Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

These stories are all connected through the theme of Grovetober being orchestrated on Tumblr!

Tags will be updated as each story will have different themes/characters/relationships.

I hope you will enjoy my writing 

Chapter Text

“I made dis fo’ yew!”

Grujaja tilted his head to the side, frowning in confusion as Vibiano placed something wrapped in brown paper in his paws. He hesitated, looking to Vibiano for permission before using his claws to rip the paper open and see what was inside. “Oh…”

It was a sweater. It was a bright safety orange color with two white stripes running across the middle. The sleeves were long, made to be able to cover his paws when worn and be folded up to uncover them when he wanted to.

“I used soft fabric. It don’t get itchy or feel funny against our fur,” Vibiano explained. She smiled as she watched Grujaja slowly put it on, looking down at himself with his tongue poking out of his mouth. “Do yew like it?” she asked.

Grujaja slowly nodded his head, “ye…”

Vibiano’s tail began to wag. She threw her arms around him, hugging him as hard as she could, just the way he liked it.

“Danks, Vibiano,” Grujaja murmured, his tail wagging behind himself.

Chapter Text

Huzzle Mug, God of Innovation and Invention, put on Its most determined face. Its arms spiraled and curled around themselves before resting on Its hips. It puffed out Its chest, expanding it to look bigger.

“You will pop if you do that any longer. Yes, you will,” Bauhauzzo warned. “I remember the last time you did so, yes. You scared an entire class of children when you did so.”

“Notaportant at the momenute!” Huzzle Mug huffed. “Gotta look bigserious!”

“Sibling…”

“You gotta talksee him. Tonightnow.”

“…I am surprised that you of all people would encourage such a thing.”

Huzzle pouted, crossing Its arms over Its chest. “Just because I don’t liketrust him doesn’t mean you don’t loveydovey him!” It said.

Bauhauzzo hummed in reply. “…you think he will want to see me tonight?”

“Take him to lookasee the stars! They are very twinklebright tonight! Very beautigestical! Very lovedrunk. Kissywissy imageries to make Thespylove greenvious!”

Bauhauzzo chuckled at His sibling’s wordplay. He collected It into His large hands, hugging It to Himself. “Thank you, sibling mine. I needed someone to push me to make the effort.”

Huzzle smiled, preening Itself once It was let go. “Rickity better likeloveadore it or else Huzzle will thinkbelieve he is sildiculous!”

The God of Memory just smiled, preparing Himself to slip into Rick Brick’s dreams to take the mortal stargazing as His sibling had suggested.

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“Oh! Byoolah! Dook at the leer! I mean…look at the deer!”

Byoolah followed where Patchie pointed and gasped. “Patchie, don’t point!” he hissed, lowering his voice.

“Why? Is it dangerous?” Patchie asked, immediately becoming nervous as they lowered their hand and hugged onto Byoolah’s arm.

He didn’t answer immediately. His gaze was focused on the golden deer in the distance staring at the pair with a single yellow eye. He braced himself as the animal slowly made its way towards them, clearly unafraid.

“Byoolah..?”

“It’s one of Thespius’ animals,” Byoolah whispered.

“Thespius?”

“Yes.”

“I thought Thespius favored snakes?”

“He favors a whole assortment of animals,” Byoolah said with a shrug.

The deer was soon in front of the pair, looking from Patchie to Byoolah and back again. It leaned forward, sniffing the air in front of them. Byoolah bowed and the deer perked up at this, taking another step closer. It sniffed him again, licking his forehead before turning its attention to Patchie.

“Oh…he-hello…” Patchie stammered. The deer nuzzled their hand and they slowly started to pet it. “It’s cute…”

The pair watched as the golden deer turned and ran back into the woods, disappearing among the trees. “Wow…was ghat tood? I mean, was that good?” 

Byoolah hugged Patchie around their middle, resting his chin on top of their head. “Very good,” he assured them.

Chapter Text

Leek drew themselves up to their full height, tattooed arms crossed over their chest. They had been asked to come back home by their parents to help watch over the house while they went to the market to sell what they could. Their little brother Tripp could not be trusted to his own devices and Leek had the best success keeping him in line. 

“Absolutely not!” the Milldreadite native said, narrowing their eyes.

“Come on!” Tripp whined, stomping a foot on the ground.

“No.”

“Please?”

“No.”

“Pretty please?”

“No.”

“I promise not to set anything you like on fire?”

Leek clicked their teeth together audibly in annoyance. “Tripp…” they warned.

“What?! That’s a good deal! You know I never make deals like that! I even plan on keeping my promise too! Just for you! Sibling deal and all that.”

“Mom and dad will kill me if they found out I let you and your friends have fireworks. They called me back home just to keep you in line.”

Tripp pursed his lips, considering his words carefully. “…do they gotta know?” he asked.

“Tripp!”

The young boy groaned, throwing his hands up in the air. “This isn’t fair! Just because Brink blew up Mr. Butterwiggles now no one is allowed to play with fireworks?!”

“Especially not you three.”

“That’s unAmerican.”

Leek rolled their eyes. “This isn’t America.”

“That’s unGrovian.”

“Look! You’re not getting any fireworks!” Leek huffed. They reached into a small bag on the table, producing several simple sparklers. “This is all you’re allowed to play with tonight, okay? Make sure you hold them upside down to avoid burning yourself.”

Tripp wrinkled his nose. “Sparklers? The things you give to babies?” he asked.

“Yup.”

“Is that it?”

“That’s it,” Leek said with a nod.

He pouted but took them from his older sibling. “I guess it’s better than nothing…”

Leek smiled, looking proud of themself for being able to assuage Tripp’s thirst for being a menace. “Exactly!”

Tripp smiled, happily walking away with the sparklers. “We can still set some hay on fire with this I bet!”

Leek was off like a shot, leaping over the table to chase after their little brother. “Hey! Get back here!” they shouted, growling as he ducked into the surrounding fields to hide from them.

Chapter Text

Dr. Clicky smiled proudly as He set down a box and started to open it. He looked up, winking as a little Flea Click Clack popped up and watched Him on a little table beside Him. “Hello, little Pulga! Back for more leaves, are you? I’m afraid you’ll have to wait until I’m finished with this.”

“¿Qué estás haciendo?” Pulga Click Clack asked, tilting Their head to one side and pointing at the box.

“Temperature regulation is very important now that the weather is becoming colder. Gods and mortals alike must always keep this in mind.” Dr. Clicky dug around briefly, smiling as He found what He was looking for. He turned to Pulga Click Clack and held out His index finger to Them.

Pulga Click Clack blinked, looking at what the good doctor was offering Them. Resting on the end of His finger there was a tiny little scarf. It was bright green, decorated with images of strawberries. Pulga Click Clack looked up at Dr. Clicky, pointing at the scarf. “¿Es esto para mí?” They asked.

“But of course!” Dr. Clicky said with a smile and a nod of His head. “I’ve got lots of Fall themed clothes in here for my patients!” He explained, watching as the tiny Click Clack carefully wrapped the scarf around Their neck. “I’ve got warm booties for Griefy and His sensitive feet, a lovely wool hat with ear flaps for Curtain Call, a sweater vest for HIT Click Clack, and I’ve got…well Pen and Ink always seem to have the best fashion sense out of everyone but I’m sure those two would still like these gloves I’ve got for them!”

“Cálido y tostado,” Pulga Click Clack purred, hugging Themselves and Their brand new scarf.

“Would you like to help me pass these out to everyone?”

The tiny Click Clack started hopping up and down in excitement. “¡Sí!” Pulga Click Clack chirped. Happily They hopped onto Dr. Clicky’s shoulder, nuzzling His cheek with a purr as He collected several articles of clothing and left the room to find His patients.

The room was quiet for several minutes afterwards. Slowly the vhs tape that was inside of the vcr pressed a button and started to rewind itself. When it was finished, the vcr changed from rewind to play. With a click the television screen flicked on. There was a brief moment of normal television static and then a figure revealed Themselves.

Static looked around slowly, making sure everything was all clear before slipping out of the television and approaching the box that had been left behind. The toon dug around inside and perked up as They pulled out a sweater decorated with images of rabbits and foxes. They pulled the sweater on, looking down at Themselves to admire how much it fit Them without trying too hard. With a nod They turned back to the television and crawled back inside, turning the television and vcr off.

Chapter Text

Saul hummed softly to himself as he swept up the leaves covering the area around Cobigail’s altar. As Cobigail’s priest, Saul felt that it was his duty to make sure it looked neat and orderly. The leaves were swept up into several large piles around the area. They would be left there to rot and nurture the soil and help Cobigail’s beloved bugs thrive and survive until Spring.

Saul wiped sweat off of his brow as he finished the last of his chore. He pursed his lips, looking around to make sure he hadn’t missed anything. The last thing he wanted was to leave Cobigail’s altar looking like a mess!

Ah! There! A few errant leaves had fallen from a pile.

With a huff, Saul picked up his broom once again and headed towards the leaves. “Not on my watch. Smooth Saul Boggle always makes sure things are neat and cle…”

“RUFF RUFF RUFF!”

The nearest pile of leaves erupted in an autumnal explosion of reds, yellows, and oranges. Saul screamed, falling to the ground as his broom clattered beside him. A white form had burst from the pile and lunged at him, landing heavily on his chest and knocking the wind from him.

Saul covered his face with his arms with a cry, babbling in fright as the figure refused to get off of him. “Help! Help! I’m being..! I’m being…licked?” He lowered his arms and blinked, frowning as he fixed his glasses to get a better look at what was on top of him. “Oh…it’s you, Rodney.”

“Woof,” Rodney barked, looking down at Saul. His tail thumped lazily behind him as he adjusted his footing, remaining on top of the blonde.

“…now I have to clean up all of these leaves again,” Saul said with a pout. Rodney licked him on the cheek in response and he sighed, scratching behind Rodney’s ears. “Such a weird dog,” he murmured.

“Woof,” Rodney barked, giving Saul a look that seemed to say that he also felt that Saul was a weird human.

Chapter Text

Ol Bloom sat outside of the catahome in an old rocking chair. It had been in the Bloom family for several generations, passed down accordingly as time went on. Names were carved into the old wood, most of them long gone before his little Budd grew up into the man he was now.

“Pa?”

A mug was held in Ol Bloom’s field of vision. The old man perked up, taking it from his son. He brought the mug to his nose and gave it an appreciative sniff. “Hot cider! Yer ma loved hot cider when the weather was like this,” he said.

“I remember her making it any chance she got,” Budd hummed as his father took a sip.

Ol Bloom made a face, laughing as he shook his head. “Hot cider with a healthy pour of whiskey in it! Just like yer ma liked it!” he said.

Budd chuckled, nodding his head as he took a small sip from his own mug. “I remember gettin’ a good mouthful of her drink when I was little. I was drunk for what felt like hours!” he laughed.

Ol Bloom laughed at the memory, nodding his head. “I remember that!”

The two Blooms sat side by side outside of their catahome, enjoying their hot cider as they shared memories of the past. 

Chapter Text

Bayker Bhagley frowned, pursing their lips as they looked around the outside of the bakery. “Have you theen Thaul?” they asked over their shoulder, looking to Goody.

Goody perked up, thinking for a moment before snapping her fingers and stepping out. She took Bayker’s hand and started to lead the way. “I know exactly where he is!” she said.

“Oh?”

Goody giggled, nodding her head. “Don’t you remember? It’s always around this time when the petting zoo opens up!”

Bayker’s eyes widened in realization. “Thaul doeth love the petting zoo!” they said.

“He really does,” Goody laughed.

The pair made their way over to where the local petting zoo was. There were mostly people from other territories and Earth there, admiring the animals that were common to the people of Milldread but fascinating to them. The petting zoo opened around the beginning of Autumn and closed just after the beginning of Winter. This made sure that the animals stayed comfortable and could be well taken care of without being always forced to be on display and touched by strangers.

“A lot of tourists today,” Goody hummed, looking around with a raised eyebrow.

“Ever thince the…eventful Rift opening thith year,” Bayker agreed. They looked around and smiled, nudging Goody before leading the way this time. “I know exactly where Thaul ith!” they said over their shoulder.

The pair found Saul over by the ducks. The priest of Milldread was standing beside the HobbyHoovian Byoolah, holding several peeping ducklings in his arms. Byoolah was laughing at the sight of a duckling on top of Saul’s head, somehow maintaining its balance up there as the blonde did his best not to move and startle it. Gently Byoolah picked the duckling up, cooing as he held it in his cupped hands.

“Did Saul take you to see the ducklings?” Goody asked with a smile. 

“Goody! Bayker!” Byoolah happily kissed one and then the other on the corner of the mouth in greeting. “Look at how tiny these baby ducks are!”

Saul blushed as Bayker helped him with the squirming ducklings. “It’s the petting zoo’s opening day,” he said, “I would be a poor leader if I didn’t come and see how it was doing.”

Bayker just gave him a knowing look, kissing Saul on the cheek.

Chapter Text

The BizzyBoy formerly known as P and now known by her chosen name Patty ran excitedly towards a familiar figure wearing a very cool hat. She held a basket with both hands, her tail wagging rapidly behind herself in excitement. “Pokey! Pokey, lookit what Bayker gave me!” she cried, holding up the basket to illustrate her point better.

Godpoke blinked, tilting their head to one side as Patty got closer. They watched as she lifted up a tea towel decorated with images of geese in bonnets, revealing the contents inside. The basket was filled with all sorts of baked and preserved goods, especially Patty’s favorite cherry and lime hand pies.

“Dey said there’s gonna be a big paw-tee tonight!” Patty explained, happily showing Godpoke a jar of Milldreadberry jam. “Issa Harvest paw-tee!” she giggled. “When da Harvest is here, dey makes lots an’ lots of food to share wiff everyone in da Grove! It’s da first time dey’ve been able to do it in years! Apparently da corn is an oil-fant’s eye! Or somefing like dat…”

She tried to open the jar, grunting as the lid refused to move. Godpoke reached out and took it from her, taking a few tries themselves before finally popping it open and offering it back to her.

Patty smiled, happily dipping a claw into the jam for a taste. She hummed at the taste, her fur sticking up briefly in happiness. She dipped another claw into the jam and offered it to Godpoke for a taste. “Do yew wanna go to da paw-tee wiff me, Cool Hat?”

Godpoke nodded, throwing up a thumbs up.

Patty hopped up and down in excitement, nearly spilling jam everywhere in her happiness.

Chapter Text

The elderly patriarch of the Bhagley family smiled to himself as he picked up a large wooden mixing spoon. He turned to the side, smiling at his only grandchild who was standing on a stool beside him. “Watch close, nieto! This is the most important part of the process! This is the only way the Milldreadberries come out tasting good and not like a mouthful of bitter pennies.”

Bayker sniffed, adjusting their footing on the stool they were standing on so they could see what their pappy was doing better. The eight year old watched with wide eyes as their grandfather started to stir the jam being cooked. They perked up, listening as their pappy started to say the names of loved ones with each stir. “What ith that for, pappy?”

Pappy Bhagley smiled as he explained, “each stir must be done with love. It’s love and friendship that makes the jam taste good. Can you think of anyone I forgot?” he asked.

Bayker thought for a moment. They perked up, reaching out for the mixing spoon. “I know! I know!”

Pappy allowed his grandchild to take the spoon from him, nodding his head. “Show me,” he said.

“One for Thaul! My beth friend!” Bayker chirped, stirring the jam with all of their might.

Pappy smiled, resting an approving hand on top of their head. “Buen trabajo, nieto. Muy buen!”

***

“Bayker?” Saul watched as they perked up, lifting up their head from staring into the pot of jam being cooked and slowly stirred. “Are you okay? You were staring into the jam really intently.”

Bayker turned their head to look at him. They smiled, shaking their head. “I’m okay. I wath juth thinking,” they said.

Saul nodded, kissing them on the cheek before walking away to check on the front of the bakery.

Chapter Text

Saul frowned, tilting his head as he looked out the window towards the main road of Milldread. It had started to rain an hour ago, giving the crops much needed water. The ground was becoming muddy, leaving clothes dirty and threatening his very white and clean robes.

“See anything interesting out there besides rain?” Goody asked.

“Someone is dancin’ down the road,” Saul said.

“Dancin’?”

“Uh huh!”

“Who would be fool enough to do that?”

“I don’t know,” Saul said, shaking his head before turning his attention back to the window and the figure dancing outside.

Bayker sneezed, thankful they had covered the tray of muffins before doing so. “They’ll get thick thaying out there being thilly,” they noted.

Saul hummed in agreement. “It must be an outsider. You’d never catch a Milldreadite being so silly!” he said. He narrowed his eyes as the figure slowly danced closer and he gasped, running to grab an umbrella and hop awkwardly into a pair of Bayker’s boots by the door. He grabbed a cloak from the coat hanger, throwing it over his arm.

“What’s going on?” Goody asked.

“It’s Byoolah!” Saul cried, running out.

Byoolah laughed as he did a spin, skipping down the road to HobbyHoo’s sister territory. It had started to rain on his walk to Milldread to visit his lovers, making this day better by the moment. He loved when it rained and could often be spotted dancing around the Hills and even the Strip.

“Byoolah! Byoolah, git yer crazy self inside before ya catch yer death out here!”

He gasped when Saul ran up to him, holding an umbrella over his head and throwing a cloak over him. “Saul?” He blinked as the blonde placed a protective arm around him, guiding him towards the bakery. “What’s wrong?”

“You!”

“Me?”

“Dancin’ like ya lost yer dang mind!” Saul gasped when Byoolah responded with a kiss to his cheek. “Byoolah…” he murmured.

The HobbyHoovian just giggled as he walked lazily beside Saul, forcing him to move slowly to keep them both under the umbrella. “Raindrops keep falling on my head!” he sang, “but that doesn’t mean my eyes will soon be turning red! Crying’s not for me ‘cause I’m never gonna stop the rain by complaining. Because I’m free. Nothing's worrying me.”

Saul couldn’t help but laugh at the other’s singing. He shook his head, relaxing a little. “HobbyHoovians are weird.”

Byoolah just winked, shaking his hair out and spraying Saul with water and flower petals. “But of course!” he said.

Chapter Text

Goody and Saul watched as Bayker made mounds in the soil of the garden beside the Bhagley bakery. A small handful of seeds was placed in each mound, followed by some water to keep the soil moist and encourage the seeds to take root and grow.

The Bhagley’s were known not just for their baking but also their pumpkins. It had started shortly after the first few came to the Grove from Puerto Rico. They had discovered a knack for growing pumpkins and made the garden beside the bakery, giving themselves their own fresh supply of ingredients and also a second source of income selling those not used in baking.

It was tradition to save the biggest pumpkin of the season for last, it was dubbed the Pappy Pumpkin. After this pumpkin was used especially for the Harvest, the seeds were saved and used for the next season to grow the next generation of pumpkins.

This year the Pappy Pumpkin had been used…unconventionally. The new Godpoke needed something large and heavy to get into the schoolhouse and that year’s Pappy Pumpkin had been just the thing they needed. Bayker was certain that their family was proud that their pumpkin had helped rescue Cobigail from Her isolation. 

They stood up, brushing their hands off on their apron with a soft sniff. They looked up and smiled at Goody and Saul, nodding at the bakery. “Wanna make thome meat rollth?” they asked.

The two smiled and nodded in agreement, following them inside.

Chapter Text

Ms. Mitternacht gasped as King’s hands slowly slid off of Her eyes. “Oh! King! You did all of this for me?” She asked.

“Not just me. A bunch of your followers helped,” King said with a shake of Her head.

“For me?”

“All for you,” King said.

Ms. Mitternacht looked back at Her Domain, twittering in pure happiness. All of the folding chairs were arranged in neatly made rows. Resting on each seat was a lit candle. “It’s like the stars in the sky were brought down here for me!” She said.

“I would do that for you if you wanted it,” King said. She made a show of reaching up over Her head, grunting playfully as She acted as if She was straining. “Ngh! Jus’ gotta git up there..!”

Ms. Mitternacht laughed, shaking Her head at Her. “King…” She hugged King around Her middle from behind, resting Her head on Her shoulder. “I love you, my darling King!”

King stopped playing, resting Her hands over Ms. Mitternacht’s. She leaned back, resting against Her. “Ya know how much I love you. Love you for all eternity.”

The candles continued to burn, the light flickering in imitation of the stars in the sky as two Gods held each other in a loving embrace.

Chapter Text

The God of Harvest perked up as She felt a God entering Her Domain. She giggled and immediately covered Her face with Her leaves, pretending to be asleep. She closed Her eyes, waiting until the figure slowly made their way towards Her. She waited until they were close enough before saying, “someone has entered my Domain without express permission. Only a foolish God would do such a thing. Whoever they are, they will face my WRATH!” Cobigail lowered Her leaves and lunged forward, Her face contorted in a horrifying visage.

Lady Trudy tilted Her head at Her, Her only reaction to the scare. The God reached out, brushing Her fingers over Cobigail’s face. She poked the end of Her nose, waiting for a reaction.

“Trudy!” Cobigail cried, dropping Her terrifying disguise. She wrapped Her arms around Trudy, immediately kissing the God’s mask. “I missed ya! Didja come ta see lil ol me?!”

Trudy hugged Cobigail back, nodding Her head. She held up a tentacle, presenting Cobigail with a jar of jam.

“For me?” Cobigail asked in delight. She took the jar and popped it open, dipping two fingers into it for a taste. “Mmm! Blackberry and raspberry! You remembered!” She covered Trudy’s mask in jam covered kisses, giggling at how silly Her mask looked when She was finished. “M’glad ya came to visit! I haven’t seen ya in so long! I wanna tell ya ‘bout everything that’s been happening ‘round here!”

Trudy tilted Her head, listening patiently as Cobigail told Her about how the entire world was almost destroyed. She idly hugged onto Her, the two Gods cuddling under the warm sky.

Chapter Text

The Godpoke and future new God of the Grove added several large sticks to the fire she had built, watching as the flames immediately started to grow thanks to the addition. She smiled and nodded in satisfaction, finally removing her hat before sitting down beside her close friend. “Today was a bit of a rough one, huh?” she asked, placing her hat on her knee.

Razzmatazz hummed, fiddling with his scarf while watching the campfire. “Not too bad,” she murmured.

King looked at Razzmatazz knowingly. “It was rude of those people to push you aside to come talk to me,” she said.

Razzmatazz hummed, shrugging one shoulder. He picked up a stick and poked at the campfire.

“That’s why I scolded them and sent them away,” King continued, “I’m not going to entertain people like that.”

“When yer a God you’ll have to let those kinds of people approach you all the time. Gods aren’t allowed to be picky.”

“Who says? Maybe I’ll have a whole billboard made with a list of people I don’t want to see. Number one on the list will be anyone who is rude to my closest friend Razzmatazz.”

“King!”

She smiled, spreading her arms out wide. “It’ll be twice as big as Thespius’!”

Razzmatazz snorted, shaking her head. “You’re being silly.”

King nudged him, throwing an arm around her. “But it made you smile, didn’t it?” she asked.

He thought for a moment. She blinked in surprise that King was right, he really did feel better. She looked back at her and smiled, resting his head on King’s shoulder. “Promise that I’ll be able to see you? After you Ascend?”

She nodded, tightening her hold on the other. “I promise,” she said. “You’re my best camping friend, after all.”

Razzmatazz blushed, smiling brightly at her words.

Chapter Text

Byoolah watched in excited awe as the bonfire the Milldreadites had built was lit. The flames danced and flickered in the air, crackling merrily as drinks were passed around to those who wanted one. The scarecrow Bronch watched from the safety of the far back; errant sparks and his straw filled body were a terrible mix. “When do you make the colors change?” he asked, turning to his lovers.

Goody looked at the HobbyHoovian in confusion. “Huh?” she asked.

“The fire,” he said, gesturing to it with a glass of moonshine Saul had given to him, “when do you make the colors change?”

“We…don’t do that?”

“You don’t?”

“No, do you?”

“Yes! All the time!” he said. “We love having bonfires and then making the colors change!” Byoolah explained. “We use the colors to help set the mood when we tell stories or put on little plays!”

“How do you make the colorth change?” Bayker asked.

Byoolah thought for a moment. He perked up, downing his drink before handing Saul the glass before running to the bakery. 

Saul looked at the empty glass in surprise. “…how did he drink all of that so fast without getting sick?” he asked.

“HobbyHoo,” Goody said with a shrug.

“Yeah,” Bayker agreed.

“…oh right…” Saul said with a blush. He perked up when Byoolah came running back, holding a box in his hands. “What are you doing?”

“Watch this!” Byoolah cried. He grabbed a handful of substance from the box and threw it into the bonfire. With a flash the flames changed from their natural color to a bright green color.

“Oh!” Saul gasped.

“How did you do that?” Bayker asked.

Byoolah handed Goody the box, pointing to the label on the front. “Borax! It turns flames green! Water softener salt turns it purple and epsom salts can turn it white!” he explained.

“It’s beautiful,” Goody said.

“Yeah,” Bayker agreed with a nod of their head.

Saul added a little more borax into the fire with Byoolah’s help, yelping in surprise at how the color deepened and the flames rose higher. “Wow,” he murmured.

Bayker smiled, placing an arm around Byoolah. “You’ve got a lot of good ideath,” they said.

Byoolah puffed up, looking proud of himself.

Goody and Bayker shared a look between themselves at the little mannerisms Saul and Byoolah shared without trying.

Chapter Text

Godpoke smiled to themselves as they watched Patty walk around the farmer’s market in wide-eyed wonder. Her tail was wagging without any sign of stopping, occasionally threatening to knock things over as she went by. Godpoke’s own tail was kept low, swaying lazily from side to side to show their own happiness without disturbing others.

“Dis is fun, Pokey!” Patty chirped, looking back at them. “Ooh! Look! Beads from da Hills!”

They followed after her as she scampered over to look. The former BizzyBoy excitedly ran her paws over the beads made out of glass and polished stone, showing the vendor her own string of beads she wore around her tail. “Mama says I’ve had dese since I was a baby! We don’t know where dey came from,” she explained, happily picking beads and placing them on a small tray for the vendor to bag up for her. “Vibiano kin use dese for dat new costume she’s makin’ for Mista Thespius!” she explained.

Godpoke nodded, offering Patty a thumbs up. They took her hand when she was finished, walking with her over to where most of the Milldreadites had set up shop at the farmer’s market. Saul was selling jars of honey alongside Bayker and Goody’s pastries. Budd had even come out of his catahome, selling some of his doubles of DVDs.

“Yew ever seen appley pie wiff cheese on top before, Pokey?!” Patty gasped, watching in wide eyed fascination as Bayker and Goody cut the pair a large slice of said pie to share. “Fank yew!” she chirped, accepting the plate and fork to try some. Her pupils widened at the first bite and her tail started to wag so fast and hard that Saul had to catch several jars of honey that almost fell over.

Godpoke smiled at Patty’s happiness. They looked around, perking up when they spotted Leek standing by one of the booths. They walked away while Patty was distracted, sneaking off to avoid catching her attention.

Patty didn’t realize that Godpoke had walked away until they returned with something behind their back. “Hm? Didja find somefing?”

Godpoke showed her what they had bought from Leek and Patty screamed so loud a few of Bayker’s soufflés deflated. 

“My own hat?!?”

They nodded, carefully placing the hat on her head and adjusting it to make sure it fit correctly. The hat was similar to their own, decorated with a floral band and a few charms and sigils of protection embedded into the brim; a Milldreadite tradition.

Patty giggled, hopping up and down in excitement. She threw her arms around Godpoke, hugging them close. “Dis is da best farmer’s market evah!”

Chapter Text

Sailor stared in wide-eyed excitement at the colorful tents, large tables, and displays set up in the center of the Milldread. She looked at Cobigail, bouncing on the heels of her feet. “When do we get to try everything?!” she asked.

The God of Harvest watched as trays and pans of food were being put out and set up along with massive pots and several food trucks. She had collected a lot of celestial energy from the Harvest celebration, using it to give Herself a mortal appearance to step out of Her Domain and spend time with Sailor. “Ya gotta let ‘em set up first, Sailor!”

He pouted, resting his chin on top of Her head. “Aw…”

“This food festival is gonna be worth the wait,” She assured her. “There’s gonna be dishes from all over the Grove to try!”

Sailor perked up at that, smiling in excitement. “We gotta try something from each place!” she said.

“Maybe we’ll save HobbyHoo for last,” Cobigail hummed knowingly.

“Why?”

“They tend to use…a special ingredient in their cooking.”

“Oh! You mean that weird smelling tobacco?”

Cobigail was quiet for a moment before giggling. “Yeah, the funny smellin’ tobacco.”

The pair waited until everything was set up and dishes started to be served to people before approaching the grounds of the Grove food festival. They looked for where food from the Cove was being offered first. They found Sirena with a big pot of stew, looking very proud of herself.

“What’s this?” Sailor asked as Sirena ladled two bowls for him and Cobigail to try.

“It’s a fish stew. I use strips of white fish and lots of different chilis in it. Be careful! It’s spicy,” she said as Sailor brought the bowl to his mouth.

Sailor perked up, downing the soup in one go. For a brief moment her face turned bright red and her eyes became crossed. She shook her head rapidly, letting out a loud laugh. “Ha! That was great!” she shouted. She watched as Cobigail took a slower sip from Her own bowl. “What do you think, Lady Cobi?”

“Ooh! That’s enough to make my roots tingle!” She giggled.

The pair went to where Milldreadite foods were set up next. “What are these?” Cobigail asked, perking up at the sight of some fat looking buns covered in seeds Bayker was standing behind.

Bayker smiled and turned to gesture at a blushing Saul hiding behind them. “Thaul came up with them lath night,” they explained.

Sailor bit into one of the buns Goody handed her. She perked up, chewing what was in her mouth in appreciation before swallowing. “Cobi! There’s pork in here lots pork and spices and other tasty things!”

“B-Bayker made lots of pernil!” Saul explained, puffing up his chest a little as he felt a little more confident. “I took the pernil and added some spices and baked it into the buns!”

Bayker smiled and winked as they handed some buns to Leek and their date, the radio host known as Harmgret Wells. “Thaul thould be very proud of them,” they said. They blinked in surprise when Harmgret suddenly stabbed one of the buns with her microdagger, offering the stabbed bun to Leek for them to share.

Sailor happily stuffed several buns into his pockets for later. “These are great, Saul!”

“Told you so!” Goody giggled, ruffling Saul’s hair.

Patchie was offering food from BuzzHuzz. “I made tamales with Liss Mulu…I mean! Miss Lulu.”

Cobigail stopped Sailor before she bit into the husk of the tamale. “I’ve seen too many people do that,” She explained, showing him how to unwrap it and eat what was inside properly.

“Now listen to me carefully,” Cobigail said as She and Sailor headed towards the HobbyHoovian pastries and dishes on display, “I want you to only eat a small piece of one thing, okay?”

Sailor wrinkled his nose at that, looking at Her in confusion. “Are you sure?”

“I am very sure, honey.”

“Hi!” Byoolah chirped, waving the pair over. He gestured to a tray of brownies, looking very proud of himself. “I made chocolate chip and caramel brownies!”

Sailor’s eyes widened in delight. “Ooh!”

Cobigail knew that one should always be cautious with food from HobbyHoo. Thespius’ people tended to lean towards…certain extra ingredients with their food. “Are these normal Hobbyhoo brownies or for kids?” Cobigail asked.

Byoolah giggled knowingly. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes were a little hazy and red, a sign that he had been imbibing while baking his brownies for the food festival. He winked at Cobigail. “These are normal ones!” he explained.

He perked up as two others approached his booth from the side. “I’ve got your order right here, Ronnie! Make sure they don’t eat all of them before you get a chance!” he said, handing a box of the “normal” brownies to Ronnie and Owlvia. Ronnie winced and stuck out his tongue as Owlvia immediately ate two before he could stop them, shaking his head as he held the box over his head and out of their reach.

“Save some for the rest of the club!” 

“The ones in the yellow pan are for kids,” Byoolah said, turning back to Cobigail and Sailor.

Cobigail nodded, gently nudging Sailor over to the yellow pan. “Thanks, Byoolah.”

“No problem!" he chirped.

The God and Her lover continued to enjoy the food festival together, spending time together and with a large collection of people from all over the Grove and Earth as food and drink were shared and enjoyed by everyone.

Chapter Text

Hector didn’t look up at the sound of knocking on the door. The former God of Leadership was too engrossed in his soaps to worry about who was there. Capochin always answered the door anyway so it was fine.

“Hey! It’s fo’ yew!” Capochin shouted a few moments later.

Well this wasn’t fine.

Hector groaned, pouting as he paused his show. “Do I gotta?!”

“Yeah, yew gotta!”

He huffed, grumbling to himself as he pushed himself off of the couch and started to head for the front door. Just as the show was getting good too! Guadalupe had just found her long lost twin brother and hadn’t realized that he was secretly the one who had put a bomb on the train that she was currently on heading for the capital to confront their grandfather who had…

Hector stopped and blinked when he saw who was waiting for him at the door. “…what’s dis?”

“Soup-prize!” Patty shouted, throwing her paws in the air and waving them. Standing beside her was Vibiano and Alexei. Grujaja and Bananathaniel stood behind them. “We came ta take yew an’ Cappy to a paw-tee in Milldread! Dere’s gonna be lotsa food an’ games an’ songs! Dey love Fall ovah dere!”

“Milldread gots the best food!” Alexei helpfully added.

“An’ Budd has da best DVD collection!” Bananathaniel agreed.

“…Bayker is m’friend,” Grujaja mumbled.

Hector frowned, looking at Capochin before turning back to Patty and the others. “Why me? Don’t ya wanna go yerselves?”

Patty just smiled and took his hand, giving it a gentle tug to get him out of Capochin’s trailer. “Yer still one’a us! We want yew dere wiff us!” she said.

“We all do,” Vibiano said, taking his other hand and helping her.

Hector looked at Capochin for help but found him smugly smiling as he followed behind. “Cappy!”

“Looks like we’re goin’ to a paw-tee!” Capochin chuckled.

Hector sighed, allowing himself to be pulled away, a small smile touching his lips.

Chapter Text

Kark, the God of Solitude, was fast asleep. The God snored softly, twittering occasionally in Her sleep. Her legs were tucked neatly under Herself, one of them occasionally twitching in response to Her dreams of digging in the snowy ground for tasty treats. She had had a long day listening to Her crows tell Her about all of the exciting things going on in Milldread proper. Her body, which was also Her house, was nice and warm, keeping the God comfortable in Her slumber.

She woke up with a snort at the sound of someone knocking gently on Her roof. Slowly the God stuck Her head out, blinking as She looked around and discovered that it was still firmly nighttime. “Hello?” She asked.

“Up here, Kark!”

“Oh!” She recognized that voice! Kark woke up fully, giggling as She turned Her head to look at the figure currently sitting on the roof of Her body. “Hic-Hickory!”

The God of Respects smiled and waved at Her with one of Their wings. “I came to make sure you didn’t miss the party!” Hickory explained.

Kark fluffed and unfluffed Her feathers in confusion, blinking at the other. “Pa-party? Now?” She looked around, blinking at the darkness.

Hickory nodded, gesturing to something in the distance. “Cobi arranged for a special hayride for us too!” They said.

“A hay ride?” Kark perked up at that. Carefully She stood up, mindful not to knock Hickory over. She followed where Hickory pointed, blinking when She found that there was indeed a hay wagon waiting for them. Two strong horses were hitched to it and the living scarecrow named Bronch was in the driver’s seat holding the reins, several crows sitting happily on his head and shoulders.

The scarecrow smiled and stood up, taking off his hat and bowing politely to the two Gods. “Salutations! Lady Cobigail asked me to bring you two to Her Domain in style for the celebration!”

“It’s so da-dark…” Kark noted as She and Hickory changed their sizes to fit in the wagon without putting undue stress on the horses. She happily hopped up into a loose pile of hay and straw, immediately making Herself a little nest to sit in as Hickory seated Themselves on a large bundle of hay. “I thought Ha-Ha-Harvest was over?”

“This is a different party,” Hickory said as Bronch urged the horses to start walking. They spread out Their wings in excitement and further explained, “a new one!”

“A new one?”

“A new one!”

Kark giggled at Hickory’s excitement. Bronch’s crows fluttered over to sit on Her, excitedly telling Her about all of the tasty treats and drinks that awaited everyone. She looked around, humming softly as the wagon rode through Her more wintry Domain and into Cobigail’s autumnal one. “So pr-pr-pretty…” She whispered.

There was a small gathering of mortals around Cobigail. Several round tables were set up, each one covered in drinks and food. Cobigail smiled and waved as the wagon approached, spreading Her arms out wide. “Hickory! Kark! You both made it! Oooh!” Happily She picked up Kark, holding Her like a burger with two hands. Hickory flew up to rest on Her shoulder, nuzzling Her tenderly and exchanging a kiss.

Kark giggled as She tucked Her feet in while being held in the air by Cobigail. “What is the party for?” She asked.

“Look!” Cobigail said. She gestured towards the sky. Kark and Hickory followed where She pointed and found themselves staring at a full moon shining bright among the stars. “Look how happy Ms. Mitternacht is! We’re celebratin’ that!” She said. “She finally got someone to spend eternity with.”

Kark hummed, looking down at the moon themed food and drink being offered. “S-s-seed cakes!” She cried, wiggling Her feet in delight and anticipation. Bayker always made the best seed cakes! Cobigail gently set Her down and Kark immediately made Her way over to the table to indulge in one of Her favorites treats, doing a little shuffling dance as Bayker shared their cakes with Her.

Hickory laughed, shaking Their head. They looked over at Cobigail and kissed Her on the cheek, leaning against Her as everyone enjoyed the food and light of the full moon. “We’ve found it too,” They whispered.

Cobigail hummed in agreement, nuzzling Them back.

Chapter Text

“Click Clack had never been in a corn maze before. Yes, They had heard of them and even seen pictures and videos back when They were mortal but They had never been in one before. Tonight was Their first time going through one, spurred on by Thespius.

“But They had somehow lost Thespius while walking through the maze! One moment the two were side by side and then Click Clack took a turn that Thespius did not without realizing it. Now the God was alone, surrounded by stalks of corn on every side. If They cheated They would never be allowed to live it down! Cobigail would torment Them forever and Thespius would lovingly tease Him. He would need to find Their way out of the maze by Himself!

“The God frowned as They slowly walked through the maze. It was hard to tell where They had already been and if They were going in the right direction. All there was to see was corn and dirt. That’s all there was; corn and dirt.

“Click Clack hated this. They just wanted to find Thespius and get out of here. Who came up with this? Which mortal decided that walking around surrounded by corn was a fun activity? Probably a corn farmer looking for a way to sell more corn to dumb tourists who got trapped in their maze! This…”

Click Clack’s Narration was cut off when Thespius suddenly popped out from behind a wall of corn, spreading all six hands wide as He shouted, “boo!” The God of Love and Mirth had made Himself look like a werewolf, His hands ending in sharp claws and fangs peeking from His smiling lips. He blinked and caught Click Clack when They fainted instantly, looking down at Them worriedly as His disguise melted away to reveal His true form. “Clicky?”

Chapter Text

[Carefully the God of Grief removed the finished paper from Georgia. He looked it over now that it was no longer being actively worked on. They read it and nodded in approval when They found nothing wrong with it. A perfect page.]

[Leaning to the side, Click Clack added the completed page to the pile it was meant for. They glanced over at several burning candles, noting how much they had shrunk in size while He worked. One more page and They would allow Themselves to sleep…and see him.]

[Click Clack was adding a fresh paper to Georgia when They heard the sound of the elevator slowly going up towards Their Domain. Normally this sound would cause Him some level of annoyance but knowing that there was no mortal or God inside of the elevator made it a little easier to tolerate. It was confusing but a kind of confusing They could deal with.]

[The God finished adjusting the paper inside of Georgia just as the elevator chimed to announce the opening of the doors. They stood up, adjusting the soft forest green and cream colored striped booties They had been given by Dr Clicky on Their feet before making Their way over to see what was inside.]

[It was a small figure of the God of Grief. It was clearly made by a child’s hand; mostly composed of painted cotton balls, strings of yarn, a single fake chrysanthemum bud for the tail, and some scraps of cloth for the veil carefully glued together to form a passing resemblance to Click Clack.]

[The God of Grief carefully picked up the figure. When He did this, a letter was revealed underneath. They picked it up, reading it to Themselves.]

[Ah. One of these. Sometimes, mortal children and even some adults confused the God of Grief with the God of Death or some other kind of variation. This was a letter from a child who had lost their mother, asking Click Clack to please watch over her and keep her safe.]

[The God sighed and looked at the handmade offering once again. They cradled it in Their hands, the child’s hard work and belief in Them radiating from it. They headed back to Their desk and placed the figure down beside Georgia. They adjusted it just so, turning it so that it was looking at Georgia as They sat down.]

[Soon the God of Grief’s Domain was filled with the sound of Georgia’s keys clicking once again.]

Chapter Text

Bayker sniffed, smiling as they placed several freshly baked chocolate and hazelnut croissants on a little plate. The plate was set down on a tray, along with a pot of hot cider and a few drinking cups. They looked the tray over, frowning as they tilted their head to one side. After a moment’s thought they went outside, collecting a few flowers growing just by the front door before going inside and setting them onto the tray for decoration.

“Perfect!” they hummed, picking up the tray. They started to head for the bedroom, excited to surprise their two lovers with breakfast in bed.

The pollen from the flowers however had a different idea for how this morning would go. “Ah…HACHOO!” Bayker abruptly sneezed, the tray and all of its contents spilling from their hands and crashing to the ground. “Oh no!” 

“What happened?!”

“Are you okay?!”

Bayker covered their face with their hands as Saul and Goody came running from the bedroom, looking very concerned for them. They lowered their hands, shaking their head. “Thorry…” they murmured.

Goody placed a hand on their arm as Saul immediately started cleaning up the mess. “Are you okay? Did you cut yourself on anything?”

“No, I’m okay. Thaul, I can clean it up. I made the meth tho…”

“I’ve got it!” Saul assured them, using a broom to sweep up the pieces he couldn’t pick up with his fingers.

Bayker pouted and Goody just ran the backs of her fingers across their cheek to comfort them. She pulled them in close and Bayker immediately hugged onto her, resting their head on her chest for support. “It’s okay. We’ll just make breakfast together,” she said.

“I juth wanted to thurprithe you both,” they murmured.

“It was a nice surprise,” Goody said.

Saul came back after cleaning up, smiling as he rubbed Bayker’s back. “Ye-yes! We can make breakfast together!” he agreed, pressing a kiss to Bayker’s neck. “And it was a surprise! Just a loud and messy one instead of the one you intended.”

Bayker blushed and hummed, smiling at the feeling of being pressed between the both of them. “Thank you,” they murmured, allowing themself to relax. They wiped their nose with a handkerchief, smiling at the two of them.

Chapter Text

“I missed this.”

Ol Bloom hummed in agreement. Milldread’s oldest mortal resident looked up and smiled at their God of Harvest. She had been his music teacher once upon a time. He had watched as She went up the Spire and waited for months to see or hear from Her again. Nobody ever knew when or where a new God would appear. Their Domain just appeared one day. 

He had been the first to discover the entrance to Her Domain. It had been a complete accident. He found Her while looking for a place to hide from the teacher that had taken Her place in the classroom.

It had been…very interesting explaining it to everyone. Discovering Milldread’s patron God had saved him from detention for cutting class…that time anyway.

Cobigail swayed lazily as a gentle breeze came through Her Domain. Ol Bloom sat on Her shoulder, protected from falling off by some of Her leaves guarding him. “Do you remember? When you found me?” She asked.

Ol Bloom chuckled, nodding his head. “You snatched me up so fast! Didn’t even stop and consider how scary that might be for a young’un who wasn’t expectin’ ta see such a thing!”

“I was excited to see you!” She said, pouting at him.

Ol Bloom rested a comforting hand on Her cheek. “Well I’m excited to see you now.”

Cobigail giggled, nuzzling him against Her cheek. “M’glad yer still here with me, Lil Bloom.”

“I ain’t goin’ nowhere,” he promised.

“You better not!” She said, giving him Her best scary face. “I’ll track you down and drag you back if anything happens to ya!”

“I’ll hold ya to that.”

“Good!”

The two old friends smiled, enjoying a moment of silence together.

Chapter Text

Bayker sniffed, picking up a rolling pin as Goody placed some freshly made dough onto a counter that was covered in a good amount of flour. They set to work rolling out the dough, focused on shaping it into a perfect rectangle shape. “There we go!” they said, nodding to Goody.

Goody nodded, picking up a bowl of chocolate and hazelnut spread and a spoon. She used the spoon to put the chocolate spread on the rectangle of dough. “Here we go! The perfect amount of chocolate and hazelnuts! Nice and crunchy and sweet!”

Once the spread was finished, Bayker carefully rolled the dough up. They made sure that the roll was tight, ensuring that the layers would come out even and clear when it was cut in half lengthwise. “Your turn, Thaul!” they said, gesturing to the two long halves.

Happily Saul took the two halves. He started to braid them together, humming to himself as he did so. “Does this look good?” he asked when he was finished, fighting the urge to toy with the sleeves of his robes and get them covered in chocolate and dough. 

“Perfect!” Goody chirped, placing the braided dough into a greased pan. A cloth was placed on top and the pan was set aside to allow the dough to rise further before it would be baked. “Just gotta wait until it gets twice that size and then we put the babka into the oven.”

Bayker wiped their hands off on their apron, happily pulling Goody and Saul close. “It’ll be tho good when it baketh!” they said, sharing a kiss between them.

Saul blushed, burying his face against Bayker’s neck. “Yeah!” he said.

Chapter Text

Byoolah smiled as he carefully placed several fake spiders on the white fake webbing spread out across the corner of the bakery’s ceiling. His three lovers had asked him to help with decorating for Coboween and he had been excited to do so. Most of the bakery was fair game save for the area around the oven. Bayker was very serious about not doing anything that would disturb the runes and sigils carved around it. Byoolah wasn’t sure what they were for but he listened, knowing how important they were in Milldreadite culture.

He hummed when he was finished placing the spiders, looking over each one and occasionally nudging them to the proper spot. Most of them had scary faces to fit the theme of Coboween but there was one with a wide toothy grin, looking very proud of itself and rather silly. Byoolah loved it. He turned his head to look over at what Saul was doing and frowned in confusion, tilting his head to the side as he slowly climbed down the ladder. “Bayker?” he asked.

“Yeth?” Bayker asked, spreading out an orange and black runner across the top of the display case.

“I thought we were putting up spooky decorations for Coboween?”

Bayker nodded their head. “We are,” they said.

“Then what’s that?”

Bayker blinked and looked up. They followed where Byoolah was pointing and nodded in understanding. “Thaul ith frightened of thwanth,” they explained.

“Swans?”

“Yeth.”

“But he loves ducks!”

“Yeah, he doeth.”

Byoolah pursed his lips and looked back at where Saul was decorating. The blonde was carefully arranging a large posable figure of a swan. Its wings were spread out wide, its head lowered with the beak open as if it were hissing. An odd looking mask was across the swan’s eyes, tied into place with string.

He supposed swans could be scary when they were protecting their babies… The mask didn’t make much sense though. Was the swan wearing a costume for the holiday too?

Saul turned to Byoolah and smiled, adjusting his glasses with a nudge of the back of his sleeve covered hand. “Can you help me untangle the string of lights for outside?” he asked.

“Okay!” Byoolah chirped, picking up the box with Saul and heading outside with it to start working on untangling them.

Bayker glanced over at the swan figure, shaking their head as Goody returned with a small box of fake locusts and aphids to spread around the top of the display case.

Chapter Text

“I wanna try that game! Will you show me how to play, Saul?”

Saul looked where Byoolah pointed and perked up. “You want to try bobbing for berries?” 

“Is that what it’s called?” Byoolah asked.

“Yes, come on! I’ll show you,” Saul said, taking Byoolah by the hand and leading the way.

A metal tub had been filled with water and milldreadberries. The berries floated on the top of the water, bobbing around whenever the water was disturbed. At the moment Bayker and Budd were having a go at the game, both of them bent over as they tried to catch a berry with just their teeth. They were both holding a piece of wood behind their backs, ensuring they could not use their hands.

Byoolah giggled as Budd came up with a mouthful of berries, followed by Bayker a moment later. Fresh berries were added to the water to replace the ones that had been taken. “That looks like fun!” he said.

Bayker handed Byoolah the rod they had been holding, chewing on the oddly tasting berries in their mouth. The HobbyHoovian excitedly placed their hands behind their back, looking to Saul for help. “Hold my hair?” he asked.

Saul blushed, nodding his head. “Okay!” he said. Carefully he gathered up their dark flower filled hair, holding it back as Byoolah bent down and started trying to catch berries with his mouth. He watched in wide-eyed fascination as Byoolah managed to collect a large amount of berries in a short amount of time, standing up with them proudly as water dripped from his face. “Oh wow…”

Byoolah politely spit the berries into his cupped hands, looking very proud of himself as he held them out to Saul. “Is this a good amount?” he asked.

The blonde could only laugh, nodding his head as Byoolah started to eat his prize, making a face at the odd metallic taste.

“Eugh!”

“Bayker has some tarts made with milldreadberry jam. Those taste much better than raw berries,” Saul assured him with a kiss.