• This section is for roleplays only.
    ALL interest checks/recruiting threads must go in the Recruit Here section.

    Please remember to credit artists when using works not your own.

Fandom Crazy for CocoPuffs [yandere 1x1]

roleplay start (continuation?)
ik its wild
I'd honestly completely expected the day to be okay. Sleep was the same as always, couldn't do much to change that, but the morning was relatively unbothered. Calm.
An itch of anxiety begged for scratching at the back of my mind, like the calm wouldn't stay, that something was going to go wrong, I had to be ready for it- all that jazz. But I refused to let it drag me in. It was like quick sand if I did.
I focused on the tasks, what I knew what to expect out of my routine. It was easier that way to cease thinking entirely.
I glanced at my phone on the counter as I brushed my teeth, hearing it buzz. Absently I flipped down the top and scanned the notifications. Apps, game updates, news, political debates- ah, new message. Biting down on the toothbrush, I lifted my phone and slapped in the code, reading the message properly. It was from you.
I smiled a little, crooked with the toothbrush sticking out of my mouth.
[SimpLord💋🌻] : "binnggyyyy I left the cute guys number in my work pants can u get it for me 🥺👉👈"
A small snort left me, shaking my head at the message. Ahhh sweet Ev, sweet sweet Ev. As your friend, I shall give you only the best answer.
[Bingus🐶🤠] : "womp womp"
I set my phone back on the counter and went back to brushing my teeth. There was a brief pause. My phone buzzed again.
[SimpLord💋🌻] : "DID YOU JUST SAY WOMP WOMP"

I couldn't resist, I burst into a fit of giggles immediately, nearly choking on toothpaste. Doubled over the sink and coughing between laughs, I decided not to reply with anything other than a random gif that translated for me. That was the most excitement my morning got before I was off to work before noon hit.
Rasmus was as nonchalant as ever about me showing up, occasionally condescending, but otherwise chill. Customers were as usual, nothing to chatter about beyond the shadow boy. I hadn't seen him since a few days ago, which was odd for him considering he was a sort of regular. Even more oddly, he did buy something this time. He didn't bother to make small talk as he usually did, firmly set in staring at anything that wasn't me. He was gone as quick as he came.

I took the quiet as a chance to take a look at my phone. You'd let me know you were out on the town with Candy Cane. Or- well no wait, that wasn't his name... Started with a D like mine. Ah I was too tired to dig my memory, I'm sure it'd come to me again soon.
I stared at our last messages between eachother. You'd been really animated, excited for the day. Even sent me a fit check which I praised like a fan. (as you deserved!!)
Nothing since then though, and that had been a few hours ago. I wondered if it was going well. I hoped he wasn't bad in anyway... Ugh, the anxiety is back. What a doom harbinger, am I right?

With a shake of my head and a sigh, I set my phone back into my back pocket just as Rasmus turned up, dressed casual and ready to leave. Earlier than usual apparently. I raised a brow at him, and he rolled his eyes in return.
"Got some stuff I gotta do. Sure you can handle the store just fine. 'Less you actually do need a babysitter?" He asked with a cocked hip and crossed arms, leaning against the counter.
"Not a fan of hand-holding in the first place. I've got it from here. Errands?" I replied casually. He shrugged, "Eh, something like that. What's it to you?"
"You're prone to ditching, but not usually at this hour." I told him. It was a fact. He snorted at that, smirking in a way that teetered on being a sneer.
"You seriously keepin track of that?"
"Someone's got to keep track of things around here." I hummed, a hint of a smile pulling up the corners of my lips. He shrugged.
"Seems pointless to me, but you do you, kid." That made my smile fall a tad, "We're not that far apart, Ras." I pointed out, but he was already rolling his shoulders and neck, popping his back before he swung his bag over his shoulder.
"You're really into specifics, aren't you? Whatever. I'm headin' out. Don't burn the place down." He waved behind him, and like that was gone.
Alone in the store.
Not my most desired position to be in, of course. Made it harder to switch between the main store and the back. But it wasn't anything I couldn't handle.

The dark settled quick, pulling the warm colors of the sun down into the deep cool blues and purples, speckled with fluffles of white cloud here and there. It was a view to admire, even from the window of this cozy little store. Quiet. Calm.
Gunther came in again for his usual and a few wet food cans.
Leevi came for some chips and spicy candy, and Venni for some energy drinks.
No one else but me and the radio and the occasional noise of outside traffic, which had dulled down to a simple hum until there was nothing to note.

The rake of claws at my neck started to stir in the calm, digging in, reaching. My stare hardened to the outside world and the door. Just a little longer, then I could close and go home. Then I will know there was nothing to worry about at all. Nothing at a-

The jingling of the door. My eyes widened to find you pushing your way in. Your hair was a little on the wild side, and your stride was rushed. Maybe a little wobbly. I perked, ready to greet you as Damon trailed in shortly after, his face reading nothing but worry. My heart sunk as I looked to your face, but you didn't seem to want to look at me.
"Ev?..." I asked quietly, but you were quick to start up, "Anyone else in the store?" You asked quickly. My brows furrowed in confusion, and I lightly shook my head.
"Cool, great- I'll be right back." Was all you said before you were b-lining for the break room. Instinctively I moved to follow at the same time Damon extended a hand out to you to stop you. But you were already inside with a slam of the door.

Damon and I stared where you'd disappeared too, eyes locked on the wood grain of the door, bewildered.
My head snapped to look at Damon. He looked upset, maybe even distraught. My gaze did everything to scan his face, his posture- anything to give me a hint.
"What-" I started to ask, pulling his attention before the bell rung again. DG this time, dressed in his work getup with a box under his arm. I must have looked off, as he raised a brow, "Trying to see if you have laser eyes?" He asked playfully, head cocked. Damon looked to me uncertainly as I decided not to reply, staring up at him instead. (Goddess this guy was tall-)

"What happened?" I asked, feeling the prickles of hairs raising like a dog with its hackles. Damon did something similar, eyes sharpening like I was accusing him of something. I wasn't entirely, but I couldn't exactly rule him out, could I?
"I... I don't know if I should be the one to tell you. " He replied carefully, as calmly as possible. There was a strain in his voice, like he wanted to say something more, or more closely like he was holding something back. I could see his jaw tense.
"...I don't fully know it all myself." He added, looking down and fidgeting grown claws with the hems of his coat sleeves.
"Your buddy not keeping you updated or something?" DG had approached the counter, taking up his friends side, almost defensively. Something about his tone was sharp, and I found him almost leveling me with a sort of stare. It wasn't a glare, but it felt like it was bordering one, despite his smile remaining in its spot. It made me bristle even more.

What was going on?

"I'll be back, I just need to check on her-" I turned, finally allowing myself to cave to the burning need to follow you. A ruckus started then as I barely cleared the counter. My heart rate went up at the sound of you exclaiming, muffled behind the door- then with a slam the door swung open so hard it hit the wall behind it. Rasmus set his boot down, continuing his stride to the counter, tugging you along behind him, struggling all the while. Three hands scrabbled against his grip on your wrist. Head ducked and hair even more wild than before.
My blood couldn't decide whether to boil or run cold at the sight. I hurried ahead to meet him halfway before he all but thrown you into my chest.
"Think this is yours." He huffed, tone bland. My arms wrapped around you in an instant, body curled like a block, or better yet a shield. I gave him as burning a glare as I could from over your head before looking back down at you in concern.
My mind was already trying to connect some sort of dots, flashing back to earlier this week when he laid his hands on you the last time.

Rasmus looked between DG and Damon, before resting his gaze on the latter with a squint.
"Really, Ev? That's the guy you think is cool?" He asked. Damon fluffed immediately, eyes wide both in surprise and honest offense.
"RAS-" You exclaimed, mortified, raising your head from my chest.
"Later." He waved, already back out the door same way he was earlier. You pulled away to hurry behind me, ducking behind the counter. I turned, watching as you curled into yourself and dug your hands into your hair. My heart pinched at the sight.

Torn between anger at Rasmus, suspicion about Damon and undeniable worry for you, I stood a moment, simply adjacent. The quiet was loud as you tried to muffle your breathing. Damon made move to approach, looking absolutely heartbroken, but I raised a hand, halting him. Thankfully, though his face said he wanted anything other than to listen, he stayed put.
I didn't say a word as I moved around the counter, carefully kneeling before your curled form. I called your name, soft as I could. You didn't respond, shaking. I tried this a few times, resisting touching you in case it would only make you feel worse- but the way your claws began to dig and you continued to not respond, I had no choice, voice raised as I took your hands in mine, freeing them from your head- but not without a casualty. The sweet little rose that was in your hair, bunched into your fist, petals poked through from your nails.
My brows pinched in sadness as you gasped at it, tears pricking your eyes. You didn't mean to do that, it wasn't hard to see.

"Ev what's going on?" I asked gently, slowly moving from holding your wrists to cradling your hands in mine, rubbing slow circles over your knuckles to ease the tension still shaking in your hands.
"Did Ras do something? Why was he even here? I thought he left."
"He said he forgot something..." You said, voice barely even above a whisper, before continuing, "No- He...didn't do anything...I think he was trying to help...? I dunno...I just wanna go home..."
"Well, we're nearing closing time so sit tight, okay? Do you need anything?" I asked, but you could only muster a shrug. Damon's voice caught pulled our attention. Instinctively, my shoulders hunched, already on the defensive and ready to shield you.
Upon looking at him, I eased.
He was kneeled at the other end of the counter, where it opened the line between the store and behind where we sat. His expression was soft as he extended a waterbottle from our cooler.
"This will help..." I didn't think his voice could get so soft, but here he was. If he read books online, I'd pay to listen, that's how oddly comforting his voice was in that moment. I watched as you gingerly unfurled from yourself, taking it gratefully with a hoarse and quiet, 'thank you'.

As you tore into it and knocked it back, I stood. Ushering him back. He showed no fuss or disagreement. DG was awfully quiet the entire exchange, simply watching. I shooed them both out.
"We'll be open again tomorrow at eight."
"Will you be working?" DG suddenly cut in. I blinked at him as I began to shut the door, pausing. "I... I think so, yeah."
"Cool." Was all he said.
"Goodnight you two. Get home safe." I told them, before shutting the door and locking up, already switching signs and beginning to turn off mainlights, leaving only minor ones on for me to navigate with.
It was probably the fastest closeup job I'd ever done. You hadn't moved an inch even when I tore out of my work clothes and into my casual, scurrying back to you.
You briefed me on what all went down today, and by the end of it, I found myself hugging you. I felt like you needed it, after the day you'd had.

Walking home was quieter than ever. I gave you my jacket to curl up in, a big black zipup with a maroon inner hood and rebel symbols over the chest, shoulders and back. With an arm around your shoulders, we nade our way, slowly but surely.
When we did get home, I figured you wanted to detox, and turned to go into my apartment, but your grip on my sleeve caught my attention. The simple request to stay over had me nodding, already ready to stay as long as you needed me.
The night was long, consisting of the couch and some tv until exhaustion got the better of us.


The next morning, when we finally came to, the last thing we expected was a gorey news story blaring on the television with the location being the store we worked at.
 
The next morning, when we finally came to, the last thing we expected was a gorey news story blaring on the television with the location being the store we worked at.
I was thankful, majorly so, when you'd agreed to spend the night with me. I didn't want to be alone with my thoughts, not after the day I'd had. But, when I woke up, earlier than you surprisingly, and turned on the TV, the news cut in. And emergency broadcast. I could feel my fur stand on end, hair fluffing as I reached over to shake you awake without looking away from the television.
"Sorry to interrupt your regularly scheduled programs." The lady who sat at her desk said, papers neatly laid in front of her. She was pretty, long hair draped around her shoulders. Her eyes were wide and unsettled, and her hands were shaking slightly. "We have important news to bring to the residents of..." My eyes widened as she mentioned our district, shakily talking about that at least four bodies had been found dismembered just two blocks away from the store. Oh my gods. I felt like I was going to puke. My eyes wandered to the glass of roses on my coffee table, still two of them in it. I looked back at the TV, my lower hands gripping into the fabric of the couch. I felt my breathing get heavier, a brief thought of what if i had gone full beat entering my head. No, that wasn't possible. You were with me the whole night. I swallowed dryly, upper arms searching for the remote. I didn't want to hear anymore when-
"Only one of the bodies has been identified." The reporter said as a mugshot of a man appeared on screen. The guy who'd followed me into the store. "He had already been in police custody previously due to-" I grabbed the remote and shut off the TV. You were staring at me, I knew you were. I glanced at you, noting your terrified expression. I had to remind myself that it wasn't because of me, and I shakily set the remote back down on the table. Both of our phones went off almost simultaneously. I grabbed mine, it had fallen onto the floor during the night, and saw that Rasmus awas calling. I answered and pressed the phone to my ear.
"Hey-" I'd barely even gotten a word out before he spoke.
"Don't come into work for a few days. My old man says the shop shouldn't open for a bit. If you saw the news, then I think you already know why."
"Yeah..." I muttered, staring at my reflection in the TV screen. A sigh sounded over the phone.
"And...try not to leave your apartment if you can help it..." Rasmus had never talked so softly before. "If you die, then I can't ditch as often." Ah. There he was.
"Yeah, thanks..." Was all I could muster before he hung up. I looked at you, also finishing up your own call. "...No work for a few days, then?" I'd said, trying to give a weak smile. You'd nodded in response, clearly as shaken up as I was. I decided to refrain from telling you about the guy who'd been identified. For now, at least. My phone buzzed again and I looked at it. It was my parents trying to facetime me. I answered and they were obviously relieved that I did. So they saw the news too, then. After assuring them that I was fine and I was with you, I hung up, leaning back into the couch. I wanted to go back to sleep, but I knew my body wouldn't let me. A singular buzz of my phone, signalling a text. I want to throw my phone out the window at this point, but I look at it.
'🌹Damon🌹: I saw the news!! Are you okay?'
My phone almost went out the window I swear to the gods- I threw my phone onto the ground, wincing. I picked it back up, sighing in relief when I saw no cracks. I set my phone on the coffee table.
"I don't think I wanna answer the phone anymore." I muttered, staring at the screen. You picked up my phone to check who it was.
"Are you sure he didn't do anything?" You asked, and I sighed, pressing myself further into the couch.
"Well, no- He did amazing! He was amazing- He was fun to play games with, he stayed after I panicked in the bathroom, he helped me with that creep! I'm a total mess compared to him. I feel like...he deserves a better friend than me, you know?"
"...Ev-"
"I know- I'm just getting into my own head, but I can't help it!"
"Maybe you could try therapy again? I mean, you haven't done it since middle school, right?"
"Yeah, maybe. I'll look into it...I just...this sucks."
"Well...At least we have a few days off?" You'd offered, wrapping an arm around my shoulders as I rested my head on yours.
"Yeah..." I muttered. "...Do you think Rasmus would wanna join us for game night...?"
You gave a slight pause, clearly questioning why I'd want to invite Rasmus over after yesterday, but shrugged.
"Maybe."
I picked up my phone again, staring at Damon's message for a moment…I shook my head, opening Rasmus’s contact.

‘Ev: Hey. Dingo and I are having game night tonight. Do you wanna join us?’
‘Dick Cheese: You’re kidding, right?’
‘Ev: Uhm… No?’
‘Dick Cheese: Wow. No. I’ve got cooler people to hang out with.’

Damn, okay then. I scoffed, smiling slightly.

“That’s a no from Rasmus.” I said, smoothing out my fair and chest fluff. I was starting to feel a bit better, at least. I stood, setting down my phone back on the coffee table. "I'm gonna take my medication and take a shower...Would... it..." I paused, shaking my head. "N-never mind. Uhm. I just...Yeah." I walked into the kitchen, but spared a glance to the window that looked into where we were sleeping and I thought I saw a shadow moving. I shrugged it off and filled up a glass of water, swallowing my medication with it. I ruffled your hair as you walked out the door to get dressed in your apartment. I grabbed some clothes, making my way to the shower. The warm water felt nice, it was like it was washing away my sins. It was a shorter shower- since I needed to save water or the water bill would be more expensive. I learned how important saving water was during my first month here. That, uh. What not fun. Lots of overtime was done.
After getting dressed, I stepped out of the bathroom, kobe-ing my clothes into my hamper. A soft rapping at my door. It was probably you, but you had one of my spare keys. I opened the door, starting to speak.
"Bingy, you've got one of my-" I stopped when I saw Damon. My eyes widening, I instinctively slammed the door. I stared at the door for a minute before ripping it back open. "Shit, sorry about that- You kinda startled me, haha-" I avoided looking at him directly, hair fluffing along with the fur poking out of the top of my tank crop top. I pulled my beanie down a bit. "I-uhm...Wh-what're you-" I paused, mind connecting the dots(you didn't connect shit). "Wait, I never gave you my address-" I stared at him now, closing the door slightly and moving slightly behind it.
Damon fluffed, eyes wide in a slight panic. "Ah-ah, yeah- Th-the 'find my friends' app-" He said and grabbed his phone, and I noticed he'd been holding something behind his back. I leaned slightly to the side to try and get a look, but his phone took my attention. Oh. There was an icon-I assume it was mine because it was a picture of a cat. I guess that explained it. "Sorry if I'm intruding...you uhm...just didn't answer my text, s-so i got worried. A-and I called, so-" He smiled awkwardly.
"Okay...still kinda weird, but you get a pass, I guess." I said as he pocketed his phone, eyeing him. "So...you're here to just like...check that I'm alive?" I honest to gods didn't know what to say. What do you say when someone you embarrassed yourself in front of shows up at your door.
"Yeah!" He said, a smile gracing his lips-oh my fuck he had fangs. I was probably staring at his teeth, but come on man, fangs are awesome! His looked much sharper than mine. Heh. I'll show you mine if you show me yours. He cleared his throat, snapping me back to reality. "And...I saw you staring at this yesterday." My eyes widened as he revealed the purple fox plush I'd seen yesterday. "So...I thought I'd get it for you."
Oh my gods, I wasn't crying, I could not be crying just because he got me something, Ev PLEASE- I took it from him. It was about the size of a normal Teddy Bear, and I smiled.
"I...oh wow...Th-thank you, Damon." I held it in my upper arms, my lower ones had their hands rested on my hips. "Do...you want to come inside? Uhm...Dingo and I have the next few days off because of the...bodies thing...so, we were gonna invite Rasmus to hang out for game night, but he said he 'had cooler people to hang out with'." I used my lower hands to make air quotes. "But...It does kind of rely on Dingo. If they're chill with you hanging out with us, since we don't really know you all that well. They're...pretty protective. I get it, though. They have more siblings than I do, so I think that's part of it." I stopped, blinking twice. "Oh- I'm rambling, sorry." I took a step to the side to let him in, glancing over at the oven clock. How the fuck was it already 1pm?? I closed the door as he sat on the couch, stiff as if to be polite. Heh, I knew how that felt. "Do you want anything...? I could make you some coffee, water, uhm...I've got some monster energy drinks?"
"Water is fine." He said quickly, almost automatically. I nodded and filled up his glass of water and...I spotted the rose I'd accidentally crushed. I set the cup of water down, cupping the rose in my hands. I pressed it to my forehead, something I often did when saying goodbye to an object, before setting it back on the counter. I grabbed the glass of water again, and brought it to Damon. He was staring at the roses that I'd displayed on my coffee table.
"Oh yeah-S-someone gave me those." I said, deciding to not provide further detail. "It's rather sweet, honestly." I handed him the glass of water, noting a faint blush on his cheek.
"Do...you like roses?" He asked as I sat beside him, leaving about maybe half a foot of space between us.
"Yeah. They're not my favorite, though. I mean, technically they're one of my favorites, but sunflowers are my absolute favorite flower." I said, reaching to grab the remote. I turned on the TV right as the door opened, with you entering with some of the gaming stuff I'd bought you. An OLED switch, a pro controller, and a couple games. You had opened your mouth to say something but you locked onto Damon, eyes narrowing with suspicion. I quickly intervened, stepping in front of Damon, all four hands up slightly in defense. "Dingo, it's chill. I invited him." God, I hated lying, but if you'd known that he'd just shown up at my door, you'd probably kill him. "I...Should've asked you first but...It should be okay, right? I-I mean, you could invite that DG if you want to?"
 
"Dingo, it's chill. I invited him." God, I hated lying, but if you'd known that he'd just shown up at my door, you'd probably kill him. "I...Should've asked you first but...It should be okay, right? I-I mean, you could invite that DG if you want to?"
Trying to brush off the witnessed horrors from the news was strangely easy for the moment. It shouldn't have been, here we were, acting as if nothing happened.
I was quick to head home, washing up from work the day before and collecting a small bag of things to slip over my shoulder. Dressed in simple sweats, a graphic t-shirt of an otter dressed like Harry Potter and a throw over black cardigan of embroidered tigers, I pranced back to your apartment, excited at the promise of a full day off and a hangout with you.
Opening your door with a giddy grin, I closed it behind me, holding close my switch and bag tucked over my shoulder, I called out, "this is gonna be awesome! What game do you want to play fir-" I cut myself off in a choke, bewildered to find the tall figure of Damon on your couch, and staring right back at me. I must have looked like the embodiment of a nerd to put it bluntly. I even had my glasses this time, which had the same effect as glasses in cartoons- magnified eye balls ...
Instantly I was on guard, stiffening and going rigid, "What the heck are you doing here?" I didn't mean to sound so stern, but darn it, how else could I have reacted? Immediately you were stepping between our locked gazes, hands waving. All four this time, and openly. I looked back at Damon from past your shoulder. Was he allowed to see you now? Did you give him the okay? Was Damon chill in this case?
"Dingo it's chill, I invited him," you told me quickly, hands moving in an easing almost slow down motion. What was I, the raptors in Jurassic Park?
... okay, well, that comparison is pretty accurate, BUT DAMN IT, I CAN BE CIVIL. (Depending on the person)
I opened my mouth to ask, but you were already continuing, rubbing the back of your neck in an anxious fashion, "I...Should've asked you first but...It should be okay, right? I-I mean, you could invite that DG if you want to?"
I blinked several times at that.
"Wha?" I asked dumbly, before shaking my head, "Wait- no, no its fine I just- I hardly know the guy, why would I?" I scrambled for a proper response to articulate, politely, in front of said guys best friend, who seemed as eager to listen to the conversation as he was to be right in the moment.
"I-" I tried again, becoming frazzled, before sighing. I walked to the side, setting my bag and switch down on a nearby table. "It's fine. It's cool. Just, give me a headsup next time if you can? Damon is still... No offense sir, but you are technically a stranger to me."
Damon shrunk a bit at that. "No I- I get it." He replied, looking away and picking at his sleeves. I grimaced. Ah that must have hurt his feelings in some way. Was I being too blunt? Was I unreasonable? Damn it autism, give me proper social understanding! GIVE IT TO ME NOW-
"I'm cool hanging out as long as you are if that helps? Your still an acquaintence- or well," I looked to you, searching your face, "a friend of Ev's, so I don't see the harm in it."
"Thanks?" Damon's voice came out uncertain, and that only made me feel more awkward.

You, having watched this interaction thus far, cleared your throat awkwardly in turn, "so uh- no DG then?" I looked at you with a raised brow, slowly formulating thought, "I... No. No DG for right now. Too many people for my brain. Plus, I don't have his number, so?" I explained. Damon perked at this, "Do you  want his number?"
I found myself staring at him fairly openly this time.
"I mean, I can ask him if I can give you his number?..." Damon tried again. "Don't worry about it." Was all I could respond, taking off my glasses and turning to the wall, scrubbing them with my shirt in an anxious fidget.
"Ah... o-okay."
The silence returned, more thick and awkward than ever. You stood in the middle of the room, practically vibrating with the weird tension of uncomfortable and awkward that had culminated.
"So!" You exclaimed suddenly, causing the two of us to jump. You clapped your hands together, gesturing theatrically to your TV, "who wants to play some video games?"

Thank the goddess for switching topics. Distraction be our trump card.
 
Thank the goddess for switching topics. Distraction be our trump card.
Awkward settings were never my specialty, so I tried to diffuse it as best I could. I sat between you and Damon on the couch after setting up the switch so it displayed on the TV. I set the fox plush in my lap, and you'd almost immediately took notice.
"That's new!" You said, eyeing the cute plush toy.
"Yeah. Damon got it for me, actually." I said, holding the fox out to you. "It's even got extra paws, isn't that cute?" You eyed the toy, picking it up and examining it.
"Dude, where'd he get this? This is high quality stuff. It must've cost a fortune."
"It wasn't much... Just under $150." Damon said, rubbing the back of his neck. I gaped at him, eyes wide and jaw dropped.
"150??" I grabbed the toy, eyeing it again. "Dude...you-I-" I felt my cheeks warm, sucking in my lips. "That's..." I put the plushie on my head, my hair supporting it somehow. I opened Mario Kart 8, and I chose my tride and true, Waluigi. "Did you know Waluigi is canonically uncut?" I said, smiling like a gremlin. Both you and Damon were looking at me then, and I held back a fit of giggles. "Waluigi is peak male form." I said, looking over at you as you pushed my face as I giggled.
"Girl, shut the hell up." You'd muttered, but you were smiling and I could hear Damon chuckling softly. Mission success! As you and Damon chose your characters, the game was afoot. The first round, I'd chosen Coconut Mall because of course. Who would expect any less from me. I laughed maniacally when I was in first, but was soon hit with a blue shell, glaring at your smug face as Rosalina passed me. You'd won the round.
"You come into mY HOUSE-" I say in mock offense, as you laughed like a certain Princess married to a Bull. I giggle, too, my legs kicking slightly. After a few rounds, which had been an hour or so but it honestly felt like minutes, there was a knocking at the door. Confused, I set down my controller and walked to open the door. When I pulled it open, there stood Rasmus, an overnight bag slung over his shoulder.

"I thought you had cooler people to hang out with?" I inquired, raising and eyebrow, lower arms crossing across my torso and upper arms resting my hands on my hips. Rasmus scoffed with a roll of his eyes.
"They ditched. Now are you gonna let me in or not?" I felt my lips curl in a Grinch-like manner.
"Only if you say please."
"Wh-Are you shittin' me?" He was clearly taken off guard, staring at me with wide eyes.
"Game night is for fun people. If you're gonna be rude, you can leave." I enjoyed getting back at him just this little bit. I knew I'd probably regret it when the shop reopened, but for now I wanted to have my fun. Rasmus was silent for a moment, looking around as if to leave.
"Fine. Please let me in." He practically hissed out the word, but I nodded.
"Good enough." I confirmed, stepping to the side and letting him in. He stepped inside, dropping his bag next to the coffee table. I noticed that he was about to say something the moment he saw Damon, but I cut in. "And no being rude to anyone without cause!" Rasmus gave me a side glare but plopped down on the floor in front of the couch on your side.
"Whatever." He mumbled, like a teenager. I couldn't help but let out a soft 'snrk' as I wandered into the kitchen. I opened one of the cabinets, pulling out a tray of mini-cupcakes I'd bought just the other day. I had already eaten like three of them, but I brought out the tray and set it on the coffee table. Rasmus immediately grabbed two, shoving them into his mouth. I handed him a controller and he picked out his character. Dry Bowser. I snorted.
"Emo boy."
"Shut your mouth."
"Make me."
"Oh, I can." He smirked at me and I felt my cheeks burn. Oh, so that's how he was gonna play, huh?
"Try it, pretty boy."
"Name the time and the place, kitten."
"I mean, your dad sure seems to think we're compatible." You'd cleared your throat rather loudly, and Rasmus and I looked up at you.
"Can you save the hate-flirting for another time?" You said, holding up your controller. "We are playing games, and I'd rather not have you two make out. That'd be gross." My face burned hotter, and I stared back at the screen.
"Yeah, I'd rather see Waluigi's uncut peen than Rasmus's-"
"Ev, oh my god-" You were trying to scold me while holding in a laugh, and I saw Rasmus's lips twitch upwards slightly. I glanced at Damon, who seemed to be staring at Rasmus.
"Damon?" I asked, waving a hand in front of his face. He blinked and looked at me. "You feeling alright?"
"Ah, yeah...Just spacing out." He said, glancing at Rasmus once again before turning his attention back to the screen. I nudged Ras's leg with my foot and he rolled his eyes. I giggled and we started up the game once more. Rasmus, despite being mostly quiet and trash talking on occasion, was doing pretty well. But, during the final round, Damon had hit Rasmus with a blue shell, passing him at the last second.
"Damn!" I laughed, shaking Damon's shoulder slightly. "Nice!" I giggled and Rasmus scoffed.
"Lucky shot." He muttered, but I ruffled his hair.
"You're just a grouch." I laughed as he swatted my hand away.
"What other games you got?" Rasmus asked, propping one leg up on the coffee table. I swatted his foot off.
"Hey, hey, hey! Feet off the table! You almost kicked the roses." He scoffed, but complied. "And I've got Super Smash Bros, Cuphead, uhhhh..." I scrolled through my games. "I've got an Xbox with Portal one and two...uhhh...I've got It Takes Two..."
"You know most of those are two player games, right?"
"Shush yer face." I stuck my tongue out at him, and he did the same. I briefly wondered what that tongue piercing would feel like-OH MY GOD EV STOP- He noted my staring and smirked.
"Like whatcha see?" He mocked and I shoved one of the mini cupcakes in his face.
"I said shut thy face-"
 
"Shush yer face." I stuck my tongue out at him, and he did the same. I briefly wondered what that tongue piercing would feel like-OH MY GOD EV STOP- He noted my staring and smirked.
"Like whatcha see?" He mocked and I shoved one of the mini cupcakes in his face.
"I said shut thy face-"
Laughing was pretty easy with you, and I found Damon to be decent company. He wasn't a big talker, but he sure brought the meaning of vibes to a new level. After the first round, which I drilled and will hold a massive amount of pride over, a knock at the door sounded.
All three of us perked up like a little group of meerkats on a hill, cept' it twas the couch. I moved to answer out of habit, but you were already up and on your way. The next round waited on screen, and I decided to absently scroll the avaliable maps, keeping an ear and side eye for who it could be. Damon did something similar, balancing between the screen and the door as I asked him what maps would be the most fun. We didn't get to settle on just one before next thing we knew, Rasmus came strutting through the door, dropping his bag onto the coffee table in front of us. After a short ground rule was set to be nice, I finally spoke.
"Ah, hey Ras. We didn't think you were coming." I greeted, to which he only grunted back, plopping down on his butt, nearly landing on my feet. With a jerk I lifted my knees to my chest, clutching my controller. He seemed unbothered, so I decided to stay where I was, curled up in the corner of the couch.

From the corner you came, plopping onto the couch and setting a tray on the table like a grand offering of sacrifice. All eyes were on the fluffy little cakes in an instant like a pack of rabid dogs.
Rasmus already had his hand on the dish, snatching what he could grab. I snickered quietly about it, but said nothing as he was handed a controller and added onto the screen. Then as the picking came for everyone to find their characters, vehicles, difficulty level, and map, it started. The flirting.
The second Rasmus had his character picked, you didn't resist;
"Emo boy." You giggled.
"Shut your mouth." He snapped back.
"Make me."
"Oh, I can." He replied without missing a beat, turning his head to look up at you, a smirk baring his teeth.
My eyes immediately widened, glancing between both you and him.
"Try it, pretty boy." You continued, despite the flush creeping in your cheeks.
"Name the time and the place, kitten." He almost purred. Oh god no.
"I mean, your dad sure seems to think we're compatible." A simple shared glance at Damon showed this was less than desired. Though something in Damon's face screamed an emotion I couldn't personally describe. I cleared my throat. Both you and Rasmus paused, looking to me. I tried to hide the awkward flush in my cheeks, ears down as I moved to look stern.

"Can you save the hate-flirting for another time?" I said, holding up my controller with a little wave.
"We are playing games, and I'd rather not have you two make out. That'd be gross." Immediately your face blew up bright lilac, and you snapped to look at the screen, shoulders hunched to your ears. Rasmus followed with a shrug, looking back at the screen and prepping his hold on the controller to get started.
"Yeah, I'd rather see Waluigi's uncut peen than Rasmus's-" You suddenly spoke up, and immediately I snorted in response, slapping a hand over my mouth to muffle it.
"Ev, oh my god-" I giggled, shaking my head. Rasmus only smirked and rolled his eyes.
"Damon?" You asked suddenly above the snickering. I paused just long enough to glance- and felt hairs go up on the back of my neck. The expression from a few seconds ago seemed to have gotten more intense. Unnerving- and it was straight at Rasmus. Claws suddenly knicked my cheek where my hand still tried to cover my laughs, and I had to put my hand down. Damon obviously snapped out of it, the scary look in his eyes gone in an instant, though he seemed almost sharper around the edges for some reason, despite how softly he spoke with you. It irked me enough to jumpstart my claws from hiding.
I hoped it wasn't just my head messing with me, but he looked ready to...

I shook my head, moving to focus on the match as the countdown began. It was probably nothing anyways.
The next few rounds were relatively chill, though Damon certainly had it out for Rasmus in every single one of them. Tried not to give that too much attention either.

After that, we decided to pick something new! Then the flirting started again and Rasmus had a cupcake in his face.
"Aw man. The cupcake." I whispered sadly. Wasted. Someone could have had that. Rasmus was obviously ruffled by the action, taking the cupcake in his grip and trying to swipe any frosting back off, taking another from the table and pushing one into yours in an instant.
"How ya like that, you little shit?" He teased, grin all teeth with a sort of mischevious mirth. Annoyance laced his brow, but he didn't let it stop him from playing around. I curled further back in my already squished spot on the couch, trying to avoid what was the possibility of a smash fest of cupcake murder.
For some reason I felt I needed to check on Damon in that moment, and low and behold, that same look in his eyes was back. He must have felt me looking at him. With a deep inhale, I decided simultaneously how to fix this and stop it before it started.
Instantly, I shoved my leg behind yours and flipped you, sending you toppling backwards into Damon and with my free hand I snatched a pillow by my side and slapped it into Rasmus's chest. With a disgruntled, "OOF!" He fell backwards onto the floor and I hopped onto my feet, standing proudly on the couch.

"TAKE A GANDER LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, I VOTE SMASH BROS!" I hollered.
 
"TAKE A GANDER LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, I VOTE SMASH BROS!" I hollered.
The moment Rasmus had shoved a mini cupcake back in my face, I laughed, starting to stand up. "Oh-ho-hoh, it is on like Donkey Kong!" But as I reached for a cupcake, your leg was behind both of mine and I had fallen into Damon's lap, head hitting the armrest, cupcake still in hand.
"Aw, Bingy what was that for?" I pouted in an exaggerated manner, my lower lip jutted out.
"Yeah, seriously what the fuck?" Rasmus asked, sitting up again, throwing the pillow into your face.
I sighed and rubbed the back of my head. I didn't hit the armrest too hard, but it stung a little.
"You alright?" And I suddenly realized my predicament. I looked at Damon, eyes wide. Oh god I was literally in his lap right now, holy fuck-
"Uhh...Want a cupcake?" I asked awkwardly holding the cupcake that was in my hand out to him. He laughed and took it, eyeing my face.
"You, uh...Got something there, friend." He said, and I used a hand to wipe off some of the frosting on my face.
"Oh. Right." I laughed, scraping the frosting off my fingers with my teeth. Damn that shit was bussin. I scrambled back to my previous spot using my hands to wipe the mangled cupcake off my face and consume the bits of it.
"Dude, what are you, an animal?" Rasmus asked, lips curled in disgust.
"Yes, actually." I said, flipping him off. I stood, moving to the kitchen to grab some napkins. Clearly we cannot be trusted to not make a mess. I used a napkin to wipe the leftovers off of my hands and face before grabbing a peach flavored Monster Energy. With the drink in one hand, and a stack of napkins in the other, I walked back out, setting the stack on the coffee table. "Wipe yourself off, Ras. I ain't letting you touch my controllers with cupcake hands."
"Says the one who started it."
"Gargle on my ballsack."
"Okay."
"THE FUCK YOU MEAN OKAY-" I'd devolved into a fit of giggles as I opened up Smash Bros. "Dibs on Samus!" I said, eagerly picking said character. With everyone character picked and the round started, I started button mashing. I didn't know how to play the game, that's why I chose Samus. I somehow have a better chance at winning with her. I sent Rasmus flying off the arena somehow, I honestly really don't know how. Before I could do my little evil villain laugh, I was sent flying off by Damon. Damn you, instant Karma. He laughed out an apology but I nudged him with my lower elbow. "Yeah, yeah, sure, dude." In the end, it was I who somehow managed to emerge victorious.

"How the fuck did you do that?" Rasmus asked, raising an eyebrow at me.
"Honestly I have no fucking clue." I said with a shrug. "I just button smash til I either win or die."
"How often does that work?"
"Uhhh, about 50% of the time, I'd say."
"Wow. You're bad at this game."
I gasped in mock offense, my upper hands flying to my chest and forehead.
"How dare you! I used to kick my brothers' asses in Mortal Kombat vs DC all the time!" I was leaning against Damon's shoulder.
"Younger brothers, right?" Rasmus laughed. "Yeah, you probably had the advantage because you're older." I scoffed, but smiled.
"I think you're just a sore loser."

"Guys, if you start the cupcake thing again, I swear to god-" You'd spoken up, hand hovering over the cupcake tray protectively. "You shall not hurt these poor little things again." I couldn't stop giggling. I reached for a cupcake, shoving it into my mouth in one go, eyes squinted in mock challenge.
"You guys are insane." Rasmus sighed, but he was smiling. I don't think I've ever seen him this chill before. It was kind of nice. My phone dinged, and I looked at the notification.
"YESSSS" I cheered as a knock on the door sounded.
"What is it?" Damon asked.
"Oh, I'd pre-ordered a pin set and a plushie a few months ago, and I just got notified that they'd arrived!" I explained, standing up. I opened the door, practically giddy.
"Oh, hey you." DG said with the same smile I don't think I've ever seen him drop. He held out the box to me. "Thought the name on the package was familiar." I took the box, tucking it under my arm as I signed for it. He glanced inside, seeing you, Damon, and Rasmus. He hummed. "A party without me? I'm hurt." He jutted out his lower lip, a hand on his chest while the other rested on his hip.
"It just kinda happened." I said with a shrug. "Damon just kinda-" I paused, realizing I was about to let slip that Damon had shown up randomly. "H-he texted me this morning, so I thought I'd invite him. With the bodies thing...we're safer in groups." I smiled awkwardly at DG raised a brow, clearly unconvinced. "You're free to join us, though! We've got the next few days off."
"Nah, I've still got stuff to deliver." DG sighed, hands now behind his head. "But, if y'all are still awake when I'm done, I might just take you up on that offer." He looked over my shoulder and winked at you before stepping back. "Well, see ya!" As he walked off, I closed the door. I opened the box easily, thanks to my claws, and pulled out two pins. One was of Millie from Helluva Boss, and the other was of Sally Mae. I held out the one of Sally Mae to you.
"Ta-da~" I said, smiling. "I saw these and immediately thought that we could have matching pins. So, I bought them!" After you took the pin, I turned to the box again, pulling out a plush of Stolas that was about a foot tall. "Anyways, back to gaming!"
 
Last edited:
"Ta-da~" I said, smiling. "I saw these and immediately thought that we could have matching pins. So, I bought them!" After you took the pin, I turned to the box again, pulling out a plush of Stolas that was about a foot tall. "Anyways, back to gaming!"

I shrunk a tad at the yelps and groans of surprise and annoyance, biting off a nervous laugh.
Yeah, I figured this would be the reaction, but damn if it wasn't a bit cathartic. I was ready to sit back down, but Rasmus returning the pillow my way stopped me, and I got a lovely double whammy of my own medicine- pillow to face, I flipped backwards over the back of the couch and hit the floor in one fell swoop.
Rasmus exploded into laughter in an instant. I couldn't see anyone's faces from behind the couch, but I hoped the cartoonish head over heels fall was enough to throw away any tension I'd built. Despite the fact I was trying to get rid of tension to begin with. Ah irony.

With a grunt I found my way back to my feet and slumped over the back of the couch. If anyone asked if I was okay I didn't plan on answering. That was just part of a showmans life and I wasn't about to destroy the illusion of silliness. It didn't evade my eye the slightly sympathetic but grateful look Damon sent my way, enjoying a cupcake you'd offered him that would have been cannon fodder otherwise. I only threw him a wink in response, and turned for the kitchen to sit with a frozen bag of peas for a minute. Lucky for me, no one noticed the absence, already ready to absolutely annihilate the other in digital battle strategy. Or lack-there-of. You get the deal.

I may have missed the first round of Smash Bros, but I came back just in time to defend the cupcakes! My honor shall be restored! Though I was 80% kidding around and teasing, holding my hand defensively over the tray from my spot on the floor- (traded with Rasmus- I was not about to get squished again between you four) I was also 10% serious. But you only giggled in response, taking a swipe from under my outstretched arm like Swiper the fox and jamming the little treat into your mouth till your cheeks were puffed out like a chipmunk.
I gave a gasp of disbelief, "You sneaky sneak!" I accused, finger pointed, to which you just laughed some more, fumbling to keep the crumbs in your mouth. Rasmus rolled his eyes, and Damon snickered as he set down his controller to follow your lead and have another.

As if on cue, the moment was put on pause by the ding of your phone and a rhythmic knocking starting at the door. Three pairs of eyes followed you all the while as you leapt from your spot on the couch in a holler for joy, like a man who'd just won the lottery, a jackpot of the century and scurried for the door. You'd practically crawled over Rasmus and vaulted over me to get to it, which in itself was pretty funny.
As you answered, Rasmus tried to comb his hair back to normal with his fingers. We weren't honestly paying much attention, but upon the familiar voice, all eyes were back to the door in a heart beat. As he always seemed to do, Damon all but glowed like a flower under sunlight seeing his best friend at the door. He gave a small wave, smile wide.
"I'll let you know if you text me when you're off." Damon offered. DG only grinned wider, "You already know when I get off," he teased, before turning away from the door frame, "See ya later." And the door was closed once again. You wasted no time hurrying back to the couch where we all sat, revealing your newly acquired treasures like it was a YouTube unboxing.

A dramatic gasp left me at the reveal, overjoyed with the site of who was freed. Damon had vague recognition, while Rasmus had absolutely no idea what was going on or why this was so exciting. He fiddled with his piercings as you and I gushed over the merch.
"HE'S SO STINKIN' CUTE!!" I couldn't help but squeal, gingerly poking the little Stolas plush, and goddess, when you pulled out the pins? I could melt into the floor. Immediately I stuck my shared pin onto my tiger cardigan, wearing its flaming glory like a badge of honor, practically vibrating in my spot as I siezed my controller that had been abandoned on the coffee table.

After a snappy selection and a randomized map, we got right back to it. Lots of shouting, cheering, and laughter helped the hours run by in a blur, gaming away like there was no tomorrow, genuinely. Before we knew it, the sky had turned to sunset orange, lavender, and deep indigo.
Rasmus wasn't happy with the overall scoreboard to say the least after the last few hours, but it wasn't like he hadn't tried to turn the tides.
After all was said and done, you remained in the lead. The button smashing master.
How you managed to hold first place was beyond any of us, no matter what cheats or combos Rasmus tried to guide us through or to use for himself. Eventually he gave up entirely and just accepted button smashing was the superior move to win.
"Hey, you got anything else to eat in this place?" He asked out of the blue when we decided to give the games a rest for the time being. The cupcakes had long since been devoured, but now that night had officially come to settle in, we came to realize we couldn't survive on the cupcake tray.
"If you fellas want, I can whip something up? That or we can just order pizza?" I offered. We didn't have a big collection between either of our apartments beyond snacks due to the last power outage, so it was a bit of a stiff.
I looked to you curiously, wondering what was to come next. We hadn't exactly hung out with anybody past ten in a long while unless it was for work.
"Whatcha thinkin' our oh so lovely host?"
 
At the question of further food, I'd paused to think. I didn't really have anything to eat besides the cupcakes. I pursed my lips, thinking about what fast food was nearby.
"I'm gonna be real, I forget to eat dinner half the time since I'm usually so tired after my shifts." I said with a sigh, rubbing the back of my head. "So I don't have much in the fridge besides energy drinks, but...The pizza from around the block is pretty decent, uhm...there's a burger place nearby I haven't tried yet that delivers..." I hummed as I thought, leaning back into the couch. I sighed, shutting my eyes to wrack my brain. "Lemme check my bank account. I might have enough in my normal spending for a couple pizzas-" I reached to grab my phone.
"I'll pay." Rasmus sighed, leaning forward. I stared at him, eyes widened slightly. He eyed my face. "What?"
"I just...wasn't expecting that, I guess." I said, tilting my head to the side.
"Tch, I just have a specific order and I don't trust you to get it right." He waved me off, scoffing.
"Cool! Lemme just grab my laptop! Oh, Bingy!! I'm craving some gushies right now, so could you grab some from your apartment?" I gave you my best puppy dog eyes and you gave in with an exaggerated sigh. Yes. Good. Give in to my gushies hunger. I cackle as I make my way down the hall, turning into the bedroom. Okay where the fuck did I put my goddamned computer? I check under my covers, but twas not there. I checked my desk, my nightstand, but I straight up couldn't find it! "What the fuck...?" I muttered, digging around some more. About after another minute, I found it with an 'AHA!' I grabbed it, holding it to my chest and stepping out of my room. I almost screeched when I saw Rasmus just standing there. He looked...at unease.
"Yo, Ras...you feeling okay?" I asked with a tilt of my head.
"Yeah...yeah...just..." He looked over his shoulder at the end of the hall, eyes widening slightly. "You were just taking forever." He tried to use his normal, condescending tone, but his voice wavered ever so slightly. "Thought you lost your laptop or something."
"...Okay...uhm...You sure you're feeling alright? I've got some advil in the bathroom." I said as he turned his head back to me.
"Yeah...cool..." He dropped his voice to a whisper. "That Damon guy seems-"
"Everything okay over there?" Damon's voice cut through and I saw him standing at the end of the hallway. Rasmus stiffened and made a B-line for the bathroom, and I stood there, confused. After a few moments, I walked over to Damon, offering an awkward smile. "We should wait for Dingo and Rasmus before ordering." I said, sitting down on the couch and setting the laptop on the coffee table. Damon sat next to me and we sat in silence for a few moments. I suddenly felt awkward and very aware of my body. I subconsciously started to retract my lower arms.
"You don't have to do that, you know." Damon said, and I startled slightly, looking at him. I looked down, realizing what I was doing.
"Oh, shit, sorry." I muttered, my lower arms returning to normal.
"I-if you don't mind me asking, how come you hide them?" The question caught me off guard, and I looked at him again.
"That's...a long ass story." I sighed, leaning back into the couch. "Part of it...is because of my dad. He and one of my brothers have spider abilities and they've got six arms, but my dad used to say it's professional to only show your top two arms. Kids in middle school were...also not nice, but it is what it is." I laughed awkwardly with a shrug. "I wonder what's holding up Dingo...?" I muttered, sitting up again, and Damon's hand reached for one of my lower ones. I blinked curiously at him, cheeks flushing a light violet color.
"I'm sure they're fine. DG got off of work, so they might be chatting with him." He said, eyes silently begging me to stay put. I couldn't help but oblige, looking into his eyes.
"...You've got real nice eyes..." I muttered, the violet hue on my cheeks spreading slightly. The sound of Rasmus clearing his throat is enough to pull me back to reality as I turn to look at him.
"Where's four eyes?" He asked, plopping down on the couch, furthest away from Damon.
"I dunno." I said, and as if on cue the doorknob turned and the door creaked open. I looked over, expecting to see you but instead seeing DG. I blinked in confusion as he pushed through, a bag slung over his shoulder. You ran in behind him, face flushed and eyes wide. I stand up almost immediately, rushing to you and the box of gushers in your hands and I held out my hands as if you were about to fall. "Woah, Bingy you okay?" I asked, taking the box of gushies out of your hands and setting it on the coffee table. You assured me you were fine, just severely flustered. "Okay, since we've got quite the party, I'm gonna grab some of my extra sleeping bags. Dingo's got dibs on my bed, as given to them by me, and the couch is a pull out." I tugged you into the hall under the guise of you helping me grab the two needed sleeping bags. Once at the end of the hall, where the closet was, I held your shoulders. "Okay, dude. Spill. What happened??" I asked with a concerned gaze. As you explained that DG decided to partake in...an interesting amount of flirting, I found myself stopping you to ask. "I'm sorry he has how many tongues???"
 
Once at the end of the hall, where the closet was, I held your shoulders. "Okay, dude. Spill. What happened??" I asked with a concerned gaze. As you explained that DG decided to partake in...an interesting amount of flirting, I found myself stopping you to ask. "I'm sorry he has how many tongues???"

"You sure you're okay paying Ras?" I asked, looking up at him from my spot on the floor, fiddling with the buttons of my controller. He spared me a glance before shrugging, letting his head loll back and rest against the back of the couch, "like I said- I just don't want you dorks to get my order wrong."
I made a face at that, but didn't question any further. Something in me didn't quite believe him, but I wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth. It's bad manners.
You didn't mind much, brushing it off like some dust from your shorts, jumping up with a pep in your step. I smiled at you as you talked excitedly about getting your laptop before turning to me still huddled on the carpet.
"Really? I'm gonna go gushie-bankrupt at this rate." I told you sternly with a huff, but I couldn't keep up the face for long with your eyes seeming to get bigger than your face. How are they sparkling like that?

What are you, Puss n' Boots??
The cat parts right, but I thought I was the ginger in this relationship.

With a long drawn out sigh, I finally caved, "Okay, okay- fine, yes, I'll bring over some gushers. Quit staring at me with those big ol' eyes-" I relented, waving your face away as I stood to my feet, adjusting my glasses. I couldn't help laughing quietly to myself as you scampered down the hall, giggling to yourself like a gremlin.
"If anyone's got 'big ol eyes' in this place right now, it's you, four eyes." Rasmus quipped nearly out of the blue. My smile fell just a tad, a brow raised as I looked down at him from where I stood. His head was still laid back against the couch with his eyes closed, elbows up and knees spread, claiming part of the space you'd left.
"Har har, buster brown."
"Pretty sure I'm purple."
"Not with that stick up yer bum you're not." I replied without missing a beat, already on my way to the front door. A quiet snicker followed after me alongside a small scoff. I heard the rustle of the pillows being grabbed and ducked out the door before one could be chucked.

It was a relatively short trip, quick as a whip. Door open, down the hall, around the corner, cabinet, box, bam. Gushies acquired. Now all I had to do is get back to your apartment.
Simple as can be, right?

Opening my front door and sliding back out into the main hall, I decided to have a quick snack on my gushers. I didn't get to have any cupcakes in the chaos, and considering these were my personal treats, I wanted to at least have one before they were gobbled up completely. With my back against my door and balancing the box under my arm and the little shiny pack in my hands, I pulled it open and pulled up a blue gem shaped gummy. Gushies are the bomb man, all hail gushies!
I was about to pop the gusher into my mouth, ready to enjoy the heavenly goodness of sugar on crack- when a shadow practically materialized beside me.

"Ooo, whatcha got there?"
I jumped in my spot, fumbling to catch just about everything I was holding as my grip let loose. Bewildered by the sudden presence, I whipped to look and see who it was, eyes wide. There at my side was DG, dressed up comfy and casual with a bag slung over his shoulder. He grinned, all teeth, holding off a laugh.
"You sure are the jumpy type, aren't you?"
"We've got to stop meeting like this." I told him shortly, trying to regain any semblance of breathing I'd lost in the split second he revealed himself. I knew damn well this hallway was empty when I stepped out. How in the hell did he?...
"Meeting like what? I don't see a problem." He teased, the apples of his cheeks pushing his eyes to squint in his mirth the more he smiled. I rolled my eyes, trying not to smile back, even if I was feeling tense.
"Gushers huh?" He started again, "Cool if I have one?"
I blinked, glancing at the gummy in my hand and then the box, "oh- yeah, sure; here, take a-" I began to extend the box to him, trying to be mindful not to drop it as I fumbled.
"Great!" He replied brightly before I could even finish speaking. But instead of going for the box, he moved to take my opposite hand, pulling it up to his face, and- I think my brain just short circuited.
I was more than alarmed that he went for the singular gummy I was trying to eat instead of his own personal pack, mostly for common senses sake- but it only got worse when even after he'd snatched it away with his teeth, he decided it would be entertaining to 'clean up' the leftovers from me having darn near crushing it trying to catch it, leaving sticky blue goop over my fingers and palm.

Completely frozen, I just watched, feeling heat explode from my neck, to my face, and the tips of my ears. The flush only grew deeper as he casually looked back, his grin turning wolfish over my fingers as one tongue became many. Too many.
A choked sound escaped my throat before I finally found my ability to move again, jerking away and stumbling several feet to gain space. He went to cleaning up his finger tips and wiping the bottom of his lip, the dancing array of his many tongues slipping back into his mouth, hiding as he grinned.
"Hmm," He hummed, "real sweet. Might have to get more sometime."

H E L L O ??
I didn't think my face could get so hot. Feeling completely fried, I shakily lifted the box of gushers, shaking it for emphasis; "just- just take a pack next time man-" I told him through a strangled voice, trying and failing to find any real words at all. He was unphased, looking like he won the lottery or something. No idea why.
"Where's the fun in that? Plus, you already had a sample- now I know I like the taste; easy." He beamed, giving a thumbs up, before turning to your door and waltzing right in as if nothing happened.
He's messing with me. Goddess he's got to be messing with me, who does that to strangers??
Were we strangers or acquaintances? I think strangers is the right one because I feel like I need to tell a trusted adult about this now.
Don't mind the fact that I am a literal adult in this situation, but that was so wacky and uncalled for I have no other ideas.
Seeing the door still open, I flew to get inside. He was waiting a few steps ahead, hand still on the door knob. I caught his side eye as I passed. He was obviously waiting but goddess I don't think I can handle looking at him at the moment. Head ducked down, I continued to scurry, trying to will down the burning in my face. My plan was to hide in the kitchen, but you stepped in, hands out to steady me. Did I look ready to fall? Gotta fix my posture and fast, then.
"Woah, Bingy you okay?" You'd asked. I straightened up to stand a little taller, plastering a crooked smile that was meant to be totally cool and chill, which I definitely did not feel like, "yep! Yeah, totally cool, why?" I told you quickly, feeling like I was gritting my teeth more than smiling.
Yeah, looking totally approachable there, D. Totally.
You immediately knew something was up however and turned to address the others. Something about getting sleeping bags before you were tugging me off down the hallway and out of sight. I felt like I was seconds from losing my mind or melting into the floor to be a puddle of soup. The dream, but not the time. Hands on my shoulders and me clutching the gushers box for dear life, I had trouble even looking you in the eye.
"Okay, dude. Spill. What happened??" You asked with a concerned gaze.
Oh goddess why- I bit my lip, chewing on the skin. A nervous smile began to crack across my face as I tried to formulate, or at the very least even process what happened in the hall in the five or more probably minutes I'd been gone. I felt like I was starting to ramble, trying to be as quiet as a mouse before you stopped me, eyes wide as saucers;
"I'm sorry he has how many tongues???"

Goddess no, my face is burning up all over again- "JUST DONT- Don't ask, okay? It was weird, the whole situation is weird and I would like to pretend none of this happened if we can??" I stuttered out, voice cracking as I hurriedly tried to regain my composure.
"You guys get lost in the closet back there or something?" DG called playfully down the hall from the living room. I took in a deep breath, holding it, before replying, "Little bit. Sorry fellas, bit dusty." I called.
"I'm not sleeping in a dust bag." Rasmus shot back, sounding strained but trying to sound equally normal as we were, which raised many, many questions in my brain as I looked to you. "Geez, if you guys are having that hard of a time, how about I just-" Rasmus started to add in, but he abruptly cut off.
There was the sound of someone getting up- before a thump like someone fell down. A low growl and some harsh whispering before one of the boys spoke up again, "Do you guys need any help?" It was Damon this time.
Alright, now it was more than just one of them acting weird.
"Let's get back out there." I told you, already passing you the box of gushers before standing on my tip toes to pull the hidden sleeping bags from the top shelf. There were three luckily enough, though one was humorously princess themed. Wonder who we planned to give that too.
 
At the thump, I jumped slightly, fluffing up slight as I turned around. "Uhm...Ras, you okay?" I asked, only to receive a short laugh from DG.
"Oh he's fine." The delivery man said and I hummed, not quite convinced. I grabbed two of the sleeping bags, one a deep shade of red and the other with little frog designs on it. I carried them over my shoulders and into the living room, setting them down on the floor. I grabbed the vase with the roses off the coffee table and placed it on the kitchen counter. I then pulled the coffee table out of the way, over to the door to the balcony, blocking its access. "There, now there's room." I said, taking off my beanie and fanning myself with it. "Ras, you can take the couch and Dingo can take my bed." I rested one of my lower hands on my hip, shifting my weight to one leg. "I hope you don't mind the floor..." I said with an awkward smile to Damon and DG. DG simply shrugged.
"Eh, I've slept in worse." He said, hands in his pockets. I paused at that, staring for a moment. I looked him up and down, eyebrows knitting sympathetically. dragged the three sleeping bags to where the coffee table once was(why did this feel somewhat familiar?), and smoothed them out. The red one on the right, the princess one in the middle, and the frog one on the left. I gestured to them. "Take thy pick, gentleman." DG laughed slightly and sat down on the frog one almost immediately and Damon took a seat on the princess one, so I took a seat on the red one. I turned, grabbing a blanket from the blanket basket on the end of the couch and tossed it to Rasmus. I held in a laugh when I noticed that it was Hello Kitty themed. He gave me a look, but said nothing as he sat himself on the couch, and I handed him my laptop with the pizza place website open. I grabbed the remote once more as you took a seat behind me on the couch. I changed the channel to Youtube and hummed.
"What do y'all think about...Game Grumps?" I asked, looking at Damon, then to Ras.
"Oh, hey, I love those guys!" DG said, leaning forward with a smile. I smiled more, as I looked back to Ras who just gave me a shrug.
"Turn on whatever." He mumbled, more focused on ordering pizza.
I clicked on the Game Grumps channel, pursing my lips as I scrolled through the playlists. "How does...Tears of The Kingdom sound to y'all?"
"Sure. Haven't watched this playthrough, yet." DG said with a shrug, leaning against the couch as half his body was already engulfed in the sleeping bag. I clicked on the playlist, setting the remote down as I settled into my own sleeping bag.

My phone dinged and I picked it up. My eyes widened and I tapped the message, and Tinder opened. I'd had a match! I felt you looking over my shoulder.
"Ev, really?" You sighed. "You redownloaded Tinder?"
"What? I'm a lonely piece of shit, okay?" I'd pouted, and this caught Ras's attention.
"You're seriously trying the dating scene again?" He could try to sound condescending all he wanted, but he couldn't hide the genuine concern in his voice. "Last time you tried, I had to pick you up since you got stood up. You sure you wanna do that again?" I shrugged.
"I mean...kinda? I mean, it's not like I want to live my life without a partner. I mean, I could, but I just feel like I'd regret it if I didn't at least try." I shrugged, looking back to my phone. "It's just...hard." I sighed.
"Yeah, because you set unrealistic expectations because you can't play Stardew Valley without the Yandere Elliott mod." You'd laughed, a smirk gracing thine face. I dramatically gasped and pointed at you.
"Don't you dare disrespect Elliott like that, you charlatan! He is peak male performance!" The two of us were now giggling, and we'd settled down again so I looked back at my phone. The message I'd opened up my phone to was now gone and I tilted my head to the side. "What the..." I shrugged and set down my phone as I curled into my sleeping bag. About twenty minutes passed and there was a knock at the door, so I reluctantly got up to answer it. It was, in fact, the pizza guy, so I took the pizza with a thank you. I balanced four pizza boxes in my arms, closing the door with my foot.
"Here, I'll help." Damon said, now in front of me, taking two of the boxes out of my arms.
"Oh, uhm...thanks." I said with a smile as I set the pizza boxes onto the coffee table, opening them. I quickly grabbed paper plates from the kitchen and distributed pizza to everyone before sitting back down and eating my own. Ah, greasy goodness. I'd grabbed a packet of gushies as well, opening it and practically shoving all the gummies in my mouth. I held out one to Damon, not noticing the shape of the gummy looked a bit like a heart. I turned my attention back to the screen, watching as Arin died as Link, trying to do something cool.

After a few hours of giggles and small conversations, I yawned, feeling tired. Ah. The day must've caught up to me and I was paying the price. I was drifting in and out of consciousness, and at some point I felt you move to go to my bedroom to sleep. I don't know when I'd actually fallen asleep, but it was soon after you'd bid everyone goodnight. At some point during the night, though, I'd felt a gentle hand on my cheek. My eyes opened slightly and the blurry image of Damon's face smiled down at me, and I wasn't sure if it was real or not. When my eyes closed again, I'd decided it was a dream because the touch was so featherlight.



DG did enjoy toying with you so. He'd only met you a day or so ago, but you'd had the best reaction to his little scares than anyone else. It made him want to do it more and more, but alas he could not do it as often as he liked, lest you get suspicious. He couldn't have that, not just yet.
When the sleeping bags were brought out, he locked eyes with the one with the little frog designs almost immediately. That was the cutest thing he ever did saw, so when the time came to choose sleeping bags, he knew what he had to do. He claimed it before I'd even finished speaking, a contented smile on his face. When you'd taken a seat behind me instead of him, he pouted at you playfully.
"Aw, I was hoping you'd sit behind me~" He teased with a smirk, enjoying your little reactions.

And then, too soon in his mind, the time came when you'd decided that you'd head off to bed. He winked at you as you passed, saying nothing as me and Rasmus were already out. Out of the corner of his eye, he noted Damon moving to look at me as you walked down the hall. Neither he or Damon got too much sleep last night, since when he was certain you were asleep he crept into my room, placing his hat on my gaming chair as well as one of my hoodies. He was hoping you'd wake at some point and startle at the sight of a potential intruder. When he was finished, he looked at you, noting the way your eyes twitched and the slight movement of your mouth as you muttered under your breath while you slept. How adorable, he thought. For a moment, he wondered how you'd react if he woke you up then and there, but he refrained, making his way back to the living room where he'd slipped back into the sleeping bag and closed his eyes.



In the morning, or well, early afternoon, I finally sat up and rubbed at my eyes. I looked around and Rasmus was gone, but you were seated on the couch, DG sitting next to you, as much in your personal space as he possibly could be without you strangling him. Although, something tells me that he'd enjoy that. I looked around, head on the swivel, looking for Damon. Had he left already? I felt my shoulders sag at the thought, but with the faint flush of a toilet and sounds of water running, I brightened up a bit. I looked to you, and you looked rather relieved that I'd woken up.
"Where's cuckboy?" I asked as Damon walked back into the room, choking on air.
"Oh, Ras? He left about an hour ago." You'd answered, standing up swiftly. "Said that his friends were hanging out."
"Still can't believe that guy has friends." I muttered, stretching my arms up, my back popping. I looked at DG, who was without his hat. I looked back at you, who was retreating to the kitchen for something, and noted that his hat had been haphazardly slapped onto your head. "I'd honestly expected you to be working." I said, turning back to the delivery man.
"I choose my own hours." DG said with a shrug, crossing his arms as he leaned into the couch.
"Lucky. If I got to choose my own hours, I wouldn't be so fuckin' sore all the time." I watched DG's lips form a smirk and blushed slightly, grabbing a pillow to throw at him. "NOT LIKE THAT, ASSHOLE-"
I'd barely noticed Damon moving to sit behind me on the couch. I leaned back, tilting my head back to look at him. "Good morning." I said with a smile. My hair was insanely messy, and his was too by the look of it. For a brief moment, my mind wondered what his lips felt like. I froze for half a second, my face blooming a deep violet hue. I'd scrambled to my feet. "I'M GUNNA GO GET DRESSED-" I said, totally not yelling in pure embarrassment. I speed-walked to my room, trying my darndest to not slam the door. Goddamned my brain, why was I like this. I opened my closet, rummaging through the messy drawers and pulling out a few pieces of clothing. I pulled out a shirt, holding it out as I examined it. I was gonna wear it because I liked the color red, definitely not because I wanted to subtly impress Damon or something. That was crazy! I finished getting dressed and grabbed my brush, trying to get out my tangles. Ah shit, the brush got stuck. AGAIN. I groaned and walked back out into the living room.
"Bingyyyy....it happened agaiiin..." I groaned, giving you my Puss in Boots eyes. You sighed, helping me get the brush out of my hair. This had happened quite often since I didn't really brush my hair and it was decently thick. You handed me back the brush, and I completed brushing my hair without further issue. I set my hairbrush on the coffee table before turning towards the kitchen. "Are y'all hungry or-"
"We had some of the leftover pizza while you were dead." DG said, resting his hands behind his head and I saw you shove his hat into his face out of the corner of my eye.
"Yeah, that's fair." I said with an embarrassed laugh. "I'm usually a pretty heavy sleeper. You'd think I was dead if I didn't flail in my sleep." I leaned against the counter, watching DG stand up with a stretch.
"Well, I better get going. I've got deliveries to do, and some...chores." He said the last part a bit ominously, but before I could ponder on it he was out the door. I shrugged and reached for the gushie box, only to have it snatched by you. I pouted, but this time you did not give in. Curses. I've been foiled. You'd also mentioned needing to leave, since you also had a few things to do now that we had a few days off. But, by the way you kept glancing at Damon, it was clear you didn't want to leave me alone with him.
I set a hand on your arm. "Hey, it's fine. My instincts are telling me he's fine, and they haven't been wrong before." You'd only relaxed slightly at my words. "Plus...there is something I wanna talk to him about privately." I'd lowered my voice to a faint whisper, and I'd shoved your shoulder when I saw the look on your face. "Not like that, asshole-" I giggled. I smiled and gave you a swift hug before you left. Once the door was closed and locked, I turned around, seeing Damon now standing right behind me. I'd startled, yelping slightly.
"Sorry-" He'd apologized.
"It's fine- Just didn't expect you to appear right there." I said with a soft sigh. One of his hands was in his pockets, the other resting at his chest.
"I should probably go too." He said, but something told me he didn't want to. "I've got work..."
"Oh-Right. Uhm, before that, though..." I rested my hand on top of his. "Next time you wanna hang out, wait for me to respond. If Dingo catches you just appearing at my door unannounced, they'll freak out. But, I did enjoy having you here. We should hang out again soon." He blushed a soft red and my god was it the cutest thing. "And...thanks for getting me that fox plushie. It...means a lot." I stepped away from the door, all four of my arms now resting behind my back. "U-uhm...See you later, then." I said, opening the door.
"Y-yeah...See you, soon." He said as he walked out the door. Once I closed it behind him, I wandered over to the couch and spared my brush a glance. Weird. I could've sworn there had been more hair on it when I set it down...
 
Last edited:
The night went by quickly. It was pleasant overall, despite the tensions Rasmus and the other two boys had. I wasn't sure what their deal was with him. To my knowledge, none of them knew eachother, and we all met relatively within the same week. So why would they have beef with eachother already? It didn't make much sense to me.
I felt a bit bad, not really paying much attention to the video that was put on, and focusing more on watching everyone around me, trying to pick up on all the cues I could. Besides Rasmus and I, everyone was relatively relaxed. You and Damon seemed to be incredibly comfy, practically shoulder to shoulder and joking with DG as everyone munched on their respective slices of pizza.

I smiled as the three of you snorted and giggled over something Arin shrieked on screen, chuckling to myself in tandem with the lot of you. But Rasmus only gave a short and bitter snort, and I turned to eye him curiously. Gently, I nudged a foot against his ankle, and he looked up at me from over his phone he'd whipped out. The reflection in his eyes showed he wasn't really looking at anything besides the home screen.
I made a small motion with my hands, a simple point in his direction and the okay symbol with my fingers; "u ok?" I signed. He rose a brow at me at first, but I continued to stare at him until he caved a few short moments after.
"I'm fine." He muttered. I watched out of the corner of my eye as Damon and DG just barely quirked their heads in our direction, signifying their easedropping. Rasmus shot them a dirty glare to the back of their heads, shrinking further into himself, his voice a little sharper as he looked back to glare at his phone instead.
"Don't worry about it four eyes."
I was completely unconvinced, but he didn't back down from his lie, so I decided I wouldn't back down either. I nudged his ankle with my foot again. He made a small noise of discontent, but nothing more. I continued to prod, trying to coax him in a gentle but silly way. After a bit, he started to push back with his own foot. An unspoken challenge arose, and I had half a mind to set down my pizza on the back of the couch. Pushing back and forth, we ended up trying to quietly see who could shove the other off the couch the fastest in a battle of footies.

It seemed to take his mind off of whatever was bothering him, and for records sake, I totally would have won that battle if it wasn't for him diving an arm under the blanket, snatching my ankle and dragging me down the couch. A strangled squawk of indignation left me in an instant, startled by the changing tide. With my legs over his and nearly in his lap, he stared down, my ankle still in his grasp.
"I win." He smirked.
"Did not." I shot back, sitting up and fixing my glasses, moving the leg still in his hand to shove his face. He sputtered, "did you seriously just put your foot in my face?"
"Cheaters get the boot."
"I'm taking your sock."
"Hey!-"
"Woah, what's going on back here?" DG's voice suddenly chimed. We both froze, looking down at the floor to see all three heads turned to eye the ruckus starting behind you all. I suddenly felt very aware of myself and Ramus. We weren't doing anything bad, obviously, just playing, but the embarrassment of being caught still put heat on my neck.
Sheepishly, I replied, "...playing?"
I felt like a bird pinned under a cat by the way DG looked us over.
"Under the blanket?" He asked slyly.
Simultaneously, both Rasmus and I looked down to the blanket bunched between us, covering our hips and legs from view.
Oh.
Oh that looks bad.

"It's not what it looks like-" I started, but Rasmus jumped in, tugging my leg again and making me slip backward. He held up my foot and my sock in victory.
"Thanks for the distraction." He commented offhandedly to DG. It didn't seem very genuine if at all, very point-blank. Now it was my turn to splutter, "wha- hey! Gimme back my sock you turd!" I snipped, scrambling to sit up after he finally let my ankle go.
"Who's up for a game of keepaway?" Rasmus asked the group.
"With my sock??" I asked exasperatedly, trying to ignore DG as he eagerly rose a hand. Mischief was written all over his face at the idea of the game.
"Cmon guys, stop picking on Dingo. Plus, it's like... stupid late right now, and I don't want the neighbors sending noise complaints." You chided from the floor, stifling a small yawn.
"Ras, give the sock back and eat some more pizza. You bought it, don't miss out, man." There was a playful smile on your face as you addressed everyone, seeing the humor sparkling in your eyes. Rasmus glanced around the room, then to me who had gotten practically in his face with an expectant hand. If he saw how bright my face had gotten he didn't say anything.
"Whatever. I'm too tired for this anyway." He huffed. He almost sounded disappointed, but he gave my sock back nevertheless.

After that, everything was smooth sailing into sleepy town. It had maybe been twenty minutes after the ordeal before Rasmus was out cold, and you began to follow after.
Quietly, Damon had slipped the remote from your lap and turned the TV off. DG was already on his back with his arms crossed behind his head, his hat haphazardly placed over his eyes. I had a feeling he was feigning sleep, but I couldn't say for sure. He was actually really hard to read much to my chagrin. Shifting, I crept of the couch out of where I was tangled in blankets and Rasmus's outstretched legs, and around and over your sleeping bag. You were barely coherent when I passed you a tired hum, wishing everyone good night.

Frankly, I almost didn't want to leave the living room. The idea of leaving you alone with the three boys didn't sit right with me. But something was comforted knowing Rasmus was at least there. As much as his temper got the better of him, I also knew he wouldn't let us get hurt. I'd seen him tear customers a new one in a heart beat the second some decided to raise their voices at us, even if he pretended they had beef before and he just didn't like the person.
With that in mind, I gave one last look over at everyone, catching Damon's watchful eyes in the process. I don't know how, but it felt like something unspoken happened there. But he nodded, and I felt myself almost relax completely before finally allowing myself to disappear into your room and curling into a ball amongst your hoard of stuffed animals and pillows. A wonderful little nest.

Sometime during the night, as I always did, I found myself awake, and in the next, I was in the living room, clutching DG's hat in my grasp so tightly my knuckles were practically whiter than ever before. The urge to shake him awake struck me, but upon looking at everyone's sleeping faces, I decided against it. I should have figured he would have pulled that kind of trick. I think I was more upset he got in there without me knowing more than anything.
Curiously, looking across the room in the dark, I noticed in yours and Damon's sleep, you both had locked hands together, holding hands even in rest. That softened the frustration and spitting fire in my chest significantly. Looking down at the hat in my hands, I quietly sighed, slipped it onto my head and walked off back to your bed.


The morning went as expected. Apparently wearing DG's hat was the topic of teasing I set myself up for.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top