#* and so it begins…. MWHAHAHAHA

[hcmteam]

Here comes your boy! He's speeding in and drifting to a stop.

"Where the hell have you been!?"

“ JESUS- “

— Despite having this friendship with an alien robot from light years away from earth, he still gets startled whenever Mirage pops up in the most energetic and ridiculous of ways. Noah quickly turned to meet glances at the cybertronian and as usual, lightly scold him.

“ I was trying to get some new tools! It’s not like I took a decade out there. “

[keferon]

I don't even remember the original ask about Shockwave and his kids but I will be FOREVER proud and smug over the fact that I AT THE VERY BEGINNING went "but what if bebes" AND NOW WE HAVE FISHDAD AND THE HOARD MWHAHAHAHA. I think someone mentioned the outlier group or what ever and I just went "this is the perfect chance to traumatize children" and I'm SO DAMN PROUD OF MYSELF HEHEHEHE.

Anyways. Thinking about Orion Pax and his group of misfits desperately trying to get off of the island only to meet Shockwave with the other half of the squad and everything is going to be so much fun. It's going to be chaos. I'm going to have to have a literal spreadsheet of names. I cannot wait.

I’m gonna inflict some pain on you real quick and remind that Shockwave’s final goal it so get the kids to a safe place with other humans. He is “tehheee fishdad” but he knows he can’t realistically just keep them forever. He has his own responsibilities and they have their own needs that only other humans can fulfill. He can’t follow them on land and they can’t follow him to the ocean depths.

So the final part of their journey would likely be them realising they can’t stay together

[sexisbetteronthemoon]

Crashing in here to yap at you mwhahahaha!!

Okay, anyway- Something that always haunts me while reading sibotm is the state Keith’s house is probably in right now 😭

I briefly talked about this in my comment on the latest chapter, and I know we’ll find out what’s happened there eventually probably, but my anxious ass has been reading every mention of them getting to Keith’s cabin with a mildly worried undercurrent of “But what about the walking trees?”

In short, is the house safe, or is that something you can’t answer? I know Keith believes the house is safe and I trust his judgement (kind of) but I can’t help worrying lmao

“kind of”

a wise stance to take when Keith is involved. and pls go ahead, i love asks about planet red. even if it's something i haven't considered or explained, it's super helpful to flesh out the planet more, so thank you for the question!

lmao this would have been in the plant post anyway, so i don't feel reticent about telling you. (i'll get to the animal/plant posts eventually. i keep forgetting lol.)

the trees don't actually move that fast. they CAN, in emergencies, such as when the storm hit and they dug their roots down to brace themselves bc they can sense sudden drops in atmospheric pressure and changes in weather in general, but the trees are super chill, usually.

sometimes they require dissuasion when they begin to crowd around Keith's place, but when they encounter obstacles, they tend to turn around and head a different direction. still he doesn't want to wake up one day to find a tree lodged up against his gate, so he takes precautions.

all this to say that Keith's place is not currently besieged by the walking velvet trees, don't worry.

[havendance]

Before I disappear into the ether again, my thoughts on Joker: Last Laugh. In short:

Me at the begining of JLL: This event is stupid and I wish the Joker were dead so I didn't have to read it

Me after reading Joker: Last Laugh #5: oh,,, Huntress discovered Robin's 'dead' 'body', maybe this event is redeemable after all...

Me after finishing JLL: This event was stupid and I wish the Joker was dead.

To expand:

Look, I try to avoid hating on characters too much on main, but my exception is the Joker. I just hate him so much. He’s overused and his schtick is stupid. He’s all like “I don’t have a license to clown, but I do to kill mwhahahaha!” and then he commits atrocities while not even being funny and laughing his stupid laugh and I just don’t want to have to deal with him.

I know this is what I get for reading an event with “Joker” in the title (Because I unfortunately am a completionist), but there was just too much Joker. I had to read this in small chunks because there was just too much joker

The parts of the event that weren’t about the Joker were fun though! I enjoyed the DickBabs story throughout and the story of the guards in the slab. And of course, Huntress (my beloved 💜).

I’ve got another post in my drafts about detective comics #761 specifically, which was probably the tie in comic I had the most thoughts about (for reasons unrelated to the joker), but I enjoyed most of the tie-ins I read. (Probably also going to make a separate post about Huntress here for my Tim & Helena agenda…)

But back to the actual event

I really liked Barbara in this. Wanting the Joker dead, but struggling with the morality that goes into that. Their moral code demands they don’t kill and the Joker is there to be the straw man example against that, almost. The whole ‘My father would have been within his rights to kill Joker in No Man’s Land and then we wouldn’t have had to deal with this.’ Just all very juicy. 

Hate the doctor who was like ‘what if I lied to the Joker and told him he was dying’ because maybe you couldn’t have done that? Maybe then I wouldn’t have to deal with all of this?

The ending just felt depressing. Like, yes. There’s something compelling about knowing just how far the Joker can push before he crosses that line in the sand. That despair as Nightwing decides enough is enough. (Side note: but I was reading JLL #6 and there’s the panel where he’s beating the Joker to death and I’m like ‘it’s a shame this panel is so ugly’) But also it just feels like there’s no catharsis. Nothing can come of it because of the nature of comics as a genre and the fact that the Joker is too popular to kill off for good. Nightwing kills the Joker and Batman brings him back and it all comes to nothing. Nothing changed. This is all there is. The joker gets out, he kills a bunch of people, Batman comes after him, and then he’s back in his cell until next time.

Mumble mumble the search for meaning in life something something trying to impose narratives when real life doesn’t fit

Idk

But this is a story. Maybe I want something more out of it than ‘nothing changes / nothing ever will’

Thinking about Under the Red Hood and tragedy. I think there’s something similar in the way they end. With nothing changing despite all the efforts to the contrary. (Trapped by the narrative vibes). But like, Under the Red Hood is like a fun and compelling tragedy to me while Joker: Last Laugh is just depressing and unfun.

*sigh*

But yeah, Joker: Last Laugh.

I’ll end with the closing page because, idk, it seems fitting and I like it:

[fuseboxspoilers]

ep. 43 

some of the dialogue was scrambled so I couldn't figure out exactly where everything went but most of it the same conversations happen no matter what so the main points are there :)

NARRATOR: Welcome back to Love Island!

Today our couples get tested in a way  out of  relationship experts recommend.

Answering questions about each other while dangling over large quantities of water.

That's how my nan and grandad spent their anniversary.

Granted they were dodging seagulls at the seaside in Blackpool. Not sitting by a dunk tank.

Time to find out who's been paying attention to their other half and whose just here for the pool.

Everyone is gathered on the challenge platform.

There are two dunk tanks with small whiteboards and big marker pens on the seats.

BRUNO: Now this looks like my sort of challenge.

Bruno nudges James.

BRUNO: You know what it reminds me of?

JAMES: Your time in the circus?

The other islanders laugh.

BRUNO: What? No! I've never been in the circus. Though that's not a bad shout. I do love a good clown. Anyway, as I was saying... it reminds me of those game shows you'd watch as a kid.

ANGIE: Those ones that were always on in the middle of the day, so you'd only ever catch them when you were off sick?

BRUNO: Yeah! I used to pretend to be ill all the time so I could watch them. Now I'm getting to actually live out that reality. I've come full circle.

TOM: You skived off school to watch TV?!

            If Valentina left

YOUCEF: Oh, I loved those shows. Always wanted to go on them.

PLAYER THINKING: Bruno used to skive off school to watch TV shows.

Why am I not surprised?

Can we get on with the challenge now?

You're so cute Bruno

Choice: Why am I not surprised?

PLAYER: That's very on brand Bruno.

JAMES: Yeah, you're right. I don't think I've heard such a Bruno story.

BRUNO: Ha! You know you could say... Bruno's Banging Brand!

Angie pats him on the back.

ANGIE: Let's not make that a thing babe.

Choice: Can we get on with the challenge now?

NAJUMA: Yeah! I want to make some waves.

Choice: You’re so cute Bruno

            If coupled with Bruno

Bruno wraps his arms around you beaming.

He quietly whispers into your ear.

BRUNO: Thank you. I try. I try really hard.

            If not

Bruno smiles.

Cora clears her throat.

CORA: Ehem flirt ehem.

PLAYER: Hey back off! A girl can call a guy cute.

CORA: Bit late in the game for that isn't it?

[?]: Anyway...

The ping of a text interrupts the chatter.

WILL: I've got a text!

Islanders you will answer a series of questions as a couple to test how well you know each other. Whoever gets the most right will win a date in the hot tub. Losers will be dunked in the tank. 

WILL: Damn. I am so going to suck at this. No offence babe.

            If not coupled with Will

TIFFANY: Oh no those were my thoughts exactly. But we'll suck together.

            If coupled with Will

PLAYER: None taken... I think?

TOM: Don't worry. I also believe I am in Camp Will-Suck-At-This.

TIFFANY: Hey! We might surprise ourselves.

Tom raises his eyebrows.

TOM: Really?

TIFFANY: Yeah, ok we're going to suck. But at least we'll suck together.

[Thabi’s partner]: Well, I reckon we're going to ace this.

He squeezes Thabi's hand.

She smiles back at him.

THABI: Yeah, this will be a piece of cake. That hot tub has our name on it. Or... floating around it in some way.

[?] laughs and wraps his arm around her.

PLAYER THINKING: The prize is one last date in the hot tub...

PLAYER THINKING FLIRTY: I could embrace my chaotic side and sabotage the others in order to win the prize.

PLAYER THINKING: Should I distract other couples so I can win?

Premium choice: *Let the games begin...

That wouldn't be fair...

PLAYER THINKING: True but... it is the final hot tub trip!

*Time to sabotage!

No, I can win fair and square!

            Premium choice:  let the games begin

You rub your hands together and smile manically.

[?] looks at you.

[?]: Um are you alright?

You cackle under your breath.

PLAYER: Mwhahahaha...

[?]: Ok... I get the feeling the less I know about this the better.

PLAYER: Well, observed. You just keep being your brilliant self and leave this all up to me.

[?]: Right...

            If Najuma and Oliver are coupled (I think this only happens if you pick Angie)

Najuma and Oliver please take your places by the dunk tanks.

Oliver and Najuma climb up and sit on the seats.

They both take hold of a whiteboard.

NAJUMA: I've got hope in my heart but very little in my head.

OLIVER: We can try our best.

Oliver smiles at Najuma as he tries to kick the water with his feet.

OLIVER: As it is pretty cold.

NAJUMA: Oh obviously. I don't want to get wet.

A phone pings.

Question  - Najuma and Oliver... When was your first kiss together?

Najuma raises an eyebrow.

NAJUMA: I can't remember...

You impulsively stick up your hand.

PLAYER: I know! I know! Pick me!

[?] whispers to you.

[?]: Why are you helping them?

You wink subtly.

PLAYER: Just play along babe.

NAJUMA: Go on Y/N. Help your girl out!

PLAYER THINKING: Your first ever kiss was...

On the daybeds

In the toilet

In the pool

OLIVER: What?! No, it said 'when'.

Najuma writes something down on her board.

OLIVER: Well, I said our first kiss was on the beach.

NAJUMA: Oh yes! That's right. It was so romantic. But this bird kept watching us which totally knocked me off my game. So, I don't know if I was any good... If you're out there watching me now, I'm sorry for all the tongue.

THABI: Stop stalling and show us your answer babe.

NAJUMA: Ugh fine...

Najuma turns her whiteboard around.

Within seconds Oliver and Najuma are dunked into the tank.

NAJUMA: Argh!

Najuma splashes you with water.

OLIVER: Y/N did that deliberately.

PLAYER: Innocent little me?! I wouldn't dream of it.

[?] grins at you.

[?]: That's my girl.

NAJUMA: I said on the beach...

OLIVER: Phew.

Oliver gets another text.

OLIVER: Ah crap. I really don't know this one.

NAJUMA: What does it say?

OLIVER: Who has slept with more people?

BRUNO: Spicy.

NAJUMA: We haven't had the body count talk yet. We'll have to guess.

Oliver writes an equal sign on his board.

Najuma writes her own name.

They are both dunked into the tank.

NAJUMA: No!

OLIVER: Bad luck...

They both get out and dry off by the side.

Angie and [?] please take your places by the dunk tanks. 

ANGIE: Here goes...

[?]: Confident?

[?] helps her up to her seat before climbing onto his.

They both take hold of a white board.

ANGIE: Absolutely not. But we'll give it our best shot.

Question  - Where did the other have their first pre-villa kiss? 

Angie snorts with laughter.

ANGIE: I've got this one.

She starts to write something down on the whiteboard.

[?]: Um... how come you're so confident?!

ANGIE: Are you kidding? We spoke about this the other day! How come you don't remember?

[?]: I... I...

PLAYER: Psst I know the answer.

You whisper loudly.

ANGIE: Hey! No cheating.

[?]: Hey don't you want to win? I'm taking all the help I can get. What's the answer Y/N?

PLAYER THINKING: Angie's first kiss was...

On a roof

In a car

Behind a bush

ANGIE: What! No that's not... Don't listen to her.

[?]: Shh! I don't care if it's cheating. I want that hot tub.

He writes down your answer on the whiteboard.

Angie shakes her head.

ANGIE: Well, played Y/N. Well played. Unlike some people I put the right answer.

She shows her whiteboard.

It reads 'foods'.

[?]: Foods? My first kiss was not in the food aisle or whatever you mean by that babe. It was in the woods.

Angie stares in disbelief at her whiteboard.

ANGIE: I was meant to write that! Y/N distracted me while she was giving you the wrong answer!

They're both plunged down into the water.

PLAYER: My work here is done.

The pair drag themselves out of the dunk tank.

ANGIE: Thanks babe.

She shoots you a glare.

PLAYER: Anytime!

            If you didn’t distract them 

[?]: Oh! I think I got it.

He scrawls something down on the whiteboard.

Angie turns round her whiteboard.

ANGIE: I put 'in the woods'.

[?]: That's right! We were taking her dog Sparkles for a walk one summer's evening. The sun was shining. There was a really pretty lake. The moment was just right.

ANGIE: Nice story bro. Now what did you put?

[?]: Um...

CORA: Come on man! Show us your answer.

[?]: Ok ok but it's a total guess...

He shows his whiteboard.

It says 'in A&E'.

[?]: Seemed on brand.

BRUNO: Banging brands...

PLAYER THINKING: [?] said that Angie's first kiss was in A&E...

Ew that's gross

Aw how oddly romantic

That's too obvious

ANGIE: It's actually right!

[?]: Really?! Awesome. I mean that's weird that you had your first kiss there. But awesome that I remembered in the end.

            If Youcef left

VALENTINA: Yeah, I think we're going to need to hear that story.

CORA: Care to elaborate?

ANGIE: I went to A&E with a friend and got chatting with a guy there. Whilst my friend was seeing the doctor, we snuck into one of the on call rooms.

TIFFANY: You're joking. This sounds like the start of a joke.

YOUCEF: Oh, my word. (at this point I’m guessing Valentina and Youcef will have the same dialogue unless you’re partnered with Youcef) 

ANGIE: Nope. Totally real.

Angie's phone bleeps.

ANGIE: Oh! Next question... Huh.

[?]: What? What does it say?

ANGIE: Name your partner's mum.

[?]: Ah crap. Sorry Angie's mum...

ANGIE: Yeah, I have no idea either.

They both write on their whiteboards.

ANGIE: Right here goes nothing...

Angie and [?] turn round their whiteboards.

Angie's reads 'Sheila' and [?] reads 'Angela'.

ANGIE: Angela? Wow. So imaginative.

The chairs jolt forward and plunge the couple into the water.

[?]: Argh!

They drag themselves out of the dunk tank and stand by the rest of you.

[?]: My mum would so suit Sheila to be fair.

Thabi and [?] please take your places by the dunk tanks. 

[?]: Right guess it's us next.

[?] helps Thabi up to the dunk tank and then sits up on his.

They answer the first two questions correctly.

[?]: What did I tell you? We're totally going to win this thing!

PLAYER THINKING: I better get my sabotage on.

You start doing a distracting dance.

PLAYER: I said a hey aha a hey.

Everyone looks at you confused.

[partner]: Is this all part of the plan?

PLAYER: Yep.

THABI: Stop it! I'm going to lose my focus.

You continue to wave your hands about.

Thabi's phone rings out.

Question  What your biggest sexy fantasy to do together as a couple?

[?]: Ah damn... that's a tough one.

THABI: Yeah, so many possibilities.

PLAYER: Train! Taxicab! Pirate ship!

[?]: Stop! I'm trying to think...

CORA: Ha! Looks like the winners are about to become the weiners.

Everyone looks at Cora.

CORA: What? Least I'm not playing dirty like Y/N.

PLAYER: Oi!

CORA: I want a chance at going on this hot tube date, ok?

Thabi and [?] show their boards.

Within seconds they are thrown into the dunk tank.

TIFFANY: I didn't even get a chance to see what it said!

They make their way out of the dunk tank.

PLAYER: We didn't get to see your boards! What did you put?

THABI: Don't act all innocent. I know you were trying to knock us off our game.

You shrug.

PLAYER: I was only trying to help.

[?]: Sure, you were.

THABI: I just put my own fantasy and hoped for the best. I don't think we've properly spoken about that yet.

PLAYER: What was your fantasy?

THABI: Do bits in a museum at night when everyone's gone home. Preferably in the planetarium. Less wax models watching you there.

[?] laughs.

[?]: Cool. I'll take note of that.

THABI: What did you put [?]? Since we're taking notes.

[?]: Laundrettes.

BRUNO: You what?

PLAYER THINKING: A museum fantasy and a laundrette fantasy...

I'd get on board with either of them

That sounds like my worst nightmare

Personally, would prefer the classic french maid

[?]: I'm with you Y/N.

[?]: Yeah, I know it is sort of weird. But I always thought it would be cool in one of those washed-out retro ones. Kind of romantic you know?

THABI: There is something sexy about those places.

ANGIE: Also washing machines can be very... What's the word?

CORA: Good assistance?

ANGIE: Yeah, that's it.

THABI: You're not wrong.

[?]: I've got to say... I have no idea what you're talking about.

ANGIE: You've never tried out a washing machine, eh?

Tiffany's phone bleeps.

[?]: Guess we're up next!

Their first question is about who has had the most one-night stand.

You start to launch into a comedy sketch about bedside tables.

PLAYER: I posted online 'one night stand for sale' and I got the strangest replies.

TIFFANY: Zip it! Though I'm pretty sure I've used that joke in my standup.

Tiffany and [?] score only one point.

[?]: It was just a guess!

They both dejectedly come back to the group.

Your phone pings suddenly.

PLAYER: I've got a text!

Y/N and [?] please take your places by the dunk tanks. 

[?]: Right. We've got three to beat. Let's do this.

You both make your way up onto the dunking tanks.

Question  - Who is the loudest in bed?

[?]: Ah I totally know this one.

PLAYER THINKING: Who is the loudest in bed?

Totally me

It's [?].

            I think either one of these you get the point 

You write down your name.

You write [?] on the whiteboard.

[?]: Reveal your answer in three two one...

You both show your boards to the group.

WILL: As it is written so it shall be done.

[?]: Huh? What does that mean?

WILL: Um you know I'm actually not sure. But you both got the same answers anyway. (if not coupled with Will)

[?]: Score!

YOUCEF: You both scored correctly! Bravo. (if coupled with Will)

CORA: Think we all could have got that one right.

PLAYER: Ha ha. Very funny.

Question  - Who is tidiest?

PLAYER: Hmm...

[?]: Easy!

PLAYER THINKING: Who is tidier?

Me! I am queen of clean

One hundred percent [?]

We're both pretty messy to be honest

PLAYER: No mess gets past me.

PLAYER THINKING: I don't know what I'd do without that clean streak.

You think back to the unmade bed and the clothes lying everywhere.

PLAYER THINKING: I'll put neither...

You write down your answer.

[?] does the same.

[?]: Right, what did you say?

You both turn over your boards.

All the other Islanders groan upon seeing your answers.

PLAYER THINKING: We both got it right!

We're so going to win this

It was an easy question

I just guessed

TIFFANY: It's rigged!

CORA: Yeah boo. Stop knowing each other so well.

PLAYER: Hey! No heckling while we're gloating.

ANGIE: That's very rich coming from you hun.

PLAYER: Speak to the hand.

PLAYER THINKING: Hmm... what is my dream date?

Camping by the stars

Day out at the fair

Just bits bits bits

PLAYER THINKING: And what is [?]'s dream date?

A night in with some movies

A hike up a mountain

Just bits bits bits

You both reveal your whiteboards.

[?]: Yay! We got it right!

PLAYER: We've won!

[?]: Ooh I wonder what the next question will...

Your phone bleeps.

[?]: Be!

TIFFANY: Bees?

TIFFANY: I hate bees!

[?] laughs before reading the text.

Question  - Would you like to have children?

[?] stops laughing and starts writing on the board.

[?]: That's a very serious question... Which deserves a very serious answer...

PLAYER: Hmm...

PLAYER THINKING: Will me and [?] have kids?

Yes

No

You write your answer on the board.

[?]: On the count of three... one two three!

You both reveal your boards.

You see [?]'s says 'I don't know.’

[?]: Oops.

You are thrown into the dunk tank.

The rest of the couples play but no one else reaches your score.

Congratulations Y/N and [?] - you are the winners! You get to go to the hot tub. 

[?]: Amazing.

CORA: Are we going to address the fact you totally cheated?

THABI: Nah let them have it.

TIFFANY: Yeah Y/N clearly wants to get in that hot tub very badly... Which makes me quite concerned as to what she'll get up to in said hot tub.

PLAYER: I have plans. Many, many plans.

TIFFANY: And that is exactly the reason I am quite afraid of ever stepping foot in that hot tub again.

THABI: True. I wouldn't want to get any of your's or [?]'s plans on me thank you.

CORA: Ew.

[?]: Yeah, what she said.

PLAYER: What can I say? I do love a good hot tub.

PLAYER THINKING: Though we might need to talk about the kids question later...

I do not know which question this pertains to and what answer is the right or wrong one? But here’s the dialogue if you lose

[?]: Ah damn it.

[?] guessed the wrong answer.

You both sink to the bottom of your dunk tanks.

PLAYER: Noo!

THABI: Too bad too bad.

Congratulations Thabi and [?]. You get to go into the hot tub!

THABI: Aw I'm so glad!

She kisses [?] on the cheek.

He smiles delighted.

[?]: Come on let's go and get ready.

CORA: Anyone fancy a pool party?

TIFFANY: I am so game for that.

[?]: Same!

You all head off the challenge platform to get ready for the evening.

All the Islanders start getting ready for the pool.

BRUNO: Feels so weird getting changed into swimming stuff at night.

YOUCEF: Yeah, it's like... eating breakfast for dinner!

OLIVER: What a concept.

PLAYER THINKING: Breakfast for dinner...

That's the best invention

I'm more of a pudding fan

No eating before swimming!

Choice: That’s the best invention

YOUCEF: Right? My dad used to always make us breakfast for dinner. But then one time we ran out of milk for the omelettes... And he never came back.

Everyone turns to look at Youcef shocked.

YOUCEF: Kidding kidding. Sorry!

CORA: You can't joke about that kind of stuff!

YOUCEF: Hun my dad did actually leave therefore I can joke about it.

TIFFANY: This is true.

BRUNO: Yeah, it's the comedian's unwritten rule

Choice: I’m more of a pudding fan

BRUNO: Wow... my breakfast chat took a turn.

TIFFANY: I mean I don't think pudding is comparable to breakfast.

ANGIE: Heck most of the time breakfast is a giant pudding.

[?]: Giant pudding, eh?

BRUNO: I'll eat your giant pudding for breakfast any day [?].

Choice: No eating before swimming! 

BRUNO: Oh yeah. I forgot. That's how the sharks get you.

THABI: Come again?

CORA: Pretty sure that's not when the sharks get you Bruno.

BRUNO: Oh no! My whole life is a lie.

Angie laughs and chucks a makeup sponge at Bruno.

ANGIE: I've really grown to like this room. I'll miss getting ready with you lot.

TIFFANY: Pool?

BRUNO: Pub?

OLIVER: Pool!

CORA: Pool!

            If won, the challenge 

[?]: Hot tub?

PLAYER: Hot tub!

You head off to the hot tub together.

NARRATOR: Bubble bubble toil and trouble.

Fire burn and caldron bubble.

Fillet of a [?]'s snake.

In the caldron boil and bake...

Oh so sorry!

You caught me.

No don't worry. I'm not planning to cook our Islanders.

I'm working out how to turn Love Island into a theatre production.

It's either going to be a full-blown musical or a dramatic one person monologue.

But I can't quite decide.

Anyway, let's let [?] and [?] enjoy this nice bubbly caldron.

I mean hot tub!

You and [?] step into the hot tub.

[?] suddenly starts breathing rapidly.

[?]: Oh! Yikes. It's hot! Think I may have burnt my toe.

PLAYER: Oh no!

PLAYER THINKING: [?] may have a burn!

Kiss the toe better

It's because I'm so hot

Burn baby burn

Choice: kiss the tow better

You dive your head underwater and kiss the toe.

[?]: Oh!

You come back up from the surface.

PLAYER: Better?

[?]: Um yeah. Much better! Is it weird that I liked that?

PLAYER THINKING: Is it weird [?] liked my toe kiss?

Yes

No

[?]: Aw. (IF SAID YES)

[?]: Good. (IF SAID NO)

Choice: It’s because I’m so hot 

[?]: Can't argue with that.

Choice: burn baby burn 

[?]: Yeah, I'd like to opt out of burning today thank you!

PLAYER: Your call.

[?] smiles at you.

PLAYER:  What you grinning at smiley?

[?]: It's just so nice to just get away from them all for a little while, isn't it?

PLAYER THINKING: Is it nice to get away from the others?

Yeah, I love our alone time

No, I wish they were in here with us

Splash [?]

Choice: Yeah, I love our alone time 

[?]: It's special, isn't it? Like I used on always fret about being on my own with people. Was always worried I wouldn't know what to say or there would be an awkward silence. But with you? There's nothing awkward about it. Even the silence. It's relaxing.

Choice: No, I wish they were in here with us

[?]: Ha! I'm not sure they'd all fit.

PLAYER: Sure, they would!

Choice: Splash

You flick some water at [?].

[?]: Ha! I'll take any amount of splashing to spend time with you.

The water bubbles around you.

If didn’t win 

[?]: Pool?

You take [?]'s hand.

PLAYER: Pool!

You both head over with the others.

Everyone dangles their feet in the pool.

The water is cool against your skin.

[?] smiles at you.

PLAYER:  What you grinning at smiley?

CORA: Yeah you've got a grin big enough to knock me out with.

[?]: I just can't wait to do like normal things with you.

PLAYER: Like what?

[?]: I don't know... Like go shopping at the big supermarket and pick out random snacky bits to have for a series binge. Or I can't wait to go out to a drive thru together.

PLAYER: A drive thru?

TIFFANY: How romantic...

PLAYER THINKING: A drive thru date sounds...

... right up my street

... not my cup of tea

... like our next date

Choice: not my cup of tea

[?]: Hey you haven't been on a drive thru date with me before.

Choice:  right up my street/like our next date 

[?]: That can totally be arranged! I'll bring a lap tray. Some cutlery. We'll drive to this spot I know. It's up on this hill. You have to be a local to know how to find it. Eating a big bag of chips with that view is pretty romantic. But it sure would be prettier with you.

PLAYER: You're so damn cheesy.

PLAYER: Hmm...

PLAYER THINKING: Am I convinced?

Yeah, this drive thru date passes the test

Nah sorry I want to be wined and dined

As long as there are bits, I'm happy

Choice: yeah, this drive thru date passes the test 

PLAYER: Ok you've won me over. I'm here for it.

[?]: Good. I promise you; you won't forget or regret it.

Choice: nah sorry I want to be wined and dined

PLAYER: Get me a flickering candle a three-course meal and a nice glass of shiraz or I'm out of there.

[?]: Don't worry! I promise can do that as well.

Choice: As long as there are bits, I’m happy 

[?]: You really are the filthiest, aren't you?

PLAYER: It's true I can't help where my mind ends up.

[?] smiles.

[?]: That can totally be arranged!

I literally cannot tell if you have this conversation if you win the challenge or not, I’m thinking you do????

[?] swirls the water.

[?]: One of my favourite regular things to do for someone is to run them a bath.

PLAYER: Oh yeah?

[?]: Yeah! It's like you're making a big potion... but it's for adults. I used to love making potions as a kid. I love throwing all sorts of bubbles bath bombs and oils in there. I've even got one of those bath trays.

PLAYER: You and your trays!

[?]: It's true! It can fit a book a drink... I'll leave a little face mask on it for you. Maybe a nice drink. Sorry. I'm rambling. Long story short is that I would love to get to the point where I'm running you a bath at night. Or maybe even running our kids a bath one day.

PLAYER: But I thought you said you didn't know if you wanted kids?

[?]: No, I do! I just didn't want to be the kind of person who made you feel like you had to for obvious reasons. I basically wanted to hear your opinion first. But now I know you do want kids... Colour me in the shade 'I'm-all-here-for-it'! School runs freezer dinners bath time. I'll be there.

PLAYER THINKING: [?] wants kids too!

I already have names!

I literally can't wait

I was joking...

            Choice: I already have names 

[?]: What? For our kids!?

PLAYER: Yeah. Have had them picked out for ages.

[?]: Tell me them!

(input name)

[?]: Woah.

PLAYER: What?

[?]: That is so weird.

PLAYER: What do you mean!?

[?]: [?] is my favourite name!

PLAYER: You're kidding?

[?] shakes their head.

PLAYER: Wow. That's some kind of luck isn't it?

[?]: Yeah. And I am so lucky to end up with you.

Choice:  I literally cannot wait

[?]: Me neither! But I hate to break it to you...

PLAYER: What!?

[?]: We're not going to be making any babies in this hot tub.

PLAYER THINKING: [?] says we can't make babies in the hot tub...

I know that's not what I meant!

Aw that's a shame... Why not?

Agreed but we could have a quick kiss

PLAYER: I just meant I'm excited about it. I didn't mean it needed to happen right here right now!

[?]: I know I know. I'm just teasing.

If you asked why not 

            If coupled with Najuma or Angie

[?]: Um babe.

She gestures underwater.

[?]: We don't have all the equipment we need. But one day we will.

She takes your hand and kisses it firmly.

[?]: I just know it.

            If coupled with Youcef, Tom, Bruno, James or Will

[?]: Well firstly I'm not sure our kid would appreciate their conception being on TV.

PLAYER: A fair point.

[?]: Also it's incredibly unhygienic!

PLAYER: Another good point. Ok you win. No babies today.

Choice: I was joking….

[?]: You what?

PLAYER: What?

[?]: What?

PLAYER: What? I was only joking about kids.

[?]: Oh, um well...

[?] looks awkwardly out of the hot tub.

[?]: Ok nevermind.

[?] smiles at you sheepishly.

[?] smiles at you.

[?]: Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

PLAYER THINKING: What are we both thinking?

That we should kiss

That I'm getting pruney

That we both miss the other Islanders

[?]: Oh really? You're incredible.

PLAYER: You're not so bad yourself.

[?]:Oh no! That's one of the worst feelings.

[?]: I didn't want to admit it but yeah. I do. I wonder what the other's are up to.

[?] stands up steam rises from [?] body.

[?]: Should we invite the mob over?

PLAYER: What? Into the pool?

[?]: Yeah.

[?]: Shall we go crash the hot tub date?

CORA: I'm game.

TIFFANY: Same here.

Everyone gets up to go to the hot tub.

[?]: You coming babe?

PLAYER THINKING: Do I want to invite the Islanders into the hot tub?

(I think this is a premium choice) Yes, let's all bundle

No please keep them at bay

PLAYER THINKING: But it could be fun...

I do love some bubble trouble...

No, I'd rather not

[?]: Aw are you sure?

[?]: Say no more!

[?] stands up in the hot tub.

[?]: Hey you lot! Come join us!

THABI: You don't have to ask me twice.

Thabi launches herself into the hot tub splashing you and [?].

[?]: Let’s go!

[?] launches himself in.

ANGIE: Watch the hair! Watch the hair!

Angie splashes [?].

CORA: Watch out I'm coming in.

Everyone clambers in and splashes about together under the blanket of stars.

OLIVER: I have no idea how we all fit in here.

PLAYER: I sure am going to miss this.

[?]: Me too.

BRUNO: Wet group hug?

[?]: Hell yes!

You all wrap your arms around one another and squeeze before sitting down in the hot tub

For a moment you let the silence last just enjoying the moment together.

BRUNO: It'll be weird when this is all over.

TIFFANY: Silenzio Bruno! I don't want to think about it.

WILL: Yeah. Me neither.

THABI: Agreed. I'm dreading it.

WILL: No more nights under the fish.

            Will inspired Luca

TIFFANY: Fish?

WILL: Oh yeah. I used to always think the stars were fish. It always just stuck.

PLAYER THINKING: Will thought the stars were fish as a kid...

That's so poetic

Maybe they are fish

I'm going to miss your weirdness

            If decided to not invite everyone to the hot tub 

PLAYER THINKING: Am I sure I don't want to invite the group over?

Yeah, I'd rather not

Actually, that does sound like fun!

[?]: I was never a believer in the more the merrier anyway. What's the point of seeing a bunch of people when the main person I want to talk to is right here.

[?] touches your nose with [?] index finger.

PLAYER: Hey! No booping.

[?]: But that's my favourite part of...

The ping of a text rings out.

Will smiles and splashes you playfully.

THABI: Hey was that a text I heard?

BRUNO: Yeah. Someone's phone just went off.

[?] leans over and picks up [?] phone.

[?]: I got a text.

PLAYER THINKING: Do I want to crash the date?

Yeah, help me up

Nah I'm not bothered

[?]: Aw come on. I don't want to go without you

PLAYER THINKING: Should I go along to the hot tub?

Yeah, alright I'll come

No thanks

            If didn’t win challenge and crash the date 

[?] smiles and extends a hand down to help you up off the ground.

You all run over to the hot tub

            if didn’t win challenge and didn’t crash the date

PLAYER: Not keen on the idea sorry.

CORA: Suit yourself!

The others run off to the hot tub.

[?] waits with you.

[?]: I was never a believer in the more the merrier anyway. What's the point of seeing a bunch of people when the main person I want to talk to is right here.

[?] touches your nose with [?] index finger.

PLAYER: Hey! No booping.

[?]: But that's my favourite part of...

The ping of a text rings out.

“Islanders, please make your way to the fire pit for the final dumping.”

PLAYER: Oh.

[?]: Yeah... I guess it's happening then.

CORA: The final dumping...

PLAYER: Yep.

[?] takes your hand.

[?]: Let's go through it together.

[?] takes hold of Thabi's hand.

Thabi holds [?]'s who takes hold of Cora's.

Everyone is holding hands gripping tightly.

THABI: Together.

PLAYER: I wouldn't have it any other way.

NARRATOR: Sniff...

I'm getting totes emosh about this.

And you know what?

It's only going to get worse.

Because the next episode...

Is a dumping!

I'll see you there...

[frog-man-blog]

We got a lot to unpack to let’s begin

Lobster and Mocha Ray cookie looking pretty dope. Lobster kinda reminds me of Yam in a way but I ain’t judging

Mmm that strength though 👀👀👀👀

I love them. It’s so cute. (I love anglerfish)

Sugarteara huh? How does the sugar not dissolve... that is the question

OH MAN THIS IS FUCKING SICK, A SUBMARINE DAMNNNNN LEMME GO ZOOMING ON THOSE VROOM VROOM

Phoohohoohoohohohhoho I like this. I really really like this. Gonna scare the shit out of the younger players mwhahahaha >:)))

HEHEHEHEHE YOU KNOW WHERE THIS IS GOING

I am making a part 2 of this so-

[ladyknightskye]

The 13 Ghosts of Darcy Lewis (7)

Summary: Halloween is one of Darcy’s favorite holidays, but the spooky fun is about to be hijacked. Now, Darcy must traverse a nightmare vision of the Avengers Compound and collect the 13 ghosts of the Avengers before midnight or else the spell will never be broken. However, she’s going to have some mighty monsters to fight - the Avengers themselves.

Author’s Notes: I love writing no-fucks-are-given Pepper. And mwhahahaha, Steve tries to start some sexy fun times . . . .

Chapter 7: Kisses (Vampire)

Characters: Pepper Potts, Darcy Lewis, Vampire!Steve Rogers

Relationships: ShieldShock, Darcy Lewis/Steve Rogers

Warnings: NSFW, mild smut

           Pepper stared at the broken French doors a little dumbly. She’d just watched Steve throw Nick across a room and make off with Darcy, but she couldn’t move as of yet. She took a series of deep breaths, and then stood. Immediately her mind began to plan. First thing, she needed to secure Fury. She had faith that based on his display, Steve wouldn’t hurt Darcy. With a slightly hysterical laugh, she mused that hurting her was the furthest thing from his mind- unless one counted being pounded into the sheets until you walked bowlegged as being harmed.

           Which reminded her where she could find some restraints.

           After retrieving handcuffs and lengths of nylon rope from Hill’s bedroom, she went to work securing Fury. She decided that a good old-fashioned hog-tie would be best, so handcuffed his hands behind his back, and then tied his feet together. She tied his hands to his feet, and then for good measure, tied his thighs together as well as his upper arms. Thank God for Maria being free and open about her sexual preferences.

           Alexander Pierce had made an appearance, but she ignored him, deciding that she wasn’t going to deal with the ghosts just yet. Fury wasn’t going anywhere fast, so she had some time to go looking for Darcy. Just because she was sure that Steve was more interested in sex than killing didn’t mean that they had time for that. Plus, she was pretty sure that he was a vampire, and she couldn’t let him accidentally kill Darcy. Arming herself with the leg of a destroyed table, Pepper stepped out into the night.

The world was still black, but when Darcy began to swim back to consciousness it was also alternating soft and hard. Someone was also petting her hair, dragging their hand in hypnotic strokes from her eye to the back of her head that threatened to put her back under. She would have returned to slumber if not for the nagging feeling that she was forgetting something. Something really important. Her eyes fluttered open, and she found herself staring at something blue. Another blink made her realize that it was a shirt. Who had been wearing that shirt?

           “Darcy?”

           She looked up into blue eyes. “Steve?”

           He smiled gently at her, all traces of the beast that had first greeted her at Hill’s house gone. She tensed, her mind finally clearing enough to remember what had sent her into a faint in the first place. He frowned as he shifted. Darcy gulped, realizing that she was laying on a bed with him, her head on his lap. He moved until he was lying prone with her, gently placing her head on a pillow, and propping himself up on an elbow. His shirt stretched over his chest in interesting ways, and she couldn’t help but stare at the column of his throat. He leaned in, his nose at her temple, and she felt his deep inhale. “Steve?” she asked again, shakily.

           He didn’t answer, choosing to kiss her softly on her temple. She froze, not sure what to make of the gesture. What the hell was he doing? He pressed more kisses to the side of her face, and her heart leaped as he moved down to kiss her on the cheek. Steve had done that countless times in the last six months, ever since they’d grown close a friends. She kissed him on the cheek all the time, as did Bucky with both of them. It was just something they did as a greeting and as a parting. Some days it was their friendly pecks on the cheek that kept her going through the day, and she always hoped her gentle kisses to theirs made a hard day easier for him and for Bucky. When they’d been strangers, she’d admired them for their looks, when they’d been acquaintances she’d admired them for their personalities, and when they’d become friends she admired them for their big hearts. She cared deeply for them.

           But having Steve kiss her like this was different. Each touch was gentle and sweet, but he’d never rained kisses on her like this. They’d never strayed from the apple of cheek, never been placed on her forehead and her chin and her jaw, and certainly never hovered so near her lips. “Steve,” she breathed.

           He shifted again, his knees bracketing her hips, and his hands stroked down her arms. He hovered over her, and she stared into his rapidly darkening eyes. They were heavy-lidded, languid, and his nostrils flared as he took deep gulping breaths. He leaned down and finally captured her lips, pulling her into a passionate kiss that hazed over her mind. His lips were firm as he kissed her like he was a dying man and she his only salvation. His hands stroked down her body, until one finally lit on her breast, squeezing gently. She gasped, but that only allowed his tongue entrance to her mouth. She ground her hips, turned on beyond all belief, but unable to find any satisfaction since his crouch left a gap between their bodies. She could feel her panties beginning to dampen, her core aching for something to fill it. The scratchy lace of her bra was abrading her nipples, and his big hands were not helping anything.

           She was almost lost to the sensual fog, but as his kiss turned even more ravenous, something pricked her tongue. Her eyes had fallen shut in her lassitude, but they popped back open. She pulled back, breaking their kiss. “Steve, stop!”

           He growled, but only moved to her neck. She felt the scrape of fangs, and decided that enough was a-fucking-nough. In his desire and obvious blood lust, Steve-o had forgotten the first thing any woman was going to do to defend herself. She curled her abs brutally so that her knee flew up at something near light speed. He made a satisfyingly high pitched shriek as her patella made a very hard connection with his testicles. He rolled off the bed, cupping his groin as she rolled the opposite direction. The masculine bedroom was unfamiliar, but that didn’t matter as much as reaching the door and pounding down the stairs. She wasn’t sure how long she had until he was up again. She knew from watching him that one time with Natasha that it only took him a quarter of the time to get up and recover from his balls being bashed.

           She’d nearly reached the front door when he suddenly grabbed her arm. He whirled her around, his eyes blood red. Darcy had never been afraid of Steve, but she was now. He was like Fury – completely out of his right mind. Neither one of them would be this violent, and the day Steve used his strength to hurt someone for his own amusement was the day the world ended. “Leave me alone!” she screamed, fear starting to turn to terror.

           His eyes widened, and Darcy thought she saw some of the real Steve bleeding through. He released her arm, looking at his own hand in confusion. He looked back at her, and opened his mouth as if to say something. However, it was all lost as for the second time in less than an hour, something came barreling through a glass door.