#seriously music is a massive part of my practice

[folansstuff]

do you have a favourite artist? if not, how about your favourite song or album? you don't have to pick strictly by the way! curious about your music taste <3

This is such a tough question lmao, thanks for the ask tho! Love talking abt music

The early-20's art degree white dude that i am compels me to say Radiohead, since In Rainbows is easily one of my favourite albums of all time.

Ball Park Music are home-town heroes (shout outs to Brisbane), I'm pretty sure they've never made a bad record and they were my first ever concert.

I'm always going to be in love with Black Country, New Roads' first two records and their jerky poetry-post punk. Same thing with Do Nothing, who i get to flex hipster points on since I've been listening to them since their first EP.

Open Mike Eagle is a rapper i really love, smart n funny, his record Anime, Trauma and Divorce is so amazing.

There are so, so many more lmao, I could go all day. Thanks again for the ask! <3

[vinvantae]

heyyy! sorry if this request is vague but i lack your creative genius so how about the grid x reader with forced proximity (like the two being in a situation where they have to be really close outside of their respective wishes not noncon!). if not all drivers, then maybe just Charles, Lewis and Fernando? thanks love!

I am sooooooo sorry this took so long 😭 I’ve been mega busy lately and haven’t had the time to really sit down and write. Hope you enjoy regardless x

Lewis

“There’s no way this is actually happening right now.”

You stared down at the door handle that was currently laying in your palm, no longer attached to the door. Lewis quirked a brow and plucked it from your hand, turning it over in his a few times.

“I did tell them it was coming loose, didn’t realise it was this close to falling off.” He chuckled softly. “Cosy in here isn’t it?”

The room itself wasn’t that small, but now you had no escape - the walls suddenly felt like they were pressing against you. “Why do we even have this room?”

“I think Bono called it a panic room… apparently, just our luck, it’s also soundproof.”

You groaned and flopped onto the small loveseat that was tucked against the wall - letting your eyes cast around the room. “Have you-“

“Text someone? Yeah. They’re trying to find a way in.” His voice was soft as he sat beside you, a strong hand coming to rest on your knee - the heat immoderately rushing to your cheeks.

You’d had a massive crush on Lewis since the day you’d met - but he was levels and levels above you at Mercedes. You were but a simple social media admin, something he personally opted to not take part in very often so your paths didn’t cross often and when they did you found yourself feeling like a giggly teenager.

You could almost hear the cogs turning in his head as he studied you, a gentle sigh leaving his lips.

“…hey uh, feel free to report me to HR if this crosses some major boundary but I never really get to speak to you alone.” He was fully facing you now, his hand still pressed against your knee - thumb brushing across the black fabric of your work trousers. “You fancy getting dinner sometime or something? I’ve seen you around a lot and I just… I honestly can’t get you out of my head.”

“M-Me? Seriously?” You laughed, practically flooded with disbelief. “You’re Lewis Hamilton.”

He smirked. “Yeah, and you’re you… I’d really like to get to know you outside of this world, no Mercedes branding attached. I already like what I do know, I’d like to see more.”

Your eyes flickered across his face for a moment, trying to read him - and he seemed nothing but genuine. You gave him a cautious nod and his face lit up, leaning in to press a chaste kiss to your cheek.

“We’re going to have a blast, trust me.” His grin lit up the room.

Before you could speak again there was a frantic knock on the door. “We’re about to take the hinges off! Stand back please!”

“All clear.” Lewis called back, before giving your hand a squeeze. “Ready to get back out there?”

You looked down at your entwined hands and smiled softly. “As I’ll ever be.”

Charles

Their music was quiet now, just softly playing in the background as Kika giggled - her boyfriend twirling her into his arms, a loving smile on his face. When she had insisted on hosting his birthday party at your shared apartment, you forgot to consider who one of Pierre’s best friends was, a man you loathed. And now, as the night rolled on and all of the other guests had filtered out - it was just the four of you left and whilst Pierre and Kika were still enjoying their tipsy states, you and Charles were as stiff as boards, sat as far apart from each other as possible.

Your eyes followed Kika as she stepped away from Pierre, circling the coffee table to approach you, manicured hands landing on your shoulders as she looked into your eyes. “We’re going to bed… you gonna be alright?”

“Yeah, yeah.” You forced a smile, one she was too inebriated to decipher. “I’m not tired, I’ll tidy up a bit.”

“Oh ‘miga. Don’t stay up too late.” She pressed a sloppy kiss to your temple before leading Pierre away, practically purring.

You rolled your eyes, still not giving the man beside you any attention as you stood up - collecting some cups from the table but as he started clearing the coffee table beside you, you couldn’t help but frown.

“You can go home, Charles.” You grumbled. “You don’t live here, y’know. It’s my mess to clear up.”

“Did Pierre not tell you?” He patted the back of the sofa. “This bad boy is my bed tonight.”

“…he did not. Well, I don’t want to keep you up, so I’ll clean tomorrow or something.”

He practically snorted out a laugh. “I don’t want to sleep in this mess either so, let’s just make it quick yeah?”

The two of you moved around each other quietly - you’d met through your best friends and very quickly decided that you didn’t get on. He was pretty and he knew it - he always had some stunning girl draped over his arm; at first you were just annoyed, just as you got to know her, like her even, he’d bin her off for a new model. He just didn’t know the meaning of the word loyalty.

“You uh, still with… uh Colette was it?”

He shrugged nonchalantly. “She wanted something more serious, so no,”

Charles watched you roll your eyes as you shoved a paper cup into the bin bag in your hand.

“What’s it to you anyway? Jealous?” He smirked, throwing a balled up napkin in your direction.

“No. I just don’t understand why you hate commitment so much.” You scoffed. “You always find the loveliest girls and then-“

“I don’t hate commitment. I’ve just not found a girl who challenges me.” His voice was quieter with his admission. “They all will literally just agree with everything and anything I say just because they’re desperate to keep me happy… that’s just not… I don’t want that.”

The silence was heavy but you didn’t dare move, especially as he walked around the coffee table towards you - bin bags long forgotten as he gently took your biceps in his hands.

“I… I know you don’t like me… I don’t blame you.” He sighed softly, letting his hands slowly cascade down your arms until his hands finally found yours, his lips curving into a shy smile when you didn’t pull away. “But I like the way you call me out on my shit, and you make me want to be better.”

“Charles…” You felt breathless. “I don’t want to be the reason you treat women right, you should do that because it’s the right thing to do.”

“You’re right, you’re right.” A soft huff escaped him. “Can we at least maybe start over? Friends?”

Your eyes studied his face - almost as if you were seeing him for the very first time. The way his green eyes still seemed bright under the dim lights of the floor lamps, the way his lips were such a pretty shade of pink… shit.

“Depends… would friends do this?”

Charles stumbled back a little as you kissed him, hands quickly finding purchase on your hips. He groaned as you looped your arms around his neck, pulling him in closer.

Oh he was fucked.

Fernando

You don’t think you could be pressed any further against the side of the van if you tried - Fernando’s manspreading had made sure of that. The two of you had somehow ended up in the back together, the third seat home to camera equipment as per the team’s request. It was supposed to be a quick trip, 20 minutes tops, but the roads were completely gridlocked so you found yourself stuck in the Spaniard’s company for a lot longer than you’d planned.

“Oh my god, Fernando.” You hissed, yanking the hem of your jacket out from under his thigh as he shifted. “Do you want to take up any more of my seat?”

The corner of his mouth tugged up into a small smirk. “Sorry.”

You rolled your eyes. “No you’re not.”

“You’re right, I’m not.”

A soft huff left your lips, turning away from him to look out the window - noticing the view hadn’t shifted even a little since you last checked. You groaned. “Have we moved at all?”

“Sorry! It’s completely at a standstill, looks like it’s going to be a while!” The driver called back from the front, sending you an apologetic gaze through the rear view mirror.

Fernando couldn’t help but notice your demeanour shift, fully slumped in your seat at this point - a petulant frown on your face. He always thought you were pretty, but you seemed to have a vendetta against him since day one despite his best intentions. And after a while he just gave him, treating you with the same sass you threw at him.

“Do you want to lighten up a touch, cariño” He teased, leaning a little so he could catch your eye. “This car ride is already going to be bad enough without your attitude.”

You rolled your eyes. “You’re not exactly my favourite person to be around.”

“And why is that? Hmm?” His voice was patronising, condescending almost, and it made you want to smack him upside the head - but you’d definitely get fired. “Did I forget your birthday or something?”

He was surprised by the dejected sigh that left your lips, your eyes almost wet when you looked up at him. “…You’ve just always made me feel like a dumb kid. I know how to do my job. I’m smart, I’m capable. I’m not even that young! But god forbid I do anything myself. Let me move that for you. I’ve got that. Oh no, I’ll do it myself.”

“You think I did all that because I thought you were incapable?” He had to hold back the laugh of disbelief. “Cariño , that was just me being a gentleman… I was trying to be courteous, to impress you.”

Your cheeks heated. “Impress me?”

“Well, yeah.” This time he laughed softly. “You said it yourself, you’re smart, you’re capable… and, forgive me, you’re very beautiful. I never meant to cause upset or make you think I thought little of you.”

You felt beyond embarrassed - this whole time he was just being nice and you had automatically assumed he was looking down on you.

“…want to start over?” Your voice timid, unable to ignore the way your heart was pounding in your chest.

“I’d like that.” He held his hand out. “Hi, I’m Fernando.”

It was your turn to laugh as you took his hand in yours, his skin warm against yours as you gave it a firm shake - introducing yourself to him. His gaze was different as he looked at you now, his dark eyes no longer full of distaste but something new.

And you couldn’t wait to find out what it was.

[spirkkock]

Going to be diseased about the modern au jopson/little/tozer idea forever. Legit sounds like the perfect story omg. There’s so much potential that I actually can’t stop thinking about it and now I want to know all the little details on how they would all interact,,

(Also if you somehow haven’t already then I’d highly recommend reading Renovation by ktula on ao3 - similar broad premise but very different details.

I was going to just say this all as a comment but I got shy lol but regardless! Very good concept, your mind is so massive for it tbh)

Omg!!! I was 100% inspired by ktula’s Renovation! I just read it last week and it’s all I can think about for real!! That fic rewired something in my brain, legitimately. I didn’t realize how much I was into Sol until I read it - he’s just so rough I need him to top me ASAP.

You don't have to feel shy! I'm just a dumb nerd who likes to think about cold boys warming up together :) say hi any time!

ANYWAY I loooove all of their dynamics so much. i have thought about this A LOT so here's way more details!!!!!!

[[PART 1]]

Nepo baby Nedward comes from a big family with lots of money. He works hard but he’s so shy and sad he couldn’t have gotten where he’s gotten (idk maybe something in finance?) without that Oxford legacy admissions because he’s such a big mopey doofus otherwise. And he’s quite ashamed of it, really, because he recognized his privilege but he can’t help it. And he’s a little out of touch because of it all but trying his best. But when grandma died no one else wanted the (modest but now, with real estate prices like they are, quite fancy) Victorian house because it’s practically falling apart, so it’s his now.

Jopson obviously also went to Oxford but on scholarship and had to work his ass off for it. He learned how to put on a wealthy affect to blend in with all the rich kids. But none of them liked him except Ned, who trailed around after him like a morose puppy begging for scraps of attention. And it pissed Tom off so much at first but eventually he realized he liked Ned - a lot actually. And he likes being in control, which is what Ned needs more than anything. And the rest is history! He’s perhaps some sort of organizer for housing justice. He’s home when he’s not yelling at city council for their proposed cheap developments that will displace entire city blocks of people for years.

(I think perhaps they’re not actually married yet. Tom doesn’t believe in marriage. He watched his father leave his mother and he’s watched too many “good men” leave her subsequently. But he and Ned make a show of it like they are - of course the Littles are less than thrilled that their only son is gay and seriously dating some kind of activist.)

Sol….. poor Sol…. He’s down on his luck for sure (not as bad as he is in ktula’s fic but still). He has a tendency of mixing business with pleasure, which really screwed him over when his former coworkers (and lovers) turned on him. It’s tough being queer in construction. So he lost his job, and now he’s taking odd jobs to do electrical work, but he’s certified for much much more than that.

Sol is also a sex fiend!!! He can’t help it, honestly, it’s just his nature. And the dry spell is killing him, but he knows he has to stay focused and snag this opportunity to work on this big beautiful house. But it’s soooo difficult because Nedward is 100% his type and his cute little husband isn’t bad either, even if he is a little unnerving. And he's constantly putting his foot in his mouth by accidentally saying something stupid and horny but it always makes Tom's eyes go dark and Ned turn a glorious pink so he keeps doing it.

At first Sol thinks Tom doesn’t trust him - his work (other than electrical) isn’t insured, since he’s not with a company, and Tom seems to know enough about housing to know that might be a bad idea. But he’s certainly cute, and he’s always buying Sol lunch from the chippie and asking him what kind of music he wants Tom to put on and eventually Sol thinks they’re maybe friends. But, by god, he’s always walking around looking like a snack in those tight, too small t shirts and booty shorts showing off the dark hair on his thighs and belly. And when he catches Sol looking he always responds with the most indecipherable, sultry expression that goes straight to Sol's cock - this environment is NOT conducive to GETTING WORK DONE. He goes home every day and jerks off thinking about what Tom and Ned might look like in bed together.

And don't get me started on Ned - he's an absolute mess of a man. He's big and a rough around the edges, obviously, but so well mannered and polite at the same time. He's always trying (and failing) to butch it up for Sol - he invites Sol to watch sports (working men like sports, right?) and drink a beer (men like Sol drink beer, right?), and maybe barbeque when the garden is finished (come on - grilling meat and drinking beer... right? Right?). And it's so misguided and silly but Sol finds it totally endearing, especially the time when Ned super excitedly offers him the most disgusting oatmeal stout he's ever had the displeasure of drinking, and so they both end up having some of Tom's Cab Sav instead. And then, of course, Sol wants to talk about notes and wine pairings with Tom and Ned goes the most alluring shade of scarlet because he's spent so much time and energy going down the WRONG avenues to woo Sol.

And Sol doesn't know this until later, but Ned gets off so hard after the fact when Tom teases him mercilessly about making a fool of himself in front of Sol. He absolutely gets a shame boner any time he embarrasses himself, and it gets so much worse (better) when Sol and Tom start screwing because it makes Ned feel like a voyeur and a pervert. He loves hearing all the titillating details of their salacious affair. Of course Tom knows all of this and completely milks it. His favorite thing to do is drive Ned into a mild moral panic. And it's just too easy easy with regard to Sol.

[kamy2425]

(Fanfic) Discworld-"The Meaning of Death" Chapter 12 "A Place To Go To..."

~~Death's Gift~~A Place Of His Choosing~~~Baby With A Bow~~ ~~A Third First Encounter Is Everything~~

Rincewind pulled up a seat as the creaking of its journey echoed across the hushed library. Death, already comfortably seated, raised his cup of tea with ease. The tea mysteriously didn’t go through his robes.

“Look,” said Rincewind, nervously settling in, “I know what’s been going on. I’m not stupid.”

WAS IT TOO OBVIOUS?

“It’s not like I don’t appreciate it,” Rincewind admitted, “I’m glad that these people that I’ve met in the past, are doing more than fine.”

YOU HAVE TOUCHED THEIR LIVES, RINCEWIND.

Death put down his cup on his floral decorated saucer sitting on his other hand.

EVERY ONE OF THEM. THANKFUL TO HAVE RAN INTO YOU.

“And I get that, Death. Really.” Rincewind grimace, “But why me? Why are you so determined to want to make me see that?”

Death tilted his head slightly. If he had eyebrows, one of them should have been lifted about now.

YOU ALWAYS RUN AWAY FROM DEATH.

“And that’s completely normal!” protested Rincewind, jumping to his feet, practically tripping over the chair.

AND YET, YOU COWER WHEN LIFE PRESENTS TO YOU.

Rincewind awkwardly raised the chair and sat back down,

“Oh, and…Life is-is a person-as well?”

A PERSONIFICATION OF LIFE? DON’T BE SILLY, replied Death. I MEANT THAT FIGURATIVELY.

Rincewind took a moment to process that.

“Look,” he said, trying again, “My life’s twisted as it is, because of the gods. Seriously, if I ever DO get a chance to get a break, I would do so gladly!”

“But no,” Continued Rincewind, not even focusing on who he was talking to, “How can I enjoy what life I have, if I need to constantly look up to see which God wants to land an anvil on top of my head? It’s impossible!”

I CAN MAKE YOU INVISIBLE.

Rincewind paused, his brain screeching to a halt. “You—what?”

IT MIGHT ONLY WORK FOR A DAY OR TWO. THE GODS AREN’T EASY TO FOOL TWICE.

“...invisible? From the Gods?” 

JUST AS I AM INVISIBLE TO HUMANS.

For the biggest moment of his life, Rincewind could actually stand in one place and think. So he was now left there, petrified, as his mind played different tunes all at once.

“But, what am I going to do with that time?”

YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR OWN PATH, RINCEWIND.

“Invisible? So…no meddling from Gods? No FATE? No Lady? No Gods sending me to the nearest apocalypse?”

Death reached a comforting hand on the wizard’s shoulder. It was icy cold, but the action itself was the warmest feeling he had in a long time.

IS THERE A PLACE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO GO?

To his own surprise, Rincewind found his mouth answering faster than his brain.

“Actually, there is.”

______________________________________________________________

There was a swirl of chaos and colors. Paper lanterns were being held up high in the sky as confetti rained down in a dizzying shower of celebration. The air was alive as the rhythmic joy of the drums and the high-pitch laughter of the children glowed all around. Adults twirled in tight circles as they too danced along the laughter of music. If only there was a rainbow in the sky, it would have completed the picture. 

SO YOU HAVE CHOSEN THIS. Death observed, as a child ran past, a kite dancing on the clear blue sky behind him.

“Don’t start.” Warned Rincewind as he let out a massive sigh, “I just didn’t want to be here a second time during a war or a big world crisis, okay?!”

SURE, Death’s tone had a little hint of being amused at that.

Humans were such curious creatures to Death. He knew about Rincewind’s whole life (it was his job to know about it, of course). But, looking back at different parts of his life, it was meeting that tourist that started Rincewind's loop of unfortunate events. 

If Death learned anything from watching humans, anyone in Rincewind’s position would feel anger or have no other reason to cross paths with this tourist ever again. And yet, Rincewind, have chosen, for the little free time he had…to visit him? Such an interesting human, Rincewind is.

The Luggage nudged at the hooded figure, which managed to wake up Death from his train of thoughts.

OH, MY APOLOGIES. Death looked around, SEEMS I HAVE LOST THE WIZARD.

The Luggage clattered off towards the gates of the Agatean Empire, Death trailing after. The city had transformed over the years—once it had just one festival, now it seemed to celebrate everything. If Death had to describe it in some way, it would be that this city felt... the most alive. Somehow.

Death has spotted the wizard. It was fortunate he had, considering that his power to make the wizard invisible, also caused Death to not know of his exact location. And considering the massive crowd, it certainly made it impossible to go through the sea of happiness. 

Of course, Death has the power to move people aside to create his own path. However, that seemed to be quite difficult if there was no free space for the crowd to move to. 

“Hey, move it pal!” shouted a voice at Death.

Death apologized and turned back towards the voice in confusion. He was met by a small figure floating in midair. His face, as difficult as it was to describe, was as if a baby was also an old man all at once. Its tiny little white wings phenomenally held the creature in the air. And Death couldn’t look away at its heart-shaped tattoo that has been crossed by an arrow on one of its muscular biceps. It was also difficult to not look away as this baby man lit up a large cigar and sucked on it like it was a pacifier. 

“Ah, there he is!” Said the winged baby. Somewhere in his pink stash, the baby now held onto a bow and arrow. The arrowhead, as you would guess it, was heart-shaped. 

As a professional to another, Death bent down to meet the baby’s height as he replied in the calmest way possible, MIGHT I ASK WHAT YOU ARE DOING?

“You see that Rincewind bloke, over there?” Said Cupid without taking his eyes off his target, “Overdue for love.”

Ah, of course, Death thought. Since he made Rincewind invisible to the higher gods, lesser creatures like Cupid here, could now call dibs on him. You cancel one subscription, and the junk mail doubles. And his wizard was a pretty popular fellow in the community of the Gods.

Cupid kept his bow steadied as he took aim. He shoots. Arrow flying through the air, piercing hats and wigs in its direction, gets closer and closer to the wizard until- Rincewind looks down, causing the arrow to click against a wall. 

Cupid swore under his breath, drew another arrow, fired—and missed again, as Rincewind obliviously wandered on.

“GODS, dang it!” Cupid fumed, throwing down his bow, “Seriously! It’s like he forcefully doesn’t WANT love.”

I SEE, replied Death.

Cupid went through his magic pack and opened up a scroll. The paper itself, rolled down on the ground and rolled endlessly through the city. “See here? See all these dates listed here? Those are the times THIS fool was supposed to be in love, but does it happen? NO!”

HOW UNFORTUNATE.

“Do you know what that’s like?” Cupid snapped his fingers and the scroll vanished, “Having your job failed every time because of some weird anomaly?”

I CAN’T IMAGINE, replied Death.*

*Death can’t imagine things of course. But he sure can remember everything. And that means…everything. Death used to hate this anomaly that calls himself Rincewind. But over the years, Death has ended up appreciating this abnormal and surprising individual. It certainly kept his job interesting.

“But it’s strange…” Cupid scratched his head, “My powers called me out here because his Love Meter has been higher than it’s ever been! It has never reached this high before!”

Death’s skull moved slowly at the blurred image of Rincewind as his body dispersed inside the crowd.

“I wonder what is going on, in that little brain of his…”

INDEED.

…

OH, Gods! Why am I here? Of all places? Why here? Everyone is staring at me! Oh, is it my haircut? Will people recognize me? Do I WANT to be recognized?

Rincewind stopped for a second to look at his reflection against a shiny decorated pot, “I looked worse…” He spit on his hand and styled his hair a bit. Rincewind’s other hand slapped at the traitorous one, What am I even doing? Why am I so nervous?!

“Mama! Mama!” A child pulled on his mother’s dress for attention, “Is that the Great Wizzard?”

All eyes immediately looked from where the kid pointed. Rincewind was now the center of attention.

On second thought, maybe I’ll come back when there’s a crisis. 

And Rincewind did what he did best. He ran.

He knew this was a bad idea. Maybe he’ll use his free time to just go back home and read a nice cozy book. Help out dusting off the old shelves at the library…give the Librarian his daily bananas…Yeah, and have a nice cup of hot cocoa while being wrapped in a warm blanket. Yes…this idea is starting to sound good! He just needs to find Death and-

His path was abruptly blocked by a looming statue standing in the middle of the plaza. His eyes wandered up to see the statue's head, only to be blinded by the piercing rays of the sun. And from a distance, a clank of armor drew closed. Now, Rincewind was surrounded by three guards of the city.

“I really don’t want any trouble!” Rincewind declared, “I-I just-”

An arrow zipped by, missing him by a hair.

“Seriously, who keeps doing that?” Rincewind peered around for the source of the arrow, finally spotting Death standing at the back of the crowd, giving him a friendly wave.

And what’s odd is that Death appeared to be… gesturing? Well, Rincewind has always been good at charades…let see:

Small…flying…ah yes, that’s a heart. A small flying…heart? …Me? At me? A small flying heart at me?

What could it mean confused the wizard greatly. He better not be right for what he was thinking. He and Death surely weren't that close. Better not make eye contact.  

“You better not mess with my gig!” exclaimed Cupid, as he shoved Death out of the way, “Or I’ll tell the Gods on ya!”

OF COURSE NOT.

“Well, watch and learn.” Cupid lowered his head to his bow and took aim, “I won’t miss this time.”

The arrow flew and Rincewind quickly ducked out of the way. One of the guards groaned in pain for a second, until the wizard cautiously went up to check on him.

“Um, are you alright sir?”

The guard gazed at him, hearts dancing all around him. “You have… lovely green eyes.” Then he crumpled to the ground in a heap, leaving his comrades to attend to him while Rincewind edged away from the surreal scene.

“Dang it!” Screamed Cupid as he once again threw away his bow and arrows to the ground, “So close!”

I THOUGHT THAT WAS A NICE ONE.

“Well, whatever, I’ll just follow the next target on my list.”

Far off, a figure with glasses nervously browsed the market, occasionally bowing in embarrassment as merchants bombarded him with gifts. Just a few feet away, Rincewind wandered on, oblivious to the presence of this stranger, as the crowd acted as a barrier between the two.

“Where could he be?” The wizard mumbled under his breath.

Cupid flew up and noticed his previous target and the stranger, “Hah would you look at that! It’s all lined up for me perfectly!” The arrow shot through the air…and ricocheted off the stranger’s glasses. It bounced off around cooking pans, pots, mirrors—until it found its way towards Rincewind.

Cupid held his breath.

Rincewind, noticing his sock had fallen, crouched down to fix it. The arrow sailed harmlessly over him and struck a parrot in a nearby cage.

“Smoochies! Gwak! Hey, pretty boy!” Flirted the parrot, “Kiss, Kiss!”

Rincewind leaned back up, confused at his surroundings, “What is wrong with this city? Is it really the beard?”

“Rincewind?” came a familiar voice. The wizard spun around, but the crowd blocked his view. He strained to see, unsure if he’d imagined it. 

“Two-flower?” Rincewind yelled just in case, ears perking.

After about five seconds the same voice replied, “How have you been?!”

“Are-are we really having this conversation?!” Rincewind shouted against the noise of the crowd, craning his neck in attention.

…

…

…

…

“I’ve been fine, how  are you?!” 

“Hold on!” Cried out Rincewind, “I think I can spot you!”

“Really?!”

No, not really. He had no idea. As the crowd shifted, the mystery figure seemed to have vanished. 

Figures. Just when I actually LOOK for the guy, he doesn’t show up. What am I even going to say? ‘Oh, just passing through the Agatean Empire, no big deal, not running from an apocalypse at the moment. Also, sorry for ignoring your hundreds of letters. Tea?’

Suddenly, his legs became numb. Everything felt overwhelming—the colors, the noise, the heat. Death had warned him that the ride might cause nausea in living beings, and it seemed the effects were kicking in. The world became blurry. The statue from the plaza seemed disproportionate and wavy. He never really did get a look of what the shape of the statue was…

“You alright?” came a soft voice.

“I just wanted to see a fr—" Rincewind’s voice trailed off as he stared at the figure before him. A nervous smile twitched at the corner of his mouth. “…Friend.”

Rincewind collapsed on the floor as the crowd circled him in utter confusion.

For the fic!

[starry-eyed-extraterrestrial]

Second nsft crue!slash fic finished for my moot @crueclown22 , hope you like this :)

Nikki sits on the porch at their residence in Moscow gazing up at the bright stars in the sky. The band were all living together again (this time with the added addition of Mick) to record their new album Dr. Feelgood.

The agreement had been that they all stay together, they all work together and that they all, and this was the most important one, stay sober together.

So far it hasn't been…a fantastic system. It turns out living with a group of recovering addicts while you yourself are a recovering addict isn't all that glamorous. Everybody is annoyed and pent up as not only do they not have drugs or alcohol but they didn't have the normal flow of chicks out here in the middle of nowhere like they were used to having.

But while everyone was a little bit bent out of shape about the new arrangement, their music was now at the forefront of their minds and so it was all about making every song as good as it could be without cutting any corners. So they started taking out all their anger and frustration on their instruments and so far it has been working wonders.

Until it didn't.

Or at least until it didn't for one of them. Vince was having a particularly hard time dealing with being sober, even though technically he should have been sober longer then any of them, as the court mandated that he be sober for his probation but obviously that didn't happen and music just wasn't scratching that itch anymore.

So naturally he started sneaking out, somehow got a taxi or a lift of some kind to show up for him every night in the middle of nowhere to take him out to drink.

Nikki found this out from Tommy who had gone with him one night and Tommy being the honest guy he pretends to be, told Nikki this out of sheer guilt for his actions and how hard him and Mick had been working while him and Vince took the cheaters way out and he felt very sorry and ratted out their singer.

Nikki thanks Tommy for telling him and assured him it was okay and that all was forgiven and that everybody falls off the wagon every now and then but that the important part was that he got back on. Tommy seemed relieved and left Nikki to go to bed. Nikki on the other hand skipped the notion of going to bed and instead sat down in one of the porch chairs and waited for their singer to come back to the house.

He waits a few hours, and it's a productive time for his lyrics as he jots down quite a few that he wants to bring up in the next session that he thinks could be massive chart successes.On the fourth hour a car pulls into the driveway as subtly as possible and Nikki sets his pen and notebook asside and goes to stand at the top of the porch steps with crossed arms and a practiced calm glare welded to his face.

Low and behold, Vince stumbles out of the car, he doesn't seem intoxicated though, but he assumes that's part of Vince's cleverly crafted plan, he drinks for a few hours at a bar somewhere, sobers up quickly through misterious means then comes home and acts as if he's been there the whole time, aswell as completely sober this entire time.

Nikki grits his teeth in anger but he bites back any actual words of hate to come. He wants the car to drive away first before he actually starts saying anything to Vince, so that he can't run away.

Vince walks all the way up to the bottom of the steps, looking and waving the car away ,before he actually sees Nikki standing atop the stairs, he freezes at first like a deer caught in headlights ,but just for a second before he smiles at Nikki all friendly like, like he hadn't just been caught red handed and as far as he knew he hadn't been caught fully red handed yet. He had no idea how much Nikki knew yet.

“Hey man, morning” Vince said jovially as he made his way up the stairs. Nikki merely glares him down.

“Are we a joke to you?” Nikki asks, seriously.

These words let Vince know the jig is up and so his fake happiness quickly falls away to defensivness.

“Who told you then?” Vince asks in a deadpan voice as he gets to the top of the stairs and walks past Nikki into the house. Nikki follows.

“Who told me isn't important” Nikki says and he's about to continue when he's rudely interrupted.

“So it was Tommy, I'm gonna kill that little bastard when I get my hands on him.” Vince grumbles as he takes off his shoes and throws them in the corner with all the other guys shoes.

Vince's sentence implies that somebody else other then Tommy knew about the sneaking out, he makes a mental note to ask around later.

“No you're not” Nikki says not caring to keep his voice down. Nikki steps infront of Vince, blocking him in his attempted stride to his room and towers over him menacingly.

“All you’re going to do is apologize to the band at practice today, especially Tommy since your the one who enabled that kind of behaviour again and you're never going to do it again, got that?” Nikki's tone is still relatively calm, but underneath he's attempting to calm a sea of rage at Vince's bratty little attitude.

It seems like he was forgetting who was in charge here and if he kept this behaviour going Nikki was just going to have to remind his singer who he answered to around here.

Vince laughed sarcastically as he tried side step Nikki and when he couldn't he headed into the kitchen instead which was open and right next to the living room, so that everybody who entered the living room could also see everything that was happening in the kitchen.

“And why would I do that, you're not the fucking boss of me, I'm here now and not drunk isn't that enough-”

Vince is then slammed into the kitchen counter with his back facing the aggressor and his front facing the stairwell pressed against the table, caged in by two strong tattooed arms. Vince shivers when Nikki's voice comes out as a gentle breath on his neck, like a spider was crawling on him.

“Don't you dare talk to me like that bitch” Nikki hisses against Vince's earlobe making him shutter again and his eyes widen in fear.

When the initial shock wears off Vince's panic revs up into anger.

“Let me go!” Vince says trying to squeeze out from under Nikki.

Vince then freezes up again when he feels Nikki start to grope him through his pants. Suddenly the fight leaves his body and he slowly melts in Nikki's hands.

Fuck, it's been far too long since anybodies touched him like this. Vince feels his eye lids droop with hazy lust. He bites his lip and adjusts his position between Nikki and the counter as much as he can until it's comfortable enough for him to lean against the table and for Nikki's hand to more accurately reach his dick.

Nikki chuckles in his ear darkly.

“I've barely touched you and already you've given up the fight, and you say I don't own you” Nikki purrs.

Vince growls but can't think of anything smart to say back so he just leans into Nikki's hand that's getting more insistent by the minute it would seem.

Vince whines softly as Nikki's hand teasingly peels away the waistband of his jeans and let's it hover over Vince's happy trail. Nikki laughs sadistically.

It seems like Vince isn't the only one with an old bad habit to kill.

“Touch me already” Vince demands breathlessly, already rock hard from just a minute of fondling,his eyes glued to where Nikki's hand disappeared below his waistline.

“Didn't hear a please there baby boy” Nikki teases, touching Vince's thighs and playing with his pubic hair and literally everywhere else except where he wanted Nikki to touch him.

Vince growls again but this time around it comes out far needier and between clenched teeth. Vince is so tempted to just spit in Nikki's face and save his pride and say nothing.

But he's far too horny to care about saving face right now, all that his brain wants from him now is to acquire an orgasm then fall asleep for the rest of time and hopefully wake up to this whole situation just being a dream.

“Please..” Vince says almost inaudibly, shutting his eyes in shame.

“What was that? You gotta speak up baby” Nikki says, a single finger of Nikki's lightly brushing the tip of his shaft.

“Please!” Vince breaks, he needed this and he'd do whatever it took to get it. Nikki smirked against his neck in satisfaction and finally retracted his hand, spat on it then took Vince's cock from his pants and wrapped his warm palm around Vince's cock.

Vince moans loudly, his back sinking into Nikki's chest. He's so glad that his previous lays can't see him now, broken down and moaning like a porn star over a simple shoddy handjob.

Nikki picks up the pace slightly and Vince embarrassingly enough feels himself getting close.

“Fuck, please Nikki just a little more!” Vince can't keep his own volume at bay that's how absolutely devastated and debauched he is in the moment and the way Nikki's grinding on his ass, actually makes the experience a lot better.

Just before he can cum Nikki stops, and Vince almost blows a fucking gasket. He kicks one of Nikki's legs in pure rage.

“Fucking finish me off already, please!!” Vince spits out, too far gone to care.

“Aww I'm sorry baby, I'll let you cum..as soon as you promise to apologize to everyone today. And you call me your master.” Nikki says with a fake sweet tone.

Vince knows that as soon as he cums he'll regret making this trade and he might just never recover from this loss, ego wise and Nikki would have control over him in a way he could never get back…but if he didn't cum right now he might just go into cardiac arrest.

“I promise I'll apologize…master” Vince breathes out and apparently that enough for Nikki as he strokes Vince tighter and faster then before and even twists his hand at the upstroke to make the orgasm even better.

“Ah!!!!” Vince moans as Nikki milks him for all he's worth.

When Vince finally comes down he pants heavily and crumbles in Nikki's arms, Nikki also pants but not as harshly as Vince does and they just stay like that for a while.

Nikki retracts his hand from Vince's pants letting Vince see his jizz covered hand in all its glory as it dripped from his palm onto the surface of the counter.

“I'm so glad we could come to an agreement” Nikki says cheekily.

“What the fuck is going on down her- Jesus wept!!” Nikki and Vince both snap their heads up to the staircase in terror, where Mick was currently coming down into the kitchen, but seemed to be on a fast track back upstairs again.

Nikki opens his mouth to try and fumble out an explanation but Mick stops him.

“I don't wanna know, but I am never eating off that fucking counter again!” Mick says storming off upstairs again.

Nikki and Vince are still for a while.

“.... See, you going out drinking causes a lot of tension.” Nikki says, trying to pin the whole situation on Vince.

Vince just steps on Nikki's toe with the back of his sharp heel and let's a satisfied smile grace his lips when he hears a crack

[tartsinarat]

new owl house oc

Sooooo here’s Nimbus, I wrote out his concept a while ago but I haven't been able to draw him until now.

Hes a sheep... WITH A DARK SIDE...

nah but seriously though despite Nimbus's edgy rebel style he's actually a sweetie with a heart of gold that has his head up in the clouds 90% of the time and I love him for that

my voice headcanon for him is Marshall lee from adventure time.

He's apart of Hexside's Human Appreciation Society and is the guy who supplies HAS with human music from cds that he buys off of from Eda.

His favourite genre of human music is 80s glam rock

Nimbus is apart of the golden heir au as well but isn't really part of the main cast until much later in the events of the au.

In regards to Nimbus's role in the au, he and Pip are partners in chaos who often meet up to either cause mischief or practice for the band they're planning on creating together for the infamous battle of the bands (in the boiling isles, its a literal battle tournament between bards to show off their skills and I will definitely draw that as a comic at some point.)

alsoooo though Nimbus and Pip just really good friends at the beginning, in reality Pip has a massive crush on Nimbus that later gets revealed to be mutual... but this isn't revealed until massive amounts of angst happens >:)

au masterpost for funsies

[tarot-by-e11e]

Hello!!! Elle✨

I am here to participate in your Intuitive game activity.

My initials - SHEY

My Favorite song(current fav) and Why -

"Patience" by Tame Impala

Its dreamy🫧music🎶 and thoughtful💭 lyrics📃 capture📸 the feeling🦋 of waiting⏳ and being patient🤌🏻creating🎨🖌️ a calming🌸 and reflective🪞 atmosphere🌿

My question - I'd love to get a general reading from you. Just whatever comes to your mind.

Hi SHEY,

Thank you so much for patiently waiting for your turn in my ask game.

I do apologize I wasn't able to include your name last night, it was a technical issue on my end. Don't worry, I added you back into the list and officially closed the game.

So starting with your song, the songs sound so chill and relaxing and when I check the lyrics seems dreamy and sort of sad.

Now for your general reading, the question that comes to mind is, "What do SHEY's guides want to tell SHEY?" They requested to do this in channeled messages format.

I'll list it down in bullet form for easier read:

"Is SHEY just being curious or does SHEY really want to know what we have to tell her?"

"Should we tell her about that time SHEY felt so embarrassed in public but really, no one even noticed or remembered?"

"SHEY's really hard on herself on things that she chose be burdened with. It's not SHEY's issue nor is it SHEY's problem to solve, yet why is she overextending herself for people who don't value and respect her?"

"Come on, I know this is a general reading, but we're (your spirit guides) are practically just rambling here?? There's no telling when will we ever get to chance to speak up again."

"Then tell SHEY she's being an idiot for forcing herself to fit into other people's molds and expectations are her."

"Yoooooo calm down, you might scare SHEY away. Let's be nicer about this, shall we?"

"Okay, SHEY needs a wake-up call for her perfectionistic procrastinating self-sabotaging tendencies. She knows she's capable of anything, yet her unrealistic standards for herself, makes her resentful for her ideals and her current ability."

"Seriously, what part of "be nice do all of you (your spirit guides) not realize?! Keep it nice and sweet."

"Okay, she's so sweet, loving, and secretly caring that her kindness is mistaken for weakness. That's why SHEY's become a chronic people pleaser."

"What the flipping duck do you all (your spirit guides) not know about the simple meaning of being *nice*?!"

(the rest of your spirit guides) "Well.... we didn't use swear words... So that's nice..."

(the actually nice spirit guide flips a table) "Universe?! Why did you assign with thissss *looks at the rest of your spirit guides as if they were vermins*"

"Hehe, the strict one lost its cool!! Anyway SHEY, stop guilt tripping yourself for things not being in your control. So as much as you want to save someone from the consequences of their own stupidity, you can't. They did need to learn their lessons and they need a good old fashion psychic backhanded bissh slap towards the brick wall, for thinking they can get away with harming and abusing you."

*nods spiritual heads in unison* "SHEY needs to stop being a push over!!" *the rest of your guides* "YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!"

"SHEY needs to do more self-care, that's beyond skincare" "oooohhh that's a good one".

"What else? oh! Don't give the so-called nice guy reformed player a chance.(this is future instance)"

"Is there anything else?" "Nope we all said what we need to say"

SHEY... your guides... they're wild and loud and cut throat.

Having to channel for all of them is giving a massive headache.

I'm sorry this is as far as I can pull for you.

Do let me know in your feedback how this resonates with you

[angelofrainfrogs]

Into the Pit: Ch. 3

~Coauthored by @zeitghest~

Fandom(s): Five Nights At Freddy’s: Security Breach

Description: He should be in the Daycare. 

Gregory emerges from the ball pit to find not the bright, rainbow room he’s accustomed to, but a house with a huge backyard and a kiddie pool of plastic “water.” Calling for Gregory is a familiar voice—Michael. Only this time it’s not Charlie or Freddy by his side, but someone completely new. And why do they insist on calling him their son?

Gregory soon comes to realize this existence is vastly different from anything he remembers. Perhaps these last few weeks at the Pizzaplex have all been a dream…?

Rating: T

Read on Ao3

Thankfully, Gregory was pulled from his reverie as Jeremy posed a very important question.

“So,” the blonde started, running his thumb on the outside of Michael's palm while he spoke. “Are we doing pizza at Freddy's again tonight? Or are we going home for food?”

“Pizza...?” Gregory echoed, chasing away intrusive and betraying thoughts of unreality.

“Pizza it is, then,” Michael confirmed, meeting Gregory's gaze in the rearview mirror with a smile. The boy was being quieter than usual, a far-off look in his eyes that Mike hadn't seen in a while. He was thinking about something—likely that too-real dream he had that left him totally off-kilter for the day.

“...You know what?” Mike quirked an eyebrow, his mouth widening into a sly grin. “I think this day calls for a kitchen-sink-slush—provided we can keep out of Sam's sight. He hates it when we 'waste product' like that...”

The last part was said in a slightly mocking tone, though it was all in jest as evidenced by the twinkle in his eye. Despite Sam's reservations about raiding the soda machines to make the deadly concoction, he was always willing to turn a blind eye if the situation really called for it. Today was certainly one of those days—one mention of Gregory having bad dreams, and Mike knew Sam would straight up disable the kitchen cameras if needed so he didn't have to see his stock depleted.

Meeting Gregory's slightly confused gaze in the mirror again, Michael asked: “What do you think, Greg? Feel like rotting your teeth out with sugar today?”

Gregory perked up, very, very interested in the name alone. He met Jeremy's quick gaze in the rear-view mirror before the older man focused back on the road.

“It's been so long—how does that sound, kid?” Jeremy asked, trying hype up their son for what would be a fun trip to the Pizzaplex. Especially if the cousins were there with their parents. The only issue was finding parking on a Saturday...

“Hell yeah!” Gregory said, grasping the little musical robot on his shoulder and clipping the new friend to his belt for safekeeping.

“—Heck yeah, Greg. Come on, man.” Jer laughed. He was just glad to see Gregory coming out of the funky mood; it was hard to seriously scold the kid when he was having a fun time. After squinting at the full Pizzaplex parking lot, Jeremy glanced sidelong at his husband. “Is it right—morally—to park in the employees’ spots on my day off?”

“Jer, we practically live here,” Michael pointed out dryly. “I don't think we're gonna get in trouble with the boss if we take up a space. Plus, look—my father's already done it.”

Sure enough, there was William's bright car two spots over from them. The man himself was nowhere to be found, already wandering through the massive mall in search of his family or old business partner. Though he wasn't technically employed by the Pizzaplex, he and Henry were considered lifetime members—meaning they could do pretty much whatever they wanted. William certainly took advantage of this fact, to the great annoyance of his eldest.

With a little shake of his head, Mike unbuckled himself and hopped out before moving to open Gregory's door, snagging his hand when he exited as well. Locking up the vehicle, Jeremy was quick to join Gregory's other side, completing a three-person circuit with their son in the middle. As one they stepped through the sliding doors and entered the air-conditioned lobby of the Pizzaplex, keeping their eyes peeled for friends and family among the hundreds of guests milling about.

Everything was... the same. The decorations and vintage style décor that Gregory was familiar with graced his vision, bright neons calling out and dividing his attention every which way.

Getting through the lobby was a lot for him. Many kids were trying to get their admission stamps and parents, tired but patient, were attempting to reign in their hyperactive excitement. Gregory squeezed onto both his dads’ hands, finding himself saying honestly: “I hate crowds.”

“I know, bud. We'll be through the doors in a second! You're doing really well!” Jeremy encouraged. Since starting therapy, the constant encouragement was helping Gregory’s attitude and the way he coped in stressful situations. Reaching out, Jeremy pushed open the door and held it for his family to pass on through and into the atrium.

“Sam's gotta be in his office with all this going on,” Jeremy remarked, knowing Sam well enough at this point to correctly assume he’d leave the customer interactions up to Charlie and the Glamrocks.

Meanwhile, down by Rockstar Row, Charlie was in fact helping out with the customers. Parents didn't realize that you don't come into the Daycare and openly berate the attendant in front of the General Manager. Since taking up customer relations, she'd found that being more assertive came more naturally to her.

It did help when you had a 7 foot tall Moon-Man standing behind you for back up, though.

“Ma'am, we don't use excessive language like that here. If you can't behave properly in the Daycare, you're banned! That's it. Please sign the release form for your child and—”

“No! This is bullshit! I want my money back for the hour they spent here,” the irate patron argued. Charlie wished she could ban the woman from even existing at all, but that wasn't something she was about to say in front of other customers. “You can't possibly be the General Manager with that attitude, missy! Find me the real one so I can have him can your ass!”

Charlie bit her tongue hard, managing a decently straight face until she saw the familiar shape of the Fitz-Afton family heading towards the Daycare.

“Hm, he's off the clock. But I'm sure he'd love to speak with you. Mr. Fitz-Afton! Some assistance, please?” Charlie called, hating to do this on his day off.

Gregory squinted hard. Did he need glasses or was that lady... Charlie?!

She was older, certainly. Her big eyes still held that youthful countenance Gregory knew and loved, though her face had lengthened and thinned out with age. Honestly, he might not’ve recognized her were it not for her clothes. Despite being theme-appropriate for the Pizzaplex, the tomboyish style was something he could have seen her wear in his dream.

“Ooh, look—trouble already.” Though Michael’s words indicated annoyance, his face showed that he was fired up. No one was rude to Charlie on his watch. He smiled down at Gregory and released him, tone cheery as he cracked his knuckles. “Be right back!”

Michael didn't like conflict by any means. He simply found that sometimes it was easier to handle people with the curt edge that only his father could've raised him with. Stepping up next Charlie, he gave her a nod of acknowledgement as he turned a suddenly-cold smile on the irate mother. “Hello, ma'am—what seems to be the problem?”

“Oh, for god's sake—I'm not going to explain it again! I just want my damn money back!” the woman hissed, and from the darkness behind him Mike heard a little tut of discomfort.

“She's in quite the mood, Michael... such naughty language near all these impressionable little ears,” Moon muttered softly. Holding his hand was the woman's daughter, standing half in the dim light of the pick-up area and looking very upset.

“Well, I'm sorry our services weren't to your satisfaction,” Michael continued easily, his smile showing far too many teeth. Taking the release form from Charlie's hand, he held it out again. “As my General Manager told you, unfortunately you've been banned from the Daycare for use of foul language. In any event, no refunds are offered unless proven neglect or injury occurs on our end, which doesn't seem to be the case here. Please sign the release form—”

“Oh, fuck this!”

In a fit of rage the woman smacked the clipboard out of Michael's hands, sending it clattering across the floor. A blanket of silence settled over the Daycare, save for the bright, ambient music that played in the background during opening hours.

“...Charlie—” Michael began, the friendly mask now completely gone. “—can you please radio security and ask which of our Glamrock friends is closest and available? We need a guest escort.”

Oh no—she did not just smack the clipboard out of Michael Fitz-Afton’s hand. With the speed of one of those sharpshooting cowboys in an old spaghetti western, Charlie flipped a walkie-talkie from her belt and spoke into it.

“Any band members nearby? We need security by Superstar Daycare. We've got a Karen,” she said calmly, watching as the nuclear reactors melted down inside the mother's head. The rage was only being held back by a very thin shred of awareness as Michael's far too friendly smile had dropped into an instantly pissed off demeanor. Charlie loved it when he did that, even if it admittedly creeped her out. It always took people off-guard and their reactions made up for an otherwise stressful day.

Over the radio, there was an immediate response from the toughest girl in the mall. Roxy growled over the static: “You in trouble Charlie? Monty and I are at the end of Rockstar Row!”

Gregory balled his free hand into a fist. Getting ready to watch the Glamrocks fight some rude Mom would be a great way to start the day off. Jeremy hated these sort of parents as much as the next guy, but watching it all go down was not something he liked doing—especially with his own impressionable kid at his hip. All he ever did was think of how rough it must be for the child to watch their parents have a meltdown when they couldn't admit they were in the wrong.

“Nuts to this, Greg; let's not watch this. It might get messy,” he advised, much to his son's chagrin.

“But they're gonna beat her up!” Gregory protested, making his dad roll his eyes good-naturedly while he chose to escort his son just a little farther away.

“Right—well when they start putting wrestling moves on her, I don't want Monty tagging you in,” he teased back. The woman didn't like the idea of being kicked out with force, and was half-inclined to start filming with her phone before Roxy and Monty came stomping over.

“Alright—” Roxy huffed, making sure her mane was tied back in a loose pony tail since people have on rare occasion grabbed for her and pulled locks of well-groomed hair from her synthetic scalp. A scan and a quick profile search in, and Roxy was quick to demand that: “Veronica? You and your daughter Mandy have to come with us to the exit now. You're on temporary ban for the next seven days.”

“Oh, shut up!” Veronica exclaimed, though her demeanor was noticeably shaky as she stared up at the huge robots with far too many teeth.

“I’d listen to them if I were you,” Michael advised, all traces of a smile gone as he crossed his arms over his chest. “These two are not very patient when it comes to rowdy parents…”

“Y-You can’t touch me!” the woman insisted as the animatronics took a step closer in unison. “I’ll sue—”

“I can’t, but they can—as our security system, they’re programmed to remove threats. And you, ma’am, have just used physical violence against me and are now considered a danger to the other patrons.” Michael shrugged; it was as simple as that. He was tired now and just wanted to spend some quality time with his family. With a lazy wave of his hand, he instructed: “Monty, will you please remove this woman from the premises? Roxy, take her daughter out as well.”

“You got it, Mike!” the gator bellowed, wasting no time in grabbing the woman—carefully, as his programming made it 98% impossible to cause accidental harm to humans and 100% impossible to cause intentional damage—and hoisting her to rest over a shoulder pad. She’d be relatively comfortable if she wasn’t literally kicking and screaming. Monty simply held firm, his tail swaying to counterbalance the angry woman’s thrashing.

“Alright, little moonbeam, it’s time to go with Miss Roxy now,” Moon said in that hushed, gravelly voice. He too hated children seeing their parents act up, but sometimes it was unavoidable. With gentle prompting, he passed the tiny girl over to the wolf, who was quick to take her hand in Moon’s stead.

“Okay, sweetie! We’ll be outside in no time!” Roxy promised, whisking her away while attempting to make the girl smile. It was always hard letting these kids go with people who themselves acted like children. There was nothing more she could do, though. Roxy wasn’t programmed to be a permanent caretaker, after all.

Charlie was thankful for Mike’s intervention, though hated that no one believed the woman when she asserted her title as General Manager. Resting her tried forehead against his shoulder, Charlie sighed in relief. “Thank you! That lady was a nightmare!”

Luckily the nightmare customers were few and far between. She then saw Jeremy on the approach with one of her favorite kids, and Charlie’s stressed expression instantly flipped to one of happiness.

“Are we doing family day?!” she asked, a little spark of the young Charlie that Gregory knew peeking through the wisdom-aged glint in her eyes. “You guys picked a good day! Evan’s hanging out with Sam and Dad in the office.”

“Sweet! You feel like taking a break and joining us?” Jeremy asked, ready to convince her—but after that interaction, Charlie didn’t need to be swayed and responded with an eager nod before he finished his sentence.

“Perfect!” Michael exclaimed, his smile easy-going and content. “Yeah, I asked Liz and Evan to meet us here. My dad’s wandering around too, though by now he’s either found Henry or is horribly lost again.”

“Uncle Will? Getting lost? What—no, he has the mind of steel-trap remember?” Charlie snickered, drawing a chortle from Jeremy at the wild things they’d quote William saying.

Will’s ability to go anywhere in the Pizzaplex came at a cost: the building was so massive compared to any prior Fazbear establishment, it was easy to take a wrong turn in the employee hallways and end up in some liminal-feeling back room. It didn’t happen that often nowadays, though Mike would still get the occasional call from his dad while on duty to:

“Hurry the hell up and get me out of here, Michael! I’m not getting any younger…”

This thought tangent made Mike let out a snort, though he shook his head at the other’s questioning gazes and began walking towards Sam’s office. He made sure to keep Gregory’s hand securely in his own the whole time.

“Bye, Moon!” he called as the group made their exit through the darkly-lit area.

“Bye everyone; thank you, ehehehe,” the lanky animatronic cackled, paying special mind to the younger boy. “Good to see you, Gregory!”

Ah, the good old Daycare attendant. They didn't seem out of the ordinary with their mannerisms. Same with Roxy and Monty—from the short glimpse Gregory had been able to get, they’d seemed like their normal selves.

“Bye Moon! I'll hang out with you later!” he replied. Who knew—maybe the more talkative Sun could help fill in the gaps of his memory.

The closer the group drew to the office, the harder Gregory clung to them. Although outwardly he was smiling and content, the boy held reservations. What else was different from what he remembered? It wasn’t necessarily the changes, but the uncertainty of it all that bothered him the most.

Charlie hadn't bothered knocking, letting herself into the office and holding open the door to Sam's little executive clubhouse and personal workspace. Her and Michael's fathers were sitting at the workbench in the corner, playing cards and drinking from short, clear glasses. Relaxing at the couch was a severely-less stressed looking Samuel. Even the grey streaks in his hair seemed minimal from the last time Gregory saw him. Now that Charlie resembled her real age, Gregory could see why they were twins.

“Oh no, not these guys!” Samuel groaned teasingly, getting up to come and greet the rest of the family. Seeing Sam this energetic almost gave Gregory whiplash.

“Yup, trouble has officially arrived!” Mike announced, releasing Gregory to hook an arm around Sam’s neck and give him a noogie. While Sammy fought off his old friend, another familiar-yet-new face came up to meet them.

“Hi, Jeremy!” Evan greeted warmly, going for the blonde first since his biological brother was preoccupied. His face really hadn’t changed much from when he was a kid—it was a bit thinner and covered in laugh lines like the others', but putting him and Gregory next to each other would still show an uncanny resemblance.

After giving his brother-in-law a hug, Evan knelt down in front of Greg with a soft smile. If there was anyone who understood the boy’s emotional intricacies, it was the man who’d cried at his own shadow when he was a kid. 

“Hey, mini-me!” Evan chuckled in that same soft tone Gregory knew, just deepened a bit with age. He held out his arms, always offering a hug but never offended if it wasn’t reciprocated, a wide grin crinkling the corners of his dark brown eyes. “How’s my faaaavorite nephew today?”

Gregory was almost speechless. This was... Evan?! Aged by forty-odd years and taller than he ever expected the kid to get if he was alive.

Alive—

Of course he was alive. Shit, that dream had really messed with Gregory’s head.

Gregory fell forward and gave Evan the biggest squeeze around the shoulders he could. No longer were they the Pizzaplex twins, but uncle and nephew. Burying his face into Evan's shoulder, Gregory realized that even if this all was some manner of strange hallucination, he was glad to be in a reality where everyone was living.

“I'm so much better now,” he said with confidence. Everyone was happy and safe; it was something he never thought he’d see. Over Evan's shoulder, Gregory watched as William folded down his cards and quickly batted Henry playfully on the arm.

“You're cheating, Hen—where's the cards in your sleeve? You can't use my own tricks on me!” William could be heard saying over his own laughter as he patted down Henry's sleeves for extra cards on his person.

Sam was put in a helpless headlock, struggling to break free from Michael's grip as Charlie watched on, laughing at the two goons she'd spent her entire life with. You'd think after so many years she'd grow tired of Sam and Michael always trying to one-up each other with their wrestling moves. Yet here she was, still giggling like it was backyard wrestling at the Aftons’ in '83.

Gregory closed his eyes, unsure if he wanted to let go of Evan just yet, gripped by an emotion he seldom felt. It was a complete feeling. Like, for once, everything was right with the world.

As Jeremy recognized the long look in his gaze, he warned Evan: “Uh-oh; he's not gonna let go of you now, you know.”

To which Gregory went back and hid his face in Evan's arm. Something Jeremy found so dang cute.

“That’s fine with me!” Evan replied with a chuckle. He had no idea what happened this morning, but it was clear the kid had been spooked. He wasn’t usually this clingy… not that Evan minded in the slightest. Still—

“Although at some point you’re gonna have to fight the triplets off,” he remarked, his eyes growing softer at their mention. Finally done pestering Sam, Michael had tuned into the conversation at just the right time.

“Oh, are they here?!” he asked with a grin. “How’s Kelley doing, by the way?”

Evan’s little triplets just turned seven and were the light of his life, not to mention a top highlight of everyone else’s. Two boys and one girl made the house he shared with his wife Kelley buzz with energy—and it was about to get even livelier with another kid on the way.

“Yes they are, and she’s doing great,” Evan replied brightly, standing up when Gregory finally released him. He didn’t move though, putting a hand on Gregory’s head as comforting reassurance for whatever the kid was going through. “Cassidy’s actually with them right now since Kel picked up a last-minute shift—last I heard she was trying to wrangle them into Mazercise.”

Kelley was only a few months along, so she was still able to perform her job as an NP in a small clinic. She was one of the top practitioners, which meant she was often called in to cover shifts when others couldn’t. If not for his best friend stepping in as surrogate aunt when Liz wasn’t around, Evan didn’t know what he’d do…

“We’ll have to stop by and see them later!” Mike promised. When his gaze shifted to Gregory, the boy’s face yet again showed immense confusion. This time he was trying to hide it, but he wasn’t as good at that as he thought he was—not to his dads, at least.

Gregory had caught Michael’s worried glance and tried quickly to wipe the look of surprise off his face. Four kids… Four? Maybe even more if Evan had another set of multiples.

Gregory was still confused beyond a doubt, but at least the sad boy he met in the basement of the Pizzaplex seemed to be doing pretty well these days. These weren’t just any kids Evan had, either—they were apparently Gregory’s cousins, too. His family was suddenly way bigger than it was before, with more members to expect on the way. He had an Aunt Kelley, and Cassidy was still in their lives, apparently unable to leave Evan alone even without the entrapment of their shared Fredbear tomb.

“Where is Liz, anyway?” Gregory decided to ask, figuring it was normal to question while he tried his hardest not to appear lost in the verbal sauce.

“She’s in her little workshop—you know how we’re trying to get an extension on the mall? Liz is drawing up designs for the Glamrock Circus characters,” Sam revealed, knowing the upcoming secret project was safe in this room.

“I don’t know why you kids want to keep bringing back the 80’s. You all were so eager to get out of that era, and now you can’t leave it alone…,” William voiced, sorting the cards while looking to Henry to see if he agreed. Surely he wasn’t the only one who remembered how fast they all wanted to grow up.

“Much as I hate to admit, Will’s got a point,” Henry conceded, smiling gently even as his leg was kicked under the table and he returned the gesture tenfold. “I think it’s the nostalgia factor.”

“Hey, we might’ve been annoying kids, but we were happy for the most part,” Michael laughed, nudging Evan to make him agree.

“Mm, for the most part,” he hummed, giving Mike a knowing look. There’d been a short period of time where Michael fell in with the wrong crowd as a teen and bullied Evan near-relentlessly… but one day he came to his senses, ditched his “friends” and apologized to his brother for being such a shithead, and the rest was history. Even so, Evan never quite let Mike live that unfortunate part of their lives down—though nowadays it was only spoken of in teasing reminiscence.

Michael Afton could never be so mean.

“You should go see her—I’m sure Lizzie needs a break!” Henry encouraged, glancing up from the table after slapping a card down and grinning at Will’s outraged cry.

“I’ll go with you!” Evan volunteered, raising one hand while ruffling Gregory’s hair with the other. “Might as well track down those little rascals afterwards before they or Cassidy lose their minds…”

“Oh, please; Cas already lost that years ago,” Charlie reminded the group. The pair hadn't always been on the best of terms as kids, but after realizing they’d be in each other’s lives for the foreseeable future the girls were able to work through their differences. “June should be hanging out with them in Mazercise. You better go say hi.”

Charlie said it like a warning, but the smile in her eyes let Gregory know it wasn't so imperative. Gregory knew at this point he would have to start responding to these things. Michael and Jeremy were growing increasingly more aware that something strange was going on with him, and Gregory didn't want to raise anymore alarm bells.

“Is it cool if we both get sodas?” he asked, thinking a more neutral answer was safe for now.

Charlie, not suspecting much, told him: “Sure! You brought your Best Friend Card right? If you didn't, I've got some cash—”

“No worries Charlie! I've got Gregory's card,” Jeremy interjected. Always prepared, he dug into his beat up old wallet and pulled out Gregory's all-access pass.

“Anyone else coming with?” Michael question. He met Jeremy’s gaze, eyes twinkling playfully. “Besides you, of course—I’m stuck with you.”  

Jeremy matched the grin to a tee, replying in a rather smug tone. “You couldn't get rid of me for over 20 years, dude; of course you're stuck with me. Also, I hid the receipt.”

“I've got payroll to do—plus babysitting these guys,” Sam responded to Michael’s question, nodding to the men playing cards behind him.

When Gregory glanced over, William had smoothly produced two aces from the same sleeve and entered them into his hand before tossing his cards down on the table along with Henry. It almost worked—but Henry had four aces.

“See? You're cheating. I knew it!” William exclaimed, and it was hard to tell if his fury was genuine or not.

“Dad…” Evan couldn’t help but sigh, knowing it pointless to mention they were both clearly cheating in increasingly obvious ways. Especially when Henry responded with a jovial:

“Takes one to know one, buddy!”

—which started a squabbling argument that neither of the old fogies was ever going to win.

“Right… well, you have fun with that, Sammy,” Michael said with a grin, patting his friend on the back. After a second, Mike perked up as he remembered something. “Oh, you wanted us to check out Freddy after his new software update, right? I’m guessing he’s in his room—we’ll stop by sometime today and give you a report.”

“I’d do it sooner than later,” Henry piped up, stalling the argument over cards for a moment. “Bonnie’s been getting on my poor children’s cases about his friend being MIA, and I don’t want any of them to blow a gasket…”

Evan tried to put on a sympathetic face, though he couldn’t help but snicker at the mental image of smoke pouring out of Sam and Charlie’s ears from frustration at the overly-attentive bunny.

Michael chuckled as well. “Alright, we can swing by after we visit Liz.” He glanced down at Gregory and gave his hand a little squeeze. “Sound good, kiddo?”

“Yeah! I need to talk to Freddy anyway,” Gregory told them. It probably wasn't out of the ordinary for Gregory to want to see the bear regularly; clearly, Freddy was his favorite character regardless of circumstance.

Gregory tugged lightly on Michael’s arm to get him moving. Feeling Jeremy bump into his side as well, he decided to take his other dad’s hand in his and tried to rationalize the situation in simple terms: if Michael trusted these people, so did he—until he was given a reason not to. Which, hopefully, would never happen.

William took a deep swig from his glass. Reaching across the table to refresh both his and Henry's cups, he warned: “You'll be a good boy and not climb inside Freddy's chest compartment again, right, Gregory? I'd feel so terrible if you hurt yourself in one of those robots.”

The worry on his face was so genuine, it made Gregory wonder what the purpose of it all was when he did it before. He could feel the claustrophobic thrumming of Freddy’s internal mechanisms as he sandwiched himself between a gap in the bear’s endoskeleton. In his dreams, Gregory was running away from things trying to kill him… most notably, the very same man who apparently couldn’t stand the thought of him getting hurt by the very same bot.

Gregory nodded his understanding, feeling somewhat bad as his worried grandfather shuffled his and Henry's cards anew. “I won’t, Pappy.”

“He'll be fine, Dad,” Michael reassured with an easy smile. He knew William was just being paranoid, despite the fact that Gregory hadn't tried to climb inside an animatronic in a while—at least, not to Michael's knowledge.

Evan took the lead, walking confidently through employee-only passages and waving to staff as he went. It wasn't a secret when the Afton and Emily heirs were around, as they were so involved in other family members' franchises the staff quickly learned to memorize their faces due to frequent surprise visits. While Evan didn't work in the Pizzaplex—he was perfectly content to manage his own smaller, homier diner branch of Fazbear Entertainment—there was no mistaking his kind face as someone of great importance.

Gregory was treated much the same way, though arguably with more genuine greetings than his elder family members received. It wasn't that any of the heirs were unlikeable—though Michael had scared quite a few staff on occasion with his calm and collected lectures underlain with veiled threats—it was just that they were so important it was intimidating.

But Gregory? Yes, he was right up there in the status quo, but he was still just a kid—and dealing with kids is what the members of the Pizzaplex knew how to do best.

Soon enough, the group reached a door hidden away from the usual path of employees rushing to and fro. Michael rapped on the wood three times before pushing it open. “Liz? I brought visitors...”

Liz was dressed down today in overalls and an old painting shirt as she worked. Finishing the latest designs was something she was being particular about, having thrown away half the original concepts and finding herself in a creative rut. At Michael's voice, Liz was quick to break concentration and turn around in her office chair.

“Visitors? You brought a whole party; hey, guys!” she remarked as the group filed into the office. Meeting the youngest boy’s eyes, Lizzie waved him over with a sense of urgency. “Gregory! Quick, I need your opinion on Circus Baby and Ballora.”

Gregory was fast to let go of his father's hands to do some investigating, curiously coming to peep the watercolor characters Liz painted in her sketchbook. Circus Baby looked far less uncanny then her predecessor, as well as Ballora. While Ballora seemed to still take role as a dancer, Baby's design leaned more towards that of a pop singer.

“They're cool! They're not as weird... They kind of look like they're from like—the 90's maybe.”

Liz groaned at this, closing the book even as it was still drying.

“I'm sorry I hate shoulder pads.” Elizabeth stressed before pulling Gregory in for an aggressive hug. “How ARE you, sweetie? Did you cut your hair?” Deft fingers played with the mullet Gregory seemed to obtain between last Wednesday and now.

No, Charlie did, Gregory thought. Outwardly, he shrugged and decided to act cool about it. “Just needed something different.”

“I think it's cute—er, cool. Super cool.” Evan tried to cover his slip, knowing that if his seven-year-olds hated being called cute, surely the almost-thirteen-year-old would despise it. He hummed as he assessed the style, noting: “Kinda reminds me of Mike's hair when we were growing up. Remember how you'd lock yourself in the bathroom for hours? God, it was so annoying…”

A tiny flush of red graced Michael's cheeks as his little brother jabbed an elbow into his side. “Look, it was called fashion, Evan. I was just doing what everyone else did back then.”

“Mm... I think you just wanted to impress—”

“So, Liz—” Michael cut off whatever Evan was about to say, moving to his sister’s side and slinging an arm around her shoulders. “Uncle Henry says you need a break—wanna come visit Freddy and then go find Evan’s kids?”

Evan rolled his eyes at Mike’s poor attempt to deflect, shooting a knowing look at the other Afton-Fitzgeralds. Michael had never been one for subtlety, so it was always obvious when someone caught his attention in a way others hadn’t. As for Liz taking a break, she bounced up from her chair and stretched her arms above her head to get her circulation going again.

“I’m so glad you all showed up—I was about to start atrophying,” she lamented, then threw a smirk at her big brother’s clear embarrassment.

“We gotta go see Freddy first!” Gregory reminded the group, reminding Charlie and the others that he had an ant in his pants about beta-testing Freddy’s new updates. It came as no surprise to the others. What with Freddy being his favorite and Gregory’s interest in coding, who could blame the kid?

“Yes, yes—Freddy first, as always,” Michael chuckled, shuffling his son towards the door.

***

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[survey--s]

615.

Have you ever left your front door unlocked all night?  Our door locks automatically so it's not possible, but my parents did once and they got broken into - stole the car off the drive and my mum's handbag off the table. The car was found a few days later smashed into a wall.

Do you prefer cold or warm weather?  Around 18-20 degrees is perfect for me.

The last advertisement you saw: What was it advertising?  I have no idea, further education or something maybe?

Do you prefer bar or liquid soap?  Liquid.

Do you wear any perfumes / colognes on a regular basis?  I wear body spray everyday, yeah. My current one is vanilla scented.

Do you have high or low self esteem levels?  I think they're just pretty normal, to be honest.

When was the last time you listened to a song on repeat? What was the song?  It was Savage Daughter by Ekaterina but don't remember when, maybe last week sometime?

How do you feel about being in the house alone?  I absolutely love it, I find it really peaceful.

What was the last compliment you received?  I can't remember off the top of my head.

Do you like mint or orange flavored chocolate?  I like both but prefer mint.

How often do you get spots? Like, pimples?  Just around my period.

Do you believe that when your ears burn someone is talking about you?  Ha, no, but I remember my mum saying that all the time when I was younger.

Are you a good host when visitors come over or do you wish they’d leave? I mean, I only have visitors over when they've been invited so of course I'm polite and host them properly.

When was the last time you burnt your mouth from eating something too hot?  I don't remember.

What is your favorite foreign language to listen to? (In music or speech)  French.

Do you prefer instrumental songs or ones with lyrics?  Ones with lyrics. I'm really not a massive fan of instrumental music unless it's being played as part of a soundtrack.

Name something simple that makes you happy.  Iced coffee.

What is your favorite instrument to listen to?  Piano or acoustic guitar.

Pick one: Books, movies or music?  I like all three.

Do you carry a bag around with you often? What does it look like?  Yeah, it's just a small black cross-body bag that can be converted to a bum bag when I'm at work.

Do you like your natural hair color?  Sure.

Do you delete your emails / texts often?  Yeah, I clean up my phone regularly and never keep stuff I don't need.

What was the last book you read about?  I haven't touched a book in about six months, honestly.

What color are the walls in the room you’re in?  Two are dark red and two are grey.

Did you dress up last Halloween? As what? No.

Do you have any old friends who you still kinda speak to but it’s awkward?  Yeah, I suppose so. I guess that's what happens when you grow up and life takes you in completely different directions.

Name one of your favorite memories.  Our wedding day.

Are you a polite person?  Yes, when I have to be.

When was the last time you used a quote from a movie in real life? Earlier on today, I think.

Have you ever used a chat-up line that actually worked?  Nope. Not seriously, anyway.

Can you put your legs behind your head?  No. I have joint issues in my back and hips.

Do you forget things easily? Nope, I have the opposite problem.

The last song you listened to: Did it have a male or female vocalist?  Female.

Is the heating on in your house currently?  No, though it is starting to get colder especially in the evenings. We generally don't put the heating on until October/November though as it just costs so much money. We do have the fire but Mike was looking up the cost of coal yesterday and it's practically tripled haha.

Do you often find toothpaste too minty?  Not really. I did when I was younger, though.

Have you ever had braces? Do you need them?  No. My bottom teeth are a bit overcrowded but honestly it doesn't make any difference to my life.

Are you a subscriber to any magazines? Which?  No.

What does your voice sound like? (Loud, quiet, high pitched, etc)  Fairly quiet and I have a bit of a lisp.

[cetra]

My final verdict: this game was really fun for me, for a long time. The combat is really great and definitely speaks to the part of me that absolutely loves turn-based gameplay (my favorite kind of combat in any RPG). the music is fantastic and I do think Borislav Slavov deserves every award he's getting for it. The game has lots of great characters of whom I think Lae'zel and Gale are the standouts (or at least for Lae'zel until the epilogues lol). But the story, the clear biases that the development has in regards to certain characters as well as the choices of the playerbase and the unpolished feeling of the game is where this game REALLY fell flat for me and it started to become incredibly annoying to play

I genuinely enjoyed Act One, and most of Act Two. but Act Three drops the ball so freaking hard in terms of the writing quality. i mean good LORD it's so awful and incredibly rushed. And i was playing as the Dark Urge which afaik gives you more to do in this act, yet it STILL felt like it was just begging me to finish the game already. But playing the game was getting more and more tiresome for me so i was practically slogging through. Act One took me a long time to get through as well mind you , but only because I was tearing apart everything it had to offer. Whereas with Act Three i was just like..... I Seriously Don't Care About What's Going On Anymore. Battles stopped being fun in the city. I felt like the game was REALLY really trying to punish me for the way i chose to play the game and not in a way that felt emotionally effective, in a way that was really annoying me and made me feel like I was being talked down to as a player

and even though I was lucky enough to not encounter that many bugs, I know for a FACT that Act Three stands out for a huge portion of players as the definitive most buggy segment of the game. which leads me to my next point: Baldur's Gate 3 could not be more obviously unfinished. I mean it's embarrassing at this point the amount of massive patches they've had to roll out many of which continue to break the game in new and exciting ways.

on top of that, the stunt they pulled with the epilogues was definitely the thing that made me realize okay, I'm probably never going back to this game and i'm definitely not going to give Larian money ever again (something that was already set in stone after I found out about the crunch but yeah), because how on earth is it STILL acceptable for game companies to so blatantly put out games that aren't finished and full of insane game breaking bugs with every intention to just go back in after release, "fix it" and then add a bunch of cool new stuff to try and appease to unsatisfied fans. (because it's the new industry standard that's been around for a LONGGG time now but i'd argue was codified by No Man's Sky and CP2077, for some reason fans keep falling for this garbage EVERY SINGLE TIME)

And yeah. there are lot of things I can talk about here honeslty, like how bad the game's politics are when the game remembers to have some, Minthara in general (romance flag issues and pandering to Good players who refused to do what made her recruitable by making her recruitable without raiding the grove), the game's really bad treatment of its ONLY Black companion Wyll, how clunky and underdeveloped certain gameplay/combat mechanics can feel, how a lot of the world just feels so empty compared to other fantasy settings I've seen in games (And i don't mean empty as in devoid of life, I know that a lot of the game takes place in the wildness and dangerous lands most wouldn't wander to, but most of this game just doesn't feel like it's the setting for a world that has been around for centuries and is full of lore and mythos. It just feels like a generic backdrop and not even reading the countless books i came across helped to immerse me in this universe), etc.

i'll just leave it at that. This was probably one of the most disappointing games i've played in recent memory, which sucks because I was really hoping i would love it. I remember while playing it I thought for a while it could even be an all-timer, but now I look back at it with mainly contempt. i also think it's reflective of a huge part of what's currently wrong with the game industry, which is multimillion to billion dollar game companies pushing out unfinished work to make a profit as soon as possible and please shareholders. Alongside live service games, microtransactions, lack of unions, developers being abused and crunched.... I mean i could go on but I already talk about this a lot on my blog so you guys already know how I feel about the state of the industry 🫥

I appreciate how the game pushed me creatively and how i was able to meet so many wonderful people in its community, and I'll happily take that part with me while leaving the rest behind. I still have a lot of love in my heart for some of the characters of this game, the music, my friend's OCs and their creations for this game (the latter two of which I'm going to continue to support with all my enthusiasm), and if you really love this game which I know a lot of my followers do then more power to you honestly!! I'm really glad you got something out of this game and i hope you'll continue to be touched by it. As for me this is probably the last I'll talk of my many many issues with it before I move on because i'm tired of feeling dragged down by my negative feelings for it and I want to spend my time playing better games instead of complaining about one mid one🫡

I finally uninstalled my computer's virus known as "Baldur's Gate 3"

[wheres-mylove]

black sabbath? | eddie munson x fem!reader

Summary: You know that feeling when you find out that your friend has a massive crush on your older sister, but you can't do anything about it, even though you don't approve, since they just have to love the same music band? No? Because Dustin Henderson does. 

Disclaimer: English isn’t my first language!

Word count: 3.1k

➸ You can read part two here! 

(Y/N) Henderson really loved her brother. Most of the time. Because there were also times when he played on her nerves in a way no one else did.

“So Iron Maiden after all? Great choice! I'll get your change right away,” the girl said with a practiced smile, handing the customer a wad of bills over the counter. “Have a nice day!”

She waited a few moments until the guy (satisfied with the amazing service) left the store. And then she opened the door to the back room, which she had previously slammed shut.

“Why aren't you being so kind to me?” asked Dustin reproachfully, not caring in the least about his sister's deadly stare as he sat in a room theoretically for employees, with a mug of tea in hand. “Oh well. They pay you to do that here.”

(Y/N) rolled her eyes and leaned against the counter.

“I'm going to get fired because instead of letting me do my job in peace, you're making me listen to your ranting.”

“It's not ranting, woman. It's the story of my life.”

“If your life boils down to D&D, then it's no wonder you're getting bullied at school, Dusty,” (Y/N) sighed, arranging the vinyls that had been laid out by the previously-hosted lover of heavy sounds. She laughed at the sight of her brother's scowling face. “Just kidding. Wind up. But if someone walks in, for God's sake, tone it down.”

“Well, as I was saying-” Dustin set his mug down on the table with a bang so he could gesture freely. “Lucas acted in an outrageous manner. I was convinced we'd have to postpone the whole campaign. Mike and I nearly shit ourselves. I was like, man, Eddie will get so freaking mad...”

“I swear I'm going to start counting how many times the word Eddie comes out of your mouth,” announced (Y/N) with a smile. “Eddie this, Eddie that. Like a teenager in love.”

“Woah, take it easy. I won't tell you anything if you keep on being rude.”

“Promise?”

“He told us to find a sub for Sinclair and we were so screwed.” (Y/N) let the air out slowly through her nose. He wouldn't shut up so easily. “Absolutely nobody wanted to play with us. I fucking called Steve.”

“You also fucking called me. You've obviously hit the rock bottom.”

“Why can't you come actually? We somehow convinced Erica, but I thought she'd also say no, just out of spite. You know the rules, why can't you get your ass there?”

“I let children have their fun!” she exclaimed, bringing the pile of vinyls back to their rightful place. “In all seriousness, though, I'm going to the championship game.”

“You hate basketball.”

“First of all, unlike you, I appreciate that Lucas has worked hard for a place on the team... ”

“Don't be so supportive, he's warming the bench.”

“A sportsman spoke up. Secondly, Robin plays with the orchestra. My ears will fall off, but she's my friend. Gotta survive,” (Y/N) explained further. A wry smile suddenly dawned on her face. “Well, maybe I'll try my hand as Harrington's wingman. Can you believe that he came to me for love advice? But I don't think he's gonna make progress. He recently complimented a chick's forehead.”

Dustin laughed so hard that the tea almost went up his nose.

In a final act of grace (Y/N) agreed to drive her brother home once he and his friends had finished their campaign. However, she began to regret it. The basketball game was long over, Lucas disappeared with his new friends, Robin went home, and Steve was probably exchanging saliva with his temporary sweetheart. 

She drummed her fingers impatiently on the steering wheel, with only Black Sabbath blasting from the speakers to keep her company.

“Can you help me, occupy my brain?” she sang along with the vocalist. (Y/N) could use the help, as she was growing tired of waiting in the car and staring blankly at the front door. Suddenly they opened, revealing several laughing teenagers, followed by an extremely joyful Erica Sinclair. The beloved brother was nowhere to be seen. 

(Y/N) leaned out of the car window.

“Erica!” she called out, at which the girl turned toward the parking lot, searching for the owner of the voice with her eyes. “Where's my little dipshit?”

“Inside!”

(Y/N) decided that she had waited long enough. It was time to use violence. She jumped out of the car and ran up to the door. Erica waited.

“We won because of me,” she stated with undisguised pride, raising her head. “You will drive me home. Make it quick.”

“Congratulations and... okay? Sure, I'll drive you. You asked so politely,” (Y/N) replied, spreading her arms, as the girl apparently did not wait for her answer. Let's find Dustin.

It wasn't that complicated. She was led by the faint light from the room where they were playing D&D and the loud voice of.... well, the Master himself.

“Gentlemen, what a game that was! I'm impressed, really. Now it's your turn to flatter me. Yes, Eddie, what a thoughtful campaign. Shock. Wheeler, be careful with that figurine. I will scalp you if you do any damage.”

“Let's speed this up, because my sister will scalp us if we don't show up right away,” muttered Henderson, to which (Y/N) nodded, leaning nonchalantly against the door frame. They had not yet noticed her arrival.

“Too late,” she spoke up out of the blue, at which Mike jumped up, Dustin screamed, and the oldest member of the merry men turned abruptly in her direction.

“Jesus H. Christ,” he screeched, clutching his chest. “Don't do that again.”

(Y/N) took a better look at the infamous Munson. She had seen him before, before she graduated, but they had never officially met. It was hard not to notice a wisp of dark unruly hair, tattooed forearms, a crazy grin and... eyes. Beautiful eyes, to be honest. She never paid much attention to them. Oh fuck. 

At first frightened by her sudden appearance in the room, Eddie didn't register who he was talking to. Unbelievable. He had passed this pretty creature in the hallway many times in the past year, but never had the courage to do more than admire her from afar.

Wait, this is Dustin's sister? This is his sister? He has been playing D&D with her little brother all this time and didn't even have a clue.

He thanked the higher power that (Y/N) was busy scolding Dustin, as he stood, grinning like an idiot, just happy to be there. Mike glanced in his direction fleetingly and raised his eyebrows. Finally, the attention of the Henderson siblings shifted to Munson. Eddie's head spun when she looked at him. No, man. Get your head in the game. You need to make a good impression.

Dustin grunted. He figured it would be polite to make the presentation now.

“This is my older sister, (Y/N).”

The aforementioned sister sent a smile in Eddie's direction that almost brought him off his feet. Damn. He's a metalhead. Metalheads. Don't. Blush.

“Dustin talks about you all the time, so let me guess that you must be...” (Y/N) began, extending her right hand to him, but before she could finish, Eddie decided to go with the first thing that came to mind.

“My name is Lucifer, please take my hand.” He laughed and finally shook her hand. He could have sworn he felt more than something. The light touch stirred up a sea of sparks within him. And Eddie didn't consider himself as a fan of clichés. Well.

(Y/N) Henderson squinted her eyes, with head held confidently high. And then she smiled, but this time more mischievously.

“I prefer it sung by Ozzy, but your version will do,” she replied quietly. In an almost flirtatious manner.

Oh, boy. You are lost, Eddie Munson.

Dustin was one step away from knocking a head on the table. Either his own, or the one belonging to his older friend.

“Get away from me. Absolutely not. Forget it,” repeated Henderson for the hundredth time, waving his fork warningly in Munson's direction. “I swear I'll stab you with it if you ask me about her again.”

Eddie wasn't too concerned about Dustin's threat. He continued to hang around with a fierce look on his face. Henderson looked up, silently praying for the strength to endure Eddie Munson's nagging. 

It had been a week since his sister had appeared in Leviathan's den, and his D&D master had gone completely mad for her. Why didn't Dustin tell him that his sister (Y/N) was in fact that (Y/N)? She listens to Black Sabbath, but what else? What is she interested in? Where can they hang out? Dustin should bring her to the next game. By the way, has she ever played D&D? Does she have a boyfriend?

Is that how she felt when he was telling her all about Munson? Guilt washed over him. He didn't know it was possible to become that annoying.

“No crushing on (Y/N) on my watch!” he finally shouted, at which Eddie jumped up. And so did several people seated closest to them.

Mike Wheeler just laughed and patted Dustin on the back.

“Chill out, man.”

“You fucking Judas, whose side are you taking? You're a brother yourself. That's our shitty role. To beat the admirers off with a stick,” Dustin muttered, resting his chin on his hand. He turned toward Munson, sending him a suspicious look.

“What are your intentions?”

“Foul,” replied Eddie without flinching. 

“You are disgusting.”

The boy straightened up, sending his friends a wide smile. He thought for a moment, then put his hands on their shoulders.

“You don't understand anything, don't you? I feel that this is my year. That it will be different. I will finally graduate, snatch that diploma. My dream is to flip Higgins the bird and run as far away from this shithole as possible, to start a new life,” Eddie said with conviction and hope that there is simply no other option. “But I have some unfinished business, you see. When I had the opportunity to talk to (Y/N) at school, I chickened out. However, I see that fate is giving me a second chance to make things right.”

“Have mercy,” muttered Mike to Dustin, but he shook his head with a disapproving look.

Henderson was as stubborn as a mule. But Mike's patience also had its limits. That's why, when an exasperated Dustin marched out of the cafeteria, Wheeler leaned toward Munson and whispered in confidence that (Y/N) was currently not seeing anyone. Then it casually slipped out that she works at the record store. The one near the library. It also slipped out that she works an opening shift on Saturdays. By accident. 

Oops.

Eddie Munson couldn't remember the last time he was so stressed. Maybe when that damn weed was almost found in his backpack. Or when Wayne was lecturing him after he had returned from a band rehearsal in a not-quite-sober state.

He was about to talk to a girl he was pining over. Heck, he won't be able to. Maybe he will? Or maybe he won't. He could always turn his van around and pretend that he had no intention of going to that fucking store in the first place.

He stopped at a red light and glanced nervously at the glove box. He put a cassette in there. Maybe he was going insane, but he already knew she liked Black Sabbath. So he collected a few tracks with a similar vibe and signed it with a black marker. From Eddie :) 

He had no idea why he did it, or how he was supposedly going to hand it to her, since they had talked just once. It would appear that he was thinking of her. She would consider him a proper freak.

But there's no denying it, he was indeed thinking. He was listening to a song and then the question came to him whether she would like it too.

Green light. It wasn't that far. He had to devise a plan. He desperately needed a plan. After all, he won't march in there and tell her that he's liked her for a long time, but he gets so nervous in her presence that he can't form a proper sentence. Christ, what a fool he will make of himself.

He parked the van and looked at himself in the mirror. His hair was disheveled as usual. Yeah, charming. He opened the glove box and pulled out that wretched cassette. Maybe it would be appropriate to practice what he was going to say. No. Then he would panic.

“I'm going,” he said to motivate himself. And off he went.

The idea of running away came up exactly four times. He counted.

The bell at the door marked his arrival deafeningly loud, or at least that was his impression. There was no customer in the store, but it was empty behind the counter, too. Good. Nobody's home. He's gonna just...

“Just a minute! I'll be right there!” called out (Y/N) from the back room.

Under normal circumstances, he would have waltzed out now. But what stopped him was N.I.B. playing in the background. He smirked. 

“Cool song!” he exclaimed in a sudden burst of boldness. 

(Y/N) Henderson almost went down with a heart attack hearing his voice. Son of a bitch had an excellent timing. She took advantage of the fact that he couldn't see her now. It won't be that fun when she'll have to look him in the eye.

“Yes, someone reminded me how much I like it.”

She took the cardboard box of records with her, but not to unpack them, at least not at the moment. She was gonna use it as a shield against her brother's dangerously handsome friend. It almost fell out of her hands when she saw him leaning against the counter. 

Hands on full display. Tattoos. Rings. 

“Eddie Munson,” she greeted in a polite tone reserved for the store's customers. And for the people she liked. “To what do I owe this visit?”

“I was passing by and spontaneously thought I'd take a look.”

(Y/N) found this to be a reasonable explanation, but Munson nearly burst into laughter.

“In that case, can I help you with something?” she asked with a smile, pointing to something with her thumb. “Heavy metal in that alley over there.”

Eddie strolled slowly through the store, but he hadn't come here to buy anything. His gaze kept returning toward the counter. (Y/N) tried to pretend she wasn't aware of that.

“So,” began Munson, Paranoid vinyl in his hands. “Black Sabbath?”

“Hell yeah,” replied (Y/N), crossing her arms over her chest. “I hope you know that you've scored some points with that lyrics, N.I.B. is one of my favorites.”

“Devil falling in love,” whispered Munson, before he had time to think it over carefully. “What a familiar concept.”

(Y/N) Henderson felt suddenly overwhelmed by his intense gaze. The tension was almost unbearable. 

“Aren't you of those who interpret this as a deception to the depths of hell?”

“One does not exclude the other,” Eddie replied simply, putting the record back in place. Now it was his turn to tremble under her watchful gaze. “I lied earlier.”

(Y/N) furrowed her brow.

“Excuse me?”

Eddie decided that he had enough of beating around the bush. May Ozzy Osbourne protect him.

“I specifically came here to see you,” he explained, covering his face with a strand of dark hair. “Mike told me I would find you here. Dustin I couldn't force. He declared himself the protector of your honor.”

(Y/N) thought that she had overheard at first. Just the fact that Eddie was so close and talking to her about music was already a lot. And now she finds out that he came here for her? Then the second part of his statement reached her ears and she started laughing.

Yes, typical Dustin. Little brother in shining armor.

Munson couldn't hold back a smile at the sight of her laughing face. He reached into his jacket pocket for the tape and decided that it's once in a lifetime occasion.

“I wanted to give you this, too. Maybe it's a little silly, but our tastes are similar, so...” he said, walking up to the counter and handing it to her.

(Y/N) wasn’t laughing anymore when she accepted the gift. She turned it in her hands, then looked at him with big doe eyes. Eddie's heart melted.

“Thank you,” she choked out, touched by this small gesture. No one had made a compilation especially for her until now. “I'll listen to it as soon as I get home.”

“The first one is N.I.B.” Eddie smiled softly. “I hope you like the rest of it as well.”

Their little soap bubble of mutual adoration burst when two women entered the store with the ring of a bell. Both (Y/N) and Eddie frowned at the sight. Zero privacy. Someone had the audacity to go shopping.

Eddie Munson scratched his neck nervously and lowered his gaze.

“I'm sorry for bothering you at work for so long. I should get going,” the boy apologized, then pointed to a stack of records. “Your prices are astronomical. Making up for it with customer service though.”

(Y/N) only then realized that Eddie was about to go. He'll leave her here for the rest of the shift with a smoldering hope and an adorable choice of gift. Definitely not happening.

“Wait,” she called as Munson was already turning to leave, to which he immediately turned back.

“Yes?” She'd tell him to leave, he'd leave in a hurry. She'd tell him to wait, he won't budge.

“How can I return the favor?” she asked, lifting up the tape. “A serious question. I don't like being in debt.”

Eddie stood for a moment with his mouth open, searching for the right answer.

“This is the part when you ask me out,” prompted (Y/N) suddenly, coming to the rescue.

“Would you say yes?”

“Oh, come on, you dumbass.”

Eddie barely made it to the car, but had to sit down for a long moment and recover. He could still feel the subtle touch of her lips on his cheek. 

He managed to get a date with a gorgeous girl who listens to Black Sabbath.

Thanks, Ozzy.

[thora-jane]

Take My Hand (Shang Chi x female!Reader)

THIS WAS AN ASK FROM @aliiiyyaaah so here you go lovely I hope you enjoy!

Taglist: @aliiiyyaaah @superblyspeedydragon @bamboozledflamplant

If I left you out of the taglist lmk!

Ask:i dk what i want exactly but obviously it’s shang chi x reader😹😹 ummm just super fluffy i guess like obviously they not friends since forever but what like maybe 2-4 years ? and it could be a movie plot or just a general fluff But CAN YOU INCLUDR A PART WHERE HE HUGS HER FROM BEHIND??😹if that’s okay?

Summary: Karaoke Night takes a turn when you and Shang Chi find each other connecting on a more physical level

Word count: 1,578

Warning: Ain't nothin but some fluffy ending, you lovely little simps.

There are some rituals society doesn’t question, like school bells or religious services or even simply society itself. Among your group, Friday Night Karaoke was at the top of this list. It wasn’t just a ritual, it was a sacred ritual. Sure, it was never said aloud, but no matter what was going on around 8 o’clock on any given Friday evening, you all seemed to have one thing on your mind.

“You think you got it! Oh! You think you got it!” Katy was singing at the top of her lungs, jumping up and down to ‘Hey Ya’ before downing another shot with Shang-Chi.

Shang-Chi you repeated in your head. After being informed of what happened the month before, you were making an effort to call him by his actual name. Honestly, it was getting impossible to not think about him constantly. Yeah, he was your friend. But friendship didn’t stop you from hopelessly falling for him for the past...three years? God, you were hopelessly in love with this man. Whether or not he could save the world made no difference to you, it made no difference that you had watched him summon a dragon or take on assassins or defeat a massive soul-sucking monster, he had always been the same man you had fallen in love with. You swear, you would do anything for this man.

Apparently, in this moment, it meant getting up on the tiny stage next to Katy.

“C’moooon! It’ll be great!” He said with a lopsided smile as he elbowed you.

“Already? Shang Chi I think it’s your turn-”

“I’ll go next just go!” he assured, ruffling your hair.

“And like, I’ll take the rap parts so you barely have to do anything,” Katy added, grabbing your hand and pulling you out from under his touch. Before the music started you thought you heard her whisper “besides, you probably have someone in mind for this song anyway.”

You weren’t sure whether to smile or groan when the song started, but you held the mic up to your mouth and started singing anyway.

“Whatta man whatta man whatta man whatta mighty good man.” It didn’t take you long to start half-dancing with Katy as she started rapping, adding your ‘ooh’s in a little off-beat. It was when you looked up and saw Shang Chi that your heart melted again. There he was, standing over to the side, swaying and waving his arms shamelessly to hype you two up. The music was loud, but you could tell he was singing along with you at maximum volume.

After a few minutes, the song came to a close, and you and Katy stepped off stage, but not before you handed your mic over to Shang Chi, “Knock’em dead, bus boy,” you said with a smile as he took the mic in his hand. You weren’t, however, expecting him to wrap his arms around your waist, gently pulling your back to his chest as he chuckled.

“With pleasure.”

You sat back down on the couch, heart pounding and head not fully understanding what went down. You felt his breath on your neck and could feel the warmth through his shirt.

That just happened.

He took his place on the stage, you and Katy sitting on the beaten old couch that probably had at least a dozen drinks spilled on it at some point, and waited for him to start singing.

You were expecting some corny 90’s song, as that was the apparent theme of the night. Something you and Katy could scream along with from the couch, something light and funny. But from the speakers came a soft piano instrumental and your breath hitched as he began to sing.

“Wise men say, only fools rush in.” You couldn’t recall if you’d ever heard him sing seriously before. Up until that moment, it had always been casual singing filled with giggles and funny faces. But his face seemed to soften and his voice felt rich and deep, “But I can’t help falling in love with you.”

“Like a river flows, surely to the sea, darling so it goes, some things are meant to be,” Heat crept up on your face, leaning forward slightly on the couch and straightening your posture. You were positively captivated by his voice, ignoring Katy’s chuckle and jabbing from her elbow.

“Take my hand. Take my whole life too,” he began to step forward slowly, past the speaker, off the stage, over to the couch.

Right in front of you, he got down on his knee and took your hand in his, his voice shaking with vibrato, or maybe even nerves “For I can’t help falling in love with you.” As the song ended, your heart froze and you watched as he gently raised your hand to his lips.

A moment passed between you, Shang Chi turned red and chuckled as he got up again, bringing the mic back up to the stage. Katy stood up, all wild applause and wolf whistles, but you remained seated, hand frozen where he left it in your lap. While Katy clapped him on the back and he shrugged off her compliments on his singing, it occurred to you that it may have been nothing more than a performance. You felt something in your heart tense up, and your stomach churned as you realized Shang Chi wasn’t looking back at you at all. It probably was just a little gag at the moment, but that didn’t mean it didn’t mean the world to you.

You looked down at where he had kissed your hand, not finding it within yourself to get up from the couch. It was then that you felt the cushion dip beside you and the brush of an arm draping against the back of the couch.

“Hey uh...We were gonna head out. Katy said I might have gotten her too strong a drink- I mean she was drinking on an empty stomach or-”

“We all got pizza right before this though?” you interrupted, still looking down at your hands with purpose.

“Oh well my metabolism,” Katy began, plopping down at your other side, “Lightening fast. It’s unbelievable. Food just goes zooming and then alcohol just sits there. It’s crazy.” She reasoned with confidence that you thought felt a little over-preformed.

“Right, we were gonna head out, and like...I could walk you home?” Shang Chi asked, standing up and holding out his hand.

You took his hand, but only briefly, not wanting to get your hopes up again.

Katy had made it home, and you and Shang Chi walked the quieter late-night streets of San Fransisco. A gentle breeze began to blow, and you felt a shiver creep in your shoulders through your tshirt, “Oh here let me-” Shang Chi began, shrugging off his jacket and wrapping it around your shoulders, hesitantly keeping his arms wrapped around you.

You spoke softly, not shying from his touch but still unable to look him in the face, “Shang Chi, you’re the truest gentleman I’ve ever met,” You smiled, and he wrapped his arms around your shoulders, briefly tucking his chin in the crook of your neck.

“I just don’t want you to catch a chill,” he reassured, rubbing your arms.

“What’s got you acting like this?” You asked voice laced with genuine curiosity as you finally looked at him, suddenly aware of the proximity your faces had.

“Well…” he began, eyes locked with yours purposefully, “I just figure that...well at karaoke…(y/n) I’ve been meaning to say for a while that…” He continued to interrupt himself and trail on for nearly a minute before saying a complete phrase, “You didn’t take your hand from me.”

“No,” you blinked, “No, I didn’t,”

“Why not?” he asked, his eyes soft and searching.

“Because I liked it where it was,” you whispered.

“You did?” his eyes lit up with something, but you couldn’t quite tell what. Gently, he took your face in his hands, “Do you...do you like your face where it is?”

Your gulped, fairly certain that he could hear your heart pounding, “Yes.”

His eyes flickered to your lips, and oh-so-gently, he leaned down and closed the gap between the two of you.

You felt the prickle of his stubble under your nose. His breath smelled lightly of alcohol and his hands were intoxicating as he gently ran his fingertip under your ear back and forth. Your hands carefully found the hairline of his neck, entwining your fingertips in his hair and melting at the gentle sigh he breathed to your lips.

He pressed his forehead to yours, eyes still closed, “Did you..like where your face was at?”

You brought his face to yours again, softly planting your lips on his. This time his hands carefully moved down to your waist and rested on the small of your back, pulling you closer and hugging you tight when your lips broke off again.

“(y/n)?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you...feel the way I feel? Like am I crazy or is this actually happening?” He asked, and you could practically hear the nervous smile on his face.

“I mean personally I was hoping this was real,” you smiled, letting out a chuckle for the first time in a while that evening.

“It is real,” he assured the two of you, “I know it is.”

“If you say so, handsome,” You smiled.

“Oh, I say so.”

[writinginthedarkwood]

Werewolf! Kirishimia Eijiro: A New Meaning to Golden Retriever Boyfriend.

Thank you so dearly for this request, it was so much fun to write. Prompt #16 “Not this again.” For the fictober event. If you have a request, please send me an ask I would love to write it. 

No warnings, fluffy and cute.

"You've got to be kidding me, not this again." You looked down at your phone, a long paragraph typed up from your boyfriend Eijiro in the same format as last month. An excuse, an apology, canceling tonight's plans, and about two more apologies. Tonight he's claiming stomach issues, but you know the truth. You sigh and check your bank account. If he would just tell the truth you could tell him that it wouldn't be a problem for you to pay for the movie tickets tonight! He makes good money, he must really spend over his budget. He's so chivalrous and sweet, it might insult him to try and pay for things sometimes. You don't mind, if only he'd just open up.

You decide that enough is enough, you're going over there and you're going to put an end to the lying! He's going to let you pay for the date if you have to drag him out by his ears. You throw on the outfit you had planned for your date, cleaned up your hair and head down the street into the night air. Eijiro's house is just outside of city lines in the suburbs. He has a nice end lot with a large field behind it. You're so jealous of his view. You hop on the bus and ride with head phones on, listening to a playlist he made you. The bus can be a little scary at night, but nobody is on here except for you. It's kind of peaceful just listening to music and staring at the full moon. It's large and round face is staring down at you like a caring grandmother.

 Another text pops up.

"Are you okay? I'm sorry I disappointed you. I have to get some sleep, I love you baby." You rolled your eyes. It's just past 10pm! You're not letting him sit and sulk in the dark alone all night. You resisted the urge to throw your phone into your bag in frustration. He is such a wonderful boyfriend 99% of the time, but he always seems like he's hiding a part of himself. What is it? A bad childhood? A gambling addiction? Is he secretly apart of the mafia??? The bus halted to a stop and left you outside of his neighborhood, you stomped all the way down the sidewalk to the end of the line of houses and stared at your boyfriends place. The porch light is off, but the lights are on inside. You know where he keeps the hidden spare key and jam it into the lock. You almost kick the door down as you shout for your boyfriend.

 He was sitting on the couch, tying his shoe laces. He's putting on hiking boots this late? "Hey! You're awake!" You slam the door behind you and scold your red headed sweet heart. "Babe what are you doing here? It's almost midnight!" His voice is shaking. He nervously looks at the clock on the wall and stands up. "You have to go baby, I'm really embarrassed! My stomach is-" "Stop lying! Your stomach is fine!" You want to raise your voice and yell, but his giant puppy dog eyes are so cute. You jam a finger into his chest and scrunch up your mouth, doing your best to look irritated. "I knew I would get here and see you're not hunched over a puke bucket!" He put both hands on your shoulders and gently rubbed up and down on your arms. He's such a large man, he's practically a wall he's so solid. Yet he always has the sweetest touches, making sure to be so gentle with you. His callused finger tips brushed against your skin and gave you goosebumps.

 It took every ounce of restraint in you not to fall right into his arms. "I'm sorry honey, but you really can't stay here tonight. I need you to head back home." He said hardly above a whisper. He kissed your forehead and you shoved his chest with all of your might. He didn't budge, but understood you wanted him away from you so he stepped back. "Oh I'm sorry, is your booty call on the way over and I'm interrupting?" You felt like someone had stabbed you right in the heart. It couldn’t be true, he has never showed any signs of being disloyal. You’re just tired and confused.

 Eijiro looked panicked. "Oh god of course not! No, no its not like that I swear!"  He swallowed you in his arms pushing your cheek against his pecks and kissing all over the top of your head. "There is nobody other than you, I could never even think of betraying you, you're my soul mate." He said between kisses. You wrapped your arms around him and snuggled in. His warmth overwhelming. "Well then what is it...?" You whined a bit, it's getting later and you want to just fall asleep in his arms. "Are you going to turn into a wolf at midnight?" You chuckled. His hand stopped running through your hair and he stiffened completely. You look up at him puzzled, he's staring down at you with a look of panic. "That's crazy why would you even say that?" He says all too seriously. You nervously laugh. "What's wrong? I was just joking. It's not like I really believe you're about to start howling at the full moon." Eijiro stared off into space, like his brain was loading and he couldn't think of what to say. "Right...?" You cocked an eyebrow at him. "It might be a little bit like that." He scratched his head. 

You two sat in the quiet for a little bit. Every time he tried to elaborate he ended up getting caught up in his own words. You two sat awkwardly in his living room until its about 5 minutes til midnight. "I- I'm going to go to the bathroom." He quickly dismissed himself, running to his bedroom and shutting the door. You followed quickly after him. Is he insane? Does he really expect you to just sit out here while he hides pretending to shape shift to get out of movie night? He's obviously  having a difficult time, maybe his money troubles make him feel emasculated? You softly tap on his bedroom door and it slips open. The bathroom door is closed shut with the light peaking out under the crack. You walk past his bed and dressers and hear weird scuttling sounds the closer you get. You knock again. "Hey honey, why don't you come out so we can talk about this? It's okay if you didn't want to go out because of money..." You leaned against the door. "It doesn't make you less of a man to let me pay sometimes." He's so wonderful, you don't think there could be any other reason why he can be so flakey.

The sound of shampoo bottles and shaving cream canisters falling to the ground startle you. "Babe are you okay?" You turn the door nob. The door flings open, a large shape tackles you, knocking you to the ground. You let out a large wheeze, the wind escaping your lungs. "What the fu-" Your face was assaulted with a large flat tongue, licking all over you. Slobber flew across the room as a giant red dog panted and whimpered as it gave you kisses. "You're a dog! Oh my god you're a dog!" You pushed your monstrous boyfriend off of you and took a good look at him. He's huge, and even a little scary looking. His fur is bright crimson and his eyes are a daring shade of yellow. But he sat there, panting like a normal dog. You waved in front of his face. "Are you in there babe?" The dog playfully nipped at your finger, trying to pull your hand into his mouth. "Hey! No bites!" You retracted your hand and held it close to your chest. His fangs are giant. 

The wolf man got down low to the ground in the stance you've seen puppies do right before they-

 He takes off, zooming across the floor and into the living room at full speed. Pictures that lined the hallway crash to the ground. You rush to your feet and chase after him. "Wait!! Down boy! Down!!" You shout. He's already on the couch, gripping a throw pillow between his powerful jaws and shaking it. Cotton stuffing flies across the room, coating the floor. "No! Bad Eijiro! Bad doggy!" You try to wrestle the pillow away from him and fail. He topples over you, knocking you back down onto the floor and taking off across the room again, this time to the kitchen. You tenderly rub your arm, you landed on it weird and it's a little sore. Another crashing sound prompts you to get up onto your feet and run after him. The trash can is toppled over on its side, trash strewn across the floor. His snout was pushing around the garbage, looking for something to swallow. "Are you kidding me? What is with you?" You grab the wolf by the scruff of his neck, and pull him to the other side of the room away from the trash. "You sit!" Eijiro whines and sits down, looking up at you with the saddest eyes. "Oh don't look at me like that. This is not what I thought a werewolf would be like." Eijiro's large head pushed against you, rubbing his face all over your stomach as you pet his head. "You just need to burn some of this energy off." 

You can't help but love the silly thing. He is still your boyfriend, even if he is a little different than usual right now. He followed you down the hall,  staying right by your side. He takes up most of the space, his large frame almost tipping you off balance with small bumps into your hip. You dug through a pile in his hall closet until you found an old baseball and plastic toy bat. Wow, he really needs to clean up his closet, you think to yourself. "Okay babe, let's go-" He looked up at you with all of the love in the world, hanging on your every word. You crack into a smile. "Let's go outside and play you big goof.

"The two of you trampled through the tall grass behind Eijiro's house, he seemed to use little to no effort at all. His massive paws stomping down the weeds like it's nothing. You decided you were far enough away from the neighbors and took a strong stance. You haven't hit a ball in ages, but this plastic bat is wide and should make it a little easier on you. The baseball flew high into the air, you focused and swung the bat, smacking the ball across the field. Your wolf ran, faster than any animal you had ever seen after the small object, passing it and having to loop around with a terrifying pin point turn. He grabbed the ball off of the ground so quick you barely saw the motion, and in a flash he was back at your feet. You could do nothing but shake your head and laugh. "Are you kidding me? You're amazing!" Eijiro looked pleased, so you scratched his neck fluff.

 "Alright let's see if I can hit it a little farther." 

Again, and again, and again he chased the ball across the field and back happily dropping the ball at your feet. He only made you wrestle for it once, he could probably keep the ball away from you forever with those intense muscles, but that's not as fun for him. Seeing how pleased you looked when he brought it back was filling the beast with all the pride in the world.

Eventually your arm got tired, and he seemed to have about run out of energy too. He laid down in the field and looked up at the moon. You laid your head on his stomach, the rhythm of his breathing so comforting. You just talked to him, venting about life and how weird things are in the city now. You found yourself thinking about how a simple bus ride was starting to feel too far away from him at this point. "I know you don't really understand me right now, but I really love you. I know we've said it before, but I love you. I think you're my forever person." He was laying on his paws, looking up at the starry sky. "I know you felt like you had to hide this from me, but it doesn't scare me, or weird me out." You talk quietly and close your eyes, snuggling deeper into his fur. "If I have to come throw a ball for you once a month, I'll do it. I've got friends that deal with way worse with their boyfriends." You smirked, thinking you're pretty funny. That'll make Eijiro laugh in the morning, you'll save that for later. 

The rising sun burned your eyelids, scaring you awake. You hadn't meant to stay out here for the rest of the night, but it was so late and he was so comfortable. He's much more familiar to you now, he slept peacefully as you rested on his chest. He looks worn out, but the two of you can't stay out there forever. You gently tap his face. He popped one eye open and looked around. "Oh man!" He gasped and looked down at his hands and feet. "I'm so stupid! You could get sick staying outside all night!" He put a hand on your face and cupped your chin. "Are you alright my love?" He asked with the soft voice only you get to hear. "Yeah I'm fine. How are you feeling?" "I feel fine. I'll be a little more hungry today, but it's no big deal." He looked down at the ground with a sheepish smile. "Thanks for staying with me all night." "Aw come on, it's no big deal. You're... a good boy." You teased while ruffling his hair.

 "Hey!"

My Ko-Fi -> https://ko-fi.com/writinginthedarkwoods Please send spooky requests!

[neocrush]

— enhypen reaction to hearing you sing for the first time !

genre: fluff + established relationship for heeseung and sunoo

pairings: idol!enhypen x gn!reader

note: requested by anon ♡

★ heeseung

you got into an argument, a dumb one actually

but you both being the stubborn people you are, you decided to give each other the silent treatment

you couldn’t handle it much longer

you just wanted to say sorry and cuddle with him

but then again - you didn’t wanna deflate your ego

so directly speaking to him was a no-no

so you sat there in his bed, grabbing his guitar and started strumming it

until you started playing and singing get you by daniel caesar

heeseung must’ve heard you as he slowly walked towards his room, pressing his ear on the door

he didn’t know you could play the guitar and sing

pls he had massive heart eyes

was convinced he fell in love with you all over again

he completely forgot the argument ever happened and just barged in

“you’re the love of my life.”

you stopped playing and singing and just went *instert shocked pikachu face*

“can you sing for me? please?” and you just shake your head no

pouts and gives you puppy eyes

you give in and kiss his cheek “fine, but only if you do it with me”

he nods and cuddles you as you both sing each other to sleep

★ jay

you were a new trainee at belift and he was at the studio, preparing a new song with jake and a producer

the producer had called you in to record a demo for one of the hybe groups

he wasn’t that fazed when you entered the room - the both of you having a mask and bucket hat on

as you entered the recording booth, you removed your mask and hat

you listen to the instrumental and re-read the lyrics once again as you asked the producer if you could record the song without instrumental first

the producer agreed and started recording

you got straight into the chorus, surprising jay

that specific part was in a very high key and he was shocked at how effortlessly you sang it at the first try

the recording went pretty well

but the way jay kept on looking back and forth between the lyrics he was writing and you in the booth didn’t go unnoticed by jake

you were done and had to return to practice as you bowed to the boys and producer - leaving the room

jake nudges jay, signalling him to go follow you and at least say something

jay took the hint and left the studio

“y/n!” he called out and you turned around

“your voice is beautiful. would you want to record with me- i mean enhypen some time?”

★ jake

you were part of a girl band

you played the bass and was also the lead singer

your company - a fairly small one - was just recently bought by bang pd so you were under hybe labels

your group used to perform for different high school festivals and you just happened to have performed at sunoo’s

after hearing the news that you were under hybe too, sunoo begged his members to come with him see your band at the company

“sunoo they’re there to practice, not to do free concerts” - jungwon

jake chuckled and he was the only one who agreed to come with sunoo

“hyung did you know their lead singer is the same age as you” sunoo said wiggling his brows as they both made their way to your practice room

jake just shook his head at his younger member

hearing a familiar melody, sunoo dragged the older member to what he was sure was your practice room

“sunoo you can’t just barge i-“

was he seeing an angel?????

“sunoo i thought they did rock”

“yeah but they have bsides in other genres too yknow”

you were singing your solo song twilight

jake nodded and watched you in awe, admiring how into the song you were

your members weren’t there and it may seem lonely but your voice echoing throughout the room made the atmosphere feel heavenly

once the song was over, sunoo cheered and clapped his hands as you grew shy, finally acknowledging their presence

the two boys introduced themselves to you and you did the same to them

you chuckled as you saw jake fumble on his words

“i know who you guys are, i watched your very good cover. you should try doing rock sometime, it seriously fits you guys!” you complimented them

as they grew shy, you couldn’t help but notice jake’s unique smile and how he plays with his hands when he’s nervous

“do you wanna grab lunch with us?”

“is the jake sim asking me out?”

“is the y/n l/n rejecting me?”

you both laughed as sunoo playfully rolled his eyes and you went to go get lunch with the two

★ sunghoon

you were at karaoke with the guys

all of them were having the time of their lives, doing song after song without taking breaks

jay and riki were singing new face and you were busting your lungs out watching them get tired of the never-ending song

remember when yoongi went “when does this song end” when bts was singing new face during that one run episode? yeah that’s them

when the song finally finished, jungwon noticed how you have been laughing and just sitting there the whole time

so he took the mic and pointed at you

that little shit

sunoo had already queued asap by stayc for him to sing, but jungwon insisted that you sing it since you should at least sing one song

“but that’s my song!” - sunoo

“sunoo you can do the choreo while y/n sings” - jungwon

sunoo nods, also wanting to hear you sing

(ps he wanted to do the choreo lol)

you refused and kept shaking your head until your crush, sunghoon, placed his hand on your shoulder, making your heart do backflips

“cmonnnn y/n, please?” he pouted at you

finally giving in, you stand up and grab the mic from jungwon

starting the song, your body was stiff

but once you reached the chorus, you and sunoo were doing the choreo while you sang with a big smile on your face

not you being a whole kpop idol whoop

sunghoon couldn’t help but look at you and smile to himself and blush - you looked so cute and your voice was so addicting

you even lipsynced the “i think you’re really cool” part (the one before the chorus) while winking at him

the song really brought out your inner confidence as you made sunghoon a flustered mess

once you were all finished and went home, riki showed you a video he took of sunghoon when you were singing

“dude i swear he’s super into you! look at him smiling ear-to-ear!!! he looks like he just saw an angel”

“oh shut up riki”

you mentally thanked jungwon for setting you up like that

★ sunoo

“can you sing me to sleep please?” you asked sunoo asked with puppy eyes

he poked your cheeks, nodding

“you’re so cute. of course i’ll sing you to sleep baby”

getting in bed with him, he started playing with your hair and caressing your shoulder

he softly sang love is not over by bts

what took him by surprise was that you suddenly joined in, harmonizing with him

he knew you liked music but wasn’t aware that you had such an amazing voice

he held your hand as you both finished singing the song, giggling

“baby you have the sweetest voice ever, you should sing more often” he playfully pouted

you softly laughed as you moved his bangs out frame, kissing his forehead

“i’ll only sing for you darling, i don’t want others to fall for me”

he playfully hit you as you laughed at your own joke

facing you, he looked into your eyes

“i love you so much.”

you blushed at his words

“i love you even more sunoo.”

★ jungwon

your group and enhypen were appearing on weekly idol together

your members kept on teasing you because you had previously revealed that jungwon was your ideal type on knowing bros

what you said garnered a lot of attention from knetz and engenes, some negative but most of them positive

“they would make an adorable couple”

“i wanna see them sing together”

“their visuals together would shake the whole country”

you were glad engenes didn’t hate your guys for being open about your admiration towards the boy

you being nervous was an understatement - this was your first time seeing jungwon in real life

and you expected the hosts to bring up what you said about him so you were prepared to face him directly

pls this sounds like ur about to have a boxing match w him

anyways filming started out okay until the hosts (ofc) brought up what you said

a few laughs here and there but suddenly they had an idea

“so you’re the main vocal, correct?”

you nodded at one of the hosts

“that’s perfect because it’s time for our karaoke session!”

you ended up getting paired up with jungwon to sing just one day by bts

you made eye contact the whole time and it didn’t take a genius to see the instant chemistry

your voices went so well with each other that even you and his members were shocked at how heavenly you both sounded together

you were both smiling and you could just melt right then and there

once you were done, you covered your face with your hands as you were a blushing mess

your members and enhypen clapped and one of the hosts went “you guys should sing an ost together”

you both got super shy and the rest of filming went well

a month passed and the episode aired

engenes and your fans went insane on sns and knetz were demanding a collab

it wasn’t anything serious until your ceo brought you in in a meeting with hybe executives and he popped up the question

“how would you like to feature in enhypen’s newest album?”

★ riki

your classmates were cleaning the classroom as it was the last week of the whole school year

you were sweeping the floor, humming the song that was silently playing in the background as the room was filled with chatter

riki was removing the decorations on the walls, listening to your soft hums

the songs that were being played were fairly calm

until a more energetic song suddenly played

your classmates suddenly became all energetic when i can’t stop me by twice started playing

you smiled, singing along

you were just playing around but you didn’t realize that you just hit nayeon’s high notes

“woah! y/n??? you’re really good”

you saw that riki was listening the whole time (and so was the rest of the class lol) and you got shy

you shook your head and stopped singing

“no keep going!” - a classmate

you gave in and went on with the song and riki gave you a “you’re so awesome” look

once the song was over, your classmates started playing even more hype song

a guy went “lets do karaoke!”

a girl chimed in “y/n has to go first!”

riki softly laughed and nudged you to go sing

you used the broom in your hand as a fake mic and mic stand as you sang blue hour by txt

he filmed you, zooming in on your smiling face

he was sure going to cherish that video forever

[keewriting]

Cove x MC - One Shot #5 (request)

[Read on google docs to insert your MC's name]

You blinked your eyes open and adjusted to the blearly blue scenery. Your eyes stung, but weeks of practice made the pain bearable. A fish the size of your head swam past you swiftly. You recognized it as Gerald, the parrotfish that you became well acquainted with these past few weeks. Your coworkers helped you come up with the name after realizing how attached he was to the divers. He had a rough scar across his forehead that helped distinguish him from the other fish.

Gerald was one of many fish that lived in the mermaid performance tank. A dimly lit room with space for 60 audience members held the massive circular tank. Cove Holden would stand among those 60 people during the show this afternoon. His presence in the audience induced a mixture of nerves and excitement within you. Three years ago you admitted your feelings to each other but there was still an air of uncertain awkwardness between you two. Despite that, you invited Cove to watch your first live performance today.

You looked at the waterproof stopwatch on your wrist. One minutes and 37 seconds. Your breath-holding record was almost five minutes. Growing up by the ocean gave you years of experience underwater, but the divers at the aquarium taught you techniques to extend your lung capacity. It was enough time to last through the entire four-minute performance.

You swam around the tank, propelled by your finned feet. The tank decorations made it feel like you were exploring the ocean floor. Schools of bright tropical fish populated the coral structures. A variety of colorful aquatic plants shot up from the sand. The previous part-time job you had couldn’t compare to this one. You felt at peace in the water, and more connected to Cove, who you still suspected was a real mermaid.

The pressure in your head increased and you knew it was time to surface for a breath. You checked the stopwatch as you ascended. Four minutes and 49 seconds. A new record. The air filled your lungs desperately when you broke the surface. You had plenty of time to continue practicing before the performance in four hours.

Four hours later

The chatter of a crowd filling the room triggered your nerves. The secret entrance to the mermaid tank hovered above the auditorium out of the audience’s sight. You stood between your two fellow mermaids, gripping the railing to maintain balance on finned feet. You took a deep breath and focused on the ethereal notes of the ocean lullaby.

The show’s director held up a hand to count down from three. Two. One. You followed the lead mermaid into the tank with a graceful dive. The splash of the third diver behind you was your cue to open your eyes. Once again, your sight adjusted underwater. You thrust downward with your fin and pulled up into a full loop. The guidelines for your performance were lax— as long as you executed the main tricks the show would be a success.

Finding Cove in the audience became your first goal. The visibility was low in the tank, but you couldn’t miss his seafoam green locks. He was also the tallest figure standing among a sea of small children. You swam towards his side of the tank, flapping your tail teasingly. As you drew nearer, the features on his face became discernable. The refracting light from the tank reflected beautifully on his ocean eyes. He stared at you adoringly, his mouth hung open.

You winked at him and swam swiftly to the center of the tank to avoid lingering in one spot. One of your mermaid companions held out her hands to you. In unison you held each other’s hands and pressed forward. Your faces met inches apart. She smiled at you sweetly as her long mane drifted around you. The intimacy made you blush, but your mind still drifted to Cove. You both pushed apart from each other into a smooth underwater backflip.

You swam a lap around the tank, waving to everyone in the crowd. The glowing amazement on the children’s faces filled you with warmth. Your pace slowed as you approached Cove. He stepped forward and pressed his hands against the glass. His red cheeks were unmistakable and he looked as captivated as the children on either side of him.

You thrust yourself backwards with your arms pointed above your head. Your core tightened as you performed the drill spin. The spiralling motion made you dizzy, but you recovered and stabilized. You couldn’t resist stealing another glance at Cove. His smile was wide, the childlike wonder apparent in his expression.

The final act on your list was the beloved mermaid kiss. You steadied yourself in front of Cove with your arms outstretched. His eyes widened and he moved his face closer, nose nearly touching the glass. You placed your palms on either side of your mouth and moved them into the shape of a heart while blowing air outward. The burst of bubbles formed into a heart that traveled to the glass in front of Cove. You could hear the faint sound of children squealing, but your eyes focused on Cove’s reaction. His blush deepened and he beamed at you.

Cove's expression sent butterflies to your stomach. His admiration was addicting, but the pressure felt unbearable. Your lungs needed air. You gave one final wave to the crowd and swam upwards to the dock. Your mermaid companions followed suit. The diving assistants helped the mermaids out of the water and into the locker rooms. Too focused on breathing, you all remained silent.

Your mind was racing with thoughts on how you performed and Cove’s perception of you as a mermaid. Earlier this morning you asked him to meet you outside the employee locker rooms after the show. You couldn't wait to hear his thoughts.

After the assistants helped you out of the tail you toweled off and changed into casual clothes. Your hair was still damp, but meeting with Cove was more important than looking presentable.

You bounded out of the locker room offering a quick farewell to your coworkers. The hallway stretched onward with no sign of Cove. You walked forward, hoping that he didn’t forget your plan to meet. As you turned the corner, an out of breath Cove halted in front of you.

Cove: Y/N!

You jumped backward, startled by his enthusiasm.

Cove: Oh my God, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.

Y/N: It’s okay! I thought you forgot…

Your eyes lowered from Cove’s face to his hands. He was holding a colorful faux coral figurine and a dolphin balloon. You met his gaze again, one eyebrow raised quizzically. He sighed and offered the treasures to you.

Cove: People usually give bouquets of flowers after a performance, but the gift shop didn’t have any.

You didn’t speak, stunned by his thoughtfulness, but accepted the gifts. Your heart was pounding. Cove continued nervously.

Cove: I know coral isn’t a flower, or even a plant, but it’s pretty, and your performance was pretty. It made sense in my head. I hope it’s not stupid.

You wanted Cove to continue rambling, but he stopped and waited for your reaction. He clenched his fists at his sides. You couldn’t hold back a smile any longer. Relief washed over Cove’s reddened face.

Y/N: You’re seriously cute. Thank you for this.

Cove: It’s nothing, really.

His eyes darted away from you. With the coral in one hand and balloon in the other, you wrapped your arms around Cove. He gasped, but wiggled his arms out from your embrace and returned the hug. You nuzzled your face into his comforting chest. Your damp hair soaked into his t-shirt. When you pulled away you grimaced apologetically at the wet spot.

Y/N: Sorry about that.

Cove: No worries, a hug from a mermaid is always welcome.

He spoke with a hint of flirtation in his voice. You appreciated that Cove was trying.

Y/N: Soooo, what did you think? Spare no details.

Cove: Uh— I think I’ll spare some details.

He looked surprised by his own words, but continued speaking.

Cove: Anyway, I enjoyed it. The tank looked awesome, and the music was nice.

You stared intently at Cove, waiting for him to mention you specifically.

Cove: I thought Gerald did a great job. He almost stole the show.

That got a booming laugh from you. You told many stories to Cove about Gerald the fish and how he lingered near you during practice.

Y/N: I’m impressed you recognized him. Almost stole the show, you say?

You raised your eyebrows at Cove, who appeared like a deer in headlights.

Cove: It was hard to keep my eyes off you.

Cove paused, forming his next sentence carefully.

Cove: Your movement was fluid and mesmerizing, like a real mermaid.

You chuckled abruptly.

Y/N: A real mermaid? You mean like you?

Cove rolled his eyes and crossed his arms conclusively, not willing to speak anymore. You weren’t letting him off the hook this easily.

Y/N: I’d like to hear more of your thoughts. What was your favorite part?

Cove: Oh, hm.

He tapped his finger on his chin, pretending to think hard about the question. His words were a soft mumble.

Cove: The bubble kiss…

Y/N: Speak louder, Cove.

Cove huffed and hugged his arms around his body tighter.

Cove: I know you heard me, Y/N.

He groaned and hung his head. You stepped closer to him, the tips of your feet touching his. You whispered.

Y/N: Did you like seeing me as a mermaid?

Cove’s radiant eyes snapped upward. You stared into them intensely. Cove powered through your scrutiny.

Cove: Of course I did!

You burst out laughing.

Y/N: I tease you too much, don't I?

Cove: Uh-huh…

You squinted at him and stuck out your tongue.

Y/N: Or maybe not enough.

Cove: Is the interrogation finished?

You feigned indignation with an exaggerated scoff.

Y/N: Well if that’s how you see it!

You grinned mischievously and bopped his nose with your finger before stepping backward.

Y/N: If you’re lucky you might get another mermaid kiss someday.

Cove bit his lip, unable to hide that he wasn't unphased by your words.

Cove: I am proud of you. I know how hard you’ve been working.

Your expression softened.

Y/N: I appreciate that, Cove.

A wave of bashfulness consumed you for a moment. Cove’s sincerity wasn’t unusual, but it felt different this time.

Y/N: I’m glad you came to watch. Even though you were kind of a distraction.

Cove looked appalled.

Cove: What?

Y/N: To be honest, it was also hard for me to look away from you.

Cove: I wasn’t doing anything, Y/N.

Y/N: You don’t have to do anything to be a distraction.

Cove was silently pensive. You decided to be explicit for the sake of his brain.

Y/N: I like you, Cove.

His mouth fell open. You refused to believe that this was a shock to him

Y/N: But you already knew that.

Cove: You— agh. Can I take you somewhere for dinner?

The subject change caught you off guard, but you didn’t want to push Cove.

Y/N: Yes.

You hooked your arm into his.

Y/N: Lead the way, landlubber!

Cove chuckled and walked with you out of the aquarium. You felt proud of your performance, and thrilled about Cove's reaction. It was fitting that the way to his heart was through a mythical sea creature. You hoped Cove would be willing to continue the conversation about your feelings during dinner.

[void-inked-pen]

The Mandolin

ROTTMNT Fantasy Fic Collab Between: Me and @undercoverwizardfanfiction​

Above art by: @imaginashon​

Inspired by: @thehandleisjammed​

Characters: Mikey and Donnie

Pairings: holds charmy back if you know what’s good for you, you’ll know the answer is never (or do you want this one at your throat?)

Summary: in so many ways they are still strangers to one another but if they keep a open heart to one another they might someday call each other brothers

---

He is the master of focus.

Were words no one had ever spoken about Mikey ever. But right now, his eyes were focused (well, cross eyed) on a large red beetle situation on an even larger flower. He is only vaguely aware of Raph calling after him before he leaps out from his hiding spot like a chimera pouncing on its prey. His hands are only about to close around the bug when the beetle takes off in surprise (Mikey is only mildly sure he heard the bug ‘meep’ as it went) before he landed in the flower bush. After a few moments, and after a few of Infinity’s concerned coos, he pops his head back out of the bushes.

 “I almost got him that time!” Mikey says with a wide grin. Raph and Leo both give him a look that’s between two degrees of confusion but Donnie, under his hood, shakes his head with a tremble to his shoulders in what was probably suppressed laughter.

“Mikey” Raph calls tiredly, “we’re almost to town, can you please keep up?”

“Yeah on it!” He jumps out of the bushes and hurries over with a skip to his step.

Donnie watched his younger brother skip up to them with mild amusement. He had only known his youngest brother for a few months now and his upbeat attitude and absolutely innocent curiosity was both endearing and only slightly envious. When was the last time I was like that? The thought came out of nowhere and almost completely wiped his decent mood. But the answer that came bothered him more than the initial question; he couldn’t remember.

Trying to return to the present and not follow that train of thought any further, Donnie rubbed his tired eyes and continued following his brothers into town. Leo and Mikey were chatting away about the differences between some sort of bird, while Raph remained vigilant like some sort of escort.

“You know,” he said walking up beside the oldest. His sudden appearance startling the larger turtle. “This trip would be more enjoyable if you relaxed a bit, big guy.” Don smirked as Raph just huffed in response.

Mikey tries his best not to to smile at Raph’s tired expression that clearly says ‘how the hell can I relax with three loose hyperactive hooligans to look after’ but is grateful when Raph doesn’t say anything (except for sighing with the exhaustion of someone three times his age and on their deathbed).

Donnie and Raph walked in comfortable silence for a while before they both realized they couldn’t hear chattering behind them anymore and turned around to see the two youngest entranced by an expensive stall of goods.

Mikey turns back to is conversation partner after watching the oldest pair ahead of them settle into a calm stride. What had he been talking about again? “The Waxing Owl!” Mikey exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air suddenly returning to his train of thought, “the Waxing Owl is totally cool! You have no idea!”

“And….it’s different from a Full Moon Owl?” Leo asks. Though his expression is confused and only borderline condescending it’s a massive improvement to just a few days ago, “I mean i just wanted to know the difference between a african swallow and a european swallow-“

“Yeah yeah! Cause Moon Owls can tell the future! And if you see one during a certain moon phase that’s the kind of luck you’re supposed to get! I’ve heard entire groups of people scouring the Mist Forest trying to see one during a Waxing Moon! Its so cool and- and if you see a Waxing Owl AND a Sun Burst flower in the same month then-“ and just as it was a moment ago, Mikey loses his train of thought as his mouth drops open. Normally it would be a weird dessert he had never seen before or an extra snuggly puppy that would get his attention. But what has him now is a large storefront, he barely notices the elaborate lettering or the shopkeeper out front shining up his new door. Mikey is already standing in front of the glass with both hands pressed against it. Through the now misting up glass he can see a wooden box with a long neck and strings , “Woooooooooooow” He says “What’s that thing?”

“Hey!” the store keeper snaps hard enough at Mikey he flinched away “Off my window cretin, I just had those refinished. “

Mikey stumbles back and bumps Donnie, who nearly loses his balance as he tries to use his bad leg to keep from falling, “So-sorry Dee.” He says quietly, shoulders hunched and sad. But he looks back towards the window , “I-I've never seen anything like that before.”

Donnie steadied himself before looking up at the store window.

“You… Mean the mandolin?” He looked back at his brother for confirmation and could have sworn he saw twinkles in his eyes. “It’s an instrument you strum with your fingers and part of the lute family. I heard a famous musician used one to serenade a rich maiden into marrying him.” Donnie left out the part about how the musician was actually the family's hired fool, mainly because the story also didn't end well.

Mikey appeared to practically be vibrating in excitement as he stared at the string instrument. “I’ve always wanted to play something like that, Todd used to tell me stories about a caravan that performed music as they traveled but he didn't have an instrument of his own to teach me.”

Donnie looked at him thoughtfully before glancing back up at the mandolin again and almost balking at the base price. He subtly looked back at the store owner who appeared to be getting more and more annoyed with the four yokai’s presence. Ever so gently, Donnie grabbed the smaller turtle by the shoulders and shifted him away from the storefront.

“I think... we’re gonna have to pass on this one Mike.” He said, observing the store with a critical eye.

The younger turtle gave off a disappointed whimper and looked away sadly before hopping back into a conversation with Leo. Don could have sworn when they were leaving the storefront, the blue turtle also seemed unhappy with the price of such a simple instrument. With one more glance back at the snooty storekeeper, Donnie made a decision.

After some discussion, they (Raph) decided that staying in town was far too expensive on their already limited funds. Mikey wasn’t entirely sure why Raph was suddenly so eager to leave, especially since they hadn't visited the library yet. But it probably had to do with the wary look that the large turtle was giving Donnie, who had stayed silent after their run in with the shopkeep.

What Raph DID allow, however, was for Mikey to pick out some sweets at a baking booth that they could enjoy after dinner. It wasn’t long after that that the four of them left the town behind them. Not far enough to be gone from its sight but far enough for Raph to give a sigh of relief.

“Ok boys, let's get camp set up and dinner ready.”

“You know, if I was in proper attire, I probably could have talked that man into giving us his entire store and thanking us for it.” Said Leo with a stiff upper lip as he gathered the smallest branches humanly possible.

“yes, and attract every bounty hunter and well meaning lawman in town.” Donnie made a show of reaching over and pulling up Leos’ hood. The red slider pouts at him before readjusting his hood to allow him to see better. “Rude.” He scoffs.

Don smirks in turn before going over to where Mikey was pouring over a pot of vegetables.

“Here,” he hands over the herbs he had gotten earlier, “Keep it up. I’m going to go see if I can find any more in the forest.” Donnie says. He’s grateful when Mikey only gives him a beam in response before going back to his cooking.

Donnie makes sure to glance and ensure he hadn’t gotten Leo and Raph’s attention (Raph was too busy brushing Buddy to babysit him) as he stepped back in the direction of the town they had come from, and in a blink, disappeared…

-----

“Hey, has anyone seen Donnie?” Mikey looked up from his ministrations after hearing the slight panic from the blue turtle. Leo was looking around with a worried look, one he’d been expressing a lot more lately after they had met back up after the ‘missing ring’ incident.

“OH! He just went to gather some more herbs for me in the forest. Don’t worry, he said he’d be right back~” He said in order to calm down Leo, but somehow agitated his other brother instead.

“Wait, he said what?” Raph looked up from brushing Buddy with alarm. “Son of a- okay, here’s the deal. Leo, you stay here an watch Mikey and I’ll go after Donnie before he does something stupid!” Raph stood up quickly, dropping the brush as he spoke his orders.

“I’m sorry, but whomst are you calling stupid?” Everyone jumped as the purple turtle in question, hopped down from a tree.

“Seriously Dee, you gotta stop doing that.” Leo breathed in relief. Donnie only raised an eyebrow in confusion before walking over to Mikey.

“Okay, then explain. Where were you?” Raph crossed his arms with a knowing look.

“Gathering these,” Donnie turned around and held up a small cluster of herbs, “like I said I was.”

The two oldest glared at each other for a few seconds in silence before Raph grumbled away in defeat. Donnie, feeling victorious, turned back towards his younger brother only to see something he wasn't expecting. Mikey was looking at him with a blank expression.

“...What?” “... Why did you lie?” Mikey asked in concern. Donnie tensed up.

“I...” Don paused, looking back to where Raph had returned to his chore before putting the herbs down in Mikey's hand, “I didn’t-”

“Yes you did.” In a way, Donnie hates that Mikey can usually see right through him. And he happens to be looking through him with those eyes that still held the softness of a child far younger than Mikey. Somehow it feels harder and harder to lie to him by the day.

Donnie manages a sigh, before sitting down by the fire to give his leg, and the new stinging wound on his side, a break. “For the record, I technically didn’t lie. I did get more herbs.” Again those eyes bore into him like a truth telling light, “But, I didn’t like the way that shopkeep talked to you earlier.” He reaches into his bag and pulls out the mandolin that Mikey had been admiring.

The youngest lets out a soft gasp, hands over his mouth for a moment before he reaches out as though to take it before drawing his hands back, “W-why did you steal it thought?” Mikey asked quietly.

“I just told you, you wanted it and that shopkeep was a–”

“No-I...” Mikey pauses again, “I mean why do you steal? At all?”

Donnie felt something in his chest tighten. He had to look away in order to calm his breathing and stop the dust around him from shifting. Why do you steal? The question rang in his head so loudly it was beginning to get harder and harder to hear the crackling of the fire.

A hand gently placed itself onto his shoulder and he couldn’t stop himself from flinching and tensing up hard at the touch. But the hand didn’t move away.

“...I… I’m sorry I didn’t mean to upset you I just… I wanted to know” Mikey said softly.

It took a few more calming breaths for him to finally look back into those kind eyes.

“... You could say… it was the family business that helped me become the thief I am now,” Don sniffled, “but truthfully… It's how I managed to survive so long. Mike, not everyone has the option to follow a path of honest work. If I had tried to follow any number of opportunities towards something I was passionate about… I wouldn’t last long.” Donnie said that last line almost too quietly to hear.

“What do you mean?” Mikey’s face scrunched up in confusion.

With another deep breath Donnie prepared himself. “If i tried to follow a path academically, like I had always wanted… She would find me.” He shivered as he continued, “If I had tried to make ends meet as a crafter, I would have failed due to my magic limitations… Mike, I never had the option for much else.”

“B-but.” Mikey tries to start back up again even as he interlocks his fingers and lowers his head, “That’s not fair.”

When he looks up again he’s surprised to see Donnie giving him a soft smile. His eyes could easily be mistaken for either pity or some other emotion that Mikey doesn’t understand. But the thief reaches out and places a rough but soft hand on Mikey’s scalp, rubbing it in the same way one might ruffle someone’s hair.

“Just please enjoy it? If Raph asks where it came from you can blame me. He blames me for everything else.” Which wasn’t entirely true, but often days he felt Jupiter James’s words spoke through Raph more then Raph’s own sense of morals. And, considering Raph was one of the kindest people Donnie had ever met, made his heart ache. But as he does with everything else, Don smiles.

For a moment Mikey feels the hand on his scalp twitch like he’s considering tapping their foreheads together but instead he hands over the earned prize that Mikey takes, unable to hide the excited smile on his face, already strumming the strings with giggles in his throat. Testing them to see what noises it’ll make. It won't be long before Mikey teaches himself how to play.

Donnie has to wait until the middle of the night before he finally sees the arrow wound in his side (It was a cheap, extremely lucky shot). But as he tends to the wound, he still smiles.

To steal for himself was just for survival.

But to steal for his brother, to make him smile was an act he’d never regret.

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Thanks for reading! 

also thank you Ash for the beautiful art for this fic~ all of this was kinda spur of the moment and im glad this turned out so fun!

we had fun writing this together~ The fantasy AU is one of my personal all time fav au’s and I highly recommend reading more in the ao3 collection

- Pen