#logan picking up a mushroom from the ground and eating it

[shortkinglogan]

I feel like logan would pick dandelion heads and make money from it for Wade and that would be adorable just imagine it

[honey-minded-hivemind]

Yandere Trio Laura, Sabertooth and Wolverine and child reader who has a raccoon mutation

Aha! Yes! They're definitely in for it now! And Baby Racoon Mutant Reader is so fluffy and cute! Let's do it like this:

There was a new feral mutant running about. That mutant happened to be a small child, with a ringed, fluffy tail, fuzzy gray ears, and a dark birthmark across their face.

They were a racoon mutant.

Logan was the first to find them, so he considers his claim the most valid.

Something had been stealing fruits and vegetables from the Institute's garden, so he'd set up a few traps to catch the little vermin. What he caught was not an opposum, fox, or rabbit.

It was a kid.

One that looked like a little racoon.

They were scared, shaking, letting him realize they weren't trying to cause trouble, and they likely hadn't had a great life beforehand. So he does what he can, trying to take them into the Institue. The fight him over that, but the moment he hands them a plate full of eggs and bacon, they stop fussing. What sold the idea of keeping them was when they handed him the bigger pieces of food, and kept shoving it at him until he ate it.

They were a keeper.

Laura meets them awhile later, when she goes to visit her father. She was hoping to find him and try to bond a little bit, perhaps learn an odd life lesson, or try some new thing normal people did (or a not so normal thing the X-Men did). She instead found a small thing scurrying around the kitchen, trying to reach the highest cupboard. Seeing as it was impossible to reach it, she did what was supposed to be good: Opened it herself, took down what was in it (a box of pretzels) and handed it to the tiny mutant.

It repayed her act of kindness by handing her handful after handful of pretzels, taking turns to eat their own handfuls.

She grew attached to them.

They were sweet, not knowing anything about her, and doing something as simple (and something she desperately craved) as sharing.

She would make them her sibling (certainly her father wouldn't say no to that cute face?).

Victor meets the tiny rascal when he's scouting the woods around the X-Men's mansion, looking for weaknesses and seeing if he can spy Logan while at it. What he finds instead is some fluffy tot with a bushy tail and weird birthmark foraging mushrooms and nuts, happily shoving them in their mouth after plucking them off the ground.

The moment they hear him, they turn and look up. Instead of screaming or running or crying, they look at his face, then at their pile of bounty, then pick out the biggest mushroom from it, rolling it over until it lands at his feet.

He's confused.

He's less confused when they point out-

"You smell like Logan. Logan's family is my family."

And how can he say no to that?

A sweet kit, and the first person beside himself to acknowledge Logan as his brother. Plus the kid said they were family first, so what is he or Logan going to do about it? Argue? It would just break their heart (he's using it to his advantage. Let's see his brother get rid of him now! Plus free feral kit, so it's a win-win!).

When the three of them all discover they share the same racoon baby, well...

Laura's fine with it. As long as neither of them butt in with her sibling-bonding time, she'll allow their presence.

Logan wants to fight Victor, but is glad Laura accepts her new sibling (he considers it a present/childhood ceremony for her, and maybe him, too).

And Victor is glad that Laura is fine with him, as long as he sticks to the schedule she made for sharing the little tot, he's less glad when Logan keeps setting traps and the X-Men team on him.

All in all, they'll (barely) tolerate each other, but if the others don't stick to their scheduled time and days with Reader, none of them will hold back their wrath over being cheated out of their time with their little rascal.

[ashs-random-writing]

Mushroom Circles

Chapter two

Ao3

—

When an accidental blood sacrifice leaves him in a strange new world, Roman had to hide

Logan would like to know what has been eating all the fruit

—

Roman’s sleep schedule had become somewhat messy since landing in the realm of the faeries. He didn’t sleep at night, because that was when he ate and was able to have a little wander, and most of the day was dedicated to watching.

He only slept when he got too tired to stay awake

The nerdy faerie had been leaving the fruit on the ground for the past week, but Roman could see that it had noticed the fruit. He watched, a little more cautiously than usual, as it began to pack up. It looked down at the fruit that had fallen next to it this time

Roman watched it grab the strange fruit, and thought it might actually pick it up this time, like it did at first, but it instead rolled it across the ground, towards his hideout. He froze in place, and restrained himself from squeaking in alarm

Ok, so it might know where he was, that wasn’t too bad. It didn’t mean that it knew what he was, right? He was too hidden for it to know, right? Maybe it just saw the bite marks in the fruit and assumed he was a random animal? He hoped that was the case

He looked at the fruit that was now just outside his hideout and felt his mouth water. It was too far out and the sky wasn’t dark enough for him to risk going out to eat it, but he really wanted it. He considered risking it, but drew himself back and forced himself to think before making any impulsive decisions

That’s what got him into this.

He was in a strange fantasy land, where the main population seemed to be faeries (who were supposed to be the tiny ones, not him, why was he so tiny?). He knew that every fairy tale, every fantasy book, needed an antagonist, a source of danger and misdeeds, and he knew that that role wasn’t typically attributed to the guy with every disadvantage who got dragged into a different dimension

He needed to be cautious, for once in his life. He looked away from the fruit, and found that the nerdy faerie had left. But there were still faeries flying overhead, so he would still be taking a risk to eat. He sighed and retreated from the opening of the tunnel. Just ‘til it was dark, he promised himself, then he could have food.

He sat down and quietly hummed to himself. He was missing home quite badly, but he knew he had no reliable way to make it home. He sighed, bringing his knees up to his chest and resting his head on them. He stayed there for a while

Perhaps he could look out at the world outside of his tunnel, see if it was dark enough for him to eat. He peeked out of his tunnel.

There were very few faeries flying overhead but still a few too many to be able to eat. He sighed, sitting down again. He ignored his aching stomach for now

By the time he was actually able to eat, he was hungry enough that he ate far more than usual. He figured it was the fact that he had it in his line of sight for so long

He fell asleep pretty soon afterwards, on his bed of leaves. He felt like a fairy from his Disney movies, despite the fact that the faeries outside his tunnel were much, much larger than those depictions. He fell into a deep sleep for the next few hours, waking up to the sound of something large moving around.

He sighed, and peeked at the entrance once he had rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He could see a hand, picking something up from the ground outside. Probably the fruit he’d tried to eat

It was jarring seeing a hand that close. Beforehand, distance had been kept enough that he could somewhat ignore the difference in size between him and the faeries.

It was the cyan-coloured faerie, the one he didn’t see quite as often. It was saying something, likely to the darker blue one (he figured calling it Nerd in his mind was easier than referring by colour, especially since both were some shade of blue)

He couldn’t quite hear what was said back to the cyan one, but he supposed that didn’t matter. He couldn’t understand either way.

The cyan one didn’t move away from his tunnel. Okay, Roman was getting nervous now. First, getting the fruit closer to him, and now not leaving him alone? It was gonna be pretty hard to stay hidden at this rate.

It was still crouched down by his tunnel. It wasn’t trying to look into it, but Roman was still nervous with the proximity. He wanted to stay unnoticed for as long as possible, and all this was not helping, at all. He could hear it still chattering away.

Whatever Nerd said next seemed to draw it away from his tunnel, much to Roman’s relief. He moved slightly closer to the entrance, to watch them.

There was nothing better to do anyway. And he knew that it was too dark in his tunnel in comparison to the daylight for the faeries to actually see into his little tunnel.

It was really more of a burrow than a tunnel. It was only about the size of a small room, once you got past the initial entrance, and it didn’t lead anywhere. It made him feel more… animalistic to call it a burrow, so he referred to it as a tunnel, even though it led nowhere.

He watched as the faeries talked to each other, book on the ground next to them and being ignored. Roman ignored the way that felt strange and caused his stomach to turn- Nerd almost never put down its book, even to talk to Cyan.

His first thought was that it had perhaps found something more interesting to talk about- but that didn’t really bode well for his want to stay hidden. There wasn’t much that was particularly interesting nearby, except himself.

Even if they didn’t know what he was, he was sure that them taking a sudden interest in his existence was something that he should be wary of

Then again, why? He couldn’t stay hidden forever, and it wasn’t like he was likely to be able to get home. If they found him, they might do something horrible to him, but something horrible already happened to him.

That’s what got him here.

If they wanted to do something to him, they’d do it whether they found him sooner or later

He sat down glumly, uncaring of the way both pairs of eyes flickered towards his tunnel when they caught a glimpse of movement.

He watched them for a while, but something Nerd said caused Cyan to jump up and hover a few feet above ground (probably just inches to it, to be fair)

Roman could see the excitement on its face, and he retreated back into the depths of the tunnel as it flew away. His heart was racing. What had excited it so much?

He waited, until something finally happened. Cyan had approached his tunnel once again, and Roman stayed carefully out of sight. Instead of standing just outside of his tunnel, or picking something up or putting something down outside of it, the hand entered just slightly inside, depositing something down

Roman waited until the hand retreated, and for it to move away slightly, and then he walked closer to inspect what had been left there

Fruit. They’d cut up pieces of fruit into more manageable pieces and given them to him. He suddenly realised how hungry he was, now faced with food that he could drag further inside and not wait to eat. A small smile graced his face, and he began to drag the fruit a little further from the entrance

——

Patton was hoping that he’d get to see whatever animal had burrowed under his tree. It must’ve been small, to have fit in that tiny hole, and it seemed to really like the fruit nearby!

He talked to Logan for a while, and went to go pick up the fruit that Logan had rolled towards its little burrow the previous day. Logan had been worried that it perhaps hadn’t eaten, but picking up the fruit showed that it had eaten, and it was covered in little tiny bite marks

Patton, still crouched down, reported all this to Logan, perhaps rambling a little more than necessary. Logan reminded him to move away from the burrow so they didn’t startle the little creature.

He sat next to Logan, who had placed his book down

“What do you think it is?” He asked, wondering what kind of smart hypothesis Logan would’ve correlated to the existence of this little thing

“I… am not sure,” Logan started, something Patton had almost never heard from him before, “All the behaviours it seems to exhibit don’t match up to any one animal,”

Conversation carried on, with them sharing what they noticed about their mysterious creature.

“Perhaps it doesn’t eat during the day because there are too many people,” Logan said, tapping his chin in thought. “I can imagine that it would take larger animals as threats and predators enough that it wouldn’t come out for food unless there was very little risk of being attacked,”

Patton thought for a moment “What if I cut up little pieces of the fruit it likes and I put it into the burrow for it? Then it won’t feel at risk of an attack, and it could get used to us!” He explained with a large gesture

Logan’s small smile wasn’t very noticeable, but it made Patton grin more anyway

“Very well, then. I suppose we could try that,”

Patton jumped up, excitedly, wings flapping and keeping him hovering ever so slightly off the ground. He flew towards the fruit in the branches of his tree and started picking them, bringing them into his house to cut up

He brought two small pieces back, and used a spell to keep the others fresh for next time. He quietly approached the burrow, and knelt down, carefully placing the pieces of fruit down for it.

He retreated soon after, noticing the flicker of movement in the dark tunnel. The next time he looked, a few minutes later, the fruit was gone from where he had placed it

He grinned

—

@a-chilly-pepper @da3dm

[nightashes]

We’re Monster. Isn’t It Fun - Chapter 2

Previous - Masterlist - Next

A/N: So I decided to turn this into a mini series. I hope you enjoy :)

Warnings: Spiders. Poisonous Plants. Slight unsympathetic Roman (pre-AA sdes).

Summary: Remus demands an apology. Things go downhill from there.

AO3

“The light sides are here” Virgil says as he cups a spider close to his ear, listening carefully. The little arachnid’s legs brush gently against his face in affection. “They’re in the meadow.”

Remus bubbles up from the lake, his tentacles splayed out around him as he watches his brother sitting on the shore, surrounded by his spidey brethren. The ones in the trees behind Virgil are weaving a web, creating a halo effect around the brooding dark side. “That’s still their territory, Vee Vee. Just ignore those dorks. Unless you were planning on giving them a scare!”

“We can’t leave the forest, Remus.” Virgil speaks softly as he watches the spider crawl from one hand to the next. The huntsman’s tan coloring making his skin seem paler by comparison.

“Didn’t stop them that one time.” Remus spits out a large spray of water. Watching his brother and the spiders on the shore hiss in agitation. Virgil’s fangs flash at the rancid octopus in the lake.

“Remus!! You know I don’t like water!” He hisses as darkness swarms around him in warning.

“Chill, bro bro. Hey, maybe we can lure them back in here. I found a new poisonous mushroom in the Death Cave! Won’t that be hilarious if we could trick them into eating it.”

“Oh so they can call us monsters again!”

“Ugh! Why do you even care! We are monsters, Vee!” The water rolls off of the foul side as he stands. His tentacles fading away to reveal his human limbs. He bounces over to his brother’s side. The spiders scurrying away to make room. Virgil looks up at his brother.

“I know we are, Ree. I just… The way they said it. It hurt.”

Remus purses his lips in thought. His eyes glinting with something dark and venomous. “Virgil.” He kneels in front of the shadowling. “Those morons wouldn’t know a poison from a venom. Let alone a monster from a villain.”

He takes his brothers hands in his own. “Vee Vee, what they said was wrong.”

Virgil pulls his hand back with a shrug. “I… We scared them. And apparently that hurt them. Maybe we are villains. It’s probably best if we just stay away from each other.”

“Well, that’s a load of bull. If you think we hurt them, then obvs. we should apologize!”

“What? Remus!” Virgil calls in shock as Remus stands from his crouching position. Remus ignores his cry. He stomps off through the woods, only slowing down long enough to shout over his shoulder. “C’mon slow poke. We got some groveling to do!”

Virgil scrambles after him. “Remus, are you crazy? It’s been like five years! They’re gonna think we’re insane.”

“I am INSANE!” Remus chuckles back unperturbed.

“But. But… Remus, we can’t just walk up to them out of nowhere!”

“Sure, we can! I always appear from out of nowhere!”

“Remus, But they’re in their territory! We can’t leave the forest. Unless you plan on yelling at them from the forest’s edge!”

“Nuh-uh. Apologies are done face-to-face. You taught me that! Remember when I ate your hemlock and Dee insisted I plant you a new one, But I couldn’t seem to make it grow right and you didn’t speak to me for a whole month. Not until I apologized face-to-face. And then you helped me plant an Audrey II that I had created!” Remus rambles on. He pauses as if a thought had just struck. Softly he continues. “You know that’s one of my favorite memories.” Remus sighs fondly as Virgil walks silently beside him. His eyes widening in awe as he stares up at his brother.

“Remus…” He whispers gently.

“Now, c’mon, Vee! You’re moving too slow.” Remus turns grabbing Virgil’s hand. “We’ve got an apology to say!” He says, picking up pace, pulling Virgil along as the two pre-teen sides travel through the forest.

Remus breaks out into song, a Rick Roll, completely unconcerned with Virgil’s mini crisis. The shadowling walking numbly beside him, trying to figure out how insane this is going to seem. The thoughts racing through his head, wishing for a way out. But Remus was determined. And it was impossible to get the Duke to change his mind once he was set on a course.

The forest edge appears. Virgil’s heart begins to race. A smile breaks out onto Remus’s face. The creative side not even slowing as they enter into the light sides territory. Leaving the shadows of the forest behind. Virgil flinches as the sun hits his face. Remus spots the light sides sitting on a picnic blanket across the meadow. The two light sides staring in shock. Their jaws wide open. Patton sitting beside Roman. An arm wrapped around his shoulders. And Roman. Roman sat there with red puffy eyes. Oh no… Something was wrong. This was not a good time.

Warning bells rang in Virgil’s head. Roman had been crying. They shouldn’t be here right now. Remus didn’t even seem to notice. He dropped Virgil’s hand, waving over to the light sides.

“Well, helloooooo, lighties!” He loudly proclaims. Striding across the meadow to meet them at their picnic.

“Ummm… Hi.” Patton speaks hesitantly.

“Lighties?” Roman questions, offended. “What are you two doing here? Did Dee tell you too. Come to rub it in?”

“Rub it in that I’m great at apologies? Sure! Virgil and I are sorry we scared you all those years ago. Who knew some people don’t like being scared? I thought it was pretty funny! But I guess it’s been bothering Vee Vee. So here.” Remus waves his hand through the air. And a small potted deadly nightshade appears in his hand. “For you. It’s super poisonous!” Remus shoves it towards them. A wide cheshire grin on his face.

“Oh.. That’s great. Um.. Thanks, Remus for this.”

Patton hesitantly takes the plant. Roman remains silent beside him. A thousand emotions crossing his face. None of which Virgil can read.

He shuffles forward to stand beside Remus. “Hey. We are sorry. And I know it’s been awhile but like it was crappy. And I felt bad for making Patton cry. So yeah...”

Patton smiles tentatively up at Virgil.

“Okay, now your turn, Roman. “ Remus announces proudly.

Patton stares at the dark sides. “His turn?”

“Uhhh. Yeah! We apologized. Now you have to say your sorry for hurting Vee Vee’s feelings. Where’s the adult one? He should say sorry too.”

Roman seems to snap out of his stupor at that. Standing up to face off with Remus. “We hurt his feelings. You guys mortified us! We were little kids!”

“Yeah. yeah. We already covered that.” Remus waves him off. “Now it’s your turn.”

“For what exactly!”

A dark expression crosses Remus’s face. Stepping onto the plaid blanket he stalks up to Roman until he is inches away. Noses almost touching. “You made him feel bad for being a monster. Apologize now or I’ll rip out your teeth and shove them up your nose.” He speaks quickly with a menace Virgil didn’t know he was capable of.

“I made him feel bad for being a monster? You do realize how that sounds?” Roman seems to be unable to control his voice as it warbles. His fist shaking. “I… I don’t care what Logan says. You are not my brother!” His voice raises in volume until he is shouting.

The dark sides stand their silent. Staring. Remus begins chuckling. Bending over as he clutches his sides. His laughter rising to histeria. “YOUR BROTHER? Oh that’s rich.” He giggles out. Wiping away a tear. “Obviously that’s a lie. And we would now.”

“Logan doesn’t lie.”

“He’s telling the truth. “ Patton speaks up. Setting aside the plant as he stands beside the two arguing sides. “Logan told us that he wasn’t our real Dad and that the only sides that are related in any way are you two.”

“Welp. He lied. Me and Vee our bros. And our Dad is Deceit and he’s awesome.” Remus shakes his head as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

“Oh c’mon. You really think that Deceit is the honest one in this situation!”

“Listen, Remus, you’re creativity right.” Patton breaks in.

“You bet your kneecaps I am.’

“Well so is Roman. You are both Thomas’s creativity.”

Virgil stands this listening. Listening to the light sides claiming that his family isn’t his family. That his brother isn’t his brother. He grinds his teeth.

“NO! No no no! That’s wrong. This is wrong. Why? No! Why would Thomas have two creativities? That makes no sense.” He rambles venomously. His fangs flashing in the sunlight.

“Hey! Back off. We’re telling the truth.“ Roman bites back. “You think I want to be related to that.” He gestures to Remus. Remus who is staring daggers at Roman. But before he can follow through Virgil shoves at Roman.

“Don’t you dare.” He growls out. His voice low and dark. The darkness of the forest leaching into his words. As the smoke of fear pours out of his mouth. “You do not get to speak to him like that!” Roman stares in horror as the smoke reaches out for him. Whispering his deepest fears into his ears.

Patton shoves Roman away from the smoke. “Stop it! Stop fighting. We can all talk about this like civilized sides. Thomas does have two creativities. The creativity he sees as good and umm…” He trails off.

“The creativity he sees as bad?” Virgil finishes. His teeth bared.

“No. That’s umm.. It’s not like that.”

“Patton. Don’t lie. It’s exactly like that. We’re the light sides because we are good. And you.. You guys are dark sides. You hurt Thomas. You hold him back.”

“Roman!” Patton chastises.

Virgil growls. Full on lunging after Roman. His fingers reaching towards him. Tentacles wrap around Virgil, jerking him back. Pulling him away. Remus holds him tightly in a hug. Whispering into his ear.

“Virgil, calm down. I don’t want you to do something you’ll regret.”

“Let me go!!” He shouts, struggling against the sinewy muscle

"I love you, Vee. I don’t want you to regret scaring them. So this time I’m stopping you.”

Virgil relaxes in his grip. His breath heavy and his face wet with tears. The tentacles retracting back into arms as Remus lowers him to the ground. “You good, bro?”

Virgil says nothing.

“Vee Vee, you are my bro. No matter what anyone says.”

The shadowling looks up at the eldritch abomination. A watery smile on his face. Launching himself into his brother's arms, Virgil squeezes him tightly. “I love you, Ree.”

“Awww.” Patton coos behind them. Virgil flinches at the sound, withdrawing from the hug in embarrassment. Remus, however, grabs onto Virgil’s hand, refusing to be separated completely.

“You hurt Vee Vee five years ago. Apologize and we’ll leave.”

“Fine. We’re sorry. Now get out of our territory.” Roman’s voice is cold.

“I… I didn’t know we hurt you too. I’m sorry. I guess it was just a real bad first impression. But you two don’t have to leave. We can work this out.”

“Patton, they’re villains.”

“No. We should go. Dee will be wondering where we are. And we really aren’t supposed to be here. C’mon, Remus.” Virgil pulls his brother along.

“Well, come back sometime. We can talk.” Patton calls after their retreating backs.

Virgil scoffs. Not even turning. How could they work something out? They were just too different.

“Hey, Vee. Do you want to see Audrey II. She’s gotten really big.”

“Sure thing, bro.” At least, Virgil still had his brother.

taglist: @stop-it-anxiety @rainboots-are-for-snobs @hexatrash

[gremmin]

The other day I had a dream:

(There was a chameleon changing colors when I seen him he tried to hid from me this was me and my sister in the same place like a Arizona type house but she’s been being very distant to me lately, ✨)

Ooo he chameleon shows us The ability to camouflage is something that is used to defend against unwanted predators in the wild. To see a chameleon in your dream means that you are recognizing your ability to change and adapt to the environment around you. 🦎 (So it is saying I have to camouflage myself when I’m around Sonya and other people to protect myself and that it is becoming more easily for me to obtain being that way) 🦎 as well as A dream about a chameleon shows that you have the ability to change and adapt to strange and uncertain circumstances in your life, especially if the chameleon in your dream is adapting to a healthy green environment. The dream shows that no matter what is thrown at you, you can handle it.

The chameleon symbolism represents a period of changes. ... The chameleon spirit animal symbolizes sensitivity and clairvoyance. It encourages you to have patience, to gain insight, to always be curious, and to be resourceful. I’ve forgotten what color it changed to but I’m pretty sure it was green turning into a blue.?

The next sign I saw was a mini pig 🐖

To dream of a pig is associated with being rather stubborn in life. It can be associated with gluttony and greed in waking life. Additionally, the pig can also stand for a terrible menace. Perhaps somebody has cost you dearly or treated you badly. 🐖 (since this was a mini pig in the dream this shouldn’t be as big of a problem but a small annoyance, it can mean maybe I’m walking with greed, this could be for certain reason because why would I want to give to my sister who is hating me, maybe I’m being blind in a side, Sonya has been treating me horribly as if I’m not even in the house when she came up stairs, this only adds to how much I won’t want to “forgive” her. Fuck her.

🐖 In dreams, pigs can be a sign of stubbornness, selfishness, filth, gluttony, greed, overindulging and similar things. This dream could represent someone in your life with such traits, or it could reveal some of your characteristics, pointing out that you need to change them ( I’m just going to flat out assume that it’s about Sonya because it only make SO MUCH SENCE) come to a fact that Sonya was actually born under the pig totem in Chinese totem! As well as Kenny! They are about the same people lmfaooooo

The next sign I saw was me riding on a horse I cannot remember the color at this time: 🐎

Riding a Horse – If you dream that you are riding a horse it can indicate a control over your natural instincts and a strong drive towards your goals in life. ... Controlling or Restricting a Horse – If you see a horse that is being constrained and controlled it can indicate a feeling of your true self being repressed. 🐴 ( I’ve learned a lot how to handle myself and respect myself in a lot of ways now, I have strong goals and I could feel tied up because my relationship a bit but maybe I’m overthinking it, but I’ve taken a lot of control myself to be able to drive and feel confident while driving, I’m getting close to some goals.)

Horse. ... The horse is a universal symbol of freedom without restraint, because riding a horse made people feel they could free themselves from their own bindings. Also linked with riding horses, they are symbols of travel, movement, and desire. 🐴 (I’m a half of Sagittarius I have a strong will to travel and a lot of desires, a lot of movement is key to my source of energy)

Other characteristics horses represent are prosperity, forward motion, growth, loyalty, and stamina. Moreover, all horses are associated with the feng shui element of fire, as well as strong yang.

I’m feeling as if the horse was a light brown; Brown is the color of stability, comfort, and the home. Brown horses in dreams can symbolize a time of feeling safe and secure in our relationships at home and even indicate a comfort with ourselves.

Riding a horse in this manner means that we have command over impulses, our instincts, our intuition, and are friends with our unconscious 🐎 (Like Iv said I have taken a lot of time to work on myself along with my impulsiveness and my sexual instincts, my intuition has become quite sharp as well it all makes me super happy and I feel calmer in life now, I now expect for things to happen for a reason. I don’t have a lot of friends but I have quite a few acquaintances, a friend is someone I can be completely open with a someone I can talk to without hesitations and Iv known them for quite some time, you earn your stripes in my eyes lol )

The next sign was walking my dog Harley, 🐕 now Harley has passed for a long time now I’d say about 9 years now wow.. I always need to give him a moment I’m very sad on how I lost him.. rip my babyboy Harley,

To take a dog for a walk in the dream is a positive sign which denotes that, you will have much success and your life is highly productive. So keep working hard to maintain your lifestyle. If you see another person walk a dog in the dream it means that you feel you are in charge of something you are accomplishing. 🐕 (I was actually walking Harley while riding the horse lol it wasn’t hard but Harley was going slow at sometimes and I was nervous about his walking rope/chain. 🐕 ( maybe this was indicating that I will have a big amount of power with a type of business that I have that I will have success but it could be rocky at times,)

To see a dog in your dream symbolizes intuition, loyalty, generosity, protection, and fidelity. The dream may suggest that your values and good intentions will bring you success

The next sign was someone eating a mushroom, that so happened to be Austin my bf eating the mushrooms lmao this wasn’t a very good choice for him in the dream because it was a unknow mushroom and if I remember correctly he didn’t feel good after eating it:

Mushrooms are very symbolic and can mean quite a few different things. If in your dream you are eating mushrooms rather carelessly, this may indicate a sudden abundance of wealth. However, this is a wealth that is dealt with somewhat foolishly. ... Dreaming of a mushrooms that are growing in the ground symbolize fertility. 🍄 (this is probably saying he will get a large amount of money but handle it carelessly, and loose it all this is what I’m always worried with him/: I’m really good at money but he can be very poorly with it)

Eating mushrooms in a dream is a symbol of a happy marriage and a full life, dream books predict. 🍄( it was a dream of Austin and I so we should have a happy marriage one day and a full life together ) 💕

Eating raw mushrooms - unexpectedly interesting relationships. 🍄( Austin was eating the mushrooms raw I’m nervous of him trying to have a affair one day.. even though he’s not like that I still have to suspect it) 💔

if you pick up mushrooms, it means that you will receive unpredictable reward for hard work and diligence, manifested in some deals. After eating mushrooms in a dream, you will have only pleasure and enjoyment in life. 🍄( Austin picked them up lol)

Another sign was a pink prying mantis:

To dream of a praying mantis represents your feelings about a person or situation that has a total disregard for your feelings. Feeling that someone is intentionally unsupportive. ... A praying mantis may also reflect your own attempts to pressure people with fear or unbearableness to get them to go away. ✨( Sonya has disregard for my feelings asf lmao she is a very UNsupporive person in my life) ( I can say that I pressure people a lot into leaving me alone because I know it’s for the best and I guess that’s just how I like to live, easy and simple)

A Spiritual Symbol of Peace and Patience. The Praying Mantis naturally attracts attention. Its beautiful color and graceful form command us to look and ponder. Encountering these remarkable insects may indicate that Spirit is speaking to you in an important way. ✨( that could be saying to have more peace and patience and to watch in silence)

Overwhelmingly in most cultures the mantis is a symbol of stillness. As such, she is an ambassador from the animal kingdom giving testimony to the benefits of meditation, and calming our minds. An appearance from the mantis is a message to be still, go within, meditate, get quite and reach a place of calm. ✨( this week I am home alone Austin goes to work and colter is at my moms for the week I’m going to be cleaning but also working on myself with excersizing and more meditation with my spirit guides) I need to take time to be calm and collected and to understand so much more and love this silence I get to have this week)

The color pink for the pink prying mantis is that Pink, a delicate color that means sweet, nice, playful, cute, romantic, charming, feminine, and tenderness, is associated with flowers, babies, and sweetness. The color pink is the color of universal love of oneself and of others. 💞( this pink is meaning to be sweet and having all that good energy put to use, good things come out of it)

(Before all this a sign I had in a earlier dream before this long dream took place I was with Logan and Crista she was still pregnant and I seen a color black take over, I have a lot of rocky dreams with those two and they seem to always be rough and confusing. ) I’ll look up a lot what it means at some point but here is what the color black indicates:

Color Meaning: Meaning of The Color Black. ... Black is associated with power, fear, mystery, strength, authority, elegance, formality, death, evil, and aggression, authority, rebellion, and sophistication. Black is required for all other colors to have depth and variation of hue. The black color is the absence of color.

[atomiccryptid]

This is a fanfic for the sanders sides inspired solely by an amazing idea from @lallyphant

Pairings

Platonic LAMP

TW WARNINGS

Tw starving

Tw fainting

Tw touch starvation mention

Tw food

Sorry about the unfinishedness, the goblin that lives in my brain wouldn't let me sleep until this was completed.

Patton plops down on a chair in his room in the mind palace. He runs his fingers through his hair and sighs.

Today was a long jumble of a new video. Thomas needed all of the sides for one problem or another. Patton doesn't remember exactly what. All that matters is that it's all done and over with.

Patton falls backward onto his bed, grimacing as his uplifted shirt reveales an inch of pale skin tightly covering his torso.

It's been two weeks since he's been hugged or even had his hand held. And a brief shoulder pat five days ago did next to nothing to numb the pain of the moral side's starvation.

Patton stares at the ceiling fan going round and round and...

He falls asleep easily, as if slipping into a pool on a hot summer day. Patton's dreams are nothing less than those of a feverish, sleep deprived man.

In the morning, as he awakes, Patton notices that he feels a small bit better than yesterday. Someone must have come in in the middle of the night.

He sighs and snaps his fingers to change his clothes from cat onesie to average clothing.

As Patton walks out of his room, he notices that he is the first side awake, per usual.

Patton walks downstairs into the kitchen to start breakfast. He grabs eggs, cheese, mushrooms, and peppers from the fridge. His hands shake a little as he cracks a few eggs into a bowl. Patton continues his usual breakfast-making routine lethargicly and roboticly.

He plates and sets the omelettes on the table around the same time that Logan and Roman come downstairs. They sit down and start talking about some random trivia fact about theatre or something like that.

Logan stops his conversion with Roman for a second to turn his head over to Patton. His expression changes from a blank face to one of concern.

"Patton," Logan says monotonously, snapping the moral side out of his trance-like state, "Are you OK?"

Patton puts on a realistic smile. "Yep, kiddo! No need to worry about me!"

Logan raises his eyebrow and lets out a small sigh of disbelief before returning to his intense conversation with Roman.

After breakfast, Logan walks up to Virgil's room. He knocks twice on the door before stepping back to wait on an answer.

The door swings open, with Virgil standing in the doorway. Logan realizes that, as Roman would say, Mr Dark and Gloomy himself doesn't look too hot today.

Logan hesitates for a second before saying, "Virgil if you see anything off about Patton today, please, let me know."

Virgil stands in the doorway for a few seconds longer before retreating back to his room.

Down in the living room, Patton sits on the couch, blankly watching the dark TV. The nighttime touch did absolutely nothing for his hunger.

After a while of being known as the hug-happy side, Patton had been all but banned from most physical contact with the other sides. Unfortunately, he needs that contact to survive. Patton, the compassionate moral side, sustains himself off of mostly human contact.

The other sides don't know. Why should they worry about Patton? He'll survive.

Patton stands up and takes a weak step. He hears a loud buzzing in his ears and he falls. Hard.

He's on the ground, unconscious. Of course, a thud from anywhere in the mind palace would draw the attention of every other side. Roman gets there first. "Patton? You OK?"

Of course, no answer.

Roman kneels down and gently turns Patton over. Roman looks for a hard second before realizing that the moral side has passed out. He also feels Patton's especially bony shoulders and thin arms.

Virgil appears in the doorway, followed close by Logan.

Virgil talks first. "What's wrong with him?" and an unspoken question. 'How can we help him'

Logan kneels down on the opposite side of Patton from Roman. "He appears to be suffering from starvation. I wonder how that could be, he's always eating. We also eat the same things as him, we should know is something is wrong, too."

Roman lifts Patton into his arms. "I don't know what's wrong either. He's so light, like he hadn't eaten for days."

As Roman holds onto Patton, waiting for him to come too, a little of the moral side's natural color comes back into his skin, as he heals bit by bit.

When Patton finally wakes up, he's being held by Roman, with Virgil gently caressing his hair, and Logan holding his hand. He feels so much better already.

"How long was I out?" Patton asks.

Before anyone can answer, Roman pulls him into a bear hug, "We were so worried about you!"

Logan chimes in "What happened to you?"

Patton sighs. "Please don't hate me for this but, i have this... thing," he takes a deep breath, "Where I need to be held to survive."

Virgil looks away from Patton, with a little bit of fear in his eyes.

Logan looks at Patton. "Well, you should have told us sooner, or at least before it got this bad."

Roman hugs Patton even tighter. "I'm sorry we didn't notice sooner."

Virgil mumbles "We'll help from now on, promise."

A few days later, It's monthly movie night. Each side is under a mountain of pillows and blankets, sitting apart from eachother.

Patton looks across the room at his friends watching their favorite Disney movie. "Guys, I need to be held."

Before he can even say the last word, Roman flops into Patton's pile and throws his arms around the moral side. Patton is not getting touch starved again, under anybody's watch.

And the sides watch their movie until well after midnight, sleep slowly picking off one side at a time. Eventually, the living room is filled with four sleeping forms being illuminated by The Beauty and the Beast dancing endlessly across the screen.

[magic-and-moonlit-wings]

Chapter 42: The Show Must Go On

Becoming The Mask

It felt so good to jump back into his usual routine on Monday morning. Jim hummed as he diced vegetables for omelettes. He'd need to go grocery shopping after school, or maybe shop tomorrow and do coupon clipping today. How much leftover pizza did they have? Enough for dinner?

Maybe dinner for one, he confirmed, checking the fridge, so he really should pick up something more substantial. Unless …

Yes, there were cans of mushroom soup in the cupboards, so if they had that for dinner tonight, Jim could put off grocery shopping for one more day.

He brought Barbara's breakfast upstairs. She'd remembered to take off her own glasses last night. Jim kissed her forehead on reflex, and then froze.

Barbara didn't stir. He let out a whisper-soft sigh.

For the past week, Jim and Toby had been brushing their teeth side-by-side, since the Domzalskis only had one bathroom and there was only so much time in the morning before school. Jim had started checking on Jay-Jay using his cellphone instead, even after Toby learned he was a Changeling. Today, brushing his teeth alone, he spat on the mirror again.

Toby deserved something special for lunch, Jim thought, considering how well he had been handling all the strangeness and stress that Jim dragged into his life. Let's see, there were still more eggs …

Jim went through the first few steps of making French toast, but as soon as one side of the bread was finished and flipped, he put cheese on top to melt. He was frying thin slices of onion and tomato and some diced red peppers as well.

Toby loved Chef Jim's Famous Ultimate Grilled Cheese.

Jim left Barbara's lunch in the fridge, like usual, and left to bike to school with Toby, like usual.

It felt wonderful to cook in his own kitchen again.

+=+ 

Jim seemed chipper, Walt noticed. He hoped that meant the boy was in positive contact with his Familiar's mother again, not that Jim was putting up a façade.

Of course he wanted Jim to be able to hide his feelings well, especially vulnerability. Such thespianism was a vital life skill for any Changeling. But he could hope for Jim to genuinely experience whatever positive emotions the young Changeling expressed as well.

"I've got some worrying news," Jim announced, popping into Walter's office after school. The words were at odds with his tone, grin, and bouncing step. "We have a ticking clock, of sorts? The kids want to tell their families trolls are real. Mom hasn't met them but she knows they exist and she's given us a month to do it before she starts trying. So, they're trying to persuade Vendel it's a good idea. Thoughts?"

Walter just gaped. Jim had barely gotten the door closed before he started bubbling out this very disconcerting information. He was still adjusting the piano stool.

"I suppose the possibility of a troll being photographed or filmed and spread by social media could make it worth attaining human allies who are beyond adolescence."

Mrs Nuñez was a local politician, and Mr Scott was a police officer. The scope of damage control they could truly offer in the event of a secrecy breech was limited but existent. Truly, Dr Lake would probably be the best 'respectable figure' to calm the public, if it came to that, since many humans assumed their politicians and law enforcement were corrupt in any case, but first it would be best to try discrediting the evidence and minimizing its exposure.

"Yeah, Mary pointed out basically every human has a camera at all times now." Jim turned idly side-to-side on the rotating stool. "I'm worried about Enrique, though. If Claire exposes him to their parents … He can't 'stay with a friend' like I did while they cool down. But if they're only letting him stay for appearances and don't get a chance to calm down –" He spun all the way around. "D'you think we can talk her out of it?"

"You know Ms Nuñez better than I. Do you?"

Jim made a whining noise high in his throat and spun the stool again, in the opposite direction this time.

"If it's any comfort," Walter offered, "I've seen Ms Janeth's rehearsal and performance schedule for this week, and I imagine Ms Nuñez will be too thoroughly occupied with the Montague-Capulet feud to want to create additional family strife off-stage."

There was a rehearsal for the first three afternoons that week, with the full dress rehearsal Wednesday, opening night on Thursday, and with Friday and Saturday performances to follow.

He should tell Jim about his own worrying news, his plans to leave Arcadia once he found a deputy who wouldn't be subverted or murdered, but Walter hesitated. Face to face with Jim, he found himself wondering if he ought to leave at all. His presence offered some token protection; Otto knew, even if the Polymorph survived a fight with the Trollhunter, Walter would bring about consequences. But if Walter were gone, Otto would have time to disappear.

But Jim was an excellent fighter in his own right, Walter chided himself. The boy had successfully stabbed Bular and lived to tell the tale! And he'd be safer still if – when – Walter's plan succeeded.

Still, he hadn't found a deputy, so perhaps he needn't add to the boy's worries yet.

+=+

"There's a school play," said Jim, apropos of nothing, at dinner on Tuesday night. "Later this week. I'm not in it, but, do you want to go anyway?"

"That sounds nice," said Barbara. "I'll try to clear my schedule."

"It's three nights. I could get tickets for all three. You know, school fundraisers, they're not going to turn down extra money."

"What's the troll school system like?" Barbara had decided to try to ask this sort of thing casually whenever a conversation seemed like it could flow in that direction, to get Jim used to telling her things about trolls and get herself used to hearing it.

"I have no idea. I've never seen a school in Trollmarket, though, so they might do an apprenticeship instead of general education? I'll ask Blinky. Or you could ask Blinky."

Barbara hesitated. She wasn't sure she had the nerve to go back underground yet. "You should invite him to dinner some time."

Jim laughed. "I don't know if you'd want that if you knew what trolls ate." He gasped at his own words. "I meant garbage! The stuff trolls eat is usually really unappetizing to a human. Smelly socks are tasty snacks. I mean, we've – Changelings – we've found some stuff that tastes good in both forms, but I don't know how good they'd be to an unaltered troll."

+=+

"Where have you been, young lady?"

"Dress rehearsal?" Claire frowned at her parents. "The school play, remember?"

Enrique made a happy noise from his doorway-mounted baby-bouncer. Sometimes that dispelled the tension. Tonight it didn't.

"We're very proud you're keeping your commitment to the school," said Javier. "But you have to call us when you're going to be out late. We were worried."

"I told you when you dropped me off this morning!"

She had. Enrique had been in his car seat right behind her. He hated that thing. It was cushioned, and his Familiar's parents had been very fussy about making sure the straps weren't too tight when they noticed he always cried when they put him in it, but that wasn't the point. He hated not being able to move. He couldn't wait until he got big enough not to need it anymore.

"You at least remembered you promised to come tomorrow, right?" Claire continued, narrowing her eyes.

Ophelia checked her phone. Behind the parents' backs, Enrique winced.

"Of course. For opening night."

+=+

"Nay, gentle Romeo, we must have you dance," said Logan – Mercutio – to Steve.

"Not I, believe me: you have dancing shoes, with nimble soles. I have a soul of lead, so stakes me to the ground I cannot move."

"Steve's a better actor than I thought," Toby whispered to Darci. He and Nana had ended up beside her and her parents. Darci's dad was a huge, muscle-y guy who had given Toby a suspicious look when the teens greeted one another by name, but hadn't tried to stop them from sitting next to each other.

Steve seemed utterly woebegone, being dragged by his friends to a party to make him forget the girl Romeo liked before meeting Juliet. Toby hadn't known Romeo had a past love – he'd never actually seen the play, but he'd thought part of the point of it was that first love made the characters reckless?

Mercutio launched into a speech about some fairy queen creating nightmares until Romeo interrupted him – "Peace, peace, Mercutio, peace! Thou talk'st of nothing!" – and Benevolio pointed out they were missing the party they'd planned to crash – "This wind you talk of blows us from ourselves. Supper is done, and we shall come too late."

Toby had to choke back a laugh, midway through the next act, when Romeo approached his priest friend and Friar Laurence fretted that young people didn't tend to be awake so early, and so Romeo must not have slept.

"The last is true. The sweeter rest was mine."

"God pardon sin! Wast thou with Rosaline?!"

Who knew Shakespeare had snuck so many raunchy and risqué stuff into his work? When Mary, as the Nurse, thought Juliet was simply sleeping in as opposed to faking her death, she teased that Juliet's arranged marriage would be keeping her up late soon and so it was best Juliet got as much sleep as she could before.

"Why, lamb! Why, lady! Fie, you slug-a-bed! Why, love, I say! Madam! Sweet-heart! Why, bride! … What, not a word? You take your pennyworths now. Sleep for a week; for the next night, I warrant, the County Paris hath set up his rest, that you shall rest but little. God forgive me," she added idly, in that way that meant she was only apologizing because it was expected, not because she was truly sorry.

There was a curtain across the stage, dividing Nurse from Juliet's 'bed' while the audience could see both of them.

"Marry and amen, how sound is she asleep! I must needs wake her. Madam, madam, madam!" Mary pulled the curtain back. "What, dressed and in your clothes, and down again? I must needs wake you." She started to shake Juliet, growing increasingly frantic as Claire appeared limp and unresponsive. "Lady? Lady! Lady!"

Mary's last cry was a full-on scream that made everyone jump.

It wasn't really all that different from a soap opera. Even with all the death and tragedy, Toby was quite enjoying the play.

At least, he was, up until the last scene.

"What's here? A cup, closed in my true love's hand? Poison, I see, hath been his timeless end. Oh, churl – drunk all, and left no friendly drop, to help me after? I will kiss thy lips. Haply some poison yet doth hang on them, to make die with a restorative."

Juliet leaned over Romeo. Toby had heard, once, somewhere, that the hardest role in theatre was a dead body, because the actor would feel the urge to move or laugh. Steve let out a brief little "ha!" at the kiss, and then went back to being dead.

"Thy lips are warm … Then I'll be brief. Oh, happy dagger," drawing it from Romeo's scabbard, "this is thy sheath!"

Toby, and several others in the audience, gasped as Claire pressed the prop weapon to her stomach.

"There, rust … and let me die."

"What?" Toby whispered. "Juliet dies in this? No!"

The curtain closed, and Eli came out to deliver the epilogue. "A gloomy peace, this morning with it brings. Go hence, to have more talk of these sad things; for never was a story of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo!"

The audience applauded, and cheered, and whistled, and Claire and Steve got up and started bowing. But all Toby could see was his friend collapsing from a stab wound.

"Toby?" said Darci, putting her hand on his. "You okay?"

"I can't believe Juliet died …"

Jim kept warning them that troll stuff could get them killed. Toby had tried to take the warnings seriously, he really had. This, though, actually seeing Claire die – even a staged death she got right back up from, like Juliet's first, fake death with sleeping potion – this hit Toby harder than all of those warnings all at once.

He forced himself to his feet, forced a congratulatory smile onto his face, and forced his hands into applause.

+=+

Previous Chapter (Vendel is reluctant to let more humans learn trolls exist)

Table of Contents

Next Chapter (Toby has an emotional breakdown)

Whee, I figured out a way to make Romeo and Juliet plot relevant!

I actually read a transcript of 'Romeo and Juliet' to prepare this chapter. I really wanted Mercutio's Queen Mab speech, but couldn't justify quoting the whole thing, so I just referenced it happening on stage. (No, I didn't study this play in school. The Shakespeare plays we studied were Twelfth Night, Julius Ceaser, Hamlet, and the Scottish play with the cursed name. You know the one.)

Logan is the guy partnered with Mary in the flour babies episode. Darci mentions, "Logan and Mary already killed theirs. They gave Dwight D. Eisen-flour a bath and he turned into mush." Based on screenshots of the classroom, I think Logan is also the unnamed boy seen in the seats at play tryouts.

My high school typically did three performances of the school play, on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Arcadia Oaks High School seems to do only one performance, but I think that's because the first half of the first season ends on opening night and the writers were done with that plotline. The next episode starts a month later, according to Toby's dialogue. That's plenty of time for more performances.

In other news, I’m thinking of doing a podfic for this story. My computer has a decent microphone, but I can’t seem to convert M4A files into MP3s, except by using external websites. I’ve followed the tutorial for doing the conversion with Windows Media Player exactly and it doesn’t work. I need MP3s if I’m going to post podfic on tumblr because tumblr can’t accept M4A uploads.

Apparently I’ll need to have the files hosted on another website, because AO3 can’t accept audio files downloaded directly or works imported from tumblr. SoundCloud sounds like it would work? Do people have recommendations or suggestions? 

[arc852]

Mushrooms

Patton goes into the imagination-Roman’s realm-and ends up picking some mushrooms he finds. They’re colorful, unlike regular mushrooms, but Patton is sure they aren’t poisonous. Especially since nothing in the imagination can actually kill them. He takes them back and decides to make them into a soup. He lets it sizzle on the stove as he goes and checks up on something.

Logan happens to pass by during this time and smells the soup Patton is cooking. He heads into the kitchen, setting his book down on the counter and deciding to do a quick taste of the soup. He finds the soup quite good and goes for another taste when he starts to feel...funny. He sets the spoon down just in time for him to hunch over. Logan closes his eyes and doesn’t open them again until the feeling dies down. But when he opens his eyes, he finds that things around him have changed.

Everything is towering over him and it takes Logan a moment to process what had just happened. His logical brain is having a hard time believing that he is now shrunk down to what appeared to be around four or five inches tall. Logan is silently freaking out when the ground under him starts to shake. That kicks him into moving and Logan presses himself up against the wall, away from the middle of the floor. And just in time too as he turns to look, a socked foot is now where he once was.

Logan shivers at the bigness of everything and strains his head to look up. He can’t see past the underside of the person’s chin, but it was clear from the blue polo and gray hoodie wrapped around his shoulders that the person was Patton. Logan watched as Patton stirred the soup and took a spoonful. Logan’s eyes widened as he realized the same thing would happen to Patton if he ate the soup and so before he could fully realize what he was doing, Logan called out to Patton.

Patton paused, spoon of soup barely an inch away from his mouth. It fell away, back into the pot as Patton looked around questionably for the source of the noise. It had almost sounded like Logan, but the voice had sounded so quiet. Logan noticed Patton looking around for him and yelled again. This time, Patton looked down and his eyes locked with Logan’s. Both stared wide eyed in shock and Patton whispered Logan’s name as he knelt down in front of the shrunken side.

Logan wanted to run, to hide and get away from what his body assumed was a threat. But he stayed, knowing it was illogical to run from someone who would never hurt him. Of course, accidents were a thing, but he pushed those away. Patton knew when to be careful and despite everything Logan trusted the emotional trait. Patton is still in shock and Logan is the one who manages to say something first. “I wouldn’t eat the soup.” He says simply and Patton blinks and starts to actually freak out.

Logan calms Patton down and asks Patton what the soup was made of. Patton answers with mushrooms, from the imagination and Logan silently curses. Of course it was from the imagination. Logan suggests looking for Roman and getting this sorted out. The imagination was his realm after all. Patton nods and without thinking, reaches a hand out to grab Logan.

Logan lets out a yelp as Patton’s hand curls around him and lifts him up into the air as if he weighed nothing. Which he probably did at this size. He calls out, voice trembling with poorly hidden fear for Patton to stop and the hand freezes at Patton’s chest level. Who at this point was now standing. Patton realizes what he has done and opens his hand up, allowing Logan to sit freely in the palm of his hand. He apologizes, asking Logan if he is okay as he guides a finger towards Logan’s side. Logan flinches away and Patton stops. Logan composes himself and says he is fine and Patton goes with it even though he can tell that Logan is lying. But he goes to find Roman.

Roman is in his room, along with Virgil. Patton busts in, interrupting what seemed to be a private movie watching. Virgil is sitting at the foot of the bed, while Roman is laying on top, head at the end of the bed. Patton doesn’t even pay attention to what movie they are watching as he yells that they have a problem. Roman pauses the movie and both traits get up, sending a questioning look towards the father figure. Patton reveals Logan in his hand and the other’s eyes go wide. Logan finds himself shrinking away at their gazes and is very uncomfortable with being surrounded by three towering giants.

Virgil starts freaking out over the situation and Roman asks how this happened. Patton explains and when getting to the mushrooms, Roman asks for more details. When Patton gives them, Roman facepalms and explains that those are Alice in Wonderland esque mushrooms. Logan speaks up for the first time, asking if there is a cure and Roman says there is, but the mushrooms to grow Logan are much harder to find.

Cue Roman and (after some convincing) Virgil leaving into the imagination to go and find said mushrooms. Leaving Logan and Patton alone in the mindscape.

[do-your-socks-have-holes-in-them]

Til the End of the Night / Ch10: In which the forest’s trials begin (*insert ominous music here*)

Previous / Masterpost / Next 

Summary:  Patton makes some friends. Logan makes complicated arcane machines. Virgil makes a misstep.

Warnings:  fear/paranoia, injury, harm to an animal (but it's okay), vague body horror?, mentions of death, and some pretty intense danger

A/N: oh a cliffhanger? :D

AO3

Logan was on his fifth “room,” and beginning to wonder just how big this semi-artificial cave system was.  The puzzles were getting more complex, but all had to do with drawing magical symbols on things.  He was beginning to recognize some of them: this one allowed a machine to draw on a nearby source of magic, this one could teleport an object from one position to another, this one made something translucent so light could pass through it, this one created light like a more powerful version of his glow-bottle.  All required magical energy to function.  He moved from chamber to chamber, forming arcane circuits and manipulating physics. This was the most he’d enjoyed himself since entering the Imagination.  There were only two things dampening his mood: the fact that everything was still magic, and his concern for how Virgil and Patton were getting on without him.

Hopefully, they were still in the clearing, and would have the sense to wait for him there.  He didn’t have much faith in their common sense when left to their own devices, though, especially Patton.  He would just have to get through the rest of this as quickly as possible so he could find them before they got into too much trouble.

Patton felt much better now that he was making progress. He’d been following his little path for a while now, and it had yet to lead him to a dead end.  And this part of the forest was so much nicer than where they’d all been before!  Sure, it was a little foggy beyond the edges of the sunlit trail, and a tad quieter than he would have expected, but otherwise it was a beautiful day.  He wished his friends were with him to see it, too, but he wouldn’t dwell on that, they would find each other soon enough. Besides, although he knew it wasn’t the same, he seemed to be making more friends out of just about everything around here.  At the moment, for example, there was a small hot-pink bird with tiny antlers perched on his shoulder, tugging on his hair as if trying to eat it, which kind of hurt, but it was just so cute he wasn’t going to complain, and some kind of fluffy, soft-looking pastel blue rodent at his feet which wouldn’t let Patton pick it up, but seemed happy to run along next to him and keep him company.

He came to a fork in the path and stopped, rubbing his chin and making a thoughtful pout.  “Hmm… Well, either way will probably get me out of here eventually… but I still want to get out as soon as possible so I can find my friends!  What do you think, Mr. Fluffles?”

The animal blinked at him, and seemed slightly affronted by the nickname.  Still, it looked between the options and then darted over to one of the two branches, looking up at him expectantly.

“Aw, thank you!”

He headed in that direction, confident that his small, furry guide knew what it was talking about.  It seemed almost impatient now, darting around his legs as if to urge him forward, and he laughed and tried not to trip over it.  The further he walked, the more magical his surroundings became: giant dandelions nearly as tall as he was and mushrooms large enough to sit on, interspersed with bushes covered in brightly colored fruit.  On impulse, Patton grabbed a bright yellow berry and popped it in his mouth.  It tasted like lemonade, the flavor of the fruit without its sourness, but the next one he tried was closer to a mango.  Maybe they were all different?  He gathered a few handfuls and filled his cloak’s inner pockets with various colors to snack on as he walked.  A voice in the back of his head told him he wouldn’t have been able to do that with Virgil with him, who would have swatted his hands away in case they were poisonous, but he squashed it down- he’d rather have his friends than some berries any day.  He offered one to the bird and kept walking.

Roman smiled a little, then sighed with an unreadable mix of emotions, stepping back from his mirror and dispelling the image once again. He was really starting to wish he’d given it split-screen capabilities.  It was bad enough that his friends were separated and he had no idea what had happened- that would teach him to listen when Logan told him to go to bed- but the fact that he couldn’t watch them all at once was even worse, because what if something important were to happen when he wasn’t looking?  He would hate to miss one of them finally doing something really cool, or… well, he’d rather not follow the other possible train of thought there, for fear of turning into Virgil.  That wouldn’t do at all.  One of him was quite enough.

He paused for a long moment, listening carefully to make sure the witch wasn’t going to walk in on him, which also wouldn’t do.  He hadn’t seen her so far today- she was probably busy enjoying her stupid new castle- but it couldn’t hurt to make sure.  Speaking of Virgil, he was the one Roman was most concerned about.  Patton didn’t appear to have found any trouble at all, thank goodness, and Logan looked like he was actually having a good time for once now that he’d somehow managed to turn perfectly good magic into a bunch of nerd stuff, but Virgil had been exceptionally tense last time Roman tuned in to him, and was probably having his worst time since coming here.  Roman had a surprising amount of sympathy for him: the anxious side clearly thought himself responsible for the safety of the other two, just as Roman felt responsible for putting them in this situation at all, only he didn’t even have any way of knowing they weren’t currently in terrible danger without him. He reached for the mirror to check on him again, and hoped he hadn’t worried himself into shutting down.

Virgil was scanning the forest around him for danger so rapidly he wasn’t sure any of what he saw was actually registering in his brain. It had gotten a little easier to move forward once he resigned himself to the one path he was apparently meant to take, but he was also getting tired after pushing through thick brush for such a long time without finding anything of interest, and almost wished something would happen just to break the painful tension of waiting.  Key word: almost.  He may not have been Roman, but he was genre-savvy enough not to tempt fate like that. At the sudden sound of something disturbing the bushes nearby, he came this close to screaming and/or throwing his knife at it before he caught a glimpse of red-brown fur near the ground.  Just a squirrel or something.  He stood still for a moment to recover from that near-heart attack, rubbing a hand over his face and taking some deep breaths as he reminded himself what he needed to do: stay calm, find the others, get out of here.  The forest didn’t seem to like him stopping, and thorns pricked at the back of his legs through his clothes, reminding him to keep moving.  He exhaled harshly.  He was this close to cursing out the entire Imagination.

It was arguably fortunate, then, that he didn’t have to struggle through much longer before he stumbled out into a clearing.  His shadows swirled around him as he stopped and looked around suspiciously at the almost perfectly circular space enclosed by a solid mass of thorns, and he took a bit of comfort from the reminder that he could protect himself if he had to.  With a suspicious glance at the not-quite-there movement in the darkness of the forest around him, he slowly stepped into the middle of the clearing, as far as possible from the threatening shapes either glimpsed or imagined. There must be a way out, to continue whatever path he was being herded along- he tried to remember which way he’d come from as the thorns rapidly closed up the gap behind him.  Knowing this place, though, and its apparent hatred for him, it would probably screw him over as much as possible before letting him go.

“Shut up, shut up,” he whispered to himself with a quick shake of his head, trying to rein his mind in before it could, quite literally, give the Imagination any more ideas.  He was just going to make it worse thinking like that.  There was probably just something he was missing, right? Like a patch where it wasn’t quite as thick and he could push through, or a- a secret trapdoor, or…

Something was in the trees.

He would’ve tried to convince himself it was just a shadow, but there was no way, because shadows didn’t make terrifying breathing noises and crush the foliage around them as they moved.  He felt almost vindicated, but also, y’know, terrified.  He turned in a slow, careful circle, tracking it as it passed.  It… didn’t look like it had noticed him.  The thing was bigger than any animal he’d ever seen, nearly three times his height, and it wasn’t shaped like anything familiar, either.  Not that he could make it out very well.  He did his best to keep from speculating.

Virgil waited, holding his breath, as the massive creature made its slow, destructive way past the clearing he was in.  He finally allowed himself a quiet sigh of relief once it seemed to be gone.  Maybe that was this place’s way of showing him how to keep going?  He might be able to reach the path it had left if he pushed through the remaining layer of thornbushes, and then he could easily get to wherever it had come from, assuming nothing else went wrong.  Which was not an assumption Virgil generally made. Still, the alternative was staying in the clearing forever.  He took a small step towards the edge of the trees.

And stepped on a stick that hadn’t been there before. Which broke with an unreasonably loud crack.

The next sound Virgil heard was the deafening atonal screech of that thing, and he barely threw himself out of the way in time as it charged at him.  Apparently it was not only the size of a small house, but also really fast when it wanted to be… and if the glimpse of it he managed to get could be trusted, it had more than should be allowed of both limbs and teeth. Nope nope nope.  He rolled when he hit the ground and made a break for the newly created opening the instant he was upright again.  His magic was gathered even more thickly around his limbs now, but he didn’t have time to spare it a thought at the moment as long as it didn’t slow him down.  He was a little too busy running for his life.

Logan was fairly certain he was getting close to the end. Or, at least, he wasn’t sure how much further things were capable of escalating from here…  There were far too many symbols in play to reliably keep track of in his head, so he was glad he’d been writing them down as he figured out what they were for.  He started the veritable Rube Goldberg machine of magic he’d just finished setting up and watched everything work precisely as intended, finally opening a door in the wall larger than any of the previous ones.  He walked through and found himself in darkness- evidently, the torch he’d been carrying from room to room wouldn’t be enough to light this particular space.  That was no problem, however, once he saw a place for one of his spheres on the opposite side of the door from the torch bracket, marked with what he now knew to be the rune for light.  Once activated, a bright glow spread in all directions along a series of “wires,” and Logan gasped.

This had to be the final puzzle.  The room was absolutely massive, and a good third of the stone mechanisms that filled it were already moving- timing would be essential here.  It looked like the fantasy version of a particularly difficult Portal level, honestly.  The ceiling was so high it was hard to tell what was up there, but one thing he could make out was a door.  Evidently, he was supposed to get himself up there somehow.  He readjusted the strap of his bag to make it more secure and looked up with a half-smile, already working out the relationships between the different parts.

“Finally, a real challenge.”

Patton was starting to get a little teensy bit tired of walking when he turned a corner and stopped in his tracks.  Just a few feet in front of him, not quite hidden in the brush by the path, was a red fox. When it saw him standing there, it looked up and whined.  Patton approached it carefully and crouched down.

“Hey there, little guy… oh no, what happened to you?” Now that he was closer, he could see why the fox wasn’t running away, even though it didn’t seem as trusting as the other animals he’d been meeting: one of its legs was hurt.  He tried to get a better look, but it got nervous and limped a bit further into the bushes.  “I’m not gonna hurt ya, I just want to help,” he soothed.  The fox looked wary, but stopped backing away, almost as if it understood what he was saying.  “That’s it… will you let me see?”

It remained still as he moved closer again.  After a moment’s hesitation, it sat down awkwardly, holding the injured leg so he could see it.  The poor little fox seemed to have gotten on the wrong side of an especially thorny plant.  Patton put his hand out slowly.  The fox regarded it uncertainly and sniffed at him, then nudged its head into his palm like a cat, seeming to accept him.  (Between Patton’s limited knowledge of wild animals and the weirdness of the rest of the forest, he saw nothing strange about this.)  “Aww,” he squealed as quietly as he could manage.  “You’re so soft and pretty, yes, you are!”  He petted the fox’s head and ears, and while it was distracted, reached for the injury with his free hand.

The fox startled at his touch, and even more at the realization that its leg no longer hurt.  Patton pulled back and smiled at it, wincing a little when his weight shifted. “There, isn’t that better?  I told you I would help!”  The fox took a step forward and licked his hand, then darted away into the forest.  He watched it go and gave himself a minute to just sit on the ground before getting up. He’d been walking for a while, after all…  Hopefully there wasn’t too much further to go.

Virgil had no way of knowing it, of course, but he looked really cool right now.  Like an action movie hero… or possibly the protagonist of Temple Run.  It wasn’t nearly as much fun to experience in real life.  His lungs were on fire, as was every muscle in his body. He couldn’t keep going like this much longer.  He could barely stay ahead of the thing chasing him, and the branches smacking him in the face and nearly tripping him as he ran weren’t helping.  He vaulted over a large rock without slowing down and risked a glance over his shoulder.

It was a mistake.  The creature was right on his heels, lunging at him, one wrong step away from tearing him to pieces.  A new burst of panic-fueled energy coursed through his limbs at the sight.  He turned back to the path ahead, pushing himself even faster-- only to skid to a stop and whirl around again when that path ended suddenly in a sheer drop.  He looked around frantically for another way out, but there was nothing.  Even the way he’d just come was closing up at an impossible rate.  He was trapped.  Just the monster in front of him, the forest far, far below him, and Virgil trembling with exhaustion and adrenaline at the edge of a cliff.  

Time slowed down.  In the half-second remaining before, presumably, his very unpleasant demise, he tried to shield his face with his arms… and found himself staring at his hands, or at least, the area where he knew they should be.  They were barely visible, actually- difficult to make out through the dense cloud of his magic that obscured them.  There was no time to think about the spark of an idea that gave him; he just acted.  With death quite literally looking him in the face, now mere inches away, Virgil dropped into a defensive crouch with his eyes shut tight, felt a surge of magic wrap around his body, then turned and threw himself off the cliff.

[dr-gloom]

The Makings of Greatness: Chapter 11

Fandom: Sanders’ Sides

Pairing: platonic logince, platonic moxiety, platonic anxeit, familial ThVi

Tags/Warnings (for this chapter): 

Ko-fi

AO3

Masterlist

Prologue  Ch 1  Ch 2  Ch 3  Ch 4  Ch 5  Ch 6  Ch 7  Ch 8  Ch 9  Ch 10  Ch 11  Ch 12  Ch 13 Ch 14  Ch 15  Ch 16  Ch 17

The mushroom trees provide a dense cover from the light, bathing the atmosphere in shadow. The ground is covered in a soft moss, with the occasional rock, though a metal surface peeks out where the moss has been removed in some patches. The metal of the planet’s surface has grooves in it; lines and circles that seem to follow a nonsense pattern. Particles can be seen floating in the scarce streams of light that break through the mushroom trees’ canopy, the entire scene calm and still, the only thing offsetting the undisturbed natural scenery being the smoking, overturned skiff.

Virgil is the first to regain consciousness, looking around in the dim lighting to see Logan and Roman still disoriented. He grips the lip of the skiff, grunting as he lifts it just enough to slip out, then he positions himself so he’s standing with his back to it, feet braced on the metal surface of the planet, and grips the lip of the skiff again, pushing. He manages to lift it more, turning around to fully push it over and free the two older adults, then sits back down heavily on a moss patch and lets out a tired puff of air.

Logan is the next to fully wake, groaning softly and rubbing the back of his head. He sits up, looking around, his eyes widening as he becomes more aware of his surroundings. He shifts, his hand brushing along the grooves of the exposed metal, and glances down. “Curious….”

Roman wakes up next, shifting to sit up and then standing, looking around. “Well… That wasn’t one of my finer landings.” His face pinches with pain and he clutches his side, gasping softly and dropping into a kneel. Logan rushes to his side. “Captain!” Logan starts to help him up and Roman brushes him off. “It’s nothing, just bruising. I’ll be fine.” He turns to Virgil. “Mr. Shae, the map?”

Virgil reaches into his pocket, pulling out the gold orb and sighing with relief, a smile curling his lips. “Ah, good.” He starts to hand it over and it levitates out of his hand, making a few whirring and clicking sounds, the bits and pieces coming apart-

Only to turn into Morph.

Morph laughs and sticks his tongue out, and Virgil groans. “Morph!” Morph flies around his head, still laughing. “Morph, where’s the map?!” Morph stops in front of Virgil, then turns into a much smaller version of the map and the coil of rope from earlier, then the map tucks itself into the coil of rope.

“Are you serious?! It’s back on the ship?” If Morph had shoulders to shrug apologetically, he no doubt would be doing so. As it is, he looks regretful enough. Virgil grabs at Morph in frustration, the blob slipping between his fingers again and again.

Roman looks up when sounds of an engine catch his ears, muttering to Virgil. “Silence the blob and get low. We have company.”

Virgil looks up in time to see the second skiff sailing slowly overhead; no doubt Declan and his men trying to find them. The three of them duck behind the overturned skiff and watch Declan’s skiff sail by. Roman turns to Virgil. “We need a more defensible position. Scout ahead.” He hands Virgil a solar gun, which the teen hesitantly takes, his expression turning serious. “Right.” Virgil stands, looking around and heading off in a random direction. As he’s leaving, he hears Roman gasp in pain again and what’s most likely Logan helping him to the ground.

“Steady, now. Let’s have a look at that, shall we?”

 As Virgil wanders farther into the forest, it grows darker. The cover becomes thicker, the light more scarce, and the ground slopes downward. He walks hesitantly down a rather large root before just sitting on it and sliding the rest of the way down, finding his feet at the bottom and looking around as he walks. In this part of the forest, it seems like there are more ground-level organisms. They look almost like very large brussels sprouts, though it’s hard to tell if they’re some sort of shrubbery or just infantile trees. The canopy here is much denser; that, coupled with the lower ground, provides a much darker environment, and Virgil finds himself looking around a lot more, wary of any possible threats.

Just because they haven’t come across any native animals, doesn’t mean there aren’t any.

The large stalks of the mushroom trees loom ominously from all directions, stretching into the sky. With as little light as there is, the shadows make the stalks look almost like decaying wood, covered in some sort of slime. Virgil casts his eyes to the ground, his imagination getting the best of him; at least the moss looks the same.

A large root stretches out in front of him, blocking his path, and he has to hop up to sit on it, then pivot himself to get to the other side before hopping down. Unbeknownst to him, someone watches from the shadows, carefully monitoring his every movement.

A rustling comes from a patch of foliage behind Virgil and to his right. He spins around, but there’s nothing there except for the swaying stalks of some strange, tube-shaped plants. Morph titters anxiously and Virgil quietly shushes him, reaching for his solar gun. He turns it on, creeping closer to the stalks as the gun warms up, and peeks into the opening of the biggest one, his heart hammering in his chest. What kind of animal is it? Is it harmless? Does it have fangs? Claws? Does it eat meat?

Something jumps out of the stalk and screams, moving too fast for his brain to process. Virgil lets out a startled cry and falls on his back, the thing jumping on top of him, still screaming. Thin, hard, metal hands clamp down on his shoulders. Thick metallic joints press into his sides and shins. Large, glowing green eyes stare down at him and his first thought is I’m going to die and my dad will never know what happened.

“Oh, this is fantastic!”

What?

The thing sits up, and now Virgil can tell that it’s a very thin, worn-down robot. Its body looked like it’s made of copper, the minimal build of gears and thin limbs covered in dark patches where the shine was worn down with age, or dirt, or rust. Wires stuck out from the back of his head, wiggling around with his movements. His eyes were in a sort of binocular-like setting, the “eyes” themselves screens that lit up bright green, narrowing and widening like actual eyes and with small black pupils that moved around to indicate what the robot was looking at, along with small metal eyebrows that moved just like real ones.

“A carbon-based lifeform has come to rescue me at last! Oh, I just wanna hug you, and squeeze you, and never let you go!” The robot scoops Virgil up mid-crawl in his attempt to get away, hugging him tightly from behind. Virgil lets out a quiet “oof” as the breath is squeezed out of him, extremely confused. He glances at Morph.

Are you seeing what I’m seeing?

Morph looks just as confused, if not a little excited at the new possible friend.

Virgil pries the robot off him, taking a step back. “Alright, wh-” The robot hugs him again, and Virgil once again pries him off. “Jus-” The robot clings to him with his arms and legs like a koala, smiling happily. Virgil pries him off again. “Would you just- stop it.”

The robot takes a step back. “Ah, sorry. Sorry sorry sorry. It’s just,” he puts an arm around Virgil’s shoulders. Virgil leans away, grimacing. “I’ve been marooned for… so long. I mean, don’t get me wrong, solitude is fine! It’s just that, after 100 years, you go a little nuts!” His voice picks up on the last part, practically screaming. Virgil winces at the volume as the robot chuckles nervously. “I-I’m sorry, eh,” He removes his arm from around Virgil, dusting him off and taking a step back. “I’m, uh… My name, is….” He scratches at his head, groaning a little in exasperation.

Morph pops up at Virgil’s shoulder and turns into a miniature of the robot, a cuckoo bird popping out of his head and making the “cuckoo, cuckoo” sound the clock makes. Virgil rolls his eyes and pushes him down, Morph turning back into his pink self with a giggle.

“BEN!” The robot suddenly shouts, grinning. “Of course, I’m B.E.N.! Bio-electronic navigator. But uhm….” He scratches his chin. “I don’t think I like that very much. Oh! Call me Patton!” He slaps his chest proudly, the compass attached to it popping off, only attached by a spring. “Oops.” He pushes it back into place. “And you are?”

“Virgil.”

Patton takes his hand, shaking it excitedly. “Nice to meet you, Virge!”

“It’s Virgil.” Virgil pries his hand off, hunching down to slip past Patton.

“Anyway!” Patton giggles, resting his elbow on Virgil’s head. Virgil huffs and pushes him off, standing straight.

“Look, I’m kind of in the middle of something, okay?” He maneuvers around the robot, walking backwards as he continues talking. “I gotta find a place to hide, and there’s pirates cha-”

“Oh, pirates!” Patton laments, stepping in front of Virgil as he turns to face forwards. He puts a hand on Virgil’s shoulder, the other to his forehead. “Don’t get me started on pirates! I don’t like them.” Virgil shrugs his hand off and keeps walking, and Patton sits on a nearby rock. “I remember Captain Flint- this guy had such a temper!”

Virgil whips around at the name, walking back over to Patton. “Wait, wait. You knew Captain Flint?”

“I think he suffered from mood swings, personally - I’m not a therapist - anyways.” Virgil groans, raking a hand down his face. “Oh, but you let me know when I’m rambling!” Virgil’s eyes widen. Wait, this robot knew Flint. That was good, right? That means…

“That means… you gotta know about the treasure, right?”

Patton grimaces. “Treasure?” He asks hesitantly.

“Yeah, Flint’s Trove? You know… Loot of a Thousand Worlds?” Virgil smiles, gesturing as if the treasure was around them. Morph turns into a treasure chest, opening to show a chest of gold coins.

“I-it-it’s-it’s all a l-li-little-” Patton stutters as he stands, his movements jerky. Virgil frowns, almost concerned. Was there something wrong with him? “Little fuzzy. Wait. I re-re-remember.” His eyes glitch, the green fuzzing out before returning to normal. “I do! Uh… Treasure!” His pupils are replaced by treasure chests. “Lots of treasure!” His eyes turn red. “Buried in the centroid centroid centroid of the mechanism!”

Virgil bites his lip, eyes wide and heart fluttering anxiously. Should he like… stop this? It was freaking him out…

“And there was this… big door.” Patton mimes a doorway, reaching as high as he can. “Opening and closing and opening and closing!” The green of his eyes changes into a triangle, turning green, then black, then back to green, the color shifting like curtains being pulled back. The compass on his chest springs forward, then goes back, repeating the action with Patton’s words.

“And Captain Flint wanted to make sure nobody could ever get to his treasure, so I helped him-“ Patton glitches, the graphics on his eyes going haywire and his body jerking, sparks flying from the gap in the back of his head where the wires stick out. “Ng-aAH! Data inaccessible! And- reboot!Reboot! Reboot!” Where the green would be if he was squinting had turned into a black screen with green text, his whole upper body jerking back and forth like he was the bird in a cuckoo clock. Virgil flinches back, his hands instinctively flying up. More sparks fly from Patton’s head, and Virgil panics and slaps him.

Patton settles, blinks, then squints at Virgil. “…And, you are?”

Taglist: @the5thcoy @dailysandersidesaudoodles @hungry-red-panda @neonb-fly @chemically-imbalanced-romance @punsterterry @dead4sevenyears @metaphoricalpluto2 @tanyatoloni1334

[vitabenedetta-blog]

Travel Eats

Good news! Traveling has been scientifically proven to increase happiness, decrease depression, and chill you the F out. While it is important to be grounded, traveling is a big part of finding out who you are and what environment fuels your inner fire. Plus, experiencing different cultures is invigorating AF. So for all of you that want to get out and explore the borders of this world, I have put together a travel eats guide to all the fabulous food from your home base and beyond. Enjoy! 

The Guide 

$: least expensive 

$$$: most expensive 

Apothik Food Truck $ 

La Crosse, WI 

Calling all Lax residents! Apothik Food Truck is a must try during the summer and fall seasons. The lovely humans behind the truck value: supporting local businesses and farmers while serving up delicious food! The menu changes each week to reflect seasonality and availability of different ingredients, so if you see something you like on the menu, make sure to get it while you can. You can find them at the Cameron’s Park farmer’s market, affordable and in walking distance for all you fellow college students.☺ 

My go-to: CHEESY MAC! 

5 Cheese Sauce, Diced Tasso Ham, Fresh Herbs, Crispy Crumble, Diced Bacon

  CINCO DE TACO 

Chipotle Chicken, Chopped Kale, Roasted Hot Sauce, Lime Cilantro Crème, Pineapple Pico De Gallo, Melted Pepper Jack, Corn Tortilla 

The Mint $$ 

La Crosse, WI 

Oh you fancy huh? The aesthetics at The Mint are on point. Everything from the furniture, to the glassware, and to the food is practically flawless. Toto, I don’t think we are in La Crosse, WI anymore. This is truly an experience you do not want to miss out on. Teaming with The Root Note, The Mint is a farm to table restaurant serving up all the local goods right to your plate. If you are on a budget, I highly recommend taking advantage of Sunday Craft Cocktail night. The craft cocktails are only $5 and appetizers are on sale. 

My go-to: CHARCUTERIE/CHEESE 

Chef’s Daily Selections, Pickles, Mustard, Bread

A LITTLE ROSY

Letherbee Gin, Grapefruit Crema, Grapefruit, Rosemary Syrup, Peychaud’s Bitters 

NAKED AND FAMOUS  

Vida Mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Aperitivo Select, Lime 

Howie’s On La Crosse $ 

La Crosse, WI 

A La Crosse classic (most likely right outside your door step). Howie’s has great grub, drinks, games, staff, and an awesome patio. If you have not been I am honestly concerned. Oh, and do I even need to mention the bloody mary bar. YUM! Happy Hour is the perfect time to put down your schoolwork and head over for some student deals. I mean we are only students for four years, so we might as well soak up the discounts while we can. You are bound to run into some of your classmates working at Howie’s and most likely some of your professors throwing one back at the bar. There are enough TV’s at Howie’s that you will never miss a second of your favorite games. 

My go-to: THE ALL AMERICAN 

Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, Garlic Mayo, Sweet Potato Fries 

STRAWBERRY MARGARITA 

Ecker’s Apple Farm $ 

La Crosse, WI 

Because what is better than a caramel apple tossed in M&M’s? Ecker’s Apple Farm is stunning to say the least. Plan on spending the afternoon. With a beer garden, live music, apple picking, yard games, and plenty of grub you are not going to want to leave. Their mission is to bring you unique, quality craft beers from around the country and serve them up cold while you take in the view of the beautiful farm. I’M DOWN. It is a fall destination in La Crosse. 

My go-to: M&M CARAMEL APPLE 

APPLE PIE AND ICE CREAM 

Black Coffee and Waffle Bar $$ 

Minneapolis, MN

Did someone say waffles? These waffles are like no other. They are seriously FUNKY and out of this world. The interior of Black Coffee and Waffle Bar provides an awesome space for students to chillax and enjoy a drink and a waffle. I mean, what could be finer? Every month they introduce a new specialty waffle. I promise, the drive is worth the overpriced waffle and the Instagram picture that comes with it! 

My go-to: STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE 

Cheesecake, Strawberries, Graham Crackers, Whipped Cream 

Hola Arepa $$ 

Saint Paul, MN 

Started from a food truck now we here. The vibes up in this joint will take you away on a Latin destination vacation. The specialty here: Venezuelan stuffed arepas! Arepas are made from cornmeal dough, formed into patties and cooked on a griddle. Then, they are stuffed with meats, veggies, cheeses, and topped with homemade salsas! Their mission is to make food from scratch with a whole lot of love. I recommend sitting on the patio in the sunshine! 

My go-to: FRIED BRUSSEL SPROUTS 

Tamarind Vinaigrette, Housemade Chorizo Sausage, Pepitas, Caramelized Onion Jam, Manchego, Radish 

CHIPOTLE CHICKEN AREPA 

Tomato, Sweet Corn Salsa, Citrus Onion, Radish, Arugula, Chipotle Aioli, Yuca Fries 

Pig Ate My Pizza $$ 

Robbinsdale, MN 

Besides like the cutest name for a pizza place ever, Pig Ate My Pizza was named one of the best pizza places in the US by Time and Food & Wine magazines! They are serving up rotating craft pizzas and over 16 local tap brews! The atmosphere is unexplainably awesome, so you will have to go check this one out yourself. Checkout their website for a little sneak peak (the marketing is phenomenal). 

My go-to: PIGGY PIE 

Deep Dish Meat Lovers! Brioche Crust, Pork Lovers Sausage, Pepperoni, Bacon Emulsion, Toasted Black Pepper Fennel, Oregano

Velvet Taco $ 

Chicago, IL

Let’s taco bout it people! In the heart of the windy city, Velvet Taco is a counter service setting, whipping up some of the most BOMB margaritas and tacos on this planet. With over twenty varieties of tacos, they will assure that you have never had a taco like this. At Velvet Taco, food is art. Let’s go, the flavors await. 

My go-to: FISH N’ CHIPS 

Curry Mayo, Malted French Fires, House Shred, Beer Battered Atlantic Cod, Pea Tendrils, Flour Tortilla 

BUFFALO CHICKEN 

Crisp Tenders, House Buffalo Sauce, Danish Bleu Cheese, Ranch Crema, Carrots, Micro Celery, Flour Tortilla 

Real Good Juice Co. $$$ 

Chicago, IL 

Itching for something a little healthier to cure your Sunday scaries? You have found the place. Real Good Juice Co. serves up good juices and smoothies that are organic and locally sourced. The juices are cold pressed which means they retain 100% of the enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. The company is a huge supporter of Chicago’s Old Town community and contributes a percentage of juice sales to local charities! They don’t stop at serving juice. They also sell bowls, a variety of toasts, salads, and shots. It’s a Win Win. 

My go-to: YUM YUM IN MY TUM TUM 

Banana, Cacao, Almond Butter, Almond Milk, Honey 

Firecakes Donuts $$

Chicago, IL

Hellzzz to the yeah! These donuts are on fire! Firecakes believes that everyone can use a sweet treat to get them through the day. With the craziest flavors, your taste buds will be wanting more. These donuts are fried in a large cast iron pot of oil over an open fire and sprinkled with all the sugar and goods one could ask for. They even have gluten free and vegan donuts! 

My go-to: DONUT ICE CREAM SANDWICH 

Summer House Santa Monica $$$ 

Chicago, IL 

An escape to the warmth and laid-back vibes of the West Coast. The atmosphere is beachy AF. They promise that no matter the season, no matter the weather, you will be transported to the warmth of California at Summer House. I felt like I was Serena van der Woodsen from Gossip Girl, no lie. If you have ever dreamed of your bridal shower, this is that dream. To be honest I barely paid attention to my meal, I was too caught up looking around at all the VIBES. 

My go-to: RICKY BOBBY 

Hank’s Vodka, Fresh Grapefruit Juice, Lime, Strawberry Air

San Giorgio Pizzeria $$ 

Milwaukee, WI 

Neapolitan pizza dough, made fresh in seconds, right before your eyes in a wood-fired oven! I have had a lot of pizza in my life, and this is by far my favorite. That is saying something people, you must go. The chef sits five feet in front of your table while throwing dough and firing up some incredible ZAA. Head Chef Gino Fazzari made this an unforgettable experience (he even bought my boyfriend and I special shots on the house). I would go back a million times. 

My go-to: MARIA CARMELLA 

San Marzano Tomato, Fresh Fior Di Latte Mozzarella, Prosciutto, Fresh Basil, Arugula, Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

Logan House Coffee Co. $ 

Denver, CO 

The vibes are too real people. This place is like an indoor farmer’s market. Make sure you give yourself enough time to really explore. The staff members are super DOPE and are jazzed about talking coffee with customers. 

My go-to: NUTELLA LATTE WITH ALMOND MILK 

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory $ 

Vail, CO 

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! You will never want to get ice cream elsewhere after trying Rocky Mountain. This is mainly because of the cones. Have you ever seen something so beautiful? In the heart of Vail Village you will feel like the cutest snow bunny with one of these cones in hand and the mountains right above your head. If you are a chocoholic you NEED to check this out. 

Blue Moose Pizza $$ 

Vail, CO 

Want to eat pizza while looking out at the Vail Village Slopes? Yeah, me too. This was some of the most exotic pizza I have ever had. Flavor overload in the best way possible. If you go during off-season you won’t even have to wait for a table. 

My go-to: AUTUMN PIZZA 

Sautéed Mushrooms, Truffle Oil, Parsley, Parmesan, Garlic, Olive Oil, Mozzarella, Goat Cheese 

Finale

Now that your taste buds are basically exploding, it is time to get out and explore. Gas up your vehicle, book that plane ticket and Airbnb and be on your way. The flavors await! If you try any of my suggestions make sure to tag #vitabenedetta and let me know about the fabulous foods. 

Until next time. What are some of your favorite travel eats? Comment below.

[royallyanxious]

Collapsing Star- Chapter 2 // sweaters and cardigans

Chapter 1   

Chapter 3  Chapter 4  Chapter 5

Read on AO3

Parings: Moxiety (one-sided), Logicality, Prinxiety (eventual), platonic analogical

Summary: Roman learns an interesting thing about Virgil. Virgil is being dramatic.

Word count: 3573

Trigger warning: self-harm implications, depression implications, one-sided love

Collapsing Star - Chapter 2 - Sweaters and Cardigans

From what Roman could tell Virgil was a weird guy with weird habits. During past 3 weeks since Roman met him, Roman has visited Patton's house twice. And Virgil was there single time. Today is no exception.

"You're sure I'm not a bother Patton?" asks Roman a little bit embarrassed. He once again ran into Patton during shopping and the latter being the sweetest man on Earth, of course invited Roman over. And Roman could never refuse these big, puppy eyes hidden behind the thick glasses.

"Of course not! I was about to make some pasta!" smiles Patton happily, while opening the front door. He has three bags in his hands, Roman carries the rest of them. Patton sighs. "Would someone help me with those? Virgil I know you're here, I can smell your cigarettes in the air. Come here kiddo!" shouts Patton “annoyed” but Roman is pretty sure that he's not even trying to hide the warm feelings coming from his heart.

To Roman's utter surprise Virgil indeed walks out of what Roman thinks is bedroom with his big headphones hanging loosely around his neck. He's wearing big stripped purple sweater with his sleeves rolled up to the elbows, exposing quite a few deep, white scars. It's origin is quite obvious and Roman freezes. So does Virgil realizing that Patton's not alone. He hesitantly pulls the sleeves down with faint blush appearing under his white foundation.

"Oh! So you do wear the sweater I gave sometimes!" Patton looks completely amazed and absently lets go of the shopping bag to bring his hands up to his cheeks. Virgil reacts almost immediately, springs forward and catch every single bag before they even touch the ground.

"You should be more careful Pat." he mumbles under his breath and Patton smiles at him apologizing.

"You just shocked me kid. That's all." The smile on Patton's face grows and so does a blush on Virgil's face. Once again Roman feels completely unnecessary.

"W-whatever..." mutters Virgil and still holding the bags, turns away to take them to the kitchen.

"Ro would you help Virgil with the shopping? I have one more shop to visit so if that wasn't a problem..." Patton brings Roman back on earth.

"Sure Pat, go ahead." At least he can do this much to help Patton.

"Great. Then I will be going. Should be back soon." he adds "Virgil! I'm leaving but I will be back soon! Call if something happens okay? Roman's going to stay with you!" he screams loudly and Roman flinches. Patton, as always lost in his own world, has just shouted right to Roman's ear.

"I don't need a babysitter!" shouts back concerned Virgil after few seconds of silence and Patton nods happily as if Virgil could see him from the kitchen.

"He seems to be in a good mood today but if he's here that means that he's feeling a little bit insecure maybe even scared." Patton quickly whispers to Roman's ear, the one he has almost deafen completely "Please keep an eye on him."

Roman nods.

"Will do Patton."

Patton beams one final big smile in reply, grabs his bag and leaves. Only then Roman realises that this is his first time being with Virgil alone for so long. How should he treat him? Like a stranger or maybe in the same way Patton and Logan treats him? Roman frowns. No, even if he wanted he can't fake this weird twisted bond they share. Roman sighs. This is going to be awkward. Even more awkward since he doesn't know what will Logan or Patton be back. Resigned he takes the bags to the kitchen, only to be welcomed with the sight of Virgil trying to put some can to the shelf on the top. Roman chuckles silently and puts the bags down, careful not to make any sound. He hasn't realised that Virgil is much shorter than him. He's standing on his toes and still has troubles with reaching the shelf.

Roman can't help but smile at this adorable scene. Like a cat he sneaks from behind and his hands lands on the can Virgil is so desperately trying to put into the shelf. The younger male jumps a little bit, feeling Roman right behind himself but lets go off the canned sweetcorn. Roman effortlessly pushes the can in and moves away.

"Thanks..." mutters Virgil, turns around and without looking into Roman's eyes, passes him by to get another thing from the bag.

"You're welcome." chuckles Roman before taking off the box full of mushrooms. Virgil hisses.

"He bought these awful thingies again even though he knows I hate them." he looks up at Roman from the opposite side of the table "I won't mind if you accidentally throw it away." he sends him a quick wink and the corners of his lips go up. This is new for Roman. Virgil has never been so direct to him before. His throat is a little bit dry.

"I'm sure he just wants you to eat healthy stuff." hums Roman finally.

"I can take care of myself."

"Well, from what I've heard you can't." states Roman and immediately bites his tongue. This is risky topic and he knows that. Virgil glares at him coldly and Roman is surprised to realise that he can't get even a hint of what's going inside his head. Finally Virgil snorts.

"I guess you're right. Apparently I can't." The choking feeling in Roman's stomach disappears, he breathes out with relief. He thinks that it's the end of the conversation until Virgil picks up the topic again "I'm not a child anymore though, you know? I'm almost 20 years old. I should be able to you know... live by myself and leave all the shit behind myself." he turns away and opens the fridge. Roman realises that Virgil did that only to hide little shakes which roll through his body. "I'm not a child anymore." he repeats one more time and closes the fridge. He hasn't taken out anything. He turns around to face Roman. Even though Virgil's colorful bangs partly hide his dark eyes, Roman knows, he just knows that the younger male is holding his tears.

"Take a break. I can handle the rest." he says and turns away his gaze. The last thing he wants is to embarrass Virgil.

Virgil nods and leaves the room quietly. Roman quickly unpacks rest of the bag. He's all ears, not sure what Virgil can do. He secretly hopes that either Patton or Logan will be back soon because honestly he has no idea if he should go comfort Virgil or just let him be. He promised Patton that he would keep an eye on Virgil but he has no idea how to do it. No matter how hard he tries he can't see that broken kid that apparently Patton sees in him. Virgil clearly has troubles with himself but... just like he said, he's not a child and he shouldn't be treated like one. Finally after 10 more minutes Roman accepts that he can't pretend to clean the kitchen any time longer. He quietly brews the same mint tea Logan made for him on the first day. He makes sure to pick the mug with little bat on it. While taking it out of the cupboard he notices a small note on the bottom of the mug.

"For the best kiddo for his 18th birthday

-Pat and Logic"

Roman frowns. He has already noticed that Virgil calls Logan by "Logic". He finds it weird and interesting enough to be a subject of light-hearted conversation. Roman walks through small, dark hall and walks into the living room. No sight of Virgil here. A little bit concerned he peaks into the bedroom  and sighs once again. Virgil is curled up on the middle of the bed with his eyes closed tightly, earphones in his ears and arms lightly hugging his knees. The view itself isn't sad but it makes Roman heart flinch a little bit with sadness. He puts the mug aside, his eyes never leaving Virgil. He's not sure if the younger is already aware of his presence or not. Roman kneels next to the bed and a little bit hesitantly touches Virgil's head. Virgil's body stiffens a little bit but soon relaxes under the gentle caresses. Few tears rolls down his pale face. After few minutes Virgil moves his head away and Roman takes back his hand. The moment is over.

Virgil with difficulty opens his eyes and stretches out his arms. The sleeves of his sweater roll up again and Roman can't help but look down at the long, white scars covering the arms. He can't tear away his gaze despite knowing that it's probably the rudest thing he can possibly do.

Virgil sighs as if he knew Roman would do that.

"I don't do this anymore if that's what you want to ask about." his voice is much deeper and more quiet than before. Roman looks up.

"I-I didn't want to..."

"If you stick around and it seems that you will, you would ask sooner or later." Virgil looks away, letting the bangs fall on his eyes again. He has his legs crossed but he still keeps them wrapped with his arms as if he was scared that if he lets go they will fall apart.

Roman once again is left speechless.

"I like you." Virgil breaks the silence and Roman blinks at him with surprise. He didn't see that coming at all. Not from Virgil at least.

"And why is that so?" he raises his eyebrow.

"Because you don't treat me like a child. You give me space I need. I mean, don't misunderstand me. Pat and Logic are both amazing and I owe them my life and they have never ever violated my privacy but sometimes... I feel like I was their son." he fixes his dark eyes at Roman "I'm not their son. And I'm not their brother. I'm a person who accidentally was dropped into their life to ruin all the peace they had and they took me with all the shit I had with me."

Roman nods quietly. He can see what Virgil means. it's not hard to notice that both Patton and Logan treat Virgil like he was 5. And Roman can even see why taking into consideration their background story but still... for Virgil who can barely be called a teenager anymore it can be a little bit flustering.

"But you must know that it's because they care about you so deeply." says Roman finally. Virgil click his tongue as if he was disgusted with this concept.

"Sometimes I wonder if they cared if they knew..." Virgil leaves his sentence hanging in the net of confusion.

"Knew about what?" Roman tries to read Virgil's expression. The younger male is clearly blushing but little sparks in his eyes tell Roman that Virgil's actually enjoys speaking to people like that.

"Nothing..." he sing-songs and quickly gets up off the bed. "Pat should be back soon, I'll start boiling the water." he declares and leaves Roman alone.

Roman drops his head down. He hasn't realised he was holding his breath. His gaze falls on the bed, only to gasp as he sees what Virgil was hugging so tightly hidden in the space between his crossed legs and chest. He was holding one of Patton's grey cardigan which is now covered with wet stains from his tears. Roman hesitantly takes the cardigan. He should wash off the grey marks from the eye-shadow before they will be impossible to get rid of.

---

Just when Roman hangs the cardigan on the hanger, he hears doors opening and Logan's tired voice followed by Patton's cheerful chatter. Roman peaks out of the bathroom only to face surprised Logan.

"What is this? Are we running a shelter now or something? Patton when will you stop bringing all your friends home?" he huffs and puffs but still smiles at Roman.

"Sorry for being a bother." mumbles soft voice and suddenly everyone's eyes are on Virgil who's leaning against the wall "I cooked a dinner." he adds before disappearing in the kitchen.

Patton quickly takes off his shoes and rushes behind Virgil, visibly proud. Logan puts aside his bag.

"Tough day Lo?" he asks sheepishly.

"Not really but..." Logan is interrupted in the middle of sentence with high-pitched scream of delight. Logan takes few deep breaths but basing on his reaction Patton randomly screaming in the kitchen is something completely normal.

"Guys you have to try this! Virgil did such a great job."

"Shut up Patton." mumbles Virgil but he's doing it loud enough so that both Roman and Logan standing in the corridor can hear him. Logan smirks.

"He has quite an attitude, doesn't he?" he asks but Roman knows that it's more question to himself than to Roman. Urged with constant Patton's shoutouts and delicious smell they go to the kitchen.

---

After the dinner all four of them move over the small living room. The conversation is flowing lightly and effortlessly and soon they group divides into two "couples". Roman talks with Patton about his plan to open his open cafe while Logan explains Virgil something from the subject of astronomy. Roman can't help looking up at Virgil from time to time. He explains it to himself with interest how actually relation between Virgil and Logan looks like. At the view he gets is indeed not expected. Two of them. The serious nerd in a necktie and a emo in warm sweater sit and chat together without any boundaries. From time to time Virgil punches Logan's arm whenever the latter says something funny. Roman catches himself on waiting for Virgil to laugh. It sounds so pure and happy. It's actually more muffled chuckle but still- it's very, very melodic. Suddenly Virgil looks up to but his gaze doesn't cross with Roman's, he looks at something next to him. His eyes are wide-opened and look like soft, black pillows. Roman turns his gaze to the object of Virgil's admiration.

Everything clicks instantly.

Patton.

Roman looks up hasitly but Virgil once again shows something on his phone to Logan.

Logan laughs.

Patton asks if anyone wants more tea.

Roman coughs awkwardly.

---

The clock shows 10pm when Roman realises that he should probably go home since he has to be at work early next morning. Despite Patton whiny question why does he have to late so early, he grabs his jacket and phone.

"Don't worry Patton I have car parked right in front of this building, did you forget?" he asks when Patton states that walking around the town at night is dangerous.

"Patton, Roman is grown up man and has his own house let him go." Logan wraps his arms around Patton's waist and pushes him closer to his own body. Virgil, standing in the corridor, turns away his gaze. He crosses his arms on the chest.

"Actually I would like to go home too..." he states finally, fidgeting with the sleeve of his sweater. Both Logan and Patton look at him confused.

"Are you sure Virgil? You know you are more than welcome to stay..." says Logan.

Patton starts biting his nails.

"Are you sure you can handle going home today? You've been quite... out of this world recently." he nervously rubs his own arm and Logan grip on Patton's waist gets tighter. Virgil looks right at Roman.

"Yes, I'm sure. Could you give me a ride?" he asks and tilts his head.

Roman nods and Patton quickly sets himself free from Logan's embrace and rushes to the kitchen. He comes back after few seconds with box full of cookies. He silently pushes it on Virgil's chest.

"Don't worry Pat, it's not that I'm going to die there." he chuckles "That's my home and you know that. I'm not your child." he declares quietly.

"It feels like you were though." sighs Patton and wraps his armshands around Virgil's neck. Logan can't see that from the place where he's standing but Roman can easily see how Virgil's face relaxes when Patton hugs him. He sees the grip of his pale hands on Patton's shirt. He sees Virgil snuggling lightly into the crook of Patton's neck. He sees as Virgil's nostrils grow as he inhales Patton's scent. And finally he sees a cramp of pain when Patton moves away. Everything lasts for only few seconds but it says all to Roman.

Logan friendly pats Virgil and the younger male smiles.

"Remember to send me that presentation when you finish it." he reminds with a smile. And Roman can't tell if it's real or not.

"I certainly will Virgil. Call Patton or me whenever you feel like it."

"Will do." nods Virgil and grabs his small bag covered with various badges and pins. "Let's go Ro." he says and not waiting for an approval leaves the flat. Roman politely bows to his friends and follows Virgil.

He finds the younger standing outside the building with cigarette between his fingers. He looks into the sky who should be starry and dark but in urban reality is weirdly grey, almost as if someone forgot to wash it. Roman rocks back and forward on the heels of his leather shoes waiting until Virgil finishes. The latter blows out a thick cloud of smoke.

"You can go without me, I just knew that they won't let me go alone. That's all." he states and fixes his eyes back in the sky.

"I will give you a ride as I promised." says Roman and tugs his hands into the pockets of his jacket. “It's getting colder.”

"You don't have to I won't tell Pat." sighs Virgil completely ignoring the last sentence and throws the rest of the cigarette on the ground to crush it with his shoe.

"I want to." Roman turns his head to Virgil and they gazes lock together. Virgil shrugs.

"Then let's go." he says and walks few steps, only to look at Roman from above his shoulder a little bit frustrated "I don't know which car."

Roman chuckles quietly. Virgil can be adorable.

"The black one."

"Good, matches my soul."

"Pff..." snorts Roman and opens the door to Virgil.

"What?" Virgil instantly pushes Roman away and gets inside by himself.

"You're not black at all."

"Oh really?" Virgil's voice is laced with sarcasm and something else which makes Roman lean a little bit closer. "How could you know that?" he crossed his arms on the chest.

Roman licks his lips, enjoying the rare occasion when Virgil looks him directly in the eyes.

"I'm a good observer." he chooses his words wisely, trying to send Virgil a message.

Virgil turns away his gaze. The message has been delivered with a success.

"Fuck off and get inside." he mumbles and sinks deeper into the seat.

Roman chuckles but fulfills the ask.

---

Virgil's house is quite far away but his instructions are clear and easy to follow. No more words except these are said though. Roman feels a little bit like he was driving with human GSP, not a breathing person. Finally Virgil asks Roman to stop on the corner of some small, dark street stating that he lives not so far away from here and he can go alone now. Roman turns off the engine but before Virgil manages to open his door, he grabs the pale hand. Virgil looks at his surprised.

"W-what?" Maybe Roman is exaggerating but he could swear that he heard a shadow of fear in Virgil's voice.

"I have a question for you." says Roman quietly and his hand slips off Virgil's wrist.

"Yes?" he flips his bangs nervously.

Roman bites his lips still not sure if he can ask.

"You... You're not planning to split Logan and Patton?" he looks Virgil right into the eyes. The street-lanterns throwing a yellow light, reveal a blush on Virgil's face.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about." he says and bites the inner part of his cheek.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about. Patton may consider you his son or little brother or whatever but you-"

"No." cuts Virgil quickly "They are... They are made for each other and I know that. Don't worry I will get over it soon. It's not my first hopeless crush and probably not the last one either." he finishes quickly and gets off the car.

Roman taps the steering wheel anxiously before getting off the car and rushing after Virgil. He still has one thing to do that he knows it can't be said in Patton or Logan's presance.

Virgil is already in the middle of the street with when Roman finally catches him. Surprised Virgil turns around almost immediately. When Roman looks into his eyes, all he sees is fear until a blink of a second later Virgil recognizes Roman and fear is replaced with confusion.

"What?" he snaps. The shadows falling on his face, makes his make-up look even darker and his skin sickly yellow. Only his eyes remain the same- dark and mysterious. The lamp above them blinks repeatedly.

"I..." what did Roman even want to say? He clears his throat "I wanted to say that for me you're not a child." he says it softly, much softer than he intended to and for a tiny piece of second he thinks he sees spark of happiness on the bottom of dark eyes.

Virgil snorts and smirks mockingly.

"Well obviously I'm not. I'm not much younger than you yourself. It's just Patton who... refuses to let go off hurt, poor 17 years old Virge."

Roman releases Virgil's hand and watches the other without the word, disappear in the shadows of the street. They part their ways without exchanging a goodbye.

[allthevmff]

The Italian Guarantee

Author: irma66, nicemom93 Veronica Mars English, Rated: T Humor/General Characters: Keith, Logan, Veronica, Wallace Chapters: 1, Words: 1,253, Rated: T, Complete

Patience has never been Veronica's strong suit, and right now, she would try just about anything to get what she wants. http://bit.ly/2ILvN6H

"Do you need me to get your salad, Supafly?" 

Wallace put his own plate down on the table as he tipped his head to the remaining empty plate on the table.  "I understand if you don't want to get it yourself, but I can do it for you if you want. I'm sure the doctor wants to keep you off your feet as much as possible."

"No, actually," Veronica began before she was interrupted by Mac's laughter as she sat down with her own salad plate across the table from Veronica. 

"How long have you known this woman? You think she's having salad bar and taking up valuable pizza space in her stomach?" She smirked at Veronica and shook her head. "His impending uncle-hood is messing with his brain."

Veronica nodded and laughed with her, before grimacing and pushing the heel of her hand against the banging from inside her bulging abdomen. "The doctor recommended walking actually, as a way to move things along. And Mac's right about the salad; that plate's Logan's, not mine."

"If you're a Mars, you're here for pizza," Keith said as he approached the table. "We don't believe in shrubbery when there's serious eating to be done." He put a tray of glasses on the table and sat next to Mac. 

"And if you're everyone else, you don't mind food from the base of the food pyramid," Logan chimed in as he put a pitcher of beer next to the tray. He moved behind Veronica and leaned in to kiss the top of her head, then grabbed his plate and headed for the salad bar. 

"I don't know why he can't accept maraschino cherries for the fruit that they are," Veronica said loudly and Logan's amused snort rang back to them.

"Truthfully, I think there might be shrubbery on this pizza you came here for," Mac said, picking up a menu. "Let's see." She hummed as she munched on a bite of salad and read the list of ingredients. "Okay, no, I was wrong. Prego Pizza just has the normal toppings, but there's a lot of them.  Salami, pepperoni, ham, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, extra onions, sausage, ground beef, linguisa, extra garlic, parmesan, and oregano." She looked up from the menu. "My pizza's got all kinds of fancy veggies, but there's jut the basics on this one."

"And no cheese on yours" Wallace said around his own mouthful of shrubbery. "How do you eat pizza without cheese?"

"Pay attention, you'll see." Mac took another bite and made an appreciative noise. Veronica snickered and rolled her eyes, then groaned and moved her hand to push against another impact point. 

"If I believed in spanking, this kid would get it as soon as she's out."

"I think the doctor takes care of that for you," Keith joked and Veronica huffed in annoyance, but her friends laughed.

"Really, that just sounds like a combo to me," Wallace interjected, not deterred from the pizza discussion. "I don't get how a combination pizza is supposed to induce labor."

"I don't know," Veronica replied, "and I don't care. I'm just done being pregnant. They told me forty weeks. It's been forty-one. It's time." She flattened both hands against the sides of her stomach and tipped her face down to speak directly to her bump. "Do you hear me, child? Get out."

"Don't speak to my granddaughter that way," Keith said as he poured Wallace a beer. Mac shook her head with a frown.

"So are we sure about a girl now? I thought you weren't going to find out ahead."

"Dad and Logan are certain it's a girl in there." Veronica rolled her eyes and shrugged. "I'm surprised, frankly, that that's what they're putting out there into the universe. This one especially—" she jerked a thumb at Keith "—knows how much trouble a girl can be."

"You forget, I knew Logan as a child also," Keith chided. "Trust me. Any offspring of the two of you, boy or girl, is going to be trouble. But I get to send her, or him, back to you when they're difficult. I get the fun grandpa spoiling stuff with none of the pesky rule enforcement."

"Fun uncle," said Wallace, raising his hand.

"Fun aunt." Mac raised her hand also. 

"And Logan will be the fun parent, leaving me as the only disciplinarian in this whole group." Veronica leaned back in her chair and began to poke her index fingers in alternating time against her stomach. "I'm so screwed."

"Umm, Veronica?" Mac had the menu in her hand again. "This labor-inducing guarantee. Did you actually read it?"

Logan returned then, and slid into his chair beside Veronica. "Don't dash her hopes, Mac."

"Why? What does it say?" she demanded, then glared at Logan. "Did you read it?"

He nodded. "Uh huh. But it doesn't matter."

"Yeah, cuz you're not the one with a baby on board. What does it say, Mac?"

"Well, the top line, in pretty big print, says, 'Italian Guarantee: Pregnant women will definitely give birth after eating the Prego Pizza', and then on the next line, in slightly smaller print, 'at some point in the future'."

Veronica's mouth fell open. "At some point in the future?" She framed her hands around the bump. "At some point in the future? Anyone looking at me would be able to guarantee that."

Wallace and Keith laughed as Logan rubbed her shoulder sympathetically. "She'll come when she's ready. I know you're uncomfort—"

"Don't start." She drew in a deep breath and held it, eyes rolled up to the ceiling, then let it out noisily. "Sorry."

"It's okay." He kissed her temple and went back to his salad. 

"So walking is helpful?" Mac asked, then a voice came over the loudspeaker. 

"Number 37, your garlic cheese bread is ready, number 37."

"I'll get it," Keith said and headed for the counter.

"Yeah, supposedly, but it's not working," Veronica said. "Nothing is working."

"I heard that...sex, is helpful," Mac said, her voice lowering at 'sex'. Wallace's head shot up from his salad, his nose wrinkled in distaste. Logan just chuckled and continued to eat. 

"Believe me, I know," Veronica said, shaking her head. "We've been doing it every day for the last two weeks." Wallace shuddered and made a pained noise. "I made him do me twice today already."

"Oh, hell no," Wallace said.

And Keith said, "That's probably TMI, darling daughter," as the plate of garlic cheese bread clattered onto the table in front her. 

Logan turned red as his laughter choked off and Wallace began to cackle instead. Veronica could feel her own face grow hot with embarrassment. Mac caught her eye, shoulders shaking as she tried not to laugh.

"I think walking's looking pretty darn good right now, eh, V?"

Veronica Mars FF (IFTTT) via AO3 works tagged 'Veronica Mars - All Media Types' http://bit.ly/HeCC5o April 27, 2019 at 06:29AM