#to have a better chance of defeating the mindflayers

[l3irdl3rain]

How is my best friend Arthur has he helped you baldur any gates

He’s been good! My washing machine broke last week and I hauled it out the other day in preparation for the new one and he’s been loving his new Top Secret Hiding Spot.

We are taking a little bit of a Baldur’s Gate break right now just because I was getting burnt out. We’re slowly making our way through Mass Effect Andromeda for the second time. I’m very excited to get back to BG3 tho.

I left off right at the start of Act 2. I’m playing a Githyanki monk named Ez’rai and spent way too much time coming up with a backstory for them. I’m going to be romancing Wyll this time. I think Ez’rai growing up in such a harsh culture that didn’t have room for soft romance will go together in such a fun and cute way with Wyll. A noble’s son who is just so sweet and romantic and good.

[weaveandwood]

Midnight at the Elfsong

Pairing: Gale x Female Tav Words: 3.6K, NSFW Summary: After arriving at the Elfsong Tavern a few nights ago, Gale and Tav spend the night drinking with their friends and reconnect after facing the realities of their new sleeping situation. AN: Here is the Community Choice Smut One-Shot you all voted for to help me celebrate 300 followers! I hope you like it - I really am pleased with the options that won my poll! Winning Prompts: A whispered "please" slipping out of kiss-bitten lips & Held back noises because they don't want anyone else hearing them

comments and reblogs are very appreciated!

Warnings: NSFW (fingering, vaginal sex)

Midnight was a magical time when one was drinking. It was late enough that everyone was in high spirits, yet not so late as to really regret anything the next day. Tav’s new favorite way of passing any evening she wasn’t utterly exhausted was with all of her friends sitting around a large table at the Elfsong Tavern while wine flowed from the bar. Taking a long swig from her cup, she felt a hand brush along the outside of her leather clad thigh before resting on it, halfway between her knee and her hip. She smiled into her cup, glancing at the handsome wizard seated next to her. Of all the times to find love, it never crossed her mind that an abduction by mindflayers would lead her to someone like Gale of Wat- no, Gale Dekarios, as she had learned a couple of days ago on the rooftop in Rivington. She rolled it around in her mind. Dekarios. She meant what she had told him as he pleaded with her to keep it secret - she liked Gale Dekarios better than Gale of Waterdeep.

“Have I ever told you how much I love the leather pants you favor?” his warm voice said softly in her ear, sending a tingle through her body that settled deep in her abdomen. She sat her drink down and turned to face him while the rest of the group was watching an arm wrestling match between Wyll and Halsin. She thought she saw Astarion taking bets in her periphery.

“Only every morning. And every night, before you take them off of me,” she smiled wickedly. She knew from the look in his eyes that he was in a certain kind of mood this evening. She didn’t blame him - she was as well. Staying at the Elfsong, while nice, was also…tricky. They were staying in a large communal room with no privacy at all. She never thought she would miss a tent, but after two nights spent alone…she missed her tent. She missed her bedroll. She missed Gale’s weight on top of her. 

She felt his fingertips slide higher up her thigh, the one thing on his mind now the only thing on hers. Cheers erupted as Halsin bested Wyll, his fists above his head pumping in celebration. A small line of would-be contenders for the arm wrestling champion began to form, each hoping for their chance to take on and beat the ridiculously muscled elf. Gale and Tav clapped and cheered as a defeated but laughing Wyll walked over with his head hung low, Karlach following closely behind.

“I must say, Wyll, you lasted much longer than I would have,” Gale said, pouring some of the nearest bottle of wine into Wyll’s cup before raising his own. “A toast to the Blade of Frontiers, for inspiring the competitions we are all about to witness,” he said, motioning with his eyes to the person currently straining red-faced against Halsin.

Tav leaned in while everyone was sipping their wine after the toast. “I certainly have no complaints about how long you last,” she whispered, smiling to herself when he choked a little on his wine before straightening back up in her chair and refilling her cup with the remains of a bottle. 

The night passed, wine flowing from bottle to cup to mouth, laughter filling the main room of the Elfsong. Gale’s fingers had traversed nearly every inch of Tav’s thigh and were currently snaking under her shirt, toying with her soft skin around the waistband of those leather pants he loved so much. Tracing featherlight circles on her spine. Making her body feel like a coil ready to snap. If she could, she would clear off the table and ride him into oblivion right then and there. 

She reached over, her fingertips brushing his thigh through his pants - a sturdy canvas that fit him well. She made sure to tease him in exactly the same way as he did earlier, slowly moving her hand closer and closer to his hips. She could not resist the temptation to brush across where she could feel the fabric starting to strain against him, his sharp intake of breath indicating her teasing was working. It pleased her to know that her touch had that effect. That it wasn’t just her who felt like she was on fire. He reached across her, his arm brushing against her breasts as he grabbed a bottle of wine before filling both their cups, the small hint of contact causing her to gasp softly.

He looked at her from the corners of his eyes while sipping from his wine, his fingers resuming their lazy journey across her lower body from their previous location on her back. They traced a slow, agonizing path around her, using the waistband of her suddenly too-tight leather pants as a guide. Goosebumps trailed across her soft, sensitive skin in the wake of his touch. She was intently focused on each sensation - the prickling of her skin, the heat of his fingers, the din of the Elfsong becoming muted as her heart pounded in her ears. Everything was amplified, everything was beginning to become too much.

Karlach leaned across the table and began a conversation with Gale, though from the way he applied slightly more pressure as he reached the fastenings of her pants, Tav never would have guessed his thoughts were doing anything other than figuring out ways to make her feel like she would be set ablaze. She took another drink - how many bottles had they gone through this evening? Not that it mattered - every day they ambled back into camp was worthy of celebration. Another battle survived, another day won. Her thoughts came back to the present when his fingers began their slow descent down the front seam of her pants over her lower stomach. She looked at him out of her corner of her eyes, but he was fully engaged in conversation. She felt his hand reach the meeting of her thighs, and her breath caught in her throat while her legs parted slightly for him in her chair. Thank the gods there wasn’t a chair next to her, she thought while feeling his fingers touching her through the thin leather. Surely her cheeks were going pink by now, but she would easily be able to blame that on the wine. 

She closed her eyes as she took another sip. Nothing existed outside of the feeling of his hand now resting between her thighs, his middle finger pressing against her in a smooth, slow motion. Her breathing slowed and she willed herself to maintain her composure, no matter how much she wanted to rip her pants off and make him kneel before her and use that practiced tongue he bragged about so often. Cheers sounded out again around them - Wyll was going back for a rematch and Karlach left to be his moral support and coach. They were alone again. She smiled to herself and leaned over. 

“Having fun tormenting me?” She teased, placing a gentle kiss on the side of his neck, her hand moving back to his lap where his pants now strained even further. She wasn’t sure how much more they could take. How much more she could take. 

“I always delight in making you feel good, my love,” he said in that smooth way of his, the devilish look in his eyes betraying the innocence and sincerity of his words. She felt him twitch beneath her hand. It would be so easy to tease him, to torment him the same way he was delighting in tormenting her…but it had been two days, and she needed him inside her. Desperately. 

“I’m going to the room. It looks like everyone is going to be occupied here for some time, and I’d like to get these pants off,” she whispered into his ear, feeling him still as she nipped at his earlobe lightly, hoping her message got across. Follow me, while we have it to ourselves. He made eye contact with her and nodded. He placed two fingers on top of her hand. Two minutes then. Plenty of time to make it look like they weren’t leaving together just to go defile their new campsite.

She kissed his cheek and stood up, saying goodnight to no one in particular as she made her way through the crowd and up the staircase to their room on the top floor of the Elfsong, the sound of lively music and cheering following her. She could feel his eyes on her back, burning through her as she walked. 

The door to their room creaked softly as she opened it, the vast space lit only by the dim moonlight coming from one side of the sleeping space. She padded over to her area of the room, the most communal of all the spaces with no semblance of privacy - just four beds against the walls. More beds were scattered in the other sections of the room with a sitting area in the center. Who would ever need a room this large? She sat on her bed, testing the angle. The door was difficult to see from where she was - at least if someone came in unexpectedly, they wouldn’t be immediately exposed.

Tav quickly stripped out of her clothing, not wanting to waste a second of their precious time alone. It lay in a heap on the floor - out of the way and carelessly discarded as she made herself comfortable and waited. Not long after she found herself settled on the bed, the door to their room creaked slowly open, the warm light of the hallway flooding the entry of the room briefly before it shut, the faintest silvered glow coming in through the windows across the room now the only light once more. The floor creaked softly as  Gale made his way to her. A delighted smile grew on his face once his eyes adjusted to the almost darkness and he saw her waiting for him, completely naked. 

“Gods, Tav,” he whispered, climbing on to the bed beside her. “I will never get used to the sight of you before me.” He kissed her deeply, roughly, their lips immediately parting and their tongues sliding against each other, while hands grasped at each other like they hadn’t touched in months. “I have been wanting to do that all night,” he smiled before kissing her again, his fingers trailing up her thighs as they had all night. With no leather to act as a buffer, Tav’s skin blazed in their path as if he was branding her with his touch. Her body could only be his, she wanted it to only be his. His fingers continued the path they traveled down in the tavern, quickly finding her center and parting it to find her already slick with want for him. He kissed her neck, moaning against her skin as he easily slid two fingers into her, needing to feel her around him. 

“Please,” she moaned softly, the sound slipping through her kiss-bitten lips. “I need you, Gale,” she whispered, pulling his shirt from his tight trousers so she could put her hands on his skin, warm from drink and arousal. Her hips rocked as his fingers slid in and out, curling against the sensitive spot inside of her. Gods, he knew just how to touch her to drive her wild. 

Abruptly, he pulled his hand out of her, bringing the two fingers to his mouth as he licked them clean. “It is a travesty I won’t be able to taste you fully tonight. I long to have your legs slung over my shoulders and my face buried between your thighs.” He gave her a wicked grin and he quickly pulled off his shirt, tossing it on the heap of discarded clothing before unfastening his trousers and pulling them off along with his underwear in a motion so smooth and quick, Tav was mildly convinced he used magic. 

Tav took a moment to appreciate him - his lean athletic build, his muscular thighs, his perfect forearms, the fine dusting of hair that covered his chest and led down his stomach to one of her favorite body parts. Pulling him out of that portal was the best thing that had ever happened to her. Since that night beneath the stars a tenday ago in the Shadow Cursed Lands, she had never known such pleasure though she had been with plenty of others in the time before the tadpole. That was how her life was divided now - before and after the tadpole, and looking at Gale, resplendent and naked before her, she wouldn’t change a thing.

“You are a work of art,” she smiled before grabbing his arm, pulling him on top of her. She could feel how hard he was as he brushed against her thigh, leaving a small drop of moisture on her. He was as turned on as she was. Good, she thought. “Now, Gale Dekarios,” she emphasized the Dekarios, “would you please fuck me until I see stars?” 

He laughed and kissed her deeply, using his thigh to push her legs further apart so he could settle between them more comfortably. His tip brushed against her, and grabbing the base, he parted her just as he did moments ago, sliding up and down from her entrance to her clit and teasing her as he loved to do, “My love, when you put it like that, how can I resist?” he said before pressing into her just enough for her to close her eyes and moan loudly. He looked down, watching himself enter her fully. Her warm tightness wrapped around him and she fit him like a glove. There would never be a better feeling than this, even the Weave itself could not compare to the magic between Tav’s hips. He pulled back out, leaving in just the tip, admiring the way his length glistened with her wetness. Knowing he affected her that way, that she wanted his body as much as he wanted hers…that more than that, she wanted his love, his soul, his mind - it drove him crazy. He couldn’t hold back. He drove into her, their bodies hitting as he fully seated himself inside her. He repeated. In, out, in, out. His gaze was drawn to her breasts as they bounced with each thrust, those lovely breasts he loved to knead and suck. His eyes moved to her face, her eyes closed and head thrown back in absolute pleasure. He sped up. He wanted so many things - wanted to take her roughly tonight, wanted to make up for wasted nights spent in solitude, wanted to hear her scream his name so all the Elfsong could hear. She panted and writhed underneath him, her nails digging into his thighs and marking him with little half moons. 

“Please…Gale…more…I nee-”

Warm light flooded the room again as the door opened, the sound of drunken companions stumbling in. 

“Shit,” she whispered while Gale summoned a sheet to quickly cover them entirely as he leaned down and laid on top of her. They both stifled giggles at the ridiculousness of the situation. 

“Do you want me to…?” Gale asked, starting to pull out of her. She grabbed his arm tightly. 

“Don’t you dare. Finish what you started, wizard,” she whispered before kissing him deeply, pulling away slowly to minimize any noise. “We will just have to be quiet,” she smiled against his mouth. Luckily no one would be using this area beside her tonight. The area of the room was also where Dame Aylin and Isolbel usually stayed, though they were not here tonight. Probably doing the same thing Tav and Gale were. Good for them, she thought to herself before her focus was pulled back to her current situation. Gale had pulled out of her and was turning her so she was on her side, facing the outside of the bed while he pressed against her back. He reached down, lifting one of her legs, balancing it on top of his before guiding himself slowly back into her. 

His body was so warm and it felt like he was everywhere. His chest was pressed to her shoulder blades, one arm was wrapped around her, just under her breasts, and the other grasped her thigh tightly to keep it in place as he moved in and out of her once again - slower, less frantic. His hips rolled against her, and he let out the softest moan into her ear. This was even hotter than being taken roughly. Their friends were half a room away and here she was, feeling the highest bliss imaginable. He adjusted his arm, grabbing one of her breasts. His fingers kneaded the soft flesh and pinched her hard nipple. Tav had to bite her lip to keep from moaning out loud - he knew how much she liked that. She could sense his playful smile against her skin as he kissed her shoulder. 

“I can’t resist,” he whispered, pinching her other nipple and kneading her other breast while keeping his steady pace, making her bite her lip again to keep silent. The hand that once held her thigh was now gripping her hips, pulling her back against him with each slow, steady roll of his own hips - he wanted to get even deeper inside her, as if that were possible. 

“Gods,” Tav whispered, finding it nearly impossible to keep quiet - she was overloaded with sensation. She felt his hand move from her breast down the center line of her stomach, further and further until he reached her clit, circling it lightly. She jerked roughly back against him and clasped a hand against her mouth, turning her head into the pillow. She wouldn’t be able to keep it in much longer. Her free hand clasped around the wrist on her hips, using it as leverage to grind back against him as those wonderful, magical fingers rubbed her in time to his thrusts. Her body flowed against him and she was molten, lava filling her veins. The sheet trapped their body heat, a thin layer of sweat now coating both their bodies. She felt herself starting to lose composure, her hips moving quicker as the fire in her veins settled low in her abdomen where the two of them were joined. Soft pants were the only noise filling the space surrounding them.

“Come for me, Tav,” he whispered, so soft she almost couldn’t make it out. He knew she was close, he could feel how tight she was getting around him. He pressed against her clit a little harder, his fingers bringing her closer and closer to the edge. She felt every inch of him slide in and out of her, a perfect fit. 

“Gale…I don’t..I don’t know if I can keep quiet,” she whispered, desperation in her words as she got closer and closer. 

“This is what you wanted,” he whispered, his hot breath warming her ear and the side of her neck before he kissed it in that spot she loved and continued rubbing her clit, fucking her slowly, deliberately, deeply…so deeply. Gale knew she was normally loud when she came, and he loved it. Hearing her cry out his name as her body shuddered around him, knowing he could bring her to such heights was a thrill for him. He was so close to his own release, and had been thinking about spilling inside her all night. The thought of feeling her pulse around him was enough to drive him right to the edge. “Come for me,” he whispered again. “Now.”

As if on command, he felt her tighten around him before crashing over the edge. A gasp sounded from her, and he quickly clasped a hand over her mouth to muffle it, to avoid alerting anyone to what they were doing. She turned her face back into the pillow and panted against his hand, breathing heavily as she came. Her entire body shook as she contained what would normally be exclamations to the gods about how good he fucked her. He buried his head against her shoulder, using her skin to muffle his own pants and stifled groans as he felt himself topple over that same edge, filling her just as he longed to do these past days. He held on to her tightly, pressing every inch of her body against him as he pulsed inside her. 

Their breathing slowed and he pulled out of her, laying on his back and throwing the sheet off of them to feel the cool air of the room against his skin. The room was silent except for the sound of drunken snoring from their companions, their plan a success. Tav turned to her other side, facing him, and he traced the curves of her body with a finger. He would never tire of it, every dip, rise, curve, and scar was part of the topography of her body he wanted to memorize. Her breathing slowed and her eyes fluttered - sleep was near for both of them. 

Pulling the sheet back up, he kissed her softly. He pulled her in next to him - the bed was hardly big enough for the both of them, but it was worth it to feel her next to him.

“I love you, Gale,” she whispered before sleep took her. 

“I love you, Tav,” he smiled and whispered back. He stayed awake for a few moments before sleep overcame him as well, the night’s events replaying through his dreams.

[thranduil-aran-edhil]

OK, so. Finished my first run. Gotta admit I'm not 100% satisfied with some endings. BUT NO BIGGIE, THAT'S WHAT HEADCANONS ARE FOR, DON'T WORRY I GOT A PERMIT (i'm a Dungeon Master) SO LET'S GO, HC TIME D&D STYLE BC WE STILL GOT 8 LEVELS TO GO: (spoilers for BG3 and Descent Into Avernus going forward)

They'd all stay together and continue to go on adventures, the 9 of them, Tav, Lae'zel, Shadowheart, Gale, Astarion, Wyll, Karlach, Halsin and Minthara. Found Families stay together. (I do enjoy the polyship aspect too, so just throwing it out there)

There's an exchange you can have ingame with an NPC in the Guild and Tav will say the party's name is Wormskulls and I love it. I do also love Tadfools. Maybe they are Wormskulls to the general public and Tadfools to their close friends and allies lol. After the tadpoles are gone I think it would be very useful for them to commission earrings enchanted with Rary's Telepathic Bond. Less invasive than a mindflayer tadpole and just as useful. Also symbolic for Gale. I think the earring would have a pendant of a skull with a serpent coming out of its eye and being bitten by the teeth.

OK SO, my girl Karlach. I haven't romanced her yet, gonna do a run for that. But she's not dying on my watch. She's going back to Avernus, BUT YOU CAN BE SO SURE THAT THE MOMENT THE WHOLE PARTY IS READY WE'RE KICKING DOWN ZARIEL'S DOOR AND KICKING HER ASS. Or giving her her sword back and possibly turning her back into an Angel, something that whatever party of adventurers that managed to save BG and Elturel in Descent Into Avernus CLEARLY didn't do, it would probably not only nullify Mizora's contract with Wyll bc Zariel is now a completely different entity, if you decided to redo Wyll's contract with her, but also would give us a better chance of Zariel taking the infernal engine out of Karlach herself. Maybe turning Wyll into a Devotion Paladin? (more details about Zariel here)

I'd ask Jaheira and Minsc to take care of Scratch and Albie (owlbear cub) because the Hells is no place for pets. Even very brave ones. Maybe Halsin's "ending" fits here, taking care of the pets and the kids while everyone goes to Avernus, they leave him with a Sending Stone. And when they are back he's there waiting for them. 🥺

If we saved Duke Ravengard and broke Wyll's contract. (or didn't but are hcing that we broke his contract by defeating/unmaking Zariel) what does that mean to Wyll? I think it be super cool to go more in depth about it. How does he reconsile with his father? Does he accept to be reinstated as heir and becomes the Duke right away or does he think it's best for his father to continue his role a bit longer? Does he even want to be Duke or does he think he can serve the people of the Sword Coast better as an adventurer? If he turns into a Duke, what sort of benefit does that give an adventuring party?

Finding something to make Astarion able to walk in the sun again I've seen people talk about the Ring of the Sun-Walker as if it's from the 5e books, it's not, it's homebrew. HOWEVER, any freaking DM with a heart would create something similar for their player to continue playing without being afraid of dying instantly bc of the sun. The Cloak of Dragomir is canon to the Baldur's Gate videogame universe, so it be a good tie in, but it would be a temporary solution at best since it penalizes the player quite harshly, Strength: -6, Dexterity: -4, Intelligence: -2, Wisdom: -2, Charisma: -4 and Vampire Regeneration divided by 3, to 1 HP per 3 rounds. That being said, I wouldn't make it TOO easy to obtain as there are other ways for Astarion to be safe, like the Darkness spell. It would be interesting to see him (and Tav) struggle a little bit more, really feel the sacrifice Astarion made by rejecting the Ascendance even after they find something to combat the Sunlight Hypersensitivity.

Astarion's biological family would be something very interesting to explore in the future. They would be Elves themselves and are most likely still alive, we even have a surname thanks to people analyzing the shit out of that tombstone: Ancunín. As a DM I wouldn't wait for a player to decide to search for these people, I'd throw them at the players! Strolling through the Upper City in a quick shopping trip? You hear a loud gasp, things clattering and bumping into the ground, hurried desperate steps and then someone sobbing "Astarion?? Astarion is that you?!" What do you do?

Visiting Waterdeep and Morena Dekarios. This woman deserves to see her son again, and Gale deserves to finally go back home and see his mom without the burden of an ancient artifact lodged in his chest and a goddess wanting him to kill himself. Would he stay? I'm not sure, he went through an entire Odissey and maybe now home, although pleasant, is not as comforting anymore. Waterdeep is the element of Gale of Waterdeep and he's not him anymore. I think this would be a great premise for a roleplay focused arc. Gale is invited to the Blackstaff Ball for the first time since Mystra shunned him, the Wormskulls are famous now, The New Heros of Baldur's Gate (Gala Episode anyone? All of them SLAYIN with their fits? Poor Halsin totally out of his element). He's once again welcomed into the society of the Lord Mage of Waterdeep and his peers seem to have all but forgotten he was ever a pariah. Is that what he wants?

And Waterdeep has many opportunities for more adventure.

A paranoid Beholder underground anyone?

Kill the Lich Queen (CLASSIC D&D). Vlaakith IS FINISHED. TIME TO SPELLJAM AND BE SPACE PIRATES YALL. Lae'zel deserves to see this through to the END.

Shadowheart goes through another journey to find out if she wants to truly embrace Selûne or maybe become another thing entirely. Selûne should reach out or Isobel and Dame Aylin would help her out. Or maybe Shadowheart is tired of being a Cleric and following a god. But change and inconsistency is something that is under Selûne's portfolio, she's often followed by those who are lost, so I think she'd find more than fitting for Shadowheart to be a cautious and weary follower of her.

Your Tav's personal stuff. The Dark Urge sounds amazing and I can't wait to do a run with them, but I think most of us got very attached to our Original Characters Do No Steal. So I'm excited to see what people come up with for their Tavs. Otessa, my Tav, doesn't know her dad was a pirate, he never told her, so I expect that his past will come bite him in the ass and she'll have to help him out of that pickle.

When the party has reached level 17, Gale has access to the Wish spell. And I really do think they'd use it to get rid of Astarion's undeath. As a DM I wouldn't let Gale simply get the spell outright, he'd have to research it. Not only that, I don't think Astarion would be totally free of undeath, some remnant of it would linger, he'd probably turn into an Elf that needs blood to survive and is forever locked out of the Call of Arvandor or something. But he'd be mortal and would be able to walk in the sun without that ring, cross bodies of water, wouldn't instadie from pointy wood objects in the chest etc. (i'm writing a little one-shot about this, should post it soon)

[ronancexists]

Things I would like to see in Stranger Things 5:

- Since Robin has done quite a few doodles on her red converse, I like to think she's quite good at drawing, so that can be a way for her to start up a conversation with Will

- And then Will confides in Robin about being gay and being in love with Mike because he had a feeling that she was like him and Robin confirming she was indeed like him and becoming his gay mentor (like you don't understand I NEED ROBIN AND WILL TO HAVE A CONVO ABOUT BEING GAY)

- Will (finally!) tells the party that he's gay (and Byler becomes a thing) but not before Robin comes out to the party in order to make Will feel more comfortable and to show him that they will accept him because that's totally something she would do as his gay mentor

- More Steve and Robin being "Platonic with a Capital P" cause we didn't get enough in st4

- Hopper and Joyce trying to corral the kids and control the situation as best as they can

- Joyce being a mother figure to Robin like she is with the rest of the kids and Robin becoming better acquainted with El, Jonathan, and ESPECIALLY Will because she didn't really get a chance to get to know the California crew before they packed up and moved so ya

- El traveling into Vecna's/Henry's/One's mind in order to be able to wake Max up and free her from his control because he said his victims stay with him in his mind so like 👀

- Max wakes up after El successfully rescues her from Vecna/Henry/One but she is severely incapacitated, like she's probably blind in one or both eyes and is going to need assistance walking for the rest of her life and is going to be stuck in the hospital for a few more weeks (possibly months)

- How and when the Upside Down was created

- What Will's connection to Vecna/Henry/One and the Upside Down really entails and how that could affect both him and The Party during this final stretch

- Vecna/Henry/One, the Demogorgons, the Demodogs, the Demobats, the Mindflayer, and the Upside Down along with whatever other monsters are down there get destroyed once and for all because I don't think shutting the gates is gonna do it this time

- Kali comes back to help El defeat Vecna/Henry/One

- Murray tries to figure Steve and Robin out but he can't because he's never seen anything like the two of them and it frustrates him to no end

- Then when he tries to psychoanalyze Robin she does it right back to him because she's a freaking genius and everyone is in awe of her because they've never seen Murray speechless before

- KAREN WHEELER DESERVES TO KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT EVERYTHING THAT'S BEEN GOING ON IN HAWKINS!!!!!!!!

- And I hate to say it but if Steve dies Robin dies too because despite the fact that she is my favorite character (close seconds are Nancy and Will) Steve is her platonic soulmate and they are codependent on one another and one just simply cannot survive without the other

- Like it would absolutely break my heart to have to see Robin try to live without her dingus of a best friend and to have to see Steve try to live without his wing woman of a bestie so if one dies both of them die

- Lucas defending Max's unconscious body with Erica from whatever creatures from the Upside Down want to try and take and/or kill her

- Mike and El break up because El realizes she needs to be her own person and because Mike is in love with Will

- Dustin is even more protective and stubborn about Steve heading into danger because of what happened to Eddie and he absolutely refuses to leave his side through the entire season

- RONANCE RONANCE RONANCE RONANCE (i know it's probably not gonna be canon but a girl can dream)

- Robin finally getting an onscreen kiss with her girlfriend or a girl she really likes (cough cough Nancy cough cough) (sorry Vickie but I feel like ur just too similar to Robin)

- And if Steve doesn't die (hopefully🤞) then please please please DO NOT have Steve and Nancy get back together after she breaks up with Jonathan when she finds out he lied to her about Emerson along with everything else that's been piling up between them

- Instead Nancy decides she's better off not being in a relationship (or better yet she gets together with Robin) and focuses on what she's absolutely sure she wants which is getting her journalism degree at Emerson (and Robin decides to go there too if they become a thing 😊)

- Because Nancy Wheeler is a smart, strong, fierce, badass, independent woman and she does not need to be kept in a cage by becoming a housewife who gives birth to SIX KIDS

- NANCY WHEELER DOES NOT WANT SIX KIDS

- I REPEAT, NANCY WHEELER DOES NOT WANT SIX KIDS

- Steve and Robin move in together and attend a community college together (Steve's either getting a teaching degree or a child psychology degree while Robin is doing something with linguistics) or they follow Nancy to Boston because Robin and Nancy are absolutely smitten with one another :)

- Meeting Steve and Robin's respective parents

Ok I think that's all for now 😅

[antisociallilbrat]

Might as well stop being on anon since we've messaged now lol. I voted for Pennywise, but there are a few points in Vecna's favor that don't make it as simple as it seems. If we're going by the movies, then Pennywise can be forced into an early hibernation if he takes enough physical damage. This is something Vecna is absolutely capable of. Both are capable of getting into each other's head, so that likely means Vecna could possibly bully Pennywise to death, though on his own he might not be enough. By the book rules, the ritual of chud doesn't actually require seven people, so Vecna could definitely try and do that. The battle would be a mental one, so this could lean in Vecna's favor.

AAAAA GREAT POINTS.

It would be very much a mental one. If Vecna was to know about making It 'feel small' that definitely works in his favor. And I honestly think that that would be his only shot at defeating It. Or at least force It into early hibernation. Because I do think that It's mental powers far exceed Vecna's. Vecna or Henry Creel is only 39. It on the other hand is is trillions of years old so It's had more uh, just a little bit more time to master It's power.

But if these two were to meet, I feel like It's first instinct would be to either kill Vecna immediately or to toy with him. No in between. Bc It would rifle through Vecna's thoughts and see him as a threat or It would be,,,fascinated. We know that It has the capability to get bored, this explains It's fascination with The Losers. The Losers were different and so to an extent they were entertaining to It.

And if It choose to keep Vecna alive, it would be It's downside. Not saying that Vecan could kill It easily, but if he was around long enough to learn It's ways, he would have a better chance at succeeding.

Wait I just thought of this. The Losers Club were saying what It was when they were making It feel small. Yelling out all the forms It took to taunt them, "You're just an old lady, you're just a clown, ect ect" so I wonder if Vecna would have to do the same thing. Which just leads me to my next question, what form would It take to taunt Vecna, Vecna is almost a psychopath who isn't afraid of much, but he must be afraid of something.

WAIT I THOUGHT OF ANOTHER THING. When Vecna got to The Upside Down, he took control of the Mindflayer, if he encountered It would he try that too? I don't see him succeeding but would his first instinct be to try to 'control' It for his own bidding?

[sil-writes-fiction-too]

I know this is technically an ask meme, but I seriously doubt I will receive any asks regarding Summer soooo I'm gonna answer some of the questions here!

TW: mentions of sexual trauma and bodily harm (perhaps some gore?)

Your Tav as a Companion

1. What would your Tav’s greetings be (at different levels of approval)?

Negative approval:

"Oh. It's you." [with a blank expression on her face]

"And there goes a nice day." [sarcastically, as she looks away]

"Sigh. Fine. What do you need?" [while crossing her arms]

Neutral approval:

"Oh! Hello!" [looking surprised, but not unpleasantly so]

"Mh??" [tilting her head, distracted]

"Hey there. Need anything?" [with a polite smile]

High approval:

"Hiya buddy! What's up??" [with a bright smile]

"Came here for a drink?" [with a grin and a mischievious look in her eyes]

"If you need anything, just holler. I'll be there." [solemnly, with a smile]

Romance:

"Well well well... what brings you to this side of camp?" [flirtatiously]

"Oh, my day just got ten times better." [with a grin and bright eyes]

"Wait, wait. Go back a few steps and then come close again. I want to savour the moment..." [charming, with a besotted and flirtatious grin]

2. Describe their tent setup! What’s on the outside? The inside?

Summer's tent seems to be quite old and weathered, the brown fabric is stained in certain spots and freyed in others but it still does its job perfectly fine. There isn't much on the outside, just a simple, old rug with a small table and chair on it, a couple of cushions for some cozy stargazing and a display stand for the bow that was given to her by her mother (Aktas). The interior of her tent is quite spacious. Fur blankets and rugs lay on the ground, with her bedroll and more cushions sitting atop them (way fluffier than the ones outside of the tent). Her bag and various other knick-knacks lay around the surrounding space. Her trusty axe and her daggers sit on a table in the corner, and a barrel of tiefling beer is placed against the back of the tent, ready for those nights when Summer can finally indulge in the pleasures of alcohol and a taste of home. Speaking of home, among the pillows rests an old wolf plushie that her mother (Soleil) made her. Some oil lamps and candles are scattered inside.

3. What would their character quest be titled? Why?

Summer's quest would be titled "The Runaway Hero".

Six years prior to being abducted by the mindflayers, Summer, her best friend Arwen and their allies won the infamous Battle of Insidias, becoming the acclaimed heroes of Aegis. In the years that followed, Summer battled with her ever-growing identity crisis and a profoundly unhappy relationship, until the day she decided to pack her bag and leave Aegis in order to answer the adventuring call once again and to put some distance between her and her problems. In doing so, she hoped to eventually clear her head and find the answers she was looking for.

4. What would your Tav’s romance scenes look like? How many would they have?

I am only going to give her three because if I don't give myself a limit I'll just keep writing more-.

After the tiefling party

Summer finally manages to pull away from the festivities, slightly tipsy and with a drink still in hand. She sits down by the player's side and she decides to open up a little about her days in Aegis and the parties she often attended back then. Some were much like this party, organized specifically to thank her group for helping people that were faced with life-threatening dangers. Others were... much more debauched, organized by a bard friend of hers who travels through the whole continent and lives a life of hedonism. There's a chance to sleep with Summer in this scene, but it doesn't necessairily mean that the player will be locked in a romance route with her, or that such romance will be an exclusive relationship.

The Shadow Cursed Lands

The player finds Summer in a clearing far away from camp. She is training, using her "Infernal Form" to defeat some non-sentient foes she conjured up and desperately trying to build her resistance so she may avoid losing control around her allies in the future. She makes light work of destroying her opponents and she takes a moment to try and catch her breath and turn back to normal. Her body is glistening with sweat, her claws glow yellow with the heat of her fire magic and smoke pours out of her lips with every heavy breath she takes. A branch snaps under the player's feet and Summer discovers they've been watching her. What follows is a quiet heart-to-heart where Summer decides to let the player know why she ran away from Aegis with Arwen. She tells them of the struggles she's always had surrounding her identity and of the uncertainties that occupy her mind. She doesn't know who she truly is. If she is Summer or Kallista, the daughter of two kind and loving humans from Ferox or the daughter of the tiefling leaders of Firemist. A hero or a monster. The player has the chance to ease her doubts and turn their relationship with Summer into something deeper and more meaningful, if they so wish.

Baldur's Gate

It's only a matter of time before the player and their companions finally have to face the Elder Brain, and Summer wishes to speak with them one night. She brings the player up to a rooftop, saying she wants to have one night just for them before the final battle. Summer lets the player know that they've been a light in the dark for her. Their friendship and companionship mean a lot to her, and thanks to the player's support she feels like her doubts have finally cleared up. Now more than ever she wants to survive so she may go back home to her family.

There are many other things I left out, but these are some of the possible romance scenes that came to mind.

5. Describe their idle animations!

For now I have these:

Stretching with a big yawn that flashes her fangs

Toying with one of her daggers, twirling it between her fingers and throwing it from one hand to the other (she might accidentally drop it/lose her grip on it and try to catch it again in a slight panic sometimes)

Her claws start glowing from the heat and she begins toying with a little flame in her hand, later extinguishing it by closing her hand into a fist

6. How would the player go about meeting them in Act 1? What is their introduction?

Summer is found at the nautiloid's crash site. She is engaged in battle against the surviving mindflayer along with Arwen. If the player decides to help them and the battle is won, Summer mentions that she felt a connection with the player while they were fighting against the mindflayer and she asks if perhaps they were also on the nautiloid. Against Arwen's judgement, Summer asks the player to form an alliance so they may all help each other and have better odds at surviving this whole tadpole misadventure.

If the player chooses not to help then Summer and Arwen will be left to fend for themselves and the player may never encounter them again in the game. They will survive either way, but will certainly not be inclined to help the player after they abandoned them.

7. Describe their arc. How would a player help resolve it? What choices can be made? Can your Tav be turned down a dark path, or pulled to a lighter one?

The tadpole's influence seems to be having some rather dangerous side effects on Summer. Her magic core seems to be more unstable and volatile than usual, and it is becoming harder and harder to turn back to normal when she uses her Infernal Form. The only way for her to understand what is happening to her is to talk with a Firahsi elder, which seems near to impossible while in Faerun... but turns out that there's been talk of an old tiefling woman wielding blue fire magic that's currently travelling towards the Shadow Cursed Lands. Summer immediately recognizes the woman's description as her aunt Daezriel and thus, finding her becomes part of her quest.

The more the player's party travels, the more difficult it becomes for Summer to keep control of her aggressive instincts (which luckily don't seem to be directed at her allies, at least), and finding Daezriel doesn't necessarily give them a solution to the problem. The older tiefling woman explains that as long as the tadpole stays inside Summer's head, she will have more trouble controlling herself. Summer should try to use her Infernal Form only when strictly necessary and she will have to practice meditation daily in order to try and keep a good hold on her conscience. Another matter is brought up during this conversation, and it is discovered that the ever-present turmoil inside Summer's heart is also having a negative effect on her whole condition, and so she needs to try her best and find a solution to that as well.

Throughout the game, the player can encourage Summer to either keep a balanced mind or to indulge in her darker instincts by using her Infernal Form more often (the player will have to make her use it at some point anyway, but the attitude they have regarding it is fundamental). By the end of Act 2 Summer will be deeply concerned over her allies' well-being, as she is feeling herself becoming more and more unhinged. She is willing to do anything to avoid getting to the point of no return.

That's when she becomes interested in the deals Raphael has to offer. She wants to negotiate with him the possibility to stabilize her magic core. This is a pivotal moment in Summer's character arc, as it would not be the first time she strikes up a deal with a devil. Throughout the game she often advises against striking such deals, because they always end up taking too much away from the unfortunate soul indebted to said devil. This should let the player know just how desperate Summer is becoming. She can't stand the idea of hurting her loved ones, but finding herself making the same choices she made six years prior further pushes her towards the belief she is not a hero at all, but rather a selfish, dangerous monster. Striking up a deal with Raphael in this case would mean that Summer would be forever tied to him in some way, as he seems to be quite interested in her abilities.

The player gets to influence Summer's decision. They can either encourage her to take Raphael's deal, thus giving up her freedom, or they can convince her to refuse the deal and keep her freedom and to help her find another way to make sure she won't accidentally hurt her companions. Depending on the player's choices, there are multiple endings to her story.

8. After Act 3, what does their life look like? What are they talking about at the reunion party?

There are three possible endings.

[GOOD ENDING]

After defeating the Elder Brain, if the player has previously convinced Summer not to take Raphael's deal, she will decide to travel back to Aegis to be with her family. If the player is in a romance with her, they can either go back with her, convince her to stay or let them go their separate ways.

At the reunion:

[NO ROMANCE] Summer will tell the player what she has been up to back at home and how much more balanced her life has become. She is much more capable of handling her magic safely and she has been finding various different ways to help people by using the skills she's picked up during her journey. She is happy, more mature and she will tell the player how grateful she is to have met them. [ROMANCE - GOING THEIR SEPARATE WAYS] In case the player has decided to split from Summer while being locked in a romance with her, the reunion will definetly be a bit awkward at first, but Summer will demonstrate no ill feelings towards the player. She will actually let them know how glad she is to see them again and will want to know all that the player has been up to.

[ROMANCE - AEGIS] Summer and the player will have playful banter regarding their new, shared life in Aegis. It is revealed that Summer and the player have adopted a young tiefling girl named Cyra. Summer also mentions the fact that her parents (all four of them) deeply enjoy having the player in their life.

[ROMANCE - FAERUN] Summer will discuss with the player the life of adventure they have been living together in Faerun, but she will let the player know she is happy to perhaps finally be able to settle down with them. She hints at her desire to start a family with them. It is also mentioned that Summer and the player take regular trips to Aegis in order for Summer to still see her parents from time to time.

[BAD ENDING 1]

If the player has pushed Summer too far during the game, constantly encouraging (or ordering) her to use her Infernal Form, Summer will end up fully losing control and she will be permanently unable to turn back to normal. In her last moments of clarity, Summer will escape from the party as far away as she can (depending on the player's relationship with Arwen, she may either stay or follow Summer), and she will not be seen again until the epilogue.

During the reunion, Summer will accidentally stumble upon the party and the player will get to see what they have done to her. She is completely feral and there's little to no humanity in her eyes. If the player tries to get close to her she will assume they are a threat and she will attack. The player is forced to chase Summer away from camp either way (the player can get Arwen to do this instead).

If the player had a negative relationship with Arwen, she will have left the party together with Summer after the last battle. Neither of them will show up in the epilogue, but a letter will be found pinned to a nearby tree with a bloody dagger, detailing how Arwen refuses to take part in this farce they call a "friendly reunion". She will blame all that's happened on the player and it is heavilly implied she will come back for them.

[BAD ENDING 2]

If the player has convinced Summer to take Raphael's deal, she will be forced to spend the rest of her life serving him. She is relieved she can't lose control and hurt her loved ones anymore, but it is glaringly clear that her life has become miserable, as once again she doesn't truly have control over herself nor the freedom she so craves.

If the player is in a romance with Summer, the only way to stay with her is for her approval to be at its maximum level (and for the player to decide to stay with her, of course), and in that case, during the reunion, it will be revealed that the player and Summer's life now revolves around her duties to Raphael, who often pulls them from one destination to the next. If Summer's approval isn't at its maximum level then she will be the one to break up with the player. She will mention she doesn't want the player's life to be put into jeopardy once again, but during the reunion she will admit the time she spent apart from them and her friends made her realize she actually resents the player for the choices they have made, and that she resents herself for following them so blindly.

If the player wasn't previously locked in a romance with Summer, her resentment will be much clearer and she will turn bitter. By the time the reunion rolls around, Summer will be almost unrecognizeable. Her lively and cheerful demeanor will be gone, replaced by cynism, gloom and irritability (one could say she resembles Arwen a lot now). She will explain into detail all the horrid things she has to do for Raphael in order to uphold her side of the bargain, before sarcastically asking the player what they've been up to while she was loyally serving a devil.

Back to Basics

9. What’s the significance behind your Tav’s name?

Summer: she was found by her adoptive parents at the start of the Summer season. Moreover, her name matches her warm, lively, and, frankly, wild nature.

Kallista: this name means "the most beautiful one". Firahsi tieflings tend to hold characteristics like strength and skills in higher regards compared to things like physical appearance, but as soon as Summer's parents saw her for the first time, they knew she must've been the most beautiful creature they had ever laid their eyes upon. In their opinion, she deserved a name fitting of the priceless treasure she was to them.

10. Does your Tav have a last name? Is there a meaning behind it?

Summer actually doesn't have a last name. I never thought of one for her and I don't necessairily feel like she needs one. Firahsi tieflings don't use last names, and as for the people of Ferox... I don't know! Maybe some do, but I am inclined to believe most don't. Of course, if we want to follow her "canon" ending in the game... I suppose her last name would be Dekarios. And oh, how proud she is to carry that name with her for the rest of her days.

11. What is your Tav’s go-to comfort food?

It's definetly gotta be her mother's (Soleil's) Winter blackberry pie. It's her absolute favourite to have in the colder months of the year. She also definetly enjoys a good roast (pork or boar preferably).

Also... I don't think it counts but... she does enjoy alcohol a lot. The girl can drink a whole barrel of ale by herself and still be sharp enough to fight (but maybe let's not put those words to the test yeah?)

12. Does your Tav have any tattoos or scars? Why?

Summer doesn't have any tattoos, but she has some natural black marks on her body. She has a star-shaped mark surrounded by a few lines on her forehead, a couple of lines and dots on her cheeks, marks on her chin, two arrow-shaped marks on each side of her belly button and "heart"-shaped marks underlined by more arrow-shaped ones on the very top of her outer thighs, just below the juncture between her legs and her hips.

As for scars, Summer has been unbelievably lucky in that department, considering her clumsiness, volatile magic and general propensity for throwing herself in battle. She's simply always found some very good healers that took care of her wounds in such a way that would leave little to no scar tissue.

However.

Back when she was still an adventurer in Aegis, she was struck by an extremely powerful Lightning Bolt spell as she was facing off against a terribly skilled wizard who worked for the BBEG. He pretty much struck her down with one hit, not killing her just by pure dumb luck on her side. That encounter resulted in a very painful 48 hours and a peculiar and intricate scar that spread out and branched off in different directions from the centre of her chest. Usually lichtenberg figures fade in 24-48 hours, but considering the magical nature of the lightning bolt that struck her, things went a bit differently for Summer. Most of her scar disappeared quickly in a matter of days, but the central portions of it remain to this day. It's dark red in colour, so still visible on her bright red skin.

13. What is your Tav’s main color palette? Why do they choose those colors?

Summer wears a lot of browns, leathers and furs since it is very common for Ferocians to wear clothes like that (not that they don't wear brighter colours, it is just easier to fabricate whites, browns, blacks, leathers and furs), but she also mostly wears them when she's on the road. As a matter of fact, her adventuring outfit consists of a white top under a brown leather corset, a sheep wool shrug, brown leather pants under knee-high boots that are held up by a brown leather belt with a gold, skull-shaped buckle.

As good as she looks in brown, she looks even better in black, as it pairs greatly with her red skin and long, inky waves. Her favourite party dress is black, as well as a few of her other day-to-day outfits.

Another color she likes wearing is yellow, since her favourite colour is a specific shade of chartreuse that leans towards a more yellow-y, golden tone. Admittedly, she doesn't own many garments in this colour, but she managed to incorporate it in her wedding dress as an accent colour.

15. Is your Tav more likely to fight/flight/freeze/fawn?

Summer is definetly most likely to fight. If the threat is great enough she will most likely freeze at first, but then she'll be ready to fight nonetheless.

16. What do they do for fun, when not adventuring? What are their hobbies?

I've already answered this question in a previous post, but I'd like to add that after winning the Battle of Insidias, Summer's picked up firahsi fire dancing as a hobby. When she saw how beautifully her mother can dance, she simply had to give it a try.

17. Do they have any enemies outside of the main plot? Any friends?

ENEMIES:

Jaime: I'm not entirely sure if "enemy" is the right word for him, but the relationship between Summer and her ex-boyfriend has definetly soured in the last six years. They ended up not being particularly compatible as a couple and Jaime often pushed Summer's boundaries after the war and even before it. His refusal to take part in the tiefling protests in Insidias ended up being the last straw for Summer, who left him after their last verbal fight.

Lady Ashes: a vampire noble who ensnared the Lord of Insidias (Dawnglide) and pushed him to set a crusade after the Firahsi tieflings, who were then forced to flee their home. She is the sole reason Summer's biological parents had to give her up. However, this is not quite why Summer hated her so much, as she found out the truth about her involvement with the crusades only after another vital episode in which her drink got drugged by her with a love distillate. Summer and Arwen were trying to infiltrate Lady Ashes' palace as possible clients in order to try and gather information on her involvement with Lord Dawnglide, but unfortunately Lady Ashes uncovered their ruse. Arwen managed to resist the effects of the drug, but unfortunately Summer wasn't so lucky and Lady Ashes forced her to attack her friend... but not before deciding to torment her by taking advantage her. Despite her body not responding to her commands Summer was unfortunately very aware of what was happening, and Arwen couldn't help her as Lady Ashes' bodyguard was preventing her from getting close. They managed to escape before anything even worse could happen, but Summer was left extremely shaken and traumatized by the whole event. As of today, Lady Ashes is dead, brutally murdered by Summer after a week of tortures thanks to the help of Asmodos, the Prince of the Abyss.

Asmodos: sure, he helped Summer take her revenge on Lady Ashes, but this bastard was the BBEG of the campaign and he was threatening the entire continent of Aegis with its destruction, not to mention the fact that his conditions for helping Summer were that she had to give him important information on her allies' movements as they marched towards Insidias to defeat him. Her guilt for making that decision still lives within her, even if she rectified her mistake in the end . While Summer understands why he did what he did, she absolutely cannot justify him hurting countless of innocent souls. Many of her friends suffered because of him. Some others died. She carries that grief with her everyday.

Jordan: Summer actually doesn't see him as an enemy, but as soon as she came clean about her deal with Asmodos, he declared his hatred for her and left the party. He still helped during the last battle, but after that he made it clear that he'd never forgive Summer for selling them out.

FRIENDS:

Arwen: I mean, come on, Arwen's been there since the very beginning. Together, her and Summer travelled far across the continent Aegis, defeated countless foes, shared many nights and stories around the campfire, rejoiced, grieved... And now, in the moment of need, they travel together once again across Faerun, facing an enemy that might be even greater and more dangerous than the last one. They love each other deeply and have become best friends during their first journey together.

Daezriel: Summer's aunt on her mother's (Aktas') side. They met each other in Insidias before they even knew they were related (or rather Summer didn't know. Daezriel most likely realized it after their first encounter) and Daezriel helped Summer realize where she comes from and why her magic is so unstable. If it wasn't for Daezriel, Summer might've never found out her origins or met her biological parents, which could've eventually ended in catastrophe for her.

Jacob: Summer and Arwen's first ally and the head of Insidias' city guards. He worked with them as a double agent, being at Lord Dawnglide's service while also aiding Summer and the rebels of The Fist in taking down the tyrant (none of them knew the truth at the time). Summer bonded rather quickly with him and she admired him for his strength and kindness. Unfortunately he was killed in the last battle after being used by Asmodos as a pawn in his schemes. Summer never quite recovered from losing him, and only later in the years she realized that perhaps her affections for him went beyond the ones reserved to a friend. She's always regretted not acting on her feelings for him.

Goffs: a cambion ally of hers that was previously on Asmodos' side. Summer helped free him from a curse and he decided to help her. They haven't seen each other in years but she still thinks fondly of him.

Mastirio: an old artificier who is absolutely crazy. Despite his old age he was always the first to jump in battle to help Summer and Arwen and he almost died multiple times because of it. He helped gather more allies for the last battle and by the end of their adventure he gained not one, not two but THREE prosthetic limbs. Crazy old bastard.

Cristo: a famous, travelling bard who is known to help people in need and to throw the most wicked, most hedonistic parties in Aegis. Summer attended many of his bacchanalia back when she wasn't busy with saving Aegis and although Cristo himself is a pacifist he did help Summer rally up a great number of allies for the last battle. There's always a spot for Summer in all of the events he organizes. They are very old buddies and love to gossip whenever they meet.

18. Where/with whom do they feel safest?

Summer feels safest around her parents and with Arwen. Soleil and Florian raised her, she spent the majority of her life with them, and even though she is massively stronger and more capable in combat than them, she can't help but feel a comforting sense of safety whenever she is around them. One that feels like the warmth of a fireplace in the dead of Winter. Aktas and Akmenos couldn't be there for Summer's childhood, or her teen years, and, to some extent, not even her early emerging adulthood... but when she finally got to meet them, it felt like a big portion of the puzzle was finally falling into place. They supported her, helped her come to terms with her origins and stood by her side in what were the scariest moments of her life. They sacrificed what could've been their last moments together with her in order to try and save her, and if it hadn't been for that she probably wouldn't even be here today, wouldn't have helped save Aegis. She is eternally grateful for them and for their survival.

Arwen has seen Summer's highest and lowest moments. She was there when she got her first kill in battle, when she fumbled the ball so bad it is a miracle she even survived, when her grief and anger made her go against her own morals. She was always there, and Summer was there for her. Together they lived through victories and losses, pains and joys, horrors and wonders... and through it all they always had each other's backs. Summer couldn't ask for a better companion.

Bonus: Summer never thought things would turn out this way, but quite early on she started feeling safe around Gale. He was always kind and understanding. Even when trusting her was an objectively hard thing to do, Gale showed her compassion and a willingness to hear her side of the story before jumping to conclusions. He knew she wasn't particularly smart or knowledgeable in magic, despite her being a sorceress, but he never criticized her for it, always taking the time to teach her. Even when she was afraid of herself, Gale never looked at her with fear, and when she fell for him it felt like the most natural thing in the world to her. His passion for life and its wonders fills her up with joy and it is one of the things that attracts her to him the most, other than his genuine kindness and boundless curiosity. She's not afraid to be herself around him.

19. What is their MBTI Type?

Apparently she is an ENFP-T. I'm not sure how accurate these kinds of tests are (we definitely don't use these in university), but the general description seems to match Summer pretty well.

Points I particularly agree with:

People with the ENFP personality type (Campaigners) are true free spirits – outgoing, openhearted, and open-minded. With their lively, upbeat approach to life, ENFPs stand out in any crowd. But even though they can be the life of the party, they don’t just care about having a good time. These personalities have profound depths that are fueled by their intense desire for meaningful, emotional connections with others.

When something sparks their imagination, ENFPs show an enthusiasm that is nothing short of infectious. These personalities can’t help but to radiate a positive energy that draws other people in. Consequently, they might find themselves being held up by their peers as a leader or guru.

ENFP personalities are proof that seeking out life’s joys and pleasures isn’t the same as being shallow.

Even in moments of fun, ENFPs want to connect emotionally with others. Few things matter more to these personalities than having genuine, heartfelt conversations with the people they cherish. ENFPs believe that everyone deserves to express their feelings, and their empathy and warmth create spaces where even the most timid spirits can feel comfortable opening up.

ENFPs will spend a lot of time exploring different relationships, feelings, and ideas before they find a path for their life that feels right. But when they do finally find their way, their imagination, empathy, and courage can light up not only their own life but also the world around them.

Campaigners are the most likely personality type to regularly misplace their everyday items (this made me laugh, I can totally see Summer doing that).

Curious, perceptive, enthusiastic, excellent communicators, easygoing, good-natured an positive BUT... unfocused, disorganized, overly accomodating and restless.

When ENFPs are interested in someone, they rarely hold back. These individuals shower their new flame with affection, trusting that the devotion and passion that they feel are real.

ENFPs tend to be very affectionate and playful with their partner.

It can be hard for ENFPs to maintain motivation in a job that doesn’t enable them to help people or create community in some way.

Deep Dives

20. What is their relationship to touch? Do they shy away from it? Do they need it to feel present?

Touch is very important to Summer. It is definitely one of her main ways to connect, especially when it comes to romance. She enjoys hugs and cuddles and just about any other physical gesture that can help her express her affection for someone (platonically or not). Despite her love for physical touch, however, there are days in which she seems like she wants people to stay as far away from her personal bubble as possible. These days are not that common, but they do happen, and they seem to be accompanied by a low or sour mood and low energy on her part.

21. Describe a defining moment from their past, which makes them who they are today!

Boy, which one do I pick? How about the "incident" that started it all?

If it wasn't for the danger, Summer probably would've never departed from Ferox in search for answers. I mean, sure, Summer kinda sucked at using magic, but she was soooo much better at many other things! She could survive without using her powers, no problem!

Unfortunately, it wasn't just a matter of her being a terrible sorceress but of her magic being highly unstable and dangerous, sometimes even escaping her control when she wasn't even trying to use it. One day Summer was playing just outside the village with some of the other kids. She was around 14 at the time and she accidentally burned one of her friends with her fire magic. It was a very scary ordeal for everyone and that accident alone was the catalyst for Summer's decision to start researching all she could on tieflings and sorcery. She spoke to all the adults in the village to gather all the information any of them might have on either of those subjects, then she read every single book on tieflings and magic that she could find in the local library, and when even that proved to not be enough, Summer decided, four years later, to set off on a journey to find some answers somewhere else.

23. How does your Tav act in situations of stress? In moments of peace?

Summer doesn't always have the best handle on her emotions and stress, and that can lead to some very poor decision-making on her part. However, sometimes the pressure is precisely what she needs to "save the day".

Summer welcomes peace, especially in nature. She likes to take a moment to just breathe and be in the moment, but after a while she can grow a bit restless. It's mostly a side-effect of living a life of danger. Sometimes things are too quiet, you know?

25. What is something they would die on a hill over?

The. Gods. Ain't. Shit.

They suck. Big time. They should mind their own damn business and leave mortals alone, please and thank you.

26. Give us one of your Tav’s secrets!

Sometimes she can't help but think of Jaime and it pisses her off. Some nights are simply too cold and too lonely and previous to her relationship with Gale, she would sometimes find herself reminiscing about the times she shared with Jaime.

27. What is the worst thing they’ve ever done/said to someone they love?

Accepting Asmodos' deal so she could take revenge on Lady Ashes. For weeks, Summer gave over very valuable information to him just so she could torment her assailant and kill her. She still did her best to limit the damages to her adventuring party and she was smart enough not to sign off anything of even greater value to him, but the truth of the matter is still that she sold her allies' safety for her own selfish wishes. She came clean to them almost immediately after and she worked her ass off to fix what she did, but she's never stopped feeling guilty ever since. She keeps this memory in mind so that she may never repeat the same mistake ever again.

28. Describe a smell that reminds your Tav of childhood.

Burning firewood, pine trees, roast boar and blackberry pie.

29. What fears keep them up at night?

Sometimes she has terrible nightmares about Lady Ashes, about Asmodos, about the horrifying things The Goddess of Luck did to Asmodos' mortal lover and about Jacob's death. Her dreams are mostly memories, or even more twisted versions of them, but that's not all that keeps her up at night.

Summer fears she may one day lose control for good and hurt her loved ones. She fears she might be a monster or not a good person. During the tadpole misfortune, a frequent fear of hers is also the possibility that she may never see her family ever again. The idea deeply saddens her and fills her with anxiety.

30. What does your Tav want more than anything?

She wants to finally come to terms with her identity, to finally, fully realize who she is and to be content with that. She hopes that this might also help her gain a better grasp on her magic core so that she won't have to fear accidentally hurting others so much.

Then, of course, Summer deeply wishes to one day settle down and build her own family, living the rest of her life in peace and contentment.

---

Any missing answers can most likely be found here.

Hope you enjoyed! This took me days lmao

30 Questions for Your Tav! [ Ask Meme ]

[ Send in a number for a question to be answered! What is your Tav like? Who are they as a person? ]

Your Tav as a Companion

1. What would your Tav’s greetings be (at different levels of approval)? 2. Describe their tent setup! What’s on the outside? The inside? 3. What would their character quest be titled? Why? 4. What would your Tav’s romance scenes look like? How many would they have? 5. Describe their idle animations! 6. How would the player go about meeting them in Act 1? What is their introduction? 7. Describe their arc. How would a player help resolve it? What choices can be made? Can your Tav be turned down a dark path, or pulled to a lighter one? 8. After Act 3, what does their life look like? What are they talking about at the reunion party?

Back to Basics

9. What’s the significance behind your Tav’s name? 10. Does your Tav have a last name? Is there a meaning behind it? 11. What is your Tav’s go-to comfort food? 12. Does your Tav have any tattoos or scars? Why? 13. What is your Tav’s main color palette? Why do they choose those colors? 14. Where are they from? What was home like? 15. Is your Tav more likely to fight/flight/freeze/fawn? 16. What do they do for fun, when not adventuring? What are their hobbies? 17. Do they have any enemies outside of the main plot? Any friends? 18. Where/with whom do they feel safest? 19. What is their MBTI Type?

Deep Dives

20. What is their relationship to touch? Do they shy away from it? Do they need it to feel present? 21. Describe a defining moment from their past, which makes them who they are today! 22. How is your Tav’s relationship with their family? Their parents? 23. How does your Tav act in situations of stress? In moments of peace? 24. What does your Tav consider to be their own biggest character flaw? 25. What is something they would die on a hill over? 26. Give us one of your Tav’s secrets! 27. What is the worst thing they’ve ever done/said to someone they love? 28. Describe a smell that reminds your Tav of childhood. 29. What fears keep them up at night? 30. What does your Tav want more than anything?

[lovebotlenore]

Name: Alassra

Race: Human

Age: 34

Class: Wizard

Background: Sage

Romance: Gale

Theme song: Enchanted - Taylor Swift

Bio: Named after one of Mystra's seven daughters, Alassra Silverhand better known as the Witch-Queen, Alassra grew up in Waterdeep amongst the nobles. Her namesake was a hope at gaining her Mystra's blessing and acknowledgment as a distant descendant. When she began to show signs of magic at a young age her parents were elated. It wasn't long before she was enrolled in Blackstaff Academy where she formally met Gale.

The crush was almost instantaneous. However a girl of her age and upbringing had no idea how to handle the strong emotions she was suddenly over run with. She began to pick on Gale during their time together. While he was always kind to her he really had zero clue why she seemed to focus on pestering him so much.

The pestering got worse when Mystra began to show Gale immense favor. Now not only was Alassra trying to avoid her feelings for the boy, but he had usurped her spot at Mystra's side. When Gale was official appointed Mystra's chosen Alassra made the choice to leave Waterdeep. Uprooting her life to Neverwinter, in hopes of never running into Gale again.

Word travels quick in the wizarding world. It didn't take long for her to learn from Elminster that her formal rival Gale had been tossed aside by Mystra for his hubris. Despite their past and the time apart, Alassra still felt a pain in her heart for the man. After months antagonizing herself with the information of Gale held up in his tower Alassra decided to visit her parents in Waterdeep... And perhaps if she happened upon Gale's tower maybe she'd bother him for tea.

It was when she set out for Waterdeep that the mindflayers abducted her.

When she pulled Gale from the rock she recognized him immediately. Alassra swore out loud as he dusted himself off. Earning a confused look from both Gale and Shadowheart. But when Gale seemed to have no memory of who she was, Alassra decided it was for the best and feigned dumb on their past history together.

It isn't until a few days into their journey when they're sitting around the fire that Astarion puts together that both Gale and Alassra have spoked of a childhood at Blackstaff. Like a light going off in his psyche Gale's eyes goes wide and he questions why she never said anything.

Frowning at this development Alassra laments that she wasn't the best version of herself back at Blackstaff and was sure Gale hated her. When he didn't seem to remember her, it was for the best.

He almost admits his school boy crush right there in front of the entire party. Instead he focuses on how he was saddened by her moving to Neverwinter and he never got a chance to say good bye.

As the journey progresses old sparks begin to reignite and Alassra finds herself just as in love with Gale as she was at Blackstaff, but now both of them can navigate the feeling a bit better.

Once the Elder Brain is defeated the two of them return to Waterdeep, where the wedding of a century is put into motion.

[hawkinsschoolcounselor]

Do you like El? I got the impression that you don't really like her. And if you consider Byler as endgame, what kind of ending do you expect for El? Season 2 reminded me that El supposed to die in Season 1. This is immediately felt, since I got the impression that the Duffers simply do not know what to do with her, she had a rather boring story in Season 2. The only thing that added interest to her story was her relationship with Hop. But this is more Hop’s Arc, and El is just an addition to it.

I like El. That is to say, I like the idea of the character. I think she was very well written in Seasons 1 & 2, and she’s been very well acted by Millie Bobby Brown. It was really Season 3 that soured me on her, and that’s more of a criticism of the writing than the character. I’d like to believe that her depiction in Season 3 is intentional, and that they have plans to build on it, but it still remains to be seen. Her story is complex in that her personal journey is overinfluenced by others, and this results in her appearing to not have her own journey. Season 3 can still work with that story, as long as it was meant to demonstrate that she has a ways to go still. 

Basically, El is a tricky character to work with. Her lack of social and emotional development early in life should result in a stunted child who has difficulty adapting to a more normal life. This is what we see in Seasons 1 & 2, and it was handled very well. El had a basic set of personal values that drove her actions: personal survival, protection of her friends, and a desire for freedom. She had little opportunity for growth considering that she went from being raised in the very restrictive lab to spending a year in Hopper’s cabin with little besides him and TV for models of behavior. Her “spying” on Mike isn’t terribly unusual given her isolation and the fact that she bonded with him the most. The possessive behavior, such as knocking Max off her skateboard, is concerning, but not terribly unusual given her upbringing. When she finally reunites with the Party, she makes sure to share a moment with Dustin and Lucas, showing that she missed them as well as Mike. She also checks in on Will while he’s unconscious, so one would think she’d want to get to know him.

Then comes Season 3, and, suddenly, El is fine about being stuck in the cabin so long as Mike is with her. She seems to care little about seeing Dustin or Lucas outside of helping the Party with Dustin’s surprise welcome home. I don’t recall her interacting with Will at all. She also seems to be incredibly dismissive of Hopper, despite their Season 2 arc seeming to be how much they love each other despite each having difficulty adapting to a father/daughter relationship. This would ostensibly be Mike’s influence on her, but it still shows a major compromise of her values, as well as a regression of her Season 2 development. We’re seeing her use Mike as a sort of safety blanket (she literally clings to him when Dustin shows off his gadgets), and she continues to do so until she catches him in a lie. 

I do sometimes wonder if the Duffers painted themselves into a corner with her. She was a very popular character, which I suppose led to them adding her to Season 2. They claimed that they originally intended for her to have truly died in the act of killing the demogorgon. Her power level necessitated keeping her away from the threat for most of Season 2, resulting in the seemingly out of place episode where she goes to see Kali. Any development from that arc is missing in Season 3 aside from a single mention of “bitchin’” by El. She lacks the assertiveness, sense of camaraderie, or even personal style that this episode seemed to impart onto her. Instead, she’s revealed to still be a chameleon of sorts, taking on the qualities and mannerisms of whomever she is currently attached to. She goes from having Mike’s flippant arrogance to Max’s sassy assertiveness. 

This is all something I could live with, and even appreciate, as long as it leads somewhere. I’m begging for Season 3 to all have been a means to hammer home that El is not developing in a healthy fashion. If that ends up being the case, then I will be happy. 

A sense that I dislike El may come out in regards to her powers, though. I have a dislike for super powerful characters who can solve any given problem. Season 3 was heavily reliant on El. Unlike Season 2, El is present at each occasion where her powers are beneficial, and she is subsequently able to win, to one degree or another, each time. It was particularly frustrating during the sauna test. She is shown being overpowered by Billy, which could have been a good occasion to show that El can’t do it alone, as well as her friends not being totally helpless. Instead, they have Mike utterly fail at helping, and El manages to suddenly bounce back and defeat Billy even though she had just failed a moment prior. They may have shown El struggling, increasingly so, but she was still able to win every battle. Seasons 1 & 2 carefully spooned out her powers until their climactic battles, but not Season 3.

I suppose, given that I think Season 3′s over-the-top, in-your-face action was intentional, that they wanted to highlight the overreliance on El, and also show that her powers can’t constantly save the day. They do ultimately have her powers vanish, requiring the rest of the cast to figure things out. Still, it was frustrating to also have her be the only to break Billy away from the Mindflayer’s control. That really should’ve been Max’s role, if anyone’s, and it was just another “El saves the day” moment that grated on me. Yes, she did it without her powers, but only because her powers gave her the knowledge to put it to work. 

I imagine Season 4 will involve her coping with life without powers, which I think will be great. Not only will it serve as a plot necessity to keep her from finding Hopper, but it gives her a chance to be a regular kid. Her biggest character arc, hinted at by Max, is that she needs to discover who she is. While she had some growth in Season 2, limited though it may have been, she regressed in Season 3. She won’t be able to cling to Mike or Max now that she’s moved away. It’s been her tendency to simply emulate others that has held her back. Her being Hopper’s daughter is much a part of her arc as it is his. She doesn’t know how to have a father due to her only previous experience being “Papa.” Her attitude with him in Season 3 wasn’t her learning how to be a typical teenager. Rather, she was emulating Mike, making it a symptom of her larger problems. 

El, ultimately, hasn’t achieved even a rudimentary sense of self, and Mike is partially to blame for it, albeit uninentionally. Anytime El has shown any growth, she’s ultimately reverted in order to be with Mike again. El is better without Mike, and vice versa. They were codependent, unhealthy. Their relationship isn’t necessarily beyond repair, but it would almost require a complete reboot. I think it would be extremely limiting for her story have her end up with Mike when we’ve already seen how bad it’s been for both of them. An ending for El should involve her discovering who she really is outside of Mike’s, or anyone else’s, influence. It should involve El finally being part of a family (be it just Hopper or an integration into the Byers), as well as learning to be part of a larger group of friends instead of attaching herself to one person (as she did with Mike and Max). It had to have been intentional to show her lack of interaction with other characters. Otherwise, it’s just bad writing. The Duffers may have made a risky decision in bringing back a character they originally didn’t plan to, but I choose to believe they did so with at least some idea of what to do with her.

[dicecast]

Blast to the Past: What is the Appeal of Fallout

Ok so last time we covered why people are really into the Baldur’s Gate series, which sort of invented most of the CRPG genre (Ultimia is very sad right now).,  Now for the other major Isometric game series, which launched one of the most influential series in Gaming history, I speak of course of Fallout.  

Now I haven’t played Fallout since I was a kid because I remember the interface being extremely frustrating compared to BG (which like...that is saying something) but what people love about Fallout is primarily the story and the roleplaying.  So what makes Fallout 1 so appealing 

1) The post Apocalyptic genre, Fallout and Road Warrior probably define the aesthetic of that genre more than any other, and if that is your jam, then Fallout is for you, it is not just post-apocalyptic but it is deeply interested in the tropes and conventions of that genre.  Now Cards on the Table this is actually a minus for me, I’m more of a fantasy man myself but diversity of genre is good so this likely makes fans of the genre very happy, especially since this game has done more for the genre to anything since Road Warrior 

2) Classless system.  Fallout doesn’t have classes, instead it has a very elaborate system of mechanical perks, stats, traits and skills, each of which can change a lot in how you play the game and express your character.  You have a low more flexibility in building your character than the more rigid focus of Classes+stats+skills of D&D, though personally I prefer Character from Mechanics rather than Mechanical from character.  However you want classless roleplaying, Fallout starts the Computer trend 

3) Social as a real option.   I think today people overestimate this in regards to fallout and seem to imagine that you can talk every enemy down, and that really isn’t the case, but certainly  for the time Fallout was far more evolved in terms of social dynamics than Baldur’s Gate, and a social character is entirely viable.  Critically you can defeat the final boss entirely through dialogue options.  

4) Dialogue options are more like puzzles.   Hbomerguy pointed this out in an earlier critique of Fallout 3 but I think it is worth repeating, in Fallout winning at dialogue options isn’t as simple as just finding the option with “Speechcraft 67″ written next too it.  If you want to defeat The Master, you don’t just need a high Speech, you also need to have found the information necessary to change his mind (specifically that the Super Mutants are sterile), external evidence of said proof, and you also need to carefully pick the dialogue options to do so. Your high Speech and Int only open the door for you to be able to defeat him, you still need to have done your own research, asked other people questions, and brought evidence with you, which makes choosing the right option much more satisfying than just saying “you are wrong and I have 100 Speechcraft) 

5) Variable play experience.  This is true of all RPGS, if I play a male Dwarf Cleric in BG II and a male human wizard I am going to have different interactions but most of fights will be similar.  But if you choose the “Jinxed” Trait at the start of Fallout, which basically dramatically increases everybody’s chance of Critical failure (including your enemies) the entire game is utterly different and a horrific  tragicomedy   of needless violence.  But if you take this combined with 9 or 10 luck, then you will fail less and everybody else will fail more.  It totally changes the nature of the game.  If you choose the Empathy Perk, then bad dialogue options are highlighted in Red so you know not to pick them.  If you choose Mysterious Stranger perk, a Clint Eastwood ripe off will sometimes show up to help you out in combat out of no where and then leave just as quickly.  

6) Negative effects from stats.  If you have a 3 charisma in BG, your party members will fight more, you will get worse rewards for quests, and you will get worse prices, but your dialogue options will largely remain the same.  You won’t get the special bonus dialogue options open to high charisma characters, but you basically have the “default” dialogue options at all times.  If you aren’t a caster, there really isn’t too much of a downside for having a low Int in BG, you are much weaker to mindflayers, as logn as you have some smarties in the party you should be fine.  Not so in Fallout.  If you play a low Int character, you are barely capable of speech so you have unique dialogue options and the game is totally different.  Its objectively worse and kinda sucks but there is a lot of comedy gold in playing an absolute moron.  Later games will pick up on this more, with New Vegas taking the cake with your own brain attempting to quit from you in protest.  

(This is from fallout II but the point is the same)

7) Random Encounters.  In BG, random encounters are all roughly the same, a different type of enemy shows up and attempts to murder you until you murder all of them.  There are a few of those in Fallout but you also have much more inventive random encounters.  just to list a few from the first game 

You can find a wandering singer who will perform for you and increase your charisma by 1

A unique merchant named Duc, who if you kill, you will trigger a random encounter where his men seek revenge.  

A random wounded Peasant which will give you some kind of prophecy 

A Brotherhood of Steel person who will give you some information 

Walk into a fight between two different factions (lots of variants of these) 

Corpses which you can loot

Some travelers who can give you directions or info

And a fucking crashed Alien Spaceship which you can loot 

Seriously far better random encounter design than most RPGs ever

8) Ideological conflict. This doesn't actually make Fallout better than BG, whose overall themes are more mythic than ideological but it makes it different, Fallout is effectively a story about adaptation, about society, technically and what does it mean to relate to the past.  The Vault wants to effectively deny the outside world and pretend WWIII never happened, The Brotherhood of Steel is creating this weird dogmatic elitist technology cult in response to it, the Master wants humanity to evolve to a new species to solve the problem, and what will be the New California Republic wants to recreate the pre War United States.  Different ideologies existing in opposition to each other is a core part of this series and Fallout starts it 

9) The Aethetic.  Fallout has a very unique look and feel which is so iconic that other video games keep ripping it off, and that I have been to multiple fallout themed bars in my life.  This isn’t really evident in the game-play graphics which I think are objectively uglier than BG’s painted backgrounds, but more in the objects, interface, and interactions, like the claymation models you can talk to 

10) Ending slides.  Fallout starts the tradition of having a slideshow at the end that shows exactly how each of your actions changed the world in a different way.   

12) This one doesn’t count because it didn’t really work but Purely turned based combat.  Fallout uses the Action Point system rather than the semi real time/Turn based of BG.  Now....this is more of a hypthoetical benefit because the turned based combat in Fallout doesn’t really work at all, so BG is just objectively better, but if it was polished it could be a radically different way of playing the game.

12) Dogmeat the Dog 

There is a reason why this game is so beloved to this day, it brings a lot of very radical mechanical innovation to the table, even though it is borderline unplayable at times.  

[empcrer]

He watches her scribble her notes with mild gaze. There isn't a moment of doubt these notes would potentially find their way to a board of scholars. Valeryana is nothing short of persistent. Though given her circumstances and the wit of the intellectual, if she's found out the chance of being discredited is high. It'd be out of ignorance if his predictions are correct. Even if there is a desire to learn about illithid proper it is far and few between; and the fear ingrained into society isn't misplaced. There will always be fatal hatred.

Her little gaze to the Skull only amplifies his hypothesis. Though he keeps his gaze focused on her pen to make it appear he didn't notice. The illithid shifts his shoulders. His mantle sliding a proper centimeter back into place. For now he won't pry into her mind. The short waft of guilt could be felt.

How intriguing.

" How fitting you bring up our eyes. " The Emperor mimics a smile via a raise of his maw. Though it fades as soon it comes. " An enthralled mindflayer is devoid of individualism and personality. Their eyes tell no tales... Their voices are devoid of all emotion and their goals match with the Grand Design. " Unspoken is also the choice of wardrobe. Yet he can't make a proper statement on such a thing since his attire is from the Absolute's Colony. It's a personal choice. And perhaps a statement of its own...

He blinks thoughtfully, recollecting the memories she offers him. A stir of amusement flutters into her mind in return. Did she forget he was also there? " As for the scholar, Omeluum, I am uncertain. Each colony has different physiologically based on what their Elder Brain deems worthy. Though, in history, there's been few biological differences between colonies until the Absolute. We could be from different colonies... or simply different iterations the Absolute has tested. "

Which is most certainly the doing of the Chosen Three's meddling. The Absolute's enthralled are strategically taller than other colonies. And in The Emperor's case... holding different features, such as his eyes. Which he knows for certain was a form of mockery.

He withholds a deep breath. " If you choose to undergo complete ceremorphosis it will not be a burden or a shock you'll come to me, or Omeluum, with more questions. Illithids inherently desire the company of their own kind. We can live in solitude, but written in our biology is a sense of belonging and community, even outside a colony. "

Which may tell of his desire to carry Valeryana into complete ceremorphosis. Not only because he believes they will have a better chance at defeating the Absolute, but after... he may have a companion perfectly molded into the companionship he desires. He's patient though, and she's already halfway there; it's only a matter of time.

Fervent note-taking and scribbling act as the only source of sound between them, taking his invitation for using whatever she prefers as a chance to perfect her newfound psionic prowess.

But, then the quill gives pause. Hesitation. Trepidation? Slight moments of... fear? No, not quite—uncertainty. Uncertainty of where this road will end for her, alongside the certainty that she intends to cross no matter what awaits at the end of the path. The Emperor's tangible interest in seeing her advance to full ceremorphosis is what gave her pause, but not a pause muddled with negativity, no...

More still, this was not the moment to ruminate epistemological anxieties with herself. She is more than sure that the decision itself will come knocking, and demand an answer. As sure as she is of the lot of them ridding the world of The Dead's Three indignant plot to regain relevance in this world. By any means necessary, to even exalting an elder brain to the status of a god. Valeryana can't help but peer past The Emperor's looming form, towards the sphere that contains Orpheus and by extension, control over her own existence. A pang of guilt slithers down her spine, instantly quelled and repressed away. She uses this moment to control that focus once more, pointedly doing so by drinking in whatever insights The Emperor is willing to share with her. The quill comes back with ferocious life in precise, sharp strokes like that of a surgeon's scalpel. "Admittedly, that decision still hangs in the balance for me." When you feel like you have just begun to live your life, how quickly could you move to the next? Conflict emanates through the continued mindmeld, but the drow assuages it—If but for a moment, now. "Even if I were fully evolved, I would still seek you out for answers. Some questions can only be properly answered with experience and time. If not you, then perhaps another unthralled mind-flayer; dear Omeluum comes to mind," she finishes with a small, warm chortle as her eyes dart between the illithid himself and her tome. Keen eyes gaze at the notes she has written down so far. His first answer to her question is already producing a flood of procedural musings and questions and extrapolations fighting for attention in her brain. Only so much time, now, yet so many things to ask and theorize on... Merely a few seconds pass before she settles on where to go next, finally!

"Do you know of any definitive methods to identify enthrallment in a mind flayer? In fact, on that note—I've noticed you and Omeluum are... physiologically unusual, in some aspects," a sharp nail taps at her chin, "Your eyes are different than the Absolutist illithids I've come across, both on the nautiloid and within the city. Omeluum, too; it's head is shaped differently and I've noticed it even pulses different when it talks," Examples flash throughout her mind, as if presenting The Emperor slides in a dissertation with the proof being from her memories.

"And yes. I swear not to keep you too long, even to my chagrin," amusement rings drolly but still with a touch of enthusiasm, "This is only a preliminary draft for the time being. Given the situation with The Absolute, I'm certain that more opportunities will arise for me. I rarely like to leave things as unknowns."

[imagineaworlds]

You’re Scaring Me -- Billy Hargrove

Written By: @aliedelanie

Request: “Could i get a billy? she is shy and kind, a total hufflepuff. she catches his attention and he tries to 'woo' her. bring her (stolen) flowers, talk to her in the halls, in class (which she dosent appreciate), offer her rides home, even make her a mixtape of his heavy metal. she starts to see his good side, but when he beats up steve, she stays behind at the Byers with him (hes probably handcuffed down for her saftey) and tells him she cant be with a guy like him unless he changes. thanks, <3 u!” “I would like to request a billy x reader thing with the scene from the last episode where billy is at the Byers house and fights against Steve and the reader is also there and she tries to calm him down and everything. Please some fluff and crying. I love your writing! I’m a big fan.”

Warnings: Cursing. Violence. (16+)

Pairing: Billy Hargrove x Reader

Words: 2684

Listen to: Stand By Me by Bootstraps

The Byers’ house was fuller than normal, with a group of kids running around to make plans to take down an out-of-this-world monster, while me and Steve chased after them to talk them out of it. When the other’s had left, me and Steve took on the responsibility of watching over all of the kids, and so far it wasn’t going very well. Not to mention, my head was spinning with a raging headache that was caused from thinking so hard on the day before. Before I found myself in the Byers’ home with the new knowledge of this so called “Mindflayer”, I was just a normal teenager who had a fairly normal life. Normal parents, a normal sister, a normal boyfriend— well, I guess Billy wasn’t all that normal. But when I met him, I tried my very hardest to help him become better than his father and defeat this anger inside of himself. Our relationship started with a strong friendship when we instantly connected. I don’t think either of us expected that we would start dating, because at first we both swore that we would never grow too attached. I guess he didn’t want to hurt me.

But, that promise didn’t last long, and soon after he asked me out. The first few times he asked me, I said no. And each time I said no, he tried harder. He would bring me flowers— granted, they were stolen— he would lean over me when I would sit at my desk between periods, and he would stand close to me as he pressed me against the lockers before and after school. I don’t know how it was I held out for so long before giving in and saying yes. After that, we were definitely inseparable, and our relationship only grew stronger, and when he was around me, I saw a real change in his personality. Billy was desperately trying to be better than his father and not take out his built up feelings on others. To say I was proud of him, was an understatement.

Yet, all that thinking about him and how I didn’t want him caught up in this big mess, made my head hurt and distracted me from watching over the kids. I was blindly following them around the house, not really paying attention, until I saw out of the corner of my eye car headlights shining through the living room windows. There was the familiar engine revering up to the house that really caught my interest, and both me and Max ran to the window. Though Billy didn’t exactly get along with Max, I thought of her as my little sister. But as we both approached the window, I had a smile attached to my face, while she had a look of fright. Soon, it dawned on me that if he came into the house, he’d instantly be wrapped up in all of this, and I didn’t want that.

“It’s my brother…” Max whispered. “He’ll kill me if he finds out that I’m here.”

I turned to Steve, “You have to get him to go away,” I told him. “He can’t know about any of this.” Our attention was brought back to the window when his car’s tires came to a screeching halt and he turned off the ignition.

“Stay here, all of you,” Steve said as he opened the door and went outside.

Billy climbed out of the car and slammed the door shut, “Where is she, Harrington?” he said loudly, almost demanding— no, not almost… definitely demanding.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Steve lied.

Billy chuckled, “You know, I’ve been looking for my girl all day. I just wanted to spend some time with her, maybe take her out on a good, honest date. But, I couldn’t find her. Then, I find out that no one can find my bitch of a stepsister, Max. And what a damn fine coincidence it is that I hear they’re hiding out here with you. Now, I trust my girl, she’s loyal to me, I know that— but the thing is, amigo, I don’t trust you, and there lies our problem. So, if you don’t want this to go sideways, and want me to leave peacefully, I suggest you tell them to come out here, and I’ll be on my way.”

Steve shook his head, trying to keep his cool. And for a quick moment I contemplated giving myself up and going outside, but when Max said next convinced me to stay hidden. “What is it that you see in him?” she asked me.

I glanced over at her, “I see the good in him.”

Lucas laughed, “What good? He’s a douchebag.”

“Maybe on the outside, but deep down— once you get to really know him— he’s just pure hearted.”

“Listen, man, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ve never seen your little sister in my life, and I’ve never talked to [y/n],” Steve lied again. He was trying to protect us, but I feared about what Billy might do if he found out Billy was lying.

Billy nodded, trying to think of what to say next, and stomped out his cigarette. “Tell me, Harrington. Do you lie often? Because, you say you’ve never met them before, yet I see them right there.” Billy pointed to us, having seen all of sitting on the couch watching them.

The kids immediately tried to hide, but instead, I ran for the door. “Billy!” I called, running to him, but he didn’t embrace me like he usually would. With a shaky breath, I said to him, “Just leave, Billy… Max is fine, I’ll bring her home when we’re done here.”

Billy hit the roof of his car angrily, making me jump. “You know I can’t do that. My dad… he’ll kill me if I go home without her.”

“Tell him she’s sleeping over at my house, and I’ll explain everything to him in the morning.” I tried to find a solution, while also trying to find any empathy in his eyes.

“Are you screwing him?” Billy suddenly asked, lowering his gaze to his feet. “Is that what this is? Are you screwing Harrington behind my back?”

I gasped, unable to believe that he would ask me such a question. Only minutes ago had he told Steve that he trusted me, but in a matter of seconds I saw that trust leave him. “No. Billy, I would never, you know that. I love you.” I tried to press a hand to his cheek to get him to look at me, but he slapped my hand away.

“Hey!” Steve erupted, stepping between us. “Don’t you ever touch her like that again.”

Suddenly, Billy looked up and knocked Steve over and kicked him in the stomach. “Don’t talk to me like that, Harrington.” Billy kicked Steve again. “I’m going to take my dumb, redheaded bitch of a stepsister, and leave. You can either stay down or fight me. Either way, I will leave here with Max.” Steve stayed on the ground, and for a moment as Billy stepped over Steve, I feared that he would let Billy take Max. And I was too paralyzed to move after watching Billy be that way with me. Everything we had both worked so hard to reverse in him, instantly came back out of jealousy and fear. “You stay here, [y/n]. I’m not done with you, yet.” Billy walked into the house, swinging the door open to reveal all of the kids, looking as frightened as ever.

I leaned down and helped Steve to his feet, “Are you okay?” Steve nodded, catching his balance before falling into me. “We have to get Billy out of here.” Steve nodded again, and walked by himself through the door with me following right behind him.

As we entered the house, I heard Billy shout, “You’re so dead, Sinclair!”

Steve didn’t hesitate to run to the kitchen where Billy was, and grab at Billy’s shirt. “Get away from him, you son of a bitch.” I watched as Steve punched Billy right in the nose, and Lucas ran into his friends’ arms. Billy laughed at Steve’s punch as his nose bled, dripping onto the carpet.

Then, Steve just kept hitting and hitting, and Billy let him. Instantly, I felt tears well up in my eyes as the kids cheered on Steve. Billy’s nose got worse and his lip split and started bleeding. When he was backed into the sink, I knew what was about to happen. “Billy, no!” I yelled. But it was too late. Billy grabbed a plate behind him and smashed it over Steve’s head. “Billy stop it!” I cried, “Stop!” Tears were streaming down my face as they fought around the kitchen, Dustin pulled me out of the way at the last second before Steve nearly ran into me. “Billy!” I cupped my hands over my mouth to try and stop my crying, but it only got worse as I sobbed when Max attached herself to me. “Stop it!” I continued as Billy kicked Steve onto the floor and jumped onto him. “Billy! You’re scaring me! Stop! Billy! Enough, Billy!” I ran to him, trying to pull him off of Steve, but he pushed me back, hardly even recognizing what he was doing or that it was me he had pushed. I looked down at Max who was shaking, holding something in her hand. In her hand, she had a needle. “What is that?” I asked through the tears.

Max turned and pointed behind her at a bottle on the counter. “Morphine.”

“Give it to me,” I said, holding out my hand. Max dropped the syringe into my hand and I gripped it hard. I neared Billy slowly, grabbing the syringe properly as I prepared for what would come next. “Billy… Stop it, please… You’re scaring me…” I tried to give him one more chance, but he ignored me. Trying to compose myself and slow down my heavy breathing, I held the syringe up, and without a second thought, I plunged it into Billy’s neck. After it happened, I realized what I had done, and stumbled back out of shock. Billy instantly turned and stood up, looking at me with as though he had been betrayed. “I’m so sorry…”  I cried, reaching for him.

“[y/n]?” he asked before he collapsed. I tried to catch his head before it hit the ground. Crouched down, with his head in my hands, he looked up at me and laughed, “I knew you had a fire in you, babes…”

I looked up at Max who grabbed Steve’s famous bat and threw it over her shoulder. “Billy, from here on out, you leave me and my friends alone, understand?”

Billy groaned, trying to keep his eyes open. “Screw you, brat.”

All of us, excluding the drugged Billy and threatening Max, flinched when she slammed down the bat just between Billy’s legs, fairly close to his crotch. “I said, understand?!” she yelled. “And, until further notice, you leave [y/n] alone.”

Billy shook his head, “I’ll stay away from you and your friends, but I’m never leaving [y/n]...” I sobbed at his words, combing my fingers through his curls to try and get him calm. “I won’t leave her ever again…” Though, he was totally drugged out and unaware of what he was saying, I knew he meant it.

“Max, we have to go,” Mike whispered, not wanting her to aim the bat at him. Max relaxed, and turned to the boys. “Now.” She nodded.

“We have to grab Steve, guys. If Billy wakes up, he’ll murder him,” Dustin said. They all agreed, walking over to the bruised and bloodied, passed out Steve. “[y/n]? Are you going to help?”

I watched as Billy fell asleep in my arms, and I sat down, bringing his head into my lap. “No,” I responded. “I’ll be here for when he wakes up. Maybe I can calm him down.”

“Guys, we have no way of getting there,” Lucas interrupted. I dug the keys out of Billy’s pocket and tossed them at Max. “Are you insane?”

I shook my head, “No. I’ve driven with Max before, I trust her. As long as you stay under the speed limit and don’t crash the car, we won’t have any problems. Besides, I don’t want Billy to be driving when he wakes up, so this will be a good excuse. Now, go.” The boys quickly went to pick up Steve and carry him out of the house. Mike and Lucas each took an arm, and Dustin took both of his legs.

When they were nearly out the door, Max came over to me. “Do you still see the good in him?” she asked me.

Without looking at her, I said, “Just leave, Max.” She turned and left the house, closing the door behind her. I looked down at Billy, still combing my fingers through his hair. “Babe… I thought you were better. You had come so far, and I thought you were different. Maybe I was in over my head. Maybe you can’t be fixed and Max is right. Maybe you don’t have any good in you like I hoped you did.” But I refused to believe what I was saying. Deep down, somewhere in that blackened heart of his, Billy Hargrove was good, and I was still determined to show that.

Four Hours Later

I had fallen asleep leaning against the couch with Billy’s head cradled in my lap. It had been a long night, and I knew that it would take a while for him to gain consciousness. I tried to stay awake as long as I could, but my headache and drowsiness from crying got the better of me and knocked me out pretty fast. But I woke up just as fast when Billy gasped for air, sitting up quickly, as he woke up. I was startled by this, thinking that the demodogs may have returned, but I calmed down when I realized what had happened.

Alarmed, Billy turned to me. I saw a tear fall down his cheek as he saw me. My hair was undoubtedly tangled and my eyes were puffy from crying so much. “Oh, my god…” he whispered, crawling away from me. “I did this. I’m— I’m a monster.” Billy tucked his legs to his chest. “I— I hurt you… And Steve… What was that? That wasn’t me…” Billy tried to hide his tears from me, but I knew better, and seeing him hurt like that brought tears to my eyes, too. “I’m such a fucking monster.”

My heart shattered watching him. “No, you’re not, Billy… It’s just, I thought we had gotten past this. What happened?”

Billy shrugged. “I— I don’t know. I thought that you and Steve… I was just jealous of him, and angry with both him and you.”

“But you know that I’d never cheat on you, Billy. Come on.”

“I know… God, I’m so sorry. I know you can never forgive me.”

“You’re wrong, Billy.” He looked up at me. “I can forgive you. It’ll take time, but I know in my heart that I can forgive you. And you will get better. I promise.” I crawled over to him, pulling his legs down so that he wasn’t guarding himself from me. He shivered at my touch, scared to be near me after what had happened, but I wasn’t scared. “I love you, Billy Hargrove. But, you really have to try for me if we’re going to keep doing this.”

“I know, I know. I will. I’m sorry I scared you. God, I love you.” He leaned forward carefully and placed a hand against my cheek. Cautious to catch any of my signals, Billy slowly brought his lips to mine. “I want to get better, I really do. I don’t want to be like my dad anymore.” I leaned in and kissed him. He pulled away, “I don’t deserve you.” I ignored him and kissed him again.

[thewiselosers]

Gym Class Losers

CHAPTER ONE: It Gets Worse

It was the first day of the party’s second week of high school when things started to turn from bad to worse, and it didn’t even have anything to do with the mindflayer, the upside down, or hawkins lab.

It was high school, and more specifically, the people in it. They’ve always dealt with bullies, but none with so much of a profound effect that arose when cramping hundreds of teenagers from different age groups and social groups into one setting. The boys found faults everywhere, from the gum laiden desks of the classrooms and unkempt bathrooms, to the overcrowded lunch area. But one thing they weren’t anticipating was the struggle of gym class. Their athletic abilities (or lack thereof) aside, they were thrown a huge curveball when they strolled into the boys locker room that first day. It was cramped and smelled of bad body odor. Trash was already littered about, and the casual half-nakedness of the upperclassmen was a hard concept to grasp when they entered the brightly lit room. From all that Steve told Dustin who in turn told the gang, and what Nancy and Jonathan could advise to their younger siblings, locker room etiquette wasn’t a topic that had been brought up in the slightest.

“What the shit.” Dustin simply said when their minds caught up with the scene before them. Most of their other classmates shared the same reservations when in the boys locker room, standing around awkwardly, waiting for some brave soul, anyone, to choose a locker and start changing.

When one did, it encouraged some others to also join in on the too public strip-down from carefully picked outfits (thanks, mom) to the plane t-shirt and shorts provided by the school, its mascot proudly ironed on the chest. Will looked to Mike, who looked at Lucas who looked from Dustin back to Mike, as they all shuffled toward nearby lockers. Mike and Will’s beside each other, and Dustin and Lucas across from them. One boy their age, Chester, had the unfortunate case of wearing ripped underwear, and just as he began to pull up his gym shorts, a group of upperclassmen passed by, shirtless and rowdy, and proceeded to take advantage of the laughable situation.

“Chuckie’s got a little show going for us, huh boys?”

As the smaller boys turned toward the interruption, the head boy proceeded to poke his finger through one of the holes and pull the fabric down, exposing Chesters pale-white butt to half the class.

The two other boys he was with burst into laughter, and around half of the boys in the hall began to join in. Whether genuinely at Chesters expense, or to simply please the older boys, the party wasn’t sure. Chester frantically pulled his shorts up, mortified. The party was less than amused, and proceeded to clutch their gym clothes to their chest, and high tail it to the boys bathroom at the end of the locker room, where nearly a quarter of the other boys in their class were waiting for a chance to use the stall next (and it wasn’t because it was after lunchtime).

That was the routine for the rest of the week. The new class waiting in long lines to change in the stalls, or awkwardly change out it the open, like too easy prey in the daylight.

That first friday Coach Rowlins anounced something that caused stomachs to drop.

No one was to use the bathroom to change unless they had a note from a parent saying they couldn’t do so in the locker room. It was a grateful luxury the party now realized they may have taken for granted.

“Maybe it won’t be that bad.” Mike said to the group, all too sure of himself. Dustin and Lucas resigned themselves.

That weekend Mike spent the night at Wills’ house and the two did homework together. They were lucky to be in the same math class  but Will found their teacher, Ms. Barwick, hard to understand. She taught as if everyone already knew what she was saying, like she was telling the class how she solved the problem, but not explaining how she did it. He just felt lost the whole time and it frustrated him because he was supposed to be really good at school. The textbook wasn’t any help either, because he would just end up doodling in it whenever her monotone voice caused his mind to drift. Will thought about going to the counselors office and switching classes, but he and Mike already only had one other class together, English, but Lucas was in that class too. Mike got lucky and had at least one of the party members in each of his classes, and Will didn’t like the idea of sharing their only other class together with Lucas.

Will sat cross-legged with his back against the wooden headboard of his bed.

“Did you finish the bottom half of the page?” Mike was laying on his stomach with his geometry textbook open in front of him and his binder and homework sheet beside it. His ankles were crossed and he was propping himself up on his elbows and chewing on the eraser tip of his pencil.

Will looked down at his own homework sheet, the half he was supposed to do not even close to being finished. He looked down at Mike who was laying at his feet. He realized suddenly that he literally always looked up at Mike. Mike was significantly taller than him and it didn’t help that he was the smallest in their friend group. The only time he looked down at Mike was when they were in his room like they are now. Will sighed. He slammed the textbook shut and put his binder aside.

“Come on Will it’s easy. Come here, which ones eating you?” Mike had sat up and faced Will, taking Will’s binder and looking at the nearly blank sheet of paper. Mike furrowed his brows, ready to give Will a pep talk when he noticed something peeking out of his binder. It was a sheet of paper with writing in Mrs. Byers’ handwriting. He slid it out further and saw that it read ‘Dear Coach Rowlins’.

Mike looked up at Will and Will looked from Mike to his binder, and quickly snatched the binder away from Mikes hand.

“You actually asked your mom to write you a note?” Mike’s words were loud in the previous silence. Will shrugged and tucked the letter carefully back into place. It wasn’t a big deal.

“I have real medical reasons. I can’t- i’m not comfortable and if i don’t have to then i shouldn’t. You’ve seen how the juniors and seniors are.”

Mike shook his head.

“Everyone will know and they’ll make fun of you even worse. At least if you change with everyone else, no one would care as much since we’re all in the same boat.”

“What difference does it make? I’m already zombie boy and…and you know. What’s one more nickname?”

“Trust me, Will. It’ll be easier if we all stick together. Then it won’t be so bad.”

Mike stared intently at him, urging, and Will was defeated.

“Okay. But you’re doing my math homework for the rest of the week.”

“At least watch me so you can see how i do it.”

Will glanced from Mikes careful gaze to his homework page, most of the problems effortlessly solved.

“Deal.”

For the next hour and a half the two boys sat hunched over on Wills bed, Mike like a teacher, explaining each step he made and why he made it. Will felt much better going into math class that monday, but his unease for gym class didn’t go away.

The locker room was cramped more so than ever now that all the boys had to change in there. The party of four made their way to the lockers as they did that first day, only this time they actually began to strip. They looked awkward and felt awkward, wondering just how many eyes were on them. Lucas and Dustin were smart enough to open some of the empty lockers around them to block anyones view. Mike and Will were beside each other, but the lockers around them were occupied. Will looked up at Mike, who gave him a small “don’t think about it smile”. Will unbuttoned his pants, fidgeting with the button, and zipped the zipper down. He shimmied out of his pants. Mike did the same, stepping out of his. They both pulled their gym shorts on and felt a little better. Mike changed his shirt, and Will did the same.

Dustin let out a laugh and gestured his head to Wills shirt. Will looked down at himself and then proceeded to swivel his head around like an owl. He had put his shirt on backwards. Will laughed it off as Mike reached over and pulled out the tag from Wills chest. Will shoved him off and raised his shirt over his head, exposing his stomach, but was cut off by a wolf whistle from not too far away. He quickly pulled his shirt back over himself and turned toward the source of the intrusion.

“Look what we have here. A school of guppies swimming in the big pond.”

It was Tommy and his couple of goons. The prime predators of the boys locker room. Tommy was a junior now, a little taller, more muscular and handsome as ever. Like the devil. No one at Hawkins high would say he was the friendliest person in the town, but sometime during the summer before the party entered high school, Tommy had become meaner than ever before. Where in the past he would just stir up trouble, now he actively sought it out.

“Actually guppies don’t swim in schools, fish do.”

Lucas smacked Dustin on the shoulder, and he threw his hands up defensively with a regretful look of “i couldn’t help it”.

“What was that?” They had Tommy’s full attention now. Dustin didn’t respond as the normally loud commotion of the locker room began to die down, anticipating the attack that was surely to come. Tommy looked back at the group of four boys, sizing them up with glee.

“Sinclair, didn’t the school give you a separate room for you to change in?” He asked as if it were a genuine question, and turned to his two friends, who gave comical 'gee i don’t know’ expressions.

Tommy gave a cursory glance toward Will, then looked blankly forward. He loudly exclaimed-

“This boys head’s on backwards! They don’t call him Zombie Boy for nothing now do they? Oh wait! My mistake. He just doesn’t have mommy here to dress him right.”

Laughter broke out as everyone turned to Will, who still hadn’t fixed his shirt.

“You better take that back Tommy.” Mike glared with all the bravery his lanky 5'7" frame could give him.

“Yeah and we’re not guppies. Were ninth graders now which means-”

Tommy cut Dustin off with a harsh Slam! Of metal from one of the locker doors he so smartly left open. The air was palpable.

Tommy breezed forward, his voice like gravel. He was just talking to them. No show for everyone else to hear.

“I’ve got another two years with you dweebs. It’s in your best interest to stay out of my way.”

Dustin was grabbed by the shirt, but instead of Tommy yanking him towards forward like he thought the older boy would, he simply leaned in close and whispered in his ear. “Make a fool of me again. And i’ll be sure to give you your old smile back.”

Tommy let go and stepped back, amused with himself.

“And you. Little Frankenstein.”

Tommys eyes were on Will, a malicious smile on his face.

“I suggest you let coach Rowlins know you’ll be changing in the bathroom from now on. On account of all your medical reasons. You don’t want to infect all of us in here now do you Byers?”

Will looked around nervously but saw no one; all too conscious of the ears that might have heard the older boy.

“Do you?” Tommy’s voice was firmer now. He wanted an answer. Will looked up at him and shook his head.

“Right. Well boys you better get on out there. Physical Ed is important for your growing bodies.” Tommy walked away with his two shadows in tow.

Lockers slammed shut and the atmosphere became polarizing as boys rushed out of the room to continue with their day.

Will stood rigid, and Dustin and Lucas looked drained of all enthusiasm.

“You were right Mike. It wasn’t so bad, it was worse.”

Will gave Mike one last defeated look before heading out the locker room, not even bothering to check if his friends were following him. Mike watched Will leave, a sad confusion eating at him.