deercountry | When the silv'ry moonlight gleams, Still I wander on in dreams

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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.

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.]

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[ A part of Ange thinks that she's honestly glad to live in a world without random song, just because it'd be so embarrassing to constantly have to deal with that...

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. ]

[It's something Fern definitely misses, despite his own reluctance to do as much singing as he did when he was Finn. Sometimes you're just feeling a whole lot and just talking about it just doesn't work. Singing does.

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.

[Sometimes, singing really did make things feel a lot better. Emotions were a lot, belting them out made them a little...lighter. Still, he knows Ange is extremely introverted and won't press her on this matter. The fact she came here at all speaks volumes. ]

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?

[ Ange smiles a little at Fern. Partially since it's nice to hear him agree about Orpheus - that guy is crazy good when it comes to music - but also partially since it seems like they are managing to draw Varian out of his shell a little bit over here.

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. ]

[It's really, really encouraging to see Varian starting to relax a bit. This isn't a full fix, but it's a good step in the right direction, and Fern is feeling less nervous as they talk.

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.]

[They're definitely going a good job of slowly coaxing him out of his shell. He blushes a little- even if it's almost impossible to see under the rock skin.]

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.]

[ Thanks goes out to Fern and Varian today, as they spare Ange from the intense, and I repeat, intense social awkwardness she would experience from sitting there and watching a couple perform a romantic song...

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. ]

[It's all good, the two of them might be disasters but even they have enough social awareness to know that focusing on romantic songs would be really fucking weird in a chill friendship music jam.

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.

[They have rescued her from intense embarrassment this day. For once they have managed the bare minimum of normal social interaction. Be proud of them!

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.

[ Ange pauses for a moment.

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!

[Ooh, an Ange laugh! He knows how rare those are, so he grins a bit wider. Things are going well, Varian seems like his usual self and Ange is having a fun time.

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.

[An Ange laugh IS such a rarity that it even pulls a smile out of Varian. Regardless (or possibly because of) how embarrassing it is for her. ]

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.

Okay, fine, fine!

[ 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. ]

[Fern lets out a little scoff and rolls his eyes good-naturedly at Varian's remark. Even when it comes to compliments he's focused on science. It's endearing and aggravating at the same time. This guy, just busting out a beautiful singing voice with no effort and not even caring.

At any rate, Fern sits back and listens to Ange's rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle. He's just glad she's comfortable enough to play something, even if it's simple. It's still nice, and he's grinning by the time she finishes]

I'm not deaf, so congrats! You did great! [He's joking, he's joking.]

[Sorry, guys, Varian will always deeply underappreciate his own singing voice. It's a horrific tragedy, truly, it is.

And yet, simple as Ange's rendition is of Twinkle Twinkle, he listens, rapt and with a little smile crossing his lips. Once she's finished, he comically reaches up to pat his ears. Okay, so they're stony now but the point is still being made. So there.]

Hmmmm, still attached, I think you're good. [Then, more sincere.] Seriously, give yourself some credit, that's really good. You're trying and learning and that's what matters. You'll be playing like a pro in no time.

[ There's definitely an eyeroll on Ange's part too when both of them start joking like that - though it's a playful one. It's not too surprising to see Fern joking along with that, though it does feel more genuine rather than just to try and boost up the mood for Varian's sake here, and then when Varian jokes right along..

Ah, well, that's not really a joke she minds being the butt of, especially since she offered it up herself.

It's making things better here, after all. ]

Hmm, I'm not so sure about that 'no time' part.

[ But she is learning. She won't deny that. Though it does make her think - and glance over at Fern. ]

How long did it take you to learn how to play guitar? [ Look, she'd ask Varian how long it took him to learn how to sing, but apparently that's just some natural god-given ability. ]

[Fern nods along with what Varian says. He's right, that she's learning is the important thing here - even if she's just starting out as long as she keeps at it she'll get better and better.

Though that humour does die away a little bit at Ange's question, and he shoots Varian a small, uncertain glance. The answer is tied up in Grass Demon things, and that stupid octopus has made things so complicated. At least both of them know about him, so he doesn't have to outright lie?]

Um... a couple of weeks, maybe. [And he knows how ridiculous that sounds, so he quickly adds:] But that's only 'cause the Grass Sword has always been demonically good at music. You should've seen it with the flute when I was Finn and it was my right arm!

[It's such a weird explanation, and he isn't sure if it'll make her feel any better.]

[It's only a gentle joke, at least. From their hearts. ]

No, really, you'll get it, I'm sure you're a fast learner.

[Ah, and there's that awkward question. He returns Fern's glance, concern bleeding into his features- he knows how touchy about the whole octopus thing Fern is and he doesn't want to press him too hard on this. He knows that's a particular subject only Fern has the right to talk about.]

Hah- yeah. I mean you're pretty dang good with the flute now I'd say.

[ ...

After Fern is done talking, and Varian instead speaks up, Ange definitely is imagining that odd little creature playing a flute.. somehow...

It's an.. interesting mental image, that's for sure. ]

Oh, I think I'm starting to get it. The reason it's such an uphill struggle for me is because I'm just a regular girl from some boring world. [ There's definitely no malice in that 'boring' part. Because Ange is well aware her world sucks. And while she might only know a few things about Fern's and Varian's worlds, they certainly don't sound more boring than her own. ]

Guess I really lost out on the world lottery.

[ Said so chill!! And casually!! No time to think about Varian looking odd or awkward Grass Demon things, pals. ]

[Fern flushes a little at the compliment from Varian, grinning a tiny bit.]

Only because of you.

[Which is true! He wouldn't be playing the flute at all still if Varian hadn't scienced up a solution for him.

Plucking a few strings on his guitar, he glances over at Ange.]

Hey, sometimes boring is nice. I would've killed to know another human or two growing up. And I bet there're tons of music virtuosos in your world, so you can't be completely hopeless.

I don't think you're that regular, Ange- I don't think there's such a thing as just boring and regular. Besides, I think you're pretty awesome.

[So there! And sorry, Ange, you're just gonna have to deal with an awkward blush from him, at Fern's comment. Just awkward teen romance here. ]

H-hah. Glad to be of service.

[ Oh god, look at this awkward teen romance. Awkward teen romance that makes Ange awkward about being in the presence of, especially since she has nothing to casually distract herself with.. It makes Ange look around, just.. idly starting to lightly tap some of the piano keys to pretend she is not here Making It Awkward as a huge third wheel.

She's so smooth, you guys. Look at her. T-Totally.. not awkward...

(An attempt at not being awkward was made.) ]

Okay, okay. [ She finally says. ] I know I have to be careful once the a-word starts to be whipped out.

[ Ange looks back at the piano. ] Do either of you know some song on the piano I could learn? You know, as long.. as it's not too hard.

[Thankfully the last thing anyone wants is awkward third wheel feelings, so Fern just grins a little at Varian before focusing on Ange's question.]

Maybe one of Marceline's songs? She's got some simpler ones. Her song about a fisherman is pretty sick.

[Sorry, Ange, this is the gauntlet you chose to run today in interacting with them. But at least it's short-lived. They're not that obnoxiously lovey-dovey. Around other people. ]

Sorry, just call it as I see it.

[He says in a tone that suggests he's not even remotely sorry. ]

Oh yeah! I remember that one, that's pretty easy. I'm sure you can get it.

Those are the ones you sent to me before, right?

[ Ange remembers! If not just because being stuck in bed for the bigger part of the month made her so bored that she was really devouring anything anyone sent over to her when she asked for entertainment..

She turns over at the piano, glancing at it. Still looking a little unsure, especially in the face of two people who are so much better at music than she is, but.. ]

Sure, I.. guess I can give learning it a try. If you guys promise to not laugh at me.

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