Oh The Humanity! || p

[sock]

Originally Posted by Caspian

Moonjumper sighed. “I think you should go to sleep, Snatcher.” MJ inquired, not wanting Snatcher to be exhausted; that would only make him a grouch. Or, more so than usual. MJ, having taken on the Prince’s thoughts and personality, he was kind, he was empathetic, he couldn’t help that. So he was always careful when it came to somebody sleeping or doing something self-destructive, especially when it was Snatcher or somebody he also cared about.

He made an attempt to place a hand onto Snatcher’s shoulder gently. “You do need it, after all.” he added quietly.

MJ continued to push his thoughts away so he could be there for Snatcher, even if the former ghost was visibly annoyed, it had to mean something that Moonjumper was called to his aid (okay, MJ is making it sound more dramatic, but still!)

Moonjumper was still trying to be nice, as he’s been trying to make up for a lot. And not to mention the outburst he had before all of this human stuff happened. That was so embarrassing…. He had made a mess out of Subcon, and he hadn’t even meant to.

@sock
(its alr, I get it.)

Snatcher hung his head. What MJ said, was true, he did need sleep, otherwise he'd get cranky. And then Hat Kid would get cranky, and then Bow Kid would get upset, and then Moonjumper would have to get involved. If he could sleep, he would, but he feared the nightmares that would follow.

He vaguely wondered if Moonjumper ever had nightmares.

He was drawn from his thoughts by another sudden sensation, which this time, was MJ putting a hand on his shoulder. It didn't surprise him as much, but it did make him tense up even more than he already had. His muscles ached.

"I can't," he said again, and the sentence was punctuated by a cough. His throat was very dry -- apparently yelling all the time didn't do wonders for his very real human vocal chords. He remembered the nightmare he'd had last night...

The forest stretched out into the shrouded dark. Snatcher floated over the swamp, grimacing at its frozen surface. Since when had her influence been able to reach this far? And why weren’t the trees burning? Had she grown stronger somehow? He held a hand out to reignite them, but no magic came. He shook his hand out, staring at it and tried again. Nothing. Something grabbed onto him and he jolted, looked down to see the swamp hands, still coated in jagged shards of ice snaking out of the water to drag him below. Snatcher tried to fly higher, but he’s sinking. How? He looked down again and his body seized up when he saw human legs, human arms, human everything, and icy hands strangling him in their grip, pulling farther. He was going to drown. That realization sets in, with the now-familiar panic right on its heels. He thrashed, trying to fling the hands off, and then he'd woken up to see two very concerned children standing over him.

Snatcher felt something tickle his cheek, and he raised a hand to swipe at it, and was met with a streak of something wet. Tears. He leaned his head back, draping an arm over his eyes to hide the tears from Moonjumper. Alas, he was shaking even harder, and his breathing became ragged and shallow.

He must look so stupid. So pitiful.

[Caspian]

MJ watched as Snatcher seemed to be…. Breaking down? In front of him? Moonjumper was hesitant to do anything, since Snatcher seemed embarrassed, not to mention their relationship with each other. He kept his hand on Snatcher’s shoulder comfortingly. “Hey, hey…” He said gently, trying to find the right words. Moonjumper had always been soft spoken. Or was it the Prince that had been soft spoken? Wasn’t he just an emotionless, thoughtless being before he had possessed the Prince’s corpse? He had no real personality, right? It wasn’t his….Oh my god, Moonjumper, shut up! He thought, mad at himself for letting his attention wander.

MJ wanted to pull Snatcher into a hug, but he didn’t know if that would help. Would it just make him feel worse about himself? Would it make him feel better?

Moonjumper held back from calling Hat Kid and Bow Kid; Snatcher wouldn’t like that. It was probably already too embarrassing with him there…. Not much a of a surprise, though MJ hoped it would change someday. Just let it happen slowly. He thought, distracting himself and focusing on Snatcher and his current situation.

MJ was still resisting the rapidly growing urge to hug Snatcher. Moonjumper looked down at him. ”Hey, Snatcher, it’s.. it’ll be okay.” He spoke softly, trying his best to comfort Snatcher without upsetting him.

At this point, his heart had broken too much to even care about making Snatcher mad. Moonjumper made an attempt to pull Snatcher into a hug, wanting to reassure him everything would be alright and that they’d fix everything. Everything would be fine, right?

@sock

[sock]

Originally Posted by Caspian

MJ watched as Snatcher seemed to be…. Breaking down? In front of him? Moonjumper was hesitant to do anything, since Snatcher seemed embarrassed, not to mention their relationship with each other. He kept his hand on Snatcher’s shoulder comfortingly. “Hey, hey…” He said gently, trying to find the right words. Moonjumper had always been soft spoken. Or was it the Prince that had been soft spoken? Wasn’t he just an emotionless, thoughtless being before he had possessed the Prince’s corpse? He had no real personality, right? It wasn’t his….Oh my god, Moonjumper, shut up! He thought, mad at himself for letting his attention wander.

MJ wanted to pull Snatcher into a hug, but he didn’t know if that would help. Would it just make him feel worse about himself? Would it make him feel better?

Moonjumper held back from calling Hat Kid and Bow Kid; Snatcher wouldn’t like that. It was probably already too embarrassing with him there…. Not much a of a surprise, though MJ hoped it would change someday. Just let it happen slowly. He thought, distracting himself and focusing on Snatcher and his current situation.

MJ was still resisting the rapidly growing urge to hug Snatcher. Moonjumper looked down at him. ”Hey, Snatcher, it’s.. it’ll be okay.” He spoke softly, trying his best to comfort Snatcher without upsetting him.

At this point, his heart had broken too much to even care about making Snatcher mad. Moonjumper made an attempt to pull Snatcher into a hug, wanting to reassure him everything would be alright and that they’d fix everything. Everything would be fine, right?

@sock

As Moonjumper spoke, a rattling sob escaped him, and then another, and another. And frustratingly, he just couldn't seem to stop. It'll be okay, MJ promised, which annoyed Snatcher just a bit. But right now, he'd take any distractions from this gross sadness, and currently, focusing on his anger was the only lifeline he had. MJ slowly made an attempt at an awkward hug, which Snatcher deflected by standing up.

He'd removed his arm from his face, which had gone red because of his sudden breakdown. Despite this, he glared daggers at Moonjumper, hands clenched into fists. "Okay?" he hissed, words dripping with venom. "It'll be okay?" Tears still ran down his cheeks. "I'm piloting a weak, pitiful human meat-suit, been stripped of all my powers, taken away from the home I've known for hundreds of years, and I'm stuck with two alien children, who might I remind you, I've tried to kill, BABYSITTING ME!!"

Snatcher had no idea why he was spilling his guts just now, or why his whisper had suddenly climbed to a shout. It must have been the lack of sleep, or something. He wasn't thinking right now. All he felt was burning rage, which just as he'd wanted, had replaced his fear and sadness. He clutched his head and pulled at his hair until his scalp stung. "WHAT IN THE HELL IS 'OKAY' ABOUT THIS!!?"

There was another sudden burst of sobs, and then his knees gave out, and he collapsed. He buried his face in his hands again, rage subsiding.

There was a quiet whoosh behind the two, signalling the opening of the bedroom door. The spaceship lights turned on, and Snatcher had to squint at the burning sensation that was his eyes adjusting to the sudden bright light.

He could feel the kids watching him. There was silence for a moment, broken only by Snatcher's sobs, until finally, Hat Kid spoke. "What the peck is going on out here!?"

(Ruh-roh, sock found out they like writing angst)

[Caspian]

Moonjumper had expected Snatcher to not want the hug or to defy his comfort with snarky remarks, but MJ hadn’t expected Snatcher to completely break down in rage at him. Another mistake he’d made in trying to understand him. He listened to Snatcher spilling his worries out, his anger out. All MJ could do was listen. He knew if he tried to snap back, if would just make Snatcher feel worse than he already did.

Moonjumper was feeling absolutely horrible. Had he caused this? Had he broken what little composure Snatcher had left?

MJ wasn’t given much time to think about this, since Hat Kid and Bow Kid had both stepped into the scene, both shaving their own reactions after seeing the situation. Moonjumper wanted to say something, he wanted to explain, but words wouldn’t leave his mouth. He was simply watching Snatcher, panicking internally.

You know fight or flight? Turns out there’s a third option; freeze.

Moonjumper looked to Snatcher, then to Bow Kid, and then to Hat Kid. He had no words to describe what happened without embarrassing Snatcher at the moment, at least, more than he already had. However, MJ was slowly escaping his state of surprise and beginning to find something to say.

“I…” MJ began, he knew what to say, but he was also aware Hat Kid was a tad sassy, so this would be fun. (He thought the last part sarcastically.) “Snatcher just needs sleep.” Moonjumper said, not wanting to embarrass Snatcher. MJ wasn’t the kind of person to do that to anybody. Or was the prince not? He wasn’t too keen on drawing his attention to that question, at the moment.

@sock
(Oh no…. Everybody… run, hide, do whatever it takes to survive!)

[sock]

Originally Posted by Caspian

Moonjumper had expected Snatcher to not want the hug or to defy his comfort with snarky remarks, but MJ hadn’t expected Snatcher to completely break down in rage at him. Another mistake he’d made in trying to understand him. He listened to Snatcher spilling his worries out, his anger out. All MJ could do was listen. He knew if he tried to snap back, if would just make Snatcher feel worse than he already did.

Moonjumper was feeling absolutely horrible. Had he caused this? Had he broken what little composure Snatcher had left?

MJ wasn’t given much time to think about this, since Hat Kid and Bow Kid had both stepped into the scene, both shaving their own reactions after seeing the situation. Moonjumper wanted to say something, he wanted to explain, but words wouldn’t leave his mouth. He was simply watching Snatcher, panicking internally.

You know fight or flight? Turns out there’s a third option; freeze.

Moonjumper looked to Snatcher, then to Bow Kid, and then to Hat Kid. He had no words to describe what happened without embarrassing Snatcher at the moment, at least, more than he already had. However, MJ was slowly escaping his state of surprise and beginning to find something to say.

“I…” MJ began, he knew what to say, but he was also aware Hat Kid was a tad sassy, so this would be fun. (He thought the last part sarcastically.) “Snatcher just needs sleep.” Moonjumper said, not wanting to embarrass Snatcher. MJ wasn’t the kind of person to do that to anybody. Or was the prince not? He wasn’t too keen on drawing his attention to that question, at the moment.

@sock
(Oh no…. Everybody… run, hide, do whatever it takes to survive!)

Snatcher was too exhausted to give his own answer, and didn't really want to, anyway. So he ignored the kids, knowing Moonjumper would provide his own response to the situation. And just as soon as he finished the thought, Moonjumper had started to speak, stumbling over his words.

Bow Kid looked worried, a hand pressed over her mouth in surprise as she beheld the scene before her. Hat Kid stared at Moonjumper, then carefully picked her way over to Snatcher. She didn't know what to do -- he was obviously upset, and he probably had been for a while, based on the screaming she'd heard from the room -- so she simply stood next to him, staring uncertainly.

Bow seemed to consider something for a moment, then tip-toed across to MJ, as not to draw attention to herself. "What did you say to him? Also, why are you here? I thought you were in Subcon," she asked him quietly, frowning, head tilted. She glanced at Snatcher, watching as Hat Kid examined his crouched, shaking form. "He looks terrible," Hat Kid observed. Bow shot Hat a glare. Hat Kid shrugged. "What? He does."

Snatcher didn't care enough to make a snarky comment. He was so tired, and not just physically. He was tired of all these awful feelings that came with being human. Tired of the weakness. He wanted to be powerful again, wanted to go home, wanted to get away from all of these terrible emotions that just refused to give him a break. His hands became fists again, and he let them fall limp at his sides so he could glare at the floor.

Through his tears (which were somehow still flowing like mini-rivers), he could also see Hat's feet, which were covered in fuzzy socks in the likeness of cat-paws. She carefully lowered herself to sit in front of him, hands folded in her lap. Snatcher's hair obstructed the rest of his vision.

[Caspian]

MJ was starting to feel guilty for making Snatcher cry. He watched everything happen, still not finding the correct words to tell his emotions in to himself in his head. His attention was torn to Bow Kid, and he ripped his gaze away from Snatcher’s shaking form, which was admittedly a struggle to do. He wanted to reassure Bow Kid, but he knew that if he tried to tell her everything was fine, she wouldn’t buy what he was selling.

Moonjumper cleared his throat, preparing to speak once more. He and Bow Kid had always gotten along due to their similar personalities (but that didn’t mean they were exactly the same.)

MJ wasn’t sure if he should tell Bow Kid that Snatcher had contacted him, so he decided to play it safe and simply tell her. ”He…. Wasn’t feeling well, from what I can tell.. and…” Moonjumper trailed off for a hot second before continuing his sentence. “Snatcher called me and asked if I could come up here. So…. I did,” He proceeded to say. “He seemed upset, so I tried to comfort him and then he got.. upset..” MJ finished, his voice laced with guilt at that last part.

He took another glance at Snatcher and Hat Kid, wanting to scold Hat for mentioning how miserable Snatcher looked. But he didn’t. He knew when it was a bad time and when it was a good time.

Moonjumper stared down at Snatcher, guilt slowly creeping up within him as he watched the pitiful scene. He… had he sparked this? Oh dear…. Maybe he could do something to cheer Snatcher up tomorrow. Maybe… MJ began plotting in his head on how to make Snatcher feel better, but then he remembered that he was in the present, and that he needed to actually be mentally there.

MJ looked back at Bow. “I’m sorry about waking you two.” He apologized on Snatcher’s behalf, since he couldn’t really figure out what else to say.

@sock

[sock]

Originally Posted by Caspian

MJ was starting to feel guilty for making Snatcher cry. He watched everything happen, still not finding the correct words to tell his emotions in to himself in his head. His attention was torn to Bow Kid, and he ripped his gaze away from Snatcher’s shaking form, which was admittedly a struggle to do. He wanted to reassure Bow Kid, but he knew that if he tried to tell her everything was fine, she wouldn’t buy what he was selling.

Moonjumper cleared his throat, preparing to speak once more. He and Bow Kid had always gotten along due to their similar personalities (but that didn’t mean they were exactly the same.)

MJ wasn’t sure if he should tell Bow Kid that Snatcher had contacted him, so he decided to play it safe and simply tell her. ”He…. Wasn’t feeling well, from what I can tell.. and…” Moonjumper trailed off for a hot second before continuing his sentence. “Snatcher called me and asked if I could come up here. So…. I did,” He proceeded to say. “He seemed upset, so I tried to comfort him and then he got.. upset..” MJ finished, his voice laced with guilt at that last part.

He took another glance at Snatcher and Hat Kid, wanting to scold Hat for mentioning how miserable Snatcher looked. But he didn’t. He knew when it was a bad time.

MJ looked back at Bow. “I’m sorry about waking you two.” He apologized on Snatcher’s behalf, since he couldn’t really figure out what else to say.

@sock

Bow raised an eyebrow at MJ's explanation. "He called you?" she said skeptically. She didn't believe that for a second. She'd seen first-hand how Snatcher acted around Moonjumper, and knew for a fact that he'd never ever in a million YEARS contact HIM. Or...maybe he was just feeling that bad. Bow chewed on her lip. If that was the case, then they certainly did have a problem.

But for now, she ignored it. When MJ apologized for waking them, she waved it off. "It's fine," she said. "You should have woken us earlier, though," she continued, turning her worried purple gaze back to Snatcher, "Nobody should have to deal with...this...alone." Bow gave MJ a small polite smile, then shuffled to stand next to Hat. Bow Kid fidgeted a little with her pajamas, glancing at Hat, and then to Snatcher, who was still on the ground. He wasn't crying anymore though, which Bow took as a good sign.

She turned toward Hat Kid and said, "Should we-?" but was cut off as Hat said, "Yeah, yeah, definitely." Snatcher was a bit frustrated that the two had a lot of their conversations in their minds. He never knew what was about to happen, and he usually (scratch that, always) liked to know about plans that most likely involved him. Bow nodded, and scurried off towards the kitchen.

Hat, meanwhile, put one of Snatcher's arms over her shoulder and hauled him to his feet. Even with her alien strength, it was difficult to carry all of Snatcher's weight alone. He was leaning heavily on her, still staring at the ground. Hat Kid looked over at Moonjumper and nodded towards Snatcher. "A little help here?"

[Caspian]

MJ was aware of Bow’s suspicion, but he didn’t make any sound to protest at what she said.

oonjumper hesitated at the request for help carrying Snatcher, not wanting to make things worse by simply being there. But nonetheless, he complied. “S-sure, I’ll help.” MJ said, his words slightly more quiet than usual. He wasn’t a very loud person, but he wasn’t radio silent either. He was a safe in between loud and quiet. A peaceful, medium-volume voice level.

Moonjumper drifted over and awkwardly propped Snatcher’s other arm up around his own shoulder.

Moonjumper was feeling REALLY awkward, since he had definitely messed up in some way. In some form, shape, or size, he could’ve prevented this, couldn’t he? The answer, to MJ, was tilting to yes. But it wasn’t time to dwell on that, it wasn’t time to think of what he could’ve done differently.

MJ glanced down at Snatcher, daring to look at his eyes. He wanted to make sure that there was at least…. Something in there. Something to signal that Snatcher hadn’t just given up on anything and everything, some sign that he at least still wanted to…. Be here, despite his current situation and mindset.

Moonjumper couldn’t shake a feeling of guilt, seeing that his words had caused Snatcher to basically have a mental breakdown. Or… at least worsen one.

@sock
(AHHHH, SNATCHER NEEDS A HUUUGGGG )

[sock]

Originally Posted by Caspian

MJ was aware of Bow’s suspicion, but he didn’t make any sound to protest at what she said.

oonjumper hesitated at the request for help carrying Snatcher, not wanting to make things worse by simply being there. But nonetheless, he complied. “S-sure, I’ll help.” MJ said, his words slightly more quiet than usual. He wasn’t a very loud person, but he wasn’t radio silent either. He was a safe in between loud and quiet. A peaceful, medium-volume voice level.

Moonjumper drifted over and awkwardly propped Snatcher’s other arm up around his own shoulder.

Moonjumper was feeling REALLY awkward, since he had definitely messed up in some way. In some form, shape, or size, he could’ve prevented this, couldn’t he? The answer, to MJ, was tilting to yes. But it wasn’t time to dwell on that, it wasn’t time to think of what he could’ve done differently.

MJ glanced down at Snatcher, daring to look at his eyes. He wanted to make sure that there was at least…. Something in there. Something to signal that Snatcher hadn’t just given up on anything and everything, some sign that he at least still wanted to…. Be here, despite his current situation and mindset.

Moonjumper couldn’t shake a feeling of guilt, seeing that his words had caused Snatcher to basically have a mental breakdown. Or… at least worsen one.

@sock
(AHHHH, SNATCHER NEEDS A HUUUGGGG )

(I KNOW HE DOES, HE'LL GET ONE SOON, DON'T WORRY)

Snatcher let out a sort of indignant groan as the two pulled him off the ground, but that was the extent of his argument. This was stupid, he could totally walk on his own. He had working legs (ew) and they weren't broken. He didn't need this. He didn't need any of this, he could make it on his own. (Haha, fool)

Snatcher noticed MJ staring at him and caught his eye for half a second, before blinking and looking back down at the ground. He couldn't stand how familiar that expression on his face looked, so he closed his eyes. He heard the whoosh of mechanical doors, and heard lights click on as Hat Kid and MJ dragged him through what he believed to be the hallway that led to the kids' bedroom.

He opened his eyes to check, and was confirmed.

Snatcher heard another whoosh, and then they were in the actual bedroom portion. He looked up and examined the area. He'd only been in here a few times, and that was only when he was really freaking out. Nice to know that the kids knew he was weak in this pitiful human form. Just. Wonderful.

Hat Kid not-so-carefully deposited him into the enormous pile of colorful pillows that took up the entire left side of her room. It was actually kind of comfortable -- or, at least, more comfortable than laying on the floor next to the window -- so he didn't object. Hat carefully rearranged the pillows around him, and while she did, Bow came in. She held a dark purple mug with a familiar yellow face painted onto it.

He watched her cross the room toward the three, but seemed to deem him unfit to hold hot liquid, so set it aside. She stood next to Hat, examining Snatcher's limp form. "You're breathing really fast," Bow said. Oh, yeah, he was. He put a hand over his chest. "Try taking deep breaths," said Hat, now headed over to her own bed to gather blankets.

Snatcher was too out of it to protest any of this, so he did as he was told, taking long and slow breaths, watching his hand rise and fall with his chest. When Hat returned, she threw a thick blanket over him (it was extra cozy, because it seemed to be weighted), which he gladly accepted, pulling it up to his chin after the initial shock of being smothered by a heavy blanket.

And then, much to his surprise, Hat leaped into the pillow sea. She curled up next to him, smiling at his confused face. "Wh-what are you doing?" he asked quietly, finally finding his voice. "Hangin' out, what's it look like?" Hat replied. Bow smiled at them, following Hat's lead and launching herself into the pillows on the other side of Snatcher. He put his arms around them like a sheltering wing, though being careful not to actually touch them. It didn't mean anything; this was just the most comfortable way to lie, otherwise his arms would be pinned to his sides.

However, the kids took this as an invitation to snuggle closer, and curled up even closer beside him. It was in this moment that he realized just how nice it was to feel warm again. Without a thought, he moved the big blanket so that Bow and Hat were covered too. Seeing as he'd woken the kids up in the middle of the night, it wasn't a surprise that they fell asleep almost immediately. He'd seen some valiant efforts to stay awake, though.

He blinked, turning his gaze back to Moonjumper as if to ask, "What in the peck is going on?"

[Caspian]

MJ, unlike Snatcher, thought that this looked like the most wholesome thing in the entire world; a grumpy ghost (or at least former grumpy ghost, though Snatcher still kept the grumpy demeanor flawlessly) and two alien children simply relaxing together. Moonjumper smiled, his expression looking like he had just seen the cutest puppy or kitten in the world as he stared at the scene.

He was distracted from his former thoughts, absolutely in awe of the cute scene. Moonjumper laughed gently (though since he was in the Prince’s corpse, his laugh did still sound a bit loud and sinister, even if it wasn’t), using a hand to cover his mouth politely while the other stayed at his side.

The feeling in MJ’s heart was completely fuzzy and warm, gleeful about the sight in front of him.

“I guess that you all need sleep.” Moonjumper laughed, though he didn’t seem to be teasing, he genuinely meant it. MJ had noticed Snatcher’s exhaustion, and he had also noticed the little ones falling asleep almost immediately while Snatcher stayed awake and completely just…. Perplexed.

He supposed it was time for him to go back to Subcon forest for the night, but he wanted to stay and have a casual chat with Snatcher or something on the lighter side of things.

@sock
(hahaiaosjdnsie IT’S TOO CUTE—)

(Also sorry for the laziness, next post will be better I promise-)