#and insincere and only for one off plots

[calocera]

Theres too much Star Trek about making things overly bad like what if Klingons were SCARY what if the Gorn were like XENOMORPHS what if section 31 MATTERED like. Why can’t we have Star Trek about things being good? How about we have a show where a Nausicaan is in starfleet huh? How about we have a show where a Romulan and a Breen try to figure out how to kiss on the mouth? Can we get a show where an ex-Borg and a Vorta experience the newfound joys of life together?

[deunmiu-dessie]

ⅷ▬ ⁽ 𝒶𝓁𝒾𝑒𝓃 ⁾

𝓌𝑜𝓇𝒹 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓃𝓉 ♡︎ : ₈˖₅ₖ ˚₊·—̳͟͞͞♡

𝓌𝒶𝓇𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈 ♡︎ : unedited, plot, alien/human, fluff, nim'xen is a simp, he falls first and then falls harder. ₍⑅ᐢ..ᐢ₎

૮ ˙Ⱉ˙ ა ʳᵃʷʳ ⁿᵒᵗᵉˢ : no smut, but! a cute little unfinished one-shot of mine.

𝓈𝓊𝓂𝓂𝒶𝓇𝓎 ♡︎: on the way home from the store, the unthinkable happens.

꒰male!alien ₊⊹ afab!reader꒱

“Breaking News: Massive Asteroid Comes Dangerously Close to Earth, Scientists Unaware Until Hours Later.

In a stunning turn of events, a colossal asteroid, previously known as ZTFoDxQ but now identified as Asteroid QG, narrowly missed colliding with Earth. The planet-sized asteroid made its closest-known approach to our planet on Sunday at 12:08 a.m. EDT, coming within a mere 1,830 miles. This remarkable event marks the closest asteroid flyby ever recorded, where the celestial object managed to survive the encounter unscathed, as confirmed by NASA.

However, the surprises didn't end there. Just this afternoon at 1:00 p.m., reports have emerged that a fragment of the asteroid has broken off and penetrated Earth's atmosphere. The exact location of impact is currently being evacuated as a precautionary measure. 

 Scientists are scrambling to analyze the data and understand how such a massive asteroid managed to come so close to Earth without being detected until hours later. The lack of awareness has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current asteroid detection systems and the potential risks posed by near-Earth objects.

NASA and other space agencies around the world are now working to improve their monitoring and detection capabilities to prevent similar surprises in the future. The incident has also sparked discussions about the need for increased funding and resources for asteroid detection and deflection efforts.

As the world watches in awe and relief at the near miss, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in space and the importance of continued vigilance in monitoring the skies for potential threats. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.” 

3 months later

“Can you do me a favor, sweetheart?”

Interrupting your peeling, you raised your eyes from the bowl of potatoes, freezing the peeler in your hand. You cast a frustrated glance at her, your annoyance thinly veiled behind a strained smile. You were already handling most of the cooking for the evening, so what more could she want from you?

Interpreting your insincere smile as a signal of agreement, she resumed her task of tending to the bubbling broth on the stove, deftly chopping the carrots and watching them plunge into the savory liquid with a satisfying plop. "Your sister's going on a trip tomorrow and I totally spaced on getting her food. She likes turkey right? I'll just throw together a sandwich for her." 

A soft snicker escaped you as the peeler slipped from your hand and plunged into the water-filled bowl. You shifted your attention towards her, trying to decipher if she was genuinely serious or not. Yet, as you locked eyes with her, she responded with an arched eyebrow and an inquisitive grin.

"Jess has a poultry allergy, Mom." 

The woman paused briefly, inhaling deeply to gather her thoughts. As she glanced up at you, she shifted her hip to the side. Her apologetic expression seemed somewhat contrived. "Of course, I should have remembered. I'm sorry, honey." 

It was understandable that the woman might eventually forget. She wasn't the one who hurriedly took Jess to the hospital when she had her first experience with it, she wasn't the one who remained by the girl's side day and night, eagerly waiting for her to regain consciousness. But you were. You were Jess's first in everything. You had always been there for her, so it's only natural that the bond between the two of you grew strong. You knew all about her allergies, her preferences, her school crushes— you felt like more of a mother to her than her biological one.

 "Whatever. I'll pack her lunch." 

You swivel the chair and slide off of it. "The blue card, right?" As she nods her head absentmindedly, almost as if she's in a daze, you leave the kitchen with a frown etched on your face.

Snatching your keys from the hook, you hastily slide into your gym shoes, relieved that you hadn't bothered changing your clothes. You stand at the bottom of the stairs and shift your weight. "Jess! I'm going to the store, do you want anything?!" You delve into your mom's purse, sifting through the chaotic contents until you locate her wallet and retrieve the blue card food stamp card.

   After a brief silence, her bedroom door swings open and she rushes towards the railing, a bright smile on her face. " Ice cream? Shark week came and I've been really craving strawberry ice cream."  You give a nod and quickly retrieve your jacket from the closet. "Do you need any money for the trip tomorrow? I can take some out on my way back." 

The young girl shakes her head, her eyes filled with adoration. You raise an eyebrow but still nod in understanding. Retrieving your phone from your pocket, you give it a gentle shake. "Text me if you need anything, but be quick about it." Without waiting for her response, you swiftly unlock the door and make your way onto the porch.

The sky is adorned with a delicate blend of pink and deep purple, gradually blending into the mysterious darkness of the night. A gentle breeze carries a subtle chill, but you embrace it without a word, wrapping your jacket tightly around your being. Swiftly, you navigate towards your vehicle, unlocking the door and sinking into the plush leather seat. A faint hint of smoke dances in the air, causing your nose to crinkle in response. Without hesitation, you lower the window, letting it air out.

As the smell dissipates you roll up the window and rub your hands together from the cold.

 With a flick of a switch, the heat begins to flow, gradually filling the space and caressing your cheeks with a gentle warmth. The jacket you wear, once a shield against the chill, now threatens to make you feel almost too warm. With a contented smile, you leave the driveway behind and glide swiftly down the street, embraced by the cozy ambiance within.

 As you embark on the drive, the radio remains silent, allowing your thoughts to drift away. Your thumb dances lightly on the steering wheel, lost in a world of its own. Deep down, you had already made up your mind to have Jess by your side once you left. There was no way your parents could take care of her, especially with what you've heard today. 

 Your job was well-paying and you had saved up to rent and secure a two-bedroom apartment at an astonishingly reasonable cost, despite its pristine condition. Nestled within a delightful community, the apartment stood conveniently close to Jess' school. Naturally, obtaining their consent would be imperative, yet even if they were to resist, you would unhesitatingly embark on a legal journey to assert your rights. Yet even if they were to resist, you would unhesitatingly them to court. 

  You wanted a better life for Jess, you wanted the rest of her remaining years of growth to unfold effortlessly. Your affection for her was so profound that witnessing her spiral, just as you had, while residing with your parents was simply inconceivable.

Startled by a gentle tap on your window, you were momentarily transported from the reverie you had been lost in while sitting in the Kroger's parking lot. Your mind had been wandering, lost in a sea of thoughts. With your heart pounding in your chest, you slowly shifted your gaze towards the source of the sound and cautiously opened the window, allowing a sliver of the outside world to seep in.

 She was an elderly lady, much older than you, with a look of homelessness about her. Her shirt was stained and torn, her jeans in tatters, and her face covered in grime. You hesitated for a moment before offering her a warm smile and rolling down your window just a tad further.

  "Hi, do you need something?"

As her murmurs dance in disarray, fragments of words manage to intertwine, and in a fleeting moment, a shiver cascades down your spine. " You're. . . Die. . . Tonight."  

Her expression is vacant, her gaze distant, and the fidgety way she picks at her cuticles hints at her unease. Even though you feel a sense of discomfort, a strong urge to leave the parking lot doesn't overcome you. Instead, you reach into the glove compartment, retrieve a crumpled $20 bill, and gently pass it through the window.

 You recoil in shock as she snatches it out of your hand, making sure to quickly wobble off. With your heart racing, you roll up the window and sink into the headrest, trying to soothe your jangled nerves. What the hell was that about? The only conclusion you can draw is that she must be a deranged old woman.

After finally catching your breath, you unlock your car door and slide out, card in hand. Gently inserting the blue plastic into the slot at the back of your phone case, you carefully place it in your pocket. The night had fallen, and you were eager to return to the comfort of your home.

You took a cart from the parking lot racks and pushed it inside, feeling the chill of the air as you entered the store. "Hmm, what should I pick up for Jess?"

—

   "Jess! Mom! I'm home!" You set the bags onto the dining room table and wait there with a cocked hip. Within moments, Jess emerges from her room and descends the stairs in a flurry. A gentle smile adorns your face as you present the tub of delectable ice cream, relishing in the delightful sound of her joyful squeal.

  "Ah! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" With a grateful smile, she plants a sweet kiss on your cheek and pulls you into a warm embrace. She then heads to the kitchen, excitedly searching through the drawer for a spoon. Your mother, already present in the kitchen, peeks out from behind the corner.

You notice her face contorting into a slight frown paired with a gentle smile. You recognize that look instantly, so you grab the car keys and smoothly slide the card off the table. Her eyes soften with regret as she passes you a tiny list. "It's just a few things, the ingredients for Jakiya's birthday cake that slipped my mind. Do you mind picking them up?"

   You raised an eyebrow, lips pursed. "I don't necessarily have a choice, mom." Your mom huffed and rolled her eyes. "It's a simple yes or no question, don't be difficult." Despite your strained relationship with your mom, you made an effort to avoid arguments when Jess was present.

Speaking of which, Jess had stopped rummaging in the drawer, body strung tight like a bow. Your gaze softened as you released a weary, deep sigh. You were completely fed up with your parents' nonsense, but Jess shouldn't have to witness the constant fighting between the three of you.

With a gentle nibble on the tender flesh of your cheek, you gracefully acknowledged your mother's request, enveloping yourself in the comforting embrace of your jacket. "Sure mom, what do you need?"

A smile of gratitude adorned her face as she pushed a small list towards you. You grinned wryly as you snatched it, then swiftly headed towards the door. The sun had long set, plunging the world into darkness. The street lights flickered weakly, barely illuminating the empty streets.

 Jess gazes at you as you prepare to depart, smiling guiltily.  With a playful roll of your eyes, you silently express your affection, mouthing the words 'I love you' and blowing a tender kiss in her direction. Her nose scrunches up adorably, but her face lights up with a radiant smile as she reciprocates the gesture. As you steal a glance to the side, you catch sight of your mother observing the exchange, her eyes filled with a bittersweet longing.

 "Text me if there's something else, I'm not going back out later." The words were directed towards Jess, but she dismissed them with a wave of her hand and reached for a large spoon from the drawer. Stepping outside, you were greeted by the refreshing embrace of the cool, crisp air, causing you to release a frustrated sigh. The sound of your keys jingled as you retrieved them from your pocket, pressing a button to unlock the car doors. With a swift motion, you hopped into the front seat and firmly closed the door behind you.

 You wait impatiently as the engine sputters before shutting off. Resting your head on the steering wheel, you attempt a few more times before surrendering. Frustrated, you hit the dashboard and recline in your seat. If you were to go inside and inform your mom that the car wouldn't start, she'd make you walk anyway.

With a sigh escaping your lips, you swing open the door and slide from the seat locking the doors behind you. Embarking on your journey towards Kroger, you find yourself humming a gentle melody, adding a touch of serenity to your brisk pace towards the supermarket. The night envelops you in a tranquil embrace, yet the houses you pass by are alive with vibrant activity. As you stroll along, your gaze wanders towards the windows, offering glimpses into the lives unfolding within.

    Some families are cooking while others are at the table already eating. Happiness danced in the air, casting its enchanting spell upon every corner. Yet, as you observed this idyllic scene, a twinge of envy tugged at your heartstrings. Growing up, you yearned for such a blissful atmosphere that seemed to elude you. At the tender age of nine, your parents bestowed upon you the title of maturity, deeming you wise beyond your years. And while, yes, you possessed a certain level of wisdom, it did not equate to being capable enough to care for your baby sister.

 It fell upon you to fetch Jess from daycare and ensure a safe journey back home for the two of you. It was your responsibility to prepare meals for both of you after school. The weight of raising your four-year-old sister and yourself rested solely on your shoulders, as there was no one else to do it for you. Over time, the bond between both of you and your parents had weakened. They were seldom present, and when they were, disagreements ensued. You made an effort to keep the arguments hushed whenever Jess was around. She often blamed herself for the strained relationship between you, your mom, and your dad.

As you stroll along the dimly lit street, a sudden hush falls upon your heart as the echo of footsteps reaches your ears. Time seems to stand still, and for a fleeting moment, your heart skips a beat. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, you cling to a glimmer of hope, imagining that those footsteps might belong to a passerby, innocently treading the same path as you.

They draw nearer, their footsteps quickening. You swallow your trepidation, nearly stumbling as a man's voice pierces the air. "Excuse me!" His voice resonates with a deep, thunderous timbre, sending shivers down your spine. You flinch, but press on, hastening towards the bustling street where the glow of passing cars illuminates the pavement and towering structures. Towards the sanctuary of safety.

 "Hey! I'm talking to you." 

  You're almost there. You start to jog a little but they've closed in a bit too much. Their presence looms closer, their energy palpable. Just as panic threatens to consume you, you part your lips to release a piercing scream, only to find that silence has enveloped the air.

A gentle breeze rustles the leaves of a bush, followed by a brief, hushed cry that fades into silence. The chirping of crickets has ceased, leaving a stillness that envelops the world. With uncertainty, you glance behind you and collapse to the ground as the two men have vanished. Gazing up at the night sky, the reflection in your eyes, you offer silent gratitude to whoever intervened and saved you in that fleeting moment.

   You stand up and you resume your journey, eventually arriving at the bustling street. Though your legs falter when you notice the woman from earlier sitting on a bus stop bench. The impact of the $20 becomes evident as she savors a warm, nourishing meal, and her once weary eyes seem to be less bloodshot. 

 A part of you hesitates to pass by her, yet you dismiss that fleeting sense of unease and march towards her. It appears that she is also cautious of your presence, as her head swiftly turns towards you—almost as if she is just as cognizant of you as you are of her. Her gaze drifts beyond your shoulder and her eyes widen, a sheer terror reflecting in them. She abandons her meal, rises with some effort, clutches onto her bag, and hastens away.

Your brows knit together and you cast a glance over your shoulder, a whirlwind of bewilderment dancing in your gaze. There is no one lingering in the shadows and the surroundings appear undisturbed. Returning your attention to her path, you discover that she has vanished into thin air. A sense of unease settles within you as you resume your journey towards the store, diligently keeping a watchful eye on the space behind you.

—

The parking lot is nearly empty when you leave the store. Alongside you, a stream of tired employees bid farewell to their workday, their footsteps echoing in harmony with your own. Amid this scene, a message from Jess illuminates your phone, informing you that dinner has already been prepared. However, a bittersweet note lingers as their parents, driven by impatience, have chosen to indulge in the meal without your presence.

      The girl had put you some food up and would eat with you when you got home. You tell her that it's fine and for her to go to sleep. She responds back with the middle finger emoji. You let out a soft laugh and gently tuck your phone away, resuming your journey back home. In moments like these, you can't help but appreciate the invaluable presence of your sister. She is the unwavering support that keeps you grounded, the guiding light that helps you navigate through life's challenges. It is because of her that you find the strength to persevere, even in the face of your parents' constant demands.

Raising Jess, despite its challenges, has molded you into the person you are now. A person who is dependable, always on time, patient, and strong-willed. You possess the remarkable ability to adapt swiftly and thrive in any endeavor you undertake. If your parents hadn't entrusted you with the responsibility of raising your sister, none of these remarkable qualities would have blossomed within you. Although it may be bittersweet, raising Jess has truly been a hidden blessing, concealed in the depths of life's mysteries.

As you hurriedly make your way home, you take a shortcut and find yourself in the dimly lit parking lot of a mysterious barber shop. Instantly, a wave of regret washes over you as you stumble upon a group of men engaged in some clandestine activity. Panic sets in, and you quickly decide to retreat. However, fate has other plans for you. In your haste, you accidentally collide with a solid chest, causing you to freeze in your tracks. 

When you gather the courage to look up, you are met with a sight that leaves you breathless. Standing before you is a towering figure, adorned with intricate tattoos that seem to tell stories of their own. His pierced septum and eyebrow only add to his intimidating presence, and his annoyed expression sends shivers down your spine. As his eyebrows furrow, you can't help but do a double take at his striking attractiveness.

 "Watch where you're going, woman." You nod in agreement and attempt to move aside, but a member of the group lets out a disrespectful whistle. Your body tenses as you try to keep walking, only to have your wrist grabbed by another individual. "Where do you think you're going? You're such a pretty little thing."  

"I just want to get home. Please, let me go." Your attempt at a stern tone falters as your voice quivers and a hiccup escapes. Laughter fills the air, causing you to shrink back as if confronting a pack of wolves. Six of them. 

   The mysterious figure you collided with earlier firmly grasps the man who is restraining your wrist. " I don't have all fucking night Tyler. Either give me my shit, or I'm going to blow your brains across this goddamn lot." 

The atmosphere suddenly becomes hushed, as if time itself holds its breath. A distant memory resurfaces, a conversation shared with your sister, where you both playfully pondered about how you would handle such a situation. Laughter filled the air as you jokingly mentioned pepper spray and karate moves. But now, in this very moment, fear grips your heart, rendering you utterly petrified.

    Tyler releases his grip on you, causing a small, trembling breath to escape your lips. "Jesus, Dom. I was just joking," he says nervously, glancing at his friends for support. A few chuckle while others remain silent.

 Dom gazes at you, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Go. Before I change my mind." Despite the stern tone, there is a softness in his eyes that reassures you. You thank him profusely and speed walk away from the group. 

The moment you thought you were making headway, the piercing screams and the thunderous gunshots shatter the night's calmness. Time seems to stand still as the world around you falls into an eerie silence once again. With a lump in your throat, you quicken your pace, feeling the weight of tears welling up in your eyes.

This couldn't possibly be the end for you. It simply couldn't. You still had a duty to care for your sister, to provide her with a better life than you ever had. You longed to shield her from your parents, but how could you do that if you were no longer alive?

   As you sprint away, tightly holding onto the groceries, a gasp escapes your lips before a hand covers your mouth, guiding you into a hidden bush. The struggle feels like the most intense challenge you've ever faced. Through a tiny gap, you catch a glimpse of your groceries left behind on the pavement.

  " Shh, little female." 

As if by magic, a wave of calm washes over you the moment you recognize the familiar presence of 'Dom'. Tears cascade down your cheeks, and you gently rest your hands upon his, feeling the rhythmic beats of your heart resonating in your ears. As you glance through the foliage, a gasp escapes your lips upon seeing 'Tyler' once again. Yet, he appears far from human this time. His complexion is a mesmerizing shade of deep purple, and his face is adorned with four fiery red eyes and a menacing set of frothing, razor-sharp teeth.

His mouth oozes with saliva, which cascades onto the solid ground and creates a sizzling noise. It was acidic. Dom embraces you tightly, his free hand ascending. In his grasp, a peculiar gun emerges, unlike anything you have ever laid eyes upon. With precision, he positions the barrel's tip against the peephole, his finger gently caressing the trigger. As the gun powers up, a radiant orange glow illuminates its entire frame, casting an ethereal aura. The release is nearly soundless, as a beam pierces through 'Tyler's forehead. 

He moves away from you, emerging from the bushes, taking your stunned body in his arms and lifting you up gently. Running his fingers through his hair, the white locks falling smoothly into place.

As your gaze meets his, your mortal eyes widen in awe. He appears changed, yet undeniably captivating in a strange, otherworldly manner. His complexion is a deep shade of grey, adorned with intricate tattoos in an unfamiliar script. Some markings are white, while others emit a haunting red glow. His hair, too, is a ghostly white, almost pulsating with life. His eyes, a cloudy white, give the impression of blindness, yet two more eyes rest just below the main set. The piercings on his nose and eyebrow remain, adding to his enigmatic allure.

 You take a step back, but he gives you a piercing look that freezes you in place "What are you?" Without a word, he hesitates for a moment before taking your hand and leading you away. "Where are we going?" Your voice trembles with fear. Dom halts and releases your hand. He gestures towards the lifeless body.  "Do you see that? Hundreds of those things have already touched Terra, 3 earth months ago." 

  You shiver and wrap your arms around yourself, trying to keep warm. The deep timber of his voice brings you back to reality. "They proliferate with astonishing speed, ceaselessly multiplying. Your planet is infested, we're only here to see if it was preventable. We were too late." 

As he looks down upon you, his eyes soften, embracing the sight of your trembling figure.  "Our ultimate aim is to gather a chosen few among humanity and escort you to a hospitable planet, so that you can once again repopulate."

You shake your head slowly, taking a step back, "I cannot abandon my sister here." Dom releases a fierce growl, pointing his gun towards you and firing. The beam narrowly misses you, striking another monster in the head.

"Make it quick."

In a flurry of movement, you dart into the house, the groceries slipping from your grasp and finding their place on the table in a haphazard manner. Dom follows silently, his presence masked by a cloaking device that renders him invisible to the naked eye. 

Your heart races within your chest, a wild stallion galloping against the confines of its cage, as you ascend the stairs with reckless abandon, the sound of your footsteps reverberating loudly against the wooden steps. Bursting into Jess' room, a wave of relief washes over you, a grateful prayer whispered under your breath. Taking a seat on her bed, your smile quivers with a mixture of emotions.

Her expression is one of bewilderment and a touch of fear. Tenderly, you sweep a strand of hair away from her face. "Do me a favor, my sweet girl. Pack some clothes, but pack light. I'll explain on the way but do it quickly." Jess has always trusted your decisions without hesitation, and she won't begin to question them now. She swiftly jumps out of bed and retrieves a bookbag from her wardrobe, the very same one you both use during your camping adventures.

"We don't have much time, little female." His tone isn't rushing in the slightest but you quickly head to your room and grab your book bag. You gather only the essentials - tough denim, comfortable shirts, reliable footwear, empty notebooks, and writing tools.

Jess rushed into the room, packing faster than anticipated, much to your relief. You take her hand and guide her out, but suddenly a loud crash interrupts. Both of you scream and huddle in the corner. Dom reveals himself and fires a shot, striking the massive creature in the shoulder. Its deafening roar rattles the house and you hear your parents' heavy footsteps approaching. Just as the monster lunges towards you, Dom takes aim and shoots it in the head. Neon blood splatters the wall, causing it to slowly dissolve.

With wide, frightened eyes, Jess looks up at you as you cling to her protectively. Your parents step into the room, dressed in their robes, shocked expressions on their faces as they take in the scene in front of them. Dom pays no attention to them, instead turning his gaze towards you and giving you a once-over.

" Are you ready?" 

 With a subtle nod, you accept his outstretched hand, intertwining your fingers with his while ensuring your younger sister is safe by your side. The first to break the silence is your father, his voice laced with bewilderment. "What the hell is happening?!" His eyes fixate on you, as if you hold the key to unraveling this enigma. Disregarding his inquiry, Dom strides past, leading the three of you down the staircase. Your parents trail behind, bombarding you with a flurry of questions. Despite their persistent curiosity, you make a conscious effort to block out their voices, but your mother intervenes by snatching Jess away from your side.

With a sudden movement, the girl breaks free and falls into your waiting arms. Dom brandishes his weapon, his expression icy and resolute. Your mother retreats, seeking solace in the arms of your father.

 Dom takes the lead, while the two of you follow closely. Observing Jess, he sees her slight build and anticipates she may have difficulty keeping pace. However, he remains utterly unfazed, not a hint of complaint escaping his lips. In a surprising display of strength, he effortlessly lifts her, prompting her to let out a startled yelp, and places her book bag on his shoulder.

" We need to move fast. Keep up."

 As you secure your book bag and inhale deeply, a rush of adrenaline courses through you. Dom sprints ahead, weapon in hand. The sound of breaking glass startles you, disrupting the tranquility of the surroundings you had just passed. The anguished cries of parents and children tug at your heartstrings, but your focus remains on Jess.

—

 The length of time you've been running is a blur, your legs now numb from the effort. Nevertheless, you persist, matching his pace as best as you can. Jess has succumbed to sleep, worn out from the night's adventures. You grin wearily at her and give yourself a firm slap on the cheeks, determined to stay awake.

 Dom is pleasantly surprised by how far you've been able to sprint, appreciating your resilience and commitment to your kin. As the three of you reach a vast clearing, he gradually slows down and halts. You catch up to him, panting heavily, with sweat glistening on your skin. You look at him, curious as to why he's stopped. Dom raises his arm and utters something in his native tongue. The gauntlet beeps and responds to him in kind.

The once vacant clearing now teems with life as your gaze is captivated by the majestic arrival of a ship. Its sheer grandeur overwhelms you, compelling you to take a step back. Towering above, the ship's entrance demands you to tilt your head back. 

As Dom guides you onward, the hatch swings open, inviting you to step onto its surface. A warm welcome awaits you from a gathering of his companions, each adorned in vibrant hues, yet all sharing the distinctive feature of milky white eyes. Drawing nearer to Dom, you find solace in the proximity of your sister. They engage in conversation briefly, before the hatch seals shut and Dom secures his firearm in its holster. " You will be safe here. The ship will take off tomorrow night when my people come with more of your kind."

  He leads the two of you to a room, one big bed placed in the middle of it accompanied by a smattering of curious contraptions. The walls exude an ethereal shade of slate grey metal, while a petite window graces the space just above a cozy sitting area. Tenderly, Dom settles Jess upon the bed and places the bag on a nearby table. He looks towards you and motions forward. "Rest."

As he moves towards the room's exit, you seize his hand. Your eyes betray a lack of trust, not in him, but in the very ship and its occupants. Dom stares at you, his emotions veiled, and you struggle to hold back tears. " Will you come back? Are you leaving us?" 

 In Dom's world, the idea of a female requiring reassurance and assistance was unfamiliar territory. The females on his planet, known as sîmalę, were formidable warriors, often occupying positions of power surpassing those of the males. Dom found himself fortunate to have gotten his position. [ Female¹]

He reminds himself that you are a human hailing from the terra planet. The concept of hunting or encountering creatures that did not resemble pets or the animals confined within the cages of a zoo was foreign to you. Dom gently releases your hand from his grasp, his gaze emanating reassurance despite the vacancy in his expression." Sleep, little female and this one will be back soon."  

Observing as you reluctantly nod, you make your way towards the bed. With tenderness, you remove your sister's shoes and tuck her in, finding solace in this simple act of nurturing. Your savior exits the room, leaving you to collapse onto your knees, tears cascading from your eyes. The events of today crash upon you with the intensity of a thunderstorm, and you come to the realization that it is now solely you and your sister. A small part of you regrets not bringing your parents along, but you have convinced yourself that it was the wisest choice.

 " What's wrong?"

You swiftly brush away the tears with the back of your hand. Gazing at your sister, you grasp her hand gently in yours. Her eyes hold a hint of doubt as you shake your head. It was crucial to show Jess that you were the pillar of strength, assuring her safety and control.

  "It's nothing, I'm just exhausted. Let's head to sleep okay?" Jess nods, revealing the empty side of the bed for you to rest on. You kick off your shoes and wrap yourself in the comforter. Jess joins you promptly, nestling beside you to provide warmth. The lights recognize your need for rest and dim down.

  "I love you." 

You grin and hold her hand in yours. "I love you too."

—-

The gentle murmur of voices pulls you from your slumber, but Jess is no longer by your side, leaving you feeling a sense of emptiness. Your eyes gradually open, taking in your surroundings. A sleepy yawn escapes your lips as you sit up in bed. The voices fall silent, only to be replaced by Jess' voice, beckoning you to join the conversation.

"Are you finally awake?"

A slight thumbs up is the only response Jess receives before you run your hands over your eyes, dispelling the drowsiness. "Dom says that the others will be back soon, in two hours. Then we'll be leaving here." At the mention of his name, you lift your gaze completely. The alien is stationed at the entrance, arms crossed, sporting a ghostly smile as a greeting.

Relief floods through you when he appears, and he can sense it too. Your oxytocin levels spike at the mere sight of him. The moment is disrupted by the loud rumbling of Jess' stomach, leading her to groan and flop onto the bed. "I'm starving!"

  A piece of your heart is relieved to see Jess back to her usual self, yet a part of you understands the importance of discussing the recent events and what lies ahead. Dom opens the room door and motions to it. "This one will take you to the canteen, you'll eat there." 

   Jess eagerly jumps out of bed, taking your hand and pulling you along. "Hurry, I don't want to go by myself," she pleads. You yield to her plea and stand up. Dom watches the two of you but doesn't race you to get ready. The two of you quickly put on your shoes and exit the room.

Dom assumes the lead, acknowledging the presence of the guards stationed throughout the ship. "You will eat with the rest of your kind, worry not." You reciprocate with a nod, holding your sister tightly while marveling at the ship and its bewildering gadgets that surpass Earth's comprehension. Dom opens the door for both of you, placing a comforting hand on your lower back. His touch brings solace as you step inside, with Jess following closely behind. Although the canteen isn't teeming with people, its modest occupancy provides a semblance of safety within the ship's vast expanse.

"Jess?"

    The sound of your sister's name comes from a girl with dyed red and pink hair. A dazzling diamond stud graces her pierced nose, and her eyes gleam in a warm toffee shade. It takes a moment for your sister to locate the person who called out to her, but when she does, her eyes fill with tears of happiness as she waves in acknowledgment.

You anticipate your sister's eager rush, yet she remains rooted, her hand clasping yours with increasing intensity, as if seeking your validation. A profound connection is forged as your eyes meet, and despite the weariness etched upon your visage, you manage to summon a tired smile, silently conveying your agreement. With unwavering determination, Jess propels herself towards the girl in the queue, leaping into her outstretched arms. "Kayla!"

 While your sister is occupied, you sit at an unoccupied table, startled by Dom's sudden presence across from you. "How do you and your kin fair? Little female." It's a pity that you feel more at ease with an alien than your own kind. 

" My name is [ ]."  The nickname he has given you isn't one that offends you in any way. The way he uses it is quite endearing, but you'd rather him call you by your real name than anything else. You wring your hands together and your stress levels rise steadily. Anxious thoughts swirl in your mind as you ponder,  "What will happen to everyone else that's left here?" 

Your name carries the meaning of 'to conquer' in his native tongue and he finds it fitting for you. Dom's jaw tightens slightly as he locks eyes with you. "This one will not lie to you. Many of your species will die, it is survival of the fittest when it comes to the Qęnłar. They are hard to kill without proper weapons but it is not impossible."  

[ Abomination¹]

A soft gasp is stifled by your hand as tears well up in your eyes. The sense of guilt consumes you, making you question your own worthiness. Unsure of how you could have helped, you can't help but feel like an imposter among those who perished.

Dom seems to sense your inner turmoil and does his best to console you. "There is not much you could've done, litt–."His voice falters momentarily as he nearly utters the name he'd given you, but he swiftly regains composure. "Had you not gone out that night, you also could've been left here on terra to die. None aboard this vessel would have spared a second thought to rescue you." 

 It's clear that he's not skilled at soothing people, particularly humans, yet you offer your thanks with a watery smile. As he opens his mouth to speak again, he gently places a hand on his ear. Despite the absence of eyebrows, you observe the furrow in the center of his forehead. His gaze turns icy as he stands up from the table.

   "This one will find you in your chambers later, ask the guard to lead you when you are ready. Fęrłåk dė hłał." Although you don't understand the meaning behind his words, you nod in agreement, captivated by the enigmatic aura surrounding him. He then departs, pausing briefly to converse with the guard. [ Eat well ¹] 

  With a glance in your direction, the alien acknowledges Dom with a nod. Your stomach emits a low growl, prompting you to lay your head on the table, too fatigued to make a move.

Clang!

Next to your slouched figure, Jess sets down two trays brimming with mouth-watering dishes. As you straighten up, a grin spreads across your face. You instinctively grab the tray loaded with an assortment of fruits, feeling understood by her intuitive gesture— she knew you so well.

"Where did he go?" You assume she's talking about Dom. With a nonchalant shrug of your shoulders, you indulged in the succulent sweetness of a ripe mango, savoring each delicate bite.

 "Jess. What happened yesterday–."

The girl holds up her hand. "I don't know what happened when you left, and there's no need to tell me. I've never questioned anything you've done for me before because you always have the best interest at heart. Thank you for coming back for me. Dom told me that you wouldn't leave without me." 

She gazes down at her tray of food. "A part of me feels guilty for leaving mom and dad but I know that you made the right decision and had your reasons." Jess lets out a shaky sigh and turns to face you. "I'm scared, absolutely terrified but I want to be strong for you. Like how you are for me. I can tell you're stressed as it is and I don't want to burden you." 

  You pull her into a hug and shake your head. "Jess, you could never, and I mean never be a burden to me. Do you understand?" She nods into your chest, sniffling softly. You rub her back and bite your lip. "I'm also really scared, this is new to me but I'll make sure that we'll get through it."

She nods again and pulls away from you. You purse your lips, a mixture of emotions swirling within you, and decide to divert your attention by savoring the delectable cantaloupe. "Now eat. You pulled me from my sleep and I want to go back to bed."  Jess chuckles softly, her head bobbing in agreement. " I'm also really sleepy. It'd also be crazy to wake up in space." 

 The mere thought causes you to grimace involuntarily. This entire experience is uncharted territory for you, but just like in the past, you will learn to adapt and persevere. The cool, refreshing juice of the watermelon glides down your throat, its delightful taste prompting a gentle hum of satisfaction.

 It feels almost surreal to grasp the idea that within a mere two hours, you will bid farewell to your beloved home. A place you believed to be exclusively inhabited by humans, the notion of extraterrestrial existence had never crossed your mind. The journey that lies ahead will undoubtedly present its fair share of challenges and hardships. This very moment, unfolding like a scene from an otherworldly sci-fi saga, is something you never could have anticipated, even in your wildest dreams. And now, as you find yourself in this new reality, your mission has taken on a profound meaning - to protect Jess at all costs.

 "Captain X'ęnš would like to enter your chambers. Will you allow him access?"

   In a state of heightened alertness, you find yourself sitting up, your muscles tense with anticipation. The room is suddenly bathed in light, only to swiftly dim as the perceptive AI detects that Jess is still sound asleep. A wave of uncertainty washes over you as you contemplate the identity of the person standing outside the door. 

 Your gaze sweeps across the room, desperately seeking an object to grasp onto for a sense of security. Eventually, your eyes settle upon one of your worn boots. With a mixture of doubt and determination, you call out to the AI. "Please show me the door feed." A brief moment of silence ensues before the AI responds, its voice calm and reassuring. "Certainly."

The door shimmers, revealing a translucent barrier that draws you nearer. Dropping the shoe, you breathe a sigh of contentment at the sight of Dom standing before you. Standing in front of the door, you gaze at him, captivated by the intricacies of his face.

 "Can he see me?"

In a swift response, the AI speaks, "Negative, this is a unidirectional perspective. He is visible solely to you."  As soon as it finishes saying that, Dom raises his head. Your heart pounds rapidly as his gaze eerily connects with yours, contradicting the AI's statement. "Open the door."

As the entryway unfolds with a whisper, Dom's towering figure emerges. You greet him with a breathless smile, slipping your hands into your back pockets. "Hi." Dom mellows at your soft tone, allowing you to place a hand on his arm and push him back, watching as you discreetly slide out of the room so as to not wake up your sister. He does a once over, looking for any wounds or signs of distress, and finds that he's pleased with himself that you're alright. 

 "This one said he would visit after his duties, jœrmünd łæ bšłåm." He watches with amusement as your eyebrows furrow. " What does that mean?" Your lips form a thoughtful pout. "And earlier you said, ferrak di hal." From the moment you first laid eyes on him, even though it was just recently, you had been curious to discover the sound of his laughter, and it did not disappoint.

   His laugh isn't boisterous. It's a deep and soothing sound, akin to the soft murmur of a distant waterfall. As the echoes of his laughter reached your ears, they stirred a gentle fire within, causing a delightful warmth to spread and caress your belly. Whether he noticed the subtle increase in your body's temperature or not, he remained silent, allowing the enchantment of the moment to weave its spell.

    "Jœrmünd łæ bšłåm, it translates roughly in terra language to, 'good evening.'" His eyes twinkle with a playful delight as you attempt to mimic the intricate sounds and melodic cadence. " Fęrłåk dė hłał. It means to, eat well."

Dom gazes intently at you, then clasps his hands behind his back. "Walk with this one."  You wriggle your toes in your cozy socks and give a slight nod. 

As if guided by an invisible force, your steps align effortlessly with Dom's. The silence envelops you, but it feels far from uncomfortable. Your gaze wanders through the vast corridors of the ship, capturing glimpses of unfamiliar beings from distant worlds. At this moment, you break the silence and softly inquire, "May I know your name?"

With a quick glance, Dom's gaze shifts to you, his lips forming a straight line, prompting a frown to appear on your face. You ponder if your request was too bold, unsure of the cultural norms that may have been offended by your question.

As he utters the words, a sense of relief washes over you, even though his expression seems tinged with sadness. "This one's given name is Nim'xėn." he murmurs. In the distance, a group of his fimea approaches, but you remain oblivious, lost in your own thoughts. With a tender touch, he clasps your wrist and guides you to his side, yet your attention barely registers the gesture. [ soldiers ]

  "Nim'xėn, in the language I speak, translates to 'of soft heart'. It doesn't much fit, when it comes to this one's line of work." Your mouth opened in a small 'o', that was probably the reason he had stuck with Dom all this time. You laughed softly, holding your hands up in surrender when he shoots you a coltish look of exasperation. 

    "I think it fits, regardless of what you do." There is no trace of mockery in your tone, nor any hint of jesting at his expense. With a gentle smile adorning his face, he steals a glance at you. A surge of warmth courses through your veins, causing your body temperature to soar. Swiftly, he averts his gaze, evading your notice.

With a gentle laugh, he responds to your attempt at saying his name, "Nim'jin?" He guides you towards a door, "This one will help you practice your Tuökkorsė, later." You assume that he's talking about his home language and your cheeks flush with embarrassment, making you question just how badly you butchered his name.

As Nim'xėn gently swings open the door, a beckoning gesture invites you to step inside. Without hesitation, you follow the invitation, and in an instant, your jaw falls open in awe. Unbeknownst to you and Jess, who had been lost in slumber for over two hours, the ship had gracefully ascended into the vastness of space. The sight before you is nothing short of breathtaking, confirming your belief that waking up to the wonders of the cosmos is an experience beyond compare.

The space around you is encased in what looks like a delicate glass structure. You floated weightlessly in the vast expanse of the universe, far from the comforts of home. "Nim, this is truly breathtaking," you marveled. The alien blinked in response to the endearing nickname but remained silent. "Jess would love to see this." 

  Nim'xėn walks up behind you and fixates on the view he has witnessed countless times. However, inexplicably, he discovers himself treasuring your pįiwth expressions and yearning to unveil new wonders, all to witness your delightful grin once more. [ childish or cute¹ ] 

 "This one gives permission for you and your kin to visit here anytime." The enigmatic allure you possess has captivated him, leaving him bewildered. It is not his nature to be swayed so easily. He should have abandoned you on that desolate street, yet your innocent gaze had a profound effect on him. The depth of your love for your family astounded him, for even in the presence of imminent danger, your thoughts were solely consumed by her, and her alone.

Once he had escorted you to your room, his task should have been complete. Yet, your tender human hand had entwined with his own. Your unwavering trust and reliance had ensnared him, making it difficult for him to let go. In a realm where his female counterparts were independent and formidable, that moment of vulnerability had drawn him in, like a eürq to light.

 [ large mosquito like creature —  a saying similar to, ' a moth to flame ' ¹ ]

   Yet, he also knew how strong you were. None before you had managed to match his speed, let alone endure it for an entire three hours. Your unwavering determination fascinated him. Nim'xėn yearned to prolong your time together, reluctant to bid you farewell.

 Turning to the extraterrestrial, you met his gaze with the same wide-eyed innocence that had captivated him during your initial encounter. "Seriously?" His nod elicited a radiant smile on your face, reminiscent of the joy of Christmas, and Nim'xėn felt a flutter in his hearts. Your eyes then sought his. "How do you say thank you in your language?"

 Nim'xėn couldn't help but find it pįiwth¹ that you were making an effort to learn his people's language. He decided to humor you. "Stęq'hn kevvhr.²" The alien chuckles when you grimace, looking up at him with furrowed brows.  [ childish or cute¹ ] [ thank you² ]

 "Lirft X'ęnš, quœ mojå iėał ph'ük ak hlem.¹ "

As he tightens his jaw, a resolute grunt escapes his lips. Returning his attention to you, he observes the slight downturn of your plush lips and the tilt of your head to the side. "Do you need to leave, again?" Nim'xėn softly hums, his hand finding solace on your lower back as he leads you towards the door.

[ Captain X'ęnš, we need your assistance up front. ¹ ]

"This one will take you back to your room."

 As you tread back, a hushed calmness settles in, and Nim'xėn discerns that your thoughts have carried you away. Respecting your need for introspection, he chooses not to disturb your reverie. Upon arriving at the room, you turn around, meeting his gaze head-on. "Stęq'han kever." Without delay, you slip inside, leaving him standing there, his words left unspoken.

   He then realizes that while the two of you were walking back, you had been trying to replicate what he had just said. Nim'xėn, finding himself once more, made his way towards the pit. Despite your imperfect rendition, he grasped the essence of your intention and couldn't help but chuckle to himself.

phæż pįiwth ¹ he thought.  [ how cute. ¹ ]

[respectthepetty]

GMMTV 2025 - Hot Tops and One Bottom

GMMTV offered up ONE straight show, and even though I'm salty that I didn't get Midnight Museum 2 and despite the current state of the world, I have never been happier to be alive at this exact moment that I'm living in. GMMTV really cemented that it is Disney BL, and said FUCK THEM HETEROS!

As usual, I'm listing what shows I'm most excited to see from GMMTV's annual unveiling, but in order to be fair to the other shows, I will not consider one of the shows in the rankings because I am a Jaidee fan first, and a human second:

Dare You to Death

My boys are giving me ~Murder, Manipulate, Make-Out, and MAYHEM~ so I'm already seated, sat, and sitted. I've always thought Joong should play a character who was insincere and a bit crazy, and Dunk should lean into his haughtiness (emphasis on HOT), so even though all these other shows look great, they aren't JoongDunk trying to solve a murder while trying to not murder each other, and it would be unfair of me to hold that against everyone else. I was going to take whatever I was getting from them, but THIS?! Sorry, to everyone else, but y'all never stood a chance.

#1a - Memoir of Rati

Moment of honesty - Inn and Great are fine as fuck. They are already attractive to begin with, so to put them in a historical drama, of course, I'm going to eat it up. This is a serious piece about political and social tensions which I have no doubts they will carry into getting some awards for it. I was getting worried that these two weren't going to have another show together next year, but not only did GMMTV give them one of the meatier plots, the series also has Aou and Boom in it with an amazing story as well, so this was easily my top choice.

Or at least it was my top choice until . . .

#1b - Ticket to Heaven

Religious trauma aligned with Catholicism is my special brand of queer angst, so this series already has me all the way fucked up. Fourth is such a phenomenal actor and Gemini always acts his ass off, so I know they will have me in a fetal position every single episode clutching my rosary and praying for God's mercy since I'm already in my feelings about this. The heathens in the room better read up on some biblical references because if you thought I was doing too much over a cross necklace in Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo and the praying in The Warp Effect, I Saw You in My Dreams, and Marahuyo Project, block me now because that was only the tip of the religious iceberg.

#2 - Cat for Cash

Although I'm a vegetarian, I'm a Disney villain who strongly dislikes animals, yet even I was happy to see First getting advice from cats on how to make coffee and how to win over Khao. This is the FirstKhao romance we have been waiting for! It looks soft and sincere, and even though the plot involves hearing cats, First as the worst debt collector and Khao as a grieving sad boy are their most realistic characters they have ever played. The series also looks like it's going to make me cry, so thank goodness Satang showed up to make sure I would be emotional about every show GMMTV gives me next year.

#3 - That Summer

On the topic of Satang, I'm shocked that I clicked with this trailer. I was ready to write this off as a Hallmark series due to its plot about a prince with amnesia falling in love with a commoner until the trailer revealed that he doesn't have amnesia, and the commoner knows he is a prince. The trailer situated the problem will come from their class differences plus Mond is kissing a homie (in secret), and since I just asked for more series with sad wet boys on the beach, this show goes at the top for GMMTV delivering me something I didn't know I wanted but a show I definitely needed.

#4 - A Dog and a Plane

Tay and New got me by the throat in 2019 and 2024 with Dark Blue Kiss and Peaceful Property, and even when I wanted to be mad at Cherry Magic, I couldn't because these men always sell the hell out of a ship even when they shouldn't. I'm a Jaidee fan first, and a human second, but I'll throw on some polar bear and whale jammies any day to join the Polcas because Tay and New have not disappointed me once in their joint shows or individual shows. So here I am, super duper excited to see New play a GAY flight attendant (a stereotype I love to see) whose man is trying to screw Pun only for Tay to take the hush money yet still catch feelings AND FLIGHTS! Marc's there too, so it's time I was served openly gay men who are trying to join the mile-high club since it's been over a decade since I got Pedro Almodóvar's I'm So Excited.

#5 - My Romance Scammer

I support marriage equality, but I do not believe in the institution of marriage, so I'm thrilled that GMMTV decided to throw me some gay divorce the same year gay marriage was legalized! Next, I'm getting the odd ball couple of Ohm and Fluke with Fluke being a dummy who falls for the first man who is nice to him, only for Marc to think he has a great relationship with Junior, BUT IT'S ALL A SCAM! I will probably end up defending this show with my life because this is the romcom romcoN I deserve!

Side Quest - Tarot Card Series

The theme for this year's announcement was "Riding the Wave" but it should have been "Wheel of Fortune" because there were a lot of shows about destiny and changing the future, so I'm going to rank those in a quick sub-category:

1) My Magic Prophecy

This is the dynamic I want to see from Jimmy and Sea. Jimmy IS a doctor, so getting a clean-cut smarmy version of him will pair so well with muscular Sea being a jerk. I was going to make a quirky comment about how they can now see the future as a reference to Last Twilight, but I'm still salty about that show, so I'll just be happy for them and THIS show.

2) Head 2 Head

I'm excited for the Only Boo kids because I think they should've gotten the My Love Mix-Up remake since I think they do well with being complete opposites that make perfect sense being together. This is also how I found out that Surf from I Saw You in My Dream is now with GMMTV.

So although it was awkward to realize GMMTV had acquired another BL boy under my chismosa nose (am I slipping?), it's nice to see the company staying on brand as Disney BL in its attempt to capture all the Pokemon Avengers BL Boys.

3) Wu

Since I've been watching High School Frenemy through my dash, I know plenty of people will be ecstatic to see Nani and Sky play soulmates, again (because High School Fremeny is gay af!), but I'm showing up because I got the red bracelets of destiny tying the boys together!

The trailers this year were surprisingly lax on the colors, so I'm taking what I can get how I get it. Bring me the RED STRING OF FATE!

4) MU-TE-LUV

This is Club Sapan Fine with a different name so it's going to be campy and messy. But do I think GMMTV will handle fems well? No. Am I pressed about it? Also, no. Because I actually watch AND enjoy Club Sapan Fine, so if GMMTV wants to try its hand at wild wacky camp in an anthology-style series, I'm down to clown, at least for the queer episodes that is.

5) Melody of Secrets

This was originally going to be number three on my Tops List, but as the trailer continued, I got more confused. Then, Force's face blurred and it looked like he got snatched by a demon, so I got scared. Like real scared. I don't eff with los espookys, so I'll be watching this show with the lights on and my Care Bear squad to protect me.

Honorable Mentions

I watch ALL GMMTV queer shows (and even the ones that only I think are queer), so I'll still enjoy something about these shows, but they were just lacking that special razzle dazzle:

Burnout Syndrome

Director Nuchy. Gun in black lipstick. Gun being a sex worker. Off being an asshole. Thor. Poly(?). This should have been my Holy Grail, but I can't believe the show will give me a proper love conflict when OffGun are a branded pair. Also, Nuchy gave me ToddBlack, who I will NEVER be over, so even though I know she can and will give me *THE* toxic couple to root for above all other toxicitos, unless these two are about to drown each other in that bathtub and play Olympic-levels of mind games with each other, I'm reserving my excitement until it airs.

Me and Thee

A soap-opera loving mafioso. Pond in suits with slicked-back hair. Phuwin being beautiful. Santa looking delicious. Est back in his Naughty Babe assistant mode. Perth. COLORS! Just like Burnout Syndrome, on paper it looks like something I would devour, but a third of that trailer was Pond and Phuwin in a bathtub, and in my Michelle Visage voice, "stop relying on that body" even if that's the biggest reason I'll be showing up to watch.

Whale Store

Milk licked cat food off of Love's finger, and I fear this might be too lesbian for me. I don't kink shame, and I'm always down to eat a girl out go down, but cat food? Really, sis? On top of that, this felt like a JittiRain series with Love's character clearly hiding something that is going to hurt Milk's character, then the side couple was crying and making everything awkward. I support the lesbians. I support queer rights AND wrongs. I'll be repeating this even as I'm watching it.

Boys in Love

GMMTV was smart putting all the new kids in a show with Papang x Podd as the little older romance crumbs to keep us satisfied for the time being, but that's also why I'm being petty. If this is the stepping stone for Papang and Podd to be leads for GMMTV 2026, then I'll take what I can get, but I feel like Oliver Twist asking for more porridge, when I should already be getting a damn buffet!

Love You Teacher

This show almost had me in the first half. Sam's character was giving me everything. The premise was solid. Perth was an already gay man in a long-term relationship with his boyfriend. Things were going well even with the accident. Then, the show brought on the real plot --- seven-year-olds. Jesús Cristo. It was a lovely time up until then, and now, just like the cat food, I'm realizing new things about myself and my boundaries on a random Tuesday morning, and I don't like it.

Girl Rules

This is the female version of Only Friends saran wrapped in women's empowerment. No me gusta pero lo voy a ver because I support queer wrongs even when they are oh-so-very wrong.

The Love of Siam: The Musical

What. The. Fuck. But also, sign me up!

Dishonorable Mention - Only Friends 2: Dream On

I've reached new heights in my pettiness because this show is in Petty Prison before it even airs. My blog is a living record of how badly I wanted Minx Mix and Flirty Fluke in the first season of Only Friends. It was the only thing I could think about; then, I ended up hating the first season, so I counted my blessings that Minx Mix only showed up for two whole seconds and Flirty Fluke was nowhere in sight. And now this has happened. This is a lesson in "be careful what you wish for" because I have never been more upset that I finally got what I wanted. Unless the show gives Boston his cake and lets him eat it to, I'm not watching it. Not Minx Mix, Flirty Fluke, or Ohm's body could convince me to do this a second time.

[lovemyavatar]

Just for the Night

Lo’ak x Fem!Omatikaya!Reader

Part Two

Warnings: (aged up) nsfw, enemies to lovers, angst, arguing, hate-fucking

part one

The skin on the back of your neck prickles with unease, color tinging your cheeks as frustration mounts with each rushed stride through the forest.

You're practically vibrating with irritation, muscles pulled so taunt a dull ache radiates from between your shoulders. You welcome the sting of short nails biting into your palms, reveling in the distraction for only a moment before the scrutiny at your back becomes too much to bear.

“Will you stop that already?” Your lips purse with a low hiss, head turning just enough to send a steely glare toward the man behind you.

Lo'ak glowers at your quickly retreating figure, lips turning downward in displeasure. Long fingers tighten around the woven basket perched on his hip, the mere sound of your voice putting him further on edge.

“I can feel you plotting my murder back there.” You mutter with a roll of your eyes, attention returning to the path ahead.

The weight of his hard stare is palpable. It settles in your gut, twists your insides uncomfortably. Warmth blankets your skin, a heady mix of anger and...something else, something you haven't dared begin to dissect since the night you both crossed a line it doesn't seem you'll be able to come back from.

“Oh, I don’t have to plot, sweetheart. The whole thing’s already planned out.” His voice is rough, lips twitching into a satisfied smirk at the way your spine stiffens.

You whirl around to face him, fists clenching impossibly tighter, eyes narrowed in a fierce glare. Despite your best efforts, he's continued doing what he's best at: worming his way under your skin.

Whatever this is between you—this stifling tension—it's only gotten worse since that night in his family's tent. The lingering looks, the constant bickering...it's driving you crazy. Not a single day has gone by without some altercation with the youngest Sully brother.

Despite years of this back and forth, you aren't accustomed to the cold, unreadable wall that Lo'ak has built around himself since that night. It makes you uneasy, has you questioning if there may be some deeper issue he has with you, past the point of friendly competition.

“Charming.” Your nose wrinkles with an insincere smile, a scoff falling from your lips as you turn away from him again.

“You always do this." A humorless laugh echoes through the trees as you near your destination. Lo'ak jogs forward, arm extending to brush away a large leaf from the path, allowing you to duck through into the clearing first. “Get all mad as if it's not your fault we're in this position.”

You're already facing him as he steps into the plush grass after you, an expression of exasperated shock etched into your features.

“You're joking, right?” Wide eyes scan his lithe form, taking note of the way strong arms cross so casually over his broad chest.

He can't possibly think this is your fault. You were simply minding your own business, as usual, when he appeared and started bothering you. Kiri was at your side, the two of you helping prepare for the midday meal, chopping various vegetables for the clan.

Less than a minute after Lo'ak plopped down onto the rock only inches from yours, the fighting was unbearable for your best friend. She disappeared with the typical departing insult—calling you both skxawngs (idiots) with a soft sigh.

Truthfully, you don't even know how it started. You never do. Somehow, despite your best efforts, the two of you always end up right here. Harsh words and cold glares exchanged until one of you snaps and stalks off, only for the cycle to repeat the next time you see each other.

“I know you're used to getting away with everything, but you should know by now that I see through the good girl act.” Lo'ak's head tilts to the side, tail swaying with ease at his back.

Despite the volatile nature of your relationship, he's never stopped watching you. He's tried, he really has, to leave you alone—to keep his wandering eyes at bay. But you're always there, always so close yet still out of reach.

It's his own fault, and he knows it, but the fact does little to lessen the sting.

“What are you talking about?” Something ignites in Lo'ak's chest at the flare of heat in your golden eyes. It eggs him on, pushes him closer to the line he's always toeing, between good-natured bickering and actual fighting.

“Oh, please. The clan's precious little angel, used to getting whatever she wants.” His voice drips with mockery, and it makes a wave of embarrassment wash over your cheeks. “And you can't stand that I don't like you.”

Lo'ak's feet move on their own accord, bringing him a step closer with each harsh word. He has no idea what he's doing, doesn't know what's possessed him to take it this far, but he's just so...fed up. He's tired of this push and pull, tired of warring with himself every time you're close.

He can't stand you, and yet, he aches to be near you. His heart yearns for yours in a way he's never experienced with anyone else. In a way he hasn't been able to shake since the very moment he realized his feelings for you breached well past platonic.

It was only a breath later that he decided he would never have you. Decided it would be best to push you away, to protect his fragile heart from the surety of your rejection. Because, even at such a young age, he knew it would never work. He'd long been labeled the trouble child, the rebel, the one who ruins everything he touches...

And how could he bear to bring you down with him?

A surprised laugh bubbles in your chest, and you move back, desperate to put some distance between you. It's clear, what he's insinuating. That you're the instigator, the one to blame for the argument that got you into this mess in the first place.

Regardless of who threw the first verbal punch, Lo'ak's father—your Olo'eyktan—was not the least bit happy. He stormed toward the two of you without hesitation, sternly hissing that you were drawing attention to yourselves. Bringing shame to your families.

His words settled heavily in your heart, made your ears flatten with shame. But he was right. It only took a single glance toward your father, standing just a few feet behind Jake, to notice the disappointment gleaming in his eyes.

As the Olo'eyktan's closest confident, he has an image to uphold. Which, in turn, means that you do too. And typically, you're an exemplary member of the clan. You pull your own weight, help others whenever possible, and keep to yourself otherwise.

But there's just something about Lo'ak that makes you forget all duty and responsibility in the name of defending yourself, of proving that you're not some wallflower. That you're worthy of being noticed.

Jake quietly ushered you both off to collect some fruit for lunch, ordering that you not return until you've figured out how to get along.

“Are you actually that self-absorbed? You really think I'd waste my time trying to get at you?” You peer up at Lo'ak in disbelief, a flash of anger making your heart beat just a fraction faster.

“Drop the innocent act. It's just me, and I've already seen the real you. Can't get much worse than that.” He regrets the words the instant they leave him, jaw clenching at the way your lips part in surprise.

He's taken it too far. That much is clear, if the pained glimmer that washes over your eyes is any indication. It's gone in an instant, replaced with the fiery anger he's used to. Your ears twitch, tail snapping, a clear display of your animosity.

“If I’m the clan's angel, what does that make you? Clan screw up?” Your hands curl into fists and you take a small step forward.

The air between you is sharp, jagged edges of your tattered friendship hanging by a thread. You can't help but lash out, even if the insult has your own heart cinching in your chest.

It was a low blow, and it's obvious you've hit a nerve. Your chest heaves as you watch the words settle over him, watch his expression crumble before turning hard as stone again within seconds.

Lo'ak's tail twitches to attention against his spine, before swishing from side to side harshly. His breath hitches, heart racing with an overwhelming mix of emotion.

It washes over him in wave after wave, an onslaught of anger, frustration, crushing sorrow. Because after all this time, you finally see him for what he truly is.

What he fears he'll always be.

“At least I actually contribute. You can’t do anything without daddy hovering right behind you. How pathetic.” He crowds the remaining space between you, towering over you, chin dipping as his eyes narrow into a harsh glare.

He looks downright menacing, not an ounce of warmth in his expression. A soft gasp falls from your lips, moisture blurring your vision. He's breathing heavily, chest nearly touching yours as he fights to slow the violent thrum of his heart.

You peer up at him, equal parts rage and hurt swirling deep within your belly until you can't take it for even a second longer. One of your hands rears back, but before you can land a hit on his cheek, he snatches your arm out of the air.

Long fingers curl around your wrist, his hold gentle but firm. The feeling of his skin on yours sets you ablaze, fans the flame of desire that's been building within you since that night. This is the first time he's touched you since then, and though it was only in an act of self-defense, the warmth from his palm has you reeling.

“I hate you.” You voice wavers, the proclamation nothing more than a broken whisper.

“Good.” His jaw clenches, your spiteful words only spurring him on.

He pulls you forward roughly, capturing your lips with bruising force. You stumble into him, body responding without hesitation despite the weak internal protests warning against falling into this pattern with him.

The pressure on your wrist disappears, instead moving to your hips as both of his hands circle your waist. A gasp tears your lips from his as rough bark bites into the skin of your back. You hadn't even realized you were moving, too distracted by the burning heat of his lips on yours.

Lo'ak devours you like a man starved. His kiss isn't sweet, it isn't tender. It's all tongue and teeth, a explosion of pent up tension that's been brewing for years. A shiver rolls down your spine, and you arch into him, pressing your chest flush to his.

Your tongues battle for dominance, ragged breath mingling as you both pour every ounce of distain for each other into the kiss. One of your hands lifts, fingertips smoothing over the side of his neck to draw him in.

You hold him there gently, a quiet moan spilling into his mouth despite your best efforts to keep any noises at bay. Warring desires clash in your mind. You want to shove him away, and pull him closer all at once. He's so infuriating, so intoxicating, and you're far too under his spell to escape now.

Within seconds, your loose hold is ripped away as he cages your hand against the tree, holding it above your head. You can't help the way your hips writhe along his, a breathy sound falling from your lips when you feel the stroke of something hard against your soft heat.

You respond by tangling your free hand into his braids, tugging harshly just to see his reaction. His head jerks back at the unexpected sting, a rough growl rumbling his lungs. Your hips rut against his again, the vibration of his chest on yours settling hotly between your legs.

A wave of pleasure washes over him, the color of his cheeks deepening. His eyes snap to yours, narrowed in warning before he leans forward, nipping at your bottom lip lightly. An involuntary whimper escapes you, hold on his hair tightening.

A low moan falls from his lips, a shaky breath fanning your face as he staggers back a step. Your lips chase his, seeking the heat of his touch before your mind has a chance to catch up. The two of you stumble blindly, an uncoordinated dance of passion as you desperately fight to stay connected.

This continues until one of Lo'ak's heels catches on an upturned root, sending him crumpling to the ground. His arms slide around your middle, caging you to his chest as his tailbone takes the brunt of the fall. He grunts against you, lips still ravaging yours without skipping a beat.

The slight ache from the fall is instantly forgotten as you mount him, spreading your legs so his body easily slots between them. His head tilts back at the sensation of your plush skin on either side of his hips, a shudder wracking his chest when your hands begin exploring his skin.

Your fingertips trail along his chest, over trembling abs, all the way down to the hardened length still trapped beneath his loincloth. When your touch ghosts over his cock, he jerks, his hips rutting into your hand. A breathy moan falls from his lips, followed by a shaky gasp when you do it again.

“Not so tough now, are you?” Your lips twitch into a smirk against his, earning you a low growl.

“Shut up.” He hisses, long fingers curling around your throat.

The hold is possessive, and oh so dominant, a show of control even though he's the one beneath you. He pulls you forward, claiming your lips harshly again. A shiver rolls down your spine, and you can't help but drag your soaked core over his cock.

“Fuck, Y/N.” He gasps, lips ripping from yours as his head falls back, eyes fluttering with a surge of pleasure. His hands fall to your hips, his hold tight as he presses you down onto him, guiding your movements.

“Take this off.” Your chest is heaving, breath ragged as you hurriedly tug at the strings of his loincloth.

His lips curve into a lopsided grin, though another moan rumbles his chest when your hips roll along his cock again. “That desperate already?”

“Don't.” Your voice drops in warning as you successfully undo the knot, before practically ripping the material from his body.

It's quickly discarded, leaving you with nothing to do but dissect his cock with heavy-lidded eyes. It's bigger than you imagined, slapping against his stomach as it stands fully erect.

Something warm and unwelcome blooms deep within Lo'ak's chest, as he watches you. Wide eyes, flushed cheeks, plump lips parted with wonder as you take him in for the first time.

He's quick to flip you over, to lay you gently onto the soft grass. His palms press into the earth on either side of your head, supporting his weight as he takes a moment to gaze down at you. He can't help it, the way his eyes lock onto yours, pouring out every last bit of his usually tightly shackled emotions.

Having you beneath him like this is something he's fantasized about for years, and even now, he's not quite sure that it's real. He's tried so hard to push you away, to wedge so much distance between you that this could never be a possibility. And yet, here you are, more beautiful than ever...and all his.

He rips his gaze away, warmth blanketing his face. He deftly unties your loincloth with one hand, slipping it down your legs smoothly. His palm skims along the outside of your calf, sending a shiver down your spine.

When he reaches your thigh, he gives it a firm squeeze before hooking his fingers behind your knee and urging your legs apart. A deep moan rumbles his chest at the sight of your glistening pussy, fingers moving to drag along the trail of slick coating your inner thighs.

“Goddamn, you always get this wet when we fight?” He rasps, only half joking. The mere idea of you so hot and bothered by him, by your frequent disagreements, has his cock throbbing in anticipation.

“Stop. Talking.” You hiss, the color of your cheeks deepening with arousal and embarrassment alike.

Lo'ak gives his cock a few strokes as he aligns himself with your entrance, dragging his swollen tip along your soft folds. You arch into him, a quiet moan falling from your lips. The sound has his gaze snapping to yours again, breath lodging in his throat.

Suddenly, this position feels too intimate. It tightens his chest, makes his stomach flip with conflicting emotion. A deeply seeded desire within his heart urges him to take care of you, to allow whatever this is between you blossom into something real. Something warm and soft, unlike the cold bitterness that's been festering for years.

It's all too much. Too good to be true.

So, instead, he grips your waist and roughly flips you over, hauling you onto your hands and knees before him.

“Lo'ak—” You gasp, surprised at the unexpected movement.

“Thought you said no talking?" His teeth clench so hard he fears they may shatter, but he welcomes the ache as he easily slides into your waiting pussy.

You cry out, arms already trembling, nearly collapsing onto the grass at the burst of pleasure. Lo'ak's eyes pinch closed, hands gripping your hips with bruising force as he slams his entire length into your sopping pussy. He groans when he bottoms out, tip pressing firmly into your womb.

You're a mess before him, reduced to a string of moans and whimpers as he drills into you mercilessly. Your back bows, head dropping between your arms when your lower belly tightens. His head falls back, a low growl echoing through the clearing as your silky walls flutter around him.

He doesn't give you even a second to rest, maintaining a brutal pace as he chases his high. One of his hands smooths over your lower back, pressing into it to force a deeper arch. It continues trailing upward, until his fingers tangle in your braids, jerking your head back firmly.

Sharp teeth catch his lower lip, restraint tightening his chest as he fights to hold back mounting pleasure. All you can do is whimper meekly, the sting in your scalp pushing you closer to a quickly approaching orgasm. Moisture pools in the corners of your eyes, his roughness too much and not enough all at once.

This is what you expected from him, and yet, it's better than you could've imagined. The way he handles you, bends you to his whim, it has your pussy spasming around his cock all over again.

“Fuck.” Lo'ak rumbles, his free hand snaking around your stomach, fingers expertly finding your clit.

You jolt at the sudden explosion of pleasure, the mere swirl of his fingers over your overworked pussy throwing you into an intense release. A series of sharp moans echo through the trees, every muscle in your body tensing before you shatter around him.

Lo'ak suddenly jerks his cock free, the abrupt emptiness jostling your trembling form as he pumps his cock, riding out his orgasm with an arm still firmly wrapped around your middle.

Silence falls between you, thick and uncomfortable as the weight of what you've just done settles over you both. You fight to catch your breath, pushing yourself up and out of his hold with shaky limbs. You avoid the sharp glare you can feel prickling against the side of your head, eyes scanning the area for your loincloth.

“That's never happening again.” The words aren't nearly as strong as you would've hoped, the slight quiver in your voice betraying the turmoil raging within.

Being with him like that, it was...good. Too good. It felt right, like the two of you should've been doing this for years, rather than pushing each other away at every opportunity. It's planted a seed of doubt in your mind, made you wonder what it could be like to let him in, to explore the possibility of being more.

It's a dangerous thing, hoping for something like that.

“Obviously.” Lo'ak is quick to agree, averting his eyes as you shakily stand to your full height and pull your loincloth back on.

By the time he's retrieved his own clothing, you're gone. A rough sigh caves his chest, disappointment lodging deeply within his gut. Some part of him, however small, thought maybe things would be different after what you just did.

He runs a hand down his face, replacing his practiced mask of indifference before he'll have to face you again.

The walk back to Home Tree is silent. He doesn't approach you, instead he maintains a wide birth between you, trailing your tense silhouette from a distance. When he breaks through the tree line a few seconds after you, his irritated groan has your head whipping around.

Your eyes widen, silently asking him to corroborate whatever story you've just told before your attention returns to his father.

“Lo'ak.” Jake's arms are crossed tightly over his chest, a signature look of disapproval etched into his strong features. “Did you two work it out?”

“Uh…yeah.” He winces, rubbing at the back of his neck as a wave of uncertainty makes his stomach twist.

Had you? Or did he only make things worse, like he always does?

Jake's eyes narrow, flicking between the two of you for several seconds. He notes the absence of any fruit, which is the entire reason he sent the two of you into the forest in the first place. That, coupled with your disheveled hair and Lo'ak's crooked loincloth, tells him everything he needs to know.

“Alright. Dismissed.” He pinches the bridge of his nose, a sigh of exasperation filling the space between you.

You're quick to scurry off, practically running away the very second you're given permission. Lo'ak's gaze remains locked on your retreating figure until it disappears into the center of Home Tree. His head drops, eyes closing as he considers the consequences of what you've just done.

He only makes it one step before Jake grips his arm, gently pulling him back.

“Not you, boy. We need to have a talk.”

@youcantseem3 @neyetams @pandorxxx @daiyuu27 @taleiak @neyetams @mrslandryy @superiorbyfar

[aihoshiino]

I dropped onk after the "the doctor im 18 now so marry me" but came back now that it's ended...

I've only read the very last chapters though and don't really feel like reading incest ship tease so I ask you, my highly esteemed oshi no ko scholar, did memcho have any plot relevance after love now? what do you make of her character? she always seemed like such a nothing character to me but your onk opinions are always interesting to me even when it's about elements of the story I didn't like, so I'd love to hear your thoughts on her

She did...................... not </3

Well that's a fib, she was a really good support character for a good chunk of the manga which like... if you're a big Memcho enjoyer I can see that being Annoying that she's just relegated to dealing with everyone else's drama, but I think being someone who takes on a sort of mentor-y role (at least in terms of narrative utility) to Ruby and Kana (and to an extent, Aqua!) was kind of the perfect thing for Mem to do if it was done properly.

I think what makes Mem so interesting and potentially really engaging as a character is the dichotomy of her being so :3 sillayyyyy while also being pretty much the most put-together and mature character in the cast without either of those sides of her being framed as 'fake' or insincere. It's not that Mem is like, 'dropping an act' when she cuts the BS and goes into Adult In The Room Mode, but that her experience and comparative maturity as an adult is what allows her to recognize when it's time to stop fucking around and get serious and also how she's supposed to achieve that. It puts her in a unique position compared to the rest of the main cast who are mainly just teens still who are trying to figure out how to deal with Adult Emotions and Adult Responsibilities for the first time whereas for Mem, this is all old news.

In like a hypothetical ideal world where OnK is a more cohesive work, I think Mem could be really good as one of those parallel characters to Ai who's used to indirectly communicate ideas and explanations about her and her behavior without directly expositing them in an immersion breaking way. Abiko is already pretty transparently this in the original work - there's a handful of moments where Yoriko is talking/thinking about her and the things she says are also things that apply to Ai.

(there's more but this is the only one I have handy and if I sat down to reread tokyo blade to find the rest i would never get anything answered LSJFKSMLAKSLA)

I think Mem had the potential to serve this purpose in terms of explaining to the audience the dichotomy between 'Ai Hoshino' and 'Ai of B-Komachi'. One of the most important parts of understanding Ai (that Rie Takahashi confirms in her First Report interview) is that 'Ai as an idol' and 'Ai Hoshino' are not two separate, distinct identities but that 'Ai of B-Komachi' exists within the real Ai at all times and, like any other human, Ai just shows different sides of herself depending on the situation.

This is basically the case for Serious Mode Mem as well - it's not that these are two distinct personalities or that one is fake or made up in comparison to the other but that Mem's front-facing self is different depending on the external situation, just like any other person.

In this ideal version of Oshi no Ko, there would've been a number of characters across the cast who are used in this way and the Movie Arc would've been a sort of final exam where the audience is challenged to use everything they've been taught so far to come into a complete and full understanding of Ai as a human.

But, uh. That didn't happen! Or at least, while Mem does still kind of serve this role in the OnK we got, it comes off was a bit more accidental and not as formative to what the Movie Arc has to say about Ai.

As she stands, Mem doesn't have a ton going on in terms of stuff that actually plays out on page but I do think there's a lot of interesting avenues to examine and explore her if you wanted to flesh her out a bit more. There's a lot of potential and I think what we get of her up to the end of Scandal is really strong and what kills her arc ultimately is just a lack of page space and attention afforded to her when she needed (and deserved!) it.

(yes btw. i'm aware of how Incredibly Me it is to get an ask about a completely different character and to find a way to start aiposting instead somehow.........................)

[chaifootsteps]

saw a comment somewhere - think it was the hb reddit - pointing out how dumb it is that full moon ends with Blitz starting to say 'I'm sorry'

then the very next episode frames his major character flaw as not being able to apologize

not only are they treating viewers like goldfish but this was never a problem Blitz had before

he apologizes profusely to Loona in seeing stars, Stolas in Ozzies and again in Full Moon. they show him being very quick to feel bad and try and apologize when Stolas whines and cries

even with Verosika he doesn't act like the credit card thing wasn't wrong back in s1e3 - he just complains that she 'won't let it go'

but apology tour tries to spin it like he's only capable of insincere apologies or apologizing for the 'wrong' thing.

They know that a good chunk of this show's audience might as well be goldfish, and like goldfish, they'll happily bite the fins off their tankmates who point out plot holes like this one.

[cbsghostsmetasandtrevor]

Assuming the show does want to give Isaac a love interest, and continuing developing him as a character, what if, and this is just a random thought, he ends up falling for one of the basement ghosts?

Okay hear me out. Yes this is similar to what happened with Stephanie and Ralph, but the way it’s set up is much different (and doesn’t involve anyone suddenly ascending).

So Isaac is trying to be a better person, but is having difficulty doing so because he’s… well, Isaac. So Sasappis is like, “Well, you could try to apologize to the basement ghosts for the whole “banning them from your wedding” thing…and literally all the times you insulted them to their face.”

Isaac begrudgingly goes downstairs and “apologizes” to the ghosts living there, but they, justifiably, think he’s being insincere, and demand that, if he’s truly sorry and being honest about righting his wrongs, he has to spend time with each ghost in the basement for at least 30 minutes, so that he can start seeing and treating them as actual people (and given the fact there’s 40 of them, it takes him roughly 20 hours to complete). Viewing this as a challenge, Isaac agrees.

He finally reaches the last ghost and is absolutely EXHAUSTED. The last ghost however, one Isaac never properly met before, proves to be pretty approachable (albeit with some deadpan snarky-ness). He admits that he didn’t want to talk to Isaac at first, because he thought he was just a stuck up jerk who couldn’t care less about others, but appreciates him actually putting in the effort to make things up.

The two talk and end up hitting it off really well (Isaac info dumps about dinosaurs at one point and the other guy becomes absolutely captivated). Having realized they’ve been talking for two hours, a tired Isaac decides to go back up, but before doing so sincerely apologizes to the basement ghost for treating him and the others so unfairly.

He accepts the apology and apologizes to Isaac for letting Patience ghostnap him, and for letting Nancy beat the crap out of him. But he then jokingly says that, in his defense, it was very funny. The two laugh and, to the basement ghost’s surprise, Isaac asks if they could spend more time together, only if he’s okay with that. The other ghost after a beat says he’d like that, and the two part ways.

Isaac leaves the basement in shock and Sas approaches him, surprised by how long it took. He asks Isaac how it went, to which he replies:

“I think I have a crush on a basement ghost.”

Sas: “…wow. I owe Trevor so many back rubs…”

((Episode Ends))

(Btw, after this episode, only Isaac, Sas and Trevor would be aware of his crush, as Isaac, still having his faults, is embarrassed to admit to the others that he fell for a basement ghost, especially Hetty who, next to Isaac, showed the most disdain for them. This becomes a plot point down the line.)

I don’t have a name for this hypothetical basement ghost, but if anyone out there has one for him by all means go ahead!

I really like this idea.

The thing with Isaac is that he always thinks he's better than most people, so it would involve quite a bit of character development for him to fall for the basement ghost.

That's something I would love to see.

Side note - Stuart, maybe???

[woodchipp]

"her actions have shown [how much she cares]" not being backed up by any of her actions throughout the game aside, this summary gets even funnier if you take a closer look at what kicks off the plot of One Day Left - Sunny, Kel and Hero confronting Aubrey at her house.

I have Things to say about that scene, both in terms of how it relates to Aubrey and to the game's writing in general.

Right off the bat, the game uses a milder version of "hell" right before inexplicably making Aubrey use the word itself. Something like

AUBREY: ...! AUBREY: Wh-What are you guys doing here?! AUBREY: GET THE HELL OUT OF MY ROOM!!

would've worked just as fine, in my opinion.

This game had three editors, by the way.

When pressed, the first thing Aubrey says about the incident at the lake is a straight-up lie in an attempt to diminish the severity of her wrongdoing. No, her watery eyes aren't going to convince me she's genuinely sorry.

1) Here it is again. Instead of owning up to her behavior at the very least, she continues trying to make the incident seem less severe than it actually was.

2) You "didn't mean to" push Basil into the lake even though he was obviously standing right at the edge of the pier? And you knew he was incapable of swimming? You're a fuckwad.

Accident or no accident, he was in active danger of dying. You chose to argue with Kel on the pier since that was more of a priority to you than trying to save your close friend.

And then she tries to reduce the severity of what she did for the third time! Sure, she does seem to apologize afterwards

but then immediately falls back on deflecting blame, which makes the apology come off as insincere.

Really, I would've preferred Aubrey being upfront about being a prick. Her incessant attempts to blame everyone and everything but herself for her choices don't make her complex because the game speedruns her redemption and we don't get to see her growth, which is also why said attempts become very grating after a certain point.

Aubrey isn't the only character I take issue with here, though.

1) Hero. My dude. Your own brother accused Aubrey of nearly killing another friend of yours. Aubrey confirmed said accusation. And you still dismiss it as a harmless squabble like the ones they had in their childhood days??

Either he's also stuck in his childhood mentally or he's just - and I'm not going to mince words here - a moron.

2) I love that Hero's reaction implies he still doesn't seem to take Kel seriously. You'd think he'd try to be more mindful of his little brother following that furious outburst, but nope. He still seems to view Kel as a rash little child he has to rein in.

One could argue this is meant to show that the charscters are flawed, and in a better story, I'd actually be inclined to agree. I like the idea of Hero struggling to move on from his role as the group's "dad", and I'd have liked if the story forced him to understand he can't keep playing their dad with a situation much more complicated than a "typical Kel and Aubrey fight". Likewise, Hero's perception of Kel as an impulsive, bratty kid persisting to the present day and causing friction with Kel himself would've made for an interesting conflict.

Of course, this isn't a better story, so after Kel and Aubrey's reactions, Hero's shallow peacemaking is promptly (and conveniently) forgotten when he notices the last bunch of missing photos.

Peak writing, everyone!

This game took six years and $200,000, by the way. No, I won't stop mentioning that.

My sister in Christ you are literally wearing her fucking headband. You were also given some of her other clothes, it seems.

If Aubrey's problem was about having nothing to remember Mari by, it's null and void to me because she clearly does have more than just the photos. Not only that, but this also comes off as the game trying to use Aubrey's grief as an excuse for her treatment of Basil, which is disgusting for reasons I shouldn't need to explain.

(oh, and Sunny's just Standing There. he doesn't contribute anything to the conversation at all. he could've been removed from this scene altogether and nothing of value would be lost. the main character of all time, truly)

[fandomsimagined]

hoax (Nikolai Lantsov x Reader) - Prologue

Title: hoax - prologue

Pairing: Nikolai Lantsov x Reader

Warnings: Language, death, violence

Word Count: 1.4k

Summary: When Sturmhond stumbles across a Kerch pirate ship transporting stolen Ravkan goods, he takes it upon himself to confront the captain only to bind himself faced with a potential ally or yet another adversary.

Author’s Note: Hi! it’s me again coming to you with yet another Shadow and Bone fic. This is one I’ve had in my brain for quite some time and it will follow the canon storyline (not completely of course but for the most part). Nikolai is one of my favorite character of all time so I really really hope that I did him justice with this. I hope you enjoy! If you have any requests, please feel free to send them in! I write for all of the grishaverse characters pretty much. Sorry for such a long authors note. I hope you enjoy!

Nikolai smiled and nodded with apparent approval. His years of diplomatic training were finally paying off, his years of pretending to listen in on meetings with foreign ambassadors when he was younger had prepared him for these types of situations. Though, he imagined his parents meant for it to be utilized in a more civilized setting. The issue came in with the fact that Nikolai was many things: he was an excellent shot, dashingly handsome even as a ruddy pirate, and perhaps a tad bit egotistical at times, in an endearing way, of course; but he wasn’t stupid. It was quite obvious to the privateer that the fellow captain was lying. He didn’t even need Tolya or Tamar to confirm.

The Kerch captain seemed to be blind to Nikolai’s insincerity, because he kept rambling.He had to admit, he was good. If it was anyone other than Nikolai, they might have fallen for the falsehoods that were spewing out of his mouth, but Nikolai knew better. The goods on his ship were Ravkan, stolen from a Ravkan trade ship on its way to Novyi Zem. Nikolai had been trying to entertain the conversation long enough to find out if the captain (whose name still hadn’t been divulged, and he didn’t care enough to ask) was working with a larger coalition plotting against the Lantsov throne. The more he spoke, the less likely Nikolai found that scenario. This captain was working only for himself, which was wonderful news. He’d like to set sail as quickly as possible. The dark grey clouds looming overhead indicated that they would be in for quite the trip back to Os Kervo.

Tamar was standing to his side, fingers tight around the handles of her beloved axes. He was right. He was lying. Her demeanor told him everything he already knew. That the captain was lying and that he was going to try and ambush them to escape. Tolya had a grip on his blade as well. Neither one of them needed the weapons–they could simply rip the air from someone's lungs with just a few movements of their hands–but they always did have a flair for the dramatic. Something that he most definitely had no experience with.

“There’s no need to be hostile.” The captain held up his hands in a mock surrender, a chuckle escaping from his throat. “We’re just having a casual conversation.”

Nikolai gripped his pistol in the holster on his side. He was slightly offended that the captain actually thought that he didn’t know what was going on–despite that it was what he’d intended. He’d hoped that his reputation had preceded him enough that the captain would’ve tried a little bit harder. This was amateur work, and since Nikolai had gathered that this particular captain was well-experienced in the art of stolen goods, it was because he thought that it would fool Nikolai–Sturmhond.

The captain’s eyes flickered to the crow’s nest where Nikolai could just barely make out two figures. At least one was a heartrender, he presumed. They were stationed there to snuff the life out of him if things went awry. He figured that the one closest to him was a decoy, that way they wouldn’t know which one the true heartrender was and that they would assume incorrectly. That’s what he would do. They just didn’t realize that Nikolai had two heartrenders of his own.

Nikolai shifted his weight, maintaining his aura of confidence–though it wasn’t hard. He was quite certain that even though this crew was experienced, that he could take all of them on his own if necessary, but he had Tolya and Tamar with him.

“Really? Seems your men didn’t get the message. I don’t usually keep heartrenders on hand for a conversation.” Nikolai gestured to the crow’s nest. “You know, communication between a captain and his crew is key in running a successful business venture. I might suggest trying some trust exercises to really make sure that you’re on the same page.”

He couldn’t lie and say that he didn’t enjoy the panic that flickered over the captain’s face. “They’re only there as a precaution. I’m sure you understand the need for such matters as a captain yourself.”

“Of course, though I do wonder why such precautions would be necessary if you just intended to have a casual conversation, as you put it.” Nikolai wondered aloud, though he didn’t really wonder. He knew. He was going to try and take over his ship too. Over his dead body. “See, what I think is that you wanted to get caught by the dashingly handsome Sturmhond. The only thing that leaves me quite puzzled is why. Do you plan to kill me? Take my ship? Tell all of your pirate buddies that you fought Sturmhond and won?” Nikolai clicked his tongue in disapproval. “Many men have tried to do the same, and yet none have succeeded. Why do you think that is?”

“Probably because you talked them to death,” the captain scoffed, sweat forming at his brow. Another lesson in diplomatic training. How to talk for long periods of time making people believe that it’s about something important, but really nothing of any value was said. It was strange. There didn’t seem to be much difference between pirates and political figures, but that rabbit hole was for another time.

“Good guess, but no.” Nikolai shook his head. “It’s because I don’t let my crew do my dirty work for me.” He lowered his voice. “If you want that ship, you’re going to have to kill me for it, and I assure you I won’t make it easy.”

“I’ve killed much stronger men for less,” he sneered.

Nikolai couldn’t hold in the bout of laughter that erupted. While he was aware that there were much stronger men than him out there, he just couldn’t imagine that he’d killed them considering he wasn’t smart enough to notice what Nikolai was really playing at. “I’m sure. And were those much stronger men the ones that you smuggled these goods from?”

“I’m not wasting any more time with this.” The captain raised his hand slightly–a signal to his grisha to stop his heart right then and there. Nikolai waited patiently, but as he already suspected, nothing happened. While Nikolai was busy monologuing, Tolya had discreetly dropped their pulses. His grisha were taking a nice long nap, which meant that they could go ahead and wrap this up in a nice little bow. Surely, he wasn’t dumb enough to actually try and fight him on his own.

Tamar couldn’t suppress a smirk from playing on her lips, and Nikolai had to admit, he was having a hard time doing so as well.

“You don’t make your crew do your dirty work, eh?” The captain raised his eyebrows.

“They just made it a fair fight. I told you, if you want my ship, you’ll have to kill me for it. What I meant was that you would have to kill me for it, so if you’d like to try, go ahead, or you can hand over the goods you stole and we’ll call it a day; though I’d like to get this over with quick. There’s somewhere I need to be, so make up your mind quickly.”

“Why you little–” The captain’s sentence was cut short. He clutched his chest and fell to the deck, blood trickling from his lips. Nikolai frowned. Tolya and Tamar were right beside him and they hadn’t moved, awaiting his orders.

“Did you?” Tamar looked at Tolya who shook his head.

“No, but it was a heartrender.”

Nikolai glanced around the ship once more, trying to find a sign of another ship or crew. The Kerch’s grisha were down and they were the only others on the boat. Was it someone on the Kerch’s crew? Why would they want him dead?

“There’s no one else around.” Tamar stated, though her grip hadn’t loosened on her weapons.

“We have to assume the worst,” Nikolai warned. “If there is another heartrender on the ship, then I’m sure they aren’t happy with us, so stay sharp.”

“There’s no need. My qualms aren’t with you.” A girl stepped into view from the captain’s quarters. He hadn’t even realized the door was open. She looked to be around his age–seventeen or eighteen.

She stepped over the dead captain, standing in front of them, clearly not afraid. Nikolai grabbed his pistol, Tamar and Tolya wielding their respective weapons as well. It was no use. Had she wanted him dead, she wouldn’t have come out. She could have easily had the three of them down in seconds. No this was a personal vendetta against the captain.

“Why?” Tamar asked.

“So that I can get off of this stupid fucking boat.”

[princeescaluswords]

ur addition to ur post about scott being forced to treat derek terribly reminded me of the way ppl react to alina killing the darkling. like yeah her killing him was the only way to resolve the situation she'd been put in (by darkles himself). yet ppl keep doing rewrites where alina is meant to 'fix' him or joins his side like. Huh?????

(I must preface this with the reminder that I have only seen the Shadow and Bone television series. I know nothing of any differences that might be in the novels.)

There's nothing wrong with rewriting a story; that's what fanfiction is for, after all. But if someone wishes to write an ending where Alina Starkov chooses Aleksander Morozova, they have their work cut out for them. It requires them to alter the characters and histories of either the Sun Summoner or the Darkling (or both) so much that they literally become different characters. My concern (and I think you share in this) is that people believe that Alina, as portrayed, could easily have chose to be with Aleksander, as portrayed, and they could have a happily ever after.

I can't possibly see any scenario where this can be true. Let us propose, for example, that we vanish Mal Orestev. Poof! He never existed. Alina's early life would still have been dominated by oppression and prejudice, oppression and prejudice that exists in part because of Aleksander's choices, no matter how noble the motivations for those choices were at the beginning. While grisha have always faced oppression, Alina's youth was shaped by fear and disenfranchisement; her life was defined by either her race, her poverty (exacerbated by the Fold), or her potential as the Sun Summoner. This world, in turn, was shaped by Aleksander's actions. No matter how charming and passionate the Darkling is, Alina's history and her character would propel her to question her own feelings for him and his feelings for her. Alina would be betraying every part of herself if she chose the life promised by Aleksander, and I think the story, as portrayed, makes that very clear.

But let's say she did it anyway; with her strength of will, she decided that she would join with the Darkling and accept the injustice done to her (and everyone else) as insufficient to prevent her from being with him. There still can be no happy ending in sight. Nothing in the history or character of Aleksander Morozova indicates that he would be content or even able to treat Alina as an equal, as a real partner. He certainly didn't respect her when she defied him. Everything we see and know about him indicates a pattern of dominating everyone around him, from his loyal followers to his own mother. I don't feel that the fact that Alina is his equal in magical power would help their relationship in any way. Aleksander would see in the Sun Summoner a danger if he could not control her, and Alina would have to become submissive.

Again, fanfiction has great powers of transformation, but there is a limit to how far a writer can stretch plot, setting, and most importantly characterization before it must be questioned if there is still a meaningful connection to the original material. Once that point is breached, readers like you and me have to question if the writer is actually not a fan but only insincerely passing themselves off as one.

This is my problem with the many spiteful interpretations of Master Plan (2x12). For example, I often bring up that people rewriting that scene tend to ignore the immediate mortal danger Allison was in when Gerard demands Scott make Derek bite him. Their motivation is obvious. The know as well as I do that there is nothing in Scott's nature or history, as portrayed, would lead him to place place Derek's autonomy above saving Allison's life, especially when Scott knows that Derek's Bite will disable (if not kill) Gerard and thus save Derek, Allison, and Derek's pack as well? There is simply no alternative that makes sense.

Like Alina, Scott's decisions had been shaped by what he had endured for the previous twenty-four episodes. While, contrary to popular fandom interpretation, he didn't hate Derek, being honest with Derek would require him to ignore too much. Derek had concealed information from him (the alpha's very existence), manipulated him repeatedly ("It's not going to come for free"), disregarded his needs ("I can't let her live!"), and outright betrayed him three times (the locker room shower, the cure, Peter's resurrection). Derek had demonstrated that he would chose lethal violence repeatedly and -- what is arguably worse -- had been a spectacular failure every time he tried to do that. Gerard, on the other hand, had delivered on every single threat he had made. Peter himself made that point in Battlefield (2x11): "You weren't ready. Because of it, Gerard is winning." The wisest plan was the one Scott went with. The only possible counter argument -- Derek's terrible history with Kate -- was something that Scott did not know about. There's a reason Derek didn't hold Master Plan against Scott, and it wasn't bad writing.

I feel our dissatisfaction with particular fandom behaviors isn't about some insistence that canon is sacrosanct. To us, the transformation they are performing is incomplete and ill-wrought, like a badly Photoshopped picture where someone we appreciate ends up having three arms, because the writer/fandom isn't working with the whole subject but only the parts that they want to change, yet they try to pass it off as a real picture. For me, personally, this dissatisfaction also arises from the idea that there are not-so-hidden motivations for the transformation: racism, classism, decadence, and misogyny.

Fiction often portrays dark events as well as heroic events, and if it is quality fiction, all those events are clearly motivated and make sense according to the plot and within the setting. It's an organic whole. Alina would not choose the Darkling and be happy because it goes against everything we know about both of them; Scott created his Master Plan because it goes along with everything we've watched him experience. Different outcomes would require different stories.

[josies-not-suicidal-now]

So this year Magic: the Gathering took some bold new directions in its aesthetic, We got a cowboy set: Outlaws of Thunder Junction, which up until now would have been too modern for a card game that defines itself as fantasy, and Duskmourn: House of Horror, which is even more modern, because it's a world inhabited by the characters in 80s horror flicks, including 80s clothes and haircuts, and initially seeing the art I really thought that WOTC may have gone too far with this one, but I think WOTC may have actually managed to make it work this time, I think they may have made a coherent fantasy world based off of 80s horror tropes,

there's something about the way this setting is explored in the cards that makes it feel alive, with stories and personal experience, and a community of people who barely survive day after day in a house of horror, it feels surreal in exactly that way that makes it feel deeply human, kinda like one of the alternate universeses in everything everywhere all at once,

see magic no longer does blocks, which makes each plane feel quickly visited and short lived and I think it's kind of made each new plane we've visited feel a bit more shallow, because the game doesn't have the time to ramble on about the minutia of each plane in that way that gives a world that feeling of life, and I think Duskmourn manages to tell a convincing story even with the reduced amount of time

EEAAO faces a similar problem, it wants you to witness the breadth of experiences in more universes than there is time to thoroughly explore in the runtime of a conventional movie, and it solves that problem by being incredibly sincere, by making each universe so known, and so tropey that we're essentially already familiar with all the characters when they're introduced, we've seen each story somewhere before, we already have reason to care about each character, they're more like pure symbols than specific people, and so the movie can skip to focusing on the feelings those characters go through, rather than getting all caught up in explaining the details of each universe they explore

And I think that's what makes Duskmourn successful from a flavor perspective in a way that OTJ just didn't manage,

OTJ suffers from the fact that it's a story about colonialism told by colonists, had it leaned more heavily into the film tropes it may have even been able to convince us otherwise, but instead it wanted all the cowboy puns it could take, as well as mechanics like crime and outlaws, and also wanted to seriously confront the racist history of cowboy films, and also wanted to feature a bunch of recurring characters from magic's past just kinda sprinkled in all over the place, like a marvel movie, and it ended up caught up in the middle between silly and serious, and the aesthetic of this set ends up feeling like it's straight out of a free to play mobile game, it's incoherent, insincere, and too caught up in explaining plot to ever make any of the emotions of the characters feel real

Duskmourn on the other hand is unabashedly sincere, all of the humans in this set look like their art was taken from a freeze frame of a horror movie, it's not ashamed of leaning into its source material, so many of the cards look like protagonists caught in the middle of a plot, but none of them are legendary, they're the normal residents of this plane, be they elderly mentors who warn of danger, or rebellious teens in the depths of isolation, or snarky nerds who think they've got the ghosts figured out, we're not being told to relate to these characters because they showed up in some magic set 15 years ago, but because they're that person, from that horror movie we've watched and the other horror elements only manage to make the sincerity even deeper, the clowns and dolls are silly freaky, they create the atmosphere of cheesiness that lets your mind engage directly with feeling, just like the silliness in EEAAO, and then the fears are literal embodiments of feelings, just like the glimmers with optimism and joy, more symbols than character, the set is literally about the feelings these characters have to endure to survive, it's brilliant! It makes me feel something!

I don't even know the official story of Duskmourn, I don't think I really care what happens to kaito or the wanderer or nashi, they're part of the wider magic story which is always a bit stilted and a bit awkward, but I know antisocial loner, I care about her, I care about the world she lives in, it looks coherent in its psychedelic surreality, I relate to living in that kind of world, everyone was wrong to be so down on this set's aesthetic, it does wonders with it

[thevampiremars]

My thoughts on the trans rep in "The Star Beast"

This episode is haunted by the spectre of Good Representation™. Representation is a topic too expansive and nuanced for me to interrogate fully, so I'll just say I'm sceptical of the approach and the way it reduces trans (or otherwise marginalised) characters to plot points or blandly by-the-book portrayals. Also the idea that any single character can accurately represent an entire demographic is tenuous. Anyway.

Throughout the episode there's a huge focus on how beautiful Rose is, which is... I mean, I'd hardly be the first person to point out how Weird people (cis people especially) can get about how trans people look. And I get that this is probably a deliberate attempt to counter transphobia, to stress that trans people are cherished and deserve the world. It is a sweet sentiment I suppose, but it can come across as a bit... insincere? patronising? fetishistic, even? You have to recognise that correlating a person's worth with how beautiful you think they are is problematic in and of itself.

I actually really like the scene where Sylvia is stumbling on pronouns and worrying about whether or not it's okay to call Rose gorgeous. It's cute. It's genuine. I wasn't sure about the boys on bikes scene that preceded it – I thought deadnaming Rose was a clumsy way to establish that she's trans – but I've watched the episode again and my opinion has softened. I think it works well to have the malicious misgendering side-by-side with the accidental misgendering, showing that, yes, there is a difference. I know this already, but cis people who get confused about terminology and etiquette might benefit from watching this.

Speaking of pronouns... haha. Yeah, I did not like the "are you assuming he as a pronoun?" "my chosen pronoun is the definite article" exchange. Very awkward and nonsensical. It could have worked with some tweaking, but as it stands it feels more like a transphobic joke than actual dialogue. Ditto "male-presenting Time Lord."

Side note: why are some people so thrown off by the Doctor's gender? It's really not that complicated. The Doctor's pronouns vary depending on whether we're talking about an individual incarnation or the Doctor as a whole, encompassing all incarnations. If we're talking about a specific Doctor, they've all been he/him so far except for the Thirteenth and Fugitive Doctor (both she/her). If we're referring to all Doctors as one entity, it makes sense to use they/them since they're not consistently one gender or another. The Doctor is technically nonbinary I guess but only because they have the ability to regenerate into any gender. They're genderfluid only if you squint.

ANYWAY.

Is Rose nonbinary? Again, the "binary, binary, nonbinary" line just felt like a joke. Plus it doesn't make a lot of sense as a plot point/reveal. Rose's gender shouldn't actually be relevant because what's important for the meta-crisis thing is that she's Donna's offspring. There's also the fact that Rose had been presented as a trans girl until that point – no indication that she's nonbinary. Yes, it is possible to be a nonbinary girl, but it seems more likely to me that RTD just thinks nonbinary and trans are synonymous. Which is not the case.

The thing is, as I've alluded to already, Rose is an example of trans rep written by cis people for cis people. RTD's heart is in the right place, for sure, but he doesn't really know what he's talking about. I would say I appreciate the effort? But I don't know what the effort was in aid of exactly. I suppose it's nice for cis people to be told it's okay to stumble on pronouns sometimes, and to be shown that transness isn't a horrible and scary thing. I dunno. It's frustrating that trans people in life and in fiction have to educate and inspire and reassure cis people all the time... but we live in a society, don't we? And I'm sure there will be plenty of young trans people thrilled to see someone like them on TV, even if the execution could have been better.

[valle-de-sombra-de-muerte]

Homestuck Reread: Act 2, Part 2/3 (p. 440-614)

Read the previous post here.

We pick up this second third of Act 2 by reading another section of Rose's GameFAQs walkthrough.

Credit where it's due, I like this section title.

Rose wants to know more about this hypothetical Pornsprite. This girl is freaky. Too bad Ao3 didn't go into open beta until a few months after Homestuck began, she would've been all about it.

Interesting how she only cites part of her guide as "logorrheic sludge." Honey, that's the entire guide. Brevity is not your strong suit.

Rose and Jade's first pesterlog. I'll use this as the jumping off point to talk about Jade since she has only appeared sporadically at this point and none of her logs were worth talking about.

Actually, she did have one log in Act 1 where she asks John about his present. The one interesting thing is that she apparently didn't know what Sburb was when John mentioned it.

So John, Rose, and Dave all knew about Sburb and none of them thought to tell Jade about it? Huh... guess that tells us a lot about the dynamics of their friend group.

Anyway, I realize this might be a "hot take" given her inexplicable popularity in the fandom, but I don't like Jade. And unlike with John, there never was a point where I did. I am of the mind that Homestuck would've been much stronger and have a tighter pace if she was cut from the cast of kids (or at least, this version of her. The story could also work if she had some heavy rewrites) and it was limited to John, Rose, and Dave. Rose and Dave alone make for an engaging pair, and I suppose John acts as a sort of "anchor" to ground their increasingly esoteric insincerity and bullshit. If he was fleshed out more, it definitely would've worked.

But Jade doesn't help with this dynamic at all. Like John, Jade is also much more grounded and sincere, but her personality is also coupled with an overwhelming optimism where she believes everything will be okay if left up to chance. If John is true neutral, Jade is 100% positive. He barely reacts to the otherworldly things happening to him, but she actively seems to enjoy them (the meteor crashing near her house is something she wants to explore regardless of the risk, and John struggling in Sburb is "exciting").

She doesn't serve as a convincing counterbalance to Rose and Dave and comes across as more of an extraneous extension of John's lack of danger sense than anything else. Do we really need two happy-go-lucky kids with slight variations on the same niche? The very fact that the story is able to progress without her involvement thus far shows just how little she matters.

These first two acts shroud her in so much mystery, and we barely know anything about her even through these sparse pesterlogs. (As we later see, this amounts to nothing, so all this intrigue is unfounded and only leads to an unsatisfying payoff). At this point in the story, we only know that she lives with her grandfather and someone named Bec (which Dave refers to as a "devilbeast"), she has a "goofy modus" which frustrates even Dave (who, mind you, mocked John for using a simple modus earlier), she lives in a far-off part of the world, and that she has some degree of inexplicable precognition.

Jade's cutesy cagey attitude about her precognitive abilities is fucking annoying, and it is perhaps the worst thing about reading her logs. "oh gee i know all this stuff but its a secret and you gotta find out on your own tee hee! :)" This truly is typical hackshit writing when handling characters with prophetic knowledge. You can't make them too useful, or else there won't be suspense or conflict. Instead they have to act as a ineffectual plot device to softly guide the characters along. Except she doesn't do any guiding. She just unhelpfully alludes to things that the others don't know yet and leaves it at that.

In fact, Jade as a whole is less of a character and more of a plot device, by which I mean she doesn't have any sort of character to speak of. Her overbearing cheerfulness is not endearing to read, neither is her dropping hints that she knows more about what she lets on. She doesn't have any entertaining chemistry with the others either. Her interactions with John are like watching two morons acting excited with each other while the world is literally ending around them. Dave intentionally strips himself of his personality because he has a crush on her and wants to impress her by being "nice," but she doesn't seem to reciprocate his feelings at all. Also, come on, dude, Rose is right there.

Rose is the only one who shows any scrutiny about Jade's "quirky" clairvoyance. But even so, she only expresses this through occasional, bemused remarks. Jade dodges the question whenever Rose asks how she knows about things she realistically shouldn't, and Rose doesn't ever press further.

So Rose had prior knowledge about a game that will bring her cat to life. We later find out that this opportunity to revive Jaspers was her her motivation for playing Sburb. Doesn't seem worth ending the world for, but whatever. I daresay this casts Jade in a bit of a villainous role for planting the idea in Rose's head in the first place.

Actually, if Jade ended up being a twist villain, that would've been interesting and provide, you know, intrigue! Or if nothing else, it would've at least added something of substance to her character, something she desperately needs. Even ignoring that angle, you'd think the other kids might be more than a little resentful toward Jade since she knew the world was going to end, yet never told any of them about it.

But no, Hussie can't implement anything that would've been conducive to good storytelling. Especially if it leads to, gasp, conflict!

Okay, enough of Jade, let's get moving.

I want to bring attention to this passage and compare it to the earlier "symphony impossible to play" one with Rose. First of all, it's worth noting the rain/drought contrast between their respective settings. Unlike the more elegant and cerebral prose in Rose's section, this one reads more like a stream of consciousness from Dave's perspective. Loose and casual, even ending with a Snoop Dogg-esque rhyme at the end before transitioning to an actual Snoop Dogg verse.

Yeah, for those who haven't caught on, John Keats didn't actually say that. Very easy to miss, I'm sure. For those counting, this is also misattributed quote gag #5. I am positively rolling with laughter.

I find it noteworthy the room where Bro has his whole setup is stated to be the living room, not a bedroom. I'm quite certain that the Striders live in a one-bedroom apartment where Dave gets the room and Bro has all his shit in the living room and kitchen.

Dave's relationship with Bro is an inverse of John and Rose's relationships with their guardians. Whereas Dad and Mom decorate their homes with shit they think their kids will like in order to seek their approval, Bro isn't doing any of this for Dave's sake. He fills his home with his puppets and weapons because he's the one into that shit (ironically or otherwise, it doesn't matter). Dave in turn adopts Bro's mannerisms because he craves his approval.

The amount of mental hoops he needs to make in order to justify his brother's fixation on sex and puppets is concerning. Is Bro even being "ironic" or is that just an excuse he tells Dave so he doesn't have to explain this stuff any further? I think the love of Lil Cal, his childhood possession and best friend, led to a love of puppets being a core part of his personality. Everything else that extends from that is up to interpretation.

Like Dave, Bro is also a hipster doofus who does things seen as patently "uncool" in a bold display of being unique. The logic is such: a disregard for what society deems "cool" is what leads to it becoming "cool" ironically. At a glance, Bro's interests include typically "cool" things like ninja weapons, video games, and rapping. Bro plays with expectations by using these interests, which he may very well only enjoy ironically, in conjunction with puppets, which he loves genuinely but passes them off as ironic since most people deem them creepy and uncool. Applying a sexual element to the puppets makes an interest in them even creepier, so Bro does so if only to make his love for them appear even more ironic.

Convoluted and confusing? Yeah, that's Bro Strider, baby.

I don't know how necessary it was to show just how Dave gave Lil Cal a fist bump, but I do like this panel. One of the few reminders we get that these characters are, in fact, small children.

Bro's 6-character password is "puppet" right? It has to be. (Correction: a helpful anon has informed me that the password is actually "lilcal"). Also, just like his home, his desktop organization is also a mess. There's no method to this man's madness.

For all the negligence and questionable parenting methods Bro is guilty of, he still cares for Dave in some capacity. He stays up to date on his webcomic and blogs, and even hangs up one of Dave's SBaHJ drawings on the fridge. I wonder if Bro, on some level, likes the idea of raising a kid that he can raise to be just like him, but is just a woefully inept guardian that he doesn't know the first thing about parenting.

Remember, these are the kinds of websites Rose says she likes.

Just gonna say perhaps it's not ideal that Dave is being exposed to this kind of thing at such a young age. As much as he idolizes Bro and wants to emulate him, he can't get over the fact that all this sex stuff disturbs him. Yet he doesn't even view it as sexual, only as a form of irony, one he can't comprehend until he can somehow overcome his aversion toward it. It's kinda sad, really.

Unsettled, Dave's first recourse is to talk to John to try and calm down. John leaves him hanging. Such a good friend, am I right? He then goes to Rose, where they have the earlier conversation where she says she likes Bro's websites, but this time we get added context.

Dave of course is attempting to act casual about the whole thing, only slightly alluding to his deeper distress, and Rose is just like "That shit rules. I like it." This whole exchange is both tragic and darkly comedic.

Rose really does come across as a little pervert sometimes. She casually drops sexually charged phrases in conversation ("sun's lurid glare"), her username is a lewd double entendre (tentacle the... I'll let you finish that phrase), and she does show a marked interest in sexual topics (Bro's websites, the Pornsprite... honestly I'm surprised she doesn't suggest that to Dave at any point).

Both she and Dave play with innuendo and act as though they're mature and know all about sex. However, Dave's attitude toward sex is more a response to his exposure to it at a young age, whereas Rose is more casual about it and sees her flippant attitude toward it as a mark of maturity. She must love treating sex as this trivial little thing that might make others uncomfortable, but not her because she's soooo grown up.

Also, if Rose truly did give a shit about psychoanalysis, she probably would've picked up on Dave's cries for help in his messages. She really isn't as perceptive as she lets on.

Thank you, Rose, for saying what I was thinking.

Rose gets a kick out of Dave's webcomic and laughs when John makes references to it. Also, she doesn't tell John about what Dave told her earlier about the puppets when he mentions it. How nice of her. John is a fucking jackass though. Seriously, fuck him.

I'm putting a pin in this for later. Rose being able to "see only [...] what John can see, or has seen already" will be important to note later on.

Another tragicomic exchange where Rose continues to make light of Dave's distress. I wonder if she is incapable of seeing Dave as being sincere in this moment and thinks he's overreacting as a part of their usual back-and-forth.

Here it is. My favorite Homestuck page.

Dave wants to please Bro and goes along with his shtick no matter how far he pushes the envelope. This only encourages Bro to go further and further in his methods of fucking with Dave. Is his end goal to push Dave to a breaking point, or does he truly hope something with click that will make Dave truly understand him? Either way, it's fucked up.

I didn't want to get into Bro Discourse during this reread. I know there are opposing camps who either think he's a monstrous child abuser, or a silly guy who did no wrong. Personally, I think that while he doesn't read as outright malicious, it's safe to say this dude is a menace and has no business raising a kid.

It's really skeevy of Bro to incorporate his underage brother in his fetish videos, which will doubtless be uploaded to his site for others to view. This is probably the one of the more damning things he's guilty of.

Bro has reduced the kitchen as a storage space for his weapons. It's a wonder how he's able to take care of himself, let alone a child.

It's stated that Bro doesn't have anywhere else to store his stuff, which further reinforces my theory that Dave has the only bedroom in the apartment.

Yes. Thank you. One can only watch characters launch objects at high speeds for so long.

Dave's sylladex shenanigans are a little more tolerable than John's. Assigning different names to objects in order to make them fit in the modus is more fun than watching things eject once the deck is full.

This metaphor caught me off guard. It's so abrupt and out of pocket, I love it.

Shit's about to go down. Let's see how things resolve when I finish Act 2 next week.

Read the next post here.

[soulsuckrrs]

open to: m/f/anyone plot: for generations y/m & Ulfred's clans have been enemies, fighting for land & power mostly until an unlikely mutual enemy forces them to form a treaty with a prospective marriage & joining of clans. could be period/viking eras (preferred) or futuristic dystopian. hmu if you'd like to plot! connection: son/daughter/child or sibling of rival clan leader, rival clan leader themselves. anyone who it'd make sense to marry/trade off in a treaty.

Ulfred only ever did what he needed in order to protect and make his people successful. It had been a long time since he had been the only one protecting his little glen in the wilds of this nation, now he had more than just creatures and beautiful, succulent wild lands to call his home. The impending war and threat of an enemy greater than any he'd ever faced was troublesome but Ulfred was nothing if he wasn't a strategist. Of course, the elders of the clan had aided in his decision making but joining forces was the only way to stay strong and alive against this new and strong adversary.

Wind whipped at his clothes and hair as he stood in wait for the procession coming down the center of his village. His mind was elsewhere, thinking of everything all at once but as his eyes settled on the people in the procession his thoughts dwindled to the present. No matter what, Ulfred had to make this thing work, make everything and everyone get along just so they could face the great force that trapped them against the mountains and ocean alike. His blue eyes swept over every person in the procession as it drew closer until that gaze of his found them, the one destined to bridge the gap between their people. At least, if all went according to plan, both clans would benefit greatly in being a force against their mutual enemy.

Ulfred stood straighter as they reached him, the elders, and the rest of his people. He took them in at this closer stance and couldn't help the tiniest amount of appreciation touch his gaze but nothing else. His tall frame stood rigid then went slack to dip into a neat and fluid bow for someone so tall and strong. "I do hope your travels were pleasant," he said in greeting, shooting a glance at those around him until they did as he, dipping low in a greeting bow before he himself straightened to his full height again. He turned slightly and gestured to the large longhouse behind him, stepping aside to make way for the others to head inside. "-- come, sit, drink, rest your bodies. We welcome you all to feast with us tonight." It almost felt insincere coming from him, especially since their own clans were fighting mere months ago but Ulfred new there was no other way, that didn't mean his people felt the same or could easily get over their animosity towards any enemy.

[werecat1234]

Merging Timelines Chapter Thirteen

Dust was sitting on the couch, an angry Undyne glaring down at him. Papyrus was standing off to the side, Alphys was hiding behind Skyler, who was standing next to Papyrus, and Skyler looked exasperated. Sans was by the TV leaning against the wall, visible if Dust looked around Undyne, but otherwise he could see him in the background. 

"am i still in time out?" Dust asked. 

"Yes! Sans, why the hell would you help prank the entire Underground?!" Undyne asked, steam practically coming from her ears.

Dust shrugged a bit. "why not?"

"'WHY NOT'?! SANS, COME ON!! LOOK AT ME AND ALPHYS! ALPH, PULL DOWN YOUR HOOD!" Undyne yelled, looking back at her, and Alphys rapidly shook her head no.

"REST ASSURED, ALPHYS, IT CANNOT BE THAT BAD..." Papyrus tried reassuring her, and she squeaked.

'killer, what did you do?' Dust asked with a sigh, pulling his hood up.

'you'll see?~ me and horror are having fun with the 'murder time trio plotting board™️'. i can't wait til the three of us are in here at once! just like a real team!' Killer replied.

'maybe tonight. this body needs to sleep after all. so no pranking everyone again, killer.' Dust told him sternly.

'yeah yeah, whatever... you three at least wanna get into some mischief later?' Killer asked.

'i think you did enough as it is.' Sans sighed.

'that was just my solo mission! me, dust, and horror still need to do our first ever team up.' Killer pointed out.

'you can't stop him, sans. better to just go along with it and try to minimize the damage.' Dust told Sans, who facepalmed.

'look who's catching on!' Dust could practically hear Killer grinning.

Dust sighed.

"-ANS, ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME RIGHT NOW?!" Undyne asked, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him, and his eyelights snapped up to her.

"sorry, what were you saying?" Dust asked.

He couldn't concentrate on a single conversation, between Killer, Horror, and Sans, and then the conversation that wasn't in his head. It was like ADHD combined with schizophrenia. Undyne glared at him in frustration, her eye twitching as she sighed. 

"Oh for the love of- You've been doing that since I even got to Snowdin! Just off in your own world half the time! What are you even thinking about, anyways?!"

"llamas with hats." Dust replied.

"Ha ha, very funny. Seriously! What's going on in that skull of yours?" Undyne knocked on his skull surprisingly gently. 

'good thing horror wasn't watching when she did that.' Sans said, and Dust bit back a chuckle.

"a marching band of rats wearing tuxedos and wizard hats and beards." Dust said.

"No!"

"ketchup."

"SANS!" Undyne snapped, and Dust snorted, "Stop messing around!! Now who the hell did you help pull all this off?!" 

"gandolf."

"SANS!" Papyrus yelled.

"fine... natzu dragneel." Dust said flatly.

"N-Natzu?!?!" Alphys yelped, "F-From the anime?!"

"yup." Dust replied calmly.

"Where is he?!" Undyne asked, gripping his jacket and holding him up to her face.

"he went back into the tv." Dust replied, Undyne putting him down. 

'i forgot how much these two are anime geeks- oh, that's a great idea, horror! great murder idea!'

'i figured it would get the job done.' Horror chuckled.

"That jerk! I'll kick his butt if he shows his face here again!" Undyne yelled, punching one of her fists into her palm.

'do i even want to know what you two are doing in there?' Sans asked, worried. 

'guys, i can only concentrate on one conversation at a time!' Dust snapped at them.

'so sorry, dust bunny, i'll make sure to use my inside voice.' Killer apologized insincerely, taking a deep breath, before sounding muffled.

'i got him. do your thing, dust.' Horror said. 

"Why would you even help him anyways?!" Undyne asked.

"why not?" Dust asked.

'thank you, horror.' Dust thanked him.

'yeah, thank you. maybe you can help balance him out.' Sans said.

'maybe. maybe not. time will tell i guess.' Horror shrugged.

"Why not?!?!" Undyne asked, angered.

'oh god..' Dust groaned mentally. 

Killer could be heard gasping, 'jeez, horror! you don't gotta strangle me like that!'

'he does when you're trying to drive me crazy.' Dust sighed.

"i couldn't sleep and i was bored." Dust said, trying and failing to stay concentrated on the conversation, and Undyne groaned.

'crazy? i was crazy once. they put me in a room. a rubber room. a rubber room with rats. they put me in a rubber room with rats. rats? i hate rubber rats. they make me crazy. crazy? i was crazy once. they put me in a room-' Killer was cut off by Horror audibly slapping his hand over Killer's mouth. 

'killer for the love of all that exists, please, shut up!' Sans pleaded.

Dust could hear Killer's muffed laughter in his head, slowly fading out. Dust pinched his brow in exasperation. Killer's mood swings were not something to underestimate. 

"Hey.... Sans? Can we talk?" Skyler asked, looking at him in concern as they stepped forward.

"I'm not done with him yet!" Undyne said.

"my house, undyne. you're a guest. i say we're rain-checking this conversation for later." Dust said, standing up and walking over to Skyler, leaving a stunned Undyne bent over in front of the couch. 

Skyler's jaw dropped a bit as he walked over to them, putting his hand on their shoulder and teleporting them to the bench with the quiche under it in Waterfall. It was quiet, hidden, and secluded, which worked great against eavesdroppers.

"What happened?" Skyler asked almost immediately.

"got a new addition. your reloads sped it up, and the new guy's here, and no, he can't take over the body yet, but one more sync up and he can. killer is... well, he's being irritating. he showed off how fast he was earlier, and.. well, he's extremely fast." Dust explained.

"Oh my god... I'm so sorry. I only thought about the sync ups after I Reloaded, I-" Skyler immediately apologized, and Dust held his hand up.

"it's fine. it was gonna happen eventually, and besides, my actions were.. not exactly good ones. i lost my temper with flowey." Dust said.

"Still, I should've thought about it.. The new one... he umm... what's he like?" Skyler asked.

"well, he's sadistic, isn't exactly opposed to violence, and he's got a crazy side. he explained what happened on his end, which, jeez, and uh... well... it was a lot, and i don't wanna get into it. if it signifies anything, killer nicknamed him 'horror', which is pretty damn fitting." Dust said.

"Jeez...." Skyler whispered.

"yeah... killer also made us a team now. 'murder time trio', which is admittedly catchy. i'm apparently the leader too." Dust shrugged.

"It does have a nice ring to it... Dust?" Skyler asked.

"yeah?" Dust replied.

"What's a Natzu Dragneel?" Skyler asked.

"it's this human anime thing. killer got bored and watched all of alphys's anime collection, and i had the misfortune of him ranting about some of them while plotting flowey's murder." Dust replied.

"That... explains a lot." Skyler said after a moment. 

'i'm surprised you didn't, dust.' Killer said.

"i wasn't that desperate for something to do, killer. besides, i didn't start killing until maybe a thousand resets give or take, and that still wasn't enough time. i lost count after a while, but i know it wasn't nearly as many as you went through." Dust replied. 

"She has a big collection I take it?..." Skyler asked.

"it's huge." Dust and Killer replied at the same time, Dust out loud and Killer in Dust's head.

'jinx?' Horror asked. 

Dust sighed, agreeing "jinx..."

"So umm... do you know anything about Horror yet?" Skyler asked.

"yeah, actually. he went over his past with the three of us so nightmares of his past wouldn't be as much of a surprise. it uh... it was bad. it explains why only reloads are making all this worse, and uh... well, his physical appearance.... well..." Dust trailed off.

"It's bad?" Skyler asked.

"it's bad." Dust agreed, and he got a phone call; it was Papyrus, "one sec." Dust told them, before answering the phone, holding it away from his head, "yeah?"

"SANS! WHERE ARE YOU?" Papyrus asked.

"uh... why?" Dust asked.

"QUEEN TORIEL HAS RETURNED! WELL, I BELIEVE IT IS HER! SHE LOOKS VERY DISPLEASED, AND IS TALKING WITH ASGORE IN SNOWDIN TOWN SQUARE AS WE SPEAK! ASGORE HAD REQUESTED YOUR PRESSENCE! ALSO, WE MUST HAVE A LONG TALK ABOUT WHO YOU PRANK WHILE SLEEP DEPRIVED, BROTHER!" Papyrus replied, and Skyler looked at Dust in shock.

"oh crap.." Dust muttered, eyelights turning red and cyan from horror.

'wait, you pranked the royals?!' Horror asked in shock.

'killer, you've gotta be kidding me..' Sans groaned. 

'oh, i pranked everyone~' Killer grinned.

Dust groaned, eyelights turning white again. "i'll be there in a few minutes, paps. just uh... finishing a conversation with skyler." 

"ALRIGHT, JUST HURRY, BROTHER!" Papyrus said, and he hung up.

"Killer pranked Toriel and Asgore?" Skyler asked.

"yup... sans, do you want to handle this?" Dust asked. 

'i can, yeah.' Sans replied.

Sans appeared, walking into Dust, and he took control. He sighed, giving Killer a tired look. 

"killer, i swear..." Sans trailed off, and Killer snickered, going into the subconscious.

'don't worry, i'll keep an eye on him.' Dust said.

"thank you, dust." Sans thanked him. 

'you're welcome. oh hey, you guys did pretty good on that plotting board.' Dust said. 

'thanks, dust bunny! horror thought of the bear trap idea.' Killer smirked.

"hold on, bear traps?!" Sans asked in shock. 

"What?!" Skyler asked in confusion. 

'oh, this is gonna be so much fun!' Killer cackled.

"crap... welp, flowey's done for. kid, you ready to head to Snowdin?" Sans asked, receiving a nod, and they still looked disturbed.

Sans put his hand on their shoulder, teleporting them both to his room, and he said, "wait here. this way asgore won't see you and suspect anything. i'll... deal with this."

"Ok.." Skyler replied, sitting down on the bed and looking at the trash tornado as Sans teleported out. 

Sans appeared in front of Asgore, looking in shock at Asgore's purple, yellow, and green swirled fur, accompanied by the orange beard as Asgore looked at him in momentary wariness before relaxing. oh my god...

'dust, horror, you gotta see this.' Sans told them, struggling not to burst out laughing.

Less than a moment later, laughter erupted in Sans's head. Horror's honestly terrifying laughter did nothing to deter the others from laughing their bones off. Killer sounded absolutely maniacal, Dust sounded similar but a lot less crazy, and Horror's laughter was downright psychotic, but it didn't stop the others. It was better than Horror's creepy, quiet and terrifying giggling.

'holy crap!'

'killer, you didn't!! what the hell?!'

'i knew he'd look horrible, but oh my god, this is perfect!!' 

'what the hell is wrong with you?!?!'

Killer laughed even harder.

Sans saw Toriel as she walked over to him with a quiet sigh and a mildly irritated look on her face, and Sans's composure shattered. Her fur was every color of the rainbow, and some not in the rainbow, and some Sans didn't even know existed. 

'you didn't! killer, why?!?!'

'i was running low on dyes! i just dumped them all in!' Killer replied, sounding like he was struggling to breath. 

'holy crap, killer!' Horror said, wheezing.

'killer, you are in so much trouble!' Sans scolded him, despite his laughter; to be fair, it was extremely funny.

Killer said something faintly, likely whispering to Horror and Dust, and Horror laughed even more.

'the underground will be terrified!' Horror snickered.

'i almost feel bad about it... then again, i've done much worse.' Dust said with an audible smirk.

'oh ho ho! dusty's showing his inner darkside!' You could hear the grin in Killer's voice. 

'uh oh....' Sans was uneasy as he pulled himself together, wiping a cyan and yellow tear from each eye socket.

'to the plotting board!' Killer shouted, and everything went quiet.

Sans had a bad feeling about this. He was exhausted from sleep deprivation, and Dust was starting to join in on Killer's antics more and more. Be it from sleep deprivation or just coming out of his shell bit by bit, Sans was immensely worried. While it was nice to know Dust was cutting loose and forming a friendship with Killer, and now probably Horror.... Sans didn't know how he felt about the three of them potentially teaming up.

Sans sighed a bit, looking up at Asgore apologetically, "s-sorry, just... wow.." Sans apologized.

"It's alright, Sans." Asgore replied, "You had an understandable reaction. Honestly, I did the same."

'i'm the one who did it, and even i laughed!' Killer pointed out.

'you're also a nutjob.' Dust pointed out. 

'at least i'm not an airhead.' Killer said.

'you really wanna start this with me, bonehead?' Dust asked.

'dust, killer, don't even start!' Sans snapped at them while giving a thankful expression to Asgore, and turned to Toriel, saying, "sorry for laughing."

'what are they doing?' Horror asked.

'you'll find out.' Sans sighed.

"It's quite alright, my child." Toriel replied, "Say, you sound familiar.." Toriel's eyes widened in realization, and she asked, "Knock knock?"

"who's there?" Sans asked.

'chucklehead!'

'dummy!'

"Old lady." Toriel replied.

'earsplitter!'

'you're one to talk, you flamboyant imbecile!

'there's a one word limit, you goof!'

"old lady who?" Sans asked.

'one word?.... oh. i see what you two are doing...' Horror chuckled creepily at the realization. 

'yup! dust, you gotta grasp the rules better, buddy~' Killer snickered. 

"Oh my, I didn't know you could yodel." Toriel laughed, and Sans laughed, despite hearing the joke several times before. 

'you try thinking of an insult that starts with 'f' that isn't a swear word!' Dust retorted.

'... touche...'

'you bunch of little hellions...' Horror said. 

Killer let out a 'woop' in excitement, and Dust snickered. 

'oh yeah, here we go!'

"nice to meet you face to face." Sans said to Toriel, trying to block out the three idiots in his head right now. 

'sans joined in, he just called us idiots.' Horror announced. 

'about time!!' Killer laughed, 'welcome to the club, lucky!'

'i'm leaving it.' Sans said.

"You aswell." Toriel replied.

'wait! but what about your personalized club jacket? i've already called the tailor!' Killer yelled dramatically.

"You two know each other?" Asgore asked with a smile.

'that's on you.' Sans shot back teasingly. 

'i can't believe i'm stuck with you jerks..' Dust laughed a bit.

"Yes, we've been telling knock knock jokes through the Ruins door for a while now. He's a good comedian." Toriel replied.

'at least we aren't a bunch of killjoys.' Horror snickered.

'yeah, we're not a bunch of losers! ... except for lucky, because he left the club.' Killer said. 

'hey!' Sans replied in offense, and everything thankfully went quiet, the three of them keeping their insult match up in the subconscious.

"He is, yes. Sans, the reason I called you is because... well... everyone has been pranked. I assume you saw Mettaton's... umm... broadcast, this morning." 

"yeah, that was... uh..." Sans laughed a bit, "That was better than his usual shows."

"Wait, what happened?" Toriel asked.

"the famous robot from around here got pranked." Sans explained. 

"Oh, I see." Toriel asked with a small giggle. 

Asgore waited a moment before continuing, "Anyways, Sans, I was wondering if you could help find who did this." Asgore told him.

"i think i can do that, yeah." Sans replied. 

"Thank you. Just look for anyone who's enjoying this a little too much." Asgore replied while giving him a hidden look, basically saying 'i need your expertise on expressions here.'

"you got it, your majesty." Sans said. 

Killer appeared across from him, looking between Toriel and Asgore with an amused expression on his face. 

'hmmmm... i wonder where you could find such a suspicious individual~' Killer snickered. 

Something seemed to catch Killer's attention, and he said, 'hey lucky, look at your window.'

Sans glanced up at it, seeing Skyler looking down at them through the window. 

'hey killer, what do you say we mix things up a bit more?' Sans asked, and Killer looked at him curiously.

'huh?' Killer asked.

"hey, old lady, can you follow me for a moment? i think someone wants to talk to you." Sans asked her.

"I can, yes." Toriel replied, and Sans grabbed her hand as he led her inside. 

He teleported them both up to his room where Skyler was, and they turned around in surprise.

"i kept my promise, the kid's safe." Sans said as he let go of Toriel's hand.

"Oh, my child!" Toriel cried, racing forward, sliding on her knees as she hugged Skyler tightly, "Thank you, my friend. Thank you."

"you're welcome." Sans replied as Skyler hugged her back.

Toriel pulled down Skyler's hood, and frowned when she saw their face.

"My child, who did this?" Toriel asked in concern, gently tilting their head up. 

"I uh... I was pranked too." Skyler replied.

"Do you know by who?" Toriel asked, and Skyler thankfully shook their head no, and Toriel sighed as she hugged Skyler again, "Very well. Well, I'm glad to know you're ok. Sans, in all seriousness, thank you so much for keeping them safe and not hurting them." 

"it's no problem, they're a good kid, after all." Sans replied.

'when they're not a genocidal maniac..' Killer said as he appeared next to Toriel, looking at the two of them.

'true..' Dust replied, appearing in front of Sans. 

Horror popped up next, looking at the two of them from next to Sans. 

'is everyone just here now? what happened to your plotting board and alphabetic roast match?' Sans asked.

'i won, and this is new to all of us.' Killer replied, folding his arms behind his head as he leaned against the wall.

'pfft! as if! i obviously won.' Dust rolled his eyelights, teleporting next to Killer and elbowing him in the side. 

'no way!' Killer replied, elbowing him back. 

'are they always like this?' Horror asked.

'yup...' Sans sighed. 

Skyler was watching his face while Toriel hugged them. Five seconds later, and Dust and Killer were roughhousing on the ground, both with playful and dark grins on their faces. Sans's vision grew fuzzy, and he saw a flash of red in his peripherals, like a tattered red fabric. 

'what was that?...' Horror asked. 

'what was it?' Dust asked as he pinned Killer down, his elbow on Killer's neck.

'like this... flash of red fabric?' Sans replied, and Killer and Dust both froze. 

'duuuuust remember what we were talking about this morning?' Killer asked. 

'yup.' Dust replied, jumping off of Killer, bolting to Sans, taking control. 

'dust, what the hell?' Sans asked in confusion, appearing across from him. 

Dust snapped his fingers, a purple spark between his fingers as he teleported to the middle of the forest in Snowdin, seeing some of Killer's faint footprints still in the snow. Dust sighed, pulling his hood up far over his head, casting a shadow over his face.

'dust, what's going on?' Horror asked.

'dust bunny hallucinates his dead brother sometimes, and looks like it's starting up again~' Killer explained, appearing across from Dust, grinning. 

'what?!' Horror asked.

'seriously? i haven't seen that in a nightmare before..' Sans said.

'it's almost like killer didn't sleep last night.' Dust rolled his eyelights, looking around, 'i just don't get it... why is he appearing now?'

Killer's grin was replaced by a thoughtful expression, and his eye sockets widened after a moment from a realization, 'i think i know.'

'really?'

'how?' Dust asked.

'it's simple, my dusty friend, in your timeline, had you by any chance been killing monsters when he started appearing?' Killer asked. 

'yeah?' Dust replied. 

'what did he mainly talk about?' Killer asked.

'what paps talked- talks about, but he mentioned lv and exp a lot more.' Dust answered as he faintly heard the voice of Papyrus whispering to him. 

'ok, ok... did it start at the beginning of the timeline, after you first woke up?' 

'... yes?'

'was it fainter and kept growing more prominent as time went on?'

'what are you getting at, killer, just say it!' Dust snapped, getting impatient.

'alright, alright! sheesh. you killed flowey, which provided you exp. lv, as we talked about, is addictive, it's like a drug, and.. well, seems like it doubles as a hallucinogen.' Killer said, 'lv is addictive, dust, your magic craves it, and it can and will mess with your mind in order to make you get it, like say... taking the form of your brother and have him tell you to keep on killing.' Killer explained, folding his arms behind his head as he watched Dust's face.

'... son of a-!'

'there it is~'

'wait, that can happen??' Sans asked. 

'yup.' Killer replied. 

'i never had those. then again, i mainly killed humans.' Horror said.

'lv could affect you differently, so-' Killer was cut off by Papyrus's echoey voice. 

*SANS...

'rude.' Killer muttered.

*SANS, IT'S ME, BROTHER...

'no, it's not.' Dust replied, flashes of red in the corner of his eye sockets, like a scarf blowing in the wind.

*YES, IT IS. WHY DON'T YOU BELIEVE ME, SANS? HAVE I EVER LIED TO YOU BEFORE?-

"i..." Dust didn't know what to say.

Horror appeared across from him, 'don't believe him, dust. it's not him.'

*HE'S LYING, SANS. IT IS ME. YOU NEED MORE LV, BROTHER. THE HUMAN WILL START KILLING SOON...

Dust took a deep, shaky breath, trembling a little. Sans appeared to his right, looking at him in concern, having never seen Dust like this before. Killer was giving him a firm look, crossing his arms. 

'don't listen to him, dust.' Killer told him sternly.

*DON'T LISTEN TO THAT SKELETON, SANS. HE WANTS TO KILL EVERYONE HIMSELF. HE WANTS TO STEAL THE EXP FROM YOU. YOU NEED IT.

A demented version of Papyrus floated infront of him, a disembodied head with glowing red eye sockets, a tattered, long scarf wrapped around it, swaying behind it, and two gloved red hands at either side, near the end of the scarf. The Papyrus looked Dust in the eye sockets, and spoke again.

*WE NEED TO START KILLING BEFORE THE HUMAN DOES, SANS. YOU CANNOT FALL FOR THEIR LIES.

"paps, they're not-"

'don't talk to it like it's actually him, dust!' Killed glared at him.

*DON'T LISTEN TO HIM, SANS. HE HATES ME. HE WANTS YOU TO IGNORE ME. DON'T LISTEN TO HIM. NOW GET THE EXP. YOU NEED IT. YOU NEED TO LEVEL UP. NOW.

Dust trembled, backing away from the hallucination shakily, eye sockets wide with small red and cyan eyelights. He didn't know what to do. Killer glared at him, looking between the indecisive Dust and the manipulative figment, and he grit his teeth. He didn't care if Dust killed everyone... under normal circumstances. However, these weren't normal. Things were continuing for once, and Killer didn't want that to end. The fact that he was starting to care a little about Dust had nothing to do with it. 

Killer strode forward, grabbed the turtle neck and ripped Dust out of control over the body. Dust landed with a thump on the snow in front of him as Killer glared at the hallucination of Papyrus. Killer didn't trust Dust not to do anything stupid right now, so he was taking the wheel for a bit. 

"listen here you manipulative little pest, you need to shut the hell up right now before i slice and dice you so fast you turn into a bunch of bone meal and confetti. you are not going to ruin this timeline for me, and you are not going to gaslight dust into killing everyone again. you have no authority here, there is no necessity for dust to kill anyone, and i'm not gonna let you trick him into thinking otherwise. i don't know who's more delusional, dust for hallucinating you and thinking you're real, or you for claiming to be real even though you're faker than mettaton's hair, and it's made out of the same crap as a broom. you're less convincing than a salesmonster trying to sell a pair of gloves to that kid that follows undyne around everywhere. i wish i could blame dust's insanity on your existence, but unfortunately it's not that simple, now get the hell out of our head and leave dust alone, you lv induced, manipulative, gaslighting, lying, power hungry, delusional, spineless leech off of dust's questionable sanity." Killer glared daggers at the hallucination the whole time, Broken Determination gushing from his eye sockets and dripping down and onto the snow. 

Dust, Horror, and Sans were left completely and utterly speechless. The hallucination got in his face with a violent screech, the scarf and gloves gaining jagged edges, and it's eye sockets turned black except for glowing red slits for pupils, it's teeth sharpening. This was it's real face...

*YOU VILE, LITTLE-

"oh i'm vile? you're one to talk. i didn't think you could get any uglier." Killer smirked. The hallucination screeched at him again, and Killer didn't even flinch. "You seriously think you can scare me? you can't hurt me. besides, that anime... what was it? oh, right, mew mew: kissy cutie, is scarier than you are. actually, you could probably fit right in if i put a bow on your head."

Horror and Sans both burst out into shocked laughter, and Dust just stared up at Killer in shock and awe, purple tears in his eye sockets. Killer immediately summoned a wall of sharp bones in front of himself, stabbing through the hallucination, and it disappeared in a cloud of dust. Killer wiped his hands on each other, and he looked down at Dust again. Sans appeared next to Killer, taking control, and Killer knelt down by Dust.

'now we're even. you help me out through a mental... whatever, and i help you out.' Killer told him, before going into the subconscious.

Dust sat there for a moment longer, shocked, muttering surprised curses under his breath and vanishing into the subconscious again. Sans looked over at Horror, and they shared a dumbfounded look. Sans did smile slightly after a bit. Sans knew Killer had a soft spot.

Killer scoffed, muttering, 'as if, lucky. you're almost more delusional than dust was, and he thought that thing was really papyrus.'

Sans rolled his eyelights, not believing him for a second. 

[feuqueerfire]

Spare Me Your Mercy Ep 1 - 5 Live Blogging

Haven't watched a BL in a few months (Sept 13 to be specific) because I've been preoccupied with Dan and Phil (got into them again after a few years lol) and then got super busy oof.

But now... I yearn for the yaoi. Don't have time to watch a full 12 episode series but maybe an 8 ep series that has 3 eps out and is releasing 2eps/week hm. Also, my tiktok FYP doesn't really have BLs/series but lately I get the occasional Spare Me Your Mercy (+ Highschool Frenemy lol) tiktoks, so that has me thinking of this show as well.

This has been one of my most anticipated series, so I really hope it's great, please please please. Last thing I watched was 4 Minutes, which was also highly anticipated + by Sammon and seemed like it had a cool plot and things to say but uhhhhh let me down in the end :/ Hope this one goes better pleaseeee

Ep 1 (Dec 08)

gorgeous atmospheric stylistic beginning

oh no, he juuuust missed seeing his mom alive. Maybe he could've said hi and stuff if the accident didn't happen and he didn't have to do a detour to the hospital

the Nurse is gangster kid's mom from I Will Knock You

ah, 3 days ago. this is possibly what the mystery is, right? Whether our doc is killing the terminally ill patients who want to die? That's what I gathered from the tiktoks lol

Oh, another cancer related death already

who is this director?

I wonder what the nurses know about Dr. Kan. They're looking so suspicious when the captain wants to interview him

aw, Tew (Wasan?) getting to hear about his mom from Dr. Kan

The translations are a bit... ~32:35 when he says "Mom loves/d me a lot" but it translated as "Mom loves you a lot" like huh? no

"Make sure to check thoroughly" um… why does it seem like the Director is asking to possibly frame Kan even if the autopsy doesn't come up with anything

damn, 3 murders already

but this third murder... was it Kan? Like we see Kan in the car watching but then we don't see Kan doing the killing. and then the syringe is left behind?! girl. would Kan be so dumb. and what's up with the net on fire?

Ah, Grandpa Som from the beginning of the ep

Som thinks Dr. Kan's all-black clothes outfit is the spirit possessing him? but he's also quite afraid of Dr. Kan in general it seems

Curious first episode, I'm into it. Wanna watch next ep already rip but will hold off until at least tonight I think.

Okay, the thing is: If Kan has indeed been killing these patients, do they request the when and the how or has he been making these decisions on his own? Like in a tiktok, I think I saw him asking a patient if she fully consents to this + nobody is pressuring her, which I assume is him being asked to assist her in dying. However, would Tew's mother literally ask Kan to end her life the day her son is coming to visit?? hmmm

I would like Kan to be the killer, that's the most exciting

Ep 2 (Dec 11)

…was it Dr Kan who actually killed this old man as well despite his wishes?

i don’t fully get the medallion thief thing tbh

ah, insincere confession from Kan to throw Wasan off ig

I saw a post about how “you fee the same way i do. don’t hide it” “i’m not hiding it” wasn’t about their feelings for each other but about Kan saying Wasan is gay/likes men and Wasan saying I’m not denying that

Kan’s text not translated

Kan and Orn in kahoots

oh i so hope Kan, a doctor who the villagers see as an angel and takes care of patients better than their children, is indeed the killer

ooof only 26 mins watched and now i gotta go to work

Does he possess potassium chloride which he’s throwing out now or what

ah Wasan shows up…

Wasan is revealing info to make Kan think he doesn’t suspect him while he does right? Is Wasan gonna go through the fridge while Kan is busy cleaning up the bathroom

okayyyy yes i love Kan trying to hide things and Wasan trying to find things. cat and mouse

this director of the hospital is confusing who is he what are his motivations. though that’s true in general like for Dr Kan too

ahh what an exciting ending

Watched something on my ipad on my way to work + back after a long time. Fun.

Ep 3 (Dec 11/12)

Ep 4 came out today and I think I saw a tiktok where Wasan's arresting Kan hm we'll see

hmm who is this new character doing a narration? and Boss's idol is Kan hmhmhm

Ah, we learn that KCL can't just be stored by the doctor in their possession, only at the hospital

Boss is in kahoots with Kan and Orn...

Boss managed to play the "I'm dumb" card to throw off his "I'm suspicious" card I guess

they’re getting consent and doing it with the sick person’s knowledge hm perhaps the third dead guy was a different person or smth diff happened

they administered Zapa’s KCL in front of people okayyy so other people know of this i guess? interesting. could there be any possibility that Wasan’s sister knows?

wait. Boss and the Director? also did Boss call the director and not Kan??? or what?

giggling over their convo about their relationship over coffee. Sooooo into their demeanours, especially Wasan’s. but also don’t fully know if Kan is kidding

okay wait so Boss and Director are fucking around (well Director might love Boss who knows but Boss is there for survival) but Boss is indeed working for Kan and Director… might know it’s Kan from previous murders he has committed

oh nooo Wasan’s regrets about his mom

damn did Kan and Wasan get close af or smth, that was just one convo on the mountain

still them cancelling plans is cute somehow

ahhhh accusations

Ep 4 (Dec 13)

this director’s bf story kinda reminds me of Under The Whispering Door which I read last week and also had a side character who has a bf for three years who fell ill and passed away

interesting oppositions about Dr. Kan’s actions. I’m torn and don’t actually know where I stand, especially because of the Canada MAiD system and how it’s not… actually helping but rather just a way to have disabled people/ill people die instead of providing them with a better quality of life

I’m gonna assume the text they didn’t translate is Wasan telling Kan that he saw him leaving the Director’s house by car or smth

Their interactions are so fun because they’re each hiding stuff (well Kan is hiding and Wasan is trying to find out). And I also can’t tell how much they actually like each other vs are just trying to throw the other off/trying to catch the other

i’m a bit confused about the cars like how would the Director’s car be leaving and Kan’s car also be leaving if we assume Kan had Director bound at the back of his car

is this true? director left by himself? hmmmmm

please, the cop questioning Kan being confused as hell when it comes out that Kan and Wasan were together the night before lol

ohhhh Kan probably injected Director, so he drove as fast as he could to the hospital but died almost there

man, that’s so horrid if Kan actually killed the director, i hope it’s true. a doctor who euthanized terminally ill patients with their consent but his head got too big and so killed Nipon without consent and the director to hide his secrets hmhmhm

actually horrid how the phone call names aren’t translated either

ah, we get to see that this email wasn’t actually sent by the director but instead how he was killed

the cops are lyingggg saying they were onto the director and he fled

ah so indeed somebody else killed director and likely they also killed Nipon, it’s not Kan. Boss? since he’s involved and is a man like the nipon murder case suggested? could be Orn but she wasn’t at the directors house when Kan called her

ahh Wasan pointing a gun at the intruder not knowing it’s Kan

Wasan patting down Kan could’ve been a liiiitle more horny tbh lol

“I never thought you would lie to me” is a little too emotional considering their current relationship but sure

ah, that’s the handcuffing. i thought Wasan would have more evidence against Kan to be doing that tbh

bruh how is it half over, should’ve been 10-12 eps frrrr

immediately onto next ep

Ep 5 (Dec 13)

girl the director opposed abortion?

“there’s nothing more truthful than this” well you did euthanize some patients, including perhaps Wasan’s mother who he didn’t get to say goodbye to and has regrets about

long hair? short hair? you can learn blood type from hair?

funny how their relationship seems to swing from accusations of being a murderer/hiding the euthanizations (?) and like… kinda sweet moments lmao. + new introduction of questioning Kan about the other killer

it must be Boss right? said Professor to director and was asking about Kan

oh lol they immediately mention Boss

trying to remember if we know Kan is working with Boss or if I just assumed they were in kahoots because of the KCL thing hm

oh interesting, I guess Boss really did accuse the director of being the murderer because they’re showing the scene and they only tend to do that for real scenes. However, Boss could still be pretending to accuse the Director while he is the killer and also we don’t see how he actually died

not the fucking BDSM gear coming out as proof from Boss that he and the director were involved. If was I dead + being framed for murders (including Kan’s doings) + my bedroom escapades came out? girl i’m haunting you all

interesting to see the show position Boss as the spokesperson for the wrong reasons for euthanasia like how “terminal illness can affect families/healthcare workers and so it’s better the patients are dead” instead of focusing on the actual patients.

nooo the lesbians want to get married before one of them dies of lung cancer

girl don’t KCL someone so soon

please the flirting and teerak you know you’ve hit the jackpot? and i’ll get you another one next year how cute

and talking about Wasan’s mother girl… things are gonna go to shit when the truth comes out

‘give me some time’ ? girl i wanted a kiss (though i knew it wasn’t gonna happen bc i would’ve been spoiled for it by now like i saw some comment about the teerak thing i def cudnt have avoided kiss)

girl what the fuck is that Boss?

nooo the fucker got Urai before she and Cream could get married?

not the fucking pen?! but he probably just left it there previously (not the murder the night before), that feels unsuspicious because we knowwwww that Kan was in this room before. but maybe bc he again lied to Wasan about keeping it safe in the house?

fuckkkk i’m all caught up so i gotta wait more than 4 days till next ep

I'm curious to see:

1) Who is doing the other murders and how they'll be found out. Current theory is obviously Boss since he killed the Director and advocates for euthanasia for patients who are a "burden." I'm also very curious to see if the Doctor who is doing the autopsies has any hand in anything because sometimes she looks so suspicious... I had actually thought she was working with Director on something sinister in the first few eps.

2) How the romance progresses (I'm curious to see more flirting/kisses lol) and also like lowkey where are we in the relationship? How serious is this? Kinda confused because I thought it was kinda lightly treading considering they haven't known each other that long + the accusations and suspicions but the emotional reaction Wasan had about Kan lying was like oh... + Wasan asking Kan to give him more time? idk. also wanna see how they deal with Kan being the reason Wasan's mother likely passed away and all of Wasan's baggage with that.