#twisted home frank dear

[sleepymuch]

Here's the twisted home or my role swap au

These are old and current designs like I ain't got the motivation to update them☠️

Wally has a cropped picture is because I updated Poppy is a different one

The purple spiders name Charlotte, married to Howdy, and it's a friends oc

Julie- Frank

Sally- Julie

Frank- Howdy

Eddie- Sally

Wally- same place BUT Wally is a bit more smarter than OG like bro knows snow☠️

Poppy- Barnaby

Howdy- Eddie

Charlotte(stupid bitch) - swapped with another oc

Barnaby- Poppy

[marsbarsjars]

Welcome Home Twisted Forest AU

This randomly came to me at the middle of the night, before a blasted wedding too Alrighty, so, this is basically fantasy n so on buuuut, the dark side of the fantasy world is at your doorstep. Here are my ideas for the current cast,,, (be warned, there will be graphic oneshots and little stories with this, understand this is just my idea and Val, you make fun of me n I'll chunk you off a roof/j /I love you too much man lmaooo) Also, I will warn you, these little guys aren't too... Kind to new comers, I mean, Eddie was one of the victims! Wally - A trickster, often leading those unaware to the dark pits of the woodlands. He is known for his manipulation over the creatures of the woods, guiding them along in his sick and twisted game. He is the main guardian, besides for Home. Both of them seem to be a demonic, if not eldritch entity. Barnaby - Seen as the big bad wolf of this dark forest, Barnaby is typically chasing those who are unknown down, taking each and every one of his prey to the ground until his dearest friend is satisfied. Barnaby was found alone, and taken in by Home. He and Wally think of each other as brothers practically. Julie - She is the witch, alongside Sally and Poppy (think Hocus Pocus kinda), often dragging young children into the woods. She lies about a world of treats and always full of sun, and once they are within her clutches, she takes their lives and they become one of the lost souls upon these twisted lands. Frank - Ah yes, the little elf who once attempted to run from the crude world he lives in and was given a punishment no other should receive. He is now unable to offically speak and hides from any newcomer, including the lost souls. He trusts only Julie, Eddie, and Howdy to protect him from their guardians, Wally and Home. Eddie - Instead of being a mailman in this world, Eddie is the one who brings the words from the gods of above to his guardians, entrusted to withhold this information from everyone. He is a valuable member of the family to Wally, often protected by Barnaby or Howdy and giving advice to his dearest Frank. He is a former mortal, shifted into the undead creature he is now. Howdy - Howdy is seen as Wally's second closest companion, never let out of his sight and practically as butler if not significate other in Wally's case. Howdy is respectful and keeps his tongue whenever another speaks up, allowing opinions to be spoken but not daring his to be heard. Sally - One of the three witches, Sally is in charge of potions and spells, casting them upon those who are near. She is the one who blocks the idea of freedom from the others, but she herself dares not to cast it upon Frank, the poor soul unable to speak. She can typically be seen skipping and hopping around while singing a twisted tune. Poppy - Poppy is the third and most beloved witch, healing her comrades and daring not to speak against her guardians. She enjoys her life with them either way and loves her two other witch friends, talking to them about her worries. She is genuinely the sweetheart out of all of them. Home - The second most beloved guardian of this twisted realm. He stands before all, as not one entity, but all. Not much is known about him... He seems to be only around once a year, as the cool air of fall shifts into winter.

[kenphobia]

Hello!! I saw that you also knew TWST, so I wanted to ask your opinion on what dorms do you think the WH characters would be sorted to, and why? (Do feel free to include your OCs too, just go all out!!)

SINCERELY, ME!

oooo i've been thinking abt it for some quite some time, but since there's not a lot of info abt the wh cast (or maybe im just too lazy to research and there's actually sufficient lore), most of these will probably be based on speculations and my personal headcanons!!

WALLY DARLING!

✦ starting with wally, I think he fits pomefiore. I mean— have you SEEN this man? He is beauty, he is grace and he will eat your face if you ever insult his hair. His name is Wally Darling for a reason, gotta look ready and pretty if you're a darling after all.

✦ He could also be in Diasomnia, perhaps? mfer eats with his eyes, i think that's powerful enough.

HOWDY PILLAR!

✦ I feel like Howdy would be in either Scarabia or Heartslabyul. Why Scarabia? Howdy is a shopkeeper so he's probably resourceful and knows the ways in business, he just seems like a pretty reliable and responsible guy.

✦ As for Heartslabyul, you cannot tell this mfer isn't Trey Clover but caterpillar. I may be wrong but he just gives me a lot of Trey Clover vibes so I feel the need to just— throw him into heartslabyul

POPPY PATRIDGE!

✦ Poppy would definitely be in Heartslabyul though. She's always worying and ruffling her feather for her friends, and she'd follow any rule if it meant keeping her friends safe. I have a little gut feeling that she can get a bit ... controlling at times due to her anxious mind but she means good.

SALLY STARLET!

✦ Sally, my sweet summer child, the one i kinned instantly on the spot... Octavinelle. I have no idea why?? but like, she's dramatic, she'd probably say "I'm only doing this because I'm so kind and benelovent ✨" AND LIKE?? I DON'T KNOW. I just think she'd get along with the leech twins? maybe give Azul a few more wrinkles here and there ...

✦ She could also be pomefiore too! Pomefiore is like a fancy dorm, she'd fit.

JULIE JOYFUL!

✦ Julie is a bit difficult for me hhhh.... i just have a gut feeling that she'd be scarabia. id love to say pomefiore but if wally and sally happened to be there, adding julie would just add the chaos.

✦ I got nothing for Julie except for scarabia. She's a fun little silly but she knows a thing or two about being resourceful. Her and Kalim would get into some trouble and Jamil has to take care both of their asses.

BARNABY B. BEAGLE!

✦ Heartslabyul. I won't explain any further other than this mfer would give Riddle a run for his money. And also because he might a stickler for rules in a way??? Like he wouldn't exactly enforce them on others, he'd follow them if it's convenient enough and if it will save his ass from getting handed to him.

FRANK FRANKLY!

✦ HEARTSLABYUL. This one??? No need for explanation, just— heartslabyul

✦ For some reason, I can see him being in Ignihyde too?? He's just ... emo to me. Like— any colorful top you wear won't fit your vibe, frank, you still havent gotten out of your emo phase.

EDDIE DEAR!

✦ Legit I have no idea what dorm will fit him other than ramshackle. He's the mc now!!! get off the stage, yuu

✦ tbh i would say heartslabyul again but so many of these btches are possibly heartslabyul and im too dumb to add more variety in the mix!!!

HOUSE!

✦ I mean— It is considered to be a neighbor, right??? but anyways, diasomnia because ... idk man, it's a talking house. it doesn't have much personality other than literally being wally's house and speaking fluently in onomatopoeia

JUNE WEBB! (oc)

✦ octavinelle, babey !!! she's a con artist, yknow??? thats why theyre an antagonist for a reason. they scam ppl into buying their shit and have the "but im so sweet and kind" act

✦ also because howdy in scarabia and june in octavinelle is like, jamil x azul ship trope. yes, i ship my ocs with canon characters and yall have no right to complain when youre on my blog that centered around x readers

JELLY ROLLSTONE! (oc)

✦ Ignihyde. Like??? do I need to explain, bestie? they're good with technology in a way and theyre as anti social as their peers. I based them off Idia, what makes you think they won't be in Ignihyde??

RAINE SWEETHEART! (oc)

✦ ramshackle because this btch is as plain as white american bread + she isn't exactly as fleshed out rn to be put in a proper dorm so yeah—

these might change once i get know the characters a bit more better in canon so ... yeah!!! i'm redesigning some of my ocs, especially raine so watch out for that!!

fun fact: i slept two times writing this and i ashamed

[minkdelovely]

"Mercy? Hah!" Alastor lapped at the blood trckling from your ear, the taste pulling the most guttural of groans from his throat. Every part of you was intoxicating; from your sounds to your taste, to the delicious way you clenched around his pulsating cock. His finger pressed down harshly on that bundle of nerves, his claws digging into the taut skin of your neck as you gasped for air. "You should have thought about that before you let me have a taste, my dear!" A laugh ripped through his chest as he released his grip on your throat, his hand coming up to grip your chin. You sputtered and coughed as your lungs expanded once more, Alastor's hand forcing you to twist your head and look up at him. That smirk, that fucking smirk! You could see traces of your own blood clinging to the enamel of his sharp teeth. "Ah! Ah! Ah! Fah-... uuaaa-... cckkk! Ah- ... Ala-... sssss-!" You cried, each one of his thrusts punctuated by a sharp gasp from you and a tantalizing circle drawn on your puffy clit. Oh, but those eyes! His eyes were clouded with lust as he stared down at you, wanting nothing more than to claim those lips that struggled to say his name. But he couldn't. Not yet. He needed to hear you scream his name one more time. Another laugh reverberated off the walls and flooded your ears as drool seeped from the corners of your mouth. "Come on, my sweet... say it! Say it for me... please say it!" He whispered, his lips drawing closer to your own as you struggled to say that one word that would make him come undone once more. You stared up at him, your eyes half-lidded and mind filled with nothing else but the desire to give him every single piece of you, heart and soul and, yes, pussy too. You watched as the sclera of his eyes turned black, his irises taking on a new shape as the lights throughout the entire hotel flickered. "Say my fucking name!" - ☄️❤️

“ALASTOR!!!”

you come to MY MESS and leave THIS in my inbox and think i’m not gonna commit to the bit??? 😈❤️‍🔥😈❤️‍🔥😈❤️‍🔥😈

i’ll be frank here, ☄️❤️ anon. this was really unexpected and thrilling to see when i got home (thank FUCK i saw this at home, my lordddd). i’ll be sure to beg for mercy more often. it’s never worked this well for me before 🫠❤️‍🔥

@hazelfoureyes THERE’S MORE _:(´ཀ`」 ∠):

**updated april 28, 2024: @synamartia ❤️‍🔥**

part one ; part two ; part three ; part four ; part five ; part six ; part seven ; part eight ; part nine

(pictures of me reading this in real time)

[carnivalcarriondiscarded]

well. i can't find my original fic rec list so here's a new (updated) one!

Daily Routines by The Garden of Unusual Delights (Shadowland) A number of people who feel depressed turn to comedy. Routines can also help. / As can having someone to care for. 4k words / oneshot / complete - TOP fucking tier. this rewired my neurons, shifted my view of Barnaby & his relationship with Wally, and also made me Deeply emotional

How to Greet New Neighbours by The Garden of Unusual Delights (Shadowland) He doesn't know what's happening, but he knows it isn't good. 8k words / oneshot / complete - STELLAR. an intriguing and engaging (and heartbreaking!) take on how Wally wound up sending material to the whrp

A Matter of Care by The Garden of Unusual Delights (Shadowland) When Julie is too sad to take proper care of her hair, Frank is happy to help out. 2.5k words / oneshot / complete - this person always gets characterizations Just Right, don't they? this a very sweet and tender moment between the besties <3

What to call it? What to call it? by Anonymous Wally tries to figure out what is different about the Neighborhood. But maybe there is no difference at all. 2.2k words / oneshot / complete - a fascinating exploration / behind the scenes interpretation of the secret 14 audios. the end always has me in my feels <3

Strings Of Fate by A_Cypress_Coffin Frank Frankly lived life by simply trudging along most days, but all of that changes when a new neighbor, quite literally, crashes into him. 27k / multichap / ongoing - a very fun interpretation of Franklydear and how the puppets perceive / experience / handle the true nature of their reality. i Cannot recommend it enough!

To Read a Clock by TurnedWorm Frank and Eddie try to teach Wally to read a clock. They get a bit more than they bargained for. 2.7k words / oneshot / complete - sweet and also Haunting! a stellar combination, and an interesting take on Wally's perspective. ngl it gave me chills!

my chest is bursting with abnormality by springtrap_wiki Wally realizes that something about him isn't as it should be. 1k words / oneshot / complete - a little peek into Wally realizing that he's different than his others neighbors. I like how this is handled - it hits home if im being honest!

Goin’ Out of My Head by 5_24 Picking someone up from the bus station seems like an easy task. But when adding Eddie Dear to that equation and the passenger just happens to be Frank Frankly, the results may vary... 5.4k / multichap / complete - genuinely funny, cute, and entertaining. the perfect read for a laugh!

Inside Jokes by The_PastelVoid In which the puppets are waiting for Sally and discover that Wally apparently has a contagious laugh when Barnaby tells what is called an "inside joke". 2k / oneshot / complete - pure fluff and laughs <3

Goodnight, Wally! by PastelDemon ... But what would happen if, one day, without any warning, Wally suddenly could sleep just like everyone else? 19.5k / oneshot / complete - very sweet with a sprinkling of angst, and an entertaining take on what a new-to-sleep Wally might be like

Welcome Home: Fantasy AU by ImaginatorOfThings What would happen if we took our lovable cast of puppets, and put them into a Fantasy alternate universe? 28k / series / complete - a VERY fun fantasy au with a fascinating twist. it made me tear up, it made me feel some dread, it made me smile! what more could we ask for <3

[welcomehomeincorrectquotes]

We all know that something is going on with Wally and Home, but who else could be active behind scenes?

Frank Frankly:

Frank has been here since the Beta, so it's likely Clown Coffin has something planned for him.

Frank is obviously designed by Clown Coffin to be incredibly at odds with the rest of the neighbourhood; with his more reserved personality, less saturated colour scheme and lack of an "-ie" sound at the end of his first name.

He is the bug expert in Welcome Home, and there are literal bugs all over the website that happen to be linked to the Wally POV videos.

As the "smartest neighbour," it seems he would be one of the first to notice something wrong with the neighbourhood.

Eddie Dear:

Has the most mysterious backstory out of the neighbours.

His memory problems seem to go beyond being "forgetful" and into "plot relevent."

The envelopes the Restoration Project recieved match the ones Eddie is seen carrying and possibly made himself.

Sally Starlet:

Like Wally, she has devil allusions as the "brightest star" who "fell from heaven."

She is an actress, making it fitting for her to become aware of being in a tv show, and she would likely be very invested in bringing it back.

She has openly conversed with the Narrator.

If any of the neighbours had to be villains, I think Sally Starlet has the potential be the coolest!

Howdy Pillar:

Howdy played a role in the Wally Plush advert.

If Capitalism played a role in the show's downfall, shopkeeper Howdy would be good character to explore how making money often comes in the way of creativity!

Julie Joyful:

She has been here since the Beta and had that ominous image centred around her.

If Frank were to figure something out, it's almost certain that Julie would be there right beside him!

Barnaby B Beagle:

Barnaby has been here since the Beta.

There is a LOT of ominous imagery surrounding Barnaby that makes me genuinely concerned for the guy.

Despite his careless act throughout the videos, he was the first to acknowledge Wally's off behaviour.

Barnaby was physically present during the live interview alongside Wally.

Poppy Partridge:

Like Julie, Barnaby, and Frank; Poppy has been here since the Beta.

Poppy is a hermit who is scared to go outside. Maybe this isn't just a cute character quirk that the creators programmed into her, but because she knows something about the neighbourhood.

[fluffypandabun]

Are you doing the prompt list for welcome home? If so how about 8 and 20 with lee Wally and Ler Eddie?

"Well, someones grouchy!" Eddie hummed, hands resting on his hips as he looked down at the smaller puppet he'd come across during his rounds sitting cross-legged on the grass. Paint palette and brushes throw aside in a huff and a paint-splattered canvas before him. Wally huffed, crossing his arms across his chest, the yellow puppet avoiding Eddie's gaze. "I am not grouchy." He muttered in his usual cool tone. "Im just...frustrated." The mailman cocked a brow "Oh, so that's why you're sittin' here pouting like a little kid who just got told he couldn't have ice cream for dinner." Wally sent a glare his way. "I am not pouting!" he huffed while pouting. Eddie simply shook his head fondly as he crouched down more to the smaller puppet's height. "Well, what got you so grouchy in the first place huh?" "Im not-!" Wally sighed, shoulders slumping as he gestured vaguely to the canvas in front of him "I just...I just can't get it to look right! I've been at it all morning and nothing I do seems to help it." Eddie's gaze softened as he looked down at the blue-haired painter. "Aw Walls, I'm sure you'll figure it out eventually. You're a great painter! Everyone has off days sometimes!" The yellow puppet said nothing, simply looking towards the ground with a frown that could rival Franks, arms crossed. Eddies' face twisted into a worried frown before his lips curled upwards mischievously. He couldn't let his dear friend go about looking so sad! It just wouldn't do. "Aww. c'mon" He cooed, voice taking on a teasing tilt as he reached out with a large finger to gently poke and prod at Wally's exposed side. "Smile!" The reaction was immediate, the dejected frown on the puppet's face quickly began to curl up into his signature grin, though he tried his best to fight it. Squirming about and making blind attempts to push at Eddie's poking fingers. "H-Hehey! Cut that out!" "No can do friend!" Eddie chirped, grinning widely. "Can't stop till we find that smile of yours! Now I know it's in here somewhere..." The mailman trailed off as he now used both hands to poke and prod and wiggle his fingers into any spot he could reach, all the while Wally fought against the laughter bubbling up in his chest, taking to curling up on the ground in an attempt to shield himself from his friend's playful attack. "Come on, where is that smile? I know it's in here somewhere! Is it here? Orrrr here? Or maybe it's...here!" The puppet found an opening to shove his wiggling fingers underneath the yellow-skinned painter's arms.

The reaction was instant, the smaller puppet immediately clamped both his arms down tight to his side, a wide smile finally taking over his face and he squealed and burst into wild giggly laughter. Eddie cheered. "Haha! There it is! I knew we'd find it!" Wally snorted softly as he frantically kicked out his legs, rolling back and forth on the ground lost in his mirth. His cheeks aching from how wide his smile has become.

"N-Nohohohoho! Eddie! C-Cut it out!" "Hm? Cut what out Walls? I'm not doing anything! You're the ones who got my hands all trapped! " to prove his point he wiggled his fingers slightly causing Wally to let out a giggly squeak. "I am really happy to see you smiling again! I much prefer this happy Wally over that grouchy Wally! Wouldn't you agree?" "Eddiehehehe!" "That's my name giggles!" If the painter's face could get any redder it certainly did, after a few more moments of squirming around lost in laughter Wally finally threw in the towel. "Okay! Okayheheh! I-hehe! I gihihihive!" "You feeling better?" Eddie hummed, giving the puppet's side a gentle tweak causing him to squeak. "Yehehes! I do!" "Great!" The mailman chirped, instantly pulling his hands away and leaving poor Wally as a curled-up ball of giggles, after a moment the puppet uncurled himself and sat up red-faced and disheveled. And, most importantly, with a big smile on his face. Eddie beamed. "There! See! I knew we'd find that smile of yours!" Wally let out a low groan, covering his red face with his hands though he still smiled past his fingers. "Did you have to go about it like...that?" "It worked didn't it?" Wally peeked past his fingers to look at his still discarded canvas, and though he would never admit it, he was feeling a lot better. And a lot more inspired. "Yeah..." He gave Eddie a more genuine smile "It did."

[siilvan]

stray

characters: frank woods

summary: you meet a strange man at a bar and wake up in his bed.

genre: fluff, fem!reader (no desc.)

warnings: semi-proofread, light cursing, couple suggestive moments, mentions of drinking, reader's a bit awkward ngl, frank's a gentleman in his own way <3, please dear god i am praying he isn’t ooc 😭

word count: 1.7k

note: HAPPY BIRTHDAY @froggi-mushroom!!! You knew this was coming, but I hope you enjoy this fluffy little thing that I whipped up for your actual real husband, Mr. Frank Woods 🥰🫶

(ngl i'm adding the cold war cast to my list after this)

truthfully, you didn't plan on drinking so much. you just wanted to swing by the bar after a long day and relax, but those plans were almost immediately abandoned after the stranger sitting on the stool next to you decided to strike up a conversation.

dark-haired and handsome, with a gruff voice and curtness to match, you think he's going to deliver some half-assed pickup line in an attempt to get you into his bed. he's lively, though; animated as he spins you a tale about some grand adventure that he claims he heard "from a friend" despite the passion behind his storytelling implying otherwise.

throughout the conversation, you learn his name: frank woods.

"just woods to my friends," he claims.

the rest of the night is a blur of cheap alcohol and his company— you can't recall the last time you've talked to someone, much less a stranger, for so long, but after he graciously paid your tab, you found yourself in the alley behind the bar, your body pinned between his and the brick wall.

his kiss tastes like whiskey and cigarettes, his touch leaving a warmth that licks up your spine like a fire. you feel dizzy, knees threatening to buckle under the intensity of him, held upright only by his strong arms wrapped around you.

not once does he suggest taking you home, even as he mutters generous praise against your parted lips.

⋆⋆⋆

when you wake up, the first thing you notice is the splitting headache that forces you to squint at the ceiling. you grumble and moan at the pain and bury your face in your pillow, blocking out the dim light that floods in through the half-opened blinds.

the second thing you notice is the mattress feeling different under you. it's fluffier, less worn with use. you shift, forcing one eye open and giving the bed a cursory glance.

that brings you to the third thing, and the one that sends a cold wave of panic coursing through your veins. this isn't your bed. you force yourself to sit up and take in your surroundings.

the bedroom you're in is scarcely decorated. the walls are bare, save for a couple old posters scattered about, the furniture is meticulously cleaned, and the scent of fresh linen fills your lungs. the only evidence of someone actually living in this space is the framed photo on the bedside table. you faintly recognize frank in the picture, with another man – a brunet with a strong build, roughly the same height as him – at his side.

did you go home with him? after the bar, everything seems to lump together in your memory.

you look down at yourself, still wearing last night's clothes. you don't remember sleeping with him, but you hardly remember anything at all through the brain fog. with a sigh, you stand on unsteady legs still recovering from sleeping like the dead and stumble out the door. a short hallway leads into a small living room, where you search for any sign of the man of the hour.

a soft snore brings your attention to the sofa. when your eyes land on frank, laying on his back with a throw blanket draped across his legs, half of the fabric falling off the cushions, you have to stifle a laugh. slowly, you step near the sofa and fix the throw, scooping it up off the floor and laying it out properly, the edges of your lips twitching up at the contented sigh that escapes from him.

in a twist of fate and uncharacteristically bold decisions, you've found yourself in a stranger's apartment, standing over him while he sleeps.

"do you always watch people sleep?"

you jolt at his voice, low and hoarse as he breathes out the question, startling you out of your daze. his eyes crack open shortly after, pale irises immediately finding you before dragging over your form, unhurried as he blinks away the lingering somnolence.

"uh, no— i don't," you mutter, clearing your throat. "sorry." you add a second later, suddenly feeling small under his scrutiny.

frank chuckles, averting his gaze as he sits up, the blanket that you just laid out sliding off his upper half and folding in his lap. "don't worry about it, heard you come in." he says, waving off your apology. "assuming you were looking for me."

you nod, staring with a little too much interest as he stands from the sofa and stretches, the hem of his undershirt riding up and exposing a sliver of his well-toned abdomen that you gawk at, until his arms drop and your eyes flick back up to his.

"you hungry?" he asks, earning another nod and affirmative hum from you in response. you follow him to the small kitchen and sit at the table after he pulls one of the chairs out and motions for you to sit. you let your chin rest on your palm, absentmindedly watching him gather ingredients – that you were surprised to see, based on how empty his fridge and cabinets appeared to be – and start to cook, his back to you.

your unoccupied hand rests on the tabletop, nails lightly tapping against the surface. a couple minutes of silence pass by before you break it.

"do you do this often?" you joke, shoulders dropping as another soft chuckle leaves him.

"what, have breakfast?" he replies, dripping with sarcasm, sending you a glance over his shoulder.

you puff out a laugh and sit up straight. "bring women home from bars," you remark in yet another moment of uncharacteristic boldness. "i don't mean to pry, but... you seem pretty comfortable with having a stranger in your home." you continue with a shrug.

frank turns to face you fully, a more somber emotion that you can't quite place briefly crossing his face before his neutral expression returns. "you up for coffee?" he brushes past the question with one of his own, spinning on his heel and moving to start a pot of coffee before you even get the chance to answer.

fuck, you definitely just overstepped.

after delivering a mental kick to yourself, you shift in your seat and wrack your brain for a new topic. anything to pull you from your pit of embarrassment. frank beats you to the punch, though.

"i usually go to bars to drink, not meet people," he says, grabbing two mismatched mugs from one of the cabinets. "you're the first person i've talked to, much less invited to stay over." he adds with an amused huff, mumbling out the last bit. you idly stare at the back of his head while he plates the food— that you want to say is an omelette, but the faint burning smell that wafts from the stove, as well as the sheer volume of dishes that he somehow dirtied in such a short span of time, makes you doubt that.

he saunters to the table with a plate and one of the mugs, regarding you with an easy smile as he sets them down in front of you. contrary to what you saw and smelled, the omelette looks...

amazing, actually. if you didn't know better, you'd think it was prepared by a professional. your eyes narrow then widen, confusion evident in your expression, and you're fairly sure an audible "wow" escapes from you.

"surprised?" he teases, sitting across from you, meeting your gaze over the rim of his mug.

you concede and slowly nod your head after a beat. "i wasn't expecting you to be such a good cook."

"yeah, save the compliments 'til after you try it." he replies, silently urging you to eat.

the first bite is even better than you expected, a soft and, frankly, slightly too pleased, moan leaving your lips. frank watches you with a satisfied grin hidden behind another casual sip of his coffee.

you let yourself unwind and enjoy the meal, the lingering thoughts about how you're sitting hungover at a near-stranger's table, chatting and joking around like you're friends, melting away as the minutes of conversation and laughter tick by.

after frank makes an offhand comment about "his bed treating you well," however, you recall the question that's been on your mind since you woke up.

"did we, uh…" you trail off, suddenly struggling to find your voice as you set your fork down. after a deep breath, you manage to force the words out. "did we sleep together?"

he just stares at you for a moment, letting a horrible feeling of unease bubble up somewhere deep in the pit of your stomach. finally, he sets his mug down and leans forward, speaking in a low voice that brings back memories of last night. "do you really think i'd settle for the couch if we had?" he asks.

you blink, worrying the inside of your cheek, but relaxing nonetheless at the confirmation. before you can make any sort of comment, he continues. "you were drunk, i didn't want to send you home alone. never know what kind of creeps are hanging around the streets," he mutters the last part to himself, briefly pulling his gaze from you. "figured you'd be safest where i could keep an eye on you— no offense, i'm sure you can handle yourself just fine, but i wanted to make sure you were safe 'til you could get back on your feet."

a warmth washes over you, reminding you, again, of last night. his touch, the lingering heat under your skin, the head-spinning sensation of his lips and hands on you, the gravelly praise uttered between searing kisses.

and yet, he was a complete gentleman after all of that. you're not sure what means more to you.

"good, because i'd definitely want to remember if we did." you smile, reveling in the shock that flashes across his face.

frank seems to recover quickly, though, a lopsided grin appearing to replace the shock as he tilts back in his seat. "we still have time for that." he says, a subtle challenge. your gaze narrows and you lean forward, pressing your hands flat against the table’s surface.

"so, it's a date, then?"

he sends a quick glance to the clock on the wall nearby. when he looks back at you, it's with the same look he had when he paid your tab at the bar: charmingly cocky.

"we'll skip the drinks after dinner."

[ttttobistuff]

Another Believer…

A freezing, yet lovely night was ahead of everyone in the enchanting city of Welcome Home. It had finally arrived, homecoming day! With the preparations being finished, Sally observed from her spot in the clouds. Sitting at the top of the tree, just like a dazzling star, she cordially greeted her friends as they stepped through the door of Home. For what seemed to be an eternity, Sally kicked her feet around, in exasperation.

Hello there—she cheered as Eddie, whom she had been waiting for, turned the handle—Oh, Eddie, we can officially start!

Sally! How on earth did you get up there?—Cracking a grin, Eddie said—I was worried, I couldn’t seem to find you all anywhere…

As the good mailman approached the living room, he could feel a friendly ambiance hugging him. Just as he crossed the line between the entrance and the main room, a familiar face emerged, just as the sun peaks upon the tall hills.

Mr. Dear, you took your time to arrive!—Spoke, as gracefully as always, Frank—We all hoped for your safe arrival, no celebration is a proper one without every guest

While his mouth moved, Eddie could not help it but stare into his tremendously soft cheeks. Have they always been so reddish and…delightful? The poor red-haired man was driven mad when a soft hand caressed his cheek. Mr. Dear melted away into Frank’s touch, being a lovely mess. All until a voice dragged him out of such a heavenly place…

Pack it up, lovebirds—yelled Barnaby, from the other side of the room—Let’s start this, I cannot wait to taste my mama’s eggnog

Nervously chuckling, Eddie apologised and the party went on. This mailman was for sure exhausted from so much worrying…he needed a quick rest on the couch! As he sat down, he felt his tensed body start slipping away. Not much, but enough for him to let a sigh slip away from his lips. What else could he ever wish for? It was homecoming, everyone he cherished was celebrating, and he had one of the most traditional meals: a single pea on a plate.

A single green dot, in such a big white space.

…

His guts began wrenching, twisting and turning. Ice cold sweat rolled its way down his throat. Lungs almost bursting, it felt as if they were getting pulped into nothing but gubbins. Drenched in red, the world seemed too suffocating. Everything was submerged in a certain gloom, only a pair of eyes could light up. His chest went up and down aggressively, without a rest in between.

Oh, Eddie! What would we do without you, sweetheart…—Spoke, softly and gently, Poppy—Dear? Do you hear me?

With no apparent response, Eddie could only help but pant and whine softly. His nails, barely holding within their blood, grasping hardly the couch’s edge. At this, Frank knew he required some space. He acted rapidly, and told Poppy he was just a bit…tired. As they were left alone, he placed himself in front of his dearest and held his shoulders.

Mr. Dear? What’s wrong?—Mr. Frankly seemed genuinely worried, noticing all symptoms of sickness—Please, speak to me…

Softly speaking made Eddie snap out of it. Taking a big breath, he looked up and blinked a few times. As he looked around, he took a hand to his face and dried his own sweat. Ultimately, he looked upon Frank.

I…—Eddie spoke, almost in whispers—saw it.

Mr. Dear, I think it’s appropriate to go home now—Mr. Frankly told the man who was facing him—You are definitely not in conditions to be here!

Frank made sure to let someone know about them leaving, only in case they asked. Then, they left silently without people noticing, except Barnaby who they had told. Eddie could hardly walk properly, stumbling at every step or so, his lover was tremendously worried.

After analysing the situation, Frank was forced to take Eddie to his home since it was the closest. As expected, they arrived in a matter of minutes. Thankfully, the house was warm and Eddie felt a little bit better than before. Yet, he still was containing himself…

Mr. Dear, what happened back in Home?—Frank spoke softly, while hanging his coat and taking Eddie’s too—Is it stress? Working seven days must be affecting your immune system! That’s right…high levels of constant stress could-

Frank—Said Eddie, roughly—something’s very wrong inside that house. Well, not inside but beneath it…

No stutters, no doubts. Frank knew Eddie was not joking around with him, and it went shivers down his spine.

W-what do you mean?—Shaking voice came out of Frank’s throat, unable to stay calm

His eyes, he was slowly drowning me–Eddie said, in a quite paranoid voice–You’ve got to believe me, please

As tension built up between them, Frank knew this was going to end up wrong…they should not be talking about this. Not so close to him.

Stop, I beg you—A grey hand covered Eddie’s lips? Preventing him to speak any further about the situation.—You…I cannot do this without you.

Confusion striked Eddie, the numbness from the homecoming incident had completely vanished by now. All that was left were some terrorising memories, almost as vivid nightmares. He was too stressed to even stop and think, for him, it was too late. Frank’s hand slipped off, Eddie’s tongue too.

For the love of God, Mr. Dear—Started, Frank—quit this!

I refuse, please hear me!—Loudly said, by Eddie in distress—What I saw…

…What was it?—asked, perhaps unfortunately, Frank—What did you see?

The bellow.—Eddie said it with confidence, believing in what he saw.

I beg you, Mr. Dear, sit down and calm yourself.—Frank caressed once again his face, his thumb going in circles—Stay with me.

Few moments of silence, a hoaxed peace.

No! Give me just one more chance, one more glance…—The mailman approached Mr. Frankly’s chest—And I will make of you another believer.

Frank’s silence was the last drop needed for the water to spill. Eddie’s hands stopped holding onto him, and his legs began moving towards the door. Without a second thought, he ran away, leaving Frank all alone.

Eddie ran, as fast as he could. His legs failed around fifteen minutes later, making him trip and fall to the ground. It was then when he realised…he had never seen this side of the neighbourhood. Was this forest always here?

Before his question could be answered, a strange object seemed to impact his head from a blind spot. Before passing out, he observed a rather familiar silhouette looming over his barely conscious body.

Such eyes, shining bright in the night, could only belong to one person.

…

What are we gonna do now?—Frank spoke, feeling guilt twist his guts.

(Based upon newest hidden video-03/24)

[m3char0b0l0v3r]

yk what? Since I love the idea of going into the welcome home dimension reader things.

Why not the welcome home crew gets transported into our dimension? But the twist is, they’re tiny like they’re figures. And! I made this because I was like thinking about a transformers fic of where the transformers continuity figures come to life in our world.

But this is different! They’re puppet size babies and they don’t feel like puppets but they feel like they’re originally from their own world. Plus a height reference compared to me (I’m small sobs)

I haven’t made the others so instead I got their height marked down. (Ahahah short Wally real, wait I put him too high /j) ok! Did one with my Y/N (and gawd taller than me…)

They love going on adventures and maybe going into reader | y/n bag to see the outside world secretly? But definitely adventures and stuff that they like to do is a yes.

But I think it’s my own original AU now? (I think? If someone did the same thing before me plz tell me!!)

ok here’s some I think I’ve made up?

Frank Frankly!

Y/N accidentally had left the window open with only a gap, but not big enough for them to fit through. Frank was going through a book that he had specifically told Y/N to pick it out for him to read and where he sat to read? Right beside the opened window. It was his small little reading area since he could see the flower bloom. While he was focusing on his book, a Butterfly flew in and landed right on his book. And Jesus, the butterfly looked abit too big but it was very close to him plus! It was one that he had never seen before so..what he do, he did it, he inspected the butterfly and tried not to scare it away at the same time. He definitely would love studying this world bugs.

Wally Darling!

Wally, the appol addict…Y/N was supposed to eat the apple but she forgot to do something and instead left it on the table, Wally noticed the apple would be smaller than him but now..gawd, the damn fruit was bigger than him.. He wonder if he can eat this whole fruit in one day? Well…Let’s just say- it didn’t what he expected. Y/N came back to see only Wally on the table laying backside, The apple gone and his eyes grown larger than before. Y/N thought he was dead but actually he’s in heaven and literally Inlove with the appol in this world, because lucky for him the apple Y/N picked out was sweet.

Howdy Pillar/Poppy Partridge!

Eddie Dear!

It was early in the morning two puppets was literally up for whatever reason, Poppy was reading the recipe book that she found and asked Y/N to take it out, Howdy was looking outside the closed window admiring the nature! Both of them heard some shuffling in the kitchen before they went to check it out. (Y/N made them lil stairs for them to get on things) and when they found what the noise were, It was Y/N cooking themselves a small meal and haven’t noticed the two until they were on the counter. Howdy and Poppy asked if they could help and of course, Y/N allows only one condition. Telling them to stay away from the fire at a safe distance. And holy cow when they were done,, I swear both puppets were really proud of themselves helping Y/N out.

(I hc that howdy cooks secretly as a hobby)

When Y/N once brought home colourful papers Eddie immediately ran up to them to ask about the paper and where they got it from, u reply u brought it for something which u immediately remember something that u forgot to buy so u told the mailman puppet to watch over the papers. But the moment u close the door, Eddie went to take out one of the papers (with lots of struggle-) and started to play with them and when u do have the item and came back with it..Eddie was folding lots of it and was having fun.

Anyways...this is only what I got! As said if someone had this idea before me then tell me! :D

[turtledovenycx]

hellooo! this is my first time requesting so i rlly hope u see this!! ~ Y/n is a "nerdy but hot" type of girl whos also rlly smart. The bad boy hyunjin has secret eyes for her. Shes always alone in class and doesnt talk to many ppl so basically shes mysterious ooo. One day hyunjin finally asks her to tutor him and she gets surprised knowing he knows she exists. Hyunjin has hooked up w many other girls but y/n is different as shes not despo like them and thats what attracts him to her. They both meet late night at a cafe and y/n is wearing a black tank top which has her neck and chest exposed and her lacy bra straps can be shown as well. She covered herself w a fuzzy jacket before entering the cafe but eventually took it off whilst tutoring hyunjin. Hyunjin feels lusty looking at y/n being so effortlessly hot and unknowing of it, he also gets turned on by the way she sucks her frappe straw etc. But he controls himself and after their study session ends hyunjin offers to drop her home on his bike and somehow enters her apartment as well where she lives alone and cozy with a good view of the city. They both have a deep convo before it turns into hot late night sleepy smut fr (ps its y/n's first time being w a boy ever too)~ Whew thats the format of what i want this fanfic to be i rlly hope u see this again and write smth that'll get my stomach twisted lmaooo. hope u see this!

Hello dear anon <33

First and foremost thank you for sending in your idea I appreciate that you thought of me and thought that I would be capable of writing this.

But please note that a similar fic already exists on Tumblr. It has so many same elements that you mentioned here.

To be quite frank you have mentioned some very detailed information from that fic. The fuzzy sweater and tank top beneath, Hyunjin staring at her as she sips her drink, the bike ride and the deep convo before they end up doing more.

Therefore, I apologize but I cannot write this. Maybe you've read it before and it had slipped your mind or you have lost it amidst all the great works on Stayblr. Or this is one heck of a coincidence!

Anyway, I think this fic is perfectly suited to your request and it is so well-written by the author @hyunjinfairy

I'm linking it here

Check it out and send the author some love <333

If you have any other ideas do send them in I'll be happy to write them, but be it known I have slow updates.

Have a great day/night

_nyx.☽༊˚

[itsanerdlife]

Twisted Love 6

Pairing: Clint Barton x Castle!Reader

Warnings: Death. Tragedy. Loss. Cheating. Spicy, let’s just say that. It’s gonna be spicy.

Oh yeah there’s Smut, like early on. I’m not even sorry.

In a dark world, the one thing you don’t want is to find out the one you trust, who you’d give your life up for, isn’t as faithful as you thought.               When tragedy pulls my marriage apart, at the seams. Everything seems to just get worse from there. Only my husband isn’t going to let things go that easy, I find that out when he drags me back home.                     The only D we agree to, was till Death and that just might be the only thing left.   But for who?

“Who is Sophia?” Frank glares at him.

He storms after his wife.

“I have some things to do today tell T to get ready.” She casually calls back at him.

“Who is Brock?” Frank snarls after them.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Clint demands.

“Don’t worry Shug, I’m stocked up on plan B, Brock wasn’t much for suiting up either.” She laughs lightly, a smug dangerous grin on her lips.

“Excuse me?!” Her father blanches.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Sweets.” He warns her through his teeth.

“Why?” Her head tips, the ruined messy bun completely gone, long strands falling over her shoulder. She slips a step closer to him. “Should I ask who you’ve been coming in while I’ve been away?” Her brown jerks up.

“You don’t get to disrespect me while I’m still leaking down your thighs.” He bares his teeth.

“Oh I walked into the wrong part of that conversation.” Barney groans joining them.

“Someone better start answering my questions!” Her father barks loudly. “Who is Brock?”

“Your daughters boyfriend.”

She shrugs.

“Well actually,” Barney chuckles, she turns to glare at her brother in law. “he was my breakfast date.” He grins with pride.

Y/N shakes her head not bothering to remark on that.

“Meaning what?” Frank wonders.

“Clint killed him. Barney disposed of him.” She rolls her eyes.

“You knew he was a dead man the second he opened his mouth in that club.” Barney shrugs.

“Club?” Franks blinks at them.

“I was working in a club, in lingerie for dollars, daddy.” She beams at her father, proudly.

“This is how we die.” Barney swallows.

“Fuck.” Clint drags his hand over his face.

“If I’m being honest it was a sex club for dollars.” She corrects herself.

“Well it wasn’t for dollars kitten, smallest bill you had was a twenty.” Barney chuckles under his breathe.

Clint glares at his brother.

Frank pinches the bridge of his nose.

“Your mother is rolling in her grave.” Frank grumbles.

“Tell me it’s a lie, Y/N.” Clint sighs heavily, his chest tightening.

“What would be a lie?” She bats her eyes at him.

His jaw clenches, glaring at her. “Don’t play dumb.” He warns.

“Guess I’m just dumb.” She sasses back.

“Tell me it’s a lie anyone else, another man is coming in you!” He yells suddenly.

“Oh fuck.” T appears next to Frank. Who looks to be praying to the ceiling.

She licks her lips, staring back at him. Something dark flashes in her eyes.

“I’m not the only one you’re coming in.” Her voice light like a whisper but packed with a right hook blow.

Frank turns to glare at him.

Barney swallows hard.

“Don’t worry, Clint.” She pats his cheek light with a smug grin. “Plan B doesn’t expire, you can keep pretending you love me, and you won’t have to worry about any repercussions of it.” She steps back, looking to T.

“Be a dear and send like a hundred boxes to Sophia, that should keep her stocked for like two – three months, you know how Clint gets some weeks.” She waves her hand dismissively.

“That’s enough Y/N.” He growls at her.

“We could get divorced.” She throws out, smirking at him. Leaving the four of them shocked and silent.

“Y/N.” Franks warns.

“Easy Kitten.” Barney blinks wildly.

“We said till Death. The only D that will ever end this marriage.” He reminds her.

She shrugs. “You or me, Darlin?”

The seriousness in her voice, the ice cold in her eyes. This wasn’t a ploy to rile him up, to pick a fight. She meant this.

“T get ready, I have something’s to do today.” She smirks at him.

“It’s never a good feeling when you grin like that.” T sighs.

“Just evening the playing field.” She smirks.

With that she turns leaving them. The door of the room she’s staying in closed a moment later.

“Who is Sophia?” Frank snarls at him.

“You are not my issue right now Frank. I have to deal with your unstable, crazy ass daughter!” He heads for his bedroom. “And don’t you think about doing anything she told you too T!” He demands before opening his bedroom door.

“He does realize she will kill me first?” T asks quietly.

“I’ll do it!” Barney volunteers.

“Charles!” Clint calls after his brother.

“He’s long gone.” T calls back.

“What the Fuck is happening in this fucking house!?” Frank demands.

It’s quiet for a moment.

“I fucked up with your daughter and I’m about to repent for my sins… in the worst of ways.” He relies closing the door to his room.

----------

Lights change slowly. Pretty woman, wander around. The music in time with the lights.

Deep black hair, meets the small of her back. Emerald green eyes. Full lips and a pretty face, and body most men would pay to lick.

“Are you a vouyer or just bashful?” She flashes a dazzling and alluring smile.

“Maybe both?” Smiling at her from my seat in the wide leather chair.

“Most vouyers aren’t woman in my experience.” She tucks a strand of hair back.

“Why do men get to have all the fun?” Sipping from my glass.

“Looking to have some fun today?” She offers.

“I was actually hoping you could tell me if you were hiring?” Tipping my head.

“At the club? Yeah, we are. I can grab a manager for you.” She offers with a wave of her hand behind her.

“Please?” I grin at her.

She nods leaving quickly.

“That is not the way I thought that was going to go.” T leans over speaking close to my ear.

“Who said I’m done?” I grin at him.

He shakes his head for a moment. “You planning to fuck your husbands mistress too?” He lifts a brow at me.

A grin on my lips, dragging my bottom lips, shrugging a shoulder.

“I have to know how she’s better than me to steal my husband.” I smirk at him.

“Listen to me.” He snaps his fingers in front of my face. “Do not, you hear me, do not kill this woman in public.” He stares back at me.

“I’m not.” I laugh.

“Yeah lookin like Harley Quinn over there. Like you aren’t ready to snap her neck and parade her body around like Shamo at Sea World.” He rolls his eyes.

“Shamo did it right, he bite off the parts. I could always gift my husband with hers.” I point out to him. He sighs, glaring at me.

“That’s not what you were supposed to take from that.”

“I know” I grin as Sophia and what I can only assume is the manager come towards us.

“Clint going to kill us.” T sighs.

“Fair is only fair.” I laugh.

------------------------------ Everything Peaches 12/8/22 @mo320 @ml7010 @irepeldirt @joannie95 @nunu2888 @coley0823 @rileyloves5 @sexyvixen7 @duckestylez @abschaffer2 @genius2050 @drayshadow @shirukitsune @xoxabs88xox @rosalynshields @destiel-artemis @hookslove1592 @royal-sunflower @iwillbeinmynest @bellamy-barnes @geeksareunique @fanfic-n-tabulous @spookygrantaire @steel-blue-eyess @mariekoukie6661 @capsheadquaters @bless-my-demons @notyourtypicalrose @lets-talk-about-xyz @loving-life-my-way @shinycupcakebaker @also-fangirlinsweden @stupendous-science @daughterofthenight117 @dandelionsmarkthegrave @physically-a-cheesecake @letsgetfuckingsuperwholocked​

Clint ‘Destory Me, I’ll Thank You’ Barton: @nickyl316h​

[xxfanfiction-emo-trinityxx]

Whatever Was Before... - Mikey Way x Reader

Summary: Mikey and you don’t get along, even hate each other. Having to share a room and bed one night reveals that this is not true at all. Reader: no pronouns used, can be read as any gender Warnings: getting into fights Word count: 3500 A/N: Happiest of Birthdays to the one and only @robinrunsfiction​! I got a whole bunch of writing coming your way, so you better get ready, my dear ;) Also this is the belated Birthday Fic for Mikey, I just thought I could pack both birthdays into one ;)

Mikey was laying in the dark, acutely aware of your even breaths at his side. He wished you would have left the lights on, at least a small one, but he had not wanted to make things between you even worse by asking. Somehow the darkness in hotel rooms was always so absolute and foreign, even though there was a thin beam of light from a street lantern shining through the closed curtains. If asked, he could not have explained it, how the absence of light here differed from the one at home. But it felt suffocating; just as it felt suffocating lying next to you.

His stomach twisted at the thought of you only inches away from him. He was not sure if it was in a good kind of way or a bad one. He knew it shouldn’t be in a good kind of way. In fact, he was supposed to hate you, just as you hated him. The constant fighting between you drove him up the walls, while the other band members laughed it off. But you made his blood boil. Mikey did not even remember how it had started. It just had always been this way. Sometimes you were screaming at each other from across the room, sometimes it were hissed comments or death glares, but every interaction he had ever had with you had been filled with the same hateful tension.

There were moments where he began doubting if it really was only hate between you, like when he had to wake you at three a.m. and you blinked up at him sleepily. Then his heart beat faster in his chest with something that could not be waved off as hate. It was affection. And Mikey hated himself for it just as much as he hated you for making him feel that way. And perhaps even worse: not noticing that there were more emotions involved for him than hate.

Now, laying in the dark, he felt his heart beating in his throat, still mad at you from the fight you had had earlier, and at the same time nervous about how close you were. The fight had been about nothing basically. It had been about you being you, you always finding a way to make the band members’ less glorious qualities still seem admirable and human. Like when people made fun of Frank and called him chaotic and a menace, you defended him, saying he was passionate, no matter how many times he had fallen into your drum kit already. Or when people called Ray anti-social (which really was not true) for not hanging out with others as much as the rest of the band, you said he was the quiet genius, whose mind was working relentlessly to create new music. And the same way you had found ways to turn criticism at Mikey’s bandmates into compliments, you had done the same for him at a talk-show earlier tonight.

Mikey knew the host would go into this direction, when he begun describing everyone’s style on stage, Frank’s energy, Ray’s head banging, your passion, Gerard’s prancing. And Mikey’s passivity.

“You’re just not moving that much, are you Mikey? Scared of falling over cables,” the host teased.

Mikey just shrugged, the awkward silence that begun building in the studio drowned out by the ringing in his ears as he was avoiding eye contact with anyone. At his side he felt Gerard take a breath to say something, but you were faster.

“’s just, not everyone needs to move around to have a great stage presence, you know,” you chirped cheerfully.

Mikey’s eyes snapped to you, boring into your side as you smiled innocently at the host. You had done what you always did: make the band look good. And never let on to the public that there was any kind of tension between you and him.

Mikey knew he should not be as upset about it as he was, but his blood had been running hot in his veins, and as soon as the five of you had been backstage, he had blown up in your face, asked how you thought it was okay to always interfere and what not. He could not even remember what he had said to you. You had not react much, only asked him to not shout as loudly, which had made it even worse. The others had ignored him entirely, Frank only snickering about weird flirting techniques. So he had swallowed down the acid that was scratching his throat, desperate to get some kind, any kind of reaction from you. But you had not relented, had not given him the satisfaction to react to his jabs during the way to the hotel at all.

Neither of you had been happy about having been assigned to the same room, but you both knew better than to protest and argue with the manager. And both of you knew better than to argue if one of you should sleep on the floor. You both remembered the days in which seats in vans and narrow beds, that needed to be shared, had been the greatest luxury, so a big, soft bed was something neither of you would be willing to give up on, and somehow you both had silently agreed to argue over anything but the bed.

That had not stopped Mikey from sending one poke after the next your way, until eventually, much later than he had expected, even you had run out of patience, and got loud as well. Somehow it felt good to have you shout at him, rather than take his insults silently. It started with him saying you were always interfering, continued with you calling him ungrateful, went over him randomly insulting your music, to you screaming in his face that you hated him, and ended with the bathroom door slammed into his face.

He had not protested, and instead used the small sink next to the bathroom door to refresh himself, and brush his teeth, even though he had been so enraged that he felt like running ten miles. You had stayed locked in the bathroom for a whole while, the water of the shower still running as Mikey eventually decided to go to bed.

He had left on the ceiling lights, pulled the blanket over himself, and listened to you eventually turning off the shower. After that you had taken another half an hour in the bath. Mikey had tried to fall asleep, but been too distracted by the cluttering in the bathroom. Were you brushing your teeth right now? Applying lotion to your face, or doing whatever night routine you had?

A few times he had heard something that almost sounded like a sniffle, as if you were crying, and each time it had taken all his self-restraint to not jump out of the bed, bang against the door, and beg you to let him in so he could take care of you. But each time his pride had won, and he had stayed in bed. When you eventually had stepped out of the bath, he had pretended to be asleep. The scent of your body wash had streamed in waves from the bathroom. It was the same scent that always clung to your hair and clothes, the same scent that made Mikey’s heart beat a little faster, that threatened to drive a blush into his cheeks. All the reason to hate you even more, for making him feel like a lovesick teenager. But the way you had quietly been moving around the room, assuming he was asleep, and trying not to wake him made it hard. Not even an hour ago you had screamed at him about how much you hated him, and now you had been trying not to disturb his sleep. After every little noise you had made, you had paused, listening whether you had woken him, before eventually crawling into bed next to him.

He had felt the mattress dip with your weight, and heard the ruffling of the blanket. Then you had turned off the light. At that he almost would have spoken up, would have asked you to keep it turned on, or at least turn on the lamp above the bed, but he would rather lie awake in the dark than let you know he had not yet fallen asleep.

It had been a few hours since then. Your breath had evened out quickly, signalling him that you had fallen asleep, and for hours he lay awake, listening to your breathing and the rustling of the bedsheets when you moved in your sleep. Again and again he tried to close his eyes, but each time he did, he had to think of you, screaming about how you hated him before slamming the bathroom door closed, shutting him out. Maybe that was what he actually feared most: that one day you just shut him out.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sudden change in your breathing. Before it had been even, rhythmic, but now it was hasty, erratic, panicked. He had heard similar changes often enough when he had slept in Gerard’s room, and his brother had had a nightmare. And as if to confirm Mikey’s suspicion, you began twitching and shaking your head, mumbling unintelligible words. His heart twisted painfully, wishing he could somehow help you, but if he woke you up, who knew how you were to react. And it really was not his problem if you had nightmares, right? You were an adult; you could deal with that yourself. Normally he would not even notice because he was asleep himself.

That mind-set lasted for a whole of three seconds, before he reached out his hand, brushing it carefully against yours, and whispered your name. Like a reflex your fingers clamped shut around his, and almost immediately you calmed down. Your breathing was still fast, but you stopped moving as much.

“Mikey,” you whispered into the darkness, making his heart almost stop. He was sure you were still asleep, and yet he nodded.

“I’m here,” he whispered back, hoping that no matter how much you hated him, you might still find comfort in his voice. “I’m right here.”

You groaned quietly, still holding onto him, and began moving around in the bed. And before Mikey really had comprehended what you were doing, you had crawled to his side, snuggled against his chest, and thrown an arm around his middle, your legs entangling with his. Mikey felt himself going stiff, while simultaneously euphoria and panic were washing through him. Euphoria because this was the closest you had ever been, panic at how you were to react should you ever find out about this. Most likely you would try to lynch him or something.

He tried to relax, and forget about any possible future scenarios, instead focusing on the moment, on your soft cheek on his chest, the weight of your arm around his middle, the warmth that was bleeding though your pyjamas and his into his skin. A part of him wanted to stay awake, wanted to watch you sleep. Now you were calm again, clinging to him. How long would it last? Mikey was not foolish enough to hope a situation like this would ever arise again, so he wanted to savour every second of it. But it was like your presence was the best lullaby, and before he knew it, he had fallen asleep as well.

~*~

You woke up from being too warm. Sleepily you kicked the heavy blanket away, which had pooled around your waist, only to realise that there was something else that kept you warm, even though this warmth was gentle and soothing, not as heavy and intense as the blanket.

It was then that you heard the even breaths of the person you were sharing the bed with, the calm heartbeat of the man whose chest you had rested your head on. It hit you like a brick, that you were cuddled against Mikey. For a moment your heart threatened to jump out of your chest, but then you felt his arm around your shoulders, and his hand around yours, and relaxed. How had you ended up like this? You could not remember, could not remember if you had rolled over to him or the other way around. But either way, at least subconsciously he did not seem to mind.

Tilting your head back, you tried getting a glance at his face. He looked peaceful, calm, quiet, almost happy. There was still barely any light in the room, making it hard to make out more than his face, but you kept staring at him anyway. He was beautiful like this, you realised, beautiful and calm and almost otherworldly. It was nice being this close to him, feeling how warm he was, how alive, having his strong arm wrapped protectively around you.

You had dreamt of sleeping like this for so long, but a sense of dread settled in your stomach at the thought of what he would do when he woke up. For a moment you toyed with the idea of moving away from him, but in the end you could not bring yourself to do it. Lying like this was too peaceful, and no matter how angry he would be when he woke up, it would be worth just one more second of this.

You were between waking and sleeping, still looking at him through sleep heavy eyes, when he eventually stirred, long before your alarm clock was due to ring. He took a deep breath, and squeezed his eyes closed before slowly blinking them open. You knew you should move, should get away from him, sit up, scoot back to your side of the bed, but you were too entranced watching him to do anything of the sort. You just watched as he slowly woke up.

It did not take him long to notice you at his side, and when his eyes met yours, they widened a fraction before softening. God, you would give about anything to have him look at you like that more often.

He blinked at you, a soft smile on his lips, and you expected him to say something, anything really. Make a comment about how you were clinging to him, make fun of how your hair looked after the night, or just say at least good morning, but instead he stayed quiet, and just watched you.

“Am I dreaming,” he eventually whispered, his voice causing a deep vibration in his chest.

You wanted to answer, but were at a loss for words, so you just shook your head carefully.

“Then I want to stay like this forever.”

His words were so gently spoken that they tore at your heart, and almost drove tears to your eyes.

This time you just nodded in response, and both of you kept looking at each other until the first beams of sunlight flickered into the room.

“I don’t actually hate you,” you suddenly whispered, not quite certain where the words came from. Mikey’s smile faded as you reminded him of the last words you had said to him the previous night. “Sometimes I think it’s pretty much the opposite. It’s just easier to say I do. Then I don’t have to admit that I actually…” You trailed off at the end.

For a long moment he just stared at you, his eyes almost sad as he tried reading your expression as you were still resting your head on his chest.

And then, without warning, he lent down, and pressed his lips to yours, surprising you with a soft kiss. Although less a kiss than a brush of his lips against yours. The action took you by surprise, but like a reflex you lent up into him, pushing closer as your heart was beating hard, anxiously, while your stomach began filling with butterflies.

How often had you dreamt of him holding you this close, of feeling his soft lips against yours? It had been daydreams, which you could not even admit to yourself, after which you had been even more irritable around him than usual; and dreams at night, which left you out of control and at total mercy of your infatuated heart.

Now, kissing him for real, feeling his hands settle against your body, and melting into your skin, was better than anything you could ever have dreamt of. His kisses left you breathless, but it felt like the only way to sooth the need for air was to kiss him more, to taste the mint of his toothpaste from last night, the sweetness that stuck to his lips, and made you dizzy. How had you gone without this, without him, for so long? How had you been able to ever shout at him, be mad at him, be irritated about him? None of it mattered anymore, the thoughts flowing away like leaves on a river, as he kept kissing you, kept making your heart jump, and your breath hitch. Perhaps it would have embarrassed you, to have such a reaction, but he reacted the same, shivering when you ran your fingertips down his neck, and gasping slightly when you kissed him harder.

It was only the ringing of his alarm clock, that suddenly tore you out of your bubble of happiness. Trying not to break the kiss Mikey fumbled for his obnoxiously loud blaring phone, eventually managing to turn off the alarm, but the harmony was interrupted, and you both had been reminded of the world around you. You were still in a hotel room, in the middle of tour. You would need to pack your things, maybe go for breakfast and then head for the bus in time.

Suddenly all these things felt overwhelming, and you wanted nothing but to hide away into Mikey’s side, and hope that your responsibilities just went away. But that was not how the world worked, so, against every instinct, you sat up in bed, looking down on Mikey, who looked back up to you. His lips were red, pulled into a gentle smile, and his eyes were soft, with blown wide pupils, as he watched you.

“We need to get ready,” you whispered, your voice hoarse as you talked.

Mikey nodded and watched as you turned to slip out of bed, but just in the last moment he caught your wrist, making you turn back to him.

“Whatever was before- I don’t care why it was like that.” His voice was rough, emotional, you realised, and wasn’t something you got to hear every day, not like this anyway. You got angry, furious, outraged Mikey, but never soft, overwhelmed, insecure, hopeful Mikey. Not like you did now. “But no matter what, I don’t wanna go back to that.”

You reached a hand out, the one that was not caught in his, and brushed your fingers over his forehead, along his temple, over his cheek, and eventually bent down to peck his lips again.

“Neither do I,” you whispered.

You knew the words exchanged were both apology as well as a confession and promise. An apology for past behaviour, failed communication. A confession of love. A promise to do better, to talk to each other.

Mikey looked at you for a moment, how you were hovering over him, who was still resting in the pillows, and then he leant up again, pressing his lips to yours once more, more heated this time, and pulled you back down to bed.

Eventually, in a few hours, someone would knock on your door to remind you of bus call since you would not have turned up to breakfast. And Mikey and you would laugh at their supposed joke that the two of you should stop making out, because outside they did not know how true it was. Walking together on the bus, hand in hand, Frank would comment on a change in flirting-tactics, and Gerard and Ray would bicker along, earning nothing but an eye roll and perhaps a middle finger from Mikey and you. And then, escaping yet another discussion about lemon slices in coke, Mikey would pull you back to the bunk area and into his bed, because hell, it had only been ten minutes but he already missed your lips against his. The bed would be narrow, less comfortable than the huge hotel bed, but it would feel safer, more like home, as close to anything that was not home could feel like home. And eventually, after you would have fallen asleep, Mikey would stay up, just to watch you lying in his arms.

But none of that was of any importance right now. It was in the future, and all that really mattered was the moment, were Mikey’s lips against yours, his arms pulling you closer against him, and your hearts beating hard in a rhythm only the two of you could hear.

Taglist:

@alexstyx​​​ @jayloverthe3rd​​​ @robinruns​​​ @lookalivefrosty​​​ @butterflycore​​​  @omgsuperstarg​​ @fivelegance​ @deadlovers​​ @kpopchangedmylifesstuff​​ @casmustdiee​

[dearmailman]

Hi Eddie I have a request if that’s ok!

My request is Eddie and Frank taking care of a little who had a nightmare please.

Thank you! —🦎

Blankets, pillows, and sleeping bags line the floor of the Frankly-Dear home's living room, loose snacks and a few hair curlers scattered among them. All is well, just a fun sleepover to the observing eye. If they looked harder though, they'd realize one of the sleeping bags is empty.

Yours.

You're not there - you're in the guest bathroom, hidden in the bathtub with the curtains shut. Crying would feel great right now, if you weren't so scared you can't manage. Instead your head rests on your knees as you hug yourself, just staring at the teal porcelain and sucking your thumb softly. It's a bad habit, but it's comforting, especially in the mindstate you've entered. The image of your nightmare won't seem to leave your eyes the moment they close.

You're considering just sleeping in the tub when the doorknob rattles. You hide your face further, startled.

"Reader?" a familiar voice calls. "Is that you in there?" Eddie twists at the doorknob again, confused. You knit your eyebrows together, take a deep breath, and crawl over to unlock the door. Eddie looks across, blinking at the emptiness of a person at eye level. You tug at his pants, and he looks down at you sleepily.

"Hi, neighbor," he chuckles. "How long you been in here?"

"Um... maybe an hour?"

Eddie looks behind himself with a raised eyebrow, the early morning light clearly lighting up the living room. "It's probably been more than that, love. I'm getting up for work right now!"

"Oh," you say quietly. Eddie nods, waiting for more, but you don't continue. He shrugs, and sits on the floor with you, cross-legged.

"Floor time?" He shoots you a soft smile. "Frank likes floor time too, sometimes. It's alright!" When you don't respond yet again, his smile looks worried. "Did something happen, Reader?"

"Nightmare," you huff, rubbing your eyes.

"Yeah? Must've been a biggun if you hid from it." He glances around the room. "It's not still here, is it?"

You shake your head, your hands shaking softly. He notices, and takes one of your hands. "Hey hey, steady. You're alright, friend!" His hands are very soft, and very large as they engulf yours entirely.

"'M fine, Eddie. You need to go to work..."

"Not til 9, neighbor." He pauses. "And not til Frank gets his good morning kiss. I don't mind bein' here for you one bit!"

You feel something in you unravvel as your friend provides a safe moment. You tear up, and before even letting him mention it, you pull him into a hug, hiding against his chest rather than cold tile. He seems surprised, but hugs you back. He always gives the gentlest hugs in the neighborhood.

"Reader, y' wanna talk about it?"

"I... I just have awful dreams sometimes. It's too hard to describe them. Too confusing and too much happening. I don't know, Eddie. I always wake up scared and... small."

"Small?"

"Feeling like a kid. It... makes me feel safe. Kind of. It didn't work tonight."

Eddie nods thoughtfully. "I also feel like a kid when I'm scared. But, y'know..." he sighs, chest rising against you. "There's always people who'll take care of me - of you! Y' got so many friends here. Even if no one else can, well... Maybe there is a reason I woke up a few hours early. In a cosmic fashion." He laughs at himself, one of his hands cupping the back of your head. "You're safe, Reader."

Before you can respond, a light knock comes. "Eddie? Why are you in the bathroom?"

"I'm alright, Frank! Is Julie still asleep?"

Frank pushes the door open and looks down at both of you with a confused frown. "Oh, hello Reader. Yes Eddie, Julie's an off the hook sleeper, you know that." Frank sits beside you two, tying his house robe around himself. "Are you okay in here?"

"Sound as a pound, my love," Eddie smiles. "Reader did have a nightmare though."

You nod, looking anywhere but either of their eyes. Frank raises an eyebrow at you in concern, resting a hand on your shoulder. "I have those too, Reader. What can we do?"

You sigh out a long breath. "I dunno."

"Now, didn't you mention feeling kid-like after it? I have coloring books! Crafting supplies? Plushies? Stickers!" Eddie chuckles. "You can just let yourself feel all kid-like, like I do sometimes. We can play. Playing is always great."

Frank shakes his head. "Copacetic. Well, you two can craft, but I myself am making toast and eggs for you two. Otherwise neither of you will eat." He cuts off Eddie's protest with a raised hand. "I know you won't eat, dear, you always forget."

Frank smiles at you, a rare sweet face. "I'll make extra eggs for you, Reader. And if you ever need to talk - about nightmares, or anything else - you know you can talk to me." He pats your head and walks into the kitchen.

Eddie hugs you again. "You gonna be alright, neighbor?"

You realize how much safer and calmer you've felt since your friends came in, and as the smell of cooking wafts through the home, you let go of the images of your nightmare and fully relax. "Yeah... I will be."

And you are. You and Eddie spend so long making paper chains while eating that Eddie manages to be an hour late for the mail route! Frank gets a good morning kiss, and then you two just sit together.

"Julie does sleep like wild," you joke.

"You don't though, evidently." He says it so bluntly you cast him a glance. "I just mean- Nightmares. I'm talking about nightmares." He sets his forehead in his palm, annoyed at himself as ever for social blunders.

"What about them?"

""I just want you to know that at least one other neighbor has them too." Frank sets his hand near yours on the table. "They're scary, and brutish, and- Jeepers, they just aren't fun."

You hum nervously. "They're not, no. It does feel good to know at least someone gets it."

"It feels good for me, too." His hand does rest on yours now, the gap bridged. "I know we'll both be okay. Or, well, I hope at least. I mean- We will be."

You look across at him, and for once he looks unsure and nervous, allowing himself to be vulnerable. You smile at him, thankful. He smiles at you too then, a genuine, soft one. You squeeze each other's hands, before Frank diverts and gets up, mumbling something about going to wake Julie.

The morning sun shines onto you through the windows, warm and kind to you, all but chasing away the darkness of your dream.

sfw interaction only

[smittenroses]

— Fire Hearts

ask box open | commissions open | hit the tip jar | Patreon | masterlist

Fandom — Welcome Home Pairing — Frank Frankly/Eddie Dear Summery — Oh what was his darling doing out so late at night, holding a jar of light ever so tight? Content Warnings — none, tooth-rotting fluff. Word Count — 751 words Author's note — Happy Pride! I wanted to write up something about these adorable two and the idea of Frank sharing his love of insects and bugs of all types made me so warm inside. I'm not too sure if Clown would want to be tagged in this so I'm not going to, but for those who enjoy Welcome Home, hope you enjoy this too <3

‘Early to bed, early to rise’ was Frank Frankly’s usual motto he would hum every night before he would tuck himself off to bed, one that had gone undisturbed in Home for a very long time. A man of habit, a man of routine. That usual routine is why Eddie was surprised to find his lover in the dead of night with a glass jar in hand, those eyes he loved so much glittering underneath the moonlight.

Eddie had still been in his pyjamas when he had stepped outside the house, the moonlight casting long shadows across the streets as he slowly took one, two steps closer to the man that sat on the grass, the glass jar in his hands softly glowing with soft little lights that danced within.

Fireflies.

“They don’t usually come around here.” Frank spoke when his beloved got close enough, the wet grass underneath his feet most likely staining his socks green with their hue, “I just had to catch some.” A rare sight in Home. That long frown that usually gloomed and sulked was twisted up softly into a slight smile, a soft joy almost seeming to bounce around his frame. Frank Frankly and bugs, the one thing that would disrupt his schedule.

“Aren’t you tired?” Eddie made sure to keep his voice down as he slowly lowered himself to the grass beside his beloved, eyeing the glass jar in his hands, “it’s late at night and the stars are singing.” Although they weren’t actually singing, their twinkling lights may as well be all the same. They sung in time with the fireflies that fluttered and sang in the jar and around the two, the family of little lights dancing, swaying in the cold, breezeless night. “It’s about time we head to bed.”

“Just a few more minutes, love,” Frank muttered softly, “I have a jar for you, too.” The cold glass of the jar was pushed into Eddie’s hands before he could think about denying his lover, feeling as he was slowly lifted from the ground and into the night. Oh, how could he deny his lover the satisfaction of catching a few, catching the memories that would forever be stored in their memories? Eddie may be a bit forgetful, but he knew that he would never forget the look that shone in Frank’s eyes, brighter than the stars, even the moon.

To allow themselves to sleep when only a marvel that could take place under the serenade of the moon would be a plight, so Eddie allowed himself to follow, to be guided, to catch the twinkling lights in his own jar. What tiredness had plagued his body before seemed to disappear under the moon’s light, especially as he held the jar, watching as the fireflies danced to an imaginary song.

No wonder Frank had broken from his routine, this was a once in a lifetime experience; to miss it would be something else, a crime against all that was good to miss the smile that blossomed on his lover’s face.

“Do we keep them?” Eddie couldn’t help but mutter, watching his lover’s face warp along the glass of the jar, though as the other man shook his head softly, Eddie couldn’t help but laugh; if he were stuck in a jar, he most certainly would want to be let out. He most certainly want to be free to fly and dance with those he cared about, his friends, his lover. To keep them in this jar would be something of a tragedy.

And so, on the count of three, the two lovers let the fireflies once more become one.

What a sight it was to watch those twinkling lights dance and light before fading into the night, leaving the two lovers dancing on dew-covered grass. No doubt Frank would be upset his favourite pyjamas were now stained with green, or that his book would be wet from laying face down on the grass, but yet those thoughts were pushed from the man’s mind for now as he let his fingers interlace with the man he adored.

Eddie couldn’t help but squeeze back, feeling the way their rings softly fit just right.

“Off to bed now,” Eddie whispered, guiding Frank back to his house, to the home that they shared, hand in hand, heart in heart, “Wally wouldn’t like if we slept in for the party.”

“Wally can wait,” Frank said softly into the night air, “I want to appreciate you some more.”

[carnivalcarriondiscarded]

hey remember that caramel-carmel Fake Script i was writing? yeah it's technically not done but i'm tired of tinkering with it so here it is! we'll just say it's a uhhhh uncovered partial script or somethin

this is not in any way official! it's a 100% unaffiliated fanwork & i am Just Fucking Around for Funsies

~

BARNABY: oh, I love carmul!

FRANK: [long, disgusted pause] …what? 

BARNABY: Carmul! You know, those tasty little treats you’re holdin’!

FRANK: You mean caramel?

BARNABY: That’s what I said.

FRANK: [scoffs] No, you didn’t. You said carmul.

BARNABY: We’re sayin’ the same thing here.

FRANK: We absolutely are not!

JULIE: [giggles] You really aren’t.

BARNABY: Carmul, caramel, tomato, tomahto! What does it matter!

FRANK: [flustered, stammering] It - it matters! Julie, you agree with me, don’t you?

JULIE: Well… I don’t know, Frank! I think both are fun!

FRANK: You’re both wrong, then! Wally, you agree with me, don’t you?

WALLY: [hesitant] …I say carmul.

FRANK: No! Not you too! How could you poison him like this, Barnaby?

BARNABY: Don’t look at me! I’m innocent, honest!

FRANK: Ha! So you admit that carmul is the wrong pronunciation!

BARNABY: [groans] ah, geez… throw a dog a bone!

FRANK: I’d be delighted to if you’d just-

[distant yelp as Eddie trips off-screen] 

FRANK: Eddie! Thank goodness, finally someone who can put an end to this debate!

EDDIE: [nervous laugh] Oh no, what did I stumble into this time? 

BARNABY: Hold on a tic, Frank. Hey Ed, take this. What do you call that tasty treat?

EDDIE: [with a tinge of fear] A… caramel?

FRANK: [triumphant] a-HA!

SALLY: [approaching] Did someone mention carmul?

FRANK: AGH!

BARNABY: [delighted] Perfect timing, Sally!

SALLY: What, for a delicious morsel? Hand it over, thank you!

FRANK: You’re all wrong, and I’ll prove it! We’re going to go around the neighborhood and - wait. [under his breath] One two three four - [returns to normal volume] we’re taking this to Poppy’s!

BARNABY: Then Home, then Howdy, yeah yeah - might as well ask the daisies, too.

JULIE: Oooh, and the butterflies! 

SALLY: While we’re at it, we should phone everyone in the book, just to get the widest audience input.

FRANK: [unamused] You all think you’re so funny. 

EDDIE: Well, you gotta admit it’s… it’s… 

[brief, tense pause. Eddie clears his throat]

EDDIE: It’s perfectly sensible!

[Frank makes an affronted noise]

FRANK: Poppy will see sense.

-

POPPY: I’d be delighted to have a cah-mehl, but I’m afraid it-

FRANK: [aghast, truly astonished] You’re joking. You have to be joking. CAH-MEHL? Does no one in this town have sense?! Besides Eddie, of course. And Julie - on a technicality.

EDDIE: [oddly pleased] Why thank you. 

POPPY: My goodness, did- did I say it wrong?

BARNABY: [gleeful] Not in the least, Pops!

SALLY: As far as I’m concerned, you added an extra layer of… pizazz to the word. In fact, I may adjust my own pronunciation accordingly!  

POPPY: [flustered] Oh, well, I didn’t - don’t change on my account -

SALLY: Take the compliment, Poppy. 

POPPY: [meekly] Thank you.

[Sally wanders from the group, practicing the slightly adjusted pronunciation]

WALLY: I’m not sure I understand. What’s wrong with carmul or… care… mul… carmel…

POPPY: Don’t strain yourself dear, you’ll get a migraine.

FRANK: What’s wrong is that it’s ENTIRELY incorrect! It! Is! Pronounced! Caramel!

JULIE: Aww, Frank, I’m sure Home and Howdy will agree with us! Team Caramel, WOOO!

BARNABY: [barely restrained disbelief] Boy, won’t they! 

POPPY: I’m not sure what the fuss is about… there isn’t much of a difference, is there?

[Frank makes a high pitched, frustrated noise and stomps off. He can be heard calling Home’s name in the background]

JULIE: Oop, there he goes!

POPPY:  Oh - oh dear. I didn’t mean to rile him up.

BARNABY: Don’t twist your beak about it - Frank’s just bein’ Frank. Now if you’ll excuse us, I wanna see how it goes with Home.

WALLY: [quietly, thoughtful] But Home doesn’t talk like us…

POPPY: If you’re sure… Do let me know how it goes. 

SALLY: [swaying back to the group] I’ll phone you post-haste! Or even better, I can come by for one of your delicious muffins and regale you with the whole escapade, in detail.

POPPY: [audibly pleased] That sounds - well that sounds like a wonderful idea! I have some fresh from this morning-

BARNABY: Sounds great! See you around, Poppy.

-

FRANK: Home, I have an important question to ask you. Is the correct pronunciation for this candy ‘carmul’, or ‘caramel’? One creak for caramel, two for the incorrect carmul.

BARNABY: Talk about a bias…

[Home stays silent. Sally yawns.]

FRANK: One creak for caramel, two-

[Home slowly shuts their curtains]

FRANK: Hmph! The nerve… well, I suppose a house that can’t speak shouldn’t have a say, anyway.

WALLY: Home can speak. He just does it differently.

BARNABY: And I’m pretty sure they just agreed with me, Walls, an’ Sally.

JULIE: They did not!

BARNABY: Looked like it to me!

SALLY: I have to agree with Julie. Home just declared itself a neutral party, and so the vote can’t be counted either way. On to Howardson!

JULIE: Yes! Howdy! Our last hope!

FRANK: He may have terrible taste in company, but he’s a sensible businessman. Poppy and Home have let me-

JULIE: Us!

FRANK: -us down, but surely Howdy will back us up. 

BARNABY: [faux-serious tone, knows something they don’t] Absolutely. Without a doubt.

-

[store bell chimes]

HOWDY: Howdy-do - [brief pause, a tinge of surprise] everyone! My my, what brings the entire neighborhood to my bountiful bodega? Finally decided to clean me out for good?

BARNABY: [snorts] With how fast you restock? I think I’d break my funnybone!

FRANK: We have important business.

HOWDY: [mildly curious] Do we? That’s news to me! But I’m letting you know now that I don’t deal in bugs, Frankly. It’d be hypocritical. 

FRANK: Believe me, I wish I were here to talk insects. Unfortunately, I need to settle a score. Mr. Dear, if you would?

EDDIE: If I would what?

SALLY: [stage-whisper] Barnabello gave you the, ah, parcel earlier?

EDDIE: The…? Oh! Oh, right - I have it right here, just… give me a second… which pocket…? There we go.

[sound of a small, hard candy placed on the countertop] 

HOWDY: A carmul all for me? You shouldn’t have! No, really, you shouldn’t have. I’m on the clock.

BARNABY: [loud bark of laughter] I knew I could count on you, pal! So what’s the tally, Frankie?

[Frank mutters something inaudible]

BARNABY: What was that? I couldn’t hear you over the sound of me bein’ right!

FRANK: [explosive] You’re all wrong! The correct pronunciation is caramel, CARAMEL! You’re all - you’re all just - heathens! Heathens, I say! I’m taking my company elsewhere! 

EDDIE: Mr. Frankly…

JULIE: [overlapping, following] Aw, c’mon Frank! 

[the door jingles. Julie and Frank’s hushed arguing in the doorway underlies the dialogue]

HOWDY: It sounds like I missed quite the context! Mind filling me in?

BARNABY: That was pretty much it; a real potato potahto argument.

HOWDY: If you say so, Barn. Speaking of potahtos-

[the background argument abruptly cuts off, the door jingles again as it's closed]

FRANK: [rapidly rejoining the group] Hold it! You don’t really say potahto, do you?

BARNABY: [under breath] Here we go again…

SALLY: [deeply amused] Where on Earth did you pick up such a butchered pronunciation? I must have missed the sign on my tour down from the heavens.

EDDIE: [baffled, underlying the dialogue] I’ve never heard anyone say it that way.

JULIE: Oh! Is it a joke? Like, Barnaby says potato-potahto, and then you jokingly say potahto to make us laugh? 

HOWDY: It’s not a joke. That’s how it’s said.

FRANK: [genuinely disturbed] No - no one says that. It’s potato.

HOWDY: Well I say potahto, thank you very much! And if you ever want one from my store again, you’d do well to accept that.

[Various grumbles of reluctant acceptance]

HOWDY: Good. Now, can I get any of you a refreshing drink after such a squall? You must be parched! 

WALLY: I wouldn’t mind a glass of mulk.

[Horrified silence. A pin drop would be deafening]

[Sudden uproarious and overlapping argument]