katie you are so funny and cute and special to me 😌🩷✨️

willowser seeing this pop up in my notifs gave me so much surprise and adrenaline i started biting at my fingers and basically got up to walk around my enclosure and also not to be weird (about to say the weirdest thing ever) peed a little in excitement like a puppy (i didn’t actually do this one but yk i’m painting the picture). i actually had so much excitement that i had to eat a bag of chips to calm down. i will now add some photos to show how i felt abt seeing this:

dis r all me. wee wee whimsy glee joyful jumping

clouds - chapter 3 : stratus

Pair : Julie x Alive!Luke

Summary : After her mother’s death, Julie Molina moved away from Hollywood, across the country, to Ithaca, New York. She’s left behind her two loves in life: her best friend, Luke, and her music. There, she finds new friends and enemies, new experiences and joys, she might even find herself. Every night, Luke calls Julie to talk about the clouds. But what if Luke is hiding something?

Word Count : 5,061

Warnings : mild swearing

Notes : Ok so chapters will be around 3k to 5k words, the first one was just an outlier lol. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it! Please please comment and like; feedback means the world to me

Masterlist

Taglist

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Julie had been finishing up her toast and orange juice with her brother, bleary eyed and barely functional, when Flynn strutted herself into her house with a shout. She dropped her backpack on the ground unceremoniously by the doorway. 

“Good morning Molina household!” She called, “I’m here to kidnap one of you!” Flynn walked into the kitchen before sliding into the bar stool between Julie and Carlos and taking a piece of toast for herself. She shoved it down her throat with remarkable speed before turning Julie’s brother. 

“I was over here in 43 seconds, a new record.”

Carlos nodded his head, impressed, “What was your time to beat, 55 seconds?” 

“Yep. Next time, I just have to remember not to take the stairs so fast.” She rubbed her knee with a grimace.

Julie got up to put her now empty glass in the sink with a clink, “I don’t understand how you two get up in the morning all happy and stuff. There must be something wrong, because it’s not genetic.”

Flynn had now stolen what was left of Carlos’ breakfast, her mouth full while she talked, “Cheer up, we have at least 20 minutes before we have to leave, so you have plenty of time to become a functional human being.” 

“She’s never a functional human being,” Carlos retorted. Flynn smirked as Julie shot a glare at the two of them, now leaning on the counter

“You’re not allowed to be on his side. It’s against the rules.”

Flynn only shrugged, “Rules were meant to be broken.”

Julie crossed her arms, but she was smiling, “Says who?”

“Says me, the rule maker supreme. My word is law. Right, Carlos?” Flynn didn’t even have to look at him as they fist bumped. 

“Right.”

Julie groaned and pushed herself off of the counter top, “Ignoring the heartbreaking betrayal that just went down, Flynn do you remember when I told you I had something to show you?”

Flynn nodded passively. 

“Well I think it was in the garage.” Julie grabbed her wrist and pulled her to the back door, “Carlos, can you finish cleaning up? This is super important.”

Julie heard her brother grumble about stupid sisters and their secrets before getting up to put the rest of the dishes in the sink. 

Julie had texted Flynn after last night’s conversation with Luke to come over a little earlier than normal. She had said that she found something in the garage last night; she didn’t know yet if she would be able to play her piano, so she didn’t want to get anyone's hopes up. 

They walked on the stone path to the disconnected garage to the left of her house before standing in front of the two double doors. Julie pulled them open to reveal a spacious, relatively empty, blank slate. Inside to the right was an old red couch, a lone chair, and a few old band posters, to the left lay a rug, but with enough room to fit at least four chairs and a table. There was a loft overhead, which Julie and her father had spent their first weekend moving boxes into. 

And finally stood a dusty baby grand piano at the back. It had been her mother’s and she and Julie would spend hours at it. No one had played it since they moved. 

Julie turned to Flynn as they stood at the entrance, “Okay, so maybe I didn’t find anything per se, but I sort of did.” She led the other girl to stand in front of the piano before she sat down on the dusty bench, her hands in her lap

“Julie-” Flynn started.

“I was talking with Luke, and he had written a song and we got talking and,” Julie paused, looking at the keys, “He brought up my mom’s song. We had worked on it before she passed.”

Julie looked up to see her friend with a hopeful smile on her face, “I can’t let myself be kicked out of the music program, and I-I think that if I can play this song, I might be able to play again.”

Julie pulled a folded piece of paper out from her pocket and set it atop the piano. Flynn had pulled up a chair next to her and looked at the girl expectantly. 

Julie took a few deep breaths; in and out, in and out, she repeated. She could do this. She could set her hands on the ivory and play her mother's song. All it was was a few notes and lines on a page. She raised her hands to play. It was so simple.

Except, it wasn’t.

She quickly pulled her hands back into her lap, and started toying with her sleeve. If she played her mother’s song, she wouldn’t have anything left of her. This was her mother’s last creation, the last thing she would ever do; if Julie played it, she'd be accepting that. She’d be letting go over her mother and her legacy. 

Flynn must have seen her unease, because she placed a hand on her shoulder. “You don’t have to push yourself.”

Julie shook her head, “No, I have to get over it eventually, I can’t not play.” But she didn’t make a move. She was frozen to the seat, stuck in limbo. 

“It’s just, this is the last thing my mom and I ever did, the last memory I have of us playing. If I play it, I’ll be letting go of her. I don’t think I’m ready to do that. I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to do that.” Julie shook her head and placed her head in her hands, “I really wish I could. I wish I could just play the damn piano! Every time I try I just get looks of pity or-or like people are annoyed with me. I wish it was that simple, just sit down and play, and not worry and come to terms with my own mother dying, but I just can’t! I have no idea what will happen when I do!”

She took a stuttering breath in her eyes watering, “I wish that I could be like Dad and accept that she was gone. I wish that I could be like Carlos and just distract myself from it, thinking that ghosts are real just to wrap my head around the concept of death. But I’m not. I’m just Julie. And the one thing that makes me me, I can’t do.” She wiped her eyes with her sleeve, “I’m sorry, that was a lot to unload on you.”

But Flynn pulled her into a bone crushing hug. They stayed like that until Flynn pulled back and held her at arm's length, looking her in the eyes, “I have absolutely no idea what you are going through, and it is completely unfair to ask a person to go through something like this. But please don’t ever feel like you can’t tell me things; that’s what friends are for, especially awesome best friends like me.” She chuckled.

“I never knew Rose, but I do know what it is like to lose someone. You wish you could have known that every moment you had with them was precious, and you wish you could hold on to them forever, and you wish that they just hadn’t left in the first place. And I know that everyday without them feels like a day wasted, and you feel so hopeless when the one person you need isn’t there. And that sucks. But you don’t have to go through it alone; you have me and your dad and Carlos, and L.A boy. You have so many people that love you and will help you through this. I promise.”

“If you can’t play your piano today, that’s completely fine. It may not be tomorrow, or next week, or even a year from now. But one day, you will. And in that moment you’ll realize that you’re not forgetting your mother or letting go of her: you’re moving on. You’re saying, ‘You made me who I am and I love you and I miss you and I think about you every day, but I can’t let this stop me from growing.’ You’re honoring your mother's life by doing what she knew you were born to do: sing and play. All she ever wanted was for you to be happy.” Flynn pulled her into a hug again, “And who knows, maybe Carlos is right, and she’s standing right in this room cheering you on.”

Julie laughed into her friend’s shoulder, sniffling with damp eyes, “You’re the best.”

Flynn shrugged and patted her back, “I know.”

---

After flipping a coin, Julie had agreed to pay for lunch that day in the cafeteria. She stood in the lunch line examining the room as she waited. Another cougar had been painted by the microwaves and a yellow border ran around the ceiling. Tiles in their school colors were scattered across the floor and the room held about 25 round black tables. 

As she finished in the lunch line and walked toward her and Flynn’s table near the entrance, she overheard a conversation.

“So if Dirty Candi wants to perform at the dance, we need to tighten up our routine. Kayla, that means you need to get it together near the chorus.” Carrie Wilson wagged ketchup covered french fry in her friend's direction, “But I really do think we’ll nail it.”

“I know you will!” Nick was sitting next to her, his arm around her waist.

Julie didn’t particularly like Carrie but she had to give it to her; her songs were catchy and her choreography was always immaculate. They had worked hard for every gig they got, and made it look effortless. 

Only a few seconds later, she arrived at her table. She handed Flynn her lunch tray, distracting her from her Pre-Calc homework, then sat down.

She grimaced, “Carrots and peas again? You’d think they’d run out of slop to feed us but nope! It just keeps coming.”

Julie rolled her eyes, “You could always just pack your lunch.”

Flynn gave her a deadpan look and gestured to her spread of papers, “I have more important things to attend to.” She went back to tapping on her calculator.

Julie scrolled through her phone, shoveling her food in her mouth, before she came to one of Carrie’s posts. It showed her and the Dirty Candi girls after a performance, striking the last pose. The caption read ‘couldn’t ask for a better group.’ 

Julie turned to Flynn, “Weren’t you and Carrie really close way back when?”

The girls head shot up, “If by ‘way back when’ you mean two years ago, then yeah, you could say that.”

Julie didn’t want to prod, but she was innately curious. She also figured that they were close enough to tell each other most things. If Flynn shut it down, then she wouldn’t ask again. 

“What happened?”

Flynn looked down at her carrots and peas, she pushed them around with the plastic fork. “We were really close, our parents were friends. You’ve seen her house, they don’t live too far from us, so I used to bike there after school. We’d hang out every day and we did everything together: school chorus, swim team, dance team, literally everything. On Wednesday’s--”

“We wear pink?” Julie snorted.

“Yes, because that’s exactly what I was going to say.” She gave her a flat look, “No, on Wednesdays we’d go over to her McMansion and have dinner. But I guess something happened because she dropped me like that.” Flynn snapped her fingers. “I never found out why, but she moved on and formed Dirty Candi and now I have you. So all’s well that ends well.”

Julie nodded, “Thanks for telling me.”

“Yeah, of course,” Flynn softly smiled, then looked down at her homework, “But could you seriously help me with this, I’m so confused.”

---

“‘We’re the revolution that’s been singing in the rain!’ That is genius!” Reggie held the crumpled paper in front of his face, spinning around. He then plunked on the bright blue couch.

“That’s what I was saying!” Luke laughed. 

Luke, Alex, and Reggie, were in Alex’s garage yet again, but this time, with a finished song. The day was just as hot as the previous one, so they had all of the doors and windows open. They had moved the blue couch, a desk chair, a couple lawn chairs, and their band equipment around to form sort of a homey interior. Alex thought it was more trashy, but Reggie had insisted that cozy was the right word. 

Alex was sprawled out on the desk chair, one leg over each arm, seeming to not know how to sit, as Luke had pulled up a lawn chair around the center table.

“You said Julie Molina helped you finish it? The girl that moved away?” Alex asked. “The one you talk to everyday?”

“Yeah, yeah, we talk sometimes. And she came up with this awesome line.” Luke snatched the paper from Reggie’s hands and waved the paper like Reggie had. 

“Cool, cool. That’s not the point though. You guys talk everyday and you haven’t told her about us?” Alex was now upside down in the chair, his hair brushing the ground.

“I mean she knows about you guys! We were all in music together last year! She just doesn’t know we're in a band.” Luke didn't really mean to not tell Julie, it just, hadn’t come up. Or at least that’s what he told himself.

“Okay we’re not a band: one,” Alex held up a finger, “We only have three songs, and two,” he held up another, “We don’t have a band name.” 

“Oh! We are Whisper Cats, tell your friends!” Reggie waved his hand with a giddy smile, as if it was spelled out in blinding lights.

Alex whipped his head, “We are not using that name.”

Luke shrugged and mumbled, “I kinda liked it.”

“Again, not the point,” Alex sighed and ran his hand over his face, “Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one with a brain cell. Why haven’t you told her about our music? I’m sure she’d be happy to know that you have other friends that aren’t 3000 miles away.”

“2,789 miles away--”

“And how many minutes is that?”

“About 7 hours, 15 minutes, by plane, give or take.”

Alex groaned, “Exactly. If you know that much about her, she should at least know about your favorite people in the world.”

Reggie stuck his bottom lip out and made puppy eyes, “We’re your favorite people? Aww, Luke!”

Luke opened his mouth to say something, but Alex shot him a look.

“I just don’t want her to feel replaced. She hasn’t played her piano in months and suddenly I join a makeshift band with my ‘new’ best friends? We used to write songs together, that was our thing, and now I write them with you guys? Yeah, that will totally blow over well.” Luke looked down, a frown etched its way onto his face. 

“I mean if she’s your friend she’ll be happy for you. Music is a big part of your life, and it seems like it’s a big part of hers. You’re also totally not replacing her, obviously Alex and I look nothing like her. And it's not as if  you can, like, monopolize writing music, I don’t think that’s how that works.” Reggie said, looking between Alex and Luke.

Alex pointed at Reggie, “For once, you made some good points.”

He looked mildly offended, “I always make good points, what are you talking about?” 

Alex ignored him, “Just make sure you’re not taking Julie for granted. One way or another, she’ll find out about our band.”

Yeah, Luke totally wasn’t going to mention that he didn’t tell her about his family situation now. 

“Yes, alright, can we get back to practicing?” Luke pushed himself off of the chair, bouncing on the balls of his feet, and reached for his blue guitar, swinging it around him. He plugged in his amp, setting the volume levels as he played a couple chords. He adjusted the mic stand up, before switching the mic on. 

“Bet. I can’t wait to play Now or Never all the way through.” Reggie scrambled to get his bass and followed suit. Alex rolled his eyes.

He slowly moved right side up in his chair so as to not get a headache then set up behind his drum kit. He nodded to Luke before clicking his sticks, “From the top. One, two, three!”

“‘Take off, last stop, countdown ‘til we blast open the top’,” Luke sang into his mic, bouncing around, “‘Face first, full charge, electric hammer to the heart’.” 

He beamed at Reggie who plucked his bass in turn. This was the first time they had been able to come together and have the full fledged song. 

“‘Clocks move forward, but we don’t get older, no. Keep on climbing, till our stars collide’,” Luke continued, feeling the energy grow as the chorus built, “And all the times we fell behind, were just the keys to paradise!”

He stomped his foot down into a power stance as Alex’s driving beat filled his soul. It seemed so natural as electricity seemed to flow through them all. They were enveloped in the music and drowned out the world around them.

“‘Don’t look down! Cause we’re still rising up right now! And even if we hit the ground, we’ll still fly!’” Luke’s voice danced over the chorus when he closed his eyes, “‘Dreaming like we’ll live forever, but living like it’s now or never!’”

“‘Hear the noise, in my head, it’s calling out like a voice I can’t forget. One life, no regrets, catch up, got no time to catch my breath’,” Luke’s words came alive and transformed with the music. “‘Clocks move faster, cause it’s all we’re after.’”

Luke nodded Reggie over to share his mic, their energy seemed to fuel each other when they harmonized, “‘Won’t stop climbing, cause this is our time yeah,” Luke pushed him back playfully and turned to look at an imaginary audience, “‘When all the days felt black and white, those were the best shade of my life’.”

Alex nodded along as the second chorus came around and Reggie and Alex joined Luke with his vocals. Alex had an ear splitting grin as he sang with his best friends. He knew that this was what he wanted to do; he didn’t want to go to college or a trade school, he wanted to be on stage and learn the ropes of performing. Luke wanted to go city to city and eat bad hot dogs and be too tired to walk, and just play. He knew that was where he belonged.

“‘We ain't searching for tomorrow’,” Alex sang as Reggie echoed. The finished bridge was great, “‘Cause we got all we need today’.”

Reggie glanced at Luke nervously, “Living on a feeling that’s been running through our veins.”

Reggie beamed and swooped a hand through his hair when he sang Julie’s line. It was perfect, “‘We’re the revolution that’s been singing in the rain.’”

The boys looked back and forth when singing the next chorus in gang vocals, clapping along with Alex’s clicking drum sticks. Luke, ever the dramatic, swung his guitar over his shoulder “‘Don’t look down, cause we’re still rising up right now.”

On the last beat, Reggie and Luke struck their power chords. “And even if we hit the ground, we’ll still fly. Keep dreaming like we’ll live forever, but living like it’s now or never.”

The song was coming to an end as Reggie and Alex sang backup to Luke, “It’s now or never!”

The last sounds rang around the garage and Luke could already hear the crowd cheering. His chest heaved and he could feel the back of his sleeveless shirt stick to his skin. 

Reggie threw his hands in the air, “We’re Whisper Cats, tell your friends!”

Alex threw a drumstick at him. 

--

Flynn and Julie walked home as usual and they looked at the clouds together. The weather had warmed up as the day progressed, but it was still cold enough to warrant a jacket. The leaves were just hanging onto their branches by a thread, and the sky, a perfect, ideal blue, was almost clear.

Julie had thought about Luke and Flynn’s words and she had made an executive decision: she was going to play her mother’s song. Not because anyone was forcing her, but because she knew she was holding herself back. She knew that it was time for her to move on.

After finishing her homework, she rushed to the garage and sat at the piano, the warm golden light of sunset illuminating her. She had placed the music on top of the mirrored surface and took a deep breath. She placed her hands on the keys. She knew that the second she started, memories of her mother would come flooding back.

And she was ready.

She pressed the ivory keys, reading along to her mother’s notation. The notes filled the space, the melody feeling like coming home. 

“‘Here’s the one thing I want you to know, you got some place to go.’” She sang, “Life’s a test, yes, but you go toe-to-toe. You don’t give up, no, you grow.’”

She could feel her voice wobble as her eyes started to water. She was overwhelmed by her mother’s lyrics, knowing they were written just for her, just for this moment.

She continued, “‘And use your pain, cause it makes you you, though I wish I could hold you through it. I know it’s not the same,’” Julie gasped, “‘You got living to do, and I just want you to do it.’”

“‘So get up, get out, relight that spark, you know the rest by heart.’” She remembered her mother’s last Christmas where they made too many cookies to ever eat. She remembered all of the walks where her mother would point out every little thing, from the leaves, to squirrels and spiderwebs. 

“‘Wake up, wake up, if it’s all you do. Look out, look inside of you. It’s not what you lost, it’s what you’ll gain raising your voice to the rain.’” As Julie crescendoed she remembered her mother’s warm all encompassing hugs, and her sharp tongue when Julie would talk back to her.

She could feel the music flow through her bones and every atom of her body as she finished out the chorus. The setting sun was warm on her back.

“‘Better wake those demons, just look them in the eye, no reason not to try. Life can be a mess; I won’t let it cloud my mind, I’ll let my fingers fly.’” She threw her head back as she riffed on her mother's words. She could feel a tear run down her cheek.

“‘And use the pain ‘cause it’s part of me, and I’m ready to power through it. Gonna find the strength, find the melody, ‘cause you showed me how to do it. Get up, get out, relight that spark, you know the rest by heart.’” She wondered why she had waited so long to play, her mother had written these lyrics just for her; something that would last forever. 

“‘Wake up, wake up, if it’s all you do. Look out, look inside of you. It’s not what you lost, it’s what you’ll gain raising your voice to the rain.’” Julie thought of every family dinner and every grocery run, just for the simple things. 

“‘Wake up your dream and make it true, look out, look inside of you. It’s not what you lost, relight that spark, time to come out of the dark,’” She thought of her mom’s burning bravery, her fearless want for adventure, and fierce love for her family. “‘Wake up, wake up.’”

Julie stood up, fully in tears as she looked up to the sky, “‘So wake that spirit, spirit. I wanna hear it, hear it. No need to fear it, you’re not alone. You’re going to find your way!”

She pulled her hands up from the keys and stretched them out before crashing them back down, “‘Wake up, wake up, if it’s all you do. Look out, look inside of you. It’s not what you lost, it’s what you’ll gain raising your voice to the rain. Wake up your dream and make it true, look out, look inside of you. When you feel lost, relight that spark, time to come out of the dark.’” She smiled out as she sang. She wasn’t letting go over her mother, she was honoring her. She was the closest she had been to her mother since she had passed.

Julie sat back down on the stool, “Wake up, mmm, wake up.” She closed her eyes and played the final notes of the song. 

She had done it. 

She found her music.

Suddenly Flynn burst into the garage, followed quickly by her father and Carlos. They tackled her in a group hug. “I would promise you we weren’t listening, but with a voice like that how could you not!” She said. 

“Mija, I’m so proud of you!” Her father chuckled, but she could hear that his voice was choked. 

“Julie, that was amazing! Better than anything you’ve ever sung!” Carlos said.

Julie was stunned for a second as they all held onto her, before they let go and let her breathe. She wiped her tears on her sweater sleeve as she stood up, “Thank you. That was mom’s song.”

Her dad slung an arm around her shoulder and pulled her into a side hug, “We all knew you could do it, I just didn’t think it would be so soon. Your mother would be so proud of you, I know we all are.”

--

Luke had remembered to bring his acoustic guitar back to his house after practice. Luckily, he had made it home before dinner, although the meal they did share was filled with tense words and silence. His mother had stabbed her potatoes with her fork after she had heard that Luke was trying to book gigs. He was sure he had done the same when she asked about his science fair project.

He had run to his room the second he finished eating. His room was small, but appropriate; it was covered floor to ceiling in band posters and written scraps of lyrics. He had his guitars propped in one corner, next to his messy desk. Clothes were haphazardly strewn around his laundry basket, from where he hadn’t bothered to try and aim accurately. 

But now Luke was talking to Julie.

“-and it was amazing, Luke! My fingers flew across the keys and I sang and it was beautiful! I swear I could feel my mom looking over me!” Julie sighed, talking a million words a minute.

“That’s awesome! I told you you could do it! Julie Molina pianist extraordinaire is back in business. Oh my god, we can write songs again, just like last year!” Luke had her on speaker phone and was playing around with some chords and riffs. He was elated that she had played her mom’s song; he knew how much her death had affected Julie and how much of a mountain playing her song was to climb. He was proud of her. “Speaking of songs: I finished Now or Never, thanks to you, and it’s a banger. I can already hear the bass and drums and the crowd chanting our names!”

Julie laughed, “You’re really working on that whole rockstar thing, huh?”

“Of course, they always told us to chase our dreams in school, didn’t they? I’m just going on more of an… unconventional route.”

“By yourself? A one man band? Doesn’t sound very rockstar-ish to me.” Julie retorted. Luke knew he hadn’t really told Julie about his friends. But he also knew that this was her way of prodding him to tell her. Luke supposed that it has been a long time coming. 

“Do you remember Alex and Reggie? From music class?”

Julie hummed as she thought, as if she hadn't prodded Luke “Oh! The blond one with the fanny pack and the one in the leather jacket? Them right?”

Luke nodded before he realized that she couldn’t see him, “Yeah, them. I’ve become closer with them, mostly hanging out in Alex’s garage.” He was careful to omit any mention of their instruments, music, or any tell that might give him away. Julie could catch him red handed in a lie, no matter the distance, so he...didn’t lie. He just didn’t say the full truth.

“Really? I never would have guessed.” He heard her sit in what he thought was a chair, judging by the slight squeak. “It’s a good thing you’ve made friends that aren’t so far away.” He laughed as she unknowingly parroted Alex’s words. 

She continued, “Yeah now that I can play again, I can stay in music class. I just need a song by Friday, which isn’t too hard to do -- write a song in 3 days -- it’s just kind of a lot to ask right now. I was going to ask if I could just turn one of Flynn’s raps into a song with a simple 1, 5 , 4, progression.”

“Actually I wrote another song that would be perfect for your range,” He moved his guitar off of his lap, opened his song book, took a picture and sent it to Julie. “I just sent it, if you want to use that.”

Julie checked her phone, “Are you sure? I’d be playing it in front of my whole class.”

Luke smiled, he had intended to show Alex and Reggie the song, but he figured Julie would get more use out of it, “Yeah totally, it can be a thank you for helping me figure out that lyric in Now or Never.”

Luke could hear Julie’s smile, “Thank you so much, oh my god. You’re the best!” He heard her get up from her squeaky chair, “I have to go, but I’ll send you a video of when I play it; I’ll make Flynn record it.”

He chuckled, “Okay, I’ll see you soon.”

“I’ll see you soon.”

---

Taglist : @siennanoelle01​, @roses-and-ponds-and-bowties​ 

Into the Great Unknown (Tom Holland x Spanish Reader

A/N: This may become a series, depending on the reactions! This was inspired by his Instagram story in which he found a dog with Harrison and took him to the vet. It has been so long since I’ve written anything so excuse the bad writing. I think the bit with Tom at the end makes the whole thing worth it, but I am biased. Let me know if you want more of these! Also, I wrote this in one-go, no proof reading.  So sorry for any mistakes. 

Pairing: Tom Holland x Reader

Words: 2,606

[y/n] = your name

[y/s/c] = your skin color

“Babosa” = A Spanish word for dumbass/idiot (female)

*********************************

Thrill. That’s what rushed through her veins when the gate was left open. Her heart no longer pumped the blood that coursed through her, no, no, no. What pumped her blood was the sense of wild adventure that accompanied the Great Unknown. This is pushed her to bolt past the slightly ajar gate when no one was insight. The future was her to take hold and by damn, she was going to take hold of it. She was going to decide her path. She was going to run loose and take it all in.

All by herself.

The sun lowered into the sky, cars passed by. No one batted a single eye as she roamed around trying to take it all in. At least she hadn’t noticed anyone staring. The street lights flicked on chasing away the natural light of the sun. There she was.

Alone in the dark.

Hungry. In the sudden burst of adrenaline that had overtaken her, she had ignored the breakfast that had been prepared for her.

Lost. In trying to take everything in, she had gotten turned around. Everything and nothing looked familiar. The people who walked past her only seemed to hastily walk away from her. Unable to understand her cries for help. Unable to understand that all she wanted was to go home. In the end, she found it logical to lay under a tree and sleep for the night. For not much else could be done.

She awoke with the sun and began her search for the journey home once more.

The attempt was moot and she couldn’t remember the last time she had gone this long without food and the restless night of sleep plagued her mind. She missed her overprotective mother, who smothered her senseless. But, those smothering had made her feel loved. Cared for. It made her forget about how she had been abandoned, left in a box in an alleyway when she was young. These last few hours only brought up those memories. Her heart twisting, whimpers echoing within her throat yet never slipping past her lips. Why had she run out? She had the perfect life. A mother who spoiled her, who brought her ice cream, who let her sleep in her bed, who taught her English and Spanish, who taught her how to love again. Why had she been foolish enough to go out without her, especially when they had only recently moved into a new area?

It was in the series of depressing thought of resentment towards oneself did someone, or some people, approached her.

“Are you lost love?”

***

[y/n] walked down the sidewalk, hands deep in the coat pocket fiddling with the new set of keys and a brand new tag with a grocery bag dangling on her forearm as she hummed to herself, lost in her thoughts. Never had she planned to move out of the neighborhood she was raised in, must less to this section of Kingston. Not that it was a bad area, in fact it was quite beautiful to her, but that was besides the point. The point had been was that she was in a new area now and had a new number. This was a new life and the moment she got to her new home she would update her p-

Few things could interrupted [y/n]’s thought process. Seeing her gate pushed open did not only that but stopped her heart. Feet pounded the ground as she ran past the gate. Maybe the Babosa was inside the house by some miracle or in the backyard asleep under the tree. The backyard was as empty as [y/n]’s lungs. The air escaping her lungs, her lungs themselves burning, pulsing even. Her heart jackhammering against her chest. Keys jammed into the front lock, opening it yanking the door open, the grocery bag dropping to the floor. “Laika?? Babosa! Come here!” Silence. Not even the sound of trotting. Stepping in the house, disbelief coursing through her veins. “Laika! This isn’t funny!” Voice thick, eyes blurring. “Laika!”

[y/s/c] hands grabbed the keys that had been dropped into the bowl on the table stand by the door and ran out the house, barely managing to lock the door behind her.

***

“LAIKA!” [y/n]’s voice was raw, hoarse. It hurt to speak, to breathe, to run. She had been outside for about twelve hours, running around calling out her precious dog’s name. “Laika! Please! Vega pa ca!” (Come here!) She cried. She stopped everyone who even glanced at her. Showing photos of her lost german shepard mix lab until her phone had died. When it did, she would describe Laika down to the little scar along her left paw from when she was abandoned as a puppy.

No luck. That night [y/n] slept on her porch hoping that her dog would find her way back home by some miracle. That perhaps that God would answer her prayers. That all those times when her family would drag her to church Sunday morning would mean that she was in his good grace. That he would grant her this one miracle. She prayed in Spanish, English, and Spanish once more before sleep claimed her.

In the morning, she grabbed her phone from the charger and went out searching once more. She resumed her shouting, using her determination to find the only thing that made her home feel like home, pushing down the tears, pushing down the cold gripping fear that she had been runned over. That she had been stolen. While running around, [y/n] called every pound, every shelter. Her phone dinged and [y/n] unlocked it at the speed of light. Praying that the instagram notification was about her dog.  It had not been. [y/f] had just send her a comment saying to check out Tom Holland’s instagram story. How it would “make her day better”. [y/n] wanted to punch her friend in the face so much at that moment. Seeing some actor, no matter how much she adored his personality, smile, and kind eyes, would not improve her day. Yet, she still tapped over the small circle at the top of her instagram feed. 

“Bit of an odd message, walking around Kingston and we found this dog….so if this is your dog, please let us know we’re gonna take her to the vet to make sure she’s all ok.”

You had missed some part of what Tom Holland had said due to him revealing the dog.

Laika.

Laika was alive.  And wagging her pinche cola (fucking tail). Tears ran down your cheeks as relief replaced the cold gripping fear that you had lost your piece of home forever. It was only after the story ended that you realized that you had no clue which vet he was referring too.

It was a long shot but you had to try. Your finger tapped the “send message” button and you tapped as if your life depended on it, having to correct misspellings due to trembling hands.

I know you have no reason to believe me. But the dog you found is my dog. I just moved to the area so neither of us knows it too well. Please can you tell me which vet you went to? The microchip information is incorrect. She has a scar on the underside of her left paw, about 1/4th centimeters thick and 4 centimeters long. She responds to the name Laika and Babosa, Ba- bow-sa. She responds to both English and Spanish commands. Well, her best trick is the give me paw one. You can have your hands behind your back and say the command and she still understands. You can leave first and then tell me. I don’t give a flying fuck right now. I just want my dog back, I have been looking for her for the past day and a half please. Solo quiero la única cosa que haci me casa sentí como casa de nuevo.

Not having noticed that you had finished the rambling in Spanish, nor that you had rambled you hit send and began calling every vet nearby according to google asking about a german shepard mix lab that had been brought in. Cursing at them, crying on the phone, when they refused to say or if they had not been brought a dog.

Her phone dinged once more and like before she whipped it out at an incredible speed.

Ello. I can’t believe posting a story like that actually worked if I’m quite honest. All of the details you gave proved that she’s indeed your dog. We’ve taken her to Goddard Vet in Kingston.-  

There was more to the message but you opened up the UBER app the moment you found out the vet and called one over to the vet. The drive there felt as if it was an eternity, her heart never ceased pounding despite knowing Laika was alright. She wouldn’t believe it until Laika was back in her arms again.

Bolting out the uber with a quick, “Gracias!” [y/n] ran inside of the vet clinic, running to the counter, panting. Unable to breathe or catch her breath. She opened her wallet and gave the man working the front desk her ID. “Shepard Lab mix. Es mio. Is mine.” She correct herself. “Old information. New number. Was going to update it pero ella se (but she had) disappeared. Por favor.” She begged the man. “Quiero mi perra. (I want my dog) Owner nombre es igual entonces no problema right??” Her English was failing her. What if she came this far only to have her dog denied to her because they didn’t believe her. “Ella tiene,” she pauses at the confused look on the mans face. “She has a escar,” her Spanish accent becoming thicker when speaking English, “on paw left. Very small. Please.” Tears swam in her eyes and the man told her to take a seat.

Despite the dull ache in her legs and feet, she couldn’t sit. She couldn’t relax. She paced the waiting area, her heart pounded, lungs burning, doubt clouding her mind and she could swear that she felt people staring at her. But that was expected, she was pacing around like a mad man.

Hearing nails tap along the tile floor, [y/n]’s head whipped upwards. “Laika!” She managed to shout.

The dog ripped herself free from the vet’s grip on her new leash and bolted to her owner, to her overprotective mama. Laika pounced on [y/n] sending her to the ground and [y/n] didn’t mind one bit. Her grip tightened around her dog, tears rolling down her cheeks and onto the dog’s fur. Laika lick vigorously at the woman’s cheeks and face, tail wagging.

“Porque te fuiste?! Babosa de mierda! Me asustaste tanto. No tienes idea como me preocupa por te. Podría matarte ahora mismo por eso. Nunca vuelvas a hacer eso de nuevo! Me entiendes?!” (Why did you leave? Stupid shit! You scared me so much. You have no idea how much I worried for you. I could kill you right now. Never do that again! You understand?!) [y/n] mumbled into her dog’s neck, stroking the fur along her spine. After a few minutes, [y/n] pulled herself together and stood, not bothering to wipe away the dog fur on her clothing, grabbing Laika’s leash with white knuckles. Looking up she found herself looking into probably the kindest dark eyes she’s ever seen. Cue nerves.

“I’m glad you have found your dog.” A smile graced his lips, making his already thin lips thinner. She blinked for a moment, stunned that he was standing before her. She was at a lost for words. She parted her lips, realized she was going to speak Spanish and corrected herself.

“Thank you. Thank you very much. I owe you everything. She means the world to me. You didn’t have to help her and you did. You even got her checked up on. I can’t thank you enough Mr. Holland. I really can’t.”

“Tom.”

“Pardon?” “You can call me Tom, darlin’.”

A smile passes over her lips, “Thank you Tom.” With her free hand she pulled out her wallet and gave him all the cash she had on her. “This is to pay you back for everything you’ve spend money on. If this isn’t enough, I can write you a check.” Her  hand extended  towards him, urging him to take the money. Instead of him taking the money, his wrapped his fingers around her hand, closing it into a fist.

“I can’t take that. It was my pleasure really.”

“As much as I appreciate that. I can no...cannot accept that. There has to be something I can do. I can teach you Spanish? That way you can defend yourself in Spanish. Know more than tu puta madre.” Her eyes widen and she promptly wanted to kick herself in the mouth. Tom, on the other hand, laughed rubbing the back of his neck. Laika seemed to sense something for she nudged his hand with her hand and he began to pet her without skipping a beat.

“I know a bit more. That’s just my favorite word.”

“Words. It’s a phrase.”

“Is it?” “Si, and it’s a very dirty one. Like fighting insulting one. Not a sexy one.”

“Well, I’d love for you to teach me some Espanol.  But I reckon I’d need your numbero for that. So you can add it to my phono?”

“Telephono.” She corrected him, smiling. Her nervous slowly disappearing the longer they spoke.  She typed her name into his phone along with her number. “[y/n].” She says. “Mi nombre es [y/n] y es mucho gusto a concer te. Nunca crea que yo te iba a conocer, pero paso. Y me encantra a pasar tiempo con usted.” (My name is [y/n] and it is a pleasure to meet you. I never thought that I would meet you, but it happened. And I would love to spend time with you.)

“Well, looks like I’ll need a lesson soon. I understood just about nothing, save for your name. Which is absolutely beautiful. How about a lesson this weekend?”

“Es una cita.” (It’s a date.)

“Cita?” “It’s a deal.” She smiles to herself, grateful that she could cover up that little slip up due to his lack of knowledge.

“I’ll be seeing you around. Behave yourself and be good to your mum.” Tom instructs Laika and he gives her one last scratch behind the ears. “I’ll be seeing you this weekend.” He smiles at [y/n], lifting his hand as he walks away. She waves the fistful of her cash and watches him leave. Putting the money away you hear your phone go off, this time a text tone.

I’m free this saturday around 7pm. Does that sound like a sita to you?

A laugh falls past her lips and she looks at Laika. “He actually thinks cita means deal. I really saved my ass there”

*Cita. And that Works for me. We’ll figure out what you know. Food will be provided. It’s the Spanish way.

***

“You’re grinning like an idiot mate. You got her number?” Harrison questions as Tom buckles in his seatbelt and types away on his phone. The smile only grew at her response.

“Did one better and got a cita with her.”

“Cita?” Harrison questions, eyebrow arched with confusion. Tom feels a smirk pass over his lips and didn’t bother to hide it. “A date. That’s what cita means. You gotta keep up mate.”

“Maybe Tomorrow” (Elorcan Fanfic) [Chapter 8]

It’s here! Just respond to this post or message me if you want to be added to the tag list. If you’ve just found this fic (hello there new friend!) you can find the chapter list here. Enjoy Ducklings :)

Chapter 7 | Chapter 9

Tag List:

@high-lady-of-perranth @addled @bibliophileinnightcourt@bluephoenix222 @colbelike@hourriyanajlabyzoannusa @highladyofthedark@empire-of-readers@kaliejane26@irrelevant5@feysand-rowalin@wealessy@mywritingbox @femininewitch @the-heir-of-terrasen @themusic-bookconnection@1800-fight-me @highladyoferilea

He hated it. He hated all of it. But he couldn’t avoid it forever. They weren’t horrible, no, not by any practical means. Even Lorcan could admit that. But the, the plastic smiles, faces, movements, words, everything was what made it the worse. They tried so hard to make everything perfect, to make everything like a “normal family” should be. But they weren’t a normal family, not even close. The other boys might like the distraction, might depend on it to live through each day depending on what each one had been through- Lorcan never made it his business to know. He was resisting because he saw it for what it was. So they pushed harder and harder and harder to the point where Lorcan did everything he could to stay away. The library, Football, school, college writing classes in the city.

Maeve.

Elide.

His distractions, a way to stay away.

They weren’t horrible, no, not by any practical means. But the plastic smiles, faces, movements, words, everything was what made it all so much worse.

He hated it.

He hated all of it.

“Aelin you’re insane!”

That phrase, Elide had slowly come to realize, was quite commonly said among them. And by the way Aelin was explaining what her plans were for Monday at school, Elide couldn’t help but start to agree to it.

“Manon, of course I am” Aelin said over the video chat whilst rolling her eyes. Manon had kept her mouth shut, lips pursed, and attention fixed on her silver colored nails for the majority of the video chat. Until now, that was, until Aelin had finished voicing her “campaign” plan for them over video chat. Lysandra had first testified that they would never be ready in time. Elide had agreed.

But, of course, Aelin said she’d been planning it since the minute she stood atop that lunch table on the first day of school and announced that she was running against Maeve.

“Aelin,” Rowan’s cool voice broke the digital tension between the two over the video chat. Aelin turned her attention towards him. “We’re not even sure the principal is going to agree to this.”

Aelin rolled her eyes again and settled her face into a smirk. “I’ve already had my mom talk to him about it and he says it’s fine.” Lysandra put her face in her hands - Elide was tempted to do the same. Aelin crossed her arms over her chest. “You all should trust me more. I know what I’m doing.”

Elide, like Manon, had barely said a word throughout the whole “planning” session of that evening. And It baffled Elide, it really did. Aelin was always one step ahead. She never gave them any more details about her plans than what was absolutely necessary. All she did was ask for their trust, to believe in her. But she never said that she trusted and believed in them in return.

Anneith shifted beside her, leaning her head over Elide’s crossed legs. Elide was back at the house since what felt like weeks, and the place still felt foreign. She never liked Morath much either, but she at least had a space that was customized and personalized by her.

Lysandra let out a long sigh. “Gosh, Aelin, they’ll be so much stuff to set up before hand and-”

“Elide and I can set most of it up during first period” Aelin interrupted. “You and Manon just worry about lunch.” Lysandra only looked at Aelin and buried her face back into her palms. Manon turned her attention back to her nails. Her usual scowl held more annoyance than usual.

“I can probably get out of first period and meet you there” Rowan’s interjected.

Aelin shook her head. “No, you know what I need you to do.” Rowan looked at her for moment before giving a quick nod.

Yesterday they’d gone over strategies, ways to reach out to the students, possible platforms for their campaign, planning future planning sessions, where events could take place, everything that was of Elide’s specialty. Before she’d opened her laptop for this planning session she’d been excited, revived, ready to help her team with this campaign. And now? Now, Elide was nervous. She wasn’t sure how she could help contribute to this campaign if this was Aelin’s normal behavior. By the way Lysandra had muttered Not Again as Aelin had started voicing her plans, Elide got the jist that this was Aelin’s normal behavior.

Elide ran a hand threw her hair. “Is there anything else we should know?” Elide asked, rubbing her hand over Anneith’s fur to calm herself.

Aelin shook her head. “Not that concerns you guys.” Manon hung up the moment after the words left Aelin’s mouth. Lysandra shook her head.

“See you guys tomorrow.” Lysandra flicked her eyes towards Elide and gave her a tight smile. “Welcome to the group, Elide” and with that she left the chat. It was just her, Aelin, and Rowan now.

Aelin turned towards Elide. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning, OK?” Elide nodded, the only thing she could think to do at the moment. Aelin ended the chat.

Elide closed her laptop and buried her head into Anneith’s side, relishing the warmth. Anneith let out a soft yawn as she readjusted herself under Elide’s weight.

It was then that Elide heard the garage door start open.

She laid there for a moment, completely frozen in her spot before she realized what that meant. That her uncle was home. That her uncle was home and that Anneith-

Oh no.

Elide shot up from her bed and ran for the stairs, whistling behind her for Anneith to follow.

The last time that he had found Anneith in the house he had sworn… Elide didn’t think about that. She bounded down the stairs, hearing Anneith behind her as she reached the last step and ran for the kitchen.

She heard the lock to the front door jiggle.

Elide grabbed the dog leash on the key hook and whistled for Anneith. The border collie was right behind her, tail wagging at an impossible pace as Elide reached for Anneith’s collar.

The door opened. The collar was on and the leash clicked in as Elide stood up, starting to walk towards the front door again.

Elide could never predict what her uncle would do, who he was, every time he walked into the house. Sometimes he was completely fine. Sometimes he was, quite frankly, intoxicated. Sometimes he was all business, complaining to Elide about the horridness and the blessedness of politics. Sometimes, in his own way, he was, kind, especially in comparison to all of his other moods. That last one was always the worst. Partly because it was the least common, and therefore most unknown of his moods.

And partly because it was usually when he would talk to Elide about her parents.

As uncle Vernon walked through the door, met Elide’s gaze, Elide knew he was in that mood. She began to mentally prepare herself before he started speaking.

His eyes shot down towards Anneith. “Elide” he said, his tone leaking light reprimand. “What have I told you about Anneith in the house?” Elide swallowed, and even Anneith, the embodiment of happiness, stopped wagging her tail.

She looked down at her feet. “I’m sorry uncle Vernon but I thought I’d just put her leash on in the house and-”

“Shhhh” his voice stopped hers in an instant. Vernon walked over and pulled Elide in for a hug.

He’d- he’d never hugged Elide before. Not that she could remember. Elide’s eyes went wide and she thought she might die from the shock of it. Vernon pulled away and looked over Elide, both hands resting on her shoulders. Elide made the mistake of looking up to meet his scalding copper gaze.

“I know that you know better, Elide” she didn’t dare move her gaze away from his. “And,” Vernon let out a low whistle, and he leaned in a little bit closer. “I know who else knows that you know better.” Elide held his stare, if only to force herself not to cry. Because if there was one thing she wouldn’t do, one thing she would never do, would be to cry in front of him.“We would hate for you to disappoint them.”

Vernon smiled suddenly, releasing Elide’s shoulders and standing up to his full height. It made her feel smaller than she was. “I’m sorry, Elide, but it’s the only way I can ever make you listen,” He used them every time she didn’t listen. She thought that eventually she’d get over it. That blow after blow would eventually cocoon her in a cold enough Armour. Make her unfeeling. But Vernon never hit her head on. No, he took his time, he measured every step, he hit somewhere new, somewhere untested, with every word that ever leaked out of his mouth. Exactly the person Erawan needed as his right hand man. Probably exactly the reason Erawan was able to influence the public so much.

And no wonder Erawan had hired him if he still managed to rip Elide’s wounds open, dragging a knife through them as if they were frail pieces of paper. And he never apologized for scattering them across the floor.

Her uncle looked down at Anneith again and the dog shied away from his gaze. “Go on your walk now” his gaze snapped back to Elide’s, unspoken words still lingering in his gaze. But he said nothing further and instead angled his head towards the front door, gesturing for Elide to leave.

Elide gripped Anneith’s leash and walked out of the door, head held high. She picked up those pieces of papers and taped them back together the best she could, like she always did.

She wouldn’t hurt tonight.

The evening air and the evening skies always calmed Elide. No matter where she was.

Walking down the sidewalk with Anneith, Elide took in everything she could. The sunset cast a rosy hue over everything. It made the houses, the trees, just everything so much more beautiful.

She’d been locked up at Morath for so long that she’d forgotten what it felt like to simply go outside and breathe. And it felt to get out for a little- to get away. Even if it was all just a distraction, and a good one at that.

And then out of nowhere Anneith yanked on her leash hard enough to pull Elide out of her revelry. So much for a good distraction.

“Anneith!” Elide yelled as the dog pulled her forwards once more. But it wasn’t without reason, because right there walking towards them on the sidewalk was a giant rottweiler.

Panic quickly filled Elide and then she quickly forced it out. This dog could be the sweetest animal in the world and she would have immediately misjudged it. And Anneith had never been so excited to see another dog if he/she wasn’t friendly. Elide silently scolded herself but still approached the dog with caution.

The rottweiler was all tail - or stub, really - wagging and tongue dolling as he approached them, even angling his head down to show submission towards Anneith. Anneith yanked on her leash again, nearly pulling Elide along with her as she jumped towards the newcomer. Elide looked down at his neck.

There was a collar, and a tag. Elide breathed a sigh of relief and reached down to check it. HELLAS it said in bold letters on one side and a phone number engraved on the back of it. Elide reached for her phone and realized that in her frenzy to run downstairs when her uncle had come home, she’d left it in her room. Elide ran a hand through her hair in frustration.

“Where’s your home, Hellas?” Elide said. She reached down to scratch behind his ear. Hellas groaned, closing his eyes and leaning into her touch. Elide giggled. Anneith continued to pull on her leash.

Elide looked around her, scanning her surroundings in search for a frantic pet owner or an opened front door. But she saw nothing. She wasn’t sure what to do but she wasn’t just about to leave Hellas out here alone.

“Let’s keep walking guys” Elide said getting Anneith’s attention by lightly tugging her leash. Elide turned back towards Hellas. “We’ll find your owner soon enough.” The rottweiler’s tongue rolled out of his mouth, and stayed out, in answer. And as they walked in the direction that Hellas had come from, he followed. Elide just hoped they’d find his owner before they worried any further.

She also hoped they’d find Hella’s owner before her uncle noticed how long she’d been gone. Not that he ever noticed too much, really.

But Elide wasn’t taking any chances.

Lorcan kept his head down as he worked on some homework, the murky light of his desk lamp making everything seem so much harder to see. He’d do this, then run through plays, then maybe try some writing, and finish with some college applications. If he kept his head down and he kept himself busy they wouldn’t bother him.

A knock came on the door. Lorcan didn’t move. Another knock. Lorcan only gripped the pencil in his hand, knuckles turning white. He still didn’t move.

The door opened anyway.

“Lorcan” Nox’s small voice rang from the doorway. Lorcan still didn’t move. “She wants us all downstairs for dinner.”

Lorcan rolled his shoulders and turned back to his homework, starting to fill in the answers. “I’m busy” he grunted out. He could almost hear Nox flinch from the doorway. “Just tell her what you always tell her: that I’ll eat with all of you next sunday.”

Nox swallowed so loudly that Lorcan heard it from across the room. “She said everyone. No exceptions.” Lorcan stopped writing and gripped his pencil harder. The wood groaned under his grip.

Lorcan cleared his throat. “I’ll come down next sunday.” Each word was a knife. Lorcan knew it wasn’t Nox’s fault, knew the boy only did what they said because he had no other choice. And, well, if he still remembered what Lorcan had drunkenly and foolishly admitted-

“Lorcan” Nox’s voice was more confident this time. “Lorcan don’t lose this.” Nox sighed from the doorway again. “We’ve only got one more year left and she’s on her last straw with y- with us” he stumbled on the last few words, but Lorcan knew what he was really going to say.

With you. She were on their last straw with him.

Lorcan took a breath in and he held it. He felt his head get clearer, his concentration went straight to his breathing.

In. Out. Slowly.

“I’ll be down in a minute” Lorcan answered. Nox stood in the doorway for a moment more before leaving and closing the door quietly behind him.

He took his head in his hands and breathed again, holding each breath longer than the last. Lorcan rose from the desk and let out one last breath.

In. Out.

He turned towards the door and made his way towards the hallway, all of their voices leaking towards him as he opened the door.

Lorcan heard the pencil snap in his hand more than he felt it.

Nox was standing on the bottom of the stairs, leaning against the banister with his hands drumming a rhythm against his thigh. Lorcan hadn’t noticed before, but he was dressed up- slacks and a collared shirt tucked into them. He’d even run a brush through his hair.

He shouldn’t have been surprised though.

Mrs. Rompellier liked it this way.

Nox turned towards him as Lorcan reached the last steps, eyes skimming Lorcan’s outfit as well.

“Lorcan-”

“This is what she’s getting Nox.”

Nox didn’t say anything else.

Lorcan walked past him and into the dining room.

They weren’t seated yet, which meant Kaltain had decided that tonight would include a “cocktail hour.” Most likely as a celebration for their first week of school. Just what he needed. An extra hour in addition to the two hour or so dinner that he had to sit through on the rare occasion that he actually had to.

Feigning too much homework or exhaustion had been easy enough to begin with. For two years he had been able to get away with a dinner every other month or so.

But the feigned understanding she’d given him died off eventually, and the past year or so had been, well, worse.

Worse because she didn’t even bother to try and sympathize with him anymore.

And worse because it meant more time wasted with them. More time at this dinners. If he really wanted, he knew that if he really wanted, he would have no problem skipping every dinner, threat or no.

But there was no other foster homes within 20 miles, at least not ones that would taken in someone who was nearly 18. And if she kicked him out, he’d be forced to leave here.

Forced to leave Terrasen high, football, college classes.

Forced to leave-

“Lorcan! There you are!” It was a black dress with white polka dots today, dark chocolate hair pulled back into a twist. Red staining her thin lips and contrasting her ghostly pale skin. But it was her voice, that damned voice that stirred his stomach and set a slight scowl on his face.

It was so sickly sweet, too sickly sweet, that he could hardly handle the blinding smile of falsity that she flashed at him.

“Lorcan we’re so glad you’ve decided to join us this evening” Lorcan watched her eyes flick over to Nox for a moment before coming back to him, that smile still sitting pip and pretty on her face. There was lipstick on her teeth.

She eyed Lorcan’s outfit, the ragged gym shorts and stained green hoodie, that smile standing straight through it all. But she ignored it and gestured her arms around her.

“We’ve just missed you terribly!” The other boys quieted their conversations at the raise of Kaltain’s voice. Lorcan didn’t move his gaze off of Kaltain’s face, but he saw in his peripheral that they were wearing similar smiles, similar stares and judgmental gazes as they took him in. Kaltain cleared her throat.

“I just know that you’ll be with us for all future Sunday night dinners, correct?” She tilted her head. How was she still holding that smile on her face? “I know it’s been awhile, Lorcan, but just so you know,” she talked to him like she was talking to a two year old, “our mandatory Sunday dinners are always formal wear events. Do you understand?” A boy behind Kaltain snickered. Lorcan shot him a look- he stopped snickering.

Lorcan was about to let the words slip of his mouth, was about to keep playing her game until the damned sun came up. But then he caught Nox’s eyes across the room, he was still leaning across the banister, hand drumming against his thigh. He’d confessed one thing, one thing, to the boy almost three years and now he just. Damn him. Damn them all.

But Lorcan took a breathe, and met Kaltain’s painted smile once again.

“I understand” Lorcan said, having to bit his tongue from gritting the words out like he wanted to.

Kaltain’s smile didn’t move but she turned her away from him, finally, and addressed the other boys.

“Dinner will be ready in just a few minutes, why don’t you all take your seats while I go check on it?” The boys dispersed from their conversations immediately, making their way to the chairs surrounding the wood carved table. Lorcan didn’t make to move, and a quick glance over to the banister confirmed that Nox hadn’t either.

That look hadn’t left Nox’s eyes, but his face seemed more relax.

Lorcan was restless. And pissed off. Yes, he was pissed off and he needed to go for a run, anything other than sit at a table playing nice for nearly two hours. Lorcan smiled, ever so slightly; he’d take Hellas with him too, it’d been too long since he had been able to take Hellas out to do anything.

After this dreadful dinner, then, Lorcan would go on a run, burn off some steam, run through some plays in his head, and spend some much needed time with his dog.

He walked over to the front door, just to check on Hellas before sitting down for this dinner, his eyes went towards the right side of the front yard through the window parallel to the front door and then-

Lorcan froze when he saw the long leash wasn’t attached to anything. He quickly looked over at Hella’s dog house but saw nothing. The dog was too big to fit into it completely, so he couldn’t have been in there. A quick sweep of his eyes over the front lawn confirmed his suspicions.

Nox came up behind him, coming to the same conclusion that Lorcan had only a few moments after.

“This is the second time this week” Lorcan muttered running his hands over his face quickly before reaching for the door handle.

Nox stuttered. “Lorcan-” “Just stall her, Nox”

Lorcan threw open the front door, hearing the quiet exclamations of the other boys behind him in the dining room.

“Dinner is-” was the last thing he heard as he slammed the door behind him and made his way towards the street, already whistling for Hellas to come home.

It had only been about 20 minutes, or what seemed like it, but Elide wasn’t mad to admit that Hellas had started to grow on her. His tongue hadn’t moved from its spot hanging over the side of his mouth since they’d started walking, and his stub of a tail was in no short supply of wags as they walked on.

And they did walk on. But every house they passed portrayed no evidence of it being Hella’s home. One or two times Elide had stooped down to rub behind Hella’s ears and ask him if he knew his way home. She knew he couldn’t answer, but she asked him anyway. Without a phone to call the number on the back of his name tag, it was all she could do.

At this point, any evidence of dusk had almost faded from the sky. But even as they walked on and the night drew darker, Hellas stayed with them. Elide had a feeling that Anneith was going to be immensely disappointed to see Hellas go. If they ever did find his home.

Suddenly, Hella’s eyes perked up and he swung his head to the left. His whole body stiffened and his tongue retracted; Anneith didn’t react.

And then Hellas bounded down the street, taking a sharp left at the corner they were currently at. Anneith ran after, nearly dragging Elide along as they ran. Hellas just kept on running, past house after house until Elide was almost convinced he wasn’t going in a certain direction; That he’d simply gotten bored and decided that chase might be a fun game for them to play.

By the time her and Anneith had reached the next corner, Elide was completely out of breath. But there was no stopping Anneith, and the border collie barreled on, half dragging Elide with her.

That was when Elide her the whistling. Low and clear, breaking through the sounds of night. That was it, Hellas must have run because he’d heard the whistling. Elide, despite her labored breaths and growing cramp, smiled to herself. They had finally found Hella’s home.

Turning at one last corner, Elide was met with a house that was nothing like the constant stream of suburbia that she had been walking past for the entirety of their “walk.” If one could really call it that.

It was at least four stories, bricks made up the face of it and two stone pillars held a balcony that covered the mahogany double front doors. Lights set in the lawn beamed towards the house and accentuated the french windows on the second and third levels. Hella’s owner was, by all means, well off.

And then Elide noticed two things in the next instant. One, that there was a sign placed in the grass to her right that read “The Doranelle Foster Home for Boys.”

And the second was that Lorcan was standing on the front steps of it.

He noticed her after she had noticed him. And then he noticed the look she gave him, the look that everyone gave him.

Except Maeve. Maeve hadn’t given him that look when she had found out.

Elide’s eyes were darting between the sign for “The Doranelle Foster Home for Boys” and his gaze. He watched her swallow and then walk towards him.

A part of Lorcan was thrashing inside him, the part that wanted to yell at her, to scream at her to go away and mind her own damn business. But he snuffed that part of him out quickly. The more reasonable side to him, the side that gave him his love for writing and books, told him she wasn’t there to mock him, to tease him. And that same part of himself reminded him about Maeve- and the promise he had made to himself just yesterday in the library.

Maeve. Maeve would tell him what luck he had that she was right there. How she was looking at him right now as she made her way towards them, how he would be able to throw the line right now and she’d bite within in an instant.

Get her, Lorcan. Bait her. Not too slow, not too fast. The words from yesterday night at their planning session rang his head. He could hear Maeve’s voice so clearly, see her grin and her cunning mind work as she told him what to do. It was almost as if she were there with him, a strong hand on his shoulder pushing him over to Elide.

But Lorcan didn’t move from the spot where he was standing. Not too fast. He held Hellas by the collar now, scratching behind the rottweiler’s ears to calm him as Elide and her dog came up to him and stopped. A content groan reverberated through him as he plopped down on top of Lorcan’s feet.

Elide crossed her arms over her chest and looked up at him. She was flustered, completely, and as much as she tried to steady them, her breaths were labored and fast. She must have run here, chasing Hellas no doubt. The damn dog only let out another groan in answer. Lorcan stopped scratching behind his ears and stood up to his full height. Elide’s chocolate eyes followed.

She let out a small cough. “He was, he was-”

“I know” Lorcan said gruffly, looking down at Hellas. “He gives me a run for my money sometimes too.” A breathless laugh escaped her lips. His brow furrowed.

“We found him, Anneith and I” she gestured to the border collie standing just below her hip, “when we were walking. I don’t have my phone on me so I couldn’t call the number on his tag. I’m so sorry” her face fell, and her gaze drifted down to look at her feet. “You must have been so worried about him.”

It was Lorcan’s turn to laugh. “He does this all the time” and on cue Hellas let out a low bark in response. “Don’t be surprised if you see him running around again. Elide looked up and met his gaze once more. Such guilt lay there. Such-such sorrow. It was too raw.

Lorcan cleared his throat. He reached down to push Hellas off his feet. The old dog grumbled in response and slowly got up.

“I didn’t know that” Elide suddenly stopped her response, chewing on her bottom lip as if she wasn’t even sure if she wanted to continue on with what she was saying. “I didn’t know that you lived… here.” She kept chewing on her bottom lip.

Lorcan held in his snarky response, and instead said “It’s fine.” Elide nodded once. Lorcan walked Hellas over by his collar over to the dog house and reached for the long lead.

“How did he get out of leash?” he heard her ask from behind him. Lorcan didn’t want to look back at those eyes.

Why wouldn’t she just go away?

Get her, Lorcan. Bait her. Maeve’s voice in his head cut through everything. He nearly growled at it.

“The screw is loose on the hook” he responded, attempting to mask his frustration with monotony. “He just has to give it a few good tugs and it unhooks from his collar.” Hellas gave him a look that practically said that he had already known that for the past three months. Lorcan nearly laughed, and he felt some of the frustration ebb away. After he saved up enough for a new backpack he’d get Hellas a long leash. But with having to quit his summer job for college classes… Lorcan pushed it out of his mind.

When he turned away she was still standing there, a few steps away from the porch and closer to Hellas and him. By the way her dog, Anneith, was pulling on her leash towards them, and judging by her size in comparison to the border collie’s, Lorcan guessed that Elide hadn’t moved there on her own accord.

“Do you need anything?” Lorcan said after they had stood there for several moments. Lorcan saw the look of confusion in her eyes and sighed, remembering she was new here. “You don’t know your way home” he said, practically taking the words out of her mouth.

“Yeah I left my phone” Elide pushed her hair behind her ear.

Lorcan ran a hair through his hair. “What street do you live on?” Elide looked up at him then, her hair nearly covering her face.

“Shafire-”

“Just take a left down at the corner and keep going until you reach the park. Turn right at that intersection and Shafire will be a few blocks down.”

He watched, agonizingly, as her face fell. He tried to watch her hide it- but it was helpless. He cursed at himself. She began to turn away.

Get her, Lorcan.

“Thank you” the words slipped out of his mouth before he could stop them. He said- he said. She turned back towards him suddenly. That look of reprieve and innocence long gone. But something like surprise lit her features instead. A million voices in his head, a million memories tore at him to walk away, to set a scowl, walk back into the hell-hole and never look back.

But that voice, Maeve’s voice, stuck him to the spot-again. Again it rang in his head. It told him to wait, told him to listen. At Least he could have sworn it was Maeve’s voice telling him that, and not his own.

Elide seemed at a loss for words. Her eyes darted down to her arms, which were still crossed  firmly across her chest. Her lips parted slightly as she silently contemplated everything.

Everything tore at him, ripped at him, screamed at him. When was the last time, gods, when was the last time-

“Of Course” she said, boldly meeting his gaze once more. “Of course.”

And the way she said it. The way she looked. The way her lips, her hair, her eyes, the hope-

Not too slow.

Not too fast.

Not too-

Maeve’s command slipped from his mind because damn him, damn her for looking at him like that.

Giggles and laughter swam into his mind, drowning out Maeve’s voice until it was only a muffle. That was from the party.

Damn her. Damn her.

He bit his tongue hard enough to draw blood let he say something he damn well knew he’d regret, and then he walked towards the house again. Elide’s eyes flickered away from his and she began to walk the other way. He heard Hellas whine after her-or for her dog, Anneith; Anneith barked in return. He reached the steps and turned to watch her go.

It was completely dark now. And Lorcan watched Elide walk away underneath the stars.

He watched her walk away, watched her walk in the same direction as the constellation for the stag of Terrasen.

He watched her walk away from him and towards a home.

Elide hadn’t known.

She had barely known him- she still barely knew him.

But he was an orphan.

Him, in the more literal sense of the word. But she was… she always saw herself as one too. Alone and without anyone, really, who loved her.

But he had the cadre. She told herself. And she had Aelin, Lysandra, Dorian, and even Manon- Manon was debatable, but regardless.

He wasn’t alone. She wasn’t alone. No, this didn’t change anything.

But it did.

She wouldn’t hurt tonight.

Elide walked under the stars, lost in thought as she made her way towards the house. She decided, then and there, as she reached the house, as she opened the gate and let Anneith off her leash, as she closed the door behind her to the house and tried to ignore Anneith’s whining, as she went up the stairs and only glanced at her uncle passed out drunk on the couch with the TV blaring through the house, as she opened her bedroom door and reached her bed, as she turned off the lights and pulled the covers over her, still trying to ignore Anneith’s whimpering and the TV and everything-

That she wasn’t going to do this to herself. That Lorcan was just- Lorcan was just Lorcan. That she would see him at the library sometimes, that she would see him around school and at most likely, at many more parties.

That that was all that she wanted.

Nothing more.

Yet as Elide closed her eyes, letting sleep and darkness sweep her away for the evening, she watched, felt, as a single lone brick fell from the enclosure around her heart.

And then she watched another.

And another.

She wouldn’t hurt.

But she didn’t do anything, she even let herself smile - if only a little - as she watched some of them fall and crumble like dead leaves fell from trees in autumn.

Mar 6 Lost Light Stream - Transformers Prime: Predacons Rising

At last, it’s over. Prowl spent the evening on hand-holding duty. Magnus showed up; Prowl asked if he had any progress on Tyrest, and Magnus said no.

Missed the start.

Rodimus: ((lol Rodimus: ((rodimus does love star wars FakeProwl: *surveys the room, then claims his usual spot next to Slendy's other side* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave nods to both allies and tries to make himself as comfortable as possible.* Rodimus: So---- what one you guys on? FakeProwl: ((roddy your music is very very quiet and your skype alerts are loud)) Bruin: (is the screen black ??) ItsyBitsySpyers: *And, yes, there is a small scorch mark by the left knee.* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[We are on the final documentary tape - the last assault.]] FakeProwl: ((thank)) Txen: *could repair that* Shockbox: *Notes to himself that he'll have to catch up on the others later.* Shockbox: *Surely he won't be missing that much context....?* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Could also, BUT wouldn't say no if the offer is made later.* Txen: *Darksteel is visibly excited, though his tails length makes wagging into more of a full-hindquarters affair* Whirl: ((dinner is acquired at last)) Whirl: *crosses his legs, spreads his arms over the back of his couch, and looks between his companions* Sup, you two? Rodimus: *passes a snack up to lazerbeak before pulling out his datapad to flip video files frown a slight frown on his face* Whirl: I'd offer you the use of my footstool but he won't be able to make it tonight, I don't think. Your feet are ontheir own. Txen: DS: *hops in place in a way that shakes the ground slightly* Tonight's the night! My BIG DEBYOO... Rodimus: I need one more song until im ready then. Airachnd: [a shrug] Nothing too exciting on my side of the multiverse. FakeProwl: *notices that tiny scorch* Sorida changed their nickname to Bee. Bee changed their nickname to Bee. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Frenzy bops Darksteel on one shoulder.* \\YO. IT'S GETTIN' REAL TALL IN HERE. MIND?\\ In other words, can he sit on Darksteel for a better view. Rodimus: *seriously doubts the deck would be bounced* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Laserbeak chitters happily and noms the HECK outta that snack* Txen: Darksteel: Huh? *looks left, then right, then down* Oh! Sure thing, guy. Sorida: [gonna just slide in] Txen: ((not bounced. still makes vibrations)) Sorida changed their nickname to Bumblebee. Rodimus: ((dont upset the science deck =) ItsyBitsySpyers: //Eh. Been worse.// That's all Rumble will say about that. Deflection time. //Where's Chill?// Whirl: Same. *shrugs, this is a huge lie, since Whirl has, since the last time he saw her, met some mechs to arrange a secret and very illegal operation, but shh nobody needs to know* Txen: DS: *dips one shoulder so it's easier to clamber on* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Frenzy scrambles up Darksteel with a FRAG YEAH and gets comfy. Soundwave nods to Bee.* Whirl: *he will very subtly nudge Rumble in unspoken acknowledgement; it's an imporvement, he supposes* He's ill. Something to do with those greyfaces, poor guy. Airachnd: [she has plans too,and how legal it is, well, it's quite questionable] Smokescreen: :O did I actually come on time this time?? Bruin: *Specter has decide its time to be tall as well and is going to kick Spotter off Bruin's helm with a squawk* Airachnd: Yes. Sorida: (( c'mon livestream do the thing )) Whirl: I offered to help the best way I know how--which is to say, I got him blackout drunk for a period of time. It's a tried and true cure for most ailments. Airachnd: rip)) Rodimus: It seem so Smokey Sorida changed their nickname to Bumblebee. Smokescreen: Whoa. That's pretty rare! Also Rodimus Rodimusrodimus- /He's going to go over to see if he can sit with Rodimus!/ Rodimus: get out and come back in fashionably late! *grins* Bumblebee changed their nickname to Bumblebee. Txen: DS: *is pretty spiky, but he's also broad. there's probably a comfy spot between his wings* Smokescreen: Haha- I'm a trendsetter! Coming in on time! Bumblebee: [nods back at Soundwave] Rodimus: *you can join him but rodimus has his feet on the seat and but on the back of the couch* Bumblebee: Proud of you, Smokey. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Frag greyfaces,// Rumble says while Laserbeak laughs at poor Spotter. ItsyBitsySpyers: *And Frenzy's pretty spiky himself, so he doesn't really mind. Good thing he's smallish.* Whirl: They're usually more trouble than they're worth. Being turned into a bird WAS fun, though. Smokescreen: Aww, thanks, Beepbee. Whirl: *swivels his helm around to look at DS and SL* So, this is when you two chuckleheads finally show up? Rodimus: ((who is da bee? Smokescreen: /Smokescreen's gonna try sitting like Rodimus here! It looks cool to him, at least./ ItsyBitsySpyers: ((radioactivibee, yeah?)) Bumblebee: (( radioactivibee ^-^ )) Txen: Skylynx: Unfortunatel-- Shockbox: *Ah, it is starting!* Txen: Darksteel: *interrupts* YOU KNOW IT. Smokescreen: :OO It's starting! Bumblebee: (( ALSO did not realize like, hasbro studios is in Pawtucket, RI )) Whirl: *snickers* Smokescreen: ((oh yep Rodimus: Were is their NAILs? ItsyBitsySpyers: *All right. He can do this. He doesn't have memories of this. Only recordings. Long, slow vent.* Starscream: *slides in quietly* Bumblebee: ...A NAIL? Txen: ((the budget ate them roddy)) Whirl: Probably where they belong--scattered all around the galaxy. Rodimus: Thats a patchic sized gather Optimus... Airachnd: Non affiliated indigionous lifeform. Rodimus: I meant to ask-- your Cybertron not call everyone back? Smokescreen: ... Yeah, Optimus never made that speech here. Bumblebee: We did after this. Starscream: Why do they have a statue of him? boomtank: . . . Whirl: Non affiliated pains in the aft, more like it. Bumblebee: We were kinda the first back and we were about to send out the signal when this scrap happened. Airachnd: Because he ordered it. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Looks at Shockwave. Questions will mostly be his to answer tonight.* Whirl: Oh, THIS nimrod again... Smokescreen: That's Kaon! That was like. Megatron's house basically ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave pings Starscream a polite greeting.* Bumblebee: Yeah. And surprisingly, really well maintained compared to the other city states. Airachnd: He SIEZED Kaon. Smokescreen: ..... wait ONCE flowed through his veins? so like. if you ever have dark energon you can't... Txen: *nods at Smokescreen's explanation* The statue was erected prior to our final exodus. Bumblebee: He seized a lot of things, ok? Starscream: But shouldn't they... get rid of it or something? FakeProwl: *oh. that's unicron. prowl is probably going to be on hand-holding duty tonight.* Airachnd: It was never really his, he took it. Bruin: (i forgot unicron was so damn Irish)) Bumblebee: Oh just wait. Airachnd: [she's trying to ignore what's on screen] Starscream: hahaha serves him right Smokescreen: ...... boomtank: Oh....uh...yeahno Bumblebee: ...So that's what happened. Whirl: So... the lesson here is. Don't just destroy Unicron's BODY. Whirl: You need something that'll kill his, er, "soul," as it were, too. Bumblebee: Pay up Smokey, I didn't fragging miss his spark.. Smokescreen: ... Yeah, this isn't my universe, at least. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Yes.]] Txen: ((squints at chat lag.... are my posts even showing up)) Whirl: Have we figured out how to do that yet? *swivels his helm to look between Soundwave and Shockwave* Smokescreen: Okay, okay, sorry, Bee! FakeProwl: ((that one did)) Bumblebee: [slightly salty that nobody acknowledges the rank change] ItsyBitsySpyers: ((one did earlier txen)) Bumblebee: (( nah i got lag too )) Smokescreen: oh primus I'm embarrassing in every universe Rodimus: I party----- Starscream: ((me too Airachnd: Yes, you are. FakeProwl: ((errybody laggin)) Whirl: Of COURSE he is gonna run off. Bumblebee: We can sit together in mutual embarrassment. Whirl: That's what Optimus does BEST. Bumblebee: Speeches? Bumblebee: Leadership? ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Only in some timelines, Whirl.]] There are still so many he doesn't know how to stop. Whirl: No, running away from his problems. Txen: *to Whirl* Primal energies are antithetical to his essence and provide a partial solution, under the right circumstances. Bumblebee: Literally everything and anything requiring an iota of responsibility? Whirl: And then swooping back in and swanning around like he never left. Airachnd: Droning on? Smokescreen: ... Oh. Oh yeah-- I learned about this pretty recently- wait, the matrix can lead to it...? Bumblebee: ... Starscream: ugh, OP speeches, annoying in every verse Bumblebee: Apparently? No idea how it works. Smokescreen: Sounds sounds do you think these universes are the same on something like that? Rodimus: I'll navigate YOUR deep space, Optimus. Bumblebee: ... Smokescreen: ...... Starscream: hahaha Rodimus: *yawns and stretches* Bumblebee: why Smokescreen: RODIMUS NO Airachnd: No. Txen: ((so does this mean that to robots, irish accents are like. the accent of the devil)) Smokescreen: I need to make sure Megatron never dies ItsyBitsySpyers: *Hold it together. Megatron is dead. Separated. Devoured. He cannot be reanimated.* Rodimus: No what? Starscream: torture him more! Bumblebee: (( IMAGINE IF THEY WATCHED JACKSEPTICEYE )) Starscream: Go back! FakeProwl: *hey this likes the kind of thing Soundwave really wouldn't like. knuckle nudges hand?* Whirl: So, in theory, the best weapon against unicron is life. Well. Praise Heqet, I guess. Txen: ((robots only get irish accents if you're born and raised on the devil hisself)) Airachnd: Or, you know, throw his body into the nearest star and make sure his body melts completely. FakeProwl: *BULKHEAD IS A TERRIBLE FOREMAN AND PROWL IS JUDGING HIM.* Bumblebee: I like that idea, Airachnid. At least, to mine. ItsyBitsySpyers: *He was going to try to last without it but now that it's there he will take the Pit out of that hand.* FakeProwl: *HE HAS 2+ MONTHS OF EXPERIENCE, HE CAN JUDGE.* Smokescreen: shockwave more like shockbabe Bumblebee: smokey no Airachnd: Smokescreen. Txen: *Shockwave is here, Smokescreen* Airachnd: Stop. Smokescreen: ... This is kinda... Smokescreen: I'm sorry, what was that, Spidey? Maybe Babewave would work? Shockbox: *visibly reacts to 'shockbabe', but does not press on it.* Txen: *youll get used to it, alternate. just ignore them* Airachnd: Stop Rodimus: Barawave Bumblebee: Smokescreen...why? Whirl: I know that face! Txen: DS: *POUNDS ON FLOOR* FakeProwl: ((i keep forgetting their accents)) Smokescreen: Bee it's bugging Spidey! How about... Cuddlewave? Or is that a Soundwave nickname Txen: DS: ITS US!! *shakes skylynx* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[He does not know if the Matrix hears the call of the AllSpark. Prowl was the one who first tracked it.]] Bumblebee: Looking back...this feels really unnecessary. Smokescreen: :OOO I WANNA WRESTLE LIKE THIS but preferably with less chance of dying Rodimus: Hm? ItsyBitsySpyers: *Frenzy whoops in delight. His chair pal is a badass.* Whirl: Pfft, you think? Bumblebee: Primus, Smokey... Airachnd: [she enjoys Smokescreen getting smacked around though] Smokescreen: ... Oh. Do you think someone could use the matrix to find it without having to- you know. Whirl: *is probably enjoying watching Ultra Magnus get his butt whooped than he shold* Smokescreen: HEE still pretty awesome here though! Bumblebee: Ok, now I'm really happy you have that thing. Rodimus: Shag the matrix permenetally? Bumblebee: Weird storage pockets and all. Smokescreen: wait do what with the matrix Txen: DS: *stops to think a second* ...Yeah, it might've been unnecessary, but it was -also- pretty fun? Bumblebee: whY ARE WE FRAGGING THE MATRIX?? Rodimus: What you need found? Smokescreen: I'M NOT FRAGGING THE MATRIX- the allspark! Txen: *RUDE BEE* Bumblebee: [looks at Darksteeel] I meant mostly on our side but... Smokescreen: shockwave's parenting Smokescreen: wait wait where FakeProwl: *sees no reason why cloning something doesn't result in the product of "new life."* Whirl: Pfft. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Agrees.* Txen: Shockwave: I am not a parent. Smokescreen: Momwave! Bumblebee: Look, science isn't my area of expertise, ok? Rodimus: *head tilt* Yeah i most likely could look for it--- why you guys lost yours? Airachnd: So, that's where it was. Whirl: The only parents in the room are the preds. *pauses* I think. Bumblebee: Now you are, Shockwave. You created life from bones, you now have offspring. Airachnd: Anyone with optics could have seen that Bug. Txen: *though its true the two predacons were very young and rowdy at the time. violence was basically their idea of playing* Smokescreen: wait that means shockwave's a grandpa! Smokescreen: Well- I think it's similar here too Txen: Shockwave: Clones are not the same thing as offspring. Bumblebee: Grandpawave Smokescreen: ... really bee Bumblebee: ...l o o k Airachnd: Is...? Really? Smokescreen: Grandpa science! Whirl: Your Highness. Pfft. Really. Bumblebee: I-It worked, didn't it? I mean, that had like, a 4% chance of working, but it did. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Listening to Rodimus' offer to find an AllSpark. Good distraction.* FakeProwl: Seventeen percent. Txen: Predaking: *it was the flattery as much as it was him not knowing much about tech yet* Bumblebee: PredaKING. I wasn't gonna risk him plowing me into the ground... Txen: Predaking: *has a ...dislike for stabby sticks* Shockbox: *Listening to this 'parenting' conversation with some very slight amusement.* Bumblebee: Wait, really? 17%? That's a lot better than I thought. Rodimus: *side eyes bee* You sure you need into that kinda thing? Bumblebee: Need what? Rodimus: ((need = not Airachnd: [is glad she didn't have to deal with this on her Cybertron] FakeProwl: Seventeen's not good. But, yes, technically speaking, it IS higher than four. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble mumbles a "Heh" at that side eye and comment* Txen: Shockwave: *ugh. dont call him that, Starscream. especially not in that -voice- of yours* Starscream: When do we get to see more Megatron torture?  That was fun to watch. Smokescreen: .... starscream is kinda. awful ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Soon. Too soon.]] Smokescreen: guuhghhhhhhh why is starscream Whirl: Oh, please tell me someone kicks his sh it in. Txen: Skylynx: A g r e e d. Airachnd: He is. Bumblebee: I mean, I had a 5% chance of surviving Tyger Pax, so 17% is a blessing. FakeProwl: There's no relation between the two situations. 17% is low. Bumblebee: ...past me, why didn't we just start here? Bumblebee: Low, but not impossible! Whirl: Oh god, more of this. Whirl: Nothing gives  me more secondhand embarrassment than watching that clod try to fly. Buzzstrike: ...wish you'd had time to check the basements Rodimus: *chucklesto himself whirl will like Starscream's ending* Airachnd: Ugh. Smokescreen: ..... ive done this exactly Txen: Shockwave: Factually inaccurate. If you are 'too close to turn back' then you are too close to escape after retrieving the target. Bumblebee: [snorts] ItsyBitsySpyers: *Okay. Well. He got this far without seeking a hand himself, and without taking a second. He'll just. Search the other one out now.* Bumblebee: Still proud of you, Smokey. Smokescreen: Megatron's throne is pretty cozy! Ridiculous, but cozy. Whirl: *BURSTS OUT LAUGHING* Smokescreen: ... bee how Txen: Shockwave: *lets those lil fingers slip right in there between his* Bumblebee: Really? It reminds me of the Iron Throne and THAT looks like the most uncomfortable seat ever. Airachnd: [cringes] Whirl: He looks--R-RIDICULOUS! Bumblebee: I DIDN'T MISS OK?! boomtank: ........ Rodimus: I keep forgetting this universe is one of THOSE universes. Smokescreen: his eyebrows though Whirl: He looks like a walking RUST HEAP Smokescreen: It's more comfy than you'd expect! Like, the actual seat part isn't too bad! Starscream: I don't want to hear talking, I want to see him in pain Txen: Skylynx: A downgrade, -thats- for sure. Bumblebee: Smokey, I still vote we put tennis balls on Megatron's pointy bits. Txen: Skylynx: Even for a biped. Airachnd: A downgrade, in every since of the word. Bumblebee: You could, you know, say my fragging n a m e. Starscream: torture him! Airachnd: *sense Starscream: :( Shockbox: *He would look upon this hand holding with suspicion...were it not that the others so large, rendering him unable to wittness it.* Smokescreen: Definitely! We can soften him up some- boomtank: That's...a lot of firepower Whirl: So far it's just been fancier guns and bombs than the usual. It's not exactly CREATIVE... but I think I've been spoiled. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[All that he wills.]] Starscream: He failed Unicron, they got away.  Torture him! Txen: *theyve done more suspicious things than hold a hand* Smokescreen: optimus please be safe Smokescreen: I swear he better not get hurt in this! Bumblebee: ... Bumblebee: No but um... Bumblebee: You'll know when to look away. Smokescreen: what Whirl: What a surprise, here he goes running back. And let me guess--he's gonna assume his old role like he DIDN'T abandon everyone. Smokescreen: .... who hurts him I'll fight them I swear Bumblebee: Don't worry about it - hey look, Unicron! Whirl: That's the OP we all know and love. *dryly* FakeProwl: ((I got kicked offline and lost a chunck of text)) Airachnd: You heard the Bug. Shockbox: *He has been a preoccupied mech. He might have missed a few tells.* Txen: ((what even are those)) FakeProwl: ((from "Megatron's throne is pretty cozy! Ridiculous, but cozy" to "Starscream: torture him!")) Bumblebee: (( ...scyyyythes? )) FakeProwl: ((could someone send me the missing chunk please)) Whirl: ((i got u Puff)) Txen: ((purple praying mantis arms)) Smokescreen: ((I can send! FakeProwl: ((snif did it, thanks)) Bumblebee: Also, don't call me bug. Txen: ((unicrons weed logo tho)) Whirl: Everything he does looks incredibly goofy. Whirl: ((TEX)) Smokescreen: ((aaa okay Airachnd: Quite. Txen: ((age of chaos more like age of dank)) Rodimus: OH! Smokescreen: ..... yeah I'd do this Bumblebee: (( age of DANK MEMES )) Txen: ((get him some reefer thatll bliss him right out)) Smokescreen: Also Unitron seems like the best one! Rodimus: What the all spark is what makes new sparks right? Txen: ((space crack is whack)) Airachnd: age of the good kush)) ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Yes. It is.]] Shockbox: (( I am dying.)) Rodimus: *nods to Smokescreen* yeha i could find that. Smokescreen: ((its from earth how good can it be)) Txen: ((unicron IS earth)) Rodimus: I can find vector sigma-- i can find that. Magnus: *tries to slip in as discretely as a giant man can* Smokescreen: :OO So- the matrix can do all that...? Airachnd: [sage not at what Ratchet said] Rodimus: *makes grab hands at Magnus* Whirl: I don't think the allspark would help US any--unless you're getting it for them? ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave looks up, slightly surprised. A greeting ping.* Txen: Skylynx: *oh hey! the guy he chewed up!* Magnus: *nods to Rodimus* Good evening. FakeProwl: *... magnus is one of the people prowl would least like to catch him sitting on a couch with a soundwave and a shockwave* Rodimus: Magnus <3 Whirl: *snickers* I like your strategy, big guy. FakeProwl: *but prowl is on hand-holding duty. he can't leave. he'll endure it.* Smokescreen: But there's gotta be a better way to find it- I did get a bunch of coordinates from this thing recently- one of them's gotta lead to it. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave's not oblivious. He will find a way to repay that.* ItsyBitsySpyers: *But first.* @Prowl: (txt): Warning: modified patch attack approaching. Shockbox: *Two shockwaves.* FakeProwl: *acknowledging ping* Smokescreen: oh no boomtank: -so confused- Shockbox: *He still has a place on the wave couch.* Whirl: *nice* Magnus: ((was whirl talking to magnus?)) ItsyBitsySpyers: *At least Shockbox isn't being asked to perform hand duty.* Airachnd: At least Megatron has some standards. boomtank: -apparently missed enough for this to not make sense- Starscream: yes! Bumblebee: ...I oddly don't care, Megatron. Smokescreen: .... Rodimus: *he will sit properly on the couch for magnus* OuO Whirl: I can't believe Megatron said the most sensible thing I've heard all damn night. Bumblebee: ...sorry, smokey. Txen: ((god that just reminds me of the *** terrible line thats at the end)) Smokescreen: I. I need to protect Megatron- frag that sounds weird to say but ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave's dorsal plating ripples. He hates the moments within Megatron's head most of all. They are the closest to reliving the memories he stole.* FakeProwl: *squeezes Soundwave's hand instead of covering neck* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Returns it as tightly as would not also be painful. A mutual thing.* Txen: Predaking: *shudders and hackles* Magnus: *perches on the edge of the couch, not quite settling in yet* How are things on the ship, Rodimus? Bumblebee: The retributive part of me is just...really, really satisfied knowing Unicron treated him like that. Airachnd: I cannot exactly protect my Megatron, considering he is molten slag. Bumblebee: But it's the worst feeling so... Whirl: I wouldn't protect Megatron, I'd jus give him the dignity of killing him. Rodimus: Busy--- you coming back to me, Magnus? :D Whirl: ...maybe a little slowly. ItsyBitsySpyers: \\Y'ALRIGHT OVER THERE, YOUR KINGLINESS?\\ Smokescreen: That's fair! But- he's kinda stuck as leader here, andI don't want Unileader. Whirl: But a... slightly slow and very painful death is pretty damn generous, under the circumstances, really. Bumblebee: ...You two are kind of adorable. Whirl: Hmm. These two remind me of some people I know. *sidelong look at Rumble* Txen: Darksteel: Us? Bumblebee: ...Wait are we really all that surprised someone ELSE came back from the dead? ItsyBitsySpyers: *Slow blink. Equally slow look over at Frenzy. Then back at Whirl.* Smokescreen: oh nooooo megatron's butt is awful now THANKS UNICRON Bumblebee: Yes, you two. ItsyBitsySpyers: //...Guess the birds are like that, yeah.// Bumblebee: ...Smokescreen, what the frag? Swoop: :V Magnus: Only with a certain someone in handcuffs. *glances up and around at the room, faceplates shifting into a frown at the scene* ... Yes, busy. I can see that. Swoop: :V Txen: ((shockwave non reaction lmao))\ boomtank: ohwow Smokescreen: ... What? Airachnd: shockwave, seeing god of chaos: eh)) Smokescreen: ... I need to learn to NOT externalize every thought, huh? ItsyBitsySpyers: *Crunch.* Shockbox: (( Isn't that at least 90% of his reactions, though.)) Whirl: *maintains his cheeky sidelong look for a moment longer before watching the action* I gotta say, I like Peadcons' style. I mean it went poorly but how can you not appreciate someone whose first-- Whirl: --reaction to encountering the avatar of a god is to try and kill him? Rodimus: *nudges Magnus* I was the first in weeks--- *shrugs* I doubt i even need to hold these. FakeProwl: *has been quietly listening in on Magnus's conversation* Txen: Shockwave: *crunched* Smokescreen: oh no Bumblebee: No Smokey, I just...Megatron's butt? Really? Txen: ((and yes... his reactions are all 'eh' and it is precious)) Rodimus: ((I = this Whirl: *snickers at Rumble* FakeProwl: @Magnus «Have you made any progress that you're at liberty to share?» Swoop: Him Shockwave dead Bumblebee: Shockwave, you were not built for speed. Smokescreen: those squeaks from those predaterrors are kinda adorable Bumblebee: ..........Dear Primus. Airachnd: [covers mouth with hand servo] FakeProwl: ((I get the feeling that Shockwave's "It defies all science" and Starscream's "We're doomed!" are the same statement in different languages.)) Whirl: Bless them, tanks are fantastic but not known for their maneuverability. Txen: That is true. I am not. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave pings Shockwave. He's so very, very grateful his ally survived. And was not turned.* Bruin: *get wreked* boomtank: Wh-what just happened there? Txen: *is clearly not dead, swoop* Magnus: *bats Rodimus's nudging hand away like someone might a child's* It is, of course, your decision, captain. You know more of crew morale than I do these days. Swoop: *no, ur dead* Txen: ((lol puff)) Swoop: *don't tell him is business, that dude dead* Txen: *glances at Soundwave and wiggles his fingers in agreement. he didnt particularly wish to die there either* Whirl: A moment of silence for our dear, departed Shockwave. I can't believe he's gone. *drapes a claw over his cockpit dramatically* ItsyBitsySpyers: \\I CAN STILL HEAR HIS VOICE...\\ Txen: Shockwave: *quiet scoff* Airachnd: [chuckling] Bumblebee: Sometimes, I can still hear his voice. Smokescreen: ... Airachnd: [LAUGHS] Smokescreen: RUDE Bumblebee: Smokey please Shockbox: (( I remember /cackling/ when I first saw that.)) Whirl: *laughs* Swoop: :V Bruin: *lol* Smokescreen: ... /Going to go ahead and phase himself into a wall just for extra effect/ Beeeeee help I'm a wall decoration Rodimus: *pouts just a little but still smiles widely* Bumblebee: [snickers] Swoop: :V :V :V Airachnd: How shallow of him. Txen: Skylynx: *rolls onto his back and covers his optics with his tail plume* Txen: Skylynx: This part is....... embarassing... Smokescreen: beeeee I'm a real wallflower here :( Bumblebee: And I can't believe THAT worked. Swoop: *patpatpatpatpats Skylynx* Bumblebee: pfffffft Magnus: @Prowl: *glances sidelong at the unexpected comm* ::I am loath to admit it, but I doubt the chase will end soon. There is little positive to report.:: Swoop: What embarassing boomtank: ...are you kdding me? Whirl: Happens to the best of us, mech. *sympathetic nod to Skylynx* Smokescreen: I can! You can't spell Starscream without "Gullible." Bumblebee: Smokey, I'm so doing that again. Smokescreen: Stargulliblescream FakeProwl: *mumbles* fifty-eight percent probability. Whirl: ...won't happen to ME, though. *cheeky, sidelong look Predaking's way* boomtank: He broke it that easily? Airachnd: Oh, he's alive. Swoop: Look, him dead Bumblebee: He's alive. boomtank: Shockwave looked alive there Smokescreen: Pff- please do, Beepbee. Txen: Predaking: *amused hmph at Whirl* I do not expect -your- fealty. Merely your defeat. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Ravage joins the couch to park himself on Soundwave's lap.* Bumblebee: Whirl, are you flirting with Predaking??? FakeProwl: @Magnus «I see. If you need any assistance...» Smokescreen: Hey Soundwave- are the predacons online where you are? Txen: Shockwave: *looks quite alive now in fact* FakeProwl: @Magnus «I'm certain you won't accept it from me. But, I offer it anyway.» Whirl: Pfft, as if anyone could earn my fealty, really. But still--we need to set up a time and place. ItsyBitsySpyers: =Yes. Many.= Airachnd: [laughs] Smokescreen: ME NO Whirl: *to Bumblebee* Hmm. No, not yet. Gotta see how he fights, first. Airachnd: The idea of smokescreen being a Prime. Rodimus: Firebreath is so awesome, its a good motif! Smokescreen: me you don't need to mention that every time it's really not necessary and- yeah. Not the right bot at all. Airachnd: It's laughable at best.

The damn stream rebooted. Lost a huge chunk of the chat.

Welcome to the 'lostlightstream' room. Smokescreen: No no no no no- I'm NOT crying on more Optimi. Bumblebee: You want to talk? I...it's...I get it. Smokescreen: ((it's completely hoeless now :( Whirl: If you say so. Airachnd: Oh well, it started when I told him to talk to my Optimus, to truly see if he was over Optimus' death. Whirl: *SMOKESCREEN, HE IS BEING SINCERE* Whirl: *Exhibit A that Whirl is Not Good At Comforting People* boomtank: No, you didn't but you're blaming yoursself for something that you were not capable of stopping ItsyBitsySpyers: *Tiny helm shake. All right. He's focused on the room again, and not distant thoughts. Where is everyone's conversation? He'll buzz Ravage for the data.* Whirl: ((hoeless, eh)) Rodimus: YOu remember to refuel Magnus? You forget when you are working too hard. Airachnid: ((wait dangit it did somethign weird with the chat)) Shockwave: ((wow i just DCd and it lost recent stuff and is showing me older stuff ;;) Airachnid: ((what the heck)) FakeProwl: ((... skype just randomly refreshed and deleted the whole window, can somebody send me the log-- dammit did it happen to everyone)) boomtank: ((the frick? Airachnid: WHY IS YOUR NAME  AIRACHNID ON MY SCREEN)) Smokescreen: ((Yeahhh it happened to everyone)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((it happened to me too D:)) Smokescreen: ((I DONT KNOW IT JUST DID THAT??)) Whirl: ((SMOKESCREEN AAHAHA)) Whirl: ((THEYF UUUSED)) Sorida: (( omg what just happened)) FakeProwl: ((well, fvck. i lost a huge chunk of tonight's chat. :,) Rodimus: ((cause not its not lagging Smokescreen: ((smokescreen is actually airachnid)) Sorida: (( I KNEW IT )) boomtank: ((smokey no! Rodimus: ((they reset servers Airachnid: fusion is just a tactic to make weak Cybertronians stronger)) Airachnid: *grunts, pulling his attentuion away from the shouting* Sir? I'm fueled to sufficient levels. I have no intention of working tonight. *oddly enough, he's not getting up to stop the shouting* Smokescreen: But yeah- Optimus' life is way more important than- you know. Whirl: ((OH NO IT HAPPENED TO BIG M TOO)) Smokescreen: ((ULTRA MAGNUS is also airachnid livestream made everyone spider Airachnid: EVERYONE'S NAME IS AIRACHNID ON MY SCREEN WHY)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((who am i appearing as)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((awwww, i'm still myself)) Whirl: ((and in that moment... I swear we were all airachnid)) Airachnid: we are all spider)) Sorida: (( PFFFFFFFFFFF )) FakeProwl: ((are we at least multicolor airachnids)) Shockwave: ((omg magnus is airachnid too)) Bruin: ((go home livestream ur drunk)) Shockbox: ((Hm.)) Airachnid: Airachnid has taken over)) Whirl: ((our queen)) Smokescreen: ((queen!!)) Shockwave: ((i vote we end on this note. nothing can top Airachnid Rainbow)) Airachnid: -finger guns-)) boomtank: ((oh god Shockbox: (( Pffffff.)) Airachnid: true)) FakeProwl: ((everyone's name is normal to me but im delighted to know that yall have rainbow spider)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((i have two airachnids and everyone else is fine)) Whirl: ((most everyone's name is normal here, with the exception of BB's and Magnus's, but BB's has changed)) Shockbox: (( Txen is showing up as 'Shockwave' for me.)) Shockbox: (( But that is not problematic at all, really.)) Shockwave: ((it booted me back to a previous nickname i guess)) Airachnid: ((Lord, I do show up as airachnid)) Airachnid: ((weird Shockbox: ((/shrug emoji)) boomtank: You didn't know what was going to happen, and blaming yourself is doing you no favors FakeProwl: ((oh wait, magnus is airachnid! i DO have a false spider.)) Airachnid: ((identity crisis)) Airachnid changed their nickname to Magnus. FakeProwl: ((well, we already knew you were everybody)) Smokescreen: I guess so... It makes me feel like I've got some control over what happened, but- it's not like I can go back and change it now. Rodimus: You remember to refuel Magnus? *he starts to stand up* You forget when you are working too hard. Sorida changed their nickname to Bumblebee. Bumblebee: [hugs Smokey] Bumblebee: You weren't expecting it, doesn't sound like anyone was. Smokescreen: /Clinging to Bee/ boomtank: You didn't. That's the point. You did what you could in a situation you had no control over Whirl: I still maintain that the Drifters did this song better. Rodimus: I like her voice. Whirl: It's not bad/ Airachnid: It is indeed nice, tolerable for human music. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[It is pleasing. As are the lyrics.]] Whirl: But not everyone can be Ben E King. Whirl: It's a good song. *nods* Smokescreen: But I didn't do enough- I wish I could've done more. I at least could be not here helping Megatron of all bots, but- I don't think I could lead something against him now. Whirl: *tilts his head* Hey, Rodders, got time for a request? FakeProwl: *not enough rock. isn't enjoying it.* Rodimus: I bet Magnus could sing it better * he grins teasingly at the ex-enforcer* FakeProwl: *but, it managed to rouse soundwave back into speech. ...well. "speech."* Rodimus: What's up Whirl? Whirl: Anything by AC/DC. Not enough classic rock in tonight's playlist. boomtank: You did what you could. And...sometimes that isn't enough. It's life. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Trust good music to draw something out of him even when he's tired.* Whirl: *and he happens to know a certain depressed mech sharing the couch with him might appreciate some AC/DC* Airachnid: /By the Allspark/. boomtank: But you continue to live. And looking back like you are only holds you back. Shockwave: *taps Soundwave's palm with a claw. he has... Potentially Humorous Commentary* Smokescreen: I guess so- but doesn't make it better- I wish I could've done better. Magnus: I'm quite alright, si- *pauses a little* I'm not singing anything. *frowns, not right now* Rodimus: AC/DC --- ok i play alot of that let go with something i never played before. Bumblebee: Smokes... ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave glances over at Shockwave. Hmm? What?* boomtank: You can't do anything now, but you can move forwards Whirl: *listens; it's not immediately apparent what this is* ... ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble hears good jams and starts to lift his helm.* Bumblebee: But think about what's happened now Whirl: --WAIT. WAIT NOT THIS ONE. Whirl: DIFFERENT SONG. ......*ahem* ItsyBitsySpyers: *...Wait a second* Whirl: *attempts to regroup  his cool* Whirl: How about Shoot to Thrill. Rodimus: What---? Whirl: How about that one. ItsyBitsySpyers: *IS HE PLAYING--* Bumblebee: Whirl, what? Rodimus: Not alot about rosie? Whirl: NO. Smokescreen: Move forward? I don't even know what I CAN go with now Whirl: I mean, no. Whirl: Shoot to Thrill. Whirl: *HE BEEFED IT* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble's visor dims to near black. He suddenly gets very interested in looking at Airachnid instead.* Whirl: *SUPER BEEF* Airachnid: ... what? FakeProwl: *there's shouting. what's whirl doing.* Whirl: *he's doing his best to keep his cool* Magnus: *stiffens a little, promised himself he wouldn't get in the middle of it but it's getting harder the louder it gets* boomtank: Live rather than survive. Looking back like you are now? That's not living. You cannot change the past, so stop putting all your focus on it Airachnid: He cannot apparently. Airachnid: Pity. boomtank: Stay out of this spider ItsyBitsySpyers: //Nothin'. Jus' was--// He can't even lie well right now. //--Thinkin' bout the moon. 'S all.// Bumblebee: Airachnid, take your sass. Put it in your pocket. Airachnid: Make me. boomtank: I just might Smokescreen: I thought I was doing a pretty good job of living, though... Bumblebee: You are! Airachnid: :3c Bumblebee: I mean, look at how many friends you have, how many bots care about you. Whirl: *should he pretend it never happened? What do? WHAT DO* ...@Rumble: Sorry, mech. Shockwave: *passes over the thought of a rather silly mitten-looking 'Hand Reinforcement' for protection against future crushing. if, you know. they werent already done with the content that's to blame.* Shockwave: *its clear he doesn't really resent having to repair his hand twice and its just a ... very, very dry attempt at joke* Bumblebee: Don't you make that face, Airachnid. Rodimus: *looks to magnus and gives a small shrug* Airachnid: >:3cccccccc Smokescreen: buddy you're a wise man something something gonna be a big man someday Smokescreen: ... oh Bumblebee: [bobbing his head a little, he actually knows this song] Rodimus: @Magnus ::If we are in a hurry I can kick them all out so we can have our meeting.:: Whirl: ((imagining airachnid make that face tho)) Shockwave: ((shockwaves hand to soundwaves hand: we've got to stop meeting like this)) Airachnid: she does)) Bumblebee: Close, Smokey. Big difference between Queen and AC/DC Shockwave: ((soundwaves hand to shockwaves hand: ive got a crush on u)) Airachnid: when she smiles, her mouth is like :3)) ItsyBitsySpyers: @Whirl: //What for?// How the FRAG did he know? WHO TOLD HIM? Whirl: ((PFFT)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((txen you're killing me lmfao)) Bumblebee: (( i'm convinced that's the only expression she knows )) boomtank: -better, lets Bee take over now- Airachnid: it's the only emoji she uses)) Smokescreen: I know Queen? That's one difference ItsyBitsySpyers: @Shockwave: [[...In red.]] Whirl: *well, even if he hadn't said anything, his reaction to the song gave him away anything* @Rumble: I think you know. But, uh. ...sorry. *excellent. he has mastered wordsmithing, just look at him* Whirl: ...*anyway Whirl: *anything?? wtf me)) Bumblebee: Smokescreen, you ever hear Bohemian Rhapsody? That one's a trip. Smokescreen: Of course! Magnus: @Rodimus: ::Do not rush things on my account, but if you think it will stop the shouting... Well, it is not my place to say anymore. I relinquished my place here.:: Shockwave: @Soundwave: *considers whether the polyfibers could be dyed, then nods. the little mental image turns red* Rodimus: @Magnus ::Just go head up to my of-- no wait--- the ready room we can have our meeting there and not be interupted.:: boomtank: -back to the work on his datapad- Rodimus: *shrugs and tilts his helm to the room* Rodimus: @Magnus ::No other officers come to this anymore i can just leave it to them.:: Bumblebee: What other Earth music do you know? [oh good, a distraction until next time Optimus comes up in conversation...] Whirl: ((the closest thing to an officer in this room is Whirl. What a scary thought)) Bumblebee: (( ........that is terrifying )) ItsyBitsySpyers: @Whirl: //Yeah. All right.// A long pause. //Listen, don't - I don't wanna... y'know.// He's not ready to talk about that yet. //Jus'. Don't say nothin'.// boomtank: ((wait, what? Rodimus: ((just rodimus alone THATS FINE HE IS GETTING USED OT IT)) Smokescreen: A bunch of it! I'd play a bunch of their pop music whenever I was driving- It was one of those stations that did pop music from the '80's to today? Bumblebee: wait you did what on patrols?? Bumblebee: please tell me those weren't patrols. Smokescreen: Not on patrols! Smokescreen: Just drives for fun. Whirl: *makes a soft "pfft" sound aloud* @R: Of course I won't, mech. I haven't so far. I'm not gonna throw you under the bus. Bumblebee: Ok, because I did that my first few months and...yea. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave huffs softly. He appreciates the mitten joke. He also pictured them on the revived Megatron's hands instead, to make him less intimidating a thought. It helped.* Bumblebee: What stuff did you hear? Magnus: @Rodimus: *glances around with a grunt* ::I think that sounds like a good idea. I'll be waiting for you, sir.:: Smokescreen: I'd play other songs while on patrol to get my head in the game. Magnus: *slowly brushes off his frame and starts to get up* Shockwave: ((gosh my LS chat is doing a thing where it wont scroll unless i catch it up manually ;;)) ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble stares at Whirl for a couple of seconds before nodding. His visor goes a tad brighter, but his night's kinda done now.* //Goin' home. Seeya.// Whirl: ((I HATE IT when it does that X|)) Whirl: *bobs his helm* G'night. Smokescreen: A lot of stuff! You ever hear about Michael Jackson? He's the King of pop! Really talented! Actually actually can we listen to him Whirl: I'm Bad's a good song. Rodimus: I like this cover Bumblebee: Yeah, I have! Smokescreen: all his songs are good songs Whirl: It... huh. Sounds like. Cyclonus, a little. *blinks* Bumblebee: ...This is a nice cover. Bumblebee: Sad, but nice. Whirl: ((his voice is lovely but the original is so much more haunting <3)) Rodimus: ((you shut it you only like orginals Whirl: *just gonna stare at the blank screen with a wide opic and a perked antenna, like a cat watching a computer cursor* Rodimus: ((I tihnk its cause i heard this one live and his voice tears your chest Rodimus: ((I am glad he made a offical cover Whirl: ((I like plenty of covers... Iron Savior's cover of The Hellion/Electric Eye is much better than Judas Priests;'s, for instance)) Shockwave: DS: *looks from screen to whirl a few times* You look like Shockwave when a test tube's around. Magnus: *nods to Rodimus as he stands* I'll be seeing you shortly, sir. *begins to slip out towards their meeting spot* Whirl: ((His voice is wonderful, but I just love Simon and Garfunkel's haunting harmony!)) FakeProwl: ((this isn't the best version I've heard him do)) Rodimus: *smiles brightly at Magnus* FakeProwl: ((p good though)) ItsyBitsySpyers: *Laserbeak CACKLES at Darksteel's remark* Bumblebee: [snickers] Whirl: *blinks and snaps out of it, snorting* What? Really? ...do his antenna do the thing. Airachnid: [it was somewhat cute] Rodimus: ((yeah it was killer live Whirl: ((I'll bet!)) Rodimus: Cyclonus really...? Whirl: Hmm? What about him? Shockwave: DS: They do all sorts of stuff if you pay attention long enough. *leans in conspiratorially* Shockwave: DS: You really wanna see em wiggle? Whirl: *snickers* I'll be sure to keep an eye out. Whirl: ((now HERE is a cover I love, this one is amazin)) Whirl: *doesn't even try to hide this statement from Shockwave* FakeProwl: *ugh. so apparently it's all sad melodic songs now.* Shockwave: Shockwave: *not dignifying this conversation with a response* Rodimus: Maybe that gravel part of the voice--- you know right when you -hit- his shpot /just/ right be is hella hard to get the deep---- OH HELLO MULTIVESE MECHS! :D Smokescreen: /Drooping a little with the song- sad songs are rough tonight!/ Rodimus: *lets just go stack up cubes and like talk details on how to get crewmates off* FakeProwl: *turns down his audials. if anybody wants his attention, they can shout to him. the only person here he plans on speaking with doesn't talk anyway.* Bumblebee: [pets Smokey's wings] Shockwave: DS: *IS actually talking in a hushed voice, just isnt very GOOD at it* Just put that... weirdo human movie alien he likes up on the screen. Whirl: *if that was sexua, it went right over Whirl's head* Yeah, when he sings, it's always got that edge to it. ItsyBitsySpyers: ((DARKSTEEL)) Whirl: Also, Rodders, if you'll deign to take a second request from me, can we listen to I'm Bad? Smokescreen: /Nuzzling Bee some here/ Smokescreen: YEAH YEAH BAD!!! Rodimus: *snrots and looks up at the warrior to see if he is getting tyed with* Whirl: *he';s gonna cheer SOMEONE up, dammit* Rodimus: What no more sappy songs eh? Whirl: You're gonna hafta be more specific than that, Darksteel. Whirl: Oh, no, I'm enjoying this. The harmony's lovely. But 'Bee talked about Michael Jackson, so... *shrugs* Bumblebee: ...This song is a lot sadder than I remember. Smokescreen: .... Shockbox: *He is paying attention to the conversation, but doing his best to pretend he isn't.* Smokescreen: /Going to rest his helm in Bee's lap- he's already feeling drained enoughhhh/ Bumblebee: [pets Smokey's helm] Shockbox: *This....talk of aliens and antennae wiggles.* Bumblebee: Same, buddy. Whirl: ((everyone wants to know the Secret of Shockwave's Antenna)) Rodimus: Half way? *he grins cheekily* Shockwave: Darksteel: *grimaces and tries to remember. wiggles a claw in the air* You know, the... it's all black and shiny, and it lays its eggs in people? Bumblebee: Darksteel, what?! Whirl: *momentary distant look* Whirl: Can't... say that's familiar, mech. Smokescreen: ... Wait, Darksteel, what? Where? Bumblebee: Should we be...worried about that?? Shockwave: Darksteel: *shushes Bee and Smokey urgently and looks back at Shockwave* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Frenzy leans on Darksteel's side and motions for Whirl's attention. He then points at Soundwave and mouths the word "Halloween"* Whirl: Send me a pic. Shockwave: Shockwave: *dun give a fuk* Rodimus: Aleins? Bumblebee: Insecticons? Whirl: *looks to Frenzy* ... *he's trying to tell him something, he can feel it* Shockwave: Darksteel: No-- I mean, I think he likes them too-- and -yeah- no slag its an alien... Rodimus: That? ItsyBitsySpyers: *PRIMUS WARN A MECH* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave sits back a lil* Whirl: Well, if it's in a movie, I'VE never seen the movie. *looks to the screen* Shockwave: Darksteel: *pulls a blue crayon out of his subspace and starts doodling drawing of a xenomorph on it* Here--- heyyy. Whirl: Yep. Never seen that film. Whirl: *NOW IMEMDIATELY LOOKS TO SHOCKWAVE* Rodimus: We showed it FakeProwl: *??* Smokescreen: :O Bumblebee: O.o; FakeProwl: *u ok soundwave* Whirl: I missed it, then. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Yes. Yes, er, he's fi--STOP THAT* Shockwave: Shockwave: .................. *antennae quiver* Whirl: *ZOOP* Whirl: *HE SAW IT* Shockbox: *Well....now /he/ is intrigued by this creature.* Shockwave: Darksteel: *a little miffed his doodle got beat to the punch* FakeProwl: *since he's already looking in soundwave's direction, catches that quiver from past him* Smokescreen: is that soundwave boomtank: -looks up- ....? Rodimus: He dressed up as one. FakeProwl: *glances back at screen. ... hmm. so /both/ of them.* Whirl: It's pretty neat. Whirl: I dig the tail. Shockbox: *He tilts his helm curiously, as his antennae, tragically, do not wiggle.* boomtank: What is that? Bumblebee: That is terrifying. Whirl: Nah, it's adorable. Bumblebee: Would not want to run into one of those. boomtank: Looks interesting Whirl: The inner mouth kinda reminds me of Killer, a little. Smokescreen: I mean, it could be kinda cute... Rodimus: It was a pretty cool movie if not---- a tad VERY 80's Shockwave: Shockwave: 8would very much like to run into one of those* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[It is - an efficient organic.]] Bumblebee: ...Do I want to know who or what Killer is? Whirl: ...waaait. Wait! No, I HAVE seen one of these! She shows up at Teach's movie night sometimes, yeah? *looks to Soundwave* Shockwave: ((RODDY YOU ARE THE LORD OF 80s)) Rodimus: ((its not an insult ot rodimus lol Whirl: Killer's my pet space barnacle. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Yes.]] Very, very carefully keeping his mental tone flat. [[She has.]] Whirl: It dismembered someone once. *drapes his claw over his cockpit* Such a little stinker. Bruin: *Specter is practically bouncing on Bruins head because thats a neat organic, could use a few more eyes tho* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Merciful Micronus, that one's a mech.* Whirl: Nice. Shockwave: Shockwave: *ah* Shockbox: *Reserving judgement for when (if ever) he gets to see one of these creatures in action.* Rodimus: *going to keep scrolling threw pictures yes.* Whirl: That would be a killer alt-mode. Shockbox: *But still, /very/ curious.* boomtank: !!! Whirl: *luckily for Soundwave, Whirl isn't judging him, he's most interested in the creatures, and sought from him merely confirmation* Shockbox: *Well. That is a little bit of action.* boomtank: okaynotinterestinganymore Whirl: Little drooly, though. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Distraction. Distraction. Shockwave's distracted. Can't ping him.* FakeProwl: *prowl is. just. sideways glancing at his couchmates. feels like he learned something tonight.* ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Thoughts about documentary? ItsyBitsySpyers: *There. Yes. Good.* Whirl: *LAUGHS* Whirl: The little mouth! Shockwave: Shockwave: *going to put darksteel on -such- Throne Room Construction Duty* Whirl: Aww, look at it! It tore someone in two! Airachnid: [is going to sneak out while everyone is looking at the pictures] Shockbox: *Mesmerized* Whirl: *will swivel his helm and bob his head at Airachnid* FakeProwl: *ah? hm.* @Soundwave «The knowledge that Unicron can compact himself into the size of a regular mech is... alarming. I wouldn't have thought it possible for such a small frame to support him.» Shockwave: Darksteel: *Regret.......* FakeProwl: @Soundwave «I take it you invited Starscream to warn him against the dangers of making a bargain with Unicron for power.» ItsyBitsySpyers: *Thank goodness, the images are gone. Going from the tape to that was SUCH whiplash.* Shockbox: *Aw. It is over.* Whirl: ((darksteel, you did us all a great service today. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten)) Rodimus: *grins to himself and centently projecting his mirth* ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Correct. Record indicated boxverse alternate attempted. This, not wanted. Rodimus: *trolllolololol* Shockwave: Shockwave: *relaxes very slightly now that he doesnt have to be so Attentive to the Perfect Organic* ItsyBitsySpyers: *RODIMUS HE TAKES BACK EVERY GIFT YOU GOT TODAY* Rodimus: *mind is off unicorn isnt it?* ItsyBitsySpyers: *...You can keep the gifts* Cardinal: Hello Soundwave and company! Whirl: *streetches* Well, I feel like I learned a lot tonight. I should see that movie sometime. Cardinal: ((Aww did I miss the stream)) Bumblebee: I never want to see that movie. Whirl: *stands and points to Predaking* Comm me when you're free. We'll has out a date and time. Smokescreen: Oh! Soundwave- did you ever get a chance to listen to that playlist? Bumblebee: [thumbs-up at Whirl] FakeProwl: @Soundwave «Boxverse. The one where Starscream is crowned and immediately assassinated by Megatron-turned-Galvatron?» FakeProwl: *he's guessing based on, y'know, the box shapes.* Shockbox: *He will have to ask his alternate what makes that Organic so 'Perfect', but he'll admit to it being appealing.* Shockwave: Shockwave: *hesitates* .... I possess the films on file and have shared them previously. boomtank: -and up he goes. Time to go home now- ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Greetings, Knock Out.]] And yes, he missed it. [[Farewell, Blaster.]] Bumblebee: Knock Out! boomtank: Thanks for the recording, g'night Whirl: There's more than ONE? Well, deamn. Yeah, shoot em to me, mech. *nods* Shockwave: Predaking: *nods to Whirl. now that the documentary has ended, it seems an opportune time for such... 'hashing'* Rodimus: *pings whirl a link to DL the triolgy later* Cardinal: Hello Bee! boomtank: -waves to Soundwave before leaving- ItsyBitsySpyers: @Smokescreen [[Part of it. He is enjoying it.]] Shockwave: Shockwave: Very well. boomtank: ((mun is gonna wander off now, thanks for the stream Shockbox: *And speaking of asking things later.....* @Shockwave: I have a proposition. Smokescreen: Really? I'm glad you're liking it! Guess I was right about the music you like. Whirl: All right, I'm out. See you losers later. *salutes the room and trots for the door* Bumblebee: Bye, Whirl! FakeProwl: *ah. the pretty doctor is here.* Shockwave: Shockwave: *looks at alternate expectantly* ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Affirmative. That Starscream, also ghost. *Small pause.* Unknown if related to one encountered. FakeProwl: *he missed the show.* Cardinal: *awww* Bumblebee: Hey Predaking, um...never mind. Cardinal: *is going to look around for Buzzsaw* FakeProwl: @Soundwave «Ghost. Is that a frequent occurrence with Starscreams?» Smokescreen: :O Knocktopus! Whirl: *spins on his heel to nod to Bee, spins back, and leaves* Shockwave: Predaking: *blinks* Cardinal: Trogdor! Smokescreen: /Going to wave at Knocktopus- he's not moving his helm from Bee's lapthough/ ItsyBitsySpyers: *Buzzsaw floats over to Knock Out and perches. Saw buds.* Smokescreen: You should lie down here with me- it's pretty comfy here! Cardinal: *saw buds 4 life* Cardinal: *waves back to Smokescreen* Cardinal: In a bit, definitely! ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Unclear. Three known. More examples needed. Bumblebee: ...Well, Predaking, sir. Would you, um, we're trying to organize treaties and...you know, Predacon territory. Protecting it. Yeah. So. Cardinal: Hello Buzzsaw.  How goes life in the art world? FakeProwl: @Soundwave «That's three too many for my tastes. I don't suppose you know how to... banish them? exorcize? ghostbust?» ItsyBitsySpyers: {{Successful, of course! Steve Vale awaits the completion of my newest piece with stalled ventilations.}} Cardinal: Steve Vale?  *thinks*  Is that the Eradicon settlement? FakeProwl: ((... is he making a statue of starscream for steve vale)) Cardinal: A sculpture I assume? Bumblebee: ...Steve Vale? Shockwave: Predaking: Ah, so you seek my advice regarding my bretheren from your 'universe'. Rodimus: *oh great they are all chatting now...* ItsyBitsySpyers: {{Ah! You've heard of it! Yes, they look forward to having their struggles immortalized.}} Bumblebee: Yes. Please. Council's tricky and this is the one thing they're going to let me do so... Cardinal: *nods thoughtfully* Cardinal: What kind of materials do you typically used? Rodimus: *flops backwards on the now cleared off table and broods* ItsyBitsySpyers: @Bumblebee: {{A large Vehicon settlement of approximately 80. All have assigned themselves variations on the human designation "Steve".}} Bruin: *Everyone has reached the end of their collective socialization tolerance fr the night, so time to leave* Shockbox: @Shockwave: In exchange for my own CNA sample, I would like to request a small preview of your current working area. ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Negative. Knowledge never needed. One reframed, one helpful. Other seen, never met. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Laserbeak helpfully pats Rodimus' helm and offers him a treat with one feeler* ItsyBitsySpyers: *...She then takes it back, splits it in half, and offers him half. She'll eat the other piece.* FakeProwl: @Soundwave «Hm. Too bad.» *it might be useful if he ever needs to assassinate Starscream someday.* Shockwave: Predaking: *frowns thoughtfully* What is the current status of your relations? Has their territory been respected thus far? FakeProwl: *admittedly, the dead usually can't hold public office, but he wouldn't put it past Starscream to try anyway.* ItsyBitsySpyers: {{Found materials, dead parts, energon... the usual, dear doctor.}} Cardinal: *chuckles*  I thought so. Shockwave: @Shockbox: *helm tilt* ...Acceptable. *his samples from the boxyverses are limited, and all evidence indicates that this alternate is not particularly destructive or disrespectful* ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Will inform if discovered. Cardinal: My mate uses the same for his puzzles. I was thinking I might trade you some of his cast-offs for some of yours? Give you both more variety for your respective work. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Buzzsaw sticks out a feeler. Deal.* FakeProwl: @Soundwave «I'd appreciate it.» Bumblebee: As well as it can be, bots are afraid and mostly don't want trouble. But I know there's going to be THAT idiot that goes out and tries to hunt them. So I guess...how much space is enough space... Bumblebee: And how much contact do you want from us? Cardinal: *shakes it formally* Shockbox: *His posture might have straightened a smidgen. He nods at the other's confirmation.* ItsyBitsySpyers: {{I shall transfer you one of my rare failed pieces tomorrow.}} Shockwave: Predaking: *hmms* Such an individual would soon become the hunted. Bumblebee: Yeah, and then it would just be a giant mess for everyone. Shockbox: *Going to be the first time he willingly travels to someone else's universe for something other than a large gathering.* Bumblebee: But I'll keep in mind to write that into the treaty. Shockwave: *daw........ alternate playdate* Shockbox: *Shhshhhh yes.* Cardinal: Hey Trogdor, still room over there? Shockbox: *Might need....coodinates.....and to set up a time.* FakeProwl: @Soundwave «... How are you?» Smokescreen: Plenty of room! Come on over! FakeProwl: *he needs to leave to get ready for work soon, but he's gotta make sure Soundwave has adequately recovered first.* Shockbox: *Do not recall if Shockbox was ever given a frequency to attempt communication with, either.* ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Relieved documentaries: complete. Tired. Journey home, recharge imminent. Rodimus: *bored Rdoimus. this is bad* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Which is why the minis are starting to gather toward him* Rodimus: *he sits up and peers aroudn the room servaying...* FakeProwl: *acknowledging ping. that's good enough.* @Soundwave «I should go get ready for work.» ItsyBitsySpyers: *Oh no. Soundwave knows what that means. He's scramming.* Smokescreen: /He's going to glance at Rodimus and wink at- come make a car pile!/ Bumblebee: Smokey, this is your song. ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Acknowledged. Work well. ... Assistance appreciated. Shockwave: Predaking: If my 'alternate' is anything like myself, then the principle factors for consideration are power and respect. Peaceable relations -are- possible, but recall that your Autobots may still-- Cardinal: Excellent! Smokescreen: ((wait dangit the sound isnt playing what song Bumblebee: (( CARRY ON MY WAYWARD SOOOOOOON Cardinal: *He's going to head right on over to Smokescreen and Bee* Smokescreen: ((:OOO Shockwave: Predaking: --have much to atone for. As for the size of their territory, I myself claimed a large space centered upon our burial grounds and the Manganese Mountains. I am told it is roughly-- FakeProwl: @Soundwave «Rest well.» Cardinal: Hello Bumblebug! Smokescreen: wait I'm not a wayward son Smokescreen: Once I rose above Bumblebee: Hey Knock Out! ItsyBitsySpyers: *Nod and carefully de-laces both hands.* Smokescreen: /He'll sing along thoguh- he knows this! Kinda!/ Cardinal: How's it going? Smokescreen: CARRY ON MY WAYWARD SUUUUUUN Bumblebee: [nods as he listens, definitely taking some mental notes] Shockwave: Predaking: --equivalent to the size of one of your pre-war city-states. FakeProwl: *a farewell ping; disappears.* Bumblebee: Ok, thank you. I...I understand. I don't know how much the Council is willing to atone, but I'll do it myself if I have to. You helped us protect Cybertron and are incredible allies to have. Shockwave: Shockwave: Good night, Soundwave. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Looks to Shockwave and pings him. He's going to go home, (and be sick and scrub up a bit and maybe play hax until he can) get some recharge.* Bumblebee: Not just for power, but as another perspective for how our planet should operate to accomodate everyone. Bumblebee: And Knock Out...honestly, it's not bad. Bumblebee: Been happier lately, how about you? ItsyBitsySpyers: *Gets everyone docked, sends Shockwave a similarly appreciative message for the handhold, and trudges out* Shockwave: Predaking: *looks faintly surprised, but pleasantly so.* If you approach the matter with a similar candidness and dignity, then I am certain you can one day achieve this goal. Smokescreen: I'm gonna head off- I gotta go somewhere important, buuut- /He's going to hug Bee and Knock Out really quick./ Bumblebee: Glad you approve, easier than the Council. I have their approval, but it came with a price I'm not willing to pay again. And they know that. Bumblebee: Seeya Smokes. [hugs back] Smokescreen: Thank you for all your help, Bee Bumblebee: Anytime. Bumblebee: I'm heading out too, thanks for hosting again. Bumblebee: And thanks for your help, Predaking. Cardinal: Bye Trogdor!  *hugs* Shockwave: Predaking: *brows furrow-- more puzzled than anything* Your species' politics seem unduly troublesome. Cardinal: I've been fine, Bee.  Enjoying some down time. Bumblebee: Oh yeah, they are. That's why I quit, this is really the last thing I'm ever going to do for them. Bumblebee: Awesome Knock Out, I'll um...I'll comm. you sometime? Shockwave: Predaking: *nods in acceptance of thanks* Anything to assist in the well-being of my brothers abroad. Cardinal: Please do! Shockbox: *It is time for a sleep. Or in Shockbox's case, it is time to work his aft off in order to open up a large enough timeslot for his field trip.* Shockwave: *knows that feel, alternate* Shockbox: *All of you are being bid adieu.* Shockbox: *G'night.* ItsyBitsySpyers: ((night!)) Shockwave: *He, too, must attend to his work. Files quietly out as soon as he's certain that DS and SL aren't going to consume the entire snack table on their way out* Rodimus: *there is nothing but a prime on the snack table* Shockwave: *all the more reason to make sure they dont eat you* Shockwave: (( ;) night folks, thanks for streaming, i'll get out of roddymuns hair lol)) Rodimus: ((I wanta go playoverwatch l3