#teal streaked ribbons

[bylerbigbang]

Teal Streaked Ribbons

Fic by @gardenfaerie | Art by @solisevart

Teen | 17k words

Everything should be perfect now. The Upside down was gone. Will was attending college. And he was in a happy relationship with Mike Wheeler, the boy he loved since forever.

But there was one glaring problem: Mike clearly wanted to take things further in their relationship. And despite Will wanting the same, he couldn't seem to shake this mental block that was putting a divide between him and Mike.

After all, how was he supposed to explain to his boyfriend that his body hasn't quite felt like his own since everything Henry did to him?

Warnings: Discussions about sexual assault, Implied/referenced sexual trauma, Implied Sexual content, Fade to black scene

Read on Ao3 | View Art

Read an excerpt below:

It was a dreary, rainy night when things got especially bad.

Will woke up gasping.

He’d never had one that bad— that graphic, and violent, and… vivid.

He sat up with a choked sound, tears streaming down his face.

As he tried to control his breathing, his trembling frame was suddenly brought into warm familiar arms. He hadn't even registered when Mike woke up.

Mike rubbed soothing circles into his back as he murmured, “Hey, it’s okay, you’re okay. You're safe, I’m right here.” He pulled back just slightly to wipe the tears from his cheeks before tucking him under his chin.

Will sighed and let his body go boneless and pliant against Mike’s chest. He knew he was being selfish for not telling Mike to just go back to bed. After all, he had early classes and Will was the one disturbing his sleep at 3am. Still, the soothing strokes of Mike’s palms against his shoulder and back felt too nice to give up so quickly, not when he’d been shaken up so badly. And so they stayed sitting like that a little longer, with Will’s head resting against Mike’s chest, and body curled up and tucked between his legs.

“So, what happened?” Mike was the one to break the silence.

“Just,” Will faltered slightly, “the usual you know.”

“Seemed a lot worse than the usual.”

Images from his dream flashed across his mind. Will closed his eyes, the rain pattering against the windows filling his head like white noise.

“C-can we just go back to bed? I don’t really want to talk about it.”

He leaned forward away from Mike, to look at him over his shoulders. His lips were pulled into a frown and his eyes scanned over Will uneasily. Mike clearly wanted to know more, but he only sighed and said, “Yeah sure, of course.”

When they laid back down, his hold on Will felt tighter than usual, and Will could acutely feel the rise and fall of his chest against his back. Will’s eyes fluttered shut, liking the added weight of Mike’s palms against his chest. It comforted him, and made his troubled thoughts recede just a little. He was still wide awake, but at least he felt safe.

A couple minutes passed in silence, when Mike suddenly whispered “Hey,” his lips brushing against his ear. Will flinched a little in his hold, caught off guard. He thought Mike had dozed off already.

Mike’s voice was scratchy as he spoke, clearly in the process of drifting off to dreamland. “I know you said you don’t want to talk about it, and that’s okay. But just remember, I’ll always be here if you ever want to talk okay? I’m not going anywhere. We’re a team, yeah?”

The last of Mike’s words drifted and faded out like a ripple stretching into a vast ocean. With a sleepy kiss placed onto the back of Will’s shoulders, Mike’s arms relaxed around him and he nuzzled into Will’s neck, before sleep at last seemed to overtake him entirely.

Will blinked in the dark a few more times, his boyfriend’s soft words ringing through his head.

“But what if telling you makes you love me less?” he whispered into the darkness.

Read more on Ao3 >>

[jflemings]

— raso’s piper’s ribbons

pairing: hayley raso x child!oc {piper’s world}

synopsis: piper thinks hayley can fly

warnings: a short and sweet one bc i love this dynamic and just don’t write about it enough

୧ ‧₊˚ 🎗️⋅ ˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡˚

piper loves all her aunties. every single one of them, biological or not. she loves laughing with guro and katie, and riding on macca’s shoulders. she loves getting to be leah and steph’s mascot and she loves it when erin sneaks her sweets behind jessie’s back at lunch.

piper also loves watching her aunties play football. she loves kyra’s slide tackles and mini’s yellow cards, and she loves watching sam score goals.

what she loves most of all, however, is watching hayley fly.

sometimes, if hayley pushes hard enough, piper swears she can see her grow wings that lift her down the pitch effortlessly. the tails of her hair ribbon flutter through the air and follow her like streaks of yellow and teal, leaving nothing but a blur in their wake as she outruns the opponent.

before every game piper asks if hayley’s going to fly and without fail everytime, the winger assures her that she’ll fly just for her.

tonight is no different.

mini passes it up to emily, who draws the other team’s defenders in and then sweeps the ball straight past them and to the feet of raso. she streaks down the field effortlessly like a blur as she grows wings and flies.

the goal, too, is effortless. she takes a split second to line it up, pulls back with ease, and then lets it rip straight into the back of the net, putting the tillies in front 2-1.

piper jumps up along with tony, her little arms in the air as she roars in delight. hayley holds out her arms like a plane and zooms around in celebration before you and ellie catch her on her back, pulling her into a group hug.

piper jumps up and down before mimicking hayley and holding out her arms, running up and down the bench like she’s just scored. caitlin, nevs and polks clap for her as she does so, the smile never wiping off their faces as piper returns back to her seat.

hayley gets subbed off before you and takes a waterbottle and all the congratulations the team and staff have to offer her before she squeezes herself in between caitlin and teagan. piper wastes no time and appears by her side before she can even sit down.

she places her little hands on hayley’s knees and jumps in excitement “i saw you fly! i saw you fly!”

“i told you i would” hayley smiles as she winks “just for you, of course”

she lifts piper onto her lap and turns her around so that she can still watch you on the pitch “mummy remembered my ribbon this time!” she says cheerfully as she gets settled “and nini said she’ll get me some red and white ones so that i can wear them when i watch canada”

“no blue ones for chelsea?” hayley questions. caitlin makes a noise of disapproval from beside her.

“no way” piper says cheekily “auntie leah says no”

“and auntie leah’s right” caitlin interjects “you’re arsenal’s little mascot, aren’t you?” she tickles piper’s sides, making the child erupt in giggles. she squirms in hayley’s lap and the winger wraps her arms tightly around her.

“hayley help me!” piper laughs

“i’ll protect you!” she says, making a show of pushing caitlin’s dancing hands away “no more tickle monster caitlin”

piper blows a raspberry “yeah caitlin, no more tickle monster!”

caitlin puts her hands up in defeat and pretends to hide away from hayley’s playful glare “alright, alright! i relent! you win!”

hayley nods affirmatively but keeps her firm hold on piper, pulling her back against her front so that she can lean back against her chair.

australia keep the lead all the way to the end and you play the full 90 minutes, a sigh of relief leaving your lips as you clap to the crowd. instead of piper jumping off the bench and running straight to you, however, she keeps ahold of hayley and the two of them makes their own round of the stadium.

piper collects friendship bracelets and messily signs posters and a few of your jerseys, remaining shy under the attention of so many people. if raso has to put her down it’s only for a photo and only for a minute or two before she lifts your daughter back into her safe hold.

“you two are matching!” a journalist points out as he holds his phone up to record the short interview “we see that a lot. do you and hayley match all the time?”

piper nods shyly “i like matching with hayley”

hayley smiles “we do it every game don’t we?”

“yeah” piper answers “because i want to be like hayley when i grow up”

the journalist nods kindly “do you want to play football when you grow up?”

“i want to be a matilda” piper says loudly and with more confidence.

“they’re not just raso’s ribbons anymore are they? they’re piper’s ribbons too”

hayley smiles widely and proudly “she’s gonna take over the trademark soon! just watch her”

[inkykeiji]

⋆₊˚⊹♡ vox + cum

character: vox warnings: 18+ minors do not interact, snowballing (cum eating), cum play, a hint of implied blood, fem!reader words: 735

when vox cums, he cums in thick dollops of teal cream. 

when vox cums, he cums so much that it oozes out of your hole—past the tight seal of his shaft, cock still buried deep inside of you, to trickle down your thighs and ass in the prettiest streaks of shimmering streams, staining your skin in strokes of him.

when vox cums, he forces you to stay fucking put while he watches, eyes glowing with a bright voracity, as it dries to a hard glaze, large hands wrapped around your thighs so tightly his claws pierce your flesh—cute little pricks that weep thin ribbons of scarlet—legs folded to your chest and knees nudging your chin, muscles gone stiff and achy from being held in one position for so long.

when vox cums, you beg him to feed it to you; sweet stringy whines that drip in a steady stream of drool from your raw lips, precious pleads that have him wedging his large head between your thighs and impelling them to spread wider, your muscles trembling beneath the strain. his long tongue unfurls from his mouth, slow and steady, drizzling buzzing webs of glimmering saliva across the intimate flesh at the apex of your legs. 

he appreciates the calculated mess for a breath before he finally shoves his tongue inside your cunt, massive muscle extending to brush against your cervix with a sweet kitten lick, eliciting a squeal mangled by a giggle, hips squirming beneath his grasp. a growl vibrates against your hole—a wordless warning to hold still, to be good—tongue held motionless for a moment, tip pressed snugly to the sensitive mound of tissue as he waits for you to obey (which, you do, instantly, because of course you do). 

he takes his time with it, meticulous as he is with all things in his life, his tongue diligent and careful as it delves into your cunt, hooked and hungry. it wiggles, rubs, scours and then curls, skillfully scooping the substance from your body, cum cupped in his tongue like it’s fucking precious. 

then he’s giving you what you want, tongue busting past your lips and into your mouth, dragging along your own and depositing his cum in thick strokes. he takes a moment to admire it on your tongue—vibrant cyan, glowing gently against slick pink—before he allows you to swallow it, gaze heavy as your throat bobs with the dense gulp. 

when vox cums, he kisses you with such ferocious vigour that his screen bruises your nose, glass pressed hard against your face, fingers hooked behind the hinges of your jaw keeping you still, keeping you trapped, his tongue popping with tiny glints of electricity as it stuffs your throat full, spilling growls and grunts and airy little moans into your mouth. 

when vox cums, his spit cracks and fizzles with sparks of energy, little jolts that seep into those tangles of thin vessels beneath your tongue and zip through your veins, leaving your blood frothing and humming for more, your eager mouth siphoning more of the viscous saliva onto your tongue as it twines around his own and sucks it clean. a responding chuckle flows into your mouth, vox mumbling out an affectionate so greedy against your lips, his tongue still tied up in your own. 

when vox cums, he cums fucking hard, bolts juddering through his body as his hips slow to an uneven stutter and then finally still. electric aftershocks ripple his skin as his moans hitch viciously in his chest, stammering in time with the blocky distortions glitching on his face, fragment pixels clashing against one another, splintering into different colours.  

when vox cums, it looks so fucking pretty splattered across his navy skin—art created by your conjoined pleasure, crystal aquamarine smattering smooth planes of sleek muscle gliding gently beneath his skin with each of his ragged breaths, with every tense of his stomach as another silky rope stains his flesh, a perfect contrast. and he can’t help but laugh when you ask, oh-so-obediently, if you can lick it up, gazing at him with twinkling eyes, the melody soft and tender on his tongue as his thumb skims across your cheek—along the curve then tracing the edge of your jaw, glowing eyes dimmed and leaden with love as they follow the trajectory of his touch, murmuring out a syrupy of course you can, sweetheart.

[solisevart]

Teal Streaked Ribbons by GardenFairie on ao3

A story and character study of Will’s healing from the Upside Down, and his journey with intimacy and control.

it’s here!! I had the absolute pleasure of working with @gardenfairie for this year’s @bylerbigbang, who wrote this beautiful fic about a part of Will’s canon life that isn’t often explored - including himself here - and it warmed my heart to see him navigate it 🥹 check it out!!

cw for discussions of CSA (read author’s notes!)

click here for some companion doodles from the fic!

[obsessionatthemoment]

Some random Byler fic recommendations for if you are in need of some suggestions (I don't want this post to be too long, so if you want the summary, just click on the link to find it):

Teal Streaked Ribbons (complete): https://archiveofourown.org/works/51354784/chapters/130044970 (one of my favorites, however it does explore SA so don't read if it triggers you)

A Glimmer of Light Refusing to Fade (still being written): https://archiveofourown.org/works/49303804/chapters/124412344 (very long, very well written, with lots of care put into it. It has the possibility of being very triggering as it explores severe mental illness, SA, and other forms of violence and abuse)

Problems series (still being written): https://archiveofourown.org/series/4262329 (my favorite series, also could have triggering content including SA, mental illness, and toxic relationships)

It Has Left Me in Pain (complete): https://archiveofourown.org/works/45674812 (most beautiful fic I have ever read, and super underrated. It talks about chronic pain, so don't read if that triggers you)

Watch Me Bleed (Bleed Forever) (complete): https://archiveofourown.org/works/56369236 (super well written, and interesting concept. Contains bullying, and implied suicidal thoughts)

The sun will rise again, just not today (discontinued): https://archiveofourown.org/works/39820491/chapters/99696615 (mental health issues, specifically SH, also discussing abuse. Was discontinued for author's wellbeing, I hope they're doing well)

There are lots more I could recommend, I just ran out of steam.

[linkedspirit-fanartfunart]

[Image Description: A character lineup of the Zeldas of the Linked Spirit AU, each labeled. Lady, Hero's Zelda, she/they/he: She is tan with a blond braid and the hair in front of her ears is wrapped in a dark purple ribbon. She wears purple pants and fingerless gloves. He wears a blue corset and a pink dress with ruffled sleeves and a split skirt. He wears dark blue boots with gold diamond patterns on the side. Zelda, Skyward Sword, she/her: She's tan with blond hair with straight bangs, her side bangs tied with ribbon and a red and blue feather. She has a teal beret and vest. She wears a white shirt, and magenta skirt. On one wrist, she wears a goddess bracket. She wears a wrap under her belt that has a light purple bird symbol. Princess, The Legend of Zelda, LoZ Cartoon, she/her: Dark skinned with curly red hair in a large bun. She wears a gold tiara and pink bow in her hair. She wears a purple shirt with princess sleeves and pink pants, with a light blue vest-skirt. She wears brown boots that go above her knee. Briar, Adventure of Link, she/her: She has a warm-light skintone, with red hair and a silver tiara. She wears a red puff-sleeve bodice and a red-orange bell skirt. Twilight, Twilight Princess, she/her: She is pale, with brown hair tied in a bun and ponytail. She wears a dark purple dress with a pale purple bodice. She wears long white gloves, and golden shoulder armor. The skirt banner has the triforce, the Hylian symbol, and simplified shapes of the light spirits. She wields her sword in front of her. Bloom, Breath of the Wild, they/them: They are pale with chin-length blond hair. They wear a white shirt and blue vest, with a thin ribbon tie. They have black pants, brown boots and a wide decorated belt. Lantern, CDi: Wand of Gamelon, she/her. She is tan with light blond hair and blue eyes. She has her arms folded, wearing a purple cloak and light purple dress. She wears a blue vest over her dress. She has a magic lantern on her hip attached to her belt.

Sheik, Ocarina of Time, she/he: The adult Sheik matches Sheik from Ocarina of Time, holding a golden lyre. Next to him is Kid Zelda, who is tanner, and her dress is collared, with pink lines in the skirt, otherwise, she matches Kid Zelda from Ocarina of Time. Tetra, Wind Waker, Phantom Hourglass, she/her: Tetra has dark skin, and light blond hair in a bun. She has a roc and a white feather in her hair. She wears a blue vest with gold trim, a red scarf and sash, and her light purple tunic-shirt has a long end with the triforce symbol and blue wind waker spiral patterns. Her shorts are white and baggy, and she wears sandals with straps up her calf. She has a tattoo on her bicep of crossed swords. Phantom, Spirit Tracks, she/her: A dark skinned 12 year old, with long curly blond hair with a white streak of hair. She wears a crown with horn-like spikes and white feathers behind her ears. She wears a pink dress with a purple bodice with pink spiral patterns. She wears gold jewelry on her belt and neckline with dark purple shoulder pads. Her hands are covered with long white gloves. Her dress banner is dark blue with a gold wing design and triforce. Sunflower, A Link to the Past, Oracle of Ages, Oracle of Seasons, she/they: She is tan skinned with blond hair. She wears a light purple dress with gold shoulder pads and bracers. Their apron is a deep pink with a red triforce and triangle patterns, and her belt holds two golden tassels. She wears a white cape. Art, Link Between Worlds, she/her: She is light-skinned and she has blond hair with center parted bangs. She wears a white dress with blue trim and a white cape. Her pink apron is decorated with gold patterns and triforce. She has golden shoulder pads and bracers, and gold tassels hang off her belt. Mini, Minish Cap, Four Swords, Four Swords Adventures, she/her: She has tan skin and red hair in a high ponytail framed with white feathers. She wears a light pink dress with a white cape clasped with gold. She wears pink gloves and tan boots. She wears a pink bodice with white trim, and a banner is attached to her belt. The banner has the trifoce symbol and a gold kin-stone like symbol surrounded with the Minish Cap Element symbols. End ID]

Zeldas!! I lowkey needed a reference for myself. SO, here's the girls! And yes I did name TP Zelda Twilight to be confusing :P (But mostly because I think the one who got called The Twilight Princess by Midna deserves to have the name Twilight)

Link to the Links

[dawneternal]

Just a Favor | pt 4 | Gwynriel

✦ Warnings: all fluff

✦ Word Count: 1.4k

✦ AO3 Link

✦ Masterlist

Azriel was not at training the next morning. Cassian led the Valkyries assisted by Nesta. Gwyn noticed, of course, but preferred to go about as usual. She thanked the Mother that no one said anything about him so she had no opportunity to blush and stutter and look like an idiot. 

By the end of the session, though, she was feeling a little desperate. So much energy filled her body and the exercise had done nothing to reduce it. It was equal parts nervousness and excitement, tangling together and filling her blood with adrenaline. Her entire world was on the verge of some monumental change and all she could do was wait. 

“Gwyneth,” A deep voice startled her from her thoughts. She whirled around from the weapons rack to find Azriel looking down at her, holding a little bouquet of daisies.

“Cauldron boil me,” She breathed, placing a hand on her chest. Her gaze swept over his figure, checking for any changes since she had seen him last. It was only a couple of days ago but it felt like so much longer. 

She noticed the way his fingers trembled around the stems of the flowers and his restless wings, twitching and fidgeting. His eyes were wide and full of anxiety, with purple smudged underneath like he hadn’t been sleeping much. His shadows rushed toward her as usual, twining around her limbs and through her hair. 

As for Azriel, he could not help smiling. He took her in and decided she looked more beautiful than ever, even with her face streaked with dirt and her hair stuck down with sweat. Especially so, because he loved that she was a warrior. If he was brave enough, he'd drop to his knees right then and ask her to be his forever. 

They stayed like that for a moment, staring at each other while they thought about each other. Completely oblivious to Cassian and Nesta exchanging wry smiles and pretending not to watch. 

“Did you need something?” Gwyn asked, her voice soft, teal eyes still locked on his hazel ones. 

“Yes,” Azriel swallowed and held out the bouquet, “I wanted to say sorry again. In person. And I wanted to ask you to meet me here tonight.”

Gwyn's heart pounded as she took the flowers, taking care not to brush his fingers. She wasn't sure if she could handle it at that moment. It would only remind her of his touch in the moonlight on the bank of the stream. Her rosy cheeks dimpled as she grinned up at him. 

“You don't have to be sorry,” She said, just above a whisper, “What would you like to meet for?”

“I would like to talk to you about something,” He said, cursing himself for his stiffness, “Nothing bad.”

“As long as I'm not in trouble,” Gwyn smiled, tilting her head in that alluring way. 

“Is 7 okay?” Azriel asked, voice trembling just a touch. 

“I'll be here.”

Azriel gave her a nod and then turned, making his way back to the House. Gwyn watched his back as he left, clutching the daisies in her hands and trying to collect herself. She was dizzy, body even more jittery than before.

He wouldn't ask for a private meeting just to tell her she was a terrible kisser, right?

In all of the turmoil of the past few days, there was one thing that Azriel clung to. It was the first thing he'd thought of as he'd flown into the night, leaving Gwyn on the ground as a small smudge of copper. 

He was nervous, possibly as nervous as he had been to show up at the training ring to see Gwyn. He had another bouquet in one hand, pink and yellow lilies, and a box of pastries wrapped with ribbon in the other. 

He paused on the doorstep of the little cottage, wondering if she'd open it before he could knock like usual. But he'd surprised her this time and he found himself staring at the closed door. He couldn't help smiling as he knocked, anticipating her reaction. 

The grey haired woman appeared in the doorway with furrowed eyebrows, ready to tell off unwanted visitors. But then she saw that it was Azriel and a grin spread across her weathered face. 

“My boy,” She reached out her arms for him, hugging him around the gifts he carried. 

He ducked into the cottage and put his gifts on the kitchen table. His mother clocked the wringing of his hands immediately, the restlessness in his eyes. 

“You’ve come to me with troubles today?” She asked in her lilting voice. Azriel would never get tired of it. He would always be the little boy inside that longed to hear just a little more of her voice before being locked in the darkness for another week. 

“Not troubles,” He said as she put the kettle on the stove. He'd do it for her if she'd let him but she never would. He also stifled his protest as she put a napkin in front of him and set a pastry from the box on it. 

“Tell me,” She demanded, sitting across from him and picking a pecan roll for herself, “I'm desperate for gossip these days.”

Azriel had been determined to hold it together. But it was impossible, in front of this woman with such soft eyes and so much love for him. It mingled with the joy and relief and nervousness he was already holding inside and became something overwhelming. His throat ached as tears threatened to spill over. 

“Mama,” He croaked, “I have a mate.”

“Azriel,” She breathed, her roll pausing halfway between the table and her mouth. Then she was up, snack forgotten, throwing her arms around his neck and peppering his face with kisses. She knew how long he'd been waiting for something like this.

“Mama,” He chuckled, trying to loosen her grasp around his neck. 

“Who is she?” She demanded, reaching for the kettle as it began to squeal. 

“Her name is Gwyneth,” He said, as shy as a school boy revealing a crush. “She works in the library. And she won the Blood Rite last year.”

“The Blood Rite?” His mother cried, putting the kettle down so she did not scald herself in her surprise. Azriel nodded, eyes glowing with pride.

“She's a Valkyrie.”

“That's a match made by the cauldron if I ever heard one,” She smiled, tilting her head to the side and watching the way his shadows sped up as he talked about her. “I will meet her, right?”

“Of course,” Azriel said, smile fading, “But I haven't told her yet. I asked her to meet me tonight.”

“Ah, that's why you're acting like a little boy the night before Valentine's Day,” She laughed and set a cup of tea before him.

“I am not,” He protested, grinning in spite of himself. He wrapped his hands around the warm mug and breathed the familiar scent of cinnamon and ginger.

“You're worried she won't accept?” 

Azriel nodded. His mother said nothing, only took a sip of her tea and then got up from the table, disappearing into her bedroom. He could hear her rummaging through something.

“What are you doing?” 

“I saved something for you,” She said, returning with a little velvet box. She set it on the table in front of him and stood back, hands on her hips and eyes glittering. 

Azriel's heart hammered as he looked at it, tears already stinging his eyes. He picked up the box with gentle fingers and opened the lid. Two beautiful earrings lay inside on a bed of silk, sapphires encased in silver metal, carved with little stars and moons. 

“I got them as a gift once,” She said as he admired them, “They were the only nice things I owned for a long, long time. They meant a lot to me. And I saved them because I wanted to give you one to have made into a ring.”

Azriel shook his head, a tear falling down his cheek. His mother reached out and swiped it away, placing a kiss where it had been. He remembered the days when she had nothing nice at all. When she was always tired and ragged with almost no hope left. 

“You should keep them,” He swallowed hard. 

“I'll keep one,” She said, her voice trembling just a touch, “And I'll put it on a chain. But I want you to take this one and have the gem put into a ring and the metal made into a band.”

Azriel stood, leaving the little box on the table, and folded his mother into his arms. It was a long while before he let go. 

“Promise me?” She whispered when he pulled away, reaching up to cup his cheek.

“I promise,” He put his hand over hers and leaned into her touch.

“Good, because she won’t say no to such a beautiful ring. Now tell me everything about her.”

[diamondcrownacademy]

DCA Info Part 66: Dorm Leader 3rd Edition Redesigns (Part 2)

View Part 1

Much like their Dorm Fairy companions, the girls also got redesigned! The reason being is that Phoenix felt she was making them look to simple. So she chose to once again redesign them, only this time, designing them to cater more to their preferences and personalities, as well as matching the aesthetics of each Disney Princesses' respective movies.

📚 Rozeline Pierrette

Rozeline's new ensemble was created to represent both Belle and Beast. As well as being an ensemble that looks conservative or old school, not caring for aesthetic outfits and just picked an old pattern from the dress book. Her now unkempt hair is dark brown with a single white streak.

Rozeline's ensemble consists of a muted navy blue long puff sleeve bolero jacket with gold trim with the collar having gold circular roses and the sleeves having white cuffs. She also wears a yellow maxi skirt with muted navy blue and gold trim. For footwear, Rozeline wears a pair of black and white heeled Oxford shoes with gray leggings.

Rozeline accessorizes with a black veil that covers her eyes attached to a muted navy blue bonnet with gold trim, pale yellow roses and black horns, a white ruffle tie, a pale yellow rose brooch with a muted yellow gem brooch in the center and pale tan ribbon with gold trim, a gold belt with ribbon detailing, black gloves and a muted gold crown ring with a yellow jewel on her right index finger.

🏝️ Vidya Nazari

Vidya's ensemble is meant to be a fusion of both Aladdin and Jasmine's respective ensembles, with the top portion taking inspiration from Aladdin's Prince Ali persona. The purple sash was a gift from Kalim and not only serves as a reference to the Magic Carpet, but also reference Kalim's hometown.

Vidya's ensemble consists of a black tunic worn underneath a bedlah top with off-the-shoulder straps with gold accents and matching salwar pants with a gold V-shaped waistline with an opening below the knees and gold trim. For footwear, Vidya wears a pair of curled shoes that are muted navy and feature gold soles and accents.

Vidya accessorizes with a pale gold tiara with a blue diamond-shaped jewel in the center, a pair of blue diamond shaped jewel earrings, a gold choker with blue diamonds, gold shoulder pads with hanging gold threads with a blue diamond brooch in the center, a gold bracelet with blue diamond jewels, a purple sash with floral and swirl designs and gold trim, a gold waist chain with blue diamonds, gold rings above her shoes and a pale gold crown ring with a blue jewel on her left index finger.

🐲 Jinlong Esi

Jinlong received a very notable redesign, now resembling more of an eastern dragon while also possessing turquoise horns, off red nails, three pointed toes with red claws, and a red tail with teal spikes and gold underbelly, the tail also has copper colored fluff at the tip. Jinlong's hair is now in a single ponytail.

Jinlong's ensemble consists of a navy blue martial arts tunic with gold trim, a maroon collar with teal circular gems attached to gold tassels and maroon cuffs with gold detailing. Underneath the tunic is a pair of blue-green pants with gold trim. For footwear, Jinlong sports a pair of navy blue sandals with maroon detailing and straps.

Jinlong accessorizes with a teal earring on her left ear, a pair of oversized turquoise bracelets, a maroon belt with gold trim and designs with a large circular gold brooch with a turquoise gem embedded in the center, and a gold crown ring with a maroon jewel on her right index finger.

🐻 Elu Sorrel

Elu has a slightly more muscular physique due to being a hunter while her ensemble looking more modern and much like Allison and Jinlong, offering more mobility. To avoid making her look to similar to Leona, Elu's braids were moved to be around her ears (though not shown in the picture above).

Elu's ensemble consists of a tan sleeveless turtleneck tunic with baggy pants that include fringes worn underneath what appears to be a brown corset with the bottom having fringes and a dark teal corset with various pale red diamond details and pale red threads. For footwear, Elu wears a pair of light tan boots with teal and white straps and fringes near one of the ends.

Elu accessorizes with a brown cloak with a white trimmed fur hood with the bottom featuring a teal and red diamond design and fringes, a pair of gold goggles, pale red arm bands with teal beads, a brown necklace with red and teal beads with a brown brooch with an orange gem embedded inside and teal, white, red feathers with red beads, brown gloves and a pale gold crown ring with an orange jewel on her left index finger.

🐸 Perrine Bousquet

Perrine ensemble bears some resemblance to the flapper dress that Tiana wears at the end of The Princess and the Frog, while also wanting to match the aesthetics of the 1920s. Perrine's hair is now a golden blonde curly bob cut and she now has green eyeshadow.

Perrine's ensemble consists of an off white green tinted blouse worn underneath a pastel green dress with the top portion resembling a blazer, with green lapels and cuffs. For footwear, Perrine wears a pair of green pumps, a style popular with working women in the 1920s as they featured minimal decorations and were less expensive than trendy strap shoes or lattice pumps.

Perrine accessorizes with a green cloche hat with a light green satin ribbon with a yellow flower with green leaves and a green circular gem in the center, a silver necklace with a green gem pendant, a yellow flower brooch with green leaves and a vine as well as a silver circular brooch with floral detailing and a circular green gem in the center, a pair of pastel green gloves and a silver crown ring with a green jewel on her left index finger.

[keepingeahalive]

Frabjous Day! Callooh! Callay!

Call them girlfriends. Call them sisters. Call them whatever you want. They don’t do labels.

Lizzie, Kitty, Maddie

~~~~~

[ID: A full hand-drawing of Madeline Hatter, Kitty Cheshire, and Lizzie Hearts with flag/ribbons flowing from out of a hat.

Maddie is a petite British-Indian teenage person with light tan skin, medium length turquoise hair with mint green and fuschia streaks, and large teal eyes. She is wearing a dark cream bodice with short puffy dark pink sleeves; turquoise gloves with white lace; a small top hat in the shape of a teacup and saucer; a dark teal mismatched necklace; and gold earrings in the shape of spoons.

Kitty is a petite British-Chinese cat person with pale skin, pale blue-gray and violet hair pulled up into two long pigtails, sharp green eyes, mint green eyeshadow, and a large wide grin. She is wearing a purple dress with a white, lavender spotted bodice; short black puffy sleeves; a brown-gray fur collar; black arm bands with brown-gray fur at the wrists; violet leggings with purple zigzag stripes, white shoes with fur trim at the ankle; and a cat-ear hat.

Lizzie is a petite white British teenage person with beige skin, long black hair with two red streaks styled in an updo, full white face makeup, dark turquoise eyes, and a red heart over her left eye. She is wearing tight-fitting yellow dress with a red Tudor collar, two red symmetrical hearts on the bodice, a black skirt, two dark yellow flared layer skirts resembling playing cards, and tiny red earrings in the shape of hearts.

Maddie hangs upside down from the top, her arms spread out and a joyous look on her face. She holds a large magenta top hat from which three large ribbons slip out. Kitty appears lounging on the middle ribbon. Her legs dangle in the air behind her. Her face leans into the back of her left hand. She grins widely down at Lizzie. Lizzie stand behind the bottom ribbon holding three cards in her hand. She looks up at Kitty with a small smile.

The top ribbon depicts the Agender Flag; the hat Maddie is holding depicts the Anthrosexual Flag. The middle ribbon depicts the Demigirl Flag; Kitty’s cat-ear hat depicts the Graysexual Flag. The bottom ribbon depicts the Bi-gender Flag; the cards in Lizzie’s hand depict the Polysexual Flag. END ID]

[tato-acm]

gwynriel weeks 2023 - ​week 1 - day 6 | personalities - competitive

acosf - ch 23:

“Right,” Cassian panted through gritted teeth as he blocked Az’s kick and bounced a step back, circling again. “Whoever lands the next blow wins.” “That’s ridiculous,” Az panted back. “We go until one of us eats dirt.” Az had a vicious competitive streak. It wasn’t boastful and arrogant, the way Cassian knew he himself was prone to be, or possessive and terrifying like Amren’s. No, it was quiet and cruel and utterly lethal. Cassian had lost track of how many games they’d played over the centuries, with one of them certain of a win, only for Az to reveal some master strategy.

acosf - ch 60:

Gwyn asked Az, her teal eyes bright, “What do we get if we finish the course?” Az’s shadows danced around him. “Since there’s no chance in hell any of you will finish the course, we didn’t bother to get a prize.” Boos sounded. Gwyn lifted her chin in challenge. “We look forward to proving you wrong.” [...]

Gwyn threw Azriel a withering stare as she strode past him. “See you tomorrow, Shadowsinger,” she tossed over a shoulder. Az stared after her, brows high with amusement. When he turned back, Nesta grinned. “You have no idea what you just started,” she said. Az angled his head, hazel eyes narrowing as Gwyn reached the archway. “Remember how Gwyn was with the ribbon?” Nesta winked and clapped the shadowsinger on the shoulder. “You’re the new ribbon, Az.” [...]

Roslin, Ananke, and Deirdre were close on their heels, propelling Gwyn to push her group harder. She wanted to be the first. Wanted Nesta and Emerie and her to be the ones who wiped the smirks from Azriel’s and Cassian’s faces. Especially Azriel’s. [...]  

And when Gwyn reached the finish line, bloody and panting and grinning so wildly her teal eyes glowed like a sunlit sea, she only extended her battered hand to Azriel. “Well?”

@gwynrielweeksofficial

[bylerbigbang]

2023 Byler Big Bang Fics & Art Masterpost

Now that December is here, that's a wrap on the 2023 Byler Big Bang! We welcomed 22 fics and even more art into the fandom over October and November, and now we want to celebrate everyone's hard work one more time with this masterpost of all the fics and art links completed for the challenge. A huge thanks to everyone who took part or otherwise supported the fics and art of the creators!

We will be back in summer 2024 with info about next year's event.

[The full fic collection on Ao3]

Masterposts here on Tumblr with fics + art:

Second Chances and Dances

remember to remember me

Theatre and Pom Poms

a swingset stuck in amber

Teal Streaked Ribbons

in the springtime, in the sun (we can be alone without anyone)

it's nice to have a friend

What a Time to Be Alive

under the stars with you

Ain’t it enough that I'm laying my heart out?

Through A Dark Glass, Wanting

nosebleeds from epiphanies (i took full in the face)

Autumn Leaves

this must be the place

And the Wonder of it All is That You Just Don’t Realize How Much I Love You

Lips Like Sugar

never did shine as bright

afterimage

On the Same Frequency

At the Time of Sight

ai! ai! (fūnestaque littera ducta est)

Sick of Meaning (I just want to hold you)

[4rainynite]

EAH Dorm Rooms Headcanon 11

Faybelle & Bunny

One's a fairy with a bad streak & the other's a sweet-hearted bunny, talk about an odd pair.

Besides Raven & Apple and Ramona & Justine, Bunny & Faybelle are the oddest of roommates. One has to wonder, how the heck they can live together?

My theory is Headmaster Grimm made Bunny Faybelle's roommate on purpuse to be petty. When, Alistair and Bunny arrived he seemed furious and when they brought the fake Storybook of Legends it got worse. Seriously! In 'Fairy Tail Ending' there were many empty rooms/ girls without roommates like Farrah & Justine. But, Headmaster Grimm made Bunny room with Faybelle of all people.That man has issues!

Faybelle's side: As the future Dark Fairy in Sleeping Beauty, Faybelle she is a Royal with a evil destiny and can't wait to begin her story! Not only does she love being evil she has a passion for cheerleading. As head cheerleader she makes sure she's the center of attention.

In 'Fairy's Got Talent' we get a good description of her room at Ever After High and her home.

I can see Faybelle's side of the dorm looking like her party like in 'The Tale of Two Parties', but in the books Faybelle's home was made of white stone due to Madam Thorn stating that 'light has no side' and is usually seen wearing white.

Faybelle's dorm is covered in fairy lights and probably has a dart board with people she hates that she zaps with her magic.

YIKES! I know she dislikes Raven and Apple, but that girl needs to see a counselor or something.

In the books there's a painting of the Thorn family crest in her dorm. In the center of the crest, the motto "Doers of Dark Magic" wrapped around an evil-looking eye that follows the viewer no matter where they stay in the room (this freaks Bunny out).

She has a vanity where she keeps her bottles, perfumes, and cosmetics on. She uses many products to keep her wings healthy, like leave-on conditioner and sunscreen to keep them glossy and supple.

I think Faybelle dyes her hair blonde to fir her mother's 'light has no side' idea. In 'Unfairest of Them All' her hair was originally midnight blue, the teal stripe in her hair is what didn't get bleached.

In the books she has a closet where she got a tiara out for an audition in 'Fairy's Got Talent'.

Faybelle has sprinklers in her room due to accidentally setting it on fire sometimes with her powers. The cleaning fairies hate cleaning up her dorm!

Like Raven & Briar I think Faybelle has a coffee machine in her room, due to her love of coffee.

From the information I've gathered Faybelle furniture has thorn and fairy wing designs on them and are white, black, and teal.

I can see Faybelle having a spinning wheel similiar to Briar's (only teal).

Being head cheerleader Faybelle has a trophy case filled with trophies, medals, and ribbons in cheerleading.

Like Daring I can see her dorm having a ton of mirrors.

Bunny's side: Despite being the next White Rabbit, who is always late and nervous. Bunny is calm and arrives on time.

Since, 'Fairy's Got Talent' was in Faybelle's perpective there was zero description on Bunny's side of the room. We do know Bunny is messy which is a trait shared by the other Wonderlanders since she throws carrot stems that land of Faybelle's side of the dorm. I'm guessing their dorm is the same size as Ramona and Justine due to Faybelle finds Bunny's discarded veggies on her side of the dorm and how angry she was to gain a roommate.

Because Bunny can shapeshift her side of the dorm may have things a normal rabbit would use like toys and brushes.

Bunny's side of the dorm would be decorative heavily with Wonderland themes like watches, chess pieces, and teacups.

She has a huge collection of hats and watches in her closet.

Being friends with a riddle master like Alistair (crush) Bunny has a large bookcase with books on riddles, Wonderland, and vegetables.

Alistair gave Bunny the rose and she keeps it on her nightstand.

Bunny has a mini fridge where she keeps her veggies. That and she uses the balcony in the dorm to grow more delicious veggies.

Bunny is rarely in her dorm due to all the clubs she's in: she plays horn in the school band, track and shield, chess club, taking care of the Wonderland Grove, party planning committee, and royal student council.

I honestly think besides these clubs being Bunny's hobbies and meeting new people, Bunny does them to stay away from Faybelle. In 'Fairy's Got Talent' Faybelle would scare Bunny no matter what she did. Along with the dorm sometimes catching on fire and the staring-eye-crest, Bunny most likely sleeps over at Kitty, Lizzie, and Maddie's dorms on the weekends or during study sessions.

I knew people like Faybelle (and Headmaster Grimm) in real life so having them as a roommate would be a nightmare!

Well, I did my best with Bunny with how little info there was on her.

Images from EAHWIKI & ROYALREBELWIKI

[moved-accounts-gardenfaire]

So I wasn't even gonna make this post, but I've gotten such lovely feedback for my fic (Teal Streaked Ribbons) that I had to

ngl, I was pretty nervous to write this fic,, cause like A) it involves depicting Will as a CSA victim and discussing that aspect of his trauma, which is obviously a sensitive topic and it's pretty rare for a byler fic to explore this. And B) it involves college aged byler exploring physical intimacy together which is kind of controversial (look, I just wanted to realistically depict two 20yo dudes in their first relationship together ok 😭).

While it is T-rated, as there's nothing graphic or explicit in it, I was still definitely hesitant to actually write it for the byler big bang. But I'm really glad I did, especially from reading comments of ppl talking about how they liked the way the topic was handled :') Thank you!

Also bless @solisevart for the gorgeous drawings, you are so talented <333

Cover page edit:

[solisevart]

oh no!! why is will so sad? 🧐 (dw there is healing and happiness ahead)

some companion doodles for my collaboration with @gardenfairie for the byler big bang! Teal Streaked Ribbons is now on ao3 we hope you enjoyyyy 🩵

cw for discussions of CSA (read author’s notes!)

click here for my main artwork for the fic!!

[gardenfairie]

[REPOST from old acc: @moved-accounts-gardenfairie]

So I wasn't even gonna make this post, but I've gotten such lovely feedback for my fic (Teal Streaked Ribbons) that I had to

ngl, I was pretty nervous to write this fic,, cause like- A) it involves depicting Will as a CSA victim and discussing that aspect of his trauma, which is obviously a sensitive topic and it's pretty rare for a byler fic to explore this.

And B) it involves college aged byler exploring physical intimacy together which is kind of controversial (look, I just wanted to realistically depict two 20 yo dudes in their first relationship together ok 😭)

While it is T-rated, as there's nothing graphic or explicit in it, I was still definitely hesitant to actually write it for the byler big bang. But I'm really glad I did, especially from reading comments of ppl talking about how they liked the way the topic was handled :') Thank you! Also bless @solisevart for the gorgeous drawings, you are so talented <333

Cover page edit:

[kittyball23]

Branch Has Feelings (a Trolls fanfic)

Summary: As Poppy helps Bridget out with with her wedding outfits, Branch explores his old home, and experiences some emotions…

A/N: I tried giving Trailer 2 a chance to release, but I mean, we’re already about to get into August and there’s still nothing out online… But, like I’m sure a number of us have, I saw it on leak back around the 21st of July, therefore, my oneshots continue :3

Already as I’m sure you know from the new info and stuff that has been released in the past month, some of my theories have already been debunked – the fact that Spruce is married, the fact that Velvet and Veneer do not seem to be Bergens (unless they are a different kind of Bergens), the usage of ‘I Want You Back’ by NSYNC, the fact that the argument seemed to happen because of ONE wrong thing that occurred versus a culmination of stuff over time.

Note that I will not make changes to what I’ve already written, but I may rewrite some stuff as separate oneshots. I feel that making changes to what I’ve already written would kinda mess up the point of this collection of stories, which is, that they are supposed to be predictions and wild guesses before seeing the movie :)

__________________________________________

“We are family!

Get up everybody and sing!”

Troll voices from all six of the musical tribes rose up, loud and strong, mixing in with Bergen voices who were also singing along and causing a lovely melody to fill the air all around Bergen Town. How could anyone not be in a good mood? This was a time to celebrate – it was King Gristle and Bridget’s wedding day! Needless to say, there was much to do, from decorations to food to the seating arrangements and such. But it was not a matter to be worried over. There were more than enough helping hands to go around, and with music to help them groove along, the job was getting done pretty quickly and entertainingly. Attendees of the wedding were dressed down in their fanciest formal attire – tuxes, and gowns, and ribbons, and bows, and glitter were as far as the eye could see! There wasn’t one single individual who was not impressively adorned – at least this is how Queen Poppy of Pop Village saw it.

Poppy herself was looking quite nice that day as well, sporting a lovely green-and-pink glittered dress that had a fluffy, cotton train that ran from the skirt down. Extensions of various colors had been placed in her hair, and she’d even had a light layer of glittery makeup around her eyes. She knew she looked decent, but what made her feel exceptionally pretty was how much Branch had liked it. The way he’d told her she was beautiful, so cute and flustered, was replaying over and over in her head. She of course had immediately told him how handsome he looked, with his iridescent-fishscaled vest and glittery-green shorts. She wished she was looking at him now again, having her pink hand in his larger, warm teal one, but for the time being, the two of them had parted, seeing to different sections of the wedding prep and ensuring that it was coming along. Poppy’s glowbug had helped her fly along towards the castle, where she knew her dear friend Bridget was getting ready. Satin and Chenille were there, too, along with Smidge and Legsly. But all five girls were met with an unexpected sight inside the dressing room.

Rather than a song filling the air here, there was a wail, and that wail was coming from the bride herself!

“Oh my gah!” Smidge squeaked, her hands over her mouth as Bridget sat there, slumped at the vanity in her slip and crying, some of the makeup she had been attempting to apply running down her cheeks in dark streaks.

Poppy sprinted up to the Bergen. “Oh no, Bridget! What’s wrong?”

The twins gasped. “King Gristle didn’t cancel on you – “ Satin started asking.

“- Did he?” Chenille finished.

“Aw, no, that would be awful!” Legsly said, tugging at her orange pigtails in concern.

“You can just leave it to me to talk some sense into him,” Smidge said darkly, her voice deep, a frown on her eyebrows, and her hands busy at cracking her knuckles.

“No,” Bridget sniffled, trying to calm down some. “I… it’s just… I don’t know what to wear!” she blurted out. “This is the most important day of me and Grizzy’s life and… I just want to him to think I look nice!”

Poppy and the girls exchanged a glance of pity among one another. To anyone else it probably wouldn’t seem like a big deal, but in truth it was. They knew just how stressful a wedding could be, as they’d helped out plenty of times before for weddings in Pop Village. To add onto the matter, Poppy knew her friend was probably having doubts with the way she used to be the castle’s scullery maid for such a long time, ignored, with Gristle having been nearly oblivious to her existence. It was obvious to her and the other Trolls that Gristle would not go back to that, but still, her friend probably needed that extra reassurance.

Poppy made her up the vanity and patted Bridget on the arm. “Bridget, King Gristle loves you and thinks you’re beautiful no matter what. He really, really wants to marry you, because you make him happy!”

Bridget looked down at Poppy, like an epiphany had hit her. “I guess I do make him happy, don’t I?” she asked in a soft voice, then blushed.

“Uh, yeah! Totally!” Poppy said. “So even if you go out there with your maiden outfit, he’s still gonna marry you, because he loves you for you!”

The words were getting through to Bridget, and she smiled. Poppy really did know just what to say sometimes!

The twins, however, were having different sentiments. They exchanged a glance with one another and then piped up.

“Uh Poppy, she’s, um, not going to go out there with that outfit though, right?” Satin asked while her sister Chenille peered up worriedly.

“No way!” Bridget and Poppy exclaimed at the same time, and then laughed at the image that it put in their heads.

The twins breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness! It would have been a certain fashion disaster. They turned their attention to the plain, white wedding dress that was laid out on the bed.

“Hmmm,” they both hummed at the same time, mirroring each other with their hands on their chins and sharing the same squinted look at the apparel. “How far can we take this?”

Bridget perked up. “Oh, however far you want! Please! I want everything – ribbons, bows, frills, lace – whatever you wanna do!” She clasped her hands excitedly.

Satin and Chenille liked that answer. They pumped their fists in the air. “All right! Then let’s do this!”

With the help of the four Trolls, Bridget was transformed into a gorgeous diva. The dress was adorned with various colorful bows at the skirt, and was very frilly at the train. Bridget looked at herself in the mirror and gushed, absolutely loving it so far. “Oh, it’s great! But… maybe it needs more.” She paused and thought for a second, and then snapped her fingers. “Ooo! How about flowers!”

The twins gave her a thumbs up. “Flowers – we’re on it!” Soon enough, Bridget’s dress had been modified to include a gorgeous array of colorful flowers, just as vibrant as the bows were, that were stitched onto the blouse portion of the dress.

“Wow!” Legsly said, stretching herself up on her legs to get a better look all around Bridget. “That’s so cool!”

“I know!” Bridget squealed. “Oh! But how about we add little rainbows and glitter and stuff? Oh oh! And can you make my hair bigger?”

Once again, Satin and Chenille hopped in to help. “You got it, girl!” they said, giving her a thumbs up.

Bridget was once more changed, and this time, she looked super extra glamourous!

Well, maybe a little TOO extra glamorous…

Her hair had indeed been puffed up huge with extensions galore – it looked almost big enough to live inside of! Her makeup had been done heavily, with dark, navy-blue eyeshadow, a brilliant scarlet-red lipstick, and deep pink blush coating her cheeks. Her dress indeed had the rainbow designs she wanted – on top of the bows and flowers that were already there. It all was shiny-fied with a layer of glitter, making everything about her glimmer like diamonds. And that was not mentioning the large, hoop earrings that had little gem-like crystals hanging from the ends.

“Oh my gah!” Smidge said again, and this time she recoiled a little.

Bridget gave a little shout of fright when she caught sight of herself in the mirror, also. “AH! Oops… too much, huh?”

Poppy grimaced a little. “Err… maybe juuust a tad,” she admitted. “But you guys keep working on that, alright? You’ll figure something out, and it’s gonna be fabulous!” The Pop Queen gave her friend a reassuring thumbs up and then began to mount on the glowbug that she’d used to ride over to the castle. “I’ll come back in a little bit, I’m gonna just check on a few things in the town!”

“Okay, Poppy!” all five of the girls called back to her.

Poppy shook her head fondly, chuckling as she was brought back to the main town square. Bridget was so excited – so she could only imagine what it would be like to know that you were going to be united with your one true love, to be bound for life in a union that was stronger than the glitter glue that was sold at Sky Toronto’s Fun Factory! Secretly, Poppy hoped to have that experience someday, with the one Troll that had her heart captive, though she wouldn’t admit to him just yet. She knew that said Troll was still probably getting used to the whole idea of even being in a relationship, let alone with the Queen of Pop.

Hmmm… where IS he? she suddenly thought. Poppy flew her bug over to where she saw Prince D and Cooper helping out on the banquet table for the grand feast that was to take place right after the wedding. She grinned, watching the brothers pal around and groove with each other, and, not for the first time, wishing that she, too, had a sibling that she could sing with.

“Hi, Cooper! Hi, D!” she greeted cheerily, waving her hand.

“Hey, Poppy!” Prince D said. “How’s it goin’?”

“Totally amazing!” Poppy replied with a giggle. “Have you guys seen Branch?”

“No, I haven’t,” Prince D said. He then nudged Cooper. “Have you, bro?”

“Uh-huh!” Cooper nodded, helpfully gesturing his long neck over to where the altar was set. “I think I saw him head over for the Troll Tree!”

“Oh!” Poppy said, wondering what her boyfriend was up to. “Well, okay! Thanks!” She gave Cooper a high-five, and Cooper gave his signature goofball laugh as he watched the Pop Queen head off.

“Any time, Poppy!” he called.

__________________________________________

As it turned out, Branch was in fact at the Troll Tree.

Curiosity had gotten the better of him, and he’d gone up exploring the Pop Trolls’ old home. Many pods were, surprisingly, still as intact as they had been before King Peppy had evacuated the town. He could see the old schoolpod, and the large one that was the one for the royal family. Which made him wonder…

Branch scaled the tree, guiding his glowbug to the right places to go, around certain familiar bends, mushrooms, and vines that were there, until he finally reached the spot, stopping short and gaping. There it was. Still in the same spot that it had always been, as timeless as ever.

His old pod.

Well, it had been his grandmother’s old pod, but it had been his home all the same.

The nostalgia hit him hard as soon as he’d dismounted the bug and set foot inside. Not much had changed, really at all. It was the same old carpet, the same old decorations, the same old walls and halls. He remembered how his grandmother would sing to him and play games out there in their living room, and how they’d both snack on delicious treats of all kinds in the dining area. He remembered his grandmother letting him help out in the kitchen making cookies, and when she’d tuck him into bed at night, planting a sweet kiss on his forehead and always reminding him that he was loved. He remembered being thankful for it, having needed that reminder to keep him planted in reality. But most of all, he remembered something else…

His eyes darted to the gramophone at the farther end of the pod, and he remembered how much his grandmother would love to play music on there. He could remember how she would dance with him, letting him stand atop her feet while she toddled them about, the two of them enjoying themselves thoroughly and laughing. They’d had plenty of music to dance with and plenty of records to show for. Though, of that collection, there had been a significant amount of them had not been played. Those particular records caused too much pain for the two of them, yet, it would have been even more painful to simply discard them, and make pretend that they didn’t exist. That’s why they were always right there, tucked behind the gramophone, where it was an arms distance away, but never dared to be played out loud.

On automatic, Branch felt himself move toward the gramophone. He swallowed hard when he did in fact see records still there, tucked neatly behind it. He itched to reach for them, to see the cover of the albums he had so wanted to forget existed. But he wasn’t so sure.

Get a hold of yourself, Branch scolded himself. You got used to the other song, didn’t you?

That ‘other song,’ as he called it in his head, was in fact Total Eclipse of the Heart, the song he’d so gladly belted out when he was a young boy, singing into his flower microphone…

… Providing the soundtrack to his grandmother’s death.

Branch shook his head. True to how that voice in his head had reminded him, he indeed had learned to accustom himself to the song once again. He wouldn’t willingly go out of his way to play it, but he wouldn’t find himself tearing up and feeling lightheaded after hearing it, either. He had learned to keep those emotions in check. Could he keep these in line, too?

Before he could help himself, he tugged the albums out from behind the gramophone. They were a little dusty, but not too bad to where he couldn’t tell what was on it. Because he most certainly could. They were four faces he still had yet to see again, after over twenty years and still counting. The faces of John Dory, Spruce, Clay, and Floyd. Also known as the hit boyband BroZone.

Also known as his brothers.

Branch felt angry at himself for already starting to feel a pang in his chest. This wasn’t even an actual photo of them! The album covers were just little felt, scrapbook-like figures that looked a little silly in their appearance, each brother identifiable by their bright-colored hair – JD a brilliant turquoise, Spruce a rich purple, Clay a bright yellow, and Floyd a serene magenta. Then there was himself – pictured with his crop of blue hair right there with the rest of them, side by side, together.

If only it had been that way in real life…

Branch frowned. What was the use in dwelling on alternative scenarios? He wouldn’t call himself as much of a pessimist as he was in his gray days, but there were still some bits of mottos and self-advice that he’d acquired then that he still used to that day. One of those was the fact that sometimes, bad things happened, and nothing could be done to change them. His poor grandmother, for example. She had been taken by Bergens, suffering a horrible fate. He couldn’t do anything about it now. There was no time machine to take him back to that moment and fix what had occurred. Just like there wasn’t one to help take him back to that other awful day, one that had happened a few years beforehand, and fix the mistake that had happened…

Branch glared at one of the album covers. A few silly songs were not going to get the better of him. He tugged the record out of the case and placed it on the gramophone, adjusting the needle so that it lay on top of it. The gramophone was old, but worked without so much as a hitch, and, slowly, a tune began to warble its way out of it, a little low at first, but then louder, clear enough so he could hear the song that was playing and clear enough so he could pick out just who was singing what part. Branch felt himself freeze when he recognized what song it was, and inwardly groaned. Of all songs, it had to be this one. The one that they’d done right before everything got decimated. He wanted to tear the record out of the gramophone right there and then, but it was too late. He was being taken back to that memory, still feeling so fresh on his mind even after so long…

__________________________________________

There was a packed house that night.

The five boys could hear the loud whoops and cheers from the Trolls that had gathered there to see the show, impatiently hooting and hollering with uncontained joy. They knew it was so much fun to perform, but they also knew how critical it was to get their performance as perfect as possible. That was, if they wanted to win the award.

It was going to be difficult, but John Dory, the leader of their pack, welcomed it. Finally, a chance to share the stage with the greats – like the Sugar Gals and the Chillin' JillyNs, who had already gone on and performed before them – and outshine them! There had been not one single doubt in John Dory's mind that BroZone was the most band-tastic musical group out there. What more, if they'd managed to pull this off, they'd be the youngest talent to ever have won. John Dory was starry-eyed, already imagining just how many pictures he and his brothers would take with the wonderful trophy. He had already cleared a space in their room on the wall, and also made room on one of their shelves for where the trophy would be placed.

He quickly polished down his goggles and then snapped them on his head carefully, checking in the mirror to make sure that they looked extra fly. His other brothers were also getting ready for their performance – Spruce was sprucin' up with a little bit of hair gel and spray, Clay was warming up with a plié of sorts, and Floyd was clipping on the one pearl earring he liked to wear.

John Dory took a deep breath and clapped his hands together once to garner their attention.

"All right, listen up!" he said. "I don't think you really need me to tell ya how important this night is, but, heh, I still kinda am going to." Suddenly, his eyes narrowed, and he placed his hands on his hips in a way that made him look very determined. "We are going to make boy band history tonight..." His voice was deep and serious, and the others could get the gist of how critical everything was. Everything had to be flawless, and, luckily, it all was practiced to perfection, so Spruce, Clay, and Floyd didn't really feel so concerned.

Still, though, there was one bro who wasn't feeling up to that particular level of confidence. John Dory didn't notice, but Floyd did, and he wanted to say something about it.

"Bro," he said, approaching JD's side. "You're making Baby Branch nervous."

John Dory peered over to where Floyd was gesturing at. Their youngest brother of the bunch was a few paces outside of the dressing room, standing near the curtain where just beyond it was the large mushroom stage on which they would be performing on that night in just a few short moments. Branch shuffled from side to side on his small blue feet, and had his eyebrows creased with slight worry.

JD dismissed the matter. “Ah, it’s just the usual pre-performance jitters. He’ll get over it!”

“I don’t know, JD…” Floyd said.

“Want me to go talk to him?”

The magenta Troll glanced at his eldest brother. John Dory meant well, yes, but Floyd noticed that sometimes he could be a little oblivious to how his words affected someone. A pep talk that was good for some teens who’ve already put on several shows before might not be so good for a small baby who’d just barely gotten his singing voice. But Floyd didn’t want to go through the trouble of trying to explain this to JD at that moment. “Maybe I’d better go talk to him,” he said.

JD looked slightly confused for a second, before recovering. “Huh? Well, alright, but make it snappy, ‘kay?”

Floyd gave him a quick thumbs up and then walked over to where their youngest brother still stood, perhaps looking even a smidge more nervous than he had a second or two ago. Floyd felt pity for him. Baby Branch was the smallest one of their group, but he looked even smaller now, with how fearful he was being.

“Hey, bro,” he said gently, “everything okay?”

Branch didn’t turn around just yet. His eyes were still fixed on the curtain. “No,” he responded, his voice small, meek, and of course, babyish in its nature. “I feel like I’m gonna barf.” He turned around to look at Floyd, pressing his little hands together.

“Branch, it’s just another show,” Floyd said, keeping his tone light. “It’s just like our rehearsals.”

“But there’s so many people…” Branch worried. He stole another glance from behind the curtain, and whimpered a little.

“Yeah, there is,” Floyd agreed, “but that’s because they wanna see just how great you are on stage. You, and me, and all our brothers.”

Branch’s eyes lit up some. “Really?”

“Yes, really!” Floyd responded, glad to see that his little brother was showing signs of feeling better.

“B-but… what if I mess up?” Branch asked, worry still pricking at him. “They’re gonna be mad…” The blue Trolling peeked over to where John Dory, Spruce, and Clay were at in the dressing room.

“They might be a little disappointed if we don’t win,” Floyd admitted. He knew he would probably feel slightly disappointed, too. “But, hey, remember our motto?”

Branch scrunched his small face as he tried to remember. “A prankster never reveals his tricks?”

“No, I think you’re thinking about Clay’s motto,” Floyd chuckled. “I’m talking about the BroZone motto, the one John Dory came up with?”

Branch thought again and then seemed to get it. “Bros before shows?” he asked, tentatively.

Floyd nodded. “Exactly! And you do know what that means, right?”

Branch squinched up his nose. “I think…”

Floyd kneeled down, and placed a hand on Branch’s shoulder. “It means that being brothers is always gonna be more important than any performance that we do. Okay?”

“Well… okay!” Branch replied chirpily, and then snuggled into Floyd when the magenta-haired Trolling scooped the baby in for a warm hug. Branch was still a little skeptical about their band’s motto. He constantly heard John Dory remind them any time before they performed that that show was “very important.” Oh well, he could get clarification later. At that moment, Floyd had released him and was taking his hand in his.

“Come on, now,” he said, “let’s go back to the others.”

Branch let himself be guided along back into the dressing room, where, sure enough, John Dory huddled the whole team together for one final bout of pep-talking.

“We’re gonna be entering this as band-tastic boys, but we’re gonna be leaving it as bro-dacious superstars!”

The boys cheered, excited and eager, exchanging rounds of high-fives, fist-bumps, and even a playful smack in the rear (specifically John Dory on Baby Branch).

If only the positive attitude had remained with them for the rest of that night.

Because what was once seeming to be a dream come true on that stage rapidly turned into a Nightmare on Elm Tree. With the fall. And then the vines. And then the humiliation. And then the argument…

If they had been puffalo, they would have certainly careened their way back inside the safety of their pod with their tails between their legs. But they were not puffalo, they were Trollings, who all had a variation of negative emotions radiating from them.

Spruce’s cheeks burned red with a mix of embarrassment and anger. He stormed into the center of the pod and whirled on his brothers. “My rock-hard abs and I quit!” he growled, making a show of tearing his purple vest from his body and ripping it clean in two.

Clay was quick to second that. “I quit too!” he said, despising the way that folks had laughed at him, and not with him.

Floyd was about to speak up, hoping to turn the heat down, but John Dory didn’t want to bother even hearing what he had to say. In less than a minute, they were already two brothers down in their band. He didn’t see a point – Floyd was probably just going to say that he quit, too! He stormed over to the entrance of the pod. “This bro bro’s goin’ solo… YOLO!” JD called over his shoulder, still trying to bust a rhyme even as he headed off, glaring at his brothers and then departing.

Branch stood on wobbly little legs beside Floyd, barely registering his older brother’s presence, his head in a whirl. He felt tears pooling in his large blue eyes, and a whimper in his throat.

“I ruined everything…”

In his eyes, he really did. If he had just practiced more, if he had just been as great as John Dory, and Spruce, and Clay, and Floyd had wanted him to be, then this wouldn’t have happened. Then he wouldn’t have been standing there, watching his family fall apart before his very eyes, watching the band break up, watching their dream be crushed.

This is all my fault. MINE.

I’m the one to blame. Nobody but me.

I ruined our band. I ruined our family.

I wasn’t good enough.

They hate me.

This is MY fault…

__________________________________________

“Branch?”

The Troll gasped, and he jumped right into action as soon as he’d heard the voice of his girlfriend pipe up from behind him. His fingers flew to the gramophone, and quickly removed the needle from the record. Then he turned around, plastering a large, toothy grin on his face in hopes of remaining inconspicuous.

Poppy was standing tentatively at the doorway of the room, a little uncertain, and some concern shining in her fuchsia eyes. “Are you okay?” she asked. “You’re crying and smiling at the same time. It kinda looks like it hurts.”

“It does kinda hurt,” Branch admitted, feeling up his face with his hands. Then he sighed, letting the smile drop and hurriedly wiping away the remainder of the tears that had streaked his face.

Poppy approached him. “Branch? Please tell me what’s the matter…”

Branch rubbed his arm. “It’s nothing, really… it’s just that this place brings back a lot of memories, that’s all,” he said, trying not to let his voice waver.

Poppy nodded in understanding. “This was your grandmother’s pod, wasn’t it?” she asked, though she knew the answer already. A small portrait of Grandma Rosiepuff was on one of the walls near the door, and the types of antiques and such that were leftover in the pod also gave her a clue.

“Yes, actually,” Branch said. “This was where I grew up.” He gestured around the space and felt another lump grow in his throat thinking about his beloved grandparent. “I miss her.”

“Oh, sweetie, I know you do,” Poppy cooed, taking it as her cue to bestow a much-needed hug onto him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her head against his chest. Branch returned the hug, extremely grateful for the comfort.

After a moment, Branch allowed himself to speak again. “Grandma and I did lots of stuff here. We loved to sing and listen to music together before, um…” He trailed off, and Poppy already knew what it was that he was getting at, though she did not force him to have to say it out loud.

Instead, the Pop Queen’s gaze drifted to the gramophone, and the albums next to it. She raised an eyebrow curiously. “Can I take a look?” she asked, gently releasing their embrace and peering up at him with question in her eyes.

Branch felt himself go stiff. NO! he wanted to blurt. But he knew his hard refusal over something so trivial would meet Poppy with confusion, and then have her raise suspicion. She’ll wonder what I’m hiding, he thought. He’d managed to keep his secret under wraps for this long, much to his surprise, and he did not want her to put two and two together and figure it out. But if I show her the album, maybe she WILL figure it out! Branch argued with himself. His blue face was plastered on the cover of the album just as prominent as his other brothers. But then again, I was a baby back then, he reasoned. I mean, I’ve grown up since then. I don’t look THAT much the same now than I did back then… do I?

Branch didn’t want to keep going on this back-and-forth, so he found himself slowly nodding to Poppy in reply. Poppy smiled and went right for the albums, carefully picking them up. Her reaction was just as he’d pictured it. Confusion, and then pleasant surprise.

“BroZone?!” she exclaimed. “Oh my gosh… and they’re original records!” Poppy ran her hand over the cover, her fingers grazing over the felted cover and the little figures of the boys that were featured. Poppy gushed some more. “Wow! I can’t believe it! I mean, I had no idea your Grandma was a fan!”

“Yeah… um… I guess they had universal appeal,” Branch said, very carefully choosing his words.

Poppy sighed, a dreamy look in her eyes. “Yeah, you’re telling me.” Her pupils dilated, and there was a sudden lovestruck quality to her gaze, one that made Branch feel a twang of jealousy. “They’re my favorite band!” she blurted.

“Oh… really?” Branch asked, maintaining his voice to a calm level.

“Yeah!” Poppy said. “Oh, can I please play one song? Please?”

“Err…” Branch swallowed. He’d just tried to listen to ‘one song,’ believing that after so long of being apart from his disbanded family, it wouldn’t have much of an effect on him. But he’d been wrong – very wrong. Heck, he hadn’t even remembered when he’d started crying!

Poppy saw his hesitance, and quickly added, “I don’t have to, it’s okay, you know…” She was saying the words, but Branch could tell she wasn’t fully ready to take on that option. At least not with the way her fingers twitched excitedly on the record, more than ready to place it in to be played. He didn’t want to disappoint his girlfriend… or have her ask any questions out of suspicion.

“No, no, it’s all right! G-go ahead,” Branch said, coughing afterwards to not have her pay any mind to his brief stutter.

Poppy didn’t pay mind. She squealed happily, bouncing twice on the spot, and then placing the record in. The opening notes to “The Right Stuff” began to play, making her bop her head up and down.

“First time was a great time Second time was a blast Third time I fell in love Now I hope it lasts I can see it in your walk Tell 'em when you talk See it in everything you do Even in your thoughts

You got the right stuff, baby Love the way you turn me on You got the right stuff, baby You're the reason why I sing this song!”

Poppy giggled as she sang along, removing the record when the song was done and looking at Branch. “Ahhh, I just love this song! It’s my favorite! How about you? What’s your favorite song of theirs?”

“Well, you see, um, I don’t actually have a favorite song,” Branch said, in a way telling the truth. He hated hearing the songs now, as they only brought him bad memories.

“Oh, I know exactly what you mean! I mean, how can you pick a favorite when they’re all so awesome!” Poppy exclaimed, unaware of his thoughts. Then she paused. “No wait, scratch that, not awesome, but uh, what’s that other word they used… oh! Oh wait, I remember! Bro-dacious!” She snapped her fingers, happy to have recollected correctly. “Yeah! The leader of the band used to say it all the time. Oh, he was sooo cute!”

John Dory! Cute?! Branch frowned. He could think up an hour-long speech with over hundreds of reasons for how NOT ‘cute’ that airhead of a brother of his was, starting with the fact that he abandoned him. But what Poppy said next distracted him.

“Oh who am I kidding – they were all cute! Especially the baby, he was my favorite!”

Branch blinked. “The baby?” he echoed.

“Uh-huh!” Poppy said. “I can’t tell you how many times I wished I coulda pinched his cute little fat cheeks – like this!” She squealed and demonstrated by pinching Branch’s blue cheek between her pink fingers. Now that he had to chuckle at. Boy, if only she knew the irony, Branch thought.

“Oh, but Branch,” she said, suddenly reeling herself back, “None of them are cuter, or sweeter, or more handsome than you are.” She blushed, feeling embarrassed. “I’m sorry if I made you think so… I kinda go a little bonkers about BroZone.” Poppy let out a flustered little laugh and looked down at the ground, like a child that had been caught swiping from the cookie jar.

Branch suppressed the sigh that wanted to escape him. He felt bad for feeling jealous before. It wasn’t her fault. Poppy didn’t know. Poppy wouldn’t ever come to know. She was just like much of their fans when the band was in their prime, fangirling and overly ecstatic at the mere mention of BroZone’s name. And part of him really did wish he could tell her. He didn’t like the idea of keeping secrets from his girlfriend, the one Troll who loved him and understood him so well. She wouldn’t keep secrets from him. And, she would also understand about his past if he explained it, wouldn’t she? But then again, at the same time it would open the floodgates for a whole bunch of other questions. She would never look at him the same way again, that’s for sure. She wouldn’t see ‘Branch,’ she would see ‘Bitty B,’ the small, diaper-clad youngest performer of BroZone. Not only that, but she would want to know every single little miniscule detail about his brothers. She’d wanna know their whereabouts and how she could get a chance to meet them and get their autographs. Those were things he didn’t have answers to, and even if he did, he most certainly wouldn’t want to tell her so that he’ll have to deal with them again. Was telling her worth it? Was what he’d envisioned happening afterwards something that he really wanted?

No.

Branch had to go with his default answer this time around, despite, deep down, his gut feeling telling him otherwise.

What does it matter! Branch argued with himself. There’s plenty of time to tell her. It wasn’t like anything was going to happen to require the explanation to be given. If there was, he figured, it would have happened by now. If his brothers really and truly cared, if they felt remorse in any way for the wrong that had happened, matters should’ve been resolved by now. Long resolved. If they wanted to pretend he didn’t exist, then he’d do the same – he would go on with the illusion that he had no siblings to speak of. A family didn’t abandon one another, so in a way, it was sort of true. He had no brothers.

Branch’s decision settled, he approached Poppy and gently took her hands. “Don’t worry about it, okay? I still love you, Poppifer,” he cooed, using her fun little nickname that he’d invented even before they’d officially sealed their relationship.

Poppy’s blush of embarrassment turned to one of bashfulness, and a sweet little giggle escaped her at once again hearing that this wonderful Troll loved her. She was still swooning when she heard Branch suddenly gasp, looking down at the watch in his Hug Time bracelet.

“Poppy! We’re gonna be late for the royal wedding!” he cried, grabbing her arm in haste. “Let’s go get married!”

The Pop Queen gasped. “Branch!”

Branch glanced at her in confusion, seeing the shocked look she now wore. “What?” Then it had hit him what he’d said. “OH! I – I mean, let’s get Bridget and Gristle married,” he corrected himself, chuckling awkwardly.

Poppy looked relieved. “Oh, okay! Because that would be weird if we got married.”

Branch quickly agreed. “Yes, very weird. Yeah.”

They awkwardly looked away as they continued to bounce agreement off one another, Branch finalizing the point with a seemingly disgusted “bleh” which Poppy copied. By then, the awkwardness had lifted some, and they were ready to make their way over. But Branch still had a lingering thought in mind.

Would it really be that weird if they got married? They had already reached the status of being boyfriend-and-girlfriend, so, logically, if things went well in their relationship, marriage would be the next step. And Branch couldn’t foresee anything going wrong in their relationship. Sure, they’d had a little tiff back when they had only been best friends, after he’d pointed out that she hadn’t been listening very well and that in turn was making her not be as great of a queen as she’d wanted to be. But even that was resolved fairly easily enough, and their relationship only continued to blossom from there.

Does Poppy really think it’s weird, though? Branch wasn’t sure, but right now, he didn’t want to go through the trouble of finding out. This day was not about him and Poppy – it was about their friends, Bridget and Gristle and their marriage. One day, perhaps, it could be about him and Poppy. And boy did he look forward to that day. By that point though, if they were lucky enough to reach that cherished husband-and-wife status, Branch knew that one thing was for certain, and that one thing was making his stomach churn with foreboding, making him think back to the albums that were in his grandmother’s old pod, the way Poppy had glanced at the Trollings on the cover and then at Branch and having not made the correlation.

There CAN’T be any secrets between us.

__________________________________________

A/N: I had to write this after seeing the way the new trailer started 😭 Bridget's wedding outfits scene was an idea used from the leaked pages of The Art of Trolls Band Together. Song used is "The Right Stuff" by New Kids on the Block

Oh yeah, and I had to include the "let's go get married" bit again, because it is one of my favorite things ^_^