#lnds caleb x oc

[basket-of-cats-and-witches]

Dress

The amount of brainrot I have around this game is unreal. That being said, I wanted to write something playful and light while I work on my longer WIPs (which is...hm. Certainly a way to procrastinate).

This time it's Caleb x Kit, from before their eventual complicated break-up and Kit ending up with Sylus. I just wanted to explore what it looked like, especially if the rumor is true and we'll be getting Caleb as another LI at some point. (You don't need context to read this fic, although Grief is a fun angsty read.)

If so, that'll be some tasty angst.

A reminder that Kit is NOT the MC, although Kiri (mentioned in this fic) is.

If you liked this or just wanna support a writer, please feel free to like or reblog! It lets me know people like what I'm doing and encourages me to keep writing!

✈️🐈‍⬛✈️🐈‍⬛

“Alright, get up.”

Caleb didn't look up at the sudden voice, carefully marking which questions he'd gotten wrong. “I have to study, Kit. My exam is less than a week out.”

There was an audible huff behind him. “And I get that, but you've been locked in here for three days. Even your grandmother is worried. It's time to take a break.”

Caleb set the pen down, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “It hasn't been that long,” he said tiredly, turning around. “I just have to finish a few more…questions…”

He trailed off at the sight before him. Kit shifted nervously in front of him, tugging at the hem of her outfit. She was a vision in pink and white, the off-the-shoulder collar baring her soft skin.

“Are you…” his voice faltered for a second. Clearing his throat, he pushed through. “Are you wearing a dress? Voluntarily?”

Kit’s face reddened. “It's part of the incentive,” she mumbled. “We have tickets to the amusement park nearby.”

Caleb stood up, his studying completely forgotten. “No.”

“No?” Kit looked at him, bewildered. “I- Your grandmother bought the tickets, Cay. If you don't want to, you get to be the one to tell her.”

He walked towards her, crowding her space until she was pressed up against his bedroom door. The blush was beginning to spread up to her ears and down her neck.

Kit looked up at him with wide eyes, her lips parted. “Cay…leb?”

“Shh.” He looked her over with a slowly spreading smile. “I'm admiring my gift. Did you pick this out yourself? I didn't think you liked pink.”

“Um…your sister helped me a little. I wanted it in blue because that's your favorite color, but someone bought it right before I could.” Kit couldn't tear her gaze away from his, especially as he caged her in with a forearm above her head. “D-do you like it?”

Caleb nodded, leaning in. “Mmhm. But I don't think I want anyone else but me to see you like this. They'll want to try and steal you away.” His lips brushed against the shell of her ear, and she shivered.

“My little Kitty-cat,” he purred, a hand settling on her waist. His palm was like a brand, the heat of it seeping through her thin dress to her skin. “Let's stay in.”

Someone banged on the door, making Kit jump and squeak in surprise.

“Hey dumbass! Grandma wants picture evidence of you two at the park, so stop trying to bang your girlfriend!” Kiri’s voice came through loud and clear.

Kit covered her face, mortified. “We'll be out in a moment, Kiki,” she said, her voice strangled.

“I'm gonna set a timer,” Caleb’s little sister said warningly. “And if you're not out and downstairs in five minutes, I'm picking the lock and barging in there! Even if I have to bleach my eyes afterwards!”

“When did she learn to pick a lock?” Caleb muttered.

Kit smiled sheepishly. “I might have taught her. It came in handy when I lived in the Vagrant's Quarter.”

He sighed. “You've created a demon, is what you've done.” Glancing towards the door, he called out, “Don't worry, Pipsqueak. We'll be down by then.”

“You better!” Came the reply, followed by fading footsteps.

For a moment, all was quiet in the room. Caleb didn't move from his spot, causing Kit to look up at him curiously. His hair was slightly mussed, dark circles under his eyes. She wondered when the last time he'd eaten was.

Then, the full force of his gaze returned to her. “She's gone. Now, where were we?”

Kit squawked in protest. “Cay! We're supposed to be down there soon!”

He grinned, leaning down. “Then we'll have to make the most of it, won't we?”

Bonus:

- Later -

"My eyes, Cay."

"I know, I know. I'm sorry."

"I'm going to have that burned into my retinas for the rest of my life. And how am I supposed to explain those photos to Grandma? 'Sorry, Kit got her neck and shoulders mauled by a rapid octopus'?"

"Oh, is that all you saw?"

"'Is that-' EUGH, CALEB! I don't need to think about what you're doing to my best friend! Get back here so I can throttle you, you nasty fucker!"

[kykyonthemoon]

The first bouquet: For reunion and childhood memories

⭑.ᐟ The Little Flower Shop In Linkon ( Long fic) - Table of contents

⭑.ᐟ L&D Masterlist

Word count for this chapter: 2k5

When the late spring hues began to bloom, Lunaire decided it was time to open her own flower shop.

That property was on a quite ancient and peaceful street. Finding a calm space like this amid crowded Linkon, near the city center, was a blessing. The shop consisted of a ground floor that was a commercial space, on the side was a wooden staircase covered with vines leading to the upper floor separated from below. It became Lunaire's living space - a modest house with full amenities for one person.

That property was formerly owned by Lunaire's grandmother's long-time acquaintance. They opted to live overseas and sell it. With her savings over the years, Lunaire could only afford a lower floor. Although her grandmother intended to help her, she did not accept and was still working hard to be able to buy the house above.

After some renovation and rearrangement, Lunaire was able to officially move in on a late spring day.

Her flower shop, Elysium, would be open that weekend. Everything was well, thanks to her grandmother and Caleb, who frequently came to support her. They were now in the kitchen, and Lunaire sat on the floor, holding a huge cardboard box filled with beautiful objects from her previous home. Most of them were older than ten years. Lunaire had a passion for preserving artifacts related with specific memories.

The box gradually emptied once the objects were displayed in new positions. Her palm met something chilly at the bottom. It was a box made of wood. The familiar icy air emanating it drew Lunaire's attention. It had been a while since she had opened it.

Lunaire lifted the box with her hand. It had been on her desk for many years, stretching back to her childhood. She vividly remembered what was inside: plump, snow-white seals presented to her. But since the person who gifted them to her departed, Lunaire no longer desired to open the box and look at them.

That was why the box was always carefully tucked away in a corner of her desk. Sometimes, when she missed that certain person, she would softly touch it, allowing chilly air to flow through her palm. For a brief moment, she imagined her childhood friend standing in front of her, with the same appearance as before, encouraging her to keep studying or soothing her when she was in a bad mood. But it would all disappear when she returned to reality and realized that what she was holding on to were just memories.

"Lunch is ready." Grandma's words echoed from the kitchen. She quickly emerged. "Oh, you've found that box?"

Grandma, more than anyone else, acknowledged the value of the wooden box in Lunaire's hands and the memories contained within it. So she was astonished when her granddaughter did not bring it with her to the new residence on the first day. The next day, when the girl came to get something else, grandma quietly placed this box in her cardboard box. How silly that Lunaire then rummaged through her old room just to find it, almost crying because she accidentally lost such a precious thing. Of course, her grandma had not told her where the box was. She thought that sometimes her granddaughter had to truly lose something first to eventually admit how much she needed it later.

"Yes." Lunaire answered. "But I don't remember putting it here."

"Sometimes you still forget things here and there." Grandma's bright grin puzzled her a little. "Once you discover it again, be mindful of it. It would be a shame if you lost it for good one day!"

Before Lunaire could reply, Caleb's voice burst out:

"Grandma Céline. Lune! Let's have lunch!"

Lunch was served in Lunaire's brand new and cozy kitchen. She and Caleb prepared the dishes. Lunaire felt a twinge of sadness as she realized that after living alone here, she would no longer be able to enjoy her grandmother's cuisine every day.

In recent years, she had frequently had to leave her home to engage in EVER's research projects. Not long after returning, Lunaire moved out again. Only her grandma was left alone at home. However, she constantly claimed that she was not alone because Caleb's grandma lived right next to her.

When she was a child and moved to the Bloomshore district with her grandmother, Lunaire became Caleb's next-door neighbor. He also resided with his grandma. The two kids instantly became friends. To her, Caleb was like a big brother who always protected her. Currently, because he was on leave, he came home to visit, but then Lunaire bothered him again, asking for all kinds of help with her new shop and home. Despite his complaints, he was still willing to assist her.

After lunch, her grandmother said she wanted to go downstairs to see how the flowers in the shop were doing. Lunaire's maternal side of the family had a strong connection to plants. She also inherited the bloodline believed to be from witches. To others, this ability was known as Evol, but her family called it magic.

Grandmother seemed pleased with how Lunaire displayed and adorned the shop. It resembled their modest garden, particularly the light-filled tea area. She assisted her with the plants as Caleb checked the shop's lights. Lunaire was waiting for an electrician to arrive and install extra lights that day. Everything came into place, leaving her absolutely thrilled.

Suddenly, she heard a clanking sound in the corner of the shop. Grandma hugged her chest and knelt on the floor.

Some members of Lunaire's maternal family have exceptional talents. They have the ability to influence the Evol of others, either increasing or decreasing their strength. But that type of impact comes at a cost. If someone utilizes such power excessively, their body will be destroyed in a variety of ways.

Grandma Céline frequently suffered from heart attacks. When she was younger, things were not as dreadful. However, as she grew older, the suffering increased longer and more powerful. That was why she had not used her Evol in a while.

That day, she intended to use a little of her power to make the flowers in her grandchild's shop bloom exactly on opening day. Unexpectedly, just that little bit would cause her to be hospitalized.

Elysium Flower Shop was located near Akso Hospital. Caleb and Lunaire were waiting in the sparsely populated hallway. Her phone rang. The electrician had arrived at the shop and was waiting. She was about to reschedule for another day when Caleb suggested:

“How about I go back to take care of the shop for you? After finishing work there, I'll get back to the hospital to visit Grandma Céline. Is that Okay?"

"Thank you." Lunaire nodded slightly. Fortunately, Caleb was there for them. 

A nurse arrived shortly after he had departed. She stated that Grandma Céline had recovered consciousness, but that Lunaire needed to first consult with a doctor about the patient's condition before visiting her. Worried, she followed the nurse named Yvonne to the front door of an office. She glanced at the nameplate attached above and thought she was dizzy. 

Yvonne said: “Just go inside. Doctor Zayne is waiting.”

Zayne…

Lunaire's heart rate increased as she heard the name. Perhaps she was not mistaken. Maybe she knew the person in the room. Once.

With her fingers on the doorknob, Lunaire's thoughts strayed back to a day many, many years ago.

The town where the Lunaire family resided has been attacked by Wanderers. The ten-year-old girl lost her relatives and could only follow with the flow of refugees into Linkon city. By the time she regained consciousness, she was surrounded by strangers who were injured and screaming.

The girl shifted her gaze, seeking for any recognized faces. Yet, there was none. As she walked, she inquired whether anybody knew where her parents were. Those tiny legs kept roaming till they became exhausted. She sat down beneath the eaves of an unknown home. In her palm was a melted popsicle, leaving just the vibrant colors on her fingers.

Little Lunaire started to weep. What if she were forever separated from her loved ones? What if no one could find her? What would she do in this utterly unfamiliar city?

At that time, a person approached her. Another child who was older than her had a calmer demeanor. He stood there staring at her, his yellow and green eyes barely showed anything. But then he held out a popsicle in front of her.

“Take it. Don't cry anymore.”

Lunaire gazed at the popsicle, then at the young boy, and finally at her hand. Did he think she was crying because her popsicle had melted? She hesitated for a time before taking the icy present from his palm. She no longer had the heart to wonder where the boy got the ice cream from.

Sweets always made Lunaire feel better. The popsicle had a mild minty flavor. It was not her favorite flavor, but at that very moment it was strangely delicious. While she was eating the treat, the boy sat down next to her on the porch and took out a clean handkerchief from his pocket.

"Wipe your hand." He talked in short sentences, his tone a little frigid. However, he appeared to be rather kind and gentle. To Lunaire back then, everyone was good people. That was why she extended her hand to him.

The boy was a bit astonished. He obviously told her to wipe it off herself, but instead she extended her hand to him. He did not say a word, merely using the handkerchief to cover her palm and carefully wiping away the remaining traces of cream. When his hand touched hers, Lunaire felt a bit of cold mist emanating from it. When she calmed down, she realized that the boy possessed a type of icy Evol.

Lunaire's hands trembled slightly. The boy knew she was a refugee who got lost here and offered to help. He volunteered to take her to where people were seeking sanctuary in the district. There maybe she would find her family. Eventually, Lunaire agreed to it.

The little girl was absolutely unfamiliar with this place. But she kept following the boy. He was considerably taller than her, and his mature appearance gave people the impression that he was immensely reliable. Lunaire occasionally fell behind due to exhaustion. Realizing this, he deliberately walked slower to allow her to catch up. Her legs were not hurt, but they were fatigued and covered in mud. Her face was dirty and her clothes were unkempt. After a long distance, the two children arrived at the district's center, where a big crowd was rushing in the direction of the Wanderers' recent attack.

In the midst of the crowd, Lunaire lost sight of the friend from earlier. While looking blankly to the left and right, she felt a squeeze on her hand. He found her.

"Let's go. We're almost there.”

Lunaire's tiny fingers intertwined with his, allowing him to guide her through the crowd. All turmoil appeared to have subsided. Finally, they arrived at the shelter. But the boy remained with Lunaire for a while longer, until her grandmother found her.

That boy was Zayne. And after several years, they met again at Akso Hospital.

Lunaire walked into the minimally decorated office. An individual sat behind a desk, focusing intensely on the computer screen.  The typing on the keyboard stopped. He lifted his head. Through his thin glasses, their eyes met.

Lunaire would always remember that childhood friend's eyes. Everything about he could change; his appearance, his voice, his address; yet those eyes remained the most gentle. It had been too long. She had imagined the moment they met again, the things she would say to him. But when they actually met, her mind became empty.

He was the first to say: "Come here."

Still so gentle. 

Lunaire moved closer. She felt like her feet failed to walk anymore. She sat down in the chair near his desk.

"Grandma Céline is fine." He spoke as if he had sensed what she was worrying about. "She used Evol again, which caused the previous illness to recur. She will have to stay here to be monitored over the remainder of the day. If everything goes well, she can leave tomorrow morning.”

"Thanks, Z..." "Dr. Zayne." Lunaire spoke.

Zayne glanced at her swiftly and handed her a piece of paper.

"Fill this out."

He remained as reticent as he had been as a child. She snatched it from him. She assumed it was Grandma Céline's paper, but it had her full name written on it. The messy handwriting made her have to squint her eyes to read it over and over again before she could recognize her name being there.

"This is?…" 

"Yours." Zayne responded without glancing at her. He resumed his work on his computer screen. "You need regular health check-ups."

Zayne turned to look at her and replied:

“Grandma Céline and you own the same kind of Evol. Do you still feel pain in your heart at times?"

Lunaire nodded slightly. Zayne was well aware of this since as a child, he had witnessed her go through a similar predicament. 

“But it was only fleeting,” she continued.

“Nevertheless, you should be checked. I already spoke to Grandma Céline about this. She also agreed that you should both have regular health check-ups."

“All right…” Lunaire replied. She raised her head, looking for a pen on Zayne's desk. He immediately reached into his pocket for one and handed it to her.

"Thank you." She took it. At that time, she unintentionally noticed the scars on Zayne's hands. He promptly retracted it. 

Lunaire began filling out her information on the paper in silence. But in her heart, she wanted to ask him countless questions; about Grandma Céline, about him. How had he lived these past years? Where had he set foot to? Who had he met? What had he gained and lost during the time?

Finally, as late afternoon fell on the pot of jasmine in the window - the only plant present in Zayne's office - Lunaire handed him the paper. It was time for her to go see her grandmother. 

“Thank you, Doctor Zayne.” Lunaire said as she stood up. The reunion that she was looking forward to may have to wait a bit longer. For this meeting, it ended here. 

Lunaire walked out the door with unprecedented awkwardness. When she looked back, she found Zayne staring at her from his side of the desk. She smiled.

“By the way, I have a flower shop nearby. Elysium Flower Shop. This weekend will mark its grand opening. If... Doctor Zayne has time, perhaps stop by for a bit? I will be delighted if he does…”

Lunaire hesitantly observed Zayne's expression. His face remained the same, nothing had altered to indicate whether he would agree, or if he was happy to see her again. Zayne simply replied: "I will see."

Lunaire nodded slightly to say goodbye to him, attempting to disguise the disappointment that was quickly showing on her face. 

When the door closed behind the girl, the jasmine bud in Dr. Zayne's window suddenly stretched out, bursting with white petals. He smiled a little, realizing it was a present from his childhood friend.

Artwork: commissioned by me.

Artist: Thiếu I-ốt

[diamontrash]

Slowly attempting to make comics of my obsessions. Currently it’s Love and Deepspace!

If you want to see any question answered by any of the LADS characters in comic form, let me know! I will do my best, but they might end up a bit OOC.

Reference photos/pictures used in comic: https://pin.it/4U8mNE4ZH, https://pin.it/6tKcHwN2c, https://pin.it/1Mpi8UUgO, https://pin.it/4I9Z1417T, https://pin.it/P1cQWfykk

[basket-of-cats-and-witches]

Grief

Buckle down, this is a heavy one. I enjoy causing myself emotional pain, and this hurt/comfort fic is definitely it.

Featuring pre-relationship! Sylus and my OC Kit, regarding her past relationship with Caleb, her ex. Kit is NOT the MC (although Kiri, mentioned in this fic, is), but she is an assassin and Sylus's second in command. Ironically, this was established for me before I knew there were "assassin second in command" fics around.

Trigger warnings for this one: Grief, workplace abuse (not Onychinus, briefly mentioned in non-explicit detail), unintentional physical altercations, lack of eating due to grief. This is addressed and resolved in fic.

If you enjoyed this fic, please consider giving it a like or a reblog! It lets me know people like what I'm doing and encourages me to continue writing!

🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛

The phone hits the floor, its screen shattering.

Kit is soon to follow, her knees giving out beneath her. She can hear Luke and Kieran speaking urgently to her, a voice on the other end of the call crackling out from the speaker, but it's all underwater. Muffled sound that should be words is nothing compared to the heart-rending cry that rips from her throat.

“No. No! Caleb!”

Kit doesn't leave her room for three days.

Later, she'll learn that no one thought to call her. The one who finally asked is River, part of the high school/university friend group who had witnessed the beginning and inevitable end of her relationship.

He's the one who broke the news.

Kit doesn't remember much from those three days. She doesn't eat, barely sleeps, and spends most of her time curled up in her lofted space in Onychinus's attic.

She's there when Sylus finally intervenes.

A hot cup of cocoa is put into her hands, its heat startling her enough to make her look up. Sylus's expression is inscrutable, and if she wasn't in shock, she'd have laughed at the way he's bent forward to avoid the low ceiling.

“Drink,” he says firmly. It's an order, not a request.

Kit’s lips touch the edge of the mug, the sweet aroma curling around her. Her mouth trembles, and her stomach twists. As if accepting bodily functions is a cruel smack against her grief.

A reminder that she is alive, and Caleb is not.

Sylus crouches in front of her. His gaze is steady as he waits. A single pale eyebrow raises in disapproval.

“Are you going to disobey?”

She tilts the mug, sweet chocolate coating her tongue, sugar forcing her back to reality.

Tears sting her eyes, and Kit begins to shake.

Sylus takes the mug. He sets it on a side table as she begins to lurch forward, drawing her into his arms.

He holds her tightly as she sobs, shattering apart once more.

At some point, her tears dry up, whether she wants them to or not. Sylus holds out a tissue, although she's not sure where he got the box.

“I got snot all over you,” are the first words out of her mouth.

Sylus snorts. “I know. That's what happens when you bottle things up, kitten.”

Kit closes her eyes tightly. “Not now,” she whispers. He hums a query, and she shakes her head. “I can't- not that one, Sylus.” She chokes up, unaware of the way his eyes widen at the first willing use of his name. “Cay- Caleb is the one who nicknamed me. When we were young. I told him I hated being called Camilla, and he told me that I reminded him more of a cat than a flower. He's the reason I started going by Kitty, and later…” she blew her nose, trying to fight off another wave of sobs. “And later, Kit. He called me Kitty-cat.”

A gentle hand grazes her cheekbone, brushing at the corner of her eye. She opens them to see Sylus’s expression. It's softer than she's ever seen it.

“Okay, sweetie,” he replies soothingly. “I won't use it.”

Kit leans into his touch, into the warmth of his palm, until he's cupping the side of her face. “Not forever,” she whispers. “I like it when you call me that. Just not right now.”

“He meant a lot to you,” Sylus says. It's a question as much as it is a statement, his hand staying in place where she needs it most. The point of contact feels grounding.

Kit nods. “My best friend, the Hunter who's recovering from the explosion, grew up with him like I did. The three of us were thick as thieves.” She laughs bitterly, staring out the attic window into the dark night.

“Everyone had their expectations, I suppose. They all expected Caleb and I would get together. Our feelings never really mattered, our families pushed us into it. His grandma and my father always seemed to have their heads together, as if they were planning our wedding.”

There's an odd flash of something on Sylus's face, something she can't quite discern. Still, he continues to listen. “Did you…have feelings, then?” He asks carefully.

She reaches over and takes the mug. It's lukewarm now, but she doesn't care. It gives her something to hold onto besides him.

“As I said,” Kit continues. “It never really mattered. Caleb and I were pushed together, like dolls in a dollhouse. We started dating in our first year of high school. It continued until…you know. When I was forced into this life.

I think Caleb knew that something was wrong, but by then we'd graduated, and our relationship began to crumble. My dad retired and fucked off on a trip round the globe, and without that constant parental pressure…” Kit sighs. “It was only right before he left for the academy that I realized I'd fallen in love with him somewhere along the way. I…never did learn if he felt the same way.”

“You can't be serious,” she'd said. Caleb sighs, slinging his bag over his shoulder.

“I am. Sorry, Kitty-cat. I'll be staying at Grandma's until I leave for the academy. Her health’s declining, and Kiri has finals. Someone's got to watch over her.”

“But you don't want me there,” Kit says. She watches the line of his shoulders tense, his hand flexing against the leather handle.

Caleb doesn't look back. “No. I don't. I'll make up some excuse, tell her you're off doing important things.”

“Why?” She goes to move closer, wincing as her stitches pull. Her last job ended poorly, and she'd suffered quite the punishment as a result.

Thankfully, Caleb doesn't see her pain.

He sighs. “Because…she thinks that we're happy. It's her wish, you know. That you and I end up together.”

That hurts more than the cut on her side. “But you don't want us together. Is that it? Are you…” she hesitates, and pushes through. “Are you happy, Cay? With us?”

He reaches out for the door handle. “We'll talk about it when I get back.”

This time, she lunges forward, grabbing the back of his jacket. “When? When you get back from the Academy? Caleb!”

Finally, that gets a reaction out of him. He yanks away, and it sends her to the floor. Kit gasps sharply, black spots dancing across her vision.

Instantly, he whirls, crouching. Caleb’s expression is full of concern, torn between staying and going. “Shit, are you alright? I didn't mean- Camilla, I'm-” He reaches out, and she flinches. It's instinctual.

It's the first time she's ever seen him heartbroken.

“I'm sorry,” he whispers. “I'll leave.” Caleb rises to his feet.

“Caleb, wait-!” She reaches out, but the door’s already clicked shut behind him, and she hears his footsteps pounding down the outside stairs out of their apartment.

For a long time, she sits there. Her question rings over and over again in her head.

'“Are you happy, Caleb?”'

As the sun sets, the last beams of sunlight struggling through the blinds into the living room, Kit makes up her mind.

By the time night comes, all that remains in the apartment are memories left behind and a letter on his pillow, weighed down by a watch she'd intended to gift him for their anniversary, three days away.

Sylus's hands settle over hers on the mug, drawing her out of memories. “We all have regrets,” he says gently. “What's important is that you live on despite them.”

Kit frowns at that. “How cruel to say that to someone who's grieving.”

He squeezes her hands. “I'd rather be cruel than watch you waste away.” Sylus's tone is firm and reprimanding. “I know it hurts. Believe me, I know. But you have to eat. You have to drink. You have to take care of yourself, ki- sweetie. There are living people who care about you.” Sylus cups her face, making her look up at him. Their eyes meet.

Not for the first time, she feels her heart stutter at the intensity of his gaze, and a sharp pang of guilt accompanies it.

“If you can't find a reason to live without him,” he says, an odd bitterness to his voice, “then live because I forced you to. Make me the bad guy. Scream and fight against me, and hate me for it, as long as it gets you to keep going.”

“I could never hate you,” Kit whispers. Her lips tremble as she tries to hold back her tears. His expression is too open, too raw, as if he's showing her something she's not ready to see. She closes her eyes against it, pressing her face into his palms once more. “I just feel so guilty. Like the story of me and him has finished but someone ripped out pages, so I only got to read the very end.”

“Then write a new one with us,” Sylus replies. “That story’s ended, but it doesn't mean you have to. Don't let grief rot you. If he was anything good for you, he wouldn't have wanted that. And neither do I.”

“And neither do we!” The sound of the twins’ voices startles them both, and Kit looks over her shoulder over the edge of the loft. Luke and Kieran stand below, holding a tray of food. Steam rises up, and the accompanying smell makes her stomach growl loudly.

She blushes.

Sylus sighs exasperatedly. “This was supposed to be a private conversation,” he drawls.

“You were taking too long,” Luke throws back at him. “The food was going to get cold.” Kieran nods in agreement.

Kit and Sylus exchange glances, and he squeezes her cheeks until she squawks offendedly, batting his hands away. His eyes are warm, like melted cherry candy. “Come on, sweetie,” he says softly. “Let's eat.”

Kit looks at them all. Her Mischief and Mayhem, down below.

Sylus, her boss, who seems to always cut through her armor to reveal her tender heart.

She sighs in defeat.

“Alright. Let's eat.”

[kykyonthemoon]

Character Profile Love and Deepspace OC

This post will be frequently updated following in-game content and the progress of this character's related stories.

Full name: Lunaire Caelum

Birthday: 14/03 (Pisces)

Age: 24

Height: 163cm

Evol: Enhance or restrain energy (Buff/Debuff)

Profession: Owner of a florist’s - Elysium, biotech researcher from Ever Group.

Current location: City of Linkon

Her personality

Lunaire is a sweet, gentle, and cheerful girl. She radiates positive, healing energy, combined with an inherent tranquility that helps others feel at ease when they are around her. They also trust and adore her. Furthermore, she is a highly sensitive person who quickly empathizes with others.

Lunaire lives modestly and enjoys nature, plants, and small animals (dogs, kittens, etc.). This is due to the influence of her grandmother's lifestyle, who has been caring for her since she was a child. She is also a family-oriented individual who constantly prioritizes her family.

Lunaire also has a vivid imagination and frequently connects her dreams to reality. She believes she may have existed in other timelines  (Referring to Zayne's myths).

Lunaire, on the other side, has a high level of faith in others and may believe just whatever a person says. She gets overwhelmed by emotions at times, which results in an unpredictable temper. She tends to make emotional decisions and finds herself in trouble as a consequence, but she never regrets following her heart.

Other things about her

Lunaire adores nurturing and caring for plants, dogs, cats, and small animals, as well as learning about uncommon species. She also regularly communicates with plants and appears to have a positive effect on them.

Lunaire enjoys making wool crafts (crochets) and giving them as gifts to family, friends, and customers.

She loves to sip tea and sweet drinks, especially after using too much of her Evol.

Lunaire is a good cook who enjoys cooking, yet when she is busy, she often neglects meals or only eats lightly.

Lunaire loves to consume fiction and romance. She has a tendency to cry while reading or watching movies.

Lunaire dislikes bitterness, chilly temperatures, and darkness.

Members of Lunaire's family with special powers all have distinctive flower fragrances on their bodies. To her grandmother, it is the scent of grass. Lunaire has a flowery scent that is sort of sweet.

Enhance or restrain other people's Evol energy (Buff/Debuff) - Quite similar to the original MC's Resonance in the game. 

Lunaire's maternal family was once known for their ability to control Metaflux, cleansing it from the human body; nevertheless, it may also impede or accelerate the process of transforming a human into complete Wanderer.

The drawback of such a talent is that it has an impact on the user's physical health. As a result, members of the family frequently suffer from illness, particularly cardiovascular disease (Lunaire's grandmother and she both have heart problems). Controlling and purifying Metaflux creates hallucinations, disorientation, and may even consume the person who utilizes it. Lunaire's ability is like a two-edged sword, from the time she was young and began to show her power, Lunaire was trained by her grandmother to control it and aspire for a greater cause.

Lunaire always kept the truth about her Evol hidden because she predicted the problems that it may create. If asked, she would simply say that it was a floral and plant-related skill. However, Ever Group successfully recruited her into their training program, offering to research and utilize her power to assist others set to be turned into Wanderers before it was too late.

In combat, Lunaire plays the supporting role, enhancing her comrades' strength while weakening opponents' power. Her skills include floral and plant elements, as well as vibrant color schemes such as yellow and green.

In ordinary life, Lunaire utilizes her Evol to care for flowers and plants, or she stores it in items that serve as "lucky charms" for others.

Background

Lunaire's maternal family is deemed to have "witch" bloodline; they refer to "Evol" as "magic". They are granted the gift to enhance or briefly disable Evol energy, but few are able to own and manage it. Their family is small and tends to live in seclusion, away from the city and closer to nature.

When Lunaire was ten, Wanderers assaulted her home. She became separated from her family and fled to Linkon City with a group of refugees, where she met Zayne and received assistance from him. She eventually learnt that her parents passed away in the tragedy. Lunaire was brought up by her grandmother (Céline) at their new home in the Bloomshore neighborhood.

Lunaire was awarded a scholarship from Ever Group and trained to be a biotechnology researcher. Following graduation, she participated in a number of their projects in various locations across the world before returning to Linkon to continue her private research.

Current

Lunaire opens a little flower shop in Linkon called Elysium. The flowers in the shop are always lush, and not soon after the opening, people begin to speculate that there is "magic" emanating from the flowers, making them feel calm, comfortable, and even healthier after purchasing. The fact is that Lunaire used her Evol to care for the shop's plants, giving them enchanted attributes and transforming them into a kind of "lucky charm" for customers.

Since the florist's is located near Akso Hospital, the majority of its customers are medical patients and their family members. Lunaire's shop also has a little space where customers may drink tea and enjoy snacks. She likes hearing people share their stories as she prepares their orders. In addition, tea bags made from dried flowers at the shop are also best-sellers.

Outside the florist's, there is a little wooden stairway covered with vines. Following the steps will take you to Lunaire's living space - a cozy, pleasant residence for one person located right above the store.

Because Elysium Flower Shop shares the same name as another location in N109 Zone, unexpected and hilarious things happen from time to time, such as strange items being sent to the wrong address or individuals asking Lunaire questions that confuse her.

In addition to running a small business, Lunaire occasionally engages in freelance research or projects sponsored by Ever Group.

With the Male Leads

✿ Zayne - Love Interest.

While being lost during a Wanderer assault as a child, Lunaire encountered Zayne, who kept her safe until she found her family. Since then, she has never stopped paying attention to him. Lunaire kept the snow seals Zayne gave her in a wooden box, never opening it again after he moved away.

Many years later, they meet again in Linkon. Zayne works as a doctor at Akso Hospital, where Lunaire's grandmother is being treated. He knows she has the same kind of talent and heart problems as her grandmother, so he proposes they both go to the hospital for frequent check-ups. Lunaire becomes Zayne's patient, and their connection soon blossoms into serious romance.Although their personalities are somewhat opposite, they both look forth in the same direction and share tranquil times together. (That is also the primary goal I hope to portray across this independent fic series for the two of them.)

✿ Caleb - A brother figure.

Lunaire's family reside next door to Caleb's. The two children quickly became friends and grew up together. Lunaire regards Caleb as an elder brother, and he is extremely protective of her, especially toward Zayne.

✿ Xavier - A friend.

Lunaire had learned a lot about Xavier through the words of her close friend Cery. Then they have the opportunity to officially meet.

✿ Rafayel - A friend and customer. 

Rafayel is a regular customer of Elysium Flower Shop. He particularly enjoys flowers, tea, and decorations handmade by Lunaire herself. The two occasionally make small talks. From the stories about Lemuria that Rafayel often mentions, Lunaire begins to doubt his true identity.

✿ Sylus - An accquaintance. 

Lunaire goes to Serein book cafe and often catches this person sitting in a corner. At first, he created the impression that he was frightening and unapproachable, so she avoided him. However, Jade, the book café owner, eventually alters her opinion of him.

With other OCs

✿ Cery (Cery's OC) - Best friend.

Close since childhood, Lunaire shares everything with Cery. Cery now works as an operator at the Hunter Association headquarters. They continue to spend time together on a regular basis.

✿ Jade (Sora's OC) - A friend

The owner of Serein Book Cafe, which Lunaire frequently visits. Her impression of Jade was that she's a cool and mysterious person, whom Lunaire wanted to get to know. 

✿ Na (Na Sa's OC) - A cusomter.

A customer and Rafayel's personal bodyguard. She often comes to the flower shop on his behalf when he is busy, and she eventually becomes acquainted with Lunaire. 

✿ Bubblegum (my OC, not her official name) - An accquaintance. 

A friend from the Academy whom Caleb constantly talks to Lunaire about. Through his stories, she is certain that he likes Bubble but refuses to admit it, which makes Lunaire curious to meet this girl even more.

✿ Grandmother Céline (my OC) - Family

The person who raised and mentored Lunaire in using her abilities after her parents deceased. She adores her grandchild and wished that she could find someone to care for and be taken care of. She has cardiac difficulties, like the majority of their family members, and must regularly visit Akso Hospital for check-ups.

She was once a friend of Zayne's family. Knowing that Lunaire has a secret crush on Zayne all this time, she often suggests that they both return to Bloomshore to dine with her and tell him stories about Lunaire after he departed, which makes her very embarrassed.

✿ Lily (my OC) - Part-time helper at the flower shop.

A girl just a few years younger than Lunaire who works part-time at Elysium Flower Shop.

With other NPCs

✿ Greyson & Yvonne - Friends.

Lunaire frequently converses with the staff at Akso Hospital in addition to Zayne. She sometimes wonders why these two would make such a lovely couple yet are not together. Zayne then suggests that she should stop worrying about other people's love affairs and concentrate on her own first.

✿ Jeremiah - A business partner.

Both own floral shops. Jeremiah occasionally drops by Lunaire's place to drink tea and talk about plants.

✿ Luke & Kieran - Customers???

When Lunaire received an order for another Elysium, not her flower shop, she noticed the twins observing her intently from a distance. They believe she has something to do with the forces operating within the N109 Zone. Lunaire frequently visits Jade's cafe, where she encounters the twins and Sylus.

Tower of Secrets (Myths - TBA)

Snow's Embrace (Myths - TBA)

Still In Dark (Anecdote - TBA)

The Little Flower Shop In Linkon (coming soon)

Disclaimers:

In-game characters and related stories belong to Infold.

OCs belong to me and the friends mentioned.

See my masterlist for other L&Ds works.

[basket-of-cats-and-witches]

Grief and Regret

Looking for another way to digest this (or its companion piece)?

Now posted to AO3! Now with MORE ANGST!

Grief

Buckle down, this is a heavy one. I enjoy causing myself emotional pain, and this hurt/comfort fic is definitely it.

Featuring pre-relationship! Sylus and my OC Kit, regarding her past relationship with Caleb, her ex. Kit is NOT the MC (although Kiri, mentioned in this fic, is), but she is an assassin and Sylus's second in command. Ironically, this was established for me before I knew there were "assassin second in command" fics around.

Trigger warnings for this one: Grief, workplace abuse (not Onychinus, briefly mentioned in non-explicit detail), unintentional physical altercations, lack of eating due to grief. This is addressed and resolved in fic.

If you enjoyed this fic, please consider giving it a like or a reblog! It lets me know people like what I'm doing and encourages me to continue writing!

🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛

The phone hits the floor, its screen shattering.

Kit is soon to follow, her knees giving out beneath her. She can hear Luke and Kieran speaking urgently to her, a voice on the other end of the call crackling out from the speaker, but it's all underwater. Muffled sound that should be words is nothing compared to the heart-rending cry that rips from her throat.

“No. No! Caleb!”

Kit doesn't leave her room for three days.

Later, she'll learn that no one thought to call her. The one who finally asked is River, part of the high school/university friend group who had witnessed the beginning and inevitable end of her relationship.

He's the one who broke the news.

Kit doesn't remember much from those three days. She doesn't eat, barely sleeps, and spends most of her time curled up in her lofted space in Onychinus's attic.

She's there when Sylus finally intervenes.

A hot cup of cocoa is put into her hands, its heat startling her enough to make her look up. Sylus's expression is inscrutable, and if she wasn't in shock, she'd have laughed at the way he's bent forward to avoid the low ceiling.

“Drink,” he says firmly. It's an order, not a request.

Kit’s lips touch the edge of the mug, the sweet aroma curling around her. Her mouth trembles, and her stomach twists. As if accepting bodily functions is a cruel smack against her grief.

A reminder that she is alive, and Caleb is not.

Sylus crouches in front of her. His gaze is steady as he waits. A single pale eyebrow raises in disapproval.

“Are you going to disobey?”

She tilts the mug, sweet chocolate coating her tongue, sugar forcing her back to reality.

Tears sting her eyes, and Kit begins to shake.

Sylus takes the mug. He sets it on a side table as she begins to lurch forward, drawing her into his arms.

He holds her tightly as she sobs, shattering apart once more.

At some point, her tears dry up, whether she wants them to or not. Sylus holds out a tissue, although she's not sure where he got the box.

“I got snot all over you,” are the first words out of her mouth.

Sylus snorts. “I know. That's what happens when you bottle things up, kitten.”

Kit closes her eyes tightly. “Not now,” she whispers. He hums a query, and she shakes her head. “I can't- not that one, Sylus.” She chokes up, unaware of the way his eyes widen at the first willing use of his name. “Cay- Caleb is the one who nicknamed me. When we were young. I told him I hated being called Camilla, and he told me that I reminded him more of a cat than a flower. He's the reason I started going by Kitty, and later…” she blew her nose, trying to fight off another wave of sobs. “And later, Kit. He called me Kitty-cat.”

A gentle hand grazes her cheekbone, brushing at the corner of her eye. She opens them to see Sylus’s expression. It's softer than she's ever seen it.

“Okay, sweetie,” he replies soothingly. “I won't use it.”

Kit leans into his touch, into the warmth of his palm, until he's cupping the side of her face. “Not forever,” she whispers. “I like it when you call me that. Just not right now.”

“He meant a lot to you,” Sylus says. It's a question as much as it is a statement, his hand staying in place where she needs it most. The point of contact feels grounding.

Kit nods. “My best friend, the Hunter who's recovering from the explosion, grew up with him like I did. The three of us were thick as thieves.” She laughs bitterly, staring out the attic window into the dark night.

“Everyone had their expectations, I suppose. They all expected Caleb and I would get together. Our feelings never really mattered, our families pushed us into it. His grandma and my father always seemed to have their heads together, as if they were planning our wedding.”

There's an odd flash of something on Sylus's face, something she can't quite discern. Still, he continues to listen. “Did you…have feelings, then?” He asks carefully.

She reaches over and takes the mug. It's lukewarm now, but she doesn't care. It gives her something to hold onto besides him.

“As I said,” Kit continues. “It never really mattered. Caleb and I were pushed together, like dolls in a dollhouse. We started dating in our first year of high school. It continued until…you know. When I was forced into this life.

I think Caleb knew that something was wrong, but by then we'd graduated, and our relationship began to crumble. My dad retired and fucked off on a trip round the globe, and without that constant parental pressure…” Kit sighs. “It was only right before he left for the academy that I realized I'd fallen in love with him somewhere along the way. I…never did learn if he felt the same way.”

“You can't be serious,” she'd said. Caleb sighs, slinging his bag over his shoulder.

“I am. Sorry, Kitty-cat. I'll be staying at Grandma's until I leave for the academy. Her health’s declining, and Kiri has finals. Someone's got to watch over her.”

“But you don't want me there,” Kit says. She watches the line of his shoulders tense, his hand flexing against the leather handle.

Caleb doesn't look back. “No. I don't. I'll make up some excuse, tell her you're off doing important things.”

“Why?” She goes to move closer, wincing as her stitches pull. Her last job ended poorly, and she'd suffered quite the punishment as a result.

Thankfully, Caleb doesn't see her pain.

He sighs. “Because…she thinks that we're happy. It's her wish, you know. That you and I end up together.”

That hurts more than the cut on her side. “But you don't want us together. Is that it? Are you…” she hesitates, and pushes through. “Are you happy, Cay? With us?”

He reaches out for the door handle. “We'll talk about it when I get back.”

This time, she lunges forward, grabbing the back of his jacket. “When? When you get back from the Academy? Caleb!”

Finally, that gets a reaction out of him. He yanks away, and it sends her to the floor. Kit gasps sharply, black spots dancing across her vision.

Instantly, he whirls, crouching. Caleb’s expression is full of concern, torn between staying and going. “Shit, are you alright? I didn't mean- Camilla, I'm-” He reaches out, and she flinches. It's instinctual.

It's the first time she's ever seen him heartbroken.

“I'm sorry,” he whispers. “I'll leave.” Caleb rises to his feet.

“Caleb, wait-!” She reaches out, but the door’s already clicked shut behind him, and she hears his footsteps pounding down the outside stairs out of their apartment.

For a long time, she sits there. Her question rings over and over again in her head.

'“Are you happy, Caleb?”'

As the sun sets, the last beams of sunlight struggling through the blinds into the living room, Kit makes up her mind.

By the time night comes, all that remains in the apartment are memories left behind and a letter on his pillow, weighed down by a watch she'd intended to gift him for their anniversary, three days away.

Sylus's hands settle over hers on the mug, drawing her out of memories. “We all have regrets,” he says gently. “What's important is that you live on despite them.”

Kit frowns at that. “How cruel to say that to someone who's grieving.”

He squeezes her hands. “I'd rather be cruel than watch you waste away.” Sylus's tone is firm and reprimanding. “I know it hurts. Believe me, I know. But you have to eat. You have to drink. You have to take care of yourself, ki- sweetie. There are living people who care about you.” Sylus cups her face, making her look up at him. Their eyes meet.

Not for the first time, she feels her heart stutter at the intensity of his gaze, and a sharp pang of guilt accompanies it.

“If you can't find a reason to live without him,” he says, an odd bitterness to his voice, “then live because I forced you to. Make me the bad guy. Scream and fight against me, and hate me for it, as long as it gets you to keep going.”

“I could never hate you,” Kit whispers. Her lips tremble as she tries to hold back her tears. His expression is too open, too raw, as if he's showing her something she's not ready to see. She closes her eyes against it, pressing her face into his palms once more. “I just feel so guilty. Like the story of me and him has finished but someone ripped out pages, so I only got to read the very end.”

“Then write a new one with us,” Sylus replies. “That story’s ended, but it doesn't mean you have to. Don't let grief rot you. If he was anything good for you, he wouldn't have wanted that. And neither do I.”

“And neither do we!” The sound of the twins’ voices startles them both, and Kit looks over her shoulder over the edge of the loft. Luke and Kieran stand below, holding a tray of food. Steam rises up, and the accompanying smell makes her stomach growl loudly.

She blushes.

Sylus sighs exasperatedly. “This was supposed to be a private conversation,” he drawls.

“You were taking too long,” Luke throws back at him. “The food was going to get cold.” Kieran nods in agreement.

Kit and Sylus exchange glances, and he squeezes her cheeks until she squawks offendedly, batting his hands away. His eyes are warm, like melted cherry candy. “Come on, sweetie,” he says softly. “Let's eat.”

Kit looks at them all. Her Mischief and Mayhem, down below.

Sylus, her boss, who seems to always cut through her armor to reveal her tender heart.

She sighs in defeat.

“Alright. Let's eat.”