*Bread reference*

He was a scientist first. A researcher. Maybe a professor. He, like so many others, dedicated himself to higher academia to the point of self-erasure, chasing the approval of advisors and committees until Grace thought he'd earned the requisite mix of humbling and prestige to stand by his theories. He hadn't. The fallout was apocalyptic and he has to remind himself (not daily, but often) that it was worth it to discover 8th grade science instead. He loves it. He was meant for this and it shouldn't matter that all the non-teachers in his life think he's settling, casting pitying looks when he insists that yes, he prefers working with middle schoolers to cutting-edge members of his field.

The other teachers are nice enough, though judgemental in their own ways. They resent the minuscule pay bump that comes with his PhD, the notoriety of his publications, the habit of wearing a suit, the credentials after his name. They sometimes slip into conversations that this was never a calling for you, was it? You're here now, sure, but only because you have to be. The kids were never your first choice.

Grace doesn't know how to explain wanting something retroactively because he didn't realize it was an option. He eats lunch with the kids instead.

"You have no immediate family."

Yeah, family has all passed. Dating isn't on his radar. Marriage is a pipe dream. Maybe he's aro, or ace, or both, or maybe he's never had the time to figure any of that out. Everyone in his life he'd potentially be interested in is paired off already and who the hell has time for mingling - or worse, apps - when there's grading-meetings-emails-IEPs-curriculum-PDs-data collection-lesson planning to do? Grace has never felt like his life lacked anything though, not until others claimed as much. He used to tell his neighbors about all the cool things "his kids" were up to, until they pointed out that none of those were his kids. You're not their dad. You don't get it, they said, always with a smile while pushing the stroller away.

No? Six hours a day, nine months a year, shouldering everything their real parents weren't giving them... it sure felt like he "got it."

...but they're right, of course.

He's just their teacher.

"You don't even own a dog."

Of course he doesn't own a dog! Do you know how much a dog costs? They aren't paying him enough for gas and that mountain of student loans doesn't give a damn about his fall, so how can he justify another life he might not be able to care for? One vet bill could be the end of them both. No one wants to hear another sob story about how teachers aren't paid enough, but the lack that creates is suddenly evidence of an unfulfilled life? How is that fair?

He gave up that life for his research.

He gave up that life for the kids.

Then he gave up that life for the mission.

Now she wants him give it all up again, and Earth, and his literal life because she claims the nobody middle school teacher is suddenly Somebody after all. He's terrified and all he can think is, Would she spare me if I had a wife? Or kids? The only thing teachers are ever praised for is prioritizing the kids, so maybe...

"Stop pretending this is about your students. It's so insulting."

Grace and Rocky save the world. Two worlds, actually. At the end of it all Grace is allowed to live in a beautiful place where all his needs are met, money not required. His ideas are taken seriously, debated and deconstructed, but always with respect. He has friends and colleagues and a revolving door of acquaintances, none of whom are considered inferior to a mate. And he has the kids. He imparts knowledge to a bouncy, chaotic group who - like all middle school aged sentient beings - quickly get over the fact that he's an alien and want to know when the next break is. But that's okay. Their family units thank him at the end of the day, rather than threatening to report him.

It's all so simple and it's all Grace ever wanted.

they are horrifiying little eldritch demons and i love them unconditionally

(tis a lil bit creepy so yk be careful i'm sorry)

they are horrifiying little eldritch demons and i love them unconditionally

(tis a lil bit creepy so yk be careful i'm sorry)

Close ups below

Bc so many ppl focus on the idea of telling A Trusted Adult, but even a well-meaning individual can fuck up and let abuse fall through the cracks or not know what to do

Whereas if a child tells LOADS of adults AND other kids, there's far less opportunity for an abuser to do damage control

Consistently telling their story and spreading it around disempowers the abuser to control and coerce the flow of information, or to utilise gaps and weaknesses in systems of reporting or welfare to isolate the child

I'm so normal about this movie that I did this in 3 days with a total of 10 hours of sleep. If you know this song you know it s time to bring out the tissues.

I’ve somehow managed to get sick- so requests are slow again TvT have a Grian I drew on Tuesday

If you wanna like

Give me a name or description or basic personality that'd be cool

you don't have to if you don't want to of course but if you do that'd be cool

Oh also pick a position on a ship that isn't repair dude

Kip Salyen ("Sah-L-yen")

In charge of directions. Was originally the kid in the crows nest (thats still their main post) but now drives the ship due to their knack for navigation. Has a tendency to default to sass or snide quips in battle or in argument. Likes to entertain / be entertained and has a pension for stirring up trouble (they claim not their fault when things get out of hand tho. They're just a kittle guy! Who would hurt a little guy like them! <- their defence)

Short and lankey. Really good at hide n seek. Short black hair and constantly tanned skin due to constant sun exposure (barely burn). Has a pet cat named muffins who steals them cookies from the kitchen.

okay so uhhh just a few more details but

I assume human?

And pronouns. are those there

Human if thats the only option. If not: has some bat features (ears, feet are clawed, can have wings but most of the time doesn't due to choice.

No one understands why they're a bat hybrid thing that likes sunlight, *they* dont know why they're a bat that likes sunlight. But they do. (I think they grew up close to the planets equator but you choose)