Oscar stares at the number 4 across his chest and twists his neck backwards to see the ‘NORRIS’ printed on the back.
or
Oscar wears Lando's team shirt by mistake and chaos ensues.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
[Holo camera goes from black and white fuzz to live color. Derek Klivian’s face appears up close.]
“Is it on?”
“Yes you complete nerf. The green light is right there,” says Wedge out of camera. “Good thing you aren’t an X-Wing pilot or I’d be concerned.”
“Let alone a Rogue,” adds Scraps.
[Camera pans to the long legged security lead who is sprawled in an old chair in the Rogues’ community room where the squad unwinds. He smirks at the camera and runs a hand through neatly cropped red hair.]
“Rude,” says Hobbie [the camera shifts angle to take in his face again] “Ok. A day in the life on the Lady. With your host, Derek Klivian.”
“Force help you all,” says Wedge walking in the background to get himself a mug of caf.
“Two hundred credits says you won’t last five minutes on the bridge with that thing if the Admiral sees it,” Scraps says, accepting a mug of caf from Wedge.
“You’re on,” Hobbie replies.
[Camera moves out of the Rogues’ community room and into the corridor. Hobbie begins to narrate.]
“All right. This is my day off, and I thought it would be good for posterity to know how this ship functions. Obviously, I have just left the most vital area—-Rogue Squadron—-where we tirelessly work for all you people, and keep you safe.”
HC and HX begin the ultimate prank war and YY becomes the accidental victim of it 75% of the time.
After being smacked with flour, splattered with paint, attacked with a nerf gun (nipple & crotch shots), etc, it’s clear YY will never know peace again as long as he lives with these two bird-brained fools.
Paranoid in his own damn home…what a shame. For compensation, YY pays a little less than the other two when it comes to the rent. It’s the least HC and HX could do.
But now, as YY stands in front of the toilet with piss all over the floor, he briefly wonders if it’s best to move out entirely.
See, HX is an incredibly light sleeper. A noise as subtle as a floorboard creaking WILL wake him up, which is why he looks like death 24/7. (HC’s words, not YY’s, though YY doesn’t disagree.)
The thing that irks HX the most is stoopid HC going pee at fucking 3 AM and interrupting his beauty sleep! Cut to HX discreetly putting plastic wrap on the toilet seat at midnight, thinking it’ll be a good lesson for HC to think twice before pissing in the middle of the night.
Who would've thought that instead of HC, YY - who had had too much water before bed that day - would end up playing watersports with the godforsaken, plastic-covered toilet.
That night, YY made sure to wake both HX and HC up by yelling at them for involving him in their childish rivalry.
Still, the pranks continue.
Once, Hualian came back to an apartment with the lights turned off. Before either of them could reach for the light switch, a loud battlecry followed by the lights blasting on revealed a man dressed in all black, donning a white mask and a nerf gun as he charges at the couple-
Except XL is in the front. And he shrieks bloody mary while socking the mysterious intruder in the jaw!!
The man instantly drops the nerf gun and groans, sounding suspiciously like HX…
“Fuck. That fucking hurt,” indeed HX scowls, backing away. XL gasps in realization.
“Ah! He Xuan, it’s you?”
Standing behind XL, HC’s eye is the size of a whole ass saucer for a split second. Then, the dude just bursts out laughing. While XL steps forward to remove the mask and inspect the damage, HC makes eye contact with an exacerbated YY and begins choking on his spit.
However, in the middle of his giggle fit, HC is berated by a smol boyfriend.
“San Lang, don’t just stand there. Get me a wet washcloth!” XL demands with serious eyes.
HC: 👄👁
HC, still trying to catch his breath from cackling at HX’s misfortune, takes his sweet time with that washcloth. But a pressed “San Laaang!” coming from XL is enough to get him moving.
Meanwhile, XL gently holds HX’s face in his hands, apologizing for punching him. HX is more than aware that this was a consequence of his own actions, and tells XL as such. And shit, yeah, XL trained in martial arts growing up. That explains the dark, purplish bruise already beginning to form on HX’s jaw.
“Gege can let go of the dumbass now. I can take it from here,” HC’s saccharine voice chirps.
HX suddenly becomes hyper-aware of XL’s hands still cradling his jaw and a certain someone’s glare burning a hole through his head.
***
XL is naturally a very touchy person. After getting permission from them each time, he often hugs HX and YY upon greeting and leaving. All three residents of that apartment are touch-deprived. Plus, it’s not like they go around hugging each other so casually before.
But the way XL tucks so easily under their arms, arms wrapping around their middle and squeezing…how can they not love it? So every time XL opens his arms in invitation, every one of them swoops in for a warm hug.
HC is proud on XL’s behalf. He can tell by his roommate’s fidgeting hands that they secretly cherish XL’s hugs. Which they should! HC knows his boyfriend gives the best hugs! And the best kisses. And-
Not that those fools will ever get the chance to confirm.
***
XL often stays the night at their apartment because he ALWAYS FALLS ASLEEP. On the couch watching a movie while tucked into HC’s side. At the dining room table working on his laptop. Or he simply makes a beeline for HC’s bed as soon as he enters their apartment.
He’s a tired bby.
Whenever XL falls asleep, HC carries him to bed while HX walks behind holding XL’s backpack and YY brings the cup of tea XL was drinking. A group effort!
Once XL is settled into HC’s comfy bed, everyone lingers for a second to admire how cute and peaceful XL looks while asleep. A content whimper from XL breaks HC out of his trance, forcing him to do a double take upon realizing his roommates are in the same predicament.
Smack!
HC slaps their chests and pushes them away, all while HX and YY whisper-shout their complaints.
(XL sneakily smothers his smile into HC’s pillow.)
Sometimes, hours later, XL will wake up but HC still isn’t in bed with him! No boyfriend to cuddle him and provide warmth! >:(
Thus, burrito-blanket-XL wanders out of the room and demands HC come to bed soon.
Everyone once again coos at how adorable he is.
***
There’s no Hualian without Hualian PDA.
HC will be walking around shirtless with sweats hanging dangerously low on his hips, and XL will stop everything he’s doing and just stare. Shamelessly.
HX and YY are DONE.
(YY: *passes a napkin to XL*
XL: “thanks! but what for?”
HX: “for the drool”
XL stammers out an excuse of “I DO NOT DROOL” and HC simply chuckles as he hugs XL from behind.
HC, kissing XL’s cheek: “I don’t mind if it’s Gege.”)
If the roomie trio is out in public and someone attempts to flirt with or ask HC out, HX and YY are fully prepared to step in and weaponize the harsh reality.
“There’s absolutely no way you stand a chance, not against Gege,” HX whispers through a cough.
“You’re trying to ask out an anchored man,” YY deadpans.
***
HX jokingly to HC: “If you and Xie Lian ever break up, I’m picking him.”
HC slugs HX’s on the shoulder for that one.
HC on the outside: “fuck you”
HC on the inside: “if Gege and I ever break up?” 😭
Later, in HC’s room...
HC testing out how much XL loves him cause that left him feeling insecure: “Gege, would you still love me if I was a worm? 🥺🥺🥺”
XL: “San La- what in- you-“
HC, borderline crying: “ANSWER ME 😭😭😭”
XL: “I- you know I don’t particularly like worms-“
HC: “IM JUST CHOPPED MEAT ARENT I??”
XL: “WHAT ARE YOU ON ABOUT?”
HC: “PLEASE DONT BREAK UP WITH ME IM BEGGING YOU”
XL: 😧
XL: 🥺🥺 “YOU THINK WE’LL BREAK UP!?!?”
HC IN A PANIC: “GEGE MARRY ME”
XL: “SAN LANG!”
And with a firm slap to the chest - courtesy of a panicked XL - HC’s forced to calm down and actually THINK before he speaks.
HC: “OUCH NOT THE TITS”
YY AND HX IN THEIR ROOMS: 😶🌫️😶🌫️
***
Sometimes, XL arrives at the apartment before HC. He has a key and everything - the unofficial fourth roommate.
And at this moment, another mouth competing for food.
YY and XL are currently staring at the lone piece of pepperoni pizza. XL turns to give YY the full puppy eyes. YY clenches his teeth and purposefully avoids XL’s face.
YY on the inside: “I GOTTA PUT ME FIRST 😭 I GOTTA PUT ME FIRST”
HX, just passing by: “why are you both staring at a piece of pizza…gimme” *snatches it and walks away*
XL and YY sharing a look, nodding at each other.
XL catapults himself onto HX’s back while shouting to YY: “GET THE PIZZA”
HX BEING STRANGLED BY XL: “WHAT THE FCUK”
YY jabbing HX’s stomach for good measure: “GOT IT”
When HC and his comedic timing pushes the front door open, everyone freezes. XL has a foot on HX’s back -who is dying on the floor - and YY clutches the single pizza slice in triumph.
HC: 🤨
HC: “is that my leftover pizza?”
All eyes turn towards the pizza slice, which already has one bite missing.
XL: “San Lang, you always tell me ‘Gege, what’s mine is yours.’ This holds true, yes?”
HC: “yes, of course”
XL snatching the pizza away from YY: “give it here, sucker”
Kristoff took a deep breath. The men of the family were helping him get ready–well, they weren’t family by blood, but that didn’t matter. He had grown up here, and watched others go through this ceremony, and now it was his turn. It was his wedding day.
Somehow, Anna had agreed to this. He had explained to her in detail what would go on, and as insane as his family’s traditions were, she had agreed. He had heard people use words like “cult” or “commune” when he told them how he grew up, but she had been merely curious, not judgmental. That meant a lot. He often felt bad that she didn’t have much family, but her sister, Elsa, would be coming.
“She’s here!” one of his cousins whispered through the door.
“Are you ready, Kristoff?” Cliff asked him.
“Ready,” Kristoff affirmed.
He had seen this countless times growing up: they put the white linen over his head, tying it with a blindfold over his eyes. He would see Anna again once they were married.
He stood there under the midsummer sun listening to the familiar incantations and exhortations about the meaning of marriage, which all took a deeper meaning now. He was glad they hadn’t invited any of their friends to this, because he was pretty sure he would be an emotional wreck at the end of this once the blindfolds came off and they were really married.
He heard the final words of the ceremony, and someone linked their hands. He didn’t remember Anna’s hands feeling so cold before, but she was probably nervous.
The blindfolds came off.
“Elsa?” he gulped.
“I said I’d be here!” she said cheerfully.
“Where’s Anna?” he whispered, realizing that his family was already coming over to congratulate them.
Elsa didn’t seem to immediately grasp what had happened. Bulda came over to congratulate her.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you, Anna!” she gushed.
“I’m not Anna,” Elsa told her.
“You’re not Anna?” Bulda repeated, looking confused. “Would you prefer we called you another name?”
“Elsa, I’m Elsa. Anna is my sister.”
“Ah, I’ll go let everyone know that we should call you Elsa.” Bulda cheerily went off to inform the rest of the family.
Elsa was looking over at the road to the farm. Kristoff realized it was Anna’s car that they were watching approach.
Elsa looked at Kristoff. He stood, staring. Anna cheerfully stepped out of her car.
“Elsa! Kristoff! Oh! I hope I haven’t kept you waiting too long!”
“Anna, there’s…” Elsa began, obviously not sure what had happened.
“Kristoff,” Anna said as her sister trailed off, “I thought you said I wouldn’t be able to see you until the ceremony was over.”
“So, um, Anna,” Kristoff began, “it’s a funny thing…”
“Well, if everyone is just waiting around,” Anna said, “maybe I should just go introduce myself and then get changed.”
“Anna,” Elsa grabbed her sister’s arm, “I’m so sorry, I have no idea how it happened, but the women thought I was you, and they dressed me up in this, and blindfolded me, and I’m not quite sure-”
“Technically, Elsa and I are married now,” Kristoff explained.
“Wait, what?” Anna exclaimed.
“We had no idea,” Kristoff blurted out, grabbing her hand. “I swear, or it wouldn’t have happened!”
Anna stood, twisting her mouth, then biting her lip. “So, um, what have you done… like… with each other?”
Elsa and Kristoff stopped and looked at each other, and burst out laughing.
Elsa took a moment to catch her breath. “No, Anna, that wasn’t part of the ceremony. They had us holding hands, that was it.
“Oh, good!” Anna sighed in relief, “because that would’ve been kind of awkward, really.”
Kristoff gave half a smile, simply thankful that Anna wasn’t making this more stressful than it already was. He cleared his throat. The three of them had been in a bubble, with nobody else bothering them for now.
“So, um, we need to figure out what to do about this,” he finally said.
“At least nobody’s signed the license yet,” Anna laughed, pulling out a large manila folder from her bag.
“Oh! Of course!” Elsa said with relief. “You told me you were getting that.”
“Wait,” Kristoff said, looking around, does that mean none of this is legal?”
Bulda looked over. “Shhh! Kristoff!”
“Oh, sorry, Ma,” he said, looking suddenly guilty, “I wasn’t talking about the… crops.”
“Wait, Kristoff,” she asked, “who is this?”
“This is Anna.”
“Oh! Oh! I see!” the woman said giddily, going over to shake Anna’s hands. “We need to perform the annulment ceremony now!”
“Um, hello?” Anna said.
“Wait, annulment?” Elsa asked. “What do I have to do?”
Kristoff shrugged. “I’ve never seen that one.”
“I can’t remember the last time we had one,” Bulda admitted. “Cliff! Can you come over here?”
A man walked over toward them. “What’s going on?”
“It seems the girl we married our Kristoff to wasn’t the one he meant to marry. Do you remember how to perform the annulment?”
“I don’t remember. When was the last one?”
“Maybe Hank will know? Didn’t he marry the wrong girl at first?”
“This has happened before?” Kristoff asked.
“Before you came here, Kristoff,” Cliff assured him.
“What about Grandpabbie?” Kristoff asked.
“We didn’t want to bother him,” Bulda said, “but we’ll go ask.”
Bulda and Cliff started their way over to the other side of the yard. Kristoff looked at Elsa and Anna, and started walking, giving them a wave to follow.
Kristoff realized he had never given much thought to the traditions here, and while he knew very well that it was all much newer than the members of the Community liked to claim, he also thought that the elders had a better grip on what was what. But as long as they could fix this, who was he to complain?
“Grandpabbie!” Cliff called into the house.
“What is it?” the old man called as he slowly came down the stairs.
“It seems we married Kristoff to the wrong person,” Bulda explained. “Do you remember how the Annulment ceremony works?”
Grandpabbie looked solemn and thoughtful. “It’s been many years.”
He gestured for Cliff and Bulda to follow him inside, closing the door behind them.
Kristoff glanced over at Elsa, who was looking like a deer in headlights. Anna was still holding on to the blank marriage license.
“Kristoff,” Anna wshispred.
“Yes?” he said as quietly as he could.
“Can we, maybe, just head to the courthouse on Monday?”
“Totally,” Kristoff nodded, but then stopped himself. “Just… let’s get this part done, or else visiting my family will be really awkward.”
“How long will this take?” Elsa asked. “Even if this isn’t legal, it’s… weird. No offense, Kristoff.”
“None taken.”
A crowd was gathering behind them. Kristoff introduced Anna to a few of his younger cousins, and she and Elsa explained the confusion.
The door opened and everyone immediately hushed.
Grandpabbie stood in front of them. “Kristoff, Elsa, follow me.”
“And me?” Anna asked.
“Another day,” Grandpabbie told her gravely.
Kristoff looked over his shoulder and mouthed “Monday” to Anna as she stood watching them be led off by Grandpabbie.
Kristoff and Elsa were led to the edge of the woods, and Grandpabbie opened the gate along the barbed wire fence.
“Wait,” said Kristoff, “I thought this was the neighbor’s property.
“Kristoff,” Bulda said, walking over. “We told you it was off limits, that’s all.”
“Oh.” He looked around. The woods beyond the fence looked just like the rest of the woods in the area.
Then they arrived at a small cave.
Grandpabbie stood at the entrance, facing them, not saying a word.
Kristoff was used to this. Many ceremonies involved standing silently.
“What’s going on?” Elsa asked after barely a minute.
Kristoff cleared his throat, but it wasn’t his place to speak here.
“The first to speak goes into the cave,” Grandpabbie told her.
“A cave? Really? Then what?”
“Return, and it will be as if nothing ever happened.”
“And will someone come and find me if I get lost?”
“No one has been lost yet,” Cliff assured her.
Elsa looked at Kristoff before crawling into the cave.
“Where does the cave go?” Kristoff asked.
“I don’t know,” Grandpabbie admitted.
“I thought you said you’ve done this before!”
“Everyone comes back,” Cliff assured him.
***
Elsa sat in the cafe and sipped her coffee.
“Wait,” Honeymaren said, “I’m confused. So you were lost in a cave? What then?”
“The cave went into somebody’s basement.”
“At that commune?”
“No, I don’t even know whose house it was, but nobody was home. I snuck out the back, and luckily the wedding tents were pretty easy to see,” Elsa laughed. “Anna was pretty surprised, I have to say.”
“So, they got married then?”
“Of course. They just skipped having Kristoff’s family do it after that.”
“And his family?”
“They were too embarrassed to say anything about it. Thankfully they’re Anna’s in-laws, not mine.”