→ video

[controlledvariable]

Good morning Keeliai, how are we all today?

[Steph is sitting at her console, leaning back in her chair with her legs propped up on the desk. She's smiling, and for those that know her, it's the sort of smile that should be extremely concerning. Those that don't know her may also be feeling like they're about to hear something they don't want to.

She is going to be a terrible person today.]

I'm going to preface this message by saying that anyone under the age of 16, or whatever the age of legality is where you're from, should tune out now, please and thank you. I'm not gonna be explicit or anything, but it's probably not going to be appropriate for kids. [she gives a pointed look, yes you, Damian, switch off the computer now.]

I was taking an anthropology class back home, and my professor happens to be here too. [she wrinkles her nose, like yes, I know that's super weird, how do you think I feel?] And he's been giving me assignments and stuff, because apparently being kidnapped by a giant turtle isn't a valid excuse not to keep up with coursework. The topic we'd been studying before I got brought here was human sexuality, and Professor Craig suggested I write a paper on kedan sexuality instead. [Hi Bruce.] Except, uh, after the last couple weeks, I'm not really keen on that idea.

But I have been thinking about all these people with superpowers running around, and like - we've got comics back home, right? But they tend to focus on the whole defeating supervillains and stopping alien invasions side of things, which is great, sure, I love a good action story, but there's something that just never really comes up.

[she looks directly at the camera, the very picture of scientific curiosity] Do they - or, do you, for the superpowered people in the audience - ever use their powers for sex? This isn't a rhetorical question, by the way, if you have used your powers in the bedroom, feel free to share with the class.

And in the interest of not excluding anyone from the conversation, anyone who's just a regular old human, or whathaveyou, you can discuss what sort of powers you'd like to have, and how you'd use them to impress the gender-of-your-preference.

Don't feel like you have to respond directly to me, you're more than welcome to talk amongst yourselves. I figured we could use a little lighthearted chat to take our minds off the situation. Don't you agree?

[She winks, clearly trying not to laugh, and sits back in her chair to wait for responses]

Comments

video || 90% unhackable || private

[sharpes]

[grin.]

Be there in a bit.

--> action


[Oops and true to his word, he's there about twenty minutes later. Behold, as he knocks on the door.]

permaction

[controlledvariable]

[She's spent those twenty minutes curled up in her chair trying not to feel terrible, but she gets up at the knock and opens the door for him, sort of - half hiding behind it because she isn't sure what to do.]

Hi.

[sharpes]

[hugs?]

[controlledvariable]

[hugs.]

Sorry for eavesdropping.

[sharpes]

Apology accepted. If you teach me how to do that. I thought I was good with computers, man.

[but you are sad and that is a sad thing of sadness and reasons. :(]

[controlledvariable]

It's not too hard, I had a friend back home who taught me a lot of tricks.

[she sighs and hugs him a little tighter] Did Tommy really nearly kill you?

[sharpes]

Well he knocked me flying at like Mach three and then blamed it on me, does that count?

[But he feels bad and he rubs at the back of his neck, which is hard to do when he's still half-hugging her with his other arm.]

Look, he's not really that bad, he's just-- all talk, you know?

[controlledvariable]

What an asshole. [that's kind of just. muttered angrily against Brandon's shoulder.

Every other time she's talked to Tommy, she hasn't had a problem with him, even liked him, but-] I'm not really inclined to be generous when that "talk" makes me feel like shit.

[sharpes]

[flounder]

I know. But he was trying to get to me, not... badmouth you? It's guy logic. It's just. You know.

[He waves a hand.]

I won't argue that he's an asshole, though.

[controlledvariable]

That doesn't help. [She says it a little gently, because she knows Brandon is trying, it's just. It still feels like him using her as nothing more than a way to hurt Brandon.

Steph sighs and pulls away from the hug, because she needs to pace around the room a little in frustration.] You think he could have some respect for someone who pulled shrapnel outta him.

[sharpes]

[He learns something new about you every day, Steph.]

No, see, that's just the thing. Guys like him don't like being vulnerable. So now he's probably overcompensating to make up for it.

[controlledvariable]

[She is literally going to throw her hands up in the arm in frustration. This isn't new information, but that doesn't make it any less annoying]

I don't understand boys.

[sharpes]

Well, we don't understand girls. It's that Venus/Mars thing, I guess.

[... and then he steps past her into the apartment and tugs the door shut gently behind him.]

So... should I be... you know, getting out of the way or something? For you two?

[controlledvariable]

[Hang on she's just going to stare at him in complete confusion]

....What?

[Brandon are you drunk?]

[sharpes]

[DON'T GIVE HIM THAT LOOK IT'S A SERIOUS QUESTION...]

I mean-- I'm just saying. I'd understand.

[... he makes a face.]

Okay, no I wouldn't, he's a jerk. But, you know, some girls are into that whole thing.

[controlledvariable]

I've done the whole 'dating jerks' thing; it didn't end great for me.

[With the confusion passed, her expression is just a little sad] Do you really think I prefer him over you?

[sharpes]

[his expression is briefly frustrated.]

I don't do this.

[He waves a hand, encompassing-- well, 'this'. Which in this case is 'he and Steph'.]

I'm an actor. I've got like eight billion followers on twitter. I've got superpowers. I've never had anybody want to-- [MORE HANDWAVING] in spite of that, not because of it.

[controlledvariable]

[Oh, Brandon.]

Well, I do. [her smile is a small thing, a little rueful, but mostly hopeful] Want to. In spite of that.

[sharpes]

[And he isn't quite sure what to make of that.

He likes Steph. He really does. In spite of everything. In spite of-- the Rick Issue, which is a constant reminder in the back of his head, and all the problems--

He frowns a little.]

Okay. So we'll give it a try?

[The tiniest bit tentative.]

[controlledvariable]

[That little smile? Not so little anymore]

I'd like to.

[And she's going to step close enough to take his hands in hers] I mean - I don't want you to do anything you're not comfortable with? If you'd rather just keep things... casual, or whatever it is we're doing right now, that's okay with me.

[sharpes]

No, no. I -- yeah. Let's do it.

[and hope he doesn't regret it.]

[controlledvariable]

Yay. [She did actually say that outloud, but to save him from making fun of her for it, she kisses him]

[sharpes]

[mrfrghnfgh--]

Uh-- yay?

[Is that something he should be repeating. Or saying. Or something?

oh god what's he gotten himself into.]

[controlledvariable]

[It is probably a little mean, but Steph is going to ruffle his hair, becaues he's too cute not to.]

Fair warning, it's been a while since I've done this sorta thing. So, you know, we can flail our way through it together.

[sharpes]

[omg do you have any idea how long it took him to do his hair.]

As long as it's... you know, like. Semi-productive flailing. I guess we're good?