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#i just found this gem of a picture today holy shit

taetaespeaches · 3 years

Text

From the creators of “Lydia found out she can upload pictures and gifs into your ask box” here comes “Lydia found out she can submit text and stop spamming you with so many asks”.

Because, my love, get ready, this is really something. And I’m sending it today because I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, I’ll work half day and then I’ll go get new glasses because your girl is going blind and annoyed.

Please just answer this whenever you want, no pressure, this is.. a lot. I’m sorry in advance.

First of all, my data finished because of tete’s vlive, I didn’t noticed they were on instead of my wifi, I felt so stupid lol, but girl DID YOU SEE, is it me or does he looks more mature and holy shit so sexy ?????? what the fuck Taehyung, I’m actually asking, what the fuck? I want to know what is up with the fuck.

In other news, Jin and poopsie are moving in together. I’m in love and I’m totally Peaches chasing down that cup to put it in the trash. I do that, does Peaches also slow down when a pigeon is walking in front of her? bc I do that, they just don’t care and I’m like ok fine pigeon go ahead, they’re funny lol- but that was just lovely, I can’t stop thinking about how GOOD tae looks, although I laughed bc if there’s something my mom hates is when anyone makes noises while eating and Tae is the master of it. I kid you not, my mom wants to slap me and gets SO angry when I do it (I do it just to mess with her lol) but yeah, I’ve shown her videos of tae eating like that and she’s like NO, GOD NO! it’s so funny! because she loves him and doesn’t want to see him doing that, I think he looks adorable and maybe I would slap him too but hey, he enjoys food. He a baby. Must protect.

And in other/other news, you killed me with hobi/petal because I started writing this right before you post that and now I’m just adding it in here: you killed me because, I was just starting to go about those pandemic and awful year topic, I was reading it in the bathroom and I almost cry, my precious babies!! T_T and OH! how much I want to go for a walk! I need it, yesterday I walked a little, but didn’t enjoy it, we were just getting lost looking for the pizza place.

But srsly, walking is so good ??, months ago I could feel my anxiety burning my soul, it was awful and one morning on my way to work we always saw people exercising and stuff and I realized all I wanted to do was RUN. so we started going for walks in the afternoon after I got off work (we stopped for a while bc A LOT OF SHIT HAPPENED) but that first day I walked like no one else lol, I could feel my thighs crying but hell I wasn’t stopping, and I just felt so so so so much better! it was amazing.

Well, there ya go, a health tip: go for walks, if you have a dog I think it’s better, I saw so many dogs I was thriving lol. Now my knees are killing me because they do nothing but sit all day.

But yeah, as I was saying: Liv, I’ve missed you, and I would love to say that it was because I’ve been busy or doing something fruitful BUT NO, I’ve been like a zombie these past 2 weeks because I’ve slept till late some nights and everything’s weird, christmas was fun but also weird, my cousin couldn’t be home bc covid and it’s just weird, then I couldn’t see my bf till yesterday bc he was sick (not covid), and I don’t know, it’s like everything is fine but it still feels weird, you know? Petal says this shitty year is coming to an end but damn if I enjoyed the fact that I found Bts, I don’t remember what it was like before and I don’t care.

I’m so grateful, I was a big one direction fan, but I can’t compare, you know? I was younger, I was in school, I was a different person. And now, I’m still young *cough*, but I’m not in school, I have a job and I’m different, and in a lot of moments when I need it, BTS say “hey, love yourself!” every chance they get! and even if there are a lot more moments when I think “I can’t, nope, not now” I probably don’t love myself like I should, but I can say that I WANT TO, and I never make new year’s resolutions, I don’t want it to be a “I’ll do it next year” thing, but maybe I’ll take that will and aspire for something. This year Covid was the least of my problems, family, friendships and relationships have been fucking HARD and I am freaking scared, not gonna lie, there are a lot of things I have to think about, to decide and act on. But I’m also grateful I have other friendships that I got to renew and helped me keep going. So so grateful.

And I’m so grateful for you, I’m happy I found you because believe me when I say you helped a lot too. Just the thought that I can come here and express whatever thing, whatever novel I write for you: from how sexy I think Hobi is - to also have the trust and talk about anything else, even when we don’t really know each other, I don’t expect to get anything back from you but I get so much and it’s refreshing so THANK YOU for that.

I got a little cheesy, I want to cry. But I mean it. I appreciate the hell out of you and your existence. This is me, I can start by saying Hey Tae’s so sexy and finish with I love you, Liv. I wish you forever happiness.

Happy new year, queen!! 🍾

Here’s a picture of my Christmas tree last night with it’s new lights because the ones I bought last year failed on me and I was so angry I went to amazon and bought these for 25 dlls! - And a picture of my cat (her name is Spinelli) from last christmas, because well… I thought the world should see her, she cute.

(I promise I won’t do this often, I’ll send normal asks. I just thought it would be easier lol)

Stay safe ♥

Hello my lovely Lydia!! I’m cackling about what you said about Tae because those are my constant thoughts lmao. Like how in the fuck is this man so sexy??? And he has that intensity about him just my fucking god Kim Taehyung. The man you are today, sir. I am quite literally in love with him. Also I’m giggling at your mom’s reaction to how he eats- I can definitely see how it would annoy some people haha. I adore the way he eats, the pout :(( he looks so pure when he’s eating I just wanna kiss his cheeks lol.

Yay for Jin and Poopsie!!! And honestly, Peaches is so relatable for the quirky little things she does and how embarrassed she gets for doing them lol. She probably would stop for pigeons- also that’s adorable, you’re cute.

I’m glad you discovered that walking makes you feel good and healthy!! It definitely does, I need to start working out more in general. I used to be really consistent but ugh this pandemic has killed all motivation for fitness haha.

I’ve missed you too!! I definitely understand the zombie-like state, with the end of the year along with a pandemic and then just regular day to day life, it’s a miracle any of us are functioning these days. And exactly, even though it was a shitty year, I hope there’s something we can all be thankful for or look back at as a positive. Find those dang silver linings!! Mine would be that I got more in touch with myself again. I think I’m finally on track for being enough for myself and being my own source of strength and happiness and that was my goal for this year. So even though this year fucked us all up quite a bit, at least I have that. And of course, always thankful to bts lol. I can’t believe I’ve been a fan for three years now, how fucking crazy is that?!

I’m sorry this year was tough on you beyond COVID, I’m wishing for better times for you in the new year. You absolutely deserve to love yourself and I hope you get to the point where that can be true. But honestly, wanting to do so is fucking fabulous. Keep going, Lyd!

Lastly!! I’m so so so grateful that you found my blog and actually sent me asks, like oh my god I love seeing you pop up in my notifications and inbox. It makes me so happy. You’re an amazing person, my love, and I’m very thankful to know you. Thank you for not only supporting my work but for being an absolute gem to talk to!! I adore you <3 thank you for your friendship, even if just on this silly app. I hope you’re happy this year and beyond!

p.s. your tree is so pretty and YOUR CAT IS THE CUTEST LITTLE FLUFF BALL I LOVE HER!!! Give sweet lil Spinelli a cuddle for me <3

#stainofpaint #i love writing novels to each other and just making everyone scroll past a fuck ton of text hahahaha #it's our thing xo #submission

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percywinchester27 · 4 years

Text

About a boy- Epilogue

Word count: 2.3K

Warning: Feels, mentions of physical abuse and child-trafficking. Did I mention feels?

Characters: Dean and Sam, Bobby, Jody, Cas, Gabriel, Benny and others.

Summary: Dean Winchester has a secret. A secret that could really land him in trouble. He never expected to connect with anyone when he walked into the ‘Blue Stone Orphanage for Boys,’ but even then, the walls he has put up are slowly coming down. Now, a series of strange events are threatening to expose him. When everything starts falling apart around him, will he still be able to save the one person that matters the most?

A/N: This is it, guys! The end of the journey. Looking back, it feels pretty sweet to me. Thank you to everyone who read, liked and commented on the story. You guys kept me going! <3

My immense gratitude to @thing-you-do-with-that-thing and @deanssweetheart23 for beta reading this story <3 You both are absolute gems and I love you!

About a boy masterlist

One year later

11th September 1995

“You idjits!” Bobby yelled. “You two had one job!”

Dean came running around the corner hoping that his face wasn’t too red, or hair too messy. The one time he got lucky with Jessie Rosenberg, Bobby had to yell for him.

“What now?” He asked, crossly.

“Look at the fascia,” Bobby pointed. “I asked you to fix that thing two weeks ago. Does it look fixed to you?”

“Sam had exams! He barely pulled his head out of the books!”

“And you could have fixed it by yourself.”

Dean looked at the front yard. The tables and pretty lights hanging over the trees transformed it into something completely else. There were frilly table cloths and blooming, pale roses. Even the cars had disappeared. There were so many people milling around in pretty dresses and buttoned up suits. Looking at that no one would be able to tell most of them were cops. And none of those cops were inspecting the case of disrepaired fascia boards.

“C’mon, Bobby,” Dean said. “It’s your wedding. Shouldn’t you be dancing with your wife instead of yelling at unsuspecting boys? You don’t even care about awnings and fascia!”

Bobby wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He was actually looking a bit funny without the usual baseball cap and the jacket. Though Dean couldn’t say the formal suit look didn’t suit him. He was just not used to seeing it.

Bobby sat down on the porch steps. “Yeah, you’re right. I shouldn’t be taking it out on you. I’m just nervous.”

Dean sat down besides him. “Why’re you nervous? I mean you’ve known Jody forever.”

Bobby made a disgruntled noise. “It’s not that. Everything is moving so fast. You’ll be seventeen in a few months and then Sam will grow up, too. I’ve just gotten so used to you boys being around. Who knows what’s next. College? You both will move on.”

“Oh, come on!” Dean groaned. “Don’t go all sappy on me now. Not you, too!”

“Who else?” Bobby raised his eyebrow.

“Sam,” Dean sighed. “He’s having one of those days again.”

‘One of those days’ was the term Dean and Bobby used to describe Sam’s mood when he felt overwhelmed. During the first week, after Sam had moved in with them, little things startled him. Like how there were no restrictions about bedtime, or how he could choose what food he wanted, and when he wanted to eat. On the first Sunday, Jody surprised them all with movie tickets; Sam was quiet the whole way because he had never been to movies before. The next day they went out to eat. That was a rare phenomenon anyway, but Jody wanted to get to know Sam. Even there he hadn’t talked, barely eaten anything.

That night Dean had found him sitting on the roof.

“You know that Bobby would butcher you if he found you freezing your ass out in the cold, right?” Dean asked, easing himself down on the tiled roof.

“I’m being a shithead, aren’t I?” Sam said, hiding his face in his arms where they were resting over his knees. “Jody was being so nice, and I just… I screwed up everything.”

“You didn’t screw up shit,” Dean said firmly. “Jody is a lot tougher than you think. You didn’t hurt her feelings. Hell, you should have seen when she was getting to know me…. That was what being a shithead is like.”

“What did you do?”

“The usual. Threw bitchy tantrums, punctured her car and all that.”

“No you didn’t!”

The incredulous look on Sam’s face was hilarious. It was still taking some getting used to; thinking of him as Sam and not Will.

Dean put his hands out, gesturing a ‘yours truly.’ “Yeah, it was a total dick move. It didn’t phase her in the slightest.”

“Mhmm…”

“Don’t worry about it so much, Sam,” Dean said. “We know this is hard for you.”

Sam leaned back against the tiles, staring into the night sky. “You can actually see the stars from down here.,” he said wonderingly. “See that? That’s the first star of the constellation Orion.”

“I suck at stars,” Dean said, leaning back next to his brother. “You’ll have to tell me.”

They lay like that for a long time, Sam talking avidly about all the constellations he knew of, and Dean pretending that he did not.

Bobby gazed ahead into the yard, where Jody was laughing with Sam. He was dressed just like Dean in a matching tux; for the two groomsmen. Bobby’s eyes softened. “That kid really is something. Anyone would have lost their goddamned gourd after going through all that,” Bobby said.

It was an understatement. Sam had become the apple of every teacher’s eye. He aced his classes effortlessly and the town people just loved him. The little, stupid ray of sunshine that he was.

“C’mon.” Bobby said, a twinkle in his eye. “I’ve got something for you kids.”

“What?” Dean asked, getting up.

“Just c’mon.”

Ten minutes later, the four of them, Him, Sam, Bobby and Jody were walking towards the very back of the house. Jody was practically bouncing on her feet which was so uncharacteristic of her.

Sam gave Dean a ‘What’s happening?’ look.

Dean shrugged. He didn’t know either.

“Hey, Bobby, quick question,” Dean said casually. “Are you two gonna bury us in a corner of the property? Cause this sure looks like it.”

“Yeah, sure, smartass,” Jody grinned at him. “I’ll make sure no one finds the bodies.”

Most of the cars had been parked out here, clearing the front yard. Only one car stood out, parked separately. She was so sleek and slender, the black metal almost purred.

“Holy shit!” Dean whistled. “What in name of…”

“It’s yours!” Bobby smiled widely. “It’s a 1967, Chevy Impala.”

“Wait!” Dean said, the realisation suddenly hitting him. “This car is from that picture. The one with mom and dad.”

“It belonged to your dad. He called her baby.”

Dean looked at Sam who had the same awed expression on his face.

“Where was it all these years?” Sam asked.

“Parked at Rufus’,” Bobby said. “Been working on it as and when the money and time came by. I wanted it done before the wedding. He drove it back today.”

Dean ran his fingers along the side of her, and the car seemed to respond to his touch… hummed under it.

Bobby held out a set of keys. “What’re you waiting for? Don’t you boys wanna take her out for a ride?”

*********************************

2nd November 1995

It was a clear day. The sky was blue like in one of those vacation postcards. The engine was purring underneath him and a Led Zeppelin song was playing inside his car. Dean rolled the windows down, the air whipped Sam’s hair all over his face. He made a protesting sound and Dean chuckled.

This was perfect.

“You sure this was a good idea? Not the trip,” Sam said quickly. “Just sneaking out like this without telling Bobby?”

Dean rolled his eyes. Sam was ever the responsible one.

“Bobby will be fine. We’re almost there; and if we stick to the plan, we should be back home for dinner, and no one will be wiser.

Sam huffed. “I miss Cas when you get like this. He was the only one who could get you to listen.”

“Don’t you want to go?”

“Course I do. You know I asked for this!” Sam muttered.

Dean missed Cas anyway. Thinking about his best friend made Dean smile. Because of what he had accomplished- helped with exposing the trafficking racket- the state had given him a medal of valour, along with Benny and Gabriel. Deny had detached himself from the proceedings, asking Jody to never mention him in the official records. He wasn’t interested in medals and accolades. He had walked away with a miracle of his own.

The mayor, wanting to bask in the borrowed glory, had funded Cas’s education in a private boarding school for his last year of high school. From there, Cas had managed a full ride into the University of Texas. Benny had opted out to get a job under some chef… who knew he had that talent? And Gabriel was in the wind. Dean didn’t worry about Gabe, though. He would eventually surface as a millionaire in some years for all Dean knew.

Thinking about them always brought up bad memories along with the nostalgia. Memories about Andy and the Stynes. It was little comfort knowing that they had been put away for life… they deserved much, much worse. Dean was hopeful that other states might press more severe charges on the Stynes.

Despite what it had looked like, it turned out that Michael had been the only one who knew. His cronies had no clue what their dear leader had been upto. Dean couldn’t care less about what happened to Gary and others as long as he never saw their faces again. Michael had been tried as a juvenile, and the DA had asked for a reduced sentence on the grounds that he was the one who had finally led them to the warehouse. He would serve 3 years in confinement. Even after all this time, Dean didn’t know what to feel about Michael. He tried not to think about it much.

Cas though, called them at least once a week. More, if he could manage. He and Sam had road tripped to the University in the fall and spent a week with him. Cas had been ecstatic. Dean wasn’t surprised to know that his friend was majoring in sociology and behavioral sciences. If anything, he was proud. Cas would be spending the winter break with them in Sioux falls. Bobby had been cranky about having to repair their guest room, but Dean secretly knew he was happy for them all.

“We’re here!” Dean said, as they crossed into the town. Sam stared out of the window, palms flat against the glass.

Dean made a few stops to ask for directions, and then they were parked along the edge of the sidewalk.

“You sure you’re up for this?” Dean asked apprehensively. Nevermind that he was feeling heavy inside, he couldn’t let his brother see that.

Sam bit his lip, then nodded resolutely. “Yeah. Let’s go.”

They stepped out of the car, and Dean wrapped his arm over his brother's shoulder. He’d gained a couple of inches during the summer, so Sam was both much shorter than him, and mad about it. ‘I’m gonna grow taller than you, one day,’ he’d say.

Dean didn’t know exactly where they were, so he and Sam walked together, searching and reading.

“Dean,” Sam said in a small voice. “They’re here.”

The headstones were laid side by side.

Mary Winchester

5th December 1954 - 2nd November 1983

Loving Mother and loving wife

And

John Winchester

22nd April 1954 - 2nd Novemeber 1983

Loving Father and loving husband

Dean tightened his grip on Sam’s shoulder.

“I think they would be proud of you,” Sam said, not taking his eyes away from the plain grey stones. They had weathered with rain and time, the writing had blackened over the years.

“Hey, you’re the smart one,” Dean said. The corner of his eyes were prickling. “If anything, they’d have been proud of you.”

Sam shook his head ever so slightly in disagreement. “You saved my life. Twice. You found me and kept our family going. You’re a freaking hero.”

Dean blinked his eyes in succession. He didn’t dispute Sam’s words. Not because he believed them, but because he didn’t trust his voice to be steady. He hadn’t even thought of getting flowers.

“You think we should say something?”

Dean shrugged, he didn't know what to say and he was bad with words.

“Okay, I’ll go first,” Sam said, then kneeled by their mom’s grave.

“Hey, mom. Hey, dad,” he said in that soft voice of his. “It’s me, Samuel William Winchester. Though Dean just calls me ‘Sammy.’ It’s annoying. He’s annoying!” Sam laughed nervously, like he was afraid of what their mom would think about him dissing his older brother like that. “I didn’t think I’d ever get to see you, to sit besides you… to ever have a family…. I do now, and it’s the most wonderful thing in the world. But I miss you. I’ve always missed you even when I didn’t know who you were.”

Sam cleared his throat, “I guess… I guess what I’m saying is thank you… for giving me the best big brother in the world. Dean’s awesome. I love you so much. All of you.”

He looked up then, tears swimming in his eyes and Dean placed a hand over his head.

They stayed there for a while, soaking the moment in. When it was time to go, Dean touched the cold stones, first his dad’s and then mom’s. He brought the fingers to his lips and kissed them in a discreet gesture.

They walked back to the car in silence.

When Dean started the engine, Sam gave him a small smile. “Thanks, Dean, for bringing me here.”

“Course,” he said, eyes on the road.

Sam settled back against the leather seat and hit the play on music. The song continued from where it had stopped-

….Cause I'm back on the track

And I'm beatin' the flack

Nobody's gonna get me on another rap

So look at me now

I'm just makin' my play

Don't try to push your luck, just get out of my way

'Cause I'm back

Yes,…

“Let’s get back home now,” Sam said contentedly, tapping his fingers to the rhythm of the song.

Dean gave his brother a sideways glance. He had a small smile playing on his lips. In their dad’s old car, with his brother by his side, Dean was already home.

*********************************

Source for the gif used at the top

A/N 2: I cried while writing the epilogue, too! Especially the last part. When I started writing this series about a year ago, I did it as a challenge to myself... deep down knowing that this wouldn’t ever hit off on tumblr like my other series’ had. But I owed it to myself to write a story I believed in, and the love that you guys gave this series was so overwhelming. Y’all ROCK! :*

Please do tell me what you thought of the chapter?

Tagging for the last time:

@sdavid09 @deanssweetheart23 @blacktithe7 @thing-you-do-with-that-thing @cosicas-cuquis @chalicia @anathewierdo @mrswhozeewhatsis @protectteamfreewill @firefly124-writing @spnbaby-67 @hoboal87 @rizlow1 @donnaintx @starmission @gh0stgurl @tftumblin @emily-a-c11 @ericaprice2008 @jotink78 @charliebradbury1104 @ohgodwhybloggg @i-dont-get-cold @bobbie3939 @samsexualdeancurious @dancing-the-hellfire-rumba @cookiechipdough @wildfirewinchester

#dean winchester #dean winchester fanfiction #spn fanfic #weechesters #supernatural fanfiction #aab epilogue #Ana writes aab #anawrites #anawritesspn #q

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doc-pickles · 4 years

Text

it’s nothing funny just to talk (p. 1)

What happens when you text that random number graffitied on a bathroom stall in your favorite bar? Jo Wilson is about to find out. - In which Bar Princess and Doctor Evil Spawn meet via text.

More Jolex on your timeline because y’all seemed to love what I posted before! Also I’ve posted this whole piece on AO3 as well so it might look familiar.

this idea came to me in a fever dream and i am not sorry that y'all have to deal with it. 99% of this fic will be in "texting" format, so be prepared for that.

Jo is regular Alex is italics

Saturday 11:04 PM

heeeeey is thiss doctor evil?

I gotta say ur phone sex namee needs sum weerk

u soud like a comic book village

fuck

village

VILLAIN

Who the hell is this? And how did you get my number?

i’m just a girl at thee bar!!!!

Joe’s Bar?

noooooo

i’m at enerlad city bar

You didn’t answer my question.

u asked a quesitoon?

whata was it?

i’m goos at takifjg tests

How’d you get my number?

it qas in the bathrooom!!!

it said “for a good tiem txt dr evil spawne”

so I did

I am ready to havee fun

You’re drunk, obviously, and I’m going to have to kill Cristina for putting my number up.

ooooooh is thatt ur girleifnd?

hirlefiend

girlfriend**

Wow you’re really gone. And hell no, she’s my roommate. One of them.

ooooh how many do u hav

roomees not girlfriends

Three. Two girls and a dude.

intereeesting...

well it’s tome for fireball shoots

steph is yeeling at me 4 txting too much

goodbey doctor eviel apawn!!

Oh lord. Tell Steph you need water. Or an IV.

I’ve got her. she’s throwing up on her shoes. thanks doctor. - steph

Sunday 10:11 AM

You know you’re pretty funny, Bar Girl.

jesus christ what fucking time is it?!

10 AM

I’m assuming you have a massive hangover.

hold on I can’t hear you over the sound of me vomiting

TMI as the kids say these days.

what’re you a grandpa or something??

No I just don’t know how to use text lingo. Except WTF. I know that one very well.

quick question

who the fuck are you?

Dr. Evil Spawn. You found my name graffitied in the bathroom of Emerald City Bar.

holy shit

I thought I dreamed that... WHAT THE FUCK

Nope. I’m real.

holy shit i’m so sorry

my texts were so annoying

Who hurt you? I mean you were shitfaced, I’m assuming someone broke your heart into tiny pieces.

the opposite actually, I was at a bachelorette party

not mine, i’m so single it hurts

Ahhh that makes sense. So you got shitfaced in solidarity?

exactly you get it

you seem like you’d be the DD at a bachelorette party

Well seeing as I’m a dude I don’t do Bachelorette parties.

Well I did go to one, but that’s a different story.

hmmm you seem like a very interesting man doctor evil spawn

going to bachelorette parties, living with women who aren’t your girlfriend

OMG ARE YOU DATING THE GUY YOU LIVE WITH?!

George? No absolutely not. And before you ask, my other girl roommate is gay.

so you’re single?

i’m only asking so when you murder me the police have as much information as possible

Haha very funny. I would be a terrible murderer.

you didn’t answer my question

Fine. Yes I’m single.

i’ll note that in the “serial killer file” i’m building

gotta go, I have to do work :/

Have fun, don’t die.

Sunday 8:38 PM

Arizona is trying to set me up on a blind date.

who’s arizona?

My gay roommate. She wants me to meet this “bubbly blonde” she knows from her pilates class.

ahhhh. why don’t you go?

Bubbly blonde is not my type. Sounds like she’ll spend the whole date talking about how much she loves dogs or her knitting hobby.

Plus she does pilates, that tells me more than enough.

you’re making some good points. I don’t pity you.

You better not. How was work?

the longest day of my life

it was just paperwork, I don’t actually work on the weekends

What do you do?

hmmmm that’s exactly what a serial killer would say

i’m an elementary school teacher

Oh so you sing and dance and paint pictures all day?

what school did you go to?

were working on multiplication tables and basic photosynthesis tomorrow

Wow that sounds like a lot.

it’s may, ive got three weeks of school left so I have to cram all the crap we didn’t cover into these last few weeks

Ahhh that sounds more accurate.

and what do you do?

besides text strangers that you don’t know

I’m a pediatrician.

oh so you make kids cry and wipe snotty noses all day? two can play at that game

Well we both have to deal with snotty noses sooo...

I GET IT!! Doctor Evil Spawn!!

why evil spawn though?

I wasn’t this nice when I started med school. My personality is an acquired taste.

ha! that’s a funny joke.

so if you’re a fancy schmancy doctor why do you live with three other people?

I’m only a resident, not making the big bucks yet. Everyone else is a doctor too.

are they all pediatricians?

No. Arizona is too but Cristina is a cardiologist and George is a trauma specialist.

interesting!! I too live with my coworkers. it’s not fun.

the table is always covered in craft supplies.

Well I can never read the grocery list on the fridge. Stupid doctors script...

oh that’s a classic. you’re pretty funny Dr. Evil Spawn

Thanks Bar Girl.

I gotta go. monday tomorrow and you know how fourth graders can be. night!!

Night .

Monday 9:47 AM

there’s not enough coffee in the world for monday mornings.

Monday 10:52 AM

Sorry I was yelling at the interns. We have a decent coffee cart here. Keeps me alive. Are you texting in class?

no it was recess

now they’re at spanish class

i’m not totally irresponsible

Oh good to know the future of America is in good hands. Teacher Princess is “not totally irresponsible”

teacher princess?

Well, Cinderella lost her shoe, you puked on yours. Same thing.

wooooooooow

that was so uncalled for...

I thought it was funny. Gotta go set a broken arm.

broken arm vs. adverbs... can we switch? have fun lol

Monday 3:26 PM

I don’t even think I know what an adverb is.

how did you become a doctor??

Don’t need to know adverbs to fix a couple broken bones and snuffy noses.

oh darn I should’ve gone to school for seven more years then

Haha. How were the adverbs?

better than expected, grading papers while I wait for my roomies to be done

we carpool, saving the environment and shit

Okay Eco Warrior.

you text like a 60 year old man

you’re not a 60 year old man are you?

No I’m a 28 year old man though

28 a doctor and you’re single? your personality must be worse than you described

I’m a busy man, I don’t have time to settle down. And I have no desire to.

yet you have time to text a complete stranger?

hmmmm interesting...

Ouch, that one hurt Princess.

steph is making me socialize with the other teachers

if I don’t respond, they killed me or dragged me to an essential oil party

Hahahaha

Monday 5:18 PM

Did you get roped into a pyramid scheme?

nooo but therew as wine

I should sotp drunk texting you so often

It makes your presence that much more entertaining. And bearable.

woah woah dude

i’m a gem

I can tell. Elementary school teacher with a heart of gold.

awwww your too sweet tome

It’s a Monday. Who the hell gets drunk on a Monday?

teachers

we deserve it

You’re a teacher and you’re single and still going to Bachelorette parties. You’re what, 23?

i’m 25 and i’m doing greta thanks you very nuch

cnat believe that i’m supplying my perosnal info to a serial killer

What makes you so sure that I’m a mass murderer?

ur weird nickname and ur intimate knowledge of the himan body

Mmm yes well a good amount of women do find themselves screaming around me often. Or under me. On top of me...

omg are you sending me dirty jokes

you’re crazy

What can I say.

Gotta go, I’m on call tonight. Get to bed safe, Bar Princess.

mmmkay thanks Doc

Wednesday 11:29 AM

What do you think is worse: School lunch or hospital food?

hospital food, no doubt

thursday is mac and cheese day here... I could bathe in that stuff

We have Spaghetti Wednesday but that’s the only good thing here.

mmm how depressing

the teachers do a pot luck once a month and that’s always good

the art teacher next door to me makes the BEST blueberry muffins.

Lucky. All I get here is vending machine cookies. Anything interesting happening in the elementary world?

a first grader got lice last week so naturally we all have it now

I had to chop off six inches of my hair

Holy crap. Lice can be vicious, be thankful you didn’t have to shave your head.

it feels like I did, my hair hasn’t been above my shoulders since the backstreet boys were still touring

Wow. I’m glad to know you’re well cultured.

of course I am

gotta go, kids are back from music class

Don’t be too hard on them, they deserve a break every once in awhile.

Thursday 3:06 PM

Incoming Voice Call

“Jenna you forgot your lunch pail. Have a good day!”

“Hello?”

“Hi Mrs. Peters. I didn’t grade Henry’s test yet, I’ll have it tomorrow. Thanks bye!”

“Helloooo?”

“Steph I gotta grab my things, I’ll be there in a seco- oh shit. Hello?”

“Bar Princess?”

“Doctor Evil Spawn? I must’ve butt dialed you, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay I... I don’t mind the interruption. Are you leaving work?”

“Just about, we’re wrapping up the solar system and I have to bring home the diorama.”

“I was never good at the models, I prefer working with the real thing.”

“Oh ho, a man that works with his hands. I can appreciate that.”

“You know now we’re officially talking and we still don’t know each other’s names.”

“Well around here I’m Miss Wilson, but you can call me Jo.”

“Jo. Hmm I like chicks with dudes names. I’m Dr. Karev but you can call me Alex.”

“Well nice to kinda meet you Alex. I’ll talk to you soon, I gotta get out of here.”

“Talk to you later.”

Thursday 4:34 PM

I wouldn’t mind if you were my teacher.

how did I know you’d send me something along those lines

I’m predictable. I’m still calling you Bar Princess.

as you wish doctor evil spawn

I get to assist on a surgery today. Tonsillectomy.

like removing tonsils? that’s awesome

for you, not for the kid

Oh she’ll be fine, she gets ice cream and jello for a week.

okay yeah I might be jealous of her now

id love to be off work for a week and have you waiting on me hand and foot

the ice cream is a nice bonus

You think that’s my job?

well you said you aren’t making the big bucks yet so.... yeah

Keep dreaming. I’ll talk to you later, gotta scrub in.

have fun!!!!

#jolex #jolex fanfic #jolex fanfiction #jo karev #jo wilson #jo wilson karev #alex karev #alternate universe #jolex fic #jo x alex #greys anatomy #greys fanfic #INFJTT #nina writes

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gem-quest · 4 years

Text

[ QUEST 02. — I N F E R N A ]

taglist: @bebemoon @now-on-elissastillstands @armadasneon @mysteriousdeathofpoe

[ M E R M A I D . C O V E . L E V E L . 3 0 ]

They managed to beat Aydina and the pirates, thank God, because otherwise, Aydina’s commentary would have been insufferable. Tourmaline, an annoying Obsidian player whose “bubblegum” ability was nevertheless rather impressive, discreetly attached some of the sticky hot pink substance as she hurled the turtle-shell-turned-dodgeball back at the pirate queen. The dodgeball connected with Aydina’s arm and stuck, the momentum from the throw pushing her out of bounds and securing the victory for the rest of them.

As soon as the annoying sappy NPC lady finished her dialogue on the shore of the beach, she disappeared in a puff of sky blue smoke, transforming into the Angel’s Breath. The SS-rank potion looked like a wispy blue semi-gaseous substance, encased in a crystalline bottle with a mini halo floating around the cork and tiny white wings attached to the back, “flapping” to keep the potion bottle afloat.

The Angel’s Breath was directly in front of Neddy - they’d activated the event under her account, which had completely slipped Inferna’s mind...until now. The potion hovered cheerfully in front of her, a stark contrast against the tension that filled the air as their teammates eyed the grand prize. Out of the corner of her eye, she could make out other players closing in on them.

Inferna rolled her eyes. She was hungry as fuck, and she didn’t care about the Angel’s Breath. Turning to Neddy, she said, “Look, I hear they’re serving free sushi back in Yue City, so if we-” her words were cut off as Tourmaline, the player who’d won the game for them, sent a stream of sticky pink magical “bubblegum” towards the potion, evidently intending to take it for herself.

“Hey now, what the hell?” Inferna shouted, just as one of their other teammates stomped on a pile of Black Pearls, releasing a thick cloud of smoke.

Inferna had one of her flaming daggers out in an instant. Using it as a light source to see through the smoke, she grabbed Neddy’s hand - not bothering to check where the Angel’s Breath was - and began running in a random direction.

As she pushed through the smoke, Inferna caught a glimpse of Morningstar’s scary-looking scythe swinging through the air (she’d have to thank the other Obsidian player for the ‘vodka potions’ at some other time), a flash of Tourmaline’s deceptively innocent bubblegum. And Balestra was ahead of them, some distance away.

“Hurry up and cast an ictuium!” she yelled over her shoulder, dragging Neddy along with her.

“Okay, okay!” Neddy replied, evidently winded by their mad dash through the smoke.

[ Y U E . C I T Y . L E V E L . 01 ]

A blink of darkness, and then the two of them were back in Yue City, in an alleyway. Inferna came to a screeching halt, and they fell against the wall of the building next to them. Inferna was breathing hard - as was Neddy, who was clutching at the stitch in her side.

Inferna squinted, letting her eyes adjust to the bright sunlight. She glanced over at the Moonstone player. “You good?” she asked, picking herself up and holding a hand out for Neddy.

Neddy blew out a breath, puffing her cheeks before beginning to laugh. “That was...awesome!” She exclaimed, slapping her hand into Inferna’s.

Inferna grinned. “You think so?” She asked, and pulled Neddy to her feet. “Isn’t Aydina such an asshole? You see what I mean now, right?”

Inferna took a moment to scan their surroundings, trying to figure out how far they were from the free sushi event she’d heard about. “Let’s go get food?” She proposed. “I’m fucking starving.”

“Right behind you.”

Inferna grinned, upon hearing Neddy’s agreement, and she trotted out of the alleyway, pulling out her player-plexus to consult the Obsidian free food group chat she’d started not long after she first joined the game. Other players were sharing pics of their meals, and Inferna zoomed in on a picture of a small “rice bear”, evidently relaxing in a bowl of some kind of curry or broth.

“Oh my gosh! Look at this,” she said excitedly, thrusting her player-plexus into Neddy’s hands.

Neddy raised both of her eyebrows, and Inferna stifled a giggle when the other player’s stomach made an audible noise. “Let’s go,” she agreed.

Inferna grinned again. She started down the street in the direction of the town square, where there were supposed to be market stalls and outdoor picnic tables set up for the players.

A thought occurred to her. “Oh! Do you know what happened to the Angel’s Breath?” She asked, pausing and turning to face Neddy.

Neddy blinked. “Oh,” she said. She reached around to her rucksack and rummaged for a moment. Finally, she drew the potion out, the vial enveloped by a faint blue glow as the miniature angel wings attached to it flapped cheerfully. “Right. I have it.”

Neddy seemed troubled, as she stared at the potion. “So much fuss over this stupid thing, and I don’t even have anyone to resurrect.”

Inferna grinned and punched Neddy in the arm, playfully. “Holy shit!” She exclaimed, admiring the potion. “Well, fuss or not, I bet you could sell it for a ton of gold,” Inferna said. “If you don’t want to actually resurrect someone.”

“Yeah…” Neddy said thoughtfully, turning the bottle over in her fingers. “Maybe.”

Inferna punched Neddy in the arm again. “Well, put that away for now, and let’s go get food!” And with that, Inferna spun on her heel, tugging Neddy along behind her as she determinedly headed down the street. It wasn’t long afterwards that they reached the sunny open square, filled with the hustle and bustle of all sorts of players who wanted to get their hands on some free food. After briefly consulting the map, Inferna dragged Neddy towards the rice bear stall. She quickly grabbed two bowls from the wooden table, and then plopped down at a picnic table, taking out a standard-sized bottle of Inferna Sauce.

She spread some sauce liberally over her own rice bear, swirling the bright red condiment into fun little curlicues to “decorate” her own bear, before she plunked the bottle down in the middle of the table. “You can have as much as you want,” she said, beaming at Neddy as she pulled out her player-plexus and tapped open the ‘camera’ function. “Say cheese?”

Neddy took the sauce bottle and beamed for Inferna. “Formaggio!” said the other girl, as Inferna snapped a picture and quickly forwarded it to her.

Neddy then sauced her rice bear just as liberally. Inferna took a picture of her own bear and then tasted a spoonful of the curry. “Oh, this is so good,” she said, and took another bite.

She was halfway into her third bite when Inferna remembered the potions from Morningstar. Inferna put her spoon down and rummaged through her things until she found the bottle - it looked like a standard potion bottle, cork and all, filled with a clear liquid.

“Morningstar made me a vodka potion. Or was it tequila? Something like that,” she said, by way of explanation. “I’m still waiting for something in this game to smoke like weed, but so far, no luck.”

She grinned, and put the potion down on the table, going back to rummaging through her inventory for something to use as a shot glass - as well as something to chase it with. “You want some?”

Neddy wrinkled her nose. “No, thanks,” she said. “I’ve never been much of a drinker.”

Inferna laughed. “Suit yourself,” she said, finding a teacup that she’d (probably) stolen from the Tearoom to substitute for a shot glass. There was no soda in-game, as far as Inferna knew, so she also took out a bottle of pomegranate juice that she’d somehow gotten her hands on, a while back.

She uncorked the potion, sniffed at it, then poured herself a shot. She then passed a teacup to Neddy and poured her some of the pomegranate juice.

“Cheers?” Inferna said, holding up her own teacup.

“Cheers,” Neddy grinned. They clinked their cups together. “To us, the victorious...victors. Eh, whatever. We kicked ass today.”

Inferna grinned, too. “We did,” she agreed, downing her drink and then immediately chugging some of the pomegranate juice, straight from the bottle. She let out a satisfied ahhhh, then took a bite of her food.

“Tell me how the sauce tastes?”

Neddy, mouth full of juice, hummed with a thumbs up. Then, rubbing her hands together, she said, “Right, let’s try this.”

Inferna watched as Neddy took a bite, sat for a moment, and then her eyes started to water. She started to flap her hand and suck air to cool the inside of her mouth. There was no way to help herself and look demure at the same time.

Inferna chuckled, and handed Neddy the open bottle of pomegranate juice. “Good, then?” She asked, taking another bite of her own rice bear.

Neddy coughed into the crook of her arm, her face turning pink. She accepted the juice gratefully and took a swig. “De-delicious,” she wheezed. “I...love it. What’s that made from-m? Garlic and hellfire?”

Inferna giggled, and drizzled a bit more of the sauce over her food. “Too spicy?” she asked, pouring herself another shot. “It’s my own recipe. I had to sort of make it up on the go inside the game, but once I found the right ingredients it was easy,” she said, and downed the second shot, wincing slightly at the taste and taking a swig of the juice to wash it down.

She grinned again. “Though maybe we should just stick to giving Jack the sauce.”

“Still,” Neddy said, looking down at her lap. “You’ve gotten pretty far on your own skill. It’s nice to have someone around again who knows what they’re doing. God knows I don’t.”

Inferna shrugged. “Nah, not really, I was on Reddit 24/7 before. And there was a Discord server with other players that I regularly consulted. I didn’t figure out most of this game by myself.” She shrugged, again, and grinned. “I’m just here to fuck around before I have to graduate and get a boring desk job, you know?”

“What about you? Why’d you join Gem Quest?”

Neddy looked...uncomfortable? “Mm,” she began hesitantly. “A boy…. I joined to spend time with him.”

Inferna cocked her head to the side, curious. “Oh? Was it Jack? I’d definitely join this game to spend time with Jack.”

At that, Neddy smirked a little. “No,” she said on an exhale, her shoulders lifting and falling. “I wish…. So, it’s no wonder you’re so savvy in this game- you’re a tech-head. Me and computers, not friends. I’m pretty sure Siri is out to get me, and every digital watch I’ve ever worn has died within twenty-four hours. And I still have a flip phone. So...”

Inferna snorted out a laugh. “I mean, I prefer the term video game aficionado, but I guess you could say that. My parents made me major in computer science too, so…” she trailed off, thoughtfully. “In all honesty, I only joined Gem Quest because League has this thing where you have to pay $10 for each skin, and I’m not fucking made of money. And GQ has better clothes in general, I think.”

“How the fuck do you survive with a flip phone, though?!”

Neddy shrugged and sipped her juice. “Smartphones intimidate me. I like simplicity…. You can’t even imagine how long it took me to figure out the Plexus. I think I was diving everyone crazy asking questions…. If we both make it out of here, maybe you can help me figure out Smartphones so I can finally enter the twenty-first century. Maybe start up an Instagram like all the other kids.”

“Oh, yeah,” Inferna said, confidently. “I mean, the good thing about flip phones is that you can literally throw them at the wall and they’ll be fine. I dropped my old slide phone from 3 stories up once, and it worked perfectly.”

Inferna was starting to feel the effects of the first shot - it wouldn’t be long before she was tipsy. Inferna was...kinda a lightweight, in all honesty, and taking two shots in a row, on a fairly empty stomach, wasn’t exactly her brightest idea ever.

She’d practically demolished the rice bear, though. After slurping up the last bit of the curry, she asked Neddy, “Are you in school, right now? I’m a junior, and like I said, a CS major.”

“Actually, before all of this I was waiting to be accepted to a school,” Neddy replied. Then, a little bashfully, she added, “For dance.”

Inferna’s eyes lit up. “Really?” she said, whistling. “That’s badass. I’ve never been able to dance a day in my life. When were you supposed to hear back?”

Neddy hugged her elbows and sat forward, her lilac hair swinging forward. “A couple weeks ago,” she answereed. “But I’m here, so...it’s unlikely, even if I did get accepted, that I’ll be going.”

Inferna frowned slightly. “Well, did you want to leave the game to check then?”

The other girl seemed slightly downcast, and before Inferna could press the issue further, a shadow passed overhead. Everyone nearby looked up, including Inferna.

Neddy said, “Oh. Jack’s looking for us.”

Inferna squeed, and clapped her hands. “Let’s go meet up with him?” she asked, polishing off what remained of her food and taking one last shot. She took another swig of the juice and began putting her things back into her player-plexus, dragging out a box of sugar cubes as she did so.

Neddy did the same, downing the rest of her juice. She then stood and shouldered her rucksack. “Ready,” she announced. “Onward.”

So, with a bottle of sauce and the box of sugar cubes tucked in her bag, Inferna grabbed Neddy’s hand and began making her way out of the square and towards the Wildflower Meadow, following the shadow across the sky.

They were going to find Jack!!!!

#q2 #writing #inferna story #inferna #vicky #obsidian #by alicia!#HUGE shout out to fanfan for collabing with me <333 #neddy #SORRY IT GOT SO LONG EEEEK #also inferna 100% does something drunk and stupid later #like she rides jack but almost falls off cuz dumb af #or something #lmaooo

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eurydicum · 5 years

Text

out of my league || p.p — [2]

Pairing: Peter Parker x Stark! Reader

Category: fluff

Summary: You’ve finally figured out how you were going to approach Peter Parker, and you were gonna be bold about it.

Word Count: 1.7k

Author’s Notes: This is best read on the website rather than the mobile app, the app flubs up the formatting of it all.

I’m defying literally all established relations the MCU set up — we’re pretending nothing bad ever happened and we’re all a happy family :)

part one || parker master list

“Hello, I’m here for Mr. Peter Parker,”

You told the receptionist at the front of Midtown High. “I need to take him out of class for the day.” She glanced at you and her eyes widened for a moment before hastily registering Peter out of school for the rest of the day. She opened her mouth to tell you what room he was in, but you raised your hand politely.

“No worries, I know where he is,” You smiled sweetly. “And don’t bother announcing it to the class on the intercom. I don’t want the boy anxiously waiting,” You chuckled before bidding her farewell, drifting down the hallway toward his current classroom.

This simple plan of pulling Peter out of school came to you about a week prior to today, a few days after your prior predicament. Your idea was to set-up a little rendezvous with the boy, and if he ever felt uncomfortable — Happy was just a call away anyhow. You couldn’t help but feel nervous with little butterflies nipping at your stomach, but there was no backing down now. You were a Stark and you had to be confident in this much at least.

The classroom number attracted your eye and you stepped back a tad, peeking through the glass for just a moment. You knocked on the wood and waited, noticing the teacher pause his lesson before approaching the door. He opened the door with a scowl on his face, but it soon dropped once seeing you — having a similar reaction to the receptionist.

“Miss Stark, come in,” He opened the door wider for you to step in. The moment that you stepped into the classroom, Peter’s eyes were on you - having heard his teacher stutter your surname. He looked fidgety and nervous, immediately jumping to the correct assumption that you were there for him. The other students were somewhat agape when seeing you, considering that you were a celebrity to an extent. You smiled at Peter and beckoned him over with curl of your finger.

“I’m here to take Mr. Peter Parker for the rest of the day, he needs to attend to some urgent intern duties,” You smoothly state, the lie rolling off your tongue. Peter began packing up his things while the teacher commenced his lesson. Before leaving, you notice Ned pull on Peter’s sleeve and whispering to him a “good luck” — much to your amusement.

You stepped out into the hallway before Peter could approach you, leaning up against the wall until he stepped out to join you. You smiled at him sweetly before leading him down the hallway, a somewhat pleased glide to your walk.

“Miss Stark,”

“You can drop the formalities, Peter,” You cut him off swiftly, meeting his flustered gaze. Peter gave a shy smile before gliding his hands into the pockets of his jeans.

“Why does Mr. Stark need me?” Peter asked into the air, not looking to you while he spoke. You began to chuckle lightly, earning Peter’s gaze back onto you — albeit confused. You nudged him in the arm, sending a wink to him before explaining.

“My dad doesn’t need you, I do,” You remarked, sending a subtle blush across Peter’s cheeks. He was awfully flushed to say the least, but it was all out of nervous sensation. Peter was now hyper-aware of any graze you made against him and every fluctuation to your tone.

“Does he know about this?” Peter laughed weakly, scratching the nape of his neck. You shook your head simply, pushing open the doors to exit Midtown High.

“What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him, and where’s the fun in following the rules?” You slyly grinned, holding the door open for him to step through. Peter chuckled at your comment, moving to hold the door instead to allow you to exit first — following after in your steps.

“So you’re telling me Mr. Stark and Happy won’t notice that you’ve stolen one of the cars?” Peter sarcastically commented once you both approached your car for the day. You shrugged, unlocking the car before stepping into the driver’s seat. Once Peter slid into the passenger’s side, he buckled quickly and looked to you for a moment — silently admiring you. You were well dressed and presentable, beautified enough to please Gods and here he was in a Nasa shirt and jeans. Once again, he felt inferior to you, and his uncomfortable demeanor didn’t go unnoticed by you. You softly grazed the back of his hand, your fingers sending chills up Peter’s arms.

“Before we head out, I just want to make this day as comfortable as possible for you. I want to be good friends with you, but this has to be a mutual thing and I don’t want to be stepping over any boundaries,” You told him earnestly, the air serious but not tense. “And you could always call Happy or I can drive you to your apartment if you want out now or mid-way through,” You offered weakly, sincerely hoping that he spends the whole day with you.

“I want to be friends with you,” It took a while for Peter to get to this point, stuttering out in flabbergasted state for a spell. You grinned so bright, relieved and thrilled to be spending the day with the boy that you grew to admire. You squeezed his hand as some assurance before retreating to the wheel.

“Let’s make this one hell of a bonding day,” You stated before beginning to drive down the street, jamming out to the music that Peter selected for the drive. The drive to Astoria Coffee was delightful, to say the least. It was full of you two being typical teenagers — singing your hearts out to the music you luckily both knew and Peter filming little snippets on Snapchat (to be kept in his memories since people weren’t supposed to know he was ditching school). It was a moment of unadulterated bliss.

The coffee had been a taste of bliss as well. Sharing laughs with Peter with certain ease was lovely, and absolutely memorable. There were a few candids of you on his phone now, drinking coffee and laughing while the sun shone down upon you. Peter, of course, was on your phone now too — a few corny pictures of him making goofy faces at your phone and giggling all the while. You learned about his passion for space and science, and his dorky love for Star Wars and video games — and you found it adorable whenever he’d bust out into a smattering of intellectual speak simply because he was passionate.

Within less than two hours of being with Peter, you’ve grown to adore him more and find him to be more brilliant than before. The boy allured you without even trying and the further you both spoke, the more you were smitten.

As for Peter, he felt so comfortable around you and not for a moment did he decide to go out of his way to impress you. Conversation came easily to both of you, and you were no longer the conservative heir he thought of you to be. You were fun, mischievous, and a gem to be around.

Being torn from teenagers, for the most part, made you forget what it was like to be carefree and childish. While, yes, you had your lax moments with the other adults — there was more to Peter that brought out the best in you that you tend to suppress behind that fair facade of grace.

You loved this.

“Wanna swing by my apartment and play some video games?” Peter offered as you both stepped out from the café. Your eyes immediately gleamed a yes, and this brought a chuckle to Peter’s lips.

Once you reached his apartment complex, Peter was shiftily looking both ways and around everywhere. It was practically empty as the time rushes were dying down. He ushered you over to him, wrapping an arm around your waist. Without words, Peter winked and shot a web to the window leading into his room. You squealed and shot your arms around his neck hastily, burying your face into his chest.

“Holy shit!” You sputtered when you both landed on the outside stairs, chest heaving and eyes blown wide. Peter laughed at your reaction, finding your shock endearing in a way.

“You fly all the time!” Peter remarked, mocking you harmlessly for your reaction.

“Yeah! But I’m usually in a suit and I know when I’m launching,” You exhaled breathily, pressing your forehead to his chest again for a moment before drifting your arms away from his neck. Peter opened his window and climbed into his room, offering his hand out to help you inside as well. You snickered as you looked around his room, hands on your hips as your eyes scanned all posters and memorabilia.

“God, you are the epitome of nerd, aren't you?” You teasingly commented, bringing a blush of embarrassment to Peter’s cheeks. You patted his cheek and laughed, ensuring that you weren’t being seriously egging him. You and Peter began to shift through his video games, deciding upon some local multiplayer for you two to duke it out on.

—

As the night to yourselves continued on, you both began to wind down into the evening with a movie to watch. Peter wrapped a blanket around both of you, scooting right next to you with a huge tub of popcorn. While the movie played, Peter couldn’t help but let the movie turn to white noise as his gaze flickered down to you as you intently watched the film.

Yeah, you two basically met today, but it felt as if you two had been good friends for ages — given your conversations and current arrangement. He liked this though. The comfortable air between you two and a mutual sense of comradery.

To Peter, you were still out of his league, but at least you both were less formal with one another now. And at least you’re more attainable now. Truly, he wished that everything between you two would continue like this and grow even more.

I could get used to this.

#peter parker #peter parker x reader #spiderman fanfiction #peter parker imagines #peter parker imagine #spiderman imagine #spiderman x reader #marvel fanfiction

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stardusttrashed · 5 years

Text

Accidentally in Love Part 6

Part 5

Word Count: 1589

“You know who’d be cute together? Your Aunt May and Happy,” Y/n said in a nonchalant tone as she slung the backpack over a shoulder.

“Y/n-.”

“I’m serious. Oh! We could go on double dates.”

“Please stop,” Peter grumbled as he held the door open for her.

“Holy shit,” Y/n geeked out as the doors closed behind them, completely forgetting about her previous thoughts. “I expected it to be nice and all but- woah.” She ran towards the elevator like a kid running around a toy store. “Come on slowpoke! We don’t wanna miss the sunset.” She let out a huff as Peter exaggerated his slow steps, stopping to pretend to tie his shoes.

“I’m coming, I’m coming.” Peter pulled the girl glaring at him into his side. He rubbed her arm as he planted a soft kiss on her head, “Y’know I’ve fought a lot of criminals, but they’re nowhere close to being as scary as you are when you're mad.”

“Aw, I’m nowhere near mad, baby,” Y/n chuckled, kissing his jaw.

“Dang, maybe I should let you go beat them up for me then,” Peter laughed. He felt his body finally relax at the sight of her smile. He adored that smile more than anything. It didn’t matter if he was going to be able to see the stars anymore or not, he had the brightest star right next to him.

“Hey Pete,” Y/n whispered as she nuzzled her nose against the crook of his neck. “Careful, I think you’re drooling,” she teased with a quiet giggle.

“Shut up,” he laughed before stepping out of the elevator.

Peter stayed behind as she rushed from window to window, taking out the Polaroid camera he snuck into the backpack. He could hear her rambling, but every word was lost upon him. All he could focus on was that bubbly giggle that made the empty area feel like it was packed. He followed her movements through the small screen, smiling uncontrollably. Every twirl, every ‘look Pete’, he captured every bit so he could replay it later. So he would have her heart-stopping smile even when he was away from her.

“You gonna join me sometime today,” Y/n asked as she posed for another picture against the glass. “I was kinda hoping to spend some time with my amazing boyfriend.”

Peter chuckled and lowered the camera, “I think I can manage that.” Peter sunk his teeth into his lip as he watched her saunter over his way.

“Oh, you thought I meant you,” Y/n laughed as she ran her hands down his shoulders. “I meant my real boyfriend, Spider-Man.” Her touch sent excited shivers down his spine.

“Is that so,” Peter smirked as he resisted to roll his eyes at her. He grazed the tip of her nose with his own, his breath ghosting over her lips. “Cause I just so happen to be a lot cooler than Spider-Man. Not to mention cuter. I mean come on, he could be some old guy in a mask.”

“An old guy with a great butt,” Y/n added cheekily, making him blush darkly. “Almost as great as Cap’s.”

“Why am I dating you again?”

Y/n looked up at him innocently as she rubbed the tip of her nose against his, “cause my wonderful charm and adorable looks?”

Peter chuckled quietly as his eyes dropped down to her lips. “Something like that, my love.” He dipped his head down, slowly melting into the kiss. He loved the feeling of her lips against his. The cloud-like lips he always found himself getting lost in. This time was different, however. He quickly pulled away, attempting to hide the frown forming on his face. His face scrunched up as if he had tasted the worst thing ever.

“P-Pete,” Y/n was barely able to make out. She could already feel her heart wrenching from embarrassment.

“Is that a new lipstick or something?” She quickly shook her head. “M-maybe it’s just me.” He pulled her closer and rested his forehead against her’s, “I’m sorry love. Can we try again?”

“Only cause I like kissing you Parker,” Y/n smiled weakly before kissing him once more, only to have him quickly pull away once more. She played with his curls absentmindedly, the gears in her head quickly turning as she recalled everything she ate during the day. Then it finally dawned on. “Maybe a mint will help,” she suggested as she pulled out a stick of gum from her pocket. She watched as he popped the stick into his mouth, only to let it drop out his mouth like a child a few seconds later. Y/n laughed at his scrunched up face. The way he tried to wipe the taste off his tongue. “Aw, my little spider nerd. Did you know spiders don’t like peppermint?”

“Don’t go getting any ideas,” he mumbled childishly. Peter took her chin between his forefinger and thumb, “it’s gonna take more than a little peppermint to keep me from kissing you.”

“Oh! Maybe I could start putting a little peppermint oil on my neck and wrist. Get a nice fresh smell y’know,” Y/ n teased him, earning a deadpan glare. “I’m kidding,” she giggled as she pecked his lips before adding under her breath, “for now at least”

“Will you stop ruining our cute moments for just a second,” Peter asked jokingly.

“In exchange for a dance, maybe.”

He subtle smirk made her heart flutter. “Hey Siri, play ‘songs that remind me of lovebug’ playlist.” Wicked Games quietly played, flooding the empty room and cascading off the glass walls. “May I?”

Y/n smiled brightly, the smile reaching her eyes and making them shine brighter than any gem or star Peter could think about. Every time she thought he held every bit of her heart, he’d turn around and do something that makes her fall even deeper in love. She swayed slowly with the boy who seemed too good to be true. The sunset painted the room a colorful ombre of pinks and oranges, creating a soft glow around the two. Even with the beauty forming around them, their eyes were only focused on one another’s. Soaking in the feeling of the beat controlling their bodies. Enjoying the way if the pressed closer they could feel their heartbeats synchronizing.

Quiet moments like these were truly rare. Being alone with others around couldn't compare to now. There were no worries about who may walk in. Or waking someone up. Or being teased by loved ones. It was just them. And if she was being honest, it was kind of overwhelming for Y/n. Being this close to him, having him do whatever he could to see her smile. It all made her want to say those three words, maybe four, but she couldn’t quite bring herself to. As crazy as it seemed to herself, she couldn’t help but worry he may not feel the same way for her.

“Let’s, uh- the stars are finally out.” Peter hummed quietly in response. “Wanna go watch them,” she tried to be more straightforward.

“Yeah, sure. Close your eyes, please,” he spoke softly as he reluctantly let go of her. He waited until her eyes were closed before running off to grab the bag and find a way outside.

Y/n stood there for what felt like ten minutes, listening to his shuffling around as she shifted her weight between her feet. “Follow me,” Peter whispered as he slipped his hands into her’s. He slowly guided her outside, taking extra care to make sure she wouldn’t bump into anything. “Now open.”

The sight of a bed made of webs slung out between the buildings left her speechless. Peter’s cover was draped over the pillow he’d set up. Best of all it allowed them a clear view of all the stars sprinkled in the sky.

“I love y- it,” Y/n quickly caught herself. “I love it.” She paused, still basking in the amazement that he would go to such lengths just for her. She looked over at Peter, a bashful smile plastered on his face and highlighted by his rosy cheeks. “And you. I love you, Peter,” she admitted before she could stop herself. “I love you so much I don’t understand it sometimes, but I do. And it’s totally cool if you don’t want to say it or don’t feel the same way. I just, you do things like this and I don’t know. I can’t help but feel like a princess. And I’m rambling now so I’d really like it if you stopped me or even told me to shut up.”

“Y/n,” Peter spoke up, his voice failing him as a whisper. “Stop talking so I can kiss you, please. ‘Cause it’s kinda hard to kiss you when I don’t want to interrupt your cute rambles.”

Y/n let an audible sigh as he pecked her forehead, then her nose, and onto her cheeks before finally making it onto her lips. His hand gently cupped her cheek while his other hand pulled her closer by the hip, securing her close to him both for her safety and so he could feel her warmth.

“I love you too.”

Her smile grew wider as he leaned down to kiss her again. Every ounce of worry faded away as he picked her up, mumbling those words between every little kiss as he carefully laid her down on the makeshift bed.

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winnipegpatty · 5 years

Text

like what you’re doing to me | two | s.m. series

a/n: yes let’s go! okay forreal this time though thank you @mendesmood for the instagram edits!!! <3 the ice cream picture is from sara_hara on IG, she’s beautiful. also, if you like this consider buying me a ko-fi (link on my page!)

Setting up a collaboration with Karli hadn’t been too hard considering Shawn didn’t have a whole lot going on right now outside of tour rehearsals. Andrew had wanted Shawn to set it up as soon as possible as to not lose some of the hype that had come along with his tweets and Karli’s video.

A ton of Twitter fans had already been speculating that they may be setting up a collaboration of some sort. And Andrew had given Shawn the go ahead to tease about it here and there, just to keep interest up. Which meant that Shawn and Karli had been flirtily tweeting each other all week. Nothing too crazy, but just here and there.

So now, about three and a half weeks since Shawn’s initial tweet from the airport, he was flying to LAX to create an unknown collaboration with Karli King. He’d left pretty much any and all specifics about the video up to her discretion, saying that he trusted her craft, whatever the fuck that meant. The truth was, Shawn didn’t know how to make a fucking Youtube collaboration. Sure, Shawn had started on Youtube. But Youtube years ago, was a completely different game than Youtube now. Shawn had recorded unedited, raw covers in his bedroom. And now, people were creating music that was just as produced and put together as his albums were. And they were putting out that content once or sometimes even twice a week. This was a world far removed from Magcon days. A loud cry from his vine days, and it was something that Shawn hadn’t the smallest inkling about.

But he hadn’t wanted to tell Karli that. He couldn’t seem like a fucking idiot to her before they’d even met.

Karli had sent over all the details of meeting spot and time and what not to Shawn’s cell (because now they had each other’s phone numbers, which was something Shawn doesn’t like to think about). And Shawn was just set to drop his things off at a hotel before meeting Karli King for the first ever time, and it was going to be...fine.

Shawn was nervous as hell. He never gets nervous, but goddamn he was nervous. He had butterflies constantly roaming his stomach, never giving him a moments peace. He felt like he had the jitters, his nervous habits that he’d abandoned long ago we starting to creep back in, and Shawn just felt completely on edge.

Why did he feel like he was about to me the fucking Queen of England?

It’s just Karli King.

Shawn hopped in an Uber, giving the address Karli had sent him, and decided it was time to clear is mind. He pulled out his phone, deciding to tweet something extremely ambiguous just to see the familiar flood of excited responses from the fans. He shot out just a quick little message saying “Today’s a big day!” and he waited.

It only took thirty seconds before he saw his mentions grow exponentially, filled with fans asking what was going on, if he could tell them anything, or requests to post pictures. Shawn replied to a handful of them, sifting through similar ones, finding the gems hidden in the rough.

You’ll see later. Coming soon. Pictures? Maybe, I’ll get back to you on that one ;)

Finally Shawn swiped off Twitter, entering his messages app and hitting Niall’s name.

Shawn: Hey, in LA for a few days. Hangout?

Karli was insanely terrified. Not just because Shawn Mendes was coming to her house, but because of the video they were about to produce.

It’s not surprise that Karli is best known for her ten song mashups. It’s unique, and it’s what got her traction on the platform, garnering her over 5 million subscribers. But if you knew Karli, you knew this wasn’t what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. She loved Youtube, absolutely. And her fans were incredible. But Karli wasn’t wanting to sing covers forever. She wanted to write and release her own music.

So Karli was taking a risk. A really big one, but is life really worth living without them?

Karli wasn’t stupid. She knew that no matter what she put out, a video with Shawn Mendes was guaranteed to get more views than most of her own content. His fan base was insanely huge, arguably one of the biggest in the world right now. So, if she was going to take a risk, this is where she was least likely to flop. Because Shawn Mendes would be holding her up.

And Shawn had given her complete creative control over the video content. Shawn didn’t know this yet, but today he was going to be learning and singing a Karli King original. She was completely terrified. What if he hated the song? Or wanted to do something else? Or completely backed out because he’d expected to be doing a ten song mashup?

Shawn didn’t really seem like the kind of person to bail, but she also had to admit that she doesn’t really know him

But nevermind that, she didn’t have the opportunity to change her mind because Shawn would be here any minute.

She just hoped he liked it.

Shawn showed up about five minutes early, donning a backpack and two guitar cases. Karli hadn’t specifically told him he’d be playing the guitar or anything, but he wanted to come prepared. So he’d brought an acoustic and an electric.

“Hey,” Karli had easily welcomed him into what looked to be her actual home.

Which, made sense. He, after all, had also recorded everything in his home too when he’d started out.

Karli’s platinum blonde hair was flowing down her shoulders, with a small portion of it tied back into a small bun on her head. She wore a yellow cropped Adidas hoodie and a pair of gym shorts. He feet were clad in fuzzy socks, and Shawn felt immensely overdressed in just his right black slacks and his loose fitting tee.

Karli led them down a hallway, “Bathrooms right here, if you need it.” She smiled at him over her shoulder. “And this, is the studio.” She opened a door on the right to reveal an immensely beautiful space. Shawn actually gasped.

There was a mini grand piano in one corner of the room, and three guitars hanging on the wall near it. There was a desk with her producing equipment, an area for a camera set up, and a corner with microphones and music stands at the ready.

“Holy shit,” Shawn looked at Karli, “this is fucking legit.”

Karli laughed, and Shawn felt his heart stop. Her laugh was so mealoudious in video, but in real life it was angelic. He was never going to survive this day.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Karli responded. “I’ve spent years collecting this stuff.”

Shawn shook his head, “You could honestly to god record an entire album in this one room.”

Karli beamed at him, tugging on the drawstring of her hoodie, “That’s the goal.”

Shawn, who’d been busying himself with one of the guitars hanging up, turned completely shocked. “Really? You’re wanting to make your own music?”

She simply nodded her head shyly.

“Do you write your own songs?” Shawn asked, now completely invested in Karli, guitars all but forgotten.

“Well...actually, yeah. I’m going to show you one, for the video.”

Shawn’s eyes went wide, “You want us to sing one of your originals together?”

They spent the next few hours becoming accustomed to Karli’s original song, which she had titled ‘Why Won’t You Love Me’. Shawn absolutely loved the song. It had a sick beat, that they’d been playing around with on her computer. The electric guitar part was amazing, and their voices meshed so well on the chorus.

“Okay, the first verse is just going to be me and the guitar. So, then you just harmonize like that in the chorus and play the guitar, but then we’ll switch back on the verse. I’ll play the guitar. You’ll sing the second verse, which I will harmonize with. Then go into the chorus and bridge together.”

“Sounds perfect.” Shawn agreed.

Karli eyed Shawn for a moment, “Did you happen to bring that blue guitar in either of those cases?”

Shawn laughed, “Yeah, I did bring that blue guitar.”

___

YouTube: Shawn Mendes and Karli King sing “Why Won’t You Love Me”

___

Shawn: so do you like celebrate a video release?

Karli: i would say that’s the proper way to do it, eh?

Shawn: you wouldn’t be making fun of my Canadian heritage would you? just when i thought we had a good thing going.

Karli: i would never.

___

Since the video’s release, Karli’s channel has been trending on YouTube for days. She’s gained a ton of subscribers, and people showed genuine interest in her music. It seems like a lot of her fans had been waiting for her to release her own music, which was a pleasant surprise.

On Shawn’s side of things, progress was a bit more difficult to track. What with him already having millions of fans, and pretty high activity every day whether there was something being released or not, new traffic was a bit harder to grasp.

But Andrew continued to tell Shawn that all the press had been good. Karli’s song was huge, and she’d released a recorded version on iTunes without Shawn on it, that was doing really well on the charts. It seemed the media was viewing this as a “Shawn Mendes returns to his roots and pulls up an up and coming Artist with him” sort of situation.

Shawn really couldn’t care less about the success or what it was doing to his fan base, as long as it was semi successful at least. Shawn wanted the success for Karli, but for himself he really hadn’t cared.

But what he had used this opportunity as was a way to continue communication with Karli, on a slightly more personal level. They’d moved past Twitter mentions and into the regular texting category of new friendships. He’d be lying if he said he hadn’t been flirting with her.

But if Shawn had thought he liked Karli before he’d met her, he was head over heels for her now.

He couldn’t get her off his mind. He’d simply never found someone more mindblowingly talented. The effort that she put into her music was inspiring to even Shawn. Her conversations were captivating, like she always had something on her mind.

Shawn was honestly surprised with how open she’d become with him so quickly. But he wasn’t going to be complaining.

After the video release, Shawn had returned home to continue tour rehearsals. Tour was set to start in about a month, and Shawn was ecstatic. He’d never been more excited to sing songs live that he was about these ones. And practicing the tour every day just made him more and more energetic.

On top of rehearsals, Andrew also had Shawn doing some writing sessions here and there, preparing to release a single mid tour. Writing sessions meant going to LA for a few days here and there. Most of the time he spent this time coupled up in a house with Teddy, putting together ideas until finally something good sticks and turns into something incredible.

But other times, like now, Shawn had a free night. Normally, when in LA, he’d first reach out to Niall, but he knew for a fact that Niall was in the UK running some promo with his golf company. Shawn was honestly a bit bummed out anytime he and Niall seemed to miss each other, one away while the other was in LA. It felt like a gross injustice on the universe’s part, to give Shawn a friend like Niall but then rarely allow them to see each other in person.

Twas the life of a rockstar, Shawn assumed.

Shawn needed something to do though because he was in one of those moods. Those moods he gets into when he’s too much in his head. When he needs someone else to pull him out of it, and remind him that there is life outside of his mind. These moods only had one fix: people. It never really mattered who, though Shawn preferred it to be a close friend. But frankly, those were often in short supply for Shawn, depending on which corner of the world he was in on any given day.

Despite knowing tons of people in LA, Shawn really only wanted to see one person.

And that scared him.

His writing session with Teddy today had been productive, but Shawn knew exactly why. Because he’d been thinking about a certain blonde. He’d been thinking back to their first meeting and just how nervous she’d made him. In a way no one ever had. And how even now, the idea of texting her and asking if she was free to hang out had his stomach in knots. Shawn wasn’t this kind of person. Sure, he wasn’t like smooth or anything when it came to the ladies, but he wasn’t one to become nervous. Performing made him nervous. Awards shows made him nervous. Girls don’t make Shawn Mendes nervous.

Until Karli King.

Should he text her? Call her? Were they on a calling basis? Probably not. Were they even on a casual hangout basis? Shawn had no idea. Maybe he just had to just do it. Just text her and not even look back or think about it. That probably seemed best, before Shawn got even further into his head and completely over thought the whole thing.

Shawn: Hey Karli. I’m in LA for a couple days, and have the night free. Want to get together?

That was a normal thing to send a friend right? Shawn went to the kitchen of the house the team was staying in for writing sessions, grabbing himself a beer to calm himself. He didn’t have to worry for long, before his phone was chiming with a message.

Karli: Hey! I’m out with some friends tonight, actually. We’re just bar hopping. Come join us!

Shawn wasn’t entirely sure if he wanted to join a group of people he didn’t know on a bar hop run, but he knew he wanted to see Karli. And he knew he wanted to be around people, so I guess this was the option that checked off both of those boxes.

Shawn: just tell me when.

That may have been overeager

Karli: We’re at Jeni’s now, won’t be going out for another hour or so. Come get ice cream!

Shawn smiled at the picture, wondering what ice cream flavor was her favorite, as he wait for the address of which Jeni’s they were at.

Shawn stumbled around the house, throwing on a YOUTH hoodie, and pulling on a pair of chelsea boots. Shawn had already called for an Uber by the time Karli had responded with the address. He answered her saying he’d been there in a few.

The butterflies in his stomach only amped up as he thought about how he was going to see her for the second time in just a matter of minutes.

“Are you drunk?” Karli laughed, throwing her head back as they continued to dance together.

“What?” Shawn asked shocked, “No. I’ve only had two drinks. I’m not a fucking pansy.”

Karli laughed even harder at that, “Well, what do I know? I’ve never been out drinking with Shawn Mendes before.” She smiled up at him, “You just seem like you’re having a good time.”

Shawn smiled, bringing his hand around her waist as he moved against her body, “I am having a great time, Karli.”

“That’s really good.”

Karli slung her arms around Shawn’s neck, “I’m not drunk either, but I might be soon.”

___

Getting to know Shawn after their night together in LA was easy, almost natural. Karli found herself texting him almost constantly. They would share bits and pieces of their days with each other. She’d send him little sound bites of a song she was recording while he’d send her little videos of him and Teddy messing around with a beat.

It was fun and light, but Karli knew there was more coming. She could feel it in the way her cheeks widened at the sound of his voice, or the way she’d blush slightly before sending him a picture of her day. She could feel it in the way Shawn’s laugh echoed in her mind hours after a phone call had ended.

She wasn't going to do anything about it though because he was Shawn Mendes and that entailed a lot of things. A lot of things that Karli couldn’t pretend to know about. Dating Shawn wasn’t something that one casually did because he was a celebrity. There were contracts and paps and images involved. Karli wasn’t going to insert herself into that.

She couldn’t, not with the way her life was now. She was building a name for herself, and she wasn’t doing it on the back of someone like Shawn Mendes. The last thing Karli needed was accusations being thrown her way of using Shawn for his fame. She knew all about cancel culture, and one headline like that could literally end her career before it had even fully started.

So there Karli remained, the silent background friend of Shawn’s that no one knew about.

___

Shawn: come to the zoo with me?

Karli: what? why are you going to the zoo?

Shawn: i want to see a kangaroo

___

It was a Thursday morning, just a week before Shawn’s tour was going to start. His energy was through the roof, and he had to get it out somehow.

So he went to the zoo.

Karli has easily agreed, and they’d met up outside before starting the day together. It was fucking hot outside despite it being early March. Kids were in school, so the zoo was practically empty. Just like Shawn had hoped.

“Okay so,” Karli looked over Shawn shoulders, pushing up on her top toes. “Looks like the kangaroos are all the way at the back.” She pointed to literally the furthest place in the zoo.

Shawn clapped, “Well we better get moving then, if we are to make it to Australia by days end!”

Karli laughed, following Shawn as he moved down the walkway.

Turns out that seeing the kangaroos, really just meant Shawn wanted to see every animal in the entire zoo. He stopped and gazed at every single exhibit. Asking Karli which animals she liked best and which she identified most with. He’s randomly share the oddest facts with her.

“Did you know that a rhinoceros's horn is made of hair?”

“I did not know that, Shawn.”

Occasionally Karli would initiate the conversation, saying how she wished she could be a sloth, or maybe how she wonders how penguins don’t get cold.

Overall, it was the exact kind of day Karli wanted to spend with Shawn. Sharing stupid facts together, laughing at odd jokes, accidentally brushing fingers or shoulders a little too often to be truly accidental. It was perfect. It was peaceful.

___

And they did finally see the kangaroos.

___

tagging: @fourtristattoos @peacedolantwins2 @rosecth @unhealthyobsessionwithmarvel @justanotherfangurl272 @my-sweet-escape-from-the-world @loveydoveyshawn @outlandishnerd @amandash113 @lostinroses @ilsolee

#shawn mendes fic #shawn mendes imagine #shawn mendes #shawn mendes x reader #imagine #fic #fanfic #shawn mendes fanfic #shawn mendes writing #my writing #mine #writing #lwydtm #like what you're doing to me

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blahblahblippyblah · 5 years

Text

Freinds are the Family we get to choose: Chapter 15: Fishing and Star Gazing

Check out my wolfstar jilly AU on A03.

Archiveofourown.org/works/17537060/chapters/46171921

The next day they all woke up a little later than usual. After breakfast they all took a hike out to the van. Marlene was coming in today and they needed to be there to help her bring stuff in. Sirius was excited for Marlene to come in. He had really bonded with her at school. They both shared a love for Queen and Bowie. She had a similar taste in style as him. Snuffles loved her cat, which she often snuck into the office as well. And she was the only one who got his queer jokes.

When she saw him she gave him the biggest hug.

“Sirius what the bloody hell are you doing here?” She asked when she finally let go.

“He was a stowaway” Remus answered for him.

“Hardly. I only hid in the back of the van for the three hour ride.” Sirius said lightly grinning widely.

“Well regardless I’m happy you’re here. You can help me with my surveys. “ Marlene laughed as she started handing them bags to carry.

****

Having Marlene in camp was great. Sirius enjoyed going out and helping her do her vegetation and rabbit surveys much more than spending the day helping James count deer poop, Or help Remus put out cameras.

He also leaned a lot from Marlene, she was a very skilled botanist. She slowly taught him all the local plants, and soon Sirius found himself being able to id without having to look in the little plant book she gave him. Soon he was spending his days wandering in the woods near the camp picking wild plants and berries to add to their dinner and breakfasts. Fiddle heads, carrots, garlic were his favourites. And he put raspberries and blueberries on his oatmeal every morning.

Having Marlene around was also great since she shared the same taste in music and tv. Which meant he had to listen a lot less to James’ shitty country music and more Queen and Bowie. All in all his summer was going great.

“Hey James I think I caught one!!!!” Sirius shouted out as something pulled hard on his fishing rod. He pulled back and gasped out loud as he saw the rod bend like it was going to snap.

“Holy shit!” James exclaimed beside him noticing that it wasn’t just caught on another rock this time. “Ok Pull back slowly then reel in as you come back forward.” James said throwing down his rod and jumping up and helping Sirius hold his.

“Come on you slut!!!!” Sirius shouted at the water. The fish was now visible doing its damnedest not to get near the shore.

“OK, one, two, three PULL!!!”James shouted and they both pulled back quickly flinging the fish onto the grass. It flopped around wildly. Sirius had never fished before but compared to the fish he saw in the grocery store he was pretty sure this one was a beast.

Snuffles cautiously approached the fish flopping around on the ground sniffing and giving it a look of curiously and confusion. Snuffles let out a growl as the fish made a larger spring from the ground and its tail slapped his nose.

“Ladies and gentlemen tonight we eat like kings” Sirius called loudly so that Remus and Marlene could hear from the camp. They both came out of the big canvas tent they had designated as the science tent and came over to see what the hullabaloo was about.

“Wow! way to go Sirius.” Remus said smiling at the fish which had stopped flopping and was now opening its mouth like it was gasping.

“Shit that’s a big fish” Marlene whistled as she bent down to pick it up. It took her both hands to lift it from the gills.

“What can I say? I’m the epitome of manliness and ruggedness. Wrangler extraordinaire.” He bragged.

“It’s Angler. Wrangler means you work on a ranch” Remus corrected.

“Whatever” Sirius said grinning wide.

“Well it’s pretty impressive”Marlene said handing the fish to Sirius and helping him hold it properly.

“Beginners luck” James said now reeling in his rod which only brought in weeds.

“Fine let’s eat the non existent fish you caught.” Sirius said waving is fish at James. James just shoved him in the shoulder, but he smiled at the teasing meaning he wasn’t too hurt.

“Someone take a picture of me with this before we cook it up” Sirius said reaching in his pocket for his phone. “I can’t wait to send this to mum”

Turns out catching the fish was the easy part. Cleaning it however wasn’t Sirius’s favourite activity. It was absolutely disgusting. It took all his will power not to faint when James made him cut it’s head off. Something about the crunching of the bones didn’t sit well with his stomach. When he slit the belly to gut it he lost his cool and threw up in the bucket that was meant for the guts. James being the unhelpful brother he was just laughed and pulled out his phone.

“Ha wait till mom sees this” James said as Sirius dry heaved and did his best not to throw up again.

“James I swear to the gods I’ll shove this fish head down your throat” Sirius threatened as he took a step away from the table to compose himself.

After a lot of gagging, and throwing up once more, the fish was cleaned and ready to be cooked. Overall it was kinda humbling doing all this to keep feed himself and his friends. Growing up as a Black he never got to do anything close to this. Kreacher always did all the cooking. When he moved in with James and Peter all he knew how to make was cereal.

Since Sirius had no confidence in his cooking skills, especially on a fire he left to cooking to James.

The fish was awesome, and went well with the rehydrated potatoes and peas. All four of them sat around the fire once the sun had with full bellies staring up at the night sky and swapping stories.

Eventually James fell asleep. Drooling onto his shirt and snoring loudly. Sirius took advantage of this position to stick some grass in his mouth which James didn’t even stir at. Marlene eventually stood up and called it a night. She shook James awake and once he spat out the grass he followed her to the tents to pack it in Sirius found himself sitting beside Remus alone in the warm glow of the dying fire. Suddenly he felt very self conscious. He didn’t know what to say. He didn’t want to say something stupid. He noticed he was sub consciously running his hands through his hair much like James does. He stopped and carefully glanced over at Remus.

Remus’ head was laid back all the way so that it was facing the night sky. His arms were folded across his chest and his hands were bundled in the sleeves of his jumper. He looked like he was sleeping except his eyes were wide open. The sky was clear and the moon was completely dark making the stars shine brighter. They reflected in Remus’ now dark golden eyes. Puffs of vapour were coming out faintly in the cold night air as he breathed.

Sirius realized it was probably creepy that he was staring and adopted the same position as Remus instead He looked up at the sky and scanned the constellations. Growing up his family had made him and his brother learn all the names of everything in the night sky. His whole family was named after constellations, something he kept when he chose his name. It helped him remember where he came from, even if he hated every minute of his childhood. Sometimes it was hard to look up at the sky and see Orion, Narcissa, Bellatrix, Cygnus, Arcturus and many others without feeling like his relatives were up there looking down on him. However he couldn’t help but smile as he scanned the sky to find Andromeda, and Alphard. The two relatives he always looked up to. Andromeda was a lot older than him, but she was always there to look after him. She would often visit and take him out under the guise of teaching him how to act like a proper Black, but would instead take him to do fun things like go bowling, or eat street food, or swim at the public pool. She bought him his first binder which he secretly wore at school. He was so distraught when his family had disowned her. She had ran off and married a Newfie potato farmer, Ted Tonks. Something that was inexcusable as a Black. He remembers is mother screaming in rage as she burned Andromeda off the family tree tapestry when she sent a letter home telling everyone what she had done. When he ran away one of the first things he did was contact Andromeda. He even went to visit her on her farm and met Ted. Sirius loved Ted. He was easy going and always cheery. He always seemed to be whistling or singing these funny songs and poems. He was the first guy to show him how to shave. Andromeda was the one who helped him pick out his name as well.

“Sirius. That’s what your name should be. The brightest star in the sky.” She had said while they star gazed from a field behind their farm house.

Uncle Alphard was also a gem. Sirius was pretty sure Alphard is the one who gave him his mischievous personality. When he would visit Alphard would tell him stories about the pranks he would pull on Orion and Cygnus as kids, and how much grief he would give Sirius’s grandma and grandpa. Alphard never married, but always told Sirius he had no interest in that nonsense. He always said Sirius and Regulus were the only thing he really cared about anyway. When Alphard died he left all his personal fortune to Sirius. Something Sirius was sure sent his Mother into a rampage and his father into an early grave. He wishes he could have seen their faces when the lawyers read the will to them and they found out they got nothing and everything went to their disowned disappointment.

Sirius scanned some more and found Regulus. His stomach twisted. He still didn’t know how he felt about his baby brother. Regulus never did anything to hurt him purposefully. He never said anything mean to him growing up unlike his other family members. Regulus use to follow him around and hang out with him growing up. He never ratted to their mom and dad when he misbehaved at school, or how tell them how Sirius changed into the boys uniform (Jame’s extras) when they got to school. When Sirius left home he was pretty sure Regulus had been forbidden to talk to him but when Sirius ran into him sometime after moving in with the Potters Regulus had greeted him as Sirius. And he didn’t even use a rude voice while doing so. He ,eery gave him a annoyed glare and nodded at him saying “Sirius, Potter” in acknowledgement of the both of them.

Sirius didn’t know when his brother became brain washed by his family but it wasn’t long after he left Regulus stopped acting civil.

“How do you think I feel everyone knowing my brother’s a filthy queer. Running around acting like an idiot, dressing like a delinquent” Regulus had once said when Sirius ran into him at school.

Regulus may not like him anymore but he must still care about him if he called him as a brother. The whole thing confused him. James was his brother now, and really James had always been his brother. But what did that make Regulus?

He shook his head focusing again on the stars.

“There’s me” Sirius said to Remus pointing up at the brightest star above them and a little to the south.

“Huh?” Remus said turning to him with a confused look.

“The star. Sirius. The brightest star in Canis Major.” Sirius said tracing out the constellation with his outstretched arm.

Remus followed his finger up to the sky and looked up at Sirius the star too.

The both sat in the quiet as the trees swayed and rusted and the frogs chirped. Staring at the sky.

“What’s that one?” Remus asked pointing the the faint red point to the west.

“Mars” Sirius answered. Smiling because he felt a little proud and cocky at his knowledge of the night sky he was getting to show off. “And if you follow that line of stars down this way” Sirius said stretching out his hand and leading Remus’s gaze south of Mars. “That curvy line of stars is Scorpio, the scorpion constellation” Sirius pointed out. “And over there is Leo the lion, Over there Taurus the bull, and that one almost right above us is Hercules.”

Remus gazes followed his pointing as he pointed out all the cool constellations and stars he could find.

“Wow” Remus whispered out eyes scanning the blanket of black above them. “Where did you learn all this? Or is it just the result of being an astronomer?”

Sirius laughed. ”Nah my family made me and my brother learn all this as kids. Probably what made me interested in spending the rest of my life staring at boring graphs looking for distant space rocks.”

Remus turned to him like he wanted to ask something but he shut his mouth and turned his face back up.

“Still I thinks it’s a pretty cool job. I mean studying the universe is such a mystery to me. I can’t even wrap my head around the stuff we don’t know about earth much less what’s beyond it.” Remus said.

“Ya I guess that’s what great about it. I think my mind exploded the first time someone explained the Big Bang and how the universe was created.”

“That would explain a lot” Remus said with a sarcastic smile.

“Hey!” Sirius protested. “Your a sarcastic little shit. You know that?”

“Ive been told yes” Remus said grinning at him.

“Good thing you’re hot as hell or else no one would put up with you” Sirius joked back.

Remus didn’t respond but Sirius was pretty sure he could see him blushing in the dark.

They sat their continuing to marvel at the stars and Sirius told the myths and stories that went along with the constellations and planets. Something about being in the forest made it all seem too real. Like the darkness of the sky was slowly melting into the darkness of the trees around them. Or maybe he was dozing off.

He practically jumped out of his chair in terror as the silence was broken by a loud howling sound.

Remus sat up and smiled like he was listening closer to the howling. Sirius felt embarrassed at his jumpiness once he realized the sound were coming from very very far away across the lake. Two possibly three wolves were howling back and forth in the distance. Once he got over how eery it was he started to hear the beauty int he howls breaking through the night.

Beside him Remus tilted his head back and let out a howl himself. Low and mournful unlike the chatty screaming howls of the wolves across the lake. The wolves stopped howling and Remus let out another howl this time louder. He stopped and turned his head to listen. Soon the wolves started howling back in the same mournful howl. Remus howled back. He did this for awhile before turning to Sirius and smiling. By now the fire had died out completely so Remus’s face was completely in shadows. The only thing standing out was the gold in his eyes. Which made him think of wolf eyes staring out at him in the darkness, but he marked this similarity down to the sounds of the howling around him. Still the golden eyes made his heart beat faster and his head feel light. The scared him and drew him closer at the same time. This filled him with energy so he titled his head back and gave the loudest howl he could. He heard Remus chuckle beside him at as the wolves paused again to consider this addition to the chorus before copying him and going back to their more chatty like howls.

“Well at least we know there are wolves here and I’m not putting out cameras for nothing.” Remus said . Sirius laughed at that.

They stayed sitting there listening until the howls died out.

“I guess we better pack it in. It’s got to be like 3 am by now” Remus said

“Ya good idea” Sirius said standing up and stretching.

He went to step forward toward the tents and hit Remus just as Remus stood up. Remus must have been moving forward because he bounced right off his chest backwards from Sirius. Unfortunately Remus lost his balance as he fell backwards and reached out to grab something to stop his fall. In the dark Sirius didn’t see it happen but he felt Remus grab his forearm as he tripped and pulled him down with him. Siruus tried to stop their fall but his waving arms just seemed to put them more off balance and his foot caught in his lawn chair making them both crash down into the dark cold grass. Sirius fell right ontop of Remus his face planting right into the Remus’ chest. Remus let out a gasp as his back hit the ground probably knocking the wind out of him. Sirius groaned his elbow throbbing since he tried to use it to stop himself from crushing Remus and it took the majority of the weight of the fall.

“Tabarnac!” Sirius swore as he tried to correct himself. Unfortunately his legs were caught in a lawn chair preventing him from rolling off Remus. He was suddenly very aware of how their bodies were lying on top of one another. Remus was warm and soft and smelled like black tea, chocolate, under that top smell there was also the unmistakable sent of moss and rain and wool. Man why did he smell so good? Sirius had never seen the guy bath in the lake like he and James, and even with the bathing in the lake they both still smelled questionable. Sirius felt himself blushing and Remus wriggled under him trying to help him de tangle themselves and the chair in the pitch black darkness. Sirius did his best not to think about how nice it felt as Remus’ face pushed against his shoulder and his hips slide across his.

Eventually the rightened themselves and pulled themselves up again.

“I’m sorry” Sirius apologized offering his hand to help Remus stand up.

“It’s ok. I probably should not have stood up so quickly in the dark” Remus replied taking Sirius’ hand to help himself up. Sirius pulled up on Remus’ arm and Remus shot up. The guy was surprisingly light for someone so tall that he pulled to hard and Remus came flying toward him. Sirius caught Remus from falling again by pulling him close.

Now they were standing toe to and face to face. Sirius arms around Remus from trying to stop him from falling. Remus’ hands were both on Sirius’ chest. Sirius could feel the electricity shocking him from the proximity.

“Uhhh…um.. my bad” Sirius stammered out.

He could feel Remus’s smiling sarcastically in the dark which Sirius’ face flush hot.

“Thanks” Remus said. He sounded a little winded and it came out more as a whisper. Sirius smelt tea and chocolate on his breath. He felt the urge to lean forward and kiss Remus , and he was pretty sure he could feel Remus lean closer too but Sirius shook his head quickly to clear his thoughts and next thing he knew they were separated.

A light came on from the direction of Remus as the guy turned on the flashlight on his phone.

“Good idea” Sirius said following his lead. They walked back to their tent using their phone lights. They said an awkward goodnight before parting into their separate tents.

Inside the tent James and Snuffles were both snoring away so he carefully crawled into his bag. The last thing he thought about before falling asleep was how warm Remus had felt and how he had almost kissed the guy. He wondered if Remus would have kissed him back. Probably not Sirius finally decided. Why would someone that awesome want to kiss him. He put up with Sirius’s flirting but Sirius figured flirting was probably as much as Remus would tolerate fro him. Anyway why would a great guy like Remus go for him. That night he dreamed of chocolate flavoured lips and a warm body held up against him. This however was ruined the next morning when the warm body turned out to be the very hairy and smelly Snuffles who had crawled in his bag last night for warmth.

#wolfstar #remus/sirius #remus x sirius #remus lupin #james/lily #jilly #james potter #sirius black #the marauders #harrypotter fanfiction #harry potter #university au #au #camping

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nightcoremoon · 6 years

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God are 4channers cringeworthy and pathetic

ordinarily I wouldn't need a reason to say that but holy shit I have a short story

so I like memes. specifically music memes but some other kinds that aren't relevant to the story. there's a youtuber I watch, his name is jasonparadise, he plays guitar hero. he does a lot of custom songs by this dude, bandipat. he does things like down with the sickness and chop suey and through the fire and flames, but he fucks with the lyrics so it says things like "get down with the DICKness" or "TABLE! TABLETABLETABLETABLETABLETABLE TABLE!" or "through the fire and the MEMES we carry AAAAAAAHHHHHH *glass shatters*" and randomly throws in clips of darude-sandstorm and all star by smash mouth and in the end by linkin park. at first I liked the videos because jason's laugh is infectious and he's actually really fucking good at guitar hero, and I started to ironically like the songs. one of them was titled EXTREME MEME MUSIC MEGAMASHUP or something. it was crammed to the brim with gorillaz and twenty one pilots and system of a down and man's not hot and snow halation and never gonna give you up and a thousand miles and what is love and through the fire and the flames and and old spice commercials and the fresh prince of bel-air theme song and some of the undertale soundtrack, daft punk and ariana grande and eminem and owl city and a hundred other pop songs that got way overplayed on the radio. I kind of unironically liked it because it was such a masterful compilation & mashup. so I looked up more and downloaded a dozen different ones by different people. anyway I eventually found a batman parody of all star that was about bane from the dark knight rises. I thought it was hilarious and wanted to find the full video. so I did. I watched it. it was... meh. nothing to write home about or watch again. singer was nasally and kinda sucked. I joked and said "no memes here, singer sounds like social distortion" because he totally did.

one week passed.

today some guy was like "NO MEMES? LMAO NEWF@G"

I was like. fuck it, this loser wants to troll, I'll give him a troll. I basically called him out on being a social distortion fanboy.

he responded "you're either an amazing troll or a PATHETIC NORMALF@G"

I just responded with a smiley face.

holy

fucking

shit, guys.

I think that these neanderthalian cave dwellers actually believe the shit that comes flying out of their fingers and just pretend that it's irony or trolling. I think they really are that much of fucking moronic basement-lurking imbeciles.

the concept of newf@g and normalf@g and the self-fellating ego-stroking mob-mentality tribal barbarian circlejerk are way worse than even the fucking superwholocks, but it's even more embarrassing because instead of being twelve they're all like 27 and running management positions in some business that daddy greased some palms for. borderline-inbred acne-ridden neckbearded incel chucklefucks whose mental fortitude only allows the enjoyment of shrek (via projection) and neonazi terrorists (same), where the concept of people who are *GASP* into things that are different from them, or even *GASP* into things for different reasons than they themselves are, is just way too much for their feeble minds to handle.

like, I'll admit to some of the things I like to be a little cringey. anime, nightcore, my little pony: friendship is magic, 80s music, shitty lord of the rings licensed media... but nothing I do or like will ever hurt or offend anybody. I don't go out of my way to be an asshole slinging around slurs for the lulz because mommy won't let me stay out past 10:30 and forgot to buy me the steak and cheddar hot pockets again because she's a FUCKING BITCH ("I'm sorry I called you a mean name can I PLEASE have the xbox back because all my friends are playing fortnite right now!!!"). I don't sit there drunk and stoned with peanut butter on my dick and world of warcraft running on a second monitor so I can fill my bags with ore and sell it on the auction house for 10x profit and get another month for free because I need more monster and red bull.

and sure, maybe I'm assuming a few things for a person whose profile picture is piccolo from dragon ball z and seems to unironically enjoy what the rest of the comments section had affectionately referred to as "baneposting". and sure, maybe they're all trolls trying to confuse the shit out of the internet, but I see it for what it is. wasting time doing stupid shit because you don't have the intellectual fortitude to, I don't fucking know, contribute something worthwhile to the internet instead of wasting bandwidth on poorly-edited 480p chop cuts of blockbuster movies with loosely cobbled lyrics that make weird al look like fucking hp lovecraft and sung on a potato mike up the nose of one of the world's worst rejects from the american idol qualifiers? if that's a gem, give me an hour and I'll shit out the fucking mona lisa 2: electric boogaloo.

but I don't wanna hear one more person talk shit to me over the things I like when worse is out there.

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knockoffcollector · 7 years

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Eco’s Monster Castle: One Kid's Trash. A Grown-Up Man's Treasure...

If Speclatron’s Dethlor is the holy grail figure of MotU-KOs, then one particular playset is its castle. Eco’s Monster Castle! Probably the ultimate, and most delicate Castle Grayskull knock-off that you will find. Every MotU-KOllector knows what it is, but only a few have ever seen one in the flesh. Fewer have ever touched one, and only the fewest can call an Eco Monster Castle playset their own. From all MotU-KO playsets that verifiably exist, this one is the rarest, and most expensive one.

Boxed Monster Castle sample, courtesy of fellow KOllector Mario “Spida” Garay.

I can remember the time when I bought my first Monster Castle (MC) as a collector about six years ago, for around 40 Euro. Shipped! I thougt 40 Euro was relatively expensive for what I got. I can also remember how I passed on a boxed sample at the Grayskull Convention in Germany one year later, in 2012. The seller was asking 100 Euro, which I thought was overpriced. I had no clue what was coming next! Three years ago, you could pick up a complete castle for 150 to 250 Euro, loose. Nowadays you need deeper pockets. 400 Euro for a loose, complete one can be considered a “steal”. I’ve seen loose ones selling for 700 and more. Boxed ones almost never show up. But the last one I know of sold for 1.200 USD in the Knock-Off Collectors Trading Outpost group on Facebook. It’s crazy what people are willing to pay for the “German” interpretation of Castle Grayskull.

Wait, did I just say “German”? Yes! MC was manufactured by Eberlein & Co., abbreviated Eco, in Nuremberg, West-Germany. Not China, or Hong Kong, as you would probably think. The company was founded in 1938, and focused on plastic thermoforming in the 60s. They produced all kinds of plasticly things you need or don’t need in life. Store displays (!), blister packs, roof luggage racks, and also toys. Other famous items among KOllectors are their Moon, and Volcano Plates. Eberlein & Co. still exist, but they seem to have moved out of the toy business years ago.

MC is often considered the official Sungold Galaxy Warriors playset. Mostly because the castle was advertised along with Galaxy Warriors figures on the original box it came in. I was actually trying to get more background info on this subject from Eco. But for some reason they’re not answering my emails. Probably because they’ve been flooded with inquiries from nerds like me already, ha! (“Ach! Schon wieder einer von diesen Spinnern!” *delete message*.) Anyway, let’s assume the obvious. Very likely Eco showed Sungold figures on their packaging because they needed a safe way to advertise MC as a 5.5" fantasy action figure compatible playset, and as a cheap alternative to the MotU originals. Simple as that! Other than Mattel, Sungold were unlikely to give Eco any trouble regarding copyright. Using MotU knock-off figures on their packaging was a safe alternative to the “real thing”! Maybe Eco even had a deal with Sungold. Maybe it was sort of an “official” third-party playset for the Galaxy Warriors line. We’ll probably never know for sure.

Monster Castle with unassembled hand, from my private KOllection.

Both Monster Castle versions (regular to the left, lite-up version to the right), on display with Eco’s Volcano Plates. From my private collection.

If you look close at the MC box, where the Galaxy Warriors figures are pictured, there’s one particularly striking detail. One figure (Ygg) is holding the hellbard from the Castle Grayskull playset in its hand. How did it get there? Like John Coats has mentioned on his Galaxy Warriors blog, a possible explanation is that Eco (or whoever designed MC, and snapped the promo pic) had purchased a Grayskull for inspirational reasons. Its weapon lot eventually got mixed up with the bunch of Galaxy Warriors.

I’ve also been wondering where Eco got the inspiration for that distinctive giant monster hand from. Also that nightmarish lovedoll-face keeps fascinating me. The combination is just too brilliant. What instantly came to my mind were classic 60s toys from Japan and Hong Kong, like the Creeping Crawling Hand, Frankenstein’s Hand, or the Coffin Bank.

“Frankenstein’s Hand” coin bank, made by Normura Toys (Japan) in the 1960s. Pic courtesy of http://vintageToyz.com.

The Coffin Bank, first made by Yonezawa Toys (Japan) in the 1950s. Pic courtesy of http://horrorpedia.com.

And that MC face? Well, a couple of months back I watched some classic Japanese kaiju flicks from my bucket list, and there it was! Daimajin, the Monster of Terror! A trilogy of Japanese cult movies from the 1960s, about a giant stone samurai monster, “protecting” a small village and its residents against an evil warlord. Daimajin’s face bears alot of resemblance to the MC face indeed. Also the colors are similar. I assume the blinking eye and o-shaped mouth were added for two reasons. 1.) to add the popular image of the hungry ghost, and 2.) to conceal the obvious. It’s quite possible that the designer of Monster Castle was intentionally mimicking Daimajin, but didn’t want it to look exactly the same, to once more avoid copyright issues for Eco. I don’t think that the designer was German by the way. The fabrication of the castle took place in Germany, yes. But the true creator must have been from Asia. Not directly from Japan, but from a neighboring culture area that was more familiar with the concept of Japanese horror toys, and the Daimajin movies. I’d say the design of Monster Castle originated in the same area where those numerous Coffin Bank knock-offs and bootlegs were coming from. Hong Kong, the knock-off Mekka!

A MotU-KO playset, designed by some cheap hired artist in Hong Kong, and eventually produced in Germany, that’s definitely uncommon. But despite the design’s possible origin, MC was distributed within the German market and its neighboring countries only. It was never released overseas. This also explains the playset’s rarity. Besides its limited, local distribution, the castle’s fragility is another explanation. Simply not many units have survived the 80s. Not to speak of boxed ones. To be honest with you guys that have never seen, and don’t own a Monster Castle in the flesh, it’s actually the thinnest piece of plastic junk that you can imagine. Sad but true, the quality of this gem is complete shit! It looks, and feels like a vacuum pulled store display, but certainly not like a real 5.5 playset. But think about it, maybe it was intended as a third-party store display in the beginning, to promote Galaxy Warriors and other 5.5 action figures in toy stores! Probably designed, and sculpted by the same guy(s) in Hong Kong who also had created Sungold’s Galaxy Warriors! Then Eco decided to give it a real packaging, and turn it into a buyable consumer product.

My first Monster Castle, purchased back in 2011, insta-buy on eBay for 40€ shipped!

Well, a thin piece of vacuumed plastic “Made in West-Germany” seems to be one thing. A playable alternative to Castle Grayskull made in the same country is another. Monster Castle is what it is, because the costs of a real 5.5 playset “Made in Germany” would have been way too high. It seems like in this case the much praised German quality did not prevail!

Both Monster Castle versions on display with Underworld Warriors and Combo figures. Pic from my private collection.

Due to its poor quality, and strange look, I can imagine that back in the 80s Eco’s Monster Castle wasn’t a hit at all. Which might explain why the even rarer lite-up eye version of the castle exists. Eco were simply trying to pimp up a bad selling product with as less effort as possible. There’s also rumors that some castles came with a movable monster hand. A hand that’s not just hanging there, but that could be moved from the back. None of the castles that I’ve owned (it’s been four so far), and none of the ones that I’ve seen had this gadget, though. Even not the boxed ones.

As much as I’m digging the design and concept of Eco’s creation, its quality is just disappointing. But only if you see it as what it not really is, a playset. If you look at it as what it really looks and feels like, a rare and fragile store display, it’s actually cool. Extremely cool. This still doesn’t justify the crazy prices it’s going for, but hey - that’s just my opinion, dude. Eco’s Monster Castle looks sick, super weird, and otherworldish. It’s a great addition to every MotU-KOllection, and every MotU-KOllector wants, and should have one. The only problem is that it’s extremely hard to find. I’d say even harder than all Speclatron figures combined. In a situation like this it’s worth every penny that KOllectors are willing to pay for it. Period.

But still, if Eco would just answer my emails, and see what the market is like today. Oh boy! They wouldn’t believe how one kid’s trash from 30 years ago can turn into a grown-up man’s treasure.

#eco monster castle #monster castle #motu ko #knock off toys #galaxy warriors #sungold #eco #eberlein und co

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minijenn · 7 years

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Universe Falls Chapter 35, Part 3

OK my go you guys I feel so fucking dead while posting it but holy shit its finally done and I’m so proud of how it turned out I really am because UGH its so angsty and good and AHHH JUST READ IT YOU’LL LOVE IT I”M SURE AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK WHEN YOU DO OK?!?!?!? Woo... but anyway, enjoy!

Previous: http://minijenn.tumblr.com/post/161206360979/universe-falls-chapter-35-part-2

Chapter 35: Fusion Fiascos

Part 3: Forever Alone

LMMLPFQBP RKFQB, QL DBQ QEB GLY ALKB YRQ ZXK LKIV PROSFSB LKZB EXOJLKV FP TLK

Lion let out a soft, roaring yawn, only briefly opening his eyes before settling back into a peaceful snooze amidst begrudgingly letting Steven and Mabel play with his mane. All the same, the pair conversed cheerfully while they collaborated on braiding the pink beast’s luxurious pastel locks while relaxing on the floor of the shack’s den.

“I still can’t believe we’ve never done this before!” Mabel quipped, tying off another small braid with a floral clip. “By the time we’re finished, Lion’s mane is gonna be the prettiest portal to a secret magical tree ever!”

“I know!” Steven agreed with a smile as he began to take on another tendril of pink hair. “And I’m so surprised at how calm Lion’s being about this. He usually never lets me play with his mane for this long!” Of course, no sooner had the young Gem said this than the pink beast suddenly awakened and stood up, stoically shaking the braids and clips out of his mane, essentially undoing all of the pair’s hard work on it. “Heh, I guess I spoke too soon,” Steven said with a small shrug as Lion casually padded off.

“Lion, wait!” Mabel gasped, hopping to her feet as she hurried after the pink beast. “You gotta let us finish! Or at least keep the braids in long enough for take a few pictures of how adorable you’ll look!” Steven could only let out an amused chuckle as he watched Mabel try to reign Lion in, only for her attempt to be thwarted by the pink beast abruptly and broadly licking the side of her face. “Hey!” Mabel protested, though she was unable to hold back a laugh as she playfully pushed Lion away. “Did I ask for any Lion kisses? No, I didn’t! And just for that I’m gonna use twice as many flower clips this time!”

As Mabel tried and failed to hop onto the pink beast’s back to continue braiding, Steven continued laughing, though his levity was only briefly interrupted as he happened to stop Dipper rushing downstairs from the attic. “Hi, Dipper!” the young Gem greeted brightly, seeing as how this was the first time he had seen him today.

“Hey, Steven!” Dipper called back quickly, barely even glancing over his shoulder as he hurried to the kitchen. “I can’t talk right now, I’m super busy.”

“Well, what do you know!?” Mabel smirked teasingly as she willingly fell off of Lion. “Looks like somebody finally decided to step out of the ‘conspiracy cave’ for a minute to get some fresh air.”

“Ha! As if there’s even time to do that,” Dipper remarked sardonically, practically running out of the kitchen with an armful’s stash of Pitt Colas. “The only reason I can down was to refuel. I feel like I’m just on the verge of uncovering something huge, and if I don’t keep my train of thought up, then I’ll lose it completely!”

“What do you mean ‘something huge’?” Steven asked curiously, though before Dipper could answer, Mabel let out an exasperated groan.

“Steven, don’t ask him that,” she said, flopping down onto the floor, already bored. “If you do, then he’s just gonna go off on another one of his nerd rants about his boring research.”

“No, I won’t!” Dipper scoffed in protest. “And besides, this ‘boring’ research I’m doing is actually really important!”

“Here we go…” Mabel mumbled as she rolled her eyes, rolling over to lie facedown on the carpet. But even so, Steven listened intently as Dipper began to explain nonetheless, putting his sodas down as he began to restlessly pace back and forth.

“After everything that happened in the bunker, I realized that we’re still not much closer to finding the author,” he said, his tone serious and devout. “I mean, Soos is fixing up that old laptop we found, sure, but who knows how long that could take, or if it’ll even give us any answers at all? So, I figured that in the meantime, I need to take matters into my own hands. For the past few days, I’ve been pouring over the journal, carefully examining every single page for anything I might have overlooked before.”

“And have you found anything yet?” Steven asked, quite invested.

“…Not yet,” Dipper huffed, somewhat frustrated. “But I’m not giving up! Besides, this isn’t just about finding out who the author is anymore. You guys remember what Peridot said when we saw her at the Kindergarten the other week, right?”

“Yeah, we do,” Mabel interjected, rolling onto her back. “She said: ‘I’m reporting this, you CLODS!’”

“Wow, Mabel!” Steven exclaimed, impressed. “You do a really good Peridot impression!”

“Thanks. I’ve been working on it.”

“No, no, no!” Dipper cut in, aggravated. “Before that. She said she was there to ‘pick up where they left off’. But what does that mean? Who’s ‘they’? Homeworld? Someone else? What to ‘they’ even want to do? What was Peridot really doing at the Kindergarten? Or the Galaxy Warp? And why was she-”

“Ok, ok, we get it!” Mabel interrupted, her tone clearly exasperated. “There’s a lot of questions that we don’t have any answers for yet. But that’s fine, bro-bro. The Gems have got that mystery covered!”

“Oh really?” Dipper crossed his arms skeptically. “Steven, how much new information have the Gems uncovered about what Peridot’s up to since what happened at the Kindergarten?”

“Uh… pretty much nothing…” Steven admitted, scratching the back of his neck. “They’ve been pretty busy with other missions lately, so they haven’t had a lot of time to look into the whole Peridot thing.”

“Which is exactly why I’m doing it for them,” Dipper asserted with a determined grin. “Somewhere in the journal there’s got to be something that can at least point me towards some answers. Not only am I going to figure out who the author is, but I’m also going to find out what Peridot’s up to so we can stop her once and for all! And after we do, the Gems will be so impressed by all my hard work that they’ll have no choice but to take me seriously from now on!”

“Dipper,” Steven said with a small, good-natured laugh. “You don’t need to prove anything to the Gems! They already take all of us seriously!”

“Steven, do I really need to remind you of how we nearly froze to death outside of the warp stream just because of how much the Gems didn’t take us seriously?” Dipper asked dryly.

“O-ok… well…” the young Gem frowned, glancing down awkwardly before perking up and chancing the subject. “Well, hey! Why don’t you take a little break from all that researching and hang out down here with us for a while?”

“Yeah!” Mabel chimed in enthusiastically. “We were just giving Lion a super cute makeover. You know, braiding his mane, putting adorable tiny hats on him, the works! If you stick around, I’ll even let you put the bow on his tail!” She grinned as she held up a tiny pink bow in one hand and the tip of Lion’s tail in the other.

“As… fun as that sounds,” Dipper began rather sarcastically as he reclaimed his stash of sodas and turned towards the stairs. “I’m gonna have to pass.”

“Aw, come on, Dipper,” Steven encouraged with a pleading smile. “You look like you’ve been working really hard-”

“He’s been up with the journal for the past two nights in a row,” Mabel cut in, rolling her eyes impetuously, though Dipper didn’t try to dismiss her claim, mostly because it was true.

“Whoa, really?” the young Gem asked, quite concerned. “Well that’s all the more reason for you to take a break! At least sit down and relax for a bit, maybe go take a walk outside, or-”

“Sorry, Steven, but no,” Dipper interjected, resolute. “I’ve got to get back to work. I’ve already wasted enough time just standing around here talking, and every minute I’m not upstairs researching is another minute we don’t know who the author is or what Peridot’s planning! This is serious stuff you guys, and if I were you, I’d be taking it as seriously as I am.”

“I’ll tell you what I’m taking serious,” Mabel remarked with a coy grin. “Lion’s cute face! Isn’t that right, Lion?” she asked dramatically, smooshing the pink beast’s face with her hands as she leaned in close. “Isn’t that right?”

Dipper simply let out a disgruntled sigh as he began making his way up the stairs, shaking his head in disappointment and slight dejection all the while. “Sometimes I don’t know why I even bother…” he muttered sourly, though Steven happened to overhear him as he watched him leave with sincere worry.

“I can’t believe Dipper’s been up for two nights straight trying to figure all that stuff out…” the young Gem remarked with a frown once Dipper was out of earshot. “He really seemed like he was more stressed out than excited about it…”

“That’s because that’s just how he is when he gets all ‘obsessy’ like this,” Mabel said with a dismissive wave of her hand. “And to be honest, I hate it when he’s like this. He gets all moody and boring and he becomes like this total loner, spending all his time with his dumb books and notes. It’s not healthy!”

“It doesn’t sound like it could be,” Steven noted fretfully. “There’s gotta be something we can do to help him relax before he totally wears himself out…”

“Forget it, Steven,” Mabel shook her head. “I’ve tried to get Dipper to loosen up tons of times before, but it never works. All my plans usually just end up annoying him or making him mad and he gets like: ‘Mabel, cut that out! I’m busy!’ or “Mabel, go away! I’m in the middle of something really important!’ And it drives me nuts! Why can’t he just drop all that boring research stuff, lighten up and have fun for a change?!”

“Maybe he just needs a little push in the right direction?” Steven suggested with a small smile.

“Ha, good luck with that,” Mabel rolled her eyes. “I’m telling you, Steven, anything we try isn’t going to work. Dipper’s like, no joke, one of the most stubborn people I know. And I should know seeing as how I’ve known him longer than literally anyone.”

“Yeah, but we’ve got to at least try!” the young Gem exclaimed earnestly. “Dipper may be stubborn, yeah, but he works harder than anyone else at what he does. We both know that, Mabel! And the stuff he’s researching is pretty important, especially if whatever Peridot wants to do is bad. So I figure the least we can do is show him how much we appreciate all his hard work by helping him unwind a bit.”

“Well, I still don’t think this is going to work, but I’m down for whatever you have in mind,” Mabel pensively agreed. “Speaking of which, what did you have in mind?”

��Well…” Steven began with a widening grin. “I was thinking something along the lines of… a party?”

“Steven,” Mabel said boldly, quickly taking up the young Gem’s zealous smile as she instantly jumped on board this fledgling plan. “You had me at ‘party’.”

Dipper let out an exasperated sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose in the hopes that it would restore his waning focus where it belonged: on the journal. He couldn’t exactly say he was tired; after all, he had pulled all-nighters before and he had managed to catch a few minutes of sleep here and there last night whenever he happened to accidentally nod off. But he was certainly starting to grow a bit weary with his self-imposed mission. For all of his intent and careful searching through the crinkled pages, weathered words and cryptic illustrations, Dipper had relatively little to show for it. The previously obscured black light text did reveal a few new interesting details concerning the details behind how the Crystal Gems ended up in Gravity Falls, but they were hardly pertinent to the pressing matters at hand. Frustratingly enough, the journal only occasionally made reference to the Gem Homeworld, and really only in passing. Dipper did manage to decipher one code pertaining to more in depth notes concerning Gem history, but it merely cut off into a footnote reading “see journal 1 for more information”. And seeing as how he didn’t even know the whereabouts of journal 1 much less where within it such information would be contained, it was safe to say that lead had hit a dead end very early on.

Still, Dipper refused to let that deter him. There had to be something he was missing, something between the lines that he just wasn’t getting or a piece of a puzzle he just hadn’t found yet. Certainly, the journal contained some form of a clue, whether it be about the Kindergarten, or the Galaxy Warp, or Homeworld, or even more elusive than all of those things, the identity of the elusive author himself. Some way or another, those clues were there, just waiting to be uncovered, and no matter how much digging he had to do, Dipper was determined to find them. And really, by all accounts, he felt as though he had to find those clues and the answers they pointed towards. For if he didn’t, then who else would?

In fact, Dipper was so engrossed in scanning over a page concerning Gem weapons that he didn’t even notice a certain pink lion wedge the attic door open with his nose before slipping in, accompanied by his usual pig companion. He still paid the pair of animals no mind as they casually sauntered towards his bed, which was covered in copious pages of loose-leaf notes he had taken over the past two days of research. But Dipper did finally notice Lion and Waddles when the latter happened to suddenly snatch a large mouthful of said notes and promptly turned to make off with them with his pig accomplice in tow.

“Hey!” Dipper hotly shouted after the pink beast, quickly jumping off the bed to follow him. “Lion, get back here with my notes!” Of course, Lion didn’t stop, but continued pouncing off, running off much like a mischievous cat would with the crumbled pages still in his maw. “Ugh, seriously, Lion?!” Dipper asked, frustrated, though he kept his distance as the pastel beast let out a possessive, warning growl. “Why do you always have to be so—hey!” Dipper cut himself off as Lion brusquely leapt past him, clearing the way to the attic door as Waddles trotted cheerfully behind him. Aptly annoyed but refusing to lose his hard-earned research, Dipper gave chase, hurrying after the pink beast as he retreated from the attic, leaving a certain cryptic journal behind in the process.

And of course, no more than seconds after her brother left the attic, Mabel easily slipped in without notice, swiping the book and sneaking downstairs with it. She made sure that things were still going according to plan as she passed by the den, where Lion still distracting Dipper as he chased the pink beast around essentially in circles, shouting aggravated ultimatums and threats all the while. And as much as Mabel wanted to stick around and laugh about that, she continued on her way outside undetected, the journal still in hand as she exchanged a brief nod with Steven to let him know that everything was still on track. She did make sure to hurry though, tucking the journal away in a secure, yet concealed spot close enough to the shack that it would still be accessible if needed. She managed to finish this task just in time too as Lion suddenly burst out of the shack, notes still in his maw as he confidently padded over to Steven while Waddles sauntered over to Mabel. Of course, Dipper wasn’t too far behind them, though it was clear the chase had exhausted him quite a bit as he had to take pause and lean against the door frame to catch his breath.

“L-Lion, you… you better give me back those notes or I-I’ll…” he trailed off, breathless and quite annoyed. “Come on, I’m not that out of shape, am I?”

“Surprise!” Steven and Mabel interjected in enthusiastic unison, diverting Dipper’s attention towards what they had set up in the yard. In a surprisingly small amount of time, the pair had managed to put together a modest “party”, complete with streamers, balloons, and other festive decorations. They had also organized a small snack table, as well a wide and open area, one clearly intended for dancing, which was only made clearer by the upbeat music already playing on in the background.

“What is this?” Dipper asked, confused as he stood properly and glanced around.

“It’s a party, bro-bro,” Mabel remarked with an eager grin. “Well, technically, we should call it a ‘break party’, but hey, a party’s still a party, no matter what kind of party it is!”

“I think what Mabel’s trying to say is that it’s a party,” Steven reiterated. “For you, Dipper!!”

“…Ok…” Dipper said tentatively, still quite puzzled as he crossed his arms and looked between the pair. “But why?”

“Because you deserve a break,” Steven said with a warm grin. “You’ve been working really hard lately. If there’s anyone who’s earned a chance to kick back and have some fun, it’s you!”

“Wait, so you guys set all of this stuff up… just to get me to take a break?” Dipper asked rather incredulously, even if he was still admittedly having a hard time following their specific intent. “I think you guys might have gone a little overboard then.”

“Overboard?” Mabel scoffed. “Pfft, please, bro-bro. We tailor-made this party just for you! Look, we got all of your favorite snacks over here: Chaaaps, Pitt Cola, and even those little mini-brownies you got sick from eating too many of that one time!”

“And we even found one of your BABBA CDs, so we decided to put it on for you!” Steven added, nodding to the radio, which was unmistakably playing one of the band’s iconic pop ballads.

“I… noticed…” Dipper frowned, giving the pair a rather skeptical, almost unimpressed glance. “Look, I appreciate what you guys are… trying to do here, but I was sort of in the middle of something that I’d really like to get back to, so… thanks, but no thanks.”

“Wait, what?” Steven asked, surprised and dismayed as Dipper turned to head back inside. “But you can’t just leave already! What about the party?”

“Oh, uh, its… nice, and everything,” Dipper shrugged, trying hard not to let his disinterest show. “But I just don’t have time for it right now. I have to get back to researching and everything, you know?”

Steven pouted a bit upon hearing this, clearly disappointed that all of their hard work and hopefulness was about to go to waste. Fortunately though, Mabel had a plan. “Well, ok, if you say so…” she said, feigning disappointment. “Oh, but wait! How are you gonna get any research done if you don’t have your journal?”

This instantly caught Dipper’s attention as he briefly turned around to give his sister a quizzical glance. “What do you mean?”

“Ha!” Mabel smirked triumphantly. “We got you, bro-bro! While you were chasing Lion around trying to get your dumb old notes back, I snuck off with the journal and hid it in a place you’ll never find it.”

“You what?!” Dipper turned around fully, much more alarmed by this news. “Mabel, that’s not funny! Give it back, now!”

“Oh, I’ll give it back…” Mabel remarked coyly. “But only after you relax and enjoy this totally awesome party we set up for you!”

“Ooooo!” Steven exclaimed, stars in his eyes at how impressively Mabel had just flipped the entire situation around. “This is great! Now you’ll definitely want to stick around, right, Dipper?”

Dipper let out a harsh scoff of disbelief upon hearing this, appalled and irritated at just how easily he had been tricked into what had, in retrospect, been such an obvious trap. Still, given that he couldn’t progress any further in his investigation without the journal, he had no choice but to very begrudgingly play along. “Ugh, fine!” he exclaimed, severely aggravated with them both and not afraid to let it show. “But I’m only staying for an hour. No more, and preferably, a lot less. And when that hour’s through, you guys give me my journal back. Got it?”

“Oh, we got it…” Mabel exchanged a sly smirk with Steven, both of them already fully intending on doing whatever they could to get this party to last much longer than a measly hour.

“And I’m not dancing,” Dipper asserted crossly. “I don’t care if you guys have all of BABBA’s best hits on or not. It’s bad enough I have to waste time out here in the first place. I’m not completely embarrassing myself too.”

“Oh, you won’t…” Steven assured casually, still smiling conspicuously.

“And could you guys stop talking like that already?!” Dipper huffed, annoyed. “It’s starting to creep me out.”

“Oh, we will-”

“Mabel!”

“Ugh, fine, we will,” Mabel said plainly, rolling her eyes at her brother’s frustration. “Now without any further ado…”

“Let’s party!” both Steven and Mabel proclaimed in excited unison, gathering close and sandwiching a very perturbed Dipper in between them. And while he remained sullen and sour, that didn’t stop the pair from cheerfully kicking their “break party” off with a literal bang, curtsey of the party poppers Mabel happened to have on hand. Dipper was anything but amused as Steven laughingly showered him with confetti, eventually prompting him to retreat and take a seat next to the snack table, which he only very lightly partook of out of protest. Still, Steven and Mabel both figured it was a start, and while Dipper had made it clear he had no intentions of dancing himself, that didn’t mean they couldn’t. While neither of them were diehard BABBA fans, they still had quite a fun time dancing to the Icelandic group’s music, though they did so apart from each other, mostly for the sake of avoiding unintentional fusion. Yet all the same, they didn’t let their bittersweet memories of their time together as Maven stop them, especially as they bounced around the “dance floor” wildly and recklessly. For a while, Dipper was only barely watching them, instead choosing to sit, scowling and arms crossed as he impatiently checked his watch every few minutes. Still, even he couldn’t hold back a small smirk of amusement as Mabel tried (and failed) to perform a front flip, only to end up falling flat on her face. And, in time, that smirk turned into an outright laugh as Steven and Mabel ended up accidentally ramming into each other, sending them both comedically falling to the ground in a messy heap of limbs.

Though somewhat discombobulated after falling, Steven couldn’t help but let out a small, hopeful gasp upon hearing Dipper’s continued laughter from his spot near the snack table. A wide smile filled the young Gem’s face as he realized that they were finally starting to wear down his rather strong, stoic defenses. “It’s working!” Steven whispered to Mabel as they picked themselves up quickly to continue their impromptu plan. “Come on, Dipper!” the young Gem hurried over, holding an enthusiastic hand out in offer. “Dance with us!”

“Steven, no,” Dipper said, forcing himself to suppress his genuine smile for the sake of being serious. “I already told you; I’m not going to—whoa!” He was abruptly cut off as Steven suddenly grabbed him by the wrist and pulled him not just out of his chair, but onto the “dance floor” as well. Mabel was still going strong, twirling and spinning freely as Steven readily joined her once more, even if Dipper refused to, his former frustration returning. “Guys, are you even listening to me?!” he tried to protest, more than prepared to head back and take his seat once more. “I said I wasn’t going to-”

Dipper was interrupted once more, this time by Mabel as she forcibly grabbed his arm and began pulling him along with her, just as the song Disco Girl began to play. Despite the tune being Dipper’s favorite of BABBA’s discology, he still tried to pull away from Mabel, out of annoyance more than anything else, but she stubbornly refused to relinquish her hold on his hands. “Ugh, come on, Mabel!” he shouted amidst the music as they continued haphazardly spinning. “Let go already!”

“You’re telling me to let go?” Mabel asked with an incredulous chuckle. “I think you’re the one who needs to let go here, bro-bro.”

“She’s right, Dipper!” Steven encouraged with a smile as he stopped dancing himself, but only for a moment. “All of that research you’ve been doing is important, yeah, but taking breaks and having fun is important too! You’re at a party! And there’s never any shame in having fun at a party.”

Dipper didn’t really say anything in response to this, even as Mabel finally let him go to continue dancing on her own, essentially leaving him standing in the middle of the floor to watch her and Steven continue to have the time of their lives. While he hadn’t before, he suddenly felt quite left out as he watched them and the clear, genuine fun they were having and reveling in, a kind of fun that, he had admittedly been denying himself of lately. And the longer he stood on the outside of that fun looking in, the more he strangely found himself wanting to join in on it, to the point that, on a mere whim of impulse alone, he decided to do just that.

Mabel let out a surprised gasp as she felt someone grab her hand out of the blue, but her face lit up with an elated grin upon seeing that someone was none other than Dipper. “What do you think you’re doing?” she asked with a knowing smirk, pausing her dancing for just a moment. “I thought you said you weren’t going to dance.”

“W-well, I guess now I am,” Dipper said uneasily, clearly having to swallow his pride just to be out here on the dance floor. “Now let’s just do this before I change my mind, ok?”

“You got it, bro-bro!” Mabel grinned brightly, not hesitating to pull her rather unprepared brother into a lively dance to the ongoing pop ballad. For a while, the twins spun freely around the yard, tripping over each other’s feet several times, though that didn’t stop them. Steven smiled in warm satisfaction as he watched them, his excitement only growing upon noticing that Dipper was laughing just as hard as Mabel was as they meandered about to the music. As the first chorus of the song reached its apex, Mabel decided to shake things up as they danced past Steven, and, without any warning, she spun Dipper out just so the young Gem could fortunately catch his hand before he fell.

“Nice catch, Steven!” Mabel called as she continued blithely dancing on her own.

“Guess that means it’s my turn!” Steven said to Dipper with a hearty, mirthful laugh.

“I guess so,” Dipper chuckled with equal amusement, though he did let out a surprised gasp as the young Gem suddenly pulled him forward. The boys’ dance was by far less sloppy or free-spirited than the solo dance Mabel was currently pulling off, but even so, it was clear they were having fun with it. Their shared laughter rarely stopped as they spun around, every now and then spinning each other out but remaining linked by their hands before spinning back in. There was a certainly looseness and bounciness to their moves, making it clear that neither of them really knew what they were doing, though neither of them could really care less. They only thing they knew was that they were both having an amazing time, something that excited Steven the most, seeing as how, despite all of Dipper’s earlier protests, there was no denying that he was, at last, genuinely cutting loose and having fun.

All three of the kids were caught up in their own respective dances that they only vaguely noticed that the song was about to come to an end. And so, to end their dance on what would certainly be a high note, Dipper and Steven both acted upon the same idea, spinning each other out one last time, but keeping contact by their hands alone. By the time the song reached its final few notes, they had stopped spinning and instead stood bold and bright, arms outstretched wide yet connected as they both began to laugh hard and happily, both of them more than fulfilled by the sheer fun they had just had. And yet, amidst their shared amusement, neither of the boys were aware of the bright pink glow of the gemstone under Steven’s shirt. This light poured out from the stone and filled in a surprisingly wide radius, one that soon overtook Steven and Dipper both, silencing their laughter all at once as it prepared to fill it in with something else entirely.

Mabel was so caught up in her own lively dancing that she initially didn’t notice this expanding light. Though seeing as how it was hard to ignore, she caught sight of it soon enough, and, bewildered, she stopped dancing and turned to face the wide glow that had obscured her brother and her best friend. But as that glow started to thin out and dissipate, she couldn’t hold back a stunned gasp at what, or rather who appeared in their place.

He stood as confidently as he had before, no longer laughing but still smiling widely and brightly. However, the moment he opened his eyes, that smile disappeared instantly as he became aware of the feeling that something was alarmingly off, though he couldn’t figure out what. Confused, he glanced around to both sides, puzzled to see that he stood alone, even if he hadn’t mere seconds ago. “Where did you-” he instantly cut himself off, a hand flying to cover his mouth out of shock upon hearing a deeper, yet still youthful voice that certainly wasn’t his come out of it. “W-why does my voice sound-” he interrupted himself once more, frightened as he confirmed that voice was indeed somehow his after all. His eyes were wide as he finally managed to glance down at Mabel, who seemed much shorter than she should have been as she stared up at him, her jaw dropped in clear awe at what she was seeing.

“Mabel, what’s wrong?” he asked hesitantly, still unnerved by the sound of his own voice, but he forced himself to put that concern aside for now. Of course, Mabel was still too dumbfounded to give him a proper answer, so instead, he posed his question again, this time even more frantically. “Mabel?! Why are you looking at me like-” He stopped short with an abrupt, terrified cry as he finally glance down at himself, only really noticing one thing about his current appearance, which alone was enough to throw him into a full on panic. He had not only two usual arms hanging from his shoulders, but a completely new other pair, ones that jutted out from a little lower down his torso and had hands clenched into tight, shaking fists of fear. “W-what the heck is going on?!” he asked in apt alarm as he used one of his upper hands to grab onto one of his lower arms to confirm that they were indeed somehow real. “I have four arms! Yeah, I can see that, but why do I have four arms?! I don’t know, but they’re so cool! What?! No, they’re not! Where did they even come from?! And why am I so tall of the sudden? And we do I-”

“AHHHHHH!” His barrage of frightened questions was cut off by a loud, excited scream from Mabel, who had somehow managed to figure out what had happened on her own. He looked to her, startled and bewildered by her apparent elation, especially as she looked to him with a huge, delighted smile.

“What?!” he asked anxiously, holding all four of his new arms close to him out of surprise as Mabel continued to happily squeal without end. “What is it?! What’s wrong?! Why are you—AHHHHHH!” His alarm suddenly turned into the exact same ecstatic scream, a huge smile claiming his expression as half of him realized the same thing Mabel had, even if the other half was still left in panicked confusion. “W-wait! Why am I—AHHHHH!” he cut himself off once more with another overjoyed shriek, one that Mabel joined in on as she bounced up and down on the balls of her feet in excitement. “Wait!” he tried again, only to burst into happily screaming for the third time. “AHHHH!—Why are—AHHHH!—Ugh! Why are we—AHHHH!—Can you please—AHHH!—let me—AHHHH!—finish already!” He finally stopped at this, forcing himself to calm down, even though there was still a wide, exhilarated grin on his face. “Oh! Sorry! What were you saying? Ugh, finally. Now, what exactly are we all screaming about?”

“Dipper! Steven!” Mabel laughed, grinning up at him knowingly as she finally provided an answer. “You guys fused!”

For a moment, the only thing the new fusion could do was stare down at her with wide, shocked eyes upon hearing this, shock that grew as he glanced down to all four of his hands once again. “W-we… we… what?” he asked in quiet awe, though that awe instantaneously shifted back into unbridled glee once again. “Yeah, we did! How do we look?”

“You two look awesome together!” Mabel gushed brightly. “I totally love that whole four arm thing you have going on there! I mean, it was cool enough that Maven had four eyes, but four arms is even cooler! You guys could be like, some kind of juggling master!”

“You think so?” the fusion grinned down at his newfound extra limbs, apparently not bothered by them at all. “Because I think we could—Whoa, whoa, hold it! What’s wrong? What’s ‘wrong’ is you guys; we didn’t fuse.”

“Uh, yeah, you did,” Mabel pointed out. “I’m looking at your fusion right now.”

“No, you’re not!” the fusion protested anxiously. “Because if we fused, then that means we… we’d… we’d be taller! Oh, but we are! See?” He glanced down at himself, easily gaging that he was more than twice as tall as Mabel was. “O-ok… well, uh… Oh, I know! If we fused, then we’d have extra eyes or arms! Which… we technically do…” The fusion took in an apprehensive breath, lifting one of his lower hands to his chin as he began to pace back and forth, surprisingly already steady on his new, longer legs. “Oh, hold on! We can’t be a fusion, because if we were a fusion, which we’re not, then we’d have your-” he stopped short as he glanced down at noticed the unmistakable pink gemstone resting upon his partially exposed stomach. “…gem…”

“Well, looks like the evidence is irrefutable!” Mabel quipped happily as the fusion silently covered his mouth in shaken shock. “You’re a fusion now, boys! How does it feel? Feels pretty awesome, doesn’t it? I should know, since I’ve done it before myself.” The fusion didn’t answer right away, instead staring at the ground before him with wide, almost fearful eyes as he let out a small, shaky breath. Slowly, one of his upper hands came to rest upon his opposite shoulder, as if he was steadying himself in a way that only partially worked. Of course, the fusion’s apparent distress didn’t go unnoticed by Mabel, as her eager smile quickly faded into apt worry. “Uh… are you guys… ok?”

The fusion gasped, snapping himself out of his alarm and forcing himself to perk up and smile cheerfully once again. “Uh, yeah! Everything’s ok! We’re just fi… we… we’re just… I… I can’t believe it…” The assurance in his voice completely faded into an awestruck mutter as he shook his head in overwhelmed disbelief.

“Um… well, believe it, Ste-bro!” Mabel exclaimed, sending the fusion a sly wink. “Get it? Because you’re Steven, but you’re also Dipper? Pretty clever, huh?”

“Y-yeah, I get it…” the fusion frowned, rubbing his arm uncomfortably as he glanced to the side.

Mabel frowned herself upon seeing just how uneasy the fusion seemed to be, a feeling that she couldn’t really say she knew too well in regards to fusion, seeing as how comfortable and confident Maven had been. Still, she couldn’t deny that it concerned her quite a bit to see the fusion of her brother and best friend be so obviously tense and anxious, which was why she had every intention of fixing that in any way she could. “Uh, hey!” she spoke up with a reassuring smile. “Why don’t we go inside so you guys can see what you look like for yourselves? I’m sure that’ll get you both super pumped about this whole fusion thing, right?”

“Oh, yeah!” the fusion suddenly smiled himself, almost seamlessly switching out of his discomfort and back into excitement. “That’s a great idea, Mabel! What, what? Yeah! I mean, I already know we have four arms, but I wanna see what else there is aside from that! What, is having four arms not weird enough for you? Because it’s definitely too weird for me…”

“Aw, don’t be like that!” Mabel chastised lightly. “You guys look great, trust me! And you’ll think so too after you get a load of your new fusion digs. Now, come on!”

“Mabel, wait, I-whoa!” the fusion was cut off as Mabel grabbed one of his lower arms and pulled him towards the shack, eliciting both annoyance and laughter from him. Still, he half-followed and was half-dragged by Mabel to the attic, where the best full-length mirror in the house awaited.

“Well, go ahead and take a look!” Mabel exclaimed as she gave the hesitant fusion a push towards the mirror. “Five bucks says you’re gonna be all like-” she gasped, throwing on a shocked, yet amazed expression before giving the fusion a challenging grin.

“Oh please, I’m not gonna-” his scoff quickly faded into silence as he happened to steal a glance at his reflection in the mirror in front of him.

“Yes!” Mabel cheered in a whisper upon seeing the fusion’s jaw drop in awe as he took in his reflection for the first time. “I win!”

Of course, the fusion paid her no mind as he instead simply stared at himself with wide, curious eyes. If he had any lingering doubts about being a fusion before, they were instantly put to rest upon seeing the perfectly equal semblance he bore to both Dipper and Steven. His eyes were bright and expressive, yet alert and intelligent, going well with the rest of his somewhat boyish yet almost mature features. As he was already well aware of, he had four arms, all of which were surprisingly well toned, much like the rest of his body, clearly a merging of Dipper’s thin frame and Steven’s stocky build. Likewise, his hair was on the darker end of brown, short, but thick and unmistakably curly, even if most of it was well contained under Dipper’s usual pine tree cap. He also wore his dark blue vest overtop Steven’s pink star shirt, which was short enough to reveal the gem on his navel and had somehow gained an extra set of sleeves to accommodate the lower set of arms. All of that, along with a long pair of comfortable jean pants and a set of grey and white sandals, culminated to create a look that was surprisingly appealing and intriguing, even if his extra arms did throw it off just the slightest bit.

“Whoa…” the fusion finally spoke up, turning a bit to catch a better look at himself. “We actually look kind of…Great? Yeah, that’s exactly what I was thinking! W-well, I was gonna say…”

“Adorable!” Mabel chimed in, startling the fusion by snapping a photo of him. “Oh, that’s a keeper for the scrapbook!”

“Adorable?!” the fusion exclaimed, offended. “We are not adorable. Well… we might be, just a little… No, we’re not!”

“So if you’re not adorable, then what are you?” Mabel asked with a goading smirk. “Handsome? Because hey, you actually have muscles for once, Dipper. And the ladies love muscles.”

The fusion let out a small, somewhat uncomfortable laugh at this, his face lighting up in an embarrassed blush as his levity quickly faded into a scowl. “Ok, this is getting weird,” he said stiffly, looking to his reflection once more. “Huh? What’s so weird about this? I think the better question is what isn’t weird about this?” The fusion frowned as he lifted his lower arms up, cringing at how admittedly odd the sensation of controlling them was. “Oh, come on! I know it’s a little different at first, but you’ll get used to it! Trust me. Get used to it?! Why would I ever want to get used to—Whoa, hold that thought!” he gasped, his eyes wide as he noticed something interesting while looking at his reflection again. “What is that?” Intrigued, he slowly started lifting a hand up towards his forehead, but his other half was quick to catch onto his intention and hurriedly put a stop to it by grabbing his wrist tightly to halt his approach. “No,” he said simply, his tone rigid and his expression set in a hardened scowl that soon turned into hesitant confusion. “Why not?”

“Yeah, why not, Dipper?” Mabel asked, crossing her arms and grinning knowingly. “Are you afraid of letting Steven see your birthmark?”

The fusion snapped a glance of angry panic over at her, but this news only made him all the more curious. “You have a secret birthmark?!” he asked with a fascinated smile. “I wanna see it! No, you don’t, and you’re not going to. Aw, come on… can I see it? Please? No. But why not? Because… because I said so! But I just wanna know what it looks like!”

“You might as well let him see it,” Mabel interjected, still smirking. “After all, in a way it’s sort of his birthmark now too.”

The fusion was still scowling as he looked to the mirror once more, a brief look of hopefulness crossing his expression before he finally let out a relenting sigh. “Fine…” he released his tight grip on his other hand. “Just… just don’t laugh, ok? Why would I laugh? I’m sure whatever your—or our birthmark, is, it’ll be super cool! Just like us! …Right…” Without anything holding him back, the fusion removed his hat, freeing the upper half of his poofy, somewhat messy hair, which was soon pushed upward so he could get a better view of the mark on his forehead. And when he did, both halves of his whole froze in surprised amazement at what they saw.

“What the…?” he muttered, confusion filling his expression first before astonishment quickly replaced it. “Wow! It’s the Big Dipper! Just like the constellation! Yeah, but… what’s with the star?” His bewilderment quickly returned as he leaned in a bit closer to the mirror, taking note of the small star perfectly contained within the mark iconic constellation, which, when he was on his own, had always been expectantly empty. Still, as strange and somewhat disconcerting as that was, he easily bounced back into excitement with a gasp of realization. “Oh my gosh! This where you got your name from, isn’t it? Uh, well its-”

“Dipper’s not his real name, Steven,” Mabel informed casually. “It’s just a nickname.”

“Can you please stop telling him things?!” the fusion asked, aggravated first, then awestruck. “Whaaaat?! You mean I’ve known you all this time and I don’t even know what your real name is!? That’s crazy! No, it’s not, because as far as I’m concerned, nobody needs to know it. Aw, but its ok! You can tell me! No way! I already let you see the birthmark, I’m not letting you-” The fusion cut himself off with a startled gasp, his birthmark and gem both briefly flashing as he took a stumbling step backwards. “W-what was that?!” he asked, breathless and alarmed before breaking into a huge, knowing smile. “Whoa, so that’s your real name?! Wait… what? How did you—what did you do?! I… don’t really know. But whatever I did, I guess I found out that your real name is Ma—Don’t.” He cut himself off, his tone harsh as he glared at his reflection. “I’m serious. Don’t say it. O-ok… I guess I won’t then…”

“Yeesh, calm down, Dipper,” Mabel rolled her eyes. “It’s not like your real name is even that embarrassing. Oh! But speaking of names, I just realized something! You don’t have one yet!”

Mutual confusion filled the fusion’s face as he looked down at her. “Uh… yeah we do?”

“No, no, I’m not talking about Steven or Dipper, I’m talking about you,” Mabel corrected with a smile. “The fusion! Stevonnie and Maven both had names, so you need one too!”

“Er… no, we—Oh my gosh, we totally do!” the fusion gasped. “I can’t believe I hadn’t thought about that until now! … You guys aren’t serious, are you?”

“Of course, we are!” Mabel nodded firmly. “Now let’s see here… Steven and Dipper… Dipper and Steven… How about we try… Diven!?”

The fusion scoffed, turning his nose up at the purposed name as he put his hat back on. “You are not calling us that. Yeah… I’m not really feeling ‘Diven’ either…”

“Ok… well… how about Stedip!?”

“Eh…?” the fusion stuck his tongue out. “I’m not a fan of that one either… Yeah, because it sounds dumb.”

“Pfft, everybody’s a critic,” Mabel sighed petulantly, but still, she wasn’t about to give up. “Ok, let’s try… Dipen?”

“No.”

“Stever?”

“Nah…”

“Dien?”

“Are you kidding?”

“Ugh, cut me some slack, guys!” Mabel exclaimed in frustration. “It’s not like combining your names is as easy as just tossing Steven and Dipper together and getting-” She gasped, her eyes widening as a new idea struck her. “I got it… You—you being the fusion of Steven and Dipper—shall henceforth now and forever be known as… Stepper!”

“…Stepper?” the fusion repeated incredulously, though elated stars appeared in his eyes just a second later. “I love it! It sounds so cool! W-what? No, it doesn’t. Yeah, it does! And it fits us so much! Well, even if it does fit, we’re not going by it. Huh? Why not?”

“Yeah, what gives?” Mabel asked, just as confused. “Stepper is the perfect name for you guys!”

“It’s not about the name!” the fusion, now apparently dubbed as Stepper, exclaimed in annoyance. “Then what is it about? It’s about the fact that we don’t even need a name because we’re not staying like this. Like what? Fused! What?” he asked in unison with Mabel, both of them surprised and upset upon hearing this. “B-but I don’t understand… Aren’t you having fun? Fun?!” he scoffed in appalled disbelief. “We have four arms and you just read my mind or… something! How is that fun?! Oh yeah… I… I’m sorry about the whole mind reading thing… But like I said, this whole fusion thing just takes a little getting used to! Right, Mabel?”

“Right!” Mabel agreed with an enthusiastic nod. “Then again, it took us like no time at all to get used to being Maven so… maybe you just need to be a little patient about it?”

“Patient about what?” Stepper asked with a scoff. “Getting used to being… this?” he pointed to himself. “Look, I know it can feel a little weird and awkward—Oh, awkward doesn’t even begin to describe how it feels—But it’s so worth it! If you just give it a chance, then you’ll see that it’s really not so bad, I promise! Are you sure about that? Because it feels weird and uncomfortable and confusing and… and I just… I don’t want to feel like this! But it’s ok for you feel like this! I can feel it too, a-and it doesn’t feel good, but I know how this can feel. So… how is it supposed to feel then?”

“It’s supposed to feel like the best thing that’s ever happened to you, Ste-bro!” Mabel quipped with a reassuring smile. “Well, at least that’s how it felt for us.”

“She’s right,” Stepper said with a small, fond smile. “And that’s how it felt for me and Connie too. And… I want it to feel like that for us… But… why? Because you’re my friend, and you like I said before you deserve to have a little fun. And as far as I know, there’s no better way of having fun than fusion! You… you’re really serious about this, aren’t you? Of course I am! But… I don’t want to force you to be this if you really don’t want to. I just… really hope you’ll at least give this a chance… please?”

The fusion was silent for a moment at this, conflict and pleading both written all over his expression. For as disconcerted and uncertain as half of him felt, the other half clearly wanted this to work out, for them have the experience of sharing this mind and body at least for a while. As he happened to glance over at Mabel, he could see that she shared the same sentiment as she looked up to him with hopeful eyes, silently begging to him to stay together just for the spectacle of it all. And while he still wasn’t fully on board with the idea, upon being pressed from both sides, he realized he didn’t really have much of a choice. “Ok, fine,” he relented, taking in a deep breath as he looked to the mirror once again, pulling himself to full height. “We’ll stay… like this. For you two. Don’t do it for us! Do it for yourself. Uh… sure, whatever you say. But we’re not going to stay like this for too long. Just for a little while, got it? Aw, but why? Because I saw what staying fused for too long did for ‘Maven’,” he pointed out dryly, casting a small, critical glance towards Mabel, prompting her to glance away guiltily. “And I really don’t want the same thing happening to me. Hm, fair enough, I guess.”

“Ahhhh! I’m so excited for you guys!” Mabel exclaimed, quickly perking up as she grabbed the fusion’s lower arms and spun him around, much to his surprise. “This is gonna be so great! You two are gonna have such an awesome time together, trust me! I already have so much fusion fun planned for you guys! We should-”

“Whoa, hold it!” Stepper quickly interjected. “Before either of you guys get carried away, we need to lay down a few ground rules about this whole fusion thing. Like what? Well, for starters, we aren’t going on any little ‘fusion parade’ around town like Maven did.”

“Aw, but come on, Stepper!” Mabel encouraged with something of a teasing smirk. “Don’t you wanna show the world how awesome you are?”

“I do!” Stepper exclaimed with an excited grin that was quick to disappear. “Well, I don’t. If we actually went out looking like… this, then people would go running the minute they see these extra arms of ours. Huh… you might have a point about that…”

“Well, if you guys aren’t gonna go out on the town, then what are you gonna do?” Mabel asked, disappointed.

“I’ll tell you what we’re gonna do,” Stepper asserted calmly as he took a seat on Dipper’s bed. “We’re just going to sit here and do nothing for a few hours until we get this whole fusion thing out of our system. And then you guys are going to give me back the journal, I’m gonna get back to my research, and we’re going to pretend like this whole thing never happened, ok? What? No! Not ok! We can’t just sit here and do nothing! We’re fused! We should at least do something fun while we’re together!”

“Seriously, Dipper,” Mabel scowled at the fusion, knowing well that this stubbornly passive behavior was coming from her brother. “Can’t you at least lighten up and let yourself have a little fun instead of pushing everyone away just like you always do?”

“I’m not pushing anyone away!” Stepper protested, crossing his upper arms. “You’re the ones who keep insisting that we stay like this, so the only way we stay like this is if you both bear with me. Well… I guess that is what we agreed to, isn’t it?” The fusion let out a long sigh as he flopped down to lie on his back, knowing he had no choice but to comply with his other half. “I wish we could at least go show the Gems…”

“Oh my gosh, Stepper!” Mabel gushed, perking back up to excitement again. “That’s such a great idea! Let’s go do it! Like, right now!” Out of a severe desire to curb what would no doubt be a boring afternoon, Mabel rushed over and grabbed one of Stepper’s lower arms, abruptly pulling him upright and to his feet before he could have any say on the matter.

“Mabel, wait!” Stepper protested hotly as she began dragging him out of the attic, even though he partially was voluntarily following after her. “I said we aren’t going anywhere!”

“And I said we are!” Mabel chimed insistently.

“Oh! So did I!” the fusion himself quipped, raising one of his spare hands.

“So, its two to one, which means we win!” Mabel cheered, practically pulling Stepper down the attic stairs, despite his best attempts to remain anchored to the banister. “Now quit being stubborn already and… come on!” She finally managed to rip the protesting fusion away from the railing, though thankfully, she didn’t have too much trouble getting him out of the shack. Still, the trip up to the temple was a very slow one. All the way up the hill, Stepper was in constant flux between eagerly heading for the temple out of excitement and turning on his heel to head back to the shack out of petulant anxiety. Still, with Mabel’s help, the conflicted fusion eventually made it to the temple, even if she did essentially have to push him up the porch stairs and to the door.

“Ok, Stepper,” Mabel said with a confident grin. “I’m gonna go in and give you guys the best introduction ever! So wait here and don’t run off.”

“No promises,” Stepper scowled, crossing his lower arms before reassuring her. “Don’t worry, Mabel. We’re not going to run off. Uh, no; we’re totally bailing out of this. But I want the Gems to see us! They’re gonna think we’re so cool! How do you know that? Their reactions to Stevonnie and Maven were pretty mixed, at best; what makes you think they’ll take us any better? Uh… well… I guess we-”

“Uh, I’m just gonna go inside and let you two sort this out…” Mabel interjected with a frown as she turned to enter the house. “Be right back!” The fusion continued to argue with himself as she headed inside to find the Gems all conveniently relaxing on the couch as opposed to being away on a mission. “Guys! Guys! Guys!” Mabel exclaimed, rushing over to them and not hiding her building excitement.

“Yo, M-bel!” Amethyst greeted with a casual smirk, reclining back in her seat. “What up?”

“Something totally awesome, that’s what’s up!” Mabel exclaimed, throwing her hands down on the coffee table. “Now, I bet you guys are wondering ‘where’s Dipper and Steven’?”

“Why, yes!” Pearl nodded, already curious. “I was actually wondering that. Are they still down at the shack?”

“Nope!” Mabel shook her head. “They’re right here!” She boldly motioned towards the door with a wide grin, only for it to remain closed, a clear sign that the fusion had missed his cue. “I said, they’re right here!” Upon still not getting a response, Mabel let out an exasperated sigh before briefly turning back to the Gems. “Give me a minute.” The Gems exchanged a confused glance as Mabel marched outside, and even though they were on the other side of the screen door, the trio could still hear the rather loud argument going on right outside.

“No! I told you! I’m not going in there! Aw, but I really want to!”

“Seriously, you better get in there. The Gems are waiting!”

“Then we shouldn’t keep them in suspense! Come on! Er—no! We’ll just end up embarrassing ourselves or something! No, we won’t!”

“Yeah, you’ll be totally fine! The Gems will love you!”

“Fine?! What part of this is fine?! Well, it will be fine once we go in and see them, I’m sure! I don’t think so. But we—no, we—Well, I—I can’t—We-”

“Oh, well you just get in there already?!” Mabel finally shouted in clear frustration, finally pushing the fusion into the house as she threw the door open. Startled, Stepper stumbled into the house, nearly falling to the ground, though he managed to use his extra arms to catch his balance in full view of the Gems who sat before him on the couch. The fusion took in a sharp gasp as he straightened up and looked over at them with wide eyes, both halves completely unsure of what to say as the Gems took him in with equal surprise.

“Uh… um… hi, guys!” Stepper exclaimed, his tone surprisingly bright as he held up a hand in greeting, one that one of his lower arms soon slowly pushed down as his smile switched to anxiety. Flustered by the Gems’ apparent stunned silence, the fusion glanced away, sucking in a deep breath as he prepared to head back for the door. “Uh, you know what? I’m just gonna go-”

“Oh no, you don’t!” Mabel quickly stopped him, pushing him back over to the Gems. “Everyone, I’d like you to meet the one, the only… Stepper!”

“Mabel!” Stepper snapped, quickly casting a heated glare at her for outing him like this. However, his frustration was replaced with surprise as Amethyst suddenly broke out laughing from her spot on the couch.

“Oh my gosh, this has gotta be the best one yet!” the purple Gem howled, holding her stomach as she chuckled hard. “I told ya we should have been placing bets on when this was gonna happen!”

“You know I would have won,” Garnet spoke up, stoically adjusting her shades.

“And, man!” Amethyst exclaimed, jumping up from her spot on the couch as she approached the disconcerted fusion. “Just look at you! Steven, I gotta hand it to you; first Connie, then Mabel, and now Dipper? You really get around! If you know what I mean…”

“W-what?” Stepper asked the purple Gem, alarmed and confused by what she had just implied.

“Amethyst!” Pearl scolded sharply, quickly rising from her seat as well.

“And hey, check me out!” Amethyst continued with a wry smirk, shapeshifting an extra pair of arms to match the fusion’s. “I’m pulling a—what’d you say his name was again?” she asked Mabel aside.

“Stepper.”

“Stepper? Really?” the purple Gem scoffed, glancing the bewildered fusion up and down. “I would have gone with Stedip.”

“Hey, I tried,” Mabel remarked. “They didn’t go for it.”

“Oh well,” Amethyst shrugged. “I’m pulling a Stepper!” She laughed, using her lower arms to point playful finger guns at the fusion, who blushed in embarrassment as he secretly tried to hide his lower arms behind his back.

“Amethyst, could you please stop terrorizing them!?” Pearl asked in a huff as she walked up to Stepper, pushing the still-laughing purple Gem away. “Sorry about that, boys. By the way… you two haven’t been fused for an… unprecedented amount of time… have you?”

“Uh… no?” the fusion raised a confused eyebrow. “We’ve only been fused for about an hour, I guess. And even then, that’s still too long, if you ask me…” he muttered his last statement, which Pearl didn’t happen to catch as she let out an allayed sigh.

“Oh, well that’s a relief, especially after-” the white Gem abruptly cut herself off as she happened to glance over at Mabel, who met her gaze with a curious, innocent look. “Uh… after nothing!” Pearl laughed her insensitive near-slip up off, quickly chancing the subject as she turned back to the fusion. “S-so, Stepper, was it? It’s quite fascinating that you would have four arms, especially seeing as how you’re 75% human!”

“Fascinating?” Stepper frowned, gently at first, though it soon turned to melancholy as he gingerly gripped one of his lower arms out of shame. “You mean it’s weird, don’t you…?”

“Oh! No, I didn’t-” Pearl stopped short, her eyes wide at the prospect of offending the fusion. “I was just implying that your arms are an anomaly given the already improbable chances of your existence as a fusion!” Of course, her phrasing only managed to impact Stepper in a way that seemed to visibly offend him, something that could be seen by the confusion and discomfort in his expression. “Wait! That’s not what I meant!” Pearl tried again, flustered herself by now. “What I meant to say was—well, you see I—Oh, why is it so hard to talk to these new fusions!?”

“Pearl,” Garnet fortunately interrupted right on time, lightly pushing her flabbergasted teammate away from the alarmed fusion. “I’ll take it from here.”

“Ah, but I—good idea…” Pearl finally hung her head in defeat, retreating to stand alongside Amethyst and Mabel, both of which couldn’t help but send her amused smirks as she petulantly joined them.

Because of what he had assumed Pearl had implied, Stepper was so disconcerted and awash with worry, that by the time Garnet stepped up to him, he barely even noticed her presence until she spoke up. “Stepper,” she said, instantly catching the fusion’s attention.

“Ah!” he gasped, startled as he looked up at her. “Oh, uh… hey, Garnet…” Still apprehensive, Stepper was quick to look away from her, holding onto both sets of his own arms as his fretful gaze met the floor. And yet, Garnet silently drew it back up towards her as she placed a gentle, motherly hand under his chin and lightly tilted his head up towards her, something that clearly caught the fusion off guard.

“Stepper,” the Gem leader began again, her tone intent, firm, and almost cold. Yet at the same time, even though her expression was mostly concealed by her shades, there almost seemed to be a hint of pity in it. “I need you to listen to what I’m about to tell you, because it’s very important.”

“O-ok…?” Stepper consented, his voice a shaky whisper as he looked to Garnet with wide, almost nervous eyes.

Garnet paused for an oddly long amount of time, almost as if she wanted to keep the fusion in suspense. Or almost as if she didn’t want to tell them what she knew she had to. “You… are an unstable fusion.”

Stepper bristled upon hearing this, his eyes growing even wider as he took a sudden step back away from Garnet, as if what she had just said had injured him. “I’m… what?”

“You’re unstable,” the Gem leader reiterated. “Out of sync. Conflicted. Imbalanced.”

“I… I don’t understand…” the fusion shook his head, his voice nearly trembling from unanimous nerves. “What does all that mean? T-this ‘unstable’ thing… is it bad?”

Garnet let out a deep breath, her hands falling to her sides as she finally averted Stepper’s questioning gaze. “Fusion is a state that requires a bond of complete and total harmony between all participating parties. For a fusion to be stable, healthy, and functional, the sum of its parts must foster a connection based on mutual trust and understanding, strong enough that they’re united in both mind and body, in every sense there is. Both halves have to want and feel the same thing. That steady foundation must exist for a fusion to work. And you, Stepper… you don’t have that foundation.”

“H-how can you tell?” Stepper asked, his expression awash with concern. “Can you like, feel it o-or something?”

“Don’t need to feel it,” Garnet shook her head. “I can see it.”

“Yeah, its kina obvious that you guys are a nervous wreck,” Amethyst interjected laxly. “No offense.”

“Amethyst, please!” Pearl snapped hotly before turning to the alarmed fusion. “But, well… yes, you two do seem a little… unsteady… but still, what fusion isn’t during their first time?”

“Maven wasn’t!” Mabel spoke up with blithe innocence, though she was quick to retract upon noticing Stepper’s clear distress by this revelation. “Uh… I mean… w-we were totally unsteady. Basically, we were one big, awkward, four eyed, adorable disaster!”

“No, we weren’t…” Stepper spoke up, his voice still very soft and small and his eyes taking on almost a haunted look. “Maven was fine. Better than fine, really! They were… perfect! Stevonnie was perfect! I’m… I…” he trailed off, staring down at all four of his hands. “I don’t even know what I am…”

“Stepper,” Garnet interjected, as calmly as ever as she placed a firm hand on the dejected fusion’s shoulder. “Even if you are unstable, that doesn’t mean you’re unsustainable. After all, you’ve managed to remain fused for this long. Clearly, something in both Steven and Dipper wants to keep you together, to see this work out.”

“I do want this to work out!” Stepper exclaimed, though his earnest tone quickly shifted to one of uncertainty. “I… I don’t know if I… I just… Like I said, I don’t know… But I want to know! I want us to have this, for both of us… Please…” The fusion was quiet for a long moment, and no one bothered to interrupt his focused thinking as he looked between his hands once more, as if the halves that composed him were silently debating for once instead of doing so out loud. And while the conflict and dread were clear in his expression, determination and resolve could be found there to. And in the end, that determination was somehow enough to push him forward. “H-how do we become stable?!” he asked Garnet intently, his tone almost desperate.

“You have to find the harmony between yourselves,” the Gem leader said simply.

“W-well, how do we do that?!” Stepper asked rather frantically.

“I can’t tell you how,” Garnet remarked, crossing her arms. “It’s a very different process for every fusion and it all depends on the two of you. But what I can tell you is that you both need to meet each other on the same ground. You need to allow a connection of trust to grow between yourselves. And once that connection has grown, there’s where you’ll find the harmony you’re looking for.”

“Well, that’s vague…” Stepper muttered somewhat sarcastically, though it easily shifted back into worry. “A-and if we can’t do that?”

Once again, the Gem leader looked away from the fusion, adjusting her shades as she frowned deeply. “If you can’t… then your fusion will continue to destabilize until both halves of yourself pull even further away from each other. And then… you’ll fall apart.”

“F-fall apart…” Stepper repeated, his breathing still shallow as he absently ran a hand through his hair. Half of him knew well what the sensation of abruptly ending a fusion was like, and while it wasn’t at all painful or necessarily even bad, it was still wasn’t something he wanted to experience, mostly because it always symbolized the conclusion of a feeling he had come to relish: the feeling of simply being fused. His other half didn’t know what “falling apart” would even be like if it happened, and though he had professed to wanting this experience to be over as soon as possible, he also somehow feared its cessation for reasons he couldn’t possible explain. But in the end, neither halves could reach a suitable conclusion among themselves. Should they just let their instability overtake them until they inevitably split apart? Or should they actually put forth the effort into keeping themselves together, just for the sake of seeing where this might lead?

Uncertain of which road to take, Stepper glanced over at Amethyst, Pearl, and Mabel, all of whom offered him no help as they simply averted his gaze awkwardly. As he looked to Garnet once more for guidance, the Gem leader simply upheld her firm stance, only offering him a small nod that told him only one thing: that this was his choice to make. Together.

“I… I… I want to…” the fusion took in a deep breath, squaring both sets of shoulders as he puffed his chest a bit in determination. “I’m—I mean, we’re going to find that harmony!” he declared brazenly, though his confidence soon petered out to his usual uncertainty. “O-or… y’know, try and make ourselves more stable, or w-whatever…”

Garnet’s stoicism broadened into a wide, clearly pleased smile upon hearing this. In fact, she could scarcely contain her newfound elation as she suddenly pulled Stepper into a tight, reassuring hug, much to his surprise. “And you will find it,” she confirmed softly, still smiling. “It won’t be easy, and it’ll take work and compromise from both of you, but you can and will find it. I know it.”

“W-well, it’s a good thing you have future vision then…” Stepper frowned as the Gem leader relinquished her hold on him. “I don’t even know where to start with this whole ‘harmony’ thing… B-but we’ll figure it out! And the best part is, we can do it together!”

“That’s the spirit!” Mabel cheered, running up to the fusion. “And I can help you guys find it too! I know all about what being in a super-stable fusion is like from when we were Maven, so my expertise is bound to come in handy!”

“Expertise?” Stepper looked to her incredulously. “You guys literally only fused once.”

“Hey, same for you, Ste-bro, though you’re still going for it!” Mabel smirked, grabbing the fusion’s lower hands. “And we’re all so proud of you for trying! Right, guys?” she asked, turning towards the Gems.

“Oh, well, uh…” Pearl trailed off, glancing aside with uncertainty.

“Uh, sure?” Amethyst shrugged halfheartedly, though luckily Garnet stepped in once more to give the fusion a much-needed confidence boots.

“Yes,” she firmly agreed. “We’re very proud.”

“Aw! Thanks so much, you guys!” Stepper gushed with a bright smile that dropped into a look of hardened resolve. “Well, I guess we better start trying to figure this fusion thing out… I don’t think that’ll be too hard…Speak for yourself. Well, technically, I kind of am!”

“Alright, you two, enough one-sided banter,” Mabel rolled her eyes in amusement as she began pushing the fusion towards the door. “We’ve got some harmony to find!”

“Yeah!” Stepper cheered enthusiastically as he allowed himself to be pushed outside. “Harmony! Harmony! Harmon—Could you maybe stop pushing us, Mabel?! We have two working legs—and four working arms—don’t remind me. Anyway, we can walk. And run, and jog, and jump, and do all the other great things people with legs can do!”

The fusion continued to ramble amongst himself as Mabel finished shoving him out, sending the Gems a somewhat uneasy laugh and shrug before leaving herself. “Are you sure they’ll—or rather, he’ll be alright, Garnet?” Pearl asked the Gem leader somewhat worriedly after the kids had all left. “He seemed rather… well…”

“He’s a mess, just like I said before,” Amethyst shrugged plainly, eliciting an aggravated glare from the white Gem.

Garnet simply adjusted her shades, her future vision providing her with a glimpse of what might result from this situation. “He may be a mess now, but whether or not he gets past that is entirely up to him. All we can do is wait and see if he does.”

“Ok, boys!” Mabel began boldly, pacing back and forth in front of Stepper as he sat on the floor of the shack’s den. “Operation Find The Harmony is a go!”

“Ok but… why did you write that on a chalkboard?” Stepper asked with a confused frown, nodding to the chalkboard Mabel had pulled out and drawn all over.

She paused, glancing between the fusion and said chalkboard for a moment before giving a somewhat exasperated response. “I don’t know! Maybe you should stop asking so many questions, Dipper, and focus on our mission!”

“Hey! That wasn’t me this time!” Stepper crossed his upper arms defensively before sheepishly raising one of his lower ones. “He’s right. That was me.”

“Oh!” Mabel perked up into a wide grin upon hearing this news. “That’s great then! That means you two are starting to rub off on each other! Quick! The Dipper half of you! Say something Steven would say!”

“Uh… Mabel? I don’t think that’s how this works…” Stepper remarked, raising an eyebrow.

“No, no!” Mabel shook her head. “I said say something that Steven would say, not your usual ‘Doubtful Dipper’ stuff.”

“Heh, Doubtful Dipper! That’s a good one!” Stepper laughed, though he instantly cut himself off in frustration. “Ok, are we actually going to be serious about this, or are we just going to keep messing around? Aw, but we’re just having a little fun! We’re not supposed to be having fun! We’re supposed to be finding this ‘harmony’ thing, remember? But who says we can’t have a good time while looking for it? Because we should be taking this seriously! But I don’t get why it has to be so serious. We’re just trying to make ourselves stable. Of course, you wouldn’t get why this is serious! You never do! You always so-”

“Hey, hey, hey!” Mabel quickly cut in upon noticing the fusion’s singular argument begin to escalate. “You guys need to tone all that crazy tension down! You’ll never find the harmony acting like that. Now, just take a minute to cool down and take a deep, relaxing breath…”

Stepper took her advice, closing his eyes as he took in a long, slow breath. Though before he could let it out as peacefully, the door leading to the gift shop suddenly slammed open abruptly, courtesy of a very perturbed Stan. “Kids!”

“G-Grunkle Stan!” Mabel gasped in surprise, not even noticing Stepper as he hurriedly scrambled to his feet, his eyes wide with alarm.

“What in the name of all that’s worth money is with all that junk you munchkins left in the yard?!” the conman asked hotly. “That dumb pig and crazy lion got into those snacks and left a huge mess out there that somebody’s gotta clean up. And I can tell you that somebody isn’t gonna be…” Stan trailed off, his anger shifting into dry bewilderment upon finally spotting the fusion, who was currently trying his best to conceal himself behind Mabel. “Uh, Mabel?” the conman said, raising a questioning eyebrow. “Who’s the four-armed freak trying and failing to hide beyond you there?”

“F-freak?!” Stepper exclaimed, offended as he properly stood.

“Aw, Grunkle Stan, you scared him!” Mabel exclaimed fretfully, turning to the fusion. “Just look at him! He’s got that deer-in-the-headlights look and everything! Poor thing!”

“What? No, I don’t!” Stepper protested, his alarm quickly turning into a scowl. “Well, you gotta admit that Mr. Stan did kind of scare us a little. Whatever. Maybe he scared you, but not me. I… think he got us both, to be honest. But its ok, Grunkle Pines! We know you didn’t mean to!”

For a moment, the only thing Stan could do was stare at the fusion in bewildered confusion for a moment, before a wave of exasperated recollection and realization washed over him. “Oh great, another one,” her remarked sardonically, rolling his eyes as he stepped closer to Stepper, who was rather stiff under his dry scrutiny. “And let me guess… this time, its Steven and Dipper, isn’t it?”

“Uh… well, I-” the fusion shakily attempted to explain himself, though Mabel enthusiastically cut in for him.

“Yep!” she chimed brightly. “I call him Stepper!”

“A name I never agreed to, by the way!” Stepper spoke up, still flip-flopping between personalities. “But a name that I think is just great!”

“Speaking of great,” Mabel grinned at Stan, nodding towards the fusion. “Isn’t that what he is? Cause I certainly think so!”

“Well, he sure is something, pumpkin,” the conman said with a small, bemused sneer as he looked over the fusion again. “To be honest, I didn’t know either of them swung that way, but eh whatever floats their boats I guess.”

“Uh… what’s that supposed to mean?” Stepper asked, simultaneously disturbed and confused by this statement.

“Oh nothin’,” the conman shrugged nonchalantly. “You’ll get it when you’re older. But for now… Hey, Soos! Wendy! Get in here and get a load of this!”

“W-what?!” Stepper gasped fearfully. “Grunkle Pines, don’t call them in here! No, do call them in! They’re gonna love us! No! They can’t see us like this, especially not Wendy! But I thought you were over her. I am! Then why are you so nervous? I’m not nervous! Yeah, you are, I can feel it! Oh, can you just-”

“What’s up, Mr. Pines?” Soos asked as him and Wendy casually entered the den.

“Yeah, you wanted us to see-” the cashier cut herself off, both her and the handyman’s jaws dropping as they noticed Stepper. Of course, the only thing the flustered fusion could do at such a moment was let out a loud groan as he buried his face in his upper hands, even though one of his lower ones offered the pair a wave of cheerful greeting. Neither Mabel nor Stan could suppress small chuckles upon seeing Stepper’s embarrassment mingled with obliviousness, altogether creating quite a humorous scenario as Soos and Wendy reacted to him.

“Whoa… Nice extra arms, dude…” the handyman said fervently, even if he still had no idea who the fusion really was.

“Uh… thanks?” Stepper frowned, holding one of his spare arms awkwardly, especially as Wendy slowly approached him. The cashier’s eyes were wide with rare wonder, her usual calm all but gone and replaced with a soft blush, one that was much more poignant on the bewildered fusion as she stared at him in awe.

“Um… hey,” she greeted him as casually as she could, coyly glancing away as she absently played with her hair. She looked back to him once again, this time with an undeniable flirtatious smile, one that made Stepper’s jaw practically hit the floor with shocked disbelief. “What’s up?” she asked, sending him a playful wink.

For what seemed like ages, the fusion was at a complete loss for words, and even when he did find them again, they came out in stumbled, disjointed ramblings. “I… uh… you… not… u-up… um… we… uh…” As he trailed off, his eyes wide as the half of him in control failed to make sense of what he was saying. So the other half decided to simply take the reins instead. “Oh, not much,” he shrugged with a sudden blithe, composed, but still innocent smile. “What’s up with you, Wendy?”

“Huh?” Wendy blinked out of her flirtatious manner, confusion filling her expression instead. “B-but… but how did you…?”

“Psst, Wendy!” Mabel interjected, barely managing to contain her laughter as she whispered to the befuddled cashier. “That’s actually Steven and Dipper.”

“Mabel!” Stepper snapped, completely outraged over how she had ruined the moment. “Wait, I don’t understand. What just happened? And why are we so sweaty all of the sudden?” The fusion was quick to slap one of his lower hands over his mouth at this, anxiously glancing towards Wendy, who looked to him with disturbed shock.

“O-ok! This just got way too awkward…” she remarked, tearing her gaze away from Stepper as she briskly walked away. “I-I’m just… I’ll just be over here for a second… Yikes…”

“W-Wendy, wait!” the fusion called out after her as she retreated to the other side of the room for a moment. Of course, by now, both Stan and Mabel were besides themselves with laughter, to the point that they were both practically in tears over what had just happened, much to half of Stepper’s frustration as he sent them a fierce glare.

“Whoa, hold on a second!” Soos cut in with a surprised gasp as he looked to the fusion. “Did you two dudes fuse?!”

Stepper let out a long sigh, though it quickly turned to excitement before he could say anything. “You bet we did! O-on accident, of course! We didn’t mean to. But we did, and so here we are as Stepper! Again, I didn’t agree to that name! Well, I think it’s kinda safe to say that its stuck by now. Unfortunately…”

“Aw, I’m sort of disappointed…” the handyman frowned as he looked to the fusion. “I mean, you guys look totally awesome together, don’t get me wrong, but you don’t look anything like my design for a Steven-Dipper fusion!” At this, Soos pulled out his ‘fusion folder’ and presented Stepper with a drawing that, against all odds, bore a striking similarity to him.

“Soos, what are you talking about?” Stepper asked in slight confusion as he looked over the sketch. “This looks almost exactly like us. What? How do you see that? I mean, it’s a great drawing, Soos, it really is but… yeah I gotta agree, it just doesn’t look like us at all…”

“Yeah, I can’t really see it either…” Mabel remarked as she got a peek of the drawing, looking between it at the fusion.

“…Are you guys serious?” Stepper asked dryly, letting out a small sigh of exasperation.

“Alright, alright, enough gawking over him,” Stan cut in, pushing Soos away from the fusion. “It’s not like he’s any less of an annoying smart-aleck or an unbearable optimist like this than they are when they’re apart. Nothing new to see here.”

“Hey!” the fusion protested, even if half of him was quite confused. “I think we’re pretty new… In a good way! More like a really uncomfortable way…”

“Still…” Stan continued, ignoring what Stepper had just said as he began to circle the fusion in examination. “That weird four arm thing you got going on there does have some potential… I think people would pay good money to see that many arms not artificially glued onto a person, but on a real… sort of person instead.”

“Wait… what?!” the fusion asked with a scoff that instantly shifted into elated excitement. “Oh my gosh, Mr. Stan! You really wanna make us an attraction here at the Mystery Shack?!”

“Eh sure,” the conman shrugged. “Plus, seeing as how you’re half-family, I could get away with only half-paying you. Or I just won’t pay you at all. That honestly works even better, if you ask me.”

“Oh, of course, we’ll—No!” Stepper fiercely cut himself off. “No way, Grunkle Pines! We are not headlining as one of your dumb attractions just for people to look at us and laugh! But people wouldn’t laugh if they saw us! They’d probably really like us, and think we’re cool—Are you serious?! Just look at us! We have four arms! There are literally two personalities running wild inside our head, and they couldn’t be any more different! So? What’s the problem with all that? We’re still trying to do this together, aren’t we? The problem is that we’re—we’re a—we—Augh!” The fusion derailed into a sudden sharp cry of distress as his entire body was covered by a bright white light, one that was quick to consume him completely. Soos and Wendy gasped in alarm upon seeing this, and even Stan looked to him with newfound concern, especially as his form began to waver and his ongoing cry started to split apart into two separate, but very familiar voices. Fortunately though, Mabel recognized what was happening, and with a fearful gasp, she quickly rushed over to the destabilizing fusion, taking his lower hands tightly before they could dissolve into nothing.

“Stepper!” she exclaimed adamantly over both Steven and Dipper’s disjointed, struggling shouts, their fusion’s form crumbling apart more and more with each passing second yet for some reason, still not falling apart entirely. “You guys gotta stick together! Remember what Garnet said! Remember your mission! Operation Find the Harmony isn’t over yet!”

Upon hearing this appeal, something in the faltering fusion seemed to shift, his outcry turned from being disconnected and strained to unified and determined. Mabel gasped again as he pulled his trembling lower hands away from her, and all she could do was watch with wide eyes as he struggled to pull that set of arms close to himself. After what seemed like ages of fierce turmoil on the fusion’s part, he finally managed to wrap his arms around himself in what looked like a desperate hug. As he tightened this embrace, the light that had enshrouded him abruptly disappeared, revealing that Stepper was, against all odds, somehow still together.

Still, this small victory was not without its cost. Exhaustion from the ordeal he had just passed through filled his features, and as his eyes suddenly began to roll back into his head, Stan took a large, hurried step forward in an attempt to catch him as he started to sway. The conman was a second too late, however, as Stepper collapsed to his knees, breathless but supporting himself with his upper arms as his lower set still held him in a tight embrace that he refused to break. Overwhelmed with worry, Mabel rushed to hug him herself, though the fusion silently held up a hand to stop her in her tracks before she could. His expression was unreadable, largely obscured by shadow thanks to the brim of his hat hanging low as he weakly pulled himself up to stand. And though he was a little unsteady on his feet at first, he succinctly turned around and walked out of the room without sparing another word or glance for anyone.

“Stepper!” Mabel called, concerned, as she ran out of the shack after him. “Wait up!”

A beat of awkward silence passed in the den after the kids had left, seeing as how no one was entirely sure of what to make of what had just happened. But of course, Stan was the first to break it, playing the entire situation off as though it hadn’t been incredibly disconcerting and alarming. “Yeesh, talk about your split personality,” he remarked, feigning sarcasm. “For a minute there, I thought he was actually gonna pass out or something. Then again, considering who he’s made of, I guess that wouldn’t have been too far out of the realm of possibility.”

“Uh, shouldn’t we be worried about Dipper and Steven?” Wendy asked with a fretful frown. “They did just sort of have a major breakdown there…”

“Oh, they’ll be fine,” the conman rolled his eyes passively. “But I’ll tell you what you two should be worried about. Getting back to work!” At this staunch command, Soos and Wendy found that they had really no choice but to comply, as concerned as they were. And yet, as they headed back towards the gift shop, Stan lingered a moment longer in the den, finally letting his own apprehension show as he cast a frowning glance towards the door Stepper and Mabel had just went through. “Oh boy…” he sighed with undeniable worry that went easily beyond what had just happened. “I really hope you kids know what you’re doing with all this magic mumbo-jumbo…”

“Stepper!” Mabel exclaimed, easily catching up with the fusion, seeing as how he had stopped just past the porch. His manner was still quite tense as he stood, his upper hands clenched into tight fists at his side while his lower arms held onto those arms consolingly. His eyes were still largely concealed as he kept his gaze downward, not even glancing over at Mabel as she came to stand alongside him. “Hey, a-are you guys ok?” she asked with a frown as she looked over the clearly troubled fusion. Stepper gave her no signs of response aside from a very soft, almost inaudible sigh as he looked away from her even more. Mabel bit her lip anxiously at this, completely at a loss of what to do to help him, especially after what had just happened. Still, that didn’t means she wasn’t going to try. “Ok, so… Operation Find The Harmony hit a bit of a snag back there, but that’s fine! You two managed to pull it together anyway! Literally!” She let out a bright laugh at this, in the hopes that it would spread to the fusion, but of course, it didn’t as his continued empty silence only lingered. “W-well, uh… don’t worry! There’s still plenty of other things we can try to get you two to be-”

“What’s the point?” Stepper finally spoke up, his tone dejected and morose as his grip on his own arms tightened. “We’ve been trying all day just to stay together. How are we supposed to find the harmony if we can’t even do that?”

“Aw, come on, you guys, don’t sell yourselves short!” Mabel encouraged, running to stand in front of the fusion instead of beside him. “If there’s anyone who can do this, it’s you two! All you need is… Oh! I know! What you guys really need is a deep, genuine bonding experience! That’s bound to get you guys in perfect harmony!”

Stepper finally looked at this, his dejection fading into curiosity. “Bonding experience? Like what?”

“Uh… well…” Mabel paused to mull over this before providing him a mostly suitable answer. “Like something you both like doing, or something that would get you guys to work together instead of always arguing. Or something that does both…”

“…Did you have anything in mind?” the fusion asked, raising an eyebrow as he waited to see where she was going with this.

“Of course!” Mabel perked up at the realization of her newfound idea. “Why didn’t I think of this before?! Steven, you like adventure, don’t you?”

“You know I do!” Stepper exclaimed, starting to bounce back from his earlier melancholy.

“And Dipper, you love mysteries, right?”

“I… can’t really argue that I don’t…”

“Then there’s one sure fire thing that’ll get you as stable as a Stepper can be!” Mabel exclaimed excitedly. “A mystery adventure!”

“…A… what?” Stepper asked, mutually confused.

“A mystery adventure!” Mabel repeated just as zealously as before. “You know, kinda like a mystery hunt, only with 100% more adventure! Doesn’t it sound awesome?!”

“A mystery adventure, huh?” the fusion mused, seeming to take the suggestion seriously. “I guess there wouldn’t be any harm in anything like that. After all, there’s no way it could make things worse by this point… And who knows? It might even be fun! Do you really wanna go there with that whole ‘fun’ thing again after what just happened? …Uh… well… m-maybe instead of having fun, w-we’ll finally find the harmony! It would definitely be about time for that to happen…”

“So is settled then!” Mabel proclaimed confidently. “Let’s go, boys! To find adventure, mystery, and most of all…” She trailed off, grinning to Stepper, who only returned it with a look of blank confusion. “Uh, this is the part where you’re supposed to chip in with ‘harmony’!”

“Oh. Harmony!” Stepper cheered, determined at first, then uncertain. “Y-yeah… harmony…”

“Ok, so where do you guys—or should I say—you, Stepper,” Mabel paused as she sent the fusion a sly wink that he didn’t quite understand. “Think we should start with this whole mystery adventure thing?”

“Hm…” Stepper pondered this, quickly diving into conversation with himself as he began pacing around. “Well, when we go on mystery hunts, don’t you usually figure out what we’re going to go look for with the-” the fusion suddenly cut himself off with a sharp gasp. “Oh my gosh! The journal! I’ve been so distracted with all this fusion stuff that I almost forgot about it! O-oh… well, I don’t really see why you would have needed it before now. It’s not like we’d find the harmony in there anyway, right? Uh, m-maybe we could? A-after all, there are a few notes in there about fusion that could be helpful... Really? Yeah, but the only problem is… I don’t know where it is since somebody felt the need to hide it earlier…”

Mabel shrugged awkwardly as Stepper sent her an unimpressed glance. “Hey, it was the only way I could get you to stay out here, bro-bro,” she said defensively. “And aren’t you totally glad you did? You guys would have never fused if I hadn’t hidden that journal!”

“Whoa, you’re right!” Stepper gasped with a smile. “How lucky was that? Probably too lucky… But uh, you still know where it is, right? I’m sure it would be really handy on our little, um… adventure mystery?”

“That’s mystery adventure, Ste-bro,” Mabel corrected. “And of course I know where it is! Steven knows too, seeing as how he watched me hide it and everything. In fact, it’s right over-” She stopped herself right before she could reveal the book’s location, looking to the fusion with an appalled gasp. “Hold on just a second! This isn’t just Dipper trying to get the journal back so you guys can unfuse and he can just go back to his dumb old research, is it?”

“Um… no! I’m just trying to-” Stepper interrupted his own defensive protest as an instantaneous flash of light sparked from both his gem and concealed birthmark. He let out a shocked gasp amidst his surprise, his eyes widening first before filling with hurt anger. “He was just trying to get the journal, just like you said! I can’t believe you! You were lying to us! Ok, seriously?! You need to cut it out with that weird mind reading thing! It is not ok! No, I’ll tell you what’s not ok: pretending like you actually wanted to do this when you don’t! Please, that’s not why I—wait.” The fusion paused, his frustration turning to stark realization. “If you can read my mind while we’re fused… then maybe I can do the same thing to you! W-what are you-” Stepper gasped once more, his upper hands flying to his forehead while his lower ones reached for his gem, all while they both briefly lit up once more.

“Steven, wait!” Mabel exclaimed adamantly. “Don’t let him-”

“Oh, so that’s where you put it, huh?” Stepper smirked triumphantly at Mabel before letting out a disappointed sigh. “Sorry, Mabel… I-I didn’t know how to stop him. Well, at least now you know how creepy it feels to have somebody randomly probing your thoughts. Also,” the fusion turned back towards the porch, kneeling down to find that the journal was, sure enough, sitting under it. “Under the porch, Mabel? Really? I gotta say, not your best hiding spot.”

“I wouldn’t have had to hide it in the first place if you hadn’t been such a nerdy lame-o.” Mabel remarked, petulantly sticking her tongue out at the fusion.

“Call me whatever you want. I’m just glad we can finally put this whole awkward mess behind-” Stepper stopped short as his hand touched the journal, a huge gasp escaping him as the book disappeared into thin air the instant he made contact with it. “W-what just happened?!” he asked in alarm as he pulled back and quickly stood. “Where did it go?! It vanished! Yeah, I can see that, but why? And more importantly where?!”

“Maybe it just decided to hide itself so you two would stay fused longer,” Mabel purposed with a small, satisfied grin at this odd turn of events.

“Not helping!” Stepper exclaimed hotly. “Well… it’s gotta be around here somewhere, right? Oh, it better be, because I-” The fusion stopped short, his eyes widening with surprise as he glanced down at the brightly-glowing gemstone on his navel. “W-what’s happening?!” he exclaimed, his alarm only growing as a radiant pink orb slowly began to emerge from the stone. “I-it’s ok! This is normal! …I think. But it’s just our—How many times to I have to tell you that no part of this is-”

Before he could get his final word out, the orb split from his gem, instantly taking shape into something else entirely as the light abruptly faded from it. Before Stepper could even realize what that something was, it began to fall towards the ground, though his lower arms somehow managed to awkwardly catch it right before it could. Confused and curious, the fusion glanced at what he was now holding, his shock only growing as he held it out to get a better look at it.

“I-is that… the journal?!” Stepper exclaimed, his jaw dropping in mutual shock as he glanced over the seemingly familiar, leather-bound tome. And yet, something was undeniable off about it, even from a first glance. “N-no… It��s not… it looks… This is… What is this thing?”

As opposed to the telltale book the kids had all seen many times before, this journal was quite different in mere appearance alone, bearing only a vague semblance to the usual one by way of size and thickness. Instead of burgundy, its surface was a dark shade of pink, and altogether the book was far less weathered and battered, instead looking pristine and new as it lightly shimmered with a continual pale glow. There was something of a rose theming to it, with designs of pink petals in its corners and thorny vines along its spine. However, the design on its cover was by far the most interesting thing about it: instead of a six-fingered hand, it was a large yellow star, harboring the effigy of a smaller Big Dipper inside of it. For a moment, the only thing the fusion could do was stare at this mysterious journal with apt confusion, though before he could eve make any comment on it, Mabel made one of her own.

“Whoa!” she gasped, amazed as she looked at the journal herself. “Looks like you got a journal upgrade! This one’s way prettier than the usual old, dusty one!”

“Uh… sure it is…” Stepper frowned, finally pulling himself out of his initial surprise as he held the book a bit closer. “No, but really, what is it? I… I think… it’s our weapon… What?”

“Yeah, seriously, what?” Mabel asked, just as confounded. “How are you guys supposed to use a book as a weapon? Are you just supposed to throw it at monsters or something?”

“I… don’t know…” the fusion looked over his journal with tighter scrutiny this time. “Maybe there’s something inside of it that”-

“Oh, hey! Good idea!” Mabel exclaimed zealously, suddenly plucking the journal right out of Stepper’s hands before he could stop her.

“Hey!” he protested, trying to grab it back from her, but she was easily able to keep it out of his reach.

“Ok, let’s see here…” she mused, opening the journal to a random page as she began rapidly flipping through it. “Huh, it doesn’t look like anyone hid a secret knife or dagger in here like Grunkle Stan did with some of the books at the shack… Oh! I know! Maybe it’s some kind of magical spell book instead!”

“Isn’t that basically what the regular journal already is?” Stepper asked, looking over Mabel’s shoulder as she began paying closer attention to the journal’s content. “Well, there’s more to it than just spells. There’s all sorts of other things in there, like incantations, and maps, diagrams, and exorcism guides, and-”

“And probably nothing in there about how Dipper used to sleep with a stuffed turtle named Mert every night when until he was eight!” Mabel cut in with an unrestrained snicker, one that instantly caught the fusion off guard. “Cause this journal’s totally got that covered and so much more!”

“Wait, what?!” Stepper exclaimed in alarm, instantly pulling the journal away from Mabel to get a better look for himself. And sure enough, much to his appalled shock and bewildered confusion, page after page of the first half of the book was filled with information about really only one thing: Dipper. From preferences to pet peeves, interests to skills, and even memories from both childhood and recently, it was as though this mysterious journal had assembled a perfect profile far more accurate and detailed than anything even he could have compiled himself. And needless to say, this revelation completely floored half of the already dumbfounded fusion. “W-wha—How did all of this stuff get in here?!” he asked hotly, his face red with embarrassment. “I have no idea, but this is so cool! I’m learning so much neat stuff about you! H-hey! Don’t look at this! Well, how can I not look at it when we’re using the same eyes? Ugh, just-” Stepper cut himself off, abruptly snapping the journal shut in disgruntled frustration. Of course, it was only seconds later that his upper hands undermined that choice, pulling the journal away so it could reopen it and continue exploring. “Hey! I said don’t—whoa, cool! This part’s about me!” The fusion gasped, an intrigued smile filling his features as he noticed that the entire second half of the book seemed to be dedicated to Steven in the very same way its first half had concerned itself with Dipper. The split between the two halves seemed to be right down the middle, though Stepper was far too preoccupied investigating his strange yet remarkable journal to even bother to spare a glance at whatever might be on the page where the halves intersected.

“Oh!” Mabel gasped in sudden realization as the fusion continued to pour over his tome in disturbed, yet excited curiosity. “I get it! That journal’s 50% about Dipper, 50% about Steven, and 100% about you, Stepper! It makes perfect sense!”

“It doesn’t make any sense,” Stepper staunchly corrected, closing the journal again. “Why is this book about us and nothing else?! Maybe because its magic? It did come from my—I mean, our gem, after all. So what? Are you telling me the journal turned into this just because we’re fused? That’s the only explanation I can think of.”

“It’s just like how Steven’s shield and my grappling hook turned into a grappling shield when we fused into Maven!” Mabel quipped cheerfully. “Our weapons fused, just like we did!”

“Yeah, but this… thing isn’t even a weapon at all!” Stepper scoffed, pointing to his journal with clear disdain. “M-maybe there’s just something about it we’re not seeing… No, we’ve seen the whole thing and its totally obvious. Not only is this journal embarrassing; its useless! Wait!” The fusion tried to stop his upper arms before they petulantly threw the odd journal down in a huff, turning his nose up at it as it disappeared into a burst of soft light as it hit the ground. “What did you do that for?!” Stepper asked himself in frustrated disbelief. “If we had gotten a better look at it, then maybe we could have figured out what it can really do! It’s a book, for crying out loud; it can’t do anything! Well maybe it could if you’d just give it a chance! And maybe while you’re at it you could trying giving this a chance for once too!”

“G-guys!” Mabel tried to intervene, already fearing a repeat of what had just happened inside the shack. “Don’t fight with each other! Remember Operation Keep The-”

“I am giving this a chance!” Stepper exclaimed hotly, completely ignoring Mabel as his argument with himself continued. “I’ve been giving this a chance all day, but it’s getting harder and harder to accept things like having four arms, and mind reading, and a creepy magical journal that’s filled with every little detail there is to know about me! Why does all that stuff bother you so much?! It doesn’t bother me! Yeah, because you’ve done this before! You’re used to it! I’m not! But you’ll get used to it! You keep saying that, but it’s just… not happening! Because you won’t let it happen!”

“Stepper-” Mabel attempted to cut in once more, though this time the fusion didn’t block her out.

“Don’t call me that!” he snapped fiercely. “Oh what, do you really have a problem with our name too? That’s not our name! …Names—Whatever! The point is I never asked for this to happen in the first place! Well it’s not like I ever tried to force you into it. Yes, you have! That’s literally what you’ve been doing all day long!”

“Stepper-” Mabel persisted, growing increasingly more worried for the fusion as both of his halves grew more frustrated with each other.

“You just keep pushing and prodding at me to stay like this, and I just don’t understand why! It’s because I want to help you! Help me what? Feel awkward and uncomfortable inside my own head, because if that’s what you were trying to do, then it definitely worked! Ugh, how do you still not get it!? Get what? That you’re trying way too hard? No! That the reason I want this to work so badly is because of-”

Stepper suddenly found himself abruptly cut off, not by Mabel this time, but by a very abrupt, very loud crash that rattled the entire area. The fusion in particular almost lost his footing, though he managed to catch himself by relying on the nearby porch beam, his extra arms aiding him in regaining his balance. “Whoa! What the heck was that?!” Mabel asked in newfound alarm, already starting off towards the source of the crash before prompting Stepper to do the same. “Come on, you guys! We gotta check it out!”

The fusion was really in no place to argue, his eyes still wide with surprise as he realized that he was trembling, though more out of lingering anger than fear. Still, he surprised his anger and conflict for now, heading after Mabel towards the sudden commotion out of curiosity more than anything else. And indeed, the sight the kids found after a rather short walk through the woods was certainly something to see.

An entire round of trees had been completely decimated by a pod of large, green, spherical orbs, the very same kinds that Peridot had sent to earth just a few weeks prior. The robots had already sprouted their legs, though these were different than the short stubs the green Gem’s robinoids usually had. Instead, they were lanky and versatile, their long, sinister tendrils raising the bots high off of the ground as they began combing through the nearby area. While the kids were quite startled by such a frightening group of machines, fortunately they were far enough out of their line of sight that they avoided detection as they tucked safely behind the trees. And even more opportune was the fact that before the robinoids could even get close, the Gems themselves arrived on the scene, their weapons already drawn as they seized up their upcoming opponents.

“Whoa! Look at these crazy things!” Amethyst remarked, prematurely swinging her whip around. “Hey, now!” she lashed her weapon out as one of the robinoids’ long arms suddenly spiraled towards her. “Getting friendly with us already, huh? Pretty cheeky of ya, if you ask me.”

“I can’t believe Peridot’s still sending these things here!” Pearl huffed, jumping out of the path of a plummeting robotic limb before sending her spear flying at the bot who had attacked her. “She knows we’re just going to destroy them, just like we did with all of her other robots, doesn’t she?”

“Not this time, you Crystal Clods!” the green Gem’s nasally voice rang out as one of her robinoids rose up high over all the others. A monitor flashed over the round body of said robot, showing Peridot herself upon it as she looked down upon the Gems with a smug grin.

“Peridot!” Garnet shouted, her gauntlets already clenched into tight, threatening fists.

“Well, well, well,” the green Gem’s smirk remained as her robinoid drew in close to the Gems. “You three must think you’re so clever, what with destroying the control room at the Prime Kindergarten. But you failed to anticipate that I wouldn’t merely take your traitorous behavior lying down. I’m not about to let you defective rebels interfere with my assignment again! So I figured, why not just take you three out the easy way and then simply proceed as planned!”

“So what? Are you just gonna bore us to death all this ‘revenge’ talk or are we actually gonna fight?” Amethyst asked dryly, rolling her eyes.

“Grrr, see this is exactly why you Crystal Gems deserve to be taken out!” Peridot growled crossly. “You’re just a bunch of impetuous, annoying lumps!”

“Takes one to know one,” Garnet shrugged casually as Amethyst and Pearl both chuckled at her clever retort, setting the green Gem off even more.

“We’ll see who has the last laugh when my attack robinoids are through with you!” she shouted, fiercely commanding her bots to action. “Go! Shatter them! Shatter them so I can be free of their aggravating meddling once and for all!”

The Gems had no time to reply to this as the robinoids all converged on then, their sharp tendrils shooting out towards the trio at an alarming speed. Fortunately, they managed to cleanly leap out of the path of the mechanical arms, but even still, the kids all shared fearful gasps as the robinoids began their aggressive barrage of attacks all while Peridot continued to watch on and laugh in amusement at the Gems’ rather futile attempt to destroy them.

“Oh my gosh!” Mabel exclaimed fretfully, stepping out from the tree line a bit, even if Stepper stayed back. “You guys, the Gems are in trouble! We gotta get out there and help them get rid of those spidery robot things somehow! Come on!” She charged forward out of the woods, more than ready to do whatever she could to aid the Gems, even if she had no idea what. But she stopped short upon noticing that the fusion wasn’t following her, instead clinging to one of the trees as he looked to the attacking robinoids almost fearfully before apprehensively glancing down at his lower hands. “Uh… Stepper? Aren’t you coming?”

Stepper jolted at this, somewhat surprised as he quickly glanced up, his eyes wide with immense uncertainty. “Uh… give us a minute,” he said, forcing a reassuring smile onto his face. “W-we’ll be right behind you.”

Mabel frowned as she noticed the fusion’s clear hesitance, and though she wanted to ask him the reasoning behind his delay, she knew it likely wouldn’t be the wisest thing to do, given his current unsteady state. “Ok… Well, I’ll see you out there, I guess…”

“Y-yeah…” Stepper waved her off absently, glancing to the ground. “See… see you…” As he trailed off, Mabel hurried out into the open, leaving the fusion behind to watch as she tried to distract the attack robinoids away from the Gems, much to their shared disapproval and alarm. Even as he stayed in his hiding spot, the fusion could see just how much danger they were all in, with Peridot’s robinoids relentlessly attacking them on all sides, and while a large part of him did want to run out into the fray himself, he still ended up holding himself back all the same. “We need to go help them…” he said to himself, his voice an earnest whisper. “I-I know, but… we can’t. Not… not like this. Why not?!”

His voice suddenly rose as he took a large step back into the woods, the low branches obscuring much sunlight from falling on him. “Are you seriously that embarrassed about being this that you can’t even let it go during an emergency like this?! I’m not embarrassed, I just—Yes, you are! I can feel it! You’re embarrassed by our arms, and our journal, and by being fused and… and by me. No, I’m not! I just… I’m just… Oh, I don’t know! Why does it even matter!?”

Stepper let out a loud, frustrated groan at this as he thoughtlessly pushed back even further into the woods, not even noticing as they apparently seemed to get darker. “It matters because you need this! Need what? To be fused? Because at this point, I’m pretty sure that’s the last thing I need! No, it’s not just about being fused! It’s about how you always try to shut yourself away from everyone! You always think you have to be alone, but you don’t. I-I don’t try to shut myself away from—Yes, you do and you don’t even realize it! That’s why we set that party up for you! Because we wanted you to finally take everything off your shoulders and open up and just… have fun for once! But… you just won’t let yourself enjoy this… And that’s why we can’t find the harmony… The things we want… they’re just way too different… We’re way too different…”

The shadows of the forest seemed to pounce upon the fusion as he said this, though instead of remaining black and dark, they abruptly turned to varying shades of pink and blue, all of which appeared to paint Stepper in messy, uneven splotches. The fusion let out a soft gasp of alarm at this, but he was quick to disregard it as a sudden rush of anger filled in for his former regret. “O-oh yeah? Well what about you?! W-what about me? I never wanted to be this in the first place, but you’re trying to keep us together just so you can have the same feeling you did with Connie and Mabel! No! That’s not what I—Yeah it is, and I can feel it; it drives you crazy that we’re not as compatible or as stable as Stevonnie and Maven were. N-no, it doesn’t! I… I just…”

Stepper sighed, closing his eyes as the colors covering him seemed to drift apart, looking less like mixed splotches and veering more into equal halves. “I just wanted to have that feeling again… Well, sorry if I’m not good enough to give you that feeling! Because I guess the only things you’re feeling with me is all of the stress and awkwardness and confusion that I’ve been feeling ever since any of this began! Hey, none of that’s my fault! It’s not like I’m the one making you feel any of that! Yeah, you are, by forcing us to stay like this.”

The fusion’s eyes widened as the colors on him abruptly snapped into perfectly even halves across his body. “W-what? I told you before, I’m not forcing us to do anything! Yes, you are! You might have said that you weren’t going to force us to be this, but you went back on it! When did I do that?! When we were falling apart back at the shack! I was ready to let go, I wanted to let go, but you wouldn’t let me! You just… pulled us back together without even caring about whether or not I wanted you to or not… You didn’t even ask…” Stepper gasped at this, one of his upper hands flying up to cover his mouth out of pained shock. “Y-you… you’re right… I didn’t ask… I didn’t even think about… about what you were… what you might have…” The fusion gasped once more, his body lurching forward as the connected colors on him abruptly snapped apart. With this, Stepper’s form was only enshrouded with the destabilizing white glow for a moment before, with far too many warring thoughts in his head and emotions in his heart, he finally fell apart.

The boys collapsed away from each other, the colors returning to normal as bits and pieces of light began to spill in from the canopy of trees overhead. In the distance, the sounds of the Gems combating Peridot’s robinoids could vaguely be heard, but Dipper hardly paid that any mind as he slowly sat up, his head throbbing as he let out a small groan. “Ugh, why do I suddenly have such a-” He abruptly cut himself off however, upon hearing the sound of his own natural voice, as well as looking down and seeing his usual short legs, the regular journal tucked into his vest, and, sure enough, only two arms instead of four. “Oh my gosh!” he exclaimed with a small, admittedly relieved grin. “W-we’re back! It’s just me again! And—Steven!” Dipper gasped, instantly jumping to his feet and looking around for the apparently missing young Gem. “Steven, we un-”

“Yeah… I know…” Steven muttered dejectedly, prompting Dipper to quickly turn around to face him. The young Gem sat, his back turned to him and his knees pulled to his chest, his body language alone conveying that he was anything but happy about their sudden unfusing.

“Oh no…” Dipper frowned with sudden regret, already feeling quite guilty about Steven’s obvious melancholy. Not really knowing what to do to make the young Gem feel better, he slowly walked over and sat down on the ground beside him, noticing as he slightly turned his head away from him the moment he did. A long bout of silence passed between the boys, one that seemed to suggest all of the countless things both of them wanted to say to each other and yet not conveying anything at all. In the end though, Dipper felt the most obligated to break this silence, and he started with a long, remorseful sigh as he tried to piece together exactly what he wanted to say. “Steven, look, I’m-”

“Dipper,” Steven quickly interrupted, his voice somewhat shaken as he spoke with his head still buried into his knees. “I’m so sorry.”

“What?” Dipper frowned in apt confusion. “Steven, no, don’t be sorry. If anyone should be sorry, it should be me.”

“No, it should be me!” Steven retorted earnestly, finally looking up as tears started to well up in his eyes. “I knew you weren’t comfortable, but I just keep pushing you and pushing you! It’s like… it’s like I couldn’t take no as an answer, and all because I wanted another ‘perfect’ fusion! But we weren’t perfect, and I… I guess I couldn’t accept that. You wanted out, but all I did was pull you back in every time, without even giving you a choice about it! I-I made you feel…”

“Trapped…” both boys said in unison, their voices equal in dismay and regret as they finally exchanged a glance.

“Steven…” Dipper sighed again, still unsure of how to voice his own apology, though fortunately, Steven still wasn’t done with his.

“And the craziest part of it all, was that this all started from me wanting to help you have a little fun…” the young Gem looked away again with a somber sigh of his own. “A lot of good that did. I only ended up making everything worse… And all because I had to take things too far…”

“But you only had to take things that far because of me!” Dipper exclaimed insistently, throwing out any form of planning on his apology as he just let it out instead. “Every time you reached out to me to try to get me to enjoy myself, all I did was push you away! Mabel was right, I really do do that to everyone…”

“But that’s ok,” Steven said forgivingly. “I mean, that’s just how you are, Dipper. And… I think I’ve finally realized there really isn’t a problem with that. It’s like we said… we’re really different. And… maybe that’s good thing.”

“Steven, holing myself away from everyone just to research stuff and forcing myself to spend all my time alone for it… really isn’t a good thing…” Dipper admitted, glancing away in shame. “If there’s one thing fusing with you taught me, it’s that.”

“R-really?”

“Yeah. I mean, being fused and essentially sharing a mind and body was really weird and uncomfortable and overwhelming, but… I think I finally understand what Garnet meant when she told Maven that fusion turns you into something greater than yourself…”

“I-it really does…” Steven smiled softly. “It’s like you can feel everything that you’re feeling and everything that the other person is feeling. And when both of you are feeling good, its… it’s incredible. It feels like there’s nothing in the world that could bring you down from that. And…. that’s what I wanted for us, I guess…”

“And I just wouldn’t let us feel like that...” Dipper remarked somewhat bitterly. “I was so wrapped up in how stressed and anxious I felt that I wouldn’t let all of your excitement and happiness about it rub off on me. We could have had such a great time together, but I had to go and be stubborn and mess everything up, just like I always do…”

“Don’t beat yourself up about it. I mean, this is my fault just as much as it is yours. And to be honest, I’m actually really glad we managed to fuse at all. I mean, did you see how cool Stepper was?!”

“Yeah, you know, I actually have to admit… he was—we were kind of impressive. And like Mabel said, we had some pretty nice muscles, which was definitely a plus.”

Steven let out a genuine laugh at this, one that Dipper couldn’t help but join in on. A newfound understanding seemed to exist between the two boys, one that had been born out of their intense conflict of personalities and had come to replace that conflict with a different kind of foundation instead. A foundation of trust rather than misgivings, of similarities as opposed to differences, and compromise instead of contempt. And the contentment they both felt at the establishment of this new foundation was as clear to see as the smiles on both of their faces. “Steven,” Dipper began as he rose to stand. “I’m sorry for being such a stubborn stick in the mud. Do you think you could ever forgive me?”

“Of course, I can, Dipper!” Steven exclaimed brightly. “But only if you can forgive me for being so pushy.”

“It’s a deal,” Dipper laughed, grabbing Steven’s extended hand as he stood so they could shake on it. “But uh… I think in the middle of all this apologizing and feeling sorry for ourselves that we sort of forgot about something important…”

“Oh my gosh, you’re right!” Steven gasped in realization. “The Gems and Mabel are still fighting off Peridot’s robots! They’re gonna need our help!”

“Well…” Dipper grinned somewhat leadingly as he glanced to the side. “I do know of a certain fusion who might be able to do an even better job of lending them an extra hand, or two, or four…”

Stars appeared in the young Gem’s eyes upon hearing this proposal, a surprised gasp escaping him at the same time. “Oh, Dipper! Do you really mean it?!”

“I do,” Dipper nodded, resolved. “But only if we’re both on the same page about it this time.”

“Right,” Steven sobered up a bit, though it was clear he was still excited. “Well, I guess we better—whoa!” The young Gem was cut off as Dipper abruptly grabbed his wrist and pulled him into a loose, yet lively dance. Of course, the dance itself mattered little considering the revived comradery between the boys, and before they knew it, amidst their shared laughter and revelry, a familiar bright light enveloped them both. And out of that light, Stepper emerged, looking identical to how he had appeared before, but feeling so incredibly different.

“Whoa,” the fusion gasped as he opened his eyes, looking over himself with a growing smile. “W-we did it! On purpose this time! And wow… It… it feels so much better now… Is this…? This is… It is. This is how it’s supposed to feel.”

Stepper’s already huge grin widened even moreso at this before it ultimately escalated into a laugh that he was powerless to contain. In fact, his newfound joy at the innate delight that was simply existing in such a harmonious state was enough to send him tumbling to the ground amidst his heavy laughter, both sets of arms wrapping him in a tight embrace. It was as though all of the doubt and anxiety and inner conflict that had plagued him before had completely vanished, instead replaced with a kind of warmth and elation that he could scarcely even begin to describe. Instead of awkward and strange, he felt natural and at peace, both halves of his whole finally content to be as they were, together and united in every way there was.

In fact, Stepper was so caught up in his own ecstasy that he almost didn’t notice his gem light up with a bright pink glow. Still, he saw it nonetheless, cutting his laughter short as he quickly rose to stand. As he expected, the same odd pink journal emerged from it, no doubt still filled with copious notes on both of his halves. However, what the fusion found alarming was that he didn’t even have to catch the journal. Instead, it drifted out from him and remained floating in place an arm’s length away from him, its unique cover facing him squarely, almost as if it was beckoning him to touch it. Confused, Stepper reached out to do just that, and the moment his fingers skimmed the emblem on its cover, both it and its inverted match on his forehead, as well as his gem, lit up in a radiant glow. The fusion gasped softly, especially as this glow refused to go away this time, but even so, he found himself strangely prompted to press his palm against the star and the constellation upon the journal’s cover, which flashed brightly as he did so. He quickly pulled his hand away, however, as the book flattened itself out, flying open and flipping its pages rapidly on its own accord. Stepper watched the entire process with awestruck curiosity, until at last, the pages stopped right at the very center of the tome, the light finally fading from it, his birthmark, and his gem, all at the same time.

Intrigued as ever, the fusion leaned forward to get a better glance at the page the still floating journal had opened to, one that contained no information about either of the boys, but instead featured only one thing: a large drawing of Steven’s shield, one that spread across both pages in full, delicate detail. “What the…?” Stepper finally muttered, raising an eyebrow as he drew his hand into the image. The journal shined once more as he placed his hand upon it, one of his lower arms coming to rest a small distance underneath the book at the same time. As if guided by instinct, the fusion slowly started lifting up his other hand, and as he did, a visage of the iconic pink shield began to rise up from its image on the pages as well, sparkling brightly all the while. Stepper gasped in amazement, his eyes wide as he somehow managed to pull up an entire shield from the journal, one that was smaller than its usual counterpart, but still corporeal and three dimensional as he flattened it down to float over the open book. “Well, what do you know?” he asked himself with a satisfied smirk, especially as he noticed just how surprisingly sharp the edges of this newly-generated shield were. “I guess I really can use a journal as a weapon after all! And I think I know of a perfect way to test it out…”

Despite all of their best efforts, the Gems were quickly starting to realize that Peridot and her attack robinoids were nowhere near the easy opponents they thought they’d be. In fact, the green Gem’s bots were surprisingly very powerful and very precise, something that kept Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl on their toes throughout the duration of the battle, lest they be shattered by the mechanical tendrils that seemed to be shooting about everywhere. Peridot’s continual mocking and taunting aside, it didn’t help that, amidst the battle they also had to keep an eye on Mabel, who adamantly refused to flee in favor of assisting the Gems as much as she good. Fortunately, she had her grappling hook on her, like she usually did, but the tool wasn’t able to do much after one of the robinoids managed to knock it cleanly out of her hand and away from her reach. It was around this point in the fight that the tide seemed to turn even more against the Gems as, in an attempt to push Mabel out of the way of one of the robinoids before it could snatch her, Amethyst managed to get tangled up in one of its lengthy coils. Garnet and Pearl, and even Mabel followed soon after, the bots tightly and firmly restraining their limbs and tossing their weapons away from them.

Peridot laughed triumphantly as she directed her robinoids to pull her struggling opponents up towards her towering screen, more than prepared to hold her incoming victory over them. “Struggle all you want,” she goaded smugly. “None of it will matter after you all are broken to itty-bitty, soddy bits!”

“Not if we break your insipid robots first!” Pearl retorted back crossly, wrigglingly fiercely in an attempt to wrench her arms free from the robinoids holding her.

“Ha! Like there’s a chance of that happening,” the green Gem rolled her eyes. “Clearly I am the one who is about to emerge from this encounter as the victor while you all face agonizing and crushing defeat at the hands of a far superior Gem! I’m so excited about it I can hardly contain myself!”

“Ugh! Contain this!” Mabel huffed, her arms pinned down, though she still managed to kick her shoe off, letting it fly right into Peridot’s holographic monitor.

“Hey!” the green Gem exclaimed hotly, glancing down at the mark the now fallen shoe had left on the bot below her. “Your gravity connector cover scuffed up my robinoid! Just for that, I think I’ll finish you off first, you ‘Mabel’!”

Mabel gasped in sudden alarm as two rather sharp tendrils emerged from Peridot’s personal robinoid, both of their deadly tips aimed right at her. However, before either of them could attack, a sudden pink blur happened to rush by, one that sliced both coils cleanly in half. “W-what?!” Peridot exclaimed, appalled as the tips crashed to the ground. Another unknown projectile flew in seconds, cutting the tendril that was wrapped around Mabel, freeing her and allowing her to land on the ground below mostly unharmed. Grateful yet confused by this sudden rescue, both her and the Gems turned towards its source to find a figure that none of them had really been expecting.

“Stepper!” Mabel gasped, overjoyed as she watched the fusion emerge from woods with a far different manner about him this time. His former uncertainty and fretfulness was far removed and instead replaced by confidence and assurance as he stood firm, ready to face off against the robinoids himself. Floating above one of his lower palms was his unique tome, which he had unanimously decided to dub as his shield journal, and resting just a few inches above it was another weaponized shield, one that he was fully prepared to send flying at a moment’s notice.

“Peridot!” he exclaimed boldly, not even flinching as the green Gem turned her robinoid to face him. “Let the others go, now!”

For a moment, Peridot simply looked to the fusion with an expression of dumbfounded confusion before she let out a dry scoff. “Please. Are you kidding me? Why would I ever do something that amicable or agreeable? These are my enemies I’m about to destroy here! Duh.”

“Fine,” Stepper shrugged with a small, daring smirk. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you.” With a shout of gusto, the fusion flung his shield out from the journal, watching with satisfaction as it flew fast and high. Its blade-like edges easily snapped the coils clinging onto the Gems, releasing them and allowing them to renew their own weapons, though all they could really do was stare at the fusion in amazement and slight alarm as he ran forward into the fray.

“Boys, wait!” Pearl called fearfully as Stepper rushed for one of the robinoids head on, another shield forming over his journal. “You can’t fight like that! Y-you’re unstable!”

“They were unstable,” Garnet corrected with a clearly proud smile as she watched the fusion launch his shield at the nearest bot. “But they aren’t anymore. Just watch and see.”

The Gems did so as the projectile crashed directly into the machine, ripping through its spherical body like a knife. Peridot gasped in shock as her bot exploded from this strike, but Stepper didn’t even bother to celebrate this small victory as he ran onto the next one, throwing yet another shield and downing yet another robinoid.

“Yeah!” Amethyst cheered, pumping her fist as the Gems remained on the sidelines, seeing as how the fusion actually had things handled himself. “Go, Stedip!”

“That’s Stepper,” Mabel corrected with a satisfied grin, delighted to see that, against all odds, the boys had succeeded in their mission.

After watching a third robinoid blow up, however, Peridot finally started attacking back, making her extreme frustration quite clear in the process. “Who do you think you are, you interloping, four-armed….whatever you are!?” she asked fiercely, glaring down at the fusion as several robinoid arms chased him in vain.

“Who am I?” Stepper repeated with a coy grin, positioning another shield over his journal as one of his spare arms casually readjusted his hat. “Oh, nobody too special. But if you care so much about names, like some people do…” he paused, sending a playful wink Mabel’s way as she let out a small, amused laugh. “Then I guess you can just call me Stepper.”

“Yes!” Mabel exclaimed excitedly. “The name finally stuck with both of them! I knew it was a good one!”

“Ugh! They’ll be calling you Shattered when I’m through with you!” Peridot growled in outrage as she pushed her robinoids even harder. Stepper managed mostly jump out of the path of a tendril that spiraled towards him, yet while he cut through said arm with a shield, he failed to notice another one that snuck up on him from behind. The fusion gasped in surprise as his upper right arm was caught, quickly followed by his lower left one soon after. As his other left arm was grabbed, the shield journal fell out of his grasp, leaving him essentially defenseless, a fact that Peridot was more than happy to brag about. “Well, it looks like you’re all out of options, you ‘Stepper’. So what do you intend to do now that you’re mere seconds away from your inevitable demise?”

“Oh gee, I don’t know…” Stepper remarked, his tone clearly sardonic, a fact that set the concerned Gems somewhat to ease in the idea that he likely knew what he was doing. “I guess you really got me, Peridot. But uh… you forgot one just little thing…”

“Oh?” the green Gem asked, rolling her eyes. “And what’s that?”

“My fourth arm,” the fusion smirked, pulling the arm he had wisely hidden behind his back forward and revealing a shield still hovering over it. Peridot only had time to let out a startled gasp as he tossed the projectile forward hard, watching with satisfaction as it rammed right into the green Gem’s personal robinoid, sending it tumbling to the ground hard. Since the key robinoid was connected to all of the others, the remaining bots all collapsed as it fell as well, all of them deceiving as the master unit crashed and burned. Still, in the machine’s final moments, Peridot’s monitor remained, and she didn’t hesitate to launch all of her intense fury at the fusion for foiling her plans so easily.

“Augh! You… you too-many-limbed, malformed, human, abomination of a clod!” she shouted furiously, glaring daggers at the fusion as he merely returned it with a triumphant grin. “I’ll make you wish you were never formed! This isn’t the last you’ll see of me! I’m going to complete my mission, no matter what I have to do! Even if I have to come to that miserable planet of yours myself, I’ll-” The green Gem’s threat was cut off right in the middle as the main robinoid finally exploded, abruptly cutting off her transmission as her monitor disappeared.

Stepper’s smile widened a bit as he saw this, knowing that, for as harrowing of a task as it had been, his job was done. And with its completion, so too came the bittersweet end of his functional reason for staying together. After all, for as great as being fused now felt for them, half of them knew very well that it was shame to spoil oneself with too much of a good thing. And so, with contented sigh, Stepper closed his eyes and bowed his head a bit, fall four arms falling to his sides as the pale glow that represented unfusing enshrouded him, this time completely on his own terms.

As the peaceful glow disappeared, so too did the fusion, leaving the two halves that composed him in his place. As Dipper and Steven opened their eyes and exchanged a glance, neither of them could suppress their huge, elated smiles, though before they could celebrate the victory they had just shared on their own, Mabel and the Gems were quick to pounce upon them first.

“AHHHH!” Mabel practically screamed, pulling both of the boys into a tight, celebratory hug. “Oh my gosh, you guys, that was so awesome! You totally kicked Peridot’s butt! Well, not her butt, but all of her robots’ butts! …Do robots even have butts?”

“I-I think what Mabel is trying to say is that you two did an exemplary job!” Pearl applauded with a warm smile. “Both of you should be very proud of yourselves for such wonderful work!”

“Yeah, you guys totally bailed us out!” Amethyst smirked. “Who knew that all it took to beat Peri’s dumb robots down was four arms and weird shield-making book?”

“I guess we did,” Steven laughed as him and Dipper humbly accepted the adulation.

“And I gotta say,” Dipper interjected with an amused grin. “The look on Peridot’s face when we flung that shield at her? It was-”

“Priceless!” both boys exclaimed at once, chuckling brightly as they did so before Mabel and the Gems joined in.

“Well, it looks like you two managed to find the harmony after all,” Garnet grinned as she placed a hand on both of the boys’ shoulders. “I never doubted that you would. After all, some of the strongest fusions are made up of two halves that seem like exact opposites, but have more in common than they think they do. Believe me.” The Gem leader’s tone turned a bit vague as she adjusted her shades mysteriously, though she was still smiling all the while.

“Ah, this is so great!” Mabel exclaimed, delighted by all of the warm feelings going around. “Since you guys are so full of harmony right now, you should totally form Stepper again! Just so we can all check out just how awesome that journal really is! Please?”

“Uh… I think we’ve had enough Stepper for one day, Mabel…” Dipper remarked with small, somewhat tired smile.

“But that doesn’t mean you’ll never see him again,” Steven clarified. “Right, Dipper?”

While Dipper would have certainly opposed such an idea earlier that day, now he could only offer the young Gem a confident smile and an affirmative nod to the very real possibility of them fusing again someday. “Right, Steven. But for now, I think there’s something really important I need to get back to.”

“Let me guess,” Mabel huffed, already exasperated. “Researching?”

“Nope,” Dipper shook his head, still grinning as he threw an arm around Steven and Mabel’s shoulders. “Hanging out with you guys.”

“Aw, Dipper!” Steven gushed happily, stars in his eyes as he pulled both twins into a tight hug, one that the Gems had no choice but to join in on as their young ward silently beckoned to them. And yet, in the midst of it all, Dipper and Steven exchanged one last warm smile, one that reminded them both, just as much as the memory of being Stepper himself did, just how much their friendship had been tested and tried over the past several hours alone. And yet, it had come out of it all undoubtable changed, yet largely better than it ever had been. As Garnet had advised them to, they had found the harmony, but not just for the sake of their fusion, but for the sake of their own bond even outside of it. And that harmony was something that neither one of them intended on letting slip away from them any time soon.

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summerdreamz · 7 years

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5/15/17 I Gotta Get This Off My Chest....

Hey followers. This post is going to be fairly heavy: just a little forewarning. I honestly just want to ‘type’ this down because my mind is kind of swirling. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. I am having a little trouble staying focused.

Last Saturday night, I got a text. A friend was distraught....she had reached out because one of our mutual friends was not well. His brother had taken his life. We didn’t know much. And honestly, we originally didn’t know what happened. But all the clues and pieces of the story made us believe that it was suicide.

And, today, I found out, that it was.

This young man is someone I used to babysit for YEARS back. I actually just had dinner with his brother only two weeks ago. I’ve been fairly close to the family, and to say I’m surprised doesn’t even come close. I am in total shock. I can’t possibly imagine how the family is doing.

Here’s the thing. This young man was such a gem. Kind, always laughing, and the athlete. And SO smart, holy cow. Such an eloquent writer and blogger, and had this optimism that was just so contagious.

His brother texted me this morning. Explained what had happened. And again. I had no idea. I know the details, but, couldn’t have possibly imagined that this is what this this guy was going through.

A few weeks back, the family posted this absolutely BEAUTIFUL Easter family picture. I looked at it again today.

The truth of the matter is....and I keep witnessing and experiencing this time and time again:

We have absolutely NO idea what is going on in someones head.

I’ve been thinking about another individual this morning too that I remember from WAY BACK when. We were family friends with the most incredible family. Again, all the qualities. Good looks, kind, out going, adventuresome, generous, money, tons of money...

TO be perfectly honest. I actually had one of my first crushes on this guy. He was in college and I was in middle school.....he was the “All American” dude. And NICEST GUY.

He took a gun to his head and blew his head off. The doctors couldn’t identify him...until they investigated the dental records. I remember being so confused.

Why? Why did this happen? How could this have happened?!

(A little off topic, but please do NOT think that a relationship, prestige, money, job title, all those things that society tells us make us/people happy...make you happy. It’s complete crap. Happiness and feeling ‘good’ is so much more than that. You CAN have all of that and be happy but you GOTTA DO the inner work too!)

We all have this internal world and God, truly, sometimes I wish I could into that world for other people. I’ve been in therapy before. I’ve hit rock bottom, twice in my life. I was hospitalized in high school for a mental breakdown. I’ve been on the self-care journey, and more and more I understand its importance. But I also have come to understand the importance of being a good friend. Or at least what makes a good friend.

You know how when tragedy strikes...you always hear people say “We just didn’t know” or “We didn’t see this coming”.....I’ve had a handful of friends battle all sorts of addictions, mental health issues, and just tough shit to go through. And you know what they have all said? “I’m so glad that so and so said something” or “I’m so glad that so and so listened”.

Be that friend. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

I do not know the whole story about my friends brother. I am HONORED that he wants to get dinner with me before the service this Saturday. I just want to be there for him. Again, I can’t imagine what he’s going through. He reached out and invited me. I want to be there for him.

But I also want to end this lengthy post with this plea. I try to be as optimistic as possible. I try to be as encouraging and supportive as I can. I definitely spiral and have my episodes too....and am blessed to have my lifelines so to speak. Please be kind and please never EVER take anything personally. You honestly just don’t know what is going on in someones head. We all have our baggage...some more than others. And some people are more open than others. WE ALL deal with our problems in different ways. So please, never pass any judgement and try to be as patient as possible.

But also please remember. Kindness goes a long, long way. Being there for someone goes a long way too.

You can be a hero by simply telling someone how much you care about them.

You can also be a hero by making it clear that you can always be there for someone.

And sometimes, that’s all you can do.

This week is going to be a roller coaster. Deep breathes. And sending love to all.

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ecotone99 · 5 years

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[SF] End of Days Part 2.

Please leave feedback!!! We make it to willstown. Barely. The two day drive turned into a five day walk. After about a day of driving the truck gave out. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway way. Gridlock. Abandoned Cars for miles and miles. So we walk and walk and walk. Our food and supplies dwindled down to nothing. We haven’t in almost two days. To make matters worse Lucia and Jr are starting to get sick . The rain and the weather Change has everyone rundown.

As we approach the gates a sign reads “trespassers will be executed”

That’s comforting - Maria

We haven’t eaten In almost two days, we need to rest. Only two days till the ship reaches Bayonne it will all be over soon - jr

Everyone stay close and follow my lead - me

Heavily armed guards, line the top walls.

What’s your business here? - says a guard at the gate.

We are here to trade- I reply.

Let me see what you got boy. - guard.

I open up the back pack and show him the pills.

We have two more bags just like this - me

Alright, looks good. He says and takes the back pack out of my hand

What are you doing ? I question and go to grab it back

No funny business now . Consider this an entrance fee . I Wouldn’t want to have to hurt a pretty face like hers- he says as he stares at Maria

The antibiotics. The most important bag. I need to get this bag back.

I’m reaching down to my hip to grab my pistol before I can. Maria grabs my hand

“It’s not worth it “ she whispers in my Ear

The guard whistles and the gate opens

It’s just like a shanty town. Run down buildings. Some bigger buildings toward the back. Looks like an old apartment building. There’s one sign . It reads Willstown

Behind the sign is a massive bulletin board of pictures with the word MISSING written in red. It’s pictures of Men, women, and children. From all walks of life. The end of times doesn’t discriminate. We were all effected the same way.

Mommy I’m tired - Lucia says as we walk through the compound.

Here get on my shoulders - I say as I bend down

I can’t help but notice a massive make shift stage in the middle of the compound separating it into two sides.

Maybe they host a nightly talent show - JR says

We all laugh.

A tall man dressed in a black trench coat appears on the stage.

Attention ladies and gentlemen . Boys and girls would you please Make your way to the stage - he says into a mega phone

I hand lucia to JR

you take Lucia and Maria to apartment building in the back I’m gonna check this out with Josh. - me

Alright captain - Jr says sarcastically.

As you know we don’t have many rules here but we do have two! - the man continues to say.

And what are they ? - he questions the crowd

No stealing and no killing! They reply.

Josh and I look at each other and people begin to pour in to the front of the stage.

Well today we found a thief! He smirks

The crowd boos

Two men dressed in military fatigues drag a man on to the stage.

Now this man was already caught stealing and was punished - the man says

Fortunately I’m a merciful man. - man

the guard pulls up his sleeve and his left hand is gone.

The crowd begins to Cheer loudly

But today not so much - the man

Another man comes to the stage and hands the man a massive Scythe.

It clicks in my minds. Holy shit it’s the grim reaper.

I think that’s Gary - josh says.

I thought it couldn’t get worse but it did,

The man who gave him the scythe rolls out a pillory... a freaking pillory.

The other two men strap the thief in.

Please no please I’m sorry. I’ll never do it again.

The crowd begins to boo and throw things on to the stage.

It’s a mob mentality. It’s sickening . These people are almost like savages.

The reaper approaches the thief.

Please I’ll do anyt - thief

In one fluid motion he slices the mans head clean off his body.

ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!!! He yells into the mega phone as loud as he can.

The crowd absolutely loses it. They are going nuts.

Joshes face is white. Whiter then the purest snow.

I shake him

Snap out of it man- I say

He just stares at me.

I grab his arm as we make our way out of the crowd

We keep walking and we can still hear them in the distance.

We reach the run down building and see JR, Maria and Lucia , sitting on a old couch with the springs sticking out.

I got one room follow me - Jr says

We gather out stuff from the front and walk down the hall.

What did it cost? I asked . Three bottles of Vicodin for the night the lady drives a hard bargain - Jr

Jesus - I rub my forehead .

I know but we need this, look at everyone. We are barely holding it together - Jr

I know I know . Good job.- I say as we walk up to our room .

We open the door to a medium sized room. It’s dusty with cob webs everywhere. It’s illuminated by one lightbulb in the center room. Two cots, a table, and a broken couch.

Well it’s certainly not the presidential suite- JR says

And um what’s wrong with josh ?- Jr

Josh is standing in the door way with a blank expression on his face

Here drink this - Maria says as she give Josh a bottle of water.

He’s in shock- I say

What did you see out there? - asks Ricky .

The grim reaper- josh finally speaks .

Here lay down - Maria puts him on the couch with a blanket.

Lucia go sit on the bed while we talk - Maria says.

This place isn’t safe. The reaper just executed a guy in front of everyone. - me

We can’t just leave we have no food and barley any water left - Maria

And just like that . We hear a roar of thunder and it begins to pour.

Well we definitely aren’t leaving now - Jr says

Let’s work on the food and water situation, JR stay here with Lucia and josh. Maria and I will go out and look for Something to eat and what ever you do don’t open this door until we’re back . I need you here , Josh can’t watch Lucia by himself - me

I got it - Jr says as he takes out the AK and begins to load it

As we leave the apartment and go out into the Compound, people are standing outside trying to collect rain water. They have buckets, cups, some are just cupping there hands together to collect as much rain as possible.

We continue to walk.

Is everything all right guapo ? - Maria looks at me and knows there’s something wrong.

I want to tell her everything and come clean about my illness but there’s a lump in my throat and I can’t seem to do it. Im scared. I don’t want her to judge me, or leave me, or think I can’t protect her and Lucia. I’m becoming more and more unstable as the days past . The depression and anxiety combined with no sleep and the delay in the medication is taking a toll on me. But I need to keep it together. Just a little longer. Once we make it to safety everything will change for the better.

I’m fine baby I’m just tired - I say as I kiss her on the forehead. It hurts to lie to someone you care about. But I can’t let her know the truth

Let’s go in here - I say as I change the subject

There’s basically just random things all over the place on make shift counters and tables . But I do spot a toy doll. It’s perfect for Lucia.

I grab the doll and go up to the man at the front . I take 3 pills out of the bottle before I get up there I don’t want him to know how much I have on me.

I’ll give you three of these for the doll.- I say

Them brand name pills you got ? He questions

Yes brand name -I reply

Well you got your self a deal. Pleasure doing business with you . He says and shakes me hand.

I give him the three pills and he immediately puts them in his mouth, walks out of the store and looks straight up for a few seconds then swallows the pills with the rain water.

Well that’s innovate to say the least - maria says to me as we walk out.

Desperate times call for desperate measures I guess - I reply

I spot a store with canned goods. We walk in.

As we look through the cans most of the stuff is expired but we do find a few hidden gems . Canned peaches , beans , carrots , and last but not least canned Tuna. I hate fish but then again, got to get my calories in.

Ooooo look! - Maria says as she grabs two boxes of chocolate chip cookies off a shelf

And there only expired by a month - she laughs

Could be worse - I say as I look for more cans.

I gather everything up and approach a woman at the front of the store.

I’ll give you two bottles of pain pills for all the supplies -me

She looks at me and then looks at the supplies

No thank you I got enough pain pills, what else you got - the lady asks

How bout these ? I pull out a bottle of uppers. We don’t have much to play with considering 1/3 of are stash was taking at the gate .

She takes the bottle from me. Reads the label.

Fine, now get out of here.

Maria puts everything into her back pack And we leave.

The rain is starting to pick up so me and Maria run back to the apartment building.

I’ve had a enough of that - Maria says as she puts he hair in a pony tail

I know hopefully it stops before tomorrow or it’s gonna be a long walk - me

We walk down the hall to our room and the doors open.

JR I told you to keep the door shut.. - I say as I walk in only to see The reaper standing in the middle of our room. Jr was sitting on the bed holding Lucy and josh is no where to be found.

Before I can even think about it my hand is on my pistol.

I wouldn’t do that if I were you - the reaper smiles

Two men with shotguns come in the room and stand behind us.

I’m here to thank you for the donation you made to our compound. Antibiotics are very hard to find these days - the reaper says as he walks around the room.

My daughter is sick and we need those pills - Maria pleads

Listen I’ll give you this whole bag of pain killers for half of the antibiotics- I say to the reaper

The reaper looks at Lucia and turns around to face us.

Well I appreciate your offer but I have to politely decline. I am a fair man though. I will give you a chance to win them back. - he stares at me.

What do you mean ? - I question .

Come to the pit at sundown. It’s on the left side of the compound. You’ll know it when you see it. - the reaper gives his guards a nod and they all leave.

Lucia are you okay ! Maria yells as she runs to Jr to take her.

I’m okay mommy - She says as she hugs Maria

You were very brave Lucia. I have a present for you - I say as I give her the doll.

Thank you Mr Michael - she says with a smile on her face

Let’s lay down Lucia - Maria says as she takes her to the bed.

What happened ? I ask JR.

Josh woke up and said he needed some air, he got up and left . I locked the door behind him. 20 minutes later . Boom! The doors fly’s open and the reaper is here. Then 5 minutes later you guys arrived - Jr explained .

What the hell - I say as I struggle for words.

We need to leave now - Jr looks at me

We need those antibiotics, you and Lucia are sick - I say.

I know I know- Jr replies .

Lucia is very warm and she’s still coughing - Maria says as she walks over.

I’ll go to the pit, i let Josh leave it’s on me - Jr responds

No . Your too sick. We can’t afford anything to happen to you. We are almost to safety. I’ll take care of it . I say as I look at Maria and then JR .

I can see the concern on there faces .

I’ll be back . I need some time alone. - I say as I walk out of the room and into the hall.

As I walk outside I see a store front that resembles a bar so I walk in

My breathing becomes very short, my chest is tight, I feel like I’m gonna pass out . Shit another panic attack. They are becoming more and more frequent.

I sit on a stool and count to 10 to try to get my heart rate back to normal.

What are you having ? - the bartender asks me

The strongest thing you got - I respond

My heart is still beating fast Bottoms up - he says and pours me a shot

Something to calm the nerves. I say to myself . I take the shot and immediately I can’t breath , my lungs are on fire

What is that! I say as I struggle to breath.

That’s moonshine, my secret recipe - He laughs

On the house - he says as he passes me a soda

My mouth and lungs are still on fire but the good thing is my anxiety is gone. I chug the soda and the pain subsides.

So what is the pit I hear everyone taking about - I ask the bartender.

That’s what keeps everyone sane - another customer says and sits at the bar .

It’s the reapers source of entertainment - the bartender says

What do you mean ? - I ask

Well you see there isn’t much to do around here. No tv, no internet, no movies . But there is still one activity that’s entertained humans for centuries. Fighting - the bar tender responds.

Every other night at sundown, everyone shows up to the fighting pit. 4 people volunteer to fight the reapers champion. And If you win, you get anything you want in the entire compound. It’s his sick form of entertainment. It gives the citizens something to look forward too. Without something like that this place would implode. Like that old saying an idle Mind is the devils workshop. - the customer says

Has anyone ever won - I ask

Ha! I’ve been here for about two months and I’ve seen one person win- the customer laughs

Blood sport. It keeps everyone entertained - says the bartender.

If your thinking about entering that fight , your gonna be in a world of trouble. We don’t exactly have the best medical care and they don’t treat the losers too kindly. - the bartender warns.

I think someone died two days ago - the customer chimes in.

Thanks for that- I say as I leave a few bullets on the bar for the bartender.

As I leave the store I hear the bartender say “ good luck”

I walk back to the apartment building and the rain begins to lighten up

Well that’s a plus- I say to my self

I open the door to the room.

No sign of Josh. Maria is sleeping on the second bed holding Lucia. She’s wheezing heavy. I feel her forehead and she’s on fire. JR Is sitting in a chair facing the door he looks sickly.

you don’t have to do this - Jr says to me.

We are a family . We take care of each other- I respond to him.

I’m sorry - Jr says as his eyes fill with tears.

Don’t wake them. I’ll be back. - I say as I look outside the window and see the sun is almost down.

I leave the room in silence and walk outside.

A herd of people are walking and talking so I follow them to the other side of the compound.

I reach the pit.

The pit is about the size of a boxing ring . It’s all dirt surrounded by four waist high wood walls. It’s illuminated by two big lights.

The crowd brings to settle in all Round the ring . I move my way to the front .

The reaper is in the center with his mega phone .

“ Are you ready” he yells into the megaphone .

the crowd screams and beings to chant CRUSHER CRUSHER CRUSHER.

Someone taps my shoulder I turn around and it’s one of the reapers goons .

Come with me - he says.

I follow him out of the crowd and we walk around to the right side of the ring. It’s blocked off to the rest of the citizens.

I catch my first glimpse of crusher.

Oh shit . Hes huge. Looks like he’s about 6’5 and at least 300 pounds. He’s shadow boxing in his corner.

Your number four. When it’s your turn I’ll bring you out - the goon says to me.

Our first contestant is Dave from Virginia- the reaper Announces

The boos ensue.

If you win you get your choice of anything In the whole Compound. What do you want Dave? The reaper asks.

Dave. Looks like he’s in his mid thirties not a big guy but not a small guy.

I want Unlimited beer!!! DAve yells and pumps his fists and jumps around.

Jesus. I say to myself.

The crowd begins to cheer

Settle down everyone. Thank you Dave. Make your way over to the blue corner. It’s almost show time.- the reaper says

Now out of the red corner, weighing at at whopping 350 pounds, standing at 6ft 6 inches. With a record of 250 wins and 3 losses I present Yuri The Crusher kholechk. - the reaper screams

The crusher joga the ring to the roar of the crowd.

Tonight the only rule is No rules. We’re fighting prison style. Boys and girls . Let’s fight. - he yells.

A bell rings and the fight begins.

They meet in the center of the dirt ring. People from the crowd begin to throw objects in the ring, Dave swings at the crusher and hits him right in the face . The crusher looks at him and laughs. Crusher cocks back and plants a left hook on Dave and he goes down immediately.

The crowd begins to laugh and cheer.

Crusher walks around the ring and picks up a bottle of beer that was thrown into the ring .

Dave begins to get back up and the crusher just kicks him back on to the ground .

Crusher takes the beer opens it and chugs it.

The crowd goes wild, they are screaming and banging on the wood corners of the ring .

The crusher takes the empty bottle. Smashes it on the wood and it’s shatters In half . Dave finally musters the strength to get up and charge forward to the crusher .The crusher turns around at the last second, takes the broken bottle and Jams it into Dave’s stomach. Dave goes down with a screech . We are watching him bleed out to his death .

The crowd cheers CRUSHER CRUSHER CRUSHER.

The reaper enters the ring, grabs The Crushers hand raises it in the air and yells WINNER BY UNANIMOUS MURDER THE CRUSHER.

Yuri bows and the crowd continues to cheer.

Let’s take a 5 minute break! Don’t forget to place your bets!!!. The reaper says into the megaphone.

I sit in silence. It’s scary knowing that I’m most likely going to die. But In a way I’m almost not scared. At least I know how and when it’s going to happen. And it makes me feel noble knowing that i am doing this for the people I love.

Look who decided to show up - the reaper says to me with a smirk

Looks like another perfect day for the crusher - he laughs and walks away.

Fight two begins and ends almost the same as the first. Another body dragged out of the ring. This time a snapped snack.

Fight three takes an interesting turn. The crusher looks tired, the guy he’s fighting now is running around the ring to tire him out. But it only worked for so long . The crusher gets his third win.

And our final victim of th..... Excuse me folks . I mean fighter of the night is Mike from Florida. - the reaper announces

The crowd boos

Showtime.

I’m trying to keep my anxiety under control. I’m focusing on my Breaths and trying not to hyper ventilate .

I step into the ring and go to my corner. Broken bottles, glass, and blood cover the dirt. The crowd begins to cheer as the crusher goes to his corner

Let’s fight - the reaper yells into the megA phone

The bell rings and immediately adrenaline courses through my veins. My flight or fight has kicked in. I have tunnel vision and everything is in slow motion.

The crusher sprints at me, my reflexes take Over. My body won’t allow me to die that easily. I move to the other side of the ring. He changes directions and comes at me again. I’m trapped in a Corner. He swings , I duck and counter with a right to the face. It doesn’t phase him. I see some daylight and slip out the of corner. Now were in the center of the ring . I throw a right hook and he grabs my fist .

Fuck, I’m in trouble . He Takes my arm and bends it backward.

It snaps. But I don’t feel it, I only hear it. I’m in shock. Then a brutal headbutt . I feel my nose explode. I’m on my back. The crusher is standing over me . I look to the right And try to move my arm to protect myself. Nothing. I’m pretty sure my arm isn’t supposed to bend that way. I’m trying to blink the blood out of my eyes as I struggle to breath from the blood that drips in to the back of my throat from my nose.

This is it. The crusher gets on top of me. The worst possible scenario. He raises his fist and I feel my face breaking after each punch connects. I can barely hear the crowd cheering anymore. another punch . I’m starting to fade in and out of consciousness. I look to my left I see Maria crying and screaming as JR holds her back. I don’t know if this is real or my brain is short circuiting from the trauma . I reach my hand hoping she pulls me out from underneath the crusher. Another punch and the crowd screams.

I am a god - the crusher yells to the sky

As my left hand drops to the ground I feel something . It’s sharp it must be shard of glass. I grab it. I look up and the has both of his fists clenched together as he raises them over his head. The kill shot. But before he finishes me I see jugular is exposed. With the rest of my strength and will I throw my left arm across my body with my shard of glass in my hand I go in for the kill.

Silence .

He grabs his throat and chokes for air. The blood pours out onto me. He keels over. My body isn’t being crushed anymore I can breath again. I roll back over on to my back. There is another figure standing over me. I can’t really see who it is but My only guess is the reaper coming to finish the job.

You did it guapo- Maria whispers into my ear. As her and Jr pick me up from the dirt .

I look into the crowd and they are stunned. They are still silent. In shock.

Put your weight on us - JR Says as him and Maria walk me out of the ring I see the blood stained sand and the crushers dead body.

I just killed a man. I took another mans life. I’ve been afraid of death my whole life and I just became what I’ve fears the most . Death.

I’m awake now. Im back in the room. I don’t remember much about the walk back. My left eye is swollen shut but out of my right eye I can see Maria and Jr staring at me.

Whoa whoa whoa Relax take it easy - JR Says as I try to get up.

Water- I try to say but my mouth is so dry.

Maria brings me a bottle and helps me drink.

My organs are thankful for that .

Bravo Bravo Bravo. The reaper says as he walks in the room

I am very impressed with that performance. He smiles

Please can we have the Medicine now - Maria pleads with him.

Of course - he says and goes to hand her The backpack.

But I think I have something else you would be more interested in- he says and pulls the bag back.

I struggle to sit up to look at reaper

He nods to one of his men. They drag josh into the room and throw him on the floor his mouth duct taped shut and hands cuffed behind his back. I can see the fear in his eyes.

We found your friend sneaking around the prison cells trying to break out the other prisoners and you see I can’t have a rebellion on my hands . So I have a new proposal . Your friend or the bag of medicine your choice - he says and looks directly into my eyes.

And I forgot to mention an act of treason is met by death. - the reaper laughs

Josh begins to whimper and cry. I see the tears roll down his face

I look at the horror in Maria and JRs face. Both their jaws are dropped.

I look at Lucia . Laying in the bed next to me . I can hear her wheezing and laboring to breath.

I have to make this decision. No one else will be able to live with the guilt. I promised Maria when we first met that I will take care of Lucia no matter what.

I’ll take the medicine - I say and Look right back in to the reapers eyes.

He looks shocked but hands the bag over to JR. He gives his men a nod and they pick josh up. They drag him out of the room as he’s cries and flails.

Before he leaves the reaper turns around and says You are one sick son of a bitch - then shuts the door behind him .

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travellingthoughts · 7 years

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Friday the 7th of July 2017

After 4 days in Zakynthos/Kefalonia I was on a journey and a half to Larissa. Literally travelled by boat, car, taxi and bus over an 11 hour journey. I loved it though because I could just relax after being so busy in Zakynthos. Anyone who knows me well knows that I literally sleep my life away! I can sleep at what ever time, in whatever position and literally be out cold. It certainly has come in handy on this trip I'll tell you that much! So I slept the entire journey no problems asked. In Larissa, I was staying with Jamie's Nouna, Dina, for the week! Larissa is a relatively large town north of Athens. It has it all; amazing shopping, lively night life, and most importantly lovely people. I have a LOT of family there like legit we sat down to have dinner and two of my cousins (which I didn't know I had) just happened to walk past! I spent my first couple of days getting a tattoo (which was an awesome and sentimental experience) and roaming around Larissa doing some shopping and discovering. However on the third day I woke up ill as fuck. Like my stomach was in so much pain so I kept going to bed thinking that I'll wake up feeling better.... which never happened. Ended up realising at 8:30pm at night that it just wasn't to happen and finally got out of bed. After that it's a bit of a blur because my SISTERS GOT OUT OF A TAXI AND SURPRISED THE FUCK OUT OF ME IN GREECE!!!!!! Oh my god it was fkn wild, I literally had no clue they were coming. About a week before this happened I was on the phone telling them to just book their fkn tickets and come and lie with my on a beach somewhere in Santorini. Little did I know the bitches were muting themselves on our phone call and laughing because they HAD ALREADY BOOKED THEIR TICKETS 😆 The joke was clearly on me! Check out on Facebook the video of my jaw literally hitting the floor, the swearing, the scream and the many cuddles that were shared when this all unfolded! What an incredible experience to be able to share such an amazing journey with two of my bestest friends. I still pinch my self when I get their phone call in the morning saying 'what are we doing today?' ☺️ In all seriousness though, thank the lord they have me because A) they were fighting within the first 5 minutes of arriving in Mykonos, B) they are weak as shit and can't carry 25kgs up 50 stairs so I had to do it FOR BOTH OF THEM and C) they have no clue what they're doing so I am pretty much their personal tour guide 🙃 We have already had so many laughs and fun times, and I know these are memories that will last a lifetime. Anyway back to Larissa. It turned out I had fkn drunk the water by accident in Zakynthos and became sick as a fkn dog for the next 6 days. Literally whatever went down my throat came out again within maximum 5 minutes. Couldn't keep anything in my stomach, not even water. As shitty (pun intended) as being sick was, I definitely was very lucky to have my sisters constantly checking up on me and the fact that I was with my family who went above and beyond to get me on the road to recovery. Wouldn't have had it any other way. So my fun in Larissa ended after Tez and Jays arrived 😂 We did go to Karditsa, Farsala and Stomio to see more family which was fantastic. The girls went to Thessaloniki as well but I didn't make it because I was still really sick. Before I knew it (...literally because I had slept my life away!!) we were on our way to Piraeus which is one of the main ports of Greece. Conveniently, Terri's Nona lives there with her family so we stayed for a night before catching the 7am ferry to Mykonos the next day. That night was so much fun, we went for a stroll around town and went to Haagen-Daaz for some waffles and icecream! It wasn't what we did but it was the amazing company we had 😍 The 7am kick off to get to Mykonos was interesting 😂 As per usual we were running late and how we made it on that boat is fkn beyond me. The ride consisted of Terri not allowing me to fall asleep because everything single time I almost did, she would tickle my nose or something ridiculous. Could have punched her square in the face but decided that wasn't the best idea...so I made her buy me a hot chocolate which cost 5.80€ 😂 Our first impression of Mykonos is that it's fucking stunning. Whatever image comes to your head (crystal clear beaches with white houses on hills) is EXACTLY what it was like. However we were fortunate enough to discover the island from North to South and East to West. We hired a car and I, the driver, officially banned Terri from being in the front seat because she almost pulled the handbrake on me twice ❌ While the main town looks picturesque, the rest is actually quite hilly, rocky, windy and underdeveloped. It was astonishing to see the island for what it really is, with some of the most amazing beaches and hidden gems we would have only discovered by hiring that car. Highly suggest it... however there is a funny story that comes along with that 😂 So Greeks drive like fucking crazy okay. That's the perfect and only intro you need into this story. I was going down a really narrow and windy road when another car comes speeding around a corner (how the fuck they didn't spin out idk?) and is pretty much in my lane now still going fast. So I slam on the brake (dirt road btw so skidded instead of halted) and pulled over. In the process, I marked the car with about a 2.5cm BLACK scratch on a WHITE CAR. I was gutted because I knew they were going to notice it when we returned the car and that they were going to charge me a fuck tonne for it. So we go to the damn beach we were driving to when this happened and were then driving to the next beach when I spot a fucking mechanics (and probably the only one on the island) and swerve in like James Bond. And can I say I had luck just like James Bond! I'm trying to communicate in Greek to this guy and he is literally laughing at me stressing #bitch. He tells me to wait a minute and before I know he comes back with a cloth and some charcoal coloured substance. I freak out even more because like I said it's a white car and I'm thinking that he will make it worse #lenthinkingsheknowseverything. He rubs it on the car and then like magic before my eyes, the mark was gone. I literally told him that I love him and that he saved my life and that he is the best person to walk this earth. And before I could even finish we were back on our way dancing like absolute idiots out of pure joy 🙃 Mykonos is by far my favourite island out of the 3; including Ios and Santorini. It is absolutely stunning by day and night, the beaches are crystal clear and is good for a great boogie. My only fault is that it's expensive as fuck. But so so worth it. I met some amazing people in my dorm (you know who you are) and proceeded to go out until the AM partying and bar (that did just get autocorrected to bae) hoping. We had so much luck that night because every place we went to we were treated like royalty. Skipped the lines, skipped the entry fee, got given free shots and drinks. It was to die for 😍 The night ended with Souvlaki's and a really drunk walk home 😂 Next stop was Ios. I fkn loved Ios for its party scene. I FROTH a good time and that's the vibe that Ios had. Funny story: when we rocked up by bus at FarOut I was laughing because we saw teeny ass canvas tents and I said 'that would suck if you had to stay in one of them'. Before I know it I received my keys and found my... MOTHERFUCKING TENT FML 😫 Don't know how I fucked up so bad but like legit this thing had a door that was just about off its hinges, a "window" that was made of a holy mesh (mosquito friendly which means Eleni says ❌❌❌), and beds that should have been bought by a massage parlour. The girls (who at least booked a place with aircon and walls) weren't happy with their room either, so we upgraded to a villa with three beds and a bathroom! Fuck yessssssss! Life in Ios was pretty sweet after the accomodation sitch was sorted. We didn't do much exploring like we did in Mykonos. Partying by day and night was the plan ✔️ Met some sick chickens whilst partying, and also spent loads of time with Jack, Yianni, Emma, Jess and Amy who we knew from home. Bar crawls and wet t-shirt contests were (regrettably) attended. Let's just say... anyone who went on that stage in the wet tshirt comp would have needed a deadly amount of alcohol and a few types of drugs to morally get through. Other then partying double parked, time was spent on the beach or by the pool soaking up grecian rays ☀️ Then came the biggest disappointment that is Santorini. I should have never expected anything and that's why I feel let down. The white walls you see everyone taking photos of are pretty much only in Oia which is ridiculously expensive. It's the place to supposedly see the sunset but what you don't expect is thousands of tourists trying to get through streets which are 2 meters wide. Forget the balcony or castle where people take sunset pictures from. It is gorgeous though minus the tourists. However a positive is that they do have an entire street of clubs and bars so when you get bored at one, the next isn't too far away ☺️ Fira, another town close by where we stayed, was nice and lively but the streets in the centre couldn't compare to Mykonos'. As I'm writing this my time in the Greek islands is up. I'm on a ferry which came 1.5 hours late (welcome to Greek time...it's legit a thing) and is so rocky I think I'm going over board. My next few days include Athens with my Nouna and Nono. Going to take my sisters around to see some sights and then will go to The Ranch (where my god brother works) and say our final goodbyes :( So excited for my family's cuddles and kisses 😍 It's a good night from me xx P.S- wish me luck because the boat is about to tip P.P.S - I can't swim or even doggy paddle. P.P.P.S- the last PPS reminds me of another LOL- in Santorini, the girls and I did a tour to the volcano, thermal springs, Thirasia and Oia. When we reached the hot springs, which is literally in the middle of the ocean next to the rocks, Jamie and I thought it would be a fabulous idea to suss it out. So we jumped off the boat into the water and the waves were going over our heads. We start laughing (out of pure panic) because we can't swim for shit and it made trying to battle the waves so much harder. We looked at eachother whilst all of this was going on and knew what we were both thinking; that we are going to drown. I told Jamie to calm down and just keep your body afloat. Anyway, we clearly made the 200m distance back to the boat because I'm writing this now P.P.P.P.S - don't tell my mum that last story because I'll cop an ear full 😂

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