#poppy keeps dreaming about what has been

[cirilee]

damn pops, you live like this??😔😩

[finelinevogue]

soulmates

summary - your boyfriend visits you at uni and you’re getting ready to go out for the night

pairing - university-boyfriend!harry x uni!reader

word count - ~2.5k

🌙☕️🍯🍁🌙☕️🍯🍁🌙☕️🍯🍁🌙☕️🍯🍁🌙

Harry was visiting you for the first time, after not seeing him for a month.

You hadn’t seem him for so long since he now lives across the country at his own university, down south.

Being childhood sweethearts had made going to university difficult on your relationship, but you were determined to make it work. You loved Harry and Harry loved you too much to just give up. Neither were you going to give up your dream uni courses just to be with each other in the same city.

It was decided it was best to not see each other until a month after settling into uni, otherwise you’d never settle.

You had started planning when you were going to finally see each other again, before Harry surprised you one day by messaging you his train tickets after deciding enough was enough.

And now here you are.

Together.

You’re currently in your bedroom, with Harry’s bags chucked on the floor.

He hadn’t cared about them and neither had you. Both of you just wanted to be with each other - near each other.

You hadn’t moved off the bed since he arrived two hours ago.

You were laid down side by side. Harry’s arm over your waist and up the back of his t-shirt, drawing patterns on the skin of your back. His other arm had his head propped up so he had a little height advantage on you.

An advantage that he used to sneak quick kisses onto your lips when he couldn’t resist any longer.

“I like Poppy, though.” He said.

“So you only like my female flatmates? Hmm, interesting.” You smirked.

“I don’t not like Aaron and Joel.”

“Mhm.”

“I just… like Poppy, Farrah and Maria more.”

“Did you know Joel is gay and Aaron has a girlfriend?” You bit your lip, awaiting his response.

“And suddenly I like them more.” He laughed, ducking his head into the crook of your neck to hide his embarrassment.

He knows you caught him out on being a little jealous of your two male flatmates, but you’d been exactly the same when you’d seen how pretty his female flatmates were too.

But now, you’d both gotten over that jealousy. You knew you were only for each other. There was this feeling that you got with each other that you’d both never felt with anyone else.

“Poppy suggested going out tonight?” You suggested, combing your fingers through his hair as his face was still buried in your neck.

“To where?”

You smiled at the feeling of his breath against your neck. It was a ticklish feeling you’d forgotten how much you adored.

“A bar. Or club, maybe?”

“Do you wanna go? They’re your flatmates.” He moved his head to prop it back up again.

“I want to do whatever you’re comfortable with. Poppy only suggested it, because they want to get to know you.”

“They wanna scout me out, hm?” Harry chuckled.

“They already trust you. You brought me flowers and an extra bag with your clothes just for me to keep.”

You leant up to kiss him and he let you, leaning his head down so you didn’t strain yourself.

His hand snuck out from your t-shirt and went to cup your cheek, holding it so he could kissed you how and where he wanted.

You ended up kissing for longer than just an innocent peck, before pulling back to the conversation.

“Maybe we should just stay in.” You sighed, trying to pull his full pink lips back to yours.

Harry smiled but didn’t allow you to kiss him again. “Think with your normal brain, not your sex brain.”

“Sex brain?” You chuckled, “Why would I be thinking about sex?” You asked rhetorically.

You let out a laugh you didn’t even realise you had in you when Harry tickled your side in retaliation. Harry started chuckling when he heard you laugh and laugh.

“Stop! Harry, stop!”

Harry’s hand immediately went over your mouth to shut you up.

“Oi, I don’t need your flatmates to think I’m murdering you - what with these thin walls.” He rolled his eyes as you recovered.

“Dickhead.” You swatted him.

“Love you.” He kissed you and you let him, because God knows you needed to make up for the time apart.

“I love you too.” You said softly, kissing him proper.

You pushed him off you then, reaching over for your phone to see if there were any messages in the group chat about tonights plans.

You sat up in bed against the headboard and Harry wormed his way over so his head could rest on your chest comfortably. He often said he loved how relaxed feeling your chest move up and down made him.

There were a couple of texts when you opened your phone.

Maria: plans??

Aaron: I’m game to go out if you guys are

Maria: i will🫡

Poppy: obvs i will

Poppy: y/n wbu? you can bring harry of course

Joel: Yeah would be nice to see you him since you’ve locked him away in your room

You laughed out loud at Joel’s message, showing Harry your screen which made him chuckle too.

“I’ll go out if you want to, Y/N/N. I’m happy to stay in if you also want to do that. Up to you.”

“I don’t want to get fomo by not going out with them, but I also just want to be with you.” You pouted.

Harry twisted so he could sit up and look at you. “How about we go out and if we get bored or would rather just be in bed, we can leave?”

“Can we get a chippy on our way back and eat them in bed whilst we watch Modern Family?”

“I’ll buy you the damn chips myself if that’s what’ll make you happy.” He kissed you and you couldn’t help but smile at how amazing your boyfriend was.

“Okay then, we’ll go out with them for a bit then.”

“M’kay.” Harry sunk back onto your chest whilst you responded to the group chat.

You: we will bless you with our presence 😌

Farrah: YAY!!! big win

Poppy: does harry have any fit siblings he can bring next time? can stay in my room 👀

You: he has a sister

Maria: win for me

Joel: Loss for me :(

Aaron: So… besides this group chat turning into Tinder. Plans?

Poppy: i say pres in the kitchen at 8 and we’ll leave for town at 10?

You all were happy with that.

“We’ve got 2 hours before we need to be in the kitchen for pres.” You yawned out.

“Great. So i’ll nap for an hour and a half and you’ll start getting ready now?”

You laughed.

“Yup.”

✨•✨•✨•✨•✨•✨•✨•✨•✨•✨•✨•✨•✨

“H? You ready?”

You walked into your bathroom that was private to your room - yes you paid extra just for the luxury - to find Harry gelling his hair in place.

He looked so good.

He’d gone for black trousers that were a straight fit, some Adidas gazelles and a white t-shirt that had a fun print on the front and back. The t-shirt also, apparently, glowed in the dark so you’d know it was him in a club.

You slipped behind him and slunk your arms around his waist, hugging him tight. You breathed in his scent and he smelt so fucking good. There was no way to describe him, other than yours - familiar.

“Yeah.” He responded. “Let me see you.”

He chuckled when you didn’t let him go easily, but was happy when you eventually did.

You were wearing a mini dark-denim skirt with black knee-high boots, and a black corset with a sheer black cardigan that tied over the top.

Of course you’d done your makeup as well, going all out for the night. You’d decided on eyeliner and glittery eyeshadow with a dark maroon lip shade.

Harry smiled whilst shaking his head ever-so-slightly.

“What?” You smiled, furrowing your eyebrows.

“You.”

“What about me?”

Harry held onto both of your hands, pushing you out so he could better see your outfit before pulling you back in close to his chest.

“I’m so lucky you fell in love with me.” He kissed you once.

“Don’t make me cry. This makeup took too long to ruin.” Your eyes welled up buy you willed no tears to fall.

“You look beautiful.” He kissed you again. “Gorgeous.” And again. “Hot.” Again. “Mine.”

You chuckled against his lips when he kissed you one final time, leaving a subtle tinge to his lips from where your lipstick had stained.

You brought your thumb up to wipe the mark away, but he tilted his head away before you could as apparently he wanted it there.

“Missed you so much.” You wrap your arms around him to hug him. Harry rests his cheek on your head to hug you back.

“Missed you too, baby.”

“I’m glad you’re here though.”

“I’m here for you even when i’m not physically here. You know that.”

“I know. It’s nice having you here here though.”

Harry hums in response, giving you one final squeeze before deciding for the both of you that you’re late to join the kitchen.

You both leave your bathroom, Harry turning off the light.

You head to the full length mirror for one final check over your outfit, before picking up your phone and disposable camera. Harry pockets his own phone, spraying his cologne onto his neck and wrists - making him smell even more irresistible.

He stands in front of your mirror and your squeeze in front of him, holding up your phone to take a few photos.

Once you’re satisfied, you head out of your room - double checking you have your keycard - and heading to the communal kitchen at the end of corridor.

The lights are off in the kitchen, save the multi-coloured disco ball light that you’d purchased as a flat.

The room was lit in neon greens, pinks, yellows and blues. The music was on loud, playing the ‘pre’s’ playlist you’d created as a flat.

“Ayee!” Aaron shouted when you walked in with Harry.

“Damn! Look at you!” Poppy awed at your outfit, demanding you give a twirl.

“You look so good.” You exclaimed as you took in Poppy’s little black dress.

“We were worried she’s trapped you in there, bro.” Aaron and Harry exchanged a bro hug.

“Nearly. I escaped.” Harry returned the joke.

“Want a beer, man?”

“Yeah, sure.” Harry nodded and Aaron went off with Joel to grab Harry a drink. “Y/N/N, you want me to make you a drink?”

Harry had to lean down to your ear to ask you without yelling over the music.

“Yes, please.”

“Vodka cranberry?” He asked and you nodded. He kissed you on the side of the head before heading over to where Aaron and Joel were.

Farrah, Poppy and Maria instantly crowded your space.

“Y/N, I love him!”

“He is perfect, Y/N, the hell?!”

“Talk about boyfriend material.”

“Guys, stop!” You blushed, covering your face. You knew exactly what they meant though, because Harry really was perfect boyfriend material.

“No!”

“Never.”

“Y/N/N… I’m secure in labelling myself as lesbian but your boyfriend is currently making me question my sexuality.” Maria said, making you all laugh.

You watched Harry in the kitchen, politely asking Joel what he can and can’t use and where to find things. Aaron passed him a beer for himself and he stayed talking to Harry whilst he made your drink.

“If you ever break up, I’ll stop believing in love.” Poppy said, making you smile.

It was always a fear at the start of a strong relationship about breaking up, but you and Harry had overcome that fear and were confident that it would never happen to you.

Harry was confident you’d be together until you were in a nursing home.

The number of conversations you’d had about future life, including; children, house decor, living location and wedding ring ideals made you confident that you’d never need anyone but each other.

“His parents must be so attractive.” Maria sighed.

“His mum gets called a MILF quite often!” You joked.

“I bet… She single?” Maria asked, raising her eyebrow. You’d only known her for a tiny while but you’d already gathered she preferred older women.

You just laughed her off, not quite knowing whether she was being serious or not.

Harry came back with your drink just in time. You all sat down on the L shaped sofa in the small living space adjacent to the kitchen. Harry sat next to you on the edge of the sofa, allowing you to be in the group and not over inserting himself.

You watched as he took a sip of his beer as the others situated themselves around the sofa and the surrounding stools.

“You okay?” You asked him.

He smiled and nodded at you in return, making you kiss his cheek to silently let him know that that made you happy and you were really glad he was here.

“How about we play a game? Get the drinks going, yeah?” Poppy suggested, earning a round of yeses.

“Never Have I Ever?” Joel said and everybody was okay with that. It was something basic to start off the night.

As TikTok by Kesha came on you all ironed out the basic rules of you drink if you have done something, before you started.

“Never have I ever been kissed.” Farrah said, watching everyone around the table take a drink.

“We’ll find someone for you tonight, hun.” Poppy tipped her drink to Farrah.

“Or you could just kiss me?” Maria suggested, earning a blush out of Farrah. Maria smirked as she took another sip just because, but really it was to hide her own blush. It would be silly of Maria to ignore the fact that Farrah is beautiful.

“No flat-cest thank you very much.” Joel stopped that before anything could start. “Moving on… Never have I ever questioned my sexuality.”

You took a drink at that. Others did too but Joel looked surprised at you drinking and Maria was quick to question.

“Explain.”

“I went through a rough patch thinking that I was a lesbian, actually. I didn’t really feel anything for anyone I dated,” Harry’s arm snook around your waist as you were talking, rubbing small circles on the sliver of exposed skin at your waist, “Then H came along and I was definitely knew I wasn’t a lesbian. Kind of figured I might be Demi?”

“What does that mean, if you don’t mind me asking.”

“It kind of means that you don’t find any sexual or romantic attraction for anyone other than ‘your person’. Harry just happened to be my person.” You blushed as you answered Aaron’s question, leaning back into Harry for comfort.

“That’s so cool.”

“Yeah, like soulmate shit.”

“Yeah.” Harry nodded, before whispering close to your ear just for you to hear, “Soulmates.”

[its-shells]

“So,” Grian says, “this is awkward.”

Scar says nothing. Scar had said nothing for quite a while, honestly, sitting cross-legged in the void and playing with the hem of his cloak. Or with the flower stems woven through the hem of his cloak, as it were. Lilacs and poppies. Grian had thought it painfully ironic the first time he saw them. Scar hadn’t. Not until now.

“So,” Grian says, again, “I can explain? I think?”

He can hear stifled giggles behind him, Scott and Pearl discussing the last moments of the fight. He feels Martyn’s heated glare between his shoulder blades too, knows that he’ll be getting an earful about taking his final life whenever the fourth winner can get his hands on him, but at least Martyn’s been kind enough to leave him at the mercy of the fifth for now. Or not kind enough, as it were. Whether or not Scar has any mercy for him is an open question.

“Explain what,” Scar says. It’s not a question, which is just as well, since Grian doesn’t really have an answer.

Can he explain?

“Well,” he says, “there’s these death games.”

The death games he technically started, and then technically couldn’t stop. The death games that weren’t meant to be blood sacrifices, but probably count as happening on somebody’s altar. The death games that no one ever wins, but technically–

“Technically, the people who win them get to keep their memories.” He scrunches up his nose. “Or, uh, recover their memories of the previous ones, I suppose. Which is what’s happening to you. And Martyn, and Pearl, and Scott, and I was the first, so–”

“One heck of a headache, right?” Pearl yells behind them. “Was even for me, and you’ve got four whole timelines to deal with!” She flops backwards onto the floor, which is the void, pressing the back of the palm to her forehead theatrically even as she peers up at Scar through parted fingers. Scott rolls his eyes and grabs her hand.

“Give them a moment, Pearl,” Grian hears him whisper. “I know you weren’t there for Third Life, but I’ve explained it to you a dozen times, so–“

“So,” Scar says. “Third Life was real.”

It’s a strange way of putting it for someone who hadn’t remembered it at all until now.

“That’s a strange way of putting it for someone who hadn’t remembered it at all until now,” Grian says, because he’s always loose-tongued after dying. Scar stares at him, unblinking.

“That’s a strange way of thinking for someone who declared the first ever game a double victory,” he says. His head is tilted to the side.

Grian stares back.

“That didn’t count.”

“It didn’t not.”

“You didn’t remember until now.”

“I didn’t not.”

“That makes no sense.”

“Doesn’t it?” Scar shrugs. He plucks a flower from between the dark threads. It’s a poppy. “No less than the rest of it. No less sense than me waking up with sand between my toes, or burns on my arms, or bamboo in my pockets. No less than the dreams. Those didn’t make sense either.”

“It’s not like you ever asked me to explain.”

“Would you have?”

“Not the point.”

“Isn’t it?”

Pearl is still giggling. Martyn is still staring. Scott is quiet.

“Maybe it is,” Grian admits, quietly. It’s not an apology. It never will be.

Nor is it forgiveness, when Scar leans forward to tuck the poppy behind his ear. Nor will it ever be.

Sure feels like it sometimes though.

[azure-cherie]

𝐏𝐀𝐂 : 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐅.𝐒.

Hello love's for this reading i channel a love letter from your future spouse , i really have a lack of fs readings and ik I don't do that enough but here's it because I feel so called to do this todayyy. Take what resonates and leave the rest , you can choose multiple . I hope you guys like this and feedbacks are always always appreciated !!!!!

Pile 1 :

Mon Amour ,

The sweet river of my life, the reason I live , the reason I thrive , I've been seeing you in my dreams since past lives and I can't fathom the beauty in your eyes . Ever since we've been together and the day i met you my life has been absolutely the one I dream of . Thank you for always being the shoulder I can learn on thank you i think i don't say it enough, you deserve the world and I'm trying everyday to bring in the world for you . I love the way you make art and love the way you make me your muse if I had the talent you had i probably would sing for you . I love your sweet kisses like candy and i hate every moment i argue so I'm happy to be sorry first kidding I know you're always right kinda bad on my part right , I wanna give you the world and there's so much to be done yet , so much to achieve , so much to heal but i know with you by my side i will heal. So i steal the thunder from heaven to make a souvenir of my love even when i am dead the way i tell you about my love won't be enough.

- yours completely

Pile 2 :

Dear love ,

In my darkest days you're the light I turn to , my heart is so full even when my brain is in shambles because I have you . I'm so in love that I can barely eat so I soak up your sunshine and I'm all fine and better under your holy light . We are a pair and we will make history and all these people that think we're too young too naive will be left in misery, they don't see you like i do, we both see each other . They say love is a big thing but I'd like laundry and taxes with you . Plain bread with you tastes like heaven , even tho I'm a heathen i pray the heavens for you may the paradise we make last forever, may i always keep jewellery in your altar , may things never be forbidden in our diary and in all of the things that are may I know one thing for sure that I don't wanna spend a moment away from you anymore . I burn for you I'm human for you .

- your lover

Pile 3 :

Hey Miss,

Springtime your time my time I look at you my beautiful flower fuller than poppies , more abundant than a lotus , like a burning rose with desire , you set me on fire , yet you cool me like running water how do you do , how do you put me in this state . I wanna love you don't you think it's getting late for even a while to wait , meet me at the garden gate . I don't know much but I know I came into earth to be with you i could be a tree but I'm a human to love you like humans do . How could you know me so well i almost lose myself when I'm with you and that's what I want when I'm with you to be free like a child . I wanna devote all my evenings to make coffee for you and i wanna spend all my breaths being high because I love you so much my thoughts spin out , you're moon herself you grant wishes so please grant mine goddess divine .

- always yours

Pile 4 :

Hey sweetheart,

I've been on a quest to find you , since I was young I've always felt that I was meant for more than just I saw what other couples around me had I knew I needed to be drowned and insane when i like someone , but the way you lift me up gave me all of it together , you're all the bright colours at once , yet you're a mystery , I love that i figure out something beautiful about you each day I know life with you can never be boring, it's always fun always worth living , thank you for holding me when the world discarded me , I know angels are real because i have seen you . Sorry for the times i mess things up , i never want that . we need to be together to explore this world without this bond this earth is mere ground with fire at the core , I wanna love you more . How do I explain this love where do I put all my love for you you're growing into me with each day I place your name in my heart like a sweet melody , i live to love you , I love to love you.

- only yours forever

Thank you so much for reading, have a great day/night ❤️

[theatreslave]

Teacher Snape headcanons

Makes sure he has enough red ink at the beginning of each term. Has a subscription for refills every few months.

Actually prefers ballpoint pens but he doesn't want to ruin his aesthetic.

He doesn't particularly like the jars of dead things but they add to the vibe he wants to project.

When he doesn't have at least one detention scheduled a week, he feels like he hasn't been productive enough.

He doesn't actually hate students like Neville, he just doesn't want anyone to die.

The only reason there isn't a rule about keeping your hair up while doing potions, like all muggle science classes, is because Snape refuses to put his hair up in front of students.

Actually has several types of robes of varying quality and shade of black and is a little miffed no one has ever noticed.

Has a spell in place in his classroom that any pet hair that may fall off a student is immediately banished to Mcgonagall's classroom.

The Potions class doesn't have to be in the dungeons but Severus decided to continue the tradition so that he is as far away from Trelawney as possible. (Drunk Trelawney is handsy)

No one but the Slytherins knows that Snape hates awkward conversation so much that he actually wrote out pamphlets to hand to people who come to his office with awkward questions or problems so that he never has to talk about it. ex. Menstruation, wet dreams, the sex talk, contraceptives and Stds, proper hygiene, bed wetting.

Snape didn't used to be that strict when he started teaching but had to adopt his bat persona because he was so young when he started that students liked to mess around in his class and people nearly died.

He notices when his first years get homesick and coddles them from a distance by remembering what favorite foods they like and ordering them from the house elves to appear at the slytherin table at dinner.

He also notices when his first years show signs of abuse and 'politely' tells off their families when he can.

Keeps a stash of all potions he brews for the infirmary in his office for all the Slytherins who don't want to go to Poppy for various reasons.

Strictly applies 'don't ask don't tell' concerning relationships and sexuality and has a zero tolerance policy for any type of bullying with the exception of letting Draco mess with Harry because of baggage.

Volunteers to referee quidditch matches to make sure Slytherin gets fair calls.

Used to brew simultaneously with the students during class to help teach them. But once he realized students were actually stupid enough that he had to watch 24/7 in case they blew everyone up, he moved to his current method of 'here is a potion, brew it now or fail'.

[featherandferns]

day 4/24 - obx christmas countdown

‘If it's true love, that he thinks of, so next Christmas, I'm not all alone’ - Ariana Grande, Santa Tell Me | smut-fluff | jj x fem!reader

You and JJ had been messing around together since summer. Summer. That’s six whole months of sneaking out at all hours of the night to the Chateau. Six months of being tangled up in bedsheets with JJ’s sweaty, sexy body. Six months of life-altering orgasms and six months of repressed feelings. But like a trained marine, you had experience with pushing down your emotions. As of now, you’d been a professional at denying yourself love. But you knew that you did love JJ. How could you not? It was as if God had read through your checklist of your dream man - good-looking; good in bed; good at heart; good humour - and sculpted JJ Maybank and plonked him down in your town. And you made a silent, secret pact with yourself that if nothing had changed by January - if you didn’t confess your feelings, and find out if JJ felt the same - then you had to go cold-turkey. No pun intended. 

That secret pact was awfully hard to stand by when you’re stood in some random local kid’s house for a Christmas party and spot JJ walking across the room. He’s so pretty you want to cry. So effortlessly beautiful with his hair perfectly tousled; his jawline sharp like carved ice; smirk shadowed on his skin like a wine stain. The loose jacket overlay hangs handsomely on his shoulders as if tailored to his body. The moment his eyes flit across the room and meet yours, you’re amazed you don’t melt into a puddle and rip your clothes off on the spot. The spiked cider does little to ease your nerves as he casually wanders over. 

“Merry Christmas,” he says. 

“Right back at you,” you smile. The song changes to some poppy rendition of Let it Snow but you refuse to let yourself get in the mood. His words ring like a funeral march. You count down the days until the new year. The days which you had left to grow a pair and just ask. 

“How’s the cider?” he asks, nodding down to your glass. 

“Alright,” you uselessly reply. His fingers brush against yours as JJ takes the glass from you. He takes a slow swig and you shamelessly watch every tiny detail unfold: the bob of his adam’s apple; the dampness that lingers on his lips; the way his tongue darts out to mop it up. God, what you’d give to– 

No! Stop it, stop it! 

The pact - we must remember the pact. 

You take the glass back and smile. He nods. “Pretty good.”

“Mhm.”

“So…Got any Christmas plans?”

“Just spending time with the family,” you say, shrugging. He nods again. You can feel the question stirring. See it in the way his eyes look at you, scanning over you as though your clothes are merely a figment of imagination; a philosophical theory that he’s decided not to buy into. You’ve seen that look many times before and ended up beneath it many more. 

“What about tonight? Any plans?” he wonders slyly, his eyes darting over your figure from head to toe. 

The pact, the pact, the pact, the–

“Not really,” you guilefully shrug. You flash him that smile that always seems to work. The rest is a blur of ditching glasses, intertwined hands, brushing past bodies, trying doors, until you end up in some random bedroom of this weirdly oversized house, with JJ on top of you. 

His lips are hot and heavy as they kiss you. He pushes against you with a groan as if desperate to feel your skin on his. The layers of clothes are rude now, keeping the two of you apart, but you’re too distracted by the feel of his lips on yours, the erotic way his tongue brushes against yours in a way that has you yearning for more, to shed them. 

JJ coaxes you back against the pillows of some poor stranger’s bed. His lips are wet and prurient as they stray from your mouth, onto your neck. Your breath comes out short in sighs, whining, as you paw at his face and his neck and his body. You tug off his overlayer and he shrugs it off, his hands quick to return to your body. One slips below your breast and the other cups at your cheek, gently guiding your face just-so to give him more skin. He knows your body so well it’s as if he’s found the map and memorised it. Knows every short cut and every route. Knows what to do that has your body pulsing, pussy weeping, desperate for more. 

Somewhere through the layers of walls, you hear the music change. The voices of party-goers are muffled and in the erotic haze, your thoughts clouded and mind foggy, you forgot where you were. Santa tell me, if you’re really there… Ariana’s voice rings out through the house and some girls sing along loudly. It feels as if they’re condemning you in tuneful, cheery lyrics. 

“Wait, wait,” you murmur. Your body can’t believe what you’re doing as you softly push JJ off of you. 

His lips are swollen and wet, eyes hooded and pupils dilated, cheeks adorably pinkened, as he looks down at you. His arms flex damningly as he holds himself, hands placed either side next to your head. His breathing heavy just like you. 

“What’s up? You okay?” he murmurs. 

You swallow and shake your head. He frowns and eases off you, sitting back on his haunches. You sit up too. 

“What’s wrong?” he asks, brushing his hair off his face. 

You tug your cardigan around you and glance off to the side of the room. Your eyes survey the chest of drawers and the array of pictures and trinkets atop of it. JJ murmurs your name and it sends you back to the very first night, in clammy June. You’d always been keenly aware of JJ Maybank’s existence. Hell, everybody on Kildare island was. The night his eyes landed on you and his attention switched was the night your whole life veered off course. It’s easy to not miss something you never had. But now you’d had a taste and JJ was like a forbidden fruit. After that night, you wanted more. However, it seemed like JJ did too. The two of you kept seeking one another out at random keggars and house parties. Then it strayed from party scenes and instead ventured into more mundane settings, in which he’d extend an invitation, and the hook-ups were no longer kept to just the nights. Then it turned into phone numbers and mutuals on social media, which led to random conversations and exchanges of funny memes. It became this confusing blur of lines where JJ straddled something between being a friend and a fuck-buddy. And in that confusion came feelings that you tried to cram down like an overflowing box of Christmas lights. 

“Woah,” JJ chuckles. You blink yourself back to the room. “Where’d you go?”

“I don’t know,” you say, chuckling a bit too. “Sorry.”

“You’re good. We don’t gotta do anything,” JJ shrugs. He grabs for his overlayer and your body fills with adrenaline. Your hand shoots out and grabs onto his arm. He looks at you, mildly concerned. 

“Okay,” you say. He quirks a brow. “Okay, okay. I just need to get this over with because it’s been driving me crazy and I know if I don’t just ask, then I’m never going to ask, and I made to a promise to myself that I would ask and–”

“--Woah, woah, woah,” JJ laughs. He places a hand on each of your shoulders. His eyes gaze into yours and he smiles reassuringly. “Breath. Goddamn.”

You do as he says. He stays like that, waiting, and you take another shaky breath in. Your eyes slip shut as you mentally prepare yourself for the sting of rejection. It’s now or never. Rip the bandaid off. The confession comes out so quick it could be mistaken for one word.  

“I have feelings for you.”

It’s hard to hear anything over the hammering of your heartbeat in your ears. The party feels as though it’s miles away. The muffled voices are nothing more than extractor fan hums. The music is nothing but croaking frogs and rustling wind. It’s all whitenoise now. Your breath sticks to your throat and your chest tightens with nerves as you wait. You can’t bring yourself to open your eyes. You’re too terrified to come face to face with JJ’s expression of pure horror. 

They fly open when you feel his lips on yours though. The kiss is frenzied, rushed, desperate to have you close, almost. Your hands fly up and hover in the air, just shy of his face, but his are on your cheeks. As the kiss stretches on, your hands sink down to your legs and your eyes slip shut once more, and you loose yourself to the feeling of JJ kissing you as if you’re the last breath of air on earth. 

“Thank fuck. Cause I wasn’t sure how much longer I could go without saying something,” JJ murmurs the moment his lips part from yours. Your eyes open up and he’s staring up at you. Beneath the usual cocky, confident facade is a shyness. A vulnerability. Maybe it’s in his smile - nervous, waiting, unsure. Yours must mirror it. 

“Really?” you say, feeling a laugh want to bubble out of you. 

“Really. Shit, I thought I was being so obvious, too.”

You laugh and shake your head. Sighing out, happy - no, elated - you gaze up at the ceiling. “Thank fuck.”

You’re more than happy to have JJ silence you with his lips on yours. For the first time in a long time, you won't have to spend Christmas alone.

[thatbennybee]

ChordStriker!AU Q&A

I'm doing a bit of a Q&A about my ChordStriker!AU on insta after sharing this teaser WIP, so I figured I'd present some of the questions here! (Feel free to ask more btw!)

↓↓↓

Rock!Poppy

Q: "Is Poppy's family (Peppy & Viva) still with her since the Bergens didn't attack them?"

A: Peppy is with her, but he is confused/in mental decline like canon King Thrash was. Viva is missing. Poppy was old enough to remember her.

Q: "Will Viva play somewhat of a role in this AU?"

A: Yes, she's had a much bigger impact on Poppy's life, even till this day even though she's been missing for many years now. Poppy has never stopped looking for her.

Q: "Is King Peppy still a liar in your AU?"

A: Nah, he's normal. Sometimes hating him with my entire being is hard, so he gets to be a good dad this time. He's just not all there mentally so Poppy is more like his caretaker now.

Q: "Poppy's relationships don't last long because she gets bored... So how long is Branch going to last?"

A: The Rat Pack (Snack Pack) is wondering the same thing, but Poppy's never used the bf/gf/partner labels before meeting him which is strange... 👀

Q: "Does Poppy still party?"

A: She's a total party animal! Her parties are even more intense than a Pop Troll party since Rock Trolls are pretty extreme. LOL

---

Pop!Barb (Barbie)

Q: "What does Barb look like?"

A: For now, this is her design, it might change once I have time to draw her digitally.

Q: "Does this mean Barb has to go through the events of Trolls 1?"

A: Nope, Barb never befriends Bridget because they have never met. They have found a way to remain undetected in the forest. (Thanks to Branch’s constant nagging about safety)

Q: "How does Barb's gang look? Is there any significant differences in their dynamics?"

A: I haven't had time to finish them all, but here's some of them for now. There's more members of The Lunch Rush, but this is all I have for now!

Val Thundershock → Valentina Wondershock.

Only Queen Barbie calls her Val. She is very optimistic & loves to sing & dance! She's Barbie’s right-hand troll, BFFL & knows everything about her. They have a very... "close" relationship. ;] She's a popstar who's managed by Demo and loves to help make Pop Village a happier place.

Riff

He's a university student studying to be an engineer. He's very soft spoken, doesn't like to make a fuss and is probably the nicest guy around. He's quite close to Barbie and sees her as an older sister. He's actually on friendly terms with Branch. His favorite treat is lollipops. 🍭

Carol

But you can call her Carrie! Everyone does. She's a bit of a diva, loves to look good & dull things bore her. She will ignore anything that doesn't catch her eye, even trolls. Best to be looking your very best!

Sid Fret

Just call him Sid, no need to be so formal. He is every trolls dream guy and he knows it! He's a great roller derby racer and loves the attention trolls give him. Sure, he's a little self-absorbed, but he's a very loyal friend.

Demo

Not much has changed about Demo. He's perfect as he is <3 He's just a little more excitable & cutesy than before. He cares about Valentina a lot & they are very close friends.

Petra

She is the blueprint, she's the moment, she's everything. A model, actress, singer, you name it, she can do it. She's perfect... Who doesn't want to be her?

---

Branch

Q: "How different is Branch in this AU vs canon Branch?"

A: He is the same Branch essentially, just without the development he gains at the end of Trolls 1 & so-on. None of it occurred, so he is still grey, miserable & a recluse. He helped Barb to come up with a plan to keep everyone safe after nagging & warning her for ages, but after that, he returned to his bunker & is still not well-liked by the village.

Q: "Does she know Branch's whole past? If she does, what was her reaction?"

A: Not sure if you meant Barb or Poppy, so I'll answer for both. Barb—no. I don't think she'd ever find out, and she's also not the type to ask. Their personalities clash a bit too much, she stays out of his way like he asks her to.

For Poppy—I think it would come up naturally in conversation after a while when Branch feels more comfortable sharing. Poppy isn't the type to pry, but makes it clear that it's out of understanding, not a lack of caring. She can tell that he is closed off for a reason. She relates to that. I think she'd be beyond pissed once he told her, though.

Q: "Will Branch's brothers be in this?"

A: Yes, but Floyd will be getting the bigger role this time.

Q: "How quickly does Branch fall for Poppy? I'm sure the answer is yes, but is he happy?"

A: I'd say he's quite guarded in the beginning. He is cautious around her for the first few weeks, but he starts to come around once he picks up on Poppy being emotionally guarded herself.

Things move quickly once their walls come down around each other, & a mutual understanding is there. Poppy fell for him first. (At least, that's what Branch lets her believe, as it was love at first sight for him, but he'd never tell her that; she'd get a big head about it.)

[vacayisland]

Id be so happy if u could write some Branch x reader!! I love when he acts apathetic or like he doesn’t care but in the end will always end up helping the people he cares for. And has a weakness for the one he loves. Secretly insecure but loves looking for ways to impress them.

I dont have anything in particular to ask for, just would love to see some more branch x reader content!

@!; Bakin' with Love! Branch / Baker! Reader

"Summary"! In which Branch met Poppy's baker friend at the grand opening of their bakery and has a self realizing moment. "Tags!" Fluff :( I love Branch so much, he deserves so much better.

@!; "Oh come on Branch!" Branch was, reluctantly, following Poppy across Troll Village; Well, in fact, he was being more tugged along than anything, as Poppy was basically trying to sprint while Branch did his best to keep up, despite being unamused at the lack of explanation he has received. It was, usually, never a good thing when Poppy was dragging him off to some unknown direction. Branch has learnt that from experience, "Poppy! Where are we even going?" And that seemed to get Poppy to stop, digging her feet into the ground as she spun around to look at Branch. Which set him off, coiling away a little as he took in the shocked, jaw-dropping, exaggerated look Poppy held. Did he forget a holiday, an anniversary, a birthday? Branch didn't know, nor did he know of anything special happening on this specific day. There wasn't anything in his colander, which spans the next few years. He hasn't heard anything by mouth of other Trolls, which were always excited to word vomit about anything that might be happening the next day. So Branch only shrugged when Poppy asked, waving her arms around to emphasis her question, "Branch! Do you not know what today it?"

Which seemed to make Poppy ever so more shocked, which was slightly amusing. Though Branch also knew in the next 5 seconds Poppy was going to explode and basically word vomit what was happening to him; in an over-the-top way that he had to learn how to listen to. More like how to break down and make sense of, because sometimes Poppy made no sense when she just pukes words. "Branch!! Troll village is finally getting a Bakery and one of my very, very good friends is opening it! It's the same person who usually makes the cupcakes or cakes or baked good for any of the parties we have thrown recently. They're an amazing baker and it's always been their dream to open a bakery! I cannot believe you haven't heard about this, it's all everyone has been talking about." And there Poppy went, right on time, waving her arms and yelling with the most excited tone in her voice. "A bakery?" Though that wasn't the answer Branch had expected, and he couldn't help but cross his arms and cock an eyebrow up at Poppy. "You're dragging me across the village for a bakery?" "Not just ANY bakery Branch! This is the a bakery by the best baker in the village!" Branch snickered a little at Poppy's excitement, the way she bounced on his toes. He rolled his eyes, knowing and expecting, Poppy to grab his wrist again so they could b-line it for the bakery. "And she's opening today and we cannot miss getting her double fudge, triple chocolate, licorice cupcakes! Oh, oh! Oh her glitter ball cupcakes or- OR ANYTHING!" And Branch, again, was right as Poppy grabbed his wrist and began to rush over to the other side of the village; dragging Branch over to a little half-stand and pod-like building on the ground. There was already a crowd formed around the entrance and inside, with other Trolls sitting around and eating baked goods they had gotten. Branch watched the trolls and their desserts, noticing a wide arrange of different pastries. Some on the more simple side and others more complex, such as cupcakes, brownies, cakes, bread, croissants, and even chocolate souffle. Now that made Branch do a double take, not having expected such a high-skilled dessert coming out from a bakery that just opened. "AH! Branch, this is so exciting!" Poppy was basically jumping up and down on her toes, grinning from ear to ear. And she wasn't the only one who shared the excitement. As Viva, who seemed to come out of no where, popped up besides Poppy with the widest grin. Branch had to coil back a bit, scrunching his nose, as Viva squealed along side Poppy, "I KNOW RIGHT!" "Hey, this is different!" Floyd, with Clay in tow, walked over to Branch, Viva, and Poppy; seeming to have been following Viva before she rushed off to her sister. "It's a bakery," Branch couldn't help but shrug as the line moved forward. "So many trolls can bake, or poop out baked goods. I don't really see the fuss about it." "Well, one it's actually the first bakery we have in the village-" Floyd would start, hoping he could get his brother to understand the excitement a little better. Yet Floyd was cut off by Clay, though he didn't mind much, "And I've heard that their baking is like, THE best in all of Pop Troll village! Viva came back with a dozen of their cookies one time, I had to physically restrain myself from eating them all!" "Oh, great." Clay tilted his head at Branch's sarcasm. "You know anything anyone eats here is sweets, right? I mean it can't be that healthy." The group would reach the front of the line as Branch crossed his arms and shook his head, wondering why the village would need another output to feed such an addiction. Yet, he was only met with a hand on his shoulder from Floyd as Clay rushed forward to order alongside Poppy and Viva.

"Just be happy for everyone else, yeah?" And Branch softened a little, seeing Floyd's small smile and sincere eyes. His hard stance broke as Branch relaxed his shoulders for a moment before he shrugged softly and nodded in agreement. "Alright, yeah, okay." Branch mumbled, receiving a pat on the shoulder from Floyd and a slightly bigger smile before he turned to go order. Branch decided to hang back for a bit before he followed, standing next to Floyd as he watched Poppy and Viva basically drool over the confections behind the display case. They chattered and debated which sweets they should get, and whether or not they should just buy one of everything; which Clay was trying to disagree to, claiming it was a waste of money, yet it was obvious he also couldn't choose what to get. Floyd was the first to notice when Branch walked around behind everyone to stand behind Poppy and Viva to look into the display stand. He noticed there was some steam that rose from products, which he guessed where more fresh than others; though he could also deduct that they were all baked between yesterday and today seeing as the scent of everything was so fresh. "I think, for the most bang for your buck, you should get some of the cookies that are slowly crumbling or the ones under steam." Branch pointed out from behind the sister, which caused them to pause and glance over at him. Both confused yet intrigued at his answer. Poppy placed her hands on her hips, giving Branch a challenging look, "Branch! I didn't know you knew sweets!" Branch only shrugged, "Well, the ones still steaming are likely the freshest, and the ones slowly crumbling have a desirable texture of a soft cookie. They're stiff enough on the outside to hold their shape but soft on the inside where they're slowly breaking, a nice balance." "And here I thought you were a crunchy cookie type of man." Viva added, pointing up and down at Branch. Yet they couldn't speak for long, as the back door of the bakery, which separated the kitchen from the front floor, swung open and a Troll carrying a cooling rack of sweets rushed in. They apologized for the wait, not taking a moment to look up, before they opened the display case and slid in the hot batch of cookies. When they finally looked up to greet everyone with a, "Hello! Welcome to Pop's Cookies, my name is (Y/N), how may I help you?" They stopped mid-sentence upon seeing Poppy and Viva, in which the three would share an excited squeal. "Oh my god Poppy! Viva! Hello you two." You exclaimed from behind the counter, moving around the display case and towards the register. Poppy and Viva would follow, "What are you doing here?! I thought I told you two that you didn't have to come!" "Did you really think we wouldn't come to support you?" Poppy quipped as Branch noticed the gleam in your eye. For some reason it made him pause and stare, so much so he didn't realize his brothers coming to stand near him. Floyd softly spoke to Clay about getting a strawberry shortcake brownie slice as Clay tried pitching that he was going to get an almond-cherry explosion cookie. Though they both knew that Clay would much prefer a cherry-lime cheesecake, yet was trying to keep up his 'professional' attituded. "Oh! (Y/N), have you meet Branch?" Poppy's voice pulled Branch out from his thoughts, causing him to blink and shake his head a little. That's when he noticed all eyes being on him. Well this was awkward... and he had to save it. "Hey!" Branch waved his hand once, giving you the only type of smile he could muster on such a short notice. In which, he could tell was a little odd and off, seeing as Poppy and Viva started at him a overly questioning look. While you, you stared at him with a quizzical look; Tilting your head to the side, as you stared at him like you were trying to read the very structure of his being. It was off putting how he felt like you could see right through him and at the same time see him. Branch glanced at Poppy for some sort of help, but she gave him a nervous smile and waved him off.

Branch tried to gulp back his nerves, wondering if he was being tested on his reaction or if you were simply judging him for not being as excited as everyone else about your bakery. It's not like he didn't support it or anything, he just wasn't the overly outward excited type and he hoped someone would explain that. And Branch saw Floyd glance over, seeming ready to say something or hopefully stand up for him. Yet he didn't seem to have to after a big grin grew on your face, "Say, Branch, you look like a soft double chocolate chip cookie with a fudge center type of guy to me! Would you like one? "Oh- uh- sure!" Branch answered with a small smile, somehow feeling rather relaxed despite his earlier anxieties. Though he did notice the shocked look from the others, you didn't seem shocked or disturbed he had agreed. In fact you seemed proud, for whatever reason, as you quickly grabbed a bag, fluffed it open, grabbed a wax paper and opened the case. You mulled over which cookie to select for a moment before taking the one you deemed as 'perfect' and began to bag it. "Braanch!" This is when Poppy spoke up, "You like double chocolate with a fudge center? How come you never told me!" And to that, Branch only shrugged his shoulders once more, "You never asked, Poppy." Branch explained as he walked over to the counter and accepted the bagged cookie. Later, when everyone had ordered and they decided to take a seat inside, Branch took out his cookie and couldn't help but look at it for a moment. Everyone around him was laughing and talking, eating their sweets at the same time, and he couldn't help but feel oddly seen. And by a complete Troll never the less. Usually people assumed he would like hard cookies, or the boring almond and nuts. Usually people assumed a lot about him because he was so different, and despite your slightly unsettling stare you had correctly guessed one of his favorite cookies. One he didn't even realize you had baked every time Poppy brought a dozen over to his bunker. So then that brought up another question in Branch. Did you just correctly guess his favorite cookie or did you remember it from the countless times Poppy (most likely) told you. Either way, why and how? That's probably what confused Branch the most. It's what made him turn around in his seat and look at you, watching as you served another costumer. A chipper smile on your face and an excited gleam in your eye. You weren't doing that guessing game or glare to anyone else. . . was he somehow special? Nah, probably not. But it did make him think as he took a bite into the cookie you had given him. Maybe he should come back tomorrow and talk to you about it. Yeah talk to you about the incident and for nothing else. Just clear up the air and all. Yeah... and maybe get another cookie.

.ᐟ this work is published and owned by @vacayisland. please do not plagiarize, copy, or steal this work; like, reblogs, and saves are appreciated :D

[aerkame]

Just a silly thought...and more

Just a silly little thought I had on Wally headcanons while I was trying to take a nap. EDIT: This turned into a short fanfiction, I will now have to make this a full one, there's too much potential.

So like Wally comes off as super out of it when it comes to our world almost. Like he's never been outside of the show, he's so used to being in Welcome Home with all his friends. Wally also seems like he's the only one truly sentient of himself within the show and the outside world.

He also seems pretty smug, or some other version of him does, No doubt Wally's ego has to be through the roof with being the center of attention all the time. Not only that, but he gets to spend all day with each and every one of his friends!

I'd imagine that if one day some poor unfortunate reader just accidentally brings home all of the puppets thinking they're ordinary puppets and wakes up early in the morning to these very odd and colorful strangers in their house. Like the puppets just came to life looking like their cartoon versions of themselves and also became life-sized, even some of the shorter characters just tower over you easily, and Barnaby can hardly fit through any of the doors!

Wally is sitting at the edge of your bed staring at you with Barnaby sleeping against his legs, Frank is looking at your shelves reading through books, sketchbooks, etc, Sally being more interested in the sketchbooks, Julie found some workout equipment and is playing with a jump rope, both Poppy and Howdy are rummaging through the kitchen, already antsy about needing to make stuff, Eddie is pretty interested in your printer, and you're sitting up in bed getting ready to scream bloody murder.

You don't scream though, but you're ready to. You can't tell if you're dreaming or not. Dreams are usually a pretty trippy falling feeling right? This feels real though. Where's that weird falling feeling you get when dreaming? Why are you able to think so clearly? Your brows furrow in deep thought.

Wally just sits there smugly smiling at you, leaning forward to give you a hello, he's so tall you feel like a small child compared to him. "Hello, I'm sorry that we had to meet like this, I hope you don't mind." His voice sounds soothing, monotone, and deep, and he isn't blinking. Instinctively, you slap your hand on his face and keep it there, feeling his expression scrunch up in confusion.

Nope, not a dream.

He gently takes your hand in his and removes you from his face, a small red area showing up where you slapped him.

It took about an hour of talking you down from being freaked out for Wally and the others to introduce themselves. They had sooo many questions of course. Like "What is this thing that makes colored paper come out?", "Why do you have these heavy thingies?" Sally holds up a 50lbs dumbbell with one hand like it's nothing, or "Why aren't you more colorful like us? Ooo can we cover you in paint?"

Needless to say you also had a lot of questions too, none of them were really answered though as all of the colorful characters were busy inspecting your house or were preoccupied with asking you about all sorts of items, they were like little kids. Wally was the only one that seemed to be the more mature one here though, it felt off, like he already knew you or like he was used to this.

At dinner, you went ahead and made food for everyone while also showing Poppy how you cook in this world. You noticed Wally didn't touch anything but the food simply disappeared right before your eyes, leaving you slack-jawed and speechless. "Oh don't worry, that's just how he eats!" Sally waved off your concern. This was starting to freak you out a bit.

After dinner you did your best to find places in the house for everyone to sleep until Wally suggested they all just sleep in your room like one big sleepover...something told you that he just wanted an excuse to be closer to you or to be able to keep a close watch though. Que you being squished in between these giant softies like a kid hiding in a giant pillow fort. Barnaby did make for a comfortable pillow though, and Poppy's feathers were so soft...and..and..you dozed off, not taking notice of Wally's staring eyes.

Sure, Wally has his friends to keep him company, and Welcome Home is such a cheery and colorful world! But it's missing just one thing. You.

[citruslullabies]

I had the cutest idea‼️After reader manages to escape Playtime Co, she sells her old appartment and buys a cottage with her savings. Not only because it has been her dream since she was little, but because it's a great way to disconnect from everything that went down at the factory. She has chicken and all and teaches DD how to handle them, spends nights reading to him in front of the fire while she pets him, and doesn't have to worry about intruders because when they tried to break in, he scared them away (quite literally) <3

Awh! Cute!

Trigger warnings: none

Romantic/platonic: unspecified

Requested by: anonymous

Category: fluff

Ship (romantic or platonic): Dogday x reader

Word count: 347

New Beginnings

After the factory, you had a few new roommates you had to worry about. Ones that endured trauma just as you had and didn't come out unscathed.

So you did what any person would do, sold your apartment and invested in a cabin in the woods with a chicken coop and fence to guard it, as well as a shed. It was small but comfy, just enough space for you all to thrive as well as wandering around the woods. You got chickens and well.. tried to teach them how to care for them.

Kissy Missy was too floppy, Poppy was too small, but Dogday was just right. He actually tended them for you every day. He came back inside as the sun was setting, having just put the chickens away and sat down at the dinner table. He smiled up at you when seeing the dinner you presented In front of him. “It looks delicious, Angel.” He murmured. It was chicken noodle soup. Who didn't like chicken noodle soup? You smiled at him and gave his ear a little scratch as you sat down to enjoy your own bowl.

“Thank you, sunshine.” You replied softly, eating your dinner peacefully. Kissy Missy just drank hers and Poppy had a little teaspoon for hers, but it all worked out. As the night crept in through the leaves and windows, you and Poppy cleaned up the kitchen together before getting ready for bed.

Well, at least Poppy went to bed. You sat down on the couch, legs wrapped around Dogday's head as he leaned back against you as you scratched his head softly and you read stories to help him sleep. Ever since the factory, he needed your words and presence to sleep soundly. “The end...” You finally whispered, closing the book and seeing Dogday fast asleep against you and the couch. You used what strength you had to carefully lift him up into the couch and put a blanket over him, sitting beside him to keep him company.

He was your guard dog, and you were his angel.

Thank you for requesting!

[theomnilegent]

2025 Upcoming Sapphic Fiction I’m Excited For! 🏳️‍🌈

Here are the top nine sapphic books I’m looking forward to for 2025! This year I’m excited to see how much more diversity there is amongst sapphic fiction - racial diversity, physical diversity, gender and sexuality diversity! Every year we get more and more books featuring a wider range of characters, and it makes me delighted every time.

This upcoming year seems to be the return of pink in sapphic book covers! So many new books this year incorporate pastel colours into the cover art, and despite last year's butch renaissance there seems to be a return to femme characters. I'm not complaining - but it would be nice to see further butch and gender nonconforming characters.

Below you’ll find Goodreads links and summaries to each book. As always, this list is only a starting point - if you want to find more sapphic fiction, there’s plenty to find on Goodreads and StoryGraph!

Roll For Love by M. K. England Dungeons & Dragons loving Harper Reid's summer is off to a rough start. First, she and her mom moved across the country to Clintville, Virginia (population: tiny) to live on her Poppy's farm, which means saying goodbye to her friends and finding a new D&D group to play with. The only thing keeping her going is getting to polish her carpentry skills in the farm's woodshop so she can get an apprenticeship after graduation. That is if she can tell her mom that she doesn't want to go to college, which is kind of hard when mom keeps asking about applications and if she has picked out the perfect school yet. What Harper really needs is to channel the confidence and bravery of her awesome D&D character, and then maybe she could find a new D&D group and tell her mom that her passion is woodworking, not a four-year university. And, hey, maybe she could find a cool girlfriend, too. The one encounter Harper wasn't expecting was running into Ollie Shifflet: neighbor, childhood best friend, and, oh yeah, first crush. Unlike Harper, Ollie seems to have everything figured out. She plans on spending the summer digging around in her garden and hanging out with her best friends and trying D&D with them for the first time. Then after graduation it is community college, then opening a small nature-based daycare center and living her best bisexual life . . . well, as long as that last bit stays private. But when beautiful, bold, Harper Reid comes waltzing back into her life and joins her D&D group, suddenly Ollie's plan seems to have a Harper-shaped hole in it. So when feelings start to develop in their Dungeons & Dragons game between Harper's brash Barbarian character and Ollie's proud Paladin, Harper and Ollie begin wondering if they are falling for each in real life or if it is all just apart of the game. As the school year draws to a close and the final boss looms on the horizon, Harper and Ollie must decide if the relationship that they have been roleplaying in the game could be as real for them.

Love Points to You by Alice Lin Sixteen-year-old Lynda Fan has the skills and the drive to get into the Rhode Island School of Design—but not the money. Her parents are too busy paying for her stepsister’s violin lessons to help Lynda get into art school. So when her rich and arrogant classmate, Angela Wu, offers to hire Lynda as a character designer for an otome game—a love story-based video game—she jumps at the opportunity. Lynda isn’t exactly a romantic, but in pursuit of her dreams, she discovers things she never knew about herself while also finding love with every heart she draws.

Ready to Score by Jodie Slaughter Jade Dunn has spent years trying to climb her way to the top of the southern high school football food chain. Now, the only thing standing between her and that future head coach spot is years of small-town good ‘ol boy politics. When she scores an invite to a highly coveted monthly poker game perfect for networking, she jumps at the chance for a seat at the table. Only to find the one person with the ability to shake her there. An infuriatingly sexy art teacher who plays her cards like she’s gunning for Jade’s deserved spot. Francesca Lim never thought she’d be happy in a small town, not after living and breathing hardcore Texas football her whole life. But two years ago, the promise of forever love had her leaving behind a burgeoning coaching career for a new life - only for it to burst into flames. Now, she has a chance to gain back a piece of her life she thought she’d left in Houston. The only one standing in the way? The prickly assistant coach that Francesca can’t keep her mind or hands off of. Not wanting to risk losing out on a dream job, Jade and Francesca can’t afford to give in to the iron hot attraction that simmers beneath their biting interactions, so they try desperately to ignore it. Too bad their hearts don’t seem to be as on board with the game plan.

Dream On, Ramona Riley by Ashley Herring Blake Once upon a time, Ramona Riley was a student at a prestigious art school, with dreams of landing in Hollywood as a costume designer to the stars. But after her father’s car accident, she had to quit and return to her small New Hampshire town, Clover Lake, to help take care of her younger sister. Twelve years later, Ramona is still working at the town’s café, all but given up on her dream. But when a big-budget romantic comedy comes to Clover Lake to film, she wonders if this could be her chance. There’s only one problem—Dylan Monroe, her first kiss and Hollywood’s favorite wild child—is the star. Dylan Monroe has always lived an unconventional life, having famous rock icons for parents. But she wants to prove that she’s not some chaotic, talentless nepo baby, that she has actual skills, that she’s just a normal person. To do that, Dylan takes on a project at a charming lake town—she even works at the town’s café (very quaint), shadowing a local waitress there (very cute), and asks her to take Dylan around to do Normal People Things. But Dylan soon realizes it’s not just some small-town waitress she’s getting to know—Ramona Riley is someone she’s met before, someone who remembers her even more vividly. Before long, however, reality hits them, and both women must decide if the spark between them can fan the flames of their individual dreams, or if it will extinguish their light.

Amelia, If Only by Becky Albertalli Amelia Applebaum isn’t in love with Walter Holland. He just happens to be her favorite moderately famous, chaotically bisexual YouTuber. Who she just happened to invite to prom. (But it’s fine. No, for real. If you delete the post, it didn’t happen.) Okay, maybe her friends are right: She’s slightly parasocially infatuated. But Amelia just knows sparks would fly—if only she could connect with Walter for real. If only he would host a meet and greet. If only it were just a short road trip away. And if only Amelia could talk her best friends into making it the perfect last hurrah before graduation—even her newly single, always-cynical, guitar-toting best friend Natalie. One thing’s for sure: All roads lead to butterflies. But what if Amelia’s butterflies aren’t for Walter at all?

All Nighter by Cecelia Vinesse Autumn Povitsky is a high-achieving, booked and busy, straight-A nightmare. She’s currently having a crisis of self—she needs a fake ID ASAP—but because she’s a total square, she has no idea where to get one. Enter buzzcut hottie Tara Esposito. She’s a rule breaker and party crasher of the highest degree, and if anyone knows where to get a fake, it’s her. But Tara has hung up her James Dean leather jacket for the night. If she doesn’t finish this godforsaken essay that’s already weeks late, she can kiss her upcoming graduation goodbye. One brainy girl who needs a fake ID before sundown. One serial rebel who needs to turn in an essay before sunrise. It’s obvious what needs to happen here. But with a years-long feud keeping the girls from working together, this may be a night to forget…or one they’ll remember forever.

Kiss Me, Maybe by Gabriella Gamez Librarian Angela Gutierrez has never been kissed. But after posting a video about her late bloomer status and ace identity, she's finally ready to get some firsts out of the way. Using her new influencer status to come up with a scavenger hunt idea in which the winner earns her first kiss, Angela realizes she may need some help to pull off the event. Enter Krystal Ramirez, hot bartender and Angela’s unrequited crush of five years. Despite vowing that romantic love isn’t for her, Krystal seems awfully determined to help Angela pull off the scavenger hunt and find true love. There’s just one the connection between Angela and Krystal is getting stronger and stronger the more they hang out, until Angela isn’t sure she wants to go through with the scavenger hunt after all. But Krystal is convinced that she isn’t capable of love and before long, Angela realizes she's falling head over heels for a woman who may never love her back.

French Pressed Love by M. C. Hutson Jordan Alexander is in a rut. Her life is not what she envisioned for herself, and she’s barely able to scrape by on the salary she makes as a coffee shop manager. Suddenly facing the daunting prospect of either finding a new roommate or a more affordable place to live, Jordan's stress levels reach a boiling point. Noémie St. Pierre is a customer from hell. Every weekday morning, Noémie struts into the coffee shop like she owns the place and often makes a fuss. Jordan can’t stand the woman. But Noémie's life isn't as perfect as it seems, and when her father—founder of the globally expanding Poutine Heaven franchise—cuts off her financial support, Noémie's world is turned upside down. Desperate, Noémie gets a job at the coffee shop, and upon learning of Jordan’s housing woes, proposes they move in together. Reluctantly, Jordan agrees. As they navigate their new living arrangement, Jordan uncovers surprising depth to Noémie that challenges her previous assumptions, and she develops feelings she never expected. But Noémie dates men, and Jordan doesn’t do relationships. So, all Jordan can hope is that her feelings won’t brew complications.

Marisol Acts the Part by Elle Gonzalez Rose After wrapping the hit drama that made her a star, actress Marisol Polly-Rodriguez is worried she might be entering her flop era. A concern that’s amplified when she’s suddenly dumped by her co-star turned boyfriend, Miles, for being “unserious”. With Marisol’s post-breakup meltdown splashed across the tabloids, she sets out to show that she’s just as talented as Miles by landing a role on the same buzzworthy show as him. From the eccentric director who pushes her to her limits, to the snobby castmate who can’t stand her, Marisol realizes that her dream of nabbing a Supporting Actress nomination during awards season may never be a reality. The drama only continues as Marisol develops feelings for her ex's on-screen love interest, Jamila. The wounds of her breakup barely healed, Marisol is hesitant to fall in love again. But as Jamila gets Marisol to unlock her full potential as an actress, and Marisol returns the favor by helping Jamila find her confidence and style as she navigates newfound fame, the sparks between them quickly become too intense to ignore.

[prizmpaws]

thinking about... wild life scar...

he wins secret life. he's the first to win a series and live to tell the tale. he asks aloud, how did the guy with no friends win? and then he finds himself alone. he wanders the server, tending to his old base, keeping fresh flowers on everyone's graves, trying to act like everything is still fine. he walks through his life on autopilot, and though he tries to ignore it, he knows something is wrong. something has changed. it nags at him.

he knows he's alone on the server, but he often finds that he has visitors. shadows dance at the edge of his vision. he's started to sense their presence before he actually sees them. he's given up trying to look directly at them - he knows now that they'll disappear. it's strange, but their presence is comforting. he talks candidly as he works, narrating what he's doing and speaking to them as if they'll respond, as if they could respond. but there's something nice about it. familiar, almost. they seem to enjoy watching and listening just as much as he enjoys entertaining them.

at night, he has dreams. strange, vivid dreams. they feel real, almost more like memories. the heat of the desert beating down on his face. sand between his fingers and stuck in all his clothes. learning to preen grian's wings. lilacs and poppies. the cactus ring. a fight that he lost.

living alone up on a mountain, pawning and trading lives like currency. living with grian again - tied to him, in life and death. cautiously watching an ever-ticking clock etched into his skin, surrounded by a put-together family.

even when he dreams of suffering and fighting and death, he can't help the sense of longing and homesickness that lingers in his chest in the morning.

then, one day, he awakes somewhere new. he's on a small island, standing in a circle, surrounded by his friends. spawn. the start of another season. the cycle begins anew. he knows now, more than ever, that he's done this before. he catches grian's eye for a moment, who gives him a strange look, before they all get lost in the scramble to gather resources.

he decides to build his base atop a tall mountain. he feels drawn to it. he likes being able to watch over everyone from his high vantage point. the memories feel realer than ever now - they cling to him, haunt him, echo at the back of his mind as he walks around - and he decides to build a new reputation board. as he explores the mountain, setting up torches, he quips about everything the light touches being his.

deja vu hangs heavy on him. the way he says it, it feels like a joke - an inside joke with himself, perhaps. he wishes he had someone else around who knew what he was going through, who could appreciate the reference. then, for a moment, he gets the sense that maybe he isn't alone. maybe all of his talking to himself is just to himself, but for an audience. maybe the shadow people followed him here. maybe they've been following him all along.

as this thought occurs to him, he sees them. for the first time, he's able to look right at them. he sees them, past the sky, as if through a haze, through the ripples of heat in the air, he sees hundreds - no, thousands of eyes, glowing a gentle purple, watching him. it all makes his head swim. he doesn't even notice when his foot meets only air and he falls to his doom.

coming back from his first death post... whatever this is... isn't fun. the memories of all his previous deaths hang heavy on his mind, and he swears he can feel the ache of each and every one deep in his tired muscles.

he feels the whispers from somewhere beyond as he chooses his team. doomed, it seems. the canary in the coal mine and the one who broke his curse, swallowed by the void. and, of course, scar himself. no fancy curse, but, according to the shadows, notoriously bad at these death games. he doesn't care, though. he's got faith in them. and, honestly, he wouldn't mind a slightly shorter season as he adjusts to... all of this. (he gets the sense he isn't meant to win again, anyway.)

he decides to start building a roller coaster. he's not sure why. somewhere deep in his mind, even further than all of these other strange memories, there's something about the idea of a theme park that tugs at him, a distant familiarity. every time he tries to remember, it seems to flutter away again, and he clings to it til his knuckles turn white.

they decide on a bird theme for the bamboozlers. lizzie builds three big parrot statues to represent the three of them, and they start to joke about making a parrot mascot suit for jimmy. so, really, scar shouldn't be so surprised to wake up with wings starting to grow out of his back. all of them have changed species before. every season, at least one or two of them seem to wake up a new hybrid that matches with their theming. but this is the first time he's been so aware for it. it's a weird feeling. as he flexes his wings experimentally, his mind wanders back to grian. grian always has wings.

lizzie grows her own wings the next day. smaller than his, in a shade of pink that compliments their matching outfits. jimmy, too, has wings, now in a bright blue and yellow that match his parrot statue. no longer yellow. the canary curse is broken. it comforts him to know they're all fledging together.

then, he gets the sense that something is up. a few days later, he awakens to find that he has a second, smaller set of wings growing from his lower back. grian had these. he thinks immediately. he's pretty sure this isn't a normal avian thing. but he remembers seeing grian's second set of wings before.

all of a sudden, grian seems very hard to find. when they do run into each other, they always seem to be fighting. but grian is involved in all of this. grian knows something scar doesn't. he's sure of it.

they finally seem to come to a truce, but there's still an odd tension in the air. they're made to answer trivia questions, and he can feel grian's eyes on him as he answers question after question right. he's shocked by how much everyone else struggles.

"then we're even," scar says when they strike their deal. "and also friends!"

"just like in third life," grian says. it's a test. scar can feel it. he sees the expectant look in grian's eyes and he clams up. the memories he's been living in suddenly seem too big, too overwhelming to parse through, to try and talk about. grian can't hide his disappointment when scar doesn't seem to get it. he's not ready.

during the next session, he goes into the trial room with grian, etho, and joel. as fate twists around him, changing all the creatures in the room, a vex swoops down and kills him. when he wakes up, this time the change is instant. his feathery bird wings have been replaced with ripped membrane vex wings. his skin seems to have grown an even more unnaturally grayish. as he walks around, he gets a few comments, but no one seems nearly as surprised as he is at the sudden change. how can everyone else not see all of the weird things going on? how can they be so unaware? it's starting to get on his nerves.

(except for grian, of course. grian doesn't say anything, but clearly notices right away. scar can tell grian is staring when he turns his back.)

then, they all get superpowers. scar is able to send people flying with a punch. he's reminded of how at every wild card activation he would punch one of his friends, hoping to see that he would get a sudden burst of strength and knock them back. everyone's powers seem to match them somehow, but this one feels like they heard his wish and gave him exactly what he'd asked for.

inevitably, the final session comes. almost everyone on the server is red. he knows he needs to fight, he needs to defend himself, needs to get out there and antagonize people and win. he needs to cause chaos. he needs to be the villain. he knows that that's how he wins. but he really wants to make his roller coaster. it calls to him, stronger than ever.

as the day goes on, in the midst of the chaos, he sees plenty of opportunities to kill. he tries, but really, it just doesn't feel right. he remembers now. these are all his friends, and as he thinks back on the fun they've had together, as he sees the desperation in their eyes, he can't bring himself to kill any of them. he sees it now. a different world. one where they live together in peace, with all the time in the world to create whatever they'd like. no factions, no killing, no fear and distrust and hatred - not like this. it feels like a mere idea, the fading memory of a dream, but he's sure it's real.

scarland. that was his home. his magnum opus. not a single shabby, barely-working hobbled together roller coaster, but an entire amusement park. that's what's been calling to him all this time.

as he's caught up in this memory, in this vision that goes far beyond him, he loses sight of his surroundings. his snail catches up to him.

he wakes up in trader scars. hes still wearing his pinstriped carnival barker outfit. he pulls his lilac-and-poppy cloak back over his shoulders and walks back out to his flower fields. "im back!" he grins, running his hands through the flower petals as he walks through his old base. "im home. im safe." he breathes in a sigh of relief. he would have liked to stay a little longer, but he's happy to be here again. his teammates could still win. they already died, he knows deep down, but he chooses to ignore this for now.

"hi everyone!" he calls out, and the shadows smile back at him. "oh man, did you see that? i was so close! i finally had my roller coaster up and running but with the time change i guess something got messed up and i broke the wrong block but-"

"SCAR!" someone yells out. scar whips his head around.

"grian?!" his excitement quickly outweighs his confusion at seeing his friend again. this isnt the same grian he saw just earlier today. he has two sets of wings now, much larger and a striking white. he has a cape resting over his shoulder - his old one from the desert. a halo of those glowing purple eyes surround his head (it's only now that scar realizes he, too, has had his Eyes open this whole time.)

"ah, i'm so glad to be here, scar. we can finally talk about it! it was killing me to keep waiting like that."

"yea, it's about time." scar laughs. "what the heck's been going on? what do you have to do with all of this?"

"you're like me now, scar. you've become a Watcher."

[ice-cream-writes-stuff]

☆There's No Place Like Home☆

《You are new to this... Neighborhood? Where the hell are you?》

Episode 2: Get To Know Know Your Neighbors

[Pilot] [1]

《Warnings: the subject matter this ARG has are potentially disturbing. DEAD DOVE DO NOT EAT. Welcome Home was created by Clown @ partycoffin 》

-

Sick.

You felt sick after eating that cake. It tasted like pure sugar cane mixed with coffee creamer. The taste was sweeter than any treat you had eaten before.

Yet you don't utter a word about it to your plucky, so-called, "neighbors".

"Well, would you look at the time? It looks like it's late... Er. I think, but I gotta keep.. Unpacking? And I'm sure you all have plans of your own tomorrow."

You pick up the plates quickly, but some of the slices were barely picked at. Other plates are not even a spec of crumbs.

"Yes, of course!" Poppy said, hurriedly fluffing up her feathers in case of any stray pieces of dessert on her.

"Mhm, the post office isn't gonna' run itself." "Nor the bodega!" Howdy and Eddie laugh, Frank, chuckling off to the side.

"Yes, I gotta get some beauty sleep if I wanna dream big!" Sally agreed, pushing out her chair.

"Then I guess it's settled, we'll see you tomorrow, right neighbor?" Wally asks you. Dropping the plates in the sink, a few break on impact. Your hands try to pick up the broken pieces. But recoiled at the sight of your blood staining the fine china.

"Ye-yeah... Absolutely."

"Wonderful!" Julie cheers, coming up to your side by the sink.

"You must join me tomorrow! Your clothes are so odd! I've never seen a style quite like it. I would love it if we could dress up together!" The puppet chattered.

You nodded uncaringly, more focused on the cut on your palm.

"Groovy-..!"

A sharp gasp escapes Julie as Frank comes to her side.

"What... What is that?" Julie questioned you.

"Oh-... it's a cut. I hurt myself..."

"H-HURT! Who said hurt!?" Poppy stumbles near your side, her gaze softening as she asks if you were okay.

The other puppets now standing behind her, awkwardly trying to see your cut.

You hesitantly show the bird-puppet your palm, albeit shaken up by her. You thought she would bite your arm off with her beak.

Instead, she holds out her feathers, tenderly holding your arm.

Her expression turns into one of confusion. "That's odd..?"

"Wh-what??"

"There's only paint, I don't see any stuffing. Are you sure you are hurt?"

You, in turn, give her a puzzled look.

Had... Had these puppets never seen a human before? Much less a human being bleeding?

You take this as a good sign. Glad that these "puppets" didn't eat or have an appetite for humans or blood.

"Paint you say?" Frank bumps in, carefully analyzing your cut. He hums in thought, "Would you mind if I poked your cut?"

"No...Can I have a band-aid or something to close it up please?"

Frank nodded and backs off as Eddie hands you needle and a thread spool. "Here, found it by some of the boxes."

"Thanks..." You said, disregarding the puppets staring at you attentively as you place the items down. Saying you'll clean it up first.

You reassure them you'll be fine as you usher your "neighbors" to the door. Gladly holding the door open for them as they say their good byes and farewells.

Wally was the last one to leave, he smiles sleepily at you. You smile back at the tiniest puppet, feeling your mouth muscles twitch when keeping up the charade.

"I'll tell Home you said 'hello', good night. Neighbor."

-

[Taglist closed]

@tearjerker666 @trzppyghxuls @cookieswithay @luna-charlie @isometimeswritestuff @kazi-pop @lightspectre-universe @jjowithastar @smilingfox22-blog @jayysnotjoyful @cadaverous-coop @heather-hutchcroft @camilo-uwu @sweetheartturtle2007 @welcomehome102 @pretty-please-just-let-me-sleep @wally-darling-hyperfixation @q1bli @rainingdandelion @anima-chara @tearjerker666 @aceduchessdragoness @sleepy-planet @pauldanosbandonedirection222 @thelittlexd11 @luna-charlie

-

[Dun-dun-dun!!! Sorry I took so long to update! I've been writing a lot of Welcome Home Oneshots. Comments, art, always help! Thanks for reading!]

[gwendolynnderolo]

critical role ships as taylor swift songs

vax / keyleth : the prophecy

percy / vex : this love

pike / scanlan : the story of us

fjord / jester : state of grace

beau / yasha : long story short

caleb / essek : the great war

imogen / laudna : afterglow

orym / dorian : come back...be here

ashton / fearne : i can see you

specific lyrics that i feel like represent the pairings under the cut!

vax / keyleth : the prophecy

thought i caught lightning in a bottle, oh, but it's gone again

i guess a lesser woman would've lost hope, a greater woman wouldn't beg

who do i have to speak to about if they can redo the prophecy?

slow is the quicksand, poison blood from the wound of the pricked hand, oh, still i dream of him

a greater woman has faith, but even statues crumble if they're made to wait

i'm so afraid i sealed my fate, no sign of soulmates

percy / vex : this love

in silent screams, in wildest dreams, i never dreamed of this

this love is good, this love is bad, this love is alive back from the dead

these hands had to let it go free, and this love came back to me

this love left a permanent mark, this love is glowing in the dark

your smile, my ghost, i fell to my knees

when you're young, you just run, but you come back to what you need

pike / scanlan : the story of us

i used to know my place was a spot next to you, now i'm searching the room for an empty seat

so many things that i wish you knew, so many walls up i can't break through

i don't know what to say since the twist of fate when it all broke down

oh, i'm scared to see the ending, why are we pretending this is nothing?

the battle's in your hands now, but i would lay my armor down if you'd say you'd rather love than fight

fjord / jester : state of grace

we are alone with our changing minds, we fall in love 'til it hurts or bleeds or fades in time

and i never saw you coming, and i'll never be the same

you come around and the armor falls, pierce the room like a cannonball

so you were never a saint, and i loved in shades of wrong, we learn to live with the pain, mosaic broken hearts

love is a ruthless game, unless you play it good and right

these are the hands of fate, you're my achilles heel, this is the golden age of something good and right and real

beau / yasha : long story short

fatefully, i tried to pick my battles 'til the battle picked me

when i dropped my sword, i threw it in the bushes and knocked on your door

and we live in peace, but if someone comes at us, this time, i'm ready

no more keeping score, now i just keep you warm

and he's passing by, rare as the glimmer of a comet in the sky

and he feels like home, if the shoe fits, walk in it everywhere you go

long story short, it was a bad time, long story short, i survived

caleb / essek : the great war

and maybe it was ego swinging, maybe it was her, flashes of the battle come back to me in a blur

you said i have to trust more freely, but diesel is desire, you were playing with fire

and maybe it's the past that's talking, screaming from the crypt, telling me to punish you for things you never did

it turned into something bigger, somewhere in the haze, got a sense i'd been betrayed

soldier down on that icy ground, looked up at me with honor and truth

we can plant a memory garden, say a solemn prayer, place a poppy in my hair

imogen / laudna : afterglow

why'd i have to break what i love so much?

i'm the one who burned us down, but it's not what i meant, sorry that i hurt you

it's so excruciating to see you low, just wanna lift you up and not let you go

this ultraviolet morning light below tells me this love is worth the fight

tell me that you're still mine, tell me that we'll be just fine, even when i lose my mind

tell me that it's not my fault, tell me that i'm all you want, even when i break your heart

orym / dorian : come back...be here

i told myself, don't get attached, but in my mind i play it back

and this is when the feeling sinks in, i don't wanna miss you like this

the delicate beginning rush, the feeling you can know so much without knowing anything at all

if i had known what i know now, i never would've played so nonchalant

this is falling in love in the cruelest way, this is falling for you when you are worlds away

ashton / fearne : i can see you

i've been watching you for ages, and i spend my time trying not to feel it

but what would you do if i went to touch you now? what would you do if they never found us out?

cause i can see you waiting down the hall from me, and i could see you up against the wall with me

i could see you in your suit and your necktie, passed me a note saying 'meet me tonight'

and i could see you being my addiction, you can see me as a secret mission

[jqmalikhsgib]

bloom

two

eddie groans as he feels someone tugging on his hair. he tries to keep his eyes closed, hoping that it’s all in his head.

“daddy?!”

eddie opens his eyes and looks to see his only son. his big brown eyes staring right back into eddie’s.

“what’s wrong, peanut?”

aster sniffles. “bad dream, daddy. sleep with you and mommy?”

eddie could never say no to his kids. he lifts his baby boy up and puts him between him and yn. aster cuddles up to his father.

“wanna talk about it, peanut?” eddie asked.

the little boy shakes his head as he puts his thumb in his mouth and falls asleep. eddie and yn are trying to get him to break the habit, but the little boy just looks so innocent and adorable, they’d allow him to get away with murder if they could.

eddie kisses the top of his sons head. he slowly falls back to sleep soon after.

when the sun rises the house becomes hectic! every morning is the same routine. the eldest kids came walking into their parents room, waking both eddie and yn, begging for breakfast, while the youngest starts welling, most likely hungry just as much.

when it’s just yn, wayne and her father come to help the best they can—or eleven depending if she has school or not—when eddie is home, he’d take care of the older kids, making breakfast, while yn takes care of the newborn babies, breast feeding them in the privacy of their room.

“daddy! daddy! daddy! are we having cakes?!” jasmine would scream at the top of her lungs. she has eddie’s personality through and through! she’s loud, adventurous, and playful. she got her mothers looks though—if you ask yn she’d say she’s eddie’s twin—eddie loves his daughter spunk. sometimes they’d get complaints from neighbors, but eddie couldn’t care less!

if his baby girl wanted to loud and obnoxious, goddammit he’s gonna let her be!

“yes, baby!”

jasmine cheers. pancakes are her favorite because she believes it’s actually cake. neither eddie nor yn would correct her. if it got her eating it, it’s a win for the young parents.

eddie chuckles at his daughter. he soon hears someone blabbering as he turns to spot yn holding the twins.

they’re six months today. eddie made a joke about them going to college the other night and yn lost it, tears spilling her eyes over and over. eddie had to comfort her and hold back a laugh.

“how are my favorite twins?” eddie kisses the top of their heads.

poppy and azalea just babble happily. eddie chuckles as he goes back to making breakfast.

when he finished he set the table while him and yn made plates for their kids. yn sets the twins in their bin before the rest of the family sit and eat together.

during the weekend, yn and eddie normally take the kids to the park! with their oldest two, they’ve both got use to going out and playing due to being in preschool and kindergarten.

eddie chases his eldest daughter while yn sits with the younger kids and kept an eye on the others.

aster currently playing in the sandbox, while lunaria and lily play with their toys near yn, and the twins babbles in their stroller.

“mama, daddy caught me!” jasmine yells.

“he did?!” yn pretends to be shocked.

eddie chuckles as he walks closer to you. jasmine sits on your lap and kisses your cheek. she’s always been affectionate! eddie and yn both coo at her.

“you tired, baby?” yn runs her hands through her hair. she’s got eddie curls for sure!

“no.” she yawns soon after.

“we need to head home anyway, dear. uncle stevie and uncle dusty are coming over!”

jasmine loves her uncle steve and dustin! mostly because they give her treats every time they come around.

“really?!”

“yep! so, let’s get your brother and head out, yeah?”

“yeah, mommy! aster, uncle dusty and stevie coming! gotta go home!” jasmine yells to her brother. yn and eddie laugh at how excited she is.

“kay.” aster walks over to his parents. eddie grabs his hand before picking him up.

“wat we havin’ daddy?” aster curious on what’s for dinner as always.

“don’t know, ask mama!”

aster turns to his mom. “hmm, im thinking spaghetti and meatballs!”

“yum, mommy. love spesgettie.” aster states.

“i know you do, baby. come on, let’s get you all in you car seats.”

when they get home, yn starts on dinner. eddie goes outside to take a business call. now that the twins were born, eddie is getting back into focusing on the band!

yn is very excited for what’s to come with corroded coffin! especially the money coming in. yn and eddie did alright, they had to with six kids!

eddie still getting money from the band here and there, but corroded coffin still had a little ways to go before they make big money!

yn was also getting money from her agency. she also gets paid every time she post on instagram. but again, it’s not big money!

yn and eddie are still staying in a three bedroom trailer house. they want to be able to get a bigger home so their kids won’t have to split up to share a room.

plus eddie wants yn to have her dream wedding! it’s what she deserves. the big white princess dress, flowers everywhere, all their friends and family, her perfect wedding!

yn tells him time and time again that didn’t matter. she lets him know she’d marry him near a dumpster if she gets to spend the rest of her life with him! but eddie wants his family to have it all!

yn knows it’s because of how he was raised—before wayne took him in and raised him to be the man he is today—

little eddie suffered so much. with his abusive father and his mom leaving him for dry, he didn’t want his family to suffer like he did! he’d be damned if he didn’t show his kids just how much they meant to him.

yn constantly letting him know he’s nothing like his father! their babies are loved and cared for like no other.

when eddie comes back inside the house, steve and dustin are right behind them.

“uncle stevie!” aster being the first one to spot them.

“aster! how’s my favorite little dude doing?!” steve picks him up.

“had bad dream, uncle stevie.” he pouts.

steve frowns. “oh, no! what happened?”

aster shakes his head as he rest it on steve’s shoulder. steve knew he didn’t wanna talk about it. instead he wanted to be coddled. steve would never deny him cuddles.

“daddy, uncle dusty gave me candy!” jasmine yells

eddie glares at dustin. he told him no candy for them until after dinner. “did he now?”

dustin gives his a cheeky smile. “can daddy see?”

jasmine shows her father the small handful of candy dustin gave her. he grabs them before kissing her forehead. “you know the rules, baby?”

“mhm, din first, then candy!”

eddie hums. “good! dinners almost ready. why don’t we all go wash up, yeah?”

“kay!” steve, eddie, and dustin help the kids wash their hands while yn sets the table. soon everyone sits at the table and enjoy dinner.

eddie and yn put their kids to bed while steve and dustin sit in the living room waiting for them patiently.

when eddie comes back he heads for the fridge, grabs two beers, and one soda. eddie hands one beer to steve and the soda to dustin.

he sits on the couch and turns on the tv. yn comes in view and sits right next to her fiancé. eddie wraps his arms on the back of the couch as yn cuddles up to eddie.

“so, when’s the next big gig man?” steve asked eddie.

“next tuesday! headed to new york city.”

“dude, the big apple? you’re really making it, huh?”

eddie hums as he takes a sip of his beer. yn smiles at him lovingly. “before you know it, corroded coffin will be selling out tickets worldwide!”

eddie laughs. “lets not get ahead of ourselves, baby!”

“you, kiddin’ eds? you’re gonna be a legend! top of the world, dude! bigger than metallica.”

“okay, dustin, now you’re getting ahead of yourself!”

dustin shakes his head. “naw, eds! you’re a star!”

eddie smiles. truth is, he knows the bands making a name of themselves! sooner rather than later they’d have many streams on spotify, apple music, and many buying their cds and more! eddie is one hundred percent prepared for his life to do a complete one eighty.

and everyone else in this god forsaken town could kiss his ass! they all doubted him the moment he came out of the womb. he’s proven them wrong on many things!

they all thought he’d be a criminal, he a good citizen! they all said no one would love him, the smartest most prettiest woman fell for him! they claimed he’d be a shitty father just like his old man, he loves and cherishes all his kids! and they all say he’d stay white trailer trash who’ll amount to nothing, eddie is signed to one of the greatest rock legends out there!

eddie continues to prove everyone who doubts him wrong!

“when you make it big eddie, better not forget us!” steve states.

“oh harrington, i could never forget mister hair himself!” eddie smirks.

a/n

thank you all for the love so far on bloom! really appreciate it <3

taglist is still open. just comment or message me privately

[spotty-bee]

I watched the three Troll Movies the last few days and got inspired to make an Au! I was like, what would happen if a troll didn't turn grey all the way? What if they had lost hope, but not all of it? So I thought drew some fun designs and here they are!

Basically King Peppi was separated from Poppy's group and ended up with Viva's, causing poppy to think her dad is dead and is more frightened of the Burgens because of it. She starts to get grey marks on her body, but thanks to her still somewhat happy, bubbly personality, she doesn't go fully grey. The group has leadership issues since Peppi is gone, with a lot of infighting about what they should do and where they should go. Rebuilding society is a lot harder on the group, which is why it's so easy for kids like Poppy to get lost in the shuffle, nobody to really, fully take care of them.

Branch, still grey after the loss of his grandma and abandoned by his brothers, is there for Poppy when the adults are busy fighting or Poppy's friends have to go home. The two have a lot more in common in this Au, both fearing Bergans and their possibly return. So Branch gets her to help build his bunker with him, as well as explain his backstory to her far earlier than the movies.

Eventually the Burgans DO find them as the adults make too much noise both partying and fighting over what to do. Poppy and Branch are the only ones to realize and Poppy manages to convince her friends and a few others to hide in the bunker with them. More Trolls are lost to the Bergans but Poppy is fully recognized as leader by the ones she's saved. Branch and Poppy both agree to abandon their current location, going deeper into the woods where the foliage is so thick no Bergan can enter. Though there are a lot of dangerous wild animals and very little light. The entire town starts living in bunkers interconnected by tunnels. Rarely singing or dancing. They remain pretty undisturbed until the events of either the second or third movie... depending on weather Poppy got the pop string or if Peppi took it with him.

Other than that, Viva and Clay are the ones who carry out the events of the first movie. (Its not quiet the same, Creek is with Poppy's group and still a coward that gets kicked out, but he doesn't effect Viva and Clay's story.) For the second I'm leaning toward Peppi taking the string with him (but that can be changed), so Barb attacks the Putt Putt Trolls instead. However Viva and Clay also handle that, and Viva manages to steal Barb's heart in the process. (I'm not sure if Barb is the same age as Poppy or not, but in my Au she's between Poppy and Viva in age, so its fine.)

So right now its not until the time around the third movie that Branch and Poppy make contact with their siblings. Branch is more cold and doesn't talk much outside of to Poppy. Poppy is more withdraw, reserved and nervous. Both have continually greyed under the stress of taking care of their people, fighting off predators, getting supplies and hiding from Bergans. However Poppy's hope for her people has kept her going and Branch's belief in Poppy keeps him going.

Branch and Poppy also get together sooner than the movies, as they knew each other longer. (Poppy has a brief stint of dating Creek first before he betrays them and gets kicked out. ) Their relationship is good, they can talk without words and are almost always on the same page, but they also feed each other's anxieties and pessimism. Once reunited with their families and the more nitty gritty details have been sorted out (Who's the Pop Queen, ect, ect.) the two actually have to be separated for their own health, as they keep feeding each other's fear, dreaming up worse case scenarios and how to get out of them, trying to make a new bunker, hording supplies, ect. This temporary separation gives them a chance to get to know their families again.

Poppy didn't remember Viva at all in the third movie, so I don't think she'd remember her father either in this AU. So she has to build a relationship from scratch with people who already love her in Putt Putt Pop Village. Branch, meanwhile, hates being away from Poppy and hates his brothers who abandoned him. (Though deep down he really wants them back in his life.) It also doesn't help that he has essentially gone from a perpetually dark, dangerous forest to the brightly lit, busy beaches of Vacay Island, getting constant over stimulation. He's very resistant to his brother's help at first, but eventually realizes that their just trying to improve his health (Physically and mentally) and that fighting it is just hurting Poppy. (Poppy makes a turn about much easier than Branch does, reversing some of her greying. However when she and Branch get to visit during the temporary separation, Branch actually causes some of it to come back, which is when he realizes the others are right and tries to do more to get better himself.) After they do improve they're free to do as they please and reunite as an even better couple.

As for the events of the third movie with Floyd, either Viva helped the brother save Floyd by stealing him back, still inside the diamond prison, or Floyd gets taken after these events.

Anyway! Thats what I have for now! Let me know what you think and if you have any ideas or questions!