#ABatsie-Writes

[b4ts1e]

▀▄▀▄▀▄First Meet Ups▄▀▄▀▄▀(𝚐𝚗!𝙼𝙲)

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛'𝚜 𝙸𝚗𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚍: 𝙽𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝚃𝚘𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚀𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚗𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚘𝚠𝚕 𝚡𝚢𝚡 𝙼𝙲 𝚂𝚘𝚌𝚒𝚎𝚝𝚢𝙱𝚘𝚢 (𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚍)

𝚆𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐: Some are a tad bit more suggestive than the rest, just a heads up.

𝙽𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝚃𝚘𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛

Anxiously he stood in the airport lobby, being in public spaces has never been their greatest strength- social anxiety sucks ass. However that wasn't the only thing he was anxious about- they were just about to meet up with MC. The two of them had been planning this for months, and now that MC has quit their old job (honestly it was about damn time) because they refused to grant them their vacation days- the two were finally able to be in each other's arms after seven months.

His phone lit up with a new notification, followed by another and another. The shit connection from the airport had delayed their arrival times.

"Landed, going to baggage claim.""Gods I'm nervous, but super excited!" "Toasty, where are you?" "Toasty" "Toast?"

Quickly they respond, foot tapping on the floor as his anxiety peaks. MC was in the building. They were so close. Excitement bursts through his chest, while the anxiety that they just couldn't shake- twisted their stomach into knots. What if he wasn't what they were expecting? What if they regret agreeing to come? The thoughts made him feel much smaller in the room crowded with people.

"Let me know when you get to the lobby, there's too many people here for me to get to the baggage claim."

MC had shot back a quick thumbs up emote, most likely focusing on their current task of retreiving their belongings. NakedToaster stood there, back to a beam, their foot tapping the ground faster now as he looked back and forth between the escalators that people were coming down from baggage claim on. When he saw an all too familiar person, typing away at their phone while going down the escalator before he got a notifcation- they knew it was them.

Carefully but also instinctively he navigated through the crowd, eyes locked on their target before he stood not even two feet away. "MC?" he spoke, reaching out and tapping the person's shoulder gently. They looked up shocked before a grin spread across their face, dropping their suitcase before jumping to pull the 6'4 giant into a hug. "TOAST!" they shouted happily, their grip tightening around his shoulders as they slowly return the embrace and a smile grew on his lips.

"H-Hey!" he said, internally beating themself up for stuttering like a fool. "C'mon let's get out of here. Too many people." they said before grabbing MC's bag for them and guiding them to the exit quickly, getting to his car. Once inside the vehicle he began to calm down a bit, "You alright? I know you don't do well with crowds hun, but I didn't think it'd be that bad. Do you want me to drive?" MC said quietly as to not overwhelm him, taking his hand gently and rubbing their thumb over the backside of it.

NakedToaster shook their head gently, offering his partner a soft smile as they blush slightly- giving their hand a gentle squeeze. "No, thank you though... I- I love you." he said softly, blush blooming farther across his cheeks and ears. MC giggles softly before Toast groaned loudly and rested their forhead on the driver's wheel. "I love you too Toast. But look at me for a second, please?" they asked, scooting closer to the center consol of the car. He picked up their head and looked towards his partner still flustered but curiously. "What gonna embarass me mo-" he started before being cut off softly as MC leaned over the console and kissed them gently.

It took a moment for Toast to register what was happening before they melted into the kiss, bringing a hand to cup MC's jawline gently- hand shaking from nerves. When the kiss broke, they both were blushing. "I- woah." he muttered softly, resulting in MC nodding softly in flustered agreement with a shakey smile before backing away to sit back in their seat.

With what just happened- Toast knew that once the month long visit was over, it'd be extremely difficult to let them go back to their house. But right now? That didn't matter to either of them.

𝚀𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝

MC paced around their house, rearranging everything to be perfect for his arrival. They needed something to do so that their nerves didn't swallow them whole, after all- Quest was coming to their house. He was going to be here, alone, with them- in all of his tattoed glory. Just the thought alone brought a small blush to MC's face before they shook the (possibly sinful) thoughts of him from their mind and contiued patting down the banket thrown over their coach for the fifth time in the last thirty minutes.

Suddenly the doorbell rang, the pre-set jingle flowing through the house- stunning MC to a stop. He was here. Quest was right outside the door, waiting for them. Quickly they take a breath, hoping to calm themself down at least a little bit more before answering the door. Wiping down their clothes from any excess dust, they take one last moment before opening the door- revealing a 6'0 man standing there in a dark blue turtle neck, a black cover up, matching slacks and a bundle of fresh red roses in his hands.

"MC! For a second here I thought I had the wrong house!" He said with a nervous chuckle, making them laugh a bit as well as they moved aside motioning him inside. "Come on in Quest, sorry I took so long opening the door. Was in the middle of something." they explained with a smile, fiddling with either hands nervously- being in person was way different then seeing this absoulte unit of a man in person.

He entered the house, looking around a bit before his eyes fall to MC's nervous form- closing the door behind them. "You alright? You seem more nervous then when SoceityBoy was in the Bloomic server..." he said softly, reaching out a free hand to them but not touching them- just in case. "Oh! I'm alright, just- it's different having you here. In my house. Rather than through screens... I- don't know exactly what to do first." they say with a small laugh, slowly guiding him towards the living room- him noticing the excessive preening the smaller of the two had done before he had gotten here.

"Well, let me try then. Here- I brought these for you." he said, extending the flowers to MC gently with a soft smile on his face. Graciously they accepted the flowers, giving them a quick whiff before looking back up to the tall man with a smile. "Thank you Quest, you really didn't need to get me anything- but this is...very sweet of you." they said, looking around for one their stored away vases to keep the gentle flowers in.

"I wanted too, after all..." he started before he gently pulled MC closer to him by the waist and leaned down towards them slightly. "I'm getting to see the most amazing partner in the entire world in person for the very first time, it felt like a necessary thing to do." he said lowly with a small smirk intergrating into his smile as he observed the blush that radiated off of MC's cheeks at their proximity.

Carefully, Quest put the flowers on the counter behind MC so they wouldn't get crushed before pulling them even closer. "Is this okay?" he asked softly, his flirtatious front falling as he took their comfort into account. After dealing with a terrible ex-boyfriend like SocietyBoy, he didn't want to make any moves that could hurt them in anyway- guess that's the Xander in him. They nod softly before their eyes flit between meeting his and his lips before they gulped softly- avoiding eye contact, but the nervous acts did not go unnoticed by Quest as he gently brought his lips to theirs. It was soft, but intense at the same time- all of the built up love and affection of six months of long distance crashing down on the two of them.

When the kiss broke, MC found themself instinctively following after him- not ready to be seperated just yet, and Quest happily obliged to his lover's desperate need for closeness. When they reconnected, the kiss was far more heated as MC gripped tightly at his turtleneck and he seemed to pull them ever closer to him as he pushed them against the counter. When it broke again, MC putting their hands gently against his chest as they looked down- catching their breath and trying to still their racing heart.

"I love you MC." he said through baited breaths. "I love you too Quest, thank you for coming." they replied with a smile, nuzzling into his chest and hugging him tightly.

𝚗𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚘𝚠𝚕

He was excited, having finally been granted permission to leave his college campus for good- shown by his architecture degree that was carefully framed and packed away in his suitcase that stood right beside him by the curb. Nightowl wasn't the type to enjoy driving, but lucky enough for him he has a loving partner in the same state that just so happens to be willing to drive for hours to bring him home. Some would call it 'going to fast' but it felt like it took too long for him.

It has been three months since he'd met and gotten together with MC, sure it was definetely a fast growing relationship- but it worked for both of them. And now? He was moving into their house, just to be closer physically. As a sleek, black Hundai Genesis G80 rolled around the entry corner he felt his excitement grow- despite the tinted glass he could see his lover in the driver's seat. When the car pulls to a stop by the curb in front of him, he started to grab his bags but paused when he heard the car door open and rushed speedwalking.

"Darling!" they said with a grin, wrapping him into a tight hug quickly before he could properly react. When the shock died down he laughed cheerfully and hugged them back just as tightly, "My love! Thank you for coming to get me, it feels so good to have you in my arms..." he said, nuzzling his face in between their shoudler and neck- memorizing their warmth and smell. MC laughed a bit, being slightly tickled by his hair brushing against their skin gently.

"It's no problem, it was an excuse to see you for one AND you're moving into my house so might as well." they say, putting a hand into the boy's hair letting him stay there as long as he felt like it. A comfortable silence erupted between the two, only the hum of the car's engine persisting. The feeling of his lover finally being in his arms was euphoric, and he couldn't stop his tendancies as he started to gently pepper kisses across the skin availible to him on the neck and shoulder space.

MC's breathing took a swift halt, the gentle kisses making their skin shiver- it had been so long since they were given this level of affection in person. It felt both foreign and familiar- but in the best way possible as they let out small shaky breaths. "Hun- we...we should get your bags into the car." they said shakily before nightowl raised his head and gave them the puppy eyes, letting out a light whine. "But gorgeous!!! I just wanna shower you with affection, pleaseeee??? A few more minutes???" he asked, puffing out his bottom lip a bit to intensify his pouty face.

MC laughed lightly at his silly shenanigans, cupping his face and placing a light peck on his nose before breaking from his grasp and grabbing his bags off of the ground to put them in the trunk. Nightowl stood there stunned for a moment before literally shaking his head like a puppy, a blush on his cheeks "H-Hey! You missed!" he practically shouted, making his partner laugh lightheartedly. "The sooner we get home, the sooner you can get an actual kiss birdy. I promise." they said with a playful smile before slipping into the driver's seat.

With a happy grin he got into the passenger side of the car, excited by the prospect of their house now becoming both of their home. Even as he sat down and buckled up, he couldn't sit still- his excitement evident and making MC chuckle a bit as they started the long drive home, a soft hand resting on his thigh the whole ride home.

𝚡𝚢𝚡

Xyx was focused, being more careful then usual on his motorcycle as he sped towards their designated meet up point- he was just moments away from the love of his life, MC. A grin spread across his face as he sped up a bit more, hoping to get there faster- he needed them close sooner rather than later, after all...it's been nine months since they've gotten together and they've never even within physical range of each other. Not once did he get to feel their delicate skin against his own, nor did he get to see their face bloom a beautiful red as he teased them directly and not through a screen.

Cat sat in front of him, strapped to his chest with a custom made helmet on their little head- they were also excited to see MC. After all, they now meowed at the screen everytime they realized Xyx was on call with them- pawing gently at the screen, trying to get to them. Eventually, he pulled to a stop in front of an apartment building, a temporary living arrangement they've made until they find a place they can both mutually agree on.

Quickly he got off the bike, turning it off and taking the keys from the ignition- putting the kick stand down and pulling off his helmet as well as Cat's. He entered the establishment quickly, carefully unstrapping cat from his chest as he approached the elevator- he knew which room he was going to already and had been given instructions for once inside the building. Apparentally, the staff at the establishment aren't permitted to show people to rooms without them having proof of rooming there- privacy and legal contracting stuff. Luckily they didn't question him as the elevator closed, and he went to the top floor- the bought out apartment he insisted on was of course the suite, only the best for the best.

He approached the door, setting Cat down on the floor before knocking and adjusting his backpack strap. The door swung open swiftly, revealing MC grinning excitedly bouncing on their toes and before Xyx could get a single word out Cat meowed loudly- pawing at their shins, making them giggle. "My two favorite beings are here! Hi hi!" they said excitedly, picking up the cat and pulling Xyx inside the suite. "So Cat gets a hug and I don't? I see how it is." he teases, pulling off his bag and leaning against the entryway wall.

"No no no! Hold on! The baby was just- she got to me first." MC defended quickly, hugging the feline to their chest and nuzzling into their fur. "Oh so it's a competition huh?" he says, a devious smirk on his face as his eyes showed he was planning something. "Y'know what? Yeah. Yeah it was, Cat just loves me more." they say turning around, acting overly sassy for show as they pet Cat's head gently- the feline releasing calming purrs.

Suddenly Xyx wrapped his arms around MC's waist, making them squeal as he picked them up from behind and walking to the couch- gently tossing them down, making Cat scurry off to explore. "H-Hey! X you could've hurt Cat!" they said playfully glaring at their boyfriend before he crawled over them, putting his face in their chest and holding them close. "She's fine, but right now? You're mine. If I have to prove it, I will. Mine." he muttered into his partner's clothed chest- his cheeks heating.

MC chuckled a bit, blush spreading across their cheeks. "How exactly would you prove that huh? Gonna make me wear a collar like a cat or something?" they tease with a laugh. He groans into their chest before lifting himself up, a soft blush on his cheeks and ears before he leans back down- face in the crook of their neck. It was a moment later that he was biting down gently on their skin, leaving soft red marks behind. "I'll think about that collar, but for now these will do." he says teasingly, kissing each one softly.

MC laughed fullheartedly, despite being flustered they found it adorable how he felt the need to show off that they were exclusively his. "You're a big softie under that memeable surface, and I love it so damn much." they say, hugging his head into their chest again. "Only for you." he muttered into their chest as he cuddled into them, listening to their heart beat- studying it and trying to match his own to it. "I never thought I'd get to say this to someone- but I love you MC." he said quietly, listening to their heart race slightly faster afterwards- making him smile. "I love you too Xyx, all of you." they said quietly in return.

The two stayed bundled up like that until Cat returned and hopped onto Xyx's back, curling into a ball and chosing him as her new bed for the moment- making him unable to move. It was a small family, but it was perfect for them.

𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝: 2,942

#blooming panic #bloomic #nakedtoaster #quest #nightowl #xyx #bloomic mc #reqs open #writing #ABatsie-Writes

[b4ts1e]

▀▄▀▄▀▄The Weight of Stones▄▀▄▀▄▀ (𝚐𝚗!𝙼𝙲)

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛'𝚜 𝙸𝚗𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚍: 𝚀𝚒𝚞/𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚞𝚖𝚗 𝙻𝚒𝚗 𝚃𝚊𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝙱𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚗 𝙾𝚙𝚊𝚕 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 (𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚍) 𝙼𝙲 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 (𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙾𝙻:𝙽&𝙵)

𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚙𝚝:

I am so sorry this was requested back in October and I'm just now uploading it- but please enjoy! Just a heads up- as I'm invisioning this, they are closer to step 3 then the step 2 prolouge, so this kinda like an inbetween chapter I guess.

(Heads up- as I'm writing this, I've noticed that this is gonna hit really close to home for some since it gets pretty heavy into the angst part of hurt-comfort. Please be careful while reading.)

(𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗)

It was painfully obvious for those who paid attention, and even for those who barely kept tabs on it- Qiu Lin and Tamarack Baumann...they don't get along. Everyone in the small town of Golden Grove knew it, including the one who stood between the two- MC Second. Those closest to MC, mainly their mother, could see the way they constantly tried to hold the cul-de-sac trio together, grasping at straws to keep what little of their childhood friendship remained.

However- their effort has been proven futile time and time again. And we all know the saying: 'the straw that breaks the camel's back'. Eventually, they to would break down- no matter how strong or tight they held onto their apathetic mask.

(𝙼𝙲'𝚜 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚎)

It felt like I was drowning, no longer in control of my own body as I was forced to watch my two friends stare daggers at each other. The world around me was muffled, they were saying things at each other and yet I couldn't understand the words they were saying- I only knew that it wasn't good, they were fighting. Over what? I hadn't the slightest clue, it's just been this way- for awhile now.

I'm so tired.

My body was strained, being pulled towards two opposing sides- yet wanting nothing but the past laughter and fun we had as children. Exhaustion swallows me whole as I slowly, quietly, and completely unnoticed as I walk away from the two. I just wanted to go home at this point- and yet? The house that was once filled with joy and laughter, echoing down the hall as we told each other stories and kept each other up way past our bedtimes, no longer felt the same. It was cold, quiet, and yet somehow welcoming- the silence was always better than the muffled screaming of others.

This was the first time they'd let themselves genuinely argue in front of me, normally they kept their time with me as a neutral space- a cease from the firing of guns. Sure their slight jabs at each other never faded, but even so- that could be considered playful banter. Or at least that's what my mind told itself- what I told myself, just so I could attempt to rest easy at night.

Maybe this was my fault, they only started fighting because I kept pushing them to be around each other. Had I just...let them drift apart this wouldn't have happened, they would've lived on without needing to communicate with each other- but no. I had to be selfish. I just had to make things worse didn't I?

I entered my house, removing any extra layers I had put on today- carelessly putting them on the couch and floors along with my bag before heading upstairs. The weight of anything unessential felt burdensome, I didn't even lock the front door behind me- I couldn't find the motivation too. Once in my room I threw my shoes into a corner, flopping face first into my bed- grasping a pillow close to my chest as it became hard to breath.

I wanted to scream, but I once again- couldn't find the motivation, as tears streamed down my face.

(𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗)

Shortly after MC had walked away, Tamarack and Qiu realized the absence of their mutual friend. Worry struck them both, despite Qiu not outwardly showing it like Tamarack so willingly did. "Where did MC go?" she asked- mainly to herself as she looked around, hoping to spot the bridge that kept the trio together. Autumn shrugged, looking around lazily- they didn't show it willingly but worry was burried deep in their heart. "Maybe they finally got sick of you, I dunno know." they proded, almost eliciting a snap response from Tamarack.

She may not be willing to stand up for herself normally, but she definetely wouldn't let Qiu- of all people, make her doubt the closeness between her and MC. After all- they were bestfriends, right? Since the second day they've known each other and they both confirmed it. That hadn't changed...right? She shook her head quickly, glaring at the taller of the two. "Or they got sick of you finally. I can't understand how they stick around you after all this time!" she responds before pinching the bridge of her nose with a groan.

"Y'know what? I'm going to find MC and apologize for letting your stupid remarks get to me in front of them, if you're tagging along then I highly suggest keeping up." she says before walking away, towards MC's house- hoping that'd be where she'd find her friend. Autumn rolled their eyes and followed after her, not caring all too much about apologizing but worried for their friend- one of the few people who they kept around in this difficult time for themself.

By the time the duo had gotten to MC's house, the sun had set- the sky being dark and the threat of rain became extremely apparent as heavy storm clouds rolled in over the town. The feeling of electricity in the air mixed with their worry made them both far more anxious to know if MC really was within the walls before them. Tamarack knocked, receiving no answer and only boosting Qiu's nerves. Neither of them liked how it felt detrimental to get into the building quickly, almost like a rush of adrenaline shooting through them both simultaneously. Autumn nudged past Tamarack, their expression shifting from their relaxed front to anxiety in an instant- they reached for the handle and tried to open it.

Seeing the door creak open, revealing a dark and quiet house was terrifying. Leaving too much room for their imaginations to wander, especially with the door unlocked- had something happened? Tamarack flicked on the light, quickly spotting the mess of clothes and a bag that remained untouched in the living room. A slight relief ran through her as she was now certain that her assumption of MC going home had been correct, but when the soft sound of dry sobbing came from upstairs the two made eye contact with one another. Worry etched across both of their faces, a mutual agreement to not jab at each other for the time being was made without words.

Slowly the two went up the stairs, locating the source of the crying. Hearing mumbles of things such as:

"It's my fault..."

"I'm so selfish..."

"I just wanted to be happy..."

The voice was hoarse and muffled by a pillow. Looking into the room, Qiu and Tamarack saw something that broke both of their hearts. MC was curled into a ball, laying on their side, clutching a pillow like a life line, shivering, and crying. Most beyond their small trio would've never seen something like this, they were always so optimistic about things and their mask was as hard as stone. Rarely had the cracks gotten bad enough for the mask to completely shatter and allowed them to break down like this, they were the strong one- no matter their muscle mass.

Hearing them degrading themself, blaming themself for the two not getting along- even going as far to see themself as selfish for wishing for the past... It triggered something in Autumn, the person they relied so heavily on day after day had been hurting and they too had been far too blind to see it- it made them feel incredibly guilty, they had been the selfish ones. Not MC. Tears pricked the corners of their eyes as they slowly entered the room as quietly as possible- yearning to comfort them as much as possible.

Tamarack's reaction had been similar- she didn't want to believe that she had been so neglectful of her best friend's needs, but the proof was right in front of her. It clicked in the back of both of their minds in an instant- they both had been bad friends. Without realizing it they turned their rivalry of sorts into a larger priority than their friendship with MC. Now knowing just how much they'd affected their friend's mental health, they wanted nothing but to take it all back.

Once she broke from her shock- Tamarack moved quickly, faster than she had intended, getting onto MC's bed and pulling them in her chest- holding them tightly as her own tears spilled from her eyes. Stunned, MC froze- looking to see Qiu approaching slowly and hearing the choked sobs coming from Tamarack. Once Autumn had finally gotten to the bed, they sat down on the edge and grabbed MC's hand gently- massaging their knuckles lightly, something MC had done for them in the past to calm their nerves.

It felt like an enternity went by at the trio cried together- one crying silently, the other with their voice already hoarse from previous events, and the other much more vocal about their sarrow. Once it had calmed down, tears now dry and everything was out- Qiu was the first to speak, voice soft and slightly shaking from all the emotions.

"MC...We are so...so sorry for ignoring your needs, we prioritized our stupid rivalry over our friendship with you- I see now that we have been really bad friends to you. You shouldn't have to chose between us. You aren't selfish for wanting things to be as they were before. I am so sorry for not seeing the warning signs that you needed help too..." they explained, clutching MC's hand tightly- their partially gloved hands cold and shaking slightly. The cold inside only amplified but the chill and rain from the out, making MC realize that they hadn't bothered to turn on the heater once they got home.

Tamarack slowly let them go, rubbing under her eyes with her sweater sleeve to try to clear the crust left behind by the tears that were shed. "I- I'm sorry too MC. We're supposed to be your best friends, and not even I noticed what you were going through. I thought...I dunno- I just." she took a moment to restabilize herself before she cried again. "I was a bad friend to you as well MC, and I am so sorry if we accidentally made you feel unimportant or selfish because of our stupid inability to get along. We care a lot for you, but I'm pretty sure we'd both understand if you need space from us both for awhile."

Her approach was professional, but her voice betrayed her harshly as she couldn't withhold the shakyness of it. A habit she had attempted to pick up from MC- using professionalism to hide true emotion in situations, though she was never very good at it. MC however- was somewhat of a master at it, having used it whenever Tamarack's brother had shown up to see her unannounced.

MC hesitated for a moment before pulling the two in for a hug, they had been shaking for a while- though it had calmed down, their nerves still felt a bit fried at the moment. They didn't say much when they spoke, Autumn's arms wrapped around their torso gently and Tamarack's wrapped loosely above their shoulders, but their voice was soft- a calm breeze despite the storm outside.

"Thank you...both of you." that was all they could say in the moment, keeping the two opposite personalities close as their exhaustion reached peak compacity. "We'll...we'll stay here until Ms. Second gets home, go ahead and rest. I promise we won't fight like that anymore." Qiu's voice was soft as Tamarack nodded in agreement, all three were tired now.

However- as the three slept, it marked a new chapter. Sure the two wouldn't always get along, but they swore never to allow themselves to fight like how they had been- especially if it risked their mutual friendships.

𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝: 1,963

#our life now and forever #olnf #qiu lin #writing #reqs open #tamarack baumann #olnf mc #hurt/comfort #ABatsie-Writes

[b4ts1e]

▀▄▀▄▀▄Colored Bandaids▄▀▄▀▄▀ (𝚐𝚗!𝙼𝙲)

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛'𝚜 𝙸𝚗𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚍: 𝚀𝚒𝚞/𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚞𝚖𝚗 𝙻𝚒𝚗 𝚃𝚊𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝙱𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚗 (𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚍) 𝙱𝚊𝚡𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚆𝚊𝚛𝚍 (𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚍) 𝙳𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚎𝚗 𝙼𝚞𝚛𝚛𝚊𝚢 (𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚍) 𝙼𝙲 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 (𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙾𝙻:𝙽&𝙵)

𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚙𝚝:

Set in step 2! requested by: @a-kind-pandemic-disaster

(𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗)

It was known by everyone in Golden Grove at this point- MC is an extremely caring kid. Keeping things like basic first-aid and a multitude of snacks on them at all times, just in case something happened and somone needed it. It's been this way since they were a child, the only difference now is they have access to better supplies then the one dollar snacks and cheapest brand of bandages they carried with them as a ten year old.

On top of everything they were a good student with good grades, so- if their friends ever needed help with a subject, they'd always be ready to jump into help. Baxter and Darren had dubbed them the group mom as a joke- seeing them worry over Qiu and Tamarack getting injured in the past, but the nickname kinda just stuck. Them being so caring- it's what made Autumn like them so much back then and even now as teens.

When Qiu was a kid they didn't understand why their heart fluttered seeing MC had ran down from the top of the bridge just to check on them, Baxter, and Darren- but they understood now. They'd never admit it out loud of course, but they knew. It's also the reason they dedicated themself into taking care of MC behind the scenes- knowing they'd forget to do so for themself. They'd always prioritized others over themself, which annoyed Autumn just slighty- but the annoyance wasn't towards them. Of course not. It was towards everyone who kept MC from taking care of themself first.

Even at the current moment they were prioritizing someone else's homework over them eating- having been asked for help during the lunchbreak, to which they'd happily agreed too. Qiu kept a close eye on them, the other student, and the time- which was slowly winding down for when they had to return to classes. With a groan Autumn stood up, heading towards the two quickly but trying to appear nonchalant.

"MC, you've gotta eat. You can help them later, c'mon." they spoke, nudging them with their elbow. MC gave the other student an apologetic smile before standing up to follow Autumn back to their lunch table- as they packed the other student gave harsh glare towards Qiu. Not pleased with being interupted by the socially aclaimed 'Star' of Golden Grove. "Oh sorry [background character], Qiu is right. If you'd like we can meet up at the library after school if you still need help!" MC offered, breaking the other student's harsh glare in an instant as they smiled and accepted the offer quickly.

Autumn rolled their eyes before gently grabbing hold of MC's arm and guiding them to their group's table so they could eat with the little time left before class. "You need to be more careful MC, not everyone wants help. Most people just want you to do the work for them." they warned subtly, sitting down at the same time as the self-sacrificing teen. "Just because you don't trust others doesn't mean I can't treat people with kindness Autumn, thank you for your concern though. It means a lot." they said with a smile before eating their packed lunch- school food sucked.

(𝚃𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜𝚔𝚒𝚙)

Qiu knew that MC wouldn't be going back to the caul-de-sac this evening with them, judging on how excitable that other student had been when they'd offer afterschool help to them. However as they were riding their bike out of the campus a familiar form jumped in front of their way- a smirk plastered on their face, Autumn was going too fast to stop without hitting them and too close to swerve around them. In a panic to not hurt someone, Qiu tried to turn- causing a loud skirrting sound to echo through the now empty school yard before and even louder crash and thud interrupted it.

The person was unharmed, but Autumn on the other hand- their hands, knees, and the side of their face were litered with scratches from hitting and dragging against the pavement, it even ripped through their jeans slightly. In the distance their bike was crashed into an empty bike rack and flipped- the wheels still spinning.

From a distance an all-to-familiar gasp sounded before quick footsteps approached the person laying around the pavement. Qiu hissed as they tried to get up on their own before being interrupted by familiar, gentle hands grabbing their forearms to keep them from standing. They did however help Autumn get into a sitting position, very slowly mind you. At this point the other student had ran off, but MC knew what happened- they saw it themself, having been exiting the library to hopefully catch the victim before them since the student hadn't shown up yet.

(Qiu's Perspective)

"Autumn- hey are you okay? Oh shit you're all scuffed up, hold on." my head was spinning, but the voice was familiar. "MC?" I asked quietly, squinting slightly as I tried to focus my vision on the person before me. It was definetely them, but it was strange to hear them swear. Were they really that worried? This wasn't the first time I had crashed in front of them, doesn't make it any less embarrasing though. "Yeah, yeah it's me. Keep your eyes closed, you're gonna be dizzy for a bit. Pretty sure you hit your head. If I wasn't so worried I'd be scolding you for not wearing your damn helmet, but that can wait." they said quietly, voice softer than usual.

I listen to their advice of keeping my eyes closed, hearing them tear open a saline wet wipe before feeling them start cleaning the scratches with it. I bit my tongue, hoping to conceal the hisses of pain that the process caused- but they knew it burned. Of course they did. They always did, they're so caring. "Sorry...I know it burns, just- stay still and this will go by faster." they basically whispered, they were close enough that I could feel their breaths just barely graze the side of my face they were focused on currently.

When they backed away and took my hands one at a time, I opened my eyes again- my vision no longer burred as I watched them clean away the small pearls of blood and concrete dust from the scrapes on my hands. After they finished my knees as well, they pulled out gauze, tape, and a box of bandaids. "Seriously?" I mutter out with a teasing smile, taking notice of the bandaids being the same colored ones they used to buy as a kid. "Oh hush- I couldn't control myself. Plus they were cheaper than the name brands." they quickly defended with a playful eye roll as they wrapped my hands with gauze and taped them off one at a time.

"How's your head?" they asked quietly, putting the colorful bandaids over my knees gently with a bit of neosporin. "It hurts, but I'll be alright soon. Thank you MC, for taking care of me like this." I answered with a small genuine smile, something I saved only for those close to me. Gently they smiled back, getting closer with the bandaids for my face. "Always. I'm the mom friend, remember?" they said with a light chuckle as they put the last bandaids on my face carefully. When they pulled away from me slightly, we realized just how close we were as our eyes met. I felt my face and ears heat up slightly, as I blinked rapidly.

Maybe it was the delirium from hitting my head, maybe it was something completely else- but in that moment? I wanted them closer to me, in more ways than one. Quickly I shook my head and looked to the side- MC doing the same, looking to the opposite side as they start to put the remaining medical supplies back into the travel med-kit. Clearing their throat they stood up, grabbing mine and their bags before offering me a hand up- still avoiding eye contact, but I swear... I saw a hint of red on their ears and cheeks.

𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝: 1,353

#our life now and forever #olnf #olnf mc #qiu lin #qiu lin x reader #gn reader #writing #reqs open #ABatsie-Writes

[b4ts1e]

▀▄▀▄▀▄An Older Sibling▄▀▄▀▄▀ (𝚐𝚗!𝙼𝙲)

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛'𝚜 𝙸𝚗𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚍: 𝚀𝚒𝚞/𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚞𝚖𝚗 𝙻𝚒𝚗 𝚃𝚊𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚔/𝚂𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚔𝚕𝚎𝚜 𝙱𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚗 𝙳𝚘𝚛𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚊/𝙶𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚗𝚢/𝙾𝚖𝚒 𝙱𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚗 𝙱𝚊𝚡𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚆𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝙳𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚎𝚗 𝙼𝚞𝚛𝚛𝚊𝚢 𝚂𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚗𝚘𝚗 𝙼𝚞𝚛𝚛𝚊𝚢 𝙼𝙲 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 (𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙾𝙻:𝙽&𝙵)

𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚙𝚝:

Detatchable rollerskates are basically normal shoes with special attachments on the bottoms where a metal slab with the wheels attached on it clicks in and out of place. Like in this link.

(𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗)

Ever since MC moved into the cul-de-sac, it was like both Qiu and Tamarack had a new, older sibling to look after them. Sure at first it was a rough ride, trying to find whoever threw a paper plane at them- which accidentally got their eye, rightfully pissing them off just slightly. When they found the culprit- hiding in a pile of leafs, the anger vanished but they still scolded her for thowing things at strangers. Afterwards, the two found Qiu while searching for whoever left the proclaimed 'trash' on the ground in the forest.

From that point forward, they taught the two as if they were their little siblings. One afternoon, MC had been asked to pick up Tamarack for Granny. Taking their detatchable rollerskates from the conjoined middle and high school to the elementary school where both kiddos studied. They made notice of a slightly familiar blonde in a white and orange puffer jacket going the same direction, but didn't think much of it for the time being.

When they got inside they took off the wheels before going up the stairs to Miss.Murray's classroom, knocking before entering. "Sparkles I'm here to get cha, you ready?" they ask before noticing the blonde from their school, Qiu, and another mature looking guy in the room. "Oh- Qiu. Do you need someone to take you home as well? I'm already here- so.." they offered quickly, barely acknowledging the other boys at first. "Excuse me- who are you?" a woman with red hair in twin braids asked. "Oh- sorry Miss. I'm MC Second, Tamarack and Qiu's new neighbor. Granny asked me to come get Tama for her. I hope that's okay?" they greet politely.

"Oh- so you're who Miss.Baumann sent to collect her for today? I was informed about you, thank you for coming. Welcome to Golden Grove." she said with a kind smile, which MC returned. "Thank you, I-" they started before getting cut off with an umph, getting tackled into a hug by the very girl they were here for. "MC!!!" she shouted, hugging them tightly before backing away and bouncing around a bit. "Hey MC!" Qiu greeted cooly, as if he wasn't just as stunned to see you here as Miss.Murray was.

"Hey kiddos, who're your friends?" they ask, petting Tamarack's head in an affectionate manor- also to get her to calm down a bit. "OH- This is Mr.Darren Murray, he's Miss.Murray's son- you guys go to the same school. And this Mr.Baxter Ward, he goes to a private school- but you guys are the same age!" Qiu jumps in to introduce the boys standing to his left and right sides. "Cool, nice to meet you both. Now- Mr.Qiu Lin, do you need someone to walk you home too?" they ask again, gently bringing Tamarack to their side as she stared out the closest window. "Nope, I'll be taking these three with me this evening. They have plans together." Miss.Murray answered for him, to which Qiu nodded with a smug, yet excited grin.

"Oh alright- thank you ma'am. Have fun Qiu." They say with a smile before their hand gets tugged on by Tamarack. "MC! When we get home can we go to the forest? I wanna go foraging!" she asks excitedly. Taking a moment to feign thinking it over, "Okay...BUT only if you get your homework done first, if you have any at least." they say- taking the opportunity to get her to do her work. "Oh- you were right Autumn, they do act like an older sibling." Baxter pointed out with a smug smirk, readjusting so his hands were in his pockets.

"Kind of reminds me of my brother..." Darren mumbles in return, getting a nod from Autumn as he grins. "Exactly!" he says, voice raising slightly- earning him a disaproving glance from Miss.Murray and MC. "Awww Autumn, do you see me as your older sibling?~" They tease slightly, causing a light blush to spread across the victim's cheeks and ears. "Well- duh...you've been acting like one to both me and Tamarack since you gotten here, and it's been like what...two weeks?" he said, fiddling with his fingerless gloves.

A bit rougher than how they handled Tamarack, they put their free hand on his head and messed up his already slightly messy hair. "Dork. Just make sure you don't keep talking about people without their consent, alright? Not everybody wants their information spread about, you're lucky I trust you kid." they say, stopping their relentless slaughter of his hair- leaving him looking like a frazzeled lion, making the boys behind him, Tamarack, and MC laugh a bit. Qiu laughed along before trying to fix his hair as best as he could without a brush.

"Alright, welp- it's about time me and Sparkles over here headed out. Gotta make sure she gets her work done before she inevitably drags me into the forest. It was cool meeting you all, and thank you for looking after Qiu, Miss.Murray- I know he can be a handle full at times." they say the last part teasingly, making the boy dramatically gape with a gasp- feigning a betrayal. "It's not a problem, thank you for coming to get Tamarack. I know Miss.Baumann is very busy today, so it means alot that you did this for her." the woman said with a kind yet tired smile, making MC chuckle just a bit.

"No I get it, she had a doctor's appointment to get to and I wasn't gonna let this glitterbomb of a child go home alone." they say, making Miss.Murray chuckle a bit with a nod. "Alright, get back safely and have a nice evening!" she says, waving the two of them off as MC took Tamarack's bag from her and putting it over their shoulder.

"See you around!" they said before the door closed and walked Tamarack home, letting her lead the way but making sure no cars were around while she was distracted by the surrounding nature of the beautiful Golden Grove.

𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝: 1,005

#our life now and forever #qiu lin #olnf #darren murray #tamarack baumann #baxter ward #writing #reqs open #ABatsie-Writes

[b4ts1e]

▀▄▀▄▀▄Their Warm Embrace▄▀▄▀▄▀ (𝚏𝚎𝚖!𝙼𝙲)

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛'𝚜 𝙸𝚗𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚍: 𝚀𝚒𝚞/𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚞𝚖𝚗 𝙻𝚒𝚗 𝚃𝚊𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝙱𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚗 𝙾𝚙𝚊𝚕 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝙼𝙲 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 (𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙾𝙻:𝙽&𝙵)

𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚙𝚝:

Step 2, as the request says- so the main trio are all 14! I'm also going to take the insecurity part a bit further- so warning for that.

(𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗)

The sun was beaming down on the town of Golden Grove, most would see this as good- but for one girl in particular, it felt like irony. She was best friends with some of the prettiest people in Golden Grove, at least in her opinion- and yet as the sun shone brightly on the small town she felt...out of place. MC Second, that's the girl silently suffering from her own thoughts on herself- hiding behind a carefully crafted smile that's been almost perfected through her most recent years of life. Middle school was rough, it's when everyone started to develop physically and everything started to change from a happy, colorful, childhood day dream to a dusty gray, worrisome, life hazard. But like I said before- she had almost perfected that sunny sweet smile. Almost. Most people wouldn't be able to see past the blinding light of that smile, those who knew MC best- people such as Tamarack, Qiu, and her mother could see something was wrong. The three were worried for her, after all- even when asked she'd avoid the question and give them that sickeningly sweet smile, her own mask.

It had been around a week since MC had taken time to hang out with her friends outside of walking to and from school back to their homes in the cul-de-sac, or lunch periods- which they've even noticed she had been eating far less then usual, it only made them worry more. Autumn was the first to bring it up without MC around to her mom, seeing if she knew what was making their friend act so differently. Sadly, it was a dead end from her as well- Opal's work had been more demanding lately, resulting in her coming home late into the night.

When he had discussed it briefly with Tamarack, hoping he'd get something from her- but she also knew nothing due to being busy with strings practice. Soon they knew they'd have to take the initive and confront MC personally, and that's where we stand now. Autumn standing right outside his best friend's, and crush's, door- waiting for an answer after knocking.

(𝚀𝚒𝚞'𝚜 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚎)

When I received no answer, my worry grew ten-fold. MC wasn't the type to not answer the door, hell they used to rush excitedly to open it- the memory made my cheeks warm slightly but I shook it off quickly. Now was not the time. "Luckily I know where the spare key is kept." I muttered to myself, quickly grabbing it- unlocking and opening the door as quietly as possible. I carefully closed the door behind me, being as quiet as possible as I slowly searched the house for MC. Once the first floor was cleared I headed for the stairs, before hearing a loud thump of something hitting the wall before clattering to the floor. I quickly rushed up to her room, hearing soft crying on the otherside of the door- cautiously I entered the room. The sight broke my heart. Seeing MC balled up in the smallest corner of her bed, hugging her knees to her chest and crying into herself- her room was a mess, old photos from before she moved torn to shreds and her phone on the ground. The screen was shattered, it must have been what hit the wall.

"MC? Hey- sorry for barging in, but... what's wrong?" I ask softly, taking off my blue plaid jacket- putting it on the floor as I slowly approached the bed, her gaze snapping up to meet mine. Her eyes were wide, red and puffy- she had been crying for awhile that much was obvious. "Q-Qiu! Oh- uh-" she said, wiping harshly at her eyes- trying to hide the evidence despite being caught. "I'm fine! Just...saw a sad ad for an animal shelter! Yeah..." she lied through her teeth, avoiding eye contact as I sat on the edge of her bed carefully.

"We both know that's not true. MC...what's really wrong? You've been acting strangly for awhile, but this last week- you've been so closed off from both me and Tamarack. Did we do something wrong, or did someone say something to you?" I asked, ready to track down whoever would dare to hurt my MC- er my best friend. Yeah. Best friend. Her eyes widened drastically before she jumped forward towards me a bit, quickly shutting down one thing I had said. "No! No. You and Tama did nothing wrong I swear- I just...." she cut herself off with a sigh, visibly deflating.

Carefully I reached out, gently grabbing her forearm- rubbing small circles into the skin. She offered me a small smile in return- forced but genuine. "Lately I've been feeling...insecure? I think that's the word for it- but it's not just insecure y'know? Everything seems to be so dull now, I just- I feel so out of place. I mean- it's like I'm on auto pilot, my mind is so foggy..." she explained, tears gathering in the corners of her eyes again. "Foggy?" I asked softly, slowly pulling her closer to me to wrap her in a small hug.

She nodded and leaned into my chest gently- she appeared fragile, ready to shatter at the slightest gust of wind from the wrong direction. "Like I'm viewing myself from outside of my body...I don't know it's hard to explain." she said softly as I gently fiddled with her hair, hoping it'd help her calm down a bit. "I get it, thank you for telling me- but why'd you hide this from me, Leafy, and your mom?" I asked carefully, noticing she stiffened slightly.

"I didn't want to be a burden..." she said softly- had we not been this close, which totally wasn't making my heart pound, I wouldn't of heard her at all. I wasn't going to have that- nobody, not even her, could speak that way about my best friend. "Now you listen here and you listen good, okay? You will never be a burden to any of us MC. You're important to all of us. You're the sturdy bridge that holds me and Tamarack together, and you hold me together as well. Always keeping an eye out for others yet never keeping one out for yourself. You are one of the kindest, beautiful, and self-less people I know MC." I said quickly without thinking, making eye contact with her to ensure she was listening- making sure she knew I meant it to the ends of the earth.

Her cheeks seemed to brighten in a pink hue, eyes fluttering as she stammered for words. I give her a soft smile, pulling her into a proper hug. "You mean the world to me MC. Never let yourself forget that, but if you do? I'll just keep reminding you, over and over again." I whispered softly, holding her tightly to my chest so she couldn't see how red my face or ears had gotten. Though I doubt she didn't hear my heart racing.

She started to shake and shiver before the damn in her eyes finally burst, crying into my sweater- sobs coming from her as she finally let it all out. Softly I smiled, glad to see she was letting it out now- no longer hiding behind that sticky sweet smile she wore so well as I gently traced shapes into the back of her shirt.

"And about those insecurities of yours? I'm going to show you that those kinds of thoughts are so incorrect that they defy all known logic." I say softly, but trying to make her laugh even just a bit- I was successful as she giggled lightly through her choked sobs.

"Oh yeah? How exactly are you gonna do that Autumn?" she asked, looking up from my chest with a smug smile- cheeks still damp from tears. "Well- what are you insecure about?" I ask returning the smug smile full force as my heart fluttered at the use of my nickname. She took a moment before looking down at herself, puffing her lips out a bit with a pout. "My looks mainly...I mean- you and Tama are so pretty and then there's just me. Average MC." she degraded herself- pinching and pulling at her skin. I grab her hand to stop her from contiuing to do so.

"Average?" I started with a chuckle, deciding to focus on being called pretty by my crush later. "MC you are far better than average! You may not see it but I do. Your eyes are so gentle yet whenever you are standing up for Tamarack or settling an arguement- the look of determination gives them this shine I swear the stars wish they could replicate it. And don't get me started on your hair! It's always so pretty! Even when it's a mess because of the humidity of spring or tangled because you just woke up- even then it's so soft and compliments your complextion as well as your stunning eyes!" I rambled, letting out every single detail I've noticed about them- it was natural.

(𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗)

Qiu continued to go down the list- naming the smallest things about MC and explaining why every part of them was the prettiest thing he'd ever seen. They didn't even notice how long they'd been rambling until they heard a small embarassed whimper come from the very female he was praising for earnestly. That's when he saw just how red her face was and their's quickly began to glow an even brighter red. Both incredibly flustered for what Qiu had so shamelessly spewed on about- as if MC was a hyperfixation he just couldn't look away from.

From outside the door, Opal stood and watched the two fumble about- embarassed. She smiled softly, glad that her daughter was feeling better with Autumn's help- and proud of the selection of friends MC had made four years ago when they first moved here. Quietly she retreated to the kitchen, deciding to make something sweet both teens would enjoy to snack on after such an emotionally taxing day.

𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝: 1,678

#qiu lin #our life now and forever #tamarack baumann #olnf #olnf mc #qiu lin x reader #soft angst #comfort #ABatsie-Writes

[b4ts1e]

▀▄▀▄▀▄Traditions▄▀▄▀▄▀ (𝚐𝚗!𝙼𝙲)

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛'𝚜 𝙸𝚗𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚍: 𝚀𝚒𝚞/𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚞𝚖𝚗 𝙻𝚒𝚗 𝚃𝚊𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝙱𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚗 𝙾𝚙𝚊𝚕 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝙼𝙲 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 (𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙾𝙻:𝙽&𝙵)

𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚙𝚝: The night before Halloween, the cul-de-sac trio decides to have a sleep over at MC's house- going trick or treating the next evening as a group. Based in Step 1

(𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗)

The cul-de-sac trio, all bundled up in their pajamas with a bunch of fluffy blankets (supplied by MC) together layed out on the floor with snacks as they huddled together, watching classic Halloween movies from Opal's laptop. (Imma draw this, at some point- I already have a refrence picked out.)

"I'm super excited to go trick or treating! My parents didn't really do Halloween, so this basically a first time for me!" Tamarack said excitedly shifting side to side- scooching just a bit closer to MC who resided in the middle of the trio, controlling the laptop while laid out on their stomach. "Really? Why didn't they?" Qiu asked, curiously- lifting himself up with his elbows slightly to get a better look at who he was talking to.

"I dunno, we just didn't. Not very common in German culture I guess, plus they were always busy." She said nonchalantly, not bothered much by it- too distracted by the movie playing on the screen. "Makes sense to be honest, cultures can be vastly different." MC spoke up, pausing the movie. "Oh? How do you know that?" Qiu asks, a smug smirk on his face but it was a genuine question.

"Well, living previously in the city- many different types of people lived there. Plus we used to move around alot for my mom's job- that said I had the oppertunity to meet a lot different people, or at least learn about them." MC explained a bit before Opal came into the room with a plate of decorated cookies- halloween themed of course. "So- how's the movie going kiddos? Need anything? Water, more blankets, anything?" She asked with a kind smile, putting the cookies down on MC's nearby desk.

"Hey momma? What was that guy from the bakery's name again? Him and his mother ran that place after moving from France to share his mom's recipes?" MC asked, shocking Opal a bit who just chuckled a bit but smiled anyways. "That was Monty sweetheart, why do you ask?" she replied gently, crossing her arms and leaning on the doorframe gently. "Tamarack is having her first genuine Halloween with us, and that turned into talk about different cultures." Autumn explained quickly, resulting in Opal to nod swiftly.

"Gotcha, well- Monty was from France. Just like how Tamarack's Omi and Opa were from Germany. Germans don't often celebrate Halloween because of one of their holidays: Martinstag. It's very similar to both Halloween and Christmas, but also- what me and MC celebrate: Yuletide. I don't know much about the specific details of the traditions or celebrations, but I do know they light lanterns, share treats, and have a communal bonfire." She explains a bit, teaching what she knows from her minimal experience. "Yuletide?" Tamarack asks, looking to MC with a questioning glance.

"Yeah, what's Yuletide?" Qiu asked with her, MC's eyes seemed to sparkle in delight at the mention of the holiday season. "Yuletide is the holiday season of what you both know as Christmas! Yule is the actual holiday. It's a whole two weeks of celebrations! We light bonfires, give gifts, do a simmer pot, cook together, decorate a yule tree, and a bunch more things! Christmas was derived from it actually!" they rambled on a bit, excited to be able to teach their friends about one of their own traditions.

"A WHOLE TWO WEEKS?!" Tamarack exclaimed, sparkles in her eyes- jaw dropped. "That's so lucky!" she said excitedly. "So do you get gifts everyday?" Qiu asked, making Opal chuckle a bit. "Well- we normally spend the first week and a half exchanging hand made gifts. The second week we spend quality time together but on the day of the winter solstice we exchange the rest of the presents we got each other." she explained with a happy sigh, recalling the memories.

"Do you think we could participate in each other's traditions this year? All together?" Qiu asked with sparkles in his eyes, Tamarack nods eagerly- grinning like a kid on Christmas. "Well I'd have to speak with both of your guardians first, but if they accept it- then I don't see why not!" Opal says happily, pulling out her phone. "I'll go give them a ring, you three get back to your movies and snacks!" she said before exiting the room, the three kids giddy and excited for the possibility of spending more than just Halloween together.

"I hope they say yes!" Tamarack said excited, hugging a stuffed animal tightly as she got back into her original position for watching the movie. "I hope so too! It'd be super fun to join our families for the holidays! Besides, even if they don't say yes I still intend to make and get you guys gifts for the holidays!" Qiu said with a grin. "Oh yeah? You sure you won't lose them?" MC teased him gently, earning a slight elbow to the arm- making them laugh a bit. "Either way- I had already planned to make you guys Yuletide gifts, but now I'm way more excited!" MC said hugging a pillow and snuggling it close.

"Aww MC!" Tamarack said before hugging them, "I'll be sure to make you some gifts as well!" she said happily. Qiu chuckled lightly, smiling softly "I will too, it's only fair. After all you do keep my papers from magically disappearing." he said with a smirk, leaning against MC lightly. "You mean, they keep your papers after you lose them?" Tamarack teased before getting a pillow thrown softly at her, both her and Qiu laughing as MC just laid their shaking their head and stiffling a laugh.

"You guys are the best, thank you for being my friends. Seriously." MC said with a soft smile, catching the other two off guard slightly. "Where did that come from?" Qiu asked with a chuckle, his hair dishevled and completely down. "I don't reallty know, just- thank you. Both of you." they said again. "MC!!!!!" Tamarack squealed before she practically tackled them in a hug, making Qiu get squished behind the two- but they all laughed despite that.

𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝: 1,017

#our life now and forever #olnf #qiu lin #tamarack baumann #olnf mc #x reader #childhood #holiday #ABatsie-Writes

[b4ts1e]

▀▄▀▄▀▄The Eleventh Birthday▄▀▄▀▄▀ (𝚐𝚗!𝙼𝙲)

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛'𝚜 𝙸𝚗𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚍: 𝚀𝚒𝚞/𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚞𝚖𝚗 𝙻𝚒𝚗 𝚃𝚊𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝙱𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚗 𝙾𝚖𝚒 & 𝙾𝚙𝚊 𝙾𝚙𝚊𝚕/𝙼𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚊 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝙼𝙲 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 (𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙾𝙻:𝙽&𝙵)

𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚙𝚝: It's the first birthday MC has in Golden Grove, their new home town. Their newness keeps them from making too many friends in their new school, but despite that they still invite their entire class for their birthday party at their house. However when only two people attend, they can't help but be just slightly disappointed. (part 1) Link

(𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗)

MC was never an extremely social child, it was noticeable since they were very young they never really attempted to take the first steps into making friends. So when they moved here, to Golden Grove, and made two friends on their first day- it was a shock to both them and their mother Opal. It lit a hope in her heart that maybe her kid finally started to take initiative to make friends, even though meeting and befriending Qiu and Tamarack was mearly a coincidence.

So when their eleventh birthday rolled around, Opal was practically insistant that they invited their entire class- excitedly she took it apon herself to buy and make enough food, drink, and snacks for every kid invited. Only to be disappointed when an hour into the expected party starting time- not a single person showed up. Seeing their mother disappointed, made MC get really upset with themself- after all the preparations their momma put into the party, not a single person showed up.

Closing themself away in their room- they didn't hear when a soft knocking erupted from the front door.

(𝙼𝙲'𝚜 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚎)

My mind was flooding with thoughts, none very positive. This wasn't the first time something like this happened, but I still couldn't help but feel terrible for all the hard work momma put into everything for this- only for it to go the exact same way it always does. Nobody showing up. Qiu was likely at dance practice and was Tamarack probably with her Omi and Opa. At least they had informed me they'd be late, but nobody showed up- not a single person, not even them.

I got shaken from my thoughts as a soft knock came from my door, "Come in." I said softly, not turning to the door- expecting momma to be coming in to act like she wasn't disappointed, but it's too late for that. I already saw it in her eyes, the hope dwindling away slowly throughout that uneventful hour. "MC? Hey, your mom told me what happened..." an unexpected, but soft voice said after the door creaked open then closed. I turned towards them- seeing Qiu walking towards me slowly, a sympathic look on his face. "Autumn? I thought you said you'd be too busy with dance to come..." I ask as he sat next to me on my bed.

"Nope. I told you I'd be late, not that I'd be too busy. You're my friend MC, and if I had any choice on skipping practice today I would've." he explained, opening his arms to me- which I leaned into his embrace. "For someone who's now older than me, you seem really upset. Wanna talk about it?" he offered gently, giving me a soft playful smirk- making me chuckle a bit. "Qiu- it's only a month or few til your birthday, I'm not that much older..." I said with a small smile, pulling away from the hug slowly. "I'm not even upset nobody showed up to be honest...I'm just...sorry for my momma for getting so much set up for nothing." I explained with a low effort shrug.

"I understand that, but I gaurentee she'd probably be more happy to see it getting used- so what do you say to going downstairs to appreciate her hardwork, yeah?" he said with a closed eyed smile, that I can't help but return with a nod. "Then let's go, turn on some music and celebrate! You only turn eleven once!" He said, pulling me up off my bed and dragging me out of the room making me laugh softly.

When we got downstairs, momma quickly wrapped me in a warm hug. "Happy Birthday sweetie, I'm sorry about nobody showing up- but I can assure you that I just got a call from Tamarack's grandmother saying they were on the way now!" she said with a grin, rubbing my arms gently after she pulled away. "For now- shall we get this party started?" she asked with a playful look on her face, to which I grinned at and nodded. "Yes! I don't want your hardwork to go to waste momma, I really appreciate everything you've done for today. I'm sorry nobody came..." I apologized softly, resulting in her pulling me close again. "Sweetie...I did all of this to make today special for you, sure I thought more kids would show up- but I'm not going to let your birthday slip away from us." she said reasurringly as I hugged her tightly.

Eventually we broke the hug and she went over to the TV, pulling up a playlist of our favorite songs and pressing shuffle play- adjusting the volume to be louder than usual but not too loud. Quickly Qiu grabs my wrists, dancing around with a grin- making me laugh loudly as we danced erratically with the music. It wasn't anything professional, like how Qiu was trained to, but it was fun none the less.

After about fifteen minutes of us dancing, chasing each other around and laughing a knock was heard at the front door. "I've got it, you two keep having fun!" Momma said with a smile, going to get the door as I chased Qiu around the living room. "You stole my snack! Get over here Autumn!" I said playfully, jumping around the edge of the couch and reaching for his arm as I laughed. I could hear momma chuckle before the door opened and an excited voice broke my attention from chasing the snack thief.

"Tama!" I shouted excitedly, rushing to the door to see Tamarack outside with a large gift bag- she grinned before putting down the bag and hugging me tightly. "Happy Birthday MC!" she shouted as my momma grabbed the bag and brought it somewhere else for later. Once inside I close the door and she notices Qiu taking deep breaths on the couch- dramaticitzing his out of breathness. "Hey forest queen, glad you could make it." he said with a grin, approaching us once he 'caught his breath'.

"Hi Qiu!" she said simply before looking around, admiring the decorations. "I like the decorations!" she said innocently with a grin. "Thanks! My momma worked really hard to do all of this for today! I helped where she'd let me- but she did a lot of it!" I say, standing diagonally from both of my neighbors in friends- content with their presences. "Well it looks amazing!" Qiu pitched in with a smile. "So- what do you guys wanna do? I'm a bit tired of dancing- but we have games and other things we can do!" I say with a grin, apprecative of the friends I do have- they're great.

(𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗)

As the three had their fun- playing party games, dancing, snacking, and enjoying each other's presence- the day slowly turned to evening, which then turned to night. It may not have a birthday party that was expected, but it was definetely the one that MC needed. However, as the two guests went home- one of them had a devious little idea. One that he put into action as soon as he saw his parents in the house...

𝚃𝚘 𝙱𝚎 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚞𝚎𝚍...

𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝: 1,197

Author's Note: I'm going to be completely transparent here- this was really self indulgent. I know what it's like to not have a birthday be celebrated and what it's like for nobody to show up for the party, I hope nobody else goes through that.

#our life now and forever #olnf mc #qiu lin #olnf #tamarack baumann #writing #reqs open #birthday #ABatsie-Writes

[b4ts1e]

▀▄▀▄▀▄Ageing Differences▄▀▄▀▄▀(𝚐𝚗!𝙼𝙲)

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛'𝚜 𝙸𝚗𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚍: 𝚀𝚒𝚞/𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚞𝚖𝚗 𝙻𝚒𝚗 𝚃𝚊𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚔/𝚂𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚔𝚕𝚎𝚜 𝙱𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚗 R𝚎𝚗 𝙼𝚞𝚛𝚛𝚊𝚢 𝙳𝚘𝚛𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚊/𝙶𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚗𝚢/𝙾𝚖𝚒 𝙱𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚗 𝙾𝚙𝚊𝚕 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝙼𝙲 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 (𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙾𝙻:𝙽&𝙵)

𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚙𝚝:

Thank you so much for being patient requester, I hope you enjoy! ^^

(𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗)

It had been a seemingly normal day in Golden Grove for MC, them hanging around with Ren as the two applied for colleges. Sure they were only seventeen- but it's better to start early and have their future secured by graduation. That's when, during a short snack break Ren brought up one of the concerns they've been having recently to MC.

Apparently- Autumn and Sparkles had grown severly distant as of recently, but because of junior highschooler stress they had failed to take proper notice. Sure Ren wasn't the type to care about Tamarack all too much, but their concern for Qiu's new behavior had shown true when they got the chance to talk more properly with MC over their holiday break.

Now this had put a new priority on MC's shoulders, as the older sibling figure they wanted to make sure something didn't happen in their absence- and hopefully repair the relationship between the two that seemed to fray with time.

With a new found urgency, they were quick to dismiss themself- taking their stuff with them and click in their rollerskates. Not the same ones from when they were younger, obviously- but normal shoes were less efficient. Promising to swing by again tomorrow so the two can continue their college applications together, they sped down the sidewalk towards the all too familiar cul-de-sac.

(𝙼𝙲'𝚜 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚎)

Making it back to the cul-de-sac felt like a longer journey this time around- the guilt of being so distant from Autumn and Sparkles for long enough to not notice this behavioral shift personally was concerning. I had fallen back into my old habits again, closing myself off and allowing myself to on go autopilot for school, and this seems to have been karma's rude awakening for me. I should've seen the signs, been there to stop whatever caused the rift between the two, and continued being the bridge between the town and the forest.

Skidding to a rough holt- rubber tires screeching with complaint, before my house, I take off the skate attachments of my shoes and my bag. Quickly storing the wheels away in the bag and discreetly hiding the bag in the bushes beyond the fenced in front yard. Taking a few calming breaths I turn towards Qiu's home, going straight to the backyard where I knew they'd be since dance would've been canceled for the holidays.

My shoes crushing the fallen leaves being the only sound indicating my arrival to the slowly rotting fort. Careful to not knock too harshly, I rap my knuckle against the wood in a planned pattern.

knock-knock-pause-tap-knock

The fort wobbled a bit as a familiar head of dark brown hair peaked over the edge, a look of surprise etched on their face- most likely not expecting my presence so suddenly. I give an apologetic smile and a short wave, "Hey- sorry for disappearing for a bit. Wanna talk?" I ask softly. With a begruding sigh Autumn backed up, making room for me to stand on the ladder and peak my head into the fort too small for both of us now we've both grown.

"Why are you here?" they asked, a bite to their tone- Ren wasn't kidding, they truly had changed a lot since being the little star child I had once known. Though despite everything- the way they curled into themself made it clear they were still the kid I knew back then. "Well? Are you just going to stand there?" they ask with a semi-harsh glare. "Right- sorry. I should probably explain where I've been, huh?" I prompt, rubbing the back of my neck anxiously- a habit I had picked up from the younger teen before me.

I was met with a stiff nod before they turned their head away, eyes closed- but I could tell they were still listening. "I don't know if you remember me telling you about how I instinctively deal with stress, but- to make a long story short... I essentially push everyone out and go into an autopilot mode which makes me focus only on the most minimally necessary things. Schoolwork, eating, hydrating, hygiene, ectara. I am genuinely sorry I wasn't here for you or Tamarack when you both needed me." I explain, guilt eating me from the inside out.

These two teens may not have been my blood family, but I was their older sibling and they my younger siblings. I felt obligated to be there should they have needed me- but I wasn't there, and now I had a mess to clean up.

"I remember you telling me about that- I thought you said you broke the habit?" Autumn looked back towards me, concern visible in their eyes- obviously remembering the stories of the major disrepair I fell into after awhile of autopiloting. "I thought I did, but highschool is- it's tough and old habits die hard. Now with holiday exams out of the way- I should be alright now that I've snapped out of it, but that's not why I came here today if I'm honest." I start, they nod- posture adjusting to be more comfortable.

"What- What happened with you and Sparkles? We don't have to talk about it if you don't want too, but I'm concerned. Even Ren is concerned for you both, which says a lot really." I say, pulling my upper body further into the fort- careful to not overstress the rickety building. With a sigh they roll their eyes, body language closing off again. "Nothing happened- we just...we clash. Guess the town's 'star' and the forest's 'keeper' were just too different." they explain shortly.

"You sure that's all?" I prompt gently, getting the feeling I wasn't getting the whole story from them. With a sigh of relucant defeat they scoot closer to me and the entrance of the fort. "She's so lucky MC. She's got supportive grandparents, she knows what she wants for herself, and she's not followed around by the people at school. I- I hate to admit it but I'm jealous of her. My parents are supportive- but busy, I'm confused on who I am- to hell with what I want to do with my future! I just...I want to go back to when things were easier." they ramble a bit, leaning their head against my shoulder.

"I see...did you try talking to her about this?" I ask softly, bringing a hair to card my fingers through their hair- an action I used to do to help them relax and sleep as a child. Shaking their head softly, they visibly relax a bit. "Everytime I tried before- it was like my throat would close up. I guess I was scared of hurting her feelings or something...I don't know." they say dismissively, but it was obvious that this had been burdening them for a long while.

"Okay. Thank you for telling me. Do you want me to help you talk to her soon? I still have to apologize to her for disappearing like I did- but afterwards I can help you both see eye to eye if you'd like." I offer, they hum and nod- curling into me like a cat, making me smile softly. "Okay- but for right now. It's time for you to get inside before you fall asleep out here and get caught in the night rain."

Helping them down I give them a gentle yet firm hug, before letting go and walking them to their door. Quick goodbyes were exchanged before the scent of rain wafted through the air, speaking with Tamarack would have to wait for tomorrow. Besides- her band group is preparing for the holiday show, she wouldn't be home at the moment.

(𝚃𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜𝚔𝚒𝚙)

The next morning, despite my lackluster sleep, I awoke early- quickly entering the kitchen to make something for my later plan to speak to Tamarack before she had to go to band practice. She's always been a sucker for homemade goodies. With a steadily practiced hand I made my specialty brownies, seperating a few specifically to add edible glitter over the top of them- a thing I only did because and for of the forest queen.

With the treats packed away and midday steadily approaching, I get dressed and prepared for anything that may happen during me and Tama's conversation- or even for a lack of one. Quickly I made my way over to the Baumann residency, knocking on the door gently to not wake up anyone who was still asleep.

Luckily enough, Granny was the one to open the door for me- inviting me inside, taking the treats for her and her husband, and directing me that Tamarack was in her room. With quiet steps and calming breathes I go up the stairs carefully, instinctively going past the ones that creaked loudest. Reaching her all too familiar door, I knock delicately- the exact same pattern as I did the other day.

knock-knock-pause-tap-knock

"MC?? Is that you?" she asked through the door before opening it swiftly, the same shock I saw on Qiu's face yesterday was on her face now. "I- Why are you here? Is everything okay? Where were you?" she pulled me into her room, closing the door behind me as she asked her many questions at once.

With a soft sigh and smile I offer out the container of 'fairy' brownies to her. "I'm sorry for being really distant lately, I know words can be really weak so I hope the brownies help you forgive me or at least look past it. I fell into my old habits again- which isn't an excuse! I genuinely am very sorry for not being here for you or Autumn recently. Stress from school got to me and I was forced back into autopilot all over again." I explained with less details this time, knowing if I got too down the rabbit hole I'd lose her rather quickly.

Tamarack gently took the brownies from me, opening up the container and smelling the fresh brownie scent that wafted out. "I forgive you, but- there's another reason you're here isn't there? You still look anxious." she says, pointing towards my hands that were still shaking with nerves slightly. I give her a relieved smile as I put my hands on my hips and tilt my head a bit. "You've always been good at reading me, huh?" I chuckle softly, to which she follows shortly after.

We both take a seat on the edge of her bed. "Have you spoke with Qiu about it yet?" she asks, taking out a brownie to snack on in the mean time. Good thing she closed the door, or otherwise Granny would've scolded her for eaching such things before lunch. I nod, laying back on her bed. "I have. In fact- I wanted to ask you about something regarding them. If that's okay, I mean."

She motions for me to continue, too engaged with the chocolatey treat in her hand to answer properly at the moment. "What happened between you two while I was out of it? It apparentally got bad enough for Ren to notice and be concerned, so he brought it up with me the other day." my approach with Sparkles was less gentle than with Autumn, after all- she's never been one to hesitate with me.

Once she finished the brownie, she tucked the specialty treats away in her nightstand so that they'd be kept hidden from her grandparent's prying eyes. "I guess we both just- got busy? I'm not too sure...I know they've been going through some personal stuff. Last time I tried to be there for them like you were they just- pushed me away, so I gave them the space they wanted. We haven't spoken properly since." she explained as I sat back up on the bed- propped up on my elbows.

"Really? Huh- would you be willing to talk with them soon? I can't say much but...there's some stuff they've been a bit scared to bring up. I'll be there to mediate, and to help if either of you need it- but I don't want anything to keep you guys distanced from each other. Especially if I slip up again, especially once I get to college- neither of you should have to feel alone."

She looks down at her sleeves, messing with the lightly frayed fabric as she strugged. "I dunno- I don't really think they want to talk with me. Besides...our schedules rarely line up." Carefully I give her a gentle smile, sitting up fully and grabbing her hand delicately- massaging her knuckles to keep her from ruining the edges of her sweater any further. "I assure you- they do wanna talk to you. They're just...scared. A lot's going on in their head right now, and I bet the same is for you. Do you wanna talk about it?" I prompt, more gently than before.

She shakes her head and smiles softly- exposing her braces a little. "No. No. I'm alright- just the holiday show causing some stress, other than that there's nothing else going on. And if you're sure they want to talk- I'm willing to try. Just tell me when and I'll make sure I'm wherever we're doing this." she says softly, gripping my hand tighter for a few seconds. I nod and give her a genuine smile, we continued to catch up for a bit before Granny came upstairs saying that they had to leave for practice.

Giving Tamarack a tight hug before she got into her grandmother's car, I wave goodbye as the two drive away from the cul-de-sac. A feeling of pride bubbling through my chest, my guilt washing away if only for a moment. "I can fix this for them. I know I can. I just need to make sure we all have a time together during the break- maybe a sleepover at my house? That'd probably be best- it'd most likely be more comfortable there." I mutter to myself as I walked back to my house.

Upon entering I was quick to go upstairs, pull out a notebook and take notes- jotting down ideas for what could be done and when it should happen. Maybe the night after the holiday show? If I can convince Tama's grandparents then we should be in the clear- unless Autumn has plans for then already...which I doubt at the moment but you never know.

(𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗)

Unbeknownst to MC- their mother stood right outside their bedroom door, listening in. Reminding herself to give both Lin and Baumann residences later that night- sure it was a bit...underhanded, but maybe she could help her child in their desperate attempts to mend the tattered and worn relationship between the two younger friends.

I mean- she's who they got their determination from. Of course she'd help, after all- it was her main job to be there should her kid ever need her. Her pride and joy who would drown themself in notebook paper tonight before bringing the idea up to her either that evening at dinner or tomorrow during breakfast. Either way- she'd play along as if she hadn't known before, just as she'd always done when MC was but a child.

𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝: 2,536

#our life now and forever #olnf mc #qiu lin #tamarack baumann #writing #reqs open #coms open #ABatsie-Writes

[b4ts1e]

𝕆𝕦𝕣 𝕃𝕚𝕗𝕖: ℕ𝕠𝕨 & 𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣

Qɪᴜ/ᴀᴜᴛᴜᴍɴ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ - 𝙰𝚗 𝙰𝚕𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝙴𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 (𝚐𝚗!𝙼𝙲) - 𝙰 𝙼𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛'𝚜 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎 (𝚏𝚎𝚖!𝙼𝙲) - 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚆𝚊𝚛𝚖 𝙴𝚖𝚋𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚎 (𝚏𝚎𝚖!𝙼𝙲) - 𝙲𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝙱𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚊𝚒𝚍𝚜 (𝚐𝚗!𝙼𝙲)

ᴛᴀᴍᴀʀᴀᴄᴋ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ - 𝙽𝚘𝚗𝚎

ɴᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ɪɴᴛᴇʀᴇꜱᴛ - 𝚃𝚛𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 (𝚐𝚗!𝙼𝙲) - 𝙰 𝙼𝚒𝚜𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚂𝚒𝚝𝚞𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 (𝚖𝚊𝚜𝚌!𝙼𝙲) - 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙴𝚕𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚑 𝙱𝚒𝚛𝚝𝚑𝚍𝚊𝚢 (𝚐𝚗!𝙼𝙲) - 𝙰𝚗 𝙾𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚂𝚒𝚋𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 (𝚐𝚗!𝙼𝙲) - 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚆𝚎𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚂𝚝𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜 (𝚐𝚗!𝙼𝙲) - 𝙰𝚐𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙳𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚜 (𝚐𝚗!𝙼𝙲)

#our life now and forever #olnf mc #qiu lin #tamarack baumann #writing #reqs open #ABatsie-Writes

[b4ts1e]

▀▄▀▄▀▄A Mother's Love▄▀▄▀▄▀(𝚏𝚎𝚖!𝙼𝙲)

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛'𝚜 𝙸𝚗𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚍: 𝚀𝚒𝚞/𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚞𝚖𝚗 𝙻𝚒𝚗 𝚈𝚒 𝙻𝚒𝚗 𝙷𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝙻𝚒𝚗 𝙾𝚙𝚊𝚕 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝙼𝙲 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 (𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙾𝙻:𝙽&𝙵)

𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚙𝚝:

Qiu and MC shall both be 24 in this one-shot! Enjoy!

(𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗) The wedding was absolutely fantastic, went off without a hitch- which was a suprise going off of how clumsy the groom could be about losing the simplest things, but I guess that's what the bride is for. Picking up the missing pieces for them, making her groom whole again. Emotions were high, after all- this wedding had been in production since both Qiu and MC were 22. Two long years of planning for their perfect wedding, but the wait was well worth it. Everything was absolutely stunning- the off-white base colors for the outifts, matched with the golden accents paired with the bridesmaids and groomsmen wearing earthy green and cream tones- pulling them apart from the natural autumnal scenary of Golden Grove.

The ceramony was rather basic, but it worked for the two love birds and got the job done. The reception however, was a lot more fun since Hong Lin, Qiu's father, was able to pull some strings for his child and his now daughter-in-law. Not only were the location set for their honey moon, but the reception as well. People were dancing, having fun- a room full of family and friends, both new and old, brought together to celebrate the union of Autumn Lin and MC Lin.

By the time speeches were going on, things were settling down- light chatter floating within the room as they all waited patiently for the next speaker to aproach the mic. A light tapping gathered the attention of all those in the room, including the newly weds, to the microphone. There stood Opal Second, MC's loving mother with small tear and makeup streaks on her cheeks as she smiled lovingly at her daughter and new child-in-law. "Hello friends and family alike, I wanted to thank all of you for coming to my daughter's wedding. She and Qiu spent so long on planning this and I'm so glad it's gone as smoothly as possible for them, but that's not why I'm here right now." She had started, looking around earning a few cheers from the crowd before her gaze returns to the newly weds once again. "Let's start with my newly apointed child-in-law, Qiu- or Autumn. Let me tell you, when I had first met him that early morning when they came over to pick my lovely daughter up to walk to school- I knew something was going to be special about his relationship with her. As I watched the two grow closer with time, I knew my daughter's originial thoughts were correct about him." The crowd was slightly confused, unsure of what she was referring to but figuring she'd get to that point in a moment. "I wanted to thank you for keeping her happy, and being there for her when even I couldn't be. You are an outstanding person Qiu, and I'm super glad I get to call you my son-in-law." Opal grinned at the two beloveds as they cuddled closer to each other, Qiu grinning ear to ear- pure joy radiating off of them that made MC giggle lightly.

"Now my beautiful baby girl, god I'm so proud of you sweetie. From the very first day we've been in Golden Grove you made friends with two amazing people, and now you're marrying one of them! Back when you were ten years old and you came home excitedly, telling me that you had found the one you were going to marry I was shocked- but look at you now! Fulfulling that very promise you made all those years ago!" MC blushed brightly, grinning shyly as the crowd laughed lightheartedly at the call out from Opal. Qiu had even laughed before shouting over the laughter "What can I say?! We just knew we liked each other!" they had made the laughter grow, flustering his bride further. Once the laughter died down, the speech contiued. "Oh goodness, I've been waiting two years to make that joke! But back to the point- I am so proud of my baby for finding her true pairing. Despite not being able to witness romantic love as she was growing up, she still found her one and only and I couldn't more excited for her and her future. I love you sweetie, thank you for coming into my life and being my little ray of sunshine." The speech was finished, and more tears had slipped from Opal's eyes gently cascading down her cheeks before MC had stood, tearing up herself, and rushed over to hug her mother. "I love you too momma." She said with a smile, the mic picking up on it- making the audience aw before Qiu stood and approached the two who held each other tightly. Originally he had intended to stand there until the hug broke to escort their lovely wife back to the couple's seat, but once Opal noticed him near she had pulled him into the hug as well. Soon after that both Yi and Hung, Qiu's parents, also joined the hug- a united family. A flash went off, the wedding photographer capturing the familial moment with a soft smile. Once the speeches were all done and the reception had gone deep into the night, it was eventually time to sent everybody home. Opal, Yi, and Hung going to dinner while their children whisked each other away to their honeymoon.

Not going to lie, once Our Life: Now & Forever is fully released I might make a part two to this one of the honeymoon night- BUT not yet. Thank you for reading, and for the request Anon! 𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝: 890

#our life now and forever #olnf #qiu lin #fem!reader #wedding #ABatsie-Writes

[b4ts1e]

▀▄▀▄▀▄A Misread Situation▄▀▄▀▄▀ (𝚖𝚊𝚜𝚌!𝙼𝙲)

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛'𝚜 𝙸𝚗𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚍: 𝚀𝚒𝚞/𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚞𝚖𝚗 𝙻𝚒𝚗 𝙱𝚊𝚡𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚆𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝙳𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚎𝚗 𝙼𝚞𝚛𝚛𝚊𝚢 𝚃𝚊𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝙱𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚗 𝙼𝙲 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 (𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙾𝙻:𝙽&𝙵)

𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚙𝚝:

Kiddos shall be 10 years old like in the base game! I also changed the outburst into something more canon- since I highly doubt she'd get extremely upset unless it had genuinely hurt MC or some else she cares for.

(𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗)

It was after class time, Tamarack and MC were talking casually as they packed their things away so they could head home once their rightful gaurdians arrived. At first the conversation was neutral before it took a slightly more- upsetting turn. The two talking softly about their parents, MC taking a seat ontop of his desk as Tamarack sat in her seat like usual.

"So- I know I've asked before but doesn't it make you sad that your parents sent you here to live with your Oma and Opa?" he asked, messing with his fingers in his lap. "Not really- but I do miss them a lot sometimes. Oma and Opa are very caring though, and they have time to play with me too! Mom and Dad were always suuuper busy with their jobs... But that's okay! I get to explore the forest behind our houses now!" she explained, voice fluctuating with her emotions.

"I understand that- momma is busy as well, and well- my dad...I've never met him so-" MC explained a bit, lacing his fingers together to prevent his fiddling. "I noticed that, how come you don't know him?" she asked curiously, not a single ill intention behind her question. "Momma told me it's something called- artifical insemination? Basically, my dad is an annoymous person who helped my momma have me."

"Oh okay." Tamarack answered, not understanding entirely but grasping the basic explaination he gave to her. "Well look at it this way! We're just more similar now!!!" she said cheerfully with a clap of her hands- her radient joy making the boy smile softly. "Yeah!!!" he agreed with a laugh before 'the boys club' entered the room rather loudly. Darren complaining about something or another, most likely about Qiu insisting on making sure MC and Tamarack got home safely.

"Oh hi you three." the girl greeted softly, catching their attention. Darren rolling his eyes softly, Qiu offering her a smile, and Baxter nodding his head in acknowledgement. "Oh! Darren told me this joke earlier, wanna hear it?" Qiu asked, approaching the two calmly despite his grin. "Sure." MC replied quickly, offering his neighbor a small smile. "Wait Qiu-" Baxter started but got cut off by the said boy telling the joke. "Are your guys' parents ninjas? They must be really good at their jobs huh? Cause I've never seen 'em!" he said, expecting laughter but getting a dead silence instead. Darren flinched slightly at the poor execution of the joke, as well as how directed he had said it.

MC was stunned to silence, looking to Tamarack for her reaction- seeing slight anger welling up in her eyes, but Qiu was oblivious to it as he told another joke. "So- there's this webpage for orphans right? Sadly it doesn't have a home page." he tries again, but fails and before he can try again Tamarack stands up- face downcast.

"That's not funny." she said, voice shockingly stoic before Mrs. Murray walked in telling her that her grandparents were here for her. Tamarack leaves, waving to MC without a word. Qiu was silent, not understanding what was wrong with what he had said. "Qiu. Those aren't things you can joke about with Tamarack." MC explained, disappointed but as upset as his feminine friend had been. "Why not? It's just a joke?" he asked, tilting his head to the side.

"She misses her parents Qiu, plus we were just talking about that kind of stuff. I'm not as upset since I don't have much of an attachment to a man I've never met, but she loves her parents- despite them being too busy for her." he explained, hopping off the desk and adjusting his bag on his shoulder. "Oh. OH. Oh no, I didn't mean it like that-" Qiu said, slight sorrow in his eyes as he realizes how those jokes sounded. "I am so sorry MC! I didn't realize, I just wanted to share the jokes with you both..." Qiu said genuinely, hugging himself slightly.

"I'm not the one you should apologize to Autumn, like I said- not attached to a man I don't know. Tomorrow though, apologize to Tamarack." he explained before looking to the other two boys. "Thank you Baxter for trying to stop him before, but Darren please don't make jokes like that around Tamarack alright?" he addressed individully. "Yeah I know how parental absense can be a sensitive topic for some, I apologize I didn't stop him sooner." the professional thirteen year old said, crossing his arms- hiding his hands. "All that matters is you tried, thank you." he said before Mrs. Murray entered the room again and informed him of his mother's arrival outside.

"I'll see you guys tomorrow, but please- give Tama some space okay?" Mc said before exiting the room without hearing the answer from the boys.

Qiu felt terrible, he hadn't meant to hurt Tamarack- truly. He just wanted to share the jokes he had been told before the three boys arrived to the classroom. He had not expected nor thought that the joke could've hurt his friends, but for now- he covered his concerned expression with his usual grin and focused on hanging out with Baxter and Darren. Despite the two knowing he wasn't as alright as he presented, the both of them allowed it for the moment- after all Qiu always tried to take care of his friends. It was tough for him to know that he hurt one of them on accident.

𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝: 917

#our life now and forever #qiu lin #olnf #tamarack baumann #olnf mc #baxter ward #masc!reader #misunderstandings #writing #darren murray #request #ABatsie-Writes

[b4ts1e]

▀▄▀▄▀▄His Jealous Heart▄▀▄▀▄▀ (𝚏𝚎𝚖!𝙼𝙲)

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛'𝚜 𝙸𝚗𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚍: 𝙲𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝙷𝚘𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝙱𝚊𝚡𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚆𝚊𝚛𝚍 (𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚍) 𝙻𝚎𝚎 𝙻𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝙽𝚘𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚒 𝙻𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝙴𝚕𝚒𝚣𝚊𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚑 𝙻𝚊𝚜𝚝 (𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚍) 𝙼𝙲 𝙻𝚊𝚜𝚝 (𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙾𝙻:𝙱&𝙰) 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚙𝚝:

Sticking with the canon Step 3 ages, so both MC and Cove are 18. Making the MC demiromantic for this one for plot purposes, but please know that this doesn't make her straight or gay.

(𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗)

Sunset Bird was known to have many tourists during the summer due to it's beautiful beaches, scenary and the temporary lavish lifestyles everyone wants to have at least once in there lifes- living in a villa on the coast side is the American dream after all. However for some- that very dream was a reality. This was true for two specific families- the Last family and the Holden family. Sure one was more recent then the other- but that doesn't mean the kids who grew up side by side cared about that symantic.

Everyone knew who MC Last and Cove Holden were- the two love struck kids who have grown up closer than most, the two kids who were now 18 and openly in a relationship with each other. The two were made for each other, people would say- they technically aren't wrong. But every relationship has it's ups and downs, especially at this moment.

This was the third time Cove had gotten upset this summer, the third time he was upset at MC- his girlfriend. He had caught them hanging out with Baxter, alone. He was jealous, of course he was. His girlfriend. Alone. With a flirt. The thought upset him, especially since they were alone on the beach- no sign of anyone else around. Sure it was common for that side of the beach to be relatively empty since it was so close to the residental area, but still- the two should've broughten someone else with them.

"Cove I swear we weren't doing anything! We literally just ran into each other on the beach and chose to hang out, it wasn't planned! I would've invited you to go with me, but you were busy today with your dad's shop!" MC defended herself, but Cove wasn't listening- not properly anyways. "So? You could've brought Lee or any of our friends with you! You have to understand what it looks like to see your girlfriend with another guy, alone!" He replied without thinking, silently accusing her of cheating- his own insecurities blinding him.

"Are you serious right now Cove?" MC started, visibly hurt by the accusation. "I'd never do that in a thousand years, you should know that by now! I'm allowed to have other friends and I don't feel that way towards him! We just met him not even a month ago Cove! You remember how long it took me to fall for you? Years Cove. Years. Not a couple of days. And it hurts that you think I'd let someone I barely know take me away from you." she said, tears in the edges of their eyes. She was on the brink of crying- and that's when he realized just how stupid he was being.

"I-" he started, before being cut off by the girl in front of him. "No. Stop. Just. Leave me alone. I need some space." she said before walking away- going home, leaving the boy standing on his own outside of his doorway. As her front door closed across the street everything just clicked in his head- he had completely let it slip from his thoughts, MC is something called demiromantic. Aka a person who doesn't feel romantic attraction quickly, a person who needs a genuine connection to be able to feel romantic love towards another person. He screwed up, and he knew it.

Dejectedly, he turned to go inside- where he'd reflect on the big mistake he just made, trying to figure out how he could apologize to MC and how to make it up to her.

(𝙼𝙲'𝚜 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚎)

I went up to my room, shutting the door quietly- sliding my back down against it until I was sitting on the floor as tears slowly escaped my eyes. I love him, of course I do- but sometimes...sometimes he says the wrong things. Quietly I cried for- I don't know how long, before being interupted by a few sets of gentle knocks. The pattern was Lee's. "Lee? How was the mall with Liz?" I said, getting up slowly- trying to make it less obvious I had just been crying.

"MC...let me in please." she said softly, obviously she knew I was crying- why wouldn't she? We've been best friends since she was born. Shamefully I opened the door, just enough for her to enter the room before closing it behind her. Lee looked at me with sympathy, sitting on my bed before opening her arms and offering me a small smile. Quickly I rushed to hug her tightly, knocking us both over- her back to the bed as she played with my hair carefully.

"What happened? Why are you crying?" she asked, her voice softer then the white poppies outside on the hill. She always knew when I needed her, I don't know how- but she always does. Just like a moment earlier this summer when I found out about my parents- about their accident. "Me and Cove faught. Again. He thought I was cheating on him with Baxter." I explained quietly into her shoulder- tears rolling down my cheeks slowly.

She gasped softly, her hand haulting it's movements through my hair. "Aren't you demiromantic? He knows that right?" she asked before her hand contiued to move through my hair, slowly detangling the hairs. I nodded into her shoulder, hugging her just slightly tighter- not wanting to hurt the shorter girl. "He loves you y'know that right? Cove is- he just gets lost in his emotions sometimes. Like the times he tried running away from home, trying to get back to his mom." she says, making me laugh lightly. Remembering the first time we met, and then that very same summer trying to run away with him- getting caught at the Sunset Bird sign.

"I know, but that doesn't stop the hurt y'know? I love him with my whole heart, hell I've been thinking about proposing to him now that we've graduated- but it's times like this that make it difficult." I explained, slowly moving to let her go- wiping my eyes as we both sat up. "Y'know- maybe you two need something like that. Like a promise ring or something. A cerficiation that the love you share is endless, something physical you both can look at when having doubts or far away from each other." My cousin smartly suggested, my eyes widened and I grinned- the idea becoming something increditably pleasing to me. "Y'know what? Let's go talk to Ma about going back to the mail really quick, she'll most likely want to come with- but that promise ring thing is very tempting."

Lee grinned and stood up, dragging me up as well with an enthusiastic nod. "I'll go ask her, you clean yourself up!" she said before rushing out of the room- excited to be going back to the mall. I smile softly before going to my mirror to make myself look I hadn't just been crying- so I don't raise any concern from Ma or Liz.

Once I was ready I went down stairs, seeing Lee and Ma sitting at the bar counter chatting- waiting for me. "Alright let's go."

(𝚃𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜𝚔𝚒𝚙)

I stood at the poppy hill, looking down at my phone- I had just sent a text to Cove to meet me here. My leg was shaking due to nerves, which only elevated when I heard his heavy, rushed footsteps approaching the tree I stood behind. I put away my phone before revealing myself- I was more dressed up than before- this moment was important. But I froze when I saw Cove standing there wearing a dress shirt- holding a bouquet of my favorite flowers. He blushed brightly, seeing we both had dressed up for this.

"MC. Before you say anything I just want to say I am so sorry for accussing you of something so stupid earlier. I know you love me, and I love you just as much- but what I said was super uncalled for. I hope you can take these flowers and forgive me." He said, holding the flowers out to me- to which I took delicately, a blush blooming across my cheeks. "Cove- my sweet boy. I'm not mad at you, I know you can get lost in your emotions- just as I can. We're all human, we make mistakes. I forgive you, but please- hold onto these for a second alright?" I said, handing him back the flowers- pulling out an easily hidden box from my pocket.

"I spoke with Lee earlier, she gave me a really good idea." I started, him looking at me confusedly- tilting his head to the side a bit. I put the box in his line of sight, holding up- between the two of us, making him gasp. "This isn't a proposal, but a promise. A promise to love you to the ends of the Earth. A promise to never let something pull me from you. A promise between us that we will communicate better with each other. And a promise that I will someday marry you." I say slowly, tears bulbing in the corners of his eyes as he brought a hand to his mouth- covering his grin.

"Will you make this promise with me?" I finish, opening the box to reveal two necklaces. One had a white poppy charm and the other had my favorite flower charm- it was expensive, but worth it. He stood there shocked, but I waited patiently for him- like I always have. "Yes." he said quietly, nodding slowly- tears slipping from his eyes. In the distance I hear several people whoop and cheer, looking towards my house I see both mine and Cove's families there- watching us like a telenovela.

Cove put down the flowers and grabbed my hands shakily- closing the box for the mean time. He grinned shakily, it was obvious what he wanted at this moment, and I happily gave it to him. I pulled him closer and kissed him softly, pulling apart slowly and putting our noses together. "I love you MC. So much." he muttered. "I love you too Cove. Forever and always." I say quietly, not parting from the current closeness between us- enjoying the gentle and love filled embrace.

𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝: 1,706

#our life beginnings and always #olba #cove holden #cove x reader #fem!reader #olba mc #olba cove #soft angst #happy ending #ABatsie-Writes

[b4ts1e]

▀▄▀▄▀▄An Alternate Meeting▄▀▄▀▄▀ (𝚐𝚗!𝙼𝙲)

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛'𝚜 𝙸𝚗𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚍: 𝙲𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝙷𝚘𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝙱𝚊𝚡𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚆𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝚀𝚒𝚞/𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚞𝚖𝚗 𝙻𝚒𝚗 (𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚍) 𝚃𝚊𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝙱𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚗 (𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚍) 𝙹𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚎 𝙻𝚊𝚜𝚝 (𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚍) 𝙼𝙲 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 (𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙾𝙻:𝙽&𝙵)

𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚙𝚝: Baxter and MC go to Sunset Bird for their summer vacation, choosing to be roommates for the short time despite being there for seperate reasons. Takes place in Step 3 of OL:B&A.

(𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗)

It was an average day in Sunset Bird- well that's what it seemed like to Cove as he helped the ORCA clean up the remenants of a party that happened last night on the shore line. Despite Cove loving the summer, after all school was offically out and he could go surfing if he pleased- but the part he disliked severely was the vacationers who come here just for the summer and leaving their mess everywhere only for it to be swept into the sea.

The seafoam haired boy was lost in his thoughts, silently cursing the ones who left such a mess behind before his focus was broken by a voice behind him, making him jump slightly.

"Excuse me, but- may I ask you a question really quick?" He turned around to see a boy behind him with white and black hair, a hand in his pocket and his phone in the other- wearing a half black and half white button down shirt. Cove rose to his feet, not bothering to wipe the sand from his shins and knees- unbothered by the texture. "What can I do for you?" Now don't get me wrong- Cove was not a people person, but he wouldn't allow himself to tarnish the ORCA name by showing his frustrations to someone who was obviously one of the previously mentioned vacationers. "Sorry to interupt your work, but I'm looking for my friend- their name is MC and they said they'd be helping the ORCA today. I have a picture of them if that'd help." The black and white boy turned his phone around, showing Cove a photo of two people. One was a person in a white sweater with gray-blue acents, they had long brunette hair and a grin plastered onto their face as their arm was loosely wrapped around the other person in the picture. The first was unfamiliar, but the second person- who was adorned in a slightly larger, heavy dull green puffer jacket with fur lining, also grinning brightly with a peace sign up- was definetely familiar. "Their name is MC, they volunteered with your group for this summer." The boy provided a bit more insight after getting no reply from Cove as he analyzed the image. "Yeah- I recognize them. They were stationed here with me for a bit, but went to get waters for us." He explained before- as if being summoned, MC came jogging down the shore with a small cooler and more garbage bags. "Mr. Holden! I'm back! Sorry that look so long!" they shouted a bit, catching the attention of both boys- that's when they noticed the black and white boy with their teammate. "Oh! Baxter! Hey!" their voice slowly quieted down as they neared the two, slightly panting from the mix of jogging and the heat they were definetely not used to- it was much cooler in Golden Grove, even in the summer months. "There you are, I came to check how things were going and met your team mate- I am so sorry I never got your name...and I never told you mine. How rude of me. I'm Baxter Ward, it's a pleasure to meet you-" He introduced himself, leaving the last sentence to be contiued by the blue eyed boy. "Oh uh- Cove Holden. Also- MC I told you before, Mr. Holden is too formal. Just use my name, please." He said, taking the cooler from MC and checking it's contents- seeing multiple waters and cut fruits.

"Oh- uh, somebody named Jamie dropped by the ORCA headquarters and left the fruit for you. I brought it with since there's still work to do and I heard you mumbling about being hungry before I left, hope that was okay?" They explained, causing a light blush to spread across Cove's cheeks- slightly embarrassed to be called out for his muttering, how much had they overheard? "Thanks, uhm- sorry." His slight embarassment contiued, growing slightly when the two tourists chuckled a bit. "Don't apologize, seriously. We've been out here since ten cleaning up after these people- it's completely valid to be hungry after four hours of work." MC offered him a smile. "Anyways- now that I'm here, if you'd like I can help out? Make this go faster?" Baxter offered, slipping his phone into his beach short pocket. "I'd be alright with it, but Cove- is it fine if he helps out? Just for right now." They ask to which he nodded, he was not going to turn down an offer to help. "Sure, not like an extra hand could hurt any. Plus, the sooner we get this done the sooner we can return to HQ." He was quick to drop down to the ground again, picking up trash once more- this time being joined by two others. "So- not a fan of summer tourists huh?" MC said with a smirk, not looking away from the ground as they clean. Baxter gasped in mock offence, playing along. "Oh goodness! We barely know each other and you already dislike me Cove?! Oh woe is me!" he said over dramatically, obviously acting, making both MC and Cove laugh. "It's not that, I'm just- annoyed at the ones who think they can leave all this trash around as if it isn't doing any harm. The ORCA is one of the few clean the beach programs in Sunset Bird, so it sucks that the work load practically triples in the summer when we all could be doing something starting a fundraiser or enjoying the beach properly." He rambled a bit once the laughter died down, the look in his eye showed how passionate he was about the ORCA's mission. "Y'know- you remind me of one of our friends from Golden Grove. She's just like you about keeping her forest clean, it's how she earned the title Queen of the Forest." MC explained with a light chuckle, smiling at the two boys who kept cleaning but were listening intently. "You make her sound so peaceful MC, Tamarack gets super protective over you- it's scary!" Baxter quipped back, chuckling a bit. "She isn't scary, try angering Autumn back in middle school! They're the one who gets scary when being protective!" MC stated back before looking to Cove with a smile. "Sorry, Autumn is another one of our friends-" they had started before Baxter cut them off "You mean your partner~?" he teased, making MC flush pink. "Baxter! We're not together!" they sputtered out quickly before clearing their throat to contiue. "He's another one of our friends, from Golden Grove. We all grew up together, similar to you and Jamie I assume?" they offer him an easy in to the conversation. "Oh- yeah. Me and Jamie met when I first moved here, they were the first friend I made here in Sunset Bird." He replied with a thankful smile, before the conversation continued peacefully as the three cleaned. Chatting about how they met their friends, memories, and getting to know each other as the day passes slowly. Although it'd be temporary for one of them- this was the start of a beautiful summer blossom friendship.

𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝: 1,192

#our life beginnings and always #olba #our life now and forever #olnf #qiu lin #tamarack baumann #cove holden #jamie last #baxter ward #olnf mc #ABatsie-Writes

[b4ts1e]

𝕊𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘'𝕤 𝕎𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕘 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕊𝕦𝕟𝕟𝕪𝕕𝕒𝕪 𝕁𝕒𝕔𝕜

ꜱᴜɴɴʏᴅᴀʏ ᴊᴀᴄᴋ - 𝙽𝚘𝚗𝚎

ꜱʜᴀᴜɴ ᴅᴜʀᴀɴᴅ-ᴄᴏꜰᴇʀ - 𝙺𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚢𝚌𝚊𝚝 𝙲𝚘𝚖𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝 (𝚐𝚗!𝙼𝙲)

ɪᴀɴ ᴅᴜꜰꜰ - 𝙽𝚘𝚗𝚎

ɴɪᴄʜᴏʟᴀꜱ ʜᴇʀʀᴇʀᴀꜱ - 𝙽𝚘𝚗𝚎

ᴊᴏꜱᴇᴘʜ ʜᴀʙᴇʀᴅᴀᴇ - 𝙽𝚘𝚗𝚎

ɴᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ɪɴᴛᴇʀᴇꜱᴛ - 𝙽𝚘𝚗𝚎

#somethings wrong with sunny day jack #sdj mc #sunnyday jack #shaun durand cofer #ian duff #sdj nick #joseph haberdae #reqs open #coms open #writing #ABatsie-Writes

[b4ts1e]

▀▄▀▄▀▄Kittycat Comfort▄▀▄▀▄▀(𝚐𝚗!𝙼𝙲)

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛'𝚜 𝙸𝚗𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚍: 𝚂𝚑𝚊𝚞𝚗 𝙳𝚞𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚍-𝙲𝚘𝚏𝚎𝚛 𝙸𝚊𝚗 𝙳𝚞𝚏𝚏 𝙼𝚘𝚘𝚗𝚙𝚒𝚎 𝙼𝙲

𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚙𝚝:

This specific ask I had attempted to do ages ago- but felt like it needed to be taken care of delicately. I did a bunch of research in my spare time, looking into different forms of chronic pains and how it affects the people with them. I hope that those who have chronic pain find some comfort from this, as well as people who just love Shaun. ^^

(𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚛𝚍 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗)

As MC layed in bed, almost silent groans and whimpers of pain escaped them. Every hint of light and sound sent harsh pangs through their skull. The vibrations, no matter how small, causing their vision to shake as tears formed at the corners of their eyes and getting soaked up by the black out blindfold they had on.

Chronic migraines- it was something passed down to them through their family line, a trait from their mother's side and it something that they'd always had to deal with even as a child. Ian used to help with them before he left for college- but this time he was the one to cause it, with Shaun being the only one around able to help his friend.

Unfornately though, Shaun hadn't been exactly...helpful. Currently he resided in the living room, shouting at MC's phone- more over shouting at Ian through the phone.

The ginger's desperate attempts to rekindle his old flame with MC turning out fruitless, no matter how much he begged for another chance. MC's still bleeding heart causing them to feel overwhelming amounts of guilt and stress for rejecting and ignoring the one person they had since childhood- but it was for the better. He cheated on them, after all.

Moonpie, being the sweet angel she is, was gently kneeding MC's chest- trying to provide even the smallest bit of relief to the aches rushing through them. Their noise canceling headphones were probably on the coffee table in the living room where Shaun was going off, so they were unattainable at this moment.

The lack of light was helping a little, but hearing the flim director shout through the bedroom door with his voice bouncing off the apartment walls- it made them feel like their eyes and brain were vibrating within their skull just behind their eyelids.

As if it couldn't get any worse, their joints ached just as badly- another chronic ailment they indured due to standing up for Ian throughout their school years, taking the beatings and getting into fights in his stead. Which made it really easy for them to pin the blame on him even further- but chose not too. They made the decision to stand up for him, so they paid the price for being so ignorant to think that the bullies wouldn't try to get back at them afterwards.

When the shouting faded out, MC let out a silent sigh of relief- the vibrations calming down slowly, still present but not as bad. Moonpie took notice at the difference in comfort immediately- carefully laying down and putting her small gray head underneath their chin, a reminder that she was there despite them both being blind at the moment. "You really are a little angel Moonie" they whispered softly, feeling the cat purr softly in response as if understanding their words.

(𝙼𝙲'𝚜 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚎)

A soft creaking could be heard from the room's door, followed but the smell of peppermint tea- and careful footsteps crossing the room. The soft thud of the mug hitting the nightstand made me jump softly, reaching up carefully to pick Moonpie off of my chest and set her in my lap so I could sit up.

More shuffling was heard before the curtains were drawn closed, Shaun might've been new to this- but he must've done research. Or maybe Ian told him what to do before the call ended? With the curtains now closed, I carefully reached up to lift the blindfold off so I could let my eyes adjust to the wider vast of darkness.

As my eyes adjusted I saw and felt Shaun sit at the edge of the bed with a notebook, one dedicated for times like this when too much sound would be too much for me to handle. The notebook light was turned on, adjusted to only show the paper and not reflect into my eyes. Carefully I grabbed for the mug he had brought me, taking a slow sip of the hot beverage- the caffiene and strong peppermint smell taking my mind off the thrumming in my skull slightly.

The note book was turned towards me, messy text written on it: 'Sorry about all the yelling- I don't know how you put up with him for so long. Is the tea good? Should I get you an icepack? Run you a warm, candle lit bath?'

I smile softly, putting my mug down and taking the pen from him and writing a quick reply- circling the option for a bath as well. 'The tea is perfect, thank you. No icepack, too cold but a cool towel will do wonders during that bath. My eyes feel like they're on fire right now. lol'

I could see him nod and get up quickly and as quietly as he could manage, he leaves the room- careful to let as little light through the door as possible. I put the notebook on the nightstand and retake my mug of tea, enjoying it's bittersweetness as it soothed the aches a bit warmed me from the inside out. Through the wall I could hear the bath start, and Shaun talking to himself as he looked through cabinets to find everything he'd need.

Moonpie sat up from my lap with a stretch, jumping off me to the floor- she's gotten very familiar with the apartment's lay out despite the relatively short three weeks she's been here. She's a very smart cat, doesn't let her lack of sight limit her- I'm almost envious of her. Almost. With her on the ground now, I carefully got up- cup in hand as I approached door cautious to not accidentally step on the small cat.

I carefully open the door, bracing myself for the light- but finding there to be none. Had he turned off the lights and closed the curtains as soon as he left? Not even Ian had been done that- mainly cause he forgot too but whatever. I have to get him off my mind before his presence there make migraine worse. It's relieving that Shaun hadn't made ginger tea, I probably wouldn't have been able to stomach it.

I carefully walked to the bathroom despite the aches in my joints, Moonpie following close behind- her small footsteps and gentle purrs being the only thing letting me know she was indeed there. Once I entered the room Shaun looked back at me shocked, before he whispered as soft as he could manage. "You should've waited in the room- I would've carried you." he says standing up, after placing the final candle. The gentle fire's light not stinging my eyes as much as the sun or artifical ones do.

"Oh yeah? You gonna strip me too Cofer?" I tease softly before shooing him softly while putting my mug on the back of the toilet. "Now get out for a bit, I'm gonna get in." I said, he quickly followed the order- taking Moonpie out with him, her letting out a meow that sounded like a complaint somehow.

Slowly I removed my clothes from earlier- the fabric feeling too constricting at the moment before slipping into the bath, a dense layer of bubbles over the top making it impossible to see into the water. The warm water soothed my joints, taking away all gravity and pressure that made them ache for the moment. Under the waters, I massaged my main joint locations my elbows, knees, wrists, and ankles. A soft knock rang through the bathroom.

"It's safe." I whisper, leaning back into the tub- bubbles coming up to my neck. Shaun slips in carrying a large bowl and a soft hand towel, Moonpie hot on his tail. "Here's the ice water for the towel, I'll wet it for you. Do you want me to stay here with you, or would you rather be alone?" he asked delicately, kneeling down before the tub- putting the bowl on the toilet as he put the towel into the water and rung it out as much as possible and refolded it.

Carefully he reached over and put it over my forehead and eyes, careful to not put it over my nose. I leaned my head back against the tub so the towel would stay on. "You can and Moony can stay if you'd like, I don't mind- not like you can see past the bubbles anyways." I reply softly with a short chuckle.

He hums softly and shuffling could be heard, sitting down with his back to the wall most likely. "Why don't you just block him?" he asked softly, a meow attesting to his question. "I'd feel bad...besides- he's one of the few things left from my childhood Shaun. I need time to heal before I make any rash decisions." I explained softly with a sigh.

With a huff he groans lightly, "Fiiine- guess I'll just have to be here for you then. Make sure you don't do anything stupid on your own." he teased, making me laugh softly. "Thank you Shaun." I say with a smile.

"Anytime MC. Anytime."

𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝: 1,512

#somethings wrong with sunny day jack #swwsdj #sdj mc #shaun durand cofer #ian duff #chronic pain #reqs open #coms open #writing #ABatsie-Writes

[b4ts1e]

ℍ𝕒𝕫𝕓𝕚𝕟 ℍ𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕝

ᴄʜᴀʀʟɪᴇ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ - 𝙽𝚘𝚗𝚎

ᴠᴀɢɢɪᴇ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ - 𝙽𝚘𝚗𝚎

ʜᴜꜱᴋ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ - 𝙽𝚘𝚗𝚎

ᴀɴɢᴇʟ ᴅᴜꜱᴛ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ - 𝙽𝚘𝚗𝚎

ʟᴜᴄɪꜰᴇʀ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ - 𝙽𝚘𝚗𝚎

ᴀʟᴀꜱᴛᴏʀ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ - 𝙽𝚘𝚗𝚎

ᴄʜᴇʀʀɪ ʙᴏᴍʙ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ - 𝙽𝚘𝚗𝚎

ᴠᴇʟᴠᴇᴛᴛᴇ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ - 𝙽𝚘𝚗𝚎

ᴄᴀʀᴍɪʟʟᴀ ᴄᴀʀᴍɪɴᴇ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ - 𝙽𝚘𝚗𝚎

ʀᴏꜱɪᴇ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ - 𝙽𝚘𝚗𝚎

ᴇᴍɪʟʏ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ - 𝙽𝚘𝚗𝚎

ʟᴜᴛᴇ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ - 𝙽𝚘𝚗𝚎

ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ x ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ - 𝙽𝚘𝚗𝚎

#hazbin hotel #x reader #character x character #charlie morningstar #vaggie #husker #angel dust #lucifer morningstar #alastor #cherri bomb #hazbin velvette #carmilla carmine #hazbin rosie #hazbin emily #hazbin lute #reqs open #coms open #ABatsie-Writes