The House Always Wins

[reddosmod]

MARCH 2023 EVENT

Due to the UNIQUE NATURE of the Moss King, previous March events are NOT available during this month's event. Please keep that in mind.

IMAGE DESCRIPTORS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Prompt One
[Image One: Fanged, smiling carnivorous plant from little shop of horrors ]
[Image Two: House overgrown by roots.]

Prompt Two
[Image One: Person covered in glistening film that seems to be suffocating.]
[Image Two: Woman's face splattered in blood. ]

Prompt Three
[Image One: Poker chip with an anime girl's face on it. ]
[Image Two: Dogs Gambling Painting, but it's famous horror monster villains instead of dogs. ]

[NAVIGATION]

Prompt 1 • Prompt 2 • Prompt 3 • Plotting • Newsletter

[JUMP TO COMMENTS]

TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING

WHEN: March 8-31
WHERE: The City of Trench and surrounding regions
CONTENT WARNINGS: Plant-Based Peril, Isolation, Entrapment, Carnivorous Plants, possible but unlikely death.

---

The plentiful and bountiful harvest of plants that started to blossom towards the beginning of the month has continued, and if anything? It's getting more and more troublesome. The old saying goes that too much of a good thing is too much, and this is definitely the proof of that pudding. Plants are literally growing everywhere. Trenchies can be seen cutting branches out of impossible locations, and vegetation is beginning to grow inside of established businesses and homes. There is an ever increasing market for vileblood based defoliation options that are being offered by entrepreneurial Trenchies, but the fact that more than a few of those selling the stuff have gone missing under strange circumstances calls into question their efficacy.

For Sleepers, this means that the possibility of encountering enlarged and potentially dangerous plants such as those seen in the earliest parts of the months grows ever more real. A human-sized venus flytrap might very well try to snatch one up, with all of the peril that entails. However, while it is possible for any exotic plant to carry with it potentially lethal threat, most of these are able to be dealt with by even the untrained with a machete. The real problem is the root systems and the plants that ones that talk. The former are the most likely to be encountered. Root systems grow over entire buildings during the mid to late month, choking over light sources and blocking windows to dim houses. They clench their grip over doors, making getting out of one's house an act of willpower and muscle that may have to be repeaated over and over again. Worst of all is the fact that many of these root systems almost seem to be intentionally creating barriers around the Lantern Network! The little moaners are safe, but their sphere of protection becomes a dome of wood, shielding and keeping them away from those naughty sleepers trying to hack their way to a teleport.

The talking ones, though, are downright disturbing. They're not very large, at first they do indeed seem to whisper and beg to be fed. Naturally, only blood will do, and the longer that they're fed the larger and more dangerous that they can become. But, so long as one doesn't feed them, they're harmless, right? Wrong. True, they can bite and it's easy enough to avoid them. However, it's what they start to say when they're denied their food that becomes disturbing. “There is a consequence of your actions, you know.” “Do not think that you are immune.” “Saving the Moss Brat seems wise now, but have a long memory.” Things like that. The voices they take on are eerie, unnatural and do not match the plants' normal begging voices. They never clear up who is speaking or what they're speaking about, but surely it's not a big issue, right?

By the end of the month, the plants wither away and break off of the various homes and businesses, leaving no visible damage behind, as if whatever caused them has faded entirely.

[JUMP TO TOP] • [JUMP TO COMMENTS]

THE LEECH

WHEN: Second Half of March
WHERE: Anywhere in Trench, but not the Outpost.
CONTENT WARNINGS: Magically Cursed Ailment, Severe weakness, Anemia

---

You didn't think it would be that easy, did you? From the moment that the first talking plants appeared in Trench, there has been another ominous presence. Unbeknownst to the people of Trench, but the Moss King is recovering from Riteior's attack and, while they are safe and slowly getting back to their normal self, this has allowed for Riteior to offer a little payback in an effort to cause trouble to those seeking to stop his attacks on the Pthumerians of Trench. In the night, while characters are sleeping, the plants strike. They wake to find a thin film over them, but otherwise it appears harmless. The next full day, there's nothing wrong and they feel hail and hearty. In fact, those pesky little talking plants are gone from their house. Of course, the next day the horror begins to settle in.

Within 48 hours, Sleepers will find themselves weak and lethargic in the extreme. The condition is not fatal, but it is problematic and irritating. They will find that no amount of food, water and rest quite gets rid of the malaise that they are experiencing, a strange drowsiness and lack of energy plaguing their every moment. The longer it persists, the more dangerous it becomes. However, there appears to be no obvious cause, at least until they visit someone capable of treating their condition, be they a Blood Minister or trained physician. Victims of this curse appear to be suffering from a severe, but not life-threatening anemia. There is no obvious cause, but the Ministers are certain that it is not natural and is likely a result of a curse of some kind. They can offer stimulants and high energy food, which will help the person experiencing the condition, but the real danger comes if they try to use their blood for a blood ritual of any kind. The insidious reason becomes obvious. Someone is attempting to stop them from safely having enough blood to perform the rituals to seal them away!

Victims are “fine” in the sense that they could get through the month safely without risk of death and just be weaker. However, if they attempt any form of blood ritual or blood letting, they risk running out of blood, which would indeed be a life threatening concern. The only solution, then, is a blood transfusion of another type. The Blood Ministers are willing to provide blood from their banks, but caution that it is better if a fresh supply is used. Do you have a friend willing to lend a hand? Or, do you miss one of the deadlines this month for fighting back Riteior?

FAQ:

This condition strikes after the mid-month, when the latest batch of rituals further weakens Riteior, and ensures the Moss King's safety.

This condition is not life threatening, unless a person attempts to use blood for a ritual or other purpose without first receiving a transfusion.

If a person attempts to perform a blood ritual before getting a transfusion, their anemia can become life threatening very quickly.

It is possible to completely avoid this prompt by not being targeted by Riteior. His cursed targeting is not that precise and he is clearly becoming desperate.

When a transfusion is given, both participants will be lightly anemic for another 24 hours, but the condition will fade afterwards completely.

It is suspected strongly by some of the Blood Ministers and Arcane Scholars that this is a curse brought about by a brief moment of control over the Moss King by Riteior. This can be learned easily in conversation with members of the orders in Trench.

[JUMP TO TOP] • [JUMP TO COMMENTS]

HIGH STAKES

WHEN: Second Half of March
WHERE: Goat Turning in The Cellar Door
CONTENT WARNINGS: Gambling, Possible Coersion, lowered inhibitions, Risk of Character Death

---

The Moss King appears to be 'on the mend' by the latter part of the month, or at least he seems to be his usual self. A flyer advertising a special for all Sleepers and residents of Trench at the Goat Turning, his personal gambling hall, circulates throughout town. The doors of the Goat Turning will be open to absolutely everyone, and nobody will be turned away for an event that will last the last two weeks of the month! Anyone who comes will be given a complementary set of chips for free, along with a very special commemorative poker chip embossed with their own face on it which they are assured they can keep afterwards, assuming they don't lose it betting! In fact, that commemorative chip is the only way that a person can return to the Goat Turning during this period, and has to be shown to get admittance, though you don't need to bet it even if it appears to be worth quite a lot! Every night, a new allotment of chips is offered to gamblers. It isn't much, and if they're willing to trade a few goods to get more, they can supplement their stash. What could be more fun than a friendly game?

The drinks and food are free for those attending, and even better? They don't seem to have a lot of strange effects. The drinks seem to ease the symptoms of corruption, in fact, and make a person more relaxed and at ease, along with lessening their inhibitions. The food is filling and pleasant, but salty, making one crave the drinks more. But, honestly, compared to Generosity's botched and spoiled food in January it's almost heavenly, even if it does make it easier to want to keep gambling and gambling. After all, those prizes for the big winners of the night are certainly something to behold, and the kinds of luxuries that Trenchies drool over.

The Big Prizes: (Maximum 1 big prize per character for the month)

A Lunar Orb

A Vial of Pthumerian Blood that can leave a person feeling sickly and weak if they come in contact with it

A Genuine Lantern, enabling a second teleportation location to be placed!

A Blood Enchanted Weapon or Armor.

An Item from Home that a character might not normally find washing up on shore

The Lesser Prizes:
Players are encouraged to use their imagination on lesser prizes that could be won. Food. Supplies. Furnishings. Weapons. Tools. Clothing. Any number of valuable could be won throughout the month.

So, what's the catch? There's always a catch. Well, like any gambling hall, the saying goes that the House Always Wins. This isn't true universally. You could have a hot streak at the Craps table, or you might just win on your lucky number in Roulette. It is very possible to walk away with enough chips to win a big prize all in one night, or build up over time to claim such a lofty goal. But the trick is that commemorative chip. It's the admission, and it's also the only way you can leave the gambling den each night. The chip must be presented both at entry and leaving, and only then does the reality become clear. That chip is so valuable because it represents your life! You might literally be betting with your life here! Should you lose your chip and not have it at the end of the night, the impressive and powerful bouncers at the door will bar you from exit, and once the hall closes there is nowhere to go but the basement. Anyone who enters the basement after hours will find that their life is indeed forfeit, and their debt is called. They will die down below. How will they die? Well, considering the fighting pits down below, any of a thousand deaths, some more gruesome than others, are possible. And, if another player holds their chip, they will be given a special pass to remain below, to demand their price themselves.

So, if you lose your chip is it still possible to get it back? Absolutely! It is a gambling hall, after all. Someone just has to be willing to give it back, or to win it back from another player or the house. What could be simpler? Of course, because there are no compulsions in the commemorative chip, and no rules about how it is to be used or transferred other than that it must be won from the house in a fair game, it is almost as if the Moss King is testing his own guests to see just how far they will go, and what they will do if their life or the life of a friend is on the line.

FAQ:

Players are limited to one grand prize per character. Please record this prize on the prompt below.

Characters that die because of this event may die in any reasonable fashion in the basement. Tools are provided. This may be handwaved.

Because this event involves the potential of players bargaining for their lives and death, we remind players to be mindful and communicative with others regarding permissions and preferences during this event. Do not break permissions.

Lesser prizes can be won in quantity, but we ask that you be reasonable about this.

The Commemorative Chip is non-magical and there is no compulsion to gamble with it. It is simply worth a lot more.

The Event is not age restricted, so underage gambling is possible.

[JUMP TO TOP]

CODING

Comments

The Leech!

[thisislife]

Let Lexi state for the record that she thinks the ritual is a bad idea. A very bad, terrible, no-good idea. But she's sticking close to Luz, regardless, because if something bad does happen, she's somewhere and with Luz. So she can do something about it.

And she whispered urgently to Luz. "Luz. Luz. Hey, honey, are you--you don't look like you're feeling too hot."

Re: The Leech!

[imaglyphwitch]

Yup. Luz walked into the Satellite of Love and was looking pretty weary. She had bags under her eyes, looked paler than usual, and her movement was somewhat sluggish.

"Yeah, it's been like this since two days ago," Luz said with a conflicting air of flippancy. "Really going to have to figure out what's causing it."

Luz winced, feeling a little pain in her shoulders. It was just...always something.

[thisislife]

Lexi gives her girlfriend another concerned look-over. Weary would be an understatement.

"You sure you feel up to being at work today? Things being...things, I'm pretty sure I can handle things here on my own," Lexi replied, still looking concerned, her forehead wrinkled with worry.

"At the very least, let me steal some of the 'for customers' snacks so you can have something to eat. I'll get the tea-kettle started in the kitchen," Lexi offered.

And she notices the wince, but isn't sure what to do about it. At least not yet. She really wants Luz to take her advice to rest and recuperate, but she knows her girlfriend. Luz would struggle to persevere, no matter what. Even when it worried Lexi.

Which it currently was doing.

[imaglyphwitch]

"Am I up to the nerdy yet immensely fulfilling job of recommending books and finding what else we can put in our shop, with the best girlfriend in the world? Absolutely!"

Yup, that was Luz all right-powering through.

"Snacks. Yes. Maybe some snacks would be good. Also, a pillow. Maybe a stuffed animal."

Putting on a brave face did not mean Luz was going to ignore she was still needed a few pick me ups.

[thisislife]

That gets a bright red blush and a burst of giggles from Lexi. No matter what, she never gets tired of being reminded that Luz chose her. And that they share their nerdy passion for books of all kinds.

Well, it makes her girlfriend worry. She's trying to not jump to conclusions, but after what that one girl posted about Palebloods..."Okay. I can get all of those for you. And you're not feeling...weird, like I saw this thing on the network about a girl feeling like she could taste people and that she was a Paleblood. You're not..." Lexi trailed off, still looking concerned.

Fortunately, the pick me ups were either fresh almond biscotti or red velvet cupcakes. Or both? And she'd brought along some of her massive stash of tea to the bookstore. Lexi gestured to the glass covered cake holder where the snacks lived. "Help yourself. And what kind of tea would you like?"

Girlfriend's gonna fret anyway.

[imaglyphwitch]

Even in this state, you're not going to catch Luz not complimenting Lexi: she'd missed her, and having her here was definitely lifting her spirits, even if it did nothing for her actual physical health.

Also, she totally meant everything about the books.

"I'm not tasting people, no. That was Luna that said that, right? But no, it's just...feeling really weak and wanting to curl up and rest, like, all the time. But that's probably not a good thing either, is it?"

Luz gazed at the treats, grinning. "Aw, nice! I could use a biscotti!"

Good question. "Hmm. How about Jasmine? That might be good."

[thisislife]

But even with the compliments, well. Lexi missed Luz, too. It was hard to not miss Luz, she literally was light. Even if her light currently seemed dimmed and she wanted to make sure Luz got a snack and something to drink.

And Lexi loved that Luz meant it about the books.

"Is that her name? Peter's girlfriend, right," but the rest of Luz's explanation doesn't help Lexi's state of mind much. "That's...definitely not a good thing. Have you been sick? 'Cause if you're sick, you definitely need your rest. Do you need me to close up for a bit and walk you home so I can fuss over you? I will do it," she said, mock-threateningly.

"A biscotti and a nap. We've got the sofa if all else fails, I'll tell them that couch is claimed and not for the public for the foreseeable future"

"Jasmine doesn't have much caffeine, right," Lexi asked curiously.

[imaglyphwitch]

That was probably all a good idea. Luz wanted to put on a brave front, but considering what went on last month, she knew it was important that she be in a functioning state. This sickness stuff was just not going to work.

Of course she did! It was Luz!

"Uh huh. Luna Lovegood. I have a feeling that what she's going though probably WOULD affect me if this stuff I've got now wasn't already doing that. I really ought to look in on her, it's been a while."

She sighed. "I'm not...great. I'm not pleased about that either. I need to get better, and fast!"

Luz smiled. "You're too good to me, you know that? I wouldn't blame you if you gave me a lecture for, I dunno, staying out late at night or something."

She smiled. "Nope, it doesn't. I love you by the way, did I mention that?"

[thisislife]

But Lexi knew that Luz had the tendency to get caught up in other people's stuff. Which wasn't a bad thing! Far from it, she loved that Luz cared so deeply for her friends. But when it made Luz obviously run herself ragged, it worried the crap out of her.

"Stuff. What kind of stuff is going on? And that can wait until you're feeling better. I refuse to accept any answer but 'yes, Lexi,' she said mock-threatening with a giggle at the end.

And she walked over so she could slip her arm around Luz's waist and give her a squeeze. "What can I do to help you get better? Seriously. I've never seen you looking so," what was a nice word for 'awful,' "exhausted."

Lexi chuckled at that. I can't do that and besides, that would be hypocritical of me. I tend to push myself, too. But I mean it, I'm really worried about you right now."

Lexi nearly melted. "I love you, too. And you have, but mention it some more." And she leaned over for a sweet kiss.

[imaglyphwitch]

Luz had to admit that she'd been on a bit of a kick in helping the last few months, and last month was especially strange enough that she'd needed help. What she hadn't anticipated was that there was somehow repercussions to the things she'd done.

Granted, she also didn't know that was happening to her.

"Been trying to help get this place back to being balanced. There's this other sort of 'faction,' Riteior, and he's trying to usurp the other Pthumerians and insert himself as the primary 'god.' A few months back, I wound up in a version of Trench where I came face to face with this guy's followers, and it was enough to make me NOT want that reality all over Trench. So last month, with some help I found a ritual to seal up Riteior. It basically is a ritual that needs several bloodtypes, and it needs to be repeated several times to work."

Luz gestured to herself. "And then 'this' happens. So your guess is as good as mine. Maybe it's a regular Trench thing, maybe not."

Luz shrugged. "I dunno. I might have to ask around to get a concrete answer. Might have to even ask on the network."

Having Lexi beside her helped though, and Luz snuggled into her shoulder.

"I appreciate that, and unfortunately, I'm too weak to even fake NOT being weak. Maybe this will pass, maybe it needs something else. I don't really know."

Luz managed a smile and leaned into the kiss. "I'm fine with that."

[thisislife]

As soon as Lexi finds out about that she's going to 1) fuss over Luz even more and 2) find the one who helped Luz and thank them profusely.

That makes two of them.

"Balanced? But, I remember those guys. They sucked and I don't want them around any more than you do. But a blood ritual needing lots of blood from several people, including you? Several times? Okay. Okay. I'm officially worried and you are not gonna work today. We're closing for the day and you're coming to my house to relax and I'm going to feed the hell out of you."

And Lexi asks, wide-eyed, "Are you willing to take that chance? 'Cause I'm not."

"You can do that safely from the confines of my house. It has its own room for you and everything. Now," Lexi uses her arm around Luz's waist to tug at her gently. "It's closing time."

And Lexi leaned her head into Luz, breathing her in.

"Yeah, another reason why I'm worried. C'mon, honey. Please? Let's go to my house, I can cook and make tea for you even better there," Lexi asked in her most persuasive tone of voice.

When Lexi breaks the kiss, she nuzzles into her beloved girlfriend.

[imaglyphwitch]

She had every reason to fuss over Luz: despite her best intention, Luz tended to get into trouble more often than not.

"Yeah. Haven't you noticed that the Pthumerians are kinda off kilter? It's Riteior and his followers. They're trying to make that version of their world here. And yes, believe me, it was NOT easy to get that information about the ritual. I actually wish I had you around to look up that stuff."

This through off. "Wait, close the shop? We need to stay open and give...oof."

Luz was starting to get riled up and found that even THAT was enough to keep her winded. So no more of that.

"No. This feeling is awful and I still need to help with the ritual. O-ok, Lexi."

Luz wasn't going to fight Lexi on this, and considering what the girl was like, that was an indication of exactly how weak Luz felt.

"I'll...well, I hope I'll be fine soon."

Luz let's out a happy squeak. "You're too good to me."

[thisislife]

To Lexi's eternal concern. She feels guilty about that, that if she really was a good girlfriend, she'd be more involved with the shit hit the fan. She's spent nearly a year being a big, damn chicken, now she has control over her powers, she should be getting more involved.

And Lexi groans. "I have, but I figured it was just them being dicks. The absolute last thing we need is someone fucking with them to make them even more weird. So they can take over the world and someone out there just played a YouTube clip of Raul Julia yelling 'of course!' And I'm sorry I wasn't there. For all of it. Damn, I kinda suck, don't I?"

"Yes, close and let you rest properly. And let me take care of you. Okay?"

And at seeing how winded Luz had gotten, Lexi tightened her hold on Luz even more and reached up to grasp her far shoulder. "Gonna make it to my place, or should I try to find someone with a...jeez. Scary nightmare horse to ride?"

Which worried the hell out of Lexi and made her feel even more guilty for not being there.

"That makes two of us," Lexi said, worry clear in her voice.

But that made her smile fondly. "No such thing as too good to you."

Nice reference! That takes me back to my CA watching days!

[imaglyphwitch]

Luz would have argued that Lexi WAS a good girlfriend, that it was actually LUZ who was the crazy one, always doing things that involved her getting into trouble or knee deep in some craziness. But that was just how Luz was: if she could find a way to help, she would take part.

"Oh, they were, but that's the thing: they WANT to make out Trench like that. I want to help make sure that doesn't happen. Also, Raul Julia is the best part of that movie, don't let anyone tell you anything different!"

Luz shook her head, though even that made her head spin. Ugh.

"I'll never accept that. You're a great girlfriend, and you're saddled with a troublemaker for a significant other! It's lucky she's so fun!"

And Luz sneezed several times, and groaned. Nope, she was getting worse. Oh boy.

"Lexi, you know I have, like, several ways to go from one part of Trench to another. I have the staff, the Fathiers, and I can turn into a bird. Luckily, I think I can just shimmy over to your place."

And go on Lexi's bed and die a little bit.

"You're the best. M-maybe someone on the networks' figured out what this is. Some other people have to be sick too, right?"

Same here! The Nostalgia Critic's take on Signs remains one of the funniest things ever!

[thisislife]

And next time, Lexi would be at her side. She was done with just keeping to herself and trying to avoid all of the weird. Because she knew that Luz would get herself involved and she also knew Luz was her most precious person. So if Luz was at risk, well. Lexi would be as well.

"And I won't let them, either," she says firmly. "And he is, he's just having fun and chewing scenery and the whole thing is great!"

And Lexi gave Luz a wry smile. "I'm not 'saddled' with anything other than an amazing young woman I love very much."

Lexi's expression turned back to concerned. "Okay, done. We're done for the day and I'm taking you to my place."

So Lexi slapped her own forehead briefly before returning her hand to Luz's far shoulder. "Right, right. Maybe we should use the staff? Are you feeling up to that?"

No dying. Not allowed. Ever again.

And Lexi's forehead creased. "I haven't seen anything on the network about people getting exhausted sick."

Seriously, what was that Kierin on in that role? At least he made up for it in Scott Pilgrim!

[imaglyphwitch]

Luz would be conflicted. She didn't want Lexi to get hurt, of course. There was also the thrill of having Lexi by her side AND getting to see the kind of magic she could do now. Personally, she knew she couldn't stop Lexi anymore that Lexi would stop Luz from involving herself in other affairs related to Trench.

As far as Luz knew, anyway.

"Good! Raul Julia can't help but make things interesting anyway. No offense to John Astin, but Raul will always be my Gomez."

Ok, nerd, back to your health please.

"Aww, thanks sweetie! You know you're my, like, mini universe right? My adorable spinning universe that I live in every time I step into work?"

Luz nodded. "Yes ma'am! Rest and recovery time now!"

The staff. Uh.

"Probably not, and the Fathiers are REALLY big. I think I'm going to have to inconvenience Tempest for this."

Her omen nuzzled her hand and gave it a nip.

"Argh! Ok, ok! I know you would easily, sorry!"

Now Luz made a face.

"Buh. Of course it would be mysterious. Dumb Trench."

I can only assume that M. Night told him to play as though he was stoned out of his mind.

[thisislife]

They'd watch each other's backs, come to each other's defense. Their powers would work well together, too, a Darkblood could pack a mental punch when she felt like it. And that didn't even involve the telekinesis she'd been practicing like crazy at in the confines of her home.

It would be fine! Really!

"Oh, god, I know! I have him and Anjelica Huston to thank for my bisexual awakening when I was eight. Because wow."

Yes, fellow nerd, back to the current crisis.

And Lexi blushed bright red. "You're own spinning universe? Am I a pretty one, like the ones they took pictures of with the Hubble Telescope? And you are my own personal sun, always brightening things up even at their darkest."

Yes. Rest and more rest and grilled cheeses with tomato soup, her personal comfort food combo.

"All right. Whatever it takes to get you to my house so I can fuss over you properly."

Which made Lexi grin, even as Orville snuffled into her hair.

"It's not Trench if it's not annoying as heck, right?"

"Be Haley Joel Osmet, but more insufferable!"

[imaglyphwitch]

Luz had very stupidly forgotten her girlfriend was a Darkblood, which was actually the other blood that was needed for the ritual. The last time they'd gotten some at the lab, but having someone who actually had the blood to give was a much better idea.

Granted, Lexi's blood would come in handy to her RIGHT NOW, but she doesn't know that yet.

"Ooh, not a bad choice! Those two were pretty fantastic together! I think mine might have been, like, Shaggy and Velma from Scooby Doo? People were picturing them dating, I just thought Shaggy would be fun to hang with, and I'd help Velma solve mysteries."

And they would smooch, obviously.

"Are there actual UGLY universes? I guess that's kinda subjective. But you are my own, vast, beautiful universe of twinkling stars and infinitesimal possibilities."

Here, even sick, Luz did blush and get all starry eyed. "Aww! Thanks, Lexi!"

Ooh, Luz would not say no to that! Well, maybe the cheese.

"Believe me, I'm not going to try to put on a brave face. I'm gonna burrito myself under a blanket with stuffed animals, a tissue box and the best girlfriend in the world. Maybe some comfort movies too."

That sounded amazing. Being fussed over never sounded so...awesome.

"Now you're getting it!"

"Completely delete all emotions and emoting! Do EVERYTHING in the exact same dull tone!'

[thisislife]

So she can be helpful? Yeah? Yes, please? Make her month and say yes!

All in good time~~~

"I know! There was so much sexual tension between them and it was supposed to be a kids' movie? Clearly neither of them got that memo. And which version of Scooby-Doo, the original cartoon or the live-action? Because personally, I was more into Sarah-Michelle Gellar until I realized that dating Daphne would be like dating my sister or any of her friends. Ew."

"I dunno? Surely there's one out there that's like. One big expanse of sand-color. That wouldn't be very pretty unless you mentally zen garden the thing. But, you can't say that to me and expect me to not swoon, but I've got to stay steady on my feet for your sake!"

And Luz is beyond pretty when she does so, so win-win for Lexi!

BLTs with turkey bacon, then?

"Good. Because blanket burritos are terrific even when you're feeling good, they're even better when you're sick. And it's lucky that I have those two requirements as well. But, comfort movies can vary a lot. I mean, I'll watch Sharknado when I'm feeling bad because it's so dumb and over the top that I can't help laughing. But other people have, like, Legally Blonde or something." Which she burned out on fast thanks to certain people named Cassie.

Oh, there will be fussing and pampering and catering to!

"And it only took me a year. Go me," Lexi said with a laugh. "Now let's get outta here." And the arm around Luz's waist was staying there, even though she needed the other hand for annoying things like doorknobs.

And don't forget to wear the stupidest hat you can think of!

[imaglyphwitch]

Luz knew she was going to need the help, and time was running short. The big question would really come down to how she would ask. She didn't want to seem too creepy about it, or make Lexi feel guilty in any way if she said no.

"Ah, you're talking about the movie, and it was fun, but I kinda liked the cartoons! Something kinda fun about the seventies flair. I think I liked Mystery's Inc. the most though, where they revisited a lot of the old seventies fun things, and Velma's way more intense because she's hiding the fact she prefers girls!"

Luz could write a whole paper on Mystery Inc.

"Also, Velma and Daphne were supposed to have a kissing scene, but the powers that be were all "ew gays" and in the second movie forced Velma into a het relationship. It kinda lost its magic with me after that. Shaggy was fun though!"

Luz giggled. "Sand colored maybe, but who knows, there might be explosions on the surface every hour or something, or maybe it has planets with several moons!"

Luz grinned. "Watching you swoon is my favorite thing though. You blush a really pretty color."

Luz did too, but obviously they weren't talking about her.

INTERESTING! Luz had never had turkey bacon!

"Great! I have a few favorites too, thanks to mom. I love The Dark Crystal, The Last Unicorn, The Black Cauldron...that is a lot of 'the's', huh? Well, I still love them! But we can do fun contemporary stuff too! I love seeing the kinds of things you like so we can talk about them later!"

Please. Luz is all about being pampered by her girlfriend.

"Hey. Magic takes time. As long as you know, that's progress. I knew you were too smart to let it defeat you for long anyway."

And never make eye contact with ANYONE. NO EXCEPTIONS!

[thisislife]

Asking would send Lexi into a flurry of fussing, but she'd absolutely do it. It would save her girlfriend, what else could she do? Sit back and let her die? No way in Hell.

"See, I don't think I ever saw that. When did it run, I might have to check it out. Especially if they stated the obvious fact that Velma likes girls. I mean, in the old seventies show she set off my gaydar even before I knew I had gaydar."

And Lexi rolls her eyes. "Of course they were all 'ew gays.' Of course they were! And that relationship was so forced and awful, it didn't help that the actors had all the chemistry of a box of rocks." Prompting many eye-rolls from mini-Lexi.

With a nod, Lexi said "Okay, that would make the sand colored universe a little more interesting. Especially if it had multiple moons all over the place. I hate that Earth only has the one, I'm jealous of the outer solar system, all of them seem to have, like. Twenty each. Not fair."

At that, Lexi turns that exact color and she can't help grinning. "Flirting with me while I'm trying to take care of you. I'm not sure if that's allowed. Or maybe it's necessary to ensure I take the best care of you? I was gonna do that anyway, but this helps."

100% better than pig bacon. And that's not just keeping kosher in mind.

"Those are good, too! What was it with the eighties, they had all of these awesome sci-fi and fantasy movies and in the nineties it just kinda stopped. No idea why, but it was weird. So let's stick to the eighties. Ever watch 'The Last Starfighter?'"

Which works because Lexi likes to pamper her girlfriend.

And that gets another squeeze around the waist from Lexi as she opens the door to the bookstore and gets ready to lock it behind them. "Well, now I can levitate stuff like a boss and I've practiced getting into the mindset for the others. But obviously I need a willing test subject for them." Because she wasn't about to just spring those on anyone.

I totally know what Twin Peaks is, but canonically I imagine Luz does not.

[imaglyphwitch]

Luz was absolutely going to do it once she felt better. Right now, she was just trying to make sure she wasn't too weak to walk it].

"I think it was the twenty teens. Far as Scooby lore goes, it's sorta recent. And they couldn't right out and say it, but it as fairly obvious she had a girlfriend in Hot Dog Water. Fun fact! Hot Dog Water's VA was Velma in the movie too!"

Nerd. Forever and always.

"The way I figure it, you either make Velma ace and all about mysteries, or you give her a girlfriend. And the girlfriend has to be on her level too. Trust me, you NEED to see Mystery Inc. Also, there are Twin Peak references, according to mom."

Whatever that show was.

"Hey, I like our moon! It's fun! It regulates the tides! But still, more than one would be interesting!"

Luz laughed. "Hey, I imagine I'm going to get pretty gross if you're going to take care of me. Might as well sweeten the deal!"

Right. Kosher. Luz was going to have to remember that. No pig.

"RIGHT?! Mom was pretty sad about that too, she loves her eighties films! The Last Starfighter? Hmm. No, but it sounds like something I'd be willing to watch!"

Aw. Lexi was the best!

Luz nodded. "Well, you know me, sweetie. My brain is an open book for you. All you gotta do is ask. Levitation? How long can you keep the object in the air?"

Twin Peaks = Best TV Show Ever. I may or may not have played Laura Palmer for 3 years.

[thisislife]

At which point, Lexi would try to carry Luz. And likely fail miserably and need the help of someone bigger and taller and stronger to carry Luz back to Gaze.

"Oh. Really? Then, how the hell did I miss that, I was like peak viewing audience in the mid to late teens. Probably 'cause mom can't stop watching true crime shows and it's either learn to be entertained by murder or read a book." Lexi rolled her eyes affectionately. "I read a book. But I don't think I've seen that other show, is it good?"

"I want either loads of moons or loads of suns. Anything to make Earth seem cool. Like, Luke Skywalker didn't stare off into the distance staring at one setting sun, did he?" Because everyone knows that that was the height of cool. And no, she wasn't being ironic.

No pig, ever. She's heard she's missing out and she knows she's missing out because she didn't start keeping kosher until high school, but don't all religions require that? A little sacrifice?

"You've never seen it? Oh my god, it's so good! Kinda dude-centric, but it's easy to pretend that you're the special chosen one because the way this guy becomes the special chosen one is because he rocks at arcade games. And one of East Highland's few bright points is that it has an old-fashioned roller rink with an old-fashioned arcade. I wish I could take you there, introduce you to everyone. And then we could roller-skate to eighties hair metal until midnight. Perfect date ever," Lexi stated with conviction.

Sorry, she misheard her, she thought Luz said that Luz was the best?

"I know. But it's like invasive-invasive. I wanna make sure you're one hundred percent up for it. And, let's see...heaviest thing I've done was my couch for about fifteen minutes. Plenty of time to put someone in a time-out zone." They'd be flailing around mid-air for fifteen minutes and Lexi would be really really careful to not laugh at them. Much.

Depended on the infraction.

YAAAAS. POOR LAURA FORVER, BY THE WAY.

[imaglyphwitch]

Luz would just appreciate being carried because it was Lexi, and while she loved helping her girlfriend, knowing she was just as willing to lend a hand was everything to her.

"I think more people should have been paying attention to that show! It was great, super referential, and it was one of THE most serious Scooby adaptations, with real stakes! It kinda elevated it to an actual plot driven show!"

Luz snickered. "Ah. So even though she forced you into it, you made lemon with lemonade. Very admirable. But if she's slightly to blame for how smart and witty you became, it can't be all bad."

Ooh. Multiple suns?

"Right, I remember that in Star Wars Luke was starting at several suns, but I think we're good with the one?"

Luz was Spanish, there was DEFINITELY going to be some pork happening. How else would you have pernil?

"No way, arcades? That sounds amazing! I want to see it now! That reminds me, gosh, there's this one anime, High Score Girl, all about a love triangle but SO much arcade stuff in the 80's! It's super fun, and you really get into the characters!"

Luz would be up for Lexi's movie first though!

"Oh, that sounds good! But I don't mind taking you on trips with the staff, or on the Fathiers."

Luz nodded. "All right hun. You'd know better than I do how strong you are. Too bad you can't just float me over to the house."

Lexi had already come so far, doing that would probably take a LOT of strength she might not have yet.

No worries, my Laura is now an expert archer, headed to Thedas to be a romanceable option for DA:D!

[thisislife]

Lexi would manage maybe three feet before staggering to a stop and requesting help. Big, brawny help, even though she'd feel dumb asking for it. 'Here I am, reinforcing the gender binary' and so on.

"Okay, we're gonna watch it together. After you get at least a twenty-four hour nap. At least. Don't argue with me, this is a thing which is gonna happen." OR ELSE.

"Yes, reading 'Wuthering Heights' has really helped me in my day-to-day interactions with my fellow maladjusted nerds." And Lexi thought a moment. "Actually? Maybe it has? Fuck me, I never wanted that to happen!"

Yes, multiple suns and/or moons FTW.

And turkey. Or tofu. Either were substitutions for pork, but for a dish like that, go with turkey.

"Yes, yes, arcades! All of the old-school stuff, none of the modern bullshit. I think the most modern thing they have is the first version of the Mortal Kombat arcade game. And I wouldn't have it any~~ other~ way~~." Lexi said smugly. "But I need to watch that anime yesterday."

All of the movies, all of the time. And speaking of, she needs to nut up about having a bad movie night, she's been talking about it for months. But Argonaut's month seems like the best time to do it, that Pthumerian seemed nice enough.

"And I don't mind being taken on trips! So, it's like a perfect arrangement," Lexi declared firmly.

"Well...if I keep you at about an inch height over the pavement, I should be able to manage it. The higher the float, the more energy I expend. Like running a 5K versus running a marathon. For the former, all I need is a granola bar or two once I get to the end. So if you wanna chill and let the friendly skies of Lexi take you, I'm okay with that." She said, entirely seriously.

There was no time like the needs to get the girlfriend to a safe space time to incentivize someone.