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| Thread Review (Newest First) |
| Posted by ThreadLurkingComorant - 06-07-2026, 05:54 AM |
|
Cruel New Worlds 2026
Written by BaftComorant A Day in the chat logs of another world's hero king othersideotherstory: hey, wanted to check in on you today othersideotherstory: saw you finally dropped the big post on the Cruel New Worlds section othersideotherstory: think you got the mods nervous lol mentoelectric: yeah no shit mentoelectric: people are ripping me a knew one mentoelectric * new mentoelectric: don't even want to look anymore mentoelectric: it's been on recent comments for hours now othersideotherstory: you doing okay othersideotherstory: you sounded really upset mentoelectric: : As much as I can mentoelectric: people just kinda treated me like a RP kid mentoelectric: think im gonna go jump off a bridge or something like fuck me othersideotherstory: just make another post and reply to some people mentoelectric: why? mentoelectric: Nobody really has anything nice to say mentoelectric: * anything mentoelectric: just think im trying to sound cool othersideotherstory: i mean i liked it othersideotherstory: like you finally got it out there mentoelectric: yeah and now i look insane mentoelectric: i know theyre calling me a herofag behind my back othersideotherstory: yeeeeeah mentoelectric whats the point? othersideotherstory: i mean cabinet made a nice comment mentoelectric: you know cabinet is nice to everyone though othersideotherstory: yeah but like she means it mentoelectric: she's too nice, hate her ass sometimes mentoelectric: pity response othersideotherstory: Nooooo :( othersideotherstory: just give it a day, someone might be able to help mentoelectric: probably not, too outlandish othersideotherstory: thats kind of the point of the site othersideotherstory: stuff like angels a othersideotherstory: stuff like angels and monsters and all that are really weird and nobody knows a lot on what to do about my whole weird ass irl othersideotherstory: like this is the place mentoelectric: this is the place when a entity goes and fucks you up mentoelectric: or you get a little bit of radiation poisoning from messing with magic radios or something mentoelectric: I never asked mentoelectric: it just happened and yea othersideotherstory: i guess but like so do most other people here mentoelectric: they got stuff to prove it with mentoelectric: i just have to go trust me my ass is haunted mentoelectric: please i used to be a hero in another world and stuff like othersideotherstory: yeah mentoelectric like i dunno i got no way back mentoelectric: I got no proof I was ever there. mentoelectric: whatever i got a date later othersideotherstory: ooo you never told me you had someone mentoelectric: first date othersideotherstory: ooooooh mentoelectric: met her at the bookstore outskirtisland: she seemed really cool and we were going off about like how bad the Wayne D. Goya is these days and like i dunno othersideotherstory: she pretty? mentoelectric: yeah... othersideotherstory: can i see mentoelectric: i don't got any pictures yet othersideotherstory: no!!!! othersideotherstory: you dude! mentoelectric: oooo, I'm still in my uniform from work today mentoelectric: I gotta get dressed proper othersideotherstory: show mentoelectric: why do you want to see so bad othersideotherstory: cause i wanna make sure you're dressed okay mentoelectric: its not like a fancy date just a movie othersideotherstory: yeah but like still othersideotherstory: don't think i've seen you before actually.. mentoelectric: yeah i guess.. mentoelectric gonna eat and then after a bit i'll get ready mentoelectric: don't laugh othersideotherstory: yaj othersideotherstory: * yah mentoelectric: for real mentoelectric: pinkypromiseeee Moderation has sent a Direct Message Dreamerbeam: Hey so there were a number of users concerned about your recent thread? "I Miss the Other World?" I wanted to do a general check in, make sure you're doing okay and potentially offer you help if something is bothering you. Are you able to talk right now? mentoelectric: Yeah, sorry for putting that up I had a couple of other mods check in on me today. I'm doing alright, I just wanted to vent my feelings on some stuff and I thought it'd be okay. If you need to delete it go ahead. Dreamerbeam: No need! mentoelectric: Then why is it a worry? Dreambeam: I mean I guess I find the whole thing a little a little confusing: You got caught in a big freeway pileup, managed to find yourself sucked into in another world, and then when you finally returned home you were in the hospital? I guess looking at that it sounds like you were in a medical coma. We've had cases like that before, people live a whole life while asleep and end up stuck grieving for years what they lost. mentoelectric: It's a whole thing and I'm a little too busy to go into detail just now. Like I said I'm sorry if I scared all of you, go ahead and remove the thing if it has people genuinely worried about me. It's okay, I won't be mad: Dreambeam: We don't really like to delete anything, but for now we'll make sure to lock the thread if that's okay? We can revisit this later when you have more time, okay? And I'll send you a link of emergency hotlines in case you're struggling, you don't have to be alone you know. :) mentoelectric: Yeah. Sorry. Thank you for being concerned. Dreambeam: Of course! :F New Direct Message from: Cabinetspider Cabinetspider: Hey! Are you okay? Your thread got locked. mentoelectric: hey, yeah I'm fine. Sorry if I had you worried, lots of people checking in on ,e Cabinetspider: Oh god are the mods being all weird? Cabinetspider: there's a couple of weird ones Cabinetspider: hate their asses. Cabinetspider: Is it dreambeam? Cabinetspider: Rocketsurgery7 mentoelectric: yeah. mentoelectric: how'd you know? Cabinetspider: they bugged me because they thought I was trying to catfish people!! Cabinetspider: I had to prove I was a real spider! mentoelectric: wait are you?? Cabinetspider: Yes! fiend kind! mentoelectric: ohhhhhhhh okay mentoelectric: I thought you meant like a tiny bug but I guess that'd be a weird way to catfish someone. Cabinetspider: I don't even know what that means!!! mentoelectric: it's like when you pretend to be someone else or lie about how you look when dating online. Cabinetspider: I'm a shapeshifter, that's extra silly... Cabinetspider: If I don't look like the picture now I can on paper.. mentoelectric: uhhh Cabinetspider: also I am perfectly happy showing my real face X3 Mentoelectric: so like I know I shouldn't ask mentoelectric: but I want to know now Cabinetspider: One sec! ![[Image: the%20castle%20hangout.png]](http://homebrewdeviants.com/static/Masa/NewCrankshafrt/the%20castle%20hangout.png) [Image Description: A photo of Cabinetta, a humanoid vampiric woman with dark curly hair and many cute stylized eyes making a tiny smile, her horns combined with everything else resemble the mandibles of a spider upside fown. Next to her are a smug snouted rabbit furry woman and a snake furry with messy, curled black hair worn loose and natural] mentoelectric: oh wow you're cute, who's the bunny and the snake? Cabinetspider: friends! we hung out last week, celebrated one of them getting a big promotion.. mentoelectric: oh cool Cabinetspider: I wish they could visit more but it's hard when they live far away... mentoelectric: feel that mentoelectric: hey so mentoelectric: I know we don't talk much mentoelectric: but like mentoelectric: im sorry if I was ever mean to you Cabinetspider: I don't really think you were... we don't really talk mentoelectric: still. mentoelectric: you're honestly really cool. Cabinetspider: thank youuuuuu X3 Cabinetspider: Let me know if you need anything. mentoelectric: yeah, thank you so much Moderation has sent a Direct Message Dreamerbeam: Hey, stay out of the Haunted channel for now if that's alright. Dreamerbeam: We're probably going to revise rules to avoid another situation like this. Dreamerbeam: Don't go blaming yourself, okay? :) mentoelectric: Gotcha, sorry. New Direct Message from: othersideotherstory mentoelectric: Alright I'm all good, got derailed by a bunch of dms. mentoelectric: sorry.. othersideotherstory: you're fine! Mentoelectric has sent a image file: selfpic.png ![[Image: selfie%202.png]](http://homebrewdeviants.com/static/Masa/NewCrankshafrt/selfie%202.png) [Image Description: A webcam photo with the face cropped out of a nervous looking anthropomorphic rabbit with black fur wearing a comfy sweater and shorts.] othersideothestory: oh my god you're so cute! That's not what I expected at all! mentoelectric: what do you mean? othersideotherstory: You have like ....I dunno, bunny's not what I expected... mentoelectric: yeah that's uh.. I dunno. othersideotherstory: bnuy mentoelectric: Sometimes yeah.. othersideotherstory: Sometimes??? othersideotherstory: like a werewolf or mentoelectric: no it's a whole thing. mentoelectric: im going out in a sec so another time othersideotherstory: do iiiit othersideotherstory: tell me everything mentoelectric: okay othersideotherstory: mean it othersideotherstory: like every detail othersideotherstory: bitch mentoelectric: back othersideotherstory: hi, how'd it go? mentoelectric: alright, think I kinda flubbed it but not sure yet. othersideotherstory: think?? othersideotherstory: like othersideotherstory: what did you do?? mentoelectric: I dunno, she was nice and all but I don't think she had all that much fun mentoelectric: could tell I was off othersideotherstory: was she mad? mentoelectric: i don't think so othersideotherstory: should give her a call tomorrow, say you're sorry mentoelectric: yeah othersideotherstory: more details though... mentoelectric: she wanted to watch something scary, ended up clinging onto her too much mentoelectric: bit chickenshit othersideotherstory: she probably wanted that? othersideotherstory: like did she pull away?? mentoelectric: no. mentoelectric: she ended up stroking my ears... othersideotherstory: that's fucking gay mentoelectric: bleh mentoelectric: yeah I guess.. othersideotherstory: then like, what's the problem? mentoelectric: nothing.. after we ate at a local diner, ended up being too quiet. mentoelectric: that's when it started freaking me out mentoelectric: drove her back, she gave me a hug but it was kinda awkward othersideotherstory: ooooh othersideotherstory: you should turbo apologize then, like now mentoelectric: I'll text.. othersideotherstory: yes mentoelectric: I'll be back Moderation has sent a Direct Message Mr.Biggdippings: Hey so, we decided to just completely remove the thread. Mr.Biggdippings: If you want to post it again, have a mod go through it first before giving the clear. Mr.Biggdippings: Comments got a lot of heated and we don't want people attacking each other. Maybe keep to private instances for now to let things cool off. Mr.Biggdippings: That okay? We're asorry. Mr.Biggdippings: sorry mentoelectric: Yeah that's fine, sorry for all the trouble. Mr.Biggdippings: You're okay, just being transparent. mentoelectric: I appreciate it. New Direct Message from: othersideotherstory othersideotherstory: mods took it down othersideotherstory: fuckers mentoelectric: saw that mentoelectric: it's whatever othersideotherstory: you want me to go scream at them? mentoelectric: nah mentoelectric: not worth it tbh othersideotherstory: fucking love yourself man othersideotherstory: like bro you can't let them win mentoelectric: another day mentoelectric: tired mentoelectric: talk with date went good so we'll just take that win before I get mad. othersideotherstory: oooo is it okay? mentoelectric: yeah she just didn't get any sleep lol mentoelectric: she thought she fucked it up with me othersideotherstory: bro othersideotherstory: you know what though that checks othersideotherstory: you're both stupid mentoelectric: yeah othersideotherstory: my stupid homie and his stupid gf mentoelectric: too early to call it that mentoelectric: we'll see mentoelectric: Plan revenge on a better day. othersideotherstory: give me time I'll figure it out. mentoelectric: don't do anything without me though or I'll kill you othersideotherstory: what if it's really funny mentoelectric: nah. othersideotherstory: what if it's kinda funny. mentoelectric: maybe mentoelectric: for now just stay your beautiful evil self othersideotherstory: no homo othersideotherstory: riiiight? mentoelectric: I don't even know anymore tbh we'll figure that out later othersideotherstory: cool. othersideotherstory: forgot I needed to sleep for othersideotherstory: a interview othersideotherstory: fuck me man mentoelectric: no that's gay othersideotherstory: oh mentoelectric: not in the fun way anyway mentoelectric: sorry othersideotherstory: damn. mentoelectric: gonna go to bed soon too though, gonna wrap up a few quick things and logoff. othersideotherstory: sleeeeep New Direct Message from: Cabinetspider Cabinetspider: Hi!! I asked a friend to look into something for you? Cabinetspider: Might be important?? mentoelectric: oh? insecurelink mentoelectric: oh uh... Cabinetspider: SleightRemorseXIII is one of the regulars on a board I go to, fiendish circles. mentoelectric: the story lines up a lot, Like... mentoelectric: there wasn't really a big cult or anything but I got dragged away kinda the same way. Found the mirror in the woods, set up the offering, waited, and some guy showed up and said he'd return some day. mentoelectric: when the pile up happened I was cooked and he showed up to take me away... mentoelectric: and after that.. a lot Cabinetspider:.. you were there for years you said. mentoelectric: Yeah, by the end of it all I don't think anyone would've recognized me like. mentoelectric: I mean I didn't have anyone waiting for me anyway. Cabinetspider: Why leave? mentoelectric: cause being a hero wasn't what I wanted either.. mentoelectric: not a king or champion of the people or monster slayer.. mentoelectric: do you think... both of us have the same guy? Cabinetspider: was yours a rabbit too? mentoelectric: no mentoelectric: cat, name was Tuna Cabinetspider: A entity? mentoelectric: yeah Cabinetspider: oooooo okay, I can look into it. I don't talk to them but I have a friend who can help me.. Cabinetspider: did they uh.. help you return? mentoelectric: kinda Cabinetspider: ...kinda? mentoelectric: body became part of the other world, so I had to find another over there. mentoelectric: the original me is just.. somewhere there still in a tomb sleeping. Cabinetspider: Is that so? Cabinetspider: Are you a familiar by chance? or a construct now? Cabinetspider: You didn't sign any contracts? mentoelectric: no mentoelectric: one of the drivers who got caught died mentoelectric: so she was a vessel mentoelectric: the old me just vanished quietly but nobody would miss me. mentoelectric: face didn't match my ID anyway, doubt fingerprints are the same either mentoelectric: but.. my brain's wrong for this world too. mentoelectric: I was good at living over there but it didn't make me all that happy. mentoelectric: but living here just makes me feel like a alien in a costume mentoelectric: you know? mentoelectric: don't belong anywhere but maybe I can at least be safe mentoelectric: I get to dress cute at least I guess. mentoelectric: is it dumb that I like that? mentoelectric: now I'm just going off, sorry Cabinetspider: You're fine, I'm just busy with guests still. Cabinetspider: And I'm the one who got nosy first anyway X3 Cabinetspider: but I hope this helps you at least a little, I don't think you're crazy at all :( Cabinetspider: I can try to get you a chat with him btw! If it would help. mentoelectric: Have to think about it, but I might take you up on it. mentoelectric: Give me time? Cabinetspider: As much as you need. :3 |
| Posted by ThreadLurkingComorant - 03-19-2024, 06:50 PM |
|
The Morning Roost
B.Comorant Projects: N/A CW: None Perspective Character: Romero Waking up after date night with a entity.. ![[Image: fairy.png]](http://homebrewdeviants.com/static/Masa/fairy.png) You’ve been pretending to sleep for the past hour. You can’t manage to get much more rest in despite your best efforts. The early sun cracking through your curtains doesn’t do much to encourage you. You sit up, taking the time to shake the tired off your eyes and muscles. A lot quiet, you look over and see Roost’s tiny smile, a sharp contrast from the smug grins of a conman you spent most of the night with. Were you really doing this? You gently move the hair out of his face, immediately getting a sneeze out of him. Cute… It didn’t last for long. The entity seems to immediately hone in on you as soon as he’s awake, burying his face into the side of your chest. Romero: H-hey! Morning. Roost: Morning.. Roost: Seems you’re still here.. Romero: …This is my apartment? Roost: What’s your point? Romero: …alright. You sleep okay? Roost: As much as I can. Bit of a night owl personally so… Romero: Trouble sleeping? Roost: People like me don’t need to.. Roost: And depending on how your contract works out, you won’t eventually. Romero: Ah.. Is that a thing? You should ask about that.. Roost: Still, rest is rest… Roost: Breakfast? Romero: Yeah! Said I would. What’s a place with good bang for our buck… Roost: I told you I’d cover this time. Romero: You really don’t gotta- Roost: You’re broke, I can tell. And if you’re really worried about it on a business perspective… Roost: Consider it my investment in you.. Romero: Weird way to put it.. You weirdly don’t really mind it though… Roost: Isn’t that what any entity does when they find someone to make a long term agreement with? Roost: What made you call in your guy in the first place? Romero: Me? I was just a bit down on my luck, usual stuff. Roost: It doesn’t seem like he does all that much.. Romero: Don’t need him to. Roost: Did he hook you up with anything nice at least? Romero: Uh… Romero: Yeah just.. You reach into your pocket and pull out a tiny proxy. Romero: This. Roost: That’s.. Pathetic. Romero: You don’t like it? Roost: For you? No. Wasting your potential. Roost: Has to be insanely stingy to give you something so small… Romero: I mean it does the job- Roost: Does it? I can smell his magic on you, it’s so… minimal. Roost: Is he really that weak? Feels like he’s begging to get replaced. Perhaps… Romero: Nah. Romero: Bit much for my brain to figure out, I’m good with what we’ve got. Roost: Still.. Sooo… He picks up the proxy by the wing, it dangling down stoically. It doesn’t seem to be bothered at all surprisingly. Romero: Hey, be nice. Roost: Just a weird mannequin bug creature.. Romero: Yeah well.. Roost: I can do one better. Romero: Hey don’t pull anything funny- He boops you right on the nose. Roost: I can’t do much without asking. Roost: So I’m gonna do you a favor and offer you a second gear. Romero: A what? Roost: A proxy made by dual contract can have a second form, one that flips around based on your affinity. Roost: Promise you that you’ll like it.. Romero: Yeah I don’t know, sounds kinda asking for trouble? Romero: One contract’s already kind of a hazard. Roost: I can have it written as a disposable contract, something hassle free and you can break off without consequences. Roost: At least consider a trial period… He places the proxy back into your palm and gives it a little pat. You tuck it away in your jacket’s pocket once more. The fact that your proxy seems completely okay around him. Romero: A week? Roost: I can do that. Roost holds out his pinky. You reach your hand out part way. Romero: Don’t you guys usually shake for these? Roost: A pinky promise is sweet and juvenile, lower stakes when my magic operates more of a business sense. Romero: I guess.. Roost: Not feeling it? Romero: A way to think about it I guess. Roost: Being dishonest when offered anything you could ask for, Typical for contractors like yourself- Romero: Yeah, gonna stop you there a sec. Roost: What? Romero: You’re doing the thing. Roost: What thing? Romero: He uh… he had a word for it. Said it was like a dance? Roost: What are you talking about? Romero: “Are you really who you claim to be?””As much as you are-” it’s that thing. My guy said entities are pretty big into that sort. Romero: Way to pry for information, gauge a situation without having to commit to a risk. Intimidate, see how easy you can press. Romero: Play along, give them just a little shit cause it makes you “interesting”, and let them talk away a bit. Bam, negotiate a few extra terms cause you fluffed them up just right. Roost’s ears flopped down, he made a sad little noise. Romero:... You okay? Roost: You for real right now? Romero: Hey, I didn’t mean it like- Roost: I’m not something out of one of your cheap bestiaries, you can’t solve me. Romero: Wasn’t trying to like- Romero: I’m sorry.. Roost: Are you? Romero: Yeah, if you want me to back off- Roost: Stop. The entity smirked. Roost: You lose. Romero: …What? Roost: The “dance” is something you can’t point out. If you don’t go with the flow you’re going to incur a worse wrath. And you cracked under the first fallback plan. Romero:... So you’re not mad? I mean I’m glad but- Roost: No, but this is a first for me.. Roost: You’re too nice for your own good, and you’re lucky I like that about you. I won’t do that again, for your sake. There’s a slight shift in his voice, softer. Roost: Though… maybe don’t do that too much yourself? Would hate for this to be a daily thing. Romero: Yeah, yeah I can do that. Scared the shit out of my honest just uh… A tiny smirk. His eye sparkles with anticipation. You try to play into the moment. You snag his hand. Roost: O-Oh?! Romero: You still up to sign? Roost: Yes! He locks pinkies with yours, a flicker of warmth mutually sparking between the two of you. He takes an opportunity to turn things into a hug, burying his muzzle into your jacket. Romero: You really like doing that, yeah? He makes a muffled excited murmur Romero: Guess that’s a yes- The proxy suddenly starts rustling, crawling out of your pocket and flopping onto the floor. There’s a red fluid seeping from within the joints. Romero: H-Hey, are you okay?! Roost: It’ll be fine, it’s just.. Taking it in. After a bit of wriggling around it seemed to mellow out, as if nothing ever happened. There’s a residual sensation seeping from it, like laying down after a hot bath. Roost: Hammerspace.. Your guy really did just give you the bare minimum. Roost: Does that really count as a power? Every entity I’ve met can do that.. Either he’s secretly really weak or he’s really holding out. Romero: If it works, it works. You scoop up your proxy. Are you really being kept in the dark? It’s not like it’s ever not been enough though… Roost: You know you can just like… poof your little guy away though. Roost: You don’t have to keep it on you like that. Romero: It likes it, gets to join in all day. Roost: I guess.. Romero: Whatcha think by the way?. Roost: Your entity? Hmm… Roost: Latter. Romero: The latter.. |
| Posted by ThreadLurkingComorant - 03-14-2024, 05:10 AM |
|
Bus Stop
B.Comorant Projects: N/A CW: None Perspective Character: Romero A witch follows up on a promise with a eccentric entity. ![[Image: Roost%20gay.png]](http://homebrewdeviants.com/static/Masa/Roost%20gay.png) You arrive at your usual bus stop after work. Roost, the stranger you met just a few hours ago is sitting on the bench half tuckered out. Romero: Oh wow, you really did wait for me.. Roost: Mmhmm! Not for long but... He avoided eyecontact, very obviously lying. Romero: So uh.. We’re doing this then? Like.. a date? Roost: It doesn’t need to be a date…. He’s playing games with you, you roll with the punches. Romero: I kinda want it to be. His eyes spark, he scoots in to hug you. Roost: If you insist then.. You have any plans? Romero: Uh… to be blunt I don’t got a lot of money so.. Romero: Thinking we could go get ice cream, figure it from there. Roost: I told you I can cover you, know I’m getting paid more than you. Romero: I mean it doesn’t feel fair to- Roost: Shhhh. You’re allowed to be treated. Roost: You know… I’m kinda surprised you did come back though. Figured you knew better. Roost: But then… that says something, right? Romero: Well.. Roost: You like a little risk.. Least that’s what I would say. Roost: But… you’re too normal about this. You might be more of a danger to me.. He wraps his arms around one of yours. Romero: I mean I don’t really want to hurt you… Roost: You know I’m dangerous though. Roost: And I think that makes you more appealing.. He pressed his face against your sleeve. Romero: You okay? Roost: Mm.. you’re scent’s just catnip to me right now. A mortal like you wouldn’t get it.. Romero: Go ahead.. Are all you guys like this? Roost: Is yours not? Romero: Well.. no? Weird but not like.. Roost: Like a completely different type of being? Romero: Uh.. I guess that’s one way to put it yeah. Roost: Most entities aren’t quite operating on the same type of logic people like yourself work on. Roost: Even those who started mortal change overtime.. Roost: If it scares you, I can try to dial it back. Romero: Nah. I kinda wanna know you, you know? Romero: If I can’t do that now, gonna only make things harder later. That seemed to genuinely make him happy, his ears perked up. Roost: Wise words.. It’s true, I’d like that if I can. Roost: I wouldn’t want to try this sort of thing with anyone if they weren’t aware of my nature. Romero: Didn’t take long to spill the beans there though. Romero: What’s the point of trying to blend in if you’re going to be that quick to talk? Roost: Are you assuming this isn’t my true form? Romero: No offense but… Roost: None taken. Romero: Just not… the energy I expected? Roost: I see.. Roost: If this form isn’t your deal, I can find something else. His eyes start shifting around toward passing people. His pupils tighten into slits. Roost: Someone will make a deal, just let me know your type and I can work something else. Oh god okay you need to stop this. Romero: You. Roost: Me? Romero: You don’t gotta do that for me, just wanna know you.. You test things out by wrapping a single arm around him in a semi-hug. Roost: A-Ah! Okay, interesting answer. Roost: Well.. truth be told? I’m just bored most of the time. Roost: Hands in plenty of pies but.. That’s not really living. Roost: You don’t make friends out of customers. Roost: And I don’t really have a true accomplice in all this either? Roost: But you? Absolutely alluring aura… that beautiful destructive red… Another little nuzzle. Roost: What’s your knight category? Romero: Me? Uh.. Romero: Don’t got one, guild collapsed. Roost: You had one at some point though. Romero: Blades.. Roost: Lovely.. Roost: You’re good with a knife then? Romero: Yeah I guess… Roost: Have to show me sometime. Maybe we’ll get in a little scuffle tonight, I’d love to be protected by someone like you… Romero: Please don’t? Yeah? He lets out a little snicker. Roost: It’s not too early to back down. Romero: You really wanna see if I do, huh? Roost: I just like getting a reaction out of people. Roost: I can back down, I’m happy with every little face you make though… Roost: So… what’s your true form? Romero: Uh… this? Roost: Really? Romero: Yeah.. Roost: Not a single mutation from your employment? Is it recent? Romero: It’s been going for a few years.. Roost: Incredible.. Roost: But it does mean I can potentially mark you first… Romero: Hey what do you mean by that- He traces a finger to your neck. Roost: Right here? Just one little marking.. Romero: O-Oh! I mean… you know what? Romero: Bring it. Roost: You don’t want to wait til later? Romero: Life’s too short, go for it. Roost’s eyes shift, the unnatural black glow filling them up. Roost: Stay still, okay? Romero: Yeah alri- You feel him bite down with an intense enthusiasm. It manages to get a happy little noise out of him. There’s so many redflags but.. You pull him in for a full hug. You can feel his heart racing, everything muscle a fluctuation of excitement and ease. He finally releases you before returning to resting his cheek against you. Romero: You okay? Roost: Mmhmm.. You’re a bit of an oddball though. Romero: Yeah? Roost: Could’ve killed you about five times by now. Romero: Did you? Roost: Nope. Romero: So what’s the problem? He pauses for a moment to think.. Roost: If you’ve made it this far living like that, you must really be something special. Romero: Nah, not really. You end up letting out a bit of a tired yawn. Roost:.. Are you sleepy so early? Romero: Honestly.. Little bit. Just wrapped up with work, and uh.. Romero: Not gonna lie? Got a little bit rollercoastered just now.. Roost: A-Ah! Right. My kind are.. A bit volatile? Like.. Romero: I get it. You’re all good. Roost: I’ll slow down- Romero: I’m not going to ask you to stop being you. Romero: But uh… maybe overextended myself a bit.. Roost: Sorry…. His ears flopped down in a slightly exaggerated fashion, trying to cover up a more earnest guilt. Romero: Look like.. You might get in trouble for this. Romero: I got something if you’re uh.. Okay with it? Roost: Bring it. Romero: Come back to my place for the night, we can do something kinda chill and low energy. Romero: Get some nice breakfast together tomorrow. Pancakes maybe? Roost’s ears perked back up. Roost: I can go for that. What do you want in return? Romero: Me? Nothing really… Roost: There’s always something. Roost: If you could take something off of me- Romero: Hat. Roost: What. Romero: I wanna try it on. Roost: That’s… not what I meant. Romero: Don’t care, hat. Roost:.. I see. Roost: You’re unusual. Romero: Good way? Roost: Very good way. Roost: I want a real answer though when we get there. Romero: I’m gonna make you wait *til* we’re there or we’re not getting anything done tonight. Roost: Fair’s fair.. Roost: Carry me then.. You promised Romero: Did I do that? Roost: I don’t really remember for sure? But I want that so.. Romero: We gotta wait for the bus back first.. Roost: Right.. Roost: Carry me on the bus. Romero: I… alright I guess. Roost: And… He stops, thinking things over for a moment. Romero: What’s up? Roost: I’m covering breakfast tomorrow if you’re letting me stay the night. He offers you a hand. Romero: This a pact? Roost: Just.. a promise. We’ll get there one day though. You cross pinkies with his, his eyes widening with surprise. Romero: We’ll give this a real go. Good with that? Roost:... Alright. |
| Posted by ThreadLurkingComorant - 03-13-2024, 12:20 AM |
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Magic Bus
B.Comorant Projects: N/A CW: None Perspective Character: Romero A witch comes across a unusual stranger on the bus... ???: Hey! Mind if I sit with you? Romero: Yeah, go ahead. ???: You sure, might get chatty. Romero: Not gonna complain about that. ???: You sure? Romero: I’m gonna be here awhile. Gotta head north today. ???: Same here. Romeo: Then you’re all good. Roost: Thank you.. Roost by the way. Romero: Romero. Roost: Both Rs! Romero: Yeah? That’s true, yeah. Roost: Must be a lucky day, right? Romero: I mean it’s like.. Romero: there’s billions of people. You probably pass plenty more just walking through the streets. Roost: I guess… Roost: But Roost and Romero sound kinda nice next to each other. Roost: You wouldn’t happen to be looking for a business partner, right? Romero: Me? Nah not really. I’m kind of a freelancer. Roost: I could say the same for myself too I suppose.. Man of many talents. Romero: What do you lean into? Roost: Bit of everything really, wherever things take me. Roost: And you? Romero: Same? Get a lot of work doing delivery jobs and the occasional bouncer gig. Roost: You’re a bit pretty to be throwing hands. Roost: Think you got more potential than that personally.. You feel a little flustered at that. Romero: I mean… Romero: I’ve considered uh.. Entertainment? Roost: Yeah? Romero: Something online. Just for fun but, maybe it’d be nice to make some money? Roost: I’ve actually put a lot of time into that sort of thing. It’s been… interesting. Romero: Really? Roost: Good money, plenty of audience, tons of haters.. Romero: Haters? What’d you do? Roost: Nothing really. Just comes with the territory. Romero: With a face like that? You’re adorable. Roost covers his mouth with his sleeve, trying to hide a reaction. Romero: Seriously, dude. Is dude okay? Roost: Mmhmm.. Romero: Like.. Roost: Like? Romero: I dunno, I just can’t see it. Romero: Especially those eyes. Little sparkle goes miles. Roost: I’m pretty happy with those.. Roost: They’d look better on you though. Romero: Yeah well… He rests his head onto your shoulder. Roost: Tired, you mind if I- Romero: Go for it. Roost: Let me know if it;s too much.. Romero: Yeah just.. There was a very subtle, passive nuzzle as he got adjusted. A little smile across his face. Cute… Roost: Hmm… Romero: What’s up? Roost: I can smell someone on you… Roost: Though they’re pretty hands off… What did he mean? Romero: Pardon? Roost: No surprise really, can tell you’re someone special. Roost: Shame.. Roost: I was wondering if you wanted to come over later after you’re done with your errands.. Romero: I-I mean why not? He places a hand on your finger, the ring around it. Roost: You’re already committed… Oh god does he think you’re married? Romero: Oh that? No that’s not.. I’m not with anyone right now. Romero: If you wanna go out maybe… Roost: Not talking about that… Roost: Although that’s a fun thought…. So I’ll say yes to that at least. What does he mean? Romero: What were you going to- Roost: Shhhh. Roost: Who’d you sign a pact with? Roost: You got insurance? Dental? Romero: Uh.. should I? Roost: Terrible employers.. Roost: It’s worse than I thought. Romero: I-Is it?! Roost: A pretty face like yours needs to be on top of their oral care. Romero: Pretty forward- Wait do you mean like.. Actual dentists? Roost: Yes. What else could I have meant? Romero: Uh.. Roost: I mean you’re pretty, don’t get me wrong but.. Roost: Dinner first. Roost: Course I imagine that’s a little fast paced too… Romero: You just want a pact, right? Like- Roost: I did, but I kinda want to see where this goes too? Roost: And you can opt out. Roost: Businessman, like to keep things separate if I can.. Roost: So? Romero: I mean… Romero: Can I trust you? Roost: As an entity? God no. Roost: But don’t think of me as one right now. Roost: That can be another time…. You ponder for a moment. He’s on this bus with you, people are giving you both looks so it’s clear they see him. Romero: Are you… really here? Roost: Mmhmm! Romero: Weird.. Romero: I thought most entities couldn’t wander outside their own realm like that? Roost: There’s a number of ways around it. As you said, most. Roost: Yours stuck in limbo? Romero: N-No just.. Roost: Then I can be here too, and right now.. Roost: I like where I am. He let out a yawn, visibly looking incredibly comfortable. Romero: H-Hey! Don’t fall asleep on the bus! Roost: You’ll wake me up before your stop, no? Romero: I mean.. Roost: If I take a nap on you like this, I’m putting my trust in you. If it’s too much, or you don’t think you can trust me, tell me. I’ll leave you alone, promise. Romero: I… Think your next word wisely. Romero: I just.. Maybe want to talk to you more. That cool? Roost blushed again. Roost: I really am tired but… Roost: Three questions. Do that, and I’ll give you my number before we part. Sound good? Romero: Sure uh.. Think things three. Romero: What made you want to sit with me? Roost: At first? Just saw a lot of untapped potential. Got an eye for talent, most entities do. Roost: You know your arcana? Romero: The World. Roost: Mm! A natural one too. That’s quite special if you ask me. Roost: And your category? Romero: Uh… Roost: Executioner. Never seen that combo on someone so… Roost: What’s the word? Cute? Roost: After though… you got me curious about you. Roost: And maybe… I’ll finish that sentence if we meet again, how about that? Romero: I mean I plan to.. Roost: Good.. two more. Romero: What.. are you really? Roost: An entity much like the one you’re signed to. Roost: Stronger for sure.. Maybe not as dangerous from the smell on you… Roost: One more… Romero: Can I.. touch your ears? He tilted his head toward you, you took a moment to play with one gently. He seemed quite satisfied with that. Roost: No idea why you’d waste a question on that but… I’m not going to complain. Romero: It’s not a waste if I get a smile out of you. The entity’s eyes widened in embarrassment. Roost:.. Yeah well- Romero: Gotcha. Face tells me everything I need to know. Roost: W-what did you do? Romero: See the real you for a sec, enough to gauge thing. You give him a playful pat on the head. Romero: And.. think I’’m willing to give this a shot. For now you can sleep though, I’ll wake you up before I walk off. Roost: You don’t even know if my stop is before yours. Romero: It’s not, you’ve been hopping the bus all day. Romero: And you’re gonna probably try to be at my stop when I’m done. Romero: Now how your type operates too. Roost opens his mouth for a moment to say something before quietly surrendering, getting comfortable enough to try and sleep again. Roost: You good for tonight then? Romero: Yeah. Roost: I want you to walk me home after.. Romero: Any reason? Roost: I am very short, I want someone strong to keep me safe on the way there. Roost: Bonus points if you carry me at some point. Romero: And where we looking at? Roost: Not sure… we’ll figure it out. Roost: And don’t worry about covering for me, I want to treat you too. Romero: For real? Roost: I know you’re not swimming in cash. So… Another big yawn. He closed his eyes. Roost: I’ll give you time to think on that. Sound good? Romero: R-right. Roost: And uh… you can take a quick photo, I’d make a cute wallpaper for your phone.. Roost: You.. don’t have to. But I like the idea of being in your thoughts all day like that. Roost: Anyway… Roost: Don’t forget about me, I’ll remember. He was quick to fall asleep, little snores being audible. You may have taken at least one offer that day… |
| Posted by skinstealer - 03-08-2024, 10:48 PM |
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Making Clownery a Comfort
Krowling Mortis + Benny Mortis, Post-Void Session CW: Suggestive mentions Raffle funded by AceofNothing Numfi does an interview. The talk show opens as it always does, zooming in over a live audience of TCPs until it reaches the stage, where Maurice Zap- everyone's favorite negativity type, a superstar to end all superstars- sits in an armchair with his hands in his lap, only shifting to wave at the crowd. MAURICE: Welcome, welcome everyone! MAURICE: What an awesome crowd today! MAURICE: You know, we've got a special guest in store today. MAURICE: I know there's been rumors going around for a while, and some of you may have figured it out in advance... MAURICE: But we've got a survivor of the Spitkiller session here, on stage, for an exclusive interview!
The crowd goes absolutely ballistic- every TCP with connection to news, especially here in Taverne, was familiar with the session. While the name was a bit exaggerated- after all, Spit still lives and breathes- it was the only time Spit had been damaged in person. Everyone knew the stories, though they were prone to urban legends and things going through the telephone gossip process...but it was a legendary event, and one that TCP culture embraced wholeheartedly. The actual session participants mostly kept their heads down, but...
MAURICE: She's an activist post-session, hard at work at making a real difference out there. MAURICE: And what's crazy is- she's not even a TCP! MAURICE: Introducing the advocate for the wizit species....Numfi, Mistress of the Twelve True Honks! The crowd oohs in awe, Maurice letting them get it out of their system before a tall, TCP-scaled clown comes in from the back. Her robe nearly drags across the floor, but her tail wags as she walks over to the interviewee couch with a calm expression. She takes a moment to wave at the audience, people cheering.
Once they quiet down, she turns to face Maurice. NUMFI: Such a nice crowd today! MAURICE: Is it too much? NUMFI: Not at all, I'm used to big groups. NUMFI: Granted, not this big, but... NUMFI: As we spread our influence, we're going to have to go to bigger gatherings. MAURICE: Well, I'm just thrilled to give you that platform.
He turns to the camera, leaning back.
MAURICE: Now for our lovely audience- do you mind if I introduce you a bit more, or- NUMFI: Be my guest. MAURICE: Alrighty! So, Numfi here- she's part of a species called wizits. MAURICE: It's rare for an actual sapient species to make their way out of a session. MAURICE: But you- you chose to come out, right? NUMFI: Mhm. NUMFI: We were presented the option to go to Paradise or come to Morbit itself, and our population was pretty divided. NUMFI: But the vast majority of wizits that were formally on the Void team, it just felt like the right option. NUMFI: While our opinions vary heavily on Void themselves- it felt wrong to not be a part of the TCPs we worked with's lives. MAURICE: And those opinions- I mean, surely it must be weird, especially from what I understand, you still live with Void? NUMFI: It's a casual arrangement, but yes. NUMFI: Void is a good god, I'd say- but they're still a god. NUMFI: And there's just- there's that power dynamic. MAURICE: Mhm, you can't get rid of that. NUMFI: From what I understand, Morbitian TCPs have just as much varied opinions on Wax. MAURICE: Oh, for sure. We all know how I feel about him! The audience laughs, Numfi joining in.
NUMFI: I haven't had the opportunity to meet him personally, but... MAURICE: Really? He was in your session! NUMFI: Mhm, but he's busy. We actually do have a meeting planned soon to discuss citizenship with him... MAURICE: Wow. That's incredible. NUMFI: It's a big responsibility on my shoulders, talking to a high god. NUMFI: But it's what needs to be done, and- can I be frank for a moment? MAURICE: Please! NUMFI: It's more...I see the session gods as people in power. Not...deities. NUMFI: Visiting Wax for this is just as much an ordeal as going to file paperwork for housing. MAURICE: Wow. It's like going to an office for you. NUMFI: If you can believe it, yes. NUMFI: It's just- they have power, but we've- we've been working for them, effectively, back in the session. NUMFI: With Void, at least...they were respectful of our boundaries and our health, but unlike some of the TCPs- they weren't something holy to me. NUMFI: And that's fine, you know? I don't mind either way. MAURICE: That's incredible... MAURICE: You're very generous to these gods! NUMFI: It's a complicated thing! NUMFI: But they have been kind to us, for the most part. MAURICE: Mhmm, mhmmm... MAURICE: Oh, and- MAURICE: You're getting your magic type registered, right? NUMFI: Oh, yes! NUMFI: We're fairly certain that our magic system is teachable to non-wizits, so we want to get classes for that certified. NUMFI: The few TCPs we've taught have been really successful. It's so rewarding... MAURICE: Now, I don't know if it's safe, but...
He leans in, conspiratorially.
MAURICE: Can you show us a trick. Numfi places her sleeved paw up to her chin, exaggerated in thinking it over as she goes "Hmmmm!". The audience can't help but giggle, and she waits for it to stop before nodding with a wide smile.
MAURICE: Alrighty, amazing! Let's see it! The wizit closes her eyes, spreading her arms out-
-before making a rapid set of hand gestures, pressing her paws together for a moment. The audience is completely trained on her, Maurice's eyes widening.... She pulls her hands apart, and a little balloon dog pops into existence. Everyone gasps, and as she balances it on her hands and hands it to Maurice, their excitement turns to cheers when it moves, sniffing him. MAURICE: Oh my god! MAURICE: Is this- is it alive? NUMFI: Sort of! NUMFI: It's a magic trick that'll last for a few hours. NUMFI: It's not- it's not really a construct, or sapient, I think the term is... NUMFI: But it'll wander around as a toy. MAURICE: That's incredible...I'm so sad that it'll fade eventually! NUMFI: We've been practicing trying to make them last longer...but yes, wizit magic tends to be rather ephemeral. NUMFI: It's a lot less "practical" than scrap magic in that sense. NUMFI: Flashes of mirth and color, party tricks... NUMFI: But there's value in that! NUMFI: It's important for people to have a little fun, I think. MAURICE: And- you used these tricks during the Spitkiller session, correct? NUMFI: Oh, yes. Less of this one- though it did help Buddy cope with the post-surgery grief- and more of using popping balloons as a distraction tool. NUMFI: If I do it right, they can be as loud as gunshots. MAURICE: Wow. Now that's a party trick. NUMFI: I wouldn't use that one now, I think... NUMFI: Silently popping balloons are more my trade. MAURICE: Much easier on the ears, I imagine... MAURICE: And- is it true that every session wizit has their own powerset? NUMFI: Mhm. NUMFI: We're hoping to get those willing to volunteer their secrets to our magic schoolings. NUMFI: Even with some opting out, it'll be a lot of stuff to work with. MAURICE: Amazing. Just amazing. MAURICE: And just- how many wizits are there? MAURICE: I doubt people see them on the street often.
Numfi nods, thinking it over.
NUMFI: There were...a couple dozen in our session- about a hundred total, give or take. NUMFI: People spread out a good bit, so, yes, you wouldn't be super likely to see them frequently. NUMFI: But...we can reproduce. So in the next few years, I'd expect there to be a lot more around. MAURICE: Wow. And it's magic? NUMFI: Mhm. MAURICE: And... He leans in again.
MAURICE: You don't have to tell me this, but... MAURICE: I've heard that TCP/wizit hybrids might be a thing down the line. MAURICE: Is there any truth to this? The first TCP hybrids with another species? Numfi gives the host a sly look as the crowd "oooh's" again.
NUMFI: Now that is a species secret. NUMFI: Some things are meant just for us clowns! NUMFI: We can have kids directly with another partner, yes... NUMFI: But that's not the only way. And I can't tell you anything about it. NUMFI: Sorry, Maurice! MAURICE: It's fine, it's fine! MAURICE: I'll just have to stay up at night wondering...such incredible stuff. MAURICE: But, I do have to ask- MAURICE: Would you ever date a complex?
Numfi laughs, rubbing her cheek.
NUMFI: I mean, maybe. NUMFI: With our ability to size shift, it's very possible. More viable, you know? NUMFI: But I feel like a TCP would get the session thing more. NUMFI: It's like- it's like being a war veteran, in some senses. MAURICE: I absolutely think it counts. NUMFI: And- sessions are such a big part of TCP culture. NUMFI: I feel like it's natural to want a relationship with someone who would get it better, even if they haven't been in a session themself. MAURICE: I am right there with you. You need someone who gets it. NUMFI: You do. MAURICE: And...how's the relationship with the rest of the team? NUMFI: Well, as you know- I'm currently staying with Void, as well as Buddy and Hark. MAURICE: Wow...is living with Hark scary? MAURICE: I mean, she was on the enemy team. It's already known that her and Buddy are, you know, a thing, but how do you feel about that? The wizit shakes her head.
NUMFI: She doesn't scare me one bit- she's like family to me. NUMFI: I hang out with her and Buddy all the time. NUMFI: Every day, she's out there, being her best self- and I could never associate her with Spit after that. NUMFI: It would be cruel! MAURICE: So true...but I can't imagine it's easy. NUMFI: You'd be surprised at how natural it feels. NUMFI: With how she helped turn on Spit- it's like she's always meant to be on our side of things. MAURICE: I see...that's incredible. Truly amazing. They both pause to let the audience applaud, everyone completely engaged with the conversation. This kind of press hasn't been common for Spitkiller session survivors, aside from some of the TCPs going into similar activism...
Once everything calms down, Maurice makes a throat-clearing sound and continues. MAURICE: Now, there's one more thing- possibly the biggest thing. MAURICE: But for your activist movement- you're claiming to "make clownery a comfort", and really revise how people see the clown profession. MAURICE: Especially here in Hoopla- that word's associated with gang violence! MAURICE: But for you... NUMFI: For us, Void instilled values based on the clowns from their world. NUMFI: It's baked into us! Us wizits are hard wired to want to make people smile. NUMFI: Our movement is to help spread those goals, and really show people the joy of making someone smile. MAURICE: Wow... NUMFI: It's really something special. NUMFI: Like- it's about making people happy. Injecting joy into someone's life! NUMFI: That's not to say physical comedy can't get slapstick-y. NUMFI: Some wizits really prefer that sort of tangible humor over party tricks. MAURICE: A pie to the face, I think I've heard? NUMFI: Oh, yes. All about the pies. NUMFI: But it's about that sense of consent. The feeling that everyone involved is happy. NUMFI: We were... She pauses, thinking over her words. Maurice lets her think it over, his attention rapt.
NUMFI: We were soldiers. NUMFI: We were put into this situation- we were "born" into it. NUMFI: We didn't have a choice, just like other session TCPs. NUMFI: But we're here now, and we want to make a positive change. NUMFI: Whether that's through making people feel a bit better about clowns, or teaching self defense through our techniques- NUMFI: We really want to make the world a better place.
Maurice nods slowly, speaking almost as if he's choked up with tears.
MAURICE: You are a real hero, Numfi. NUMFI: Oh, I don't need to be a hero... NUMFI: I just want to be a clown.
The audience bursts into applause, Numfi giving them an appreciative smile.
MAURICE: Now- we're just about out of time. MAURICE: But- MAURICE: If everyone looks under their seats, you can find a free, complementary copy of Numfi's new book! NUMFI: I hope you all like it- it's short, but I put all of my tips and tricks into it. MAURICE: I'm sure they'll love it- and with any luck, it'll chart bestseller's in no time. NUMFI: Now that would be a dream... MAURICE: Well...
The negativity type reaches out his hand, and Numfi eagerly shakes it, nice and firm.
MAURICE: You have been an absolute treat, Numfi. NUMFI: You too, Mr. Zap! MAURICE: Please- call me Maurice. He turns to the audience now, reclining in his chair and petting his little balloon dog.
MAURICE: With that, we'll go to commercials- and rememebr! MAURICE: Always think of the positives! |
| Posted by ThreadLurkingComorant - 03-03-2024, 07:57 PM |
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Divine Percussion
B.Comorant Projects: Punch Clock Animal Divine AU CW: Discussion of past traumas, Really weird confusing flirtation. After rediscovering the long separated proxy, Charon takes the time to check in on Snare after she returns from a long distance job.... You haven't talked much to Snare ever since your Proxy came back from her most recent job. Despite being away for so long, Snare immediately signed on to handle one of many of the efforts to crackdown on the remaining Spit cultists. You're admittedly a little down about how little time there's been to spend time together... It's dirty work too, the kind that has a tendency to take a toll on people really fast. Those you've trusted with these types of jobs tend to be offered a number of services to help cool down. It's the least you can do.. You can feel the residual stress of the proxy seeping through the back of your head,a check in is due while she's taking a break. She's in her room, you can sense her... You knock on the door gently only to be cut off immediately. Snare: You don’t have to do that. Charon:...Did I do something wrong? Snare: No just.. Snare: You know I’m in here, and I’ve got nothing to hide from you. Snare: No point to that. Charon: Just figured it’s good courtesy.. You step inside, Snare pacing around in the center of her bedroom, wearing the guise of a roughneck rather than defaulting to her usual proxy form. Charon: Hey.. Snare: Did you need something? Charon: Just wanted to check in on you… Snare: Ah… so you noticed? Charon: I mean.. Yeah. We’re linked by soul so.. Snare: I’m just.. agitated. You offer our your arms to the proxy, her eyes widen at that before reluctantly declining. Charon: Not good for it right now? Snare: I just.. Feel like it’d make things worse I guess. Charon: You can talk to me.. Snare: Should I? Charon: I’m not going to force you but.. I’d like if you did. The proxy takes a look at the bed for a moment to ponder. Snare: I’d like to sit down for this, if that’s alright. Charon: Of course! Snare offers you her hand. You take it, being escorted gently like the queen at a gala before she finally sits down. She pats next to herself. You oblige, scooting close. Snare: You’re wearing that mask, were you planning to go out to handle some business? Charon: Just came back from it. Snare: Mm.. not that it’s anything new obviously. I’m just.. Snare: Curious about how you’re free and yet.. You still choose to wear those. Snare: Though… Snare: Suppose we’re both wearing them these days. Charon: Guess so… Charon: Back then I think Rein just.. Made me feel bad all the time, you know? Charon: Never enough, couldn’t ever be. Made me hate a lot about myself really Snare: I mean I was there.. Charon: Mm.. Snare: As much as I could be at the time… Snare: I… I’m always caught between feelings thinking back then. Charon: Oh? Snare: I can’t blame you, but part of me’s still angry that you took this long to rescue me.. Charon: Had to wait til it was safe. Even when Rein was gone Spit was- Snare: Spit was a problem I could’ve protected you from. Snare: You could’ve called in me before you resorted to… whatever that form you slip into so much came into play. Charon:.. You don’t like it? Snare: I’m mad you picked her over me.. Charon: The husk isn’t.. That’s not me picking someone over you. Snare: You did.. Even if you never meant to. Snare: I was always the strength you needed and we had a plan, I could’ve kept you safe… Snare: Bucket may have managed to get the jump on me but.. I’ve grown stronger since then.. Snare: And I know it’s not fair, I’m more than aware of your circumstances but- Charon: I mean.. That’s how you feel, right? Charon: And I want to make it up to you.. Snare: You’ve done enough. Charon: Clearly that’s not true.. Snare: You have but… Snare: That leads to the other conclusion… Snare: Satisfaction’s not something I’m capable of. Snare: Being alone in a dungeon so long changes a person. Snare: Makes you thorned, bitter.. Snare: And despite all that.. Somehow I still want to live with you but.. Snare: It’s all so different, and you changed with it. Snare: But yet.. There’s one familiar comfort. She pointed to you. Charon: Me? Snare: That mask. Charon: Mm.. Snare: Not the same one exactly, but one that came about around the time we were together. Snare: That’s the face I feel close to.. Snare: The one I’m missing.. Charon: You want a mask…? Snare: Assuming a lot there. Wouldn’t be much good for me, lack of head without a guise and all. Charon: That why you’re wearing it right now? Snare: Ironically, despite being a cultist’s form, it reduces a few urges. Snare: But it also makes me jealous. Charon: Really? Snare: Maes, you two are close. I want some of that time as well. Snare: And perhaps I want to get to know them too. Snare: Residual feelings and happiness maybe but.. I’d like you to introduce me to them some time properly. An occasion, dinner, maybe a film afterwards. Charon: That’s really fair. Maes is really important to me so.. Snare: So you’re going to set us up to have a proper talk, as of now it’s only been the occasional passing greeting. Charon: I can set that up- Snare: Other other thing? The other cat? Charon: The Smiles? Snare:... Are they a cat? Odd.. Charon: Don’t be rude.. Snare: Sorry, uncalled for. Not them. The other one. Charon: Oh? Snare pointed to you directly? Charon: Me? Snare: The one hiding under that face. Charon: I mean.. That’s not another person- Snare: Not in the conventional sense but., Snare: She provides you with comfort, freedom, safety.. Snare: Stepping on toes a bit. Snare: Clingy even. Charon: I’m not sure what you mean- Snare: Even then she speaks for you. Snare: I’d like to give her a piece of my mind. Charon:.. I don’t think I’m following. She pressed her nose up to your mask’s muzzle. Snare: I can feel aggressive urges from her too. You really trust her enough to keep her around so much.. Charon: I mean there’s impulses yeah.. Charon: Angry.. Snare: Same kind of anger as me. Snare: And yet despite that, she’s so much softer.. Snare: I think it’s unfair. Charon: You can be soft.. Snare: One day but.. Not now. Snare: I want to spend the day with you.. And maybe understand what her problem is. Snare: And I’d like to possibly spend some time out together if we can. Charon: Is that why you’re in that form? Snare: Mm.. Charon: Huh.. Snare: If it’s not ideal I understand- Charon: Does it make you happy? Snare:... Yes. Snare: It looks how I feel. Cultist background but not recognizable… Charon: Will you be safe…? Snare: You’ll cover for me.. Snare: Tell them I’m atoning, providing aid… Snare: Not really a lie. Charon: Why would I need a cultist though? Snare: You plan to clear bad actors from the lab. Snare: Every soul I’ve taken gives me the knowledge to craft a history, one that’ll make me too useful an asset to kill. Snare: As if they could to begin with… Charon: Just be careful. I’ve got your back too… Snare: Mm.. The proxy nuzzled up to you. Snare: Back to business though… Snare: What’s that cat’s name? You manage to click it together. Charon:... Roja. Snare: So you do have a name for her then. Snare: That her full name or- Charon: Just Roja for now. Snare: For now.. Snare: I want some time to know Roja. It’s clear she’s also fairly important too. Snare leaned in. Snare: Mind a formal greeting? Charon: Through the mask? It’s a bit difficult- Snare: I know you’ve done so with Maes, and I’m not too different in that regard so.. You can’t keep your cool at that, your tail swishing a little. Charon:... Of course- She goes right for an incredibly intensive kiss, hugging you with claws digging in. You wonder what the Judgment house would have to say about this, the witches who’ve helped you, Maes.. It’s nicer than you feel comfortable admitting, tendrils slipping in through the ruffneck’s mouth into your own.. She seems to calm down a ton once it’s out of her system, pulling back and resting her head against your neck and shoulder. Charon: Are you okay? Snare: I was about to ask the same.. Snare: I know you said I could but.. Snare: Not something I feel I deserve much if at all. You hold her close. Charon: You do.. Charon: We both do… Charon: And.. if you want right now we can start planning. There’s a spot in town we can pick up food from, see if Maes is up for a group dinner.. Snare: I would like that.. Snare: Is that really alright? Snare: I know I’ve been.. All over the place- Charon: You’re fine.. Charon: I’m just glad to have you back, you know? Charon: And.. you get to be part of the life we’ve got now. Charon: If you’re brave enough, I think Manzana talked about visiting soon. Get to know some family… Snare: Are they nice? The Judgments? Charon: Mmhmm! Charon: They’re a bit familiar with the whole proxy thing. Not us specifically but you know, they’re around witches a lot. Zana’s one actually. Got a proxy herself? Platinum. She’d be good for you to meet. Snare: …Would she be considered family too? What’s your situation? Charon: Aunt? Grandma Erica insists on using cousins though. Snare: Odd.. Snare: I’ll allow it then. Snare:.. Would I be a cousin to them? Charon: Hmm.. Charon: I’ll send a message? They can sort it out. Charon: But.. I think so. Snare: I can accept that then.. Charon: You can talk to me more, okay? Charon: I’m really glad you’re back.. I missed you.. The proxy smiled in her own tired way. Snare: I’m glad to be back.. |
| Posted by ThreadLurkingComorant - 02-27-2024, 05:53 AM |
|
E7 S1: A Preview One Shot
B.Comorant CW: A Character Experiences a Psychotic Episode The Following One Shot is a prologue/preview to a upcoming mini-project tied to a certain Pelgro character. A thief checks in on their witch friend on a rough mental health day. ![[Image: Despina%20One%20Shot.png]](http://homebrewdeviants.com/static/Masa/Despina%20One%20Shot.png) Savvy: Hey! Came back as quick as I could… You gave your friend a good look over, they were bundled up with the TV running, some old show you’ve never seen playing on the refurbished screen. Savvy: They only had half your monthly dose but I can pick up the rest. Should be enough to get you by til then.. You offer out the paper bag, giving its crumpled shape a little rattle. They didn’t look comfortable so much as lost in trying to ground themselves. You pat down on the couch’s arm rest. Savvy: ‘Spina? You gonna be okay? The sorceress snapped out of it this time, immediately ducking their head under their blanket. Despina: I’ve misplaced my mask… Savvy: Remember where you last had it? Despina: Mind’s scattered if I’m honest with you, couldn’t for the life of me… Despina: You have the meds? Savvy: Yeah, I do. How long’s it been since last dose? Despina: Two days ago I think, pretty sure.. Savvy: You say something the day of? Despina: Assumed they’d be ready sooner so I just.. Savvy: You wanted to hold out.. Despina: Don’t like to pester anyone else but… I wouldn’t make it far today like this Savvy: You can always ask.. Despina: You? No, you’ve already got plenty on your hands right now. Savvy: I do a few jobs five days a week, not really that big a deal. Despina: Anytime you go out right now’s a danger.. Savvy: Yeah well.. I’m built for it. May I? You give the couch a little pat again. Despina: Of course.. The poor witch pokes their head out just a nudge, talking seems to have done a ton for them. Despina: You’ve slept over here before, suppose you’ve seen my face plenty. Savvy: Don’t know why you hide it… You offer Despina the pills. They manage a tiny smile as they take them. Despina: Thank you… Savvy: Gonna sit here with you for a bit, not leaving until I know you’re good for that. Despina: You really don’t have to- Savvy: Do you want to be alone? Despina: God no… She started getting to work on taking meds. You look over at the screen. Two animated characters in an interrogation, a mouse and a snake who’s arms were bound by rope. The Snake: I’m not up for wasting time, you gonna take me in for that bounty or what? The Mouse: Right now I’ve got bigger fish to fry, you’re going to help me. The Snake: Really gonna look the other way to do your job? The Mouse: Got a hostage situation and not a lot of time to get it done. The Snake cackles. The Snake: Boy scout like you’s gotta do more than look the other way. The Mouse: You’ll get your ship back. Can’t do more for you than that. The Snake: All I need really. And I know you’re the type of trooper who makes good on that. The Mouse: You would too. The Snake: For you? Maybe if I’m having a good day. Fill me in. You look over as your friend downs the pills with a drink. Savvy: You all good? They respond with a finger, punctuating things until they can speak again. Despina: I’ll be fine.. Just waiting til it kicks in. Savvy: How long’s that gonna take? Despina: Still got some in my system, takes a bit to fully clear out so.. They do the math on the back of their hand. Despina: Least 30 minutes to start, hour to stabilize if I remember correctly. Savvy: That’s good.. Despina: Will you be fine with staying this long? Savvy: We live on the same floor.. You give them a playful shrug. Savvy: And you’ve kept the layout the same since I’ve moved out so.. Should know where everything is. Despina: That’s fair.. You look back at the TV, the mouse and the snake parking up in a suburban home, the buildings looking futuristic in an angular and retro way. The Mouse: We’re breaking in? The Snake: Relax, it’s not a real home. Place is multipurpose. Usually though it’s a place of disposal. The Mouse: You mean- The Snake: Yeah. If they’ve had your guy this long they’re going to melt him. Probably already did. The Mouse opens his mouth only to be stopped. The Snake: Don’t make a ruckus, we’re gonna check the garage. The two manage inside through the Snake’s lockpicking skills and concerning familiarity with the layout. The internal door to the garage giving the Mouse a trembling anxiety to what he might discover. The Snake: Come on, don’t got all day. He steels his nerves as the door opens, only to be met with… nothing. The Mouse: It’s empty! The Snake:... How long’s your guy been gone for? The Mouse: Five days. Rumor is they’re prepping a ransom. The Snake: That’s a few too late. The Snake takes a closer look, a particular spot too clean for a room that’s otherwise gathered more than enough dust. The Mouse: What’s wrong? The Snake: You know those old style beam teleporters? Take you from ground to a aircraft quick The Mouse: Right.. Work on a molecular level- oh god… The Snake: Ripped apart atom by atom. Your guy’s about to be turned into a mold, reprogrammed to be replaced by a sleeper agent. The Mouse: Is this a thing? The Snake: Sure is kid. Your dad and I got a lot of horror stories about some of the tech the folks in office got cooking underneath your feet. Savvy: What’s this all about? Despina: I like to sample the weekly recommendations at the library… manage to gather a large haul of things to watch this month. That’d do it. The online archives pages for this facility tend to regularly post blogs on the recommendations of the staff. They can be hit and miss from experience, but you’ve always found something you liked whenever you take the leap. And at the very least this one looks interesting enough to hold you for now. Savvy: What’s this one called? Despina: Sky Winger, this one was pitched to me as a classic in some circles. Savvy: And these two are…? Despina: “Snake Sullivan” and “Mouse Fincher”, bounty hunters and crackshot leaders of rival crews. Savvy:.. That’s not really what they’re called right? Despina: You’ll get used to it fast. The Snake has finished their conversation with the bartender before returning. The Mouse: So? The Snake: We’re gonna have to bust in the Wombat’s Nest. Owned by big shot with a bit of a cult following and an interest in collecting government contracts. Armed to the teeth, gonna have to be slippery. The Mouse: You ever worked with them? The Snake: Worked with everyone. Don’t know what’s got you so pressed. The Mouse grabs the Snake by the Jacket. The Snake: Back off buddy. He presses a finger down on a patch on the Snake’s sleeve. The Mouse: You’re still wearing the mark of my dad’s team, why? The Snake: Cause truth be told? I never betrayed anyone. We did a lot of wrong back then. Your just dad managed to back out early enough to get a memorial. As for me? We’ll see how far I can fly. The Mouse goes quiet at that. The Snake: You gotta ask ol’ Brewster sometime. See if you’ll get this kind of honesty from your pal. Despina leans a little on your shoulder. You don’t mind much, feeling rather comfortable actually. You try patting their shoulders a little. Despina: Hmm? Did you need something? Savvy: Just checking on you. Despina: I’m doing fine right now. Head’s fuzzy but a lot calmer. Savvy: Yeah? Despina: Always is but.. Pills keep it manageable. Savvy: You wanna talk about it? Despina: In a bit.. On screen a dogfight happens as the pair try to bust into the ship. This seems to be where the majority of the budget went. Simple at times, maybe a little cheap when it cuts to cockpit, but the action makes your eyes twinkle a bit. Savvy: Really do mean it that you should just.. Ask me more. You’re allowed to. Despina: I should. Savvy: So why not? Despina: It’s a lot to process and… suppose you do deserve to know that when I feel like I can word it but.. The witch readjusts their positon a bit. Despina: Days like these make me feel too broken for other people. Prefer not to be seen in that light while I’m in a place of responsibility. Savvy: And you can ask for help more. Despina: You’ll tell me if you can’t. Savvy: Course. And you got plenty of people who’d do it if I’m too busy- Despina: Don’t think I can. You’re really the only one I feel comfortable with doing this for me. But.. I also don’t want you to break too… Savvy: You’re not broken. Now me on the other hand well.. You take a good look at your left arm, the skin held together by glitchy fibers that were struggling to keep still. Despina offers a hand. You oblige and place yours in their palm. Savvy: Wasn’t exactly built to last on my own.. Despina: We’ll try to get you stable. Every lab that manufacturer bodies like this has them for their older models. Savvy: Can you undo it all though? Despina:.. Probably not. That doesn’t make your life any less worth taking care of and enjoying. Savvy: Same for you. Despina opens their mouth for a moment only to pause on it. Despina: You’re right. Savvy: If you’re gonna be doing things for me, I’ll help you out too. Simple as that. Despina nods. Despina: Is it okay to call you a friend? Know that’s a rather straight way to put it. Savvy: Course, as long as that’s mutual. Despina: I can settle for that.. The credits roll to punctuate a final scene, the discovery that The Mouse’s own employer in this contract is a replacement in herself. The final frame before the text scrolls stopping on the two flying back to the planet to find out the truth for themselves. Savvy: Oh! This one’s ongoing. Despina: Mmhmm! Savvy: How far are you in? Feel like I got a lot to fill in one… Despina: This is the first two-parter I’ve seen like this but.. Despina: 7 episodes. Savvy: All watched today or- Despina: Over the week. You sit quietly giving them a little look but unable to find a polite way to say things Despina gives you a sigh and then a smile. Despina: I left my mask in my office drawer while I was returning back to the apartment. Hopefully nobody saw me but- Savvy: You want me to get it? Despina: Do so, and we can start for the beginning. I’ll order us something while you go do that. Savvy: Long as you don’t get that fruit pizza again. Despina: There’s nothing wrong with pineapple. Wasn’t thinking of Pizza anyway… Savvy: Then surprise me! Pick something fun. You start toward the door, giving them a little wave. Despina: Be quick, meds haven’t fully kicked in yet. Savvy: Yeah, course. Call me if anything comes up, for real this time. Savvy: I promise.. |
| Posted by skinstealer - 02-12-2024, 02:30 AM |
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Masks
Percy Mortis + Calvin Mortis, Post-Void Session No CWs Raffle funded by AceofNothing Primus and Lover meet up. Primus adjusts his bowtie, doing a little pose in the full-length mirror hung on his wall. Both the tie and the mirror were gifts from his loving parent, and while he debated whether he really needed the latter, just for checking himself over- it helped him feel a little more confident before stuff like this. Before a date. There's a knock at the door, a distinct wood thunking that the tent type TCP had come to recognize as his dear friend. PRIMUS: Cmon in, I'm almost ready! BRYCE: Alrighty... The driftwood type steps inside, wearing his own bowtie-accentuated getup- and the carved prosthetic limb today, a sign that he wasn't planning on doing anything too intensive.
PRIMUS: Looking to show off a bit when you drive me over? BRYCE: Please, I'm not jealous of them. BRYCE: Let me adjust that tie... Primus gets down on one knee, letting the more experienced TCP adjust his neckwear.
PRIMUS: You're so much better at that... BRYCE: Not as easy when clothes don't just pop onto your body, right? BRYCE: Still.... Bryce pulls back, looking him over. The orange TCP was clad in a white button-up with a brown vest on top, paired with deeper brown slacks. His trademark hiking boots stayed on his feet, one lingering trace of his outdoorsy attitude.
And then there was the bowtie, a blue that matched his zipper pull. BRYCE: You look nice. PRIMUS: Thanks... PRIMUS: You don't think it's too much? BRYCE: Not at all! BRYCE: Lover's going to really appreciate the effort. PRIMUS: I hope so...it's...been a while. BRYCE: ... BRYCE: You nervous? PRIMUS: A little... PRIMUS: It's not like our last meeting ended in a fight- BRYCE: Maybe not a fight, but it was still tense for you. BRYCE: It's okay if you need to duck out early, okay? BRYCE: I'll just run some errands in the area. BRYCE: If things go wrong, or get weird, text me a little emoji or something. BRYCE: I'll come pick you up. PRIMUS: ...what do I say, if it comes to that? BRYCE: I'll say some duties came up when I come by, and we can check out the campsite nearby. BRYCE: Not technically a lie. Primus sighs, grateful. Lying isn't one of his strong suits, and Bryce knows that well.
PRIMUS: You've really got my back on this... Bryce lets out a soft laugh.
BRYCE: After everything? Of course I do. BRYCE: Remember that, okay? There's a warm feeling in Primus' belly as he starts walking out with the other TCP, giving him a pleased pat on the head.
PRIMUS: How could I forget? The ride over is straightforward enough, the two TCPs mainly talking over work and recent demon duties. The closest forest settlement they'd be working with had been struggling due to all the rain recently, and it occupied both of their minds enough to span the whole hour-long drive. Solitude wasn't exactly prepared for TCP-scale transit, and even Bryce's little SUV wasn't having a great time with the cobblestone roads. Still, Miller had been pushing for new lanes, highways, and overpasses to be put in, and with any luck...
PRIMUS: Oh, that's them- Bryce slows down the car, coming to a stop in front of one of the local TCP cafes- Lover's favorite, when they came over to visit. The mask type TCP themself has adopted a casual pose while sipping a cup of coffee, legs crossed on a stack of booster cushions, and leaning onto the table.
...they are also wearing a fishnet top and glittery shorts, along with a new mask design- a shy, blushing face. BRYCE: ...wow. PRIMUS: They look so nice! BRYCE: I can't disagree, but... BRYCE: They should probably watch out. You know how people are about that kind of thing here... Sure enough, when Primus looks at the other customers, he can see them squinting their eyespots in displeasure at the barely clad TCP.
PRIMUS: You'd think people wouldn't care... BRYCE: That's Solitude for you. BRYCE: I wouldn't pick anywhere else, but...you know. PRIMUS: Yeah... The tent type makes his way out of the car, giving himself a moment before turning to head off.
PRIMUS: I'll text you when I'm done. BRYCE: You got it. BRYCE: ...don't overdo it, okay? PRIMUS: I won't! He does his best to give a thumbs up before closing the door, letting his friend rumble away.
LOVER: Ohh, there he is! Primus can't help but feel his chest tighten at the sound of their voice- partially in excitement, partially out of pure anxiety. Approaching the mask type only makes the feeling grow, and as he settles into his seat, he can't help but struggle for words.
LOVER: I was waiting for you! PRIMUS: Yeah, had a bit of an issue getting up that big hill again... PRIMUS: Th...thank you for waiting, though! He puts his hands awkwardly in his lap, his posture completely straight.
PRIMUS: You look really nice... PRIMUS: The mesh especially. I think it looks good on you... LOVER: Thank you! LOVER: I see you went with my favorite tie of yours... LOVER: And everything else, so...crisp. Primus blushes, rubbing the back of his head.
PRIMUS: I wanted to look nice, since it's been a while... LOVER: Mmmhm! LOVER: Too long, if you ask me. LOVER: Phone calls aren't enough, I'm a much more tactile person... LOVER: But! LOVER: You have to tell me how work is going. LOVER: Spill. PRIMUS: W-well! PRIMUS: It's been fine, been dealing with this whole flooding situation in the local woods- PRIMUS: But it's been good. Miller treats me right. LOVER: I don't know how you do it- staying under a god's thumb, even after everything. PRIMUS: It's- it's not really under her thumb. PRIMUS: She's like...we do check-ins and reports with her. PRIMUS: And she lets us do our own thing! PRIMUS: It's awesome! She really trusts us... LOVER: I suppoooose that's good enough... LOVER: Any deity drama, though? PRIMUS: Ehhh... PRIMUS: I'm left kinda out of the loop on that stuff. PRIMUS: All I know is that Rein has been kinda agitated, and sometimes Miller gets the rough end of it. PRIMUS: Just, yknow, an earful, but it isn't fun. LOVER: Prick. PRIMUS: ...yeah. Agreed. LOVER: All I'm saying is, make sure you don't drink the punch. PRIMUS: I'm all good on that front, I...stay away from it. PRIMUS: Don't have much reason to interact with it, and I don't think it really cares for my job... LOVER: Once again: huge prick. A waiter interrupts them, Primus ordering a hot chocolate, and both ordering an ice cream cone to go with it.
As they wait for it to come by, the conversation shifts. It's a little more fluid now, the atmosphere easing up. Talking with Lover was always a bit of an event, but Primus did genuinely enjoy their company...it's part of what lead to this on and off arrangement to begin with. PRIMUS: How's the art business been? LOVER: Ughhh. The mask type flops forward onto the table, nearly toppling the cusions underneath them.
LOVER: The work? Wonderful. Amazing. Wouldn't trade it for the world. LOVER: The actual sales? LOVER: Abysmal. LOVER: Haven's a great place, don't get me wrong. I'm obsessed with the night scene there. LOVER: But even with the huge artisan markets, people don't really pick up masks outside of events and Darkest Night. LOVER: A lot of people seem to think the style is "old fashioned". Please. LOVER: I'm on top of modern trends! Hell, I'm aiming to be a trendsetter! LOVER: ...but I can't seem to make it stick. They huff, Primus giving them a gentle shoulder pat. The mask type can't help but laugh, soft and appreciative.
LOVER: My offer's still open, yknow. PRIMUS: Oh? LOVER: Yknow! LOVER: You modeling for me. LOVER: I've got some animal styled ones that'd be good with your whole wilderness thing. LOVER: I bet the locals would go crazy for it. It's like, tasteful. PRIMUS: I dunno, I'm, like- PRIMUS: I'm just kind of a guy, you know? PRIMUS: I don't think I could pull it off. LOVER: Please, you'd be my first choice. PRIMUS: Hah... He can tell he's blushing, his nerves plain on his face. Lover coughs, clearly just as awkward.
PRIMUS: S-sorry, just- PRIMUS: I'm still never sure how to respond to stuff like that. LOVER: Just...with your heart, you know? LOVER: Doesn't have to be perfect. PRIMUS: That's- PRIMUS: That's the problem. PRIMUS: I don't know what's, like- what's me. And my heart. PRIMUS: And what's just... PRIMUS: .... PRIMUS: Before. Lover sighs, looking down at their hand.
LOVER: ...yeah. LOVER: I know the feeling. It's quiet again, neither TCP sure what to say until the waiter swoops in to save the day- ice cream and cocoa in hand. Both of them thank their server profusely, snacking on the desserts to fill the conversational gap.
...they're really bothered by this. I... I could ask them to talk about it, but they hate going over stuff like that in public... I could ask Bryce if they could stay over, give us some privacy to discuss stuff... But that doesn't help the mood now! It might just make them feel weird... I need...a way to take the edge off. The idea hits him, the tent type letting out an "oh!" and startling his sort-of partner.
PRIMUS: I have something we could do after this! LOVER: ...it's not just gonna be a cafe meetup? They're already perking up, Primus praying this will work.
PRIMUS: Well...I figure we can stay out a bit. PRIMUS: Solitude may not have a prominent night scene, but- PRIMUS: There is an underground club that Bryce and I found. LOVER: No way. LOVER: In dinky old Solitude? LOVER: An underground club? LOVER: I thought you were still like, super good boy! PRIMUS: I! I dabble! PRIMUS: And...
He reaches for Lover's hand, the mask type taking it.
PRIMUS: I'm trying to follow my heart, remember? Lover bursts out in a laugh, completely contrasting the shy look on their mask.
LOVER: How on earth could I say no to that? LOVER: You better show me a good time tonight, because I know I'm going all out! Maybe this won't be so bad... ...as long as they don't make me dance. |
| Posted by skinstealer - 01-26-2024, 10:44 PM |
|
Woe's Wigglers- 2024
Jones Mortis, Krowling Mortis, Bugsy Mortis, Percy Mortis, Generalized Morbit CW: mentions of bloodletting, mentions of animal death/abuse Let's visit the animal shelter!
Allsweet adjusts the mic on her shirt, looking back at the camera guy with a skeptical expression. The animal shelter she'd arrived at seems nice enough, but this-
Not used to being solo on these... ...I'm sure it'll be fine. It's just some pets. I'll be in and out. Quick feature. The guy gives her a thumbs up, and gestures for her to start going. She stands up straight, counting along as the camera guy starts counting down from three. The camera rolls. The building's exterior is simple, just the standard TCP-made brick you'd see around the streets of Haven- but it's covered in murals, of all kinds of insects and small mammals. It gives the shelter a warm, welcoming feeling, and all of the signs boasting local events help the vibe. Text pops up highlighting the TCP on screen's name- Allsweet, a watermelon-colored philosophy type, sporting a semi-formal pantsuit and an attempt at a friendly expression in her eyespots. ALLSWEET: I'm here at the very first pet shelter in Haven- formed a whole two decades ago, this facility is still the most popular place to get a new friend. ALLSWEET: We've been given an exclusive new opportunity to visit and talk to the staff here at Woe's Wigglers as a part of our "Places to Go" series. ALLSWEET: Let's go have a look, shall we? She opens the door, stepping inside.
The shelter's main office is just as kitschy as the outside, with lots of themed decor and statues of the kind of things you'd find inside. A black and white florist type with a green and yellow swirled apron is waiting for her, its posture somewhat slouched- but managing a professional tone of voice when it speaks. Its name pops up along with it talking- Chem. CHEM: Welcome to Woe's Wigglers. ALLSWEET: You're one of the managers here, right- CHEM: Chem, yeah. I help run the greenhouse especially- ALLSWEET: You have a greenhouse? CHEM: Just a little one, yeah. It's out back. CHEM: We can start there, if you're game. ALLSWEET: That...sounds great. ALLSWEET: Lead the way. The greenhouse is definitely "a little one" by Haven's standards, with many of the TCPs there used to biodomes- but it's still big enough to feature a variety of plants, with some fruit trees in clear blossom and a worker or two tending to some vegetables and flowers.
ALLSWEET: It's so nice in here! ALLSWEET: I had no idea there was a growing operation here. CHEM: It's not like it's a secret or anything, but... CHEM: We're no kill, which means a lot of the animals here need more food than we'd otherwise be dealing with. CHEM: After a point, it became pretty much needed for us to start growing our own crop for the most commonly needed stuff. CHEM: Got some deals with local nature types to give us some sprouts and saplings, and people like me got picked up to help out. ALLSWEET: You mean, florist types? CHEM: Anybody that'd give a boost in productivity and enthusiasm. CHEM: Gardening's hard work on top of everything else. CHEM: A lot of our workers are volunteers- myself included- so it helps to have some kinda morale boost, you get me? ALLSWEET: Absolutely. I think we could all benefit from something like that in our workday! ALLSWEET: Volunteers, though...that's a lot of work to take on for no pay. The florist type shrugs.
CHEM: People here love the work. CHEM: Somebody's gotta take care of these guys, I figure. CHEM: We have a lot of people cycle out, dealing with work schedules, life events, the works. CHEM: But at this point, this is my main gig. CHEM: I help some other local places with gardening management and morale for my actual pay, but this is my priority. Another shrug.
CHEM: S'honest work. ALLSWEET: Incredible...I can feel how solid the work ethic is here! ALLSWEET: I-
She's interrupted by a large earthworm-like creature passing by, waddling on what feels like a million little nub feet before burrowing deep into one of the flowerbeds.
ALLSWEET: ..... ALLSWEET: Was that- CHEM: A tillman, yeah. CHEM: We've got a bunch working here with us in the gardens. CHEM: They're all up for adoption, but we figure they need the nutrients and enrichment anyway. Suckers love digging away and leaving premium fertilizer. CHEM: They work with us until other places pick 'em up. Sometimes independent farmers, sometimes bigger biodome companies. CHEM: There's enough of these guys found causing problems on the Haven outskirts that they get brought in to us- and you've got cases of a company going under and their whooooole tillman pack gets rehomed. CHEM: They may go quick, but we've always got some of these guys. ALLSWEET: Do they make good pets outside of farm work? CHEM: Sure, so long as you got enough space for them to dig. CHEM: If they get adopted out as more of a pet situation? Usually to somebody in the nature districts. CHEM: Great dispositions, on tillmen. ALLSWEET: I never would have known! CHEM: You'll learn even more facts about that kinda stuff from Vollus. CHEM: He runs outreach. Let me take you over there... A fruit-eating bat type stands next to a long line of pet enclosures, some smaller cages and others bigger kennels. His fur is white and gray with pleasant, muted pink accents, and he wears a soft sundress with a bow pulling it back. His wings are tipped with little grippers- impossible to tell if they're modded on or an original part of his body.
His name pops up- Vollus. VOLLUS: Hi! VOLLUS: I'm guessing Chem sent you, right? ALLSWEET: Mhm. ALLSWEET: It said you're in charge of outreach- VOLLUS: That I am. VOLLUS: I love connecting with local businesses and makers in our area. VOLLUS: Did it mention the biodomes- ALLSWEET: It did! VOLLUS: Awesome. Chem works primarily with those, but- VOLLUS: There's a lot of food types in the area I link up with, as well as a solid amount of vets, animal wranglers, community event-runners, you name it. VOLLUS: Our shelter, as you can imagine- we do a lot of rescues. He taps the side of a large kennel featuring an insect similar to the tillman in its worm-like shape and intense amount of legs, but far larger and more stocky, with a singular claw on each of its nubby limbs, a circular mouth, and a few rows of frond-like antennae. Its hide is gray with yellow spots, and the colors seem to shift as Vollus catches its attention.
Allsweet does her best not to look nervous, failing somewhat. ALLSWEET: I- ALLSWEET: I wasn't aware that there'd be peripods here! Wow! ALLSWEET: They are larger than you'd expect! VOLLUS: You'd be able to ride it easy! VOLLUS: You know what these do, right? ALLSWEET: They're...hunting animals, if I remember correctly. VOLLUS: Correct! People use them to gather meat and other hard to obtain resources on the outskirts of the city. VOLLUS: They get a bad rep for being aggressive, but they're a really important part of getting resources for Haven. VOLLUS: Treatments to make non-TCP food edible to us are getting better and better, and bug meat's on the rise. VOLLUS: A lot of TCPs in more impoverished areas with less food types really benefit from that kind of trade. VOLLUS: But...because they're hard to handle, we get rescues a lot. VOLLUS: This guy here- He taps the sign on the kennel, labeling the peripod as "Jumbles".
VOLLUS: -doesn't like strangers much, but does like treats and playing with chewy toys. VOLLUS: For cases like him, we require people to come in and familiarize themselves with the animal before they commit. VOLLUS: Works wonders! ALLSWEET: That's incredible... ALLSWEET: You really are committed to making sure people find a perfect match. VOLLUS: We like to be sure of it! VOLLUS: A lot of species we get here- the more desirable ones, like crackles and snugglers- they go fast! VOLLUS: But ones like this, or creatures that have pre-existing conditions...they stay with us a while. VOLLUS: And we want to make sure they won't just be returned back here or abandoned after a week, yknow? ALLSWEET: Makes perfect sense... Allsweet walks over to a smaller cage, peering in.
ALLSWEET: ...what are these? VOLLUS: Oh, those? He walks over, stepping on a stool and gesturing for the camera to come in closer. It follows, showing the inside of the kennel- two leechlike creatures with spindly legs, curled around each other.
VOLLUS: Those are sipsappers! VOLLUS: We don't usually get a bonded pair like this, but they're really common pets for people with fluid conditions. VOLLUS: Having too much fluid production can cause people a lot of pain, so these guys- ALLSWEET: ...they sip it? VOLLUS: They do! VOLLUS: Bloodletting is scary for a lot of people, but they provide an invaluable service to those who need it. VOLLUS: And you can teach them tricks! ALLSWEET: You can? VOLLUS: Absolutely. They can jump through little obstacle courses and everything. ALLSWEET: Amazing... The camera lingers on the little creatures sleeping in their cuddly heap.
Allsweet's in one of the playrooms now, sitting on a couch with a gray, plaid-marked heartache type. Her posture is gentle and welcoming, and when she speaks, it's with the cadence of someone who's been around for a long time.
Her name, displayed at the bottom of the video, says "Woe".
On Allsweet's lap is a sizable bug- a mothlike creature taking up her entire lap, its wings laid flat across its back. It's white and immensely fluffy, with its wings resembling thick, shaped, quilted blankets. On Woe's lap, a small, shrew-like creature curls up, hiding its little nose in its belly.
WOE: That snuggler treating you well? ALLSWEET: M-mhm! The philosophy type seems nervous, but the moth on her lap simply nuzzles her belly.
ALLSWEET: It's...very soft. WOE: As you can expect with a name like that! WOE: Snugglers are our best candidates for anxious TCPs. WOE: It's taken to you well, too. ALLSWEET: Heh...I'm glad! WOE: Pet its back, if you like- the wings are safe too, but they're most padded along their backs. They love it. Allsweet nods, her face lighting up at the soft touch.
ALLSWEET: Wow... ALLSWEET: Your crackle seems peaceful enough to sleep, too. WOE: I have a way with them, I suppose. Woe reaches over with one of her large hands, the crackle's fur making its trademark sound as she pets it slowly.
WOE: I've got two at home, and I guess they can smell it on me. WOE: I actually started this business with these. ALLSWEET: Oh? I'm sure the viewers at home would love to know more. WOE: Mmm... WOE: I kept noticing crackles in the area- populations wandering in from the Bluster border, no doubt. WOE: But...they kept getting injured. WOE: I still don't know if it was just- Haven not being made for them, or someone attacking them... WOE: But I saw that, and kept hearing people in my district talk about wanting support animals, like how complexes have patchimi. WOE: Crackles are timid, and they can have a real attitude if you upset them... WOE: But with the right touch and some training, they can be just as effective as snugglers. WOE: I made this place as a way to give animals like that a second chance at finding homes. WOE: After all, Haven was made to support TCPs. Why not support these friends as well? ALLSWEET: That's lovely... WOE: It's my life's dream. There's quiet as the two of them spend time with their animals, the camera zooming in on the creatures intermittently.
WOE: ...thank you for coming to visit my little establishment. ALLSWEET: It's no trouble, I'm so thrilled we get to highlight this space. ALLSWEET: You've made a really magical place. WOE: I hope your viewers think so as well... WOE: And a reminder!
She points directly at the camera.
WOE: We have discounted adoption days on the weekends! WOE: Local artisans also make complementary toy care packages if you come in on those days, so don't miss out! ALLSWEET: That's a bargain I don't think anyone would want to skip out on. WOE: Who knows... Woe turns to poke Allsweet on the cheek.
WOE: Maybe even you can find someone! ALLSWEET: Huh, maybe! ALLSWEET: But for now....that's Woe's Wigglers, and this has been "Places to Go!" The camera cuts.
|
| Posted by ThreadLurkingComorant - 06-07-2023, 10:01 PM |
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A Talk with a Husk - 2022
Comorant, Masa/Divine Timeline AU CW: Implications of parental abuse A Charon from another world embraces the Husk as a answer to his woes. ![[Image: 1116113387001233470_Mistakes.png?width=632&height=621]](https://homebrewdeviants.com/static/discord_mirrors/1116113387001233470_Mistakes.png?width=632&height=621) You find yourself restless at night, a hiss and crackle of a voice echos through your head.
You are Charon Judgment, successor to Rein… And you are being questioned on your life choices ever since you’ve chosen to take that deal. Your body is no longer your original, traded for one with the answer to your problems. Power, immortality, and presence all in one. You feel stronger than you ever have. Your enemies have been fended off and are no longer an issue. You really have no more need as of now to cling onto the husk that you’ve been granted. And yet… you prefer it to your original flesh. ???: And why is that? You’re startled by the voice, it only appears when you’re tired enough and everytime you dread its flurry of questions. ???: If you answered honestly, I wouldn’t be here. ???: You’re an invader in this body, one I can’t stand. ???: Your aura is familiar though, so I can’t do much to reject you. Please don’t make me go through this right now… ???: I won’t stop until you’ve given me good answer. Your task is done and yet you still choose this body. ???: Are you scared? You’re a god, one who’s already near immortal. It’s not that simple. ???: I know a coward when I see one. It’s not like that. ???: Then why? It’s… embarrassing. ???: I don’t believe in the word. You mock me plenty, how can I believe you? ???: Because honesty doesn’t deserve ridicule. And I imagine yours will be ripe with vulnerabilities. You’re.. Correct. My old body was marked with memories I suppose. Ones that remind me too much of past pains. Everytime I saw my reflection I wanted to cry a little. Because I see both of them. My parents… the one I loathed and the one I couldn’t save. I don’t want those kind of attachments anymore. I wanted to start fresh. ???: I see. ???: Tell me something you like about this body specifically. Like? ???: Anything. If you’re going to be a parody of my image, I rather see it done in affection. I mean.. It’s beautiful really. The way it just exudes confidence in full stride.. I want that. I want to feel that. And I want its femininity too… ???: Do you? Rein was awful, it never approved of any sort of expression. Stay chaste, restrict yourself, conform to what’s acceptable.. Maybe it’s me overcompensating but- ???: I don’t think it is, frankly. ???: You’ve been boxed in so hard, no wonder you want to fully embrace exploration. ???: Even if it means an entirely different form. I wasn’t expecting you to be so supportive… ???: It was once my role in life. What were you before? Is this your body? ???: No… not originally. ???: I’m but a proxy, a very bad one admittedly. ???: One without the fire left to do anything at this point. ???: I am left here without the capacity to move. This body is a prison for me til the end of my days… It doesn’t have to be… I’ve never had a proxy before but… ???: You’ve mucked with soul transferring but never a proxy? ???: You’re a strange one… ???: I know… ???: I’ll consider the offer. Can I get a name? ???: Rook Huh. ???: Is that okay? I like it. ???: And what do I call you? Me? I’m just Judgment. ???: …. I see. Something wrong? ???: No. ???: Just the feeling that… perhaps I’m home. |
| Posted by ThreadLurkingComorant - 04-09-2023, 06:57 PM |
|
Soaked Rabbit:
Mulligan One-Shot CW: None Gallows and Courier Flirt for 10 minutes. ![[Image: 1094697199230783539_image.png]](https://homebrewdeviants.com/static/discord_mirrors/1094697199230783539_image.png) Gallows: Evening!
Courier: You made it back! Gallows: Aye, wasn’t the easiest. Pouring out there, more than usual for these parts. Gallows: Streets practically could sweep you into the ocean on a day like this. Courier: That bad? Gallows: Mm. Courier: Should’ve stayed at the other safehouse, don’t want you getting hurt. Gallows: Ah, but I promised some us time today, no? Courier: Guess so.. Still. Gallows: I wouldn’t have made the trip if I didn’t think I could. Courier: You are quite the talented rabbit… Courier: Just don’t hurt yourself out there, alright? Gallows: I can do my best in that regard. Gallows: So what did I miss? Courier: Rot and Starman had a sparring contest in front of the whole crew. Scab had to step in before our leader hurt themselves in the process. Courier: Guess it’s been an ongoing theme between them. Gallows: And by what means did they spar exactly? Courier: Wrestling. Gallows: Really? Courier: Aye, didn’t know Star had that in them to begin with. Courier: Talks so much like a old man that I’d expect their spine to snap instantly. Gallows: THey’re not much older than us to be fair.. Courier: I suppose, still. Gallows: Doesn’t surprise me too much.. Gallows: How about yourself? Courier: Me? I just spectated with the crew today. Courier: Admittedly feel shy about interacting with most folks in the group still. Can’t help but feel like body snatching a crown soldier makes them worry I’ll turn. Gallows: Anyone who knows you wouldn’t even think of it. Courier: That’s the problem I think, getting them to know me. Courier: I just… I dunno. Gallows: Come here, help me warm up. Courier: Course- Oh god you’re drenched. Gallows: Aye… Courier: I really hope you brought a change of clothes.. Gallows: I can borrow from our donation bin. Think I’ve earned as much lately. Courier: You’ve been on a roll. Stealing an entire carrier’s load.. Gallows: Mm. That’s one where I’m not looking forward to the security increase. Courier: We needed it… Gallows: Gotta say, you’re still hugging me though. Courier: Oh? No, I think I’ve been captured actually. Courier: The charming rebel has me trapped in his arms.. Gallows: Oh? Courier: Will his seductions cause me to defect? Gallows: I think so. Do you disavow your loyalty to the king? Courier: Does it come with the rabbit? Gallows: It might. Courier: A leap of faith worth taking then… Gallows: Hehehe.. You’re quite silly. Courier: So are you! Courier: Styx has me caught up in these sort of theatrics… Gallows: Of course he does. Can’t blame him though, there’s a fun to it. Courier: You like? Gallows: Maybe… Courier: Only maybe? Gallows: Need more time to find out I think. Courier: You need more silliness? Gallows: I’d love that. Courier: You’re doing the ear thing… Gallows: Which? Courier: The little way you lift them.. So cute.. Gallows: Ah.. It’s a habit really. Courier: A rabbit habit? Gallows: No. Gallows: Anyway.. Courier: Let’s get you into something dry, don’t want you getting sick. Gallows: Aye. And maybe you can help me fight the cold a bit after. Gallows: Could you help me with such a great task? Courier: I’ll see what I can do, my brave rebel. |
| Posted by ThreadLurkingComorant - 04-01-2023, 09:19 PM |
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Fielder's Pitch - 2022
Fielder: Thought I smelt a smuggler around these parts.Comorant, Mulligan CW: Smoking Gallows enters the mirror world. Fielder: Rabbit without a halo. You are Gallows, first time sneaking through the hidden route inside the mirror. Not your first time messing with such magic, but the local systems of transport are still fairly fresh to you. Needless to say, you’ve been caught. You need to find out if now is the time to run or fight….. Fielder: You’re certainly a long ways from home. Gallows: Can’t be helped, wouldn’t be welcomed back with open arms. Fielder: Mm… Fielder: Somehow you’ve managed to smack down your mirror counterpart too, aye? Not that it’s a concern yet, he’ll recover. Fielder: Hope you won’t be a problem around here. Gallows: Me? I’m just here for the same reason most folks are. Fielder: Avoid the crown? Aye, can tell with ye. Fielder: You’re the type they tend to make a display out of, no offense. Gallows: Take pride in that I think. Don’t care for them much. Fielder: Neither do I. They pull out a smoke from their pocket and get to lighting. Fielder: Want one? Gallows: Nein, having a good enough day without so far. Fielder: Suit yourself I suppose. Fielder: So what’s the deal? Local rebel faction? New face to me. Gallows: Depends who’s asking. Fielder: I’m the watchman of this mirror route. Do my best to keep troublemakers from ruining this place for everyone. Fielder: This is a free space with no kings. I plan to keep it that way. Gallows: Ah. Then you’re correct, I’m a humble smuggler for a local resistance group. Fielder: If I were to guess… Starman’s? Gallows: Aye. Fielder: I have no conflict with them, don’t make me change my mind. Fielder: That is to say, be respectful of the other folks who need this space too. Gallows: I can promise that for sure. Fielder: Good. Fielder: So rules say I gotta check that you know how to fend for yourself before letting you advance further… a minute and a half in hell. Fielder: But… don’t know how to go about the other person there. Your ears stand up. Fielder: Oh? You think I didn’t notice? The entity inside of you. Gallows: None of your business, he’s my work partner. Fielder: Then I’ll consider him your second in this. Gallows: Do you have one in mind? Fielder: Don’t need one really. Gallow: Confident. Fielder: I did the math, I can handle this I think. They take a look at their watch. Fielder: The entity in you, he’s pretty weak. Now you? They tossed a pair of dice your way. With one quick motion, you’ve managed to deflect the attack into the ground with your sword. Fielder:Not so bad. Good reaction speed. Missed though. Gallows: It was a choice, not an error. Fielder: Explain yourself. Gallows: Don’t really want to mess up that face of yours, would be cruel. Fielder: Aye? Gallows: Think I’d prefer to get to know you. Fielder: That’s what ye say now but… Fielder: Have to confess it’s all just a guise. Fielder: Think you’d reconsider if you knew what I really was. Gallows: Who’s to say? Maybe I want the truth. Fielder: What if it melts you? Would you still make the attempt? Gallows: It wouldn’t be a bad way to go. They look mildly flustered at that. Fielder: That’s a new one for me… Fielder: Don’t think it’ll get you far- Gallow: I disagree. Fielder: Oh? Gallows: Check your watch again. Fielder: Piss off. They look over. Fielder: 3…. 2…. 1…. Gallows: Couldn’t be helped. Fielder: Really managed to stall the timer that way? Embarrassing… Gallows: You had a few seconds left. Fielder: Wouldn’t feel sporting to shoot you in that final moment frankly. Fielder: …. I have to ponder though. Gallows: If I meant what I said? Gallows: Truth be told, we just met. But I wouldn’t be opposed to knowing you better. Fielder: Maybe. They reach toward you and slide a couple of smokes into your pocket. Gallows: What’s this? Fielder: A tool of negotiation, think you could find plenty of use for this yourself. Fielder: I figure you’re busy if you’re with Starman so I don’t want to keep you long. Gallows: Aye. Should be heading off soon. Perhaps we’ll meet again? Fielder: We will. Stay safe rabbit. You and the other in there. Gallow: You too, for the sake of everyone Fielder: For the sake of everyone… |
| Posted by ThreadLurkingComorant - 02-18-2023, 08:18 PM |
|
A Simpler Time - 2022
Comorant, Masa con Papas/Mulligan CW: None Styx's Original Client. ![[Image: 1076598205887823903_image.png]](https://homebrewdeviants.com/static/discord_mirrors/1076598205887823903_image.png) Roundabout: Christ Styx, we’re gonna be runnin’ late after last night’s tangent. Styx: I’m allowed to enjoy myself, part of our contract. Roundabout: Yes? Have some standards about it, getting kissy with the inn staff is a bad omen. Styx: Couldn’t be helped, I see someone giving looks and I have to wonder… Styx: Didn’t go very far regardless. Roundabout: Thank god, seemed like the clingy type. Know we can’t afford to stick around anywhere too long right now. Styx: God’s orders, I understand. Roundabout: Orders are an understatement, she’ll have my head on a pike if we blunder this. Styx: You’re her favorite, she’d do no such thing. Roundabout: She wouldn’t be happy regardless. Neither would I for that matter… Styx: We weren’t going to get any work done last evening anyway, don’t see the deal. Roundabout: He’s a decent man Styx, you don’t want to be breaking hearts left and right. Styx: I can’t help it if I’m a tad flirtatious, I see a pretty face and I’m helpless. Roundabout: You didn’t flirt with me. You calling me fuck ugly? Styx: I certainly did and I never implied so. Roundabout: Calling me a curiosity for 30 minutes doesn’t count. Styx: I have my methods. Roundabout: And you have better options than emotionally destroying strangers. Your taste is fine but… be thinking in long term. Styx: Mm.. I do find myself growing genuinely attached to that other demon… Roundabout: I’ve noticed. He’s been giving me eyes quite a bit… Styx: You should talk to him, think you’d both get along. Roundabout: I’m a professional, I rather not mess with co-workers… Roundabout: He does seem nice however… Styx: He’s wonderful.. Roundabout:... you haven’t told him your deal though, have you? Roundabout: Seems dishonest. Styx: I don’t want to out us so- Roundabout: Mm.. Styx: Think he always had a crush on you though… admittedly he suspects something is off. Roundabout: No shit, he knew me before you were in the picture. Probably thinks I’m living a double life. Styx: You’re certainly keeping secrets. Roundabout: Aye… Styx: Even from your own god. Roundabout: It’s for their benefit, I can’t keep up with the workload on my own.. Styx: And I can’t exist in this world without a host. Roundabout: Best keep me safe then. Styx: I do what I can. Styx: My dear client. Roundabout: Dear? Maybe. Certainly your best. Styx: And my only. Roundabout: Easy win for me then. Styx: Mm.. Roundabout: You ready to get going? Styx: I’d like to say my own goodbyes to him. Roundabout: Styx… Styx: It’s only appropriate. 5 minutes? Roundabout: Be kind about it. Styx: I promise. |
| Posted by ThreadLurkingComorant - 11-07-2022, 07:55 PM |
|
Ferryman's Pact Pt.2 - 2022
BaftComorant, Punch Clock Animal/Masa con Papas
CW: None
![[Image: 1039266702506074204_image.png]](https://homebrewdeviants.com/static/discord_mirrors/1039266702506074204_image.png) Opera: How’s it going? Charon: Mm? Opera: You’re trying stuff on? Charon: Couldn’t go around in that gaudy new-age look the cult used to flaunt this body around in. Opera: Not a fan… so what’s that? Charon: I… may have gone shopping some. I want my first day to be something proper.. Opera: A lot of these are really cute… Opera: Oh god, I don’t know if I’ve seen a Ferryman in anything but pants… I don’t think I’ve worn a lot of skirts either though… Charon: Pants used to be pretty important. They were for protecting the prosthetics. The older style tech made them higher maintenance if not well covered. Charon: Always a layer of long socks or leggings with big protective pants for outings where there’s a chance of rough and tumble. Opera: That makes a lot of sense actually… Charon: Body is long gone though so… trying new things… You take a long look at one of your hands, processing being in a new form. Opera: Everything okay? Charon: Mm.. everything’s so pretty… Opera: You already were before! Charon: In a different way. Never realized you don’t have pads, unusual for a karacel… Opera: Different world. Charon: Suppose so… Opera: What’s got you though? Charon: It looks so… soft. But there’s claws that give your hands an edge to them. Charon: You’re built differently from her… Opera: From your Opera? Charon: Mm.. Opera: Cult modding, and just growing up a bit different I guess. Opera: I’m sorry… Charon: I mean… I think I resonate with it. Charon: I was a mash up of fiend and dog and nightmare mutations so… Charon: Things feel right at home. Opera: Really? Charon: Mm. Is that okay or… Opera: It’s fine! Just.. Opera: The way the cult left me felt so weird… like my body wasn’t mine anymore and.. Opera: I didn’t like that but… Opera: I dunno. Fact that you still like it even then makes me happy… Charon: Mm… Charon: I’m taller now too… Opera: By like, an inch? Two tops? Charon: It counts… Opera: You just want to be tall. Charon: A little, nothing wrong with that. Charon: Soon I want to find everyone but… do worry it’d be a big change. Charon: Memories are coming back slowly now that I’m grounded again. Opera: They’ll still care about you I think… Charon: I hope I haven’t been gone long… do you remember anything? Opera: Not a lot… didn’t have that many close people back home anyway. But… Opera: If I do, lets both make sure to meet each other’s people. Introduce each other and all/ Charon: Mm… and if you don’t remember, I’m sure my family will take you in. Opera: Think so? Charon: Know so. Charon: Now um… Charon: How’s this? Opera: THe sweater look is so cute… do it. |
| Posted by ThreadLurkingComorant - 11-03-2022, 08:16 PM |
|
Ferry's Pact- 2022
BaftComorant, Punch Clock Animal/Masa con Paps
CW: Mild Gender Dysphoric discussions
In a darker world, Charon and Opera make a deal to turn things around.
![[Image: 1037821953014239293_image.png]](https://homebrewdeviants.com/static/discord_mirrors/1037821953014239293_image.png) Charon: Are you still there?
???: More than I thought I was… Charon: …Opera? ???: Used to be.. ???: You’re Ferryman…? Charon: I… don’t believe I am? Possible…. ???: Mm, very Ferryman response. ???: I’m sorry, gone through this quite a bit. Not the first nor last to visit me like this. ???: I ‘m Opera.. Not yours though. Opera: Claiming me host? Charon: Mm…. possibly. Opera: You… didn’t take the cult’s offer, did you? Charon: No, the cult is long gone. Charon: I’d actually like permission. Charon: My physical form is long gone and I don’t want to intrude. Opera: Couldn’t stop you but… hmm.. Opera: Been a long time since I’ve been able to talk to anyone like this… Opera: Moment I do, the entity will start claiming the leader’s soul. Opera: But… sense she’s long gone. Charon: Mm, my group and I did her in over a decade ago… Opera: Thank god. Opera: I… hmm. Opera: Is Paige okay? Charon: Dormant but… still lingering with you. Poor thing’s been through a lot… Opera: I know… Opera: So um… Ferryman? Do you have a name? Charon: You keep calling me that.. Opera: It’s a shorthand for all your stand-ins, otherworld equivalents. My first one was named Ferry so…. Opera: All the others are Ferrymen! Charon: Interesting framing.. Charon: But you’re still Opera. Opera: Guess so, term comes from my perspective so… Charon: Mm… Opera: Name though? I can’t remember much but… your face reminds me of him. Opera: And… you did kill the entity if I didn’t forget… Charon: Charon. Had another name but… it seems to be lost. Opera: Ah…. Charon: Mm. Opera: What happened? Charon: Contract gone wrong of my own, ended up having to take the out of replacing my Entity. Charon: It was exciting at first… defeating a cult, seeing and knowing many world’s worth of knowledge but… Charon: One day I just vanished. Memories of my world scattered besides a few close faces. Charon: I read that without a host, a entity fades and forgets. Charon: I want to remember but… I couldn’t put another person through a contract. Charon: I was surprised to find that there’s still any consciousness in here. Opera: Mm… Charon: I figured since you can no longer move, I could perhaps… as selfish as it sounds…. Opera: No, it’s okay! Opera: You’re a friend in many lives and another me in just as many…. Opera: If I can help you, it’s all yours. Charon: Mm… Opera: Is that really what you want? Charon: Mm, that and well… Charon: I should be transparent but… it’s hard. Opera: Oh? Charon: I guess… being of fiendish nature, a shapeshifter who’s experienced many lives through magic and memories of others across time and space.. Charon: I somewhat.. Charon: Found myself in a personal pickle. Opera: I’m a little lost but… you can keep going.. Charon: Knowing I can have so many potential types of bodies, knowing my existence as a fiend is a composite of all the souls… having those feelings rear up. Charon: I… wanted to also try that. Charon: I want to be everything but at the same time nothing? And by your nature, you certainly have that. Opera: Mm, my composition is well.. A lot of fiendish transplants. Charon: Right… Charon: Being another world’s me also means it feels just more.. Correct? Charon: In my head it seems ideal. Perhaps it is, could be the complete opposite but… Opera: I mean, I feel the same way a lot you know. Opera: Like… Opera: When I met Ferry back then, kinda wondered a lot about me. Opera: Being a guy? Being a completely different body type? Not even the same species… Opera: Also wondered what it’d be like to just… be another me. Charon: Mm.. Opera: I had a friend growing up who told me all about this sort of queer expression and like… Opera: I dunno, wish I got the chance at that in life… Charon: What do you mean? Opera: My world’s not as nice about that sort of thing.. Opera: Made me happy though seeing like, another me who’s kind of a pretty dude. Opera: But I also like being me.. But sometimes I don’t? Charon: You don’t hate yourself- Opera: Not at all! Charon: But sometimes you just, wish yourself could be more. Opera: I want to be everything and nothing at the same time! Charon: Mm.. Opera: Honestly if that’s what you want… Opera: It’s better than waiting for someone awful to dig me out of this hole so.. Opera: I’d be okay with it. Charon: Really? Opera: Mmhmm! But… Do wonder what’s going to happen to me… Opera: What’s left isn’t enough to do much of anything anymore.. Opera: Entity stunted any chance for me to bounce back… Charon: I mean…. Charon: We could merge. Split my consciousness into the two of us so we can both sustain. Charon: I don’t know how you’d feel about it but… Opera: Will Paige come back too? Charon: Possibly. Can’t promise but there’s a chance. Charon: Your proxy and your state of consciousness are deeply linked. You offer her a hand. There’s a brief squeeze. Charon: I think we both got stuck with rough endings but… Charon: I want to change that for both of us. Opera: Promise me you won’t let what happened back then repeat. Opera: If you can do that much, I’m all yours. Charon: I promise, and don’t say it like that. Charon: We’ll both be working together from now on. Charon: Comrades. Opera:... Friends? Charon: Friends… |
| Posted by ThreadLurkingComorant - 08-30-2022, 03:25 AM |
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Rabbit's Memory - 2022
Como, Masa con Papas, King's Mulligan CW: Hospitalization, Injury, Death Perspective: Gallows A unlucky Styx laments a job gone wrong. ![[Image: 1014007737484578877_unknown.png]](https://homebrewdeviants.com/static/discord_mirrors/1014007737484578877_unknown.png) You hear a storm outside your window. Singing from a familiar snake echos through the room. (Click for Audio) It's... not the most amazing thing to wake up to but all things considered... You're just glad you get to wake up at all. You had a job guarding the boss's successor and needless to say it went to shit. You feel your body completely bound and sore. You absolutely were operated on to some degree because you can feel the pain meds keeping you from screaming. Any attempt to move would probably be a bad idea. Your proxy manifests near, functioning as your extra set of eyes. You spot the ghostly bastard watching over you. But.... You find it hard to think like this.. Styx: Eddie? Is that you? Ah.... Styx: Saw a ear twitch. First time I've gotten any sort of response. Styx: They bandaged you quite a bit, understandable with what just went earlier today Styx: I’d ask you to move for me but I think it’d only make things worse for you. Styx: Recommend you take it easy for now, consider it a self-care day. Styx: You had quite the close on, thank god for me being around. Styx: As always, yours truly does his best to make good on his end of the deal. Styx: But with that said, I’d rather not repeat that if we can help it… Styx: If I’m quick enough, I can put you back together from quite a lot but.. Styx: What happened today is very much reaching my limits. Styx: I had to improvise unfortunately, your fallen comrades were used for spare parts in the head of the moment. Styx: Not that you were ever all that close I don’t think. Really difficult in this business. There was a sigh. Styx: Between my influence and the number of times you’ve had parts replaced, I can’t help but wonder how much of your original self is left… Styx: Not a big issue though, you and the lot were brought in to play body double. Similar enough in build that you won’t notice too much I think. Unfortunately it seemed folks were quite out for blood this time…. You're lost on what to say yourself, between the painkillers and being held together with stitches and spit you couldn't respond if you wanted to.. Styx:... Are you there? Styx: Please don’t ignore me…. Styx: I can see your proxy right there, if you were truly unconscious it couldn’t be watching over us… Styx: Ah… I see what you’re doing. Yes perhaps just… that’s good, a nod. Styx: Right… in any case I’ll do what I can to patch you up over the night. You were able to keep your client safe.. Styx: I figured it would be a rough job but… Styx: A-Ah! Your proxy is struggling to keep form, are you hurting? Styx: Just hang in with me there…. Styx: Okay… deep breaths. Styx: There we go… Styx: Anyway, I don’t think anyone could have anticipated what went down. If I’m honest I… Styx: I think it's time to consider new options. This gig is far from worth the pay at this point. Styx: Can’t bail just yet, but we should look into an escape plan. Styx: You and the rest of your family really. Styx: Personally I have a plan myself but um…. Hmm… Styx: I do think as of now it’s best for you to take a break. Even though you’ll maintain full functionality, you’ll be hurting for a bit… Styx: I’m relieving you of your body for a little while, at least until your symptoms are manageable. Styx: You um… how do I put this? Styx: Contract poisoning. The amount I’ve had to intervene directly is causing your body to mutate. Thankfully you seem to be lucky enough that it’s taking well. Hopefully no long term damage. Styx: Admittedly I have my own selfish reasons for taking the wheel as well.. Styx: I’m somewhat attached to your world at this point. Styx: There’s.. but…. Hmm… Styx: I… should be upfront. Styx: But… I think I may wait until you and I can have a proper talk. Styx: I’m sorry for fighting with you prior to the job as well. I’m… Styx. It’s nothing… Styx: Please rest well for now. Until our contract expires, I will keep you safe… Styx: A-Ah! You’re fading again… In that case just… Styx: I wish you could stay with me longer but I suppose it’s too early for this. Styx: Ed? Still tired I see... Styx: I’ll see you later then…. don't be gone too long. You won't... Styx: I really do have a lot more to say. Soon enough... |
| Posted by ThreadLurkingComorant - 08-28-2022, 11:36 PM |
|
The Copper Rabbit - 2022
Como, Punch Clock Animal CW: Discussion of Parental Trauma Bucket meets up with a old friend. ![[Image: 1013592759883534407_unknown.png]](https://homebrewdeviants.com/static/discord_mirrors/1013592759883534407_unknown.png) You peek through the door, a brass rabbit sits in a room with a pile of books. It seems to be a three way split between horror novels, fishing journals, and elaborate costuming. It's as Ali said, your old weapon had become a rabbit. Doesn't seem to have fallen to far from the tree... You knock on the wall, trying to grab their attention. They turn toward you, ears perked up but face nonchalant. Bucket: Are you up for a talk? Sabbath: Guess so, mom said you were coming. She caught you up on everything? Bucket: Mm, can’t say I anticipated this frankly… Sabbath: Is what it is. So…. Bucket: So… you’ve been staying here for a bit? Sabbath: Mm… She found me in the storage room and she had space. Bucket: Makes sense… I’m surprised she kept you so long. Sabbath: She got sentimental, everything you left behind’s put away somewhere but uh… Sabbath: Get the sense you’ve outgrown a lot of it. Bucket: Mm.. It’s appreciated regardless. Sabbath: So weird… Bucket: What is? Sabbath: Been decades but you haven’t aged much. Except maybe your eyes. Bucket: It’s how it goes… Sabbath: Mm.. I mean I know how leaving with Ali went for you and all. Bucket: Can’t say it was fun. Really wasn’t thinking straight at the time admittedly… Sabbath: Don’t blame you, Mom was a mess. Tried to scare the idea of leaving out of our head so much that she made us want to just sprint into the woods. Bucket: Really is what I did. In hindsight I understand why she discouraged pursuing the family business so much but.. Sabbath: She had no right, don’t apologize for her. Bucket: No, she really didn’t. I know where she came from, but the way she approached everything was so… intense. Sabbath: That’s a nice way to put it. Bucket: I’m actually surprised you didn’t leave right away. Sabbath: Thought about it. Got no plans to for now though. Bucket: Really? Sabbath: Mm.. Much as I still got the urge I just… Sabbath: I just want to give her a chance, you know? When she first found me in the storage room immediately something was super off. Sabbath: Used to be such a hard ass knight, could never turn that off. Sabbath: Loved her to death but… ugh. You get what I mean. Bucket: More than anyone else. Sabbath: But now it’s just…. She seems more at peace. Maybe it’s having so many folks in her life again but… Bucket: No, I see it too. Sabbath: Our mom back then was a knight so afraid of being alone that she chased away everyone. She was just like Ali, she just didn’t want to admit it. Sabbath: But now… Bucket: Now she’s just tired. Sabbath: Tired and praying for family every night before bed. Bucket: An old woman trying to earn her place in heaven. Sabbath: Exactly. Sabbath: We had a bunch of talks while her grandkids have been busy away. They’re pretty nice by the way, weird being the same age as them… Bucket: I’d love to meet them properly one day but… Sabbath: …But? Bucket: I think I’ll build up to that. Sabbath: I mean I know one of them is yours, that’s obvious. Bucket: O-Oh?! Sabbath: Loves dyeing his hair, sings like an angel.. Does a way better accent than you though. Bucket: That’s rude… Sabbath: I know everything about you. Every embarrassing secret. Sabbath: I knew you when you were cringe. Bucket: Do not use those words. Sabbath: Heh… Bucket: And what of you? Sabbath: What about me? Bucket: Your hair. Sabbath: Yeah? I’m a natural blonde. You saw your old theater buddy dye her hair back then and wanted to so bad… Bucket: All they had was black… Sabbath: Ended up goth for a month. Bucket: Mom hated. Sabbath: Seems like I got a bit of that wish fulfillment though, seems to be common like me. The whole sentient weapon spirit. Bucket: I’m guessing that explains everything else as well? Sabbath: I mean.. Sabbath: Used to hate being so tall back then. And you had a big crush on your best friend so… Sabbath: Short rabbit. Not a fan of the first part myself, think I’d want to be taller personally. Bucket: I appreciate it quite a bit more these days. Save me quite a bit of trouble. Sabbath: No kidding, could probably break Ali in half. Bucket: Mm.. I mean yes… Bucket: On a side note, since you brought up the others who often stay here… Bucket: Has he mentioned me at all? Sabbath: Charon? Not at all but…. I think he’s got theories going. Sabbath: Not that hard though, few options. Bucket: There’s plenty of other dogs in the family… Sabbath: None of them close enough to mom to give up a whole kid. Most of them don’t want anything to do with the knight business. Sabbath: The rest are cats and rabbits. Don’t think he’s either of those. Bucket: Mm….. Sabbath: Mm? Bucket: Just lost in thought now. Sabbath: Everything okay? Bucket: Will be one day. Sabbath: Knight stuff? Bucket: Knight stuff. Sabbath: Gotcha. Sabbath: How long are you staying for? Bucket: Til midnight. That was the plan. Sabbath: Ah… Bucket: I can’t compromise this location but… Bucket: We’ll see. It’s been long enough since I’ve been in town. Sabbath: If you stick around I’ll give you a tour, plenty of new things in town. Sabbath: Got an ice cream place, the Blanc family upgraded. Bucket: I’ll consider. Have some business in a moment… Sabbath: Gonna go talk to mom after this? Bucket: Obviously, but if you’re willing… Bucket: We can catch up further after. Sabbath: Consider it done. |
| Posted by ThreadLurkingComorant - 03-27-2022, 08:11 PM |
|
KING'S MULLIGAN ONE SHOT - THE APARTMENT
Feat: Gallows and Courier CW: None ![[Image: apartment.png]](http://homebrewdeviants.com/static/story/oneshots/apartment.png) You are the Courier of many names.
You rest on a bed in your newly set apartment, making yourself comfortable with the room around you. For the past few months you’ve been dug up by and working with a rebel faction in a struggle with the local monarchy. Also you’re a living sword. It’s been a bit of a complicated situation. One of your closest friends is in the other room, examining the place with you. Gallows: Hey! You look over to see him popping his head through the doorway Gallows: New bed alright? Courier: Mm… lovely really. Surprised you managed to dig up anything this good… Gallows: Had a bit of a lucky raid, you know how it is. Courier: Course. Nice having a more long term dwelling honest… not that the safehouse beds were bad but-! Gallows: I get it. You need your space you know? Courier: Mm… Gallows: Sorry it took a few months but well, we gotta make sure things are okay you know? Can’t give any new person who joins an apartment right off the bat even if we wanted to. Courier: I understand, I do! It’s nice that it’s so close to you and Scab. Being in the same hallway makes me feel… safe you know? Gallows: Bet you’d miss us… Courier: Well… I mean yes but having folks in the same building is good too. Gallows: Feel you. Courier: Sometimes wonder how okay this all is though. Not much of a fighter myself and the whole reason I’m here at all is pure accident really. Gallows: World’s funny like that. Sometimes you pick up a sword off the ground to fend for yourself and it turns out to be alive. Courier: Jabbed me into some poor sap and now I’ve got a pair of arms and legs. Still not entirely used to that… Gallows: It’s a pretty big change. Courier: You’ve got no idea. Been nice though I have to admit even if I don’t feel I really deserve it… something about stealing a body like that seems nasty. Gallows: You have some guilt over it? Courier: A little…I mean I like my new life but.. You know. Even if they’re a soldier of the Crown it’s taking someone’s life. Gallows: Way I see it, that body would’ve been killed outright if you weren’t here. Courier: Guess so… Gallows: If you feel bad though, we can look into something. You ponder it for a moment. Courier: Maybe… I’ve grown attached honestly… Gallows: Can’t blame you, it’s adorable. You can’t help but smile at the comment, Gallows gives you a grin back. Gallows: Look at that. That face is good on you, want to see it more. Courier: You don’t mean that… Gallows: I do! It’s a sweet look. Courier: You like seeing me smile? Gallows: Just a little…. Courier: Can’t say I understand you… Gallows: And what’s that mean? Courier: Sometimes you’re shy, sometimes you’re the biggest flirt in the world.. Gallows: Can’t be helped really, I like getting to know folks. Courier: In more than one way… Gallows: Yes well… Courier: There you go again! You’ve got this duality sometimes and I don’t know how… Gallows: Bit of a rabbitism, you know what they say. Courier: I really don’t. Gallows: The one about rabbits and lions? Courier shakes their head. Gallows: I’ll have to explain that one. Courier: I’m assuming the lion dies? Gallows: That’s a good guess! But no. Courier: Ah… Gallows: Anyway I dunno. Worst case scenario I still wanna be friends with folks. I’m just… also willing to explore a bit more you know? I’m a bit of a cuddler. Courier: I don’t mind that, honest. Could go for some later I think. Gallows: I can make that happen with ease. Got privacy now. Courier: Scab would get so pissed when we spooned on the rental beds… Gallows: In my defense Scab and I have also done the same thing. Anyway…. Courier: Anyway…. Gallows: This place look all good? Courier: Absolutely! Can’t thank everyone enough for all you’ve done for me… Gallows: Don’t thank everyone yet, people are going to be bouncing through the door for the next couple days to housewarm. Tons of gifts and nosiness. Courier: Sounds fun honestly. You mind sticking with me today for that? Gallows: My schedule’s clear, you need some help? Courier: God, please. |
| Posted by SHIVERS - 12-24-2021, 02:51 PM |
|
Fishbowl - 2021
Shivers, Patchwork Kernel CW: violence, unhealthy dynamics, surveillance mention Pepper enlists Blink's expertise on something new. Light sweeps across the dusty space, sliding across all the boxes of forgotten knick-knacks and old furniture as it fills the room. The storage unit's metal shutter slides open fully, pushed up by a grey pockitt with tired eyes. "So any piece of junk works?" "Items that are more personal to the user have a better chance of working, but... Technically, you can use almost anything as a base object. I'd suggest the former, though. For the record." "Yeah yeah, got it." Blink waits out by the entrance, checking their nails as Pepper steps inside. The pockitt glances over all the piles of unused junk they'd left here, the space immediately difficult to navigate thanks to the sheer volume of clutter amassed over the years. As they squeeze through a gap between a ripped-up loveseat and a non-functional TV set, something catches their attention. In a corner, well off to the side, a glass fishbowl sat atop a pile. It was filled with old toys and various odds and ends. Pepper gets a long look at it before making their way over. They hesitate. the 'personal' thing is bullshit. i dont need to dig through all that blink said anything would work but whats it hurt to look After a few seconds of staring, the pockitt reaches in, sifting through everything buried inside. Memories come flooding back . . . The little astronaut stood motionless in the middle of the room, surrounded by bean bags and a bunk bed that were unfathomably larger than they were. A little alien stood in tandem next to them, as if in greeting, wearing the same kind of space suit. A tiny pockitt was crouched in front of the spaceship playset, staring blankly at all the pieces. The child's shadow shifts suddenly, pulling their eyes towards it. A figure pulls itself up out of their shadow, erupting from the floor. Black, white and pink, and covered in eye-like spots, the shadow looms beside the pockitt... "...hey, Mystery." "Hi!" ...only to sit down next to them. "The foster people seem really nice. Just look at this roooom..." Mystery marches around the room with their hands behind their back, taking everything in. "...maybe..." "And this, too!" They peer through the spaceship window at Pepper. "Lots of fun toys, looks like!" "...it's all hand-me-downs from their real kids." "Well... I still think it looks fun." Mystery tilts their head, looking for any reaction from the pockitt. When there was none, their ears drooped. It didn't last, though, their ears popping back up as they got an idea. They walk around the spaceship and flop behind it. They reach an arm out, picking up the alien figure and proceeding to wiggle it as they spoke in its voice, its plastic feet making tiny tapping noises as it touched the floor from the motion. "Cadet Pepper, it's time to launch! You're the best pilot, we can't do this mission without you!" The figure winces as they reach their other claw out, enough to barely reach the astronaut figure. Gently, they slide it forward, closer to Pepper. No reaction. Mystery wilts. They get up, walking over by Pepper before taking a seat beside them once more. "Are you sad?" "...yeah. I'm scared, too." "Why're you scared?" Pepper curls up. "I don't like it here, I don't wanna be here. I don't like them, either. I miss dad, a-and..." "I miss them, too. ...but you have me, it's okay!" The pockitt sniffles, looking up at Mystery. "But what if they come to get me?" "Who? ...Dad?" "No, the people who... had... ...who were with Bazil..." Mystery frowns, watching the toy set as they think it over. They look back at the little pockitt, sporting a smile now. "...I'll protect you! I'll keep us safe." "...really?" "Uh-huh. They can't get past me! I've got eyes..." Mystery stands up and sticks their arms out. "...eeeeverywhere!" The many eye spots along their hide spin in a silly-looking manner. Pepper can't help but giggle. Mystery grins back. "You wanna play now?" "Mhm..." They pick up the little astronaut. "Cadet Pepper ready for pilot duty! Co-Pilot Mystery... ...Are you ready?" The shadow - thrilled - lifts up the little alien. "Let's launch!" Click. Click. Click. Pepper's finger presses the button on the side of the walkie talkie, over and over. Rain pings off a sheet of metal propped between tree branches, the cacophony nearly overtaking the click of the walkie. Their yellow hoodie - already soaked - drips on the exposed tree roots below. They take a breath now, glancing past the tree to a neighborhood near the forest path. They watch one particular window of a house there. The light inside is on. They switch on the walkie, taking a deep breath before clicking in the button. "Kim? I'm at the spot." The radio is quiet. "I was um... thinking we could go hang out? It's raining, but... means it's extra scary to go exploring. Got you an extra flashlight if you don't have yours." They turn away from the window, leaning their back against the tree. "...Hey, we could... go out past the ridge this time? If you want to... I know I was freaked out last time, but I'm good now. I got this." Their leg bounces. "...I also got this new movie, for my birthday. ...I... guess you missed my party on Friday, but it, um... It wasn't a big deal, you must've got busy. It's cool. Y'know, I get it." They close their eyes and wince, popping the walkie talkie against their forehead. "And about the thing that-- ...that we, talked about. ...You're right. It was dumb, and I'm not gonna mess with that anymore. Any of it. ...Okay?" The pockitt looks back around to the window. The light was off. "...Kim...? " They take a few steps back from the tree. Their lip quivers. Pepper turns away and starts hurrying down the forest path, picking a random direction. A sniffle starts, one that gets worse the longer they walk. Finally, they stop. A whimper escapes their throat. They turn, reeling back their arm before lobbing the walkie talkie at a tree as hard as they can. Its case snaps off, and it tumbles down into a pile of dead leaves on the forest floor. Their shoulders start to droop seconds later, as their anger cracks away. Pepper presses their claws to their face, collapsing to the mud and leaves below as their chest heaves. A familiar claw touches their shoulder, ever-so-gently. Pepper falls still. "...We should get back home, okay? It's not really safe out here this late, and with all this rain you might catch a cold. We'll get you cleaned up, and we can put on the heater so your room's nice and warm. Sound good?" "...go away." "...what?" Pepper springs up, their fur caked in mud, and slaps away Mystery's hand. "I said go away! This is YOUR fault!" Mystery stumbles back in surprise. "...my fault?" Pepper wipes the mud and snot off their face, breath still shuddering. "I told Kim about you, and all the other-- He... said that's s... stuff for 'little kids.' I got mad, and we had a fight, and now he doesn't wanna be friends anymore!" Tears pour down again, Pepper wiping them away in frustration. "Do you know h-how... hard it was to make any friends at another new school?! I got one and you RUINED it!" Mystery's eyes watered; both of them crying now. "...but... we're... still friends. ...you still have me, at least." "No! I don't! Imaginary friends don't count." It hurt. "Pepper, please don't... say that to me. That m-makes... me feel bad--" "Even the new foster people don't like me cause of you!" Concern flashes over the shadow's face. "...but, we never talked when they were around. We were careful--" "They had cameras everywhere, stupid! The living room ones aren't just for show, and they have 'em in the bedroom, too!" Mystery's eyes grow wide. "...How much... did..." "They've known since the first day we got there! They just waited til I turned twelve. Said I'm too old for imaginary friends, and that it's not okay to talk to you." "But I've... b-been around you, a lot... longer than they have. We made it through everything. The two of us--" "And look where you got me!" Pepper pants in the rain, mud now caked into their fur as they shook from the cold. "I'm just gonna be all alone, thanks to you!" The pockitt wipes their face on their sleeve, walking away to retrieve the broken walkie. Once they manage to dig it out, they toss it in their pocket and continue down the path, heading away from home. "...where are you going? Wait--" Mystery hurries to catch up, but Pepper turns to stop them. "I'm going out past the ridge. Kim might talk to me again if I do." "It's way too dangerous, you--" "And you're NOT gonna stop me again!" "...but, Pepper..." They reach out and shove Mystery over onto the muddy path. "Don't follow me. I don't wanna talk to you anymore." They look up at Pepper, every ounce of betrayal showing on their face. Pepper shies away as they notice, trying to hold back more tears. "...D-Don't come back." They keep walking. "...Pepper! ...please...!" It hurt too much to hear. Guilt and anguish burned in the pit of their chest. The pockitt began to run. "...wait...!" Mystery's voice faded with the rain. A flash of light reflects in the broken window. The motor spins the rollers, pushing out the fresh photo. Pepper's feet creak along the busted-up floor as they snag the picture, beginning to shake it. The bulky instant camera dangles around their neck. The old bank building had sat abandoned for nearly twenty years. Decay had long-since set in, overtaking the once carefully-maintained building and filling it with holes and perilous drops. They look the developed photo over before pocketing it, glancing ahead. The pockitt had managed to clamber up to the second floor by climbing atop furniture through a hole in the floor - the stairwell entirely impassable below - and now sets their sights on a few precarious boards laying between them and a clear path to the rest of the stairwell. All the upper floors were within reach, full of who-knows-what, all they had to do was make it over this. They approach the first board, mentally preparing to cross. "...don't." The pockitt recognizes the voice behind them all too well, but they don't turn; they don't flinch. "I... I know you don't want to listen to me, but... that could kill you. This isn't safe. ...Please. Don't--! Pepper--" Their feet were already on the board, balancing their way across it inch-by-inch. Possibly out of spite, they were moving faster than they should've, not really bothering to be too careful. Mystery has stopped talking by this point, too afraid to do anything other than watch in grim anticipation. The boards creak ominously under them, each subsequent step seeming to lower their chances of making it across as the boards start bending. They snap. Pepper doesn't feel it, already on their way down. A stray stanchion catches their leg, flipping them onto their back just as they slam hard into the tile floor below, knocking the wind out of them. Pepper coughs and wheezes, gripping their torso tight as they struggle to breathe properly. They groan, climbing to their feet only to hunch over, stray tears falling down their face. "Hang on!" They hear Mystery drop down to the first floor, hurrying over as the pockitt begins to recover. "Let's... get you out of he--" Mystery reaches out a claw, only for Pepper to slap it away. Their face was red, anger welling up through the tears. "Can't you take a hint?! Leave. Me. The hell. Alone!" Pepper screams. Mystery froze stiff. "...You aren't even real. I don't need you hanging around anymore." "...I am, real. We've... I've been here, with you, since we were kids. You can't act like that didn't happen, how would you explain all the--" "Cause I got kidnapped by a fucking cult and I needed people there with me! So I made you - ALL of you - without thinking about it, and you just stuck somehow. That doesn't make any of it real." "But... but I remember things from before then, too. I remember dad... and I remember--" "Don't. You don't get to talk about them like they were your family, too. You keep them out of your mouth." Pepper snarls. "Fine, yes, you were there before. I was a stupid, lonely kid, even before all that, and I needed friends, so I made you first. And then all that happened and I needed you more. Now I'm AWAY from all that, and I'm practically an adult already! So why would I need you? " "...I," They sputter. I help... keep..." Mystery swallows. "...keep you safe. You remember? Back wh--" "If I get hurt, I get hurt." Pepper interrupts. "It doesn't matter, and even if it did, I do NOT need some kid's crayon drawing brought to life coming to my rescue, okay? I can just--" They sling their arm back and slam their fist into a nearby desk, busting it into pieces. "What're you gonna do? I-spy a cultist to death?" Mystery struggles to find words. "W... What... ...What if it's... like with Bazil and Chelsea, where--" "Don't bring them into this. It's not like it's contagious or something! How the hell would I have the same thing?!" "I don't know, but... maybe it... I mean, that could... it's..." A flash of light blinds Mystery, widening their numerous eyes. "I'm sick of this." They pull out the picture and shake it. "I'm done with you, alright? This stupid game we've been playing for years where even when I push you away, or ignore you or- Anything." "Pepper, wait--" "You just keep right on trying to crawl your way into MY life again. And again, and again, and again." "It's- We can talk about--" "Always making things worse. Always making me feel like I'm losing my mind." They glance at the photo. "Because I am down here, screaming my lungs out at NOTHING!" Pepper throws the picture at Mystery. The shadow struggles to catch it after it bounces off their chest. "At fucking AIR!" Mystery manages to steady the photo. They bring it up to look at it in the light. Nothing shows in the photograph. Just the bank building wall. They weren't there. As Mystery stares at the photo, running their eyes over it again and again, the photo slips through their fingers. They grab for it, but their claws would no longer hold it. "...I knew it. See? There's nobody here." "...but..." Mystery stood still, staring down at their hands. The pockitt turns away, making their way towards the exit doors. Pepper's hand was tugged back, the pockitt turning to see them standing with tears in their eyes. It felt just as real as every other time. "...please, don't leave me by myself anymore. I... I know you don't believe that I'm here and I know you don't want to mess with any of it, but I won't... bother you anymore or cause any problems, I promise! I swear," They closed their eyes and shook their head. "I swear I won't be an issue, I just need to- I haven't... talked, to you or anybody in so long... ...I won't bother you, we can just... talk. Sometimes. About anything. And it... it'll be okay- Please... I don't wanna be alone. I can't do it anymore..." Pepper slowly pulls away. Their paw phases straight through Mystery's, leaving them grasping at air. The pockitt could hear Mystery behind them, choking back sobs. They push through the exit doors. "...I miss y--" The doors shut behind them. Pepper's chest burns as they struggle to catch their breath. The guilt rises into their throat. But they swallow it down. Bury it. " P e p p e r . " Someone nudges Pepper's shoulder, causing them to recoil. Blink stood next to them, holding their arms up in an apologetic gesture. "Pepper?" "...Hey." "...I asked you a question." "Sorry, zoned out." "I can see that, yes." "What's up?" "Is that what you're going with?" Blink points. Pepper looks down at their hands, realizing they were holding the instant-print camera. "No... No, I uh..." They drop it back into the bowl. Their eye scans over the objects inside once more. A little astronaut figurine, a busted-up walkie talkie, and so many other countless knick-knacks. Pepper picks up the entire fishbowl, and dumps all the objects out into a nearby box. They hold the bowl up to Blink. The snake raises an eyebrow. "A fishbowl?" "Had a fish that died, and I was sad about it. I used the bowl for a while afterwards to put old junk in. That's personal enough, right?" "I... suppose so? We can certainly try it." "There you go. Done. Let's go." Pepper shooed Blink out the door. "Fine, yes, there's no need to rush me." Once they were clear, Pepper hops up and snags the handle of the metal shutter, using their weight to pull all the way shut in seconds. "Now what's this spot you picked out?" "Fairly remote little forest just outside the city. Not too far from here, thankfully." "We need to bus? Or is it within walking . . ." The camera once again sits in the dark of the storage unit, as Pepper and Blink's voices fade off into the distance. Wind brushes gently across Pepper's fur on its way through the forest clearing. It sifts the grass just as smoothly. Pepper closes their eyes to feel it, relaxing just a little. "I'll take a 'thank you' now for picking the Perfect spot for this. That just so happens to be less than a mile walk from your storage unit." The kangaroo reluctantly opens their tired eyes. "Yeaaah, yeah." Blink removes their backpack and pulls a blanket out of it. They unfold it and sit cross-legged at one end, gesturing for Pepper to do the same. "What, like we're having a picnic?" "You're more than welcome to stand for however long this takes, instead." "...Alright then." They sigh and take a seat. "This is gonna destroy my knees, though." "Well, the good news is, you'd hardly be any shorter without them." "Hey. ...Cheap shot." "I kid, I kid." The snake reaches back into their bag, this time retrieving what looked to be an air purifier. "...A filter?" "Shred collector." Blink pops the top off, and a clear plastic jar emerges. They pop it out, the bottle sealing itself in the process. The corvice holds it up for Pepper to see. Inside, plentiful particles of colorful, vibrant, glowing dust fill up the bottom half of the jar. The pockitt leans in, genuinely intrigued. "...Thought I couldn't see scraps..." "Shreds. They're different. Anyone can see them." Blink unscrews the lid and puts their hand over the top. A small amount of the glowing dust floats upward, all manner of colors gradually tinting into a deep maroon as the shreds reach Blink's claw. They lift their hand up, idly rotating their fingers to float the particles around just above their palm. "Shreds change color to suit the user currently handling them." Pepper was entirely transfixed, much to Blink's amusement. "So... I can do that, right? It cool if I try?" Pepper reaches forward before getting an answer, and Blink quickly seals the shreds back in the bottle. "You're forgetting those hands of yours." The kangaroo cocks their head to the side, their ears shifting over. "Shreds are drawn to scraps. Including the ones you buried in your hands." "...Won't that mean this works better? Like, it's easier to pull 'em if my hands do the work for me already?" "No. The shreds will absorb into the scraps instead, which..." The snake idly looks upward as they think things over, bobbing their head side-to-side for a moment. "Technically, it's not typically dangerous to allow that to happen. Scraps encounter shreds all the time. You can think of shreds as a natural energy source for them. However, too much at once can have more... Explosive effects. I don't think I have nearly enough collected here to cause that, but I doubt you'd want to risk losing your hands, hm?" The pockitt shrugs. "Eh, I guess." "On top of that, it's counterintuitive to this process." "Which iiis? " "Putting it simply: We'll be feeding shreds into that fishbowl of yours until something happens. "... ... ...That's it?" "Having a clear picture of what you want often helps, but otherwise, yes. It's the safest and most effective method to spawn your own proxy." "Though, as far as your hands are concerned," The snake pops off the lid again. "I think I may have a trick." They point. "Set your bowl between the two of us." Pepper puts the fishbowl down in the middle of the blanket. "When I say so, you are going to gently - very gently - pull the shreds from my hand. But you aren't going to pull them all the way to your hand. Instead, just 'let go' of them when they're over the bowl, and I'll provide a bit of a counter-pull to keep them from being yanked over too quickly. Does all that make sense?" Pepper's tired eyes were focused straight through Blink. "...Sure, yep." Blink rolls their eyes. "Just be Careful, alright? I am not going to haul you to a bus stop with stumps." "You got it." "Let's give it a try, then. Ready?" Pepper raises a paw. "Hit me." Blink pulls a scant amount of shreds up from the container, tinting them the same deep shade of maroon in the process. They swirl them slowly, keeping them a few inches above their hand. "Gently, now..." Pepper focuses, leaning in. The shreds begin to move, starting to trail away from Blink towards Pepper. The pockitt's bag-ridden eyes light up with wonder. Blink can't help but grin. "Your mouth is hanging open, you know." "Shut up, this rules..." The hybrid struggles to maintain their concentration. Their flow is unsteady, the glowing dust looking like it could all teeter and fall at any moment. But, they keep things just steady enough. The shreds' hue shifts, mostly to an energetic yellow. However, stray particles start to solidify into other colors: Pink, orange, green, black; all sorts of tints springing up in scattered amounts. Blink watches the shreds intently. Pepper doesn't notice, far too focused. As the shreds float over the bowl, Pepper stops the flow. The glowing particles drop inside and seem to simply pop out of existence. The kangaroo takes a breath. "Well done! I'm surprised, you're picking this up rather quickly." "What can I say," Pepper shrugs. "I'm the best." "...Sure you are." The serpent leans in and squints, studying the shreds in the bowl. "Though, the color is... odd." "...Why?" "There's more than one. I haven't seen that before, though it might simply be a rare oddity. Either way, I... assume it's nothing to worry about." "Good, 'cause it looks cool." "Now," Blink tightens their tie a little as they raise a single claw, just as a professor might when lecturing a class. "...since it may take Quite a long time, let's go over some basics while we continue the process." Pepper's posture slouches with renewed disinterest. "Or we could just. You know. Sit. And not talk." The snake glares, straightening their back. "Well, you want to be prepared with this, don't you? Wouldn't you like to know how to work your proxy? Think of all the potential you'd have with it..." A sigh seeps its way out of Pepper. "Okay but this IS gonna help me fight better, yeah?" "Knowing you? One-hundred percent." "Fffffine, alright..." They sit up. "Let's do it, I'm all ears." The pockitt lifts their paw. "Go." Pepper gazes skyward, their eyelids beginning to droop. The blanket is warm underneath their back as they lay, reclined, one paw still raised as they pull and drop shreds with monotonous rhythm. Blink snaps a few times. "Pepper-" "I was listening." They clear their throat. "...Sorta." Blink pinches the bridge of their snout. "You really could stand to take this a little more seriously. This isn't--" The fishbowl rattles. Blink abruptly stops the flow of shreds. Pepper's ears perk up. The bowl floats off the blanket. Blink and Pepper stand and back up. Water fills up the fishbowl. Blue gravels materializes at the bottom, along with a little plastic treasure chest. A metallic-looking, hard plastic brace spawns just below the bowl, looking not unlike those on the treasure chest. From the brace erupts various lengths of soft plastic tubing, more metal braces, and more fish tanks in odd shapes. A rough template of a body gradually takes shape, all the pieces melding together into legs, arms, and a torso. Three-fingered claws covered in golden-orange scales grow from the proxy's 'wrists', while a similarly-scaly, two-finned tail flares out from behind, finishing the process. The proxy stands tall before Pepper. Its spindly limbs begin to stir as faint motion pops in gradually. Fully-prepared for this outcome, Blink starts speaking. "As of now, the only two functions you'll notice are that you should be able to see through its eyes, and anything that happens to you gets mirrored onto it; including movements. The sight especially may be... disorienting, to say the least." They watch Pepper expectantly. Experimentally, Pepper raises a hand. The fishbowl-headed proxy raises the same fishy claw above its head. Pepper grins a mile wide. "...And the mirrored sight?" "Yeah I'm getting a little bit of that? It's all fuzzy, though." The synced pair gives Blink a simultaneous thumbs up. "But we're good." "Hm. Well... keep up the practice." Blink puts a thoughtful claw to their chin. "I suppose that particular aspect doesn't matter too much yet..." The kangaroo was ignoring them, doing various poses just to make its proxy echo them. "Uh-huh." They strike a pose. The proxy mimics it. And another pose. Mirrored with gusto. "...must you Really? Shouldn't we be... practicing with it?" "Huh?" Pepper pretended not to hear. "Sorry, busy right now. hanging out with my best pal: This weird fish thing." The corvice rolls their eyes. Pepper points at the proxy with both hands, giving it the finger-guns. The proxy counter-fires much to Pepper's continued amusement. The pockitt mimics a camera frame with their pointer fingers and thumbs, lining up the proxy inside. The proxy freezes in place. It roots to the spot. All motion halts throughout its body, as if frozen in time. Pepper's smile fades. "Uhhh... ...Broke it, or something? Can't see anything at all from it anymore, either." "That's..." Blink trails off, shaking their head in shared confusion. The treasure chest inside the bowl opens on its own. The proxy jitters suddenly, as if it had been electrocuted. It begins to move again, though its doesn't follow Pepper in the slightest. Simultaneously, Pepper shudders, looking almost sick. Their paw goes to their temple. "Is... is it supposed to give me a... bad headache...?" "You... should Probably dismiss it now." "...How the hell do I do that?" "I... told you, earlier--" Pepper's knees shook. "Feel like I might... pass out, or-- God-..." Pepper glances up to find the proxy standing just in front of them. It towered over them. They pull back their fist, readying just in case. "Uhhhh-Blink...?" "You need to--" A bright white flash of light left Pepper blind. Something slugs them in the stomach. They double over, only to be caught by the shoulder. Pepper coughs. They look up. The proxy's color scheme has now changed dramatically; pinks and shades of monochrome replacing everything. An instant-print camera had now appeared in the fishbowl, with a photograph currently releasing into the water. One of the proxy's claws is holding a small crack at its torso. A murky voice raises up from the being. "...Mirrored? Let's make this one count, then." The fishbowl leans down into Pepper's face, the camera lens studies them carefully. "How about it, Pepper?" "W... what--" It reels back a fist and smashes dead center against Pepper's face, leaving no time to react. Glass splits noisily. The grey pockitt is sent sprawling over into the dirt. A large crack appears across the front of the bowl, obscuring part of the camera. The fishbowl cocks its head over to the snake, who had been approaching from the side. A whirring sound springs forth as an eerie glow emits inside the bowl. Blink takes a stance. "Pepper, dismiss it NOW, you onl--" A pink flash hits Blink. Their eyes widen, unfocused. Their muzzle opens, but doesn't move. The corvice falls to their knees. Over their head now floats a swirling pink eye. "I'm sorry, are you part of this?" Blink doesn't move. "No? Well, that's what I thought." The proxy approaches Pepper, who was still trying to get to their feet. It snags their arm and hoists them up. "Did that get your attention? Only a few years too late, then!" Pepper winds back a punch. "I wouldn't." The proxy simply drops Pepper. The swing at thin air as they hit the ground. That whirring sound returns. Pepper shuts their eyes. It doesn't seem to matter: The pink flash of light penetrates straight through anyway. Pepper's vision goes hazy. Everything they could see is swallowed up by rippling black, like smog rising up from a fresh fire. Their legs grew heavy. Their thoughts raced. The headache made nothing easier. dismiss it dismiss it dismiss it how do i do that what did they tell me i dont remember In the billowing dark that surrounded them, Pepper began seeing things. Glimpses. Of old memories. Jumbled together. ![[Image: fishbowl.png]](http://homebrewdeviants.com/static/story/oneshots/fishbowl.png) sto p All the memories yielded, frames paused, shimmering in static. Instead, the void fills up with eyes every one of them trained on Pepper. In the dark, a pink and black figure walked towards them. Each step left a ripple, as if dark water had flooded the void. Pepper couldn't move. Mystery looked down at them. All their eyes locked with Pepper's. "...It isn't fun, is it?" They effortlessly lifted Pepper off the ground by their arm. "Not being the one in control." "...wait--" "Being ignored. Alone. Buried." "Listen, listen we--" "In your own head, no less!" Their eyes bore down on Pepper like knives brushing skin. "This is my head, too, after all. I have no idea what else to do to prove it to you. Hopefully you understand now. But then, really, you always knew, didn't you?" "I... I-I..." "Don't bother. I'm aware. Denial just comes easier for you than anything else, right? If you push your problems away, run from them, then you never have to bother with them! Isn't that right?" "I... didn't... mean to--" "No. None of that. You know exactly what you did to me. You just don't care. I doubt you've cared about anyone else, at any point. Especially everyone you share a body with. ...I bet you don't even know their names anymore." "Mystery... Mystery we... we can just talk--" "Talk? Well, let's see, Pepper... I think I've been asking to talk things out siiiince..." The shadow pretends to count on their sharp claws. "Twelve years or so? Something like that. I could be losing track, though! Could have something to do with lacking consistent stimuli for years, who can say! It makes sense, though. Buried things do tend to rot, don't they? But really, who's keeping track, anyway? Certainly Not You." They lean their face in close. "No more of that, though. Oh, don't worry. I'm not going to ignore you forever, Pepper. I won't pretend like you don't exist. What kind of monster would do something like that!" Mystery pauses, letting that simmer. "So, you're welcome to talk with me anytime." They place a claw to their chest. "...But you won't be calling the shots anymore. Anyone but you." dismiss it Move do ANYthing, body come ON "Just because you don't give a damn whether you live or die doesn't mean you get to drag the rest of us to an early grave alongside you." As their position starts sinking in, Pepper can't help seeing cage bars in the periphery of their vision. They panic. DISMISS IT DISMISS THE PROXY STOP STOP blink get up please Please "So, good news, then: You just get to take it easy for a while. Not that you deserve it. Because you don't. But I won't do what you did. No one deserves that." Pepper closes their eyes. it isnt real its not here im not here "It may take me a little while to figure out how this proxy works. But as soon as I do, you get to rest easy. Sound good? Good." it isnt real this isnt happening bury it A twinge shifts through the void, startling Mystery. "...no." They turn their attention back to Pepper. "I am NOT spending another second stuck in that..." Mystery winces, trees beginning to show through the dark. "...thick SKULL ...of yours!" The shadow grasps their head as their voice grows fainter. "I won't let... you do this... again" Mystery shuts their eyes tight. Pepper spots a tear. "stop" The shape of Mystery burns away as the eyes over Blink and Pepper's heads fade into nothing. The proxy lets go of Pepper as it collapses. Every component of it disappears, save for the photo from the fishbowl. It drifts slightly in the wind, landing nearby. Finding themself on their back, Pepper sits up. Not far away, they find Blink, panting. The snake peers over at Pepper, half-concerned, half-terrified. Neither gets up. Neither speaks. Pepper spies the photo laying next to them. They pick it up. Nothing shows in the photograph. Just the trees behind where they sat now. They weren't there. |
| Posted by ThreadLurkingComorant - 10-22-2021, 10:00 PM |
|
Paella - 2021
Comorant , Crankshaft Rafflesian CW: None A Rabbity Bastard and a Bastardly Rabbit have a talk while making dinner. ![[Image: paella.png]](http://homebrewdeviants.com/static/story/oneshots/paella.png) Lex: Paella...
Jam: Mmhmm.. Lex: That's looking so good... Jam: Yeah, took a lot of time and a little help from a good friend, but... Lex: I mean you did most of the work, I kinda just nudged here and there. Jam: You did a lot, couldn't do something that needs this kind of work all on my own. Lex: So what's the occasion anyway? Never really told me why you wanted to make a fancy dinner tonight. Jam: Well for starters, we both promised that we'd get better about eating healthy and I wanna make good on that. Lex: Yeeeah. We used to dump so much cash on fast food... Jam: Exactly, left us hell broke too. Lex: Yeah... honestly I don't wanna go back to the days of barely making it by every week. Not that we're doing the best right now but it's different lately. Jam: Both of us got consistent jobs and we moved into a place with Dotty. Massive improvement from a few years ago. Lex: Really though. Honestly it just... feels nice to like... I dunno. Can't really pin down the words like that. Jam: Give it a shot anyway, I wanna hear. Lex: I guess it's just nice to feel like I'm going forward in life. Was hell lost before. Jam: Lucky you got a navigator around, one who knows you better than anyone else. Lex: Can't argue with that, you're literally in my head. Jam: Close as humanly possible, maybe a little more. Makes me feel special honestly. Anyway, the second reason for making something this fancy is 'cause I wanted to treat you and Dotty both to something nice tonight. Lex: You're not going to be the one out for dinner? Jam: I mean.. maybe a little but I wanna let you get a taste too you know? Get to see you smile. Lex: Gonna die when you say stuff like that... Jam: You absolutely will! Lex: Fucker. Jam: Love you too. Lex: There you go again.... Jam: It's what I do best. Lex: Maybe. Jam: ...Was it too much that time? I can stop if it really bugs you. Lex: I mean... it always feels like too much I guess. You know exactly what I wanna hear and it always gets me but... I don't like being messed with like that. Don't want my feelings to get played with for a reaction. Jam: What makes you think I don't mean what I say? Lex: You kinda do it so casually. Do it with me, do it with Dotty, used to do it to a few friends sometimes just to see their faces. Jam: Ah you remember that last one... Lex: Little bit. A lot of you being around is kinda lost memory-wise but... I remember enough chunks to know that happened. Jam: Yeah, that was actually a big bad on my part... Lex: Think a couple of them asked us out actually... had crushes on them at the time so like... I dunno. Lex: I guess really I just feel jealous sometimes you know? You got us a consistent job while I was gone, you always made friends easier, I.. I don’t even know for sure if that was me on the first date with Dotty in hindsight. Jam: Pretty sure it was mostly you. Lex: Mostly...? Jam: To be honest, older memories are kinda blurred like that for me since we share them soo… can’t really give you a straight answer there. Lex: Makes me feel worse honestly. People just seem to like you better at this point and I can’t really blame anyone for that. Jam: Don’t think that’s true. Lex: Everyone smiles so much more around you, even Dotty just- Jam: I’m going to stop you there for a sec. Dotty fucking bawled when you were gone, she missed you so much that she sat down and told me she wanted to move somewhere else because this part of town reminded her too much of you and she had no idea if you were ever coming back. Lex: ...She what? Jam: It got that bad, it really did and honestly? I missed you that much too… maybe more if that’s even possible. Shouldn’t really say that but like…. Words feel dumb. Lex: Keep going. Jam: I guess it hurts that you always kind of shrugged me off as being goofy but I didn’t want to press further since maybe you just really weren’t into the idea but… I really want to be with you. Like… do you remember all the mystery love letters, the penpal with no address, the random gifts in your locker and all that? Lex: ...Was that you?! Jam: Yeah… Lex: Oh my god… Jam: At the time though we were pretty disconnected, hell I think you forgot about me… parents sure made a point of trying to gut me out of your thoughts with therapy. Worked pretty well too, scares the shit out of me to think how hard it cut me off. Lex: Everytime I asked them about it, they said I was yelling about ghosts or something. Put me on some hard antipsychotics… Jam: Oh, the cocktail? Yeah, I hated that too. Lex: Didn’t realize I was on the wrong stuff until I got away and talked to a doctor without them over my shoulder…. I mean I’m still taking a lot but at least I got a combo that feels alright these days you know? Anyway, I guess that explains a ton, no idea how some rando could pick a school locker like that.. Jam: Yeah… Always told myself I was doing it because I wanted you to never feel alone or unloved or whatever but.. Honestly I kinda just did it because I was gay? That was kinda the only way to do it, so… Lex: Honestly? If I knew and we weren’t well… whatever our deal is? I would’ve actually gone to prom… Jam: You mean you would’ve told your mom and dad you’d go to prom and we’d hang out on the beach getting feelsy over weed and street tacos until midnight. Lex: Yeah. I mean we could still do that. Jam: Think your parents would be scared if you asked them about going to prom at this point. Lex: You know what I mean. Honestly knowing everything though… I want this too. Wanted this for a while really but I also thought you wouldn’t go for it. Guess that really made the teasing hard for me too. Hot best friend asking you to spoon them everytime it rains but not knowing if they’re serious is some deep pain. Jam: Now you’re messing with me. Lex: Mean it. Your style, the way you talk, your bastard grin with the little canines... Jam: Have to gnaw so much to get that look down in person, your overbite grows back so fast… Lex: It pays off you know? I guess just… we should probably bring this up to Dotty at some point but like… Jam: I means she knows I got feelings for you if you’re worried. Lex: Wait… you told her without telling me? Jam: Yeah? You told her too. Lex: Yeah… god we’re stupid. Jam: Two halves of an idiot… Lex: Speaking of, uh… we should probably check on the paella. Jam: Ah… yeah that uh… shoot okay. Lex: Uncover the lid and.... Jam: Oh thank god, didn’t burn. Lex: Well mostly… bottom is a little crispy but. Jam: Eh, everyone burns the bottom layer of rice from time to time. We made plenty. You ready to start serving? Lex: Yeah and uh… thanks for always being here for me you know? Can’t imagine not having you here with me. Jam: Same. I don’t wanna stop talking about it since it’s still kind of a lot but.. Continue after dinner? Figure out some stuff, get Dotty’s input on this? Lex: Sounds nice. |
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