Would you mind giving us an analysis on barkbeetle? I’d love to hear your thoughts on them!
I'm glad you asked, anon! I'd had this post in drafts for days, it turned out more extensive than I planned.
DISCLAIMER! Idk if they have decanonized any details (due to the Regretevator rewrite); much of this interpretation was based on information shared in the game, dialogues, and Q&A. This is also going to end up being too OOC.
They aren't as different as people think. Both are dedicated to their work and try to lead normal lives, despite being haunted by their past.
Their dynamic is based on learning to trust one another. Letting their guard down and showing that they feel safe with each other, that they can support one another no matter what problems, fears, or insecurities they’re still dealing with.
That’s what makes their bond so special—let me explain why
Both are survivors with different but similar experiences, and although they are not open about talking about them, the few times they do so would allow them to understand and empathize with each other.
Mark grew up within a cult, singled out and ostracized for being the "problem child wanting to be different", to the point of being constantly punished and held up as a bad example for the group.
When he escaped, he faced a reality far different from what he was used to, receiving a harsh dose of reality. Adapting to everyday life must have been difficult, but not impossible; in fact, he did well! He can interact with people, he got a job, he started a business, and he even got married. However, he gradually lost everything, something that plunged him into a deep depression that he refuses to address...
Pest is a mutant living in Crest Falls, his life in danger from day one. An orphaned grub who had to learn to survive on the streets through theft, facing constant threats from other mutants, exterminators, and the police. Itss known that he had a guardian, but their identity and the nature of their relationship remain a mystery.
Then came the day he was imprisoned. Not only was he deprived of his freedom, but they were constantly experimenting on him (against his will), something that deteriorated his physical and psychological state to the point of self-harm.
And that's when Folly began to manifest herself to him, although he claimed that she was helping him stay "sane", the reality was different (The detail that she says she calls him "Pest" because that's what he's been called his whole life breaks my heart.)
Their bodies are covered in scars, ones that, no matter how much they try to erase them, will remain there reminding them of where they once were, and the only option left is to embrace each other, a mutual compassion, a silent "I'm counting on you".
"Uhm... but Pest is SO mean, he can't empathize with ANYONE." He's not bad for no reason; his environment taught him to be that way. Living on the streets meant he had to fight to survive. If he showed weakness, he'd be easy prey, and he couldn't allow that. Letting his guard down meant getting hurt, so he avoids others with aggressive comments or by avoiding them altogether. Despite this, he makes an effort to show that he cares for someone else, and that is reflected in this dialogue from Dr. Retro: “Don't worry sugar, we won't let anything happen like that again! And I'm sure 1314 and I would love to see you perform.”
It's difficult to show that you love someone when for a large part of your life you've learned that it's just you against the world, however, he is making an attempt to communicate "you are important to me" by being present or through his actions.
In Mark's case, he is a very emotional and sensitive person (and may have PTSD and BPD). This was demonstrated throughout STICKS & STONES; his emotions are so intense that he's guided by how he feels at that precise moment. If he feels uncomfortable, he reacts defensively, or in other cases, he remains silent, carefully choosing his words to avoid a bigger conflict (note his interaction with Glevil).
Talking about his emotions sounds terrifying, especially with a stranger. He repeatedly rejects the psychological help Retro offers, unlike with Jim, who is someone he knows and with whom he has (or had) no problem opening up. Mark must have trouble trusting people; the fact that Jim convinced him to see the family again because they've "changed" (only for it to turn out to be the same) makes me wonder how that must have affected their friendship…
And in my fanon I worked on that: Both try to move forward despite the circumstances; they are aware that their problems will not disappear, but having someone supporting you even just by being present makes a difference.
This is more of an observation, but it is a coincidence that both have conflicts stemming from a person who was affected by The Great One: Glevil, having his cult that praises this deity, and Folly, having been corrupted by him. It's a detail I noticed a few days ago; I just wanted to share it:P
Yes, this means that building their bond must have taken them a very long time. In fact, as I mentioned before, they never confessed their feelings; time simply passed, and they naturally allowed themselves to become more affectionate and intimate with each other.
Isn't this a bit exaggerated? Maybe… But I have a vision One detail I urgently need to share in this analysis is Pest sleeps with a wooden log. Wood is essential to the life of beetles, especially when they are just grubs, as it provides them with food, a place to grow, but above all: a safe place.
The log gives him comfort: perhaps to feel accompanied, perhaps because of the smell, it helps him to communicate that he is out of danger, that he can relax and -try- to sleep.
Mark has a phobia of insects. We don't know how it originated (perhaps it's a natural fear due to being made of wood, although I don't doubt it was a fear imposed on him), however, he doesn't limit himself to interacting with them; for example, Pilby. He even mentions this dialogue: “I've been on this ol' elevator way too long to even know what a proper bug looks like!”
And what if… Mark is just intimidated by him? When he interacts with Pest, the comments he makes about his appearance (regarding his jaws and the squeaking sounds he makes) reflect ignorance; Pest even responded “That's an annoying assumption.”
Perhaps that's what sparked curiosity in the mannequin, observing Bug-Boy remaining in a corner without wanting to interact with anyone.
Now, imagining that they are both close but don't dare to do anything. Mark is nervous, believing the beetle-guy will try to eat him, while Pest is afraid. He finds comfort in being near Mark 'cause he's made of wood; unlike the log, he's alive, has emotions, and can communicate with him. But he's aware that his appearance intimidates the wood man; he might reject him, push him away, not wanting him near. The answer is uncertain.
Pest is mortified because he's showing his most vulnerable side, something he wouldn't allow himself to do. But he swallows his pride, snuggling up to the mannequin.
Of course, this leaves Mark confused; he hesitates, until he decides to put his arms around him in a somewhat awkward embrace. But slowly they begin to relax, realizing they're harmless to each other, that there's no real threat. They just needed that: affection and understanding.
A Hurt/comfort, in short. They are a "I still can't have feelings for you…" x "If I do things for you, it's not so you'll love me, it's so you'll know that I love you.", regardless of the order.
They're not a bad ship. There's potential, one that still needs to be explored and polished.
The two years I've spent creating content for them makes me happy. I can't guarantee it will be canon (it's far from it), but the time I invest in them makes my days more bearable. I love Barkbeetle.
