Chapter Text
Intro thing
im a limbus company fan and i cant read. cough anyways hi welcome to the start. i am very new on this site once again and im writing this on mobile so expect it to be abit shitty. Apologies.
Anyways i hope you like this goober silly crackship i got and i wrote only for the fun of it. i was told to make an account here by a friend of mine to spread the propaganda so Yahoo!! Im slowly learning to use this site but anyways i hopez you like it or something.
I wont ONLY be focusing on Artful and john grace as Their other version will be here too! I just like them alot...
Chapter 2: Banana Peels
Summary:
Artful comes home after a rough show.. coming home all wet n soggy and banana peels falling off of him after the performance. Atleast he's comfy!
Notes:
Very short one.. Hopeth you likey :3
Chapter Text
The front door creaked open, letting in the faint smell of rain from outside. John Grace looked up from his seat, already sensing something unusual from the sound alone.
There stood artful.. well.. all wet and soggy from the rain and was covered in banana peels. Artful stumbled in, head down, cape askew. One clung stubbornly to his shoulder, another dangled from his hat, and several more were plastered along his coat like sad decorations from a comedy act gone wrong.
"..."
Not a word was made from him, no dramatic pose, no egotistical words, no witty comments. just heavy footsteps and..a singular banana peel falling off of his shoulder and making a faint solat noise as it hit the floor. he simply stumbled over and collapsed onto john without saying much before mumbling out, "Dont ask what happened." as he buried his face in his chest. Not caring that he was gonna soak john too.
There was a long and tense silence before john reluctantly brought his hands up and wrapped them around artful to bring him closer. One hand gently brushed a peel out of Artful’s hat that was tilted to the side before setting it aside without a trace of judgment.
The magician sighed deeply, body softening under John’s touch. "You’re too good to me, you know that? I show up looking like a fruit stand explosion that was sprayed with multiple water guns, and you just…" He trailed off, looking up at John’s calm, unwavering face. "...hold me like nothing’s wrong."
"I still wonder why we are even together."
"Yet.. even with this... im glad we are together."
Chapter 3: Love Like You
Summary:
Its been so long since Orchestraful had felt loved. besides.. why would something like that matter to someone like him? After everything he did.. It doesn't mean that someone is just going to leave him all alone in the empty stage without an audience.
Notes:
Based off of the song "Love like you" by Rebecca if im correct. i like the song.. needed some and Zen... so here.. meow. meow...
Also listen to the music too when reading this if u wanna...(P.s Words that are in Bold is The johns talking and words arent in bold is artfuls talking.. im sure u can tell by who is speaking)
Chapter Text
The theater was empty. Rows of seats stretched into the dark, the faint hum of the city outside filtering through the old walls.
The grand stage had been empty for weeks, Months even as specks of dust drifted in the air, the lights went out cold Months ago ever since that day.. No one ever visits the theater anymore after that.. Certain incident.. except One.
One of the grand stage lights was on, basking in the glow at the middle of the stage where a piano was left behind during the last performance, There, sat Orchestraful.
His hands moved along the piano keys, playing an unfamiliar tune that echoed throughout the empty and abandoned theatre.
He hadnt played for anyone since then.. other than showing his love for Magic tricks, he did have abit of knowledge on using the piano back then since he found the instrument to be a rather.. soothing thing for him.
The piano was something he found slight comfort in ever since that day.. though now. It.. feels empty. Even if he played it all the time now.. Even if he did his tricks infront of an empty stage. he couldn't help but feel a strange sense of emptiness. Guilt even for what he did.
As much as he wanted to never come back to the theater as it reminds him of his past.. he couldn't help himself but to come back and performan once again during his best days.
Where the audience would throw roses at him if he did well in his performance, where they cheered for him, showered him with everything. but now.. it was all gone after that one small incident and him loosing control of himself.
As his fingers continued to press down the keys on the piano, even with the music, he could still hear the screams and wails of those who he had harmed with a whack of his wand, no matter what he did..it would always come back to haunt him, even if he played the piano, it would always find a way to disturb him.
His fingers press down on the keys of the piano, playing whatever music he knew to keep himself busy until.. the sound of footsteps can be heard not too far from where he was.
Zen took slow steps up to the stage, the long white veil he wore fluttered in the air and the faint smell of lavender wafted in the dusty air. The glow of the purple halo that floated above his head emmitted a strange yet.. comforting warmth as he stepped up onto the stage.
"......?"
"I.. thought on keeping the stage company after its time of not being used.. Its.. been awhile since i had.. last performed here."
"......"
"Yes.. me performing on an empty stage without an audience.. though.. it.. is not like i would.. want to have an audience."
"........?"
"Me? losing something that i once Loved? its.. absurd.. I dont exactly remember the last time i had once loved something.."
"It.. isnt like it matters anymore... Who would want to love a Monster like me?"
Orchestraful looked down at his hands where they rested on the Piano keys, The other ones hovered behind him uncertainly as he stopped playing for abit.
Something seemed to always linger in him. Its been too long since he last had something to love for.. why would something like that matter to someone like him after what he did that day?
"I merely thought that.. Love is just something i can get from a performance.. isnt that all there is to it?"
Zen stood beside Orchestraful, even with his eyes closed, the purple tears that constantly streamed down his face.. there was a hint of sympathy in them that only Orchestraful can read.
"......."
"Your always concerned for me.. yet even have sympathy for me.. why? after.. all i did. do i really deserve to have something like Love again?"
There was a long silence as Orchestraful looked at Zen, Even if they were closed.. he couldnt help but feel how soft his gaze was. The constant smell of lavender oddly soothing to him.
"..........!"
"Mh... You always make it sound so.. simple."
"...........!"
"Hah... i wish i knew what makes you think im so special.."
Everything was silent now, no music, no stage, no audience. Just the two of them, hands intertwined in the middle of an empty theater.
Something in Orchestrafuls chest softened, a chord resolving that he didn't realize had been dissonant for so long. The quiet between them was heavy, but gentle, like snowfall, like forgiveness.
Something unfamiliar that he had never experienced for so long.. yet it felt.. nice.
Zen slowly brought his hands up and cupped Orchestrafuls face, the warmth of his palms caused Orchestraful to relax for once.. A small sigh escaping his tired lips, something he thought he didnt do yet has till now.
"Is this how you show love? is there truly something more to it than just a simple performance?"
"................!"
"If this is how it is like... i hope it is indeed something like this."
Orchestraful leans into the touch, his arms falling to his sides as his body relaxed after so long of running away and hiding.
"J'ai toujours pensé que j'étais le mauvais... I always think your alot more better than me.. i am.. nothing like you."
"Yet.. i do hope that i get to learn how to love again. Mon cher.."
Chapter 4: Movie night!!
Summary:
Warm movie night while these two gays cuddle together
i dont know how to summarize this but ill summarize it better later when im not feeling giddy. Very fluffy and soft maybe im not giving you guys yet on angst. Also another short one! im lacking.
Might fix sum mistaled but later
Chapter Text
Snow drifted softly outside the window, painting the world white.
The faint glow of the television flickered gently across the living room walls and the quiet hum of the movie filled the space.
There sat together on the couch was Artful and John, a fluffy blue blanket tucked around them. The room smelled faintly faintly of popcorn and cocoa and a strange kind of lazy comfort that only winter nights could bring.
Artful had been insisting on a movie marathon to watch after he had gotten back from todays performance, just a simple interesting movie he had seen when he was out and wanted to watch it together with someone he cared for, for the past hour he had been talking quite alot at the start though now his tone was alot more softer and quieter, occasionally pointing out his favorite scenes and complaining about the actors actions in the movie while john sat beside him with a hot cocoa in hand, silently nodding to whatever he was saying.
As the night wore on, Artfuls words began to slow and his voice grew quieter.
By the time the snow outside had thickened into a soft curtain, Artfuls head had started to dip, blinking a few times at the screen and rubbing his eyes to stay awake a little longer (not like it did much) before he rested his head on Johns shoulder.
John noticed this (immediately at that) and glanced down just as Artful leaned over, slowly, almost unconsciously as he rested his head on Johns shoulder.
There was a small sigh, a soft exhale of contentment from Artful. Then in a voice barely above a whisper, he mumbled out the faint words
"More comfortable..."
John stayed still, simply sitting there and letting the magicians warmth press against his side and letting him listen to the faint steady heartbeat under Artfuls cheek. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips, the kind that was too small to be smug and too gentle to be amused.
Adjusting the blanket just enough to pull it over the both of them, he shifted a little and changed his current position so Artful could lay more comfortably on him.
The faint noises coming from the movie played on in the background though John wasnt paying much attention to it now, his focus was on Artful instead, the faint crease of tiredness that softened his face, the slow and peaceful rhythm of Artful.
Outside the snow continued to fall, muffling the world with stillness and keeping the outside cold.
John hesitated for a moment before he slung an arm over Artful to make sure he doesnt fall off and careful not to accidentally wake him up though failed to do so as Artful ended up stirring slightly, murmuring something incoherent before going still again, a faint but relaxed smile on his lips.
".........."
John turned his gaze back to the screen though his attention never really left the man beside him. Slowly lifting up the warm cup of cocoa and taking a sip as he lets out a small quiet and fond sigh. The kind that didnt need to have a single word uttered during this moment though..
"....Sleep well."
The two of them stayed there, tangled together in a warmth and stillness with only the snow and the glow of the screen to witness their quiet peace.
Chapter 5: Yummy Soufflé!
Summary:
Cooking gone wrong but ends very cute yes
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
The morning sunlight shined through the windows, birds chirping outside while civilians walked about and enjoying their day.
Reprieve sat on the couch in the living room, focus completely on the journal he was writing that artistry had bought for him.
The scent of coffee filled the air as Reprieve wrote away in the journal. Everything was peaceful (Which is abit surprising for someone like him) as he busied himself with writing until..
Artistry kicked down the door and bursted it open as he walked in with a very self satisfied grin on his face while he happily (and loudly) announced himself.
"Reprieve! I have made a discovery most ingenious!!"
(Haha limbus company reference)
Reprieve didnt look up from his journal, picking up the coffee mug and taking a small sip.
"............?"
"Ouch! So early in the morning and already such verbal violence!"
Reprieve simply took another sip of his coffee while Artistry gave a playful look of hurt and doing abit of a dramatic pose.
".........."
Undeterred, Artistry hopped up onto the counter (despite Reprieves very clear "don’t you dare") and presented a small notebook with a proud look.
"Behold! I have found my new calling in life!!"
"...?"
"Correction-! four actual- Wha-?? What do you mean menace? i tell you i am alot better than that!
Reprieve mentally rolled his eyes while Artistry huffed in slight annoyance before going back to his "Stage" persona.
"As i was saying... I have found this! And i think i can qualify myself as a chef too!"
".........."
"Oh please mon cher ami! I tell you i have a higher intelligence! i can definitely learn how to cook!"
Artistry countered proudly before opening the notebook and flipping through a few pages and stopping at one.
"Aha! I saw this amazing recipe online, and it only requires eggs, milk, and… uh…"
He brought the notebook closer to his face and squinted his eyes as he looked closer at the recipe page he had written down.
" 'A pinch of salt' "
"Ha! This will be easy! i can pinch salt of course!"
Reprieve mentally had to hold himself back from laughing at the utter stupidity Artistry had spoke before closing his book and setting the coffee cup down.
"......?"
"Why i am making Soufflé of course! Now cmon! i need a partner for this delightful piece to be made!"
Before Reprieve could even protest he was dragged away as Artistry had grabbed his arm and brought him into the kitchen.
After entering the kitchen, Artistry lets go of Reprieves hand and placed the notebook down before taking out the ingredients.
".....Youll burn the house down."
Artistry was already cracking eggs directly onto the counter and mixing them with unmatched enthusiasm while Reprieve stood beside him and watched what Artistry was doing with pure worry on his expression for once.
" Oh ne soyez pas si inquiet mon cher ami! Cooking is as simple as doing a magic trick for the audience!"
Reprieve just stared, deadpan, as flour exploded across the counter like snowfall.
-Goobus timeskip-
Ten minutes later, the kitchen looked like a war zone. Artistrys Fancy and expensive suit was covered in chocolate mix, there were egg shells in the sink, and the oven timer had begun emitting what could only be described as a desperate beep of doom.
Dough mix fell from the ceiling and onto the floor along with other random ingredients and utensils either were left on the floor or just straight up had vanished from thin air while flour had dusted the whole counter.
"............"
"Ah? Why of course i did! why would i forget to pre heat the oven??"
"... I.... atleast i think i did?"
He opened it and yelped when a puff of smoke drifted out of the oven.
"Okay.. Maybe it was a little bit hot! But that is just part of the process!"
Artistry waved the smoke away dramatically, still smiling while Reprieve held back from hitting Artistrys head to give that dense head a lesson.
Artistry happily took out the tray of "Soufflé" (Which was just charred coal at this point) and smiled.
"Ta da! i can smell just how tasty it is!"
Reprieve was just about to stop him from trying to eat it though he wasnt quick enough as he watched Artistry grab a spoonful of it and took a bite.
Artistry happily chewed it though the joy on his face immediately changes to one of disgust, chewing it once or twice before forcing himself to swallow.
Artistry slowly gave a thumbs up with shaky hands and gives a strained smile.
"Th..this is.. t-the.. most tastiest thing i.. ever h-had!"
There was a long pause as Artistry dropped the spoon and collapsed to the floor and coughed violently.
Reprieve sighed, walked over and leaned down, patting Artistrys back.
" *Cough* A-ah! so.. you do.. care for me! *Cough* Mon cher... vous êtes trop gentil! *COUGH*"
Reprieve sighed, grabbing a glass of water on the counter and handed to Artistry to which he quickly accepted and took a large sip.
"........."
Placing down the empty glass Artistry grinned and went back to his proud "stage" persona in seconds after recovering from the coughing fit.
"How nice of you for making breakfast for a handsome magician like me! Haahh... Admit it! You think im Charming arent i?~"
Reprieve didnt even glance at him before he lightly flicked Artistrys forehead to which Artistry fell back and let out a small "Ow-!" as he rubbed his head while Reprieve got up and began setting up the frying pan and getting the eggs then cracking them into the pan.
" Quelle personne cruelle vous êtes..."
Reprieve slid the plate of scrambled eggs toward him with an unamused look.
"......?"
Artistry immediately perked up as his eyes sparkled.
"Yes please!"
Reprieve rolled his eyes as he watched Artistry happily eat the scrambled eggs.
While reprieve watched Artistry happily devouring the food while humming to themselves with pure satisfaction, Reprieve seemed almost smile.
Keyword, Almost.
"Hmh! Admit it!"
Artistry spoke with a mouthful of eggs and swallowed.
"You like having the famous magician around don't you?"
".....Tolerable."
"Hah! thats basically Love! You do Love me!!"
Reprieve sighed, long and defeated as he rubbed his head and muttered.
"Insufferable..."
"I heard that!"
Notes:
Im hungry also i might fix some misspellings here n there if i wanna
Chapter 6: For my final act
Summary:
He doesnt deserve the warmth and touch of the only person he cares for
Notes:
i hope you guys like angst! also inspired by the user on Xwitter that made a headcanon where Orchestraful put a curse on himself. also i lied about it being wholesome
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The rain had long stopped since but the world still smelled of it, the heavy scent of wet earth and something faintly metallic yet familiar, like a memory of the past.
Orchestraful sat in the dim corner of the room, his real hands, bound tightly together with white chains, chains of which he had placed on himself as a curse, Chains that dug into his wrists to the point it felt like his hands may fall off as it was beginning to cut into his skin a little, leaving a faint bruise if it were ever removed.
The floating ones, a rather strange silent extension of himself that he created hovered nearby, twitching now and then like restless ghosts. Often times, he used those to move things or simply hold onto something, or to even reach for what he dared not to touch.
Zen was standing just a few feet away, the soft purple glow of the halo that floats above his head, a faint warmth emits from it but for once.. the light from it felt cold. The purple tears were now heavy and constant almost as if they were about to have a breakdown, it is almost as if you could hear the sounds of someone sobbing even if there was no one who was crying.
Zens once soft and gentle expression that used to carry wamth even after everything now showed of one in despair, as if knowing what is going to happen even if he hoped that it wasnt going to be what his once peaceful mind, now a mess was thinking.
"..............."
Orchestraful didnt look up, his head hung low and the hat he often wore obscuring his face.
"If i were to ever get rid of these chains.. who knows what would had happened to you?"
"I cannot find myself to be worthy of.. this again. If i were to get rid of this curse i inflicted onto myself.. i might forget why i should never dare touch you again."
The tears were becoming worse as it began to drip down Zens face even more, the blue violet flower that was placed on him began to wilt.
".....!"
"i did"
The interruption was sharp enough to make the faint glow of the halo on Zen to flicker as Zen flinched from the agressiveness in the tone.
"I did. And meaning doesnt change the fact on what i have done to them.. to you even"
Silence stretched on, heavy and trembling. The floating hands sank closer to the floor, trembling as if feeling the weight of their own existence or was it merely showing how He was feeling?
".....Your not a monster."
"Then why do i feel like one every time i breathe near you?"
Zens voice was soft and quiet though even with what he said and what he did, could he ever convince someone who is too deep in their own guilt to see through the past?
What did zen need to say? Ah.. he couldnt answer it. In a last desperate attempt he reached out, slowly, hoping that maybe this time the touch would be accepted. But the moment his hand came near, Orchestraful recoiled, every nerve flaring with panic as if that one single poke on him would end up Killing the only one he cares for left.
"Dont."
"Please... for your own sake, dont."
Zen froze, hand still halfway between them before slowly letting it fall back to his side, for once, his expressions showed one of hurt, confusion and heartbreak. It was worse than the constant feeling of sadness that he had gotten used to back before he had met Him.
Orchestraful frowned, turning away as the guilt became heavier on him. The bindings on his wrists dug deeper as he clenched his fists from under the large trenchcoat that he wore.
"You do not deserve someone who has dirt on their hands.."
Zen tried to speak, "Please dont go." or maybe "what would i do without you?" but the words never came out, because by the time he tried opening his eyes to take one last glimpse, even if it hurt to do so, the space infront of him was empty.
The space where Orchestraful once stood was empty leaving behind the faint shimmer of the hands though it was fading, like the last notes of a song no one would play again.
Zen reached out into the empty space, fingers brushing through the fading light, once warm, soft and the love he had for Them was all dissolving in his grasp.
"........."
"....."
"..."
"...you never needed to disappear to keep me safe..."
The room was silent except for the faint echo that lingered, a soft hum, familiar and distant. A small tune that Orchestraful would often hum whenever he thought that Zen wasnt around, a hum of when he would be lost in his own world, tuning a melody that would never be finished.
And even then, it faded before everything went silent again.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Inspired by this pic
Notes:
Haha skibidi toilet rizz
Chapter 7: Spilled Tea
Summary:
One word is all he wants to hear! Be nice to Artistry.. You wouldnt be mean to him would you Reprieve?
Notes:
Very short. im sleepy when making this and i have very important exam coming up.. waaa.... But dont worry! i have wrote a special fic soon on December!! so yahoo!!! Enjoy this before i go study.
Chapter Text
It was day three of Artistry’s self-declared mission ever since he had gotten together with "The love of his life" or so as he says in his view. that mission being...
"Operation Get John to Say More Than Three Words."
The mansion was quiet, saved for the faint sounds of the birds chirping from outside and the sunlight seeping through the large windows of the mansion.
There sat reprieve on one of the expensive armchairs of the large living room, silently reading a book near the fireplace and drinking his tea.. definitely not noticing a certain overly charismatic magician sitting across him with a smirk on his face and a hand resting on his cheek.
"what’s your favorite flower? Roses? Lilies? Perhaps something more… exotic?"
"..."
"Hmh... okay... Whats your favorite color then??"
"..........."
"Very well. A tougher question. What is your dream vacation?"
"......."
Reprieve flips through a page of the book while Artistry continued to ask a barrage of unnecessary questions even if he doesn't seem to get much of a response from Reprieve... He seems pretty determined to get him to say at least ONE thing.
"Hey... Cant you look up at me for just abit and say something! im bored here and my next show is next week! ive already did my perfect speech ten times today and i have no idea what else to do! Cant you just at least say something?"
"........."
Artistry dramatically slumped over the table, cape spilling onto the floor.
"Cold! Heartless! You deny me even a crumb of conversation! But fear not,"
Artistry declared, sitting up again with a sly grin on his face as he pointed at Reprieve with a determined look
"I shall not surrender to your brick wall of pure silence! For I... Artistry! will melt the glacier that is John Reprieve!!!"
Reprieve simply took a sip of the warm lemon tea, setting it down on the coffee table and flipped through another page.
Hours passed since then until it was close to the evenings, the sky becoming a beautiful orange color as the sun set in the horizon... While Artistry was still trying to make Reprieve say one word even if it has been hours.
"Do you like cats or dogs better?"
"......."
"Okay... Would you still love me if i were a beautiful worm??"
"......"
Artistry groaned, throwing himself back on the couch with a defeated look.
"Argh... Your impossible! Your like a fortress! heck.. a monolith or even an unbreakable wall even!!"
Artistry flailed dramatically, whining about Reprieve not saying a single word for the past couple of hours he had been asking questions about reprieve and.. attempting to make him to say one word until..
Artistry didnt notice but his hand seemed to catch the edge of the coffee table and accidentally knocking the tea off of the table, spilling its continents onto the floor and making a mess on the clean red carpeted floor as it leaves a visible stain on it.
Reprieve froze, looking up from his book and his spilled tea then back at Artistry.
"...Your cleaning that."
Artistrys head shot up, his eyes going wide as he squealed in victory at being able to make reprieve say something.
"Ha! I did it! You spoke! More than two words! You broke, John!! you broke!"
Artistry jumped up, spinning in circles with his cape flaring, joy bubbling out of him like a child at a festival.
"Do you see?! This is triumph! This is glory! I have won this game of silence!"
Reprieve, deadpanned, looked at Artistry and pointed at the mess he had made.
"Your still cleaning that..."
Artistry gasped, his hand flying up to his chest in a dramatic pose.
"Hohon?! Twice in one day?! Oh John reprieve! spoiling me! A cool and handsome magician!"
Chapter 8: Flowers
Summary:
Flowers are very pretty! dont you think?
Notes:
One more... wont hurt....
Chapter Text
The morning sun shined from the horizon as birds flew in the air and the sounds of their singing filled the peaceful atmosphere.
The grassy meadow was quiet except for the faint lazy buzz of bees drifting from one flower to another, taking the nectar from it and returning to their nest.
Wildflowers had taken over the land in an array of soft colors ranging from a bright yellow to a beautiful purple scattered the meadows like a painters pallette
There on a blanket of flowers was Artful who had sat crossed legged in the grass, his sleeves rolled up as he sorted through the petals with a focus of someone doing a very serious and important operation.
Next to him was John who was also picking out a few flowers, one purple flower placed behind his ear as he took a flew glances every now and then at Artful who was trying to make what seems to be a flower crown. Which.. He was pretty much failing to even make it into a circle.
Some seconds and minutes pass and John was halfway through weaving into the crown, his fingers slow and steady with a surprisingly Graceful (HAH) movement for someone who often denied about being the gentler type.
As for Artful.
Well.
In his hands was a daisy that somehow had its stem tied into an angry knot that looked almost impossible to undo while Artful was mentally struggling to untie it.
"Why..."
Tug
"Wont you-"
Tug
"Be.. a Circle?!"
He tugged on the stem one more time only for it to end up tearing in half, John who was watching the whole thing stifled a laugh.
".........?"
" Très bien ma chère! I am.. definitely not having trouble with it..."
John shook his head and scooted closer to Artful who was still trying to make do with the remains of the already torn daisy in his hands, to which he told John he could do it himself but didnt really stop him, letting John lean over and take the flower crown or well.. what remains of an attempt at one at least.
John took out a new flower, a purple lavender one and took a fresh stem then gently guided Artfuls hands who mimiced the motions of Johns hands.
"Tuck where??? Il y a presque vingt endroits où le ranger, ma chère!"
"............."
With his hands enclosed around Artfuls, He slowly guided them as Artful followed the motions again, this time much more slower and calmer.
This time.. for once, the flowers seemed to cooperateas it formed into a more lopsided but a real flower crown forming.
"Oh!! J'ai réussi!"
"...........!"
After some time and.. slight struggle, the flower crown was finished. Artfuls Eyes sparkling like a child who had received candy for the first time held up the finished (though uneven) flower crown triumphantly.
"C'est parfait!"
With a playful smile, Artful leaned closer and gently placed the flower crown onto Johns head carefully.
"..........?"
"i know.. but it looks better on you mon très"
Damn the magician for making him feel all warm inside.
John shook his head, brushing off the giddy feeling he was getting before picking up his own flower crown and gently placing it onto Artfuls head.
"............"
His smile stretched wide, soft, warm and almost shy as he brought a hand up to touch the petals of the flower crown John had made.
The white and black flowers seemed fit perfectly in contrast of the purple and lavender ones Artful had made for John that now sat atop of his head.
"Ah... i do wish i could spend the rest of the day with you.."
He leaned closer to John and rested his head on his shoulder, watching the horizon and the blue sky.
in the quiet field, wearing crooked crowns made of wildflowers, the world felt peaceful, gentle, and sweet.
Just like the two of them.
Chapter 9: Marketable plushie
Summary:
Peter.. dont turn me into a marketable plushie...
PEEETAH
Notes:
Guys go buy artful plushie. i cant get it but you guys should!!!! Also i wrote this because it seems funny to me.
Chapter Text
The sun slowly sets from the horizon as the sky becomes a beautiful orange color, signaling the arrival of the evenings as the civilians walked about, a few enjoying their time in the park while others rushed home from a long day of work.
It had been a long day as John walked down the street, wiping the sweat off of his forehead after another run at the stadium Artful had told him about. Passing by a few folks and arriving at the apartment complex he and artful stayed in, he jogged up the stairs, catching his breath from the run as he got up to the front door of the apartment.
The keys jingled on his hands as he took them out of his pockets, bringing it up to unlock the door.. only for it to be unlocked? Thats odd.. Artful wouldnt just leave the door unlocked would he? perhaps he had gotten too distracted in doing his magic tricks that he had forgotten.
Confused he twisted the doorknob and pushed the door open, walking inside and expecting to hear the familiar loud voice of his """""friend""" yet he was only met with a strange and uncomfortable silence.
It was never this quiet, he would usually hear atleast a familiar humming tune or random clattering noises, hell even a loud experiment with "harmless but dramatic" magic tricks from what artful had told him about but yet, no sound was heard, only an uncomfortable silence..
John slipped off his shoes as he cautiously walked inside the shared apartment.
"..........?"
No answer.
Frowning he walked deeper inside until he entered the living room, the TV was left on but there was no channel playing aside from just a blank white screen. (Maybe he should find someone to help fix that problem soon)
He stepped over to the coffee table and picked up the remote then turning off the tv, sighing he turned around, thinking that Artful had probably went out to somewhere but had forgotten to lock the door and tell him. He was about to go to the kitchen to make something only to stop in place as he noticed something on the couch.
There.. sitting on the couch was.. a plushie.
A very familiar plushie at that.
Small. Soft looking. The familiar black tophat slightly tilted and the mask too hard to not be unrecognizable and a familiar adorable looking face, the wand left next to the plushie as it sat innocently alone on the couch.
".......??"
The plushie just sat there as its head tilts to the side, almost as if it was responding to him.
"................."
Rubbing the back of his neck, John hesitantly stepped closer before slowly reaching out, hands hovering over the tiny plush form like he was scared to squish it before finally picking it up. The plush fits perfectly in his shaky palms, warm, soft and a little heavier than it should be as he held it awkwardly against his chest.
"................."
"Mon cher..."
John jolted, throwing the plushie in the air out of shock before quickly catching it though juggling it a few times in his hands before he manages to hold it properly. John stared at the plushie with wide eyes, shocked and well.. surprised. Was he hallucinating or something? he couldve sworn he had heard a familiar voice though no one was around but him and the plushie..
"John... c'est moi..."
Okay yeah he definitely wasnt hallucinating.
John held the plushie infront of him now, looking at it as he slowly realized that it was artful himself.. well.. in plush form atleast.
"Salut… oui, c’est moi, mon amour-.."
The plushie squeaked as it shifted a little in johns hands.
"Please dont throw me..."
"...?????"
"A plushie.. i know! i know... i ah... accidentally did this to myself.."
"i was practicing a special trick for you though.. ah.. i may have did the wrong one and well-... after that im.. this now.. ah.. i cant.. feel my limbs.."
John stared at Artful for a few seconds before gently squeezing Artfuls arm as He lets out a surprised yet almost tiny squeal.
"Hey-! I may be like this but that doesnt mean i still cant feel pain-!"
John held back the urge from snickering before bringing the plushie closer and cradling him like a precious artifact though instead of an artifact it was an adorable plush version of his """friend"""
"Mh.. do you know how long i waited for you to come home? you left me all alone stuck like this for hours!"
"........"
"Dont give me that look! i already feel silly enough..."
"..............?"
"That would be nice.. actually..."
John held the plush version of artful back up to his face before bringing it close and pressed a light kiss onto the plushies cheek.
The reaction was instant.
P O O F!-
A cloud glittery smoke bursted outward, making John cough and fan the sparkles away.
And there, in his arms, wobbling a little was Artful. The normal sized, slightly dizzy and cheeks bright red was Artful, back to normal atleast!
Artful shook his head and quickly gripped the rim of his tophat and quickly tilt it down to hide his flustered expression, face burning abit from how flustered he had felt as he brought a hand up in a small attempt to hide the visible red hue dusting his cheeks.
"I.. may have.. forgotten to put a counterspell, so.. ah.. s-sometimes affection can.. eh...fix.. things.."
".........?"
"I assure you i am perfectly fine!!! y-yes... mhm..."
"Thanks to you.. at.. that.."
John smiled before wrapping his arms around him tightly and pulling him into a tight hug.
"hmh... perhaps being a plushie isnt.. so bad.."
Chapter Text
The storm outside was relentless, rain hammering against the windows and thunder rolling deep and low across the night sky.
Artful bolted upright in bed, breath coming in short, ragged gasps. The remnants of the nightmare still clawed at the edges of his mind as the shadows creeping along the walls, faceless hands reaching for him as the image of what happened in the nightmare replayed over and over in his head.
He pressed a trembling hand to his chest as he felt the rapid beating of his heart, the room was dim aside from the only muted glow coming from the streetlamp outside slipping through the cracks of the closed window and the occasional lightning briefly illuminating the room.
The last thing he could remember was calling out to him. His voice a desperate plea for him to be forgiven for what he had done and wanting them to get back together, yet everything was proven to be futile as he hopelessly watched the one he cared and the one that he loved so dearly leave him behind before his vision blurred and he awoken from his nightmare.
Almost instinctively he turned his head to the otherside of the bed only to find it…
Empty.
The sheets were cold where he couldve been.
Panic surged sharp and sudden in his chest and his breathing quickened even more, hands clenching the blanket as his thoughts began to spiral into a full blown panic attack. Gone.. hes gone. No.. Not again. He…? Was the nightmare really true? Did it really happen..?
He was about to get out of bed and look outside thinking that he may be out there only to stop when he hears the soft click of the bathroom door that broke through the storm in his head and breaking the deafening noises filling his ears
His head immediately whipped around, wide eyed and just in time to see.. John who had stepped back into the bedroom, a towel draped over his shoulders after he took a nice warm shower.
The sight of him, solid, calm and.. Isnt Gone had knocked the air out of Artfuls lungs as he slowly began to calm down from the sudden panic he had felt.
He didnt say anything, even as much as he wanted too, his ego was too high and so he pretended that nothing had happened and.. Stilled himself as he watched John walked back over to the bed and climbing back in after he had set the towel aside.
".....?"
"Ah? Why i was awake you ask? Well i just.. Got thirsty and decided to go out and grab myself a drink! I was.. Just surprised seeing you awake too is all!"
His voice cracked a little on the last part as he struggled to keep up the usual demeanor he would have. He would rather be dead than showing how vulnerable and pathetic he is.. Or does he?
"......."
“What? Im not.. Shaking… its just.. Really cold is all!”
"....."
"A nightmare?! Oh please.. I didnt have one! I just.. Woke up from a very delightful dream and–"
Before he could say anything else he felt a hand on his shoulder, causing him to pause and look at John who had an almost.. Worried look on his face. Damn him for that face.
"......"
"...Fine.. i did.. Have a nightmare…"
"...."
"It is… i thought.. You were gone when i saw that you werent in bed.. And i thought…"
Johns face softened almost immediately, reading the hidden fear on Artfuls face and without hesitation he wrapped his arms around him and pulled Artful into his arms.
He seemed to almost tense up for a moment before quickly relaxing and returning the gesture.
"Your too good for me you know?"
"...."
"...I hate you alot."
"....."
Notes:
HAHA YOU FOOLS THOUGHT IT WAS GONNA BE ANGST BUT NO! IT WAS FLUFF! also sorry for not posting as much! i had been dealing with personal things n i just hadnt had the motivation to write anything. though hope ya liked this!!
Avantine on Chapter 1 Sat 18 Oct 2025 04:23AM UTC
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TrashcanML on Chapter 2 Sat 18 Oct 2025 04:26AM UTC
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TrashcanML on Chapter 3 Sat 18 Oct 2025 06:34AM UTC
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flowering_willoww_yt on Chapter 6 Fri 14 Nov 2025 12:34PM UTC
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Kiti_thesecondapperantly on Chapter 7 Tue 09 Dec 2025 08:27PM UTC
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