[2259] Birthday Splash

 

 

Cole:

I feel a jolt of excitement as I happily watch 'the big rollout' of clothing. All those measurement takings and the like led up to this!

I'm told to strip down and I jump the gun a bit forgetting to take off my shoes first.

As I sit on the floor awkwardly, correcting my blunder, I look away taking in the other bachelors, and right away notice something- or rather someone- missing from the makeover treatment.

Where's Morgain?

Perhaps he isn't a bachelor... Or perhaps the heart simply belongs to another...

The mind wanders to 'Mergain'. As it does my eyes drift to Mer's other boys.

Both Beo and Desmond were here. Trouble in paradise?...

Desmond was getting oiled up and I turn my head to my right to see a person facing me rubbing stuff onto their hands and then starts rubbing me down in oil. I cringe at the feeling of scales poking out in response to the moisture.

I'm suddenly glad I wasn't asked to do it myself. I'm not sure I could have with how weird this feels. But at the same time, maybe it'll be better if this is done and over with faster.

I reach my hand for the bowl and get my hand smacked for good measure. I pull my hand to me and look down at her bewildered as she does my chest.

"I was just trying to help?"

Their eyes narrow concentrating and don't retort. Another girl speaks up though at my confused hurt.

(Dora): "You're aren't gonna fully be scaled up." She shrugs. "Just an artistic amount."

"Oh..."

I trail off, luckily the announcement by 'cupid' fills the silence.

Apparently, everyone must vote? Does that mean we also vote? Can we vote for ourselves or do we have to vote for others? I wonder.

I look towards the others thoughtfully.

If I had to vote for someone else it would go to Prince Teagin. At least, that's what I assume right off the bat before everyone's finishing getting dressed up. I don't think I recognize most of these people.

I'm finally fitted with.... Less clothing than I thought there would be...

The glass is half empty I think dismayed. Literally. I could've been dressed as an actual water cooler. Which would have been worse.

Behind and around me a holographic sand is suddenly everywhere.

(Dora): "With "water boy" and your cool alien uniqueness, I was thinking 'Desert Siren'. What do you think? Neat and fitting, right?"

"Uh..."

And then... I see a filled water cooler jug brought in... I focus on that as if it was a distraction from the girl's questions as I don't answer.

It seems fine, at least I guess so since she busys herself with trying to decide to add a purple scarf to my look or not while the water jug is fitted and strapped onto the back of my harness, and more bottles are stacked on top.

She takes a few steps back and looks up intently.


(Dora): "Hmm..." Shakes her head no as she walks back up and takes it off. "The leather and vervain harness straps came out great."

She steps back again and her eyes light up with an idea.

(Dora): "Oo. You should totally lift the jug up with an arm and flex pose with it if you can. Show everyone how strong you are." She nods to herself.

"R-right. Yeah. Cool." I reply unenthused. Already missed out on a cool new shirt and now I got to do weight lifting... regardless, after the water bottles are unharnessed I heft the big one onto my shoulder, and as I settle into a good stance and get it stable, I then see words to read as a prompt is set up by Neotronics.



Dora wonders what that even means. Sounds like tempting vampires she thinks.



I wink and a few more holographic plants pop up behind me and in the hologram of me's CGI, my scales suddenly glimmer with vivid radiant holographic colour and shine.

 

Ceth:

There had been so much tentacles on the communicator I had taken from my lady tiger. Such a glorious freak she must be to have such a prolific feed.

Shame there wasn't anything for fur though. Suppose she gets enough with her own fur and kingdom in the flesh, so to speak.

Suddenly something different than tentacles happens.

A competition of gorgeous alien men.

Mmmm.

*Watches with Crystal's tablet.*

One mention in the standing is a TIGER OF LOVE!

I scroll through ads upon ads of hot men.

Shiny scales and alien features like wings give me pause, but I keep going, deciding to come back to them later. I MUST see the tiger.

A pale vulnerable skinny thing on a bed of purple roses shows up as the 'tiger'.

"What a tease." I hiss displeased at the disappointing 'tiger' display. Where's the fur??

I eye the display critically.

There were ears and a tail though.

My eyes watch it flicker around spellbound for a moment. Until the pale skin of the boys face and arms in my perifrials starts to nag at me. I growl and shift frustrated that there isn't MORE.

But then I see it.

The lion man. Muscular and golden. Powerful in all his glory.

That mane tho.

My jaw drops.

Such long lushious wild and untamed hair. My eyes trail over from his head and over his body, to that thick, slick tail.

Mmm. What a specism of majesty.

Ceth hits that vote button for Hepaci. +1

'Ethan':

There's so much plant life here and they feel... different... It's like they got this life force shining through them. Like an inner fire blazing while on the outside, it looked calm and tranquil. Though "peaceful" isn't the true way of nature, is it? Maybe this... energy thing is why it works against vampires? Vervain is just truly 'different' from normal plants.

It was unusual, to say the least, and I had wondered if I had made a mistake coming here because of just how constant and prevalent it was, but thankfully I think I'm getting used to it. Like how you eventually don't really think about the feel of clothing covering your skin unless it feels nice. Speaking of clothing-

When this contest business started, I had managed to force a pointed gaze of fake annoyance at the half-naked men and, in at least one case, I figured fully naked but with their species true beast 'skin' and 'scales' out. "I'm not going topless." I stated with finality without looking to the dressers. My eyes had slide over to the men from class and add for good measure, "Or pants-less."

In truth, my feelings had been muddled and conflicted. Jealously, concern, and a wave of uncarrying joy to go along with it. They were so counter to each other that they filled my octoen brain with a scattering of thoughts. I had to grasp tightly to the fear despite the tantalizing glimmer of just letting go that sparkled like the castle's glistening water and seemed to grow stronger with each drink. The truth was I wouldn't be able to explain... Things... And from that my thoughts had drift to Lulu and Typhon risking their lives to save me from the secret getting out to the colonies... This wasn't the same thing... But... My schoolmates were here.

I was still doing this though. All disjointed thoughts and feelings aside it was the one thing my multi-thinking brain could agree on. Jealousy and fun's reasons were self-evident. As for fear, explanations were the reason why it agreed. To decline would cause questions like why? If I said I wasn't a "Bachelor" that could just cause potential problems from my classmates. Doubt, teasing, questions, intrigued...

It turns out I hadn't needed to worry about the lack of clothes. I was themed as "Gothic Appeal".

After all those measurements and waiting earlier, I now found myself led through the great connected blue-lit castle. My promotion shoot was in a great space-y area, so unusual and unexpected inside a stainglass castle but I suppose this was less a castle and more a modern... hub.

I gazed up at the sky aesthetics in appreciation of its awed beauty but also felt a pang of... longing... for days long gone by... I find my eyes looking pass the stars not of here but from a memory, searching for the Orion constellation... And pointing it out... two of it's stars...  Bellatrix, and its brightest, Rigel...

I'm pulled from my memories by the Benefactors around me as I'm presented with the theme's wardrobe.

I was certainly not underdressed.... I had layers of a black aesthetic affair. Two shirts, the top of which was sleeveless, black, sparkly and had a lower neckline to expose the one beneath. The look of it certainly caught my attention. It looked star-filled against the pitch black of space and beyond that the amount of time it must have taken to make it... It looked like some sort of crushed tiny scales bedazzled to the double-layered top. Beyond the shirts was a velvet-y coat with a more silky breezy material underneath which helped to feel colder and was a different shade then the velvet. More of an off-colour black that looked dark blue.  There was also black skinny jeans, combat boots, and a belt, all of which of these last three were made of turtle leather.

There was also jewelry too. Necklaces and a choker. One of the necklaces had some sort of artistic interpretation of the human ancestral gate and its dialing device, I think?

I manage to insist on getting dressed alone in a bathroom and as I look down at myself and then at the mirror, wearing all these turtle elements I can't help but wonder what Typhon's reaction would be.

I head back out and look uneasily at the finished set dressing. My stomach drops at the fur that was draped over a chair. Dark fur...

My eyes drift away from it to the more appealing decorative bones strewn about, trying to distract the disquieted feelings. I take note of black candles and more of those strange energy-infused vervain plants around. I wonder if the plants in this setup are like the 'gate necklace'. A hommage to my supposed 'garden witch human heritage' or if that's just cause the castle seems keen on plants.

I'm led and directed to sit down on it. I pause and swallow, gazing down at it for a moment, then slowly ease my way onto it.

This- this wasn't so bad. Hell I was able to be in the same.. albeit it virtual room as Ceth... This was... Nothing...

I finally tear my gaze away from it and look at the starry ceiling.

It was just... different though... The aesthetic of it all brought up... things...

I didn't have a problem with the fur... Not really... I try to affirm to myself. It was just another material we're bestowed after death... Like... Meat... And this leather... And shell... And... Bones...

I'm given a decorated skull, a life-like "Soren raven" and some fake blue roses to use as props.

A screen with 'gothic' lines starts up to say or give inspiration to implore the people to vote for me but maybe it's because of my downer feelings or it's because of my over thinking but regardless it doesn't make sense to me so I ignore it.

 
























 

Gale:

I watch my baby doing bicep curls with two water jugs as his 'talent'.

I try to consider if I should want him to win or not. Just look what happened to the last royal mate...

My thoughts drift to Mer and her upgrades.

Though maybe she really needed them to carry and survive that litter.. Since she had been human and all....

....

Perhaps it would be a good thing though... Being royals... And... If my baby is gonna have a mate someday you can't get any better than a strong alpha woman like Blythe right?

My eyes drift to nearby spectators, watching Hep.

Anyone else here would be a downgrade...

And he would be safer... No one would dare touch us.

A Trydein would make a good pack alpha too.

And he's my son. I'll support him any way I can. He entered this contest, so I'll help him of course.

"Proud of you baby." I call out as he pauses to get his own drink of water. He turns his head to my direction and smiles at me.

I vote for him.

And he votes for Teagan.

+1 Cole

+1 Teagan

Zeek:

All the notification beeping was giving me a headache so I gave in and swiped my tablet on, expecting just to leave it on the feed and leave it somewhere as more tentacle propaganda poured through.

Instead, it was different stuff. Guys... Doing... Things and asking for votes.

It was a contest.

Mmm..

I didn't understand the appeal. The 'talents' were boring. I think some of their 'talent's was just supposed to be "pretty", I think?

Admittedly the rainbow lion was pretty cool looking though.

I scroll through and consider just voting for Des even though his 'talent' was.. Holding himself on a pole? And spinning and hanging on it?...

Hmm..

But then I find the 'baking' man.

Mmmmmmm. I gaze at all the shiny honey-drenched foods being shown off and made.

Shame the family was in trouble... Doubt we'll be able to get any in hiding. Sigh.

I keep watching though for the palet cleanser and just because of all the captivating food imagery details.

+1 Abhiram

William:

Seductively Simple

"Just an all "Mosaic" kind of boy looking for his soul mate. I proudly serve my king and country and will fight for them almost as much as you. Wholesome, home grown, and sure to impress your grandma - vote for me, William Brandt."

I wave to a few onlookers and hold up a baby sloth to tug at the heartstrings.

**William votes for Desmond.**



Amon

God of Love

*Shamelessly flirts with every blond who dares to pass by, completely forgetting what he is supposed to do, nor caring to remember.*

**Bad boy energy, some of his flirts come across a bit crass.**

**Amon votes for himself.**



Klaus:

Bouquet Boy

Is stoned, very stoned  

I keep eyeing all the plants, feeling quite ill at the sight of them.

**Hallucinates, fairies, goblins and other strange shit burrowing themselves into the bushes - burrowing themselves into HIM**

I start to panic and pace around on the spot, trying to distract myself.

**When asked to cast his ballot, Klaus picks a name at random just to be done with it - Abhiram gets the vote.**

Juliet:

Without our glorious King as an option, (or Dr. Morgain), this was so difficult. There were so many good-looking guys all fancied and cleaned up.

On the one hand, you'd think that it should help capture my attention, but on the other, it just fuels my imagination further.

I don't know how long I stared at the rainbow lion display. Toes curling at the carnivorous danger and mystifying deadly beauty. He was even being led about by a leash! Ah! Can you imagine trying to hold back that power and having it be subservient to your delicate control but knowing it was all just that he was letting you. The beast could always break that leash unless you REALLY went all out.

Imagines the rainbow lion man all chained up in a room. Rainbows reflect off the boxed-in cell walls. Fur... All that fur. Hands petting over his head and feeling the loops of the chain understand, freezing and sending a jolt of chill down my arms.

(Cole): "Hey, Juli! Are you okay?"

I blink blankly as someone shook me out of it, then look and see... Cole?? My eyes widen and roam over his body.

(Cole): Maybe you should drink some water."

My eyes finally roamed back up and he was eying my mouth. (chapped lips) My cheeks flush wondering if he was going to kiss me or was thinking about it. How did I get so lucky being adored by so many and most importantly, that I earned the King's trust?

(Cole): "You look thirsty?" He hands me a mini jug bottle and I nearly drop it at its unexpected weight. "Maybe you should take it easy."

I take a sip and can't help but chew on the opening top.

My wing ears itch as music starts to play.

"Wha-what? Did I miss something?"

I gazed around, wide-eyed at them all lost in a man candy store.

I hadn't been the only one whose had tranced out at the rainbow display. Some young siren was staring wide eyed in a mixture of terror at his feline-ness but also awe and agape at his seemingly aquatic godliness.

(Dave): Rambling to no one in particular. "It makes sense. Of course, how could I not have known? A god should be feared, by not only the heretics but also his followers.... What a beautiful new god in the pantheon." (Dave votes for Hep + 1 Hepaci).

Dave stares hard at the muscular amazing body trying to scrutinize if there was any sign or hint of Starker in Hep.

Cole looks over at the singing and dancing then glances back to me.

(Cole): "Um... There was pole dancing."

"WHATTT!???"

Cole winces and glances around hoping I'm not disturbing anyone enjoying the talents.

(Cole): "Look it doesn't matter.. Just.. Take it easy. You looked sweaty and flushed.. and... were just standing and staring at the waterfall for like,... half an hour.." He glances at my back. "Just.. take a break and vote if you haven't yet, okay?"

I frown at him.

"You're not a 'medical' nurse you know."

(Cole): "Yeah, well..." He just trails off flashes a smile and a shrug.

I wonder if he feels any pressure... First his dad and now his grandpa gone... Who was really in charge of the Reeducation branch now? Before I could ponder that too deeply, he continued.

(Cole): "I am the 'water boy'. So.. I guess that makes it my job now to tell you to drink more water." He winks, but looses his smile unconfidently in that statement. Then asks more uncertain. "You gonna be okay if I leave you now?"

I just nod already looking down at my tablet.

Who would I vote for?

I peer down at the list not really recognizing all of the names.

I look back up and around at them all. At least they were themed, which made that easier.

First, there was Cole. Our Cole! Who knew he could get all sparkly! Surely a travesty he couldn't look like that ALL the time. ...He did help me save the King...

I sigh dreamily thinking back to after the fall... Zones out again briefly.

There was a plant man. A naked plant! My stomach grumbles hungrily as I eye the stems against pale skin and follow them to sprawling leaves. That must mean he'd be like... Omnivore food. All hybrided like that. My thoughts wander to mantis' eating their.. partners...

Mmm... So hungry....

I see William next. He's not so bad on his own, to be honest. I looked at him and his cute baby sloth for a bit. Awe, I wanna pet a baby sloth. So cute!

My eyes drift back to Flower Man though. It was such whiplash. Something so... dirty verses something so clean...

Some blue-haired kid had entered, (Ethan had voted for themself between the walk from Navigation guide to here because Ethan doesn't know these people and those they do know are their class mates and they're not going to vote for them because they knows them... +1 Ethan) and wandered about carrying a bowl that looked like a skull with its cranium sliced off, which held seeds. He glanced over everything fascinated, all the unique-looking alien men, and his classmate singing and dancing. He set the bowl down to clap for him then picked up his bowl again to slowly and distractedly make his own awkward 'talent' display rounds.

The blue haired one comes up to me first noticing how captivated by plant man that I was.

('Ethan'): "Would you like some flowers?"

I flush and turn my head away grinning mentally screaming, AH ANOTHER ADMIRER!

"I- I would love some."

('Ethan'): "Pick some seeds." He holds out the bowl. I glance at it curious and do so. "Hold them out in your palm open." 

The blue-haired one then puts his hand over mine, and I feel the thrill of feeling the warmth of skin to skin contact. He concentrates and runs his middle finger over my fingers and palm around the seeds then suddenly the seeds grow. My eyes widen in amazement as the sproutings shoot out of the seeds and green stems soon bare flowers.

(Ethan): "There ya go.. You're welcome."

"T-thank you."  I reply stunned.

He inclines his head to me and I feel flustered, taking it as a bow to me and wondering if I'm supposed to curtsy or something, but I look down and I'm not wearing a dress.

He starts to leave but turns back and adds.

('Ethan'): "Oh uh, Ethan. My name's Ethan." He adds before continuing his fake garden magic talent to others.

Before I can contemplate what just happened, I get distracted by my stomach. So much plants. I look down at the flowers I now had but something sweeter and sugary was in the air.

I find myself salivating and follow my nose to a mostly naked insect man. He smelled of baked goods and sugar water. I fail to suppress a whine.

Loses self in more fantasies of praying mantis mate cannibalism. Just standing there staring at Abhiram. Mindlessly eats the flowers I was given to snack on.

My tablet beeps at me trying to remind me to vote.

"Huh?"

I glance at it, not really carrying, so lost in thought of bug on bug drenched in honey eating, and nearly autopilot votes someone without thinking, but I manage to stop myself. I blink trying to focus.

Abhiram for that sweet sweet honey crunch exoskeleton meal of a man. Mmm. 

Votes him and goes back to my staring and flower munching.

+1 Abhiram

Dora:

With things well underway now, I take the time to actually look at this event on my tablet beyond just working on it. As I drink some water I choke and cough it up at TREE MAN. I gasp and dry my chin off with the back of my furry coat arm.

I run off to be near SAFETY, aka Master Gregorian, and from nearby peer around hauntedly at the live talent displayed like it was a game of spot the Scary Tree Man until I finally manage to find him. My heart races but I manage to calm my breathing after I feel a sense of (Boren) pride and arrogance settle over me like a blanket. He can't get me here. There were so many talented people here and I'm amazing too. If he tried anything we'd all stop him.

My fingers slide into my pocket and I feel the thin slim needle and thread in it. I rub the needle between my thumb and pointer, feeling the slick, cold metal there.

I'd stop him.

I tear my gaze away, thinking he wasn't worth my time right now.

Instead, I gaze up at the cutest baby sloth being carried around with big eyes.

"Aaaawweee! Adorable!"
Such a cute and alive furry accessory! What a wonderful Kingdom! 

"Do you think carrying around alive baby turtles is going to be the latest fashion trend?" I ask Gregorian genuinely and take another good long drink from my water bottle to stay hydrated for this big workday.  

Then I hear William's words. So humble and kind!

*Claps hand again my bottle.*

Sorry, Cole. William has my vote! His words and gentle appearance is just more moving than the boy's weightlifting. Though that water he lifts is pretty and sparkily just like him.

Gets out my tablet and votes. +1 William

I gaze around from my spot and notice the Princess talking to the kitten man. He awkwardly bows back.

(Desmond): "Thank you. Or uh- You're welcome?"

He then looks embarrassed and flustered, unsure what to say, and gazing around blushing.

(Even after all these months Desmond's still entirely befuddled on how to go about an actual conversation about blood drinking. And Blythe brought up his hungered state so seemingly casual or kind. He wonders if she's offering or if she's going to fetch someone else or if its just like pre-bagged or boxed blood.)

(Desmond): "I uh... Yeah?" He admits, but answers unconfidently as his eyes finally slide back at her confused, thinking he's totally making a terrible topic worse.

Hmmm... We should have given him a turtle leather collar... And maybe a cute turtle pendant hanging off it. and give the turtle cat ears! And a cat tail!

The blue-haired human, with a skull, (appropriate for a human probably), passes by. I shiver. Scary humans. (To water high or oblivious to realize I have just voted for one.) Hmm...

I shake my head and take another sip letting the ease in, washing away the worries.

I am amazing.

Yes. I am amazing.

The french one gets on the mic and I look over appraising his clothes, then really listen as he mentions he had left and went back?? WHY??

Hmm... He was so sorry though now.

Stolkholm syndrome probably. It wasn't his fault. Poor guy.

I watch his heartfelt singing and dancing with this new outlook in mind.

Maybe the ones here weren't scary. Cause they were here. So they were good ones. Like Meredith. They escaped the bad human norms. Right.. Yes... Free. Freed humans... They should... be welcomed... Encouraged I guess. The benefactor way. Yes.

I smile feeling a sense of pride. This is the best kingdom. Second chances and all.

I sway and look down at my tablet wondering if I should vote for Potekim, but then realize belatedly I already voted.

Oh right... Shrugs it off. Oh well. 

Zorra:

Zeek looks up at Ezra's exclamation of "honeycakes", his eyes following him as he runs out.

I had been sitting over a lab desk over a list of supplies we still had, but I wasn't really looking at it. I had been thinking of Carry... My poor Carry... And feeling so empty and helpless...

Then suddenly I heard my baby. "What?" I shake myself from my thoughts and sit up alert.

I look at the tablet and at the roses man Ezra shows me confused and listen to what he's found out.

"Oh no..." I breathe in sharply. Ettie!

I look away in thought again.

Carry...

Where was he?? What do I-

Before I can think of how to protect the boys and find Ettie, Ezra rushes out like the responsible brother he is. My heart clenches like a stab of ice and my shoulders tense up but I force myself not to rush after him. He had been so adamant and steadfast in this issue... He's a big boy now... Even... Even if he is my baby... He's young and fast and powerful... And this is an important self-appointed mission he's taken upon himself. He's so confident and full of life despite how much this place wants to beat us down and crush our spirits... I can't take that away from him now... And Ettie needs to be saved!.. If he gets into trouble he can tell me... If I go out there there's more potential there will be trouble... For all of us...

(("Good job, son! You bring her home!"))

Tulsix:

It's been a long time since 'those days', but his old tablet was always there to see updates of his beloved bestie Princess Blythe. Lately, it had been useful in another way... Showing interesting specimens of the tentacle food variety... Though the puppet shows.. Meh... At least Hubby found them adorable.

And now... The contest...

I eye the 'men' up and down. I had nothing to go by other than their supposed 'names', supposed 'looks', and their... supposed 'talents'... They all looked unworthy of my favourite girl, that's for sure.

The 'Potemkin" truthfully unnerved me. His impeccable facial hair and dress and talent in music was clearly the only one of class, and one that might actually be any threat of 'swoon-worthy'. I did not like that.

A guy can dream of bi polyamory thank you very much.

At least he was just a CHILD. Surely too young and stupid to pose any threat...

Eyes narrow.

Hubby pointed interested at the gaudy one. He kept ass gazing at Bruno's booty in those skimpy shorts.

Hmm... Hubby doesn't say it but I think his radar is really pinging for this one... And that booty display... Probably secretly in the closet...

Well.. At least it isn't a vote for the real threat, so I humor Hubby since he doesn't have a tablet and vote for this 'Bruno Mercede'.

+1 Bruno

Desmond:

I look down at the preferred half heart and swallow.

What was this?... PR or something?...

If it was someone else I might have considered it mocking or just generally not knowing somehow. But not the Princess.

I quirk my lips up, in a closed smile and bow of my head.

Trying to find words but having a difficult time thinking.

It's so much easier to just go along with everyone else... To not think. To just...

"Thank you."

....

I take it and look at the torn heart wondering if my whole... Blood digestion would... Affect this... Or if I could just take it... And have it not really do anything?.. I don't know...

Shame Meri wasn't here. I could probably just sneak it to her... She needs all the food she can get. Gotta keep herself and the litter strong.

"Um..." I lift my head and roam my gaze at the ceiling as if it could give me words. I lower my chin back down and turn my attention back to her, continuing to just hold my piece, now unnecessarily in both hands. "Happy birthday... How... Have you been?"

It had been a while, I realized. Maybe she was locked away working miracles in her lab, or had been too upset to talk... Lots of hormones around... Maybe that was the links doing...

My sensitive ears twitch hearing the running splash of fluid and drips. I quickly turn my head over towards it. There had been so much water around... Shivers. I see ...Ettie!

I look down feeling a sense of guilt and sadness.

This was the right thing to do, right? Allowing my self to be part of this competition? She deserved better.

A blue-haired boy who had presumably been within earshot of me wishing Blythe happy birthday, wanders over with a skull bowl and offers the whole thing to her.

('Ethan'): "Flowers?... Happy birthday."

I glance around for my clothes I had removed during the dance and noticed them back at the cat tree pole.

"S-sorry." I mutter to the princess, feeling a rush of anxiety to just leave mid conversation even for a moment. I gathered my clothes, placing the cake bit on top of the mound and brought it over to Ettie and looked at the ground carefully hoping to not actually step on any of the evil liquid. My eye twitches.

"Here. Your soaking." I offer.