Looking up to her, scaly brows tilting. Surprisingly comfortable with the grip on their shoulders. “I don’t know. I’ve been alive so long, I still don’t know what I really am. I’ve learned not to think about it.”

I don’t think I’m hot but yes I am into science—

/ irony of Daughter being an Aspis core band when they’re trans masc

… okay, fair

I want to pet him

GENUINELY?? WHY???

/ buldak has improved my mood

“That’s… I understand that. I try not to fight much, I’m scared it’ll make people’s assumptions about me… justified.” They sighed, closing their eyes and allowing themself a small breath. “I don’t want to be the monster they think I am.”

“Who has the bigger place, though? Oh, no, this is so much thinking—- uh—-“ Throwing their head back with another cry, now of just frustration. “I’m too tired to think!!”

Their complaints are a little childish, but also reasonable. For how long they’ve lived completely alone, they’re dying for consistent socialization again. And to have someone hold them. It’s been thousands of years since Medusa gave them what would be the last hug they shared. And no one hugged

“Sounds cruel. I don’t like hurting people.” They kneaded their hands in a ball, tongue flickering with anxiety again. “I don’t like when people get hurt, even when they do bad things.”

“I don’t think the attractiveness matters. It’s… the power.” Any powerful woman will leave them nervous. Any cruel woman. Anyone that reminds them of their mother. “It makes me feel unsafe.”

And that’s it. The squeeze earns a whimper, and suddenly they’re sobbing and hugging him. “Can you come over every night? It’s so lonely, I hate being on my own, I want someone to be here with me—- we can be roommates! Sorry, that’s a big ask, I’m sorry—” Rambling.

“… all of us?” A faint smile, tilting their head. Oh, don’t get all sappy. Don’t cry. “Thank you. It means a lot.”

“Yeah, she… probably would scare me. Intimidate is more the correct word.”

/ the more I interact with people the lonelier I feel lmaoooo kill me

“Oh, not spiders! But heights, boats, planes, cars, trains are fine but they’re too loud… men that yell too much, women in positions of power—- uh… it’s a long list.”

“I also get seasick really quick, which is ironic, because my dad was a sea serpent. I think I’m just scared of a lot of stuff.” But not scared of giant spiders, clearly.

“Yeah… it is, sometimes.” A little emotional now that they’re also receiving affection. It’s strange for them. “They’ve always been snugglers. I guess I am as well, but I don’t get to do it as much.”

“It’s kind of like having a fan going. You only notice the sound when you don’t want to.” Snakes nuzzling into him, Aspis yawning with their mildly disturbingly large mouth. “Or like someone clicking a pen over and over.”

“It’s okay, it’s not too bad. I just— I get all sick from being up high, dunno why.” An awkward laugh, rubbing the side of their neck.

“They’re not like, super loud, but they’re noticeable. A constant humming in the background. It’s nice sometimes, but sometimes I hate it.” Aspis shrugged, snuggling into closer. Snakes very eager to receive affection already, bonking their heads against him.

/ wanna write Jeremiah from Bay Of Fires so bad im gonna scream

I think my love for Wesley should make the news

“… I’m not. I don’t think.”

“… can we?” Puppy eyes. They love warmth. And cuddling. Hence the dozens of stuffed animals they’ve acquired. Flopping into him, “I have heaters, but they’re kinda loud.”

“AaWAA—” Oh! Their feet aren’t touching the ground. Okay. This is fine. “… okay, okay, might wanna be put back down, I’m a little scared of heights.”

If only they were yellow, then the color schemes of the plushies they both held would match.m Fumbling with the remote for a bit, reminding themself how to even use it. Turning on an episode and wrapping their blanket cape around his shoulder to huddle together. “Humans are so lucky getting to

Oh— definitely enjoying the sudden hug. Snuggling into her, getting lost in all the fuzz. “Hopefully it doesn’t hurt your back to hug me, I know I’m pretty short.”

“Well, I have a home, I just… you know, I’ve never felt that safe. There’s not really any of us left. Sarpedon should’ve been the safe place, but…” No. It was never safe there either. Even when Medusa was still there. It was never safe.

That makes sense. I mean, maybe the gods in my pantheon aren’t all horrible but, none of them ever wanted to be my friend.

“His name is Patrick. He’s SpongeBob’s best friend.” The biggest grin on their face, scampering to the couch with their hand dragging Rose by the wrist. “I’ll show you all my favorite episodes, you’ll like it, I promise.”

“I have weapons. I pretty much am the weapon.” An awkward laugh, eyes averted in embarrassment. They hate acknowledging their gorgonism, it makes them feel disgusting. “Yeah, I’ve seen more than enough of my own… too many. If I had a truly safe space to live, I’d stay there too.”

Wesley save me I’m scared

what is happening

“I’m Aspis.” Making their best attempt at a handshake. From the wrist, though, in a very ancient fashion. They still accidentally use ancient social conventions when deciding how to act. “I can’t see why anyone would be. You’re big and fuzzy, like a really large dog. That’s all good things.”

Are all the gods in your pantheon this… kind? Is it just mine that sucks?

“I… find comfort in similarly strange people. Would be hypocritical of me to be scared of you.” A small smile, fangs poking through. “And these guys basically fear nothing. Actually, Baklava is scared of butterflies since he once swallowed one and got sick.”

I… don’t have any personal connections to him, but I don’t trust anything Fisk says. Usually. Well… I mean, he’s been kinda nice recently, maybe he’s turned a new leaf

… a friend. You promise? I don’t want to waste your time or anything, if you don’t want to be friends, I—

“Ha… they appreciate the attention, I’m sure.” The snakes are hissing with glee, squirming around to catch all the attention they can get. Aspis awkwardly clasping their hands together. “They love people, love attention. They’re like puppies, almost.”

An eager nod. They’re fairly behind on modern tech, and there always seems to be something new they don’t understand. This is one of many. “Tell me. I want to hear.” Head tilted like a dog. Curious, despite probably lacking the information to truly understand. “I’m afraid my claws would

… you believe Wilson Fisk????

Probably not since Fisk is making that claim

“They do!” It’s relieving to hear someone so interested, “this is Pita, Dolma, Souvlaki, Mezze, Eliá, Moussaka, Baklava, Falafel, Gemista, Kleftiko, Feta, Briam, Yiouvetsi, Stifado, Asida, Mydia, Ladenis, Bougatsa, Fava, Aioli and Tzatziki.” 20 snakes. One with two heads (Aioli and Tzatziki). All

look just because I’m helplessly in love with his henchman doesn’t mean I like Wilson Fisk

“They have their own brains.” One of the snakes gnawing on their hand with its gummy mouth—fangs flat against the roof of its mouth. “They… don’t like being stuck to me. They definitely wish they could explore freely.”

Agreed with Fisk on something and now I’m rethinking my whole life

Wait really