...Oh wow, you're right. Though if you're moving fast you could say you're running FROM something right? Maybe there's someone chasing you or you're running from something in your past? Then I think whatever you use it would still count as running.
[Wu you opened a rabbit hole, why would you do that?]
Yeah, my housemates are making sure I'm doing all of that, and our house from Deerington showed up- all intact. So I've got all the basics for a good night's sleep. My brain just won't shut off. It's like...I don't know. Like dread or something.
I guess it would but then it's metaphorical running instead of literal running and I don't know if you can say that you're running in circles unless they're metaphorical circles!
[ Because he has his own version of anxiety and can't help himself, sorry Varian ]
Oh wow that's really nice that you got your house!!!! I got my sauna but not my whole house which is probably good it was way too big.
Have you tried getting a massage? That puts me right to sleep! And helps with feeling a sense of dread! Trust me on that one.
You don't think so? Methaproical circles are still circles, right? It's not like they're metaphorical squares.
[That makes COMPLETE sense, obviously.]
Yeah! My lab's in here so I'd have been really upset if I lost it. [Also his Waste-Dad's grave but he ain't talkin' about that. ] I'm glad you've got your house too! It makes settling in a lot easier, huh?
I don't know, I've never had one before. I guess that might be worth a shot. I can keep my shirt on for one of those, right? Like being shirtless isn't a prerequisite?
[Because someone got some pretty gnarly scars from his time in Deerington and he consistently refuses to process those properly. ]
Aren't there? There could be metaphorical squares! Like when you call someone a square, they aren't actually a square!
[ b o y s ]
That's so great!!!! I didn't get my whole house, just the sauna, but that's really the most important part. I don't know what I'd do without my morning steam!!!!!
I guess you could? I don't know if it would feel as good though. You could find someone you trust, so you're more okay with being shirtless with them. Mako doesn't like massages either, and I think that's part of it. He's too modest. 🙈
[ Well, Wu's seen them. So he kind of gets it. But, consider: massages ]
Oh man, I KNOW right? I never get that. Why being a square is considered lame. Like, a square is a pretty structurally sound shape! You can't go wrong with a square!
[B O Y S]
Oh, well. That's something, I know you liked that a lot.
Yeah, call it modesty. I guess I could ask Fern? Maybe. Though we haven't really got to the being shirtless around each other part yet. Do you think a massage would really help?
[So many people have seen the scars now and Varian is deeply uncomfortable with it. Those weren't for other people to see!!!]
See? So many reasons that are proof suqares are cool!
I have heard that steam has a lot of health benefits, so you might not be wrong there. It dilates blood vessels so it lowers your blood pressure, which is what makes you feel relaxed.
[Just imparting some wisdom if you wanted it or not, Wu.]
I don't know, it's awkward. And embarrassing. And I have a lot of scars and that makes it so much weirder. He says he thinks they're cool but it's still awkward. I'm awkward.
It does!!! It has so many health benefits and so does massage and VARIAN YOU SHOULD TRY A SEAWEED WRAP
there has to be a spa here! Let's find it together!!!!!!!!
Scars are cool! Mako has tons of scars! Have you seen his arm? It's so cool! And kind of sexy, which probably you didn't need to know but maybe Fern thinks the same thing about yours!!! Look I'm still just a little bit mad at him about how he got those scars, but I can accept that they look really cool now and they're proof that he didn't die. Scars are proof that you didn't die!!!!!!!
He's so awkward. So so so so awkward. I love him but Varian let me tell you he's the most awkward person. Ask him about the time he was a famous pro-bender and he'll get super awkward right away. Really lean into how famous he was and he goes beet red!!
I do know seaweed had a lot of antioxidants in it so that makes sense. I'm - what sort of wrap are we talking about here? Like a mummy scenario or?
Do you think there would be one? It doesn't seem the sort of place that would have a spa.
[Wu, you are an awful lot of everything, but he can't deny you anything. He'd still go looking for one with you. ]
His Lichtenberg figures? Yeah, I've noticed. I did not need to know that but you're his boyfriend so I can appreciate you sharing your views. And...yeah. Fern's made that much very clear to me, too. My scars. Not Mako's.
I mean he might like Mako's I didn't ask him. I don't know if either of us wants the answer to that.
He does say that, though. Scars are proof I survived something. Even though... a lot of my scars are from when I actually died. But I guess we can count resurrection as surviving? Probably?
I mean, I can be pretty awkward too so I can appreciate where he's coming from. But that's unexpected. I think I heard about the pro-bending thing but I didn't realise he was so awkward about it. I guess he's not really the sort of person who likes to be the centre of attention, huh?
Pretty much! You get all wrapped up, it's so cozy and relaxing and your skin feels so good and soft afterwards!!!
I don't know! But what kind of place doesn't have a spa?!?! That's such a crime
[ You're such a good friend, Varian. They'll find.... something. Maybe. ]
Because scars are hot!!! Listen to Fern, he knows what he's talking about here!!!!
It's okay if he thinks Mako is hot. He would be wrong not to.
[ Wu kind of likes it, likes that he gets to be with Mako, even if others think that Mako is incredibly handsome. Mako chose him. ]
That is a good point. But yeah you're still here!!! You came back!!!! There's strength in that too. I don't have scars from when I died, at least not physically. But even so, I know it was an awful experience to go through, and we did it! We're here and we're alive and I really really hope we stay this way.
No he really hates it. It was his birthday in August, but I can't throw him a party because he would hate it :( I think he DID like being famous, but now he finds it suuuuper embarrassing.
Isn't it restrictive? Being wrapped up? Aren't you afraid someone will just leave you there and you'll never get free and you'll starve to death?
[Varian, don't ruin this for Wu, he doesn't need that. ]
Well, he does seem to know what he's talking about. He's been in a lot of fights. And okay, duly noted.
[He is not going to ask because Varian's self-worth is shaky at best. Wu's definitely got a leg up on him there and Varian has no small amount of awe for the man that he can take that in his stride. It's definitely the healthier way to think- he needs to work on that. ]
I hope we stay that way too. I'm really not looking to die again, the times I did were awful. Noooo more of that for me thanks. But yeah, they are marks of what I've been through I guess. That's a nice way to look at them- it's definitely how Fern sees them.
I am with Mako on that one, it's my birthday in April and I can't stand parties. I'd rather just let it slide by nice and quietly. I don't need to be the centre of attention. Maybe Mako feels the same way?
That would be a really bad spa if that happened!!!!! When I would get them done in Republic City, Mako was always there so I knew I wouldn't be left to starve, even if the spa attendants had nefarious plans.
[ You can't get him down, Varian!!!
Wu isn't necessarily that secure in his relationship, at least not deep down, but he also knows the objective fact that Mako is hot and that his two exes are also incredibly hot, so Wu went in with this knowledge. Better that he knew it early! ]
Oh boy me neither! Let's do everything we can to not die again! You and me! No dying!!!!!!
Do you think it even works the same here??? Do you think we come back.......?
But exactly! You survived! You're alive! That's something to celebrate.
OMG MY BIRTHDAY IS IN APRIL TOO
You can come to my party even if you don't want your own. Mako pretends to be the same way, but he secretly loves gifts and people doing special things for him. Shhhh don't tell him that I figured it out
Did they have nefarious plans? How unsafe IS a spa?
[Should he be worried? He feels like he should be worried.]
I'll do my very best to avoid dying as much was humanly possible. Because honestly, I'm not sure if it works or not. With Ramona gone, I wouldn't like to guess. The only way to know is for someone to die and I doubt anyone is lining up to do that.
I guess that is a way to look at it.
I don't really like the attention. It was never a big deal for me growing up. But I guess I could come to your party.
...I'll be sure to never tell him you cracked his code.
No no no Mako always did that! It was his job! The spas were perfectly safe. But you know it was a whole I was the last heir thing! I needed to stay alive for the future of the Earth Kingdom! So we couldn't take any chances
That is really scary. At least in Deerington we knew that we would come back. It was still awful! And scary! But we did come back. Wow. I didn't think....
You definitely need to come to my party!!! I'm going to throw a party for the grand opening of the Raccoon Room, you should come to that too!!!!!!
Oh! Oh! Varian! You're good at technology and stuff, right????? Do you think you could help me with the lights????
I guess? Rapunzel's the last heir and she...uh definitely doesn't play it safe. Ever.
[Rapunzel will go literally jumping from great heights or try to fight sixty-foot tall demons with a frying pan. The idea of a royal exercising caution is a little odd for him. Even Fred and Arianna were pretty combat-ready. ]
Let's hope this place doesn't try to kill us so much!
[God, that's so many parties. Why the parties?]
Sure thing, Wu! I'll be happy to get something set up for you. I've just about worked out how the lunar orbs work as a power source. It should be pretty easy to get a lighting rig set up.
Maybe she should!!! I know the Earth Kingdom would be really unstable if I died, and I really don't want that to happen again. It was awful after Auntie died, years of chaos. That's one of the reasons I don't think we should have a monarchy anymore! It's so easy to throw it out of balance.
Yes! Fingers crossed, I really really really hope it doesn't.
Woohoo!!!!! Thank you thank you! Come on over whenever, either Mako or Bolin or I am usually here!
Oh, we all know she should, but Rapunzel's never been one for doing anything safe. She's a free spirit. She doesn't even wear shoes! But yeah, I think she's at least put her wild adventuring outside the kingdom days behind her, now she's doing some actual ruling.
Her dad on the other hand? Definitely a pretty good exhibit for why monarchies shouldn't exist anymore.
[He's never gonna stop being mad about Fred. That was one thing he DID get right.]
Great, can do. We'll make sure it looks great for you.
I'm sure she's wonderful! Maybe a monarchy can work for your world for a while longer. Mine, we've had huge strides in technology in the last hundred years, and there's already a free nation, the United Republic, that has a democracy. I lived there for three years, and it really opened up my eyes! Everyone is much more free there. People can go from being poor and on the streets to making their own fortunes! People don't have to do anything just because of who their families are!
[ Is he thinking about someone in particular? Possibly. He's still blinded by how much better democracy seems than monarchy, no matter its flaws ]
NONE! The only time she wears them is if it's about two feet of snow, and then under duress.
[Fern and Luca refuse to wear shoes, too, so maybe it's just a thing with some people who he gets close to.
Oh, Wu, Varian knows where Mako and Bolin came from, he sees where this is coming from, but it's good. It's important for a ruler to understand their subjects on a base level- to see it with their own eyes just how bad it can be. ]
That's great to hear. Corona...well, it tries to be like that. It has potential, especially with Rapunzel at the helm. No more secrets or covering things up that can harm the people. I've got faith in her. But something like you're describing? Somewhere where people can be free to do whatever they want? To live their own lives? That sounds amazing.
Right?! It is amazing! I know there are still a lot of problems in Republic City, but it's still way better than having your life dictated by one person who only got their position because they were born!!!!!
That's really my problem with it. I did nothing to deserve this! I'm not qualified! It's just luck, or circumstance, or something!
[That's said with complete honesty. She means the whole damn world to him. More than.]
It's a really healthy way to think about it, Wu. I know you're here now, but whatever life the other you is leading back in Republic City? I know he/you will do absolutely great in leading the people where they need to be. I've got faith it can be done. You can show them something better, and you-you? You can lead whatever life YOU want to live.
Thank you, Varian. I hope so! It wasn't going all that great, but I learned from it. I hope the me back home sticks to it, even though it's really hard!
We both can. We all can! I'm excited to see what happens now that we don't have what we were supposed to be hanging over us.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ Wu, don't take it so literally ]
Maybe! Are you getting enough exercise? Eating right? Do you have a good place to stay??? I'm sleeping okay but I know Mako's having trouble too.
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[Wu you opened a rabbit hole, why would you do that?]
Yeah, my housemates are making sure I'm doing all of that, and our house from Deerington showed up- all intact. So I've got all the basics for a good night's sleep. My brain just won't shut off. It's like...I don't know. Like dread or something.
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[ Because he has his own version of anxiety and can't help himself, sorry Varian ]
Oh wow that's really nice that you got your house!!!! I got my sauna but not my whole house which is probably good it was way too big.
Have you tried getting a massage? That puts me right to sleep! And helps with feeling a sense of dread! Trust me on that one.
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[That makes COMPLETE sense, obviously.]
Yeah! My lab's in here so I'd have been really upset if I lost it. [Also his Waste-Dad's grave but he ain't talkin' about that. ] I'm glad you've got your house too! It makes settling in a lot easier, huh?
I don't know, I've never had one before. I guess that might be worth a shot. I can keep my shirt on for one of those, right? Like being shirtless isn't a prerequisite?
[Because someone got some pretty gnarly scars from his time in Deerington and he consistently refuses to process those properly. ]
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[ b o y s ]
That's so great!!!! I didn't get my whole house, just the sauna, but that's really the most important part. I don't know what I'd do without my morning steam!!!!!
I guess you could? I don't know if it would feel as good though. You could find someone you trust, so you're more okay with being shirtless with them. Mako doesn't like massages either, and I think that's part of it. He's too modest. 🙈
[ Well, Wu's seen them. So he kind of gets it. But, consider: massages ]
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[B O Y S]
Oh, well. That's something, I know you liked that a lot.
Yeah, call it modesty. I guess I could ask Fern? Maybe. Though we haven't really got to the being shirtless around each other part yet. Do you think a massage would really help?
[So many people have seen the scars now and Varian is deeply uncomfortable with it. Those weren't for other people to see!!!]
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I do like it a lot, you could also come try the sauna!! It's great for relaxing.
I do! Massages help with almost everything. And you can be shirtless around your boyfriend come on Varian!!!!!!!!
[ Wu has no shame, sorry Varian ]
You're just like Mako, so modest, don't want massages..... what's wrong with you guys?!
[ He's a guy too, but he means YOU guys. You know. The other ones. The ones who don't like massages. ]
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I have heard that steam has a lot of health benefits, so you might not be wrong there. It dilates blood vessels so it lowers your blood pressure, which is what makes you feel relaxed.
[Just imparting some wisdom if you wanted it or not, Wu.]
I don't know, it's awkward. And embarrassing. And I have a lot of scars and that makes it so much weirder. He says he thinks they're cool but it's still awkward. I'm awkward.
Mako's probably awkward too?
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there has to be a spa here! Let's find it together!!!!!!!!
Scars are cool! Mako has tons of scars! Have you seen his arm? It's so cool! And kind of sexy, which probably you didn't need to know but maybe Fern thinks the same thing about yours!!! Look I'm still just a little bit mad at him about how he got those scars, but I can accept that they look really cool now and they're proof that he didn't die. Scars are proof that you didn't die!!!!!!!
He's so awkward. So so so so awkward. I love him but Varian let me tell you he's the most awkward person. Ask him about the time he was a famous pro-bender and he'll get super awkward right away. Really lean into how famous he was and he goes beet red!!
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Do you think there would be one? It doesn't seem the sort of place that would have a spa.
[Wu, you are an awful lot of everything, but he can't deny you anything. He'd still go looking for one with you. ]
His Lichtenberg figures? Yeah, I've noticed. I did not need to know that but you're his boyfriend so I can appreciate you sharing your views. And...yeah. Fern's made that much very clear to me, too. My scars. Not Mako's.
I mean he might like Mako's I didn't ask him. I don't know if either of us wants the answer to that.
He does say that, though. Scars are proof I survived something. Even though... a lot of my scars are from when I actually died. But I guess we can count resurrection as surviving? Probably?
I mean, I can be pretty awkward too so I can appreciate where he's coming from. But that's unexpected. I think I heard about the pro-bending thing but I didn't realise he was so awkward about it. I guess he's not really the sort of person who likes to be the centre of attention, huh?
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I don't know! But what kind of place doesn't have a spa?!?! That's such a crime
[ You're such a good friend, Varian. They'll find.... something. Maybe. ]
Because scars are hot!!! Listen to Fern, he knows what he's talking about here!!!!
It's okay if he thinks Mako is hot. He would be wrong not to.
[ Wu kind of likes it, likes that he gets to be with Mako, even if others think that Mako is incredibly handsome. Mako chose him. ]
That is a good point. But yeah you're still here!!! You came back!!!! There's strength in that too. I don't have scars from when I died, at least not physically. But even so, I know it was an awful experience to go through, and we did it! We're here and we're alive and I really really hope we stay this way.
No he really hates it. It was his birthday in August, but I can't throw him a party because he would hate it :( I think he DID like being famous, but now he finds it suuuuper embarrassing.
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[Varian, don't ruin this for Wu, he doesn't need that. ]
Well, he does seem to know what he's talking about. He's been in a lot of fights. And okay, duly noted.
[He is not going to ask because Varian's self-worth is shaky at best. Wu's definitely got a leg up on him there and Varian has no small amount of awe for the man that he can take that in his stride. It's definitely the healthier way to think- he needs to work on that. ]
I hope we stay that way too. I'm really not looking to die again, the times I did were awful. Noooo more of that for me thanks. But yeah, they are marks of what I've been through I guess. That's a nice way to look at them- it's definitely how Fern sees them.
I am with Mako on that one, it's my birthday in April and I can't stand parties. I'd rather just let it slide by nice and quietly. I don't need to be the centre of attention. Maybe Mako feels the same way?
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[ You can't get him down, Varian!!!
Wu isn't necessarily that secure in his relationship, at least not deep down, but he also knows the objective fact that Mako is hot and that his two exes are also incredibly hot, so Wu went in with this knowledge. Better that he knew it early! ]
Oh boy me neither! Let's do everything we can to not die again! You and me! No dying!!!!!!
Do you think it even works the same here??? Do you think we come back.......?
But exactly! You survived! You're alive! That's something to celebrate.
OMG MY BIRTHDAY IS IN APRIL TOO
You can come to my party even if you don't want your own. Mako pretends to be the same way, but he secretly loves gifts and people doing special things for him. Shhhh don't tell him that I figured it out
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Did they have nefarious plans? How unsafe IS a spa?
[Should he be worried? He feels like he should be worried.]
I'll do my very best to avoid dying as much was humanly possible. Because honestly, I'm not sure if it works or not. With Ramona gone, I wouldn't like to guess. The only way to know is for someone to die and I doubt anyone is lining up to do that.
I guess that is a way to look at it.
I don't really like the attention. It was never a big deal for me growing up. But I guess I could come to your party.
...I'll be sure to never tell him you cracked his code.
[Oh, Mako, he feels you so much right now. ]
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That is really scary. At least in Deerington we knew that we would come back. It was still awful! And scary! But we did come back. Wow. I didn't think....
You definitely need to come to my party!!! I'm going to throw a party for the grand opening of the Raccoon Room, you should come to that too!!!!!!
Oh! Oh! Varian! You're good at technology and stuff, right????? Do you think you could help me with the lights????
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[Rapunzel will go literally jumping from great heights or try to fight sixty-foot tall demons with a frying pan. The idea of a royal exercising caution is a little odd for him. Even Fred and Arianna were pretty combat-ready. ]
Let's hope this place doesn't try to kill us so much!
[God, that's so many parties. Why the parties?]
Sure thing, Wu! I'll be happy to get something set up for you. I've just about worked out how the lunar orbs work as a power source. It should be pretty easy to get a lighting rig set up.
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Yes! Fingers crossed, I really really really hope it doesn't.
Woohoo!!!!! Thank you thank you! Come on over whenever, either Mako or Bolin or I am usually here!
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Her dad on the other hand? Definitely a pretty good exhibit for why monarchies shouldn't exist anymore.
[He's never gonna stop being mad about Fred. That was one thing he DID get right.]
Great, can do. We'll make sure it looks great for you.
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[ That's the important thing here ]
I'm sure she's wonderful! Maybe a monarchy can work for your world for a while longer. Mine, we've had huge strides in technology in the last hundred years, and there's already a free nation, the United Republic, that has a democracy. I lived there for three years, and it really opened up my eyes! Everyone is much more free there. People can go from being poor and on the streets to making their own fortunes! People don't have to do anything just because of who their families are!
[ Is he thinking about someone in particular? Possibly. He's still blinded by how much better democracy seems than monarchy, no matter its flaws ]
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[Fern and Luca refuse to wear shoes, too, so maybe it's just a thing with some people who he gets close to.
Oh, Wu, Varian knows where Mako and Bolin came from, he sees where this is coming from, but it's good. It's important for a ruler to understand their subjects on a base level- to see it with their own eyes just how bad it can be. ]
That's great to hear. Corona...well, it tries to be like that. It has potential, especially with Rapunzel at the helm. No more secrets or covering things up that can harm the people. I've got faith in her. But something like you're describing? Somewhere where people can be free to do whatever they want? To live their own lives? That sounds amazing.
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Right?! It is amazing! I know there are still a lot of problems in Republic City, but it's still way better than having your life dictated by one person who only got their position because they were born!!!!!
That's really my problem with it. I did nothing to deserve this! I'm not qualified! It's just luck, or circumstance, or something!
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[That's said with complete honesty. She means the whole damn world to him. More than.]
It's a really healthy way to think about it, Wu. I know you're here now, but whatever life the other you is leading back in Republic City? I know he/you will do absolutely great in leading the people where they need to be. I've got faith it can be done. You can show them something better, and you-you? You can lead whatever life YOU want to live.
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We both can. We all can! I'm excited to see what happens now that we don't have what we were supposed to be hanging over us.
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I understand that feeling. I'll miss Corona a lot, but it's kinda nice to think I can make my own path here, you know? Be someone else.
[Someone who isn't known by half the world as the guy who tried to murder the royal family, for example. ]