#electra&remus

[coffee-n-bagels-comic-universe]

[Ghostbusters] Brainwaves: Quotes

Dr / Professor May Keaton

"It's okay to wonder what happens next."

“If we’re all gonna die anyway, shouldn’t we be enjoying ourselves now?”

“Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are all noble pursuits, and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”

“Who allowed you to take my breath away?”

“She pushes people away before they get a chance to leave her, and for twenty years she’s been alone because of it.”

“You can never replace anyone…because everyone is made of such beautiful, specific details.”

“For the wound to heal, you need to stop touching it.”

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

Dr / Professor Allison Wada

"The body is a temple, treat it like one."

"What a dangerous combination."

"Maturity begins when you understand that dignity is more important than falling in love."

"Women, they have minds and they have souls as well as just hearts. And they’ve got ambition and they’ve got talent as well as just beauty, and I’m so sick of people saying that love is just all a woman is fit for. I’m so sick of it! But, I am so lonely.”

“Let’s leave the Jews out of this for a moment. Let’s think of another minority. One that… One that can go unnoticed if it needs to. There are all sorts of minorities, blondes for example… Or people with freckles. But a minority is only thought of as one when it constitutes some kind of threat to the majority. A real threat or an imagined one. And therein lies the fear. If the minority is somehow invisible, then the fear is much greater. That fear is why the minority is persecuted. So, you see there always is a cause. The cause is fear. Minorities are just people. People like us.”

Dr / Professor Heather Nieto-Jorge

"Look for truth, not for fantastical lies."

"I'm surrounded by idiots."

“If A is success in life, then A equals x plus y plus z. Work is x; y is the ability to play along. and z is keeping your mouth shut.”

“The most important thing in life is life itself.”

“Pursue excellence and success will come chasing you.”

"Each one of us has a story of how we got to where we are, which most likely involves study drugs, getting blackout drunk, and having one night stands. We’ll tell these stories at dinner parties and to our future children. Well, maybe not the one night stand part. Or the blackout drunk part. Or the study drugs for that matter. But maybe our stories don’t have to be for anyone but ourselves.“

Dr / Professor Nova Teufel

"And that is how the world ends."

“When I’m with you, I feel so safe. Like I’m home”

“My problem is that I think too much and I feel too deeply.”

“Why, you stuck up, half-witted, scruffy-looking Nerf herder.”

“Nothing that lives, lives forever.”

“Nobody ever does anything to be nice. They always wanna get something out of it.”

“I’m just a screwed-up girl who’s looking for my own peace of mind.”

“In many ways, I prefer my own company. It gives me time to think.”

“Those that see me for me, don’t think that my face is the most attractive part.”

“People should be able to say how they feel. How they really feel. Not some words strangers put in their mouths.”

“You talk way too fast, and you are way too nice to everyone … you’re not hard to get at all. You’re hard to earn.”

“My house. My rules. My coffee.”

“If I had a normal family and a good upbringing…then I would have been a well-adjusted person. I mean, I feel like I’m…I feel like I’m ya know well-adjusted. We’re good friends, and it’s good to be, ya know, good friends. I mean, I’d like to really talking with you.”

“There are some people that go to the party and dance, and there are some people that sit in the corner. I’m the corner guy.”

“I am so lost in my life. eleven cups of coffee a day in bed, reading irrelevant things, eating junk all day, lazy, unhealthy and non-productive.”

Others

"You stay well away rom my sister, or this drill is going… somewhere." - Mars Teufel

"Put the drill down, Mars… please? Put the drill down." - Dr / Professor Ira Freud

"Milo. Stop. Let me do that for you." - Anselm Teufel

"I thInk you'll Ind, I knOw what I'm doIng." - Milo Teufel

"Our whole family is mad, Devils to some, Angels to others." - Dr Amalia Teufel

"I'll hit you again if you try that again." - Dr / Professor Gilbert Teufel

"Like any of you men have brains." - Medusa Teufel

"How do they survive without a brain?" - Electra Teufel

"I don't know, but I seem to be doing well for someone with an empty skull." - Norman Teufel

"She's being, what's the word… facetious, is that it?" - Thomas Teufel

"The ghosts are coming! The ghosts are coming! Run." - Professor Otmar Teufel

"I've read all the Holy books, none tell of people like yourselves." - Dr / Professor Remus Teufel

"I swear we did nothing wrong!" - Romulus Teufel-Mann

"I swear I should never had involved myself with this family." - Tamar Mann

"I figured you were a prude, but I must've guessed wrong." - Jacob Blumenthal

"I do not trust all these professors." - Cecilia Hedlund

"Listen to me, or I won't offer you further help, Mr Blumenthal. Do you understand me?" - Dr / Professor Kipling Mutton

"Answer the question correctly because I won't ask it again." - Dr / Professor Vidar Ljunggren

"Why don't I take you ladies out for a nice meal, I'll pay for it all." - Ephraim Aue

[soysaucevictim]

Legs and foreshortening’s the bane of my existence. But hell, going to work on this some more maybe after that Muse!Patton fic is done.

Anyways, here’s just some more Gymrat!Dukexiety brainrot from me.

(I’ve had access to my desk since late last November... I REALLY want to make some polished art again. Kicking that can down the road again, ‘cause my motivation/exec-fxn/focus and Creativities being real fickle lately.)

[bigmack2go]

Random things that I desperately need to happen:

Philipa So as Persephone in hadestown.

Reason:

Cory güter-andrew to play a younger version of what ever role andrew keenan bolger could have

Jordan Samuels to play Electra (stex,not cats) because he would SERVE in stex anyway but i think that he would fit electra so perfectly

JerJor as King George in Hamilton

Reason:

That and he has the voice. (Or ben fankhauser bc he too has the voice but also: spit in HD mhhh)

Tom hanks as remus lupin? Idk why tbh but the actors remind me of each other

Leslie in hades town bc the obc voixe sounds like the german burr voice lmfao

Mike faist as rusty in starlight express

Reason:

[thatonepersonwhocantwrite]

A little about me

I’m 19 and an animal lover. I mostly write comfort ficus

My rules

This is my list of Fandoms I will write for and things I WILL and WON'T write for

Things I really write

Angst

Enemies to lovers

Fluff/ comfort

Yandere ( I'm bad at it though and don't condone this behavior in real life)

Female x Female

Male x male ( again not to good at it but I try)

Male x female

Male x Gender neutral

Female x Gender neutral

Poly

Things I won't write

Age gaps over 5+ years

Pregnancy ( not good at it and it makes me uncomfortable)

Abuse

Suicide ( I will write the reader or any other character dying just not by Suicide)

Self harm ( it's triggering to me and others)

Eating disorders

NSFW

Harry potter characters I will write

Neville longbottom

Luna Lovegood

Hermione Granger

Fred weasley

George weasley

Sirius Black

Remus lupin

The great Harry Potter himself

The owl house

Luz

Amity

Willow

Gus

Hunter

Eda

King ( platonic only)

Raine ( can someone tell me if spelled their name right?)

Avatar the last Airbender (NOT the live action version but the animated version)

Aang

Toph

Suki (she's the only exception where I'll do Live or animated)

Sokka

Katara

Zuko

Haru

Ninjago

Cole

Jay

Kai

Nya

Lloyd

Zane

Starwars

Anakin

Obi-Wan

Padme

Luke Skywalker

Leia skywalker

Percy jackson/ Heroes of olympus

Charles beckendorf

Silena beauregard

Annabeth chase (book version only)

Percy jackson ( book version only)

Will solace

Tyson ( platonic only)

Jason grace

Piper mclean

Thalia grace

Leo valdez

Nico di angelo ( again platonic only unless you're a guy then I will do romantic since he's gay)

Bianca di angelo

Hazel Levesque

Frank Zhang

Legend of Korra

Bolin

Korra

Asami

Avatar Wan ( my personal favorite)

Marvel

Steve Rogers

Sam wilson

Peter parker ( Toby, Andrew and Tom versions)

Vision (platonic only)

Wanda

T'Challa

Shuri

Pietro

Natasha

Jean Grey

Scott summers

Dc

Barry allen

Cisco Ramon

Kara Danvers

Alex Danvers

Clark kent

Lois lane

Oliver queen

Top gun

Nick bradshaw

Naven Hollywood idk if I spelled his first name right

Leonard Wolfe Wolfman

Blood of Zeus

Heron

Electra

Alexia

Hermes

Zeus

Apollo

Ares

Hera

Hades

Peresphone

I think that's all the fandoms I can think of for now please send in request

[thencd]

Lucifarian Family 80s Redux: Bios:

Pride: Ves Lucifarian / Vesta Lyle (1984)

The first of the seven sins, but pride always comes before the fall, and vanity is only a pleasure for the vain.

"I am perfection personified."

Name

Full Legal Name: Vesta Diana Lyle

First Name: Vesta

Meaning: Probably a Roman cognate of 'Hestia', which is derived from Greek 'Hestia' meaning 'Hearth, Fireside'

Pronunciation: VEHS-ta

Origin: Roman Mythology

Middle Name: Diana

Meaning: Means 'Divine, Goddesslike', a derivative of Latin 'Dia' or 'Diva' meaning 'Goddess'

Pronunciation: die-AN-a

Origin: English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Catalan, German, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Russian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Estonian, Lithuanian, Polish, Czech, Slovak, Armenian, Georgian, Roman Mythology

Surname: Lyle

Meaning: Derived from Norman French 'L'isle' meaning 'Island'

Pronunciation: LIEL

Origin: English

Aliases: Ves Lucifarian, The Princess of Pride, The Prideful Princess, The Vain Vixen, The Vainglorious Vixen, The Vixen of Vanity, The Princess of Pride Ves Lucifarian, The Prideful Princess Ves Lucifarian, The Vain Vixen Ves Lucifarian, The Vainglorious Vixen Ves Lucifarian, The Vixen of Vanity Ves Lucifarian

Nicknames: Ves, Vessie, V, Princess V, Vixen

Titles: Miss

Characteristics

Age: 32

Gender: Female. She/Her Pronouns

Race: European (Human)

Nationality: American

Ethnicity: White

Birth Date: August 5th 1952

Sexuality: Straight

Religion: Christian

Native Language: English

Spoken Languages: English, French, Spanish, Latin

Relationship Status: Single

Astrological Sign: Leo

Theme Song: 'You're So Vain' - Carly Simon (1972-)

Voice Actor: Rosamund Pike

Singing Voice: Kirsty McColl

Geographical Characteristics

Birthplace: Blackpool, Lancashire, England

Current Location: On The Road

Current Residence: Albany, Albany County, New York, USA

Hometown: Brigg, Lancashire, England

Appearance

Height: 5'6" / 167 cm

Weight: 150 lbs / 68 kg

Eye Colour: Brown

Hair Colour: Brown

Hair Dye: None

Body Hair: N/A

Facial Hair: N/A

Tattoos: 1

Piercings: Ear Lobe (Both)

Scars: None

Clothing Style: Preppy but Athletic

Health and Fitness

Allergies: None

Alcoholic, Smoker, Drug User: Social Drinker

Illnesses/Disorders: None Diagnosed (Possible ADHD)

Medications: None

Any Specific Diet: Vegetarian

Relationships

Allies: Bon Lucifarian, Nadia Lucifarian, Kat Lucifarian, Anna Lucifarian, Nora Lucifarian, Syn Lucifarian, Freddie Blassie, Lou Albano

Enemies: Moolah, Wendi Richter, Lord Alfred Hayes, Mr Fuji, Dynamite Kid, George Steele

Mentor: Damo Lucifarian (Damocles Lyle)

Significant Other: None

Previous Partners: None of Note

Parents: Damocles Lyle (62, Father), Phyllis Underhill (63, Mother, Née Peak), Persephone Lyle (57, Step-Mother, Née Marsden), Wayland Underhill (64, Step-Father)

Parents-In-Law: None

Siblings: Mercury Lyle (41, Half-Brother), Eris Kimberly (38, Half-Sister, Née Lyle), Neptune Lyle (35, Half-Brother), Quirinus Lyle (29, Brother), Enyo Judd (26, Sister, Née Lyle), Saturn Lyle (23, Half-Brother), Echo Horton (20, Half-Sister, Née Lyle), Ulysses Lyle (17, Half-Brother), Echidna Lyle (14, Half-Sister), Vulcan Lyle (11, Half-Brother), Doris Lyle (8, Half-Sister), Puck Underhill (23, Half-Brother), Calypso Harden (20, Half-Sister, Née Underhill), Gareth Underhill (17, Half-Brother), Atalanta Underhill (14, Half-Sister)

Siblings-In-Law: Erato Lyle (42, Mercury's Wife, Née Kellogg), Pluto Kimberly (40, Eris' Husband), Eos Lyle (36, Neptune's Wife, Née Jones), Electra Lyle (30, Quirinus' Wife, Née Jackson), Remus Judd (28, Enyo's Husband), Elara Lyle (24, Saturn's Wife, Née Hughes), Tatius Horton (22, Echo's Husband), Cassandra Underhill (24, Puck's Wife, Née Heath), Arthur Harden (22, Calypso's Husband)

Nieces & Nephews: Demeter Hill (21, Niece, Née Lyle), Adonai Hill (22, Demeter's Husband), Christos Lyle (18, Nephew), Delia Kimberly (18, Niece), Jesus Lyle (15, Nephew), Daphne Lyle (12, Niece), Messiah Lyle (9, Nephew), Cynthia Lyle (9, Niece), Satan Lyle (6, Nephew), Cora Lyle (3, Niece), Yahweh Judd (6, Nephew), Circe Judd (3, Niece), Beowulf Lyle (3, Nephew), Athena Underhill (3, Niece)

Children: None

Children-In-Law: None

Grandkids: None

Great Grandkids: None

Wrestling

Billed From: Hell Itself

Trainer: Damo Lucifarian

Managers: Damo Lucifarian

Wrestlers Managed: None

Debut: 1972

Retired: N/A

Wrestling Style: Trickster

Stables & Teams: The Lucifarian Family (1972-)

Regular Moves: Over The Shoulder Arm Drag, Forearm Smash, Leg Sweep, Chokehold STO, Keylock, Diving Somersault Evasion, Coronation (Neck Wrench), Lineage Ender (Standing Moonsault Double Knee Drop), Lion's Den (Crucifix Pin), Family Pride (Leg Trap Sunset Flip Powerbomb)

Finishers: Mirror Smash (Shooting Star Knee Drop), Flowing DDT, DDT

Refers To Fans As: The Prideful, The Prideful Ones, The Vain, The Vainglorious, The Vainglorious Ones

Commentary Name: The Prodigal Daughter

Extras

Backstory: Vesta 'Ves' Lyle grew up in a broken home, her mother an alcoholic gambling addict, her father a workaholic smoker. At the age of 10 Ves decided to follow in her father's footsteps, and by age 18 she made her debut in the British wrestling circuit. Ves, having the upmost trust in her father, made the decision that he would manage her, and thus the first sin joined the King's 'court of demons'.

Trivia:

Vesta's personality is supposed to make her come across as a vain, rich, arse of a person, yet deep down she's still redeemable, she's got a long way to go before she actually redeems herself though

Vesta's the type of person who makes sure every little detail of her matches and promos are perfect, to the point that she will control what other people do/say, down to the moment/way it's said/done

Vesta's the leader, the brain and the mouth of the group, due to her control over the others

Vesta is arrogant, articulate, demanding, diplomatic, nagging and polished

Vesta is an excellent planner and an excellent speaker

Vesta plans out her matches and promos, going over them several times to make sure they're perfect

Vesta pushes people away by being too controlling

Vesta has to look and sound perfect, or else she won't show herself or do promos

Vesta relies on her father's (Damocles') money, even though she's perfectly capable of paying for everything herself

Vesta likes: Her father (Damocles), Road trips, Purple, Fish and chips, Holidays, Competitions, Highland Cattle, Cloud gazing, Orchids, Mirrors, Sunsets, Leather jackets, V-neck shirts/jumpers, Seashells, Lavender scented candles

Vesta dislikes: Her mother (Phyllis), Deep water, Flying, Black Pudding, Wasps, Rugby, Arguments, Neon green, Sunflowers, Thunderstorms, Broken glass, Baseball caps, Vodka, Motorcycles, Gossip, Fairy Lights, Gambling

Both Damocles and Vesta were born in August, as they are the only (non-kayfabe) members of the same family within the main 8, and the dates were chosen to make them both Leo's, that being the zodiac sign represented by a Lion. Lion's traditionally symbolise: courage, nobility, royalty, strength, stateliness and valour

Vesta especially dislikes George 'The Animal' Steele, because of his very messy style going against her perfectionist views

Vesta's 'Lion's Den' Crucifix Pin is named that due to the idea of being trapped in a Lion's Den, unable to escape

Left: Vesta in 'Human form' (With her natural brown eyes)

Right: Ves in 'Demon form' (With purple eyes)

[asteriananthologies-a-blog]

@faultyconscience liked this post for a ( smol ) starter

“I’m sorry for just showing up like this, it’s just I-” Electra looked up at him and then quickly away, eyes darting back over her shoulder as if she was afraid that she’d been followed, afraid that they were being watched. “-I didn’t know where else to go. I wasn’t- wasn’t thinking. I just needed to- I needed to get out of there. Get away. I-” She was distracted, jumpy, unable to string more than a few words together without stuttering. “-Do you mind if I come in? Only- Only-” 

These were dangerous times they were living in--too dangerous, certainly, to be lingering out on the doorstep. 

[romansleftshoulderpad]

Welcome to the Life of Electra Heart

Track Four: Homewrecker

Ship: Creativisleep

Genre: Hurt/Comfort

If you like my writing, please consider leaving a comment! And maybe, buy me a Ko-Fi?

First Chapter / Last Chapter / Next Chapter

Tag List: @poettheythem @iclaimedtobethebetterbard @justablah56 If you’d like to be added to the tag list, please send an ask!

---

---

Every boyfriend is the one

Until otherwise proven

It took some time for Roman to adjust to his new hair, but just as he grew to know the person in the mirror, he had forgotten the person in all his photographs. The bottle had not been one of goo that simply stained his hair and gave it the slightest shine but a potion that had completely transformed him into someone else. 

Someone who had a chance to be better. 

The good are never easy

That’s what Lilly told him, anyway. That’s what he wanted to believe. 

A bell chimed as he entered the small coffee shop and made his way straight to the counter, bouncing on the balls of his feet as he waited to be noticed. 

Though Lilly pretended not to see him, she was bad at playing pretend. Her lips were quirked up as she hit ‘start’ on some machine that seemed to scream in protest before she swung around, her high ponytail swishing back and forth in the air. 

“Hello, my dear and darling friend,” Roman said. 

“Hello, complete stranger.”

Roman frowned. “You’re terrible to me.”

Lilly laughed and rolled her eyes, turning back to her workspace where she resumed her role as the master of machines. She pulled metal things and levers faster than Roman could keep track and poured her magic potion into a cup. She topped it with foam and called out, “Cappuccino for Kirsten?” She put the cup on the counter and turned, her hands to the machines in front of her, and her eyes to Roman. “How’d you know I was working today?”

Roman flushed. “I- uh- didn’t. Actually.”

She raised an eyebrow and hit something against a counter with a loud ‘BANG!’

“I’m meeting someone here.”

“A ‘someone’ someone? Or just… someone?”

“Eeeeh?” He tilted his hand back and forth. “I would just call him someone but he definitely isn’t-“ he deepened his voice- “ someone.”

The bell rang above the door and Lilly’s eyes widened. She grabbed a towel and began wiping down the counter- but that wasn’t enough to hide the tension in her shoulders. 

“Oh.”

Roman turned around at the familiar sound of Virgil’s voice. Virgil whose hair was freshly dyed and whose aura was just as terrible as Lilly’s. Oh. 

Lilly’s eyes lowered and she glared as sharp as a blade. 

“Well… this is fun,” Roman said. “I forgot you two knew each other.”

“I wasn’t aware you two had met,” Virgil said awkwardly, trying his best to sound polite. 

Lilly, on the other hand, wasted no chance to be hostile and announced, “I have been Roman’s best friend for five years.”

Please God let me die, Roman prayed. “Well, this reunion has been fun-“

A woman passing by loudly cleared her throat and Lilly sheepishly let go of her glare. “What can I get started for you gentlemen?”

“I’ll have-” Roman started.

Lilly glanced over her shoulder and then leaned in close, almost touching noses with Virgil, as she seethed, “You are going to order and then you’re going to tip at least fifty percent or else I will: Hunt. You. Into. The. Ground. Understood?”

“Small-black-coffee,-please,” Virgil said in a single breath. “With cream?”

“How dark?” she asked, back into her business-as-usual self in the blink of an eye. 

“Uh, you after a day at the beach.” 

She wrote something down on a slip of paper next to her cash register. “One ninety-seven.”

Virgil handed over his credit card and shoved a wad of cash into the tip jar. As soon as the transaction was over, he zoomed over to the Pick-Up counter. 

“Should I ask?”

“Depends,” Lilly said. “Would you like your testicles to remain attached to your body?”

Roman shuddered. “Do you hang out with Remus in your free time?”

“As if,” she said with a less than subtle eye roll, and a half-ass, “No offense.”

“Just ring up the usual.”

The keys clicked like music as she typed his order up. He handed her the exact amount of cash and put a dollar into the jar. He joined Virgil in the Waiting Game. 

“Why here? ” Virgil whined.

Roman raised an eyebrow. “You seem scared.” 

“Scared?” he asked. “I tipped five dollars on a two-dollar drink! Of course, I’m scared.”

“What happened between you two?”

Virgil sighed. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his baggy pants. Though black pants seemed impractical for August, at least he didn’t also have his massive jacket. And the plain white tee looked pretty good on him. (Maybe too good.)

Lilly placed a paper cup on the counter between them. “One Hot Girl Summer for-” She looked at the name on the cup. 

Virgil looked like he might faint. 

She gave a shit-eating grin and announced, “Wiggle?”

For some reason, he gave a sigh of relief.

But Lilly paid no mind to his apparent enjoyment of her terrible nickname. She just picked up a blender that had a cacophony of ingredients and poured in- 

“Lilly, that is an insane amount of ice.” 

She popped on the lid and put it in the machine. She pressed the button that made it loud and leaned close over the counter to be heard. “Do you want a frappe or do you want some liquidy bullshit, Roman? Because less ice would be some liquidy bullshit.”

“Literally none of the other baristas have ever used that much ice.”

“None of the other baristas are your favorite barista.”

Roman twisted his mouth in thought. “I don’t know. If I liked girls, Beth would be about my type.”

“Self-absorbed assholes?” Virgil asked. 

Roman regretted ordering a frappe. He’d need something hot now that his heart was frozen over. 

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Lilly butted in. (Roman wished she hadn’t. Virgil should be sorry.) “He needs to hear it.” She handed over his frappe with a mountain of whipped cream and a chocolate frowny face in place of the usual cross-hatched drizzle. “You need to get laid.”

Well, at least he no longer felt icey. Though, now, the ice seemed to be preferable. 

“Aww, it’s cute when you’re flustered,” she cooed.

“I’m going to kill you one of these days.”

 “What does putting a dick in his ass accomplish?”

“Virgil!” 

“Sorry, sorry. What does putting his dick in someone’s ass accomplish?”

“I think I like you two better when you’re trying to kill each other,” Roman said. 

Lilly loudly cleared her throat. “At best , Janus will see you being happy without him and even feel jealous over what he lost. At worst, hey, you get a distraction.” 

Roman’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and looked at the name on the screen. His heart skipped a beat, but his racing mind made up for it. Foolishly, he didn’t hate Lilly’s idea. 

The easy never good. 

And love, it never happens like you think it really should. 

“Hey, meet me at my place tonight?”

Deception and Perfection are wonderful traits. 

One will breed love. 

The other, Hate.

He almost ducked out. He almost got enough sense to text Remy and cancel, go back home, and sleep through the next week. He was almost stupid enough to take a shot. 

Middle grounds are a dangerous place to land. 

“Woah.”

Roman’s head snapped up. 

Remy’s sunglasses were off, tucked into the collar of his shirt. His eyes ran over Roman and he smiled. “Someone is looking vibrant.”

Roman reached up at his hair nervously. “Uh, yeah. It was time for a change.”

“No kidding.” Remy grabbed a seat and spun it around backwards, his chin resting on the back. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a tank top before.”

Roman’s face warmed and he rubbed his hands over his pale arms. Is it cold in here? 

“It’s cute.”

Never mind, it is very very hot!

“Speak for yourself, hot stuff,” Roman said. 

Remy laughed and took Roman’s hand. “It’s okay, you can compliment me without cringing.”

“Can I?” 

“Of course you can,” he said softly. “You know, it’s not just the makeover. There’s been something different about you, lately?”

His stomach turned. “…is there?”

Remy smiled. “I like it.”

“I, uh, well.” Just spit it out, dumbass. “My friend is having a party. Tonight. Did you want to…”

“Are you seriously nervous about this?” Remy teased. “Roman, in the time you’ve known me, when have I ever turned down a party?”

“But… don’t you usually go alone?” 

“Roman,” he said, squeezing his hand, “when have I ever said no to you?”

In another reality, Roman would have blurted, “Do you want to make out with me so I can forget about my shitty ex that I can’t get out of my head?” And Remy would have laughed at him. And maybe, for the first time, Remy would have said no to him. But in this reality, Roman said nothing. 

Maybe nothing was worse. 

You’ll find me in the lonely hearts

Under “I’m after a brand new start.”

Remus was standing in the doorway, doing nothing helpful and being an absolute menace. “Dude, I haven’t seen you this worried about your appearance since-“ He slammed his fist into the side of the door, causing everything near it to shake and several sketchbooks to fall off the shelf next to it. “No! Do not tell me Janus is going to be at this party.”

Roman felt a snake wiggling around in his stomach, making his way up his throat and tightening around his lungs. He squeezed his fists, angry not at the mention of Janus, but at himself for getting so worked up over a name . He took a few deep breaths and said, “ No, he will not be there.” Roman’s eyes were trained on the polished wood dresser in front of him. He couldn’t look Remus in the eyes. He couldn’t even look at his own reflection out of shame. One face, too much disappointment. 

“Good,” Remus said. “Because I’m fully prepared to grab his dick and shove it up his own ass.”

Roman rolled his eyes. “I’m sure that’s someone’s sexual fantasy.”

“Yeah, but it’s also one hell of a way to say ‘go fuck yourself.’

“You’re disgusting,” Roman said. “...but that is pretty funny.”

Remus smiled. “There’s the brother I know and tolerate.”

Roman’s eyes were getting dizzy from so much rolling.

“But don’t think I’ve forgiven you for stealing my title as the Dyed Twin.”

Roman stuck his tongue out at him. “Have fun being the boring bitch of the group.”

Roman’s phone buzzed on the table as an alarm went off. He hit the stop button and took a deep breath. He didn’t bother checking his makeup. If the glitter over his eyes ended up on his cheeks, then he could call it “camp” and move on with his life. He tucked his phone and his wallet into the pockets of his jeans and untucked his black t-shirt for the million-and-first time that evening. Remus tossed his car keys into the air and caught them with a loud jingle. 

Roman’s watch vibrated and he glanced down at the text. “It’s go time. Remy just left.”

Remus stuffed his keys into his pocket and made his way down the stairs with Roman following suit. “Remind me why your guest is meeting you there?

“Same reason I’m going with you. He doesn’t want to leave his car there.”

“And...?”

“He’s, uh, catching a ride with Emile.”

Remus glanced at him with a raised eyebrow. “I didn’t know Em knew Lilly.”

“Me neither,” Roman said, trying to ignore the twist in his gut. “Small world, huh?”

“Too small.”

They opened the front door, the sunlight blinding them. Lilly already had a plan for Emile. Roman just didn’t want to think about what that plan was. He didn’t want to think at all. 

The car ride seemed impossibly long, yet not long enough for Roman to control his racing mind. There were already two cars in the driveway when they arrived, parked on the side of the curb. 

“Are you sure you’re up for this?” Remus asked.

Roman answered with the click of his seatbelt before he opened the door and stepped out of the car, into the humid air. Lilly’s house was a bit smaller than his, but her family made up for it with a colorful front garden and a spacious backyard. He stepped on the cobblestones that lead through the garden to the front door and knocked, hearing the sound echo behind the door. Remus approached his side.

After a teasingly long wait, Lilly opened the door. She wore black combat boots and leggings, with a sleeveless gold crop top. She had multiple piercings in either ear and a nose ring going through her right nostril. Even the hairclips she wore around her high ponytail matched. All gold, all begging for the spotlight. 

“Hello, gorgeous,” Roman said.

“What, no welcome gift?” she teased. “Yo, Remus, nice ‘stache.”

“That thing is not a mustache,” Roman said. “Stop encouraging him.”

Remus elbowed his side. “He’s just jealous that I’m the sexier twin.”

“ Please, you look like Billy from Stranger Things.”

“Do you know how many people want to fuck Billy?” Remus asked.

“No one with taste. ”

Lilly laughed. “Speaking of fucking, where’s your hot new loverboy?”

Remus raised an eyebrow. “Loverboy?”

“He’s not here yet?”

“You two are the first.”

“Thank God.” Roman pushed past Remus and went inside the house, going straight for the kitchen. “Lilly, girl, bestie, help.”

“You are the epitome of confidence, Roman,” she deadpanned. 

“This epitome needs a fucking drink if I’m going to get through this.”

“Roman, are you sure you’re up for this?” Remus asked.

“Yes,” he and Lilly said in unison. 

Lilly took two bottles out of the fridge and simultaneously poured them into the same red plastic cup. She wrote Roman’s initials on it in gold Sharpie and handed it over. 

Roman took a swig and squeezed every muscle in his face to get through the burn. “Lilly, this thing is more bitter than you are.”

She rolled her eyes. “Cranberry vodka lemonade.”

“Oh great. Because alcohol doesn’t stink enough. Let’s put the two most bitter fruits imaginable in it.”

“The two most bitter fruits are standing in front of me right now.”

He took another big sip. “I hate you so much.”

“Yeah, yeah, maybe we can get your new fling to fuck that stick out of your ass.”

“I’m going to need a drink just to get through this conversation,” Remus said. 

“Which fruit juice do you want spiked?”

“Just get me a beer.”

“Boring,” Lilly said as Roman said, “Gross.”

Roman took the last long swig of his drink and hit the empty cup onto the counter, the plastic crumpled under the weight. “Another,” he said. “I refuse to be sober until the plan is in action.”

Girls and their curls and their gourmet vomit

The party was loud once the sun had gone down. The colorful lights of Lilly’s various themed party lights and mini Christmas lights danced across the walls. Roman was sitting on a corduroy couch in the corner of the room with Remy and Emile next to him. And he was sobering up faster than he would have liked. 

“Hey, sexy bitches,” Lilly yelled, making her way into their corner with two cups in her hand. She handed one to Roman. “Emile, right? Listen, listen, I need your help. You’re like, super tall-”

Remy laughed. 

“-and I need help getting something off a shelf. You up for it?”

“I can help,” Remy offered. “I’m taller than Em anyway.”

Lilly frowned. “No, no, you have short king energy.” She made grabby hands toward Emile.

“I, uh, I’ll catch you guys later,” Emile said. Despite being at a party, he still wore a brown cardigan and had the exact vibe of a well-loved teddy bear. This vibe was only enhanced by Lilly running her hands over his arm and leaning her cheek on his shoulder as she led him out of view. Roman didn’t know if that was part of the plan or if she was just that tipsy. 

He took a sip of his drink, some fruity concoction that didn’t taste alcoholic, but the buzz that went straight to his head said otherwise. He didn’t have time to worry about how sober Lilly was. He needed to make sure that for the next twenty minutes, he wasn’t.  

“Your friend seems nice,” Remy said.

Roman snorted. “When she wants to be.”

“Is conditionally nice your type?” 

“I’m not going to fuck Lilly,” Roman said. “Even if she had a hot twin brother. Or was a guy.” He shook his head and took another sip. “Not going to happen.”

Remy laughed. “My bad. I just meant for friends. I can be a callous bitch too, you know.”

“No, you’re not.”

“Not out loud,” he corrected. 

Roman frowned. “I don’t think you’re a bitch.”

“Well... that’s nice. Makes someone, I guess.” He smiled softly. If one only looked at his mouth, they’d think him happy. But Roman watched his eyes. His gaze was a million miles away. 

Roman took his hand and leaned in close, his nose brushed against Remy’s cheek. “Do you wanna do something stupid?”

Remy raised an eyebrow. “How stupid?”

Roman only smiled. 

Boys and their toys and their six-inch rockets 

Lilly was right, in a way. 

Roman wasn’t thinking about the breakup when Remy’s mouth was pressed against his. He wasn’t hating himself when his fingers were tracing the muscles in Remy’s back.

He wasn’t thinking about anything then. 

We’re all very lovely, ‘til we get to know each other

He woke up on Lilly’s couch with a headache and some sore muscles from being very active in a very small closet. 

Remy was nowhere to be seen.

As he sat up, a pain ran across his neck and over his head. He groaned, which elicited more groans from the many hungover strangers on the floor. Other friends of Lilly’s. It was strange to imagine her having an entire social life without him. Especially after…

An alarm pulled him from his thoughts and made the pissed crowd even more pissed off . People fumbled around to find the evil beeping device. Roman awkwardly pulled himself off the couch and stepped around them all, making his way towards the kitchen. As he crept with his bare feet ( Where did I leave those shoes? ) against the cold tile, he could see a door down the hallway that sat wide open, and Emile was sleeping on the bed. Roman frowned, trying to pull himself back to the coffee pot but finding it hard to move. What happened last night?

He didn’t remember moving to actually get a cup of coffee. He didn’t remember dialing Remus to pick him up. He didn’t remember to find his shoes before pulling himself into that beat-up green Jeep. He just stared out the window idly, his mind stuck on the image of Emile laying on the bed in Lilly’s room. 

As we stop becoming friends

One thing Roman wanted was a dorm. He loved watching dorm tours and looking at tiny room decor on Pinterest. No matter how much Remus insisted redecorating his bedroom was a “waste of time” and “a massive waste of time”, Roman was still determined to make his second year at Western feel like a fresh start. His hair dye was starting to fade, and God knew he needed a do-over. 

His scalp was tingling under the dye and his arms were sore from moving around furniture. But it almost looked like his grand vision. Almost. 

“Why the fuck do you have a bag on your head?”

“Why the fuck do you always bother me?” 

Remus shrugged. His bangs were wrapped in tinfoil. “Twintuition, I guess.”

“Okay, first of all, twintuition sounds stupid as fuck. Second of all, you have no room to judge Wal-Mart Couture.”

Remus rolled his eyes but stepped on his tippy toes to see over Roman’s shoulder. “Holy fucking shit dick, you moved a lot of junk around.”

“Eloquent as always.”

“How much time have you spent on interior design TikTok.”

“None.”

Remus raised an eyebrow and stared right at Roman.

 He couldn’t stand seeing Remus look so tired of him.

Roman looked at the ground sheepishly. “I’ve been on Interior Design YouTube.”

“Of course, you were.” He sat his hands on his hips and said, “You should at least make your skills... useful. ”

Roman made a gasp of offense and gestured to the newly decorated room behind him.

Remus, once again, rolled his eyes. “I meant Emile. He’s moving soon, I figured you’d like to help him.”

“I didn’t know he was moving,” Roman said with furrowed brows.

Remus’s eyes went wide. “Maybe... that was for a reason. Fuck.”

“A reason?” Roman asked. His cheeks were burning but his blood ran cold. 

“Forget I said anything,” Remus said, uncharacteristically quiet. He walked away. 

And we start becoming lovers 

It was two days before he heard from anyone. Two. Quiet. Mindnumbing. Days. But when he finally got a text from Remy he was ready to throw caution to the wind just for the chance to talk to someone. He was out of the house before he’d even had time to panic about whether or not his outfit was right. 

They were meeting at a park just between their neighborhoods. It had a castle fit for the mightiest of knights and a blue sky where it never rained and sunlight that never burned, the home to a myriad of childhood adventures. Roman drove with his childhood self buckled into the backseat and ready to run. 

Dark grey clouds stood in battle formation at the edge of the sky as he pulled into the parking lot. When Roman turned off the ignition of his car, he stood 19 years old and all alone. The sound of his locking car dominated the empty space. He walked along the stained sidewalk that was only distinguishable from the dirt path due to all the scars filled with dandelions and every other flower that grows in the neglect of childhood innocence. He plucked a dandelion from the ground and put it in his pocket. The Castle of Kings was now just old plastic warped into something reminiscent of a house. It was smaller. It must have been smaller because Roman didn’t dare speak the alternative. 

Remy was moving half-heartedly on a rusty old swing. They were not the children they used to be. The ghosts of the past could not imagine the concrete of the future-- stained with dandelion scars. Roman took a seat on the swing next to Remy, who seemed to be lost in thought, and for a moment he did nothing but quietly observe. Remy’s sunglasses were gone, allowing the curl of his long lashes and the sharp corners of his eyes to meet the spotlight. They were close enough to touch, but Roman didn’t dare. He feared everything around him was but a dream and that the one real tie would collapse like sand if he dared disturb it. 

Remy took a deep breath. He met Roman’s eyes. “Your friend knows how to throw one hell of a party, huh?”

He laughed, though nothing was funny. “You could say that. She’s always been the... wilder of the two of us.”

“I don’t know. You and I had a pretty wild time in her closet.”

This time, it was funny. 

But Remy took a breath. “But I did want to ask you about it.” And it seemed that even the wind hid inside his lungs. 

“What... is there to ask?”

Remy reached out, tenderly laying his fingers over Roman’s hand. “Are you sure you’re... ready? I mean, if that was a one-time thing, I get it. But, if it wasn’t, are you ready for a relationship?”

“No,” Roman said, “but I... don’t want that to be a one-time thing, either.”

“So, what do you want?”

Roman’s heart beat like a drummer leading troops into battle. “To kiss you again.”

The metal chains of the swing made music to the beat of Roman’s heart and the accompaniment of thunder rolling. Remy pulled himself, still sitting on the swing, closer to Roman. He held onto the chains above Roman’s head and pulled him closer, letting their lips meet and fighting the natural positions of the swings that one misstep would pull them back to. Roman put his hands on Remy’s waist and held on as tightly as he could. Raindrops fell on his skin as Remy’s tongue traced over his lips. The rain came down hard and fast and Roman leaned in to kiss Remy harder but the plastic swing had grown slick and they both fell to the ground, Remy’s hands on the dirt on either side of Roman’s face. 

Now, this is a view I could get used to, Roman thought, followed by, Fuck, that hurt.

“Are you okay?” Remy asked.

“That depends. Are you going to kiss it better?”

Remy laughed. Their mouths met again. 

And I don’t belong to anyone

They weren’t in a relationship. Not really. But that was irrelevant when they were in each other’s arms, in bed sheets, in nothing but pure escapism. They still had their platonic rendezvous for coffee or thrifted clothes, and moments with friends where everyone sat none the wiser to what happened behind closed doors. For once Roman wasn’t being shown off as he’d once dreamed of being. For once, Roman was happy. 

I’m only happy when I’m on the run

First day of classes. There was something in the air. Hope? Opportunity? Whatever it was, Roman wanted to breathe it in and keep it trapped within his lungs. But instead, he replaced it with a spray of cologne over his clothes, hoping the scent of an ocean breeze would be substitute enough for optimism. He reviewed his outfit again and again. A red polo with beige chinos and a gold chain in place of a belt. He hoped the bright red of his hair wasn’t too much, but also knew he didn’t exactly have time to dye it back to brown. So he took a breath, grabbed his bag (adorned with Disney pins and a shiny gold crown that read “He/Him/His”) and accepted his fate. 

He grabbed breakfast downstairs and led the march to his car, with Remus and Virgil (who had spent the night) following suit. 

I break a million hearts just for fun

They pulled into the parking lot of an apartment complex a block away from campus. Remy’s car pulled in right next to them and everyone celebrated the brief reunion. 

“Where’s Patton?” Virgil asked. “I thought he was supposed to ride with you.”

Remy shrugged. “All he told me was that he got a ride from someone else. I guess that someone didn’t hear about our plan to, you know, celebrate Patton.”

“Celebrating freshmen is overrated anyway,” Remus said. “I’m sure Patton just wants to pretend he’s a been-through-the-mud like the rest of us.”

Virgil furrowed his brow, obviously unhappy with the answer. “Do you think it’s because of the gap year?”

“You mean the one his parents killed?” Remus scoffed. “Can’t imagine it’s related at all.”

A knot twisted itself in Roman’s stomach. He wasn’t sure if it was the reminder of the group history he’d missed out on, or the scowl on Remus’s face that made every part of Roman’s brain scream “DANGER”. He shoved his hands in his pockets and said, “Let’s just find Emile’s place, alright?”

Remy laughed. “Yeah, let’s bring him into this shit show.”

Virgil rolled his eyes, but said nothing. And the group ventured forwards. 

I don’t belong to anyone

Stepping into the apartment, Roman saw exactly what one would expect from a man like Emile. The kitchenette had Disney themed plates and appliances wrapped in prints from various cartoons. The oven mitts bore the faces of the stepsisters from Cinderella and magnets covered the door of the refrigerator. The little couch he had was more decorative pillow than seat and random blankets with lots of colors and designs he couldn’t make out were haphazardly strewn about the place. 

“Killer place, Em,” Virgil said.

“You think?” Emile asked with a smile.

Remy put a hand on his shoulder and said, “This is about the most Emile Picani thing I’ve ever seen.”

“It gets even more Emile Picani,” said Emile Picani. He opened up a door which revealed his bedroom: a small place filled with stuffed animals and covered with posters along the walls. He had a window where an array of small potted plants sat in a line on the sill. Some were in pots shaped like Pokémon or other cartoon characters, while others were in terracotta pots that had been painted with an amount of detail that must have taken hours of work and more attention than Roman had ever held in his life. 

“You were right,” Virgil said. “This did get a lot more Emile Picani.”

Emile smiled proudly. 

“Should we head off to class?” Roman asked.

Virgil groaned dramatically. “How dare you suggest we go to class on the first day of classes? I want this summer to last forever.”

“I don’t,” Roman murmured under his breath. 

I guess you could say that my life’s a mess

But I’m still lookin’ pretty in this dress

With bags slung over their shoulders, the group walked to campus like an image right out of a movie. They looked cool, intimidating, with the wind blowing perfectly through their hair. At least, that was how Roman envisioned it. Perfect. Theatrical. The opening credits rolling in every window they passed. The start of his story- where nothing before it mattered. 

“You know... I can’t help but worry about Patton,” Emile confessed.

“Patton’s smart. He’s not going to have any problem with college classes,” Virgil said.

Emile furrowed his brow. “That’s not... what I meant. I don’t like that he bailed on us without saying anything.”

“Then bail him back,” Remus said. “I don’t have time for anyone who breaks those kinds of promises.”

“That seems... intense,” Emile said. “Come on, can we at least check the campus coffee shop for him?”

Remus sighed. “Fine. You get five minutes, then I’m gone.”

Emile gave a smile, but Roman could see the fear behind it. No one liked Remus being angry. 

At least the coffee shop wasn’t too far away. Though the silence that hung over the group the rest of the way there turned the short walk into a long and treacherous journey. The silence wasn’t even the worst of it. 

They entered the coffee shop with its dusty lamps and stained couches and the smell of burnt espresso that always felt like home. But there were two figures, wrapped up in each other on one of those old couches. A familiar birthmark and a snake tattoo on an arm that wrapped around a younger figure. With faded blue bangs. 

Roman swore he was going to be sick.

“I... guess we found him,” Emile said quietly.

Janus slowly pulled away from Patton and glanced at the group with a smirk. He held eye contact with Roman, clearly attempting some sort of mind control.

Roman froze. The spell was working. 

“Long time no see, friends,” Janus drawled. 

“Hey guys,” Patton said quietly, his cheeks flushed red and his lips swollen. 

Roman was going to cry.

No, he refused to cry. He refused to give Janus any sort of satisfaction. 

He turned his gaze back towards the group. He could pretend to have not even noticed Janus. Better yet, he could have pretended that he did notice Janus but that seeing his ex make out with someone he wanted to call a friend was so minimal that it didn’t even warrant mention. “Remy,” he said, “hurry up and order your coffee. We’re going to be late to astronomy.”

Remy took a sharp breath. “Astronomy. Right.” He headed for the counter and the (confused) trio followed him. 

Roman took his hand, squeezing it tightly, hoping that Janus saw. Hoping that he might be able to withstand his mind falling apart like sand so long as Remy didn’t do the same. 

“Are you alright?” Remy whispered.

“Of course I am.”

I’m the master of deception

If you asked Roman what happened that day in his classes, he couldn’t tell you. 

The attendance records would show that he was there. His professors would tell you that he answered every question they asked of him. 

But Roman could only remember anger. Anger at himself. And a continuous mourning of who he could have been. 

When everything is life and death

You may feel like there’s nothing left

Roman didn’t sleep well that night. 

All he saw was Janus. In his dreams. In the halls. In his nightmares.

Roman didn’t sleep well at all. 

Instead of love and trust and laughter

His parents were going out of town for the weekend. And he no longer cared about civility towards his neighbors. 

What you get is happy never after. 

He was already drunk before the party began. He could remember sobering up, surrounded by lights and sounds and people, and he could remember the crushing anxiety in the back of his mind yelling at him for all that had gone wrong. He took a couple shots. That shut the voice right up. 

Friends of Lilly’s danced around him. Strangers in the intimate space of his home. A girl was dancing with him, flowers in her dark braids and sangria in her cup. Roman didn’t even have sangria in the house. He didn’t question where she got it from. 

The night flowed from bottle to cup to lips. It rushed by in drunk kisses between friends. All Roman cared about was the bliss of dancing wildly and the happy buzz in his brain. A warm hand grabbed his shoulder and pulled him away from the heart of the party. He whined in protest and frowned until he saw the black eyes and midnight blue hair. 

He laughed. “Remy, you’re very fun but I’m not in the mood for ‘privacy’ right now.”

Remy handed him a water bottle. “Roman, you need a break. Drink this.” Remus, Virgil, and Emile were standing behind him. 

He groaned. “I’m fine , Rem. I’m having fun.”

“ Roman,” he said sharply. 

The playlist changed and played something with a fast tempo, heavy on the guitar and beating drums through Roman’s skull. He laughed. “I’m not Roman anymore. Roman is dull.” He jumped onto the couch, landing between two boys who seemed unhappy to have their make out session interrupted. “I’m Electra Heart, BABY!” He screamed and the crowd around him cheered loudly. 

“You’re a dumbass,” Remy said. “Come on, party’s over.”

The drunken crowd booed. 

Remus raised an airhorn over his head and announced, “If this house isn’t empty in twenty minutes, we’re calling the cops.”

They booed again. 

He held down the horn and Roman grabbed onto his ears in pain. Before he could even figure out if the horn had blown out his hearing, people were making their way out of the house. 

“I hate you,” he said to Remus. “You’re the worst brother in the world.”

“Roman,” Remy said, holding the bottle out again, “please just drink some water.”

“And why should I?”

“Because you’ll hate yourself when you’re hungover.”

He gave a sharp laugh. “You mean like how I’ll hate myself sober?” He went to take another sip of his drink when Remy’s fingers closed around his wrist, holding his hand in place.

“Don’t do this, Roman.”

“Or what?” he whispered. 

With Remy still holding Roman’s hand in place, Virgil took away the cup. Roman glared at him. 

Emile spoke up, “Roman, this isn’t healthy behavior.”

“Who- fucking- cares?” he spat. “I don’t need a fucking babysitter telling me what to do.”

He took a sharp breath. “Your actions say otherwise.”

“Go fuck yourself, Rat.”

Emile stared at him and the rest of the world melted away. He straightened his shoulders, let out a short breath, and walked out of the house. 

Roman doesn’t remember the rest of that night.

But deep down all you want is love,

He woke up on the couch with a sharp pain in his neck and some medieval torture device tightening around his skull. He pressed his palms against his eyes, but the pressure only gave minimal relief. He ran his fingers through his hair and a surge of light entered the room. He screamed out and squeezed his eyes tightly. 

He heard someone sigh and say quietly, “Get up, Roman.” It was Remus. And he sounded so disappointed. 

Roman groaned. “Get me water.”

“No.”

“No?!” Roman started to sit up but the pain in his head intensified and he lost all ability to think. “Why no?”

Remus spoke calmly- too calmly- and said, “You can take care of yourself, can’t you?”

“You’re a dick.”

“Don’t treat me like a mirror, Roman.”

The pure kind we all dream of

Lilly sat down in front of him, effectively ruining his private moment of peace and quiet. “You look like shit,” she said. 

He couldn’t deny it. He’d barely slept in days and hadn’t even mustered the energy to shower. There was a pile of schoolwork in front of him- more of it overdue and unstarted than he wanted to admit. “Apparently once you fuck yourself over, it’s very hard to unfuck yourself.”

“You could always sell your soul in exchange for getting your virginity back. That would unfuck you.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Very helpful, Lilly.”

“Speaking of getting fucked,” she started. 

Roman didn’t know if he wanted to kill her or himself. 

“How are things going with your lover boy friend?”

“I... think I messed that up, too. I don’t know.” He let his head fall into his hands, his palms pressed against his eyes. “I think I need to start over.”

“With Remy?”

“With life. At least, the past year of it.”

“Well, you could always start over and have someone else as a distraction,” she suggested. “Just not that Soft Boy friend of yours.” 

“Emile?” Roman asked, looking up at Lilly and furrowing his brows. 

“Yeah, figured we’d have a little fun while I had to keep him distracted,” she confessed, “but he said he had... something going on with someone. Denied they were dating, but still told me he didn’t want to feel like he was cheating.”

“I guess I really don’t know Emile,” Roman mumbled to himself. “Who do you think it is?”

She shrugged. “You’d know better than I would.”

Roman silently went back to his work. I don’t think I know anything anymore.

But we cannot escape the past

So you and I will never last

The doorbell echoed before Roman could even make the decision to press it. Better that way , he told himself. He wouldn’t be pathetic. He needed to fight the urge to run. 

The door opened and he swallowed the lump in his throat, ready to word vomit to Remy. But he wasn’t the one behind the door. 

“Um, hi Mrs. Cho,” he said.

She laughed. She was a tall woman with her black hair pinned behind her ears and dangling earrings that matched the shiny black dress she wore. Anyone would assume she was on her way to a night out. Roman knew she was just dressed to watch soap operas or whatever it was that moms did when their sons weren’t home. “Hello, Mr. Barnes. I’ve told you that you can call me Seline.”

Roman squeezed his hands at his side. “I don’t think that’s physically possible, Mrs. Cho. Is Remy around?”

“He’s up in his room,” she said. “Should I tell him to come down?”

“Is it alright if I go up? I need to talk to him and I’d rather not inconvenience him.” More than I already have.  

She stepped back and gestured for him to come inside. He quietly thanked her and hurried up to Remy’s room upstairs- the blue door marked with construction paper stars. He opened the door slowly. At the rate his life was going, he didn’t think his heart would ever stop racing. 

Remy was sitting at his desk with a large pair of headphones that he took off when the door opened. When he saw Roman, time must have frozen.

Roman opened his mouth to speak, but couldn’t find a single word. He walked forward and closed the door behind him. He kneeled on the ground in front of Remy, both his knees pressing into the old carpet. 

Remy’s eyebrows were furrowed.

He doesn’t want you here, a voice told him. He hates you now. You’re ruining things even more. You’re pathetic. He choked on the apology trying to rush from his throat all at once. “I’m- Remy, I’m so sorry.”

Remy folded his hands on his lap and stared down at Roman, trying to be expressionless. But despite his best efforts, the concern in his eyes said more than any word ever could. “What are you sorry for, Electra Heart?”

Roman cringed. “For being a drunken idiot. And an arrogant asshole.” He forced a laugh. “And the terrible hangover I got because of it.”

“You deserved that hangover.”

“I did. I really did.” 

‘Cause I’m a homewrecker, homewrecker

“But I had time to realize that... I should have let you take care of me,” he said. His eyes began to burn. “I shouldn’t have pushed away your concern for me- or anyone else’s. Remus made it incredibly clear that no one wanted a thing to do with me after that night.”

(I’m only happy when I’m on the run)

“A- And I get it! I wouldn’t want a thing to do with me either, but- fuck- Remy, you mean so much to me and even if you never talk to me again, I’m not just here to fuck and- okay, I’ll admit it- you are a good kisser, but more importantly you’re my friend and-” Tears were coming out faster than words and he pushed so hard through the sobs blocking his airways. He could barely breathe but that didn’t matter. He’d rather die on Remy’s old carpet than spend the rest of his life being fucked up and alone. 

‘Cause I’m a homewrecker, homewrecker

“Roman,” Remy said sharply.

Roman covered his mouth with his hands and tried to muffle his labored breathing. 

(I broke a million hearts just for fun)

There was a gentle kiss against his forehead and a rush of warmth as two arms wrapped around him. His cheek was pressed against Remy’s chest. He couldn’t stop shaking as his struggle to breath took over his whole body. Remy rocked him back and forth. 

“No one is going to leave you,” Remy said softly. “Remus was just being a dick as always. He’s been... pissed off. At other people. And I won’t pretend you didn’t hurt us, but I also won’t pretend not to know why.”

Roman tried to speak. He tasted the salt of his tears rolling against his lips. 

“Things will be okay, Roman.” 

Roman’s sobs quieted down and Remy continued to gently rock him back and forth. 

“I promise.”

Homewrecker

Homewrecker

[graedari]

You can all have a little Remus... As a treat...

Seriously though, @thatsthat24​ @thejoanglebook​ @tallykat3​ thank you all for the hard work on giving us the playlists!

(if I miss any TW please let me know and I’ll add them!)

Taglist below:

@are-you-even--real @killjoy-3000 @wroammin @true-chaotic-dumbass @escalatingtoofast @themagicheartmailman @mirinda03 

[an-organized-confusion]

More Gym Rat AU Stuff

Okay. We all know Roman has a bit of a self-hatred streak, yeah?

Showed co-conspirator one of many fandom posts riffing on that w/ some platonic Prinxiety - and this happened (also Remus is a little shit, to no one’s surprise, under the readmore):

Him: Virgil: "I WILL PUSH YOU DOWN UNTIL YOU LOVE YOURSELF." Roman: *conflicted princey noises*

Me: i just easily picture that shit happening in iZ and GymRat!AU (more platonic-like)

Him: Virgil is teaching him judo practicing real tough love with body slams

Me: given that i did HC virgil digging combat work - i can see that

Him: Virgil: "Ugh you're insufferable. You're simultaneously the most egotistical prick and self hating bastard i know." *Virgil shoulder throws him into a padded wall.* Janus: just standing there like "If my love isn't enough to get through his thick skull, perhaps a concussion will bring him to his senses."

Me: oh lawd... i picture someone... probably logan yelling, "YOU'VE DONE PT-WORK. TBIs ARE NOT FUNNY."

Him: Janus: "It's fine, i've told virgil not to pile drive him" Janus: "Pile drivers are judo right?" Virgil: *offended virgil noises* Virgil: *throws roman harder than intended in indignation*

Remus: *Saunters in while roman is groaning on the ground, squats and farts in his face* Remus: *Saunters right back out with a shit eating grin*

Me: man don't give a shit abt gravitas now don't he :,D

Him: didn't even care if it was roman, just saunters in, saw someone at ground level decided to teabag and gas em

Me: the fact it was roman was just a plus... the fact it probably redirected his bro's self-hatred spell for a bit a double plus

Him: unintended bonus *roman chasing after remus with a bokken for the next few weeks*

[coffee-n-bagels-comic-universe]

[Ghostbusters] Brainwaves: Mini Bios (1984) Nova’s Family (Part 2/2)

Tagging @ariel-seagull-wings @spook-central and @soulman133 Let me know if you want to be tagged/untagged from Brainwaves posts. These are just bullet point bios for the main groups of characters, as in the female professors, Ghostbusters and Ghostbuster staff, the C.U.P.S students, Nova’s family and then the others™ (e.g. Dickless, Dana)

Following Characters:

Electra Teufel

Norman Teufel

Thomas Teufel

Otmar Teufel

Remus Teufel

Romulus Teufel-Mann

Long Post so it's under the cut.

General Family:

The Teufel Family are supposedly (Read: Definitely) psychic

Most (if not all) are former Jews who converted to being Wiccan at one point or another

The surname ‘Teufel’ literally translates to 'Devil’

Electra 'Ellie' Teufel:

Face Claim / Actress: Carol Kane

Full Name: Electra Irma Teufel. AKA: Ellie

30 in 1984. Born June 18th 1954 in Brooklyn. Lives in Manhattan

German, Female, Straight, Wiccan, Gemini

Speaks English, German, Polish, Spanish, Chinese, Latin & French

5'2" and 114 lbs, Blue eyes, Blonde hair dyed Ginger, 3 tattoos, ears pierced

Member of C.U.P.S, Is/was in the Parapsychology Course, Psychology Student

Younger sister of Norman and Medusa

Makes money as a fortune teller

Norman 'Manny' Teufel:

Face Claim / Actor: Christopher Lloyd

Full Name: Norman Mercury Teufel. AKA: Nomad, Norm, Manny, Merry

44 in 1984. Born October 22nd 1940 in Brooklyn. Lives in Manhattan

German, Male, Bisexual, Wiccan, Libra

Speaks English, German, Polish, Spanish, Chinese, French and Japanese

6'1" and 172 lbs, Brown eyes and hair, clean shaven / stubble, hairy, 10 tattoos

Member of C.U.P.S, Herbology, Foetology & Mortuary Science Student

Older brother of Medusa & Electra

Gets paid a dollar by Gil and Nova for every class he attends

Thomas 'Tom' Teufel:

Face Claim / Actor: Tony Danza

Full Name: Thomas Jupiter Teufel. AKA: Tom, Tommy, TJ, JT

30 in 1984. Born April 21st 1954 in Brooklyn. Lives in Queens

German, Male, Straight, Wiccan, Taurus

Can only speak English & German

5'9" and 169 lbs, Brown hair and eyes, clean shaven, hairy

Member of C.U.P.S, Criminology & Haematology Student

Younger brother of Otmar and Remus

Usually very distractable and late to classes

Professor Otmar 'Otto' Teufel:

Face Claim / Actor: Robin Williams

Full Name: Otmar Gemini Teufel

Professor / Mr. AKA: Otto

34 in 1984. Born July 21st 1950 in Brooklyn. Lives in Queens

German, Male, Straight, Wiccan, Cancer, Smoker

Speaks English, German, French, Spanish, Latin and Italian

5'6" and 170 lbs, Blue eyes and Brown hair, clean shaven / stubble, hairy

Bachelor's Degree in: Applied Arts, Arts, Dance, Film and Television, Fine Arts & Liberal Arts

Professor of the Arts, likes to have fun with his lessons

Doctor/Professor Remus 'Remi' Teufel, PhD:

Face Claim / Actor: Mandy Patinkin

Full Name: Remus Lambert Teufel

Professor / Doctor / Mr. AKA: Remi, Bert, Bertie

32 in 1984. Born November 30th 1953 in Brooklyn. Lives in Queens

German, Male, Straight, Sagittarius, Smoker

Speaks English, German, Hebrew, Arabic, Norse and Latin

5'11" and 193 lbs, Brown eyes and Black hair, full beard, hairy

Member of C.U.P.S, works with Nova

PhD in Eschatology, Bachelor's Degree in Religious Studies

Romulus 'Roman' Teufel-Mann:

Face Claim / Actor: Tom Hulce

Full Name: Romulus Gunther Teufel-Mann. AKA: Roman, Gunner

20 in 1984. Born December 6th 1964 in The Bronx. Lives In/on Staten Island

White, Male, Straight, Raised Jewish, Wiccan, Sagittarius

Speaks English, German, Hebrew, French and Spanish

5'7" and 180 lbs, Brown eyes and hair, clean shaven / stubble, hairy

Member of C.U.P.S, Mortuary Science, Dipterology & Genetics Student

Friend of Jacob Blumenthal

Born 5 years before his parent's divorce

[ilovesquishmallows]

[roman-apples]

superstar | roceit

❝ I love the way we worked so hard, yeah, we've come so far baby, look at me, you're my superstar. ❞

-

in which they finally meet after months of touring.

-

ao3 - https://archiveofourown.org/works/26553832 

ugh u know I had to use marina chile

-

"Thank you, New York! It was wonderful playing one last show in the greatest city in the world!"

Roman waves at the crowd as he walks off, face lit up with excitement. He pulls out his phone from his skirt pocket, all the notifications being texts or calls from his friends. However, one stood out the most.

stupid idiot 🥺❤️: congrats on the last show. excited for tomorrow ❤️❤️

He smiles before going towards the back exit, clicking on the contact. Once he's outside, he hits the call option. The smooth voice instantly ringed through, creating a sense of familiarity he wanted to feel in person. Sure, they called every night after their shows, but that really wasn't the point at the moment.

"Hello, dear," The voice speaks.

"Hey, Jan! How was your show?" Roman asks, failing at trying to seem calm and collected. He waves at the fans walking out of the arena, receiving squeals in return.

Janus laughs, "Exhausting, yours?"

"Horrible!" Roman exclaimed dramatically, resulting in a snort from the bassist.

"Why's that?"

"It's my last concert! I won't be able to see my adoring fans until I write more music! And how draining of a job is that? I mean, sure, it's fun, but—"

"Roman Prince, are you saying you don't want to come home and see me? I'm hurt." Janus gasps, and Roman could almost see how he'd put his hand against his forehead before tipping back to mock his own antics.

"Shut it, you," Roman rolls his eyes, forgetting the other wouldn't be able to see, "You know I miss you."

With a laugh, "And I, you. However, I should get going. They'll drive off without me."

"Bye, mi amor," He smiled, "te quiero."

"Je t'aime, davantage."

-

The flight couldn't have been any longer, he thought.

He had been yelled at by the old lady in the seat in front of him, had water spilled on him, and his seat mates couldn't keep their hands off of each other. What a mess that was.

However, he thinks, it'll be worth it once he's met with the eyes of his lover.

Roman sets his bag down on the seat in front of him, ignoring the paparazzi's loud camera snaps outside of the airport. He was right in front of the clear doors, waiting for Janus to meet him there.

Suddenly, he hears the loud rambling of the voice he'd grown up with. Remus.

"Rem! Over here, dingus."

The man looks up, before breaking out into a grin. "Ro!"

He pulls Roman into a hug, slightly taking the air out of him, "Remus, please, I do need air—"

"Oh," Remus shrugs, letting him go. Wait, if his twin was here, then that meant—

Roman looks around, trying to spot Janus, before seeing him still walking. He seemed to be taking his time as he talked with Virgil. Roman rolled his eyes, trying his hardest to not yell at the man to just hurry the fuck up.

Finally, Janus looked up, face lighting up. He begins to run, and so does Roman, because oh, my god, it's been months.

They meet in the middle with a hug, Roman spinning Janus around despite the latter being the taller of the two. He sets him down, looking up at him, before leaning up for a kiss. It ends shortly, though that was okay, because they were home. It could continue any time.

"Hi."

Janus laughs, "Hello."

Roman pulls them into another hug, as if Janus would just disappear once he looked back up like he had in his dreams. But, nope, this was real.

The taller male grabs Roman's chin with his fingers, pushing him away from his chest gently. He presses a quick kiss to his forehead, "Let's go home, superstar."

"Let's."

"Thank god, I thought we were gonna stay here forever!" Remus exclaims. Virgil smirks, walking ahead and following.

Roman laughs, before feeling his hand being intertwined with his lover's. He looks up, smiles and drags them out to catch up with their friends, who were exchanging secrets between each other.

This was home.

[asteriananthologies-arc]

ELECTRA & REMUS.

@faultyconscience wrote: 

Remus looked around the dark room, not even sure whose room it had been. After Molly had come through the place, none of the rooms held much of their previous owner’s belongings, save for Sirius’s, who seemed to have gone to great lengths to be sure the most they could erase his existence was to blast him off that tapestry.

“Was this–was this your room?”

Throwing one last ( furtive ) glance over her shoulder to make sure they had entered unobserved, Electra eased the bedroom door shut behind her with as quiet a click as she could manage. “Once upon a time.” A wave of her wand and the gas lamps began to glow—low, at first, and red—until the flames grew, and then they danced, blue and orange, in their brackets. By their light, she could see that very little had changed since she’d last set foot in here, although more than a decade had passed since then: there was her bed, her wardrobe, her dressing table, cleared of all her personal effects but still exactly where she had left them.

“I used to keep my photographs here.” She walked over to show him, running her fingertips across every bare surface on the way—chest of drawers, bookshelves, blanket box—no dust, though. “Has someone been in, cleaning?” She wasn’t sure how she felt about that, how she felt about any of this, if she was honest; there was a crease between her brows, the corners of her lips turned down. “It’s strange to see it looking so ... empty.”

[theasteriae-arc]

TAG DROP #4.

[asteriananthologies-a-blog]

divorced!au, with @faultyconscience || continued from x

Electra leant back against the brick wall behind her and glanced up, also smiling. “And I’m really pleased for you, Remus,” she said, sounding totally sincere, and feeling it too. “I’m glad you found your place, found something that makes you happy.” It had been kind of touch and go for a while; married at twenty, divorced by twenty one, it had been a whirlwind of a year for the both of them, trying to finish off their bachelor’s degrees, whilst all the while preparing to move to different cities, at opposite ends of the country, to continue their education. They’d talked about making it work long distance, of course, but in the end had had to call it off. 

“It’s nice to see you again.” Looking at him, she felt a flutter in her stomach and her smile began to falter. She had to look away. The students he’d brought with him were wandering around the gardens outside the library, exploring. She swallowed and started to dig around in her pocket for her packet of cigarettes. “It’s nice to know that we made the right decision, you know?” 

[romansleftshoulderpad]

For the character opinion bingo, how about Remus?

*Slaps roof of Remus* you can fit so many insecurities in this bad boy!!