#“this is when you stop being the rabbit” and all

[thefuckingduckgod]

Saw someone say that most intelligent alien life forms are likely prey animals, so I wanted to add something after falling down the humans are space orcs rabbit hole for the millionth time.

Humans are predators right? But in our day to day lives we don’t really act like predators very often. Very few of us actually have an experience with hunting, with one exception; bugs. Especially flies or mosquitoes.

Imagine you board a ship and all of your crew mates are life forms from other planets, all of them just so happen to be prey. You’re an engineer and general aren’t seen as very threatening. You’re the first human the crews ever had on board so they have no reason to think you would be. That is until somehow a fly gets onto your ship.

It’s meal time and this fly just will not stop bothering you. No one else seems to be doing anything so you decide to be the one to kill it. You go dead still and track it with your eyes, watching to see where it lands. Once it does you move slowly until your hand is directly above it, holding your breath before slamming your hand down. Finally the pesky bug is gone and you can go back to eating. To you it’s no big deal. I mean it’s just killing one bug right? But when you look up after rubbing the dead fly off the table with your shirt, everyone’s staring at you with a look of shock, horror, or fear.

After a minute or two everyone seems to unfreeze and go back to what they were doing, still nervously glancing over their shoulders at you every minute or so.

After that your crew mates seem to always be slightly on edge around you. Listening to you more often than before, and letting you lead in situations where violence might need to be resorted too. While it’s not technically your job on explorations, you in no way mind being able to protect your crew.

Plz tell me how to tag this is my first time posting something I actually spent time thinking about.

[angstywaifu]

Black Dahlia - 57. Questions

Summary: Post execution of Amber, Dahlia has some questions she needs answered. And there's only one person she can trust to give her the answers she needs. But before she can confront the person she really needs to, life decides to throw something else her way. Warnings: Physical abuse where character cannot fight back (punching/hitting). Mentions of blood.

Black Dahlia Masterlist | Masterlist | Links

I should give her more time. She’s been through a lot in the last day. But I have to know. And going to Bodhi or Garrick is going to be no help. I need to hear it from her. Need to hear it from an unbiased opinion before I confront them. I need to get my facts straight in case I've gone down a rabbit hole that I don't need to.

I’d seen both Garrick and Bodhi make a move towards me as they’d descended the dais after formation had been dismissed, but I’d slipped into the crowd before they could get close to me. I know they could tell I thought something was up. Xaden I could understand making it to Violet’s room and being alerted of what was happening to to Sgaeyl’s bond with Tairn. But Garrick and Bodhi also being there didn’t add up. There wouldn’t have been time to grab them. And I know Garrick hadn’t been at his room till at least the early hours of the morning. But I needed more confirmation before I approached them.

I catch up to her just as she’s about to cross into the Academic Wing, tailed by her new bodyguard Liam. “Can we talk?”

She looks at me with narrowed eyes, clearly unsure as to why I’d want to talk to her. For a moment I’m worried she’s going to tell me no and to go away. But she doesn’t. Instead she looks up at me and nods. Which honestly surprises me.

I motion for her to follow me towards the Library, and she quickly obliges. Liam turns to follow, clearly hell bent on going where ever she goes. I hold out an arm, stopping him in his path. “You can wait outside. And don’t you dare try and sneak in.” I warn him. He quickly scans the area, clearly looking for Xaden. When he see’s he’s in the clear he nods and steps back. Seems being his Squad Leader for the last few months still accounted for something.

I follow Violet into the library, quickly closing and locking the door behind us which causes her to turn and look at me with panic.

”I’m not going to hurt you.” I tell her, which doesn’t seem to ease her worries much as she keeps her eyes focused on me.

”What do you want?” She asks as she folds her arms across her chest and looks at me.

”What time were you attacked last night?” I ask her.

She furrows her brow. “It was late. Early hours of the morning I think. Why do you need to know?”

I ignore her question, moving onto my next one. “What were they wearing when they turned up to help you?”

”Um... Flight leathers I think. Why does that matter?” She asks, more demanding than last time.

So they had been out. Xaden and Garrick I could almost pass off as being out with the other third years. But Bodhi… Bodhi I couldn’t. Second years didn’t get called out. And if so, it meant shit had gone royally wrong. But this was now the second time that I knew of that those three had been out together at night. The first one I could potentially pass off as a flight to just get away from here. Or to do some training together. But this one, they’d been out late. Very late. And I couldn’t think of any reason Bodhi would be out that late. Not fully kitted out if Violet was remembering correctly. Which I knew she would be. That girl remembered every little detail, even if she didn’t realise she was. She took in everything.

”Are you going to tell me why you’re asking me this? You could just go ask them. They’re your friends aren’t they?”

“Just curious about something is all. Just wanted to see what you knew was all.” I tell her before turning back towards the door.

”That’s all you’re going to give me?” She barks at my back.

I look at her over my shoulder. “Yes, because you’ve barely given me anything since we were kids. So when you earn the right to get more out of me, you will as I see fit Sorrengail."

I briefly catch her glare before I unlock the door and walk past a waiting Liam who has not moved an inch since we walked off despite the fact he was late to class now. Though I knew that fact would not phase him in the slightest. Where the hell could they have been last night that would have them out that late? Though I couldn’t put it past them to actually just be out on a flight to get away from here. It’s not like any of them were bound by curfew. They were all leadership. And even with that, I knew they wouldn’t give a crap about curfew if they weren’t leadership. So why can’t I shake this damn feeling that there’s something up about last night and that night I’d seen them walking into the courtyard from the flight field?

”Do you know anything?” I ask Proth as I make my way towards my class.

”As I said last time you asked me this, they’re you’re friend and mate. Ask them yourself.” He tells me pointedly.

”That just makes me think you know something.” I point out.

”Your question is more suited for them than for me. I am not getting in the middle of these human matters. You’re more than capable of asking them yourself or figuring it out on your own. You know enough to piece it together if you thought about it.” He tells me with what I swear feels like an eye roll down the bond.

”What is that suppose to mean?”

”It means exactly what I said. Ask them yourself, or sit down and think over what you’ve noticed and the things you’ve questioned all these years. And when you do, we'll talk.”

I go to respond but a figure steps into my path, halting me in my tracks. Professor Lee. Who drags along a cuffed Austin. Followed by Infantry who haul Liz, Kai and Bodhi who are also cuffed. Shit. It’s our turn.

”There you are Aetos. Was wondering where you’d gotten off to.” He says way too happily for someone who is about to drag me off to be tortured.

”Sorry, had to deal with some Squad and Wing issues with some movement of some first years by Riorson.” I say before giving him a tight lipped smile.

Bodhi instantly looks at me. He knows I’m lying. He was probably with Xaden after he couldn’t get to me after formation. But due to our current situation he can’t ask me anything. And now I can’t ask him anything either. Or Garrick. Shit. So much for figuring this out.

”No trouble, we found you eventually. Now, if you don’t mind.” He holds up a pair of cuffs before nodding down towards my hands.

”Don’t mind at all Professor.” I say way too sweetly, causing Kai to mask his laugh as a cough as I hold out my wrists.

Lee locks one of the cuffs on my wrist before stepping behind me and pulling my other arm behind my back and securing it. He tugs on the chain, clearly satisfied I’m not getting out of them. Not like I had a choice in what was about to happen.

It can be found in the room down the third corridor. My assigned phrase to keep secret for the next few days or till we escaped. Easier said than done. But something about this didn’t sit right with me. Something felt off. Like this was going to be more than just training to see how much it took us to break. Maybe it was just the cold feeling of death that had washed over me as they lead us down here, stripping us of our weapons and belongings which now sat spread across the large table taking up the centre of the room.

”Welcome to your interrogation training. You’ve all been given your classified information to protect.” Lee tells us as he guides us into one of the two chambers. Inside the chamber is a table with six chairs situated around it, along with five beds that have mattresses missing along the wall. “Please take a seat.”

All of us cautiously take a seat at the table the best we can with our hands still cuffed behind our backs, Bodhi taking the seat directly across from me. I’d felt his eyes on me the entire way down here, even now he doesn’t take them off me as if he’s trying to read what’s going on in my mind. But whatever they’d been up to last night is the least of my worries.

”For now we are still in a classroom setting. You are not being graded as of yet, and you can ask questions before we change over to the actual scenario.” Lee informs us as he stands behind the only empty chair at the end of the table as one of the Infantry personnel still with us stars uncuffing us. “This scenario is to teach you how to survive capture. How to make sure you can survive what ever is thrown at you. The next couple of days are instructional only, and for your education. But how you respond and react is being assessed.”

”So you’re testing us to see how we’d go when we get to the real thing?” Liz asks as she rubs her now free wrists.

Lee nods. “Yes. And by no means will this be fun. We might be assessing to see how you react, but make no mistake. We will not be going easy on you. This is going to push and test you. So use this time to prepare yourselves as best you can.”

As my wrists are uncuffed, the door opens, a rider walking in with some food and drink. Probably some of the last food and drink we will get before this is over depending how long we’re in here for. Usually it’s only two days, maybe three from what we’d been told. But there was no way to tell. They made it different for every squad so we couldn’t be prepared for what was to come. We could be here for only a few hours, or a few days. And that just added to the suspense of it.

”I’d recommend eating and drinking what you can. I can’t promise you’ll get food again before you’re out.” Lee tells us before turning to leave. “Oh, and you all need to share a secret with each other. Something no one else knows. When I come back the scenario will begin. Just remember, every rider has sat here and made it through this. You’re a strong squad.”

And with that we’re left alone with the pitcher of water and bread. Not the most appetising last meal. But it was probably in case we couldn’t handle what they did to us and it ended coming back up. Bland food was better for that. We all reach forward taking a piece of bread and a glass of water. All of us sniffing it to see if it’s been laced with something. Once we’re all satisfied it is just bread and water we sit back and look around the room.

”So who wants to go first?” Liz asks after a few moments of silence.

I turn my attention to Bodhi. He already knows what I’m about to say. But if I can use this situation to get something out of him. I will. ”My father blames me for my mothers death.”

Bodhi’s winces at my words. He knows that’s not something I’d normally say. He knows I’m trying to make him feel bad by freely giving out a secret I'd only told him and Garrick. And do I feel bad for doing it? Yeah, I do. But I know he’s keeping something from me now. Can I blame him? No. But does it hurt just a little bit? Yeah…. it does.

”Why?” Austin asks, the first to break the silence after I reveal my secret.

”I can’t say why. But he’s always blamed me for it. Never forgiven me for it.” I tell her as I look away from Bodhi.

She gives me a nod and a small smile. Lee never said we had to go into detail. And the confession is still something Austin, Kai and Liz didn’t know. And something they didn't know either. I just hope none of them broke and revealed it. If word got back to my father, I’d have some explaining to do.

”I’ve been keeping something from someone close to me. I want to tell them so badly. But I can’t. I know it’s not a proper secret, but it’s all I can say.” Bodhi says suddenly as he cuts off Kai who had opened his mouth to say something.

I look over at him, see him looking at me still. He offers me a soft smile. And I know the confession is meant for me. His words make me nervous. Whatever is going on, he wants to tell me. Wants to bring me in on whatever is going on. But can’t. And I feel like that reason is Xaden. It has to be. But what does Xaden have to do with me questioning things? What had Proth meant by that? There was plenty things I’d questioned over the years. Was it everything I’d questioned? Or just one of them? I’d have to talk to Bodhi after this. But would he even tell me? Yes he’d confessed he knew something. But it didn’t mean he was going to tell me. And Garrick… would he tell me? Whatever it is had to be big. I don’t even realise the others had revealed their secrets, completely lost in my thoughts till the door swings open again.

Lee guides us to the other chamber, this one far emptier than the other. All that sits in this room is a singular chair in the middle of the room with restraints, and chains hanging on one of the walls. In the dim light I can easily make our dried blood and various other stains on the stone floor and walls. Remnants of what our peers had experienced in this room. Lee leads everyone over one by one, chaining them to the wall. Everyone but me.

”Take a seat Dahlia.” Lee instructs me.

I hear some of the chains move as I turn and assess the chair. Noting the drain that also sits under it that I’d missed before. I can’t help but feel nervous as I take in the chair. I could do this. As I sit down he locks arms into the shackles before doing the same to both my legs. Before he stands he looks up at me and offers me a soft smile. And somehow that makes me more nervous. The point of this wasn’t to show us kindness. But he was. And it unsettled me.

”And now I leave you.” He announces as he stands. “Remember everything I’ve taught you. Whoever walks through those doors till the assessment is over with try to separate you, turn you against each other. Stay strong. You’re probably the strongest squad in your year. I will be outside the entrance. If you manage to escape and make it to me before the scenario is over, you get a patch. Good luck.”

As he leaves that uneasy feeling gets worse and worse. I knew this was coming. We’d had months of lead up and preparation. But somehow my nerves had nothing to do with this scenario. Something wasn’t right. The door slams open revealing two riders. They looked vaguely familiar, but I couldn’t place from where. From living at various outposts and being stationed here, I’d seen hundreds of riders. So I could have seen these two anywhere.

”You have been selected for interrogation.” The male announces as he circles my chair, the female leaning up against the wall as she looks at me. I turn my head to follow him, his eyes completely focused on me just like the females. “You all have some information that we want. So make it easy. Give it up now. Tell us what you know and you’re all free to go. Simple.”

”So what’s it going to be Aetos?” The female sneers as she walks over and crouches in front of me. “Just tell us what you know. Save your squad from all that pain and suffering. One little secret and you all go free.”

”I know a lot of things. Have a lot of secrets. Might need to be more specific.” I tell her with a smirk.

Not even a second later a fist connects with the side of my face, my head snapping to the side as pain bursts through my head. I hear the chains holding my squad mates to the wall rattle as they pull against the chains as if they can come to my aid.

”Being a smart ass is going to do you no favours.” She snarls at me as the male who punched me comes into view. “You know what I want to know. So just tell us.”

I turn to look at her as I blink through the pain. “I think I’m good.”

Another fist, to the other side of the face. And this time I detect the metallic taste of blood in my mouth. Fucking fantastic.

”Leave her alone!” Bodhi growls out. I open my eyes just enough to see him looking at me as he struggles on his chains.

”Oh we found a weak link.” The female drawls as she stands up and walks over to Bodhi.

Instantly I see red. But I can’t give in. This isn’t real. It’s just a scenario.

”Stay strong little flower. Do not break.” Proth tells me calmly.

As if knowing what Proth said the male hits me again, this time higher on my face, my vision blurring from the hit. Fuck.

”I won’t tell you anything either.” Bodhi snaps at them.

”Not even about your charming cousin?” An all too familiar voice drawls, suddenly making me more alert despite the ringing in my ears.

Not him. No. I slowly lift my head, wincing as my head throbs with pain. And now I know why I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong about this scenario as I meet the eyes of my father.

@imtoanonymousforyou @simplyme-fornow @omalmal @lalaluch @wolfbc97 @leptitlu @fullmoon-94 @the-fandom-ness @fan-of-many-bands @awkardnerd @heeseungthel0ml @acourtofsmutandstarlight @fairchild06 @freyagallileaevans @pit-and-the-pen @hannraumari @elliot-rain @thestarseternaal @stupid-and-contagious01 @hyperfixation-train-station @lxnvmvrzx @thebreadisthetruevillian @red0202 @fangirling-galore @craftytrashprincess @taliyahvermillion @xadenswhore @fenixyrie @lagrandeourse @hellodarling1357 @iambored24601  @thegiftofacreativemind @fanfictionjunkie1112 @mysticalfuncollectorus @ohlookitsasinglepoeceofpopcorn @emoravenwolf @imheretobeinvisible @pvrkacciosan @fuckingsimp4azriel @clarewinchester

[torahoes]

(IDOLiSH7) Minami Natsume - 16 STAR SIGNS Rabbit Chat

Please note that I am not a professional translator. If you come across any mistakes, feel free to let me know and I will make the necessary corrections.

Minami Natsume: So? What are your thoughts on my home?

Torao Mido: I mean… it’s not like this is the first time I’ve been here

Minami Natsume: That's true, but while we’re at it, you should share your impressions here on Rabbit Chat. I’m sure the fans would be curious about what my home is like.

Torao Mido: So that’s what this is about? I was wondering what was up when you suddenly told me to come over

Minami Natsume: My, for someone who's been with so many women, you don’t seem to understand a woman’s heart very well.

Torao Mido: That’s all in the past. I’m done with that stuff now.

Minami Natsume: So, you’ve stopped playing with fire. Well then, if anything in the room catches your eye, let me know through Rabbit Chat.

Torao Mido: Right

Torao Mido: Maybe the piano

Minami Natsume: Anything else?

Torao Mido: What’s that marble stick thing?

Minami Natsume: It’s a rolling pin. I’ve gotten really into baking bread lately.

Torao Mido: Really? You?

Minami Natsume: Kneading dough is quite fun. I take out all my daily frustrations on it as I knead with all my strength.

Torao Mido: Sounds like I’d get cursed if I ate that bread…

Minami Natsume: That might be fun too, don't you think?

Minami Natsume: But you seem to be drawn to surprisingly ordinary things. I thought your choices would be a bit more unexpected.

Torao Mido: I mean, is there even anything that unusual here? Your place is clean, organized, and there's hardly any stuff lying around

Minami Natsume: Oh, there is. In this drawer right here

Torao Mido: What is it

Minami Natsume: Try opening it

Torao Mido: Th

Torao Mido: That scared the hell out of me!!!!

Minami Natsume: It’s a toy snake that pops out. Amusing, isn’t it?

Torao Mido: You always have stuff like this ready?!

Minami Natsume: Of course not. I only prepared them because you were coming. Getting to hear your pitiful little scream made it all worthwhile.

Torao Mido: “Them”? So there’s more of this stuff....

Minami Natsume: Naturally. Please enjoy yourself

Torao Mido: I don't think that's going to be happening, and for the record, I did not make any pitiful noises

Minami Natsume:

Minami Natsume: Now then, shall we begin the interview? Mido-san, please take a seat on that sofa

Torao Mido: Damn it... I totally got sucked into your pace. But from here on, I’m taking charge as the interviewer, got it?

Torao Mido: First question: “16 STAR SIGNS” is a project where each of us gets a birthday store. How did you feel about it, Minami?

Minami Natsume: I felt happy. And I felt joy in the fact that I could truly feel happy.

Minami Natsume: We were meant to be a temporary group, and yet here we are, looking ahead to the next birthday project. The person I am now understands just how much of a luxury and a blessing that truly is.

Minami Natsume: And when I think about how those who care solely about me will come visit the store, it simply feels great.

Torao Mido: I get it. I went to the store with Mitsuki Izumi since our events were held at the same time

Torao Mido: I really got to see for myself just how many people we, ŹOOĻ, are making smile. It was a great experience.

Torao Mido: Yours is being held at the same time as Rokuya's, right? Why not go with him?

Minami Natsume: You want me to invite him?

Torao Mido: Doesn’t matter who does it first, does it?

Minami Natsume: Easy for you to say. I bet Izumi-san invited you first, didn’t he?

Torao Mido: How’d you know....

Minami Natsume: We’re alike in some ways, after all

Torao Mido: You think...? So unless he invites you, you won’t go with him, huh.

Minami Natsume: I didn’t say that. I suppose I wouldn’t be entirely opposed to accompanying him.

Torao Mido: H-$@#%

Torao Mido: Now why the hell did a toy snake fall from above!?!?!

Minami Natsume: I told you to enjoy yourself, didn’t I?

Minami Natsume: That smug look on your face, like "I've already done it so it doesn't matter," was just a little irritating.

Torao Mido: So I was called here just to be pranked, huh…

Torao Mido: But seriously, you can go alone if you want, but I really think you should pay it a visit. Even though it was my birthday, the fans were so happy, like it was their own. They find real value in creating more memories with us.

Torao Mido: Getting to witness that up close — it’s not something you can experience often

Minami Natsume: I know

Minami Natsume: There are people who have embraced the kind of music I create — the kind that bares its fangs and raises a middle finger to the world

Minami Natsume: People who look up to us, ŹOOĻ, with eyes sparkling, as if searching for stars in this city's night sky.

Minami Natsume: He once told me that my music could change the world...

Minami Natsume: I want to witness it all with my own two eyes.

Torao Mido: Then it’s settled. Do your best and go invite Rokuya.

Minami Natsume: Do you want to get bitten by a snake again?

Torao Mido: Seriously, why!? Alright, whatever, next question. Tell us which of the displayed visuals you chose to sign, and why you chose it.

Minami Natsume: Of course. It's the one from when I appeared on “RADIO STATION ‘Twelve Hits!’”

Minami Natsume: Signing toward the camera made me feel a bit like an athlete, which was fun. And also because of that night after the radio show, when we all went to a bar and I played the piano — I still haven’t forgotten that day.

Torao Mido: Come to think of it, you invited us out to dinner that day, didn’t you? That was pretty rare back then, so I remember it too.

Minami Natsume: It was around the time we had just started to build trust among ourselves, bit by bit. I wanted to express my feelings in my own way to the comrades I’d be charging through the wilds with, so I gathered my courage and invited everyone.

Torao Mido: I was happy you did

Torao Mido: And I’m also happy you called us your comrades just now

Minami Natsume: You are my comrades. Fierce and aggressive, beautiful, wounded beasts.

Minami Natsume: You three are the only ones who can pour your souls into my songs and raise your middle fingers to the world without hesitation.

Torao Mido: Nice. That almost sounds like a love confession

Minami Natsume: My love is heavy to bear, you see. [1]

Torao Mido: I know, I’m prepared for it

Torao Mido: Alright, the next one’s an original question from me. What’s the one thing you want most right now?

Minami Natsume: The thing I want? Coming from you, I was expecting something more romantic like, “Who do you want to watch the stars with?”

Torao Mido: Fine, let me rephrase it

Torao Mido: For your birthday, we're going to give you the best night ever, so tell me — what’s the one thing you instinctively desire right now?

Minami Natsume: Thank you for such a lovely offer.

Minami Natsume: Then, I’d like to spend some leisurely time with all of you.

Torao Mido: Hm, not a night cruise, or a suite stay, or fancy French dinner — just some time with us, huh?

Minami Natsume: My, but isn’t that the most indulgent and irreplaceable thing of all? Time can’t be bought with money, after all.

Torao Mido: Can’t be bought with money, huh

Torao Mido: Yeah… I can understand it now. The value of something like that.

Minami Natsume: Then how about we eat some delicious cake together while you all shower my songs with praise?

Torao Mido: That “shower with praise” part is so you, Minami

Minami Natsume: Naturally. Not only is my love heavy to bear, but I’m also rather greedy.

Minami Natsume: Once I get attached, I’m fiercely devoted, steadfast, and selfish.

Torao Mido: You really are perfect for ŹOOĻ. A beast through and through

Torao Mido: Last one, Minami. Say something to your fans.

Minami Natsume: Understood. Thank you for loving me and my music. Because of you, I can keep singing. Because of you, I can stand on stage and keep longing for more cheers.

Minami Natsume: Even if others mock us, you still chose to find us. That alone has become the driving force behind all my strength.

Minami Natsume: I've always wanted to clash with someone with my heart laid bare, share pain and form a real connection like this. And it was all of you who made that wish come true.

Minami Natsume: I love you, everyone. I might end up crying at our next performance from being overwhelmed, so when that happens, please comfort me.

Torao Mido: That was a surprisingly sweet message.

Minami Natsume: I may have let my guard down since I'm being interviewed in my own home.

Torao Mido: I’ll bring Haruka and Touma next time too. I'm sure they'd enjoy it here

Minami Natsume: I may not be able to offer much in the way of hospitality, but I’ll be sure to hide toy snakes in every corner.

Torao Mido: Haruka might find it funny, but Touma’s probably gonna fall flat on his ass lol

Minami Natsume: That's perfect. I absolutely need to see that, so let’s have a takoyaki party here soon.

Torao Mido: Takoyaki, huh? Just let me do the flipping part

Minami Natsume: That's the part everyone wants to do.

Minami Natsume: I won’t back down on this. Let’s settle it with a game of "Acchi Muite Hoi!" [2] The winner gets the flipping rights.

Torao Mido: Ugh… but you’re too good at that…

Minami Natsume:

The End.

-------------

[1] - Yes...... he's referencing Torao's "Ore wa omoi ze" line from Sasagero -You Are Mine- .........

[2] - Acchi Muite Hoi! (あっち向いてホイ, “Look That Way!”) is a quick Japanese game played after rock-paper-scissors. The winner points in a direction while saying “Acchi Muite Hoi,” and the loser tries to look in a different direction. If they match, the pointer wins; if not, the game resets.

[meo-juice]

soldier, poet, king - k. bakugou, i. midoriya, s. todoroki ✩࿐࿔

͙͘͡ ★ author's note: i loooooove the fantasy AU sm. bard/knight kats on top. requests are open!

͙͘͡ ★ cw: sfw, fantasy AU, mentions of death/killing, blood

͙͘͡ ★ word count: 842

͙͘͡ ★ dividers by @strangergraphics @sweetmelodygraphics @sister-lucifer on tumblr! inspired by the song "soldier, poet, king" by the oh hello's!

"there will come a soldier who carries a mighty sword, he will tear your city down, oh-lei, oh-lai, oh, lord."

some people may see him as a villain. others will praise him as their hero. all katsuki bakugou did was return the disservice the king did to his family and so many others.

labored breathing threatened to break the stoic expression masking anxiety as his chest rose and fell with fiery vigor in his lungs. the fur cape surrounding his shoulders suddenly becoming all to hot.;

'wanted' posts littered the corners of every village path, tavern wall, and empty cavern of the kingdom. the young man's stare burning into passerby of the kingdom that wronged him.

the king had been unjust, cruel, and downright treasonous.

bakugou was the one courageous enough to do something about it.

the trees were doing little to hide him, relying on the shade of the shimmerfruit trees and cursing the sun for her bright summer's light.

each footstep led him further away from the kingdom. he was far enough now to maintain a somewhat leisurely pace.

trudging further to the next town over would be too dangerous, he had to travel divisively.

the forest was quiet, save for the wild rabbits and deer that trotted about as he left behind a feeble trail of shells from the peasant's rations he had swiped before his escape

exhausted from the day's travel, he situated himself behind a caved in tree, taller than most men would ever see in their lives. it must've been enchanted to flourish as it did.

when he closed his eyes for the first time in nearly a full day, sleep came easy to him for once.

"there will come a poet whose weapon is his word, he will slay you with his tongue oh-lei, oh-lai, oh, lord."

the warm spring day left a certain glow to izuku midoriya's freckled skin as he exited his elkenwood cottage, spell books in hand.

it was a beautiful day to head to the middle village market- for the oddinberry merchant was in town and he had a plethora of potions, and of course soups, to carefully make.

he strolled down the hand-placed stone path, humming a tune that disappeared with the afternoon breeze.

the flowers and ferns swayed with his steps as he whispered a small charm to help them flourish.

his journey was not to be long, maybe slightly less than an hour to the middle villa- crunch.

izuku stopped in his tracks. a small pile of ester nut shells laid sprinkled about the stony path.

must be the rabbits, i'll have to get them something better to feed on, izuku thought to himself but carried on.

a few more minutes walk led him to his enchanting cellar, tucked within a rosewood tree that he successfully used his first gigantus spell on.

he stopped in his tracks. someone was there.

blonde hair damped by grease of the day and dirt laid peacefully along the deep pink bark with a nice contrast.

he took a step forward to peek around and see the face that belonged to the hair.

oh gods.

his journey to the middle village was about to take a much longer route.

"there will come a ruler whose brow is laid in thorn, smeared with oil like david's boy, oh-lei, oh-lai, oh, lord."

the boy was still just that, a boy. and by the age of 18 he faced a whole kingdom below him.

the scarred prince had become a king in a matter of minutes from the slash of a blade and swish of a cape in the shadows.

shoto todoroki of the all-powerful todoroki house knew he should be wallowing over the slaughter of his own father the evening prior, but he could only find his head spinning over finally being required to fulfill his role as heir to king enji todoroki.

he should have stepped down, ran away like his siblings, or simply disappeared to never be found.

he was not fit to rule a kingdom.

especially not one defined by the cruelty and corruption that his own held. everything about this was unjust.

"prince shoto, your highness, your coronation has been scheduled. you have 24 hours time to prepare your speech and plans as the new ruler of the todoroki house. you must make your father proud of you and fulfill his wishes," shoto's courtier spoke softly, but stern.

"i understand," the young man replied, avoiding eye contact to focus on the small smudges of oil and gravel on his regal hands.

"i will check on you promptly this evening to give you some time for grieving. take care of yourself," and the courtier promptly left.

shoto nodded, more so to himself, and stood up to peer out of his window.

he quickly shut the shutters, staring at their woodgrain pattern before turning quickly to the bedside drawer of matching material.

he carefully pulled its golden handle to reveal the small dagger his father passed down to him, splashed with oxidizing blood.

"he will tear your city down, oh-lei, oh-lai, oh, lord."

͙͘͡ ★ disclaimer: these characters do not belong to me! all written works are my own (meo-juice). please do not repost my work on other sites or apps than tumblr. thank you!

[ivveranaji]

Hello everyone !!

I'm writing an Albedo x Witch reader!!

It's just a silly idea I had so it's really short!!

Hope you like it!

Fem Reader

Also Aether is the main sibling

747 words.

Mondstadt was never this loud. Even while preparing for the Windblume Festival, the villagers were never in such a rush.

News spread in the city that you were coming back home. They don't know why or how long but hearing your soon arrival has surprised them. You were gone for so long that people were born without knowing if you were really a true person. Many of them believed you were a made up story or just an exaggerated one.

Unlike Alice, you always stayed in Mondstadt. You were much younger than her and had still a lot to discover, but the mother had said the day you finally succeeded in accumulating knowledge, you'll shine brighter than the sun.

Your birthday is unknown to everyone. Nobody knows who your parents are. Some believe your parents are two great beings that delivered their knowledge to you, while the other wants to believe that you are the daughter of two ordinary people. Some want to believe that your actual strength is due to your family heritage, while others want to believe you were destined by gods to be this strong. Some are scared that a human can become like this, while the other hope a human can become like that.

Anyway, you quit Mondstadt almost a century ago, letting nobody know where. You had said it was your first and only travel, and once your return, a great hero would come.

You weren't there but, the traveler had come. He saved the city from the Stormterror.

You weren't there. Everyone talked about how Aether could be the hero you talked about.

But then, when people started to think you weren't coming back, Klee received a letter from her mom, Alice.

Like always, the letter was delivered with toys for the little girl but this time, one wasn't from Alice herself. It was your creation. A simple rabbit doll that emanates warmth, probably coming from your pyro powers. Jean was shocked when she recognized the symbol you always left on your projects.

Alice also spoiled the surprise for you. In her letter, she talked about the "arrival of a true force" and also "the beautiful spark of a light flame" which, Jean concludes, is referring to you. She also talked about "hiding in warm arms" but Jean couldn't get this. The fact that Alice used metaphor to talk about you made the woman think she was playing a trick but as long as you were back.

Then, a few days later, your figure appeared at the front gate. Your outfit was a little different than before but Venti could tell it was you. You haven't changed at all physically.

The villagers knew it was you because of the black witch hat on your head. Not everyone confidently enters with that big hat of yours and that bright grin on your face.

You started waving to everyone with all your arms. They all cheered your late arrival and started the festivities.

The day was spent with you storytelling your adventures over the years. You received all kinds of gifts, the door of your house was even inaccessible because of all the stuff they put in front of it. Overall, you were happy to be back. A lot of new faces were here and you were excited to learn who they were.

But before that you had to have a talk with Jean and Barbatos.

" - It's a pleasure to have you back miss (y/n). "

You nodded and sat on a chair. Jean asked about the research you've been doing since your departure and you gladly talked about what you could. Then came the question about your late arrival.

" - We encountered the hero you talked about. You said you would be back before he was there. How come you were wrong ? "

" - Oh, that? First is because I had a problem when coming back. A certain someone I cannot talk about stopped me. "

Jean nodded.

" - And the second is actually because I was with my lover. I arrived at mondstadt a moment ago ahah. "

Everyone was so stunned by your words, Jena almost fell down while Venti actually fell.

" - YOU'RE TELLING ME YOU WERE THERE THE WHOLE TIME BUT DECIDED TO STAY WITH ALBEDO? "

You laughed at Venti. He couldn't believe you!

Jean re-installed herself correctly and nodded at her God's indignation, before the information clicked in her head.

" - Wait your lover is ALBEDO!? "

[okjii]

there is something so special about using a rabbit to symbolize the main character as being helpless and meek, as being a runner, as being prey and then getting to watch as that rabbit finally learns to use its nails.

[sysig]

Two skeletons in a trench lab coat (Patreon)

Bonus:

He’s very careful! Everything was fine before you interrupted!

[velvetjune]

the chapter songs in Alan Wake 2,, flawless

[downtherabbitholewithlucy]

[topnotchquark]

Uhhhh you guys want some Bezz x Cele fluff? Because I wrote 1800+ words of Bezz x Cele fluff. Yes it's Boarding School au man wtf we live in a society of course I wrote the Boarding school au.

----------------------------------------------------

Bezz pokes at the scab just above his knee. It's freshly formed, he had absorbed impact from Pecco running into him on the field during practice yesterday. His kneepads had mostly protected him but caused the skin to rub off at that particular spot.

Bezz had always had the habit of picking at his wounds, more out of boredom than anything else. When Cele was around, he would simply ask him to stop torturing his own body like a little moth in the hands of a rambunctious toddler, but Cele had been away for three days from school for a family thing. The wedding of some distant cousin combined with some medical check that Cele needed in the city. His dad had come to pick him up and Bezz had walked with him to drop him off and to say hello to Cele's dad.

3 days shouldn't feel like a lot and Bezz had a thousand different things to do, what with the upcoming national level games season and schoolwork dictating his every minute, but he still thought about Cele. He missed sitting next to him for all meals, he missed Cele coming upstairs to see him after lights out, he missed how he would agree without much resistance when Bezz wanted to sneak out at night, he missed Cele foraging for fruits in the woods and bringing them back for everyone to eat, he missed running into him in the corridors during classes, and of course he missed him on the field because Jaume was too young to be a good practice session replacement for the team. 

Bezz is about to wreck carnage absent mindedly on his wound when Luca comes out of the phone room and pats Bezz on the shoulder.

The boys get to call home twice a week from a room divided into little booths, the attendant in the room sat there to note your name down and tell you to put the phone down when your time was up.

Bezz makes his way to the booth in the far left corner that Luca just left, he nods to Pecco in the other corner who is on call and dials his dad's number that he knows by heart. They talk about his preparation for the upcoming season and his dad tells him about things in the garage, next he calls his mum and she asks him about school and classes and practice and his little sister screams a quick hello to him and when he keeps the phone down with quick exchanges of "work hard" and "miss you" and "I love you" his heart feels a bit wonky. It's been years away from home but he still hasn't fully learnt how to squash that feeling.

Before keeping the phone down he makes a split second decision and calls Cele's mom, another number he knows by heart for some reason.

"Oi Bezzechi, you've been hogging that phone forever, put it down!!" The attendant shouts at him, his brows furrowed.

"Yes sorry please please please just one moment" Bezz quickly pleads as he waits for the line to connect. The attendant tells him to make it quick as Cele's mom answers. She sweetly asks Bezz how he's been doing as she calls Cele over to hand him the phone.

"Marco, is everything okay?" Cele's newly matured voice implores. 

"Uhh yes why wouldn't it be?"

"You're calling from school."

"Ah. Yes yes. Just wanted to tell you to, uhhh, yeah come back soon cele practice isn't great"

"Is Jaume not good"

"No no he's fine. Just. You know......"

"Hmmm. I get it. Listen Bezz, I need you to help me okay I have some stuff with me when I get back okay"

"Yeah sure. Listen I gotta go okay this man will cancel all my calls for the next month okay. I miss you, bye."

"I, uhh, I miss you too Marco, bye"

Bezz doesn't spend too much time thinking about Cele's request. He's probably sneaking some food into the dormitory which isn't allowed and the weird luggage checking procedure makes it so that you just have to be extra careful with the contraband.

The next day when Bezz comes down to dinner after practice and evening study he finds Cele already in the dining hall. He hurries over to him and immediately wraps him into a hug, slapping his back and ruffling his curls.

"I thought you wouldn't be here till tomorrow! Who dropped you off?"

"My cousin, he was on his way back to University so I came back early. Listen, Marco......"

Whatever it is that Cele wanted to tell Bezz is cut off by Pecco, Luca, and Franco gathering around him and asking him how was home and he better be up to speed for the morning practice tomorrow and what did the doctor say and if he found any cute girls at the wedding.

All throughout dinner Bezz notices Cele fidgeting nervously, pushing his food around as Luca talks about the rival regional teams they will be facing and the specific characteristics of every player he can recall.

Post dinner, the boys walk back to their house building in a group, Cele quickly dipping into the dormitory on the first floor as the rest make their way up to the rooms.

Before Bezz can go back downstairs to ask Cele what's up, Pecco reminds him to finish his trig homework lest he be skinned alive by the teacher and Bezz enlists the help of both Luca and Pecco to get through the exercises.

It's an hour past lights out when Bezz is finally done and before he has a moment to lie down Cele comes into the room. His eyes look a bit crazy and the pockets of his jacket are puffed up weirdly but before Bezz can ask any questions Cele starts yanking at his arm to get up.

"hurry up Marco!!!" Cele hisses, straining to keep his voice low

"Okay okay damn let me put on my shoes"

"Take the torch please" cele whines.

Bezz raises his brows but doesn't protest much. Torches are reserved for the big expedition sneak outs, the ones you have to plan for, the ones away from their usual haunts, torches are a liability, they draw the attention of the school guards. Bezz still takes his and hides it in his pocket.

They silently get out through the windows on the ground floor, holding their breath and watching their step so as not to alert the guards. Bezz has been sneaking out since pretty much his first year in school, so much so that he can navigate most paths in pitch black darkness. When Cele and Bezz became friends he started bringing him along, gently teaching him to be mindful of his arms and head and stepping around in a way that makes less noise. Cele wasn't the most graceful when it came to slinking around, but Bezz was okay with that as long as they were together.

The moon was shining above their heads, almost fluorescent in its brightness.  Bezz glances over at Cele's determined face, his lashes casting spider leg shadows on his cheeks. Cele's pale skin and dark hair seem almost ghostly and Bezz's heart feels so funny. He swallows to keep his wits intact and focus on the path.

"Wait Cele are we walking towards the lake?" Bezz realises that he's been straining a bit to keep up with Cele.

"Mhmmm"

"Wait wait wait no you have to tell me what's up you've been acting too weird."

"No Marco we can't talk here we will get caught please we have to go" Cele pleads with him and suddenly takes Bezz's hand in his to rush him along. Bezz feels too shocked at Cele's sudden gesture and simply can't find the words to protest. They walk for a few minutes where all Bezz can think about is the warmth of Cele's soft hand in his. Bezz thinks self consciously about the calluses on his palm and whether they feel weird for Cele to touch. Cele's plam, soft and smooth and warm and alive and real to the touch and somehow Bezz feels that whatever is real in him is emanating from that part of his body that is holding on to Cele.

"Here. Come." Cele lets go of Bezz's hand Bezz feels a little deflated. Cele walks near a tree and picks up a cardboard box and brings it to Bezz.

"I have rabbits."

"......you...what" Bezz thinks he hasn't heard him right. 

"There were rabbits at the wedding venue but I don't think they were being treated right so I picked them up"

"Cele what even.... how did you even steal them and oh my god is this area even safe"

"I didn't steal them Marco!!!!! They are young, kind of, I think they are almost babies, it was just three of them"

"Diobono three is a lot! Have they eaten?"

"I had left some lettuce, and I have more, I need your help feeding them"

"Okay okay fine, let's find a place to sit"

Bezz finds that inside the cardboard box there is a little pet carrier covered with a blanket. Cele pushes in some food through the metal gate grills but the bunnies seem to be asleep for now. 

"What's the plan cele?"

"There archery lawns have a place for rabbits. I will leave them there. I trust the school gardener, we used to have rabbits in my first year at school, he's good with them."

"You think nobody will notice three rabbits appearing out of nowhere."

"They will but they won't know it's us"

Bezz can't help smiling at the response. Cele trusts it will all be good so intently that Bezz can't help be infected by the same disposition.

"Do you want to hold them?" Cele offers.

"Uhh yeah okay yeah."

"Just be relaxed, okay"

Cele opens the metal grate a little and ushers Bezz to put his hand inside.

A warm delight runs through Bezz when he touches the soft fur. He feels them moving with their breath and gently gently strokes the fur. A smile breaks out on his face, wide and luminous under the moonlight.

"It's nice, no" Cele says as he watches Bezz's face.

"Yes, I didn't expect them to be this soft"

They sit a bit longer, trying to feed the bunnies, talking, trying to come up with stories about these rabbits that will convince people to keep them. 

Bezz asks Cele to hold on to the box and make no noise as he navigates a path to the Archery Lawns. Cele takes a minute to leave them in the enclosure, worrying about them. Bezz's reassurance a little ineffective as he says his goodbyes, leaving more lettuce and some broccoli in the carrier.

When they finally start walking back towards the Dorms, Bezz takes Cele's hand in his, his confident decisive gesture in sharp contrast with the nerves he feels inside. Cele offers no protest and holds on. Bezz feels breathless thinking about how similar Cele's beautiful hand feels to the soft rabbits he just held a while ago. 

[phagodyke]

dating an art student was so crazy I'm just thinking abt that one birthday I had where my ex got me stickers from the etsy of the person they were cheating on me with....

[secondpersonpoetry]

ellen bass, “marriage”

[sirfrogsworth]

How do you take a photo of time?

I've been watching the track events at the Olympics since I was a wee lad. It was a tradition in our family. We'd gather around our ancient low-definition 19 inch CRT television and watch tiny blobs compete against other tiny blobs and root for our country.

It was a bit like watching YouTube on your phone in 144p.

Several heroes emerged.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee was amazing.

You can't forget about Flo-Jo.

And then the Olympics decided NBA players were allowed in the competition.

Which formed... The Dream Team.

Was this fair?

Well... they won each game by an average of 44 points.

So... no. It was not fair.

Though it became more fair as time went on.

But, umm... yeah. The other teams looked like the Washington Generals and the US looked like the Harlem Globetrotters if they stopped screwing around half of the game.

But my absolute favorite Olympian was a runner named Michael Johnson.

He was cool as heck.

For one thing... gold shoes.

But he also had this crazy, upright, Tom Cruise-ish sprinting style that just made him look like a running robot on the track.

And in the 1996 Atlanta games he just trounced EVERYONE. I mean, it wasn't even close.

Yikes. Those losing blobs are probably really embarrassed.

Last night I decided to invigorate my nostalgia and watch the track events again. And I got to see one of the wildest races in history.

It didn't even last 10 seconds but it was one of the most exciting sporting events I've ever witnessed. Almost every runner won the race.

After I saw that initially, I was like... who the heck won???

Even in slow motion I wasn't sure.

This was one of the closest finishes in history. There has never been a race where all 8 runners were within this margin.

The arena was silent as the winner was being confirmed. The runners just kind of paced around waiting for official word. My best guess was the Jamaican runner, Kishane Thompson. But then the loudspeaker announced Noah Lyles.

The last tiny morsel of American pride burst out of me with a big "Wooooo!"

I forgot what it was like to be proud of my country. I wish it happened more often. But this young man, despite being last place in the first 3rd of the race, turned on the afterburners and won in a photo finish.

And that's when my inner nerd took over.

Because when they showed the photo finish image, it looked super weird.

Why is the track white?

Why do all of the runners look all warpy like that QWOP game?

So I went down a research rabbit hole to figure this out.

Photo finishes are actually fascinating. The first photo finish captured the end of a horse race in 1890. But that was mostly luck and timing. The actual photo finish mechanisms weren't used until 1937.

Originally they would film the finish line through a physical slit.

And the first horsie head that appeared in that slit would be the winner. This technology ended a huge aspect of corruption in horse race fixing almost overnight.

But we have come a long way since then. And I'd like to introduce you to the Omega Scan 'O' Vision Ultimate.

This slow motion camera sits fixed on the finish line of every race. The concept of the photo finish has remained remarkably similar to the 1930s approach. The camera sensor is specially designed to only record a vertical slit.

Only the finish line itself is actually captured.

And because it limits what it records to only that slit, it can capture 40,000 frames per second to get amazing temporal resolution.

So why don't the photo finishes just look like, well... this?

That is because the camera takes a picture of time more-so than dimensional space. I guess it would be more accurate to say it *assembles* a picture of time.

As the runners cross the finish line, the camera combines all of the little strips of pictures into a single image.

It's almost like if you tried to reassemble a piece of paper after it had been shredded.

Imagine each strip of paper is a picture of ONLY the finish line, just at a slightly different point in time.

What if someone stopped on the finish line and didn't move... what would that look like?

Once they got there, the same part of their body would just be repeated.

So the right side of the photo finish picture represents earlier in time and it just assembles the image strip by strip as time passes and you literally get a picture of time itself.

NEAT!

Okay, but how do they determine the winner from the photo finish?

I mean, that shoe looks like it is ahead of Noah Lyles!

Clavicles!

The IAFF rules state the foremost part of the torso must cross the finish line first. And the endpoint of the torso is the outer end of the clavicle.

So if you get this bone across the finish line first, you win the race.

Two more fun facts!

The start of the race is actually just as carefully timed as the end of the race. There are sensors in the starting blocks of each runner.

The starting gun also has an electronic sensor.

They have determined the fastest a human can react to the sound of a gun is roughly 100 milliseconds. So if you start running before 100 milliseconds they know you didn't actually hear the gun, you just got antsy and started running too early.

And the final fun fact...

Did you notice the Omega logo at the top of the photo finish?

That isn't superimposed or added after the fact. That is captured by the camera.

But if this image is composed only of tiny little slivers, how did they get the Omega logo to show up?

That is a little display. And it is synchronized with the Scan 'O' Vision Ultimate to show a little sliver of the Omega logo for each frame captured.

So when the final image is stitched together, it looks like a cohesive logo at the top of the photo.

Pretty clever, Omega!

[bonestrouslingbones]

is there anything more satisfying than having a character that you see at the very beginning of a series and immediately think "oh it'll be fun to see them get beat up and have a mental breakdown later" and then a full year passes and you start seeing other people say the exact same thing

[keeperofthebees]

not sure if i ever posted my psychoanalysis of Lilo on here but here we go.

Lilo is neurodivergent. She might have autism, she might have OCD, she ABSOLUTELY has PTSD. These all have very many overlapping symptoms, so it's easy to get them mixed up.

Lilo rarely brings up her parents after they die, only to protect stitch. "Dad said ohana means family." She tells stitch about what happened to her parents before he leaves. She doesn't talk about her mom until she's brought up, and compares herself to her.

Lilo feeds Pudge, and that Used to be for fun. When she forgot to feed Pudge, her parents died. She decided therefore that Pudge controls the weather, and creates intricate rituals to make sure she does it Correctly. The harder the ritual, the more effort she has to put into it. If the weather gets bad again, it's easy for her to say she must have messed up the ritual with the wrong bread or the wrong filling. Maybe Pudge doesn't like peanut butter anymore. She's taking control of the only thing she can.

She's also EXTREMELY morbid for a girl her age. I know everyone says she's just like them for real, but there's a difference between playing pretend that you're dying and telling your sister to leave you alone to die. Some kids play dead because it's a concept they can't understand and they use that to figure it out. Lilo KNOWS what death is. She experienced the death of the two most important people in her young life. She's well aware of death. She mentions Picasso's blue period, his time of severe suicidal depression. She says that that's what her painting is. This is worrisome. She knows Picasso's blue period, words like abomination, asks Bubbles if he ever killed anyone and tells Nani to leave her to die. I know some of you think that's relatively normal for a little girl, but it is not, not the way she behaves.

She makes a doll, and claims that she's sad because she only has a few more [enter time period] before she dies. Why would she make this doll have such a tragic story? Well, that's what she knows. People die. It happens. Of course she's sad, but if it's everywhere, she can be less sad about it. Her doll is going to die.

She's also well aware of pain, which is why she's so violent. She doesn't understand that people don't have to forgive you when you're mean and violent, because her sister ALWAYS forgives her, and is sometimes mean in return. This is family. It's not her parents, but this is how it is now. She's mean to Nani, and Nani is mean back, and then they eat dinner. She's mean to her friends, and they're mean to her, but they don't let her play dolls so they need to be punished. Stitch is mean to her, and she desperately tries to prove that he isn't that bad. She knows that she shouldn't be so violent, so mean, but she doesn't know how not to, and she knows that her behavior is part of the reason she might get taken away.

Lilo projects heavily onto Stitch. She likes him because he's a weird little freak, but he's also HER. he's alone. He has one person who wants him, who cares. One person who gives him chance after chance and tries to get him to be good. If she can prove that Stitch can be good, then she can be good. She can get better, and not be such a burden to Nani. If Lilo can keep Stitch, then Nani can keep Lilo.

Lilo wants to stay with Nani, but she can't stop being the way she is. She can't stop screaming, and being violent, and running away and nor doing what she's told. She has very little emotional regulation due to the trauma she's endured, and she sees that in Stitch. She can teach him to control himself. She can be good. She can stay here with her one and only sister, all she has left. She begs Nani to like her more than she would a rabbit. I'm gonna cry

[orangeocelotmartyn]

Impulse's adventures in Tumblr

Scar: You get too deep in Twitter it gets scary. Impulse: I got too deep in Tumblr, I had to back off. Scar: (surprised) Ooh. Impulse: I started going down a-a little—Gem saw! Gem saw it happen. Gem was helping me with Tumblr and—and I started going down and she's like, "nope, stop. you gotta do a filter for that one." (he laughs) Scar: Uh oh. Impulse: I got a little too deep— Gem: Yeah, but seriously. You guys, y-y-you want to be on the Tumblr, but you don't want to be on the Tumblr, because—you don't have the right…attitude about the Tumblr! If you're gonna be on the Tumblr, you're gonna see the fandom stuff. And if—then you gotta be okay with seeing the fandom stuff. If you're not okay with seeing the fandom stuff, then you gotta let me set up your Tumblr! (beat) I'm personally okay with it all, I don't really care. Scar: (sounding like he's far away) What's the fandom stuff? Impulse: Like the shipping, and…stuff. Scar: Do they get into like, the rates on shipping these days? It's crazy.

Impulse: A-U? What do they call it, A-U? What's A-U stand for? Gem: Just, Alternate Universe Impulse: Alternate Universe, okay. Some of the alternate universe, I read some of those things, they're actually pretty cool. Gem: You shouldn't say that out loud. (Impulse begins laughing) Impulse: Oh, my bad. I'm not supposed to be there, sorry, safe place for you guys, I'm back out—I'm out. I-I didn't— Scar: I never venture to Tumblr. Impulse: Reddit was-Reddit was slow! Okay? If—listen. If Reddit's gonna be slow, I need an outlet for—(laughs) for my—(getting quieter) reading. Stuff. About myself. Gem: I'd be-I think Tumblr's fine, you just have to have the correct mindset. And you also shouldn't be talking about it on stream— Impulse: Yeah, my bad— Gem: —because it freaks them out, and then they start being weird. Tumblr's much better when they're just-they're just normal. Impulse: There was-there was plenty of normal stuff. I just-you can't go down the rabbit holes, I learned. (pause) And then people-people take—they take screenshots of me when I'm standing weird. (He holds up a picture to the camera) Scar: (starts laughing) What, wait what? Wait, hold on— Gem: Oh, wait, we can-we can tell about this. There-there was a Tumblr post that was, that was-that was pointing out all of the times that Impulse stood (Scar exhales a laugh) and-and-and yeah. Yeah, they-they were pretty pretty princess Impulse? Impulse: (talking over her) I stand so macho, what are you talking about (he laughs) Scar: I'm so confused, I-can I get a— Impulse: I literally had to work on my—stance, before Sunday because I saw something Saturday night and I was like, oh— Gem: It's very cute, it's very cute. (Impulse laughs) Scar: Can I see a photo? Impulse: I was pretty princess. Here, I'll bring it up again. Do you have my stream open? Scar: I wanna see it. Impulse: I'll find it again. Scar: Can I just say, can I just say real quick while he's doing that? Impulse—really swoled out. He looks like he could pick-pick up an ox. (Impulse laughs, clearly pleased) I really noticed it, like, Impulse-I see those guns, I was like, "this man could pick up an ox. If I fell on the ground, Impulse, one hand, could pick me up." Impulse: Thanks. Scar: O-oh my god, I just pulled up your stream, except there's an ad, so I just see it up in the little tiny box at the top— Impulse: Oh shoot—c'mon ads! Scar: —so it's even funnier. Oh, there it is. (he laughs delightedly) Little princess. Gem: Tumblr's so good, though, cause you just get to see funny stuff like that, and don't have to scroll through all the politics and crap that's on, like, X. Impulse: Mm. Scar: It's so bad, Gem. Gem: And Reddit. And is dead. It's just nice, I like seeing the fandom at it's purest form, please don't ruin it by telling them that you're on there. Impulse: Okay. Nah, I-I was just on there 'cause I, y'know, I was excited about the event. There was so many things being posted and stuff, I wanted to see—everything that was being said, about w-how people thought about the weekend, and favorite clips, and all that kind of stuff, I wanted to see it all, so I dipped into Tumblr. Just a little bit, just-just to dip my toes in, just a lil bit. I'm back out, I'm fine. I'll be alright.

Scar: But was it nice? Impulse: It was alright. Scar: Because it feels like Reddit, they just nitpick the smallest things, like— Gem: I don't find the Tumblr to be nitpicky at all. Th-they're more like a celebration of the fandom. Whereas the Reddit is like…hates the fan—hates-hates us, a lil bit. Lowkey. Scar: A little, there's a little there, there's a little there, it's—there's an enjoyment of nitpicking. They find the nitpicking more fun, and then Twitter, they're just confused over there. They don't know what's going on. (Impulse laughs) Gem: Tumblr definitely doesn't nitpick half of the—every now and then I'll come across a person who's like. A bit…odd. But you could just block that one person and it normally goes away. Impulse: I didn't understand Tumblr about—cause you can't see when something was posted. At least not on just the scrolling through, it seemed like. I didn't see anything that was like, "this was posted x amount of hours ago." And I'm used to that. So that felt weird to me. And then I didn't quite understand how, like, replies and stuff work. There's something about notes? And then I click on that and it got weird, and, I dunno. Gem: Oh, I can teach you, I can teach you that. Impulse: I just didn't get it. Gem: I didn't think you were going to be getting into like, actually posting. Impulse: I'm a boomer when it comes to—Tumblr. So I think—I'm okay. N-next time we hang out you can help me with my—filters. Gem: I think you should just pretend that you don't use it. Cause— Impulse: Yeah, just, I'm not gonna get on there ever again. (Windows error noise) Say what you want. Uh oh.