hoperevive

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" you do not get to order me around. i can help and you know it. "

OPEN. ( meme text.)

"Go with the others. That's an order."

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@halofcrged sent, [GROUND]: during a moment of intense emotional stress, the sender gently takes the receiver's face in their hands to ground them until they're calmer again.

the apothecary was closed to the public while corbin was off taking care of something super secretive. since halston had no musical obligations for the next week until her next scheduled show, she was taking care of the counter for those few select clients who'd be let in regardless of whether the door was locked or not. that meant it was the perfect time to go through all the older books to see if she could find anything that would help with her idea on fae portals.

a tome written in the unseelie language was hidden in corbin's personal collection. since she'd been given permission to use whatever was in the store, the witch didn't think twice before pulling it off the shelf and setting it at the table generally used for tarot readings.

the book opened with an audible pop as something in the energy shifted. every finger tingled at the tip, crawling up her arm like an army of ants. rather than try to shake it off, though, halston tried to ride the wave of energy.

maybe she should've waited for kerrin. or, maybe she should've had corbin unlock the contents. darkness swallowed her whole and she was a five year old sitting in the middle of a ring of mushrooms again.

helloooOOooOoooo little one.....

a hiss that still haunted her nightmares was accompanied by a pair of yellow eyes in the fog. there'd bee a smile and the shine of sharp teeth beneath the moonlight. when it jumped, though, it was a hooded figure that pushed her back onto the hardwood floor of a bar she frequented. the voice was mumbled, deep, and had her heart racing. in the depths of her dream, though, she could hear the repetition of the words found in the last letter. those same yellow eyes peered out from beneath the black cotton hood, holding her down.

and halston screamed.

she jerked awake with enough force to make her stumble out of her chair. the book, candle holders, incense bowl, and several crystals all went flying when the witch accidentally grabbed onto the altar cloth to try and stop the fall she didn't even realize was happening.

if it weren't for large, warm hands engulfing both her cheeks, she probably would've started screaming.

" i'm okay, " halston whispers with a grip on both john's wrists that clearly said otherwise. her eyes flutter closed so she can try to calm her breathing. without thinking about it, her head tilts to the side as if trying to absorb more of his touch. " i'm okay. i don't know what happened. i wasn't expecting a magical lock on the stupid book, " the witch chuckle sounded as hollow as she felt just then. " but, that also tells me there could really be something in there. just need to figure out what that is. "

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@halofcrged said, ❝  no,  if you’re upset that’s what matters right now.  talk to me.  ❞

halston wanted to keep this professional for a plethora of reasons. number one being that, all things considered, john would be going home to another place. possibly even a different time. his heart wasn't here and trying to tie it here would be the ultimate in selfish things. on top of those reasons, there was also the fact that she had no doubt that all he saw her as was a means to an end; a generous person helping with an odd situation.

nothing more.

it never occurred to her to speak to the big, hulking, military man about her current problems. if the police couldn't do much more than keep records and she, the witch, couldn't make any shut up spells stick, what was anyone else going to do? then again, she figured it was because there was either a loophole, too many emotions, or generally being too close to the situation to make the magic effective. step two was going to be turning to corbin for help.

until she'd found a note in her purse after a show.

they were supposed to meet for coffee in order to connect for updates on john's current situation. she, corbin, and kerrin had all been neck deep in old grimoirs across a number of different practices in order to try and come up with a solution. so far, the only thing they could collectively agree on, was the magic of the fae portals had to be utilized. if they could take one and redirect the destination? maybe that could get john home.

unfortunately, when halston tried to say just that, she'd broken down in tears.

" it's not a big deal, " the witch finally pulls the crumpled letter from her back pocket and slides it into john's much larger hand. " i'm handling it. " badly, but he didn't need to know that. " sometimes, when you're in the performing arts, people get a little too attached. "

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REASONS TO CUP A FACE. ( A PROMPT LIST. )

with the help of some very talented and amazing friends, i present to you an unexpected, very spontaneous meme list based on the beautiful art of cupping someone's face! there's a mix of romantic and platonic here, and even a few that defy the boundaries of normal relationship dynamics! i hope you enjoy! as always; DO NOT ADD TO THIS LIST NOR CLAIM IT AS YOUR OWN!

[KISS]: sender cups the receivers face in their hands before drawing them closer for a kiss.

[CHECK]: after an unexpectedly violent situation, sender frantically rushes to check if the receiver is okay, cupping their face to look closer.

[CLEAN]: sender affectionately wipes a smudge of sauce from the corner of the receiver's mouth, cupping their face in the process.

[LIFT]: sender gently cups the receiver's face and lifts their chin so the receiver is looking up at them.

[COMFORT]: sender cups a distressed receiver's face in their hands and steadies them by resting their foreheads together.

[ATTENTION]: during an important conversation, the sender takes the receiver's face in their hands and firmly directs their focus on them.

[MAKE-UP]: while applying make-up on the receiver's face, the sender cups their face in order to keep them still.

[PRIDE]: after the receiver succeeds in a remarkable achievement, the sender cups their face and tilts their foreheads together to express how proud they are of them.

[WHISPER]: in order to have a private, hushed conversation with the receiver, the sender cups their face and draws them close to make sure they can be heard.

[HAIR]: in the process of pushing the receiver's hair back from their face, the sender lets their hand rest against the receiver's cheek a moment longer.

[GROUND]: during a moment of intense emotional stress, the sender gently takes the receiver's face in their hands to ground them until they're calmer again.

[WONDER]: unable to comprehend how incredible the receiver is, the sender decides to simply cup their face in their hands and marvel at them instead.

[LAST LOOK]: before going into a situation that may result in their death, the sender takes a moment to cup the unaware receiver's face in their hand, just to take a final look of admiration at them before they go.

[SACRIFICE]: the sender cups the receiver's face tenderly to distract them, right before shoving them out of the way (to safety) and facing an attack alone in order to buy the receiver enough time to escape.

[BELIEF]: in a moment where the receiver is lacking in self-confidence, the sender cups their face tenderly and professes their faith in the receiver's abilities.

[DISBELIEF]: after the receiver has done something completely unexpected (and reckless) the stunned sender cups their face in their hands while trying to get them to explain why the hell they did it.

[BETRAYAL]: trying to keep the receiver calm before the big reveal, the sender cups their face gently to keep them steady, and then reveals that they're the villain.

[WOUND]: after the receiver has been wounded, the sender tries to keep them calm and conscious by cupping their face in their hands and talking to them to keep them focused.

[INJURY]: after having been badly wounded themselves, the sender tries to reassure the frantic receiver by cupping their face and comforting them.

[RAMSAY]: after the receiver commits a culinary crime, the sender presses two slices of bread against either side of their face, cupping their face to hold the bread in place, and calls them an idiot sandwich.

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DANIELLE CAMPBELL photographed by Leslie Alejandro

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lips part in preparation to answer but halston's own energy lowers a bit when she thinks about the words. most people didn't know about her spirituality because even in a world with gods, angels, and faeries, people still looked at her funny when she wanted to mention magic or the veil. occult stores like the apothecary were still frowned upon because the general populace didn't want to accept anything they couldn't touch with their own two hands. even then, most people wouldn't believe it even if they could touch it.

halston blows a raspberry into the air. he was here because he needed help, right? desperate enough that something pushed him to this possibility which, is how it always starts for people who aren't born with any obvious ability like telekinesis.

" because, i've seen things, " her smile grows at the thought of kerrin and the fae. the answer, though, was generic enough for a lone butterfly to tickle the pit of her stomach. " because i've been to another place and got brought back. " the witch didn't remember much of her time in the fae realm. honestly, all she really remembered was the look of horror on kerrin's face the first time they met.

" i hate saying those words because people look at me like i'm crazy. there's magic right in everyone's faces but they refuse to see it, so they don't. but, if i can accidentally fall into another realm what's to say there isn't more than that? if we live here, on this floating rock, flying towards a fiery ball, why can't there be other places doing the same thing? " there was also her personal theories about other dimensions. not to mention how science had already said that time is a human construct.

" john 117, " the witch's gaze goes out of focus. eyebrows pinch together. without meaning to, she grips the man's hand just a fraction harder. " spartans. want to see thermopylae. hushed whispers. the demon's coming. the demon's coming. " halston's head tilts to the side. " metal. running. armor? crying. holding the spine. bring my dog back. blonde woman. very pretty. very scary. oh... "

the sight of his body stretched on a table is what brings her out of the channel. halston shakes her head, already feeling the pulsing in her temples. with her free hand, she presses her palm flat against his chest, where she'd seen a scar in her mind. of course, at that moment it was hidden by layers of clothing.

" why do you want to go back to all that fighting? " a hand flies up to cover her mouth. " i'm sorry. that's a really rude question. "

There had been more times than he'd care to consider since his arrival on this world that he had felt alien, that he had felt out of place, reminded time and time again that he did not belong, that this was not his home, not his world, but none of them seemed to measure up to this; to try and find a way to ask questions about subjects that he had only cursory knowledge in hopes that he could find someone capable of understanding what he was asking when he himself did not. He knew much; he was trained in tactics, in science and mathematics that were on par with some of the brightest minds of this time and place, yet there was nothing in these fields that had proven of any help to him and Cortana in the months that he had spent scouring journals and academia.

Theories, and theories, but none that could explain what had happened to him, or more importantly: how to get him home. Back, to his people and his war.

He had been more than a little reluctant to turn to this world, this supposed magic that Cortana wanted him to accept as a possibility, as something that was beyond what science could explain. It seemed ridiculous, and so much of what he had initially found was nothing but charlatans and snake oil salesman. He had pushed forward, growing more frustrated as time went on. He had wanted to give up, but he knew he had no choice. Spartans didn't die, and they didn't surrender.

He had approached the owner with trepidation, and when the young woman had tentatively interrupted, he'd watched her with a wary gaze. Her intent seemed genuine, and it became clear as the conversation continued that her belief was the same, not only in what she practiced, but in her belief that somehow, some way, she could help him. It was hard not to let her optimism rub off on him, though skepticism was still winning the day. Her touch surprised him - it wasn't something that most people ever thought to do; his build, his frame, his scars, his reputation all dissuaded everyone back home from daring to cross that personal boundary but then --

This wasn't home, and here, all he was was ... just a man, with most of his scars concealed beneath the jeans and pull over hoodie that he wore; the closest he could get to 'blending' given his size. Still, the touch made him freeze for a brief moment, startled by it, but he managed to find a way to offer a smile in return, if only to try and match her enthusiasm, even if he didn't feel it himself. "I have to ask ... " He hesitated, then, not sure if he wanted to know the answer. "Why would you believe anything that I've told you, about where, or when I'm from? I don't know that I'd believe it, and I've lived it."

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@halofcrged said, " you don't have to take this on . "

corbin was a man of few words and even fewer words about where his power truly came from. he wasn't a witch or a demon, halston knew that much. whenever she asked if he was an angel, he'd just scrunch his nose and roll his eyes. she also knew he wasn't a were of any kind despite the whole raven bit.

what she did know was he owned an apothecary several stores over from kerrin's bookstore, aptly named the apothecary. in front were the usual items one could find in an occult store; crystals, decks, books, herbs, blends, and even pre-made spell kits. there was also an extensive list of things one could acquire by request.

halston was shopping through this particular stock in the backroom like she owned the place when the bell above the door chimed. seconds later a gruff voice started asking all sorts of ' hypothetical ' questions about timelines, dimensions, and time travel.

" astral projection is one of the most common ways to travel but your body stays here, " she gently chimed in after a lot of hesitation from the much taller store owner. " but it takes years of practice. "

the conversation moved back to corbin's office with a pot of green tea and a few croissants that had been leftover from breakfast. all the questions felt tinted with desperation. the man's energy was also different than anything else halston had ever felt before; much closer to kerrin's after he'd just walked back over from the other side.

which, had lead her to accidentally blurting out, ' are you trying to get home? '

leaning across the table, the witch's grin stretches wide. fingers slide over the man's much larger hand. gently, halston squeezes while also trying to push a little calming energy through their physical connection.

" but i want to, " her grin turns into a smile. " no one deserves to feel alone or lost. i have no idea how long it'll take or what it will take. some of my friends know about traveling between worlds. getting you to where you need to go has to be a pretty similar concept, i imagine. "

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daryl @twdfcrged said, ❝  you need to rest,  you don’t have to do it all today.  ❞

everything was so surreal. a pile of laundry, smelling fresh as the sky after the rain, was piled on her couch. her couch. looking up, blue eyes scanned over a hardwood table with a notebook she'd actually been writing songs in with real pens. at night, she was allowed a hot shower with soap and a loofa. at night, she'd been able to put her head on a god damn pillow under a blanket that wasn't nearly warm enough but the other body laying next to her helped with that.

out there, in the woods and the torn world, halston had been so convinced she was going to die. half the time, she'd even convinced herself that her life in new york had been nothing but a dream. or, a nightmare, depending on how one chose to look at it.

a tear rolls down her cheek. then another. sniffling, the musician wipes at her cheek with the rolled up material on her forearm before quickly finishing the fold on the shirt she'd been holding.

in front of her, the door quietly clicks shut after daryl walked through. another tear rolls down her cheek.

" hey, " halston sniffs again. as quickly as she looked up, she looked back down to hide the crying. another shirt was folded and set to the side, then a pair of socks. she had her hands on a jacket when daryl's voice hit her ears, making her entire body freeze.

" i'm fine, " a hand automatically goes to her abdomen and then drops. the last thing she needed, or even had time for, was a conversation on why she'd had the impulse to do it. no one knew yet. just the doctor. with the world as scary as it was, halston felt like everything could change in an instant. so, why give everyone that kind of hope only for it to break their hearts?

" if i leave it here, the wrinkles will be harder to get out. don't think anyone really cares about wrinkles anymore but....i just wanted to get it done before i went to help take water to all the guards. "

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negan @twdfcrged said, ❝  well,  i do feel a little better now that you’re here.  ❞

halston had never been a fighter. the closest thing that could be considered fighting, for her, were the words she used to write for songs. so, so many of them came from the various pains people had inflicted upon her over her life. other bits were unresolved issues from her childhood. overall, though, the word was her weapon.

when she'd first met kerrin, he'd told her that was just as good as any blade or gun. that she could use those words to give people hope just as much as tear them down.

on more than one occasion, she'd begged him to teach her how to throw a punch. how to protect herself. as she lifted a leg over negan's lap to sit on his thighs, facing him, halston finally let go of the anger that had risen from kerrin's refusal. the former boxer had reminded her, repeatedly, to go for the brain when defending from a walker but wouldn't teach her a proper right hook.

leaning in, she kisses the tip of the older man's nose. pulling back a fraction, bright blue eyes start taking inventory of every inch of his face as if to make sure everything is as it should be. no bruises. no cuts. no scrapes. several long seconds go by. only when her lungs start to burn does halston realize she's been holding her breath.

" i'm glad you're okay, " both arms slide around his neck to pull him in close. lip press tight together to keep from saying the rest; that she worries about him when he's gone. is that too weak? too gentle? in this new world, it felt like that was a trait frowned upon now so, she tried to hide it as much as she could. that was part of the reason she wanted kerrin to teach her how to throw punches.

when she pulls back, a hand gently cups negan's face. " how'd it go? "

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thi nguyen

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Danielle Campbell - 400x640

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@animafcrged said, " i know this thing's got you all twisted up , but try to forgive yourself . "

halston had been in the city long enough to know what to and not to do in order to keep herself safe. walking down the street in the middle of the night because she had a sweet tooth was certainly in the column of things not to do. confidence pushed her forward, though. she had magic, she thought to herself. anything or anyone that got in her way could be pushed away with a simple thought. easy peasy, right?

not right.

" i'm just kicking myself because i know better. " both hands were shaking as she tried to reach out. skin to skin contact would help her breathe, if only she had the strength to calm down long enough to get it. even though she'd gotten back home about an hour prior, her heart hadn't stopped hammering. it was also still stuck at the bottom of her stomach.

" and, it's not like i don't have ice cream bars in the freezer. i figured, " halston shakes her head. " i figured i could protect myself or walk fast enough to and from the store. stupid. " she stopped trying to reach out for victor's hand and, instead, started thumping her own forehead.

" but, that gun got shoved in my face and i just panicked. everything i've ever learned about magical and mundane self defense just poof, " both hands mimic the cloud of an explosion. several tears surprised her by rolling down her cheeks.

saying the words had all the memories come rushing back. not only the mask but the yelling and that first shot into the ceiling just to scare everyone. a sob choked out, bringing both hands up to her face. " i'm sorry, " halston forced out when she calmed enough to string the words together. " it's so late. i shouldn't have called you but the first thing i wanted when i got home was to hear your voice. "

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@animafcrged said, ❝  i’m happier when you’re here.  ❞

life in new york was busy. halston felt like there was also some kind of hustle to chase in order to stay floating. she was more comfortable now than she had been when she first moved to the big city but, still, there was an anxiety that flowed through her veins whenever she had downtime.

on this particular day, though, someone was keeping that sensation at bay. ever since she'd met victor not working and spending time with him made her feel like she was still getting things accomplished. especially, since he'd been able to open a whole new world for her.

a whole new world of information fell right in her lap. souls. not only did he manage to confirm they were real but victor was teaching all sorts of things about how to incorporate them into her magical practice. well, in theory, anyway. practice was proving more difficult for her to grasp on to.

kerrin had always been hesitant to confirm souls or anything else about what was on the other side of the veil. she'd seen him revive plants; had even taught her how to do it. larger living creatures, though? was a subject he always evaded. even when she saw the ' spirits ' release themselves from his skin and talk right to her face, he wouldn't explain what exactly what was going on.

the black sundress hanging off her shoulders floats briefly when she spins on her heel. a smile halston felt from the bottom of her heart stretches across her lips. without thinking about it, she reaches out, lets their fingers tangle together, and gives a gentle squeeze.

" what a coincidence, " the smile grows. " i've been a lot happier when you're here, too. "

at first, it was just the excitement of someone being willing to teach her something new. slowly, over time, though, halston found she was simply excited to be with him, as he was, and not what he offered. victor could tell her there was never going to be another lesson and she wouldn't care as long as she still got to spend time with him.

" so, what's on the menu today? "

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AFFECTIONATE  AND  AFFIRMING  PROMPTS 

❝  i’ll always want to listen to you.  ❞

❝  any time spent with you is time i treasure.  every second.  ❞

❝  my favorite color changes but it’s always the same,  whatever color you’re wearing.  ❞

❝  whatever matters to you matters to me,  you’re important to me.  ❞

❝  you’re so strong.  and brave—but i wish you knew you don’t always have to be.  i’m here,  if you’re ever willing to let me help shoulder those burdens.  ❞

❝  i’m not staring,  i’m admiring.  ❞

❝  i’ll always be yours,  in one way or another.  ❞

❝  you don’t ever have to worry with me.  i’m here for good.  ❞

❝  you are more beautiful than you know.  ❞

❝  you have a beautiful mind and a wonderful soul,  don’t ever let anyone make you think differently.  ❞

❝  i’m happier when you’re here.  ❞

❝  you’ve become my joy.  ❞

❝  whatever else happens,  if i have you,  i’m content.  ❞

❝  well,  i do feel a little better now that you’re here.  ❞

❝  you do make me happy,  it’s important you know that.  ❞

❝  you will always be my priority.  ❞

❝  i love you forever.  ❞

❝  you don’t know how glad i am to see you.  ❞

❝  you look wonderful.  ❞

❝  i want you to feel safe with me.  ❞

❝  i’m not letting you go until you say it out loud.  you’re beautiful and strong.  you deserve to believe it.  ❞

❝  sometimes you amaze me—i mean you always do.  but you have such intuition and real wisdom about things.  i like understanding the way you see the world.  ❞

❝  you carry yourself with such grace.  ❞

❝  you have a way of lighting up even the darkest moments.  ❞

❝  a tender heart is a courageous thing to preserve.  don’t ever be ashamed of having one.  ❞

❝   being around you makes me a better person.  ❞

❝  i hope you know just how full of worth you are.  ❞

❝  you always make me see things differently.  i appreciate your perspective. ❞

❝  i’m just enjoying you.  you look happy today and i like seeing that.  ❞

❝  you’re very valuable to me.  ❞

❝  you can come to me with anything.  anything at all.  ❞

❝  there is not a place in the world i would rather be than right here with you.  ❞

❝  come here,  come sit in my lap and tell me about your day.  ❞

❝  come put your head in my lap and tell me something new.  ❞

❝  i love it when you smile at me like that.  ❞

❝  i don’t think i can share you with anyone today.  ❞

❝  i’ll take you anywhere you want.  just tell me where.  ❞

❝  bored? of you?  impossible.  ❞

❝  if you like it i’ll get you one.  ❞

❝  your happiness matters greatly to me.  ❞

❝  you deserve to reach the goals you want in life.  you deserve to obtain anything you wish.  ❞

❝  you’re doing well.  you’re just discouraged and tired.  ❞

❝  you need to rest,  you don’t have to do it all today.  ❞

❝  the way i love you goes beyond description.  even those words don’t seem like enough.  ❞

❝  you come first.  you’re always my first choice.  ❞

❝  no,  if you’re upset that’s what matters right now.  talk to me.  ❞

❝  i want to share in your joy.  i want to be part of all things that make you happy.  ❞

❝  all of my best moments are the ones that have you in them.  ❞

❝  i would give you anything you ask of me. ❞

[ COMFORT ]  sender discovers receiver brooding and quietly approaches to carefully hug them from behind. 

[ SOOTHE ]  in the midst of a tense moment,  receiver turns away to conceal their emotions but sender wraps their arms around them and holds them from behind. 

[ CLOSE ]  sender reaches out and pulls receiver into their lap as they’re walking by. 

[  STOP  ]  sender reaches out and takes receiver’s face into their hands,  drawing them away from what they’re doing so they can just look at receiver for a moment.  

[ GIVE ]  sender greets with receiver with a gift. 

[ BRING ]  sender takes receiver out for the day to pamper them. 

[ ATTENTION ]  sender peppers a series of caresses over receiver’s face in an attempt to make them laugh or smile. 

[ COAX ]  sender knows receiver has had a lot on their mind,  so they hold them for a while to help them relax and hopefully open up. 

[ CARESS ]   sender sits by quietly while receiver works,  petting their hair and simply providing company. 

[ RELAX ]  sender gives receiver a massage. 

[ LOOK ]  for receiver to catch sender gazing adoringly at them.

[ MORNING ]  for sender to wake receiver with a kiss.