Fern (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
laminae) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
deercountry2021-12-01 07:08 am
laminae) wrote in deercountry2021-12-01 07:08 am
Entry tags:
When the silv'ry moonlight gleams, Still I wander on in dreams
Who: Fern Fun laminae and open.
What: Trickster mode player plot.
When: Early December.
Where: Around Trench.
Content Warnings: Forced emotional stability, invasion of personal spaces, body horror.
[Fern has adjusted to the Omnis very quickly, so it isn't unusual for him to give his a quick check for messages early in the morning when he's still half-asleep. Especially in the wintertime, when the lack of sunlight makes it a bit harder for him to get going.
That's what he does this morning. He untangles one arm from around Varian, reaches for his Omni on the nightstand and, still mostly asleep, opens what appears to be a message from Karkat. It's weird and brightly coloured, but he isn't overly concerned or anything, so he goes ahead and clicks on the first link in the message.
And then he's candy.
He doesn't really remember the change. One second he's grass and sleepy and about to curl back up with his boyfriend in bed, and the next he's candy and just bursting with love and happiness? Emotional volatility? Nosir, only sugary sweetness can be found here! He curls back up with the sleeping Varian, and much like when he's grass his hair is everywhere. Now, however, it's more of a cotton candy texture, and lollipops and candy canes and other assorted sweets are growing in it. He grins widely at his boyfriend, poking at his cheek.]
Heyyyy, wakey wakey wakey....
[Eventually, Fern - Fun makes his way downstairs to the kitchen. What better way to start the day than to cook a wonderful breakfast for his friends? They'll wake up the smell of pancakes and muffins and all kinds of delicious things! It'll make them so happy!
Of course, Fern has never been much of a cook, and Fun certainly isn't. He proceeds to utterly trash the kitchen in his quest to do something nice for everyone. He cooks breakfast, yes, but everything - absolutely everything - is loaded with sugar. Even if you've got a big sweet tooth, even if your mouth is nothing but sweet tooths, you're going to find it all way too sweet.
But hey, he's having fun! He's humming to himself as he dances around the destroyed kitchen, plating everything up. Hopefully Trench has figured out how insulin works because yikes.]
[After destroying the house's kitchen, Fun gets bored and manages to evade the other residents, wandering outside into the city. He isn't looking for anything particular, he just feels like exploring Trench with fresh candy eyes. And oh, is it ever worth it! The fresh coating of snow blanketing everything makes the place look magical! With a body made of candy the winter weather isn't affecting him the same way it did when he was grass, so he's out there enjoying the snow to its fullest extent!
He can be found in various parts of Trench building snowmen and making snow angels. And if he sees you? He'll be racing over to try and yank you into a happy hug. Hello friend!! Hope you enjoy the invasion of your personal space! At least he smells minty fresh?
Unfortunately, he's also wandering in more dangerous sections of the city. Maybe he comes upon a monster, though that shouldn't be a problem, he can always make a sword and fight it -
Except no. A monster is just a friend he hasn't made yet, obviously! Please stop him from trying to hug the angry monster and getting his shit wrecked. He could really use some help right now.]
laminae and open.What: Trickster mode player plot.
When: Early December.
Where: Around Trench.
Content Warnings: Forced emotional stability, invasion of personal spaces, body horror.
Let me call you "Sweetheart," I'm in love with you [Closed to Varian]
[Fern has adjusted to the Omnis very quickly, so it isn't unusual for him to give his a quick check for messages early in the morning when he's still half-asleep. Especially in the wintertime, when the lack of sunlight makes it a bit harder for him to get going.
That's what he does this morning. He untangles one arm from around Varian, reaches for his Omni on the nightstand and, still mostly asleep, opens what appears to be a message from Karkat. It's weird and brightly coloured, but he isn't overly concerned or anything, so he goes ahead and clicks on the first link in the message.
And then he's candy.
He doesn't really remember the change. One second he's grass and sleepy and about to curl back up with his boyfriend in bed, and the next he's candy and just bursting with love and happiness? Emotional volatility? Nosir, only sugary sweetness can be found here! He curls back up with the sleeping Varian, and much like when he's grass his hair is everywhere. Now, however, it's more of a cotton candy texture, and lollipops and candy canes and other assorted sweets are growing in it. He grins widely at his boyfriend, poking at his cheek.]
Heyyyy, wakey wakey wakey....
Let me hear you whisper that you love me too [Open to disaster house and friends]
[Eventually, Fern - Fun makes his way downstairs to the kitchen. What better way to start the day than to cook a wonderful breakfast for his friends? They'll wake up the smell of pancakes and muffins and all kinds of delicious things! It'll make them so happy!
Of course, Fern has never been much of a cook, and Fun certainly isn't. He proceeds to utterly trash the kitchen in his quest to do something nice for everyone. He cooks breakfast, yes, but everything - absolutely everything - is loaded with sugar. Even if you've got a big sweet tooth, even if your mouth is nothing but sweet tooths, you're going to find it all way too sweet.
But hey, he's having fun! He's humming to himself as he dances around the destroyed kitchen, plating everything up. Hopefully Trench has figured out how insulin works because yikes.]
Keep the love-light glowing in your eyes so true [Open to all]
[After destroying the house's kitchen, Fun gets bored and manages to evade the other residents, wandering outside into the city. He isn't looking for anything particular, he just feels like exploring Trench with fresh candy eyes. And oh, is it ever worth it! The fresh coating of snow blanketing everything makes the place look magical! With a body made of candy the winter weather isn't affecting him the same way it did when he was grass, so he's out there enjoying the snow to its fullest extent!
He can be found in various parts of Trench building snowmen and making snow angels. And if he sees you? He'll be racing over to try and yank you into a happy hug. Hello friend!! Hope you enjoy the invasion of your personal space! At least he smells minty fresh?
Unfortunately, he's also wandering in more dangerous sections of the city. Maybe he comes upon a monster, though that shouldn't be a problem, he can always make a sword and fight it -
Except no. A monster is just a friend he hasn't made yet, obviously! Please stop him from trying to hug the angry monster and getting his shit wrecked. He could really use some help right now.]
no subject
[ Maybe it's a good thing that Fern asked Ange of all people like this. She might not be the top pick when it comes to the musical aspect of all of this, but she's a pro at keeping a pokerface.
Which is what she's doing right now. She was prepared for what she would see thanks to Fern informing her about the situation, but hearing about Varian doing badly and physically seeing the effects of him doing so badly are two different things entirely. Ange can understand why she was called over here. Fern must be desperate for pretty much anything that could distract Varian right now, if not outright make him feel better.
And.. honestly, Ange agrees. This isn't good. It can't be healthy for him to be looking like this. So if there's anything she can do to help, even if it's just to hang around and seem chill despite the circumstances.. well, then she'll do just that.
Hence why she's looking like most likely the most casual person in the room here. She's practiced keeping this front up for years. This is nothing. ]
Hope you don't mind me being over. [ CASUAL!! It's as if she can't even see that odd quality of Varian's skin right now, going by her behaviour. ] Fern told me you have some musical talent, and I was pretty interested.
[ Because yes, yes, that's clearly the entire reason, not like they're conCERNED ABOUT VARIAN'S CURRENT STATE OR ANYTHING--
Even though she wasn't able to come over until now, thanks to what the zealots did to her.. But the scars of that are handily hidden under her clothes, and while Ange is still a bit more physically tired than she'd usually be, she looks fine. But the timing lines up pretty well, considering that Varian might have been backsliding into looking like this rapidly since she last saw him before all that went down. This is the ideal moment to do this. Like a potential intervention. ]
no subject
Yep! I thought getting to hear you sing will help her finish recovering from that whole mess last month! There's some saying about music being like medicine, right?
[Right?? He's really hoping that isn't something he's just made up in his head, oh Glob. He doesn't let go of Varian, tugging him on over to Ange and the piano. There is no way he's going to let him scuttle back down into the basement like a gremlin allergic to sunlight.]
C'mon, you can use a break and it'll be fun.
no subject
His expression doesn't brighten any at the request. He hears the cracking of amber as it breaks through the ceiling, slow and deliberate and dangerous. He squeezes his eyes shut tight it's not there, it's not there. He opens his eyes and it's gone again. For now.]
You...you want me to sing?
[Perhaps if Fern hadn't phrased it as a way to help Ange, he would have bolted immediately. But this gives him reason to pause. He lets Fern tug him to the piano, but he doesn't seem overly thrilled to be here- he glances around, furtive. ]
I...I don't know if my singing would do much good. I'm...not really good company right now.
no subject
There's a lot going on here, and none of it seems good. In a way Ange is a little glad to be here, since she doesn't think Varian's current state and Fern's nervousness about it would bounce off each other in a good way. They might just make each other's feelings escalate at this rate. And while Ange can feel the same concern on the inside as clearly shows on Fern's face, she hopes to at least bring some calm to this situation. Even if she can't be here forever. ]
Hey, that's okay. You don't have to be anything right now. [ She shakes her head, looking over at Varian. Low expectations are probably good when the other already looks stressed like hell, right? ] I mean.. we don't mean to pressure you into anything.
[ She glances at Fern, as if to confirm, or perhaps because she would like to keep him from flipping over the edge of the worry abyss here too. It's not just Varian that she's here to help. ]
But it would be nice to hear, if you're up for it at all. Like Fern said.. It might be kind of fun. But even if you don't want to sing, I'm just glad to see you guys again after being stuck in bed for weeks.
no subject
Yeah, Ange is right. If you don't wanna sing we can just hang out, and I can play. Or something.
[No pressure! Just fun friend hangouts involving music here.]
no subject
Okay...sure. I... let's ease into it, okay?
[He glances over at Ange, concern etching into his features.]
Oh jeez, that's right. You've been in bed for a while. How are you feeling? Are you all healed up? I...I can get some painkillers if you need them.
no subject
I'm fine. [ Whether that's true or not is.. honestly hard to tell. Ange doesn't look like she's in pain, at least, but on the other hand, Ange is amazing at hiding this kind of stuff. No one would ever be able to tell what really is or isn't going on.
She does look a little tired, though. That's much harder to hide, mostly because of the way the fatigue settles in her face. ]
The wounds are pretty much healed up, though they're scarring in annoying ways. [ THANKS FOR NOTHING, ZEALOTS. ] But it's nothing that could keep me from getting out of bed and hanging out with you guys.
[ It's all said in the same chill and casual way. It's ok, boys. Ange is here to try and smooth out this anxious atmosphere a little. She looks around a little, her gaze ending up on the guitar Fern is holding. ]
Do you two often make music together?
no subject
He absently plucks at a couple strings on his guitar, taking the time to tune it. If Ange says she's fine then she probably is, and they aren't going to do anything too strenuous, so hopefully if she isn't she'll feel a little bit better when they're done. Really, both of them could use a nice time to just chill with each other's company.
He does give Varian a tiny glance when she mentions the scars, but he doesn't say anything about it, choosing to remain awkwardly silent and focused on tuning his guitar.]
no subject
...Yeah. This...this place is pretty good at leaving us with some nasty scars.
[He catches the look Fern gives him, he can't miss that, and he knows why it's there. He knows he needs to be more open about the scar thing. ]
I'm glad to see you anyway- thanks for...uh coming. I'm glad you're feeling better.
[And knowing she is here and she's brought herself here while she's still recovering does at least put out any ideas he has of just...bolting.]
Oh yeah. I can play the piano too- it's nice sometimes. To just sit and play. Both of us are from pretty musical worlds. It's like a way to get some...normalcy, I guess.
no subject
Though she's too polite to do so out loud, especially when Varian is already in such a state. It's better to remain considerate. To try and keep things light - so they can get Varian's mind off whatever is stewing up there, and so Fern can also feel like he's able to worry less for a moment. ]
See, that's why I'm here. There's music in my world, but.. it's not exactly everywhere. If someone burst into song on the streets, people would think that person was crazy. [ ... ] Or a street performer. Some might say those two things are the same.
[ It's a dumb little light joke, but Ange shakes her head and continues. ]
So surely you guys can show me some nice music, right? Otherwise you might have to suffer through my 'amazing' rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.
no subject
Man, that's lame. It sucked in Deerington, I can't imagine being stuck in a world where no one ever sings when they want to.
[Spontaneous singing is great! He misses it so much.]
Aw, I'm sure it's not that bad. [Though once his guitar is tuned he'll start plucking the chords to Greensleeves.]
no subject
Hah, yeah, that seems to be the case in most worlds. Which is...so weird to me. Like no one would even think about anyone singing back home. I swear sometimes it's like music just comes from nowhere, too.
[Living in a Disney Princess world is something else. He smiles as Fern starts playing. ]
And hey, Fern's right, there's nothing wrong with a classic. Do you play the piano, too?
no subject
But, being tactful around people she cares for, Ange wisely keeps it to herself. The two of them seem to enjoy singing and music a lot, after all. Instead she glances over at Varian at that last question. ]
Only a little bit. Orpheus has been teaching me, since I was kind of interested and asked him. [ And there's no bigger musical prodigy in this place than that guy, Ange thinks. ] But.. I'm seriously nowhere as musically inclined as him, or as you guys must be. It's a huge uphill struggle.
[ Ange shakes her head though, her tone and attitude about this relatively light. She's not too bothered by it, since it's not like she expected to have some sort of hidden musical talent. ]
So look at me, being all brave, and coming to hang out with my two musical friends. [ It's a joke! Just a joke. She even smiles a little.
Sure, she's definitely being more jokey than usually, but it has become easier to let her guard down a little around friends.. and if she has to be the one to pull the mood up from the mud here, then she has to work a little harder than usually anyway. ]
no subject
He perks up a little at the mention of Orpheus.]
Hey, he's been teaching me guitar. If anyone can teach you how to play an instrument, it's gonna be him.
[He might not be all that familiar with Orpheus's story, but the guy is super nice and obviously a musical virtuoso. How many people can make flowers bloom just by singing??
He keeps on strumming, and he grins a little at her and Varian.]
Well hey, maybe we'll be able to help you find some inspiration. Or something.
no subject
Yeah, he really knows his stuff when it comes to music. You'll be a pro at this in no time.
[He offers Ange a smile.]
You were pretty brave coming out here, but I'm sure you'll do absolutely fine. Fern's right. Maybe we'll...uh inspire you.
[And seeing that this seems to be doing Ange some good is pulling him a little out of his anxiety shell.]
S..so. What sort of song would you like?
no subject
Though she knows that they shouldn't push their luck, not when it comes to this sort of thing. It's all about gently coaxing the other guy into managing to let loose and enjoy himself here for a moment. ]
Hmm.. [ So Ange just hums when Varian asks her that question, like she's thinking. ] I'm not too picky.
[ Which is true. Mostly. When it comes to music, anyway, since she knows so little about it. ]
Is there some song you guys usually play together? [ She lets out a chuckle, like she's about to add a joke: ] Unless that's awkward with me present.
[ You know. Ange's very presence interrupting some romantic mood, or whatever. ]
no subject
His strumming dies down as they talk about Ange's taste in music. Yeah, it's probably better to start with what she's into, and that offers Varian even more of a distraction.
He can't help laughing at Ange's comment. They totally have romantic music jams, it's one of Fern's favourite things.]
It kiiiind of would be, but it's cool. We got loads of other music we can play.
[He's going to switch over to another song he knows Varian knows. Maaaybe to nudge him into singing. Just a little.]
no subject
Hah, okay, not everything we do is a romantic song y'know. Just...an extreme majority.
[Maybe they know like...three non-romantic songs they sing together. But hey, this is working out well for them, and Varian does eventually relent and start singing. As Fern advertised, his voice really is very good- even if he sings in the way of someone who doesn't find it a big deal at all. Natural as speaking, back home, really.]
no subject
This is so much better. It's not just tolerable - no, it's in fact kind of nice to see.. and to listen to. Ange patiently sits there, maybe even closing her eyes a few times during the song so she can listen to it even better, fully focus on it. With her eyes closed, it's almost as if she's just listening to a song someone might hear on the radio.. It's that level of quality. Fern wasn't kidding when he said Varian could sing well.
Not that she thought Fern was kidding, but.. well, Ange thought that there might be a bit of bias slipping into his description. And while she doesn't doubt that was there, it's also just objectively true that Varian is good.
Good enough that, once the song is over, Ange actually claps her hands to give the two of them applause, a faint smile still playing around her lips. ]
Wow, that was pretty great! You guys could totally form a professional music duo. [ And that's not an exaggeration on her part. ] I can't believe you're just a scientist where you come from, Varian. You'd be on the level of a professional singer in mine.
[ Then again, maybe musical talent is rarer in a world where it's not as big of a deal.. ]
And you're good on the guitar too, Fern. [ Which is also something Ange can appreciate, especially with what kind of uphill climb she has found learning how to play a musical instrument to be. ]
no subject
At any rate, Fern is happy to accompany Varian on the guitar. For a few minutes he can feel normal, like nothing is wrong and it's just the three of them hanging out, enjoying each other's company. No corruption, no Trench horrors, nothing like that. Ange closes her eyes and he does a few times as well, focusing on the music and nothing else.
So when the song finishes he's feeling pretty chill, and he hopes that Varian does as well.]
Geez, I don't know about being professionals. I'm still learning. [Varian totally could be a professional singer though, he isn't going to argue that.]
Thanks, though. I got Orpheus to thank for learning so fast.
no subject
As is usually the case when his singing is praised, Varian raises his shoulders in an awkward, embarrassed little shrug. ]
Everyone can sing like I do back home, it's not a big deal. [He'll never understand how good he sings, it's a tragedy.] And science is so much cooler, and helpful! I can help people much better with science.
[Science is the best. ]
But Fern's really good! Don't let me tell you anything else, he's been getting better and better. And I bet you'll be amazing on piano too, with Orpheus' help.
no subject
But then she actually laughs. Partially in relief, since it's good to see these two just enjoying themselves for a moment, regardless of the state Varian is in.. but it's mostly very genuine. It's not even an attempt to try and keep the mood up, it just rolls right out of Ange's mouth before she even fully realises it.
In fact, that makes it a little embarrassing to her, and she quickly covers her mouth up behind a hand as she shakes her head. ]
What is this! Can neither of you accept a compliment? [ Pot, kettle. Such a pot, kettle situation. ] You're going to make people who aren't good at music like me feel bad at this rate!
no subject
Even if he has to deal with getting compliments that he totally doesn't deserve. It's fine, he can handle that.]
Aw, don't say that! Varian's right, you'll be amazing. [It seems like it's impossible for someone to be bad at music when Orpheus is their teacher.] You wanna try playing something for us? It doesn't have to be complicated, music jams are just for fun.
no subject
Hey, I take my compliments when it comes to science where I have to exert an actual effort.
[Which could be constituted as a brag if Varian hadn't just said how normal it was for people to be able to sing like angels all the damn time. ]
And yeah! Please something for us, we really won't mind what it is- like Fern said, it's supposed to be fun.
no subject
[ It's not an agitated 'fine' at all though, Ange still seems amused. If not just because Varian is saying that he has to put actual effort into science, and apparently not into singing in a way that would land anyone a record deal in her world..
But she figures that it'll forever be hard for these particular two boys to understand, really. It's hard to wrap your mind around how a world that's so intrinsically different from yours would work, so she doesn't blame them. Instead Ange turns around to face the piano while she's sitting there. ]
Let's see how much 'fun' this still is after I blast your ears off. [ .. that definitely is a joke on her part. She thinks her piano playing is way too simple, sure, but it's not like it sounds awful.
Which is evidenced when Ange starts playing a moment after. It is, indeed, a rendition of 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star' but in the most simple way possible. It feels sort of dumb to Ange, right after the way Varian and Fern sang and played, but whatever. She's doing it. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)