Jean Kirschtien/Marco Bodt (side), Mikasa Ackerman/Annie Leonhardt (side)

Summary: It is said that when you meet your true love—your soulmate—you regain memories of a past life you spent together. Eren is a college student just trying to get by in life with no desire to find his soulmate. But one day, after helping his friend Armin at work, he is walking home and accidentally bumps into a stranger. What he doesn’t anticipate when he brushes shoulders with him, though, is a torrent of lost memories coming back to him—memories of a terrifying, cruel world that was ruled by death and memories of something that had somehow become love.

Fic under the cut

Chapter Two: shattered memories

Eren's head hurt. it ached. Oh god, it ached. He saw flashes of a life he'd known once. He felt all the emotions in his dreams. Except—this time he had images to go along with it.

They had all been there, in that cruel, terrible world. ��Armin, Mikasa, Jean, Sasha, Connie, Marco, Annie, Christa, Ymir, Bertholdt, Reiner.

The man he now laid his eyes on.

Someone whose name had instantly come back to him before even the memories. Levi. Levi. Levi.

A name that had somehow always been on the tip of his tongue, a name that he swore he'd always, always known.

"You..." The first word Levi spoke to him since Eren had remembered. The other man seemed to have had memories return to him as well, because he, too, was standing as stiff and rigid as a statue and as unbreathing as one too. That was the only answer, right? What else would cause Levi to freeze like that?

"Levi Heichou, it's me. It's me Eren. How did... how are you...?"

"You. Who the hell are you?"

Eren's heart stopped for a moment. Levi didn't remember. Or he did, but certainly not as much as Eren.

" Eren, you said you were? You know my name. How."

"Heichou... don't you remember... anything?"

"I saw something. A few flashes of your face in my mind. That's it." At those words, relief began to flood over Eren. However, it was cut short by Levi's next words. "But you're still a stranger to me, so don't act like we've known each other over billions of lives or some shit."

"Heichou... what do you mean?"

"Don't call me that." Levi's eyes went glassy for a second before returning to their original glare.

"Levi... you know... you know about soulmates right?"

Levi narrowed his eyes.

"You know when soulmates touch or even just look at each other their memories of their past life—or lives—come back to them?"

Levi said nothing, but Eren pressed on. Surely he knew. Surely he could understand what this meant. Even though Eren was still shocked and barely processing all this new information, he still could easily work out what was going on.

"If I got memories and if you did too, then you know what it means, don't you? It means we're soulmates."

Levi looked up at Eren, looking him straight in the eyes.

"I don't know what the hell just happened, but I'm nobody's long lost lover. Certainly not yours."

Eren's eyes widened.

Could it be that, out of all the things that could have happened to him, his soulmate had rejected him?

Levi pushed past him and continued walking away until he was no more than a speck on the horizon.

Eren had a nagging feeling that Levi wasn't telling him something.

Levi gritted his teeth as he walked away. It had taken all of his will to leave like that and say those harsh words to Eren.

But he couldn't let him know.

He couldn't let him know that he knew damn well about how soulmates worked.

He couldn't let him know that since that day 9 years ago he'd remembered their lives, their deaths and everything in between.

He couldn't believe he'd let his guard down like that and let the kid see him. Eren hadn't remembered that day, probably because he'd been too young, but now he'd certainly remembered. Everything.

Levi mentally chastised himself. Damn it. He was an idiot.

Now there was a chance that he could lose the one he loved all over again.

He'd ruined everything he'd tried so hard to keep together over the past few years.

He was feeling brittle once again. Any kind of strength he'd had, or any barrier he'd built around himself had faded away into nothing at the mere sight of Eren Jaeger and his sea green eyes.

Eren would probably come after him, he knew that. He'd have to keep his guard up -- hide away from him at all costs.

He couldn't put him in danger.

Not after what happened that day.

Reluctantly, Eren called Jean minutes later. He spoke two words before Jean agreed to meet with him.

I remembered.

He arrived at the apartment Jean and his soulmate Marco shared half an hour later.

"I saw everything," Eren said as soon as he was over the doorstep. "Those... those damned Titans that took everything from us."

A haunted look passed over Jean's eyes momentarily. It was gone before it was entirely there.

Eren knew now. He knew what gave Jean that look.

Marco. He'd died —been eaten by one of those monsters. Early on, as well.

"So, what, you found your soulmate?"

"Yeah." Despite the assent, Eren's words had an edge of uncertainty, he knew that. Levi had told him he'd remembered only a few images.

It proved that they were soulmates, didn't it? But it didn't convince Levi at all. In fact, it had frankly had the opposite effect.

"Who is it?"

Eren's breathing hitched. No one had known. Nobody had known about his and Levi's stolen moments and their clandestine kisses.

"Armin?" Jean asked. "Mikasa?"

"I've touched both of them before, you idiot."

"I always wanted mine to be Mikasa." Jeans confession wasn't a surprise to Eren. Until he'd met Marco, Jean had been well and truly smitten for Eren's adopted sister. "But I'm happy with Marco, now. Suicidal Bastard, who's your soulmate?"

"It's—"

Those moments that nobody else knew about. Those moments where Eren finally felt something like whole.

A captain and his subordinate — it was ridiculous.

Humanity's strongest soldier and Humanity's last hope —it was fitting.

"My soulmate is Levi."

"WHAT?"

"He rejected me though. Told me he only got a couple of images."

"What? You're actually telling me that you're soulmates with him?"

"Why the hell would I be kidding, horse-face?"

"Who are you calling horse-face you suicidal—"

"You damn—"

"Calm down, guys!" the voice of Marco caused both Eren and Jean to turn around with their fists poised over each other's faces.

Jean immediately relented, letting Eren's shirt go and sitting down on the nearest chair.

A minute later, after Eren had calmed himself down, Jean spoke once more.

"Are you serious?"

"Of course I am." Eren folded his arms in an attempt to keep himself from (nearly) punching Jean again.

"And he rejected you?"

"He told me I'm not his long lost love and left."

"Eren do you—?" Do you love him.

"If I didn't love him then why would we be soulmates?"

"Back in the walls, was there anything? Did anything happen?"

"After shiganshina. We were both lonely and before we knew it, it became something more than mutual loneliness."

Jean looked to be holding back laughter.

Eren clenched his fists. It was taking everything in him to keep from punching the asshole. Instead, he gritted his teeth and spoke.

"What about Marco? Did you love him back then?"

"I didn't know it until it was too late."

Eren felt guilty. Although, it was never anything that could match the guilt that always seemed to swamp Jean.

"I knew," Marco said, his face reminiscent of a sheet. "I realised it that day when I— when I died."

Eren had realised he'd loved Levi not long before his own demise, too.

"Eren, if you're soulmates and you really do feel something, then keep chasing him."

He looked up at Jean, surprised that he was actually being helpful for once.

"Maybe he just said that to keep you safe or out of danger. I know when I met Marco, I was scared he would get hurt. So much so that I could barely look at him in case I saw his... body again."

Eren's eyes widened. Jean's words made actual sense, somehow.

"If you love him, then he surely loves you back. If you're soulmates, then there's no doubt about it. Maybe Levi Heichou just needs some convincing."

"You know what, thanks Jean. Maybe you're not quite as much of an asshole than I thought."

"As much?" Jean echoed. "You—!"

Eren wandered back to his apartment, as if in a daze. So much had happened in the space of so little time. It was almost too much for him to handle.

Should he tell everyone that he'd remembered?

Would he have to tell them how his soulmate reacted?

No. He would first find Levi and try to convince him, maybe try to make him remember. After all, he'd heard that sometimes it took a little while to do so.

He just needed some time.

#ereri fanfic #ereri #riren #ereri fic #eren x levi #levi x eren #rivaere #myfic

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s-burban · 7 years ago

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Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Steven Universe (Cartoon) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death Relationships: Lapis Lazuli/Peridot (Steven Universe), Minor or Background Relationship(s) Characters: Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe), Peridot (Steven Universe), Steven Universe, Pearl (Steven Universe), Amethyst (Steven Universe), Jasper (Steven Universe), Yellow Diamond (Steven Universe), Yellow Diamond’s Pearl (Steven Universe), Connie Maheswaran Additional Tags: References to past suicides, Blood, Murder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Angst, Alternate Universe - Human, Demon AU, Does this au have a proper name??, Mutual Pining, Chaptered, Song fic, Will add tags as the plot progresses Summary:

Imagine a world where demons are sent from the pits of hell to torment you into ending your life. Well unfortunately, that was reality for Lapis Lazuli, a tired Uni student with a shitty underpaying job and nothing but a few pennies in her wallet. Her life sucked and honestly, kicking the bucket didn’t seem that bad if it wasn’t for the promise of a brighter future in her dream job. Enter Peridot; a small demon who had been in her situation decades prior until the fatal day of her demise. Now she lingers around hell, killing off any stubborn mortal who got in her way.

That is, until she met Lapis.

[WARNING] This fic contains somewhat graphic depictions of violence and gore, self harm, suicide, murder, past abuse, and foul language.

NEW FIC IS OUT. NOW W/ LONGER CHAPTERS AND SLIGHTLY SLOWER UPDATES :))

#my first serious song fic oh boy #im excited to pick out some angsty songs for this #get ready for this shitwreck of a fic #it will not end well ill tell ya that :))#black water #info #steven universe

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ao3feed-lapidot · 7 years ago

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Black Water

read it on the AO3 at http://ift.tt/2knJXA4

by Marcythewolf

Imagine a world where demons are sent from the pits of hell to torment you into ending your life. Well unfortunately, that was reality for Lapis Lazuli, a tired Uni student with a shitty underpaying job and nothing but a few pennies in her wallet. Her life sucked and honestly, kicking the bucket didn't seem that bad if it wasn't for the promise of a brighter future in her dream job. Enter Peridot; a small demon who had been in her situation decades prior until the fatal day of her demise. Now she lingers around hell, killing off any stubborn mortal who got in her way.

That is, until she met Lapis.

[WARNING] This fic contains somewhat graphic depictions of violence and gore, self harm, suicide, murder, past abuse, and foul language.

My Tumblr

Words: 6324, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: Steven Universe (Cartoon)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death

Categories: F/F

Characters: Lapis Lazuli (Steven Universe), Peridot (Steven Universe), Steven Universe, Pearl (Steven Universe), Amethyst (Steven Universe), Jasper (Steven Universe), Yellow Diamond (Steven Universe), Yellow Diamond's Pearl (Steven Universe), Connie Maheswaran

Relationships: Lapis Lazuli/Peridot (Steven Universe), Minor or Background Relationship(s)

Additional Tags: References to past suicides, Blood, Murder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Angst, Alternate Universe - Human, Demon AU, Does this au have a proper name??, Mutual Pining, Chaptered, Song fic, Will add tags as the plot progresses

read it on the AO3 at http://ift.tt/2knJXA4

#lapidot #IFTTT #ao3feed #fanfic #steven universe #lapis lazuli #peridot

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eyedruple · 2 days ago

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au stuff. go my phantomfossil

thank you to my mutual for infecting my brain with this ship so much that I included it in the c.d au teehee

#also tried that one shading tactic #do we fw it #connies demise au #connie dw #shelly dw #phantomfossil #does this count as angst? probably #dw au #dandys world au #dandys world fanart #connie x shelly #shelly x connie #dw gjinka

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kind-red-ghosts · 7 years ago

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As Many Burgers as You'd Like

Attack on Titan. Springles (Sasha/Connie). Fluff. Humour. College AU. 1626 words.

You can also read it here.

Summary: Connie and Sasha have college exams to study for and plan an all night study session, but who are they kidding? Of course they spend most of it playing video games and goofing off. They make a bet, and the loser has to buy the winner as many burgers as they want. A winner is about to emerge when Bertolt leaves a not-so-nice surprise for them.

As Many Burgers as You'd Like

Energy drinks with their tabs pulled off and half opened textbooks littered the coffee table and the living room floor. A day old pizza box holding the last half-eaten slice was shoved to the side of the couch. This scene was the only evidence left of Sasha and Connie’s short lived all-night study session. Currently, they sat side by side on a couch leaning forward, shoulders pressed up against one another, eyes glued to a screen where they were duking it out in a tournament style video game.

They had spent the better part of the morning controlling different characters and were finally on their final round. They were both left with their best fighters. Connie’s favourite character excelled in agility and quick attacks, whereas Sasha preferred fighters that used ranged and delayed attacks.

“Hey Connie, what about a bet?” Sasha tugged at the pull string of her hoodie. It was several sizes too big and that’s what she loved about it. Connie was wearing a graphic tee and sweat pants.

“What?” Connie stuck his tongue out in concentration.

“Loser buys as many burger as the winner wants at Titan’s Burgers.”

Connie’s eyebrow arched. “As much as they want?”

Sasha nodded zealously, eyes almost glazing over as she thought about it. “Even if it’s a month’s worth of rent!” Sasha pressed a button in rapid succession, bombarding Connie’s character with attacks. “BURGERS!!!”

Connie countered with a successfully executed combo, knocking her character to the ground. “You don’t know what you’re in for Blouse,” Connie huffed. “I’m going to make you buy me so much you won’t be able to afford rent and get evicted.” Sasha’s character’s health bar was pushed into the red. A mini animation flashed across screen. “Looks like you’ll be crashing here!”

“Who will be crashing here?” Reiner and Bertolt walked into the living room. Backpacks slung over their shoulders.

“Sasha made a bet-”

“It’s not over yet!” Sasha screamed, guiding her character to crack open a piñata of sorts releasing an assortment of food, which served as the healing items of the game. “FOOD NEVER FAILS ME! Take that Shorty!”

“YOU’VE GOT TO ME KIDDING ME!” Connie groaned –loudly – to the ceiling.

“Karma is a dish best served cold!”

Reiner shook his head. “I think you’ve gotten two different sayings mixed up there, Potato Girl.”

“That was one time Reiner!” Sasha said through gritted teeth, hands squeezing the controller.

Bertolt had apparently slipped his bag to the floor and was gathering empty cans in his arms. Reiner flicked him. “Don’t clean up after them! They’ll never learn.” Bertolt left the mess and straightened.

Reiner crossed his arms and turned to Connie, “anyway, she can stay here as long as she stays away from my side of the fridge!”

Sasha paused the game –

“Hey!” Connie exclaimed.

–and spun to face Reiner. She locked him in her glare.

Reiner held his hands up in defense. “I swear I lose weight after you visit because all the food mysteriously disappears. I woke to noises one night and found you passed out with your head in the fridge.”

Bertolt rested a hand on Reiner’s shoulder and Reiner automatically turned his ear. “I thought you said you thought that was a dream?” Bertolt asked.

Reiner shook his head. “I really don’t know,” he looked pointingly at Sasha who had stretched out her leg and managed to pinch the pizza box between her toes drag it towards herself. She peeled cheese off the lid and placed it on the last slice. She held it up to Reiner who declined. Sasha shrugged and then shoved it into her mouth.

“I’ve seen stranger things during the day,” he concluded.

Music from the game resumed.

“Not fair! Don’t unpause the game without telling me!” Connie shouted at her, eyes snapping back to the screen, his thumbs finding their hold on his controller again.

“Heading to school now, then working late,” Reiner called out as he walked towards the front door with Bertolt. “Don’t wait up.” Reiner winked.

Connie heard the wink in his voice and rolled his eyes. “I wouldn’t dream of it. Ah! Sasha calm down with the booby traps – hey!!”

Reiner laughed, “oh you don’t have to be shy when all these people around, I know how you really feel.”

“Oh, just go and kiss your reflection, already.”

Bertolt snickered and they both left, the front door swinging closed behind them.

Connie and Sasha were concentrated on the game. Sasha trapped Connie’s character in blast and finally brought his health bar into the red. Their scores were evenly matched.

Connie cursed just as Sasha’s hand flew to her face.

“Who farted?” Connie pinched his nose.

Sasha coughed. “It’s like rotten eggs but, like, sweet.”

“No, no, no…more like someone was making a stew and mixed armpit sweat, dog piss, and garbage sludge!”

Sasha gagged at the description and started to get up from the couch.

“If you leave now you forfeit and I win!”

“Con-nie! I think it’s burning holes in my lungs!”

“If you’re not strong enough to endure the pain, then you aren’t worthy of being crowned the victor!”

“CONNIE THERE’S LITERALLY TEARS IN YOUR EYES.”

Connie scrunched up his nose, his eyes narrowing into slits. “Like I said.”

A smile tugged at her lips despite the toxins penetrating the room. “Fine,” she tucked a leg under her bum. “THIS IS FOR BURGERS!” She yelled and shot Connie’s character with arrows from behind. “And you’re completely clueless like usual, this smell is like being stuck on a hot and crowded bus between some guy who hasn’t showered and another who thought it was socially acceptable to eat a garlic and onion sandwich without brushing their teeth after.

Connie moaned, “you’re making it worse Sasha.”

Reiner dry heaved behind them. They both turned to see him grabbing his forgotten keys from the dish near the front door. “Bert, was that you?”

“Sorry!” Bertolt popped his head through the door.

Reiner waved the smell away from his nose, “You could to sell your farts to the government as a secret weapon!” He his voice in a jeering tone, “Bert’s farts are silent but deadly. I guess I won’t have to worry about my food getting stolen! Although, I’ll need post an ad for a new roommate! It was nice knowing you Connie.”

He walked through the door again and elbowed Bertolt in the stomach. “You’re just full of hot air, huh?” Bertolt frowned and his eyes darted from side to side.

“Leave the door-”

“-open so the smell-”

“-gets out!” Connie and Sasha’s pleads went ignored as the door clicked shut. Somehow the smell got worse.

“Did he fart again?” Connie exclaimed.

“We’re gunna die in here.” Sasha slouched, hoping that the end would come quickly. “Connie, I think this is goodbye.”

Connie pressed a hand against his forehead (before promptly returning it to the controller), “I never thought my life would end – at such a young age – by a haze of butt fumes.”

Sasha snorted and smashed the buttons, “why don’t you just stand still for a second, and then you won’t have to meet such a tragic fate.” She exhaled, “although that would be a funny caption on your headstone ‘Here lies one that met his demise because of Bertolt’s farts’.”

Connie shook his head, “he must have eaten gym sneakers.”

“More like bad sushi!”

They both burst out in a giggling fit. Connie choked and ducked his chin into his t-shirt trying to cover his nose without using his hands. Sasha dove into the couch cushions but she couldn’t properly use her controller in that position so buried her nose into Connie’s side, bunching up his shirt to cover her nose.

Connie lifted his arms up in surprise. “What are you doing?!”

“Wut’s it ook like?” The fabric of his shirt muffled her words.

“Then I’m using your hair,” Connie took a strand between his upper lip and nose so it looked like he had a huge moustache.

Sasha started laughing then coughed. “It burns!!! It hurts to laugh!”

Blades clashed on screen, sparks flew, and the music crescendoed.

“The smell! How is it still here?”

“I know!” Sasha pushed herself up and buried a nose in a couch pillow.

Connie took this chance to fall back into Sasha’s lap and bury his nose in her shirt.

“Hey that tickles!”

“Oh yeah!?” He poked fingers into her sides making her laugh harder – and in turn – cough harder.

“Uncle!” She shouted. “Please! It smells so bad I think I’m going to cry!”

However, onscreen she went in for the final blow which Connie’s character blocked and then countered. Their weapons caught, and there was an explosion as both players flew out of bounds.

The match ended in a tie.

“No way!”

“Stop!”

They looked at each other and laughed and gasped for clean oxygen. Connie nodded in the direction of outside and Sasha jumped up with Connie right behind. They burst out onto the lawn.

“FRESH AIR!!!”

Sasha tumbled to the grass and laid with her face to the sky.

“MY LUNGS DON’T FEEL LIKE THEY WANT TO MURDER ME ANYMORE!”

“I wouldn’t wish that smell on my worst enemies,” Connie said sucking up the clean air.

They both doubled over in laughter. Sasha rolled into a sitting position.

“Titan Burgers?” Connie asked a lop-sided grin plastered to his face.

“Definitely.”

Just as Connie reached for his pants pocket, Sasha touched the side of her bra.

“I left my wallet!”

“My bus pass is in my backpack which…”

Sasha and Connie locked eyes and then peeked at the house.

They held out a hand each.