A Cupid's Brew of Magic and Mayhem

by cyberkore

Summary:

4 times Branzy fails to make Clown love him, 1 time he doesn't.

Chapter 1: Brewing Blues

In a cluttered room, dim light, Branzy's eyes sparkled with determination as he muttered to himself like a mad scientist;

"A pinch of stardust,-" He dropped it in the mix, making a little bit explosion that startled him, but he resumed pretty quickly "A sprinkle of moonlight..." He added, mixing with his finger, watching the colour change to a dark purple to a pink one "This surely will make Clown fall in love with me, MUAHAHA!-" His malicious mad scientist laugh was suddenly interrumped by an explosion, making him fall out his chair, scientist googles falling out of his face.

The door swung open, flooding the room with light. Clownpierce stood there, bleary-eyed, a bat in his hands, and asked, "Did something happen?!" His eyes darted around the cluttered room, ready for action.

Branzy, sweat forming on his forehead, looked at Clownpierce and announced with a flourish, "Magic happened!" He punctuated his words with enthusiastic jazz hands.

Clownpierce's guard lowered as he finally registered Branzy's presence. He let out a sigh, frustration mixing with concern. "My Void, Branz. What on earth are you doing?!" He ran a hand through his tousled hair. "It's 3 AM! I thought someone broke in?!"

"Magic!" Branzy insisted, his eyes wide with excitement and exhaustion.

Clownpierce's initial alarm gave way to an exasperated expression. He glanced at the chaotic scene before him and then down at the overturned chair and scattered ingredients. "Magic, huh?" he muttered, his tone a mix of disbelief and weariness.

Branzy, now on his feet, tried to salvage some dignity, adjusting his goggles and straightening his lab coat with an embarrassed smile. "Yeah, well, you know, just experimenting with a little potion-making." He tried to shrug it off casually, reclining himself on the chair besides him-

-and the chair falling with him, inmediatly. If Clown was looking, he decided not to say anything about it.

Clownpierce's gaze shifted to the bubbling concoction on the table, the shifting hues of pink and purple making it clear something unusual was going on. "Potion-making..." He said, amused "...at 3 AM?" he deadpanned, his eyebrow raised.

Branzy's grin wavered slightly. "I thought it was the perfect time for inspiration?" he offered weakly, voice shy.

Clown shook his head, his lips curving into an amused smile despite himself. "Branzy, you're something else," he chuckled. "Just... try not to blow up the place, okay?"

Branzy's shoulders relaxed, relief flooding his expression. "Deal! No more explosions, I promise." He said, and then Clownpierce playfully ruffled his hair before leaving the room, closing the door behind him.

With a sigh, Branzy looked at the potion, its colors slowly settling into a serene shade of lavender. "No more moonlight for you, I guess..." he murmured, his gaze fixed on the little pot that held his intentionally concocted love potion. As he cleaned up the remnants of his experiment, a smile tugged at the corner of his lips, hopeful yet uncertain about what the potion might bring about.

 

Late!

He was running late! To his date with Clown! (Clown didn't even know that yet, but hush).

With quick footsteps, he rushed into the depths of the library, two coffee beverages in his hands. Branzy moved with precision, his gaze locked on his destination, his heart raced with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

The library's quiet ambiance seemed to amplify the sound of his hurried footsteps, but he was too focused to care.

Finally reaching the cozy corner he had told Clown to meet in, Branzy spotted him engrossed in a book, completely absorbed in its contents.

He took a sweet moment to hide behind a book stall, quickly pulling the potion he had concocted earlier out of his pocket. Opening up a coffee, he carefully poured the potion in, giving it a subtle shake to ensure it mixed in seamlessly.

This was obviously ilegal, but he was too deep in this now.

A soft smile crept across Branzy's lips as he approached, his own heartbeat reverberating in his ears (Love? Adrenaline?). He couldn't help but feel a mixture of nervousness and excitement- This was his chance to share a special moment with Clownpierce! Even if it meant relying on a little bit of magic...

Surely, nobody would get harmed, though!

"Hey, Clown," he greeted, his voice was shaking, carrying a mixture of warmth and anticipation.

Clownpierce looked up from the book, he had his mask on, how in Earth did he see thru that?. "Branzy? Hey there. You brought us coffee." He closed the book, setting it aside, "What a gentleman." He said, laughing.

Branzy chuckled, his nerves easing. "Well, I do have my moments," he replied with a wink, offering the (Poisoned? Enchanted?) coffee beverages to Clownpierce, thought he didnt take it. "I thought you might enjoy a little pick-me-up, after er- the whole 3 AM incident yesterday."

Clown's shoulders dropped, "At the moment I almost forgot about it..." Branzy laughed, nervously.

He put the coffee beverages on the table and sat beside Clown. Everything was going just exactly as his calculations! He grinned, thanking the world.

Wait, a second.

There's a small flaw on his plan: On what... coffee did he pour the potion...?

He glanced at the table, his purple eyes darting between the two identical cups. He could feel Clown's gaze fixed on him thru his mask, almost as if it were playfully mocking him. Void, he wished for a way out of this.

"You can pick first, Branzy," Clown's voice whispered, a hint of amusement evident. A shiver of apprehension ran down Branzy's spine.

"Mhm. Yeah. Sure. Why not? This is perfectly normal coffee," Branzy paused, nervous. "So why would I refuse?, yeah," Branzy stammered, his nerves causing his words to tumble out in a jumble. Without thinking, he reached for one of the cups, unsure whether to take a sip or not.

He made a decision quickly, under Clown's glance, feeling like he was tiptoeing through a field of landmines. Lifting the cup to his lips, he pretended to drink. "Yummy! Sooooo good. So tasty, yummy," he exaggerated with a forced grin, his anxiety building up.

Clown gave him a weird look, he could practically feel his stare, but shrugged it off quickly. He picked up the other cup and took a sip.

Branzy watched him, with anticipation. Clown stopped and just stared at the cup.

This was definitely a bad idea, oh my Void. Why hadn't he thought about this bef- "Guess you're right. Indeed it is a good coffee."

Branzy sighed with relief, his tension easing as he watched Clown's puzzled expression. Clown's reaction was far from the head-over-heels effect he had anticipated, and Branzy felt a little bit confused...To say atleast. Clown gave him a quizzical look, Branzy mustered a sheepish smile in return, hoping his anxiety wasn't too obvious.

"So, have you been here before?" Branzy coughed, trying to divert attention from himself.

"Hmm?" Clown hummed. "Branzy- This is the library, where the heck would I get books elsewhere?" Clown saw the dying look in Branzy's eyes and paused, before resuming again "Oh, yes, several times. I love this place. But, have you ever noticed how relaxing this corner is?" Clownpierce replied, his eyes (...Head? ...Mask?) scanning the surroundings. "As an example, I like this plant right here!" He pointed at a potted plant.

Branzy nodded, sighing, looking at the plant. "Yes, it's definitely a cozy spot."

Clown paused for a second, looking... confused?

He leaned back in his chair, now with a dreamy vibe along him. Void, world would end now; A Branzy potion didn't end in disaster!

His thoughts were cut out by Clown's speech "Plants have this calming aura, you know? They're like nature's therapists. They just listen without judgment."

Branzy struggled to hold back his amusement, grinning. "Oh, absolutely. Plants are excellent listeners."

Clownpierce continued, his voice taking on a slightly poetic tone. "I've heard that talking to plants can actually help them grow better. Maybe they absorb our words as nourishment."

Branzy looked at him weird, not really listening. "Well, I guess we should all be having heart-to-heart conversations with our houseplants then."

Clownpierce's gaze remained fixed on the plant, his expression soft. "Wouldn't it be nice if they could talk back? Imagine the stories they could tell."

Branzy nodded, playing along with him, "The Adventure of Planty: The Potted Plant".

Clownpierce chuckled softly (Branzy's heart dropped, he was so cute), seemingly lost in thought. "You know, I've read so much about plants. They're fascinating. They have this whole underground network of communication, where they share nutrients and information with each other. It's like they're constantly whispering to one another through their roots."

Branzy raised an eyebrow, now genuinely intrigued by Clownpierce's sudden burst of information. "Really? Nature never ceases to amaze."

Wait. His attention shouldn't be on the plant, it should be on *him!*

Clownpierce turned to Branzy, his eyes alight with enthusiasm. "Oh, definitely! And did you know that some plants can even release chemicals to attract specific insects that help protect them from predators? It's like their own form of pest control."

Branzy tried to keep up with the info-dump, questioning his entire life now. "Amazing!"

Seriously, when would the love potion take effects?-

Clownpierce's attention drifted back to the potted plant, now affectionate. "But you know, none of this compares to the bond between a person and a plant. Talking to them, caring for them... it's like a unique connection."

Branzy smiled, enjoying the conversation despite the odd direction it was taking. "It sounds like you have a genuine appreciation for the silent companionship of plants." He said, a drop of sweat now on his forehead, like he was an anime girl.

Clownpierce's gaze remained fixed on the plant as he sighed contentedly. "Absolutely. They're like friends who are always there, providing comfort without needing words."

Branzy found himself lost in thought as he listened to Clownpierce's musings. He couldn't help but wonder if the love potion he had crafted had worked as intended or if he had made a mistake.

As he observed Clownpierce's animated conversation with the potted plant, he couldn't shake off the doubt that had crept into his mind.

Oh my Void.

...He's in love with the plant? Branzy thought, horrorized. Taking one hand to his mouth, taking a discreet look at Clown... Who was looking at him, to his horror.

"Branzy, we're plantnapping this plant."

Branzy looked at him, horrorized. "I dont think we can..." He said, almost like a whisper, voice breaking. My Lord, what had he just done?

Clown suddenly moved, cornering him against the wall. Branzy's heart raced as Clown's demeanor took a sharp turn. "You dare to disobey me, Branzy?" Clown's voice was low, sending shivers down Branzy's spine.

"Okay!- Okay!" Branzy stammered, his nerves getting the best of him. His face turned a deep shade of red, embarrassment and anxiety mixing in a potent concoction, he glanced at the coffee beverages on the table....

"It is so nice when we are on the same page, Branzy." Clown backed up, looking at the plant again.

...Traitors

 

The plan(t) was set; They were officially stealing the plant; Branzy would distract the lorewing (An specie know for being attached to books and libraries, and practically knowing all about them. And also well know for their sharp claws. And hability to fly 150 miles per minute.), and he would trick it... Somehow, into not seeing Clown scaping with the plant.

Clown looked at him with the potted plant in his hands, and Branzy couldn't help but let out a sigh. The things he did for love... Oh well, here goes nothing.

Taking a final glance at Clown, who was seemingly engrossed in the plant, Branzy mustered up his courage and walked over to the lorewing.

"Umm..." he hesitated, his voice trailing off awkwardly. "Excuse me," he said in a hushed tone, catching the lorewing's attention. The magical creature turned its gaze towards him, and Branzy took a deep breath. "Do you perchance have a book called 'Whispers of an Enchanted Crown'?" He was making this up on the spot, hoping it didn't sound too ridiculous. "By... uh, Lysandra Everleaf?" He mentally crossed his fingers, hoping he was on the right track.

Come on, Branzy, you got this.

The lorewing tilted its head slightly, giving him an inquisitive look. It let out a soft coo and extended its wing, pointing its claw towards a specific section of the library.

Did that mean the book actually existed? A nervous laugh escaped Branzy's lips. "Well, then... Thank you!" he muttered to the lorewing, amazed by its apparent understanding.

He looked behind him and saw no traces of Clown, assuming that he had probably slipped away to the dorms.

Branzy sighed and started walking toward the section the lorewing had pointed to, his thoughts focused on now finding the fictional book he had made up rather than competing to win the spotlight with a plant. However, his progress was abruptly halted by a sound.

"Branzy! I got the plant! Let's scape, come on!" Clown's voice rang out, loud and enthusiastic. Branzy's heart skipped a beat as he turned to see Clown standing near the library exit, waving one hand excitedly while carefully clutching the potted plant with the other.

All activity in the library seemed to freeze as people stopped what they were doing and turned their attention to the spectacle at the exit. Branzy even heard the lorewing emit an alarmed screech.

Does love make one stupid? He guesses so.

Without a second thought, and with the sight of everyone seemingly frozen in surprise, Branzy bolted toward the exit, summoning all his energy to run as fast as he could. As he reached the exit, he grabbed Clown's hand without hesitation, practically dragging him along as they raced through the school corridors. The sound of the lorewing's screech echoed behind them, urging them on.

"Dude! Be careful," Clown called out, his tone a mixture of excitement and alarm. "I've got Planty in my hands!"

Branzy didn't slow down, his focus solely on putting distance between them and whatever chaos was brewing in the library. He rounded a corner and continued running, the adrenaline pumping through his veins.

"It's behind us! It's behind us!" Branzy exclaimed, his nerves evident in his voice. He could feel the rush of air against his face as they sprinted through the halls filled with students.

Suddenly, Clown surged ahead, his out-of-nowhere energy propelling him to the lead. Branzy huffed, trying to keep up as they weaved through the corridors. They rounded a corridor, again, now completely empty.

Clown let go of his hand, making Branzy almost fall, center of gravity now missing. Branzy struggled to keep up with the pace, his chest heaving with each breath. He pushed himself to his limits, but his body couldn't quite keep up with the sudden burst of activity. He felt himself falling to his knees, a mix of exhaustion and embarrassment flooding over him. (Maybe he really shouldn't have attempted such intense physical activity without proper preparation.)

As he knelt on the ground, trying to catch his breath, he could hear the lorewing's screeches growing angrier and more insistent, indicating that their pursuer was getting closer.

He saw how Clown looked at him, unsure if to help him or continue to run... For the plant.

It all leads to the plant, Void. Now he feels a bit silly for making that potion.

Panic bubbled up within him, and he squeezed his eyes shut, bracing for impact, covering his head.

Then, he heard it—first, sound of ceramic breaking, then, a loud impact against something solid, but he felt no pain.

Confusion warred with his anxiety, and he cautiously opened his eyes, only to find an enormous wall of ice that stretched across the length of the corridor.

It was blocking their path, and in front of it stood Clown, his wand in hand.

He looked so h- cool. Yes, he looked so cool.

"Are you okay?!" Clown's alarmed voice snapped Branzy out of his daze. Strong hands reached down to help him up to his feet.

Branzy brushed himself off and gave Clown a shaky smile, feeling a mixture of relief, gratitude, and something else he couldn't quite place. "Yeah, yeah, I'm okay," he replied, his voice still a little breathless. "Thanks to your ice wall superhero moment."

Clown chuckled, a hint of pride in his movements despite his concealed expression. "I was... practicing."

"Where's your plant?" Branzy asked, confused, looking at Clown's arms, unable to spot the potted plant anywhere. "You loved it! And you made me almost faint for it!"

Clown hesitated for a moment, his gaze shifting away beneath his masked face. "Well..." He scratched the back of his head. "Errr..."

Branzy followed his gaze to the floor, and his heart sank as he saw the shattered pot and the plant partly covered in ice.

"You KILLED Planty?!" Branzy's incredulous voice rang out.

"I... I couldn't let you get attacked by that monster!" Clown defended, a mix of guilt and frustration in his tone. "And now that I look at it... It's kind of ugly... And it smells... Bad..." Clown made a muffled noise of distaste, his motion indicating his feelings toward the plant.

Branzy couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. He was grateful that Clown was back to his normal self again.

"Lets go to the cafe, my treat," Clown offered, his masked eyes twinkling as he palmed Branzy's back in a friendly manner.

Branzy let out a sigh, his body still recovering from the unexpected chase. "I need so much water..." he muttered, rubbing his temple as he followed Clown out of the corridor and toward the cafe.

 

Later, they were both called to detention due to almost giving a concussion to Mrs. Lorenn, stealing (failing, and breaking) a plant, causing a corridor to shut down because of a massive ice wall, and overall; causing chaos.

"You see, Mrs. Director..." Clown looked at their director. "I was feeling a little goffy back there."

Chapter 2: Cupcake Chronicles

Summary:

Branzy and Rek try to make a cupcake. (Spoiler Alert: They are very bad at it).

Notes:

thank sooo much 4 support dudes!!!! (人 •͈ᴗ•͈) means A WHOLE LOT!!! also I KNOWW i said weekly updates but i got ao3 author curse ok ill explain at chapter notes end.

warning!!! episode filled with sillines.

With a series of barely suppressed giggles, Rek and Branzy stealthily shut the large double doors leading into the kitchen.

"Why am I even here…" Rek muttered under his breath, kind of breathless for laughing.

"You sold yourself for waffles?" Branzy retorted, a mischievous twinkle in his lavender eyes.

As they moved further into the dimly lit room, their steps careful to avoid any creaking floorboards, Branzy's white hair glowed faintly in the moonlight filtering through the windows. Rek's dark brown hair seemed to meld with the shadows.

"Seriously, though," Rek whispered, "breaking into the magic academy's kitchen just to make cupcakes? This better be worth it-"

Branzy couldn't help but chuckle, his awkwardness momentarily forgotten. "Not normal cupcakes! These ones are even better than your waffles."

Rek raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself. "More important than perfectly crispy waffles?"

Branzy nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "Absolutely. We're here to enchant those cupcakes-"

"What?!" Rek mumbled out. "You didn't told me that part!" Rek acted exasperated.

"And we're gonna give them to Clown!" Branzy said maliciously. "Well, not we, more like I."

"To Clown?!" Rek shouted, Branzy covered his mouth.

"Yeah? Obviously."

"Im not-" Rek paused "Im not even gonna ask anymore, ok..? You do you, I get my waffles..." With a sigh that spoke volumes about the strength of his friendship, Rek resigned himself to the... adventure

With a final check around the room to make sure they were still alone, they began;

Branzy hastened to set the bulky recipe book on the kitchen table as Rek shot him a cautionary look, motioning for silence.

"What will we be doing today?" Rek asked, his voice barely audible.

With the large book open, Branzy managed to find the section on enchanted goods. They had covered this topic in class before...

Rek leaned in, peering over Branzy's shoulder, his curiosity piqued as he scanned the pages. However, his curiosity quickly turned to shock as his eyes landed on some of the recipe titles, they were on an ancient language, but he could distint some words or two among the lines.

"Eternal Sleep Cupcake..."
"To-DIE-For Cupcake..."

Rek's mind raced with worry. What on earth did Branzy want to do to Clown? Did he hold some secret grudge? Clown, of all people— How did he even gained the hate of someone who was practically a walking teddy bear!

Before Rek could voice his concerns, Branzy suddenly exclaimed, "Here it is!" He pointed excitedly to a part of the page.

Startled, Rek's eyes followed Branzy's finger, and his expression turned from shock to sheer disbelief. He didnt distinguished one word, but he oculd see it was very... love oriented, tonaay atleast.

"What?" Rek mumbled, his voice a mix of incredulity and disbelief. The whole situation was becoming more bizarre by the second.

"Rek, I really hope these cupcakes work- I want Clown to notice me," Branzy confessed, his purple eyes reflecting a mix of hope and anxiety.

"...What"

"Yeah! He's kind of... pretty," Branzy began talking, more to himself than to Rek. "And there's this thing he does with his mask when he's about to sneeze!" Branzy's words tumbled out as he rambled on. "He's really talented! I wish I could have his skills. Also, I think I almost saw him without his mask once? I would bet he was really handsome, though!" Branzy paused, refocusing on Rek. "But then again, what if he's actually really ugly? What if that's why he wears the mask? To hide that he's ugly! It must be it! That's the whole point of the mask is—to hide his ugliness! But honestly, I could deal with having an 'ugly' boyfriend if that boyfriend is Clown."

Rek blinked, processing the rapid stream of thoughts. "You have a crush on Clown?" he questioned, still trying to wrap his head around the situation.

"Yeah?" Branzy said, and, seemingly unfazed by Rek's disbelief, continued to read the recipe instructions. "Okay, so I think it's just a normal cupcake recipe, but with a little twist at the end."

Rek sighed, shaking his head slightly. "Branzy, you do realize that love spells and enchantments are tricky, right? They can have unintended consequences."

Branzy looked up from the book, his determination undeterred. "I know, Rek. But I just want a chance to get to know Clown better. If these cupcakes can help, then it's worth a shot."

Rek studied Branzy's earnest expression for a moment before relenting. "Fine, but we need to be careful and make sure nothing goes wrong."

Branzy grinned, relieved that Rek was on board. "Don't worry, Rek! With your careful planning- and my smile, what could possibly go wrong?"

Rek smiled nervously, wondering how and why he got himself into this. Branzy was kinda right, thought, it was an easy-to-follow recipe! What could possibly go wrong?

 

 

Everything; Everything went wrong.

After what felt like an eternity (the sun had set and risen again during their escapade, as they could now see from the long windows of the hallways), several failed attempts (they were noticeably covered in flour, butter, and sprinkles), they had finally managed to get the recipe right.

In the refrigerator, perfectly baked cupcakes now sat, patiently cooling down and awaiting their final decoration.

As the two surveyed their handiwork, a sense of exhaustion washed over them. Branzy couldn't help but break into a weary but triumphant smile.

"We did it, Rek! They look... good, right?" Branzy said. "Atleast they- Will taste good." He paused "...Hopefully."

Rek, who had been meticulously wiping a smudge of frosting from his nose, nodded in agreement.

"Yeah... I guess so they atleast look good. Now comes the fun part – decorating!" Rek replied, taking out a pastry bag with pink frosting

With renewed energy, they began the decoration process. Rek carefully piped swirls of pastel-colored frosting onto each cupcake, his meticulous nature making sure each one was a work of art. 

Branzy, on the other hand, took a more... different approach, enthusiastically sprinkling handfuls of rainbow-colored sprinkles over the cupcakes, creating a delightful mess in the process.

"I almost want to sneak a taste of them... they look so delicious," Branzy said, gazing at the half-dozen cupcakes.

Rek chuckled, feeling the exhaustion settling in himself. "Better go now or someone will catch us red-handed," Rek said. Branzy nodded and carefully covered the cupcakes before placing them on a silver tray.

 

 

They entered the dorm room with all the quietness two exhausted academy-kids could gather, making some (many) sounds on the process.

Rek carried the silver plate with the cupcakes, and Branzy carried... well, himself.

They entered the dorm room with all the quietness two exhausted academy kids could muster, though there were still some inevitable sounds of fatigue in the process.

Rek carefully held the silver plate with the cupcakes, his steps light and cautious. Branzy, on the other hand, was the one making more noise as he stumbled slightly, catching himself against a table.

Branzy whispered with a nervous giggle, "I think I'm as tired-" He yawned, before continuating "...As the cupcakes are sweet, I guess..."

Just as they were about to breathe a sigh of relief, the room's atmosphere shifted, Rek feeling the gaze of someone over them as he put the plate in the nightstand, while Branzy completely crashed on the bed, not noticing the atmosphere.

"Branzy?" A voice said; Clown. Branzy's heart raced. He appeared out of nowhere from the other side of the room wearing his mask. "And Rek- Good morning, it's 5AM." Clown's voice was calm and measured as he spoke, "What are you two doing in here at this hour?"

Branzy, still half-draped over the bed, rubbed his eyes and mumbled, "Oh, we were just... uh... we thought we'd surprise you-" Branzy yawned, Rek stood besides him awkwardly "You know... cupcakes... and cupcakes... I dont know, you know, cupcakes"

Rek tried to act nonchalant, despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins. "Yeah, cupcakes! You know, as a... late-night treat."

Clown tilted his head, examining the cupcakes with curiosity from the other side of the room.

"Tomorrow, will do..." Branzy said, his voice heavy with sleepiness, and he flopped back onto the bed. Clown walked slowly near the two.

"You smell good, Branzy," Clown mentioned, his voice soft and still laced with drowsiness. "New fragrance?"

Rek, standing by the door by now, found Clown's observation a tad weird.

"You noticed!" Branzy said, his tiredness momentarily forgotten. "Yeah! I got it yesterday."

"I'll take my leave now," Rek chimed in, a bit too eagerly, and quickly made his way towards the door.

Branzy let out a contented yawn and mumbled something unintelligible.

Clown approached the bed and sat down, looking at Branzy with a softness that wasn't visible behind the mask.

"You seem tired," Clown said, his voice gentle. "Long day?"

Branzy, barely keeping his eyes open, managed a sleepy nod.

"Yeah," he mumbled, "Cupcakes can wait, right?"

Clown's gloved hand was surprisingly gentle as he tousled Branzy's hair. Branzy couldn't help but lean into the comforting touch. How could someone on Earth not fall for this man? It was a mystery beyond Branzy's sleepy comprehension.

As Branzy succumbed to sleep, Clown chuckled softly, his amusement hidden behind the mask.

With Branzy now asleep, Clown stood up and walked to the window. The sun was beginning to rise, casting a soft, golden glow into the room. He glanced back at the cupcakes. Surely, Branzy wouldn't mind if he had just one as breakfast. After all, they were the ones who had woken him up.

Clown selected a cupcake and lifted his mask ever so slightly, taking a delicate bite. To Branzy and Rek's credit, it was absolutely delicious.

A wave of drowsiness washed over Clown. He tried to resist it, but the allure of the cupcakes and the warmth of the bed proved irresistible, as he let himself fall into the bed gracefully, careful not to wake up Branzy. He took another bite, sinking into the softness of Branzy's bed.

Just a moment to rest his eyes, he told himself, as sleepiness overcame him.

Final bite; Surely, just a moment to rest his eyes...

 

 

To say that Branzy's morning was a surprise (finding Clown in his bed and all) would be a massive understatement.

He blinked in disbelief, but Clown remained sound asleep, showing no signs of waking up anytime soon. However, it wasn't just the unexpected bedfellow that took him aback. 

What truly caught Branzy's attention was the half-eaten cupcake, carelessly abandoned at the side of Clown's hand, right in the middle of the bed.

Branzy let out an exasperated sigh, realizing that he would have to change the sheets. 

After changing into fresh clothes and tidying up a bit, Branzy looked back at the still-sleeping Clown.

Branzy hesitated for a moment before poking Clown with his finger, half-expecting a reaction. To his surprise, Clown remained blissfully unaware, lost in his deep sleep.

"Clown... wake up!!!!" Branzy exclaimed, poking at Clown even more urgently, but Clown remained in the deepest of slumbers.

"Oh my Void! Is he even alive?!" Branzy panicked for a moment.

In his frantic attempt to wake Clown, Branzy checked for vital signs and confirmed that, indeed, Clown was still alive.

Relieved but frustrated by Clown's stubborn slumber, Branzy decided to get creative. He thought a loud noise might do the trick. He grabbed a nearby pillow and smacked it against the wall with a resounding thud, hoping to jolt Clown awake.

No response.

Branzy, undeterred, took a deep breath and let out the loudest, most exaggerated yawn he could muster, complete with a dramatic stretch that nearly knocked over a chair.

Still nothing from Clown. Maybe - just maybe - he was a notoriously heavy sleeper. Perhaps he'd had an exhausting day yesterday, or maybe he simply possessed an uncanny ability to sleep through anything.

Branzy tried to reassure himself with these thoughts (He knew that Clown was the lighter of sleepers ever know to mankind, but decided to ignore that for his own sanity).

Finally, feeling utterly defeated, Branzy let himself collapse onto the floor with a frustrated groan.

Branzy sighed as he gazed at Clown, lying peacefully asleep in his bed. Then his gaze shifted to the half-eaten cupcake that had caused all this chaos. It was frustrating how every love-related magical attempt seemed to go terribly wrong.

With a determined expression, Branzy stood up and moved to sit at the side of Clown, carefully taking the cupcake out of the bed. He hesitated for a moment, debating whether he should take another bite, but then decided someone had to be the lab rat.

He took only a small, cautious nibble from the cupcake and felt... nothing. No drowsiness, no sudden love, just the taste of a delicious cupcake.

He sucked at magic, but atleast it tasted good... 

But just as the thought crossed his mind, his vision abruptly shut down.

 

 

 

Branzy slowly woke up after what he guessed was about a two-hour nap. He blinked, momentarily disoriented, and then remembered the situation. He turned his head to the side, and there was Clown, still peacefully asleep.

Frustration welled up within Branzy as he surveyed the slumbering Clown. He had tried just about everything, and it seemed like nothing could rouse his mysteriously deep-sleeping friend.

Determination surged through him, and Branzy reached for his wand, which rested on the nearby table. It was time for a little magical intervention, he thought.

Drawing his wand above his head with purpose, he cried out, "Pluvia Refecta!" The incantation hung in the air for a moment before he pointed his wand directly at Clown. A small, fluffy cloud appeared above Clown's head, and it began to rain gently.

Branzy watched with a sense of pride. This would surely wake Clown up, he believed. At the very least, it was a refreshing change from his earlier attempts.

Clown did react, albeit only slightly. He shifted a little to the side but remained in the clutches of slumber. Branzy sighed, realizing that the rain spell alone wasn't enough.

With determination in his eyes, Branzy moved closer to Clown and gently nudged him. The cloud continued to sprinkle its rain, making the situation increasingly damp and uncomfortable for both the bed and Clown.

Branzy picked up his wand once more, reciting the spell to make the cloud disappear.

He wouldn't give up, thought! Not with his pride on line!

Branzy decided to try a different approach. He knew that Clown was talented with magic, and perhaps a magical nudge in the right direction was what he needed.

With a sly grin, Branzy twirled his wand with a flourish, "Quackstravaganza, Clown, wake up!". It summoned a army of rubber ducks, each sporting a tiny top hat and monocle. 

The rubber ducks began to sing a lively tune, their voices harmonizing in a comically off-key manner.

"Quack-quack, wake up, Clown!" they sang, their miniature voices echoing through the room.

Despite the absurdity of the scene, Clown remained unresponsive to the whimsical serenade of the singing rubber ducks. 

Branzy couldn't help but shake his head in disbelief. It seemed that nothing, not even a chorus of tiny, off-key duck voices, could rouse the enigmatic Clown from his deep sleep.

He contemplated his next move, his energy now a little drained from the spells, but still determined to find a way to wake Clown up without resorting to more magical antics; Then, he found the perfect method!

He took his phone out and...

Called Rek.

 

 

"You did WHAT?!" Rek exclaimed, his eyes widening as he stared at Clown, who was peacefully sleeping in Branzy's bed.

"I don't know!!!" Branzy replied, his voice trembling with anxiety. He stood beside the bed, his fingers nervously playing with the edge of the blanket. "He's just... sleeping and not moving! What if he never wakes up?! What have we done?!"

"Have you tried... poking at him?" Rek suggested, cautiously approaching Clown and extending a finger to poke him gently. "What if we paint his face... He can't do anything."

Branzy's eyes widened in both shock and frustration. "Oh my Void, Rek, no!" he exclaimed, waving his arms frantically. "I've tried everything!" Branzy pointed to the army of rubber ducks now immobile on the edge of the room. "I even got some ducks to sing to him! He never woke up!"

Rek raised an eyebrow, poking at Clown again, seemingly considering the absurdity of the situation.

"Are you sure it was, you know..." Rek began cautiously, "Are you sure you didn't accidentally put a spell on him?"

Inside Branzy's mischievous mind, a malicious idea began to take shape.

"That must be it!" Branzy declared with a sudden burst of enthusiasm. He extended a cupcake toward Rek. "Want a cupcake?"

Rek regarded Branzy with a suspicious look. "Oh, I know what you're doing..." he said, taking the offered cupcake, but not without some hesitation.

"It's really yummy though," Branzy insisted, gesturing toward a half-eaten cupcake on the nightstand. "I ate one, and nothing happened to me!"

Rek cautiously took a bite of the cupcake, and for a moment, it seemed like everything was fine. "I thought this was poisoned." He took other bite, "But I must say- This is really good! Kudos to the ch-" He suddenly fell into a deep sleep, leaving Branzy alone in the room with two sleeping friends, one on the bed, other one in the floor.

A theory must be proven!

 

Branzy entered the room, carefully carrying a plate filled with mouthwatering maple syrup waffles. The aroma of freshly cooked waffles filled the air, a delicious temptation for anyone, even for the mysteriously sleeping Clown.

Clown remained peacefully asleep on the bed, while Rek was gently placed in the desk's chair, in a rather... gracefull position (Barely sat, most of his body on the table, half on the air, the other half in the chair).

"Oh, these waffles are... surely, yummy, really good!" Branzy exclaimed, exaggerating his enjoyment as he placed the plate right in front of Rek's face.

Rek stirred slightly, mumbling something unintelligible in his sleep.

Branzy picked up one waffle and held it near his mouth, savoring the delicious aroma. "These are soooo good," he muttered to himself. "I'm soooo glad Rek's not here so I can eat these ALL by myself."

Suddenly, something grabbed his arms, making him jump and nearly lose his balance. "Oh my Void!" Branzy exclaimed, startled by the unexpected jolt.

"Don't even... think about it," Rek muttered sleepily, his grip firm on Branzy's hand. He snatched the waffle away and took a bite, the delicious taste momentarily overpowering his confusion. "Where am I? What..." Rek trailed off, still trying to shake off the remnants of sleep, shaking his head rapidly.

"You woke up!" Branzy exclaimed with visible relief. "I'm such a genius!" He grinned, feeling victorious.

"What?" Rek stretched out, his sleepiness slowly dissipating, and then he noticed the half-eaten cupcake beside him. "Oh my Lord, you, mister, POISONED me!"

"It was... a cupcake..." Branzy looked away.

"A magic one!" Rek's eyes widened in realization. "Wait... am I not supposed to be... like him?" He pointed at Clown, who was still peacefully asleep.

"I've discovered... Tasty smells make one wake up!" Branzy proclaimed, his enthusiasm undiminished. He gestured towards the plate of waffles. "And what could be more enticing to YOU than waffles with maple syrup?"

Rek chuckled, realizing the absurdity of the situation. "You might be onto something- Branzy. Tasty smells do have a way of getting someone out of bed."

Rek chuckled, acknowledging the absurdity of the situation. "You might be onto something, Branzy. Tasty smells do have a way of getting someone out of bed."

He turned his gaze toward Clown, who was still sleeping peacefully.

"I might have an idea..." Rek said, his eyes shifting back to Branzy.

"What is it?" Branzy asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Could you give me your new perfume?" Rek extended his hand toward Branzy, who looked at him with a puzzled expression.

"You're so weird." Branzy responded.

 

 

"Okay, look!" Rek said, holding the perfume bottle in front of Clown and directing the spray toward him.

"We're such geniuses," Branzy added with a hopeful smile.

Rek continued to spray the perfume, coating Clown in the fragrant mist. The room filled with the sweet scent of Branzy's perfume as they waited anxiously.

For a moment, there was no visible change, and a sense of disappointment began to creep in. Branzy's shoulders sagged slightly, his hope fading.

But then; as if in response to the perfume, Clown's gloved fingers twitched.

Branzy and Rek exchanged excited glances, realizing that their plan might be working.

Suddenly, Clown shifted from his resting position to an almost sitting one, and he exclaimed in an agitated voice, "Wha- What. Why am I here".

Rek and Branzy both looked at each other.

Branzy's excitement was noticeable, as he practically leaped in front of Clown, hugging him tightly and shaking him with uncontainable joy, only gaining confusion from the other. "Oh my Void, Clown, you woke up!"

Branzy turned to Rek, his eyes shining with elation. "It's a Christmas miracle!"

Rek couldn't help but laugh. "It's a Christmas miracle!"

Clown stared at the other two, his confusion evident as he tried to piece together what had just happened and why they were celebrating like it was a holiday.

After their initial excitement had settled down a bit, Clown couldn't help but voice the most pressing question on his mind. "Why was I put under a sleeping spell?" he inquired, his masked face displaying a mix of curiosity and concern.

Branzy glanced at Rek, silently pleading for him to take the lead, while Rek hesitated for a moment before they both decided to try to cramble up something together.

"Branzy's bed has a spell-" / "Rek has this wand that-"

They both looked at each other, then at Clown, before resuming:

"So my wand is kind of ruined-" / "My bed has this horrible spell that!-"

They both looked at each other, yet again.

"Let me finish this!" Branzy said, "Ok, so!-" 

Rek cutted him off, "Branzy's bed has this HORRIBLE HORRIBLE spell, everyone that touches it goes off for 10 hours straight!!!" Rek looked at Branzy, who nodded.

"And Rek wand, like, uhmm..." Branzy paused, "Increases! Yeah- Increases other objects magic, so thats why you were medically dead."

Clown looked at the two of them, a mixture of disbelief and amusement in his expression. "Are you serious?"

Branzy nodded vigorously. "Dead serious! That's why you were, you know, asleep."

Clown raised an eyebrow, still finding it all hard to believe. "Can I at least have another cupcake then?"

Both Branzy and Rek immediately shouted in unison, "No!"

Notes:

i almost broke my arm guys?????? anyways this chapter was LIT!!!! loved writing it silly thingies are my fav. what do you think next chapter shenaningans will be? (hint:bow!) (ﾟοﾟ人)) ALSO I ACCIDENTALLY DOUBLE POSTED THIS WORK??? that was rather awkward!

Chapter 3: Bow of Doom

Summary:

Branzy fails at being good surviving and aiming.

Notes:

i wrote this instead og skeeping and it shows

The Nexus Academy for Magic was renowned for its eccentricities, and Branzy was no stranger to its quirks. Among the myriad of peculiarities that colored the academy experience, there was one challenge that stood out: the Capture-the-Flag competition.

In this battle of wits and magic, students were divided into two teams within their respective ranks, thrust onto a sprawling battlefield armed only with their trusty wands and a single magical weapon of their choosing. For Branzy, fate had a knack for adding extra layers of complexity to this already daunting event.

You see, not only was Branzy a participant in the competition, but he had been assigned to the pivotal position in the center of the field, an arena where the outcome could be influenced by a single well-placed spell. To make matters more intriguing (or perhaps exasperating), Branzy found himself facing a conundrum of his own creation: the infamous OMCLM™, or Operation Make Clown Love Me™.

If, by some stroke of luck, Branzy had ended up on Clown's team, navigating the competition might have been a breeze. But alas, fate had other plans, leaving him torn between the chaos of the Capture-the-Flag challenge and his relentless pursuit of Clown's affection.

With the Capture-the-Flag competition looming on the horizon, Branzy awoke from his sleep, right now, he thought that he wouldn't have to worry much today as he stretched and rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

In the other bed on the room, Clown, his rival in the upcoming competition, greeted the morning with a sly chuckle. "Ah, Branzy, the big day has arrived. Are you prepared to show the world your... unique skills..." Clown questioned, voice palpable with sarcasm. "...With rubber duck magic?" He pointed to the corner of the room.

Oh, yeah, right, he still hadn't gotten rid of those.

Branzy shot Clown a half-hearted glare. "Oh, you know it!" he replied with a touch of sarcasm, but his enthusiasm quickly waned as he realized today was the day- Not tomorrow.

The magnitude of the realization hit him like a ton of bricks, and in his shock, he tumbled right out of bed.

Clown, witnessing the spectacle, couldn't help but smirk beneath his mask. "A tad too much excitement, I presume?"

Branzy, now sitting on the floor in a daze, could only manage a nod. Today was the day he had absolutely not been looking forward to. Not even with a hint of sarcasm; he was genuinely not looking up to it.

And there it was, the shocking realization, escaping from his lips, "The competition is TODAY?!"

Clown's response was laced with a touch of dry humor. "Im pretty sure I told you yesterday... And last week too." He glanced upwards as if seeking answers in the ceiling. "Actually, Im pretty sure Vitalasy came to check up if you were gonna go to your team training session."

Branzy's face contorted in a mix of horror and embarrassment. "Oh my Void, don't tell me that... I ghosted them?!?!"

Clown continued to observe Branzy through his enigmatic mask. "I did mention it," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Feeling a surge of panic, Branzy flopped onto the floor in exasperation. The combination of sudden realization and Clown's dry commentary was almost too much to handle.

"Also, you're late, and I'm sure they were planning a strategy," Clown noted with a hint of amusement. "You're also kind of in the central position..." He paused for dramatic effect. "I'll go easy on you, don't want to damage the face." Clown's words were veiled by his mask, making it unclear whether he intended to reassure or tease Branzy. "Your team won't receive the same luck, though."

Branzy's excitement quickly shifted into a frenzy as he rushed around the room, grabbing his wand and donning his magical gear. He seemed to be in a mad dash to prepare for the competition, his earlier eagerness now replaced by urgency.

Throughout this chaotic scene, Clown maintained his air of calm and enigma. He watched Branzy's flurry of activity, seemingly entertained by the spectacle.

"Excitement aside, do you have a strategy in mind?" Clown inquired, his voice calm and measured.

Branzy paused for a moment, catching his breath. He hadn't even thought about a strategy; he'd been so preoccupied with the idea of the competition itself. But now, with Clown's question hanging in the air, he realized he needed a plan.

"I... I'll figure something out," Branzy replied, his voice a mixture of determination and uncertainty. "I always do!"

Clown nodded, his mask giving nothing away. "Remember, Branzy, it's not always about raw power. Strategy can be a powerful ally."

With those cryptic words, Clown left the room, leaving Branzy to ponder his advice. Branzy knew that today's competition was going to be a real challenge, but he was determined to give it his all.

Clown suddenly appeared in the doorway once more, his mask betraying no emotion. "And don't forget to bring a proper weapon... Rubber ducks won't do much." He said, irony in his voice and dissapeared once again.

Branzy's heart sank. He had completely forgotten about the need for a weapon. But he couldn't afford to panic; he knew exactly where to turn. Throughout the academy, there was one individual renowned for crafting last-minute magical gear and weapons, a person who could work wonders under tight deadlines. 

 

 

"Yeah..." Ash said, gazing at Branzy with a hint of amusement. "No chance, they've cleared me out already."

"Really?!" Branzy's voice was a mix of disbelief and desperation. "Everything? Everything's gone?"

"Also, just so you know, I'm on the other team," Ash added, his tone laced with loyalty. "There's nothing you can say to make me betray my team. We've formed a brotherhood, you know, for like... three days now."

Branzy decided to play his trump card. "I'll pay you handsomely!" He retrieved his wallet from his pocket.

Ash glanced at the wallet with a look of disdain. "Money doesn't sway me, my friend. I'm a staunch believer in communism."

Branzy upped the ante, desperation making him bolder. "I'll make it a hundred bucks!"

Ash sighed dramatically, and then opened the door for Branzy to step in. "Branzy, brother!" he said, emphasizing the word "brother" with a smirk.

The room had that distinct lived-in look, with a chaotic array of magical items scattered about. Branzy's eyes wandered, catching sight of a peculiar pair of black boots with an uncanny charm he decided it was best not to ask about. "I'll show you what's left of my merchandise. Take a seat." Ash pointed to one of the beds on the room, the cluttered one, and Branzy made himself comfortable there.

"Okay, so, what are you looking for?" Ash knelt and pulled a box from underneath the bed. "Defense, offense? Just trying to stay alive? Or perhaps trying to... 'neutralize' someone?"

Branzy hesitated for a moment, thinking about the upcoming Capture-the-Flag competition. His mind raced through the possibilities as he considered his options.

"I need something that can give me an edge," Branzy replied, his voice earnest. "Not just for defense or offense, but... something that can make my enemies think twice before coming after me."

Ash arched an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "You're looking to make a statement, then?"

Branzy nodded with a determined glint in his eyes. "Exactly."

"Trying to get someone's attention?" Ash opened the box, and the room seemed to shine as he revealed its contents.

"So, I've got... This shovel that blinds your enemies," he casually mentioned, tossing it aside as if it were of no consequence. "Not much use here."

Branzy tried to sneak another look and noticed Ash holding a sword. "What about this?" Ash asked, regarding the sword. "It won't wield any magic, but it might make your opponents think twice before crossing your path."

Branzy was horrified. How could someone even consider bringing such a weapon onto campus? (But then again, this was Ash – the rules were different for him.)

"Absolutely not!" Branzy protested vehemently. "That's just... too much!"

Ash sighed, then moved on to the next item. "I've also got these incredible arrows that can make your target hallucinate for three days straight."

Branzy was exasperated. "How do you even come across these things?"

Ash simply shook his head. "Some questions are better left unanswered." He said, looking down.

Then, out of nowhere, he took a purple glock out of the box. "I also got this beauty!-"

"Oh my Void, no!" Branzy exclaimed.

With none of the items fitting the bill, Branzy was starting to worry that he wouldn't find what he needed. This Capture-the-Flag competition was beginning to feel like a lost cause.

As Branzy's hopes began to fade, Ash rummaged through the box again, muttering to himself about various items. Finally, he seemed to find something of interest and pulled out a beautifully crafted bow. It was adorned with intricate designs and appeared to shimmer with an otherworldly aura.

"And last but not least," Ash said with a smirk, "I have this little beauty right here."

Branzy's eyes widened as he looked at the elegant bow in awe. It was unlike anything he had ever seen. "What is it?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Ash chuckled. "I called this beauty 'Cupid'd Bow'! One of my most recent inventions..." Ash said, very proud of himself.

Branzy ladded his head, "What does it do?"

"I mean, by the name, you probably would guess it would be for love, ok?" Ash rambled, "It won't make someone fall in love with you, but it will make them... let's say, a bit obsessed. They'll be focused on you and only you. Would be very useful making yourself a distraction on the field."

Branzy's mind raced with possibilities. This could be exactly what he needed to win Clown's attention. "I'll take it!" he declared without hesitation.

Ash grinned and handed the bow to Branzy. "Remember, don't shoot it at anyone you're not willing to deal with- Obsession can be a tricky thing, I mean, its temporal, but still be careful."

Branzy nodded, his excitement growing. With the Cupid's Bow in his possession, he felt a renewed sense of determination for the competition. This was his final chance to finally make Clown notice him, and he wasn't going to let it slip away.

He handed Ash the money, and left the dorm. "Don't let anyone know about this!" Ash said, as Branzy closed the door.

 

 

Branzy walked back to his own dorm, Cupid's Bow in hand, and a newfound sense of hope and determination. Today's Capture-the-Flag competition was no longer just a chance to win the game! It was now his opportunity to make Clown take notice.

As he entered his dorm room, Rek was there, already geared up for the competition. "Took you long enough. What were you doing!?" Rek asked, looking at Branzy curiously.

Branzy, with a sly smile, decided not to share the details of his little detour to Ash Swag's. "Just getting something that might give us an edge," he replied mysteriously.

Rek raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. "Well, we need all the help we can get. The other team is formidable this year," Rek stated matter-of-factly. "And it doesn't help that we're at a disadvantage because our central didn't bother to attend the training sessions."

Branzy, now gripping the Cupid's Bow tightly, couldn't contain his anxiety any longer. "So, when does the event start, Rek?"

Rek glanced at his wristwatch, noticing Branzy's nervousness. "It starts in about 30 minutes, Branzy. We should head down to the training grounds now."

With a nod of agreement, Branzy followed Rek out of his dorm room, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and anticipation. As they descended the stairs, the weight of the upcoming competition hung heavily on Branzy's mind, and he couldn't help but wonder how the day would unfold for his team.

 

 

Branzy and Rek made their way to the training area where their teammates and competitors were gathering. As they entered the open field, Branzy couldn't help but feel a rush of nervous excitement. He glanced at Rek, who seemed more composed, and took a deep breath.

They were greeted by the sight of their teammates already present, huddled together discussing strategies. 

Vitalasy was animatedly explaining something to Subz while Zam stood nearby, listening. Branzy was pretty sure that was their team, but there were also a participant missing.

Rek joined the group, and Branzy quickly followed him. Rek spoke up, "Alright, everyone, Branzy and I are here. The competition starts in about 30 minutes – we need to go over our strategy quickly untill Spoke is here."

"Sure, we can do that." Vitalasy said, as he was holding a shield that Zam was glaring with curiosity.

Branzy looked around, seeing the other team, they also had someone missing. "Can we go over the teams again?"

Rek nodded, "Of course. Our team consists of Vitalasy, Zam, Subz," He pointed at each member, which they nodded. "Spoke, who isn't here yet..." Rek said, looking at the door. "Then, theres you and I.

Branzy glanced at the other team as Rek continued speaking. "And the opposing team includes Clown, Minute, Spepticle, Ash, Red, and Leowook."

Branzy listened attentively as Rek introduced their team members. He noted that Spoke was missing, and the anticipation was building.

Subz quickly jumped into the conversation, "Our strategy should be centered around coordination and defense-. Zam, Vitalasy, and I will focus on defense. I'm pretty sure Spoke will scout for any enemies approaching our flag. Rek, you'll be working on detecting traps near the other flag. Then, at the right moment, we attack!"

Vitalasy nodded, his determination shining through, "We'll create magical barriers and traps to protect our flag. They won't even get close."

Branzy felt a bit left out and unsure of his role, so he asked, "What will I do?"

The team turned their attention to him, and Zam took it upon himself to explain, "You see, Branzy, you'll be an excellent bait."

Branzy blinked, "Excuse me?" That was his plan too, but, just telling him that straight to the face? Plain rude!

Rek interrupted, "You should've come to the training, bud-" He started, but the speakers stopped him, announcing there were only ten minutes left until the competition started. "10 minutes." Rek repeated, looking at one speaker.

"Where's Spoke!?" Zam said with urgency in his voice, his frustration evident. "I'm gonna have a word with that kid, I swear!"

Just then, Spoke made his entrance, and his appearance was anything but ordinary. He was dressed in his usual eccentric clothes but wore a nuclear mask that caught everyone's attention.

"What's up with that thing?" Branzy couldn't help but point at the peculiar mask.

Spoke grinned mischievously. "I'll need it for later," he cryptically replied, drawing everyone's eyes to the belt he wore, adorned with numerous small bombs.

"I'm not even going to question the choice of weapons," Vitalasy commented dryly. "We're only 11, after all. But we need to be 12 to start the game. Who's still missing?"

Suddenly, the tension in the room broke as Clown sauntered through the doorway, carrying a giant crossbow with him, saying hello's to his team.

"The star arrives fashionably late," Vitalasy quipped, his annoyance evident in his tone. 

Branzy waved at him, and Clown waved back.

"Okay, so..." Rek began to brief the group, who all listened intently. "We're not exactly sure which arena we'll be in, but expect a lush environment. You'll receive your communicators once we're teleported. You're all familiar with our strategy." Rek paused, looking around at his teammates. "The game will start sooner if everyone's ready. So, is everyone ready?"

"Ready!" Vitalasy chimed in confidently, with Zam and Subz nodding in agreement.

"I was born ready!" Spoke added with a playful grin. "Well, not technically... I was a premature baby," he rambled, earning a few amused chuckles.

Branzy chimed in hesitantly, "I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

The tension in the group began to rise as they stood there, moments away from being teleported to the competition arena. Branzy couldn't help but feel a surge of nervous energy. The Cupid's Bow felt heavy in his hands, a constant reminder of his secret weapon for the game.

"Everyone?" Subz commented with a touch of solemnity. "Good luck." He looked around at his teammates, who all nodded in response. The countdown from the speakers began.

Five...

Rek tapped Branzy's shoulder. "Good luck, Branzy," he said with a reassuring smile.

Four....

"Don't say that like I'm about to meet my doom, Rek!" Branzy laughed nervously, trying to keep the mood light.

Three...

"Right?" Branzy leaned into the camaraderie of the group.

Two...

"Well... I've heard of someone breaking a bone..." Zam added.

One...

"WHAT?" Branzy exclaimed, earning looks from the other team.

Zero.

Before he could react further, a sudden wave of dizziness washed over him as he was instantaneously transported to a new location.

In the blink of an eye, he found himself alone, surrounded by the thick foliage of an unfamiliar forest.

Suddenly, his communicator crackled to life. "Is everyone okay?" It was Rek's voice.

Branzy peered at the communicator, puzzled by its functions.

"I'm alright!" Spoke chimed in enthusiastically. "I'm going to set up some traps, so stay on your toes, team!" His voice disappeared as he went about his business.

Static briefly filled the air before the communicator sprang back to life. "Um, hello? I'm not quite sure how this contraption operates... I believe I'm near Subz, though," Vitalasy tentatively announced.

Branzy continued to fiddle with the communicator's buttons, his frustration mounting. "How does this thing even..."

"I have the flag! I'll come with you guys to hide it. Head north," Zam chimed in, his voice resolute.

"Received!" Subz confirmed, sounding determined.

"Branzy, are you there?" Rek's voice came through the communicator, filled with concern.

Branzy grunted in frustration, fumbling with the unfamiliar device.

"I see him on the GPS, but I don't think he knows how to use the comm... There's a tiny button on the side," Zam pointed out, and Branzy finally spotted it. He pressed it hastily.

"Hello? Hello!?" Branzy said, adjusting the communicator's microphone closer to his mouth, the urgency evident in his tone.

"I'm only getting static. Anyone else receiving anything?" Vitalasy's voice crackled through the device, tinged with frustration.

"We'll figure it out later. Everyone, stick to the plan," Rek commanded, his voice steady, instilling confidence.

"Okay!" Vitalasy responded. "I've found Subz. HEY, SUBZ, OVER HERE!!!" he shouted excitedly into the communicator before it abruptly cut off.

The forest was quiet once more, and Branzy found himself in solitude. What's the best course of action for a bait like him in this situation?

Probably try to get everyone near from the flag? So south it was.

The forest was eerily silent as Branzy gathered his resolve. "Come on, Branzy, you got this! You're intelligent, brilliant, and..." He trailed off, shaking off his self-doubt. With a newfound determination, he set off towards the south, his mind racing with thoughts of how he could contribute to the team despite his lack of combat skills.

After what felt like walking a mile, Branzy finally stopped by a serene lake. Since he couldn't find anyone nearby, he decided it was a good moment to catch his breath.

Once again, he took out his communicator and tried to make contact. "Can anyone hear me now? Hi?" Branzy said into the device.

"No signal, Branzy," Rek's voice came through. "I can roughly determine your location; you're pretty much in the center right now. Be careful!"

"Thanks, Rek!" Branzy replied.

"No signal, Branzy!" Vitalasy chimed in through the communicator.

Oh, right, he forgot, he groaned as he sat down beside the lake.

He glanced at the clear water and contemplated whether it would be safe to drink from, and then decided that it was pretty quickly. He didn't wanted to get dehydratated.

Seeing up, he saw an apple tree. Taking a chance for a snack, he quickly got up and went for an apple.

While walking to the tree, he felt his feet hit something, then, in a blink of an eye, he was surrounded by a tight net, colgando from the tree.

He struggled to free himself, trying to reach out for his wand, panic welling up inside him when he found that he couldnt.

He cursed, finally reaching out for his wand. "Translocatum Breve-" He said, quietly, only to find out that his magic didn't work.

What? His heart raced as he tugged at the net, but it held firm, refusing to yield. Branzy's mind raced, searching for a way out, but his attempts proved futile. It seemed he was well and truly caught, at the mercy of whoever had set this trap.

Branzy looked up in surprise as the voices drew nearer. "Well, well, well," a voice said.

Emerging from the forest, two figures came into view. "Look what the cat trapped!" Red said confidently.

"Dude, you're saying it wrong. It's 'Look what the cat dragged in!'" Ash corrected with a smirk, clearly enjoying their little catch.

Branzy struggled, trying to break himself free. "You two just can't agree on anything, can you?"

Red, who had been keeping a wary eye on Branzy, replied, "Not when he's involved. He's the most infuriating guy I know."

Ash chuckled, "You're not exactly the easiest person to agree with either." He approached the tree where Branzy was trapped. "Dude, just say it's 'dragged in,' and I'll pay you 20 bucks," he said, glancing at Branzy.

Red joined the conversation with a challenge in his eyes, "I'll pay you one thousand just to prove him wrong." He fixed his gaze on Ash.

If Branzy could facepalm, he would have, but right now, he was a little bit trapped. "I'll say it was 'catched' if you let me go," he attempted.

Red burst into laughter, "You're so funny, Branzy! Didn't see you as the funny type." He turned to Ash, pondering their next move. "What should we do with him?"

"You stay to guard so he doesn't escape, and I'll check the other traps in case someone else fell," Ash suggested.

"That sounds... totally boring," Red complained. "No way I'll do that."

Branzy struggled once more, feeling the urgency to escape.

"Yes, you will do that," Ash insisted.

"No way, dude!" Red playfully shoved Ash.

Ash grinned, clearly up for a challenge. "Oh, you wanna go?"

Branzy couldn't help but voice his bewilderment. "Why am I here..."

"You think you're an opponent to me, glitch boy?" Red taunted.

"Oh, you bet!-" Ash lunged at Red, causing Branzy to struggle again as he watched the two of them wrestle on the ground, giggling.

Amidst the playful scuffle, a sudden explosion rocked the area. Branzy instinctively shielded his face, alarmed by the unexpected blast.

The explosion sent shockwaves through the forest, leaving a cloud of smoke and debris in its wake. It took a moment for Branzy to regain his bearings, his heart pounding with adrenaline.

As the smoke cleared, he saw Red and Ash sprawled on the ground, dazed but seemingly unharmed- And from what he could see, a little confused to say atleast... It seemed they were so engrossed in their banter and wrestling that they failed to notice the proximity to one of Spoke's traps.

Branzy didn't waste a second. With a renewed sense of urgency, he frantically tried to free himself from the net. The magic-canceling netting made it challenging, but he guesses the explosion wore it off in some form by the way he managed to tear a small opening just wide enough for him to slip through.

He scrambled to his feet, briefly checking if Red and Ash were okay but not wanting to get too close to the trap's radius again. He knew he had to get out of there before they recovered and tried to catch him again.

He sprinted until his legs couldn't carry him any further, collapsing onto the forest floor.

"Okay... okay," he muttered, gasping for air as he tried to reassure himself. "I'm... fine."

Branzy struggled to catch his breath, leaning against a nearby tree for support. His hasty assessment followed: Body? Intact. Bow? Pristine. Communicator?

...

His heart sank. The communicator was nowhere to be found.

Branzy patted his pockets frantically, realizing that his communicator was nowhere to be found. Panic welled up within him as he realized that he had lost his only means of communication with his team.

"No, no, no," he muttered to himself, frantically retracing his steps in his mind. Had he dropped it during his escape? Or maybe it had fallen off when he stumbled into that trap?

As he contemplated his options, Branzy couldn't help but feel the weight of isolation in this dense forest. He was truly on his own now, cut off from any connection with his team. It was a daunting and unsettling feeling.

Taking a deep breath, Branzy chose to keep moving through the dense forest. He couldn't afford to stay still. His priority was to find his team, broken communicator or not.

As he ventured deeper into the woods, he suddenly stumbled upon an unexpected sight. There, emerging from the trees, were none other than Minute, Leo, and Clown – members of the opposing team. They stood before him, their expressions a mix of surprise and intrigue.

Branzy gulped, his heart racing as panic set in, he was far from safe.

He immediately turned to flee, but as he dashed away, a sudden ice wall materialized right in his path, effectively cutting off his escape.

"Look what we found!" Clown's voice rang out.

Trapped and outnumbered, Branzy realized he was facing an incredibly challenging situation. He skidded to a halt, catching his breath as he faced the trio of opponents: Clown, Leo, and Minute. Their confident smirks sent shivers down his spine.

Clown approached slowly, twirling his wand between his fingers. "Well, well, Branzy," he taunted, "it seems you've found yourself in a bit of a predicament."

Leo stepped closer, a playful grin on his face, "Don't worry, we won't bite... much."

Branzy's mind raced, desperately searching for a way out of this situation. His broken communicator was a reminder that he couldn't rely on his team for help. But he couldn't give in without a fight. Gathering his courage, he raised his bow, ready to defend himself as best he could.

"Umm... Don't come any closer..." Branzy stammered, taking cautious steps backward. He raised his wand, trying to appear more confident than he felt. Clown's playful demeanor unnerved him, and he could feel his anxiety growing.

Minute looked like he was about to jump in and tear Branzy apart himself, drawing one casino card (His special weapon, Branzy guessed?) but Clown signaled at him to stop.

Clown, however, didn't seem deterred. Instead, he approached Branzy with a swagger, a sly grin on his face. "Or what?" he purred, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.

"I'll... I'll shoot... I mean it!" Branzy's voice quivered, and he was acutely aware of how powerless he felt in this situation.

Clown, unfazed by Branzy's threat, started a playful countdown, he took his crossbow out of its crossbow quiver. "You've got ten seconds to run," he teased, his eyes locking onto Branzy's with an almost flirtatious intensity.

Panicking, Branzy didn't need any more encouragement. He turned and sprinted through the dense forest, fear and adrenaline fueling his escape..

Branzy's heart raced as he sprinted through the dense forest, his footsteps echoing loudly in his ears. The fear of being caught by Clown and his team pushed him to run faster and farther, but it was hard to ignore the eerie feeling that they were right behind him.

Branches scraped against his arms and leaves crunched underfoot as he weaved through the trees. Panic gripped him, and he wished more than anything that his communicator was still functional. He needed to reach his team for safety and support.

Suddenly, he skidded to a halt. A voice whispered in his mind, urging him to hide. Branzy quickly ducked behind a large tree, his breaths coming in short gasps as he tried to stay as silent as possible.

He peered out from his hiding spot, watching and waiting for any sign of Clown and his teammates. The forest felt eerily quiet, and Branzy's anxiety only grew as he wondered what they were up to.

Until he saw him; Clown! Scanning the surroundings looking for him... With a mischiveous grin, he took the Cupid's Bow out.

As Branzy aimed at Clown, his heart raced with anticipation. This was his moment, his opportunity to finally catch Clown's attention. With a deep breath, he released the arrow, and it soared through the air.

However, instead of hearing a cry of fascination or even a shout of surprise from Clown, all he heard was Leo groaning in the distance. Branzy's face fell in disappointment as he realized he had missed his mark once again.

He muttered under his breath, "My Void, I'm terrible at this."

Clown, still unaware of Branzy's presence, continued scanning the surroundings. Branzy knew he had to regroup and come up with a new plan. He couldn't let this opportunity slip away.

With his heart sinking from the missed shot, Branzy retreated deeper into the foliage, contemplating his next move. He knew he couldn't give up just yet, not when he had the Cupid's Bow in his possession. This was his chance to make an impression on Clown.

As Branzy hid, he listened intently to Leo's groans, trying to gauge the effects of the arrow he had just loosed. The Cupid's Bow was supposed to make someone obsessed with the shooter, but it appeared that Branzy needed more than a little practice with his aim.

With determination burning in his eyes, Branzy decided to change his position for a better angle. He cautiously stepped out of hiding and shifted to a new spot, his heart pounding in his chest.

From this vantage point, he could see Clown and Minute assisting Leo, who seemed bewildered by the situation. Branzy's fingers tightened around the Cupid's Bow, his mind racing as he took aim once more. He offered a quick, desperate prayer to any deity willing to listen and released the arrow.

Now, hidden and prepared to witness the arrow's effect, he watched with bated breath. But instead of hitting Clown, the arrow found its mark in Minute, sending him crashing to the ground. Branzy swore he could hear Clown muttering something that sounded like, "Are you serious?!"

He couldn't let this opportunity go to waste. While Clown and Leo were busy tending to the bewildered Minute, Branzy took a chance to slip away quietly, trying to put some distance between him and the trio.

But just as he thought he was in the clear, a voice called out, "There he is!"

Branzy froze, realizing that he had been spotted again. Clown, Leo, and the still-dazed Minute were closing in on him, their expressions a strange mix of fascination and determination. 

Leo's eyes locked onto Branzy, and a dreamy smile spread across his face. "There you are, my shining star," he murmured, taking slow, deliberate steps toward Branzy.

Minute, on the other hand, seemed to have lost all sense of balance as he stumbled toward Branzy, muttering incomprehensible words of affection.

Branzy took a step back, his eyes darting between the infatuated Leo and the stumbling Minute. He had expected the Cupid's Bow to have some effect, but this was beyond anything he could have imagined.

As Leo drew closer, Branzy was torn between feeling flattered and utterly bewildered. "Uh, Leo, maybe you should slow down a bit," he stammered, glancing at Minute, who was now reaching out for him in a comically clumsy manner.

Clown just watched everything unfold with clear confusion. "...What did you do to them, Branzy?" he said, looking somewhat exasperated.

Branzy, feeling the mounting chaos around him, pointed his bow at Clown, his voice shaking with a mix of confusion and frustration. "Don't move, Clown."

Clown raised his hands, an amused smile tugging at his lips. He seemed to be taking the situation in stride. "Well, this is certainly unexpected."

Branzy quickly prepared another arrow, his nerves making it difficult to aim properly. "Umm... So!-" Leo and Minute were behind him, muttering words and trying to poke at him. "Dude, stop! Ugh!" Frustration bubbled up inside him, and in the midst of the chaos, Branzy impulsively fired the arrow.

But, much to his chagrin, it missed Clown.

"I somehow expected it..." Clown chuckled, a hint of mirth in his eyes. "Not sure how you got the other two, though."

"I wasn't aiming at them..!" Branzy protested, feeling a mixture of relief and embarrassment.

Clown seemed unfazed. He reached for his own communicator, which suddenly began emitting sounds. Spepticle's voice came through, sounding urgent. "As much as I'd love to stay, I have things to attend. Be a sweetheart and take care of those guys... Bye!"

With Clown's sudden departure, Branzy was left in a perplexing situation. Leo and Minute were still muttering sweet nothings, inching closer with glazed-over eyes. Branzy took a cautious step back, the Cupid's Bow still in his hands, not sure what to do next.

Leo finally spoke, his voice dripping with infatuation. "Branzy, you're like a rare jewel in the moonlight, shimmering with enchantment."

Minute chimed in with equally affectionate words, "I never knew such beauty existed in this world until I saw you."

Branzy sighed.

 

 

After narrowly escaping them (Oh my Void, it was challenging, especially with Leo's teleportation ability), Branzy found himself... in the middle of nowhere once more.

His only clue was that when he looked up, he saw a red barrier (probably Spepticle's doing, he guessed). So he decided to... just walk there and hope for the best.

Suddenly, an explosion echoed through the forest, followed by a chorus of mischievous giggles. Branzy instinctively sought cover behind a tree, hurriedly reloading his bow.

Then, out of nowhere, he felt a strong hand clamp over his mouth, and he was yanked down to the ground. Panic surged through him as he initially struggled against his captor, but his fear gave way to relief when he recognized the familiar face.

"Branzy!"

"Rek!" Branzy exclaimed, muffled by Rek's hand. He quickly removed it, and Branzy felt a surge of gratitude. "Oh my Void - I could cry right now."

Rek chuckled and gave Branzy a reassuring pat on the back. "Glad to see you too, buddy. Looks like you've had quite an adventure out here."

Branzy nodded, still catching his breath. "You have no idea. First, I messed up with the Cupid's Bow, and then Leo and Minute got hit, and Clown... well, he just ran off."

Rek raised an intrigued eyebrow. "You used the what bow? On them?"

Branzy let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Not intentionally, believe me. It's been a crazy day."

Rek responded with a reassuring smile. "Then let's turn it into a winning one!" He proceeded to drape a cloak over them. "This cloak makes us invisible; I made it myself!" Rek's pride was evident in his voice.

"Wow," Branzy remarked, genuinely impressed by Rek's craftsmanship.

Rek continued with his insights, "We're near the other team's flag. However, I'm fairly certain that Red and Ash are also near our flag, but they're weakened." He started walking and picked up a decent-sized stick from the forest floor, using it as a guide.

Curious, Branzy asked, "Why the stick?"

Rek responded with a mischievous grin, "Who do you prefer to activate the landmine, us or the stick?"

Branzy chuckled. "A very valid point. By the way, how did Spoke end up here?"

Rek speculated, "I'm pretty sure he's just here to explode people, not necessarily to win." This remark elicited a laugh from Branzy, lightening the tension of the situation.

As Branzy and Rek moved deeper into the enemy territory, they suddenly heard a soft chuckle behind them. Turning around, they found themselves face to face with Clown. He wore a mischievous grin that sent shivers down Branzy's spine.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Clown said, blocking their path. "Trying to sneak into our territory, boys?" Spepticle was just behind him, holding the flag and one wand in his other hand.

If only...

Branzy's heart raced, and he felt the pressure of the situation bearing down on him. "Run," Rek said urgently, already darting away under the cover of the invisibility cloak.

But Branzy's legs felt like they were glued to the ground, and he couldn't tear his eyes away from Clown's unsettling gaze.

"You and I again," Clown purred, his voice sending a shiver down Branzy's spine.

Branzy sighed, his nerves on edge as he aimed his charged bow at Clown. "Give me that flag."

Clown chuckled, a chilling sound in the dense forest. "I'm afraid that won't happen," he purred once again, stepping closer to Branzy, his crossbow aimed menacingly. "Wanna know what my crossbow does?"

Branzy's answer was clear in his actions. Without a word, he swiftly created an ice patch on the ground with his wand and bolted, leaving Clown behind.

He had no intention of finding out what that crossbow could do.

Branzy raced through the forest, his heart pounding in his chest as he ran from Clown. He could hear the sound of leaves crunching behind him, indicating that Clown was in hot pursuit. The tension in the air was palpable, and Branzy couldn't shake the feeling that Clown was enjoying this chase a bit too much.

"Branzy..." Clown hummed, then raised his wand skyward, "Tripudium Glissare." He aimed the wand at Branzy, who tumbled to the ground.

"Oh, Void-" Branzy struggled to stand up but fell again.

"What should I do with you?" Clown quickly caught up to him, pointing his crossbow at Branzy's face. The crossbow's projectile had a firework-like appearance.

Was this the end? Would he be the first person to lose his face in a Capture-The-Flag game?

Clown chuckled darkly, then tilted the crossbow, his masked face a haunting silhouette against the dimly lit forest.

Clown's masked face leaned closer to Branzy's, his voice low and filled with an eerie allure. "You know, Branzy, you've managed to make this game rather interesting. I'm not sure whether to capture you or simply let you go."

Branzy's heart pounded in his chest. He couldn't quite decipher Clown's intentions, but he knew he needed to regain control of the situation.

"Let me go," Branzy finally whispered, his voice trembling.

Clown tilted his head, considering. Then, with a sly grin, he whispered back, "Very well. But there's a price for your freedom."

"What price?" Branzy asked, cautious but desperate to escape.

Clown's gloved hand reached out, his fingers tracing Branzy's jawline through the mask. 

Then, he felt sudden dizyness, and in a blink of an eye he was teleported.

 

 

Branzy fell to the ground yet again. "What the fuck." He cursed.

He heard his team cheer, "Branzy we won!" Vitalasy said cheerful.

"All thanks to Branzy!" Rek exclaimed, "Woo! He was the one that distracted Clown while I sneaked up on Spep!"

"Our perfect bait, yay!" Zam added.

Branzy looked up, and they were right where they were teleported before. "Void damn it!" Branzy cursed, again. He saw Rek hold the two flags proudly, every other member on the team cheering.

Subz helped him stand up. "Are you okay? You must be tired.

"Oh you bet I'm tired..." Branzy cursed under his breath.

Notes:

ok so reks pov he thought no one that stupid to be holding the flag and not giding it wtf!!! so speps hability is illusion sonhe guessed a clone. he scaped and then found spepticle sleep with the flag besides him. vitalasy hability is to teleport so he took the flag home in like 5 minutes

Chapter 4: Fairy Stars and Faux Pas

Summary:

Branzy is not very good at being normal with a maskless Clown.

Notes:

the moon is beautiful, isnt it? (chapter title got messed up and had to change it)

You see, since last month's game, everything was going... almost perfectly!

So Branzy, being the paranoid individual he is, couldn't shake the feeling that something would inevitably go awry. When he mustered the courage to ask Clown out, he was pleasantly surprised when Clown agreed to go on a date with him.

But now, with the date looming, Branzy found himself wrestling with the most crucial dilemma of the day.

"I have nothing to wear!" Branzy exclaimed as he barged into Rek's dorm, unceremoniously flopping onto the bed. "You've got to help me!"

Rek, who was engrossed in a book, looked up with a bemused expression. "Branzy, it's just stargazing- Not a royal ball." He turned his gaze back on the book. "Just, wear something casual, I don' know."

Branzy shot him a abandoned puppy look. "Come on, Rek, it's a date. It has to be perfect! What if Clown shows up looking all dazzling, and I'm just... plain?"

Rek bookmarked and closed his book, sighing. "You know... Let's just..." Rek took out his wand. "Full-on Cinderella mode."

"What?"

"I'll do a Cinderella spell. Stay... quiet." Rek stood up and took out one of his books, quickly flipping through the pages in search of the spell.

Branzy watched with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "Cinderella spell? Really?"

Rek shot him a grin. "Just trust me, everyone likes this."

With a flick of his wand and a few whispered incantations, a soft glow enveloped Branzy. The glow subsided, revealing Branzy in a surprisingly pretty ensemble.

Branzy looked at himself, wide-eyed. "How did you-"

Rek chuckled. "Magic. Now go and sweep Clown... And go away before midnight unless you wanna be in a plain t-shirt and purple shorts."

Branzy nodded, still a bit bewildered. "Thanks, Rek. You're my fairy godmother."

"Go already," Rek groaned, "I need to finish this book, just..." He paused, "Get an alarm at about like... 11:30PM so you don't forget about the spell."

"Thanks, Rek!" As Branzy left the room, Rek couldn't help but shake his head, amused at the unexpected turn of events...

He resumed reading his book, fully immersed in the magical world it unfolded.

When he finished, he closed the book and left it by the side. Retrieving his chemical ingredients, he began concocting a potion for his advanced potion-making class.

Just as he was about to add a drop of stardust to the flask...

"Rek, I need help!" Clown chimed in out of nowhere, startling Rek. In his surprise, Rek accidentally spilled the entire vial of stardust into the flask, resulting in a glittery explosion.

"VOID." Rek looked at Clown, he was all dressed up. "I hate gay people." Rek whispered to himself.

 

 

The sun was beginning to yield its place to the evening as Branzy, dressed casually yet elegantly (Thanks, Rek!), waited at the agreed-upon spot for the meet-up of his stargazing date with Clown. Branzy felt a bit anxious, but the magic of the evening wrapped around him with a sense of anticipation...

He settled on the grass for a moment, trying to calm Clown's usual confident demeanor softened for a moment, and a subtle blush tinted his cheeks. Calming his nerves by taking deep breaths. However, a voice interrupted his thoughts.

Clown had arrived, a bouquet of lavenders and gardenias in his arms. "Hey, Branzy. Ready for a starry night?"

"Clown! You're here," Branzy exclaimed, his gaze shifting to the bouquet. "You brought me flowers?" he stammered, momentarily lost for words. "You really shouldn't have-". He glanced at Clown's face.

Wait. Clown's face?

Branzy looked at him as Clown began speaking. "I wanted to! It's not every day I get to have a calm night with you." Clown smiled warmly, and oh my Void, what a sight. "Without explosions... You know."

Branzy found himself staring at Clown. It's not like he hadn't seen Clown maskless before (he took his mask off to sleep... sometimes). But this was different... There was an openness, a vulnerability that was new and surprisingly charming.

"...You're staring," Clown said, a bit embarrassed, averting his gaze. "Does my hair look messed up? I spent like, 20 minutes fixing it."

"No, no, no!" Branzy quickly chimed in, "You look..." He struggled to find the right words, "Nice. I mean, you always look nice, but, uh, this is... different."

Clown chuckled, running a hand through his shoulder-length black hair. "Different, huh? Is that a good or bad different?"

Branzy's eyes lingered on Clown's face as he standed up, taking in the crimson eyes and the scars that adorned his features. "It's a good different," he finally managed, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "A really nice different." He paused, "I mean, the scars... they add character, right?"

Clown blushed ever so slightly, then leaned a bit closer to Branzy. "Sure they do." He handed over the bouquet. "You should probably take those... They were for you anyways."

Branzy accepted the bouquet, cradling it gently. "These are very nice, thank you, Clown."

Clown grinned. "Let's start walking away from the academy. It'd be weird if someone other than you saw me without... the whole mask thing." Branzy nodded and the two of them embarked on a stroll away from the bustling academy, entering a realm of quietude under the starlit sky.

When they finally reached a good spot, they settled on the grass, looking up at the starlit sky. The air was filled with a serene quiet, only interrupted by the occasional rustling of leaves or distant sounds from the academy.

Clown lay back, his hands behind his head, staring at the stars. "You know, Branzy," he began, "I never imagined myself doing something like this."

Branzy turned to him, curious. "Doing what?"

Clown gestured to the sky. "Stargazing, with someone. It's kind of... peaceful."

Branzy couldn't help but agree. "I mean, we can make this... a regular thing."

"So forward, Branzy." Clown averted his gaze from the sky to Branzy as he giggled. "But I like it. Regular stargazing, huh? Sounds like a plan." He glanced at the stars again, just as Branzy was gazing at him.

Clown admired the stars. Meanwhile, Branzy couldn't help but steal glances at Clown.

"I know an enchanting place nearby," Clown mentioned, sitting up. "Care to join me?" He extended a hand towards Branzy.

Branzy hesitated for a moment, glancing at Clown's outstretched hand. "Lead the way," he finally replied, curiosity twinkling in his eyes.

Clown's hand enveloped Branzy's as he led the way through the forest. The soft glow of fireflies illuminated their path, creating a natural, enchanting trail. The night seemed to come alive around them, and the gentle rustle of leaves whispered secrets of the woods.

As they ventured deeper, the distant sounds of the academy faded away, replaced by the serene symphony of the nocturnal creatures. Clown occasionally pointed out interesting plants or shared tidbits about magical creatures that inhabited the woods, turning the journey into a captivating exploration.

Branzy found himself absorbed in the beauty of the forest (And maybe someone's else beauty), guided by Clown's infectious enthusiasm. It was a far cry from the chaos of the Capture-The-Flag game...

"We're here," Clown suddenly stopped, causing Branzy to stumble almost comically. Clown steadied him, Branzy blushed. "Like it?"

Branzy lifted his gaze, and before him stretched a hidden oasis. Moonlight gently caressed the surface of a serene lake, creating ripples that reflected the stars like a celestial mirror. The water shimmered with an otherworldly glow, and around the lake, tall trees stood like guardians, their branches reaching out as if to touch the night sky.

Fireflies danced around, adding a touch of magic to the scene. The air was filled with a tranquil melody, as if nature itself was orchestrating a symphony to celebrate their arrival. It was a place untouched by the chaos of the academy, a sanctuary of peace and beauty. And Branzy couldn't help but be captivated by the ethereal charm of this hidden gem in the heart of the forest.

Clown gestured towards the lake. "This is my secret spot. Not many know about it."

Branzy's eyes sparkled with amazement. "It's incredible. How did you find it?"

"I stumbled upon it when I was exploring the forest. Lucky find, right?" Clown grinned at him. "Come on, let's sit by the water."

They settled down near the edge of the lake, their feet dangling above the tranquil surface. The stars above reflected in the water, creating a mesmerizing illusion of a celestial dance.

Branzy broke the silence. "Clown, I never knew you had such a soft side."

Clown chuckled. "Well, there's more to me than meets the eye. What about you, Branzy? Any secret talents?"

Branzy pondered for a moment. "I guess I got a thing for finding trouble." He paused, under Clown's gaze. "Or maybe causing it too..."

Clown giggled, "You don't strike me as the troublemaker type."

"What type do you take me for?"

"I don't know... the Branzy type of specimen?" Branzy laughed, then shifted his gaze to the moon.

Even in the moonlight, he could sense Clown's gaze on him.

"That works for me." Branzy added.

Clown sighed, "Yeah, Yeah." He reclined on the grass, returning to their stargazing session... or was it more of a date?

Branzy joined him, lying at his side, enveloped in a sense of serenity.

"The moon is beautiful tonight, isnt it?" Branzy asked trying to make conversation.

Clown fell silent.

The atmosphere suddenly felt charged with an unspoken tension. Branzy, confused, tried to catch a glampse of Clown, but he had his hands on his face, hiding it...

Was he flustered?

That's when Branzy realized the potential hidden meaning behind his words... He entered full-panic mode.

"I mean, not that I meant anything by it! It's just the moon, right? Doing its moon... thing." Branzy's words tumbled out in a cascade of nervous rambling. He could feel the heat rising in his cheeks.

He fidgeted with his fingers, desperately searching for a way to downplay the accidental revelation. "You know, people say poetic things about the moon all the time! Like, it's a universal thing, not just, um, a romantic one. And I didn't mean to imply anything beyond the celestial observation we're doing here! Just astronomy appreciation, you know?"

Branzy stole a quick glance at Clown, who seemed to be thoroughly entertained by his flustered state. The moonlight painted a surreal scene around them, magnifying the awkward beauty of the moment.

"But, like, even if it was romantic- Which it's not!, Surely which it's not..." That hurt, "...It would be a nice sentiment, right?" Branzy continued, his words gaining momentum as he tried to navigate the conversational tightrope he found himself on. "People have been inspired by the moon for centuries! Penning poems- and songs- and... stuff, you know... It's not weird to appreciate its beauty in a... platonic way!" He let out a nervous chuckle, hoping he hadn't dug himself into a deeper hole. 

Clown listened to Branzy's rambling with an amused glint in his eyes, his lips curving into a mischievous smile. He didn't interrupt, allowing Branzy to unravel his thoughts in a flurry of words. So unravel it's what Branzy did, "And who wouldn't appreciate a moonlit night? It's practically a classic setting for... whatever! Like, stargazing and deep conversations, not that this is one, but it could be! Totally innocent, though, because it's just the moon, right?"

Branzy paused, realizing he might have overcomplicated the whole situation.. He took a deep breath, attempting to salvage the situation. "Anyway, yeah, just the moon, and, uh, stars, and us... here. Doing the stargazing thing. Not the confessing thing. Definitely not that."

When Branzy finally stumbled into an awkward silence, Clown tilted his head, still wearing that playful grin.

"That was quite the moonlit monologue," Clown teased, his voice carrying a light, teasing tone. He sat up, looking directly at Branzy. "But hey, if the moon's got you feeling poetic or... whatever, I'm not complaining." Clown's eyes held a warmth that went beyond the moonlit glow, and Branzy couldn't quite decipher the expression.

Clown's gaze lingered on the sky, and then he shifted his attention to Branzy. Now, Branzy getting a good look... Clown was- Really pretty. Like, real handsome. Clown talked; "I can die at-"

RING. RING. RING.

Branzy's phone abruptly shattered the tranquil night with its ringing. Glancing at the screen, he realized it was his 11:30 PM alarm—the signal that it was time to leave.

"Oh, sorry, that's my phone, whoops." Branzy stammered, sensing the need to make a quick exit. "I need to go..."

"So soon?" Clown responded, his expression tinged with a hint of disappointment.

Branzy rose to his feet, casually dusting off nonexistent debris from his clothes. "Yeah, Rek needs a hand with some late-night experiment or... something. You know how it is." He attempted an air of nonchalance.

Clown mirrored his movement, standing up too. "Can't we linger a bit longer?" He delicately took hold of Branzy's arm.

Branzy felt his heart quicken as Clown grabbed his arm. "Uh, well, I really should..." He stammered, glancing at Clown's hand on his arm. "Late-night experiments are kind of... time-sensitive, you know?"

Clown tilted his head, "Are you sure it's the experiments you're running from?"

Branzy's cheeks flushed, and he nervously chuckled. "N-no, of course not. It's just... Rek might blow something up if I'm not there."

Clown released Branzy's arm, a playful glint in his eyes. "Well, we wouldn't want that to happen, would we? Don't let me keep you from your explosive duties. I'll stay here a... little bit more."

Branzy let out a nervous laugh. "Yeah, exactly. Explosive duties. I'll, uh, catch you later, Clown." He turned to leave, but before he could take a step, Clown called out.

"Hey, Branzy?"

Branzy turned back, meeting Clown's gaze.

"Thanks for tonight. It was... really nice."

A genuine smile formed on Branzy's face. "Yeah, it was." With that, he headed back to the academy, leaving behind the enchanting night under the stars.

Then, he looked at the hour, and started sprinting towards the academy cause he had to tell Rek about today's antics and it was way to cold to be walking in shorts in case the spell wore off...

 

 

Rek was hunched over a table, surrounded by bubbling potions and crackling magical sparks. He carefully measured ingredients, his focus intense on the delicate task. The room was filled with an array of strange devices and peculiar-looking vials.

In the midst of his intense work, Branzy swung the door open, his eyes wide with excitement. "Rek! You won't believe what happened today!"

Startled, Rek's hand jerked, and a drop of a mysterious liquid fell into the wrong potion. The room began to glow with an ominous light. "Fuck." Rek cursed under his breath, quickly stepping up.

Branzy, oblivious to the brewing disaster, continued, "So, Clown and I went stargazing, and then he-"

Before Branzy could finish, an explosion erupted from Rek's experiment. Smoke billowed, and the force of the blast sent both Branzy and Rek tumbling backward.

Rek felt quiet, giving Branzy a death glare... "Next time I'll knock..." Branzy said, nervously.

Rek sighed, surveying the aftermath of the explosion. "Branzy, you have a talent for impeccable timing... Remind me to put a 'no-entry during experiments' sign next time."

Branzy, still recovering from the blast, managed a nervous laugh. "I'll keep that in mind for next time..."

Notes:

SOOO SORRY ABOUT NOT PUBLISJING FORLIKE 2 WEeks ........... i got caught up with irl thingies (exams, marathons, atletism and crap. i won a first place medal ^_^) changed my username bc the last one would be associated w my other social media.

i enjoyed writing this chapter..... branzys ass was NOT stargazing, and when he was, clowns ass was NOT stargazing. clown was gonna say "i can die at peace" i dont remember ur username but to that one reader that commented "clown is already in love isnt he" UR RIGHT ╰( ･ ᗜ ･ )➝

final chapter will be released next week.....!!!!!

Chapter 5: The Whole Potion Fiasco

Summary:

Branzy has failed many times to make Clown love him... To be more specific, four times straight.

This time will be different.

Notes:

ending. wowies....

Ever since last week's date, Branzy and Clown found themselves becoming surprisingly closer- closer than ever before, Branzy would admit. He was more open- Void, he would take his mask off when only with him.

Clown's newfound (was it really newfound?) attachment to Branzy was undeniable. He wouldn't want to be away from Branzy, and while Branzy didn't exactly mind (like, who would, really?), it did interfere with his whole... potion scheme.

In an attempt to balance the enchanting chaos... Mostly Branzy's way to damage control, they decided to settle for a cozy movie night on Clown's part of the dorm.

But, you see... He was secretly scheming with Rek, a last potion- A last chance. The plan was called "Plan Tea". Very original, I know.

 

 

Branzy casually kicked off his shoes, sliding into his comfy slippers before settling onto Clown's bed. The soft ambiance of the room set the mood.

"What are we watching today?" Clown asked, turning on Branzy's laptop.

"I dunno, you choose?" Branzy replied, wrapping himself in a blanket. Clown quickly accessed a movie website and browsed through the entire catalog.

"How about Up?" Clown suggested.

"No way!" Branzy exclaimed, indignant. "Do you want to make me cry?"

"...Bambi?" Clown suggested.

"I always cry at the start..." Branzy said, a hint of sadness in his voice.

"Ok, er..." Clown clicked on various options, "I don't know... The Hannah Montana Movie?" Branzy glanced at Clown, quietly. "Don't tell me..."

"It's just that- the end is like, really good," Branzy defended himself.

Clown laughed, "What about an animated Barbie movie, then?"

Branzy raised an eyebrow, staring at Clown. "Barbie?"

Clown shrugged, "I thought it might be fun, you know, for a change." He paused, "Plus I watched some ones with my sister... They're good."

Branzy sighed, "Alright, fine. But if you ever tell anyone we watched this, I'll deny it."

Clown chuckled, "Deal."

Clown put on the movie, and they stayed quietly watching the intro. Branzy found himself surprisingly caught up in the plot, his attention focused on the animated characters and their adventures.

As the story unfolded, Clown subtly shifted closer, their shoulders almost touching. It was a small, gradual movement, yet Branzy couldn't ignore the warmth emanating from Clown's proximity. 

Branzy stole a glance at Clown, only to find him already looking back. A blush crept up Branzy's cheeks as their eyes met.

"I'm kinda thirsty, aren't you?" Branzy said, attempting to regain composure. "My throat feels so dry."

"Really?" Clown tilted his head, "I got some water bottles here—"

Branzy seized the moment, "Tea! Tea would be perfect, you're always right, Clown!" Branzy grinned, leaving Clown slightly bewildered. "I'll text Rek!" He took out his phone.

"I mean... Sure?" Clown replied, shifting his attention back to the movie but occasionally stealing glances at Branzy.

Branzy quickly formed a message to Rek to put "Plan Tea" on action, it only took some minutes for Rek to complete his part. Rek texted;

'Im outside :-)' 

"Rek's here, need to go..." Branzy quickly excused himself, leaving an empty space at Clown's side.

"I'll pause the movie for you," Clown said, watching Branzy exit through the door.

Branzy met Rek in the hallway, where Rek handed him two steaming mugs—one red and one purple.

"There ya' go," Rek said, giving Branzy the mugs. "The one with the-" he leaned closer, whispering, "...mix," he recomposed himself, "It's the purple one. Don't confuse them."

Branzy felt his nerves escalating. "Are we really doing this?" he asked Rek. "What does it do again?"

"Just..." Rek said, looking... guilty. "You know! Love potion things... You will totally pull this."

"Okay, okay! I can totally do this." Branzy hyped himself up.

"Good luck! You owe me thirty bucks," Rek said, leaving.

Branzy sighed, opening the door to the room.

He would totally do this, totally! He was, a beast. Like, a beast totally. He can do everything with will power!

"Branzy," Clown smiled slighty, Branzy's heart skipped a beat. "Youre back." 

And honestly? Branzy feel like dying, "Clown!..." His voice cracked ever so slighty, "Tea! Yay." He walked to the side of the Bed.

"Which one is my pot?" Clown asked. Branzy examined the mugs, realizing the gravity of his decision.

Was it really worth the risk? What if everything went wrong?.. He could even lose Clown because something so foolish.

He sighed, looking at both mugs and eventually handing Clown the red mug and settling beside him on the bed. Branzy stole a glance at Clown, noting the surprise on his face.

"Really?" Clown examined the cup, "Color-coordinated, are we?" he remarked, taking in the cup slowly.

"Y-Yeah..." Branzy stammered, the weight of his actions finally sinking in. Oh when consequences finally caught up to you...

"Are you sure... you don't want to give me the purple one?" Clown questioned, eyeing the other cup.

Despite the pressure, Branzy remained determined. "...I'll drink this one," he said, his voice firm but tinged with hesitation.

"But I want the purple one," Clown insisted, looking at Branzy with determination.

"But it's mine!" Branzy protested, desperately searching for a good excuse. "It even matches my eyes!" he added, pointing at his eyes.

"Your eyes are really pretty, but I think red matches you more..." Clown argued, attempting to coax the cup from Branzy's grip.

"Why?" Branzy exclaimed, clutching the cup close to his chest.

"Because... your personality?" Clown suggested hesitantly.

"My personality is NOT red!" Branzy retorted, and Clown looked defeated.

"Okay... I guess I lose." Clown took the cup, examining it.

Void, it's not like anything bad will happen, unlike his cup. Branzy hesitated, glancing at his own cup.

He was about to make a mess...

Clown resumed the movie, but Branzy couldn't have cared less about it. He stole glances at Clown, who seemed equally hesitant. The atmosphere in the room grew increasingly uncomfortable.

"Weren't you thirsty?" Clown asked, breaking the awkward silence. "Why aren't you drinking from your cup?"

"I cast a spell on myself to never feel thirsty again," Branzy quickly replied, attempting to divert attention from the cups.

"What if... we drink it at the same time?" Clown suggested, looking at Branzy.

Branzy sighed, realizing that this was the bizarre reality of his life now. "I can do that."

They both looked at each other, holding their respective cups. Branzy raised his cup to his lips, and Clown followed suit.

With a sigh of relief, Branzy took a sip (after all, he was really thirsty). He stopped and held the cup expectantly, waiting for any noticeable effects. 

Glancing at Clown, he noticed a slightly deadpan expression (he probably looked the same).

Clown began to talk, "Branzy, I think there's something I've got to tell you..." Branzy sighed and nodded, half listening, it was now or never. "Branzy, er, I think I..." Clown started, but Branzy cut him off mid-sentence.

And here he goes, word vomit.

"Clown, I like you!" Branzy blurted out, looking at him with a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

"Oh?" Clown responded, his expression amused.

"And not like friends!" Branzy quickly added, nervously. "As, more... romantically. I really like you- And I think you're awesome. And cool, and pretty- And there are so many qualities about you that I like!" His hands gestured animatedly, "Like the way you always find joy in little things, and how you're incredibly talented." Branzy nervously fidgeted with the hem of his shirt, occasionally glancing away and then back at Clown, but still continued. "Your eyes, by the way, have this sparkle that's just... mesmerizing! And when you laugh, it's like the whole room lights up. I've noticed the little scars on your face- Honestly you should uncover yourself more, you're like. Real handsome. Also, your taste in movies is surprisingly great. Did I mention how you always manage to make me smile even on the worst days?- I just..." He paused, realizing he was starting to ramble. "I really, really like you, Clown."

Clown's eyes widened slightly, registering the unexpected confession. A mischievous grin played on his lips as he absorbed Branzy's words. He looked genuinely surprised but not entirely displeased.

"Oh, Branzy, that's... quite the revelation," Clown said, his tone light and teasing. "I must admit- I didn't see that one coming."

His eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and curiosity, inviting Branzy to continue his heartfelt ramble.

"That's good! Because I've been trying to do these stupid love spells, potions thingies since like, 2 months ago!" He started to ramble, yet again.

"Oh. Ive realized." Clown said, looking at him with an amused grin.

"What." Branzy couldn't believe it. 

Here he was, nervously rambling about his feelings, and Clown casually dropped the bomb that he'd been attempting love spells and potions for months.

He fidgeted with his fingers, his eyes darting between Clown and the floor. "Wait, you've noticed?" Branzy asked, a mix of shock and embarrassment washing over him. "What... what made you realize?"

Clown chuckled, "Well, your love spells are like fireworks in the academy-" Clown paused, looking amused at Branzy, "Hard to miss, you know?"

Branzy's face turned several shades of pink. "Oh, Void... I didn't mean for it to be so obvious. I thought I was being discreet!"

Branzy sighed, a mix of relief and embarrassment still lingering. Clown chuckled, "Branzy, I'm not oblivious. I've noticed your attempts- ever since the cupcake incident, it became more noticeable. Kudos to Ash for his incredible work with the bow. Unfortunately, you have the worst aim possible known to mankind."

Branzy's eyes widened in disbelief. "You knew!?  And you still went along with it?"

"Of course! It was amusing to see what you'd come up with next," Clown admitted, a playful glint in his eyes. "And it was kind of sweet."

Branzy sighed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief. "Well, this is awkward," Branzy couldn't help but chuckle, Clown looked at him, "I thought I was being so discreet."

Clown nudged him playfully, "You're cute when you're trying not to be noticed." 

They both remained in silent, Branzy calmed himself down as the movie served as background noise.

Clown tapped him in the shoulder, leaning in. "Can I kiss you?"

Branzy blinked, caught off guard. "What?"

Clown laughed, slighty nervous, "I mean, you like me... I like you," Branzy's heart skipped a beat, "And I want to kiss you..." He was so awkward, but Branzy thought it was cute.

Void, he was down bad.

Branzy's cheeks flushed, "Excuse me?," He giggled, "Can you repeat that?" He teased, Clown flushed slighty.

"Don't make me beg for it!" Clown said, slighty embarrased.

"It's okay, Clown... You can-" Branzy giggled, "Kiss me." He smiled.

As their lips met, the room seemed to fade away, leaving only the gentle glow of the laptop screen and the warmth of newfound connection. 

They separated, and Branzy giggled on Clown's shoulder. Clown leaned in and giggled too.

"Wanna know something crazy?" Clown whispered in Branzy's ear.

"Yeah?" Branzy questioned, looking at him smiling.

"I don't think those mugs actually had something in them." Clown said, amused at Rek's antics.

Branzy remained silent, proccesing Clown's words. "...What"

Notes:

HEY GUYS LAST CHAPTER DID U LIKE IT!!!!!! i did NOT read tjis chapter if theres an error tell me in comments pls ^_________^

thank you so much for the support lately! almost 100 kudos is CRAZYYY to me. like.. wowies.....
i plan on writing more lifesteal and clownzy things. if u like how i write + clownzy + angst ull like my next fic ^_^ (nothing cnfirmed yet...)

Notes:

English is not my first language, be kind and show support thru comments! ^_^