A message to the recent & future transgender pick-mes.

If you’re a trans pick-me (no matter where you align with gender) there’s a special place in Hell just for you & I don’t even believe in Hell. Having trauma isn’t excusing your actions of going out of your way to hurt other people actively. It explains that it comes from a place of hurt potentially or you’re just turning into a rage-bait influencer because it makes you money. Either way you come after trans people who don’t do being trans exactly like you so they “aren’t really trans.” You get a taste of the right-wing rage-bait money pot & you wanna keep going because money & maybe some weird part of you thinks this will save you from transphobic attacks? Honey, we’re all just fags to them no matter how we look or act. Even if you’re a cis person not following the norm or unaware of the politics of it all, you’re still just a faggot to them who they will eventually want to snuff out. I’m saying this as a tranny fag just to be clear! You can’t be playing these exclusion games & thinking it’s going to make you powerful! Even Milo Yionnapolis or whatever that fucker’s name was got dropped by the Trump Administration! They do not like us & they never will like us! Democrat, republican, whatever it is; if it’s capitalist, it doesn’t like us! No matter how much you lick those boots, it’ll do you no good. You’re a faggot/tranny just like me & the rest of us, that’s how these suits see it & always will see it no matter how much you try to prove “I’m one of the good ones.” They aren’t going to save you, we’re all on the chopping block to them no matter what our politics are. These government folks don’t see any of us as “one of the good ones.” Get over yourself, grow the fuck up, and stand side-by-side with your transsexual siblings! All we have is each other, these cis people aren’t shit! 💜 Down with cis! 💜

My name is River Debonair Hades, and I’m a daughter of Hecate and live at canp half blood. She’s the coolest goddess, and I have powerful magic powers and I’m usually busy on quests… but not today. I think Percy has a crush on me (but first I’ll have to get rid of the stupid blonde pick me Anna Beth!!!!)

‘Hey river’ I hear Percy say as he passes me practicing archery. I was wearing my Folklore cardigan, with beige cargo trousers and some blue converse. My crochet cat beanie matched the colours I’m wearing on my long sleeve striped T-shirt which has earthy tones, and my blue wolf cut is tied into a cute pony taiI.I would say I have pretty W rizz right now.

‘Heya Percy’’ I winked back at him..

I then hit 2 arrows at into the centre of the target and laughed. I’m not even a daughter of Apple but I sure am good at bows.

‘Come on Percy we’re leaving !!!! ‘Said Anna Beth. I rollled my eyes and Percy looked at me with his eyes apologeticaly with his really hot eyes before he left.

‘We shold hang out Soon!’ Said Percy, but Anna Beth dragged him away And scoffed.Fucking bich, she shouldn’t try to keep percy when’s she knows she has no chance!

When I got back to my cabin,that is covered with winding ivy and has a magic aesthetic, I saw that Taylor swift had Anjounced her concert and I used my powers to make 2 tickets for me and Percy - I know Percy loves Taylor. We might have ti sneak out so Chrion doesn’t see us, but it’s worth it for Taylor!!! Ticket master can go to Tartarus

(4 pts to ravenclaw if u got this far)

I turned on my iPod that is blue and played my favour it’e taylor swift song ( Karma))( that’s what Anna Beth will getsoon)) I then was walking and Will solace offered to play me a song on his ukelele and I sat and listened cutley to his song boys will be bugs’ by a normie called cavetwown . But then his emo boy friend wanted to play Mythi magic so they left me(nerdss!!!). I was so shocked that I ran crying into the woods( so swiftesque) and I cried into the tree. All dryads comforted me and made me a flower crown because I’m friends with everyone ( except Anna bich) and I felt better soon…

Then all of a sudden Luke cam out from behind a tree!! He had been running and he had sweat on his pale forhead. He looked tired - no wonder, he was Supposed to be DEAD?!’ All the dryads screamed and ran away, leaving us all alone…. My purple eyes met my EXES blood red ones.

‘’why.. why have you returned!!????!!!!!’ I shook

(Like 4 part 2, thanks 4 rewdin:))!!!’ And creds to misty for editing love u all)

A Miniature Meeting With Multimouse > Thirteen

Original Idea

Masterlist

"Wait, so you're saying that you called the Justice League for help?"

Marinette nodded.

"And that they wrote it off as some joke?"

She shook her head again in confirmation, causing Jason to mutter a curse beneath his breath. He clenched his fists in anger, and the only thing that managed to calm him down was the small hand placed on his shoulder.

"Sorry, Nettie, it's just..." he started, before groaning in frustration. "We're heroes. We should have investigated the situation."

"Jay-Jay, don't blame yourself. You didn't have a chance to even see the message in the first place," she scolded lightly. Then, with a grin, she drawled, "Plus, if anyone's to blame it should be Booster Gold."

A dark look began to form over her brother's face, yet he managed to school his expression.

"He's lucky that he's in a different country right now," he mumbled.

The woman next to him chuckled, as her eyes wandered about the room. That was when a frown suddenly settled on her features.

"...We should probably get ready for when they aren't paralyzed anymore, huh?"

Jason turned his head to where she was staring, to be met with the sight of both Red Robin and Nightwing situated in seats across from them. The males were both frozen and slouched back.

"Nah. They're fine like that."

Marinette sighed, standing up from the sofa that she was sat at. Her steps barely echoed in the silent living room as she walked away.

"What are you doing?"

"Getting something," she responded in a voice that became louder each second, until she reappeared in Red Hood's vision again. In her grip was a miniature notepad and pen.

He raised a brow, and watched as she scribbled on two different pages of the book before tearing them off in a quick movement. She then proceeded to place one on each of the frozen men's left hands.

"Autographs, seriously?"

"C'mon, cut me some slack. They deserve them after you two decided to use Venom for no reason."

Pollen - who was snuggled onto Dick's head of hair with a few other kwami - huffed with folded paws. "My Monarch, they deserved it!" her soft voice whisper-yelled quietly. "They disturbed your sleep."

"That still didn't mean that you had to paralyze them!"

"If I may intrude," Duusu spoke up, causing all to glance at her. The feathers that she had fluffed up at the attention. "You haven't had a good night's rest for at least a week."

"No, I did after-"

"Finding out that your brother was alive," Longg carried on coolly, from his perch on Tim's shoulder. "You seemed to have had a distressing amount of bad dreams that night, Guardian."

"I...well..."

Jason gained a soft look. "Nettie..."

"...I-I just...after years of not seeing you and getting over your 'death', you just- reappear? Out of nowhere?" Marinette spoke with watery eyes. "I, I mourned for you, and..."

Red Hood abruptly moved forward, encasing her in strong arms. She stilled for a moment, yet soon broke out of her stupor when the vigilante began to talk.

"I know exactly how you feel, Nettie. I...I had nightmares that night too. Gosh, you should've seen what I looked like that morning. I was practically a zombie."

The girl he was holding close reciprocated the hug after his words, making him sigh in relief. He leaned his head atop hers, then apologised with, "I'm, I'm so freakin' sorry, Nettie."

She remained silent for a few seconds.

"...Me too, Jay-Jay."

He smiled, before planting a kiss to her temple. "Now," he started, "I believe you said that we should prepare for the Replacement and Nightwing over here to unfreeze?"

His sister grinned. "Yep."

Whilst the two began to complete the task - with the efficiency of a well-oiled machine - the kwami laying on Dick's locks began to speak in hushed conversation.

"Tikki, I thought you said that we would have talked to him by now," Ziggy complained.

"Quit with the whining," Stompp said with an annoyed expression. "Can't you see that they just had an emotional moment?"

"Yeah? Well they probably wouldn't have if we'd sorted that Jacob out first."

"Jason."

"Whatever, Wayzz. That's not the point."

"Friends..."

"Let's just go to him now. What's stopping us?"

"The fact that he's Plagg's Chosen."

"Friends..."

"So?"

"Plagg would kill us if he found out that we'd threatened him."

"Friends...?"

"As if! Look at him sleeping over there!" Trixx exclaimed, pointing a paw to the couch nearby. "He's practically drowning in his own drool if you ask me."

"Frien-"

"Guys, shut up! Nooroo wants to talk!"

All conversation suddenly halted, as every single kwami turned their attention to the butterfly god. He shifted about nervously, before saying, "Is, is it okay if I say something?"

"Of course!"

"Go for it!"

"Yeah!"

His lips formed into a small smile. "I, I don't think that the Guardian would be happy either if she found out that we'd spoke like that to Jason. I've s-sensed her happiness with him around, and not only is it because they are soulmates, but because they are siblings as well. I assume that they would be f-fiercely protective of each other."

"...You have a point there, Nooroo."

"Remember what happened last time when she was protective? With Kagami?"

The kwami collectively shuddered.

"Remember how Tikki was proud of Marinette that whole time?"

"Issss that true?"

"Yeah, since Marinette stood up for her girlfriend. Well, girlfriend at the time," Barkk amended. "Right, Tikks?"

When there was no answer, everyone faced the ladybug kwami, only to see her whizz up into the air from Nightwing's head and proceed to fly about the living room frantically.

"Tikks, what...?"

"Friends, the Guardian, she's..."

On the other side of the place, Marinette was sprinting about with an alarmed expression marring her features, as she glanced through all of the windows near to her.

"Nettie, what's wrong?" Jason quizzed, following right behind her. "Are you okay?"

"Nope. No, no, no, no, no I am not okay!" she responded, whilst making her way over to the Miracle Box on a shelf nearby. Her hands picked it up delicately, then opened it up with a simple tap.

Dozens of jewellery were revealed. She chose to quickly pick up a comb with stripes all over, and place it in her hair.

"Nettie?"

"Yes?" she called in a distracted way.

"What is it?"

"It's someone else with the Lazarus on them," she informed, turning to face him. "Stay here and look after Plagg, I'll go check it out."

The younger one sauntered to where her bedroom was, while commanding, "Pollen, Buzz On."

"Wait, someone els-"

Red Hood cut himself off when a bright yellow light surrounded her form, prompting him to shut his eyes tight. When he opened them back up, he found himself standing in front of a shut door.

Just as he was about to grab the handle of it, a hand on his shoulder halted his actions. He whipped his head around to see Nightwing giving him a worried look, whilst several kwami sat on his onyx hair.

"Dick, what are you-"

"It's B and Little Wing," he responded, not answering his asked question. "They told us that they were coming on the comms, but I couldn't tell you since I was paralyzed."

"Venom!" a muffled voice shouted from behind the door.

"Frick," Jason cursed, as he lifted a leg up to kick down the entrance of the bedroom. He rushed in, holding out two pistols at the balcony in front.

However, after a few seconds, they both clattered to the floor.

"...Thaaaat's not good."

"No crap, Timbers! This is, just-"

"I didn't mean to do it!" Marinette squeaked, inching back into the direction of the balcony nearby. "I swear!"

"No, no, no," Red Hood placated, coming forward with his hands held out. "Ssshh, it's okay, Nettie. I know you didn't, just- just come here, okay?"

He stepped over both the unconscious Robin and paralyzed Batman on the carpet, and came close. Then, his arms opened up as an invitation, causing his sister - now in black and yellow stripes - to come rushing into him.

Strong arms hugged her tight, as the owner of them sent a knowing look to Tim and Dick. It took them a moment to gather their bearings, yet after doing so, they nodded in understanding.

"I'm so sorry."

"Nettie, no, it's not your fault," Jason hushed, petting her head in a comforting manner. "Let's go back to the couch, okay? Don't worry."

She hesitantly shook her head to agree.

~*~*~

@northernbluetongue​  

@2sunchild2​​  

@shamefullove​​  

@kceedraws​​  

@kittyanonymity​​  

@vivilakitty​  

@unholykrow​  

@winter-gardenflower​​  

@thepeacetea​​  

@theatreandcomicfreak​

@maribat-shenanigans​​  

@cassiopeiathequeen​​  

@ace-aro-agender​​  

@rhub4rb​​  

@chocolate1721​​  

@st0rmy-w1th1n  

@legallyspawned​​  

@zebrabaker​​  

@novicevoice​​  

@shizukiryuu​​  

@vixen-uchiha​​  

@hypnosharkrebeldreamer​​  

@crazylittlemunchkin​​  

@bisha43rbs​​  

@bluerosette23​​  

@loverofnoir​​  

@thewheezingbubbledragon​​  

@jade-taillia​​  

@drarryismylife101​​

@ladybug-182​​  

@dur55​​  

@firesong323​​  

@that-feeling-wyn​​  

@mlbchaosqueen​​  

@multplelifes​​  

@thequeenofunicornss​​  

@thesunanditsangel​​  

@ladysblackcat

@myazael​​  

@worlds-tiniest-spook-pastry​​  

@loveswifi​​  

@grimmhallow31​​  

@castielsofficialtoothbrush​​  

@moonlightstar64​​  

@maribat-is-lifeblood​  

@corabeth11​​  

@indecisive-mess-named-me​​  

@tired-butterfly​​  

@shadowberrybinch​​  

@kanamexzeroyaoifangirl​​  

@elmokingkong​​  

@nyaabinch​​  

@naoryllis​​  

@dorkus-minimus​​  

@7-sage-7​​  

@mooshoon​​  

@timetomakeanewwish​​  

@princess-of-fangirls​​  

@dast218​​  

@i-like-fairytail-and-stuff​​  

@nataladriana9  

@freshbark​​  

@hell-or-high-waters​

@lunarwolfspn​​

@juhavs​​

@uwuteamleader​​

@sassakitty​​

@hauntedwintersweets​​  

@serendipitousa​​

@fontegagrilledcheese​​

@iloontjeboontje​​  

@luleck​​  

@palvine-of-the-alvins​  

@sparkle9510​​  

@kittycatwowmeow​​  

@eliza-bich​​  

@bluefyoto94​  

@marinettepotterandplagg​  

@clumsy-owl-4178​​  

@greenishivy

@jeminiikrystal​​  

@damianette-is-life​​  

@chocolatecatstheron​​  

@moonystars14​​  

@sofmimis​​  

@schrodingers25​​  

@toodaloo-kangaroo​​  

@geminikessa​​  

@angelic-anissa​​  

@smolplantmum​​  

@maribat-march2020​​

@maribat-2k20​​

@redscarlet95​​  

@soupfilledboots​​  

@maybemanymuffins​​  

Gamers gotta game

Pairing: Gamer!jungkook x Nerd!Reader x Fuckboy!Jimin Genre: Future smut, fluff and angst (the holy package). Warnings: None in this part, actually.

A/N: This is my very first fic posted on here, please give me any kind of feedback you feel I might need. Not edited v. 

1 | 2

*gif not mine*

PART 1

▪♡▪

7:34 am

You was almost late when you jumped out of bed and made it to the bathroom, your first class starts at 8:15 and you still had to walk for 20 minutes to get there. This left you with an empty stomach and a lack of caffeine for the rest of the morning, the class itself wasn't bad but you couldn't pay much attention to Mr. Patrick talking about some impossible function. After what felt like days, you were finally lunching with your friends on the cafeteria.

"Y/N, how could you forget my skirt?" Kenny said with her puppy eyes. You promised her you would borrow her some clothes that your mom insisted on buying for the sake of you "going out more".

"Sorry K, can't you pick it up tomorrow?" Your month were already full of sandwich.

"I guess it will do... Are you sure you won't come tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I'm not the frat party type, you know it" And specifically not this one, the Beta Tau Sigma were a fucking no-no for you after your first party with them on freshmen year. This guys are just crazy and loud as fuck.

Since it was a Friday, you made plans to watch some documentaries and order pizza with some wine. It was just perfect. 

Well, almost perfect if it wasn’t for the hungover from the cheap wine the day after. This was a typical Saturday afternoon, Kenny knocked at your door to hang out with you and you guys chatted about school stuff and about her crush that is supposed to be at the party. 

“What if he is already with other random girl and I don’t even know?” You stared at Kenny’s eyes with a scowl in your face. 

“What makes you think like that?”

“I don’t know, Jin is a very popular guy and older than us, from what I know he has no reason to tell me the truth.”

“So he has no reason to lie to you as well, dummy.”

And the afternoon passed like that, Kenny was already at the door when you shout to her:

“Get home safe bitch!“

“And you stay safe in yours sweetheart!“

▪♡▪

(1:23)Kbae: bich, wasuuuuupp

The sudden noise scared you but you got up from the couch to go catch your phone in the kitchen table. 

(1:24)You: Are you ok?

Kbae: I thik I lost m cell 

You: No, you didn’t

It was a little late for you to deal with drunk Kenny but a side of you were worried that she wasn’t home yet.

You: Where are you?

Kbae: Im los at the bathroom 

You: Your bathroom?

Kbae: nooo im PRTYING LOL

Ok, now you are officially worried she’s going to get her head in the toilet at any moment.

You: Is anyone with you??

Kbae: no that bitc left m

So you remembered that Lisa, Kenny’s friend was there. You try to reach her with no success. You can’t believe she’s getting you out of the comfort of your couch because of her low alcohol tolerance, that dumb bitch…

You: Don’t move a single bone, I’m coming and you will pay me for this later.

The uber was almost there when you received the reply.

(1:50)Kbae: bt I hve no mony

The BTS house wasn´t that far from your place, but it was enough time for you to start regretting your decision. The single thought of a place full of people and loud noise was making you really anxious. When the Uber arrived you took at least 5 minutes getting out of the car, you knew something bad was going to happen with the bad luck you had.

The entrance had just two guys that, from what you guess, should be the security or something like that. You go straight to the door but you fail on not getting attention from the two.

“Hey, do we know you?” The blond guy ask you just when you were getting in.

“Probably not, I’m not the party type. Just here to pick up my friend.”

The blond guy look to the other that seem a little waisted.

“Yeah? What’s her name?” The waisted one shout at you.

“Kenny.”

They look at each other with a little surprise and the blond one say:

“The last time I saw her she was upstairs, are you sure she asked you here?”

“Hyung, let her in, I know her.” The voice comes from inside and you recognize it from your Contemporary Literature class, It’s Namjoon. You never thought he was into frat parties…

“Hi Y/N, I’m sorry for Yoongi and Hoseok here. They are just making sure you aren’t someone from a rival frat or something.” I laugh at the thought of it.

“It’s okay, have you seen Kenny?” You say as a proof of what he’s saying, Namjoon and Kenny are in the same major and maybe he would know where her dumb ass is.

“Not really”

When you get upstairs looking for her you see something you were afraid of seeing, but you know it was inevitable since it was a BTS party. Your ex, well not really an ex since you never had an actual relationship – what actually made the things worse. Jimin was a typical fuckboy but a smartass one for your bad luck, he was almost better than you in your classes and sweet with you. You didn’t know his fame back then and that led into you falling for someone who just saw you as a fuckbuddy. Since you never told him your real feelings, he never knew the reason for your sudden distance, he probably thought you got tired of him and with time he didn’t reach you anymore. And for it not being awkward, you made sure you didn’t took any classes with him this semester.

There you were standing in front of him kissing someone against the wall, you were just frozen in place when you remembered why you was there: Kenny. You almost run to a corridor that had a door with “WC” wrote on it.

But Kenny wasn’t there, actually there was another couple making out, which made you blush and say a lot of apologies after you saw the face of the guy: Jin. You closed the door and rested at a nearest wall, this night is getting worse and worse.

Ok, just breathe. If she’s not there, where?

You started calling her but she stopped answering you since you got there. You tried Lisa but with no success. So you decided to look downstairs but just when you’re reaching the stairs you collided with someone and thanks to your bad luck it was Jimin, of course.

“Y/N?”

“Hum… Hi.”  

“What are you doing here?”

“Kenny.”

“Oh, she made you come.”

“Yeah, you can say that.”

“Well, do you want some vodka? I know you’re not a big fan of beer.”

“Actually someone is waiting for me, sorry have to go” And you run to the closest door praying for it to be open and for the first time that night things worked out and you got no problem getting in. There was a guy in a computer in the room it took him just a few seconds to notice you.

“Hey! Don’t you know how to read? There is a sign at door saying DO NOT ENTER THIS ROOM you…” and the man sited before you turned his chair to see you.

“I’m sorry, can I hide here for a little?” He was shocked to see that you weren’t, first thing, trying to find a spot to make out – since you were alone – and second, drunk.

With a sad smile he said “Some weirdo is following you?”

I felt bad for lying but it was almost it wasn’t it?

“Yeah…”

“No problem, you can lay on the bed for a while.”

The room was not that big but it had two single beds and a study space with the most expensive-looking computer you’ve ever seen. When you sat on the bed, the guy returned to do something on the pc and put his headphones on again. When you got to see what he was doing you notice he was playing some game, who plays games on a party? Weird. Not that you were in a less awkward position.

“HYUNG, can’t you see the MAP?”

You were startled with the sudden shout and nearly jumped on the bed, then he turned to you and said:

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to scare you.”

You just nodded and he returned to talk with someone on the game. So you remembered about the Kenny matter, where did this bitch went? You got your phone and text her like crazy, called Lisa and finally you got an idea: her roommate. You call Jisoo and she picks up rather quickly.

“Hello?” Her voice seemed a little sleepy, you must had woke her up.

“Hi, it’s Y/N. I’m sorry for waking you up but I’m trying to find Kenny. Did she go home?”

“Oh, yeah. She arrived here about 20 minutes ago, super wasted and crying. Did something happen?”

Oh, no. Seokjin.

“I don’t really know, but thanks for answering me this late.”

“It’s nothing, any time.”

“Well, good night.”

“Good night.”

Finally, the nightmare is over. Well not really over, you have to get out of this hell before that. So, you get up and go to the door, not really wanting to bother the man on his game. But he heard your steps and turned to you.

“Are you going?”

“Yeah, I’ll try to get home.” And you go back to your way.

“Wait.”

You look at him and he seems a little self-conscious with what he has to say.

“I can take you to the door so you won’t get into trouble with the guy again.” He says that with a hand on the back of his neck. You feel bad for telling him a lie and make him worry about you, he seems nice.

“Ahm, I don’t think its that of a big deal. I don’t want to bother you any more that I already had.”

“It’s no trouble at all, actually I had delivered food and it should be in the way right now.”

“Okay then.” And you two go downstairs to reach the door as you’re praying you won’t see Jimin in the way there. When you got in the balcony you called an Uber and a strange silence got to the both of you.

“Ah.. I didn’t actually got your name.”

“It’s Jungkook, and yours?”

“I’m Y/N, thanks for letting me hide on your room.”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

And the silence came again…

“Ahm… Is it your first party here? I don’t remember you from before.”

“Well, I’m not much of a party goer kind of girl.” He laugh at that and your face turned into a frown.

“I’m not laughing at you, I don’t like parties that much too as you could see.” You smile at that, yeah playing games wasn’t much of a party activity.

“Why do you live on a frat then?”

“That’s what I ask myself every day.”

That’s when your car arrived and both of you said your goodbyes.

(3:36) Jimin: Hey, missed seeing you.

 A/N: Thanks for reading, I’ll try to do part two if this one succeed. Send me a message I’d love that.  

Guilt and Love Chapter Three

Even though Gabriel had managed to get an akuma in Lila Rossi’s bag for her convenience in Gotham, as part of their agreement, it was still out of range. He thrust his cane done in frustration as he felt complete static from the connection. There was absolutely no hope in controlling the akuma now, but Gabriel didn’t want to risk scarring his miraculous by trying any further. He had two choices, either end his alliance with Rossi by detransforming, or let her have free roam and run the risk of her going completely off course and not getting him the miraculouses he needed. Gabriel sighed, “Dark wings, fall.” Miss. Rossi was going to be a worse enemy than ally, but her as a rogue akuma could be even more dangerous. He’d have a week to plan his next move before Rossi’s return home. A week before Hell came back again.

Lila felt the rush of adrenaline flood through her veins, Volpina’s abilities surged through her body until...they didn’t. Lila felt the power release and watched as a white butterfly flew past, out of the building. Hawkmoth broke their alliance?! When Lila got back to Paris he was so dead! As Lila felt the wave of becoming herself once again she saw her classmates flock like sheep to her, maybe it could still be used to her advantage. Lila continued her fake sobbing, “Oh, I’m so sorry! I swear I don’t know what came over me! Another spell of my illness.” Damian narrowed his eyes at the girl, he wasn’t sure what had happened and he didn’t know who ‘Hawk moth’ was but he knew that whatever it was wasn’t some illness. The class members still lapped it up though.

“Am I missing something?” Damian asked Marinette. She in turn sighed, she guessed Hawkmoth must’ve been out of range and dropped his transformation, although she’d have to investigate how an akuma got into Gotham in the first place. “Where to even begin? There’s this Parisian villain named Hawkmoth who feeds negative emotions and turns people into supervillains to retrieve the hero Ladybug’s miraculous. He used to also go after Chat Noir’s miraculous but he uh- isn’t doing anything anymore...anyway, I don’t know how an akuma got here for Lila, but the reason nobody’s calling her out on her bs is because of something she said last year. Basically, Lila lied to the whole school claiming she had an illness which made her lie uncontrollably. And of course everybody believed her.” Marinette huffed and rolled her eyes, originally she’d been grateful for that lie but now it was just Lila’s “get out of jail free card”.

“You’ve got to be kidding me? A simple google search would clear up that a disease of that manner is not a thing. What idiots. TT.” Damian scowled as he watched the students fawn over Lila. “Yeah, but she’s a great liar and even when her lies are proved false my class never learns, they just fall for the next one.” Marinette frowned, she couldn’t really tell anybody this but Damian made her comfortable. Damian continued to talk to her making the occasional comment that would make Marinette giggle, his stoic and sarcastic answers that not everybody seemed to pick up on made Marinette feel more at home with him. ‘I could get used to this’

Adrien watched as Marinette giggled with the Wayne boy. ‘Unbelievable’. She didn’t know it yet but she was supposed to be his soulmate! Ladybug was his other half! They completed each other! This guy obviously did something to make it seem like they were soulmates because Adrien knew they couldn’t be. He thought his lady would’ve crawled back to him by now. He was trying to teach his lady a lesson by ignoring her the way she had been ignoring the fact that they were meant to be. Dare he say it, they were endgame.

Adrien sauntered up to the two and grabbed Marinette by the wrist. “Adrien what the hell?” Adrien started dragging her away, saving her from the man who’d bewitched her into thinking she was his soulmate. “I need to talk to you.” “Can’t it wait?!” She scowled. Adrien shook his head, “No princess, I need to talk to you meow.” Marinette faltered just as Damian came storming up to them trying to rescue Marinette. “C-chat?”

Still in a dazed stupor, Marientte found Damian was comforting her and taking her away from Adrien. That was okay with Adrien, he saw everything he needed, on Marinette’s left wrist read “Robin”. Purrfect, Adrien knew exactly what to do.

In Marinette’s shock Damian began to yell at Adrien. The two bickered back and forth for a while until the French class came back to the main lobby, they’d missed the tour.

“Alright students! Let’s get back on the bus now!” Miss Bustier said cheerily. Damian growled, they went on the tour without them! How did the incompetent teacher not notice she was missing two students? Well one student and complete as*hole. Damian glanced back at Adrien who was clambering one the bus. Marinette turned to her soulmate, “Um now that that’s out of the way, do you maybe want to meet up tomorrow? It’s basically a free day, m-maybe we could coffee grab or something, I mean! Grab coffee!” It took all Damian had not to chuckle, keeping a straight face he said, “Sure. That sounds nice. I’ll give you my number and we can plan something.”

~~~~~~~~~~

“Ahhhhh Tikki he gave me his number!” Marinette exclaimed as she flopped on the bed in her hotel room. Tikki giggled, she didn’t want to ruin the moment but she sighed. It had to be done, “Marinette, what are you going to do about Adrien?” Marinette shot up, “I-I HAVE NO IDEA! HE’S CHAT NOIR OH MY GOD!” Marinette started to freak out and pace around the room. As Marinette tried to make sense of what was happening she heard a tap on her window. “Hide, Tikki.”

Opening it she saw a man with an armored suit on and an R in the upper corner. He had a cape draping from his shoulders, Marinette recognized him as Robin, one of the heroes in Gotham. Then she realized who the Robin was on her wrist. ‘Could Robin and Damian be one in the same?’ Marinette inspected the man who stood before her, although she couldn’t see his eyes she did rule out that he was Damian, Robin was taller and he had blonde hair, like Adrien’s, not midnight like Damian’s.

“H-hi!” Marinette exclaimed, she didn’t believe it, what was she going to do? She had two soulmates, she was starting to feel really guilty, she should’ve told Damian! “Hey there pr- miss. What brings a pretty girl like you to Gotham?” The blonde boy leered at her. “Um- I- School Trip. Sorry, could you uh back up, you’re making me nervous…” Marinette responded as Robin moved forward to her, pressing her against the wall. “Hmmm. Interesting…” He said to her with a small smirk. “What?!” She squeaked. “You’d look even prettier with your hair down.” The boy reached for her pigtails while Marinette ducked. “You know, look at the time! Maybe you should head back! I’m sure you’ve got lots more important things to do!” Marinette said gently pushing the boy off her. “Marinette it’s okay, I know you’re my soulmate. You don’t have to hide it…” Marinette trembled as the boy brought a finger to her lips, “I’m not! I just, you're making me feel a little uncomfortable…” The blonde chuckled, “Sure darling… I’ll come by again tomorrow.” He said glancing at his ring? Marinette shook her head quickly, he was gone just as quickly as he appeared at her window. ‘Is he really my soulmate?!’

Adrien detransformed. A success. Plagg was able to easily change his outfit and his lady seemed to be falling hard for him. He couldn’t wait for tomorrow. ‘Robin’ was going to pay her a couple more visits before the trip ended. It would be glorious, Adrien began to imagine it. First she’d fall for him as Robin and then when he showed her who he really was she’d realize that the Wayne kid was a liar and accept Adrien as her soulmate. Adrien licked his lips, ‘the perfect plan.’

Tag list (ask if you’d like to be added and let me know if I missed you)!:

@interobanginyourmom

@beaversuenightly

@legendaryneckjudgestudent

@luciferge

@northernbluetongue

@mandy984

@Zebrabaker

@violatiger8

@gingerdaile

@poshplumcot

@thanks-captain-obvious

@miraculous786

@superrrpc

@souleateralicestein

@mochinek0

@shamefullove

@satans-favorite-homo

@heldtogetherbysafetypins

@draco-kasai

@worlds-tiniest-spook-pastry

@synnesstra

@ace-aro-agender

@almstreet

@winter-gardenflower

@dast218

@novicevoice

@chaosace

@hypnosharkrebeldreamer

@emjrabbitwolf

@kuroko26

@eliza-bich

@mystery-5-5

@mewwitch

@shreky-boi

@zerotosiki

@imanerddealwith

@queen-of-the-trash-planet-tm

@casual-darkness

@bluerosette23

@crash-the-mode

@fertileleaf

@my-name-is-michell

Dan Watches: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

Alright so I did this for Episode I which you can find here and then Episode II which you can find here and then Episode III which you can find here. So here’s my weird live reaction/note taking/whatever this is.. to Episode lV.

I remember this being my favourite of the original trilogy because it sets everything up and basically kick started everything but lets see if that changes when i’ve finally got through all of these. 

Also I’m just watching whatever version i can find online because I can’t be bothered to go and find my dvd of it so yeah.. whether we get weird updated version or original effects or whatever, who knows. 

All the old effects like how C3p0 looks and r2d2 are impressive. 

There wasn’t really anything in the opening crawl i felt like commenting on, no big THEY DID THAT IN THE OPENING? but i guess it’s the first one that came out so that makes sense. 

WTF did the stormtroopers use to get that door open, that was so explosive wtf.

Also the blasters are like set to 10000 and smoke is everywhere. 

How did nobody shoot the dorids?

Yooo little Ani nice suit my dude. 

Hold on, she sent a msg with r2 to go to Obiwan which for 1 howd she know he’s alive? I’m gonna presume her dad said or something and 2.. ..why not just.. go yourself? 

So when they’re set to stun a Stormtrooper can shoot someone no problem

Also we dont get enough stun weird circle blaster shots

Ohhhh she didnt go because the scan for lifeforms thing alright ill allow it

but my dude.. even so.. maybe just shoot it just in case? like.. droids exist and people know about them?

DARTH VADERS LITTLE HANDS ON HIPS! Omfg he’s like “God damn, this bitch again.”

This Vader is a sassy boy. 

I love this guy who works with Vader and doesnt mind chatting back to him. 

Loving the droids in the desert. 

R2 does not look like it would work in a desert. 

C3 like “He tricked me into going this way” stop being a lil bich. 

WOOTINI!

The crawler thingy is badass. 

I thought that was a magnet it was just a big sucky pipe. 

GONK

Oh yep theres the new effects. 

Droids sleep? I guess power saver mode. 

Wtf is that dome droid

Luke! Luuuuuke! Iconic 2 words there. Well reused for that episode of Rebels where Obiwan watches from a distance. 

Bocce.. what a classic language. 

OMG OWEN JUST LET HIM GO INTO TOSHE STATION TO PICK UP SOME POWER CONVERTERS JEEEEZ 

How is that “wasting time with friends” and not chores, going into town to get something sounds like a chore to me. 

Why did they get an atromech anyway? Like.. what’d they need the other droid for? 

C3 is a real bro lbh, if it wasn’t for him, R2 would be with the jawa still. 

Oooh oil bath. sexy. 

I wonder if people ship R2 and C3 because tbh it makes sense to me. 

Luke got an erection at the mention of the rebellion. 

Now it’s getting harder at that random blurry image of his sister. 

R2 is a cheeky lil shit. 

This is just some good home life shit. 

Dat soundtrack. 

You know what.. it’s a really nice home. 

Is it just me or is Owen dressed kinda Jedi-y. 

So is “Sand People” like the racist way to say “Tusken Raider”?

Obiwan, thats a ridiculous fucking noise. 

“Hello There” iconic. 

You know what the Prequels do add a lot to this. 

A young Jedi named Darth Vader.. im sorry.. thats just not a name. 

For someone who wants to get off the planet, Lukes like “Naa but i gotta get home”

Obiwan also just being like “You know what, fuck it here.. lets go.”

You know what as much of a bitch as that guy who gets force choked is, he’s a good actor. 

Also Tarkin yay. 

NOOOOO OWEN AND BERU! YOU BASTARDS!

I feel like he should have dropped to his knees or something there. 

That is a scary droid. 

Cool door close. 

Thats a weird ass CG droid with a hole in. 

None of the other storm troopers gonna wonder why Dave’s being weird? 

Wahey! Figrin Dan and the Model Nodes! Love that Jizz music. 

Who just ugs on the back of a bartenders shirt? Wtf Luke

Yo he didnt even pay for his drink, free drinks?

Who gets the death sentance in 12 systems and goes around bragging? 

The first arm cut off and theres all sortsw of blood which there shouldnt be because lightsabers cauterize the wound, tut tut. 

Gooood scene with Han and Obi, honestly i keep forgetting to comment because im just watching xD

Wahey! Greedo 

If we’re doing a han shot first thing.. Greedo shot first in this version and missed and then Han shot him but tbh i prefer the Han shot first.. makes him more interesting. 

Jabba looks smaller. 

Casual Boba Fett appearance. 

Yooo Poncho. My boy Cal approves. 

Fuck those weird long nose aliens. 

The Falcon looks so good. 

Get those poor guys by the Death Star laser a damn rail. 

We just cool with igniting the lightsaber in front of Han and Chewie? Chewie at least knows wtf it is.

Chewie is a badass. 

Let the Wookie win. 

WTF that isnt the lightspeed effect.. it’s like a weird blanket tunnel 

The fact they get onto the Death Star with no issue is kind of ridiculous. 

The motion of Darth Vader is kinda just.. not fitting right. 

Han just pat Chewie like hes a dog. Rude. 

Han just gets caught up in this without a choice rly. 

He just wants those sweet credits. 

Also Set Design on Star Wars is amazing. 

Leia just lounging all sexy like 

Also does she have a stain on her tit? .. Not that im looking >.>

The Jedi being called a religion is kinda weird but i guess accurate. 

This has to be the worst star to a friendship for all three of them. Chewie seems cool though. 

I also thought the trash compactor scene was earlier on in this movie than it is. 

Who the fucks voice was it that said “Thats your imagination” ? 

How the fuck are they standing if the water is that deep?

I liek the touch of the monster whos name im sure i learnt but forgot let go as if it knew the trash compactor was about to turn on, that implies it has a safe spot down there that it stays. 

Some of the voices sound off on this but ah well 

Hans already a little Handsy with Leia but i think Harrison Ford was sleeping with Carie at the time so like.. i get it. 

Obiwan just strolling about, as you do. 

I love just these giant pits with walkways with no rails. If I worked on the Death Star it’d be a nightmare for me to get around. 

“NO WAIT THEY’LL HEAR!” ...and they’re not gonna hear you shouting?

Stormtroopers just shooting the shit is the best. 

You know what with everyone being like “Wow that ships a shitheap.” I can understand why the prequels made their ships look nicer and newer. 

I love that shooting a door panel in star wars just makes it so the doors wont open at all, thats some good shit. 

Lukes as bad of a shot as a Stormtrooper. 

First little kissy incesty moment but hey it was on the cheek, universally thats fine but im sure at the time this was him setting up that Luke and Leia were gonna end up together, before he decided they were siblings. 

Vader just standing there, lightsaber already out like “Ahhh Mr.Kenobi I’ve been expecting you”

As lack luster as the chroeography is in this fight im kinda thinking of it as like, they’re reading each other, like Obiwan and Maul’s final fight. 

I don’t really know why Obiwan just chooses to die like that but heyo. 

Vader stomping on Obiwans clothes? Why? I guess because he gave himself to the force and thats the first time he’s seen that? 

I love the gunner seats moving around, idk why i just love it. 

Whats the point of the ear peices if they’re just gonna shout at each other. 

Not mentioned it until now but everyone says Leia wrong. 

They’re really harsh to Han tbf

This is like if you got an Uber to a place and then the Uber driver got pulled into a police station because you’re a terrorist and then you have a go at the Uber driver for wanting to leave after he’s got you out of there. 

Another kiss for Luke.. .. okay

I like how Biggs earlier scenes are deleted so when he shows up it’s just this random dude who somehow knows Luke

That air traffic control guy has no idea what hes doing, nobody is even in the air yet or moving, wait. 

Man X wings are cool, makes me think of Battlefronts VR mission thing where you get to pilot one and it’s the coolest VR thing ive done. 

For a space station the size of a moon you’d think they’d have enough fighters to just wipe out the rebels no biggy. 

ALSO if they know the rebel base is on that planet, why not just blow that planet up? 

YAY WEDGE

The targetting computer seems very invasive. 

Those turrets are useless. 

I would have rated it if they let that random dude blow up the Death Star.

Tarkins thinking face is beautiful. What a man, 

If Luke missed this shot, everyone knows he’s turned his targetting computer off, so they would be PISSED

RIP R2. 

HWHAT!? 

Woooo Mr.Solo. 

Well.. Well done Luke you killed a lot of people, some just trying to do a job and live their lives. 

Han, Leia and Luke all went off together all holding each other.. like.. Threesome? 

I’m sorry but after that, someones doing some fucking. 

Leia just giving her lovers, dont @ me, a medal. Thats why Chewie doesnt get one, he wasnt there for the orgy. 

R2 looking fresh. 

You know what, that is a good complete story that actually works on its own, i appreaciate that. 10/10. :P

EXO as dumb shit I’ve done, EXPLAINED:

Suho: 

See this picture here? This is me before the moving team. I was so fucking proud of myself for strapping the base of the chair to my roof (it wouldn’t fit through the trunk of me smol hatchback). I thought it was funny that it kinda looked like a kip-pah and asked my friend to take a pic for me here (see my lil peace sign next to my face? im v happy of my jew car). Little did I know that after driving to my new apartment with the whole moving team from IKEA unloading shit from the truck, I would be stuck in the fucking car. I didn't have a knife or scissors to cut the strings and I didn't want to make my dumb assery to be noticed; so instead of asking for help... I climbed out the front window and almost fell flat on my ass. When I stood up and turned around, the whole moving team was just standing there looking at me. The assholes knew I was stuck and let me suffer.

Kris & Kai:

so these moments both happened in the same night. I went to a house warming party for my friend and I didn't know what to bring as a gift, so I just bought two big bags of Hawaiian bread. Now throughout the night, the more I drink, the more impulsive I get. 

I started putting the bread on people's shoulders, slowly piling them up until they noticed. Everyone was pretty wasted so there was no surprise when I had a stack of 4 1/2 buns (I ate half) on my friends shoulder. Anyways- fast forward into the night, I'm craving sweets, so I walk into my friends kitchen and find a jar of cookies. At the time I thought it was a brilliant idea to just put the Hawaiian bread in there so the kitchen looked full; a fair exchange, if you will. At least that's what I thought... I found pictures from the party and it turns out I just ended up putting in a half eaten bun sjzjsj

Fast forward into the morning of the next day, I’m hungover and I wake up wearing mismatching socks (one is mine, the other I have no idea). 

I needed to get home because I had work later that day, so I hop into my car and start driving home. The whole time there was this annoying beeping sound that I couldn’t figure out where it was coming from. I had such a bad headache that I pulled over to see what the fuck was wrong. I got out of my car, checked the wheels, checked the under the hood, then hopped back inside. I was so frustrated that I banged my head on the steering wheel and just rested my eyes for a sec. When I opened them to look straight ahead at my dashboard, the brake light was glowing bright red. I cried.

Chanyeol: 

One summer evening, I was hanging with my sister and her friends around a campfire. We were roasting marshmallows, drinking, having a good time etc. Eventually later into the night we started getting bored and one of my sister’s friends suggested playing hot potato with the coals from the fire. We’re all game like FUCK YEAH LETS DO THIS. Then we start tossing it around and realize that it’s way too fucking hot, so instead of tossing it’s just everyone spiking the coal to the next person. FYI, I have terrible hand eye coordination and I wasn’t wearing my glasses that night. Every single time the coal was spiked my way it would miss my hand and fly straight into my hair. The next day I woke up, looked in the mirror, skipped breakfast and headed straight to the salon. still looked cute or w/e so I ain’t mad

Kyungsoo: 

Ahhhh, this one is actually pretty personal and happened not too long ago! My mom finally left this dirt bag she’d been married to for the past 16 years. When I say dirt bag, I mean a manipulative, abusive piece of shit. My mom was so tired during her session with the mediator for when they were deciding who was getting what; she took 30-45 minutes to talk alone with them and he took 3 fucking hours putting on this sick sob story. The mediator was so done with him too that they just let him do whatever he wanted. That meant he had the “right” to pick and choose what belonged to him in our apartment. The fucker took EVERYTHING. He took the furniture, the bedroom sets, all the electronics, the spices- HE DOESN’T EVEN COOK. However, a week before then, I bought a huge bottle of vanilla. I needed it to make edible cookie dough, which I was doing everyday out of stress. The day before he finally moved out, I came home from work to see everything wrapped/packed up. I started to get worked up and went to the kitchen to make my cookie dough. When I opened the cabinet to get my vanilla and saw it completely empty, I lost it. I literally screamed and started tearing up all the boxes, finding more shit that belonged to me and stopped when I finally found my vanilla. I went back to the kitchen, happily made my cookie dough and kicked back on "his” couch with my dirty shoes on. Later that night, the asshole came home and screamed at me. I shut him up tho when I told him I’d suffocate him with a pillow in his sleep if he dared to touch me or any of my things ever again. He didn’t stay in the apartment that night lol

Baekhyun:

I think this one might be my favorite story. It all started when a package from my mom in the mail never showed up even though the UPS tracking said it had already arrived on my doorstep. I assumed in meant the package was stolen and got really bummed about it since it had some essential items in there. My roommates felt bad and decided to cheer me up by throwing a house party (woohoo! cue the alcohol!). It started at like 3pm and went on all the way until 4 am the next day. Somewhere within that time frame while it was still light outside, slightly tipsy, I found a ladder on the side of the house and had a strong urge to follow it up to the top; and who am I to deny every desire that comes across my pea sized brain. I was half-way up to the roof when one of my roommates spotted me (let’s call him Big Ned; there were two guys named Ned in our house so we just called them Big Ned and Little Ned; Big Ned is like 6′3″ and Little Ned is like 5′4″). Big Ned started yelling at me to get down and I told him I couldn’t because it was my destiny to reach the top. He decided that there was no use arguing with me and ended up following me to the roof (even though he’s afraid of heights; bless his BFG heart). He’s kinda hard to miss, so when he started making his way up to the roof with me, it grabbed a lot of attention. Some joined us. Meanwhile, I decided to walk around and look into my neighbors yards. I saw a mess of papers in one of the alleys between our houses and joked “lmao that’d be funny if that was my package”. We laughed for a bit then looked a little closer until we realized oh fuck that’s my package. My body moved on it’s own and just kinda scrambled across the roof trying to figure out the fastest and least painful way to get off the roof. Thank the stars for Big Ben holding me back by the collar of my shirt and preventing me from jumping down onto the neighbors fence. Little Ben ended up running over and jumping the fence to get it for me. We still don’t know how it got there.

Tao:

In middle school, I had to go on this field trip to some ranch out in the countryside of Texas. I remember we were all huddled into a barn with a big stage in the back. The teachers grabbed a mic and got on stage to talk about who knows what. Idk I wasn’t paying attention, talking to my friend, in my own world. When the mics go off, everyone starts chattering. At that moment in time, I was extremely preoccupied with my shoelaces when I got a tap on my shoulder from my homeroom teacher. I think she was mad at me for not listening and told me to head up to the stage along with a few other students making their way over. Being in front of others makes me nervous, but when the teachers put a bib around my neck before I got on stage, I was too confused to think of anything else. When another teacher started handing out baby bottles filled with Gatorade to each student on stage, I had to stop them to ask what was going on. And what do ya know, I’m in a baby bottle drinking contest. Before I had time to ask any more questions, they were already counting down to start. Now listen, I’m not the type of person to back down from a challenge so ofc you know I’m gonna suck the soul out of this bich. The reason I can say this confidently is because up until I was 11 years old, I always drank out of baby bottles when I got home from school. I just really liked the feeling?? For me, nothing beat chilling on the couch, watching Teen Titans and drinking fresh cold orange juice from a baby bottle on a hot summer day. Idk but I guess it came in handy since I finished a 24oz bottle under 35 seconds. The rest of the kids weren’t even close to half way through. There’s a picture of me at the back of my school year book holding up the baby bottle like a trophy.

Sehun:

Remember my sisters friends from the campfire? Well I spent a good long summer hanging with her friend group and ended up getting kinda close to this one of the guys (let’s call him Jake). I have a really broad range of music taste and I guess he digged that so we talked a lot about music together. By the end of the summer, Jake threw a party at his house and invited me over. Ngl I wanted some dick so ofc I’m gonna go all out and break out my hot leather Madonna outfit. I head out with my sis and the house is packed by the time we get there. The whole time we’re pretty much just hanging out, drinking and dancing the night away. Some time passed 1 am (I think), I’m sorta outside making out with Jake on the side of his house. It’s getting really hot and heavy. When we finally broke apart for air, he told me he though he was in love with me. I’m screaming internally, panicking and I don’t know what to do. I could tell from way before that he really liked me, but I didn’t think it was to that extent. It doesn’t help exactly that I don’t feel the same way for him. Don’t get me wrong! He was really hot and sweet, but I just couldn’t see myself with him. So what did I tell him? Nothing. My dumb ass was in such a panic that all I could think of was that I needed to run. I did. I ran back into the house, out the front porch, spotted his skateboard and took off. I didn’t really know where I was or where I was going but somehow I ended up at the train station and eventually found my way back home.

Xiumin:

On my 21st birthday, my roommates took me out to a really nice, 5 star restaurant in the city we lived. They're buying me all the drinks I want cause heck I'm finally legal! Now, I think y'all can see a pattern of what happens when I drink. So when Big Ned got a glass of scotch and I had just finished off my last sip of wine, I wanted some too. I asked him to share, using "it's my birthday" to get my way. Ever the gentleman, Big Ben pours half his glass into my wine glass and keeps his raised for a cheers. The whole group joins in and with a shout of Mozeltov, I slam the wine glass down on the table and toss it back. It wasn't until I finished the last drop and tried to set my glass back on the table that I realized I snapped the stem in half. No one spoke, except for Little Ned, softly, "did you... did that really just happen?" Yeah. Yeah it did. Thankfully the restaurant agreed to keep the broken glass off the bill as long as I left the restaurant immediately.

Chen:

On a Saturday night, I met up with a good friend of mine that I hadn’t seen in months. We bought some snacks and drinks then drove to a marina near my apartment (new place in California). The whole night we spent catching up and throwing rocks in the water. I was still a little tipsy when it was time to go home and my friend ended up driving me back. On the way back, I opened a bag and snacked on some pizza flavored goldfish. I was about a fourth of the way through the bag when I decided I didn’t like it anymore and started tossing them out the window. We pull up to a stop light and my friend is trying to make me stop by rolling up the window, but I stick my leg out before he could close it. Next he tries to compromise and said if I wasn’t going to eat the goldfish, I should just put the bag down and remove my leg from the window. My tipsy ass told him no, I was handing out free food. I turned to look at the car next to me, asked (yelled) if they wanted any goldfish and held out the bag to them. I guess the dude thought it was funny and was just like “yeah sure why not, lifes too short to not eat goldfish from a stranger at a stoplight” alksdjflskdj 

Lay:

When I was about 6 years old, I lived out in the suburbs of Fulshear, Texas. The community is really tiny and everyone knew each other. One time, I was playing hide and seek with my siblings, and decided to hide under my moms bed. While I was waiting for my brother to come find me, I fell asleep. A couple hours later I wake up and it’s dark out. The house is empty. I’m calling out to see if anyone is home, checking all the rooms. I thought maybe everyone decided to tag me “it” since I passed out. After a while of not finding anyone, the phone rings and I pick up. It’s my mom sounding out of breath calling to see if anyone found me and took me back to my house. Turns out I had actually been knocked out for 6 hours. Not being able to find me during hide and seek for 2 hrs, my siblings went to get my mom who also started looking for me. After another hour and no luck, she called our neighbors across the street to see if I went over to play with their kids. Ofc they said no and said they would call some other people in the neighborhood to find out if they'd seen me. A few hours later, the whole neighborhood was out looking for me. Meanwhile I'm at home chilling on the couch watching Teletubbies and eating goldfish (the original babey).

Luhan:

My dad took me and my siblings to the beach almost every summer in elementary school. We would always stay at this Holiday Inn right across the street from the sands. At night, we would go “hunting” for crabs with a flashlight and a fishnet. But on some nights when my dad was too tired to go out, my siblings and I would hang in the kids room at the hotel. We were fooling around and just being kids. Then we found a big case filled with tubes of paint. I was excited to do some finger painting but before I could reach for a tube, my brother stopped me to say he had an idea. He dared us lay down our sheets of paper and paint them by jumping on the tubes. Being the youngest of four, I thought this was a brilliant idea and immediately got to work. Set my paper down and lined up the colors I wanted to use. I jumped.... Only a spec of paint made it onto the paper... The rest beautifully decorated the off-white walls of the kids room. We all just froze because oh my stars we’re gonna be in so much trouble. Turning to each other, we made a very strong pinky promise to not tell a soul what happened. The next day when we returned to the kids room, the case was gone, faded splotches of green and purple remained on the walls, and a big paper taped above reading “NO PAINTING ALLOWED”.

Fun fact: my eldest sister used to write about my adventures for her creative essay homework’s in middle school.

Since a bitch got sent one (1) ask only about. my ask meme that I created lol I’m going to go through and answer B) all of them bc i can... its selfcare.....

First 3 answers above the cut, other 47 below lmfao

Favourite of the main 6? I think the title of my blog speaks for itself lol

Least favourite of the main 6? Garbage stink piss man (Lucio)

Which of the main 6 do you want to slap the most? The aforementioned piss man but.... also kjaenfjkfea at times. Julian very badly because he’s just Like that but he’d probably enjoy that unfortunately

^

^

^

Which of the main 6 have the most similar interests to you? (favourite colour, flower, food, drink, season, hobbies etc.) Portia tbh!!! She’s a very sweet spring girl and I also have a fairly similar personality to her. 

Who has the most tragic backstory? Mmmm.....muriel.......... I mean everyone has a pretty sad past but Muriel’s really is something else. The man is Heavily traumatised and I desperately want to give him a hug :(

Favourite side character? Mazelinka.... adopt me challenge kjaefkjnaf. i cant stop thinking about “goat bitch” what a fucking icon

Favourite animal friend?  Faust!!!! shes a good girl!!!

Best/worst of the courtiers? fuck i dont remember any of their names but valerius is. hot basard. worst is vlastomil hands down im kinkshaming anyone who wants to fuck the worm

Fuck, marry, kill (asker’s choice) Well skajfnkajf I’ve shot myself in the foot but. TBH its like. Marry Muriel, fuck everyone else, kill Lucio (full disclosure I only just finished julians upright ending and haven’t played Nadia’s yet so this may change except for wanting to marry Muriel and kill Lucio lol)

Romance or fluff? (Muriel) Fluff!!!!! Muriel deserves all the affection in the whole wide world. He gets sick? Bundle him up in furs by the fire and cuddle up into him with a good book. You look at him once? he blushes. it really doesnt get fluffier than that ++ a lot of his character arc in general is going to be.... letting himself trust you............. which is. so fucking wholesome

Wild night out or quiet night in? ( Muriel ) Quiet night in lmfao. We’d just hang out inside drinking hot chocolate and talking until we fell asleep propped up against the wall in his tiny house having completely lost track of time. 

Adventure or domesticity? ( Muriel ) I wanna say adventure because. I love travelling! I love going out and trying new things! And Muriel very does Not but I feel like getting him out of his comfort zone would do him some good! Starting small would probably be best, like maybe a tramp or going camping once in a while, then building up to bigger trips to other cities once you’ve convinced him you’ll both be ok as long as you’re prepared.

Cute date to the aquarium/zoo/park or elegant dinner date? ( Muriel ) I already answered this one B) I said: “ Definitely somewhere casual!!! I feel like he’d be most at ease somewhere like the park on a sunny day! Pick a nice grassy spot by a creek and bring a basket and have a really nice, chill picnic, and have a nap together in the early afternoon sun. Go for a walk after and talk about Plants (because i. am a biology student lol)  and generally just have a really relaxing time. Give the man a flower? Tuck it behind his ear? and he’d die kjnaefjnaej. Alternatively….. aquarium………. “

Coffeshop AU, high-school/college AU or modern AU? Give a headcanon about the one you chose jnakfjkjaf coffe shop AUs are so cliched but I actually love them for the settings of meetcutes. You meet Muriel when he’s on his rounds as a part time dog walker around the block and you barrel straight into him coming out of the shop when you’re checking an email, spilling the (now cold) remnants of your beverage all over him. You apologise profusely and he shrugs it off, blushing over your fussing and awkwardly tries to excuse himself. You insist on helping him finish his walk with All these dogs, anyway, you like dogs so it’s no trouble, and he begrudgingly agrees to finish the interaction sooner. You end up having a nice chat with him and notice in the weeks after that he starts coming by the shop without the dogs during the times you’re usually around, even though he doesn’t drink coffee. Your conversations with him during these short interludes quickly become the highlight of your day, and you start to suspect, eventually, that he feels the same :)

If (Muriel) turned up on your doorstep at midnight covered in blood, how would you react? Well I’d clean it off.... of .......course............. 👀👀👀

You’re stranded on a desert island; which 2 of the main 6 do you want with you? Muriel of course not only because I adore him but he’s. also a mountain man. Handy. And Asra because hes a good good magic boy and can make sand into water so.... handy. also asra is just an incredibly blessed person so kajefnkjaef

If your apprentice could go back in time and change one thing before the events of the game, what would it be? lucios birth :^)

You’re sick; who do you want to take care of you and why? I think I’m becoming predictable but. Muriel kjaefnkjafnjf you took such good care of him so it’s only fair that he should return the favour. He’s got a surprisingly good bedside manner and is generally just very gentle. Cooks eggs and grumbles that you should be taking better care of yourself but when you say thanks for all his help he blushes and kinda. stands up slightly straighter bc hes secretly happy he can Help

If you were trapped in an elevator with one character for 8 hours, who would you want it to be and why? Jojaefafjoafe ok so. Porbably Portia because she seems 1. one of the least likely to panic and 2. Would have fucking great conversation the whole time. 

Give a headcanon about Nadia She loves romcoms!!!! She would never ever admit it to anyone though, but she’s a huge sucker for romance stories in general. Cries at the end of mamma mia. Uses it as an excuse to snuggle all the way into your shoulder.

Give a headcanon about Asra He’s extremely lactose intolerant but he eats it anyway bc hes Chaotic and gives 0 fucks about how bad his guts feel afterwards, the cheese was Worth it dammit (and I say this bc thats also me kjaenfnef)

Give a headcanon about Julian Had a brief stint in his teen years where he unironically identified as sapiosexual

Give a headcanon about Portia She loves playing with hair/having her hair played with! Catch her falling asleep with her head in your lap as you weave your fingers through her hair.

Give a headcanon about Muriel I also already answered this one!:  “ He’d be really into gardening if he knew how! Catch me digging up all the dirt around his house and planting herbs, flowers (*cough* forgetmenots *cough) and other medicinal plants, and some strawberries for when spring comes! “

Give a headcanon about Lucio Unironically identifies as sapiosexual now even though he’s a huge dumbass himself 

Give a headcanon about a side character/the apprentice (asker’s choice) Nadia’s dad gets pegged

Give a popular opinion that you disagree with People calling Muriel a dom. have you. looked at this man. I have to laugh

Give an unpopular opinion Lucio sucks lol

Tarot or zodiac? Zodiac!!! Mostly bc I know exactly 0 things about tarot, I appreciate the aesthetic tho!

What is your patron major arcana? Oh worm I just looked at all the explanations in the wiki and tbh. The empress uh. dragged me with how much I ID with that (both reversed and upright) so akejfkjfae thats mine

Upright or reversed ending? Upright

Ot3? Me x muriel x asra (muriel has 2 hands and 2 tiny partners)

Brotp? jakjefnkanfe i love. portia and julians sibling banter. the good shit

Favourite non-apprentice-based ship? asriel............................. till i die............. (pordia is also fucking god tier)

Is the apprentice you, or your OC? thats just me bich kajefnkjnafe we living our best self indulgent lives 

Tell me about your Apprentice(s) im a big bi mess and i would die for muriel and thats it really

Favourite piece of worldbuilding lore? already answered: “ I really love how much of a shithole Vesuvia is kjbanefknaefk like. No formal process of trial/law? Public executions just being how people Do things? someone fucking help this city lmfao”

Favourite background/location? ok i really love nopal bc of all the cacti but tbh like. really anywhere theres a lot of cool nature? the forest is fucking good

The Forest or Nopal? bring the cacti from nopal to muriel’s hut in the forest and it’s perfect

The Palace or the shop? thheeee shop. i like the palace but i think id get Overwhelmed not being able to just. be in my own space a lot lol

The Rowdy raven or the library? the library with a healthy amount of alcohol lol. 

Favourite sprite?

43. Favourite character design?  I !!!!!!!!! really. love Asra’s design bc of its howl callback but all the designs r fucking cool 44. Best masquerade outfit?    Nadia’s..... glamorous..... 45. Best scene? Muriel. hugging. faust you and asra. hes so fucking wholesome ill cry...... or just straight up both of his books akjenfkjafn 46. Worst Scene? Honestly any containing lucio 47. Favourite song on the soundtrack? I love Crowd hammer! (predictable) but also memory 48. Best tale/bonus content? I dont remember names im terrible but i/ love the muriel one ofc kjneafkjn 49. Best CG?/ 50. Favourite memory?

Eddie Brock!Venom x Reader 2

this has no title. expect that. ^ part one biches 

Eddie stood awkwardly outside of (Y/N)’s door after stepping out of the shower that was forced on him and many outfit changes because Venom was an honest parasite in his life, dark blue jeans and a plaid shirt later here he is. “Knock”

“Shut up, I don’t even want to be here.” Eddie hissed under his breath, his anxiety has him sweaty around his collar.

“Pussy“ Venom’s true form materialize from Eddie’s chest and banged himself on your door. “You’re welcome” Venom looks at a shocked Eddie with his jaw dropped, the symbiote cackles to himself before quickly returning back into Eddie just as the doorknob turned. Eddie was cursing at his partner in different languages, Venom pays him no mind. “Just walk inside, Eddie. If you really have a bad time just leave. Simple, right?” 

“So, here he comes. Thought you weren't coming for a second there.“ You comment opening the door wider for your guest.

“Tell her your ass needed special treatment.“ Eddie wanted so badly to rip Venom out of him just to kick his ass. 

“Yeah... I had this parasite problem but I got it flushed out“ Eddie ducks inside, you closed the door and lock it, Eddie takes in your place. For a little place the apartments hold, you made it into a home. Fitting couches around a coffee table that's over a soft pure white carpet, the kitchenette has a wall built to separate it from the living room just on the other side, which the two of you are located in. Your window has a fire escape leading to the front of the building, you have the shitty view of the building across the street but your thick grey curtains blocked said scene. Bathroom and Bedroom next door to each other with a small closet at the end of the hall to complete the tour. As Eddie said before, candles lined the decorated walls, some lit to brighten the area or to just leave a sweet scent to a passer-by.

“Oh.. nasty. Glad its gone now.“

“Not entirely” He hushes out of earshot.

“APOLOGIZE!!!“ Venom screams, Eddie’s body jerks from the ringing in his ears, quickly grabbing the sides of his head. 

“...Bitch“

“Uh, Eddie. You okay?“ Eddie hasn’t noticed you were near him until he felt your gentle touch on his back. He dodges far away from your reach, pupils dilating. He looks so tired. “...Eddie“

“Uh... you know. I'm not really hungry. Imma go. Thanks anyway...uhh.“ He was jittery as he backs up into your door, his finger snaps after thanking you. 

“...(Y/N)“ You finished.

“Wow, cute name. Yeah, I got work early in the morning and eating now would keep me up. Next time!“

 He unlocks the door and leaves out. You stare into space, confusion, concern, and curiosity freezes your mind. You don’t move until He was already in his apartment. You subconsciously rub your forearm as you stare at your bare feet, lips puckered in a pout. Strange to say, his attitude and composer is so mysterious, its intriguing. Of course, you noticed his looks first then his personality those he interacts with, rarely anyone else in the world. He was alone, you can see it in his eyes, he isn’t someone that opens up to everyone.

Looking into your kitchen where you already had his plate ready, you stomped over to it, picking it up. . .

“You blew it! You fucking blew it! That was your chance and-“

“Shut the hell up, man. I didn’t want to go in the first place. Then you started screaming in my head which made it all the more awkward. ‘Sorry about that (Y/N) I have this alien inside me that hates it when I call him a parasite’ get over it. A guy can’t come back from that. Told you I lost my touch.“ Eddie grabs his unfinished beer. Venom silence again. “...Then don’t open the door.“

“I swear to god...“ Eddie breaths as he slams his bottle on the table.

Losing Her

Losing the one person I've ever told "I love you"....her. (lets call her Guava, cause that was a nickname given to her cause she likes guava juice/soda) I've always been very closed, reserved, and if you would know me IRL, you would of never noticed me sad, depressed. You would just seen me as somewhere in between quiet and calm, but that is because I have always been great at hiding emotions. We broke up about 12 hours ago. She was my first. 16 years single until about a month ago for the very reason that I knew that I would get so attached and it would hurt the day they left. Scared of losing someone I love. It was an LDR which most people say really ever works out, and even knowing this, I still gave her a chance. We first met on discord, march/29/2019 a friday, and I would normally just pop in different channels and my typical lines were "oh yeah yeah" "oh no no" and "oh boi". She told me that she was in one of the channels were I joined and she repeated back what i was saying, and it went for a bit, until i went to another channel. Now its march 30, and I went around playing piano to others. There was this one guy who could sing and I started to voice record, me playing bich lasagna and him singing it. Then I went to another channel, were there she was again. It was a channel with 4 other people in it. I joined into her telling a FanFic about...Hitler and Jesus . Yep... and i'm not religious myself but I was (still am for about 2 more weeks) in a catholic class on Sundays, so yeah....oh boi. It was weird, but I was bored, so I stayed in the voice channel. We decided to just make a group chat just for us 5 people so she could finish the FanFic. She read it, we had our reactions and we just kept talking on that call. After some time, one by one they left the call until it was just me and her, we talked for a couple of min until I said that i'm just going to head back to the there server because it was a bit awkward now since I never had female friends, except for one who i met online( lets call her Mia), and neither have I been interested in being in a relationship so it just felt a bit weird. When I told her i was just about just head out and go back to the server, she told something along the lines of "oh, you just gona leave the call, i see how it is" and that very day, I had the choice to stay or to go. As I said, I would of always just left and not think about it, but I something something different this time. I chose to stay. We talked about my Dog named Max, cutest dog ever, yeah he isn't really well with other dogs, but he was my little max. At some point in life I did feel suicidal for other reasons that involved my parents, me, and my brothers. But thanks to max, whenever I used to start thinking about just ending the pain that went on for months, I would always look at max and start cuddling with him. Thanks to him and Mia, a friend that i trusted enough to talk about the situation i was in at the moment, i would always stop myself and feel a bit better. We talked about a few other things too, by this time its been around an hour or so that we have been talking and i receive a dm from one of the people that was in that group (lets call her Caitlin). Caitlin saw that we were still in the call and just typed "i ship it" and i was like uh, oh no no. and she told me, why not. I said that i wasn't here for that, and she told me, there is no harm in sliding in Guava dm's and getting to know her. So Caitlin now joins the call as well and asked her how old Guava was, and she said 16, she asked me and i said 16, then Caitlin sent me a dm saying to go for it, i just kinda ignored it. So I talked for a few more min to both of them, until i told them I was goin to the store real quick, so I just muted and left. When i came back I un-muted and said my usual phrase "oh yeah yeah, im back boi" and they was like oh, hi again. The three of us were talking about music and a few other things. Because this Sunday church class was close to where my mom and brothers lived, every Saturday my dad would drive me to my moms house in the afternoon and pick me up the next day. So I told them that I had to go, said bye and just left the call. About 3 min later as i'm getting my stuff ready to go, I receive a dm this time from Guava saying "where did you go ?:(" and i told her that my brothers came over and that i had to go to their place. Then she told me if i will send pictures of max, i told her, if I remember then yeah. Then her next text was " he’s sO cute(like me), you better remember" so I kinda avoided responding to her dm by talking about something else, a few the rest of the text were from her saying " it’s like almost 3pm over there right?" I said "Yep" then she said "it’s so sad, well can you do me a favor before you go >:0" i asked "Wut" she said "call real quick and say oh yea yea :’o" So obviously i already can tell she kinda into me. So I finish packing up my stuff and go back to my laptop to shut it down, but as im closing apps, i see that I left the voice recorder on, and im sitting there like, oops. and so I was hearing the audio so i can know when to edit out the rest that wasn't the guy that singed bich lasagna. I got a bit curious and remembered that they were talking when I left to the store earlier, and so I skipped to that part where I muted my self and left. Caitlin asked her what were we talking about and she said about max and a few other things and that I seemed cute. Caitlin told her to slide in my dm''s then, and Guava sounded unsure, so Caitlin told her that she should just said "fuk it" "just go for it". At this point I was surprised, I ended up saving that part of the recording but had to go now cause my dad was waiting for me in the car. So i'm at my mom's house and its around like 6pm for me, and she is in a different time zone, 6 hours ahead. So i decided to call her, forgetting that its 12pm for her, but she picked up. I showed her max for a while and then went back to just voice chat. We talked for a bit more and then they left the call again. i talked to guava for while again until like a half an hour later when I realized that she has fallen asleep on the call. so i'm like, 0of, her phones battery is gona be dead when she wake up. So I ended up get a call from the group chat shortly after. The rest of the group chat we talking and I told Caitlin that Guava fell asleep on the call, Caitlin just said, cute, I responded with "oh no no". So we stayed on the group call for about 2 more hours, Once in a while I checked on Guava to check if she still had the call open, and she did, I joined once in a while and said "Oh yeah yeah" I even texted her that im tying to wake her up cause her phone was gona die. At around 9, I started watching youtube and getting ready to sleep at around 11. Its Sunday morning and I wake up to a text from her saying " i-, my phone is always on battery save, so it can literally survive on 1% for an hour, I woke up alone still in the call at 8am with 3%, thanks tho, for trynna wake me up" I told her that I joined once in a while and said Oh yeah yeah, she said that was cute and she wish she would of woken up, but the way I say Oh yeah yeah is soothing, so of course she wouldn't wake up, I and so I say, wut... that's a first. To switch up the convo, I told her that Max has just woken up and she wanted to see him. The room was dark and i didn't want to turn on the light cause I didn't want to wake u my brother, so instead I sent her pictures of Max, and then we sent each other a bit of memes. That was that for the day, Monday comes, and i remember that she is 6 hours ahead, so at 12:42pm my time I sent her a text saying to wake up cause its time for school, and she said she still had time for a few more min of sleep and then asked me if I shouldn't be asleep. I told her thats its 12:42pm and she told me to not stay up to late. I told her why not, she stays up late too, and then she asked me if she can send the pic of me to Caitlin. Yesterday she asked for a pic of me, and was saying nah, im good. She kinda ended up pressuring me to send it, so I was like fine. I sent her a pic that I took about 3 months ago of me and max laying down. So she's asking if she could send it to Caitlin cause she wanted to know how I looked like too. It was time for her to go school by now so she just tells me goodnight. I went to sleep and then I left to school. Came back and then we were just texting for a while, then we just called for a while till she left to eat. About and hour and a half passed by now and decided to give her a call, she didn't pick up so I just went back to the other Server and talked to other random people. She texts me back like 30 min later saying sorry that she was busy playing minecraft, and so i tell her, nice, me and another friend from school were planning to play minecraft, but he never picked up. Then I tell her to go to sleep cause for her it was 2am, she just replied with "no u". We texted for a few more min, and then I remember that the day before, she wanted me to learn a song on the piano, so I told her before she goes to sleep, if I can call real quick if she wants to hear the bit that I learned, she said yeah. I called her and showed her the bit that I was practicing and then we just talked for a few more min. Then again, she fell asleep on the call, and of course I stayed on the call this time and said oh yeah yeah once in a while. After a few hours she just left the call with out saying anything, so im like...ok. Discord bot kicked me from the call after 5 min. I stay up till like 2am again and she text me saying, damn, that she didn't know she fell asleep on the call again. I told her that I did the same thing, saying oh yeah yeah once in a while. I went to sleep, and woke up to her text that said she felt tired cause she stays up late too, and I tell her "oh boi". I had to go to school but I wanted to keep talking to her, so I skipped my first period class and kept texting her. She told me she doesn't want to go to work, and she told the time she has work and then we were talking about other stuff too. I went to school late, we made cookies in class that day, and so when I came back, I told her what we did and so on. She ended up reading stories she found online and then would you rather. We ended up talking about, lets just say, "stuff" as well, and then I decided to show her the voice recording, and we talked. I told her that I have never been in a relationship and idk. After that, everyday we talked every time we could, and on April 3rd, I showed her the screenshots of Caitlin that she was telling me to go for it and stuff, she also showed me screenshots that Caitlin told her too. We talked every single day playing minecraft, watching movies by screen sharing my screen, anything that just had us on a call. On April 14 we even stayed on the call for 14 hours, and we had an idea, to see if we could even do a 24 hour call. This was also the day in which i opened up to her about the stuff I've been through in the past, which was hard, but I trusted her. She is a big fan of Marvel, mainly Spider-man, in particular Tom Holland. and we planned to see Endgame the same day it came out. Whenever we couldn't get on a call for reasons, I would still text her, and she told me, "why is time going so slow when I’m not talking with you" and I would say the same, but at the same time it when ever we were on a call, it also felt like forever, but it a good way, in which I enjoyed every single second of it. One of the other things we did was having my webcam facing the table and we both just draw. Fast forward to 26 of April, Another thing we did was that during her lunch periods at school, she would always call me, so we are talking, and then she says she has to go they got an announcement that told everyone to meet up. She texts me a bit later and tells me that there was something that happened at her school, they were all crying cause they had a teacher that just passed away in the building. This was also the same day we both we gona see Endgame. We keep talking like normal again. On the 28 of April is when I finally said yes to her. I started to get to school late and leave early often because I wanted to talk to her. I always use to soft talk her to sleep to now, it was our thing where we just keep the call on while we sleep too. A few of the times where she was sleeping, she mumbled "I love you". This was one of the many things I found adorable about her, like the way she giggled when I used to make her laugh, when on Saturdays it was me who woke up to her voice on the call, whenever I was feeling sick she used to just say in a soft voice "don't worry about it", we used to tell each other to imagine what a warm hug from us would feel, and we had our little nicknames for each other too, and another thing that we used to said was "I love you 3000". So now its May 5, and this day we were sent to a catholic retreat that was required to pass this church class. Like a week before this day, my mom called to let me know I had to go there, the first thing I did was that I told her that I had to go to this place for 3 days, cause that is what I was told. I told her that If I wasn't able to call, ill at least text her whenever I can. So the day comes and i'm letting her know that i'm in the car with the teacher and the other 2 people that was going too. So I made sure to let her know when I get on the car, and when we got there. So we get of the car and I have my backpack with cloths and stuff, thinking that we just gona walk in and see what this is all about, but before we left the car, the teacher told us that we had to leave our phones in the car for now. So i'm like, ok, maybe they just want to make sure we pay attention to where we were, what we gona do, ect. So before I left my phone, I texted her that our teacher told us to leave the phones in the car. We left them and went in. We went to a place that was like a hotel, they had our names already, took our bags, and told us to go to a bigger room. Here is where there was like 50 other people too. So i'm like wow. We just standing there wondering what is we going to do now. They explain the schedule and said we were goin to have a room with a roomate, so im like, dope. So after like an hour of talking and getting to know one another a bit, they tell us we can now go to our rooms and rest. So im like, yess, im feeling tired and I already miss my baby nugget, that was one of our little nicknames. So as people were heading to their rooms, I start to look for our teacher to ask him for my phone now, he ends up saying that we aren't getting them back till this is over, because he wants us to fully live this experience we were going to get. So at this point, in the inside I start to feel sad and mad because I promised Guava that I would have communication with her. I felt like I was going to let her down. I head to my room and see my roomate, I say whats up to him and then we just start to talk for a bit, he 19 and was very chill and nice to talk too. By this time its late and I was bored, and then I remembered that I had a notebook in my bag, so I take that out and a pencil, then I start writing exactly the way I would text her, It started with like 2 sentences and I thought by the time we leave this place, I would have like possibly 2 whole pages written down, but nope, I ended up writing 15 pages, top to bottom, and I even drew a rose for her one of those days. They had the windows covered with stuff and there wasn't any clocks, so we didn't really have a concept of time, those 3-4 days actually felt like 1-2 weeks, but I kept writing about what we did, the people I met, the food, but mainly how much I missed her. As I said before, i'm not religious my self but the stuff that was said there, really did make us change the way we saw stuff. We promised to not say what was spoken over there, cause what was said there, stays there. But Ill briefly talk about what changed with me. Growing up I never treated my brother, like an actual brother, and thinking back at it, he has always been there for me, but I can't say the same for him. There was times where he has taken the blame and punishments that I was responsible for, treated him a bit like shit, always distanced my self from my family members, I never gave him that trust with him. He is about a year and a half younger than me, and I regretted so much how I never acted like his older brother, someone he can can talk to if stuff was bothering him, someone he could trust. So what I ended up picking up there myself was to be grateful for having him there for me, even though I haven't before to him. I ended up promising to myself that I would trust him and I want to be there for him as well. Since I always been reserved, nobody in my family knew I was dating Guava. So I promised myself that once I go back, I will tell my brother everything, how the situation with our parent affected me, how I knew that he used go to sleep crying cause he hated seeing my parents like that and I never said or did anything. I also wanted to tell him about me and Guava. So the day finally comes, May 5th, the day we get to go back, when I saw the teacher I rushed to him as he was getting out his car and I didn't say hi or anything, I wanted my phone so badly so I can text to my baby nugget, cause it felt like almost 2 weeks with out her. So i'm turning on my phone expecting texts from her saying she missed me too. I open discord and I see " i already miss your voice in the morning", "i missed your voice at work", "and rn laying in my bed", " i cant sleep:( ", " i miss my baby nugget", " i need your voice to help me sleep" on May 3rd. Then on May 4th "weekend..", "and again, I miss you", " this is weird", "I really miss you and it hurts", "it randomly just happens and I go “aw I miss my baby nugget” and almost cry ". And this is when it really hurt, in the afternoon that day, she started saying " honestly fuk you for making me fall for you ", " I bet you haven’t even thought about me these 2-3 days ", " and im over here missing you like crazy ", " its stupid ", " i guess you’re gonna be back tomorrow right? ", " I told you it was probably gonna end it:( ", " ew I just realised I’ve been spamming you with “updates” ", " goodbye baby nugget ", " i mean eduardo " (thats my real name btw), " welp i can’t sleep ", " i mean you said 3 days, today is basically the 3rd, i guess you’ll be home tomorrow then ", " i wonder if something happened ", " i hope you’re having fun ". May 5th, earlier in the day when I still didn't have my phone, " i have 4 theories ", " 1. you aren’t back yet, so you’re still at the camp ", " 2. I was right and it ends here ", " 3. you lost your phone and your dad didn’t give your laptop back ", " 4. something (bad) happened to you ", " number 4 is bad and im hoping that’s not it, please rather number 2 than 4 ", " i have my first exam tomorrow, I’d hoped you’d be back in time to wish me good luck ". I got my phone back later in the day and responded with "I LOVE YOU" and then told her that they took my phone for those days, and that of course I was thinking of her all the time. I told her that I missed her so much and also wished her luck on her test. My battery was at 2% by this time since its just been in a car or wherever he kept them for those days. She ends up responding with " fuck you " and I responded with " No, baby why ??? 1% btw ", " I LOVE YOU ". She texted back " I hate you ". Since I've never been in a relationship before or been close to anyone like that, I haven't ever felt this kind of pain before. But I was in a larger van with more people heading back home, all I wanted was to cry and hug her as I tell her that i'm sorry for not being able to to talk to her those days, it felt like I loss her. I wanted to cry so badly but there was others around so I held it in, and for those who hold in pain like that, you know how that tight feeling around your throat and that intense pressure around your head. I tried to go to sleep until we got back home, but I couldn't when we finally got back to our church, we went to the basement and there was most of our family members waiting for us. We sat at some tables in the front while they were were all in chairs facing us. Our Aux's (that is what the people that took us through everything, like teachers, but they also went through stuff like we did) they were standing on the side giving mini speeches on how going over there helped us each with different things. We also talked about how our experience was and the new friends that we got close to. But I was kinda shaking while I was talking, not because I was nervous, but because I remembered what Guava told me. Its now like 9pm and I charged my phone while I took a shower. I went back to my phone and texted her again that I love her and that i'm sorry for not having my phone those days. I went to the kitchen and started to take pictures of each page of that notebook and sent them to her. I told her that it wasn't even my fault that they took our phones and how I was feeling when I saw those texts. Next morning, May 6 Monday, she responds saying that she didn't mean it, and she read most of the pages, and she had to go take the exam. She also has religious parents and in their religion, she was starting Fasting that day too, which she told me that they were going to eat at 9:30pm and 3:15am their time. She also says " we need to talk.. ", " I thought a lot while you were away ". I come back from school and text her that i'm home, she doesn't respond, a couple min later I decide to call her, she doesn't pick up. I text her that ill be watching youtube till she calls back. Around an hour goes by and I decide to call again, no answer. Like 5 min later I text her by her real name, and then she responds with "what". Instantly I knew what was going on, but I acted like I didn't know, so I just told her that ill be on my laptop in a bit. She tells me again that she still wants to talk about something, I called her and she picked up this time. She ended up telling me that those days gave her time to think, and she said we were moving to fast, and she wanted to take it slow and take it back to before we were a thing. I didn't know what to say. I try to not sound upset, I just said, it was her decision if if she wanted to take things to before we were a thing, then fine. I left the call and went to take a shower. She texted me again at around 1am the next day telling me that she has her math exam and she is stressed. I tell her good luck on her test, and she replies with " thanks baby nugget " and then tells me to go to sleep. At this point i'm confused now, cause she made me feel "that way" the day before, saying she wanted to take it back before we were a thing. After she told me to go to sleep, I just say, Fine. About 10 min pass and she texts me back saying she forgot something at home, and I just say Oof. She says its a good thing that she lives 5 min away from her school, and I just start answering the same way I would text other "friends". She tells me that she ran and got it, I just say, great. Now she starts to ask "baby nugget, are you okay?" And i'm just so confused/stressed, but I tell her yeah, i'm good. Later on in the day, she asks me if I want to call. I was about to say no, but I ended up saying yeah. We talked again for a few hours and ended up agreeing on taking it slow, so I went back to being more reserved from her, act like there wasn't anything but an online friendship. Wednesday May 8th, instead of texting her, I decide to go to the server and talk to some random people again. Half an hour later I see that she is also joining channels, so I try to avoid her so its not awkward. Sometime later, she texted me that she sees me going around the server and that I haven't text her. I just tell her that someone was playing guitar and I was bored. We text just a little bit, and she ends up saying " we barely talk, it’s sad ", so i'm still confused and simply just asked her if she wants to call or not, she says maybe, so I say " im not gona rush anything u dont want, i talked to someone for help, and they told me to not rush u, but just wait". The person that I asked for help was that online friend named Mia. Guava ends up saying " just call me already " and so I did. She told me that even though she wants to take it slow, she doesn't want me going back to being reserved. We talked for a while until she fell asleep again. She woke up a few hours later, as I was about to go to sleep. I asked her if she knew that the new season for Lucifer finally came out, she said yeah, she knows, we both like watching that show. After like 10 min of talking, I told her that she should just go back to sleep because its 3am for her and she tells me, " baby nugget nO ". To be honest, at this point I kinda started to just feel frustrated because I felt like she was just playing around, saying she wants to take it slow, but then calling me, baby nugget constantly. After she told be that in a hour it will be 4am for her, and if she stays up for an hour, she would of still gotten enough sleep, again, I told her to just go back to sleep, and she says " can’t I just stay up and talk with you:(". I was like, I don't even know, does she want to get back or not. We talked for like 20 min, then I told her I was getting sleepy, so I was gona go sleep now. Next day, May 9, its a thursday, she texts me like at her time 7am to wake up, but im still sleeping so she just says " goodnight/good morning ", " bby nugget", " ttyl". We talked a bit more again when she came back from school, she told me that fuck taking it slow, that she loves me and was just sad that she felt that I left her for those days. And after some talking , I told her that I love her too, I made made myself distant because I wanted to respect her decision and if she wanted to leave, it wouldn't hurt as much because I would of already accepted the fact that we are no longer together. We watched Lucifer for a while, and then I had to go to a parent teacher conference with my dad. I left the call on my phone, I was happier, because we were together again, after I came back, I heard that she was sleeping, so I just texted her, good morning to whenever she sees this text. She woke up like half an hour later saying she fell asleep, I told yeah, "i know, keep sleeping bby nugget" and she said, " im tired, but I want you ". So we started to talking again just like before. Every time we called, if I felt sick or something, just hearing her voice made my day. May 11, she ended up confessing why she got distant the days after I came back, it was because she was mad at herself because of something she did while i was gone, she started to take to other people and one of those people she talked to, she got a bit close too. I told her that i'm not even mad, disappointed....a bit, but I was glad that she told me the truth, I wanted her to be honest with me. She started to cry a bit on the call, but I told her that I understand why she would of felt like that when I left her for those days cause I didn't have my phone. Like I said, when she stopped replying to my texts, I felt like I loss her too and it was only like 2 days that she wasn't responding like she used to, and for her, I left for 4 days with no texts at all during those days. While she was crying, she asked me why was I being so understanding, I said...Cause I love you 3000. I ended up telling up telling Guava who was the one helping me to try and get guava back when she was being distant. I didn't want to tell her earlier because she felt a bit jealous, but I made it clear to her that she is only a friend that helped me when I was younger. We promised to not keep secrets from one another, and at that point I think I felt the closest to her. On May 12, that is when we completed the 24 hour call we said we were gona do. These days she wasn't feeling well because of the fasting thing that she is doing, so going so long without eating made her feel sick. I kept telling to eat something because I didn't like when she felt sick, but she said she can't cause of fasting. I tried to make her feel better by telling her " I'm so lucky because... I have you, someone who acually cares about me and makes me happy. I'm smiling while I'm typing this. Even if it's only been about 2 months, Thank You for being there for me". I waited for her to wake up the next day and talk, she taught me how to say, "I love you" in danish, " jeg elsker dig". Meeting her made me feel the happiest I ever been in years. Whenever she woke up at 3:15am her time to eat, I used to help her wake up by quietly saying her name or just talking about the way she always made me feel, after she ate and came back, I always asked her what is it that she had to eat and then soft talk her to sleep again. I used to love it whenever she used to sometimes soft talk me to sleep, the ways she used to tell she wanted to cuddle with me and max. The type of food she wanted to teach me how to cook. On Wednesday 15, when we were on a call during her lunch period, she told me that they got a printer in their class now, so I gave her the idea that she should print out memes, and put them around the classroom, and she did, it was a spider-man meme, she ended up printing 5 of these and started to putt them up around her class. One of the things that she helped me with a bit was in school, cause I started to do some work while I was on a call with her in the mornings. She gave me a reason to wake up early everyday and since I was always in a good mood while being on a call with her, I decided to multi task a bit. So I thanked for that. Thursday comes and I just picked up some bluetooth earbuds that I ordered mainly because of I wanted to to talk to her when I wasn't at home with a good mic, my phone's aux input is a bit messed up and makes a static noise whenever wired earbuds moved, so I bought those bluetooth ones. That day I called her twice and she didn't pick up, but she was on the server talking to others so was like fine, she talking to some friends or something. She ended up calling me at 3am her time, so I asked her what happened because she didn't call or barley texted me that day. She said that she just didn't feel like it. I felt a bit sad but told my self, its fine, she was just busy and forgot. The next day we got on a call again, she didn't have school this friday, so we stayed on the call till I went to school, but she mainly just watched youtube instead of talking. I went to school and when I came back at 12am, told her I was back, gave her a little text once in a while cause she didn't respond till about 2 hours later, saying she was busy. Again...kinda felt sad cause I started to feel her being distant again, and I really didn't want to lose her. I started to feel sick, like really light headed and stomach ache, I told her how I felt sick, she asked if I was okay, I said not really. She called me for like 2 min and told me to drink some water, and call my dad if I kept feeling sick. Then she left the call again. She called back at around 5pm my time. Again i'm feeling her being distant because her time it was already 11pm, and we really didn't talk that day, just enough for her to tell me to soft talk her to sleep. I did soft talk her to sleep, but when I knew she was asleep for sure, I talked about how I was really feeling, that I was scared of losing her, the one person I have ever told them "I Love You. I texted her at my time She wakes up at like 8:20pm my time, she talks for a few min until she goes eat. She didn't call back or even let me know what she ate, like we always used too. So at like 3:40am my time, I sent her a text. She calls me back at around 4am my time, and says she had to go like around 6am my time, and again all she really just do was just watch youtube. Now im really worried if I did something that she doesn't want to text or talk to me for these last few days. She ends up coming back and we get on a call at 11am my time. Again she didn't want to watch Lucifer or talk like before, she just used to watch youtube videos and tell me to mute my self once in a while, cause she wanted to watch her ASMR videos. At around 2pm, I decided to take a nap because I didn't feel well again. She didn't even want to soft talk me to sleep. So I just slept. Woke up an hour later and my dad was going to take me to the clinic because I wasn't feeling well. I told her before that we were going to travel to mexico to see family members in particular my grandpa, since he may not be around next year due to age. So at 5pm, I let her know as soon I knew, the dates we were going to travel, but this time I was going to have my phone for sure. She said ok, and then went to sleep at like at 5:30pm my time. Since it was a Saturday, we were heading to my moms place. Later that day we talked again like around 7pm for a while, since max and my little cousin we playing together I had the camera on. This is when she actually talked to me in a while, instead of just watching youtube. She ended up sleeping on the call and woke up at 10:30pm, she fell asleep again and she woke up at 2am my time, over there it was already 8am. This time I fell asleep to her voice, I wake up at 6am and see her text that says " my baby it’s so cute I can hear you breathing in your sleep ", " I just wanna hug you and cuddle you " I replied with "Aw", " I love you 3000", " That wut u said earlier was so adorable, I was awake when u was laughing, and was smiling. You just warm me up with the smallest things you do, I love you 3000!" by text cause my mom was sleeping still. It kinda made me forget how she was being distant that last few days. We texted for a bit when I got out of church class at 1:30pm . I called her when it was like 3pm, I saw that she was talking to others again, so I just let her know that i'm with Max. She responded at 3:50pm saying she had dessert, I asked if she wanted to call, she said in a bit, she didn't call, she responded with a text at 8:30pm. Again i'm noticing that she just doesn't want to talk, and I guess I already knew that she has/is losing interest. At 9pm my time she tells me if I wana call? And I already had a feeling that I knew it was time she was going to say what I've feared from the start. For the past week that I felt her changing, I always asked her, what wrong? Did I do something? If there is something she wanted to talk about, just say it, she would just keep saying that nothing is wrong, and I alked her, why is she talking to me less, she said, its normal don't worry about it. By this time, for the past two days, I asked for help about this to 3 other people, one of them was Mia. She told me that obviously it was't normal, maybe she was having other issues which she couldn't rely on my help for, she told me to just give her some time. Guava kept saying nothing is wrong, but before she went to sleep, one of the last things she said was, there is something she wants to talk about. I knew it was time...but she said that she was going to tell me the next day instead. I woke up at 12 like usual to tell her good morning, instead of her texting at least for a bit, she just said go back to sleep. At this point i'm just sad because I know there a 90% I already loss her. But still had that little bit of hope that it wasn't what I was thinking. Hoping it was something else...I could even sleep that day and stayed up waiting till 5am, for our usual call during her lunch break...she didn't text or call at all. There was no text no nothing till when she called me at 4:28pm. She told me exactly what I was scared of, she said that she wanted someone who she can actually cuddle with rn, someone who wasn't in a different time zone, someone who isn't on the other side of the earth. All this time that we have been talking and said that distance/time zones matters close to nothing when that someone means everything. I just had one question, "Did you ever mean it when you said "I love you"....She said "probably" I left the call. She later asked me an hour later if I was okay only cause Mia was talking to her because she was trying to help and she asked Guava if I was okay. I texted her 2 hours later " dont worry about it". Deep down I wanted to tell her nO! im not okay, my eyes feel like they burn every time I blinked cause of all the tears, that I felt like my chest was being crushed and I couldn't breath, it feels like I have been dumped in boiling water of how hot I started feeling, how my whole body feels numb, that I was sorry for anything I did that lead her to this choice, and most importantly that I love her, I don't want to leave me. She taught me how it feels to be loved and also how love can hurt as well. Its currently Tuesday 21st, 10:24pm and I haven't talked to her since yesterday at 8:32, my last message being, "Don't worry about it". She has told me before that if this just didn't work out for some reason, that we could still be friends. I said sure, but now looking back at this all, I gave all of my trust to her, and she started to talk to someone else, I forgave her for what she did when I was gone for a few days, saying I didn't want to just argue and just leave, that I wanted to fix whatever issue that would come. I....I trusted her again and she gave me false hopes. Fuked up how she wanted to be back together after I forgave her for what she did, just so she can tell me that she wasn't even sure she meant it when she used to tell me "I love you", and this wasn't even a month later, this was just 9 days after she said she didn't want to take it slow anymore, that she "loved me". Currently its now 10:41pm. I started to type this hoping it would help, seeing it from a third person view. Now I can see that our relationship wasn't really working out, I was putting her over everything else, school, my heath, my time, and even potentially moving back with my mom because of the fact that I chose to live with my dad, but since I've been skipping school, and failing classes because I wouldn't even show up since I was at home, talking to Guava. I changed my whole sleeping schedule so I could give her the most time I could. If I was accused of lying about something during our relationship, I would say, yeah I lied to Guava about something, the fact that I used to tell her not to worry about my sleeping schedule, I use to tell her that I was sleeping great to not worry, but nope, I would get about only 4 hours of sleep for the past month and a half, and that some of the days I was home from school earlier was because of tests, and we got to leave early. I changed so much, not "because of her", but "for her," but looking back at it, there wasn't much she did to try and make it work for my time zone. If you do ever read this, i'm NOT trying to say that I changed my life for the worse because of you, I just want to show you how much I cared about you, what you made me feel for you those first days we met was something real and after time, I really wanted you to be "the one"

I remember that when I first started typing this yesterday, I was feeling depressed, sad, confused. But surprisingly It has made me feel better. If she does ever want to be to be together again but this time, seriously , I wouldn't say no right away, because I would be lying if I said that I don't start felling sad at random times and that I don't miss her even though its only been a bit over 27 hours, but I would tell her to first to earn my trust again and just be friends while we are online for now, Once we are sure that we meet IRL then I will gladly move to the next step.

I love you 3000 baby nugget

Satisfied, Part 19

First

Previous

Next

~~~

She sighed as she sat on the rooftop, swinging her legs as she waited for something to happen.

It felt weird to be back in full costume. In contrast with her now usual spandex, her outfit was a black swing-style dress with white tights.  She ran her fingers through her new curls. They were magically swept to the side and stretched to her waist, where her lasso resided (it was the closest she could get to her yoyo without raising some eyebrows).

Her earpiece buzzed and she sighed as she clicked it on.

“-- don’t see why I have to be beaten up,” complained Robin.

She grinned and pressed a hand to her ear. “Because you’re the only one I don’t like. It’s most believable.”

“And because you promised that you wouldn’t hurt him too badly,” Batman warned.

“That too,” she agreed with a vague wave of her hand.

“If you don’t adopt her, I will, Bats,” said Red Hood.

She groaned. “I’m not getting --.”

“Shut up! All of you!” Hissed Robin.

There was a click in her ear, telling her that he had changed his earpiece setting. Now they could hear everything he could, including the light patter of his feet. There was a crunching sound as he hit the ground.

“Come on, Harley, you know I don’t want to have to arrest you.”

“Well, you don’t have to.”

Robin sighed. “Harley... just give the grocers back their things. Or pay for them.”

Ah, the grocers. She hopped a few buildings over and started making her way around the rim, poking her head over to try and find them.

“Not gonna do that.”

“I know,” he said with a quiet groan.

There. She rested her head on her arms as she watched Harley charge him. It was clear from the first few seconds of watching them that Damian had to have some sort of soft spot for the woman, because he wasn’t even trying to really punch back. Instead, he was dodging her attacks and ducking around her to grab the groceries she had dropped.

She snickered.

“Aw, how sweet,” she said on the intercoms, then snickered when his face hardened.

She waited until he had mostly picked up everything to jump down on the side opposite Harley. Both of them paused when they saw her, she could see the woman looking her up and down with a shockingly sharp look in her eyes, and then Damian sent her a glare.

“Move,” he said, and she was 99% sure he was deepening his voice for this. She suppressed a laugh.

“Really?” she asked, leaning into her accent a little. She gave a small shrug. “If you say so.”

Marinette unhooked her lasso and lunged for him. “Miss, do you have any eggs or other fffffff-- I forgot the word! It starts with an F!” She called.

She jumped out of the way of a punch. Ah, so he was actually going to put some force into his attacks. How rude.

Harley went to checking the last few bags on the ground, then held up a carton of eggs. “I’m good, hon!”

She grinned. “Convenient.” She lassoed Robin’s foot on his next kick and pulled tight, holding his leg up at an awkward angle. “You know, amateurs are usually the ones who choreograph their moves like this,” she teased.

“You --!” Whatever curse he was going to throw at her was cut off when she let go, making him wobble uncertainly for a few steps before catching his footing.

“No fun. Try again.”

She could see his face redden with anger behind his mask. He dropped the bags to the ground and made a grab for her lasso that she had to roll to avoid.

So he’d had the decency to hold back before. Hm.

She whipped around just in time to feel a fist connect with her cheek. She stumbled back a step in shock. Then she ducked a new attack and went for his legs.

He jumped around her and sent a kick to the back of her own, sending her to the ground.

She was forced to do an awkward backroll when he attempted to jump on her. Her leg came up to kick him in the jaw. He sprang forward to let her kick him in the stomach. She thought this a weird way to throw the match until his hand locked around her wrist. In seconds he had twisted her onto her stomach, arm pressed to her back.

She groaned and tried scooting up slightly to try and lessen the pain, but he followed.

“No fun. Try again,” he teased.

He dropped her arm and stood up, dusting off his knees where they’d skid on the ground.

She glanced at Harley, who was taking her sweet time grabbing her things while she watched them fight. Great.

She turned herself over and sent him a glare, pushing herself to her feet.

Then, she broke into a grin. “That was a bad move, Robin,” she cooed. She flashed him finger guns and a portal opened under his feet.

His eyes widened in a mix of fear and surprise as he fell through the air. She had dropped him from pretty high up under the pretenses of trying to kill him, but really she was just giving him time to get out his grappling hook. And he did.

But then it hooked around the hand she’d flashed the signal with. And she was falling.

She screamed as they crashed together. “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING WHY DID YOU THINK THAT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA --.”

“IM WORKING ON IT!” He yelled back, his eyes just as panicked as hers. He was unhooking his grapple gun from her wrist, but it would take too much time for him to aim.

She opened a new portal under them and tumbled at awkward angles, bodies skidding against the concrete. Her chin knocked against the ground as she finally slid to a stop, stars dancing in front of her eyes. Bile built up in the back of her throat, but forced herself to sit up.

Robin was doing worse. Once their bodies had split off, he’d knocked his head on the edge of a pothole. He groaned, his face in a puddle.

She unhooked her lasso and bound his hands and feet, glaring, then flipped him onto his back. His eyes were unfocused, but they were starting to clear.

The first thing he managed to truly see was her scowling face.

“We could have died!”

“I wouldn’t have. The plan was to use you as a cushion even if you couldn’t do another one of those portal things.”

She scoffed and gave him a kick to the side, then looked back. Harley had grabbed her last bag. Finally.

“Thanks, kiddo!” Called Harley as she ducked out of the alley.

She grinned as she waited a few minutes to let her leave. “Mmmmm, good luck finding her,” she cooed, untying her lasso. She took a portal back onto the rooftop. She walked to the side where Harley had disappeared.

As she suspected, the woman had been watching to see how they interacted when she was gone. She left now, an unreadable smile on her face.

Marinette relaxed a little and made a new portal to the rooftop where they had agreed to meet. She grinned when she realized she had managed to get behind the bat family.

Never one to waste an opportunity, she smiled and pressed a hand to her ear.

“Look behind you!” She whispered fearfully.

Instantly, the three whipped around with their hands flying to their weapons. They only relaxed slightly when they realized it was her.

“Can you not sneak up on us?” Complained Nightwing. “I’m going to have a heart attack!”

She grinned. “Sure, old man.”

Red Hood snickered. “If he’s old, then Bats must be ancient.”

She opened her mouth to answer, then caught the look on the vigilante’s face and quickly looked away with a grin playing at her lips.

“So, who’s a better fighter?” Asked Red Hood after a bit.

She grinned. “I won.”

“Only because you cheated,” complained Robin as he jumped onto the rooftop. He was nursing his head, where there was definitely a bruise forming.

She rested a hand over her cheek, sure she had one to match. “And you nearly got us killed.”

“You almost killed me.”

“No! You would have been fine.”

He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest.

She huffed and turned back to the rest. She saw Nightwing looking her outfit up and down suspiciously and raised her eyebrows. “What?”

“Why is this outfit more intricate than your normal one?”

Marinette rolled her eyes. “Because I was intending to make it look like a coincidence that I showed up here right after the Ladybug in Paris defeated Hawkmoth,” she lied. Because all good partnerships are built on lies.

He frowned and looked suspicious, but there was no way to prove she was being dishonest, so he changed the subject: “How do you think it went?”

“Couldn’t tell. She has a good poker face,” she admitted.

Robin shrugged as well.

With little information to report, they broke off. Eventually, it was just her and Red Hood, alone on the rooftop.

He handed her a small pistol. She raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

“I think it matches your outfit best!” He defended his choice.

She rolled her eyes and a holster materialized itself on the side of her dress. She checked the safety and put it in. “Thanks.”

“No problem.”

~~~

Taglist

@comet-kun @thatonecroc @trippingovermyfeet @swiftie-miraculer13 @nickristus-dreamer @moongoddesskiana @i-am-ironic @indecisive-mess-named-me @thebooki3h @insane-fangirl-of-everything @deepestobservationwombat @theymakeupfairies @fatimaabbasrizvi @clumsy-owl-4178 @fanofalittletoomuch @iamablinkmarvelarmy @nathleigh @lilkymilky @silvergold-swirl @dino-lovingreen-angel @thestressmademedoit @kissa-chan @ladybug-182 @alysrose-starchild @t1dwarrior-of-earth @spyofthenightcourt @rowanrouge @nik-nak-3 @momothefemur @aestheticnpoetic @labschaos @our-preciousss @mochinek0 @eliza-bich @mythogaychic @severelyenchantedwonderland @sashakoi @smolplantmum @bluesimani @tropestropestropes @kitsunebell @keepingupwiththemalfoys

if y’all ever wanted to know anything about me... i tried

hm I’m bored (i say this as i should be doing geometry homework

1. read: probably the paladin prophecy, or the finisher (just books i’ve read like 500 times, idk about understanding but--) watch: the vampire diaries? (idk i watched the entire series in 7th grade wygonnad) or aquamarine movie? listen to: XYLO, LUME, more specifically Need Nothing by Verite 

2. bro i have no idea who they are actually but I’ve seen like 2 fanfic writers who write exactly like me and seem to think exactly like me i love that. also a reg writer? uh probably mark frost? i aspire to write like f scott fitzgerald but it never gonna happen hun (cos i wanna major in physics not literature lmao)

3. holy fuck lets pick like 3 fandoms, aight? uh first lets go w my hero academia? tokoyami ofc? next... percy jackson bich-- nico LMAO no maybe bianca? hm HARRY POTTER -- ginny prolly although i dont want to date harry (oops) The maze runner? tommy actually ;; naruto? fucKINH ROCK LEE BABE uhhhsdfhh star wars is anakin and voltron is lance (or pidge actually) i should stop buuuut yeao ok

4. i think my name is fine but i aint gonna share it here (also kinda wish my nickname was charly though thats all im gonna say ALSO yes laurel is a faux name yes 

5. human being because i do nothing. lol but yes i think that who i am as a person should be based off my actions, for it is how i act that shows other people who i am, not ‘who i am inside’ dont make fucking excuses for your actions people 

6. yea i believe in 1 god and i was raised as a catholic christian but i am accepting of all religions and views

7. i mean kinda??? idk im very polish and so i eat lotta polish food (gr8 stuff right there) but im just american so yea 

8. muscial artists, well bitch i only started actively listening to lots of music (aka spotify) like last year but i listened to ari grande when i was young ofc but i dont rlly feel connected to her. maybe like, adele? probably her yea 

9. yes i am a visual artist (preferred medium is watercolor) i looooove singing although i suck so i just do it for fun, i played the french horn for 2 years (also suck so not really lol) um i also write for fun and im good at writing informative essays (my school is big in the english program lol) i was also in 3 plays but i dislike theatre so no. also i like clothes i am a fashion artist wow

10. tf? idk? i have like 3 mottos: “if you want something done right, do it yourself” “the answer to existence is not why we are here, but how we affected others during our time here” “jack at all trades, master at none, better than a master at one “ “you don’t have to speak to be present” “consider how hard it is to change yourself and realize what little chance you have in trying to change others” “do the scary thing first, and get scared afterwards” “the very fact that you're actively looking for ways to become kinder, and attempting to understand your flaws and change them for the better is fair proof that you as a person, are kind.” OK YEA MAYBE I HAVE A CREED SO WHAT 

11. ideal day lol art, reading, and binge watching tv in bed while eating. otherwise spending the day meditating in a forest in spring where its warm but not too warm and just not speaking the entire day 

12. both. i have 3 cats and 2 dogs. love all of them dearly though i’d consider myself a human puppy vs a human kitty (im not a furry calm tf down)

13. outdoors, if you mean nature. if you just mean social activity, then indoors 

14. as i said before, i like singing even though i suck, in grade school i learned the ukelele, piano, and french horn. i remember none of that now 

15. influential books my ass. LETS GO: 1. into the wild (krakauer) 2. Fahrenheit 451 (cant remember author name but its fucking iconic and a classic and it made me think) 3. just gonna go an put harry potter because that shit changed my life 4. the hobbit? idk, iconic 5. i wanna read more literature-y books soon but whatever, i feel like i should say the great gatsby but honestly with writing my essay and everything i just dont give a shit anymore

16. ok i feel like if my parents werent as strict when i was younger id have less depression and be less stressed but then i would also care less about my grades and being kind and i like that about myself sooooo 

17. lol this is EXACTLY me guys because its fucking anonymous as hell because i know none of you (except for like 2 mutuals but ive never met them irl but they’re cool) i dont trust my friends. or family, for that matter

18. my patronus is a wolf thanks for asking; and my power animal: symbolizes instinct, intelligence, and an appetite for freedom. embody personal power and balance between self-control and animal instincts. a guide to inspire you to live more freely

19. im a gryffindor, i took the pottermore test twice and got it both times, also, i took it doing the opposite and got slytherin, so i aint them (but i love slytherin sooo)

20. fuck are you serious? honestly hogwarts would be awesome as hell but probably middle earth because it still got the magic but it gorgeous as hell 

21. yea i’d probably say i love easily since i like barely talk to my crushes and yet i think i really really like them because GODDAMN 

22. school. daydreaming. eating. phone. drawing. 

23. i feel like once i move out for college i’d like em a heck of a lot more, so probably like at least once a month? when i’m older? like at least once every 2 months? i love my extended fam though

24. oh fuck my friend from school and i fucking liked chinchillas when we were little, we always text each other the same thing at the same time, i always know what shes thinking and what the basis for her actions is. shes the bff that doesnt always act like it all the time 

25. fuck yes 

26. pansexual and PROUD but still in the closet except for the whole internet and 3 friends 

27. ok honestly i feel like i dress kinda like a basic girl just more minimalistic and modest but i kinda totally want the gays to recognize me and also i fucking want those patterned polos because hell to the yes. and also i want bangs but i do sports and i feel like id look ugly because everyone says they would (waiting til college, naturally) otherwise love my freckles and real dark eyes

28. honestly, probably like a 2-3. i don’t care SO much about what people think, but i’m fucking annoyed by really dumb things super easily. i’m just really good at hiding it so no one ever knows 

29. why music wtf OK: 1. need nothing - verite, 2. lover like me - off bloom 3. strapped - FOOL 

30. why the FUCK all my quotes are in my creed bitch lemme search :

“growing up is giving up” 

thanks for listening to my TED ED talk aaaaand i hope you know me a bit better and i hope i didn’t accidentally give away too much info and someone will come kill me ok BYE 

A Romantic Holiday || Drex&Marshal

This a short-form style roleplay that @lightrecon and I did several months ago, depicting Marshal and Drex’s first Valentine’s Day together. I feel like it’s a genuine reflection of the two’s dynamic in a way not often seen on the dash. Because it’s rather lengthy, I’ve split it up into “chapters”, which each has the relevant trigger warnings on it.

Enjoy!

Challenger Approaching: Nina

DREX: -So. among the many things he had heard about this holiday tradition, one of them happened to be getting your loved one a bear. And the closest thing that happened to connect in Drex's mind was a Stufful — a bear Pokemon found in the Alola region, who also happened to be a Fighting-type. It seemed perfect in his eyes, really.  DREX: -he had a card, a box of chocolate in a Heart Shaped Box, he was also told to get flowers, this Bear, and honestly, yes, he was being so extra. He was attempting to do Every Valentines tradition, thinking he had to do them All, not just a one or two, pick and choose sort of situation.- DREX: -but the card could wait until the event >:3c so all he had was this Bear. And the box of chocolate.- DREX: -and he's just, standing outside the League door, the little Stufful looking up at him with her little smile and her stick-on present bow- DREX: -he's never been to the league before,,, and he doesnt quite know how it works, or how to get to Marshal's specific quarters, so all he can do is give the door a hefty knock-

MARSHAL: -Mimi caught a Stufful in Pokelog and I figured it was close enough to Vday to FINALLY DO THIS THING. He's taken him to the League and so far they've had a pretty good time, mostly giving the grand tour and answering Drex's many, many questions- MARSHAL: -he told him that he would be right back, retire to his quarters for a few moments. The perfect time for Drex to enact his plan- MARSHAL: -But also time for Marshal. He's been nervous about this--really, really nervous. Drex was probably rather easily able to tell his apprehension, though they've both been a little offput. It's a big holiday with big expectations after all- MARSHAL: -What Drex sees is not Marshal in his usual wear. For one thing his chest is actually covered--in a dress no less. It's black and long, off the shoulders with a gold inlaid pattern and two slits at the bottom for better mobility. His makeup is warm with gold eyeliner and lipstick. He stands there for a moment, slightly flushed before taking a deep breath and looking up- MARSHAL: Drex, I-- -his eyes immediately fall on the Stufful in his arms and his words catch in his throat-

DREX: -he is... also flushed, looking Marshal up and down and Nina makes her little Nina noises- DREX: You look beautiful.... DREX: -quietly, his voice laced in wonder- I should buy you dresses from now on.... I did not... DREX: -he says again- You look beautiful.

MARSHAL: I-- thank you, you don't have to but-- MARSHAL: -he shakes his head a little bit, still staring at Nina- MARSHAL: Is that...a Pokemon?

DREX: Well, no, but I will want to. You know I will want to. 

NINA: -bat bat bats her little feet up to Marshal and stares waaaaay up to him. hes so big. shes so small. hes like a mountain. but she will CONQUER-  NINA: -makes her little squeaky toy cry-  NINA: -she pokes his ankle- 

DREX: Oh! Um, well, you-you see... I have been told one of the many Valentines Day traditions was to obtain a bear for your special one... DREX: I was not aware that such a bear must be a... stuffed toy bear. DREX: So I ventured to obtain a bear-like Pokemon found in Alola. It is called a Stufful — a dual Normal- and Fighting-type. DREX: So... as it turned out, she was somewhat perfect for the occasion, despite my misunderstanding — don't you agree? DREX: I have named her Nina. She likes to climb. DREX: And she is yours now.

MARSHAL: -just kind of looking between him and this new Pokemon--his new Pokemon- MARSHAL: I...wow... MARSHAL: -he leans down and goes to pick Nina up-

NINA: -and he picks her up, sure, but she quickly WRIGGLES-

MARSHAL: -but he keeps a firm grip on her- MARSHAL: Ah, no.

NINA: -OH NOW SHE'S REALLY WRIGGLING- NINA: -flails her little arms-

MARSHAL: That kind of behavior isn't going to get you what you want. Now are you going to calm yourself?

NINA: -you could swear her cry sounds like NO!!- NINA: -but she begrudgingly settles down- 

DREX: -sweats- I have also heard that Stufful do not like being. Squeezed.

MARSHAL: That is fine. But she cannot hope to flail herself and potentially hurt others in the process. MARSHAL: -looks like you got a strict dad Nina sorry- MARSHAL: -he holds her out in front of him and looks her over-

NINA: -looks at him with that soft little smile but her eyes scream bloody passion- NINA: -you wanna go bich- NINA: -and she tries !! to put a paw down on his arm- NINA: -she wants to CLIMB dammit-

MARSHAL: -he smiles softly and then puts her on the ground- MARSHAL: Does she have a Pokeball?

NINA: -NOOOOOooooooo now she's small again- NINA: -rats- NINA: -goes to press her head against Marshal's leg and she makes a squeaky noise- 

 DREX: Oh! Um. Here we are... -presents Marshal a Beast Ball-

MARSHAL: -and well this is the first time he's ever seen a Beast Ball up close. He looks it over- MARSHAL: Fascinating...are there any differences between this and a Pokeball I should know about?

DREX: On Earthen Pokemon, they are.... terrible.

MARSHAL: -looks up at him in concern- MARSHAL: Pardon?

DREX: They have... such poor performance compared to the average Pokeball. DREX: Apparently less than half the capture rate. DREX: -he looks somewhat embarrassed- But I... managed. DREX: -flashbacks to him squatting in front of Nina for like three hours quietly begging her to join him- DREX: ...I managed.

MARSHAL: -DREX PLEASE- MARSHAL:...I see. Well, if she's already been captured, then it should be fine. MARSHAL: -he looks down to Nina- MARSHAL: I will bring you out later to meet the rest of your teammates, and then we can begin training.

NINA: -tilts her head. what are these words he's saying. she doesn't know. he's weird. they're both weird. everything's weird.- NINA: -every time he looks at her she's reminded how incredible it must feel to be on top of his head. like look at that head. it's perfect nina size- NINA: -but theres no way to get there unless she's close to his shoulders already. hm.....- NINA: -little nina noises-

DREX: -he looks to Marshal and gently puts the Beast Ball in his hand-

MARSHAL: -thanks him with a nod and a smile and then goes to recall Nina back to her ball. Sorry lil girl you aren't messing up this makeup job today-

DREX: I hope she will not be too troublesome to you...

MARSHAL: No, no. I certainly wasn't...expecting this, but I appreciate the effort and the thought. MARSHAL: Perhaps it will be good to expand the team. At the very least Dewey will have a sparring partner now.

DREX: She seems mischievous all the same as him.

MARSHAL: -sighs and shakes his head, adding the ball to his belt- MARSHAL: It will certainly be an experience...thank you. MARSHAL: -he leans over to kiss his cheek-

DREX: -he blushes and stiffens, and when Marshal pulls away, he finally smiles and laughs a little nervously before relaxing- DREX: -he's still not... Used to that- DREX: -and he touches his cheek where he was kissed- You're too kind to me...

MARSHAL: Hardly. From what you've described, that's only the beginning of the gifts.

DREX: ...Yes, that's exactly so. This is second... -he goes over to the counter ( i assume there's at least one mirror in the hallway with those countertops u know the ones ) and grabs a bouquet of flowers- DREX: This is also customary, yes?

MARSHAL: -he smiles and laughs a little- Yes, and I was figuring you'd get as such. I have a place they can go in the kitchen, if you'd like. MARSHAL: -he motions Drex along-

DREX: -nods nods- Of course. DREX: -he's still just... absolutely awestruck by Marshal's outfit, taking in the little details, and he's still blushing-

Dinner and Gift Exchange

MARSHAL: -with his back to Drex, he takes a deep breath. He's still pretty nervous and he feels exhilarated?? But also scared to be just walking around in the open like this. He knows none of his coworkers said they would be here but he always expects someone to pop up around the corner- MARSHAL: -now important note for the tour: he had not yet shown him the kitchen. There's a reason for that. When he opens the door, they're immediately hit with a hearty smell. The room is dark, save for the few candles that are around the place, mostly congregated at a table in the middle. It's a pretty big place, as you would expect a kitchen that feeds at least 5, let alone all their Pokemon. Outside of the candles there isn't much decoration outside of an empty vase and a box sitting on the main table, which has two chairs sitting across from each other- MARSHAL: -he glances at Drex a little nervously-

DREX: -he takes in the room with eyes very wide — it's so... beautiful. Everything is just beautiful...- DREX: -and he just takes it all in and laughs quietly- Oh my goodness... You... You did this all for us...?

MARSHAL: -smiles and laughs nervously, rubbing his neck- MARSHAL: I suppose I thought your first Valentines Day should include...some of the more popular human traditions.

DREX: Well I've... I've certainly never experienced anything like this... DREX: Truly, on Megalopolis, there isn't a tradition like this one. DREX: It's... beautiful. DREX: It's all so... special. DREX: -he takes a deep breath- Wow...

MARSHAL: I'm glad you like it... MARSHAL: -looks over the room for a moment. And even other humans would know, this isn't...great. He put some candles in a dark and otherwise empty room. He didn't even put a tablecloth down or anything, jeez- MARSHAL: -but then he looks back to Drex who is glowing faintly in the dim light and even he can see how enamored he looks by it all. His expression softens and he smiles- MARSHAL: You can sit if you like, and put the flowers in the vase. I can prepare our dinner.

DREX: Oh! If that is what I must do, yes. DREX: -he isn't actually sure what should be done so he just kinda takes Marshal's word for it and sits down, not even taking off the plastic wrap from the flowers and just. putting them in- DREX: -you're a genius, Drex-

MARSHAL: -he goes over to the stove where there's a pot that he takes the cover off of. He hears the crinkle crankle and glances back- MARSHAL: You should probably take the plastic off. There's a trashcan over there. -he gestures in the direction. He's continually on the move, getting plates, glasses, and all that-

DREX: Oh... -he takes the wrap off and just sticks the rest in there, and goes to throw out the plastic wrap- DREX: -and he kinda nosily hovers around for a second to see what Marshal's up to-

MARSHAL: -well currently hes getting water for the both of him because hes STR8EDGE 4 LYFE and won't even have some romantic wine on v-day smh. He. Turns to Drex who is rather close, two glasses in hand- MARSHAL:...is everything alright?

DREX: Oh! Yes, everything's fine. DREX: -he gives a nervous little laugh- I still remember that perhaps our first interaction was. You helping me in the kitchen. DREX: I, admittedly, am quite curious as to what... processes you are doing here.

MARSHAL: Ah well...I actually did most of the cooking before you got here. It should still be warm though. -he smiles and walks away to put the glasses on the table. Drex can see there's...some kind of mess in that pot-

DREX: Oh! I see. DREX: -and he looks at the glass of water curiously and goes to sit down, examining it, putting his hand on the other side and noticing the reflection- DREX: -yes even water's fascinating folks and up to this point he actually hasn't seen drinkable water-

MARSHAL: -Drex please. He catches a glimpse of this and smiles softly before returning to prepare the rest of the food. A few moments later, he returns with two nice big plates of pasta. It's littered with shrimp (Clauncher?) and mixed together with a creamy sauce and herbs sprinkled on top. He goes to put one plate down in front of Drex before going to sit across from him-

DREX: -oh his eyes are so wide at the sight of Marshal's dish. it smells so good. it looks so good. now, admittedly, drex probably hasn't even eaten all that much since he's gotten here, but this is by far the fanciest thing ever offered to him- DREX: This looks delicious...

MARSHAL: -smiles at his reaction- MARSHAL: Thank you. I wasn't sure what you would like but...seafood tends to be my best choice.

DREX: I am... not sure what would be my choice, either. DREX: -laughs just a little- I do not think I've been on this Earth long enough to... have a preference.

MARSHAL: -he picks up his fork, but doesn't start eating yet- MARSHAL: What kind of foods have you had thus far?

DREX: A... malasada. A B-L-T. DREX: ...Two B-L-Ts. DREX: A. Cook-ie. DREX: Pizza. I did not like pizza. DREX: -he tries to think of what else- DREX: I had the cookie with milk. I did not like milk.

MARSHAL: -eyebrows dip-...Is that all? MARSHAL: -also a creamy sauce probably has some kind of dairy in it whoops-

DREX: No, I am sure there was more... DREX: I had a... burger.

MARSHAL: -just kind of. stares. Now that he thinks about it, he's never seen Drex eat on his own- MARSHAL:...do Megalopolans not need to...eat regularly?

DREX: Once every — how would you say — week? But Earth days are much shorter than days on Megalopolis, so... I'm actually quite unsure.

MARSHAL: -eyes widen- Ah...I see. MARSHAL: -slowly looks down at their meals. And he suddenly feels this pressure- MARSHAL: Well...I hope you enjoy.

DREX: -bows his head a little- Thank you. DREX: -and he grabs the fork. And he has an Ariel moment- DREX: -kinda. glances at marshal-

MARSHAL: -and he carefully spins some pasta around his fork, taking a mouthful-

DREX: -and he, Mimics Marshal's movements okay yeah that seems right-

MARSHAL: -and he's just going to eat quietly. But he's never been the conversationalist as it is, let alone with food in his mouth-

DREX: -and he definitely makes some little approving hums, letting his hand hover over his mouth as he speaks- This is... absolutely delicious. How did you make it?

MARSHAL: Hm? -he waits until he's swallowed to explain the process in depth. Hey guess what another skill has that Marshal has that I absolutely do not- MARSHAL: -Marshal's experiences with food are not my own. Janine's experiences of microwaved food from the Pokemart is absolutely my own-

DREX: -drex knowing absolutely jack fucking shit about food is absolutely my aesthetic- DREX: -nods along, but he kinda stops at what I assume was milk mentioned as an ingredient- Oh. DREX: Um. DREX: Marshal... DREX: I found out from Cynthia that... milk makes me... ill.

MARSHAL: -his eyes widen a little and he lowers his fork- MARSHAL:...Oh. I'm. So sorry. -he goes to stand-

DREX: -oh god he feels REALLY bad because the food was so good...- DREX: -but thank god he only got one bite in amirite gamers- DREX: I-I'm sorry. But it was very good...

MARSHAL: It's-- alright. I'm sure I could make something else-- -but there's definitely an edge to his voice. He takes both the plates up and sort of starts hurrying around the kitchen-

DREX: -and he easily picks up on the tension in Marshal's voice, as he usually does- DREX: Marshal...?

MARSHAL: Hm? -light floods the room as he opens the fridge to look through its contents-

DREX: -he watches him as he flits about this way and that, with that anxious intent that he'd seen before. he did it when he didn't want to think; when he wanted to distract himself- DREX: Marshal... look at me.

MARSHAL: What? MARSHAL: -he leans up from the fridge, eyes darting between him and the appliance- MARSHAL: Is everything alright?

DREX: -his voice is quiet and level- Just... take a deep breath. DREX: Deep breath...

MARSHAL: Drex-- MARSHAL: -it seems like for a moment he's going to brush it off but then he pauses. And he just seems to know. He sighs and then leans up, taking a deep breath-

DREX: There we go... DREX: What are you feeling right now...? DREX: Just... tell me how you feel. What's going through your mind. DREX: Please...

MARSHAL: -he's quiet for a long time. Then he slowly closes the fridge and sighs- MARSHAL: I...wanted to make you something nice. I knew you would likely go over the top with your gifts and I would not be able to reciprocate. So I hoped to make the experience...the best I could create.

DREX: -he gives a little sigh- Marshal, you didn't know... DREX: I did not even know my body's aversion to dairy until. Well. Until I got sick. DREX: It still... is astounding to me how many human foods use milk as an ingredient. DREX: You didn't know... DREX: But it has been wonderful so far. It truly has. DREX: And I did not even buy many more gifts after this point. Only two. DREX: And one is but a Valentines card, so it isn't as... extravagant. DREX: You certainly do not have to match my output to make me happy, Marshal... I am already happy just being here with you... DREX: -he gives a light little sigh, and he goes up to approach him- It really is okay. DREX: Here, maybe... whatever recipe you had next intended... perhaps you could teach me? I am fascinated to learn. DREX: Well, as you already know.

MARSHAL: -stands there and silently listens. He still seems a little downtrodden when Drex approaches him but he smiles small at the end-...Sure, we could do that. MARSHAL: -shit fuck I don't know anything about food what are we doing-

DREX: -well shit lets assume they start making it and drex asks a lot of questions as he does and he kinda hovers over marshal a lot and stuff-

MARSHAL: -and they make something Drex friendly. Something. Don't ask what but it is-

DREX: -after theyre finished making the Drex Friendly Pasta he kinda stands behind Marshal and looks over their handiwork. They did good. And heeeee helped- DREX: -he has his hands on marshal's shoulders and rubs them a little before getting on his Tippy Toes and kisses his cheek-

MARSHAL: -he smiles at that and glances back at him, briefly putting his hand over top Drex's- MARSHAL: Well...I hope this will be better for you.

DREX: I did not see any milk or cheese. So it should be fine. DREX: -softly and sweetly- Thank you.

MARSHAL: -smiles a little wider and goes to scoop him up a plate of pasta, which he hands to him-

DREX: Oh, could I get more... water? It is very delicious. -dont ask how water has a taste to him. just dont do it-

MARSHAL: -fuck that water absolutely has a taste. He nods- Sure. MARSHAL: -and he'll go to get him some more water before returning to his seat. He's going to have the red sauce pasta and save the other stuff in the fridge for his coworkers-

DREX: -OKAY BUT I MEAN LIKE 'tastes like juice' has taste like it has a TASTE bc his tastebuds are so different from a human's- DREX: -but he eats with little approving drex noises- DREX: -and he EATS it all very quickly he's a hungry boy- DREX: -and he wipes off his face Very Delicately with the hand cloth like a good boy- DREX: That was. Very delicious.

MARSHAL: -smiles- I'm glad you thought so. MARSHAL: -it's going to take him a little longer to finish but he gets there- MARSHAL: So...I suppose the last of the presents should be exchanged then?

DREX: Oh! Yes, certainly. DREX: -he goes back out of the kitchen for his box of chocolates and idk we'll get to the cards when we get there- DREX: -presents the Heart Shaped Box- DREX: Here we are. DREX: I have no idea what is inside.

MARSHAL: -eyebrows dip but he laughs a little- You don't? -he pulls the box closer to him-

DREX: ...No. DREX: I have heard heart shapes are... customary. And this was also... customary. DREX: So I do not know. DREX: I hope it is not dangerous.

MARSHAL: -he chuckles and goes to open it- Most likely not. -and well is it just normal ol chocolates Jiji-

DREX: ...What are those.

MARSHAL: They're chocolates. They're a type of candy.

DREX: Oh! I see. DREX: Do you like them?

MARSHAL: -he nods- Most people do. Unfortunately though...most chocolate candies contain dairy.

DREX: Oh. Well, they are not for me, so... DREX: ...You can have dairy, yes?

MARSHAL: Yes, I can. Still, I will save them. -he goes to put the lid back on- Thank you Drex. This has truly been the most...traditional, I have ever celebrated this holiday. Now I understand why others enjoy it so much. MARSHAL: Although...I do have something for you too. MARSHAL: -he takes the small box next to the vase and slides it across the table to him. It's not wrapped, doesn't even have a bow it-

DREX: -a Box- DREX: -for him??- DREX: -he... slowly opens it-

MARSHAL: -it's filled with a small cloth but what is more important is what is nestled in the center of it. It's a smooth, round, transluscent purple stone- MARSHAL:...It's called an Eviolite. When given to a young Pokemon, it helps their defensive abilities. But in greater mythology...it is said to bring protection to those who keep it close. This particular one was found in the Wellspring Caves of Unova but...it is just one of many types of stones this world has to offer you. I hope you can add many from around this planet to your collection.

DREX: -his eyes slooowly widen and his breath hitches- DREX: -and he just... holds the stone as his eyebrows bow- DREX: -and he examines it, how it shines with its polish; how it sparkles- DREX: -he thinks back to every other stone he'd collected — stolen little moments with hesitant look-arounds, makings sure to snatch them up quickly and hide them in whatever fold of whatever rags he still managed to wear. There was always apprehension in his previous collection — that whoever owned him would be able to use it as leverage over him. that it would all be lost. that he would be caught doing something as harmless as collecting a stone or a gem, and be punished for it severely- DREX: -and how he took all of those little weathered stones home and polished them all, making them his. making them his survival story- DREX: -yes, there may have been gemstones he was given — and he distinctly remembers one such instance where a man, a servant of his owner, snuck gifts for drex regularly — but... that simple, harmless action proved to be his demise. all because of drex and his interest.- DREX: -he finds himself blinking away tears- DREX: -and now here was this. the only gift that was ever given to him so earnestly, unpunishable. given to him by the one he loves, by the one he trusts so dearly. he holds the eviolite tightly and gives a little sob, using his free hand to cover his mouth- DREX: Thank you...

MARSHAL: -he smiles and turns to kiss him in return-  MARSHAL: I feel the same way...

Technology Explored: Cinema and More

CW: Spoilers for Disney’s Tangled

DREX: -he rests his head against Marshal's shoulder for a moment before finally pulling away- DREX: There's still plenty of time left in the night... what do you wish to do?

MARSHAL: Well...I know you said you'd be interested in watching a movie. We do have a BlueRay player here.

DREX: Oh! Yes, that is true. I also have yet to see your room. If... that is allowed.

MARSHAL: Of course...which would you prefer to do first?

DREX: Well... do you have a movie in mind for us to view?

MARSHAL: Ah...not really. Truthfully, I don't own that many movies. But my coworkers have...stocked the shelves with all kinds of different films. I thought you might like to choose one.

DREX: Oh, I suppose that works, then... DREX: We could end the night in your quarters, then. It seems appropriate.

MARSHAL: -flushes a little- I suppose so. MARSHAL: Alright well. -he stands- I'll show you to it. Then while you're deciding, I'll clean up in here.

DREX: I could do that, yes. DREX: Um... so where would the selection be?

MARSHAL: -he motions him along and leads him down a hallway to an entertainment room. Which. Knowing the league is probably ultra flashy and ridiculous, with a huge tv, games, and all sorts of other weird technology junk. But he leads him over to a cabinet filled with tons and tons of movies-

DREX: -he is absolutely fascinated with the entertainment room; there's so much to see and look at , and most of it doesn't at all seem like Marshal's aesthetic choice. he supposes those are the drawbacks of living in shared quarters- DREX: -he finally sees a wall with many many thin boxes — which were similar in size to his Rocky that he had bought Marshal, so he assumes they are the D-V-Ds, and he begins to look through them- Ah, thank you. I... will hopefully have one selected by the time you return.

MARSHAL: -smiles and nods, putting a hand on Drex's shoulder and squeezes it before he turns to leave- MARSHAL: -he returns to the kitchen and cleans everything up, putting away all the extra food for leftovers. He leaves the flowers, chocolate, and stone box on the table for them to get later. Then, he'll return to the entertainment room-

DREX: -when Marshal returns, he'll see Drex holding a single movie — a Disney movie. He had heard some of the beachhouse residents talking about Disney — that it is a lovely genre of movie that's supposed to make you feel nice. He's holding a box for the movie Tangled- DREX: I think I want to watch this one.

MARSHAL: Hm? -he goes over and looks over his shoulder- MARSHAL: Ah yes, this is one of the new Disney movies. I've heard good things.

DREX: I have heard many things about the brand "Disney." That they are usually... wholesome and romantic...

MARSHAL: -he nods- Generally, they tend to be movies for children but I know many adults who watch them as well.

DREX: Children's movies...? Oh, I see... DREX: Then... is it still appropriate for us to watch?

MARSHAL: -nods- It's fine. -he goes to take the case from him to set it up. Hopefully faster this time after the disaster of last time-

DREX: -and it is a Much Larger T-V than last time... goodness... he finds a place to sit- DREX: Have you ever seen this movie?

MARSHAL: No. -he shakes his head- I don't watch movies very often.

DREX: -he gives a small smile- I only happened to notice that you... knew the Rocky Movie word-for-word. DREX: I was curious as to which other movies you know so well.

MARSHAL: -flushes a little and chuckles embarrassedly- Ah well...I used to watch that one a lot as a kid. We only had a handful of movies so we just...watched those over and over. MARSHAL: But I don't do that anymore.

DREX: Oh, I see... DREX: So I happened to, coincidentally, pick a favorite of yours. DREX: I suppose I have a good sense of your interests. DREX: ...Marshal, what is an E-moh-ji.

MARSHAL: It was very lucky. MARSHAL: -glances back at him- I believe it’s a term used for symbols you can use while texting on your phone.

DREX: -quietly- Why would they find the need to make a movie out of such things... -he goes back over to the DVD case and finds the Emoji Movie- ?????

MARSHAL: A...movie? -you are asking the wrong guy-...maybe the terminology has changed. I’m unsure.

DREX: -shows him the movie- ??? DREX: ?????

MARSHAL: -expression contorts and he frowns but shakes his head- I’m unsure. I find I often...am behind. When it comes to pop culture.

DREX: -he kinda... looks over the movie and holds onto it- Part of me wants to watch this.

MARSHAL: -raises an eyebrow- I’ve heard...mixed reviews on animated movies that are not from Disney

DREX: Still, is that not... comical? DREX: Or is it just plain bad?

MARSHAL: -looks at the movie's cover again. Makes. A Face- MARSHAL: As someone who does not text using emojis, I imagine I would not find the humor very...humorous.

DREX: I am sure I would not either. DREX: -eagerly- Let's watch it anyway. -he has. a weird sorta cheesy smile on him- DREX: Or. Wait, yes. The Disney movie. My apologies.

MARSHAL: -glances him over- It's whichever movie you want.

DREX: I suppose we can watch the Disney movie, yes.

MARSHAL: As long as that's what you want. -he holds his hand out to be given a movie-

DREX: -looks at the Emoji Movie... someday, but not today, and he puts it back on the shelf before handing him Tangled-

MARSHAL: -and he'll put it in and step back, taking the remote to go through the main menu. He takes a seat on the couch and smiles at Drex-

DREX: -he sits close by Marshal and leans on him a little- I should say it again... DREX: You do look lovely, really.

MARSHAL: -flushes a little and smooths out his dress- MARSHAL: Thank you... MARSHAL: You look quite handsome as well.

DREX: Well... I haven't worn anything outside of what I normally would. DREX: Do you think I would look good in a dress? DREX: I hadn't considered it when I was shopping at the store named after you.

MARSHAL: I believe so. MARSHAL: This is...the first time. I have worn one in front of somebody else.

DREX: Oh...? DREX: -he blushes a little- In front of... me? DREX: I... I am honored, truly. DREX: That you would, well, trust me enough to do this.

MARSHAL: Of course. MARSHAL: It...took me awhile to even consider buying one. I truly have Alder to thank for his guidance and encouragement.

DREX: Well, I believe he gave you the right encouragement. DREX: It looks lovely, and you look very happy. DREX: That's all that should matter.

MARSHAL: -flushes and smiles. After a moment, the smile widens- MARSHAL: I...am. MARSHAL: -he goes to wrap an arm around Drex's shoulders and goes to start the movie-

DREX: Well... I know you look beautiful. DREX: Next time I go to the market, perhaps we can... look for more dresses for you? DREX: Would you like that?

MARSHAL: -he's quiet and still- MARSHAL: I think perhaps someday but...maybe not right now. MARSHAL:...If that is alright.

DREX: -he nods and squeezes Marshal's hand- Of course. Whatever you're most comfortable with.

MARSHAL: -squeezes his hand in turn- FLYNN: This is the story of how I die.

DREX: -quietly- How is he speaking if he is dead.

MARSHAL: I...am unsure. -and then it goes into the whole story about the flower and whatnot-

DREX: -right away, he's taken aback by the beautiful visuals and the sound design, as well as the animation — since he's actually never seen that before as of yet. as the movie progresses, he asks a few questions here and there such as 'how did such a tower manage to never be found? who built it?' as well as general, out-of-box questions such as 'where does this movie take place?' he questions how rapunzel's hair got so long, and if that truly is possible in a natural setting. he doesn't understand much about the whole 'magical' aspect.-

MARSHAL: -and he tries to answer questions where he can, pointing out that it seems the tower was purposefully hidden in a grove, etc. He tells him the kingdom is named Corona, though he is unsure if a place like that actually exists. And when the answer is magic, he pretty much says as much-

DREX: -he's not very well satisfied with the answer of magic, but he learns to live with it. it is fantasy, after all. he's enamored by rapunzel and flynn's characters, and understandably laugh at the humor involved. however, he's actually taken aback a bit at each of the music pieces, as if he... didn't know they were going to happen ( it's disney, drex. it's gonna happen ), but he finds he ends up enjoying them-

MARSHAL: -he mostly chuckles whenever Drex does. And while this isn't really his thing, he's enjoying it well enough and is more enjoying just the experience of watching it with his boyfriend-

DREX: -and they get to the point where I See the Light plays and it's all cheesy and romantic and Drex is visibly enamored and especially absorbed into the movie, and he squeezes Marshal's hand tight-

MARSHAL: -at the squeeze, he glances down at him and just watches him be enamored. PARALLEL TO FLYNN WATCHING RAPUNZEL BEING ENAMORED ITS GAY. His expression softens and he smiles, pressing a light kiss to the top of his head-

DREX: -when the song ends, he feels a small kiss at the top of his head, and he turns to look to Marshal ( and the entire song's parallel completely goes over his head )- Yes...?

MARSHAL: -shakes his head but smiles- Nothing.

DREX: -and he just smiles back softly and resettles againt Marshal as the movie progresses with that one prison break scene and it's all good fun- DREX: -but then comes the moment where flynn climbs up the tower and sees rapunzel all tied up and he gets MCSTABBED and drex very audibly gasps and tenses at it all- DREX: -it's very sad, and flynn and rapunzel's little exchange while rapunzel's trying to heal him just puts a pit in drex's stomach. he's getting pretty emotional- DREX: -and then there's the clusterfuck of mother gothel aging up and then dying and shit and then by the You Were My New Dream line he's already crying those silent tears. but it's disney. disney knows how to getcha-

MARSHAL: -eyes dart between Drex and the movie. He's a little less emotionally invested in everything that is happening. Really, he's more worried about Drex. Because growing up, Marshal admittedly didn't watch that many Disney movies but the ones he did see weren't this intense. He rubs Drex's arm to comfort him and just kind of. Hopes things will turn out alright-

DREX: -and well since it's disney of course everything turns out okay!! within the same breath of flynn dying he comes back and everything's happy and cheerful and drex finds himself perking up by the end of it. but it's like a wistful happiness. it's strange- DREX: -when that weird goblin guy makes a kissy face at the screen and the credits roll, he leans against Marshal once more, and he holds his hand and squeezes it- DREX: Marshal...?

MARSHAL: -gives a little sigh of relief. Jeez Disney. He sits back when the tension passes but still rubs Drex's arm absentmindedly- MARSHAL: Hm?

DREX: -he has a brief moment of reflection over Eliak, and... over his past life that he'll never have again, but only briefly. truly, it wasn't even enough to make him cry when the tension hit its peak in the movie. it was just... a strange parallel he didn't expect to feel in a movie that was so innocuous up until that point- DREX: -he's quiet for a little bit, brushing the top of Marshal's hand with his thumb, and he whispers- You... are my new dream.

MARSHAL: -blinks. His cheeks flush and he smiles, chuckling a little- And you...are mine. MARSHAL: -he laughs a little more. It sounds cheesy and ridiculous coming out of his mouth but it's nice anyway-

DREX: -and he chuckles back a little bit and leans close to Marshal's chest- DREX: Ahh... that was a fantastic movie, really. DREX: -he sniffles a little- Are they always this... emotionally investing?

MARSHAL: It was very good. MARSHAL: From what I understand...yes. Are you...alright?

DREX: -he thinks on that question for a moment- DREX: I... I think so. DREX: I'll be okay in time...

MARSHAL:...-he leans over to press another, longer kiss to his head- MARSHAL: Is there anything you need of me?

DREX: -and he smiles at that, and a few more tears fall, mostly from an emotion he can't quite describe, and he kisses Marshal back on his cheek, gently- DREX: No... this is all I need. DREX: Just you, and... the happiness I feel being here.

MARSHAL: -he lets go of Drex's hand to wipe the tears from his face- MARSHAL: Alright. -and he lets the silence fall, just enjoying a quiet moment between the two of them-

DREX: -stretches a little and shifts his position to get a bit more comfortable, looking around the room. he notices the air hockey table- What is that.

MARSHAL: -follows his gaze until he sees it- Ah. It is an air hockey table. A game, essentially. The goal is to hit the puck into the opposite goal and collect the most points.

DREX: Oh... I see. And that? -it looks like an arcade machine idk which one itd be thats ur pick my guy-

MARSHAL: That is Pac Man. Another game, the goal is collect the circles without being caught by your pursuers.

DREX: What is Pac Man like?

MARSHAL: It is a digital game. It is shown on the screen and you decide its actions with the controls.

DREX: No, I mean... what is he like? Is he not a man?

MARSHAL: Oh. No, he is a little...circle.

DREX: Then why is he... called Pac Man.

MARSHAL: I'm...unsure. -this has become a token line for him at this point-

DREX: Why does he wish to collect circles?

MARSHAL: I just believe that's...the goal of the game.

DREX: Seems... strange. DREX: -settles back against him- DREX: And what is that? -it's a vinyl player. probably grimsley's-

MARSHAL: It's a vinyl player. It's a rather...old method of playing music.

DREX: How does it work?

MARSHAL: I believe...it takes a record, which is similar to the movie disks you have seen, but larger. Then as it spins, the music plays.

DREX: Do you... have a record to play?

MARSHAL: Ah...the music player I believe belongs to Grimsley. I don't know if he would appreciate our...interference with it. -he grimaces at the thought of how overdramatically Grimsley would react-

DREX: Oh... I see. DREX: Yes, I believe that is for the best. My apologies. DREX: I have heard... little of Earthen music, admittedly. DREX: What kind of music do you enjoy?

MARSHAL:...Hm. I prefer to listen to music live, I think. And what I tend to prefer is instrumental.

DREX: Could you show me sometime?

MARSHAL: Well. I can't play myself, but I will find something. MARSHAL: What is music on Megalopolis like?

DREX: It is... not similar to the music here, I don't think. I have not heard any Earthen music that reminds me of it.

MARSHAL: Hm. It would be interesting to hear sometime.

DREX: I, admittedly... do not know how to play any instruments. It is a bit unfortunate.

MARSHAL: Mm, I understand that. I wish I had learned as well.

DREX: I believe Phyco knew an instrument. He kept it close to his desk.

MARSHAL: Perhaps we could listen sometime.

Starlight, Starbright

DREX: -stretches- Should we retire to your quarters? Or are there other things to see?

MARSHAL: -a small smile creeps on his face- If it's alright...I do have one more thing I wish to show you.

DREX: -and his eyes and freckles light up briefly- Yes, absolutely.

MARSHAL: -he smiles wider and pulls away from him, but still takes his hand. Then he leads them to an elevator. He takes a deep breath as he waits for it to arrive-

DREX: -hes never been inside an elevator and is admittedly a bit frightened being inside a Confined Box as he is, and when it starts, his hand reflexively rests on Marshal's chest and he holds his hand tightly-

MARSHAL: -they step on and when Drex gets close to him, he squeezes his hand. After pressing a button, they ascend upwards and he fills the air with speech-  MARSHAL: This trip has likely illustrated how difficult it is to get to the League. It is intentional. It's a final obstacle for anyone who wishes to challenge us. It also give us a certain amount of separation from the rest of Unovan society. This was to act as a means of defense but...-he sighs and shakes his head- Perhaps that was a naive notion.

DREX: It gives a sense of finality, I believe. DREX: You are able to reflect on your journey and prepare yourself for what lay ahead.

MARSHAL: -he nods- It is symbolic for those who come here. For those of us already here it can be...isolating, at times. Part of why we must provide everything for ourselves here from food to entertainment is because we don't have the luxury of finding it anywhere else. MARSHAL: -with a ding, the elevator stops. The doors open and they are immediately hit with the chilling but refreshing air of the outdoors. He smiles and squeezes his hand- MARSHAL: But there are...benefits, to being separated from the rest of society. MARSHAL: -he guides him out of the elevator by hand. They exit the elegant architecture of the large dome and onto the roof. There, he tilts his head up. They are met with a beautiful night sky, completely unpolluted by the light that is so common everywhere else, even in an area like Undella Bay. Stars and galaxies litter the firmament against the completely darkened backdrop of the rest of the mountains-

DREX: -he gives a sharp inhale as he exits, not at all affected by the chilly air, but instead, he finds himself enamored by the sight above him. he takes a few steps forward, his hands slowly cupping over his mouth, and he lets out a very shaky sigh- DREX: -his eyes are so filled with wonder- Marshal... DREX: Oh goodness...

MARSHAL: -he's seen this sky a million times before--it's what he sees on a nightly basis. So he's just watching Drex the whole time, smiling softly- MARSHAL: I was amazed myself when I first arrived here...it truly is spectacular.

DREX: -his hand slowly points up to what Marshal can only assume is one of the many many stars- Do you see those clusters of stars? I... I have been there. DREX: We call that cluster Ryzr. My father once... once took me there. I unfortunately cannot recall the names of the peoples who reside there, but they sold our planet their precious ores in exchange for our mushrooms. DREX: Fascinating how trade works, yes?

MARSHAL: -his eyes widen a little and he moves closer to Drex to follow where he is pointing. He hadn't been expecting this but thinking back, he doesn't know why not- MARSHAL: Yes, that's...extremely fascinating. MARSHAL: On Earth that is the head of the Seviper bearer constellation.

DREX: Fascinating... I believe the intersectionality of the constellations would mean that from... Megalopolis's trajectory, I believer Ryzr includes more star clusters on a separate plane than humans account for in their definition of the... Seviper-Bearer constellation.

MARSHAL: Well...our understanding of the stars has really only advanced in the last few decades. Before that, humans did not know what lie beyond...so we created imagery and stories from what we could see. They've shaped our narrative and have been our guide since our beginnings as a species.

DREX: -nods at him- All the same with Megalopolis, except... as time has went on, we have extended those contellations into a three-dimensional plane, and they have since become known as clusters defined by stars, rather than imagery.

MARSHAL: -nods thoughtfully, now watching the sky. He points as well- That one is the Teddiursa constellation. And next to it, Ursaring.

DREX: -nods, trying to see what Marshal is seeing-

MARSHAL: -he points them out and tries to both visually and audibly draw them out for him. He tells him the legends of the constellations, how the young Teddiursa wanted to see the moon reflected on its head so it climbed up into the heavens, and its mother followed after it. How a Seviper once attacked a village and a brave Machoke wrestled it away but to keep his people safe, he leaped into the sky where he now forever holds the snake. There's an enthusiasm and wonder in his voice as he recounts these stories-

DREX: -he listens intently, very fascinated by the story woven for him- DREX: That... That is beautiful... and very fascinating and whimsical.

MARSHAL: -he smiles, looking up at the sky- Each constellation has a story...one that has been passed down for thousands of years from person to person. They've helped us navigate the world both literally and philosophically. I believe one of our greatest losses has been to lose that to an excess of technology. But...there are still places and people who look to them. And our stories continue to be passed. MARSHAL: -he looks to Drex once more-

DREX: -he gives a smile to Marshal- I wish to learn as much of human lore as I possibly can. While... I suppose that is some distance away — after all, I still have to learn about human terminology — these sorts of things are so interesting to me.  DREX: Humans give such meaning to the world around them. They've given meaning to the land, the ocean, the sky... DREX: Megalopolis has done... no such thing. As I mentioned previously, our... star clusters were defined by imagery. But we never did make such stories as humans have.

MARSHAL: -he nods- I think it's one of the most important aspects of...being a human. It is part of our very nature, and it's what intertwines our history from the beginning to the present to whatever may come.

DREX: It is... strange to me. Our planet holds no such sentiments. For example, you have all since called Solgaleo a... a deity. A god. We as Megalopolans saw no such thing. DREX: I wish to know about the impact this world has on its people, and the cultural influences humans have since imprinted on the Earth they live in. DREX: What other constellations are there?

MARSHAL: -and he'll spend a good amount of the night pointing out the constellations and their stories. Some of them are pretty straightforward, others are a bit more outlandish--like a woman who turned into a Milotic after her lover spurned her, etc-

DREX: -and in exchange, Drex points out some of the other constellations and clusters that hold personal meaning to him. some even touch on his experiences from his captivity, but he speaks about them with an evenness and minimum pain- DREX: I remember this galaxy, you know. When I was captured, I... spent a fair amount of time in here. DREX: Humans call it the Milky Way, yes? DREX: I remember many more of these star clusters from when I was moving between spacecrafts, rather than... when I used to travel on surveys with my father. DREX: So I cannot recall to you the names of such planets. I... would not know their translation in my native tongue. DREX: -he trails off for a moment- Marshal... I... DREX: -he doesn't continue. he doesn't... want to ruin the moment- DREX: This is... all so wonderful. DREX: I am... trying to find other stars. If I can recognize them.

MARSHAL: -he listens as well. It's hard, hearing about Drex's experiences as a slave, but he knows it's only so much worse for him. When he cuts himself off, he takes his hand, just looking him over- MARSHAL: -and it's while he's staring at Drex's face staring at the sky, he reaches up to gently brush his fingers against his cheek- MARSHAL:...I've never really noticed until now but your face...is like a microcosm of the skies itself. Like...you have your own stars.

DREX: -he blushes at the gesture, causing his features to light up slightly and he just... stares at marshal for a moment. he actually cant think of anything to say, so he just... giggles like an idiot- Y-You think so...? -he finally asks but well he isn't even sure why he asked it. just for conversation's sake? who knows-

MARSHAL: -his eyes widen a little in wonder as they light up and he continues gently stroking his thumb across his cheek- MARSHAL: Yeah...it's exactly like that, honestly. It's...beautiful.

DREX: -he, impulsively puts his hand on his free cheek and laughs like a Damn Fool, wanting to hide his face. he doesnt even know why, especially since Marshal likes it so much- I, a-ah, um I. It. Th. I. B — Um. Ah. DREX: -puts a hand on his shoulder- That's very nice of you.

MARSHAL: -his eyebrows dip but he smiles, cupping his cheek. He laughs a little as well- Are you alright?

DREX: -why did he feel so warm. why was his throat so dry. im stealing ur line scad. why this. why me.- DREX: I —! Wh-Why yes. I'm-I'm. DREX: Dandy. -why did he say dandy-

MARSHAL: Alright... MARSHAL: -he runs his thumb over his cheek- MARSHAL: I’m not being...too much, am I?

DREX: -shakes his head in Marshal's hand- No...! N-No, no, of course not. DREX: I am just. Ah... not... used to this.

MARSHAL: -he thinks for just a brief moment to Elias but he doesn’t question it- MARSHAL: Ah...I understand. I can’t truly say I am either but...we’re learning together. MARSHAL: -he leans in to press a kiss to his forehead. When he pulls back, he hovers there, eyes flickering over his face. He hesitates- MARSHAL: Is it...alright if I kiss you?

DREX: -he's flushed a deep, deep blue as Marshal pulls away. what was with him today. was it the cold air? he's usually not this... what's the word. he can't even think of the word- DREX: Y-Yes... Yes you may. DREX: A-Anytime, really.

MARSHAL: -smiles and leans in, giving him a very gentle kiss on the lips. He holds it there for a few moments before pulling away-

DREX: -he manages to kiss back despite his fluster, only a little bit, his hands resting on his shoulders before Marshal pulls away- DREX: -and he slowly rests his head against Marshal's forehead, giving a quiet sigh- Ah... th-thank you? Is... this something I should thank you for?

MARSHAL: -he chuckles softly- I don’t believe so.

DREX: I-I must ask as well. Am I... too much at times... either? DREX: Perhaps not now, but... other times.

MARSHAL: No...anytime I have spoken up, you have always respected my wishes. That is...more than I could ever ask.

DREX: Okay... -quietly- okay... DREX: But if I ever happen to do anything that upsets you, or-or is excessive, please do not hesitate to let me know, okay...?

MARSHAL: I understand. And of course that goes for you as well...

DREX: -he gives a little smile and nuzzles Marshal's cheek- Admittedly, I am... um. Not used to this much affection. I never have been. DREX: I... always act this way.

MARSHAL: -again he thinks to Eliak but he isn't gonna bring it up jeez- MARSHAL: Well...if it ever makes you uncomfortable, please let me know...

DREX: Oh, no, no! I... I actually quite enjoy it. DREX: I just... happen to get very flustered, so I apologize...

MARSHAL: -he gives almost something of a smirk- As if I have not been flustered before...

DREX: Well —! You see, it's, ah. It's at least cute when you do it...

MARSHAL: -his eyebrows dip- It's cute when you do it as well...

DREX: -he buries his face in his hands to hide his glowing blush gee drex way to prove a point- Well...! I will not argue with you. This is... This is silly.

MARSHAL: -laughs a little- I suppose so. MARSHAL: -he pulls back to press another kiss to his forehead before drawing back. He wraps an arm around Dulse and pulls him to his side, looking up at the stars again-

DREX: -he manages to quiet down for a moment, but he's unable to quell his smile- I... I like our silly moments, too. All the same as the rest. DREX: And I like it when you... hold me like this, and say kind things about me, even if I, admittedly, do not know what to do in return. DREX: It's... overwhelming, but not... in a bad way...? Does that make sense?

MARSHAL: -he glances down at him, smiling before looking back up- MARSHAL: Yeah, I understand that. I've felt the same way at times.

DREX: -and he just smiles and leans in a little closer, looking up towards the stars, absorbing the sights, and he gives a content little sigh-

MARSHAL: -and he's just going to stay like this for awhile, in a comfortable, loving silence-

DREX: -he squeezes Marshal's hand and just enjoys the silence for a moment, but then he finally asks- Do you... not get cold up here?

MARSHAL: -he shakes his head-...I don't mind the cold. -and he squeezes him-

DREX: Are... you sure? -drex you're absolutely frigid to hold why are you even asking-

MARSHAL: -he chuckles a little- I'm sure. Why, are you cold? -is that.............a joke-

DREX: -looks him dead in the eyes- Freezing.

MARSHAL: -stares at him. But soon a smile cracks on his face and he bursts out into laughter, more genuine than Drex has likely seen. He grins and rubs his arm- Well, we should probably get you inside then.

DREX: -he laughs and grins- A little-known fact about Megalopolans is that we must be properly stored in freezers lest we melt.

MARSHAL: -laughs along- You should have let me know sooner, I would have cleared some more space out for you. MARSHAL: -he turns to walk them towards the elevator-

DREX: Perhaps I can sleep in your bath tub for the night if you fill it with ice. Wake me up for sunrise.

MARSHAL: I would hope not. I just washed the sheets in my bed and I'd like to think they're very comfortable. MARSHAL: -they get back on the elevator but Marshal keeps an arm around him as they descend-

DREX: I would sincerely hate to soil them  by melting in the middle of the night.

MARSHAL: You've done fine so far at the beach house

DREX: I'm surprised, really. DREX: Perhaps it is my frigid heart.

MARSHAL: Is that how you'd describe it?

DREX: I'm actually not sure at this point.

MARSHAL: -glances down at him. This doesn't feel very jokey anymore. He rubs his arm a little, silently urging him to go on-

DREX: Hm? Oh. Yes. DREX: As you must know. I am very cold. Physically or otherwise. -is he doing this right- DREX: I have no sense of emoting and am probably some sort of machine in disguise. DREX: -he giggles just a little- You saw just now — I nearly short-circuited at your compliment.

MARSHAL: -that brings a little smile back on his face- MARSHAL: You know, I have also been called a robot in my life. Perhaps that is why we are so compatible.

DREX: Perhaps this is why we are so bad at this. DREX: Two robots learning love for the first time.

MARSHAL: -well. You had a. And I had a. Hm.- MARSHAL: I'd like to think we are improving. -they exit the elevator and start to head towards his bedroom-

DREX: -okay but listen it wasnt really love those were fake fans- DREX: -finally gets to the bedroom- DREX: -stops- DREX: This is not the freezer.

MARSHAL: -puts his hand on the doorknob, glancing back at Drex- MARSHAL: Well...no, it is not. MARSHAL: -there's only so far his wit can go and he's used up basically all of it-

A Dour Turn

CW: Sexual Assault mentions, self-harm

DREX: -so then he walks inside of it and examines all the Marshal-y things about it-

MARSHAL: -and well, the first Marshal-y thing is that the room is rather bare. Of course, it seems just as advanced and stylish as the rest of the League but in terms of personal touches, it's rather empty. He has a mirror closet, a dresser with various makeups/skin care products/etc on it, and a bed neatly made with two nightstands next to it. There are some weights and other exercise equipment in the corner. A large window overlooks the mountains. But there are a few little touches...of Drex. The Makuhita plushie he was given is sitting on the corner of the dresser. Some of the candles and incense are arranged on the nightstands. And behind the dresser is a plain nightlight- MARSHAL: -he heads over to the dresser and begins to take off his jewelry, putting it in a box-

DREX: -he expected more.... Rockly Bal Boa. But he digresses, gravitating towards the window and looking out over the mountains with very wide eyes- DREX: -i also forgot to make him pack a spare set of clothes. or is that, like, in character idk anymore- DREX: -then he looks to the bed and smiles at the little Dewey plush and sits down at the foot of the bed, sort of just. kinda. not knowing what to do? but he's happy nonetheless-

MARSHAL: -he takes some makeup wipes and heads to the mirror, where he starts the painstaking nightly process. He glances at Drex in the mirror- You can make yourself comfortable.

DREX: -he takes off his shoes and kinda just, settles on the bed?-

MARSHAL: -it's a long process that includes some skincare but after he's done lotioning up his face, he looks over himself in the mirror, still in the dress- MARSHAL:...Drex? Could you...help me unzip this?

DREX: ...?? DREX: Oh, um. DREX: Okay? DREX: -oh dear. he's starting to flush- DREX: -and he gets up and tries to stop blushing like an idiot like god drex it's just marshal's back-

MARSHAL: -to be fair, if they've been sleeping together at the beach house, Drex has probably seen him shirtless. He usually sleeps in just pants, boxers at the MOST. But still, his back does look very good in this dress. Marshal faces the mirror, motioning to Drex where the zipper is on his back-

DREX: -so he just kinda, unzips the back of it and holds the back so the dress doesn't fall- DREX: Is this good?

MARSHAL: -he nods- Yes, thank you. -and he slowly and carefully slides the dress off of himself, leaning down to step out of it- MARSHAL: -And. Well. You can't exactly wear boxers with a dress, what you wanna mess up that sweet, sleek line? No. But he didn't go commando either. Instead, as he steps out, Drex is met with his boyfriend's thick bod, only covered in a small, tight pair of black briefs-

DREX: -WELP that's it scad. you killed him. you done killed him.- DREX: -he's still holding onto Marshal's dress, but he can't help but stare. And. Blush. a lot.- DREX: -slowly, hands him the dress,- DREX: ...Here you go.

MARSHAL: -he leans up with a deep sigh, rolling his shoulders a little. No don't Drex-- MARSHAL: -it's too late. He turns to face Drex. Those briefs are so very tight. He takes the dress with a tired smile- MARSHAL: Thank you.

DREX: -HE LOOKS AWAY VERY QUICKLY but its too late. he's seen it all. he's seen it ALL- DREX: Y-You're. Ah. DREX: Ah.......... DREX: Um. DREX: Thanks.

MARSHAL: -soon realizes Drex's strange behavior. Being a boxer, Marshal had to get over shame of his body pretty quickly. So it takes him a moment but soon it clicks- MARSHAL: Ah-- I apologize. -he holds the dress over himself to cover his body- MARSHAL: Am I-- making you uncomfortable?

DREX: N-No...! No, n-no. You. DREX: You look nice. -how does he look nice drex he's not wearing anything- I-I mean —! DREX: You're very pretty to look at. DREX: -bad. bad bad bad bad bad- I don't know how else to explain...

MARSHAL: -stares at him for a moment. Then he gets a look of realization- MARSHAL: Ah...yes. I understand. -he nods. He seems. Oddly subdued on the subject- MARSHAL: I will get changed then. You'll be alright here?

DREX: You're not... mad? Or-Or upset...? DREX: I. DREX: I actually feel quite... guilty. About this. I-I don't know how to explain...

MARSHAL: -he shakes his head- No. I understand the way that I am...viewed by others. The...appeal. That I have. MARSHAL: -he says as if he were explaining a BLT or some other mundane thing-

DREX: I-I'm sorry...

MARSHAL: -he shakes his head- It's alright. MARSHAL: -he pauses and then frowns a little- MARSHAL: Why would you feel guilty...?

DREX: I — well. I... I must admit, I. DREX: -he sighs nervously- When I very firstly met you... on-on the beachside when you first arrived, I... DREX: And even a few days after... DREX: You... must remember how I had... acted towards you, yes?

MARSHAL: -he nods slowly, silently urging him on-

DREX: -sighs- Okay. DREX: I... must admit I... DREX: I just found you attractive. DREX: Ph-Physically. DREX: -he bites back his lip and looks quite ashamed- And every time we spoke, I felt nervous. And... that was the sole reason why. DREX: I did not even realize it back then — not until Zinnia explained — but that... that was what it was. DREX: That was... all it was. At least for our first few encounters. DREX: And... And... I suppose that sole reason gave way to more reasons that I... ended up liking you so much. DREX: But still, I — that root reason... never changed. DREX: Not at first. DREX: Now those moments are over, and... of course, I like spending time with you and being with you for so many other reasons, but I... DREX: I still feel this way when I see you — um... more... undressed. DREX: And I feel... terrible. DREX: You are attractive, yes. But I... DREX: I do not know where... the line of... simply finding you beautiful, and-and... objectifying you... Where... DREX: If... DREX: If I am... objectifying you. DREX: -he gives a shaky sigh- I'm sorry...

MARSHAL: -and he doesn't outwardly show it, but his stomach does drop. He's felt like with his exposure to the world and his own sexualization, he'd come to learn the signs. When people were only interested in him because of his looks. And looking back...those signs had been there with Drex. But perhaps it's because of his general lack of experience with other men that he didn't see it right away. The previous encounters he had with men were...certainly different. But maybe he had been thinking Drex had seen more in him from the start. Now he knows the truth- MARSHAL: -his expression is unreadable. He's silent for awhile before he shakes his head- MARSHAL: It's fine. MARSHAL: -he goes over to the dresser to fish out a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt- MARSHAL: It isn't your fault. -his voice is flat- I am an object. I was crafted to be one. It's a natural byproduct of what I do. You can't help the feelings you have. They are...normal, in these circumstances.

DREX: -he feels the change in Marshal almost immediately, and it's only confirmed by the emptiness in his tone. he bites his lip and... he can't quite find it in him to cry. not yet.- DREX: You're not an object, Marshal. You are not. Please don't... don't say that. DREX: -quietly- Please don't say that... DREX: And you are not... fine. I'm starting to believe that is... -yeah, here they come- the quickest indicator that you are not. DREX: You're not an object, Marshal. And I... DREX: I'm so ashamed of myself that I ever... DREX: -he doesn't even know what to say. he'd felt this way with... several of the men at the beach house, and all he has to show for it is this pit of shame in his stomach- DREX: -he lets out a shaky sigh- There is so much more to you than that, Marshal. I saw this since... since the second time, I believe, that I met you. There was the sewing, and your ability to mend clothes, and your makeup that was, and still is, fantastic. DREX: And there's your patience to even put up with me. To even have had the patience to put up with my curiosity and my stupidity. DREX: Those reasons have moved away from just your body, Marshal. DREX: And I am just... so ashamed that I... let that be a reason at all. DREX: You... You deserve better than that.

MARSHAL: -he starts putting on his clothes, avoiding eye contact- It isn't about what I deserve, it is just my reality. This is a fact I've known and accepted about myself. I know what I am and what that means. It is simply...the truth. MARSHAL:...it doesn't invalidate the other aspects of my being. I'm glad you were able to see more and that we are together. Really. MARSHAL: -he emphasizes it, despite the dullness of his tone- MARSHAL: But...that doesn't change the truth either. I am an object. MARSHAL: But I'm also...yours. -he pulls his shirt over and leans up, looking down at him. There's a small smile on his face, but it is bittersweet-

DREX: -for once, he... he doesn't know what to say. he doesn't know what to do to make it right again. he only feels guilt, and feels... shame. he best shouldn't have said anything.- DREX: -and marshal's words are like a punch to the gut. they're a punch to the gut in a way he can't describe, and he feels winded, and his eyes snap up to marshal's, and then they... look through him- DREX: -he opens his mouth, then he closes it, his gaze slowly looking down to... nothing at all, and he trembles- I... DREX: I need a mo-moment. DREX: I'm s — I'm sorry. DREX: -and he very abruptly leaves the room and walks a good distance from the doorway. he feels. he feels sick inside. he can't place why.- DREX: -he can't place what it is. he just... slowly goes into a squat and puts a hand over his hand over his mouth and he can't... stop shaking- DREX: -he can't stop shaking- DREX: -and then it hits him- DREX: -he's just as bad as them. all of them. all of the faces he doesn't dare want to remember anymore. every single one who used him and toyed with him. now he was them, and marshal was his — - DREX: -and suddenly he can't see anymore- DREX: -and he doesn't remember when he starts sobbing uncontrollably, wailing and wailing-

MARSHAL: -The guilt starts to hit him as he sees Drex falling into a deeper pit of shame. Because he really isn't upset with him, he's just melancholy about his own life. He didn't mean to make it seem like so much of the blame was being put on Drex. He doesn't put any blame on him at all- MARSHAL: -but soon he says he needs a moment and practically runs out. Marshal almost reaches out to him but then pulls back. He needs his space...that's okay. He takes a deep breath and sighs deeply- MARSHAL: -rubbing his neck, he turns and is about to sit on the bed when he hears a cry- MARSHAL: Drex?! MARSHAL: -the fight AND flight instinct kicks in as he spins around and sprints out of the room, frantically looking around for whatever direction the crying is coming from-  MARSHAL: -finally he spots him, crouched on the ground. He runs over and falls to his knees beside him, putting a hand on his shoulder and the other on his back- MARSHAL: Drex, what's wrong, what happened?!

DREX: -considering his panic, he can't hear anything, or see, or feel. everything feels invisible. he wasn't even sure he was crying at all.- DREX: -but then he feels something on his shoulder, on his back, and considering where his mind was at the moment, he could only ever believe it was some threat, some punishment, something out there to hurt him and he shrieks, falling over onto his side and he curls his legs close to his chest, holding himself upright on one elbow, the other instinctively pulled towards his face in a cower- DREX: -and he stays still for a moment, tears still falling silently down his eyes, and he continues to hyperventilate, but he still... cannot process what just happened. who was after him. what they wanted- DREX: -and slowly... it comes into focus. he comes into focus, and only then does his arm lower from his face- DREX: -and he sounds... genuinely... confused- M...Marshal...? DREX: -and then the background comes back into full view, and the fear in Marshal's eyes. He doesn't understand any of it. why was he afraid? what was going on? What had... happened?- DREX: ...What's wrong...? -and... strange as the question was, it was genuine-

MARSHAL: -he gasps and pulls back when Drex screams and falls over. He scrambles to his feet, giving the other some space but now frozen in his spot. All he can do is watch in terror, useless and clueless as to what he could do- MARSHAL: -he just stares at him. His lip quivers slightly before opening- MARSHAL:...You...you were crying...and-- -he swallows hard. His voice is low and trembling-...screaming. MARSHAL: What...happened...?

DREX: -he looks over the room, then Marshal, and he tries not to think about why can't remember where he is. he looks over Marshal. he's... he's terrified. even through all of this, drex's breath is still choppy and tears still run down his eyes, but he can't... he doesn't feel it. he doesn't feel the emotion of it.- I-I was...? DREX: I... I'm sorry... I... DREX: I don't know... DREX: What did... DREX: -his eyes scan around absently for some thought or reason to form in his head and... something hazy comes of it, but he can't quite make it out- DREX: -quietly- I-I'm sorry...

MARSHAL: -he slowly goes to approach him again, very cautiously crouching down, but still leaving space between them- MARSHAL: Is this...because of what I said? Drex, I am not angry or upset with you. I...-his voice trails off, just looking over him in concern-

DREX: -he mouths quietly- What you said...? I... DREX: -and then it hits him again, and his expression of confusion just drops into shame and, like a puzzle, he feels everything again. he feels the tears on his eyes and feels himself tremble enough to tremble again, and he's back in reality and he can feel, but he doesn't panic- DREX: -and he lets out a very shaky, shaky sigh, and he looks away- No, I-I.... DREX: ..... DREX: -very quietly- You have every right to be angry with me, 

MARSHAL: -he scoots forward, inch by inch, but he's tense- MARSHAL: No...I'm not. The things that I said had...nothing to do with you. They are my own struggles, and I'm sorry I placed so much of that burden on you. But there is nothing you've said or done to upset me.

DREX: -he thinks to protest but he just feels so sluggish, so, so tired, and he murmurs out a very empty little- Okay...

MARSHAL:...I'm so sorry Drex. I never meant to...hurt you...in this way... MARSHAL: -his voice gets quieter and quieter. He almost reaches out to him again but pulls back once more-

DREX: It's okay... DREX: I'll... um. DREX: -he just shakes his head slowly. he doesn't even know what to say. he doesn't even remember what about what marshal said was so... bad. and that's probably for the best- DREX: I'll be okay.

MARSHAL: -he swallows hard. Everything fell apart so fast- MARSHAL:...I...I can set you up in the guest room, if you like. I-I can get you food, water, I can even take you home if you need-- MARSHAL:...What...whatever you need...

DREX: -he shakes his head again- No, I'll be fine, Marshal. I... DREX: I do not even remember... why I am out here.

MARSHAL: You left after our conversation...you said you needed a moment...

DREX: Okay... DREX: -he furrows his brows- I don't remember why I did that... DREX: I'm sorry.

MARSHAL: I don't...I don't want to say anything again if it will cause this to repeat. -there's a twinge of fear in his voice-

DREX: That's fine... DREX: But... I am okay now... you need not worry about that... DREX: -he finally looks up to Marshal, and his heart sinks at his expression- Marshal, I... I scared you. I'm sorry.

MARSHAL: I... MARSHAL: Of course I'm going to be worried. Drex, I-- did this to you-- MARSHAL: -his chest seizes a little and he goes to stand, though he doesn't move closer or farther away-

DREX: -by now, his tears have finally stopped and his breathing is working on leveling, but his voice remains quiet- You did not... mean it.

MARSHAL: -the words jumpstart something in him and he can feel his heartrate beginning to rise. He takes a step back- MARSHAL: That doesn't-- matter! MARSHAL: I don't-- I can't-- MARSHAL: -he looks around franatically and his own breathing is starting to increase. He shuts his eyes tight and tries to breathe deeply- MARSHAL: What. Do you need from me?

DREX: -the sharpness of Marshal's voice causes him to flinch and tense, and he finds himself shaking again, though... he doesn't otherwise react. at least he doesn't cry or scream, that is to say- DREX: -he murmurs quietly- I need us both to be quiet and calm down. DREX: -ironic that he says this, as he feels his throat nearly closing up- ...And breathe.

MARSHAL: -a lump forms in his throat and he turns away, walking down the hall. A few doors down, he stops and presses his forehead, forearm and fist to the wall. He breathes sharply and deeply-

DREX: -and as Marshal leaves, he puts his elbow to his knee and rests his hand against his eyes, and he feels a new wave of quiet tears start to fall. he doesn't sob; he only gives shaky breaths as his hand slowly slides up to his forehead. god, he feels so tired. he just wants to be held. and considering his previous panic that he can't even recall, he doesn't even understand why marshal won't-

MARSHAL: -sorry Drex. Eventually he turns around and leans back against the wall, sliding down it. He draws legs up and puts his face in his hands, just sitting there. The air seems to turn heavy around him-

DREX: -and in the time he has to himself, he can only think — what did he do wrong? what did he say wrong? and he traces back and back to what he can remember from their conversation — not even that, from just helping marshal out of his dress — and he traces it forward and forward until it hits him again. how he was flustered by his looks. how he was a fucking idiot and opened his mouth. and how marshal looked, and how he felt, and his words — - DREX: -and he presses his face into his hands and he stifles a sharp sob, and he forces himself not to panic again. he can feel everything that it was. he can feel all of the implications that made him panic and made him cry. but he doesn't panic. and he doesn't cry. he only shakes and lets the guilt seep in-

MARSHAL: -he doesn't mean for it to be heard but it's nearly impossible in the complete silence of the league- MARSHAL:...I knew I would do this.

DREX: -and when drex hears those words so faintly he feels fit to cry all over again- DREX: -he wants to just... get up and go to Marshal and not even care if he thinks he's worthy of it or not and just hold him, but he... he can't find the strength to get up, and he tenses up in his frustration of himself, his fingers tensing so sharply into claws and his jaw clenching before he just... lets it all go in defeat and buries his face in his hands again and he gives little whimpers and sobs- DREX: -he can't think of the right thing to do like this, and he'd be damned if he'd allow himself to approach Marshal again without that sort of preparation- DREX: -and he's just so, so angry at himself that he can't be okay right now. marshal needs him. what is he doing sitting here and crying-

MARSHAL: -he can hear Drex crying and it absolutely kills him inside but he's so afraid he's just going to make things worse. He can't do it. He can't do it himself- MARSHAL: -but he can't do nothing. Finally, he pushes himself to his feet and without looking at Drex, walks away, back into his room- -A few minutes later, Drex hears footsteps approaching him again. A hand reaches out to gently rub his back. It is...large, and thick, with three fingers- 

CLARESSA: -when Drex looks up there's the Momma herself, looking over him sadly-

DREX: -and when drex looks up, he looks so, so expectant, but then he looks and sees that it is not... marshal at all, and his expression drops almost immediately, along with his shoulders. he doesn't fight away from her touch but he certainly looks away- DREX: -very quietly- ....Please go away.

CLARESSA: -she pulls back. Her eyes flicker over him and she reaches out to gently pet his hair before toddling away like she's told- CLARESSA: -but it's only a few moments before she returns with a glass of water and an apple, both of which she places in front of Drex. Then she goes to sit across from him-

DREX: -and when she leaves, he feels... more awful. more guilty. and yet when she returns he feels........... Still more awful, only this time, frustrated. he isn't quite sure what would satiate this situation. he really isn't- DREX: I... DREX: Do not need your comfort, okay? DREX: I don't require. Nor wish for. Anybody's comfort. DREX: I don't know what to do... DREX: I. Should've. Done. More. -and he finds himself trembling to tears. again- And I did not. DREX: I did more when I should have done less, and I did so little when I should have acted. DREX: And this is all because of me. DREX: It was because of me. From the start. From the moment I laid eyes on him. DREX: I'm. Just. I just.... DREX: He... I.... DREX: -he manages to catch himself before he fully breaks down- DREX: And you are not. The person. I wish to be telling this to. I'm sorry. DREX: I don't mean that to be. Offensive.

CLARESSA: -just shakes her head like "it's fine" and gives him an encouraging smile. Still, she seems to be in some kind of thought, and she looks down the hallway that Marshal disappeared down, tapping her fingers together-

DREX: ...What does that mean. DREX: I don't wish to force him into conversation if he doesn't wish it himself. DREX: And he obviously doesn't wish it. So.

CLARESSA: -she grimaces a little at that, making vague gestures and noises. It's hard being a Pokemon-

DREX: -he wishes he could understand, but he is just... so tired- I don't... DREX: I don't know what you're trying to say.

CLARESSA: -she sighs and shakes her head. Pushing herself to her feet, she toddles over to a door and opens it, revealing another room with a bed. Whether this is the guest room or actually one of the residence's room is unknown. But then she looks to Drex. Then down the hallway. Then back at him. Then towards the open room-

DREX: You want me to... rest?

CLARESSA: -she gestures to the room. She gestures to the glass and apple. She gestures down the hall. Then she gestures aaalllll around. Basically she's telling you its what you want bro-

DREX: -shakes his head, his voice quiet and practically utterly defeated- I'm fine where I am... DREX: Thank you, though...

CLARESSA: -she nods, then goes to return to her seat, twiddling her fingers-

DREX: -and after a moment of saying that, he groans — out of frustration and anger and just trying not to cry again — and he rubs his hands over his face harshly- But I suppose I'll have to. DREX: -he looks over to Claressa and he looks and sounds... very empty. very tired- Where is he...?

CLARESSA: -she hesitates for a moment before looking down the hall. She points down it and then slowly raises her finger until she's pointing at the ceiling-

DREX: He's... up?DREX: Where... DREX: He is a floor... above? Must I take the elevator?

CLARESSA: -keeps pointing up and up before she stands up on her tippy toes, as high as she can go-

DREX: C... DREX: Can you take me to him?

CLARESSA: -she seems a little nervous. It's pretty obvious she's been told not to do that. But she's also Momma and she knows best. So she nods and toddles off to the elevator-

DREX: -he breathes a quiet, quiet sigh of relief at the panic that had been welling up in his throat, happy enough that she was able to move her feet in a direction at all, and he quietly follows behind her-

CLARESSA: -she reaches up to press the button to summon the elevator. They get on and she reaches uuuppppp to try and press the top button, the same one Marshal pressed to take them to the roof. But she's too short-

DREX: -presses it for her?-

CLARESSA: -she gives something of a chuckle and pats his side as a thank you. Then they begin to ascend. As they get close to the top, however, they both hear loud, muffled clanging of metal. Claressa winces a little and sighs deeply, shaking her head-

DREX: -he flinches slightly but otherwise, he doesn't move, his hands tensed into fists and he... almost knows what he's about to see when he arrives. he doesn't care. he doesn't care about anything Marshal says or feels he doesn't deserve. he doesn't care about that. he's tired. he's so, so tired. and he just wants them to stop being upset with themselves and upset with one-another and he just wants them to be able to talk and be close again-

MARSHAL: -eventually the elevator stops and the door opens. The architecture of the League has always been grand, which means there's a lot of extraneous pieces to add to the imagery. Marshal has placed himself besides one of those pieces, a metal spire at the edge of the building. There he is panting, hopping on the balls of his feet. Even in the faint light of the night it can be seen how much he's sweating. With a sharp inhale, he lets out a yell and pulls back his bare fist, ramming it into the spire. A metal clang echoes. He does this again, and again, and again-

DREX: -he doesnt really take in the sight and he knows the sound when he hears it. everything can be impressive and whimsical later. he just sees marshal, and that's all he needs to see. and he walks up to him from the side, hovering close but not... terribly close enough to startle. he's not even sure marshal could hear him approach, so he speaks up, though his voice is dry when he speaks- Marshal.

MARSHAL: -he gasps and snaps his head towards him. His expression is somehow both wild and exhausted, sweat dripping down his brow. For a moment, all he can do is stare at him in shock, mouth slightly open in a pant-...Drex...how did you-- MARSHAL: -his eyes flicker over his shoulder to see Claressa near the elevator. The two stare each other down and she folds her arms. He clenches his jaw and looks away from the both of them, silent-

DREX: It was upon my request. Don't blame her. DREX: -he tries... so hard to keep away from his emotions. he tries so hard to be stern, but when Marshal's eyes meet his, everything breaks away- DREX: -and he sighs very shakily- DREX: ...Can I please hold you? -his voice has a twinge of sorrow, and more than anything else, desperation-

MARSHAL: -he shuts his eyes tight at that. He wants to tell him no, to warn him that they can't continue on like this. He's already hurt him tonight and Drex has no idea about the other ways that he could hurt him in the future. The ways that he's hurt others- MARSHAL: -But another part of him wants so desperately to say yes and give in despite how selfish it feels. He came up here to release his emotions but only within a few words, this man has seemed to bring everything back- MARSHAL: -he shudders, and reaches up to clamp his hand over his eyes. From this distance, Drex can see that his knuckles are raw and bloodied. He inhales shakily and on the exhale, a small sob comes out-

DREX: -no it is... very hard to stay mad at him. it's very hard to stay emotionless. his voice is so soft and tender when he says his name- Marshal... -and he takes the smallest step closer. then... maybe one more- DREX: -and he shakes his head slowly, his hands reaching out very slightly- Just... forget about everything else. Forget about your apologies. Forget about what went wrong. Forget about your sorrow, and your self-hatred, and... and your frustration. DREX: I don't... care to think about that right now. I'm far too... sad to try and drag that out in conversation right now. DREX: We can talk later. We can think later. But I just... I just want us to be together right now. DREX: -and his sobs cascade down his voice- I want nothing else, really. DREX: -quietly- Please...

MARSHAL: -he just stands there, breathing shakily. Slowly, he lowers his hand. He turns to Drex and takes a trembling step off the ledge. And then another. But his legs seem to give out under him and he falls to his knees in front of him. With some hesitation, he lifts his head to look up at him. His eyes are so full of fear and sadness and small tears prick the corners of his eyes. Something in him cracks and he grimaces again before  he wraps his arms around him, burying his face in Drex's shirt. He's trembling so much-

DREX: -and he slowly lowers himself to his knees and easily wraps his arms around Marshal, bringing him so, so close, and he can't help but press a kiss to his forehead before pressing his cheek against it. and he immediately starts sobbing, holding him so so tightly, and he doesn't dare let go. he pets the back of Marshal's head gently, the other hand squeezing his shoulder, and he brings Marshal's head so that he can bury it in his own shoulder- DREX: -and he very gently rocks him, repeating a nearly-inaudible mantra through shaky breaths and gasps- It's okay... It's going to be okay... We're going to be okay... DREX: We're going to be okay...

MARSHAL: -it's a bit awkward with how tightly he's holding him but eventually they get to some sort of level positioning. He readjusts his arms but still hugs him tightly. He allows himself to be guided into his shoulder where he just cries. This might...be the first time he's ever cried in front of Drex. Whether or not he can hear the mantra, he can't bring himself to say anything in return-

DREX: -after a moment, he has to readjust, but they find their way eventually, and he loosens his grip as soon as he knows that Marshal won't try and walk away again. he doesn't want him to walk away. walking away only... only leads bad places.- DREX: -and he just pets him gently, rocks him gently as he cries, whispering a little louder now that he can find his own voice — 'It's okay.'- DREX: -and he'll continue this way until marshal finally manages to settle himself down-

MARSHAL: -eventually he does settle, becoming heavy in Drex's grip. He doesn't move, nor does he lift his head from his shoulder. But he does murmur against him-...I'm so sorry... MARSHAL:...I wanted this to be a good time for you...

DREX: -he hushes him gently- Don't think about that. Not right now. DREX: We can talk once we're both... entirely settled. And I mean to say... entirely. Settled. Okay? -he brushes his fingertips through Marshal's hair down close to his ear- DREX: -he turns as best as he can to Claressa- Miss Claressa, can you... do you have... bandages?

CLARESSA: -she straightens and nods, going to toddle off- 

MARSHAL: Wait. -he stirs and shifts. He gives Drex one last squeeze before pulling away from him, shakily pushing himself to his feet- MARSHAL: We should just...go inside. I...want to clean up, fully. MARSHAL: -as he stands, he keeps a grip on Drex's arm, albeit a gentle one, and attempts to pull him to his feet as well-

DREX: -and Drex pulls away slightly but he helps Marshal stand up, and he can very well bear the brunt of his weight.- DREX: -and as Marshal finally allows his face to be visible, Drex gently cups his cheeks, rubbing them, allowing the cool feeling of his skin to at least offer some relief-

MARSHAL: -he can't help it, he naturally leans into his touch. But eventually he moves his face over to press a kiss into Drex's hand. He just looks so tired-

DREX: -and he presses his forehead against Marshal's, looking equally tired, but he doesn't care. he doesn't care. and he tilts his head and presses a little kiss on the side of his nose before he pulls away, keeping a hand on his back, then moving it and eventually he wraps both of his arms against one of Marshal's. he would hold his hand at this point, but he doesn't wish to strain his knuckles anymore than they are-

MARSHAL: -he gives a shaky sigh at all of that but just accepts it and goes to move to the elevator. Claressa is waiting for them there. As they pass, she puts a hand on Marshal's side. He looks down at her wearily and pats her head, despite it all. Soon they all board the elevator and take it down to the dorming area. Marshal walks sluggishly, leaning some of his weight against Drex, barely processing how easily he's being held up. But eventually they all stop in front of a door- MARSHAL:...I'm going to clean up...if that's alright. You can...do whatever you need to.

DREX: -he gives a weak little laugh- I feel like I might have to as well... DREX: I sullied up all of my clothes by crying too much, and I feel... DREX: I need a shower. DREX: However you want to go about it... but we should clean your hands before anything else.

MARSHAL: Mm -he nods- It's whatever you feel most comfortable with. 

CLARESSA: -she huffs and grabs Marshal by the wrist, dragging him into the bathroom. She's going to start rummaging around for the bandages and disinfectant-

 MARSHAL: -just stands there a little awkwardly as he waits-

DREX: I don't really care... DREX: My only problem now is that I... do not have a proper change of clothes.

MARSHAL: You could...borrow some of mine. Though they will probably be large on you. 

CLARESSA: -she pesters Marshal along until he's sitting on the toilet, where she begins to tend to his wounds. There's a sense that this isn't the first time they've done this before-

DREX: -shakes his head- I don't mind at this point... DREX: ... DREX: But if it's comfortable, and it smells like you, you're not getting it back. -he's trying to be funny. he's too tired- DREX: -he watches the two go on and... well, he was actually going to do it, but Claressa looks to be the expert on these things, so he leaves them be-

MARSHAL: Hm. -it like. almost sounds like a laugh?? he's also very tired-

CLARESSA: -when she finishes, she puts both hands on his legs. He looks down at her and the two exchange a silent, but knowing look. She reaches up to gently pat his face and pet his hair. Then she steps back- 

MARSHAL: -he sighs deeply and looks up at Drex-...do you want to shower here? I could show you another bathroom, or...

DREX: -shakes his head again- I don't... DREX: It's. DREX: Whatever you want to do, Marshal. I don't. I'm too tired to think. DREX: Give me a direction and I'm certain I will go that way.

MARSHAL: -he pushes himself to his feet- Here, you can have this bathroom. I'll make sure some clothes are left for you. Feel free to use anything else you may want or need. Then...we can meet in...my room?  MARSHAL:...only if you want. The guest bedroom is still an option for you. MARSHAL: Or...the freezer I suppose. -there's the faintest smile-

DREX: -he gives the smallest snort- While I'm gone, I'll need you to go downstairs and fill a bucket or two with ice to deliver it to me. DREX: So I can finally sleep. DREX: Also, you won't get the bathroom back. DREX: -then he gives a soft little smile- Truthfully, Marshal, I... I don't want to be away from you.

MARSHAL: -smiles a little more at the joking but it fades- MARSHAL: You...want me to...stay with you?

DREX: -he. he doesn't know what that means- Y...Yes...?

MARSHAL: Like...in here?

DREX: -he kind of blushes thinking about it- DREX: ...If you can stand to see me naked.

MARSHAL: -he flushes as well, deeper than Drex- MARSHAL: Of course-- I mean-- I'm not attempting-- I'm just trying to clarify your meaning-- MARSHAL: -see he can get flustered too-

DREX: -and okay he definitely smiles widely at that, chuckling softly- Marshal, I'm... I'm too tired to think about all of these sorts of implications. DREX: You can either stay or go. -he chuckles- I am showering either way. DREX: ...Might make it faster if you stay, though.

MARSHAL: I. Uhm. I-I'll get you some clothes. -bright red, he turns and quickly makes his way out- 

CLARESSA: -she looks between the both of them, shakes her head, and goes to follow Marshal-

DREX: -he gives another low chuckle- I'm sorry, Miss Claressa. DREX: -and well. he's not sure if marshal's planning on putting his clothes in the bathroom with him or leave it out on the bed or what, so he just... decides to start undressing what he can — of course, his outer accessories like his scarf and his jacket, and eventually starts unbuttoning his shirt-

Reconciliations and Reflections

CW: NSFW (nothing overtly sexual, but some discussion of genitalia), discussions of abuse

MARSHAL: -by the time he's finished unbuttoning his shirt, there's a knock at the door-

DREX: -and he goes to open it, taking a little peek out. marshal can see how his freckles extend down his arm and onto his hand, glowing very faintly. more curious than that, it seems, is the harsh white scarring on the back of his arm in the pattern of thin, thin lightning bolts that snake some distance horizontally- DREX: Have you come with your least valuable shirt?

MARSHAL: -he can't help it, of course his eyes wander. It's like people who are attracted to each other are going to look at and be attracted to them isn't that right Marshal. But he quickly snaps his eyes back up when he's been addressed- MARSHAL: Ah-- not least valuable. But smallest. -he goes to give him a tshirt back from when he first started his journey years ago. It's very worn, and has a faded, unintelligble design on the front. He hands that to him as well as his smallest pants, but those definitely will never fit him. He tried

DREX: -he opens the door a little more so he can take the clothes from Marshal, holding the pants out over him and yeah its just never gonna happen- DREX: I could just... wear my boxers. DREX: -he gives an apologetic little smile-

MARSHAL: -flushes a little bit. His eyes wander again but he just looks away- MARSHAL: Ah yeah...my apologies. -he goes to take the pants back-

DREX: -he hands it back gently, but then he moves his hands behind Marshal's head and pulls him a little closer, nuzzling their foreheads-

MARSHAL: -he's a little surprised by the gesture, but he doesn't pull away- MARSHAL: Are you...going to be alright? Not wearing your...usual clothing? MARSHAL: -because he does have some basic understanding of the issues Megalopolans have-

DREX: I... I should be fine. I'll be under a blanket, after all. That should offer some protection.

MARSHAL: Okay. MARSHAL: -he still doesn't move away, just enjoying the feel of Drex's skin against his own-

DREX: You know, I... I don't think I want to be away from you. I really don't. DREX: -and he runs a hand through Marshal's hair-

MARSHAL:...do you...want me to come in?

DREX: But I don't... want to force you. DREX: If you don't want to, I will be fine. I promise.

MARSHAL: It’s...alright. I just...want to know what you’re comfortable with...

DREX: And I want to know what you are comfortable with, too.

MARSHAL:...I...don’t mind it but...considering our conversation, I just don’t want to...hurt you again...

DREX: -he whispers quietly- You're not going to hurt me. I promise you, you're not going to hurt me.

MARSHAL: -hesitates- Please just...tell me what you wish of me. I just want to make this better...

DREX: -he gives a little exhale- I want us to be together. That's all. Even if we don't say anything, I just... want to hold you, and-and feel you, and... I don't want to let you go. I don't... want to be apart from you. DREX: Even if we shower together, just... doing that — just holding one-another — then that is enough by me. DREX: But I understand the... showering aspect... might be uncomfortable.

MARSHAL:...-flushed a little-...only if you think so...

DREX: -shakes his head- I... I don't think so. DREX: I might blush, a-and well, get flustered. But that is because, well... you're b-beautiful. -he... hesitates with his words, wandering into this territory again very, very carefully-

MARSHAL: -he swallows hard, his eyes flickering down Drex’s body-...you are as well.

DREX: -he pets Marshal's cheek gently, and he can... sense a sort of discomfort from him- DREX: -he smiles softly- Thank you... DREX: I, um. I must apologize for... -he glances down at himself very briefly — at the myriad of scars that line his chest and arms, all the way up until his neck- ...if it makes you uncomfortable.

MARSHAL: -his eyebrows dip and he reaches out, placing his hands on his shoulders and running them down his arms- No...never.

DREX: -he gives a shaky sigh of relief at that- Okay... thank you... DREX: -and he sort of repeats the motion Marshal does with his own hands and helps ease him into the bathroom, only letting go with his left hand to put his shirt on the sink-

MARSHAL: -is shuffled into the bathroom. He pulls away and after an awkward pause, starts to take off his shirt-

DREX: Oh, I also must say, I... know humans have a preference for the shower at the highest setting. I... do not. DREX: It will be a. Cold shower.

MARSHAL: I told you, I don’t mind the cold. -he sliiiides his sweatpants off-

DREX: -he gives a small smile and tries to think of some dumb ice box joke but nothing comes to mind, so he lets it slide- DREX: -and he looks back over Marshal and gives a long inhale before blushing again, then looking away and putting a hand over his burning cheeks- DREX: -and he just sort of tries to think about his own damn self and unbuckles his belt, shrugging off his jeans. thank god he wasnt planning on sleeping in those-

MARSHAL: -he glances behind him at Drex, eyes flickering over him. But...he won’t be the first to completely undress. So instead he goes to turn on the shower-

DREX: -and he's. actually very nervous to fully undress, for the obvious reasons. in his mind he ideally imagined everything just being. very uneventful. and he worries this won't be like that. he tries to push away all of the traumatic thoughts to the back of his mind; this is marshal. marshal is different.- DREX: -and with a low exhale he takes off the rest-

MARSHAL: -he catches a glimpse at him taking everything off and takes a deep breath. Everything will be fine. He takes off his briefs as well and folds them with the rest of his clothes. But he doesn’t turn to Drex-

DREX: -and now theres these two fools completely naked and staring at the opposite walls from one-another. what Fucking Fools. drex this is all your fault- DREX: -and he inhales deeply- DREX: You are not. Looking at me, are you? -he doesnt ask with worry, really. it's more curiosity than anything-

MARSHAL: Ah...no. But you asking means...you are not looking either? -the FOOLS-

DREX: -and Marshal can just hear drex giggling, starting small, but it eventually grows into a fit- No, I'm not. -and he can hear the smile in his voice- DREX: I can't believe.... DREX: Should. Do. Do you want to look... first? Do we both close our eyes and... both... open them at the same time?

MARSHAL: -he can’t help but laugh a little as well- Perhaps we should just...get into the shower?

DREX: Not looking at each-other...?

MARSHAL: I’m sure we shall...while we are maneuvering...

DREX: -he's still just laughing like a fool- Oookay. DREX: Whatever... Whatever works best for you. I'll go first. -and he slides the glass door and steps inside, and the water is waaay too hot for his comfort, but it's that kind of hot where you get used to it after a second and it actually feels nice-

MARSHAL: -as Drex goes, he turns towards him and gets a glimpse of dat booty. He's already blushing a little as he goes to follow in after them. The League is nice and their showers equally so but they aren't necessarily gigantic. So they're pretty close together- MARSHAL: Mm...does it feel alright for you?

DREX: I'll be fine, yes. -and he finally... turns to Marshal, still giggly, and enough tired that honestly for the first few moments he looks at Marshal and hes just completely thinking this is 100% fine. and he just puts a hand on his shoulder and rests his forehead against his chest- I'm so tired... DREX: You look nice, too. -he says that like hes complimenting some outfit Marshal's wearing-

MARSHAL: Ah...thank you? -he laughs a little- You do as well... MARSHAL: -he pets his hair a little, which is already getting wet- MARSHAL: -and well. Drex. You have the best view-

DREX: Why didn't we just do this the first time...? -he asks it rhetorically, because honestly? now that hes thinking back on it, he just can't... pinpoint why he freaked out like he did. why he worded things the way he did, or even why he felt guilty over looking at Marshal's body. he's pretty. that's all there is to it. this didn't need to devolve like it did and he still blames himself for causing it but it all feels so stupid in his mind- DREX: -and he sighs and shakes his head, lifting it to look to Marshal. he didn't really... care to focus on his junk or anything; really, his eyes had been closed until he looked up again, and he sighs and stretches and rests his hands against Marshal's shoulders- Do you... want to sit down? -he looks down to the floor of the shower- Can we sit down?

MARSHAL: -and he's starting to feel that same regret, looking over Drex. Of course lovers are going to look at each other's bodies. Why was he letting his past define this relationship? He feels shame- MARSHAL: -he puts his hands on his shoulders and rubs them up and down his arms- MARSHAL: Generally...people don't sit down during a shower. The faster we clean ourselves, the sooner we can rest?

DREX: -and then he thinks back- Marshal, your legs gave out on you on the upper floor. Please... sit down. DREX: We can reach up to the stand and grab the products and still do most everything... sitting down, can we not?

MARSHAL: I've...never done it that way before. MARSHAL: I am feeling better though...

DREX: -quietly- Still... I don't want you to fall again. DREX: -he kinda devolves into giggles as he says- Because it won't just be my shirt you fall into...

MARSHAL: -he flushes and instinctively his eyes start to travel downwards but he Stops that shit and quickly looks away- A-ah-- uh-- I-I suppose that's--

DREX: -he quietly laughs- Please sit...

MARSHAL: -he sighs deeply and goes to awkwardly maneuver himself. It's a little difficult with the size of the shower and he just sort of awkwardly lowers himself to his knees-

DREX: -and he also kinda manages to squat down, but there's enough space next to Marshal that he can kinda squeeze in if Marshal scoots a little- Okay, this is... harder than I thought. DREX: But we can...? At least. -and he gives a content sigh once he's fully sat down, happy to not have to carry his weight-

MARSHAL: -and he does scoot to give him room and while he's doing that he does get. A peek-

DREX: -and well he'd basically see something that kinda looks like a vagina? it's a little different considering well he's... an entirely different species. but it's not dissimilar?- DREX: -a lot more of his works and functions are Within so theyre not clearly visible yet so thus far it doesn't look. too strange- DREX: -but soon he brings his knees together and a little close to his chest and marshal cant really see anymore. not that he'd want to i'm sure- DREX: -he leans against Marshal's shoulder and sighs again- DREX: -his voice is quieter now when he speaks, with less humor, but... more tender. marshal might be familiar with this voice by now that it's his comforting voice when they're upset or hurt or when marshal's scared- We can talk about it all now if you are comfortable doing so.

MARSHAL: -he wasn’t sure what he was expecting. In fact, he doesn’t even feel like he had a long enough look to process what he was seeing- MARSHAL: -when he’s addressed, he suddenly feels extremely vulnerable. Very much so. Not only must he bare his feelings but he must do it base ass naked? He rubs his arm- MARSHAL: If it’s alright...I think I would rather clean ourselves...and maybe speak once we’ve settled in bed...

DREX: Okay. That's fine. DREX: -and he really is fine with it. of course now they had settled down as Drex has advised so he had just... figured he would ask- DREX: ...Can I wash your hair?

MARSHAL: I...suppose so? I certainly don’t have as much as you though -he chuckles a little-

DREX: Well... yes, that is true. But you can wash my hair, then.

MARSHAL: I suppose so. -and he reaches up to grab some product for them-

DREX: Okay... can you... show me how to wash your hair correctly? It seemed self-explanatory, but... DREX: The woman who cut my hair spoke many words and said there was a proper way.

MARSHAL: Yeah...I'll do you first. MARSHAL: -he gently takes Drex's shoulder and pushes him under the stream of water. Once he's good there, he pours some product out into his hands and rubs them together. Then he is going to gently massage Drex's scalp-

DREX: -and he has to admit he didn't really... do it like That before. he would kinda rub and rub but it almost feels like a head massage, and he closes his eyes and just sort of Feels marshal's fingertips- Oh... this feels nice.

MARSHAL: -he smiles gently and continues. While he's doing it, he lets his eyes trail down Drex's shoulders and back, just taking in the freckles, scars, and everything else-

DREX: -and albeit he brings no attention to it, marshal can see... so many scars. so many ugly scars. whiplashes, cigarette burns, claw marks, discoloration from what looks like acid burns. down his spine and in continuation from what he'd seen on drex's arm is a singular sharp white lightning scar that goes down his spinal column with the top end distrupting his hair line slightly, and splits four ways down his arms and legs- DREX: -his unmarred skin is littered in freckles that glow very faintly, some not at all that are faced more towards the bathroom light-

MARSHAL: -he pauses a moment and leans down to kiss the center of the scar that splits on his spine. Then he gently pushes him forward to start rinsing out his hair-

DREX: !! DREX: ...? -and marshal can slowly see his cheeks and his shoulders beginning to bloom with a slight blush. and he closes his eyes and feels the warm water rush through his scalp- DREX: -he sputters once he finally stops feeling the soapy water- Did you kiss me just now...?

MARSHAL: Y...es? -he says with some hesitation, like maybe he wasn't supposed to. He takes his hands off of Drex, letting him move freely-

DREX: Oh. I was curious as to what that was, is all. DREX: -he looks over his scars on the back of his hand- DREX: You know... after... after the massacre... DREX: And I was captured... I... DREX: These... are not the scars from when they wiped my memory. They used a technology called electromagnetic wave manipulation. DREX: It is... physically harmless. It leaves no scars like these. DREX: I... DREX: They did... this to me... for no reason at all. No reason besides to sate their sense of disproportionate retribution. DREX: They did it to all four of us. They assaulted us, electrocuted us. All off the record. All unethical. Just because they wanted to. DREX: -his hand hovers out in front of him and his eyes wander down his arm- It's disgusting.

MARSHAL: -he listens with a frown, his heart breaking- MARSHAL:....but you are still here. You are stronger than them. MARSHAL: -he runs a hand down Drex’s back-

DREX: -he's quiet as Marshal speaks- I know. I'm not... ashamed of how I look, nor the scars I bear. DREX: Sometimes I just... find it... important... just to say. DREX: Without... fear. And without recurring trauma. Just to mention it because... DREX: ...They got away with this. DREX: They thought they could do what they wished with me, since... I would just forget moments later. And I did, but... DREX: ...I remember now. DREX: And I want... others to know that. I want them to know what they did to me. DREX: I want them to know it was wrong. DREX: And I don't want to be silenced.

MARSHAL:...you won’t be. Whatever you think is best...I will support you. MARSHAL: Just...please try to remain safe.

DREX: -he gives a light sigh- Things are... different now that the government has pardoned me. I am still... upset with the way things were handled. I am... upset with the way they treated us, and... how they are attempting to make all of this simply... disappear. DREX: I... still don't know what happened to the other three. They won't tell me. DREX: For now, I'll... just try to recover what I can from my memory. And try to move forward from there. DREX: I'm still not sure if it is... wise to continue pursuing these matter — no, I'm... absolutely certain it is not — but I cannot... DREX: I feel like justice was not served. I know it was not.

MARSHAL:...it seemed there were others in Megalopolis who felt that injustice. Those who wished to...take your example.

DREX: Yes, I know. DREX: But I... I fear for them. DREX: I am only... beginning to recall who I was before those events. I was a different person entirely. I am... I am not sure you would even... like me as I was. DREX: I was very passionate. But I was also... deeply hurt. And scarred. And aggressive. DREX: I don't wish for others to follow that example. I was very rash. Passionate, yes, but... but very rash.

MARSHAL:...we were all different people when we were younger. I’m sure you would not like when I was younger either.

DREX: -he doesn't actually think he wants to question that- DREX: I... If you say so, then... I think it's true. DREX: Then again, I... forgive my younger self. DREX: ...I went through a lot. And it made me... very bitter. Very understandably... bitter. DREX: And I never wanted to be treated as I was... ever again. I still do not. DREX: But... now there is a disconnect from the trauma I faced. So I suppose now, I can move on. Without that resentment.

MARSHAL: -he’s quiet at that. He goes to hand him the bottle- MARSHAL: Would you like to wash my hair now?

DREX: Oh! Um. Sorry... DREX: Yes... Yes I could. -and he takes the bottle gently, flushing in embarrassment-

MARSHAL: -he smiles small and goes to turn, his back now to Drex-

DREX: -and he squats down, and he actually puts the bottle down for a second, and he hesitates a moment, still blushing. but then he lets his hands run from Marshal's shoulder blades to the edges of his shoulders, and he plants little kisses from the top of his back to the base of his neck, and ends by nuzzling his nose against the back of his head close to his hairline- DREX: -and then he gets up again and take the bottle- DREX: -and he's blushing so badly why did he do that why did he do that why did he do that why did he do that why did he do that why did he d-

MARSHAL: -sits there and shivers a little bit at the nuzzle. He gives a content sigh- MARSHAL:...you...are too good for me.

DREX: -if only Marshal could see him freaking out in the back rn- DREX: Y-You liked that...? DREX: I'm sorry; I... I didn't ask. DREX: If. DREX: It was okay before I did it.

MARSHAL: Of course... MARSHAL: -he looks down at his hands. The bandages are wet and soapy but still functional- MARSHAL:...even just an hour ago, I never could have imagined...

DREX: -and he turns the shampoo bottle upside down cuz it won't squeeze out the Goods, and he shushes Marshal gently- Don't think about that right now... DREX: You don't have to feel guilty. We... DREX: We both reacted quite... viciously, I would say. DREX: In ways we did not intend. And we ended up in places we... did not mean to. DREX: But we can learn from this. DREX: I'm...  DREX: Actually quite glad that all of this is happening so soon. Is that strange? Allow me to explain... DREX: It... allows us to see... where our problems lay. And right away, we can work on solutions, sooner rather than later. DREX: And it gives us more time to... to heal. DREX: And to grow. DREX: And even in a situation like this — and yes, you said you didn't wish to speak of it in full until after we've dressed, so I won't mention much further — but... even now, we... DREX: We bear no ill-will. DREX: At least I don't. Not towards you, and... not towards myself, either. DREX: I don't... feel any emotions attached to the event. Not anymore. DREX: And I don't say that to sound... dismissive of it. I just... don't feel... visceral about it. Does that make sense?

MARSHAL: -he listens intently and allows it to sink in. He stares at the wall across from him- MARSHAL:...Yeah. It does.

DREX: -he feels the smallest pang of anxiety- Did I... upset you...?

MARSHAL: No. I’m upset at myself, but it is nothing that you have done. MARSHAL: I still have...massive strides to make on my journey. I sometimes just fear the ramifications of those who take it with me.

DREX: Mm... as do I. DREX: But what I most fear is... what I do not know. DREX: I... -he intends to continue but gets distracted at the shampoo bottle and he furrows his eyebrows, shaking it a little more and squeezing and he ends up bonking Marshal's head like once or twice before the shampoo comes out- Oh! Sorry... DREX: -he snorts- Sorry... DREX: -and he puts the bottle down and just apologetically starts to mimic the motions Marshal did for him with washing his hair-

MARSHAL: -barely flinches at being hit- It’s alright MARSHAL: -he shuts his eyes and breathes deeply, taking in the sensations of having his hair be washed. He attempts to concentrate on it to break from his toxic trail of thought-

DREX: -and all the bubbles start to form and my god there's a lot of bubbles- DREX: -his eyes actually widen a bit. in all of his time showering he. never really recognized them because it was always above his own eyes- DREX: -and so he kind of... looks at his hands, and then takes a little scoop from the foam on top of Marshal's head, feeling how light it is- DREX: -and he smiles. it's that sort of childlike glee kids feel seeing bubbles- You look very silly with all of this shampoo, how it formed on your head. DREX: Did I look like that just now?

MARSHAL: -he smiles and chuckles a little- Yeah, you did. I assume at least. 

DREX: -quieter now- You look silly. DREX: Okay... -and he tilts Marshal's head back and he squats down a little so the water can rush over his hair. the way he's done it is if Marshal opened his eyes he could see Drex but why would he he'd get water in his eyes-

MARSHAL: -that is true. Instead Drex gets a nice view of his face, which is almost starting to look peaceful-

DREX: -and he smiles, rising a little and stepping closer to him, blocking up up the shower head slightly, and he puts his hands on Marshal's shoulders and kisses the top of his head, then his forehead-

MARSHAL: -and feeling a lack of water, he does open his eyes a crack to look up at Drex-

DREX: -and he sees him smiling, and he wraps his arms around marshal's neckline, kissing his temple before nuzzling it-

MARSHAL: -he nuzzles him back a little-...Perhaps we should finish cleaning ourselves and head out?

DREX: Hm...? Oh, yes. Okay. DREX: -and he snags one more tiny kiss on his forehead before letting go and standing up-

MARSHAL: -he smiles and goes to stand as well. He’s. Planning on washing himself-

DREX: -and Drex kinda gathered that? but i don't think he's Fully gathered that- DREX: -and his eyes flick over to the body wash like, who goes first-(edited)

MARSHAL: -he’s taking initiative and pouring some body wash on his hand. Then he’s going to. Lather Himself Up. Enjoy the show Drex-

DREX: -and he kinda... clasps his hands close and he feels his blush coming on. he made it this far without thinking about the fact that marshal just has his junk out for drex to see. it was a good run while it lasted-

MARSHAL: -it was. And he's assuming that Drex is going to be focused on washing himself while he does this so he's not acting too reserved or self conscious in his washing-

DREX: -YEAH thats probably a good idea so he just kinda turns around to the opposite wall and grabs the body wash once marshal puts it down and just kinda does his own thing and now theyre not looking at each other again despite both agreeing that their shared nudity is fine and i cant handle these idiots- DREX: -lather up, drex. dont think about marshal's butt-

MARSHAL: -once he's done he steps under the water to rinse himself off, letting out a hum-

DREX: -and he isnt done so have more freckle butt, marshal- DREX: -but he slowly finishes up and hes covered in Suds and he turns around to Marshal under the showerhead and he just. awkwardly waits.-

MARSHAL: -he does catch a glimpse at the freckle butt. Which he. Looks at. But he averts his gaze when Drex turns to him and clears his throat- MARSHAL: -he steps out of the way, making room for him-

DREX: -and he just kinda laughs awkwardly as the only indication thus far that welp this is just Weird isn't it- DREX: -he almost wants to address it but how would he even. why would he even.- DREX: -so he kinda just steps into the water and reaches his hand out for Marshal's-

MARSHAL: -blinks at Drex’s hand. You don’t want to? Okay. He takes his hand while he rinses off-

DREX: Be honest with me, Marshal. Is this... uncomfortable for you? -he sounds curious as he asks- DREX: Even the smallest amount?

MARSHAL: I...suppose a little bit. But not as much as I...originally feared.

DREX: -he gives a little sigh of relief at that; he... worried he might be the only one for a moment. He reaches for Marshal's other hand and squeezes it- I feel the same way... DREX: I thought this would be more devastating. I thought I might. Faint? DREX: -he laughs softly- Why do you think we feel this way? We both... agreed to do this. We both agreed that this is okay, and we were both aware we would. See one-another like this. I don't understand.

MARSHAL: -his eyebrows dip at that and he shakes his head- I...don't either, I must admit. I really just wanted to make you feel safe and comfortable... MARSHAL:...I suppose some of my apprehension came from the events of earlier tonight but... MARSHAL:...-he sighs and squeezes his hands- Suffice to say, I was wrong. But I don't think we need to extrapolate on it while we're...like this.

DREX: -he gives a small smile- Yes, you're right. I'm — albeit a bit... awkward — I'm happy with how we handled this. And. I. Hope that, um. DREX: -he looks away and blushes with a little laugh- Hope that we can feel... less awkward about each-other's nudity. In the future. DREX: -he feels so silly as he says all of this. really he feels to go between "it's just nudity" and "my god, he's naked" far too frequently, and he doesn't know what to d o-

MARSHAL: -he blushes a little as well- I...will make an effort. I'm sorry this has been so...odd.

DREX: It's... certainly an experience. DREX: And this is the most I've ever seen of you! -he's trying to be cheeky help him-

MARSHAL: -he chuckles and shakes his head- Yes...I would say the same for you. MARSHAL: -he sighs- Well...I suppose we should dry off now?

DREX: Yes, I-I should think so.

MARSHAL: -he smiles and reaches behind Dulse to turn off the shower. Then he opens the door to grab them both a towel, handing one to him before wiping himself down-

DREX: -he restrains himself from asking anything else. yes, from his curious nature, he is. in fact. curious about the Bits but he forces himself not to ask because whyyyyyy would you do that you weirdo- DREX: -so he just towels himself off with a light blush-

MARSHAL: -once he’s done, he wraps the towel around himself. As he leaves the shower, he draws his hand across Drex’s shoulders and places a kiss on his temple. Then begins the long process of post shower skin and hair routine-

DREX: -and he just smiles like a fool at that and blushes very deeply, and he continues to towel himself off, just sort of... observing how Marshal does his thing- DREX: -he kind of suspects he'd been doing all of his hygienic care wrong, so it doesn't hurt to watch someone do it right-

MARSHAL: -well my boy is extra. But when he’s done he goes to slip his clothes back on. It’s almost like a ritual for him, he barely seemed to notice Drex was there throughout-

DREX: -aaand he's still just standing there with the towel on his hips and he just,,, decides to do a simplified version of that-

MARSHAL: -he pulls his shirt over his head and notices Drex trying to do it. He just watches him for a bit-

DREX: -and he's lotioning his leg when he kinda, just, looks up- Yes...?

MARSHAL: -he flushes a little at being caught and shakes his head- MARSHAL: Nothing.

DREX: -he laughs a little, smiling widely- No, no, what is it?

MARSHAL: Nothing, I was just...watching. -flushes more-

DREX: -and he laughs. despite the fact that he acts Just Like this when hes flustered, marshal is very cute when hes flustered- DREX: Well, to be fair, I was watching you, too. But I wanted to see if your skincare routine was similar to mine. It is... certainly more thorough.

MARSHAL: Ah well...I find it to be relaxing. And I...enjoy the way that I feel afterwards.

DREX: Yes, that's certainly true. Perhaps I should follow your example... DREX: Well... now you now why I was watching you, but why-oh-whyever would you be watching... me? -he laughs a little bit- DREX: Of course, I tease. You do not have to answer.

MARSHAL: -flushes even deeper at that- I-- uh-- -he clears his throat- Perhaps I will meet you in the bedroom? -that doesn't sound appropriate in these circumstances Marshal choose your wording better-

DREX: Oh, hold on. -and he helps himself back into his underwear and boxers, and then slips into Marshal's shirt. It is... noticeably very big- There we are. DREX: How do I look?

MARSHAL: -smiles small- You look good...are you comfortable, though?

DREX: -it smells vaguely of a scent that is somehow comforting to him, and he hugs himself to feel the fabric- Oh of course. You are certainly not getting this back.

MARSHAL: -smiles wider and chuckles- That is alright. MARSHAL: -he reaches out a hand to take his and goes to lead him to the bedroom. They probably pass the place where everything went down but its fine its fine-

DREX: -when they do, Drex... finds himself squeezing Marshal's tighter. but on another note he's not used to walking around with this little clothes and he feels... odd but good. like when u get to slip out of a Bra after a long day-

MARSHAL: -he squeezes his hand in turn, his expression flashing a hint of shame. But eventually they get to the bedroom and Marshal walks over to the bed, pulling out some covers for Drex, before walking to the other side and sitting down on the edge-

DREX: -he kinda... slides his leg against the bed because he honestly hasnt felt what it feels like yet. and then he climbs onto the bed and keeps swishing his legs. it feels nice.- DREX: -then he moves to the side Marshal's on in an awkward crawl, but he rubs his shoulders before laying his arms to wrap around the front of Marshal's neck, and he gives a small kiss on his shoulder before resting his chin on it-

MARSHAL: -he hears Drex moving around but he doesn't face him, just clamping his hands together in front of him. He stares at the wall, deep in thought- MARSHAL: -Drex's touch seems to rouse him back to reality and he leans his head against his- MARSHAL:...I'm so sorry for everything that happened tonight.

DREX: Shhh... shh. It's okay. As I've said, we both... bear no ill-will towards one-another, yes? Then all we can do now is... try and understand what went wrong, and be able to use this to strive to grow stronger together.

MARSHAL:...It was my fault. I was the one who was wrong. MARSHAL:...There is nothing wrong with the fact that you find me attractive. I find you attractive as well. I just allowed myself to be...so wrapped up in the events of my past, and you were the one who suffered for it.

DREX: The events of your past... DREX: -he scowls, but he eventually shakes his head- Marshal, I... DREX: -he kind of pulls away, only because this doesn't seem like a conversational sort of position, and he draws his hand across Marshal's shoulder before finding the spot next to him and turning to face him. his other hand rests on his cheek to subtly turn his head to look back at him- Please believe me when I say you... are not an... object. That is not your lot in life. You're not a thing. Not to me. You're a person. And... you're the love of my life. And you're beautiful, but you... are not an object. DREX: I never want you to feel so... -he bites back his lip, feeling his emotions swelling at the subject- ...to feel so disgusted in yourself that you feel the need to say these things about yourself. That you believe these things to be true. DREX: And i-if... if that's the case, then I. Will do. Everything. That I can. To make sure you understand how beautiful you are, and how-how wonderful you are beneath your appearance. DREX: -he rubs Marshal's cheek, and already his tears are falling. It's such a painful subject for him. He sees far too much of himself in Marshal for this to be easy- Okay...?

MARSHAL: -he seems surprised when Drex faces him and pushes him to face him in return. His eyes just sort of flicker over the other's face as he listens and takes it in- MARSHAL: -his expression turns somber when Drex begins to cry and he frowns. He reaches out an arm to wrap around him and pull him close to his chest, rubbing his arm- MARSHAL:...Okay. I have...tried in the past to make it more neutral. Just because it is true of many people does not make it...bad, or wrong. And I certainly never believed that of you. The fact that I made it seem that way...I'm so sorry, Drex. -he lowers his head on top of his-

DREX: -he bites back his lip and tries to quell his tears- I got so scared... and I remember why. DREX: You... I... know now that it was an attempt to placate the situation despite your upset, but... DREX: You said... "I am am object; but I am also... yours." DREX: I... DREX: I misunderstood gravely. DREX: It felt as though you... I... that... DREX: I owned you. Like a — Like a trinket. DREX: -he swallows hard- DREX: I never even... remotely want to be in a position where I feel that way. DREX: Where I... -he shakes his head and he buries himself closer to Marshal's chest, fighting off the same panic creeping back on him- DREX: -and he just tries to breath deeply, gripping onto Marshal's shirt like a vice-

MARSHAL: -and then suddenly everything clicks. His eyes widen before his brow furrows and he swallows deeply- MARSHAL: Drex... MARSHAL: -he turns to him fully and pulls him into an embrace, cradling the back of his head and rubbing his back- MARSHAL: No...I'm so sorry, that was never anything like I intended. I was not...thinking clearly about my words. I'm sorry. I'm so very sorry...

DREX: -after a moment, he's finally able to settle down- DREX: -he sighs shakily, whispering quietly- It's okay... DREX: It was... miscommunication at its most heinous. DREX: It's why this issue is so difficult for me. I... We went through... so much on this topic. Both in different ways. But we were both made... to feel the same way that we do. DREX: But if there is anybody I want... to call me beautiful, it's not them; it's certainly not them. They only ever said it to me for their own sick... twisted enjoyment. DREX: You're not like them. DREX: And I am not like Monika. DREX: And we both need to understand this before we can... finally move on.

MARSHAL: -he shuts his eyes tight. He's quiet for a long time, but he doesn't pull away from the embrace. When he finally speaks, there's a quiver in his voice- MARSHAL:..I am... MARSHAL:...afraid, Drex. MARSHAL:...I do not trust myself with you.

DREX: -he shifts and rests his ear against Marshal's chest- DREX: What are you afraid of...? What... do you not trust about yourself?

MARSHAL: I...hurt you tonight. I watched you fall, and scream, and cry over something that I had said to you. It was miscommunication but...it was still my own doing. MARSHAL:...it is...not the first time that I have hurt someone close to me. And although it has never been intentional...intentions do not excuse rash actions. Especially when it is others who pay the price. MARSHAL: Especially-- when it's you. MARSHAL: -he's quiet again. Then he sighs deeply- MARSHAL:...I was hoping you would leave me tonight. Or tomorrow.

DREX: Marshal... you tried to console me. You tried to, but...  DREX: -he gives a little sigh- Here... allow me to... teach you something about myself. -he lifts his head and he looks Marshal in the eyes- DREX: When... I panic, and I cannot see you, I do not know you exist. Not then. DREX: The world around me goes dark. Everything goes dark. And I cannot see and I cannot hear. DREX: With the position I was in, I... I wasn't looking to you. I did not react to your presence, so I... honestly... had not known you were there. Not until you touched me. Once you had, all of my sensations returned to me at once, but I still did not yet know... what had touched me, nor why. I only feared the worst — because I... that was all I felt. Fear. DREX: Now, there is a correct way to do it. You can... attempt to speak with me, and keep your distance, raising your voice slowly — but not harshly — until it can cut through and I can hear you again. Or once my panic has settled down enough. And only then would you speak to me, and ask questions to affirm that I can respond at all with eye contact or a sort of motion, like a nod, and only think to touch me once I've acknowledged you completely. DREX: It's a very slow process. Sometimes it takes hours. DREX: How... could you have possibly known that? DREX: You couldn't. So instead, you... only tried to help in a way that, in my lucidity, would be perfectly fine. In fact, it would be most welcome. And is, like now. DREX: -he gives Marshal's shoulder a little squeeze- You cannot blame yourself for not knowing, Marshal. And now you do know. And now we can... learn and adjust, and be better next time. DREX: So no, I... I am not leaving. Not a chance. There's no reason to.

MARSHAL: -he listens very intently and takes it all in with detailed mental notes. His expression remains grave throughout but he nods- MARSHAL: -it isn't until that last line that a small amount of fear flashes in his eyes. He's been weighing it all night--does he tell him that there are reasons to? He does not believe he is that person, nor that he could ever do such a thing to Drex, but he is not 100% confident in himself. And that is enough to cause him great fear- MARSHAL: -But...he can't bring himself to explain it. At this point he has a greater fear of the reprecussions. So he just nods, slowly but firmly- MARSHAL:...Alright. -he leans forward and presses a kiss to his forehead-

DREX: -he still feels the tense feeling in the air, but he... doesn't know how to go about it. marshal brought up a very, very grave topic, and he honestly fears what going down that path might bring.- DREX: -and he bites back his lip, his voice quieter now, and... much more vulnerable- I don't... want you to leave, either. DREX: Marshal, I love you. I... I don't want to lose you...

MARSHAL:...I know. I do too. And I don't want to lose you. -he rests his forehead against Drex's. His voice is quiet and subdued. He doesn't look at him- MARSHAL: But if I was to ever hurt you...really and truly...I would not be able to live with myself.

DREX: You assume so much about yourself is so negative. I... DREX: -he takes a little inhale- I don't... know much about your past. But just as it so happened when Monika said... those words for the sole intent of tarnishing you, I know in my heart what you are. DREX: You are... remorseful, above all else. You feel sorrow for what you've done, and you no longer condone it, and you are making steps forward to attempt to change yourself for the better. DREX: It will not be a perfect road, Marshal. At times, it will be... so very difficult. You will make mistakes. DREX: But I know this. I know... all of these things, and I know you. I know... us, actually. Look at us. DREX: Just... an hour or so ago, we... were on opposite floors, with... bloody knuckles and tears. DREX: And now we're okay. Because we have conversation. And we forgive. And we heal. And you already acknowledged your mistakes, and you're already so willing to own up to that, and to then... change. DREX: A man like that would never really and truly hurt me. DREX: You might make mistakes, and it will sting. And I will... do the same to you. I will say things I do not mean; do things I did not wish to do. But that pain will never run deep. Never enough to scar. DREX: I... honestly and truly don't believe you will ever hurt me the way you fear you can, though that fear will still persist, I know. DREX: So I hope... my words and beliefs bring... at least some comfort. DREX: -he gives a weak little smile-

MARSHAL: -he feels a lump form in his throat and he shuts his eyes tight, looking so guilty and ashamed- MARSHAL: -but as it goes on, he opens his eyes and looks to Drex's, searching. He so badly wants to believe those things. And maybe with him, if he is the one saying them, then...he can- MARSHAL: -in the end, he just looks at him. And without really thinking about it, he leans forward and presses his lips to Drex's, deep and desperate in a way he never has before. He holds it and moves into it before pulling away with a shuddering sigh. He hovers near his face- MARSHAL:...I love you, Drex.

DREX: -and he gives a little gasp as Marshal kisses him, but he quickly adjusts and cups a hand to his cheek, the other resting at the base of his neck. He kisses back softly, so so very gently, letting Marshal deepen the kiss as he wishes. when Marshal pulls away, he gives a little exhale, and he leans their foreheads together- DREX: And I love you, Marshal. DREX: -his other hand moves to Marshal's other cheek as well, and he studies his eyes, his features, exhausted and fearful and desperate, and he looks back to him steadily, with his quiet resolve- You are so much stronger than you know.

MARSHAL: -he looks up at him and looking into his eyes, he seems to take in some of that resolve. He reaches up to cup Drex's face on either side, rubbing his thumbs along his temples- MARSHAL:...I will do everything in my power to make that a reality. I have...missteped on my journey. But I will get up and continue, for your sake. For our sake.

DREX: And you can... And you will. I know you will. DREX: And yes, you have misstepped, but I will be here for you when you falter. As will Alder, and the rest of the League, I am sure. DREX: That's what we are here for, love. We want you to succeed.

MARSHAL: -he gives a shuddery sigh and a small, affirmative noise. He continues to rub his thumbs across his temples in silence- MARSHAL:...-he chuckles dryly- I am very tired.

DREX: Yes, it... it's been a long day, certainly. DREX: But overall? I enjoyed it. DREX: And there is still time in the night... to... help my boyfriend into bed... -and he slowly takes Marshal's hands and helps the two of them further into the bed so they're relatively close to their pillows- DREX: -he intertwines their fingers and helps coax Marshal to lay down- DREX: And snuggle beside him... -and he lets himself down in bed and does just so, resting his head close to Marshal's arm- DREX: And tell him how much I love him. DREX: And that will end this night... wonderfully.

MARSHAL: -he is coaxed and pulled, which he allows himself to be. He lays down with Drex and wraps an arm around him, holding him close. He nuzzles his head on top of his- MARSHAL: -he releases a long sigh and closes his eyes, absentmindedly rubbing his arm- MARSHAL:...I am grateful that despite everything, you've been able to enjoy your Valentines Day.

DREX: -he yawns, snuggling himself a little closer, and he finally settles his head on Marshal's chest- Well, yes. DREX: Lovely food, lovely building, lovely gift. DREX: And I could spend it all with the one I love the most. -he lets his arm across Marshal's chest- DREX: So yes, I would very well say I enjoyed it.

MARSHAL: -he smiles and give a content sigh- MARSHAL:...I'm glad. I did too.

DREX: Oh, and how could I forget the lovely shirt you so graciously gifted to me? -he gives a small low chuckle-

MARSHAL: -chuckles a little as well, glancing down at him- It looks good on you. MARSHAL: Your frame compliments a looser style of clothing.

DREX: You think so...? I don't believe I could wear many in the daytime, but... perhaps I could invest in some lighter sleepwear.

MARSHAL: Perhaps...I like being able to see more of you. -he runs his hand down his arm-...it’s just like our universe. The cosmos expands everywhere. -he lightly draws a finger over Drex’s skin, making constellations out of his freckles-

DREX: -he blushes and his eyes widen at Marshal's words, and he finds himself laughing like an idiot- DREX: I am not like the cosmos... I wish I was. But I am simply... finite. DREX: While they... do extend everywhere — I am... positive you have seen that much. But there is an end to them. A number you can count. You can connect them all and all of the lines will meet each-other... eventually. DREX: Though... it is very high praise to be compared to something as infinite as the universe... but I doubt I can compare.

MARSHAL: You should overcome those doubts. Though there is a limit on the surface, what is inside of you is ever expanding, always with new thoughts and questions... MARSHAL:...there is only so much a human can we here on Earth. From our surface, we’ve mapped out the entirety of what we can see...maybe one day I will do the same here. -he brings Drex’s hand up and kisses his knuckles-

DREX: Oh, yes, my knowledge is growing more and more each passing day. Every moment here is a rapidly-expanding experience, and... believe me when I say I learn so much in a single day. It's... almost a little overwhelming to compare like that. DREX: -and he gives a little chuckle- Well... when that day comes, I will be sure to bring a marker.

MARSHAL: -he chuckles a little as well and presses one more kiss before settling. Everything feels heavy, and he finds himself drifting off-

DREX: -he feels much less tired, but he's pretty sure it'll hit him like a brick later. he doesn't seem to notice marshal falling asleep on him- I have found out that pants are called pants because they refer to the fabric in which your legs go in. DREX: Is that not odd? Why is a single garment not simply called a pant.

MARSHAL: Mmm. -it sounds far off-

DREX: -and he keeps talking about clothes and how jackets are called "jacket" singularly and how this phenomena only seems to apply to pants IE. jeans. But then why not underwear? and then he thinks about it and talks about how boxers are even called boxers and so are briefs but he still ultimately concludes that it's a silly practice and why can it not simply be A Brief or A Jean.- DREX: -eventually he comes to realize Marshal's stopped responding to him and he looks up and finds him sound asleep, so he covers his mouth and stifles a little laugh. how long was he talking for? who knows. he brushes Marshal's cheek apologetically-

MARSHAL: -and he's out like a rock at this point-

DREX: -and he keeps petting his cheek, sort of just... watching him as he sleeps, how he looks kinda silly but... peaceful. and he reflects on their afternoon. the flowers and eviolite still remains downstairs, and he can't help but smile at how grateful he still remains over the gift. it would be perfect for Poipole to hold, he muses briefly.- DREX: -and as his own mind starts to weigh heavily, he thinks over... all that went wrong. he still had one subject he wanted to talk about that... never got addressed.- DREX: -and he closes his eyes and settles against marshal's chest with a little shift here and there. he only hopes marshal will be okay with him bringing it up in the morning- DREX: -and he finds himself drifting off-