awkwardarin replied to your post “awkwardarin replied to your post “4, 7, 10 you bet your ass I’m...”
*chanting* DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT
You ask, I deliver. Here we gooooo~ (Also I’m going to shame you all I want SO)
As per request, I’ll answer all the asks (that I haven’t already) from the fanfic questions post, but it’s under a read more so I don’t literally kill everyone’s dashes. I’m so sorry in advance
1. What was the first fandom you got involved in?
I mean, before I even knew what “fandom” meant, I was writing Twilight fanfiction, so I guess that counts. The first one I actively participated in was the Grump one haha
2. What is your latest fandom?
Ouran High School Host Club, but again, if you want active participation, then I guess uhhh Night in the Woods?
3. What is the best fandom you’ve ever been involved in?
Definitely the Grump fandom!! I’ve met all the best people and 99% of my friends through this blog right here!
4. Answered
5. Which fandoms have your written fanfiction for?
Uhh Twilight, Big Time Rush, Total Drama, Game Grumps, technically AntiPoppy but it’s not even close to done and not published
6. Answered
7. Answered
8. Answered
9. What are the best things about your current fandom?
I mean, for this fandom, like I said, it’s got all my friends in it. Everyone’s super supportive and there’s tons of opportunities to get involved and create stuff and support other creators! It’s probably one of the nicest communities I’ve been a part of.
10. Answered
11. Who is your current OTP?
Currently I’m still heavily thinking about Hikaru and Haruhi from Ouran Host Club so that I guess haha
12. Who is your current OT3?
The all time babes are Rubbercommanderbang. Also Raven, Cyborg, and Beast Boy is a ship that @cantolopejeevas made me think about and I love
13. Any NoTPs?
Refer to this massive post
14. Go on, who are your BroTPs?
Hikaru and Kaoru from Ouran, The entirety of the Teen Titans, the monks in Xiaolin Showdown, etc
15. Is there an obscure ship which you love?
A n t i P o p p y
16. Are their any popular ships in your fandom which you dislike?
I’m more or less indifferent toward Egobang if we’re gonna be real here. I just don’t feel like there’s anything I can add to it at this point.
17. Who was your first OTP and are they still your favourite?
I mean, before I knew what that meant, probably RaiKim from Xiaolin Showdown. And they’re still great, but now I’m a little gayer.
18. What ship have you written the most about?
Ironically? Probably Egobang. I wasn’t so cynical about it when I first started haha
19. Is there a ship which you wished you could get behind, but you just don’t feel them?
Refer to number 16
20. Any ships which you surprised yourself by liking?
Hmm probably like Septibang? Or CommanderSeptiBang?? Those were two ships I just kinda stumbled upon and was like? Okay I guess we’re doing this now??
Also Mae and Selmers from Night in the Woods. Surprisingly wholesome.
21. What was the first fanfic you ever wrote?
I think I mentioned this before, but it was self-insert Twilight fanfic. Honestly I wish I was just as shameless as I was in middle school. Writing Mary Sue self-insert fic where you ship yourself with a main character is fun and satisfying as hell.
22. Is there anything you regret writing?
Aforementioned Twilight fanfiction. Though part of me doesn’t because it was my origin story and also, like I said, shameless and for fun.
23. Name a fic you’ve written that you’re especially fond of & explain why you like it.
Ahh probably either “You Monster,” which is like my best stuff that I’ve put up so far??? or the massive Big Time Rush fanfic I talk so much about just for the sheer size of it :P
24. What fic do you desperately need to rewrite or edit?
You Monster!!!! I’m gonna write a redux soon I promise.
25. What’s your most popular fanfic?
???? According to Archive, it’s You Monster! How nice~
26. Answered
27. Answered
28. If someone were to draw a piece of fanart for your story, which story would it be and what would the picture be of?
Literally anything??? I love all fanart of anything I make??? But I guess You Monster haha
29. Do you have a beta reader? Why/Why not?
Hahaha no I don’t write enough to warrant having one. And also I literally almost never edit anything I write rip
30. Answered
31. Answered
32. Do you listen to music when you write or does music inspire you? If so, which band or genre of music does it for you?
Depends!! Sometimes music really confuses my brain and makes me unable to think of words, especially if it’s really word-heavy music (which is most of what I listen to). If I’m really struggling, it usually helps to do it in silence so I can focus. But otherwise, I used to make little playlists of instrumental music to listen to, or play premade playlists of like study music or something.
33. Do you write oneshots, multi-chapter fics or huuuuuge epics?
I really like writing huuuuge epics/multi-chapters but I’m really bad at finishing things ;--; so most of what gets published are requested one-shots/ficlets (one of which was requested the other day and I’M STILL T R Y I N G I SWEAR)
34. What’s the word count on your longest fic?
Oh buddy. It’s over 100K.
35. Do you write drabbles? If so, what do you normally write them about?
Uh I guess? But I’m not particularly stuck to the “required word count” for the different vocab. I usually only write really short things when people request stuff haha. But it’s kinda fun~
36. What’s your favourite genre to write?
Probably just straight angst. Angst that develops character, specifically, but angst nonetheless.
37. First person or third person - what do you write in and why?
Third person. I used to write in first person and for some reason it always seems less?? effective/neat to me? Plus I write very colloquially and I find it easier to do when I can write in third person.
38. Do you use established canon characters or do you create OCs?
Usually canon characters, but if it’s something like Total Drama that depends on constantly changing casts of characters, I’ve definitely made some of my own characters.
39. What is you greatest strength as a writer?
Uhhh???? Uhhhh????? Does not compute????
40. What do you struggle the most with in your writing?
Effectively capturing characters, at least that fit my own standards. And then also the anxiety that comes along with thinking its good enough to waste people’s time with. :’)
41. List and link to 5 fanfics you are currently reading:
I’m not...currently reading any...but I will link to five of my favs.
1. Before and After (Shaddic) --Total Drama (also tw for a lot of HEAVY mental illness/abuse/violence)
2. Wu Xing Shield (DragonNutt) -- Xiaolin Showdown (tw: death)
3. If Lost, Return to Phil (thatsmistertoyou) - Dan and Phil (I don’t remember, I just remember it being really fucking sad)
4. Two Roads Meet (pianodan) - Dan and Phil (tw: suicide)
5. The Vibe and The Vibe 2: 2Fuck2Vibrator (by our very own @cantolopejeevas) (tw: gratuitous smut ;) )
42. List and link to 5 fanfiction authors who are amazing:
1. @cantolopejeevas / @grumpygamersandvibrantcolors for obvious reasons. they’re just!!! so good!!! at all the types of writing. (hey go commission them) The Ultimate Senpai
2. @i-am-avacado oh boy they angst well! current holder of the angst crown (for nooooow~) honestly writing senpai
3. @devilgate-drive provides the Good Quality Rubbercommanderbang Content and also just generally talented
4. @sweetiefiend writes the cute shit!!! like damn!!!!
5. @autumn-feels so??? talented for her age??? and so deep wtf
43. Is there anyone in your fandom who really inspires you?
I mean, all of my friends for one. And my lovely darling @cantolopejeevas who continues to push me forward and compliments my work all the time. But yeah, all my friends make me wanna get better because they’re all so good and I wanna do that tooooo!!
44. What ship do you feel needs more attention?
AntiPoppy. Please.
45. What is your all time favourite fanfic?
Fuckin’!!!! Wu Xing Shield, listed above!!! It’s the first fanfic I cried reading!!! And it’s so beautifully written!!! If you like Xiaolin Showdown, I recommend it. Plus, it also took stuff from Xiaolin Chronicles and made it bearable. Bless.
46. If someone was to read one of your fanfics, which fic would you recommend to them and why?
Ahhh You Monster. It’s probably my best one. Even though it needs heavy editing haha.
47. Archive Of Our Own, Fanfiction.net or Tumblr - where do you prefer to post and why?
I mean....Fanfiction.net is where it all began, but I never posted anything on it. I think AO3 is the best for posting fics and keeping track of them. But more people usually see it if I post it on my tumblr. So a mixture of those two?
48. Do you leave reviews when you read fanfiction? Why/Why not?
For the longest time I didn’t because I had major anxiety!!! I was too nervous to leave a comment, no matter what. Plus, I didn’t really make accounts on either ffn or ao3 so I couldn’t have if I wanted to. But now I like leaving tags and stuff on people’s works on tumblr and (if I read more fic) I would leave comments, just because I want people to know they’re doing good work!!
49. Do you care if people comment/reblog your writing? Why/why not?
Yeah, I mean, of course! I love seeing comments on all my work, art, writing, or otherwise! It’s just nice to know that someone liked something I made, especially if it’s something I’m self-conscious about like I am with writing. And reblogs help spread it around so it can get more attention, so that’s always helpful!
50. Answered
51. Answered
I HOPE EVERYONE IS HAPPY ESPECIALLY YOU @awkwardarin
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Bringing this blog out of retirement to bust my writer’s nut block with an entry for @omgsuchegobang / @awkwardarin ‘s “Fluff Me To Death” writing challenge. Enjoy!
Subject: Definitely Just Grump Business
From: Arin Hanson (
[email protected])
To: Barry, Brian, Ross, Suzy (see details)
Alright gang,
Contrary to the clever and misleading subject line, this is NOT just Grump business. That was a ruse to keep Dan off our backs. Pretty smart, right?
We’re a week out, so I wanted to touch base with everyone about Dan’s birthday party. How’s everything coming together?
Your Lord and Commander,
Arin
Cake = covered! ...mostly. Dan’s not allergic to peanut butter, right? Are peanuts kosher?
- sUzY /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Hey boss!
I’m taking Dan out Friday afternoon so you guys can come by and decorate the apartment. We’ll probably go see a movie or something. How much time do you think you’ll need?
- B
Subject: Re: Definitely Just Grump Business
From: Arin
To: Barry
...The party’s on Saturday, B.
Grumpily Yours,
Arin
Subject: Shit.
From: Barry
To: Arin
Shit. I, uh, kinda had plans on Saturday…
- B
Subject: Are you shitting me
From: Arin
To: Barry
Seriously, Barr?
Definitely Grumpily Yours,
Arin
Subject: Re: Are you shitting me
From: Barry
To: Arin
I kid, I kid. Saturday it is.
- B
Arin,
Thank you for the helpful reminder email. I’ve been working on a playlist I think Danny will really enjoy, so consider music/DJ services officially covered.
By the way, make sure to reply ONLY to my work email - Danny has access to the Ninja Sex Party account. Wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise by mistake.
Best,
Dr. Brian Wecht, Ph.D
Centre for Research on String Theory
Subject: Re: Re: Definitely Just Grump Business
From: Arin
To: Brian
Great. Great. Sounds awesome…. by “playlist”, you definitely *don’t* mean “every Rush album in order played back-to-back”, right? Just checking.
Final boss,
Arin
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Definitely Just Grump B…
From: Brian
To: Arin
Arin,
I didn’t say I was finished working on it. I’ll have something, ah… varied, for Saturday.
Adverbially yours,
Dr. Brian Wecht, Ph.D
Centre for Research on String Theory
Dan’s having a birthday party?
xxxx Ross
Subject: Re: Re: Definitely Just Grump Business
From: Arin
To: Ross
Rosssssssss.
Not amused,
Arin
Baaaaabe,
So I kinda maybe forgot Dan’s birthday party was this weekend. Can we switch our plans to Friday night instead? I promised Arin I’d distract Dan while everyone sets up.
- B
Subject: Re: Fwd: Shit.
From: Ross
To: Barry
Fine… but only ‘cause you’re so cute, y’know?
One condition: you wear that leather thing from the other night.
xoxo Ross
Subject: Re: Re: Definitely Just Grump B…
From: Ross
To: Arin
Relax, dude, I’m totally joking. I definitely didn’t have any plans for Saturday.
I’m gonna pick up the decorations after work tomorrow night. The bachelorette party section at Party City should have dick-shaped pinatas, right? Dan’ll LOVE one of those!
xxxx Ross
Subject: I’m gonna make YOUR dick a pinata
From: Arin
To: Ross
What do you mean, you didn’t have plans for Saturday? Did you and Barry *both* forget about the party?!!? What, were you guys gonna hang out together or something?
Jesus. No. We’re not celebrating Dan’s birthday by beating a giant penis with a stick. I thought we agreed on a beach/island theme?
Get your shit together,
Arin
Subject: If my dick were a pinata would I jizz candy?
From: Ross
To: Arin
No, Barry and I did not forget. How could I forget about Dan’s birthday? I already said I DIDN’T have plans. I didn’t even know Barry had plans. I bet if Barry did have plans, our plans wouldn’t have coincided. At all. And they wouldn’t have involved leather. Who’s Barry, anyway? He sounds like a fun guy.
Fine. Beachy island whatever it is. You just want an excuse to wear a bikini top in front of ~❤Daniel❤~
Wait… Brilliant idea… dicks on the beach! Best surprise birthday party theme ever!! I’m a genius.
xxxx Ross
Subject: Re: Re: Fwd: Shit
From: Ross
To: Barry
Fuuuck. I think Arin might be onto us….
xoxo Ross
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Fwd: Shit
From: Barry
To: Ross
Uh, okay? What do I do if he asks me about it??
- B
Barry,
Buddy. It’s okay. You can tell me the truth.
Unforgettably yours,
Arin
Subject: Re: Fess up
From: Barry
To: Arin
Fine. Fine. Okay. You got us. Ross and I have been… intimate, for the last couple of months.
We just didn’t want to freak everyone out or mess with the office dynamic or anything!! Especially since we weren’t even sure if it was gonna work out!!! But it’s been going really well and we were gonna tell everyone soon I’M SORRY
Do us a favor and don’t tell Dan, okay? I wanna tell him on my own. Like a roomie thing.
Actually, don’t tell Brian either. He’d want to watch.
- B
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Fwd: Shit
From: Ross
To: Barry
I think I managed to cover for us pretty smoothly, if I do say so myself, so just be cool and don’t say anything if he asks.
xoxo Ross
Subject: FUCK
From: Barry
To: Ross
FUCK I LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG
(OUT OF THE CLOSET, WHATEVER)
I’M SORRY
- B
Wait, what? You’re gay? Or bi or pan or??
?????,
Arin
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Fess up
From: Barry
To: Arin, Ross (see details)
Uhhhhh, yep, as it turns out… wait, what were YOU talking about?
- B???
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Fess up
From: Arin
To: Barry, Ross (see details)
I just meant you can tell me you forgot about Dan’s birthday!!! Holy shit. Well, congrats dude. Although why you’d wanna be stuck with Ross is beyond me.
Speaking of, can you please make sure he doesn’t buy anything inappropriate for the party? I had to remind him a pinata shaped like a schween probably isn’t going to fit the theme.
Royally yours,
Princess Arin
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Fess up
From: Barry
To: Ross, Arin (see details)
YOU’RE GETTING US A PEEÑATA?! Dan’s gonna love it!!
- B
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Fess up
From: Arin
To: Ross, Barry (see details)
NO, he is NOT.
No dicks allowed,
Arin
Subject: Suck my candy-flavored cock Hanson
From: Ross
To: Arin, Barry (see details)
YES, he IS. Why, does the thought of Dan seeing another dick make you ~jealous?
xxxx Ross
PS Barry! “Peeñata”! You’re hilarious, babe.
............../´¯/)
............,/¯../
.........../..../
...../´¯/'...'/´¯¯`·¸
../'/.../..../......./¨¯\
('(...´...´.... ¯~/'...')
.\.................'...../
..''...\.......... _.·´
....\..............(
......\.............\
Definitely not jealous of a paper-mâchè cock,
Arin
Subject: Boring Work-Related Email
From: Arin (
[email protected])
To: Barry, Brian, Ross, Suzy (see details)
Okay everybody. Doubling down because there seems to be some… confusion about this party situation.
Suzy, the cake sounds great. Dan’s probably not religiously opposed *or* allergic to peanuts, since yesterday I watched him inhale a family-sized bag of mini Reese’s cups in under twenty minutes, and he survived to make it to the Grump session this morning.
Brian, lots of Rush is cool, but maybe we could try adding some songs people can dance to?
Barry, we’ll probably need about two hours to decorate. Taking Dan to a movie is perfect.
Ross… just remember what I said about dicks.
Stay sparkly,
Arin
But Arin, you say so MUCH about dicks. How can I possibly remember one specific instance?
xxxx Ross
Subject: Re: Boring Work-Related Email
From: Brian (
[email protected])
To: Arin, Barry, Brian, Suzy
Hello again, all,
The only thing left to do is get creative with the tech setup. I’m thinking disco ball, laser light show, maybe a smoke machine? Something really tasteful and understated. Let me know your thoughts.
Murderous regards,
Dr. Brian Wecht, Ph.D
Centre for Research on String Theory
Subject: Re: Re: Boring Work-Related Email
From: Suzy (
[email protected])
To: Arin, Barry, Brian, Ross (see details)
Getting ExCiTeD! About this party! Here’s a mock-up of the cake decorations.
- sUzY /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Attached: cakedeco.jpg
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Boring Work-Related Em...
From: Arin
To: Barry, Brian, Ross, Suzy
Brian, do you have a disco ball? Or lasers or a smoke machine?
And Suzy, that looks incredible! …I’m just not sure how a creepy tombstone cake fits in with our “beach party” theme?
Your Stalwart General,
Arin
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Boring Work-Related …
From: Brian
To: Arin, Barry, Ross, Suzy
I certainly have some broken glass, a military-grade laser pointer, and incidental knowledge of how to produce smoke by starting some fires. We can start there.
Resourcefully yours,
Dr. Brian Wecht, Ph.D
Centre for Research on String Theory
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Boring Work-Relat…
From: Ross (
[email protected])
To: Arin, Barry, Brian, Suzy (see details)
Suzy, how big is this cake gonna be? I have an idea >:)
xxxx Ross
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Boring Work-Re…
From: Suzy
To: Arin, Barry, Brian, Ross (see details)
Um, normal cake-sized? Why?
- sUzY /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Boring Work...
From: Ross
To: Arin, Barry, Brian, Suzy (see details)
Do you have a pan big enough to fit a person in? I bet Dan would like it if someone popped out of the cake. Someone tall. And grumpy. With long hair. And a blond streak. Maybe scantily clad, wearing a bikini top perhaps? I really think it would fit the theme.
xxxx Ross
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Boring W...
From: Brian
To: Arin, Barry, Ross, Suzy (see details)
Ross,
My friend… you put the stripper inside after you bake the cake.
Best,
Dr. Brian Wecht, Ph.D
Centre for Research on String Theory
Subject: Mind blown
From: Ross
To: Arin, Barry, Brian, Suzy (see details)
Ohhhhh.
xxxx Ross
Subject: CUT THE CRAP YOU GUYS
From: Arin
To: Barry, Brian, Ross, Suzy (see details)
We are NOT hiring a STRIPPER to pop out of Dan’s cake!!!!!!!!!!!!
Graghgrlsdflkjgf!
Arin
Subject: Do you have a G-String
From: Ross
To: Arin, Barry, Brian, Suzy (see details)
Yeesh. Obviously not. Why would we hire someone when you’ll do it for free, Arin?
xxxx Ross
Maybe you should let up on Arin a little bit?
Also, I miss you. Come over to my office?
- B
Subject: Re: Babe…
From: Ross
To: Barry
What? I’m just helping him on his ~journey of ~self-discovery.
On my way!
xoxo Ross
Hey! Would you really pop out of Dan’s cake? That would be soooo cute! :3
- sUzY /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Subject: Re: Cake?
From: Arin
To: Suzy
No, I would not. Ross is just being a prick.
Modestly yours,
Arin
Subject: Re: Re: Cake?
From: Suzy
To: Arin
Oh… okay. Are you sure? I really think Dan would get a kick out of it…
- sUzY /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Cake?
From: Arin
To: Suzy
Geez. Not you too, Suze. I don’t really appreciate all the jokes, okay? I’m just trying to do something nice for a friend here.
Sigh,
Arin
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Cake?
From: Suzy
To: Arin
I wasn’t joking? :(
- sUzY /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
God dammit Ross.
Can you just get off my back please? All I wanna do is throw Dan a goddamn birthday party. Please. This is difficult enough as it is.
Either help me out or don’t,
Arin
Subject: Re: Me Kicking Your Ass
From: Ross
To: Arin
Hey, it’s Barry. Ross is… busy.
He says he’s sorry. Well, actually, what he said was “hmmwaahlfrrrgl,” but I’m pretty sure that means “I’m sorry”. It’s kinda hard to tell with his mouth full.
For what it’s worth, I think you’re taking this a little seriously. Dude, it’s a party! It’s supposed to be fun!
- B
Subject: Re: Re: Me Kicking Your Ass
From: Arin
To: Ross
Wait, his mouth is…?
??? Oh my God. I’m just… gonna ignore that for now. You pervs.
I just want everything to be nice for Dan, is that so bad?
Virtuously yours,
Arin
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Me Kicking Your Ass
From: Ross
To: Arin
Dude, Dan will love anything you do for him. Don’t stress so much.
- B
PS It’s all good, Bossman. We got you covered.
xxxx Ross
Yooo Brian!
Do you have all the music set for Dan’s party? I have a couple requests I was thinking might be fun. Nothing that’ll make Arin freak out, I swear.
xxxx Ross
Subject: Re: Birthday Jamz
From: Ninja Sex Party
To: Ross
arin’s throwing me a party? :D :D :D :D
wait, was it supposed to be a surprise???
- dan
FUCK!!! IT IS NOT ALL GOOD BOSSMAN
I DO NOT HAVE YOU COVERED
I AM SO SO SO SORRY PLEASE DON’T KILL ME
xxxx Ross
Subject: Re: YOU KICKING MY ASS
From: Arin
To: Ross
What did you do?!?!?!?!?!
Arin stood overlooking the city on the small back balcony of Dan and Barry’s apartment. The sun trailed pink and orange streaks, dipping low behind the skyline. An oversized hibiscus blossom tucked behind one ear swayed in the wind as Arin sipped his drink as morosely as one could sip virgin piña colada mix from a plastic tiki head. Heedless to his absence, the party thumped on inside.
The door behind him slid softly open. Dan joined him on the railing. His nose was striped with a thick block of white sunblock, and a chunky disposable camera hung around his neck and chest, bare from his unbuttoned, clashy Hawaiian shirt. He balanced a fork and a grayish palette of cake and mushed icing in one hand as he shut the door behind him.
“What are you doing out here all by yourself?” he asked, playful.
“Just getting a breather,” Arin said, hurriedly forcing energy into a cheerful smile.
Pausing, Dan smiled thinly. Arin’s skin prickled at the calculatory scan the older man gave him. “It’s a great party, dude,” Dan said, after a moment. “You should be proud.”
“I guess so,” Arin said, shrugging. A breath, and then - “You’re not just saying that?”
Dan nodded vigorously, curls bobbing up and down. “Of course not. What’s not to like?”
“I don’t know. I had to convince Brian not to start a fire in your living room, for one,” Arin sighed.
“Sounds like a normal Saturday, then,” Dan said. He shoveled a glob of icing into his mouth. “Suzy did a great job with the cake,” he chewed, orchestrating the point with jabs of his fork.
“You’ve got,” Arin said, automatically, “frosting,” and reached out to swipe the corner of Dan’s mouth with his thumb. Dan blushed, freezing Arin before he realized himself and what he’d just done. Recovering, he said “You, uh, don’t think the tombstone thing is a little… morbid? For a birthday party?”
The older man cocked an eyebrow. “I thought it was supposed to be a big blobby shark.”
Arin actually chuckled at that, softly, but sincerely. Dan grinned loosely and was about to continue when a rolling tide of muffled cheers erupted from inside. Arin’s eyes widened, manic, for a second, but Dan only laughed and shook his head. “I really loved the piñata, too,” he said. “Ross is such a fucker.”
“Tell me about it,” Arin said, immediately glowering. “I told him like, a HUNDRED times not to get the giant dick.”
“Who cares, man? Candy delivery system’s a candy delivery system,” Dan retorted. Arin smiled, small. Dan’s grin faded. “Hey, come on,” he said quietly. “What’s wrong?”
Arin opened his mouth to reply, then closed it again, lowering his gaze. “What is it?” Dan repeated, to no answer. Taking a bit of cake on his fork, his expression settled into grim determination as he slowly pressed forward, gently dotting Arin’s nose with frosting once, twice, three times before the younger man lost his battle and his face untwisted into a smile. Arin glared at Dan reproachfully for just a second, before allowing himself to be fed a bit of cake.
Satisfied, Dan set the empty plate down and looked to his friend again. “Arin,” he said, gingerly.
“I’m sorry it wasn’t a surprise,” Arin said, finally. “I just wish I could’ve made it better. Or gotten you something better, I don’t know.”
Dan looked thoughtful for a long moment. “Well,” he said, “surprise me now.”
Arin frowned. “Right,” he stuttered, “right now?”
“Mhm,” said Dan, decisively. He covered his eyes with his hands.
“I don’t-” Arin began, stopping short. He swallowed hard, his heart pounding harder and harder in his chest. If he was wrong about what Dan wanted…
Slowly, Arin stepped forward and closed the gap between them. He barely breathed, hoping the quiet rush of traffic and dampened music and chatter from inside would cover him. As his skin buzzed, Arin brushed one hand into the collar of Dan’s shirt to steady himself - and insistently pressed their lips together.
Dan tasted like pineapples and sugar, and something softly musical bubbled up from his throat as he returned the kiss. Eyes closed and heavy-lidded, Arin felt Dan’s fingertips brush past flower petals to sweep his hair behind his ear, then gently cup his face. He threaded his fist more firmly into the fabric and let the kiss deepen further, pulling Dan closer. He felt just the barest coaxing of Dan’s tongue on his lips before another ripple of laughter and chatter from inside startled them both back into reality.
Jumping, Arin tried to pull back, but Dan held him solidly in place, turning slowly from the door back to the younger man as he deemed the coast clear. Still cupping Arin’s face, he rubbed Arin’s nose with his own, affectionately, before allowing Arin a delicate half-step back.
“You’ve got,” Dan said, sheepishly, “here,” and rubbed a bit of sunblock off Arin’s nose with his thumb. Arin made a small, content noise, low in his chest.
“Dan?”
“Yes?”
“Happy birthday.”
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