#ggah i love them

[noxx-33i]

twt wanted them as lil fishies and so i deliver

[brokenlovesong]

THE DAN SODAPOP ANALYSIS I MENTIONED AND FINALLY GOT TO:

So as I have not shut up about, I saw Dan as sodapop on Thursday and I HAVE THOUGHTS.

First off, his soda feels the least easy going if that makes sense. Like every smile is a front. Yes he has fun with the greasers and during ggah he seems like every other easy going soda (side note the way he looked at two-bit during his verse???? He WANTED two-bit). But you see how hard he works to keep up those walls during the scene right before great expectations.

That scene for me was the first one that really separated Dan soda from the others. He seemed actually tired and you can see how hard he’s trying not to crack when pony asks him about Sandy. There’s a pause before he says “I do?” Like he’s shocked. Because he’s worked so hard to seem fine, to pretend she doesn’t exist.

His energy shifts after Sandy is brought up. He’s suddenly more aware of the cracks in his facade and he’s gotta work extra hard to make sure pony doesn’t notice anymore.

Moving on to runs in the family reprise. He is the most confrontational and active Sodapop in this scene in my opinion. When they first start going at each other, you see him frustrated and something I love is how he kept looking back at Johnny almost as if being like “you guys are fighting in front of him and you know how inappropriate and insensitive that is.” Im pretty sure he even apologized to Johnny at one point.

But when he inserts himself between pony and darry at the table, it feels very intentional. Because he doesn’t just sit. He is actively trying to keep pony calm and reassure him that darry doesn’t mean what he’s saying. And bro when he jumps up to block darry, hes not just putting himself between the two. He was actively holding darry back and even when they weren’t physically fighting, he was like squaring up with darry, daring him to try some shit. And he was ANGRY about the fighting. His face was so intense. Way more so than any other soda.

Not only that, he was yelling at pony too once pony stood up. He kept pointing at the chair and like demanding pony sit, getting very obviously frustrated when pony wouldn’t. I LOVE this detail because it shows how soda doesn’t just see the fighting as one sided. He’s not just trying to get darry to stop fighting, he’s going at both sides trying to get them to calm down.

During run run brother, that anger he had is THERE man. Specifically on the line “sooner or later you’ll learn” he’s right up in darry’s face yelling at him, angerly pointing at the ground.

Changing the topic a bit I talked a lot about how intense his soda is and how hard he works to try and stop the fighting. But it’s because he really loves both his brothers and man you see that so much during throwing in the towel. The song is easily one of my favorites and dude the way he sang. He did SOOO many opt ups which really made the song seem so hopeful because at the end of the day that is who soda is. He works hard to stop his brothers from fighting because he knows they love each other and can be a family again. Also he fully on bear hugs darry at the end. Like drops to his knees and buried his face in Darry’s chest🥺

God during Johnny’s death, he had me BROKEN. (Yeah as you can see I spent half the show watching him and I have NO regrets because that man is so in the scene whether he has lines or not) He was so fucking broken, it was devastating. When he went to pony, you could see him begging pony to say something or do anything and then he pulled pony to his chest and was rocking back and forth sobbing it was so heartbreaking.

Also side note but I wanted to mention how he’s the only soda who really plays up the injuries from the rumble. Like after Johnny dies and dally pushes him away (which he fell to the floor for) he like limps over to pony and held his side while walking. Just something I found interesting.

The last thing I’m gonna mention in this very long ramble is the way he reacts to the end bit where darry is telling pony he has to go to school. When darry is on the floor and pony is yelling at him to shut up, soda starts trying to interrupt them even before he jumps down to break up the fight. He starts shouting “hey hey hey” and then repeats please multiple times before begging them to stop fighting. And god it’s devastating. Because he has no anger left. He’s just hysterical sobbing. Specifically the line “and that’s worse than being dead” is often an angry one for soda. But because dan soda shows his anger instead of trying to keep it at bay during other scenes, he is more just broken in this one. He’s yelling and crying and it’s so sad.

It’s such a good reminder that soda lost two of his friends, too. Something interesting in the book is that pony at first doesn’t even like dally. Dally is Johnny’s friend. Soda is the first one to have a conversation with him in both the book and movie because while we don’t see much of it, I do think soda really cared about both of them. You see that so much through Dan’s acting choices in the ritf reprise scene where he’s constantly interacting with Johnny and right after Johnny’s death when he’s the first one to try and comfort dally, even though dally won’t let him.

Soda is someone who loves so intensely and cares deeply about the people in his life.

Dan Berry is such an incredible actor and I need to give him his flowers because I’ve seen him in every role he covers now and while is Darry is my favorite, his sodapop is really where I got to see how good of an actor he really is. He’s such an active member in every scene he’s in because while soda may not have many lines in a lot of scenes, he’s always in the scene if that makes sense. He’s constantly reacting and making choices that fit his character so well. He really brought sodapop to life for me.

[alaskan-wallflower]

Hot takes (Musical)

very nervous-

i hate how soda was reduced to being basically a playboy/womanizer and wish they kept the conversation about pony and soda about how much he loves sandy and then adding something about the letter-i wish that he had the line about ‘stopping to smell the motor oil’ and then his actual verse in ggah was about the dx or cars or something that wasn’t just him hoeing around with women, especially since pony’s FIRST intro of soda is ‘my other brother suffers from a broken heart’ and the next song has him going after ace

I hate that two bit replaced steve in the musical and that steve was reduced to a character with a singular line about peas or whatever, which i don’t even remember because it was so irrelevant. i didn’t even know steve wa sin the musical until i followed them on insta and saw the vid of renni with the friendship bracelet from emma’s vlog

i wish ace had an introduction in the musical because to me, i had originally read the book and then the movie and THEN the musical, so when i first saw it i didn’t know who the hell ace was. i wish she had some sort of introduction because taht confused me a lot upon seeing it

i wish two bit and marcia had some action at the movies. i liked that part in the book with them and i wish they kept it

not a hot take but the show needs more coverage because some of the lengths these understudies have to go to is insane

fans should be more respectful to the actors because this musical has the most toxic fanbase i’ve ever seen, both in the outsiders community itself and the broadway community

i wish they kept the part from la jolla where pony was talking to johnny about his nightmares of his mom

i fucking hate deaths at my door so much

i actually like that they changed how dally died in the musical

i wish josh’s dally got more attention because people seem to only care about daryl tofa’s dally and only talk about his but never josh and josh is so talented and deserves to be talked about/portrayed in fanworks

we need more fanart of josh dally and renni steve

i actually really enjoy the costume pony wears with the faded will rogers shirt

i like that dally had a soft/nice side in the musical

brent comer was absolutely snubbed of a tony nomination

a lot of the characters feel watered down and the only character who actually got some substance was darry

they should’ve kept darry’s name as darry instead of darrel.

people need to be nicer to the actors and stop creating unnecessary drama because it’s tiring and lowkey drove me away from the musical fanbase

that’s all i have for now

[sparklingcid3r]

watching ggah from today show and love that soda yells "cmon darry!" at one point. like it does show that soda still feels he can call darrel by his childhood nickname like he does in the book esp bc i feel like darry going by darrel is him trying tb older (and only paul called him tht in the book specifically) and losing the nickname he always went by. ig kind of a rant but i thought it was cute

the musical really executes darry and soda’s relationship so well, i’m so happy they gave those two their moments since no other outsiders media really gave them the examination they deserve :((

like them sharing a cigarette before the rumble, placating each other, the entirety of titt…. mmmmmhmmmm

i also agree that within the context of the musical, it’s indicative of darry aging beyond his years. pretty much everyone around him (minus steve rip🙏) goes by a nickname that everyone else uses. the use of the name “darry” is confined to very few people, the ones who don’t view him with any level of contempt. it’s something that isolates him further from the greasers and in turn, lends him over to the socs.

but also shitttttt u right it’s cute asl, give me more darry and soda please lord🧎🏻‍♀️

[yentlnoctis]

"If people can explain Ace to me, I'd be happy to. However, I've never seen the musical, more any clips, boots, slimes, whatever. Nor any soc Saturday lives or nothing. Please, I need Soc information and Ace information 😭" @witchyleehibernates

Okay, this is a really long one, so BUCKLE UP.

In the script, she's described as a tomboy (from what I've heard), but I've also read some hcs that she actually likes presenting fem, but that's just a hc (edit: this is actually canon, the tomboy style is a defence mechanism -> reblog by @specific-dreamer :)). She's very bold and will tell anyone what she thinks. She's more likely to show them, though; in Friday at the drive-in, she pushes Bob off of the tire, in Tulsa '67, she very openly flips off the socs... I don't know if we have any info on her family??? (Edit: we do, @specific-dreamer added on in the reblog :))

Almost all the greaser boys are always doing lifts with her or carrying her or whatnot. She doesn't mind either. She's always having fun. They all respect her, too.

She's friends with Dally. In the scene where they all come together after Ponyboy got jumped, she did a sort or handshake with him, so I feel like they get along fine.

She has this flirty friendship with Soda. People always wonder if they're joking or not (they are). For example, after Soda's verse in Grease Got A Hold (which was all about getting girls), he says: "Ain't that right, Ace?" and she answers with: "You wish." and shakes her ass a bit. I feel like they call each other the worst sappy pet names just to piss the other off.

Anyway, Ace and Darrel. Darrel is the most gentlemanly of the greasers. Everyone's respectful, but him especially. I think that out of everyone, Ace is the only person Darrel allows himself to be a bit more at ease with. During Hoods Turned Heroes, he lifts her up, and he's smiling. He also helps her onto the greasers' car when she could easily do it herself. A few other examples bc I love them to death: during Grease Got A Hold, she yells: "I love you, Superman!" at Darrel, at the end of Hoods Turned Heroes, she jumps on his back... I can't really explain their friendship, but I love them sm.

Two-Bit and Ace!!! In my opinion, they're kind of like Ace and Soda, except their friendship more on the physical side (dancing together, cuddling under the bench at the drive-in...). It's not really flirting. Their love language is just physical touch. (They're besties, your honour.)

We don't have that much info on musical!Steve or Ace in general, so I don't have much to say about them. I'm not saying they aren't great friends. They are. She's leaning on him during GGAH, he throws her to Two-Bit in FATDI...

With Ponyboy, she shares a couple high-fives and a little twirl in Tulsa '67. I don't really have much more. I'm sorry. She doesn't really have any moments with Johnny (I think?).

Finally, romantic interests. Tilly (Ace's actress) has told us that Ace has a big fat crush on Bev/Beverly (a soc girl they added). Bev hates Ace, though. So, yeah... My personal hc is that they were friends as kids, grew up and developed crushes on each other in like middle school, dated secretly for a while, but then Bev broke it off because, as a soc, she can't be dating greasers. So, now she hates Ace and all greasers bc she's petty like that (no bev hate). I would talk about them more, but this post is already way too fucking long, so I'll end it here.

This was my (not so) short take on Ace :).

[mikexfaisty]

could write multiple fanfics on the idea of “darrel has to stop himself from smiling in ggah”!!! how do u think brents characterization/acting of darrel is?

haha please do. and tag me so i can read them! i have so many fic ideas and a lot are darrel centered. and i have to say, i wasn't a big darrel fan until i first saw the show! and i think a lot of that has to do with brent and the script.

not sure if that it's partial brent breaking and partial maybe even darrel wishing he could almost join them. i think he misses how carefree and relaxed (to an extent) he could be as greaser. but he had to grow up.

brent's overall is very stoic. besides him i've only seen victor, who plays more angry/annoyed. but brent's darrel, you can see he's tired and unhappy that he can't break out of tulsa. there's a line from ritfr "taking care of family is feeling overrated" brent and jason share this look every time and soda almost looks ashamed. but he loves his brothers!! titt is my favorite song in the show and i think brent does a wonderful job singing and acting out darrel's emotions in this song!

noticed a couple little things today! like right after the slap brent kept whispering "pony, pony" as if he was trying to apologize. also when the greasers enter in runs in the family two-bit runs by and says "hi muscles" and darrel glared at him lol.

[fridgemissionmaster]

OM! OC Aurum x Reader Fanfic: What I'd Want

In which you figure out what would be the perfect gift for Aurum

Word Count: 7012

Warnings: NA

AN: My goodness, my first fanfic of Aurum or any of my OCs for that matter! This is so exciting! Thank you @om-adventcalendar for giving me the chance/inspiration to write this!

Odd.

Normally whenever you texted your first man he was quick to respond but three minuets and still nothing. Things had been a bit too quiet in the house as of late and it seemed something with the second born was brewing, so you decided to get ahead of the game and go see what he was up to.

“Hey, I’m coming in!”

… Still nothing? Not even the smallest sound from the other side of the door.

The door immediately gave in to your light touch. “Mammon?”

“C’mon!” The demon was pacing around in nothing but sweatpants, hands running through his white locks as he kept grumbling to himself.

“Mammon.”

He didn’t even notice, plopping himself down on one of those couches, beginning to furiously scroll though his phone with such force and speed you could have mistaken that tap, tap, tapping for a woodpecker that slipped in.

Seemed you needed to take a more direct approach, silently making your way towards your unsuspecting victim.

Then…

You lightly tapped him on the head. “Mam-”

“GGAH! THE HELL- MC!”

“Wow new record, you jumped so high you almost touched the ceiling.” You knew this attempt at lightening the situation wouldn’t go over well for the man before you, him beginning to pout at your antics, but you just could not resist.

“Geez, you can’t just do that to a guy!” With a deep sigh his head flipped about looking to the ground.

There it was, you pointed to under the table, Mammon taking the hint and nabbing his dropped phone from the floor.

With an unceremonious flop and grumble he was back on the couch. You rested on the backrest, leaning over a little, standing on your tip-toes, watching as his eyes flickered over to you on occasion. “What cha want.”

“I wanna know what you’re up to.”

“…” Your first man glared at the screen for a moment before tossing it aside to the table and sat up, allowing you fall over the backrest and take your rightful seat beside him.

“I can’t figure out what ta get Aruu for Christmas.”

Your first instinct was almost to say to ask his brothers for advice, however them not being allowed to know of the Aurum’s existence put a kinda big hitch in that idea.

“… Huh, wait, you literally just bought a Devichi scarf for him the other day, can’t you give them that?”

Mammon flinched, balking at you. “What ya mean by that!? I can’t get em’ some scarf! Besides, it’s snowin’ over there, they needed it now!”

“What about the broach you got before?”

“What about it?”

“You got that for them, right? Why not hold off on giving them that till Christmas.”

“… Did ya get hit in the head; I can’t just give em’ that! It’s gotta be something REAL good.”

“The latest edition of Devildom Law?”

“Gave it already.”

“That jazz cd?”

“Gave it.”

“That ring set?”

“Gave it.”

“The fluffy yellow robe you bought literally yesterday!?”

“Gave it.”

“Mammon! If you just keep giving Aurum anything that reminds you of them you’ll have nothing left for Christmas!”

“An’ what’d you mean by that! They’re the son of the Great Mammon! They deserve everything!”

… How Aurum turned out not as a total spoiled brat while growing up with THIS, is a mystery you believe you may never solve. AND Mammon always giving them anything and everything has made figuring out what gift to give them yourself impossible! Honestly this brainstorming session was probably going to be just as much for you as it was to help Mammon.

“Okay, look how about something else. Why not make him something?”

“Well duh. What other gift would I give them on a holiday!?”

“… something you bought?”

The demon looked to you as if you just committed murder right in front of him. “AN SAY I DON’T LOVE ‘EM!? ARE YOU MAD!?”

“I- what!?”

Crossed arms, leaning away, and looking to the side, it seemed the idea of… buying something for Christmas utterly disgusted the demon. “Tch, next you’ll be sayin to buy something for their birthday.”

“… You and all your brothers literally bought stuff for Satan’s birthday!”

“Eh!? He’s not my kid! Why would I have to make him something!? Sides’ he’s not a baby anymore!”

“I- what dose that have to do with anything!?”

“How dose that not have to do with everything!? Aru’s not even two hundred! They’re practically an infant still! I gotta provide ‘em something with my power and emotion in it so they can get big and strong!”

Ooh, demon thing. “But Aurum’s human, we can’t exactly…-” Your hands waved about lightly till you gestured to yourself. “absorb power and emotions like you do.”

He stared at you, wide-eyed and dumbfounded for a moment. It was cute, you knew that the demon was… all too aware his child is human but sometimes, like with most other things, the man got caught up in the moment and didn’t consider that too much. Slowly though, it shifted, something… quiet, then something determined. “Don’t change the fact they’re still my kid. I gotta make em’ something!”

“What to get, what to get.” Aurum always seemed so content with their life never wanting for much, even if Mammon wasn’t going broke showering them in gifts every other day.

Wait, you came here because you needed to talk to Mammon! Thoughts of gift giving could wait for later. “By the way, Lucifer wanted everyone to know we’re going to have to change plans for the Christmas party. There was an accident at Hell’s Kitchen and half the building collapsed. You didn’t respond in the group chat so, yeah, there’s that to deal with too.”

“Really!? What are we gonna do now?”

“That’s what everyone else is trying to figure out.”

“Still gonna be goin to the human world for decorations?”

You nod, besides even if that was no longer needed you’d be going anyway, with the party planning you had few chances to visit the man on your mind.

You did have a mission though so once that was done you could spend all the time you wanted with them. And so you ran about, bags and boxes in hand on a clear sunny day. Snow blanketed the isolated seaside town, wind drifted by carrying away the few sparse clouds there were. What appeared to be garlands of some sort decorated the roofs and connected lampposts from one another, little pirate flags tied to them, even during Christmas time seemed the people of Napoli still cherished and celebrated those roots. Those colorful lights hung from trees, the wayfarer’s church was extraordinarily busy, people dashing in and out carrying one thing or another. Storefront windows were filled with reds and greens, even the boutiques with the occasional Santa outfit. Musicians were out playing in the streets, children dancing as their parents watched on.

The joy and energy was infectious! You couldn’t help skipping along, wondering where you should go next on this shopping spree.

“WA-” Heart caught in your throat, lost footing, hands thrown up and out desperate for purchase, and a stinging crash. Unfortunately for the poor soul you ran into made for a good cushioning from the fall. Perhaps your stack of boxes was a bit too tall to see ahead of you well enough.

“Ouch. You alrigh- oh, it’s you.” Only for a moment did you get to see that man’s dazzling smile he shared with all so freely but you so rarely, gold fang glistening under the sun before being hidden by a small scowl. Even still, he helped you to your feet and did a quick look over. “You’re not hurt anywhere?”

“Nice to see you too Aurum.”

“Just answer the question MC.”

Still not one for small talk with you it seemed, more interested in collecting your stuff from the ground. “Hold on, I can get that.”

The man lightly shook his head, his fluffy, wavy, red hair swaying as it did. “I’m not going to just leave you in the snow like this.” You could never tell if moments like this were of genuine concern of you, or humanity in general. Quickly you tried collecting some items before Aurum up and got everything. “You seem unharmed at least.”

“Yeah.” You couldn’t help smiling. He wore that Devichi scarf loosely over their shoulders. No wonder Mammon was so insistent on getting it for them, the dark mulberry color perfectly complimented their light tan tone, the gold diamond thread pattern just the right contrast, it’s shininess drawing the eye to the other shine on them, those bright, gray sharp eyes. It even matched that gold painite ear stud they always wore.

“What ARE you doing here anyway, aren’t you supposed to be partying it up back home?”

He kept gathering the wayward ornaments farthest from you, was it for your convenience or to not have an anime moment of accidentally touching hands when grabbing the same thing… It was a fun thought, but you knew better. How did you manage to throw them out so far anyway. Panicking in the moment you must have tossed them farther than expected.

“Plans had changed, and the party’s getting delayed till after Christmas it seems, so, I’m taking my time getting decorations…”

“Ah, I’m sorry to hear that.”

… You doubted it, but with the party delayed maybe he’d actually consider it since there’s more time. “You know, if you don’t have any plans already Mammon would really like you there.”

“Not. A. Chance.”

… It was understandable just why those words were so sharp and terse. It must hurt, still though…

“Boo. Do you have any plans?”

“Not really, I’ve never done much for Christmas…” Really? This sounded like just the thing Mammon would take advantage of to party in a major human city together. “That everything?” They stood, holding a refilled bag to you.

You squatted down, trying to sift through the thing quickly as well as the bag you filled. “Perfect, I’m not going back, and I’d rather be with you.”

“…” Flinching back, they felt an uncomfortable heat raise to their cheeks. How could you just say something like THAT so casually. “I-I- What! No, you don’t have to not be with your family because of me.”

“… They’re not just my family, they your’s too. You’re a part of Mammon’s family.”

…

“You of all people don’t need to tell me that.”

It was so, so tempting to reach out. To place a hand on their shoulder, take their hand, something, but you didn’t want to push them too far.

“You’re family to me.”

“……… You can’t joke like that.” Their tone was uncertain, of what you just said or their own questioning of such you weren’t sure. How you wished you could be sure about more things of the man.

“I’m not.” That may not have been entirely correct, more so you WANTED them to be family, to be closer to them, for them to let down the last few walls that were still firmly cemented there despite how much either of you could want them down.

“You… you…”

“Aurum!?” The man sprinted past you, kicking up snow as they went!

Down that steep street those bobbles rolled. Your body lurched forward about to make chase, but the stuff. Gaze snapping between the two you groaned before running after the idiot! He wasn’t going to catch up to it, and of all things he could at least run on the sidewalk, it may be a walkable city but there were still cars and trolleys! “AURUM!”

Feet tripping into one another, gravity crashing down, the man ran just able to not have another impromptu meeting with the ground within a few minuets. The ornaments were just in reach! They just needed too-

…

meet the ground

again

At least it was their own fault this time and not being suddenly attacked from the back.

And judging by the feeling in their hand they managed to get one of the decorations, and not break it in the process!

They thought, who knows, maybe the thing broke and the numbness from the cold just made them unable to tell.

There was yet still another, so with a huff they got up, sitting for a moment to catch their breath.

“Aurum, you can’t just do that!”

Ah, you arrived.

“I apologize, but I got one back in the end, didn’t I?” They held out the now scratched up sphere like some eager, smug dog.

“I can’t stand you!”

“Didn’t you just confess you cared about me?”

“You’re the worst!”

God damn it, and he just had to do that stupid, beautiful laugh in the moment, the deep one that shook their whole body that you had only seen once before.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, you ju-just-” More laughter erupted from him, they did try stopping and cover their mouth but it didn’t help matters at all.

“Just tell me you’re okay.”

“I-I’m okay, I swear.” They leaned forward, putting all their weight into the action, letting the momentum help them to their feet, although they did sway back for a moment. Maybe the shock of falling sequentially messed with their balance, but you were already worried. With that they spun on toe to catch himself, arms and their other leg out, before going to spin on the other. “See, fit as a fiddle, dainty as a ballerina!”

They tried not smiling, they truly did, but even now you got that bubbly feeling to bloom and pop in his chest, the excitement making their heart and hands tremble slightly.

That, or they needed to see a doctor because the falls broke something in them, but they could deal with that later, for now…

Finally managing to regain balance they stood still eyeing where the other bobble went, just down the road. They trotted along, you following immediately after, them stopping and kneeling before a car. Then lying down on their belly. “There.”

Immediately following suit you spotted the thing as well. “We can’t reach it though, and who knows where the owner is.”

Aurum sat back on their heels for a moment, fiddling with something at their waist.

What?

You…

It was like something was blurry, eyes just unable to focus, something like brain fog but with sight somehow. They-

THEY HELD A SWORD!? “WHERE DID YOU GET THAT!?”

“The straps on my belt.”

With the FREAKING SWORD still in it’s scabbard the man was able to push the bobble as if it were JUST SOME STICK THEY HAPPENED TO PICK UP OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD!

“I-I don’t remember there being?????”

“Good, you’re not supposed to.”

And just like that the…

Stick?

The thing they used was gone.

The uh

…

the

the what?

One hand behind their back, the other was held before you and you took it, them pulling you back up to your feet.

“Well, I believe that to be enough fun in the snow for one day. Where are you going, it seems you may like some help carrying your things?”

“The stuff!” And off you were back up the hill, your friend close behind.

You placed both the bobbles back in the bags, this time making sure to ACTUALLY check if everything was there and not be distracted by the pretty thing beside you. “Thank you for the help.”

“There’s no need, really. Anyone else would have done the same-”

As if.

“-Besides if for some stupid reason I didn’t Loser and those brothers-”

“Loser?”

He stared at you for a moment, confused at your snickering and your quest-…

.

.

.

“Don’t tell dad I called Lucifer that!” His panic only made that bubbling laughter come spilling out in earnest. “I’m serious! You know how much he respects the man!”

“O-okay, okay!”

“Your continued laughter leads me to believe otherwise MC!”

How were you supposed to stop!? Someone calling THE Lucifer, Avatar of Pride, Loser so casually, it just caught you off guard!

“Stop that MC!”

With deep breaths you managed to settle it, your companion now kneeling beside you, his hand up, pinky out. “Pinky promise you won’t tell him.”

And now saying to pinky promise so seriously. “Okay I-”

He drew their hand back in an instant as if you would burn them. “Mc, if you break this promise I will take that finger, I’m not joking.”

I’d rather you take my ring finger.

…

Thank goodness you did not actually say that. No more silly retorts!

“I won’t. I swear.” Hesitantly they held their hand back out, your pinkies now entwined.

With a huff they stood, taking the stack of boxes. “So where are you heading next?”

“I was just wandering around really. I should go to the hotel and get a room.”

“You don’t have one already?”

You lightly shook your head, you did just arrive and you rather get you job done first so you could spend the rest of your time relaxing, beside with the holiday right around the corner it’d only get harder and harder to get the things. “Even during summer there’s usually space so I didn’t think there’d be trouble.” But since the man was asking, it seems that may not be true.

“Christmas time is a bit of a different story. Here,” Effortless they balanced the pile in one hand, their other rummaging through their pocket before placing something in your’s. Their key ring. “go to my place and call to see if there’s any openings just in case. Logs are stacked beside the fireplace, lighter is in the top left most drawer of the counter, the one right next to the oven. Make yourself at home, Last I knew there wasn’t any openings so you can wait there till you get news of any. I’ll be there in about half an hour. OH, wait, how do you feel about soup for dinner? That’s what I was going to have unless you feel like something else?”

“Wait, wait, wait, hold on! I’ll just come with you.”

“Aren’t you cold?”

“I’ll be fine, so where were you going before I fell for you?”

“Ugh…” Gingerly they took the keys back. “Exotic bird store then the bakery. Fresh bread for soup is the best. If you’d want it?”

“Yeah, let’s go! Warm soup sounds perfect!”

Exotic birds? Quickly you took the bags before Aurum could attempt too and coaxed them on their way.

The pair of you trotted along on the streets, the light tapping on stone or the crunching of snow beneath foot. Deep chimes rung from the church, bell tolling the time, your friend picking up pace at it’s call. It was a curious little town, much of the architecture kept from it’s founding days, bridges connecting the higher levels of buildings, hidden walkways that led to street markets, pulley systems still attached to buildings in order to lift up cargo. It felt odd at times to be climbing up what you assumed to be fire escapes, yet you still followed, Aurum and others on occasion using those stares to get to the higher levels for those bridges, even going through the shops on those higher levels to reach back to the ground floor, or directly into the shop you were looking for!

“Close the door behind you.”

“Oh.” You did as told, probably a good thing having a double door system to get in. Big dish like things hung from the ceiling, massive colorful birds rested and occasionally flew from one of the set up perches in a dish to another. A massive floor space. Cages in one corner, ropes and plastic chains beside those, toys covered just about the rest of the walls aside from the one you were headed for, many dispensers. Millet seed, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and many others, Aurum held a clear bag under the peanuts one. Once the thing was about halfway full they placed it on the scale, about 2 pounds. And… that was all they bought.

Huh.

“Are they cheaper here?”

“They’re unsalted. That stuff is awful for birds.”

Ooh!

You couldn’t help looking up and around for any feathered friends. Aurum couldn’t help himself either once he spotted your excitement, they knew the silly creatures would make themselves known soon enough anyway so they should be able to point them out to you and… make you smile…

This little crush was going to do something awful to his heart, he just knew it.

Bakery! Aurum needed bread for the soup. They picked up pace, after all you both had been out for awhile and had taken tumbles, a warm soup would be just the thing to melt those troubles away! And thankfully the bakery wasn’t too far.

Given your odd timing there was not much of a line, very quickly popping in and out, unfortunate really, the place smelled divine.

At least the disappointment was not long, cawing drawing your attention. You had arrived at Aurum’s street after all. One followed, hopping along those garlands, another two were perched on fencing before flying up and into one of the trees that lined the walkway, finally another pair hopping about in the lawn beyond the short brick wall, them picking at the ground, tossing up snow, attempting to catch the other’s tail, a few discarded shells left in the grass.

Items were all left on the steps to the porch except for the one bag. You weren’t quite sure what to do once a handful of those nuts were placed in your palm so you watched. Several were left on the brick wall, just past those vibrant camellia bushes, striking all those shades of pink with the occasional cream or ones that were white in the middle and red at the tip. A few on the porch’s fence, some even against one of the flower bushes that had an out cove and metal bowl with some water inside. Others were hidden in toys that were scattered about, a long tube, a little wooden box with holes and doors, a plastic ball with a few holes, and some other similar things.

“Ah!” Your startled yelp turned to excited giggles realizing it was one of the crows that swooped down and landed on your arm to nab the treats you held. And it was cute seeing Aurum immediately flip around, hand on hip before a sigh escape him. They stood there, arm crossed, hand on chin, quietly chuckling as you panicked a little, another one of those little feathered fiends landed on your arms, smile so bright, the glint of that golden tooth just barely noticeable, crows feet in the corner of the eyes.

“Alright, enough you two, Mc is a guest, not the bird feeder I’ve been promising.” The one given head scritches cawed quietly, eyes slowly closing while the other started nipping at the man’s sleeve. “Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about you.” Then that one got scritches the other began to nip. “Hey. No, you got scritches already.”

“Aw, maybe just a few more.”

A playful tone played on their tongue as they spoke, tying up the clear peanut bag. “Absolutely not. They are insatiable little things. They can and WILL keep you in place all day for pets. We must make our escape quickly.”

It was not the biggest home but it felt bigger with the kitchen, dinning room, and living room being an open floor plan, the only wall separating them was the one across from the front door to the kitchen, beginning the hallway that lead to the rest of the house. There was some lattice work to separate some of the kitchen from the living room and a couch blocked off some of where the dining room and living room connected while an island connected to the burners served the division of the dinning room from the kitchen, the island half being taller than the burner half.

“Make yourself at home, you can leave your things in the guest room, down the hall first door on the right, fire will be lit in a moment.” That usual neutral, gentle tone was back. It may not have been for long but it was nice, that moment they were relaxed. Maybe it hit them that you of all people were here at their home and possibly staying for a few nights…

Maybe if the hotel didn’t have any openings soon, you’d see if you could stay in the next town over. Even if they wanted too, they wouldn’t go back on the offer of letting you stay.

They sped walked past, leaving the peanuts on a pony wall beside the front door, right next to an identical bag with about three nuts left.

You did as told, opting to snoop around later, the thought of a fire too inviting. Lo and behold the moment you exited you spotted Aurum kneeling at the brick fireplace, the flame growing exponentially in mere moments.

The heat was lovely.

“Mind having dinner early?”

“Not at all.”

“Alright,-” They stood, stretching his arms back and above their head. “I’ll get started then.”

“Could I help with anything?”

“You’re a guest, you don’t need to do a thing.”

“What if I wanted too?”

He eyed you before taking off that scarf and draping it over the backrest of the couch. “If you hurt yourself once I’m kicking you out of the kitchen.”

Yes!

“In the top vegetable drawer is most everything we’d need already prepped so just place them on the counter.”

“Yes, Chef!”

Curiously you eyed the man, him staying in the living room. Fiddling with a black rectangular box, music began to play from those big old wooden woven speakers strewn through out the living room. The thing was connected to the radio! They flipped from station to station, getting snippets of songs, or news readings till there was holiday music. With that done they quickly trotted back, setting up the pot and stock.

Obediently you followed instructions, frying the onion, grilling the chicken, adding the celery, carrots, garlic, broccoli, cheese in the right time, the broth thickening turning to a cream color, Aurum stirring the pot, adding spices and letting you taste, blending the potatoes and adding them along.

“That good?”

“That pinch of hot paprika is perfect!”

“Then I think we’re just about done! Let’s just leave it over low flame for a few minuets. I’ll set up the table.”

“Thank you.”

“Huh? For what?”

“Just, everything. Earlier and for letting me stay. You’re a really good guy.”

They stood there, bowls in hand looking to you, a brow raised. “I don’t mean to be rude, but you need higher standards. This is just basic decency.” They continued into the dinning room. “Anyone else would be happy to help a pretty thing like you.”

Damn it man just accept the compliment. Yet, that was also part of his charm, just… his kindness always deliberate, something they believed that everyone deserved, even for someone he had not the best feelings of.

The soup was lovely, not the fanciest, but homely and creamy. Those splices ignited the core, carrots, broccoli, and onions just melted in the mouth and chicken so tender.

“Say, Aurum.”

“Yeah.”

“How come you’ve never done much for the holidays?” Even with just a quick glance you could spot no decorations, they didn’t even already have holiday music ready, something you would have expected from the man.

“… Never a point to it I guess, most I’ve done was maybe volunteering at the wayfarer’s last year.” They took a bite as they mulled it over more. “We tried a few times, but dad always got summoned back real quick. There was a year where he kept wanting me to summon him but a few minuets later and he was taken away again. I stopped after the fourth time, it wasn’t fair to anyone. He asked me if I was sure though.”

“… If you said so I’m sure he’d make it work-”

“Exactly.”

…

They placed their spoon down, arms crossed, leaning on the table. “I could tell, he wanted to be with his brothers as well. I didn’t like it or get it, why he’d want to spend the day with people who hurt him all the time. But… they’ve been getting better, because of you and maybe…”

They couldn’t look at you anymore. “Maybe they’ll keep getting better and stop hurting him. I’m human after all. Just… I could push it, ask the man who took me in and loved me when no one else would, the man who saw something in me that he couldn’t let go, ask the man who had already given me everything to give me time…

…

What if pushing it somehow strained and severed those ties with his brothers? If I got him to stay here with me, then what would he be left with after I die in a few years?

I could never ask anything more of the man who’s already given me everything. It’s much more important he keeps and makes those ties better in the long run.”

…

“And it’s not like it’s different from any other day when you think about it. I can still summon dad whenever he asks, and it’s not like he doesn’t give me things other days of the year.” Uh huh, and that forced tone definitely didn’t terribly clash with the somber one they had moments before.

“But, you gotta have a Christmas something, right? Like what about your CDs?”

They blinked for a moment before jumping out of their seat. “Well of course I do. I just don’t usually think to take them out, you hear the songs the moment you step outside, so I guess I never felt a need to listen to them more than that.” They marched for the wall past the black cd/radio player which itself was covered in cd cases, as well as the record player behind that, the wall beyond those was practically covered floor to ceiling in wooden dowel cd racks, not a space on the shelving left empty.

They froze the moment their finger landed on one of those cases. “Oh, uh, were you just asking or did-”

“I want to hear one!”

“Ah, good!”

Soon a saxophone started, the rest of the swinging big band following after.

“Hmm?” they stopped in their tracks as you approached, standing right before them.

“Know any swing dances that go with these?”

“You want to dance?”

“Yeah.”

“Alright.” A tentative smile pulled on his lips and the held up their hand for you to take.

“By the way, will the Aries’ Dream be open on Christmas?”

“The kitchen will be open to make Christmas brunch for the hotel guests, the bar itself not quite.”

“So you have Christmas off.”

“Yes.”

“Can it still be reserved?”

“… Yes?”

“And you’d be there?”

“If the Dream is to be reserved, I am required to oversee it and keep quality control.”

“And once the event is done you can go back to having a day off?”

They eyed you suspiciously. “……… Yes.”

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

And that was about what? A week ago? They rolled over in bed, not wishing to depart from those comforting, warm sheets. They could have stayed in bed, perhaps make some hot coco with peppermint.

… they wouldn’t have, but HE COULD OF!

BUT NO!

NOW BECAUSE OF YOU THEY HAD WORK FOR YOUR ‘MYSTERY GUESTS’ WHO IS NOT A MYSTERY AT! ALL!

They laid face flat on a pillow, loudly groaning wondering how the hell you convinced them to take on your request.

It was your stupidly charming dancing, it couldn’t be anything else. You successfully distracted them and made them agree to something terrible!

There was no point in screaming into a pillow aside from it feeling nice in a way, they had to get going.

A warm shower eased the nerves, that fluffy yellow robe kept some of the heat in even when they left the steam filled room. A dark green button-up would do to fit the Christmas cheer, black vest, black slacks, black socks, black dress shoes, tapping their toe to the ground as they checked the mirror. Fiddling with their stud earring they wondered if he should have some other jewelry as well… Mammon had gifted them those rings, deciding the thin one with the little dark green gem would be fitting, finally ready they left.

The last of the leftover was polished off for breakfast, everything left soaking in the sink to be cleaned when getting back.

“Hmm?” The moment they shut the front door something glinted catching the eye. A thin shiny chain, a blue cat eye pendant and some coins. Hopefully none of this was stolen… again. Merrily they cawed once the trinkets were pocketed, Aurum leaving a handful of peanuts as breakfast on the brick wall.

… Perhaps they should have brought a coat, snow beginning to drift down. It was too late to run back. Well, not quite, not unless he wanted to look completely disheveled which absolutely wouldn’t do for work.

Strolling along he slowed his pace upon hearing the sweetly ringing bell of the trolley. “YOU’VE GOT WORK ON CHRISTMAS!?”

They turned around, a hand beside their mouth. “I SHOULD BE ASKING YOU THE SAME THING!”

That boisterous laughter erupted into the air. “THE TROLLEYS STOP FOR NO ONE AURUM!”

Once it rolled by the man hopped onto the platform on the back, gripping the grabbing bar tight till he was sure his feet were steady.

“Maybe I’ll drop by the bar later and keep you company.”

“I’d love that, but there’s no need, I’m sure the grandkids would miss you. Besides I won’t be there all day. Perhaps tomorrow.”

“Haha, alright, alright.”

It was lovely watching as the seaside grew more distant and lower. They leaned against the railing taking a deep breath of that salty sea air, tucking some of their hair behind their ear so it’d stop flipping into their face. They really needed to get some hairpins or hairbands, but those damage the hair, and they couldn’t do it and so they simply had to deal with their hair slapping them in the face on breezy days.

Soon they arrived, hopping off, their footfalls light taps on the stone ground. So-

“Aru!”

“Gah-”

The man was practically tackled to the ground, an arm draped over his shoulders, pulling him close. A hyena-like laugh ringing in their ears. “Bet ya weren’t expectin’ me kiddo!”

“Dad!”

“WA-”

It was only fair they treat Mammon in kind, trying to tackle him, hugging him as tight as possible! “Hey- EY!”

“Dad? DAD!”

With a thud the two fell to the ground.

“Man you’ve gotten stronger, look at ya, takin’ me down!” The demon’s eyes practically sparkled.

“Come on, you’re not that old and frail yet! You fell on purpose!”

Quickly the man scrambled up, an embarrassed heat raising to their cheeks while Mammon laughed. “I don’t know, you’re growin like a weed!”

Happily he took his son’s outstretched hand, Aurum easily pulling him to his feet. “Alright, we have a party to set up, don’t we.”

“Yeah we do!”

“I still have some Demonus from the last shipment you got me, or is there a special one you wanted?”

“Oh, you’re gonna love this! I got the artisanal stuff. Homemade too by an expert!”

“Could I have a taste?”

“Of course! I saved a few bottles for personal use.”

“Perfect! I can make some mixes with more confidence in the flavor.”

“Why ya askin though? I always get ya some for yourself.”

“Yeah, but that’s the usual shipment for the bar, since these were for a party, I wasn’t sure if as much was or even could be gotten.”

“Aw, don’t ya worry! I get ya whatever you need.”

As the pair walked along the demon looked over his shoulder to you. “Aren’t ya commin?”

“In a minuet, just enjoying the view.”

The bar was already decorated in festive cheer, but there was still set up to be done. The feast laid out on each and every table, spells to make sure any noise or more destructive tendencies wouldn’t disturb the kitchen staff or hotel guests, more decorations, the music up and ready to go and other such things. Aurum spotted how you and Mammon slipped behind the bar with a something but said nothing about it, if there were everyday guests they’d demand to know what you troublemakers were doing, but since it was your party they were willing to leave it be, they’d find out soon enough anyway.

And soon enough the time was arriving. Mammon left to collect his siblings and the rest. You stayed behind double checking nothing had happened to the next several courses. Aurum stood behind the bar, their back to the door taking a glass off the shelf, and a rag beginning to absentmindedly polish the already shiny cup.

“Hey.”

“Yes?”

“… Everyone’s going to be on their best behavior, I promise.”

Suddenly a chorus of voices came crashing in.

“Oh, I remember this place! You’ve taken me here before!”

“You too?”

“Oh! The bartender made THE BEST cheeseburger for me!”

“HAhhahaha! The mysterious bar with Demonus! Do you take everyone here because you’re the provider?”

“Mammon!”

“Wait, wait! Hold on! It’s legit! I get everythin from Abaddon!”

With a soft thunk the glass was placed on the counter.

His smile kind and soft, shoulders relaxed, heart thumping against their ribcage. “Welcome to the Aries’ Dream, so you are the party. Many familiar faces, I see. It’s a pleasure to have you all back.” For the business’ sake. Having a prince and such high profile leaders as possible repeat customers was a… good thing… very… good…

They were just customers.

Seems they were not immune to the holiday cheer, nothing but laughter and celebrations. They knew the child was in fact older than himself but seeing Luke with such a boisterous, buzzed bunch still was nerve-wracking. But it was reserved as a private party and they said children would be allowed. Asmodeus tried dragging Mammon and other into dancing, all accepted but the one demon who stuck by the bar chatting with whoever decided to take the seats beside him, usually Loser. Barbatos at times seemed unsure what to do with himself, Aurum having him nurse a drink while they told the history of it. Beelzebub almost broke into the kitchen but thankfully you were there to stop it. There were a few new faces to the bar but Aurum recognized from pictures such as Solomon who kept complimenting you on the ‘decorations’ and how you did such a good job casting them, or Simeon who tried sticking to Lucifer’s side. Diavolo bounced around, one minuet dancing, the next chatting with Mammon and Lucifer, the next asking about drinks he’d never heard of like beer. They don’t know how but at some point Belphegor fell asleep on the floor behind the bar, but it was easy enough to just keep stepping over him.

“Uh, guys we should start wrapping up soon!” Aurum looked to you confused, there was still some time till the end of the reservation, but the others checked the time, agreeing, even if disappointed. Did they all just take that long to get going?

“Sorry about Belphie.” The giant scooped up his twin from the floor.

“Oh, it’s no problem.”

Slowly they gathered themselves, one by one leaving.

“Eh, we still got some time. I’ll have another drink and catch up with ya later!”

“Mammon, we’re leaving.”

You quickly stood between Lucifer and the second born. “I’ll look after him, just enjoy yourself Lucifer.”

With a sigh, the demon agreed before ushering the last few stragglers out.

“Welp, I’m bored! See later Mammon, bye Aurum!” And with that you slipped into the hotel.

“I-What?”

Mammon simply waved you off before perking right up.

“Kid, ‘ey, check under ya!”

“… The ice box.”

“Nah, next to that!”

Suspicious…

Whatever, Mammon seemed like he was excited so Aurum couldn’t help playing along. So whatever they did was hidden away with the special unbreakable glasses.

… The glasses were shoved aside for something in wrapping paper and a bow. They stood, the item soft.

“I… I got you a present too! I didn’t think I’d have the chance to give it to you today so it’s back home bu-”

“Hey, hey, it’s alright kid! You don’t need to get work up about it. We’ll got pick it up later, alright?”

“Okay!”

Gently he run his hands over the shiny, glossy paper before tugging at the bow and picking at the tape that held it all together.

…

It looked like lace but clearly crocheted. Black with a rainbow like shimmer to it. The pattern looked almost like wings, many feathers all together. At the ends of the poncho were silver and gold tassels.

“C’mon, put it on!” Only then did Aurum notice how their dad was practically vibrating in his seat.

They only noticed Mammon leaned over the counter to hug them from the pressure, the moment he worn their gift he felt warm.

“Merry Christmas.

“Merry Christmas dad.”

Eventually they both let go.

“Oh, times up! You’re off the clock now! Need ta get goin’.”

“Going?”

“Yeah! Town up north’s having a festival, and we’re going!”

“We are!?”

“Tch, yeah. I just said so.”

“What about…”

“Eh, they have plans here, Mc’ll warn us where they’re at. So we better go before they notice!”

“I-Okay, just gimmie a second to lock up!”

Well

Damn it

Aurum never got you anything, yet here you were giving them

Giving them THIS

Of all things

…

They just had to make it up to you next year then.

[the-ria]

ggah your femcr art OWNS my HEART i love them all so much !!! ur art style is. mwah

AAAAA comments like these is what makes me want to keep going and keep making stuff- thank you so much!! <3

[mikexfaisty]

ooo yes any specific small details u noticed abt darrels performance and ggah is always interesting!!

I saw Victor last two times and after seeing Brent today, I really noticed how different they play Darrel. Like Victor argues with Soda just as ggah starts and he is super pouty in his corner. But Brent's Darrel really just observes, and almost has to stop himself from smiling.

Also I really love Darrel's joy in hth! Like he practically rips the newspaper out of their hands and excitedly swats Soda's arm. I hate that it's like one of the only moments we see him really happy.

Ohhh! And a moment I loved that I really never noticed before right after Johnny's death! So Dally yells "that's what you get for saving people you little punk" and Soda always moves to comfort him. Dally always recoils/pushes back which sends Soda (and really everyone) away. But this time Darrel moved quickly in between them and put his hands up to protect Soda and it was really sweet and sad.

Also Brent's hair is getting so long and I love it lol

[alaskan-wallflower]

thank you prev you get it 😭😭 like to me soda was too much of a flirt/womanizer for me. like if i hadn’t read the book or seen the movie soda would’ve been one of my least favorite characters just because of that like…idk that felt like something dally would say yk? and in the book the thing about him was that he WASNT a flirt. he was VERY loyal to sandy to the point he was willing to GO AFTER HER AFTER SHE CHEATED ON HIN just to make sure she was okay. like im sorry but that whole verse in GGAH is NOT my soda 😭

also exactly-i liked the breakdown more in the book and movie because the impact was split between the three brothers instead of soda just screaming and the moment being passed to darry. like in the movie soda ran away both because of sandy’s letter (which again i wish they kept and had her break up w him at the end instead of having that be his introduction) and because of the arguing, to which SODA was the one to tell them to stop fighting and HE was the one who told darry to stop being tough on pony and told pony to listen to darry cause he’s not trying to bring pony down and instead in the musical we kinda just got him screaming and then darry coming to that realization.

i dunno. even with the second act like soda’s actions felt so out of place with darry since in the movie and such soda stuck up for pony during the fight to darry, and i wish they kept that too because like…i didn’t feel that strong of a bond between pony and soda or even soda and darry as i did in the book or movie.

maybe i’m just picky because i love the book and movie way more than the musical but idk. i love the musical a lot, the book and movie are just so much more special to me since that’s where everything started for me.

this may be a hot take but i don’t love how soda was portrayed in the musical. he felt too like…womanizer like, i dunno. i wish his introduction also wasn’t about him being brokenhearted because like…i dunno. there’s more to soda than being hot and it feels like the musical didn’t really dive into that…plus i wasn’t really a fan of the breakdown, it just felt sudden and i liked it better in the book/movie i think. idk-also like…i kinda wish his verse in ggah was more than ‘oh lol getting women’ like…maybe im just being bitchy

maybe i’m being too sensitive but he didn’t feel much like the suneshiney boy from the book. and yeah you got him in throwing in the towel comforting darry but i dunno. (also idk if it’s the fact he looks nothing like his book description that has to do with my beef w musical soda 😭)