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farfaras · 11 months

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Steddie week. Day 7: Free space. 2.1k words. Ao3 link.

@steddie-week

I’m late but I really wanted to finish the week. So here it is! The last one!

“What’s Eddie short for?” Steve asked Robin. They were on their break, now working at a record store after they got fired from Family Video for missing work too much.

“Why are you asking me?” She shot back. Steve simply shrugged. It honestly just occurred to him that he didn’t actually know if that was Eddie’s name or if it was a nickname.

“I was just thinking about it. You don’t know?”

“I have absolutely no idea.” That was disappointing. Robin seemed to be getting along with Eddie. Maybe they’re not that close. Would Dustin know? “You know, I think I asked him once.”

“Really? And what did he say?” She should’ve mentioned this first!

“I think he just started laughing and then deflected. Never answered me.” She stood up. They had to go back to work already. It was slow today, not much customers around so they kept chatting. “Why did you ask?”

“I don’t know.” Steve really was just curious. “We’ve all been friends for a while and I just realized we don’t actually know if ‘Eddie’ is short for anything.”

“He actually seems like the type of person to just be called ‘Eddie’. Like just ‘Eddie’, full stop.” Even if that’d be funny, it’s probably not it. “Anyway, just ask him.”

“Is that not weird?” He wondered.

“I asked him. He just didn’t tell me. Maybe you’d have more luck.” She smirked and it looked like she knew something he didn’t.

Steve narrowed his eyes. “Maybe I will.”

“You’re the one who wants to know.”

“Do you think he didn’t tell you because the name’s embarrassing or something?”

“He’s done so much embarrassing stuff, his name can’t be that bad.”

—

The next time he saw Eddie was when they were playing DnD, at Steve’s house. For some reason Eddie managed to convince Steve that hosting their nerd game was a good idea. He was sure it was his puppy dog eyes. Steve was not immune to those. Robin took advantage of that, constantly.

Steve almost forgot that he was gonna ask Eddie, it was when everyone left and it was just the two of them that Steve remembered the question he had been meaning to ask.

“Hey, Eddie.” He called out to catch his attention.

“Yeah?” They sat down on the couch after cleaning up.

“Is your name short for anything?”

He did exactly what Robin said he did when she asked him. He just started laughing, out of nowhere. Steve didn’t understand what was so funny.

When Eddie stopped laughing, he let out a sigh. “Anyway, what movies do you have?”

“Wha– you’re changing the subject! Why?” Steve was starting to get suspicious now.

“Why do you ask, Steve?” Eddie looked at him.

“I was just curious.” It’s true, Steve was curious. But now it felt like his name was actually something embarrassing, because why else would he avoid answering it in the first place.

“Sureee.” Eddie did not believe him. “To answer your question. Yes, my name is short for something.” Steve figured.

“What is it?” It couldn’t be bad. Steve only knew a handful of names that could be nicknamed Eddie, and those weren’t that bad.

“Ha! I’m not telling you that.” Eddie joyfully replied.

“What– why not?”

“I have to keep the mystery going.” He explained, tone completely serious.

“You’re not mysterious.” Steve deadpanned.

“Shut up, I so am.” Eddie bit back.

“It takes like, one conversation with you to know that you’re not mysterious.” Steve said. It was true, Eddie might have the intimidating look going on, but it was easy to overlook it as soon as he opened his mouth.

Eddie glares at him. “Are you done?”

“You still haven’t answered!”

“‘Cuz I’m not gonna.” Eddie grinned, he was just enjoying having something that Steve wanted to know. “Maybe you can guess.”

“Ugh” Steve fell further into the couch. “I don’t feel like it.”

“Just because I’m a generous and giving person,” Steve perked, he didn’t know why he wanted to know so badly. Maybe so he could use it whenever he wanted to scold him like one of the kids. “I’ll make you a deal.” Disappointed, Steve sighed.

“What’s the deal?” He asked.

“If you guess it,” Eddie put his hand on his chin. “I’ll give you something, anything you want.”

“What? Like a prize for guessing your name?” Steve scoffed. “What am I? A dog?”

“So you don’t want anything?”

“That’s not what I said.” Steve had a feeling that making a deal with Eddie was like making a wish to a genie. Eh, he would still get something out of it. “Whatever, sure. It’s a deal.” He just had to start guessing, until he got it. Shouldn’t be that hard.

“If you say so.”

“Is it Edward?” He gave his first guess.

“Well, that’d be too obvious.” Steve still waited for an actual response. Eddie rolled his eyes. “No, it’s not. Close, though.”

“Edison?”

“I’m so grateful it isn’t Edison.”

“Edmund?

“Oh god, they keep getting worse.”

“Yes or no?”

“No! Why would you think my name is Edmund? Do I look like an Edmund to you?” Eddie asked, scandalized.

Steve stayed quiet. “You want me to answer that?”

“Actually, let’s just watch a movie. That’s enough guesses for today.” Eddie went to shuffle through their options.

“I just started!” Steve protested. He should’ve known Eddie wasn’t gonna make it easy for him.

“I don’t feel like answering more. Try again later.”

Steve crossed his arms and pouted. When Eddie looked back at him, Steve stuck his tongue out, like a toddler. Eddie chuckled.

–

“Edwin?”

Eddie gave him a thumbs down.

–

“Edgar?”

Eddie spelled “no” with his fries. He proudly showed them to Steve.

Steve ate them.

–

“Edrian!”

“Where’d you even come up with that one?”

“I heard it somewhere.”

“Well, that’s not it.”

–

“Is it, like, just Ed or something?”

“Life would be easier.” Eddie dreamily looked to the sky. “So, no, it’s not.”

–

“I’m like, out of ideas, Robin.” Steve didn’t know whether to give up or look in the library.

“Maybe you need to look for obscure names, like really weird ones.” Robin made some hand gestures that he didn’t really know what they entailed.

—

“Can I get a hint?” Steve gave it his best shot at puppy dog eyes, he had big eyes, right?

Eddie wasn’t looking straight at him, he took one glance for like half a second and then decided to look forward. “I already did.”

“No.” He furrowed his eyebrows. “When?”

“With your first guess. I don’t think you need anything else.”

Steve let out a frustrated groan.

—

At the end, he didn’t guess shit.

Steve was dropping by some cookies he made, they were Eddie’s favorite. Steve wanted to improve some skills in the baking department, it was a win win. He got practice, Eddie got cookies. It didn’t mean anything else.

The government gave the Munsons a house after everything, it was on the outskirts of town. When he pulled up, he noticed that a letter had fallen down from the mailbox. When he picked it up he saw who it was addressed to.

Eduardo Munson.

There was no way.

Steve ran so fast his head almost clashed with the door. He knocked frantically. Eddie opened the door, Steve didn’t even wait to be invited in. He ran to the kitchen to set the cookies on the counter and raced back to where Eddie was.

“Your name is Eduardo?”

Eddie’s eyes widened. “How’d you find that out?”

Steve just handed him the letter he found on the floor. Eddie’s mouth formed an ‘O’, but he didn’t say anything.

“Well?” Steve crossed his arms.

“I guess now you know.” Eddie opened the letter to read it, he made his way to the couch and sat down. Steve followed.

“Is that why you said I was close with the name Edward?” Steve didn’t know anyone named Eduardo. Well, he thought he didn’t.

“Eduardo is basically the same name, but in Spanish.” Eddie, no, Eduardo nodded.

“Why– who decided that was gonna be your name?” Did his parents just like Spanish, or something? Steve thought. He obviously didn’t say it.

“My mom. She was Mexican. This letter is from my grandma.”

“Oh. Is it…” Steve didn’t actually know where he was going with that.

“Most of my mom’s side lives in cali, or Mexico.”

Eddie had the letter opened on his lap, Steve peeked. He didn’t want to pry, it was just a quick glance. Even if he wanted to read anything though, he couldn’t.

“That is, fully in Spanish.” His face was a mix of confusion and shock.

“Uh huh.” Eddie was holding back laughter. “What about it?”

“You speak Spanish?!” At this point, he didn’t even care if he was being loud.

“My grandma calls me regularly, like, once a month. She doesn’t speak an ounce of English.” Eddie’s face was fond. That shouldn’t be as cute as it was.

Steve’s jaw was on the floor. Never once did he expect to learn all of this just because he wanted to know if the name “Eddie” was actually short for another name. Eddie reached out and closed his mouth. Steve took some time to get himself back together. He collected the cookies and brought them back for Eddie.

“So, I didn’t guess.”

“No.”

Steve sighed, forlorn. “So, deal’s off, I guess.”

“Mmhm.” Eddie was concentrating on the letter in front of him. Steve slapped his arm. “What was that for?”

“You can read that later. I brought you cookies.”

Eddie snatched them, he started almost inhaling them. Jesus Christ. “These are great.”

“Thanks.” Steve blushed.

After that they were content to just hang out, doing whatever. Eddie told him more about his mom’s side of the family. There were a lot of family members that Steve couldn’t keep track of. He talked more with his grandma, aunts and uncle. Steve found out that his mom taught him Spanish when he was little. When she died, and his dad ended up in prison, his closer relative was Wayne so he moved in with him. His mom’s family always kept in touch, though. The last time his grandma visited was before Christmas in 1985.

“Say something in Spanish.” Steve was surprised with himself for asking that. Where did that come from?

“What am I? Your personal clown?”

“Shut up.” He rolled his eyes. “It just hasn’t registered in my brain fully, that you speak Spanish. Maybe I have to hear it.” Steve tried. It was a cheap attempt at just wanting to hear it.

“What do you want me to say?” Eddie replied. Was he actually gonna do it?

“I don’t know.” Steve shrugged. An idea came to him, he straightened up. “What about the way your grandma greets you on the phone, or the way you answer?”

Eddie scrunched up his nose. Cute. “Ugh… she’s so mushy.”

“Now I have to hear it.” Steve clasped his hands together, battling his eyelashes.

Eddie just accepted defeat. “Fine!” He was now avoiding Steve’s eyes. “Whenever she calls she always starts with something like ‘¿Cómo está mi niño hermoso?’ Or she’d call me ‘mi vida’, or ‘mi cielo’. Honestly she calls me a lot of things.” Steve had no idea what that was, nor what it meant. But his eyes never left Eddie’s lips, not once. Hearing that was doing things to Steve. He suddenly felt hot.

“What does it mean?”

Eddie flushed red. He turned to Steve, eyes deadly serious. “You don’t wanna know.”

“Oh, but I really do.” Eddie shook his head no. “You have to tell me or else I’m just gonna start calling you that.” Eddie’s face was so funny, he looked scandalized at the possibility. “What was it again? Cie- cielo?”

Eddie swung his hands and arms around. “Stop! Don’t you dare continue.” Steve mimed zipping his mouth. “If you must know. She just asks how I am and she calls me her boy and other pet names.”

Steve narrowed his eyes, assessing him. “Is that the truth?” Eddie nodded. “I’ll accept that, for now.”

They spent the rest of the day watching tv. By the time Steve was leaving the sun was already setting. Eddie walked him to the door.

“What would you have asked for?” Eddie blurted. “If you had guessed my name.”

Steve glanced down at Eddie’s lips for the second time that day. He looked up at Eddie, even if they were almost the same height. Steve shrugged one shoulder. “I’m sure I would’ve come up with something.”

Steve leaned in and placed a quick kiss on Eddie’s cheek.

“See you, Eduardo.”

He stepped outside and walked to his car. He heard a loud thumping noise coming from inside the house and chuckled to himself.

–

Bonus:

Steve: he speaks Spanish, Robin!

Robin: I heard you the first time, dingus.

Steve: I don’t think you understand the severity of the situation.

Robin: *blank stare*

Steve: I can’t believe I have to date him.

Robin: you don’t have to.

Steve: no, no. I’m gonna.

#steddie #steddieweek2023 #steddieweekprompts #eddie x steve #steve x eddie #steve harrington x eddie munson #steve harrington #eddie munson #mexican eddie munson #latino eddie munson #he’s Mexican bc I’m Mexican and I said so #robin buckley #stranger things #stranger things 4 #pre relationship #pre slash #mer writes sometimes #ficlet

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td-tbbg-official · 3 months

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Valentine’s Day - Short Story

“That will be $47.06. Will that be cash or card?”

“Oh my God, babe, like in your favorite video game! Isn’t that so cool?”

“You remembered?”

“Of course I did! How could I not?”

“Oh, I just… Thought that… Nevermind, I’m just kinda flattered.”

“And it’s a cute coincidence, isn’t it? You’re buying me gifts that round up to your favorite number—”

“Will that be cash or card?” Heather shouts, loud enough for the most annoying couple she’s seen today to snap out of making heart eyes at each other and look at her.

“Um, card,” the guy reluctantly says as he takes out his wallet.

“Fucking finally,” the cashier mumbles under her breath, thankfully quietly enough for the clients not to hear.

“I take it your day isn’t going well…” the girl chuckles.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Heather snarls.

Fuck this ‘customer service’ smiley face façade, she couldn’t care less. This is her fourth job this year anyways, and it’s only February. Maybe by Women’s Day, she’ll be at her eighth. That’d be a pathetic record, and she can’t believe she actually partly wants to reach it, just to feel something again.

“Oh, nothing, sorry,” the girl chuckles again. “Forget it. Have a lovely day! Happy Valentine’s!”

“Go die in a ditch,” Heather retorts, mostly to her computer, her tone hushed again in order to not get fired.

Stupid couples in this stupid store on this stupid holiday. It’s all a scam anyways. A holiday invented for the sole purpose of making single people feel lonely, aromantic people feel invalid, and benefiting off the money in those in relationships. Who the hell thought of this?

Her day could be much worse, she is well aware. She could be swarmed by TDI superfans looking to get her autograph. She could be swarmed by TDI superfans looking to cause her untimely demise. She doesn’t know which one is worse at this point. Lovey-dovey couples are the last of her worries, but she can’t help but roll her eyes at every single one.

Deep down, she knows why; but she refuses to admit it to herself. She tells herself she’s moved past him, that she’s grown as a person and, in turn, outgrown him.

But if she goes even deeper, she knows it’s not true. As mostly everything Heather Kasuga has told in her life, this, too, is a lie.

***

It’s when he drops his make-up brush for the umpteenth time that Alejandro breaks. Not into tears, no; he actually breaks his bathroom mirror. It’s only then that he bursts into tears, because he’s cut himself on the glass, and doesn’t have enough money to replace his mirror.

It’s not like it matters, anyways. He’s become hideous, and he knows this. He wonders why he even has this mirror in his apartment – it’s not like he still likes looking at himself, as he did many years ago… What has it been, a decade? And does it matter? Time stopped after Total Drama, and its importance faded away with it.

On this day, he tends to think back to that damned show, believe it or not. The bonds he’s made on it never leave his head, and one in particular stands out; it’s the one that haunts him most, the one that he wishes actually lasted.

Of course, it’s impossible. They’ve grown. She’s strong, and she’s surely gotten past him.

But he’s weak, and he hasn’t. And he knows this, but never will he admit it.

For Alejandro Burromuerto refuses to tell another lie. Whatever exists up there knows where that gets him.

***

END STORY

Ah, Valentine’s Day. The perfect day to show your partner just how much you love them by giving into the horrors of capitalism and buying them more chocolate than they could eat in a year! How wonderful.

I... seriously pity you if you were expecting something cutesy, haha! Oh my God, the look on your face must be priceless! Listen, when I said these two were going through it, I meant it!

Hey, if it’s any consolation, Chef and I are doing great. We’re watching the first few seasons back to back while laughing at every single painful moment, reminiscing of the screams we’ve heard while on set and ranking them. If that’s not true love, I don’t know what is...

coming soon to an AO3 near you.

questions, concerns, suggestions to be deposited in the ask box.

TD: TBBG is written by @canonically47. the blog is entirely run by the writer.

!!! reblogs > likes !!!

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jujumin-translates · 3 months

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Event | 7th Anniversary: All Actors Aboard! | PR 2: Changing Landscapes

Tsumugi: Well then, let’s start the leaders’ meeting.

Izumi: We’ve received the proposal for the event, so let’s discuss that today.

Izumi: The manager will be joining us this time since he’s probably the person most knowledgeable about Veludo Town in the company.

Manager: Glad to be working with you!

Banri: Huh, so there’s gonna be a market and food corner featurin’ the local shops at the event.

Tenma: Are they going to have stuff like a game corner and an open stage too?

Izumi: Among those, we’ve got the “Photo Corner”, “Experience Corner”, “Drawing Corner”, and the “Food Corner”...

Izumi: Each troupe will be in charge of those four spots, so let’s divide up who’s going to work where first.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Izumi: Alright, Spring Troupe is in charge of the “Photo Corner” and Summer Troupe will be in charge of the “Drawing Corner”.

Izumi: The “Experience Corner” goes to Autumn Troupe and the “Food Corner” will go to Winter Troupe, sound good?

Sakuya: The photo corner, huh… I wonder if all of Spring Troupe should learn how to use a camera from Omi-san.

Tenma: We’ve got Kazunari, so we should be good with drawing.

Banri: Right person, right place. Speakin’ of that, I think we’re pretty well off too.

Tenma: The experience corner going to Autumn Troupe sounds interesting enough, but… will Juza-san be okay?

Banri: We’ve still got our trump card, so we should be fine.

Tenma: Trump card…?

Sakuya: And Winter Troupe’s food corner will have Guy-san and Hisoka-san, who have experience with that kinda thing.

Tsumugi: That’s true. But we’ve also got a lot of people with no experience… so I can’t help but wonder how it’ll go. I’m half-excited, half-nervous.

Izumi: Good luck, guys.

Manager: How nice~, everyone’s so motivated. I was called here, but I guess it isn’t my turn…

Manager: Since I’m here, I’d really like to be of service somehow. If only there were something I could participate in…

Manager: Oh, what’s this… the last page of the proposal documents, the history of Veludo Town and Veludo Station?

Izumi: Oh, there are pictures too. Fufu, the retro vibe is kind of nice.

Manager: It’s so nostalgic. I remember, you could buy cleaning supplies at this store, and…

Manager: Ah, this post box!

Tenma: I didn’t know there was a post box there by the station.

Sakuya: I feel like I maybe remember seeing it, but…

Banri: I don’t remember it…

Manager: It’s not there anymore. They got rid of it before I even noticed.

Manager: …Actually, this post box is profoundly memorable for me.

Tsumugi: Profoundly memorable?

Manager: The place I sent a letter to Yukio-san was right there.

Izumi: Was that… the letter that I got that was meant for Dad?

Manager: Yes.

Izumi: (I see, so that’s where the letter I got was sent out from…)

Izumi: That really makes you think about how many small changes have happened around the town and the station, doesn’t it?

Tsumugi: It really does. The convenience stores that used to be on the platforms are no longer there, and the station staff are getting younger…

Banri: And the paid bicycle parkin’ in front of the station has been cleaned up, but the price has gone up.

Tenma: The bulletin board there used to be an old-fashioned blackboard, but before you knew it, it became an LCD display.

Sakuya: Kinda makes you wonder if things just keep changing little by little like that, that one day we’ll forget about the way the station is now…

Sakuya: It’s kinda sad, isn’t it…

Tsumugi: Well then, why don’t we record it in some way so we don’t forget?

Tenma: Record it… you mean like taking pictures or videos?

Banri: I mean if you’re lookin’ for that sorta thing, someone else musta been keepin’ a record of it, even if we didn’t.

Tsumugi: The physical landscape is part of it, of course, but more importantly is…

Sakuya: The memories, right?

Tsumugi: Exactly. The shape of things might change one day, making it impossible to remember. That’d be a little sad, wouldn’t it?

Tsumugi: I think we all have some small events and memories that are brought by seeing and thinking about the station.

Banri: I see what you’re gettin’ at.

Tenma: Record the memories themselves, right? That does sound like a good idea.

Izumi: …Ah.

Izumi: Right, I got something in my email the other day…

*Typing*

Izumi: Here! I want everyone to take a look at it--.

Manager: This is… an email from the people in charge of “VELUDO”?

Izumi: Yep. One of the reasons we got this offer was that I emailed the people in charge of “VELUDO” to thank them…

Izumi: In their reply, they wrote that they were thinking of publishing a web edition issue of “VELUDO” in conjunction with the event.

Izumi: They said they would like to work with us on a serialization project for the magazine.

Sakuya: It says that the theme of the series should be something related to Veludo Station!

Banri: Well, ain’t that pretty fittin’?

Izumi: Yeah, I’ll talk to the person in charge as soon as possible!

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Izumi: …So, in conjunction with the event, they asked us to do a series of articles for the web edition of “VELUDO”.

Izumi: The project’s name is simply “VELUDO STATION MEMORY”.

Izumi: Each member of the troupe will do one article. The contents, as the name suggests, can be any sort of memory about Veludo Station.

Homare: Ooh, that is actually such a splendid project! Leave it to me. It is my principal occupation, after all.

Azami: Homare-san’s prolly used to doin’ that kinda thing, but the rest of us are just amateurs… It’s kinda nerve-racking.

Misumi: I wonder if I can write something good~...

Izumi: It’ll be okay. They don’t want it to be too formal, so it’ll be just like talking about your memories like you usually would…

Izumi: The people in charge said they wanted you guys to write about things freely, just like you do with blog posts.

Sakyo: However, you need to at least write sentences that are readable. Check carefully for typos. Understood, Citron?

Citron: I will blight very perfectly! My sentences will be smirks of cart!

Itaru: Think you’re gonna need some autocorrect right off the bat there.

Guy: This sounds like a good “role study” for the event.

Taichi: For real! We’ll make both the event and this series successful together!

[ ⇠ Previous Part ] • [ Next Part ⇢ ]

#a3!#a3! translation #sakuya sakuma #tenma sumeragi #banri settsu #tsumugi tsukioka #isuke matsukawa

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tmntxthings · 2 years

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Rise!Leo falling in love Pt. 7

author’s note: did I say plot last time? I meant next next time… more brother moments, more character development, <3 hope you all enjoy

warnings: fluff, lil jealousy, angst? cursing

previous - next?

—————————————————————————

previously. . .

“I can’t believe it!!” You laughed happily, “I told you, you’re a natural! All you needed was a little practice,” Raph set Mikey down and Mikey then let you go, both beaming prideful smiles down at you.

Leo hadn’t heard from you in hours and he wondered if maybe you were just busy.. or perhaps texting wasn’t your thing? He didn’t know! But he was feeling pretty restless. The comics weren’t as interesting anymore and he kept looking over at where his phone lay on the bed hoping for it to flash with a notification.

He sighed looking back at the Jupiter Jim comic in his hands, eyes glazing over not really reading as he started to overthink. Maybe he should call you? Would that be too needy? Surely you had to be thinking of him even if you were occupied? Leo dropped the comic on his bed, grabbed his phone, and headed to his twin’s lab. Donnie was always there and if anyone could help with this dilemma it would be his smarter than average (but not a genius bc let’s be honest his ego’s already too big) brother!

“Donniee open up, it’s your favorite brother!” An intercom sounded from the door, “you don’t sound like Mikey..” and Leo put a hand to his plastron, “you wound me brother, now open up!” He started banging louder and an irritated groan was heard before the door unlocked and slid open. “Thank youuu” Leo said as he entered, the lab door closing behind him immediately. Donnie turned in his swivel chair, “What is it now Nardo?” his arms already crossing. “Can’t I just come hang out with my own twin without being questioned about my motives?!”

Donatello’s eyes narrowed, “Alright alright, can you tell me if Y/n’s at their house? They haven’t responded to me all day and I just wanna make sure they are okay,” Donnie shook his head, “or maybe they are busy?” he said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Look can you do it or not?” Leo grumped not wanting to argue or be forced to think that yes you probably were just doing something super cool without him and not thinking about him at all! “fine but the next last slice of pizza-“

“Is yours, yes yes yes yes yes” Leonardo agreed and Donnie turned to the big screen. Leo didn’t know what his brother did but after some keyboard typing and a few passwords a map appeared, then color coordinated circles. The purple and blue were together, yellow and orange were together- oh April is here! That must’ve been the commotion Leo thought to himself. “Looks like they’re with Raph in the arcade,” Donnie zoomed in on the red dot that was next to a dark blue one.

Leo blinked and then blinked again, okay one more blink he needed to process this fully. You were here in the lair, hanging out with his older brother Raph. Without. Him. “Uh Leo you just gonna stand there dumbfounded or?” Donnie asked as he swiveled in circles. “Don’t tell me you’re jealous again are you?” Donnie smirked totally knowing his words hit a mark. Because as soon as they were out Leo grabbed his swords and portaled, straight to the arcade.

。・゜・( pov change: y/n )・゜・。

“Seriously this place just keeps getting better and better!” You gushed as you took a seat at the ‘Ultimate Racing Machine.’ Mikey and April went off to the kitchen earlier on and that left Raph to continue showing you around. He thought the next best place besides the ramp room would be the arcade. You had lit up like a light at the idea, you loved video games even if you weren’t a master at them. Raph got in the player 2 chair and that was all you needed to start steering the wheel getting a game setup. “So who’s got the highscore?” You asked curiously, it was pretty high up there, “that’d be Donnie” Raph said but added on, “I’m really close to beating him one of these days!”

“Well I’m sure you’ll kick my ass!” You laughed as the count down began. The two of you tensed and readied as the screens went green ‘GO!’ and the match was on. Three laps winner takes all! “AHA! Found you!” You lurched back in surprise as a blue bandanna came into view blocking the video game. “Leo!! I was in the lead!!” You said as you moved your head around trying to see the screen. Raph laughed in victory as he passed you up reaching the finish line for the first lap. “Haven’t you checked your phone?? I’ve been wondering what you were doing, where you’ve been, and here you are!” Leo said moving his face in front of you whenever you tried to look past him.

“I thought you knew I was here! Mikey invited me and I just guessed you were busy, plus I haven’t exactly gotten to know your brothers that well, and today has been going great so far,” you were talking but still not looking at him, you had hopes you could maybe pull out a win somehow but Raph was still in the lead by the second lap. “Leo! I’m gonna lose!!” You said in despair, as Raph said “Maybe next time Y/n,” you thought to yourself if only you didn’t have such a big blue distraction maybe you’d have a fighting chance! Leo crossed his arms, thinking over what you said and immediately zoning in on solely the fact that you’ve been having such a great time without him practically all day. He needed a plan, so you would see how much fun you were missing out on by not hanging out with him.

The third lap came into view and ‘LOSER’ came across your screen and you slumped back into the chair while Raph next to you hopped up and stood with both hands in the air full of victory. “Yes!! Leo thanks for your somewhat assistance but that was still all me babyyy!” Raph struck a pose, flexing and you finally tore your gaze away from the red screen to see Leo looking at you deep in thought. “Alright you two, I’m getting hungry, lemme go see if April and Mikey figured something out yet,” you listened to Raph’s footsteps fade as you acknowledged what he said. It got quiet, electronic video game music in the background. “Leo I think you’re overthinking,” you said to him as he seemed to be snapped out of his thoughts when he felt your eyes on him, finally.

“Pshhhh me? Overthinking? Hardly!” He retorted as he leaned back glancing at the red screen. It made him think of Raph’s red dot with yours. He rolled his eyes, going over to sit in the player 2 seat. “Wanna go against the master?” Leo questioned raising a cocky nonexistent eyebrow. “I thought Donnie had the high score?” You asked curiously. “What?! Hell no I’m the record holder here, who’s filling your head with lies?” You laughed, “okay okay almighty master, let’s see it then!” Ready to play, and this time hopefully with no more distractions. “Oh you don’t know what you’ve just summoned!” Leo remarked as the two of you chose your separate cars. “Let’s goooo” Leo said getting hyped as the count down began.

‘GO!’ The green screen flashed and you were sucked in, music getting louder as you leaned in unconsciously closer to the screen. “Yes, take a good close look at how I’ma leave you in my dust!” Leo trash-talked teasingly and your mouth twisted wracking your brain for a reply, “We’ll see about that..” your tongue sticking out slightly in concentration. Leo was so cocky of his assured victory that he stole glances towards you just to see your reactions to his supreme skills. So cute! He thought seeing your pink tongue, and that was all it took for you to suddenly take the lead on the second lap! “YES!” You exclaimed as Leo turned back to the screen focusing up. It had been a close race, Leo coming back at the last second and you threw yourself out of the seat as the red screen appeared yet again. “NO!!!” You cried, feeling pretty bitter at how you lost, “Who’s the racing master? I’m the racing master! Oh yeah!!” Leo gloated with the glow of the green celebratory screen shining on his face. “Ugh,” you groaned pitifully as Leo snickered. You were such a sore loser.

“Alright gaming aside, what else have I missed today?” Leo hummed, wanting to know everything. You clambered back into the chair, turning to face him as he looked over at you waiting, “Well, Mikey invited me over with April to watch a skateboarding competition in the ramp room!” And you were off going into detail and then gushing at how they had took the time to teach you how to board and even manage to survive the ramp. Leo listened intently, a small smile on his face, you talked so animatedly, and even though he wished he had been with you he was happy to hear how well you got along with his brothers, and vice versa.

“Not to brag but I’m also like the greatest at skateboarding too if you want a real pro to give you lessons,” he offered with a big smirking smile and you rolled your eyes smiling too, he always seemed to be an expert at everything. It didn’t seem possible but you didn’t feel like knocking down his incredibly large ego at the moment. “I’ll have to fit that into my schedule,” you teased. Leo stood, “how about an addition to the lair tour? You up for it?” You nodded and followed after him as he led the way.

“Woah,” you said as you approached the subway, walking with Leo to an open doorway, “Ta-da!” He said giving you jazz hands, “welcome to my room” he showed you his comic book collection and the posters on his wall then all the other knickknacks. You smiled listening to everything, “and yeah that’s about it! I’m kinda proud of the collection heh,” he became a little sheepish towards the end because he really meant it. “It’s amazing Leo! It must’ve taken a long time to collect,” you noted as you sat on the edge of his bed. He sat beside you smiling and nodding. You pulled out your phone and saw a couple of text messages and one missed call. Two messages and the call from Leo, you smiled softly to yourself, “I’m sorry I didn’t check my phone sooner Leo,” you admitted you felt guilty because it had been a couple of hours. He waved his hand dismissively, “it’s cool I was overreacting” he shrugged.

He wanted to be a cool boyfriend. A laid back boyfriend. You reached over grabbing his hand, “are you sure?” You wanted him to be honest, with you and himself. He nodded slowly, then tilted his head as he thought over his feelings. “Maybe a teensy bit worried” Leo admitted nonchalantly. “But Donnie’s got a tracker on your phone so I probably won’t be feeling that way again,” you raised an eyebrow, “really?” You deadpanned. “Uh what I mean to say is he used his genius brain powers to shoot a text to Mikey who ended up telling us that you were here!” A bright fake smile dashed onto Leo’s features. You crossed your arms, scooting over on the bed away from him.

“Aw c’mon what was a turtle supposed to do?” He whined, “when you’ve got a whiz kid of a twin brother you use him when you’re worried about-” you sighed, effectively shutting him up without having to say anything. Now he was the one reaching for your hand, “how about..” you started but remembered how you had basically ignored your phone for a couple of hours… “I don’t know, a full day going by before the tracking comes into play?” Leo stared at you seriously, “and if I’m really really worried?” You looked into his eyes, he looked to be thinking back to the noodle shop situation. With the crazy psycho with the gun. “Okay,” you agreed only because you didn’t want him to stress needlessly. “But I don’t think you’ll need to, I’ll pay more attention to my phone” you said confidently.

“Pizza’s here!” Three voices rang out throughout the lair. “Hungry?” Leo asked squeezing the hand that was resting in his palm. You squeezed back, “starving!” you said dramatically and he couldn’t help himself any longer. He scooped you up into his arms and nuzzled your neck before planting a kiss on your surprised lips. “Leo!” You squeaked, “whattttt? I’ve been waiting all day to do that!”

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vanoincidence · 10 months

Text

The Friendship You Cave || Van & Cass

TIMING: current. SETTING: cass's cave. PARTIES: @magmahearts & @vanoincidence SUMMARY: cass invites van to her cave! CONTENT WARNINGS: none!

Van slid in through the small opening with Cass’s guidance. It took her longer than she would have liked for her eyes to adjust to the dim lighting, but once they did, her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of Cass’s home. She hadn’t exactly believed her friend when she told her that she lived in a cave, but standing in it now, it was hard to ignore. She looked over at Cass who had her back turned to her. There was some light streaming in above them that aided Van as she ventured further in, gaze sweeping across the sleeping bag and the boxes of comics.

“This is so…” She didn’t know what it was, but cool came to mind first, despite the mild concern she had for her friend and the fact that she was sleeping in a cave. Especially this close to the abnormality, even if she didn’t exactly believe in all the terrorizing details people spread about it. Van glanced at Cass with a smile. “Cool. It’s like a video game, seriously.” She dropped into a crouch next to one of the boxes of comics, not touching them, but looking. She knew how serious some people could take their collectibles and she didn’t want to upset her friend. “You seriously live in here?” It was nice, being able to focus on something other than all the shit that’d been dredged up around her. Here, she didn’t have to think about the way she melted everything in her path. Here, she could be Cass’s friend and stare in wonder at her home.

—

There weren’t many people Cass had intentionally shown the cave to. People had stumbled upon it, sure, and there were a very select few that she’d shown the inside intentionally, but the number was very small. Van seemed like a good person to add to the limited list, though. She was a good friend, and she hadn’t said it was weird or made fun of Cass when she’d told her she lived in a cave. She seemed to think it was pretty cool, actually; Cass liked that. She liked Van. Their friendship may have been born in tragedy, but it didn’t stay there. That was a good thing.

There was a hint of anxiety clinging to her as Van looked around, though, a quiet feeling that had her holding her breath and waiting to see how the sentence might end. When Van settled on cool as a descriptor and compared it to a video game, a bright smile spread across the oread’s face. She looked ecstatic, practically bouncing as she nodded her head. “I do, yeah!” She held her arms out, as if introducing the space. “It’s huge. Way bigger than a house or an apartment. And there are different caverns and stuff, like rooms! I have a bedroom, a living room. There’s one I call the kitchen. There’s not, like, a microwave, but it’s colder in there so I can put drinks in there and they won’t get hot. And there’s a stream that runs through it if you go deep enough!” She crouched down next to Van by the comics, scooting the box towards her. “You can look at them if you want. I have a bunch.”

—

Between Nora and Cass, Van wasn’t sure whose living conditions were more like a product of fanfiction. Even though she had offered either of them a place to stay since she had an entire house, Nora only came over to shower every once and awhile, and Cass would drop in to stay sometimes. That was enough for Van, because at least she could offer something. The house felt too big for her, and it was emptier now than it had been, especially with her grandmother gone.

“Yeah, it’s a lot bigger than my place!” Her house was big, but not really, not if you actually looked at it. Maybe it was big to her because she had it to herself. The cave was wider, more spacious– less suffocating, somehow, despite the rocks. Van’s eyes widened slightly as Cass explained she had multiple rooms. “Wait, really?” She tried to look down one way, and then another, but struggled in the dim lighting. “It’s like having an outside cooler thing.” She nodded as if in some kind of approval. “Do you have really good blankets or something? How do you stay warm?” She wondered what Cass would do come winter time. Had she experienced a Maine winter? Van looked back down at the box of comics as Cass prompted her forth. She smiled slightly and began to flick through them, gasping slightly as she pulled out a cover with Black Cat on it. “I think she was my gay awakening, seriously.” That, and a handful of other women both in comics and video games.

—

It felt like praise, even if it wasn’t. That was the thing about growing up the way Cass had, at existing as an unloved thing; anything someone said to you that wasn’t outright negative felt like a compliment. Van said Cass’s cave was bigger than her house, and that wasn’t necessarily her saying that she admired it or envied it, but that was how the oread’s mind interpreted the words. Her grin grew even wider, and she had to remind herself to keep her glamour up, to not let her joy burn through and make her face light up in a more literal sense of the word.

“Yeah!” She nodded, watching Van look down the ‘hall.’ It didn’t occur to Cass that her friend would be unable to see in the dark; Cass’s own eyes were just as sharp in the darkness of her cave as they were in the brightness of the sun. “It is! I could keep anything in there, and it would stay cold. I haven’t tried it with ice cream, though. That might be the exception. It’s not that cold in there.” Blankets? Cass shook her head. “No,” she said, before realizing that maybe she should have said something else. The magma in her veins warmed her pretty well, but most people didn’t have that. “I, um… I run hot, I guess? I don’t get cold very easily.” Not a lie. Definitely not a lie. She watched Van flick through the books, brightening when she found one of the old Spider-Man comics with Black Cat on the cover. “Oh, no way! She’s one of my favorites. Spider-Man totally doesn’t deserve her.”

—

“Yeah, and warm ice cream isn’t that good.” She scrunched her nose, thinking about how many times she’d fallen asleep with a tub of ice cream out while waiting for it to thaw. Van arched an inquisitive brow as Cass explained she ran hot, but decided to accept her explanation. She wasn’t sure how warm Cass ran, or if it’d be enough in the winter time, but maybe she’d be okay during the summer. Instead of asking more questions, Van dropped it.

“He really doesn’t.” Van rocked back so that she was seated firmly on the ground. It was cold and hard beneath her and she started to wonder if Cass was actually comfortable here, or if she felt like she had nowhere else to go. Even though she had explained what happened to her parents, Cass hadn’t said too much about her own support system. Maybe they were kindred souls in that way– not only had death brought them together, but the fact that they’d both faced a form of abandonment, too. Van hadn’t explained what happened with her grandma, but she hadn’t felt the need to. “I really wanted to be her when I grew up.” She pressed her index finger against the cover and flipped through the pages before looking over to Cass. “But I guess I’m more like…” Her eyebrows pulled together, “Cindy Moon.” That made sense. The anxiety was there. She put the comic back and turned, her shorts scraping against the floor of the cave as she faced Cass. “Do you want to do anything?”

—

“Definitely not,” Cass agreed. In all honesty, she hadn’t had a lot of ice cream prior to coming to Wicked’s Rest. Leila and Metzli were both fond enough of buying it for her here, but it wasn’t something she’d often gotten for herself in her life before the town. After all, it wasn’t feasible to store it anywhere when you lived on the streets, and a single-serving of ice cream wasn’t the smartest use of the limited funds she’d managed to gather through pickpocketing her way across the country. The few times she’d gotten it had been for the novelty of it, because she’d seen it on TV or in movies. She wasn’t even sure she’d ever had warm ice cream, but Van said it was bad and Cass would say anything if it meant Van might want to hang out with her more.

Van settled into a seating position, and Cass quickly followed suit. The hardness of the cave floor went unnoticed by the oread; where Van had soft human skin that might protest the rocks and the dirt, Cass was made of stone. The glamour covering it was little more than a mask she could slip on and off as needed. It didn’t feel the way human skin felt. Sometimes, she wished it did. Leaning in to look over the familiar pages, she nodded her head. “Honestly? I kind of think Cindy’s cooler. I mean, don’t get me wrong, Felicia’s badass. But Cindy’s story is… unique. You know? And good. And relatable, in some ways. Plus, Cindy makes Pokemon references. That’s cool.” She flicked through the covers herself, humming. “We could just sit here and read comics, if you wanted. Or I could show you farther back in the cave? We could go to the stream.”

—

Van closed the comic she held and placed it gently back into the box. She looked up at Cass, a small smile pulling at the corners of her lips. “You think so?” Maybe Cindy wasn’t all anxiety and a broken heart, she could be other things, too. And Van liked to make references towards pop culture, maybe just not pokemon. It reminded her of her dad too much. “I guess you’re right.” She grabbed the edge of the box and peered back into it, but didn’t bother moving the other comics aside. Instead, she stared at the cover of the issue she’d just put back into it and chewed on her bottom lip.

She wanted to be cool. Like Nora, or like Cass. She didn’t think she could be, though. Van couldn’t imagine giving up such comforts as a bed for the sake of doing whatever she wanted. Or her computer, for that matter. The thought was petrifying– to leave her home, despite it not feeling like a home at all. Cass’s voice broke through the onslaught of thoughts and she looked up at her, smile faltering slightly. “Wait, there’s a stream? That’s so cool!” Van pressed her hand against Cass’s knee as she got to her feet, dusting her butt off with her hands. She held out a hand to her friend, feeling like a kid more than she had in months. It reminded her of the night she and Teagan had watched movies. “Do you um..” She pulled out her phone and shook her head, “never mind, I’ve got a flashlight on here. How do you even see? Do you use like, a candle? That would be cool, but maybe a little dangerous.” Would it be? Probably, considering the abnormality sometimes gave off weird fumes.

—

“Yeah. Definitely.” Cass nodded her head adamantly, and the lack of nausea tugging at her gut meant she wasn’t lying. She liked Black Cat just fine, but there was something special about Silk. The time lost, the loneliness, the way she related to the world… It was a lot easier for Cass to understand than Felicia’s flirtatious back and forth with Spider-Man, even if Black Cat’s thievery was a little easier to grasp.

She watched the way Van stared at the comics, marveling at the familiar uncertainty on the other girl’s face. It was so strange to think that Van, of all people, might feel uncertain. She seemed so effortlessly cool to Cass, like the kind of person everyone ought to want to hang out with. She had a house and a job, and people talked to her. She always seemed so sure of herself online, too. And she was funny. Cass admired her, really. She thought she might be better if she were a little more like Van, but maybe it could be enough to just be like someone Van liked. She grinned as her friend held a hand out to her, taking it and letting Van help her to her feet. “Oh,” she said, a little embarrassed at the fact that she’d forgotten that humans’ eyes didn’t quite work like oreads’. “Um, I think your eyes just kind of… adjust after a while. When you’re down here enough. You know? But I light candles sometimes.” It wasn’t a lie, though the candles she lit were more for atmosphere than they were for seeing. “I don’t think it’s dangerous or anything? There’s not a lot in here to catch fire as long as I make sure to light them far away from my stuff.”

—

Van’s gaze wandered the nature-created ceiling, admiring how the slabs of rock vaulted against one another to create an almost perfect shape. She made sure to keep the flashlight on her phone from hitting Cass directly in the eyes. “I’m really clumsy, even if my eyes do adjust.” She let out a small laugh as she pointed the light towards the floor. This was so much easier than being worried about the things other people said. About what that boy in the common had said, or about the whispers that followed her and Nora away from the coffee shop. This was nice. Cass was nice. She liked Cass, and as much as she hated what had happened and how traumatizing it was, she was glad that Cass was there with them, not because she had wanted something terrible to happen to her, but because… well, just because.

It felt a little selfish, and Van knew she should have wanted the opposite– to take the risk of not knowing Cass at all for the sake of not having murdered someone, or being attacked for that matter, but she couldn’t bring herself to think that way. “Good point.” She bit her lip and motioned for Cass to go first, not really sure what direction she should head in.

—

“I can make sure you don’t fall.” She offered Van her arm, and she wondered if there was more she could do. She’d made rockslides in the caves before, whether by accident or intentionally, but she didn’t think the opposite was entirely possible. She wished it were. She wished she could make the terrain easier to trek, wished she could make the ground a little more even so Van wouldn’t trip. She wished she could make her world easier for other people to live in. Maybe then, more people would stay.

But Van was here now, rough terrain and all. She was pointing her flashlight at the floor, she was talking as they walked. They had this terrible thing binding them together, this awful secret and this restrictive promise to keep it, but Cass didn’t think she’d trade it. She knew that was selfish. Someone died because she and her friends killed them. Someone’s body was rotting at the bottom of a pit, and she was showing Van to the stream. She was talking about ice cream, she was giggling, she was light. She thought she should feel bad about that, thought she should feel more guilty about not feeling guilty. But it was hard to, in moments like this. In moments like this, she just felt… okay. She didn’t want to know what it said about her.

Offering Van a smile, she moved towards the stream. She walked slower than she would have had she been alone, made sure to look back. “It’s not too far,” she promised. “Really just a little ways. And worth the walk. It’s so cool.”

—

Van grabbed onto Cass’s arm without further prodding from her friend, knowing that her feet would be untrustworthy over the unfamiliar terrain.

She followed Cass’s steps, careful and unsure at first, but eventually finding the confidence to keep up with her friend’s pace, even if it was probably slowed down for her. Van nodded at Cass’s reassurance that it wasn’t too far from where they currently were. The light from the entrance of the cave eventually dimmed, and Van found herself blinking to keep up with the descent into darkness. She scanned the flashlight over each rock she stepped over, somewhat afraid that she might take her friend down with her.

She could hear the stream before she could see it and she tugged on Cass’s arm. “I can hear it! That’s so cool!” Van wasn’t usually one for outdoors, and maybe it showed, but this was Cass’s home, as weird as it was, and she wanted to be respectful and excited. For a moment, she could pretend to be a girl wandering Wicked’s Rest in search of adventure, not escape. She flashed her phone in the direction she thought the stream was, but a wall became illuminated instead. Maybe it was the echoes? “Do you sing in here a lot? I bet it carries over crazy good.”

—

There was trust in the way Van took Cass’s arm, and the oread wasn’t entirely sure how to react to that. She felt warm inside in a way she usually didn’t, smiling in a way that was largely hidden by the darkness of the cave. Carefully, she led Van through the cave, slow at first and then a little faster when her friend seemed to gain confidence. It got darker the further they went, though Cass hardly seemed to notice. Her steps were just as confident far from the sunlight streaming into the cave as they had been at the front near the entrance, and she guided Van carefully around the rougher parts of the terrain.

As they got closer, the sounds of the stream began to cut through the silence, and Cass grinned at Van’s obvious excitement. “Right? Just wait ‘till you see it! It’s really neat.” The stream was around a bend, not close enough to be seen just yet. But the sound? That carried for a while. “Oh, I don’t really sing. But that’s a pretty good idea, actually! Maybe we should have a karaoke night in here one day? I bet that would be really fun.”

—

Van hadn’t realized it until after holding onto Cass’s arm for a little while, but she did run a lot warmer than normal. She didn’t say anything about it, just kept her grip on her friend so that she wouldn’t tumble and possibly bust open her knee. She realized then, that this was how horror movies started. Going into a place they had no business of exploring– alone, for that matter. But Cass lived here, and she said she knew the cave, so Van had to trust her on that. As anxious as she would, she tried her best to push it down.

“Karaoke night in a cave?” She thought about cartoons and how loud sounds could potentially cause a cave in. “Maybe.” Van followed Cass like a lost puppy, fingers digging slightly into the fabric of her shirt as they rounded the corner. Her eyes lit up as she saw the stream, bubbling and fast, like out of a movie. “That’s so cool!” Surrounding the stream were small plants, like nothing that Van had ever seen before. “Are those glowing?” She turned to look at Cass, eyes widening slightly as she pulled her friend forward, stopping just at the edge, feet firmly planted on the rocky surface beneath her. “I can’t believe you live here.” That, of course, was for a few reasons. She still couldn’t wrap her head around how somebody could live in a cave alone, especially in Wicked’s Rest (even if she didn’t believe the town’s demented lore). “Thanks for showing me this, it’s gnarly.”

—

The idea of a karaoke night in the cave with her friends, now that it had cemented itself in Cass’s mind, seemed like the greatest plan she’d ever come up with. She could imagine them all so clearly — Nora, who would probably pick the weirdest song she could think of, Van, who could bring the guitar Cass had seen in her living room, Thea, who might be a little apprehensive at first but could open up as they went on, Ren, who probably wouldn’t understand it but might try for them anyway. Maybe Ariadne would want to come, too, and Wynne. She’d never had friends to invite to a night out before; the idea of doing so now was more intoxicating than the fear that they might not accept her living situation or the territorial nature that came with being a nymph. “We could do snacks,” she said, hoping this might sell Van on the idea. Van liked snacks.

As they moved around the bend, the stream came into view and Van’s excitement became palpable. It was impossible for Cass not to feel the same, the quiet thrill of providing a cool experience to her friend warming her body. “Yeah!” She confirmed, letting Van pull her towards the water. “It’s, like, the best place to live. I come down here a lot.” She bathed in the stream sometimes, though she didn’t say as much to Van for fear that the other girl might find it strange or gross. “Oh, you don’t have to thank me. I wanted to show you. I think it’s cool, and I think you’re cool, so I thought it would be good to show you.”

—

Cass seemed excited by the throwaway comment and Van tried her best to dispel the possibilities of a cave-in. Maybe Cass knew something about the cave that she didn’t. But would that make sense? She wasn’t so sure, but thinking about it too in depth only make things more confusing. Van nodded instead, a smile pulling at the corners of her lips. “Snacks sound good, too. Gotta make sure we get ones that don’t make it hard to sing, though. So no cheese.” Disappointment colored her tone and she dropped into a crouch just beside Cass, careful not to get close to the water. The stream wasn’t huge but there was no telling where it led to.

“You think I’m cool?” An involuntary laugh left Van as she peered down at the rushing water, only illuminated by the surrounding plants and mushrooms. Or, at least, that’s what she thought they were. Van wondered if Cass had planted them, or if they were plastic. She had said she used candles, maybe these were like those. As much as she wanted to reach out and touch them, she refrained. It took immense self control, but she didn’t want to upset Cass by moving her things around. “I don’t think I’m cool, but I do think you’re cool.” It felt weird, navigating friendship. Most of her relationships had been online, and though the mark on her stomach was a stark reminder of why she and Cass stood in next to the stream in the first place, Van felt somewhat responsible for the longevity of hers and Cass’s friendship. They had to work for it, the both of them. That meant something. “Most people just think I’m weird.” That was opening a can of worms on its own, so she quickly amended, “because I play a lot of video games. Obviously.”

—

“Does cheese make it hard to sing?” Cass had never had that problem before but, then again, Cass had also never actually tried to sing immediately after eating cheese. Maybe it was a universal experience she’d missed out on, one of those silly human things she’d never known she was supposed to try. There were so many of those and, often times, she didn’t realize it until someone brought up the fact that she’d missed it. Most of her understanding of humanity came from the media she consumed, and there was so much they didn’t focus on. Who knew high school involved watching educational videos and reading from textbooks? On TV, it was all prom and house parties.

Adamantly, Cass nodded in response to Van’s question. The disbelief in her friend’s tone was a little sad, because it was so unearned. Of course she thought Van was cool — who wouldn’t? “You’re, like, one of the coolest people I know,” she replied, wholly honest. “Really? You think I’m cool?” The thought was exhilarating. She’d never considered herself ‘cool’ by any stretch of the imagination, but if Van thought so? Maybe it wasn’t so far-fetched. And she didn’t think Van was lying about thinking this way; after all, she was here, wasn’t she? In Cass’s cave, letting Cass lead her around. There was trust here. Companionship. She’d never really had that before. “I don’t think it’s weird to play video games. I like video games.” Granted, she’d only ever gotten the chance to play video games a time or two, but… she did enjoy them. “Maybe we could play some together sometime. You’ll be better than me, but that’s okay.”

—

“Yeah, because of lactose intolerance.” That’s what she thought it was, or maybe it was something else. It made sense to her, because every time she had cheese, she had to clear her throat a lot, but it never mattered to her. “There are non-cheesy snacks, but we can totally have cheese for when we’re done singing.” Van thought about Thea and how she said she got gassy. “Never mind, maybe. Only fake cheese.”

Van wondered what she had done to obtain either Ren or Cass’s respect. Most people would turn their nose up at her. With Thea and Nora, it made a little more sense. She and Thea were a lot alike, and she had known things about Nora before she was Nora from WIcked’s Rest, even if it hadn’t been well. There was something about knowing somebody before you murdered together that made it easier, she guessed. Even if it was weird to think about, and the details on her meeting with Nora in New York was a little fuzzy. But Cass thought she was cool, and Van found herself puffing her chest out. “Yeah, I think you’re cool.” Maybe it’d be easier to think of herself in Cass’s shoes. If Cass said people thought she was weird and that she didn’t think she was cool, Van would be confused, too. “We can definitely do that! I play a lot of single player games, but I have a few we can play together.” She tapped her fingers against the cave’s floor before side-stepping to turn around, looking up at Cass while still crouched. “We can play card games again, too.”

—

“Oh.” That made more sense. Cass knew about lactose intolerance — she’d seen it mentioned on TV. She didn’t really know what happened when a lactose intolerant person ate cheese, only that they really wanted to but weren’t allowed. “They make fake cheese? I didn’t know that. We can totally have fake cheese.” Where did you buy fake cheese? Or, more likely, where did you steal fake cheese? She made a note to find out.

When she’d broken into that supermarket looking for something to eat, she’d never imagined what she’d come out with. It was half horrible and, selfishly, half exhilarating. Debbie was dead, and that was never going to be anything resembling okay. They’d killed a girl their own age and left her to rot in a pit, and that was so, so hard to come to terms with. But look at what she’d gotten out of it! She wished she could change the circumstances of their first meeting, but she’d never wish she didn’t know Van. Not with the way she smiled, not with how she trusted Cass to lead her through the cave. This was good. And maybe this was allowed to be good. Maybe it was okay to be okay with it. “I could just watch you play, too,” she offered. “I like that, too. I like it when the games have stories, when it feels like a movie. I think it’s cool.” And the idea of playing card games again, the same way they had the last time she’d visited Van’s house? “That would be great! I had a lot of fun with that the first time.”

—

“Yeah, for vegans and stuff.” Van could never be a vegan. She respected them, as long as they weren’t dumb, but she wasn’t sure she could follow that lifestyle. “Sometimes I guess it’d taste real, but most of the time it tastes bad.” She scrunched her nose. “I haven’t had it in awhile, but it hasn’t ever been good. Maybe they’ve invented some new kinds that taste like real cheese. Then we can eat that and sing no problem.” Even if she had to constantly clear her throat, she would still sing, it’d just be annoying. She wasn’t sure why she was carrying on the conversation about cheese.

As much as Van wanted to take Cass up on the offer to just watch her play games, she knew she should be fair. She’d been told that not sharing her things was a symptom of being an only child, and while she didn’t think that Cass had any siblings to speak of, it was probably nicer to offer anyway. “We can take turns,” Van decided with finality. She nodded as if to make the wordless pact. “The games that feel like movies are a lot of fun, yeah, it’s nice to get immersed in the story and stuff.” She brushed her hands off on her sides as she got to her feet. “I wonder if anyone else has better board games. I looked after we hung out that one time and most of the pieces in mine are missing.” There were notes, too, from her parents, or her grandma– on the notepads that the games provided. Mostly numbers, or little doodles here and there. They were painful to look at, so she had thrown them out. “I’m sure we can figure out something.”

—

“Right.” Vegans were different than vegetarians, weren’t they? Cass knew, on some level, that the two weren’t identical… but she didn’t know exactly how. And she was a little embarrassed to ask, because most people would have known it, right? Most people understood things like that. She didn’t think Van knew that she wasn’t human, and she didn’t really want her to find out. Van liked her now. She didn’t want that to change. “Maybe we should do, like, a taste test! Get all the different kinds we can find and rank them to see which is the best.” That would be a fun group activity, wouldn’t it? The whole lot of them bickering about their tastes, but laughing while they did it. Cass could just see it in her mind.

Taking turns sounded nice, she decided, like Van was thinking of her entertainment alongside her own. Cass didn’t think many people had done that for her throughout her life. At best, she was usually an afterthought. It was so different with Van, who made a point to make things work for her, and it was hard not to grin. “Okay,” she agreed, “we can take turns.” She looked into the stream, content in the brief quiet before Van continued. “I bet Thea has some,” she replied thoughtfully. She doubted Nora or Ren did, and she didn’t have any herself. But she could always get some. “I could get some,” she spoke the thought aloud, “if we know which ones we want. Monopoly might be fun?” She’d heard those games lasted a long time, which was part of why she’d suggested it. She wanted to hang out with her friends for as long as they’d allow it.

—

“Oh wait, that would be fun…” Van’s mind wandered with the possibilities. Of different chips, drinks, and assorted snacks. She wondered if she should make the trek to Portland to go to the local grocer there and get the snacks her mom would give her when she was a kid. She couldn’t ever find them in Wicked’s Rest. Cass and the rest of them would probably like that. “Do you think we’d be able to bring it all over here?” She didn’t want to trash Cass’s cave, but the thought of having a mass cleaning after a party in it reminded Van a little too much about the grocery store and Debbie’s body.

Van nodded absentmindedly, gaze following Cass’s to the stream. “Yeah, she probably does, doesn’t she?” She would need to make a note to ask her, even if the last time she’d seen her she had been covered in blood. “Monopoly?” She shook her head, “no that one is really boring and you have to do math and ugh– I count so much money at work already.” Not really, but she had always hated monopoly. “What about something like Ticket to Ride?” It wasn’t that popular of a game among people who didn’t usually play boardgames, but it was a fun one regardless, and it didn’t take that much time to play. “We can figure it out, we don’t need to think about it right now.” She patted Cass’s arm, doing her best to not focus on how warm she was. The urge to ask if she had a fever rose, but she pushed it back, remembering that her friend had just explained she ran warm. “The stream is really cool, is there other stuff here, too?”

—

“As long as we clean the trash up after.” As much as Cass longed to have friends in her cave keeping her company, she couldn’t stand the thought of litter on the floor. The very concept of it made her feel a little nauseous. Even if she wasn’t very good at it, she was still a nymph, and this cave was still her domain. Letting anyone mess it up was something that went against her very nature. But she knew that her friends wouldn’t do that. She trusted them so much more than the nymphs back in her aos si would have ever allowed, believed in them with so much more readiness than most fae thought humans deserving of. They’d clean up their trash if she asked them to.They’d understand the importance even if they didn’t understand the details.

Nodding, she thought of Ariadne. Van knew her, too, she’d said. “We can invite Aria, too. I know she’ll have some.” Ariadne, despite being a mare, was the most human person Cass knew. If anyone would have board games lying around, it would be her. “Oh, is it? I’ve never played before, but if you say it’s boring, I’m probably not missing much. I haven’t heard of Ticket to Ride, though. What is it?” Quite frankly, Cass would agree to any game Van wanted to play so long as it meant she’d be allowed to play it with her. She had no backbone, someone told her once; she’d never known if it was supposed to be an insult or not. “Yeah, we can always decide later,” she agreed, a thrill of excitement running through her because that meant there would be a later. More hangouts, more time spent together. “There’s a lot of stuff in here. There are some openings that go up into the mines, little tunnels to other caves… some of it’s kind of hard to get around in, though. You’d probably want to come back another time with, like, different shoes or something.” She’d never let Van get hurt or lost in the caves, but there were some things that she was worried might freak her friend out. Bones, supernatural plants and animals, bits of the mineral abnormality crawling up the walls. It was best to go slow with these things, wasn’t it? She didn’t want to scare Van off.

—

“Oh, yeah! We’d definitely clean, and if anyone said they didn’t want to, then…” Van dragged her finger against her neck and stuck her tongue out of her mouth, tilting her head to the side. It was maybe a little too literal, considering what happened to Debbie, so she straightened up slightly. “But we’ll definitely clean, don’t worry about that.” She might not have been very good about cleaning up her own house, but that was because she was the only one there. Well, used to be there. Now, Nora came over for showers and Cass came over to watch movies, and at some point Ren would help her with her garden. She’d need to keep it clean, she realized, so that her friends didn’t get grossed out.

“Aria?” It took her a moment, but Van nodded. “Oh! Right, yeah.” She was a little uneasy about inviting people who didn’t know about Debbie, because what if somebody let something slip? What would happen then? The thought made her sick, especially because Ariadne always seemed like a good person, the kind of person who might tell on them if something like murder came to pass. “That would be fun.” She tried to keep her expression neutral, but it faltered slightly. “It’s a game about trains! You want to go from one part to the other. It’s kind of like a kid's game, the rules are super simple, but it’s fun.” She was just glad that Cass seemed to not care much about monopoly now. Those weren’t important right now, though, and Van wanted to focus on the present. Between the rush of the stream, the glowing mushrooms and Cass’s smile, she wanted to see more. It was a little funny, she thought. For some reason she had thought she’d be more afraid, being this deep in a cave system. “To the mines?” Her eyes widened slightly and she shook her head. “I’d rather stay away from those, if that’s okay.” She’d heard way too many stories, and after the rumbling she’d heard on the beach, she wasn’t sure if they were very safe. She looked down at her shoes and frowned. Her converse were a little busted, but they were reliable. “Yeah, you’re probably right. This is still really cool.” She motioned back to the stream. How many more times would she say that stupid word?

—

Cass giggled a little at Van’s display. Van was funny, she’d learned. Online and in person, she always seemed to know the best thing to say to lift the heavy weight off Cass’s chest, always seemed to understand what the nymph needed to hear. Van told her not to worry, and Cass found that she wasn’t. The very idea of worrying when Van told her not to seemed silly, seemed stupid. If Van said everyone would clean, everyone would clean. Cass had no doubt about it.

She furrowed her brow at Van’s response, sensing something there, though she wasn’t sure what. Weren’t Van and Ariadne friends? Hadn’t Van said they’d known each other for ages now? Surely she wouldn’t be upset by the idea of Aria joining their ‘party,’ right? Maybe she was worried about the Debbie of it all, though Cass knew she didn’t have to be. With the promise in play, none of them could spill their secret. Cass thought about telling Van as much, but she held back. If Van didn’t know she’d been bound, Cass didn’t really want to tell her. She still remembered how angry Metzli had been when they realized she’d bound them. She didn’t want to repeat that with Van or with Nora or with anyone. “Trains? That sounds fun. You’ll probably have to teach me how to play.” And Ren, because Cass highly doubted that the other nymph had ever played a board game before. Quickly, she nodded her head. “Yeah, it’s best to stay away from there.” Even Cass had only been in the mines a handful of times, and if it was dangerous for an oread… She’d like to make sure Van stayed far, far away. She grinned as Van said again that the stream was cool, nodding her head. “You know, um, if you wanted, we could get in the stream. It’s not very deep, but you can wade in it.”

—

Even with the anxiety surrounding inviting people who didn’t know about what happened in the grocery store, Van had to believe that Cass would ever only do things with good intentions. It wasn’t like she wanted to get caught, either. Because if she did get caught, then things would end badly for all of them. Van chewed on her bottom lip as Cass expressed interest in Ticket to Ride. There were other games, too, but she’d been told to never play Catan with people ever again, mostly because she got too competitive. “That’s okay! I don’t know if the others will know how to play either.” She smiled softly at Cass before sticking her thumbs into the front pockets of her shorts.

“I don’t really like cold cramped spaces.” She paused, “but this is totally different. It’s wide open, and there’s this cool stream, and things kind of echo.” Van smiled at Cass, her eyes widening slightly as she offered a dip in the stream. She looked over at the rushing water, uncertainty pulling over her like a blanket. “In the stream?” Van echoed back her friend’s words, gaze wandering over the bubbling water and glowing plant life.” What if something bad happened when they got in? What if something melted like it had been? She didn’t want to be responsible for ruining Cass’s home, but it did look fun, and Cass had told her it wasn’t dangerous. But she didn’t think she could, not right now, not with everything that had been happening. “That’s okay. Maybe another time. Maybe we can just hang out?”

#para: the friendship you cave #para: cass #wickedswriting

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frostyduo · 4 months

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Greetings, dear icejins. Hopefully your day been much more interesting and fascinating than condition you are in. Illness isn't the best feeling after all... Definately does not suit two icycle flowers you two are. I was wondering what kind of games do interest you two to play during your boredom times. Or perhaps places you would like to visit all accross the cosmos?

Also, what would be a perfect dreamlike world of your imaginations?

To Frieza, i hope days are not too much of a hassle on your special day. Only can wish you best, and well, christmas may ended, but new year is approaching after all. Hope you meet it with happy smile.

To Frost, i rrally pity your condition and wish i could do more to make it better than being a simple pen friend... Friend is a strong word i guess. Nonethless, i do believe you can make it through. Life does have unlucky stripes and you are definately strong and cunning enough to clutch it. Who else if not you? Hope to see you well and happy, meeting the new year as well. Who knows... All surprises can happen. Only wishing best of wishes.

You two sure make godnet ever more interesting and time even more exciting to spend.

With honest likeness, God.

Frieza: This Kai’s dialect is always quite alluding to me, speaking in such fanciful words. Your concerns and comments are once again appreciated.

As for your questions - there are not many games Frost and I really play, whether they’re board games or video games. We usually both like to read together. Though places to visit more or less include any planet I own under my empire - though I suppose we both have a soft spot for our home world Arcos.

And you asked about the perfect, dream-like world? I’m honestly not sure how to answer this one. I’m already living the perfect dream, possessing my immense strength, my empire continuing to grow, and my beautiful partner at my side. The only that’d make this better is if I had Goku and Vegeta’s heads on my wall.

I’m not entirely sure what Frost’s response would be to these, but I imagine it’s something similar.

#text response #ask blog #send asks

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mudskip-muses · 2 years

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@loveleftbehind like for a talent swap uwu (X)

One would think with what the camboy gamer did for a living, at least on the side, he would have a far easier time with approaching people, in general and for...business... But what most people didn’t realize, or maybe they did and they were just too polite to say anything, was that his confident and flirty persona was just that, a persona. It was fake, a simple mask to put on for the world in an effort to make people like him. The sad part? It worked, he was rather successful with what he did, both in the gaming community and with his cam work on the side. Most people didn’t know about that one, even if he did show his face on camera. Sure every so often another student or such would find him and either try to hit him up, or avoid him all together, but for the most part his side gig went unnoticed by those who knew him in real life.

Maybe that’s why this was so hard, approaching someone else he knew very well did cam work. He’d never actually done a collaboration with anyone before, too scared to even think about asking, but funds were tight, and Kaz was getting desperate. Takara was pretty popular, it was hard for her to not be with how attractive she was in every department, so hopefully this would help the both of them if they paired up for a video or two.

He just hoped she didn’t expect him to be a certain way based of off what she’s already seen, if she’s even seen his stuff. He would hate to disappoint...

Taking a deep breath and bouncing in place for a moment to steel his nerves, Kaz threw on his friendliest grin and approached the woman, giving a tap to her shoulder to get her attention. “Heyyy, you’re Takara, yeah? I uh, I’m Kaz? Kazuichi Soda? We both do...cam...stuff...” God why was this so hard? “I was just wondering if you wanted to do a collab maybe? My wallets been pretty empty and I really need the cash soon.” Did that sound desperate? It probably sounded desperate... “Um, so yeah, if...if we could do something that’d be neat!” Neat?? “I’d obviously split the profit fifty-fifty since, you know...you’d be doing half the...work...” This was a fucking trainwreck in the making...

#c #camboy kaz-#gets wrecked for fun and profit hjdksafh #muse: kazuichi soda #v: camboy/gamer #loveleftbehind

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tresmontesentertainment · 2 years

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(So fair warning; I don't know just how spoilery this might count as, but if you've been avoiding information on Sonic Frontiers like I've been, you might want to carry along and ignore this. Or, if you're the sort who cares nothing for spoilers like I usually am, come on in! I barely know anything about the game to begin with!)

So for all together no reason, I decided to try and keep my exposure to Sonic Frontiers coverage close to zero as possible. While I've mostly been able to keep at it, I've still happened to stumble upon a few nuggets of information despite myself, learning a bit about who Sage is, the fact that Sonic's first open world outing will come with a dash of hostage situation, and that the poor boy's going to catch a bad case of demon arm along the way. As is my wont, I've been compelled to ponder, so here's a few quick musings.

- Given how concerted of an effort SEGA's made to render Infinite person non grata, I have to wonder how deliberate a decision it's been to invoke his... "memory" lets call it, given what Sage has going on. From the power she seems to wield, to the killer robots she pals around with, to just the general aesthetic associated with her, it's basically impossible for Infinite not to come to mind. For the moment, I think I'll put my money on this mainly being an attempt to refurbish Infinite's general concept. For what it's worth, I do think it'd be a bit of a shame if this did turn out to just be them putting the guy out to pasture for real, though I will confess that's mainly from the same "think of the potential!" mindset I effectively founded this blog upon.

- Speaking of Sage, I'm taking it as a sign that my attempts to keep my diet spoiler-free for a change are paying off, because I don't really know what to make of her! All things being equal, I feel pretty safe in assuming she's an AI of some variety, but I've also got this idea of Sage being some kind of techno wizard buzzing around in my headspace, predicated chiefly on the notion that Game Universe Sonic hasn't really had that kind of character before, and I think that'd be cool.

One theory I like quite a bit, put forth by the ever charming Chaomix and really the entire reason I know anything about Sage at all, asserts the idea of Frontiers having a fair number of parallels with Shadow of the Colossus. I'd definitely recommend his video discussing it if you've got the time, but the spark note go thusly: Sonic doing his thing to save his friends in this strange new land will end up awakening the resident ancient evil, with the mysterious voice guiding him along being that of the ancient evil, equivalent to Dormin by Choamix's reckoning.

Sage herself was created for the purpose of keeping the evil in it's can, and Sonic is about to make her job very difficult. It's an interesting prospect, having Sonic's heroic antics getting turned to destructive ends whether he's aware of it or not, and I'm pretty intrigued to see just where Sage goes, whatever her intentions and purposes. I have a lot a faith that Ian will be able to handle things with his typical aplomb, so it's all the more reason to keep the present under the tree 'till November!

- Something something Red Right Hand. Whatever might about from Sonic's latest fashion statement, I can tell you now that I really hope we get something like Darkspine Sonic out of it. Super forms as a general concept have always gone pretty unexplored, and here we have Sonic having to deal with something that's much more invasive than what he's used to, opening the door for all kinds of potential fun! Tackling all the ways something like this can go could be a missive in it's own right, and I'll be trying my damnedest to refrain from sinking my teeth into it until the game actually comes out.

#sonic the hedgehog #sonic frontiers #spoilers #...possibly

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websitesdepotla · 4 months

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3 digital marketing in los angeles tips to create content any time

Have you sat down to create content but just can’t quite do it? Has it been more of a struggle than it should be? Did you wake up on a Saturday and realize that you didn’t post a blog on the company website so you have to do something right now? Content, as Danny Star says, is king. Content does not wait. In a perfect world, you’d be able to take all the time you need for content. Since we don’t live there, you may have to create content on deadline very quickly. These are some omnichannel digital marketing in Los Angeles tips I use. (Of course, you can use these anywhere.)

Marshall Your Resources to Show the Real You You need to create content fast. Before you just start posting, look around. What do you have right where you are? If you’re like most people, you’ve got a phone. Maybe there’s a computer around you, too. That in and of itself can be enough.

The other day, I was in a studio that costs thousands of dollars. It’ll be used to create great content for many, many years, that will help that business owner to grow their business. If you’re just starting out, though, you probably won’t need all of that just yet (but, if you can afford it, go for it).

What you can show with that phone/laptop/and so forth is your company’s authenticity. You can show the “real you.” That’s true whether the “real you” is you yourself, the company, your services, etc.

Authenticity isn’t expensive, nor does it have to be crafted over a long period of time. When in doubt, show the true, authentic nature of your company. How do you do that? Well, go back to your mission statement, your goals. If you can post just a picture that really shows that, each day, in a pinch, you’ll have the foundation of a good content strategy.

“Today at Work” Still don’t know what to show? Ask yourself another question: what’s happening today at work? If you want to showcase your business, well, showcase your business. Let’s see what you’re doing today. This doesn’t have to be some big enormous thing, sending out a new project, etc.

Instead, you can just show something simple, something that shows off how good you are at what you do. If you’re a store, let’s see some products that are on sale. Maybe even show them being stocked.

“But there’s nothing going on at work today.” OK, fine. (I’m not sure I believe you, but, fine.) Then what’s going to be happening? What should your customers/clients be looking forward to?

“There’s nothing coming up.” OK, you’re being a bit combative with these questions, but whatever. Then tell us about something we can do, some tips about your business.

Again, if you’re a store, tell us about how if someone has your products, what they can do with them to get the most out of them. Or, if you sell services, tell us how someone can prepare for your services, or maintain the work that they’ve done.

These don’t have to be really well-written videos, nor do they have to be particularly “funny” or even “entertaining.” Sure, that’d all be great, but it’s not the kind of thing that you have to stress yourself out about.

There’s an old Alfred Hitchcock quote, which is something like: “we, the audience, like someone who’s good at their job.” That’s what you have to show. When in doubt, when unsure what to do, let’s see someone who’s good at their job. You show us that, you’ll always be a bit ahead of the game.

Find a Problem then Find a Solution Your customers/clients have problems right now. So, if unsure what to create, create content about how your goods/services can solve problems they have right now. Make it topical. Make it about something that’s going on right this second, something they’re wondering about.

Don’t know where to start? Ask yourself: “what problems am I struggling with?” Once you find the answer to that, the odds are good that you’ll find your customers/clients have the same issues.

Case in point, as of this writing, in the eastern part of the United States, there are blizzard-like conditions rolling in. These could affect everything from local schools to professional sports. So, if you’re creating content for customers there and you need to do something fast, make it about that.

Yes, if you sell shovels or something, you want to mention that. But, you can reference that storm in just about any context, just to get something out there. This can even be something as small as offering support, highlighting charities that you work with in the area that can help with this sort of thing, etc.

These are the little gestures, the tiny things upon which a big, successful content strategy is based upon, step by step.

Omnichannel Digital Marketing in Los Angeles to Help These are just some of the tips I use. There are many others. Of course, with our clients, I map this stuff out way in advance, working with them to the extent that they prefer. We can do the same for you, so that you don’t have to worry about what I’ve mentioned above.

To see how we can help, schedule a free evaluation with us through our site or by calling.

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miraculouscontent · 2 years

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Viperion knew something was wrong the moment he saw the way Ladybug acted around Flairmidable. It was all too familiar to him: the single string strummed and tuned over and over in an attempt to make music while the other strings remained inaccessible. The only explanation was that she believed that Flairmidable was Adrien, but it couldn’t be, and it was even Adrien himself - having stood there silently while Wishmaker shot him - that'd made Viperion know as much.

It hadn't made sense to him at first, wondering who could look so convincingly like Adrien, until he remembered the day everyone had tried to send Adrien videos that wished him well. A fake had responded to them, and he had indeed looked just like Adrien, with even the voice being similar.

But Viperion couldn't out what he knew in front of everyone, and asking Ladybug for time aside would come off as suspicious. Chat Noir was also not in a good mood upon seeing Flairmidable - something that would have to be thought about at a later time - and Viperion wasn't eager to push any buttons. He hadn't ticked the bangle either, having wanted to wait until Ladybug had a plan in place.

It seemed he’d have to improvise.

"Flairmidable, is it?" he asked.

Flairmidable met his gaze, giving him a brief once-over that came off innocent but was far too observant to be Adrien's. "That's right. It's nice to meet you officially, Viperion."

Viperion caught Ladybug staring at him confusedly, but pretended not to notice. "This is a big battle we're about to have. Are you sure a new hero like you can handle it?"

He made sure to stress the word as if he were doubting Flairmidable's abilities, not out of concern but because of what he knew. He remembered getting the snake for the first time, Ladybug's trusting smile constantly shining at him, but there was one thing that he imagined didn't happen with other heroes.

Before Sass had let him transform, Ladybug had fed him first, and he vividly recalled Ladybug thanking Adrien It could only mean that Ladybug had given Adrien the snake first, but Adrien had failed.

In addition, Ladybug had only ever replaced holders on extremely special occasions, meaning that she never picked someone she had chosen before for a different miraculous, even if their identity had been compromised. It was Paris' belief that - barring the transition from Queen Bee to Vesperia - Ladybug kept all of her holders the exact same.

Someone out of the loop would never have known, and Ladybug herself was also incredibly considerate, not likely to bring up someone's - or in this case, someone else's - past failures when it wasn't necessary.

Thus, hook, line, and sinker, Flairmidable smiled reassuringly, replying, "Thank you, but I promise I'll do my best to live up to Ladybug's faith in me, even if I don't have any experience."

Ladybug stiffened at that, her eyes turning on Flairmidable with utter puzzlement.

"Hm. If Ladybug trusts you, then I'll believe in you too. I just hope you won't break that trust."

"I would never dream of it," Flairmidable assured.

The smile was off, though Viperion gave less credit to his own deductive skills and more to the fact that he’d been looking for it. He understood the kind of game that was being played, and thus he saw that Flairmidable wouldn't take him seriously.

It was a classic case of a know-it-all. Of course Marinette had seen through the fake Adrien, but Luka had too if only because it was obvious. The person on the other side of that screen saw them as idiots who would've fallen for everything, and thus had given the most dramatic performance possible, confident in his ability to fool them all.

It was what made Viperion even more certain that this was the same guy even if the way they went about it was different; both seemed convinced that they wouldn't be caught, too hung up on their own ego. It gave Viperion a sense of security that he wouldn't be thought of as catching onto Flairmidable's act, as Flairmidable would believe that he was too good to be caught.

So, when Ladybug glanced Viperion's way again, he made sure to meet it. He didn’t show any particular emotion, but a wordless conversation passed between them as Ladybug's face fluctuated from questioning, then concerned, and finally to distress.

"V...viperion!" she called out, approaching him with her arms thrown out. Her voice took on a scolding tone that didn't match her face, though Flairmidable could only look at the back of her head. "You can't just go and ask questions like that of our new heroes! We were all new once, weren't we?"

As she clung to his arm, he faked a pout as though he were a child being scolded.

Ladybug turned her gaze to Flairmidable, gently tugging Viperion away. "I'm so sorry about this. You don't deserve to be treated like that."

"It's no problem, Ladybug, really--"

"But it is a problem! I'll go talk to him, alright? I'll be right back!"

Without waiting for a response, Ladybug turned and pulled Viperion along with her, everyone else looking on in confusion. He followed after her, easily falling in sync with her steps as they left the others behind. They crossed multiple rooftops, far out of the sight and earshot of everyone else even with the improved senses that came with transformation, then dropped down into a nearby alley.

After a quick look around to ensure they hadn't been followed, Ladybug asked him, "What were you doing?"

It was a genuine question, but a trusting one all the same. She knew he wouldn't do something recklessly, and Risk's effects had long gone by now.

Knowing there was little else to do than tell her everything, he voiced bluntly, "That's not Adrien."

Ladybug staggered back, a hand flying up to her chest as if he'd struck her. He understood; even if she knew he was suspicious of Flairmidable, she didn't know to what degree.

"But... no--I mean--" She shook her head in disbelief. "How did you know, or know I didn't know--no, just..." Her voice quieted to a whisper. "How did you know everything...?"

It pained him to see the conflicting mix of emotions on her face. He wasn't sure exactly what happened with Rena, but he saw enough to know that Marinette was already feeling betrayed. He wasn't completely innocent either, and the thought of that made him feel disgusted with himself.

Earlier, under what he could only guess was Risk's influence, there was a moment he'd considered telling her everything; considered pointing out and asking about all the strange little instances between her and Chat that had always concerned him but he never voiced.

In the end, he once again convinced himself that it was none of his business.

"I...I know who you are," he admitted. "I've known for a while."

"H-how long?"

"Since Wishmaker. Chat was going to let himself get hit, and when I deflected it..." He trailed off momentarily, but Ladybug nodded slowly as if she understood. Part of him was convinced that she was taking it all in numbly without really thinking about it, and he could only add, "I'm sorry."

"But--" She clutched her head. "--that still doesn't make any sense! Even if you know me, Adrien is..."

Something in his expression must've given it away, specifically that he'd reset more than once and exactly what that meant. She paused for a long time, processing, then uttered a small, "no."

"Ladybug."

"No!" She turned around, pacing in the limited space of the alley. "I mean, sure, I know you wouldn't do this for just anything, but I saw him when Chat was nearby! And yeah, I guess he had a helmet on, but Chat even called Francoise Dupont an elementary school--but I did trick him to protect my identity too..."

He had no idea what she was talking about, only able to watch as everything slowly sunk in for her.

"I just--!" She spun to face him, fists clenched at her sides in her panic. "I can't believe it, because if Adrien is Chat then Chat is Adrien, and Adrien knew he was leaving but Chat didn't..."

All at once, the pent-up energy suddenly left her. Her fingers slacked, her body hunching forward as she stared at the ground.

"He did it again..."

"Ladybug?" he called, concerned about how pale her face was turning.

She let out a shaky sigh, hanging her head in defeat and burying her face into her hands. She turned away from him, walking off towards the wall and pressing her back to it. She sank down, a heavy breath escaping her as she sat on the ground.

"He didn't tell me. He yelled at me for not talking to him, but he knew all morning that he was leaving and he could've slipped away to at least text me. Paris already got destroyed because he wasn't around when I trusted him to be there, and now he..."

Now that, Luka knew about. Robostus had wreaked havoc on Paris and everyone had assumed that Ladybug and Chat Noir were busy. Thinking back, it was strange and completely unlike Ladybug to leave Paris unattended, at least without a plan. It explained it all; she had left, but entrusted Chat to Paris' safety while she was gone.

But Chat went against her orders anyway. In Luka's eyes, Ladybug was very much the leader of the team, yet Chat failed to report to her about a trip that he would've spent months away on. Even if he still showed up to the sentimonster in the end, it didn't excuse not telling Ladybug, and Luka suspected - imagined that Ladybug also suspected - that Chat staying was due to Risk, not any form of guilt or obligation towards Paris. His yelling at her for not supposedly not talking to him only furthered that, as he either was ignorant enough to not have considered his actions at all, or purposefully didn't tell her out of pettiness.

Viperion sighed through his nose, thinking about the utter mess things were in. There was a sentimonster trying to destroy Paris - so Ladybug had enough on her plate as it was - but now everything was falling apart and all he could do was tell her that it was happening. It wasn't too late to adjust accordingly, but that didn't mean that things would automatically be fixed.

He took a few steps forward, kneeling down to be closer to her. "Maybe it doesn't mean much right now coming from me, but none of this is your fault. All of this happened at once, and--"

She moved her hands to level a glare at him, though the anger didn't come all the way through. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?!"

His lips pressed together, but not out of any sort of negativity towards her. He understood her feelings and she had every right to vent at him no matter who her frustrations leaned towards the most. In a way, it almost seemed appropriate; he took the confusion and upset over his missing father and let that influence how he felt about her actions, so now the tables were turned.

"I... just got you back," he began.

She looked away, which somehow hurt worse than being glared at. "And you didn't want me to get mad and think less of you?"

"No," he answered immediately. "It was never about that."

There was a pause, after which she peeked back up at him questioningly. Some of the anger had faded, but he suspected that it was more in surprise at his reply than anything else.

He took a breath. He'd been holding this in for a while, and it all poured out as he explained, "You were already going through so much. You kept your identity so close that you'd rather cry in my arms instead of saying anything. If I was going to know at all, I wanted you to tell me yourself. This--" He gestured between them. "I didn't want this. I didn't want to be another responsibility."

"Responsibility...?"

"I failed you," he said. "I let Chat go because I didn't want to cause any problems between you two. You didn't even know what you wanted your future to look like, and it would've been just another verse you'd have to learn how to play." He gritted his teeth, tightening his hand into a fist until he felt his annoyance release enough for him to speak again. "I thought it was a one-time thing - that it didn't happen in this timeline so it'd be okay - but if I'd known about New York, I would've said something. I should've said something anyway."

"I-I don't--" She hesitated. "I don't get it? What does that have to do with you? And just getting me back?"

"Jule told me what happened with the girls; how they forced you to show up to the party even though you didn't want to." The memory was extremely bitter, causing him to grimace. "You never want to hurt anyone, and I know now how scared you were about anything falling apart even more. I was afraid that you'd feel responsible if I told you; that you would feel like you had to spend time with me."

She raised a brow. "You... were afraid I'd spend more time with you...?"

"You'd be doing it because I know, not because you wanted to," he clarified. "You were happy where we were, and I didn't want you to try to please me or do anything just to make sure that I never told anyone."

He dared to reach for her, placing a hand firmly on her shoulder. She didn't pull away or reject him, rather giving him all of her attention.

"But even if you never wanted to talk to me again, I'd still keep your secret anyway; I don't want what we have to be something you're forced to play. If you spend time with me, or rely on me, I want it to be because you want to, not because I'm your only option and you don't have a choice. That's not real."

Ladybug let out a breath at that, blinking rapidly at him before her eyes drifted downwards. She looked thoughtful, not responding right away but clearly considering him.

Whatever she decided to do about the situation, he'd accept. In all honesty, he truly would prefer to be ignored until everything was over than to have her feel forced to rely upon or talk to him because of the circumstances, and the last thing he wanted was for their relationship to change because of forces out of either of their control.

"...the only one..." Ladybug murmured to herself.

Sensing her daze, he followed her eyes down to her hands. She was holding one of her hands in the other, her thumb idly stroking her right index finger.

"Is everything okay?" he asked.

The thumb froze. She closed her eyes, smiling a little bittersweetly, then looked back up at him. "Yeah. Just... realizing some things. How do you always do that?"

"Do what?"

"Cover for me. Who knows what Flairmidable could've done if you hadn't realized that something was happening." She blushed in embarrassment. "I must've been so obvious."

He shrugged. "We're friends, aren't we? You've covered for me too."

"When?" she practically blurted out, genuinely puzzled.

"When Bob Roth stole our music and designs. I was going to walk away, but you kept fighting and we got what we wanted in the end because of it."

"I got you akumatized!"

His lips pursed, brows furrowing in what he imagined must've been a comical level of confusion. "I never blamed you for it, or thought it was your fault. Not even once."

She became speechless at that, apparently having no further argument to make. He took the moment to stand back up, walking to the opening of the alley to search for the multiplied sentimonster.

"Anyway, do you want to go back out? If you still need time, we--"

Something warm collided with his back, and it was only when a pair of red and black arms came around his waist that he realized Ladybug was hugging him. His breath left him all at once as if he'd had all the air knocked out of him by a fierce opponent.

"Thank you," she whispered. "I...I still trust you, Viperion."

Trying to dismiss the relief that rushed through him at such a statement, he peered over his shoulder to look at her. "Why?"

He felt like he shouldn't have asked, but the question had come out on its own.

She met his gaze with a small smile. "Because you've always been there for me, even if I didn't show you how much I appreciated it. Chat and Rena... they kept secrets for themselves, and who knows what could've happened if things played out a little differently." She smiled wider, just as relieved as he was. "You kept secrets for me."

He smiled back at her, feeling all of the tenseness between them fade away just like that. "You did the same for me, didn't you?" He gently held onto one of the arms around his waist. "You didn't want to put me in danger."

She rested her head against his back, squeezing him a little tighter. "Mhm, but... I'm glad you know.” She briefly frowned. “Is that selfish?"

"No, and if it was, you're allowed." He paused, unable to help asking, "Do you want me to know?"

"Yes," she assured, clearly and without any doubt. Pulling back from him, she then walked to stand at his side and grabbed his arm. "Now, look as guilty as possible like I just gave you the scolding of your life."

He beamed at her.

—————

When they returned to the other heroes, all of them were standing around cluelessly - having apparently not moved from their spots - and only became alert once the two of them had dropped down to make their presence known. Viperion hung his head, making a show of things as if he was never going to see the light of day again, while Ladybug left his side with a small huff.

"Again, Flairmidable, I'm so sorry someone questioned you like that."

"Should've questioned him more," Chat said under his breath, though it was clear that he was acting out of jealousy rather than suspicion.

Viperion silently regretted ever unintentionally supporting someone like that.

"It really wasn't a big deal, but thank you for looking out for me, Ladybug," Flairmidable replied.

"Oh!" she gasped, approaching him in a hurry. "That reminds me, I want you to be extra careful for this upcoming battle, okay?"

"You can count on me."

"Barkk didn't tell you, but you need to watch out for your timer." She raised a hand, touching the miraculous with her index finger to point at it. "We got away quickly enough last time, but it starts going down when--"

Then, in one swift motion, she tore the miraculous off. Viperion made sure to look, taking perhaps a little too much satisfaction at the shock on Flairmidable's face as the detransformation light washed over him. There were collective gasps all around as the other heroes watched Ladybug stand proud, even if she'd just revealed the identity of a hero.

Well, hero in air quotes.

"Adrien?!" a few - particularly Carapace - called out.

"Yes, but no," Ladybug replied, stepping back and hurriedly stashing the miraculous back into her yoyo. "Chat Noir, I want you to take Felix to the Agreste mansion. I can deal with him later."

Chat Noir was still busy gaping at Felix, but shut his mouth after a few seconds to look at her. "Ah--yes, m'lady."

"And after that." She strode over, now directing the pointing at him. "We're going to have a long, long talk."

He swallowed nervously, but Ladybug turned away to focus on the rest of the team. She clasped her hands together happily, paying no mind to Chat jumping with Felix in his arms as if he were fleeing rather than following an order.

"So! Everyone ready to go?" she asked, looking around to give her teammates a passing glance of reassurance.

Viperion grinned wider as her gaze lingered on him. Idly, he thought that confidence looked amazing on her.

#MC's Writing #writing: story #Pro LukaMari #Lukanette #Viperbug #category: salt #salt: felix graham de vanily #salt: chat noir #salt: adrien agreste #episode: Strikeback

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storiesforallfandoms · 2 years

Text

a bad idea with a great outcome ~ bo burnham

word count: 2898

request?: yes!

“I was wondering if you could write a Bo Burnham smut? Maybe when he was younger and as a joke or something you guys decided to take those pills that make you horny. Maybe like a bet to see who could hold off longer? Thanks sm”

description: in which two best friends decide to take some interesting pills and end up taking things a little further in their friendship

pairing: teenage!bo burnham x female!reader

warnings: swearing, smut (fem!masturbation, rough sex)

masterlist (one, two)

“You want to do...what?”

This had to be a prank or something. He was joking with me. There was no way my best friend since childhood, and the guy I had managed to develop a crush on within the last year, was offering me an opportunity to have sex with him.

Well...to be fair, that wasn’t exactly what he was offering. He had come over to my place to hang out and waited until my parents had left to pull out what looked like a packet of pills from his coat pocket and presented it to me. In his words, they were “horny pills” and he “wanted to try them”.

“I got them online,” he explained. “They’re supposed to make you unbearably horny. I wanna try them.”

“But you wanna try them with...me?” I asked.

Bo shrugged, as if that was a totally normal thing for him to say. “Yeah, why not?”

I shuffled on my bed, trying not to look at him or the pills for too long. “Well...it’s just...if they make you super horny...then won’t we want to...you know...?”

Bo chuckled at my struggle, which just made me more flustered. This is a joke. A cruel, sick joke.

“Fuck off,” I muttered, grabbing his stupid pills and throwing them at him. “This isn’t funny.”

“I’m not trying to be funny,” he argued. “Okay, maybe I am a little, but it isn’t at your expense. I do get what you’re saying, but that’s why I came to you. I don’t wanna take them with the guys and have all of us get all horny and shit. That’d be awkward.”

“But not awkward to take them and get horny with your best female friend?”

“Look, do you wanna try them or not?”

My brain was screaming Absolutely not! This was a bad idea. Something was going to happen here that one of us would regret, and, being the one who had the crush, that person was definitely going to be me. I had to tell him no, I had to tell him to go do it with the guys.

But he was looking at me with those eyes that I was so helpless against. It’s hard to say no to Bo. Not just because I had feelings for him, but also because of his enthusiasm for things. He could convince you to do something even when you both knew it was a bad idea. Like now, where I should definitely be saying no, but instead I was extending my hand to him and saying, “Fine, give me one.”

His face lit up with excitement as he took one of the pills and put it in my hand. He popped one out for himself as I examined the one he gave me.

“Are you sure this is safe?” I asked.

“The internet says so,” he responded.

“Yeah, I don’t trust the internet all that much.”

“Well, I guess you’ll just have to trust me then.”

Yeah, I trust you a little too much sometimes.

I sighed and placed the pill on my tongue. I grabbed the glass of water I had on my bedside table while Bo opened the bottle of soda he had brought with him.

He held the bottle out to me. “Bottoms up.”

I tapped my glass against his bottle and downed the rest of it along with the pill. He gulped down half his bottle and put it down. We looked at each other for a minute, waiting for something, anything to happen.

“You feel different?” I asked first.

“Not at all,” he responded. “You?”

“Nothing.” I shrugged. “Maybe they don’t even work. Wanna play a video game?”

We both laid back on my bed with controllers in hand. We had to be playing for nearly an hour when Bo started to shuffle next to me. At first I thought nothing of it. I figured he was just changing positions to get more comfortable. But then he kept shuffling, and when I looked over his face looked like it was screwed up in pain.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

He nodded quickly but didn’t speak to answer. I could see his cheeks turning a light shade of pink as his kept his eyes trained on the TV. Suddenly, he sprung up from the bed, muttering something about going to the washroom as he rushed out the door.

I watched him go with confusion when it hit me. This overwhelming tingling sensation between my legs. At first, it almost felt like it hurt, until the pain dissolved into pleasure. I squeezed my thighs together, hoping it would pass, but it was persistent.

That’s when I remembered the pills. They were definitely working. Maybe a little too well.

It hit me then that Bo had probably started feeling the affects of the pills, too. That was why he was acting so weird and why he got up to leave. I figured he had probably gone to fix his problem and the image of Bo trying to get rid of his boner in my bathroom made me giggle to myself.

I looked up at the paused screen, the tingling feeling between my legs growing stronger again. I figured Bo would likely be gone for a while, so I decided fuck it, I may as well try to fix my own problem.

I unbuttoned my jeans and slipped my hand under the waistband of my underwear. The minute my fingers touched my clit a wave of pleasure washed over me. A moan escaped my lips, but I quickly bit down on my bottom lip to muffle it. The last thing I needed was for Bo to hear me pleasuring myself.

My fingers slowly began to massage my swollen clit as I closed my eyes and pictured it was someone else doing this to me. Bo’s face appeared from my imagination. A small smile on his face as I pictured it was his fingers rubbing me. My back arched as ripples of pleasure shot through my body with every stroke. I moved my hand lower, poking at my soaked entrance with my middle and ring finger.

When I slipped them inside of me, I pictured it was Bo’s fingers. They were so long, just like the rest of them. I bet his fingers could reach parts inside of me that I never even knew existed. I bet he could make me feel things I had never felt before.

A moan escaped my lips again, but this time I didn’t stop myself. I was too lost in pleasure to think about anything else. All I could think of was Bo; Bo touching me, Bo kissing me, Bo making me feel so good.

Without thinking, I let his name slip from my lips with the next moan. I probably would’ve just let it slide if it wasn’t for the sharp inhale that broke me from my trance. My eyes snapped open and I sat up to see Bo stood in my doorway, his eyes wide as they watched me. My heart was hammering against my chest. I quickly pulled my hand from my jeans and struggled to do them back up.

“I-I...” I stuttered. Heat was rising in my cheeks and I felt like I could’ve started crying. “You didn’t...I didn’t...”

He was still silent. Too silent. I hated it. It was making me more anxious with every second that passed.

Finally, he said, “Fuck it” and rushed across the room to reach for me.

I was shocked to feel his lips on mine, but it didn’t take me long to melt into the kiss. My hands found their way to his long hair, twirling the strands around my fingers. His hands trailed over my body, touching every inch they could.

He took the hand I had been pleasuring myself with and slipped the fingers in his mouth. His tongue swirled around the digits, sucking my juices away. The action caused a new wetness to grow in my panties.

When he finished with my fingers, he looked up at me with those eyes. “Are you okay with this going further? We can stop now and I’ll go home and we can forget this ever happened.”

I took his face in my hands and kissed him again. I pulled away to whisper, “Fuck me, Bo.”

A fire ignited in Bo’s eyes. In a flash, he had me laid down on my back and was pulling my jeans and my panties down my legs. He started undoing his own pants as I pulled my shirt over my head and unclasped my bra. Within seconds we were both completely naked and Bo was climbing on top of me, pressing his lips to mine again.

“I don’t have a condom,” he breathed.

“It’s fine. I’m on the pill,” I assured him.

I reached down between us to line him up with my entrance. The simple touch caused Bo to suck in a ragged breath. The tip of his dick pushed into me and immediately I felt a pressure building inside of me. He slowly pushed inside of me, letting me adjust to his size inch by inch. It was agonizingly slow when all I wanted was to feel him fill me up.

When he was fully inside he paused for a moment. I groaned in frustration and bucked my hips in an attempt to get some form of friction.

“Please,” I begged. “Please move.”

“But I want to make the moment last.”

I would’ve been more touched by his confession if I wasn’t so sexually frustrated from the stupid pills.

“We can make the moment last next time. Right now, I need you.”

Those words were enough to set Bo off. He lowered his head to my neck where he began to give me bruising kisses all over my neck and collarbone. He started to thrust rough and fast. My fingers clawed at his back as I screamed out in extreme pleasure.

Please God don’t let mom and dad come home unexpectantly, I thought to myself.

He sat back, putting his hands on the backs of my thighs and pushing my legs up so they were around my head. He started pounding into me with such ferocity that my entire bed was shaking and I was half worried we were going to break it. He placed his thumb over my clit, rubbing quick circles as he continued to abuse my pussy.

My eyes rolled back into my head and my back arched with pleasure. “F-Fuck B-Bo. I’m gonna...I’m gonna...”

“Cum for me,” he said. “Cum all over my dick, baby.”

With that, I found myself having the most intense orgasm I had ever had. I swore I was seeing stars when I finally managed to get my eyes unrolled from the back of my head.

I looked up at Bo through the cloud of lust, taking in his sweaty body and his pleasured face. His lip was between his teeth and he was looking down at where we were connected, as if focusing intently on what he was doing. As if feeling my eyes on him, he looked down at my face. A small smile tugged at my lips and I couldn’t help but smile back.

His thrusts became sloppy and I knew he was getting close. Nearly seconds after I had reached my own climax, I felt Bo spilling himself inside of me. His eyes were screwed shut in pleasure as beautiful groans escaped from his lips. He was pushing himself so deep inside of me I had a feeling I would be dripping his juices for a very long time afterwards.

He stayed buried inside me for a long time afterwards as he rode out his high. My legs were starting to ache from the position we were in, but I was still feeling too good to really care about that.

I nearly whimpered from the loss of contact when he finally pulled himself out of me. He slowly lowered himself onto the floor, stumbling a little when both of his feet hit the floor.

I giggled. “Are you having problems?”

“Balance is hard,” he responded, laughing as well.

He started towards my bedroom door, still completely naked. I quickly sat up and shrieked, “What are you doing?!”

“I’m gonna go get us cloths to clean up with.”

“Put some clothes on first! What if my parents come home?”

“But my dick is covered in both of our cum. I don’t wanna get that on my pants.”

“I don’t care, put clothes on!”

Bo rolled his eyes and grabbed his pants from the floor. He stuffed his legs into the holes and pulled them up part way so that he was covered, but not enough that he’d get “stuff” on the inside of his pants. I chuckled as I watched him awkwardly shuffle out of my room towards the bathroom. He came back with two wet cloths in his hand. He threw one at me and it landed directly on my face.

“Classy,” I muttered.

After we were both cleaned up and I pulled back on my own pants and shirt, we laid in my bed again. The game was still paused on my TV screen, but neither of us were reaching for the controllers this time. An awkward feeling hung in the air as the effects from the pills finally wore off and we realized what had just happened.

“Did you mean what you said earlier?” Bo asked suddenly. “About like...us doing this again?”

I couldn’t look at him as I responded, “No. That was just a moment of passion sort of thing.”

Which was a total lie. Of course I wanted to do this again. I wanted to do it again the minute my body recovered from our first round.

“Oh.”

I finally looked over at him to see a look of disappointment on his face.

“Wait,” I said, rolling onto my side and propping myself up on my shoulder. “Do...do you wanna do this again?”

He shrugged.

“Bo, that’s not an answer.”

“You already said you don’t want to, so let’s leave it there.”

“I was lying.”

“No you weren’t.”

“Fuck Bo! What do you want me to say here? Yes, I meant what I said earlier. I do wanna have sex with you again, but I don’t want it to be because of some stupid horny pills you found on the internet. I want it to be because we both want to have sex, but more than that I want it to be because we both have feelings for one another. Because I have liked you for so long, Bo. That’s why I was hesitant to do this. I didn’t want this to be some sort of experiment for you when I already feel so strongly for you, and I didn’t want those feelings to get so strong that we would have to stop being friends because of the way I feel for you.”

Silence hung in the air. Bo rolled onto his side to face me and mirrored my position. I was sure he could hear how loudly my heart was hammering in my chest.

“You have feelings for me?” he asked.

I rolled my eyes. “I think that’s what I said, yeah.”

“Why have you never told me?”

“Because we’ve known each other for so long. For one, it’s such a cliché thing and I hate to be a cliché. And I know this is even more of a cliché, but I also didn’t want us to ruin our friendship. Yes, I like you, but above all else you’re my best friend. I don’t want to lose that because of how I feel.”

He reached his hand out towards me. He gently stroked my cheek first, pushing a few strands of hair behind my ear. His fingers brushed over my cheek to my chin, cupping it gently. I started to realize he was leaning in and, without thinking, I met him halfway.

This kiss was much more real than the one earlier. It wasn’t as sloppy and as hungry, but it still had that feeling of passion. It was a real kiss, not just one caused my horny pills.

“I’ve had feelings for you for a long time, too,” he admitted when he pulled away. “And I didn’t want to tell you for the same reasons. I was so terrified of rejection and how that would affect us in the future. When I got these things I originally asked the guys, but they told me I should bring them to you and see what happened. It felt so scummy, but I thought...maybe if I offered and you said no, then it would tell me whether or not it would be a good idea to tell you how I feel.”

“That’s such a long winded way to find out how I feel,” I chuckled. “In the future, just be open with me.”

“Okay, how’s this: (Y/N), will you go on a date with me?”

I smiled so wide that I was sure I looked crazy. “Yes, I would love to, Bo.”

His smile was so wide that he looked crazy. We were two crazy kids, but we were crazy for each other.

(Gross, what a cliché)

#Bo Burnham #bo burnham imagine #bo burnham x reader #bo burnham smut #imagine #one shot #request #fanfiction #fanfic #fandom

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astaroth1357 · 3 years

Text

How the Brothers Would Try to Corrupt MC w/ Their Sin

I have a headcanon that it's part of demonic nature to try and corrupt humans. Though I think it would be unlikely that the brothers would try to intentionally corrupt MC post-pact, it's still like second nature to them. That means they may try to unintentionally, uh… infect their soul with sin and drag them down into eternal damnation! They don't mean it, but be careful MCs of the world.

Lucifer

One of the hardest things to do can be to make others take pride in themselves… but Lucifer is always ready for a challenge.

The name of the game is praise. The human mind can be easy to manipulate so with enough praise even the most stubborn human will start to believe a drop of their own hype.

Building up pride is a steady thing... He'll usually pick a strength or talent of the MC to give high praise. Perhaps they sing beautifully or they're rather clever, don't worry. He'd let them know.

Light sprinkles of praise steadily increase their self-esteem, which may seem nice and almost healthy at first, but in truth he's laying a trap… He knows how effective his words can be and he's just waiting for them to go to the MC's head.

You think then he would be done right? Oh no. That's not the fun part. What's fun is to then offend that pride he's spent so long building.

He thinks it's cute, really. A small comment here or a little condensation there and they'll get so mad. It's just so amusing!

Of course, he can't take what he dishes, so they'll need to watch out. But don't worry he loves them, even if they're just a little too fun to play with…

Mammon

Since when does the Avatar of Greed give gifts?

Really, that should be the MC's first red flag. Mammon isn't known for generosity, so when he's spending what little money he can hold onto on them, it's time to raise some eyebrows.

It may seem nice, almost sweet, when he manages to track down a rare vintage of wine for them or take them out to a ritzy restaurant for the night but unfortunately it's all just part of the plan…

Nobody has tastes higher than Mammon. He can't afford them most of the time, which leads to compromises, but given all the Grim in the world he'd be living in the lap of luxury - which is exactly the kind of lifestyle he wants the MC to crave too.

Anyone, no matter how modest, can give into temptation. How easy would it be to taste the sweetest wine or enjoy the most wonderful trip then want to do it again? It may seem innocent at first, but piling on the finer things can soon have the MC craving for them when they pass.

Then all Mammon needs is to make little promises, "If I make it big this time, then we'll go to France!" or, "If I win this next hand then I'll buy ya another glass."

So how many times will the MC give Mammon a pass, then? Will they stop questioning how he comes up with his cash? Will they let him gamble just that "little bit" longer? Will they even join him...?

If they keep getting that taste of luxury, then maybe it's not so bad… right?

Leviathan

You think the easiest way to get the MC jealous would be to flirt with other people since that's how most people go about it but, uh…

This is Levi we're talking about. Casual flirting is pretty much out of the question.

So what is a demon to do to get their hapless human jealous? The answer is, be patient.

No one's perfect, humans especially! They'll slip up eventually…

Maybe someone from back home just got a new car or they're sending out marriage invites.

Maybe they have a friend who's better than them at school or sports or there's just someone who has something they want: Money, talent, looks, followers, friends, you name it. When they see it, he can feel that envy creeping in…

From there, all he has to do is feed it. Let the world poke at their little insecurities for him while he plays the supportive boyfriend!

"Did Mammon really get the promotion? I thought it would have been you! That's so unfair..."

"Satan beat your scores again? What is this, the third time? Doesn't that suck?"

Small little comments… but all with a goal to fill the MC with toxicity...

"Are Asmo videos still doing better than yours? I think I know how to drop his numbers... if you want."

And soon enough, anyone can be an enemy. Everyone has it better than them… so they push the world away in order to feel better. And they become so toxic, the world rejects them in turn...

Except, of course, for their loving boyfriend, Levi.

Satan

If you want to keep someone mad, it's best if you're not the actual one doing it.

I know, it sounds counterintuitive, but turning yourself into the enemy risks the target cutting you out. Satan knows this, so he'll never enrage the MC directly...

But indirectly? There's a start.

Everybody has little pet peevs. Tiny things that aren't important, but dig under the skin nonetheless.

Breadcrumbs in the butter, gum-smacking, toe-tapping, tones of voice, or just little annoying inconveniences that can sour one's day...

Satan is well-versed in these tiny annoyances, he'd dare say they're in his domain. And, perspective that he is, he'll know what frustrates the MC soon enough.

Then it's just a matter of execution.

Maybe he jacks with their toothpaste tube or "conveniently" forgets where they put their books... Or they keep mysteriously finding fingerprints on their game disks or seemingly can't keep their room organized to save their life!

It may just seem like the world hates them... but really it's just their demonic lover.

These tiny details and little mishaps will just build and build like cracks in their foundation until it all breaks and comes crashing down… and he'll be right there egging on every moment of it!

Asmodeus

You would think that Asmo would have the easiest time tempting the MC into his sin, but that's not so.

Sure, most traditional definitions of Lust begin and end at carnal desire, but what about those MCs who maybe aren't so drawn to the sins of the flesh? Fear not! Because the keyword for Asmo is desire.

Really, Asmo is happy if the MC's mind is full of nothing but him. He wants them to desire him, to love him obviously, but to the point of obsession. His heated kisses and sensual whispers are only means to that end, which can change whenever he needs.

The MC will have their life bombarded by their beautiful demon. It's not an unwelcome smothering, he's among the best boyfriends they could ever hope to have, which is exactly why he’s so effective!

He wants them to need him at every moment. Soon it will feel weird to go places alone without their demon… Certain things they could do themselves, like their hair or getting dressed, they'll want him to do instead.

Of course, if he's able then he'll certainly seduce them as well and at every chance he gets! From the House to RAD and even in the throne room - he's shameless!... But that's the fun, isn't it?

Beelzebub

Oh Beel… He's probably the most dangerous one of them all. Not because he's so demonic, but because he's so sweet!

When Beel makes food for the MC or orders them an extra side, he does so with love. He just wants them to be full! ...or so he thinks.

Beel's demonic instincts creep up on even him, he's just not one to really question what or why he does things sometimes. He'll know he has the urge to see the MC eat or just be indulgent… but he won’t know why.

You could actually say it works to his advantage. Whenever he offers the MC another turkey leg or a few more bites of cake, his tenderhearted insistence is often so sweet that they'll just go along with it and try to keep eating… even if they're already full.

Now, the human body can only take so much food at once, but over time it can adapt to changing habits.

Eventually, the MC will find their appetite expanding to catch up… They'll stop feeling full as easily as they used to and soon the bigger portions that Beel gives them will be all but a necessity!

Of course, the worst case scenario is that this doesn't happen at all and they do serious harm to their health by always pushing past their limits… but there's no guarantee Beel's solution won't just be more food anyway.

Belphegor

Belphie is the only brother who will knowingly (and gleefully) try to make the MC as sinful as he is!

It's all for selfish reasons. If the MC is slothful, then they'll want to go out less and (probably) spend time with him more. Win-win if you're Belphie.

Since he's well aware of what he's doing, he's pretty damn effective at it. No other brother will be as committed to meddling with the MC as he is.

He'll convince them to cancel plans or sabotage their alarms so they oversleep. He'll suddenly be unable to sleep without them while his naps seemingly get longer and longer… And if they have something to do, he'll be the voice in their ear saying it can wait!

Really, at any opportunity he can get Belphie will try to drag them down or slow their progress with the sweet, sweet promise of relaxation or a good time...

Sure, it may sound nice at the time - great even! - but it won't take long for their promises to break or deadlines to pile up… Sure, the MC could try to catch up but wouldn't that be too much work? Wouldn't they rather rest instead? Why even worry about it?

It's a seductive line of thought and Belphie sells it well, it'd take only the most motivated MC to resist his charms but like that'd stop him. If he wants the MC for himself, he'll happily put their life on hold to do so. Just go with it... yeah?

#obey me #obey me shall we date #shall-we-date-obey-me #obey me lucifer #obey me mammon #obey me leviathan #obey me satan #obey me asmodeus #obey me beelzebub #obey me belphegor #obey me headcanons #i got really excited to use the word ritzy #don't get enough chances for that kind of thing

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miniscule-meow · 2 years

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G/t Story Chapter Sixteen

Prologue/ One/ Two/ Three/ Four/ Five/ Six/ Seven/ Eight/ Nine/ Ten/ Eleven/ Twelve/ Thirteen/ Fourteen/ Fifteen/ Chapter Sixteen

(Isabell and Zeke)

*~*~*

Isabell's leg is finally healed. It doesn’t even hurt to walk anymore. She just has a thick scar running the length of her leg, but really it isn’t too bad. She’s been trying to be active again. It feels like it’s been so long since she’s actually had to climb anything herself. Honestly, she misses it. She was the best at climbing in her family. When they were growing up, her and her brother Isaac would always have playful competitions to see who could climb the fastest. She would always win, and he would complain that it was just because she was older. The memories make her smile.

She’s going to leap from the arm of the couch, over to the end table. There’s barely even a gap there. It would be a good warm up to get her back into the swing of moving around for herself again. Just as she’s about to run and leap, Ezekiel glances over and jolts.

“Hey! Be careful please! Here if you want to go over there I, I mean, I’m right here. You could just ask.” That kind of ruins the fun of it. She wonders if she could explain the stunts she used to pull back before she met humans.

“It’s not that far I could-” she sighs, as he places his hand down next to her. “Alright.” She climbs on, and he moves her over to the side table.

*~*~*

A few days after that, she’s on his sewing table. He had recently gotten a job somewhere doing what he calls alterations. So, he’s been sewing a lot more lately. He seems to really enjoy it. He’s been plugging away at whatever current project for a while now. He had set her up with a book, and his phone in case she wanted to read or watch videos or play a game. Lately, she’s been playing this game where there are a lot of dots that are different colors and you need to connect them, but the lines can’t overlap. It’s fun for a bit, but after awhile it makes her brain hurt. She steps away from his phone and picks up a sewing needle. She heads over to where his thread is all organized by color and begins unspooling some from the easiest one to reach. It’s a bright green. Once she starts doing that, it gets his attention.

“What are you doing?”

“Oh. My dress recently got a rip in it, so I figured I would just stitch it up real quick.” She shrugs. He blinks down at her, setting aside his project.

“I could take care of that for you. Actually. I could make you a new dress. That’d probably be a fun project because it would have to be so small.” He seems to be talking mostly to himself now.

“You don’t have to do that. I actually learned how to make-” She begins to try and tell him that she learned how to make her own clothes from a very young age. But he doesn’t seem to be listening. He grabs a string to measure her with, as his measuring take is too wide. He seems excited for the challenge of making something so small. So, she simply sighs and lets him go ahead.

The dress he makes her is nice and all. He obviously knows what he’s doing. It’s just that she knows how to make a simple dress for herself. There’s really no reason that she couldn’t have done it.

*~*~*

One morning, she wakes up, and scales down the front of his nightstand where her bed is set up. She managed to craft and stow away a traditional borrowers grapple without either of the lads noticing and questioning her about it, so she grabs that before she begins her descent.

She slips under his door and heads out down the hall towards the living room. The movement really feels good. She’s been so accustomed to being carried around that she’s almost out of practice. She’s grateful for the bit of exercise, even if she has to sneak it in.

She doesn’t think that he means anything by it, but Zeke has been insisting on doing almost everything for her. Maybe she didn’t notice it at first, because she was too nervous, she didn’t really want to do anything like run across the floor or scale the counter. Then of course she got hurt, and she didn’t have much of a choice. But she’s fine now! She’s more than fine now. So really, she should be keeping active. Every other time she’s tried to do something like this, Zeke has gotten worried, and stopped her. So, she figured she’ll just have to do it when he’s still asleep. Maybe then he’ll see that she’s more capable than he thinks she is.

By the time she makes it up to the surface of the coffee table, she’s beat. She flops onto her back, victoriously. But she does need to rest there to catch her breath. It was a long hike, then a big climb. But she’s glad that she did it. If nothing else she proved to herself that she still could. It’s been a long time since she’s had to do something like that. She swears that it used to be easier, probably because she was doing it every day. She isn’t up there for too long before she hears Zeke stirring.

“Isabell?” He calls out quietly. “I-Isabell??” Oh shoot. He’s probably worried that he can’t find her. She didn’t think about that.

“I’m out here!!” She yells, cupping her hands around her mouth. She has no clue if he would be able to hear her from across the apartment, but soon he comes down the hall. His eyes flick to her, sitting on the coffee table. She grins, and waves to him. He exhales, relieved to see she’s alright. Then, his brow furrows ever so slightly.

“I was seriously so freaked out just then.”

“Sorry. I should have left a note or something.”

“If you would have just waited, I could have,” he shakes his head, interrupting himself. “How did you-” She treads over to the edge of the coffee table and sits with her legs dangling over the edge. Her movement causes him to stop midsentence. “Hey- hey be careful. You shouldn’t be so close to the- Here. Just let me..." He steps over to her, and she knows he’s going to try to pick her up.

“I’m really fine I” His hands approach, beginning to usher her in towards his palm. “HEY! YOU’RE NOT LISTENING TO ME. STOP! ALRIGHT?” She shouts up at him, jumping to her feet and shoving his fingertips away from her roughly, “I DON’T NEED YOU!!”

He flinches back, as though she’s burned him while her hands fly to her mouth. They’re both equally surprised that she yelled at him. She’s never yelled at a human before. They freeze, looking at one another with wide eyes.

“I- I am sorry.” Realizing what she’s done, she quickly deflates, taking another small step away from him. “I didn’t mean to yell. I- I’m sorry.” Immediately her mind floods with worst-case scenarios. She’s had to upset him this time. Up until now she’s gone along with whatever he’s wanted, this is the first time she’s really gone against the grain. She has no clue how he’ll react. If she had yelled at Sal or Eddie back in the shop, there would have been hell to pay for sure, she shudders at the thought.

Zeke notices her change in demeanor and lowers himself down a bit to make himself appear smaller than he is. He doesn’t want to be intimidating by looming over her. He frowns as she cowers back from his movement. No matter how close they seem to get, her first instinct is to respond with fear. She just expects anger and cruelty from him. He knows it probably has very little to do with him and it’s more so because of her past experiences, but still. It stings to know that’s what she thinks of him.

“No, no don’t be scared.” He speaks softly, in an attempt to reassure her that he’s not angry. “You’re okay. It’s alright.” He figures that whatever happened, it must have been a pretty big deal to her if it made her lose her temper like that. “We can talk about it. What’s going on?”

“Well…” She hesitates, unsure if it’s wise to actually speak her mind. He gives her an encouraging nod. “I know that I’m very small… But I can take care of myself. You know that, right?”

“Of course.” He looks down at her curiously.

“I mean. Just because I’m little, doesn’t mean that I’m completely helpless.”

“Yes. I know.” He looks at her, confused. “Am I doing something to make you believe that I think otherwise?”

“Well. It’s just that… You do everything for me. I really appreciate that you do so much for me, but I am more than capable of doing many of those things for myself. I’d just like the opportunity to … do those things. Otherwise, it makes me feel like… I’m something you need to take care of… and not… your friend.” She finishes, having lost steam somewhere in the middle there. She’s too embarrassed to look up at him.

“I am so sorry. It was never my intention to make you feel that way." He pauses, and neither of them say anything for a moment. "I guess I was just worried, especially after you were hurt… I didn’t want anything else to happen to you so I … I guess I got a little overprotective there for a bit. If it makes you feel any better, Marcus has complained that I do that sort of thing with him too. In… different ways of course. I can’t really carry him like I can with you.” He gives a small laugh at himself there. “Um, but I guess I just feel very protective of the people that I care about. I didn’t consider that it would make you feel helpless. I apologize, and I’ll be more mindful of your feelings moving forward.” He nods.

“Thank you. You know… I guess I’ve never told you about my life before all of this, huh? It would maybe help you be less worried about me?” She looks up at him, realizing that he doesn’t have a lot of context for what she can do. Though, she’s tried to tell him bits and pieces, it seems like he’d be more capable of listening to her now.

She tells him about her family, something she’s not really used to talking about. She tells him about how she would sew with her mom, how she learned how to make food with her dad, how she would race to climb the tallest bookshelves with her brother. Zeke seems genuinely intrigued by what her life used to be like.

She doesn’t tell him about all the horrible stuff that happened in between then and now. She isn’t sure she’s really ready to talk about all of that again just yet. Besides, it’ll be a story for another day.

#g/t #g/t writing #my writing #giant tiny #giant #tiny #g/t community #g/t story #giant/tiny #gt #gt stories #g/t stories #anon i finished this one today just for you *kissies ur forehead*

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gb-patch · 3 years

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Ask Answers: July 10th

I really let asks get away from me lately. I was super focused on working on that Patreon Moment. With that done I can finally think about doing other things, so here’s a new collection of answers!

Thank you for sending in questions everyone ^^.

For the new Patreon moment, will you be able to reference it in step 4? Or just like a tiny nod to it if you pick certain choices?

There won’t be. I’m sorry if you were hoping for that! The Patreon moment is meant to be entirely optional, it’s not something that gets you extra content in the main game.

Is the new CG artist the main one now? :0 I’ve noticed theres been a difference in the art style recently. Is the old CG artist still going to make art for the game? :0

The original artist still makes CGs for the game sometimes, but he mainly focuses on character sprites.

Are you going to put the NSFW our life moment on a website other than patreon? I would love to get it but I can't use patreon atm.

I don’t know. I'm afraid we can't release the Patreon Moment on a normal game storefront because we can't mix 18+ content with our family friendly game. If there's some other place similar to Patreon where it's not the normal type of full-scale public content releases we'd consider using that, but I’m not sure if there is another site that’s better than Patreon in that regard. I'm sorry.

Out of curiosity, in all of your games so far, which characters in each were the most fun to write? They obviously don't have to be your favorite characters!

Buffalo Seer in AFA, really everyone in XOD/XOBD is pretty equally entertaining to write, The Guide in LoV, and Cove in OL!

idk if you accept "personal" questions, but is there anything you've been watching/ listening to lately

Mostly, I’ve been watching/listening to Authortube videos as of late! It’s people who talk generally about the process of how books become traditionally published and/or share their own experience as they attempt to be published. I don’t have an interest in writing normal text based books, but it’s really interesting to hear about that world. I’m listening to a video about royalties right now as I answer these asks.

Will one of the desserts we get to pick be fudge? That'd be such a cute reference!

Haha, yeah, it should. Unless I completely blank on it and forget when trying to include the various referential food options.

I don't know if this has been asked previously but what would be the approximate heights for the presets MC can choose from Step 2 ~ 4? Are there any measurement you had in mind? Sorry if I didn't make myself clear kk I've been struggling with my English lately 💀

I don’t know, ahah. I didn’t have any numbers in mind for that. So it’s whatever you imagine it is!

I noticed a bug with the Patreon moment when it comes to what your character wears. When Jamie and Cove are kissing while my character only had dresses selected, I had both the option to remove the dress or to remove the shirt... Picking one of the options to interact with Cove, after he removed his shirt, it had Jamie remove their shirt followed by ther pants despite only having dresses picked.

Thank you for reporting ^^

I keep refreshing steam to see when the new doc for xobd will be released. I noticed you haven't posted anything about it in quite some time. Would it be possible to ask about a timeline/potential date? (If it's even this year—) I know you and your team are probably working super hard, I'm just super curious! ~Thank you!~

There are more stories done, I just haven’t gotten around to publicly releasing them. Hopefully I will have a chance to spend the time on that sooner rather than later!

hello!! i’m not sure if it’s an update but i’ve just replayed our life and at the end i can’t propose to cove anymore? :(( i’ve actually tried playing twice but the options are not there anymore, did you guys remove the options? i’m sorry if you’ve answered this before!! thank you and have a good one :)

I’m afraid things haven’t been changed or removed, so I think you might’ve accidentally picked the wrong things somewhere along the way and locked yourself out of being able to propose by mistake. Sometimes you meant to say you want to get married but instead you mis-click and have it so the MC isn’t thinking about marriage or something. All I can suggest is starting from the beginning of Step 3 and making sure to follow the steps listed in the FAQ. I’m sorry for that.

Did yall remove some of the options for when youre making out with Cove in the charity moment? I could've sworn you could grab his bonkadonk and its not there anymore

This is the same situation as the above. We didn’t remove things and you’re not wrong that there are sometimes those options. But there are various choices you have to make to get those options and it sounds like you accidentally missed something. If your relationship isn’t long-term, you can’t do it for example.

HI IM SO EXCITED I CAN FINALLY GET THE STEP 3 DLC

Thank you for getting it!

Is Shiloh super totally straight bc I’m very gay and a huge Shiloh fan, would my man make an exception?😩

Sadly, he is one of our super straight characters. I’m sorry.

Hi, I have a very dumb question. In Step 2 does Cove not wanna share his drink with us at the mall (or rather why he stops drinking it) because it's an indirect kiss? Or is it like ...weird to him to share? Because if I remember right he eats off our spoon in the birthday scene right?

Yeah, he’s awkward about it because he likes the MC and it feels very personal to share a straw with his crush.

Hi! If you don't mind me asking, who is the artist for OL2? Their style is so pretty!

Thank you for saying so! This is her Twitter- https://twitter.com/redridingheart

Do Beginnings & Always and Now & Forever exist in the same universe?

Yep! XOXO Droplets also exists in the same universe. It’s one big GB Patch world, haha.

Do Pran's parents regret the way they raised him? Do they feel ashamed of it?

No. They’re the type of people best cut out because they’re not gonna change. Which is why Pran does go very limited contact when he’s an adult.

Hi! I just wrapped up my second playthrough of Our Life, and I absolutely adore it, but I had a question. I went to the gallery and found I was missing 2 CGS (specifically Step 1-3 and 2-3) and I had no clue where they would've shown up. Which moments are those found in?

You get it by telling Cove about his dad offering you money to be his friend in Step 1 and Step 2. You can’t get both in one playthrough, since you can only tell Cove the truth once. I’m really glad you liked it!

Hi hi! Please, how tall is Baxter and Derek? Love the game so much and I can't wait to see more!

I don’t know, aha. I think Baxter was around 5′10 and Derek was like 5′8/5′9, maybe. I really am not one who has specific heights for things in mind.

is adult cove a bottom, top, or switch?

A switch, though would choose the top if he had to pick.

I was wondering if there is a way to transfer save data? Even if through the game files. I wanted to be able to transfer my save data from my desktop over to my laptop so that I could continue playing right where I left off from but I'm not entirely sure how to go about that.

If you save the save folder/persistent data of the game from your desktop and put it into the game folder on your other device, that could work.

Hi! Is it possible for us to know the date when our life: now and forever comes out on steam? Sorry if you've mentioned it before but I haven't seen it and I'm looking foward to that happening and just wanted to know :)

It’s gonna be a long time, I’m afraid. There’s no estimate right now.

I started playing Our Life with my sister a while ago, and I think you guys should know that we discovered your secret. >:)

L from death note and Cove are clearly the same person, and this whole game is just an origin story!!

I’ve never seen that show so I’m sorry to say I don’t understand the connection/reference you’re trying to make. I’m pretty out of the loop when it comes to media. I don’t watch movies or TV.

Will OL2 have options for disabled MCs?

I understand if it's too complicated, just curious

Unfortunately, it’s not really something we have a plan for. We couldn’t finish the game if we tried to include every disability and have it be meaningful. It’d just be too much content to create. But if we decide to only include a few, how would we choose which disabilities get to be represented and which are left out? I don’t know. It’ll probably have to be something we don’t include as an option again, sadly. I’m sorry.

playing our life > anything else

Haha, I’m glad you’re enjoying it.

Honestly, I would like to thank Our Life for helping me come to terms with my sexuality. Before, I never would've actually thought that it was possible to like boys romantically and still be asexual. Almost all of the BL visual novels I've read had unskippable sexual content in them and it honestly just didn't click with what I feel. I'm glad I found Our Life. I love the game, the developers, and this fandom so much. Now, I can safely come out as homoromantic AND asexual (at least anonymously here anyway; my parents are still huge homophobes 😂).

Aw, it’s great to hear you felt comfortable being yourself in the game! That’s wonderful. I’m really sorry about your parents, though.

Will the demo for OL2 be on android? Really not sure if I could wait any longer than I have to aha

Yeah, it’ll be available for Android once we eventually release a demo!

Do all these reveals perhaps mean development is progressing ahead of schedule? Please let that be the case I'm already obsessed with Qiu

No, sorry, aha. Art comes along much faster than script/programming-work for us. It’s gonna be a long time before the game is a finished thing you can actually play. But at least we can look at the beautiful images.

Hey! First of all I wanna say I reallllllyyyyy loooovvveeee Our Life and XOXO Droplets! I have over 300 hours of playtime on Our Life… Anyways, I was just wondering, are the Derek and Baxter DLCs going to come out at the same time? If not, which one do you plan to release first? :3

They will come out separately and Derek will be first! Glad you like the game.

I keep replaying Our Life to get every possible iteration and I am loving it <3 I was wondering if Cove gets locked out of his confession because MC was talking to Lee, would it be possible to confess to him in step 4?

Yeah, you can avoid the confession in Step 3 and then get it in Step 4.

Hi, my Cove wears bracelets through step 2 and 3 but I still don't get an option to give him a bracelet? I didn't even know that was possible until I seen someone else ask about it lol

Hm, did you use the Cove creator? Maybe there’s a bug where using the creator to add bracelets doesn’t fulfill the requirement to give Cove a bracelet in Step 3.

Wait, I'm dense, when does Baxter appear in step 2? Is it from big park firework? I feel so bad since i really love Baxter and waiting to buy his dlc.

It’s in the Soiree Moment. You have to be just friends with Cove, indifferent, or crushing but not ask Cove to the dance at all. Then while there you can find someone new to dance with. But if you bring Cove to the dance while crushing, the MC won’t wanna dance with anyone else so you can’t get the scene.

In step 2 when we go to the soiree I made my mc go alone and baxter chooses the mc to dance, i'm curious, why did he pick the mc? sorry if this has been asked before!

Because the MC looked to be around his age, seemed to also be searching for a partner, and had nice legs. A perfect option for him.

I read some of the FAQs, and I saw that we could tell Baxter about the condo that he rented there was previously the mean old grandparents. how do we get the mc to tell him that?

It happens in the DLC Moment “Late Shift”. If you don’t have a job you instead get a longer scene with Baxter.

I don’t know if you’ve addressed this or not, but are you planning on paying voice actors for our life: now and forever?

Yeah, we pay our VAs in all our projects.

hey can i ask how you did the moments thing in ol? im trying to get into making visual novels and while im VERY sure its out of my comfort zone and all that atm i kinda wanna know just for the future, bc im p sure it would work well for something i wanna do :O but its also fine if you cant say for other reasons :>

I’m afraid I’m not sure what you mean. Are you asking how we programmed the screen or something script related? Adding Moments like that is pretty straightforward, though. You just have buttons that open to different labels and then the scripts are essentially individual short stories/vignettes. Good luck with your VN!

Since Autumn becomes gender fluid later in the game, will there be a character who remains as he/him to romance in game?

OL1 has the he/him LIs, OL2 is all about other genders.

I don't want to impose on your creative plans, but a parrot could possibly make a good pet in an OL-type game? They're pretty long-lived and likely to still be thriving by the end even if the MC got them back in step 1.

I do appreciate the suggestion, but I’m afraid it’s not likely going to happen. I understand there are technically some animals that could theoretically live long enough to last the whole game that or we could have the MC only get a pet after some years have already passed. But the many things that would have to be considered/accommodated for makes it just something we probably can’t manage adding. I’m sorry.

As time passes will we be able to see Qiu and Tamarack's other stage arts as well?

They are both so cute i can't wait to be friends with them!

Yeah, we’ll show content from other Steps in the future. It’ll be a little while from now, though.

Can you date Cove and still have your family comfort you in the car?

You can’t get Cove’s Step 3 confession scene if you have the family comfort you in the car. But that’s not the only way to date him. You can get together with him earlier in the game or later on in Step 4.

Is Mc always going to be the one walking down the aisle or could Cove do it? Also could you choose to have one of your moms walk you?

No. Cove wouldn’t want to walk down the aisle like that and the MC automatically respects that. And the MC also gets to have their preferences respected, so it’s up to you whether they want to do an aisle walk or not. You also can pick who, if anyone, walks with you.

Once step 4 is out, will you be able to go the whole game on crush/love without either of you confessing?

Yes, as long as you tell the game you don’t want to progress the relationship. Even in Step 4 it won’t force you to officially get together.

Howdy, so in Step 4, there will be any Romance with Derek that is not part of any dlc?

He’s only a friend unless you get his romance story.

Will the step 4 in OL2 be one big step or are you considering moments?

Step 4 is just an epilogue in both games.

hi kind of a weird question but!! we know tht cliff doesn't start dating again but. wht abt flings? like does he ever do 1 night stands or anything? thank u!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nope. Cliff has a very small interest in sex. If he’s not in a real relationship with a partner he’s crazy about it simply isn’t something he feels a need for, so one night stands wouldn’t even cross his mind.

sorry if you've already answered this, but i was wondering if there were plans for there to be bonus love interests in OL2 like how we have derek and baxter in OL1.

Maybe! There are side characters who could be given romance stories, but whether or not it will happen depends on funding and how long everything else takes to finish.

I don't know if i'm allowed to ask about ol2 here yet, if not u can ignore this or answer it later. My question is can you date one of them and be good friends with the other? I don't want to be strangers with the other bcs i love them both a lot :<

Yes you can!

what patreon level do i have to be to unlock the nsfw moment? im on the $5 one right now, will that give me access to the moment, or just access to the moment progress?

That’ll give you access! Tier 2 and anything higher allows the player to download it.

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