#its almost worse that they probably wouldnt try to talk to me about it

[kalirya]

my coping mechanisms for today now that I've gotten off work and have been left with my thoughts are to drink copius amounts of coca cola, eat two of those tiny ice cream drumsticks, sit in front of the gas station trying to decompress, and redownloading TikTok because I was feeling isolated

We are not well fellas

[dundeey-art]

Had no thoughts about prowl. the majority of the fandom thinks he's an asshole and they either hate him for it or love him for it.

So I read the entire wreckers saga for Verity initially, but you know what? Prowl really stood out to me. I wanted to see more of him, so I read the issues he was in and I truly don't understand where the whole "prowl is an asshole" came from, yes he does some bad stuff (so does everyone else) but i interpreted this as a means to an end.. i think he's always thinking about the future and the end of the war, and his actions reflect that. I'm pretty sure he even mentioned that he "has to make tough decisions for a better tomorrow" but don't quote me on that

I think trying to moralize anyone in the IDW comics is a bad idea LOL, love them as they are (￣ー￣)ｂ

I find it really interesting how prowl is like.. public enemy #1 in the fandom when there are others who are worse and get so much love. LIKE RODIMUS OH MY GOD DO NOT EVEN GET ME STARTED. He annoyed me so much while reading MTMTE. Seriously, the way everyone babygirl-ifies him and never talks about his wrongs, you'd swear rodimus is a pretty decent guy. He's infuriating, painfully immature, and egotistical, and those traits get people killed. Like at some point, he ignores advice from ultra magnus because he's petty, and it ends up a disaster... I'm not even gonna touch on his horrible friendship with drift.

I dunno how this turned into a rodimus rant (；ω；) BUT ANYWAY!! prowl is pretty incredible, and i didn't know for such a long time because of the fandom's mischaracterization of him.

— dream (*＾3＾)/～☆

holy fucking based...

YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD!!!

indeed, if you just read the material, you'll see that prowl is wildly misinterpreted and exaggerated by the fandom. personally i like rodimus, but what you said is true. almost every character in IDW has committed terrible crimes, but those get excused or overlooked way more than prowl's do. prowl supposedly being the biggest war criminal in the story is a joke that gets boring really quickly.

its most likely about more than just his actions, though. i think prowl's personality puts people off. like hes a bit too unfriendly, not cute or quirky enough. but i like prowl, he's one of the few i can actually tolerate. but i guess thats just not the popular opinion. really, though, i think people that genuinely think prowl is an asshole are annoying. we probably wouldnt get along irl.

personality aside, i genuinely think prowl is an incredibly admirable character. he's like the anti-hero to me. it's clearly shown in his actions and motivations. far from the antagonist that some people claim he is.

im so glad you read it for yourself to come to your own conclusion and gained all this insight! thank you for sharing!!

[icycoldninja]

hii i hope youre doing well

This has been in my mind. hear me out, dmc guys x reader like shinobu from demon slayer and is the primary doctor of group.

the reader is weak and shorter so fighting is really challenging but their knowledge of medicine and poisons make up for that. theyre primarily a healer but despite their weakness they still fight just with their own little twist. theyre also calm and patient but will hold silent grudges and will rage in private. if you look close enough you can see the tiny string holding up their patience and sanity.

reader probably did a lot of experiments to see what poisons would work on demons and what wouldnt. reader still tries new things till this day but its really dangerous and often times they get too caught up in their experiments that they almost get killed or severely injured.

maybe the reader uses a special weapon made by nico. its a hand gun with special bullet infused with poison. or a light melee weapon thats coated i poison just like shinobu's sword.

they can be really caring and gentle while treating patients but will sometimes think:

“how the hell do you even get into this much trouble what kind of tomfoolery is this?”

same energy as “MY STUDENTS ARE ALL MORONS”

but at the end of the day they still care for everyone

Heya, I have been doing well and I hope you are too! Enjooooy!

Sparda boys + V x Shinobu-like!Reader headcannons

¤ Dante ¤

-Dante admires your compassion and expertise when it comes to treating the injured.

-Since you're not at peak physical condition, you use a gun that Nico made specifically for you, though Dante did try to give you a sword he stole from a demon. You couldnt wield it because it was too heavy.

-He helps gather ingredients for you to make new poisons and often tags along while you test them, just to make sure you're safe.

-Despite his attempts to protect you, you still insist on going alone and often end up badly injured. While Dante isn't one to scold, you can bet he'll be sitting you through some talks once you get better.

-While you can be very gentle and sweet, there are times when you're just about as angry as Nero, if not worse.

-During these times, Dante stays well away from you, because the last thing he wants is a tiny, but painful fist to the face.

■ Vergil ■

-Vergil sought to protect you because you're such a small, vulnerable little thing that he fears will get hurt.

-He a sword (not sure where) and insisted you carry it with you wherever you go.

-He's not too interested in your poisons, but when you say you want to go out and test them, he's suddenly up in arms, ready to defend you.

-On the off chance you wander away somewhere and get hurt, Vergil will promptly rescue you, then lecture you.

-Despite how gentle and sweet you might act, there are times when the true devil within gets out--that's when everyone needs to worry, Vergil included.

-He has PSTD from the time you got pissed off over something and emptied the entire silverware drawer at his head, resulting in knives and forks stuck to the walls, and spoon shaped bruises all over his neck and face.

□ Nero □

-Nero thought you were an incredibly gifted doctor. You've saved his sorry ass from imminent death more times than he can count.

-He's only a little worried about your opposite capabilities, because while you are intelligent and talented, you're not the best when it comes to combat.

-At least your poisons and sword make things easier; Nero only wishes you didn't have to go out into the woods to test them so often.

-He knows you'll get mad if he tries to come along, so he does the honorable thing and stalks you. This leads to some unexpected rescues when times are bleak.

-However, though you are often a gentle lady, there are times when your sweetness just snaps clean in half.

-Nero isn't all that concerned about your explosive temper, because he has one too, and just resigns to the corner while you rage on.

● V ●

-V loves that you're such a talented and creative doctor.

-He could really use a healer in his life since he isn't doing all that well physically, and having someone to patch him up or at least look him over would be a blessing.

-He insists on going with you to test your poisons, and even if you try to refuse, he will tag along anyway.

-You are a skilled fighter with your special sword and tons of poisons, but sometimes all the beasts are too much for you, and you fall injured. It is then V's responsibility to nurse you back to health as best he can.

-V doesn't fear you or your hot temper. Yes, it can be startling to watch you suddenly burst into screechiness, but you're not exactly harmless.

-If anything, V admires you for pushing through and coming up with new ideas, as well as continuing to press on despite your shortcomings.

[deth-of-a-junkie]

i have a lot of postal dude headcanons, so ive split them up.

so heres my postal 1 dude headcanons

p1 dude has a special interest on the jets and weaponry used in ww2 and the vietnam war, but also the U.S military as a whole. he specifically likes to collect vintage U.S military memorabilia and propaganda. he can go on for hours about the faults of the government and government greed and corruption, he hates the system. he also knows a lot about JFK assassination theories and will go on for hours about them.

oh yeah. postal 1 dude is autistic.

he also has a spin on guns. he knows them all by name and loves to learn about different manufacturers and how each one are built. he knows how to deconstruct them and put them back together. he even has some guns he's made himself. legal? probably not. he doesnt care.

p1 dude also prefers reading in books for information instead of searching the web for them, so amongst the mess of his house is just piles upon piles of books.

p1 dude also is great at poetry. he loves writing too, which is why i think he started his diaries.

he also loves drawing! he loves going out and drawing scenery the most, he also likes drawing nude figures. he finds the human body to be interesting.

p1 dude is religious. im divided on if i see him as someone whos spiritually aligned closer to catholics (though i wouldnt call him a straight up catholic, he doesn't like the church.) or pagen.

talking about pagen dude, correct me if im wrong, i dont know much about pagenism (but ive been trying to learn more as of recent), but he specifically worships greek gods. out of the gods, his favorite is ares.

he hangs around poostall dude a lot. they arent really friends, they're kinda opposites of each other, but poostall looks up to him as a mentor in philosophy among other things.

he used to be active in his local punk scene when he was younger. he has a lot of cds and tapes of obscure bands that almost no one has heard of.

he loves metal more then anything though, and he also has a large collection of horror films (all on vhs, a few of dvd. he doesnt have his dvd player plugged in so he only uses it if he has too. also refused to buy blueray. if its the only option he burns it onto a disk himself.).

his favorite genres of metal are melodic death metal and prog metal. i would also say dsbm but i feel like thats too corny. he loves opeth. also death.

he's non-speaking most of the time by choice. the older he's gotten the more he started to isolate himself, and he usually chooses to ignore people when theyre talking and not respond at all, mainly just people who ask for directions and stuff on the street he'll just ignore. he just doesnt feel the need too, he likes to stay invisible.

talking about that, he hates leaving his house. it used to be because of anxiety but it slowly became due to his other mental health issues getting worse, especially his fear of everyone being out to get him/everyone else being demons/whatever your interpretation of his reasonings behind postal 1 is.

3 in one shampoo. also uses hand soap to shave instead of shaving cream. also uses hand soap to wash his face...

he needs glasses. his sunglasses also has his normal prescription lenses in them, his eyes are sensitive to light so he chose to make them sunglasses too (i believe this is possible. if its not, well it is now). he also has a 2nd pair that are just normal glasses, he uses them only to read or when he's walking around his house at night. (this is totally not me self reflecting with the realization that i just found out i need glasses..../s)

I DONT KNOW HOW I FORGOT TO MENTION but also has a special interest on nuclear disasters, nuclear power plants, and radiation. theyre not separate theyre all apart of one fixation that branches off the core idea of nuclear power. like he cant have one without the other. if that makes sense.

also uses he/they. he doesnt out right say it, he doesnt use social media so its not like, in a bio or anything. he just naturally picked it up. will also accept she being used to refer to himself, but is not something he states publicly or asks people to do. he was surrounded by the queer community growing up as most of his highschool friends were apart of the community so he just one day realized he wasnt opposed to it being used in reference to himself.

he is an ASSHOLE. he used to be more considerate in his youth but the older he got the grumpier he got. he is SCARY when he insults someone. like he will have an entire ass speech of him just degrading someone until they literally have nothing left to say for themselves.

doesnt get angry though. he's calm when hes upset and frustrated, or will straight up just make fun of and make harsh jokes about the situation (i mean that like. if he gets into a disagreement with someone on the street he will laugh at them and mock them by teasing them. thats what i mean.)

[haemosexuality]

thoughts on the fionna and cake ending

-it was a bit boring. ok not Boring just, not on the same level as all the other eps? especially not on the same level as the previous two (the star+jerry). like it was more of a Cake the Cat ep. it was fine just not world shattering and thats fine ig

-that being said the casper&nova scenes were sooooo boring i couldnt care less. it kinda made me feel like they wanted to show shermy and beth but didnt know how so they just made up whatever??? it wouldve been cool to see more of future Ooo instead of. whatever that was. they couldve made the parallel to simon and betty some other way. or even if they absolutely Needed to show thay weird video game they couldve made it like one scene and shorter lol. tho the detail of it had being astrid that started the story was cute

-i actually liked the resolution to betty and simons relationship. again they couldve shown More of it instead of it just having like, one scene, but i liked how they did it. getting them back together in a fairytail Everything Works Out And Theyre Happy Ever After!!!! wouldve completely taken away from how tragic their entire story is, but making something even worse happen wouldve just made simon feel worse and his character development wouldnt.... exist much lol. having simon come to terms with it, SEND HIM TO THERAPY THANK FUCK and try to move on w his life is exactly what i was hoping for

and i looooove how they portrayed their relationship. ive seen ppl be mad ab it but like didnt yall like that is was codependent and insane and they were obsessed w each other to the point theyd destroy their life for one another? OBVIOUSLY its going to be unhealthy. thats not saying simon is a bad person, or that they didnt love each other. they obviously did. simon loved betty more than anything. but he was selfish. unintentionally, yeah, he didnt realize how dependent/obsessed she was with him and that she just went along with anything he did which i dont feel its his fault, but it still happened, and it still affected her, it made her get deeper into that. its a new spin on their relationship that feels really real and i really like that. yeah turns out that when ppl are so obsessed w someone that they go insane and almost destroy the world twice thats probably indicative thay theres something wrong there who wouldve thought!!!!

adventure time is The "people have flaws" show (bonnie, marcy, finn, jake, etc etc all the characters are shown to be selfish sometimes snd to varying degrees! and theyre all still good people! theyre still just people) so it feels a bit insane to see ppl acting like the show saying "simon too btw" means theyre portraying him as irredemably bad

-i didnt want the fionna world to completely change and go back to bein magic but i was at least hoping the characters world :( like a "modern with magic" situation it wouldve been cool. and the farm/baby/vampworld characters coming in felt a bit random but like eh sure whatever

-IM SO PISSED FIONNA DIDNT LOSE HER ARM

-i dont think the lack of resolution in all the universes we visited was a bad thing? like i dont even feel like its "lack or resolution" i just felt like. thats how the stories were meant to be told. we come into a world that has nothing to do with us and then we leave them behind, yk? its not our world so we just pass by and dont know how it ends. leave it up to imagination. i thought it was cool we dont need to know Everything

-we shouldve seen marcy and simon interacting when he got back. even if it was just like a interaction without dialogue in some sort of epilogue sequence theyre so incredibly important to each others story and the show even made sure to show us that and we get nothing????? the lack of a scene where he talks to her about how hes feeling and how he almost put on the crown again felt so!! FRUSTATING. the scene in ep two where he calls her even felt like it was setting up for a scene like that! im so mad we got nothing. like i understand the adventure time market is flooded with marceline so maybe they didnt want to focus on her much but still theyre too linked for that relationship to get completely ignored in the Last Fucking Episode of the show

-the implication of fern/phoebe made me pause the episode and stare at a wall for a moment. auaugh.

-SO NO MARSHALL SONG?? *THROWS LAPTOP AT A WALL*

-WHY DID THEY DO NOTHING WITH FIONNA AND CAKE GLITCHING STUFF????? WHY EVEN SET THAT UP IF IT GOES NOWHERE UGHH

-im glad they finally made the lich a bit more interesting instead of Ooh spooky guy is evil

-simon getting therapy from minervabot was awesome 10/10

-once again saying im mad they let fionna keep both her arms. BOOOOOOO 👎👎👎👎👎👎👎

[be-gay-do-crime-ahaha]

ive been considering getting a cane or crutches but i'm really worried about people giving me shit about it at school especially because i likely wouldnt use it all the time due to fluctuating pain levels, and i'm worried people would try using that fact to "prove" i dont need one. and thats not even beginning to talk about how my mum probably will be all "oh you dont even need one youre so young :) everyone has joint pain sometimes its not that bad yet, i have way worse ankles than you and i dont use one" (for context she has really shitty ankles) even though its not just my ankles its my knees and hips too, and she does a lot less walking than i do, given she both works from home and we live almost next door to a shopping mall. i have to take the bus to and from school, which means walking to/from said bus stop, (a total of 40 minutes of walking almost over the course of the day between walking 10min from my house to the bus stop and 10min from the bus stop to school), i regularly hang out with friends after school (requires walking because none of us can drive yet), i walk to the library from school sometimes to study there after school, in general i just walk around a lot more than her. and then i'm worries she will use the fact that i sometimes hike as a hobby (which i normally do with the aid of ankle braces and ibuprofen, and am in pain from days after) as proof i dont need it. idk this is just a rant ig, gotta love it :/

[angelhummel]

We talking about Kurt now? I'd like to point out something curious lol, don't know the purpose but I find it interesting, so, lately on my Facebook I've seen a lot of Kurt/Chris hate posts, and I mean like almost every glee page, calling him mostly envious of Lea, and rude, and the same with Kurt, whereas Lea is really praised and excused with 'yeah but she apologized', I myself I'm no Lea hater, I really like her, she's so talented and I believe she deserves everything she's getting, but I also know that if I met her in real life I'd probably wouldn't be friends with her, anyway so this is in Facebook latin america mostly, now off to tumblr where I assume I mostly follow exterior people idk, it's totally the opposite, of course it might also have to do with the accounts I follow, but I also see the tags of accounts I don't follow, and I've found this pattern of just general fondness or love for Kurt/Chris, and hate for Lea, so now neither seems to be my safe place, go into Facebook see Kurt/Chris/Klaine hate (whatever happened to the Klaine shippers? :c ), go into tumblr see Lea hate, of course there's the tag blocking or whatever but Idk for some reason I keep finding those lol

lmao yeah guarantee that no matter how hard you try to block shit you dont wanna see, its still gonna come thru

also wow, facebook sounds like a wasteland for the glee fandom askfjsdl i didnt know that was still a thing. truthfully i didnt know anyone was still active on there. but also like glee tumblr is barely tolerable for me (lots of curating and blocking, as we said) but its the only place i have. and everything people have told me about tiktok or twitter or reddit sounds sooooo much worse. so im thankful its as good as it is here. or at least on here it's easier to avoid the shitty takes you dont wanna see :P

and like yeahhh obviously i understand why people wouldnt like lea but at this point its like. just shut up about it, y'know?? it's so not worth it to keep getting mad over whatever she does. sorry if it sounds rude but at this point ive lost all interest in the cast outside of the show. happy for whatever projects they've got going buuut that's about it

(not saying anything bad if you still follow them but anyone who IS following them just to be assholes are sooo annoying like let it go and talk about anything else alsjfklsd)

[kindlyfunkn]

in other news though this past month or so has been maybe the worst of my life, was already feeling down about everything but now my cars fucked up again. power steering pump is shot, terrified me driving to the garage the other day (for just an inspection, an inspection no repairs, so i can get my car re-registered. ffs.) bc it started blowing smoke out of the hood and the wheel suddenly locked up.

couldnt get a hold of anyone but idk none of my friends either have cars or are free during school/work hours this was maybe around 11. my first instinct was to call my mom but she was unavailable, shes been travelling bc of my cousins wedding in alberta and mightve still been on a plane maybe idk. but she would've probably called my dad anyway bc hes the one who could actually help me, i called him right after my mom didnt pick up.

he lives 2 hours away though, i was within walking distance to my house so i just called to ask what i should do. the switch in his voice from neutral to worried was funny, especially bc ive been giving him sort of the silent treatment since we got in a petty fight. he contemplated if he could come out to town to have a look but remembered his friend craig and told me to stay where i was to. his friend is someone ive met before and had look at my car before too, and he lives out in town.

so craig was really nice, got some power steering fluid for me, drove my car for me (bc he's used to driving junk) to the garage and spoke to the mechanic for me, vehemently denied my attempts to pay for the fluid and cab fees. he told me its really funny how similar i am to my dad when we need help. he said that he told me: "you're shy like him, you stutter like him, you're nervous like him... uh no offense."

anyway so the garage wasnt able to do anything for my car bc if they didnt have the parts to fix my steering then they couldnt complete the inspection, but he didnt charge me anything so that was cool.

gotta make another appointment at a different garage.

also, speaking to my mom last night i told her how awful thingsve been. headache almost every day, i cant sleep (other night only got to sleep after 7 am, then the next night only got 3 hours, as example), how when i got up i just started crying full waterworks and i wasnt even thinking about anything. didnt tell her how i keep wanting to get drunk at night bc my thoughts just run rampant, done it a few times now. the headaches come with or without a hangover though, i grind my teeth at night. my guard was missing for a while but recently ive found it i just havent been wearing it though i should.

i didnt mean to unload anything on her just give her an update how ive been feeling bc i havent had anyone to talk to really. dont really like to vent really seriously to my (twin) sister, and my older sister (whom i live with) doesnt ever really seem to care—i feel like i cant really be upset when im around her bc she always has something happening at work or whatever. plus she keeps saying things that make me feel worse or more worried and she doesnt realize how awful ive been feeling, a few times when expressing that my head or back hurts she offers nothing except "do you want to try my meds?" NO i dont want your prescription meds!! i did take one of her migraine meds once bc they wouldnt work for her so the last pill in the bottle she offered to me and i remarked that it worked a charm, but the new meds she has now are different and strong enough that apparently they are sometimes given post surgery. sure ibuprofen/naproxen and tylenol dont work more than half the time for me but im not going right into strong meds when im taking other things. my sister doesnt take any meds other than the migraine stuff, i do take meds, i dont want any interactions.

but anyway i got sidetracked, i'll tag with the sister vent tag too. anyway i kept what i said to my mom short and simple, didnt think much of it bc sure ive been stressed out and demotivated (what else is new) and just needed to get off my chest. hate complaining to my friends i feel i do it too much. mom gave me support words of encouragement stuff like that, but told me she'll look into therapy options for me if i want since im still under her and my step moms insurance while im a student (which i technically am, exams and classes are done but still need a workterm and we're only considered fully graduates until we complete a workterm). baffled me. i used to see a counsellor (not by choice to start and i got put in dbt which sucked but i could cancel so i did bc it wasnt going anywhere. dbt mightve helped but it was on a webcam and i leaned out of frame to grab my pencil once which dropped to the floor and i was scolded so i thought this sucks im dropping this lol) but it never did much for me, but i didnt expect my mom to bring up therapy outright. we dont really do/see stuff like that in our family.

but yknow a therapist may help me right now bc everythings going south and im not that smart with adult things yet so much that i think its detrimental, so i think i said yes. if it turns out i dont need it then i can just drop it, but i think somebody unbiased who knows how things work would be able to help me a lot. its just for figuring my life out.

woof this js a huge post. did not mean to write so much and meant to keep this simple and to the point, but yknow im incapable of being concise its a curse. wasnt even gonna talk about my car initially but just started rambling. anyway thats my shitty life update

[dndfuckhouse]

session 57 & 58 - Blessed Be. Let Us Take Down This Monstrosity!

SESSION 57 - 14/1 + WATCH PSEUDO RP'S

> 🎵  Imps / Rule of Rose OST

We come back to the party settling down for the night. The group all somewhat alert as they ponder the sound and sights they heard coming further north in the distance. Eventually it comes time for sleep, and with it, turns to take watch for the evening. Before sleep Cimmorro makes sure to set up an alarm spell around the caravan.

As the others settle into sleep, Keva and Han sit up to keep an eye out first. Keva stays alert but doesn't pick up much noteworthy from the night, she finds herself somewhat distracted. Han halfway through hears the croaking of a frog that is quite pleasing to the ears, but nothing much else of note pings on her radar.

Han: han usually wouldnt pick first watch, her normal post was in the early mornings, but that hangover is beating her ass and she wants a whole uninterrupted 6 hours of sleep. and sitting with keva isnt the worst……. obviously han wouldnt want to talk enough to distract them, but surely they could make some light conversation……. surely………….. calling out "frog" after 30 minutes of silence and being met with silence though, its kinda crushing hans spirits. "do you… like……. like anything……………………" says han, realizing almost immediately that she shouldve kept her mouth shut Keva: keva's whittling mindlessly away at a stick she found while keeping her eyes on the trees in the distance. she has to do smth with her nervous energy, and if she chews her thumb any more than she has then it may start to bleed. so she's sharpening a stick instead. the scraping pauses when she hears han speak, and she turns to squint at her with a silent 'what' and an audible "why?" Han: han tried to make eye contact but very quickly loses that battle, not even against keva but against herself, and stares at the fire, "so we can… have something to talk about……" progressively getting quieter as the sentence goes on

Han: u know the type of woman thats grown around men and then is thrown into the real world and is weird about it Keva: LMAOOOOOOOOOOO han's like "i thought women be shopping….." Han: WHY ARENT WE SHOPPING KEVA.. Keva: keva why won't you go on a makeover montage with me

Keva: her first instinct is to say 'we don't need to talk,' but… she thinks she could use the distraction. keva also thinks she's made han suffer enough, and for some reason, she still keeps trying. why not throw her a bone. there is a moment of silence before han hears the whittling continue. then keva says, "the stars, i guess." she momentarily searches for the spring constellation with her favorite story, but it's only started to rise and is mostly hidden by the treeline. "and heights." Han: staring into the fire and awaiting a response, feeling like 'ah, well, ggez han, you've had worse conversations, whatevs', han looks away into the forest depths to search for what they're actually here for. her head swivels back as keva replies, surprised for a split second and then interested. she jerks her head in question "whats the tallest place you go" Keva: "most of my hometown is built into mountains, so the top of those, probably" she feels a small pang as she explains. can you miss a place you felt trapped in? perhaps it's the familiarity she misses. she hasn't felt like she's understood a single thing since leaving. Han: getting more excited at being given new information, han changes from a whisper to a softly spoken lower register "oh, really? like, they make holes for wooden houses? into mountain? that sounds cool…" she rambles on quickly "i spent lot of time up in mountains too, i wonder who has been on taller mountain… did you get snow often?" Keva: "no, i'd be dead by now if we did." she's started to carve notches into the stick, still making sure to look up now and then so she's doing her job. "wouldn't know what to do in snow." Han: han looks at keva when she talks, but usually keeps staring into the darkness "woah, really… why dead? was it really hot instead?" then mostly to herself as she considers this "that would probably kill me too" then back again at keva "i dont think i ever been high up the mountain and it not be snowing… have you never seen snow then?" Keva: keva takes a slow inhale thru her mouth and a deep exhale thru her nose before she answers, "didn't really have a lot to keep warm. the weather changes a lot depending on the season, and i worked with what i had." she peers again toward the treeline to look for any changes. "haven't seen snow though. just heard people talk about it."

Han: han stays quiet, studies keva while she whittles, thinking to herself 'doesnt sound like you liked it very much', and wondering if thats something she should keep to herself. what was cimm saying before… something about treating with care….. ugh…. han likes the snow enough, but she probably wouldnt being asked about her Home either… it sounds like keva doesnt either "well, if we ever come across snow, i will show you all the fun stuff you can do with it." she keeps quiet after that, wondering what else she can ask thats in "caring" territory, and if the stuff thats really stuck on her mind is in that category. she fiddles with a shoelace Keva: keva simply says "mm" in acknowledgement Han: han stretches and sits more upright, throwing out all of the caring stuff she was worried about just to ask "what are you doing with the.." she mimes the wittling "the stick?" Keva: she opens her mouth to answer but then just blows out a breath that fills her cheeks before deflating, and shrugs. "nothing really. just trying not to think too hard about that dragon." she looks over her very haphazard work "have you ever seen one?" Han: han hmms "seen… not Actually… i've seen tracks and damage from it." she thinks how to describe it "it felt like any other hungry animal that has giant teeth, desperate for meal. just uh…. about five times bigger" han leans in lower to look closer at kevas face "why, you scared?" Keva: keva does not feel any better after han's attempt at making their situation seem not so bad. "i'm not stupid so yes, i am scared. i generally like to be alive." Han: han nods seriously at this and sits back up "thats good. scared is better than stupid. and pay attention is better than both of those." han smiles at keva, like she said something smart and comforting. "we know kind of where it is, we know where we are, we can leave fast if we get caught at night… what else is there" she shrugs Keva: "how are you so sure we can outrun a dragon? clearly the people who died on this road couldn't. besides, we're actually going after it. we need a plan." Han: han looks stumped "well… i dont know…. i guess because we know its coming?" she thinks some more on the need a plan part "well… my ideal condition would be stake out for two weeks but, you know… our time limit….. we have that book, with all that dragon information, that was very good find" she holds out her palm like shes holding the book right there "we will walk very carefully and slowly, check for tracks…. and if we fail we die a glorious death, i guess" Keva: keva follows along with what han's saying until the last bit, at which she sneers. "what 'glory' is there in dying?" Han: han stares and blinks at keva for a moment, like shes not getting whats happening, until she has a lightbulb moment "oh, sorry, that was joke. there isnt any, its humilation" Keva: she looks relieved hearing han doesn't have any wild ideas of rushing into battle thinking she'll get anything out of dying. there's a pause before she adds, "don't think that's right either. dying is just…dying."

Han: han takes one of the fire sticks and pokes it around the kindling, hoping to get a little more warmth, looking mildly confused at this conversation "doesnt dying keep you from … like…. living? again?" Keva: "i guess that depends on if you believe in reincarnation or not." she tosses in her poorly whittled stick into the fire and stares into it. "i just mean i don't think dying should come with things like glory or humiliation. it's going to happen to all of us, and in the end, you're done. it's the people left behind that have to deal with that comes after." she brings her knees in close and rests her chin in them. "and the person i'd leave behind would be really sad if i died early, especially if it's because i tried to fight a dragon without being prepared." Han: han takes a breath to respond after the reincarnation bit, but holds it after keva keeps on talking. as keva get deeper into her thoughts on death, a sort of .. not turmoil, but a quiet regard comes over han. a feeling akin to when she entered her first proper town washes over her, of a very obvious otherness. like she is being given a sphere to place into a box, and inside that box is nothing but sharp edges. she, dimly, remembers aster's comment about keeping to herself. and, even dimmer, thinks about the last time she has had to deal with exactly what comes after. han lets keva's monologue sit in the air for a bit, mind heavy. she watches the sittled stick keva threw in burn. when the silence begins to edge towards an awkward one, han goes "i do not die. so i will make sure the rest live through this too." a beat "we will prepare better with everyone rested"

Keva: WTF han are you immortal….. Han: IVE BEEN TRYING TO FIND THE PERFECT IMAGE TO RESPOD WTIH AND FAILING (LIKE THIS v)

Keva: for the first time during this convo, keva’s head turns towards han and looks at her with surprise and… well, she isn’t sure if han is being serious or being cocky. “what? what do you mean you ‘don’t die’?” Han: han looks back, almost bored "i wont. if i die, they will…" whatever the admission is, it sends a chill down her spine, and she rubs at her face "i dont know. they cant have me, so i cant risk dying. so i wont die. thats all" Keva: the surprise turns into smth not quite like disdain but borders on it, like ‘you can’t actually believe that, can you?’ “‘they’? what, the gods?” Han: han rubs her forehead, getting more uncomfortable by the second. she breathes a quiet but heavy sigh "look, remember when you got very very mad at me for asking about orin, before you knew his deal? and i said, if its ever relevant, i will do explain my history?" she looks back up at keva, her face withering and pleading "its not relevant" Keva: for a moment, keva’s expression, eyes squinted and mouth slightly agape, doesn’t budge other than to blink, trying to figure out what the fuck is going on. what has han gotten herself into? and does she really think she can escape death if she just tries hard enough? but when the moment passes, she just closes her mouth and turns back away silently, deciding to not continue to conversation. her pinched brow line suggests she’s probably still thinking about it though.

Han: han looks away from keva, shifting nervously, recognizing when shes being judged, not really knowing how to save this conversation, or keva's perception of her. she doesnt wanna talk about this further, she has reason not to, but man, is this awkward. maybe they should just be silent……….. its just so awkward……… and theres other things she actually did want to ask and not this…………. "if i explain more, could i ask you about something else?" Keva: keva, having gone back to watching the trees, only sighs before replying, “i’m not going to make you tell me anything bc it’s clearly not my business. say whatever you want.” Han: han grimaces a little and mutters "not when you think im insane…." Keva: "i already thought you were insane before. what's a little more going to do, kill you?"<- dry joke Han: han pouts at her sadly Keva: keva tsks, a little exasperated by the kicked puppy look han is giving her. "stop looking at me like that, explain if you want or don't, i don't care!" Han: "then i wont! fuck you!" she sticks her tongue childishly Keva: “okay!” she says with her hands turned out. (jesus christ equivalent here). she tucks her arms back over her knees and rests her head on them. everyone is so fucking difficult!

Han: han just huffs and puts an elbow on her knee and face in hand, looking out at the forest again with newfound interest, wondering why shes so agitated about this. its not like she hasnt been in this exact awkward situation before, stuck on nigthwatch with someone she cant find a language with. she cant even tell if she can still ask keva anything after all that cringe.after they cool off for a couple minutes, han prods again with a hey and a "what do you think happens when you die?" Keva: she shrugs limply and doesn’t seem like she’s going to say more before piping up, “people growing up said your soul went to your god, and the godless go to wee jas.” she doesn’t lift her head, so her chin pushes against her arms as she talks. Han: han nods in assent and perks up a bit at the mention of a god she has actually heard of before "that one cimm follows? i didnt think she is so popular…" i guess she is the god of death or something… then she turns back to keva "ye, but what do you think" Keva: “the same, i guess? cimmorro didn’t leave me dead long enough to find out.” she stares at the fire. “an afterlife would be nice” is all she says after. she’d like to see everyone again, at least before they go off and forget each other to start anew. if the reincarnation thing is real, anyway. she doesn't bother to return the question since han apparently doesn't plan on dying. she turns her head a bit, to the opposite side of han with her cheek pressed against her knees now. the fatigue setting in makes her voice creak a bit. "having to try so hard to survive gets exhausting. i'd like to just be for a while before… i don't know, i disappear forever or do it all over again." Han: han gulps, concern colouring her face as she turns to look at keva, trying to remember when cimm had to revive her like that….. she might be unsure of her own capability to die, but seeing others drop like puppets with cut strings… the gut drop and numbness never goes away. seeing that keva isnt looking at her, han decides to keep watching and just… study her for a moment longer. shes does seem so…. haggard. and small. not just her body but the way she holds herself. han twindles her thumbs, suddenly feeling guilty at keeping her attention, even if they are on watch. she nods at keva words before remembering keva's not looking, and meekly goes "yeah..", not knowing how to add on 'i suppose i hope the same for you too' without sounding like she wants kevas death or something. Keva: han gets a small muffled "thanks, i guess" back. keva reaches for the dragon book, which she has kept near her, and opens it up to study the diagram of the cobalt dragon again as if she might glean something new. "not that i'm ready to find out just yet."

After a time the two head back inside the caravan to wake the next three up for watch, Mars, Cimmoro and Vinny.

Mars: Mars isn't exactly a heavy sleeper so the moment Han and Keva head back to the camp for their turn to sleep, he's already in the process of waking up. And by the time Han rouses them he's giving himself a quick stretch before getting up to where Cimmorro and Vinny are to check if they also got woken up by that, or to wake them up if they haven't. He heads over to Vinny first and gives him a tap on his shoulder. "Hey its our turn now c'mon." He says. Vinny: though he knows he's meant to wake up soon after laying down earlier for watch, vinny is a relentlessly heavy sleeper no matter the situation. when he feels someone poke his shoulder he stirs and mumbles a little under his breath before rolling over in their direction. he thinks to reply but finds he's already starting to doze off again... so many sounds in the room right now... zzz..... Mars: "..." He can't say he's surprised, so he decides to amp it up a notch and this time grabs Vinny's shoulder. "Vil, mate, wake up." Vinny: as hes wobbled about he opens his eyes open blearily, head still on the pillow. he takes a few seconds to register his surroundings before blinking quickly. "hmm.. oh, right right..!" he pats one of his hands over mars on his shoulder briefly to assure him he's actually waking up this time, almost aiming off and patting his arm instead. he moves to sit up with a yawn, rubbing his eyes while feeling around for his glasses and grabbing a jacket Mars: Satisfied that Vinny's woken up, he gets up and turns to wake Cimmorro up in the same manner, a quick shoulder poke. Cimmorro: despite being a light sleeper himself, cimmorro truthfully found himself spoilt by the weeks of restful nights in the airship (apart from one) and even before that in the shorewater. he makes a face in his sleep and groans, turning to his side with his back facing mars. "five more minutes, ma" he protests. it is jasper who wakes with her head poking out of cimm's shoulder where he's holding her. Mars: His stride taking abilities aren't even close to being tested but he does squint and leans over closer with a very slight frown. "Do I look like your ma, Cimm, wake up." He shakes a little harder this time around. He turns to Jasper with a look that says 'Do you see this shit Jasper.' Cimmorro: with the help of  jasper's sand paper licks on his face, the persistent voice that he now realizes does not belong to his mother eventually rouses him awake. he rubs at his eyes and squints to get a good look at his waker, then his head falls back onto the pillow and sighs when he realizes that it's mars. "if you grew your hair out, you could resemble her a bit," he jokes with a yawn. Mars: "Been a long time since I had long hair so I doubt that'll happen anytime soon." He settles on, pushing himself up and waiting nearby Cimmorro and turning back to check in on Vinny.

Vinny: mumbling a little to himself still groggy vinny shuffles around the bed after sliding through the sleeves of his jacket. as if getting an idea he reaches over towards his suitcase, searching inside briefly before puling out a small book and placing it inside one of his jacket pockets, yawning silently again he finally stands. Mars: Mars just shuffles out the way to make things easier (WHY DID I THINK THEY WERE OUTSIDE I FORGOT ABOUT THE CAR) Han: the minivan...)

Cimmorro: cimm tries to envision how that looks in his head while he tightens his robes around him again. "hm, I'd like to see it one day," he comments. not hearing vinny at all since he woke, he decides to peek at him below from the top bunk greeting with a "wakey wakey--" only to be interrupted with an almost violent collision on his forehead from vinny standing at the same time earning a surprised and pained yelp from him as he brings both of his hands to the now sore spot. Vinny: taken by surprise he yelps in unison with cimmorro as he falls backwards onto his bunk again, scrambling with his arm as he brings another up to rub his forehead. he hisses as he scrunches his eyes shut his glasses now askew, making a face like hes just licked a lemon as he tries to hold back any louder noises, he stage whispers upwards to cimmorro "s-sorry...ow....." Cimmorro: "augghhh, i thought you were still asleep..." he replies in a hush as he works his way down the bunk bed, landing with a small hop in front of vinny before turning to him again. "that woke both of us up at least," he snorts with a slight wince as he still rubs on his own head. "didn't break anything, did you?" Vinny: he makes a face as he tries to shake the residual pain off, blinking at cimmorro hopping down to the floor "n-no..." he adjusts his glasses again after "luckily these are in tact, hopefully we don't start seeing bruises grow on our foreheads..." he dusts himself off a little as he wobbles upright again looking to mars and then slightly away as if somewhat embarrassed Mars: "You two survive waking up?" He asks quietly as he fails to be respectful, he's trying very hard not to find this a little bit amusing. Cimmorro: "nothing I can't fix. just say the word I'll kiss it all better 😗" he starts walking out the caravan, passing by mars with a "yes, yes. thanks for all your help" with a light pat on the other's cheek as he steps ahead and stretches, observing how the campsite looks after the girls have finished their shift. seems uneventful, and he deems this a good thing. hopefully the rest of their night stays like so. Mars: He just scratches the cheek where Cimm held with a skeptical look before wordlessly following him outside Vinny: he blinks and shakes his head with a stunted sigh as cimm walks out, its too early (late) for him to process a reply. he heads out after mars and takes a seat somewhere outside close to a light source idly as he shakes the rest of his grogginess off Han: han watching this bc shes not going to sleep until she sees them up and awake: 😕

The three begin their watch as they head outside. Mars keeps an eye and ear out but finds hes still adjusting to only having one of the former in the dark, nothing of note pops out to him. Feeling a little more alert than before, Cimmorro scans around. Though he doesn't pick up much until a small time into it, something rustles in the bushes nearby, with a squint he notes it just looks like a few wild rodents however, nearly startling him. Off in the sky Silva surveys the area for Mars, off in the distance he thinks she catches sight of the same large silhouette skulking amongst the treeline, much more quiet this time, before it disappears.

Cimmorro: cimm takes a brief moment to check on the horses before settling down on a spot near the campfire, yawning as he sits. he blinks at the other two. "Soooooooooooooooo...." Mars: "So...... What.... exactly?" Vinny: vinny glances over from his spot by the fire and tilts his head Cimmorro: do they just plan to sit here in silence for 2 hours? he shrugs in front of them. "anyone wanna share an embarrassing story before i doze off like this?" Vinny: his face pinches like hes holding back a laugh "thats the first topic that came to mind, is it?" he shuffles around in his jacket again now that hes settled "well i brought a book..." Mars: "Don't be silly, if you doze off I'll just wake you up again." Mars says as he takes a seat and sends Silva off to go look around. Cimmorro: he pouts at vinny. "i thought we were supposed to be keeping watch and not diving into pages..." he gives mars a slight stink eye though and huffs. "I'm using my precious beauty sleep for this, the least you could do is entertain me a little!" Vinny: he laughs a little "well i hadn't intended on reading it all that much, if you get drowsy later ill start reciting it loudly to the two of you" he thinks to himself amused as he looks out at the landscape Cimmorro: it earns a smirk from him. "sounds interesting, maybe if you perform well the drake might even join for story time. save us the trouble of looking for it."

Mars: "Alright, alright you raise a point....... must it be embarrassing though? Vil could just recite whatever he's reading." What exactly is vinny reading actually. Cimmorro: "not really, but it would be funny- fine, hmph, I'm open to suggestions" he playfully presents poise akin to a king on his throne. Mars: He starts floundering. "Uh- I- Well, I got- Well actually I got nothing." He grimaces. Cimmorro:

Vinny: he makes a face as if now reconsidering the idea "w-well lets hope we dont call it over actually..." he only just now registers the nickname from mars and smiles at his floundering "we should have brought cards..." Cimmorro: "keva has some but she looked cranky enough as it is... so let's not..." he smiles wryly. "what book did you get anyway? did you get it from shopping earlier?" Vinny: vinny thinks as he brings a hand to his chin "it was, i was mostly trawling for er... romance fluff to pass the time, but i found a relatively cheap tome i hadn't read before, though what i saw made it sound..." he tries to look as if hes not being judgy but he is "well, e-entertaining at least?" Mars: "Entertaining....? You don't sound that certain." Mars picks up rather easily. Cimmorro: "for someone who runs a business you sure are bad at selling this to us. read a paragraph for us then" Vinny: "well... i don't like to pass judgement before finishing something" he glances at cimmorro and snorts "i'm not sure id try to sell it, the prose is a little too meandering and flowery... and the character motivations seem to change from chapter to chapter right now... its a little sloppy, especially the main characters inner voice" his voice gets clearer as he critiques the work semi-seriously going to pull the book out of his jacket Cimmorro: cimm is just like, i guess it's book club time now ! Mars: FAILING to sneak in a peek of the book's title he just opts to ask Vinny instead. "What's it called?" Vinny: he glances down as he pulls it out "ah.. the miscreant next door" Cimmorro: "hm... sounds scandalous... oh my... 🫢 "

Mars: his mrm commenter is coming out Cimmorro: stop i wa sliterlaly going to joke abt this Vinny: fudanshi and proud #pride

Vinny: he waves a hand from side to side as if taking the statement seriously "not really, i think its er... a pure hearted story but its quite contrived... the romance is hardly compelling at this point" Mars: "I'll be level with you, the title makes it sound like a mystery novel." Vinny: he strokes his chin as he considers that "d-does it..? Hmm.." Mars: "Well it certainly doesn't evoke romance. Sounds like a crime report about a miscreant next door." Cimmorro: "i can see that. though if the reason you picked it up isn't even compelling, why keep reading...?" Vinny: he finds himself amused by the interpretation "well.. i cant say i dont see the logic there" before turning to cimm, he slowly sets the book down in his lap "w-well, i've already read all the other tomes ive brought along with me..." he pauses serious again as he stares into the middle distance "and it was cheap......"

Vinny:

Cimmorro: HWLSMWLWMWPWLDLWPKCV I GAGGED

Cimmorro: the delay in Vinny's reaction makes him laugh. "do you wanna read one of the tomes i got? it's not romance, but magic textiles." Vinny: he looks over again a curious glint in his eyes "oh? now that sounds interesting" Cimmorro: "doesn't it? 😏" he feels a pang of accomplishment getting vinny's interest. "maybe you could add enchanted robes to your shelves one day!" Vinny: he smiles "i'd been considering something along those lines for the future, actually! learning something more long term and permanent, to have alongside my temporary enchantment services..." he tilts his head "so many teachers to chose from in that regard though, and i got a little sidetracked attempting more permanent ones on armours with cole.." he briefly reminisces on the explosions at the store in the back of his mind Mars: Mars kinda comes back from his wall staring. "? You sold armors? (> theres no walls here king.. metaphorical walls) Vinny: "i do not... but we were experimenting with adding some in the future" he tilts his head "the room you stayed sometimes, the big set of armour in the corner was almost purely for that" he laughs a little dryly Cimmorro: "I'll be your first customer 😌☝️ but on a more serious note, i don't think i ever asked, but what kind of enchantments do you provide anyway?" Mars: "Oh, really?? Must've missed it." He scratches the back of his head. Vinny: "well, we didn't experiment with it much when you were there, that might have been a safety hazard.." he scratches the back awkwardly before turning to Cimmorro "i'm not sure if my sewing can live up to what you usually wear but we'll certainly try, and ahh,... its nothing too complex, making things a little sturdier in regards to armour or weapons a little easier to swing" (this means +1 to ac or attack rolls lol) Cimmorro: cimm seeing the stat blocks:

Mars: "That sounds convenient..." He seems a little interested. Cimmorro: as Vinny explains his services, he nods like 'aaa.. naruhodo, ne....' and continues to watch the exchange between the two. "actually that makes for a good topic. why don't you tell me what's the history between you two? :3" Vinny: "i can only hold one at a time so its limited, but i have had glowing reviews..." he tilts his head at the question from cimm "oh hmm, nothing too historic really, we'd only met about a month ago. he was pleasant company when he was around though" Mars: "Its really nothing sordid, Ezra found me and took me back to Vil's shop every now and then after they let me out of the clinic." He adds simply. Vinny: he points a finger in the air to follow up "and we had tea!" Cimmorro: "oh it was that recent? you almost sounded like live-in partners until--- wait," he pauses to process the timeline in his mind "a MONTH ago? that was.... you were staying there this whole time?!" he emphasizes on his surprise as he turns wide eyed to Mars: He was about to tilt his head at the live-in partners bit until Cimm brought up the time frame. "Well not the whole time, and I wasn't exactly lucid for all of it." He pats around his pockets to look for his notebook but starts recounting before he even finds it. "Half the time I was just out of town, I just got my travel plans delayed by the lockdown and the eye. Thing." Vinny: he blinks wide eyed at the first comment "y-you.. l-live in partners...?" he stares at mars after as if to gauge if they really do seem that familiar with one another a little dumbfounded Mars: He looks back at Vinny like he also doesn't know what he's on about.

Cimmorro: "he does call you a nickname I've not heard from anyone else either so 🧐?" the turns to mars again. "man, here i considered on calling you over as a +1 for the ball but thought you'd already found your way out of shorewater!" Mars: He laughs a little at that. "Its fine, Ezra and I found our own things to do that evening. I doubt I would have been good company at the time anyway." Vinny: he rubs his chin thoughtfully, growing embarrassed "w-well... i think that's just a quirk of our friend here... and i already g-go by a nickname really" at the comment about ezra he glances back at mars to derail the track his minds on right now "i think i recall hearing he made you drink" Mars: The fact that he's been calling him something different doesn't even register to him, it was just that natural. "... I could call you Vinny if you preferred, Vil. I mean- Vinny." He clears his throat. "And yes." He leaves it at that. "... I was losing pretty badly." He mumbles the last part out. Vinny: he waves a hand through the air as if to dismiss the notion flustered "n-no no, dont worry, feel free! i-i didnt really mind it" though watching him admit the second part makes him crack a smile "i've never beaten him at cards myself truthfully, so im not too surprised he swept you. he's got a funny prideful streak about that... not that i think he'd admit it" he thinks to himself that their contrast is amusing Mars: Speaking of not admitting things he doesn't try to show too much how much of a relief it is that he can just keep calling Vinny Vil, but his face soon turns sour. "He kept beating me all the way to Shar Yun, I'm sure his pride's impervious at this point." Vinny: he puts a fist to his mouth to hold back a laugh he nearly let out before responding "he's not as good at dice games if that makes you feel any better? Mars: He seems like he's seriously considering it, arms crossed and with one raised to tap on his shoulder in thought. ".... I'll pick up some in Antessa." He begrudgingly resolves himself to. Vinny: vinny gives him a cheery smile as he finds himself amused by how affected he actually was by losing at cards "maybe we can windowshop and find you a lucky pair" Mars: "Not that I know how to play dice either... whatever that entails."

Cimmorro: "perhaps have a cleric of norebo bless them for good measure as well," he suggests. "we could use more games to have on the road, honestly... antessa's still a long way." he wilts a little remembering the trek. Mars: "We're headed to Coralwash aren't we? Could pick some stuff up along the way, have you show us around town.' Cimmorro: "yeah, i definitely will..." his gaze kinda trails off to the trees along with his thoughts before he blinks back. "i need to stock up some food for jasper anyways... this is hoping we make it there in one piece after all." anime sweat drop Vinny: he glances in the same direction as cimmorro and tries to fight the oncoming dread that runs down his back "well, l-lets hope our preparations will be enough to handle all that... after how eventful our road trip has been so far im sure it'll work out... in some way!" Cimmorro: he seems to huff out a small laugh. "this party may be a mess but... you're right, we manage to see things through." he waves a hand as if to dismiss the tense air. "we're going to have to get rid of that thing one way or another! how else are you gonna get home with it in the way!" 😤 Vinny: he smiles at the upbeat response and pumps his fist little, at the last comment he blinks "oh, thats quite true i hadn't actually thought about that..." <- guy who teleportation circles too much Mars: "Well if you're headed back to Shorewater to Antessa you could go the other way and bypass the dragon all together." Long ass world round journey though. Cimmorro: "through vargonia? he's a wizard with quite a knack for attracting danger..." to cimm, that's worrying, to say the least. and he would easily feel responsible if something happened to this man after plucking him out of his store Vinny: he makes a face like he wants to voice a little disagreement but finds no basis for himself in his mind right now

Mars: "Yes well, he's not going alone there right??? He's coming with?" Us??? on this trip ??? Cimmorro: "oh. no, well, vinny isn't joining us for antessa... unless he does want to ride the ship in vargonia instead?" he looks at him like blinking cat Vinny: he thinks to himself as he considers the additional weeks of time that would add "that seems like quite the detour..." Cimmorro: "it is... it ensures you not getting swept up by dragon like a hawk to a mouse though" Mars: "Oh- Wait, he isn't?" <- Clueless Cimmorro: "yeah, I didn't get to explain but he's only to join us in coralwash before he heads back" Vinny: he furrows his brow "i will consider it... in the event we do not deal with it on the way..." he turns to mars and adds on "if all goes to plan i'll be saying goodbye to you shortly in fact" Cimmorro: "time flutters too fast!" he fakes a little wail. Vinny: he gives cimm a rueful smile "i have to agree with you there" Mars: He looks between Vinny and Cimmorro a little bit shocked. "Ah- Well, I suppose I would have found out when we got there." He remarks  Seems he needs to be more proactive about finding out this group's agenda.

Cimmorro: cimm laughs apologetically. "sorry, things just kinda happen quickly. vinny came here on my request. he'll be making his last stop at my temple," he shares as he lights his pipe. "he possibly has something to help ulle. that and he could really use a break. i miss you (Vinny) already! sob sob sob!" he whines before taking a drag and puffs. "though i did want to ask, can i send you letters? since I'll be going around, i thought it'd be fun to send you spells i find that you don't have yet!" Vinny: "yes its been quite a hectic series of events the past month.." at cimm's whining though he gives him a genuine and warm smile and pats him on the back "well, if it makes you feel better i feel quite the same. i imagine the trek back will be quite lonely after this" he leans away with his head on one his hand before blinking surprised and grinning at the prospect of mail "of course! it sounds like a fun way to enrich your studies too. i appreciate any bright spots in the coming days of whatever berryls' got planned for me" Mars: "Ahhh Coralwash does sound pleasant." Mars glances over to his side to look at Vinny and likens the trip to a doctor's visit. "Will you be staying there for a while then?" To, yknow, maybe study it and shit. Vinny: he turns back to Mars after "well, i'd like to stay a few days at the very least... the rest of you will have to go soon enough but spending a week there does sound nice..." hes daydreaming to himself a little about it now Cimmorro: cimm grins brightly at vinny letting him pipe bomb his mail. "I'll be sure to pester you in letter form then, lest you pine for me too much." idly swaying side to side as the conversation goes. "if you're staying for that long, you could stay in the temple if you want. I'll let my sisters know. gives you less to worry about"

Vinny: he makes another surprised face "o-oh, if that's all right with them... i wouldn't want to impose on a church" Cimmorro: "you're my guest, and a scholar at that. I'm sure they'd appreciate having you around for a while" he says care-freely Vinny: he bows his head a little in cimmorro's direction thankfully "w-well... i'll be sure to be on my best behaviour while im there! my thanks to your family in advance" he fusses a little with his clothes Mars: "A vacation's always nice." Mars muses idly. That being said he can't really imagine what anyone does in one tho and leaves it at that. Vinny: he turns back to mars with a furrowed smile "that they are, i haven't had one in years.. and suspect this will be the last i have in a while" Mars: "Aha... hm..." Can't say he can't relate tho. His last vacation was him getting hospitalized. Shit Vinny's still talking to him. "That's rough, you got a hard job lined up after Coralwash?" He adds. Vinny: he glances at mars again with a somewhat pained face "well... more so that i think my ah... employer is going to tighten their chain on me once i return..." he tries to not look too downcast about it as he goes on "what i get for being so involved in things i suppose" Mars: "Huh, no wiggling out of it then? Like, an employment contract term to break kinda thing?" Vinny we need to get you a union lawyer dude. Vinny: he rubs a thumb between his brows as he makes a noncommittal noise "n-no... well nothing so above board anyway" Mars: "Agh.. hm... Well... there's always the hard way." Mars says somewhat gravely. Cimmorro: cimm going like this

Vinny: his face goes a little pale at the immediate suggestion before he laughs dryly "i dont quite know if i feel like taking on a such powerful organisation myself at the moment, but i'll think about it… Cimmorro: "i know a thing or two about erm... disposing bodies. so.... i'm just saying..." his tone clearly a jest but he also isn't lying! he smiles innocently all the same Mars: "Well you wouldn't be alone at least. At least one Jasidan priest and one merc are willing to help, so two more than what you started with." SILVER LININGS, FIND THEM. NOW!!!!!!!!!!! Vinny: he's somewhat heartened by the two pledging their immediate support, even if he's struggling to jump to the murder solution as easily as they have. even if he expected it from cimmorro he appreciates hearing it, and from mars he's more surprised than anything how quickly he backs him up, he scratches the back of his head somewhat embarrassed "w-well, thank you... i'll keep that in mind. let's not try and engage in any political destabilisation if we don't have to though, perhaps an er- more discrete method for the future..." Mars: "Oop-" Mars clears his throat as he settled down and leans back. "Right- Yeah, well, maybe they'd let you file a complaint first." He's only half serious. Cimmorro: cimm only makes a 'mmm' sound as the topic of berryl hits a wall once more. "from the sounds of it you'd would have to raise the case to the grimoire. is there be anyone else above berryl's position in power?" he holds a thoughtful gaze towards nothing in particular before his joking tone rises the next second and adds, "a wife perhaps?" Mars: Mars just coughs as he's going for a quick drink.

Vinny: https://vxtwitter.com/PkRhythm12/status/1661516681053876225 whos vinny cimm mars, the last ones the dragon Han: KLADGOIT;LR32QEADRWA;KK4W3;KL;LKJAWR3EFDS Mars: MY WATER YOU FUCKIGNEOIGUHEJGKMO;ELWG Han: chip i hope the dragons human form is that, also mars cimm vinny dragon Vinny: tysm for the vital imput

Vinny: he laughs a little at his realisation under his breath before looking at cimmorro thinking to himself "the accord is its own free functioning group, even as a part of the grimoire. unless the other members had reason to do something they aren't too useful, and this is a personal matter its not even like he's breaking magical law..." he coughs a little as if to imply something before moving on "-and it would also be my word against his..." he sighs to himself "even the local monarchy in his area often struggles with him over things..." he shakes his head as he eyes cimmorro again deadpan "you're quite fond of that wife joke, arent you?" Cimmorro: his expression just wilts more and more as vinny explains. he expected this would be the probable outcome but it's still frustrating. "well if you don't want us to sock the guy... what can he hold against you if you decide to just run away and disappear off map though?" Mars: None of this registered right within Mars and he's now left wondering if Vinny's married or not and starts scanning him for signs of any sort of lifelong partnerships and bonds that he knows. Vinny: he laughs dryly again as he stares off into the distance "that's an idea i often like to fantasize about... though i'd have to go somewhere i couldn't be scryed..." he continues mumbling under his breath as if he's strangly thought the idea through before finishing with "but... i'd have already done it if didnt feel like i was leaving my family to the dogs..." he looks like he might say something else but feels a little exposed revealing much more in front of mars Mars: "Well there's - I've heard of an artifact once, stops you from being divined." He adds to the first bit. He was waiting patiently for Vinny to continue with where he trailed off, but backs off a bit when Vinny hesitates a little, unsure if he's going to continue or not. But He gets the idea there's something about his family that's being threatened by the accords.

Cimmorro: "yeah i was wondering if you could set or find anything like that, or another thing that could cancel out the effect... do you have a marking for scrying? cause i have one as our lady's karuth... but i suppose wizards are just freaks who just scry whoever they want to without a branding." he defeatedly sighs a puff of smoke. "your family travels a lot though, no? what leads would he have?" Mars: "Yeah I know a guy who's hard to scry, couldn't find her when you need her, just shows up whenever the hell she pleases, something like that maybe." Vinny: he glances over taking in mars' suggestion with a glint in his eye before looking back at Cimmorro "no, nothing special like that, though..." he gestures with an arm through the air "usually you wouldn't be able to notice someone scrying on you, but all accord members can tell when another one is scrying on them immediately. that's the only real benefit i have there" regarding his family he makes a conflicted face "they travel but its all around the same general area... they wouldn't be hard to track down if you knew what you were looking for..." Mars: He just tilts his head a little. "That sounds a little... Odd?" It feels wrong but he can't exactly nail why. Cimmorro: cimm frowns at the conundrum with his family but at the scrying he hmms and goes "now that you mention it... what's up with that actually? and is it only for in-house scrying or do people outside of the accord also get detected if they scryed on members?" Vinny: he scratches his chin "it's not very typical no..." he looks over at Cimmorro "if any member scrys on another member, it doesn't activate if you scry on outsiders. i assume its to keep members from getting any ideas about spying on each other." he thinks again "i think its a part of the initial contract we sign, i assumed it was enchanted in some manner, though its not really a stipulation i have much of an issue with myself" Cimmorro: he looks at him with a hint of disdain "you think...? as in, you didn't know what you signed?" hmm sounds familiar !

Vinny: he shakes his head quickly feeling like hes being called a bit of an idiot again "n-no! i knew the clause was there, i just couldn't tell at the time if the contract was the thing that gave me the ability..." Mars: "I can see the privacy merit." He can't deny spying is exactly his first thought when it comes to scrying. He rests one hand on his chin but begins tapping on the log (THAT I ASSUME THEY'RE SITTING ON) with the other, inability to shut up eventually winning out. "It does come across as... What's a nicer word.... overbearing?" He settles on. Cimmorro: "fair enough. unclear contracts are not foreign to me anyhow... still, i have to agree with mars. funny how they set this up to prevent spying yet here you are worrying about being spied on if you decide to hop over the wall" Vinny: he puts his forehead in his hand as he considers this, scrunching his eyes a little "yes... w-well i see now that it probably also serves as an intimidation tactic for him... augh..." Cimmorro: cimm smiles woefully, unable to hide his pity. "does scrying tell you of one's whereabouts though? it only shows you a glimpse of the persons surroundings not coordinates right?" Vinny: he continues to hold his head in his hand scrunching his eyes shut "t-that's true...." Cimmorro: "that solves the scrying problem at least, just flip him off then enter a dark room until it's over 👍" he jokes lightly. "the issue about your family's safety still stands though... what does he want from you to pull of such a heinous act, i wonder." Mars: "Maintaining that barrier sure, labour from someone that's got something to threaten is a surefire way to make them do it cheap, and for things not above board but-" Mars pfts as he shrugs and shakes his head. "All that hassle for one- No offense Vil- wizard seems overkill." He does look at Vinny with some scrutiny, unless there's something specifically about Vinny..... But he's just a silly guy who explodes armours and lets a one eyed guy crash on his couch. as far as he's aware. Cimmorro: cimm nods in agreement

Vinny: he laughs a little again as he's hunched over at that before sitting up again smiling sadly at mars "the effort is beyond me, though who knows if I'm not just one of many he's conned like this. Even if i tried and there were no consequences and it was all just threats... i just... couldn't risk it.." he folds his hands in his lap and looks down Cimmorro: "it truly is puzzling. i don't understand why he needs to go such lengths if he just wanted people under his wing." he taps the mouthpiece of his pipe on his own chin in thought. "his organization is quite big and popular as people make it sound like. surely a lot of mages are dying to be a part of it..." Mars: "Exactly that, unless every mage on his 'payroll' is under the same coercion scheme." as Vinny suggested, he might not be the only one. Vinny: he nods his head "they are, i sure know i was, but they're prestigious because they dont accept everyone, just the ones they deem er... 'promising'" he makes a dreary face at mars as you say so Mars: "I'd like to see all of Beryl's prestigious talent pool go on vacation all at once see what happens to the damn thing...." He mumbles quietly. The more they talk about the accords the more mars thinks this whole thing's starting to smell a lil like bull. Cimmorro: another long sigh comes out of him. "maybe he's just having a power trip and we're overthinking all this. which then we go back to resolving it with um. socking the guy." Mars: "Hah, maybe." He's never been very good at putting himself in the shoes of anyone like Beryl.

Vinny: his smile perks up again at the digs mars keeps giving the man before he smirks quietly to himself indulging in the beautiful fantasy cimmorro put in his mind "well, if you ever hatch a master plan for taking him down feel free to involve me..." he rests his chin in his hands again as he looks out at the trees nearby Cimmorro: "you'd be the star of the stage, after all. you have to be there when it happens." talking about this always leaves cimm in a bit of a downtrodden mood, but somehow motivated all the same. what the fuck is going on at the accord... he can't help but be curious, vinny's safety aside. Vinny: he smiles as he pats cimm across the shoulder with his other hand "you're crafting a lovely image right now i have to say" before he sits up again trying to cast the gloominess off himself Cimmorro: cimm rolls his eyes at the shoulder pat vinny seems to have grown a habit on doing to him more often. he doesn't hate it though. "i have to say, the possibility of a dragon is scarier than a egotripping wizard. so if we deal with this, i'm sure we can figure that guy out." # believe it. in further attempt to lighten up the mood he goes, "so let's keep our wits about with us, hm? hm?" he presses vinny's cheeks with a hand, forcing his lips into a duck beak. Vinny: he finds himself about to reply until his face is manhandled, he startles and scrunches his eyes before attempting to whack cimmorro's hand away "-ack, s-stop!" as they settle again he huffs a weary sigh to himself rubbing his mouth.

The three idle away the rest of their watch time listening to him Vinny read excerpts of the 'not great' book to lighten the mood from previous topics and the looming dragon. Vinny gets particularly amused at a passage that completely contradicts a previous plot point in the chapter 'the miscreant shouldn't even know where the key to the boudoir is...hehe haha...'

After a time the night settles in on him again however and he begins dozing off next to the other two, his head drooping. After a few minutes it lands softly on Cimmorro's shoulder as he falls asleep in earnest sitting up, the fire keeping him quite cosy with his glasses askew once more.

Cimmorro: cimm had already noticed him growing quieter and dozing off on his own and had already told him to just to go bed if he needs to. he and mars can keep watch mighty fine but vinny was stubborn enough to stay. and now they find themselves here, in this situation. a familiar one to the one not to long ago. "of course," is all that leaves him as he lets out a pouty exhale. he adjuts the way he sits so it doesn't strain the both of them at least (how this works, don't ask me) and pulls vinny's glasses off so he doesn't break it somehow while sleeping. he glances to where Mars is and softly snorts. "think you can princess carry him back into the caravan?" Mars: He takes a moment to assess the situation, glancing around blatantly between Vinny and Cimm and tries his best to not seen amused by the whole thing. "I dunno he looks rather comfortable there already to me?" He states. He's not exactly the best at schooling his expression so the signs of amusement easily slip out of him in the form of barely contained laughter. He does at least begin moving to get Vinny back in the caravan. Cimmorro: cimm raises a brow at mars, amused at the other's own amusement of the situation. "well, no need to rush, he's quite good at keeping me warm right now," he smiles innocently. "besides, he just dozed off, he'll probably melt from his own embarrassment if he woke up with you hoisting him. and then he'll never get any sleep again. what will we do if our wizard is restless for a drake hunt.... oh no..."

Mars: He finally lets out one quick laugh, still quiet, but still one. "Hah, true, though it won't do him any good to have a crick in his neck." While he's already up though, Mars decides dig through for his pack to see if he has something he can while away the last few bits of watch they have on. He's being kept abreast of the situation already, so long as someone keeps an eye on that he's at least not not confident about their ability to scram at a moment's notice. While rummaging around though he manages to find something that he's managed to keep with him. He always keeps most of his documents with him, mostly out of messiness but he's somewhat grateful now that he has the time to sort them out. He quickly leafs though a bunch of papers, job postings, expenses, notes, but chances upon a set of letters he didn't expect to find. "Huh-" He notes somewhat interested, a letter he was supposed to send to Cimm. "Oh hey I found-" He immediately pauses as he takes the letter out and realises its unsealed and exactly why its unsealed. "Uh." He just freezes up and hopes Cimm did not hear any of that. Cimmorro: "a sore neck i can cure, no problem. but a sleepless and spell-battery-drained wizard? well, there's only so much i can do, as perfect as i am," he grins humorously and continues to watch the trees ahead of them. the short and quiet pause was somehow pleasant, despite the circumstances. the shuffling noise from mars' rummaging makes up for asmr. unfortunately for mars, cimm has a perception of +8 so he does happen to hear him speak up amidst the musing. he tilts his head to where the other is, as best as he can while he has a tenant on his shoulder and goes "hm? what is it?" Mars: "Well its- I don't know if I should-." He knows by now the more he speaks the more Cimm can dig around, so the less is spoken the better. With both cimm's +8 perception and the fact that he isn't actually all that far away, Cimm sees him stuffing an envelope into a pack. "Actually I'm shutting up-"

Cimmorro: "what?" he blinks confused. "are you a divine sinner?" genuinely, what was he bumbling about that got him looking nervous? it was then he notices the letter but that doesn't leave him any less confused. "mars," he says, direct and accompanied with a pointed stare. at this point mars is familiar that this is his way of telling him to stop beating around the bush. Mars: Weighing the pros and cons very quickly he notices very few pros aside from him coming off a little rude but otherwise harmless. And all the cons of having an awkward tense thing going on with the one guy that he knows a bit more well than the others on this trip. Not that he isn't used to being quiet and alone in a group traveling scenario, he just happens to actually consider Cimm to be at least something akin to a friend, a totally not at all roundabout way of admitting Cimm is a friend. "Alright, alright quit glowering. Just- Bah, its just messy."

He walks over with his own two feet and hands the envelope over to cimmorro and addressed to the Jasidan temple in Coralwash. Aside from the fact that its unsealed, it looks like a normal envelope.

Cimmorro: he eyes him as he extends his arm to hand the envelope over, eventually plucking it out of his hands. he only scans the outside before he grins. "awww for me? you were just shy..." he coos. "but why is it open?" Mars: "It wasn't... Well I didn't know if I should send it." He scratches the back of his head. "I had the passing thought I ought to give it to you before we reached Coralwash, but then I realised I haven't even finished it." He thinks a little bit more "You're free to read it, there's no use hiding that now. Unfinished as it is, it was meant for you." Cimmorro: "wh... why shouldn't you? i told you to write to me! come on..." he tries his best to keep his voice hush, but there's still a sting of betrayal in his tone. "well, it got to me. that's what matters." he tries to shrug but it made a strained feeling due to the weight on his shoulders. so he carefully moves vinny down to lay on his lap instead before unfolding the letter from the envelope. "anyways, don't mind if i do....~"

By all accounts its a normal looking letter though the further the letter gets read the more clear it is why Mars hesitated showing it in the first place, that being said its his own fault for bringing it up.

Cimmorro, You spoke at length about Coralwash, and it never occurred to me how closeby it was to feasible the trip was. Regretably I don't know when if It would be nice to, perhaps, visit your town and have you take in the sights, surprisingly I don't see the ocean all that often despite the proximity. It would be nice to see Jasper considering  how avidly you adored her. Unfortunately I don't HHHHH Scheduling troubles By the time you get this letter, I have no earthly clue where the hells you'd be I may have already returned home and decided to pass by Coralwash. I'll write to you again of how the visit was, if I met any of your sisters or drowned NO, ate anything you recommended, or The letter remains unfinished, though there seems to be some kind of checklist at the bottom. p.s: stationary. envelope. Graphite. Rewrite.

Cimmorro: while he idly combs vinny's hair with his fingers (something he's grown a habit of doing while reading because of jasper,) a smile on cimm's face slowly grows wider as he reads on, having a laugh here and there especially near the end. once he's done, he puts the letter down and studies mars where he stands. he takes a moment to think of what to say. instinctively, he wants to tease him for it. but the fact that it is a 'mess' made it so heartwarming for him. it's sincere and he appreciates it that way. tonight, he decides to go easy on him. "don't you know how to swim?" an honest question, but there's still some playfulness behind it as he still finds the line funny. Mars: At a glance Mars seems to be doing his best to keep his emabrassment in but under the microscope his mouth is too tense, his posture too stiff and gaze too avoidant. He was fully expecting some form of disappointment from Cimm about how he actually didn't intend to visit at all, but either that wasn't conveyed or something else caught his eye, the swimming question of all thing caught him off guard and released some kind of tension he didn't know he had. "What? Yes. No. Maybe?" He turns back to Cimm, pausing to consider at each word. He scratches his head. "I don't know, never really done it, I'd probably do alright in a pinch, but I wouldn't immediately think its 'fun'." Cimmorro: the response makes cimm bark a laugh. "'never really done it' means no, you don't know how to." Mars: He slowly eases up a bit more, though does take a glance at Vinny after that. Still passed out (Insyallah). "Then no, I don't know how to." He figures he'd probably figure it out though. If he has to.

Cimmorro: "it's too bad we're not staying long, i'd have given you swimming lessons! it's quite important, especially for you. you like to get on boats every now and then... geez" he shakes his head in disbelief. "but i can show you around for sure. and i'll be keeping this, thank you~" he chimes as he slips the letter into his sleeve. Mars: "Ackh-" He's getting flashbacks of that time the guild receptionist in Bakaldor took his unfinished work application. Much like that time, its too late now. "So be it, just treat me to a meal for it." He jokes about. He was about to sit down until he looks at how comfy Vinny is and decides to sit on the ground near the two instead, back leaning on the log. Cimmorro: he nods and watches mars lean more comfortably with a snort. "don't go sleeping on me too now" Mars: "Or what? You'll pet my hair too?" He laughs as he leans his head back, at ease. "I'll be fine. Just tell me more about stuff to do in Coralwash." Cimmorro: "hmmmm, i might. so best keep one eye open if you don't want me to." he was about to put some serious thought in answering the following request but decides against it and smiles instead. "you'll see for yourself when we get there." Mars: He rolls his one good eye. "Alright then, leave some mystery around." He says as he keeps watch in comfy silence for the rest of their time together.

After a while Mars starts to note its starting to be the end of their turn on watch and it'd probably be good to inform the next pair of the figure in the distance. (Aqua note: I DIDNT FORGET ABOUT THE DRAGON) He looks over to Cimmorro and Vinny.

Mars: "So... How are we gonna turn in with Vil like this...?" He asks not yet realising he's supposed to carry him Cimmorro: "you could try shaking him awake but? well, i've been shifting him around and he doesn't seem to budge so...." says the guy who's starting to lose blood on his legs where vinny lays. Mars: Mars makes a concentrated effort this time. Cimmorro: cimm stops his hand. "just carry him 😩 " Mars: "What-" He thinks a little bit more. Some internal decision must've been reached and Mars just resolves himself to do so. "Alright, alright."

Mars crouches down and picks up Vinny princess tyle, despite his height and weight a man has never felt so light to Mars, its like picking up a bird. He flicks his head at Cimmorro to gesture to the caravan as the two walk in, intent on waking Psalm and Finn for their next watch, unbeknownst to them however the two have already awoken.

Psalm: Psalm rouses from a shorter than usual, but not wholly inefficient rest. He lucked out with a middlish watch he supposes, although it's hard to get sleep knowing there's a likelihood of being attacked by a fucking dragon of all things at any moment. In any case, he should probably go see if Finn is up so they can go relieve the others of their watch duty. Slightly groggy, he stumbles his way around the caravan in search of Finn's coffin. He doesn't really know for sure if the other man rests within, for all Psalm knows he could be out doing god knows what in the forest, but he knocks gently on it all the same. Finn: finn hasnt really been able to nap, but its nothing out of the ordinary considering his strange sleep schedule. honestly, he was prepared to keep watch the whole night alone, so to see everyone volunteering was……strange. finn thinks it must be because they would feel bad toward his uncle if they made him do it alone. to pass the time, hes been entertaining himself in his head by planning ahead for the time he'll be spending with psalm. hes more excited for it than he'd like to admit. having been on bad terms with psalm for so long had really been a downer. finn was so excited to talk about his engagement! and love in general!… and just talking to psalm at all. it was embarassing, really. but finn didnt have the time to contemplate his desperation, finally having heard those knocks on his coffin. he forces his eyes shut and doesnt respond…… psalm will find the coffin unlocked and he can raise the lid if he so wishes. Psalm: The coffin doesn't stir even a little… which must mean that Finn is outside somewhere? Maybe he's talking with Mars and Cimmoro, although the likilhood of that… is actually quite high despite the latter's distaste for the vampire. Although he'd rather not get involved, to keep the other two waiting on him would be selfish. He raps gently on the coffin with his fingers lost in thought for a bit about where Finn might be, before getting up, stretching, and heading outside.

Finn: finn is all giddy inside his coffin, so much so that he cant stop smiling from ear to ear. any moment now, psalm will lift it and find before him a sleeping beauty! he will gently wake finn, leaning over him illuminated by the moonlight and finn will slowly flutter his lashes and act surprised but have all the time in the world to take the sight of psalm like that in to savor…except it… doesnt happen? its all taking way too long. not that finn minds fleshing this fantasy out but… when he clearly hears psalm leaving, finn rushes to lift his lid with great urgency and in a whiny voice he says loud enough for psalm to hear "w-where are you going psalm!!" usually finn wouldnt bother 'running' after someone like this, but waiting for psalm to go outside and come back would take too long…even worse if he got caught up in a conversation with those two wretched baseborn curs. the thought of them stealing psalm away from him made finns cold dead blood boil. not even his beloved vinny would be allowed to do that tonight… psalm belonged to finn right now. Psalm: Psalm, right at the exit to the caravan, startles a bit when Finn calls out to him. He turns around. Maybe he hadn't knocked loud enough? "Oh, I didn't realise you were in there Finn. I tried knocking but I supposeyour coffin is more sturdy than I expected." He walks back over to the coffin, "What do you mean where am I going anyhow, it's our turn for the watch isn't it?" Finn: finn frowns for a second before his expression takes on more that of a kicked puppy. he doesnt make an effort to get up quite yet, sitting in his coffin for the moment "why didnt you try looking inside at least?.. you were just going to leave me here!" finn then holds his hand out to psalm, clearly expecting to be pulled up. this part at least should go according to plan…….he hopes. Psalm: "That seems like an unwarranted breach of privacy." Psalm raises an eyebrow, discerning. "Did you want me to look inside?" Psalm uses all of his 9 str to take Finn by the hand and help him out of the coffin, although why Finn expects him to do this… are all nobles like this?

Finn: finn merely nods and uncaring about psalms 9 str lets himself be pulled up. he steps out of his coffin and waits for psalm to let go of his hand first before he does "i suppose that kind of consideration speaks for your favourable disposition" he plays with a strand of hair and says the next part very casually "but you can look, i dont mind" as if finn didnt just drop that he then begins to make way for outside Psalm: "I would think anyone with a hint of decency would think twice about it, but who's to say really." Psalm follows after Finn, not really sure what to respond. He's starting to just realise Finn likes messing with him, so it's water off a ducks back really. "I'll keep that in mind for tomorrow's watch, provided we're not all roommates in a dragon's belly." Finn: "well" finn huffs "we are traveling with the worlds most uncivilized, unpleasant, indecent, disrespectful hooligans - in case you forgot! the bar is quite low!" at psalms latter comment finn realizes theyd get to keep watch together again? something he didnt think of, somehow. he assumed theyd re-elect the order each night, in case people got bored of each other…or didnt like each other. if finn got anyone other than psalm, he wouldve pushed for such a thing for sure. but he doesnt want to let psalm know hes this behind.

As the two make to walk out the other three walk inside, Vinny continues to drool away in Mars hold as they exchange brief greetings, the other two eyeing the man in Mars' arms. Mars warns the two of them in the meantime of the figure in the distance he saw.

Psalm: psalm has no comment beyond "if vinny were awake he'd probably be red like a tomato" Finn: finn cringes at the sight. no one should be allowed to handle vinny like that except for himself!… and perhaps cimmorro, as much as finn doesnt like the idea he cant deny that those two have a somewhat intimate relationship and itd be wrong to refuse vinny his own chosen friends. finn hates that mars has the audacity to touch vinny like that, to hold him, when he hasnt earned it. that aside, normally finn would insist on taking over from mars but since hes with psalm right now he cant. the man he dedicates his night to shalt have his priority. finn will remember this as another reason to resent mars for.

After speaking they pass one another and the three head back towards the room with the beds, though after a few moments Vinny begins to stir in Mars' hold.

Vinny: lifting his head from mars' shoulder he blinks awake blearily, awoken by mars walking or talking he cant quite tell. after he glances up the man groggily he stares for a few moments blankly before recognition dawns on him, though only of who he's staring at. not fully awake he asks, confused about his proximity "...mars?" Mars: Oops, not that any of his pros and cons weighing mattered, vinny woke up anyway. "Go back to sleep." He just says as he (unintentionally) glares down. Vinny: he furrows his brows a little scared of mars' ominous expression in the dark, almost ignoring his words as he starts looking around worried before realising where exactly he is. after a few more seconds he blinks as his face grows red and he starts tapping the arms holding him up somewhat frantically and whispers "why are you...!? er- t-that's quite alright..! you can put me down!" Mars: He just lets him down easily LMAO, hands raised and spread upwards like 'See not touching anymore.' Cimmorro: cimm's just laughing from behind them. "we didn't wanna disturb you. you were sleeping like a baby." Vinny: he shuffles to the ground as attempts to not trip over his feet accidentally, trying to not make any further direct eye contact with the man, as cimm speaks up his face gets even redder "w-well... t-thank you?" he says the last part almost like a question, barely sure of his own words. he thinks idly to himself that well at least it was only these two that saw him like that before turning around to ready for sleep again, moving a little more quickly than normal as he tries to ignore them

Mars: Mars just tilts his head in confusion as he waits for Vinny to climb in so he can head to the nearest open bed.  "Well, night you two." He says with a tired wave. Cimmorro: cimm gets on the top bunk and says "maybe we should get an earlier time for you next time." Vinny: he mumbles back a 'goodnight' to mars before glancing upwards, though he cant see cimm "the airship might have spoiled me a little as well..." CImmorro: he snickers lightheartedly. "nighty night you two" Mars: Mars just mumbles a quick night, exhaustion he didn't know he had seeping as he waves the two off and turns around. Vinny: vinny does his best to dispell his lingering embarrassment as he focuses very intently on falling asleep again "goodnight..."

As the three head to sleep, Finn and Psalm settle themselves outside for an evening on watch.

Finn: when finn and psalm finally have the space to themselves, finn plops down and kicks his legs a little, looking to psalm to see if he will sit with finn or not Psalm: Psalm rolls his eyes, "There's worse out there." But that's all he says, not really wanting to get into it. He goes and checks up on the horses as they get outside (after exchanging whatever necessary greetings with the other three), and then does in fact sit with Finn, as there is literally no reason not to. Hes still a bit sleep, honestly, not usually quick to become alert after waking up, but he does his best to not appear so. Finn: "soooooo," finn starts and tries and fails to hide his smile "while we wait for this dragon to come and eat us, lets talk about love!" he practically beams "there were quite a few things youve said that left me wondering about you, you know" finn gestures vaguely like an anime character "i mean i know you said youre not interested in romance right now and i assume its mostly because of…" finn gestures at his head "…but have you ever actually been in love? any past scars that prevent you from opening your heart again?" finn dramatically hugs himself and feigns hurt, then squints at psalm through his lashes to suss out anything he may leave unspoken Psalm: Psalm narrows his eyes, immediately suspicious of Finn's intentions. Still, he does enjoy this topic of conversation… "I can't think of a better thing to discuss while we wait around for our impending doom." Psalm shrugs. "It's not just Ghester anyways, I have a lot going on." He gestures vaguely, "even right now I'm in another content sorting out cults and hunting dragons. I don't see how I could possibly have the time for romance." Psalm wonders briefly if it's worth bringing up at all, but he supposes Finn did tell him about his weird fiance situation even if it was against his will kind of. "I've been in love before, just once." That's all he says.

Finn: finn nods and keeps his eyes trained on psalm as he talks, even if he finds his answers to be incredibly boring and largely uninteresting. it is that part of psalm thats unwilling to rebel against the circumstances that finn finds so appalling… finn is traveling and also rather busy but he'd make it work if he was in love…….well. orins not here right now but still. if he were here- finns train of thought is interrupted when psalm finally says something that truly gets his attention. subconciously finn leans foward with big eyes "just once? how long ago was it? with who? do you still talk to them?" Psalm: he leans back. "Yes, just once. Not that long ago honestly…? A few years ago we just decided being friends was better." Psalm ponders the date for a while, he remembers the exact moment, of course, but decides Finn doesnt need to know that. "We still talk, I sent him a letter a while back actually while we were still in Shorewater but as of right now I still haven't gotten a response." Which is concerning to say the least, especially with the information he'd been granted by his patron. But he tries not to let his concern show on his face. "He's probably just busy." Psalm shrugs in a way he hopes comes off as nonchalantly. Maybe he shouldn't talk about this after all. Finn: finn doesnt let it show but as soon as psalm mentions a 'he', disgust wells up in him…..sure, psalm and this mystery guy have decided to be friends but thats still a man thats potential competition. well, even if psalm had been in love with a woman or otherwise before finn wouldntve been happy about it, but at least he wouldnt have to fight to be the better man. he tries not to ponder it as hard right now. "if you had sent me a letter, i wouldve responded even if i were busy" finn rolls his eyes and gestures with one hand "actually…" finn looks at psalm and fails to elaborate. he wants to ask more about psalms past but that would require moving away from romance as a topic…its a difficult pick. "i dont think i know why youre here. at all. why are you even a vengaboy" finn blinks, almost as if he wasnt sure he just said what he said

Psalm: Psalm blinks at Finn once and then starts laughing. "Thanks? But dont worry about it, he's not the type to ignore me so I imagine he's indisposed, given his line of work it isn't unusual." There's a genuine smile on his face as Psalm thinks about his friend. He can't help it. At Finn's question Psalm crosses his arms. How can he put this. Business as usual he supooses. "Due to…" he pauses. "…circumstances I had to leave my home town for a while. I ended up in Shorewater by chance, took Vinny's posting to find his cats since I needed money, and then ended up getting stuck with everyone else here. Truly a testament to my luck that a job finding a cat leads to chasing cult activity half way across the globe I suppose." Finn: finn just squints at psalm the whole time….he was a bit dense, but psalms incredibly obvious evasiveness wasnt lost on him. maybe he could use this to his advantage though… "what line of work does your friend happen to be in? i just cannot think of anything so arduous it would prevent one from writing a meager little letter" he gestures dismissively with his wrist "also pray tell, what is your friend called? it is a little tiring to simply call him 'he'… and a bit rude too" finn doesnt even bother trying to unpack psalms 'circumstances' rn because he knows that will be a much tougher shell to crack Psalm: "Youre right. My apologies.He's a swordsman by the name of Basil. He mostly does bodyguard work last I checked. A bit more official than what I'm up to right now keeping an eye on you for your Uncle though." Psalm jokes. "But he has to travel around the continent fairly often, and I figure it can get pretty dangerous considering the types he has to guard so… I'd be happy to hear from him even if it is meager." Finn: finns eye briefly twitches. great. its a man and a swordsman. his engagement to orin had to work out. regardless finn brings himself to smile a little bit "mm.. thats what i think too. anyone would be glad to hear even meager news from someone with this profession. i understand now why hes not responding to you" he rolls 'the types he has to guard' around in his mind "sounds like hes escorting noblemen or some such?" an inquisitive glance

Psalm: Psalm wonders if Finn's eye just now was a trick of the light, but decides to leave it alone. "I'm sure he's fine though. He's pretty capable, for what it's worth when we were children it was always him bailing the two of us out of trouble…" Psalm crosses his arms. "Probably? When we, er- worked together in the same group, we usually opted for different jobs. Different talents you see. And he liked to keep his jobs a secret from me because he's a bit of an asshole like that honestly. I didn't see very much of him during that time either honestly." Psalm considers that bit of information for a bit before mumbling to himself, "Maybe the distance is why it didn't work out…" he sounds like he's having a revelation… Finn: finn thinks hard about this for a moment…different talents…but all hes seen psalm do is fight and bail him out of terrible social situations. so he's not sure what psalms other talents are "distance is the adversary to all love…" finn whispers dramatically and clutches at his chest "but to be frank with you psalm, i dont know what your non-combat talents are aside from getting your foot stuck in your mouth" he winces a bit at the memories coming back to him "and while i wouldnt consider you a great fighter, maybe youll earn just enough experience from traveling with the vengaboys to close that distance between your professions" finn looks away after saying that, unsure if its okay for him to be helping the enemy "if you wanted to, that is" he adds after a moment Psalm: "I suppose it is," is all he says to that. But he sniffs, fake offended. "I can be a capable talker when I need to be. Basil is far too excitable and honest, so it was up to me to lie when we needed to lie. But I suppose in casual conversation that is quite a different story…" Psalm crosses his arms, "I don't think I'm all that great either, but we should spar one of these days and measure our distance. Although I think I'd probably have a rough time of it." He smiles though. "I can't say I want that, I do enjoy having him act out being my knight in shining armor," he snorts. This is mostly a joke.

Finn: finn is not entirely sure whether psalm is joking or not, but the man just openly talked about being a liar for a living (<- finns understanding of it) which wasnt surprising, but still "and is all that lying what led to your leaving home due to… circumstances?" finn tries to mimick psalms tone and a bit of the pauses he used earlier to weasel his way out of an answer Psalm: "No, funnily enough. Quite the opposite really. I just figured it was time to be honest with myself and switch careers rather than stay somewhere that was honestly pretty shitty." He sighs. "If only Basil would do the same, but maybe he's better off this way." He waves his hand vaguely. Psalm recognises that Finn is mimicking him by the way, and just makes up his face. Finn: something about psalm saying all that threatens finns mood to drop. he'd rather psalm was a liar who got swindled and cheated and beaten and bruised all the way to shorewater but no, the man is simply starting with a clean slate. something finn wishes so desperately he could do but he doesnt see himself ever getting there. ruminating on this makes finn take a good long moment before he responds. hes not sure if he wants a third emotionally charged conversation today though so he thinks of a way to bring them back on track. "better off or not, lets cut to the chase psalm… theres something important you left out all this time and its really distracting me from what should be your riveting tale of self discovery" finn folds his hands in front of his face (around his mouth and nose like sasuke) and then he gives psalm a sharp glance "is basil handsome?" he did need to know. he's surprised its not the first thing hes asked actually… hes off his game!

Psalm: Psalm waits patiently for whatever Finn is thinking about for so long to wrap up in his head, although he's a bit curious. Ultimately he decides that their measly night time watch is probably not the best time to question it, so he accepts the following question easily. He can't say he wasn't expecting it… but this type of thing doesn't make him embarassed in the least. "Yes, in a boyish rogue kind of way, if I had to describe it… He's a bit shorter than me if that helps you picture him." Finn: finn crosses his arms and taps at his arm with a finger impatiently while psalm briefly describes basil. when hes done, finn frowns at him and gets a bit snappy (in a playful oujo-sama way) "not at all! youve barely told me anything! not what kind of hair he has, what his face is like, if he has" he uncrosses his arms to gesture at his biceps "if hes well built, what kind of fashion he adorns himself with! you didnt tell me what you like best about him, what stands out most about him! you could also tell me if hes a tiefling like you or not…tsk" he raises his nose and looks down on psalm expectantly Psalm: "Alright, fair." Psalm frowns a bit, hesitant to give more details though. He's not sure he'd like it if Basil was out there in the world talking about him to strangers, but he supposes he needs to get over his need for secrecy when it comes to some things at least. Describing him to Finn won't put him in harms way if they were to ever meet…probably? He does a poor job from hiding his hesitancy though. Not that Basil would care much, but it was Psalm's job to care about this between the two. "I don't see why this is necessary, but he has curly midlength hair, a round face. I don't think I've ever seen him not smiling also, so my complete opposite in every regard." Psalm gestures at his straight, dark hair that just kind of sticks out everywhere at his neck. "I don't think he cares too much about his appearance or fashion if I'm honest, but he's of a fairly average build. Really I'm not sure where he gets his strength from. And he's blue. A blue tiefling." Psalm ponders this next line of questioning… "As for what I like about him… I don't know how to express that in words so I won't bother. I guess he's a good friend..?" Psalm says, although even that he has to wonder about a bit. It is lacking in its simplicity, but it feels awkward sitting here describing him

Finn: finn wonders if psalm is taking so long because finn is forcing him to talk about his former lover in great detail like that…. finn can be lenient in this case and he patiently waits, since its his fault its a bit awkward. although he wants to tell psalm to be proud of his attraction and cast aside his hesitation even if it happens to be to someone average or even ugly. as psalm elaborates on basils appearance finn nods along and thinks, trying to fit all the information together like puzzle pieces "now, was that so hard? i have a much better idea of your friend now" finn chooses to not comment on what psalm likes best about basil, thats for him to treasure and for no one to question "but" finn says and smirks, leaning forward ever so slightly "he doesnt sound nearly as handsome as you, even though he should be. id love to make a fair comparison some time though" finn leaves psalms personal space and sighs, greatly enjoying their conversation again. he then peers at psalm "you know, you haven't really asked me anything all night. as much as i appreciate and enjoy having a free pass to interrogate and pester you, i have to wonder if youre content just sitting on your own curiosity…" he very clearly wants to be asked anything at all Psalm: "Well if he were to ever show up I'd probably have to wonder just a little bit what he's doing this side of the world, but he did travel quite a bit. Although there's no need to compare us, I think he's far more attractive than me. Maybe my own bias." Psalm shrugs. Compliments from Finn about his own appearance are now becoming something hes getting used to, is this a bad sign?"And true… I wasn't quite expecting to be put in the hot seat all of a sudden. Although, I'm not sure what it is I could even ask you. You clearly have your whole.. engagement (he says this word quietly) sorted out. I suppose that in itself answers the questions you first asked me. Orin knows about your vampirism, right?"

Finn: "oh but there is a great need to compare you! one must always assess their position…" finn trails off. it was also very important for his own entertainment and enjoyment. if basil was hotter than psalm, he'd have to change plans and go for him also! at psalms rather blunt disinterest finn plummets a little, pouting. "of course orin knows! he accepts me wholly…" finn closes his eyes and digs up from the recesses of his mind when orin found out.. how warm that felt although it was something so detestable to show to him. "but i cant believe youre not letting me gush about him! hes my fiance to be and you dont even care what i like about him…" he very obviously feigns crocodile tears, mimicking that junko enoshima mushroom sprite. hes getting used to psalm not living up to his expectations, not taking as much offense to it as he used to "but go ahead… ask me about vampirism…." the first time he appeared before the group was with orin, and he had been a bat then… psalm mustve been so transfixed on finns beauty that he forgot it even happened, finn thinks. so he can count it as a good thing. Psalm: "Position…right." Suspicious… "You're free to do so if you wish, by all means I'd love to hear more about Orin." Psalm means this too, admittedly he's been curious about the man ever since his brief conversation with Keva about him. "It would be wrong to say I don't care actually, considering the more I learn about you the more I'm surprised." Finn: finn blinks up at psalm with sparkly eyes at the final comment "reaaally?" he leans in a bit again, batting his eyelashes "how come? tell me more, you must!" the prospect of gushing about orin is as good as forgotten at the possibility of being showered in praise and compliments.

Psalm: The switch up gives Psalm whiplash, but he squashes the urge to protest. Sorry Keva, he thinks. He'll have to try thinking of a way to bring this conversation back around to Orin somehow. Psalm had honestly not meant anything too extraordinary by what he'd said either, but he gets the feeling Finn will be disappointed if he says as much. Although now is as good a time as any to work on his honesty. "I mean you're pretty eccentric? Although who in this group isn't…" Well, not him. Probably. But still. "I feel Ive made it seem worse than it sounds. I just feel like you care about things I wouldn't expect you to. Like romance. And there's nothing I intend to ask you about your vampirism at the moment. You don't seem particularly enthused about the topic so there's no need." Finn: finns eyebrows shoot up in shock and he grasps at his chest again "how come you wouldntve expect me to care about romance? romance is the most important thing in anyones life! it is the very height to strive for and to experience, to indulge and partake in! to be ravaged and destroyed by!" he raises a hand up to the sky like an actor in a play, caught up in his musings about the topic "to not care about romance is to give up on life- no, happiness itself!" he then looks at psalm again with a smile on his face "it is a strange assumption to make about me.. do be assured about my vested interest in the topic once more" he then blinks as if he seems to realize "ah, i wont apologize for professing my passion, but i did get us off track im afraid… not that there was much of a track… but if my personal affairs are so clear cut and unmysterious to you, we can always talk about stories of love instead v__v" a few weeks ago, he actually wouldve blown up at psalm for his lack of enthusiastic interest… strange how conventional attractiveness can change your feelings over time!

Psalm: Psalm blinks once at Finn's speech before speaking. "Yeah actually maybe the dramatics make sense. I was thinking it was too down to earth for the likes of you, but I realise I was going about it the wrong way. I forget you do things your own way.. arguably the best way to do them even. I respect the intensity. Agree even, although I'm not sure I'll ever experience a love as earth-shattering as you've described." Psalm then, realising his error, tries to backtrack a bit. "I think I've given you the wrong idea. It's quite the opposite really. Nothing about you is clear cut, and I find your condition anything but unmysterious. I simply didn't want to be too nosy. However," recalling Finn giving him permission to open up his coffin,"it seems that you want me to be more interested so I'll bite. I've no more stories to tell anyways, unless you want to share some before I begin my interview." Finn: finn did expect psalm to be moved at least a little bit by his speech, if he is a true lover of romance, but this was more than he bargained for and it makes him feel giddy all over, blushing a little. the words 'I forget you do things your own way.. arguably the best way to do them even.' especially wash warmly over finn. a smalll smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. he visibly relaxes and regards psalm with a kind look in his eyes "i cannot fully fault you for your caution, given that im quite peculiar with who wishes to involve themself with me… but i favour boldness over caution and i believe ive made it more than clear that i quite favour you.. even now, when you offend, i cannot help but be more lenient with you" he smiles more now despite being a bit annoyed at said leniency he bestows upon psalm so often now "so by all means, be bold and go ahead" Psalm: Psalm like have I done anything offensive…? But that will probably get him in trouble so he keeps his mouth shut on the matter. The reaction to his statement isn't what he expected either, but the day he predicts how Finn will react to something is the day hell freezes over. He decides to just take the extended olive branch instead, rather than fuck up somehow by saying something silly like asking why Finn even seems to like him so much to begin with. "Alright, then any love stories before Orin you feel like sharing?" He'll get to the vampirism in a moment.

Finn: finns face contorts a bit, a bit like the face they make in soul eater when excalibur is mentioned. he opens his mouth and closes it a bit, he seems to be struggling to come up with an answer "n-not really…" he avoids looking at psalm "ive never been in love before, you see…" he closes his eyes and collects himself, composure quickly regained "so this is an exciting development for me… my precious first love is unfolding as we speak!…" he hugs himself dramatically again and hopes thats enough Psalm: Curious reaction, although the reason becomes clear in a moment. Psalm takes a moment to register this in his mind. He'd kind of expected it. He wonders what the hell is going to happen when they see Orin again. Should he stop this, if not for Finn's sake but Orin's? But to be honest, why should he care? For all he knows Orin is just as crazy, although he didn't really get that impression. Oh well. "I see." Is all he says. Psalm pats his shoulder, genuinely at a loss, although that doesn't show on his face. "I look forward to seeing how it unfolds." He does not think about this any further than that, for the moment. "I'll just dive right in and ask, and forgive me for my idiotic question, but have you ever bitten anyone? I assume that was what you were up to that time with the cultist back in Theyord's lair."

Finn: finn briefly wonders if he should bring his real first love, sasuke, up…but he doesnt know if psalm would understand manga well enough to be initiated into its workings… although, he supposes, its not much different from pining after a character in a normal book. but still… their bond is just not at a level where he can share this yet. at the comforting pat on the shoulder hes able to relax again… although something about the pat seems off in a way he cant put a finger on. oh well, physical contact with psalm is physical contact with psalm! he mumbles out a "me too" at the unfolding love statement. finn blinks at the question about biting people, especially the cultist. he did order psalm to be bold and he is at a level with the man where he does not take offense to the question. olsts average tasting blood comes to mind again and finn thoughtfully assumes a thinking pose "it was indeed so… an unexpected turn of events for me, i should add" he studies psalm "tell me what you think though psalm… have i bitten more people before?" hes keen to figure out which answer will put psalm at ease here Psalm: Unfortunately for Finn, he doesn't know that Psalm is a well versed patron of all kinds of literature… including Naruto (Ino is his fave.) Psalm wonders if it was really unexpected or if Finn was inexplicably trying to seduce the cultist but doesn't say all of that. It's the kind of thing he's starting to realise Finn would do, but it's neither here nor there at the end of the day. Psalm himself assumes a thoughtful pose, tapping once or twice on his thigh with his fingers as he thinks of a "right" answer. "I can't imagine Theyord's basement would be the ideal opportunity to test something like that out for the first time, so I assume it's something you're at least a little practiced with."

Finn: finns smile now carries a tinge of bitterness but it isnt directed at psalm specifically. "correct" he confirms and unassumes his thinking pose "of course ive bitten people before, ive been a vampire for a long time after all" not once does he take his eyes off psalm as he says this, studying his expression constantly "but it is something i reserve for survival" and an intensity seeps into his gaze "or for love" expecting psalm to understand without trouble as usual. if hes a romantic he should get it, finn thinks. he wonders to himself if he should elaborate more, he kind of would like to, but he thinks he must look pretty cool right now and that he ended his explanation on a cool note so he opts not to for now. Psalm: (Psalm has the same enthusiasm about this topic as Laius did when asking Marcille what it felt like to be attacked by the man eating plant in dungeon meshi chapter 2) "I see…!" Psalm nods thoughtfully. "How long exactly? Feel free to ignore that if you don't want me finding out you're secretly an old man." Psalm doesn't really mind Finn staring holes into him, because he's arguably doing the same, enthused although displaying the same nonchalance he usually does. "Survival I can understand, romance also. I feel that's the kind of thing that would be intimate if reserved for a partner." He gets it Finn: finn feigns bashfulness, hugging himself dramatically and looking away from psalm, his voice raised in pitch as he speaks "oh how dare you! trying to get me to admit my age! i assure you im no fossil…" he returns to looking psalm in the eyes but briefly ponders how much he truly wants to share with him about this. his speaking voice returns to normal too as he scoots closer to psalm and in an act of rash stupidity, he rests his head on psalms shoulder "do you mind?" he still tries to look from this perspective even if its entirely useless. usually finn wouldnt bother asking for permission like this, especially not after psalm went out of his way to touch finns shoulder which clearly meant something, and one could argue he shouldve asked before breaching psalms personal space if he was going to ask anyway, but considering how skittish psalm can become when it comes to intimacy he figures he might try to treat him a little more with care. lest he scares him off.

Psalm: "Damn, you found me out," Psalm says, monotone. At Finn's actions Psalm just raises an eyebrow. "No? But I mean if you're still tired or something you can go sneak a nap in your coffin. Not like our watch is much longer." Finn: "not at all" finn says and gets more comfortable at that, scooting a little closer so their shoulders bump together "you seem rather excitable about my condition, so i wont bore you with any distractions" he angles his head a little so that he can look at psalms throat as he speaks. hes tempted to make some kind of joke about letting a vampire this close (although itd really annoy him if anyone else did it) but he supposes psalm just trusts him that much. or doesnt care. or maybe he would want to experience being bitten? not that he'd do it unprompted but psalm is someone he would most likely drink from. but he halts his thoughts, its subtle but finn would like to hear that enthusiasm return to psalms voice. "make no mistake, my reason for my restraint is not as noble as you might be assuming right now. it is one of my only un-noble traits, really. there is a grave difference in taste between the scraps i starve myself on and the blood of a person" finn snakes his arms around psalms shoulders "were you aware of that?"

Plum: i havent been reading so i have no idea how they got to this point to be honest Vinny: like always with finn at the drop of a dime. psalm got laid last night he cant forget about ike sorry finn Finn: JWHDOZNSHELXMSHWODNSHWKDNX he didnt tell me that! Keva: i'm seeing other poeple Psalm: i think finn would kill him. honestly i think the only way psalm would get out of that situation unshanked is if he said the sex was bad Finn: WHEEZE

Psalm: "Well I mean it's not often you meet a real life vampire." And you seem kind of offended when I don't take interest Psalm thinks to himself. He's watching Finn carefully though, squinting. " Honestly, that seems like it makes sense to me. I can't imagine rat blood being more appetising than a human's. But, restraint with what exactly…?" Finn: "theoretically it should be though, right? blood is blood after all. at least thats what i expected all the way back then" he smiles bitterly to himself. it was a lie to say he expected it, he had deluded himself into hoping for it. but thats a detail that can be safely omitted. he tightens his hold subconsciously a little. "silly psalm… my restraint for why i dont drink from people of course!" he laughs quietly "there is nothing stopping me from finding an unfortunate, willing soul whenever i please - with the exception of these backwaters here maybe - and enjoy the finer taste im entitled to. but i told you i reserve that for special circumstances. i dont need you to wager a guess as to why that is, feel free to think on it however you'd like, except i simply cannot have you think me kind and noble and pure and good for not doing it. you must not consider me kind for my restraint." he hides his face away, nuzzling it into the fabric of psalms shirt, trying to feel his warmth through it. finns answer must be a bit incoherent but he doesnt mind as long as psalm accepts the cruelty of his heart.

Vinny: im crazy im not normal jsyk psalm [cuddles with you] Finn: good summary Keva: at this point every response from jude feels like a casey frey video where like, i have to experience it in chunks bc i get so mortified i have to look away for a bit

Psalm: "Well not that fantasy novels are any indication of reality, but there must be some reason they always seem to imply people taste the best." Psalm wonders if Finn is feeling alright. Surely he doesn't get cold ? "Not that I really understand your logic but sure, if that's what you want it's neither here nor there to me." He takes Finn by the shoulders and pushes him back a bit (as much as he can maneuver), eyes wide in a kind of concerned alarm and goes "Are you feeling cold by the way? I know I'm warmer than the average person but we can sit closer to the fire if you want." Finn: finn is startled when psalm pushes him back, stomach dropping at the immediate fear of being unwanted and unwelcome. its kind of refreshing to see some emotion on his face though since it turns out to be out of concern for him, which finn always enjoys. finn wonders if he must be blushing right now. "i just like being close to you…" the words tumble right out of his mouth and he keeps his gaze trained on psalm. acutely ware of the hands softly gripping his shoulders and with psalms scent still fresh on his mind, finn feels the urge to have his own hands join psalms. he does mumble a small addition while one of his hands rises to meet psalms but stops along the way, too focused on the undivided attention psalm is staring him down with right now "although its nice to not be as cold…" vinny was concerned for him being cold too, that time… he remembers the warmth vinnys jacket brought him that night… what a dilemma to have two such different guys doting on him. Psalm: Psalm, like always, is deeply confused by Finn's motivations towards him. This is the same man who was a moment ago talking about how he wanted his first love that he plans to propose to to go well. He wonders if playing dumb here, or being upfront would be better, although the latter tends to get him in trouble whereas the former only serves to make Finn kind of mad at him. Which is worse…

Ghester: you hear a familiar voice pipe up into both your heads "he really is quite handsy, isn't he?" Finn: finn merely smiles like =^__^= a little bashful but not embarassed Psalm: he goes "Me? Surely not." Ghester: ghester laughs "no no, you're about as physically affectionate as a door my dear" he pauses then goes on "i wonder how committed you are to that fiancé, finnian? though maybe he's the open sort" Psalm: he just frowns at this Finn: finn smiles at psalm since he has no other way of 'looking' at ghester "hey now, we were roommates for a while and you still call me finnian?" (<- playful tone) "i love orin! with my whole heart!" finn places a hand on his chest, where his heart is for emphasis "but i dont know if he will reciprocate this love, so… as long as im not officially engaged…" he trails off and then seems to realize something "actually- why are you asking? dont tell me youre interested ghester?" <-clueless Ghester: "only psalm gets special treatment from me, I'm afraid" he responds playfully back but then pauses after and huffs amused "true enough, though i imagine if he hears of you dallying not a few weeks before declaring undying love for him… well some may find such an act to ring a little hollow, or even be hurt… a gentleman's word of advice to you there" he pauses again before following up "i'm more amused than interested, your actions are often… perplexing" he chuckles again Psalm: "Thank the gods for that, I'd get jealous otherwise," Psalm says, monotone in his usual way. "But I have to agree with Ghester on that front. Although I suppose he'd just have to keep the dallying a secret." <-- guy that isn't helping his case

Finn: "aww" finn sighs in exaggerated fashion "theres just no winning you over is there?" he then kicks his legs a little and bats his eyelashes and leans in slightly "and if i were to become psalms lover? would i receive special treatment then?" he then leans back and seems to think for a moment "you both are assuming orin would find out about it, is the thing. thats definitely not part of my equation" finn raises an eyebrow "im not so inexperienced to expect orin to be happy about me behaving like a common whore, but" he frowns and looks aways "if i save myself for orin only to be rejected… ill have wasted all this time i couldve spent happy in the arms of other men" he snorts "it also helps endure this lousy lot i have to call my companions… you two and vinny excluded of course" Ghester: he does a little mock gasp in regards to the lover ask "but…how could you take a position i already possess, finnian" he laughs uproariously after "i simply state that commitment goes a long way in the eyes of a potential lover… and lying before can lead to developing hmm… unsavoury habits later" after a pause he goes on "you must practice for a future you desire after all, and maybe then you'll be as thick as thieves as the two of us?" Psalm: "That's a heavy 'if' right now I'd imagine… I don't think I could handle you intending to marry someone else." Psalm says, slightly exasperated at the turn this conversation has taken. He is also joking, so hopefully that lands. He's surprised to hear Finn expressing that sentiment though, he honestly just thought the man was crazy. "I wouldn't consider that a waste though… but what do I know, truly." Psalm just snorts at Ghester, "I don't recall us becoming lovers along this journey of ours…" Ghester: "seeing the things ive seen you do recently, i dont think anyone could call us anything else in polite company…" he says it in a jesting tone Psalm: Psalm draws his mouth into a small, pensive, pout before he goes, "You know you have a point." Ghester: he laughs uproariously again

Finn: finn also fakes a mock gasp at the 'revelation' of the two being lovers. he cant really see it but they could also very well… maybe psalm is also the open sort, as ghester had put it. at this, finn clings to psalms arm and cuddles up a little "but ghester, you dont have a body do you? can you please psalm like i can? careful, or i might steal him away from you like this…" he squeezes psalms arm a little "or i wonder, if you feel as psalm does if you see through him?" he tilts his head, this part of the conversation being infinitely more entertaining than his woes with orin "depending on the answer i might just give my fiancé-to-be up" he jokes "maybe ill get you falling for me too…" Psalm: "What." What? Ghester: he says the next part almost like a secret "one can be very creative without any extremities, though i'd never kiss and tell" he laughs again at the offer, as if finding it very funny "unfortunately we do not share sense, or mind, and you must forgive me, but you aren't my type and im happily coupled you see. i wouldn't be so quick to snip away your prospects, orin's heart is breaking im sure?" Finn: finn is very amused by all this, visibly enjoying himself chatting away with ghester, although hes still clinging to psalms arm "ahh ghester, cant you see that the more you push the more i wanna pull?" he sighs dreamily and then finally lets go of psalms arm "i dont know about orins heart breaking" he genuinely seems kinda miffed for a moment "i mean, no matter how many times i tell him, he still calls me 'master finn', even" he then clicks his tongue and just looks to the fire

Psalm: Psalm crosses his arms immediately as a measure of protection, to avoid whatever that was happening again. "This after you've told him your feelings seems rather cold on his part." Finn: finn grumbles a bit and ends up pulling his knees up to hug "i mean, i suppose he just respects our family name that much… he is my uncles servant after all… but i thought we spent enough time together to be friends" he looks at psalm as if searching for an answer "i really let my guard down around him, we fool around, we laugh, we work together, he lets me be close too… i dont know how i can overcome this barrier he keeps between us" finn almost glares at psalm now "come to think of it, hes almost like you, isnt he? you have the same reason for refusing me it would seem" Psalm: Psalm is staring off into the forest as he hears this, absentmindely thinking about Orin. "We seem to have more in common than I realised… I'm starting to regret not paying more attention to him in the brief time that we met." He'd barely talked to the guy, not really interested in him what with everything else that was going on. That aside, Finn seems to be getting mad at him despite the fact that he's barely done anything this time around. He supposes it was inevitable given the whirlwind conversation they'd just had. "I think it's a pretty valid reason…" Psalm says, which is not at all what Finn wants to hear, so he quickly changes gears. "But all of what you just described of your relationship seems pretty positive to me. Maybe you should just be honest about your insecurities…? I think if you just talk to hi-wait a second. There's that sound again." It's then that he notices something amongst the trees.

As Psalm keeps watch he hears in the distance the faint rumbling of another earthquake as he hears the sound of things crashing to the ground far away, though not as strong as the one they’d felt before. Peering in its direction he catchesa very faint glimpse of something blue, a light pulsing in the air among the treeline near the mountainy area, before it's immediately gone.

Plum: THIS DRAGON IS CREEPING ME OUT JUST PULL UP ALREADY IF YOU FEEL SO INCLINED

Chip: off in the horizon around a thousand feet away (300 metres for all the gamers)

Finn: finn looks at psalm kinda puzzled, not appreciating the dragon deciding to fuck with them during this riveting conversation they were having! "that seems to be rather close to us, not at all off in the horizon like someone who would recount our history might say. i- uh… should we actually wake the others up? or shall we investigate on our own?" his tone would suggest finn is more keen on investigating alone with psalm because he is insane Psalm: "Weird thing to point out but in any case, usually I'm not sure I'd say investigating on our own is the best idea but I'd rather not leave the horses unattended." He wonders about what to do for a moment. "Still, maybe we should leave it alone if its just doing the same stomping around its been doing all day instead of seeking out trouble." Finn: finn pouts and kicks his legs idly, looking disappointed "but arent you a liiiiiittle curious? we'll have to deal with it sooner or later anyway!"

Vinny: finn to psalm

Psalm: Literally

Psalm: "Curious, no. But that is true… but would now be the best time to do so? When everyone's asleep?" Finn: "mmm…" finn rolls his eyes and thinks for a moment "oh i know!" he claps his hands together "why dont i stealthily scout ahead as a wee little bat and check out what its actually up to?" he then winks at psalm "i wont get us into any trouble! just a little intelligence gathering!" Psalm: "Good idea. Want me to help? I can make you invisible for about an hour or so if you'd like." Finn: finns eyes become sparkly at the approval/praise "oho! that might help… i wouldve suggested going as a wolf from the get go but i was afraid the dragon might get some ideas about gobbling me up if it saw me like that… if you were to make me invisible however……" finn leans forward a bit "what do you think psalm? wolf or bat?" <- excited Psalm: Psalm immediately answers "Bat, feel like it'd be easier to get around if you're smaller and can fly, especially if you don't know the forest. There's a chance you could get lost." He waves his hand a little "Just let me know when you're ready." Finn: finn nods and jumps up from wherever they were sitting "im always ready!" he proclaims both enthusiastically and proudly. he gives psalm one last look over "im sure ill be back in time… if not, dont come looking for me. ill definitely return either way" finn then proceeds to transform into his bat form, waiting for psalm to make him invisible Psalm: "I'll let the next pair know to keep an eye out for you if I'm done with my watch before you come back," Psalm says. He just reaches over and pats Finn lightly (and quickly) on the head also, boom invisible. He crosses his arms, having waited for Finn to turn into a bat so he couldn't argue back. "And don't fight anything on your own." Finn: finn squeaks a bit, seemingly annoyed at that last comment and bumps lightly against psalms shoulder squeaking again, this time it seems to communicate something like 'im off!'. he then flies off for real………..

Finn begins to fly off towards the area Psalm pointed out the light in the distance. He hears the sounds of crickets and frogs pass him by as he flies over the wetlands until he reaches the loose treeline. He doesn't see much from his vantage point so he begins to delve in further.

After a time of listening to the sound of sloshing water filling his ears he thinks it might be a dead end, until he hears a very faint twinkling from somewhere north, about 60 feet away. Following that is a loud prolonged huff sound, as if air were being blown out someone's nose.

He continues on after the sound, carefully flying closer to the source as silently as he can. Perched somewhere nearby, the sounds of something walking slowly fill his ears, he gets a feeling the creature must be giant, but it barely makes a rustle as it steps through the mud below. It almost makes it hard for him to track as it slowly moves through the trees, though he soon feels something in the air shift for a moment as a strange sensation washes over him before it disappears again.

He decides to fly to the ground and transform back into his regular form again silently, low and crouched to ground near the base of a tree he sits still invisible. He takes a moment to get his bearings as he looks for the source of the sounds nearby.

About 30 feet to his right he sees a gargantuan creature towering above him in the darkness, stalking between the tall trees, that of a cobalt dragon. It's dark blue scales shimmer slightly under the moonlight as its visual presence dwarfs him completely, stunning him for a moment. It's eyes shine like gems in the dark, light blue with no pupils as the sound of its breathing fills the air, stalking the wet grass and mud.

Cimmorro: this dragon rn

Finn's unearned confidence seems to fade when the dragons oppressive atmosphere washes over him. He studies the beast for a good long moment, contemplating if he should really go ahead and talk to it like he had planned. Sure, Finn is the one always boasting about that even if he dies, he cant be truly killed but getting mangled by a dragon suddenly put some fear in him.

That, and its smart… so if Finn died here, it might get the idea to track him in his mist form. Finn could take getting himself in trouble, and he actually hates the Vengaboys enough to get them killed, but right now is just not appropriate, since Vinny and Psalm are also in that caravan.

He glances around the area again, not spotting anything immediately that strikes him as a trap, though as he glances at the dragon he notices it dig around in the mud silently as if preparing something, what it is he doesn't quite understand. It stops after a few moments before huffing again and glancing around the area

Working up some sort of courage, Finn moves to enact a brief plan, lying in wait patiently until he sees the dragon go to a lake to take a drink and then pouring one of his Love Philtre's into the water.

Unforunately he simply continues to watch the dragon stalk around the area, following as silently as he can as it moves around digging and sniffing through the wetlands. Finally the time before his invisibility drops begins to approach, about 5 minutes left. Deciding on a long shot, he moves to pour the potion into a nearby pond anyway.

In his haste though he fumbles a little and drips some of the liquid onto his hands, as he does the noise of the liquid hitting the water causes the dragon to crane its head in his direction.

Spooked, Finn immediately transforms into a bat again with his last two minutes of invisibility left and flys off as fast as possible, the dragon keeps staring in his direction as he leaves but it doesnt seem to follow him, only its gaze, as he leaves the treeline.

Psalm: Psalm had been sitting there idly chatting with Ghester but he gets to his feet when he sees Finn, alarmed. Finn: i bump into psalm full speed, squeaking, then untransform and relay the events that have transpired sans my love potion fiasco "i-i think its aware of- not aware- i think we could very well be what its after and its circling us nice and slow so there is not much we can do but rest for tonight"

The two share worried expressiosn with another before finally moving back inside to swap watch duties over to the last duo, Plum and Rokka. The newly harried Finn shares their current situation with the two before heading to sleep.

As Plum moves to infuse a few things during their time, Rokka sits nearby slighty freaked out by the information shared with them.

Plum: "rokka lemme see your shoes, you don't have to take them off " Rokka: he looks at his boots and back at plum "uh….ok 😳"

Plum moves their hands and infuses his boots with a pseudo-teleportation ability with a glimmer, they also explain he'll have to attune to them for it to work.

Rokka: rokka just groans "awww mANN I GOTTA STARE AT MY BOOTS NOW?" but then oohs and ahhs at plum explainings Plum: "yeah you gotta stare at them, maybe not the best time since we have to be looking out for this dragon now but hey. maybe they'll help you not get hurt" Rokka: "so, don't stare now. got it" he nods and kind of looks out to wherever the dragon is Plum: "no no, i mean that you should now otherwise they won't be useful later 😭 i just meant sorry that it's not the best time" Rokka: "OK STARE NOW!"

Plum continues to keep an eye out for the rest of their watch as the sun begins to rise again, they don't pick up much for the rest of the night thankfully, but an eerie sensation seems to drape itself over the two of them regardless. The rest of the party slowly begin to wake from their sleepy, greeting the dawn with foggy apprehension.

> 🎵 Secret of the Forest / Chrono Trigger OST (Orchestral Remix by Malcolm Robinson )

As people trundle outside, Rokka faintly picks up the sounds of something snapping in the distance, like wood, but nothing seems to follow in their direction afterwards.

Cimmorro: after taking a scan of how everything and everyone's doing cimm goes to do his usual morning routines, i go feed horseys and brush them and jasper while listening to everyone else Chip: the horses seem a little tense as you feed them but settle somewhat as you brush them and tend to them

Rokka: rokkas head snaps into the direction he hears the snapping sounds and frantically taps plums shoulders "plum plum i hear something over there" he points as he tells everyone else Keva: keva suddenly stops rubbing her eyes "is it closer than before?" Rokka: "i-i think so?" Keva: keva gets right to finding a place to feed and safely tuck amos away in the caravan before getting some food in her body Han: han starts going about her routine quietly "maybe we should prepare to fight?" Plum: "i think so. does anyone have a spare, un-enchanted ring?" Han: "i have one i got as present for saffine… what do you want it for?" Plum: "if it's for a present never mind, i was going to turn it into a kind of magical item"

Cimmorro: cimm takes a ring off his finger and offers it to plum "will this do?" Plum: "yeah, this will be fine, thanks. you don't mind if i enchant this do you?" Cimmorro: he tilts his head "well that depends. what exactly are you enchanting it with?" (i forgot to describe it but its a skull ring made of a black gem) Plum: "i want to try a spell on the dragon, but if i mess up i want to try again, so i need a ring to infuse that gives me another chance." they turn the ring carefully around like this looks expensive… Cimmorro: that immediately earns a more enthusiastic reaction from him. "oh? yeah, go for it! sounds like fun 😇 " he's already excited to observe plum's enchanting process Plum: [relieved] "okay, thanks! i'll be careful with it of course. and honestly it shouldn't take too long," they pinch the ring and with that it's been infused yippee. "i just have to attune to it now…" they zone out a bit Cimmorro: cimm's taken aback by how quick it was, expecting it to be a whole step by step process. it almost makes him laugh but is nonetheless impressed. it was a testament to plum's expertise, he thinks. he leaves them to focus so he can make his own preparations.

Psalm: "And it was digging traps right? Or appeared to be? Would it be safer to fight it out here… What are the odds it'll come to us <__>" Finn: "i didnt see any actual traps… it was digging in the mud and sniffing around…" he cringes a bit as he recalls the dragon towering over him "i did feel a strange sensation wash over me in its presence though… and i dont mean fear or anything like that, it was… just a strange sensation" Han: "would have to draw it out" Keva: (munching on whatever food was int hose rations) "how would we do that tho? the book said they don't like to fight head on" Mars: "Somewhere where it hadn't already trapped too. Could spring one of its traps." Han: "ye, on purpose" Mars: "It'll be bound to check it eventually." Plum: "i think that's a good idea, we could use cimmorro's wand of secrets" Han: "if its still in the area.. its not that far, no ones heard anything, it will most likely attack us on the road if we go… bait sounds like best idea" Keva: "would it come after us in the daytime? reports said it was happening only at night" Plum: "well fighting it in the day time would be much better for us, but we could at least fuck around with the traps it's set"

Han: "my two thinkings are… one, it knows we are here, and is waiting on us, two its sleeping, which would be insane lucky… finn, do you remember the area where it was?" Finn: "i think i remember… although id be a liar if i didnt say these woods all look the same more or less" Han: "we just need to understand where It's traps are… what if it wasn't digging for traps but that is where it rests? in the mud? direction is good enough for me" Psalm: "I think it's best we assume it's targeting us." Han: "agree" Finn: finn points in the direction he went last night "it didnt take much time to find it and i stayed with it for roughly an hour… its so large in size, id be surpirsed if you didnt find any tracks of it, considering that digging was practically all it d- oh. i should mention it moves incredibly quiet for a beast so huge… its breath gave it away more than anything else" Han: han just takes this all in and goes "noted" Mars: He initially thinks the dragon's just digging traps but thinking of its reported actions, he brings up a question. "Did you see what it was digging?" surely finn won't be so mean during a strategy meeting Finn: finn merely shakes his head Mars: Mars just hums at that going back to stew on his hunches a bit more

While everyone continues to eat and prepare themselves, Han moves to hide the caravan and horses in nearby foliage as to not attract any inquiry.

Keva: keva looks from the direction han went with the caravan to amos lounging her lap, chewing on a her thumb anxiously while she considers her options. "now what do i do with you…" she mutters Psalm: "I suppose you're not bringing him with us into battle." (deadpan) Keva: keva only looks him like that should be obvious and replies back in the same way "no i'm not, i don't want to just leave him though in case something happens…" Psalm: "I could keep an eye on him for you." Keva: "how are you going to do that if you're coming with us?" Psalm: Psalm thinks to himself for a second about how he's going to explain this. "Time is of the essence here so I'll explain the details later, but I have a familiar that can keep tabs on his whereabouts and relay that information to me…? It's not as suspicious as it sounds." Cimmorro: everyone else overhearing this 👂 Keva:

Keva: ^ is the face she makes but she figures this is probably her best option. she gently picks up amos just under his forelegs and holds him up "how does that sound to you?" Amos: amos flicks his head around as he watches on curiously, seemingly open to whatever Psalm: Psalm just raises his hand in a placating gesture like, "Nothing bad…!" (Probably, he thinks to himself as he has never done this before.) Keva: keva squints her eyes in doubt one more time before bringing amos to psalm and placing him down between them Psalm: Psalm just summons his currently unnamed shadow dog and prompts it to possess Amos' shadow

With a flourish of the hand part of Psalm's shadow detaches and reattaches to Amos as he sees the dog appear behind him. Amos looks around alert, a little more tense then before but otherwise… simply has a look of stoat determination.

Psalm: keva gives him a once over and once she's satified he's okay (?) she scoops him up, takes him to the hidden caravan, and gives him a little smooch ont he head before tucking him away and heading back

The party all head off north after hiding the caravan away and arranging themselve. They walk on into the wetlands and pierce the treeline as they stick close to one another. Keeping alert they keep a keen eye on the surroundings around them as you walk on. Staring at the ground they note areas where mud seems to have been dug up but for the moment nothing else sticks out immediately as strange.

Psalm: this is what i think whenever i read the cobalt dragon's description about dominating https://vxtwitter.com/PkRhythm12/status/1661516681053876225?s=20 Mars: STOP Vinny: i qwill actually killg you Mars: WILL YOU SURVIVE

Han, Keva and Rokka take point at the front of the group to scan for traps, though Han doesn't notice anything that sticks out immediately as trap-like, the place certainly smells like wet mud though. The other two quickly spy something ahead of the group, a long tripwire strung between two trees close to the mud.

Rokka: loud whisper "NOBODY MOVE" and hes stretches his arms out. a bit dramatic Keva: keva speaks quietly to Han and Rokka "we wanted to trip one of these right? would it make a difference which one?" Han: "… if its sleeping, maybe its smarter to not wake it?"

As the group consider their options, Han casts wild cunning to search for dragon tracks, they ping all around her but the freshest seem to head further north past the trap. The group quickly decide on disarming them instead, Keva applying a deft hand and removing the wire with ease.

Cimmorro: howd a dragon set up wires tf is wrong with this guy fr Vinny: guys got hobbies Psalm: now that you mention why can it do that like Han: YALL ARE ALL ABOUT SUPPORTING THE MENTALLY ILL BUT WHEN ITS A DRAGON MAKING TRAPS THEN - Cimmorro: bnsefnhfwsernm, l.w'/;rnm;'r,wen',;rwnSFmn&lt; Mars: >turn humanoid >opposable thumbs >thread wire >ez Psalm: oh wait youre so right aqua, thats creepy asf tho

The group continue down walking deeper into the wetlands keeping an eye out, Han fails to see anything, fortunately the other two spy a part of the ground that appears slightly discoloured from the surrounding dirt. Something about it seems off so they inform the others, as its pointed out to her Han notes the tracks continue past it as with the one before.

Deciding its pretty avoidable as a trap the group decide to walk around it, though Keva moves to examine it further. As she stares at the dirt she sees what look like small splinters of wood nearby, presumably its a pitfall with something built at the bottom of it.

Han: "tracks continue still more ahead" Rokka: "watch ur step everyone 🌸✨ " Mars: falls directly into the pit making eye contact w/ rokka Rokka: as if he doesnt have enough trauma already

The group continue onwards, walking forward nothing catches Rokka or Keva's eye, though glancing around Han notice another tripwire. It sits suspended between trees low to the ground, as she glances up she notices a large heavy log carefully hidden in the foliage of the nearby tree, as if set to swing down.

Han: han starts sputtering n stopping everyone and pointing keva to the wire

Keva quickly moves to disarm the trap easily enough once its pointed out, she takes a few steps back as they all watch the log swing down in front of them with a great force, before it slows down and dangles in the air pointlessly after a minute or so.

Keva: "this dragon doesn't have much to do huh" Han: han keeps her mouth pointedly shut about how most of her tribe life was spent doing this Keva: KN,RGHM,ENHJKHLLJK moving on!!!!

Han notes the tracks continue on clearly, though the dragon isnt loud it doesnt seem to care about leaving its footprints behind. The group continue on after them. As before, Keva and Rokka fail to notice any traps, but Han spies an unusual indentation in the gound ahead of the group, a strange muddy mound, she's suspicious approaching anywhere near it.

After Han points it out to the group, Plum investigates it from afar with Mars' help. They get a sense some sort of pressure plate is hidden under the mound, triggering something nearby most likely when stepped, the mechanism looks to be hidden under the ground and the mud as the tracks continue past it.

Psalm: WHAT KIND OF LOONEY TUNES ASS TRAPS. WHAT THE FUCK Rokka: NO FR its actually funny Cimmorro: how did no one report the traps in the quest info Psalm: too busy being dead Plum: this dragon needs to enjoy the short beauty of life in other ways than stringing up logs but maybe it's my fault for not understanding it Mars: yeah look within first gab its just playin Psalm: no dont let it win Rokka: im just imagining we show up in front of the dragon after all the traps and the dragons like NYUGH! HOW COULD THIS BE!? Psalm: MY TRAPS?! Mars: WILL YOU SURVIVE Vinny: WILL YOU SURVIVE Psalm: WILL YOU SURVIVE Han: WILL YOU SURVIVE Mars: THIS VIDEO HAS NEGATIVELY IMPACTED THIS CALL

The group continue on, though this time the three scouters dont notice anything off about the scenery, they are immediately distrusting of this.

Han: "i dont see anything…. i dont trust that at all.." Rokka: "not when i hAVE THIS!"* whips out my magic wand * Han: quietly cheers Keva: "a stick?" Rokka: "a magic stick! i think" Cimmorro: "it sniffs out traps, or perhaps rokka's going to play fetch with the dragon" 🤭 Vinny: polite chuckle from vinny in the peanut gallery Rokka: "if they're nice yeah :)" Keva: a thought bubble appears over keva's head showing all of the traps they've just avoided Han: han stares at rokka "do you know how to use that" Rokka: "uhh…." rokkas gonna point in front of him and wiggle it around hoping it does something, then looks at cimm or whoever owned this wand sos Cimmorro: cimm owns it LOL) he just laughs at the sign of confusion then mimics a gesture with his hands or sumn for rokka to copy

Rokka copies Cimmorro's instructions and feels the wand pulse in his hands. It moves taking yourhis hand with it, pointing at a small pond in front of the group, seems a trap lies inside or under the water.

Rokka: turning to look at everyone like I FOUND IT written on his face Cimmorro: "yer a wizard, rokstar…" Rokka: he is elated to hear this Keva: keva gives him a thumbs up

Han walks up and stares hard at the water through to the bottom, there she sees what looks like an unusual spreading of mud and dirt… the pond looks recently filled too, not alot of fauna or grassland surrounding it like the others.

She guesses if you stepped through it, the bottom would collapse out from under it and you'd fall down some sort of tunnel alongside the water.

Han: han stares at it for a bit, honestly impressed "maybe… we should recruit this dragon guy instead…… this is really impressive stuff…." Plum: "this is….yeah i just don't really know what to say…" Psalm: "I can't even laugh." Psalm is impressed but mostly just disturbed at having to deal with any of this. Rokka: "are u guys sure this is a dragon we're really dealing with" Keva: "is it worth seeing where the tunnel goes?" Han: "the tracks continue still" O_o Keva: "guess we keep following after it then?" tho keva's eyes linger on the pond for a bit Han: "yes… we can check if the pond has anything after, i think"

> 🎵 Moth to a Flame / Below OST

Keeping their guard up the group continue onwards. After a few more minutes of walking they notice ahead of them what looks like a muddy road, as if recently dug, coming from the right heading left. From what they remember of their surroundings, they assume it splintered off the main road somehow, strangely heading deeper into the wetlands.

As they glance down they notice skid tracks in the mud curving off of the road, leading up and down hill they cant see over. They also notice the remains of a few smashed trees from the nearby treeline as they trek carefully down it, noting the dragon tracks follow the crude mud road. The cruder road doesn't look too easy to drive down with a caravan but they can't imagine what else the existing skid marks are from if not from ones that have travelled down it.

They begin to follow the mud road tracks through the wetlands, approaching a somewhat denser treeline, transforming the nearby environment into one more swamp like. They stare at small bodies of water dotting the ground between the trees and grass as they step between to keep on dry land.

Han, Cimmorro and Rokka begin to hear sounds from the distance ahead of them, faint sounds of wood cracking and dirt moving. In front of them appears to be the end of the treeline and the appearance of a small clearing down a hill, they cant see past it quite yet though without moving further ahead.

Deciding to scout ahead Han moves forward, glancing down the hill she sees the area below, parts of it appear as if they were smashed or destroyed. Various trees with their trunks smashed into pieces or ripped from the dirt, and on closer glance she sees a few caravans that were flung off the crude dirt road, cracked against the mud, as old wood litters the ground ahead. She feels like she can still hear sounds coming from one of the caravans, like creaking wood. She waves the others forward to join her quietly as they also begin to hear the sound.

Keva decides to scout ahead to check out the caravan, while Han notes the freshest nearby tracks seem to dissapear near the edge of a nearby pond. Before she goes she shares a hand signal for danger with the group that she used to use with her friends as a youth.

As Keva creeps her way over to the caravan she keeps as quiet as possible. Finally reaching it, it towers over her even knocked over. She circle around it, eventually glancing inside one of the smashed outer walls. There she spots what's causing the sound, a piece of broken board creaking under the wind every now and again. Inside the caravan she also notes the faintest traces of blood in the sunlight.

Just as she's about to step through the cracked wall to investigate further she notices along the bottom, another tripwire barely visible. Nearly tripping it as she's about to step through.

Keva: teh fact this dragon rigged this caravan so this piece of wood will move int he wind Han: jobless behaviour fr Cimmorro: IM SAYINGGG

She disarms it easily enough, with a quick and deft hand she rids the caravan of the tripwire. Looking around however she notices nothing else of interest inside, seems it was used simply to draw attention. Glancing at the blood stains she notes they dont look as fresh as to be from today or yesterday, but it was defintely recent. Sometime from the past week or so judging by how dry they are.

> 🎵 Imps / Rule of Rose OST

Keva heads back to the group as Rokka and Cimmorro begin to pick up a faint rumbling begin the ground start to shake you slightly, from what you can tell its coming from the direction of the pond. Mars mmediately get the sense that something is barrelling through the ground and its going to come right out of it, very very soon.

Mars: "Everyone back off from the pond now." he YELLS whispers somewhat loudly Han: "well, so much for sleeping i guess" :(

The party quickly step back and hide among the foliage and trees. Crouching down carefully, they soon see the gargantuan dragon burst out from the lake, displacing dirt mud and water all around it in a flurry of movement, as if it had been burrowing below the earth.

They watch it shake itself clean as it stands huffing from its nose, glancing around the area with its steely white eyes. From what they can tell, it hasn't seemed to notice the group's presence yet...

SESSION 58 - 20/1

Coming back into the scene, the party sit crouched in the bushes and mud, staring on as the newly revealed dragon shakes itself off from the waters of the lake. It stares around the landscape with its steely white eyes, not noticing them hidden nearby for the moment as it seemingly thinks on its next action…

Mars: link the flowchart again im fucking choking Han:

Finn: im joKING ON CALL RN Mars: this isnt a joke Cimmorro: i really hope that thing doesnt go underground i had enough of kyzer antics

The party spread out within Han's Pass Without A Trace spell as they ready attacks to be set off after Plum's spell.

Mars:

Psalm: Puppy Cimmorro: it just got out of a gamer girl bath water moment Han: are they selling it? 😳

As Plum shoots off a reduce spell, they see it spark off the body of the dragon as it flicks its gaze in their direction, the spell doesn't seem to take. Quickly after vinny casts silvery barbs, but it seems this also has no effect. It rears up intimidatingly in the lake as its gaze takes the group in.

> 🎵 Vellumental Battle / Paper Mario The Origami King OST

The party immediately let off their held actions in response, Han and Keva shooting off a volley of arrows, one of them to blind it, as Mars runs ahead to slice at it with his sword. As they rip into it the dragon lets out a loud roar of pain, whipping its head back as it rears away from its attackers.

It splashes around in the lake as its white steely eyes twitch and settle, glaring and growling aggresively it pushes back on its haunches.

Cimmorro:

Starting proper initiative, at the top of the round Keva shoots off a few more arrows, one of them blinding the dragon again as she moves and hides amongst the bushes soon after.

Vinny: all these crits are killing me Plum: were so scared of this dragon, its making them super competent. maybe this shit is like octopath, this is just a fucking cyrus set up right now

Rokka follows after, entering a rage and rushing the dragon down with his scimatars as he jumps into the water, slashing at the beast. The dragon moves soon after however, It continues to growl as its buffeted by attacks, glancing at the strange ghosts that circle it from Rokka.

It rears back its head again, letting out a loud roar. The group suddenly see a bright blue pulse of light encircle it as the air around them begins to change. Cimmorro, Plum, Mars, Rokka and Finn all suddenly feel the metal items, weapons and armour on their persons begin to be pulled in, like a magnetic field towards the dragon.

The five of them feel themselves dragged 15 feet towards the dragon by their metal accutremant. Mars and Rokka's swords attach themselves to the metallic hide of the dragon, so long as they continue holding them they're considered restrained.

Cimmorro and Plum in contrast are dragged forward, barelling directly into the pond in front of them. Cimmorro manages to right himself in the depths before smacking himself into anything, splashing above the water onto the surface again. Plum however tumbles about hitting their head on the side of the bank and parts of stray wood underwater, before briefly surfacing on the water.

Psalm: oh oop when did i have this

Han: extremely funny to bring this up now Psalm: not that it matters since cimm had the fucking dragon encyclopedia Keva: kjfkljLKJGKLJKGLJEKLJGRLKJGR Cimmorro: I BOUGHT THAT FOR SO MUCH GOLD GODDAMN Psalm: this is why cimm hates him Plum: just start spewing a lot of facts about the dragon off the cuff, shit thats not in the book, within cimms ear shot Cimmorro: HDFHJIKMDFLHOMDFH Plum: just start being like cobalt dragons favourite type of tea is chamomille Psalm: like how can i get cimm to know he wasted money… Plum: all the facts about dragons coming back to him

Keva: BRO PLUM CAN'T SWIM SOMEONE GET HTEM OUT Psalm: dw guys i got them

Plum: youre so annoying Psalm: WTF I JUTDSFJASDJF I JUST SAID I GOT YOU Plum: psalm just recalling all their past eperiences in this fight Mars: THIS FIGHT GOT SARITA DESPERATE SHES ON PAGE 2 OF HER FEATS LIST

As they cope with the sudden magnetic field the dragon lets out another loud bellow that hits the group to the core. Finn, Han and Plum feel a deep primal fear grip them at the sound, becoming afflicted with fear, Rokka manages to shrug off the feeling in his rage.

The dragon then turns to strike at him near its feet, swiping down with its heat to bite and claw at him as it begins slicing the lupin to ribbons. It then stretches out and jumps out of the water, gaining its footing on dry ground. Mars and Rokka release their holds on their weapons to not be dragged along with it.

Mars: chip if you make this dragonn go OWWW KYA WHY ARE YOU HITTING ME >_< i may actually maul you irl Celebrity Guest Aki: Chip can u make it do that

Following up are Han and Keva, both are also dragged in by the magnetic field of the dragon, Finn's rapier flings itself out and attaches itself to the dragons hide as he shakes beneath it.

Han: han grits her teeth and shakes in her booties, but that hasnt been reason enough to not kill something before, so she sends of her 2 shots, doubling both

Finn: finn feels that same dread from last night intensified tenfold. hes so shellshocked he doesnt think to let go of his rapier, it might as well be his lifeline. shakily he looks up at the gargantuan creature. why was he here again? he thought dragon slaying wouldve been much easier "i-i saw you last night, yknow and i-……i was wondering if uh…" maybe if the dragon talked to him, itd……be more graspable. maybe he could be less scared of it, if he knew it a bit better. but he couldnt think of a damn thing to say! "d-do you have a name?" he stammers out quickly and feels like the biggest idiot in the world Keva: keva resists reacting to finn if only to save her stealth lol Cobalt Dragon: the dragon whips its head in your direction and eyes you, blood dripping from a wound on its head into its eye as you see the corners of its mouth rise and you hear an unervving bassy laugh come from its chest, you feel like prey about to be pounced Finn: finn immediately turns into mist

Han fires off more arrows as Finn immediately dissapears, the entire group sans Plum hearing his poor diplomacy attempt, though him and Han both shrug off their fear conditons at the very least.

Mars follows up, also dragged towards the dragon again by the field, also getting flung into the pond. Luckily he quickly manoeuvres himself with ease, despite having not much experience in the water, resurfacing easily.

He hops out of the water again in the dragon direction again as he takes another slash with his longsword, recalling it beforehand. Immediately it sticks to the dragons hide, though he cuts a gash into it as he does.

Keva: i only have 3 left (blidness arrows) Han: i have a shitton more, 18 Keva: unless han can hand off her supplies to me Mars: han handing over her blindness arrows to keva

Cimmorro: IM GOING TO FUCKING THROW UP Han: LKDSAGLKH3;HWOIETLKAWFE Vinny: UIM GHOHI9NY TO PIKE Psalm: bruh help wtf

Following after Mars, Vinny is dragged forward 15 feet as he rolls into the bushes with a shout, he stands back up again quickly, flicking a hand out to cast fireball at the dragons head. It errupts with a loud bang in the air as he waves his hand after, sweating as if he'd been singed as he looks at everyone in the water a little worried.

Plum in the pond fails to right themselves in the water and begins the process of drowning. They're also dragged further forward in the water, making choking sounds as they barrel ahead.

Cimmorro also in the water finds himself dragged forward and out of the, his hands slip past Plum rolling around in the water as he fails to grab them on his way.

Getting close to the dragon he immediately feels the metallic parts of his robes and jewellery clang you against the body of the dragon, almost pinning him to it. All his daggers zip out of his pockets and attach themselves to the dragon, including any he was holding.

Thinking fast he casts a command spell, telling the dragon to 'DROP' its magnetic field on its turn, it doesnt seem to go through but a silvery barbs from Vinny afterwards allows the effect to go through successfully.

Vinny: this is his counterspell banishment save all over again Cimmorro: IT REALLY IS THATS WHY IM SUCKING HIM OFF LATER Plum: VINNY CAN YOU KILL THE FUCKING DRAGON PLEASE PLESE PLASE PLEASE Keva: THANK YOU VINNY

Psalm soon after finds himself dragged in the direction of the dragon as his hooves leave tracks in the mud behind him. Appreciative of the help closing the distance, he then runs over to Plum jumping into the water and with ease, scooping them into his arms.

Psalm: "That really could not have gone any worse could it." Plum: [cough][cough][cough][spit][spit][cough] Psalm: patting them on the back

Psalm: the dragon fr is going YOU COME NOW actually with the magnetism if you really think about it Mars: im going to maul you Psalm:

Plum: ITS A BLUE DRAGON Psalm: thats the dragon Han: thats the dragons fursona Mars: boy this is that dragon's human form Plum: oh my god now i really want to get out of here

Swimming back towards the shore Psalm deposits Plum safely on dry land again. Though soon after the dragon lets off a legendary action, beating its wings and taking off into the air, flying about 20 feet away. The two men are knocked back about 5 feet and knocked prone from the gale, Psalm ends up getting knocked onto dry land once more.

Back at Keva, now in range of the magnetism field she's dragged up into the air towards the dragon as the metal of her clothes and weapons pull her skyward. Currently floating about 5 feet away from the dragon she pulls out her bow and attempts to hits it with another arrow, spearing its hide.

Chip: (speaking about cimm) guys who are stuck

Cimmorro: like gum Han: how i wish to be pressed against tits Cimmorro: . Mars: okay.

Rokka finds himself also dragged towards the dragon up into the air, levitating about ten feet off the ground by the metal in his clothes. Rokka freaks out after being pulled up into the air, unable to do much he just flails around trying to grasp at nothing for a bit. Seeing as Cimmorro is glued to the dragon he's determined to try to save his friend. Rokka bites down on his arm to keep focus on his rage, taking piercing damage. He spits his own blood out after biting it, staring the dragon in the eye.

> 🎵 The Dual-Bladed Duelist / Paper Mario The Origami King OST

Soon after the dragon finally drops the magnetic field, dropping Cimmorro, Keva and Rokka back to the ground dealing bludgeoning damage all around. All the stolen weapons attached to its hide also clang to the ground beneath it.

Still in mist form, Finn simply moves about ten feet or so closer, biding his time. Following after him Han drops Pass Without A Trace to cast Hunter's Mark instead and lets off another volley of arrows. She grimaces as she looks up at the dragon still in the sky.

Using another legendary action the dragon flaps its wings again, knocking Keva and Cimmorro another 5 feet back and prone as it flies south in Vinny's direction.

Mars follows after, dashing ahead in the direction of the dragon and grabbing his newly dropped sword off the ground. Vinny runs northwards after, managing to just dodge out of the way of a rouge tail attack the dragon swishes his way before flipping around glancing towards Keva and Cimmorro. After a moment he raises a hand, casting a spell as a wisp of light zooms in Cimmorro's direction healing him, afterwards Vinny makes a pained face as he clutches his head, before shaking it off.

Plum follows after, shooting off an acid arrow spell at the dragon running off in the other direction. Standing on beautiful firm ground again they manage to shake off the feelings of fear staring at the dragon again, its probably not scarier than nearly drowning.

Cimmorro follows up with another spell, attempting to command it again but it fails to take effect, even with Vinny's follow up assitance with silvery barbs.

Cimmorro: i was gonna say i awnted cimm to shout to vinny "if we were anywhere else i would've kissed you by now" when he got up but i was like what if that paralyzes him and he doesnt silvery barbs it goddammit

Struggling back to his feet Psalm shoots off an eldritch blast at the dragon in the air, before racking his brain on the nature of its magnetism. Though he doesn't recall having been taught any super secret dragon murder technique, he does recall that most dragons abilities that are innate are sourced in their biology either from its lower neck or the centre of its body (inside).

Psalm: Psalms gonna yell as loudly as possible "AIM FOR THE NECK OR STOMACH" Cimmorro:

With that the dragon remains in the air, flapping its wings, bleeding as its white eyes gaze out amongst the party before them...

--

Notes

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👨‍👨‍👧‍👦The Party is fighting a Fukin Dragon 🐉🐉🐉❗❗❗

[bakidose]

— TOKYO REV ## RANDOM HCS

alternate title: tr men and random headcanons i have abt some of them

characters included: ran haitani / sanzu haruchiyo / hanma shuji / manjiro sano / baji keisuke / takemichi hanagaki

warnings: a bit suggestive / mostly sfw tho / crack cocaine for sanzu / humour / gn! reader / ooc maybe?? idk thats up to u to decide lol

a/n: these were the only characters i could think of hcs for off the top of my head shhh. n e ways weewoo my first official contribution to the tr fandom, enjoy :p

% SHUJI HANMA %

he's the type to fake bang you.

doesn't matter where you are, who you're with or what you're doing– the moment he sees you bent down, hes getting all up behind you and thrusting full force 💀

you've had to start kneeling and squatting down to reach for things instead after one incident. living in fear everyday that hanma may one day pull a bluff on your poor, vulnerable ass right in front of your friends and family 😟

"shuji PLEASE im trying to take this dish out of the oven"

"hm? sorry~. i cant help myself when you're all bent down like that just for me ♡ "

you burned your fingers and almost dropped your lasagna all over the floor

all he did in apology was pat your ass and said "it looks good babe 😘"

you still dont know whether he was talking about your ass– or the lasagna

probably both.

% RAN HAITANI %

he makes deez nuts jokes along with his brother rindou LMAO

thinks they're sooo fuckin funny. oh? your legs are broken? lol deez nuts are next 🤣

and whats worse is that rin backs him up too with a shit eating grin, both giggling like lil kids who just made a joke about poo

has never actually fallen for it whenever someone tries though

and even if it were to happen, you wouldnt know.

given the way he just stands there like 🕺 right after he finishes you off with his baton for humiliating him like that in broad daylight

rin: "🙄 cant believe you fell"

ran: "i didnt fa-"

rin: "for deez nuts."

ran: 😃

not only did he fall for deez nuts twice on that day, but he smacked a hoe with his baton twice too

hurt his ego knowing rindou pulled it on him without missing a beat

if you ever asked, it never happened <3

% SANZU %

ACTUALLY served crack before he served his country.

has definitely snorted cocaine off your ass crack to make things more exciting

though one time, you caught him snorting sugar off the kitchen counter. having temporarily taken away his coke stash after he kept waking up next to you high as hell

a credit card, 10,000¥ bill and nose all lined up to take another hit

"what are you doing?? you know you cant-"

"its not."

"huh? the hell you mean its 'not' 🤨"

"its sugar, princess. here~ try it"

"no thanks-"

told you to shut up as he scooped some up with his finger n stuck them in your mouth anyway

it was sugar.

he was snorting glucose up his nostrils.

"WHAT THE FUCK 😃."

you still think he mightve done it just to spite you since youre so worried about his health

you gave him back his shit after that

so it was either him high off the rocks or...yeah <3 he was definitely in a silly goofy mood that day

manz is actually deranged 🚹 middle child behavior if ive ever seen it

% BAJI KEISUKE %

never make a 'your mom' joke at this guy.

ever.

the first n last time some sleezy highschool kid tried to do it to a pre-k baji, they limped outta there the next day looking like they got mauled by several street cats

just never- dont. dont even utter a word about his mom unless youve been feeling alive'nt recently

you can talk smack about baji but never about his momma :<

ranted to peke j about it that night as he was falling asleep

"and i pummeled that asshole! right in his ugly ass mug 😤"

peke j: mrow

"no one!... can talk shit about my mom like that...*snores*"

peke j: mrow

% MIKEY %

still orders the McDonald's happy meal even as an adult

does NOT eat the apple slices :<

he's also another person who enjoys pulling deez nuts jokes on unsuspecting victims...or at least used to ://

*is busy munching on dorayaki*

"hey you know suna?"

"whos that? 😐"

"suna or later deez nuts gonna be in ya' mouth"

k.o'ed on sight. absolutely hates deez nuts jokes now after he fell for one.

draken laughs everytime he recalls it, and mikey refuses to answer any random questions since then

% TAKEMICHI HANAGAKI %

asked chifuyu one time after he did the devils tango with hina on their wedding night

if it was gay to think of another man during it.

"hey so i was wondering... is it gay to think of mikey while i was having sex with hina?"

?????

"huhhh 😕 takemitchy, man i– i mean..bros before hoes right? 😄"

"yeah!! youre right!"

both sat there in silence after

then hakkai walked in, holding his phone that still had mitsuya's now updated side profile picture as his lockscreen

takemichi cried that night 👍🏼

taglist: @katsukichu

© bakidose 2021 — all rights reserved. do not modify, claim, distribute, or steal my work.

[simpforhoon]

just you. (p.js) *ೃ༄

pairing: soft dom! jay × female reader

genre: smut, fluff, soulmate au! kind of angsty it has a happy ending I swear (praise, making out, protected sex, oral (f-receiving)).

summary: in a world where everyone gets the name of their soulmate tattooed on their wrists when they turn 18, finding out your best friend is your soulmate was not how you planned your 18th birthday to go. now, what’s so bad about that you might ask? you see, jay despises the thought of soulmates. but maybe he doesn’t despise them so much when it comes to you.

please note, this work is purely that of fiction. and not meant to represent what the enhypen members are like in real life.

A/N: guys no why am I so soft,, anyway I’ve been wanting to write this for a while now, so I hope you enjoy!! and I'm reposting this now, as this didnt get a lot of notes on my old account cause of all the reporting and stuff!

word count: 3.4k

warnings: mentions of heartbreak, crying, mentions of food.

1 week ago

you bit your nails as you paced up and down your room, a nervous habit you’d picked up in your junior year of high school whilst dealing with the tremendous stress and pressure school put on you. well lucky for you, you had graduated now and your 18th birthday was just around the corner. specifically, exactly a week from now.

your best friend jay sat on your bed staring at you with amusement written all over his face as he quietly observed you, before moving up to stop you and pull your hands away from your face. “you’re going to wear yourself out” he mumbled softly, pulling you to sit next to him and rubbing your shoulder in a comforting manner.

“I know I know, I’m just nervous, what if they’re all the way on the other side of the world? or even worse, what if they’re someone I know??” the panicked expression on your face was seemingly too much for jay to handle as before you knew it, he had almost rolled off your bed, laughing his ass off at you.

you see, your “dearest” best friend jay never believed in soulmates. he himself never actually got a name on his wrist, a sign that his soulmate had not reached the age to get theirs. to say he was ecstatic would be an understatement as he was at a party that very night, hooking up with a random girl before going over to your house the next morning with a massive hangover and a sullen expression.

it hurt you to see him that way, hooking up with random people, praying that he wouldnt run into his soulmate. and it hurt even more when you thought of how his soulmate was probably so excited to meet him even if they didn’t know him yet.

if only you knew where you would be a week later, wishing it was you who never met him.

present day

the time on your phone read 11:57, and jay had shown up to your house at exactly 11:30, punctual as always, giving up his usual saturday night parties to spend the night before your special day with you instead. he held your hand in his, one thumb running up and down the expanse of your knuckles soothingly, the only thing grounding you in the tense moments before what was basically the biggest moment of your life. your eyes never met his once, only flickering from the clock to your wrist every few seconds, almost as if it would appear before time if you stared long enough.

12:00 a.m.

it was almost as if everything stopped in that moment as the words appeared on your skin. the crickets stopped chirping, that one car alarm outsode your house stopped beeping and both you and Jay stopped breathing, even if it was just for a few seconds. one by one, letter by letter, black ink slowly trailed up the soft skin on your clean wrist, marking your skin for the rest of eternity. you watched with bated breath as tbe letters curved their way into your skin, into your soul.

“P-A-R-K” looks like your soulmate would have the same last name as your best friend. “J-O-N-” that was when the realisation of what was about to happen dawned upon you. “no, no, no, no” was all you could think. “this wasn’t supposed to happen”

meeting jay’s eyes for a split second, you could see the shock on his face, the same shock you knew was written all over your face at that very moment. yanking your hand out of his warmer one, you stared at the 2 words displayed on your wrist. “park jongseong” you whispered as a one lone tear ran down your cheek, falling to you chin before disappearing into the soft material of your sweater.

this prompted jay to push up his own sleeve, the words that seem to have appeared on his wrist confirmed what you both already knew by that point. jay park, your best friend since you were 5, your rock, your everything, was your soulmate. if the situation were anything but this, you would have been jumping for joy, ecstatic that your soulmate was the man you’d grown up with your whole life. but unfortunately, that was not the case.

“_______” he whispered, voice hoarse as he held your hand in his again. gripping it tightly this time so you wouldn’t be able to let go this time. not that you wanted to anyway. “jay” you whispered back, attempting to smile at him, despite the tears that were threatening to overflow at any moment. “I-I need time to think” he said, so softly, his eyes full of nothing but remorse. “I understand jay, take your time, don’t rush okay?” you replied, squeezing his hand in reassurance. he wistfully smiled at you one last time as he pushed himself off your bed and walked out of your bedroom, closing the door with a small ‘click’, leaving you alone in the darkness of your room, mind racing and wondering what were you were going to do with this newfound information.

you fell asleep after much tossing and turning, your mind full of nothing but jay and his name that was now tattooed into the inside of your wrist. you were woken up by the bright smile of your parents, you mother holding a plate of pancakes and wishing you a happy birthday. the sight alone was enough to make you burst into tears as you wrapped your arms around her, seeking her familiar scent and comfort after the rough night you had. your parents seemed shocked, but did not press you to open up, wrapping their arms around you as they attempted to comfort you.

your mom was no foolish woman, as she seems to have caught on to what was bothering you on your special day. “its about your soulmate isn’t it?” she asked as she placed a glass of your favourite chocolate smoothie in front of you, wiping her hands on her apron. you looked up at her, disbelief written all over your face as she chuckled at you. “how did you know?” you asked as she smiled slyly at you. “I have my ways, and besides, I’m your mother” she replied with a wink. you groaned, dramatically resting your head on the counter as she laughed and gave in. “I saw jay walk out of your room last night with tears streaming down his face, and considering you woke up crying too, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out what went down there”.

“you should talk it out with him sweetie, he’s not just your soulmate, he’s your best friend. despite how he feels about this whole fate thing, I’m sure the both of you will be okay.” her words reassured you as you grabbed your backpack, and walked through your front door. not even 2 minutes later you heard the biggest scream and you were tackled into a hug. giggling, you wrapped your arms around the taller boy as he squeezed you tightly. “happy birthday ______!” he said as he let go of you and continued your walk to school. “thanks sunoo” you said, smiling at the younger boy who had the biggest grin on his face.

“soooooo” he began, looking at you with an expectant expression on his face. you pursed your lips, already predicting the question that was due to escape his mouth any second from now. “jay” you said, cutting him off before he could even open his mouth. “JAY?!?!!?” he said, a little too loudly, mouth agape as he processed the information. you shrugged as he linked his arm with yours, understanding that you didnt want to talk about it.

luckily, no one pressed you about your soulmate for the rest of the day, warded off by sunoo’s glare the moment they looked like they were going to ask. you sat next to jay in all your classes, the atmosphere tense and awkward between the two of you. everyone seemed to have figured our what happened by that alone, your normally boisterous voices muted and soft. you went out after school with sunoo and riki, your mood heightened by the laughs and jokes of the two bickering boys.

when you got home, the house was eerily quiet, your parents nowhere in sight, all the lights turned off save the one in your living room. and there on the sleek grey sofa sat Jay, looking down at his hands as he anxiously played around with the rings he always wore. your footsteps alerted him of your presence, as he shot up off your sofa to greet you with a crooked smile on his face, black hair sticking up in every direction.

you smiled at him, already preparing yourself for the worst, as he walked towards you. “your parents have gone out, they handed me the keys and told me to come and talk to you if I wanted, and-” he cut himself off in the middle of his sentence, taking a deep breath and holding your hand. here goes nothing he thought. “I want to try. this whole soulmate thing I mean. maybe i wouldnt be this way if it was anyone else, but it’s you, my best friend, and I don’t want to lose you.” he mumbled out the last part, but it was still clear enough for you to hear. you couldn’t help the smile that stretched across your face at his words, his own face breaking out into a grin at your expression. you reached up on your tippy toes to wrap your arms around his neck as his hands went around your waist.

he buried his face in your hair, your soft vanilla scent calming his racing heart, and that was when he realised how much you really meant to him. he loved when you would always being him snacks after soccer practice, he loved when you let him lay his head on your lap and you ran your hands through his hair, he loved seeing the expressions you made when you ate his food, he loved you.

“I made something for you” he said, pulling away from your embrace, leading you to your kitchen and making you sit down on the counter. he grabbed a plate of your favourite pasta and a fork before lifting up a mouthful and holding it out to feed it to you. you smiled, wrapping your lips around the fork as the flavours exploded in your mouth. “oh my gosh, this is good, you’ve really outdone yourself.” he smiled at the complement before pressing a kiss to your cheek and muttering a little “happy birthday love”, leaving your face feeling hot and an uncontrollable smile on your face.

the rest of the evening went by in hin feeding you food and taking a few notes of it himself, lots of little cheek kisses, before the two of you settled down on the couch to watch a movie. it seemed like jay had gotten over his awkwardness as he pulled you to sit between his legs the moment the movie started. you looked back at him in shock, wondering when he got so bold before he pressed a kiss to your lips and told you to focus on the screen.

it might not have been the perfect first kiss, but it was with jay and that was enough. he played with your hair throughout the movie, and moved it aside at one point, pressing little kisses along the expanse of your neck. it was when he landed his lips on one particular spot that you let out a little noise, one you never even knew you could make that made him sit up a little straighter.

it was almost as if a switch flipped within him as he tightened his grip around your waist, one hand slipping up your hoodie to caress the skin near your waist. “I didn’t know you could make such pretty noises baby” he whispered in your ear, his hot breath sending shivers down your spine. “well i didn’t know i could either” you whispered back, the realisation of what was about to happen making your body feel like it was on fire.

“are you sure you want this? we don’t have to do anything you dont want to sweetheart” he said, pulling away with a kiss to your cheek. you shifted so that you were facing him, legs wrapped around his waist and you reached your hands up to play with the hair at the nape of his neck. “I’m sure jay, theres no one I’d rather do this with than you.” that was all the affirmation he needed, as within seconds you were being dragged to your bedroom by an overexcited jay.

he pressed you up against your room door, hands coming up to lift your thighs and wrap them around his waist, your core meeting his very obvious bulge. taking advantage of the gasp that left you, he allowed his tongue to skip into your mouth, taking control of every aspect of the kiss. pulling away, he brought you to your bed, gently letting you down onto the mattress, and reaching up to pull your hoodie off you.

“so beautiful” he whispered as he reached behind you to pull your bra off, before lifting his own arms to pull his own shirt off, leaving his body on display for you. just for you. he reached down to tug one of your nipples into his mouth, gently sucking and wrapping his tongue around the sensitive bud, his actions leaving your mouth open in a silent moan.

within minutes, both of you were left completely naked as jay continued to trail his lips down your body, pressing little kisses to your inner thigh before his mouth finally met your core, the smallest motion of his lips leaving you breathless and squirming. “stay still sweetheart, good girls don’t move around so much”. his words sent vibrations spreading throughout your body, not doing anything to help with the heat that was coursing through your veins.

his tongue delved in and out of your dripping hole, one of his hands rubbing your clit while the other held your legs open for him. “jay- i- I’m gonna-” but he was gone the moment the words fell from your mouth. and he was a sight to see. your juices mixed with his, drool and spit dripped down his chin, as he ran his tongue over his lips with a smirk on his face.

“oh so the baby wants to cum? don’t worry love, I’m going to make you feel so good”. he reached into his jacket and pulled out a condom before rolling it on and lining himself I with your entrance. he grasped your chin gently, pulling you up to look at him and planting a loving kiss on your lips. “I love you so much sweetheart, so so much” he whispered, pulling away from your lips. “I love you too jay” you said back, watching as he smiled once, before intertwining your hands and then, pushing himself into you.

nothing had ever felt as good in that moment as he gently, softly pushed himself inside. the feeling was euphoric, having your soulmate inside you in such an intimate manner. your bodies moulding together perfectly, bursts of colour lighting up the back of your eyelids as your eyes closed at the feeling of him in you. he began thrusting in and out of you slowly, not wanting to hurt you. but at your signal, he began moving faster, groans and moans escaping both your lips, finding pleasure and love in each other.

it didn’t take long for you to reach your high at all, his length hitting you in all the right places, leading you to ride out your high much faster than you expected, jay following soon after. he finished inside the condom, reaching out to pull it off and throw it away, before walking to your bathroom and grabbing a wet cloth to clean you up with.

he was greeted with the sight of your tired smile as he returned, gently cleaning you before tossing the rag and gathering you up in his arms, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “does this mean you’re mine now?” he asked, reaching down to bury his head in your hair, his hands absent-mindedly tracing shapes and figures on your bare shoulder. “it does if it means you’re mine too”. he smiled at your response, pulling the blanket over the two of you as you drifted off to sleep in the arms of the one person who would stay with you forever.

thank you for reading!! I hope you enjoyed and I hope you drank enough water today! ♡♡♡

[ablackfangirlwrites]

Jealous ll

Part 2!!!! I linked the sone again cause its a bop and I love it also heres pt one!

You had had enough

Thats what you kept telling yourself

As you got ready tonight

You weren't going sit in the house anymore waiting for keigo to show up whenever he felt like it

Tonight you were going out for you

You thought about how you used to have fun, how you used to be happy

And how miserable you had been lately and you decided

If Keigo didnt appreciate you anymore

Then you'd find someone who would

So thats why you found yourself looking in the mirror admiring how well you dressed up tonight to go out

You almost forgot how hot you were when you put in a little effort

You had originally stopped because keigo would tell you how beautiful and perfect you were without make up or anything

But now you were on the prowl for someone new to notice you and keigo's words meant little to nothing to you right now

Tonight you were gonna find someone to show you just a little bit of attention you craved so much and it wasnt going to be keigo

Just then you saw keigo staring at you from the reflection in mirror

he was home unusually eailer

"Dont you have to work?" You asked bitterly

"Where are you going?" He asked ignoring your statement

Sighed and rolling your eyes and picking up your purse you turned to him before leaving the bedroom, "Out. You don't have to wait up for me."

"You're being ridiculous y/n."

He said following you but you ignored him

"Y/n? Y/n?" He kept calling you, "You cant just go out an-"

"And why not?" You turned to him before you left the apartment, "according to you were not even really dating-"

"You know why that is." He told you seriously

You huffed out a fake laugh, "yeah, but its still okay for you to flirt with anyone?"

Keigo didnt respond to that making you chuckle, "Exactly...like I said im going out dont wait up." Then you slammed the door leaving.

You knew you were being unreasonable with him

You knew the two of you needed to just talk and make up

But you kept letting your anger from all your arguments cloud your judgment

Because you just wanted him to feel the same hurt and jealously you had been feeling more then anything

Keigo stared at the door you had just slammed

Things somehow got worse in the following days after your argument on your anniversary

You refused to talk to him

He tried to apologize to you but you basically brushed him off

Keigo wasn't sure what to think you said you hated him, you wouldnt sleep in the bed with him

Yet you hadn't packed up and left so that was good right?

But that distance that was growing between the two of you was wider then before

And he didnt know what to do to fix it

And now you were going out clearly dressed to find someone else

Did you really hate him? Had you really had enough of him?

Hell, he couldnt even blame you if you did he thought

You had put up with so much of him up until now

And maybe some of what you said the other night was true? Had he gotten too comfortable with you always being there?

But that was only because he loved you

Keigo was truly in love with you, and dispite you suspensions he never cheated on you

And he would never do that, you were the only one he wanted even now when you two seemed to be at each others throats

He still wanted you, and he couldn't picture his life without you

So thats why he ended up following you to the bar you were currently at

He made sure you hadnt noticed him staying in the back out of your sight

And he hated what he saw

He saw you having fun

You had met up with some of your girlfriends the three of you all laughing and drinking

You acting like you didnt have a care in the world, like the two of you didnt argue before you left out

Having a good time as if you didnt leave him alone in the house

He watched you dancing as though you were having the time of your life as other mean stared and gawked at you

He watched as a guy singled you out and was clearly flirting with you

And worst you let him and was encouraging him

You kept touching his shoulder laughing at his jokes letting him dance against you

Words couldnt describe the irritation he felt watching

He wanted nothing more then to rip that mans hands off you and fly away with you in his arms

But part of him felt like he deserved this

This feeling he had, was it how you felt?

If so he needed to fix this, was all that he could think

And he was about to go to you, but before he could someone called out his name

"Hey! Hawks is here!"

Fuck he said to himself when a crowd started to form around him

His eyes then connected with yours knowing you heard he was here

And for a moment he thought you were gonna come up to him

But instead you kept talking to the random guy ignoring him

Hawks wanted to go to you and talk to just take you back home

But was having trouble getting away from the crowd

He was all smiles talking to his fans but the whole time he kept his eyes on you

But somehow it became a battle to see who was going to be more stubborn

You continued to dance with the random guy, but now you knew keigo was here watching you

You convinced yourself not to care, you came here to have fun and he wasnt going to ruin it for you

But thats just what he was doing as you watched him talk to some random girl now

He was here to get under you skin, you were sure of it

But two could play this little game

Both of you having this little war with each other watching each other from across the room

And you couldnt lie you were enjoying it a bit

Seeing his eyes watching you, knowing he had to be feeling the sting of jealousy as another man held you close

But It all came to a head when you saw the girl he was dancing with lips on his neck

He wasnt looking at you when you saw that all his attention clearly on her

You couldn't deny the sharp feeling in your chest at the sight

And not wanting to see anymore you left the dance floor telling the guy you needed to go to the bathroom

Hawks pulled away from the handsy fan

Denying anymore of her advances

Yeah he had been trying to get under your skin now but thats was a bit much

But now when he looked up to find you again, only to see you were gone

His stomach sank

Where did you go? You had to had just seen that?

Did you leave with that guy? Hawks started to panic when he didnt seem him either

Where did you go? Why was he being so stupid just now? He should have just went to talk to you

Just then keigo noticed the guy you had been flirting with at the bar and went up to him

"The girl you were dancing with? Where'd she go?"

The guy looked at him like he was crazy "whats it too you?" He challenged him

But keigo wasnt in a playful mood and grabbed the man by the collar, "Answer the question asshole."

The guy quickly put his hands up in defeat, "she just said-

"Hawks?"

He heard his name called out and looked behing him to see you

"What are- you are so unbelievable." Yku shook your head storming off

You couldn't believe him he had the audacity to attack the guy you had been talking to

It didnt take much thought to figure out why

And it annoyed you to no end

So keigo could flirt and let girls kiss all over him but if you had a guy around you that was too much

He was such a hypocrite

You were angry your whole way back home

You stood in the mirror once you got back

But with a different feeling in your stomach then the feeling you had before you left

You felt defeated your plans of fun had been ruined and you felt like your back in the same spot you had been in

Hawks was giving you a little bit of space taking his time getting back home

Because now you were probably madder than before at him

When hr got in he saw you had just got out the shower

"Y/n..."

You heard him call out your name But you ignored him

Y/n, you have to listen to me."

You werent going to turned around but before you knew it he hugged you from behind

"Im sorry."

"Let go of me hawks." You spat out but he didnt budge

"Just listen to me y/n..."

"Why are we doing this to each other?" You asked quietly, "Why do you keep hurting me? What are we even doing? It clearly isnt wor-"

"Ive been an idiot, y/n."

Keigo buried his face in your neck, "I've been so stupid, but please please dont leave me."

You were trying to fight back tears, "I dont want to leave you keigo....but I cant-"

"Dont say you can't with me anymore. I need you." Keigo pleaded holding you tighter

You were so frustrated

You still loved him, you still wanted to be with him, because when things are good between you they're great

But the way your relationship had been it was becoming too much

But you wanted to stay with him

Because you loved him

You moved your hands and held on to his arms secretly enjoying his embrace that you missed so much

"I know you mean well keigo-"

"I love you so much y/n," keigo cut you off again, "I know ive been an asshole, ive been neglectful, ive been the worst, but dont give up on me. Please."

You finally turned around to face him and hugged him back

You could see the sincerity in his eyes as you did "I love you too keigo but I just cant do this- we keep hurting each other...thats not what your supposed to do to the people you love."

Keigo pulled back "You want me to tell everyone about us? I will." He told you, "You want me to tell you everything ive been doing I will, I promise you Ill to whatever it takes to fix us. I dont want to live the way we have anymore."

You knew he was serious and your heart leaped hearing his words but you werent sure

"You're the only one I want y/n" he said giving you a light kiss

Almost like he was asking for permission

"Ill do whatever it takes for you to forgive me."

He said inbetween kisses, "you're so important to me, im sorry i made you think you weren't."

You couldnt lie he was finally saying everything you wanted to hear

And you wanted to believe him

"You promise?" You asked him

"I promise."

[probably-haven]

Hello!! After seeing what you wrote about xiaoven fics I went to see what things you usually write and omg, your archon Venti headcanons????? I am absolutely in love. So if it isn't annoying, could you talk about xiaoven or Venti or Xiao or whatever ship or character you like? I don't care what you are going to say, I just want to know more about your thoughts ^^

I- is this... bestie, this is essentially a free ramble pass- kerujsgheskdfug. Trust me when I say that in no way is this, and in no way will it ever be annoying in the slightest- i literally- lets just say rambling off thoughts is kind of my specialty, especially when provided a topic to branch off of because otherwise I'm just- really indecisive about it so- iujskdh yeah- 100% definitely down to talk about Venti, Xiao, and/or Xiaoven XD. Also, yes- it may have been awhile since i last posted one(cuz again, indecisive about which direction to take part 5), but the Archon War Era Venti headcanons are still without a doubt my favorite posts I've made. It's just such an interesting topic with such endless potential that so few people actually think about or consider or even realize is there, so i always just get really psyched whenever i see someone interact with them lol.

.... this ended up being a bit of a mess: warning in advance

Anyway! onto the actual content!

- You see the thing about Xiaoven is that there's a lot of different ways that it could end up working out, and just personally my favorite way of portraying Xiaoven in my mind is as an unlabeled relationship because if anyone in genshin would give off that vibe its these two. And a number of other reasons.

- Firstly, I heavily headcanon Venti as being an aroace polyplatonic or perhaps heavily demiromantic. However, regardless of this I just don't think that Venti is really the kind of person to worry about how he should label his feelings, thinking it's silly to try to put them in one box or the other, especially with feelings and emotions being as fluid as they are in general. Plus it fits his whole God of Freedom vibe. I just- dont think he's the biggest fan of labels or social categorization in general.

- And secondly on the hand of Xiao... his defense mechanisms are very much ingrained in his personality. It's probably hard enough for him to not go into fight or flight(the answer is fight) at the slightest affection at first, at the slightest feeling of vulnerability. Even further down the line, with his fierce dedication to Liyue, I cant help but get the vibe that the moment he recognized that he was falling for Venti he would begin avoiding him, not only to avoid distraction from his duty, but to avoid corrupting him or losing him in general like he has with like basically every other person he gets close with(even believing that the cycle had repeated once more when he first heard of Morax's death)... now imagine Venti tryna slap a label on their relationship and tell me Xiao would have a positive reaction.

- The thing with Xiaoven.... honestly, i feel like theres more ways that it can go wrong than it can go right, but if they do manage to make their relationship work out, it's just simply beautiful in all terms of the word.

- Lets talk about killing. - During the Archon War, both were forced to kill a large number of people and gods alike- Venti out of a need to remain alive to protect Mondstadt, it's freedom, and the nameless bard's legacy by extent- and Xiao out of servitude to the god that was once his master

..... actually- break here- ive talked a lot about Venti on this blog but I havent actually spoken about Xiao all that much- so i should probably do that a bit first... do note though that my characterization of Xiao is pretty flexible actually- this is just- the possible characterization of him that i tend to favor as being the most- uh- "realistically complex"

-

Theres a line I saw this one time in a certain story: "He is a trained weapon. That's what he is, was, and always will be. You cannot change that so stop trying." And i just- think its a really interesting concept- that applies pretty well to Xiao now that i actually think about it. - the concept behind it is this: After spending more than a vast majority of his life killing or otherwise in battle, it's become a part of who he is, a normalcy that after centuries and centuries would be near impossible to get rid of or reverse, and even if it was possible, with his karmic debt constantly eating away at him its unlikely he has enough time left for that to happen. - it sounds like a cruel thing to say about him- but in context it's actually pretty layered and i think about it a lot. It's not as much a "he's a killer lol, that his whole personality" its more of a "The centuries of trauma he experienced have conditioned him into a constantly alert and battle ready mindset while also shaping his dehumanizing inferior-in-worth-but-superior-in-capability view of himself that would have likely been necessary to get through those time, and at this point he's been under that conditioning for long enough that it's essentially ingrained itself in his personality."

- the main idea is- it's a part of who he is, that needs to be accepted as who he is because its not something that he can just up and change. It's not all he is of course but his constant battle mode, as though always waiting to be ambushed or to be granted a new target to eradicate.

a couple character story quotes:

-"His past of service under the evil god had rid Xiao of his innocence and gentleness. All that remained within him was the means to kill and the weight of his sins. The only way he could be of service to mortals was in combat." -"Xiao does not feel any hatred. Having lived for over two thousand years, no single karmic debt constitutes anything more than a fleeting memory. No grudge can last a thousand years; nor is any debt so great that it cannot be paid off in this time. Xiao has spent many long years alone. But his battles have never been in vain." -"where did Xiao have to return to? He was merely leaving the battlefield." -"since Xiao wages a constant war against dark forces powerful enough to devour Liyue in its entirety, any bystanders who witness him in the heat of battle are likely to end up as collateral damage." -"The war he fights can never be won, and will never come to an end." -"Because ultimately, the one with whom Xiao wrestles is himself."

i feel like at some point this very nearly did consume his whole personality, almost turning him into nothing more than a being of slaughter under Morax's control, devoid of any "humanity" at all, consumed and corrupted by his karmic debt like his fellow yakshas before him. - until he experienced a moment of clarity- a song in the wind, the peaceful melody of a dihua flute. - and pulled back from the border of something he wouldnt have been able to return from, there a was a shift in his mind- a concept grown unfamiliar enough with time that it took him a great time to identify what it was; a curiosity. Something that there was no place for on the battlefield, something that by all means should have been completely useless to Xiao, and yet he held onto that curiosity, slowly regaining over time, a sense of who he was and who he could choose to be with each song that the wind chose to carry towards him every once in a blue moon.

and eventually that curiousity turned to longing. Longing "for a day to come when he will wear the mask and dance — not to conquer demons, but to the tune of that flute amid a sea of flowers"

...... uh- heh- if you couldn’t tell already i have a tendency to make my characterizations/analyses of characters more serious that i probably should. 

to summarize: Xiao is constantly toeing the line between his ingrained nature and his humanity- almost as though still trying to decide how much of that humanity he deserves to have, how much he is allowed to have, and how much is safe to have.

^looking back after writing this, i think the best way to explain it is that this is the view that i keep in mind/the lense that i tend to most enjoy looking through and refering back to while examining and/or analyzing his character, actions, story, lines, and overall personality.

idk- i kinda got off track but i just think its a really interesting interpretation to think about because it has some really interesting implications ig- it’s not the full extent of how i view him of course, but i kinda got ahead of myself and its long enough as is so ill just elaborate as i go- Lol i actually have in progress playlists for both him and venti and just- vibes- i could ramble about the playlists alone for hours explaining everything... It’s probably a problem- uh- ill keep going now lol.

anyways! stepping off the angst path for a brief break! Brought to you by their lines in the snow: both waiting for it to get thick enough, Venti for the purpose of a snowball fight and Xiao for the purpose of a tasty and nutritious breakfast.

but its actually something of note that Xiao doesnt actually need to eat so anything he does eat is usually out of obligation or enjoyment- so like.... snow.... like i dont blame him, but of all things- an adeptus who refuses to eat basically anything but almond tofu looks at the freezing-cold-floor-water that yeeted itself from above and decided at some point- damn- that seems more edible than basically ever single actually edible thing ever.... im gonna eat it- like- im glad if eating snow makes him happy but- at the same time...

He probably convinces Venti to eat snow too though and Venti wouldnt even resist I mean he’s wind and has probably consumed worse things in his time so- 2 anemo cryptids with glowing tattoos sitting in Dragonspine monching snow in the dead of night is an amusing thought to me.

- kay, now back to more serious-toned thoughts

One of the things about the ship that i really like is the different contradicting parallels between them:

A lot of how i view Xiao’s character is someone formed largely by the things he cant control and who was forced to accept that accepted that and learned to thrive in it as much as he can.  Venti on the other hand is surrounded by things he cant control and is ever adapting to control as much as he can while embracing whatever he cant as being part of the unpredictability of the world, seeing beauty in it. 

both of them have lost people and do what they do to honor their memory: Xiao continues to do what the Yakshas once did And Venti chooses to do what his friend couldn’t

Xiao’s power coming from himself  and Venti’s from others And both seem to appear to use their power for their own gain while truly helping others behind the scenes

both have killed a lot of people during the archon war Xiao views it as another necessary event out of his control and Venti would likely view it as a tragedy he chose to enact himself

and this is where we meet out balance

Xiao- contrary to how i think a lot of people view him as thinking of himself as a monster- seems canonically to have accepted this as part of his duty, as long as those he killed are not mortals. I dont think he enjoys it no- but someone has to do it and he’s just accepted that its a part of his duty Venti on the other hand-

See the beauty of the ship- as someone with an angst-centric mind- is this- these are two of the most traumatized mfers in the game 

Xiao is by far the one who needs the most help and who can serve to benefit most from the ship- but he is nowhere near self aware enough to recognize that there’s anything wrong or unhealthy about his mindset in the slightest-

whereas you have the contrast with Venti who sorted through most of his trauma with the nameless bard alone during the archon war and while the result appears more healthy- is still really not- but he’s not self aware of that either because i mean- who’s going to tell him? nobody even knows. 

however- venti is aware enough to notice flaws in Xiao’s mindset and “Venti” enough to want to help them through it-

Xiao- while not aware enough to recognize the flaws in Venti’s mindset, can recognize where it contrasts with his own, and is blunt enough to point it out- and then it’s out there to be mulled over- 

they’re so similar and yet so different and a feel just conversing between the two of them, being in each others precense, just being exposed to two mindsets that are so very different could do both of them a whole lot of good.

GEEE THAT BIT OF RAMBLING HAD LITTLE TO NO DIRECTION AT ALL- LET ME-- LET ME MAKE THIS START MAKING SENSE- WITH... DYNAMICS OR SOMETHING

I don’t think Xiao needs to sleep really- and i dont think that sleeping would do anything except make him uneasy at first- he’d probably just get nightmares after all he’s been through- but with Venti he would soon learn that it doesn’t have to be that way, lulled into the first peaceful sleep he’s had in... as long as he can remember.

anywho back to not making sense cuz im fickle and i think most questions about ships are best displayed through character interactions so like- a possible exchange thats cliche but cliches exist for a reason

Xiao: Why do you try so hard to help me, it isn’t easy. I know that much Venti, with the most adoring expression: Because you’re worth it, obviously Xiao: But surely there are others more deserving of- Venti: No Xiao, everyone is just as deserving as the next person, you included Xiao: Then why me above others? Venti: ehe, cuz ur my warrior of course [O//////O oh shit, hes right] Xiao: My contract is with Morax alone [gay panic but in broody yaksha]

it’s kinda difficult cuz neither of them really address their feelings.  I mean Venti does but he does it very indirectly and its rare that he ever does it with like- genuine directness- even spilling his backstory was in the form of a song- and told in the third person- so a lot of their interactions would often have some deeper meaning, especially with Venti being the bard he is. 

I come up with a lot of- errant thoughts about Xiaoven- but this is making me realize that a true analysis of their ship is rather difficult because it just encompasses so many dynamics so its hard to settle on just one and not go rambling about who knows what bouncing from one end of the ship to the other-  Because you truly can and thats the beauty of it

within one moment you can be having a heartfelt conversation about the archon war the impact of lost friends and times past, and the next moment Venti is trying to forcefeed Xiao an apple while Xiao screams about disrespecting the adepti and its just- so lovely

so while they have picnics with nothing but apples, dandelion wine, and almond tofu they can sit down and talk about the dreams Xiao once devoured, and the dandelion wine and apple cider that the first Ragnvindir invented from the plants that never could have grown in Old Mond. The foods that tasted of familiarity, or of the grilled ticker fish Pervases always used to eat, foods that tasted of friends and frankly family that had since passed, glaze lilies and cecilias and qingxin flowers scattered in the surroundings and woven into Xiao’s neat braids and Venti’s now messy ones, rebraided by the steady and inexperienced hands of one unused to gentle action. 

and then of course Venti steals Xiao’s tofu once the mood becomes too grim and replaces it with a bottle of wine that Xiao refers to as “vile poison,” a remark that fatally wounds Venti as he collapses on the floor, proclaiming how he can only be healed by a Yaksha’s kiss. Xiao ignores this of course and simply takes back his tofu with a slight smile on his face, but as Venti persists he soundlessly places a kiss on his own palm before intertwining their fingers and pulling him back up from where he was dramatically sprawled on the floor, grumbling about how such action was “unbecoming of an archon.” A sign of affection only Xiao would ever know about. But Venti is literally wind and I hc his senses work differently anyways so he definitely knows- plus Xiao’s face is red as the blood of his enemies and the way he is pointedly not looking at Venti at all really speaks volumes anyways. 

 -Venti playing epic battle music whenever Xiao goes into fights in what looks like a ridiculously extra performance to anyone else but is actually doing wonders to keep Xiao’s karma at bay

-Venti preaches the practice of “kissing wounds better” and Xiao is unfamiliar with this medical treatment but views it as unnecessary regardless because adepti have accelerated healing, doesn’t mean he’s going to stop him though. 

-Messages whispered on the wind

-Venti’s 1000 year sleep- an accident, not a fun time for the yaksha, and not a fun time for Venti once he woke up. Venti is actually more afraid of restful sleep than Xiao is, hence the sleeping in trees thing, but when Xiao is there, he can sleep restfully with faith that Xiao wont let another millennia slip through his fingertips. 

- Xiao tends to make excuses when doing things that aren’t necessary to his duty, like in his birthday voice line “Have this, it’s a butterfly i made from leaves... Okay. Take it. It’s an adepti amulet -- it staves off evil” because at the current point in his progress it helps him to feel like he’s allowed to do these things. Not wanting to put him off from progress, Venti never comments on his excuse but never fails to whisper a quick reminder of how proud he is of how far Xiao had come.

- Xiao’s karma saddens Venti greatly- not only because of how it effects Xiao but also because its a reminder that as much as Venti tries to honor the memory of those he’s killed, there will always be those who resent him for it, and when he took the option of living away from them, he truly can’t blame them. - And when he gets too wrapped up in thoughts, whether around this topic or similar ones or otherwise, eventually, he’ll hear the sound of a flute on the wind. It’s not divine by any means, but as his own wind connects him to the source, he gets the sentiment all the same. “What impact does one individual’s remaining wrath have on the present. You have done much to help the living in the present” the unspoken idea that Xiao has included himself in that statement, because now, with Venti’s help he’s beginning to learn just how to experience living for himself. 

- Venti’s form and Xiao’s mask are off limit topics though because if either mentions it the other will counter with the opposite and the mood will turn immediately bitter at the idea that both know that what they’re doing is destructive but neither are willing to change

- Venti who has different tells for negative feelings than most people because as much as he likes to pretend it is- this form isnt his, and Xiao who is able to identify those

- many fanfics and headcanons have Venti recognizing when Xiao is uncomfortable and getting him out of those situations. I see that and I love it but i raise you: - Venti taking Xiao to Mondstadt, careful that he doesn’t get to the point that he’s uncomfortable. And nothing goes wrong exactly, but Xiao notices the the way Venti’s cape is blowing in the wind, the way he’s holding his weight, barely on his feet so much as floating on the wind, connected with the ground only for the sake of appearance, all the while he looks just as happy go lucky as ever. And without a word, he grabs his hand and teleports them both out of Mondstadt.  - turns out it was just a slight thing that reminded him of the archon war (cuz i will die on the hill of him having more tragic backstory than just Decarabian), and he of course gives a sincere if not flustered thanks to Xiao, because he’s really not used to people noticing. 

- Venti trying to vent sneakily through fictional stories and Xiao is just like “Didn’t that basically happen to you” and Venti is just like “<_< shit”

- Venti once said affectionally that he wished he had met Xiao sooner and Xiao immediately and seriously shot it down by saying “If you had, I would have been forced to kill you” and both of them now stay up at night wondering who would have won that fight, not sure which result would have hurt more. (because honestly I have no idea who would win in that fight and that terrifies me- I like to think it would have been one of those legends that end with “and the fight persists to this day” or something along those lines)

- “How long have you been together?” “Adepti have no need for-” “1000+ years T^T how dare you deny our love” “O///O our...? ...useless”

- its disney- let me explain- i have this- i have this headcanon inspired by watching too many animatics- - so venti has a human form that isnt his- which he would have had to get used to moving in- and he’s a bard- - uh- anyway- as a third degree black belt in mixed martial arts, i can speak as an authority on this(not really an authority since i havent gone since quarantine but lets pretend). We have a thing referred to as the big three(most things do), and those things are martial arts, gymnastics, and dance. The idea is that they reflect really well off of each other and the best in any one category are good in all three. Timing, balance, form, discipline, technique, hand-eye coordination, grace, ease of motion, they all play a part- anyway-

- Venti taking Xiao’s prowess in martial arts and acrobatics and teaching him how to dance, and as someone who’s extremely skilled in the first two, the third comes easy to him, almost naturally. And it’s delicate and beautiful and lovely and it isn’t hurting anyone. And Venti points all these things out and more and despite how much Xiao insists that he feels ridiculous he truly does enjoy it and it goes a long way towards helping him form more healthy views of himself and his worth.  - Verr Goldett walked in on him once and made a joke about performing at the inn. unfortunately Venti was there and agreed on Xiao’s behalf before he could protest and- and it wasn’t as bad as Xiao thought it would be... he still wouldn’t do it again though without reason, but with good enough reasoning he could probably be convinced. 

- anyways point is he likes dancing to Venti’s songs and i just think that’s really cute - just picture the idea that all the animatics you see actually have the potential to be canon- ugh

- venti tries holding something out of Xiao’s reach since he’s taller and Xiao just fucking teleports 

- both need their space but when they dont, all they have to do is speak the other’s name and they’ll be there.

- and because i just had to.... love languages

- lets start with Xiao- i don’t think he’d view acts of service or quailty time as a love language tbh, and he blunt but really bad with words so affirmation is out, leaving gift giving and physical touch. However, he seems to view most material things as meaningless so- - Xiao who’s love language is in his fleeting touches, something he’s only recently grown comfortable with because of Venti, and now is giving back, which he knows he doesn’t have to do, but that he want’s to, though he’ll still continue to make excuses for each one. “you were shivering” “The inn is high up, you could have fallen..... I said what I said, you’d question an adeptus?”

- and as easy as it is to say words of affirmation for Venti- he does that for everyone- i want to say his is actually acts of service - its the acts of service that let him see just how much Xiao has progressed afterall, from teaching him to dance, to playing another song on the flute, to supplying him with the almond tofu he seems to enjoy so much. Every little thing he does helps Xiao to grow and he couldn’t be happier about that. 

-

- of course most of my headcanons for the ship do take place latter into the relationship because- y’know the less serious unhealthy vibes allow for greater range of thought, but i do still love to think about the serious implications so i kinda hopped back and forth. So sorry about how messy it is btw, i kinda- got carried away- it kinda got some kind of structure near the end tho so- maybe it’s okay. anyway- back to... lol something, we’ll see where thought forests lead. 

[normal-thoughts-official]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR BEAUTY AND THE BEAST IDEA. But may I also propose: Magnus cursed from a young age (probably bc of Asmodeus) that anyone who touches him is hurt by a blast of magic he can't control. (This may result in his mother's death). He locks himself away of his own will. Alec teaches then that it's fear that makes him lash out. Featuring: touch starved Magnus.

this idea is GENIUS actually and i love it. tbh me and my friend have a similar idea that we talk to each other about (lol) but it isn't a B&B thing, its more of an adventure AU. anyway, lets go!

so in this universe i guess magnus banished asmodeus like in the original sh verse but asmodeus cursed him with the "everyone you touch will be in indescribable pain" thing. maybe just as revenge, maybe to try and use it as bargaining chip because okay magnus, is it freedom that u want? u want to be able to have ur own friends and ur own life? fine. get me back, and ill leave u alone, and ull be free to have friends again. if not, ull be still isolated just like before. so is it gonna be win-win, or lose-lose?

but magnus doesn't budge because he knows that if he lets asmodeus free things will only get worse not only for him, but for the whole world. he is too dangerous to be out there. so, magnus resigns to his fate

and i guess in this version he wouldnt have a lot of close friends because he had been with asmodeus his whole life before he was cursed, so he was just. alone in his self-imposed isolation with no one to talk to. maybe he enchants the furniture so they gain sentience but they can't really feel pain, so at least he has someone to talk to. god im so fucking sad already

so is the furniture his friends in canon? im not entirely sure how i feel about that but also the idea of ragnor as that clock from the original movie is great. thats my most important thought on the subject ngl

btw its 4 degrees Celsius in here so im typing with gloves on so ull have to excuse my typos i am a mere brazilian and i want death

anyway okay so i guess his friends are like pieces of furniture that he spelled into sentience and they aren't his servants or anything cuz that's gross but they just like, hang out. wow im actually managing to type pretty well all things considered

so at least magnus has people to talk to but he's still touch starved because you know... a clock can't hug you and that'd just be weird. maybe them becoming sentient was an accident? lmao like magnus just wanted to automate some functions like having the clock talk to tell him the time or something and it turned out that they became sentient. possibly his magic is a little fucky because of the curse so that's why that happened? or maybe he just is way more powerful than he realizes and we all know he invented the spells he used to try and automate the things anyway. but if he gets people to talk to, well, he's not complaining

im focusing too much on this. anyway. id also like to note that im making rapha the cook/stove thing because i mean, come on. it's right there

and ok i guess alec comes into this because he uhhhhhh no u know i might go with that izzy thing. so izzy ran away from home because of maryse's bullshit and alec was sent to bring her back. so he was going after her but in the middle of the path there was the whole wolf attack thing that scared off his horse and LUCKILY magnus' house/tower/whatever was right next!!! so of course they take alec and his horse in but also WHOOPS there's a huge snowstorm that lasts for days (par the course for where magnus lives, actually. he DID want somewhere people would avoid. but also i think maybe his magic being fucky has something to do with it) so i guess alec is stuck at magnus' for the foreseeable future

which is HELL for magnus because he is terrified out of his mind that they will accidentally touch and alec will be hurt. and like.... his Constant Crave For Touch is already bad on a regular day, but having someone who could actually hug him in theory just makes it worse, you know? he hasn't interacted with other human beings in so long, just having one there is enough to make his need for touch almost unbearable and just... completely constant. it's hell

so magnus is scared, which means that he keeps to himself. so he tells alec not to go into his room, he tries not to eat at the same time, and other stuff like that, bUT his friends keep sabotaging his plans because they want him to have another friend, jesus christ!! (rapha being like "come on now magnus, you don't want my soup to get cold, do you? i'll be deeply offended. i guess you have no choice but to eat with alec". so magnus goes but the first thing he does is magic his regular table into a gigantic rectangular table with 41908410 seats and seat on on the side opposite to alec. alec just sighs

so like he's constantly coming across as rude because he is trying to avoid alec, alec just doesn't know why

but alec is also a stubborn bitch who goes stir crazy and refuses to just sit around isolated doing nothing while they wait for the stupid storm to finally be over so he can go get his sister. and magnus saved his life, so it's the least he can do to repay him in some way. besides, this is what, the first time that he's been completely away from his mom? for such a long time too? and he's finding that he feels... weirdly free and just relieved and he doesn't want to waste that opportunity with standing idly around alone all day. he had enough of that at home, thank you very much

besides yeah magnus is being rude but alec is used to straight up assholes and abusers (jace. i'm talking about jace. also maryse ofc but mostly jace) and magnus is not that. in fact he makes very polite conversation and is actually pretty fun during dinner, all things considered. he's just.... super private, i guess

AND magnus' friends are all being a nightmare with the making them interact so you know. they end up interacting. and alec makes it a point to help him take care of his house because it is a certified Depression Lair™. magnus can take care of it magically but it's like... so dark and almost suffocating at times and there is stuff like bad painting and piping problems that he never bothered to fix because it isn't affecting the functionality too much but it DOES makes life harder and alec "everything must be at 100% always" lightwood is not here for it so for a few days they are working on fixing the house and... magnus actually feels a lot better when the place has actual sunlight and looks inviting and like a home, he has to admit. when he says that to alec it might be the first time he's given him a real smile and man, is alec smitten

sidenote i guess this means that magnus doesn't exactly... dress well in this au lmaoo i mean it makes sense too because canonically magnus uses dressing up as a way to convey an image of power and untouchability and he doesn't really need that in this AU since he is completely isolated. so i guess he is a bit more like twi magnus - bare-faced and wearing comfortable clothes and the like. this isn't a twi au i'm just saying that it makes more sense for him to dress like that in that context

anyway. after the whole house fixing thing, they officially become friends. it turns out that alec also knows a bit about what it's like to feel isolated and touch-starved (altho he's always had izzy to help in that department, but still) and also what crappy parents are like. magnus shows alec his little mirror that he's enchanted to be able to show him anything he wants and how he uses it to be able to see all the places in the world he'd like to visit - he loves people, he loves culture, and sometimes it's all he can do to watch what's going on in Mumbai and it makes him feel a little better, so, he does that. he also admits that sometimes he catches on some drama happening and uses the mirror to see the people involved and make sure they are okay. kinda like a soap opera of his own but he has the means to interfere and help because of magic, so he will have someone who's struggling with money suddenly find hidden cash or have an "unknown dead relative" give them a lot of money in their will, or something like that. and if he also watches some of their personal drama that unfolds, well. he is lonely and it's not hurting anyone

but magnus doesn't tell him about the curse, and he still makes sure to keep his distance. it stings a little to alec, but it hurts magnus the most because fuck, maybe he just desperately needs someone who will give him the time of day, but he likes this guy and that only makes it harder to keep his distance. he makes it a point to always be at at least two arms length from alec, which alec thankfully respects and doesn't try to get him to breach, but. shit. it's still so hard to not want to just rest his head on his shoulder or get a hug or even fucking touch pinkies like stupid children and he can't. alec even once jokingly suggests that they have a ball since magnus doesn't know how to dance and magnus is actually excited for a second before he remembers that he can't, it would have to mean that alec touches him, and he can't

someone - maybe ragnor - even suggests that maybe he could try gloves and heavy clothing so alec isn't really touching him but magnus refuses to try because he doesn't want to risk it not working and alec getting hurt, because he'd never forgive himself. besides, getting a taste would only make it hurt more. he can't. he can't

but it's alright because at least he has some human company - he loves his friends, he does, fiercely, but it's different when they kind of have no choice but to be with him and also are enchanted creatures. he doesn't even know if they aren't nice to him just because he enchanted them into life, even tho to be fair if he had a choice ragnor wouldn't be that grouchy - and alec makes him laugh and gets him and helped make his place feel more like home, a little bit. and he can pretend that he feels the warmth from alec's body when they are sitting by the fire and feed these crumbs to his desperate need for touch and company

and then the snowstorm ends and it's time for alec to go

honestly, alec himself is kind of heartbroken, but- he loves his sister, and he can't just leave her alone in god knows where, even if he dreads the thought of coming back home now that he's been away from his family for so long. but magnus doesn't want to keep him, and doesn't want alec to feel pity for him, so he's all but pushing alec out of the door (not literally, of course. he can't do that, it would mean touching him) all "go, go, you never know when another storm might start. go see your sister. take my mirror, you can find her more easy". and alec's all "but it's been the only thing-" and magnus waves him off, of course, all "i can always make myself another one. besides, you'll have something to remember me by. now go"

so.... alec goes

and hooo boy magnus is heartbroken and a mess because even tho he knew how much having someone else there helped he had almost forgotten what it was like to be the only human in the house. he just feels extra lonely and even kind of bad about it because hey, his friends are there - not that they begrudge him for it, of course. it's not like they don't also hope for the chance to get out of the house and do other things, but well. they can't. so they understand him. and they know how awful he's feeling right then, but what can they do?

meanwhile alec finds izzy pretty quickly - she's living with this one insufferable villager named clary that alec absolutely can't stand, but- she's happy. and she doesn't want to come back, which alec expected, but he finds that he can't actually insist for her to come back. how could he, when he himself doesn't want to go?

and izzy insists that he stays with her - there's no reason for him to come back. they can stay in the village, and work, and build a life for themselves. alec is the only thing she's been missing ever since she left, and in here the both of them can actually be happy. and do it together, like they're meant to

and when he first gets into the village is the first time since izzy ran away that he was hugged and fuck, it's hard to say no to her

but also... he misses magnus already

and he doesn't know if he can just stay and leave him behind

and of course izzy is like "who is magnus?" so alec tells her the story, how he was attacked by wolves and rescued by this house that miraculously was in the middle of the single most inhospitable placealec had ever seen in his life. and the kind but wary stranger who always keeps his distance but seems so eager for connection, who made alec feel welcome and laugh and feel like he built a life for himself there

and clary tells him that she's heard of the story, but she never knew it was more than a legend - no one really remembers what happened. some say that magnus made a sacrifice to rid the village of a demon, and it turned him into a beast, forever locked in his castle. some say that he himself is the demon, and it's the tower that's containing him and keeping the village safe. some even say that he died battling the demon, and it's his ghost that keeps watch on the tower

she wants alec to explain which one is true, but it's all alec can say that none of these are right and he knows nothing because magnus never told him. all alec knows is that he doesn't want to leave magnus behind

and clary is like... well, if he's not a demon or a ghost, maybe we could bring him to the village too. he has magic, right? he could bring the tower closer. and maybe the other villagers could, you know, visit him and hang out. and he wouldn't be as lonely, and then alec and izzy could both stay

driven by this failproof plan, they decide to go back to magnus and tell him their great idea

except they are IDIOTS and forget about. you know. the damn wolves

and like holy shit is this pack big or what? like no seriously why are there infinite wolves in that one singular pack in beauty and the beast. like holy shit dude there's more wolves near the beast's house than in the whole yellowstone park

anyway there are Many Wolves and while alec is a good archer, izzy is a fantastic fighter, and clary is Fucking Crazy if you give her something stabby, there's only so many wolves they can take on at the same time

good thing magnus is a pining idiot who did in fact make himself another magic mirror and was watching alec with it. so he knows that the dumbass is in trouble and for the first time in years, he uses the portal (his own invention, and he had never gotten to use it before!) to get to them and fight off the wolves

so magnus saves all their lives, at the cost of getting severely injured and passing the fuck out. izzy, who's the one closest, runs to get to him and help put him on one of their horses... and is immediately hit by a blast of magic that almost makes HER pass tf out too

which is when they finally learn that, oh. that is the curse

izzy is fine, of course - the pain ended as soon as she was away from magnus

but it does pose the problem of How The Fuck Are They Getting Him Back To Safety, because they can't exactly wait for magnus to wake up (it's freezing, for starters) but with this amount of pain it won't be physically possible for them to hoist him up and get him on the horse. shit, will the curse work on the horse?

they bring alec's horse (by far the strongest of them because alec is huge buff mcgee) and try to get him to touch magnus and the spell does NOT work on the horse because in order to be dramatic asmodeus was like "you shall never feel human touch again" when he cast the spell, which accidentally gave a LOOPHOLE for non-human animals. so magnus could have had cats the whole time, which he had always dreamed of, but he didnt want to risk testing. besides, his house would be a poor environment for a cat and [self torture noises]

anyway thats one less problem to deal with, 99 to go, so they use some ropes to hoist magnus on top of the horse and bring him back to the tower (it's closer than the village) so they can tend to his wounds. thankfully, as the assigned Big Brother of a very irresponsible izzy, alec has experience with first aid, altho he never really dealt with anything quite this bad. and magnus' friends help, too, as much as they can. inevitably this means that alec ends up touching him even if by accident sometimes, but he knows what to expect so he Powers Through It because he won't let magnus die, damn. and as horrible as that is alec has experience with powering through pain, so. he's gonna bandage him up god damn it

izzy can't stand to see him dealing with that himself tho, so she helps, and clary ends up helping as well because they figure sharing the pain makes it easier and alec doesn't have to be too hurt. minimal touching accidents for alec! good

*narrator voice* And Then Magnus Wakes Up And Alec Hugs Him

full on launches on top of him and brings him into his arms and Magnus screams like NONONO OH MY GOD WHAT ARE YOU DOING ALEC NO GET OFF ME YOU'LL BE HURT and his shock and distress at the whole thing sends another whole blast of magic that explodes that whole mf before it can touch alec and alec feels no pain and magnus is like.............. did i just COUNTER the spell? and everyone's like well! it looks like u did!

which earns him ANOTHER hug (oh my god alec stop he's so stressed out by this) (who knew alec was so touchy?) and this time he's paying attention to that gut reaction and because magnus is a Certified Magic Genius he realizes what it is that he's doing to counter the spell and immediately starts working on a way to turn this into unhexxing himself for good

which he DOES after some time idk how long but alec stays with him meanwhile and maybe izzy and clary do too, because magnus needs all the company he can get and besides, izzy has always wanted adventure and clary has never left the village before, so this is interesting to them at least. and magnus gets to meet new ppl which is nice

eventually the Begone Spell spell is performed and it works and turns out that when it does that it also unfucks magnus' magic and perfects his sentience spell turning all of his friends into humans WOW WHOD HAVE THOUGHT. so all of them are free to leave the tower as ppl at the same time and GROUP HUG!! and magnus cries like a baby in the group hug because holy shit hes been needing something like this so bad for so long and he never expected to have that with his friends but here he is :)

and then yeah they all move to the village to live a simple but fulfilling life and Magnus and Alec start living together in a little cottage and become husbands the end <3 this is so long too rip me

[angelicmichael]

Oohh, could you please write the nonsexual prompt sharing a dessert for Outpost Michael and reader? Who wouldn't want to share a dessert with him? Thank you so much. You really are an angel 😇

A/N: anon you are too fucking sweet omg 🥺💖 I hope I didnt dissapoint with this, I'm sorry it's so late and unnecessarily long!! Lmfao. The dessert eating is at the end if anyone wants to just skip to that part hehe. I wanted to write some mutual pining so.. that's why this fic is so fucking long lol

Warnings: eating, food, lil bit of sexual tension, very brief mentions of Millory and also Gallant x Michael 👉🏻👈🏻

Living in Outpost three was beyond miserable. Constantly being treated as a second class citizen, as a gray, was definetly doing its number on you.. Every day that you continued to stay alive in this hellhole you swore you slowly descended further and further into madness. Eating gelatin cubes.. being around the same exact people, day in and day out.. with nothing else to do but to clean, with no end in sight was only a recipe for disaster.

And disaster seemed to come with a name; Langdon.

You didnt believe him when he announced that he was going to pick a select few to take with him to the sanctuary; you knew that was fucking bullshit.. but you had to admit - it was amusing watching the other outpost residents finally get a spark of excitament in their eyes. A reason to be alive.

You watched him take interest in mainly Gallant and Mallory; and that's when you felt something.. distant yet familar. Yearning; attraction, and maybe even jealousy.

It reminded and made you nostalgic of old emotions that you used to feel regularly; which now only visited you vaguely whenever you caught Michael stare for a second too long at either of them.. but it wasnt your job to monitor the relationships that were allegedly occurring.

You kept your head down until you begrudgingly got an interview; honestly surprised at first that Langdon seemed to be giving you a shot at salvation at all.

You were even more surprised at how the actual interview seemed to unfold; how disgustingly touch starved you were and the way in which you reacted to him. You were praying that Langdon didnt notice how your entire body was littered with goosebumps the second he touched you - a harmless gesture with his hand lightly touching your back when he walked by. Or the pure exhilaration you felt when he brushed a tear away from your cheek.. It was honestly embarrassing.

Even more embarrassing was how much you craved to see Langdon again as soon as you left the first interview.

The days following the first initial interview were torturous for you. Your days and even nights became infested with thoughts of Langdon; his blonde locks and light blue eyes even started to follow you and become familar in dreams..

You couldnt stop thinking about him.

You knew it was stupid to crave romance; it was utterly irrational. For one, if Venable were to even catch you looking at Langdon for a couple seconds too long - you knew she would want your head on a stick. That's not even to mention how jealous Gallant and the other residents would possibly be, if anything were to happen.

These thoughts were not realistic though  because you knew Langdon never viewed you like that. He treated you just as he did anyone else.. maybe even worse. He always kept his words short with you and rarely made eye contact most days.

For those reasons; you wrote off your newfound romantic thoughts about Langdon as nothing more but dumb daydreams. Just something to keep you occupied in the day while you tried to make the outpost look spotless. You figured it was a result of being beyond bored; your mind trying to find something to make life interesting once more. Anything. 

That was.. until Langdon invited you for another interview. One interview quickly turned into another.. and another.. and another until seeing Langdon privately was nearly the new normal.

The more you two continued to meet; the more your feelings for him only grew but you still chose to conceal them - well, to the best of your abilities anyway.. there was only much you could hide. However; if you didnt know Langdon prematurely, you wouldve thought he was a idiot or just purely naive for not picking up on the obvious crush you had.

It had been a couple nights now since you had last seen him.. And yet here you were; having another sleepless night that consisted of thinking of dumbass Langdon.

You stayed awake sleepless in your bed. Or.. the bed that was meant to be yours anyway. Nothing like felt home or like it was truly yours at Outpost Three though. You stared at the ceiling hopelessly; wishing you would be so lucky to feel a wave of drowsiness that could hit you and carry you off to your dreams.

You immeadietly sat up and nearly jolted out of bed when you heard three loud knocks rattle your door. The sound was distinct but haunting.. your immediate thought was Venable.. you could only help but to think what the fuck you had recently done to piss her off.

You swiftly walked through the nearly pitch black room and opened the door absentmindedly; trying to not let your paranoid thoughts control your actions and let you hesitate.. just in case it happened to be Langdon.

You would be lying if you were to say that you werent dissapointed when you found no one there; only a letter lay folded neatly on the floor.. directly in front of you.

Snatching it and opening it within the safety of your room; you had to hold back laughter when it was from Langdon - another invitation to go see him.. but it was marked urgent.

You nearly dropped the letter on the floor immeadietly; it wasnt as if you had anything else to do - you already knew you werent going to be able to sleep tonight anyway. You immeadietly took off, albeit as quietly as possible, off to Langdons office. Trying to keep your thoughts of what the hell he wanted to see you so badly for, at bay.

When you reached his room, you didnt bother knocking. You slipped right inside - knowing that knocking would only possibly wake Venable up or alert other residents of your whereabouts. Shutting the door behind you, you slowly approached him.

He sat at his desk; quickly turning around to face you as you entered. His light, ocean colored eyes were wide in what you could only guess was surprise that you came so soon. His mouth was slightly curved into a subtle smile.

"Hi". You uttered with a airy, soft laugh.

You first stood, knowing he would most likely want you to take a seat but you would rather wait for instructions than to just.. assume. You knew Michael had little to no tolerance but surely enough, he nodded at the seat that was directly across from his at the desk.

"Sit". Michael instructed, his gaze followed you as you steadfastly did as you were told.

You realized how carefully Michael was studying you as you walked over and took your seat.. and maybe it was because of the absolutely horrible lighting but you could swear you could almost see blood rushing to his cheeks..

Was he.. blushing??

You sat, completely puzzled as you watched Michael suddenly act flustered.. His motions changing from smooth and calculated to nearly awkward.. and.. just rather odd in a instant. He looked as if he wanted to say something but no words were spoken, that is - until you made the first move.

"Is something.. wrong"? You asked, trying your hardest to bite back laughter.

Seeing Langdon act so.. not like himself was basically pure comedy to you.  Although you would never admit that outloud of course.

He now looked uncomfortable; licking his lips and clasping his hands together at the table before speaking.

"(Y/n), I have to talk to you about something". Michael admitted.

His expression changed from looking rather nervous to serious again; his mouth in a straight line and the muscles in his face relaxed.

You were quite literally sitting on the edge of your seat, your stomach started to do somersaults as you desperately tried to rationally think of what he wanted to say..

"Yeah, of course. What's wrong"? You prompted, your voice coming across as unsteady.

You tried your hardest to not let your voice shake as you spoke, although you were more than certain it showcased exactly how you felt.

Langdon unfolded his hands; appearing to study his rings momentarily before his blue eyes pierced yours - looking as if they were staring right past you.. Not necessarily at you at all.

"Look; theres nothing wrong. You just need to know that theres no need to be nervous around me anymore". Langdon stated matter of factly.

He maintained eye contact with you; diligently waiting for a response as you actually tried to comprehend what he was saying.. Was he implying that you were going to the sanctuary?? Or.. possibly even something else?? Something more?

Your confusion must've been apparent on your face because before you could say anything, Langdon cut in.

"That's not why I asked you to be here with me tonight though. I wanted to.. reward you". He said.

You felt as if your heart had skipped a beat; nearly feeling woozy as your cheeks heated up. A reward?? Saying you felt speechless was a incredible understatement.

"A reward"?? You echoed your thoughts aloud.

Your words came out slow and strained with pure anticipation for what was to perhaps happen. You thought for a split second this had to be some kind of sick joke, or some kind of sick manipulation game. You wouldnt really be surprised; you overheard from the others he was famous for pulling that kind of shit.

"Yes, For giving me company. Close your eyes". Michael answered.

You immeadietly, and dumbly followed orders. However; as soon as you closed your eyes you felt fear pierce your heart. The uncertainty and possibilities of what could happen was jarring - but you had to admit it was also thrilling.

The past few months had been so fucking predictable and boring, a bit of excitement was well over due and actually.. probably healthy. Even if it was fucking terrifying.

You could hear him moving, and then something being placed on his desk in front of you. You first felt your eyebrows furrow as you opened your eyes unwillingly. Pure surprise forcing you to do so and to disobey Langdon.. oh fuck.

You opened your mouth to utter an apology but.. your gaze first caught onto the object in front of you.. leaving you speechless and with your mouth agape.

You marveled at the small slice of cheesecake was that put in front of you.. It looked entirely to good to be true; this had to be a dream.. or maybe a nightmare??

This last time you had eaten anything with any kind of remote flavour had been eons ago. Those memories served you well and made your horrifically boring days a little less painful.

You continued to blankly stare at it; not daring to move, or breathe but.. to just enjoy the view. You were half expecting for this to be some of torture again; for him to rip it away from you but a part of you reassured you that.. this was different. This was him trying, and being genuine.

You looked up to meet Langdons eyes as they intently studied you. A faint smile gracing the corner of his lips. A beautiful sight you rarely got the priviledge of admiring.

"Have some". Michael said, nodding down in direction of the dessert. "I thought you would appreciate the gesture. I cant imagine the shit Venable gives you is enjoyable". Michael sneered with a hint of laughter.

You couldnt help but to let out a giggle as well, looking down once more and noticing that the plate was also embellished with two forks.

"Thank you, Michael. You should have some too though, I dont want to be selfish-" You started, unfolding your hands from your lap and beginning to push the plate towards him.

He quickly stood up and walked up to you, stopping until he was beside you. He grabbed your wrist, tight enough to make you wince but not enough to cause any actual pain - making eye contact again.

"No.. I want to watch you have the first bite". Langdon said.

In a split second, the chair that was once behind his desk materialized right next to you, directly behind him. He sat down, watching you intently as you started to feel stupidly nervous again.

Your hands trembled a bit as you reached to grab the fork, swiftly taking a piece and then  quickly consuming it. You figured the faster you took the first bite - the less nervous you would be.. but his gaze continued to linger on you; intensely watching.

The pleasure you were momentarily wrapped in was insurmountable to anything you had previously felt in months. You had to ground yourself in order to not let a moan escape your mouth.. The rich flavor tasting so unreal; almost too good to be true.

To be completely honest, you forgot that Langdon was there at all until you noticed him grab a fork as well. Also taking a bite and continuing to watch you - clearly amused with your reaction.

You two continued to eat in silence; meanwhile you momentarily began to get lost in your own thoughts yet again. You knew he didnt have to do this; he very well could've just.. had the dessert with someone else, like Mallory, or even enjoyed it by himself, but he purposefully chose you...

Your cheeks grew hot at the thought of how he seemed to subtly state that he returned your affection. You knew there was no way that he didnt know that you harbored feelings for him; the way in which you acted flustered in his prescience had to be a dead give away.

An hour or so later you walked back to your room; the night slowly cutting into the early hours of the morning but you really couldnt care less. You really didnt care about anything, even if Venable found you. The last thought you had before you took a very shortlived nap, was how much of a sneaky bastard Langdon truly was.

Taglist: @mina672 @michaellangdonstanaccount @langdonsexual @jimmason @blakewaterxx @dark-mei-rose @9layerdevilfoodcake @prophecy-is-inevitable @matildaofoz @beautyiswithinchaos @frenchlangdon @beyond-repentance

[brelione]

Please Dont Break My Heart Pt.1 (JJ Maybank X Reader)

Warnings:Not proof read,pretty much trash.

JJ would be lying if he said that he didnt have a thing for you.You were known pretty well as both a heartbreaker and a sweetheart.Neither of those really made sense,it was like trying to mix water and olive oil.It just couldnt happen.You were a kook but werent considered one of the bad ones that would stare in disgust at every pogue they saw.

You were actually known to be quite friendly with pogues,even dating a handful of them.You’d date someone for three months and then drop their asses with no explanation why.It was like clockwork.It seemed like you got bored easily,hopping from one boy to the next.

There was pretty much a line of boys,both kooks and pogues ready to shoot their shot,be yours for three months and then get their hearts broken.Unfortunately JJ could relate,wishing that you’d come up to him one day with that well known smile,shining eyes asking him to hang out sometime.He would consider himself lucky to even be so close to you,to hold your hand and touch your hair whenever he pleased.

Even if it only lasted three months and you were using him he wouldnt even care.He didnt even know why he wanted you so much or what he liked about you.He sat by a fire,Kiara and Pope within his view as he spoke to your most recent ex,a blonde boy named Dylan.He was sniffling,not understanding why you had left him.

John.B say next to JJ,interested in the conversation that was currently about you. “So what’s she like?Is she rude or like...I dunno.”JJ shrugged,trying to form his questions into actual words.Dylan huffed,staring into the flames. “No,man.She’s nice as hell and she’s funny and she dances around her living room and she likes to surf and bake and-and oh god I fucking miss her.”Dylan sobbed,wiping his tears.

JJ had heard the same story from eight guys,that you were sweet and genuine and how they thought they were different from the others until you broke them too.JJ felt bad for them of course but more than anything he wanted to know the reason for your constant heartbreaking and manipulating.He felt even worse because he wanted you to manipulate him.

He tried to listen to Dylan talk,zoning out eventually.Technically he was in the line of guys that were ready to have their heart broken and you probably knew that.That meant that he could be the next boy to be yours.It was wrong of him to think that way and he knew that.He had watched this pattern for two years now,waiting for his turn patiently and never daring to interfere but beginning to think about what would happen this time.He wanted this to be the best summer ever,to have a good time all the time.You could most definitely make this the best summer ever which meant that he needed to be number one in your line.

It had been a week since you broke Dylan’s heart.He was good to you,never yelled at you or treated you wrong.He let you take his hoodies and gave you forehead kisses and piggy back rides down the beach.You were his lockscreen and he was yours,doing whatever you wanted whenever you wanted,including braiding your hair for you and going for swims in your pool at three in the morning.

But he was getting too close to you and deep down you knew that nobody could be that perfect.You didnt want to hurt anyone which was why you let go of them so quickly and so easily,you’d hurt them more if you let them stick around.You didnt even know what your type was or if you even had one,you just needed something different.

You were definitely known for breaking peoples hearts which was definitely not a good reputation to have but it was better than being a drug dealer or a crackhead,both of which had been interested in you at one point.You wanted someone that was more like you,impulsive,excited,ready to try new things and have deep conversations at four in the morning.

You knew that none of the boys were really like that and you knew that they would just act like that in hopes of getting you to like them.There was only one boy that you could think of that fit what you wanted without pretending.That one boy was JJ Maybank.

You were nervous as hell to even look in his direction,knowing that he was probably disgusted by the thought of a rich,heartbreaking kook and wanted absolutely nothing to do with you.You had been single for a week,trying to figure out what to do about JJ.You didnt want to be with him and then leave him,you admired him far too much for that.

But you knew that you wanted to be with him.Kooks and Pogues would stare at you,drool practically falling from their lips as you walked by,waiting to see what you would do next.You sighed,scrolling through your phone,deciding to delete your photos of Dylan,pouting as you did so.You just had to hope that he was over by now,you had let him down gently anyways.

You got up off your bed,deciding to leave the house for the first time in three days,pulling on a black one piece bathing suit,a tshirt and shorts over it.It was 11 AM which meant the beaches wouldnt be crowded yet but luckily you knew your way around The Cut.That included the small rocky beaches that Dylan had shown you during a surfing trip to watch the sunset.

You got into your car,your surfboard already tied to the roof.You stopped at a Dunkin Donuts drive thru to grab a large iced coffee on the way,listening to your playlist as you drove to The Cut.You remembered Dylan taking you down a dirt road that was supposed to be covered in cement but never ended up happening.

You pulled onto the side of the road with a sigh,putting your phone in your backpack that contained a towel and a bag of m and m’s,swinging it over your shoulder and standing on your tip toes so you could pull your surfboard off the top,carrying it by your side as you walked down the dirt hills,coming out at the rocky surfing spot that was well hidden by trees.

JJ shocked himself when he woke up before noon,the others still asleep.He had sighed,debating on getting up or going back to sleep.He wasnt sure what made him want to go to the hidden surfing spot that was a good ten minute walk from John.B’s.He didnt know why he wanted to wiggle his toes in the small,smooth pebbles so badly.

He was already in his bathing suit from the night before,getting up and ditching the idea of surfing,just wanting to swim for a bit.His converse smacked off the dirt,trying his best not to slip and fall on his way down the hill,holding onto the trees for balance before landing onto the pebbles,eyebrows furrowing when he noticed another person was already here.He froze up when he realized it was you,laying on top of your surfboard that rested on the pebbles,arms crossed and eyes closed,not caring about the world.

He considered turning around and running away,grinning when he noticed you werent here with a boy.THat meant that you were still single and nobody was ready to pounce on him if he attempted to talk to you.Your head turned to look at him,scared for a moment when you thought he was Dylan. “JJ?”You asked curiously,sitting up to look at him at a proper angle.

He cussed,realizing it was too late to turn around now that you saw him.He grinned,walking towards you,looking down. “Yeah.”He answered,trying really hard not to grin,trying not to blush or back away out of embarrassment. “Hi.”You answered,staring up at him,not knowing what to say or do. “Hi.”He replied,sitting down on the pebbles across from you.

 “So like,what are you doing here?”He asked,trying to make conversation.He was probably the biggest flirt on the island and you were fantastic as manipulating and charming people.Why was this so hard? “I dont know,it’s just a nice day and I thought i’d surf but the waves suck today.”You shrugged,looking out at the calm,glittery water.He nodded,agreeing. “Yeah.You ever surf during a storm?”He asked,tugging at the hem of his shirt.

You grinned,nodding. “Yeah,I tried that once or twice.I wiped out and like,almost died so that sucks for me.The waves were pretty good though,not gonna lie.”You answered,remembering that adventure from a month back.Dylan was so worried the whole time,watching from the beach as you disappeared under the waves,coming back up a few moments later to gasp for air. 

“Yeah,same thing happened to me last year.I scraped my whole leg.”He admitted,trying his best not to stare at you.You turned on your surfboard,grabbing your coffee and taking a sip of it.He peeled at his fingernails,considering getting up and going into the water. “Was it worth it?”You asked,making him smile. “Um,yeah id say so.”He replied,his face becoming red. 

“I probably should’ve checked the weather before I left the house,its a really shitty day.I mean,before you got here obviously.”You took another sip of coffee,mixing the sugar at the bottom.He was a blushing mess,fighting the temptation to hide his face in his hands. “So um...where’s Dylan?”He asked,wanting to see how you’d react.You let out a sigh,biting the inside of your cheek. “It just wasnt meant to be,you know?”You asked,dissapointed when you realized he was probably just trying to get in your pants.

He nodded,understanding. “Yeah,I get that.How do you know when somethings meant to be?”He asked,slowly becoming more comfortable with you.You shrugged,not even knowing the answer.You had loved people before,you had loved all the people you had dated.You just werent in love with any of them.It just never felt right which definitely scared you.SOmetimes you wondered if you ever would love anyone like that. 

“I dont even know,dude.”You admitted,standing up on your surfboard,hopping onto the pebbles,taking off your shirt and shorts,feeling JJ’s eyes glued to you as you bent over to put your clothes into your bag. “But I do know that it’s hot as fuck out here and that water looks nice so im going to go drown.”You grinned before walking down to the water,going up to your hips,letting out a sigh of relief when your burning heels hit the cool water.

JJ admired you from a far,covering his face with his hands when your back was turned to him,grinning like a fucking idiot.He finally decided to get up and join you,pulling off his tank top and hat,dragging his feet through the cold water,standing next to you,glancing over at you every couple of minutes,trying to figure out what you were staring at that you found so interesting.

 “What are we looking at?”He asked,not seeing anything.You shrugged,wiggling your toes in the sand. “I dont know,just the clouds I guess.”You answered,looking up at him.He licked his lips,just watching you.He had never been physically close to you for longer than a minute or two even if he felt some sort of emotional connection to you since the moment he saw you.

It was a Saturday night at the beginning of June.A boneyard party was taking place,loud music,shitty beer,heated make out sessions and random games of truth or dare.Everyone was having a good time,doing whatever they pleased and getting absolutely fucking wasted.

JJ had been sipping a cup of beer,trying to listen to Pope when he heard laughter,turning to see where it was coming from.You were on Dylan’s back,your legs around his waist,arms wrapped around his shoulders,afraid you’d fall off.JJ couldnt take his eyes off of you the whole night,watching as you sat on Dylan’s lap,the boy leaving small kisses on your neck,forehead and cheeks.

It made JJ’s heart hurt,wishing it were him.On the other hand he almost wanted to yell at Dylan and call him an itiot for thinking he was different than your ex’s while another part of him wanted to yell at Dylan and try to figure out what made him so special that you spent so much time around him.JJ’s jaw clenched when he watched you kiss Dylan,wishing it were him that you were kissing.When you left the party you were wearing Dylan’s sweatshirt,holding the boys hand and probably going back to your place.

“How’d you find this place?It’s pretty well hidden.”He looked back at the empty beach,trying to figure out if you had walked because he hadnt seen your car.You looked down into the clear water,trying to figure out how far you’d be able to go without slipping under the water. 

“Uhh….Dylan showed it to me.”You replied,not wanting to make things too awkward.He nodded,not pushing any further. “I feel like Dylan didnt deserve you not gonna lie.”He admitted.Sure,he had spoken to Dylan before and thought he was an okay guy.He wasnt an asshole but he just wasnt worthy of you in JJ’s eyes.

You giggled quietly at the statement,shaking your head. “You barely know me,JJ.How do you know what I deserve?”You asked,genuinely curious for his answer.He pouted,eyebrows knitting together in frustration. “Alright,here’s what ive learned about you in like,the last fifteen minutes.”He began,a small smile on his face.You nodded,waiting for him to continue.

 “So,you like dunkin donuts,you like going on adventures for the experience and you dont really worry about consequences,you like to relax most of the time and I really want to get to know more about you.”He watched your puzzled expression,a nervous grin on his face. “You want to know more about me?How would you do that?”You asked,enjoying how nervous you could make him.

He glanced down to your lips,licking his own. “You know...a date.”He mumbled,chewing on his bottom lip. “You want to go on a date?What makes you worthy of that?”You teased,using his words against him.He rolled his eyes,looking down into the water. “I mean...I dunno,you’ll have to find out for yourself.Do you want to maybe go night swimming or something later tonight?I know a spot.”He offered,remembering the small waterfall that he had gone to with John.B and Pope last year.

You thought about it.JJ seemed sweet from what you knew but it would still be weird to go to a hidden area alone at night with someone you just met.But then again if things went south you could just kick him right in the dick. “Sounds like a date,Maybank.Just come by my house whenever,i’ll drive.”You told him,deciding that you should just leave.

There were no waves to surf or much to do so it would probably be wise to go back to your house and do your laundry and take a shower.His heart thumped in his chest,feeling a bit light headed at the thought of being yours.THere was no way this was real,he thought as he watched you walk from the water,swinging your backpack over your shoulder,getting your shoes on,holding your board and disappearing into the trees and out of his view.

He had rushed back to John.B’s,looking through every single shirt and every single pair of shorts that he had there,trying to find a good combination.He couldnt wait for John.B to wake up,shaking him by the shoulders until he was swatting the blonde’s hands away.

 “What?”He asked,sitting up in his bed. “Its my turn!”JJ exclaimed,not helping with the confusion. “What?”John.B asked again,making JJ sigh. “God,keep up!Its my turn to be hers!”JJ was far too excited for his tired friend,the words sounding like static. “Who?”John.B asked,not thinking.JJ rolled his eyes,grabbing his friend by the arm and into the guest room-JJ’s room.

 “Which outfit should I wear?”JJ asked,gesturing tot eh outfits he had laid out on the bed.He had waited over a year for this night,he shouldve prepared an outfit the moment he heard that you and Dylan had broken up. “I dont fuckin know.I dont know what girls are into.”John.B yawned,JJ’s eyes widened as he realised the problem,running into the living room to shake Kie back and forth.

 “What?”She grumbled,too tired to open her eyes. “God,fuck.”JJ cursed,throwing the girl over his shoulder and bringing her into the room,her shouts becoming annoying when he finally set her down. “Which one?”He asked,looking at the outfits.

 “For what?”She asked,looking down at the clothes. “Dammit!Im going on a date tonight and I cant mess this up.”He sighed,tugging at his hair.  “A date with who?”Kiara asked,not quite understanding.JJ wasnt the type to go on dates.What had changed? “(Y/N).”JJ answered,making Kiara’s heart drop. “Are you kidding?Come on,JJ.You know whats going to happen!”She exclaimed,her words changing nothing.

 “Does it really matter?”He asked,really just wanting to know what outfit to wear.Kiara smacked his arm,clearly mad. “Shes going to break you like she does to everyone!Why her out of all people?Cant you find a girl who’s not a play?You guys are just going to play eachother and hurt everyone!”She exclaimed,John.B nodding in agreement. “Oh,vomit!”JJ exclaimed,making the decision for himself,folding the clothes carefully and placing them on the bed.

 “Im serious,JJ!She’s gonna pretend to love you and then you’re gonna fall in love and then shes gonna break you and come running to us!”Kiara shouted,sighing loudly.JJ simply rolled his eyes,kicking his two friends out,deciding he no longer needed their opinions.He tried on the outfit,jean shorts and a gray kildare t shirt,figuring he could wear his red hat with it.

He was far too nervous for tonight.He had heard about you going on a date once only for it to go nowhere,never seeing the boy again.The boy was Max,a seventeen year old brunette that went to boneyard parties and had dropped out of highschool during junior year.JJ let his curiosity get the best of him,asking about it. “So how’d it go?”JJ had asked,sipping his beer.

Max sighed,shrugging his shoulders. “I think I was too nervous the whole time,she just wasnt really into me.She kissed me though so I think it was worth it.”Max grinned at the memory.JJ found himself thinking about you later that night as he always did,thinking differently this time.

He wanted to know what your kisses would feel like,if they were gentle or rough and where you would put your hands.He saw you kiss Dylan before,your hands in the pockets of the boys’ shorts or in his hair.JJ had imagined what that would feel like,even attempting to lucid dream but everyone knows he isnt patient enough for shit like that.

Night time came way too quick.He had showered,trying to make his hair nice for you even if he was going to place a hat on top of it anyways.His hands were gripping onto the bathroom sink tight,breathing in and out slowly,trying to remain calm before getting dressed,putting on all of his rings.

He knew where your house was.It was one of the biggest houses on the island and the driveway was painted with clouds,rainbows and mermaids so it was easy to find.He ran down the dark streets,hoping nobody would call the cops on him.He walked up your colorful driveway,stopping when lights came on across the front yard.

He didnt know what set them off,wondering if your parents knew he was coming.THe door opened,revealing you in a yellow dress,the material only going halfway down your thighs,a leather jacket hanging off of you,black and yellow vans to match.

He felt his face go red,biting his lip. “You look really-um you look really pretty.”He chuckled,feeling embarrassed.You grinned,opening the garage by typing the pin into the key pad,your black car sitting there and waiting patiently for you. “Where are we going?”You asked,taking out your keys,about to get in when he stopped you. 

“Can I drive?”He asked,giving you puppy dog eyes.You sighed,holding your keys tight,eventually giving in. “If you crash my car I will kill you.”You warned him,getting in the passengers seat that you hadnt sat in in forever.He got in,almost laughing.He had never been in such an expensive car before,pulling out of the garage,the door closing behind him. 

“Seriously though,if we crash I will kill you.”You spoke seriously,making him smile. “I know,princess.”He replied,beginning the drive down the smooth road,hitting bumps once the tires rolled into The Cut.Somehow you ended up holding his hand,your thumb resting on one of his veins,the coolness of the metal rings made a slight shiver go up your spine.

He tried so hard not to squeal,imagining this for nearly two years.He rubbed the back of your hand lightly with his thumb,trying his best to remain as calm as possible,pulling over in the familiar area. “It’s right down here.”He told you,squeezing your hand lightly before letting go.

THe two of you got out of the car,your heart beat quickening as you followed him through the woods,using a flashlight that he had brought.You could hear the waterfall,glad it wasnt too far away.THe two of you emerged from the trees and into a clearing,a slow moving rive right in front of you,a small waterfall to your right.He was focused on you,watching as you took it all in,the area being lit up by the little bit of moonlight.

You took off your jacket,unzipping the dress to reveal a white bikini underneath,placing them on top of your bag so they wouldnt get wet or dirty.He smiled,tugging off his shorts and t shirt,walking into the cold shallow water,knowing where the deep parts were.

You came in soon after,deciding to just sit in the shallow water while he jumped off the rocks and into the deep,coming up to the surface with his hair soaked and fallen into his face.He wiped it away,coming to sit next to you,admiring the waterfall. “So…”He tried to start a conversation,not quite knowing what to say.You smiled,looking over at him. 

“What?”You asked,your voice soft and smooth as you spoke.He leaned back in the water,not quite laying down. “So whats up with you?”He asked,reaching for your hand,smiling when you let him intertwine his fingers with yours. “In what way?”You asked,curious as to what he meant. “I mean you’re like,the Queen of the kooks yet you date pogues and hang around The Cut.Why?”He asked,his heels digging into the pebble below him.

You shrugged. “I mean,kooks aren't really impressive.They’re all the same,you guys have actual personalities.”You laughed,hoping he wouldnt ask the question you dreaded most.He nodded in agreement,sitting up properly.The light crashing of the water wasnt really noticeable anymore,he was too focus on the conversation.

 “I want you to tell me everything I should know about you within the next minute.Go!”He exclaimed,watching as you tried to think,surprised. “Um...um okay,my favorite color is (Y/F/C),I hate strawberry jelly,I have a dog named Hugo and hes literally the love of my life...I have slight caffeine addiction,I dont know.”You laughed,not ever thinking about this before.He nodded,urging you to keep going.

 “Uhh...my favorite show is Stranger Things,my favorite movie is The Outsiders because Dally,obviously...umm I still believe in mermaids and i’ve always wanted to build a castle.”You hoped that was enough,glad when he smiled.

 “You still believe in mermaids?”He asked,a goofy smile on his face. “Shut up,Maybank.This isnt fair,you have to tell me about you now.”You turned on your side,facing him completely.He looked shocked,not thinking that you would turn the question back on him. “You have a minute-starting now.”You announced,his thoughts moving to fast for his mouth to keep up.

 “Okay,ummm...uhhh….I’ve always wanted to live in Yucatan,my favorite color is blue...I dont have a favorite TV show...I like the Harry Potter movies but i’ve never read the books...growing up I always had a huge crush on Hermione and I believed in Santa Claus until I was twelve.I hate butterflies,I dont really like coffee because energy drinks are better and I go by JJ because I hate my actual name.”He finished,biting his lip.

You hummed,reflecting on what he just said. “Im a simp for Draco Malfoy.”You admitted,hearing him chuckle. “So you have a thing for blondes?”He asked,a cocky smirk on his face.You shushed him,rolling your eyes. “I mean,i’ve got a thing for gorgeous girls so I guess it works out.”He winked at you,a sly smirk on his face.

You felt your cheeks get hot,glancing away from him.He thought about what he was about to do for a whole two seconds,considering how it could effect his future with you. “(Y/N).”he mumbled,making you turn back to him.He waited a moment and a half before leaning in,pecking your lips lightly and pulling away,understanding why Max had spoke so fondly of the memory.

You bit your lip,pulling him into another kiss,your warm hand going into his wet hair,tugging at the slightly wavy locks.He smiled into the kiss,his hands ending up on your waist,trying to take in every detail of the moment that he knew would end soon.When you pulled away your hand remained in his hair,twirling it between your thumb and pointer finger.

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