Cep-posts - Blog Posts

Merry Christmas, Yule or whatever else you celebrate! (aka Happy Holidays!) ✨🩵

Here's my tree :) (click here) 🌲

Tagging all my mutuals (except @lifenconcepts who's tagged me X)), if you guys want to pop a message there for me, or have a tree (or for you to make one!!) /nf

@trashy-kitty @sillycyan @theinfinitelibrarysystem @thelab-experiment @shifterofshapes @fictodreamer @creechcat @sillygloworm @elliott-the-creature @neonspectrumdreams @bardic-tales @queen-willard @quack001 @sun-uwu-kong @littleshopofchaos @godlike-enigma @intenderstendencies @dumbwolfdog @heretherebewolves @lunedemavei @so-called-human @schizotism @trichy-jadie @omegaversecurse @tigerfang318 @haliebug55555 @mistlost @shepherdingthepie

HIII!! Merry Christmas yeye :3

Sadly had to remove my other pinned post but PLZPLZPLZ participate ;3 !!

also, do you guys have any trees of your own??

@fleshbound-feathers @caffeinated-eccentric-polymorph @milanesa-con-matecocido @theoneandonlypatches @indigoisaspookyghost2 @my-address-is-the-soviet-union

Felt homesick, decided to make a character sheet for myself. We be copin /lh

I'll update this probably

╔════════ Basics ════════════ ╠ Name: Kai Wanderwitt ╠ Earthly Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius ╠ Gender: genderfluid ╠ Gender presentation: very fluid ╠ Pronouns: any ╠ Orientation: demisexual, panromantic, polyamorous| ╠ Dynamic: astac (assigned stella at creation), sola ╠ Species: shapeshifter

╠═══════ Appearance ════ ╠ Height: Short king (like 1m55) ╠ Eye color: left eye is green, right one is purple (void magic infused); both change hues when his emotions shift ╠ Body Mods: sometimes they dye their hair; they've got magic-infused tattoos, all over that shift with life, they change hues depending on his mood; they've got angel fangs piercing (and some on their ears) ╠ Scars: two square in the chest, nearly forms an 8, one on the hip, and multiple littler ones ╠ Default form: humanoid; black crow wings; sometimes claws and dog ears. ╠═══════ Personality ═════ ╠ Green Flags: remembers little details about people they love; very in tune with animals ╠ Negative traits: a plan? what plan?; impulsive; self-sacrificing ╠ MBTI: ENP(-T) - Campaigner ╠ Enneagram: Type 4w5 ╠ Alignment: Chaotic Good ╠ Archetype: The Fool ╠ Tarot Card: The Hanged Man ╠ Crystal: Turquoise ╠ Animal: Dog ╠ Flower: Carnation ╠ Plant: Arrowhead ╠ Element: Fire ╠═══════ Tastes ════════ ╠ Favourite food: most teas and infusions, coffee; pasta with cream sauce with broccoli, pizza, french tacos ╠ Most hated food: red meat, belgian endives, cabbage ╠ Favourite color: green, purple, yellow, turquoise ╠ Favourite plant: weeping willow ╠ Favourite flower: birds of paradise ╠ Favourite scent: old books and coffee ╠ Favourite animal: bats and foxes ╠ Favourite weather: rainy days ╠ Favourite crystal: citrine ╠ Hobbies: art (performance arts are his faves), gardening, cooking, learning (folklore, history, science,...), phytotherapy ╠═══════ Health ════════ ╠ Neurodiversity: autism, adhd, borderline, bipolar, c-ptsd ╠ It's all autism??: stims a lot, echolalia ╠ Biggest Struggles: sensory issues; hates ticking sounds ╠ Disabilities: chronically fatigued, chronic back, hips and leg pain from one of said legs being shorter than the other ╠═══════ Magic ════════ ╠ Birth: / ╠ Magic's Origin: experiments "augmented" him (higher constitution) when they were a toddler; communed with the Void while trying to pull someone out of it ╠ Magic: illusion, light reality bending, bardic inspiration (influence emotions and the world with music/performance), healing, sees and senses souls/intentions/emotions ╠═══════ In World ═══════ ╠ Role in the Sanctuary: gardens, teaches some magic to kids, cooks, heals, maintains tombs, takes care of animals on the property ╠ Team: / ╠═══════ Picrews ═══════

╠═══════ Animal forms ═══════

╠═══════ Media!Kai ═══════

╚═════════════════════════

As a European, this morning has got my heart broken and worried. Worried for my kin in the US, and for the repercussions on the rest of the world.

I actually had hope. Hope that when given the option between harm reduction and straight up poison, few people would choose the poison.

To all of you in the US, I'm so sorry. Please stay safe, and stay alive. Remember, you living is a beautiful act of rebellion.

To all of those who chose the poison, I sincerely hope you choke on it.

Fun little spooky season questions! (bit late but shhh)

🎃: Would you rather carve pumpkins or paint them? Both!! I never got the chance to do either and I'd love to try!

👻: Have you ever had a paranormal experience? (Ghost, poltergeist, demon, etc) A few! I might go more in dept into that in another post if I get the spoons

😈: What is your absolute favorite Halloween costume you've ever worn? Probably the closet cosplay of Beetlejuice I improvised in 2019 or the skeleton I did- I just wore a gothic outfit and painted bones on my skin basically, but I really liked my skull make-up!

🍁: What is your favorite part about the Halloween season? The spiritual aspect, the horror movies (not all of them though), the spooky aesthetic in general ^^

🍂: Do you like pumpkin pie? If not, what's your favorite pie? I don't like the taste of pumpkin in general- I like most fruity pies tbh, but I think my favourite would be a simple berry pie.

🌻: What's your favorite Halloween treat? (Caramel apples, candy corn, a certain chocolate bar, etc!) I'd love to taste caramel apples, but I've never had the chance! I usually get the weird Halloween candy like the eyeballs and all though!

🎈: What is your favorite movie to watch during spooky season (or your favorite scary movie)? I love binging Over the Garden Wall!! Perfect mix of cosy autumn and eerie Halloween vibes! I also like trying to watch new horror movies while staying in my limits- though I have to figure out where it is for gore still This Halloween season I'm planning to watch Scream and make my lover discover the second It movie (I made her discover the first one last year and we didn't get the chance to watch the second one together yet)

🕯️: Do you prefer haunted houses or haunted mazes? Both! I'm pretty easily scared but I love being a scare actor and I do love scaring myself so i love doing this kind of stuff!

🧪: Do you like Halloween movies like HalloweenTown and Twitches? If so, what's your favorite movie in that genre? I've not seen either actually! From what I'm seeing it's a bit like the Christmas movies I used to watch as a kid but for Halloween?? I had no idea that this genre existed and I'm definitely going to give it a try!

⛓️: An iconic Halloween / spooky season memory of yours? I usually go to tale walks, where you go for a little walk and along the way meet actors that tell a story along with scare actors; or I go to spooky or esoteric markets if I can find some!

🔮: Have you ever been to a costume party? Do you like them (or think you would)? I don't think I have! I'd love to though! I love dressing up and frankly, dancing and playing around with characters seems like a good time!

☢️: What's your favorite "campfire" scary story? Not sure I rememeber any!

💀: What's your favorite 'autumn flavor'? (Pumpkin spice, caramel apples etc FLAVORED things) I don't think I've ever tried pumpkin spice, but I'd like to! Otherwise, I don't think I usually have this kind of stuff.

🍂 What I personally did for Samhain 🕯️

✪ Lit up my colored leds and fairy lights for a cosy atmosphere

✪ Cleaned up my altar

✪ Took a moment to reminisce about my passed loved ones

✪ End of year review

✪ Letter to the Universe: gratitude, what I'm leaving behind, and manifesting the the new year

✪ Renewing my money bowl offering to Lord Hades with a written prayer

I usually get too overwhelmed or straight up forget to celebrate the sabbats, so this is pretty much a first celebration outside of just my morning coffee brewing spell being adapted to the sabbat!

Trick or treat!

Happy Halloween!! 🧡🦇

Just did a writer one, so here's an alterhuman one!

One of my favourite snack in my verse is actually a drink!! It's a slightly alcoholic cocktail (though it's an alcohol brewed from magic fruits - aka fruits that grow on plants imbued with earth magic - and therefore affects humans less and magical creatures more, the opposite of regular alcohol).

It's a mix of sunberry liquor, starfruit syrup and some sungrape juice, topped with a bit of lemon juice! It's called a SunnySyn, but most people just call it a sunny X)

My teacher: with time, flipping between thick and thin vocal chords will be easier, it's a muscle.

Me: singing both parts as a fun way to train:

💀 So, I tried Aethy today... 🤔

At first glance, it's quite a nice site, bit of a mix between Tumblr ^ Twitter, nice layout, quite intuitive, and the community seems nice enough.

However, there are two(ish) things that stood out to me and made me decide to not stick with it and not recommend it.

First, they allow AI art, and though it has to be labelled, there is so much that it floods the timeline. Fun fact, I don't see much AI on Tumblr apart from the bot invasions of certain tags from time to time. on the few hours I spent on Aethy, one post out of three was AI generated. That is just too much, it means a lot of users are using AI and posting that there, and as an artist that makes me feel quite unwelcomed.

Second, while I appreciate how the content warnings are implemented, something gave me pause: alterhumanity was considered a sensitive topic. Mind you, religion was too, but no other identity was. And that felt... off. Religion and beliefs can be sensitive subjects because of trauma yes, but censoring an identity that isn't spiritual in nature feels off. Then there's also the whole "all kinks, even the weirdest ones" while banning pro-para, like... Kinks are paraphilias? That makes no sense.

And I think I might have an idea why.

I wanted some opinions, so i looked it up online.

And I discovered that Aethy's mod team was deleting criticism and banning people who posted it, and answered quesries about it very rudely and with more banning. Then I discovered that mods are saying that pro-para is a label used by abusers, so everyone who uses that label must be an abuser. That makes no sense, and sounds like people who campain for censorship online saying that predators use profiction communities so the whole community grooms children.

In conclusions, the mods' rules are vague to let them moderate by personal liking rather than abiding by "safe community for adults who enjoy kink".

So yea, would not recommend it.

🐻 Bear & Breakfast 🥞

I finished playing Bear & Breakfast yesterday!

I loved the game!

Nice mix between management, decoration and adventuring! The tutorials are quite well done, the menus are intuitive, and the quests are easy to follow.

The art style is super super cute and lovely, and the options for decor are awesome!

The management aspect is really easy to understand while style being interesting.

Overall, the game isn't very difficult, but it's very relaxing and satisfying to go through!

The characters are so loveable and colorful, absolute banger!

Highly recommend it!

Trying so hard to remember that productivity isn't limited to high-spoon activities like writing or researching, but also includes self-care, more chill hobbies like gaming or coloring, things like regression, anything that makes you feel good, including resting and napping!

Continuation of this 🔖Questions Source (link)

🖋️ Have you ever found a writer who thinks just like you? If so, who?

I don't think you can fully think like someone, so not really.

I'll give out an author whose thoughts make me think (/vpos) instead: Virginie Despentes. SHe's raw and true, and that can be shocking to some considering what she talks about, but I find it refreshing and necessary. It's honest, it's not sugarcoated, it's real.

It’s so great to see anothe polymorph/shapeshifter who also has MaDD (I think the term for those is Xenreve if I’m not mistaken?)

May I ask about your kin experience while also having MaDD?

I don't know, maybe? To be fair I didn't know there was a term for that-

I'll look into it though, so if anyone has links-

It's a bit special, because I'm pretty sure I was a dog therian before anything else, but now it's shifted to being my main form as a shapeshifter.

I've daydreamed for as long as I can remember, and I don't mean the normal amount obviously: it's always been, and still is, a coping mechanism for me, dare I say the one I default too (art is a close second though, and I often mi the two).

As a note, my daydreaming hasn't been maladaptive for the last few years, but I still say I have madd. It's chronic the way I see it: if I'm not careful, it could become pathological again. Now i don't have to be careful all the time, but when I feel particularly bad I have to consciously use other ways to cope along with daydreaming, otherwise it still has a tendency to take over.

I like saying that until a few years back, I was fully living in my head. I had pretty much no life outside of my daydreams. And living fully in your daydreams for that long has had some interesting effects on my psyche and identity.

I've come to realise that I lived through my paraself because of multiple reasons, the main one being masking and being terrified to stop.

I mask way less now, and that's led to me feeling like my paraself, except reverse isekai'd: I barely have any memories outside of my daydreams until the years I "got out of my head", so it feels like being dropped from my world, the one I lived in 95% of the time, into this one.

Since my world is very much full of magic, there's a lot that didn't quite transfer to this body.

In source, I'm a shapeshifter. My constels and main forms are linked to this too: they're the forms I liked to take the most and the things I was and/or related to.

Now I also used to have magic. I could heal with it and create illusions. (I could also bend the elements a bit, but healing and illusions were my main ones).

I discovered earlier in childhood here witchcraft and forms of healing, and I've edged around it for a while (the healing methods, I've been practising witchcraft in this verse ever since I discovered it), but this year I've started learning to heal! It's not quite how it worked for me, but it's similar enough that it makes me really happy to be able to do so again.

For the illusion part, I've found performance arts the closest thing to it. I used to incorporate my magic into my art a lot, and I feel very connected to Everything when I'm performing, it's really euphoric.

That's all I can think about for now ahah, but I might reblog this with additions if I think of any ^^

In any case, thank you so much for the ask anon!! I love yapping and this was such an interesting and lovely question to answer <3

Hi buddy! Happy Blorbo Blursday! Which of your ocs would not survive a horror setting/ which oc would have the mentality of survivors in a horror film and what would they do?

Hi! A bit late whoops- yesterday was busy for me eheh

Probably Jamison tbh- Look, the guy's intelligent af, but he's kind of naive and very curious, so he definitely would open the creaky door, follow the weird voice, investigate, all of that.

Though if cornered he might not give up quite yet and instead try flirting. I mean, it's sth that happens in the story -he gets cornered by a monster and he just figures out he might as well try.

Joker 2: Folie a Deux was a good movie

Here's the unpopular opinion I talked about earlier- 'cause apparently people think this movie sucked? And I don't agree - same thing happened with the first movie.

Like, the first movie was described a lot as "an edgy movie for incels" and like...

As a person with disabilities, including mental illnesses, the first movie made me angry on Arthur's behalf. it made me hurt, and it felt great yet sad when he snapped.

Great because he was finally fighting back. Sade because well... He shouldn't have to, it should never have come to this.

The second movie, according to most, seems to be "a mockery of the people who liked the first one".

And frankly, I don't care if it was intended as such, because that's not what I saw.

What I saw, was the same man I'd come to grow attached to and care for in the first movie, dealing with the aftermath of his breakdown and struggling to keep a sliver of sanity and joy and hope in a world that never cared about him and never saw him as a person: only a monster, a freak, only things that excused abuse.

Well, except for the doctors, who saw him like a broken vase. Something fragile. But still not a person.

That last one shows a lot with the "Joker is an alter" theory they cling onto the whole time, when it's clear to the audience that it never was true. It's just Arthur, as he says in the end. it's just Arthur that couldn't take it anymore and did horrible things as a survival reflex. It shows with the way they expose Arthur in the courtroom: no regards to his dignity and privacy as a person.

The guards are only kind when you act as they see you: a criminal, under them.

The abuse depicted isn't graphic, at least it didn't seem graphic to me. But it still had an enormous impact.

The storyline with Lee I couldn't have been more happy with.

The moment she said "I wanna see the real you" while putting make up on Arthur, i knew how this was going to end. yet, I couldn't help but hope with Arthur. He seemed happy. But every time we saw lee outside of his daydreams, I couldn't be hopeful. Her demeanor screamed what was going to happen.

I loved how Arthur's daydreams portrayed this too. Not just in the obvious ways, like her shooting him. Music, in the first movie, was how you'd tell a delusion from a daydream. Arthur has music in his daydreams, he's an entertainer, he liked the scene. Lee, however liked the fame. That's the big difference I feel is subtly shown in Arthur's daydreams. He's singing because this is his world, he does whatever, and he likes singing. She's singing because she's performing, she's on a scene, sending a message.

As much as my soft heart wanted Arthur to have a happy ending, whether alone or not, I knew it wouldn't happen, and I don't dislike that.

He'd been on the brink of metaphorically dying when Ricky got killed, and he did when Lee abandoned him.

A happy ending was never an option, and at this point, I'm not sure what would've been more impactful: leaving him there, a shell of himself, or him dying for real - then again I don't think there's an objective answer to that.

I got surprised when he got stabbed. Not because it wasn't predictable: there'd been foreshadowing, it didn't come out of nowhere. No, i got surprised because, the thing with these movies, is that they suck me in.

Between the music, whether in the background or in a more musical fashion, the cinematography (lights, framing,...), along with how I relate to and feel for Arthur, it all has a mesmerizing quality that makes me travel far.

So, when Arthur got called for a visit, I got hopeful, genuinely. Because I didn't have my writer glasses on; that's not fun for a first watch. So I followed along, hoping he'd find a friend on the other side. Who? I had no idea, I just wanted him to be happy.

I was uneasy when he got stopped. I think that even if my conscious was too engrossed to realise the foreshadowing, my subconscious had gotten the message just fine. That's another reason why I felt the movie was well done.

The scene where he actually died, I think everything froze for me.

When I got out of the theater, I had to excuse myself to the bathroom for a few minutes. See, the thing with my group of friends, is that when we go see a movie, we discuss it immediately. I love that usually, but I was feeling... off. I still don't know what words I could put on what I was feeling. A sort of melancholic hopelessness, all the while knowing that it was just a story, that I wouldn't end up like this. I say this because, i think my first clear thought when i collected myself was "Is there no place for people like us?".

And obviously things aren't as bad as in fiction, but, well... i always make the joke that there's no need to read/watch dystopian stories anymore, because we're living in one. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate these stories. I just feel like we're living in one.

I'm not going to list off why, I'm sure you'll find many reasons yourself, many of which I probably wouldn't even have thought of. Isn't that sad?

I don't have a conclusion to this. There's more hope for most of us than for Arthur. But when you look at the fates of a lot of people like him -not the "power-tripping incels", as I've seen- people with disabilities, people in poverty, people who've or are being abused... Is there a world where we stop making victims?

Truth is, the real reason I wanted to put this out was to try to get rid of that feeling, the one that caught onto me as I left my cinema seat.

I thought putting it into words would help.

I don't think it did.

It still has a hold on me, although it's less overwhelming that that night, it's still there, a steady feeling for the last few days. I saw the movie last Thursday.

It's not that novel of a feeling. i remember feeling like this once, years ago. When I wasn't a kid anymore, and suddenly the world wasn't pretty.

Now I can see that the world is pretty. Humanity is wonderful. Still, it sticks to my throat like sticky honey, except it's bittersweet and it feels like rain and thunder and screams.

Have a good day/night, thank you for reading a lunatic's pointless rambles 💚

Let's have a snack together! 🍟🍙

Here's the picrew: link 🔖

@lifenconcepts @sillycyan @trashy-kitty @omegaversecurse @littleshopofchaos @bardic-tales (no pressure of course <3)

If anyone else wants to jump in, feel free!

Adding some challenges to sprinkle in, might do the leftover prompts over the next months 🌟

🩸 Monstertober & Yantober (link)

⛵ Lochtober (link)

⛈️ Whumptober (link)

☀️ Lifen's prompts (link)

I've not found any yet so here's my shot at one right before October starts!

💭 Daydreamtober 💭

(or really daydream[insertanymonthhere])

Honestly this is just the same as any other art challenge: write, draw, collage, do whatever you please! Skip prompts, mix them, finish late, start early, as you wish! Just have fun and don't overwork yourself 💟

The tags: #daydreamtober #daydreamtober2024

The prompts:

❂ 1 - Home

❂ 2 - New meeting

❂ 3 - Secret

❂ 4 - Feast

❂ 5 - Smoke

❂ 6 -Travel

❂ 7 - Dreams

❂ 8 - Letter

❂ 9 - Chase

❂ 10 - Confession

❂ 11 - Fear

❂ 12 - Monster

❂ 13 - Trap

❂ 14 - Injury

❂ 15 - Family

❂ 16 - Old friend

❂ 17 - Justice

❂ 18 - Hobbies

❂ 19 - Comfort

❂ 20 - Fight

❂ 21 - Rest

❂ 22 - Self-care

❂ 23 - Dating

❂ 24 - Distrust

❂ 25 - Flowers

❂ 26 - Cycle

❂ 27 - Yearning

❂ 28 - Doubt

❂ 29 - Love

❂ 30 - Haunted

❂ 31 - Celebration

Divider by @/cafekitsune

Kai-yaking through life

Episode Two

16/09/24

Traveling to the other side of the world is both a terrifying and exciting experience. I made wonderful friends from both Italy and Quebec, and saw many gorgeous plays!

We also went boating and kayaking on a beautiful lake, and discovered many new things.

It was such an inspiring experience!

I'm waiting to see the others again to know how they see the future for the troupe, but even if the adventure together continues, it'll be rare to work because well, they're nearly all at university now.

I was expecting it, and had mused about what I'd do then already.

I decided to do theatre on my own, and maybe recruit others.

First of though, I think I'll go with a solo performance, but I've not given it much more thought as I'm waiting to adjust into my new routine of aromatherapy and singing lessons.

I'll update you with some more of my ideas and adventures soon!

Until then, stay you, and read you soon 🫧

-Kai 🧭🌟

Little game inspired by multiple peeps!

Make yourself with this picrew (link)

Take this uquiz (link)

Tag people if you feel like it!

I'll go ahead and tag some mutuals (no pressure tho!), but if you see this feel free to take it as an invitation to participate!!

@lifenconcepts @sun-uwu-kong @sliceoflifeshepard

Bit late, but thought I'd join in bc this looks fun!

(not sure who to tag so I'll leave it open)

I dunno if this was already a tag game at some point, but I used this Picrew to make me and then make my parame, and I thought it would be fun! So, here are mine:

No pressure taggies! Just wanted to share~ @acircusfullofdemons @fallingmaddlyinlove @madd-many @heartofdaydreams (and this is open to anyone who wants to play, of course!)

"Can you explain this gap in your resume?"

Oh yeah, I was busy overthrowing the government on another planet.

Things I do that link both to my alterhumanity and my autism:

🐦‍⬛ Collecting stuff (dice, lps, plushies, notebooks, stickers)

🐶 Shake my feet to wag my tail

🐶 Blep

🐶 Lovingly biting (lightly)

👽 Pretend I'm normal and human (doing so less & less tho! /pos)

👽 Using what I know in psychology and about the person I'm talking to to navigate social situations

🐶🦜 Shake shake shake

🦜🐦‍⬛👽 Mimicking sounds and phrases

🐶🦜🐦‍⬛ Communicate with little sounds

Things I do that link both to my alterhumanity and my autism:

🐦‍⬛ Collecting stuff (dice, lps, plushies, notebooks, stickers)

🐶 Shake my feet to wag my tail

🐶 Blep

🐶 Lovingly biting (lightly)

👽 Pretend I'm normal and human (doing so less & less tho! /pos)

👽 Using what I know in psychology and about the person I'm talking to to navigate social situations

🐶🦜 Shake shake shake

🦜🐦‍⬛👽 Mimicking sounds and phrases

🐶🦜🐦‍⬛ Communicate with little sounds

🪹Some Nesting Ideas☕

🍵 Cosy snacks & drinks!! That way you don't have to leave the nest for them

🐧 Plushies!! And your mate if you've got one ^^ Having cuddles while I nest is something I deeply enjoy

🏰 Remember blanket forts? They're great as a base for a nest if you want a very safe, cocoony feel!

🍊 Scent stuff! I usually have perfume or essential oils matching my scent that I lightly (or not so lightly sometimes) spray on my nesting materials

✨ You can get a nice book, show or game to play/watch/read while you relax if you don't want to relax doing nothing!

🌿 If you have one of those lamps that project some galaxies or other nice lights, that can be an awesome addition!

Here's an old short story I wrote around 2020 during quarantine because I'm trying to get back into writing fiction and coming back to this will hopefully motivate me (also I still really like it) 🩵✨

Remy Tintenfisch, scientist

Word count: 1925

“Wow, look at that one!” The kid’s friend rushed at his side to look at the tiny shark in the aquarium, gaping at it until their teacher, Miss Katelyn, ushered them along with the rest of the group. The trip was going fairly well considering it had only been planned a few days prior. A friend of hers, Marceline, had called her a few days prior to offer her class a trip to the aquarium where she worked. Katelyn, of course, had accepted: it would do the kids wonders to get out of school for a while, and they tended to learn better when things were presented in a lighter, funnier way. The trip, however, had been a hassle to plan, what with only a few days ahead. But they had pulled it off, and the kids were having fun, so Katelyn could only assume it was worth it. When she’d asked Marceline what the occasion was, she’d said one of her newest colleges wanted to give some kids a visit to interest them in marine science. Both women agreed it was a good idea, and there they were. The said colleague, Remy, was supposed to meet them in the hall, which is where she was trying to get her twenty-two kids at the moment.

“Are you sure you’ll be ok Remy?” asked Marc. He nodded, his notes in hand already, a nervous smile plastered on his sweaty face. “It’ll be fine, you’ll see,” said Marceline. Remy only nodded again before getting out into the hall just in time to spot the flock of children circling the big central aquarium. The only adult of the group quickly approached, ushering the small kids along with her. Her shoulder slumped as soon as they reached him. “Remy, is it? I’m Katelyn,” she said, shaking his hand. Her touch didn’t linger on his moist skin, and she lowered her voice, shooting him a sympathetic look. “Nervous?” He stiffly nodded. “It’s ok, they’re not too hard to entertain,” she assured, gesturing to the kids, most of which were already flocking against the aquarium’s cold glass. Remy’s legs were shaking and he stumbled a bit on his way to the kids, smiling weakly. If one was really honest too, they’d say he wasn’t walking very straight, though it was probably the stress.

“This is a first,” Marceline had said. “Is it? Does the aquarium never do those kinds of visits?” “Oh no, they do, I meant for Remy. See, he’s a foreigner, so his English isn’t always very good, and he has never been able to work up the courage to make a visit himself. He’s really easily understandable, mind you, he’s just a bit self-conscious.” “Oh, of course, don’t worry, I’ll give the kids a word about it, make sure they won’t make rude comments.” Marceline had smiled.

“Hello, small human children!” Remy cheerily greeted. At once, most of the little heads turned to him, some lingering, some returning to their observation of the octopus lazily resting on a rock not far from the glass. “I am Remy, the scientist in octopus science,” he continued. “Do you want to hear some fun octopus facts?” “Like what?” asked one of the kids still staring at him. “Like octopus can squeeze through one-inch holes!” A boy next to him made an approximation of an inch with his fingers and turned back to Remy: “No way, that's too little!” Before Remy even had time to open his mouth, a small girl staring at the octopus made a small circle with her fingers and held it between her eye and the animal, closing the other to see through it. “I think I can imagine it,” she said. Remy smiled, wriggling his hands. “Do you know anything else?” asked another child. Remy grinned. “Of course! I know lot about octopus, me! Is there anything you special want know about?” The kid hummed. “Where are the others? I thought there'd be more than one.” “Plenty octopus here! You just can not see !” “How come?” “Octopus can change color and shape for disguise like predator or rock or scientist in octopus science laboratory!” A kid farther back squinted at Remy, though he was too busy listening to the excited children babbling excitedly and trying to spot the disguised octopi to notice. The kid, Marcus, turned to his friend and whispered: “He’s very weird, isn’t he?” “Miss Katelyne told us about that,” his friend Luke whispered back. “It’s because english isn’t his language.” “Not only that, he’s just plain weird.” Luke shrugged, closing the conversation, as Marcus continued observing the scientist.

The group was now walking leisurely around the central aquarium, allowing the children to observe more octopi. “Tell us another thing about octopus Mister Remy please!” Remy stifled a laugh. “Ok, did you know octopus has three hearts?” The children gasped. “No way,” some whispered. “Also, octopus blood is blue!” “Is it?” Remy nodded. “Say, how many octopus do you have here?” Katelyn asked. “Well, we have seventeen here in octopus science laboratory.” “I can’t see the seventeenth though…” said one of the kids after counting. “Maybe that’s because we couldn’t spot him in his disguise,” tried her teacher. “Oh no no,” said Remy, “you have seen all of them.” “Then how come I counted sixteen?” “Ah, that is because science octopus is missing, no one knows where is,” answered Remy, laughing. “Why is it so funny to you,” asked Marcus as some of his classmates giggled. “Isn’t it your job to make sure they're all there?” “Of course it is human child! But some time, even scientist in octopus science laboratory has slip ups! And should not worry because octopus will be found eventually! Is not like octopus could overthrow human leader!” The kids giggled at his little joke, even Marcus cracked a smile, though he still wasn’t sure about the guy.

The following day, as per usual, Remy was the first on the premises. He was preparing the laboratory for a very important guest. The place was spotless. As the man leading (and paying for) the research arrived at the meeting room, Remy set out to look after his assistant, a tiny robot, which would not be needed during the meeting. As Remy was new, he did not partake in it either. He sat on the floor, his back against the aquarium, the robot at his side. They stayed in companionable silence for a while before Remy asked: “Want hear some fun octopus facts?” The robot was silent for so long the robot didn’t seem like it was going to answer, but at last it did. “Why not?” “Octopus can squeeze through one-inch holes. They also change color and shape for disguise like predator or rock or scientist in octopus science laboratory. Octopus has blue blood and three hearts too.” The robot made a low beeping noise. “Now is your turn for tell me some human facts,” Remy said to the robot. “For example: how many arm does human leader have?” The robot started to beep out an answer but was interrupted as its owner came out of the meeting room. “And good luck with finding that missing one! It can’t have gotten too far.” He waved to Remy, who waved back, and the robot took off after him, leaving Remy alone besides the aquarium. He tilted his head back to look at the octopus swimming behind him. He opened his mouth to speak but quickly closed it as his colleague Marceline got out of the meeting room too. She came to sit beside him. "Sorry you couldn't assist. It's the procedure and all you know, it's a security thing." "It is quite ok, I don't mind. I think I understand too. Wouldn't want important information to go to bad person." She smiled. "Quite right, though I don't think you're a bad person Remy." He laughed lightly. "You don't know that." She laughed with him. "Well no, but I've been told I'm skilled at reading people." His laugh quieted out as he turned to look at her. She followed suit. "What?" "Nothing," he answered. "You are not bad person either." She grinned.

The monitors were beeping calmly before him as he nursed a coffee pitcher in his hands. "Remy, there you are!" Remy jumped. The pitcher slipped from his hands and fell to the floor, sharp pieces flying around. He turned to face the source of the sound, which was no other than Marceline. "I'm so sorry! Wait, let me help you!" "No need, no need, I am fine!" "No really, let me help, it's my fault." "No matter no matter, I will handle it." After a bit more pushing, she hung back silently as Remy picked up the shards. He threw some of them away, painfully aware of Marceline's gaze on his back. His hand too was painful and he looked around for something to cover the dripping wound with. He grabbed a cloth besides the cup holder and tied it around his wound, biting back a gasp as pain shot through his arm. "Are you ok? You got cut didn't you?" Marceline took a step forward. "At least let me help with that." Remy turned back around, holding his injured hand. "No need, look! It is fine!" "Are you sure?" He nodded as he bent down once more, picking up the last glass shards littering the floor. "Is there anything I can do?" He mulled it over as he looked up at her. "We should vacuum. So we are sure no glass is left." She nodded, scurrying to the janitor's closet to retrieve a vacuum.

At closure, Remy was the last to pack up. After he closed the lab, he rolled the legs of his pants and climbed the stairs to the aquarium. Before that, he had set his stuff in the vent closest to them. He took off his bandage to let the wound breathe and settled on the edge, his feet dangling in the water. Multiple octopi were swarming around him. One of them looked worriedly at the blue dripping slowly into the water as he recalled his day to them.

Bonus

The president climbed on stage under the people’s applause. His sweat glistened under the spots. “Hello fellow humans. I would like to thank all you for support during elections. As newly appointed human leader, I would like remind you all of the new regulation concerning sea-life. As you know, I previously was scientist in octopus science laboratory. Hence, this subject is very dear to my hearts.” As he was finally getting some water backstage, the applause still ringing in the air, a woman made his way to the president, escorted by two guards. “Mr Tintenfisch, your wife wanted to see you.” He motioned for them to take their leave, and she spoke as they did, embracing him. “You did it love!” Remy smiled, relaxing in her arms. “I would not have been able without you, Marceline.” After basking in Marceline’s warm hug for another moment, he asked: “Do you think they have suspicions?” She took her time to answer, weighing her words. “Maybe. Even if they do, I’m sure they won’t mind my sweet octopus.”

🦋 General Tags

#cep-posts : original posts

#cep-being : stuff about myself/my identity

#cep-thoughts : my thoughts on stuff (research, discourse, activism,…)

#cep-witches : my spirituality

#cep-journals : my journaling

#cep-art : my art

#cep-writes : my writing

#cep-fandoms : fandomy stuff

#cep-daydreams : my daydreams

#cep-loves : my selfshipping

#ceps-forever-world : my minecraft forever world

#cep-yaps : rambles and yapping

#cep-socialises : from answering asks to tag games

#cep-nsft : nsfw stuff; minors please block this tag, same for people that would prefer not to see this

Hi! Name's Kai, I'm 21, I use any pronouns, and this is my blog!