Welcome Home with a human neighbour is always a treat to read.
And now I had a thought, you know how people hear the faintest sound amiss in their surroundings and snap their head over to stare in the general direction, just watching for something out of place, even when nothing is there?
How would the neighbours react to the human doing this when they were just talking all fine and normal a second ago?
This reminds me of something I wrote awhile back! A post about Sally trying to sneak up on you. I built on that feeling of knowing somethings there. But now it's more unsettling!
If you like my work, please consider commissioning me or leaving a tip on Ko-fi (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶)
Is someone there?
★ Why do you do this? Nothing is ever there. Aside from Home or the occasional neighbor. But it's not them watching you. 'I'm being paranoid...' You think to yourself. Almost wishing that it were true.
★ The rules of the real world aren't the same as the ones in Home. For example, here, you can't just tell people you know something isn't right. That the feeling is instinctual. Like a cold chill crawling under your skin and settling into your bones.
★ In the real world? You'd probably be put on new meds. Or go somewhere else. Someplace you can at least feel comfortable going about your day. But here, that isn't an option. You can't leave. You tried. It didn't work.
★ It's hard explaining why you feel this way. So you don't. You hold your tongue and hide your feelings. Sometimes, people catch you looking past the neighborhood, into the forest.
★ You're scared. Really scared. And you can't breathe a word of it to the people around you. Wally might enjoy listening to you. But this? This isn’t something he needs to know about.
★ Barnaby tilted his head. Eyes settling on you. "Um, hey... Buddy? Pal?" You didn't answer. "Is everything okay?" He asks, sounding concerned. "Shush." You whisper-yell. Focusing on the *snap* of a twig that had caught your attention.
★ Sally pauses mid-sentence, noticing how your gaze isn't meeting hers. "Ahem!" She huffs. Snapping you out of it. You apologize quickly, with a soft, "Sorry."
★ Whenever Julie comes to visit you, she always asks about the curtains being drawn. "It's the middle of the day! Why not let the sunshine in?" To humor her, you push the cloth aside. Letting in a little light. But as soon as she leaves, you close them again.
★ You once tried staying up until morning. Just to see if anything happens outside at night. Eddie was the one who found you by the tree line. Down near the clocktower. That was an interesting day for everyone involved.
★ Poppy doesn’t like leaving her home. So she's rarely there when you hear something. But if she was, she'd say "Dear? Are you all right?" While reaching out to place a wing on your shoulder.
★ The only person to ask who you were looking for was Wally. As you froze, he quietly looked around, then said "Do you see someone? Is it Barnaby?" Spoken in his usual monotone register. "Please, show me where." Somehow, you knew he was being genuine.
Summary: Things have been different since Homewarming. Soon after Eddie leaves with Frank, Barnaby walks you home. What happens next leads to a series of situations no one could have predicted. And it all will come to a head during one of the most romantic holidays celebrated within Home.
Pairings: Barnaby x GN!Reader x Wally, Eddie Dear x Frank Frankly, Julie x Frank (onesided)
Rating: T+ (suggestive but no nsfw; at worst, lots of foul language)
Content/Warnings: Derealization, Unreality, Panic Attacks, PTSD, Memories of toxic relationships, Kissing (LOTS of kissing), Unhappy Ending, Jealousy, Multiple Relationships, Polyam, Angst, Explicit Language, Everyone is OOC
Note: This will include a LOT of shipping. If you’re against certain pairings, feel free to block and move on. I’m not huge with the shipping thing, I’m just having fun.
All dividers are from @saradika-graphics
Chapter 2: The Day After
The sun rises the next morning with as much fanfare as any ordinary day in Home. When you wake up at 7am, right on the dot, you look out the window and take in the wintery beauty of the neighborhood still covered with snow and holiday decorations. It’s all so untouched, so perfectly serene and wholesome, with a special sort of magic that reminds you of when you were a child and deeply loved childish things. On any other day, you would look out and feel like it’s just an ordinary day. That nothing has changed.
But, you think, once again pressing your fingers to your lips, that’s not entirely true.
Knowing this, you continue to stare out at the home you’ve come to know, just for a moment. Then you finally get up from the bed and get ready for another day at work.
You do your best to be normal.
With hands in the pockets of your peacoat, you greet the neighbors you pass.
Sally is too engrossed in the lines she’s reading to even notice you walk by. Even so, you are not offended. Seeing her in full thespian mode is enough for your smile to widen, amusement and admiration bubbling in your chest. You continue your walk, a slight bounce in your step. Perhaps she will visit your shop later, searching for another edition of Shakespeare or perhaps some other playwright.
You pass by Frank Frankly’s house and pause to watch. Eddie Dear is in front of the house, hoisting a shovel over his shoulder as he clears the front of snow. You briefly hear him let out a grunt, his thick arms straining for a moment before he throws the snow over his shoulder. His brow is pinched, eyes clouded with a frustration that draws your attention instantly. You think about him at the Homewarming party, about how odd the neighborhood acted before his presence became known. It was like they’d forgotten his existence before Sally pulled him inside Home. Even you forgot about him, you realize, feeling a sharp pang in your chest. Should you even check on him, then…? Eddie might be mad.
Just as you get lost in thought, Eddie pauses and looks up to see you. His mouth spreads into a tentative smile and he lifts his hand to give a little wave. You smile back and give him a wave in return, before promptly continuing your walk. You still want to check on him, but that might have to wait until later. Last night ended up being an…adventure for both of you. Might be best to give yourselves time to process it all.
You get your usual at Howdy’s store—you outright refuse to call it a bodega, the overgrown caterpillar doesn’t even know Spanish is a language, let alone a whole culture—a breakfast sandwich with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and the sharpest of melted cheddar on a toasted buttered roll. That and a small cup of coffee, and you feel a satisfaction that is deeply familiar. Like the motions of asking for something as simple as a breakfast sandwich reminds you of something—
(“Hey, can I get a baconeggandcheese on a toasted roll, please? Oh, and a coffee! Light and sweet.”
“Salt, pepper, ketchup?”
“Yes, god, you know me so well, my guy—”)
—another life, maybe.
Either way, it’s easy to shake off by the time you enter your bookshop.
The minute you step in, a groovy sort of music comes to life from the speakers. A song you end up recognizing, especially with the croon of a woman whose voice always sent a pang through your heart. If you ever had a mother, you hoped that she was as kind and accepting as this woman and her words.
Your eyes dart to find the jukebox near the front of your shop, its near googly eyes rolling to meet yours as it jostles cheerfully in place.
“Morning, Hendrix,” you say. “Mama Cass, huh? You seem to be in a good mood for once.”
A bit of static then a twitch. Then from the speakers comes Jimi Hendrix’s voice himself, the audio put together from separate recordings.
“As do you, baby! Somethin’ happen?”
You pause, mind rushing back to the night before. To Barnaby walking you home from the Homewarming party. To you and him kissing, how that kiss awakened something in you. Something that is making you begin to question everything you know—or what you think you know.
Staring off at a spot on a wall, you twist your lips around in a near pout as you think. Should you mention Barnaby and you kissing? Something about how Barnaby reacted tells you this should probably stay a secret, from everyone. With that being said, you paste on a smile.
“Nothing much. It was a good night. Homewarming is a…an interesting holiday.”
Hendrix seems to sense your hesitation, because its eyes squint at you to send this look. Full of suspicion. If it had a proper voice, it would probably tease. Would properly vocalize its thoughts. But for its current existence, there is only music and cut together audio of a great musician among many. And so, that will just have to do.
“So, tell me,” you say. “You ready for another day of music, selling books, and the occasional coffee and pastry?”
Once again, the jukebox jostles cheerfully. Then as it winks one googly eye, it quickly shifts the records inside to change the song—this time to a cheerful beat that also, somehow, manages to be ominous. Then comes the siren-like crooning of a rather familiar Southern drawl, bemoaning the act of tumbling out of bed and pouring a hot cup of ambition before getting ready for the day.
“Workin’ 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin’! Barely gettin’ by, it’s all takin' and no givin’!”
“Perfect choice! OK, time to get started!”
Getting the coffee brewing takes little to no time, especially after grinding the roasted beans Eddie delivered earlier that month. While the coffee maker starts up, you turn to your espresso machine and make sure everything’s in working order.
Then with a few steps, you’re in the kitchen behind the café counter. You take out the quiches you baked near the start of the week out of the freezer, along with the ingredients for the cookies and other baked goods you sell. In a matter of time, your oven is warming everything up and the shop is more or less ready.
Ring!
A good thing too. There’s your first customer!
You spin to greet the person with a smile like sunshine.
“Morning!”
“Morning, neighbor,” Frank drones with a tired smile. “How are you this morning?”
“Eh, I’m alright. Still waking up, honestly,” you reply. “Last night’s party went on for so long…!”
“Well, that’s Homewarming for you.”
“Guess I’ll have to get used to it. What can I do for you, Frank?”
“Oh, I’m just going to browse on my own. Probably get a coffee and hang out here for a couple hours. If…if that’s all right?” he adds, his voice soft in hesitation.
You offer him a kind smile. The question is unnecessary, but Frank is polite to a fault. Plus, you’ve developed a sort of soft spot for him. Maybe because he’s one of your most dedicated customers. Maybe because, like you, he’s also a huge bookworm. But regardless, you’d nearly do anything for Frank Frankly.
“Of course, Frank! Stay as long as you want. We actually got a new shipment of books on butterflies and other insects the other day. They’re all shelved over there!”
Frank lets out a sigh, looking relieved. “Thank you, you are indeed a saint.”
“Aw, you’re such a charmer,” you grin with a playful wink and a finger gun. “Flattery will indeed get you everywhere, Mr. Frankly!”
He chuckles back, looking less guarded. And with a wave, he ends up disappearing in one of the spiraling aisles of books. You watch him, seeing how his brow furrows and his gaze seems to gloss over, darken with thought. Briefly, you wonder what he could be thinking this morning. For a morning after such a festive holiday, Frank seems to be carrying a lot on his shoulders. The image of him being stressed leaves you a bit—uneasy.
…That’s right, you remember now. He had to take Eddie home, didn’t he? After the poor mailman went through…well, you’re not quite sure.
Hope he’s okay, you think, focusing on the solemn expression Frank is wearing while looking through the aisles. He cares so much about Eddie. Last night couldn’t have been easy…
Just as worry starts to bubble up inside you, the bell rings again. Immediately, you turn your attention to the customer walking in and put on a warm smile.
“Morning, Sally!”
“Morning, dearest Jamie!” Sally says with flourish. “And how are you this lovely morning?”
“Fine, thank you. And you?”
Sally beams, her presence resplendent as always. “Splendid! I actually just finished a book not too long ago. It’s part of a series, and I want to see if you have the next one.”
“Sure. Which one?”
You listen as she describes the book series, quickly recognizing it and which book she needs to read next. With a smile, you point in the direction of said series, to which Sally beams once again.
“Thanks so much, dearest Jamie! See you in a minute.”
And with a spin on her heel, Sally walks off into the aisle of books that suit her interests. You watch after her for a moment before turning back towards the door, just as the bell rings and someone else enters.
And that’s how your day goes. Pretty smooth, far as you can tell.
The morning is busy with the rush of customers looking for a good book and some coffee to drink as they read. Some even order the newest pastry you baked earlier, before opening. It’s funny, such a situation should make you feel anxious. As far as you can remember from Before living in Home, you have never been a fan of being in the middle of a rush. You always found it stressful and overstimulating, with a weight in your chest that just made you wonder why you got up from bed at all. But now? Just feels like another normal start. Seeing customers, most of whom are your neighbors, is a joy rather than a source of anxiety.
And by the time your afternoon starts, when things start to slow down, your day feels mostly over.
Just as you begin leaning your cheek against the heel of your palm, elbow on the counter, the bell rings again. You blink and look up, smile ready as you greet, “Hey there, welcome to—”
The moment you look up and see Barnaby, everything inside you freezes and melts at the same time. Words crawl back down your throat and make it close up, just as heat floods up your neck and then your cheeks. Butterflies flutter furiously inside your stomach. You get the picture, you are not prepared for seeing Barnaby this soon.
And yet, here he is.
Well, him and…
“Hi there, Neighbor.”
Wally, oh thank god…!
Yes, good old, Wally The Most Darling himself—a perfectly safe anchor to dispel awkwardness. Immediately, you reform your grin and turn your attention to him.
“H-Hi, Wally! Um, how are you today?”
“I’m well, thank you,” Wally replies, his mouth quirking slightly to spread his smile. “And you?”
Still smiling, it takes everything in you to resist swallowing, let alone taking another glance at Barnaby.
“Oh, I’m good! Thanks again for inviting me to Homewarming yesterday, it was so great.”
Wally stares at you, his expression—although still smiling—seeming to freeze. Something about his piercing gaze hit you right in the chest, making it go a bit tight. You suddenly feel very cold, every sound around becoming muted until it’s a faint ringing in your ears. Part of you wanted to look around, to see if anyone else is experiencing this, but you quickly realize that you can’t move. Not even an inch.
H-huh? What is…?
“Truly? You really enjoyed it?”
Your fingers twitch. But still, you keep that smile—make it even wider.
“Y-yeah, of course, Wally!” After a moment, you add, “In fact, we should party more often.”
And without moving his eyes from yours, Wally tilts his head. Seems to hum in thought, the black in his eyes widening—
But then his smile spreads into a grin, his cheeks aflush.
“That sounds like a great idea, Neighbor! I’ll have to Home about it.”
Relief eases through your chest, a deep exhale making you visibly deflate. Then you start to laugh, less nervous and more genuine warmth.
“I look forward to hearing about it. What can I do for you today?”
“Oh! There’s this book I’ve been meaning to find. About that Dutch artist…?”
Humming, you suddenly remember what Barnaby told the night before, and you beam.
“Say no more, Wally! Everything you need is right in that aisle,” you reply, pointing a thumb down a particular section of the shop.
Wally lets out another pleased hum, nearly bouncing on his feet. He turns on his heel and heads down toward the aisle of books on different famous artists and their paintings. You watch him with a roll of your eyes, barely remembering the unease from before. What had happened again, exactly…?
Huh. You don’t really remember.
Oh well! It’s probably not anything to worry about, especially if it went unnoticed by everyone else in the store. Just Wally being Wally, very likely. Silly guy.
Anyway.
Can’t avoid him forever.
Chuckling, you turn to finally look up at Barnaby. Heat gathers in your cheeks once more, and you can’t help smiling. Barnaby is smiling back, and although it doesn’t really reach his eyes, you still feel every inch of your insides flutter. It’s been a while since you felt…something like the butterflies currently flying in your stomach. It’s something that brings up a tinge of dread, but mixed with this joy. Such a strange feeling, and yet, familiar.
(What is it called again…?)
“Morning, Barnaby! Anything I can do for you?” you ask, nearly choking as the question left your mouth.
Because, oh, there was probably a lot you could do for him if he asked—
Wait, what?!
Where…where did that come from?
But you don’t really get a chance to contemplate it, because as soon as you start thinking, Barnaby responds.
“Just a coffee for me, doll. Black with two sugars.” And he pauses, before asking, his voice low, different, “And, uh, can we talk in a few minutes? In the back?”
This time, you do swallow, realizing just how dry your throat has become. Your smile widens, becoming nervous as your cheeks start to redden.
“S-sure! Just lemme get that coffee, first.”
A nervous excitement bubbles inside you as you lead Barnaby to the backroom of the bookshop. This space is mostly used as storage and a place for you to go during your breaks. It isn’t small, by any means—nor is it too cluttered—but it’s an intimate space and that’s enough to get your heart pumping.
You’re not stupid, you know that this “talk” is going to be about last night’s kiss. Knowing this does nothing to keep you from feeling any less terror or excitement. What if Barnaby has feelings for you? Do you feel the same, at least to the point of risking a relationship? Are you even ready for a relationship? Is he? What if he just wants to ask you on a date instead? Or if he just wants to repeat last night’s kiss? Maybe even go further…?
With a glance up at him, you can’t help realizing just how big he is. Part of that excites you. But a good portion is suddenly wondering about the logistics of it all. After all, you’re nearly the same height as Wally—at least an inch taller, if you don’t include the guy’s huge pompadour—so while the idea of kissing Barnaby again is great, the reality might come with issues.
Shoot, how are we going to make this work…?
“Ahem.”
Your head shoots up, brain catching up with reality.
Barnaby is standing in front of you, more looming, really. His eyes are glazed, as if his thoughts have moved far away. His paws are in the pockets of his vest and his mouth moves to switch his pipe to either side, as if indecisive of where to let it linger. Finally, he lets out a sigh.
“So, listen, ‘bout last night—”
Your heart soars, making your face go warm and your lips spread wider into a smile. Every nerve is abuzz with anticipation, making you nearly bounce in place.
Here we go!
“—that can’t happen again.”
…Wait.
“Huh?”
“The kiss,” Barnaby reiterates, his voice soft but firm like stone. Looking at you, he shakes his head again. “That wasn’t supposed to happen to begin with, so…it can’t happen again. Sorry for causin’ you trouble.”
Oh.
Oh, it’s that kind of conversation.
Something cold settles inside you, but there’s no pain, not really. Rejection is somehow a familiar feeling, although it is no less unwanted. Your mouth wobbles as you think of a response, eyes falling to the floor. Suddenly eye contact with Barnaby seems to be too much at the moment.
“Oh,” seems to be all you can come up with.
“B-but hey! We can still be friends,” he says, awkward but in that friendly way. He doesn’t mean to hurt, you realize. “I like ya, doll, and I like hangin’ with ya! We can still do that. We just…can’t do that…o-other stuff.”
You blink up at him, finally, an ominous feeling settling in your chest.
Can’t. “Can’t”?
Your eyes narrow, facing downward. Your mind can’t help but hyperfocus on that word and its usage. Something about it…
The huge paw gently falling atop your shoulder shakes you away from the thought before it can really take shape. Blinking rapidly, you stare up at Barnaby, unsure how to feel, what you should even say. You watch as he seems to swallow. Perhaps he feels the same? But then, why…?
Why can’t you and I…?
“Jamie? Y-ya good?”
Your mouth parts. Then you pause to cough, to moisten your throat a bit. It’s foolish to delay the inevitable. You’ve probably had this conversation hundreds of times before in the past, and under more painful circumstances. What’s happening right now isn’t even heartbreaking. Just…confusing. Really confusing.
So, once you’re certain your voice won’t crack, you put on a smile and nod.
“Y-yeah! Yeah, I’m good, Barn.” To reassure him, you place a hand over his—the one on your shoulder—and you widen your smile, putting in as much warmth as possible, and absolutely no hints of distress. “Don’t worry about me, I totally get it…”
(…But I don’t. I don’t understand at all—)
Shut up.
Barnaby stares at you some more, his gaze only faltering to linger on the spot where both of your hands are touching. He takes in a brief but sharp intake of breath and swallows again. But then he’s grinning again, like everything is all sunshine and rainbows.
“That’s a relief! Wouldn’t wanna lose a friend, ‘specially one like you, doll. I…ya know I care about you, yeah?”
This time, your smile feels genuine. Your chest still feels a bit hollow but knowing that the friendship you and Barnaby have is still solid makes the ache easier.
“I know, Barnaby. I care about you too. You were one of my first friends when I moved in, y’know? You made me feel so welcomed.” After a moment of thought, you add with a soft smile, “I’ll never forget that…”
Barnaby smiles, his eyes lidding over as his gaze turns warm. His paw squeezes your shoulder gently. Your hand strokes over the back of his paw as you hold his gaze. An urge rises in you, familiar and fervid as your mouth parts—
“Jamie!” Frank Frankly’s voice pierces through the air, penetrating through the door of the backroom and easily cutting through the tension. “I’m in need of a book! A very specific one! And I haven’t been able to find it...!”
Barnaby’s expression sours with annoyance as he turns to give the door a look, his eyes narrowing. Despite how out of character it is, you can’t help giggling a little.
“Well, someone’s got great timing,” he growls.
“He probably wants a book on flowers, to prepare his garden in the spring,” you say, finally removing your hand. “You know how Frank is….”
“Oh, all too well.”
Again, you giggle. Then bite your lip, thinking.
“That’s probably my cue then. Gotta get back to the grind,” you add with a grin.
Barnaby turns to look down at you, his expression soft and warm in a way that makes you melt inside, even now. His huge paw still lingers, but only for a moment. With more than a little hesitation, Barnaby removes his paw slowly to fist around his mouth, an attempt to hide a rather forced cough.
“Yeah, yeah, wouldn’t wanna keep ya,” he says, voice a bit too tender.
You linger for more than a moment, eyes still held in Barnaby’s gaze. Then, with a swallow, you smile and shrug—and then turn on your heel to walk away.
…
…
…
Barnaby lingers, watching you walk away with a tightness in his chest that becomes more painful with each inch of distance between you two. When you close the door behind you, his shoulders slump and his expression dims, making him look like he wants to be swallowed up by the floor. Maybe he does.
After a beat, he lets out a sigh and closes his eyes. With a grunt, he lifts his paw up and rubs the back of his neck. Did he do the right thing…?
Just as he’s about to step forward back into the reality of Home, Barnaby pauses. His eyes widen, and then narrow, his gaze hardening. He whirls around, focusing on a space above his head, on the wall of dark red brick.
He stares.
When he is feeling as certain as he could feel, he finally turns and starts walking out of the room.
As he walks away, an eye appears on the wall, open wide with black nearly overtaking the white. Holding not precisely anger, but curiosity.
And somewhere in the bookshop, pausing his perusal of a collection of paintings he wants to master desperately, Wally hums.
“Oh, Barnaby. You really need to be more careful with these things...”
His hands squeeze around the book, his voice lowering as his smile widened to bare his teeth.
“Especially when you involve my most precious, precious neighbor.”
Every character drunk x GN!reader (minus home, of course.)
TW/CW: Mentions of alcohol, arguing(not specific, just a mention), kisses, and drunk shenanigans
Enjoy!
Wally Darling
🍎I think Wally would be...not hard to get drunk, but it would take a good number of drinks.
🍎When he does get drunk though? He is clingy and he is HUNGRY.
🍎Probably ask you to hold him and eat over your shoulder if food is nearby.
🍎Would absolutely not let you go, you have to give him affection!
🍎"Wally, can you let go now?" "No. Cuddles."
🍎You would have to bring him to Home, and spend the night as he will hang onto you like a koala.
Poppy Partridge
🪅You would end up going up to her to see if she was drunk or not.
🪅She would just be watching everyone with a goofy smile.
🪅If you ask her if she's okay, she would just start telling old stories about the neighborhood, even embarrassing ones.
🪅"Oh yes, one time Julie ate one of Barnabys hotdogs and nearly cried because it was spicy! I was so worried!"
🪅She would eventually wrap you in her wings, just holding you. It's pretty warm, actually.
🪅You'd have to bring her home, since she was pretty tipsy.
🪅She thanks you the next morning and apologizes.
Julie Joyful
💐One drink of something a little too strong and she is a goner.
💐She would end up dancing with Sally.
💐Only after she and a drunken Barnaby argue over what song to put on–
💐Eventually She'll have the idea to try and climb Howdy, who just trips under her added weight.
💐When you go to collect her, she presses kisses all over your face.
💐On the way to her house, she somehow ends up stuck in a tree?
💐Like how? You get her down and home and the next day she thanks you and keeps you company the rest of the day.
Howdy Pillar
🐛Somehow, this man is even more clumsy than Eddie is on a bad day.
🐛Like, I'm talking tripping over air and running into everything.
🐛It's okay, he doesn't care if that big, happy grin on his face is any indication, especially when he finally stumbles(falls) into you.
🐛You have to force him to sit down since he just wants to give you hugs but keeps falling when he tries to pick you up.
🐛He will wrap you in all of his arms and lay his head on yours.
🐛That dopey, lovesick smile on his face is everything, even if he's drunk.
🐛Eventually you talk(bribe) him into letting you go with kisses.
🐛You literally drag him home since he is a walking disaster. (He sports several scrapes and cuts the next day, and asks what happened.)
Barnaby Beagle
🌭"Me? Drunk? Absolutely."
🌭He is aware he is drunk, but he doesn't mind since he knows he's safe.
🌭For a little while he's causing chaos. Chasing squirrels, tackling neighbors attempting to chase squirrels, eating half the snack table...
🌭When he gets tired though? He will find you.
🌭And he will sleep on you with his head in your lap.
🌭Before he falls asleep though he is all over you.
🌭Nuzzling you, licking your hair, kissing your cheeks, cuddling into your lap...
🌭He ends up trapping you there for the night, and you hope it doesn't rain...
Sally Starlet
🌟She is dancing for hours. She doesn't care what the song is, she is dancing.
🌟She will drag everyone to dance, including you.
🌟She is causing chaos, too. Aka, trying to ride Barnaby like a horse, and climb Poppy like a mountain.
🌟You do have to pull her off, but then she just plops where she is and starts telling dramatic stories.
🌟You make sure to write down any ideas she has so she can see them later.
🌟"And then, a second dragon swoops in just as the hero makes a move to slay the first one. And starts fighting the other dragon!" *furiously writes as she talks 🖋*
🌟You end up going to your house since hers was a bit of a mess
🌟She ends up loving the ideas drunk her came up with, and presses happy kisses all over your hands and cheeks, and one to your lips.
Eddie Dear
✉He's more clumsy than normal, like please keep him away from the tables, he keeps running into them!
✉Ran into you running from a chaotic Julie and knocks you both over.
✉He smiles and you both just kinda lay there.
✉He will listen to you if you start talking, and will randomly start motivating you.
✉With words and with his love.
✉Like, this man is pressing kisses to your knuckles, palm, lips, cheeks, forehead, lips again-
✉When you go to walk him back to the post office?
✉He forgets to open the door, runs into it, and knocks himself out. (It's okay, you carried him inside!)
Frank Frankly
📚This man a perfect mix of reckless and clean freak.
🦋Like, he will start cleaning obsessively, then make a mess moments later trying to chase a moth he thought was a butterfly.
📚Of course he doesn't make it far, either you grab him or he trips, either way you caught him.
🦋He keeps trying to chase "butterflies"
📚Eventually harassed Howdy about turning into a butterfly.
🦋Pretty soon after he clocks out and passes out on the grass.
📚You carry him home, or drag him, and get him in his bed. You stay to ensure he doesn't make up and try to do something stupid.
🦋He wakes up the next morning and remembers absolutely nothing, but is very embarrassed when you tell him.
Alright, I hope you enjoyed! This was requested and I hope you don't mind I did headcanons. Let me know if you want anything else, my ask box is open. Also, finals are done and school is out! (Ignore any and all spelling mistakes-)
hi! if ur doing request still can i ask Barnaby x gn or male reader who is significantly smaller than him and he likes to mess with them about it, like leaning his entire weight on them, pretending to be asleep on them, being able to pick them up with one paw esc. :3
Hihi! Requests are open all the time so don't worry about them being closed! ^^
All fun and games ! | shorter S/O
Warnings: //
ʚ — Being shorter than Barnaby is no surprise! The only person (or animal in this case!) that happens to be taller or is the same height would be none other than Poppy Partridge herself.
ʚ — Barnaby, having an S/O that happens to be shorter than him would take that as a nice way to tease his lover! It didn't really matter to him if you were only a few inches or feet shorter, you were his personal arm rest now.
ʚ — Of course, he does make sure his teasing doesn't go to far, he doesn't want you to be upset with him! If he sees that you're actually upset about him teasing you with your height, he'd stop immediately and try to make you feel better with his jokes.
ʚ — He has, and will continue to pull the "how's the weather down there?" joke whenever he can.
ʚ — Which also means that Barnaby has joked about being smaller than you, asking you if you can get something for him on a shelf (even though it was within arm length for him)
ʚ — Barnaby is no stranger when it comes to pranks or even jokes. Having at least pulled everything he can to his lover that seems friendly and not something where one of them could potentially end up being harmed.
ʚ — Which includes him laying on top of you randomly, yawning and saying on "how tired he is", pressing his entire weight on you while you're busy doing something, and even picking you up with a proud grin on his face.
ʚ — Barnaby isn't a different person if he has someone he can call dear, of course he treats you more affectionately, but his jokes and pranks stay! (which means your height is his main target for jokes).
ʚ — If you're also more on the joking side with Barnaby, you can play along with his jokes! Pulling the "how's the weather up there?" line, playing along when he jokes about being shorter than you, it will get a good laugh out of Barnaby!
aaaa i love your little drabbles! if you dont min, could you do (seperate) headcanons for all the guys (and frank) getting a surprise kiss?
Surprise Kissing ____ and their reactions!
Ya got it! :oD Glad you're liking my silly posts! I really do enjoy writing these haha, these are distracting me from my actual fic!
Wally:
- "Thanks, dear."
- He acts all calm about it but his face goes all red
- Lets out the smallest little laugh imaginable
- Takes this opportunity to get revenge on you with a surprise kiss back!
Howdy:
- "Wh- Now?! I'm working!"
- Laughs out of embarrassment
- If you do it while he's cleaning he clutches tightly onto his cleaning rag
- Casually breaks eye contact and fidgets with his apron
Eddie:
- "..Can I get another?"
- He holds onto both sides of your face when you give him a second one
- When he realizes how cheesy he was being he apologizes then runs off without another word
- But before he leaves he returns the favor
Barnaby:
- "You tease!"
- Picks you up so he can give you a kiss back
- Definitely puts you into a headlock to pepper your head with lil kisses even more
- Baps you in the face when you make fun of him for how blushy he is
Frank:
- "*Stunned silence*"
- Pushes your face away from theirs and mumbles to himself
- They cover their face with his sleeve so you can't see their cheeks growing redder
- Takes a moment to recollect himself
It was late at night, most of your guests were inside fast asleep while you, Wally, and Barnaby finished up making space on the large porch. Barnaby was insistent that he and Wally teach you how to slow dance when you mentioned you've never danced before. Plus you two needed to figure out who was doing what tomorrow. Winner gets to choose after seeing who dips better.
"Alright, so if I win I get to pick what we do tomorrow. And if you win you get to pick what we do tomorrow. Deal?"
You held your hand out to shake on it, but Wally gently grabbed a hold of it and turned it over to plant a small kiss on the back of your palm. Heat rushed to your cheeks as the two of you parted ways to opposite sides of the porch. You wished you could just hide away in a corner right now until your cheeks looked normal or at least pretend that you were fine.
You slowly looked over to where Wally was, he was staring at you still, eyes half-lidded and a droopy smile on his face. That cheeky little bugger.
Barnaby walked up to the center of the porch and held out his paw towards Wally. "Hey buddy, I think we should show em' how it's done first, it's their first time right?" His voice was a cheery as usual, but something felt a bit off about it tonight, it had a deeper tone to it. "That it is, maybe we'll each get a turn with our host?" He peered over at you as he took a hold of the beagle's paw. "I sure hope so, I love dancing with new partners!"
Barnaby leaned to the side where a table was and quickly pressed the play button on the stereo you had given him the day before. He loved that thing to bits.
The music started out slow and steady as the two began to step and sway along with the beat. "Make sure to match up with your partners movements...like this." They both swayed to the far right, then the left, both of their feet being in sync perfectly with every single step. Clearly these two practiced frequently. The music went on for a while as the two circled, swayed, and danced around in patterns. It was so smooth that you almost felt hypnotized into a daze, only snapping out of it when Barnaby and Wally slowed down into a large dip. Wally, ever the dramatic suave, put one leg up as he was dipped down. "There, it's as simple as that!" Barnaby looked over at you and gestured for you to come over. You shook your head though, now too nervous to really put yourself in a spotlight like that.
"Ohh? Is someone nervous now?" Wally teased, hanging off of his friend's arm lazily. "It'll be fine, we can both teach you at the same time if you want!" Barnaby butted in, seeing how nervous you looked. Maybe his new friend needed some more encouragement.
"Alright...I'm not good at dancing though so I might step on someone's foot." You did not feel confident in yourself quite frankly.
"That's okay." The two pals separated as Barnaby went to go behind you and Wally right in front of you, boxing you in. "Besides, now you can have two partners!"
You felt the soft blue paws grab onto both of your hands and guiding them, placing one on Wally's shoulder and one on his hip, Wally mimicked the position on you in the opposite direction. Barnaby spoke up "Now remember, try to match your partners movements and just let us guide you until you get used to it." You nodded and looked down at your feet making sure they were in the correct position, missing the knowing looks the two had with each other.
"I think our dear host will catch on quick, won't you?" Wally smiled sweetly, giving your hip a small squeeze as you looked back up, earning a small squeak. How adorable of you. They wondered what other noises you could make.
It started out just like before, Barnaby having restarted the song and returning to being behind you. You stumbled a bit for the first few steps but you caught on quickly, seeing the pattern more clearly. It also helped to have two giant soft paws behind your back in case you tripped or fell.
"Wow, see! You're catching on already!" The blue friend continued to encourage you. "Now this part might be a bit harder, you'll need to swing your hips with the movement of your feet. Let me show you." Barnaby gently cupped your side and helped move your hips along to the rhythm of the music as Wally kept your shoulders in place. You stumbled though, having a hard time trying to match your footwork with theirs.
"Here, like this..." Wally spoke up and his friend backed up a little bit for some space. He took hold of your hip once more, this time more gently. "Just copy what I do."
He put one foot to the side and you did the same, allowing Wally to control the movements of your hips with his, one step at a time, one sway here and there, a few twirls, and it was like you were an expert at this. You didn't even notice that Barnaby had gone to sit down, locking eyes with Wally to give him a big thumbs up. Or the small crowd of friends standing by the back door watching the two of you.
The music kept going. The longer the two of you danced, the more you started to feel yourself getting used to this. Suddenly, Wally guided you into a deep dip, exaggerating his position into what that of a lover would be as the music came to a slow stop. He leaned in closer squeezing your hand in his. "I believe I won, yes?"
SO, we all know that the game resets after we either get bad, good or single ending! We kinda have no choice here. So why not think of their reaction to it?
Barnaby
I think he would compare it to Romeo and Cinderella. You two are stuck in different dimensions, and can never truly be together. It also hurts so much seeing you go for other routes. I think he might cry? He wants to reach out to yuou, but is afraid that you will delete the game if found out he is alive. Probably writes fanfiction about you two somehow actually meeting each other and actually getting a happy ending.
Bugbear
He will probably reach out. Not fully though. He will just fuck around to see wether you catch on he is alive or not. I am pretty sure he won't really care about being in a game. I think he will just think you two are in different dimensions. Kinda like, you think its a game, but theyre real. u just dont know it. And if you delete it, you wont be able to talk to them. He will leave small remarks about you and other routes, and try to scare you all the time lolol. Wowie, you've got him hooked!
he might try getting you into SSLG
kills you for choosing other routes
Huxley
another Romeo and Cinderella moment. i feel like there are two options. Either she believes you two are soulmates in a doomed romance novel, either gets sad that her soulmate is from another dimension and that you two should not be together (esp seeing other routes). Probably will avoid you in game for a bit, either will follow you and try to make you always choose her route.
