#swiss mouse

[whizpurr]

[justkillingthyme]

Happy Luke Lunes!

Are you guys ready for New World of Swiss?

[bethdehart]

Funny sketch with Swiss (mousegirl) and Tux (catgirl).

Swiss gets on Tux’s nerves constantly but mostly because Swiss has no survival instinct and does stupid shit.

[ID: a sketch of a cartoon mousegirl and catgirl. The catgirl is holding the mousegirl up by her shirt effortlessly. The mousegirl has a smug look on her face and the catgirl looks annoyed. A word bubble above the mousegirl says “I thought you were too goody-two-shoes to go dumpster diving for mice...”]

[rainxdewsupremacy]

MY FRIEND JUST CAUGHT A BABY MOUSE AND SHE LET ME NAME HIM.

Say hello to SIR SWISSTOPHER CHEESE

[caffeinatedkris]

(via "A Hungry Rat Eats Swiss Cheese" Baseball ¾ Sleeve T-Shirt for Sale by kristalcurt)

[timmurleyart]

Throwback to The year of the rat. 🐀🧀🇨🇳 🇭🇰

[dozydawn]

Swiss Mouse by Avon, 1974.

[puckinghischier]

Taking Nico to Disney: Headcannons

i know this is a little…specific, but as someone who has both grown up going to and has worked at disney world…HEAR ME OUT!!!

- you’ve always wanted to go to disney with nico, but the timing has never been right with off-season training, play offs, his trips back home to visit his family, and whatever else comes up. but this time? this time you’re making it happen.

- the trip has been booked, flights arranged, and your glorious week of magic and quality time with nico was finally upon you.

- he’d be just as giddy as you are. the minute he found out about your love for the theme parks, he told you how he always wanted to go as a kid, but obviously a trip to orlando is hard for a swiss kid.

- he insisted on buying themed luggage, themed shirts, themed hats, and he even bought themed socks.

- when you mentioned matching shirts as a joke, his eyes lit up, excited at the idea. he’d search for hours for the funniest pairs, buying a couple of sets, but not telling you what they were until you were there.

- your first day, of course you’d go to the magic kingdom. you were so excited to see nico’s reactions to all of the fairytales come to life throughout the park.

- you made him walk in front of you as you walked backwards around the corner on main street, wanting to see his reaction to the castle for the first time. you were lucky he was so distracted by the large structure to notice your crying, his amazed eyes and small “wow,” as he stopped walking to take it all in really got your emotions stirred.

- he’d follow your lead all day, trailing behind you with a map while you yapped and explained all about your favorite things to do as a kid. eventually you’d take the map from him, telling him you know exactly how to get around the park. “schatz, i’m trying to see what rides i want to do, give it back,” he’d argue with a huff. “neeks, we’re doing everything, don’t worry about it.”

- you loved watching his excitement and wonder with every ride the two of you went on. your heart melted at his giggles at the scenes on pirates of the caribbean, him singing along to the german (and french) section of small world, his bewilderment at the special effects of haunted mansion, his foot taps to the beat and amusement during enchanted tiki room, his screams on space mountain, his competitiveness on the buzz light year ride, his need to lift dumbo to the top for the whole ride, and his genuine cackles at every joke during jungle cruise.

- he’d also make you stop every time he saw a photographer, wanting every picture he could get from this trip. you’d happily oblige, loving all of the different fun and cute poses the photopass photographers would have you do. and the pictures where they added little effects and characters? nico has every one saved to his phone.

- and the food? good lord nico was in calorie heaven. “what do you mean i can get a foot long hot dog?” “i read about this big ice cream sundae in a mickey sink, can we get one please?” “i can’t eat this pretzel…mickey’s looking at me!”

- speaking of mickey, when it comes time for the two of you to meet the famous mouse? nico is as excited as a kid (more than child in line in front of you, honestly). he’s nearly bouncing up and down by the time it’s your turn, speed walking to the small mouse and engulfing him in a crushing hug. mickey would point out your matching shirts, ‘laughing’ silently at his “we finish each other’s” shirt and your “sandwiches.” shirt. you’d watch nico’s chest puff out, proud he got a laugh out of mickey. your lock screen from that moment on is a candid picture of you laughing and nico’s own dimpled expression while both of you look at the mouse, amused with his implied words.

- when it comes to the fireworks at the end of the night, you’re camping out to make sure nico has the absolute best possible view. guarding your spot with your life as he goes and gets something for to two of you to snack on while you wait. “god, i’m glad you’re back, this women tried to sit her four kids down right in your spot!” you’d sigh in relief while he handed you a fried corn dog. “y/n…you should’ve just let the kids sit here, it’s fine,” he’d laugh out. “no! your first fireworks experience is going to be perfect,” you’d huff, crossing your arms in a pout.

- when the fireworks started, nico would do the cliche of standing behind you while wrapping his arms around you from behind, resting his chin on your shoulder while your own hands rested atop of his wrapped around your waist. you’d hum along to the various songs incorporated into the show while nico watched intently, eyes sparkling with the images in the sky. he’d give little kisses to your cheek and neck during the section that showcases all of the different disney couples, whispering a small “thank you so much for bringing me here, i love you,” into your ear.

- the other parks? nico loved just as much. he spent hours in the star wars section of hollywood studios (and rode tower of terror as many times as you wanted). he enjoyed drinking, and more importantly eating, around the world in epcot, not caring about the amount of time he’d have to spend in the gym once the two of you got home. at animal kingdom, he’d keep dragging you from animal exhibit to animal exhibit, obsessively play carnival games in the dinoland section to win a stuffed dinosaur, and talk about how amazingly intense the avatar ride was for the rest of the day.

- and the second you two got back to jersey? immediately on the phone with his family, already planning a trip next off season to fly them out and take them with the two of you, wanting to experience the whole thing with his family like he wanted to when he was a little boy.

- and the next summer, when that trip came around, you got to watch him play tour guide to his parents and siblings. explaining to them everything you explained to him during his first trip. of course, like you always do, you started and ended your trip at magic kingdom. the last day of the trip with his family, though, he dropped to one knee during the fireworks and proposed to you right then and there. you always told him how even though people say it’s cliche, you always loved watching people get engaged in front of the castle, and now you were the one people were cheering and clapping for.

- and a year later, when the two of you were able to have the wedding of your dreams, the first place he flew you to was disney. you had booked an all inclusive, tropical island getaway for your honeymoon, but nico wanted to surprise you with a couple days in your his favorite place first.

- in true fashion, you started off your honeymoon in none other than magic kingdom. this time, however, any time the two of you would pass the spot where he proposed to you, he’d stop and tell anyone and everyone that walked by “this is where i proposed to her! and now she’s my wife!” while taking your wrist in his hand, holding your own up to show off the shiny ring on your finger. he’d even make you two get the matching bride and groom ear hats, customizing them with your wedding date. and the second he found out about the ‘happily ever after buttons?’ he was rushing to guest services to get a set for the two of you to wear (and he did, proudly, right on his chest).

- don’t even get me started on when the two of you decide to start a family, and your pregnancy is timed up perfectly with your (now annual) trip. you’d not only announce your pregnancy with a recreation of some themed announcement picture you found online, but also do your gender reveal the same trip. you’d take the sealed envelope to mickey, giving him the honor of revealing the gender of your unborn child.

- and the first trip the two of you take as a family of three?? oh god. nico is just…over the moon. he’s showing them everything, as if they’ll actually remember the trip. “and this is where your daddy proposed to your mommy, and this is where we told the world about you, and this is where your daddy ate a foot long hot dog for the first time, which is a really bad idea and he doesn’t recommend it,” he’d speak to your infant in a carrier strapped to his chest, bouncing and bobbing them along.

- and the year he lead the devils to a stanley cup win? you had the BIGGEST surprise waiting on him during the trip he still insisted your family go on. you arranged with the team to fly the stanley cup down to orlando for a day, and managed to get into contact with disney management, ensuring nico and your kids get their own, private meet and greet with mickey and the stanley cup. you worked with tom and the equipment managers and disney wardrobe experts themselves to special order a customized devils jersey for the mouse. so when nico rounded the corner into the large room, thinking it was your normal mickey greet, only to see mickey standing there, in a devils jersey beside of the cup sitting on a large table, the look on his face made all the planning and hassle worth it. the league had even sent representatives out to get their own promo pics, having nico pose with a stick in his own jersey beside the character. to this day, you still laugh at how it’s the league’s most liked picture on instagram.

- and as your family grew, the trips became better and better each year, but you always appreciated the times you and nico got to go without your kids, thinking back to that first trip you were able to show him your love for the place and watching his childlike wonder. he still tells everyone he proposed to you there every time you walk across your spot. he still points it out to your children every trip. he still makes sure your entire family is wearing matching shirts each trip. and he still has that first-trip wonder on his face each trip, still in awe of all the disney magic. but most of all, he’s in awe of you, the life you’ve built together, and your love of this place you poured into him resulting in the memories it holds for the two of you and your family.

[whizpurr]

[jewellery-box]

Mechanical Mouse

The Bowes Museum

This mechanical mouse is the same size and scale as a real mouse. When wound up, it runs around, stops and continues its journey in a way very similar to that of a real mouse.  It is essentially a 'fun' item designed to amuse, with materials and techniques very similar to those of jewellery. It was probably made by the Swiss maker Henri Maillardet, an associate of the more famous maker Jacquet Droz of Geneva. He is known to have exhibited  in London in 1810-20 with Paul de Philipsthal in the 'Philipsthal and Malliardet Automatical Theatre', which featured  a 'Siberian Mouse', an 'Egyptian' Lizard', and an 'Ethiopian Caterpillar'. Exhibitions of their work also took place in New York in 1828 and 1836. 

Joséphine Bowes' father was a clock or watchmaker, and this might account for the particular number of clocks, watches and other mechanical items in the collection. It was bought  by Joséphine Bowes in London in 12th May 1871 for £22, shortly before John Bowes' birthday. John  used to call her 'Puss', and one can imagine his 'puss' presenting him with a gold mouse on his 60th birthday!

[bethdehart]

Swiss Crispin for Mousegirl Monday

[ID: a sketch of an anthropomorphic mouse girl. she is slouched with her hands in her pockets, smoking a cigarette. Her fur is golden and her hair is blonde. She’s wearing a green baseball cap backwards, a red and orange sweater, and gray baggy pants. She has a bandage on her tail.]

[mattatouilletkachuk]

15. “why aren’t you checking me out?” “do you want me to check you out?” “yes. obviously” with Nico please!!

To say you were at your wits end with Nico was an understatement. You had known him ever since he had moved into the apartment across from you years ago and never once, despite the attraction that you were sure was mutual, he never made a move.

There were longing glances and trips to his game that just weren’t platonic. Sometimes he even spent more time in your comfortable apartment just lounging around than at his. It was last year that he started inviting you to awards, dinners, and fundraisers. You felt certain that the people that came up to you thought that you and Nico were an item and the flutter your heart did when he didn’t correct them was something you kept to yourself.

However, today you were done with playing this cat-and-mouse game with your handsome Swiss neighbor. Well, if that was in fact what was happening. There was always a chance that he was just being nice and attentive but something deep inside you told you that he had to feel the same.

That was why you now stood in the hotel room that you and Nico were sharing in Tennesse smoothing out your classy yet revealing blue satin dress that hugged all the right places. You had spent longer on your hair than was strictly necessary but you were happy with the way it turned out.

Looking into the floor-length mirror you couldn’t help but smile to yourself. You were stunning and if Nico didn’t do something about it tonight then some other hockey player would definitely.

“We have to go now or we’ll be-“ Nico’s words were cut off as he walked out of the bathroom, fixing his tie, and looked at you.

You smiled slyly and did a little turn for him, “thoughts?”

Nico was silent for a moment but before he could say anything he pulled his tie too tightly. Your eyes widened and you rushed over to him to help. You still weren’t at eye level with him in your heels and you tried not to think about that as you helped him loosen his tie.

Finally, you stepped back and took him in. Nico was always handsome and put together but today he looked delectable.

“You look great, Neeks.” You smiled honestly and hoped to the high heavens that you weren’t blushing.

He looked at his well-polished shoes and if you didn’t know better you would have sworn that his cheeks turned a light pink.

“I can’t even measure up to you,” Nico said breathlessly.

You decided to stop teasing him for now. After all, they had the entire awards ceremony to do that.

Instead, you held out a hand to him, “Let's get going, captain.”

You decided to ignore the way his eyes bulged at your choice of words and lead him out of the room. Not before making a mental note to refer to him as ‘captain’ in the future, though.

-

You were enjoying yourself more than you thought you would. You met family members and significant others of the hockey players that were attending. Most of them were kind and welcoming and you found a way to entertain yourself when Nico was giving interviews or talking to other players.

Of course, none of this stopped you from trying to get Nico to check you out. Nothing worked, though. Not when you pushed your chest out ever so slightly or ran your toes along his leg. He remained respectful the whole night.

So when you left, despite getting the numbers of several other significant others and hockey players, you just couldn’t consider this night a success.

You were pouting when Nico helped you into his car and continued to do so as he climbed in and started driving back to your apartment building.

“What’s wrong, y/n?” Nico questioned in the quietness of the car.

You looked over at him and saw he was still looking at the road. In your tipsy haze, it only made you more frustrated. You were tired of trying to get him to take the hint.

“Why aren’t you checking me out?” You asked bluntly, not caring that you probably never would have been so bold if you didn’t have at least a little bit of liquid courage coursing through your veins.

You didn’t miss the way that his bushy eyebrow raised and he snuck a quick glance your way. He didn’t answer for a long while but when he stopped at a red light he finally turned to face you.

“Do you want me to check you out?” He asked slowly, almost hesitantly.

“Yes, obviously!” Your voice was loud and the amusement on your friend's face was clear. “Look how hot I am tonight.”

Nico laughed and pressed the gas as the light turned green.

You should have stopped but you found yourself continuing, “I check you out all of the time. It would be courteous for you to do the same.”

“What makes you think I don’t?” Nico said simply.

That left you silent for the first time that night. The quiet in the car remained until Nico parked his car in the garage. It was only when he turned the keys and shut off the car that you finally found the courage to speak up.

“How long?”

“Huh?” Nico made a confused noise and removed his hand from the door handle.

“How long have you been checking me out?”

Your mouth was dry and your heart was racing. You wanted to know so badly and the fact that he had just admitted that he saw you similarly to the way you saw him, at least in a small way, was almost overwhelming. You made yourself turn to him and saw in the darkness of the car and garage that Nico was already looking at you. His usually soft brown eyes were dark and the way he looked at you was intense.

“Since I’ve met you.” He said it so smoothly, as though it was obvious. “It’s hard not to look at you. My eyes always find you when you walk into a room and I never want to look away.”

You swallowed dryly. You wanted to reach out and touch him. How? You weren’t sure but you needed to close the gap between the two of you.

Your eyes tracked the way his tongue ran along his pink lips and without realizing it the words left your mouth, “I’ve wanted you since you moved into the same building as me.”

As soon as you heard what you said you knew it was true. Probably the truest thing you had ever said.

“Y/n,” Nico’s accent was thick as he spoke but the rasp was more present than it had ever been. “I need to kiss you. Tell me I can.”

This was your plan before the night had even started. You wanted Nico’s attention and you wanted to finally move forward in your relationship so there was no second guessing when you nodded your head enthusiastically.

“Please do.”

It was a plea and Nico answered it immediately. He leaned over the center console where you met him halfway. A warmth filled you and sparks of electricity played throughout your body when your lips melded together. Nico tasted of mint and some sort of soda that you couldn’t even care to name right now. You couldn’t get enough of it, though. You never wanted to taste anything else ever again.

When he pulled away, it was only slightly. Your lips were so close to touching and it took every ounce of your willpower to not lean over and kiss him again.

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that.” Nico’s breath brushed against her lips and your eyelids fluttered at his words.

“Trust me,” you smiled dreamily. “No one knows better than me.”

[ashthewaterghoul]

What would all the Ghouls dress up like for Halloween?

For starters I think they all theme their costumes…

Like they don’t necessarily always co-ordinate, but they all come up with a theme and stick to it.

Bc why tf not, they’re doing slutty costumes this year.

Rain - Slutty nun (he had to fight Swiss for the costume)

Aether - Sexy nurse

Aurora - Karen Smith’s iconic “I’m a mouse, duh!” outfit from Mean Girls

Swiss - Copia (calls himself a “slutty cardinal” but he’s literally just wearing one of Copia’s old cassocks & birettas)

Cumulus - TV weather girl in the most revealing dress she could find

Mountain - Puts lingerie on and calls himself a vixen

Phantom - Sexy Zookeeper (but calls themself a “bat keeper”)

Cirrus - Forgot about a costume because she usually helps everyone with their’s, so she gets her Prequelle uniform, modifies it so it’s booty shorts, and leaves the shirt open, calls herself a “Slutty keyboardist”

Sunshine - Baywatch lifeguard in the tiniest swim suit she’s allowed to wear in public.

I forgot about Dew so he’s here

[ratsummer]

Imagine Phantom and Aurora hearing Copia growl for the first time.

They're finally all together in a full rehearsal for the first time since the newbies were summoned. Phantom and Aurora have made remarkable progress, both as musicians and as new additions to the band ghoul pack. They've gotten enough technical skill down that they can actually loosen up and have fun in rehearsal!

Copia is up at the front of the room with Cirrus, having her run through her Mummy Dust solo. This leaves everyone to their own devices for a bit, and the energy in the room is bright and silly. Aurora is practically weeping on the floor, desperately trying to catch her breath from laughing so hard at Cumulus, who is quietly performing her background vocals to Rats in her best Minnie Mouse impression. Swiss is also goofing off, doing a silly, flailing dance around Mountain's drum kit, BADLY humming the Miasma sax solo. Mountain is only kind of dancing along in his seat, most of his energy devoted to watching Swiss' hips. Dew and Rain are offering feedback to Phantom, who's insisting on showing them the many poses he wants to try holding while playing guitar.

Once Copia and Cirrus are happy with the adjustments they've made, he claps his hands to call his ghoul pack back to attention. The energy is so good, everyone is buzzing with it, and he knows how to direct it.

"Alright, alright, my lovely ghouls," he practically crows, "Mummy Dust! Let's take it from the top! I'll join in this time. Phantom, Aurora, give it your all, yes? Let's run the whole thing for Cirrus, then we'll tighten up some of those cues. Mountain, Phantom, bring us in!"

And just like that, they're off. Almost immediately, Swiss is giggling at Phantom strutting around like a little rooster. He's bouncing along so much as he watches Phantom that he's messing up his own rhythm on guitar. Copia, determined to avoid being derailed so instantly, frantically waves Swiss' attention to him and then emphatically gestures to get him back on beat. As such, he misses his first lyric, but Aurora and Cumulus nail their timing. They harmonize beautifully, holding hands and swaying their hips as they lean into their performance.

Copia is thrilled. His heart is racing alongside Mountain's drumming, Rain's bass buzzing in his bones. He opens his mouth and absolutely throws himself into the first verse, only to be drowned out a few beats in by a horrific, metallic scratching sound.

He whirls around to find both of his newest summons in apparent distress. Aurora seems to have tripped and fallen on her ass, back pressed to Cumulus' legs. Phantom is frozen in place, wide eyes, clutching his guitar so tightly his claws are surely leaving impressions. Both of them are panting, tails lashing. Neither of them will look at Copia, staring steadfastly to the side, chins tipped up. The room is dead silent, save for a tiny, reedy whine coming from Aurora.

Suddenly, Swiss and Rain are cackling. Cumulus is also giggling as she gets down on her knees by Aurora, cooing to her and scratching at the base of her horns. Dew is grinning like an idiot as he gently pets the back of Phantom's neck, where all of his fur is standing up like an agitated dog.

"Eh, what is going on?" Papa asks, frozen in place. He's not sure what went wrong, and certainly not sure what to do.

"Oh, everything is alright, Papa," Cirrus says, drumming her claws along the top of her keyboard as she smiles at the new summons. "We just... Forgot to warn the newbies."

"Warn them?"

Cirrus hums. "Your growl. When you sing like that, you sound very dominant, Papa. It can be... intense, even when we know it's coming."

"Ah. Um." All of Copia's confusion and concern for his ghouls immediately and painfully transitions to embarrassment and... something fluttering, not yet nameable, beneath his ribs.

"That's our satanic pope," Rain sighs dreamily, "Always so eloquent." He yelps when Mountain pelts a drumstick at his back, nailing him directly between his shoulder blades.

"I apologize," Copia starts slowly, wringing his hands. He feels sweat prickling along his hairline, his clothes are suddenly far too warm. "I hadn't realized my performance would have this, ah, effect. I don't recall this happening before?"

Cirrus and Swiss are suddenly flashing brilliant, pointed smiles.

"Oh, don't worry about that, Papa," Swiss purrs, "When the rest of us were new, we all had the surprise spoiled for us."

"A tragedy, really," Cirrus agrees, though her smile doesn't budge. "I remember how I felt my first time, and I knew what was coming. We wanted to make sure Rory and The Bug got the full effect!"

"A little mean," Cumulus says, "But I think you'll find they aren't too upset about it." She presses a kiss between Aurora's horns, but the breathless little ghoulette barely seems to notice. Her gaze is locked on Copia.

"Yeah," Phantom rasps, "I'm okay, Papa." Copia manages to break eye contact with Rory, only to barely choke back a moan at the sight of Phantom. The little ghoul is slumped back on Dew, who's purring and massaging Phantom's scruff. There's a healthy blush glowing across his nose and cheeks, and his hips are twitching against his guitar.

Copia coughs and adjusts his jacket. "Well. Okie dokie." He's fumbling for something to say, anything, when blessedly, Mountain chimes in.

"Well, should we take it from the top?"

"Eh, are you sure that's a good-"

"They gotta get used to it, Papa!" Cirrus says sweetly, "Just like the rest of us."

"Hmm. Okay. Yes. Yessiree Bob, even." Copia hems and haws for a moment, clapping his hands a bit as he considers whether trying again when his new summons are clearly in a state is a good idea.

"Papa? I want to do it again."

That unnamable feeling behind Papa's ribs shifts, stirring its wings at the breathiness in Aurora's voice. She at least appears to have collected herself a bit. She's clutching Cumulus' hand tightly, but she's back on her feet. Her tail is still flicking about behind her, but it's more intentional somehow, more focused. Her gaze is intense, locked on Copia. He takes a deep breath, nodding, though he can't help feeling a bit like a rat walking into an ambush.

"And you, Phantom? Shall we try once more, diavoletto?"

"Yes, Papa. I want to do it." Phantom, too, is looking a bit better. He's no longer tucked into Dew's shoulder. Instead, he's standing tall, shoulders square and grip on his guitar firm. Though his tail is wrapped tightly around Dew's thigh, he's staring at Copia with the same intensity as Aurora.

"But I think after we run it we should take a break," Phantom suggests.

"Yes!" Aurora almost shouts, "A break. A break immediately after. That's perfect. Maybe even a little walk. Papa, we should go for a walk on our break."

"A walk sounds great," Phantom agrees. "Can I come?"

Swiss cackles, air high-fiving Cirrus across the room. "Oh Bug, I think Copia and Rory will let you come. Again, and again, and ag-"

"Alright!" Copia cries, voice breaking a bit. "Alright, yes! From the top!"

He takes his place once more, front and center. He shakes and rolls his shoulders, letting the movement travel all the way down to his fingertips. He bounces on his toes, adjusts his jacket. Maybe his ghouls are fine to go again, but Copia is suddenly full of a strange, nervous tension. Or something. That feeling in his chest is ballooning, pressing hard on his lungs. The hair on the back of his neck is standing on end, his skin tingling. He's being watched, which is normal, of course, but he doesn't usually feel so... hunted. Is he getting sick? No, he's just being paranoid. Everything is fine. But... Maybe a break isn't such a bad idea after all.

"Mountain, Phantom, you know what to do," he says, hopping in place a bit to disperse the jitters.

"And then we'll take a break, of course."

-----

Yeah, I don't know c: I threw a note about writing my thoughts on Phantom and Aurora hearing Copia growl for the first time and it was based on a post I saw and @anotherbananasong was involved but for the LIFE of me I cannot find it???

Well, anyway, this happened c: The ghouls like growly Copia, what more is there to say?

[delusionalbitchinthehouse]

Bartender Phantom x Regular Swiss because i need to write them so bad.

"Hey, Phantom !"

From their place behind the bar, they huff, trying to smother a smile as they turn toward the man calling out for them. The booming voice is unmistakeable, Phantom would know it everywhere ; it's no surprise to find Swiss leaning against the bar, braced on his elbows, dark eyes crinkling in the corners with the width of his smile. The man hasn't shrugged his leather jacket off yet, having made a beeline for Phantom the second he caught sight of them.

"Swiss," Phantom hums in answer, trying to come off as disinterested even as they stop wiping glasses to give him their full attention. Swiss drums his fingers on the countertop, teasingly close to where Phantom's hand lays.

"You comin' to see the game tonight ?"

Phantom shrugs, glancing at where Swiss' group of friends are settling at their usual table. As some of their longest regulars, they pratically own it.

"Don't know, not a huge fan of hockey."

"Come on," Swiss playfully sighs, letting the last word drag on for longer than strictly necessary, "it'll be fun. I know some of the players, and even Rainy's coming, right, tadpole ?"

Rain, who had started making Swiss' order whithout even having to ask, winks at him.

"You bet I am. Ifrit's playing, right ? He's a vision on the ice."

Swiss hums in answer, eyes still trained on Phantom, his hand drifting to brush the inside of their wrist, voice lowering.

"C'mon. I'll give you a lift. Bring you back home like a proper gentleman."

And Phantom can act as nonchalent as they want, there is no denying the pull Swiss has on them, the way his touch sends sparks under their skin. They lean forward, helplessly, drinking in the easy charm oozing from the man.

"Right. I know how those things end."

Swiss tilts his head, grabbing the drink Rain slides toward him without ever looking away.

"And how do they end, exactly ?"

Memories flash in Phantom's mind, making their face heat up, though they try to keep their tone light. It's hard, with Swiss' knowing gaze on them.

"With you, and me, in the backseat..." Phantom trails their fingers up Swiss' forearm, following the shapes inked under his skin, delighted by the goosebumps rising in answer, "with your hands under my shirt if i still wear a shirt at all..." they push one of Swiss' locks back behind his ear, watching the man's pupils expand, "you acting the opposite of gentleman-like when you pull me in your lap. Isn't that right, Swiss ?"

The man takes a deep breath, downing half of his drink in one go.

"Goddamit bug. Doesn't sound so bad, does it ?"

Of course it doesn't. Swiss' hungry but reverant touch, his hot mouth and all the filthy whispers it drips directly in Phantom's ear, his deep throaty groans rumbling while he bounces Phantom on his lap, keeping them so full they can feel him in their throat...oh, Phantom is adicted.

"Mmh, "bad", no. Unprofessional as hell ? Absolutely."

It's token protest, really, a game of cat and mouse they both engage in whenever they get the chance. Swiss is too charming for his own good, always up for a challenge ; Phantom, not as innocent as they look, flippant, with quite the ego most people don't suspect from them. Their little dynamic works for them, maybe even too well.

"You'd be off the clock," Swiss counters, toying with the collar of Phantom's shirt, "no one to scold you for fucking a regular, especially since your boss is sure to end up under Dew."

Phantom glances at Rain, who's pretending not to listen but is betrayed by his smirk and indulgent nod confirming Swiss' statement. The man in question, apparently disagreeing with Phantom's attention being on anyting else other than him, tugs a little harder on their shirt collar, bringing their faces close.

"C'mon baby. Come to the game."

Phantom grins, deciding on one last tease.

"Aren't you worried I'll find a hot hockey player to take me home instead of you ?"

Swiss' thumb slips under Phantom's collar then, searches for a faded bite mark he knows damn well he'll find, as the one who put it there, and presses on it with a possessive hum.

"Mmh, 'course not. Because I know, if I wasn't the one you wanted, you wouldn't have let me lay a single finger on you, isn't that right Phantom ?"

Checkmate, game over, Phantom relents, for now.

"Alright. Pick me up after my shift, don't be late, or i'll go with Rainy."

Swiss' laugh is bright, stirring an emotion far too tender for their little game in the secrecy of Phantom's chest.

"Aya aye Captain. I'll make myself pretty just for you, yeah ?"

Phantom can't wait.

[balkanradfem]

Rating of Garden Critters!

Bee: 12/10, beloved, beautiful, miracle bug, would die for her, all flowers in my garden are for her

Ladybug: 10/10 I love her, she trusts me and walks on my hand, has little dots I can count and eats plant lice for breakfast lunch and dinner!

Ants: 2/10, they keep starting lice farms on my plants :/ go farm your lice elsewhere. Fun to watch though.

Spider: 10/10 charming, threatening, excellent vibes, does not respect my walkways, ultimately so useful for the garden I will never bring them down

Frog: 10/10 I don't know what she's up to but I love looking at her!

Mouse: 3/10 she gets 3 because she's so adorable but. She will dig out seeds and eat them. Go live in the fields please.

Snake: 10/10 absolutely love the long noodle, will resolve the mice issue, incredibly useful critter + points for powerful presence

Mushroom: 10/10 not a critter technically but she will make my soil healthy and I hope my plants can communicate underground too? If there's mushrooms?

Worm: 10/10 must have in the garden, please thrive in my soil, please live in my compost pile

Wasp: 6/10 threatening aura but I do believe she just wants to pollinate some plants and I respect her. There's place for her in my garden.

Bird: 8/10 I love her, I'm unsure whether she eats my worms but I hope she also eats bugs that eat my plants. Please don't eat my strawberries.

Plant lice: 0/10. No. Get off my swiss chard.

Butterfly: 4/10 Please stop laying eggs on my broccoli. You're so beautiful I love you and I want you to have as many babies as possible. But I am hungry. I am too weak to support your reproductive process.

Potato bugs: -2/10. No. Only bug I've enacted violence upon.

Any other bug that I do not recognize: 7/10, welcome to my compost pile! We have grass, we have peels, we have rotten fruit. Please eat it. Also if you're a cool neon color or really big I will follow you around for a while infinitely entertained by your existence.

Hedgehog: 10/10 I know she's just lost in there but please stay you're so adorable.

Slugs: -99999999/10. They know what they did.