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rosyk · 3 years

Text

Clichè

pairing: lee minho x reader

genre: heavy or light angst, fluff, marriage, misunderstandings

warnings: light curses, situations that involves deep anger or sadness, mentions of disease, death(?)

word count: 5.2k

a/n: Hi it’s your gal, rosyk. I’m back with writing fanfictions and it’s like 4 in the morning. I haven’t slept yet so there are many grammatically incorrect sentences or spelling errors. Hope you enjoy this one though! (Inspired by Dear John- Taylor Swift)

I sat by the car, the same old one he and I used to drive in. This was a simple car but we swore to use this for our wedding since memories are still stuck. It made me wonder what could’ve happened if everything went right? What would’ve happened to us if there were no obstacles in life? It then made me realize that indeed there were no obstacles, none other than you.

I drove the car to meet your sister who desperately needed to talk to me. She said there were secrets I needed to know but I get the gist of what she’s trying to do. Set me up? Trap me? Convince me? So I could be tempted to get back into your cage? I don’t want that to happen, never again. I’m sick and tired of this one-sided relationship I never noticed because I was blinded. Aced all my tests, I am smart. But when it comes to you, I look like a whole fool trying to fall in love with a guy who gave up. This is why I wanted to show her that I’ve moved on, at least based on my view. Wearing both of my earphones and played our song, I sighed deeply and continued to drive along Cornelia street. My days only revolved around you but what exactly went wrong in between us? Scratch that, what happened to you?

Back then, all I could do was love you. Not less but everything more. I could never stand loving you lesser each day. It’s not on obsessing but to the point that I recognize your feelings though still, I try to force myself. You know how I do grow tired from time to time, but that’s all because I care for you. There’s not much positivity from that though. The downfall happens when I love you much more than you feel for me. It was never equal no matter how I try to persuade myself, desperately needing your affection.

My mother used to tell me how crazy I was to fall for a guy like you. How was I supposed to tell her you were fine since then? Yesterday, you rained me with care. On Friday, you sucked it all up and acted as if nothing happened. All I could do was pray that the guy I used to know, is the one I’ll meet today and greet me in front of the door with wide gentle hugs.

You give me hope, then take it back all at once. I remembered a sunny sky in blue that suddenly turned grey after you decided to shrug me off several times. I was in your tiny piece of chess game. Though you change the rules every day, hoping I would give up until the end. What’s funny is that typically families opposing would be the ones who would give tests to both of the couples to prove their love. And yet, you were the one who was trying to give me a hard time and when I was lost in the thought of giving you up, you decided to save me at the end of the day.

You were a puzzle I couldn’t solve. Little did I know, there was a missing piece I could never find until then. Just like a whole puzzle, you were complicated but due to my drive and need, I had to hang on to my aim. I had to do it because I was convinced by all your “sorry“. Or maybe it’s just me trying to change my mindset to find a reason to stay because I knew there was no difference between all your other sorrys before.

“Which Minho would I be able to talk to on the phone?” It runs through my mind each Sunday of my life and gives me anxiety. But every time I hear the phone ring? I never hesitated to pick it up. No matter what kind of guy I am faced with, I wanted to know deeper why you were acting so confusing. But on that single day, I didn’t pick up the phone. I cried and had sleepless nights. My worst nightmare just came and here’s why:

“Don’t you think this is a good improvement? We’ll sit by the couch and place a big screen tv.” You placed your arm above my shoulder and I continued your lovely story.

“Then we’ll watch your performances?” I looked at you in the eye, grinning as you smirked at my idea. You hummed in question and tilted your head. “Lee Minho, the most famous kpop idol who reached internationally and was supported by his lovely fans” I placed both of my hands above, imaging a billboard banner with your name and face on it. Thousands of people watching and idolizing you.

“Really?” You shifted your position into a more comfortable one as I leaned on your chest. Nodding at my suggestion, you pressed your lips together and listened to me, getting all happy after trying to predict and set goals in our lives.

“Of course! Why not?” I turned my head to face you and gave you a slight hit. “I could feel the energy of the universe as if it's trying to tell me that was our fate” You playfully laughed at the girl in front of you who is telling such an exaggerating fairytale. “Besides, ” I went back to my position and grabbed your arms around my waist. “Your number one fan is just a surgeon anyway” You responded with an oh? as you began to get amused with my statements. “A surgeon who never failed to help people even in a situation full of pressure. The best surgeon in the district” I smiled in a bragging manner, lifting my hand to flip my hair.

“I like that” you nodded in approval. “But don’t you think it’s much better with the title, the best surgeon found around the world?” My eyes lit up with stars because indeed that was a better match. I grinned and raised my eyebrow.

“That’s better” an idea popped up and so I turned back once again. You looked at me in confusion and waited until I would continue what I wanted to say. “But how about the dating ban? Does that mean we have to keep it low?” You looked at me concerningly and so I did. Panic arose in my mind. “Or maybe we-“

You placed your hand up my lip and shushed me. Everything is going to be fine, you tried to assure me. Lifting up your hand and caressed my face, you continued and stared at my pouty lips. “Of course not. It’s you,” with a silent pause, you pointed directly at me with a lovingly stare “and I” you did the same back at yourself and held my hand, enclosing it together. “against the whole world”. You chuckled whilst you tipped your forehead on mines.

“Too cliché” I laughed at you but no doubt that made my heart flutter. Oh, how I wish he knew how much I love him.

[MONTHS LATER]

“Do you have everything packed?” I sighed deeply the minute I rummaged through the closet. I stopped as soon as I saw the yellow hoodie hung inside. “You forgot the hoodie!” I chuckled though scared, deeply hoping this isn’t what I think it is.

“That’s your favorite. Keep it” he smiled but those words pierced straight through me. I felt what he meant. My last token for our relationship, isn’t it? What happened to all those you and I against the world? Were all those just things to make me feel relieved?

“Oh” I responded dryly and gulped, pressing my lips together to stop these drops from falling. “Mhm, ’kay” I closed the closet and faced the guy who’ll soon be leaving. “Go” You looked at me with pity and everything I didn’t want to see in your eyes. I’m okay, at least that’s what I like to believe. As I was busy trying to act tough because I don’t want you to see me being vulnerable once again, you gave me the warmth I needed. A necessity in my dark days.

“I’m sorry. I won’t leave you alone, maybe quite busy but I’d never wanted to split up with you” I finally cried after everything. It was a big wash down of emotions and you felt sorry again. It was a painful sight for you, I know.

“But those hoodies..” sniffs went in between those sobs. As usual, you tried to assure me by caressing my face. It was an act to show that we’ll still stay the same.

“I want you to return this to me after I become an idol. I want you to promise you’ll hold on to us. Wait for me okay?” That was the first and last time I’ve ever seen you cry. It hurts deep bad, but I didn’t want to be an obstacle to your goal as well. I’ll wait no matter how many years it may take.

[DECEMBER OF 2018]

Hey, I’m not sure if you still received my letters. It’s been long, don’t you think? I feel like you don’t remember me anymore but I was your first love haha. Would you still be able to know me after I come back there? I’ve heard you all over the news. Minho, the guy who brought K-pop internationally and broke the Billboard charts. I told you that you’d make it. Me? I’m now a surgeon. Not internationally, but definitely in the district. I’ll get there soon, right? One more question, can I return the hoodie? I did wait for you, hoping you did as well.

I sighed for only God knows how many times for this day. The more I’ve been sending letters, the less I’ve been receiving.

I held on to the letter and got up from my bed after hearing a call once again. The last time I was able to sleep was decades ago and so I had to go back to work. Luckily, it wasn’t a heavy operation but I just had to check-in by the hospital to get the patient’s results.

“Good afternoon, Mrs!.” My patient joked and I could clearly see my best friend smirking.

“Maddie! Stay safe when you get home alright?” I smiled greeting the patient who joked before getting ready to leave

“Hey, hey it’s not too safe to go outside yet. Call someone to assist you. Take care!” Another response of mine was said after a boy who was operated on and took rest for three weeks passed by me.

Beaming from ear to ear, I squealed and hugged my best friend tight. “ALICEEE!” It’s been years since I’ve seen her. She accompanied Min on his way to Korea. And before any of the readers misunderstand, they are siblings. Quite awkward at first if I must say but it’s great to know lots of information about him.

“Hush, we’re in your workplace. You told me that, right? Alice, don’t scream or get hyper whenever you’d come back here.” She mimicked the way I talked in an insulting manner, not that I’m offended by it. We just like to mimic one’s tone as a sign of sarcasm. “Well, look who’s talking?” She furrowed both of her eyebrows as I laughed and took my hands off her.

“So how was Korea, Lisa? Did you find someone? Maybe that guy who you friend-zoned at?” I started chuckling after seeing her blank face. It was honestly funnier to see her reaction. Her stop-it-kind-of-face made my laugh gradually get lower but never failed to make a remark soon after. I thought of someone and so I tried to casually ask her about it. “How are you and Min? Was Korea that good? Just wanted to ask because I’m scared to get into their hospital” I shrugged it off but saw her eyebrow raise. Of course, she always knows what’s up.

“So is this why you’re called Mrs.? Mrs. Lee?” Now it was her turn to laugh. I playfully pouted and narrowed my eyes. “Excuse me?” I acted all offended, placing my hand to my chest as if I took it to heart “It’s miss for you, Mrs. friend-zoned” Rolling my eyes and entered my room, her never-ending saga of teasing me continued.

An hour came by after packing all my things left in the hospital room and we talked about our lives. She still never told me a single thing about Min because of her chattiness. We got in the car and went to the airport. My flight has been called and so I had to leave.

“Wish we could’ve spent more time. I’ll come back soon anyways after visiting the hospital” she hugged me so tight causing me to be so confused.

“Min.. I tried to talk to him” I looked at her in the eye asking for some problems that happened years before. Though no words that came out of her were expected.

“But he didn’t want to hear anything about you”

Hours came by like a flash but my thoughts filling out my mind went by for years. I arrived at my destination but is this truly where I am destined to be in? I knew there was something much more than her words because her voice was shaky.

I didn’t leave a single minute to go by my hospital though. Work always comes by my mind. But usually, I would hang by the café in your building hoping to see you pass by. There were no people because I was busy studying late at night after the closing time. It was scary, but I was too busy to notice.

“I miss you! I’ll come by soon, okay? You better wait for me, sweetie. Love you, take care!” I smiled after hearing my patient’s voice. She was a lovely kid and it seems like I wasn’t the only one missing her as well. It had just been a day yet Yeina has been panicking through the whole call.

“Got a boyfriend now?” The one who talked suddenly came up near my seat and giggled. It was cute but I was busy closing all my documents. Besides, it was not that important. I responded unknowingly but was cut after hearing the voice.

“No, it was my patient. She’s a cute kid” I looked up and God-, was that the biggest thing I regretted but enjoyed at the same time. The guy I waited for years was the same guy who didn’t want to hear anything that involves me. The guy who didn’t want to talk, approached me first with the same smile as if nothing happened. I don’t know what to feel nor what to say. It took whole 5 minutes of me trying to smile awkwardly.

“So, no hugs, internationally known surgeon who cured people around the world for the guy who is loved by his lovely fans?” You looked at me shocked but smiled as soon as I got back to my senses. Everything still remained vivid in your head when I thought it wouldn’t be.

I went up to you and cried in your embrace. The same warmth, it never changed even after all those years. “I thought you had forgotten” I tried to explain though it came out as short phrases because of my sobs. You held my head to nuzzle near your neck and caressed my hair, patting in between.

“Thank you for waiting even in tough times. You did good, doctor”

[WEEKS LATER]

Yes, it just had been weeks. Everything was good but turned downhill soon after. I don’t know what’s hitting on you because you just turned.. off.

“ARE YOU CRAZY?” I yelled after you constantly trying to ignore me. “Wow, so now you’re deaf?” I exclaimed as I held on to your arm and making you turn around and face me.

“You wouldn’t understand anyway!” Loud shoutings were just everything that was heard in the room. I am patient but was frustrated that moment you took on that dumb decision.

“So now I was wrong here? YOU QUITTED THAT FKING JOB OF YOURS BECAUSE YOU DIDN’T FEEL LIKE IT? YOU FELT BORED? The world doesn’t adjust for you! It’s not like you are the reason why the Earth revolves! It’s not easy to find a new goal and get it as soon as possible!” I expressed all my thoughts because things weren’t matching up. Who the hell leaves something just because he or she was bored? I felt like there was something more to it but why do you seem so nonchalant about it? It was that easy of a decision to make?

“SHIT!” You grabbed the vase and smashed it on the floor. That shocked me. I was clearly shaking yet I tried to stand by my point.

“Why did you come back here anyway?” I felt the world stopped. No, because he was actually true. Why did I come back here? Expecting that the love of my life would be the same even when it had been years he didn’t bother to call? Even after all these years, the guy I waited for would remain the same? After all the dating issues, he would stay irrelevant and think of me every day? I was just a surgeon not even known worldwide. Who am I to him?

“You’re right. I’m nothing to you anyway.” I packed up quickly placing all of my clothes unorganized. It was easy to get into someone but how is leaving not the same?

You tried calling me out but I left due to my blind optimism over the week. I came back to Korea but you soon got me with all those sorry. That was just a single moment that left a scar on me deeply. But now that I think of it, I was used to it because you were an on and off switch

The first day of a week you asked me out on a date then suddenly you claimed to have forgotten about it. You’d tell me how much you loved me, yet add me to the list of traitors who wouldn’t understand a single thing. It was basically just a love or leave me game of yours. It went on for months that I was tired of it. Sick of everything else but you suddenly turned nice again. I waited for the moment you would hate me as usual but it never came by. Was it because you finally realized how much you had hurt me or were you trying to be nice because you were planning a sudden break-up. Maybe a Dear Jane letter? I was scared because I feel like it was more of the latter.

But after all the overthinking, another unexpected thing came by. You spoke the words:

“I can’t imagine what you’ve gone through after everything I’ve done. It hurts so bad and I don’t want to see you taking all that pain anymore. I never had forgotten about you not even a single bit of my life. I made decisions that could lessen your pride and was also close-minded with all your opinions. But my love for you stays true which is why I wanted to stop seeing you cry. The only tears I’ll ever allow you to shed is the one I needed all my life. The words I wanted to wait for you on. This might be the most clichè thing you’ll ever see, but will you marry me?”

I could never get over that preparation of yours. Because who’d knew you were actually into those surprises? I looked at the ring and smiled at it. How precious this is to me. But time surely passes by fast.

Looking at myself in a white gown, we passed by on lots of obstacles but it felt like yesterday even though it took even years to convince my mother and bless the marriage. She allowed but was forced to.

I still remembered how my mom used to hit me several times every day just to understand if there was something wrong with my head, but apologized soon after because she believed my father was watching from heaven. Mom had many beliefs and one of them was to ask my father whether to accept me. She used to tell me with not a missing day left aside, “run as fast as you can”. Up until now, I find it too hilarious.

“Aren’t you rushing too much? You’re still nineteen” the one who placed my natural makeup on, whispered in my ear.

That was what I was scared of. I was anxious about getting hurt at 19 what more if I was getting married then it went downhill when I was 19? But you were a risk I was willing to take every day, so why not? I know you’ll stay true to your words, I just know so.

“No” I responded short and smiled at myself for acting so brave with my thoughts. I went out of the hall and looked up to my mother who was dressed up so nicely. Sure, the girl who took time dressing me up, definitely did not say she wouldn’t attend if I marry Minho. I sarcastically remarked at her logic.

“So where’s that guy? It’s been 15 minutes since the guests have arrived!” She placed her hand on her hip and tapped her feet on the floor impatiently.

“Ma, he will arrive” I assured my mother and hugged her after I saw a glimpse of tears on her face. Of course, she raised me, and to finally see me with a guy who will take care of me then, she would be brought into tears. She told me once, before the wedding starts, all her thoughts including how she was sad about me leaving but happy about me finding and receiving the love I am willing to fight for. She doesn’t show it as much but she knows how much of a good guy Min is.

“You’ll be Mrs. Lee minutes later!” I found Lisa near the entrance and hugged her. “I told you we would have the same last name years ago!” she continued

Minutes came by and indeed you look handsome in a tux. Everything was worth the wait. You were worth waiting for. We’ve said our vows that express our love would remain until forever runs out, and it was truly you and I together against the world.

[PRESENT]

At least that is what was supposed to happen.

Your dumb-ass mind left me hanging and crying on the white dress. Everything was prepared and you suddenly decided not to show up? You were claiming you had forgotten? What kind of excuse is that? You were no doubt an expert on saying sorry. Just because, you were an exception when it comes to me not being forgiving. Just because, you’d know how to get me back. With a single smile, sorry, that’s it! My mind would start to revolve once around you, playing hide and seek or chase. I was always the one chasing and I’m tired of having to run a hundred miles just to get that love I wanted, which you never wanted to give anyway. It’s all you and your sick need of giving love and taking it away.

Don’t you think I was too young to be messed with? The girl in a white dress who was supposedly having fun on her grand day, went away and started crying? I should’ve followed what my mom said. You should’ve known and I should’ve seen. I was played, you were the one who controlled the game.

“Where will you take me, Alice?” Truly, it’s hard to have feelings for a guy who is the brother of your best friend. If things go wrong, then clearly your friendship is over.

“To him” you responded shortly, tightening your grip on my wrist.

“Stop. I don’t want to go.” I forced her hand off me and whined in a frustrated manner because clearly, you screwed up Alice.

“Could you please stop?! I’m sick of this! He doesn’t have to hide it forever!” You looked away and continued dragging me as soon as I stopped. Hiding what now?

I don’t know what to say when I meet you. Scratch that, I didn’t even want to meet you anymore. Because what if this habit of mine comes up and actually accepts you? I’m tired of it but there’s just something that makes me want to hold onto the love or something that isn’t in you anymore.

You took me in a place so questionable as you stopped and cried. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and yet you say it was the right place. That can’t be, right? How did this happen? Shaky hands, dry throat, words don’t come out my lips. “I’m sorry” I didn’t know why that was the only thing that escaped from my tongue. I did not accept it yet because I belived that wasn’t reality.

Lisa took me to a hospital in which I saw you laying down, unconscious.

I could do nothing but curl down. I was hurt but I never did ask for this. “Alicia, since when?”

“The doctor told me he had cancer way before you went back to Korea. This is why he didn’t want me to talk about you because he gets hurt and couldn’t even imagine what you would do in lengths just to cure him. He used to joke about how you loved him the same way he did. Side effects? Memory loss, sudden mood swings. You know, he was the same guy you knew in the past. Except, he had gotten braver of leaving you behind just so you wouldn’t get into more pain as to seeing his condition. He was very open but he thought of decisions way better when it comes to you than of himself. He loved you every single day of his life and I do know how he misses your touch, crying himself to sleep. He faced a much harder life, missy. As to the wedding, he said he had forgotten about it but it was more due to the reason of having a husband that wasn’t able to take care of until the end of the world, when he promised you to. It was because of a guy not being able to see you getting known worldwide nor exposing you in all medias, when he wanted you to. It was because of a man who simply wanted you to be happy, because he needed that too.”

This is the point where my world started to crash. It wasn’t you who should’ve known. It was me. I should’ve been there at times you need someone to rely on. I based on my selfishness and need for love, not knowing that what I need was the thing that kept me from hurting. I’m sorry for misunderstanding. I’m sorry for making things harder for you. I’m sorry for not opening up all my thoughts about you. I’m sorry because I left you fighting against the world, and I stood by just watching. I felt as if I was the person who was miserable and yet it was you who was trying to act tough.

Lisa continued to tell all those hidden words of yours “I even remembered the time he continued blaming himself for hurting you but concluded that it was everything that he could do. His situation isn’t something that can be fixed and he knows about that even if he wasn’t told about the months he have left. He told me that once you come back and see how bad of a person he is for leaving you all alone and asking you to wait, I am allowed to tell you everything once you’ve moved on.” The girl I’m talking with continued crying filling out the silence I make.

It was a shock and seeing you were the only thing that made me cry deeply. I couldn’t breathe as my chest weighed heavily. I grasped my shirt as I was desperately needing to calm down. But none of this sight made me calm down. I understood the situation I did, but it was too far, in reality, to keep it in check. You were unconscious and Lisa wanted to let me see you before your last breath. Standing up, I cried up to you.

“Idiot” I sniffed, Trying to act strong and let it all out but that’s everything I could only say. “You said our story was cliché. What happened to the true love’s kiss that wakes one up?” I kneeled down and held your hand with the ring that was encircling your fingers. I felt the cold air as tears continued flowing. I kissed your hand and gulped, crying helplessly. Is there really nothing I could do?

“The last time he saw you were way back you were able to smile again. He said it was a blissful sight to see and he would be happy even if that were to be the last time.” Lisa explained and cried her heart out as well after seeing such a painful sight.

“You do know you can see me every day right? Wouldn’t that be nice?” I tried to persuade an unconscious body who can’t hear my words. “Hey, wake up” I clasped our hands together and entwined both. “I’m here, so wake up. I’ll be with you until the end okay?” The volume of my talks gradually decreases but I still believe you can open your eyes up. I know so. I know that at this very time you could still see me and hug me, letting me feel the same warmth I needed once again. “I’ll be with you and it’s still going to be you and I against the world. Cliché right? I know you’ll never miss a chance to tease me when I take that cheesy statement. So please do. Please wake up and talk to me once again. I am here for you.. always and forevermore”

I closed my eyes and heard the beeping of the machine. I looked at you and the monitor that showed a single, straight line. I sighed deeply and my heartbeat is everything I could hear. Repeating your name, demanding you to wake up but all I could do at the end of the day is being so helpless. Even my optimism couldn’t change my mindset yet I was hopelessly begging to see your loving eyes as Lisa and the other staff held me out of the ward for the doctors to take care and clean up everything.

I wished to see those eyes I never noticed years ago. I didn’t know whether it was my selfish act or optimism that kept me not noticing all those details but if only I could see those once again, I could’ve lessened your pain before you disappeared. I was wrong but even up to this end, I hope you know that I love you and forever will do, Min.

I see it all now that you’re gone, don’t you think I was too young to be messed with? The girl in the dress cried the whole way home

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fullmetaldevil-blog · 5 years

Text

A Musical Babysitter (Stitched AU short)

*Aurhors notes: This is a short I wrote entirely on my cell phone during my lunch breaks starting from 12/25/2018. If you haven’t read Ch. 5 of the Stitched Au please stop now, and read it before you read this short!*

Summary:

Sammy wished he never picked up the phone, now he found himself spending the weekend babysitting, but it was who he was babysitting. Benny the Stitched Demon. The little devildoll was known by his family to be an absolute sweetheart and loving toon, but even he isn’t as always sweet as everyone claims he is. A 30 year old grudge crawls back to the surface alongside a father’s troubled past.

I hope you ladies and gentlemen enjoy the short.

Now on with the show~!

Sammy wished he never answered the phone, now he found himself committed on a one hour drive to baby sit. Now he wouldn’t have complained considering that not only was it for an old coworker and that he was being handsomely paid, but it was who he was charged with looking after. Benny the Stitched demon.

It had only been a little over a month since everyone’s escape from the studio and admittedly some members of the group was still wary of the two demons that escaped with them, Bendy the dancing demon and Benny the stitched demon. While Bendy was the primary problem child of the studio, Benny wasn’t anything to sneeze at. The stitched devil was just as dangerous as his counterpart, but unlike Bendy he suffered from separation issues after the escape and nearly wrecked portions of the house due to horrid nightmares. While Bendy had similar problems after his escape as well, he wasn’t the one that was gonna be left alone for a few days. Henry nearly became a complete home body for the past few weeks to take care of Bendy alongside his wife Linda.

Naught but a few hours ago he had received a phone call from Tom. The man sounded exasperated and deeply worried, telling him that Allison was out of town due to a movie shoot and he got a large remodeling job that will have him out of town for at least the week end. He begged if Sammy could watch Benny for the weekend not wanting to leave the plushtoon alone through the night. When asked why Norman or Wally couldn’t babysit the demon he was told that both were regrettably busy as well and couldn’t make the trip in such short notice. Henry was left out of the question since he was still trying to get his own demon to recover from the mental blows the studio had done to him, as well as repair the bond between them. There were a few other notes that had been added onto the conversation but Tom told him to see for himself what was going on.

Sammy sighed inwardly as he turned down the road heading for the hills. It was still early morning out and the entire area was coated in Tule fog making the hour drive even longer. Relief was insight as he came across the fork road leading to the hills and carefully made the accent, he took each turn with care as he climbed higher and higher eventually clearing the fog blanket. He passed a few homes that dotted the hills here and there, including the largest home that was simply called ‘grandmas’ house. He knew that once he passed that house he needed to look for a small driveway that led further into the hills. He spotted a small driveway and he turned to the drive and made his way up, silently cursing why the family had chosen such an isolated area.

The modest English style home quickly came into view. The house had a long driveway and sat on a sizable property with the hills just behind it. The front yard was decorated with flower beds and fruit trees of different types. Towards the back side of the home was a large ring of weeping willows and shrubs that outlined the property. It was perfectly isolated, yet at the same time was only a 10 minute drive from the closest market and town center.

He pulled up next to Toms car noting that it was already loaded nearly to the floor with tools and equipment, the man clearly needing a truck rather then a car. He shut the engine off and mentally prepared himself to be stuck at the house for the weekend with a living stuffed animal toon that he didn’t really know much about say for the conversations he had with the toon’s respective parents. He could only hope that he wouldn’t loose his mind by the end of the weekend.

Resigning to his fate Sammy approached the door and knocked a few times before standing back to look over the doorway. Just as he was admiring the architecture the door slowly crept open revealing what Sammy thought was a monster. The man backed up ready to run when he realized it was Tom.

“You look like you’ve seen hell.” Sammy cocked a grin while he chuckled looking at Tom. The man looked worse for wear and had very clear bags under the eyes.

“Rough night.” Tom sighed stepping aside gesturing for him to enter. Taking the invite, Sammy entered the home with worn out man closing the door behind him.

Sammy noted that the interior of the house looked like a wreck. There were open boxes, papers and materials scattered everywhere. “I take it you’ve been busy.” Sammy spoke while staring at empty toy boxes.

“Yeah…It’s that having to find a home for more the just 2 and am still trying to get the place livable.” Tom wandered to the kitchen with Sammy in tow. He gestured to a chair for Sammy to take a seat while he drifted through the kitchen. Tom grabbed 2 coffee mugs and filled them both with the dark brew and sat in front of Sammy passing him a mug which he gladly accepted. Tom on the other had had his face thoroughly buried in his mug.

“Well we all had to relocate, and didn’t you and Allison always want kids?” Sammy lifted a brow taking a sip of coffee.

“Yeah we did, before the studio bullshit happened, now both Allison and I are too old to try now.” Tom let out a heavy sigh “It’s just a lot has happened.”

“Well we all are trying to used to the outside world.” Sammy fiddled with the rim of his mug “I mean, we were trapped there for years, the world continued on without us and now everything is so different. It takes time to cope with what happened and now we have to adjust to our new world.”

“Well aren’t you the preacher man.” Tom shot a sly grin across the table.

“That’s the last time I try to sympathize with you Mr. Connor!” Sammy crossed his arms in a huff. “Besides I’m no preacher!”

“No, you were some half-baked Bendy obsessed prophet.” The older mans grin nearly splitting his face, clearly enjoying pushing Sammy’s buttons.

“Oh for God’s sake man, won’t you and Henry let that go?!” Sammy’s face blazed red with a mix of embarrassment and anger.

“For a second I though you would say 'Oh My lord’, and the answer is no.”

“You’re a devil.”

“Thanks, I live with one”. The mechanic tipped his mug in a small cheer while waggling his brow in sheer pride. His already too wide a grin seemingly getting wider.

Sammy sat with his mouth gaping like a fish trying to come up with some sort of retort, but instead resorted to simply glaring at Tom knowing full well he was not winning this little game with the man. Tom was very quick witted and had an even faster mouth.

Sammy let out a sigh running his fingers through his blond hair. “So in all seriousness, how is your little devil doing? I know Henry is knee deep dealing with Bendy, plus he had to move as well.”

Tom took a long swig of his coffee chugging nearly all of it before setting the mug down, taking a beep breath before sighing. “Slow.”

“Slow how?” Sammy raised a brow.

“Neither Bendy nor Benny have seen the world beyond the Studio, so everything is new to them. Both are excited about the world but at the same time withdrawn. They both suffered a lot in different ways, Bendy’s little sessions and Benny being nearly killed twice, all at the hands of our former boss. Thanks to that bastard, the toons are scared of new people. Getting them to go outside beyond the comfortable barrier of their home and yard can be tricky.” Tom rested his head on one hand while the other lazily traced the rim of his mug. “Bendy seems to be handling social interactions better, after all he was the star of the show, so he knows how to put on a brave face. Benny didn’t have that luxury. He didn’t have any additional material during his creation, unlike Bendy, so he didn’t have a 'predetermined personality’ if you will.”

Sammy waved a hand in front of Tom stopping his explanation. “I hate to interrupt, but what do you mean by 'material’? They are just living ink aren’t they?”

“True, but the ink needed a base. With Bendy we used a massive collection of film reels with every scene of Bendy we had at the time. That was combined with every individual cell and sketch, hell joey even went and found one of Henry’s first drawing of Bendy. All that information served as the mold for the ink to fill and gave Bendy his personality matching how he was in the cartoons. Benny on the other hand was merely a doll that was fed to the machine to test the conversion process. None if us thought it would actually make a living toon, a 3D toon maybe, but not one that was alive. So Benny had no predetermined mind set so he started from scratch. But as you already know Joey tried to kill him so that first memory of near death left a lasting impression on him. He is a bit withdrawn and clingy, in any situation that stresses him out he will latch on to Allison. You should have seen the first time she had to leave the house for an extended amount of time.”

“That good, huh?” Sammy lifted a brow.

“He transformed into his what we dubbed 'ragdoll’ form and pitched a hell of a tantrum. Him crying in his little form I can handle no problem, but when he’s in his bigger state that is another story. He clung to her wailing away in his bigger state and the sounds he makes in that form I won’t soon forget. Trying to pry a 3 foot tall devildoll is easy, trying to pry a 7 foot tall broken ragdoll is a major pain in the ass.”

Sammy leaned back in his chair clearly looking like he wanted to just get up and leave. “And you called me all the way out here to babysit your personal nightmare because?” The musician looked at Tom, his eyes saying 'you better have a good reason or I’m leaving’.

Tom let out a tired sigh and gestured to Sammy “Cause he recognizes you.”

Sammy rubbed the space between his eyes, completely bewildered by the mans answer. “Tom, I never met the devil.”

“Not personally no, but he does know you. Allison apparently carried Benny to her recordings everyday once they figured out to transport him safely. So he was able to see slightly out of the bag, he saw your face from time to time and he knows your voice. He should at least be a bit more comfortable around you versus a total stranger. Plus very few people know of the toon and we don’t want anything bad to happen if he’s with someone he isn’t comfortable with.”

A deep sigh escaped Sammy as he looked towards the ceiling. “Fine. I’ll watch your personal hell spawn for the weekend, but if anything happens expect to shell out more money”. He firmly pointed a finger at Tom.

“Deal”. Tom got up from his seat and offered a hand to Sammy, the man was hesitant but ultimately shook it sealing the deal. “Now. I got to get dressed to head out. I’m gonna get Benny up and feed him before I go, just make yourself at home.”

With a small nod Tom excused himself from the table disappearing down the central hallway stopping at the first door letting himself in. Sammy sat back in his chair at the table and resumed his survey of the kitchen and parts of the den and living room. The place looked like it didn’t have all the furnishings yet as there were boxes of appliances unopened and china sets yet to be used. He knew the couple had a time finding a new home and furnishing it proper seemed to be an even longer process. It wasn’t a secret that both Tom and Allison had no choice but to use most of the little savings they had prior to the studios downfall to buy a house. With most of their money gone on at least a roof over their head, they had to go from paycheck to paycheck to slowly buy food, furnishings, clothes and other necessities. All the while trying to care for a little toy toon. Henry offered to help, but was turned down since he too had a toon to care for and had to move to a larger home.

The musicians blissful silence was shattered by a horrific wail, the sound sounded like nails being dragged across a chalk board combined with a low rumbling like noise that made the floor vibrate. The man froze in his seat contemplating on whether or not he should escape while he could, his eyes glued to the hallway where the sounds were emanating. It took quite awhile for the wailing and rumbling to die down and a shuffling sound replaced it. Tom emerged from the hallway looking even more tired then before with a large pair of hands clinging to his lower legs, the man struggling with every step. Tom stopped and grabbed the hands clinging to his legs and managed to pry them off but not letting them go.

“C'mon Benny, you acting like a baby.” Tom now pulling on his hands straining from the amount of resistance he was getting from the devildoll.

Sammy watched in horror as the presumed right arm split apart at the wrist with an eerie ripping sound, exposing large cords of some sort of black material mixed with what looked like ink. Tom kept pulling and the the cords seemed to just keep stretching. The left arm split at the elbow area and was doing the exact same thing at the right, exposing the interior of the limb which was a oddly white inside with what looked like ink swirling within. Tom kept pulling on the threads all the while grumbling curses under his breath.

After a time it seemed that the strands couldn’t stretch any longer and there was a dragging sound coming from the hall. Tom had since neatly rolled up the the black cords and segments of hands, and arms and had finally succeeded in reaching the body.

The ebony torso was larger then a normal humans with a round head sporting 2 long curved horns. The figure appeared to be laying face down as hints of yellow was facing downward and what looked like a bow tie was at the base of the slender neck.

“C’ mon Benny you’re making this harder then it has too”. Tom sighed while bending down to pet the creature’s horn getting a strange gurgling sound.

Sammy had little clue what he was looking at. He knew Bendy had his ink demon and beast form, but he never really saw Benny, let alone another form except for the loose descriptions he had heard. Words couldn’t have prepared him for the reality of it all. His face was frozen in a mix of fear and curiosity and took a chance to get up from his chair to slowly approach Tom and demon, yet kept at a safe distance on the off chance Benny turned violent.

Tom continued to caress the horns with one hand and then with other tried to turn the demon over finding that Benny was heavier then he looked. Failing. He used both hands to turn the large demon on his side revealing the front of the face and body.

If Sammy had reservations about taking care of Benny, they were on overdrive. Benny’s face was sepia yellow with a large singular black eye and yellow iris with what appeared to look like stitches crisscrossed across the left side of his forehead and over half of the eye. His mouth was turned into a very prominent frown and the left side was warped in comparison to his right revealing hints of his large triangular teeth. The most frightening part of all for Benny’s body was his chest and stomach area. He was nearly split in half by a large gash and the edges had large white teeth lining the rim. Large cord like threads were the only thing keep the maw of his stomach mostly closed with a small amount of inky drool oozing out the opening which oddly resembled a frown. The demon seemed to making strange groaning noises from both mouths now that he was looking at Tom properly.

“C’ mon little guy. I know you’re tired and frustrated, but do this for me? Please.” Tom put on his best warm smile for the demon while he went back to petting him between the horns resulting in more gurgling noises from the demon. Tom finally decided to sit on the floor and wait for Benny to eventually revert back. Benny was looking up at Tom with a singular tired eye with what looked like a little blush and black smudges around his cheeks. Tom looked up at Sammy “Give him a few minutes, he’d been crying all night when he realized that both of us are gonna be gone for bit. He cried himself to sleep”.

Sammy nodded and backed away from the over-sized demondoll, giving Tom and Benny as much space as they needed. The tired mechanic continued to caress Benny’s horns while whispering small comforting words and even hummed a few times while the demon tiredly watched him. Sammy watched in shock as Benny closed his eye and scrunched his face slightly before his stomach mouth shut tightly before opening suddenly and ink poured out if him like someone opened up a faucet on full. Ink washed over the area and Tom’s clothes before dissipating leaving a tiny toon laying on his side in the middle of the remains of a puddle. Despite the amount of ink the devil expelled, the area was spotless including Tom’s clothes, the magic of toon logic.

“Good boy.” Tom tiredly smiled while he got up from the floor groaning, his body protested his waiting game with Benny. He reached a hand under the toon lifting him into his arms. Benny was completely unresponsive and hung limp in the man’s hold, his eyes tightly shut and a prominent frown on his face.

With Benny is his arms Tom retreated to the kitchen and motioned for Sammy to follow. While a bit hesitant Sammy returned to his seat at the table while Tom got a empty box for Benny to sit on and set him in the chair. The demon still hung limp all the while, even when sat at the table. Benny’s head just stayed on the table lightly rolling from side to side while the rest of the body sat limp in the chair like a broken toy. Sammy could see the regret on Tom’s face along with exhaustion, the mechanic sighed and cracked a few eggs over a sauce pan to cook them while grabbing 2 slices of bacon to cook in a separate pan. While Tom was busy fixing breakfast Sammy decided to try and start a conversation with the clearly pouting toon.

“So….Benny. How have you been?” The musician tried to smile.

His only answer was merely a single half lidded pie-cut eye looking at him and a groan before he closed his eye again. Benny clearly was still throwing a tantrum and wasn’t in the mood to socialize.

Sammy didn’t say anything more, but just slumped in his seat the only thought that ran through his mind was that it was going to be a long weekend.

Tom finished cooking the eggs and slid them onto a plate along with 2 pieces of butter and jelly toast and bacon. He set the plate in front of Benny’s head before heading to the cupboard. He pulled out a small glass and set it on the counter before grabbing a bottle of milk filling the glass part way and set the glass of milk in front of the toon. All the while it was clear Benny had no interest in the food and just had his head resting on the table with his eyes closed.

Tom sighed while he rubbed his temples, the grim reality was Benny was irritating him with the childish antics. Allison was far better at handling upset children then he was, but she wasn’t present to talk some sense into the upset demon. Tom sighed at looked at Sammy mouthed a small 'good luck’ before heading to his room to get dressed, leaving Sammy alone with Benny.

Sammy truly felt like he was caught between a rock and a hard place. He always wrote music intended for children, he never had the time nor inclination to take care of a child. He could tell Tom was at his wits end with Benny, and he frankly couldn’t blame the man. He and Allison had to hit the ground running with getting jobs and finding a home, all the while taking care of a refugee of the studio. Benny didn’t seem to understand that now that they are no longer prisoner of the studio that Tom and Allison have to support a home and its occupants, that food isn’t something that is found randomly on a shelf, and shelter, even if it is leaking ink, isn’t guaranteed. That life outside of the studio is supported by a form of currency and if you didn’t have money you had no home, but in order to get money you have to leave home to earn it. However with Benny’s separation issues it was making it difficult for both Allison and Tom to leave home even if it’s just long enough to get a day’s paycheck.

Sammy just sighed at looked at the little plushtoon in question. Benny was still ignoring his food along with anything and everything else going on around him. It almost felt like there as an invisible wall around the toon that he didn’t want anyone to enter.

A few minutes later Tom came out of his room dressed and ready for work. He frowned when he noted that Benny had yet to even touch his food. Tom sighed and looked at Sammy “All right, well I’m off. Benny be good for Sammy while I’m gone, ok?”

He didn’t get an answer. He sighed and gave Sammy a small nod before heading to the door. As soon as his hand touched the door knob and turned it something slammed into his leg grasping it tightly. The sheer force of the impact nearly toppled the man. Tom let out a yelp of surprise from the hit and immediately looked down to see a familiar sight. Benny. The demon and firmly attached himself to Tom’s leg and was refusing to let go. “Benny!”

The demon shook his head and tightened his grip on Tom.

“Benny, look we’ve already talked out this. I gotta go.” Tom tried to plead with the barnacle of a toon, his voice stern and trying not to show the growing frustration that was building within the man. Benny was not even looking up at Tom had maintained his face buried in the mans pant leg. Sammy got up from his seat to relief tom of his cling on when a loud voice made him stop in his tracks.

“Benny! Get off of me now! You are acting like a child, do you honestly think I like having to bust my ass running around?! I want nothing more then to stay at home and rest from the bullshit of the studio, but I don’t have that luxury!” Tom near shouted at the top of his lungs, his face full of anger and disappointment. His patience had finally run out.

Tom’s sudden outburst instantly made Benny look up at the man, his face full of heartache and twinges anger, small inky tears started to form in the edges of the toon’s eyes. Benny released Tom’s leg and backed away from the man slowly before running at a full sprint down the hall to his room slamming the door roughly.

All the anger instantly melted away to regret as soon as Tom saw the look on Benny’s face. He didn’t want to yell at the plushtoon, but when Benny was being stubborn about the situation he just couldn’t take it anymore. He had honestly tried taking the long road and practice patience, but he didn’t have the luxury of waiting all day for the demon to understand why he has to leave to work. Without saying a word Tom grabbed the door knob and looked back at Sammy for a brief moment of apology before opening the door and leaving.

Sammy stood there shell shocked which was soon relapsed by exasperation, he really was going to be in for a long weekend. He ran his hands on the sides of his face and let out a long groan, he steeled himself and turned to head to Benny’s room.

As soon as Sammy reached the door he could hear sobbing coming from within. He quietly opened the door and peered inside. The sight before him made him sigh as he thought to himself 'No wonder Tom had a long night’.

Benny was curled up on his bed once again in his ragdoll form, the demon clearly too large for the child sized bed which was sagging from his weight. Inky threads were laced throughout the room reminding Sammy of a spiders nest. He could hear small sobs from the demondoll as he seemed to be unaware of Sammy’s presence, swallowing his nervousness he decided to approach the demon.

“B-Benny?” Sammy tried to hide the underlying fear in his voice. He couldn’t lie that the plushtoon was making him nervous given the fact that he was in his more dangerous form, with Benny being as upset as he is, he didn’t want to take any chances.

“Go AwAy.” Benny’s voice came out garbled and deep, a clear threat in his tone. He didn’t even bother facing the man.

Sammy took a step forward to try and reason with the demon and stepped on one of the threads that lay on the ground. This triggered a snap reaction from the devildoll. “I sAiD gO aWaY!!!!” Benny spun his head around and roared at Sammy, both mouths speaking in unison made the entire room rattle from the sheer volume.

Fear and adrenaline kicked in and Sammy stumbled backwards and ran down the hall to the front door, nearly slamming into it as he tried to open the door. His hands fumbled the door knob in panic, he quickly unlocked the door throwing it open and dashed outside. He didn’t stop running till he reached his car and jumped inside ready to start the car to get away. He threw the key in the ignition and was about to start the motor when he realized the door was wide open, but there was no figure giving chase. Benny didn’t go after him. He waited nervously wondering if Benny wasn’t nearly as quick to chase as Bendy was, but the more time passed by the more he realized that Benny wasn’t going after him. He left the key in the ignition to state his own concerns and laid back in his seat keeping a watchful eye on the doorway.

Amber hues colored the sunset sky and the last fading beams of light managed to get the final blow to Sammy’s face waking the man before they faded. He sat up hastily realizing he had fallen asleep during his watch, but his brief burst of energy gave way to a yawn. He stretched as best he could in the car and looked towards the house rubbing the sleep out of his eye, surely Benny must have calmed down by now. He waited a bit longer inside the car before finally mustering up the courage to go inside. He frowned when he realized that the door had been left wide open, but then again considering who lived in the house, only a complete and utter fool would try to rob the place.

With caution at his side Sammy slowly walked into the doorway looking around the halls. The house was as still as he had left it, he quietly closed the door and headed towards the kitchen. As predicted Benny’s breakfast still lay upon the kitchen table, the food long since cold and milk warm. He inwardly sighed and cleaned up the kitchen table pouring out the milk and throwing away the cold breakfast. Benny hadn’t come out of his room once which meant he hadn’t eaten anything all day. Sammy had been told by Allison several times about the plushdemon’s love of anything edible so he really was throwing one hell of a tantrum to forgo eating.

The musician sighed and thought to himself 'well If Benny isn’t gonna eat, I’m sure as hell gonna’. He rolled up his sleeves, made sure his hair was pulled back, grabbed a pan and got to work. While Sammy wasn’t much of a cook as his skinny frame was testimony to his culinary 'talents’, he knew how to make a few basic meals well enough to pass muster.

All the while Sammy was twirling pots and pans a small figure had emerged out of a bedroom hearing the familiar sounds of the rustlings of the kitchen. Benny peered around the corner with a small smile on his face hoping to see Allison at the stove, but frowned when he saw the tall skinny blonde man named Sammy. He turned around and headed down the hall towards Allison and Toms bedroom and curled up on the couple’s bed. He really wanted Allison home.

Sammy had pretended not to notice the little yellowish face and pie cute eyes looking at him before they disappeared. He knew Benny was probably drawn by the sounds of him cooking, which to the demon was most likely sounds he associated with Allison. Since he knew that Benny had now stirred by this point in the evening hours he should be quite hungry, and hopefully easier to deal with. After all either an empty or full stomach makes someone easier to sway and deal with.

Sammy pulled out an extra few slices of bread and tossed them in the batter he made with egg, sugar and cinnamon before laying them in the pan. While the french toast was cooking, he grabbed 4 more eggs and 4 slices of bacon and tossed them in a separate pan to cook. He made up a stack of french toast figuring that Benny would eat the rest, or at least he had hoped so. Allison had eluded to him that Benny could eat enough for 2 full grown adults in a single sitting if given a chance. Once the food was all prepared Sammy laid out two plates and utensils facing opposite ends of the table, giving Benny as much space as he needed. Satisfied with the makeshift set up he now needed to find the little demon in question.

After wandering up and down the hall in silent contemplation, but not wanting to wait too long lest the food will go cold, Sammy cautiously approached Benny’s room to find that Benny’s bed was empty. The ink threads were gone and the demon in question was nowhere within the room. He then searched the living room and den which yielded no such luck. The last place he didn’t really want to look was the couples bedroom. It was always a unspoken taboo to enter another’s bedroom, but he at least needed to know where the devildoll was hiding and to inform him food was ready.

He cautiously cracked the door open and sure enough nestled between the pillows, lay Benny curled up. He was in his normal toon form which to Sammy gave him the glimmer of hope that the demon had calmed down. He wasn’t up for spending the night in his car in comparison to how he spent a good chunk of his day. The car wasn’t the best place to nap as his back’s cracks and pops were testimony to the uncomfortable position.

Sammy edged into the room slowly as to not startle the plushdemon. “B-Benny, there’s dinner on the table.” No response, but Benny buried himself deeper into the covers. The man sighed and walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge of the bed.

It was still quite obvious that Benny was still not wanting to deal with Sammy. The man felt a twinge of annoyance and now had a better understanding as to how Tom was feeling earlier. He could hear the toons stomach occasionally growl which would make the demon curl in on himself more. Benny was being just as stubborn as Tom about everything, it would be funny to laugh about the similarities between the two if one of them wasn’t in such a foul mood. Sammy crossed his arms and searched his memory about any clues about how Allison or Tom deal with their demon’s occasional fits.

His mind drifted to a phone conversation he had with Allison about her singing and movies role she had just got the job for. He remembered her telling him about Benny’s separation issues and had taken residence in her suitcase before she had to leave. She tweaked a song Benny knows ever so slightly, be it off key or missing notes, and that would got the demons attention. He actually got annoyed to a point where he started singing the song himself to show how it is supposed to sound and came out of his hiding spot. Only after he was coaxed out through irritation was she able to pack her bags properly and explain the situation to him.

A smile crept across the former musical director’s face prompting him to get up and head out the room. Sammy left the house and went out to his car grabbing his trusty banjo. With musical instrument in hand, he returned to the house and room sitting back on the edge of the bed. He was happy to see that Benny hadn’t moved, but he made sure to leave the door open just in case the demon had a bad reaction to what he was about to do. He didn’t know if Benny would have a repeat 'performance’, but considering he’s a toon he does abide by some toon logic, and falling for some tricks over and over might be one of them.

He rest his fingers upon the banjo and started to play one of Alice Angel’s songs. He would have preferred to play one of Bendy’s more lively dancing songs, but Benny was drawn to Allison whom sang quite a few of the Alice Angel songs, the songs he should be more then familiar with. He deliberately played a note off key randomly along with singing the song ever so slightly off pitch. Through the course of his butchering the musical piece which as the former director would have had his own temper doing a workout, he watched as Benny started to writhe under the sheets. The music was getting on the demons nerves, earning a smile from Sammy, but also with twinge of concern. He double checked to make sure the door was open in case he had a repeat response from earlier.

“That’s enough!” Benny threw off the sheets glaring at Sammy, anger and disgust all over his face, startling the man. “You were the director of Joey Drew’s Musical department and yet, you can’t play for beans?! If you’re gonna play a song, then play it right!”

Much to Sammy’s surprise Benny hopped off the bed and pulled open his stomach hammerspace and buried his hand within, with a bit of strain he pulled out a second Banjo allowing the void to close up again. He checked it’s tuning then started playing the song properly and sung all the while glaring disapprovingly at Sammy. The musician inwardly chuckled at the outburst of the demon and picked up his own banjo and played the harmony while Benny played the melody. He thought it was amusing that Benny had this insistence on a proper musical performance and could tell from sound alone if something was off. He must have picked that up from Allison.

By the time they reached the end of the musical number Benny had forgotten his earlier frustrations and fully leaned into the music. The demon stilled while he held the banjo looking up at Sammy, he opened his hammerspace and returned the Banjo to its void. Benny lowered his head in shame and rocked on his heel. “I’m sorry for snapping at you Mr. Lawrence”. he mumbled, realizing he had been deliberately set up.

Sammy scratched the back of his head and stood up. “It’s Sammy, and I’ll accept your apology after you eat your dinner. I did not just spend 30 minutes slaving over a stove for nothing.” He gestured towards the door and Benny quietly followed the musician to the kitchen after he too put his banjo away.

Benny stood dumbfounded at the pile of french toast that sat in the middle of the table. The demon’s eyes glistened at the sight before him, but he didn’t make a move. Sammy noted the reluctancey of the small toon and lifted a brow while clearing his throat gaining Benny’s attention. “Thank you Mr. Law-, I mean Mr. Sammy.” He sheepishly grinned.

Now Benny really felt ashamed for his earlier actions towards Sammy. He knew he was there to take care of him, but he hated the idea of Allison not being there. He still had mixed feelings about Tom, but the mere thought of Tom’s parting words brought tears back to the demon’s eyes. He didn’t know if he was angry or sad, his emotions were at war within him. He couldn’t bring himself to truly hate the man, but couldn’t find it within himself to support him wholeheartedly either.

Sammy noted Benny slightly shaking and the tears forming at the edges of his eyes. “L-look before you start the water works, why don’t you eat something first then we’ll talk about it afterwards. Ok?” The last thing he wanted was for Benny to all emotional again and not eat anything. He still couldn’t understand how children worked, but then again neither Bendy nor Benny were human children. Yet they seemed to have the mentality of a child despite their physical age. That was something he couldn’t understand, much be a toon logic thing.

Benny nodded and shuffled to the chair helping himself up while Sammy went to sit at his own seat. He watched Benny try and reach for the french toast failing cause of his short arms. Sammy let out a sigh and got up from his chair and dished out a helping of the sweet toast to Benny before sitting back down. Benny said a small 'thank you’ and quietly dug into his food. Sammy sat back enjoying his food and bliss of the twilight hours say for the occasional having to get up and add more food to Benny’s plate to make the demon stop reaching for the plate. Once Sammy was sure he had his own fill, he slid the rest of the breakfast for dinner to Benny who smiled slightly at getting the reminder of the meal. Sammy sat back and watched as Benny downed one toast after another and couldn’t help but wonder how he was able to pack in so much food. He had been warned by Allison about the toon’s food consumption but didn’t really see it first hand.

Once Benny finished the dinner Sammy took his plate and set it in the sink to soak and went to sit back at his chair. He leaned forward with his hands folded and looked the demon in the eye making Benny squirm slightly with the sudden attention. “Do you want to talk about earlier?”

Sammy’s inquiry made Benny bow his head with a sorrowful expression “Not really.” He leaned back in his chair trying to avoid the man’s gaze. He wasn’t up for rehashing the days earlier events.

Sammy raised a brow and decided to push the demon a bit. “Well from my stand point you were being overly stubborn.”

Benny mumbled “I wasn’t being stubborn.”

“Then what do you call it then? Cause I say you’re being inconsiderate about the whole situation.” Sammy leaned back in his chair crossing his arms.

Benny looked up at Sammy, tinges of a building anger in his eyes and no longer mumbling “I wasn’t being stubborn and I’m being inconsiderate how? If anything, you’re being inconsiderate by meddling in things that don’t concern you. You are only here to make sure I don’t wreck the house.”

Sammy was briefly surprised by the sudden snappy response, but could tell he struck a nerve. He himself was used to having his buttons pushed by others and often got to the root of the problem, and it was amusing to see that Benny was no different. The demon was getting agitated and defensive. “For starters you made it my problem when you snapped at me earlier. Also you weren’t taking into account that Tom and Allison have to do things to support themselves and you since they are out of the studio. You were only thinking of yourself and what you wanted, not what they needed. In short you’re acting like a spoiled brat.”

“Well it isn’t your problem Mr. Former Musical Director that fancies himself a musician.” The demon raised his voice slightly and waved his arms around as he spoke. “I’m not a spoiled brat, and I do care about what they need not just what I want. I’m more considerate about their situation then what you seem to think.”

Sammy leaned back in his chair with a smug grin on his face. Benny was acting exactly like Tom when the man starts to get angry, he starts coming up with insults mixed in with his arguments. “I beg to differ you spoiled brat. You can’t take care of yourself and need everyone to do it for you. Look at poor Tom, he’s doing his best to keep a roof over your head by doing back breaking work at his age and you aren’t the least bit thankful. Allison has to constantly go out to look for work regardless of how much she wants to stay home cause you can’t be left alone.” The musician watched as Benny covered the sides of his head with his hands as if trying to shut the man out.

Benny’s teeth slowly started taking on a more triangular appearance instead of the normal flats, ink drizzled on the side of his head slowly covering his right eye.“I am thankful for what she does and I can take care of myself just fine. I’ve done so for 30 years you ignorant pathetic excuse of a man.” Benny knew full well he could care for himself. He survived the horrors of the studio just fine even if he was often skirting the edges of life and death, but it was a reality he had come to accept. After all he was hated upon birth and had many near death attempts, yet he thrived and will continue to do so. By no sense of the word did he appreciate the man sitting before him openly mocking and insulting him.

Sammy instantly caught on to the lack of mentioning his appreciation of Tom’s efforts to house the demon. The man was a considerable amount of engineering jobs and construction to bring in large sums of cash and yet Benny seems to be ignoring that fact and only focused on Allison’s efforts. Something was causing him to have an cold attitude toward Tom. What happened so long ago to eat away at such a once sweet toon?

He remembered the phone conversation he had with Tom at the start of the month about how the man was tired and stressed from Benny’s unusual antics. The demon was very clingy and didn’t like to separated from Allison for extended periods, not to mention the occasional cold shoulder which was peculiar for the sweet devil. Tom loved Benny like he was his own, but something in Benny made him put up a wall towards the man. He was on his best behavior when Allison was involved or around, but if it were just him and Tom, he was unusually cold. Even Allison noticed the strange behavior of the demon and deliberately left Benny alone with Tom just to see how he behaved and it was very different from how she remembered her time with him. Allison alluded to her suspicion as to the root of the problem, but wasn’t in a position to confront the demon. Time to test that little theory.

“Admit it Benny the Stitched Demon, you can’t do anything without them, you’re a helpless little baby demon who needs coddling from mommy.” Sammy sneered at the frustrated devildoll. He made sure to pour on as much salt to the wound as possible emphasizing some words more then others.

“I aM nOt A bAbY.” Benny firmly growled out starting to bear his teeth.

This was perfect for Sammy, the demon was completely agitated and would be more likely to slip up. “Yes, you are. You’re a little baby demon that has mommy issues and doesn’t like daddy. You turn your back on daddy when all he does is hold you up to the best of his ability.” He taunted in a childish tone and as soon as the words left Sammy’s mouth Benny reared up in full Ragdoll form.

“He LeFt Me, Ok!"Benny bellowed out. ”I wAs LeFt BeHiNd! I wAs AlOnE fOr 30 YeArS bEcAuSe He FoRgOt Me, HoW aM I sUpPoSeD tO DeAl wItH tHaT?! HoW aM I SuPpOsEd To DeAl wIth HiM!? He BrOkE hIs PrOmIsE!!“ The stitched demon stood at his full height bearing down on Sammy while looming over the table with both mouths speaking in unison, both snarling at him.

The musician shakily stood his ground, cause this was the answer he was looking for. Tom had told him that Benny had two mouths in Ragdoll form. He speaks from his normal mouth and on rare occasion the second joins in. The mechanic had figured out that what Benny says is what’s on his mind, but when the second mouth speaks it’s what is in his heart. While the second mouth is silent most of the time its only when his emotions spike is when it talks, and as of the moment his emotions needed to be sorted out. If both speak then that is how the demon truly feels.

"So this is how you feel.” Sammy tucked his hands in his pockets to keep his legs from shaking under the table. While he was certain Benny wouldn’t hurt him, he’d be lying if he said Benny didn’t scare him. “I feel sorry for you, but don’t blame Thomas for what happened. He didn’t know, and it wasn’t like he did anything bad on purpose.”

Benny scoffed at Sammy bearing his teeth. Benny was still sore with Tom with what happened in the studio. He told himself for 30 years it wasn’t the man’s fault but the more he tried, the more it hurt. The more years that passed the more he felt like the toys in the factory he came from, doomed there to sit and gather dust. To be forgotten and never have a family to love or to love him in turn. The memory of Allison, the band and Norman were the only few lights he had is his small world and they too had gone out once the studio fell. He had never expected to be reunited with Allison and Norman 30 years later, he had assumed they left the studio behind and never looked back. It never occurred to him that they were imprisoned like he was, but despite that new knowledge he still couldn’t find it within himself to forgive Thomas Connor for what he did.

“I do know that Thomas loves you very much. He deeply regrets what happened in the past and is doing his best now to fix it, but you have to be the one to open the door for him. If he doesn’t know what key to use then you two will always be on opposite sides.” Sammy let out a long sigh, trying to steady himself against the overbearing devildoll. “You have to talk to him and tell him your side of the story or things will never heal.”

Sammy’s words seem to sink in and Benny’s snarling died down, his body and face frozen while he looked down at the man. His mind drifted to the many times he watched Tom come home after a long days work completely exhausted but happily handing his paycheck to Allison for her to buy food, furnishings and to pay the bills. He remembered the first big check Tom had gotten he ran out and came back with a child sized bed just for him. The man made sure to get the best the store had to offer and all the pillows, sheets and warm blankets that came with it. He had bought him a bed before he and Allison bought their own. The man wanted to the toon to be completely comfortable before he and Allison could enjoy their own comfort. The days they spent sleeping in sleeping bags on the floor before they had a couch or a bed, while Benny had his own bed and all the timings. Benny realized that all the earliest purchases that arrived in the house were for him and that Thomas had put Benny’s well being before his own.

After several moments of silence the demon’s body started twitching and large inky tears formed at the edge if his eye. The next thing Sammy saw was black. Benny wailed away with large inky tears pouring from his eye and ink expelling out of him in large messy globs, like someone had opened the faucet on his emotions and everything was draining from him. After a few moments the familiar shape of the plushtoon sat on the floor crying. The ink somehow disappearing leaving not a single trace behind.

“I-I really am a s-spoiled brat.” Benny stuttered and hiccuped on his words. “All this t-time Tom has done nothing but ensure my own well being before his own, but h-how can I apologize t-to him when he’s mad at me?” He looked up at Sammy with large inky tears streaming down his face. “I hated him for so long when it was an accident. I blamed him for something he didn’t know. H-How am I supposed to make up for that?”

Sammy sighed and bent down to look at Benny near eye level. “You first need to apologize for your actions then tell him how you feel.” Sammy reached out his hand and gently rest it between Benny’s horns “I’m sure he won’t be mad. Tom is more understanding then you know. It’s not a fast recovery but you two have to start somewhere.” Sammy chuckled at his own words. Sure he and Tom didn’t always see eye to eye, but he knew the man very well. He was sure Tom would better understand his little demon if they talked things over.

Benny nodded in understanding of the musicians words and his weeping died down. Sammy watched Benny start to nod off a bit, the demon now having a hard time sitting up. Sammy smiled 'All the transformations and yelling must have worn him out’. Then his thoughts drifted to the pile of french toast he made earlier 'or food coma if he can get that’. He gently lifted Benny up by his sides and was surprised at how light the demon actually was in comparison to Bendy whom was a bit heavier.

He cradled Benny in an arm and headed for the toons bedroom. Benny’s room was a bit of a mess from the toon’s earlier tantrum, but Sammy rummaged around inside the dresser and found a large orange night shirt and tried to have Benny slip into it. The demon was too tired to argue with the musician and was more and more like a rag doll in the mans arms as sleep was rapidly taking him. Sammy ultimately laid Benny down on the bed to dress him since the plushtoon was no longer responsive. The musician silently cursed as how it was like trying to play dress up with an over-sized doll, and was thankful no was around to watch him the last thing he needed was someone with a camera. Sammy grabbed a little plush Bendy doll and placed it next to the toon which slowly grasped the toy giving it a light squeeze. He covered him up with his blanket and watched little Z’s start floating above the toon’s head telling him that the devildoll was out like a light. He turned on his heel and quietly left the room after turning the light off.

Sammy retreated to the living room not before grabbing the blankets and pillows Tom left out for him. He pulled out the compartment under the couch turning it into a full sized bed. He was thankful the couple planned ahead and got a couch that folds out into a bed for any guests that would be spending the night. He figured that Tom and Allison knew that both of them wouldn’t have a choice but to occasionally leave Benny alone and with his issues they needed to have someone watch him. He laid out the blankets and pillow before turning off the light and called it a night. He had no trouble falling to sleep since he had a pretty long day.

———————–

Sammy didn’t know how long he was asleep before he felt something tug at his blanket stirring him. He turned over and sleepily looked at Benny standing at the edge if the couch looking very upset. “Ugh, whaaat” Sammy groaned out. “Benny? What are you doing here?” He rubbed his eyes trying to get them to focus. He looked at the illuminated hands on his watch, his eyes nearly bugged out when he saw the unholy hour. He groaned and looked back at Benny wondering what the demon wanted in the dead if the night.

Benny wrung the bottom of his night shirt and had plush version of himself tucked under his arm. “I-I had a bad dream…” He looked down sheepishly squeezing the plush gently to where it made a soft squeak. He was hoping he could sleep with Sammy to try ease his nerves, but after his tantrum earlier he didn’t have any high hopes. He knew he really was acting like a 'spoiled brat’ as the musician called him, but at the moment he didn’t know what else to do. He was simply too afraid to sleep alone.

Sammy tiredly sighed rolling his eyes “Fine, c'mon.” he lifted up a portion of his blanket in invitation.

Benny was shocked that Sammy was inviting him despite his earlier behavior. He made a small happy squeaky toy noise and gingerly crawled under the raised sheets and whispered a small 'Thank you’ which earned a chuckle from the musician and a small 'Good night’. Sammy looked at the small figure now nestled against his side. He reached over and made sure Benny was tucked in before he rest his arm pulling the toon closer to himself and closed his eyes and letting sleep take him.

———————–

Morning came and Benny found himself being irritated by a constant nudging to his shoulder. The demon lazily swatted at whatever was bugging him and rolled back over under the covers to continue sleeping. Sammy had heard that Benny was a challenge to get up in the morning, but had never seen it. He could only inwardly laugh at how similar Tom and Benny truly were, it was like dealing with a sweet child version of the snarky mechanic. However he was thankful of Allison’s book of 'how to feed Benny" detailing how she prepares foods for the demon through the course of the day.

Leaving the demon curled up within the blanket, Sammy wandered to the kitchen and rolled up his sleeves, grabbed a few pans and set the fire to the stove. He threw 6 eggs in one pan and made 5 mini pancakes in the other. He was so thankful Allison left him a mini cookbook detailing how to make in large quantities to feed Benny. When he skimmed the cookbook his eyes nearly bugged out when he read that Benny can eat up to 15 6" pancakes, along with 6 eggs, 2 sausages, and 2 slices of bacon in a single sitting. However after such a large meal he seems to suffer harshly from food coma and will fall asleep for a few hours, but eats very lightly for the remainder of the day. It was best to divide up his portions evenly versus the over sized single portion. Sammy couldn’t help but smile at this little tidbit, it partially explained why Benny tired out so quickly after his outburst the previous night.

The smell of the pancakes drifted through the air making the kitchen smell divine. Sammy finished off stacking off the last of the pancakes when he heard the small pattering of shoes. He looked over his shoulder and saw Benny sleepily creeping into the kitchen in his over-sized night shirt trying to rub the sleep out if his eyes.

“Morning Mr.Sammy” Benny stumbled past him to the kitchen table.

“That’s Sammy to you young man”. The musician jokingly scolded while he watched Benny slowly lift himself onto his chair struggling, the groggy demon only getting one foot on the chair while the other dragged behind him. Sammy walked over and assisted the demon in his scaling the chair so he could eat properly at the table.

Benny rested his head on the table while the rest of his body hung limp in his chair, he was not ready for the morning by no sense of the word. It didn’t help his night was plagued with thoughts on how he was going to deal with Tom once he returned home. He was now feeling guilty about his treatment of the man who did nothing but love and care for him. His memories of the studio and what happened to him clashed with the recent ones of him and his family. The only thing that gave him peace was Sammy’s words; 'You have to talk to him or things will never heal’. The demon quietly groaned as his head lightly rolled to the side on the table. He had never really spoken of the hell he had seen and gone through and didn’t really know where to begin. In truth he didn’t want to talk about it, but it was the elephant in the room that needed to be addressed.

Sammy looked over at the little devildoll he was in charge of. He figured the demon didn’t get much sleep after yesterday’s events and he couldn’t blame him. His own memories of what happened in the studio were foggy, but Benny and Bendy both remembered everything vividly. Both demons literally had their own pasts to deal with at it would take time to fully understand how they feel let alone what they went through.

Sammy walked to the cupboard and pulled out a glass and a mug setting both on the table. He poured himself a cup of coffee and Benny a glass of milk. He set the glass in front of the toon, but Benny looked too sleepy to register it’s existence. A sigh escaped the man and he and used the glass to gently nudge Benny’s head waking the toon somewhat as his hand gently grabbed the glass and he lifted his head up to start drinking. Making sure Benny wasn’t going to spill his drink with how incoherent he seemed to be, Sammy placed the finished breakfast in front on the toon.

Benny quietly dug into his food his pie cute eyes barely open. Sammy wanted to laugh at the sight before him. He watched Benny occasionally fumble his food or simply drop it all together. Clearly failing with a fork Benny just rest his head on the table and opened his mouth wide shoveling his food in rather then sit properly and eat. Once he was done he finished off the last of his milk and laid his head back down on the table exhausted.

A glance at the clock ticking in the corner served as a small reminder as to the fact that that Tom should be home later in the evening. Sammy took the opportunity since it was peaceful in the house to clean up the table around Benny and wash the dishes making sure the kitchen was restored it it’s former working order. While he worked he occasionally looked over his shoulder and watched Benny’s head nod off and on occasion a small 'Z’ would float above him before it would disappear and his eyes would open slightly then he would nod off again. The toon was still tired and wasn’t ready to be up yet.

Sammy returned to the living room and cleaned up the bed removing his borrowed sheets, blanket and pillow. With a tug of a handle half the bed collapsed and slid under it’s counterpart restoring it back to a couch instead of a bed. Satisfied Sammy set the pillow against the side of the couch and laid out a blanket to lay under while he planned on enjoying his book he had brought to read. He returned to the kitchen and scooped the now sleeping toon and cradled him in an arm. Sammy returned to the couch and laid down setting Benny on his chest covering himself and the toon back up in the blanket. Benny seemed to be having a fit full sleep at the table, but once he was on Sammy’s chest he relaxed and curled up sound peaceful asleep.

Sammy looked down at the demon that lay on him. It was hard to believe such a small character was also a monster of fabric and ink. Sammy couldn’t lie that both Benny and Bendy scared him, but seeing one of them have so human like problems felt surreal. He had thought that since they were toons that they would always be happy and energetic regardless of what came their way. However seeing them getting angry, sad or throw tantrums it was oddly endearing. They truly felt real with real problems and not the cartoon characters they were meant to be. He lightly rest his hand between Benny’s horns gently scratching the area getting a small purr from the sleeping toon. He couldn’t help but smile, they aren’t so scary when they have the same emotions as a child, and like a child they need an adult to help them. At least they each had a set if adults that were willing to take the time to learn about them and care for them.

Sammy opened up his book and got more comfortable on the couch committing himself to a light read occasionally glancing past his book at the little toon snoozing on his chest. The longer he read the more his eyes drooped and soon he too fell asleep with the book firmly glued to his face.

————-

“Hey sleeping beauty, wake up.” a gruff voice chuckled shaking Sammy’s shoulder.

Sammy groaned turning his head to be met with a pair of tired brown eyes and a smug grin. “Wha…oh!” Sammy immediately sat up eyes wide at Tom standing before him. “How long was I out?”

Tom shrugged “A few hours I guess.”

“Oh…” Sammy’s eyes opened wider and immediately looked at his chest to find that Benny was no longer on him. Brief panic set in and he quickly looked around before his eyes settled on a little figure curled up in Tom’s arm.

Tom noticed Sammy’s brief frantic search before his eyes settled on Benny in his arm. “Yeah I found the little one curled up on you out like a light with a book on your face, makes a good picture by the way. I’m looking forward to it being developed.” A grin crept across the mans face as he looked as Sammy whom was rapidly turning red.

Sammy’s eyes were wide in a mix of disbelief and anger. “That’s dirty pool Thomas!” Sammy shouted, but immediately shut up when Tom held a single finger to his lips shushing him and pointed at Benny. Sammy took a deep breath to calm himself down and looked back up at the smug man. “That by no sense of the word fair and that had better not be used as blackmail later. I demand that photo.”

Tom wagged his finger from side to side. “You’ll get a copy of the photo, but the real one is going in the photo album.” Tom’s words left Sammy quietly seething yet at the same time a small grin had peaked at the edges of his mouth.

With Benny in arm Tom excused himself for a moment to put Benny to bed leaving Sammy to straighten the couch back up and he pocketed his book. The man relaxed on the couch and waited patiently for Tom’s return already knowing he was gonna get an earful. With a certain level of predictably Tom returned to the living room looking exhausted. He sat on the other end of the couch and took a long deep breath before turning to look Sammy in the eye.

“What happened while I was gone? His room was a mess.” Worry all over the mechanics face.

Sammy leaned back on the couch and looked up at the ceiling as he let out a deep sigh. He slowly recounted the events that followed Tom leaving the home for work and Benny’s snappy and erratic behavior that ultimately lead to him bellowing at the man. Tom’s eye’s were wide and he muttered small apologizes for the toons bad behavior, but was surprised when Sammy waved his hand as if it wasn’t a bad thing.

“How come your being so nonchalant about the whole thing? I mean for as sweet as Benny is he could have easily hurt you in a fit of rage. Unless you forgot our warnings about that 2nd mouth if his and his very long reach.” Tom threw up his arms in confusion. He simply couldn’t understand why Sammy was abnormally calm about the encounter. The man should be huddled in a corner or locked away in a room demanding compensation for the nightmarish weekend.

"He left me, I was left behind.” Sammy calmly uttered, his eyes dead focused on Tom. His words made the man freeze in place wide eyed. Tom lowered his arms and turned away from Sammy causing the musician to raise a brow. “I take it you’re familiar with what he meant?”

Tom leaned forward and rest his elbows on his knees staring at the floor. “Yeah…”

Sammy looked over his shoulder and saw a small figure looking just past the corner, a smile crossed the mans lips. “Care to elaborate?”

Tom let out a deep sigh “See back when I made the prototype ink machine they had me use any object to test the machine. I picked up a cute little Bendy doll that would have been scrapped due to it being considered off model and gave it to the machine. To my surprise it produced a living toon that was very much like a newborn child. Joey hated him on sight and struck him with an ax to kill him. I protected him and he escaped. I was thoroughly convinced the toon died from the injury sustained. I wouldn’t have thought that the body was fabric and managed to hold itself together softening the blow. Somehow he ended up with Allison, but I had no clue. Once I got forced to make the 2nd ink machine upon completion Allison asked me to bring home a Plush Bendy doll she claimed someone made for her.” Tom’s voice slowly shrank and he started to choke on his words struggling as he kept going. “I-I had no clue it was Benny, t-that he was supposed to have been brought home with me that day. I-If I had known and wasn’t so ignorant to the realities behind the doll I held in my hand I-I would have never left him there.” Tom paused and took a deep breath to try and calm himself. “A-As we all know the studio fell after that and he never got out until now. H-He was left alone by himself in that studio for 30 years because of my neglect.”

Tom fell silent for a short while fiddling with his hands while his eyes never left the hole he burned into the floor. “To be honest Sammy, I’m not surprised he hates me. It was my fault he was stuck there instead of having a proper family he deserves. I’m not the most qualified person to be considered a father or father figure, so the least I can do is provide him a roof over his head. I think it’s oddly fitting” he leaned back on the couch a small chuckle escaping his lips as a few traces of tears picked at the corners of his eyes. “I didn’t acknowledge him then and he doesn’t acknowledge me now.”

Sammy quietly listened as Tom bore his chains of grief, the years of guilt and regret he carried brought to the surface. He wasn’t known for being a real emotional man and often hid his feelings behind a mask of logic and reasoning, but hearing more in depth of what happened made Sammy truly pity the man. He laid back on the couch and peeked over his shoulder at the figure that remained in the doorway. Benny stood partially hiding behind the wall and large inky tears were streaming down his face. He must have heard Tom’s confession. The toon looked too timid to come over and Sammy slowly waved a hand at him to encourage him to come over. Benny nodded and slowly but surely made his way to the couch out of Tom’s sight.

“Well I think someone would like to have a word with you.” Sammy spoke to Tom gaining the man’s attention. He looked back at the musician confused and followed Sammy’s gesture till his eyes laid on the little toon slowly walking to him with tears streaming down his face.

Tom wanted to get up and scoop Benny up to see what was wrong, but the memory of him snapping at the toon the previous day kept him grounded to the couch. He by far wasn’t the best person to try and call himself a parent.

Benny walked right up to Tom just before his legs, a gloved hand gently pulled on the pant leg. “I’m sorry about the other day, I was acting like a little brat. I was inconsiderate for all those times you worked yourself to the bone to make sure I had everything I needed. I-I really sorry.” the toon looked up at the man tears starting to reform at the edges of his mismatched eyes. “Back when I was left behind in that room I sat at the desk waiting. I waited for a long time until I realized you weren’t coming. I told myself it was an accident or some sort of mistake, but the more time that passed the more it hurt. I convinced myself it was all your fault and that you were to blame for my misery. I’m not the best toon in the world let alone a toon of my own and only an image of one, but..” Benny’s voice trailed off and he started to choke on his words, the stitching on his stomach openly slightly and both mouths spoke in unison. “I’m NoT QaAlIfIeD tO bE CoNsIdErD a ChIlD, BuT… CaN I CoNsIdEr YoU My DaD? I’m SoRrY AnD I FoRgIvE YoU.” the toon broke down crying sounding like a broken squeaky toy while gently clinging to Tom’s pant leg.

The man bent down and scooped up the distraught toon into his arms and gently rocked back and forth whispering small words of 'thank you’ or gentle shushing sounds. Tom himself was quietly crying while trying to comfort the toon in his arms. He felt like a huge weight was taken off his shoulders. Benny forgave him. The one thing he felt he didn’t deserve after 30 years of abandonment.

Sammy sighed at the sight before him and a smile crept across his face. It was comforting to see that the man and toon had reconciled. The process to truly heal from the damages was going to be slow, but at least they have a start. With a small groan Sammy excused himself from the couch and figured it was time to head home, he could hit Tom up for the bill some other time. He quietly snuck down the hall and saw his way out the home making sure to lock it behind himself. The drive home didn’t feel so long after how his weekend had gone. A few new pieces of music danced in his head as he hummed new songs down the length of road.

——– 3 Days later ———–

After dodging the postwoman for the umpteenth time Sammy collected his daily post and slipped inside his home. The mail was nothing but ads and the occasional bill with a pale blue envelope with a black trim mixed in. The envelope caught his attention and he set the rest of the post down to further examine the piece of mail. The envelope was a simple pale blue with what looked like a little stitched pattern had been drawn on the edges. The senders had been none other then the Connors as their names and address had been carefully written in delicate cursive. Amused Sammy opened up the letter and proceeded to read it’s contents.

Dear Mr. Sammy,

I’d like to apologize for my actions during your stay at the house. You left so abruptly I didn’t have a chance to apologize, to thank you or to say good-bye. I thank you for what you did, it really helped. Tom and I had a really long talk about what happened and we are on much better terms now. Things are still a little strange between us every now and then, but we’ll figure it out. Though Tom wasn’t happy when you disappeared on him. He said something about a photo and that if you wanted it you have to come back and get it. I don’t know what he’s talking about, but he did mention something about showing Henry some photos. If anything I look forward to seeing you again and will you bring your banjo? I’d like to play with you again.

Yours truly,

Benny

Sammy chuckled at the 'Mr. Sammy’ and thought 'that’s Sammy to you’, but that smile and chuckle gave way to a scowl upon reading about the photo that Tom had taken. His face morphed to a mix of anger and horror upon reading that he was going to show Henry. 'That blasted Thomas is a real demon, using blackmail photos.’ Sammy scowled to himself, but that frustration gave way to a twinge of amusement. 'Then again he is the father of a little devil, even if it happens to be a sweet little devil. Like father, like son.’ He tucked the letter away and found a smaller note tucked behind the letter. He set the letter aside and pulled the small note out and opened it revealing $40 and a message.

Hey Mr. Drama Queen,

Here’s a little thank you for watching Benny and for what you did, but next time let me know when you leave. If you do that again I’ll have Benny 'play’ with you and I don’t mean with musical instruments. He loves a mean game of tag.

Thanks again,

Thomas Connor

A whistle and hum floated through the air as Sammy pocketed the money and carefully put the 2 letters away for safekeeping. Despite Tom’s little dig at him he couldn’t find it within himself to get too angry at the rough and tumble mechanic. In the end despite how the weekend crumbled at the start, it came through in the end and a little step towards understanding was made. He may no longer be a 'crazed preacher man’, but he was devoted to the few people he cared for and now the 2 little toons that came with them.

#batim stitched au #short story #sammy lawrence #batim sammy #sammy lawrence batim #sammy #benny the stitched demon #benny the stitched devil #benny the stitch devil #benny the stitch demon #benny #thomas connor

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godtier-fics · 5 years

Text

Candlenight in Saak

This was for the 2018 KuroFai Gift Exchange for @Evig-Sang!

Read on Ao3.

Welcome to the last fic I wrote in 2018/first fic I wrote for 2019.

I learned about Saint Lucia from Sweden and basically ran with it. Thanks Nadia.

Kurogane and Syaoran had been out in town for the majority of the day now. Night was fast approaching, but with Mokona on his shoulder babbling on, Fai barely noticed their absence. Besides, they would soon return enough. Now whether or not Kurogane would have successfully hunted a boar was another topic of concern. They could’ve just bought one at the store but—nooo, Kurogane had insisted in following all the local traditions. Oh well. That just left Fai to finish preparing the house that they were renting for the time being. With Mokona’s help he was cleaning, cooking, and decorating all to welcome in Aya for the end of the long, dark nights.

There wasn’t much else he could do without the boar that was to be the heart of the evening meal so now he and Mokona were draping tinsel all over the house. Soon they would have to start lighting the candles. Honestly, what Fai wasn’t sure about was the sheer amount of candles and tinsel they had bought at the urging of the sales clerk. The local had been so eager to explain that today was Candlenight, which meant all houses needed to have candles in each window and all around the house with lots of colorful, shiny tinsel to greet in Aya—the locals god of light. If a house was not bright enough, the sales clerk had warned them, then misfortune would fall upon the house’s inhabitants for the next year or if there were no light at all then Raan, the god of night, would swallow them whole.

Syaoran’s eyes had lit up with interest and before Fai had blinked they had at least fifty candles and several pounds of neon blue, red, and silver tinsel. Kurogane had just sighed and paid the sales clerk.

That was a few hours ago and while the two had set off to do more research and find a traditional boar (the idea of which had made Kurogane less grumpy), Fai had been left in charge of decorations. So here he was, Mokona babbling on his shoulder, and a couple dozen candles in need of a careful eye and to be lit. While Fai was glad for Mokona’s company, she wasn’t as helpful with hanging tinsel or lighting candles as someone with opposable thumbs would be.

The spectacle of this Candlenights affair reminded Fai distantly of winter celebrations in his own homeland. They too had welcomed the end of winter on the year’s longest night. But there had been no great god of light to put an end to the ceaseless nights. It had been a different story, one now lost to his own memory. It was hard to put to words a concept that he hadn’t dared consider, or think about in the years since then.

He had fallen silent, just watching Mokona fail to layer tinsel over the top of the window when he started to whistle. A slight breeze lifted her up and she was able to happily, giggly spread the tinsel around.

“Maybe we should make a game of it, hm?” he suggested. Mokona readily agreed and he was able to banish thoughts of a long, lost home from mind as he whistled and directed Mokona’s flight around the small house.

“In a lot of cultures they all tend to have something about the end of the colder months. Do you guys have any traditions like this back in Nihon?” Syaoran and Kurogane were about a mile out now from the center of town, deep into the snow coated forests, supposedly boar hunting. Syaoran had stopped expressing doubts they’d find any that were active and instead was quietly studying the ground as they walked.

Kurogane just sighed at Syaoran’s question, but he didn’t dismiss it out of hand. Did they have any traditions like this weird holiday back home in Nihon? There were several around the beginning and end of the year. Many of them he hadn’t personally paid much attention to while he’d been busy protecting the country (there was no use for parties with constant warfare) but…

Kurogane looked at the still fresh tracks, adjusted the borrowed and worn hunting bow on his shoulder, and said, “I never was a fan of celebrating but we have a decent amount of traditions.” A pause as he took a slow step forward in the snow and looked around the high arching pines and other evergreens around them before he asked, “There’s no colder months in a desert. What did you all do to mark the end of one year and start of another?”

Syaoran looked back at him and huffed out a big sigh. The air hung heavy for a moment before he spoke. “Oh, well… you know. We threw parties.” He smiled fondly and shoved his hands into his coat and then started stepping carefully around the tracks. “Everyone would dance and have fun. It was magical. But seeing all this… I wonder what it would’ve been like to see snow back when I lived in Clow?”

“Would’ve been a bad sign.”

“You’re not wrong.” Syaoran laughed. “Snow in the desert wouldn’t have been good. You don’t seem like you enjoy snow that much.”

“That obvious?” Kurogane shrugged, adjusting the hunting gear and then stepped quietly but quickly past Syaoran. “You hear that?” he asked in a low voice. Syaoran didn’t reply but stepped with him until they were both kneeling just behind a bush. Kurogane let the bow fall into his hands, pulling out two arrows as if on second thought.

Prowling lazily (drunkenly?) was a wild boar. Its fur was pitch black, faded slightly by the snow dusting it. It was sniffing and pawing at the ground as if searching for something.

Kurogane allowed himself a brief moment to say a prayer to the gods before sending his arrow straight through its eye and then as it turned to find them—sending his last through its heart.

“I have to say,” Kurogane said as he put another arrow through the boar, “that this holiday might be one I could do in the future.”

Fai wasn’t sure which was more interesting. The black boar slung across Kurogane’s back, the blood streaks on Syaoran’s face, or the pleased grin on Kurogane’s face as he carefully settled the boar in the spot Fai had left cleared for this very reason. It was a interesting holiday all in service of a god of light. Sacrifice and light.

“Well, looks like you all had fun!” Fai clapped his hands and in unison with Mokona added, “Go wash up for dinner! Especially you, Kuro-hunter, you’re all grisly now!”

“Are you going to be able to really good the meat before midnight?” Syaoran asked as he stepped out of his boots and hung up his bloodied coat. (Really what had they done to this poor boar?)

Fai attempted to help Kurogane pull off his cloak as he waved a hand at Syaoran. “Of course, of course. I am a wizard. If I couldn’t do this much what good am I?”

“That implies you were ever any good,” Kurogane muttered. Kurogane failed to help Fai in his struggle to remove his cloak, choosing to stay still and unmoving. Very helpful, like.

“Hey, play nice, Kuro-daddy!” Fai placed a hand on on Kurogane’s hip and gave him a small pinch. “I’m so good, I’m the best you’ve ever had!”

“Uh, yeah, okay, no.” Kurogane shrugged off his hand and let the cloak fall to the floor. “I’m going to go bath.”

“I’ll go next then,” Syaoran said. That sorted, and without a backward glance at Fai, Kurogane walked away. Fai rolled his eyes and left the cloak where it had fallen.

“Well, if you’re going to stay messy you can help me with this, Syaoran.” Fai pointed at the boar and then at Syaoran. “What magic do you think I’m going to use?”

“We don’t need to do magic lessons today.” Syaoran pointed out. It wasn’t so much as a protest though as he quickly added, “Transfiguration.”

Fai bowed nice and low and then popped back up with a loud cry of, “My music, Mokona!”

“On it, Fai!”

With a pop beat playing, Fai let out a high whistle and then spread his hands out and got to work. A simple fire in the fireplace; a stick that as perfectly placed from one end of the boar to the other end (they would be eating boar in various ways for the next week, wouldn’t they?); and a brief pause to naturally season the meat, was all it took before Fai shook out his hair and said, “Okay, Kuro-papa should be done. Why don’t you go take your bath now?”

Syaoran cast a doubtful eye on the boar slowly, magically turning over the fire and then shrugged. “Sure.”

Mokona hopped down from the table and then up on Syaoran’s shoulder saying, “Me too! Me too!”

“Okay, sure.”

After they went up, as predicted, Kurogane came down. Gone was all the blood and gore of the hunt, and his black hair had lost most of its spikes. He looked softer for a moment as he walked down and then he saw the boar over the fire.

“Are you using magic to cook that?” Kurogane asked. He went to their fridge and pulled out one of his preferred beers. It was one of the few types he liked and any world they could find it in was one they would tend to linger in for a while. “That didn’t go so well last—”

“Oh, shush,” Fai said. “You know that was just because I was getting used to using magic again. Why don’t we let that one go, Kuro-puu, hmmm? I promise that this is only been made with enough magic to clean it and encourage it to cook a little faster and tastier.”

“That’s what you said the last time,” Kurogane said. He settled down on one of the borrowed chairs and took a nice, deep sip. Fai came over and took a seat on the table in front of him.

“Hey, last time went alright!”

“It tasted like ass.”

“Because it was an ass!” Donkey meat hadn’t been something he thought they would need to eat but when times were hard and you were in a desert a long way from the nearest town… needs must.

Kurogane grumbled some more so Fai just brushed a hand over his hair until it was completely dry and all spiked back up. Kurogane just silently drank his beer, letting Fai do what he wanted.

“What do you think of Candlenight?” Fai asked.

“Interesting.”

“Would you like to celebrate it again?”

“Told the kid I wouldn’t mind doing it again.”

“Figured as much. It seems like it’s right up your alley. What with all the hunting and gathering and whatnot.”

“The lights seem like they’re up yours.” Kurogane picked up a piece of tinsel from the tabletop and then tied it around Fai’s wrist as Fai laughed.

“Why do you say that?”

Kurogane just let out a deep sigh. “Why do you think?”

“Hmm… is it because of how brightly I shine?”

Kurogane just sighed and leaned back, saying, “Yeah, sure,” as Fai chuckled and they heard Syaoran coming back down the steps.

#text #kurofai gift exchange #kurofai #trc #tsubasa reservoir chronicle #kei fics #god fam i need to fucking change my tags on here and fix this shit cuz it's all jacked up

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xtswifts · 5 years

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in all my years on tumblr, this is still one of my favorite gifs of tay in existence, so i shall use it now on my mega ooc appreciation post.

i am still on hiatus — it has been a ROUGH 36 hours my dudes — but i did want to drop in and post some ic/ooc appreciation things while this week is still here because i am all in the business of sharing the love. it’s one of the many reasons i absolutely adore this group. this group has always been about love, for me, and would probably be the singular word i’d use to describe my experience here.

i joined this lovely bunch back in july, i do believe? i had actually just finished up writing and self-publishing my third book which wound up being a behemoth (seriously it was a lot) and while i was absolutely and completely braindead when it came to writing, i still wanted to write. i’m a writer. that’s who i am and that’s who i’ll always be. i wanted something a lot more low-stakes, kind of go-with-the-flow, no real pressure and more collaborative than the isolating fun of novel-writing, so i turned back to roleplay. hollywood rps have always been my absolute favorites in the rpc for whatever reason; i have such fond memories in hollywood groups and it’s a fun and creative way for me to just project the love i have for my faves. after a few experiences in groups during late 2017 and early 2018 i was pretty sure that i was done with roleplay. it just wasn’t the same for me, no matter where i went. priorities had shifted and it was no longer about writing because you loved to write. but, me being ever the optimist, i decided to dive back into the tags and see what was still around or had recently popped up. i found this group and i saw that they had just had a taylor swift removed from the group, and hi hello nice to meet you i am taylor swift trash no. 1!!!, i felt like it was all Meant To Be or something like that (plus, she was taken in every other group and that’s who i really wanted to put a hand at writing). so i put in an app for her, got accepted, and i have been plaguing your dashes ever since :~))

in the four-ish months that i have been here, so much has happened in my life. i started my (outrageously stressful) junior year of college, i lost my grandma, i went to go see queen swift in atlanta and meet my baby princess camila, i have had major friend complications and doubts about my career track and i have had just really boring, empty days where everything was going seemingly okay. this group has been there for me through every high, low, and in between. this group has been my escape to run to when i’m stressed or up late at night and can’t sleep or just really looking to be social or want to write something. this group has been so welcoming, warm, and fun; i have had the opportunity to explore my character any which way that i please and form awesome plots with people, and even more awesome friendships ooc. some of you send really, really kind things my way which, fyi, i’m super grateful for and have probably cried over because this was the first time i not only felt welcomed in a group as taylor, but felt welcomed in a group as me. i am so grateful that i get to call this place my internet home and there is absolutely nowhere else i would rather be spending my free time writing. i stand by what i say: this is the best group in the tags, hands down. you could not ask for a more inclusive, diverse, welcoming, creative playground to spend your time on. to all the lovely admins over on main @hollywoodfamerp thank you for doing the heavy lifting and giving us a safe and warm place that we can call home. the work you do never goes unnoticed. you are appreciated and you are so, so loved. ♡

some ~personal~ shoutouts:

@nhxran — peyton, you are without a doubt one of my best friends both in this group and just in general. we had an immediate chemistry as writing partners from that very first starter reply and nothing about that has changed. you are the writing partner i always hoped i would find in a group due to how generous you are in every reply, the way you are willing to headcanon and brainstorm (even at the craziest of hours) and i still remain in awe of you as a roleplayer with the way you juggle such diverse characters, all of which have their prominent voices that never seem to overlap. you are the roleplayer i wish i could be. even though we might sometimes be ships in the night ic, ooc i know that you are always there and you always have my back, and i truly hope you know that the same goes for you. i love you, you intelligent, creative, witty, beautiful, heart-of-gold woman you. i would not have stayed in this group if i had not met you. you are one of my favorite people, period. thank you for being one of my dearest friends.

@cara-x-delevingne — mickey, the first person to ever pop into my ims and say hello (and you were FAST about it too, lol), you have been one of my favorite people to write with! the way you breathe a life into your characters is almost unparalleled to any writer, much less any writer in a hwood group. you have such a talent and not only that, you are funny and kind and inclusive and i am so glad that there are people like you (and you) still out there in this world. we need more people like you. thank you for one of the most epic friendships i’ve ever written in a group and always challenging me to step up to the plate and bring my a-game with taylor. you inspire me and i love you. never change.

@armiehmmer — graaaaace, the law to my swift! you were actually one of the reasons i joined this rp; before i joined i stalked a few blogs and as i have told you (and you have probably seen via my wildin’ ass on twitter) i love jen, so much. i saw how dedicated you were to your jen and how included she was, which i thought was amazing because like my girl t, some people just aren’t about. i figured if you could put in the effort and grind hard enough with her and get positive results, i could do the same for taylor. and here we both are, killin’ it. you are such a lovely person who has always been nothing but kind, i am still endlessly jealous you were in pasadena for rep tour but we’ll let it slide for now, lol. i love you, thank you for being the epitome of grace in this roleplay. you’re a pure light and the dash is dimmer without you on it.

@jstntimberfake — nicki, or should i say, GOD, i don’t know where to begin with you. you are the reason i almost took home a jt standup from 2nd and charles. i love everything that you do on both of your characters. you become them, they stand so far away from the person that you actually are and i think that is the testament of a true, talented writer: they are able to convince you that they’re someone else. and you do, every time. i’m just really, really happy that i get to say that i’m in the same rp group as you because it makes me feel like a Cool Kid on the playground who has light up sneakers. you are so cool and it sometimes lowkey intimidates me, how amazing and talented you are. thank you for always putting a smile on my face. love ya love ya

@itsscarjo — aria, my magnificent love. you are so well spoken and kind and as my clumsy twin, i have no choice but to love you dearly. it’s so nice to just have somebody to talk to sometimes and every time we’ve talked, it’s like being all bundled up in a warm fuzzy blanket. you are so easy to talk to and i cannot wait for the things you and i do on all of our people now that our lives have calmed the heck down and we can come on and write. thank you for being such a spectacular, inviting person. i had several other people sing your praises to me when you joined the group and i can wholeheartedly agree with them. you are one of a kind. big love

@aubreycplaza — marissa, i mcfreakin’ adore you. i’ll be honest, i have not had the best experiences with aubreys in the past but that all goes out the window with you. i’m obsessed with you and all of your people, and to know you and get to write with you is an absolute pleasure. thank you for being so much fun to write with, thank you for giving me so much quality stuff to stalk while i’m on the dash and feeling like trash, thank you for being so understanding of me constantly feeling like trash, i adore you. can’t wait for tay and aubrey to finally go on their fuckin girls trip and become little jetsetters together (forevaaaa)

@jamesrodriqez — hello stranger idk you but i think you’re pretty cool! and i think that you have been one of the most entertaining, fun people to write with in these last couple of weeks when i feel like i’m barely able to write two sentences that haven’t been written onto a powerpoint that i’m copying off of. you just give me so much excitement about writing and plotting and that excitement is something that can be difficult to find again after you’ve gotten comfortable in a group. thank you for keeping things refreshing and new for me and taylor. i’m excited to get back to all of our fun shenanigans (and to love on your new people bc yes amen) #jandrea forever

@jarpadking — nikki! first of all, i’m in awe at how fast you can come up with replies on TWO characters that are so well-crafted and authentic to that person’s voice. i struggle just writing a single coherent reply on taylor half the time, lmao. you are one of the hearts in this group, the way you make it an effort to branch out and talk to every single person and create connections with both the mun and the character. you’re one of the unsung heroes and if we could all be a little more you like you, we’d be the best roleplayers around. love you so much, my dear, and of course, thank you for being so warm and inclusive. people like you are rare

@itskeeoone — i have spent all day binging pll because that is how i choose to veg out and every time i see keegan on screen now, i think of you, em. you just write him so wonderfully and truthfully and i don’t ever want to let you go (please don’t ever leave this group or i’ll cry). taylor and keegan have given me all the life, they are very similar people and i’m happy that my 15 year old self’s dreams are coming true by their worlds colliding here in the group. i’m so excited to write even more with you now that the holidays are coming and i’ll actually, y’know, BE AROUND, but yes. love you.

@goddamnjade — lucy, you know anybody that is as big into the dance scene as i am HAS to get a spot on this appreciation post ;) but also, you have just been one of the loveliest people ever? i think you’re one of the hearts in this group, the reason that it is why it is and the reason that it’s so warm and welcoming. you are so inclusive and fun to write with and i really hope that i get to talk with you more ooc because i adore youuuu!

@yosebstan — rileyyyy, gotta admit, sometimes you intimidate me but it is only because you are an absolute fuckin’ legend in this group, and not just because of your admin status. your characters have something that a lot of people try hard to encompass but can’t ever capture, and that’s longevity. your characters never feel stale, they always feel new and fresh and like real people, not just tropes or over-concentrated personality traits and i get so excited every time i see one of your people on the dash. i’m lucky to be in a group with you, so so lucky. i sometimes hope your natural inclination for rp will rub off on me and make me a better writer. love you, and i really hope we get to do some fun stuff in the future!!

@jpgsasha — cami, you and i clicked so fast when we started replying to each other’s stuff back when you still had camila and i cannot WAIT to write with you as my honey sasha (seriously, a fuckin’ plus switch). we had some of the LONGEST replies on the dash at one point but when you’re inspired, you’re inspired! thank you for inspiring me and being one of the most down to earth people in this group. you deserve all the fuckin’ love. please love me so i can give it to you.

@avycias — katieeee!! it legit surprised me to find out how close we are to one another #hurricane watch friends, lol. you are so sweet and your alycia is absolutely legendary, i was biting at the bit to write with you from the minute i joined this group. i hope we get to do all of the things with taylor and alycia because writing with you makes me so happy. you are wildly talented and the way alycia comes to life every time you type something is magical. you write her with a conviction and you make her your own and i think that’s why i adore her so much. thank you for being you. love you much babes

@milesdominic — marie! miles and taylor had one of the cutest friendships ever and it needs to make a comeback asap, because 1) that, and 2) writing with you comes so naturally (*plays naturally by selena gomez and the scene*). i barely have to think about what i want to reply to you with because there’s a chemistry there that is hard to replicate; thank you for keeping me on my toes and my brain alert and being such a fun person to write with. you give me the chance to explore sides of taylor’s voice that other people look over and that i love, and that’s all anybody could ask in a writing partner, someone who allows them to run wild!

@blccmtroye — fiona, i fuckin’ love your troye. he is too much fun to interact with, and i am thankful that you gave this group a shot (and that you gave me a shot). i couldn’t imagine this place without the wit and the charm that you supply with every single post you make.

@flynnpls — marie, i’m just in love with all of your people and you. you’re one of the people i feel like i admire from afar because i stay in awe of the way you write and how effortless it seems to come to you. you balance all of these different personalities with finesse and i really do feel like i’m talking to or reading the words of the actual celebrity in every single reply. i am crossing my fingers that i get the opportunity to write some really incredible things with you here in the future because i have such mad respect for you.

+ to everyone else that i either forgot to mention, have not really formed connections with outside of replies or haven’t had the chance to talk to you/your babies due to my super fun hiatus: i stalk so many of you on the dash and keep up with your plots and where you take your characters and it really and truly is such a privilege to be in the same group as you. they say that birds of a feather flock together and if that’s the case, i am simply a reflection of all the things y’all are. kind, funny, clever, creative, welcoming, intelligent, and a part of something, and i could not ask for more. i love all of you, whether we’ve talked or not (believe me i probably stalk you and just love you from afar) and any time you ever need a friend, call me beep meeeeee. i’m always game to do things with taylor and explore her more through whatever plots or connections we could create, and i promise that if i don’t respond to an im, it’s because i’m off on hiatus or it got eaten. i want to do ALL the things with ALL of you. come hit me up! let me love you! k thanks!!!

obligatory thank you note to my queen taylor alison for existing. love u bitch.

xx, caroline

#hfrpappreciation #♚ ; tswift and tpain.#i spent 2 hours typing this so if you'll excuse me i'm off to get food and start throwing shit in a suitcase since i'm leaving tomorrow at 7 #yay for early mornings #said no one ever

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once-upon-a-ouat · 5 years

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“Enough”

This was supposed to be my entry for Golden Queen Week 2018 Day 7 - Halloween but it’s super late. I didn’t feel like writing these days and today I managed to crash my car but at least I finally got some inspiration and finished this. It’s canon divergence after Rumple made the deal with Snow that prevented Regina from hurting her and David again in 2x10 “The Cricket Game”.

Read on FFN or AO3

It was Halloween. It was Halloween and she was sitting in Granny’s in the middle of the annual–ridiculous–party. Her only effort when it came to a costume was to put on a witch hat which she’d bought on her way there. There was no point in doing more since she was only there to kill time. Although she had to admit it wasn’t as bad as she always made it up to be. It provided her with an opportunity to stir some trouble. She was using what little power she had to make everyone’s evening a little bit of hell. It was one evening a year and she needed some way to entertain herself. Last year she’d ‘spiked’ the apples from the apple bobbing contest with some special ingredients. There wasn’t such thing as too many curses. Even though even the simplest of spells drained a lot of energy out of her. So this year she’d restrained herself to smaller things that she could manage just by lifting a finger. But even without her intervention there were plenty of losing battles to witness.

Archie was already running out of ideas for Pongo’s costume and it had barely been a decade. Ruby was also fussing over her costume that wasn’t revealing enough for her standards. Mal–Mercie as she was known in this world–was fighting with her daughter over the candy the girl had received during the trick-or-treating. Little Emma–well, she wasn’t so little anymore–wanted to eat it all now but Mal–Mercie–was having none of it. Regina watched them argue, still not sure what exactly her intentions had been when she’d made them a family in this world. Mal would probably incinerate the whole town if she knew she was raising the daughter of the people who’d caused her to lose her own baby. But she seemed happy–happier than most of the others were–and Regina allowed a small smile to make its way to her face. It quickly disappeared though when she noticed she wasn’t the only one who was watching the two blondes.

From the booth across from them Mary Margaret was looking longingly at the girl while waiting for her husband to return. He’d excused himself around twenty minutes ago. Not even a minute later Regina had seen Kathryn follow him into the men’s room. Mary Margaret had seen her too but she was still waiting dutifully for David like a dog. Ever the hopeless romantic. She’d even turned down Whale’s advances when he’d asked her for a dance even though she was well aware what her husband was doing a few feet and a door away. It was almost too pathetic.

Regina startled when she felt something against her skin. She looked down at her hand and found a big golden spider crawling on it. There would be no way to explain it if somebody noticed. But of course no one did. Because no one was paying attention to her when she wasn’t scaring the hell out of them.

The spider crawled up to her wrist and its legs closed around it in couples, forming four solid circles of gold as it turned into a bracelet. She smirked at the new piece of jewelry and grabbed her coat. She put it on and headed for the exit, throwing the witch hat at one of the booths. Her free time was over. It was time for work.

The spider would shoot out a sparkly cobweb at every crossroads to show her the direction. As if she didn’t know where she was going. It was the same place every year. She didn’t need guidance. But he wanted to have an insurance that she’d go. So he sent her gifts that she’d have to wear until the next Halloween if she refused to go. He didn’t trust her. And she shouldn’t trust him either.

She reached the abandoned mansion where they always met a good half an hour later. She wished she could teleport but that was out of the question no matter how badly she wanted it.

He stood, waiting for her, his cane less useful when he had magic as a crutch but he’d brought it nonetheless because by the time they’d be finished there would be no more magic.

“I came to return this,” she said, outstretching her arm towards him so he could take his pet spider off her. She made extra effort to sound annoyed by the message of ownership it sent lest he thought she actually enjoyed feeling like she belonged to him. She didn’t.

He took her hand and the spider’s hold on her disappeared when he touched it. It moved up his arm and nestled itself into the pocket of his suit jacket, turning into a neatly folded handkerchief woven from fine golden threads.

She tried to pull her hand away but he didn’t let her.

“I also have something to return to you,” he said as he reached into the pocket of his trousers. He took out something and held it out to her. It was one of her skeleton keys.

“You just like to steal from me, don’t you?” she asked as she took the key from him and pocketed it, her voice heavy with the meaning she put in that sentence. She held his gaze, hoping to look challenging rather than hurt.

He studied her for a moment, then pulled her towards him by the hand he was still holding and claimed her mouth. Her lips immediately parted for him just like the first time they’d kissed.

It had been their second Halloween in Storybrooke and they’d been in his shop, preparing for their ritual, when she’d felt something. His dagger, she’d been certain. She’d been so close to finding it. But he’d kissed her and everything had become hazy. Her mouth had opened to him and so had her legs. He’d robbed her of her breath in more than one way lest she robbed him of his. He didn’t trust her. And she shouldn’t trust him either.

His free hand slipped into her hair, keeping her in place, as his tongue probed in her mouth, searching for lies. When it didn’t find any, it finally paid attention to her own, sliding against it slowly and prolonging the kiss until her lungs started burning from the lack of oxygen.

The hand she’d rested on his arm grabbed at his sleeve to draw his attention.

He pulled away when he’d had enough, leaving her desperately gasping for air that was much overdue. “I also give you in return,” he said, barely a hitch in his voice. The kiss hadn’t affected him enough.

He did. He gave in return. But not nearly as much as he took. And she would tell him so but she didn’t have enough breath to speak. The kiss had affected her too much.

“Shall we begin?” he asked, letting go of her hand and turning slightly towards the round table where he’d set out everything they needed.

She nodded.

He moved toward the chair, his sleeve jerking out of her grasp at the motion, and pulled it back for her.

She walked to the table and sat down, her legs suddenly like jell-o. It was the task at hand that made her so anxious. It was a complicated spell and they needed it to work. Everything was at stake.

He sat down opposite of her and reached for Pandora’s box that was placed in the middle of the table. “Are you ready?” he looked at her.

She positioned her hands on both sides of the box and nodded again, giving him a brief look but staying focused on the box.

He opened it and she summoned her magic, creating a shield around it to prevent the magic that they’ve already stored in it from escaping. Her task grew harder and harder every year. The more magic they collected, the more power she needed to use to keep it inside. It was draining her a lot faster and it forced them to cut down on the duration for which they performed the spell. And at midnight when all magic disappeared until the next Halloween she never had enough strength left to believe that they would succeed. But she had no choice. She had to keep going because otherwise it would’ve all been for nothing.

He’d talked her into casting the Curse after he’d left her no other way to get her revenge. He’d promised her exactly what she wanted. He’d told her she could have everything. Because magic always came with a price but they were going to a land without magic. A land without magic where one day every year a gateway opened between dimensions and an enormous amount of energy poured into the world unsuspectingly to the people in it. It wasn’t magic but it could be transformed into such by running it through the system of a magic user. And that was exactly what Rumple was doing. He was channeling the energy and storing the new magic into Pandora’s box. And when they had enough, they could break the laws of magic and be reunited with the people they’d lost.

He’d explained to her that magic was only limited when there wasn’t enough of it in one place to break the laws. And it was a lot easier to gather the needed amount of magic at a place that barely had any than at one that was drenched in it. So he’d convinced her to cast the Curse, promising that she could have not only her father back, but also Daniel. ‘We can have everything,’ he’d said, ‘if we stick together.’ And she’d fallen for it.

He had lied to her of course. He’d created the Curse so that it could be broken by Snow White and Prince Charming’s daughter. She’d learned too late to change it but she’d managed to get to the baby before they’d sent her through the wardrobe that would save her from the Curse. She’d stolen her from Snow’s arms but she hadn’t had what she needed to kill her. She could’ve snapped her neck without even needing magic to do it. But she hadn’t had time. And she’d found herself in a town where time had stopped and Emma was the only one who was aging. Rumple had his failsafe in case they failed. He’d lied to her because he didn’t trust her. And she shouldn’t trust him either. But she had no choice. She had to keep going because it couldn’t have all been for nothing.

Her hands were shaking violently as she felt the life force being drained out of her. Rumple felt it too because he reached for Pandora’s box and closed it. Her magic threw her back now that there was no counter-measure to it. She fell on the floor, her bones cracking at the impact, tears springing to her eyes.

“Regina,” Rumple was quickly at her side, palm glowing in purple as he searched for the injury.

She hadn’t even made it till midnight this year and they started later than any other year. It was getting harder for her. With each passing day she was forgetting the feeling of magic under her skin and when the time came to use it, she found herself unable to summon it as easily as she used to.

The pain disappeared but the tears had just started falling from her eyes. She grasped at Rumple’s arm, holding on to him even though she shouldn’t trust him. Because he was all she had. Even if he wasn’t quite enough.

#once upon a time #ouat #gqweek18 #golden queen week #golden queen #regina mills #mr gold #rumplestiltskin #fanfiction #my fanfiction #my writing #enough #operation end

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theloudpedal · 6 years

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2018 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion: New Blood

Ahhh, August....our favorite month of the year.

We always look forward to August because it means that we're heading down to the Monterey Peninsula for Car Week! Gearheads make this pilgrimage every year and with different motivations, and there are many motivations. Our primary drive (pardon the pun) is the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. This year was particularly notable for a couple of reasons. The first thing to note is that this was the first Reunion since Laguna Seca signed a new primary sponsorship deal with WeatherTech, paving a way to a more stable future with many changes and improvements already underway. It also marks the first year that the event featured a Japanese manufacturer, and Nissan was more than willing and able to represent it's brand and to celebrate its 50th anniversary of corporate involvement in motorsports.

We applaud the organizers on their decision to choose Nissan/Datsun at the featured marque, not only because it is long overdue, but also because we feel that in order to keep events like this (and vintage racing in general) alive, it is imperative to bring new audiences. As the paddock clearly displayed, the Nissan/Datsun community were ready, willing and eager to show the crowd what the brand, its history and it's community are all about. More than 50 of the 551 total participants selected out of over 1,000 applicants based on authenticity and race provenance were attributed to the Nissan and Datsun brands.

Now we don't purport to be Nissan/Datsun fanboys or aficionados, though we do love a well executed 510, early Z cars, modern and ancient GTRs and just about anything with a little age and some fender mirrors and/or overfenders. That said, Nissan corporate and Nissan collector/driver/and media personality Adam Carolla brought the heat for the weekend.

The hottest of the heat, was the glorious 1969 Nissan R382 Group 7 racing car. Admittedly, we didn't even know if this cars existence, but now we have come to know and understand a part of Nissan's racing past. This 600 horsepower 6 liter DOHC monster beat out Porsche and Toyota to win the 1969 Japan Grand Prix. This thing is as lovely as it was menacing in its day. The example Nissan brought was understated and stunning.

The second car of note is one that many in our demographic have a soft spot for. For many of us, it's a treat to get to see a car we've driven a million times in any number of racing games and simulators. It's an even bigger geek-out when we get feast our eyes on one we've only seen in the digital realm, and one that we never thought we'd ever see in the flesh...er um carbon fiber. This thing was as impressive in real life as it is in any video game. The Nissan R390 GT1 road car was glorious from any/every angle. It was long, lean, sexy and powerful...everything needed to compete at Le Mans and everything it needed to achieve 220+ mph speeds. We won't soon forget being in the presence of the 3R90.

For those not familiar with Adam Carolla's vehicular exploits, let's just say he's kind of a big deal these days. Though his automotive tastes are broad and wide, he has a soft spot for classic Datsuns and Nissans, and he collects and races them to boot. Some of these cars (approximately 10 of his collection) were actively and successfully campaigned by actor and philanthropist (and King of Cool), Paul Newman. Carolla brought a few of these cars (and a vintage Hino hauler too!) from his collection to share. We got up close and personal to he and his 1988 Turbo Z on the pregrid, and it was glorious!

And among all of the vintage racing goodness from Nissan/Datsun was a car so new, it isn't even on sale yet. Straight from its debut at Goodwood appeared Nissan's collaboration with Italdesign, the GT-R50. This thing was cool...really cool! Yeah, it's gonna have turbos and like 700 horsepower, but that rear end! We came upon the car for the first time on one of the track's service roads. It was about to depart for one its numerous pressers. It was unmistakably GT-R...a bit reserved, but with great little details and styling queues...but then we got around back and then....WOW! Simple, shocking, amazing...that is all.

Not to be outdone by it's Japanese auto making rival, Mazda brought its "A" game too, as they have for the last several years. Under their prominently placed tent were several heavy hitters and crowd favorites. The two that stood out for us were the iconic, "Charge" liveried 1989 767B that competed at the 1989 24 hours of Le Mans race #wankel. The other Mazda on display was one that we've been waiting to see, in person, all racing season. We are unabashed fans of Reinhold Joest and were pumped when plans were made public that he was going to be in charge of Mazda's WeatherTech racing effort this year. We were thinking that our first opportunity to see it would be at the upcoming WeatherTech race at Laguna Seca. Imagine our surprise when we happened upon the gleaming ruby colored RT24-P. This thing is ridiculously good looking.

Mazda also treated, well everyone within 5 miles with working ears to a an audio display that has become somewhat of a tradition at the Reunion. At a quiet time in the afternoon's schedule, they rolled the aforementioned 767B, a 1990 787, a 1991 RX-7 IMSA GTO, and the spectacularly fantastically looking 1992 RX-792P into the sunshine for a rotary racing rev-off. The sound of all of those uniquely pitched beasts at once is unforgettable and loud....really really loud.

As has become the trend in recent years, the Reunion does more than just highlight a single featured car and/or manufacturer. It has become a social outing and showcase for manufacturers both great and small. This year featured significant displays by Audi, Jaguar, Ford, Singer/Michelin and Porsche. All in attendance were treated to up-close access to Ford's latest GT (and their first gen, both in Gulf/heritage livery), the New Audi e-tron BP 18 prototype, and the all new Jaguar I-Pace HSE (which also set the track's record for an unmodified electric vehicle (with Randy Pobst at the wheel), and yes, the drool-worthy new Singer you've been seeing all over social media! Yeah, the event is the "Historic Motorsports Reunion," but everyone seems to love the new stuff and commensurate car swag and test drives that come with them. We give a special shout out to Jaguar for providing sweet hats for anyone willing to give up their email address and automotive preferences!

THE SPECIAL DISPLAYS

As much as we love all that stuff, we don't make the three hour drive for any amount of new hardware. We're vintage car types, and this event is our hallowed ground, and did it ever deliver this year. We don't know how the quantity of cars stacks up to past years, but the paddock was as full as we've ever seen it, and the quantity of entrants was only exceeded their quality. This abundance made for larger than usual racing groups, thus more of what we all want to see. From the moment we arrived it was clear that this was a big one. The paddock was packed to capacity with cars spanning multiple eras and multiple discisplines of racings such as early IMSA GT cars to historic Formula 1 and the beast of Formula 5000.

Among the moments was two time Formula 1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen taking to the track in McLaren's 1995 Le Mans-winning F1 GTR for demonstration laps. The McLaren F1 GTR, based on the monumental road going F1 and still considered the greatest hyper car ever created. The F1 GTR even 28 years later still brings chills with the sound of its BMW V12 screaming around the track sounding just as vicious as it must have those years ago when it took the victory at the famous Le Mans circuit. For many at the event it was their first time to come within range of a car that set the standard for all that follow.

We commend our hosts at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Nissan, all of the corporate sponsorship and track staff (both paid and volunteer) for putting on such a great show (and a special shout to Mother Nature for providing the spectacular weather!) Though we always fret about the future of vintage racing, this years Reunion showed the strong footing of this thing we love, at this place we love. Laguna Seca's much needed face lift coupled with the excellent choice of featured car/manufacturer, and the fact that the crowd was more diverse by every measure possible tells us the universe really wants more vintage racing. Life is good.

As is always the case, there is no way to condense the depth and breadth of Car Week, let alone this single event, into one story. We just give you our perspective and our musings and images from the few hours we spent at the track. Please take some time to look through the gallery below. As you probably know, our pictures are a lot better than our words.

Broadcast coverage of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion will be available on Premier on September 23 (noon ET/9 a.m. PT), Encore on September 23 (5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT) and Encore 2 on September 26 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). The livestream will also re-air on Motor Trend OnDemand and the Motor Trend YouTube page.

Next year’s Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) on August 15-18, 2019.

Full Gallery

#Carweek #Monterey #Laguna Seca #Reunion

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beatsfortheillperth · 4 years

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Words with ENTRO//

ENTRO// hailing from Melbourne, Australia is a beat-maker that is making moves within Australia and beyond, showcasing quality sounds that express the eccentric joys of hip hop, not to mention the bounce it induces in the day to day lives of its appreciators.

Which was something that drew me in about ENTRO//, first listen. His ability to change up the atmosphere around well-known rap tracks and their vocals in a way that doesn't take away the integrity from the original is truly blessed.

ENTRO// adds components that trigger the soul with his collection of vocal laced escapades in his various releases. Those ENTRO// escapades are evident in albums like "Tōge" and "Hands Free" released June of this year and "Tōge" October of last year.

Teleport back to 2018 and chill on ENTRO//'s flawless ode to Jazz and Soul "after hours" his nine-track wonder available like all ENTRO// releases via Bandcamp. "After hours" as an album, highlights, and samples moods and sounds that are timeless, it simply can't be missed if you're a lover of soul-infused musical displays.

Not to mention one of his earlier beat-tapes, "Etcetera" released in May 2016 that shows the development and dedication to beats ENTRO// has embodied since the beginning.

You'll notice ENTRO//'s creative response and fluency has shown his dedication to staying true to the roots of a song, and this is evident from the early days for this truly inventive beat-smith.

Innovation at it's best is what you can expect when you hit play on an ENTRO// track. So chill and take in the words of this Australian talent, making music for the soul, body, and mind, much love.

Hey ENTRO// thanks a lot for the opportunity to share words. First off, I thought I'd ask a few random quick questions to get things started.

Favourite Food: Sushi

Favourite Beverage: Red bull

A track to cry to: Jesus is the one ( I have depression)

A song to break it down to: ethereal - Playboi Carti

Last piece of art you brought, and what drew you in about it: Commissioned a piece from Melbourne artists @cactvs - portrait of me and my partner

Views on Reincarnation: donno

Views on Tea: Green

A childhood memory in regards to music: My mum used to listen to Macey Gray and I hated it lol

Go to Album of All-Times: Saba - Care for Me

Favourite Place to Eat in Melbourne: Korean BBQ

What you enjoy doing in your downtime: Video games, making clothes

Favourite Location: Osaka

Thanks for that ENTRO//. So, I thought I'd ask, what inspired you to give producing a go in the first place? Did you play any instruments before you picked up beat-making? How many years have you been at it and what brings you the most joy when you're making music?

I've played instruments since I was young. Guitar and drums mostly. I also learnt viola at school but that sucked ass. I've picked up piano recently too.

I just enjoy creating things I like, all the music I release is stuff I enjoy listening to myself.

When making music, do you have a routine you follow or a way you set your creative environment up before getting onto a track? If so, how do you find this benefits your mood and your creative output?

Not really, I just sit at my studio and listen to music, roll up some broccoli, look for samples, make drum tracks. I'll find something that sounds cool and go from there.

What does ENTRO// mean and represent to you? What is something you're trying to share through your music?

ENTRO// is just a form of expression for me - I just share what I enjoy making and am blessed to have people enjoy it the same way I do.

Melbourne has such a well, developing community for beat-makers and musicians in general, much love to those based in Melbourne bringing up other artists. Artists like Amin Payne whom we interviewed a while back and SADIVA whom we are in the works of words with too.

Humble individuals devoting themselves to sound, really feel that.

What do you enjoy about living and creating in Melbourne? And what do you feel Melbourne has to offer musicians that may be unique, compared to other areas in Australia you have visited or lived in?

Melbourne is hella diverse when it comes to music, and we're lucky to have a lot of opportunities to play live and network with each other. Everyone is super supportive too, it's nice to have a community like that.

Can you share more about HIGH BIAS a monthly event based in Melbourne that you are a part of?

High Bias is originally an event brand me and my partner put together with Fiftyfive. Through everyone's support and our amazing community, we've grown into a multi venue event group, as well as a clothing brand and micro cassette label.

HIGH BIAS I believe is a label as well, focusing on Mirco cassette releases for artists creating in the realms of Hip-Hip and Jazz and also supplies quality merch and vintage apparel through their website too, love the concept.

HIGH BIAS Website - https://highbias.supply/

Can you share what HIGH BIAS means, believes, and represents collectively?

High Bias was originally a homage to the "good old days" of lofi, before Spotify playlists and anime beats. We focus on the culture we fell in love with - and try to share that with everyone else.

These days, we've expanded our scope to become a platform for all things "sample culture." Essentially that means anything that reinvents conventions or turns them into something new. We try not to limit ourselves on what we want to do - we take each thing as it comes and decide as a group whether it's something we believe in and want to represent or not.

What is the feel of the live, monthly shows known as "Lofi Lounge"?

Lofi Lounge is pretty much what it sounds like. Lofi beats in a basement lounge bar. We also host jazz bands and hip hop crews, artists and video DJs too. We focus on creating a vibe rather than a show, we want it to be somewhere to chill with homies and catch up with the community.

And with the restrictions in place with Covid19 here in Australia, has HIGH BIAS had ideas for online shows?.

We think live streaming shows is quite over saturated right now - and it's not something we're excited about so its not on the cards right now.

What else can we expect from HIGH BIAS in the coming months?

Once venues start to re open we'll be back with our usual programming. We've got some more clothing drops on the way too - and finally a little secret project in the works with Good Mood Melbourne, but we can't speak too much on that right now.

Are you hoping to have HIGH BIAS in full swing again after restrictions have been lifted?

Absolutely.

What do you think you enjoy most about being a part of HIGH BIAS? And finally, what do you feel encouraged the move to start selling quality threads? The collection is mint by the way.

Thanks! High Bias allows us to support the community and share things we love.

We started making threads because outside of music, I've always been big on clothing and streetwear. It's another avenue of expression. We aim to make clothes that are sustainable and affordable, while still focusing on design and cuts.

What do you love most about expressing a part of yourself through music? Do you feel your music makes you feel vulnerable sometimes? If so, how do you overcome and embrace those feelings?

It's always enjoyable creating something, I do it for myself first and foremost. I'm just lucky to have people that like it as much as I do. Making music isn't a vulnerable thing for me.

When I first started sharing my music it was a little frightening putting it out to the world - but you kinda just have to do things like that sometimes and cop the feedback. Makes you a stronger person.

With everything going on worldwide at the moment with protests, illness, and lack of employment, what do you think creatives should be doing to show their support for those affected?

I don't think it matters who you are, people should look out for their friends and family - think global act local.

What do you feel creatives within the realms of Hip-Hop should be doing to show their appreciation for the roots and fore-creators?

As a white dude I don't like to speak on what we should be doing as it's not my place. But what's most important is to listen, be respectful and know that we are guests in this culture.

Would you say you like to explore various genres? What do you enjoy most about adapting and creating your own sound?

I donno, as a music fan I listen to many different genres, but when it comes to creating music I do what feels right. I'm really into that heavy 808 type stuff right now, so I try to blend jazzy, soulful stuff with that.

Let's go back and talk about your earliest beat-tape released in 2016 known as "Etcetera".

For me, this release as a whole is dosed in those smooth tones and jazzy feels that had me thinking to myself,

"Surely, you'd been producing a while before you released music?",

"Etcetera" is a blessed release to play track 1 to 10.

Favourite track for me is "INFAMOUS", much love for the skills displayed in this timeless release.

Link to Etcetera here - https://entrobeats.bandcamp.com/album/etcetera

Can you share how "Etcetera" came about and also, why the name Etcetera? Can you remember what your thoughts were like on the release date? What atmosphere were you trying to create with this release?

Etcetera is actually just a collection of beats I made in the early days. It's not something I revisit often but it was a good benchmark of what I had made at the time.

Do you have a favourite track from "Etcetera"? If so, what beat and why? Finally, what inspired the names of the tracks on "Etcetera"?

I don't really have a favourite from that album, I actually barely remember it lol. When I name tracks there's nothing special too it, it's normally a play on the original samples name, or a line from an acapella I used.

Thanks for that. Can you share a little about Lab Co and what they represent? You've released with this collective quite a bit.

What do you feel Lab Co represents and, what do you enjoy about releasing and creating with Lab Co? Where is Lab Co based?

Lab Co is literally just a crew of homies from mostly Melbourne. We're not as active as we once were but we all still play the same shows and catch up all the time.

It came together through us all being heavily involved with BeatLab, a show put together my Walla C and Clay Adams.

They gave a lot of us our first shows - and it grew from there. It's amazing having a tight knit crew around you, I love all those guys and girls and am forever grateful for it.

Going back to 2016, you also released another beat-tape in that year, "Wave '92" which is a full release consisting of 26 tracks that you put together for Melbourne based label Groove Penguin Records and HIGH BIAS.

For me, there are too many added goodies for me to choose a favourite.

You supply variety and innovation when it comes to working with beats and, your style feels very natural.

Link to Wave '92 here -

https://entrobeats.bandcamp.com/album/wave-92

How did this release come about and what inspired you to create it?

Also, what do you appreciate about having the opportunities to work on your music with other local curators and labels?

Funny enough, I was working a cafe at the time and got talking to the dude who runs the label as he was a regular customer. One thing lead to another and we put together the tape. It was awesome meeting everyone in that community and learning the ropes. I appreciate them for putting out my first physical release, meant a lot.

2018 was a good year for experimental Hip-Hop in Melbourne with the release of the HIGH BIAS compilation "local cuts [comp #01]" which showcased the works of producers and beat-makers that have played at the monthly Melbourne shows "Lofi Lounge".

Insane tracks by artists such as SADIVA, ohwell, and yourself are featured in local cuts and it's such a release.

Bounce, emotion, and soul are all present in this comp, cheers to all involved.

Link to "local cuts [comp #01]" Here- https://highbiassupply.bandcamp.com/album/local-cuts-comp-01

Your track "i'm lazy these days" for the compilation was a smooth jazzy number. The piano simply carries you away, much love.

What's it like to perform at a "Lofi Lounge"? Also, what was it like to make "i'm lazy these days"? Clever track name btw.

Performing at Lofi Lounge is pretty chill.

We let people do their thing and just facilitate them.

I'm lazy these days was literally thrown together in 20 min cus I forgot to make a beat for the tape lmao, hence the name.

Does your family know you make music? If so, what does your family think about your sound and how do they show support for what you do?

Yeah! They're real supportive as well, they think cus I got a couple million plays on Spotify that I'm like a big deal, so it's kind of cute lmao

Away from music, what does your day to day activities usually consist of? Does your day to day inspire or influence the music you make?

Not much right now cus of isolation, but it's normally a lot of going to shows, seeing homies, playing video games. Inspiration comes from experience for me. Whether it's listening to new music or getting hyped from someone else's success.

Can we look with a wee bit more detail into your August 2018 release "after hours"? Which has to be one of my favourite albums by yourself.

Jazzy vibes that suit day or night layered in drums that make the heart skip a beat, vibrant and balanced, I've found myself playing "after hours" on repeat. Thank you for the effort you put into this one.

Link to after hours here -

https://entrobeats.bandcamp.com/album/after-hours

You produced this album in 6 months too, what was that like?

Just like any other project for me, I catch a certain vibe and run with it till I have something

Did you create any deadlines for yourself with this release? Also, what was "after hours" like to create?

I never do deadlines, I try to release at least one full length a year but it's more important for me to make sure the music is ready before pushing it out.

What atmosphere were you trying to create with this 9-track blessing?

Just some lounge type hip hop beats - I didn't think too much about this one but I do think I really refined my style at the time when it came to that release.

Do you have a favourite track from this release, if so, which one and why?

Nokia 3310 by far - it's just such a tasty sample.

Last year you released "Tōge" a 14 track album that showcases lofi hip-hop laced in all things phonk and jazz, with drums that add bounce and has the head-bopping till you hit the last track "Class Is Over", to the way you worked the vocal samples in "Tōge" which also needs to be commended.

Nice work yet again on this release, I feel it's a must cope for anyone who enjoys experimental hip-hop. "Tōge" seems to show how you subtly change your sound and still hold that integrity within your work, it's blessed to hear through-out this entire release.

When one purchases this release, you're also gifted with 11 bonus musical blessings that are just worth the purchase, much gratitude for the additions.

Link to Tōge here - https://entrobeats.bandcamp.com/album/t-ge

Can you share what "Tōge" was like to create? What encouraged the vocal samples you worked with in this release? And finally, what did you enjoy working on most with this album?

Toge for me was my departure from lofi. I was experimenting with 808s and slower tempos, triplets etc. I started using Acapellas from modern rappers I liked, putting it into a different context over my type of beats. It was refreshing to do something different.

If you still have it in you, I would love to discuss "Hands Free" which you released at the start of June this year.

This album has your track "double cheese" in it and this track was my introduction to your sound.

Your take on "Double" by Smokepurpp and NLE Choppa just blew me away, subtle alterations to the vocals that enhanced drums as I had never heard them before. You added another layer of soul with your take.

I knew at first play you'd be someone I'd love the opportunity to share words with so before we end, I'd just like to thank you for what you're doing within music here in Australia.

Back on "Hands Free" what inspired you to put this release together?

Link to Hands Free here - https://entrobeats.bandcamp.com/album/hands-free

Nothing in particular, I had been working on some new music and with all the time off I've had recently it was a good time to put something together.

What were your nerves like with this release? What inspires you to release bonus tracks with your releases?

No nerves or anything like that. The bonus tracks on that release are for the people that prefer the instrumentals. I like to include them for anyone that buys the album.

Also, what drew in in about the particular songs you chose to sample for this album as a whole and how does this release resonate with you as its creator?

I was actually listening to a lot of Jetson, baccyard and Soudiere at the time so that was kind of the vibe.

Any upcoming releases or collaborations in the works that you would like to share more details about?

I'm always working on music so I'll have some stuff out again soon. Some singles and maybe another EP before the end of the year.

Can you recommend any artists from music and beyond that you feel our readers would benefit from checking out?

Aside from who I mentioned above, as well as everyone in Lab Co - I'd have to say some of my influences when I first started out.

bsd.u, p00k, aNTOJE, mdbnd, AKTR, bugseed,

Any Last Words?

Thanks for having me!

youtube

ENTRO// - Dime Bag

Support ENTRO// Here:

Soundcloud -

https://soundcloud.com/entrobeats

Bandcamp -

https://entrobeats.bandcamp.com/

Spotify -

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1D0OXZyaPPpi1IIXPHnbwt

Instagram -

https://www.instagram.com/entro__/

Twitter -

https://twitter.com/entro__

Youtube -

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ju9lC_y1R-aSgSHQ-VAhA

Special thanks to Bonny Scott, Corey Leonard, Dani Caffs and @thelisteningpartyco for the brilliant photography

#phonk #lofi #entro//#interview #beatsfortheill #onlinemagazine

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gadgetsrevv · 5 years

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How Jurgen Klopp Took Liverpool From Nowhere To Euro Kings In Four Years

“I am the Normal One,” a grinning Jurgen Klopp told a room full of reporters while being unveiled as Liverpool’s new manager four years ago.

The charismatic 48-year-old German had just ended his break from football having guided Borussia Dortmund to back-to-back Bundesliga titles and the Champions League final. He walked in at Anfield to take over a Liverpool team that were 10th in the Premier League, labouring in the Europa League and going nowhere fast. Steven Gerrard’s stellar Reds career had ended, Luis Suarez was long gone and success seemed a long way off for the Kop faithful.

Jurgen Klopp took Liverpool from Premier League mid-table to champions of Europe in four years

Klopp said: “Does anyone in this room think I can do wonders? No. I am a normal guy. I come from the Black Forest. My mother is probably sat at home now watching this, not able to understand a word of what I am saying but very proud.”

Four years later, and Klopp has Liverpool fans feeling proud again as kings of Europe having won their sixth Champions League last season in Madrid. Here, SPORTbible looks at the key moments in Klopp’s Reds revolution from mid-table mediocrity to champions of the continent, and how Vincent Kompany helped them out.

1. Tearing apart Man City 4-1 at the Etihad

Jamie Carragher described Liverpool’s front three in this game as ‘the Red Arrows’. In Klopp’s fifth Premier League game in charge, the Reds were irresistible in ripping Manchester City to shreds. Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho both scored and gave Man City’s defence nightmares and, for the first time under Klopp’s reign, there were glimpses of the pressing and “heavy metal football” that the Reds are now renowned for.

Liverpool cut apart Manchester City at the Etihad in November 2015

2. The West Brom draw celebration

In December 2015, a 96th-minute equaliser from Divock Origi salvaged Liverpool a draw against West Brom at Anfield. Klopp rounded his troops and lined them up in front of the Kop to salute the fans by joining arms and waving them up and down. The Reds have since been ridiculed for the vociferous celebrations, but Klopp’s explanation made a lot of sense.

He said: “There was a big misunderstanding against West Brom. I wanted to say thank you to the supporters after that game so I took my team towards the Kop to do it and there was a discussion everywhere about it. I wanted to show that we really we are one unit, 100 per cent one unit. That means I know I am responsible for the performance, but the people are responsible for the atmosphere.”

Liverpool’s salute to the Kop has been used to ridicule them, but it was an important moment early in Jurgen Klopp’s reign

3. Run to the Europa League final

For the first time since the Rafa Benitez days, Anfield felt like a place to be on European nights once again. Liverpool beat fierce rivals Manchester United, came from behind to see off Borussia Dortmund in a thriller, and eased past Villarreal on their run to the final in Switzerland. Klopp’s men came up short in a 3-1 loss to Sevilla and missed out on Champions League football the following season, but maybe that served them well.

Losing the Europa League final to Sevilla in 2016 meant Liverpool missed out on Champions League football the following year

4. Bringing in Sadio Mane

This is where the revolution really started. At last, Liverpool had someone with pace who could challenge the space in behind defenders and stretch teams. Liverpool forked out £34million for the Senegal star in the summer of 2016 and he’s been integral to their success and style of play.

His impact was readily apparent when he went to the Africa Cup of Nations in January 2017. Liverpool didn’t win any of their four league games while Mane was away. They were dumped out of the FA Cup by Wolves and lost home and away to Southampton in the EFL Cup semi-finals. Mane returned in devastating fashion with a double to beat Tottenham at Anfield in February and get the Reds back on track. And boy were the Kop faithful happy to see him return.

Sadio Mane brought pace and direct play which Liverpool were missing before him

5. Back in the Champions League

Despite a stutter in the second half of the season, Klopp’s men held off Arsenal to clinch fourth place on the final day with a 3-0 win over Middlesbrough. Forget their failure against Sevilla in the Europa League final the year before, Liverpool were back in the Champions League where they belong for the first time in three seasons.

Liverpool beat Middlesbrough 3-0 on the final day to secure a Champions League return

6. Bringing in the Egyptian King

Few expected Mo Salah to make quite the impact he did in his debut season at Anfield. A £35million signing from Roma in summer 2017, Salah came to England with a reputation of a Chelsea flop after his miserable spell at Stamford Bridge. Nobody, not even Liverpool fans, expected the record-breaking numbers he delivered to catapult himself into Ballon d’Or contention.

Salah scored 32 Premier League goals in his first season, the most in a 38-game season. His 44-goal haul in all competitions has only been bettered by Ian Rush (47 in 1983/84) in the club’s illustrious history.

Mo Salah made a stunning impact at Anfield after his £35million move from Roma

7. Coutinho out, Van Dijk in

Liverpool were a terrifying force going forward, led by the ‘Fab Four’ of Mane, Salah, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho. At the back, though, they were leaky. In fact, they were more than leaky. Four times between August and December in 2017 they conceded three or more goals and Coutinho’s wish to leave for Barcelona presented the opening they were waiting for.

Liverpool cashed in on the Brazilian as he moved to Barcelona in a £150m deal. They invested straight away in signing Virgil van Dijk from Southampton for £75m, and he has been a colossus at the back. A debut winner against Everton at the Kop end in an FA Cup third round tie under the lights, what a way to introduce yourself to your new fans.

Virgil van Dijk joined Liverpool in January 2018 and turned them into contenders

Liverpool were in the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time since 2009. They breezed past Porto in the last-16 and were too good for runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City in the quarter-finals. Klopp’s men beat Roma 7-6 on aggregate in the semi-finals to reach club football’s showpiece – the Champions League final.

It didn’t work out that night for the Reds with Salah being forced off injured and Loris Karius’ howlers costing them dear in defeat to Real Madrid. But they were back among Europe’s elite.

Mo Salah left the 2018 Champions League final in tears as Liverpool lost another European final

9. The final pieces of the jigsaw

But for Karius’ calamity showing in Kiev, Liverpool might have won their sixth Champions League trophy in 2018. That performance convinced Klopp, though, that it was finally time to look for a new goalkeeper. The German boss stuck by Karius and Simon Mignolet, but he couldn’t dig his heels in any longer.

Liverpool signed Alisson from Roma for a then world record £75million fee. They had a quality shot stopper in goal behind a defence that comprised Van Dijk and two vastly improving full-backs in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.

Academy product Alexander-Arnold and £8m signing Robertson have turned into assist machines for the formidable front three with their excellent delivery from wide areas.

Alisson joined Liverpool for a then world record fee of £75m in the summer of 2018

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have turned into two of the best full-backs in the world

Liverpool’s Premier League campaign was going well, but they were faltering in Europe. On December 11, 2018 on match day six in Group C, the Reds had to beat Napoli 1-0 or by two clear goals to go through to the knockout stages.

Salah gave them the lead in the first half, but Klopp’s side were wasteful and never got the goals they needed to kill the game off. And in injury time, Napoli’s Arkadiusz Milik was unmarked in Liverpool’s penalty area, eight yards from goal and with the ball at his feet. Alisson stood tall and made the most crucial save of his career. Liverpool held on and qualified with PSG. Without that save, there would have been no sixth time.

Alisson’s save against Napoli in injury time was critical in getting Liverpool through to the knockout stages

11. Kompany’s stunner against Leicester

The 2018-19 Premier League title race between Liverpool and Man City was going to the wire. Neither juggernaut put a foot wrong in the closing months off the season in a thrilling battle.

Man City faced Leicester in their final home game, knowing that victory would effectively seal the title with just a trip to Brighton to come.Pep Guardiola’s men laboured to make a breakthrough as Leicester looked like taking two points off them, which would’ve put Liverpool in pole position in the title race.

Captain Kompany stepped up and fired a rocket into the top corner from 20 yards to lift Man City to victory and take them back to the top of the table. Liverpool fans knew that Leicester were their last real hope in the title race. They had just the Champions League left to play for, and in that faced a 3-0 semi-final first-leg deficit against Barcelona.

Had Kompany not scored that memorable winner, Liverpool would have been in the driving seat in the title race. Would Anfield have felt the same the following night against Barcelona? Would Klopp have rested some of his big guns for their final Premier League game against Wolves at the weekend? Who are we to speculate?

Vincent Kompany’s strike against Leicester virtually ended Liverpool’s title pursuit and meant all their eggs were in the Champions League basket

12. The greatest night in Anfield history

The final itself in Madrid was rather unforgettable. A laboured 2-0 win over Tottenham in a match lacking in quality and tempo gave the Reds the Champions League glory they craved. But there was nothing missing from their semi-final, second leg against Barcelona. Facing a 3-0 deficit with their Premier League title hopes all but gone, Liverpool were in “Never Give Up” mode.

For a club steeped in history and tradition and a stadium that has seen so many famous nights, they somehow topped it all against Lionel Messi and Co. Two goals from Divock Origi and a double from Georginio Wijnaldum completed an impossible comeback. Liverpool were in the Champions League final and on their way to six times.

Liverpool beat Barcelona 4-0 at Anfield to complete a remarkable turnaround in their Champions League semi-final

Divock Origi’s late winner against Barcelona from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s quick corner will live long in the memory

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dat-town · 7 years

Text

Under the same stars || chapter 1

Characters: Park Jimin & OC (Xu Xianni)

Setting: Winter Olympics, figure skater!Jimin AU

Genre: 90% fluff 10% angst

Summary: A story about Olympics, first love and rules that are meant to be broken.

Words: 5802

Chapters: 1, 2 , 3 (the end)

Alternatively titled: Kiss and cry. (exp.) The area in an ice rink where figure skaters wait for their marks to be announced after their performances during a competition.

I blame Jimin’s end of year dance stages for this mess. I don’t have any first-hand experience about figure skating so if I claimed any uncorrect detail about the sport, please feel free to let me know.

The story is set in 2018 during the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, Korea.

The rules

My mother told me three rules I should never forget:

Number One. Everyone who steps on the ice rink is your enemy. Don’t trust them.

Number Two. Everything in the Olympic Village is a temporary illusion. Don’t hope to bring home other than a medal.

And last but not least, Number Three. When you fall, no matter how much it hurts, get up and forget it ever happened.

I might be a bad girl for not listening but I happen to broke them one by one and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. I proudly claim that I have no regrets even though mother was right: falling in love indeed can influence careers.

Breaking rule no.1

Day 0 - 9th February

“I still can’t believe we’re here,” I let out a sigh in awe as I look out of the hotel room’s window. It grants me a magnetic view of the Pyeongchang mountains covered by pearl white, fresh snow. The peaks and downhills under the azure blue sky look like sweet meringues freshly out of the oven. It resembles to heaven in my mind with all the tiny houses and sparkling lights below. So much prettier than on the poster.

“You better believe it. Hurry up with unpacking, The opening ceremony starts in two hour,” my coach’s strict voice rings in my head just like those times when I mess up practice and she scolds me for not paying attention. Usually I lift my chin high and try harder but we’re not in the ice rink now. We’re in a room on the 4th floor in the Olympic Village at my very first Winter Games.

“I know. I’ll take a shower and change. I can finish unpacking after it. I have plenty of time,” I try to reason and give an explanation about my calm state.

The woman at the edge of my made bed is a little shorter than me and unlike me she’s already wearing an appropriate clothing for tonight: a business costume. It’s so different from her usual casual training clothes that it makes her look older. Her cheeks are rosy and her hair is a little messy from the chilly wind we came across on our way here from the airport.

“I have to leave to the coaches and staff’s accommodation and you’ll be on your own,” she warns with a frown on her face and stares at me with her famous piercing look. It makes me feel belittled because it implies to that I can’t take care of my own luggage despite the fact I have been travelling around the world because of competitions since I was thirteen.

“I know. I can handle it.” This time a shudder sigh leaves my mouth but my voice never wavers. “I’m not a kid anymore, mom.”

As I emphasize the last world, the woman before me tenses. Sometimes I wonder how she sees herself. Is she my mother first or my coach? When she decides what the best is for me, is she thinking about me as her daughter or just her most potential student who can make it big?

“But you are,” mom sticks to her own opinion and brush aside my weak protest with a last pat on my suitcase. “I have to go so we’ll meet in the lobby before the take-off to the opening ceremony, okay?”

“Yeah,” I mumble a little discouraged and let her press a kiss to my cheek. I try not to pout as I wave her off because I know she only wants to protect me but I still can’t shake off this uneasy feeling that she’s overdoing it. There must be so much more to this world than she lets me see.

I cast a last glance to the wonderful scenery then do as I promised. I take a quick, cold shower and put on the common athlete training clothes with my surname and my county’s name on it. I always wear it proudly and it makes me feel like I have a whole nation supporting me. It’s a feeling beyond expression just like the heavy weight of gold around your neck. I just wish I could experience the weight of an Olympic medal no matter the colour.

The opening ceremony is grandiose and splendid; South Korea really does it justice and doesn’t stir disappointment. There are all kind of performers on a big scale, even kpop stars and traditional sword dancers. I enjoy the whole thing but for me, the most heartfelt moment is when all the athletes march in. I see a few familiar faces from other competitions and we greet each other but I have no idea about most of them.

Day 1 - 10th February

As the fireworks paint the sky in rainbow colours, the clock ticks and the day turns. Everyone is cheering, the Olympic Flame is shining brightly in the dark night. The reality finally settles in my bones and veins: it really did start. When I leave the huge stadium alongside with a few other skaters, mom finds me at the lobby where we met before the ceremony. The bus ride back to the Olympic Village in Gangneung is quiet. It's already well past midnight when we arrive so her sudden request sounds a little absurd.

“No staying up late, no partying with others. I’ll wait for you at the ice rink tomorrow morning at seven.”

It takes a lot of my willpower not to whine. Of course, even though ladies competition is last in line, mother would never waste the opportunity to practice.

“Mom…”

“No buts, honey. Now I have to go, I meet one of the Russian coaches. Good night!” She pursues her lips and sends me a kiss before storming out of the lively hall. The Village buzzes with excitement. Nobody plans to sleep tonight. There are bars and clubs waiting for just us and lots of athletes want to loosen up a bit before their big day.

The girl from the skiing team whom I room with is also one of them because she's in the middle of preparing to going out when I arrive back to our place. We introduce ourselves in hurry but it looks like she doesn’t plan to waste any more time for formalities.

“Hey… you comin’?” Yanmei turns around at the door as she fixes some ribbon on her tight black dress. Her make up is smokey and wild, she’s definitely going to get a date tonight. Thinking about clubs, loud music, lots of frustrated young people and what I learned about them from American movies, I only hesitate for a moment before answering:

“Yeah, I’m coming.”

Maybe I should listen to mother but we spend 350 days out of 365 practicing and today I just want to relax. It’s hard to lead a normal life, to graduate with good GPA and to have friends when you’re going after the gold. It’s impossible to ‘hang out’ when you’re at a training camp this week and at the Grand Prix the next. I gave up friends for this life. I even delay university for this. But I won’t deny myself a little fun. I’m not a robot; sometimes I need a break as well.

I quickly disconnect my phone from the charger to shove it into my jeans pocket. I have nothing party-worthy outfit (otherwise mom would have burnt it anyway) but these black jeans and platform heels make my legs seem longer and the baby pink blouse with pearls is pretty. I let my hair down so the golden locks swirling around me and I’m ready to go.

The club near our accommodation is quite nice. To be honest, I have never been at any place like this so my judgement can be mistaken but I find Wings okay. The place is full of athletes and Olympic staff members. The UV light paints the wide space and everybody fluorescent blue while the DJ is providing some mashup of famous songs that takes the party to the dancefloor. Almost as soon as Yanmei and I step inside, someone jumps on her. (Almost literally.)

“Do you wanna dance?” the tall, broad shouldered guy flashes a smile at my fellow citizen and he prolongs his broken English’s syllables probably because of the alcohol in his system. But that doesn’t stop Yanmei from saying yes and she’s trailing after the German snowboarder.

I sigh as I’m all alone once again and I try to manoeuvre my way towards the bar before any suspicious looking guy could hit on me. When I’m there I examine the supply of drinks and search for something without alcohol. It’s not like I can’t drink, I’m of age but I should be on ice in less than seven hours and I don’t intend to break my legs because of a clumsy slip. I wait for my cocktail while casually sitting on one of those modern stools as I sway my legs like a child would. My fingers follow the rhythm of the loud music when suddenly I hear Korean chirping behind me followed by a warm hand planted on my shoulder. The sudden action makes my heart jump like a bad horror movie would and I turn around astonished. The pitch-black haired guy I’m facing seems even more surprised based on how quickly he jerks his hand away as if I had burnt him.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. I thought you’re someone else,” he switches to English quickly that makes me eternally grateful because my Korean knowledge is confined to surviving. I know nothing more than sorry, thank you and where can I find the toilette.

“It’s okay,” I reply with a warm smile. It happens, nothing to be sorry about. It could have been worse.

I expect the stranger to go away without another word but he stays still and eyes me curiously so I return his gaze. He dressed up casually in knee-ripped jeans and a big white sweater that seems baby blue under the artificial light. He has stylish coal black hair hinted with glowing sparks because of the neon white disco lamp. His faintly reddened face seems familiar yet I’m sure we’ve never met before. Maybe the same realization keeps him here only a foot away from me.

“You came here alone?” The guy furrows his eyebrows and it sounds more curious than suggestive so I don’t mind answering.

“No. With my roommate but she left with a guy,” I shrug lightly. I was well aware why she came so it didn’t take me by surprise when she vanished into the crowd and since I don’t really know her, I can’t be mad either.

“So cruel,” the obviously Korean guy pouts and it’s kind of cute which should be weird for someone as handsome as him. But no, he gives off the typical, approachable, kind boy-next-door vibes while he has a face of models and the glint in his eyes are ethereal as well. As if he wasn’t on the verge of heart attack and all flustered just a minute ago, he dares to act cocky by asking. “Mind if I keep you company then?”

Again, nothing suggestive, just a question. Nice and kind. Maybe I wouldn’t be so oppose of saying yes but I can’t help but find something fishy.

“Didn’t you look for someone?” I raise an eyebrow in question because his sudden appearance is suspicious. Or maybe I’m just paranoid because this is my first time in a place like this and all of my experiences are taken from books and movies.

“Nope, not really.” The guy shakes his head and gosh, his smile could make flowers grow and my heart skips a beat. Maybe I should consult with a doctor about sudden palpitations. “I’m Park Jimin by the way. Korean team. Figure skating men’s single as in the category. But I’m single too if you’re interested.”

His breathy laugh makes it sound like a joke. A lame one but I giggle anyway and try not to care about the heat that makes its way up on my face. Suddenly, I’m grateful for this luminescent light because I’m sure I could make a tomato jealous. Nonetheless, I cover it up with a counterattack.

“Do you always flirt like this?”

“Why? Is it working?” Jimin attempts to keep his serious macho behaviour with wiggling his eyebrows but fails and instead he shows a genuine, toothy smile.

“Sorry, I’m not like this usually. You’re just really cute and… I should shut up.”

“Yes, probably,” I chuckle as I downcast my eyes bashfully. I’m not used to compliments outside of the rink. It takes a few moments before I look up again but Jimin wait patiently with his outstretched arm. “I’m Xu Xianni from China. Figure skating women’s single”

I take his hand and smile at the gentle pressure of his fingers. Maybe I even let the feeling to linger a little more than it should.

“Thank god we’re not competing in pair category. That would have been awkward,” he says when he lets my hand go and it falls back to my side. His laughter is fairly nice, I have to admit. It sounds like a chime of bells, a melody that is soaring in the spring sky under rainbows or a beautiful flower that grows in the middle of winter and fights its way through the snow.

“Yeah,” I agree because his statement couldn’t be more right. If we were in a different category we could have been rivals and that would probably mean the end of our so far enjoyable conversation.

Jimin flashes a smile at me and orders a drink for himself, some cocktail which I’ve never heard of and then he casually asks about my day like we had known each other for years. We talk about my flight and that kid on the plane that just didn’t shut up. We praise the opening ceremony and Jimin makes a show of copying one of the kpop groups’ choreography. We compete to see who had been in more foreign country and we go on and on about our favourites. Jimin tells me about that time when he and his high school best friend, Taehyung ran around in a hotel after shower because of some game controller and got locked out of their room in nothing but their underwear.

I can’t even remember the last time I had so much fun like today with Jimin. However, everything comes to an end eventually and the sight of what time it is makes me slightly panicked. I’ve been here for almost three hours and I have to get up in less than the same amount of time. The funny thing is I’m not even tired because miraculously I didn’t have practice today and I had some sleep on the plane. Yet, I need a nap because mom will ask how I slept and I can’t lie to her in the eye or else she will know about it immediately. Mother censors and stuff.

“I should go,” I mumble in the momentary silence of our conversation, sorrow evident in my voice. Jimin’s reaction is immediately dumbfounded.

“So early?” he pouts with a sad puppy look on his face. He’s frank about his disappointment because I can’t stay longer and doesn’t try to hide it. It makes me giggle a little because it is early: half past three in the morning.

“Well, my coach wants me on ice by 7am so I have to,” I groan in mild annoyance and Jimin’s usually narrow eyes go wide at my statement.

“What? That’s ruthless. Isn’t female skating like a week away?” he asks in a struck and perplexed state.

“Yeah, but she wants me prepared,” I shrug because my mother’s methods are not even shock me anymore. Jimin nods understandingly and yawns.

“Today I think I’m gonna sleep in. Luckily, my coach is a pretty laidback guy. Such a shame he had to stop competing early. You may have heard about him. Taemin was kind of a big deal back then...”

“No way! Lee Taemin is your coach? He's a legend,” I squeal and my eyes lit up at the mentioned name. I can’t believe I just spend the last three hours talking to someone who is a student of Taemin. He must be good, but unfortunately nowadays I can only keep up with Chinese athletes and foreign female contestants.

Jimin hums in agreement but doesn’t say anything. When I stand up I suddenly don’t want to go. It would be so easy to stay and enjoy this cozy bubble of ours a little more without paying attention to the trap music and kissing pairs around us but I’m not the one who goes back on her word.

“Thank you for keeping me company. I’m glad we talked.” I can’t force back a sincere smile which he returns without missing a beat.

“Likewise. See you around,” he turns his body towards me and his arms are really inviting while I’m shifting my weight from one leg to the other and back because I’m not really sure what should I do. How girls do this? Should I hug him, shake his hand or just wave to him? Oh, I’m so damn pathetic when it comes to being social. Goodbyes are really not my thing.

“In case we don’t meet until then, good luck!” I decide on honest best wishes, finally ready to go.

“You too. But I sincerely hope we will meet,” he adds and I nod hesitantly, preparing to go. However, Jimin beats me to it as he envelops me in a hug that ends way too quick and smiles at me widely. I smile back and forget about being nervous.

As soon as my body touch the bed, I sleep like a baby.

Day 3 - 12th February

Gangneung is a coastal town near the mountains and here will be held events like ice hockey, curling and skating. All contestants in these categories stay in this Olympic Village so I’m sure the Korean figure skaters are no exceptions. But with so many people around it’s easy to get lost in the crowd.

Despite my foolish hopes, we didn’t meet again that day. I guess he really did slept till late and yesterday we could have missed each other’s practice hours. However, since everyone trained in the Ice Arena, at least one meeting was inevitable. It was bound to happen eventually.

Yet, I was surprised to find him on the ice Monday morning. He just finished his routine to a music I don’t know and get off the rink gracefully. There’s another men beside him in a puffy coat who keeps talking to him while offering a towel and a bottle of water. Jimin shakes his head, black locks sticking to his forehead as he looks conflicted. It’s weird to see his recent carefree personality to change so serious.

“Who is he?” I point at him when nobody’s around and step closer to our team’s male figure skater because if anyone then he must know well who he is. Of course I could search his name on the Internet but that would be cheating and less exciting. Fortunately, Yan Han doesn’t seem bothered by my sudden question and just shrugs.

“He’s Park Jimin, South Korea’s sweetheart. He and Hanyu are the biggest rivals. They’re constantly breaking each other records since Sochi. That time, the Japanese won the gold but it was Jimin who claimed the world champion title. With them in the competition everyone else fights for the third place.”

Wow. That’s all I can think about. I still stand there mindlessly and speechless when Yan Han has to step onto the ice.

Today I arrived early (No way I did it in hope of seeing someone. Nope. Not at all) so my mom still hasn’t arrived yet. I make the most out of my free time by going over the choreo once again in my head meanwhile absolutely not stealing glances at the other end of the ice rink. That’s the only reason I notice the approaching steps of a certain someone. Alone with his coach watching him from afar.

“Hi there,” Jimin greets me with a warm smile as beautiful as sunrises.

“Hey, Mr. Champion.”

The new nickname I made up just now makes him laugh. I take a moment to scan him over in his training clothes under the natural light. He seems amused and even more handsome than the day before.

“I see you did your homework on me but to be honest that gold was only luck.”

“So humble,” I comment on his shyness because there’s no way someone becomes world champion because of purely luck. I can’t wait to see him in action.

“And what about you? They say you're China's Kim Yuna.”

“She's the queen,” I protest quickly just like every time they mention it. It’s an honour to hear my name in the same sentence with hers because I look up to her as a role model but her achievements outshine all of my attempts. “I’m not even close.”

“So humble,” he mimics my earlier response with a cheeky smile and run his fingers through his silky black hair.

“I almost didn’t recognize you with your hair in a bun,” he admits and drops down to sit on a bench behind the barrier. I copy his movements but I make sure not to sit too close. An arm-length should be a comfortable distance between friends, right?

“Well, I have to keep it in one place if I don’t want to bother with it while dancing,” I let out a chuckle and unconsciously touch my made-shift hair.

“It’s cute,” Jimin compliments with an easy-going smile and I feel my cheeks turn rosy pink again. But before I can mutter out an answer, someone interrupts us in Chinese:

“I hope you have already warmed up.”

“Mom!” I react instinctively in my native language as I lift my eyes up to see my parent standing in front of me with a strict look on her face. I get on my feet quickly and the boy beside me follows. “This is Park Jimin...”

“I don’t care who he is. You’re here to win gold and not to make friends, understand?” she’s preaching as always. But this time it’s quite rude to act like the other athlete wasn’t there and speak in a language that he can’t understand. “I want you on ice in five minutes. Hurry up!”

And with that she leaves as if nothing happened. While on the other hand, there’s me with poppy-coloured cheeks from anger and humiliation. How could she do that to me? How could she act like that to me in front of a friend?

“Sorry,” I mumble turning towards Jimin who has this sad look on just like last time when we had to say good bye. Sorry doesn’t cover what my mom did but I can’t do more and I still have to put on my skates before she comes back and grounds me for the rest of the Olympics. That would be unfortunate since that’s only my third day here.

“No, no, no. I’m sorry for causing trouble for you. I should have known your coach is quite strict. She seemed pretty angry. I didn’t mean to distract you or anything,” Jimin apologizes even though he shouldn’t be the one doing that. But the guilty look on his face is sincere and I don’t want anything more than reassure him that he didn’t do nothing wrong.

“It’s not your fault. She’s a perfectionist and basically spent her entire life to build my career. She has everything planned out for me and if something unexpected happens like me talking with you she freaks out a little bit,” I explain hastily because I don’t want any misunderstanding between us. Hence, I don’t really think through what I’m saying and it ends up sounding like a complain. For a second, I’d like to rephrase my words but sometimes my mother’s behaviour really makes me wonder. Am I only an investment? Am I living her dream? I never really felt pressure of doing what she told me but she made me feel ungrateful if I didn’t. Would it be the same? I don’t know; the result is the same anyway.

“You can tell your coach no if she’s overdoing it,” Jimin suggests lightly with concern evident in his fascinating onyx eyes. He takes a step closer and for a brief moment, I think he’s going to hug me or something and I have to catch my breath. In the end he turns and leans over the barrier with a sigh.

“It’s not that easy. She’s my mother,” I tell him a bit anxiously in case he didn’t figured that out already. From the way he looks up with bewilderment, he hasn’t thought about this possibility.

“Oh.”

“Oh exactly,” I nod while a lump is forming in my throat. Well, bye-bye my newfound friendship. I know acquaintances at competitions don’t last but my mother tends to ruin all of my chances of a normal life. I doubt that Jimin would like anything from me after this. “Sorry, I have to go now.”

Unless I want to anger my mother even more.

“Me, too. See you later,” the Korean boy bids his goodbye when he hears his name called and jogs off to somewhere I can’t see him anymore.

It’s better this way. No more distraction. No more heart fluttering eye smile. I can focus on winning the gold.

The practice goes well even though my mother is harsher than usually. I guess she’s still mad about what happened earlier. I just don’t get why. It’s not like I did anything wrong. Is it so bad that I talked with another country’s contestant? But that’s the whole point of the Olympic Games, doesn’t it? To enjoy sport in a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play. Sad that people usually forget this.

“It was good.” mom pats my back as I get off the ice. She immediately starts the review as I massage my sore ankle. “Although your candlestick spiral can’t be this sloppy, the doughnut spin needs to be more graceful and don’t forget that we changed that last double axel to a triple.”

How can I forget? As far as I know only seven or so female skaters involved triple axel in their program on competition so far. I can’t blame mom for wanting me to be the eighth. I’d be proud if I could make it perfectly. It happened before and I spent a lot of time trying to improve but still, one out of four times I fail.

“My step sequence and Biellmann spin were good? What about the jumps?” I ask and try to curve everything into my memory to get everything right next time. I love reviewing with my mother because she’s really good at her job. No wonder why I won the Chinese junior nationals when I was 9 years old.

We spend half an hour monitoring the video she just took to point out every possible problem and everything’s fine until she calls it a day. As soon as I start to walk off to take a cold shower, she has to make a remark:

“I don’t like seeing you getting involved with that boy.”

It gets on your nerves really fast because Jimin didn’t do anything to deserve this negative attitude.

“What boy, mom? You scared him off, too. Are you happy?” I huff through clenched teeth and walk out of the room before she can muster another word. I need to cool down.

After a nutritious lunch, a run-through dance lesson with my choreographer and two interviews, I can finally enjoy freedom. After changing into comfy clothes, I decide to visit some souvenir shops downstairs. Even though I still hold grudges against mom, I send her a message informing her about my whereabouts so she won’t worry about me. Amidst the Pyeongchang 2018 printed T-shirts, mugs and refrigerator magnets Park Jimin is the last person I’d expect to see.

“Xianni? Hi!” he’s waving at me with a beaming smile like nothing bad ever happened. It helps me forget, too.

“Hi, yourself. Did you find anything to buy?” I step closer in order to make way for a passing customer. This shop is a quite small but it looked so cute from the outside I had to come in. Its unique charm seems to successfully draw Jimin in, too.

“Yeah. This is for my little brother,” he proudly holds up a big sweater with the mascots on the front. From the size of it, his siblings can’t be a lot younger than him but that endearing smile of his shows how much he cares for him. “And you?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe I’ll buy a pair of earrings,” my bottom lip quivers because I’m a little jealous. I have nobody to buy for. Dad no longer lives with us, I only meet him a few times a year and mom is with me here, why should I buy for her? I have no friends who cheer for me. It’s kind of sad and the realization hits me like bullet train. Maybe my expression falters, I don’t know but Jimin drop his smile and change the subject in a serious tone.

“Are you free the rest of the evening?”

“ Yes. Why?” It should be embarrassing how quickly I answer. In a heartbeat as if I was afraid he would change his mind. Also, I might be imagining things but maybe there was hope in his voice. Or was it in mine?

“I’ll go to the city and look around with a few friends,” he starts carefully dragging out the syllables but I can’t help but interrupt.

“Don’t you have the short round tomorrow?” I narrow my eyes in suspicion. I know he said his coach is pretty laidback but shouldn’t he rest?

“In the evening, yes. But I have been preparing for this for months now. My performance won’t depend on my last minute rituals.” Jimin shrugs wisely choosing his words. “So about the sightseeing… Would you like to join us?”

I know for sure mom wouldn’t approve but who cares? I’m an adult. I can make my own decisions and suffer the consequences. She didn’t get to know about the opening party either and I had fun there. Nothing can go wrong.

“You know what? I’d love to.”

Jimin’s smile grows wider. There are crinkles around his sparkling eyes and the apples of his cheeks are close to exploding.

We agreed on meeting in 10 minutes at the front gate so he can call the others and I can grab my camera. My roommate is currently doing some fitness so I also invite her but she refuses to hang out with Koreans. I have no idea what’s her problem with them but to be honest I can’t find myself regretting that she won’t come. I call the elevator in hurry and I feel anxious all of a sudden meeting with Jimin’s friends. In the end it turns out that there’s no reason for me to be nervous. All of them are nice.

“Guys this is Xianni I told you about.” Jimin presents me and two guys in the back exchange a knowing look. They’re at the same height, both a few inches taller than Jimin who’s so into introducing doesn’t notice this. “They are Seokjin from the curling team and Hoseok who’s competing in speed skating. I guess you know Chanmi, she’s our female figure skater after Yuna. And last but not least, there’s Jungkookie, the hockey team’s star. Don’t mind him. He’s a little shy around ladies”

“I am not,” the said boy crunches his nose in offended.

“If you say so,” Jimin shrugs teasingly.

“I’m glad to meet you all,” I smile at them happiness bubbling inside me because of how direct and open-minded they are. They don’t make me feel like an outsider at all.

“The pleasure is all ours,” the tall guy called Seokjin bows like a gentleman and Hoseok shoves him away in a friendly manner as laughing cracks them up.

“Yah, stop flirting!” he says with his cute broken English and we’re finally ready to go. Rather as a group of giggling youngsters than Olympic athletes.

We take the bus to the beach while talking in a weird mix of English, Korean and occasionally Chinese because the oldest of the group knows a bit of my language. We find a good seafood restaurant there and stop for dinner. Because of my diet, I only eat salad with salmon while the boys except Jimin are having a feast with various types of food. I notice that the figure skater boy barely eats something but I blame it on his nerves. Tomorrow is the competition and even if he doesn't admit it he can’t be entirely calm. But he has to eat if he doesn’t want to faint on ice tomorrow so when it comes to desserts I ask him to share a slice of cheesecake with me. He says yes gladly.

Later, we wonder around near the sea, searching shells in the sand using our phones as torches. Darkness has already settled and gazillions of tiny white dots decorate the textile of night. We come upon the town’s museum and pay it a visit. It’s very interesting to me because I know so little about Korean history and because normally I don't have enough time to go to places like this. While leaving we meet a few citizens who recommend the night market by the port for us. We discover lots of goods there, I buy a pair of leather gloves and Jimin keeps feeding me famous Korean street food such as Goldfish bread that is a fish shaped patisserie filled with red bean pasta and tornado potato which is basically seasoned roasted slices of potatoes.

“Do you trust me?” he asks me after he buys some weird looking brown sauce with breaded fish on a stick and offers me a bite.

“Yes.”

I'm a little startled by his intense gaze when he holds it to me but I do trust in him nonetheless. I know we don’t know each other for long and everything will end in three weeks. Despite everything, I can't help but feel this connection between us. We just click somehow. I have never felt this way before with anyone.

The fish cake with black bean pasta sauce turns out to be heavenly.

#figure skater au #olympics au #jimin scenario #jimin fluff #bts scenarios #bts fluff #jimin x oc #ice skating au #stories #i hope you like it #story: under the same stars

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