#oc: ryder

[ghoul--doodle]

I will make one (1) more art post, and if this one is marked as mature I can and will start a riot!

I’ve been going crazy with making these simple little references done today because I really want to get them out of the way-! I’m really proud of a lot of these!!

[awkwardgtace]

Stuck and Maybe Stupid

Doubt!! Rhys secret shifter again! Woo

The day after Rhys's foster parents found out about his size shifting he's stuck small enough to fit in their fist. He convinces them to leave, but his foster brother's come home… he's hoping they won't find him.

Stuck and Maybe Stupid

Rhys still couldn’t believe that his foster parents had accepted what he was. Especially the next morning when he’d gotten small enough to fit in their fists again. It helped when one gently picked him up off a pillow and reassured him he was safe. They both talked about skipping work, but he begged them to go. They agreed once he reminded them his foster brothers would be home soon. Rhys swore he’d go to them if there was any trouble; of course he kept the fact it was a lie to himself.

His mom, it didn’t feel real that he could think that, but his mom carried him to the living room. Her hands were soft, holding him firmly against her heart. She set her palm down next to the couch; a place he had hidden more than once. There were plenty of times he’d gotten stuck small before; not while living with this family though. It wasn’t hard to deal with anymore, at least he liked to say it wasn’t. It was kind of nice to have people who wanted to keep him safe until he could get big again. 

They did a lot to make sure he’d have everything he could need. His mom cut up some fruit for him. His dad put a small cap alongside a bowl of water. Even looked for things he could use to stay entertained until he could grow… Having a mom and dad who cared was nice.

Just as he thought that, his dad’s hand surrounded him. Long, massive fingers covered any escape. Panic set in as they pressed him into the massive digits. Then the hand was gone. An echo of the warmth sat on Rhys’s skin. He liked it… He still felt stupid, but they made it feel worth it. Even when their steps made the world shake, bounced him a little off the ground, and reminded him how small he was. It was the first time he could remember a safe feeling while small ever.

Rhys wandered out from under the couch a few times over the next few hours. Each was an attempt to grow, but it filled his body with pain. Eventually he curled up on a cloth his mother had left so he wasn’t stuck on the wood floor. Stuck small usually meant he had to hope he didn’t starve before he could grow. The memories of the last time he was stuck small filled his mind. He’d been so cold and hungry by the time he grew again…

“Rhys you here?” Ryder’s voice jolted him from his thoughts. He curled in on himself, afraid to be found. 

The steps that neared him made Rhys bounce. He clutched the cloth, terrified of what would happen. Horrified that the people he started to trust immediately betrayed him. Tears burned his eyes when Ryder’s steps stopped right at the couch. Right where the people who claimed to care left him. 

“Guess not,” Ryder’s sigh made Rhys’s body go limp. Until heavier steps started. It had to be Felix. Rhys shook as his body was flung in the air by the steps with all of his stout foster brother’s weight. “Was he upstairs?”

“No,” Felix said. The couch creaked in time with the steps stopping. At this size he could hear how normal people affected everything. “We can stay down here and see if he comes home, like mom and dad asked.”

“I guess… They sounded worried. Do you think something happened?”

“Does it matter?” Rhys swallowed. Felix sounded angry. He’d never seen Felix angry. “Kid’s been avoiding us for weeks anyway.”

“Oh so that’s why you’re in a bad mood.” 

Another shiver as Ryder’s steps started up again. Felix’s feet slammed on the ground in front of him. Rhys bit his hand to keep from screaming. 

“I’m not in a bad mood. He doesn’t want to be here, what do I care?” Felix growled. Rhys’s cheeks grew damp as he listened. “Besides I won’t have to fix clothes all the time if he leaves… or worry about the way he flinches from our hands sometimes…”

“Ok, what’s actually on your mind?” Ryder’s voice held the concern Rhys was used to. It was usually sent his way. The steps came back. They stopped and Rhys risked crawling a bit forward to see at least Ryder. He was a lot more intimidating from his current position.

“Nothing!”

Felix’s voice was loud. It made Rhys’s ears ring. He slid back, away from the two. It started to look like a good idea to run. Get out of this place before Vitus and Dabria came back. Before he had to admit that he couldn’t have parents when the rest of the family hated him.

“Is it what Del said? That he’s like her?” Ryder’s voice was soft. The couch creaked as his weight joined Felix’s above him. He inched closer to the feet of his foster brothers. Delphia never mentioned they were similar. If she could change too maybe that was why he had a chance at a mom and dad. 

“He’s not like her. It would have been obvious by now if he was,” Felix’s voice was more how Rhys knew it. Tired, a bit snobby, but a hint of kindness in the words. The anger at least passed. “He’d already have said something off that we could pick up on.”

“Then what is it, I thought you liked our new brother. Mom and dad said you were ok with them adopting him down the line if things worked out.” Another time Rhys had to bite his hand. He’d been hiding so much, but they still wanted him. Even before they saw what he was… Maybe it would change now. They still didn’t know everything…

“His clothes…”

Rhys looked down at his clothes. They were a bit baggy right now. They didn’t fully shrink with him, better than some of the other times at least. Maybe he should ask for some doll clothes. It would make things easier in the future, kind of embarrassing though.

“What? You don’t like his style?” Ryder laughed.

“Of course not,” Felix snapped. “They get torn all the time. A lot of the time after he’s disappeared for the day or just gets home from being out.”

“So… you think someone forgot what happened when they tried to bully Del?”

“Nothing happened back then!” Felix’s voice squeaked. Rhys had to hold back his laugh.

“Oh really? I remember a certain call to dad about someone getting in a fight at school. That a certain brother of mine broke someone else’s nose. If I recall the reasoning was they made his sister cry.” 

Rhys could picture Ryder’s face. A small grin, eyebrows raised, eyes glowing with an emotion he barely understood. Felix’s sigh replaced the image with his face. Eyebrows pulled together, index and thumb on his forehead, eyes closed, a frown that had the smallest hint of smile in it.

“They shouldn’t have made fun of her for warning them about the ticks on their camping trip,” Felix mumbled.

“And no one’s forgotten since. Do you really think someone is bullying Rhys?” Ryder asked. The couch creaked again, Felix’s feet disappeared. Rhys crawled forward, almost out of the shadows. Just in time to watch his foster brother put his feet on the coffee table, they weren’t supposed to do that.

“I don’t know, but how else do you explain all the ripped clothes? The way he flinches from us just tapping his shoulder?! He’s gotta be getting into fights… He could just talk to us,” Felix said. Voice small and so unlike the person Rhys had always seen. Stoic, prepared, confident. This time Felix sounded as scared as Rhys was to be seen.

“You could try asking, he might say it.” 

“You didn’t see his face the one time I did ask…”

Rhys scrambled back just in time to avoid his foster brother slamming his feet back on the ground. He’d gone too far out. That was close and reminded him how stupid it was to listen to the part of him that wanted to call out. 

“It was as bad as Del’s face the first time she told us something before it happened I’m guessing,” Ryder sighed. The couch creaked as he stood up. Rhys closed his eyes, unwilling to see the steps moving around after his close call. That didn’t stop them from bouncing him.

Ryder’s steps got far enough Rhys was left still. The pop of a can opening came from above him. Probably what Ryder went to get at first, a drink for each of them. The silence weighed heavily in the room. Rhys thought it would suffocate him. He tried to think about what they said. That Delphia knew things before they happened. 

It would explain a lot. How she sometimes showed up and left things right where he needed them when he was small. The front door always left unlocked after he’d snuck out when he needed to grow. It never made sense. If she knew…

“It was worse than that Ryder,” Felix’s voice was cold. It froze Rhys in the broken silence. “Like he’d die if I knew what was going on.”

The sound of aluminum crumpling filled the air. Whatever Felix was drinking spilled all over the floor. Rhys told his body to move. Run. If he didn’t they’d see him when they cleaned it up. His legs refused, the cold tone from Felix had locked his limbs down.

“Shit! Ryder bring me some paper towels!” Felix shouted. 

Another bout of ringing in Rhys’s ears. It didn’t make him move. Neither did the fast, heavy steps that approached. The creak of the couch as Felix stood. The slam of his knee on the ground. The hands too close for comfort. None of it broke the spell that cold tone set on Rhys’s small body.

“Don’t forget under the couch.” Ryder’s voice felt far away. As if this was a dream he was about to wake up from. 

Numbly Rhys realized the ground around his feet was wet. He waited. As the shadow covered the light. As massive paper towels slipped in and out. His pulse pounded in his ears. It nearly muted the call to ‘shine some light under here.’

Light blinded him. Usually he adjusted quickly, but not this time. It didn’t matter, he was caught. So he waited. As the paper towels pulled away. As golden eyes filled the space in front of him. As a deep breath was sucked in, it smelled kind of sweet. As a hand with thick fingers replaced those eyes and approached him.

He waited. For the pain as the fingers closed around him. For the regret or anger at his body’s betrayal. The way it wouldn’t listen when he wanted to run. He was terrified. That cold voice filled his mind. Cold aimed at him or the invisible attackers Felix pictured. He couldn’t be sure anymore…

“Rhys?” Felix’s voice was soft. The fingers around him didn’t grab. They surrounded him, but didn’t close. There was no escape.

“Felix, did you hit your head? Ryder’s voice was loud, jovial. “Rhys is small but not that small.”

“Get down here, and turn the flashlight off.”

“Don’t have to sound so mad.”

Another crash as Ryder’s knees hit the ground. Rhys’s heart hadn’t stopped pounding. He was pretty sure his body started shaking. Stupid legs still wouldn’t move. This would be what ended that dream from the day before. He couldn’t have a family when some of them hated him. Mom and dad had to stay Vitus and Dabria because he’d be leaving soon. If they didn’t kill him.

Silver eyes joined golden in staring at him. The blinding light was gone. Thin fingers reached forward. They touched his side, just where the tips of Felix’s ended. It made him jump. He couldn’t tell what would happen next. Either way his secret was out. 

“Did we both hit our heads?” Ryder’s voice was almost inaudible. Even for Rhys. That made it a bit easier.

“...no,” Rhys said. If his dream was ending he was going to be a part of it. He wouldn’t watch it happen.

Felix’s fingers moved. Rhys stiffened, but they actually pulled away. Ryder’s fingers started to fill the empty space, but a noise from Felix stopped him. Rhys watched the two share a look before both hands were completely gone. Then the golden eyes were gone. The silver followed. Legs stayed visible, but there was a spot left in between the two normal people.

“Do… you want to come out?” Felix asked. It was awkward. Not something Rhys was used to.

“N-not really,” Rhys said. There was some shuffling. Both Ryder and Felix moved further from the couch.

“Is this better?” Ryder whispered. 

Rhys wanted to say no again. To curl up on the cloth, away from the gigantic people. The ones he wanted to be his real brothers. When he managed to make his body move, it went forward. Towards them. Step by step he moved farther from the safety of the couch. Closer to the open area where two people would stare down at him. Two people who might not want him around anyway.

As soon as he was in the open, he heard them both suck in a breath. He felt stupid again. It would be a miracle if stupid managed to work out a second time. He felt even smaller than he was as Felix and Ryder loomed closer. It wouldn’t be long before they grabbed him. Squeezed him. Bruised him. It happened once. Though that was a younger kid who thought he was a toy… It would be worse this time.

“So… uh… do you want to talk to us?” Ryder asked. Felix leaned closer. Golden eyes narrowed as they studied Rhys. It made him shiver.

Rhys opened his mouth, but the words died as Felix stood up. The oldest of his foster siblings walked off. The steps, still heavy, made him lose his footing as he left. Ryder made a noise, a cough almost. The steps paused, but continued after a second barely any softer. It was enough he could climb to his feet at least.

“I guess you heard us talking,” Ryder let out an awkward laugh. Rhys nodded. It took a solid minute of silence before he realized Ryder hadn’t noticed his nod. Rhys looked up and saw Ryder looking completely away from him.

“I-I did,” Rhys said hoarsely. Ryder turned to look at him, moved closer. It was terrifying. Somehow more terrifying than Vitus. Rhys stumbled back, but managed to stay out from under the couch. “I-I said I did.”

Ryder looked sad. Before he could speak, Rhys was knocked off his feet again. Ryder looked up to stare at Felix as he approached. Thin fingers surrounded Rhys, it wasn’t reassuring. He wanted his parents. He wanted to get bigger. To stop wondering if this would get worse. When they’d be mean.

Ryder wrapped Rhys in his fingers. Rhys nearly screamed. Felix sat down, the weight would have thrown him without Ryder’s fingers. Right after they were gone. Rhys was left back on his own. No hands crowding him. Both of his foster brothers staring down at him.

“Felix, take it easy,” Ryder tried to laugh. Rhys could tell it was forced. Felix kept his eyes narrowed. 

A shrug. Then hands were heading towards Rhys again. He wanted to back away. Wanted to run. Escape. Hide. His body wouldn’t listen. The hands stopped in front of him. Not touching him. Slowly opened and revealed clothes that looked a lot more comfortable than what he had on. Admittedly his current clothes were stiff from the night before.

“Here, it should fit. I always make something small first,” Felix whispered. 

Rhys reached forward, grabbed the clothes and scrambled back under the couch. He changed quickly. These were a lot softer than what he had on. Warmer too. He felt more in control. Especially out of sight again. Easier than standing there, being stared at.

“So… is this why your clothes always get torn?” Felix asked. Rhys bit his lip. 

“Do we scare you?” Ryder said. Rhys started to shake. They did, everyone did. Except… he kind of trusted Vitus and Dabria. They were so kind, maybe he could trust Felix and Ryder. “Is… this why you flinch all the time?”

Nothing. Rhys couldn’t make his voice work. How could he explain that their hands reminded him of pain? That even now his body ached from all the times people found him. Times people didn’t know where he was and did something by accident. He… he wanted his mom and dad.

“...you know, there’s something like a game we could play.”

“Felix what are you-” Rhys walked forward during the silence, Ryder started to nod under Felix’s gaze “Right… that game.”

Slowly Ryder and Felix lied down. Their heads side to side. Rhys inched closer as the two got comfortable. This didn’t seem like a game to him. His curiosity spurred him closer. He wound up close enough he could touch Felix’s skin.

“Rhys,” Felix started, it made him stumble back, “the game is easy. You can ask us anything or tell us to do anything. We can’t lie and we have to do what you say.”

“Of course you could walk away, we’re not allowed to do anything without an order. Consider us your dedicated knights,” Ryder laughed.

“So… if I say you can’t look at me?” Rhys asked.

“We can’t look at you.”

Felix turned his head to show his eyes were closed. That was… kind of nice. He started to feel stupid again. It felt like it could be fun. As if he could have the chance to see what normal people were like when he was this small.

“Th-then stay still.”

Rhys waited for a few seconds. Neither one moved. So, he walked over to Felix’s side. He tugged at the cloth of the massive shirt. No movement, not even a reaction. He pulled himself up, it was a little hard. Kind of fun too. Felix twitched and Rhys slid. Still he managed to start climbing up his brother… Were they brothers?

After a few minutes Rhys sat on Felix’s stomach, panting. He’d never done something like that before it was harder than he expected. He looked up towards Felix’s face. Eyes were still closed. He could sort of see Ryder’s too. He started walking again.

“Aren’t you mad at me?” he asked.

“Why would I be?” Felix said.

“I lied… about me. The clothes too.” Felix stayed still. Rhys kept walking towards his face. His feet sunk in a bit with each step. Felix was soft, it was kind of nice being up on top of him. Like the few times he got to stay in bed when he was small. “I ripped them… when I got bigger.”

“You can-” Ryder started. He cut himself off. That wasn’t part of the game. It made Rhys smile.

“I’m relieved. I thought it was something else.”

Rhys kept walking forward. Didn’t stop until his hands were on Felix’s chin. He was a bit scared this close, but pressed on. He climbed right onto Felix’s face. Crawled over his cheek to sit near his eyes. They stayed closed even then.

“Isn’t this worse? What if I get big and hurt you?” Rhys mumbled. That made Ryder shift, but he didn’t talk. Didn’t sit up.

Felix didn’t say anything either. Rhys took it as a reason to move. He stood on Felix’s cheek. Stared at the closed eyes. He was tempted to tell him to open them. Instead he walked to where Ryder’s head was pressed against Felix’s. Carefully Rhys stepped onto his other maybe brother. Both Felix and Ryder stiffened when he did.

“Ryder, are you mad at me?” he asked. 

“Furious,” Ryder had a smile as he spoke. “You never told me you could do this. Imagine how much fun we could have with our games now.”

Rhys shivered at the idea. He knew it was meant in good fun, but that didn’t change what he knew it could mean. Ryder’s smile fell. He could feel the way his almost brother stiffened. The way the normal person held back from moving to probably grab Rhys. He found himself worried less about if any hands found him.

“What do you mean more fun?” Rhys asked. He couldn’t hide the fear in his voice.

“You could be the king yourself in chess. The adventurer fighting monsters, be the monsters even. Much more fun for us both.” Felix cleared his throat. “Of course, if you wanted to. Only if you wanted to.”

Rhys nodded to himself. Then walked over Ryder’s face. Ryder couldn’t stay still. He kept scrunching his nose. Rhys stumbled a few times. Fell to his knees just after passing Ryder’s nose. He slammed his hands on Ryder’s face with a smile.

“Stop moving, you're making it hard to walk,” Rhys said.

“Sorry, you’re tickling me. Maybe Felix should have brought you shorter pants,” Ryder laughed. Rhys climbed to his feet as Felix grumbled. Both stuck to the rules of this ‘game’.

After a few more attempts Rhys managed to reach Ryder’s chin. He jumped off to Ryder’s chest. It wasn’t as soft as Felix’s. Easier to walk on. He rushed down past where Ryder’s hands sat. A few stumbles as the chest rose and fell, but he made it. Looking down off the side it became a lot scarier to climb down. It wasn’t high enough he’d get hurt… At least he thought it wasn’t.

Rhys had to stay in control. He wanted this to work. For them to actually treat him like normal even now. So he had to climb down on his own. He started by lying flat on his stomach and crawling backwards towards Ryder’s side. As he did, he looked around and found Ryder’s hands curled into fists. Like he was forcing himself not to reach out…

That gave him the confidence for his next decision. He finished climbing down; more so he fell nearly there, but didn’t make enough of a grunt for Felix and Ryder to notice. He didn’t move at first. Took time to stare at the two giants. He could be big enough they’d look small to him. Another attempt to grow, but again it filled him with pain. He was about to be stupid.

A run back put distance between himself and Ryder before he said, “Sit up.”

Neither moved. He was too quiet. Another try.

“You both can sit up!” He shouted, hands cupped around his mouth. “J-just like before you were lying down!”

Felix moved first, probably confident Rhys wasn’t near. Ryder was a lot more careful. He placed his hands further out than normal, telegraphing where he’d go. It did start to look like they could have fun. Maybe he could have fun at any size.

Those thoughts fell away as Ryder started moving. Watching someone so close and so huge turn around. It made it easier to understand why others had so many issues with him. Usually they saw him bigger and waited until he got small to hurt him. Scared he’d hurt them instead. It made sense with how easy he was to hurt like this, but he’d never do that. He wasn’t going to be like the people he’d met all his life.

Once both Felix and Ryder were facing each other Rhys got moving. He ran right to the space between them he’d avoided earlier. A shiver ran down his spine as he looked up. Eyes closed, faces angled down. They were honest about this game. He… didn’t want to keep playing anymore.

“We… we can stop the game!” he said. There was a strange amount of relief that overtook him as golden and silver eyes looked down on him.

“Are you sure?” Felix asked. Rhys nodded. It was noticed this time. Another relief.

“Feeling better?” Ryder asked. Another nod. Ryder leaned back on his arms, away from Rhys.

“So… now what?”

“Now we maybe get you off the floor?” 

“H-how?”

“You tell us.”

The idea was terrifying. They hadn’t hurt him yet. He stared at Felix’s eyes. It was like when he fixed the ripped clothes. Worry, but nothing cruel. No judgment or anger. 

“Put your hand down and I, uhm, I can try to climb on,” Rhys said.

Felix nodded. The hand came down fast. Too fast. Rhys stumbled back. It didn’t make the hand disappear. The thick fingers towered nearby. It was hard to even consider moving towards them. His body responded though. Shaky steps forward until the heat of the skin was enough to make Rhys sweat.

He put his hands on the palm. He felt small, too small. Another attempt to grow, another bout of pain. One bad enough he almost screamed. If this stupid size thing of his made sense it would be easier. Better. He could be normal, he could have a family. He could be happy.

“Rhys, it’s ok. Let me help,” Felix’s voice made him shake. Warmth surrounded him. Immediately Rhys fought back, pushed against the skin and fingers. Against the things that could kill him in a moment. Against the things that always hurt him. At least until the night before.

“Felix stop you’re freaking him out. It didn’t work,” Ryder said. The warmth stayed close, but less suffocating.

“W-what do you mean it didn’t work?!” Rhys screamed. Now the terror was real. They were tricking him. He’d get hurt, bruised, trapped. Maybe Vitus and Dabria didn’t want to be his parents. Maybe they were tricking him too. Even if they were nice… Even if they said he could call them his mom and dad.

Rhys was left standing on the ground. The fingers were gone. Slowly the palm in front of him pulled away too. He fell right to his knees. It was easy to feel the burn on his skin of the eyes on him. It reminded him of too many things in the past. Times with his first family. Right after he learned he could change his size. Right after he got stuck too big and then too small…

“That was something we did with Delphia a long time ago,” Felix said. His voice was soft, warm. Easier to believe. “When she told us how she knew things she shouldn’t. It made her feel better.”

“We thought it might help. She only asked if we hated her. We should have known it was harder for you. We haven’t been your brothers your whole life like her,” Ryder said. 

“We’re… brothers?” Rhys asked. He managed to look up. Gold and silver, wide as dinner plates stared down at him. Full of pure shock.

“Why wouldn’t we be?” Ryder’s fingers came down fast. Surrounded him. Closed in enough that Rhys started to struggle. He tried to grow, his body was wracked with pain, he was scared.

“Ryder!” The hand was gone. Rhys looked up, Felix held Ryder’s wrist in a tight grip. “Rhys, you’re just small. Nothing else changed.”

“But what if I was big?”

“Then you’d be like normal?”

Rhys shook his head. His whole body followed. That wasn’t it. They didn’t understand yet. None of them understood yet. He was so scared to admit it.  Mom and dad… Dabria and Vitus… they’d change their minds too.

“No, not that big,” Rhys said. He felt as the two leaned closer. He couldn’t make his voice get any louder. “Bigger. Bigger than you two. Bigger than mom and dad. Bigger than the house.”

Echoing silence. He remembered all the tight grips. The bruises. The times he was made to stay in a jar, terrified he’d grow and get hurt. It would happen. His body ached as if the hands had already grabbed him. He wanted to get bigger. To be safe. Two fingers touched him and he screamed.

“Rhys!” Ryder and Felix said. He kept shaking, the fingers stayed against him. Tears fell from his eyes.

“Please don’t hurt me,” Rhys begged. 

This time the fingers didn’t go away. Instead they increased. An entire fist wrapped around him. He couldn’t bring himself to fight this time. The warm, leathery skin was too much. More tears fell. The second they saw him he was at their mercy. Nothing would change. He’d just need to wait until he could grow again. Then he could run.

The warmth disappeared. Rhys fell, a scream caught in his throat. The freefall ended in a second. He met the soft cushion from the couch he honestly never thought he’d experience again. The two faces were right next to him. Metallic eyes staring at him. Still filled with worry.

“There, now we can’t hurt you even by accident,” Felix said. The smile on his face did help to calm Rhys down at least.

“Rhys, is that why you didn’t tell us?” Ryder asked. Rhys managed a nod. “We decided after you came here to be your brothers. Mom and dad didn’t ask us to, so we’re going to keep being your brothers even if you get placed with another family.”

“It’ll just be our turn to play the game if you get that big,” Felix said. Rhys tilted his head to the side. 

“Which game?” Rhys asked. Felix had a big smile.

“You do what we say, answer our questions without lying, until we end the game. Makes it fair, right?”

Rhys nodded. The two smiled at him. It didn’t feel as stupid to trust them. They didn’t really care. This could work. Maybe… maybe he had a family now. Felix and Ryder shifted to look away from him. Towards the tv. He was curious. Smiled widely as it flashed to life with a movie the two told him about.

“Movie night sound good?” Ryder asked.

“Yeah, yeah I think so,” Rhys said. He tried again to get a bit bigger. It didn’t work, his body hurt, but he was ok with it now. As the movie intro started Rhys felt the doubt eating at him starting to ebb. He was even looking forward to seeing Delphia.

[simplegenius042]

Music Monday & "Every Friend Group Has The..." Template

Tagging @josephseedismyfather @voidika @imogenkol @socially-awkward-skeleton @inafieldofdaisies @aceghosts @cloudofbutterflies92 @cassietrn @direwombat @noodlecupcakes @adelaidedrubman @raresvtm @derelictheretic @davrinsgriffons @shallow-gravy @strangefable @statichvm @carlosoliveiraa @g0dspeeed @wrathfulrook @starsandskies @ladyoriza @la-grosse-patate @thewanderer-000 @omen-speaker @alypink @shellibisshe @josephslittledeputy @skoll-sun-eater @afarcryfrommymain @strafethesesinners @turbo-virgins @florbelles @minilev @justasmolbard @yokobai and @seedsplease + anyone else who'd like to join.

Music Monday for The UnTitledverse, An Old Ballad Of Chance And Ember Hearts Trilogy and A Radioactive Calamity Of Love, Bombs & Gore. This time I'm doing another special round but for my favorite songs from Hazbin Hotel/Helluva Boss (or Hellaverse as I've heard it be called) and how those songs fit into my wacky worlds and stuff. Plus a "Every Friend Group Has The..." Template for Life, Despair & Monsters. Anyway, enjoy listening to the first batch of songs and you'll find the template below the cut:

Smile Tunes is a crossover fic (is it really a crossover if their in the same universe?) for Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss in my The UnTitledverse series, focusing on both story lines (which eventually overlap) through the connection/interaction of three OCs; Samuel Who (the Morningstar's adopted son royal advisor who had been tasked by Lilith to look out for his adoptive sister, I mean, the royal heir, Charlie Morningstar), Killian "Krunk" Glass (a shark demon runt from the Greed Ring, now an IMP employee who's basically demolition expert aka the EXPLOSIVES GUY (TM) and occasionally makes the assassinations "look like an accident", despite not knowing how accidents occur for humans), and lastly Kingsley (who seems to be an exorcist, a really tall one, is assumed to have gotten lost in the Pride Ring since the last Extermination and has a bit of the old amnesia to boot, he mostly stays at the Hotel), with Kingsley being a central plot line for both Samuel and Killian to investigate, while Killian and Samuel get involved in romance and since Samuel is basically part of the Morningstar Royal Family, he's able to visit the HB plot line, just as Killian can enter the HH plot line because he's doing the most work for Samuel on the "investigating Kingsley" sub plot. Anyway, focusing on Killian, he's basically the demolition expert aka the EXPLOSIVES GUY (TM), and is often tasked with cleaning up after the group to at least make some of the assassinations look like an accident. Killian likes his boss Blitzo well enough, though is kind of sour about the whole Stolitz situation as he's all about "EATING THE RICH" (until he meets Samuel and eats out the rich), he begins on neutral terms with Moxxie and Millie (who don't hate him but are distant from him mostly due to his slight resemblance to Chaz Thurman) but he begins to bond with them over time (Moxxie and Killian start bonding over their respective roles as weapon and demolition expert, while Millie and Killian start bonding over a shared disdain towards Chaz). He and Loona mostly grunt at each other with head motions/gestures (Killian's wise enough to not upset a short-tempered Hound Demon, in addition to the fact Loona's the boss' daughter), though he does occasionally snicker at her insults. He really, really, really loves his job. Have a listen to the Jingle below:

"When you want somebody gone and you don't wanna wait too long Call the Immediate Murder Professionals! Hand grenade or cyanide, we'll make it look like suicide! The Immediate Murder Professionals! We do our jobs so well, because we come straight up from Hell! We'll kill your husband or your wife, we'll even let you keep the knife! We're the Immediate Murder Prodession-!"

("Kids die for free!")

In the first book of my original trilogy An Old Ballad Of Chance And Ember Hearts, the main antagonists to my pair of protagonists is a trio of Kin who hold control over the cosmos/stars and are entities full of contradictions and paradoxes; their names are Noir, Nova and Noa. They follow the protagonists through their in the Multiverse, acting as nuisances towards both of them. Did I mention that Noir, Nova and Noa may or may not be the same person who came from one or the other or not at all while also maybe or maybe not being brother & sister/father or mother & son/s or daughter who may or may not be in a relationship because they may not be related or maybe they are related or-

Anyway, those deranged and messy and questionable and ambiguous trio dynamics aside, how 'bout some envisioning of Noir singing this song with Noa and Nova when confronting the two human explorers encroaching on their territory:

"Inside of every human* is a lost cause, ha But we'll dress them up for now with just a smile ("Wicked smile!") And we'll chlorinate this cesspool with some old redemption flair And show these simpletons some proper class and style ("Class and style!") Oh, here below the ground, I'm sure your plan is sound."

[* Noir would be speaking with the two protagonists, who are the first HUMAN travelers of the Multiverse, so demon wouldn't make sense in this context].

Last song with my Fallout New Vegas Courier Six OC Ryder as the focus and (one of) her love interest's sister Marissa "Ress" Bishop as a support. I detail this as more specifically Ryder chasing her never-ending ambitions no matter the cost, which results in her committing actions that leave her isolated, used by bad influences, feeling lacking/empty inside and seeking out new highs to satisfy or distract her from that endless pit (gaining more power/influence/knowledge for the former and sex/drugs/violence for the latter). Ress acts as the person trying to temper this to a least less harmful degree, even while she's definitely contributing to Ryder's behaviors as well, as she too has wants a satisfying life making a name for herself while indulging in her vices, though not to the extent of Ryder's ambitions. Michael Kovac's section of lyrics describes Ryder while Chi-Chi's section more-or-less kind of describes Ress. [TW: Please read the warning at the beginning of the video... unless you're just listening to it, though the lyrics have heavy subject matter in them]

"Til death do us part But we're already past that phase This is a brand new start And I think I deserve some praise For the way that I am Despite having overdosed, and ending up comatose I don't give a damn I've let my emotions go, fuck being a sober hoe This is the mantra, this is my life You're playing with now till the end of the night Surrounded by fire, the passion ignites A hit of that heaven and hell, a hell of a high!"

"I'm addicted to the madness This casino* is my atlantis We're forever gonna have a fucking reason to sin Let me leave my soul to burn and I'll be breathing it in I'm addicted to the feeling Getting higher than the ceiling And we're never gonna want this fucking feeling to end Just concede and give in to your inner demons again!"

"Yeah, you fell in love But you fell deeper in this pit While death rains from above So count your blessings 'cause this is it You're not letting it go So what if I misbehave, it's what everybody craves You already know So come if you're feeling brave, and fancy yourself a mate You want it, I got it, see what you like? We could have it all by the end of the night Your money and power, my sinful delight A hit of that heaven and hell, a hell of a delight!"

"I'm addicted to the madness This casino is my atlantis." "We're forever gonna have a fucking reason to sin." "Let me leave my soul to burn and I'll be breathing it in." I'm addicted to the feeling Getting higher than the ceiling And we're never gonna want this fucking feeling to end Just concede and give in to your inner demons again!" "Just concede and give in to your inner demons again."

"I'm addicted to the madness This casino is my atlantis. We're forever gonna have a fucking reason to sin. Let me leave my soul to burn and I'll be breathing it in. I'm addicted to the feeling Getting higher than the ceiling And we're never gonna want this fucking feeling to end Just concede and give in to your inner demons again!"

("One, two. One, two, three, c'mon!")

"I'm addicted to the feeling Getting higher than the ceiling And we're never gonna want this fucking feeling to end Just concede and give in to your inner demons again!"

"I'm addicted to the sorrow When the buzz ends by tomorrow There's another rush of poison flowing into my veins Giving me a dose of pleasure that resides by the pain I'm addicted, I'm dependent Looking awesome, feeling helpless And I know I'm raising cane by every highway in hell Maybe things won't be so terrible inside this casino."

[* Casino instead of hotel since the Lucky 38 is where Ryder's base of operations tends to be since she came into the Mojave.]

This friend group from Life, Despair & Monsters includes Monika (from Doki Doki Literature Club), her sibling Haoyu Anabuki, their (future) boyfriend Icarus Galatos, his rather delinquent alter Xavier Tulip, his more sweeter idealistic alter Hatsukami Hinode and his friend Marinette Dupain-Cheng (from Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Chat Noir) as...

Blank Template below:

[eydika]

smoochies

@thatsushichick @scr1ptor @baberahamlinkin

[nervouswizardcycle]

Happy birthday Queen

[ghost-qwq]

I want... to draw... or give headcanons. Characters please... begging.

until then take... Mojave Cyrus doodles and other Fallout ocs (ft me drawing Flak and Shrapnel,, two men I have NEVER drawn before nor know how to draw </3)

[garykingz]

Btw I created Ryder's character like five years ago and bc his character is LITERALLY a sentient AI, he gets blacklisted on his own Pinterest board bc AI is now real and they hate him

[aquaticcryptid]

Pride doodles I never got to time to finish! I felt these were still really cute so I smacked the color on the flags!! :)

[themintsimmer]

Return to Vamp Country. My mini vampire LP, The Knyght Ryders, is returning as a full occult LP this summer. You can catch up on the story here.

[buttterflytrait]

here are the boys school look books !! ugh i love them sm :)

the girls look books here!!

[awkwardgtace]

829 Returned

hey hey managed to get overbearing done just in time! so day 7

Ryder is back home with his family after being set free from his place as a weapon. It hasn't been as easy as he hoped.

829 Returned

I was a weapon.

Ryder was reminded of that every morning as he woke up. When he faced the sword that only he could lift. The one he’d used his old clothes to tie it in its sheath.

I am not one.

He almost constantly had to remind himself of that. He was back in the only home he’d ever had. That fit him when he left. Surrounded by a family no bigger than his fingers. It felt foreign and familiar at the same time.

My entire body can be one.

The idea slammed into him every time he forgot to duck under a door frame. He’d grown a few feet bigger than they expected. The predictions were wrong and he couldn’t forget that. He couldn’t stop wondering what other predictions about him were wrong too.

I inspire fear like one.

Those thoughts screamed in his mind every time Vitus flinched from his shadow. As much as he tried to hide it, Ryder always noticed. He noticed when Vitus dodged behind something as he walked by. The scars of what he’d nearly done wouldn’t fade.

I am as strong as one.

At least once a day Rhys or Felix would insist he pick them up. They said he had to get used to them again. At first the determination helped Ryder feel as if he belonged. Then he noticed the changing bruises on their skin. Some parts faded, others fresh. All caused by him.

I sound like one.

Vitus would try to make him talk. Ryder’s voice kept a gravel aspect to it. As if he was always growling. They didn’t know what the scientists had done to silence him. It was easier not to speak. He hated the way the humans he cared about jumped from his voice.

I am seen as one.

It was difficult to live as if life was normal. He was larger than other giants. At least a full head if not more. They avoided him. Humans did too. It was obvious the few times Felix insisted Ryder go with him to a store. If he entered the clerks would hide until he left. He caught on the first time Felix waited thirty minutes to buy what he needed.

I committed the sins of one.

Ryder struggled to face Dabria. From the moment he returned she was kind to him. She would do her best to make him meals. Spent days working somewhere near him. Always in the same room. Always somewhere he could see. It was obvious she didn’t know that he’d spent years trying to kill her husband. That he almost killed Rhys and Felix. He didn’t deserve her kindness. It could drown him.

I would never forget I was one.

It was an impossible dream. He didn’t belong. The family he’d once known tried their best, but it couldn’t last. Dabria would need to learn the truth one day. Rhys and Felix couldn’t live with bruises on their bodies all the time. Vitus deserved peace after the torture Ryder put him through. There was a time limit. One he would enforce himself if no one else would.

I should live as one.

He had to leave. It was the only option available. It would give the people who gave him a life the freedom they deserved. A weapon didn’t belong with others. It belonged hidden away. Where no one could abuse its power. Ryder accepted that.

I won’t forget the past as one.

He would never lose his history again. Vitus gave him a name. Rhys taught him to laugh. Felix gave him someone to rely on. Dabria showed him that family was something you chose. He’d repay them for all of that. It was easy to prepare what he needed. Especially when it was just his sword. All he had left was a letter to tell them the truth. Tell them why he made his decision.

Hours passed as he stared at the paper. Statement after statement that echoed in his head sat crossed out. The thoughts that he couldn’t share about himself. He would have to act as though he’d been sleeping soon. Before anyone checked on him and found what he was doing. He couldn’t though, not yet.

I am not anyone’s son.

A gasp next to him made him freeze. No one else was usually awake at this time. It was always Ryder alone with his thoughts. Slowly, he turned to see Dabria staring at the paper he’d written on. The words were the size of her, impossible for a human to miss. Her hands were held against her mouth.

Ryder put the pen he used down. Tried to come up with anything to say. Dabria started to shake. He opened his mouth a few times, words wouldn’t come. It broke him when she finally looked up at him. Tears were in her eyes. She shouldn’t have even been awake. He moved his hand, but she stepped back in response. He froze up.

“I’m sorry,” her voice cracked. “I saw the light, I was worried.”

He shook his head. His own voice would sound awful next to her. She was so close, he didn’t want to speak. There had to be something he could do. Dabria smiled at him. The tears in her eyes made it crush him. Ryder slid his hand towards her. She stepped back again.

“I shouldn’t have been on top of you so much,” she said. Ryder’s heart shattered. “It’s been years. Of course you don’t see everything the same as before. I’ve been overbearing haven’t I?”

Ryder shook his head. He was terrified to speak. Once again he tried to move closer to Dabria. Her acceptance had been a blessing and curse for him. It made him feel like a person. Something that he didn’t believe he deserved. Not after the pain he caused the family she so readily added him to.

“I’ll… leave you to what you were doing,” Dabria let out a pained laugh. 

This time Ryder lifted his hand. Shot it towards her. Surrounded Dabria with his fingers. She didn’t panic. Of course fear froze her as pain had frozen him. He slowly started to drag his hand towards himself. She stepped forward as his skin pressed against her back. He didn’t stop until Dabria was standing on the words she’d read.

“Ryder?” she asked. Her voice still cracked. It had to be fear, but he had to speak. As much as he hated his own voice.

“You’re not overbearing,” he whispered. Reluctantly he pulled his fingers away. He was the overbearing one. He’d always known that. His presence alone changed everything. 

The life before those scientists found them was peaceful. He believed he could be their son despite his size. Despite what he’d become some day in the future. With all his sins he couldn’t pretend he belonged anymore. 

“Ryder,” she said. He knew that tone of voice. A gentle way of chastising him. It made his eyes burn. He didn’t deserve anything gentle anymore. “You can be honest with me. It’s ok if I’m trying too hard. I know you’ve been through a lot.”

Ryder lowered his head. Rested his forehead on the edge of his hand. Dabria reached up to touch his nose. Just like in the past. The times she got him to open up. When she talked to him about his interest in knights and heroes. Asked about his time in the labs before Vitus showed up.

“...I can’t stay anymore,” he said. His eyes burned, but he pushed the feeling down. Dabria… his mother’s hand ran across his skin.

“Why is that?” his mother asked. A small laugh. Worry, but the crack from pain was gone.

“Because of what I am.”

“Ryder Kamia!” 

The shout made him jump. He sat up in response. His mother crossed her arms. The glare she gave made him feel small. Too similar to the past. A past that he couldn’t make his present. Before he left he’d managed to face her the whole time. Now he turned away. The memory of the shocks for disobedience were fresh in his mind.

“You are a person and a member of this family. I don’t care how much has changed,” his mother was too kind. “Even if you don’t believe it, you're still my son that won’t ever change. I’ll give you all the space you need, but I won’t stand by while you act like you’re just a tool or a weapon or whatever else is in your head.”

Ryder closed his eyes. He curled his hand into a fist, careful to avoid pulling his mother into his grasp. Some of that was true. He wasn’t a tool or a weapon. While his mother lived in the dark she’d still see him as a person. As a family member.

“I’m not a weapon,” he whispered. It sounded angry. The change in his voice made him sound angry and cruel. It suited him. “I’m a monster.”

“Ryder,” his mother said. He shook his head again. She couldn’t change that.

“They were making me try to kill Vitus. I almost killed Rhys and Felix. We came back and no one mentioned it. They all said they would tell you, but they must not have. I can’t pretend I’m not what I am or let you stay in the dark…” He took a deep breath to prepare himself. Opened his eyes to face her. “I’m a monster.”

His mother stared at him with wide eyes. The fear other humans had would happen. She’d run and he’d leave. It would be impossible for anyone to catch up to him. At least from the family he couldn’t keep. It would make this place safer too. Something he desperately wanted.

It felt like eons before she started to laugh. Ryder bit his lip. His mother could be odd and laugh when she’s afraid. Except she backed up to his fist. Placed her hands on his finger. Moved them back and forth, back and forth. It was soothing, and made it worse.

“Oh, Ryder,” she sighed. He swallowed all the words in his mind. He’d spoken more than enough, inspired enough fear. “Of course I knew what happened.”

His eyes went wide. She turned back to look at him.

“Rhys and Felix couldn’t hide the bruises they came home with,” she offered a smile. “Especially Rhys with the strange ways he sleeps. Vitus told me everything after we’d gotten you a bit settled.”

“Then why accept me?” he whispered. “I…”

“Because you’re still my son. I knew a lot more about how those people worked before Vitus saved you. It’s why we wanted to give you a name, you needed to know you were a person.”

He opened his mouth, but his mother shook her head. She waved her arms towards herself. A call for him to come closer. As much as he didn’t believe he deserved it, he did as she wanted. Moved his head down until she tapped his skin to stop. Gentle strokes against his face made his eyes burn again. This time a tear fell out.

“No matter what happened, you all came home. My three sons and my husband,” she said. Ryder blinked to clear the burn, but more tears fell free. “It won’t be normal right away, we all know that. Things have changed, but not the fact you’re still a part of this family. Talk to us Ryder.”

Ryder closed his eyes again. Tears kept falling. He wanted to argue against it. He couldn’t be family anymore. Not after what he did. He was a monster. That’s all he’d ever be. Worse than a weapon, at least weapons were controlled. Except he wanted to believe it was true too.

“It’s ok sweetheart,” his mother whispered. “Let it out, I was so worried you were hiding how upset you were. Guess I was right. We’ll take everything slow Ryder, find our new normal. We’re all here for you. Why don’t you give it a bit more time before you decide you can’t stay? If you still think it’s best then talk to us, we’ll respect what you want to do. Although I’d much rather you stay here if you’ll let me be a little selfish for a while.”

I was a weapon.

His tears kept falling. Birds outside started to chirp.

I feel like a monster.

Hands kept moving against him. He leaned a bit further down. His mother did her best to hug him. Her full weight against him.

I can’t forget my sins.

In the distance he could hear doors opening. Everyone else was starting to wake up. He shook as a full sob escaped him. The force made his throat burn. His mother didn’t move.

I hurt them.

“Ryder?!” Rhys’s voice. Crashes followed.

“Did something happen?!” Felix shouted. He could hear the quiet hum of the two talking to each other. They were always loud.

I scare them.

He tried to pull away, but his mother’s hands gripped his skin. They’d check on him. As soon as he heard panting it scared him. It didn’t stop another sob from breaking out of him. A hand on his tightly curled fist made him freeze.

“Ryder,” his father’s voice. “What happened?”

“We just talked, Vitus,” his mother said.

I don’t want to be a monster or a weapon.

“I’ll stay,” he whispered. The hands on his face started to move again. He heard a confused noise from his father. Another sob escaped him. He was terrified of what he was. Terrified of what he might do. 

I want to be with the ones who taught me I was a person.

“Were you planning on leaving?” Felix this time. Ryder managed to shake his head. Based on where his older brother’s voice came from he was close.

“Good, I’d have to find you again. That just causes a mess since Felix might follow me or I’ll get lost. All around better just stick with us from the start,” Rhys said. Ryder almost smiled. All of them continued to act like he belonged.

I want to be who I used to be.

“Ryder, you should get some sleep,” his mother. “I know you didn’t sleep last night.”

Ryder nodded, but didn’t move. He heard Rhys laugh and Felix sigh. His mother didn’t move. His father came closer, put his hand on Ryder’s face.

I want to be their son.

“Take your time, no one will rush you,” his father said. His mother hummed in agreement.

I want to be their brother.

“Could always have a sleepover like when we were younger,” Felix said. Ryder nodded again. He liked the idea. 

“It’s early, I don’t mind going back to sleep. You’ll have to carry me, it’s so far,” Rhys whined. It succeeded in making Ryder laugh. They weren’t acting scared.

I’ll remember I’m accepted here.

Slowly he pulled himself away. He flattened the fist he’d left behind his mother. There wasn’t a single word exchanged before the four all climbed on his palm.

I’ll remember I have a family.

Ryder pushed himself to his feet. Pulled his hand up to his chest slowly. Held his family near his heart. He looked down to see Rhys already leaning against his chest. It made him smile. For the first time in a while he actually felt tired. He actually wanted to use his bed.

No one jumped from his steps. He watched his father, there wasn’t active fear. He was able to easily slide into bed and set his family on a pillow. At his height his feet barely stayed on the bed. It didn’t bother him. Ryder watched his family get comfortable then placed his hand over them.

I’ll remember…

“Dabria, did you ever look into getting Ryder a new bed?” his father asked.

“What kind of a mother would I be if I didn’t? It should only take a few more days,” his mother patted his fingers a few times. “You should be a lot more comfortable then, Ryder.”

…that I’m loved.

[simplegenius042]

Music Monday

Tagging @voidika @raresvtm @josephseedismyfather @noodlecupcakes @imogenkol @socially-awkward-skeleton @inafieldofdaisies @aceghosts @cloudofbutterflies92 @cassietrn @direwombat @adelaidedrubman @derelictheretic @davrinsgriffons @shallow-gravy @strangefable @statichvm @carlosoliveiraa @g0dspeeed @wrathfulrook @starsandskies @ladyoriza @la-grosse-patate @thewanderer-000 @omen-speaker @alypink @shellibisshe @josephslittledeputy @skoll-sun-eater @afarcryfrommymain @strafethesesinners @turbo-virgins @florbelles @minilev @justasmolbard @yokobai and @seedsplease + anyone else who'd like to join.

Next Hazbin Hotel songs for A Radioactive Calamity Of Love, Bombs & Gore, The UnTitledverse and The Silver Chronicles. You can listen below under the cut:

There's some slight changes I've made between Hazbin Hotel and my Smile Tunes WIP. Foremost is that I've added qualities I liked from the Pilot episode with some of the qualities we got from the official Season 1. This is gonna be more obviously seen with how Sir Pentious is treated; while compared to the rest of the Overlords of Hell, he is practically a wannabe and an annoyance, he is still pretty dangerous with the destruction he brings, especially with his past beef with Alastor (and current misgivings with Angel Dust). He acts as a reoccuring antagonist in the sense he keeps putting the hotel at constant threat of danger. However, when he's given the chance to join the hotel for redemption (by Charlie), he denies her request... at first. In fact, this would be the beginning of WIP's arc; trying to sell the fact that the Hotel is worth the investment to sinners, starting with Sir Pentious who keeps denying the offers again and again. Over time, Sir Pentious starts to wonder if being an Overlord is really worth it since he's getting nowhere with conquering turfs and his resources are getting lower. So when the Vees offer to fund him in exchange for pretending to be a attendant at the hotel, he agrees. Sir Pentious is pretty good at it... until he starts to have second thoughts, and even when he's discovered (which when he's caught he comes clean about his infiltration), unlike Vaggie and Angel, Charlie chooses forgiveness and compassion over animosity, since she does see that Sir Pentious does have regrets and also considers his desperate situation. In the WIP, "It Starts With Sorry" is probably going to be altered a bit since it's one of the more "meh" songs according to the fandom. Also side note! Sir Pentious is still going to be his doofus self, he's just got enough braincells to still be conniving. You can listen to the song below:

"It starts with "sorry" That's your foot in the door, one simple "sorry" Spoken straight from your core The path to forgiveness is a twisting trail of hearts But "sorry" is where it starts."

"Who could forgive a dirtbag like me? I don't deserve your amnesty!"

"Can't we just kill him? Shoot him and spill his blood?"

"That's an option you could choose..."

"Works for us!"

"But who hasn't been in his shoes? It starts with "sorry"!"

"Sorry!" "Dig down deeper and say one sincere "sorry"!" "I'm so sorry!" "And your journey's underway!"

"It'll take time to cover my/your vast multitude of sins But "sorry" is where it begins It starts with "sorry"!"

Next up is a scene from my Fallout New Vegas WIP The House On Top where Ress confronts my courier Ryder, on her alliances and deals made with both arming the NCR and the Legion to propel them towards a conflict that has one of them end the other while choosing to hand over Vegas to the victor and disappear afterwards, despite how much damage and risk it would put Vegas and the Dam under, instead of choosing what benefits Vegas more. And unlike her older brother, Ress does not mince words with Ress. I believe the song below encapsulates the scene greatly, with Ress taking Velvette's lyrics and Ryder taking Carmilla's lyrics (also Zestial's lines can be given to Ore who's just awkwardly watching his sister and crush butt heads):

"Ha-ha, you've got it twisted I'm not the one who needs a new attitude Maybe you missed it, but I'm that #bitch And I will do nothing less than what I please, woo! I'm your backbone here, alright, yes-sirree! * Mad that I acted respectless? Well, it's 'cause no one could respect this

Sorry group attendin' Since when are the Vegas families too scared to fight ** You're long past trendin' Sorry, bae, but I ain't swipin' right You lost your relevance!"

"We can't act without more intelligence."

"Ugh, no wonder I'm so respectless I could eat you lot for breakfast!"

"You and your menagerie are inane and uninformed Smug nobodies who don't heed when you've been warned!"

"Oops, did I strike a nerve? 'Cause when I brought out Caesar's** head Couldn't help but observe That your wrinkled face was turning red And why are you avoidin' war? That's what the guns you sell are for Thanks to my being respectless One thing I'm starting to suspect is There's more to this plan than you're letting on* Do you have a disclosure?"

"This meeting's over!"

[* Had to omit and change these lyrics to better fit the scene. ** Changed lyrics to better fit the setting of New Vegas.]

Last song for my Far Cry New Dawn WIP Old Dusk, where Silva vows to protect her family after an encounter with one of the Highwaymen's experimental monstrosities and Azriel makes her own vow to protect her adoptive mother. Silva takes on Carmilla's lyrics while Azriel takes on Vaggie's lyrics. Listen below:

"I had thought that I could keep blood off my face* But when that thing attacked, I had to act To cross that line and keep them safe But if anyone knew, then all of Hope** would rise to war

And who's to say who'd survive the fray? I might lose the ones that I was killing for

So I, I'll be your keeper Do whatever it takes, I'll make the mistakes I'll keep you safe and keep this secret."

"When I saw your face You made me feel like a stranger in a brand new place And it felt so good to be understood But there's so much I wished that I could say

So I, I'll be your armor Do whatever it takes, I'll make no** mistakes I'll spend my life being your daughter!"**

"And I don't know what we might face But I know I can't replace you So I'll do anything to save you!"

"And I will try to make your dreams come true!" "Whatever we go through!

"I know I-!" "I'll be your keeper!" ("I'll be your armor!") "Whatever it takes!" "I'll make the mistakes." ("I'll make no** mistakes!")

"Whatever it takes!"

[*Changed this lyric up a bit since Silva's always had gotten blood on her face, but since the Collapse, she thought she could put that part of her past to rest (only to be forced to commit to it once more). ** Changed Hell to Hope for obvious setting reasons. However, I changed Azriel's "I'll make the mistakes" to "I'll make no mistakes" since I thought the distinction between Silva putting herself up for blame and danger would contrast nicely to Azriel's perfectionist mindset where she'll make sure she can protect her mother and family from harm, since she knows Silva will put herself in harms way to protect them all. Also I thought about keeping the "partner" bit as a sort of "partner-in-crime" context as homage to the Rogue Arc Silva and Azriel will go on in Silva's Hope, but ultimately changed it to "daughter" just to clear any confusion since Vaggie says "partner" in a romantic context]

[pansy-picnics]

the sun who became the moon/the moon who became the sun

[sashthesloth]

POV the pathfinder is taking diplomatic relations a bit too seriously

[ghost-qwq]

Fallout OC refs I never posted,,

Mojave Myron and Sly under the cut (they are just... worse looking)

[happy74827]

I Want To Be Your Lover

[Colt Seavers x Female!Reader]

Synopsis: You’ve always felt something for Colt, resorting to a friendship as he is completely unaware. But when he comes knocking at your door… it’s hard to not connect reality to fantasy {GIF Creds: @colt-and-jody // Please go and watch the edit they made of Colt + Jody. Literally Amazing 🤩}.

WC: 2199

Category: Slight Fluff + Spice/Lime, First Kiss, {TW: Mentions of Murder}

Obsessed… I’m so obsessed with him…

FALL GUY SPOILERS BELOW THE CUT

『••✎••』

His hands grasped your face as he pulled you close, your heart pounding, breath quickening. The way he could pull you up onto him without warning and how it was so effortless. The way he'd hold your thighs around him as he made out with you, his hands traveling up your thighs, then under your shirt, touching your bare back, your waist, your chest.

Then he'd lean into your ear, those stupid lips kissing the bottom of it, gently, delicately, but firm and knowing. It was the way he'd whisper something so unserious that would almost turn you off him for a minute, but then he was smiling with those stupid dimples, eyes sparkling like the stupid sea, and you couldn't help yourself from melting all over again.

That’s what you believed about Colt Seavers. That was the dream, the fantasy, the perfect little love story between the two of you; that was the life you'd created in your head. He was the love, the life, the future.

But the sad truth was, it was only a dream because the real Colt Seavers was painfully oblivious.

He would laugh, smile, and give you that wink that was meant to be sexy but was actually kind of stupid, and then he'd be gone, and you'd be left with that aching in your heart.

The one that showed the fact that you were a friend, nothing more. A good friend, a best friend, someone to be close to, someone to talk to, but not someone to love. Not the way you loved him.

So you would often find yourself in your head, where it was safe, where there were no consequences. Because in your mind, Colt did notice you, he did care, and he did love you back. In your mind, he'd wrap his strong arms around you and kiss you with all the passion that you'd wanted for so long.

In reality, you'd be walking along beside him, listening to his voice, laughing at his jokes, and wishing that he would see you, the real you, and not just the friend.

And then, one night, it was as though the angels had heard your prayer.

You were sleeping, probably dreaming of Colt if you were honest, when you were awoken by knocks at your door. At first, you thought it was your imagination, or the wind, or whatever, but it happened again, and you groaned, throwing the covers off you and shuffling your way to the front door.

When you opened it, you were surprised to see Colt standing there, looking as if he had gone through hell and back. His eyes were bloodshot, and he had the most pitiful expression on his face.

You stared at him for a moment before speaking.

"Colt…?” You still couldn’t believe it was him. “What’re…what're you doing here?"

Colt shrugged and looked down. "Can I… uh, spend the night? Here?"

Your mind immediately went straight to the gutter. The two of you, alone, in your home, late at night, and no one around.

Yes, yes, yes.

But you weren’t completely lost to him. You were still aware of the situation and the fact that you had no idea what was going on.

You raised an eyebrow at him. "Don’t you still have a hotel room? Since you’re working?"

He started at you, blinking, while you waited for an answer. He seemed almost taken aback by your response, but he didn’t seem surprised.

In fact, his expression turned a bit sheepish. If it weren’t for the fact that it was late and that you were so confused, you would have found it adorable.

"You haven’t watched the news yet, have you?" He asked.

You frowned. "No. Why?"

“Good, that means you’ll let me in."

Before you could reply, he took the opportunity to step inside. You watched him, eyes wide, as he made his way into your kitchen, opening the refrigerator, pulling out a drink, and grabbing a slice of pizza from your leftover box.

It wasn't until you heard him groan that you snapped out of it.

"Colt? What are you doing?"

"Eating,” he said with a mouth full of pizza. He was sitting on your kitchen counter. “God, I miss this, and I don’t know why."

Sometimes, your crush on him was questionable, especially times like this.

"That's great," you rolled your eyes. "But why are you here? And what about the news?

He paused for a second and then looked at you, eyes soft, a small, apologetic smile on his face. It almost melted your heart.

You didn’t even realize the fact that he was soaked until that moment. And was he… was he bleeding?!

"Colt, are you—”

"I’m wanted for murder, which, to set the record straight, I did not do," he answered, taking another bite of pizza.

"Wanted for—what?!" You practically shrieked.

He held his hand up to stop you and finished his bite of pizza before speaking again.

"I know, I know. Crazy, right? This pizza, by the way… amazing. Where did you get it from? Dominos? This… This is what heaven tastes like, I think. It's gotta be.”

You were stunned. Speechless. Absolutely flabbergasted.

He didn’t even seem to notice your distress as he hopped down from the counter and threw the now-empty pizza box into the garbage.

"Long story short, the world thinks I’m dead after Tom — who turns out to be even more of an asshole than I thought — tried to have me killed to be the fall guy of his murder. Didn’t work, obviously, but it's not like he knows that."

He continued talking, but at this point, you had zoned him out. Your head was spinning, and you could barely keep up with him as he paced around your kitchen.

"So, anyway, I got away, and now I have to stay hidden and all that jazz. Hence, why I'm here, I couldn’t go anywhere else. I figured you would let me crash here tonight. I hope that's cool. And hey, if not, then that's fine; I can… find a ditch of something to sleep in, or a hay bail, or a cow shed, or whatever. It's cool."

You still couldn’t process it. None of it made sense. You weren't sure if you were dreaming or not. Maybe it was a nightmare. You had been thinking of Colt all night, and now he was here, and everything was insane.

You weren’t even sure if he had stopped talking or not or if he had noticed the fact that you were practically catatonic.

You needed to lie down. You needed to think. You needed to…

You were pulled out of your thoughts by Colt waving his hand in front of your face. A normal behavior for him, but somehow, right now, it sparked something inside of you.

He dropped his hand when he noticed the stare you were giving him. But it wasn’t just any stare, no. It was one that said a million things at once.

And you were sure he saw it because he, too, had a look. One that was much different than the one he normally gave you. One that was a bit more… serious.

His eyebrows were furrowed together, he had a frown on his lips, and his eyes were softer but also darker and deeper. They were the eyes of someone who had gone through some shit. Real shit.

It was a look you'd never seen on him, and you were sure the look you gave him was a first for him, too.

Different reasons, of course.

And for a moment, you had forgotten that this was the real Colt Seavers. Not the one from your fantasies, not the one from your dreams.

But the real Colt.

Which meant you had to take a moment to collect yourself. Acting out and getting all crazy and lovey-dovey wasn't something he needed right now.

"You… can stay. Of course you can," you sighed. "I'm just a bit overwhelmed, is all."

Colt's serious face didn’t drop, but he did nod, understanding.

"Thanks. I'm sorry for barging in here and acting all crazy. It's just I had nowhere else to go, and I figured… you'd be the one to understand."

You smiled softly. "Don’t worry about it, Colt. Seriously. You can’t even kill a bug. So, a murder charge is the last thing I'm worried about."

The corner of his lip twitched into a slight smile. "Did I ever tell you about the time I caught a rat?"

"No. No, you did not."

"Yeah, it didn’t end well.”

“For the rat or you?" You grew a grin on your face.

“I’ll leave that to your imagination," he teased, glancing up at the ceiling. It gave you a chance to examine his face. Messed up and bruised, but it was still him—still your Colt.

"So… the rat won?"

"He put up a good fight, I'll tell you that."

"Did you cry?"

"Nope, I was a total badass."

"Oh yeah, I'm sure. Taylor Swift would be so proud."

"I know she would."

"She'd probably write a song about it."

"Well, duh. Of course, she would. How else would she immortalize our love story?"

It was at this moment that your brain and your heart finally got in sync, and you realized exactly what was happening.

By the time you looked at him, just to see if his tone matched his expression, Colt was already staring at you. And even though he was smiling as he normally would, his eyes were different.

You couldn’t make it out, but something was there. Something that wasn’t usually there but was now, and it wasn’t a nice feeling. It made you feel uncomfortable.

It was the same feeling you had when you caught him talking to girls but then flashed his smile at you. When he'd call you his 'best bud' and then hug you for a little too long.

This was that feeling, but worse. So much worse.

You’d see this part in your dreams, but they usually had a happy ending, one that included a kiss. Well, more than a kiss.

You’d take the initiative, and he’d go along with it, slowly becoming more and more in control until it was him, him, him.

And in the dream, you'd kiss him and feel him on you, his hands traveling up and down your body, his breath hot against your neck, his lips leaving marks all over your skin.

But when you opened your eyes, usually you were back in bed, the fantasy ending. And it was hard not to feel sad.

But, for some reason, when you opened your eyes this time, Colt was still there. And his hands were still touching you, and his breath was still hot, and his lips were still kissing you.

You weren’t sure if this was reality or not. You had dreamed about him so many times it was hard to tell the difference.

But the longer you kissed, the more it felt real.

You had no idea how you got there, how it had happened. All you knew was that Colt's hands were grasping your face, your hands were in his damp hair, his mouth was against yours, and the whole murder thing was forgotten.

And it was a good kiss, too. The kind of kiss that made your toes curl, your body tremble, your mind go blank, and the only thing you could focus on was the craving for more.

It was a desperate, needy, passionate, hungry, messy kiss.

When Colt pulled away, you were breathless, and your head was spinning. Your lips were numb, and you could barely stand, but Colt had an arm around your waist, holding you up, his other hand still touching your face delicately, tenderly.

"That was the best pizza I've ever had," he breathed out. "Ever. In my entire life."

It was at this moment you knew for a fact that this was the real Colt and the real you. And you were both awake, and it was happening.

Colt Seavers, the boy or man you'd loved forever, had finally opened his eyes.

And you were going to kill him.

You were going to actually, truly murder him.

He couldn't kiss you like that and say something stupid like that?

But before you could get a word in, he was kissing you again, and you were melting, and all anger had vanished. A lot of power this boy had over you.

This time, the kiss was different. More controlled, calmer, sweeter.

He took his time and savored every second. It was a lot more intimate, and the hand on your face was gone. Instead, it was on your neck, tilting your head upwards, and his other arm was around your waist, keeping you close.

When you were left breathless, he didn't pull away. Instead, he continued kissing you, his lips traveling down your jaw to your neck.

You gasped, feeling his tongue on your neck and his hands roaming your back. It was the exact fantasy you'd imagined for so long. Except this was so much better.

Because it was real.

It usually takes me about two to three fics before I fully “understand” the character’s personality… and Colt turned out to be MUCH HARDER to write about (I kept rewriting this from the beginning at least 10 times). So, apologizes if you this sucks and is totally ooc 😬😬

I half-heartedly blame it on the fact that my memory is garbage and I’m too broke to rewatch it in theaters.

But, nonetheless, I’m happy to add and help populate the growing fandom — even if this isn’t up to par.

And to everyone who is still reading this, thank you for making me not feel alone with my Fall Guy obsession 🥹🫶