Monsters and Men

For discussing the Breaking Destiny series and Doctor Who in general

[nirah10]

"Kel has always been very alone, and I think there's some pain in realizing that he's actually been longing for close relationships this whole time."

Of all the characters I wouldn't of picked Kel to be the one associated with longing

No, but that was part of the point. He was easy to disregard as weird and creepy because that's what other characters thought of him. No one really thinks about why Kel does anything beyond a "he's just like that" sort of attitude, so few characters really know him, especially because he behaves quite differently at and outside of work. On the real, personal level, Kel is absolutely a soul of longing. I could go on for ages about him but I think the simplest way to describe him is yearning for home and family.

[nirah10]

Why do you like liars?

They're just fun to write, especially when faced with each other. They amuse me.

[nirah10]

Does Harry have any terrible insecurities or fears that may not be obvious? Same with the doctor.

That's a bit tricky to answer at this point in the series. They have many insecurities that maybe weren't obvious at the beginning of the story that have now been near dissected. Harry's insecurities revolve around rejection, abandonment, and a fear of being unloved. The Doctor's revolve around a sense of inherent guilt, control, and avoidance. Harry fears he'll never be good enough, while the Doctor fears that he's simply not good.

The Doctor has some insecurity he hasn't really explored over how easily Harry wins people over and, as much as he likes it, still doesn't quite feel like he belongs on Earth. Harry has some insecurity over how much of his life and relationships stemmed from his relationship with the Doctor, and what that means for him as individual, especially if his marriage ended.

There are smaller things too. Both can be quite self-concious of how they look or present to other people and both have their own insecurities regarding parenting. I'm not sure how obvious these things come across to the readers at this point, but I feel like I expose my characters quite a bit. You'd have to tell me if any of that was news ^_^"

[nirah10]

https://archiveofourown.org/works/65546830/chapters/234823491

Chapter 71 is finally up. This one proved to be more challenging than I expected and I experienced a surprising number of shut downs while writing it. I hope you enjoy it.

[nirah10]

Why did you want us to not like Kel in the beginning?

I wanted you to go through the same journey Harry did. He can be quite stubborn about changing his mind, especially because of his intelligence level, and he firmly decided early on that he doesn't like Kel and doesn't trust him. I wanted Harry to remember that he can still be wrong and that having too much faith in his own decisions can be detrimental to himself and his happiness.

It also was just a part of Kel's story. He's never quite fit in or felt at home outside of his relationship with Doug, and I wanted the readers to feel like they'd contributed to that alienation. Despite being a part of a team, Kel has always been very alone, and I think there's some pain in realizing that he's actually been longing for close relationships this whole time.

[nirah10]

I'm hoping to have the next chapter done by tomorrow. I'm very close to finishing it but it's another that has proven itself to be taxing and my brain is done for the night. 71 coming soon ✌🏻

[nirah10]

Is Celeste gonna talk to her mom at some point? she'll call her back right? I can't imagine letting a coworker tell my mom her kid died and not talking to her

Celeste's relationship with her mum is very complicated and somewhat strained. They don't speak very often, and Celeste is quite bitter towards her mother for many reasons, but mostly because of Doug. Celeste hates knowing that she will be more impacted by Doug's death than their mother will be. The fact that her mother asked Kel how Celeste was doing somewhat confirmed that for her. Her mother doesn't need comforting (at least, not yet), and Celeste doesn't want comforting from her mother of all people on this.

The short answer is no, she probably won't call her back but she would likely answer if her mother called again (assuming it was a good time).

[nirah10]

I really want to see Boris get a job with Torchwood now

Me too 😊 I think he'd quite like it, even if he can't really communicate well. He'd definitely have some challenges but I think he'd be happy there, and Boris is not afraid to throw down for the people he loves.

[nirah10]

What are some cute routines that the doctor and the master have as a couple?

Harry loves to dance, and it's very common for him to pull the Doctor over to dance with him. Often when he's cooking, but also just at random times or if they've gone somewhere with live music. For many years, it was a habit of the Doctor's to take Ganbri to pick Harry up from work at the end of his day. Ganbri does his own thing now, but the Doctor often will still pick Harry up from work, or go to meet him during lunch or something. He quite likes making appearances at Harry's workplace.

They also go on plenty of walks together, especially if Harry is struggling a little more than usual with his attacks. There's no work to be done and no words need to be said if they don't want to talk. They can just stroll hand-in-hand and enjoy each other's company without any distractions. It started with them taking Ganbri out in his pram as a baby, then as easy outings with Wilfred, and now they just do it to spend time together. Harry especially likes the reminder that the simple, quiet things in life are what make them happy.

When they've been fighting or if they're trying to butter up the other for some reason, they have their own little routines as well. We've seen a few times now that the Doctor cleans the hell out of their house, even recruiting Ganbri's help if the situation is dire enough, while Harry's is to prepare a feast. A good meal does wonders for the Doctor's mood, especially if there's a sweet dessert at the end.

[nirah10]

How are the other occupants of the TARDIS doing at this time? Boris, the Carrionites, the daughter?

You know, I've actually been thinking about Boris lately. The Daughter and the Carrionites are still living in their imprisonment, but Boris has actually had a life this whole time. It's completely irrelevant to everything else going on, so I haven't really had much reason to mention or show him, but he is definitely still out there. With the TARDIS and Doctor staying reliably in one place, it has made him more comfortable leaving it, exploring Earth and observing human life, without the fear of being abandoned. In the once-planned sequel, Boris was intended to join Torchwood and I think he still might, so there's a possibility (assuming it fits nicely) that he will make a brief appearance towards the end.

[nirah10]

Musical inspiration for chapter 71: Ganbri

[nirah10]

I have that same snake ring but in black! It looks super cute on you! Hell yeah!

Thank you! It's one of my favourites 😁

[nirah10]

Oh boy! Harry's gonna be so happy that his husband killed the beast and put his faith in his blonde lover- oh shit, wrong lover! (Referring to Satan Pit episode)

😂 I don't think Harry really cares how it gets done, as long as it is done. He wants the Beast gone, period.

[nirah10]

I'm mad that they've been calling it the beast this whole time and I never put it together

To be fair, it was introduced as the Beast of Junicar and I don't think anyone really suspected it was anything more than just a big, scary monster, especially in the first story. I was relying on it being a thing that simply existed in the background for a long time to avoid suspicion. I like playing long games ✌🏻

[nirah10]

Felt cute today and finally decided to change my avatar, as I must shamefully admit it was stolen art and I lost the original artist's info. This is me if you've ever wondered what I look like ✌🏻

[nirah10]

Did the doctor ever tell Harry about the time he possibly killed the devil and does Harry know his husband is off to that planet rn? Also will he get hugs and kisses when he gets home?

That's a story that hasn't come up, so Harry knows nothing about it. Kel has texted him to let him know he has things under control and they are leaving in the TARDIS, but that's all he knows right now. Kel doesn't want to give him more information until it's done. As for hugs and kisses, it really depends on if the Doctor disappoints him or not. Kel has told him he's doing well so far, so there's hope 🤞🏻

[nirah10]

Why does the beast treat Harry like his arch nemesis

It doesn't really, though it may seem like it. Harry is the most afraid of it and it locks onto fear. That's why it didn't see Doug, who wasn't afraid of it at all, and was only temporarily distracted by Nista. Harry's fear is the strongest in its presence, so it hunts him.