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bahngarang · 2 days ago

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chapter 10.0 ☆ all in

wc: 5,115

cw: swearing, needles, little bit of blood, crying, science talk

a/n: *throws my genetics special interest at you and runs away* (this is not the end)

I promise this is not as angsty as the warnings make out to be haha

I was going to get this out earlier but I got my period and got sick at the same time so I've been completely wiped out... rip

"we know."

of course. of course. well, that solved one problem... sort of. not really. but it definitely made it a whole lot easier.

yn glanced down at their knee, exposed but framed by some hot pink kt tape with a barbie hot wheels pattern, before looking back up at the trio, nodding tersely. "... yeah." they muttered, leaning against the doorframe, gently scratching bingus's fluffy butt.

their soul mark wasn't completely there yet, but it was more readable than it had been in the last 11 years. it was strangely satisfying, watching it come back together. yn had spent some time examining it after their encounter with minho and seungmin a week ago, seeing how the pieces had fit back into place. it didn't hurt, it felt... odd. a light but annoyingly noticeable sensation under their skin. itchy, the kind of itchy that you couldn't get at.

"who's at the door?" minji called out from back in the apartment.

yn looked back over their shoulder at their friends, grimacing a little as bingus dug his claws into their shoulder to prevent falling off, and definitely made it known that he wasn't happy with their movement.

it really was good timing... just, not so great at the same time if the trio hadn't wanted to be seen by anyone else. yn sighed quietly, pinching their brow. "just... come in, I guess..." they said wearily.

this late in the evening was not the time for thinking very deeply. they could already feel a headache forming. maybe that was just from the stress-induced jaw clenching that had started up again today. thinking about how to break it to your best friend that you'd been hiding a major secret from him for almost a decade was... definitely not the easiest.

the vibe was awkward. not really the relaxed lego building session it once was – although, how relaxed it was in the current situation was debatable. chika, ever the unflappable, took it in her stride like a champ.

"oh my god, hii," she said, smiling and waving at hyunjin. "it's good to see you again."

hyunjin looked a little surprised for a second, but returned the action with a small grin. the three newcomers stood close together just inside the entryway, like something would bite if they moved any further in. that something would probably be bingus, so maybe it was smart.

seungmin was somewhat calm, hands in pockets as he looked discreetly around the apartment – and suddenly, yn was very aware of the pile of laundry taking up a good amount of the couch, the dishes next to the sink, and the ripped curtains, courtesy of one of bingus's catnip induced zoomies sessions, doing their best to cover the full length window.

hyunjin wasn't so composed. at first glance, he might have seemed it, but the way he was shifting on his feet and fiddling with his flat cap told a different story.

and minho? he was staring straight at yn, assessing them in a way that made them feel like he could see their soul. they hadn't bothered to put much effort in this evening, just a random sonic shirt and some sleep shorts. now yn was wishing that they'd has some premonitory sense and at least worn some proper clothes. it was unsettling, to say the least, his sharp eyes piercing them right to the core.

"the timing is... truly impeccable," minji said, an amused but mildly baffled expression on her face. she shot a smirk in yn's direction, raising her eyebrows as if to say 'go on' and sat back in her chair, crossing her muscley arms. she was enjoying this immensely.

"so you figured it out, then?" yn asked quietly, leaning back against their kitchen counter.

"i think the fact that my skin wouldn't stop itching where you touched me for two hours after you left sold it for me," minho said, matter-of-factly.

"ah. well. that'll do it." yn still didn't completely believe that their soul mark could just change like that at the touch of a soulmate, but the evidence was right in front of their eyes, as much as they were reluctant to believe it. however, they supposed, soul marks in and of themselves were a crazy phenomenon, so was this really anything to be so surprised about? weird miracles of the natural world.

"who are...?" minho trailed off, glancing at yn's friends.

"oh, um. minji and chika," yn replied, pointing at both of them in turn. "my friends. hyunjin's already met chika at a versace event."

"so you're the friend he was talking about," he murmured. "i was right."

"what?"

"nothing."

it seemed minji just couldn't hold it in anymore, and began snickering to herself, the hand in front of her mouth doing absolutely nothing to hide it. not that she was trying to – she was absolutely loving this. chika was less obvious about it, but the expression on her face and the way she was twirling her fork in her hands had a certain air about it.

yn elected to ignore the both of them, rolling their eyes. "why did you bring hyunjin?"

"testing the theory."

well, yn had to respect that. it definitely gave him points in their book. they were all for the scientific method.

"that's fair..." yn leaned back into the edge of the counter as bingus hopped off their shoulders and onto the top. he sat next to them emanating a distinctly superior energy, giving the three men intruding on his property an appraising look. despite his demeanour, yn knew that he viewed every stranger as a new friend, and it would only be a matter of time before he began fawning over them, purring and rubbing all over them like they were covered in catnip. bingus was a weirdly social cat.

"so, uh..." yn held their hand out to hyunjin. "you wanna test it..?" it wasn't like they didn't already know, but just to cement it, properly. it was really more for everyone else.

hyunjin's gaze immediately dropped to the floor with a bashful expression. for someone who exuded so much confidence on stage, he sure was shy off it. he took a few steps closer, until he was in arms reach, extending his hand out.

the tension in the air was so thick you could almost feel it hanging there. even bingus didn't make a sound, just watching, in opposition to his usual chatty self.

their fingers were just about to touch, but-

"wait."

minji's arm shot out, grabbing hyunjin's wrist at lightening speed. yn made eye contact with her, and they knew they were both thinking the same thing.

"what's going on?" hyunjin asked, a confused furrow forming in his brow.

yn groaned. "dr jang would kill me if I didn't..." they muttered, before darting off further into their apartment in a speed walk.

when they came back, yn was juggling a few things in their hands.

"why the fuck do you have microfuges in your apartment?" minji asked, in what was probably a suitable amount of bemusement. even for the most avid of researchers, it wasn't exactly common to have lab equipment hanging out around your home.

"cuz." yn shrugged, setting down the little rack and placing the microfuges into the slots. "my dad got them for me before I started uni. and a micropipette. real shockingly, I've never used them before."

"what would you even use them for...?" minji blinked in a stupefied manner, before shaking her head. "speaking of... has your dad come around yet?"

yn grimaced. "you'd think, after five years. we talked about it last time I visited... wasted about two hours because apparently the literal fact that sex and gender aren't the same is 'dogma' or something. i've sent him several links to the studies proving it, but... he hasn't responded." pulling the cap off a marker, they numbered the tops of the microfuges, chewing their bottom lip.

"oof." there wasn't really much else to say. yn had a perfectly fine relationship with their parents other than that... usually. most of the time, yn could forget about the way their parents refused to accept them, but every so often the topic resurfaced and ate at them a little more.

yn pulled out a needle from where they'd stuck it through their shirt, gesturing at minji. "can you- thanks." they mumbled, catching the lighter chucked at them with ease.

"... what are you doing?" minho asked.

"dr jang in my department... she researches soul marks and stuff. i'm pretty sure she'd skin me alive if i didn't get a record of this." it took yn... more than a few tries to get the lighter working. they were never that good at things like that, but eventually they managed to get it working and ran the flame under the needle to sterilize it. "and, like... i get this is a whole thing, but i'm also scared of her, and considering she's never even heard of someone's soul mark remaking itself, i don't think she'd be a massive fan of me if i didn't get some evidence."

"you say that like she doesn't love you," minji said. "you're one hundred percent her favourite colleague."

"to be fair... there isn't much choice," yn said, clearing their throat pointedly. a lot of their fellow professors were a bit... snobby was a way to put it. most of them were older men, who seemed to think they were god's gift to humanity, and demanded respect just because of their age and gender while giving none of their own. sure, they had more experience, but that didn't necessarily mean they were right.

yn was just about to use the needle to draw some blood, when bingus chose that exact moment to make his presence known, throwing his head back with a yowl. "ugh. pest." yn set the needle down, plodding over to the cupboard that housed their multitude of pills and supplements. but first, treats. bingus demanded to be fed at the same time every day, so it was easy to use him as an alarm – give him a treat every day at the same time you took your meds, and you were never allowed to miss them.

"there you go, squish," yn murmured affectionately after shaking out a couple of treats for their cat, stroking down his back. bingus accepted them greedily, wolfing them down while purring loudly.

swapping the treat bag for their pill container, yn sat back down at the table, using their soda to swallow the tablets.

seungmin took that moment to speak up for the first time that night. "that's... a lot."

yn huffed. it was true, they took a lot of medication, but it was for a reason. "if my body was a temple, that temple would be old and crumbling."

"... is that why you have greys already?"

it wasn't like they weren't expecting it. yn's grey streaks still hadn't been re-dyed yet because life had gotten in the way so the roots were showing, and they had a number of grey hairs dotted around their scalp. they'd also seen enough stray kids content to know the amount of old person jokes seungmin made. but this quickly? damn. "um. well. maybe. i think it's just stress and genetics. i promise i'm not that ancient."

seungmin raised an eyebrow, pursing his lips subtly, and cocking his hip to lean against the counter. it was annoyingly attractive.

in a moment of weakness, yn poked their tongue out at him petulantly, before promptly choking on their magnesium supplement. that one always had it out for them, anyway.

by the time it finally went down yn had tears in their eyes and an awful, powdery taste in their mouth.

"having fun there?" chika asked, giggling quietly in a way that yn couldn't even be mad at.

"actually shut the fuck up."

yn winced as they stuck the needle into the tip of their middle finger, before squeezing a few drops of blood into the first microfuge. there were probably better ways to do it, but yn didn't know how or have the equipment for it. a little rudimentary, but anything to save themselves from the wrath of their colleague.

"you're very calm about this," hyunjin mumbled, looking warily at the needle.

"i've had about 50 blood tests, i'm used to it," yn responded. "should i get saliva samples...? mm.. no, i don't have the patience for that. alright." stretching their arms above their head, yn couldn't help but let out a little groan as their back popped and shoulder clunked concerningly – and notice how hyunjin's eyes darted down to their exposed midriff. they extended their hand to him for a second time. "let's do this."

hyunjin's hand was warm. soft. big. static shocks were swapped between both of their palms as hyunjin tightened his grip. gentle, but firm.

yn felt... odd. the other times, it was in passing. this time it was a thing. they could feel it happening, feel the slight tingle running over their knee, feel how close he was. they squirmed gently in their chair, their eyes darting from their intertwined hands, to their knee, to anywhere else.

out of the corner of their eye, yn could see chika trying to sneakily film the interaction. she wasn't very good at hiding it. maybe it was a good thing. to get more evidence for dr jang.

looking down at their knee again, yn watched their soul mark change for the first time. they almost couldn't believe it, but... there it was. right there. sure, their eyesight was pretty trash but it was pretty hard to deny it like when it was like that.

"woah... that's..." hyunjin looked how yn felt: completely stupefied. it was one thing seeing their mark after the change, but seeing it happen? wild.

"... yeah," yn breathed out. there was no denying it now. the secret was well and truly out. and honestly? it was kind of a relief. yn hadn't realized just how much it had been weighing on them until now. maybe seven years of repression wasn't good for you. who knew? "what... happens now?"

"i think you should come back with us. meet everyone else... we've been waiting to meet you."

"oh i should, should i?" yn asked, letting go of hyunjin's hand and reaching for the needle again. "i... i'm not sure... i have work tomorrow... and bingus... i can't leave him alone..."

"oh, come off it," minji groaned, her exasperation evident. "pack an overnight bag. chika and i can stay here and watch your baby. you've put it off for too long, i'll force you out myself if i have to."

"i-..." yn sighed. an overnight bag? how long would they be staying there? a while, realistically. when it happened, it was going to be a long, uncomfortable conversation, about uncomfortable things – about why they had felt the need to hide for so long from the people that were meant to love them most.

yn glanced over at their friends, at chika's encouraging smile, and minji's insistent expression. if they really wanted to do this, like they said they did, then they had to face the music. "... fine."

everything was in order. kind of. yn had their overnight bag, although there was bound to be at least one thing they forgot, like always. it was inevitable. but it was really happening.

"okay, you can sleep in my bed if you want just-... no freaky stuff." yn gave both girls a pointed look.

"hey! we're not that bad," chika protested.

"i still have stains on my couch." that shut them up. "you know the drill with bingus – he will bite your toes under the covers, if you don't get up to give him food in the morning he will make it your problem, and you know the coffee machine- yeah, you can work it, fine... stay safe. lock the door. everything else."

"it'll be fine," minji reassured them, patting yn on the shoulder. "you don't need to worry about us. go get your guys."

"mm," yn hummed. "but if i find any more weird stains on my furniture, you're buying me new ones. freaks."

"yeah, but we're your favourite freaks," chika said with a wink.

"whatever helps you sleep at night." yn turned to minho (who was currently getting his fingers gnawed on by a very happy bingus), hyunjin and seungmin, trying to work out in their head who would fit best in their extra set of motorbike leathers. technically, they fit chan the best, but those with astute observational abilities could tell that he wasn't here right now. and since two of them were probably too tall, that left minho to go on the bike with them.

they chucked the set at him, which he caught deftly before minho's brain caught up with his hands. he examined them for a moment, holding them up to himself in mild confusion.

"to preface, i'm simply not going in a car, but I also don't fully trust myself to get to a new address alone because i am... directionally challenged."

"do i really need to wear these?" minho asked skeptically.

"do you want a nurse to be picking gravel out of you?" yn asked brightly. "you can be slightly warm and uncomfortable, or unsafe. pick your poison."

sensibly, minho chose to wear the leathers.

"... you good?" yn asked minho as they sat on their bike in the parking garage, inputting the address for the dorms into their phone before zipping into one of their pockets.

minho was... antsy, clipping and unclipping the buckle of the strap on yn's spare helmet. he'd been much more confident about going on the bike with them earlier, in the apartment. currently, he was eyeing it like it would bite him. yn got it to an extent, the first time they'd realised they actually had to ride one, it was pretty daunting. it wasn't like he actually had to do anything, though. just hold on and help in case yn got lost. but right now, he was the one looking lost.

yn stood up off the bike, taking the helmet gently out of minho's hands and fitting it over his head and doing up the strap for him. "comfortable?"

he nodded, searching them with his big, pretty eyes. it wasn't intense, per say, but yn's breath hitched when they caught his gaze, flicking the visor down over his eyes to avoid becoming even more flustered. yn knew that being his soulmate would come with... increased susceptibility to him, but they'd only met minho twice. goddamn.

swinging their leg over the bike, yn sat back down and pulled their own helmet over their head – of course it was matching with the rest of their gear, with cat ears and sanrio decals, because of course.

"uh... you know you have to sit behind me to ride..." minho slid on behind them, and yn could feel the awkwardness radiating from him in waves. "and, um.. hold on to my waist..."

ever so carefully, minho rested his hands around yn's middle. they almost laughed at how light his touch was, knowing it wouldn't remain that way for too long.

"how are you going to know where to go?" minho asked, his voice slightly muffled.

"my helmet has a bluetooth thing that i can hear directions though. hold on tight," yn warned.

luckily, he heeded their warning as soon as the bike started up, his grip maybe a tad too snug. at least he wouldn't be falling off.

the drive was pretty short, which was a bit of a relief when minho was squeezing yn like a stress ball. he seemed glad to be back on solid ground by the time it was over. seemed... dramatic, but the way he tripped and fell taking off the leathers, and the embarrassed look on his face made yn promise themselves to not tell anyone. for now.

when yn finally walked into the dorm with minho, everything went quiet. not just quiet – dead silent.

yn's heart was pounding against their ribs as everyone turned to look at them from their various positions sprawled out over the couch and the floor. hyunjin and seungmin had arrived there before minho and yn. it was incredibly daunting, having all their eyes on them all at once, and they couldn't help but to fidget anxiously with the hem of their shirt, softly tapping the toe of their shoe against the floor as they leaned against their cane.

"um. hi," yn forced out, their voice hoarse.

a small gasp came from across the room, deafeningly loud in the quiet space. "are you our..?" felix's voice trailed off, his big brown eyes wide and hopeful.

yn had to swallow down the frog in their throat before they could respond. "i... yes. i am."

yn blinked and felix was in front of them, almost vibrating with excitement. his eyes roamed over their face, drinking in the sight.

they hadn't really known what to expect when it finally happened, but it wasn't... this. a part of yn had always wondered if the first thing people saw about them was the cane, or the tape holding their joints together. to be completely fair, they did make it kind of obvious, with bright colours and patterns, eyes were naturally drawn to that kind of thing – but so was the rest of yn's attire, usually, and their hair. but it seemed like felix's eyes were glued to just... them.

felix reached out hesitantly, his hands hovering in front of yn, but not touching. his throat bobbed as he pulled back slightly, a small, apologetic smile gracing his features.

yn couldn't help but shyly return the smile, before they found themselves being ushered further into the forms and sat onto the end of the couch, everyone else keeping a respectful distance. although, despite the distance, it didn't stop most of them from staring shamelessly.

in lieu of any actual conversation, yn reached into their bag, the keychains attached jingling and clacking against each other, and pulled out their little box of microfuges. they set it on the coffee table along with the needle and lighter.

"sorry about your laptop," changbin muttered sheepishly from beside them.

yn snorted, unable to hold it back. even now, he was still apologetic about the incident. technically, it had been kind of a big thing – laptops were expensive, and a pretty necessary part of their life... but, then again, he'd rectified it almost as quickly as he'd caused the problem. "it's fine. really."

"you've met before?" jisung piped up, his voice muffled through a mouthful of ramen.

"yeah. he, uh... spilled three drinks over my old laptop. and me."

"did you manage to get the stain out of your trousers?" changbin asked, fidgeting with his chopsticks.

"it took a few goes with the stain remover, but... they're fine now. which is good, because they're my favourite, and if it hadn't come out i might have gone through chan to be reimbursed," yn joked, before they saw his flustered blush get darker. "i'm kidding. i could have replaced them myself. i stain my clothes all the time, it's not a big deal."

"... how many of us have met you before?" jisung asked, furrowing his brows.

"well, we met them through... the cat thing," seungmin said, looking at minho.

"it was the video call for me," hyunjin mumbled, looking vaguely embarrassed.

"i've known chan for, like... fifteen years," yn added after some quick mental maths. time really flew by.

"how old are you?" jeongin asked.

"i just turned twenty nine."

"damn." jeongin cleared his throat, looking away and scratching the back of his neck. "sorry."

"so..." jisung shoved a lettuce leaf into his mouth before continuing, his cheeks puffing up with food. "it's just me, felix and ayen who haven't met you yet?"

yn hummed contemplatively, tilting their head to the side. "i've been in contact with jeongin before. at the dentist. not a proper meeting, though."

"really?" it took a few seconds, but realisation dawned soon enough. "oh. with the hair. right," jeongin said, gesturing at his fringe, more to himself than anyone else.

"and, i'm fairly confidant on this..." yn pulled out their phone, snapping a quick picture of their hand before messaging it to what they were almost certain was jisung's number-

-and it was, his phone vibrating half a second later. jisung's eyes bulged out of his head for a few moments as he glanced between his screen and yn's hand repeatedly.

"how do you have jisung's number?" felix asked.

"oh, i... thought i was texting someone else. she changed her number." yn trained their eyes on the little racks on microfuges, absentmindedly drumming their fingers against their thighs. "and then he said his name was jisung, and he was twenty four and fate had been giving me a kick up the ass so... i kind of thought it would end up like that."

"ah." he nodded slowly. "... what are those for?"

"science stuff," seungmin answered for yn.

"well... yeah, i guess. i'm collecting dna samples for my colleague." yn turned to felix with what was probably a slightly constipated expression and took a breath before asking the question. "can i, um. touch you?"

felix's face went pink. there was a lot of that going around recently. his face didn't move a muscle, he just sat there for a few seconds with a politely mystified expression while his face went several shades darker.

yn ran through their words in their head. "not- not like that. for the... science stuff. and also it's making my soul mark fix itself? somehow? i'm not sure how that's happening, but it is, and..."

another few excruciating seconds ticked by, before felix's face split into an endearing grin, his eyes sparkling. "you want to hold my hand?"

"i mean, if you're comfortable with that," yn mumbled, taken aback by his enthusiasm.

felix proffered his hand, and yn took it gently, trying not to stare at his arms like a creep. they were nice arms. from a purely anatomical perspective, of course. he had nice veins. they bet nurses liked him.

getting the dna evidence while working around felix's hand holding was fiddly, but he wasn't letting go any time soon. and yn didn't want to ask him to let go, either. not that they would admit it. they had forgotten how much they enjoyed doing this kind of thing. of course, they did it with chika and minji sometimes; yn and their friends were touchy people. but this was different. more... intimate.

yn's first physical interaction with jisung was much more short-lived, and accidental at that. he reached over to grab his drink, yn went to put the microfuge back in its slot – skin brushed skin, and the two of them locked eyes. jisung blinked, and pulled away as a static shock passed between their fingers. he let out a melodramatic cry, his head falling back into hyunjin's lap, who moved a hand to pat his head with a nonchalance that showed that this wasn't an infrequent occurrence.

"so... you said all of this is a genetic thing?" minho spoke up.

"oh, yeah. they're still not sure what causes it, but... it's different for each group of soulmates, and polygenic if you have more than one soulmate, which is what makes it hard so to study-"

"-polygenic?" jeongin asked.

"caused by multiple genes. but, you know, people are people and have attributed meaning to what they couldn't figure out and given it superstitions and so on. there's... more going on behind it, like something about it makes you produce more oxytocin and stuff around your soulmates. the term is kind of a misnomer."

"wow... you really know how to suck the magic out of it..." seungmin said.

"dude. besides the fact that the marks have our initials, which... like i'm not sure how to feel about that, but either way you look at it, it's kind of insane – do you not see the magic in the way somehow, everything fit so perfectly together to create life? in the way we evolved to have genes that randomly mutated to have random people connected so deeply? just because it's not what you thought it was doesn't make it not special." yn paused their ramble once they realised they were being stared at.

"you have no appreciation for science." they said, fixing seungmin with a blank stare. "science is magic. it doesn't stop being magic because you can explain it." so soulmates weren't technically this big supernatural be-all end-all of love. big whoop. but with the way it made people feel around their soulmates? it might as well be.

"well... that's-" minho was cut off by the sound of the front door to the dorms opening.

everyone turned to see chan walking in through the door, dragging a suitcase with the strap of his other bag hanging off one shoulder. against all odds, he managed to not notice the congregation in the lounge, trudging off into his own room.

it was a few minutes before he re-emerged in a fresh set of clothes, looking just about ready to fall asleep while his stomach growled comically loudly.

when chan finally noticed yn, he stopped in his tracks, standing completely still, like time had suddenly frozen him in place.

and it felt like it had for yn, too. all their denial, all that time spent wallowing in their own pathetic feelings of inadequacy, had let up to this moment.

yn forgot how to breathe when chan finally looked down at the soul mark on their knee, finally looking as it once did back when they were seventeen. readable. obvious as to who their soulmates were.

"yn..." chan said in a rough whisper.

yn stood up shaking, clenching their trembling hands into fists. "chan, i..."

they didn't know how to finish the sentence, but it didn't matter, because they were engulfed in chan's arms a few moments – something that had always been a catalyst for the release of strong emotions, and it was still true now, tears pricking at yn's eyes.

"are you mad at me?" yn asked quietly, tentatively returning the hug as they wrapped their arms around his waist.

"of course i'm annoyed," chan responded.

yn sniffled, squeezing their eyes shut as hot tears began to roll down their cheeks. "i'm sorry," they whispered, voice wobbling. "do you hate me now?"

"hate you? i could never hate you, noona," chan murmured, pressing his face into yn's shoulder and inhaling deeply. "i'm glad it's you."

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a/n: for those of you wondering what a microfuge + micropipette is (ik the pic quality is shit but wtv)

and yes my dad did actually buy me a micropipette. still not sure why. still haven't used it.

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herora-nuva · 6 hours ago

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Why Masks of Power was Cancelled:

It got too big, and would create too much demand for Bionicle

Been thinking a lot about Masks of Power's cancellation these last few days, and I am BUMMED about it. Team Kanohi put so much work into it, and it was looking to be an incredible game that could've given Bionicle the tribute it deserved!

...

And that was the problem (I think)

This game has been getting crazy amounts of hype, not only in the Bionicle community, but outside it! IGN and other major gaming journalism sites have several articles talking about it. I've seen big influencers with no interest in Bionicle checking out the trailers and getting interested. Some of them seeming to not know that it was a fan game, and thinking it might be official. Team Kanohi themselves speculated that Lego's reasoning was that the quality and popularity of the game made it hard to distinguish from an official product.

There's some speculation that it got C&D because Lego has their own Bionicle comeback in the works. And as much as I would love that to be the case, and as much as I hate to be a killjoy, I genuinely think its the opposite. I may be wrong, and I hope I am! But I think that Lego killed it because they have no plans to bring Bionicle back.

This game was on a path to become crazy popular. In addition to a great Bionicle tribute, it also just looked like a great game! If its development had this much hype, then its actual full release may very well have been stratospheric, and launched Bionicle back into mainstream popularity.

But that would also mean there's a lot of hype and demand for a product that Lego isn't selling, and has no plans to sell. And that would be a big problem, Lego would be in a tight spot having essentially a huge commercial for a product no one would be able to buy, it'd be like the Rick and Morty McDonald's Szechuan Sauce incident, but possibly worse, since its not a meme but a genuinely good game.

Bionicle isn't profitable for Lego, nor is it compatible with Lego's current toy production or story writing philosophy. They would not be able to capitalize on it, even if they bought the game to make it official. Making Bionicle again would likely lose them money, even with additional hype from the game.

It also would mean the mainstream public perception of the Bionicle IP is completely outside of Lego's control. And while I and many of us think this is a good thing, from a corporate IP standpoint, this would unacceptable. The ability to control public perception of a brand is literally the main motivation behind Intellectual Property Laws.

At worst, it could even cost Lego their trademark on Bionicle products, since trademark disappears if it is no longer associated with the trademark holder. And they've clearly become much more jealous about their IP lately, between this, the DuckBricks concept art scandal, and the numerous Roblox asset takedowns in recent months.

And this isn't to shield Lego from criticism, I am FURIOUS that they did this. But we also have to understand that the state of modern IP laws may have pressured them towards this. IP law, as it currently stands, is fucked up. It gives way too much power to corporations and strips actual creators, both fan and original, of autonomy to make their art. We need to change the law around IP.

But what do we do now? Well first, we support Unmasked Games and Project Rustbound. I'm very excited to see what they make. Next we MUST proceed more carefully with Bionicle fan projects. Things like The Mangai Project, Bionicle Iliad, and Myths and Legacy need to make sure they do things very carefully. Thankfully, none of them seem to have the kind of mainstream hype outside the fandom that would cause Lego to worry.

And finally, out of both love for the series and spite towards Lego, we need to KEEP MAKING BIONICLE STUFF, particularly Fair Use content. Grow the fandom, make Bionicle popular! Bring about our dream and Lego's nightmare, keep this thing alive. We will probably never get it back in an official capacity, but we deserve to continue loving this series even if there is nothing official coming. Stories and culture don't exist to be consumerist products. The myths of Heracles didn't persist because people were hoping for a new drop! They persist because people loved them and passed them on to others. And that is what we will do because that is the Way of the Bionicle. Take care my gathered friends.

#bionicle #masks of power #lego #IP laws #long post

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liarvibe · 20 hours ago

Note

This ask grants you permission for one (1) uninterrupted yap session.

Wise usage not recommended.

You know what--since we were talking about it before and stuff, I'm going to talk about something I've personally experienced in this fandom and have been witnessing others experiencing it currently as well--and that is this fandoms utter lack of acceptance for the "weird" and "abnormal" takes--or what they ACTUALLY are--takes people just don't agree with.

This mainly pertains to my and an friends theories and analyses that have been scrutinized for years at this point, but it also pertains to a new theory about Byakuya Togami being Mentally Unwell that I've been on and off reading.

And the hate certain people have been giving this theory.

For one thing, I actually like the theorizing done by @duhhtheyellowrose. It showcases a different, interesting, and most importantly, extremely valid interpretation of Byakuya! Again I haven't had the energy lately to read everything they've been writing, but what I have read has given me a much greater appreciation for Togami as a character because before, I thought of him as a very flat, prideful rich kid who's whole character arc was bruising that pride and bringing him down to earth. Not a bad arc, but just... simple, kinda boring. I love deep dives like this into a character's psyche and really thinking about their motivations and thoughts and feelings. What I HAVE read of Yellow's theories has done exactly that--it's given Togami more depth and dwells on the rather harsh pressure he grew up with, and what exactly that can do to a person's mind going forward.

Like yeah, actually, Byakuya having to fight his half siblings to be the chosen heir, no matter how you spin it, is really fucked up! That kind of pressure and strive for perfectionism does horrible things to a person's mental health, especially when they falter and crumble in a way that isn't their picture-perfect self.

And yet. Once again, there are people going off in this fandom insisting that Byakuya Togami can't be 'suicidal'. He just can't be! Nevermind the horrible statement that is, saying that a person in any position Cannot Be Suicidal, because even the Happiest Person on Earth can have suicidal idealization--it's just blatantly disregarding an interpretation and saying it's "mischaracterization" simply because you don't like it.

Also, I've seen people go so far as saying that giving Togami mental ailments or making him a more complex character is making him. Softer? I'm sorry that you have this idea about mental illnesses that makes you think people with them are "softer" and less of an asshole just because they have a reason to be an asshole, but also no I'm not sorry, please actually think about what you're saying. You're saying that people who are assholes cannot have a reason to be an asshole and thus othering people you deem as "jerkish" or even "evil" just because you don't want to admit they are human.

This is just one example of how this fandom can jump through horrible mental hoops just to justify their "take" on a character--but also hate on another take they don't agree with or like. It's the same shit I've talked about before where people infantize Gonta to make Kokichi look like more of a monster than he actually is. Because if Gonta is a big stupid dumb monkey who Kokichi manipulated, it makes things easy--bad guy gets to not be a Person(tm) anymore ("So I get to hate him as much as I want and feel justified in hating him") while the Poor Innocent Babu gets to have their Purity and never be wrong, ever. ("So I feel justified in liking this character without having to tackle the idea that maybe they did something wrong because they cannot be blamed and I cannot be wrong!")

Don't you guys see how utterly boring that is? To simplify characters to the point where they're not even people? Like sure, sometimes you need a character who is a Symbol and doesn't need to be anything more than that for narrative purposes... but like. These characters aren't meant to be symbols of evil or assholery or whatever. They are meant to represent a person with thoughts and feelings and ideals, with dreams and heartbreaks and complexities that make them unique as an individual.

I think making post after post trying to "debunk" someone's interpretation is just making you look like an asshole. I think fighting over what interpretation is right vs what one is wrong is jsut not the play.

Like--in the Undertale fandom! If someone had an interpretation you didn't like? That's an AU now! See, isn't that more fun? Now you can engage with the interpretations you don't agree with in a more constructive and positive way. It's also the first step in accepting different interpretations without them having to be "AUs" because it promotes critical thinking and acknowledging that Literary Analysis is actually an art, not a science. It's never factual. It never WAS. Literary Analyses (or writing metas/theory crafting as the kids call it these days--like Literary Theory is why it's called Theorycrafting, people!) is all about interpretation of text, and there is no objective way to do so. It's all subjective!

I maintain the sentiment from my theory blog, to my old personal, to this one--No analyses done in good faith are ever "wrong", not unless you are: 1. Doing a meta to hate on something, 2. including bigotry in your meta, or 3. otherwise being malicious (whether intentionally or unintentionally so).

If you correct yourself when you make a mistake (in that you display unintentional malice or bigotry) and aren't actively being an asshole, then any and all interpretations you come up with is correct! So is the person who's come to the opposite conclusions as you. Yes you are both correct. No it does not matter how opposite they are from you. No it doesn't matter if their interpretation changes the whole character from your perspective.

You can dislike it, but accept that it's valid. Move on. Or, maybe analyze the other interpretation with a open mind--maybe you'll actually come to like aspects of it! If you just hate on it without giving it a chance, you'll never know.

So yeah. That's what I'm gonna yap about with this ask. Hope you guys don't mind!

#byakuya togami #kokichi ouma #kokichi oma #gonta gokuhara #danganronpa #drv3 #danganronpa v3 #new danganropna v3 #meta #literary analysis #literary theory #Screaming from the top of my lungs as a college grad in this exact field: YOU PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW HOW LITERARY ANALYSIS WOOOOOORKSSSS #IF YOU THINK THERE'S A RIGHT WAY TO INTERPRET THE TEXT YOU ARE AUTOMATICALLY INCORRREEECT #THERE IS NO RIGHT WAY TO DOOOO IIIITTTT #I know I fall into this trap sometimes #But Even when I fall into this trap it remains true #I am just a human being who forgets my lessons. That doesn't mean the lessons I learned that I echo here are invalid.#Anyway RIFP My Mass Mercy Kill Theory #It's not dead but the amount of shit I've gotten over it over the years in this fandom...#You all are SO weird about fiction and personal interpretations #please stop being weird actually

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gayofthefae · 16 hours ago

Text

Expanding on this post and how by his own account, Mike does not believe in love at first sight. He doesn't even believe in love in the first week.

He believes that love can grow from there but that at the first week, what you have is a crush.

I do not think Mike's one-week crush lasted a year after he last saw her. I think his guilt did. And I think his grief did.

Mike used El as a means to find Will throughout the week, making his priorities clear, and at the end of the week, she sacrificed himself. He never asked her to do that or would have, but I'm sure part of him feels responsible nonetheless. With that survivor's guilt, he idolized - martyrized - their every interaction. She was always understanding and whatever is wrong would be right if she were just here right now again. He holds onto her memory and holds out just in case what he thought he saw of her was real and she is still alive.

But at the end of the day...he hasn't spoken to her in a year. And he was not in love with her. Joyce loved Bob and she asked out Hopper 6 months later. And by his own account, Mike doesn't believe it's possible for him to have loved her in that situation. So how could he have held onto those feelings for 12 months?

Simple answer, he didn't. He held onto their relationship. He held onto his care for her. He held onto his grief. He held onto his guilt. He held onto the idealized image of her he had in his head...But none of those are romantic feelings.

Simply put, Mike got over her in that time. And I'm sure he felt very guilty for it (see: Mike's Bassment Beats track 8 "absence makes the heart lose weight" "when love breaks down, the things you do to stop the truth from hurting you" "the lies we tell, they only serve to fool ourselves"). But with that, he was even more capable of falling for Will. Not just that, but much more strongly than he had for El. El met for the first time then had a week to develop feelings for. Will he had already known for 8 years and had up to a year for those feelings to grow. No wonder they're still lingering, haunting. (note: immediately following the above song falling out of love on his playlist is a song about being unable to stop yourself from falling in love with someone). He feels guilty for getting over El and who knows his awareness level on the feelings he had for Will, but he felt them, whether he had the name for it or not.

Then El came back. And he tries. And maybe he's able to develop those romantic feelings again but my theory is...he's not this time. He didn't move on from her, but he did get over her. After a year, he held out, but he was holding out for his friend. Because the friendship they built was great, but crushes are more fragile. His crush went away. And I think it didn't come back.

She tries to kiss him and he doesn't lean in, he doesn't even look down.

But from there, he is a victim of something so many of us are and have been. He wanted the Snow Ball more than anything, idealized in his grief, it was their beautiful plan. But he doesn't want it anymore...and of course, that's when it comes. Like most people, he takes it. It's all he wanted. He refuses to believe it's too late. He wills himself to want it again.

But we can see when we catch up with him in season 3...he doesn't.(see: Mike's Bassment Beats tracks 16 and 17 - an aimless relationship that you stay in despite the spark being gone)

Mike and El are laughing together when Eleven tells him she wishes he were still there - making out with her. I've also said before that this is the only possible "value change" in this scene and justification for it being included: we see his face fall and he becomes grumpy. After this, we see him enter the next scene irritable, tense, and unwilling to talk about El (when just before, he had been carefree and laughing)

That is my timeline. Mike had a crush on El. A year will make you get over any crush, let alone when another one is developing - and has the time to develop into love itself, whether you know it or not. When El comes back, he gets back together with her in the hopes that that spark will find him again, but it doesn't. And his love for Will grows, as does his fear of it, until in season 4, Will makes him not so afraid anymore. And that is when he is victimized by circumstance. He doesn't want El to die. And after she lives and they see what's become of Hawkins and Max, he doesn't want to leave her or even just add change to her life in any way on top of her existing grief. So he puts it off. As we know now, for a year and a half - until November 1987.

When I am very curious to see what inciting incident prompts this decision to come back up.

My take is that we last saw Mike have feelings for El in November, 1983.

God, the angst. The self torture. The self-"repair" attempts. The last time Mike had feelings for El was November, 1983.

This happened in March, 1986:

He is still with her as of November 1987.

I hope he's finding peace in between, as queer people have for centuries <3

#elmike analysis #mike wheeler #mike sexuality analysis #stranger things #byler

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noobsydraws · 2 days ago

Text

Here's another little snippet of the modern AU.

It's a follow up to the first post accompanied by text. It really helps me put these little comics into perspective. 🙈💕

Also I think it's my first time drawing them actually kiss haha!

So here's the text:

Sunshine warms Vanders hands as he kneads bread dough on the kitchen counter. It's the warmth of the early summer sun, falling in through the window. It will develop into unrelenting heat, in a few weeks, which perhaps will beckon them to take a trip to the beach. He looks forward to it. A little bit of normalcy after their lives have been turned upside down by the fire that took two lives and brought two children into their household.

The key turns in the lock of the apartment door. Vander turns around and finds his partner walking in. He has left right after breakfast and Vander hasn't asked where he planned on going. He's still walking on egg shells around Silco, even though things have massively improved since he too started his therapy sessions.

Silco still wakes up at night but rather than fleeing to the living room he has begun to seek comfort, a thing that Vander is more than willing to offer. There are of course still nights he spends in the armchair, holding Powder while she cries. But Silco also finally started to talk to him. Witnessing his friend going almost completely silent, after that night of horror, has to be one of the scariest things Vander has witnessed. Even the smallest expression of needs is progress.

Vander halts. Only now processing the drastic change in appearance.

" You like it?" Silco says as he approaches the open space kitchen of the small apartment. A playful smirk twists the corners of his mouth upward. Vander feels like he hasn't seen this expression in years.

"Looks good. Professional."

Vander eyes the new hair cut. Silco has gotten his hair shorn short on the sides and back and longer on top. Surely there's a term for that kind of cut, but Vander isn't aware of it.

Vi uses all kind of fancy slang words for things and he has to constantly ask what they mean.

"For the interview tomorrow?" Vander asks. Silco has reached him and puts his hand on Vanders cheek when he bends down for the welcome - home - kiss.

"Don't put those flour hands on me." Silco takes a step back and smoothes his hair back. That gesture is more attractive than it has any right to be.

"Don't know what to do with it yet. But it will go great with the suit."

Silco steps back and takes a cup out of the cupboard to make himself coffee.

Vander remembers the suit. Silco has shown it to him a few nights back and the whole ordeal has ended with Vander peeling it off of him again. The first time they've gotten that intimate since... - The grinder of the coffee machine roars to life and snaps Vander out of the memory.

He continues to work his bread dough, while Silco leans against the counter next to him, sipping his coffee.

"I've been thinking."

"Have ya?" Vander asks without looking up.

"If I score this job, I'll earn enough for us to get by. Enough so you could stop working late nights at the bar." Silco pauses and adds. "If you want."

Vander puts the bread bun on a tray and covers it with a towel.

"I wouldn't want to put all that pressure on you."

"Think about it, Vander. You could take care of the girls. Do the community and charity work you always talk about."

He hates that he likes the idea and chews the inside of his cheek. They also need go find a bigger place and that costs money.

"Plus." Silco continues. "It only makes sense it is you. You're the one who can drive a car."

There's bitterness in his voice when he speaks the last sentence, but he is correct.

"The girls need someone who drives them places. School, check ups, play dates."

Vander doesn't answer and begins to scrub his hands in the sink.

"I'm not that fragile, Vander." Silco says. He has sneaked closer and slides a hand on Vanders shoulder. The familiar gesture loosens something in the big mans chest.

"I can handle it." Silco says

When Vander looks down he finds Silcos gaze burning with determination. If he wants to proof himself, he's allowed to. The things he has seen Silco do out of spite and succeeding are legendary afterall. Still... Vander dries off his hands with a kitchen towel, he then flings over his other shoulder.

"If it gets too much, you'll talk to me, right?"

Silco nods. Vander feels his weight pushing against himself. He's leaning on him. God... How long has that been? He makes a mental note to bring that damn therapist a box of chocolate.

Vander slips an arm around his partners waist and relishes in the warmth of their bodies touching.

"The hair suits you, Hot Sauce." Vander chuckles and Silco weakly slaps his chest.

"Cease that." But his voice betrays Silco. The retort is infused with a smile.

#arcane au #sugar is not a condiment #vander #silco #arcane #vanco arcane #silco x vander #vander x silco #Modern AU #modern au

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rummigumi · 2 days ago

Text

Short Anger Management (Jazz/Jason) scene I've been rotating in my head. Cross-posted on AO3.

Rating: T, due to suggestive themes and talking about sex

Jason did not want to be spending his evening sitting around a table in the Batcave with most of their ragtag group, but he was. Apparently, Bruce was going to be gone for at least a month for League business so they were all called in for a meeting to coordinate his absence, or something like that. Jason wasn't really paying attention, nor did he care. The only reason he'd shown up was because he'd been promised some intel on a new group planning on making moves in his territory - except it'd been nearly an hour and he was starting to think there was no intel.

The only thing keeping him from completely losing his mind or storming out was no one seemed to care how little he was paying attention. Jazz had texted him nearly fifteen minutes into the meeting asking if he was going to be late and he hadn't put his phone away since.

It was difficult keeping a straight-face, almost all of her messages making him want to smile, but Jason knew if his lips so much as twitched upwards attention would be drawn. The others probably assumed he was texting his men and he didn't want to give them any reason to doubt that. Again, the only thing keeping him seated at the table with the rest of them as Bruce droned on was being able to read Jazz's live-time thoughts about what was happening in the latest episode of one of her guilty pleasure reality TV shows and exchange reaction images. It was a normal, almost domestic, conversation between them - until it wasn't.

He probably should've suspected something from the long pause between messages and the text, 'Can't wait for you to get here,' but Jason wasn't expecting an accompanying image to load a few seconds later to reveal Jazz posed on the bed and clad in nothing but a black teddy. Despite having seen her naked on many occasions, Jason still felt the tips of his ears flush and he quickly locked his phone.

But apparently not quick enough.

"Holy shit, are you sexting?"

Jason held back from smacking Tim as every head whipped to look at them.

"Why the fuck were you reading over my shoulder?" Jason gritted out from clenched teeth.

"That's not a no," Duke very unhelpfully pointed out and Jason didn't know if he wanted to start yelling or make a run for it.

"Please, as if someone out there finds Todd desirable," Damian scoffed.

"Social media says otherwise, though I think they'd all prefer his helmet stay on. And you were the one holding your phone out like this," Tim held his arm out in an exaggerated pose, "with the screen bright enough to blind someone. It'd be harder to not spy on your messages."

Out of the corner of his eye, Jason saw Bruce pinch the bridge of his nose and sigh. If he wasn't currently in the shenanigans spotlight he'd roll his eyes, because what else did Bruce expect to happen? They once derailed a meeting two minutes in arguing about the correct way to pronounce caramel, the old man should be happy they made it as long as they did.

"Oh really? Then what were the texts before it, hm?" Jason couldn't help but shoot back an argument to Tim's excuse.

"I don't know or care, but that was definitely a picture of a woman in lingerie."

Tim didn't flinch at the angry finger shoved in his face as Jason growled out, "You, wipe that image from your brain now." He spun to point at the rest of the table, "And the rest of you, not another word. I'm not out there doing weird foreplay or fucking on the rooftops like some of you degenerates, so shut it." Bruce's face pulled a bit tighter at the call out and Dick mimed zipping his mouth close, though Jason knew it was just to appease him. He was still keeping his distance from the others, and this whole conversation was solidifying why he stayed away. But, he'd bet in less than a week Dick would find a reason to create a 'bonding moment' and try to bring it back up, especially if he was going to be in town. As if Jason would tell him anything.

"It's just a bit weird to think you're getting some action. I totally had money on you being a virgin," Steph said it nonchalantly, as if they weren't still discussing Jason's sex life. He didn't know if the heat spreading across his cheeks was from anger or embarrassment.

Probably both.

"What does that mean?"

"You just give 'Saving Myself for Marriage' vibes is all," Steph shrugged.

"Or at least, 'Not Until the Third Date'," Duke chimed in again, and Jason was quickly moving him down in the rankings for vigilantes he didn't mind. He wasn't wrong, it had taken two or three months of dating before he and Jazz were intimate. But it implied the others thought he was just hooking up with people, as if there was no way someone would actually stay with him long enough to reach a third date.

Jason almost said something, but bit his tongue. If he even hinted that he was in a serious relationship, he'd be stuck all night with their questions and having to deal with them inserting themselves into his life trying to learn more about Jazz.

There was a reason he kept his distance.

"Well I'm out there being a sexually active adult, so guess again." Jason knew how childish he sounded, but it was better than spilling his secrets.

"Can we please move on from discussing Todd's sex life?" Damian's face was scrunched up in disgust. Jason gestured towards him in agreement, "Yes, thank you!"

But Bruce's mouth was still pulled down in concern, "You should stay after the meeting, it's been a while since we screened you for STDs."

Jason slammed his hands down on the table as he stood, "And we've reach my capacity for 'Bats' Bullshit'. So glad I subjected myself to this pointless meeting." He ignored the protests as he began to leave, but one voice stood out from the others.

"Just remember, wrap it before you tap it," Tim called out, and Jason thought he showed great restraint by merely flipping him off instead of going back to punch him. He felt his phone vibrate as he started his bike, but ignored it in favor of speeding off - he'd make it up to Jazz when he got to her place.

Though, as he quietly entered her apartment and kicked off his shoes, Jason realized he was still agitated. Letting out a small, irritated huff, he made his way to her bedroom.

"There you are! Is everything okay?" When he entered Jazz was sitting on top of the covers, but she immediately picked up on his mood and put her phone aside while pulling her legs under her.

"Fucking Nebby Nose Tim couldn't help but air out my personal shit to everyone," Jason told her as he checked the windows. Satisfied that even if someone had followed him, they'd have a tough time breaking in and the curtains were drawn tight, he turned to flop face-first onto the bed. Jazz let out a sympathetic hum as he shimmied up to rest his head on her thighs. His arms wrapped around her as he nuzzled into her stomach, letting out a pleased groan as she began to run her fingers through his hair.

Oh, how he wished he could hide his face against her forever.

"So, what was it he told the others?"

Jason tensed, eyes popping open as he realized it wasn't actually his business, but hers. Jazz's hand stilled.

"Jason?"

"It was, uh...you know that picture you sent me?"

"Please don't tell me..."

"He saw it over my shoulder and loudly let the others know I was 'sexting'."

Jazz was still under him for a moment before letting out a long exhale; Jason didn't say anything as his head moved with her breath.

"He was the only one to see it?"

He nodded.

"Alright then. What did the others say?"

"They just said a bunch of shit about how weird it was that someone would be into me, or they couldn't believe someone would want to date me. And you're sure you're good?"

Jazz went back to stroking his hair, but he still lifted his head to look at her as he asked the last bit.

"It wasn't the raunchiest picture he could've seen, and I'm assuming he didn't see much so I won't dwell on it. But that sounds like what Danny says to me."

Jason snorted as he let his head fall back to her lap, "Please, we've been dating for how long and he still doesn't think I'm good enough for you."

"And he also finds it incredibly weird that anyone would actually be into me, or want to date me. I feel the same about him - I want the best for him, but I also don't understand why anyone would want to date him. It's a sibling thing."

Jason thought a moment before replying, "I don't think it was like that."

Jazz let out another small hum. "Then fuck them." Jason pressed a grin against her at hearing her swear. Sometimes he was tempted to introduce her to the others, if only to watch them struggle to figure her out, but he knew it was something that couldn't be undone and he didn't want them to ruin the peace he had found.

"You know, for the point two seconds I could enjoy it, I really liked the picture."

He could hear Jazz's smile as she replied, "You can still enjoy it in person."

Jason pressed a kiss to the bare skin of her thigh, "I think I will."

#dpxdc #dcxdp #anger management ship #soro writes #this 100% outs where im from due to a regional phrase but whatever #also this was a quick thing so please keep that in mind #personally parts of it flow weird to me but im posting it rather than forcing it to sit in drafts never to be seen

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e-squared-what-is-my-life · 3 days ago

Note

I love the dynamic of the enas with Taski maiden and coral, I’d love to see more of it!

Take More Taskicoral! Watch Them Coexist With the Enasquared Lovelies! 💞

"Do you think I should wear my regular sweater or a dress?"

Coral sighed and looked up at Taski, doing all she could to keep from smiling as the shorter woman posed in front of a full-body mirror. The day so far had been incredibly boring, according to Taski, and it needed something to spice things up! Taski had gone on a minute long tangent about how important it was for her to put every bit of effort into pleasing Coral, and while it was incredibly sweet, it was also somewhat concerning.

'I believe Taski is getting lost in her head again.' Coral kept her eye shifting between her phone and Taski, waiting for a response from the bouncy ENA she'd come to know as a decently close friend.

'Oh no! What happened? Is she okay? Do you need me and RENA to come over???' ENA texted back, each question accentuated with a loud Ping!

'Calm down, ENA, it's okay. She's just a little nervous about this little meetup. She might try to fight your girlfriend. Again.'

'Wife.'

...

'WHAT?' Coral Glasses practically shoved her face against her phone screen, waiting impatiently for ENA's explanation.

'Yeah! RENA proposed yesterday while we were at dinner with Shepherd and Merci! I can't wait to show you two the ring! It's positively darling!'

Coral fanned her face, gasping with no real intent to say anything and pulling Taski close. She buried her face into Taski's sweater, screaming into the fabric for an ungodly amount of time.

"Should... Should I be concerned about this?" Taski asked, the concern clear in her voice.

"RENA proposed." Coral squeaked, unsurprised by Taski's scream of dismay. "ENA says the ring is gorgeous..."

"Oh! I'll show that ENA! She thinks she can best me by proposing first?! HAH! I'll profess my love to you so well, no one will know what hit them! Not even me!" Taski shouted, tackling Coral and kissing her with intense excitement.

Coral whimpered and moaned into the kiss, feeling her skin prickle in both the best and worst of ways. Taski's seemingly constant need for physical contact actually helped to improve Coral's social anxiety, something that the quiet woman found herself absolutely adoring.

"I'm gonna make a wife outta you and outdo ENA at the same time!" Taski huffed, smiling triumphantly at Coral's loving giggle. "Step one complete! I have you successfully wooed!"

"You certainly do." Coral agreed, humming as she pulled Taski into another, calmer kiss. They both giggled as the kiss ended, content to lay on the bed until time for their meet-up with the ENAs.

Worrying about being late was a chore for future them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You're late. Did something happen?"

Taski grunted, puffing out her chest to try and look tougher. "Nothing could ever happen to my precious Coral without me doing something about it!"

"Izzat why you look like you were just thrown into a lake?" RENA snorted, chuckling at ENA's gentle scolding slap to the arm. "Alright, alright. Forgive me, I'm just riding a high."

"So I've been told." Coral hummed, sitting down in the chair Taski pulled out for her. She blushed as the chair was pushed back in, gently swatting at Taski's gleeful kisses. "Darling, we just got here."

"Yeah, can't you wait at least ten minutes before you subject us to your affection?" RENA asked, smirking as Taski flipped her off. "Back atcha short stack!"

"Oh, you two." ENA sighed, grasping RENA's hand and using her free hand to sip at the tea she and RENA had ordered. "Coral, you simply MUST taste this tea. This is the only teahouse in the Third Ring that makes it perfectly."

Coral nodded, eager to see what her friend was currently indulging in. ENA's sudden interest in exotic tea and anything related was the only reason they were all meeting up. RENA had offered to take ENA to a well-known teahouse, and ENA invited Coral and Taski as a friendly gesture.

Relationship building is what she called it, if Coral remembered correctly.

"What kind is it?" Taski asked, leaning forward and nearly toppling the table thanks to the awkward angle she’d ended up in. She took a deep breath and stood still for a moment before huffing. "Is that Sencha?"

ENA nodded excitedly, starting a tangent about how fascinating the tea making process was and gasping with delight as Taski added her own knowledge of the craft. The duo then began a deep conversation about tea, tea leaves, the best dishware to drink from, etc.

"You following any of this?" RENA asked Coral, humming as the latter helplessly shrugged. "I'm marrying a tea nerd."

"I guess I'm lucky I'm just dating one." Coral joked, smiling mischievously as Taski took a moment to gentle tap her shoulder. "Joking, dear."

"Mhm." Taski replied, narrowing her eyes suspiciously for just a moment before returning to her conversation with ENA as if they’d never stopped.

"Gosh, I love her." RENA quietly hummed, her smile wobbly and absolutely smitten.

"I know what you mean." Coral agreed, looking to Taski as if she was the sun to Coral's moon. Opposites that represent different things, but in the end compliment each other because of the lives they save. "I think we got the lucky end of the stick this time."

#ENA #ENA Joel G #ENA Dream BBQ #Enasquared #Taski Maiden #Coral Glasses #Taskicoral #Taski Maiden x Coral Glasses #Don't Ask Me to Write Taskicoral Smut #I Won't be Able to Stop Myself

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bebx · 6 hours ago

Note

your posts about inho’s drinking problem have me spiraling. like—what if he was never much of a drinker before the games? not really. not the type to reach for harsh spirits or expensive imported bottles.

he probably liked soju. makgeolli. comfort drinks. things that go with late-night convenience store snacks and card games with junho. that’s what drinking meant to him. back then.

and then the games happened. and the VIPs happened. and suddenly, drinking stopped being a choice.

i keep thinking about how he must’ve had his first taste of that whiskey from their hand. not his. one of them handing it to him like it was a joke. inho didn’t know what he was walking into that night. he really didn’t. thought it was just drinks. just… expected hospitality. VIPs wanting to toast him or whatever. he didn’t even like whiskey, but he took the glass. tried to be polite.

inho didn’t notice the wolves in the room. he didn’t smell the blood in the air.

the first sip burned. the liquor was too strong, too unfamiliar, some foreign bottle that tasted like smoke and wealth. he winced, out of reflex—tongue recoiling from the taste, face scrunching like a boy at his first drink. he didn’t think it meant anything.

but they saw it.

and they laughed. not mean, not yet. just amused. like he was something small and clumsy and endearing. something soft.

the second drink came quicker. they filled his glass before he could blink. inho tried to swallow it smoother this time, hide the reaction. but it still hurt going down. still stung his throat and made his stomach turn.

they got closer.

by the third, it felt less like a toast and more like a game. inho didn’t understand the rules. just kept playing. faking a smile that was more like a grimace. laughing when they laughed, unsure why. he thought he was holding his own. he thought it was fine.

he was wrong.

the fourth drink was poured without asking. pushed into his hand. one of them guiding his fingers around the glass like inho couldn’t do it himself. his head was fuzzy. his skin felt too hot. he tried to say no—tried to speak—but the words slurred in his throat.

and they laughed again. louder this time.

because that was when inho understood. when it clicked, in some last, flickering corner of his mind: he wasn’t at the table. he was the offering.

the hand on his back felt gentle, almost kind, when they led him to the sofa. the way you might guide a tired child. the way a butcher might calm a lamb before the knife.

he drinks that same foreign whiskey now.

same label. same bottle. every night. even though he still flinches on the first swallow like he did back then.

because he needs it to hurt.

because if it tastes sweet, he’s afraid he’ll forget what they did. he was a lamb in a room full of wolves. and they tore him apart with their hands.

and inho drinks now to remember the teeth.

HELLO NOW THIS IS MAKING ME SPIRALING 😭🥹 Thank you so much for this! You always have the best Inho whump and I've been staring at my screen because this is a masterpiece just casually dropped in my inbox, and yes to everything you said. I mean poor Inho but I can definitely see this happen in canon, how the VIPs don't see him as a person but rather a dog, a property they own, a toy they play with. I also believe everything is about asserting power and dominance for them, and they certainly make In-ho know they control and own him.

You always capture Inho's struggling, pain and trauma, as well as his relationship (for lack of a better word) with the VIPs so well!

#my inbox is open #squid game #hwang in ho #squid game vips #the front man #hwang inho #frontman #oh young il #player 001 #oh youngil #inho whump

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tumbling-through-deepspace · 2 days ago

Text

Summer heat

Breaking the fourth wall series. Previous >>> next

This was inspired by Zayne's secret time: Silent poem. It's a bit of self-indulgence after coming off my episode. I've had Zayne on my mind a lot these past few days.

Genre: fluff.

Warning: slightly suggestive, mutual pining, lots of kissing.

It has been several days since the start of the summer vacation in her world, and Bree was enjoying the peace and quiet.

Bon-bon was swept away by her siblings for a week, who made an excuse about her working too hard, and their niece needed to be around the energetic bunch. The house was clean and quiet, so this was an opportunity to unwind.

It was weird not having her toddler around, having nothing much to do. She also hadn't heard from the trio for a while. One afternoon, a few weeks ago, Mephisto delivered a message from Lyssa stating she'll be away on a few missions that would have her unavailable. Sylus had business deals out the country that couldn't be missed, and Zayne had a full schedule with surgeries.

They asked that while they were away that she would not access the game. It was a request she understood; after all, accessing the game popped them away from whatever they were doing and would return them after she left. It caused confusion amongst the other game characters.

She missed them... Lyssa's chaotic energy, Sylus's teasing, and Zayne's calming presence, especially his voice. Maybe it was a good thing the three were busy because she currently had a sprained ankle from slipping in the bathroom whilst cleaning the day before.

They would make a fuss. Bree smiled, thinking about their overprotectiveness. Stretching, she got up from the couch and made her way into her bedroom. A nap sounded nice at the moment.

Zayne exited Akso hospital two hours prior, went shopping and almost ran every red light to get home.

He managed to finish all appointed surgeries and had the next three days off. Any emergencies would be redirected to either Dr. Grayson or Dr. Joel.

Entering his home, Zayne quickly set the necessary alarms, grabbed his bags, and activated the portal. He didn't bother to change.

A glowing, rectangular door appeared, which he stepped through without hesitation. Coming out on the other side, the scent of cinnamon filled his nostrils, and the warmth from the summer air was a welcomed change from Linkon's cold November winds.

The portal deactived as he stepped further into the space, his eyes looking around searching for the woman that's been on this mind for weeks.

The large calendar marked Saturday, the grandfather clock showcasing late afternoon, her cellphone laying idly on the coffee table; she had to be close. It was a possibility she was asleep.

Abandoning the bags on the kitchen table, Zayne made his way down the hall to where her bedroom was. The creaking sound of the door as he opened it was overlapped by the sound of Bree's small snores.

His eyes landed on her sleeping form, heartbeat accelerating as he took in how peaceful she looked. Being away from her for so long left him agitated, making the weeks painstaking despite him being busy.

Walking closer, he leaned down, placing a soft kiss to her forehead. His lips moved to place more kisses along her face; her eyes, the tip of the nose, cheeks and finally her lips.

She shifted, letting out a sigh. Pulling back, he watched as her eyes fluttered open, squinting a bit before blinking to clear her vision.

"My apologies, did I wake you up?"

"Zayne? I must be dreaming again."

He chuckled, "You've been dreaming about me? I'm flattered, but no, sweetheart, I'm very much real."

"Prove it."

Zayne chuckled again and proceeded to take off his shoes, jacket, and tie before sitting on the bed and pulling her unto his lap.

He then proceeded to kiss her like a man dying of thirst and she was the drink of water. Her small moans urged his on.

"This helps to chase away my exhaustion. Having you like this, hearing your voice. You have no idea how much I've missed you."

The kisses traveled along her neck, accompanied by bites and his tongue.

She let out a shaky breath. "Z-ayne, I-"

Pulling away, he took in her expression of bliss. Swollen lips, labored breathing. She was so beautiful like this. How did he survive so long being away?

"Is that proof enough, or should I keep going?"

Bree attacked his mouth with more kisses, running a hand through his hair, whilst the other gripped the front of his shirt.

Zayne switched their position until he was hovered over her, arms at the side of her head. Her leg wrapped around his hip, drawing him closer.

More kisses were exchanged, each one deeper than the last.

Zayne moved to grab her other leg, but when his hand touched bandages, he pulled away and immediately looked down.

"I leave you alone for a bit, and you go and get yourself injured."

Bree laughed. "It wasn't intentional doctor, blame my clumsiness and the bathroom I was cleaning yesterday."

He gently stroked her leg. "Are you in pain? I hope I didn't cause any discomfort."

She gave him a smile. "I'm fine, Zayne. It's just a sprain. Now stop worrying and come relax. Now that I'm getting a good look at you, you need a nap. When was the last time you had proper sleep?"

Zayne gave her side a small pinch, prompting her to giggle.

"Don't try to change the subject, sweetheart. Be careful next time. As for me, I'll sleep later. I'm yours for the next three days, so i'll get plenty of rest."

A sly smile graced her lips. "With the way you've greeted me, I doubt we'll get much sleep in the coming days."

The sudden feel of his cool hands under her sleep shirt, running along her sides, made her breath hitch.

She saw the heat in his eyes, the tone of his voice going lower as his lips were hovered over hers

"I'm wide awake and thinking about one way to get rid of some of this pentup energy I know we both have."

His words had her squirming in his hold. Zayne stopped her by grabbing her hips.

"You're being unfair."

"No. Kiss. I'm. Kiss. Just. Kiss. Taking. Kiss. Advantage. Kiss. Of the. Kiss. Opportunity given."

His kisses always left her breathless, she just wanted to hold him and never let go.

"I've missed you, Zaynie," she whispered

Zayne replied in kind, "I've missed you more. Let me show you how much."

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agbpaints · 2 days ago

Text

Oh the Hellspawn. Another 'mech brought to us by FASA Interactive which was later ported back into the construction rules of Classic Battletech, basically all of the discussion I've found online about the HSN-xx is largely negative, and while I don't necessarily disagree with a lot of the criticism I do think it's a design worth taking a look at.

In the late 3050s the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns determined that their aging fleet of Dervish fast fire support mechs was due for a replacement, having served since the times of the Star League and grown quite obsolete in the intervening centuries. General Motors won the contract to produce the new 'mech in 3060 with their Hellspawn concept, a design that promised to excede the capabilities of the existing DV marks significantly as both a lightweight fire support unit and an interdictor to handle light mechs and C3 spotters used by the Combine. The first 'mechs walked off of the line on Talcott in 3062 into the looming clusterfuck of the FedCom Civil War.

The initial HSN-7D that GM produced on Talcott sets a strong design language regrettably followed by the majority of Hellspawn variants. Weighing 45 tons, the 7D is scaffolded with a GM M-type endosteel chassis and powered by an in-house produced 270 XL fusion engine with 6 jump jets mounted between the side torsos. Dalban provided the electronics system, including an Guardian ECM suite to allow the HSN to add e-war missions to its repertoire. The offensive payload is actually pretty impressive for its weight class- the HSN-7D is armed with a pair of LRM-10s split between the right arm and left torso and supplied by 2 tons of ammunition, supported by three medium pulse lasers mounted on the arms and torso.

Of course, this level of mobility and weaponry comes at a cost- the original production Hellspawn only mounts 6.5 tons of armor. This is less than 70% of the total possible belt and dangerously close to Hellbringer levels of protection. All three torsos can be breached by a gauss rifle slug immediately. GM also neglected th mount CASE on their design, making the already fragile mech highly susceptible to total loss from ammo explosions in the field.

Reactions in the field from AFFS units were... poor. It was immediately apparent that the brass had handed GM the deal without actually considering what was being proposed to them. The Hellspawn's added interdiction capabilities did not offset the 'mech's abysmal protection and the fiddly engine and electronics suites required constant maintenance and parts to keep operational. The 15 year old Dervish 7D was generally favored by pilots and quartermasters- the standard fusion engine meant replacement parts were less expensive and the thicker armor and CASE-protected ammunition bays meant that mechwarriors were less likely to come to understand the workings of their ride's ejector seats personally.

In the face of their product's poor reputation, GM did no soul searching in the following years and instead chose to double down. Introduced in 3068, the HSN-8E did nothing to alter the mech's survivability, instead opting to exchange the arm-mounted pulse lasers for ER models in order to add Artemis firce control systems to the missile launchers. This nominally improves the 'mech's long range damage but in the leadup to the e-war spaked battlefields of the Jihad spending two tons on a 'mech with questionable armor to improve its direct fire capabilities is questionable. The same year GM also released the 9F, a worse than useless refit that removes the ECM suite, a laser, both of the LRM racks, and a half ton of armor (bringing us to 63% belt capacity) in exchange for a pair of MRM-20s. Again, *these are factory refit options from GM*. Someone at the Talcott plant must've been a plant by LOKI because I have no explanation for the AFFS deciding to take delivery of this shit except for a Lyran spy ring.

Luckily worse fortunes for the Inner Sphere led to better mechs. The Talcott plant was bombed by the Blakists during the early stages of the Jihad and presumably one of the casualties in that tragedy was the original design team for the Hellspawn. Shame. When production resumed in 3076, GM introduced a new variant that finally addressed the concerns of the original HSN models, the 10G. One jump jet and the ECM suite have been removed, the LRM launchers have been replaced by a pair of MML-7 variable missile launch systems fed by 3 tons of ammunition and the torso laser has been replaced by a light PPC. While CASE is still absent, light ferro-fibrous armor has been mounted and total protection has been increased to 7.5 tons--this gauss-proofs the torsos and brings the total belt to 83% protection. This is the variant I'm personally most familiar with and I find it a pleasant design to use: the long range damage is similar to the original 7D model but the short range potential throw weight of the MMLs and pulse lasers is brutal and the 3rd ton of ammo allows the 10G to mount inferno munitions alongside standard SRMs and LRMs, making it a general menace to heat hogs and conventional forces.

The final production variant is the 10SR, which focuses on developing the Hellspawn's role as a fast scout. The missiles have been removed completely in favor of paired ER medium lasers and light PPCs in the arms, a light active probe and TAG artillery designator have been added to support the ECM suite, the standard jump jets have been replaced with 8 improved models, and the armor belt has been increased to 9 tons. The 10SR is an incredibly slippery forward scout, combining the durability of a medium mech with the air mobility of a Spider

Overall, discussion focuses on the pre-3070 designs of the Hellspawn, which is understandable given the aversion many Battletech players have to the Jihad and Dark Ages, but a shame because it overlooks a very nice little chassis. With the proliferation of mixed tech designs a "modern" 315x variant of the HSN could likely do some very interesting stuff with the Chassis, possibly flipping the script and mounting clan ER lasers as the long range weapons while turning the missiles into a close-up compliment. If nothing else I hope more people do decide to pick up the 10G- it's a legitimately fanrastic little bodyguard and bully and I've thoroughly enjoyed running it.

#battletech #hobby #miniatures #mini painting #battlemech #mechwarrior #mecha #mech #medium mech #hellspawn #mech talk

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the-sprog · 2 days ago

Text

Shadow calls him pathetic because of the entire display. Nicky tells him to fuck off. Cue pearl clutching from everyone else and a facepalm from Tails.

"You think you're so much better than me, don't you? And for what?"

"I am better than you. I am the Ultimate Lifeform-"

"Gaia, do you have anything else going on for you? Are you going to hold onto that stupid title forever?"

*glare*

*takes a step towards shadow*

Amy gets between them telling them to calm down. Shadow scoffs and teleports away.

Silence.

Amy starts to worry because with Sonic unreachable and Shadow pissed at them, they're more vulnerable to Eggman's attacks. Nicky tries to reassure them, saying Amy is strong and Tails has his gadgets and Knuckles will help, but Knuckles says he can't play babysitter as he has the Master Emerald to keep safe, especially now that Eggman knows he wasn't at Angel Island, and Shadow will inevitably make that fact known to Rouge, too. So he leaves.

This freaks out Brenda, who takes Nicky's hands in hers. "Nicky... You should come home with us."

"What?" Pulling his hands away.

"You didn't want Anita to join this team, so you understand, don't you? You understand how difficult it was for me when you told me you did."

"Mom-"

"I know you said you weren't in the front lines -that you weren't involved in the fighting- but look at what happened today!"

"It was only because I joined the picnic. I usually stay by myself-"

"But that's not good either! You can't isolate yourself, Nicky! You can't be hanging out only with Tails and Sonic and Amy, or bunker down in you bedroom or in that laboratory of yours."

"I have other friends! I've been going to school in person now that we've settled down! I have... I have friends."

Silence again.

"I think you should go back to where you're staying, mom. It's getting late. Wouldn't want you to travel when the sun's out."

"Nicky-"

"it's been fun, I'm glad we saw each other. Have a good night."

"It's- we'll still be here for your birthday. At least let's do something together, ok?"

"... Sure."

After his mom and sister leave, so does he, not sparing Amy or Tails a glance. Shedding his clothes, he gets his shoes back and puts his contacts, and runs to Shadow's apartment in Central city. The feeling of running freely at whatever speed he wished fills him with immense euphoria, after a day of taking things slow.

He doesn't receive a warm welcome, but he also doesn't get the door slammed on his face. So he forces himself inside, avoiding eye contact with Rouge, and storms off to Shadow's room.

Neither of them have ever been fans of heart to hearts. Shadow likes to monologue, but his feelings are something he keeps tight to his chest. Sonic is the type to stew and mask and explode.

Predictably, they stay silent for a while. At least, until Shadow tells him to say his piece or gtfo. Begrudgingly, Sonic admits his insecurities over Nicky not being good enough. To Shadow, this is bullshit. They're the same person. How could "Nicky" not be enough if "Sonic" is? But Sonic doesn't stop even when Shadow points it out. He talks about the times Tails would look at him with wide eyes when he said something "smart", how Amy would scoff and roll her eyes when he got into a passionate rant over something she deemed too "dorky" for the saviour of Mobius, how people looked at him with strained smiles and weird... Condescension when he tells them he knows quite a bit about maths and coding and biochemistry. Because it's easier if the cocky hero is also dumb, so he needs to play the part because no one wants "Nicky" to save them.

At this point, Sonic is pacing in the room, breathing getting heavier as his voice gets louder.

Shadow doesn't reply, but he sighs. It's not something he can fix, he knows that. And it's not his job to, not really. He could wash his hands of this whole thing, but it feels wrong to abandon Sonic when he's in trouble. Though, this is not the kind of trouble usually Shadow helps him with, he supposes it's the only kind Sonic can't really deal with by himself.

He's not one to beat around the bush, so he says that "Amy is going to be pissed with you. She'll probably cry and scream at you for keeping her in the dark. She's going to want to know and she's going to be heartbroken that you didn't tell her when you met -or at least soon after. It's not like the burden of keeping in touch falls on you -she didn't make any effort to contact Nicky in all these years. But she's going to be upset anyways. She's going to have questions after today. And you're going to tell her-" Sonic opens his mouth but Shadow doesn't let him interrupt. "-because if you don't she's going to create an entire scenario in her head and get upset about things that didn't actually happen. If you tell her yourself, you can also explain yourself and apologies to each other. Say what you told me, and she'll come around. Eventually."

"Ugh. Another feelings talk? She's going to be happy about that at least." Once again, silence. "What do I do with my family? Other than Tails I mean."

Shadow looks at him deapan. "I'm not your therapist, you do know that right?"

"Hey! You've done a pretty good job so far! Just help me out here. Please?"

"Your mom is going to get worried regardless, isn't she? At least, if she knew you were Sonic, that you had brawns and not only brains, maybe she'd get reassured you'll always come out on top. And your sister wants to join the team, but she got pretty scared today. Find her something else to do to help. Like the Chaotix or Miss Vanilla do."

When Sonic goes home, he does so in Nicky's clothes. He doesn't think Amy would appreciate seeing Sonic at the moment, and as Shadow said she probably has questions that it's better for Nicky to answer.

Maybe, if the words come out of Nicky's mouth instead of Sonic's, it'll soften the blow.

After he opens the door he sees her. They look at each other in silence.

It's Tails that breaks it by coming to the entrance. "Sonic-" he sees them and corrects himself. "Oh- I mean, Nicky. Hi." A wave. "I'm just- I'll go. Bye-" but both Amy and Sonic can tell he's behind the door listening in.

He sighs and directs them towards the living room to sit down.

"It's been a while," Amy says.

Caving and writing a plot bunny because I have ideas and now this is too flashed out not to write a fic for it, and I'll forget if I don't write it down somewhere

Timeline I've come up with:

Nicky AU where Sonic has been, for years, telling his parents that he (as Nicky) is part of team Sonic, but he only does coding (like for robots and their communicators) for them and never fights in the front lines.

What happened is that after a few months of Sonic taking over Nicky's body to save the day, Nicky started to take care of the issues himself out of spite. Done with the fact that everyone liked Sonic more than him. It came to a point that Sonic didn't show up anymore, making Eggman (who went to Hedgehog village for Sonic) lose interest with the place.

When he turned 6, he moved away to go live with Uncle Chuck, so he could study somewhere more challenging. He an Amy barely talked anymore, as she would turn every conversation into Sonic praise, worsening Nicky's inferiority complex. During his stay in the bigger city, Eggman attacks and Nicky figures out he's been Sonic all along. And running? Oh, he LOVES running.

However, he starts getting severe social anxiety fueled by a really strong impostor syndrome, causing the start of his selective mutism. For a while, Uncle Chuck is the only one he talks to as Sonic (Nicky still goes to class without issues).

That's when he meets Amy again. She left home shortly after Nicky to go find Sonic and join in his adventures. I imagine that her relationship with her parents wasn't all that great, so she decided to run away when Nicky, her only safe space, left.

Meeting her really hammer in that he's not good enough to be Sonic, as Sonic used to have no issues beating Eggman and his robots to scrap metal.

Not too long after, he meets Tails, who had actually been to Hedgehog village for Sonic as well and knew Nicky and Sonic were the same person. He explains to Nicky (while fixing up the Tornado (who is actually Uncle Chuck's)) that Sonic told him he was from the future and that he couldn't explain what had actually happened in fear of messing up the timeline and creating a paradox. He said that everything will be explained in due time and that he's sure Nicky will figure everything out.

At first, Sonic talked to Tails, too. But it was clear that Tails, just like Amy, had a very specific idea of how Sonic was. Scared of disappointing Tails by being too much like Nicky, he stops talking with him as well. When Uncle Chuck dies, they take the Tornado to start traveling and fighting Eggman. This is when he tells his parents that he joined Team Sonic, saying that he wanted to repay them after they helped him stop Eggman. In exchange to letting him come, he gave them the Tornado.

He continues his studies remotely, still as Nicky if course.

It isn't until the end of the whole Angel Island Death Egg situation that Sonic speaks for the first time in forever. The whole adventure, the emeralds, helping Knuckles, it all made him feel... like himself. Like for the first time he actually was Sonic. Knuckles never learns that Sonic used to not speak, because he was under the impression they were just busy with Eggman and that Sonic was simply a hedgehog of few words until he got closer to people.

Shadow only learns about it when he meets Classic Sonic. The time shenanigans is also how Nicky was becoming Sonic.

Until his mom, Brenda, and his sister, Anita, come surprise visit them. The team had kind of settled down, mostly to give Tails an actual workshop. Afterall, between the Tornado, Shadow's chaos control, and Sonic's running they had no issues getting to wherever was getting attacked.

When Amy opens the door to see Brenda, she's confused, but excited. Before she can say anything wrong, Sonic invites them in, telling them he'll go get Nicky, and pulling Amy to the side to ask her to just go along with whatever Nicky says. She doesn't get the chance to ask how he knows where Nicky is and why his mom thinks he's at their house, but she agrees.

Sonic goes to tell Tails, warning him about Any possibly blowing their entire cover.

As Nicky, Sonic puts on glasses and an oversized sweater. He changes his iconic shoes (with a non small amount of reluctance) and takes things slow.

Amy is... Conflicted. She's happy to see Nicky, truly, but she's not happy that he's lying to his mom and sister. She doesn't understand why he's doing it, as to her it doesn't seem like him. She remembers him a lot... Meeker. Smart and nerdy, but kind of a coward. She'd always thought he'd have gotten along with Tails if they'd had the chance to properly meet, and there they are. Acting like they've been friends for years.

When Shadow shows up, Sonic thinks he's going to fuck it all up. Amy accidentally saves him by introducing him as Nicky, to which Tails explains he's the one that deals all their tech related problems and needs.

Shadow sees through it, raises an eyebrow, and asks if they're fucking with him. They assure him not. Then Brenda and Anita introduce themselves and Shadow takes Sonic aside to get a better explanation. Which he gets in the form of panicked rambling. Shadow agrees not to rat him out, but he also doesn't agree to cover for him.

Shadow tells everyone that he was supposed to meet Sonic for a run, but that the hedgehog bailed on him to go help the Chaotix. Internally, Sonic cusses him out because he knows he'll have to pay then for their silence.

Amy tries to get him to stay, as they'd made plans with Knuckles to have a picnic nearby, but Shadow claims to have some GUN paperwork to deal with. Sonic knows it's bullshit. He knows Shadow doesn't do paperwork.

But she convinced Brenda and Anita to join them.

Nicky meets Knuckles, gets his hand fake crushed (which he lets his mom bandage and ice) and yells at Anita when she says she wants to be part of Team Sonic, too.

Of course, that's when Eggman attacks. Seeing Nicky, Eggman immediately targets him. For old times' sake, he says.

Any tries to contact Sonic but he's not available, so she contacts Chaotix, but they say he's not with them. Tails tells her to call Shadow, and she -reluctantly- does.

Shadow helps save Sonic, making it clear that he's going to hold this over his head forever.

Anita is distraught.

Amy asks Shadow why he said Sonic was with Chaotix.

Sonic tries punching Shadow for his shitty lie. He doesn't succeed, as he's determined not to use his speed, and Shadow gets him in a headlock. Calmly, he says he doesn't know why Sonic would lie to him, but the hedgehog is not his problem. He lets go of Nicky, who gets fussed over by his mom.

Tails, who's been keeping this secret for years, decides that throwing Sonic under the bus to save Nicky some grief is justified. So, he tells them that Sonic has severe social anxiety and does do well meeting new people in these kinds of circumstances. And that he's never met parents of friends he's made, and he couldn't face them.

On the one hand, Sonic gets upset at Tails for telling everyone about it because yeah it's kind of based on the truth. But on the other, it's his mom and sister (and Amy but she kind of already knew. Shadow also knew but not the reason behind it all. So he knows he's going to have to answer questions about it) so he pushes it down.

This is all I have for now actually lol idk how this fic would continue, but I think this start is kinda good. Maybe Eggman fucked up too much and Sonic reveals himself. Idk.

#i should've put a read more in the first part of this psot #oh well #this isnt well written because its a olot bunny bht i was tired of just descriving the dialogues #so i put some actual ones #would shadow have this level of emotional intelligence? probably not #its less emotional intelligence and more autistic pattern recognition in my head

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