LPN Deep Dives: HOSAB / Episode 22: Nootchie Poochie

Summary

LPN Deep Dives: Crescent City

Episode 22: Nootchie Poochie
Date: November 4, 2025
Hosts: Natalie Jean & Jackie Zebrowski

---

Episode Overview

In this episode, Natalie Jean and Jackie Zebrowski take listeners through Chapter 42 of House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas, in their ongoing “deep dive” into the Crescent City series. The duo brings their signature irreverent humor, blending insightful analysis of character arcs and plot developments with playful banter, costume reveals, and tangential pop-culture commentary. As always, they keep the vibe inclusive and delightfully unfiltered while breaking down pivotal moments in the book, focusing on friendship dynamics, power plays, and steamy encounters.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Costume Reveals & Banter (04:03–10:10)

• Jackie introduces her ambiguous costume with steampunk/Gothic Black Parade vibes, while Natalie plans to dress as mermaid Sally from Texas Chainsaw Massacre. This segues into playful speculation (e.g., Leatherface as a mermaid: “Gliding through the water, but still covered in, like, skin and meat and stuff.” – Natalie, 04:50).
• The conversation turns to My Chemical Romance and the notion of “gatekeeping” in fandoms:
  • Natalie: “If you like it so much that you are gatekeeping it, maybe you’re not okay. Perhaps you are not okay. And you should go to the brain doctor.” (07:10)
• They joke about facial hair, costume fails, and the empowerment of self-expression—setting a light, comedic tone.

2. Tabletop Role-Playing & Promo (08:00–09:10)

• Jackie admits partially basing her Vampire: The Masquerade character’s look on Bryce Quinlan: “I just want to have sex with Bryce Quinlan, even though she annoys me.” (08:27)
• The duo riffs on the growth of TTRPG culture and its connections with fantasy literature.

3. Juniper’s Promotion & Bryce’s Overreach (11:16–15:56)

• The main plot analysis begins with Bryce arriving at Celestina’s office, but first being interrupted by a distressed message from Juniper.
  • “How dare you?”—the text from Juniper that triggers Bryce’s guilt (12:01).
• Jackie and Natalie dissect why Juniper is hurt: Bryce maneuvered her into a promotion, removing her agency and undermining her sense of accomplishment.
  • Jackie: “It’s arrogant and it’s condescending. Even if she meant well and didn’t see it that way, that’s what it is.” (14:52)
  • Natalie: “That’s an uphill battle that is unfair to her, but it is her battle to fight—unless she asks you to help.” (14:26)
• Their commentary highlights the nuances of well-intentioned interference, diversity, and the impact of privilege.

4. Bryce and Celestina—Requesting Hunt’s Return (16:15–25:15)

• Bryce meets with Celestina to ask that Hunt’s punishment be lifted for one night.
  • Jackie jokes, “She’s like, I gotta get it in, you know what I’m saying? No, she doesn’t say that. Maybe it would work, though.” (17:36)
• Celestina, tired of Hunt moping in the barracks, grants Bryce’s request, effectively ending his punishment.
  • Natalie: “Celestina’s like, good. I’m sick of him. Get him out of here.” (25:53)
• This segment explores negotiation among women in power (“She’s trying to make it seem like a little bit of a kiki.” – Natalie, 22:14), personal boundaries, and the effectiveness of strategic vulnerability.

5. Friendship Fallout: Bryce, Juniper & Fury (25:53–29:17)

• Post-Celestina, Bryce attempts damage control, calling Fury for guidance about Juniper’s anger.
• They debate the best approach to atoning for unintentional harm between friends, ultimately agreeing with Fury’s advice: “Give her some time. Come up with a good apology. Don’t try to fix it immediately.” (27:41)
• Jackie: “You made your bed, now you kind of got to lie in it.” (26:44)

6. Bryce & Hunt Reunion (29:31–31:13)

• Bryce surprises Hunt in his dorm with the news of his early release.
• The scene is delightfully raunchy (“Before he can react, she runs up, kisses him deeply... wrapping her legs around his waist. Okay, they’re about half ready to go at it in the doorway.” – Natalie, 30:04).

7. Side Characters & Comic Relief

• Pollux and the Hind barge in, making derogatory prostitute jokes about Bryce (“You paying her by the hour?” – Pollux, mocked by Jackie at 30:44).
• Jackie and Natalie skewer repeated crude humor in the book, comparing it to Sabine’s recycled one-liners (31:09).

8. Dorm Life Memories (31:47–34:32)

• A mere transitional moment inspires an extended riff about dorm sex, loft bed mishaps, and the perils of college bunk beds—providing comic levity and relatability.

9. Ethan & The Mystic—Alpha Origins (37:43–53:32)

• The scene cuts to Ethan, who receives a life-changing call from the Prime, offering him the chance to become an Alpha of his own pack.
  • Natalie, as the Prime: “If he wants to come back, he can come back as an Alpha of his own pack.” (44:15)
• Jackie questions whether Ethan is “ready for Alpha status,” and both hosts note the Prime’s sudden change of heart toward Ethan’s worth.
• Ethan visits the Astronomer’s and encounters the female mystic—who is, unexpectedly, a wolf and an Alpha, sold into magical servitude as a child.
  • Jackie: “Her parents and siblings were not part of a pack, almost sounding like they had been exiled...they sold her to the astronomer in order to feed their family.” (50:08)
• Natalie and Jackie highlight the tragic cycle of exploitation, likening the mystic’s story to broader themes of trafficking and powerlessness.
• Ethan’s impulsiveness pays off as he considers helping the mystic, defying the Astronomer at great personal risk.

10. Therian, The River Queen & Political Intrigue (55:11–58:32)

• Therian reports to the River Queen about the imminent island mission and asks for reinforcements. She refuses, not wanting to risk her people.
• The Queen’s coldness and disdain see Therian grappling with his expendability:
  • River Queen (via Natalie): “Defend my honor against such slander and return alive.” (57:54)

11. Ruhn and Daybright—Brain Bridge Intimacy (58:59–71:19)

• The scene transitions to the mind-linked Brain Bridge, where Ruhn and Daybright’s banter becomes highly flirtatious, bordering on sultry and emotionally vulnerable.
  • They debate “punishments” and test out sexy power dynamics: “What kind of punishments do you like? Restraints? Floggings?” (60:20)
  • A sudden, jarringly intense sexual sensation from Daybright (offscreen) reveals layers of pain beneath her spy persona—hinting at abuse or even coercion in her “real” life.
  • Ruhn respects her boundaries, and they share an intimate, nonphysical connection: “He tells her he feels calm when she’s around. She tells him he talks like he’s handsome.” (70:19)
• Both hosts praise this complex dynamic for its tenderness and slow-burn tension.

12. Chapter Structure & Final Thoughts (71:08–71:38)

• They marvel that all these events comprised just one chapter, noting “everything’s churning right now.”
  • Jackie: “This is all of the different churns starting to churn together.” (71:34)
• The cliffhanger focuses on character trajectories, relationships in flux, and upcoming steamy action: “Work on them forearm strength ‘cause we've got some dick and dick and dick and dicking to do.” (71:46)

---

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Jackie: “You heard it here first, folks. Natalie wants to have sex with the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Leatherface. Well, as a mermaid.” (05:05)
• Natalie: “If you like [My Chemical Romance] so much that you are gatekeeping it, maybe you’re not okay. Perhaps you are not okay. And you should go to the brain doctor.” (07:10)
• Jackie: “It’s arrogant and it’s condescending. Even if she meant well and didn’t see it that way, that’s what it is.” (14:52)
• On dorm sex:
  “In New York, all the places were so small that this person was trying to utilize their space.” (34:00)
• Jackie (summarizing the River Queen): “She’s being underwater bitch like…like we always have come to expect. But you know, she’s looking out for herself.” (58:08)
• On Ruhn and Daybright’s intimacy:
  “He tells her he feels calm when she’s around. She tells him he talks like he’s handsome. Oh, my God, you guys are so freaking ridiculous.” (70:19)
• Chapter length appreciation:
  “That was all one chapter. It’s good.” (71:08)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Topic | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:03 | Costume reveals, Leatherface mermaid tangent | | 07:10 | Gatekeeping & fandoms banter | | 08:27 | Jackie bases her RPG vampire on Bryce—promo moment | | 11:16 | Juniper’s text, confrontation about promotion | | 16:15 | Bryce’s meeting with Celestina over Hunt | | 25:53 | Fury advises Bryce on damage control with Juniper | | 29:31 | Bryce & Hunt’s steamy reunion in the barracks | | 31:47 | Dorm sex & adult college anecdotes | | 37:43 | Ethan’s call from the Prime, offer of Alpha status | | 47:00 | Mystic’s origin story—the tragedy of the tank | | 55:11 | Therian and the River Queen, political refusal | | 58:59 | Ruhn and Daybright, Brain Bridge intimacy & revelation | | 71:08 | Chapter wrap-up, final thoughts, tease for the next episode |

---

Tone & Style

The episode is candid, goofy, and packed with coarse, loving sarcasm. Natalie and Jackie maintain a conversational, comedic approach but aren’t afraid to dwell on serious issues like friendship boundaries, trauma, class politics, and found family. Their language oscillates from sassy stream-of-consciousness to perceptive literary insight, always keeping things approachable for Crescent City diehards and casual listeners alike.

---

Next Reading Assignment:
Read up to Chapter 45 for next week’s episode!

---

Sample Outro
“Work on them forearm strength ‘cause we've got some dick and dick and dick and dicking to do.” (Jackie, 71:46)

---

For fans or those new to the series, this summary captures the wild blend of Crescent City's drama and the hosts’ infectious, off-the-wall personality.

Transcript

[Natalie Jean]

Score holiday gifts.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Everyone wants for way less at your Nordstrom Rack store. Save on Ugg, Nike, Rag and Bone.

[Natalie Jean]

Vince Frame, Kurt Geiger, London and more. Because there's always something new. I'm giving all the gifts this year with that extra 5% off when I use my Nordstrom credit card. Santa who join the Nordy Club at Nordstrom Rack to unlock our best deals. It's easy. Big gifts, big perks. That's why you rack avoiding your unfinished home projects because you're not sure where to start. Thumbtack knows homes so you don't have to don't know the difference between matte, paint, finish and satin or what that clunking sound from your dryer is. With thumbtack, you don't have to be a home pro, you just have to hire one. You can hire top rated pros, see price estimates and read reviews all on the app. Download Today.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

The year is 2012.

[Natalie Jean]

The setting is New York City.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

There are a thousand stories in the Naked City and this one is about blood. Vampires are real.

[Natalie Jean]

They stalk the streets, feeding on the living.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Nobody is safe.

[Natalie Jean]

Join me, Henry Zabrowski, along with Jackie.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Zabrowski and veteran TRPG player Ross Bryant.

[Natalie Jean]

For an actual play series set in the Vampire the Masquerade universe from the.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Mind of game master Jared Logan.

[Natalie Jean]

The show will premiere on the LPN TV YouTube channel starting on Wednesday, October.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

29Th and will release on a weekly basis. People will die, then get back up and bite you.

[Natalie Jean]

Will my character succumb to the beast within?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Can Jackie navigate the Byzantine intrigues of the Dan the Dad?

[Natalie Jean]

The future is a mystery.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

All we know is it's gonna be a Bloodbath. LPN RPG presents Bloodbath every Wednesday on.

[Natalie Jean]

The LPN TV YouTube channel. It all begins on October 29th.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Enjoy the mysteries. We're excited to announce that we're going to Prythian and Valbara and Basgaeth if you're nasty.

[Natalie Jean]

And you can too.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Join us in SP of 2026 at the Dreamers and Readers Festival, a three day event chock full of choose your own adventures, multiple Fae balls, fashion shows, photo shoots, hoteez Everybody.

[Natalie Jean]

At least 15 different events at the otherworldly Gaylord Texan Resort that you can customize to make the perfect trip fit your fantasy dreams.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Visit fantastiquecollection.com and use our code faybayes at checkout to to receive $10 off of any of these events.

[Natalie Jean]

Dreamers and readers.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Night 1 and 2 Mythical Creatures Masquerade, Fantastic Starfall Ball and the Farewell Fae Bash.

[Natalie Jean]

Not only that, but if you use our code Fayebaes at checkout for those events, you will receive an exclusive swag bag from the weekend.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'll do anything for a swag bag, Natalie. Swag.

[Natalie Jean]

Give it to me.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes, that's right. Use our code Faybase F A E B A, e [e-mail] to get your $10 off of any of these events.

[Natalie Jean]

Dreamers and readers, baby, I cannot wait for this.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Gimme, gimme. Give me that swag. Welcome to Crescent City with your hosts, Natalie Jean and Jackie Zabrowski.

[Natalie Jean]

O. That's how I feel right now.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

River queen noise.

[Natalie Jean]

I think it's more. I'm. I'm one of the Halloween parties I'm going to. I'm going as Sally, who is the final girl from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. She's, like, technically considered the original final girl. And.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And this is what you're going to wear because I don't think she wore a mermaid costume.

[Natalie Jean]

Her as a mermaid.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, you're going to be her as a mermaid. It's actually going to be easy to describe to everybody all night. Like, remember, she's actually the original final girl. But, like, this is.

[Natalie Jean]

What if this happened in the seat.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And she's a murderer? Like, then what? Oh, it would be, like, difficult to use that chainsaw.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. But I would kind of want to see Leatherface as a mermaid. That is kind.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, I just imagine him gliding through the water, but still covered in, like, skin and meat and stuff.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Soggy.

[Natalie Jean]

He'd be wearing fish scales, though, so it'd be kind of pretty because he would be, like, flaying mer.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

People, you heard it here first, folks. Natalie wants to have sex with the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Leatherface. Well, as a mermaid. I'm sorry. Excuse me.

[Natalie Jean]

The river chainsaw.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes.

[Natalie Jean]

Mercicre.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, mercy. There it is. You really found it in the end. And honestly, he was a man that created a project and really stuck to it.

[Natalie Jean]

He is passionate, impressive.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I think. Dedicated, loyal.

[Natalie Jean]

That's something that we should all aim for with a partner, with ourselves being strived for.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, my God. I love talking with facial hair. It just makes my whole face feel more exaggerated.

[Natalie Jean]

I really actually think you're slaying this look, but I still can't figure out who you are.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That's good because I did kind of make this up, so. Oh, I might have.

[Natalie Jean]

Don't tell me. I'm gonna keep trying to guess.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You'll figure it out eventually. There's only so many. It can be. I am really excited because nobody can really see my full jacket. But look at the picture. And I'll make sure to show it off. Cause it has this, like, side cape. I don't know what the hell this coat is. I think that they were trying to say it was like a steampunk thing.

[Natalie Jean]

It looks sort of a Game of Thrones. Y.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes, but it's only got a cape on one shoulder.

[Natalie Jean]

I think that is a thing. A military thing.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't know what it means, but I like it and I feel fun.

[Natalie Jean]

I like that. Also has a hood.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Yeah. There's a lot going on.

[Natalie Jean]

There's a lot.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

There's a lot happening down here. Like, I. I kind of want to just wear this.

[Natalie Jean]

You also look like you're joining the Black parade a little bit.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, my God. Should I?

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, I.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You know, I don't know if I could. I feel like I love My Chemical Romance, but I definitely cannot go head to head with the world and the fandom of My Chemical Romance because I don't know that much. I don't know. I can never. Because when people. I feel like it's one of those of like. Yeah, but how much do you like My Chemical Romance? Like, I really like.

[Natalie Jean]

I like it as much as an adult should. So if you like it so much that you are gatekeeping it, maybe you're not okay. Perhaps you are not okay. And you should go to the brain doctor.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Brain doctor? Yeah, man, those brain doctors love to see us coming. Look at the two of us dressed like this in the middle of a day on a Thursday and be like, I don't know what you're doing, but I'm glad you're living your dream.

[Natalie Jean]

That's me knocking on the therapist's door.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Brain. Excuse me. My brain is broken. Someone let me in. My brain is broken.

[Natalie Jean]

Who?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

This guy? Yeah. I. It's not that I want to have sex with myself dressed like this, but I think.

[Natalie Jean]

I mean, I get it. I do get it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, this is the perfect place for me to talk about. Excuse me if I've already brought this up on this episode or, like, in the world of Crescent City, but I. You're the final person, I think, that I haven't told that in Vampire the Masquerade, which starts on October 29, and everybody should check it out. I kind of based my Vampire Looks Wise a little bit on Bryce Quinlan.

[Natalie Jean]

I think you have mentioned it, but.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You'Re just that excited for me that you get to hear it again, because I just Want to have sex with Bryce Quinlan, even though she annoys me.

[Natalie Jean]

Listen, give promo all day.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Thank you.

[Natalie Jean]

Always promo. Got you in this world.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes, you must. And you must check out our vampire improv, everybody, because in my brain, you'll just see me as this big, thick, juicy bitch. Oh, baby. It's like Jessica Rabbit were a vampire.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, that's your. That's your RPG character.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, in my brain.

[Natalie Jean]

I mean, you're. Wait, am I saying no?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Ttrpg. Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

Thank you. Ttrbg.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Rpg.

[Natalie Jean]

Rpg.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Tabletop role playing game, in case you were ever wondering.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And that is the genre of the games. If you're like, I don't understand D. And D is a ttrpg. So TTRPG is just the world of tabletop role playing games now.

[Natalie Jean]

That is with me forever.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You're welcome. You look beautiful.

[Natalie Jean]

One little thing spot back here.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

This really, like, this mermaid look really works for you. I imagine El on a date. Imagine you the, like, this goddess shows up, and I'm like, hey, you're not.

[Natalie Jean]

No, no, you're not giving that. That's not what you're giving right now.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm worried that I'm giving Mugatu. And I said this to Adam earlier, and I was like, that's not what I'm going for.

[Natalie Jean]

Mugatu.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Will fell.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, you know, I actually think you're serving, but I, again, don't know who you are. But I'll figure it out. We'll all figure it out together as we journey into chapter 42.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Ooh. And although definitely giving a little bit of R.A. rasputin, Russia's greatest.

[Natalie Jean]

That as well.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I am given a little Rasputin. But also, it would make sense that everybody would want to fuck this. That you wouldn't even realize how bad I am.

[Natalie Jean]

I thought you were going into Ra. And I actually think God would wear this also.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes, but also, like, with, like, meat nipples.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, there are. Well, maybe you have me nipples under that jacket.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't know. You want to check it out?

[Natalie Jean]

I don't know if we should.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Guys, YouTube. Will you allow it?

[Natalie Jean]

No.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I can't even show my meat nipples anymore.

[Natalie Jean]

I know, boo. I mean, you are. You are presenting as masks, so technically, you should be allowed. Yep. All right.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Whoa.

[Natalie Jean]

All right.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

All right, pastrami, get ready to shine. Only pastrami on the nipples.

[Natalie Jean]

Put in one of those. We have momentarily technical issues.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, Jackie just won't put her meat nipples away.

[Natalie Jean]

And we're back. I hope you guys all enjoyed those meat nipples. I Feel conflicted. So we're at chapter 42. Bryce is at the committee, um, walking towards Celestina's office. For some reason, Girl, it's just you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Always gotta put your nose in it. You gotta put your nose in it.

[Natalie Jean]

She really does before.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Too hot.

[Natalie Jean]

But she's pretty. Before we learn what she's there for, she is stopped in the hall by her phone. It is a terse message from Juniper. Speaking of, remember that happening 16 plot points ago?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

Where she.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I bet Bryce even was like, oh.

[Natalie Jean]

I did, I did just do this huge thing and use my princess status and call and get her moved up. Bryce doesn't seem to remember because whenever she sees that message, her first thought is, oh, no, did something happen to fury? Why is Juniper so mad? That's not what she's calling about. How dare you? Is the first word she has to Bryce.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, God. When you see that at the top of your phone where you don't. Can't see the rest of the message, and you're like, oh, what? What?

[Natalie Jean]

And people are always asking how I dare things.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I know. And you're always daring, aren't you?

[Natalie Jean]

Highway to the danger zone over here.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Hell yeah. It's not. That's not what you call your pussy, though.

[Natalie Jean]

How do you know?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't. The meat nipples, though, they talk.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, yeah. Oh, they talk to one another.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, that's.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm assuming you have them as well.

[Natalie Jean]

I think mine are made of abalone.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, you don't like meat? Yeah, you would hate it if you had meat nipples. I'm sorry, Natalie.

[Natalie Jean]

Thank you. Mine are pineapples. Plant based.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Those nipples are impossible.

[Natalie Jean]

Hey, so Juniper has been made Principle. This is what Juniper is calling about. Bryce doesn't seem to get why it's bad.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I got you what you wanted.

[Natalie Jean]

It's at least something she can do with her status is what she says to Juniper. Being a princess sucks. Here's something that's good I can do with it, right? Juniper is enraged. She explains to the seemingly distracted Bryce, because Bryce is not really computing exactly what's happening with Juniper. That Bryce took an accomplishment away from her. The people will always speak of Juniper as a quote, diversity hire, despite the fact, by the way, we should mention that things like DEI exist because of the nepotism and mediocrity of the wealthy and connected.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Think about that. What do you think about that beautiful not hooved bitch gliding across the stage?

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, so that's a whole nother conversation. But again, very much understand why Juniper would Be devastated by this. It wasn't Bryce's place to make that call.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, because then everybody's going to find out, too. And then everyone's going to be like, oh, well, I mean, you know why she got the lead.

[Natalie Jean]

That's what I'm. That totally. Like, she's already fighting this uphill battle that is unfair to her. But it is her battle to fight. Unless she asks you to help in some way. For you to overstep her and be like, no, no, no, I got it. Don't you worry. Like, pat her on the head, which Bryce is not doing. But it could feel like that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But it's like, I know she wasn't doing that on purpose, but, girl, it's.

[Natalie Jean]

Arrogant and it's condescending. Even if she meant well and didn't see it that way. That's what it is. Bryce doesn't seem to get how bad this is and tells June she'll call her as soon as this meeting is over and that she. June, just hangs up on her. She is livid, rattled. Bryce takes a few breaths, beginning to realize she may have really messed her friendship up.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She's like, of all the things she's up. I feel like this is the first time that she's like, maybe I did do something wrong. Well.

[Natalie Jean]

I wish that I had that reaction.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

God, no. Every. No, I do.

[Natalie Jean]

If I'm worried I did something wrong, it's just over and over and over and over.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

I wish that I could just be like, huh.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Well, do you know, some people do live that life. You know, Some people don't have anxiety. It's crazy. Sometimes I feel like it breaks my brain to think that I'm like, oh, my God. Are you not, like, worried about things that you make up all the time? Real or makeup? Like, that's. That's awesome.

[Natalie Jean]

I imagine it is. I.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We're never gonna know.

[Natalie Jean]

No. And I think that anxiety can have. It could be great. For some reason I'm not thinking of right now.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Fight or flight, you know? Appreciate that brain, because we know it's the brain looking out for you.

[Natalie Jean]

Heads on a swivel. So she is fantasizing about taking a ballet class when this current meeting meeting is over to clear her head. Because, yes, she obviously did mess up this friendship, but she also is doing some other thing that seems quite important here in this office. She knocks on Celestina's door and enters the room, embarrassed. Bryce remembers that she again used her princess status to gain this meeting. She thinks about how, like, she's like, oh, I'm doing this again. But it doesn't matter now. She's here.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She got in the meeting.

[Natalie Jean]

Celestina suspects Bryce is there to ask for Hunt back because, as you recall, his punishment is to be sleeping in the barracks for two weeks.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And he has to go play video games with his boy. Okay. And it sucks because he can't even make kiss.

[Natalie Jean]

He can't. Oh, so hard for him. But, I mean, I'm glad. I don't want him to be, like, tortured in the town square.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I don't want his wings ripped off or anything.

[Natalie Jean]

No. Bryce apologizes for Hunt leaving Celestina at the party, which is his wife's punished, and tells her she wouldn't have asked him had she known. She understands. And Bryce is saying she supports the punishment. She is saying, I'm not asking you to, like, stop the punishment, but I. Can I borrow him for one night? In that time period, we know girls.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

With their toys, right?

[Natalie Jean]

She's like, I gotta get it in. You know what I'm saying? No, she doesn't say that. Maybe it would work, though.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Honestly, with Celestina, you never know. Right now, we really don't know exactly.

[Natalie Jean]

We don't know what her vibes are. So.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, we do know that she didn't saw off his wings publicly. So I guess we know at least a little bit about her. You are your.

[Natalie Jean]

Whatever vibes you are when you are alone. And we never truly know.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, God. So all my vibes are just me going, oh, God, I'm horrible. Oh, God, I'm the worst.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Natalie, are you telling me that these are the vibes that I give? No, I'm. Relax. Look at me. I'm. Peace.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes. Shoot your bitches.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm like the yin yang symbol.

[Natalie Jean]

You're like the yin yang twins.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, my God. But I'm. Yeah, but I guess we're kissing, me and myself. But they were kissing, right?

[Natalie Jean]

The yin yang twins?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

Did I make that up? I. Were they a couple? I thought they were brothers.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, sometimes I'm gonna put yin yang twins kissing. Yin yang. Twang's Kissing. No, they didn't.

[Natalie Jean]

Shake it like a song. Shake it, shake it like. I mean, if they were kissing, they were really overcompensating with their misogyny. I mean, not. No. Hate. Very fun dance music.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Sometimes you gotta kiss it out. I like, you know, coming up with rumors. Man, I forgot about whistleblower. Oh, yeah. How could you, Natalie? How I get through my day?

[Natalie Jean]

I am gonna play that later. Don't you worry. So we know as the reader, we know that she's asking for this day.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Speaking of tattoo, by the way, it was tattoo that I was thinking of that. That they were.

[Natalie Jean]

Those heads is going a different group.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Look at my outfit. I'm thinking, I'm thinking internationally. You know, I'm giving a little Ross poutine on there. Try to poison me, Try to murder me.

[Natalie Jean]

Histories confused tattoo with the twins in any way?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I think I was thinking of the whisper song. I don't know. I was thinking. I don't know. I think that I had. I put so much adhesive glue underneath nose that I think I'm starting to float over here.

[Natalie Jean]

I would love to see Ying Ying twins cover tattoo songs. Those tattoo songs are bangers.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

The crossover we never expected.

[Natalie Jean]

So. Well, maybe they could get married to each other and have a double wedding. Because they were fake. They were fake lesbians.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Tatang sisters.

[Natalie Jean]

Okay, we have to get through this chapter. So you want Black Friday prices without the Black Friday crowds. Lowes gets it. We check the calendar and Christmas is coming early. $99 is all you need to grab your favorite select 7 foot pre lit artificial Christmas tree for the holiday season. And don't sweat what gifts to get dad because we've got up to 40% off select tools and accessories. That's how Lowe celebrates Black Friday. Early selection varies by location while supplies last. So we know as the reader that Bryce is asking for this because she needs to go to the island where Ophion is taking the bio suits. Because.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Sorry. Well, Natalie's having a fit, but that's fine. She does that every once in a while.

[Natalie Jean]

So. Because she needs Hun to go with her to the island where the Ophion's getting the bio suits. And she can't tell Celestina that, of course. So instead she tells her that she had made a promise to her mother that Hunt would accompany her to a home visit and that her mom doesn't take no for an answer. Celestina seems amused by this. I don't actually know how the family dynamics work with archangels. Like, does she have a mom and dad that she sees?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We don't know.

[Natalie Jean]

We don't know.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, if anything, probably, if she does, she probably hasn't seen him in a very, very, very long time.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, but she seems like at least charmed by the idea that Bryce this important meeting is because Bryce's mom might get mad. And Bryce continues that if he can't go see her mom this weekend as he Promised her mom is never going to believe he's a good guy, which is a very clever move.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It is. But, man, again, the brass balls on her to go into Celestina's office and be like, hey, I know you're, like, punishing him, but, like, my mom's gonna be upset with me if he doesn't come.

[Natalie Jean]

I think she's trying to make it seem like a little bit of a kiki.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes.

[Natalie Jean]

She's like, hey, we're both sisters in power, right? I imagine this is like how, you know, like, Stephen Miller and Steve Bannon meet up together. And they're like, what's up, sister? You and I, we have a lot of this problem.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And they go say, bon, c', est bon, c' est la vie. You know, they reference housewives to each other, and then they continue on with their meeting.

[Natalie Jean]

Exactly. They have like a. This sort of. Hey, can you kind of hear what I'm saying? I know this is not that important, but it, like, let's be humans for a second.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, my God. And then they start a group chat. And then you realize once you're in a group chat that it's always popping off. And then Celestine is like, oh, I never should have done this.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, are you. Is this you projecting?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, it's still on silent. I'm never gonna active. I'm never putting it back on. I'm never gonna know when it's popping off ever again.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, but do you look sometimes. Yeah, there's good conversations.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, yeah, yeah, no. Oh, I'm always looking at my phone, so don't worry. I'm still seeing it show up at the top of my. Of my phone for every single one. But okay, don't worry, guys. I'd never miss a group chat meme.

[Natalie Jean]

So Celestina, you know, smiles about this conversation but has a sad look on her face, causing Bryce to tentatively ask how things are going with Ephraim. Celestina is careful in her response, but expresses that he is her friend, but this is not something maybe she had in her plans, that maybe she didn't really want him as a partner because obviously they chose not to do that before this.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But they chose wrong before. Don't worry. The fates have chosen for them.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, yeah. So Bryce knows she doesn't really have jurisdiction to offer, but regardless, tells Celestina if she ever needs to have girl talk, she's available and she means it. Even though she is technically manipulating her right now, she does think she likes Celestina and would be there for her. She wanted it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But also, it's like, I know that we're not supposed to see her as a mean girl in this moment, but I do feel like even just the tinch of, like, Celestina is desperate for a little bit of connection. And I even know that, like, Bryce is also reaching out her hand, but she's, like, falsely reaching out her hand, and that kind of hurts me. On behalf of Celestina.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, she could use a friend.

[Natalie Jean]

She probably could. But what. What secrets is Celestina holding? We don't know.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We don't know.

[Natalie Jean]

She could also be triple crossing. There's so many different ways to cross.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But don't all of our friends have secrets?

[Natalie Jean]

Well, I hope they're not triple crossing me. We don't.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We're not going to know.

[Natalie Jean]

Don't make this another anxiety thing I'm going to have to think about later.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm triple crossing. I say get out the crucifix. Oh, we're gonna spread you across three. Is that what it means?

[Natalie Jean]

Sheesh.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I've been wine online.

[Natalie Jean]

Yikes. So she does, in her mind, though, mean it in a way. So Celestina thinks this over, right? And tells Bryce to go ahead and take him home and then actually just keep him there, that he's being such a mopey Mandy that he's driving everyone crazy at the barracks, and so Celsius, like, you can just take him. His punishment can be over. Bryce lights up, grins broadly. Thank you, thank you. Thank you so much.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

All you have to do is mope to get out of a punishment.

[Natalie Jean]

Well, I guess if you're annoying enough, you know, this is good.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I think we should all remember this. All right? Mope, be more annoying. That's how you get away with it.

[Natalie Jean]

Yep. Celestine is, like, good. I'm sick of him. Get him out of here. On her way to the barracks, Bryce to tell Hunt the good news, Bryce calls Fury. So she was walking from this office to his barracks, and she calls Fury.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

To try to figure out, triangulate the situation.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes, yes, she answers and basically tells Bryce that she gets why Bryce did this. But Juniper is literally devastated. Fury refuses to get in the middle of it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You really undermined all of the many years of work that she has put in.

[Natalie Jean]

Sure. I also feel like it does make sense she would try to call Fury, because Juniper will not respond to her, and so maybe she's at least trying to find out what she can do. Like, I don't know. I don't know what the right answer is to do there.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, I just, you know, I feel like it was a little bit of like a, oh, I did these bad things and now she's upset. It's like, yeah, you made your bed, now you kind of, kind of got a lie in it.

[Natalie Jean]

What would you do in that situation?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, I would do. I would not have called in the first place and I definitely wouldn't have done that. But I guess, yeah, now I, I would be so worried that Bryce had already stuck her nose in that. If I were Juniper, I'd be like, yeah, but don't like go back now and be like, never mind, don't do it either. You know what I mean?

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, I mean, I don't know if it is a take back situation.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I think you give Juniper some space and you don't talk to Fury about and then you come back and apologize. And in time, because I feel like she's going to need some time. Because what is Juniper not going to take? Like she has to do it now.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. So which is actually what Fury, that's what Fury tells her to do is to give her weeks, some weeks of process.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Exactly.

[Natalie Jean]

And then come up with a good plan to apologize. Fury at least isn't icing her out. So that's good.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Which is crazy because Fury not usually the best at emotional communication.

[Natalie Jean]

No, but I. It's nice because, you know, in the last book, like you just said, she completely just avoided Bryce. So I do think it's okay they touch base here, in my opinion, just because of their own private friendship. And trying to figure out, is Fury also not now, not my friend? Like, if I fudge this up that badly, she connected.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She answered the phone. I feel like a lot of us in this situation would not answer the phone because I'd probably be like, I don't deal with this shit. Silent.

[Natalie Jean]

Right.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But that would make me a bad friend.

[Natalie Jean]

No, I mean, so not necessarily.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But they're, you know, I love to avoid conflict.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, yeah, of course. I hate conflict. I literally hate it so much I'll do most things to avoid it. So Fury basically says, you know, just give it time. It's nice she hasn't completely iced out Bryce again. She. Bryce feels truly terrible, but is hopeful that maybe because she answered her phone that it's the friendship's at least salvageable.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

She tentatively asks Fury if she wants to help with any of the stuff that they're doing, you know, not related to Juniper with all of the crimes they're committing, you know, and Fury's like, no, absolutely not. I'm not risking my life right now for your nonsense. And also she's like, basically says, I have a really good thing going with Juniper and I'm not going to risk that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But also, we never know what Fury is working on, so Lord knows what she's in the middle of. I can't imagine she's just hanging out on a beach somewhere.

[Natalie Jean]

No, I hope she is though.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, good for her. She needs to relax.

[Natalie Jean]

She does. Get your feet up. They hang up and Bryce tries to push down her self loathing to greet Hunt where she is now in the barracks. She's feeling better when she knocks on his dorm room door and gets a full view of a shirtless Hunt wearing his backwards baseball. He looks shocked to see her, but before he can even react, she runs up, kisses him deeply. Before he can ask questions, he picks her up and she wraps her legs around his waist. Okay, they're about half ready to go at it in the doorway. So Bryce tells him that don't. We don't need to. You've been freed from the clink. He seems to be in shock as he puts her hands all over him and tells him that they're also going on a trip. He keeps going. Wait, you what?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You got me out? Yeah, because all of the blood is in his dick, so he can't. He can't comprehend.

[Natalie Jean]

He's like, trip. Okay, okay, yeah, okay, okay. So as they're having this conversation, they get interrupted, unfortunately, by the sneery sneer sense.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, yeah, yeah. It's like you have no other job but to just be annoying.

[Natalie Jean]

But you're very attractive also, and that's extra annoying. Bryce turns to see Pollux with his arm around the hind. He asks if Hunt paying her by the hour. Oh, hilarious. Another prostitute job.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh my God, it's so. What? What are you taking your roast from the book of Sabine? Is she a.

[Natalie Jean]

Do you have one of those wow. Books that are in people's bathrooms that tell you jokes?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, but it's just Sabine roasts and they're all the same and they're all bad.

[Natalie Jean]

Just talking about being sex workers. What?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You may as well go and have sex. I think that's one of the Sabine quotes.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. So she tells him as much and the couple continues on to whatever sludge pit they're heading towards. So they just come and interrupt the moment.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Just walking.

[Natalie Jean]

Keep walking over here. But Hunt is too distracted to even glare at the couple and tries to pull Bryce into his room. His dorm Room. His empty dorm room. But she doesn't want to do it here in this empty, weird frat house.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, it is dorm banging, you know? Always fun, always dicey.

[Natalie Jean]

I've personally never done such a thing.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, we've talked. I'm sure we've talked about it before, but it's fun.

[Natalie Jean]

You know, It's a.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's a young person. It's a time. It's a young person's game. I don't want to do that anymore. Okay.

[Natalie Jean]

I hope not. Jackie's over at the college campus again.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Let me in the dorm. Let me just experience again. I'll. I. I'll bring my own man.

[Natalie Jean]

Come on, let me in. Oh, you want to just use the room?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. You're not room. Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

You're not coming to Lear at college kids.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No, I want to be. I just want to be on the XL twin, off the, you know, off the floor.

[Natalie Jean]

A little loft.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

God, I fell off that thing so many times. Yeah. Why do. Why did we have loft? I don't know. Did you put it into a loft? My dorm.

[Natalie Jean]

We.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I put up in the loft because you need the space underneath. I would be drunk, and I would fall out of it all the time. And I don't know how I ever didn't break a bunch of bones.

[Natalie Jean]

I ended, weirdly, my college career in the dorms. I did not. I, like, didn't live in college dorms at all. I didn't start college Till I was 20, and because of that, my last two years, when I transferred out to an out of state school to finish my degree, it was like a dorm school. And I had never done that before. I, like, worked and lived in my own house since I was 18, and so I was in the dorms too late in life.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, no, don't worry.

[Natalie Jean]

I still did all of the dumb.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It is.

[Natalie Jean]

It's kind of like 23 when you're.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

In a bunk bed as an adult, and it's like everything in your brain. A friend of ours, I remember, who had been hammered, had hooked up with somebody in a top bunk. He was so drunk that he forgot that he was in a top bunk. But here's the thing. It's not like when you're 18 and you fall out of the bunk. He fell out of the bunk and he shattered his collarbone. Then he had to tell everybody that he fell out of a bunk. And I'm talking somebody in their early 30s fell out of a. But that's the thing. When you're in your early 30s. And you're hooking up with somebody. You don't really expect to go back to somebody's place in the top bunk. No bunk bed.

[Natalie Jean]

I would feel like I was committing a crime. Well, that's it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And the person of a. Not in a door. Not like, it was just. It was just something. Because in New York, all the places were so small that this person was trying to use. Utilize their space.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No New York smile all the way or else I think this is going to fall off. So I just keep like.

[Natalie Jean]

Just the talks working, baby.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I wish I have no talks right now. I'm all movement.

[Natalie Jean]

You should take some.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Can I have some of it, please?

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. Well.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Sorry. Yeah, I just.

[Natalie Jean]

Fun to think about those. Those sad times.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

So they don't want to do that, apparently. Well, at least Bryce doesn't want to. And she tells him to sweat it out one more night because that's the. The deal with Celestina. That he finishes the day and the night out in the barracks, and then it's time to go to the bone zone the next day. Day.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Their rules. These guys.

[Natalie Jean]

I wouldn't. If I. Okay, I will say it's fun.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Rules are fun. Having boundaries like that. They are fun.

[Natalie Jean]

I will say if you're doing this whole, you know, waiting and waiting and waiting, I wouldn't want it to be in an empty dorm room. I wouldn't.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You're so right. And also, I just feel like, though, if I were on the brink of like, oh, might be murdered. Oh, might be murdered. I probably wouldn't do the. Like, I feel like I'd be like, let's.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, I.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Let's get this going.

[Natalie Jean]

I agree.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But you do say noochee poochie when you don't want it, right?

[Natalie Jean]

I do say no. Cheap. And that means no.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That means no. And you do have to end it with. And that means no. Just in case.

[Natalie Jean]

Because it sounds like yes, but it's not.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It does. It sounds like I am implying that I would.

[Natalie Jean]

I like to just make people confused.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Hell yeah. Mystery.

[Natalie Jean]

Not sure if you have the experience to start your dream job. Good news.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

These days, it's the skills that count. Udemy can help you get those in demand. Skills. Want to be an AI mastermind?

[Natalie Jean]

Learn with us. Game developer. We've got you covered. AWS certified cloud practitioner.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We can help you prep. You'll learn from real world experts who love what they do so that you.

[Natalie Jean]

Can love what you do. Go to udemy.com for the skills to.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Get you Started and get set for your dream job.

[Natalie Jean]

So she's like, one more night, then we'll do it. He pulls her in still for a kiss and is a bad. I wrote a bad man because I hate saying.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, no.

[Natalie Jean]

The expression bad boy is gross. But bad man makes it sound like he's pulling stick out of the subway.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

He does sound. Not like someone we want to thirst for. Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

So she. He pulls her in for one more kiss.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

What about naughty boy? Don't like naughty boy either. No, naughty man. But naughty man also does have an implication of creepus. Yeah, bad guy. Bad. Yeah, but bad guy also. Yeah, that's a criminal.

[Natalie Jean]

I know, but it's also like Billie Eilish kind of like. I mean, that she's very young.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Bad guy. Duh.

[Natalie Jean]

Duh.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. And then it's cool.

[Natalie Jean]

Then it's cool. So he's basically. He flirts with her. He pulls her in for a kiss and he goes. He makes a little. He goes. A little promise for later. He puts his hand in her pants. I know. I didn't want to upset you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You know, just thinking about that, it puts me off my game.

[Natalie Jean]

I know. You get upset.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm gonna have to.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, God.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Okay.

[Natalie Jean]

Is that one?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, that's my. Yeah, that's. That's my, like, Chris angel word to bring me back. Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, so cut over. So we have that scene. He gives her the promise of what's to come, and then he closes the door on her and she's like, oh, my goodness. So he cut. We cut over to Ethan in this time period, and he's surprised to see that the prime is calling him on his cell phone as he stands outside. Oh, the astronomers building. Oh. Oh, that's cute.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's me on the phone.

[Natalie Jean]

It's me. It's cute. Oh, well, you're the prime.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, this is what I chose. Yes, it is. I, the Fendir Prime. And no, I am not a wolf. But am I an old, young, Maybe hot, maybe too old, about to die Wolf man? Yes, I am.

[Natalie Jean]

This is fascinating that this was your choice of what you think he looks like.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

What do you think I. What do you think he looks like? What do you think he looks like?

[Natalie Jean]

A choke on your beard?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I just. I don't.

[Natalie Jean]

I. No, I saw him more as like. Like a really old, like, clean Eastwood or something.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh. Oh, this is nice. This is not what you saw. I. There's no real. I really looked for it. I was like, there's no real description of the Vendeer.

[Natalie Jean]

Do you like that? This is your. Thought about it? I just feel like this is, you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Know, it's like, what is he wearing? What time? What year is it? Like, I feel like he would be really, like. He wouldn't fit in. He's not like the other girls.

[Natalie Jean]

I do. Okay. I like it. I like it a lot.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Thank you. Now it makes sense of why you didn't know who I was, though. You know, I'm like, who else would I be, guys? But also, let us know. Did you also have absolutely no clue who I was? Let us know.

[Natalie Jean]

You are giving a little bit of a villain, which is interesting because the prime so far is not coming across.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

As what gives villain about this.

[Natalie Jean]

It looks like you're, like, evil.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I think you are judging a book by its roosty cover over here. Okay. I. You know, I. Yeah. I don't know what's at. I don't. I bought the pieces separately and I'm like.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, it's like if you put them all together, it's like if you're evil Fury from another dimension. You know what I mean? Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, my God. Yes. Because this is also my Fury wig. So. Yes. Maybe this is Fury in disguise while she's working on other projects.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. Yeah, I could see that. Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That's what. She was on the phone with Bryce. I mean, like, I can't talk right now. I'm kind of dressed weird.

[Natalie Jean]

All right, so we're with the Prime. The Prime?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

With him the whole time? Yes.

[Natalie Jean]

Ethan is surprised to hear from you because technically all wolves have your phone number, but they're not usually call. It's like, for literally emergencies only. So he's never called.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Talk to them. The Pack and Brain speak. Or is that my. Just thinking of Twilight. Sorry.

[Natalie Jean]

I think that's why Twilight. Okay.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Ouch. I'm sorry.

[Natalie Jean]

Also, I think Joe Rogan says that about wolves. So maybe you're in the Rogan sphere.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, like all wolves?

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. I think he thinks all wolves can talk to each other.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, it's kind of fun.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, sure.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So, yeah, they do. They go awoo.

[Natalie Jean]

They go awoo.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. And they awoo back. Aw.

[Natalie Jean]

I love it. It. But that's what he's. He's like, why is he on the phone? That's weird. Why is the prime calling me? He answers, and the prime reveals that he has just learned about what Sabine has done to Ethan. Because, remember, Bryce went and visited the prime to try to get information from him and then accidentally let it spill because apparently the prime had no idea Sabine. Sabine kicked out Ethan.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm just a wolf.

[Natalie Jean]

I mean, you're technically the lead wolf.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'm the head of the wolves, but I don't know. I can't know what every wolf wolf does.

[Natalie Jean]

Well, apparently your daughter is causing all the time wherever she goes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I started that nickname.

[Natalie Jean]

Good. But also get her in check a little bit.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, I do own her still. So I guess I should go make sure she's. I mean, I didn't give her the sword.

[Natalie Jean]

That's true. You didn't.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So think about that. Baby. Baby girl.

[Natalie Jean]

I'm a queen. I don't think you should be talking to me.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, I was talking to Sabine. Oh, okay. That. She was my baby girl.

[Natalie Jean]

Get out of here. You like this?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You like my look too much.

[Natalie Jean]

I'm. I'm seducing you too easily. Jeff. Is this what she does?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I already sent him a picture and said you're looking for round two. I'd send it to him and see, because. Yeah. He said. Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

He said, yeah, Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I feel like I'm gonna leave it on. Jeff is very accepting and patient. Yes, I think he would be very patient.

[Natalie Jean]

So he, at the Prime's request, Ethan explains what happened to lead to now. So basically breaks down all the events that led up to Ethan being ejected, including the reason that he was, which was defending Bryce. Bryce. And we know the prime already thinks Bryce is a wolf in her heart.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Wolf at you, Not a wolf.

[Natalie Jean]

No, not a wolf.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Get back in the water. I wish I can say that I am the Prime.

[Natalie Jean]

I know. And she says, it's fine. Don't worry about it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I think all I hear is.

[Natalie Jean]

The prime listens intently and then asks what he's going to do now. So the prime listens to Ethan's story and says, ethan, what's your plan? Ethan explains that he's moved in with Ruhn and is figuring it out from there. The prime tells him this is a shocking twist, that if he wants to come back, he can come back as an Alpha of his own pack if he desires.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Are we talking about the same Ethan? I think I needed to get into the fend of your Prime's fucking head for a moment and be like, let's think about this.

[Natalie Jean]

I agree. But also, could you have said this before he was almost murdered by your daughter?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Right, right. Give him a little bit of confidence.

[Natalie Jean]

Ethan's obviously stunned, as we all are, because this seems like a bad idea, that the prime would have him back at all, would even tell him he's got what it takes to be an Alpha. Which the prime says. The prime goes on to say he knows that Ethan has suppressed these traits to protect others feelings.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And not because he's not as bright as the other wolves.

[Natalie Jean]

Not as. That's not why his head spins with this information. He tells the prime he needs to think about it. He doesn't even know who would be in his pack. He's been rejected by all of them. So would anybody even be in his pack? Or would he just be an Alpha alone?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, like Joe Rogan.

[Natalie Jean]

Like Joe Rogan. Much like him.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

Regardless, he's honored and tells the Prime. So they hang up and Ethan considers what just happened. He's confused. As you might have gleaned by now. He's confused a lot. We learn where he is when he took this call, which is again at the astronomers.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Like, can you stay away from them? But also you were. It was interesting that you had guessed. Maybe I was dressed as the astronomer. Which this is probably. I could probably go either way.

[Natalie Jean]

I would say. I think the astronomer has a big white beard. Like a. Like a long.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Okay. And I'd have wizard.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, but that's a good. Good costume to think about. Costume, everybody. So he's back. I can't with this boy. After knocking a few times on the front door and no getting no response, he pushes the door open, which is mysteriously unlocked. He calls into the dark cavernous room.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

He's not here. Rasped a horse. Female voice. Nee, nee.

[Natalie Jean]

Not that kind of horse. Don't let her trick you.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Long chestnut brown hair draped over her two thin pale limbs. Her body clad in that white shift that all three mystics wore. Her dark eyes were still like she was only half there. A face that might have been pretty if it weren't so gone, so haunted.

[Natalie Jean]

So it is the female mystic and she is not in her tank.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Nope. All dried off. She's like jerky now.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, I think you would be kind of like. Your skin would probably be so nasty.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Ew. It's probably sloughing off. Right?

[Natalie Jean]

I guess he must have to have some sort of magic charms on or something.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Suit.

[Natalie Jean]

She explains that the astronomer left to get a part for her tank. It's not working after all of the malaise the other day. And so she must sit outside of it and wait. Ithan is disquieted by her. She can't gain a cent off of her, likely due to her years in the tank. Suddenly the mystic recognizes him as the male who pulled her from the tank when her breathing apparatus stopped working. She uses the word freed, as in, you freed me, which stops him in his tracks because he doesn't know what.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That word means, and he has to go look it up in a dictionary for read.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes. Just to go find a paper book. Dictionary. He. He's contemplating it because he assumed when she was screaming, take me back. Take me back, that she wanted to.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Go back, Wanted to go back in.

[Natalie Jean]

And so the word freed is confusing because that makes it sound like she was imprisoned. He wonders, in horror, in that moment if when she begged to be taken back, she didn't mean to the spiritual plane inside the T, but take me back to wherever she had been brought from in the first place.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yikes. I feel like that's. That's a whole paper trail.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, that's a lot. The mystic speaks to him in clipped sentences, seemingly having a hard time speaking, explaining that the astronomer will be angry to see Ethan here, and he probably won't want to answer questions, which is what Ethan explains to her why he's here again. So he asks if his brother is really safe.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

He's dead. Sorry. Are you.

[Natalie Jean]

Is he really safe in the book? I don't. She's like, I don't know, dude. I don't know. And even if he was or wasn't, what is this gonna do for you? Just gonna keep asking.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Agonize over it.

[Natalie Jean]

So he's like, oh, okay, bye. As he gets up to leave. I guess I'll leave. As he gets up to leave, the mystic surprisingly suggests that he should go see a necromancer if he'd like to know about his brother. He turns back to her to reply that he's probably not going to do that, but thanks. And in that interaction, she moved slightly.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And the movement sent a whisper of her scent toward him. Snow and embers. And Ethan went rigid world to her. You're a wolf. What are you doing here?

[Natalie Jean]

So she's a wolf. Also isn't. Snow and embers rowing.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Pine and snow.

[Natalie Jean]

Pine and snow.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Pine and snow. But I'm saying there's a little bit of snow in there. So it's like. Is it. Is it a shifter?

[Natalie Jean]

I was trying to remember if somebody else smelled like snow and embers in the other books.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Specifically, I can't remember. I just know pine and snow is my forever. Rowan.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, you're right.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And he's my forever.

[Natalie Jean]

I know. Ow. Just stub my toe. Sorry.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It sounded like I hit you. It sounded like. Stop. Natalie. Natalie. Don't agree with me.

[Natalie Jean]

We're not gonna have this table for much longer, so my toes will be safe.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Thank God.

[Natalie Jean]

Ethan read. Ethan feels rage at realizing this is a wolf trapped in this. This tank, this prison, this coffin, and demands to know what pack would allow her to be sold like this. She explains that her parents and siblings were not part of a pack, almost sounding like they had been exiled. For some reason, her abilities showed up around the age of three, and they sold her to the astronomer in order to feed their family. He's aghast to know that she has been in the tank, according to her, since the age of four. Even more so when she tells him she has no idea how old she is or how many years she's been in there.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

There.

[Natalie Jean]

She could be hundreds of years old for all either of them know. She has never, on top of that, been given a name. And as he pries further, she seems to get alarmed and tells him to leave. So she starts to give up this information about herself when he realizes that she's a wolf. But then when she realizes that she's saying a little too much and maybe, like, revealing too much and would put her in danger, she says, like, don't worry about it. I'm fine. Get out. There's no way for her to leave. She's sold, she's contracted. There's magic, you know, imbued in all of it.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

That's it.

[Natalie Jean]

And he argues with her, and she returns with a little bit of an attitude.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, I would. I'd be like, I mean, bro, I'm telling you what's going on.

[Natalie Jean]

And technically, Ethan sees that as a positive. He sees it as a wolfie trait. Like, she has some fire in her.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Still, and it's the embers.

[Natalie Jean]

In fact, in that moment, he gets the sense that she's actually not only a wolf, but an Alpha. That's. This makes him sick, seeing an Alpha trapped in a tank. Though she's telling him to leave, it's giving the sense not that she wants to stay in this tank because she loves it, but because she knows she's trapped in it in many ways. Ethan gives her his name and tells her to call for him somehow if she ever wants to leave. She doesn't say no. She kind of just nods at him. Like, as in, okay, maybe she will consider this. But Ethan is frustrated in this moment. He knows he can't pull her out. Even though he's, like, really thinking about doing it. He's. He decides to act on impulse. Usually this is irritating with Ethan, but this time, I'm with him. Yes, he walks over to the soft glow of the container holding the astronomers rings which he apparently doesn't risk wearing out and about.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I get it. He's probably got a good insurance out on him though. Or maybe he doesn't and that's why he doesn't wear them out. Maybe. Think about that astronomer.

[Natalie Jean]

Maybe it is a crime and he's like hiding it a little. Who knows?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, yeah, they are prisoners but at the same time their fire sprites are not seen, you know, as people.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. The mystics warns Ethan as she sees him walking towards those rings that the astronomer will kill him if he takes them. But just, he just essentially calls her bluff and calls his bluff saying okay, good. The old good. Okay, go sue me. Go ahead.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean at this point they're like. It's like the list of how many people want to kill Ethan is just growing longer and longer. So it's like what does it matter?

[Natalie Jean]

Also. Yeah, for sure. That. And I think he's also saying, yeah, I'm doing something wrong. But that would mean the astronomer would need to go to the judicial judicial system. And if that's the case, the prime will find out there's an alpha wolf in here and it will be the astronomer's ass.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And I will not like that.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, you are giving a little magician.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, it's whatever I'm giving. It's very untrustworthy. I do feel that I would not go to this person for advice. It's stupid.

[Natalie Jean]

It's.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Man, you know what? If you're having a bad stupid day, go get a stupid mustache and spirit gum it to your face and keep it on. It's just so. Because then when you can't laugh then it just makes you want to laugh and it might put it a smile on your face because I feel so stupid.

[Natalie Jean]

No, you're good. Cut over to Therian. As he stands slash floats once again before his aloof, menacing queen.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You're very good at being the menacing queen.

[Natalie Jean]

She's sitting in coral this time weaving nettle which I assume is supposed to look like her knitting.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Cute.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. I also want to just have thrones made out of different like art objects like this. Like everywhere in the sea is like her throne. Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

But you're never comfortable and you're always kind of like out. Oh, oh, I'm fine.

[Natalie Jean]

I think because she's an elemental and she can kind of float. She can kind of just like be around it. Just like it's just about giving the vibes. Love this. I actually get a vibe from her the way she acts, she reminds me of the cat. Not to say that really.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Like with the weaving and it's just. But it's like honestly, it's a better hobby than the smoking and all the hookah and.

[Natalie Jean]

And the like aloofness and just sitting like, like. And who are you?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yes.

[Natalie Jean]

He has just informed her of the intel in this scene that Pippa Espetsos will be at the island with the mech suits. And because their interest lies with a meal, not the suits, he asks her for Blue Court backup to interrogate Pippa. So he's explaining that they're going to the island and he. They don't care about the biomech suits. They want the boy. That's what the River Queen wants. At least he. Thean is doing her bidding. And so he's like, can I have some backup? She says, no, no. She tells shocked Tharion. Because he's like, what you? This is what you want? She says she doesn't want to have the Blue Court implicated in any funny business. And a bunch of Blue Court people go to the island. They're going to start a different feud with Opion. And she also points out, I know about all your little land friends. They can go with you. They can go and be your little backup. It's not going to be my people. Otherwise. Darian's on his own. She's definitely giving him a little bit of also punishments here.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean always. She can never, never. Not everything she has to say has to be barbed in some manner.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Good Lord.

[Natalie Jean]

She's being a smother a little bit. Regardless of all that, she had better get that info from Pippa. A shaken Therian suggests that some people might assume the River Queen is trying to get him killed.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Slowly. So slowly the River Queen turned from her weaving. He could have sworn a tremor went through the riverbed. But her voice was dangerously smooth as she said then defend my honor against.

[Natalie Jean]

Such slander and return alive.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, it's a fun play.

[Natalie Jean]

It is.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean if there is one way to really show that you're strong.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah, she's.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

She's being underwater bitch like. Like we always have come to expect. But you know, she's looking out for herself.

[Natalie Jean]

Got to. Sometimes it's hot out there.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And also she doesn't. It's like you don't really care if Tharion dies. And yet I don't see any other mer up here that are at the front lines trying to figure this shit out, dude.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. She is also not accepting that he's Like a valuable asset. And he is right.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

What are you gonna do if he's gone?

[Natalie Jean]

I don't know. But Tharion's resigned to what she said. He can't do anything about it. And he swims away wondering if he's about to die, silently hoping he can prevent his queen from using Emile. So even though he's doing this job, he doesn't want to bring Emil back. So he's like, hopefully I don't find him. Cut over to Ruhn. There's a lot of people in this chapter, if you haven't noticed. We're all in the one chapter, so.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, yeah, we cut over to Ruhn.

[Natalie Jean]

Who is on the brain bridge, looking at Daybright. Their chairs from last time have now become certainly not more sensual velvet couches. It's very. Not officer office chair.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

What are you talking about? We've gotten rid of all the computer chairs, and we only have Shays now. It takes up a lot of room. It's very impractical, but honestly, it's the only way if we're not being over dramatic. I. I can't even hear what Natalie's saying unless she's. Yeah, quaffed. You know, having the vapors.

[Natalie Jean]

Certainly awkward with the. The office employees.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, we're like on the chase. Katie. Or you on the chase.

[Natalie Jean]

Can hear you. On the chase. Day tries to keep it business, but immediately folds, accusing Rune of flirting with her. They are so ridiculous.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, my God. Brain bridge is heating up.

[Natalie Jean]

Roon says, no, I'm not. But then he concedes after like 3 seconds and instantly asks her to give him a punishment.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, good Lord.

[Natalie Jean]

If intergalactic mind space had rooms, I'd say go get one.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I mean, they're in one.

[Natalie Jean]

Is this a room?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

They are. I assume. You know, it's probably. You do have to pay by the hour. It's expensive to maintain a brain bridge.

[Natalie Jean]

It is expensive. That's true. They go on flirting, sort of like high schoolers. And he's like, what kind of punishments do you like? Restraints? Floggings? And then she kind of. She's like, no, I don't care for any of that. In.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

In bed. What do you like?

[Natalie Jean]

It's like, okay, I guess you were not talking plans anymore. Oh.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Bye.

[Natalie Jean]

They coyly try to figure things out about each other without revealing too much. Because again, they. Even though they're flirting, they can't reveal personal stuff about their lives. It's like love is blind.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's just like it. And I imagine that's the One.

[Natalie Jean]

There are different rooms, right?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, yeah. They. Where they don't do any background checks on them. And then it's so crazy when people are like, oh, my God, these guys are. Are all assaulters. And it's like, oh, wow, maybe we should have looked at that.

[Natalie Jean]

Nah, nah, they don't got to. What's that, Sue? What are you gonna do? Have people be not criminals?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah.

[Natalie Jean]

So they're doing these, like, coy questioning. She seems surprised and a little afraid when he guesses that she comes from house of sky and breath. She doesn't affirm that she does, but instead asks why he believes that. He explains that she's like the wind. He does say, you remind me of the wind.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. And he's also dressed like this. And she's like, I am not into it. Oh.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, no. He revealed himself through the nights. Yep, Yep. The beard made it through the stars. God.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Just the beard. And she's like, oh, that's your only season.

[Natalie Jean]

You have a long, pointy beard. Okay. Unexpected. Are you committed to that, or would you like.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I'll do anything, baby.

[Natalie Jean]

So, yeah, he says this, and he says that she seems, like, powerful or unable to cool and freeze without a thought.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, my God. It's like you're so strong, and so I don't even like. It's like he doesn't even know if she's beautiful or not. On. He just knows her strength.

[Natalie Jean]

He also tells her it seems like a lonely place to be. She gets quiet and then thanks him for seeing her. Oh, brother.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, my God.

[Natalie Jean]

Thank you for seeing me. But it's even more special because you can't see how voluptuous I am. Maybe.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Maybe. I don't know.

[Natalie Jean]

He watches her and gets special feelings.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Although I do feel like this is kind of like Love is Blind where you know that on Love is Blind, like, they're not actually going to try and hire anyone that looks any different or any or any uniqueness. For the most point, it's still just like, sure. How. What? Like, if I'm attracted to the kind of hot you are. Is essentially right. Love is Blind is.

[Natalie Jean]

Yeah. And ew.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You're not my exact kind of hot.

[Natalie Jean]

Well, ew, also, you shouldn't try to get married to somebody immediately anyway. It's kind of like, on you a little bit, you know, if you're going.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

On the show, I think it's good. I think it proves loyalty in a way that, like, me as a wolf, I respect.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, as a wolf, I get that.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah, I get that.

[Natalie Jean]

So he gets feelings after she thanks him and then realizes, oh, we can't just be here flirting. I have important information to tell you. He reports that the. The spine hit was successful and that the suits. The mech suits are being taken to the land near Lunathean called the Coronal Islands. And she seems concerned by this. And he thinks about how Cormac had asked Hun to go look at the suits, bringing Bryce into it. So, basically, as he's revealing this information he's having, he's reviewing the thoughts that he had about saying, hey, these biomech suits that the Asteri built, we got them off the spy and we're sending them over to this island with Rufian. And how he now is going with Cormac because Cormac asked Hunt to go look at the suits because he's an expert, which means Bryce is going.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So much. This is all one chapter.

[Natalie Jean]

Yes. Which means Bryce is going. Which means Rune is going to go, because Bryce is going.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Runes on the brain bridge. And he's.

[Natalie Jean]

But then. But now he's not telling her that. He's just thinking about how that's going to happen. And because she doesn't know who he is. Ethan, neck suits.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Okay.

[Natalie Jean]

Mech suits. Yep. And in that plan that he's going over in his mind, Ethan, Declan and Flynn are remaining behind for monitoring and so that there are fewer bodies going to the island that could be, you know, perceived. Back in the moment with Day, she begins to pepper him with questions about the mission, about Pippa Spetzos.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

It's a Pippa Pepper.

[Natalie Jean]

It's a Pippa Pepper. He still wants to flirt, however, and asks if it's because she's worried about him. She laughs and is like, nigh down. But then in that moment, gasps and doubles over as if in pain. He calls out to her Day, but after a moment, she blinks out.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

He didn't think. Launching over the fainting couch, he sprinted down her end of the bridge into the dark and night, flinging himself after her, Rune slammed into a wall of black adamant. Time slowed, bringing with it flashes of sensation. No images. All touch.

[Natalie Jean]

Ew. Who had an adamant wall? You remember.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

My dick.

[Natalie Jean]

Your dick has an adamant wall?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Yeah. Better watch out.

[Natalie Jean]

Yikes.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

I see a bad wolf rising.

[Natalie Jean]

Do you remember?

[Jackie Zabrowski]

No.

[Natalie Jean]

Just saying. So, Ruhn is shocked by this interaction.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Wait, so it's. Wait a second. So that. Does that mean it's Rune's Adamant wall?

[Natalie Jean]

No, it's Daz. Okay, yeah, Interesting. I know, I know. Maybe where your mind's going. It's. We'll see.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You never know what I am thinking. I don't.

[Natalie Jean]

I really don't.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

So I'm gonna start putting on facial hair every day.

[Natalie Jean]

Do it. I think it's cute. I love it. He has never invaded someone's thoughts before. Wasn't even sure if he could because he's never tried. It's an invasion of privacy, which he has mentioned before. But he knew his family on Cormac side were fond of doing it. So people who have his genetics, who are baddies, do go into people's brains all the time. He did it this time based on pure instinct to, like, try to save her from something that she was pained over. But he realizes when he does that he's present for a very aggressive sexual encounter. Stunned at it, he retreats back to the bridge. He. In his mind, he's thinking about how it was consensual. At least he got the feeling it was. But it was not entirely pleasant and sort of empty. He mulls over this startling, unexpected bit of intimacy that he just experienced.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

He had no idea why he waited, why he stayed, why, had no idea how much time passed until a flame once more emerged from that wall. Her fire had banked enough that he could make out long legs walking toward him, halting upon finding him kneeling. Then she dropped to her knees as well, flame again, swallowing her whole.

[Natalie Jean]

Whoa.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Seems like a bit of an intense time on the brain bridge.

[Natalie Jean]

There's a lot of stuff that just happened. And he's waiting for her in this sort of prone position. And she returns to him after this interaction, meaning she wanted to go see him after this, whatever just happened. And she tells him that she is okay. He tries to press her a little, but she keeps shutting it down. She doesn't want to talk about what just happened. He points out that she didn't seem to like. She didn't seem to like very much what just happened. She didn't enjoy it. She snaps that it was consensual. They both sit there silently for a time. Then she decides to reveal something to him that is significant. She tells Ruhn that she hates whomever she just had sex with, that she's disgusted by him, but that no one knows. That is a lot of private information. He asks her more about him, but she says she doesn't want to talk about it. He tells her he was worried because she sounded like she was in pain. She tells him not to get caught up in concerns about the others during these missions, but she's also backpedaling every other sentence. He keeps lightening her spy talk. And she. He's like. Basically, she's trying to, like, change it back to no, we're just. We're just spies together. I don't think about you and you can't of me.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We're just on the brain bridge. We're just on the bridge.

[Natalie Jean]

But he keeps trying to lighten the talk and, like, turn it back to him. A more like intimate friendship kind of talk. And she's sort of letting him. It's giving Rune serious downstairs feelings. She tells him she's going back to her body to give her mind some rest.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Rest.

[Natalie Jean]

He tells her, why don't you just stay here and rest? She's like, can I just stay? And he's like, relax here. They're on the bridge already. You know, you're already sleeping in your body.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

We've got these shades here.

[Natalie Jean]

She's like, okay, why? He's like, I like being around you. He tells her he feels calm when she's around. She tells him he talks like he's handsome. Oh, my God, you guys are so freaking ridiculous. In other words, arrogant. But she stays. She lays down on her couch and Rune flops on his lamenting the lack of TV and beer. She laughs and calls him in. Quote, typical Volbaren male.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Rune closed his eyes, bathing in the timber of her voice.

[Natalie Jean]

You gotta work on those compliments day.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Another chuckle. Sleepier this time.

[Natalie Jean]

I'll add it to my to do list.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Night. Oh, my God. It's cute. On the brain bridge.

[Natalie Jean]

That was all one chapter. It's good.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

All the brain.

[Natalie Jean]

All of everything we just covered today was one single chapter. So it was a long one, though. So we got through a little chunk of the book.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

And it was. And it was. And it was a big, thick. You know, this is setting up a lot. We are now moving into everything. Everything's churning right now. And this is all of the different, different churns starting to churn together.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, it's gonna be a big old Crescent City butter. Yeah, baby. Yeah.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Get it, y'. All. Anyway, work on them forearm strength. Cause we've got some dick and dick and dick and dicking to do.

[Natalie Jean]

Oh, my God. I don't know about this personality. That's what.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

You don't like me like this?

[Natalie Jean]

I don't know. I. I'm not. I haven't decided yet.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Let me out on the bridge.

[Natalie Jean]

Call me an undecided voter.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Oh, my God.

[Natalie Jean]

The worst kind.

[Jackie Zabrowski]

Please read up until chapter 45 for next week.

[Natalie Jean]

Ra.