#̗̀ 𖧧 ̖́ 𖥸 ─ modern adj v.

[kkkindered]

[ KISS ]: sender shows up at the receiver's door and impulsively pulls them in for a passionate kiss that punctuates a lengthy slow-burn between the two. // your choice

Fuuuuuuck.

He screwed up.

Kio hand drags his bangs away from his face as he shuts his bedroom door. Running away after flirting to the sun and back is pathetic. The hand scratches at the low sides of his head. Blinking through his panic as he slides to the floor.

He is so pretty. How is supposed to act if not flirt like he's going to die? You can't ask that of him! Are you insane? Those calculating eyes that turn round and wide when he whispers an innuendo into his ears.

He's so smart. Can talk circles around people in the field he's dedicated himself to. That's he left his mind, body and soul absorb because it's what he wants. So sure in his knowledge and Kio can't help but want to hear him mess up a sentence when he realizes where Kio's eyes rest.

(His mouth? Those hands? His arms, if his sleeves slip? His ass. Kio knows, and he'll take no contest in the matter, that under those layers Atreus has very lovely rump. He sees Astra. They're related. It has to be in those jeans (HA) Not that anyone has to know he's watched Astra's ass. K'in especially. He'd like to keep his head on his shoulders.)

His head is now nestled between his knees as he sulks.

He's going to have to avoid him now. It's gonna kill him, he thinks. Avoid him? Turn the corner if he sees him walking down the same hall he's walking up? Instead of making up some bullshit excuse to accompany the man?

Might as well ask him to break his own leg.

And it continues like this. Kio's mind whirling. Waxing immature poetry over Atreus and him lamenting over having to move away and change his name. Of having to scrap the wedding plans and the big house they'd live in. If they decided to move, that is.

Until there was a knock on the door.

“Huh-?" He straightens so abruptly that the back of his head connects to the door.

“Fuck---hold on!”

He gets up and forces out a breath. Grabs the handle and pulls it in to himself. The hall is a bit chilly, the big ceiling tall windows probably still cracked open.

“What's-- 'Treus?”

He didn't get anymore than that out. Couldn't. Not that he had planned to but god damn, he can't now.

It better than he imagined. And trust him, he's imagined it plenty.

He tastes like herbal tea and charcoal. Smells like sweat (was he rushing?) and something so distinctly him that Kio can't fight the urge to lick at his lips. It was chaste until then. Simply a beautiful press of lips touching. Sparking fireworks behind Kio's eyes.

But he had to ruin it.

Atreus pulls away, still holding Kio's head in his hands.

"Does that answer your question?"

"Hm?" It takes a few moments for Kio's brain to start back. He had ran away after asking the man a question.

'Should I kiss you to see if you like me?'

“You like me?”

“I kissed you.”

“You did.”

Kio runs a finger under Atreus' eye. Cocky smile taking over the dazed frown of his lips, “So you have some gusto behind those glasses.”

“I liked it better when you couldn't speak.” Atreus grumbles. Pout pursing his swollen lips.

“Kiss me again.”

Though Kio didn't wait for Atreus to lean in. Grabbing him by the collar and pulling him down.

[kkkindered]

Something akin to dread finds its way at the back of Zara’s throat when they hold her hand. She freezes. Breath hitching as she stares at their joined hands. Lips tugging down to a frown at his words and the predicament she put herself in. Again.

“ Intact but not working. ”

Are they going to rip it off? Twist it? Would they twist it all the way 'round? Three-sixty?

Her eyes grow misty at the sudden cold. Dread getting thicker. Coating her palate. She thinks her hands are going to start shaking soon.

“ W-what? Place something in me? ” Her eyes widen. If she wasn’t terrified of her hand detaching—Zara would have jerked at the feeling of something against her palm.

Its gross. Why is it moving? What is that? What do they mean in her?

“ Can't we just use a ph—one or something? ” They're listing these things without care. What the fuck? Threaten? Her life is a damn threat to itself. Hear them? So she's going to go mad.

This is great.

Of course she'd be the one to enter a deal with a monster.

Though what else did you want from her? Either this or die. Well. They did say dying would've been better, didn't they.

She can't go proving them right now. That's just embarrassing.

Distantly, Zara wonders who blighted her for her life to turn out this way. What crime did she commit that left her homeless and then trapped in a corner? She's sure Zara of the past couldn't have been as bad as her now.

Requests?

Her teeth unlatch from her lip, “ Little complaint? I must tell you I complain like no other, you'd hate to do this. Think about— ” Her voice chokes off.

Her back bows. Leaning forward instead of away at the last moment at the feeling of something digging. It's constant. Through skin and whatever stringy bits that come before bone.

She sniffles in pain. The pain isn't extraordinary, but it is intruding. This thing bullying its way past carefully placed anatomy out of mindless gluttony? greed?

A crease of pain flashes again. Right before, it's just a dull, strange ache. There is only so much one can do when something is making home in you.

The cold is back. It's soothing this time instead of striking. It's all-encompassing instead of a distant chill.

She chances a look. Eyes red rimmed, nose a bit runny and a frown carved on her lips. A bit pain dazed and entirely pissed, “ It was fucking horrible. ”

A beat.

“ Thanks for the place. In advance. ”

The moment their skin meets, the creature's nails curl upwards, clasping around her hand like a sprung trap. Talons press into her flesh, not enough to hurt but enough that if she was to try snatch her hand away it could hurt. "Harsh but fair, little moth." They taunt. "But if you wish for me to praise you, I suppose I could say that your instinct to survive is quite intact."

It's unclear if the god means the words positively, despite trying to phrase it as praise. Regardless they carry on unperturbed. "Right, right. The terms." Icy shadows lap at her hand. The tendrils hovering around her as if waiting for some sort of command. "I shall place something within you. Something that will tether you to me."

Said 'thing' begins to pierce the veil of the god's hand, a creature not from this realm. The mass writhes desperately between their hands, bucking and squirming against the surface of her warmer flesh. "You will never be able to escape me. Every moment you live, my presence will threaten you. If I want you to hear me, you shall. When I come to see you. You will sense me."

"I will make requests of you every now and then. You, of course, will accept them with little complaint." They continue. It's around this time she would begin to feel something. The sensation is perhaps painful, but is clear whatever this creature is? It's madly burying into her skin, twisting itself in between muscle and sinew and making itself at home within her.

"I take care of my things, little moth. So, you will no longer be homeless." The talons dig deeper and once the creature has settled the shadows that had been on standby sweep in to sooth her flesh. Coldness washing over her hand.

It's strange though, there's no entry mark. No sign that the creature had ever been there. Except for occasional the flicker of a dark mass beneath the surface. "I will give you instructions of how to get a hold of my mouthpiece. He will give you room and board."

Pausing, the god assesses her face. "See, that wasn't so bad. Was it?"

[kkkindered]

MODERN V.

K'IN — 23+

• Family company markets forms of art (painting/galleries, modelling (runway/streetwear)

• Models for their family company and was quite a fan of it

• Father was loving, but fame went to his head, and he got a mistress because he could

• Wife of eight years and mother to his kids dies of grief after finding out

• “ Thankfully, it happened in the early days, so the company's branding wasn't affected ”

• K'in took up the working mantle so their siblings could live normally and grieve without hindrance

• Fame also went to their heads. Though they do try to ensure it's easy enough to shake off around their close ones. (thankfully doesn't have any floating rumours of their attitude and brattiness though she is called indifferent in articles)

• They are still close to their siblings, though ever since they've changed, their brother has lessened his contact with them

• Has a pet fennec fox from a rescue facility named Rogue

DELPHINE — 27+

• Works at a modelling agency recently signed to ‘ Astoria Project ’

• Teaches painting classes for all ages as a part-time job/hobbie and keeps it separate from modelling, though she does have some models come and pose at times

• Sees the signs of abuse + fame on K'in when they are put to work together by their father and cares in whatever way won't set off their damaging independence while also not engaging with her (few moments of) attention fishing

• History as training to be a pro fighter, but that was left in her early twenties in favour of a physically calmer job after a messy divorce

• Grew up traditionally and branched away from it in defiance after a botched marriage but wants to return to that but doing so feels like a betrayal to herself

• In some versions probably takes custody of K'in

• Has a pet green python and works with reptiles at Kio's shelter as a volunteer

KIO — 23+

• In school for interior design

• Had unchecked kleptomania, which led him down a path of petty crimes

• Has a criminal record that he's running from even though he’s given all the time for it already

• Has abandonment issues from sister

• Probably in a toxic relationship or going from relationship to relationship because of said issues

• Works part-time at a shelter/pound and makes miniature homes to fill in whatever time he finds

• Owns a blind dog (unsure of breed)

• Hopes he can find his sister after she ran away but is losing hope

• Ends up meeting K'in during his internship, helping decorate their personal home

• He doesn't like them. Thinks they're a stuck up bitch

• Has never met Delphine, but pities anyone who works with them instinctly

ZARA — 23+

• Ran away from home at 16

• doesn't feel guilty/holds disdain for her brother

• got into nursing as a jab to her parents + holds no real passion for it

• got into nursing school with dirty money but was never caught

• works at the local hospital now as a PACU nurse + privately with a surgeon from said hospital

• Never hopes to see her twin again so she doesn't have to realise how misplaced her anger is

• Is possessive over one of her past patients but she is in denial and blames it on being so surface level to so many others (isn't a lie)

DELTA — 24+

Trained to be an Olympic level swimmer after finding a deep passion in the hobby. His parents encouraged it. Rather, their child find a stable hobby instead of switching to another every few weeks. Sure, they're well off, but seeing money go towards elite classes that he losses interest in after maybe four or five sessions is disheartening.

So when he threw himself and his everything into swimming, they were relieved.

Until they weren't.

On the way to his first competition in getting a spot in the Olympics; the vehicle crashed. The driver was badly injured but alive, and so was Delta. Glass shards stuck in his legs from the side of the van being crashed into head on by another vehicle and further more trapped under the collapsed door— pinned by his seat belt in place.

His legs were saved. Though feeling in them aren't the same, mobility compromised as well. Resulting in him needing assistance from crutches or a cane. Right leg left with immense scarring and privy to phantom and real pain if he rests on it too heavily.

He was devastated. Being unable to swim. Never being able to do so with the amount of pain he simply gets from bending his leg to a certain angle. To cope and combat away the stifling dread, he throws himself into meticulous hand crafts to keep his curiosity alive.

SHILOH - 27+

Shiloh is a model as well. Was very much a cover boy for magazines before K'in was placed in the spotlight too.

They have many sibling shoots together. It was fun. Posing and chatting in between pictures. Helping each other when an outfit is uncomfortable or a hair is out of place. Water being traded because being under those lights are exhausting and they’ve been at it for hours.

It wasn't until Father noticed how many was intrigued by his sister that he took a backseat.

He was happy watching K'in raise in their fame. It was beautiful to watch his sister bloom under the adoration of the fans. On his break, Shiloh indulged in helping out in the jewelry department and small details in styling. Even handles lump orders from brands if he can.

He still models and puts the money to charities or small jewelry businesses and does interviews here and there.

MAIN ADJUSTED V.

Simply put the magical world is being connected to the fairytale/supernatural world through magical means and my muses just decided to venture away from their normal lives to ours.

(OR my muses are just fantasy but can use phones !)

King uses his high fashion and dated art skills and gets swept up into the fashion/art industry, and K'in revels in the familiarity of it all.

Onyx is relieved of their post of babysitter but stays close out of habit and opens an art studio and teaches anyone who wants at affordable prices and enjoys herself thoroughly.

Kio is also relieved of his jester duties and frees his twin. His love of numbers and need to make things 'pretty' he turns to learning interior design and from connections he's built himself a good branding and is staying afloat.

Zara, upon being freed, searches high and low for Delta. Finding him and taking him to the nearest healers. Apparently, the change of magical output cancelled out his mer-features so he's survived the lack of oxygen in the air. She ends up attending nursing school in hopes of caring for Delta herself.

Delta is deeply troubled by his lack of scales and fins, but he is intrigued by it all. If he wasn't being cared for by (either) K'in and Zara he'd be walking around staring at any and everything. He has no qualms about his arrangement though, just wishes he could wander more.

Shiloh has branched away from his father with the sudden eyes on him and his sister and invests in small businesses and part times to fill his day. Making sure to always be accessible to K'in through as they navigate the new world together.

[kkkindered]

TAG DUMP;

- ̗̀ aesthetic ̖́- 𖥸 ─ k’in.

- ̗̀ interest ̖́- 𖥸 ─ k’in

.- ̗̀ replies ̖́- 𖥸 ─ k’in

- ̗̀ ship aes ̖́- 𖥸 ─ k’in.

- ̗̀ open ̖́- 𖥸 ─ k’in.

- ̗̀ aesthetic ̖́- 𖥸 ─ kio.

- ̗̀ interest ̖́- 𖥸 ─ kio.

- ̗̀ replies ̖́- 𖥸 ─ kio.

- ̗̀ ship aes ̖́- 𖥸 ─ kio.

- ̗̀ open ̖́- 𖥸 ─ kio.

- ̗̀ aesthetic ̖́- 𖥸 ─ onyx.

- ̗̀ interest ̖́- 𖥸 ─ onyx.

- ̗̀ ship aes ̖́- 𖥸 ─ onyx.

- ̗̀ replies ̖́- 𖥸 ─ onyx.

- ̗̀ open ̖́- 𖥸 ─ onyx.

- ̗̀ aesthetic ̖́- 𖥸 ─ zara.

- ̗̀ interest ̖́- 𖥸 ─ zara.

- ̗̀ ship aes ̖́- 𖥸 ─ zara.

- ̗̀ replies ̖́- 𖥸 ─ zara.

- ̗̀ open ̖́- 𖥸 ─ zara.

- ̗̀ aesthetic ̖́- 𖥸 ─ delta.

- ̗̀ interest ̖́- 𖥸 ─ delta.

- ̗̀ ship aes ̖́- 𖥸 ─ delta.

- ̗̀ replies ̖́- 𖥸 ─ delta.

- ̗̀ open ̖́- 𖥸 ─ delta.

- ̗̀ 𖧧 ̖́- 𖥸 ─ pictures.

.- ̗̀ 𖧧 ̖́- 𖥸 ─ rp

- ̗̀ 𖧧 ̖́- 𖥸 ─ headcanons.

- ̗̀ 𖧧 ̖́- 𖥸 ─ asks.

- ̗̀ 𖧧 ̖́- 𖥸 ─ games.

- ̗̀ 𖧧 ̖́- 𖥸 ─ main v.

- ̗̀ 𖧧 ̖́- 𖥸 ─ mafia v.

- ̗̀ 𖧧 ̖́- 𖥸 ─ modern v.

- ̗̀ 𖧧 ̖́- 𖥸 ─ kny v.

pt ||

- ̗̀ 𖧧 ̖́- 𖥸 ─ modern adj v.

- ̗̀ 𖧧 ̖́- 𖥸 ─ suggestive/nsfw.

[kkkindered]

Delphine returns the gaze.

Thoroughly enjoying herself and the company. End of the work week for them both, and she was able to convince him to share his late night hours.

His laughter had triggered her own, and there were the remnants of it in her lips still. Her legs are crossed, and they're touching knee to knee. It's a casual and comfortable atmosphere.

Her drink settles warm in her chest.

His raised eyebrows are mimicked by her eyes widening. Caught the in back and forth between them, serenely answering every unspoken response he gives. No glasses and she can finally notice how yellow-y gold his eyes are. A darkness in them Delphine can't tell if it's from the bar lighting, the good mood or something else.

His movements are tracked. Taking in his shifting and courting a flirty grin of her own, maybe the drink is running her more than just a bit warm.

❝ Nice laugh. ❞ Simple dismissal of his apology.

She leans towards him, for the effect. ❝ I always have a vision for my art. ❞ Promptly settles back into the corner of her seat. Ends of hair just grazing his arm.

She truly has thought about it. Usually, any pose where she can see his back, it's so broad. Not nearly as explicit as he's implying.

But now? Seeing him just barely lounging, comfortable and taking up space —

❝ Something like this. ❞ Pointedly trailing the length of his arm on the table ❝ Though different. Leaned back. Spread. Comfortable, very comfortable. You'd be a gorgeous view; you'll be there long but not because I'm drawing. ❞

@kkkindered spicy starter

A deep, rich chuckle erupts from the old wolf as he swirled the half empty glass of bourbon in his right hand. His laugh merged with the background chatter and music of this little lounge they'd stopped by, engulfed by the crowded atmosphere of a Friday happy hour evening. It was nothing too fancy, just a small pub with small tables and narrow benches where patrons rubbed elbows and knees with eachother in order to fit in the small places. But the drinks were cold, fair priced and tasted so much better when shared in good company.

Speaking of which, Marcus took off his glasses and stared at the woman joining him tonight, lidded gaze suggesting an array of thoughts rushing through his mind. But the way a thick brow arched announced that most of those thoughts were pretty mischievous in nature.

"I'm sorry, i didn't mean to laugh like that. I've just--- never been asked to pose for art before," he admitted with a sly smile. Turning on his seat, he leaned one elbow on the table and the other of the backrest of their seat as he leaned further in towards Delphine, staring her down with an air of confident nonchalance. "...By the way you asked, it seems like you already had a vision for me too. I wonder what kind of position you would have me in. And for how long," again he swirls his bourbon, and takes a sip while still staring at her from the corner of his eye.

[kkkindered]

Delphine's shoulders shake as she rearranges her things into her bag. A good joke being caught and played along with; always a delight! ❝ Mm! Marcus then. I trust you to take me somewhere fun. ❞

Ending the work day with a stream of snickers as she instinctively ducks pass the man to leave the room. Belatedly remembering that the doorframe is tall enough for her to pass without worry, she picks at her nails as they walk.

She wonders if he had to: given the extra inches. He was beside her before she could turn to see him exit.

Delphine hums. ❝ I'm privy to the early mornings myself. Watching the world wake up is very relaxing to me, but I hear you. ❞ Nights were never a peaceful thing for her. For a long time. One of the things she's never been able to take back after the divorce.

However, she remembers when they were and can agree with him.

The night blankets everything.

❝ How are you getting home? ❞ They're nearing the campus car park now. There was a thought to continue the joke bit she is genuinely curious. The other cars she sees, aside from her own, are of other faculty, that she knows.

A pause as he pulls the door open and turns to look at her over his shoulder. From behind his glasses Marcus shot her a keen, slightly amused glance, and although subtle there is a ghost of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "...Are you accepting? If yes, you should, perhaps, just call me by first name," he called up the undertone of her inquiry with a tilt of his head and an arching of his brows.

That little exchange was followed by only a subtle "of course" as he evidently waited patiently for her to finish her routine. The wolf himself was already packed and ready to leave, the worn out leather messenger bag hanging from his left shoulder loosely. It seemed like quite a heavy load to carry, but there was little sign that it was uncomfortable to him.

It wasn't long until they hit the cool evening air; instinctually he took in a deep breath and then sighed deeply with relaxation. The company of good books was always well loved and appreciated, but fresh air at the end of a workday was something else. "...Bright night tonight," he commented lightly as he noticed the clear night sky. "I must admit i'm not much of a morning person. Or a day person in general," a low chuckle escaped the large man. "...I appreciate it more when things quiet down at the end of the day. Leaves one more room to think more clearly."

[kkkindered]

It touches her.

A hand larger than her head cups her cheek and turns her; Zara thinks she might actually pass out this time. Heart in her throat and pulse in her ear, Zara moves where the monster wants her.

And look she does. All yes wide and fear dilated pupils. Purple meets purple and Zara feels her heart growing ever more frantic (as if it's possible) , feeling her pores raise as the eye contact is held. He asks and she shakes her head immediately after the last syllable. No. She could live with this in the back of her head.

Stare at shadows for too long to make sure nothing pops out-- she could live with that.

Hearing the word 'mercy' fall from such a monstrous mouth was enough to cause a startled cough out of her. She nods again. Tongue numb. If she could have managed to pry her teeth apart again, she's sure she'd drool as a result.

And everything stills.

Her jaw clicks open and Zara wheezes.

“ It--It sounds good. ”

The give a rattling wheeze and it seems that they are laughing at her. Though, it's not clear if that is a good thing or not. "No you're quite right. Running would of done you no favours." They quip. "Still, you could of at least tried, it makes things much more interesting. Not for you, of course. Well, perhaps you're sharper than I originally thought."

From their dark form, one of their many arms reaches out. This time they do touch her. Cupping her cheek and guiding her face up to look at them fully. "Look at me, little moth." Their mauve eyes piercing the darkness, the light flickering over her face. "Are you sure you don't want me to kill you? There are things far worse than death, and living with what you have seen might be one of them."

A crooked digit swipes over her cheek. "It would be a mercy to end your life here. You understand that, don't you?" Finally they stop. "But if you're so insistent on living, perhaps we can make a deal. How does that sound?"

[kkkindered]

If she was any other situation, Zara would have rolled her eyes. That's exactly what she said. It makes sense for the area. Known for cults running around. A reason why the homeless frequent here. Police don't want to deal with crazies that would sacrifice them to a god while actively bleeding from a gun wound.

But she's terrified so instead she nods frantically. She's sure her head made contact with the wall a few times.

“ I- I was half asleep and scared a-and I don't think running would've helped me much while you were--do-ing tha-t. ”

And then it bends. Some unnatural crack echoes and she can't look anymore. Turning to tuck her face into her own shoulder and the crease in the wall. Though her body won't let her close her eyes. Eyeing them from the corner of her eyes.

They move. She freezes. Shivering breaths. In. Out. “ I don't-- please. please. pl-ease. Don't kill me? I- I can't-- no no, don't want to d-i-e. ”

"So, your hypothesis is that they dragged you here as a sacrifice? " They question plainly, their many voices overlapping each other. She gets a brief respite from their gaze as they turn their head with slick cracking noises. Eyes flaring as they peer down at whatever remains of the summoner.

Her freedom doesn't last long, as their attention returns to her keeping her pinned. "How foolish of them." They pause. "And how foolish of you for not running sooner." Their shoulders hunch, and their waist bends as the arms, once ready to strike , plunge into the floor.

With this new spider like configuration they begin to make their way closer, the sounds of scraping and bones snapping echoing with each movement. Finally they stop, so close they could touch her. Yet they don't. "And what will you do now, you poor frightened little moth?"

[kkkindered]

❝ You don't have — Ah — ❞

Her arm falls back to her side as he strong arms the window open. Surprised by the immediate help. Fully prepared to embarrass herself by fighting with the window in front of him.

The relief and the shock swirls into a neutral gratitude.

❝ Thank you, Mr. Visarion. ❞

A small smile to seal the thanks.

She checks the clock on the wall the moment he checks his wrist. Work day over and night falling earlier these days; Delphine is inclined to agree with him.

And because she is feeling cheeky, ❝ You asking to take me out? ❞ It's too early in the day for anywhere respectable for a  (first) date to be quiet open at the moment, and it is their first meeting.

❝ Wait on me, Sir? I'll pack my things and I'll take you up on your offer. ❞

A soft glance comes from behind his big round glasses before Marcus tilted to stare behind her at the windows. It's not surprising that the damn thing might get stuck every once in a while, the campus hasn't received proper funding in quite some years for proper renovations. Just last summer the wolf remembers volunteering to redo some of the wooden trims on the desks here and there with his own tools and materials.

"...I can help if you need me to," he offered simply, already starting to walk past her towards the window. And yes, it was quite hard to open, too many layers of paint being slapped one of to of the other made the hinges capricious. But with just enough [but still quite negligible for the wolf] amount of force, he'd pulled it open, and allowed the cool evening breeze to slip inside.

"Should be enough until tomorrow," before he tucked his hands inside his pockets, Marcus idly checked his wrist watch while walking towards the door. "...It's ten minutes until lockdown, perhaps we should be on our way for tonight."

[kkkindered]

She can feel them watching. Hair on her body prickling and raising to stand. Like there's something crawling under her skin. The small tremors turn into full blown shivers with that one step.

The creak of the board sounded awfully like the cry Zara would let out if her throat would allow it.

Should you admit that you ran away with dirty money and the people came to get it back to a monster? Probably. Though Zara is scared out of her mind.

So instead she croaks, “I-I don't know why they dragged me here. I'm ho-meless. Maybe they thought they need-ed a sacrifice or something..?”

Voice catching in her throat; she curls into herself even more as the half lie spills out. She's truly lost her mind.

They can feel her fear, it's almost palpable around them. Dragging their toes they disturb the messy markings sprawled over the floor, taking a single step closer to her. The wood creeks under foot and they stop.

"I see." They purr, tilting their head one way, then another, inspecting her visage from all angles. "And if you don't know them. Which in this instance I am choosing to believe. It leaves the question of why you are here. How does an innocent get dragged into a situation like this?"

[kkkindered]

Delphine pokes her tongue to wet her lips and sniffs.

She should open more windows to let the stench of oil paints and acrylic ventilate properly.

She was used to it. Teaching techniques almost all day and partaking in painting as a hobby. It comforts in some ways.

Though with how many students in one room, all different degrees of 'elbow deep ' in the supplies; the scent is admittedly heady.

She hadn't wanted to. Figured putting it off for last was fine. The latches give her trouble. She figures them out a few times. Those are very lucky days.

Though more often than not, she needs to ask a janitor for assistance.

But the rosey cheeked cleaning lady isn't here today and she has a visitor.

She has to be courteous. Regardless.

❝ Yes. They are. One almost drank their paint water instead of their coffee. ❞ Delphine jokes.

The book is set down quickly by her bags and she returns to the man. Watching him survey the room. A subtle kind of pride comes from it. The decorations personally picked with the class' energy in mind. Artwork on the walls; equally hers as much as they are gifts from students.

At his remark, Delphine blinks. Hands raising to wrap under her bust.

So soon.

❝ It is. Excuse it for now, please. I'll open a window soon. ❞ She shifts to glance at a window then. A quick thing before she inclines her head to encourage his patience.

 ❝ It gives me trouble sometimes. ❞

The moment the book leaves his grasp his hands return swiftly and almost shyly back into their pockets. The wolf hadn't missed her observing him from head to toe, and while he was somewhat used to the lingering glances, hers felt slightly more intense. Marcus pursed his lips and gave a curt nod of his head as she mentioned her side of the circumstances. "...Young'uns are quite airheaded nowadays. But they learn, eventually," he comments lightly, gently adjusting his big round glasses up the bridge of his nose.

Perhaps this would've been the moment for him to share his goodbyes and leave, but he did linger a bit longer though, turning slightly to better observe the area around him. This is perhaps the most colorful part of the campus, in his opinion. The easels, the painting, some finished, some still in progress, the many shelves and boxes filled with materials he had no name for because he hadn't seen them before. Not to mention the scents, strong and pithy, it made the inside of his airways feel funny.

"...I've never been to an art studio before," he remarks, without turning to face her. "I understand why the students would prefer your classes to mine, it is much more welcoming than the aula where i teach."

"...The scent is a bit strong, though."

[kkkindered]

The space between them was a blessing. Head feeling a little less strained having to watch them so up close. Pressure in her skull receding just a bit with the renewed distance. Air rushes back to her and her nose tingles from their touch.

Zara doesn't give a response. Staring at the hand being presented to her. Cold air passes through the room, and she's uncomfortably reminded of how sweaty her fear has made her.

Still scared, but more reassured; she frowns at their wording. She isn't going to refuse them— obviously not. But did she seem that desperate? She was going to die. They were going to kill her!

“ Pitiful..that was kinda harsh.. ” she sways into a criss cross position, “ I think I was being pretty reasonable. ”

She puts her hand. Her fingers are trembling, but she tries not to focus on that. Still rolling over the word they used for her. It's cool, but not. It feels strange. There's pounding in her ea. Her heart hasn't slowed enough that she isn't on edge, but it's calmer now. “ What's the terms and conditions? ”