#let him do a grand romantic gesture god dammit

[moss-flesh]

i liked the gale astral scene.

[softlass27]

I started thinking about Robert spending his birthday this year alone in a prison cell and it made me sad. So I decided to fix it with pure fluff and self-indulgence.

No prison, no bloody Posners, Seb back with his dads where he belongs :')

AO3 link here

If I should smile with sweet surprise

It was no secret to anyone who knew Aaron and Robert, that of the two of them, Robert was the romantic one. He was the type of person who got a thrill out of making grand gestures – surprise trips away, home-cooked dinners by candlelight, too-expensive gifts that he’d bought just because I saw it and thought of you.

It took Aaron a while to get used to being with someone like Robert, but now that they were married and solid, he’d come to love the gestures, he really had. It was just, well, he never knew how to make them in return. He’d never been the particularly romantic sort, never thought he’d want to be, either. Sure, he’d booked them the odd night away, and he always tried to make sure he got Robert thoughtful Christmas and anniversary presents. But showy, full-blown declarations of love? Apart from one cold night in February when Aaron had shown up on Robert’s doorstep, determined to get his husband back, it just wasn’t his thing.

The odd time he’d hesitantly brought it up with Robert over the years, feelings of insecurity and of not being enough rearing its ugly head, Robert just smiled and said he didn’t mind, he spoiled Aaron because he enjoyed doing it, not because he expected something in return.

“You enjoy showing off, more like,” Aaron had scoffed, though something warm settled in his chest at the reassurance.

Robert just shrugged a shoulder at him and said there were plenty of things Aaron did for him – things that no one else had ever done before. Like always making his tea exactly the way he liked it, like knowing to buy his favourite chocolate after a rubbish day, like letting Robert lay his head in his lap and stroking his hair when he’d given himself a headache by staring at the computer screen for too long.

Like listening to him talk about his favourite memories of his mum, asking him questions about the kinds of food she used to cook and what her favourite songs were. Like letting him rant about Jack and Andy and the misery of his teenage years, without telling him he was overreacting.

So that was the way it was. Robert did the cheesy, over-the-top gestures of love and Aaron accepted them with a kiss and an I love you.

Until today.

Today, it was Robert’s 34th birthday and Aaron was going to sweep his husband off his feet if it killed him.

He deserved it after everything they’d been through in the last twelve months. They’d thought nothing could be worse than what had happened to Victoria only days after Robert’s last birthday. Then just as Lee Posner had crawled back into whatever dark hole he’d come from and she’d begun to turn a corner, they were hit with another bombshell.

One day in early September, Aaron dropped Seb off in Liverpool to find Rebecca had nipped to the shops and Ross was acting strangely. Despite Ross’s protests, Aaron stuck around until Rebecca got back, making small talk with him and watching him carefully. By the time he got back in the car, he’d seen enough. He knew the signs, Ross was definitely on something. Maybe cocaine, maybe spice, maybe something else entirely. It didn’t make much difference to him either way; Ross was on drugs when he was meant to be responsible for Aaron’s stepson, and he was not having it.

Aaron had broken several speed limits on his way home and wasted no time telling Robert as soon as he walked through the door. They’d already been concerned that Rebecca couldn’t seem to keep a nanny around for longer than a few weeks at a time, and it wasn’t like her brain injury had just disappeared in the last year. If anything, she seemed to be deteriorating some days. And if Ross – the one who was meant to be keeping her right – was high on god knows what, then there was no way in hell Seb was staying with them.

Although they were both tempted to go charging through Ross and Rebecca’s door and grab Seb there and then, they held back. Rebecca had threatened them with legal action before, and if they tried anything, she’d wouldn't hesitate to do it again. They had to be smart about it.

A few days later, Robert popped round to their place unannounced, having supposedly been “in the neighbourhood”, so he could get a good look at Ross for himself. It didn't take more than a few minutes for him to agree with Aaron's suspicions. The next time they dropped Seb off, they made sure to do it while only Rebecca was home and they stuck around for a coffee. Robert distracted her while Aaron snuck upstairs and rooted through Ross’s stuff until he found a stash of white powder, snapping a photo with his phone.

Robert had Ross followed by a private investigator, who eventually confirmed that not only was Ross buying drugs, he was dealing them, too. The private investigator also told them – with more than a little concern – that on one occasion he’d seen Ross and Rebecca briefly leave Seb alone in the house.

It had taken endless meetings with lawyers and social services, gathering evidence and providing character witnesses from everyone from Aaron’s therapist to Nicola (who was more than happy to throw her weight around as local councillor on their behalf). As the days and weeks passed, Robert was out of his mind with worry, not to mention guilt for having let Ross and Rebecca take Seb in the first place. He barely slept and only ate when Aaron forced him to, exhausting himself to the point of Aaron being terrified that he’d have another seizure.

The wait was agonising, but after what felt like an eternity of hardly daring to hope, Seb was released into their custody and back at the Mill by Christmas, with arrangements for Rebecca to see him under supervised visits in the new year. At first, Seb was a little withdrawn and confused by the disruption, but Aaron and Robert both showered him with as many cuddles and presents as they could, and he soon perked up. It was the best Christmas Aaron could remember having.

The first few months of 2020 had passed quickly and quietly, with most of their time spent making sure Seb settled in properly, and helping Victoria with her new baby boy, Harry. Not to mention catching up on all the work they’d both put on the back burner recently. But now, things were getting back to a new kind of normal. Seb was his happy self once again and getting into mischief at every opportunity, while Vic was regularly seeing a counsellor and taking motherhood in her stride. Things weren’t perfect, but they were getting there.

Now it was Robert’s birthday, and this year Aaron was going to treat him, dammit.

He entered their bedroom with a tray full of Robert’s favourite breakfast foods and set it down carefully before carding a hand through Robert’s sleep-mussed hair. “Hey, birthday boy.”

Robert’s mouth quirked in a half-smile before his eyes even opened. “Mornin’.”

Aaron leaned down and gave him light peck, but before he could sit up Robert slung his arms around his neck and yanked him down again, suddenly much more awake. “Oi, it’s my birthday, gimme a proper snog.”

Aaron rolled his eyes but didn’t resist, pressing his mouth to Robert’s and sliding his tongue past his lips, kissing him slowly and deeply until they were both gasping for breath. He eventually pulled away, laughing when Robert tried to chase his mouth with his own. “I made you breakfast, eat it before it gets cold.”

Robert gave a put-upon sigh but let him go, tucking into his plate of fresh fruit and pastries, occasionally letting Aaron steal a bite.

“Is Seb up yet?” He asked, sucking juice off his fingers.

“Nah, we’ve probably got a while. He’s dead excited to give you his card, though. He’s drawn what I can only guess is either a cow or a train, I’m not sure which but it’s very good.”

Robert laughed and relaxed back into the pillows, sipping his coffee. At least he was relaxed until he noticed Aaron fidgeting next to him, shifting on his side of the bed and tapping his hands against the duvet. “You alright over there?”

“Yeah, why?”

“You’re a bit… twitchy. Are you – ”

“Do you want your present now?” Aaron cut him off, unable to wait any longer.

Robert smirked and set his mug down. “Go on, then.”

Aaron reached over to his bedside table, pulling an envelope out of the drawer and passing it over. Robert waited for a moment to see if anything else would follow, but Aaron just shoved the drawer closed and turned back to him. Robert blinked at the card. “Did you… get me a voucher?”

“Did I – no I didn’t get you a voucher, you idiot. I’m not that bad of a husband.”

“Well I don’t know about – ow don’t hit me it’s my birthday – of course you’re not, you’re a brilliant husband. Amazing. Stupendous.”

“Would you just open your bloody present, please?”

Robert tore open the envelope and pulled the contents out, while Aaron pressed a fist to his mouth in order to hide the grin that was threatening to break across his face. He watched Robert’s face change as he took in the tickets and brochure, his jaw dropping as he looked at Aaron with wide eyes.

“No.”

“Yep.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“Seriously?!” Robert held up tickets for flights to Iceland, due to depart the next day.

May 2016

“Oh my God, Ibiza, really?” Robert groaned. “You’re such a lad.”

“And you’re such a snob, there’s nout wrong with Ibiza.”

It was after midnight and they were lounging in Aaron’s room at the pub, chatting about everything and nothing. It had only been a couple of weeks since they’d decided to give them a proper shot, and although they’d already been through hell and back together, it still felt pretty new. They might have the, well, physical side of things down, but they’d realised there was still a hell of a lot they didn’t know about each other.

So most nights, when everyone else was asleep, they talked. Which was how they’d come to this particular argument.

“Okay whatever, just don’t expect me to go there with you. Ever.”

“Pfft, I wouldn’t want you there anyway, you killjoy, “ said Aaron, though his smile took the sting out of it.

“Alright, where else would you want to go? Any dream destinations?”

Aaron thought for a moment. “I’d like to go to Vegas one day.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, all the casinos, the shows, the fireworks. It looks amazin’. Maybe even see the Grand Canyon, too, that’d be mint.”

“Hmm, noted,” said Robert, looking at him with half-lidded eyes.

“What about you?” Aaron poked him. “Anything on the bucket list?”

Robert shrugged. “Dunno. I like city breaks, mostly. Paris, Rome, that sort of thing. Barcelona,” he said, raising his eyebrows playfully.

Aaron winced, still feeling guilty about bailing on their trip. He pressed a kiss to the side of Robert’s head. “Sorry again. We will go, promise.”

“S’fine, I told you not to worry about it. But yeah, apart from that I wouldn’t mind holing up in a villa somewhere warm with you. Doesn’t matter where. Sun, pool, sex, what’s not to like?”

“Sounds nice,” said Aaron.

They lay there in comfortable silence. Aaron was close to drifting off when –

“Northern Lights.”

Aaron’s eyes opened to see Robert looking at him with a sleepy smile. “Hmm?”

“I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights.”

“Yeah?”

“Ever since I was a kid. I saw this tv programme about them, used to think they were magic. I don’t now, obviously, but yeah. Would love to actually see them someday.”

His eyes fell shut, and Aaron's followed soon after.

“Vic’s gonna bring Harry here and help Liv look after Seb while we’re gone. Or he can have a sleepover at hers, or with Moira and Isaac, whichever he prefers. But starting tomorrow it’s just you and me, five days, and – hopefully – some magic lights in the sky.”

Robert stared at him for a moment before running his thumb over the printed words on the ticket. “I can’t believe you remembered.”

“I do listen, you know.”

“I know but I told you that years ago.”

“I mean, I can’t guarantee we’ll actually see the lights,” said Aaron. “But I checked the weather and it’s supposed to be clear skies for the next week, so fingers crossed.” He pulled the hotel brochure towards them. “And if not, we can still go in the hot springs and nice restaurants, and our room’s dead fancy, got a log fire and everythi – mmf!”

Robert pounced, pressing a hard kiss to Aaron’s lips, then when his grin caused him to break it he pressed more over as many parts of his face as he could reach. He bumped his forehead against Aaron’s, eyes sparkling.

“You got me the Northern Lights for my birthday,” he laughed like he couldn’t believe it.

“Told you I’m a good husband.”

“You are. The best husband I’ve ever had.”

Aaron’s reply was cut off by the deafening cry of “Daaaaaddy!” coming from down the hall. He shoved Robert back with a sigh and pushed himself out of the bed. “Better not keep his lordship waiting. There’s still presents to open and then we need to be at the Woolpack by noon, before Diane comes looking again.”

He was about to head out the door when Robert caught his hand and pulled him back until they were pressed tightly together. He cupped Aaron’s jaw and kissed him one more time.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.” Aaron pressed a thumb on the crinkles around Robert's left eye. “And I think 34 is gonna be your year.”

“Yeah?”

“Mm-hm. Just a feeling.”

“Well it’s looking that way so far,” said Robert, his smile suddenly turning slightly bashful. "No one’s ever done anything like this for me before. Thank you.”

God, Aaron was gone on him. “You deserve it, you daft sod.”

Three days later, Aaron watched Robert gaze up with delight at the bright streaks of light stretching across the dark sky. As they took in the brilliant colours, he grabbed Aaron’s hand tightly and whispered that they were even better than he’d imagined. He was so absorbed in what he was seeing, he didn’t notice Aaron grinning smugly to himself.

He was a romantic bastard.

[queenofcats17]

Could you write a fic with Sammy just being over dramatic? Just for any reason? I headcanon him as a complete ham.

I might have…gone a little overboard. ^^” But I hope you like it.

———————————————————————————————

One might think that Sammy’s dramatic nature as a prophet of Bendy was a new development, but anyone who had known him before the studio’s downfall knew that Sammy had just always been like that. It honestly wasn’t surprising that he and Susie had been dating. They were the most dramatic people in the studio by far. It wasn’t uncommon for studio employees to come into work to find one or the other putting on some sort of performance. It was more amusing than anything else since they didn’t try to inconvenience anyone. At least not most of the time.

A lot of employees did tend to get yelled at by him for their mistakes, but most everyone understood Sammy was all bark and no bite. So they took the yelling when they played a section wrong or, in Wally’s case, when they lost their keys. They knew he wasn’t trying to be malicious because it was pretty easy to tell when he was actually angry or upset. He got quiet when he was genuinely upset. At least, that was the case most of the time. They had yet to see anything different. In any case, his reactions to things could be a little disorienting sometimes.

One day, Wally walked in to hear a sound like a dying cat coming from the music department. He immediately ran down, fearing that someone was hurt or worse. However, no one else seemed to be panicking. It didn’t take long to figure out that the sound was coming from Sammy’s office. There he found Sammy face down on his desk, making this awful noise while Jack patted his back.

“Is…Is he okay?” Wally asked slowly. “Sounds like something’s dyin’.”

“His pen broke,” Jack replied as if the horrifying sound emanating from the music director was normal.

“That…That it?” He’d seen Sammy be dramatic before, usually over a band member playing a section wrong. God, that was a sight to see. If the band member wasn’t an asshole, and most of them weren’t, Sammy would generally apologize afterward. This whole sound thing was new.

“Yep.” Jack nodded. “Give him a few minutes. He’ll be fine.”

“Well, if ya say so.” Wally backed out, returning to his janitorial duties.

Sure enough, when he returned almost half an hour later, Sammy seemed to be back to normal. He and Jack were hunched over some sheets of paper, presumably that day’s songs.

“It might sound better if we made this a flat,” Jack said, pointing to a note on the page.

“I despise e flats,” Sammy replied without missing a beat. “They are the worst note.” Waly had to stifle a snort. Sammy had such weirdly strong opinions about the strangest things. He’d also said on more than one occasion that people who played the theremin were secretly witches. He never gave any context for this.

“Well, I think it would sound better if that note was a flat.” Jack continued calmly.

“I can bring Miss Campbell in if you wanna check?” Wally suggested. Both Jack and Sammy turned around, a bit startled by Wally’s sudden presence.

“When did you get there?” Sammy demanded. “You nearly scared me half to death!”

“You want me to get Miss Campbell?” Wally asked, glossing over what Sammy had said. Sammy sighed in frustration.

“Yes, please.” He said.

“Great! Be back in a minute!” Wally winked and did finger guns before running off to find Susie. He returned a few minutes later with Susie in tow. By this point, Jack and Sammy had started to argue about what kind of cake was better.

“Chocolate is clearly superior!” Sammy said, banging his fist on the desk. “It is a flavor that has been around for centuries!”

“So has vanilla!” Jack fired back. “Everyone likes vanilla! Chocolate is too overwhelming! Especially dark chocolate! It’s so bitter!”

“Vanilla is far too cloyingly sweet!”

“Sweet is better than bitter!”

“I WILL CHOKE YOU WITH YOUR HAT!”

“I WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU TRY, LAWRENCE!”

“Those boys.” Susie sighed and shook her head as if she hadn’t had a similarly heated argument with Allison over whether Clara Bow was a better actress than Greta Garbo.

“So, uh, I got Miss Campbell.” Wally cleared his throat. Jack and Sammy whirled around, both looking absolutely furious. These looks quickly faded as they saw Susie.

“So, what did you boys need me for?” Susie asked.

“We need to see if a part of this song sounds better with a flat,” Jack explained.

“Even though e flat is objectively the worst note.” Sammy shot Jack a pointed glare. Susie giggled at this.

“Alright, let’s see how this sounds.” She said, walking over and picking up the paper. She went through the song up until the point where Jack was suggesting the change in note. She then did both the sharp and flat versions of the note. It sounded pretty good to Wally, but he didn’t know all that much about music in the first place.

“Dammit!” Sammy stood up, throwing his hands in the air.

“Okay, so we’re changing it to an e flat.” Jack took the paper to pen in the changes. Sammy sat back down, folding his arms and fuming.

“There there.” Susie cooed, smoothing down Sammy’s hair.

“It’s not that big a deal,” Wally said. “Dunno why you’re so upset.”

“He’s not,” Jack waved his free hand dismissively. “He just likes hamming it up.”

“I am most certainly not a ham!” Sammy looked aghast, a hand on his chest in supposed horror.

“I’ve seen you act like you’re dying when you get a papercut.” Jack looked over at Sammy with a smirk. “You’re at least a little bit of a ham.” Sammy went bright red, grumbling and hunching his shoulders more.

“Well, if that’s it, I’m outta here!” Wally gave them all a mock salute and darted out.

Sammy’s dramatic nature extended to romantic gestures as well. When he and Susie started dating, he would often surprise her with grand gestures that left the rest of the studio rolling their eyes. Sometimes Susie would enter her office to find it filled with flowers or a present waiting for her. The presents weren’t always lavish, but Susie always loved them. He would call her his angel and tell her that her voice put the choirs of Heaven to shame. The couple had also come to more than a few studio Halloween parties dressed in elaborate couple’s costumes.

“Guess they’re winning the costume contest again.” Norman murmured, sipping at his punch. He’d decided to be the Headless Horseman.

“Yep.” Jack nodded. He was a ghost. Just a sheet with holes cut in it for the eyes and his bowler hat on top.

“Aw, man!” Wally stamped his foot. “I’ve got a really good one this year!” He’d decided to be the Wolfman this year and he’d made his own costume and everything.

“Just accept it, Franks.” Norman patted his head. “You’ll never out-perform those two.”

By the end of the night, both Susie and Sammy were drunk and doing little nose kisses while slurring out sweet words to one another. Both had lipstick marks all over their faces because both of them had worn lipstick. They were always like that, really. It made a lot of the other studio couples jealous. Everyone who was attracted to men was also jealous. Sammy, for all his dramatics, did seem like the perfect prince charming.

“Why are they like this?” Thomas grumbled to himself after he and Wally had been called to fix a pipe in Sammy’s office, only to find Sammy and Susie sitting at Sammy’s desk and acting essentially like sappy teenagers. The whole time Wally and Thomas were fixing the pipe they had to listen to Sammy and Susie gush about how much they loved each other.

“It’s just how they are.” Wally shrugged. “They’re just dramatic like that.” Everyone was pretty sure half of the sappiness of their relationship was just a performance. They both did like to perform. But they were pretty cute together. Wally felt a swell of pride when he remembered how he’d gently pushed the two of them together. Okay, maybe it hadn’t been gentle. But Sammy had been pining pretty hard, at least in Wally’s opinion.

Thomas rolled his eyes, letting out a low groan. “As long as they don’t shoving their tongues down each other’s throats, I guess I can stand it.”

“They’re not that couple.” Wally scoffed.

“Could’ve fooled me.” Thomas snorted, allowing himself a small smirk. Now it was Wally’s turn to roll his eyes. He bit back the urge to call Thomas a grumpy old man, simply following him to the next pipe.

For the most part, Sammy’s dramatics were a welcome source of entertainment for the studio employees. But as things started to downhill…He grew strange. When Susie lost her role to Allison, she and Sammy broke up in a predictably dramatic fashion. But there was nothing funny about the breakup. There was a screaming match that put everyone edge before Susie stormed out in tears, eyeliner running messily down her cheeks. Sammy didn’t come out of his office for the rest of the day, snapping at anyone who tried to talk to him.

Then came the Sanctuary. Sammy would come into the band room at random times, demanding everyone leave. Once everyone was out, he would dart from the projection booth down into the band room. He didn’t come out for a long time after that. No one was sure what he was doing in there, especially since anyone who looked in on the band room from the projection booth didn’t see him anywhere.

“Do you think we should tell Mr. Drew about this?” A band member asked Norman.

“What’s Mr. Drew going to do about it?” Norman sighed, shaking his head. “The man’s got his own peculiarities. Best to just leave them both alone.” The band members didn’t like this answer, but they nodded and accepted it. Norman wanted to tell them it would be fine, but he wasn’t sure if it would be. He’d have to look into just what Drew was doing in that basement.

Normally a rather put together man, Sammy’s appearance quickly grew disheveled. There were large bags under his suddenly wild eyes, his clothes were stained and rumpled, and he was developing a scraggly looking beard. When he yelled, everyone flinched. It wasn’t a performance anymore. At least, it wasn’t a performance to him.

“You think Sammy’s alright?” Wally asked Jack one day. Sammy had been getting weirder, muttering about pleasing some ‘lord’ and spending more and more time alone. A few employees claimed they’d seen him wandering the halls wearing a Bendy mask in the late hours of the night.

“I…” Jack let out a long exhale, taking off his hat to run a hand through his hair. “God, I don’t know anymore.” Wally gripped his mop tighter. He’d been hoping Jack would offer him some comfort.

“Norman says I should just leave him alone.” Wally turned his gaze downward, to the river of ink in front of him. “But I’m worried. You don’t think he’s gonna end up like Miss Campbell, do you?” Susie had gone increasingly off the rails before just disappearing one day. No one Wally had asked knew where she’d gone. Jack didn’t say anything.

“I’m just…gonna go upstairs,” Wally said after a moment or two of silence. “Um…Be careful, okay?”

“Yeah yeah.” Jack waved Wally out.

He really should have listened, in retrospect. Now he was laying on his back in a strange summoning circle while Sammy plunged a knife into his stomach.

“This is for the best, Jack,” Sammy said, laughing with maniacal panic. “I’m fulfilling his will!” Jack couldn’t summon any words. It wasn’t a performance, not anymore.

[allthestripes]

What You Mean To Me - a Valentine’s Bunny fic (for my amazing girlfriend hypochondriac-butters ♡)

It had been a year. A perfect, wonderful, unbelievably amazing year. Everything that could have been good for Kenny had been, and this rising trend didn't seem like it was going to be stopping anytime soon.

Last Valentine's Day, he had asked out Butters, and he had accepted. Kissed him, even. It was like a dream come true.

He looked down at the boy leaning against his shoulder. They were at Butters' house, watching a movie on the couch. His parents had been oddly okay with this and the pair assumed it was because there was no chance Butters could get someone pregnant if they were together. Not that he was complaining. He had to admit, he had been a bit worried when they moved on to fifth grade that Butters would decide he wanted to move on, but that fear had been forgotten when on the first day of class Butters had stood up and announced to everyone he was still very bi, and very much in love with Kenny.

Oh, God, he loved this boy.

Kenny kissed Butters' forehead, making him blind and look up with a small smile.

"What's up, Kenny?" he asked.

"Nothing," he said. "Just thinking about how great you are."

Butters blushed, sitting up. "Well, geez, Ken, I think you're pretty great yourself," he said shyly, rubbing his knuckles together. "I've been thinking about something lately."

"What is it?"

"We've been dating for almost a year now. Valentine's Day is coming up, and I think I want to do something for you this time."

Kenny blinked. "Do something for me?"

"Yeah! So don't you plan on doing anything for me this time. It's my turn to do something cheesy and cute."

He laughed, shaking his head slightly. "Alright, I'll keep that in mind." Of course he wouldn't be able to just do nothing for the other, but if Butters wanted to be the one to make the grand gesture this time, he wouldn't show him up. He'd do something small. He had a bit of money saved up from his odd jobs, maybe he could get him some chocolates or flowers.

"I just hope you'll like it." Butters' tone brought him out of his thoughts. He sounded a bit nervous and unsure. Kenny couldn't let that go on. He took his hand, squeezing it lightly.

"Whatever you have in mind, I'm positive I'm going to love it," he assured gently. "You're probably the most creative person I know, whatever you do will be kickass."

Butters blushed and smiled at the praise, then returned to his previous position laying against Kenny's shoulder. "Thanks, Ken. I do my best."

The time leading up the Valentine's Day was interesting. Kenny's curiosity was growing with each passing day, but Butters was uncharacteristically tight lipped, only giving him a cheeky wink and a small shake of his head whenever he would ask about it or request a hint. It was infuriating in the best way possible.

To distract himself, he invested his energy into making the greatest card he could for him. Last year the card has been a reveal of his feelings in the more romantic way he could think to word it. This time, he was going a slightly different route. He didn't focus on words this time, choosing instead to create a picture to show his feelings for Butters more clearly.

He worked on it in the same art room that had created the other card, feeling it was only right. It had all started here, after all, it only seemed logical that it should be the place he continued expressing his love. At least this year he didn't have to deal with Cartman almost fucking his work up. He had chosen not to take art this time around, claiming the gay was too contagious to be around what with Kenny, Butters, Stan, Kyle, and now Craig and Tweek.

Such a loss. How tragic.

Kenny paused his coloring to look around the room, letting his cramping hand rest a moment. Other kids were working on Valentine's of their own, though some were doing normal projects. It was quiet, the only sound the soft scratch of pencils on paper, and the low rasp of brushes against canvas. It was nice, kind of relaxing in a way.

His eyes wandered around the room, coming to rest, as they always did, on Butters. His boyfriend was across the room, his tongue poking out of his mouth in concentration as he worked on one of his many art pieces. Kenny loved to watch him work, it was one of the rare times Butters was able to really relax and enjoy himself, really let loose and express himself.

From the way his eyes shone with delight to the delicate movements of his hands, Butters was truly an artist. The love and care he put into every aspect of his creations... it was incredible to watch his imagination come to life through whatever medium he was using in the moment. He could lose himself in Butters' art, and he often did.

His thoughts were interrupted by Stan bumping his shoulder.

"Planning something big for Valentines?" he asked, sitting beside him.

"No, actually," Kenny said, reluctantly turning his eyes on his friend. "Leo said he wanted to be the one to do something this time, so I'm working on another card. Whatever he does, I get the feeling it's going to be awesome."

"Damn, I was hoping you could give me some help," Stan said, laying his cheek on the table and closing his eyes. "I want to do something nice for Kyle, but I can't think of anything good or non-cheesy."

"And what's wrong with cheesy?"

"Nothing I guess, I just want him to actually like whatever I do and not want to strangle me."

"Oo, kinky~."

"Shut the hell up, Kenny."

He laughed, shaking his head. "For real though, sometimes cheesy is perfect, especially for a Valentines thing. Just order pizza or something. Oh! Pizza Hut does that special thing on Valentines where they make heart-shaped pizzas and you can get a dessert. I think it's pretty cheap if I remember."

Stan sat up. "That sounds pretty good, actually. I might do that, thanks, dude," he said. "Pizza and video games, I think he'll like that."

"I'm sure he will. Kyle seems like the kind of guy who likes mushy stuff. I get the impression romantic gestures really get to him."

"I guess I'll see." He stood up, stretching his arms over his head. "I'll let you know how it goes, thanks for the suggestion."

"Pay me next time." With a roll of his eyes, Stan headed off, leaving Kenny alone once again.

When Valentine's Day finally arrived, Kenny couldn't help his excitement. For a solid week now Butters had been teasing him daily about the surprise, and he was going insane with curiosity. His attention was gone for the entire day, and as soon as school was out, he and Butters met up outside the school. Butters was grinning, wiggling in place.

"Hey ya, Ken," he greeted cheerfully. "Ready to see what I've been up too?"

"Absolutely," he said, slinging his arm around his shoulders. "Where are we going?"

"Don't worry about that," Butters laughed, nudging his side. "Just close your eyes and follow my lead. And no peeking, mister!"

Kenny weakly protested, but as he always did with Butters, gave in easily. How was he suppose to say no to that adorable face? Answer: he couldn't, so he shut up and pulled his hood tight over his eyes, taking Butters' hand and allowing the other to guide him.

They walked for a while, Butters chattering brightly about the day, Kenny adding small comments on occasion. He was trying to guess where they were going based on where they walked, but it seemed Butters was on to him. They seemed to be retracing their steps a lot and going in circles.

Dammit, he was on to him.

After what seemed like an eternity, Kenny felt the uneven ground of the forest underfoot and he smiled. He still had no idea what they were doing or where they were going, but he knew the reveal was finally coming.

A few minutes into their hike, Butters stopped him. "Ready?" he asked, his voice betraying his nervousness.

"I am. And Leo?"

"Yeah?"

"Relax. It's okay, whatever you've done, I'm positive I'm going to love it."

Butters snorted and laughed, already sounding less stressed. "Okay. You can look."

Kenny tugged open his hood and pulled it down, blinking open his eyes. It took a moment for them to adjust to the sunlight, but once they had, they widened in surprise and he gasped softly. "Leo... this... this is amazing..."

In front of him, the small hidden clearing they had entered had been set up for a camp out. The space was hidden from the trail they had followed, the trees thick around them, though the sky was bright and open above them. A small generator was sitting off to the side, and though it was off at the moment, the small string of paper lamps strung through the trees were visible. In the center was a small fire pit with a stack of wood and a blanket pile, and a short distance from that was a tent.

"Surprise," Butters said, smiling shyly. "Happy Valentine's Day, Kenny. I hope you-" He was cut off by Kenny throwing his arms around him and dipping him into a surprise kiss. He squeaked softly in shock, then melted into the other's touch, wrapping his arms around Kenny's neck. When they parted, Kenny grinned brightly.

"I love it, Leo. Happy Valentine's Day," he said, then straightened them both and took Butters' hand, walking over to sit in the blankets. Once they settled down, he pulled the other close so they were resting against one another.

"Man, I'm really going to have to step up my game for next year," Kenny laughed. "I just have a card for you."

"Well geez, Kenny, if it's like the one you gave me last year, then I'm sure it's great," Butters said with a smile. His cheeks were flushed pink and he was clearly pleased with his gift's acceptance.

They talked for hours as the sun set behind the mountain, roasting hotdogs and making s'mores before putting a few of the blankets around their shoulders and cuddling to warm up by the fire. They watched the sky change color and the stars light up the night. It was breathtaking, or at least it would be if Kenny had been looking at it. Instead he was focused on another, equally stunning site.

Butters' face was all that was visible in the soft glow of the dying fire, his eyes seeming to sparkle as he watched the stars. Kenny had to take a second to catch his breath. He was just so beautiful.

He opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a gust of cold wind. Butters shivered, rubbing his arms.

"Oh boy, we should go in the tent," he suggested, getting to his feet. "Let me turn on the generator."

Kenny nodded, though he desperately missed his warmth when he moved away. He got up as well and stretched, popping his back satisfyingly. He gathered their blankets and moved towards the tent. He hadn't actually investigated this section yet. Unzipping the flap, he looked inside and smiled.

Waiting for them was an air mattress piled with more blankets and pillows. It wasn't exactly warm in the tent, but it would heat up fast when the two where in. He set the blankets in his arms to the side and crawled onto the bed, kicking off his shoes and removing his coat. He heard the generator kick on, the soft hum buzzing in the background. Soon after, Butters joined him.

"What do you think?" he asked as he flopped down beside the other, making him bounce slightly.

"I think this is pretty fantastic," Kenny said. "For real, this is awesome, Leo. You did so much, it's been really great."

"I'm glad you liked it," he said with a smile. "I was a little worried you would think it was too much or something. I wanted to do somethin' real big to show you what ya mean to me. This last year with you, as mushy as it sounds, really has changed my life. I've been a lot happier, I have less nightmares, heck, I even get grounded less since we got together! You just mean a whole heck of a lot to me, and I wanted to be sure I could really express it to you."

Kenny felt his heart swell as Butters spoke. To know he could be a source of good for the other was more than enough for him, but for Butters to want to actually show him what a positive effect he had somehow made meant the world.

"Leo, I really do love you," he said softly as his boyfriend slipped under the blankets on the bed after removing his shoes.

Butters looked up, blushing darkly. "I love you, too."

Both were surprised how easy the words came to them. They had said it to one another before, but it never seemed to lose it's magic. Every time the phrase slipped from their mouths, it was like hearing it for the first time all over again. TV and movies had led them to believe that the first time they said it would be the hardest thing to do in all their lives, but never once had it felt that way. It was as natural as breathing.

Kenny joined Butters under the blankets, the pair sharing body heat to warm up. They left the flap of the tent unzipped, looking out into the clearing. The fire had died entirely, but the area was now lit with the dim light of the lanterns strung around the site. Valentines had fallen on a Friday this year, allowing them to stay up as late as they chose without repercussion.

The moon was high overhead when Butters drifted off, leaving Kenny awake. He watched the other sleep, eyes filled with affection. He leaned over, pressing a light kiss to his cheek.

"Goodnight, Leo," he whispered. "I love you. Happy Valentine's Day." He settled down beside him, tugging up the blankets to tuck in around them, then closed his eyes and fell asleep.

[that-curly-haired-lesbian]

An analysis of hey stephen would we great cuz it has the same name as in Angelina, so more accurately called hey angelina;)

Hey look, it’sStephen and Angelina, they’re back! (Wow, I just realized I’ve been consistentlyspelling Stephen’s name wrong in all my previous analyses…Sorry Steve! *Makes mentalnote to go back and fix that*)

So this appears to beyet another song for Taylor’s high school crush, Angelina. Unfortunately forTaylor Angelina is straight and dating a dude named Stephen, but Taylor can’thelp but crush on her anyway. In this song I think Taylor actually tells Angelina how she feels, wow highschool Tay was fearless (pun intended)  af! 🌈🌈🌈🌈

Wait, if she’s in love with Angelina, why wouldshe be singing about Angelina’s boyfriend, Stephen? Well kids, she was gonnaput this song on her album right? (on Fearless,the same album as You Belong With Me,another song that appears to be about Stephen, but is really about hisgirlfriend Angelina…) So she couldn’t use a girl’s name for the song and sodecided to make it seem like she was in love with the boy rather than the girl,also “Hey Stephen” just works better in song and flows off the tongue  easier when singing than “Hey Angelina”  would. Despite this I’d say you’re quite rightanon, the name of the song should be HeyAngelina as it is indeed a love song for Angelina 😊

Of course that’s justmy idea of what the song is about, everyone else are free to think anythingelse they can come up with.

Lyrics from AZLyrics as always.

–

Hey, Stephen,

I know looks can be deceiving,

But I know I saw a light in you.

And as we walked

We were talking.

I didn’t say half the things I wanted to.

–

A wise anon once pointed out to me that these firstlines kinda makes it seem like Stephen (or Angelina) is gay too and has set offTaylor’s gaydar. The lines about looks being deceiving and light could beTaylor saying “hey so I know you look straight and all, but I can see the “gaylight” in you and can tell you’re gay like me.”

The “Hey Angelina!” I…Mean Stephen, I guess #NoHomo…Justseems like a casual way to start a conversation with your friend who you’resecretly in love with, like: “Hey Angelina, I love you…Like a lot, date me?”

Personally even if I don’t think Taylor suspectedAngelina was gay too I do think that anon may be onto something.

I think the “lookscan be deceiving/light in you”-line is Taylor thinking about how even ifAngelina looks and seems as traditionally straight girl (or “princess”-like) asyou can get (see: YBWM) Taylor doesn’tnecessarily think that has to mean Angelina doesn’t like gay people or that shewould be offended if she learnt of Taylor’s feelings towards her. There’s alittle flicker of hope that even if Angelina doesn’t return the feelings shewon’t be mean about it, so maybe it wouldn’t be so scary and/or disastrous totell her? Maybe Taylor could even “turn her” (come on, we’ve all thought ofwhat it’d be like if a straight girl were to “become” gay for us specifically!)

Yeah, Taylor’s gonna do it, she’s gonna tell Angelinahow she feels and see what happens, go Taylor! Now she just needs to find theright moment to talk to her friend so one day she just takes a deep breath andgoes “hey Angelina…”

Then it kinda goes downhill, she starts babbling asthey walk together and just manages to get out that they really need to talk,but can’t bring herself to say about what (Taylor’s gay feelings) exactly.  She’d prepared a little speech, but it turnsout telling your crush you like them is harder than you’d think…(“I didn’t say half the things I wanted to.”)

–

Of all the girls tossing rocks at your window

I’ll be the one waiting there even when it’s cold.

—

In my analysis of YouBelong With Me I point out how every gay in love with a straight hasthought “why are you with that stupid boy, he doesn’t understand you and willjust end up hurting you, you should be with me instead!” Here Taylor is sayingthat while Angelina may have boys (*cough* Stephen *cough*) who want to dateher, they won’t be there for her when things get tough (or “cold”) butTaylor will, she’s always been there for Angelina and if they dated that wouldn’tchange. Also throwback to the “waiting at your backdoor”-line from YBWM, this time she’s waiting by thewindow. As for the heteronormativity, of course all those suitors ofAngelina’s have to be girls here because this song is for STEPHEN THE BOY and#NoHomo whatsoever………

–

Hey, Stephen,

Boy, you might have me believing

I don’t always have to be alone.

–

Here’s a double serving of #NoHomo yet again as Taylorrefers to her love interest both as “Stephen” and “boy” in place of “Angelina” and“girl” 

Anyway, what she’s saying here is that if Angelina actually ends upfeeling the same way Taylor’s days of crushing on a straight girl are over andshe won’t have to be alone in Pining Hell forever. Her hopefulness is tentativethough, she knows full well the chances of Angelina feeling the same way are slim. Still she dares to hope for a positive outcome of this conversation, her daysof unrequited crushing just MIGHT be numbered. 

Furthermore the fear of beingalone forever is common in LGBT+ youth, what if they keep crushing on straightpeople all their lives and never find anyone who feels the same. Being gay (especiallyin a conservative place) can sometimes feel like the loneliest experience inthe world.

–

‘Cause I can’t help it if you look like an angel,

Can’t help it if I wanna kiss you in the rain.

–

The word choice here is interesting “Angel” like ANGELina.Also she’s supposedly in love with a boy, so why pick the word “angel” todescribe him? I’m obviously aware that there are male angels, but the wordfeels primarily female-coded to me when used to describe someone.

Also you cannot actuallymean to tell me it’s a coincidence that the names Stephen and Angelina show upin one of Taylor’s songs (Angelina) andthen Stephen and ANGEL show up in another one! This is obviously about the sameAngelina (or Angel) as Angelina thesong.

So, fittingly the girl named Angelina is pretty as anAngel and Taylor can’t help but crush on her and wants to be with her in aromantic sense (“kissing in the rain” is a common theme for Taylor to use whendescribing grand romantic gestures or the start of a relationship/the firstkiss/first romantic interaction between two people in her songs. See: Sparks Fly for another example.)

So, come feel this magic I’ve been feeling since I metyou.

Can’t help it if there’s no one else.

I can’t help myself.

–

Taylor is begging for Angelina to realize she hasfeelings for Taylor too (“feel the magic” that Taylor has always felt betweenthem) The “Can’t help it if there’s no one else”-line is Tay saying “hey I knowyou are straight and all, but no one else makes me feel the way you do and I can’thelp having these intense, gay feelings for you!”

–

Hey, Stephen,

I’ve been holding back this feeling.

So, I got some things to say to you, ha.

I seen it all—

So I thought—

But I never seen nobody shine the way you do.

–

Our brave lesbian makes a new attempt at having THATconversation with her crush and this time she actually manages to get the wordsout, this is basically her saying: “hey Angelina, there’s something I’ve beenkeeping from you and so I need to tell you…Don’t freak out it’s no big deal…”*nervous, gay laugh*  “I just think you’re the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen, in like, a gay way! Thoughts?”

–

The way you walk, way you talk, way you say my name—

It’s beautiful, wonderful, don’t you ever change.

–

Now that she’s started describing just how prettyAngelina is Taylor doesn’t seem to be able to stop, how incredibly gay!

Hey, Stephen,

Why are people always leaving?

I think you and I should stay the same.

–

Then Taylor remembers that she’s actually like,talking to Angelina and has to stop gushing so that the girl she’s justconfessed her feelings to gets a chance to say how she feels about this. Beforeshe lets her speak though Taylor has to add that obligatory line we all add toour I’m-in-love-with-you-speeches at the end, “if you don’t feel the same way that’slike, totally okay and I don’t want anything to change between us because ofthis.” It’s not really okay, but we HAVE to say that so that we don’t risk ruiningthe friendship we’ve built with our no-longer-secret-crush.

–

(Chorus)

–

They’re dimming the street lights.

You’re perfect for me. Why aren’t you here tonight?

I’m waiting alone now, so, come on and come out

And pull me near and shine, shine, shine.

–

After Taylor has stopped word-vomiting everything goesquiet, presumably as Angelina processes everything that has been said. For Taylorthe few seconds before her crush speaks is hell and the rest of the world fadesaway (“dimming street lights”)

“Why hasn’t Angelina said anything yet? We’d be sogood together, please let her feel the same way, SPEAK, WOMAN, OH MY GOD THISIS TORTURE!!” 

As the seconds tick away it’s as if Angelina isn’t even present,she’s probably just thinking about what to say or how to say it, but dammitTaylor’s DYING here!! (“You’re perfectfor me. Why aren’t you here tonight?”)

Taylor feels alone and wants Angelina to admit herfeelings (“come out” you can’t tell me that phrasing wasn’t deliberate!) andpull her in for a kiss thus confirming their mutual feelings. (“And pull me near”)

The “shine-line” is Taylor hoping and praying she wasright about the light she thought she saw in Angelina and that the girl won’treact negatively to these gay revelations.

–

Hey, Stephen,

I could give you fifty reasons

Why I should be the one you choose.

All those other girls—

Well, they’re beautiful,

But would they write a song for you?

–

Angelina still isn’t saying anything yet so Taylorstarts talking again, saying how she knows Angelina may have a thing withStephen, but Taylor has thought long and hard on why she’s a better partner forAngelina than he is (for a musical listing of these reasons, see: YBWM) and could tell her crush at least50 reasons as to why she’s the better choice. 

Yeah, Stephen (referred to as “allthose other girls” because #NoHomo) is great and all, but would he write you asong? Taylor laughs after the “song”-part, that shows she’s at least self-awareenough to know she should probably go tell Angelina all of this instead ofhaving an imaginary conversation in which she confesses her feelings and thewrites a song about that imaginary conversation, kind of a funny line.

–

(Chorus)

–

Myself.

Can’t help myself.

I can’t help myself.

After the last chorus Taylor finishes off with thefact that even though she knows Angelina is straight and will probably turn herdown she just can’t help but crushing on her anyway, she can’t help her owngayness. High school Tay was such a relatable lesbian tbh, I love it!

–

I’ve finally writtenthis, I know you’ve all wanted it for a while and I’m pretty happy with howthis chapter in the Angelina-saga turned out! 

I’ll unfortunately be pretty busythis weekend, but when I next get the chance I’ll write an analysis for Untouchable which is next on the list! Ifyou want me to analyze other Taylor songs from a queer perspective, please letme know I have bunches of fun writing these! 😊😊😊

[bl-giftexchange]

BL Gift Exchange fic - Moxxi/Mordecai for dreamingwithsnakes

To: @dreamingwithsnakes From: @ferntxt

Little authors note:

Happy Christmas pumpkin! I hope you have a lovely week and a very happy new year! Here’s a fic for you about the rocky relationship between a hunter and a bartender (with a very special guest at the end ;D)  I hope you enjoy it! - Love Fern xxx

When he met her the first time, he was too busy being surrounded by bandits - and firing at said bandits - to consider even looking up at the commentator singing his praises. Complimenting his aim, his choice of weaponry, barely heard over the stuttering gunfire and blaring music that was just a little too glitzy for Mordecai’s taste. He didn’t see the point in the theatrics, but if that was what got him paid, he’d fight until this woman’s game was over. This was Lilith’s dumb idea, anyway – ‘we may as well, nothing else is going on, and it might be fun!’ Fun, my ass, Mordecai rolled his eyes and sighed dejectedly, popping a shot between the eyeballs of a slightly-too-close brawler. Mad Moxxi, if that was her real name, giggled with delight into her loudspeaker, riling up the crowd. He had grown used to the monotony of easy gunfights – popping shots and reloading mechanically, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that she was enjoying this just a little too much – the thrill in her voice as she observed the deliciously gory amount of blood and viscera exploding from these unfortunate opponents of his was hard to ignore. Only when the wave ended, and the crowd went wild, did he spare a thought to look up at the over-excited commentator. She looked down at the hunter, her heavily made-up lips curving into a smirk as they met eyes. She gave him a flirtatious little wave, before blowing him a kiss. 

“Good work, sweetie. You defeated the final wave! I do like a man who’s efficient with something long, rigid, and full of firepower.” she called, probably referring to his sniper rifle, but the woman’s bold innuendo wasn’t lost to him. He smirked back in agreement, observing her long hair and her pretty face and her wit and her cockiness and everything on top; and he fell in love instantly. The loot he won was more that compensation for the hours he spent at the Underdome, but no glittering prize was more tempting than a date with Moxxi herself, which he gladly accepted. Lilith gave him double thumbs up, mouthing ‘you’re welcome!’ as the hunter left the arena with the beautiful woman on his arm, using his other arm to call Bloodwing, but not before presenting the boastful siren with his middle finger.

When she met him the first time, she had just split from her third husband, and decided to get her fill of excitement and lust for life through bloody carnage. Hosting the charismatic and interesting Vault Hunters would be a sure-fire crowd pleaser for her audience at the Underdome. The masked man was her favourite; the soldier was too straight-edge and dull, the Siren intrigued her… but she was too brash and bold. As for the big beefy guy… well, he wasn’t much for conversation. The strange man with the rifle on his back and the bird on his arm was mysterious and interesting to her, so she watched him with eyes like a hawk as she perched up in her commentator’s nest. She taunted him playfully from her spot, but she just couldn’t get a rise out of this silent assassin. Only when he was finished with his kills did he look up to connect their lines of sight; at least, she assumed so – his eyes were obscured by those goggles of his. But she knew he was looking when his steeled expression twisted into a wry smirk after she let a soft giggle spill from her pursed lips, blowing him a kiss and offering a sultry wave. She took the time to greet them while they collected their prizes, sashaying with an expert pace up to the masked man. The gentle clicking of her heels couldn’t be missed against the hard floor, catching the hunter’s attention. “Congratulations on your winnings, mystery man. You’re a capable sniper indeed.” Moxxi smiled, leaning over onto one hip. “What’s your name, kiddo?” The masked man paused briefly from shuffling through the loot, and looked up to face the woman. “It’s Mordecai.” He responded, and Moxxi noticed his teammates looking over his shoulder to look at her, with armfuls of heavy weaponry. The siren was nudging the brawler with her elbow suggestively, and he chuckled deeply. “Well, Mordecai, I was wondering if you’d be interested in the grand prize I’m offering. Namely, a date, with yours truly.” She shaped her face into a warm smile as the siren rapidly tried to get the attention of the stoic soldier, slapping his arms and back wherever she could reach. Mordecai offered you a wide grin and a nod of acceptance, and you fell in love instantly, conveniently enough.

When the two met for their date, it was in a dingy little bar in New Haven - Pandora was a little romantically limited in terms of dating spots. They sat at the bar together, drinking Rakk ale and exchanging playful banter throughout the night. Moxxi couldn’t help but notice Mordecai’s bird curled up atop the bar, resting peacefully, the man’s gloved hand carding through its feathers. It seemed to be the leather-clad sniper’s constant companion – it was an interesting little pet, she’d never seen such a creature. “His name’s Bloodwing.” Mordecai explained, as if he had read her mind. “We’ve been together a long time, him and me. He has my back, and I… I feed him, I guess.” He snorted, and she laughed pleasantly. “He’s a very interesting bird. I haven’t seen one like that before. Can I…?” Moxxi moved her hand towards the bird, and Bloodwing make a deep groaning sound. “He’s a little temperamental. He tends to bite people he doesn’t know that well, so I wouldn’t.” Mordecai told her, and she accepted it, retracting her hand to place it delicately around her bottle.

A few months into the relationship, and Moxxi was beginning to realise that Mordecai probably hadn’t dated much. He seemed much more interested in that damned bird more than spending time with her. She had tried everything; distracting him, arranging dates, even trying to get him into bed, for God’s sake- to no avail.  One day, it got too much, and it came to a head. “So, what is it?! Don’t you love me anymore? Am I not good enough for you?!” she yelled, the mist in her eyes threatening to ruin her makeup. “No! God dammit, can’t I do anything without you taking it as some kind of personal attack?!” he fired back, Bloodwing ruffling his feathers at the commotion. “Don’t you dare make me the bad guy in this! Is it too much to ask for some of your time once in a while?!” Moxxi crossed her arms angrily, willing herself not to cry at his cruelty. “I have shit to do, Mox! Did you forget I’m a fucking Vault Hunter?! That comes with a level of responsibility! There’s always something else to do, and I’m sorry that you don’t take priority over the safety of literally everyone in New Haven!” he gestured wildly with his hands as if to emphasise his anger. “And what about you, huh? You ain’t a fuckin’ shining example of loyalty and commitment. You ran off to fuckin’ Concordia! You went to another goddamn planet without me!” “I am out of here. Come find me when you decide this relationship is worth something, and then we’ll talk! Until then, I’m done!” Moxxi announced, stomping towards the door to Mordecai’s dingy little apartment, flinging it open and slamming it behind her with all the force she could muster. She marched towards Scooter’s garage, tears streaming down her face. Her son poked his head out from under a broken runner, immediately on the defensive. “Ma?! Oh god dammit, did Mordecai say something? What’d he do this time? He better not ‘a hit you or I swear I’ll-” He was cut off by a mechanical whistling sound, and a horrific crash; Marcus’ shop behind her exploded and threw her off her feet. She looked back at the burning building and the slowly marching army of bright yellow loaderbots, and made a futile attempt to run back to the man she loved. By the time recovered from the fall and pulled herself up, Mordecai was already out of the building, rifle in hand and bird in the air. He spotted where she and Scooter were lying, and he ran over as Scooter pulled her up. Mordecai addressed him as Moxxi leaned against her son for support, the hunter placing an arm on her shoulder. “Listen to me, kiddo. You take that runner, and get you and your mom to the safe zone, okay?!” he commanded, Scooter nodding but barely grasping his circumstances in the daze the explosion had caused. “Y-yeah, you got it. C’mon Ma, we need to get the hell out of here.” He agreed, but she was not so complacent, looking up at Mordecai for some assurance of hope. “Listen to me, amor. I need to know you’ll be alright, and the best way for me to do that is to get you out of here. I’ll come and find you, okay?!” Mordecai assured her half-heartedly. She never got to give her a response, as Scooter was already rushing her away into his runner, and she looked back at the burning town, weeping softly with guilt and fear. Mordecai looked away from the carnage at the speeding runner and the cloud of dust it left, sending her away with a silent prayer and the promise of a reunion somewhere safe.

The dynamic between them was different after New Haven. The attack cost them a lot of people. Moxxi fled to Sanctuary, along with the rest of the surviving populace. Mordecai was swept back up into being a Crimson Raider, which meant he was fortifying the town, off on scouting missions, and all the rest of it. He hadn’t even had time to meet her and apologise for what he’d said, he didn’t even know if she was okay. Scooter gratingly told him that she was alright a few days after the attack, and he made it a priority to visit her, despite Scooter’s obvious displeasure in talking to him. Moxxi had opened a bar in her own time to help boost the morale and wellbeing of the townspeople; she became the gatekeeper of her own haven, providing food and drink and music. Mordecai stood nervously at the entrance to the aptly named Moxxi’s, shuffling his feet a little. How the hell would he even talk to her? How would he even broach the subject? He walked in nervously, looking around at the mostly hollowed out building; they hadn’t been here long. As if forcing his hand, she walked out of the back room with a crate; noticing him, she stepped back slightly in shock, the crate clattering to the floor. “…Mordecai?” she said, not believing what she was seeing, a man she assumed dead. He looked different now; the leather mask covering his face was abandoned, but the goggles remained. The monotonous colours of his clothes had been cut through with a thick crimson scarf wound around his leathers. He looked tired. “Hey, Mox. I’m sorry that I–“ Mordecai was cut off by a pair of slender arms around his chest, squishing him tight, and a soft face against the crook of his neck. “Don’t you apologise for this, you stupid, stubborn man. Don’t apologise for any of it.” Moxxi laughed softly, “It matters so little to me now. I’m just glad you’re alive.” “You were right, though. You were lonely, and I should have been kinder to you about it.” He responded, his hands settling on her back. “And I ain’t claiming to be any kind of expert on how any of this works, but I wanna get it right this time. An’ I hope you’ll give me another chance.”

Moxxi pulled back a little, tucking a little bit of his headband back under the strap of his goggles. She pursed her lips with a little smile. “Weeeeell, it might take some convincing. Perhaps we should go out for drinks again sometime.” “Ahh, I dunno, Mox. You’re really pullin’ my leg here.” He replied, making her laugh. “But I can’t really say no to that face, hm? I’ve got time.” Moxxi pressed a kiss to his check, escaping his grasp to call out to the young man helping her renovate the bar. “Asmus, honey, take a break if you want. I’m heading out for a little while.” She called to her ashy haired assistant, and he responded with a curt nod, placing the crate he was holding down gently to sit atop it. Moxxi turned back to the hunter, and he held an arm out for her to hold, with a wide grin. She beamed, winding her arms around his as they left the bar together, walking out into the hot Pandora sun. This would work out just fine, Moxxi thought, rolling her head over to one side to sit against his shoulder.

[peacefulrestvalley]

Cygnus, an Arcana fic

For @trans1ents and @thearcanasecretsanta

Confession: I totally thought the deadline for this was Christmas and thought I was like the worst secret Santa for not finishing it, but it turns out that I am just the worst secret Santa because I totally let @trans1ents know ahead of time to apologize for being late :(

Anyway, so this is a Muriel fic featuring @trans1ents‘s apprentice Kayane!  It was kind of strange to write someone else’s character, but I had fun with it.  I can only hope that I did him justice.

Thanks!

When the stars shone so bright under the night sky, Kayane couldn't help but take a walk.

Asra was gone.  Faust was...somewhere?  And nowhere was the inclination to deal with the Countess and her goose chase.

Alright, it wasn't as if he didn't want to help the Countess, and it wasn't as if he didn't want to know what was really going on with them all, but by the gods if it wasn't a beautiful night with the stars gleaming as they were.  He was determined to not place a single care in front of them, lest he hurt their feelings for displaying his stupidly mortal concerns.  

...Actually, no, that wasn't the case; but he did just want to clear his mind for one night.

It wasn't anywhere as unholy as the Rowdy Raven, but Kayane made his way into an acceptable tavern in time.

There was laughter, raucous cheering in one corner, and some snogging in another.  A small smirk placed itself on Kayane's lips, for he felt more at home here than at the Countess's estate.  He went up to the bar and ordered something to take his mind off things, but honestly what he ordered barely registered to him the moment it lifted off his tongue.

A star had fallen.

The part of Kayane wanting to get drunk as all get-out laughed at this notion while the more romantic parts of him came to life and began to sing, as much as his hopeful royal drunkenness wanted them to stop for his own sanity.

He was draped in a dark hood, and Kayane heard the sound of chains scrape against the counter, ever-so-slightly.  Dark brows above dark eyes above a dark expression.  Gods only knew what brought him here.

Ex-fighter, he knew that much.

Almost immediately Kayane crossed several stools to meet him.  He wasn't sure why, and if questioned he might even deny taking that much effort in to meet this tall and dark stranger.  But what he couldn't deny was the fascination, the pull.  Maybe he had just gotten drunk without even trying.

For a brief second - honestly, just a second - the stranger oh-so-slightly raised an eyebrow at Kayane, but in time he would learn to see that as just a simple acknowledgement.  It wasn't until he was halfway through his nebulous drink that he heard something from Mr. Tall, Dark & Handsome:

"Hn."

That was it. There it was.  That was the grand introduction Kayane had hoped for, all wrapped up and served to him on one of the Countess's silver platters.  And the stars that dropped their own Mr. Tall, Dark & Handsome wept...somewhere.

Kayane narrowed his eyes.

"Something wrong, big guy?"

For a moment, Mr. Tall, Dark & Handsome looked surprised.  But it was for a brief moment and then he wordlessly shook his head with nothing to come of it.

Another drink followed, falling just as quickly into the grand uncertainty of life and hopeful inebriation as the previous one had.  There were a few questions on Kayane's mind, and perhaps if it was anyone else, they all would have been shot at will and scattered before anyone could have had an opportunity to react.  But for this stranger, he was willing to exercise some restraint, particularly because he had never even formally heard Mr. Tall, Dark & Handsome speak.

Two could play at the game, one part of him said, while the other died, and yet still a third, smarter part insisted that he was making too much of one moment and to just talk to him already dammit because sometimes people are shy.

However, all parts of him panicked just the same when the handsome rogue in question did the unthinkable:

He paid his tab and left the bar.

There were a few moments where Kayane simply sat at his stool, moments of inertia that could have been turned into moments of action and triumph.  

It was just as well since you had never even actually connected with the man, Kayane's more reasonable part tried to plead as his body moved on his own and it downed the remainder of the second drink.  

Lots of people go to the bar for a drink or two, and not everyone has the chance to sit beside a fallen star like you did, and - hey where are you going, reason continued as Kayane proceeded to go.

Not everyone you like is obligated to even acknowledge you exist, it went on as Kayane did, too, onto the dark streets.  Fortunately he didn't have to go far since what he was looking for was rather close.

Good, that stupid, rational part of him could shut up then.

"Hey, sorry," Kayane began as Mr. Tall, Dark & Handsome stopped in his tracks at the sound.  "I know this is a little weird, and I'm not trying to, like, stalk you or do anything creepy or whatever. You just left before I could, uh, say, um..."

Mid-sentence he realized just how insane he sounded.  Maybe that part of him that was jabbering before was right; not everyone he liked was obligated to interact with him, and yet there he was, flagging down a mysterious man in the dark and not even having the decency to make up for it by sounding cool.

"...It's a nice night."

In the midst of his own internal chaos, Kayane almost didn't even catch what sounded as bits of gravel thrown into the wind and hitting all the right parts of the stone path in a strange, almost melodic rhythm.

"Y-yeah."

A simple head gesture, a quick tilt to a certain direction, was all it took for Kayane to go following Mr. Tall, Dark & Handsome as he started down the road until the two of them were beside one another in equal stride.

"I'm Kayane Talis," Kayane Talis said, because that's who he was.

For a second, he almost mistook the clinking sound of chains as a legitimate response and was in the process of internally laughing at himself when he heard what was strangely one of the most beautiful sound of that moment in time.  More gravel hitting the stone before them.

"Muriel."

And that's who he was.

"Muriel," Kayane repeated to confirm it on his own.

He almost expected him to repeat Muriel but in honesty that was asking for too much.  Instead Muriel simply inclined his head and kept his eyes on the road before them.

In retrospect and a moment that Kayane would later smile to himself about, that was the smart, almost protective decision because he himself didn't know where the hell they were at nor did he really give a damn as long as they were together.  A part of him wanted Muriel's eyes to be on him and nothing else, but the rational part of him knew that it was too soon to expect a virtual stranger to actually care about him.  But all parts would later realize that keeping an eye on their surroundings, to be vigilant for them, was Muriel's own way of caring.

Kayane was thankful they had left the lights of the tavern and were heading down one of the Countess's sparsely lit roads because his cheeks were so goddamn red.  It was a crush and they had only started talking, he rationalized as he practically begged himself to stop taking things so seriously too soon.  After all, they had literally just finished with formal instructions and already he was picturing cute breakfast moments and silly, flirtatious banter.

When Muriel gave a questioning sound, it was too late for Kayane to realize that the internal sigh he gave himself out of his own perceived ridiculousness was actually an external one.

"Y'know," he began out of embarrassment and being overwhelmed by his own emotions, "I am so sorry.  You were just minding your business, wanting to have a drink to yourself, and here I come just spoiling all that.  You can't even leave in peace because here I am again, out here following you like some kind of creep.  I am so, so sorry."

Not a sound nor gesture came from Muriel in response to that and that just made the bottom of Kayane's stomach drop even further.

"I'm sorry.  I should go.  I'm bothering you."

It took everything in him to actually tear away from the man beside him whom he had internally built a life together with and then had set it all ablaze a moment later.

That was when he felt something touch his shoulder - a soft yet powerful touch that induced an excitable shiver within him.  Wholly unexpected yet entirely needed.

"I didn't say that," Muriel simply said with his hand still on Kayane's shoulder, keeping him in place.  

Although, to be entirely fair, Muriel didn't say much of anything so how could anyone know his true intentions or his true thoughts and feelings?  After a chance night at a bar, how could anyone know what would take a lifetime with him to know?  What one person could give about themselves easily even by accident would take significant time filled with hard work for him to give the same.

Those were things Muriel knew about himself that Kayane now knew as well through the halting power of their contact - though, he didn't know if it was by one of them or even just wishful thinking.

That was fine, he smiled to himself as he suddenly linked his arm with Muriel's.  He could - and would - talk enough for the both of them.

"Hey, I wanna take you somewhere."

He threw in a smile that Asra would sometimes call "award-winning" to accompany his directive and gesture, and Muriel simply nodded in response.  Kayane wasn't sure what it was, or why he felt that, but somehow the big guy seemed more relaxed when he hadn't even realized he seemed tense in the first place.

While walking he chatted one-sidedly with his companion, telling him all sorts of things but not stupidly so.  He avoided all talk of the Countess's task or Asra or basically everything he had come to the tavern before to get away from, but it was nice to tell someone all the simple little things about himself and have someone actually listen.

The spot he took Muriel to wasn't particularly fantastic on its own, but it was up a few flights of the city's steps enough that the surrounding buildings didn't overtake the sky.  Only then did Kayane unlink his arm from Muriel to take a seat on a grassy area and then gestured for him to do the same.

With delight he watched as Muriel situated himself with the utmost care, paying enough attention that he didn't accidentally crush a small flower growing low to the ground.  Kayane smiled because if it hadn't been for his companion he wouldn't have even realized it was there.

That was the kind of person he was beginning to see for himself, this quiet and gentle yet powerful seeming giant.  Kayane could feel himself actually falling in love, and he didn't hate it.

"This is the best spot to watch the stars," he said. "Well, I mean, it's not the best.  I think the best would be on a grassy knoll far away from the city, but that would take too long.  And besides, that would be so creepy, being led by a stranger at night to some secluded spot far away from anything or anyone..."

"Another time."

Kayane could just feel the tips of his long ears burn as his stomach churned delightfully.  Another time, as in that Muriel actually wasn't going to go running away and conveniently dodge him every second he got if they were to 'accidentally' meet again...probably.

"...Totally."  He swallowed and continued, "Anyway, do you know you know where Deneb is?  Part of the Northern Cross?"

Muriel shook his head.

"Okay.  Look," Kayane said as he swallowed again and pointed to a bright star in the sky.  "It's like...right around-- yeah, me just beside you pointing to a random spot in the sky and being like it's right there isn't going to help."

Predictably, Muriel didn't really give a response to that although if Kayane would assign an emotion to the silence, it would be apologetic.

"...Um, here."  

Rising to his knees, and careful to avoid the flower, he positioned himself slightly behind Muriel's back, leaning forward so that his face was at the side of his while bringing a hand to steady himself on the other shoulder.  If Muriel was startled or uncomfortable with the close proximity, he didn't show it.  In fact, the only sign Kayane could see that he wasn't a statue was that his eyes flickered over to him instead of being trained on the night sky.

Once more he pointed to that bright star, this time with his finger close enough in Muriel's line of vision that he could consider it his own.

"Do you see it now?"

He did.

"That's Deneb."

Kayane was a goddamn genius.  Really, he would later pretend that it was all calculated, that he absolutely meant to do it from the start in order to get close to him, but the truth was that it was happy opportunity disguised as coincidence that dropped itself in his lap.  There he was, all but hugging Muriel outright, and Muriel wasn't shrugging him off.

"It connects to the these other stars," he explained as he wiggled his finger a bit to cover the vague, inspired shape of a bird in flight, "and they come together to form the constellation Cygnus, the Swan.  ...Do you see how the shape they make resembles a swan?"

When Muriel shook his head no, the fabric of his hood tickled against Kayane's cheek, and it was just one thing of many that made him laugh.

"Yeah, me neither!  But that's just what it's called.  Here, here's another..."

They continued like that well into the night, exploring the seemingly endless night sky in the comfort of trusted company, as if it wasn't the first night they had or would have together.