ask-villegas-sides

[ask-villegas-sides]

[INT. MINDSCAPE – EARLY EVENING – COMMON ROOM]

There’s a subtle shift in the energy of the space. Relief is still cautious, but it’s present. Beckett is curled up in his corner, phone in hand. Reese is already halfway through doodling celebratory cupcakes. Lev has visibly unclenched. Flint and Pride are standing near the window, mid-discussion.

Lev:

(With a tired but sincere smile)

Okay, folks—we’ve got some clarity.

Beckett:

(Quiet, relieved)

It’s not a retinal detachment.

Reese:

Nope! Turns out, it was a posterior vitreous detachment. Basically, the gel inside Riley’s eye shifted away from the retina. Still weird and rare at their age… but not as dangerous.

Flint:

(Straightforward, arms folded)

The ophthalmologist was kind, clear, and did actual testing. She confirmed that because of Riley’s retinopathy of prematurity, this kind of early-onset issue is more likely. That context matters.

Pride:

She also gave instructions on what to watch for—like flashers or if Riley starts seeing a black curtain over their vision. Those would still need immediate care. But for now… we can breathe.

Lev:

(Softer)

And that… that’s a gift. Even in a situation like this.

Reese:

She also suggested Riley ask their PCP about seeing a neurologist for those stubborn headaches that haven’t gone away. So the journey isn’t over… but it’s no longer teetering on the edge of panic.

Beckett:

(Sincerely)

It feels… manageable now. That’s a big shift from where we were a few days ago.

Flint:

We’ll keep monitoring things. But in the meantime… rest. Calm. And maybe even—sleep.

Lev:

(Smiling)

Thank you all for the support. Riley isn’t going through this alone, and it means a lot that you’re here with us.

Update: No retinal detachment! It’s a posterior vitreous detachment—uncommon for Riley’s age, but explained by their vision history. Still some symptoms and next steps, including following up about persistent headaches, but we’re okay. Thank you so much to everyone who’s been cheering Riley on.

[ask-villegas-sides]

hello ✨ would any of you ever consider dying your hair a new color? it might look cool!

Maybe, I guess.

Ooh, maybe red again! Remember that?

Yes, I found it oddly tasteful. Although the dysphoria that Riley experienced from it was… very painful since his mother wouldn’t let him cut his hair along with dying it.

[Reese and Beckett and Lev simultaneously wince. Pride huffs.]

Why must it always be negative? We looked fabulous. Sure, the longer hair was frustrating, but we DID get compliments on the color.

Of course you would focus on the things that boost your ego, Valor.

[ask-villegas-sides]

How has convincing Riley to sleep been working?

[MINDSCAPE – NIGHT – COMMON ROOM]

The room is quiet, dimly lit, soft light spilling in from a reading lamp. Lev sits curled up on the couch, arms folded. Beckett paces nearby, chewing the inside of his cheek. Reese is scrolling through meal ideas on his phone while trying not to fidget. Flint has his laptop open, researching. Pride watches quietly from an armchair, legs crossed, brow furrowed with concern.

💚 Lev:

(Sighs deeply)

Honestly? It’s been a rough few days. Riley’s had a pretty big health scare.

🐼 Beckett:

(Low and tense)

They started getting floaters, light sensitivity, and headaches last Friday. When they went to the ophthalmologist, she said she saw what looked like a retinal detachment in Riley’s good eye. The right one.

🌹 Reese:

Which, you know… if you know Riley… that’s a terrifying thing to hear.

💜 Pride:

They were sent to the ER, where a retina specialist did an ultrasound. He didn’t see a detachment, though no images were taken from the original appointment. Which is, frankly, baffling.

👔 Flint:

(Bluntly)

That ambiguity isn’t helping Riley’s anxiety. Understandably. There’s too much unknown. We’re waiting on follow-up results and Riley’s seeing a general ophthalmologist today at 1:40. Hopefully, someone will clarify what’s really going on—or at least refer them to someone who can.

💚 Lev:

(Softer)

They also went back to the ER because the symptoms hadn’t improved. The doctors did an MRI to check for more serious causes—like MS—but it came back normal.

🐼 Beckett:

(Still pacing)

Which is a relief, yeah… but it doesn’t erase the uncertainty from the original retinal finding. Or the fact that symptoms are still there.

💜 Pride:

It’s anxiety in a pure, undiluted form. “Why didn’t anything show up? Was it a misreading? What if it’s getting worse?”

That fear lingers.

🌹 Reese:

We’ve been trying everything—warm drinks, calming music, distraction, deep breathing. Lev even tried narrating an entire baking competition to lull Riley to sleep.

💚 Lev:

And I was so close, too.

👔 Flint:

Ultimately, Riley’s doing what they can. They’re asking questions, attending appointments, following up. That’s brave. That’s what matters.

🐼 Beckett:

(Quiet, sincere)

And we’re here. Every step of the way. Even when Riley feels like the floor’s shifting under them—we’re right here.

Thanks for checking in. Riley’s fighting a storm of unknowns, but they’re not alone.

Next stop: today’s ophthalmologist appointment. Fingers crossed for clarity.

[ask-villegas-sides]

Beckett stands by the laptop, arms crossed. Reese lounges upside-down on the bed in Riley’s room which is the mindscape at the moment. Lev brings over tea, and Flint is standing stiffly with Pride standing nearby, unimpressed but fabulous as always.

Beckett:

(Deadpan)

So we’re doing this. We’re actually dusting off the old blog.

Reese:

YES! And this time, we’re gonna commit. Posts, answers, chaotic polls, maybe even a makeup tutorial from Pride—

Pride:

(Sharply)

Excuse you, my skincare routine is classified. And flawless.

Lev:

(Smiling gently)

We just thought it might be nice to reconnect. Things have been heavy lately for Riley, and this blog… well, it brought some light, didn’t it?

Flint:

(Straightening his glasses)

We should establish boundaries. Clear categories. No more “ask the Sides what cryptid they are” questions. They’re never productive.

Reese:

Says Mothman in a tie.

Beckett:

(Sighing)

We’re here. That’s what matters. You want to ask about what it’s like living with Riley? About how we’ve changed? Fine. Just don’t expect all the answers to be sunshine and cupcakes.

Lev:

Unless they’re vegan cupcakes. I love those.

Reese:

We know! You cried over the lemon lavender ones!

Lev:

They were moving.

Pride:

(Sipping tea)

Anyway. Ask away. We’re still your Sides. Still Riley’s. Still figuring this life thing out—together.

Beckett:

(Typing, muttering)

God help us all.

[ask-villegas-sides]

Title: “Unwanted Messages & Unfiltered Opinions”

Setting: The Mindscape living room. The atmosphere is casual but tinged with irritation. Riley is curled up on the couch, scrolling through their phone with a disgruntled expression. The Sides are sprawled around in various states of relaxation—though “relaxed” is debatable, considering the conversation topic.

Beckett: Frowning, hugging a pillow tightly. I knew this was a bad idea. I knew adding some random guy from Bumble would go wrong. I had a feeling, and yet— gestures wildly at Riley’s phone. Here we are!

Reese: Lying upside-down on the couch, legs draped over the backrest, smirking. Okay, but like… how fast did he go from ‘Hey, how are you?’ to full-blown ‘Hey, here’s my unsolicited garbage’?

Riley: Sighing, rubbing their temples. Literally within a couple of messages. I thought he was cute! And then BAM—instant regret.

Flint: Sitting in an armchair, adjusting his glasses, looking deeply unimpressed. Statistically speaking, this was a predictable outcome. The percentage of men who behave this way on dating apps is— pauses, scanning an imaginary chart in his head—frankly, abysmally high.

Valor (Pride): Arms crossed, standing by the fireplace, jaw clenched. He thought he could do that because he assumed he could get away with it. Because too many people let him. Riley, you don’t owe anyone your time, especially not some random creep on Snapchat.

Beckett: Still clutching the pillow like it’s a shield against humanity. What did he even think was going to happen? Like—what’s the logic here? “Oh wow, thanks for that explicit, unprovoked message, let’s fall in love immediately”?!

Reese: Snorting, flipping right-side-up and resting his chin on Riley’s shoulder. Honestly, I almost respect the audacity. It’s like watching someone sprint full-speed into a brick wall. In slow motion. Grinning. Almost respect, but mostly just… wow, dude, read the room.

Flint: Sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. This is why I advocate for precautionary vetting. A basic conversation before adding someone on another platform would significantly reduce this risk.

Riley: Groaning, covering their face. Okay, okay, lesson learned! No more fast-adding cute guys from Bumble.

Beckett: Muttering. Should have never been a lesson in the first place.

Valor (Pride): Voice sharp, a rare flash of genuine anger in his eyes. It’s not Riley’s fault. Don’t blame them for expecting basic human decency. The blame is on him.

Reese: Mock offended. Hold on—did you just defend Riley? Pride actually being protective? Gasps dramatically, clutching his chest. Who are you, and what have you done with Valor?

Valor (Pride): Rolling his eyes but still tense. I’m always protective. I just usually focus on bigger things. But this? This is pathetic. He thought he could test Riley, see how far he could push, just like so many others do. I hate it.

Flint: Nodding. He likely does this to multiple people, knowing full well that some will block him, but he’s gambling that others won’t. It’s a predatory tactic, simple as that.

Beckett: Grumbling, pulling the blanket up to his chin. Can we… not think about how many other people he’s done this to? I’d like to believe he just disappears into the void after getting blocked.

Riley: Dryly. Yeah, well, I blocked him, so I’m choosing to believe he no longer exists.

Reese: Casually flipping his sketchbook open. Want me to doodle a highly embarrassing, not-at-all-flattering caricature of him? I’ll even add stink lines.

Riley: Laughs, shaking their head. As tempting as that is, I’d rather just move on.

Valor (Pride): Still scowling. Fine. But next time, trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.

Flint: Matter-of-factly. I suggest we implement a waiting period before adding people outside of dating apps. A minimum of three days of conversation before exchanging additional contact information.

Beckett: Muttering. Or just… never add anyone ever again. Ever.

Reese: Grinning. Or, hear me out—Riley could start sending them weird messages first. Really throw them off their game. Puts on a dramatic voice. “Hello, sir, do you have a moment to discuss the philosophical implications of potato salad?”

Riley: Snorts, shaking their head. Tempting. But I think I’ll just be more careful next time.

Lev: Finally speaking up, his voice calm but serious. That’s really all we can do—learn from it and move forward. It’s frustrating, unfair, and exhausting that we have to be on guard like this, but you’re not alone, Riley. You’ve got us. Always.

Riley: Smiling softly, pulling the blanket tighter around themselves. Thanks, guys. I needed this.

Beckett: Still wary but relaxing slightly. Just… take care of yourself, okay?

Reese: Winking. And if you ever do want me to draw an embarrassing doodle of him, you know where to find me.

Valor (Pride): Rolling his eyes, finally sitting down. Just… next time, let us vet them first.

Flint: Adjusting his glasses, already making a mental checklist. Agreed.

Riley: Laughing lightly, shaking their head. You guys are the weirdest bodyguards ever.

Lev: Smiling. And yet, you wouldn’t have it any other way.

The group settles into a more comfortable silence, the tension slowly fading as they shift into easier conversation.

Lev: Let’s check the askbox, see if anyone wants to talk to us. At least the Fanders that would be interested in our blog won’t send that kind of stuff.

[ask-villegas-sides]

How's laddie?

Hey, sorry we haven’t been around! We’re scrambling to get all the information we can for Riley’s trip to Louisiana. Flint is short-circuiting it seems like. - Beckett

[Flint paces back and forth, muttering under his breath.]

Flight schedule, packing list, phone calls, health insurance. We have the needed flight information, so that’s taken care of, as well as Laddie’s being able to fly…. Riley really must begin packing, although getting him to do anything of the sort just makes him refuse and put it off. We made the call to the center to get the news that everything we need for EBT and insurance will have to be taken care of after we move, so no use worrying now…. But we do need to worry because what if we FORGET something? - Flint

Yeah, he’s a goner. - Beckett

Oh, he’s just- enthusiastic. - Lev

Enthusiastically wearing a hole in my patience with all the pacing. - Reese

Well, let’s just answer the question. Laddie is doing much better thanks to the medication, and he’s back to his usual self. - Lev

[ask-villegas-sides]

What are your favourite cookie flavours?

Red velvet.

I love chocolate chip!

I prefer peanut butter. Simple.

My favorite?? Why do I have to pick just- snickerdoodle!

Oreos.

[ask-villegas-sides]

"Operation 'Get Riley to Sleep' = Complete Failure 😤"

Beckett: Okay, seriously, we’ve tried EVERYTHING. Gentle reminders, bedtime routines, relaxation exercises... nothing works! Riley just won’t go to sleep on time, and I am spiraling over this.

Lev: Honestly, we’re all worried. Sleep is super important, and you deserve rest, Riley! But somehow every night turns into, “Just one more episode” or “Let me finish this level.” 😩

Flint: This level of sleep deprivation is not sustainable. Sleep hygiene is essential, yet here we are—past midnight AGAIN, with you scrolling on your phone. We’ve discussed strategies. We’ve created schedules. None of it sticks.

Reese: And like, I totally get it—who wants to sleep when there are stories to write, shows to watch, and random ideas popping up at 2 AM? But still... even I think we need to chill at some point, dude. Your brain can’t art if it’s sleep-deprived.

Beckett: Exactly! And I mean—what if something bad happens because we’re too exhausted to deal with it? Like, what if we miss an appointment or forget something important? Like today, when Riley forgot to take Laddie out this morning to relieve himself and the dog sprinted to the door so fast he almost crashed? Yeah- not good.

Pride: Pfft. Honestly? At this point, it feels like Riley is deliberately testing how long they can function without proper rest. “Will it be catastrophic today? Let’s find out.” 🙄 We can’t function at our best if you keep burning out like this, Riley. You’ve got things to achieve, goals to crush, dreams to chase. But that all requires energy—and that means SLEEP. Rest isn’t weakness. It’s strategy.

Beckett: Exactly! I mean, what’s the point of trying to stay ahead of every possible danger if we’re all exhausted while doing it? 😵

Lev: We care about you, Riley. We want you to feel good, and that starts with rest. So PLEASE—tonight, let’s try getting to bed on time? For us? For Laddie? 🥺

Reese: Ooh, I’ve got it! If you go to bed by 11, I’ll draw you a custom doodle of whatever dream you have. Deal? Deal.

Flint: We’ve optimized every other part of the schedule. This is the last hurdle. Please cooperate.

Pride: Or not. At this point, what’s one more late night in the grand scheme of bad decisions?

Beckett: Why not send us some asks to keep us busy? We’ll still be here at 3 AM... if that’s how this goes. Just saying. …OH MY GOD, PLEASE JUST GO TO SLEEP!

[ask-villegas-sides]

not about the sides, but do you have another cute picture of your doggie? :3 💛

he looks like such a good boy and i must thank him for his service 🫡🩵 /gen

[ask-villegas-sides]

I don’t know if anyone has asked this, but what sides are there? I know the specific sides can differ from person to person. And too, what is each sides favorite and least favorite thing? (ex. food, book, music, object, etc.)

My favorite thing is listening to 5 Seconds of Summer or reading “Forest of Hands and Teeth”. My least favorite thing is mushrooms. - Beckett

Yes, we all aren’t fond of them. My favorite thing is listening to music that helps me to think and reading “Sound and the Fury”, as well as “Finnegan’s Wake”. - Flint

I love listening to musical theater soundtracks, especially “The Outsiders”. My favorite book is the “Wicked” book! - Reese

I love vegan ice cream and reading “The List” or “No Safety in Numbers”! My favorite movie is “Sandlot 3”. - Lev

I love eating chips, especially barbecue flavored ones. My favorite book is “How to Make Friends and Influence People”- Riley could use tips from there. - Pride

[ask-villegas-sides]

Here’s us, everyone, if you want to know what we look like. We went through a lil upgrade along with new in progress logos- I think it’s dope.

Yes, I love it! It’s so vibrant and the artist definitely deserves kudos for the effort and creativity! Good job portraying us all. Go commission this lovely artist, everyone!

It’s amazing and fun and nice and fun!

It is a pleasing piece.

Thank you so much to @ask-villegas-sides for commissioning me to draw their Sander Sides OC’s! I’d absolutely recommend checking out their blog and getting to know these lil guys. If you’re interested in a commission, let me know.

[ask-villegas-sides]

This is Amal and her family. My children are living under bombardment in the war 😭 Please consider them your children and help them 🙏🙏 Stand by my side to save and protect my children. They haven't gone to school for a year 🙏😢😢 Donate to save my children's lives 🍉 🙏🇵🇸 We live in very difficult and desperate circumstances, and what is worst of all is that the fear that haunts me increases day by day. Help me provide them with basic life needs. @gazavetters is verified, my verified number in the list is (#55)

OOC: Boost! But please don’t flood the askbox with these messages anymore everyone- it could drown out actual asks for the blog. I of course will reblog donation posts on my main blog once I make it, but I’d like this blog to stay related to my OCs, and I hope you all can understand!

[ask-villegas-sides]

New side!

Hello pride, how are you? Other than pride, what traits do you encompass?

Glad you asked. Other than pride, I’m also in control of Riley’s right leg. And his left leg. I have all the legs!

Greedy as usual, even when Riley was born and we came into existence.

[ask-villegas-sides]

How’s everyone doing?

-@/thecrescentmind

Ugh….

Riley is in a good deal of pain at the moment, which naturally is heightening anxiety, which means Beckett is-

UGHHHH.

Why can’t this recovery be simple, you know? Like putting on a Band-Aid!

[ask-villegas-sides]

I love the Halloweason!

Don’t you mean Halloween?

It’s my word, Flint. And it’s perfect.

🎃🍂🎃🍂🎃🍂🎃🍂🎃🍂🎃🍂🎃🍂

babe wake up october 2024 just dropped

🎃🍂🎃🍂🎃🍂🎃🍂🎃🍂🎃🍂🎃🍂

[ask-villegas-sides]

[The Sides are riding in the car on the way to the procedure. Beckett is pulling his hood down and groaning, Lev is perched on the glove box humming to himself, Flint is reading a book and Reese is glancing at Beckett worriedly.]

I’m not sure what would make you feel better right now.

Not going. Not going would be awesome.

B-but we already paid for this- or Riley’s parents did. It would be very difficult to go back on this now.

Ugh, don’t remind me!

[Lev frowns.]

Beck, I’m scared too, but we’re all going to be there for him. It’ll be okay and soon enough recovery will happen and it’ll be normal again.

I guess… I’m done talking about it. Let’s just see if we get any asks for the blog.

[ask-villegas-sides]

Favorite activities to do?

Definitely playing with Laddie. He loves fetch.

Once again Beckett, HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?

The better question is, how can you not love the dog that helps our guy so much? And my favorite activities are singing, writing up new ideas for Riley’s projects as an author, hanging out with these fine fellas and reading.

I’m sorry- does my adherence to what is naturally occurring bother you? We are a part of him, we shouldn’t be ABLE to interact physically with his guide dog! I like reality- and puzzles.

Eh, tomato, tomato. I like baking for everyone. The recent Crumbl scandal inspired me to make cookies!

Can I have one, Lev?

Sure, there’s plenty!