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betterthanyalls · 6 months ago

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yo wsp gang, didn't mean to die momentarily there anyways i made this oneshot for a pookie wookie dookie as a gift for something i dont remember

Behind The Curtain

Masterlist

Bonnie x Reader

Words: 5.5K

Published: 5-23-2024

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Ew.

That was Y/n’s first thought when she entered the workplace for her new job.

Ew to the smell of greasy pizza.

Ew to the smell of sweat.

Ew to the dirty building.

Ew to everything.

She walked into the room more, which seemed similar to a showroom. There was a stage on the front with its curtains opened, revealing three large animatronics.

A blue—or purple—rabbit on the left had a red guitar in its arms.

A brown bear in the middle. He—she assumed—had a small top hat and held a microphone.

Then she saw the yellow chicken—or duck thing—who possessed a small, pink cupcake.

What an odd bundle. She turned around to catch a glimpse of a smaller stage. She whirled back around to look at it. A fox animatronic was placed on the small stage; the fox seemed to represent a pirate with an eyepatch and a hook. Y/n just shrugged and began walking to the office. The employer she talked to hours earlier informed her that she’d just be an after-hours janitor after the last one went AWOL.

When she reached the office, she looked at the wall clock.

12:03 AM

Already midnight? Time flies when you want to die, huh?

….

Anyway, Y/n looked around for a little bit before spotting a slip of notebook paper. She picked it up and began to read it.

“Hello, I wanted to write this note for you so you know what you have to do tonight and to help you get settled in. There isn’t much to do; just finish the tasks before 6 AM.

Sweep floors

Clean up trash

Wash tables

Organize the main room

Make sure the animatronics are clean

Nothing too hard except for one more. We couldn’t hire a mechanic to do it, so I hope you have some experience with robots. Bonnie has been getting stuck during performances recently, and his guitar seems to be out of tune too. All you have to do is take off Bonnie's torso to access his wires, endoskeleton, and gears to see what the issue is. Be careful though, he is a very heavy thing; being an animatronic and all.

His guitar isn’t too much of a problem either; just turn the tuners until you hear a small ding. That should indicate that it is tuned properly. That should be all for tonight.

Goodnight, employee; and don’t forget, be done by 6 a.m. sharp.”

Well, he sure likes writing.

Y/n took the paper and folded it, slipping it into her front pant pocket. Might as well start now.

She went back to the party room and began cleaning up the trash from all the tables. Once she was done, she took out the paper and crossed “Clean up trash" off the list.

Y/n walked over to the kitchen and grabbed a washcloth and a broom. She started washing all the tables off, making sure there wasn’t any leftover pizza grease. If the day shift employees won’t keep this place semi-clean, she might as well step up.

Once she finished washing the tables off, she did the same as before and crossed the goal off her list. Y/n grabbed the broom and began sweeping out under all the tables. She was humming a soft song to herself, so she wasn’t in complete silence. Y/n was just putting some chairs back into their places when she looked up to the stage to see a sight that confused and spooked her.

Bonnie was staring directly at her.

Creepy. Y/n stared back at him, not risking losing the unspoken staring contest. Her stare turned into a glare as she held back from blinking, her eyes becoming extremely dry. After what seemed like an eternity, a sudden noise made Y/n flinch and blink. “UGH! That’s cheating you, rabbit!” Y/n pointed to him with a glare.

She turned to where the noise originated from, looking at the kitchen door. She kept staring for a little bit, trying to imagine what could’ve made the noise. She sighed through her nose and turned back to the stage.

Huh? Bonnie wasn’t looking at her anymore; he was looking straight forward.

“What?” Y/n whispered.

There was no way she was insane and imagined that whole staring contest. Y/n propped her broom on a nearby table and walked up to him slowly, not taking her eyes off of him. She sacrificed her sweeping job so she could jump to the next one, fixing Bonnie. Once she reached the ledge of the stage in front of Bonnie, she climbed up onto it. The robot towered over her, and to be completely honest, it intimidated her a little. “Ok rabbit, let’s see why you’re so weird,” Y/n muttered to herself, taking his guitar and setting it off to the side with very strained effort.

Y/n grasped her hands onto the split of his front torso to his back torso and tugged hard. She yanked onto the covering so hard that it resulted in her almost falling off stage. She threw her arms out in a position that resembled that of a kid pretending to be a bird to steady herself. Once she finally got her balance back, Y/n set the torso onto the stage floor and walked towards Bonnie.

Gosh, he was a mess. Wires tangling everywhere, metal rusting, bolts loose. He would need a lot of help.

Y/n stepped down from the stage, walked to the Supply Closet, and began searching for anything to help. She grabbed some WD-40, a wrench, scrap metal, nuts and bolts, and other miscellaneous items to help. Y/n exited the closet with her arms full of supplies. She struggled a little to get back on the stage without dropping anything, but eventually, she did get up there.

"Alright, bud, let’s hop to it.” She smiled goofily and let out a chuckle at her stupid pun. Y/n looked at Bonnie, not expecting a reaction but still feeling like joking around. “Nothing? Fine, then, be salty.” Y/n set the supplies down and grabbed the wrench, beginning to unscrew all the rusted bolts and tightening the loose bolts.

She continued working for a little over two hours. She never noticed how Bonnie would glance down at her or how his ears would perk if she accidentally touched certain wires.

Finally, after what felt like forever, she was finished working on Bonnie. She bled, sweat, and almost cried one too many times, but she was done.

Taking a step back, Y/n admired her work. Bonnie’s insides went from a jumbled mess to organized and spiffed up. She smiled to herself, turning her back to the rabbit so she could put away her tools. The animatronic in question took this as his chance to take as much of a glance as he could to see the work that Y/n did.

The wires that helped connect all his servos and joints were in organized and straight rows. Nothing was misplaced or messed up. To say Bonnie was impressed was an understatement. Y/n then turned back to face the rabbit, but she wasn’t looking at him directly. She took a few steps forward and picked up the heavy guitar so she could tune it. Realizing it was way too heavy to stand and fix, Y/n sat down on the edge of the stage next to Bonnie’s torso piece and laid the instrument in her lap.

“So I gotta turn the little nods till a ding?” The girl muttered, trying to remember what the note said exactly. But instead of doing the smart thing and taking the note out to reread the instructions, Y/n winged it. Grabbing the first tuning peg, she began to turn it forward. Now and then, Y/n would pluck the string to see if it sounded decent enough. Y/n was so caught up in tuning the electric instrument that she flinched hard at the loud ding she hadn’t expected. She exhaled when she realized it was just the signal that the first peg was done.

Moving onto the second peg, Y/n worked just as focused as before. Lost in thought while also focusing on the guitar, the gazing rabbit went unnoticed. Bonnie just stared at her curiously, assuming his friends were still deactivated. His assumptions were wrong. Freddy and Chica shared a glance when they saw Bonnie and the janitor. Why wasn’t he attacking her? Why was he just staring like a lovesick fool? As much as they would’ve loved to tear the worker apart and stuff her in a suit as they had with the night guards; both of the animatronics knew better than to ruin this for their comedic relief friend, especially since it was technically his night to hunt, being the first of the week. Plus, the girl wasn’t doing anything harmful—just the opposite. She was cleaning up the rabbit and taking her time to make sure his instrument was in good condition, something that had gone unattended to by all the other workers at the pizzeria. Giving each other a side glance, they both just shrugged off the whole situation.

It didn’t take long for Y/n to finish tuning the guitar. She took the musical device off her lap and set it beside her, getting off of the stage to grab some cleaning supplies from the closet. If she was fixing the bunny, why not spiff him up a little too? Walking into the closet, Y/n once again paid no mind to the odd robot skeleton. Rummaging through the shelves and the random items that occupied them, Y/n found what she was looking for. The young adult held a cloth, some guitar liquid polish, and a carpet cleaner spray bottle. She figured the carpet cleaner would be the best option for animatronic fur.

Y/n walked out of the closet while reading the labels on the spray bottles to check again that she had the right products. “Here Bonnie, I got some polish and cleaner to sharpen you up-“ The young adult cut herself off when she looked up to an odd and slightly scary sight. The guitar was back in the rabbit's hands. Fear and confusion were the only emotions Y/n felt as she simply stood and stared at the robot. She took a second to look around, silently hoping to see one of her co-workers who wanted to play a prank on the ‘newbie’. But to her dismay and only inducing more fear within her, she was the only human in the entire pizzeria. “Calm down, Y/n. You probably put the guitar back in his hands and don’t remember. Yeah, yeah, that makes sense.” Y/n told herself, trying to comfort her unease. But as much as she told herself differently, Y/n knew that she never put the instrument in Bonnie’s hands.

Taking a deep breath, Y/n gathered the confidence she needed to walk up to Bonnie. She set the cleaning supplies down on the stage floor before climbing up herself. Hoisting herself up and regaining her balance, Y/n cautiously took the instrument from the robot and sat down again. Taking some polish, she began to rub it across Bonnie's guitar, making sure not to miss any spots. Some of the liquid polish the rag held had seeped through and slightly stained the palm of Y/n’s hand, but she continued to wipe the instrument. It didn’t take long for her to notice how the guitar's body reflected the neon lights that surrounded the ceiling of the pizzeria. It felt oddly nostalgic to be able to see the lights bounce off the guitar, though she wasn’t sure why it’d be nostalgic if she hadn’t seen it before.

The polishing took a short time to finish, but it wasn’t useless. The electrical prop shined like never before and glistened under the bright lights of the stage. Y/n stood up while holding the guitar and still looking into the reflection. She figured that standing would make it easier to see the shine, plus she had to give the instrument back now that she had finished cleaning it. The shimmer of light, oddly enough, was a breathtaking view for something so small. Everything seemed to be placed perfectly. Y/n only now noticed how she could see the mirroring image of a certain rabbit animatronic in the reflection. Tilting her head, the worker couldn’t help but think that Bonnie was staring back at her. Y/n spun around quickly, looking up at the robot, only to see that he was staring forward just like before.

“Hm, odd,” she murmured. “I’m probably just hallucinating from lack of sleep.” Y/n reasoned with herself. She placed the guitar delicately back into the rabbit's hands, making sure it all looked nice. When she got the placement as well as she could, Y/n looked at her wrist to check her watch. Only 3:57 AM. She figured it would’ve been a lot earlier in the morning with how long working on Bonnie felt. Sighing, Y/n stared at the animatronic for a few moments before turning and crouching to grab the carpet cleaner spray bottle, which conveniently had a scrub on its nozzle.

Y/n grabbed his upper arm, getting ready to begin scrubbing, but she was caught off guard by how light the arm felt. She could’ve sworn the note guy told her that Bonnie was beyond heavy. Deciding that the interior work she did earlier must’ve loosened the joints and whatnot, Y/n shrugged it off. "Ok, so I’m not exactly sure how to do this... but what’s the worst that could happen?” Y/n asked with a lopsided grin.

It turns out, a lot.

To start with, the soap wasn’t soaking into the blue-ish indigo fur. Next, Y/n was actually terrified and unsure if the soap would make Bonnie short circuit, causing her to accidentally spill some soap beneath both of them. Then Y/n slipped in the soap and almost broke her arm against the stage. All in all, she was not having a fun time. Y/n laid on her back, not having the motivation to stand up after falling on her left arm and then rolling to her back. Another sigh left her lips as the girl stared up at the ceiling tiredly. “Why did I sign up for this?” She asked no one in particular. A sudden chiming echoed throughout the restaurant, making Y/n prop herself up on her elbows. She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion and looked around curiously. The noise sounded like a grandfather clock with children’s laughter behind it. Saying that Y/n was creeped out was an understatement. Slowly but steadily, she moved to a crouching position, then boosted herself up carefully to stand. She made sure to be cautious with the soap. Taking a glance at her watch, it read 6:00 AM. “Six already? I wouldn’t be surprised if I time-traveled or something.” She mumbled, jumping off the stage and walking over to the broom leaning against the table. Looking back, Y/n saw just how much of a mess she made in the short time frame.

Debating, Y/n weighed her options about whether she should clean it all up or not. But with one more look at the mess, she slouched her posture and grabbed the broom next to her before walking back to the stage. Taking the bottle and rags in her hand not occupied by the broom. Walking back to the storage closet, Y/n grabbed a mop and bucket, then walked back to the stage. She heaved up the filled bucket onto the stage and climbed up, setting to work. It didn’t take long, and she finally left the restaurant at 6:32 AM. Sitting in her car, Y/n drove out of the parking lot with heavy eyes. Music from the radio blasted inside the small car, trying to keep the girl awake. Eventually, after many red lights, Y/n got home and fell face first onto her couch, being encased by sleep immediately.

Weeks, even months, went by like this. She became a full-time night janitor at Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria. Thankfully, she had never gotten stuck with bathroom cleaning—only the main room and the animatronics. Over time, however, Y/n began to notice more strange things happening around Bonnie whenever she was near. Sometimes Bonnie would look deliberately messy, so she’d have to clean him, or how his guitar was oddly always messed up, no matter how much she fixed it in the nights before. Either way, she enjoyed spending more time around him, even though he was just a robot. She could ramble on about her day while fixing his wires or make jokes about how she couldn’t tell if he was blue or purple when she cleaned his fur.

It was nearing her first full year at the establishment as Y/n exited her home. She entered her car and turned up the volume on the radio. Humming along to the music, Y/n drove for about half an hour before she made it to the building. But her happy mood came to an abrupt end after seeing the event. Excavators, bulldozers, and other machines were surrounding the building with caution tape wrapped around poles to make a perimeter. Rapidly exiting her car, Y/n ran over to where her manager stood nearby. “What’s going on?!”

“Oh, L/n, you should’ve gotten my email about 10 minutes ago. We are demolishing the building.” Her manager, Scott Drew, spoke with his signature southern accent. “But why?” Y/n was panicking; she was now jobless and had no idea what she'd do. “Too many complaints, not enough money for bills or paychecks. Sorry, L/n, but we’re outta business.” And that was that.

It had now been 6 months since Y/n found a new job as a delivery woman for a local Panda Express. In total, it has been almost a full year since Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria was demolished. It was big news all around social media, but no one knows what the owners did with the animatronics, not even the highest-level employees. Y/n would be lying if she said she didn’t miss Bonnie. Sitting on the couch in her living room, Y/n was playing on her phone as the TV ran quietly in the background. “Now for our next story of the afternoon. Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria is having a grand re-opening. Over to Mae at the restaurant now.”

Y/n almost fell off her couch when she heard that. Throwing her phone beside her on the couch, Y/n jumped for the remote and spammed the volume button. “Thank you, Bernard. I am standing in front of the new Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria. There is already quite a large crowd gathering here, and the doors haven’t even opened yet.” Mae, the reporter, gestured to the families behind her. But Y/n was in too much shock to care about the crowds gathering. Shooting up from her spot, she sprinted around the house, trying to grab important items and get proper clothes on before darting out the door to her car. Getting in the car, Y/n drove off a little over the speed limit to get to the pizzeria. Dramatic? Yes. Once-in-a lifetime opportunity? Only if people were as crazy as her.

It didn’t take long for her to arrive. When she got there, the doors were just opening, and the news crew was still outside. Walking towards the doors while being surrounded by people, Y/n kept her hands clutched in front of her thighs and her eyes low. She made her way to stand next to her former boss, who was standing on the side and watching his new restaurant flood with people and laughter. “Mr. Drew?” Y/n asked softly, trying not to alert anyone but him. Said man whirled around to the young adult that stood almost behind him. “Y/n L/n? Is that you?” The smile on his face told her that he already knew the answer.

“Hello,” Y/n greeted with a smile. “I know this is extremely sudden, but... I want to work here again.” She spoke with all the courage she could muster. It seemed almost impossible, but the smile on Mr. Drew’s face got bigger. “The same job as last time, I suppose? You were one of my best employees!” He complimented. Not expecting the compliment, a small blush of embarrassment covered her cheeks. “I- thanks. But yeah, a night janitor would be nice,” she responded. "Well, we have no more need for a nightly janitor, but can I offer you a day shift? You get many breaks included; don’t worry.” He reassured her, trying to make an offer she’d agree to. Y/n was not about to throw this opportunity away. "Yeah, that can work.” Y/n agreed. “Great! No need for an interview; I know you’re a hard worker. Can you start tomorrow at nine?” Mr. Drew requested with a courteous smile. Nodding, Y/n walked back to her car and began to drive home, thinking of how lucky she truly was.

The next day came quickly, and Y/n was standing in Kid’s Cove with a baffled expression. The children had dismantled Mangle once again and simply left her there like a mix-and-match toy. “Oh girl, what did those demons do to you?” Y/n muttered sympathetically. “I’ll get something to fix you up.” So she began walking to the backroom. Making her way through waves of children, Y/n finally arrived in the semi-secluded hallway. There were only a few adults talking around, wanting to get away from the rowdy kids. She continued walking and entered the backroom, shutting the door behind her after flipping on the lights. Now getting a good look around, a gasp left Y/n’s lungs as she took a step back in shock. Bonnie, Freddy, Chica, and Foxy were all back here. Withered away and were destroyed by the ages that passed.

Bonnie seemed to be in the worst state of them all. He was missing his full face and an arm. As the lights flicked on, Y/n noticed a small jump in Bonnie’s limbs. Slowly getting closer, the worker crouched in front of the animatronic. She got almost face-to-face (or what was left of it) with him, trying to see if anything changed. “Bonnie?” Y/n mumbled under her breath, not sure if she believed this was his fate. Her questions were answered when Bonnie’s eyes flicked into red dots, and he moved his head up to look at her. Y/n let out a yelp of fear as she fell backwards and crawled to the door, still facing Bonnie. The said animatronic didn’t do anything other than stare at her. When her back finally hit the door, Y/n just sat there for a bit, taking in deep breaths with wide eyes. “B..Bonnie?” Y/n asked with fear in her voice. Bonnie merely tilted his head to his right, proving to be more sentient than she had thought. “You...you can understand me..?” She spoke again, but with more steadiness now. He nodded to her question, but neither had moved from their spot on the floor. Slowly, Y/n relaxed her body. First her shoulders, then her jaw and her arms, next her legs, and finally her chest.

Taking in a few deep breaths, Y/n eased off the door. Bonnie looked at her before deciding he wanted to speak to her for the first time. A glitched and distorted voice filled the room, with words all garbled together. “Y̸̩͓͛ō̷͎̖̚ụ̸̀̂r̷͚͛̚ ̶͕̳͗̿n̸̥͙͑̄ä̷̼̳̽ṁ̴̫̯̚ę̵̎?̵̳̌̈” Confusion washed over her face as Y/n, flinching from the racket but getting used to it quickly, tilted her head. “What did you say?” This prompted Bonnie to try and speak again but it was still as ruined as the first time. “N̶̥̽́̓͠͝a̴̠͙̔̋̀̚͘m̷̡͔̙͉̅̃̔ē̶̟̘̼͖̖͊?̶̫̩̲͆̎̓̕”

“I’m sorry, bud, I don’t understand." Y/n stopped mid-sentence, her eyes falling onto the spare animatronic pieces across the room. Slowly, leaning on the door to help, she pulled herself up from the floor. Bonnie watched her every move as Y/n walked over to the mechanic's messy table, dust coating every surface. Rummaging through all the items, a small ‘aha’ left her mouth when she found what she was looking for. Turning around to face the active robot, Y/n made her way over to him, holding an assortment of tools in her hands. When she finally reached Bonnie, she crouched in front of him. Y/n could see the curiosity in his body language, and it only made her realize he was much more alive than she thought. "Ok, Bonnie, I need to do some work to fix you up. But I can’t do it while you’re awake. So could I deactivate you for now and turn you back on when I’m done? I only want to help.” Y/n tried to reassure him with comforting words. He looked into her eyes, feeling his fans speed up a little, before giving a small nod. A gracious smile spread on Y/n’s face as she nodded back in confirmation before seeing the red lights dim, then completely shutting off, and his body became slumped once more.

It didn’t take long before the familiar red eyes that Y/n once and still admired blinked open. Smiling wide, her own eyes were filled with anticipation. Bonnie looked around before setting his gaze on Y/n, his ears perking up in joy. “Hang on, I got something for you!” Y/n turned around and grabbed a mirror behind her. Placing it in front of him, Bonnie saw that he now had both arms and his original face back. “I fixed you up! I even got you a new voice box, and I managed to keep your original voice.” Y/n was smiling so much that it began to hurt her cheeks, but she couldn’t help it. She could see the joy and gratitude in his body and movements. Slowly, he looked back at her, wanting to test his voice. “T̸h̷a̵n̸k̵ ̷y̴o̴u̷”

His voice was still robotic and kind of glitchy, but Y/n could understand him so much better now. “You’re welcome! And look at that! I can understand you now! This is the best day ever!” She cheered, standing up to express her excitement. “N̶a̸m̶e̷?̶” He asked, catching her attention. “My name?” Bonnie nodded in response. “I’m Y/n, Y/n L/n.” She greeted him kindly. “Y̸/̸n̸?̴” He spoke, as if trying the name to see how it felt. Her grin widened, if it was even possible, at hearing him say her own name. “Yeah, Y/n.”

Her joy radiated onto him as Bonnie let out a garbled chuckle, making Y/n laugh too. The two of them laughed for who knows how long, simply enjoying each other’s company. After a while, Y/n sat down beside Bonnie and leaned against him slightly as a backrest of some sort. The pair conversed quietly about all sorts of topics that either of them had thought of. From cats to wrenches to house bills. Days and weeks had passed, and each break Y/n got, she would dart to the back room just to talk with Bonnie. And each day that passed, she felt he was just as human as her, only in a different form.

On her day off, Y/n was sitting on her couch and watching Tik Tok in the darkness of her home. Zoning out at one point, Y/n found herself thinking back to all the times she talked with her robotic friend. He was like her best friend now. It sounds pathetic to have a robot as a friend, but he was basically a pure human in the form of metal. He could feel, see, think, hear, choose, and do anything else a person can. He was just as much of a friend as someone you would have met in kindergarten and grown up with. As Y/n thought back to each encounter and conversation she’d had with him, Y/n felt a smile form and her cheeks warm up. Realizing this, Y/n’s eyes widened. “No, no, no, no.” Setting her phone down and getting up from her seat, the adult began to pace around her room, holding her head in her hands. How could she let this happen? How? Why? Why, why, why? This can’t be real. None of it can be. “I’m just, uh, sleepy, yeah! That’s it! I just need sleep, and everything will be normal again.” Y/n chuckled nervously, trying to convince herself of lies.

Dragging her feet to her bedroom, Y/n only then realized how tired she really was. Pretty much collapsing on her bed, Y/n was immediately lulled into the presence of sleep. Hours passed in the span of seconds when a loud beep blared throughout the room. Groggily opening her eyes, Y/n raised her hand and let gravity smack her palm onto the snooze button. Falling back into her sleep, she was interrupted rudely once more by the same beeping. Groaning, the young woman rubbed her eyes and hit her alarm again, silencing it for good this time. Rolling off her bed, Y/n, still half awake, changed out of her clothes yesterday and into her work ones. She almost didn’t notice when she put her pants on backwards. Shuffling her way out of her bedroom, Y/n got to the kitchen and turned on the coffee pot before going over to sit on the couch where she had left her phone the previous night. Sighing, Y/n remembered the thoughts of last night too. She’d have to face this one day, the consequences of her own actions.

About an hour or two later, Y/n was walking towards the backroom like usual until a thought stopped her. If she really loved him, who’s to say he ever thought of her in the same way? She didn’t do anything for him to actually enjoy her company, did she? Sure, she fixed him up and talked to him every day, but what if he didn’t want to talk to her? What if he secretly hated her? All these thoughts combined seemed too much for Y/n as she leaned against a nearby wall, hiding from prying eyes. Taking a deep breath in, Y/n calmed herself down and continued her walk to the backroom, trying to suffocate any negative thoughts or emotions that might try to suffocate her first.

Bonnie was in almost the exact same situation, just much more isolated by his deactivated friends. He couldn’t get her out of his head. Like she had nestled herself a small home into his mind, always intruding herself on his thoughts. Her voice, her eyes, her actions, how caring she is, or how she could be so bold yet so timid at the same time. She amazed him in ways he never thought were possible. He couldn’t remember life before seeing her for the first time. How determined she was or how she wanted to help others before herself. Every single attribute and characteristic of her, whether good or bad, held him tightly and never let go. But the problem is that she’d never know. He didn’t plan on telling her now and probably never would. How would she ever accept him as he is? She wouldn’t; that’s the issue.

The door to the backroom opened, and Y/n walked in as if nothing was on her mind. Neither of them acted out of the ordinary for the whole day. Months had passed, and nothing changed between them. Their feelings grew and grew each day, but they were always cut at the stem for fear of unrequited love. And as this time passed, so did the restaurant’s prosperity. No longer was it ‘Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza! A magical place for kids and grown-ups alike, where fantasy and fun come to life!’, but now it was more so known as the place people went when everywhere else was closed. Eventually, the establishment closed too. With no notice to the workers, the building was shut down. Y/n stood in front of her old place of employment, all entrances barricaded and the light in her eyes fading. She had begged and pleaded with her boss to let her in one last time, but no tears would let her through those doors. She longed to go in somehow, to use an ax to break in and see her friend one last time. But even that would be useless after Mr. Drew told her that every animatronic in the building had been shipped off to the original founders. The original partners who made the franchise.

So, with tears in her eyes and her joy stolen away, Y/n walked to her car and drove off with no destination in mind. All she wanted to do was leave. After all, what was left for her when she couldn’t even admit something as small as her own feelings? With nowhere to end, Y/n began her trek.

#fluff #x reader #fnaf x reader #fnaf #bonnie x reader #withered bonnie x reader #five nights at freddy's

65 notes · View notes

gloomybadger4life · 14 days ago

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Zutara Musician AU headcanons:

- Katara is a proficient harpist but also plays some guitar and loves traditional string instruments from around the world. (Gayageum, Salterio)

- Zuko is a classically trained pianist. He was burnt with a tuning fork that Ozai heated on the stove. This was after he got stage fright in front of a large crowd.

- Katara lost her mother, who was the first one to nurture her love for music, when she was young. Her father didn't want her to pursue music.

- Zuko is the music theory nerd out of the two.

- Katara has a great ear and people believe she has perfect pitch.

- They met at a concert where the orchestra was playing Rachmaninov.

- They share a love of flamenco and classical guitar.

- After breaking away from her abusive father, Azula stopped playing only classical violin and expanded her horizons. She reconciled with Zuko and befriended Katara.

- Azula became an audio engineering nerd and helps them record.

- Katara sings Piano Man to playfuly annoy him.

- Zuko gets back at her by improvising ragtime tunes when she looks for something.

- Most of their work is being session musicians for movie and tv soundtracks.

- Zuko is habitually shirtless around the house. Katara does not complain.

- He learned how to braid her hair and it's a ritual before performing.

- Uncle Iroh visits regularly. He used to be an opera singer.

- Toph and Zuko are close friends, Toph works as a piano tuner and technician.

- Azula and Toph bonded over folk metal and asshole parents, they ended up dating after attending a music festival.

- Zuko has named each of Katara's smiles after a different chord.

- Katara sleep plays when she spoons him so sometimes he gets tickled.

- They are working on Jazz Fusion album after Katara found out she liked the electric harp too.

#atla #modern au #musician #music #avatar the last airbender #headcanon #zutara #atla katara #atla zuko #zutara headcanon #zuko x katara #atla toph #atla azula #tophzula #toph x azula

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dreaminginthedeepsouth · 2 months ago

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The Broken Piano In 1975 by Marti Leimbach

My favourite piece of music is Keith Jarrett’s Köln Concert, an hour-long piece improvised, as all of Jarrett’s concerts are, on a solo piano in front of a live audience. You know the story, right?

For the concert, he’d requested a particular piano, a Bösendorfer. The Bösendorfer originated in Vienna early in the nineteenth century. It is said to be the first concert piano able to stand up to the playing technique of the young virtuoso, Franz Liszt, whose tough, unforgiving treatment of the pianos he played destroyed them in short order. Perhaps the Bösendorfer’s durability was the reason Jarrett requested one for the concert. The 29-year old jazz musician was known for his eccentric stagecraft, his improvisations played with enormous athleticism and physicality. It’s fair to say he is tough on an instrument, that he plays unconventionally, even wildly, racing over the keys, standing up, sitting, leaning, panting, moaning. His performances move him—and anyone listening—through the disorder and miracle of creative endeavour.

Watching him is watching genius itself, that raw work that is cleaned up only by its imitators.

In short, he needs a good piano.

January 24, 1975. Jarrett arrives to the venue the afternoon of the concert, He is presented with his Bösendorfer. He stands with Manfred Eicher, the man who will one day found ECM Records and who arranged Jarrett’s sell-out concert tour. The piano he has been given for the concert is a Bösendorfer, all right, but it is puny, ancient, totally unsuitable.

Jarrett taps a few keys and finds it is not only the wrong size, incapable of producing enough volume for a concert performance, but also completely out of tune. The black keys don’t all work. The high notes are tinny; the bass notes barely sound and the pedals stick.

Eicher tells the organizer, a teenaged girl named Vera Brandes, that the piano is unsuitable. Either they get a new piano for Jarrett, or there will be no concert.

In a panic, the girl does everything she can to get another piano, but she can’t find one in time. She manages to convince a local piano tuner to attend to the Bösendorfer, but there isn’t much they can do about the overall condition of the instrument.

In the end, Jarrett agrees to play. Not because the piano was fixed up to the extent that he felt comfortable performing, but because he took pity on poor, young Vera Brandes, just seventeen years old and not able to shoulder so great a failure as losing the only performer on a sold-out night.

So he performs on the dreadful instrument. He does what he has to do, not because he thinks it will be good, but because he feels he has no choice.

Tim Harford [described it best], “The substandard instrument forced Jarrett away from the tinny high notes and into the middle register. His left hand produced rumbling, repetitive bass riffs as a way of conveying up the piano’s lack of resonance. Both of these elements gave the performance an almost trance-like quality.”

Jarrett overcame the lack of volume by standing up and playing the piano very hard. He stood, sat, moaned, writhed, and pounded the piano keys. You can hear him on the recording, the agony of the music, his effort at creating any sound at all. He sweated out what must have been an excruciating hour, and he triumphed. The Köln Concert has sold 3.5 million copies and is perhaps the most beautiful, transformative piece of music I’ve ever heard. It makes me cry to hear it, especially if I recall the courage it took for him to perform in front of a live audience on an unplayable piano with that desperate girl in the wings, wringing her hands, hoping beyond hope that he didn’t rise from the stool and walk out.

Hoping nobody noticed her great failure to produce the right piano for this most important occasion. [...]

Keith Jarett later said, "What happened with this piano was that I was forced to play in what was — at the time — a new way. Somehow I felt I had to bring out whatever qualities this instrument had. And that was it. My sense was, ‘I have to do this. I’m doing it. I don’t care what the piano sounds like. I’m doing it.’ And I did.”

#music #Keith Jarrett #The Koln Concerts #songs #piano #jazz #improvisation #Marti Leimbach #stories #the broken piano

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oeuvrinarydurian · 3 months ago

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It’s the Sunday Free-For-All!

I thought for a change, I would try to choose my favorite supporting character. Some episodes are more character/mystery driven, and others are more relationship-driven. Those would be my favorites, but it’s especially enjoyable when supporting characters are written and cast with such care.

I’m having a hard time picking only one. “Sway” is a contender. All of those Burridges staff are fabulous, as is the guy who plays Joey Lisk. The piano tuner is fabulous. It’s really an embarrassment of riches.

The only reason I’m not choosing it is I think “Fugue“ sinks or swims based on the guy who plays Cronyn/Gull; plus the brother and sister are truly well realized. She’s not the most exciting character in the world, but her performance is lovely, and it’s a terrific counterpoint to the sort of creepy/tormented genius that her brother brings to the table. I think he was probably more of a red herring that got edited down, but between the three of them, it’s a winner for me.

On the other hand, how fantastic is it to not just have Danny Webb back as Lott, but have him back in such a disgustingly vile way in “Exeunt”? Now, the guy is really a movie star. He’s been in everything, for God’s sake…his charisma leaps through the screen. He’s more of a guest star than a supporting actor, but every moment he’s on screen is a joy.

Or is it David Oakes as Joss Bixby? If fanfiction is any thing to gauge reaction by, this is clearly the winner.

Who do you pick? I can’t choose. I could’ve kept going, frankly.

#sunday free for all #supporting actor Sunday #David Oakes #Danny Webb #mason gull #Arthur Lott #endeavour morse #itv endeavour #endeavour itv #joss bixby #Endeavour: sway #endeavour: ride #Endeavour: fugue #endeavour: exeunt #Geoffrey Streatfeild #burridges #epic acting #our beautiful onion #our beautiful show

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reasonsforhope · 1 year ago

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Here’s to some real-life New Directions! In one of the earliest awards handed out in the 76th Tony Awards telecast on CBS and Paramount+, history was made as Alex Newell became the first-ever openly non-binary actor to win a Tony award, in the Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical category, for their showstopping role as cornpone character Lulu in the musical comedy “Shucked.”

Then, in the show’s final hour, that record was upheld by nonbinary actor J. Harrison Ghee, who won the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical in the Marc Shaiman/Scott Wittman tuner “Some Like it Hot”, based on Billy Wilder’s classic 1950s comedy. Ghee, late of musicals such as “Kinky Boots” and “Mrs. Doubtfire”, was a favorite for their bold reimagining of the Jerry/Daphne role made famous by Jack Lemmon in the original film."

-via The Wrap, June 11, 2023

#musical theater #broadway #tonys 2023 #tony awards #j. harrison ghee #alex newell #shucked #the tony awards #some like it hot #nonbinary #transgender #trans representation #trans pride #nonbinary representation #black excellence #good news #hope #hope posting

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sweetheartsaku · 4 months ago

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༄ MISSION: OUR SUMMER― looking out for you

𝜗𝜚 ―H.KAI 【휴닝카이】 VERSION || NIGHT EDITION.

HE SWORE HIS HEART BEATS TRIPLE WHEN HE SEES YOU. hyuka was seated on his thick blanket he had cleanly prepared, turning to his bedside table to check the time. 9:53am. his eyes trailed to the side, towards a photograph of you and kai as kids at a park, doing peace signs and smiling as bright as the sun.

he tenderly smiles at the sight of the pair, an inseparable duo since kindergarten. like two peas in a pod.

his chocolate eyes draw over back to his bed and his crisp sheets. he looks up, his attention lingering to the guitars on the wall. 2 acoustic, one electric.

the beige body of the first acoustic was decorated in colourful, dried stickers and the neck sprinkled in star stickers representing the simple notes. it had built up some wear and tear because it was his childhood guitar that was always a little too big for him. 6-year-old hyuka loved to perform little concerts for you and his siblings.

he had received his second acoustic on his 13th birthday, and immediately fell in love with it. the body had significantly less stickers than the last, a new edition of a scratched up with a silver tuner clipped to the top. 13-year-old hyuka thought he was the coolest boy in town. he had written so many songs about you unconsciously on it, holding this guitar close to his heart

the latest guitar was the cleanest, an electric guitar that you had bought him a couple years before. it was a sleek mint, your attempt to find a cute colour yet one he'd love. he treasured all his instruments, but especially this one... had sentimental value.

snapping from his dash of nostalgia, his nintendo switch chirps. he quickly glances at his keyboard and other trinkets in his room, before taking his switch out of the station with a click. it was daintily decorated, with a small lyric in the corner; "you got a smile that could light up the whole planet!" from tyler the creator's 'SWEET / I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE'.

his switch trills as he turns it on, scrolling through his recently played games and landing on animal crossing new horizons. he logs on, noticing you're online and working on your island. he remembers the last time he had come over; you both had been villager hunting.

something in his head suddenly clicks, and he remembers he had left his childhood cd over at your home. he abruptly gets up, obliviously forgetting to change his clothes (it's not like it matters).

kai forgetting items at your house was a common occurrence and was an innocent excuse to spend time with you. his hoodie in the winter, scarf in fall, and hat in spring.

he hops on his bike, taking a short trip to your home. the warm summer wind bites his cheek and grazes his actively moving shins. he feels the occasional breeze press against his loose, white t-shirt and grey shorts.

hyuka finally arrives at your house, no hesitation in gently knocking on your door. your gaze meets his as you slowly open the door, surprised at his unannounced visit despite this being a quite typical and natural event. you instantly smile.

"HYUKA!!" you exclaim, pulling him into an embrace and gesturing him into your home. he quickly accepts your hug, slightly damp from the summer heat. he finds his natural spot on the right corner of your low-set bed, taking in the comforting and nostalgic fragrance of your room. posters everywhere, stringed with fairy lights, and photos of you and your friends in every corner.

there's a mini music player in the corner, playing songs off your shared playlist with kai. which is where he got the lyric on his nintendo station from, the words written on the cd that he was here to collect, and caption of your instagram biography.

you take a seat right next to him, still curious on what brings him here this time. "here to pick up the cd you left?"

"mhm!" he chimes.

you find yourself lost through time in the endless pillow talk, his words simply igniting one after another. in your own little world, that only you two shared. you both had an enchanting, entrancing mind that people struggle to even imagine.

the mini music player clears up the magical fog in both you and hyuka's ears, making one lyric clear.

"if i compared you, the sun is a stand in."

you were like his comfort zone. a comfortable presence,

a hand to hold.

TAGLIST: @hyukassubi @lun4kazumii

#cece&saku our summer #tomorrow x together #txt #txt x reader #txt drabbles #txt fluff #txt oneshots #txt scenarios #hueningkai #txt hueningkai #hueningkai x reader #hueningkai x you #hueningkai x y/n #hueningkai oneshots #hueningkai drabble #hueningkai fanfic #hueningkai fluff

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bandnerdlevel43 · 4 months ago

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Day Three- Reunion (Modern)

Lu Legend x Ravio (Ravioli)

Summary: Ravio has been off on a business trip with Hilda for a month now, and Legend has been getting lonely. Now he's coming back- right on the day of the chain’s jazz band performance.

Word Count: 6,911 (This is a long one)

Warnings: If you read my first fic, you know I don’t swear but it’s there for the vibe; Legend has anxiety, Legend has a flashback in a flashback involving non graphic stab wounds and a reference to his dead uncle, improper use of a trumpet spit valve, Fable is a menace, Four has to deal with her, author has several agendas and she is pushing ALL of them today, fluff at the end, super über long fic

A/N (Please read this, it's important): I'm back! I procrastinated this one for way too long, but I finally finished it! I somehow also managed to finish day four and five before this one, so those will also be posted with this. Go check them out here and here!

…Anyways, it's time for me to come clean. I'm a band kid. And a proud one, too. I saw this post and went absolutely nuts, so of course I had to write about a jazz band au. Give the post some love (since op is inactive) because most of it was the basis for this au.

Important part: The last song they play in this fic is “Want You Gone” by the 8-Bit Big Band, feat. Benny Benack III, and I suggest you listen to it! The lyrics are hilarious but if you don’t listen to it before the fic itself you’ll get lost very easily. If you see any music words you’re unfamiliar with, either throw me an ask or you can look it up on your browser. Sorry for the long note; I hope you enjoy!

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Good news: We’re on our way back! We’ll be home by the twenty-third.

We have a performance that day.

I won’t see you.

I can drop in. Don’t worry! We’ll make it, I promise.

Alright. Love you.

I love you too, Link.

“Texting your boyfriend?” Fable chirped.

Legend jumped, shielding his phone and glaring at his sister. “None of your business,” he spat.

Fable grinned, toying with the reed in her fingers. “You sure you don’t have that message memorized?”

“Shut up,” he hissed.

Wind blew into his trombone, imitating a wolf-whistle while wiggling his eyebrows. Legend snorted. “Real mature, Sailor.”

Sky paused the plucking of his bass’s strings, his eyes flicking from his tuner to Legend as his brows furrowed. “Isn’t he coming back today?”

“Yep,” Fable trilled gleefully. “And Legend is beside himself with lovesickness!”

“Fable!” Legend growled. Great goddesses, could she be any more insufferable?

Well, apparently she could. “His lonely heart, separated from his lover for what seemed like years,” she sighed, swooning dramatically. “Tonight they'll reunite in a passionate embrace, proclaiming their love to-”

Twilight appeared from behind her and swatted her upside the head. “Leave ‘im alone,” he chided. While Fable scampered away, giggling, he tossed a tiny bottle to Wind, who snatched it out of the air. “Slide grease.”

“Thanks, Rancher.” Wind saluted.

“Anything you two need?” Twilight asked, looking at Sky and Legend. Both shook their heads.

“Hey, Twilight!” Four sauntered up to the small gathering, tenor sax slung over his shoulder by the strap. “We need cork grease over here.” He blinked at Legend and pointed out needlessly, “Your face is red. You okay?”

Legend didn't think his face could heat any further. He was wrong. “I'm fine,” he muttered.

“He's just madly in love,” Wind said mischievously. Both Fable and Sky snickered. He glared at them, Sky in particular. I thought better of you, bird boy.

Four's lips twitched upwards in a smirk. “Ah. This is about Ravio.”

Legend dropped his head into his hands with a groan. Fable, for some bizarre reason that Legend couldn't place, thought this was hilarious, and cackled.

“Reign it in, loverboy.” Four leaned against the wall. “You still need to warm up, and no one likes to hold a cold hand.”

Legend kicked at his knee. “Watch it,” he threatened, “Or I'll make your lifespan as short as you are.”

A chorus of “oohs” sounded around the room. Four chuckled, patting him on the shoulder. “Cheer up. You'll get your kisses soon.”

Fable howled hysterically, slapping her thigh. Legend could feel how red his face was as Four ran through the smuggest scale he had ever heard. It wasn't even that witty, but Wind was still squeaking like a chipmunk, and of course Sky snorted. Twilight at least was trying his hardest to appear indifferent, but Legend knew how hard it was to keep one's composure when Fable leans on you for support while wheezing directly in your ear.

“Ledge!” Wars hollered from backstage. “Get your sorry backside over here; I want to run through this song with you.”

Legend aimed one last petty kick at Four before standing. He hefted his case and stomped off, pointedly ignoring the way Fable pretended to faint into a scandalized Twilight's arms, crying, “Save me, Mister Hero!”

That shook him more than he'd have liked to admit. He bit his tongue to keep from throttling Fable for making fun of Ravio. Well, even if she hadn't mocked him, he still would've done it. And she still would've deserved it.

Wars watched him approach, his expression neutral. Legend thrust open his case aggressively and jammed the various pieces together. His jaw was tense and he avoided Wars’ gaze.

“Careful,” his brother commented. “You'll scratch her.”

Legend exhaled a controlled breath and quelled the ache in his gut that shouldn't exist in the first place. He suffocated it with thoughts of flats and sharps, of staccatos and tenudos, of the cool metal on his lips and fingertips, and of the notes both painted on the page and burned into his very soul. It was a familiar ritual that helped ease a bit of himself into the music, breathing color into the diverse melodies, rhythms, and even his brothers. It never failed, even when Fable did it with him.

Until today.

Somehow, his thoughts still circled back to his blasted boyfriend. His cheery grin had that same brightness as the sheen on his trumpet. His eyes danced with the same mischief that Sky eased from his bass. His arms would envelop him, soothing in a way that reminded him of playing with his brothers and sister. His tears spoke the same words as an instrument in need of care: always frustrated with himself and never anyone else. His hands- they shook before adversity. Just how Legend's own trembled right then, his mind's eye suddenly brimming with images of hundreds of people, Ravio in the midst of them, staring unsympathetically as his fingers stuttered.

Legend cursed, his hands dropping to his sides. He flattened himself against the wall, sinking to the floor. Hylia, he could already tell he was going to mess up badly. He had practiced these songs with the others for weeks, and it was about to mean nothing. To make matters worse, he had a solo. Not any old solo, either, but an improvised solo. Improvising solos was nothing new to him. This stabbing pain was new. It twisted at his heart like a common school bully to a poor victim's shirt. Loneliness (And yes, Farore strike him down, but Fable was right. He was lonely.) had him at its mercy. And now, Ravio was so close. Legend was going to fumble the solo in front of him, and that fear alone blurred his thoughts until he couldn't discern one tangled bundle of nerves from another.

Wars sat down next to him. He laid a hand on Legend's shoulder and asked softly, “Do you want to talk about it?”

Legend shook his head hopelessly. There was nothing he could say that Fable hadn't said already. Besides, with how Wars fixed him with those knowing eyes, he understood better than Legend himself did.

“Breathe with me, alright?” Wars let go of his shoulder, hand gesturing to his chest. Legend didn't have much pride to lose, so he complied. When Wars' chest rose, he breathed in. When it sank, he breathed out. In, two, three, four. Hold… Out, two, three, four. It didn't take much time before Legend grew irritated, thinking that this was taking too long. His time would be better spent practicing! He should be tuning, warming up, looking over his music again, anything! Not some barely effective breathing exercise that his brother only did when Wind was having stage fright, or when Sky struggled through an asthma attack. Or when Wild had a particularly bad flashback. Or when Rulie awoke, screaming, from a nightmare. Did… Did he really look that bad? That distressed?

Wars lifted his trumpet to his lips. “Tune me.”

With that, the sound of the instrument filled the room. Wild’s snare hidden in the corner rattled in complaint. He forced himself to block it out and focus on the note as it wavered in his ears, settling on something just a little off. “Pull it out,” Legend said, nodding to the tuning slide.

Wars adjusted the slide, and the pitch dropped. Well, now it's flat, Legend thought irritably. He pointed upwards. This time, Wars shifted the position of his lips on the mouthpiece, which finally sharpened the tone enough to satisfy the two of them.

“Keep playing.” Legend lifted his own trumpet to his face. He played the same note until they matched, then tested a handful of notes that harmonized with his brother's. There was not a single sign of dissention between the two. What he would give to simplify his emotions like that.

“Ready?” asked the man beside him.

“As I'll ever be,” Legend mumbled.

Wars patted him on the back and helped him up. “Remember, it's just like any other performance,” he assured him. “Just keep playing, and you'll do great “

“Thanks,” Legend grunted.

“Don't worry about it.” Wars smiled. “Let's run through the program. Start on my mark: one, two, ready…”

Wild, Flora, Time and Hyrule returned with dinner. Those who remained behind joined them to eat. The meal was quick, consisting of a tray of sandwiches and a bowl of salad. Legend didn't feel like eating. Everyone, including him, was eager to get back to practice, now as a full band, and they wasted no time in getting to it.

Rehearsal flew by uncomfortably fast. Everything went smoothly, if by smoothly, one meant “absolute disaster”. Oh, everyone else was fine. Legend made too many mistakes. This only gave Fable and Wind more ammo to torment him with, and only after a harsh reprimand from Wars did they stop. He wanted to feel grateful for his intervention, but the seed had already been planted. Now it was performance time, and he couldn't help the sudden panic that attacked him. He hyperventilated. His hands were clammy and they shook uncontrollably. Only Hyrule's calm comfort prevented him from losing control.

“Shhh,” Rulie whispered, rubbing his hands gently. “It'll be okay, Legend, I promise.”

“I can't do it,” he gasped, feeling lightheaded. “I can't go out there.”

“Yes, you can,” Rulie told him forcefully. “You're going out on that stage and you're going to sound amazing.”

“I'm going to mess up,” Legend said, his voice wobbling. “I'm going to ruin the whole performance in front of him-”

“No, you won't,” he interrupted. “And even if you did, his opinion of you won't change. Ravio loves you no matter what.”

Legend didn't respond. Rulie squeezed him in a quick hug and guided him to where the rest of the band waited. “Breathe,” he reminded him.

Time nodded at the two of them. He handed Rulie his bass guitar, who accepted it graciously. “Are you two boys ready?”

“Yup,” Rulie responded confidently.

Wild bared his teeth in a grin, twirling a drumstick in his fingers. “Let's light ‘em up, boys.”

Fable and Wind both whooped, each bodychecking Four. Legend swallowed hard.

With that, they walked onto the stage. Applause immediately assaulted his ears, causing him to wince. He squinted into the spotlights, their dazzling beams glaring daggers into his eyes. He searched the crowd anxiously, his heart thumping when he couldn't find Ravio. He wanted to slap himself for that. His head yelled at him to just focus.

Instinctively, he glanced at Rulie. The freckle-dotted face smiled encouragingly, mouthing, “You got this!”

He had to admit, that lifted his spirits, just a little. He took his place at his designated music stand and stared it down, scowling at each note.

“You better not ruin this,” Legend whispered menacingly.

Wars, who had just joined him at the stand, shot him a funny look. “What?”

“Not you,” Legend muttered.

Time stepped up to the microphone. He started his usual introduction, and the crowd quieted to hear his words. Legend hardly listened. His mind was on his sweaty palms. He wiped them on his pants with a soft curse. Did his own body think wringing itself dry of any liquid was going to help him? Brushing his hair out of his eyes also resulted in damp droplets on his fingertips.

“Ledge,” Wars said in a hushed tone, “stop chewing your lip.”

Legend wanted to punch him. He was only trying to help, though, which of course made him want to punch him more. Still, he restrained himself, both from hitting Wars and from giving into his anxious habits.

Cheering announced the end of Time's speech. The old man dipped his head and swept his arm, gesturing at Wild. Wild smiled broadly, raised his drumsticks, and hollered with his typical unhinged energy the usual countdown: “ONE, TWO! ONE, TWO, READY, GO!”

A snap of wood on snare and a plethora of clicks on the hi-hat cracked through the air. Sky plucked an upbeat rhythm on his bass. Hyrule and Wind joined next, hopping from high to low, up and down, badum, badum. Fable’s entrance infused the band with her bright, energetic spirit. She swung and leaped from note to note while the bass drum thrummed in Legend's chest. Fable climbed a scale and Four came in to support her. She hit the top, held it, and cued the rest of the band. Legend was unwillingly swept away by the current of music that was too fast, too quick.

And, of course, thoughts of Ravio came unbidden into his head.

“Do you remember when we first met?” Ravio murmured. “That day in the alley…”

Legend snorted. How could he forget? “Of course I remember.”

He let himself be twirled beneath his partner's arm before once again taking the lead. The two swayed in time with the music amidst the crowd of people, their movements not quite in sync compared to the others. Frankly, he was surprised how natural Ravio made it seem, considering how stiff Legend was. They'd made progress since their first time dancing, and although Legend kept tripping over himself in self-consciousness, they were doing fairly well.

“All those cultists. You took them out so quickly!” Ravio chuckled. “I wasn't sure if I should've been more scared of you than them.”

“I was sloppy,” Legend muttered. “Too preoccupied with finally looking like the ‘good guy'.”

“Link, I thought I was going to die,” Ravio said seriously. “You were my practical knight in shining armor!”

“A lot of good that did me,” Legend grumbled.

“Hey!” Ravio laughed. “I'm not that bad, am I?”

“I-I didn't mean you,” he said awkwardly.

“Oh.” Ravio deflated, hesitating. “...Yuga?”

Yuga. Yuga with a knife in his back, pinning him to the wall and tugging at his hair so his ear was to his mouth. He whispered threats while Link strained to breathe through the agony.

“You're not making it out of here alive, little hero,” he hissed. “Say hello to your uncle for me.”

Legend kicked and screamed against the memories. They were choking him, like Yuga all those years ago. The result? He only managed to squeeze out a pathetic handful of right notes. He hid behind Wars’ far more confident sound. Wars sensed what was wrong and covered for his sudden inability to read music.

The only note he really hit right was the last one. No style or soul went into it. He was having enough trouble staying within the key signature.

The audience applauded. Time acknowledged them with a hand.

Legend tugged at his suit. Had it always been this hot? He was overheating. And lightheaded. Was that normal?

“Ledge,” Wars hissed, shoving something cold into his hands. Legend blinked, dazed, at the object- a water bottle. “Water. Drink.”

He didn't have much else to do, so he obeyed. The freezing water was like ice down his throat, shocking him back to reality. He shook away the dizziness and drank more. It burned but was real.

“Breathe,” Wars reminded him for what must've been the fiftieth time that night. “Just hold on. Only two songs. You can do this. Just breathe.”

Why was everyone telling him to breathe? “I have to breathe to play my instrument,” he snarked.

Wars raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Just like that.”

Before he could come up with a snappy retort, his eyes caught Fable slipping past. She avoided his eyes. Wild handed her his drumsticks and she sat at the drumset. Wild stood by the marimba, casually twirling the mallets in his fingers while Four set aside his tenor for a bari.

Legend paled. Oh. This one, he had forgotten.

This song relied heavily on trumpet to start the band. Fable had no sax to carry the melody.

“Relax,” Wars said sternly. “I'll be here, playing with you.”

Legend pursed his lips and shoved the water bottle back into his brother's hands.

Time finished stalling. It took Legend a moment to realize that Time was not, in fact, waiting for him. He watched for Wild’s, Fable's and Four's signals that they were ready. There was no screaming countdown to start them off this time.

Legend was alone.

He regretted giving Wars his water back. His mouth was dry again. He couldn't seem to swallow. He tried asking for it but the words died on his tongue.

All he had to do was put his lips to the mouthpiece and blow. Din! It shouldn't be this hard!

Twilight waited for him. He was relying on him to cue his part.

Rulie waited for him. His note was essential to harmonize with his counter melody.

Wars waited for him. He only expected him to endure through what little they had left.

“Fight it,” Wars murmured. “Don't let the fear win. You hear me, Link? Fight back.”

“Link? Link, fight it. Wake up!”

Legend gasped for air, greeted by the sight of Ravio's worried eyes fixed on his. Hands were cupping his face, steady and sure. Legend grasped their wrists by instinct, breathing heavily.

“Link, are you alright?” Ravio repeated anxiously. “Can you hear me?”

Legend's eyes darted across the crowded room with the urgency of a frightened prey animal, but when his eyes locked with Ravio's again, his heartbeat slowed. He nodded.

“Do you need some fresh air?” asked the Lolian.

“I- No, I'll be fine,” he said shakily. “Just a flashback.”

“Are you sure? Because we can leave if-”

“No, it's over,” Legend interrupted. “We're not leaving unless you want to.” He inhaled deeply, ignoring his trembling hands.

Suddenly, Ravio's arms were wrapped around him. Legend's breath hitched, his internal screams needlessly reminding him that they were in public!

Legend laughed nervously. “Is there, uh… a specific reason why we're so sentimental all of a sudden?” he coughed awkwardly.

Ravio didn't respond, at first. He buried his face in Legend's shoulder and hummed, “I'm just glad you're here.”

Oh. Well, that was no reason for his face to get so red, was it? So why was his heart beating so quickly? And why did he feel so unreasonably giddy?

Ravio gave him another squeeze before pulling away and continuing the dance. Legend somehow managed to stumble even more than before, but Ravio's bright laugh lightened his mood every time. He supposed this whole dancing thing wasn't too bad.

He was happy to be with Ravio, too.

“Fight it…”

Legend clenched and unclenched his hands. He placed his fingers on the buttons and lips to the mouthpiece. He took one shuddering breath, pouring all he had into his trumpet- all his terror and loneliness and inadequacy.

What rang out over the stage was a soft, mellow E flat. A single-toned lament. It resonated within his bell before slipping away, eluding his grasp like a hushed whisper of wind.

I miss you, Rav.

It was only when he released the note that he realized that no one else came in. His gaze flitted to Wars. The zeal he found startled him.

“Yes!” Wars’ eyes shimmered with enthusiasm and pride. “Again- C'mon, Legend, you can do it!”

Legend didn't give himself time to think. He hurled himself down the metaphorical leap of faith and howled into the trumpet.

His brothers answered his call.

Twilight hummed back, achingly familiar in its mournful cry. Hyrule took on the same tone, grasping it effortlessly but gently, like one would handle an injured animal. Wind's response was frustrated, like him. It was as much of a duet of music as it was a duet of feeling.

Legend released the note, and breathed. He sunk into the hopeful interlude led by Wild and Four. It felt much more real than himself. The sound wound its way into his ears and eased out a puff of air he hadn't realized he had been holding.

It was startling, realizing that they were all mimicking what he had put into that note. Could it be that he was that obvious that he was pining? Four was the one who had made fun of him earlier. Yet here he was, weaving soft arpeggios of warmth and comfort. What was going on?

Wars poked him, jarring him from his reverie. “The Sailor’s trying to talk to you.”

Legend raised his eyebrows and shot a flat look the trombonist’s way. Really? the look said. In the middle of a performance?

There was a mischievous glint in Wind's eyes. “Solo battle?” he signed.

Legend almost laughed. Keyword: almost. “You mean a call-and-response duet?” he signed back.

“Whatever.” Wind rolled his eyes. “Are you in or not?”

Legend's eyebrows probably joined with his hairline then. “Isn't that in, like, three measures? Are you stupid?”

Wind flipped him off and stuck out his tongue.

Oh, this twerp was going down.

Fable jumped into action. Suddenly, the beat was moving at a relentless pace. The marimba perfectly channeled the devious smirk Wind carried. Legend found himself relishing the music again, tapping his foot along with Four's raw power. He bobbed his head in time with the vibrations he felt in his feet, most of which blasted from Time's guitar. He tossed the theme to Wars, who passed it to Four, who handed it to Wind, who promptly threw it to the floor and ground it into dust, laughing exhiliratedly. Normally, the rest of the band had to reel the dynamic in so the soloist could be heard, but most soloists weren't attention hogs like Wind. He would be heard, whether the audience liked it or not.

The Sailor moved with his solo. He tilted left and right, he stuck his slide into the air, and he bounced with each boom of the bass drum. Frankly, the drama of it all was rather obnoxious. It only charged Legend's eagerness to challenge him. There may be no winner in a solo battle, but he was determined to thoroughly beat Wind's ego into the dirt.

Legend waited for the perfect moment. He lifted his trumpet. He eyed the smug sailor out of the corner of his vision, a hint of warning in his posture. Secretly, though, he was excited to see the looks on the band's faces when he came in.

Now!

A visceral growl emitted from his instrument. Wind's head whipped around to face Legend, looking mildly offended. He barely restrained himself from snickering as the boy put a hand on his hip with an expression that looked hilariously reminiscent of Tetra's own pout.

As for the rest of the band… they were surprised, to say the least. Flabbergasted, as Ravio might've put it. Wind was given a fixed number of measures for his solos, and Legend cutting him off most definitely shook them. Four, the ever-reliable musician he was, was the first to regain his senses and improvise a good “backing track” for the others. Wars was ecstatic, and only Legend's lingering self-consciousness kept him from turning around and blasting in his ear.

“I was just about- You interrupted me!” Wind pretended to look outraged, but frankly, he looked more like an indignant gerbil than anything else.

Legend shrugged. Wind puffed out his cheeks. It only encouraged the rodent illusion, which just added to the growing list of infinitely hilarious things that shouldn't be funny; what was he thinking? Goddesses, what was he doing? He shouldn't be stealing Wind's solo, he was going to make it worse, he was going to ruin it for the kid-

He stumbled.

His blood had never drained so quickly from his face before. He scrambled to find a note that sounded right. Nothing sounded right! Why couldn't he do anything right? Why-

…Wind was covering for him. He covered up his mistakes by one-upping him, because that's how their solo battles went. Constantly improving on the last turn. Disguising his slip-ups by being better than him, all while pretending that was the plan all along.

Wars leaned over. He chuckled in amusement. “Are you going to just take that, Ledge? Gonna let him win?”

Legend snorted. “You wish this was your solo, pretty boy.”

He let the sailor have his little moment. Let him have his sly smirk and the roaring crowd, because while he practically owed the kid his kidney for saving him like that, it didn't mean he got to keep the spotlight. Even if it meant he had to strangle the butterflies in his stomach to keep them quiet, he would play.

Legend drew in a breath and blasted out the next note. Wind scoffed out a single “Dude!” but Legend overpowered that as well. He pouted again, and, to Legend's surprise, tried to play over him. Though, not really- he was harmonizing with him, forcing the dynamic up or down, and mixing his own energy in, one that Legend could not hope to synthesize. Not that he wanted to. It was a brattish energy, anyway.

Four was getting louder. He was adding tension, and sending a message to the two of them: their time was coming to a close.

Wind heard it, loud and clear. He pushed against Legend’s melody. Part of him screamed at him to let him have control, to give him the finale, but his pride refused. He stood like a wall before Wind’s grabs at the spotlight. He had glissandos, grace notes, and pitch bends, but so did any half-decent trombone player. Not only could Legend do the same, he also knew exactly how to prod him where it hurt.

Let’s see how high you can go, sailor.

He blocked out the smithy’s warnings and began baiting Wind into a climb. He fell for it, hook line and sinker. B flat? Easy! C sharp? What a joke! He didn’t suspect a thing.

It was when they started to reach the higher portions of the scale that Legend detected some strain in Wind’s tone. He pushed higher. E. Running out of time, said Four. F, A flat. Wind didn’t follow. With a soaring sense of exhilaration, Legend landed the final high B flat. It was an easy victory, but a victory nonetheless.

At least, it was, until Wind hit an entire note higher.

Legend gawked at the cackling sailor. It was too late to make a comeback, the rest of the band had already moved on. Legend rolled his eyes. Just like him to get the last word. He had to laugh, though. Wind looked so proud of himself.

“Bet you aren’t thinking about your boyfriend now, huh?” he gloated.

Legend blinked. Had- Had that all been some grand scheme to get his confidence back? That rat! “I’ll think about wringing your neck!” he retorted angrily.

Unfortunately, he was right. Legend hardly felt any anxiety. Mental note: strangle him when we finish here.

It didn’t take long before the song was over and Wind was bowing theatrically. Legend was out of breath, dehydrated, and on the border of passing out, but he loved it. He felt alive again. He accepted Wars’ water bottle again. He practically emptied it, for how parched his lips were.

“Chapstick?” Wars offered, holding out a stick of his favorite brand.

Legend wrinkled his nose at it. “I’m not touching anything that has been anywhere near your lips.”

“What, like my water bottle?” Wars challenged lightly, waving the chapstick in his face.

“Fine. Gimme that,” he muttered, snatching the small tube from his brother’s fingers. He applied it as quickly as possible before shoving it back in its owner’s hands. He would never admit how useful it was, especially after so long arguing that it was for girls.

He only wished there was such a simple remedy for the ache that was beginning to form around his cheeks. That solo had really taken a toll on his embourchure.

Legend rubbed his face while Four walked by. The smith paused by him, his reddish-brown irises tinged by… guilt? Legend narrowed his eyes.

“That was a good solo back there,” he murmured. “You think you’ll be all right for this one?”

“I’m fine. Why do you care?” Legend responded tightly.

“Hey, look, I’m… I’m sorry. For teasing you.” Four winced. “I should’ve seen how badly it was affecting you. You’ll do great, okay? I mean, if I were Ravio, I’d be impressed regardless, but I know that’s not the reassurance you’re looking for.”

Legend raised his eyebrows. An apology from the smithy? He knew it was bad, but not that bad.

…No, he shouldn’t make light of it, especially with how seriously Four was taking it. Or how seriously he took it, before the performance. That wasn’t fair.

“It’s not important,” Legend sighed. “I should be the one wishing you good luck. You’re singing.”

“Ha. So I take it we’re even now?” He held out his hand to shake. Legend took it, suppressing a smile.

“Thanks. Now, get lost, Sinatra,” Legend said.

Four chuckled and shook his head. He made his way to the piano just as Time finished up. Fable back on the sax and Wild on the drums, he raised his hand to cue the song.

He dropped it for the last time.

Wild tapped a smooth, bouncy beat on his hi-hat. Fable followed along, surprisingly mild for someone of her disposition. He’d never heard her handle the melody so… gently, before. Usually only Four had that kind of grace with the saxophone. Speaking of Four, the twinkling, playful piano notes complimented that laid-back style very nicely. Legend inserted his cup mute into his bell with a sort of contentment he hadn’t felt since Ravio left.

He had forgotten what it was like to actually enjoy music.

Four’s voice was glad to show him how much he had missed. If Wild and Fable were smooth, the smithy’s voice was like the outside of a fresh apple, ripe and shiny with morning dew. Warm, too, like pie crust.

Legend couldn’t wait to share another apple pie with Ravio.

“Well, here we are again

It’s always such a pleasure…”

Of course, this song wasn’t exactly meant to be cozy and reassuring. Legend was just getting restless.

Wind and Twilight, crescendo with a forte-piano.

An ebb and flow in Fable’s dynamic. Grow, pull back.

Wars counting rests under his breath. Legend felt an itch on the back of his neck. He was impatient, and his constant counting didn’t help.

“Oh, how we laughed and laughed!

Except I wasn't laughing…”

Legend could hear Four's smile. He loved this song.

Soft falls muted by the cups in their trumpets. Mischievous, like a cat leaping nimbly from one bookshelf to the next. Or like the sailor, sneaking sweets from Legend's stash.

“You want your freedom, take it!

That's what I'm counting on!”

Wind crept into the lead, swaying from one note to the next gracefully. He treated the song like a waltz, but exaggerated comedically in its romance. Ravio swooning dramatically came to mind.

“I used to want you dead, but now I only want you gone!”

The whole band swung into action. Wild slammed on the snares, Fable sang into her sax with a dramatic volume worthy of Wind’s pride while the brass accented the offbeats, finishing with a flourishing trill.

The dynamic dropped. Four retained his eagerness, sounding just as smugly joyful as ever. The sax followed his lead.

“She was a lot like you-”

He chuckled. “Well, maybe not quite as heavy!”

That was Wind's favorite part. It took a considerable amount of effort not to snicker at the combined force of the lyric and the smithy's delivery.

Another band-wide crescendo, led by trumpets. Glittering piano notes followed, dancing daintily in Legend's ears.

“One day they woke me up

So I could live forever

It's such a shame the same could never happen to you!”

Four's voice swelled brightly, leading the band from a mezzo-piano to a forte. Fable acted like this was her solo, announcing her counter melody to the whole audience. Wild mimicked the accents Wars and Legend made with a crash on the cymbals. He was having just as much fun as Four was.

“I'll let you get right to it-

Now I only want you gone!”

The rest of the band dropped away, allowing the piano and the drums to lead as Four began his monologue. Legend bit his lip. His solo was just around the corner. He grabbed Wars’ water bottle again and stole a quick sip.

At Four's “Take it away!”, his brothers took the lead.

Legend hardly paid attention to the rise in energy. This was it. He promised Ravio a good show. After that trick Wind played on him back in the last song, he intended to follow through.

Here!

He climbed into his solo. He imitated Four's languid ease with Wind's cocky eagerness to show off in the little slurs and tremolos he slipped into the solo. His heart pounded viciously against his chest. He went from note to note with little flourishes that were subtle but painted with just enough color to give it life. Thank Farore for Sky's bass, keeping him in time while his fingers itched to go faster than he had the ability to. But he kept it smooth and lilting as he repeated the melody of the chorus-

And just like that, it was over. His solo, finished. Audience clapping excitedly at the performance. Fable easing the band into a soft dynamic before dropping away completely. Before he knew it, Sky was playing his own solo while Four sang along:

“Goodbye my only friend…

Oh, ha, did you think I meant you?

This song really fit Four, Legend thought vaguely. Quick-witted, mischievous, and laid-back. Maybe even a little arrogant.

Had he really just done that? Had he really just pulled off that solo like it was just an everyday warm up scale, after all his anxiety just put him through? He snorted softly with incredulous indignance.

It shouldn't have been that easy. But it was.

Wild's cue! Legend snapped dizzily back to attention. Neither he nor Wars were coming in any time soon, but he had to be ready. He listened in on Wars’ counting and quickly found his spot in the rest.

“Well, you have been replaced

I don't need anyone now…”

Again, Fable’s time to shine. Crescendo. Getting bigger, louder louder louder, play, support Fable, louder louder, howl out your part until you're faint from using too much air. Legend's lungs felt ready to burst, his lips burned.

“Go make some new disaster!

That's what I'm countin’ on!”

He could do it. He could reach the end of the song. The light was at the end of the tunnel. The light was in his eyes, he had shifted too far to the left and now a spotlight was beaming directly into them, he kept playing.

“You're someone else's problem; now I only want you gone!”

Keep playing, it's almost done, just two more lines and he could see Ravio-

“Now I only want you gone!”

Ravio, had he seen the solo? Was he even here yet?

“Now I only want you gone!”

Focus, finish off strong.

“Now I only want you gone-!”

Four sustaining the note, steady, swing into the accent, hold hold hold, drop down low-

“I want you gone!”

With that, the band pulled back, Wars finished the song with a flaunting swing and grace note, Wild thumped his bass.

Done. Finished. Over. No more. He finished the song, and he hadn't messed up.

And the crowd went wild.

Time bowed. He gestured to the soloists- him and Sky and Four. They dipped their heads, Four with significantly less humility. Legend licked his lips as he stared at his feet. He felt like he had just run a marathon.

A poke on his shoulder. Legend straightened his back. He followed Wars' outstretched finger, past Time's hand showing him off as a soloist, and- oh.

There he was. Standing in the middle of the audience, clapping his hands eagerly. His adoptive sister was beside him, but Legend's eyes never left the man for a second.

“Ravio,” he whispered.

He moved without thinking. He pushed his trumpet into his brother's hands. Wars gawked as he leaped off the stage and into the rows of chairs. Heart racing so quickly he feared it might escape, he ran up the aisle.

There he was. Right there, grinning from ear to ear, calling out his name with a voice too soft to be heard over the crowd. Goddess d— him. That insufferable smile. It had no right to make him feel this way. So unfairly happy.

The rest was a blur. Ravio wrestled his way to the aisle, Legend only increased his breakneck pace; Ravio beamed, laughing his name, and they collided.

Ravio's arms squeezed him tight, twirling him around like the couples in those cheesy romance movies. Even as his feet planted on the ground, Legend didn't want to let go. He wanted to make sure this stupid rabbit never left his sight again.

Ravio pulled away, holding his face with the gentlest hands, grinning through teary eyes. “I take it you missed me, Mister Hero?” he chuckled.

By the Three, now he was crying. “Of course I missed you, you idiot!” he choked out.

“I missed you too,” Ravio breathed.

He leaned forward and the last bit of Legend's restraint crumbled. His lips crashed against Ravio's before he could draw out the moment any longer, his hand reaching to tangle with his partner's smooth, inky locks. Ravio let out a tiny squeak of surprise before leaning into the kiss.

Legend's lips buzzed; he couldn't tell if the sensation came from his trumpet or Ravio. He couldn't care less. His mind was on Ravio's soft hands, on his tender touch, on the ghost of a smile he could feel through the kiss.

Legend's heart had climbed up his throat by the time it was over. He noted vaguely that the audience was roaring and clapping, and that Fable's voice boomed over the speakers, hollering, “That's my brother!” Meanwhile, he couldn't decide whether to punch Ravio or let the tears flow. He swallowed hard, his eyes locking on Ravio's rupee-green ones.

“You kiss like you've been playing trumpet for an hour,” he teased.

Legend's face flushed red. “Shut up,” he grumbled.

“Aw, I didn't mean it,” he giggled, squishing him in another hug. “I just missed seeing your grumpy face.”

“You're the worst.”

“Don't get too sappy, you two.” Legend whipped around, greeted by Ravio's boss herself. Hilda, with a cocked eyebrow and folded arms, dressed in a blazer and skirt not unlike Fable's slightly more masculine suit. Her violet-painted lips twitched upwards in amusement. “You'll make the audience gag on their lunches.”

“I think I'm gagging on my lunch,” Legend complained.

Ravio gasped in mock offense, but Hilda shrugged. “Your sister does seem to be enjoying this…”

Legend glanced over at the stage and groaned. Of course she was. Of course she was hopping up and down in ecstasy, shaking poor, helpless Four back and forth while screaming with Wind. Of course she had to rope Sky and Wars into it- and was that Rulie cheering with them? Well, now Legend felt extra betrayed.

Warm fingers lacing with his drew his attention back to his partner. Ravio squeezed his hand and smiled. Legend had to wrestle his own into a disapproving scowl before he could see it.

“What do you say we put your trumpet away and go out for dinner?” he proposed. “That way we could get some time alone to relax and catch up some way other than over text?”

Legend folded his arms. “So, you expect me to forgive you, just like that? After being gone so long?”

Ravio laughed nervously. “If you wouldn't mind?”

“I suppose I can give you another chance,” he muttered. “And I'm paying. Yes, Hilda, I know you paid for everything back there.” He waved dismissively, then eyed Ravio out of the corner of his eye. “I'll let him hold on to his rupees just this once. Now excuse me while I go murder my sister.”

He dipped his head politely to the businesswoman before dashing off to the stage. He leaped up, much to Wind's delight and Time's resigned disappointment, and jabbed a finger at Fable. She squealed and hid behind Four, who sighed and stepped aside.

“You!” Legend barked. “Get over here before I break your reeds!”

Fable gaped dramatically. “You wouldn't!”

“I will!”

“Whoa there, Ledge,” Wars said lightly. “Save the death threats for when the instruments are away, hm?”

Legend sniffed, swiping his trumpet from his hands and not-so-subtly emptying his spit valve on his foot. Wars yelped and jumped hilariously. “Legend!” he swore. “That's disgusting!”

“I bet it tastes like your lipstick,” he snarked.

Fable snickered. Legend brandished his trumpet threateningly and said, “What, you want some too?”

His sister screeched and ran off backstage. Legend made to pursue her, but Twilight gave him a look. He wrinkled his nose and dusted off his suit. She wasn't worth the trouble, anyway.

He decided to make his way offstage to delicately take apart his instrument. He had a date to prepare for! Fable could wait.

Besides, he had plenty of time to daydream of revenge on the way out.

Legend grinned devilishly. She won't know what hit her.

He left the building whistling cheerfully.

----

A/N: Thank you for reading, but I do have to add a disclaimer. Please, please, please do not jump off a stage like Legend did. The last time someone did that at my school, they broke their ankle. I repeat, do not jump off a stage.

Take care, all of you! ❤️

#linked universe #linkeduniverse #loz #lu legend #lu ravio #linked universe legend x ravio #lu legend x ravio #ravioli #ravioli ship #raviolishipweek #mine dont steal #practically the whole chain is in this one but I don't want to invade other tags with ravioli #I'll tag hilda and fable #lu hilda #lu fable

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rootbeercarguy · 2 years ago

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turtleofdamascus · 2 years ago

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In praise of the non-canon moments in sab2 and my ratings:

Just want to appreciate these moments the writers added cuz idk I feel like they do understand the characters. It’s like watching fanfic. Hot take: I sometimes like them so much more or just as much as the canon scenes taking place.

kanej chapel scene in s1

iconic. One of the best non-canon things they added to show Inej's first kill. And it be for Kaz. AHH and in a chapel. The symbolism. The emotion. And of course the delivery of Kaz saying "Look at me" while leaning in but not touching. 10000/10

Nina and Kaz fake couple scene

I'm dying I cannot with this scene. This is perfect. I always wanted a fake dating scene in the books. And this was perf. "He's all hands" and Kaz's face looking slightly terrified and horrified. Also ahhh him having to take off his gloves to do the tea ritual. I gasped. It was so surreal. And then Inej watching tear tear. 9000/10

Kaz panicking at tea time

I gasped when I saw this. I think this was insane. Cuz in the books, all we get that is similar is the... prison carriage scene. But this- this seems even more exposed. Kaz panicking and then putting his hand down and then, Nina putting her hand on him and Kaz looking terrified then running through the streets and then Inej carrying him and... then him curled up holding his cane without his gloves and Inej being there to give his gloves and witnessing it. Ahhh like first of all, looks like a nightmare for kaz but dang idk if we get such a scene capturing the vulnerability of kaz ahh. The writers knew exactly how to torture him. It's so crazy bc Freddy can play him with nerves of steel but then in a puddle of fear and I'm in awe. The shaking and the curling up in the corner. I'm in tears. 10000!/10

Wylan monologue on butterflies

This was hilarious and very Wylan. So nerdy. 900/10

- feeding the team butterflies… ummm

I don't know if this brought me out of the show, bc it was so bizarre. But ahhh Inej on top of kaz trying feed him a butterfly while he's having a nightmare was just-- ahhh most strange situation I could think of but also ahhh the angst. I was screaming no don’t touch kazzz. I guess the scene was another excuse to torture Kaz and I ate it up. AHHH the fact the only inej could help him. 900/10

-the Jesper and wylan piano tuning

Also such a random scene but I loved it so much. Lol the fact that wylan pretends they're piano tuners bahaha. And then he congratulates Alby's playing and then proceeds to show off. Such a fun scene. 9000/10

Jesper being in prison carriage scene

Screaming crying and throwing up. when i saw this in the first episode. I gasped and in the first 5 minutes AHH. What. Idk i kinda loved that jesper was there. There's so much trust in their relationship and seeing kaz struggle right in front of jesper was so painful. Ahh him gasping for breath and trying to hide it. Is heartbreaking. And then Jesper being like "boss", and then "kaz" and his eyes being so concerned for his friend and calling for help. I cry. 10000/10

Hallucination scene

Once again performed beautifully. The stares. The "May I" and then gently pressing Inej to him. The hand on the cheek. And Inej giving him the intent stare. The soft kiss. UMM. I don't like that it's a hallucination. But i do find it fascinating to compare the "I want you" of this and the actual "I want you". THEY are BOTH delivered similarly. So in some ways,,,, I see this as a look into a future. Not unrealistic. If we never got a "real" I want you. I would be angrier. so for that it gets points back. WHAT DID WE DO TO DESERVE A KANEJ KISS> 9000/10

Also some thoughts on canon moments brought to life perfectly:

Kanej "I want you" church scene

“You,Inej, you…. To die buried underneath” Kaz never said it but ahh his eyes looking so ... distant and his lips forming the words and then the delivery of the "To die buried..." with his eyes rolling upward. Perfect. Perfectly delivered. AHHH. Freddy understands Kaz.

"I want you" - Idk how freddy can go from being the most monstrous looking person to turning his eyes into these round boyish eyes. So... open and round. And ahh you can see Kaz trying... so hard to show he's giving his all. And then when he takes his gloves away and you can see his shuddering breath. Ahh

"Gloves on" delivered so sadly and brutally. Amita's eyes so... yearning but letting him down. Ahh felt like a breakup. Almost made me wish they cut the line. Because the show!kaz was trying to hard. I kind of wish in some way they didn't say this canon line lol. I want Inej to see he's trying.

And then when Inej leaves... and we are left looking at Kaz. His eyes watering. And looking so heartbroken. Stab me.

This was delivered perfectly. I-chef’s kiss.

The Dregs fight

Ahh the fight was amazing and stunning with the speed ramping. And kaz using his cane to lift a chair and slamming his cane into people faces. Chef's kiss. Freddy giving his all. THIS IS BRUTAL KAZ I NEEDED. YESSS feral kaz. How did i deserve this 100000/10

Pekka Rollins revenge scene

UMM... Freddy/Kaz gave it his all. And I bow before him like Pekka. AHHHH. The glares. The delivery of every line from the books UMM. Praise. "Buried." "Six feet deep" . Also seeing Kaz getting beat up was so painful but ahhh performed so well. The framing of the shot where Pekka bows before him... and it's silent almost. It looks like a painting. I'm stunned. Also the delivery of the line "quitclaim for inej ghafa" AHHH. Ahh idk... the protectiveness. 10000000/10. AMazing showstopping. I can't believe they plucked it from the books.

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wheelsgoroundincircles · 3 months ago

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NASCAR Pantera ‐ First To 300

A reporter sat in a late-night cafe, sipping coffee and attempting to calm his nerves after a high-speed ride with Gary and his Pantera. The deafening roar of the V-8 engine still echoed in his mind, and his hands shook as he held his cup. It was as if he had just escaped from the clutches of the devil himself. Tragically, a few minutes later the devil caught up with Garry Mitsunaga and his red Pantera!

For students of Japanese car culture, the Mitsunaga Pantera that graced the cover of Option Magazine is a significant page of Asian tuning lore, as it was the first street-legal vehicle to achieve a recorded speed of 300 km/h in Japan.

Actual speed was 307.69 km/h on the infamous Yatabe Test Circuit in November 1981, making it the most legendary Pantera in all of Japan. Figuring Yatabe was too dangerous for civilian drivers, and wanting to take the human element of unpredictability out of things, driving duties at this event were performed by professional racer Kunimitsu Takahashi, who is considered the father of drifting.

Yatabe was the preeminent destination for high-speed testing in Japan from the 1960s to the 1990s. However, it was closed two decades ago due to a tragic accident involving Masa Saito, the editor of the tuning magazine Option. After the accident manufacturers started shifting towards more contemporary testing facilities.

Prior to the Porsche-vs-Skyline dreams of the 1990s, the streets of Japan were ruled by the infamous Midnight Club running Pantera's, Firebirds and American V-8s. For those unaware of the Pantera, it is an Italian-American sportscar with a Ford 351 Cleveland engine and were sold in the early 70's through Lincoln Mercury dealerships.

Leading up to November 1981, top speeds were achieved by vehicles such as the S30 Fairlady, tuned by SS Kubo, which reached a maximum speed of 257.60km/h. The fastest imported car, surprisingly, was the Trust Firebird Trans-Am, which recorded a top speed of 264.71km/h. So when the Pantera eclipsing the 300km/h mark it was a huge leap forward and a landmark achievement, becoming the benchmark for all the street racers and tuners to beat.

Mitsunaga was not entirely content. Only a speed above 320 km/h (200 mph) would suffice. It is said that Takahashi advised him against driving the Pantera outside of a racetrack. Mitsunaga disregarded the warning.

Just before the accident, he was transporting a journalist down a 38 kilometer (24 mile) stretch of the Tomei Expressway. With a recorded time of 6 minutes and 20 seconds he averaged 250 KM/H ( ~160 MPH).

Not long after dropping off that rattled journalist, he supposedly totaled his Pantera while avoiding a taxi. They meet their end at approximately 1:40 a.m. on November 28, 1981. Tragically, Mitsunaga died in the accident, instantly.

At the moment of his death, Garry Allan Mitsunaga was already a legend in the Japanese dragstrip and top-speed racing scene. He was an American, born in Hawaii and employed by the Harman Kardon audio group. The company sent him to Tokyo in 1975 to work for one of its Japanese divisions, in sales.

Upon his passing, he was revered as a patron saint of street racing, inspiring countless individuals to pursue ever-greater velocities. Despite his non-Japanese origin, he was a hero to the local community, and his legacy lived on through the Mitsunaga Pantera, a symbol of both the thrill and the peril of this high-octane pursuit. Although the whereabouts of the Pantera are unknown, its engine showed up for sale in 1995.

NASCAR

Mitsunaga's Pantera, was tuned by Masaru Hosoki from ABR, one of Japans most famous tuners. It also featuring a 600hp engine built by Mario Rossi, an American NASCAR mechanic and crew chief for the likes of Bobby Allison and Glenn “Fireball” Roberts. Rossi was also the guy that built the only Dodge Daytona to compete during the 1971 season. It's only race was finishing 7th at the Daytona 500 with a de-stroked Plymouth 340 TA engine to meet the new 305ci engine displacement mandate for the five Ford & Chrysler aero cars during the 1971 NASCAR season.

Rossi has been embroiled in controversy since his involvement in the $300 million drug smuggling scandal that shook NASCAR in 1982. Four days after the 1982 Daytona 500 in Florida, authorities arrested 66 people, including several associated with NASCAR teams, on what has been labeled “Black Thursday.” Among those implicated in the scheme that authorities believe grossed $300 million were owner Billie Harvey and driver Gary Balough from the team on which Rossi was working as a mechanic. Rossi’s role (if any) in the drug operation is unclear – though his own daughter implicates him.

Rossi's whereabouts have been a mystery since his disappearance, with some believing him to be in the witness protection program in the United States. Despite claims of his death in a plane crash off the Bahamas in 1983, the insurance company asserts that the plane in question has been sold multiple times without any recorded accidents.

What’s legend and what’s fact we are unlikely to ever know for certain. What we do know, however, is that Garry Mitsunaga and his Pantera dared to dance with the devil in the witching hour.

#nascar #pantera #car #cars #muscle car

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rorywritesjunk · 1 year ago

Text

there'll be space for you always in my harmony

Buggy finds out you have a hidden talent. Rating: PG. It's a little fluffy. Warning: None for once. Pining, music, it's a soft fic. A good friend plays the mandolin but I couldn't tell you anything about that instrument so I just had to think of what I've seen her do when she plays. A/N: I had fun writing this. It's borderline a song fic without being a song fic. I wanted a chance to include some of my favorite musicians into this because they are both fantastic musicians. There are 3 songs used in this story, and in order they are "Sailor's Advice" by Alexander James Adams, "The Bow's Turned Back" by Alexander James Adams , and "To My Valentine" by S. J. Tucker, of which the title of this story comes from as well. I wrote it from an Anon's request and hope you like it!

You appreciated the moments when the tent was empty of the crew, the audience, and even the Captain. It was overwhelming at times, sometimes getting to be a bit too much for you when there was so much noise and lights flashing that it was almost hard to concentrate. You were more of a behind the scenes member of the crew, not wanting to be out in the spotlight entertaining people. You were happy to help fix props and costumes than wear them or use them for the crowds.

However, being in the empty tent as night fell was your favorite time. You sat on one of the benches, smiling brightly as you unlocked the case that held one of your few treasures. You didn’t bring it out as often as you would like, not wanting others to see you with it in case they tried to pressure you to use it in front of them.

Carefully, you pulled the mandolin from its case, admiring the 8 stringed instrument before slinging the strap over your shoulder and strumming a few chords. It just needed a tiny bit of tuning, which was easy enough. You hummed softly, making sure the chords matched the pitch of your voice as you twisted the tuners carefully. It took a few minutes before it was perfect.

Occasionally you’d look up, looking for the shadows of any approaching performer or crew. This was something you wanted to keep secret as long as possible, but you didn’t want to have to hide the mandolin away for very long. It needed to be out, to breathe, and to be played, even if it was just for you.

You racked your brain for a tune to play. Something fun, easy, with words you didn’t have to think too hard about. When something popped in your head, you grinned and started playing the tune before singing the lyrics softly.

“Many’s the port and many’s the town Many’s a soft place to lay your head down-”

“Hey!”

You froze when you heard your Captain approaching. There was no time to put the instrument away so you sat there, holding it tightly in your hand as your hand froze over the strings. Maybe he wouldn’t realize you were actually playing if you didn’t move.

“Captain?” You replied carefully. “What can I do for you?”

He stood in front of you, arms crossed as he looked from the instrument to your face. He frowned. “Since when can you play?”

Okay, he wasn’t easily fooled. Your shoulders dropped a bit as you started to put it away. “Sorry if I was loud, Captain. I’ll put it away.”

“I didn’t tell you to do that.” He retorted. “I asked how long you’ve been playing for. Why are you holding out on me like that?”

You hesitated as you looked up at him. “I don’t… like playing in front of people. It’s more of a personal hobby than anything, Captain.”

“So?” Buggy plopped himself beside you, looking over the instrument carefully, keeping his hands to himself for now. “Keep playing. I want to hear it, so play for me.”

“B-But-”

“I’m not people, I’m just one person.” He said. “Captain’s orders, keep playing.”

You nodded and started the song up again; Buggy was watching you as you played, but suddenly gestured at you. Aw damn, did he want you to sing too? You hesitated but listened to his silent request. You didn’t want to get reprimanded for denying the Captain’s orders.

“But finding the right one’s a hard thing to do Chart your course as you may, but you might not pull through-”

Occasionally you’d glance over at him as you sang and played. He wasn’t looking at you as he listened, his head nodding along to the music while tapping his foot to the beat. It was nice seeing the Captain so… relaxed. You were used to seeing an intense, passionate side of him during rehearsals and raids, when he wanted everything to go right. Whenever possible you’d try to give him an encouraging smile whenever he looked your way, but you were certain it didn’t register to him as anything other than friendly.

Honestly you kind of hated yourself for falling in love with your Captain. You had tried to kid yourself that it was a crush, nothing more, but it never went away over the last two years of working for him. And if anyone asked why you felt that way, you wouldn’t know what to say. Then again, is it any of their business?

When you finished the song you reached for the case to put the instrument away but Buggy grabbed your arm. He didn’t say anything, squeezing your arm for a moment before pulling his hand away. You just nodded and started up another tune for him, playing the next one that came to mind.

“When the night turns lonely, I think of you only As I’m rocked on waves of the storm Your arms around me, your charms astound me You kiss is keeping me warm-”

He moved closer to you, your shoulders touching now as he listened. You were questioning why you chose this song. A song about going home to the one you love, the one you spent time away from as you sailed the seas. You used to wonder what that would be like, coming home after time away only to return to the warm arms of your beloved. As you got older, and since joining Buggy’s crew, you stopped wondering. You wanted to be in his arms, no one else's.

“Keep a light burnin’ I am returnin’ I’ll be home by the three quarter moon- I’ll be in your arms very soon- With every tall wave that we breach I come that much closer to your loving reach-”

You stumbled just a bit over the words to the last verse and chorus, but Buggy didn’t seem to notice or care. You finished the song and looked at him, waiting to see if he wanted another round or if he was done. He was looking at you curiously before his gaze went to your mandolin. Carefully he reached out and touched the strings, letting his fingertips strum over them. The strings hummed, making a noise but no song.

“Do you know any songs that aren’t about the sea?” He asked quietly. You nodded hastily. “Play one of them for me.”

“O-Okay, Captain.” You really didn’t know what else to do. You were sitting captive with him, indulging in his musical requests, even if they weren’t dirges or loud songs, he still wanted to hear you play. You cleared your throat as you started up the tune. “Um, I still… don’t want to play in front of crowds, Captain.”

“I won’t ask you to do that.” Buggy replied with a shrug as he watched your fingers pick at the chords. “Just play for me.”

Your heart sang and you turned red. You really hoped he didn’t notice that as you started up the lyrics, looking down at your feet as you played.

“from far away I'm coveting your white violet skin and missing the fall of your hair worlds away I'm courting your everything and giving you all that i dare”

He took his Captain’s hat off and removed his bandana; your eyes widened at the sight, missing a few chords as you watched his hair fall down his back and over his shoulders. What was happening? He closed his eyes as he listened, running his fingers through his hair to loosen it up from being bound up under the bandana all day. It was quite a sight to see and damn did you feel lucky to see him actually let his hair down around you.

Without warning he slumped over and rested his head against your shoulder, eyes closing as your fingers picked the chords. You hoped he didn’t hear the hitch in your voice when he let out a sigh, feeling him relax against you. What was happening? You wanted to turn your head to look at him, to see him so relaxed around you, but you didn’t want to disturb him. Maybe he didn’t want you to look, maybe he didn’t even realize what he was doing? Why did you of all people get to be around him right then in a vulnerable state?

“if wishing on stars ever falls out of fashion we'll move to the Pleiades with no backward glance maybe between worlds and blackness I'll get up the nerve to finally ask you to dance”

“You play really well.” Buggy murmured as he got comfortable against you. “I could get used to these private concerts.”

Your cheeks burned and you nodded, stumbling once more over the lyrics as you played for him. Could you play for him, be at his beck and call when he wanted a tune? All you would ask was to never play in front of others, this was for yourself, but now for him. He was the Captain, though, and you had to obey his commands, so if he asked you to play for a crowd you’d have to listen to him.

“just to say i love you in well-hidden ways that's all any song says, each note when it's played this one's too honest, but you're smiling, i pray. i am wide open, only a little afraid.”

You leaned into him and he tilted his head a bit to look at you. Your face was burning and your palms were sweaty. The song was almost finished. Soon this moment would be over. He’d return to being Captain, you’d return to being just another member of the crew. If you mentioned this moment to anyone it would reveal your hidden talent and what the Captain had asked of you.

The last of the lyrics were sung, you slowly stopped playing the chords, and you both sat there in silence for a few minutes. Buggy was the first to move, straightening up in his seat as you started to put the instrument away. Without a word, he leaned over to you, and as you turned to face him, you froze when your lips met your Captain’s. It was nice but not what you expected to happen, and when he pulled back you thought you were seeing the stars in his eyes by how they sparkled right then.

“Nothin’ to be afraid about.” He chuckled softly as he touched your cheek. You were glad you put the mandolin away because otherwise it would have slipped from your hands when he kissed you. “Thank you for the concert.”

“Y-You’re welcome.” You stammered out. “Just… just let me know when you want another one.”

“Tomorrow morning after breakfast would be nice.”

#buggy the clown #buggy the clown x reader #buggy x reader #buggy x you #buggy the clown x you #opla buggy x you #opla buggy x reader #opla buggy the clown x you #opla buggy the clown x reader

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