Beetle
@usb-kord.bsky.social
Ted Kord / Blue Beetle / #DCRP
30 / MDNI / A #Vague idea
30 / MDNI / A #Vague idea
He kisses him.
"So, you need practice, right?
You can take me out as much as you want. I'll help with the boring stuff so you can focus on how pretty I am."
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"So, you need practice, right?
You can take me out as much as you want. I'll help with the boring stuff so you can focus on how pretty I am."
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He scratches his cheek, an embarrassed blush rising to his cheeks.
❝ I'm usually the one getting taken out. But... It felt really nice. Seeing you so happy. Hearing you talk so much... ❞
A hand sneaks its away around Ted's waist.
❝ I'll try, ❞ he says with a teasing lilt.
❝ I'm usually the one getting taken out. But... It felt really nice. Seeing you so happy. Hearing you talk so much... ❞
A hand sneaks its away around Ted's waist.
❝ I'll try, ❞ he says with a teasing lilt.
January 25, 2026 at 2:49 AM
He kisses him.
"So, you need practice, right?
You can take me out as much as you want. I'll help with the boring stuff so you can focus on how pretty I am."
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"So, you need practice, right?
You can take me out as much as you want. I'll help with the boring stuff so you can focus on how pretty I am."
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Ted places a hand over his face and leans his elbow down on the table. He's clearly not uncomfortable. Actually, his smile is fully visible, and he looks like he's holding back some laughter. He's just trying to gather himself.
"...At home."
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"...At home."
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He leans forward, keeping his voice low.
❝ If it's fantasies you want, Ted... ❞
Cue his foot gently lifting the other's pant leg to reveal ankle - scandalous!
❝ ... I'll do my best to fulfil ANY of yours... ❞
❝ If it's fantasies you want, Ted... ❞
Cue his foot gently lifting the other's pant leg to reveal ankle - scandalous!
❝ ... I'll do my best to fulfil ANY of yours... ❞
January 25, 2026 at 2:11 AM
Ted places a hand over his face and leans his elbow down on the table. He's clearly not uncomfortable. Actually, his smile is fully visible, and he looks like he's holding back some laughter. He's just trying to gather himself.
"...At home."
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"...At home."
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"You know I always think you're that attractive, right?"
He weaves the fingers of his hands together like he's about to start a meeting.
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He weaves the fingers of his hands together like he's about to start a meeting.
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❝ I like knowing that you find me that attractive. ❞
He reaches for his water, taking another sip.
❝ Why virtual reality in particular? ❞ he inquires with a grin.
He reaches for his water, taking another sip.
❝ Why virtual reality in particular? ❞ he inquires with a grin.
January 25, 2026 at 12:28 AM
"You know I always think you're that attractive, right?"
He weaves the fingers of his hands together like he's about to start a meeting.
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He weaves the fingers of his hands together like he's about to start a meeting.
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"Yeah, obviously!
You're doing it on purpose, you're being direct. And I want it to continue, being completely smitten is working out well for me.
But for the record - -"
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You're doing it on purpose, you're being direct. And I want it to continue, being completely smitten is working out well for me.
But for the record - -"
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He bursts into giggle when Ted compliments him.
❝ I've never seen you so flustered! You were red when we were talking about my lip balm earlier, too... ❞
A gentle bite to his bottom lip.
❝ Am I really TANTALIZING you that badly today? ❞ he teases with a playful grin.
❝ I've never seen you so flustered! You were red when we were talking about my lip balm earlier, too... ❞
A gentle bite to his bottom lip.
❝ Am I really TANTALIZING you that badly today? ❞ he teases with a playful grin.
January 24, 2026 at 5:10 PM
"Yeah, obviously!
You're doing it on purpose, you're being direct. And I want it to continue, being completely smitten is working out well for me.
But for the record - -"
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You're doing it on purpose, you're being direct. And I want it to continue, being completely smitten is working out well for me.
But for the record - -"
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He takes his hand again.
"I'll remember that."
He smiles and tilts his head in the opposite direction that Esme did.
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"I'll remember that."
He smiles and tilts his head in the opposite direction that Esme did.
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❝ But... I also know I'm not everybody. What I like can bother others. It's all about context. And I'm proud of you for working on it. ❞
He offers his hand once more.
❝ We're getting better together. And I think that only makes us stronger. ❞
He offers his hand once more.
❝ We're getting better together. And I think that only makes us stronger. ❞
January 24, 2026 at 4:15 AM
He takes his hand again.
"I'll remember that."
He smiles and tilts his head in the opposite direction that Esme did.
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"I'll remember that."
He smiles and tilts his head in the opposite direction that Esme did.
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"I love you too, Esme Headley-Kord."
He rests his head in his hand, perfectly happy to stay like that for as long as Esme wanted to.
"I'm working on myself for you too."
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He rests his head in his hand, perfectly happy to stay like that for as long as Esme wanted to.
"I'm working on myself for you too."
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❝ ... I've still got problems. I know that. But my confidence is a big one. And I want to fix that. ❞
He lifts Ted's hand to his lips, kissing the back. His voice is soft and sweet.
❝ I love you, Theodore Kord-Headley. ❞
He lifts Ted's hand to his lips, kissing the back. His voice is soft and sweet.
❝ I love you, Theodore Kord-Headley. ❞
January 24, 2026 at 2:31 AM
"I love you too, Esme Headley-Kord."
He rests his head in his hand, perfectly happy to stay like that for as long as Esme wanted to.
"I'm working on myself for you too."
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He rests his head in his hand, perfectly happy to stay like that for as long as Esme wanted to.
"I'm working on myself for you too."
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"Rose was very kind to let me hold her, but I think she had enough. The other roaches just wanted to say hello, and I don't want to make them feel uncomfortable."
He kisses his cheek.
"I can't wait to have something to eat, I'm so hungry suddenly."
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He kisses his cheek.
"I can't wait to have something to eat, I'm so hungry suddenly."
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❝ Let's head out! We've seen all the bugs... unless you wanna go hold Rose one more time. ❞
January 23, 2026 at 10:19 PM
"Rose was very kind to let me hold her, but I think she had enough. The other roaches just wanted to say hello, and I don't want to make them feel uncomfortable."
He kisses his cheek.
"I can't wait to have something to eat, I'm so hungry suddenly."
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He kisses his cheek.
"I can't wait to have something to eat, I'm so hungry suddenly."
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"I...ah..."
There's something that he wants to say, but it's not the right time to say it.
"Sure! Compliments."
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There's something that he wants to say, but it's not the right time to say it.
"Sure! Compliments."
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At the other's mention of carrot cake, he perks up.
❝ Can we really?? I'd- ah... hm. ❞
He thinks for a moment before nodding.
❝ Sure! I'll just keep dinner light so I save room. ❞
❝ Can we really?? I'd- ah... hm. ❞
He thinks for a moment before nodding.
❝ Sure! I'll just keep dinner light so I save room. ❞
January 23, 2026 at 8:10 PM
"I...ah..."
There's something that he wants to say, but it's not the right time to say it.
"Sure! Compliments."
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There's something that he wants to say, but it's not the right time to say it.
"Sure! Compliments."
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"Back up. Are you dying to use it, or are you not the biggest fan of it and you're using it for me?"
He watches the lip balm twist.
"Coleoptera is the largest of all orders, there's inspiration for everything.
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He watches the lip balm twist.
"Coleoptera is the largest of all orders, there's inspiration for everything.
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He holds it up, gently twisting it back and forth.
❝ I think it's my favorite right now. Carrot cake is one of my favorite desserts. ❞
❝ I think it's my favorite right now. Carrot cake is one of my favorite desserts. ❞
January 23, 2026 at 7:41 PM
"Back up. Are you dying to use it, or are you not the biggest fan of it and you're using it for me?"
He watches the lip balm twist.
"Coleoptera is the largest of all orders, there's inspiration for everything.
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He watches the lip balm twist.
"Coleoptera is the largest of all orders, there's inspiration for everything.
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"The green velvet with the rainbow hue shift that looks like a junebug but also kind of feels like a jewel beetle?"
He kisses him. As always, he makes a small show of tasting the flavor of it after it's done.
"That one suits you really well."
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He kisses him. As always, he makes a small show of tasting the flavor of it after it's done.
"That one suits you really well."
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Like cream cheese and spice. And... carrot?
❝ I do have a fabric I've been dying to use. One of the ones you got me, I think. Maybe I'll make a blazer out of it... The green velvet? With the rainbow hue shift? The one that looks like a junebug... ❞
❝ I do have a fabric I've been dying to use. One of the ones you got me, I think. Maybe I'll make a blazer out of it... The green velvet? With the rainbow hue shift? The one that looks like a junebug... ❞
January 23, 2026 at 7:07 PM
"The green velvet with the rainbow hue shift that looks like a junebug but also kind of feels like a jewel beetle?"
He kisses him. As always, he makes a small show of tasting the flavor of it after it's done.
"That one suits you really well."
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He kisses him. As always, he makes a small show of tasting the flavor of it after it's done.
"That one suits you really well."
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"No, I'm trying to flirt with you."
He's red.
"You've probably been nervous about me catching on, but I caught on the second time it happened.
You're you, and I don't think about you using explanations that would fit a different person.
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He's red.
"You've probably been nervous about me catching on, but I caught on the second time it happened.
You're you, and I don't think about you using explanations that would fit a different person.
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His eyes graze over Ted's face, trying to pinpoint any emotion. He's a little worried now. He hopes Ted isn't bringing that up because he's upset.
January 23, 2026 at 6:35 PM
"No, I'm trying to flirt with you."
He's red.
"You've probably been nervous about me catching on, but I caught on the second time it happened.
You're you, and I don't think about you using explanations that would fit a different person.
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He's red.
"You've probably been nervous about me catching on, but I caught on the second time it happened.
You're you, and I don't think about you using explanations that would fit a different person.
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He takes him by the hand to the most quiet corner he can find and activates an invisible forcefield.
"I said it was about bringing attention to their appearance. When you said that you use the same strategy, I meant that you..."
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"I said it was about bringing attention to their appearance. When you said that you use the same strategy, I meant that you..."
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❝ Now that we're away from prying ears, ❞ he purrs, ❝ tell me how I dance like a beetle to initiate stuff. ❞
That's not QUITE what he said, Esme. But he really was listening!!
That's not QUITE what he said, Esme. But he really was listening!!
January 23, 2026 at 5:53 PM
He takes him by the hand to the most quiet corner he can find and activates an invisible forcefield.
"I said it was about bringing attention to their appearance. When you said that you use the same strategy, I meant that you..."
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"I said it was about bringing attention to their appearance. When you said that you use the same strategy, I meant that you..."
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"You asked, you'll get it. Stay close, it might be hard to hear me from more than an inch away."
He keeps an arm around him and explains something about each beetle they see. How much he said varied. Some beetles have similar behavior or similar explanations behind their behavior.
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He keeps an arm around him and explains something about each beetle they see. How much he said varied. Some beetles have similar behavior or similar explanations behind their behavior.
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❝ It's really admirable. How passionate you are. ❞
Esme lets out a soft, delighted smile.
❝ I wouldn't mind if you just... annotated the rest of this exhibition. ❞
Esme lets out a soft, delighted smile.
❝ I wouldn't mind if you just... annotated the rest of this exhibition. ❞
January 23, 2026 at 5:04 PM
"You asked, you'll get it. Stay close, it might be hard to hear me from more than an inch away."
He keeps an arm around him and explains something about each beetle they see. How much he said varied. Some beetles have similar behavior or similar explanations behind their behavior.
+
He keeps an arm around him and explains something about each beetle they see. How much he said varied. Some beetles have similar behavior or similar explanations behind their behavior.
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That was not a joke, c'mere.
The more you can use those hands to cup my face and compliment me ♡
Joking, of course. That'll be a great way to do more work!!
Joking, of course. That'll be a great way to do more work!!
To help me build things!
The less I need to use my hands, the better.
The less I need to use my hands, the better.
January 23, 2026 at 3:49 PM
That was not a joke, c'mere.
To help me build things!
The less I need to use my hands, the better.
The less I need to use my hands, the better.
What's the original purpose?
I'm making a second set so I can use them for their original purpose.
January 23, 2026 at 3:47 PM
To help me build things!
The less I need to use my hands, the better.
The less I need to use my hands, the better.
There's a small corner of my new lab that's perfect and organized, and everything else is still completely unfinished.
January 23, 2026 at 3:34 PM
There's a small corner of my new lab that's perfect and organized, and everything else is still completely unfinished.
The new robotic beetle legs are great because I can climb on them instead of using a chair.
January 23, 2026 at 3:33 PM
The new robotic beetle legs are great because I can climb on them instead of using a chair.
|| Contradictory.
If you had to describe your muse in ONE word then what would you say?
January 21, 2026 at 2:29 PM
|| Contradictory.
"...One of the most interesting facts about the sabertooth longhorn beetle is that, despite being one of the largest beetles there is (if the mandible measurement is included), it has a long childhood and a short adulthood.
They're larvae for most of their life."
He faces Esme.
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They're larvae for most of their life."
He faces Esme.
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He gently squeezes Ted's arm with a delighted sigh.
❝ I honestly just want to listen to you talk. It's adorable, hearing you so excited about all the insects and bugs ❞
❝ I honestly just want to listen to you talk. It's adorable, hearing you so excited about all the insects and bugs ❞
January 20, 2026 at 5:40 AM
"...One of the most interesting facts about the sabertooth longhorn beetle is that, despite being one of the largest beetles there is (if the mandible measurement is included), it has a long childhood and a short adulthood.
They're larvae for most of their life."
He faces Esme.
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They're larvae for most of their life."
He faces Esme.
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"Insects are fragile. They might be strong for their size, but they're still living in a world that's hostile toward them."
He gives Esme a playful kiss on the head.
"I'm going to focus. I want to see all of the bugs and insects before the day is over."
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He gives Esme a playful kiss on the head.
"I'm going to focus. I want to see all of the bugs and insects before the day is over."
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He giggles, giving Ted's arm a gentle squeeze.
❝ It was really sweet, how protective you got. ❞
❝ It was really sweet, how protective you got. ❞
January 20, 2026 at 4:40 AM
"Insects are fragile. They might be strong for their size, but they're still living in a world that's hostile toward them."
He gives Esme a playful kiss on the head.
"I'm going to focus. I want to see all of the bugs and insects before the day is over."
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He gives Esme a playful kiss on the head.
"I'm going to focus. I want to see all of the bugs and insects before the day is over."
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Ted nods.
"Call me Ted."
His gloves are discarded, and repeats exactly what he did before. He uses soap, he counts the seconds, and he properly dries his hands.
"We're going to look at the rest of the exhibit. Have a good day, Perry."
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"Call me Ted."
His gloves are discarded, and repeats exactly what he did before. He uses soap, he counts the seconds, and he properly dries his hands.
"We're going to look at the rest of the exhibit. Have a good day, Perry."
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❝ I like bugs, but I don't like the feeling of them crawling on me. ❞
❛ Fair enough! Remember to wash your hands again, Mr. Kord! ❜
Esme giggles softly at Perry's enthusiasm. It really is contagious...
❛ Fair enough! Remember to wash your hands again, Mr. Kord! ❜
Esme giggles softly at Perry's enthusiasm. It really is contagious...
January 20, 2026 at 4:16 AM
Ted nods.
"Call me Ted."
His gloves are discarded, and repeats exactly what he did before. He uses soap, he counts the seconds, and he properly dries his hands.
"We're going to look at the rest of the exhibit. Have a good day, Perry."
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"Call me Ted."
His gloves are discarded, and repeats exactly what he did before. He uses soap, he counts the seconds, and he properly dries his hands.
"We're going to look at the rest of the exhibit. Have a good day, Perry."
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"You can do better than that. I wasn't a thought in anyone's head until my dad tossed his small business on me like a brick through a window. Your name might be in the papers more than me one day."
He watches the roaches, considering their gesture a way of saying hello and goodbye.
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He watches the roaches, considering their gesture a way of saying hello and goodbye.
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Perry's eyes light up as he looks at Ted.
❛ Really?? I mean- that would be great! I'm really into tech and stuff, so- maybe I'll be working for you one day! ❜
No beetles actually move onto Ted's hand... they may be done for now.
❛ Really?? I mean- that would be great! I'm really into tech and stuff, so- maybe I'll be working for you one day! ❜
No beetles actually move onto Ted's hand... they may be done for now.
January 19, 2026 at 6:09 AM
"You can do better than that. I wasn't a thought in anyone's head until my dad tossed his small business on me like a brick through a window. Your name might be in the papers more than me one day."
He watches the roaches, considering their gesture a way of saying hello and goodbye.
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He watches the roaches, considering their gesture a way of saying hello and goodbye.
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"Don't be impressed yet, I haven't done any tricks."
Once Rose is down, he takes a moment to lift his hands up slowly and rub them. Just something that will let him hold them perfectly still again.
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Once Rose is down, he takes a moment to lift his hands up slowly and rub them. Just something that will let him hold them perfectly still again.
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❛ Isn't she sweet? I love her to death. ❜
January 19, 2026 at 5:48 AM
"Don't be impressed yet, I haven't done any tricks."
Once Rose is down, he takes a moment to lift his hands up slowly and rub them. Just something that will let him hold them perfectly still again.
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Once Rose is down, he takes a moment to lift his hands up slowly and rub them. Just something that will let him hold them perfectly still again.
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"Perry! Nice to meet 'ya. I'm Ted Kord. I've been passionate about all sorts of bugs and insects for a long time, but I'm particularly fond of the ones I get to meet."
He carefully and slowly slides his other hand next to his first one, creating more of a platform for Rose to walk around on.
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He carefully and slowly slides his other hand next to his first one, creating more of a platform for Rose to walk around on.
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'Rose' himself perks up.
❝ Oh! That's my name too! ❞
Perry blinks before laughing.
❛ What a coincidence! She's actually part of our Golden Girls. We have four roaches named after each of them! ❜
He points to three other roaches.
❛ Here are Blanche, Sophia, and Dorothy! ❜
❝ Oh! That's my name too! ❞
Perry blinks before laughing.
❛ What a coincidence! She's actually part of our Golden Girls. We have four roaches named after each of them! ❜
He points to three other roaches.
❛ Here are Blanche, Sophia, and Dorothy! ❜
January 19, 2026 at 5:26 AM
"Perry! Nice to meet 'ya. I'm Ted Kord. I've been passionate about all sorts of bugs and insects for a long time, but I'm particularly fond of the ones I get to meet."
He carefully and slowly slides his other hand next to his first one, creating more of a platform for Rose to walk around on.
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He carefully and slowly slides his other hand next to his first one, creating more of a platform for Rose to walk around on.
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"Really? Their loss!"
He waves off the idea.
"He knows he can trust you. I'm just some guy that he met two seconds ago, I'd call that reasonable behavior."
He slowly (maybe a little too slowly) lowers his hand in.
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He waves off the idea.
"He knows he can trust you. I'm just some guy that he met two seconds ago, I'd call that reasonable behavior."
He slowly (maybe a little too slowly) lowers his hand in.
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He gestures to the tank with a nod of his head.
❛ Go ahead! Lower it down, and one of them will crawl on! ❜
He smiles nervously as he gestures to one of them.
❛ Don't be upset if this one ignores you. He really only crawls on me. ❜
❛ Go ahead! Lower it down, and one of them will crawl on! ❜
He smiles nervously as he gestures to one of them.
❛ Don't be upset if this one ignores you. He really only crawls on me. ❜
January 19, 2026 at 4:58 AM
"Really? Their loss!"
He waves off the idea.
"He knows he can trust you. I'm just some guy that he met two seconds ago, I'd call that reasonable behavior."
He slowly (maybe a little too slowly) lowers his hand in.
+
He waves off the idea.
"He knows he can trust you. I'm just some guy that he met two seconds ago, I'd call that reasonable behavior."
He slowly (maybe a little too slowly) lowers his hand in.
+