#thanks to Rhett and Link for making this because I have loved it

[wonderholegifs]

Rhett & Link's Wonderhole

[ianthoni]

ROBOT DREAMS SPOILERS

Just watched it. They each end up with a new companion. The final scene shows Robot hiding from Dog so Dog never even realizes Robot is still alive, which is portrayed mostly as a good thing that allows them both to move on. It's a little more complicated than that, and it nearly made me cry, but idek where to begin interpreting it in Ianthony terms. Need to know how others are seeing it

~Spoilers about the movie and why i think it's ianthony below this.~

OMG I JUST FINISHED IT AND IM CRYING. THERE WERE SO MANY PARALLELS! YOU KNOW WHAT THE ENDING IS? IT IS IF IAN NEVER REACH OUT TO ANTHONY. IN THEIR ENDING HE DID RATHER THAN STAYING BACK LIKE IN THE MOVIE. IM CRYING EVEN THIS IS A PARALLEL. Ian gave this movie 4/5. I believe if Robot went to Dog and hugged him he'd give this a 5/5.

This movie was full on ianthony I'm not even kidding. There were so many parallels to them. Like from the beginning how their friendship didn't end because Dog wanted it, it ended because Dog was leaving but Robot couldn't go with him, he was stuck.

And then we saw how lonely Dog is, how he's trying different things to forget Robot and cheer up but they always fail and he turns back home all sad. Just like Anthony in the beginning, like how he tried to find his footing on the platform but he was struggling.

And then Robot. God Robot made me so sad imagining it's Ian. All alone, even if there's people around no one is helping, he's alone for seasons that felt like years. How he's imagining constantly going back to the Dog, this is Ian wishing he left with Anthony instead of staying back.

The RABBITS RIPPING HIS LEG AND LEAVING HIM BEHIND?? THAT'S DEFY! MFs piss me the fuck off omgggg. They used him, they drained him, tearing him down, and in the end they didn't even use the whole leg it was just one little toe. But now he's legless. That's what Ian was like when Defy left Smosh. They ripped off Ian's creativity, they ripped Smosh down, they tear his wings apart and left him alone helpless.

The little birds and mama bird is the Smosh cast, Courtney, Shayne, Olivia, Keith, they're there to cheer him up and make friends with him but they're not there forever too, they're big now and they have their own things, leaving Ian alone once again.

Rascal is Rhett and Link. They find him in the darkest times and help him out. Give him his joy back. Give him life again even a little bit even tho he's still missing Dog. 🥲

Which he was, he was still dreaming about running to Dog, to hug him, because that's all he wanted, for season's and season's all he wanted was Dog back.

In the movie he didn't cause he thought they're better off without each other. Dog had someone new, someone better and shinier and gold. When he is now changed, has different legs, his body is not his body now but a tape, he had someone else depending on it. So he couldn't find the courage to go to Dog. To hug him. Maybe he was afraid of rejection. Maybe he thought he's better off without him. Years pass in the end, and Dog is holding someone else's hand, he's dancing with someone else.

Thank god in Ian and Anthony's case this didn't happen. Ian finds the courage to call Anthony, even though he was broken and changed and a lot of time passed. He called because he too couldn't forget Anthony. He thought what they shared was something to remember. Something that needs a closure. Or more like, a new beginning. Yes they're different, yes they have different people in their lives. But what they shared was so special to him he couldn't just let it go that way. He couldn't watch Anthony from afar and be happy for him without Ian. You can say this is selfish. I say he did it because he knows Anthony would be happier with him. It is not selfish. It is love.

There's a song about this in my country that reminded me that

[asherlockstudy]

hey! i am working through the one story. it is FASCINATING. can't wait to hear your thoughts on 437 and Link's obsession with everyone else's horniness and not just focusing the dancing girl.

Thank you so much!!!!! :@@@

I am not a big fan of Sextember because I am supposed to take them seriously and not question what they say, so I am in a constant state of mentally yelling "shut up" to my brain. Moreover I used to not like it because it always served as a setback after the GMEs the previous years, like an overcorrection. And it is tmi sometimes. Thankfully this time we only get one episode.

Okay what does this mean: "...what I did when I was 15 years old and I was - still my Nana's romance and just thumb through them until I found a word that I thought was a euphemism for wiener. And then I was off to the jackpot *rubs ear* ". Now, I am not a native English speaker but I looked it up and found this phrase "off to the jackpot" nowhere, so what if I took it way too literally, as in "I was off - to the - jack pot". Is this what it means? And if so, was it a euphemism for wiener that did it for Link? Am I understanding this right or...?

When asked how frequently he has missionary sex, Link tried SO HARD to not say like 95% of the time lol. But honestly I agree with Rhett it is getting a totally unfair bad rap, it's one of the best positions if you actually love the person and I wonder whether some people shit on it because they don't have that level of intimacy / comfort and missionary makes it awkward and not because it is always SO bOrINg

Rhett all "ooh" and "ah" and "interesting", especially when Link said he always tidies himself up after sex and before sleep, as if they hadn't had a huge convo with Josh between them a few years ago in GMM in which Rhett had a hard time dealing with the fact that Link always needs to get up and put clean clothes after sex while he likes to sleep naked and he had enough opinions about it that you could almost suspect it was his slumber that Link was interrupting. Also there was an accidental "I know you don't like me sleeping without a t-shirt" or something or a similar fail of epic calibre by Rhett. And I think it was also the episode where they were flirting and Rhett was asking Link whether "a girl" likes to wear her boyfriend's t-shirts because he's so much bigger than her, all that after it was established Link has a habit of taking Rhett's t-shirts... But here yeah, Rhett was hearing all this for the first time...

Link saying he became good at sex after he moved to California

Do shut up, they explained why it is the case, shhhhh hush shut shut stop

The fact that they chose Belvedere over each other... wow. First of all, I am against the person who sent that voicemail. Just saying. We know that it is something that makes them uncomfortable, don't make them confront it face to face. They were clearly very uncomfortable. The biggest, deepest and ultimate reason they picked Belvedere was because the fan was essentially manipulating them into picking each other. They put them against the concept of mating with an animal-like deity and everybody knowing about it. So, everything that is vile put together - bestiality, sacrilege, shame. What they were doing was to bring forward the image of a "secret Rhett and Link sex affair", very triggering, to their face? Come on. And push them to say that after all that wouldn't be all that bad compared to the other horror. And they reacted against it exactly because the answer was manipulated to be obvious. Unless they truly think that publicly shagging a rooster god is a better idea, which would be kind of alarming. They obviously did not give the normal answer because they felt coerced into it and because the whole situation is very suspicious. I mean, average platonic straight friends comfortable in their skin would be like "okay man it's gonna be one lame night and we never talk about it again and nobody will know hahaha". But they couldn't even go for that. You know? Unless they truly are the most unattractive people they have seen to each other... which... based on previous interactions those last 12 years... doesn't seem to be exactly the case. But what do I know? I still think that voicemail was a big foul both from the sender and the crew and they were frustrated, they lowkey admitted it.

Honestly, I sort of understand Link in the strip club thing. Men are used to be so unapologetic about their horniness and lust that it has become a standard thing to just go with your pals and all sport a hard on for the same woman in the public. I am not saying it is bad but I can totally get that someone might not like this type of vulnerability or impertinent forwardness (whichever way you look at it). I don't think it was so much for not going crazy for the stripper (though it could be a possibility to suspect) but rather that Link is uneasy with blurring lines of dynamics (the irony), he likes clear-cut situations................Unless he has no alternative.................. But it could be that the knowledge of horny males surrounding him could be alarming to him for various reasons, fair enough.

"Because Christy will call me a name, she'll call me names" yeah… yeah… *zips mouth*

Despite receiving judgment again, Link was mostly keeping it cool except he showed hints of annoyance in two occasions, when Rhett said a billion times he would double check with his wife first before doing anything like going to a strip club (which is awesome and the right thing to do, however he said it so many times it felt he put on the cassette playing) and the second time Rhett came back to the "I'm not going to the strip club with you, I already knew I would not have a good time with you in a strip club" which was so out of nowhere and it hurt Link, despite being able to laugh at it the first time Rhett made the joke. Rhett was kinda assholey in this episode. He is always off-putting to me in Sextembers. At this rate, if in theory there is a chance of doing a big announcement, you know what, I don't see Rhett doing it in the next 50 years lol He is so not ready.

Okay he saved it a bit with this last look I guess

"See what names you call me when my head is between your legs"

[mythicalrobyn118]

I Can Fix That

This little fic is for my @mythicalsecretsanta @link-sans-specs ❤️ I so hope you enjoy it! Merry Christmas

Summary: Rhett is smitten with the new man who works in the town library and offers his help to fix a few things.

Author Notes: I've had this idea sitting in the back of my mind for a while now and I'm glad I finally got around to writing it. It's based off Sam and Kate's relationship in Holes... it literally lives rent free in my head.

“I can fix that.” Rhett hears himself say to the stranger that's currently on the floor of the town library.

The man looks up from where he's crouched down next to a book cart and Rhett is sure he's never seen eyes that shade of blue before. He's still staring in awe when he realizes that the man is speaking to him.

“Sorry,” Rhett shakes his head to clear it of any inappropriate thoughts. “What was that?”

“Could you really fix it?” the man stands up, smoothing down the front of his trousers.

“Y - yeah,” Rhett clears his throat to try and regain control of his voice. “I have some tools in my bag outside. Wouldn't take long at all.”

“That - that would be great. Thank you.”

Rhett drops the books he was carrying on the table and quickly walks outside to retrieve his things.

He's back quickly and sets to work on the broken wheel.

“I, uh, I'm Lincoln, by the way.” The man says as he keeps a close eye on Rhett working.

“Rhett,” he introduces himself, reaching a hand up to shake the other man's. He sees the dirt smeared all over it and quickly withdraws it as Lincoln is reaching out. “Sorry, my hands are always dirty these days.” He chuckles a little and goes back to fixing the wheel, changing the subject. “So, are you the one replacing Ms. Cartwright?”

“Yes - yeah. That's me.” Rhett swears he hears the smile in his voice even though he can't currently see his face.

“Well, welcome to town. We're glad to have you.” Rhett says, perhaps a little too eager.

“Thank you. Do you come to the library often?”

“I do. Usually try to hit it up when I come into town… ‘bout every other week to get supplies for the farm.”

“Good to know. Did you like Ms. Cartwright?”

“Of course, when she wasn't getting on to me ‘bout keeping the books for too long or bringing them back dirty.” That makes Lincoln laugh and Rhett's pretty sure he would do anything to hear that sound over and over again.

“So, you have your own farm?”

Rhett let's out a dry chuckle, “My father does - I just work it.”

Lincoln follows Rhett with a little laugh of his own, almost as if he understands - maybe even also has a strained relationship with his own father.

“I didn't used to come by at all,” Rhett starts, needing to fill the short bout of silence for his own comfort; because if he starts thinking about things the two of them may have in common, the chances it could grow into a friendship… Rhett has to concentrate to ease the blush he knows is creeping up his neck right about now. “My neighbor, Ms. Ruby, she can't make the journey to town anymore. I help her out when I can and she loves to read. So, I figured I may as well get myself something when I come.”

Rhett tightens the last bolt on the wheel and gives it a spin for good measure. After it makes the circle, Rhett nods his head at his handiwork and claps his hands together. “I think that should hold it together just fine.”

“Oh, goodness. Thank you so much!” Lincoln says, grabbing the handle and giving it a push himself. When it rolls fine he turns his attention back to Rhett. “That's very nice of you - to do that for your neighbor, I mean.”

“Well, after she lost Ed - I like to keep a close eye on her; just to make sure she's taken care o –”

They’re interrupted by the ring of the bell that sits over the door. Both of their attention drawn to the group of ladies entering the library.

“Well, I'll be! If it ain't Rhett McLaughlin. What on Earth are you doing at the library?” Their leader, Savannah, called out.

Rhett held back the eye roll, as this wasn't the first time she's tried to gain his attention. “I was just fixing the cart wheel for Mr. —” Rhett looked back to the other man, not knowing him beyond ‘Lincoln’.

“Neal. Lincoln Neal.”

Rhett nodded, giving Link a small smile and turning to pack away his tools. “Since that's done - I guess I'll be taking my books and bein’ on my way.”

Not that he didn't want to stay and talk to Mr. Lincoln Neal, he very much did. But, he knew Savannah would think he was staying for her and he's positive he couldn't handle any more of her undivided attention.

“Oh, okay. Can I get these checked out for you?” Lincoln grabbed the stack Rhett had discarded earlier to grab his tools.

“Yes, please.” Rhett followed him to the desk toward the front of the library, leaving the gaggle of girls to themselves. “Thank you, Mr. Neal.”

“You can call me Link.” He said, almost shyly and Rhett thinks he sees his cheeks tint a pretty rose color.

Rhett grabbed the books that Link held out to him. “Well, Link, you have a good afternoon.”

—

Link has kept an embarrassingly close eye out for the tall farmer during the last week. Rhett had said that he only made it to town every other week but he couldn't stop himself from watching outside for the handsome man that stood a head taller than everyone else.

Link knows better than to do this - latch on to some stranger that he doesn't even know and make it out to be something more than it is. But, Rhett just seems like such a genuine man and Link couldn't help but think that maybe they could be friends.

His short time in the new town has been anything but easy. Moving to some place where he didn't know a single person was supposed to be freeing. Turns out - it's also very stressful.

Link is walking across the street when he hears that laugh; he almost pulls a muscle in his neck trying to find the location of it. His eyes finally settle on the messy blonde hair and freckled skin coming out of the post office.

He knows he's probably being way too eager, maybe even a little creepy - but he makes a bee line for him but hoping, somehow, he can manage a greeting that's casual.

“Rhett!” He says, hardly able to hear the squeak in his own voice. “How are you today? I wasn't sure when I would be seeing you again.”

Rhett turns quickly at the sound of his name and Link is not disappointed when his face splits into a grin. “Well, hi there, Link! I can't complain - ‘specially since running into you.”

Link feels the blush instantly, knowing Rhett will be able to see it too but hoping he won't call attention to it. “W - will you be stopping by the library today?”

“I did plan on it.” Rhett says with a sly smile. “I hope that's okay.”

“Yes, yes, of course. I was actually going to see if I could bother you to fix a shelf that's come off the wall.” Before Link can offer to pay him for his services, Rhett is agreeing, maybe Rhett is a little eager too. That thought makes his stomach feel all fuzzy.

“Absolutley, you could!” Link isn't sure how it's possible but his smile gets bigger. “I have a couple of more stops to make and I'll head over that way.”

Link nods his head, unable to stop the huge smile gracing his own face. “That sounds perfect. Thank you.”

—

Rhett was practically giddy the rest of the morning, going through all his usual stops but with a bit more pep in his step. Now, he is finally walking up the old wooden steps and opening the familiar door.

He doesn't hear or see anyone so he speaks up in the silent space, “Link? Are you in here?”

He hears some fumbling coming from the back room and then a voice sounding out too. “I'm here. Be right out.” Rhett follows the noise and Link emerges from the small door. “Thank you so much again for helping me out with this. I'm just all thumbs when it comes to this kind of work.”

“It's really no trouble.” Rhett insists, waving his hand. “What exactly needs fixing?”

“Oh, it's right over here.” Link gestures with his hand and Rhett follows him around a shelf to the back wall. “The shelf just kind of buckled when I started putting books back on it.”

Rhett immediately starts to work, taking a closer look at the shelf. After a moment, Link asks, “Do you think you can fix it?”

“Oh, yeah. I can fix that.” Rhett says, maybe a little more sure of himself than he needs to be. “Looks like I can put a couple of nails in and it will be good as new, the wood's not rotten or anything.”

“That's great. I'd be more than happy to pay you for all the trouble –”

“Nonsense,” Rhett cuts him off before he can finish the sentence. “I’m glad I could be of help.”

Rhett sets to work, taking the old nails out, Link's attention is pulled away from Rhett when he hears the door open, he turns back to him with an apologetic look, “Sorry, let me go and tend to them. Will you be okay for a moment?”

“Absolutely. Go ahead.”

Rhett zones out for a bit, doing what he needs to do to get the shelf ready to be installed while Link is tending to the other patrons. He hits a stopping point, needing an extra set of hands to finish it up.

He dusts his hands off and makes his way down to the end of the aisle. Link is squatting down talking with a child, little William, Mrs. Doris’ grandson.

“Well, I’ll tell you what, you can keep that book for an extra week but when you bring it back, we can read it together, cause I want to know what happens, okay?”

The little boy giggles and gives Link a hug, which seems to take him by surprise but he soon leans into it and wraps his own arms around the boy. Rhett chuckles to himself at the scene and gets back to work.

He hears the bell above the door ring once again and Link's footsteps coming back toward him.

“Sorry about that.” Link starts, but Rhett is already waving him off.

“No problem at all.” Rhett says, holding up the shelf, “I could use your help for a moment.”

“Oh, okay.” Link says eagerly, stepping toward Rhett. “What can I do?”

“I just need another set of hands to hold the shelf up so I can hammer it in.”

“Oh, okay.” Link stands close to Rhett with his hands out. “Just tell me what to do.”

Rhett holds the board out, instructing Link on how to hold it properly and Rhett goes to nail it into the wall.

The both of them are pressed close together, Rhett hammering the nails while Link is trying to keep the shelf in the same spot that Rhett instructed. They are so close, breathing the same air, Rhett inhaling the scent of cloves and freshly baked bread. Rhett tries to concentrate on the task at hand but he’s getting very close to losing his cool.

He finally manages to get finished but can't seem to pull himself away from the other man.

“I, uh,” Rhett starts. “I think that should do it.”

Link isn’t backing away either, he just keeps his impossibly blue eyes locked on Rhett’s. “Y – yeah, I think so.”

They are both startled apart by the ring of the bell and Rhett springs away from Link quickly, not knowing what exactly he was thinking, letting himself get caught up in the moment.

He clears his throat, putting even more distance between them. “Uh, you better… see who that is.” Rhett moves out of the way, extending his arm to let Link pass. Link hesitates but eventually bows his head and goes toward the entrance.

Once he is out of sight and greeting the patrons that just came in, Rhett hurries and packs his things into his small toolbox.

He doesn’t think much after Link is no longer standing there, he only gets his things and heads out the door. He sure he hears Link call his name but he can't be bothered to stop.

—

A couple of hours later, Link is finally closing up shop on the library. He's trying to balance the large basket of food that Mrs. Sutton dropped off to welcome him to town. He's going to have to push his bike home since he can't carry everything and steer. He isn't looking forward to the drive; it will give him plenty of time to think about what happened today.

He can't get the way Rhett looked at him out of his mind. No wonder the man practically ran away from him. They were incredibly close and Link was having a hard time keeping his breathing under control. Rhett's eyes seemed to be staring right into his soul and his cheeks were the prettiest shade of pink.

He's usually really good at keeping that side of himself hidden, now he's afraid he's messed up and may have to move towns again just to be safe. He couldn't believe he was so stupid.

He hears horse hooves coming up behind him and is surprised when someone calls out his name.

“Link,” he hears again and turns around to be greeted with Rhett galloping up on a large horse.

Link flinches back, not knowing exactly what the other man has planned but he has a hard time believing Rhett would hurt him.

He's off the horse and walking up to Link slowly. A sad smile gracing his face. “Link, I'm glad I caught you.”

“Rhett,” Link stumbles over his words. “W-what are you doing here?”

“Listen,”Rhett gets closer, crowding into Link's space. “I'm sorry about earlier. I - I shouldn't have just ran out on you. I just –” he trails off, his eyes glued to the ground like the words he is searching for are written in the dirt below their feet.

Link understands without Rhett needing to say more. He says as much and Rhett nods, his smile still faltering but at least it's reaching his eyes.

“Are you headed home?” He asks, changing the subject.

“Umm, yeah. Just got the library locked up for the night.”

“Would you… like some company?” Rhett asks almost shyly, reaching up with a big hand and rubbing the back of his neck.

Link can't hide the shock on his face but agrees despite the swarm of butterflies he feels in his gut, or maybe it's because of them. “That would be nice.”

“Can I hold something for you?” Rhett asks as he takes the reins of his horse.

Link gives over the basket of food so he can free up his hands to push his bike. They are walking close, Link is afraid Rhett can hear the thump of his heart. “Who's this?” He asks when he can't stand the silence between them anymore.

“Oh, this is Barbara.” He says, reaching up and giving her a rub on the nose. “I've had her since I was young, we basically grew up together on the farm.”

“That's sweet.” He smiles, watching the fond smile spread across Rhett's face as he looks at the horse.

They talk the whole way to Link's small cottage just outside of town. The conversation flows easily and before Link knows it, they are at his porch and the sky has turned a beautiful pink color as the sun sets.

It seems they are both reluctant to end their time together, so Link conjures up all the courage he can muster and asks, “Um, Mrs. Sutton gave me this enormous basket of food and there's no way I could possibly eat all of it. Would you want to come inside? I don't have anyone to share it with.”

Rhett hasn't stopped smiling since Link started talking, which Link can only assume is a good thing. He tries not to jump for joy when Rhett says with a sly smile, “Yeah – I can fix that.”

[3rddimension]

Wow just like Ian's episode, today's Anthony episode of the Smoshcast is the best. I love hearing about Smosh history and bts stuff.

-Shayne's story about how Anthony said goodbye to him the last shoot day he had before leaving already make me emo, but Anthony revealing that he had specifically chased him to the parking lot to say goodbye BROKE ME, even S was emotional finding that out. He's been remembering and telling this story one way this whole time, and now there's a whole new layer

-Hearing Shayne talk about how he feels like Anthony's exit in 2018 took the pressure off of the Pit Squad, because the higher-ups were focusing on Smosh main. And how that allowed the cast to make the most fresh pit content lead by Sarah!!! How they became bonded and their friendship truly shined and that's what the dna of Smosh always had been since Ian and Anthony. I've always felt that way about that era of Smosh Pit but it's so special to hear it coming from him, and to realize that the cast (and C and S alone) probably have reflective convos about the past in this detailed manner

-Fascinating to hear S say that the recent half scripted half non-scripted Smosh Main content felt at some point like Smosh Pit second channel to them. I never thought of it that way but he's so right. Shows like funeral roasts, exes interviews and reading Dms/dating profiles do have Pit dna. Like the improve in a contained setup feels very Smosh Pit theatre. That used to be the channel youd go to see the cast's personalities and different brands of comedy interact through improve and fun. Smosh Main was always scripted/sketch. He's basically re-enforcing the idea that they were unsure what direction to go with after EBE, and they sort of leaned towards Pit type content because that was their star child and best performing channel which is insane and makes me happy. Now all is as it should be with Smosh Main being scripted sketch and any improv shows or vids should be on Pit. With Games being all types of games

-i love Shayne reminding people that it was truly Ian who saved Smosh, Rhett and Link stepped in and provided a second chance to the channel. But Ian was the one carrying Smosh through it so he should get the credit. Absolutely king dad 👑 also all the observations about Ian and his leading style and his persistence and his comedy were so sweet, Ian isn't the most sentimental guy esp when talking about himself but his coworkers and friends clearly see the value and good in him, he deserves the world

-i love this trio, Anthony sounds super profound and introspective which is refreshing, Shayne is a very empathetic person and a great listener and Amanda is so charismatic and joyful. I love seeing her learn about Smosh and the folklore behind it all, she's on the podcast representing the viewer basically,fangirling and learning bts things in real time with us

-I'm so excited about Anthony revealing that 1) Ian and Anthony are gonna launch a podcast, I love them and their friendship and I'm sure at some point they're gonna be able to pull the craziest guests. And 2) he revealed that part of their business plan is to figure out how each cast member shines and give them a show/format in which they can portray that. Clearly that's what we've been seeing with ot3 (Damien swordaf, Shayne reddit and smoshcast, Courtney's new pit endeavors coming up), it's good to have confirmation that that's a priority

Damn, thanks for the writeup anon! I watched it last night too and it's such a good episode. Gonna add smosh tag on this one. Here's the video if you wanted to watch the whole thing!

[doomsdayoption]

Ok I love them but this picture gives me "rich mysterious family who will hunt you down for sport after dinner" so here's my AU (I don't know if I need to say this but I'm being ironic, obviously):

Rhett:

Link's husband. He's the one you think you can trust. He seems to be on your side from the get go. He sounds genuinely interested in what you do and your interests. You will be lured into a false sense of security by him. He might also be the first one who brings up the topic of "hunting" at the table, keeping it vague enough not to raise any suspicions. Will be the first one to excuse himself from the dinner table to change into a more "comfortable" attire for the hunt. Fantastic marksman.

Link:

Rhett's husband. Charming like the Devil, you feel a bit uneasy whenever you talk to him, from the beginning of the evening. Smart, witty, he seems serious but makes the occasional joke in an attempt to make you feel more comfortable. Or at least, that's what you think. He seems to be very comfortable with knives, and fidgets with them continuously while you're at the dinner table. Will excuse himself shortly after Rhett. When you're deep in the woods and you think you're safe, he'll probably be the one walking out from behind a tree with a smile on his face and a knife in hand.

Stevie:

Family friend. Has known the McLaughlin-Neals for so long it feels like she's basically in the family. Kind, funny and very bubbly, she actually wants to make you feel comfortable. Like Rhett, you feel like you can trust her. Will probably be the last one to leave the table. Prefers to remain in the house instead of running out in the woods. Doesn't really partake in the hunt, but will laugh about it later when R&L recall their favourite bits.

Chase:

R&L's son. Lily's fiancé. Doesn't talk much with you while you're at the table, seemingly more interested in speaking either with Lily or with his dads. Impeccably dressed, might give off the air of a spoiled kid, but he's not afraid to get his hands dirty when needed. Can hardly wait for the hunt to begin. Will leave the table shortly after Link. Knows every inch of the property by heart, will surprise you where you least expect it.

Lily:

Chase's fiancée. One of the very limited few who survived the hunt. Decided go stay because she finds the thrill of the hunt oh so very addicting. Will talk about your shared interests at length, whatever they might be. Like Stevie, she also genuinely wants to make you feel comfortable. She is a skilled cook, and has worked for Michelin-starred restaurants her whole life. Come think of it, she's the only one who has openly told you something about her profession. Least experienced in the hunt, will likely run around the woods with an axe and get lost, which ironically makes it all the more terrifying for you.

Nicole:

Another family friend. Not as close to R&L as she is to Josh, Trevor, Vi and, more recently, Lily, thanks to their shared passion for cooking. In appearance an open book, she has her way with words. You're not entirely sure you know something about her even though you might have been talking for hours. Like Stevie, she does not partake in the hunt, but will gladly hear about the most gruesome details from the others afterwards.

Trevor:

R&L's son (adopted). High class, posh, but can get on anyone's level if that means bringing them in for a dinner with the family. Always travels with his sister Vi, looking for new prey in bars, restaurants, libraries, airports, you name it. If they clock in on you, there's a very slim chance you'll actually escape. Easily makes friends with anybody. Actually a great cook, he's often in the kitchen with Josh, experimenting around and generally speaking, having fun. If he's your partner, he will be the second-to-last person to leave the table (same with Vi, depending on who you came with). Loves playing around with prey, but knows that the final blow has to be left to one of his dads. Most likely Link.

Vi:

R&L's daughter (adopted). Like her brother, she can get on anyone's level if that means bringing in new prey, and she often travels with Trevor. Bit of a criminal mastermind. Tends to be the one who has the last say in whether someone will be prey or not. Works as a waitress in whatever restaurant Lily's working in at the moment. If she's your partner, she will be the second-to-last person to leave the table (same with Trevor, depending on who you came with). Is quite poised when it comes to the hunt. Doesn't like running around, will likely choose a spot somewhere in the trees and wait. Wonderful archer.

Emily:

Josh's friend. Or flirt. Or both. Nobody really knows. The one family friend who actually enjoys actually partaking in the hunt. Possibly the funniest person at the table, she is a master manipulator, and will make you think that everything's fine after every awkward silence that accidentally settles on the table during dinner. Will leave the table shortly after Chase, politely excusing herself never to make another appearance. Like Link, she enjoys blades, especially short swords. Will often work in tandem with Josh or Link, depending on the night.

Josh:

Cook. Emily's friend, most likely flirt. Nobody knows. Polite and witty, he spends the few minutes he has around the table when he's serving dinner with Emily or Rhett. If it's Emily, they're probably talking about their stuff. If it's Rhett, they're probably talking about you. Will be the last one left when the table is empty. With all the poise of a high class gentleman, he will be the one to inform you of your "unfortunate situation" and what that entails. He will display before you an assortment of weapons to choose from to give you a slight advantage, and tell you where the bullets are hidden in case you choose a firearm. Often works in tandem with Emily, sometimes with Rhett.

[craftablegame]

This whole episode has been a delight today...

As much as I honestly do love the in-your-face feed-the-shipper episodes (honestly, my first ever GMM episode was the one this year where they tried the weird items for lovers, because that is UP my alley,) I REALLY enjoy when innuendo is flying around and I'm truly convinced that it's flying over several people's heads.

So far have really enjoyed Rhett stating that heterosexual sex is "no longer our culture" and Link smiling and agreeing back. Ok, fellas.

Also: Rhett stating that he's double creamed Link (after spending awhile making cheese and it's counter parts an analogy for orgasms) and Link being like THANKS :) *heart eyes*

It's the lack of either the obvious pandering or obvious worry/step back that's fun. A nice Sunday watch. For me, anyway.

[unhinged-nymph]

borderline incomprehensible rant about the brown diamond video below the cut

Sandy and Horst really got me fucked up cuz like what a dramatic and romantic and kinda sad story that RandL wrote???? I saw someone in the youtube comments call it a love letter they're writing to themselves and their friendships, and that feels so accurate because they're really emphasizing the idea of "no one else can work out for us but each other" and they care so so deeply for each other and all the heart eyes and the way they talked about each other GAH it all felt so genuine even though it was masked (or at least they attempted to mask it) through the comedy.

and the fucking unused clip that we saw in the society extras where they literally declare their everlasting love to each other with their fucking dying breaths???? HeLLO? Like Link you were right when you referred to it as romance. The entire fuckin video was so goddamn romantic, from the way Sandy fixed Horst's hair, and the grape jolly ranchers, and Sandy demanding that they don't make a fool of Horst, and POOCH, and the way Sandy looks at Horst when he comes in singing with him, and the grip on each other and the eye contact when they're dying, and and and and

The entire video is Rhett and Link fictionalizing their devotion to each other, which of course isn't the first time and definitely won't be the last because they can't help but scream over and over and over from the rooftops how fucking obsessed they are with each other and how their friendship is so awesome and special that it can transcend any universe or situation or story they put it in!

But we're the crazy ones for thinking they have a physical relationship? Babes, the physical stuff is a blip on the radar for how much fucking love there is in y'all's a relationship! Who gives a fuck if he would give you a blowjob when you know for sure he would drop anything or do anything to be with you or would pick you first 10 out of 10 times? Y'all are each other's number one on a level that is almost unfathomable to me. Kiss or don't kiss but regardless y'all are doing yourselves a massive disservice by discounting how truly amazing your relationship is and by letting silly no-homo tendencies get in your own ways.

Anyway, Sandy and Horst made me feel big feelings and I had to get it out. Rhett and Link, keep being gay you, cuz I'm eating it up. k thanks.

[crackers4jenn]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let’s spread the self-love.

Thanks for including me in this ask game, brosome! What a challenge it was. I don't have too many linkable fics, and sooo many of them were written a solid decade ago which means they exist in some frozen era of cringiness.

pardner in crime (New Girl, Jess/Schmidt; 6506 words) - I wrote this way back when season 1 was happening, so a million years ago, but it was when the show was still landing on its ships and hadn't really cemented the OTPs. There were a couple of episodes early on where I wildly thought there was a possibility that Jess and Schmidt might, at the very least, hookup. The Valentines day ep was one of those. She KNOCKED ON HIS DOOR. FOR SEX. So, I wrote a fic where Jess made Schmidt be her v-day wingman and they wind up smooching by the end.

filming jesus (community + spn crossover; 3160 words) - I'm including this just because it makes me laugh that these shows could ever be crossovered, but! That brief time in spn when Cas was on his hunt for God worked so well with that time Abed got a god complex filming his own Jesus adaptation. I could've done SO MUCH MORE with this fic, but I also enjoy that it's just a weird, short interaction.

on higher grounds (supernatural au, Dean/Cas; 9439 words) - someone on tumblr once posted a bunch of festive au prompts and the idea of 'charity collector cas who has a spot outside dean’s favourite book store in town and who always looks so cold despite the huge scarf he wears' was one I instantly connected with. Again, I could've given this fic actual, I don't know, PLOT, but why would I when, instead, there could just be a bunch of banter???

something wicked (rhett and link; 8743 words) - this fic was for a 'sex pollen' prompt, and it was in answer to a question no one before or since has ever asked: what if rhett and link were hunters in the Supernatural 'verse? Again, there's not a lot of plot but when I reread it I enjoy the humor.

wedding guy (supernatural au, Dean/Cas; 31,926 words) - there was a Comso article that served as the idea behind this fic: straight guy gets asked out by a gay guy at a wedding, then gently lets the guy down via text but does it in a way where he basically congrats him for being a brave mofo. Of course, I was immediately like DEAN AND CAS AU WHERE???? and since none existed I wrote it myself. 👍

[stereax]

9 People You'd Like to Know Better!

@dougiejack thank you for the tag!!!

Last song: Ave Cesaria, Stromae. Stromae is probably the only French-singing (he's Belgian) artist I listen to on at least a semi-regular basis. I really need to listen to his new album. And also finally check out more than like two songs from AnnenMayKantereit. They're a German rock-type band that I really only know from the national test that my German school had us take every year. They recycled questions a lot; the AMK video was used at least three years in a row with the same questions being asked from it LMAO. It did give me the song Oft Gefragt, though. Absolute banger. I need to listen to that album (Allex Nix Konkretes). And the new ones too.

Currently watching: My long-term attention span is AWFUL. I can't watch through an entire television series anymore. Most of what the family currently watches on YouTube are Good Mythical Morning (my dad found out Rhett and Link exist like a month ago and now it's everyone's problem), some Canada's Worst Driver (though we only got halfway through Season 12, then moved to Season 14 and only got halfway through that too), and my new favorite The Proper People (urbex!!! Really love urbex, may or may not be lightly planning out an urbex AU rn hahaha). Oh, and Food Wars from Insider Eats. Always a classic. (And Dan's Kitchen Gadgets from Epicurious! Awesome series!)

Currently reading: I'm trying to read The Invisible Hook by Peter Leeson as research for the @devils-pirate-crew sideblog/fanfic/askblog thing I've started! Yes, I'm gonna mention it incessantly because I need external motivation to work on it and also if you haven't seen it yet go check it out please!!! But also, on a more serious note, the book combines economics - a longstanding interest of mine - with piracy, so I'm super excited to see how the argument for the economic foundation of piracy is developed. That makes me sound like an old man. I'm not that old, I promise. I just sound old.

Current obsession: I mean, hockey? It's really getting up there right now in terms of how I'm slowly getting sucked further and further into hockey fandom and spending a ton of time on it. Besides that, uh... I'm working on re-sorting my quarter collection? (This does not help me beat the "secretly an old man" rumors, does it?)

+9: @barclaygoodrow @captain-hischier @forsakenpotato @hischieri @kmercer @lemondropbois @nicojackl0v3r @thg02 @zaynsbehen :D (you don't have to do this at all if you already have or don't want to but, y'know, if you want?)

if I didn't tag you it's probably because either a) I know you've been tagged already or b) you intimidate me too much haha 💜

[apparentlynotreallyfinnish]

I have to ask about 'Make Me, Take Me, Break Me and Then We Snuggle' because that title is just awesome.

(Re: this post) hey, lovely anon! ❤️

This one was requested by @unhinged-nymph also.

That title is from ye olden days when I wasn't as boring and would name wips in silly ways. :D When I organized my writing I couldn't change it even though it's a monster.

That wip is very old, probably from 2019. Honestly, it might belong to the abandoned folder but I still haven't been able to let it go.

The premise: Link figures out Rhett has a bit of a submissive streak without him even really knowing it. Link is already familiar with domming and they enter into a platonic, non-sexual power dynamic relationship that eventually turns sexual.

Here's a little unedited snippet from the beginning (sfw):

It started small. One late evening they were in their office, still working on a project. Both of them were a bit on the edge; it had been a stressful week with unforeseen circumstances and unusual mishaps. Good Mythical Summer was getting closer and they had been filming like crazy to get the content ready in time for their vacation.

For the last hour they’d been bickering about a certain aspect of the script and Link was getting frustrated. And to top all that off, he was getting thirsty. Usually he’d just get himself a drink from the kitchen, probably ask if Rhett wanted something as well. But right now he was annoyed at Rhett and tired of his constant push backs.

“Get me a La Croix.” The words just spilled out of him – not angry, just resolute – like he knew Rhett would obey.

Rhett got up instantly and walked out of the office without saying a word. Link was startled by the sudden movement. He hadn’t actually expected Rhett to go. Link was sure Rhett would come back with a can just for himself and go on a rant about how Link doesn’t have manners. And when Rhett returned with just one can Link was sure he’d been right. He bristled. He was readying himself for the snippy exchange of words.

Link was more than surprised when Rhett just handed the drink to him and sat back down. Link stared at the can, dumbfounded. It was like a breath of fresh air. The day had been a constant struggle; every meeting an uphill battle. Asking something and just getting it… It probably shouldn’t have felt this good but it lit up something hidden in Link’s brain. He glanced at Rhett who was already absorbed in the word document on his laptop. Link waited for him to say something but Rhett stayed silent. The can opened with a hiss and Link took a deep gulp. Link instantly felt refreshed and calmer. 

“Thank you, Rhett,” he said empathically. Maybe this was Rhett’s unspoken way of apologizing for the tension between them. A small smile spread across Rhett’s face and Link could have sworn his cheeks got a hint of red on them. Rhett didn’t say anything. He just nodded.

[stuffandwonder]

Stream of consciousness for g m e now I've watched the VoD. Honestly whilst there were a few really good moments and it is fun I never lose my mind over moments like other people on here seem to and I really need to stop paying for gme because even for the good moments I cannot tolerate drunk, rambly Link well enough even with several drinks in me lol.

Why is Link always so clueless (or disinterested?) in these pre shows?

They are fucking idiots omg (this was for the 69ing which was so ship baity lmao)

You forgot Brittany!

Okay if you are gonna jumpscare us, which I assume is what's gonna happen here, can you fucking get on with it? This is taking waaay to long

WELL THAT WAS UNDERWELMING

Rhett wrestling with Brittany lmao

I can't get over how good Rhetts werewolf costume is and he actually looks great! Links costume/make up is kinda underwhelming in contrast even tho he totally suits a vampire get up.

All this calling him good boy and talking to Rhett in a baby voice that you'd talk to a dog in is really asking for another puppy fanfic lmao

Why is Link all gushy? Is he really that drunk already?!

Lol Link getting up to sexy dance after the baby dick joke and then immediately forgetting why he was dancing. Maybe he IS that drunk already

SOMEONE GET THIS DRUNK DUMMY TO SHUT THE FUCK UP 🤣 (this is about Link in case you couldn't guess)

Actually everything that is annoying about Link gets amplified by 10 when he drinks and in my opinion is not balanced out by the funny-ness of any chaos the drunkenness creates, which is why I wish they'd do these sober. Keep the adult content and the general chaos that creates (and the Halloween theme, that's cool) just nix the alcohol so Link doesn't just keep rambling, forgetting what they're doing and talking over people worse than normal 😅

Oh no poor Rhett tripping over the gory hole board haha 😅

The oral fixation Rhett is developing with this lighthouse and the 'nipple on top' is sending me

Links over there talking about worrying about being cancelled and Rhett is humping Chases leg lmao

Brittany's head spinning around at like a 100mph was so funny 😅

CHARLES?! OH NO 😂

"Stevie, can I just take the reins for once"

Rhett: "thanks for asking for once" *absolutely loses it* I love how much that tickled Rhett

Poor Stevie desperately trying to keep things on track when Link is GONE (seriously what is he babbling about?!)

"This doesn't seem that hard baby"

"Jessie, I'm sorry" Stevie its not YOU that's needs to be apologising to Jessie rn lol. I don't know how she puts up with this from Rhett every year lol

Rhetts an absolute saint for putting up with Link when he's like this honestly, I would legitimately be braining the guy

Rhetts reeeally pressing Links head into that desk like he's fully got his fingers in his hair and everything. And Link seems like he kinda likes it 👀

I FEEL LIKE I'M AN EMBARRASMENT 🤣🤣🤣 Yeah you are boi!

Rhett: Stevie you don't always have to be the only one holding the thread. *nearly knocks drink over* lol

[asherlockstudy]

Hey, it's me again (the only other person who fully agrees with you apparently, though I did see someone else kinda- sort of agree with you too a few posts back and it gives me hope for humanity) .

I don't understand this obstination with wanting to keep the head in the sand honestly.

These people really heard Rhett talking about ''missing puzzle pieces'' in rectums during the brolonoscopy video and went ''yeah, missing puzzles pieces in rectums, that's a tooootally normal thing to say, puzzle pieces is first thing that would come to anyone's mind if they wanted to make a joke like that''

...Seriously?

You think it's a ''coincidence''? well, it sure is a very peculiar one you at least gotta admit that.

It isn't though. The reason Rhett even feels comfortable slipping in these hints is because he now understood how clueless everyone is, and he is right, nobody got it.

You talked about the puzzle piece thing in realation to a specific act a long long time ago, before this happened, and that's was a very similar conclusion I had reached about it . Are we psychics? No.

We had indipendently reached a very very similar interpretation of this whole long overarching story present in their scripted videos before we even started speaking in DMs back then, and it's not by random chance, it's just a proof something is indeed there.

R&L are one of the greatest love stories of our generation and they are telling their story in a very clever self ironic and uinique way and people have no freaking idea, it's so frustrating. They must feel very frustrated as creative people, but it's not their fault. It's the audience.

It's not just fangirls fangirling over the though of two hot guys being romantically involved. There is something there. Ignoring the signs is not being respectfult to them, because you are glossing over how smart they truly can be as creators.

Hello again! I have been feisty too in the past but I am kinda in a mood that I don’t want to directly judge people with different opinions or perspectives (then again even though I thanked disagreeing anon for being polite, I chose to overlook that they called opinions such as mine delusional lol 👀). Not sure if it’s because I became wiser or simply I feel dead inside… In any case, you know I agree with you and I totally get your frustration and bafflement. I am only landing on the conclusion that people have the tendency to preserve equilibrium in their life and avoid what would disrupt that. There is a sense of safety and trust in the thought that Rhett and Link will forever be great platonic friends with happy families. I get that. I don’t agree with blinding yourself in order to keep the equilibrium but I understand why fans choose this.

But there’s more than us and the semi-agreeing anon here. Given the interaction in my posts, I would say there are like 5-7 of us overall (which is still too few 🥲) but I am by light years the most vocal / certain and now you too.

Btw heyyy you didn’t answer me last time what your previous username was! Given the clues you have given me I can think of two people.

[harper44]

Welcome bakkk🤗

You asked for prompts.. i have one that i would love if you did anything with it, i'm sure it'll be amazing

Rhett gets jealous of link's friends when he sees link joking and having fun with them at his birthday party (btw this is inspired by one of the leatest ear biscuits, where they talked about link's birthday, and him inviting all his frind grops and letting them mingle. and just seaing that rhett felt the need to be like, will, even THEY knew that we're best friends, and that i know you more than anyone else..😌)

So he gets possessive, he's a bit drunk and so is link, so he lets rhett be "weird" and play along.. he has link backed into a corner, speaking to him in hushed tones, as if to say "it's only me and you", and he gets kinda flirty, trying to make link laugh, he dosen't want him to look anywhere else...he has never felt this way before, doesn't know where all this came from...

Yes anon! I love this! Thank you! I will let it start to stew.....

The "needing people to know that they're BEST friends" is kind of ironic because I feel that with MY best friend sometimes (without the sexually charged undertones we'll have in this fic 😂) and we've even talked about it.

Here's an old fic of mine that involves some jealousy the other way around to tide you over until I write this prompt!!

[calamityandme]

I’ve had a better couple of days thank goodness.

Yesterday I had a “me” day. I played a lot of BG3. ROMANCED ASTARION! It was at the tiefling party/bonfire or whatever. It was so fun lol.

I made myself chicken and dumplings for dinner that night. Spent time with Danny. Overall a good day.

✨(I need to talk about my special interests now)✨

Today I cleaned for R. I had a slightly different list than usual. I didn’t clean parts of the upstairs bathroom because she had already cleaned them, for example. I decided to switch things up with my listening selection. While I cleaned I listened to Rhett and Link’s podcast Ear Biscuits on Spotify. I hadn’t listened to them in a while because I’ve been enjoying cleaning while listening to my library audiobooks, but I remembered that they do special sex themed episodes during the month of September called Sextember so I checked those out.

I really enjoy those episodes of Ear Biscuits. I enjoyed What Are Our Sex Lives Like? (Ep. 395).

I listened to half of EP. 394 Kinks We’ve Tried (Or Will Try) but it was also funny. I only listened to half because I had finished cleaning by then, nothing against them. I plan on finishing it sometime soon.

I want to go on a little bit of a Rhett and Link tangent lol. I have been watching Rhett and Link’s content ever since I was first given access to YouTube. I was introduced to them when I stumbled across their video Squirrel Rights Song.

I have watched Rhett and Link videos at many varying points in my life. Sometimes almost religiously watching uploads, other times forgetting about them for a year until I’m recommended an interesting Good Mythical Morning segment by the YouTube algorithm.

Their videos are just a safe place for me. I have definitely looked up to Rhett and Link as father figures in my life when my dad wasn’t there when I needed him. Rhett and Link had time for me every morning lol. That was enough to leave a good impression on me. I even wrote to them back in the day and drew something of me and my friend meeting Rhett and Link lol. I was 17 and she was 15 at the time lol. Looking back, I’m sure if I actually ended up sending them my letters/package that the drawing of the two grown men standing next to two teenage girls would probably be creepy lol. Maybe it was a good thing those letters stayed in my sentiment box.

I loved the first Good Mythical Evening. I paid for it so my friend and I could watch it together. My friend C is also a long-time fan of Rhett and Link.

I just have enjoyed their content and how it’s changed over the years. I loved the small town commercials, the rap battles, the many GMM changes and skits that have stuck with me throughout the years (Moolissa, Cotton Candy Randy✨). I have a lot of good memories with their content.

But anyways done talking about that lol.

I went to this coffee shop by my work and got myself a special coffee to celebrate going to work today. I really contemplated calling in sick today but I knew in my bones I needed to get it over with.

A few days ago I tried to get coffee from this place and I didn’t have enough money to get the coffee, so i apologized and left the drive thru coffeeless. I thought I had enough but I was $2 short. Today I asked to pay for 2 coffees and only get 1 to make up for my grievance. They were nice about it.

It felt really good to pay for the coffee I couldn’t have earlier. I got myself some lunch and dropped some things off at a donation center near me before going back home for the day.

I played more BG3 today lol. Started watching this alien movie called Arrival. It’s pretty good so far. I have just been trying to take it easy since today was my “hardest” day of the week. Hard meaning most physically exhausting I would say.

Tomorrow is engagement photos. I’m so so nervous but excited. I know I’m fat and I’ll look fat so I’m trying to brace myself. Fat doesn’t equal bad. I am fat and that’s okay. I’m beautiful because of me and everything that I am. Mantra for photos ✨ I’m excited for my mom and maybe nana to see our venue too.

I’ll end this post with some marigolds from our garden. Ignore the dirt lol.

[hugespace]

Therapy helps rhett realize that all of those "I'm dead" UFC moves were actually just a way to fulfill his need for physical intimacy at a time in his life where he didn't feel it was acceptable to ask for it, especially from another man. Now that they're both adults and completely different people than they were in college, rhett decides it's time to explain it all to link and let him know that he actually misses that physical contact with him.

It took me a really long while, but I finally finished this one! I really loved that prompt, so thank you so much for giving it to me, lovely Anon. I was initially going to write it as a platonic/romantic friendship kinda story, but it seems I'm determined to write a hundred different first kiss + feelings realisation scenarios, I simply enjoy those way too much.

*** 2,5K ***

Let me hold you

He’s done it again.

Not so long ago, Rhett promised himself not to bring it up in front of cameras or a microphone unless he talks it out with Link, privately.

Especially not as a joke.

And he’s failed already, he scolds himself short after the Ear Biscuits episode is recorded and they’re both out of the room, heading back towards their office.

He thinks he could have just omitted it, shouldn’t have mentioned anything. It simply wasn’t necessary to mull over it again, even with the topic of the episode revolving around their college experience. It wasn’t a big deal, he said it himself, countless times. Every time they talked about it on the show.

So, every time.

There’s never been a conversation in private about that incident or anything that preluded it, never in the absence of people to entertain, never not around at least one recording device. Because why would there be? It wasn’t a big deal. A funny story, s’all.

He’s also never been able to just let things go, though, and thanks to that inability, the lore of wrestling and the “I’m dead” move had to live on. It was an innocent story, a funny albeit embarrassing one – their unofficial brand after all, an easy misunderstanding and a fun little anecdote, not his carefully curated version of what happened, nor a watered-down one, not just a part of the entire story devoid of any feelings associated with it, not a big deal-! And most of all, not… true. Not true.

Rhett isn’t sure if Link has been consciously going along with that wordlessly agreed upon version of what their UFC phase looked like, repressing the truth behind it, or… simply never realised what it meant for Rhett and genuinely thought of it as a humorous yet insignificant part of their friendship in the past.

Most likely the third option, he has to assume. After all, why would Link attach any meaning to it? It’s not like anything actually ever happened, not outside of Rhett’s mind at least. Frankly, he himself went decades without understanding his own motivations, more than once confused by why the memories of wrestling with his friend and laying on top of him felt both shameful and deeply comforting. Why even long after they grew up, stopped being kids, and as a result retired all their UFC moves, the only way he could describe what he felt thinking about that time was longing.

Until therapy happened.

Just like with many different things in his life:

There was something in the darkness, and then therapy shone a light on it.

It was like there were countless situations he navigated solely on instinct, without paying much thought to the reasons behind why he acted a certain way, and once therapy equipped him with the ability to do so, he unearthed an entire deep layer of feelings and emotions that were always there. Just hidden, even from himself.

The wrestling being one of those things.

So, he thinks Link doesn’t know.

And he’s finally determined to change that.

Why now, when he’s had so many chances to talk to Link over the years ever since he started being more in touch with himself? He doesn’t really have an answer; it’s just that after talking about it with such levity again, after repeatedly making a joke out of it, it feels like he might explode if he doesn’t say anything, doesn’t confess to Link what it was really like. And most of all, it feels like the yearning has become stronger lately, and the conversation yet again playing it all off as them being young and silly only ignited it, made the flame inside of Rhett burn brighter, threatening to make his heart combust.

“I need to talk to you about something that’s been on my mind.” Rhett says easily once they’re in the office. It’s not an unsure statement or a nervous plea with words tumbling out of his mouth before he can lose his cool and change his mind. It would have been all that and more a couple of years ago, sure.

But he’s a different man now. He’s not afraid to tell the person who’s been with him for almost the entirety of his life what he feels.

Link, however. He does look unsure, a bit alarmed even, when he looks at Rhett and responds.

“Sure-? What is it? Do you wanna talk now?”

It’s just like him to worry. Run a hundred different scenarios in his head, most of them negative, trying to prepare himself for every possible outcome of a serious conversation before it even began. It’s an anxious survival instinct that makes Link resilient to even the worst that life has to offer and able to face it all head on. But right now, it’s nothing scary. Rhett doesn’t want his friend to be worried, so he quickly says as much.

“Don’t worry, s’not bad. Just something we talked about on the podcast today.” The blonde sits down on the couch and pats the cushion next to him, hoping he appears to be as calm as he truly feels inside and that it might dissolve some of Link’s concern, still written all over his face.

The other man takes his place on the sofa and looks at him expectingly.

“Right. So-“ Rhett’s calmness doesn’t completely evaporate once Link gives him his full attention, but it’s suddenly laced with some nerves. “About the wrestling. You know, in college. And before that. And- Especially about my ‘I’m dead’ move. I’ve been thinking about it, and-“

“Rhett, I swear, if you made me sit down for a talk only to tell me you’d like to make it a part of our conflict resolution again, then ha-ha. Very funny. I’d like to go get myself some coffee now.” Link cuts him off with an unamused look in his eyes and almost makes a move to stand up.

Rhett is quicker though and grabs the brunette’s arm before he can really move, effectively making him stay in place.

“What? No. That’s not what I’m saying. Like, at all. I-“ He realises he’s still holding onto Link’s arm and instinctively wants to retract his hand, but that same feeling that led him to initiating this conversation in the first place makes him reconsider. “I’ve been thinking about what it all meant and why I did that, especially when we fought or you were angry with me, and-“

“Because we were young.” Link quickly answers what wasn’t even a question. “We had too much energy and neither of us really wanted to hurt the other by punching him or- or fighting in earnest. What else would it mean.”

“Link can you let me talk? I’m trying to say something important.” Rhett squeezes Link’s forearm. “So, as I was saying. I mostly did it when you were angry or I was feeling unsure, and I didn’t realise it back then, but- But I know now, that I just… needed reassurance. You know, physical contact.” He explains, looking straight into Link’s eyes and trying to interpret his reaction before it comes.

When nothing happens, and the brunette just stares back at him with a furrowed brow, he feels compelled to continue and elaborate.

“Like when people… hug after an argument-?” His brain almost challenges him to make a different comparison, presenting a parallel between laying half-naked on top of your best friend and another activity people often partake in to make up after a fight. But that’s not- It’s not what he’s trying to say. It’s not like that.

The face in front of him frowns in confusion, blue eyes squinting and mouth opening and closing again, only letting out a puff of air and no sound at first.

When Link finally responds, his voice is unsure, like he suspects that he’s not understanding something right. “Are you trying to tell me you wanted to hug me when we bickered, so you pushed me to the floor and laid on me till I was even angrier, instead…?”

That’s not fully what Rhett meant, but it’s close enough, so he nods.

“What the crap, Rhett-? You're not making any sense.”

“Okay, listen…” He decides to go for a different approach. “We still don’t hug after arguments. We never hug hello. I think I could count on my fingers how many times we’ve actually hugged each other as adults, outside of the show!”

“Yeah! That’s just not what we do! We’ve never done those things, it’s just not a part of our relationship- I still don’t know what you wanna tell me here Rhett.” Link throws his hands in the air in a gesture of resignation.

“I want it to be a thing we do, okay?! I always did, but I was afraid to ask for it so I just took what you could give me without talking about it. Can’t have actual intimacy? Make up a UFC thing so I can be close to you! Can’t hold you when I’ve made you mad? Better lay on top of you till you give up and have no choice but stop!” Rhett pauses to finally take a breath.

“That time that guy saw us- I’m sure you remember I stormed off right after-? I panicked, it was like him seeing us and thinking there was something else happening almost made feel like it was something else, and since I started it, it also felt like I wanted it to be something else. I got so angry at myself for even trying and I never did it again. I’m sure you remember that, too!” Words flow out of Rhett in a hurried and increasingly loud cascade, while Link’s eyes grow bigger and comprehension dawns on his face.

“I know how stupid it sounds. But you know how I was. We were well into our thirties when I still refused to get close to you. And it’s not that I didn’t want to, it was the opposite – I wanted it a lot, man.”

„But I thought...?” Link seems to be turning a thought over in his head. “I thought you just never liked it. That the wrestling thing was about you… asserting dominance. That’s what it felt like at least. Like you trying to act like an older brother or somethin’.”

“No- It was me wanting to be close to you and not knowing how to ask for it. My very convoluted way of expressing love, you could call it. And I’m sorry it took me-“

“What changed-? I mean, what made you wanna talk about it?” There’s urgency in Link’s voice when he cuts Rhett off.

“I… I realised I miss it. I told you, we still don’t really hug or get intimate, however that sounds, and I’m not gonna just topple you and pin you to the ground again. We’re too old for that. For once, I don’t think either my back or your shoulders would survive if we started wrestling every time I wanted to be affectionate. But also- We’re over forty, Link. What does it say about me if I can’t just ask a person I love and have loved for almost four decades to hold me when I need it and would resort to, well, aggression-? That’s not how it should work.”

Link ponders Rhett’s words for a few beats before opening his mouth again, only to let three breathy words escape. “You love me-?”

It seems like the wrong thing to focus on, Rhett just opened up to say he not only craves physical intimacy now, but also struggled with that same need when they were younger so badly, he had to invent an entire intricate system allowing him to be closer, and Link questions the one thing he knows already. Because of course he knows, Rhett’s said as much dozens of times, of course he loves him. But it appears he has to say it anyway, judging from the weird look in Link’s eyes.

“I do, of course I lo-“ The blonde begins, yet he doesn’t get a chance to finish and ask whether Link heard the other part of his confession at all, because at once, his mouth isn’t free to keep talking and there’s no air left in his lungs as the man who was just sitting right next to him plunges forward and collides with him, lips first.

Oh. Rhett manages to form one more coherent thought despite being startled and entirely taken aback. Link misunderstood. That’s why he got hung up on the love confession. That’s not what Rhett meant, that’s not what he was trying to say, it’s not like that-

He feels like he should clear things up as quickly as possible. Logically, he should be panicking, racking his brain for a way to straighten things up, to explain to Link that it wasn’t what he was trying to say without making things worse, without ruining everything and making his best friend feel miserable and embarrassed, until…

Until Rhett realises his body went rogue and started responding without his conscious decision, his lips are moving against the other man’s, one of his hands is cupping Link’s face, while the other strayed away and is caressing his back. And it feels like his heart is trying to break out of the ribcage with how hard it’s pounding in his chest, along with his stomach doing wild summersaults. And he’s not panicking, not at all. And it’s not a misunderstanding, how could it, when he loves Link with his entire soul, with his whole being- And exactly like that, it hits him. Starting this conversation, he thought he already understood everything, but he didn’t– there was still that last puzzle piece missing.

They come up for air, panting from the intensity of that first kiss, foreheads flush with each other. Rhett finishes the sentence he began before Link’s move changed everything. “Of course I love you.” He means it now, he means it exactly like Link took it and can’t comprehend how he didn’t think of it before, but it’s perfectly obvious now.

So he hugs Link. He encircles the man’s body with his long arms, squeezes, and holds him, feels his friend snuggle into him, nuzzle his face into the crook of his neck and breathe deeply, holding Rhett's larger body in return.

All he needed was ask for the closeness.

He asked, and he got it.

He got all he wanted and so much more.

So, so much.