#felixranstrommuse

[manybcdthings]

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Felix stifled back his laugh but a chuckle ended up escaping no matter how hard he tried. "Taylor Swift." he uttered despite his grin being more for the compliment bestowed on him than Gen's mistake. "But, I appreciate it. Luckily, all of you Belcourt's are rather easy to get along with." he replied with an earnest tone. After slowly integrating into their family dynamics, Felix had been struck by how they were the complete opposite from his own. A difference that, at first, intrigued him until he quickly realized he was lucky to experience the warm and welcoming nature they extended to him. "I think so..." he mused about Filippa, nodding his head quickly as he glanced to the art. "It's been a little while since her last movie, right?" which usually meant the Arison matriarch had her nose buried in canvases. Felix's grin grew as he noticed the lightbulb flick on behind Genevieve's expression and he nodded again.

"If that grows legs, I wouldn't mind being involved." he said, finding quick amusement in the fact a self confessed art-hater would be anywhere near the purchase of a studio or gallery. Felix didn't have time to respond before Gen was embracing him in a tight hug again, all he could do was laugh and accept his fate. But, he was touched by the reaction and the excitement, having never realized the exact extent in which Bella's family accepted him. "Thank you. It's a while until anything, so right now I'm a pending Belcourt. If that still counts at all." he chuckled, thankful the squeezed hug was brief that time around. "Just The Crow." Felix corrected the witch politely again, still amused but finding himself agreeing with a stage adaptation. "I think it could easily translate, yeah. Not sure what sort of songs the ensemble would be singing, but I guess if they went operatic with it? Sort of Phantom of the Opera-esque?" he shrugged.

Instantly, Felix's hand raised in a polite surrender as Gen caught his dry sarcasm. "Sorry. Old habits and all." he muttered sincerely, though wearing a mischievous grin at the way she scolded him. His intrigue rose as the Belcourt was willing to engage in the light-hearted discussion and Felix sipped his drink, nodding to Genevieve's perspective. "I agree, but wouldn't you say the nature of the industry has changed? The immediacy of it and social media? It's not the same now as it used to be, now it's like a constantly turning machine. The scrutiny actors face is heightened, along with the positive too. It's much more invasive." he had seen plenty of edits of his own friends and even his brother, which he obviously found hilarious at the time of seeing them. "I suppose that's capitalism, though. Not particularly the industry itself."

;

"Well, from where all us Belcourts are standing, it wasn't ever very hidden." Gen says sincerely with a wide grin. From the moment Bella introduced Felix, she could see how they were a match made in Heaven and how his outward demeanor is only just that. Behind it is a very caring man. "What is that Saylor Twift song? I knew you were something or other, well, I knew you were a Sweetiepop." she adds as she laughs, the sound becoming a thoughtful hum when they both consider the painting for Filippa. "I suppose you're right. Is she still trying to make everyone hoard pieces for her until she finds the space? You know, a better gift would be if we all opened a gallery and studio in her name." the thought is a mere joke at first, but after Gen speaks her head tilts and she glances to the Ranstromen. "Don't tell her that." she adds, quickly sending her thoughts as a rapid text to Luna.

"Right, yes. Just The Bear, well when you were in that, it was obvious. Bella kept her cards a little close to her chest at the time, I suppose she's like her mother in that way. So I didn't know at all that you were dating but I saw a Tiktok thing and thought hmm, how curious." she grins before excitement rolls over her again and she laughs out. "And now look! You're going to be a Belcourt, Oh, I couldn't be happier!" her arms fling out again for another impulsive and squeezing hug. This time, it isn't prolonged and Gen peels away soon after with her laughter lingering. "The Crow Bird, that's it. I saw the trailer, it looks very gothic and dramatic. Honestly, I think an adaptation for the stage would be amazing. The set on it's own would be mind blowing on broadway." Genevieve muses but catches the smirk from Felix and gives an understanding nod of her head. "Loud and clear. I shall be staying away." she laughs.

Her hand moves swiftly to deliver a gentle yet scolding tap to Felix's arm, scoffing playfully when she catches his sarcasm. "Excuse me, young man. Tone." she grins before laughing at Felix's reaction to the video. Gen then scrolls through a few more videos, every three or four, there's some hint of a naked torso riddled with abs which only prompts more laughter. "Oh, no, let's." she glances to him at his opinion, considering it as she sips her drink. "Mm, I'd argue supply and demand. Entertainment has always been something people have needed. Before film it was circuses or traveling shows or traveling theaters. Don't forget Shakespeare. This industry has always existed, I don't think it has been forced at all. But I suppose I agree with parasocial relationships, they are a little bit strange. But, I have the same response when little actor-lings complain about the press. We knew what we were doing, we can't then hate being in the public eye when it suits us."

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Ranström Estate in Sweden

@dxrkenedheights / @secrettyrant

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JUNE 8th - 15th: SWEDEN

Oskar, Felix, Isabella, Madisyn & Henrik

@dxrkenedheights @rviner @wilddwcrds

JUNE 8th

Felix, Oskar, Madi, Bella, and Henrik arrive in Sweden.

There are many uncomfortable silences between Felix and Oskar but Henrik's presence helps ease the awkwardness between them and the two manage longer conversations than they have done for weeks.

The group reach their apartments in the evening and have dinner together, though the conversation consists of small talk and tense atmospheres.

JUNE 9th

The group travels an hour to Strängnäs to visit Greta and Karl.

Bella opts to wait at a nearby coffee shop, growing concerned as the visit stretches longer than expected.

Greta and Karl are unexpectedly pleasant, engaging deeply with Madi and Henrik which feels strange to Felix and Oskar.

When Felix broaches the topic of family history, Greta's eerie calm response about the charmed notebook raises more questions than answers. She takes the book from him, stating how it was always supposed to be as close to Hanna as possible.

Madi discreetly retrieves the book as they leave and Oskar notes how Karl's reaction was stranger than Greta's, as if he was expecting a different response from her.

Felix suggests visiting the graves of Hanna and Lars, but they return to Stockholm with Bella for Henrik's sake.

JUNE 10th

Tensions boil over at breakfast as Madi accuses Oskar and Felix of lying to her about the family given Greta's initial welcoming and warm nature towards her, feeling robbed of potential connections.

The argument between Oskar and Madi is tense, with uncomfortable feelings shared from the Kennedy witch before she leaves. Bella follows and attempts to console Madi.

Felix and Oskar's argument escalates. Felix comes to Madi's defense and the two of them end up touching on deeper family fractures. Their confrontation only ends when they realize it has distressed Henrik, but no resolution is reached between the brothers.

Plans to visit the cemetery go awry with the group going their separate ways for the rest of the day.

JUNE 11th

The strained group reconvenes in the morning and drives to Köping to locate Hanna and Lars' graves. Felix, lacking his magic, stays behind to watch Henrik.

Madi, Oskar and Bella discover a neglected crypt where the notebook's gemstone begins to glow. Encouraged by Oskar, Madi is able to tap into her magic, leading to a breakthrough between them.

They return to Stockholm to read the book with Felix, revealing disturbing truths about their family's use of abyssal magic, the deaths of Greta's siblings and how she furthered the practice against her own children.

This discovery leads to them learn that, while Agneta is cruel in many other ways, she ended two generations worth of abuse and abyssal magic.

Bella helps navigate these revelations, prompting heart-to-heart conversations and apologies between Oskar and Felix and also with Madi.

JUNE 12th

The group continues to grapple with the shocking family history and desperately need a day of reflection. Bella and Felix spend time with Henrik to allow Madi and Oskar a chance to reconnect.

Felix shares his conflicted feelings about his mother with Bella, and the conversation ties into discussions about their future.

Felix later calls Nina to tell her everything that has been revealed from the book and this prompts reconciliation between her and Felix.

Madi and Oskar spend the day with one another resembling a father and daughter for possibly the first time.

The day ends with the group reconvening, their first moment of real connection during the harrowing discoveries.

JUNE 13th

The group travels to the Ranström estate in Gudmundrå, visiting Anna who lives in one of the homes on the land but she remains indifferent about their arrival.

After a short visit, they return to the main estate to relax. When Henrik is asleep the evening turns into an impromptu dinner party with wine, games and singing.

Many drunken heart to hearts are shared, one of them where Oskar admits that he could have been a better husband to Thea and the group stop him from drunk calling and texting her.

The night ends, late, with Felix and Oskar sharing a rare, heartfelt hug which then prompts Madi and Bella to join before they all go to bed.

JUNE 14th

The group struggles through a day of hangovers, made worse by Henrik's early wake-up. They return to Stockholm but the simple journey to the city is constantly interrupted by Felix and Oskar needing restroom stops.

Back at the apartments, they all spend the day in recovery and there's a lot of groans and grumbles. This becomes equally as amusing with everyone sending Henrik back and forth between them so they can all nurse their headaches and groggy moods.

Oskar teaches them all his hack of wearing a white t-shirt and drawing a road on it so Henrik can use his cars on the back as a relaxing massage. They all fall asleep while watching a movie in Oskar's apartment and decide to order take-out instead of cooking.

JUNE 15th

The group arrive back in New York in the evening, reflecting on the trip filled with revelations and disturbing discoveries.

Oskar cancels his work schedule for the rest of the week, calling Thea to make arrangements so they can spend time as a family with Henrik and he also makes plans with Madi.

Felix rearranges Bella's work schedule after the emotional labor she's put into the time away, giving her a few more days out from work so she can recharge.

They're all much closer than when they first embarked on the journey, but each of them are aware that it's only just the beginning of true changes being made.

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"Not us." Felix declared with a grin, waving his hand in a gesture to the rest of the group. "But that either means you're mentally young, or we're all mentally old." his eyes sparkled with mischief as he threw a playful glance at Filippa. The truth was obvious. The Arison witch carried a contagious energy, the kind that could light up even the darkest corners of a room. It was a rare thing, and Felix found himself appreciating it more than he'd care to admit. Even her art didn’t rub him the wrong way. A small miracle in itself. He laughed, the sound escaping easily as Filippa quipped back, and he nodded in agreement. "Oh, I stopped looking for any hope a while ago." he said, grinning as he exaggerated his pessimism. The irony wasn't lost on him. If anything, his story had shifted gears, and Felix was beginning to understand what it meant to hold onto hope, to find it when it was least expected.

When Filippa mentioned the group, Felix glanced around, squinting one eye against the sun's glare. He tried not to let it show, but he was warmed by who had decided to join them. "I think a trip to Italy might have had something to do with it." he quipped, a grin tugging at his lips. "And you said the word love too much for me in that sentence, Pip." he added, laughing. "But credit where it’s due. Nadia was the mastermind. I wouldn't have done anything to celebrate but she knows Bella better than I do. Obviously. Which means I've got a few things to learn." He turned his attention back to Filippa, grinning again as she dispensed her effortless wisdom.

"Well, I appreciate you sticking around all these years, giving me advice, and watching me do the complete opposite without ever changing your opinion of me." he said, chuckling. But beneath the humor was genuine appreciation. He could only imagine how frustrating it must be to see the right path so clearly and watch others scramble in the opposite direction. When Filippa tapped his hand with a fleeting gesture of affection, Felix gave a quick nod in acknowledgment, though he couldn't help but shift slightly in discomfort at the praise. "I actually think being self-aware is part of the problem." he quipped, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "But thank you. Unless, of course, this whole conversation is just two delusional people thinking they're honest and self-aware."

'i suppose one reaches a certain age and thinks they might cramp the youth's style, as it were.' filippa chuckles, but she carries a genuine gratefulness that felix considers her close enough to share the celebration with her. she laughs to his additional comment, giving the ranstrom a teasing look of seriousness. 'well, i'm here now so i'm certainly not leaving early.' she jests, reaching for her coffee cup and taking a moment to enjoy the peacefulness of the villa. without glancing to felix as he compliments her apparent energy, filippa grins and sips her drink. 'we're only as old as we feel, i think.' she says, glancing to felix as she chuckles. 'which means there's no hope for you, sadly. i would bet money that you've considered yourself ninety years old since you were born.'

a more sincere nod moves over the witch's head, no doubt in her mind that felix and bella are among the lucky few to find a person so perfect for a shared life together. her person was theodore, and filippa knows there is no finding it twice. 'of course. everyone here is here because they love you both. and they love you both together. isn't that lovely?' she always wants to urge felix into a positive outlook, but never at the expense of rationality. she supposes that's why the two of them managed to curate a space of mutual respect over the years. 'well, us old and wise ones don't give advice knowing any of you will actually follow it.' she laughs. 'we just know it will softly implant there for when the inevitable car crash happens, and then you'll listen to it.'

regardless of her teasing, the arison witch reaches a hand across the table and delivers felix a very quick and very british pat pat of affection to his knuckles. 'felix, for all of the things you have considered flaws about yourself over the years, i've always thought you were very honest and very self aware.' she offers the opinion sincerely to him and then settles back to her seat with her coffee. 'you'd be surprised how rare that is. the world is full of dishonest and delusional people, i fear.' filippa adds as she laughs again.

[manybcdthings]

Ranström Family Home

@dxrkenedheights / @secrettyrant

[manybcdthings]

[manybcdthings]

lax

felix ranstrom and isabella westwood @rviner

After what felt like an eternity, Felix finally had Dorian trotting beside him again, and this time, on a leash. The last time he saw this scruffy ball of wiry fur, Felix was bidding farewell at the vets with the promise he'd see the dog again. And then, for months, Dorian was a world away. But now, as the two of them wandered through the bustling terminal of LAX, Felix couldn't help but notice how much healthier the dog looked. The wiry fur was still Dorian's trademark, and no amount of grooming was going to change that but there was a new sparkle in the dog's eyes, a vitality that wasn't there before. It was as if Dorian had finally found something worth wagging his tail about.

Felix was thankful that Bella had offered to tag along. She was the kind of person who knew when he needed company, even if he didn't say it. And, Felix had never been a particularly big dog person, knowing Bella had a calming presence that seemed to extend even to animals. As they made their way through the airport, Dorian trotted happily between them, his paws tapping against the cold tile floor with a curiosity that made Felix smile. The dog sniffed at everything like it was his first time encountering the world, and in a way, it probably was.

"Can dogs get jet-lagged?" Felix asked, the question slipping out before he could stop himself. It was the sort of thing Bella might know, but even as he asked, his other hand was already fishing his phone out of his pocket, ready to consult the all-knowing internet. He glanced at Dorian, who seemed perfectly fine, if not a little too fine. "He's happy, right?" Felix added, hoping the sudden wave of apprehension that hit him like a cold breeze wasn't too obvious.

This was, after all, a bit more intense than his usual habits. Rescuing a literal stray dog from Italy, flying him across the Atlantic, and now strolling through LAX with a new four-legged companion a month later? It was a far cry from his typical routine of getting drunk and indulging in a few…other pick-me-ups. "Maybe I could take him for a walk on Rosie’s beach or something?" Felix mused aloud, his thoughts half-formed and scattered. The idea of introducing Dorian to the sand and surf seemed nice, a poetic end to the dog's long journey. "Or do you think that would…that's a lot in one day, right? I'd probably tell someone to fuck off if they wanted me to jump around on a beach after a flight." Felix looked at Bella with a shrug over his shoulders. "If you hadn't noticed, the reality of looking after something other than myself is finally sinking in."

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Felix couldn't help but grin when Bella's face lit up with pure, unfiltered joy. It was the kind of smile that felt contagious, the kind that made his own lips curl upward without a second thought. He tried to focus on the placard in front of him, squinting at the ancient digital relic behind the glass, an Instagram post frozen in time. It proudly displayed an image of a meticulously arranged acai bowl. The accompanying explanation was priceless: "This digital artifact, originating from a platform called ‘Instagram,’ shows a ‘bowl of acai.’ Vegans were known to share images of their food as part of a communal ritual, perhaps to connect with like-minded individuals across vast distances. Felix snorted softly, his eyes darting to an adjacent protest sign plastered with "Meat is Murder!"

Bella, of course, was positively beaming at it all, her excitement for this forgotten cause bubbling over. Felix nearly laughed, not at her, but because of her. It was hard not to be charmed by the way she could get so swept up in something that had probably faded from most people's minds centuries ago. His hand instinctively moved to the small of her back, fingers trailing upward until they found the ends of her hair, which he absentmindedly twirled between his fingers as she gushed over the exhibit. "Are you sure it's pronounced like that?" he teased, his smile growing even wider as he watched her. "Wouldn't it make more sense for the 'g' to be…like in vegetables? Vej-an?" He gave her a mock-serious look, still grinning. But truthfully, he was just as enthralled by the way she lit up. After the hard work she endured with Outreach, Felix knew she deserved a day to indulge in her bizarre little ways. Ways that reminded him precisely why he loved her.

Felix gently nudged her toward the next placard, still grinning. He cleared his throat dramatically as he read aloud, "Veganism: Ancient Ecology or Cult of Self-Denial?" He paused for effect, already amused. "Researchers still debate whether veganism was a movement of ecological survival or an elaborate form of self-denial. Evidence suggests they valued minimalism in their diets, perhaps as a response to a failing food system of their era." Felix chuckled, shaking his head. "Wonderful. My fiancée wants to restart a cult. That was not in my 2224 algorithm batch." He laughed at the absurdity of it all, but there was a warm undercurrent to the moment. One where he realized, yet again, that he'd happily follow Bella into the strangest corners of the universe.

@manybcdthings bella x felix - earth history museum equinox

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After hearing about the exhibition boasting new discoveries from life on Earth, Bella has been looking forward to the museum visit for weeks, waiting until her one day off rolls around that she can afford to take. She's already brimming with excitement after reading the first few sentences, and it doesn't mater if the information is there for Felix to read for himself, she just can't contain herself. "Don't you think that's beautiful!? It was more than a practice but a whole lifestyle!" Bella gasps, eyes back to the exhibit as she reads more. "These people really didn't want to cause suffering, and they even had whole sciences to back up why it was healthier, why it was better for them spiritually. They were rebelling against where they bought from, what companies they supported. They literally changed certain economic trends and food productions! All because they didn't think they should use from sentient beings. I love it. I love it so much." she beams widely, not even monitoring her town. "I want to be vee-gan. I think I really want to, maybe this old practice can come back to life because of this exhibit. And that's sort of beautiful too, how the past can shape the future but for the better. How we can learn so much from it."

[manybcdthings]

FELIX RANSTRÖM — HEADCANONS

QUIRKS, HABITS AND MEMORIES

One of the few and only gifts Felix has received from Olaf is an ornate intricately designed silver lighter, it was also a talisman of the older witch. It used to be the only one Felix used, but since becoming a werewolf it is now buried at the bottom of a drawer.

Has a habit of running his hand through his hair when stressed, in thought or problem solving. Also has the same stubborn strand of hair that always falls in his face.

Has kept a journal for years but has never told anyone, he also sketches in it with fine line black ball point but they're mainly doodles. He wrote about his attack and the emotions that followed the loss of his magic and hasn't touched the journal since.

Bites the inside of his cheek when he tries to suppress a sarcastic comment at an inappropriate time, but it usually finds a way to be said anyways.

Wears a black leather woven bracelet that Isabella gave him, never takes it off.

Always stands straight and in an at ease position or with his hands in his pockets. However, he slouches frequently whenever he's sat down and often stretches dramatically once he realizes like literally arms shooting up above his head with a groan as if he's 90 years old.

Has a somewhat impressive collection of vinyl records but he doesn't consider it a hobby, there's some he's never even listened to.

Is partial to chewing gum, especially when he's trying to quit smoking.

Has a PhD in philosophy but it's never been considered impressive or useful in his family so Felix himself even forgets he earned it.

Delayed working at Zenith by traveling and enrolling in universities in Europe, so he has a bunch of degrees none of which he uses.

Prefers dim lighting. Aside from the natural light in his apartment, there's only mood lighting that happens as soon as the sun goes down.

Has a photographic memory but enjoys the fact he's kept this clueless joke going for years where he claims he can't remember any shared memories.

Has always pulled off elaborate pranks during any first dates Oskar has with people, the only time he didn't is when Oskar began dating Thea because he liked her.

Despite having a hedonistic approach to life for a number of years, he inherently disagrees with hedonism philosophy. He also has never liked casual hook ups or meaningless relationships, always taking his romantic interests seriously. Even if they usually hit the one year mark and dwindled. Some exes or previous love interests might describe him as intense, or that he might have moved too quickly.

In the same token as above, he has already bought an engagement ring for Isabella within months of them first dating until realizing that grand gestures and money was the last thing she cared about. So it's been hidden away and decided to not be the one.

Keeps his living space meticulously clean, and his general surroundings too. Very common to see him tucking a few stray chairs under tables at the institute.

Has a habit of standing in doorways and leaning on the frame or holding the top of them, something he's done as soon as he realized he was tall

Actually has a soft spot for animals and nature, helped Tarquin find foster homes for stray dogs in Romania for a few weeks.

Hums tunelessly when he's concentrating and taps his foot, impatient with his own thoughts.

[manybcdthings]

Describe the character's typical daily routine FOR FELIX HAHAHAHA

His isn't as lame as Oskar's but it's definitely worse HAHAHA

I think he has a natural body clock to be an early riser, but it's something he hates. He probably wakes up at 6am or 7am but with no idea why he's awake at that time and tries to go back to sleep.

When he was a good boy, he probably stayed awake, and scrolled social media, texted people and went to the gym and had a healthy breakfast. And then a cigarette with his coffee. He probably got into the office late still for a small while, like five or ten minutes and it gradually improved to a few minutes late lmao.

These days I think he goes back to sleep and doesn't wake up properly until 10am, if he's hungover and having a comedown he'll literally stare at the ceiling for a while. His days are aimlessly spent now, but I get the impression he still is mindful of the importance of getting some fresh air or going to the gym. He'll show up VERY late to work, like it's pointless he's even there.

If he doesn't show up at all, which is more likely, he's somewhat retreated until later on in the day when his preferred social circles all start up with plans. Usually ends up with his apartment full of people he doesn't even care about but there's drugs and alcohol until he passes out and it happens all over again.

[manybcdthings]

for FELIX 👪 / for NICK 👪

Felix Ranström. I'm talking about them all LOL

He has a complex relationship with all of his family members, but they all play a part in who he is. They're all influential dynamics, it's really exciting to write. Being closer in age meant he had a slight overlap of a childhood with Nina, so in some ways it's easy to say they're close to one another. But Nina worked out how to balance social enjoyment and career climbing, whereas Felix never did. He views it as wearing a mask whereas Nina views it as the easiest thing to do, so it's always interesting to me to see where they overlap and where they differ. He's not judged as harshly by Nina, either. Whereas Felix's relationship with Oskar seems really hostile on the surface. Their age difference meant Oskar was already an impressive person to compare himself to as Felix was growing up, so he sits firmly in the belief that Oskar is the favored child. However, I love the glimpses of brotherhood between them where you can see Oskar genuinely cares for Felix but doesn't quite know how to show it. Felix's admiration for Oskar can become jealousy quickly and oof it's just so exciting to write. Love it. And then there's Filippa, who was the OG black sheep in many ways. Felix is drawn to her for many reasons, firstly because he feels less alone but also because she's an interesting person. However, I love that she isn't a complete contradiction to their family and isn't this abundance of warmth and you can still see that she's wealthy and had a cold upbringing. I think it's a great contrast to write against because it's the closest thing Felix has to a warm family connection but still isn't quite as warm as actual loving families.

Nick Belcourt

I love all of them so I'm going to write about all of them but forgive me because HE'S NEW so I haven't been able to get as indepth with him yet. I think Nick definitely idolizes his mother and would be quite funny if the siblings labeled him as a mama's boy, but I think he really admires her and especially after their father's death. Nick and Sebastian's relationship is going to be really fun to explore because on the surface they're quite different but there's this unspoken bond between them that actually, it's pretty rare to see them not around one another. They even live together and me and Essie have a few HCs already that their brotherly dynamic is pretty seamless, especially being twins, we said there's moments even when they're disagreeing that they have identical mannerisms which will be funny to write. Nick and Bella, we've taken a few HCs over from Nick and Lily and I'm excited to explore them, he definitely annoys her purposely but beyond that they view the world quite similarly and have this very diplomatic approach to things. So there's definitely moments where Nick has turned to Bella for advice and he can't imagine going to anyone else for it either. For Nick and Prim, he's typical big brother with baby sister and is quite protective but he doesn't outwardly say this. He actually gets quite hurt if Prim thinks he's not cool enough to hang out with for something too.

[manybcdthings]

tuscany

felix ranstrom and chloe belcourt @gloriouswhispers

The piano bar was nestled in a cobblestone alley, the small and intimate setting seemed the perfect way to wind down the week in Italy. Slipping outside for a cigarette, Felix sought a few moments to himself. The evening air was crisp but silent and a welcome contrast to the chatter within. But the quiet didn't last for long, as he lit his cigarette, a crescendo from the piano signaled the door opening. Felix glanced over, catching sight of Chloe as she stepped into the night. Since the poolside fiasco with Ines, he'd made it his personal mission to exist on the opposite end of any room from her. Chloe seemed to have adopted a similar strategy, staking her claim on the other side of the doorway.

Felix didn't utter a word to the Belcourt, fixing his attention elsewhere while hoping she wouldn't break the silence. But, moments later, they were both interrupted by the rhythmic panting and soft patter of paws against stone. A wiry-haired dog bounded into view, tail wagging like a metronome to the muffled piano. It approached Chloe first, giving her feet a curious sniff before it's attention locked onto Felix. It trotted closer, and with the gravity of a royal degree, sat at his feet, eyes gleaming with expectancy.

"I don't have any food." Felix chuckled, watching as the dog's head tilted with one ear flopped down and the other stood at attention. A lopsided salute. "Sorry. Where did you even come from?" he leaned down, hand hovering briefly before settling on the dog's head. Instantly, the pup flopped onto its back, exposing a belly that demanded a rub. Felix laughed again, and of course he obliged, patting at the stomach. His eyes then met Chloe's, a shared amusement between them. "Think he got off a leash or something? Is anyone walking that way?" he nodded in the direction the dog seemed to appear from, scanning the street for any sign of an owner.