#There will almost certainly never be art for this because I'm easily frustrated and not very good at drawing

[aestheno]

I'm currently sat in Gail's on Great Portland Street, having paid £7.20 for a mozzarella focaccia that was unequivocally not worth £7.20, purely for the privilege of having somewhere indoors to sit in Central London. Anywhere just off Regent's Street feels like an insight into the life I could have lived had I not dropped out of my internship at JP Morgan: received pronunciation accents and trench coats and fine art seen through the residential windows of Wigmore Street. People who actually have the means to spend £7.20 on a subpar sandwich every day.

These kinds of moments so easily make me doubt what I'm doing. Am I meant to be a creative? Is making music a childish, frivolous pursuit? The structure of a corporate job looks inviting when I'm feeling lost in a time where I'm spinning my wheels. Especially when I know I'd instantly have competition to sink my teeth into. The thing is, if I had done that, there's no way I'd have gotten seven years in and not gone crazy from lack of creative fulfilment. Overall, my creative and my analytical parts of my brain are inherently at war with one another.

I left the house today because I felt like I was going crazy. The feeling of entrapment and boredom in my own home is so overwhelming. I don't have to interact with the wider world if my day doesn't demand it. Being in Central and seeing society in motion is like a tidal volume's worth of oxygen. Brick and mortar lives and a bustle of activity between them. I don't know what the man and woman sat outside the cafe across the street are doing, but I like that they're there. There's an inspiring aura walking past university buildings, the Royal Ballet School, the BBC, etc. - perhaps the issue isn't that the arts are too fluffy; it's that I crave a structure within which to improve. And almost certainly one that resides outside my house.

The path I've chosen to take in life is very independent, and that was always going to be the case. But I miss guidance and academia. I miss training and studying. I never trained in the arts, either. I abandoned ship on my theoretical physics Master's and dived headfirst into a career in performance. There's a fantasy every time I pass down leafy Gower Street and think of the drama and dance students in there, ruthlessly training for the performances of tomorrow. It gets scratched somewhat when I watch the vlogs of people in those worlds, but sometimes all that does is make me ache for the higher education experience I never had thanks to illness, hospital, heartbreak, and laziness.

The story I've had is interesting, unique, impressive, and scrappy. But no one ever knows how close life is to drifting off the rails but you. No one knows how much is a fluke but you. And I am fortunate to have been afforded the chance to get those flukes by a privileged financial starting point, but sometimes I feel like I've squandered that privilege, by not being good enough, talented enough, pretty enough, stand-out enough. So maybe I should have just stuck to banking.

I want to be art and I want people to care. But my life is fractured for structure, and since moving out of a full time broadcasting position, I struggle to know how to get people's attention. What makes them want to watch or listen to me? How do I deal with the feeling of reduced relevance when I'm competing against millions in a very democratised landscape. How do I unleash my potential when I feel limited in my opportunities to grow, learn and train? Ultimately those things aren't a 100% hinderance, but it feels like life is just that much less fulfilling as a result.

I know my potential is good, my environment and circumstances just frustrate me. I need variety in my surroundings. Sprinkles of real world, and politics, and business, and academia; a lunch amongst 9-5ers pursuing different routes, a walk on cafe-strewn side streets, angry cyclists and passer-bys. Things need to feel more storylike, but stories only matter when context is given. Currently mine exists in my house. There is no supporting cast except through my PC screen. And I really just want to feel like a real person again.

[thornstocutyouwith]

"Yeah, can't imagine the horror that would still be." He grinned uneasily, being not the most socially comfortable with others, he wasn't sure what a version of him that had never grown up with advanced technology would have been like. Probably a lot more sociable. As he would need to be, but certain, very uneasy about it. Yeah, he nodded, agreeing with himself, it would be stressful. He assumed of this version of himself. Listening to Astrid he glanced toward them, then gave an agreeing nod "Really disappointing, almost, I guess. That that's pretty much it." He yawns a bit, not bored, but tired. It had been a long day for him now, and a stressful one. Turning his head away he coughed lightly.

With their comment about his being versed well in things, he quirked an eyebrow "Ah-Yeah. I guess. I...maybe it's from reading a lot?" He offered, shrugging innocently. He certainly hoped he knew what he was talking about when he spoke of most things, if not everything. But that was perhaps a little bit too much to ask for of one person, to know everything. It also may have been the least bit favorable when having to interact with someone who thought they knew everything. He might want to bully himself, if he were someone like that. Grinning a bit as he thought to himself about this before agreeing with their next comment, nodding his head.

Journey glances over toward them "Yes. Maybe--it's probably good that other people can be challenges. Because it can give us better perspective on ourselves, right? At the very least, our true colors come out with others, maybe not blatantly, but eventually, we bloom for those we like, and wilt for those we don't." Tilting his left hand a little bit, in the air, a tentative gesture "Maybe not so much for strangers benefit. But your own. Getting concerned with far too many other people disconnects you from yourself, at least, in my experience." Kind of like the idea of wanting to save everyone, he imagined, but it was an impossible task, to save the entire world, and let your own fall into decay.

With Astrid's question about people lying about their lives, he laughs "No doubt. People lie all the time, if they can get away with it, or if they think they can. They'll lie. Not often harmful lies. But lies that are often harmless, just to not look as boring, or pathetic, or something they find shame in. Nothings better than a good lie." But he wasn't against lying, of course, sometimes it wasn't the worst anyone could do, but it was certainly a topic to be debated, considering what lie was being told. Tapping a finger on his left armrest, he looks them over "Not really, no."

"Oh- It's definitely enjoyable, I can't lie about that. Messy, and at times, frustrating. Especially if you mess up. But art can be surprising, with mistakes. Or as a great painter would say 'Happy Little Mistakes'. " He's grinning at this comment and clears his throat before continuing "I agree, it could be nice. Relaxing anyway." Pausing he let Astrid speak before grinning and saying "I think it's nice, to get out into the woods and just roleplay living a cabin life for a while. It's really enjoyable to get back in touch with nature sometimes." Glancing around the room, he noticed people still coming in and out frequently.

When Astrid went on, commenting about not wearing zombie make up he laughed weakly "Oh. No halloween zombies, darn." Journey teases. At being told others weren't like him he laughed "Well I hope not. I like being the only me, I'm sure you could understand, being the only you." He commented back. Journey couldn't imagine if their were more hims running around, he would be very annoyed to find out he had clones. Though he does recognize their complimenting him, leaning back into his chair more easily, he holds his hands on his stomach, toying with the ends of his sleeves.

At the question of dying he looked up from his hands, and over toward them "Yeah, sometimes." It was definitely something he had become used to, any issue, he came to understand might just be his last, a long time ago. But, his heart still came back. As broken as the doctors kept telling him it was, as much as they said he needed to prepare for the worst, when it came, he always woke up later " Mmmhm. I'm not bad, now. No." He didn't think he was bad, either, though he had met people who made it feel like he was, and he found himself annoyed, and feeling bad for being annoyed by these people, these awful people he would meet at times, like he was cursed to have to meet them. But, he had also met good people, alongside them. Lifting his right hand up, he toys his fingers through his hair, tugging slightly at the ends.

Smirking gently, he nodded "I could." He replied to their question, leaning in a bit to hear them from where he stood. But then he paused when asked if they were dying, would he keep out of the hospital "No." He replied as he moved to exit the door. Walking across the parking lot he noticed it was hotter out, now that it was a bit later in the day. He couldn't wait for the coolness of fall, by now. Moving to the back of his car he opened the trunk, digging through it.

to astrid, people were always people – no matter what, in fact. astrid didn’t entirely see toe to toe with most, considering how they really felt about things, but, with him, they were going to try & make the best out of it, if they could. of course, astrid’s thoughts on people were purely based on the fact that they’ve been screwed over, a few times. “ if technology was never a thing, people would be forced to actually talk to one another, ” softened chuckle leaves their lips at the very idea of it all, in fact. however, astrid remains somewhat silent, still, trying to think of something that was the very least concerning, for the both of them. to be fair, astrid doesn’t even use social media all that much, seeing how it’s not that great –, & in their eyes, a terrible way to connect with people. why do that when there’s a whole multitude of things outside of all that? & they really didn’t see how great it really was, to use technology to do all the talking when they have mouths, however, astrid digresses, not wanting to discuss too much about it. “ i mean, yeah. that’s what people do nowadays, use it as some sort of crutch so they don’t have to do anything else. ” words seemed harsh, deep down, astrid knew they were right, in some way.

“ you seem well versed in a lot of things, ” astrid’s noticing, nonetheless, still keeping themselves intact to whatever else he does –, that seemed pretty in his skill zone. not that it was a bad thing to have that many things under his belt, but astrid had never met anyone that was dedicated, it seemed, to what he does. “ depends on if you really wanna do the work, & if you think the person’s worth it for you. ” words said in the most honest way, astrid can’t help but to think on if he’s the right person that they should be banking their time on, considering their track report on their situations. it was impressive, for them to rethink things when they’re currently at a silent crossroads with themselves for many reasons : nonetheless, it’s not something that astrid should scared of, if they were trying to figure things out on their own. “ people come along & stuff like that, but it’s . . i don’t know, to stir things of their own? ” maybe he’s right, maybe people just come into lives to mess up the progress that someone has. “ being content is a good thing, means you don’t wanna fuck things up with strangers. ”

astrid’s listening to his words, nodding their head along to what he’s saying. all true words & forms of things, yet, astrid has no other further comments, aside from the fact that he’s actually right, in this situation. “ do you think people lie about their lives? & how they . . you know, live them? ” they think it’s a rather deep question that they’re asking, of course, wanting to settle this, in some sort of way that they’re . . taking the time to fully consider, of all things. astrid’s someone that shows who they are, in ways that no one else could ever define, but, sometimes, they’re tired of doing that. seeing how it’s almost gotten them nowhere, except for a broken heart here & there, astrid’s sighing, taking a lot into consideration of things. “ i see. that’s not necessarily a bad thing, at all. ” they’re comforting, lips forming into a light grin.

for a moment, astrid feels this calm wash over their body, as he’s describing how it feels to sculpt something –, they’re nodding their head, humming along to his sentence. “ i’ve never done it . . i mean, it looks fun, i’ve just never had the time to sit down & do it, you know? ” did that seem convincing enough? astrid’s overthinking, hoping that they didn’t say the wrong words to him, at all. “ i think it’ll be like some bonding experience for us, ” a nervous tone comes out, wondering if they should be saying that, of all things. astrid’s feels something, rather, a tone of dissolution in their head from relaying things to say to the other. “ wandering off is nice, because not many people are trying to bother you, & you can be with your thoughts. ” like they’ve always done, once or twice. it wasn’t considered a bad thing, for them to wander off & go somewhere that they didn’t want to be known, stuff like that. “ well, when you put it in a better term, yeah. it doesn’t hurt to be alone. ” of course they would say something like that, they’ve chosen to be alone, in more ways than one.

“ remind me to never wear zombie makeup around you, ” sarcastic joke spoken between the pair, astrid’s wanting to keep the tone light, in case they’ve gone off the deep end & started speaking about god knows what. “ i guess, people aren’t like you. ” that was meant to be a compliment, astrid swears it was – although, they wouldn’t be offended if he took it the wrong way, astrid was mentally preparing for the worst, it seems. noticing his hands being raised up, their grin turns into a smile, a crooked one : practically thinking of many more ways to make it all better. “ dying? i think a lot of people think about dying, just a matter of time on when it happens, ” they’re replying, finding it all so simple to say something to brazen, in their own ways. “ i don’t think you’re bad at all. ”

“ could you? ” brows arched, simply interested in what more he was truly going to say, astrid rings his way, contemplating of things to say that would make it all better. “ what if i was dying? ” they’re asking, in some odd way to tease him, another short laugh leaves their lips, shaking their head. though, astrid’s bringing themselves to be in a better mood than before, they’re nodding slow : eyes glancing at the sheet they’ve had to fill out. “ i’ll be here. ”

[crisscross-inksauce]

First thoughts on BATDR as a long-time BATIM fan...

Okay, first of all it was not what I was expecting at all! Almost everything I had thought previously was completely wrong. I expected that because we didn’t really know THAT much about the game all things considered. Even then, it went places I never thought Bendy would go.

For example, Ink Bendy and Toon Bendy being the same entity. I mentioned it as a half-joke to my friend after Bendy had shown up. I recognized it as a possibility but didn’t think it would happen because it had been such a huge meta in the fandom (especially the early days) that it seemed too easy. I literally said, “You know, we’ve never seen them in the same room, so...” But, whaddya know, I was unitentionally correct.

Also, I expected either the Ink Demon OR Wilson to be the villain not both of them. The subversion of expectation I expected came in a way I didn’t expect (lol).

Another example, there were NEVER souls in the ink machine???? How much of the first game was real??? What information should we keep and what information should we discard as being no longer canon??? This game clears up as much as it confuses. It’s so frustrating. (I feel like I might be missing something but I’m not sure, feel free to explain it to me lol)

Also, (in my opinion) both BATIM and BATDR are less impactful if there aren’t any real world consequences (Well, I suppose there will be in the future). I guess no-souls explains a lot but it leaves me dissatisfied. Maybe I’ll come around to the idea, but idk.

Also, Henry did NOT look how I thought he would (mostly thanks to Doberart lol.) I also wish he had a more important role in the story, being the protagonist of the first game. But I suppose it’s better that he isn’t for the story they’re trying to tell. Idk though, I feel like they could’ve given the og characters more of a limelight (besides alice, she got everything.)

Final thoughts: At this moment, I recognize that BATDR is a technically better game. But, I JUST watched it and it doesn’t stick in my mind nearly as much as the first game did. The old characters were barely present (except for Alice.) The new characters didn’t make up for it, since they’re not that memorable (except maybe Porter). The environments all look very similar to me and the cluttered art style doesn’t help. Most of the new levels don’t stick out in my mind as visually interesting. This game was touted to be SO much scarier than BATIM, but it really isn’t, like at all. There were a few moments, but not enough for the level of reiteration the devs were giving XD. I’m not sure I like how this game handled the first one, but I’m not crossing my arms just yet. I’m keeping my heart open, hopefully the next game will be better.

TL;DR: I feel very conflicted about this game. It feels like a setup and not a payoff. I found myself thinking “That’s it?” instead of, “That was awesome!!!” when the end screen came up (kinda like the first game hmm). I’m not sure I like where things are headed, but am still open to it. To be fair, I didn’t know what to think about the ending of BATIM when it first came out either but grew to love it more than anything I had originally theorized. Maybe that’ll happen here too once some theories come out (looking at you SuperHorrorBro.)

But, for the moment, BATDR is just okay. Certainly not bad, but not that great either. I feel like we didn’t really NEED it, y’know.

At this point, I'm not sure whether or not my expectations affected my enjoyment of the game. I didn't expect something better, I just expected something different. Something a little more fulfilling, I guess. Maybe that's gonna be the next game, idk. All I know is I left feeling confused(normal) and unsatisfied(abnormal)

P.S. I am not hating on this game, I think it is a good game. But I also think it has issues. I love BATIM, and am very easily pleased. So me having negative feelings about it is very surprising to me. And again, I may come around to it in the future these are just my feelings straight off the game.

This was not in an orderly fashion at all but it’s 3 in the AM and I’m tired so whatever

I'll post a more coherent version l8tr

[majesticbrownjawn]

The Best Man

Things get complicated when the best man looks like him ⬆️ But probably not complicated in the way you’re thinking.

Oldie from Wattpad. ‼️Chris=Erik‼️ I ain’t feel like going thru and changing his name. Deal with it. I wrote it with Erik in mind though. Enjoy boos❤️

——————————

His hands unashamedly gripped her ass, making her jump in shock.

"We can't do this Chris..." her voice faded out in the most unconvincing way, letting him know she was enjoying the moment as much as he was. When he pressed his lips against hers, she kissed him back, forgetting where she was and focused on his tongue entering her mouth. Ms. Johnson was quickly brought back down to Earth when her phone started vibrating in her hand, reminding her it was almost time for the mother/son dance. Sanai was a stickler for things being on schedule and wanted everything to be perfect for Bryan's big day, which to her meant keeping to the strict time table she mapped out.

She finally broke away from the younger man, staring him down with a frustrated look before disappearing into the large crowd of people to find her pursuer's best friend and the groom--her son.

***

Sanai Johnson was a woman with a plan, well, at least since she had become a mother at the age of 16. She fell in love with her son's father, August, and she thought he felt the same until he disappeared six months into her pregnancy. He was from the other side of the tracks, the "right" side. His parents were wealthy and he had earned a scholarship to a prestigious university a few hours away. When he finally showed up fours years later begging for Sanai to take him back so they could be a family, it was way too little, too late. From the moment he stepped back into their lives, he proved to be a great father to Bryan, and that was all she wanted from him. He on the other hand, had just stopped confessing his love for her just over a year ago before their son's 25th birthday--when he showed up to Bryan's party with a woman who looked just a few years older than the birthday boy himself.

It was funny, after all these years of refusing him, Sanai was actually contemplating giving August another chance and then he shows up with with some young girl. Oh well, she thought. She had bigger fish to fry, like planning the wedding she never got to have. It's not that she couldn't have gotten married in the past or sometime in the future for that matter, she was still in her early 40s, but could easily pass for someone a decade younger. She'd loss count of all the times people mistook her for Bryan's sister. Her buxom figure, glowing skin and beautiful features added to her appeal, but she always fell just shy of being completely confident in her appearance.

Where she lacked confidence in the physical, she made up for it in business and street smarts. While August was doing God knows what those four years in college, she graduated from high school early and started working at a museum. Little did she know she'd fall in love with art history and would later become one of the most sought after and well paid art curators in the country. She got to where she was by working hard and staying focused, which for her didn't leave much room for romance.

The wedding weekend had finally come and the guests had started to arrive at her large estate. She planned a series of events designed to make the large 250 person guest list feel a little smaller. This first event, brunch, was purposely hosted at her home to make everyone feel a little more comfortable mingling and getting to know each other.

"Chris!" Bryan was ecstatic to see his best friend who was more like a big brother to him. He flew across the foyer and embraced Chris, who he hadn't seen in almost three years. The two met when Bryan was in the 7th grade and Chris was in the 10th grade at a basketball camp. Chris was Bryan's counselor and the youngster immediately took to the older boy, following him around and following his lead in almost anything he did, except when Chris moved to China. Ms. Johnson wasn't having that. Both men studied business at the same university and started learning Chinese in high school, continuing through college. After graduating, Chris decided to take a job in Beijing making just under seven figures at a budding tech start-up.

"It's been too long, man." Chris was just as excited to see his friend, but was always more reserved than him, being careful to save his energy for just the right time. He knew this weekend would be full of exciting and possibly emotionally draining moments, so he decided to ease his way in.

"So your mom got it like this now? No wonder she invited the wedding party to stay here. This place is massive." He looked around absolutely impressed with his surroundings.

"I know right? When's the last time you've seen her? Like right after I graduated?"

"Yea--high school, I think. Maybe when you moved into your dorm freshman year."

"Well, she's around here somewhere. I'm sure she'll be happy to see you. Let me show you where you'll be staying."

***

Sanai was the kind of woman who always had things under control, but her son's wedding had her out of sorts. She was so hell-bent on everything being perfect that she was stressing about every little detail. She did a self-check about 30 minutes ago, realizing her worries were affecting the time she was having, so she took a couple mimosas to the head to take the edge off.

After settling in, Chris made his way back downstairs and gave himself a tour of the home. Along the way, there was a woman who he couldn't stop looking at from afar as she weaved in and out of the crowd. The red dress she wore was what caught his eye first. Then as he closed in on her, her familiar smile pulled him in, making him wonder if he and Bryan went to college with her because she seemed to know a lot of people here. He approached her from behind, placing his hand on the small of her back and leaned into her, introducing himself.

"Hi, I'm Chris. Do I know you? You look so familiar." When she turned around and he finally got an up close look at her, he immediately knew who she was. "Ms. Johnson?"

She smiled and answered, "In the flesh." Instead of letting her go, he froze, still holding her close as she now faced him.

"Uh, uh--it's good to see you," he finally spoke up, his arm still holding her tight. "You haven't aged a day. You're so...beautiful," he blurted out. It was like he was seeing her for the time. In a way he was, this was his first time seeing her as a man.

"Thank you, Chris. It's good to see you too," she replied blandly, gently patting him on his chest, trying to release herself from his grip. Despite trying to get away from him, Sanai certainly noticed what a handsome man Chris had become. She was on the taller side for a woman, but he easily towered over her at 6'4". His frame was full, with just the right amount of grown man thickness she liked. The rest of brunch Sanai was slightly distracted by Chris, partly because she was so shocked at how much he'd grown up and also because she thought she caught him watching her. It was probably just her imagining things.

That night after dinner at the house with the bridal party, Sanai was cleaning up the living area when she felt a quiet presence enter the space.

"Can I help, Ms. Johnson?"

"Oh, please call me Sanai, you're grown now, Chris."

"Ok. So tell me Sanai, what's your secret?" She looked at him confused. "I meant what I said earlier. You haven't aged. It's incredible. You look incredible." He didn't try to hide the fact that his eyes couldn't stop taking her body in.

She blushed at his comment but tried her best not to act phased by his repeated mention of her looks.

"Well, you certainly have changed."

"I hope that's a good thing," he smirked. "How are you dealing with Bryan getting married? I assume it can't be easy to let go of your only child. And you're single, right? I'm sure you've thought about how lonely it may get, him not being around as much."

"Bryan has been on his own for a while now. I'll manage."

"How?"

"How what?"

"How will you manage, Ms. Johnson?" His tone seemed a bit suggestive, but she figured maybe it was the wine she drank playing tricks on her.

He was, of course being suggestive in the slightest way. His immediate attraction her earlier today threw him off initially, but that wasn't going to happen again this weekend. He decided everything else he'd say and hopefully do to her his weekend would be very deliberate.

"I mean, I'm sure you have needs, right?" He moved closer to her, so close that she had no choice but to look at him As his tilted his head sideways at her seductively.

"I'm not sure what you mean."

"I think you know exactly what I mean, Sanai." Chris' hand slowly traced up the side of her body, carefully following the curve of her hip upwards, stopping just below her bust. She watched his hand closely, allowing his touch to send a shiver up her spine.

"Your behavior is so inappropriate Chris." She said it so sternly that he momentarily forgot he was a grown ass man now who could pursue her without worrying about getting in 'trouble.'

He lifted his hands in surrender and openly watched her as she nervously cleaned up a few more things before heading upstairs. He noticed the way her breathing picked up when he touched her. The goosebumps on her arms told him she enjoyed his hands on her, despite her calling his actions "inappropriate." Chris laid in the bed that night, thinking about her and trying his best to ignore the nagging feeling of his dick hard-pressed against his shorts. The hornier and unsatisfied he was, he figured, the more persistent he'd be about getting a taste of Ms. Johnson.

***

The following afternoon, the bridal party gathered in the foyer of Sanai's home to learn the tango for the reception. After the instructor paired everyone up, Sanai noticed Chris was missing, but remembered he didn't have a partner because as the best man, it was his job to walk the grandmothers and her down the aisle.

"Looking for me?" She jumped at the sound of his voice.

"No, Chris. Why would I be?" She figured if she acted like she was uninterested in his attention that he'd leave her alone. She had another thing coming though. The more time Chris spent in her presence, the more his desire for her increased. Even if he wasn't able to see straight through her hard-to-get act, it wouldn't have stopped him from doing all he could to get her.

He bent down and bowed, lifting his hand to hers, "May I have this dance?" He grabbed her hand but she quickly yanked it away.

"Come on, don't be like that, Sanai."

"Maybe you should call me Ms. Johnson after all."

"I'll call you whatever you want. Just dance with me. Please." He was a little surprised when she took his hand and stood close to him. He took the lead, already familiar with the sensual dance. His hand rested low on her back and he used it to push her lower half into his. Front to front, Sanai could feel Chris' bulge brushing up against her as they moved across the foyer.

"You know I had a crush on you back in the day right?" He whispered closely to her face.

"Excuse me?" She cackled at his comment but he pulled her closer, feeling like she'd walk away from him at any second.

"Honestly, I wasn't even tryna be Bryan's friend at first when we were kids...I just needed an excuse to be around you," he continued. "You were just so creative and kind. I didn't know a mother could be so damn beautiful." Sanai blushed at his memory of her.

"I used to love to come over so I could see you walk around the house in those baggy t-shirts with no bra. Watching you in them little ass shorts had me on hard every time. I can't tell you how many times I had wet dreams about you, Ms. Johnson."

Sanai could feel Chris' excitement pressing up against her. Wisdom urged her to break away from him, but her body begged her to stay put. It had been so long since she allowed a man to be this close to her. And he just smelled and looked so good.

"Are you serious? Why are you telling me this now?" She shouldn't have asked, but her curiosity and her attraction to him was getting the best of her.

"Because it's the truth...and because I always fantasize about being close to you, just like this." The pair was face to face, their foreheads pressed against the other's. Lucky for them, no one would think anything of it because the tango called for that intimate positioning.

"You always fantasize? Or you used to?" She asked her question while looking him square in the eyes.

"Can I cut in?" Bryan's father looked at Chris suspiciously for a moment before taking Sanai's hand and trying to shake off the notion that his son's best friend was doing what it looked like he was doing—pushing up on Sanai. Their interaction would have looked innocent to the average person, but August recognized game when he saw it. He stayed close to Sanai the rest of the day just in case his suspicions about Chris were correct.

***

Hey, can you come downstairs for a minute please?

The text came in to Sanai's phone after 1 a.m. that night.

Who is this?

Guess 😈

I don't have time for games. Who is this?

It's Chris. I want to apologize.

Sanai made her way downstairs cautiously, as not to wake anyone in the house. When she laid eyes on him, she immediately knew she was in trouble. Chris wore a pair of silk pajama pants that left little for her to imagine about how girthy he was and the way his arms looked in the wife beater he wore was already doing things to her.

"He's Bryan's best friend..." She reminded herself as she approached him.

"Do you always talk to yourself?"

"Don't be cute, Chris."

"I hope I'm cute to you."

"I thought you want to apologize for your behavior?"

"Oh yea, I do." The pair was whispering trying not to wake anyone, especially Bryan. It would be hard to explain why they were down here whispering at this hour. Her home was large enough that no one would have heard them anyway, but that fact eluded them both in the moment. "Is there somewhere we can talk without having to whisper?" he asked.

She looked him over trying to decide if she could trust him being alone with her. He'd been so bold the last few days.

She decided she probably couldn't trust him, but still answered, "Sure, follow me."

***

So there are three, maybe four 🤔completed parts to this miniseries but the series itself isn’t completed. Hopefully posting this here will motivate me to finally finish it (it’s been like two years 🥴) I know y’all are waiting on Delicte part 4. Wrote on it some tonight and plan to have it up in the next week. Thanks for reading🖤

[littlemisssquiggles]

So I recently sent a response to Shannon McCormick, Oz's voice actor: "I know you said the group is gonna trust Oz again and reconcile, but I'm not feeling very hopeful. They're still so bitter towards him and not trying to understand him... and are doing the same things they demonized him for, yet it's being treated like it's okay. I know you can't give spoilers and I don't expect you to, but it's something that's got me really down." He responded with: "Keep the faith."

Hey Miki-chan. Ah yes, good ole Shannon coming in clutch with that boast of optimism. I’m actually curious as to whether or not, we will even get to see Oz return for V7. The opening certainly didn’t give any indication of it; sadly to say. If I’m expecting Oz to return at all, it’s probably by the end of the season.

While I do want Oz to return and reconcile with the group, I’m skeptical about having it go back to the way things were before with Ozpin constantly taking control of Oscar’s body and more or less eclipsing his development. I miss Oz but I don’t miss that. This is why I liked how they showed him as a more of guiding voice for Oscar at the end of V6 with the airship crash.In my opinion, that’s what I initially assumed their dynamic was going to belike until the show revealed the soul swapping technique in V5.

I want Oscar to shine on his own, if possible, for V7. If Oz were to return to the story, I hope his role is relegated to being more of a literal voice of reasonand guidance taking up full residence inside of Oscar’s head; not really takingover as much as he used to but lending instructions to Oscar on how to moveespecially in combat while allowing the young boy to think on his feet and makeuse of that good ole muscle memory he is expected to inherit. If Oscar isbecome Ozpin’s successor and successful one to boot, Oz can’t keep holding his hand. He’s got to let Oscar grow into the role and I think he’s being goinggood so far. But he still does need Oz to be there to help. Hence why I’mhoping that, if Oz is to return, I really wish for Oscar to be the one to go inafter him to bring him back.

Since Oscar was the only seen to show Oz a bit of sympathy last season, I wish for this to continue as it can definitely push the growth of the bond between the Two Souls. If there is one person I’m expecting to vouch on Oz’s behalf at this point, it’s Oscar. Ruby was another character I was hoping would certainly join him in that court. However…things are a little complicated right now with our little red rose and the path she seems to be taking this season.  I’ll discuss this more under thread.

While we’re on the topic of Oz’ reconciliation with the hero group, I’m really sorry to hear that this development has had you disappointed and feeling down, Miki-chan. I get where your frustration is coming from but at the same time, I also agree with Shannon on keeping the faith.

Similar to how Oz’s skeletons coming out of the closet was a narrative slow-burn that’s been churning since as early as V5, I feel as if it’s going to be the same forhis path to redemption with the team and regaining their trust. The only thingI dislike about this plot point is how we still have everyone more or less sharingthe same opinion of Oz with little indication on whether or not anyone isreally starting to consider that the other side of the coin where Oz wasjustified in his actions.

When this plot point first dropped back in V6, what was fascinating about it was how divided it made the fandom. It opened the grounds for discussion and debating with everyone sharing their different outlooks on the scenario and that was quite neat.

I just wished that the Writers had mimicked that in the series; y’know? When I first saw the V6 volume poster, art with Oz and Oscar at the centre while Team RWBY were all divided around the two of them; I figured that that was what the season was going to be like more or less.

With the team being divided on their overall trust Oz and growing trust in Oscar with some folks, such as Ruby and possibly Blake standing in the court that defended both souls whereas Weiss and Yang weren’t as convinced.

It would’ve been great to see everyone sharing different outlooks and reactions to the news about Oz’s past with Salem and her immortality; Team RWBY’s as well as JNR’s.  

It would’ve been great to see that because it could have even leant itself to paving the road towards Ozpin’s eventual reconciliation in this new season or whenever the showrunners decided to have it happen down the line.

However, instead, thus far it’s mostly been everyone sharing the same opinion—Oz was wrong and is not to be trusted anymore.This is now made even worse by the notion that the heroes are currently committing the same action of ‘deceiving and/or withholding vital info from your allies’ as Oz once did with them.

However what’s almost comical is how the narrative—the PLOT—is trying to get us as the audience to think that the heroes are in the right when really…they’re not?

At least to me, they’re not. I’ve seen examples of other FNDM fam members taking a supportive stance for the actions of Ruby and the other heroes’ deceit with Ironwood and their Atlesian allies. This squiggle meister, on the other hand, has not been that easily convinced. Sorry.  

I think what bugs me the most regarding the execution of this subplot is how much the heroes are able to get away with when it comes to their actions. I understand that the Writers are more or less attempting to show a parallel between our gaggle of heroes and Ozpin by having them take greater risks for the sake of fulfilling their mission while additionally making questionable choices. 

That idea is fine and I like that they’re doing this with them especially since I think it could still lend to them eventually making up with Oz by understanding why he did the things he did since now they’ve been in his shoes. That part of it is good. Great even.

However, somehow, I dunno—for me, our heroes’ recent actions don’t have the same kind of impact on me as Ozpin’s did. I guess where I’m really getting at here is that when I learnt the truth about Oz last season, my main reason for staying in his court was because I understood his reasons for doing the things he did.

While I’ll call Oz out for his wrong in lying and keeping his secrets from people he believed were his most trusted allies, I was still sympathetic towards Oz because I genuinely felt that his actions were justified especially following the events of the Lost Fable.

The PLOT wants me to believe that Oz is this morally grey type of man and he is, to some degree. However the PLOT also wishes for me as the audience to believe that Oz has been nothing but this deceitful person throughout history and that the heroes are perfectly in the right for choosing to never trust in him again. But here’s the thing with that—I see Oz as being more…smart than fraudulent.

Yes Oz told lies and half-truths and kept important secrets that could shake the world of Remnant—but what some people seem to be forgetting is that there was good, valid reason behind the way Oz chose to do things. Oz was careful. Meticulous with the kind of people he chose to disclose the truth to as well as the information he chose to tell them and the right time to revealsaid information as well.

I’d like to think that this is how Oz was able to successfully keep things under wraps for so many lives as a means of more or less keeping the peace. Because of how careful he’d chose to move along with the kind of people he decided to place his trust in. Oz was cautious and as he explained in V6, his vigilance was backed up mostly by his experience over the centuries especially his first one with Salem

This is the issue I’m having with our heroes. Although they are committing the same actions as Oz, especially the part of choosing to hide the truth from Ironwood—their actions feel reckless and unwarranted in my opinion and I can’t get behind it as well as I did with Ozpin because I personally don’t feel the heroes are as justified in their actions as Oz was.

Even though the PLOT is trying to paint this picture that James shouldn’t be completely trusted and our heroes are in the right in not trusting him fully with the truth about Salem, for me, I honestly felt like our heroes jumped the gun on that one, just like how they jumped the gun back in Argus in choosing to illegally commandeer an airship to Atlas as opposed to trying any other means that could’ve rendered them the same results with less repercussions involving trouble with the military and the safety of the citizens of Argus.

According to the PLOT, Ruby was correct in making the call to not reveal the whole truth to Ironwood given how he and his forces have been treating the poor people of Mantle; not to mention our heroes upon their arrival in Atlas. This isevidenced by Ruby in V7CH3 in her response to Yang’s questioning.  

“Can we talk about that again?”“What about it?”

“We’re really not going to tellIronwood about what happened to Oz? What we learned about Jinn? About Salem?”

“…We are! We…will. But you saw howthings looked when we flew into Atlas.”

“The General’s heart seems to be inthe right place but…that doesn’t mean we should trust him yet.”

“Why don’t we play along for a whilebefore we make any major decisions?”  

I’d like to highlight Ruby’s indifference to her own actions again. Just something I pegged noteworthy since it reminded me of her attitude towards revealing her true feelings regarding the Aftermath of the Fall of Beacon—how she nonchalantly seemed to shrug away Oscar’s attempt at telling her that it’s alright for her to be open with him about how she’s truly feeling… right before Oscar switches his approach and firmly calls her out on his indifference which in turn finally forced her to come clean and be straight with him.

While I understand that the whole Mantle situation is a complicated matter, to me, that still doesn’t rule out it being a good reason for the heroes to lie to Ironwood.

I’d understand it more if it was a matter of Ruby being strategic in the information that she discloses to Ironwood but that’s not what the case is here. It’s not to saythat Ruby told James some of the truth and was very careful with what she chose to disclose and how she worded said information. It’s that she flat out liedand then repeated the same lie that Oz had fed them about the Relic ofKnowledge back in Mistral.

I know Ruby is trying to say she can’t trust Ironwood 100% because of how things are looking in Mantle and Atlas because of his actions. But on the other hand, I’m surprised it didn’t inspire her to be more upfront rather than the opposite take.

Based on what Pietro said in the first episode, Ironwood has been paranoid and on higher maintenance since the Fall of Beacon. That being said, why chose to withhold information from a man who is already fearful of being betrayed again by those closest to him since it was mentioned earlier in the season that it was one of his Atlas’ own—someone who worked closely with Atlas’ security and the military (Watts)  that contributed to the destruction of Beacon Academy and so much more in chaos in Vale?

“The Fall of Beacon took a toll on all of us. James was no different. I couldn’t tell you exactly what it is he saw there, but it changed him. He’s—”

“…He’s scared.”

“Paranoid would be the more appropriate term. You have to understand, it wasn’t just the Grimm. Someone completely dismantled Atlas’ security code. Made it their plaything and made us look like traitors to some and buffoons to everyone else. Whoever managed to do that is either a genius or one of our own. I fear the answer may be both and so does the General.”

Again, with that thought in mind I ask again, why did Ruby think it was a wise choice to lie to Ironwood given what she learned specifically from Pietro regarding his frame of mind right now?

See why the hero’s actions are having the opposite effect for me?

While I get why it’s a possible motive, I still think what the heroes are doing with James is unwarranted. As a matter of fact, I feel like they’ve only made thingsworse for themselves by withholding info from Ironwood given his current frameof mind.

I’d like to think that Ironwood’s experience in Vale has made him more than just paranoid. He’s become more…I wouldn’t say soft but emotionally vulnerable than he was when we first met him.

This is why I don’t wish for Ruby’s mistrust of Ironwood to come back to appear as if she took advantage of Ironwood in his vulnerable state. Because I feel like that could easily feed into Ironwood’s paranoia—to learn that he couldn’t eventrust the people he placed fate in and showed kindness to. To show that heextended them his hand in reliance only for them to not do the same of him.

I know one of the common FNDM theories is that Ironwood isn’t being completely honest with our heroes, however I’m starting to think otherwise. Up until this point in the plot, Ironwood has been upfront with JNR_RWBY and Qrow about everything. Every question they’ve asked of him, he’s told them in full confidence. So far, I haven’t gotten the impression that James has been lying to the heroes at all.

Since he returned the Relic of Knowledge to Ruby and reassured her of his trust,I genuinely feel like he’s been nothing but upfront with the group abouteverything including all that’s been going down with him and his kingdom—bothsides of it.

If Ironwood was shown to be shady as well then I could’ve easily bought into theheroes doing the same thing with him because then their actions would’ve beenreasonable. If Ironwood was the same man he was shown to be back in V2 and was shown to be withholding important information from our heroes especially when they asked him vital questions in need of clarification, similar to how Oz had done with them, then I could’ve gotten behind our heroes taking that mindful approach.

However, this isn’t what I’ve seen from the show’s execution. Instead I’m seeingIronwood behaving pretty trustworthy while the heroes are the ones beingdeceitful and it all feels so very wrong on the heroes’ part. Especially when you have some of them behaving that they were right in keeping secrets from James. What especially bothered me a little was what Qrow told Ruby in the recent CH4.

“I’m trying to do what I think is best but…I really can’t tell if what’sbest is what’s right or if I’m no different from Oz”

Then is an excellent question for Ruby to ask of herself. It’s great because it highlights that she’s taken into consideration what her teammates have toldher—particularly Oscar. It shows that Oscar’s questioning of her actions mimicking Ozpin’s has weighed on her mind-set. So I’m pleased with this frame of thinking from Ruby. However, this moment is short-lived for me by what Qrow says next in response to Ruby’s statement.

“…Ruby, Oz only trusted himself with the whole truth. You’re trusting others, making sure they prove themselves first. I think that’s a pretty big difference.”

…Okay….One thing admittedly right about that statement, yes. Yes; Oz did only trust himself with the whole truth. That is indeed correct. But, there’s also some clear wrong in that statement as well.

Qrow…I get that you’re probably still very, very upset that Oz deceived you and hurt you on a personal level. However, what I am in completely disbelief of is—how could Qrow say that Ruby is no different than Oz because she trusts in others, making sure that they prove themselves worthy of her trust before giving the whole truth?

I’m sorry…WHAT! But…but…Qrow; how can YOU of all people say that with a straight face? How can you remotely imply that at all? Especially the line about Oz only trusting himself and putting his faith in those he believes trustworthy. I’m sorry but that line comes off like utter rubbish to my ears.

Qrow Branwen—you are a living, breathing exemplar of earning Ozpin’s trust. Oz trusted you! He trusted James. He trusted Glynda. He trusted LeonardoLionheart. The entire Inner Circle of Oz only exists because Oz decided to place his trust in a handful of people he deemed worthy of knowing the truth.

While he kept the main truth about Salem’s immortality to himself; that doesn’t erase the fact that he trusted his Inner Circle with everything else. The Maidens. The Relics. Even his own immortality curse and reincarnation cycle. Oz told it all to this particular small group of people because he believed he could trust in them. Oz believed in the integrity of ALL members of his Inner Circle because he trusted each and everyone of them….EVEN when they stab him in the back. Right V2 Ironwood? Right Lionheart?

He even believed in Team STRQ! I’m actually curious to know how muchdid this team know about the truth. We know he trusted Raven and Qrow byturning them into birds with his magic. So I’m curious to know if Summer andTai were also fully aware of ¾ of the truth that Oz trusted his main peoplewith. I’m assuming they did and they kept it as part of their secrets as well.

Speaking of—Qrow, are you forgetting that you also helped Oz keep and uphold some of those secrets?  He entrusted you with ¾ of the whole truth and you’ve been sitting on it as well as your own secrets that you were keeping from your family; particularly your young nieces.

In a nutshell, Qrow’s statement to Ruby further highlight’s the hero’s hypocrisywith Oz. For me, this line didn’t serve to debunk the fact that Ruby is turningto Oz. It only embellished it for me. It affirmed it.

Ruby is indeed turning into Oz and what’s sad is that Qrow, her own beloved uncle and mentor figure, is oblivious to this fact because he’s currently too blinded by both his sustained resentment towards Oz and his love for his niece.  

And it’s pretty much the same for everyone else. Weiss and Blake are pretty complacent with following Ruby’s lead and backing her up on her actions with Ironwood. Yang shows uncertainty but is otherwise complacent too. We still don’t know how Jaune, Nora and Ren feel in regards to this. I’d actually like to hear them weigh in their thoughts on Oz and Ruby’s actions towards James. But I’mconcerned we might not get that since, as evidenced by the PLOT, I think it’spretty clear who are the key drivers of this subplot for V7.

I feel like it’s going to be mostly our veteran Rosebuds—Ruby and Oscar—presenting the two differing sides of this subplot with deceiving Ironwood and I feel like Oz’s reconciliation is prevalent on the results of it.

My theory is that Oscar will be the key to jumpstarting the path to Oz’s reconciliation with the team.

Moreover, I feel like Oscar is going to need Ruby’s support in vouchingfor Oz with the rest of the team; especially with Qrow and possibly Yang and Jaune.

Since the running thing is that most of the hero team follow Ruby’s leadership, I think it can be safe to say that so long as Ruby still shows uncertainty with Oz, it’s going to be mirrored by the others. I think if Oscar gets Oz to come back fromhis isolation in his mind and then gains Ruby’s full trust by helping see thewrong in what she’s doing now by doing the exact thing Oz did while alsohelping her to understand where Oz was coming from.

The only person I think this isn’t go to win over is Qrow. At least, I think Qrow might end up needing more time to work out whatever is going on with him before he can “forgive Oz” since his anger towards him is all wrapped up in his issues with himself and his semblance which encompasses his entire life thus far basically. 

Before, Qrow looked to Oz for validation in the good that he was doing which was why the revelation hit him harder than anyone else. So until Qrow works out his inner skeletons, I think he’ll still be resistant to facing Oz again. Thisseason teased Qrow sharing good “comradery” with Clover. I’m curious to seewhere that will go and whether or not it will lead into Qrow dishing out somedetails on what his past was like with Oz back when he met him as a student ofBeacon.

As a matter of fact, I’m intrigued by any info regarding what Oz’s relationship was like with all the members of his Inner Circle since I believe it can lend to Oscar’s turn with the Merge. 

Like I have a Tin Solider headcanon that Ironwood has actually known Oz from since back when he used to be old self—meaning the man I’ll dub Zoroaster Ozpin, nicknamed ‘Zo’ for short BEFORE he became the man we know as Professor Ozpin.

We know who Oz is but…who was Oz before he became Oz? Who was Zo and did Ironwood know him personally?

Ironwood’s remark to Oscar about Oz’s disappearance not being normal definitely gave me that impression. I think it could be pretty cool if one of Oz’s closest known allies actually knew him before and after the Merge. It could help shed some much needed perspective for Oscar on what the Merge entails for him especially if he heard it from the mouth of someone who knew Oz closely for basically two lifetimes? I’d really love to see something like that done for the canon.  

But that’s only my hunch.

I’d honestly wish to discuss more on this subject since there is surprisingly more I can say about this. However this is getting a little too long for a simple response post. Just another day, am I right? XD So I’m going to end it right here.

I know you didn’t really ask me a question Miki-chan but I still wanted to provide my take on the subject matter you presented and I hope you enjoyed reading it. Feel free to answer or inbox me another message if you’d like as always ^u^)b Peace!

~LittleMissSquiggles (2019)