#but yeah I'm with Zo on this one thanks for your help Joke

[stuffnonsenseandotherthings]

Let's talk food in episode 3 because it once again showcased how Joke is using food to communicate (and how Zo is now beginning to reciprocate)!

So the restaurant date scene starts with Zo already out of his comfort zone, having picked a restaurant he's never been to before and where he's never tried the food. Joke immediately picks up that Zo is struggling with the menu and doesn't know what to eat:

This leads then leads to Joke, who is familiar with the restaurant, ordering for him:

Now first off, I want to acknowledge that initially this feels like a scene we've seen in countless romance films and dramas; the rich and confident lead ordering for their timid and starstruck partner in a show of (normally masculine) competence (and control). Been there, done that, get with the times.

That being said, this scene reads a differently when considered within the context of how Hidden Agenda has been using food both as a way for Joke to communicate with Zo (challenging his fixed mindset and opening him up to new experiences) as well as a metaphor for Zo's journey of queer self discovery.

This scene scene doesn't stand in isolation but rather fits within a specific timeline of prior food-related scenes. It's not just Joke ordering for Zo because he has the upper hand and he can, it's Joke, having spent the past 3 episodes persuading Zo to try new food (and new things) continuing that trajectory and unspoken dialogie. It's also him realising that Zo is now pushing himself to try new things of his own volition, that he wants to try new things but that he still needs a little help along the way.

Zo is happy that Joke ordered for the both of them, he doesn't even protest (or pretend to protest) like he did previously but instead just seems relieved that someone has taken the burden of choice (temporarily) off his shoulders.

In terms of the "new food as a metaphor for queer self-discovery" this would be the equivalent of a closeted/questioning queer person taking the leap and taking their queer friend to a clubbing area with both straight and queer bars but not quite being ready to openly make the choice of which one they want to go in to and having their friend give them the gentle nudge of pointing to the queer bar and saying "let's go in that one".

It's also very interesting that the restaurant scene coincides with the episode (in fact the exact part) in which So begins to realise his heart races when he's with Joke (but not with Nita).

Again Zo's journey with food and Zo's journey with his sexuality track on to one another as parallels. Joke's love language is working and Zo is now beginning to open up, willingly, happily, nervously, to new experiences both in terms of the food he eats and romantically.

So now Zo is beginning to try new things, what's next for him on his food journey?

Well, if the series continues to mirror Zo's romantic and interior journey with his food journey, what we should begin to see as the series progresses and Zo becomes more aware of his feelings and begins to explore them, is him also becoming increasingly adventurous with his choices of where and what he eats, requiring less and less support to try new things for himself until he reaches the point where he doesn't need any prompting at all.

I'm even going to go out on a limb and make a prediction here: at some point towards the culmination of the show we're going to get a reverse of this scene. Zo will pick and order food for Joke as a representation of how far he has come and how much their relationship has changed.

Will I be correct? Only time will tell but, for now, I'm looking forward to enjoying the journey (and the food) along the way.

Joke is a Fresh Spring Roll (and Zo is a Picky Eater)

So it seems that Hidden Agenda has decided to play with it's food....

As an audience, the first thing we learn about Zo is that he likes to play it safe. He absolutely hates being taken out of his comfort zone and will seek out the familiar when and where he can. Case in point: he's had a crush on Nita for YEARS and he can barely bring himself to walk past her when they're in the same room.

It also seems like his desire to play it safe also extends to his food; he has a set dish - basil chicken with fried egg over rice with no basil - and a set drink - chrysanthemum tea - and he has absolutely no interest in deviating from them. He knows that he likes those two things, so that's what he'll have and it's what he'll continue having until the end of time if he has it his way.

Unfortunately for Zo, however, Joke has other plans.

Almost as soon as they start spending time together, Joke is on a mission to expand Zo's taste buds, get him to try new things, and challenge his ideas of what he likes. It starts as early as sealing their pact with the Roselle juice (which Zo does not like), then carries over into their dinner at the Vietnamese restaurant (which Zo makes a show of not enjoying), and then on into their second dinner date.

Joke is constantly trying to get Zo to try new things and will even go so far as to make their deal of him helping win over Nita rest on wether or not Zo will try his food:

Joke is trying to use food to open Zo up to trying new things that he doesn't think he likes.

Just like with his basil chicken and rice, Zo has never considered other options on the romance menu and Joke is well aware of this. From what we've seen so far, Zo has never considered liking anyone other than Nita, no matter how unsuccessful his suit is. Further more, it doesn't seem like it's ever crossed Zo's mind to consider men as romantic interests and even if he has, he's definitely never seen Joke as anything more than someone who annoys the heck out of him....

And because of Zo's very closed and risk-averse mindset, this in unlikely to change on it's own.

So Joke is wooing him with food, new food to be precise. Using their little dinner dates, Joke seems to be trying to (very gently) get Zo used to trying new things, to going out of his comfort zone and to becoming open to the idea that what he thought he liked (basil chicken and Nita) aren't necessarily the only things he likes and that maybe he likes other things more (fresh spring rolls and Joke).

And the thing is, it's working.

Zo may not have liked the Roselle juice but even with all the fuss he put up in the restaurant about eating the spring rolls, he still liked them enough to want to order them alongside his chicken at the lunch stand and when Joke said he'd feed him the macaroni, Zo eventually gives in by (albeit fake grudgingly) going to try it himself.

Joke's love language is apparently food and what he's currently telling Zo is "You're a picky eater and I'm a spring roll but maybe (just maybe), if you try me, you'll like me"

[Also a side note but using the act of trying new food to represent (and act as a prelude to) the journey of queer self discovery is pretty darn cute and while I'm not expecting anything overly deep or groundbreaking from this show I am definitely here for it]

[discar]

HZD Terraforming Base-001 Text Communications Network

Chapter 45 | Prev chapter | Next chapter Chapter Index

FlameHairSavior: Alva, did you lose something?

DIVINER: ...no?? Not that I know of!

DIVINER: Though now I'm worried!

MARSHAL Kotallo: I thought you were planning a journey.

FlameHairSavior: Yeah, I'm here, I just found something that I thought might be Quen.

FlameHairSavior: [Skiff.jpg]

DIVINER: Wellll... it could be? I don't want to sound arrogant, but we're probably the only people who have the expertise to make something like that! But it's just a small boat, and not one I've seen before!

DIVINER: Where did you find it?

Icarus: I sent her to the place the Tenakth call the Burning Shores.

FlameHairSavior: That makes me sound like your errand-girl.

Icarus: It's not my fault if the title fits.

HIMBO: HA! HE'S GOT YOU THERE!

FlameHairSavior: Hey!

MARSHAL Kotallo: You do tend to take up more tasks than are strictly necessary.

ADMIN [Zo]: I feel like someone mentioned the Burning Shores before.

β: its hollywood

DIVINER: Gasp!

HIMBO: DID YOU FORGET YOUR GIF OR WHATEVER?

DIVINER: If you're in Hollywood, did you find any archives?? We could finally have our movie night!

FlameHairSavior: I've been a little busy.

DIVINER: Right, right, sorry!

DIVINER: Where exactly did you find the boat?

FlameHairSavior: [FleetsEnd.jpg]

FlameHairSavior: Outside this Quen settlement.

ADMIN [Zo]: Perhaps you should have mentioned that earlier.

DIVINER: YOU FOUND THE LOST FLEET?????

β: and made a joke about it

HIMBO: YEAH, I THINK THAT'S A BIGGER SURPRISE.

DIVINER: We thought they were all dead! We were never able to get in contact with them!

FlameHairSavior: All their Diviners are dead. It's just soldiers and sailors.

FlameHairSavior: Oh, and Compliance Officers. A lot of Compliance Officers.

DIVINER: Oh dear.

ADMIN [Zo]: Is that as bad as it sounds?

DIVINER: Well, the fact that Aloy is texting us means they didn't manage to confiscate her focus...

FlameHairSavior: Yeah, but they're pushy about it. It doesn't help that the sailor who brought me in, Seyka, stole a focus from one of the dead Diviners.

DIVINER: That is in DIRECT violation of our holy tenants! There's no way she can get away with that! The Imperial FAMILY couldn't get away with that!

FlameHairSavior: Admiral Gerrit didn't seem that worried.

DIVINER: He's alive!?

DIVINER: Wait, why am I surprised? That man would probably survive a mountain falling on him.

FlameHairSavior: I did get something of that impression.

DIVINER: Well, I'm sure he can keep Compliance from doing anything too drastic. Did he let the sailor keep her focus as well?

FlameHairSavior: Yeah. Since no one else is willing to touch it, it's clear she's the only way they're going to get the data.

HIMBO: WELL, HOOK HER UP! LET US TALK TO HER.

FlameHairSavior: And let you drive her away? No thanks.

β: i can hack his focus so he cant talk

ADMIN [Zo]: Please do not tempt us.

FlameHairSavior: No, I don't want to overwhelm her. She hadn't even figured out how the radio worked until I showed her.

HIMBO: YEAH, THAT'S FAIR. IT'S PRETTY CRAZY AT FIRST, AND SHE DOESN'T NEED TO BE DISTRACTED BY SOMEONE AS ENDEARING AS ME WHILE SHE DOES THAT.

Icarus: Will someone explain to me why you all put up with this man.

FlameHairSavior: He's good for lifting heavy objects.

HIMBO: AND I'M FINE WITH THAT!

DIVINER: Wait wait, Aloy, you said they're looking for data? Is that why they never came back??

FlameHairSavior: No, sorry, I should have explained.

FlameHairSavior: They crashed here and lost a lot of crew. Including Seyka's sister, their only navigator. Some are dead, but Seyka's sister is just missing. I'm unclear on the exact timeline, but I think this has something to do with Londra.

ADMIN [Zo]: Who?

β: walter londra

β: one of the zenith

Icarus: He fled to the Burning Shores when he realized the battle at their base was lost.

HIMBO: WHEN EXACTLY DID HE RUN?

FlameHairSavior: I don't know. Does it matter?

HIMBO: DEPENDING ON WHEN HE RAN, HE MIGHT STILL HAVE HIS SHIELD INTACT.

FlameHairSavior: ...shit.

Icarus: I misspoke. He split off from the Zeniths shortly after landing. I believe I told you this already.

FlameHairSavior: It's been a busy day.

Icarus: He should still have his shield. Though if he has not come out to personally confront you yet, I suspect that is a good sign.

FlameHairSavior: Yeah, I guess.

FlameHairSavior: Anyway, their last Diviner died at some ruins. Seyka managed to use his focus to get his last images and piece some things together. Except now she can't get into those ruins, because Londra set up a tower that shoots down anything that gets too close.

FlameHairSavior: Which, by the way, is how I met Seyka. Got my sunwing shot from under me.

DIVINER: Oh no!!

ADMIN [Zo]: But you're fine?

FlameHairSavior: Yeah, I landed on sand, it was fine.

β: i dont think thats how it works

FlameHairSavior: So I met Seyka, met the Quen, did some stuff, went to the tower.

FlameHairSavior: Oh, and that reminds me: Alva, do your ships have engines? The big ones, I mean.

FlameHairSavior: I'm just trying to figure out why a couple random Quen sailors and engineers managed to build a skiff with an engine, but your entire empire couldn't build them for the big ships.

DIVINER: No, you're right, our ships are almost entirely wind-powered. I was part of the group that argued against engines, actually!

ADMIN [Zo]: Wind-powered?

β: she means the sails

ADMIN [Zo]: Ah.

DIVINER: The problem was that we couldn't build engines quickly enough. We learned sailing from the Legacy, but engines had to be designed from scratch! It was a huge endeavor! It would have pushed back our departure by months, if not more! We decided that it was safer to leave sooner, with proven technology.

HIMBO: SO THE SMALLER ENGINE IS EASIER TO MAKE.

DIVINER: Exactly! Lower margin of error, too!

FlameHairSavior: Yeah, Seyka mentioned jumping out of the boat when something goes wrong. The water is pretty shallow here.

DIVINER: Not really an option on the open ocean!

FlameHairSavior: Seyka and I just destroyed the anti-air tower a few minutes ago. I thought I'd give you guys an update.

ADMIN [Zo]: We appreciate it.

HIMBO: WAIT WAIT, YOU CAN'T JUST SKIP OVER THE WHOLE THING!

HIMBO: HOW DID YOU DESTROY THE TOWER?

MARSHAL Kotallo: Indeed. I find it doubtful that it was undefended.

FlameHairSavior: It was a trap.

ADMIN [Zo]: For you specifically?

FlameHairSavior: Yeah, there was a message he recorded for me. I don't think he knows I'm here yet, but he was ready for the possibility.

FlameHairSavior: The tower unfolded into this strange machine and started shooting at me, but we managed to take it down. Couldn't have done it without Seyka.

MARSHAL Kotallo: I am glad to see that you understand the value of working with others.

FlameHairSavior: Hey, I just finished leading an assault on the Zenith base. I know how to work with other people!

MARSHAL Kotallo: And then you immediately sent us off on our own missions and jumped at a chance to fly halfway across the region.

β: without taking anyone with you

FlameHairSavior: What, did you want to come?

β: no

β: but you could have asked

FlameHairSavior: ...oh. Sorry.

β: its fine

ADMIN [Zo]: Division of labor aside, I am glad you're finding more allies, Aloy.

FlameHairSavior: Thanks.

FlameHairSavior: Beta, Alva, I was going to ask you about hooking their Diviners back up to your network.

β: i thought you said they didnt have diviners

FlameHairSavior: They have to appoint new ones eventually, right?

DIVINER: If they haven't yet, that means it's most likely all the apprentices died as well! Though perhaps Admiral Gerrit will find a way to allow this Seyka to be promoted!

FlameHairSavior: Maybe. I wouldn't bet on it, though.

DIVINER: No. Neither would I.

FlameHairSavior: I've been trying to convince her to leave them behind. Maybe she can even come back to the Base. The way they treat her hits a little close to home.

β: youve picked up another one havent you

FlameHairSavior: Another what?

HIMBO: I'LL ADD HER TO THE BETTING POOL.

FlameHairSavior:  Fine, whatever. I'm going to spend some time exploring before we move on.

DIVINER: Oh!! You're still going to find some movies, right??

FlameHairSavior: ...I'll keep an eye out.

DIVINER: [FistPump.gif]

Chapter 45 | Prev chapter | Next chapter Chapter Index

[angieflorez369]

If it’s you

Zatanna x Green lantern

I DO NOT OWN THESE CHARACTERS, THEY BELONG TO DCSHG

Seriously?

Part 1

“Seriously! How does Jessica not know?" Zee paced around Karen's room back and forth.

"Um.. maybe you should give bigger hints?" Karen played with her hair, Zee always made Karen nervous whenever she paced around like this.

"Bigger hints? Bigger hints! I've been giving these "hints" since the day we met Karen! She's just so..so!! What is she?"

"Oblivious?"

"Exactly! Like how can she not be getting these humongous hints?" Zee places her hands on her hips and waited for an answer from her best friend.

"Well.. what kind of hints have you been giving her Zee?"

"Well.."

[FLASHBACK]

"Hey Jess, I'm so glad you decided to join me for some morning coffee" Zee welcomed as Jessica sat in front of her at their favorite place, Sweet Justice.

"Of course! Sooo, what's the occasion?" Jessica sipped her iced coffee as she raised a brow to her friend.

"Wha- I can't just have a nice time with one of my..very special friends?" Zee ran her fingers along Jessica's tanned arm.

"Mmhhmm, Zo I know you, do you need a favor or something? Because I am more than willing to help a friend in need, and you know that" Jessica insisted completely not noticing Zee's actions.

"Well... maybe you can help me out personally?" Zee teases as she inches closer to her friends face.

"Your period?"

Zee completely stopped moving. "What? No"

"You're pregnant?!" Jessica gasped and pulled Zee for a very close hug causing for items to fall off the table, causing VERY loud noises.

"WHAT? No I'm not preg-!"

"Ooooohhh Zo, I'm so happy for you! Wait a minute? Who's the father?" Jessica asked aloud which grabbed people's attention in the room.

"Jessica!" Zee blurted out, "I'm not pregnant!" Zee grabbed a hold of Jessica's face to make her stop moving around so much.

"Oh" Jessica scoffed "I knew that, I was just making sure you knew I was umm..joking" The girls both sat back down and brushed themselves off, both blushing from the very loud commotion they caused.

"Sooo, what was your favor?" Jessica slurped her drink as it ran down her lips.

Zee's eyes trailed where the liquid flowed down closer to Jessica's chest. Zo, being a neat freak got a little irritated and grabbed a napkin and wiped her face. The two girls stared into each other's eyes for awhile, as Zatara slowly inches closer to Jess, closing her eyes.

"Zee?" Jessica's face twisted with confusion, "What are you doing?"

Zee's lips puckered up and her eyes widened, "Oh! Uhh, there was an..eyelash right there" Zee blew Jessica's face, making Jessica flinch. "Heh.. got it" Zee sat back down in her chair with her face completely flushed.

"So...school?"

[PRESENT TIME]

"Wow" Karen huffed, "That was rough to listen to". Karen put a hand over her chest.

"Imagine being there! I've completely lost my game Karen! W-what should I do?"

"Don't worry, I can just call Kara for some good girl advice, since yanno she's well umm..experienced" Karen went picked up her phone when suddenly..

"NO!" Zee slapped the phone out of her hand.

"Zee! What the heck?!"

"Sorry! Sorry, I'm sorry I just- you can't tell Kara! Or any of the girls in fact" Zee picked up Karen's phone and handed it to her.

"And why not? These are our friends they'll understand" Karen comforted her friend.

"Just- not yet. Please, I need you! You're the only one I've told about this! It's you, you gotta help me! Tell me what to do!" Zee felt like she was spiraling.

Karen very softly slapped Zee's face. It felt like so soft, was that even a slap? Which shocked the both of them.

"What the hell was that?"

"A slap, to show you to snap out of it! You are not acting like yourself!" Karen shook Zee back and forth.

"Okay okay!" Zee inhaled sharply and exhaled, "what should I do?"

"I don't know"

"Karennnn" Zee moaned, "come on help me out here!"

"Alright alright, you're feminine right?"

"Do you even need to ask?" Zee flipped her hair perfectly.

"So use that! Use your feminine charms to woo her!"

"Weren't you listening to my story? She's oblivious to anything I hint at!" Zee complained as she laid on Karen's bed.

"Be even bolder, give her little kisses or hold her hand. You're Zee Zatara for gods sake!"

"You're right! I've got this!"

[LINEBREAK]

"I don't got this" Zee whispered. As Karen and her walked together to Sweet justice.

"Don't back down now Zo!" Karen hushed to her friend, "you got this in the bag!". Karen nudged her best friend. Zee smiled and nodded as they arrived at the destination.

"There you guys are! Come on sit!" Jessica waved her friends over. Zee gulped and Karen softly pushed Zee towards their reserved booth.

All the girls ordered their food and talked about their recent events that occurred to them all. They laughed, all having a good time. When Karen cleared her throat, pointing her head towards Jessica's direction. Zee nodded.

"Sooo" Zee cleared her throat, "Does anyone have a special someone on their mind?" Zee smirked as she looked at all her friends.

Each of the girls giggled at each other, all except Kara. Who was currently devouring her meal, which got everyone's attention.

"What?" Kara said as she had food hanging off her mouth. Zee cringed and have her a napkin, for being the neat freak she was.

"Must you be so crude" Zee muttered as she crossed her arms which made Kara scowl at her feminine friend.

"Kara, do you encounter romantic feelings for a decent human being as well?" Diana clasped her hands together hopefully getting a very romantic answer.

"Eh" Kara said as she wiped her dirty face, "I'm not really crushing on anyone right now, I'm feeling myself yanno?" Kara gave her knowing grin and crossed her arms.

"Booorrrinnggg! Anyways, Diana whose yours?" Barbara asked as she batted her eyelashes at her warrior friend.

"Oh heh well.." Diana started while a certain friend cut her off.

"Oh please! It's obviously that Steve guy" Kara interrupted as she ate a cherry off her ice cream she ordered.

"While he is very cute.. I have another that makes me feel the same way in fact" Diana corrected.

This caught all of their friends attention. "Who?!" They all asked at the same time.

"Is it Kara?!" Karen blurted out which made everyone turn their attention to little bumble bee, "What? They'd be cute together" Karen's voice slowly went quiet as she spoke.

"She can't date one of us, that'd be weird! Silly bee!" Jessica laughed as she rumbled her friends hair.

"Haha yeah weird.." Zee drank her kiwi boba drink as she slowly sank in her seat. Losing all of her confidence to make a move at all.

Karen saw her friend deflate which made Karen regret what she said.

"So who is it?" Barbara asked, "I'm dying to know!!"

Diana inhaled "Tatsu." She stated, closing her eyes. After a couple of seconds of silence she poked her one eye open to see their reactions. She opened her eyes to see them smile that reaches so high it was concerning. They all squealed and squeezed their taller friend. "Soooo cute!!!" They all cried out in unison which gained a giggle from them all.

"I knew you girls had a spark, just never knew it was legit!" Kara slammed her fists on the table, "you gotta ask her out!".

"What? Why?" Diana questioned as she was getting pushed out of Sweet justice by all her friends. "You're made for each other!" As their friends echoed throughout the street into Jessica's van and drove to Tatsu's house. All except one.

Zee stared at her drink as tears formed and slowly fell onto the table. She put her drink aside and wept into her arms. Barry caught sight of this and sighed. He walked over and sat with her, patting her shoulders. Zee gasped and wiped her eyes, which smeared her makeup but she didn't care right now.I

"S-sorry, I'll pay and take off, you don't wanna see a mess like me right now" Zee sniffed and reached for her bag, when a hand stopped hers, "Barry?"

"It's okay, this ones on the house" He smiled and nodded his head.

"Wow thank you. I'm sorry you had to see me like this" Zee apologized hanging her head low.

"Hey, it's okay. We're friends right?"

"Of course, why would you ask that?" She was really confused now.

"Because when a friend is in need, you help them. It's what heroes do" The two exchanged a hearty laugh.

"Thanks Barry"

"Of course, now what's wrong?"

Zee sighed, "I have a crush."

Barry tilted his head "Uhh I'm not following, what's wrong with that?"

"Oh nothing, except I have a crush on one of my best friends!"

"Karen?"

"What? No. She's my best best friend, I feel no romantic feelings towards her. I see her as a sister more than a lover" Zee waved off that thought.

"Then who?"

Zee sighed once more, "Its Jessica.."

Barry's eyes widened, "Oh wow, I wouldn't have seen that"

"Really? Is it that weird? Is it weird to feel this way about a friend? A really close friend?" Zee asked squeezing Barry's hands in anticipation.

"Of course not, it's completely okay to feel this way! Trust me"

Zee examined her speedy friend, "It seems like you know what you're talking about, who's the girl?"

Barry sighed, how was she so good at reading people? "It's...Barbara" Barry scratched his head in embarrassment, his face heating up.

"I knew it! You two would be so perfect for each other!" Zee gushed.

"You think so? I don't even know if she likes me though, how can you be so sure?" Barry asked getting anxious for the answer.

"Of course she does, look at the way she talks to you and interacts with you, those are some obvious hints right there Barry!" Zee, the love guru.

"Wow! This is great! You know what, maybe I will tell her how I feel!" Barry stood up from the booth they sat at.

"Yes! Go for it Barry! Tap that ass!" Zee gave a huge whoop and slapped her friends butt.

"Zee!" Barry blushed and laughed at her flirty friend, "where is she anyways?"

"She should be at Tatsu's house with all the girls" Zee remembered.

"Right, yanno... you should tap Jessica's too" Barry smirked as he ran out the door, already checking out of work.

Zee blushed at what her friend said, "One day, but for now...I can't" Zee picked up her purse and headed out the door, she does have school tomorrow after all.