#zonk II

[fuzzkaizer]

Blackstrap Electrik Co. - B.E.C. HOUSE ENCLOSURE

"It's taken me like three years, and after many false starts and abandoned prototypes, I've finally realized my dream enclosure.

This stylish box is based on my favorite vintage enclosure: the rare, cast-aluminum Zonk II. Like the early Sola Sound produced Marshall Supa Fuzz, this Zonk II enclosure was designed and built by Olivetti S.p.A, an Italian firm (founded in 1908 by Camillo Olivetti in Ivrea, Italy) that produced sleek, Atomic-age enclosures for adding machines and other desktop apparatuses.

Early on, Sola Sound built Tone Bender MKII circuits into these hammered blue, Zonk II boxes for John Hornby Skewes. To my knowledge, only one of these has been recovered. After this partnership ended, JHS began stuffing the enclosures with their own silicon Zonk II circuit.

I consider this my house enclosure. It is available for Focus and Old Pal builds only."

cred: blackstrapelectrik.com

[temeyes]

eyebrows >:^(

[botnotbow]

If you need a request then how about a classic odd bird. The Hoatzin! Also known as the stinkbird.

thank you anon !!! ^_^ today’s bird of the day is the hoatzin !

these birds r incredibly odd looking, and r native to south america !! they r around 65cm long, and have claws on their wings !!! >_<

ps: i take requests for bird / animal of the day !! pls put any requests in my ask box ^_^

[teamfortresstwo]

No are you fucking kidding me ?? I got spoiled on something through the fucking preview posts on a blog ?? And it’s a post I had blocked ???? Head in hands whyyyyyyyy ,,,,,,,,,

[modern-day-pain]

My dealer: got some straight gas 🔥😝 this strain is called "Cadmium II" 😳 and it'll have you zonked out of your goard 💯

Me: yeah whatever. I don't feel shit

3 million years later: dude I swear that cat just iron pressed his shirt

My buddy Rimmer, pacing: I AM A FISH I AM A FISH I AM A FISH I AM A FISH I AM A FISH I AM

[josieblueart]

Dealer: Got some straight gas 🔥😛 this strain is called “Ultrakill Act II: Imperfect Hatred” 😳 you’ll be zonked out of your gourd 💯

Me: yeah whatever, i don’t feel shit

five minutes later: dude i swear i just saw Something Wicked in the pyramid

My buddy Gabriel, pacing: The council is lying to us

[struggling-dinosaur]

oh nothing just thinking about how fucking tired the seven would have been. (and all demigods on the brink of a war or in the midst of war)

They spend all day every day fighting for their life or on the verge of fighting for their life - whether its fighting from a god, or a monster, or a feeling, or a prophecy, or each other - and they have to be on constant alert ready to fight, whether physically defeating a monster or pushing their body and power to the limit to not get stabbed, or emotionally grappling with uncomfortable feelings of pain and grief and jealousy and insecurity and homesick and loneliness and fighting to know what everyone else is feeling, or mentally solving a god's bullshit test and remembering myths and putting pieces of the giant puzzle together to work out what in the gods going on!?! and what in gods they're meant to do!?! it would be so TIRING! and they're SIXTEEN and its been like this for YEARS! and they have no parent looking our for them apart from Coach Hedge on the Argo II. they're exhausted in every way. and then it gets to the end of the day, and they get to lie down and close their eyes and relax their muscles for the first time in HOURS, and they get to just breathe. and before they're even able to process anything that happened during the day they're asleep. zonked out. and then the nightmare starts, and it feels so real and scary and its hard to tell whats real life and whats a dream, and they're back to fighting for their life or on the verge of fighting for their life. they can never catch a BREAK. they are just constantly in battle for their teenage years and they're expected to just be ok and be a normal person after this!?! gods i feel for them.

[bestmiisongs]

And that concludes the first round of the Best Miitopia Song Tournament!

Thank you to everyone who voted and shared the polls, and I'll see you on the 20th for the start of Round Two!

List of all winning songs from Round One:

A Lively Inn

People's Profiles

Getting Changed

Browsing the Journal

One Questionnaire, Please! (3DS) / More Mii Characters! (Switch)

Let's Make Up

Inn Workout

Look What I Bought!

Zonked (US) / Can We Rest Now? (EU)

Spin The Roulette?

Roulette: Gold Prize

Roulette: Bronze Prize

Rock, Paper, Scissors!

In That Holiday Mood

Wishing Upon a Star

A Pioneer's Pride

Got an amiibo?

Delivery!

Quiz: Final Question

Quiz: Congratulations!

Choose a Mii

Greenhorne

Travelers' Hub

Haven Hollow

Opening: Miitopia at Peace

Opening: Rise of the Monsters

Opening: A Simple Traveler

The Great Sage's Theme

Divine Theme

A Happy Ending

Put a Smile on Your Face

The Princess's Theme

The Desert Prince's Theme

Ballad of the Fairies: Eldest

The Fab Fairies Dance

Fly, Dragon Riders!

The Darkest Hour

A Past Fraught With Sorrow

Purging the Dark Curse

Ending: We Saved the World

Open Up!

Villa: Grand Opening

Arrival: Greenhorne

Arrival: Elven Forest

Arrival: Powdered Peaks

Arrival: Nimbus

Arrival: The Sky Scraper

Map: Miitopia

Map: Neksdor

Map: Realm of the Fey

Map: Powdered Peaks

Map: Nimbus

Map: The Sky Scraper

Map: New Lumos

Map: Strange Place

Stage: Easin Hills

Stage: Subterranean

Stage: Arid Frontier

Stage: Nightmare Tower

Stage: Neksdor Desert

Stage: The Great Pyramid

Stage: Lotus Lake

Stage: Elven Forest

Stage: Bigg Forest

Stage: Karkaton Ascent

Stage: Karkaton Peak

Stage: Dark Lord's Castle

Stage: Ghontu Cave

Stage: Peculia

Stage: Manor Macabre

Stage: Sterile Plant

Stage: Sinister Plant

Stage: Nimbus

Stage: The Sky Scraper

Stage: Darker Lord's Domain

Meanwhile...

Stage: Galados Isle

Stage: New Lumos

Pre-battle: Imminent Clash

Pre-battle: Calamity Bringer

Battle: Greenhorne

Battle: Neksdor

Battle: Realm of the Fey

Battle: Karkaton

Battle: Powdered Peaks

Battle: Peculia

Battle: Nimbus

Battle: The Sky Scraper

Battle: Galados Isle

Battle: New Lumos

Battle: Now's Our Chance!

Boss Battle Time I

Boss Battle Time II

Boss Battle Time III

Boss: The Dark Lord

Boss: The Dark Lord's Wrath

Boss: Darker Lord's Left Hand

Boss: Darker Lord's Right Hand

Boss: The Darkest Lord

Boss: Darkest Lord's Final Form

Boss Battle: Evil Sage

The Spoils of War

Title: Greenhorne

Title: Karkaton

Title: The Dark Lord's Castle

Title: Nimbus

Title: Otherworld

Title: New Lumos

Party Time!

Outing: Seaside Relaxation

Outing: Café

Outing: Karaoke 3

Outing: Skygazing

Outing: Park

Outing: Shopping

Outing: Cooking Class

Outing: Gym - Burn!

Outing: Cinema - Watching 2

Outing: Cinema - Puzzled

Outing: Outing: Cinema - Looong

Horse: First Encounter

Stable: A New Beginning?

Stable: High Spirits

Stable: Shock

Makeup - Eyes

Wigs - Cowlick

[natequarter]

My dealer: got some straight gas 🔥😛 this strain is called "the fall of Roman Catholicism" 😳 you'll be zonked out of your gourd 💯

Me: yeah whatever. I don't feel shit.

5 minutes later: dude I swear I just saw some Protestants in the government

My buddy Philip II pacing: Elizabeth is lying to us

[lunatic-harness]

My dealer: got some straight gas 🔥😛 this strain is called “Quake II” 😳 you’ll be zonked out of your gourd 💯

Me: yeah whatever. I don’t feel shit.

5 minutes later: dude I swear I just saw some trespassers

My buddy Bitterman pacing: the Strogg are lying to us

[fuzzkaizer]

BEC - blackstrap electrik co. -

"sold the first fuzz in my new house enclosure. Can't tell y'all how excited I am about these. Over two years trying to find the foundry and get it right. OC81D premium MKII in the style of my favorite version of this pedal. Sand-cast aluminum, NOT CNC. My take on my favorite enclosure ever: the Zonk II. Smooth curves at top and bottom; sharp, dramatic angles on the sides. Some of you may notice its uncanny resemblance to the early Sola Sound-made Supa Fuzz. That's because both of these enclosures were commissioned to Olivetti, an adding machine manufacturer; hence, the mid-century desktop appliance looks. I find the mixed bag of curves and angles stunning; hope you do too! These will be available for certain high-end projects via my site. $900 USD."

cred: instagram.com/blackstrap_electrik

[milfygerard]

took a weed gummy and my dramatically low tolerance means im gonna be SILLAY tonight watching the stream

[techturd]

Happy New Year

[thebigqueer]

Solangelo - "Drowning in Sorrow" - One-Shot

Summary: Apollo confirms Nico of Jason's death, and Nico has to deal with the grief.

Word Count: 2406

SPOILERS: The Burning Maze Spoilers, Tower of Nero Spoilers

Read on AO3

Only one thought races in Nico’s mind, over and over: He’s dead.

Nico feels the grass under his feet, feels the wind brush against his face, feels the warmth of the air around him. But he never acknowledges any of that. He flies over the ground, only wishing to get away from the truth that lies behind him.

Demigods wave a hand to him in greeting, but he just pushes past all of them. He can’t do this right now. He can’t deal with anyone, not when another person he loves is gone. Nothing matters anymore.

His feet rise and fall with the shift in terrain, and soon the grass gives way to smooth marble floors as he steps up into his cabin. He longs for the darkness, for the solitude, for the emptiness.

Nico rushes in, his chest already heaving with heartache, and he slams the door shut. A large bang resonates in the room, drills into his bones and mind and skin, and finally he is alone. The curtains and blinds are all drawn shut, shrouding him in darkness, and he is safe from all eyes.

Nico slams his back against the door, unable to move any further from the entrance. He can’t find the motivation or the strength to go to his bed. His nails cling onto the wooden door and he slides down, the ache of tears pressing against his throat and demanding to break loose.

Nico sits there for hours, his head in his hands, his breathing heavy. He allows himself to drown in sorrow.

He’s dead.

~

Will stands outside the door of the Hades cabin, his fist balanced readily just above the wood. It’s been a few hours since Apollo broke the news to Nico, and a few hours since Apollo passed out.

Will feels like everything is happening too fast, too much, too… everything. The day has only been one thing after another. First his father returned to him, looking exhausted as hell but overall alive, and Will’s heart overflowed with joy. He spent months worrying about him - the amount of dreams he’d had of his father dying kept him awake at night. In fact, in the past few days, even he hadn’t been sleeping well - his dark circles are ready to rival Nico’s.

As excited as Will was to find out about Lester’s return, dread injected itself into his bloodstream at the sight of him. Apollo’s return could only mean that the real fight was about to come, and Will wasn’t ready. If Nico’s dreams were any indication, then things were about to get much, much worse.

Then Will’s own worries dissipated as soon as Apollo confirmed Nico’s fears of Jason: he was dead, period. Nico’s death alarm wasn’t false; he had died months ago, giving his last breath to Caligula.

Will can’t stop thinking about the way Nico’s face fell, the way he swayed on his feet as if the weight of Jason’s death was about to push him over. He thought about rushing after his boyfriend, but between Apollo’s own passing-out, Nico’s well-known desire to be alone when things like this happen, and Will’s own confusion and chaos, he decided it was better not to crowd him. Too much had happened all at once and they both needed the space to process everything.

After Will helped Lester to bed, Kayla turned to him and asked if he wanted to take a break, too. “You literally look like you’re about to pass out,” she muttered.

Will passed her up and told her he’d go check on Nico. She looked skeptical about it, as if she didn’t agree with his decision. “I don’t know, Will,” she said. “If Nico’s upset and you’re still dealing with all this all at once, maybe it’s better to wait a bit. Maybe it’s better that both of you let things settle before doing anything. You need to take care of yourself, too.”

Will wanted to protest, but he knew she was right. His stomach was knotted up with anxiety and his exhaustion was continuously pressing on him, drilling pain into his bones. So he waited a few hours until going to Nico.

Now, a little more rested, Will stares at the door. He presses his ear to it to check for any concerning noises. For the most part, all seems silent - except for the faint sniffles that hum through. Will’s heart twists over itself at the sound.

“Nico?” he calls softly. No answer, but the door creaks a bit as if someone is pressing against it. He takes this as a sign that Nico’s listening.

“Hey,” he murmurs. “Are you okay?”

There’s still no answer.

Will sighs. He doubts Nico will let him in just yet. Instead, he opts to sit on the ground and lean against the door, his body aching with the excitement of the afternoon.

He lets silence linger in the air for a moment, considering how to start talking. Tapping his finger against the ground, he begins, “I guess this was a pretty intense day, huh?”

A soft thud echoes against the door in response.

“You know, my dad actually passed out after you left. Completely zonked out. The lemonade spilled all over him. Kayla had to hose him off.” A small smile quirks at Will’s lips at the memory. “Meg and I had to hold him up. It was kind of funny.”

No response again.

Will sighs. “I’m sorry about Jason, Nico. I thought… For your sake, I thought maybe it was just a false alarm. He didn’t deserve what happened to him. He was a really good hero.” As he says the words, though, a pang resonates in his chest. Were you ever a good hero? he wonders to himself. Jealousy and grief both pull at his heart - he shouldn’t be thinking like that, not when Nico’s hurting.

You never were as good as he ever was, his brain insists.

Will grips the sides of his jeans. He won’t fall into this rabbit hole of insecurities right now. Nico needs him.

Does he, though?

Tears prick at Will’s eyes, but he doesn’t let them fall. He can’t break right now.

Nico still doesn’t respond, but another sniffle floats through the door. Then a choking sound echoes through, and the crack in Will’s heart expands.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Will whispers.

The son of Apollo doesn’t expect any response. For a moment, time is frozen; nothing happens. Then Nico’s fingers peep through the space between the door and the ground, and with a jolt Will realizes he’s asking for his hand. Will touches the olive skin gently, then Nico reigns his fingers in, stealing them back into the darkness of his room. After a moment, something clicks and the door swings wide open, a soft breeze swishing through. Will almost falls over if it weren’t for his hands behind him.

Nico’s on his knees, his arm raised to the doorknob as he holds the door open. Tear tracks create cracks against his face, glimmering in the setting sun. His red nose stands out against his olive skin.

He looks broken, deflated. Void of all hope.

“Nico,” whispers Will. The sight of him looking so lost, so shattered makes Will’s own breath hitch with emotion. The ache of tears presses against his own throat, and all of a sudden he wants nothing more than to hold Nico in his arms. He’s exhausted and emotionally drained; he just wants to be in the comforting embrace of his lover.

Nico holds his hands out, lips trembling, tears rolling down his face, and Will falls into them. He pulls Nico’s waist against his body and Nico wraps his arms around Will’s neck and they spill over each other, holding one another in their sorrow, in their devastation, in their misery.

They sit like that for some time, breathing each other in, absorbing each other’s pain, holding one another through the sobs that rack both their bodies. They are one being in this moment, finding a connection through their grief.

Then Will lifts his head and brushes some tears from his own face. He stares at Nico, at his puffy eyes and his red nose and thick tears, and holds his face in his hands. Nico leans into the touch, melting into Will’s skin.

“I didn’t want him to die,” Nico whispers, leaning his head to Will’s. His voice is choked with pain, strangled with agony. Nico’s body vibrates against Will’s arms. “I thought… I thought the worst was over. I thought after the Argo II, we’d all be safe. But he wasn’t… He wasn’t.”

Will brushes a lock of dark hair away from his cheek, and his fingertips whisper against Nico’s soft skin. It’s feverishly hot, saturated with salty tears. “He died a hero,” Will promises.

Nico nods against his shoulder. “But it’s not fair,” he says. “Jason… He deserved more. He was one of the first people I trusted. I thought… It’s like… Everyone I care about somehow always leaves.” Nico looks up at Will, and behind his eyes, the blond sees it: the hesitance, the fear, the perception of his truth. He thinks Will’s going to leave, too.

Will shakes his head. “His death wasn’t your fault, though.”

Nico nods slowly. “I know. He… He took the fall for Apollo.” Will doesn’t miss the kick in his voice as he speaks of his father, the simmer of resentment. The blond caves into himself a little as second-hand guilt slips into his skin. “He went down doing something noble.”

Will nods and offers an encouraging smile, but his mind groans with anxieties and worries. If Jason was someone Nico trusted, what does that say about Nico’s next actions? Will he start going after Jason’s life the way he did for Bianca?

Would Will have to help him?

As if reading his thoughts, Nico wipes his eyes and says, “But he made his choice. He doesn’t deserve death so early, but that is not up to me. It’s up to the Fates.” A small, knowing smile wavers over his mouth. “I won’t be going after him, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

And Will can’t help it - he sighs externally, a tsunami of relief washing over him. If Nico decided to go feral again with Jason’s death, then he would have no idea how to stop him. He’s seen how powerful Nico can be, how easily his emotions motivate his actions. A shiver slithers down Will’s spine as he thinks of that night a few months ago, when Nico first found out about Jason’s death. He’d gotten so angry and upset he almost sent skeletons after Will.

And even as Nico holds Will in his arms, the blond can’t help the knife of anxiety that scrapes against his skin. If Nico is so unstable right now, there’s no telling what he could do. Will just hopes he doesn’t make his boyfriend so upset that he sets more skeletons after him.

The son of Hades takes a deep breath and wipes his tears with the back of his hand. He removes his arms from Will’s neck and suddenly Will is left in the cold, freezing in the lack of his touch. He wants to tell Nico to hold him again, to keep him in his warmth, but he refrains. Nico scrubs his face then takes Will’s hand in his own.

A small smile flashes against his lips. “Thank you, Will, for being here. I appreciate it.”

Will offers a wavering smile back, though he doesn’t quite fill it with genuinity. “I’m always here for you.” Unlike Jason, he thinks, green envy flowing into his muscles. He hates himself for thinking that in the first place.

Nico brushes his fingers against Will’s face, over the splash of freckles and down his jaw. Warmth blooms in Will’s chest at the touch and he tilts his head closer, but cold, hard guilt settles in his stomach. How can he be thinking so jealously of Jason while his boyfriend is grieving so much?

“I’m sorry,” Nico murmurs. “I know this has probably been a long day for you, too, considering that Apollo is back. How are you, my love? I can’t imagine it’s been easy for you either.”

A new volcano of emotion erupts in Will’s chest and hot tears press against his eyes. He folds his arms over Nico again, crashing into him. His tears soak into Nico’s shirt. “I’m just happy he’s alive,” Will admits. “I was scared.”

“I know,” Nico agrees. “You said he passed out. Is he alright?”

“I think so. He doesn’t seem to be in any imminent danger; I think he just worked himself up too much getting here.” Will offers a shaky, relieved sigh. “At least he’s not dead.”

Nico nods against him, his dark hair gently brushing against Will’s cheek. “Did he say anything about important prophecies or any business to do with the camp?”

Will jerks up and stares at Nico’s face intently. His dark, tear-filled eyes gleam under the sunset, flashing with sorrow and exhaustion. Nico looks so weary, so done with the world. Will understands that feeling - he’s tired, so tired. He just wants to sit here with Nico, to bask in the calmness just for a few more minutes before everything turns to shit.

Without meaning to, Will lets loose a small sob. New tears roll down his face and he bends his face to Nico’s neck. Nico glides his hand over Will’s back, through his curls, but Will barely acknowledges his touch.

“I don’t want to talk about this anymore,” Will whispers. “Not now. Later, but not right now.”

Nico flinches with surprise, but he nods against Will’s cheek and slips his hand into the blond’s. “We can talk about it later, at dinner.”

“Dinner is in ten minutes.”

“Then at the campfire.”

Will sighs. “Let’s skip out on dinner.”

“And do what?”

“I just want to sit here with you. I want to be sad. Let’s be sad. We’ve been forcing happiness too long.”

Nico’s fingers jerk against Will’s neck, a twitch of surprise tugging at his body. Then, with a shaky sigh, he nods his head in agreement. His body goes limp against Will’s, melts into a puddle of sorrow, and Will pulls himself into Nico.

They sit there for a long while, drowning in their sorrow together.

[hockeylvr59]

Carl’s Choice || Zach Aston-Reese

Requested: [ ] yes [x] no

Authors Note: I think you all know how much I love ZAR’s puppy Carl by now. I’ve written a few blurbs for Zach but decided it was time to write a full length imagine for him. So I proudly present 4 times Carl chose you and 1 time he didn’t. Yes, I heavily featured Carl but Zach is in it too, lol. 

Warnings: a couple of curses

Word Count: 3,180

~~~~~~~

I.

Lately, you couldn’t tell whether it was almost Christmas or almost Memorial Day. These 60 degree December days were seriously throwing off your sense of time. Not that you were complaining...because you’d take this weather over freezing temperatures any day. In fact, you’d decided to take advantage of the weather, throwing on some workout clothes and tennis shoes before heading to one of the many parks in downtown Pittsburgh. 

About 20 minutes into your walk you’d realized one of your shoes had come untied and you knelt down at the edge of the walkway to tie the laces back up. It was as you were adjusting your pants back down over the tops of your shoes that a high pitched bark sounded in your ears and suddenly an energetic dog was racing right at you. As you pushed yourself to your feet, you felt him quickly dance around your legs, and from off in the distance, you could hear a man yelling at the dog. 

“CARL!” You heard the man yell again as he jogged closer. As your eyes took in the broad shape of the dog’s owner, your brain processed the name and the breed of the dog still dancing around you and all at once, everything clicked. 

Squatting back down you let Carl sniff you quickly before he started licking you, attacking you with kisses. 

“CARL!” The man repeated, now just a few feet away from you. This time Carl paused and looked over towards his dad, his tail continuing to wag excitedly. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what’s gotten into him.” He explained and it was now that you noticed the empty leash in his hands. “I had him leashed and then suddenly he was just taking off towards you. I think maybe he thought you were hurt.” As he rambled, he moved to hook the leash back onto Carl’s collar. 

“It’s okay.” You insisted, standing back up once again, your hands settling onto your hips. “He meant well.” A smile was growing on your face as you appreciated the man standing in front of you glaring slightly at his dog. “And it’s not every day you get kisses from your favorite Instagram pup.” You added, your lips pursing with mirth. Carl yipped happily as Zach’s brows raised, his brain processing your words. Suddenly his free hand was rubbing at the back of his neck and you could tell he felt slightly uncomfortable. 

“I should get back to my walk now that Carl is satisfied I’m okay.” You declared, not wanting this to become a big deal. “Uh...it was nice to meet both of you, good luck with the season…” After shooting Zach what you hoped was a warm smile you turned on your heel to continue down the pathway. The moment you started walking, Carl whined loudly and repeatedly until you saw him appear beside you again, Zach jogging behind him. 

“Mind if we walk with you?” Zach breathed, his voice somewhat hesitant. Your pulse skipped a beat as you watched him glance between you and Carl. Being back in close proximity to you, Carl had settled and his tail was wagging once again. 

“Sure.” You eventually agreed. Normally you would be hesitant about a man inserting himself into your walk, but it was the middle of the day, and being who he was you doubted that you were in any danger. In fact, it felt far more likely that you would trip or sprain your ankle than that Zach would cause you any harm. And since you didn’t feel like you were in any danger, having company while you continued what you were already doing didn’t feel like too much of a hardship. 

As you walked, Carl continued to yip happily, swerving to brush against your legs every so often. Eventually, you reached a point where you needed to rest, keeping up with a professional athlete and an energetic dog was just too much. As you flopped down into a patch of grass, Zach stood above you, his expression much more relaxed than it had previously been. At the same time, Carl came over to kiss your face again before plopping himself down at your side. 

“You know. I can’t remember the last time he was so calm during a walk.” Zach mentioned, his hands tucked into his pockets. “Usually he’s wanting to chase every squirrel, investigate every tree.” It was left unspoken how much Carl seemed to like you but when you finally made your way back to the edge of the park you watched as once again Zach rubbed his hand against the back of his neck. 

“Could I uh...could I get your number?” He questioned. “So maybe we could meet up and walk together again?” 

After tapping your number into his phone, you bent down to pet Carl one final time, a giggle falling from your lips as Carl perched himself against your legs for more kisses. 

Of all of the people Carl could have chosen to approach in the park, he had chosen you. 

II.

When the weather allowed, and even sometimes when it really didn’t, you found yourself joining Zach and Carl on walks. The more time you spent together, the more open Zach became and if you were honest with yourself, those walks were always the highlight of your week. 

On a Saturday afternoon in early February, you found yourself parking along the curb of a well-off neighborhood, a small gift bag in your hand, and a large crockpot of meatballs tucked against your chest. The moment you reached the front yard, you were thrown off balance as Carl bolted across the lawn. Zach’s booming laugh reached your ears almost immediately and you murmured gratefully at him as he moved to take the food from your hands. With your hands now free apart from the gift bag, you squatted down in front of Carl, accepting all of his kisses as you pet him behind his ears. 

“And who is the sweetest birthday boy?” You cooed. Carl yipped in response and you leaned forward to kiss his head. “Yes Carl, I know. You’re the sweetest birthday boy.” When Carl started to nose against the gift bag you giggled and shook your head. “You can’t have that now, that’s for later.” You chastised. Instead, you dipped your hand into the pocket of your coat pulling out a peanut butter, pumpkin, and blueberry cookie that you had made for him for Christmas and which Zach had raved about him loving. Upon smelling the treat, Carl immediately started nosing at your hand and you shook your head. 

“Sit Carl.” You directed. When he complied, you opened your hand, allowing him access to the treat. “Good boy.”

The clearing of a throat drew your attention up and you watched as Zach gazed down at you. 

“Uh...Kelsey wants to know if she needs to do anything to the food you brought?” He murmured. 

“Oh uh...they just need to be plugged in to keep warm.” You responded, a shiver running through your body. “I’ll uh...I’ll go help her.” You added. Zach summoned Carl to follow the two of you inside and he introduced you to his teammates as you slipped your coat and shoes off and made your way through the house to the kitchen. 

As he handed you a drink a few minutes later, his hand fell to rest against your lower back. 

“You know you didn’t have to bring anything.” He spoke softly, his mouth just inches from your ear. 

“And you know my mama raised me better than that.” You replied, sipping from the drink and smiling as the fruity concoction hit your tongue. “Though you should probably try them before you think too highly of me.” You added. 

And try them Zach did. In fact, he downed at least one whole entire plate of them himself. You mingled for a bit with the wives and girlfriends of Zach’s teammates before finally settling with a plate of your own onto the living room floor while a hockey game played on tv. You’d been seated for less than five minutes when Carl jumped down from his spot next to Zach to rest his head on your lap. Within minutes, he was zonked draped halfway over your body, and the fact that he had left his dad so quickly to snuggle you caught the attention of everyone there. 

“ZAR bud, I think you’ve been replaced,” Rusty commented, a smile on his face. 

“You’re not even your own dog’s favorite,” Jake added teasingly. 

Zach just shrugged, an unreadable expression on his face. Carl didn’t move from his spot on your lap the entire game, and he’d only stirred when you ran your finger up and down his nose before murmuring that it was time for treats. 

Watching Carl dig into his birthday cake before playing with the stuffed penguin you’d gotten him filled your heart with so much happiness. He was such a sweet and special puppy that even as a cat lover you couldn’t help but adore him. 

As the sun set, you knew you needed to get home, though you didn’t really want to leave. Carrying the now cleaned crockpot, Zach walked you to your car. 

“So I’ll see you in a few days for our walk?” You questioned, the idea having been mentioned earlier in the day. When Zach shook his head negatively, you were confused but figured he’d forgotten about some preexisting plan. “Okay then.” You declared. “Goodnight.” 

“Wait. Fuck.” Zach breathed, his hand reaching out and falling to your hip as you leaned against the side of your car. With your lip tugged between your teeth, you waited for him to say something more. 

“Instead of a walk…” He started. “I want…” He looked nervous as he spoke and it caused your stomach to fill with butterflies. “Let me take you out. On a date.” He requested, his fingers flexing against your hip. 

Though you hadn’t seen it coming, you couldn’t deny that the thought of it had crossed your mind once or twice before. 

“I’d like that.” You agreed, leaning up to press a quick kiss to Zach’s cheek, his scruff creating a tickling sensation. “But are you sure you want to take me out when I’m Carl’s favorite?” You joked. Zach’s eyes went a shade darker and he chuckled softly. 

“He’s got good taste. I don’t blame him.” 

III. 

Being with Zach brought a new light to your life. While you had your struggles and disagreements like all couples do, being with him just felt easy. There was nothing you loved more than curling up with him and Carl on the couch at the end of a long day. 

Even though you’d only been together three months, there was a part of you that felt certain that he was the one. So when Zach asked you to go home with him after the team was eliminated from the playoffs, you immediately agreed. 

It wasn’t until you reached New York that you realized just how much of an accent Zach had and you couldn’t help but tease him about it. Just as quickly he threw back how bad your Pittsburghese was and you conceded knowing that he was right. While the teasing was a momentary distraction from the nerves you were feeling at meeting Zach’s family, the moment it ended, those nerves crept right back up. 

As you pulled up to Zach’s childhood home, you glanced back at where Carl was asleep in the backseat. Gathering your bag from the trunk, despite Zach’s protest, you watched as he tried to get Carl up and out of the car with no success. Carl’s eyes were open but he remained sprawled out across the backseat, no intention of going anywhere. 

“Carl, come,” Zach commanded, snapping his fingers at his dog as he worked to gather everything else from the car. A loud sigh escaped your boyfriend’s throat when Carl failed to obey. It had been a long drive and you knew Zach was tired so you rubbed your hand along his back. 

“Babe...why don’t you start inside.” You murmured before turning your attention to the pup in the backseat. 

“Come on Carl...car time is over.” You instructed and immediately Carl lifted his head before jumping from the backseat to stretch, pacing around your legs before trotting up the driveway. Closing the car, you watched as Zach let Carl inside before meeting you halfway up the driveway. 

“I hate you.” He grumbled, again reaching for your bag which this time you let him take. 

“You love me.” You replied, kissing his cheek before taking his hand in yours. As you turned to walk away he tugged you back to him. 

“You’re right. I do. Even if my dog listens to you and not me.” 

IV. 

From the first night you’d started staying over at Zach’s, Carl had decided to make himself at home in the spot between yours and Zach’s feet. In the six-plus months you’d been together if Carl was in bed with the two of you, that was where he laid. When it was just you in Zach’s bed, Carl chose to sleep against his dad’s pillow. 

So when he started sleeping pressed against your abdomen, it had struck you as odd. But you blew it off as one of his weird dog moods. Plus, it wasn’t like you didn’t enjoy more cuddle time with the dog you’d grown to love almost as much as his owner. 

You were in the kitchen of Zach’s apartment making dinner while Zach paced around the apartment talking to his Aunt out in California on the phone. She must have asked about Carl because Zach started talking about his latest adventures before bringing up his new favorite spot to sleep. 

You hadn’t realized he was on speakerphone until Zach stepped into the kitchen behind you, stealing a piece of cooked chicken from the cutting board beside you. 

“Zach honey...I don’t mean to pry but I have to ask…” His Aunt’s voice floated through the speaker. “Is it possible y/n is pregnant?” 

You nearly cut yourself on the knife in your hand as your body froze, the knife clattering onto the cutting board. 

“I only mention it because it’s possible that Carl has sensed a change in the scent of her hormones and has moved spots due to an instinct to protect the baby.” 

The room was silent as your brain spun, overwhelmed by her words. 

“I uh... I gotta go...I’ll call you back.” Zach’s voice mumbled as the room started to spin slightly. As you wobbled, Zach’s hands wrapped around your waist and he pulled you back against his chest. Just as quickly, Carl himself raced into the room from where he had been sleeping on the couch and he nosed at your legs until eventually your body steadied itself, leaning back against Zach’s body. 

After a moment, Zach scooped you up and carried you to the couch, his lips dropping to your forehead. 

“Zach...I…” You weren’t even 100% certain that it was your voice speaking the words. As Carl jumped up beside you, Zach’s hand moved to cradle your jaw and he pressed a soft kiss to your lips. 

“No...don’t.” He whispered. “I’ll go get a test.” He declared. 

Twenty minutes later, dinner was completely forgotten as you sat on the couch, Carl’s nose tucked against your stomach while three positive pregnancy tests stared up at you from their spot on the coffee table. Mindlessly, your fingers ran over Carl’s spine as you watched Zach sitting next to you, his head in his hands from shock. 

“We’re having a baby.” He eventually breathed, and when he looked up you saw that his eyes were filled with tears. “Fuck...I’m gonna be a dad.” Still uncertain about how he felt about that declaration your breath was slow and shaky. Then Zach leaned over and his lips crashed down onto yours. Upon pulling away, he glanced down at Carl, his fingers sliding from your neck down to the flat expanse of your belly. 

“You’re the greatest dog ever bud. Good work.” 

This time when Zach kissed you again, you could feel him smiling into it, both his and your own tears wetting your cheeks. “We’re having a baby.” It was one of the most amazing phrases you had ever heard. 

+

Through the entirety of your pregnancy, Carl had insisted on sleeping as close to your baby bump as possible. Sometimes it was inconvenient, but it was sweet all the same. In the time you’d been together, Carl had certainly become more your dog than Zach’s but your boyfriend never really seemed to mind. 

When you’d brought your daughter home, she’d started sleeping in the bassinet on your side of the bed. And Carl had remained by your side, though he shifted further down the bed toward your feet. You’d expected that now that Lindsey was here that Carl would resume his original sleeping positions, either between yours and Zach’s feet or at Zach’s pillow. 

And when you’d placed Lindsey in her crib in the nursery for the first time while Zach was on the road, Carl had indeed been tucked up against Zach’s pillow when you crawled into bed. 

You’d stirred sometime around 2:30 in the morning according to a glance at your phone. You’d expected to be up for a feeding by now but you hadn’t heard anything from the baby monitor. Immediately panic flooded through your veins and you almost jumped out of bed. A glance back revealed that Carl was also nowhere to be seen and that caused another wave of fear. 

Racing to your daughter’s nursery you leaned over the crib and immediately almost cried in relief. Lindsey was doing just fine, her tiny fists were balled up above her head as she slept, soft snores like her dad spilling from her lips. 

As your heartbeat returned to its normal rhythm, your eyes drifted further down the crib. There, curled up in a ball with his snoot resting on your daughter’s foot was Carl, peering up at you in the dark. A light laugh spilled from your throat and you reached down to pet him gently. 

“I guess you have a new favorite girl don’t you boy?” Carl didn’t move but it was clear from the look in his eyes that he was going to do whatever it took to keep her safe. 

By choosing you that day in the park, Carl had given you everything you could have ever imagined. Now he has chosen your daughter. Chosen to protect her, chosen to love her just as much as he loves you. He was truly the best dog and you were so grateful for the day he had bounded into your life. 

“Love you, Carl.” You murmured, petting him once more before returning to bed, certain that Lindsey was in the best of hands. 

[gnocchighoul]

OK HEAR ME OUT asmo self-care God and starts making his brothers take breaks and take better care of themselves, like facemasks and spa days, fashion and shopping trips, and just showing them the world of self-indulging habits

Yes 🥺 and asmo is so observant, when he seriously wants something he'd know exactly what strings to pull to get it -- which in this case is acquiring a new self care buddy every day 😂

i can totally see him being one of the very very few people who can actually pull Lucifer away from work. he's slick about it too, so that Lucifer doesn't even realize whats happening until they're like, following a yoga dvd and lucifer is just mid-warrior ii pose having an epiphany about it like "what the fuck" 😂

Belphie's somewhat easy. asmo just slaps a face mask on him and lets him zonk out on the floor. he probably also paints Belphie's nails while he sleeps.

funnily enough I don't think asmo would have to put much work into convincing satan to have a self care day with him -- satan seems like the kinda guy to appreciate it already. y'know what, i bet its even fairly common to find satan with his hair clipped back, face mask already on, nose buried in a book 😌💗