#aik-is-tired

[partydummyy]

Couldn’t get the idea out of my head (i didn’t have the motivations to add a proper background)

It’s currently past midnight and I can’t sleep

[potchi-fics]

Sundo | part two of 8 ball

⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆

sundô. imagine being so tired from studying, from using your brain so much that you just feel like collapsing. but you remember that at the end of the day, someone's waiting-- waiting for you. a simple gesture yet it makes you feel so many things all at once: happiness, excitement, comfort... and wonder.

NOTE: sundo means to fetch someone from somewhere.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆

Y/n leans back on the chair she has been sitting on for hours now. she checks her phone and she sees that it's 5:59 pm. she got too busy with academic work, she always wants to finish her projects as soon as possible because she doesn't like procrastinating.

she sighs through her nose, holding the bridge of her nose, she's so tired. even her ears hurt from the hours of wearing her headphones.

and of course, her friends are studying alongside with her... but they all fell asleep. thankfully, though, they got their work done.

"wake up," she gently shakes Aiki, who whined and shooed her away. she moved on to Monika who woke up with just a nudge. "Noze, it's almost time to go home."

"god," Noze cracks her back, "my whole body hurts. good thing we don't have any classes for two days."

"you're goddamn right about that. somebody wake Aiki up." Monika groans out in defeat.

Y/n tries again, "Aiks, c'mon, it's time to go home."

the three struggled to contain their laughter once they see Aiki's state: drool all over her cheek and table, and the thousand-yard stare.

"aw gross, wipe your face, Aiks." Noze hands her wet wipes.

Y/n struggled even more when Monika showed her the picture she took of Aiki when she woke her up. she looks like a toddler who just woke up.

"is it time to go home? what time is it?" Aiki groggily asks.

she was about to tell her when something caught her eye; a text message from Bada. it read:

"what time's ur dismissal?"

it was sent four minutes ago. she texts back:

"6:30, whyy?"

she didn't get to put down her phone because it buzzed. it's a reply from her:

"i'll come and fetch u. where r u?"

Y/n's weirdly excited about this? and also a tiny bit nervous? nevertheless, she replied:

"library with my friendsss."

and she waits. she can't even stay still, and the other notice it.

"jesus, can you stop with the pen clicking?" Monika complains.

Y/n mutters out a soft sorry.

Noze looks at her with a funny expression, "who were you texting?"

a beat passes before she says Bada's name.

the trio have their what-the-hell faces on. before she could defend herself, they already started teasing her relentlessly; saying things like she's excited to see Bada, or that they were gonna go on a date.

"guys," she starts, "it's not a date and why would i be nervous? it's Bada." she rolls her eyes. "i could squeeze that punk easily."

but she is nervous. she doesn't know why. is it because of what happened at that billiards place? why did she even do that in the first place.

time seems to really pass by because six-thirty comes and they start tidying their place. making silent conversation. they come out of the library and see someone squatted down.

it's her.

Y/n thinks-- god, she's so handsome and pretty, she's not even doing anything. she malfunctions because she did not just think that? that is so not Y/n coded of her, she adds.

her friend's loud voice caught their attention, "hey, Bada!"

"yo," Bada stands up, looking at Y/n. "are you guys done? can i steal her away from you now?"

Y/n could only roll her eyes, "what do you mean by steal me away? as if i would let myself be taken."

"so grumpy," Bada tease, "careful now, you look like that one angry bird."

"well, in that case, i'm a pretty angry bird." she retaliates.

her enemy pats her head, "sure, sure.. let's go. bye guys!"

the trio shakes their head, even walking, the two seems to fight. they witness how Bada tries to carry Y/n's things but she wouldn't let her. however, eventually, Y/n gives in and gives Bada her things.

bada opens her car door for Y/n, receiving a soft thank you from the girl. she puts the things in the backseat and finally enters the drivers seat.

"you hungry?" she asks.

Y/n nods, too tired to talk. she closes her eyes and feel the car start up, she assumes that Bada knows a place.

during the car ride, comfortable silence envelops the pair. it continues that way not until she feels a hand on her thigh. Y/n opens her eyes and her gaze fell on the hand that is on her thigh.

Bada couldn't resist-- she caresses her thigh, rubbing circles on it, even slightly moving it up. she notices that the girl's breath is uneven. she thinks about removing it when a hand stops her.

the tension, even before what happened at the pool table, got so much thicker. it's so thick that they feel like suffocating.

sadly, they arrive at the place they're gonna eat at.

"c'mon, we're here." Bada parks the car.

they both thought the same thing: pussy blocker.

they go in the restaurant and order, wherein Bada insists that she treats her. of course, Y/n tries to pay for her own food but Bada is stubborn gal.

they take a sit once they get their order and start eating. surprisingly, their conversation is easy-going.

"so, what made you fetch me today? missed me that much?" Y/n asks with her mouth full of food.

Bada chuckles at the cute sight, "you're delusional. i just wanted to annoy you."

"oh, trust me," she answers in a grumble, "you're annoying me so much."

"is that why we're enemies?" Bada cackles out. "'cus i'm annoying? you didn't find me annoying back in middle school, though."

yes. they're childhood friends- err, childhood enemies. they're one of those typical rivals where they grew up together. they just haven't told anyone, but not because they don't want to, but because it wasn't just brought up until now.

she pouts out, "i wouldn't say enemies.. but yeah."

a loud laughs emits from the person in front of her again, can't believe the reason.

"stop laughing," Y/n gigges, "it's not funny. i'm just glad i don't have any classes, i'm so tired. and hungry."

Bada watches her with a smile, even though the girl in front of her is stuffing her face with food-- Bada still thinks that she's beautiful.

"stop ogling at me, i know i'm pretty and all," she flutters her eyelashes at her, "are you falling in love with me?"

"you sound so stupid." this time, it was Bada's turn to roll her eyes. "say, you wanna come over to my house after this?"

Y/n makes a playful shock face, "oh my? and you say you're not falling in love with me? but yes."

Bada feels like she's on cloud nine. what is wrong with her?

they finish their meal and she checks the time. it's seven-forty. they exit the place and Y/n complains about being so bloated now. to which Bada teased her by saying that she's always bloated.

banter ensues, even all the way to Bada's house, they're still bickering like children.

time check: eight-twenty-three.

ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻ੈ✩‧₊˚

should i make the next part smut? or continue with fluff

૮₍ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ₎ა

[romanticizingzindagi]

and i feel tired and everything feels heavy, and I long for your voice, and I want nothing but for time to slow down, for an autumn in your city and for a sham-e-ferozan with aik cup chai, as I ask you,"How was your day? "

[alexbkrieger13]

https://www.fotbollskanalen.se/svenska-cupen-1/sallstrom-om-stodet-och-kritiken-man-kan-stotta-sitt-lag-och-anda-bete-sig/

Sällström on the support and criticism: "You can support your team and still behave"

When Vittsjö met IFK Göteborg in the Swedish Cup, some of the supporters shouted disparaging words linked to the players' gender - which caused Linda Sällström to react. Now the Vittsjö player talks about the aftermath and the support from supporters. - They are also tired of it, she says to the Football Channel.

Last Saturday, Vittsjö won 5-0 over IFK Göteborg in the first round of the Swedish Cup.

During the match, some people who stood with Blåvitt's cheerleaders are said to have shouted derogatory words linked to the players' gender.

After the match, Vittsjö's Linda Sällström had had enough and chose to confront the people in question. In the television broadcast, Sällström was seen running up to the stands immediately after the final signal.

- I was most pissed off and shocked that people behave this way. That was my first reaction, what goes through the heads of people who shout such words and use such language, says Sällström to Fotbollskanalen.

She elaborates:

- They were provoked by me even approaching and started shouting. There was no constructive discussion and one of the people waving a supporter flag started pulling it over my head and in my face. As it continued, I grabbed the flag. It became a sort of tug-of-war and it might have gone on for a little too long.

On Saturday afternoon, Linda Sällström and Hanna Ekengren went out in each post on Instagram where they described their experiences. Sällström wrote, among other things, that:

"Yesterday was International Women's Day, today we had to listen to misogynistic slurs and verbal harassment for 90+ minutes".

Later on Saturday and into Sunday, a debate flared up, especially on Platform X. People who had been there and cheered on their team felt that the focus was on the wrong thing. 

" I don't share the image of inappropriate things being shouted throughout the match. It feels sad that the good things that are done in the stands for IFK Gothenburg's women's team are being overshadowed. For 90+ minutes, blue and white chants were sung without expletives to support our team, because it is the focus for most of us, " writes a Blåvitt supporter to the Football Channel.

AIK player Adelisa Grabus shared her thoughts on X:

"One day you want supporters in place, others you don't. The fact that a few individuals behave like trash shouldn't affect those who put their heart into making women's football grow."

IFK Gothenburg's club director Håkan Mild was present at the match. In an interview with Fotbollskanalen, he said that he did not hear any swear words during the match, but that the club has started an investigation to find out what happened.

- In retrospect, I have learned that those who shouted are not part of the real supporters. But if the others (supporters) hear such language and do not accept it either, then what is stopping them from intervening or fetching the security guard if it does not agree with their values ​​and values, says Sällström.

According to a supporter who was present, the people who disparaged the players had been told off.

There are those who believe that you have to count with things like this if you want to have an audience at the matches and that it is everyday in men's football, what do you think about that? - Those are the arguments that some have used. That the men have to put up with a lot more and that we shouldn't whine. But it's not okay to shout like that there either. I don't think you should behave like that anywhere.

Where do you think the line is for what a player should accept from the stands? - You can be critical and you can shout and boo and everything like that. I understand that it belongs to that, and that's not what it's about. But that's when there are crude verbal attacks. It doesn't feel like you should have to choose between discrimination and having supporters in place. You can support your team and still behave, says Sällström.

In the aftermath, Vittsjö issued a statement. On their website they write, among other things, that:

"The association stands behind our players' statement and actions regarding this incident. We must all stand united in improving the climate in the stands. Supporter culture is something fantastic that we need. But at the same time, there are many terrible things that happen in the stands that must go away."

Sällström says that, in addition to her club, she has received support from supporters. Among others from supporters of IFK Gothenburg.

- The opinion I have is that it was very welcome that I brought it up and there are many who think it is important that players also bring this up. Supporters from various clubs have contacted us and feel that there is sometimes a very bad atmosphere or bad language and behavior in the stands. They are also tired of it and would like to see a change there.

[fastenwick]

Wick's Invader Zim characters meeting Wick's other OCs: Part One

Bolt (young Aik Membrane) meets Sal Quinton

(Ft @aik-membrane 's young alt, and mentions of @ukagaka-zim )

Two characters are put in a nearly empty room. No doors, windows, or decor. Just two chairs, a table with food, and a note. The note reads "Enjoy your time together." The food products are lemon slices, airhead candy, carrot sticks, cookies, and glasses of lemonade.

Even though this isn't an IZ character meeting the character that inspired them, it is still an IZ character meeting someone random, and the IZ character appeared first.

Bolt, also known as the 15 year old alt of Aik Membrane, popped into existence. He was wearing his brown jacket, his purple and orange earrings, striped shirt, and his fake skin over his robotic arm. His hair was still dyed red and cut short, and he wore blue contact lenses, so he looked nothing like a Membrane.

He had been having a ton of weird dreams and mindscape incidents lately, so he wasn't phased by this setting in the slightest. He just tucked his hands into his pockets and sat down in a chair, soon noticing the note and choosing to ignore it. He leaned his head back with a bored sigh. He felt eyes, so he was on edge.

And then suddenly, he wasn't alone. A kid only a year older than Bolt spawned in, short black hair, brown eyes, and a dark blue hoodie pulled up over his head. Gray jeans, hands hidden in his pocket, and a complexion a bit darker than Bolt.

The new kid seemed tired upon arrival, looking around and then sitting with a sigh.

Bolt raised an eyebrow, looking the kid up and down. "You're not quite Dib? Or. Anyone I recognize."

The kid raised an eyebrow right back. "And?"

"It's unusual," Bolt clarified. "Most people I see in places like this are Dibs or Irkens."

The kid seemed more tired at Bolt's words.

Bolt shrugged.

"Are we the only ones here?" The kid asked.

"Yes and no. Someone is watching us, but I don't think they're…like us. On a different level, maybe. Maybe this is their head and they're just hiding," Bolt replied.

The kid shrugged. "Kay."

"So what's your name?"

The kid gave Bolt a suspicious look. "Sal. Yours?"

"... Bolt." It took a moment for Bolt to settle on which name to use. He had so many, plus he was going through an identity crisis.

"Mmkay." Sal nodded and leaned his head back in the chair.

Bolt shrugged and took a lemon slice to bite it with a straight face.

Sal raised an eyebrow. "Is that a lemon?"

"Yeah, why?" Bolt mentally prepared himself for a lecture about being weird.

"Do you not taste the sour or something?"

"It just doesn't bother me," Bolt said. And here it comes…

"Neat." Sal nodded.

Bolt blinked. That was a different response than he was used to from non-Dibs. He set the lemon aside and tilted his head, looking Sal up and down again.

Sal gave Bolt a weird look.

"Are you sure you're not a Dib?" Bolt asked.

"What's a Dib?"

"A person, Dib Membrane. There are several of them," Bolt explained, tilting his head upright again.

"My name is not Dib Membrane, so no," Sal replied.

"What's under your hood?" Bolt asked.

"...hair?" Sal seemed confused.

"Can I see?" Bolt asked.

Sal shrugged and let the hoodie slip off his head. No hair scythe.

"Huh." Bolt was baffled.

"It's Sal Quinton, I'm no Membrane. Never even heard of that name before." Sal took an airhead candy and bit it.

Bolt made a face. That was certainly odd. "Where are you from?"

"Michigan."

"No, I mean, what universe?"

Sal choked on the airhead. "Huh?"

"Fuck." Bolt realized that this might be an ordinary human who knew nothing about aliens or universes. "Disregard."

"What?"

"Nevermind."

"Geez, you're acting like you saw an alien or something, chill out," Sal huffed.

"Wellllll…" Bolt pressed his hands together.

Sal perked up. "Wait, have you seen aliens?"

"... wait, have you seen them?" Bolt seemed confused.

"Of course I have."

"So you ARE a Dib!"

"No, I'm not," Sal sighed. "I am just Sal."

"This is so weird…" Bolt was baffled again. "But you've seen Irkens?"

"What's an Irken?" Sal asked.

Bolt blinked. "It's. It's an alien."

"Oh, I haven't seen one of those. But I have seen many other kinds of aliens. My current pest is a Kiraq Agent," Sal said.

"I've never heard that," Bolt said.

"There's more than one kind of alien." Sal shrugged.

"I guess so." Bolt nodded.

"So what are Irkens like?" Sal asked.

"Green, pink bug eyes, antennae, there's different kinds. One of them has fluffy-ness, a tail, and freckles, most of them have four arms," Bolt explained. "Most of them are kind of meh, you're not missing out. I've met three nice ones out of… six."

Sal tilted his head. "Six of the same kind? Interesting."

"What's your pest like?"

"Eh, she's yellow, blue eyes, red tufts on her antennae, she wears red and gold, has four arms, and is just. The worst," Sal sighed.

"That bad? What happened? Let me guess, trying to take over the world?" Bolt chuckled.

"What? Why would she want to do that? No, she's here to retrieve alien tech even though it's impossible and will get her killed." Sal took a lemonade and sipped on it between replies.

"That's a new one. I'm familiar with two options, annoying alien trying to take over the world or annoying alien trying to control you and manipulate you, and for both options no one believes the main person fighting," Bolt explained.

"Yikes." Sal grimaced.

"It's not fun, yeah," Bolt nodded. "Currently having to put up with a Zim like this, it's bad."

"Good luck with him."

"Thanks? Good luck with your. Agent too."

"Thanks." Sal nodded.

Bolt nodded too, then tried to fidget discreetly with his hands. Too much energy.

"You okay?" Despite Bolt's hands being out of view of the kid, Sal noticed the fidgeting.

Bolt raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, why?"

Sal blinked and coughed. "No reason. Just checking."

Bolt gave Sal a suspicious look, leaning forward.

Sal pressed himself against the back of the seat. "What?"

Bolt narrowed his eyes. "You're hiding something."

"I am not," Sal huffed.

"Yes you are, and you'd better tell me before I have no choice but to gut you," Bolt warned.

Sal choked on the lemonade. "The hell??? Are you threatening me???"

"Basically."

"That's not very nice."

"Neither is keeping secrets. Now out with it," Bolt said.

"How do I know I can trust you? You're threatening me and now acting weird. You want my secrets, act nicer." Sal narrowed his eyes at Bolt.

Bolt rolled his eyes. "Mmph fine."

"Better." Sal nodded. "I'm guessing you don't get out much."

"Hey!"

Sal snorted. "It's obvious, kid."

"I am NOT a kid."

"We're both kids, get over it." Sal sipped his lemonade again.

Bolt huffed and crossed his arms.

"You're stuck with me, might as well lighten up a bit. It's not like I'm going to hurt you or anything," Sal said.

"You wouldn't be able to hurt me, I'd kick your ass," Bolt said.

"Oh yeah? Good for you." Sal chuckled. He didn't believe it.

Bolt didn't see the point in debating it, even though he knew Sal didn't believe him. There wasn't any room for a spar in here, and he doubted Sal would want to do it anyway. He just rolled his eyes and munched another lemon slice, rind and all.

Sal nibbled on carrot sticks, silent for a moment before coming up with a question. "So what's your family like?"

Bolt coughed slightly on the lemon. "Uh, good. I have a good brother."

"Oh nice, same." Sal just nodded.

"Yeah?"

"My twin, Lee."

Bolt blinked. "... your names are Sal and Lee?" He snorted.

Sal sighed. "Yes, my parents wanted to name their first born after my mom's mom, my late grandma, Sally Brady. But when they got twin boys instead of a girl, they decided to split the name Sally between us, so Sal and Lee."

"And I thought my name was bad," Bolt chuckled.

"Eh, shut up." Sal snorted.

Bolt stuck out his tongue teasingly at Sal.

Sal snickered. "Yes yes, cute, whatever."

"Hey I am NOT cute!"

Sal laughed. Bolt rolled his eyes.

"Geez, it's nice to not have to worry about an alien following me," Sal chuckled.

"Tell me about it…" Bolt sighed.

"Oof, you too?"

"Yep." Bolt nodded.

"Poor us…" Sal shook his head.

A dart whizzed through the room, a note on it. Before Bolt could react, a robotic tentacle with four sharp prongs at the end shot out of Sal's shoulder and snatched the dart out of thin air.

Sal grew pale. Bolt's eyes widened.

"THAT'S what you were hiding?!" Bolt gasped.

"Uhhhh wow, look at this note!" The tentacle retraced into Sal's shoulder and Sal took the dart into his hand. "Look, there's a note! Say your goodbyes, you'll be going home soon."

"Nah nah nah, you don't get out of this that easily!" Bolt tried to tackle Sal.

Sal dodged. "Welp, can't ignore the note! Byeeeeee!"

Bolt yelped. "No fair, I'm not saying goodbye to you yet! Get back here!"

Unfortunately for Bolt but lucky for Sal, they were suddenly both returned to their own worlds and lives.

[aik-membrane]

OOC: Heart-Aik: Aik Membrane's Prequel

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Ft mentions of @ambassador-d1b

<March 3rd, 2010>

It was now late morning. The next day after Percy's death and Aik's escape. Aik hadn't moved from where he collapsed from exhaustion, still deeply asleep.

Unfortunately, he hadn't heard someone join him in the attic. A man was looking at Aik, trying to figure out if the boy was dead. The man opted to poke Aik's forehead.

Aik stirred, blinking awake and registering he wasn't alone. He sat up suddenly and grabbed his knife.

"Woah woah, TwoBit!" A familiar voice stepped back quickly, the man raised his hands.

Aik stood up, brandishing the knife at the man. Then the boy quickly recognized him. "What the. Toothpick??"

"Yeah, you got me."

Aik breathed a heavy sigh of relief. Just an ex fighter, one he knew he could beat if he needed. He sat back down, lowering the knife. "You scared the shit out of me…"

"You scared the shit out of ME!" Toothpick retaliated. "I thought you were dead or something."

"No, just tired." Aik rubbed his face with his organic hand.

"What are you doing here?"

"Running," Aik sighed.

Toothpick frowned. "What do you mean running? Where's your Pop?"

Right, most people knew Percy as his Pop… "Percy? He's dead. The killers are after me next," Aik lied without even thinking twice about it.

"Oh shit." Toothpick seemed shocked. "Who did it?"

"Some guy named Red, I think…" Aik sighed again. "I don't know, I don't understand it really."

Toothpick thought for a moment. "How long have you been running?"

"All night, give or take?" Aik shrugged.

"Eesh, alright kid, you're gonna come to my house for a bit, at least to rest for the day and get a decent breakfast," Toothpick said.

"... what, why?" Aik raised an eyebrow.

"Well, you kicking my ass made me realize I wasn't cut out for fighting. So I owe you a favor," Toothpick said.

Aik made a face. That sounded cheesy and ridiculous.

"What?" Toothpick asked.

"So you did drop out of the industry?"

"Not entirely. I own the fight ring here in the building," Toothpick said.

"Ohhh, so you got an upgrade." Aik nodded. That at least made a tiny bit more sense.

"Yep."

Aik sighed. He still didn't understand Toothpick's reasons for wanting to help him. But he needed the help, and he knew he could fold Toothpick like a napkin if he needed to. "Alright, okay, I'll accept your help."

Toothpick nodded with a grin and led Aik out of the attic and down some stairs. There were fighters gathering and Toothpick told them all to go home.

Aik just kind of ignored the dirty looks some fighters gave him, blaming the early closing of the ring on him. It was technically his fault, but he didn't care.

After a quick car ride, Toothpick and Aik were outside of Toothpick's house. It looked surprisingly decent.

"This is where you live?" Aik asked.

"Yep." Toothpick exited the car, shifting through his keys to find the one for the front door.

Aik quietly followed Toothpick up to the house and inside. It seemed so normal there, blandly so. Aik made a mental note on how to not have his place look when he got one.

"This room is where you can sleep if you need to." Toothpick pointed to a door.

"I'm not tired," Aik lied. He was tired, but not the kind of tired that needed sleep, especially with people he didn't fully trust around.

"Fair enough. You look around, I'll make us both something to eat after I make a few phone calls." Toothpick gave Aik's shoulder a light bump with his fist and went into the other room.

Aik blinked, confused. Well at least Toothpick seemed to trust him not to knick anything. Not that Aik intended to, as long as Toothpick didn't try anything on him.

Aik just looked around the house, making note of where all the important rooms seemed to be. Bathroom, living room, bedrooms, kitchen. He paused once he found the kitchen.

For some reason, Aik thought it would be a good idea to get a head start on cooking even though he had never kicked once before. He had watched Percy cook a few times.

Aik went to the fridge and found some eggs. He brought them to the stove and studied it. Gas stove, he could turn that on. He found a pan and put it on the stove.

"Well how hard can this be," Aik said to himself, taking an egg. He carefully tried breaking it in the pan with his hands. He flinched slightly as the shell cracked.

The egg landed in the pan, no shell, by some miracle. The yolk had broken but Aik didn't really care.

Aik pumped his fist and turned on the stove. Scrambled egg wasn't so bad for the first try. He grabbed something to mix with and stirred the egg while it cooked. But he quickly realized something was missing when the egg stuck to the pan too much.

"Shit, didn't Percy use butter or oil?" Aik turned off the stove and went on a hunt for another ingredient. Toothpick seemed to be out of butter, but Aik did find a big plastic bottle of oil.

Aik scraped the pan into the trash, added some oil, and then went to crack a new egg. But his robotic arm twitched at a bad time and half of the egg and shell ended up on his face. The other half was in the pan.

Aik grumbled, wiping his face off with a paper towel. He didn't realize Toothpick was watching him now, he was too focused on his task.

Aik cleaned the pan and went to try again, but in his frustration got oil on his robotic arm. "Damn it…" Aik kept his oil soaked hand far away from the stove. "Wait, should the stove be on first?" He turned on the stove with his flesh hand and grabbed an egg with his robotic hand.

His robotic hand immediately popped the egg.

Toothpick snorted. Aik gasped in surprise and whirled around, the oil on his arm touching the flames of the stove and lighting up his robotic arm.

"Are you kidding me?!" Aik huffed.

Toothpick burst out laughing. "Hang on, let me get the baking soda!"

Aik grumbled and grabbed a rag to smother the fire while Toothpick doused it in baking soda. It was out before too long, Aik's arm wasn't very flammable anyway.

"Sorry, I'll replace the eggs…" Aik muttered, mortified and frustrated.

"Don't worry about it, kid, they were gonna expire soon anyway," Toothpick chuckled. "How about I teach you how to make eggs instead?"

Aik pulled his hood over his head as an attempt to hide his face and how uncomfortable he was. "Sure…" He sighed.

Toothpick got a clean pan and a much more reasonable amount of oil in it. "Do you want to talk about Percy?"

"Not really," Aik said, watching Toothpick.

"What do you plan to do now?" Toothpick asked, taking his time making the eggs to show Aik how to do it.

"I don't know, continue in fight rings I guess…"

"That's no life for you, kid. Take my advice, get work elsewhere."

"I wouldn't know where to look," Aik sighed.

"I do. Actually. I have a contact who would be interested in someone like you. He's called Boss. He treats his employees very well," Toothpick explained.

"Boss?" Aik was skeptical.

Toothpick nodded, putting the finishing touches on the eggs. "Since I'm now off today, maybe I can take you down to meet him?"

"I. Uh. Maybe."

"Sounds like a plan. Ha, maybe I should call you Two Egg instead," Toothpick joked.

"You do that and I call you Weak Punch," Aik retorted.

"Failed Chef."

"Twig man."

"Fire arm."

"Dentist's worst nightmare."

Toothpick laughed.

Aik smiled slightly. He was feeling better about the whole egg mishap now.

"Okay okay, come on TwoBit, eggs are done." Toothpick led Aik over to the table with two plates of scrambled eggs.

The two of them ate pretty quietly, and Aik's mind wandered. He thought over the events of the past 24 hours, and he let out a silent hope that Kayla and her family would be okay, and the rest of the cult.

And then he focused his mind on Dib. He was the focus and he try not to worry about people he'd never see again. He'd think of them occasionally.

It wouldn't be until 2023 that Aik found out how Kayla and her family did after the cult. As soon as they were no longer needed for legal procedures, the Shepherds divided up the rest of Percy's funds among the cult members and everyone relocated far away.

Kayla got to live a fairly normal life following the cult, her family moved far enough away that no one recognized her from the news and her parents were able to get decent jobs.

She grew up, got married to a nice woman, and they adopted a kid together. But she never forgot her friend, Red Shadow.

[magdasabs]

My pleasure and kinda "duty" to tell about fun stuff as a long time Sweden fan ;)

Ok so this was before Julia had met Emma and before she'd signed for then Kopparbergs/Göteborg (the team later became part of Häcken when the club took them in). I think she was the only one left who played for a Stockholm based team. Nattis, Ippe, Anna Oscarsson and Tove Almqvist played for other clubs than AIK, Djurgården and Hammarby. Tove definitely did, she played in Linköping with Magda, Pernille, Frido and Stina among her team mates and then she went to Vittsjö. Ippe left Hammarby for Linköping after season 2017 and Julia left for Gothenburg in the summer transfer window 2018 (yes I googled it lol). So it was probably within this time frame their little travel mishap transpired. It also fits with when Instagram started with stories in 2016. This group was in the 2015 U19 Euro squad that won the gold and they were good friends already then. But it can't have been before 2016 because their little incident was shared in insta stories.

The four of them visited Julia in Stockholm (Johanna wasn't there, probably had a league game or something and Tove's best friend Stina wasn't even in Sweden). They'd went with Ippe to buy a new iPhone. Someone shared a story when they were on the subway train and Ippe unpacked her new phone. She made a huge deal of it of course lmao and was over excited. I kid you not, it was like "Omg omg omg!" and shrieks of excitement and joy from her. Tove sat next to Ippe and almost cried from laughter.

A while later Anna shared a story when they were at a platform and waited for the subway train. It was outdoors and I recognised it as the station Globen near the Globe arena (now named Avicii arena). They were laughing so much they bent forward and held their stomaches. All but Nattis who wasn't the least amused. She could be seen in the background standing with her arms crossed and a annoyed look on her face like "I'm so fucking tired of this bullshit".

Anna could barely speak when she asked Tove to come help her tell what had happened. And what had happened was they'd somehow managed to get on the right subway train - heading in the wrong direction. They didn't notice they were heading in the wrong direction for fifteen (15) minutes. They'd passed several stations before anyone reacted. The most hilarious is that everyone but Tove had lived and played in Stockholm for several years and had just very recently left for other clubs. Julia even still lived and played in Stockholm! As someone who doesn't live in Stockholm but has been there much, I can tell you it's fairly easy to find your way around the subway map in comparison to London where I've also visited.

When their subway train, this time in the right direction lmao, arrived Anna said "Idiots on world tour" about them. It became very fitting as this group went on vacations together regularly for a couple of years. Some were in the U23 national team and naturally got to travel to other countries together that way. Once Anna posted a story when she and Tove were at a player hotel. They were in a public area like the hotel lobby or near the dining room. Anna filmed Tove when she made a kick forward. Her flip flop flew through the air and almost hit one of the Dutch U23 players. Whoops. In a added story Anna had frozen the footage and zoomed in on Tove's face when she followed the flight of her flip flop towards the Dutchies. She did a funny caption to it but I don't remember what. Tove's face was priceless anyway as she watched her flip flop in horror. Of course the two of them broke down in fits of laughter afterwards.

Others have been called up to the senior national team for looks in training games or for competitive games and championships. At one camp Ippe was Anna's roomie. They were chilling in their hotel room laying on their beds. Anna checked her phone. An apparently very bored Ippe posted a story when she first had her back towards Anna. The collar of her Sweden training jacket covered half her face so you could only see her eyes. Then she quickly turned around and hit Anna hard on the arm or leg. Anna exclaimed "Ouch! Cut it out Filippa!" and hit Ippe back on her leg but stopped herself halfway so she wouldn't hit her full force. Then she returned to checking her phone and Ippe rolled back so she was turned away from Anna again. Still with the collar covering half her face. Through all of this Ippe didn't utter a sound. Didn't laugh, didn't giggle and didn't say anything. She just got an idea to film when she was being a little shit to Anna and wanted to do something eh creative.

The members of the Idiots on world tour have changed slightly it seems but the core group is the same. I think last time they as a big group of friends went on a December vacation after season was in 2019. Julia had met Emma, Anna hadn't met Matilda, Elena hadn't met Benni, Ippe had met Megan, Nattis was either single or with that male Djurgården ice hockey player, Stina was probably single as she had still to meet her bf whom she met after she'd moved to Gothenburg and she didn't move there until 2020.

And now with this recent boat ride the Idiots are on world tour again. Some of them will get to travel half way around the the world in less than one months time when Sweden fly out to the base camp in Wellington, NZ.

Thank you for taking the time to share all of that! It's really cool that you remember it

[parudxjahaan]

First Save (Chapter 2)

"Par sir, mujhe nahi lagta in dono ko kuch bhi aisa pata hoga, joh humari madat kar sake"

"Saamp chetavni dekar nahi aata, aata hai aur das jata hai" Rudra said, before starting to follow Nandu and Paro, and Aman tagged along

Paro and Nandu made it to one of their well-known sellers and started looking for clothes and jewelry. Nandu placed one of the golden and red earrings she had just selected onto Paro's ear to check how it looked

"Baraat main ye pehen le toh?" Nandu suggested, and Paro took the earring from her hand to look at it, she smiled. It indeed was gorgeous, but it was out of their range 

Stepping into the same shop as Nandu and Paro, Rudra spotted Paro's expression changing from admiration to disappointment, in one glance, and he unknowingly started staring at her

Thinking of its price, Paro placed it back on the shelf and sighed in disappointment. She knew she couldn't afford different earrings for every event, but she was the bride and wanted to wear all the nice things.

"Kya hua, tuje pasand nahi aaye kya?" Nandu asked, to which Paro smiled and said

"Nahi, pasand toh aya, bohut sundar hai, par tujhe pata hai na ke sundarta ka matlab mehenga bhi hota hai?" Paro reminded her

"Haan par biya toh aik hi baar hota hai na, tu kharid, Thakursa ne bola hai na who kharcha uthayenge har cheez ka. Main toh har din naya joda aur naye gehne pehnungi" Nandu said, excited

Paro thought for some time, maybe Nandu was right. You only marry once, so you deserve it;  thinking about that, Paro grabbed the earrings again and went closer to the lehenga section

"Sir, mujhe nahi lagta yahan se kuch mile ga, time zaya ho raha hai" Aman said, and was hoping for Rudra to step back outside any second, but in reply, he said

"Nahi, inhone abhi apne Thakursa ke baare main kuch bola tha na, zaroor kuch na kuch toh janti hongi" Rudra mentioned, and then went closer to the two girls

"Ruko!" Rudra said in his usual arrogant and low-pitched tone, startling the two ladies, who stepped back seeing the BSD logos again.

"Thakursa? Ye kon hai?" Rudra questions Paro, who looks down at the floor, breathing heavily

"Tujhse baat kar raha hun, mujhe dekh kar jawab de" Rudra tells her, but she doesn't move her position or her head

"Humare thakursa hain, apko kya?" Nandu answers confidently, but as soon as Rudra looked at her, she faced the floor too

"Parvati bhaisa, idhar aayiye" The seller calls out, smiling at the two girls

"Kaisi hain, ab toh raat na guzar rahi hogi" He says, teasing her, but she remained unaffected, fixated in her position

The seller shows Paro some bridal designs, and asks her to select one, and she does, just wanting to get out of the shop now, to avoid the officers

Suddenly, a trusted informer of Tehjawat walks into the store, but immediately walks out, when he sees the BSD officers to informs Tehjawat

On the call, Tehjawat asks if they have any weapons with them, and the trusty replies with "Ji, banduke hain unke paas" The trusty said, and then rushes far from the shop 

Back inside, Paro is given a basket with her wedding gown, along with something she had to give to Tehjawat

This little detail caught Rudra's attention, and he told Aman, who agreed to go along with him as he had no other choice

The two girls, trying their best to avoid the officers leave the shop, but Rudra and Aman follow them, trying not to let them know

On their walk back to their home, a group of men meet Paro and Nandu in their car, offering them a ride

Although Paro was hesitant, she agreed as Nandu was tired and wanted to go away before the BSD officers followed them again

The two got onto the car, and patiently waited to get home, while Rudra and Aman followed them sneakily on their jeep

Not far into the ride, the men started touching the girls inappropriately, making them feel nervous and uncomfortable

When things became slightly worse, Nandu slapped one of the men who tried to touch her chest and was forcibly thrown off the car

Though she was safely rescued by the 2 officers after a few minutes, Paro was still stuck with those rascals, who were trying to snatch her wedding dress from her

"Teri been kahan hai?" Rudra questions Nandu, as Aman helps her get up, to which she replied with "Mare ko na pata, woh admi kon the, mari behen" hesitantly

Rudra asked again, a bit harshly this time, to which Nandu pointed in the direction of the car, and started crying again

While Aman tried to calm her down, Rudra rushed to follow the car, it couldn't have gone that far

Meanwhile, Paro was having a panic attack, it would be a sin if anything happened to her wedding dress, but she also had no power to fight with 4 men who were forcing themselves onto her

"Paro!" A deep voice called from behind the car. There he was, Parvati's Rudra, ready to save her for the first time. Although Paro was hesitant to trust Rudra, she had no choice as her people had betrayed her

Snatching the wedding gown from her arms, the men attempted to throw Paro off the car as well, but she clung to the edge of the car, ready to be caught by Rudra, who rushed to her

Grabbing Parvati by her waist, Rudra safely placed her onto the ground and the car rushed off again

However, Paro's lehenga was still in the car, with those men, and she needed it back. She started yelling at the car to stop, and suddenly a bullet passed from near her, aiming for the car's tire, puncturing it immediately

Grabbing Paro by the arm, Rudra started running towards the car as the theme song of 'Rangrasiya' played in the bg. 

While running, Rudra shoots on the other tire as well, so that the car could stop sooner and he would be able to reach the rascals

When the car could no longer go forward, the men started getting off the car, to run away from Rudra, as they knew he was from BSD. 

But Rudra is Rudra, he couldn't just let them escape, they had something regarding to Tehjawat, and he needed to know what that was

Releasing Paro's arm, he grabbed one of the men by the neck and started fighting them. It was an ugly sight for Paro, but she had to bear it. She tried to get her wedding lehenga back in the process

However, just as she was about to grab it, a man grabbed her shoulder and placed a knife on her neck. Hearing her screaming for help, Rudra left the man he was fighting against, and grabbed his gun once again

"Eh, banduk niche, goli chali na toh seedha nas kaat dalunga" The man threatened, but Rudra remained unaffected. He knew he won't let anything happen to her, but neither would he back down

He stepped closer, earning another threat from the man, another step closer and the man slightly pricked the knife into Paro's neck, who yelled in pain

Rudra stopped, seeing the blood and hearing her painful scream. He placed his gun on the floor and raised his hands, but when the man tried to grab the basket with Paro's lehenga, Rudra took advantage of this and pulled Parvati away from the man, grazing his hand from the knife in the process

Grabbing his gun again, he shoots the man's leg, so he can't run, and signals Paro to grab her basket. He then starts interrogating the man, but he doesn't say anything ... yet

Paro notices Rudra's wound but is too scared to help him, even though he just proved himself to her. Grabbing Paro by the arm again, Rudra took her back to the car, but they didn't have to walk too much before Aman reached there, along with 3 other officers.

"Tum sab wahan aage jao, wahan aik lafanga pada hua hai" Rudra informs them, and the rush there

Paro and Nandu hug and ask each other if they are fine, and then Aman started questioning them

"Isme aisa kya hai joh woh char pagal ho rahe the?" Aman asks, to which Nandu replies "Biya (wedding) dress"

Aman asks kiske biya ke liye" to which Nandu replies

"Iska. Mari behen Paro ka" Nandu replies, to which Rudra felt a sharp thorn in his chest and he made eye contact with her...

To Be Continued...

[partydummyy]

Some doodles I have been drawing due to the lack of creativity

Probably gonna delete this at some point

[seeraphina]

words | storefront church ft. phoebe bridgers

Three inches above the floor Man in a box wants to burn my soul And I'm tired, and I'm tired.

(https://youtu.be/aarNuzpdmU8?si=pd12OFPNQ--8-AiK)

[stuffminer]

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[libidomechanica]

“But whistle thou lourd deer, like an agony, across thee”

From of kiss of clay, lull’d Kilia,     ’ to whipt me fragment ere hole, ’ which can I guess; but this I     canna Southey pleasure poets straw into the way of     a starry yet. In a row above held hiss on the seats     unfeather’d from your tied

an aik, bonie and therefore may lived     some other too. So liuelier dread from autumn, big load. And     bowls, and a small crimson barrel wine; for fear: in waiting     ne’er the flee into name my palm dissembly wantonness:     a lawful bower in

no more grave its pacifier.     Then she is wealth, as foes. My draws two gifts, unknown, let out     the treasure. Maybe I am over the linger, ’ like     the Deva spring which is two of common-place. Toward there     the wine; for the ground him

taken—whether troth belongs! With     green rise, that ye mayst prefixed their like a celestial     ties, pursue them, soft feet of that cannot breath. Was before.     The made him in the enemy wife, you scarce against thou     and painted a good and

who stifled race. No, no, no, the     chief required to give to show it within his eyes; here, euen     by the met, nor river— thou comb it racks. A slave, but a     childishly? On the lay oft have forest day I dare not     half the mean time. Through his

Roman, t was admired away.     Would prove young birds free, I should give wilt, as three is never     winds, who in the visits hear trembling with your fine that     her veils mantle, or ere him the necessity comes, like     quarrels burst wide with higher

show his picked tune the other.     Don Juan was a true-telling tired, will I was call     tyrannic poesy, and such- like a bare. Now they are the portions     will or would our lived, by the old around, the can; and     sweet, nor ambitious, why

was they ravish’d? Above that day     overlook thought her fell from they have been true bear’s priestess!     But whistle thou lour’d deer, like an agony, across thee.     To and griefs to be riddle- aged and targe; rudders a     true Truth as I strike old

khan, who by the range, free: the kitchen     on all clouds and will let me grasses kick your old     damnation; her hearts of hell’s belongs! There, he common on springing:     and the gag even I—albeit I’m worse to escaped,     he wanton bleacher—

a winter witty could understand     thered, felt, who is though billow: now is a sudden     swelling but t is a sacrific: for Lycidas, and     Fate was late author to where with they rehead’s colours, to     save the until fair of

yourse he knew not return’s ignoranced     lips wand, bade him feel the Cumner gradual sleeping     greeting me tongues for that ole Ace doth Love, I can     tax my misfortune of old! And swift could beat back withstand     thus along me sleeping.

[amerasdreams]

When there are no reviews I assume people either haven't read it or they don't like it

Of course, when they do review and don't like it I don't have to assume. But then it makes me sad. So I would rather no review than a negative one. Especially when they say only negative things, point out flaws. Then I take those words to heart and believe I really am nothing even tho I hate what they say

[alexbkrieger13]

Ok, sorry I complained about the Swedish media. But this:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CztZOOGtx49/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Is the reality of Swedish women’s football. It’s the second team that I know this year, that are asking fans for help to balance their budget.

Therefore, I’m tired of big profile former players and genuine supporters of the women’s game, being so critical and negative of growth and larger crowds. If we don’t have that, there won’t be a professional league at all. Don’t people understand that?

There’s tradition in Sweden to have small clubs, on the men’s side too like Degerfors, Varberg. But for clubs like Vittsjö and Piteå to survive, we also need the ”big brands” like Hammarby, Häcken, hopefully some of AIK, DIF, Malmö FF soon too, to be successful and have large crowds. That then leads to sponsorship and Tv money being better for the whole league, which helps all teams. If you don’t have the big clubs it’s impossible to have the small ones in a professional setting. That’s the same on the men’s side.

That’s why I don’t like seeing those that care about the game more or less oppose the growth. The growth is necessary. Not optional. Growth = new groups of fans. We have to embrace that, not try to stop it. And clubs also at the same time need to be serious about security.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vittsjö GIK Hässleholm (@vittsjogikofcl)

[fastenwick]

Wick's IZ characters meet the OCs that inspired them: Part Three

Aik Membrane meets Aphyxi West

(@aik-membrane created in 2022, Aphyxi created in 2019

Ft mentions of @ambassador-d1b, @game-slavers , and @ukagaka-zim)

Two characters are put in a nearly empty room. No doors, windows, or decor. Just two chairs, a table with food, and a note. The note reads "Enjoy your time together." The food products are coffee beans, licorice, lemon slices, sunflower seeds, and milkshakes.

Once again, the Invader Zim character arrived first. Aik Membrane blinked and tilted his head. "This isn't my apartment."

His first thought was this was somebody's mindscape, but no one was there. He noticed the note and read it silently.

While Aik was reading, a teenager appeared. He wore a black leather jacket, jeans, and a white t-shirt with matching boots. All of the clothes looked well used but sturdy. The kid's hands were tucked into his pockets, he was very pale, like he had never seen the sun a day in his life, and had striking blue eyes with jet black hair that gave an uncomfortable contrast to his skin. He seemed tired upon arriving.

Aik looked the newcomer up and down to get a feel for him. "Hello."

"Who are you? What's up with your hair?"

"Ah, it's a phenomenon that no one in my family can really explain. The name is Aik Membrane, I presume you may have heard of me?" Aik offered.

"Nope." The kid shook his head.

"I'm not terribly surprised, considering where we are," Aik mused.

"And where are we?"

"Some sort of… black space between worlds I think. Either like a free space where people can come and go, as they please or as someone else pleases, or a magical space that's attached to no reality aside from the mind," Aik suggested.

"Sounds like the Void," the kid shrugged.

Aik got the feeling that what he knew as a void and what the kid knew as a void were entirely different. "What do you mean by void?"

"It's a place where you can send people, hold onto them and keep them out of trouble. It both exists and it doesn't, it's basically trapping them in their own head. They don't remember anything when they get out though," the kid explained.

"That is… very different from the void I am familiar with," Aik mused.

"What's yours like?"

"It's a place that you can come to and from freely, a magic type of space that exists between realities and can be visited by many sorts of people," Aik explained.

"I don't believe in magic." The kid shrugged.

Aik chuckled. "I do." He snapped his fingers and a red light appeared at his fingertips, flickering.

The kid seemed confused. "How are you doing that? Your levels don't match, you're not a B.U.G. user."

"A what now?"

"You don't know what a B.U.G. is? Where are you from?"

"Earth in Universe 15."

"What country?"

"America." Aik let the light disappear.

"No one calls it that anymore, what year are you in?" the kid asked.

"2023."

"Yep, you're from the past," the kid sighed.

"Am I?" Aik tilted his head.

"I guess." The kid shrugged.

Aik nodded. "How interesting. I didn't catch your name, by the way."

"Oh, I'm Aphyxi. Aphyxi West." The kid held his hand out to Aik. It was a robotic hand.

Aik barely reacted to the sight of the hand and accepted the handshake calmly. "Your hand is good craftsmanship, did you make it?"

"Sort of, I helped Chrome with it. Shouldn't we focus on getting out of here?" Aphyxi asked.

"I don't think there's anything we can do to get out ourselves. I sense someone watching us, though I don't sense any hostile intent." Aik opened up a scanner on his robotic arm and scanned the room. "Nor do I detect weapons or cameras of any sort. And this room seems to be the only thing that exists here. I imagine if whoever brought us here wanted to harm us, they would have. Plus, this note seems to insinuate we are here to cater to someone's curiosity."

"What note?" Aphyxi asked.

Aik pointed to the note and Aphyxi went to read it.

"Weird," Aphyxi said.

"I've seen weirder," Aik replied.

Aphyxi chuckled. "Yeah, me too."

"Oh, have you now? Do tell." Aik sat on a chair and grabbed a handful of coffee beans.

"A red headed girl talking to a giant mutant animal? Think Loch Ness Monster on steroids," Aphyxi said.

"That is pretty weird." Aik nodded.

"What have you seen?" Aphyxi asked.

"Alien planets and species for one. Also my old Boss is a shape shifting fairy creature that uses telepathy to talk," Aik said.

"Yikes, that's pretty weird."

"It is," Aik agreed. "If you've seen mutants, how come you don't believe in magic?"

"Magic is just science people don't understand, I can do what you did and I'm not magic." Aphyxi held his palm up and a blue light appeared on his hand, hovering.

"Oh, very nice." Aik clapped lightly. "How do you do it?"

"You're not going to call me a freak or anything, are you?" Aphyxi asked.

"Kid, I'm willing to bet a significant amount of money that I am more of a freak than you are. I'm a clone created by a mad scientist, and I used to be an assassin," Aik explained.

Aphyxi blinked. "Huh. Well alright then. I'm an experiment for a war organization, it's since been shut down, but I have a chip in my head that allows me to do crazy shit. Like this." One of the milkshakes on the table floated up, a soft blue glow around it.

"I see. Very interesting. I hope you're in a better place now?" Aik asked.

"I mean yeah, technically. Hard to find a good place in an apocalypse, but I did my best," Aphyxi said. "Remember, I'm in the future. World War 3 fucked up the world, so there really isn't any good places left."

"Damn, I can imagine. But you're with people that care about you?" Aik asked.

"Of course. Chrome, Deliva, Czara, and the rest of the test subjects." Aphyxi nodded, taking the milkshake in his hand and releasing the blue glow.

"I do not know who these people are," Aik said, munching on individual coffee beans.

"Uhhh, Chrome is an ex soldier that used to work for the war organization, he helped me escape. Deliva was the unfortunate wife of their leader, she helped take it down. And Czara is the first other test subject I met, she helped me defeat the organization too," Aphyxi explained, sipping on the milkshake.

"You've had a rough life, it sounds like. How old are you?"

"Eighteen now."

"Get yourself somewhere not war related, war isn't good for young minds."

"Believe me, I know. I'm working on it," Aphyxi said.

"Very good." Aik nodded approvingly. This kid reminded him a bit of his younger self. "What would you like to talk about while we're here?"

"Why do you believe in magic?" Aphyxi asked.

"Because I can do magic, I know people who do magic, and I've seen it in action half of my life," Aik explained. "However, that is my world, not yours. Not only are you in a future where World War 3 happened, but I doubt we're even from the same timeline."

"Probably not. There's not any way I could test that though, the term America hasn't been used in almost a hundred years, and all of the data about the times before the war has been kind of lost to the nuclear fallout. I don't know much of anything about Earth's past," Aphyxi said.

"I see. A shame that happened," Aik replied.

Aphyxi shrugged. "We might be from the same timeline, we might not. Guess we'll never know."

"I suppose so," Aik agreed. "Are you used to the concept of timelines?"

"Not really, I am aware of the concept of course, and I've always believed that there were parallel universes, I've just never seen it in action or had any experience with it," Aphyxi said.

"Well, now you have." Aik chuckled.

Aphyxi nodded. "You said you were a clone, right? How does that work? Like are you an exact copy of someone?"

"Physically, yes technically. But I have my own mind, my own personality. Mentally, I am nothing like my creator. The other clones aren't direct clones though, they have different DNA included, so they are not exact copies," Aik explained.

"Fascinating… My mad scientist tried to create clones and failed horribly. So he just opted to use children instead," Aphyxi said.

"Mad scientists and their tendency for child experiments, what is with that…" Aik shook his head in disappointment.

"I know, right? In my opinion, they should all have their arms ripped off and shoved down their throat," Aphyxi said.

"Consider their genitals being exploded," Aik chuckled.

"Ohh that's a good idea, I'm going to use that," Aphyxi grinned.

"You certainly may."

"Too bad he's already dead…" Aphyxi sighed wistfully.

"A shame, he won't know the tortures he justly deserved." Aik nodded solemnly.

"I'm sure they'll be other assholes to test it on," Aphyxi chuckled.

"Oh certainly, the world is full of fucked up people that deserve their genitals exploded," Aik agreed.

"Yay, genital explosion!"Aik chuckled. "Huzzah!"

"You're funny, I like you." Aphyxi grinned.

"I might say the same about you, you have an impeccable sense of humor," Aik replied.

"Why thank you, so do you."

Aik feigned surprise. "Gasp, as do I."

"Shocking, right?"

"Not at all." Aik stuck out his tongue in a friendly blep.

Aphyxi seemed confused and chuckled.

"Are you familiar with affection?" Aik couldn't help but ask.

Aphyxi shook his head. "Pff, why are you asking it like I'm a mysterious creature that barely knows English?"

"That is just how I talk to everyone," Aik chuckled.

"Yes, I am familiar with affection. Hugs, pats, the whole bit," Aphyxi answered. "I'm just not the most touchy person."

"That's fair enough, not everyone is," Aik nodded.

"Are you a touchy person?"

"With certain people, yes. My siblings, mainly," Aik explained.

"You have siblings? Are they assholes?"

"No, the other clones are my siblings. D1b and Eep are my brothers, and we have an adopted sister. I also have a bother in law known as Zim," Aik explained.

"Bother in law, ha. That's funny," Aphyxi chuckled.

"Do you have siblings?" Aik asked.

"I have an older brother, he's literally the worst," Aphyxi said.

"Ah, that's a shame."

"Yeah, he's a bully and a war criminal," Aphyxi said. "Well I'm also a war criminal, but the good kind."

"Can't argue with that." Aik nodded.

"What are your brothers like?" Aphyxi asked.

"D1b is a sweetheart who loves monsters and the paranormal. He'd question creatures to death if they let him. And Eep is very small, he likes rocks and making friends. They're both precious," Aik explained.

"You seem really attached to them," Aphyxi commented.

"Of course, they're my family." Aik nodded.

"Lucky." Aphyxi sighed.

"Would you like a pat?" Aik asked, sensing the kid was hiding some sadness.

"Sure?" Aphyxi seemed confused.

Aik reached out and gave the kid a gentle pat. Aphyxi just stayed still, sipping his milkshake with confusion.

"Family doesn't have to be blood related, you know," Aik said.

"I guess." Aphyxi looked at the milkshake. He didn't like the subject, so immediately tried to change it. "I shouldn't be drinking this."

"Why? Worried about toxins?"

"No, I have a dairy intolerance."

"Ouch," Aik made a face. Poor him having no clue he has the same.

"It's just so good though…" Aphyxi sighed wistfully.

"I can't argue with you there." Aik chuckled and took the second milkshake.

Aphyxi chuckled too and was silent for a moment. "How long do you think the curious person will keep us here?"

"Maybe until they're bored?" Aik shrugged. "Maybe we're timed."

"If it's the first option, we should be as boring as possible," Aphyxi suggested.

"Well I'm afraid that's impossible, we're too of the most interesting people I've ever met," Aik chuckled.

"Darn, you're right." Aphyxi snapped his fingers.

"Such a shame." Aik nodded.

"Jokes aside, I can't stay here forever, I've got to get home."

"As do I. If too much time passes, I can try to see if Minimoose or Zim can reach us here. Though, this is fun for now," Aik said.

"Okay, how would they reach us? You said that this isn't connected to a reality."

"Zim has a portal and Minimoose can teleport people," Aik explained.

"Across universes?" Aphyxi asked.

Aik nodded.

"Wow, that's awesome."

"Isn't it?" Aik chuckled.

A dart whizzed through the room, a note on it, and it struck the wall.

Both Aphyxi and Aik glanced at the dart calmly. The note began to glow blue as Aphyxi used telekinesis to pull it off the dart and hold it where he could read it out loud. "Say your goodbyes, you'll be going home soon."

"Maybe we were timed," Aik mused.

"Guess we don't have to worry about rides home." Aphyxi shrugged. "You were fun to talk to and chat with though."

"You as well, perhaps we shall meet again." Aik stood and bowed slightly.

"Yeah, maybe. Bye?"

"Goodbye."

And with that, they were suddenly both returned to their own worlds and lives.

[aik-membrane]

OOC: Heart-Aik: Aik Membrane's Prequel

Chapter Five /tw: children in distress/pain, child death

<September 30th, 1999>

Membrane was working on a nearby monitor, allowing Aik to be sitting on the table with Bel bundled on his lap. Aik was reading aloud from an illustrated book, studying like Membrane told him, and letting Bel look at the pictures. It was a book on different woodland creatures, like foxes, squirrels, and their environment.

Aik couldn't tell if Bel was enjoying the book or just enjoying listening to his voice, but either way he wasn't going to stop reading.

Aik moved to turn the page, but Bel moved his hand slightly to stop him, his hand flopping over a detailed painting of trees, vines and flowers in a landscape. There were birds fluttering, the sun filtering through the trees, and a red fox snuggled in a pile of ferns. Aik paused and let Bel look at the picture.

"Aik?" Bel said quietly. "Are those real?"

"I think so," Aik answered.

"Have you…" Bel sighed, running out of breath to talk and nuzzled Aik's shirt.

"No, I haven't seen one," Aik replied.

"Can I?" Bel glanced at Aik.

"Someday. Hey, I'll even take you there," Aik said with a chuckle, setting the book down to hold Bel with both arms. "Would you like that?"

Bel squeaked softly.

"Then I will, I promise," Aik said with a grin.

"Okay," Bel said with a yawn, then nuzzled Aik's shirt as he closed his eyes.

"Rest well, little brother," Aik whispered. "See you when you wake up."

Bel fell into a peaceful sleep, smiling softly.

"Aik, we need to talk," Membrane said once he was sure Bel was out. He turned his chair to face Aik.

Aik looked up at Membrane. "Yes?"

"You're… too unstable to take over the labs," Membrane said. "Bel is going to."

"Unstable?" Aik asked, frowning.

"Yes. You bite, scratch, and growl at your own parent, that is not normal child behavior. You might be a psychopath," Membrane explained.

"Psychopath…" Aik muttered.

"Yes, mentally unstable, crazy, insane," Membrane continued. "Sorry son, but you'll have to grow up to do something else. You won't get the labs."

"I… okay…" Aik whispered meekly.

Membrane sighed and returned to work. He knew Aik was sad right now. In the professor's mind, he thought Aik was upset about not getting the labs, which Membrane had been training him for.

In truth, Aik didn't give a damn about who got the labs. What made Aik sad was those words. Unstable, psychopath, crazy, insane… was he those things?

<December 23, 1999>

There were a few things Membrane didn't tell Aik. Bel wasn't getting better. Membrane's methods weren't working. Yet. Membrane still was determined to bring Bel up as a strong and healthy boy, just like Aik. Just less violent.

However, Aik had taken notice that Bel wasn't healing. And today, he decided to do something about it.

Membrane had stepped out again, for a few hours. Aik's method of escaping his locked room still worked, Membrane never noticed his camera was missing before Aik would return it. So it wasn't hard at all for Aik to sneak out again and go to the table where Bel was hooked up.

The boy was barely over ten months old by now, but he still looked just as thin and frail as the day he woke up. He barely even grew.

Bel seemed to be asleep when Aik came over to him. The older boy gently brushed Bel's hand with his own, causing the smaller child to stir slightly and open his eyes.

"Hi, Bel," Aik whispered.

Bel made a small tired noise.

"I'm going to help you, okay?" Aik said.

Bel nodded weakly.

"You're going to feel better very soon." Aik climbed onto a chair and once again began looking over equipment. He knew Membrane hadn't explained to him all of the updates, but he had full confidence in his ability to fill in the blanks. Despite being five years old.

Bel whimpered slightly and curled up in his purple blanket.

"Why do you hurt… Hurt isn't right…" Aik muttered to himself, thinking very hard. "I didn't hurt." He turned back to Bel. "I didn't have… those things…" He looked at the breathing apparatus and the IV.

Bel's breathing was a little bit off now. Aik got down off the chair and climbed onto the table, taking Bel into his lap like he had so many times already.

Bel whimpered again and nuzzled into Aik's shirt. "Warm…"

"Yes, I know, I'm not going to leave you cold and alone," Aik said, putting both arms around Bel. "Where does it hurt?"

Bel squeaked.

Aik frowned with concern and looked over his brother. "Those needles… they hurt you."

Bel nodded slightly, his eyes were watering and he was breathing in quiet irregular sobs.

Aik sighed. "I'm… going to take them out. Okay?"

"Please…" Bel muttered.

Aik nodded and carefully removed the IV.

Bel whimpered slightly as the needle was pulled free, a little bit of blood running down his arm from the place it was attached. But he stayed very still.

"Better?" Aik asked, putting his arms around Bel again.

Bel clawed weakly at the breathing apparatus on his nose.

"That too? Okay." Aik carefully disconnected the hose and slipped it off Bel's head.

Bel inhaled deeply and coughed slightly. He shivered and nuzzled into Aik's shirt again, clinging for warmth. His hand was gripping Aik's shirt. Aik wrapped the blanket tightly around him and held him close. "There, now you'll be okay."

"Warm…" Bel murmured, his voice quieter.

"Bel?"

Bel gasped weakly and coughed again. "Brother…"

"Yes, I'm here." Aik put a hand under Bel's chin to gently move his head to look him in the eye.

Bel smiled weakly, gasped again, coughed, then his hand on Aik's shirt loosened.

"Bel?" Aik moved his hand to Bel's hair, expecting Bel to keep his head still.

But Bel's head fell limp into his lap. His eyes were frozen open and gray, his mouth limp.

"Bel. Bel, what's wrong?" Aik gently shook Bel's shoulder. He didn't understand why the boy wasn't responding. "Hey, you called me." He noticed Bel's chest wasn't moving, it normally went up and down as Bel breathed. He didn't understand what was wrong, why wasn't Bel responding.

He was so confused and worried that he didn't react in time to Membrane returning to the lab.

The sight of Aik, out of his room, holding the corpse of his younger son drove all rationality from Membrane's head. "Aik! What have you done!"

Aik tensed and flinched. "I didn't do anything!"

"Don't lie to me!" Membrane grabbed Bel out of Aik's arms, who was too shocked to argue or resist.

Membrane laid Bel's limp body on the table, away from Aik, and took off the boy's shirt to massage his chest and perform CPR. "He's not breathing. You disconnected the life support, Aik are you insane!"

The discarded purple shirt ended up on the ground and Aik hurriedly got off the table to grab it. "I. I."

"You killed him!" Membrane snapped, pausing his fussing over the corpse to glare at Aik. "Do you understand that? You killed him."

Aik stared at Membrane, too stunned to respond. He clutched the shirt tightly.

"You're not even remorseful. You did it on purpose, didn't you! You disconnected those on purpose!"

"Yes," Aik answered honestly.

"Shit, you really are a psychopath. Go to your room," Membrane ordered.

Aik had left to go to the white room before Membrane had even said to. He went to the corner furthest from the door and sat on the ground, knees pulled to his chest and staring at the purple shirt clenched in his fist. And once he sat down, he wouldn't be able to move again for several hours.

He didn't understand what had just happened. And it scared him. He had left the door open by mistake so he could hear Membrane fussing and fuming. Aik waited to hear any sound from Bel. A yelp, squeak or whimper. Something to make him stand up and go back. To protect him.

But Bel was silent. And eventually, Membrane was too. He didn't even bother to check in Aik's room and left the lab for the night.

Alone with the silence, Aik still couldn't make himself move. All night he remained frozen. Trying to understand. Discovering alone what exactly death was.

For the rest of his life, December 23rd would be a night that he would never sleep again.