#musings and mannerisms caleb

[proelio-procusi-a]

what's   your   role   in   the   tragic   play?

misunderstood villain

prepare for an onslaught of both the most dehumanizing and hateful takes, and flood of thirst comments. you are chronically misunderstood. whether or not you're actually evil is debatable. you may be acting out for revenge, to defend someone you love, or even just to protect yourself. you're a pretty jaded person. you don't trust or even really like most people. maybe you did at one point. but that part of you is gone, and you don't go a single day without grieving it. you think a lot about what your life could have been. you're stuck in the past. you're angry and maybe you don't even want to be, but this is the only way you can see to survive. you're open, but less in a trusting way and more like a wound. you don't like to let people see you, but the hurt spills out of you before you can stop it. you're impulsive, even as you try hard to plan and prepare. maybe someday your side of the story will finally be heard. until then, you can convince yourself that being hated is safer anyway.

bold protagonist

you're the star of the show, baby! and boy does that come with a lot of emotional turmoil. you have a seemingly endless supply of determination. whether you have a lot of goals, or one big one, you're constantly working towards it. you're pretty restless, and struggle with imposter syndrome and generally feeling like you should be doing more. your insecurity might not be immediately obvious to others, however, as you come across as very strong and bold. vulnerability is not your strong suit, and that's likely to be your downfall. if only you had just let people in, and asked for help... well, maybe this was always gonna be a tragedy.

tagged by: @seeliecourt and @notyetfixed

tagging: @infernaliscor @bezanturian @yieldingdreams @princessofpranks @exandriian @ambitiousillusions and anyone else who wants to!

[mithrilwren]

First Lines

Tagged by @thetragicallynerdy to share the first lines of my last ten fics! (Thank you for all the tags!!) I think I did this ages ago but I truly can't remember which ones I posted at the time, so I might as well do all ten!

Table Manners (Usopp/Sanji, Sanji teachs Usopp about fine dining etiquette)

See, there are some rules about the world that Usopp is still learning. He likes to think he’s a quick study—he’s kind of had to be, given he always seems to end up with the jobs nobody else wants—but weird things still catch him off guard: little details he’s never had a reason to notice, or care about.

2. Rosmarinus (Sanji + Nami, Sanji gives Nami a haircut and has some Feelings about it)

Sanji wouldn’t call hairdressing a particular talent of his, any more than Zoro would probably call lifting heavy objects a talent. It’s simply another application that his hands happen to be well suited for.

3. The Oar that Leads Us (Nami + Sanji, Nami and Sanji get stranded together in the East Blue)

They take stock in a moment of hard-fought calm: Sanji counts the food, while Nami counts her bruises.

4. Caleb Widogast's Five C's of Safe Return (Caleb/Essek, Caleb and Essek build a life together in Rexxentrum post-canon)

The little house sits along the western edge of the Tangles, just beyond the elegant disorder of the Court of Colors and its lively, winding streets. Its door is made of sturdy Dwendalian oak, but the floorboards are rosewood, brought from the shores of Nicodranas and laid in neat order by Caleb’s own hand.

5. burning up (for you, baby) (Caleb/Essek, the M9 have a beach day and Essek gets a sunburn)

The successful completion of a world-saving quest calls for a week in the sun: relaxation, rejuvenation, relocation (while the heat of Trent’s still-ongoing search dies down). With amulets slung over bathing wraps and under wide-brimmed hats, the Mighty Nein make their way back to Nicodranas, pay their respects to a grateful Yussa, and hit the beach.

6. Damage Control (Essek + Caleb, Essek gets hit by a curse in Aeor that devastates his powers)

“Ooo, look at this!” Essek looks up from his perusal of the cabinet’s bottom shelf to find his vision obscured by a curtain of deep, vibrant blue.

7. Echoes (Caleb/Essek, Essek is unsettled by Caleb's new eye-related powers)

There was a time when a voice from the darkness was comforting.

8. to say what lips cannot (Essek/Caleb, Essek muses about Caleb's hands)

It’s not hard to guess where the fascination began. So much of a wizard’s work is done with the hands. A forefinger extends, leaving wisps of smoke in the fiery ember’s wake. Crooked thumbs come together and apart, and space rends before their passing. A dot of sweet nectar passed over the lip, and the tongue becomes as deft as the curling wrist that placed it there. 

9. a liquor never brewed (Caduceus/Eodwulf, Caduceus has an unexpected crush)

“You don’t like meat, and you don’t like drink.” Eodwulf grins, arms uncrossing. “Is there anything you do like?”

10. your dust from mine (Fjord/Caduceus, Fjorclay retelling of The Goose Girl fairytale)

Fjord’s first memories are of darkness.

Phew, that was a lot! Tagging (if they feel like it!) @the-littlest-goblin, @saturdaysky, @soullistrations, and anyone else who feels like doing it!

[choserage]

[for caleb]: a stag: a creature on a misty ridge, a figure cloaked in solitary resilience, majestic and quiet in his strength. it bears its scars as antlers, each line of pain and endurance adding to its silent grace. in harsh conditions, it endures with patient dignity, a sentinel in the wilderness, standing tall against the trials that would bring others low. its presence is a rare sight, a quiet force of nature that speaks of strength earned through solitude, of beauty that grows only in the heart of the wild. rust: the color of an ancient warrior’s scars, a burnished hue that speaks of battles fought and a life weathered by the trials of time. it is a color that bears the warmth of fires that once raged within, now softened yet not extinguished, like armor forged and then aged with honor. beneath its hardened surface lies a quiet ember, a warmth that endures despite the elements, tempered by pain but polished by resilience. it is a testament, a subtle richness in one's gaze that hints at strength gained from the slow endurance of storms long passed. a splitting mountain pass: a place where the rugged path diverges under a gray, unforgiving sky. each route a choice weighted by risk and consequence. the keeper of crossroads, a solitary sentinel over paths that promise no easy return. one direction leads to safety, the other to peril, but both are lined with the sharp edges of the mountain's unforgiving stones. the mountain endures, onward and forward, its endurance and strength forming the very rock beneath — a silent guide at the divide, its presence both warning and invitation. watch as the mountain wind howls through the divide as if echoing a question only the brave can answer. steel gray: the color of resolve, the unyielding strength carried with a quiet, almost indomitable ease. like a blade that’s seen countless battles, it is a hue that is steady and resilient as forged metal, its presence as unwavering as the mountains under a storm - laden sky. the color of both shield and sword, subdued in manner yet holding a silent power within. a color that neither flaunts nor falters. it will rest over you like the calm before the storm, a testament to the quiet fortitude worn as the truest armor. thistle: a flower that stands proud amid barren soil, sharp - edged and unbreakable, a beauty veiled in its strength. it thrives where others falter, woven with the roughness of survival, a fortress of thorns that keeps all but the worthy at bay. it knows the ins and outs of harsh conditions, each trial shapes its defenses. but beneath the prickling armor lies a rare and rugged beauty, a strength that neither withers nor yields, rooted deeply in ground.

@mysticdeath WHAT DO YOU ASSOCIATE MY MUSE WITH? (  colors, animals, places, flowers, songs etc literally anything that reminds you of them or their aesthetic  )

[brokendreamscreation-moved]

𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐌𝐘 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐄!

whether it be melodies that give you inspiration for your muse or songs that get you into the writing mood — pick 10 songs you find to give you the urge, the drive, or the creativity to write for your muse!

Raining Sunshine - Miranda Cosgrove

Lucid’s “theme song”. Captures his cheerful, carefree personality overall

Oh, What a Beautiful Morning - Jeremy Jordan

Another “theme song” for Lucid. With it being Lucifer’s VA singing it fits perfectly as a song for Lucid. His upbeat attitude and positive outlook on each day in Heaven

A Million Dreams - P!nk cover

Lucid’s wishful dreaming of more in life than just his duties as the Angel of Dreams and Illusions

Sneaking Out of Heaven - Waterparks

Rebellious and sneaky nature of sneaking out of Heaven to visit Lucifer and/or travel back in the past to the Garden of Eden

Where No One Goes - Moa Antonia cover

Playful music to match Lucid’s adventurous energy. Often used for the more carefree rps and plotting scenarios

Out There - Hunchback of Notre Dame

The need and longing for Lucid to see more outside the walls of his “gilded cage”. He longs to interact with the Winner’s, to walk freely in Heaven amongst them and not remain as the councils secret

Waiting in the Wings - Caleb Hayes cover

Another longing song to be out of his “gilded cage” as well as be allowed to do more than just create dreams and illusions. He knows he can do more and has potential, just like Lucifer did

Trustfall - P!nk

Lucid encouraging others to trust him, falling together in a safe space in a playful manner. Usually with Lucifer, Samael, and/or Adam

Safe & Sound - Kurt Hugo

Little Lucid vibes, particularly the Cherub Heir Verse. It goes with comforting him from the chaos outside during Exterminations

Battle Cry - Imagine Dragons

Darkest Light Verse. Lucid at some point consumes the Fruit of Knowledge. When the seeds of Roo sprout within him they take over the angels will and mind. It’s as though nothing can stop the root of evil and he cannot be saved

Tagged by: multiple people

Tagging: @helluva-hazbins (for Lu), @hells-greatestdad @themosthatedbeingg @heaven-said @originemesis and anyone else who wants to!

[ryusxnka]

Look, I barely know shit about Bleach, but I know a LOT about Hitsugaya Toushiro from you (A character that doesn't show up for a long time, both in the manga and anime.) So what I know about Toushiro is what I've learned from you. And I've learned a LOT, Caleb. I will continue to watch your career with great interest as your style and Toushiro's mannerisms slowly rub off on me some of my characters.

What is something about my portrayal[s]that sticks out?

Example being; my muses ticks they have, the way they talk, etcetera.

You need to cease and desist your kindness, Sir!! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, Jay!! It makes me really happy that you're learning about Toushiro through me!! -- Seeing this actually made me so giddy. How dare you.

[theascndncy]

            Hello  and  welcome  to  theascndncy.  This  is  an  independent,  selective,  private,  20+  Star  Wars  multimuse.  This  blog  will  contain  heavy/dark  themes  and  is  plot  driven  most  of  the  time.  Inspirations  for  my  muses  come  from  Timothy  Zahn's  books,  slightly  leaning  more  towards  the  Legends/EU  books,  and  a  mix  with  my  headcanons.  Rules  and  muse  list  will  be  under  the  cut  plus  any  other  helpful  links  will  be  found  down  below.

          Interest   tracker.   Muses.   Promo.           Other blogs: obi-wan. caleb.           Affiliated: perhaps soon!

                            little muse list until I make a better thingy: Primary: Eli Vanto, Ufsa'mak'ro, Ar'alani, Cohbo'rik'ardok, Brierly Ronan Secondary: Che'ri, Mitth'ras'safis, Mitth'ali'astov, Irizi'in'daro, Un'hee

                             Rules to follow! I'll keep it simple: Mun: My name's AJ! I love characters, love talking about them all the time. I love to read and write. I mostly read horror, and recently found it's actually a favorite genre of mine. I'm a nerd, a dork, hella shy, and would love to be your friend!

Please be kind and respectful! If there are any issues with me, please come to me in an appropriate manner. I don't bite, I promise. We all know we can't read each other's minds!

Muses. As it goes, my primary muses are ones I probably will have most muse for, and will be my go to muses for starter calls or unspecified memes (but pretty please specify muse). Primary & Secondary muses can shift position or be removed depending on interaction. I may add muses as I see fit in the future. I will make any posts indicating any updates.

NS.FW. It will maybe be present on this blog. Most of my muses and mun are of age. I probably won't dive too much into, but it's a possibility. I will tag it accordingly if I do, or make a sideblog for such things.

Shipping. I love to ship. I'm opened to it as long as we both are good with it, and talk about our muses to see if they click.

Controversial characters. Totally down to write with any type of character. I won't limit myself. If this bothers you, please do not follow.

Triggers. I'll tag what I can/remember. I will NOT write with drunk muses. This doesn't need to be tagged for your threads, I just don't want to deal with it one-on-one.

OCs/Fandoms. Totally chill with OCs, just have some type of an about page. I can try and fit my muses into anything, and will follow blogs I can see working (even if I don't know the fandom).

Be patient! I have a full time job and a few other blogs I hop on. I usually go with the flow, see what muse I have. Plus please be aware that I struggle with depression. Some Days are good and others not so much.

OOC. I love to chat ooc. Through IMs or discord. Whatever works for you. Although, discord is only open to mutuals.

Icons. Half of my muses do and half don’t have icons. In all honesty I probably won't use them too much. I'm definitely okay with not using them straight up either.

Disney Star Wars/Sequels. Okay so... I am not a big fan of the sequels. I won't take much from most of Disney live action shows, but I am not a grouch! I'm very much open to talking to find a common ground for plotting!

MUTUALS ONLY!!!!

[gwiazdowe]

|| Post up to 3-6 gifs or images of characters or sources of inspiration for your muse

Caleb Dume (Appearance in TBB) - The sole reason I created Cirz to be a young fugitive Padawan who has survived execution of Order 66 is because of Caleb’s underdeveloped appearance in Bad Batch. I wished to expand upon the question of what a Jedi kid suddenly pushed to hide might be going through, how he might struggle to conceal his identity, where he will go and what he will do. TBB gave no answers so I made my own.

Heike Monogatari (2021 anime) - A theme of The Tales of the Heike is that all existence is impermanent. Families rise and fall, people seize and lose power, and ancient treasures become lost. The character of Biwa that is added in this version of the story is an observer of the tragedies that befall other characters and while she is powerless to change the course of events on her own, she carries on to pass down their story. In a similar manner Cirz is a survivor of the Jedi purge who is going to pass down his knowledge of the destroyed Order. Cirz’s core outlook on life was largely inspired by the intro song of the show “If there's no such thing as eternity, I'm sure that the worst of times won't last so long. Someday we'll come around and meet again. Even after the end, someone will tell the story of how I lived with you.”

Myne (Ascendance of a Bookworm) - Myne is a five year old girl that during a near death experience unlocked memories of her previous life, a japanese college graduate who died during an earthquake. The knowledge that Myne gained causes her to behave strange for her age, and strange in terms of cultural context of her society, because the morality of modern japan is not understood in the world she lives in. The contrast of a child who knows too much and behaves too mature is a theme that I enjoy for Cirz, because I think it’s funny. Cirz being raised in the temple and having access to the Force making him different culturally from majority of the galaxy and also more grounded, more aware than a typical kid (also because he witnessed actual war TM)

Eleven (Stranger Things) - El was raised as a test subject in a lab due to her psychokinetic abilities and as she ran off she continues to be pursued by the show’s antagonists. I’m including her not because of the backstory but because she inspired the way Cirz can perceive past and present events while he opens himself to the Force, that was pretty much where I got the idea, because I thought it’s cool.

[wiildhearrted]

🤝🤝🤝

Send '🤝' for a pro and a con to befriending my muse! | @hriobzagelthewanderer

Pro:

She's a cuddler! Whoever she befriends will never be shorted on physical affection.

Con:

Sometimes it takes her a minute to learn people's boundaries. She instinctually wants to be physically affectionate with people. She might accidentally get into people's personal bubbles a time or two before she realizes they don't like it. Once she does, she backs off, but she definitely has to catch herself.

Pro:

Caleb is also naturally very physically affectionate. However, he learned a long time ago to ask before hugging/touching someone. A+ manners.

Con:

Slight Tired Dad™ energy. He spent a lot of time cleaning up Nikki's messes/keeping her out of trouble. (And still does, once they reunite.) He will sigh, groan, and complain before he bails someone's ass out of jail. Very much the type to give someone the look along with a stern "And what did you learn?"

Pro:

You never have to worry about her lying to you. She's going to tell you how it is, even if you don't want to hear it.

Con:

Sometime she forgets to be tactful (though she has more tact than her sister.) She can absolutely be a bitch, and she will hurt your feelings.

[dumelived]

          Welcome  all!  This  is  a  private,  independent,  selective  roleplay  account  for  Caleb  Dume  who  is  also  known  as  Kanan  Jarrus  from  the  Star  Wars  franchise.  This  portrayal  will  have  similarities  from  the  source  material,  but  will  also  be  heavily  headcanon  based/canon  divergent, and will take things post empire from Legends.  Important  information  such  as  rules  and  changes  will  be  down  below  under  the  link.  If  you  have  any  other  questions,  feel  free  to  message  me!

          Interest   tracker.   Promo.                      Affiliated: perhaps soon!

Changes:

When the time comes for him to be knighted, he finds peace with Caleb Dume. From that point on, he goes by Caleb Dume.

As much as I find Hera and Kanan cute, I won’t be writing them as if they are in a relationship. However, this doesn’t mean I’m not open to shipping with a Hera. I personally would rather find a connection with one.

The Ghost doesn’t get too involved with the Rebellion, at least Caleb and Ezra don’t. They continue to take from the Empire, train, and help people in anyway they can, and stay based on Lothal. I think with two Jedi being involved in the rebellion as deeply as speaking with Mon Mothma and Bail Organa doesn’t give the shock to Luke Skywalker as it should. This is my personal preference, and makes sense for the story as a whole.

                        Rules to follow! I'll keep it simple: Mun: My name's AJ! I love characters, love talking about them all the time. I love to read and write. I mostly read horror, and recently found it's actually a favorite genre of mine. I'm a nerd, a dork, hella shy, and would love to be your friend!

Please be kind and respectful! If there are any issues with me, please come to me in an appropriate manner. I don't bite, I promise. We all know we can't read each other's minds!

NS.FW. It could be possible on this blog since i have yet to decide if I will make a sideblog for it or not. Either way, I will only write this with those I am comfortable with.

Shipping. I love to ship. I'm opened to it as long as we both are good with it, and talk about our muses to see if they click.

Controversial characters. Totally down to write with any type of character. I won't limit myself. If this bothers you, please do not follow.

Triggers. I'll tag what I can/remember. I will NOT write with drunk muses. This doesn't need to be tagged for your threads, I just don't want to deal with it one-on-one.

OCs/Fandoms. Totally chill with OCs, just have some type of an about page. I can try and fit my muses into anything, and will follow blogs I can see working (even if I don't know the fandom).

Be patient! I have a full time job and a few other blogs I hop on. I usually go with the flow, see what muse I have. Plus please be aware that I struggle with depression. Some Days are good and others not so much.

OOC. I love to chat ooc. Through IMs or discord. Whatever works for you. Although, discord is only open to mutuals.

Icons. I will be remaking my icons so it might take some time. Either way, I am find with not using icons.

Disney Star Wars/Sequels. Okay so... I am not a big fan of the sequels. I won't take much from most of Disney live action shows, but I am not a grouch! I'm very much open to talking to find a common ground for plotting!

MUTUALS ONLY!!!!

[sunskate]

Ice Dance Programs 2023-24

Misato Komatsubara/Tim Koleto 🇯🇵JPN RD: Ghostbusters FD: Loving You (from Passion) Barbara Streisand & Patrick Wilson; Love Grows (from Final Fantasy VIII) Nobuo Uematsu (choreo: Romain Haguenauer)

Azusa Tanaka/Shingo Nishiyama 🇯🇵JPN FD: choreo Romain Haguenauer

Nadiia Bashynska/Peter Beaumont 🇨🇦CAN RD: INXS, Never Tear Us Apart; Duran Duran, Wild Boys

Miku Makita/Tyler Gunara 🇨🇦CAN FD: choreo by Matthew Gates

Alicia Fabbri/Paul Ayer 🇨🇦CAN RD: AC/DC, choreo Zach Donohue FD: Lewis Capaldi, Someone You Loved

Sandrine Gauthier/Quentin Thieren 🇨🇦CAN RD: Joan Jett, I Love Rock n Roll

Emma Goodstadt/Christian Bennett 🇨🇦CAN (Jrs) RD: B-52’s, Love Shack

Hannah Lim/Ye Quan 🇰🇷KOR RD: Prince, When Doves Cry, Let's Go Crazy FD: Umbrellas of Cherbourg

Emilea Zingas/Vadym Kolesnik 🇺🇸USA RD and FD choreo: Benoit Richaud

Emily Bratti/Ian Somerville 🇺🇸USA RD: Prince, When Doves Cry, Let’s Go Crazy FD: Celine Dion, Ne Me Quitte Pas choreo by Greg Zuerlein, Charlie White, Tanith White

Eva Pate/Logan Bye 🇺🇸USA RD: Bobby Brown, My Prerogative; Run-DMC (feat. Aerosmith) Walk This Way

Katarina Wolfkostin/Dimitry Tsarevski 🇺🇸USA RD: When in Rome, The Promise; Blondie, Call Me

Isabella Flores/Ivan Desyatov 🇺🇸USA RD: Prince, When Doves Cry; Def Leppard, Pour Some Sugar on Me, choreo Massimo Scali FD: West Side Story, choreo Kaitlyn Weaver

Angela Ling/Caleb Wein 🇺🇸USA RD: Aretha Franklin, Hold on I'm Coming

Raffaella Koncius/Alexey Shchepetov 🇺🇸USA RD: Stray Cats, Rock this Town, Stray Cat Strut

Klara Kowar/Thomas Schwappach 🇺🇸USA RD: INXS, Never Tear Us Apart, What You Need FD: James Bond

Leah Neset/Artem Markelov 🇺🇸USA (jrs) RD: Scorpions, Still Loving You; Joan Jett, Hate Myself for Loving You. choreo Kaitlyn Weaver FD: choreo Nikolai Morozov

Eliana Peal/Ethan Peal 🇺🇸USA (jrs) RD: Janet Jackson, What Have You Done For Me Lately, Rhythm Nation FD: Lord of the Rings

Jenna Hauer/Benjaming Starr 🇺🇸USA (jrs) RD: Tina Turner, Simply the Best (?)

Caroline Mullen/Brendan Mullen 🇺🇸USA (jrs) RD: Wham!, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go; George Michael, Father Figure (?)

Yahli Pederson/Jeffrey Chen 🇺🇸USA (jrs) RD: Queen, Kind of Magic; Queen w David Bowie, Under Pressure (?)

Evgeniia Lopareva/Geoffrey Brissaud 🇫🇷FRA FD: choreo Guillaume Cizeron

Holly Harris/Jason Chan 🇦🇺AUS RD: Madonna (Material Girl, Express Yourself?), choreo: Marie-France Dubreuil FD: choreo Marie-France Dubreuil

Olivia Smart/Tim Dieck 🇪🇸ESP RD: Blondie, Call Me, Rapture

Sofia Val/Asaf Kazimov 🇪🇸ESP RD: Top Gun

Jennifer Janse van Rensburg/Benjamin Steffan 🇩🇪GER RD: Beds are Burning, Midnight Oil; Don't Leave Me Now, Supertramp; Runaway, Bon Jovi FD: wild west theme choreo: Pasquale Camerlengo for both

Phebe Bekker/James Hernandez 🇬🇧GBR RD: Prince FD: Muse

Layla Karnes/Liam Carr 🇬🇧GBR RD: Sweet Dreams, medley, Eurhythmics FD: Hit the Road Jack, 2WEI

Shira Ichilov/Dmitriy Kravchenko 🇮🇱ISR RD: Get Down on It, Yesterday, It's Raining Men FD: ("to a singer from Montreal") choreo: Pasquale Camerlengo, Igor Shpilband

Mariia Nosovitskaya/Misha Nosovytskyi 🇮🇱ISR RD: FD: Gladiator choreo: Pasquale Camerlengo, Igor Shpilband

Elizabeth Tkachenko/Alexei Kiliakov 🇮🇱ISR RD: Yello, Oh Yeah, Desire, The Race FD: Incantation, Ojo Azules; Inca the Peruvian Ensemble, Danzante Vasija del Barro; Inti-IllMani, Sikuriadas choreo: Elena Novak, Jimmie Manners

Yuka Orihara/Juho Pirinen 🇫🇮 FIN RD: choreo Luca Lanotte FD: music from Chicago choreo Massimo Scali

Carolane Soucisse/Shane Firus 🇮🇪IRL RD: Rick James, Super Freak, Give It To Me Baby, Mary Jane

Mariia Holubtsova/Kyryl Bielobrov 🇺🇦UKR RD: Bonnie Tyler, Holding Out For A Hero; Bonnie Tyler & Bryan Adams, Straight From the Heart; Bonnie Tyler & Desmond Child, If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man) FD: Joe Hisaishi, Merry Go Round of Life, Fragile Dream, A Walk in the Skies choreo: Romain Haguenauer, Pascal Denis, Sam Chouinard

Zoe Larson/Andrii Kapran 🇺🇦UKR RD: Pointer Sisters, I'm So Excited; Grover Washington/Bill Withers, Just the Two of Us; The Weather Girls, It's Raining Men (?)

Adrienne Carhart/Oleksandr Kolosovskyi 🇦🇿AZE RD: Billy Ocean, Caribbean Queen

Maria Kazakova & Georgy Reviya 🇬🇪GEO RD: Queen, A Kind of Magic, Save Me, I Want To Break Free, Need Your Loving Tonight FD: Schindler's List choreo by Matteo Zanni

Natalie Taschlerova & Filip Taschler 🇨🇿CZE RD: Janet Jackson, The Knowledge; James Mtume, Juicy Fruit; The Pointer Sisters, Serious Slammin' FD: Negramaro, Bluecobalto; Havasi, Terra Rosa; Giuliano Sangiorgi, Son Felice choreo by Matteo Zanni

[proelio-procusi-a]

WHERE   SHOULD   YOU   BE   KISSED?

palm.

you   give   and   give.   you   are   a   gentle   heart,   broken   but   still   standing   .   .   .     always   lending   a   hand   for   those   who   need   it,   expecting   nothing   in   return.  you   deserve   someone   taking   your   hand   and   kissing   your   open   palm,   the   hands   which   have   selflessly   helped   so   many   others.

tagged   by   : @seeliecourt​

tagging   :   @forfeitsouls (your choice) @xfindingtrouble​ @saintsdawn​ and you!

[commaless-a2]

i’ve lost the old post for now, but i’ll create a new post! when thinking of a relationship, please try to not instantly shove my nott/veth into a motherly role or a parental relationship, as her entire story is about being more than her boxes, discovering her true identity outside of her relationships and her expected housewife duties. i’ve quite frankly been very annoyed with people saying that veth is only a mom to the nein, because she’s her own person too!! 

[saphirered]

Cat and Songbird

Request// Masquerade (16) for Caleb but make it spicy. 

For some reason the tumblr tech demons decided that answering this request was too much to ask so we’ll do it like this I guess. Fair warning, this to date I think is the most spicy I’ve written (which is still pretty mild I think) so let me know if you like it and want to see more! 😘

The air weighs heavy with responsibilities, the gazes of strangers and familiar faces alike. King Bertrand Dwendal’s annual Masquerade is an event when invited it is ill advised to refuse attendance. Loyalties might be questioned and when the king’s loyalists already keep an eye on one, it is best to just oblige. Unlike most of his associates Caleb cannot feign a venture on a ship far away where this invite would not reach him. Given he’d rather not give any of the monsters and enablers that linger in the shadows a reason to be rid of him, he shall keep his best manners and attend along with the other Academy invitees. Lucky for him he does not have to suffer through this night alone. Letting loose has never been his specialty, not when it lacks copious amounts of drowned regrets and terrible decision making but it does not take a genius to figure out this is not the environment to do so. It’s not some coping mechanism that allows him to sit this through.

It takes but one glance as the beauty in his arms, the one who follows every step of the string quartet sets out through the rhythms and beats. You, of course had earned your invitation and had made your own statement. A mask of hazel, orange and brown feathers allude to a songbird. Your garments are the colours of bronze, golds and oranges akin to flames. It is as much a political statement as it is a tease to him. You made these choices very deliberately and you look absolutely divine. You’ve caught the gaze of many attendees and were given even more compliments. Caleb hears the whispers among the crowd even now. They are right. The mere sight of you, your lips curling up in satisfaction, it sparks a fire in his chest. 

“Something amiss?” You ask, the undertone in your voice all too innocent. 

“How many hearts will you be breaking tonight?” Caleb retorts with a hint of intrigue and amusement. Your smile only feeds the flames and you close a bit of the distance the dance required, not quite inappropriately but definitely noticeable. 

“As many as it takes? I haven’t quite decided yet.” You muse as you spin under Caleb’s arm. This time your back ends against his chest. You can feel his breath on your shoulder and when you turn your head to face him, you stare right into his eyes. Not even a feline mask can hide those blues, if anything they pop more. He’s breathless. Of course you always thought him handsome but there’s something now, something that places him in this setting, in this castle surrounded by these people that makes the entire room pale in comparison. Caleb has been prone to fading into the background when he wants to, and sometimes you would join him there, sometimes he would join you in the spotlight but now, he may have caught onto the whispers about you, but you have noticed something of your own too. 

The courtiers whisper, talk and gossip; The cat’s caught the precious songbird. The latest transmutation teacher at the Academy certainly chooses his company well. It’s a surprise he managed to get your attention. The two of you look a little more familiar with each other than one ought to be in a formal setting, is there some prior connection? You catch onto them all. Each and every one of them makes you want to put on a show. Give them something to gossip about but you won’t drag Caleb into that mess. For now you’ll have to be satisfied with this display. Your lips are so close to his and you resist the urge to lean in and close the gap like you normally would have done. Instead the dance continues and you spin once more, instantly missing the warmth of his body close to yours, the memories of all the times where you would feel his warmth against your skin, his hands roaming and yours too. The desire for that touch grows but you would not be where you are today if you were so easily thwarted by a simple desire to connect to another so intimately. 

“What is the use of these masks if everyone knows who you are anyway?” You complain and that comment extracts a rare laugh from the wizard. 

“Because no matter where you go, your radiance draws the attention of even the most unperceptive of people. Anyone would be foolish not to recognise it.” Caleb speaks as if it is a scientific fact proven time and time again. To him it is. Anyone would be foolish not to see your beauty, inside and out. 

“You’ve been polishing your social skills. Flattery will get you everywhere in this company.” You tease which in reply leads to Caleb squeezing your side. Were you less composed you might have jumped or squealed but none but him notice your response, as you offer him a playful glare. 

“Is that why you’ve denied anyone who’s asked for a dance but me?” The look you give twists his insides in ways only you could. It is provocative. It is teasing. It is uniquely you and you know exactly what you’re doing to him. 

“I’ve denied them because they make incredibly dull company. However if you must know my true reasoning, you keep me on my best behaviour.” 

“How so?”

“From the moment I’ve walked in here I’ve wanted to cause a scene, meddle in the affairs of this court the way they do in others, in mine. If they are to gossip, then I want it to be under my terms, not theirs. If they want a show, I’d give them a show. But you keep at bay the reckless, selfish desires by simply being here, with me because you distract me from all that’s around. Fools may whisper compliments and inappropriate desires but they fall on deaf ears when my mind is occupied with your presence.” You click your tongue as another dance ends. You take a bow and someone approaches to cut in. 

“No thank you.” You say to the stranger before they can even ask, and place your hand in Caleb’s pulling him along and away from the dance floor. The sea of people parts for you just enough to weave through to a more secluded area of the ballroom. 

“You would be perfectly content causing a scandal out of spite?” You shrug and Caleb gives you an amused look. He’s not surprised with your antics. You’ve got a thing for theatrics but they are always well calculated, and anticipated. You wield your words like he wields his magic and it is the most beautiful thing to him. Seeing you at work, to command a room full of people to your attention, to be so powerful to need not the spells of masters but simply radiate that presence you have so naturally, he admires it, he worships it. But he too acknowledges it comes with a pressure he may not fully comprehend and he can accept that because he sees the effects on you. 

“Is that what you wish? Give them something to gossip about?” Caleb adds as you lean your back against the pillar behind you. You look at him in all seriousness. 

“Nothing would satisfy me more.” Caleb takes a step closer to you. His fingers brush along yours as you clasp them in front of you. You brush your’s back against his until you clasp one of his hands between yours, running just the faintest touch along his palm. Shivers run down his spine when your touch is like a breath; so light and so faint yet so present. His lips part, and a sigh escapes. His eyes bore into yours. “Though, I can think of one more satisfying thing.” 

A light tug on his hand enclosed in yours invites him closer and he does not deny you. Whatever semi-appropriate distance you previously kept is gone now. You stand toe to toe, your body between Caleb and your back against the cool stone of the pillar, though there’s no tension, no, hesitation or anything other than invitation. You’re holding back. You’re giving him the choice to step away, or choose the next course of action as he becomes more and more aware of the eye’s you’re catching and the new whispers that continue spreading. He chooses to ignore them because when you stare into his eyes, when you silently ask him; what does he want, he knows exactly what he wants. You wanted to give these people something to talk about, he will give them something to talk about. 

His breath fans your face, ever so lightly as he leans closer. He checks your eyes for any hesitation but you assure as he finds none. You push the final bit, and place your lips against his, once, twice, three times and the kiss deepens. The hand clasped between yours you lace your fingers with while you allow your other to wrap around his neck pulling him closer against you. His other hand finds the small of your back as he helps you close that distance and arch your back. Now you really hear the whispers spread but they become but background noise when his tongue presses against your lips and you oblige the request with enthusiasm. You don’t know if it’s minutes or hours as time becomes irrelevant but eventually you pull apart. 

“I’ve grown tired of this ‘esteemed’ company. What you say we find a more quiet place?” You suggest and with the look you get from Caleb, you don’t wait for a reply when you grab his hand once more and pull him along. You know the layout of this castle well enough to find somewhere as secluded as can be in this place. You can feel the eyes of the guests on you and you couldn’t care less. Neither could Caleb in this moment because his attention is entirely on you. 

Up the stairs, down the corridors where few would wander without destination you find an alcove overlooking the city. The stars are the only direct light offered but it’s just enough to see. You run your fingers along the closures of Caleb’s coat, undoing them one by one and pushing the garment off his shoulders. He makes no effort to stop you nor does he have any intentions to but he has to because somehow some part of his conscious mind, although completely caught up in your presence, considers the repercussions of what choices you’re making now. 

“Are you sure?” He dances his fingers along the string of your mask, carefully untying the ribbon until it comes undone and he lifts the feathers and filigree from your gorgeous features. You look at him through your lashes, almost pleadingly. 

“Does it look like I have any doubts?” He sets your mask aside and you wrap your arms around his neck, undoing the fastenings of his as you trace the design while slowly removing it. You can see the dusting of red across his cheeks but there’s not a single ounce of doubt written across his face. You know where he stands. You know where you stand. His concern for your wellbeing and potentially, status after this; when you’ve publicly ran off with someone of his standings, his reputation despite all social judgements, his concern is adorable. You kiss his cheek, and along his jawline and down his neck, finding the right spots you know all too well. 

“I mean about here, right now.” His breath catches as you gaze just the spot and he feels your lips curling against his skin before you pull back, clasp his face between your hands and lean close to him. His hands fall to your waist, stroking along your sides. 

“If anyone walks in, they can look the other way if it bothers them.” You don’t need to tell him twice as his fingers come around to deal with the closures of your outer garment. You rapidly help him alleviate you from these constrictive layers, and once you are, you wrap your legs around his hips. Caleb catches you, allowing you to lean your back against the wall, as his lips now trail down your neck and shoulder, extracting moan after moan. His fingers press into your thighs and behind massaging the supple skin that reveals more and more by your undergarments lifting but you care little. 

“You are far too overdressed.” You comment between a gasp. You swear your neck and shoulders will be covered in love bites for days to come but you care little. They’ll be a reminder of your little adventure at the castle. Perhaps they’ll further encourage the gossipers too. They’ll know exactly who gave them to you, and you will show them off with pride. 

“Then do something about it.” Is all the reply you get between kisses. You roll your eyes and pull yourself out of his grasp. You place your hands on Caleb’s chest and push him against the opposite wall. Unceremoniously you undo the buttons of his vest, letting your hands trail up and down his chest, leaving trails of fire as you go. 

You untuck his shirt from the waistband of his trousers and he helps you pull it over his head, discarding the garment to the side. This time you bring your lips to his neck, over his shoulder and begin to trail kisses down his chest, paying attention to spots you know to be sensitive or responsive to your touch until his knees feel weak and Caleb is thankful for the wall behind him. You lower yourself as your kisses follow the trail left by your fingertips until they find his the laces of his trousers and pull at the string. With little effort they come undone and you look up at him. You look gorgeous, not because of your attire, or lack thereof, not because of the position you’re in. You look beautiful because when he looks at you he sees confidence, he sees control. You deserve to be admired. You deserve to be worshipped and that’s exactly what he intends to do, once you’ll let him.

“Are you sure?” You ask almost teasingly because you already know the answer to that question. Caleb’s already given you an answer and when he traces a thumb over your cheek, cups your face so lovingly you give him a wicked grin. It’s as if he was not aware how painfully constricting his trousers had become until you release him from those confines. He did not truly grasp the extend of his longing for you tonight until you wrap your lips around him and suddenly he can breathe again. Upon that breath he whispers your name and with a renewed vigour you fulfil that desire for more. You will do it with love and care and admiration every step of the way. 

[feuerwizard]

Caleb's heart quickens at the implications behind Gale's words. His keen intellect grasps the underlying sentiments woven delicately into each phrase, and a warmth blooms in his chest as Gale's gaze lingers a moment longer than necessary. It stirs something within him, a fluttering of anticipation mingled with uncertainty. He chuckles softly, blue eyes alight with a mixture of amusement and something much, much deeper, “Ach, well, You always have a way of weaving poetry into the most scholarly of conversations.” He cannot help the manner in which his heart flutters at the thought of Gale’s musings on souls and uniqueness—his uniqueness—a warmth spreading through him that has little to do with the cozy ambiance of Professor Dekarios’ study.

Leaning back in his chair, Caleb considers Gale’s question thoughtfully.

“Transmutation is... possibility,” he begins slowly, mind racing with possibilities. “The possibility of transformation, not just of elements and materials, but of the self. To embrace change in its purest form, and shape reality according to it. Quite interesting, ja?” Not just altering the physical world around them, but delving deeper into the essence of existence itself. It is about change, yes, but also understanding the interconnectedness of all things.

Caleb places a hand over his notes and chuckles.

“The rest,” He begins with a teasing glint in his eye, “you will have to wait and see. I can’t spoil every bit of my lecture, now can I?” Even to Gale, who in all fairness, he tells most everything to these days. “I seem to remember you promised coffee… would you be willing to show a stranger around these parts as well?”

Well, those were certainly questions, weren't they?

Perhaps soon, at long last, will be time to experiment.

Gale looks, and excitement — parts a sapling, equal parts a vigorous weed, really — settles and roots with a dizzying vigor. It makes a trellis of his bones, of the thatched, torn remnants of his half-ruined heart, and seeing him here sat there with the sunlight upon him... Dangerous, Gale settles on. Want flowers like a garden. He's a plot of tilled earth, a vast field of spouting need, and it's getting harder to pretend he's not in bloom and season. Gosh. Springtime is upon him, the blossoming month. "Believe me, I do," he smiles fondly, "but you'll find it's quite alright. I happily take the challenge to better tempt you with dinner, but we can talk about our bread baskets another evening, perhaps. Please." He motions. "Indulge my mind."

When will Caleb take the hint? Why is that a thought to think?

He smells his favoring shampoo and leans closer to the book. The scant space between them spans like ocean. 

And the tome is, well, undoubtedly a testament to this inquisitive man. It brightens him, Gale admits, seeing the scrawl of his name on that laid-out section. It makes him feel greedy, makes him think to scavenge about in a store, and when he stumbles on a read filled sweet with Caleb's theories, he would grab, buy it, and take it home. It feels partly possessive, his glasses sliding down the length of his nose. Like, like it isn't just enough to share this man his home. He needs to know his words. He needs him in his shelves. To catalogue that mind and read him when it's rainy... Gale coughs, looks down, and hopes he hadn't stared.

"A fascinating question, this. 'Should a living being change'," he begins, "'does he remain the same man?' Well, I'd like to preface that thought with a marvelous conclusion in turn: were your soul to wander," Caleb Widogast, "I could find you anywhere." How audacious. "I'm sure you know, but, ah, the more romantic of our field have considered this to death. They'd posit that each and every one of us works the Weave differently. Some would work it like a loom and others a needle, but should one concentrate fully and focus on the caster, their spirit, their essence, will stand utterly unique." Like a blueprint or a snowflake! Or whatever Caleb's is to him. No two, supposedly, would ever come the same, and Gale, shrugging calmly, leans away. "Condemn me as a poet if you must, but I'm partial to the theory. In that effort to alter the world, what is transmutation to you?"

[amazingmsme]

Dare to be Bold

AN: Wowie this was a lot longer than I intended it to be, at almost 10k words! I loved writing this so much, it was a blast. Thanks for the prompts y’all, you help me feed my critical role fixation. Spent all day reading & tweaking this, so here it is fresh outta the oven!

The Mighty Nein were all intrigued by Essek to say the least. He was mild mannered, composed, quiet, and nice enough... There had to be another side to him, one where he wasn't the perfect image that he portrayed when people were around. He had to relax and let his guard down sometime. He had to act like a real person instead of the stuffy shadowhand charged with keeping tabs on them.

He only ever stopped by on business. Checking up on them, giving them a new task; it was never just to hang out. The longest he'd stay at their house was to teach Caleb new spells, and the fellow wizard was the only one he'd spend quality time with.

There had to be more to him. He has a favorite food, a favorite song, a secret birthmark somewhere, he has his own life separate from work. Or at least that's what Jester was sure of. She really wanted him to be their friend instead of strictly business partners, but he seemed dead set of keeping their relationship distant and professional. He was gathering his things and was about to head out the door when Jester spoke up.

"How come you never stay? I feel like I barely know you," she mused, propping her face in her hands. He let out a warm chuckle.

"And I'd prefer to keep it that way. I'm a busy man, surely you understand," he said with a small smile.

"What's your favorite color?" she asked, cocking her head to the side. His patient smile grew slightly more genuine. "Navy blue."

"What's your favorite season?"

"I don't think I have one, really."

"What's like, the weirdest dream you've ever had?"

"Does she always ask this many questions?" Essek asked with slight amusement.

"Ah, only sometimes," Caleb said, sharing an amused look with Jester. She just beamed up at him.

"Well I want to know some things about him. I'm sorry Essek, but right now your personality is like cardboard." Caleb's jaw dropped in disbelief and embarrassment as Essek dipped his head down to try and hide his amusement.

"Jester!"

"What? It's the truth, he always acts so proper and boring, like it's such a chore to come see us," she whined.

"That's because it is his job," Caleb said, fixing her with a look. She merely giggled.

"It's alright Caleb. I'm just, more serious and professional than what you're used to," he said to Jester.

"Hey, I can be serious too ya know," she said, schooling her features into a tough expression. Essek merely nodded, eyebrows raised.

"Oh I'm sure you are. After all, I don't think you all could survive the work you do if you were so foolish all the time," he teased. She scoffed indignantly, but a wide smile was in place.

"Wow, I didn't think you even knew how to tease someone. That was really good," she giggled, holding out her hand for a high five. He looked at her hand, casting a quick glance at Caleb before turning away and opening the door.

"Yes well, thank you. Have a good day."

"Why not stay for dinner? You've never taken us up on the offer and Caduceus is a really good cook."

"I'm afraid I'm busy tonight. But I have another lesson with Caleb tomorrow, I'll see if I can clear my schedule then." She gasped and jumped up from her seat in excitement.

"Oh my gosh, really? Waaait... you're not just saying that to make me shut up, are you?" she asked incredulously. Caleb shot her another look, which she ignored.

"Not at all Miss Lavorre. I am a man of my word," he said.

"Alright, leave him be, you've pestered him long enough," Caleb chastised.

"You just want him all to yourself so he can teach you cool wizard shit," she said pointedly.

"Exactly. Now shoo," he teased, waving her away.

"Bye Essek!" she chirped, rushing forth to wrap him in a hug before he could escape. He let out a startled laugh, hesitantly wrapping his arms around her and giving her back an awkward pat.

"Ah that's right you are rather... affectionate," he said, pausing to find the right word.

"Damn right I am!" She punctuate her words with a playful poke to his side, causing him to stiffen up and suck in a startled breath.

"Right then. S-see you tomorrow," he said, slipping out of her grasp and through the door with little more than a wave. When Caleb turned back around, Jester was staring at him with an excited, shocked expression.

"Uh oh, that's never a good look," he said, meeting her gaze.

"Caleb, did you see what I just saw?" she asked excitedly.

"I'm going to go out on a limb and say no."

"I think Essek might be ticklish!" she exclaimed. Caleb did a double take towards the door, blinking in confusion. He turned back to her, brows furrowed and smirking.

"I'm sorry, you lost me. Just how did you come to this conclusion?" he asked, cocking his head to the side.

"Just now when I poked him, he jerked away and got like, super still. And I heard him gasp like he wanted to laugh but was holding back," she explained. Caleb rubbed his temple.

"Or more likely, he is a man of great importance and high status and is not accustom to weirdos like us touching him all the time, ja? I like my reasoning better." She rolled her eye with a pout.

"Oh come on Caleb, don't be such a buzz kill! Mama always said, everyone's ticklish somewhere, you just gotta try the right spot!" Caleb's eyes went wide and he shook his head.

"Nein Jester, I know what you're thinking. You cannot test this out," he said sternly. Jester deflated.

"But whyyyy?"

"Many reasons why. For starters, he could put in a bad word with the Bright Queen. He is a powerful and well respected man who deserves that respect, and who might retaliate if we upset him. He could kick us out of this new lovely home, or punish us for crossing a boundary-"

"Wow Caleb, could you come up with any more bad scenarios?" she asked in a mocking tone.

"I am merely thinking logically."

"But he stuttered Caleb! When has he ever stuttered?" she asked, desperate to make her point. Caleb cocked his head in thought.

"Never. Okay, so maybe you have a point. But you can't just go after him out of the blue like this," he decided.

"Okay but what if, like, someone he liked tested it out?" she asked innocently.

"Then that excludes all of us, case closed," he said pointedly.

"Well, he seems to like you..." she said sweetly, swaying from side to side. Realization dawned on Caleb's face and he shook his head.

"Oh no. No, I will not be a pawn in this little game of yours."

"Pleeeeaaaase? He'd probably like, break my wrist if I even tried."

"Ja, and I don't want mine to be broken either," he scolded.

"He'd never do that to you though. You two have this growing bond, I can sense these things." Her words caused a blush to spread over his cheeks, lips pressed together.

"N-no, I don't know what you think we do in there but it is strictly work. He's taught me a few spells and we talk about magic. That is the extent of our relationship," he said.

"Wow, you two sound like the most boring people ever," she said, flipping a lock of hair. Caleb scoffed, shoving her lightly.

"I'll have you know it's actually very fascinating."

"Not as fascinating as the fact he might be ticklish!" Jester insisted. Beauregard and Fjord just happened to be walking by and inserted themselves into the conversation.

"Who, Caleb?" Beau teased, scratching along his sides from behind making him squeal and arch his back. He shot her a glare as they all laughed.

"No silly, everyone knows Caleb's ticklish," Jester giggled, causing a noise of protest from said wizard. "I'm talking about Essek!" This piqued both their interests.

"No fuckin' way, Essek's ticklish?" Beauregard asked, excitement and disbelief clear in her voice. She wore a wide, dangerous smile and a mischievous gleam in her eye.

"Weeeell, we don't actually know like, for sure, but he totally squeaked when I poked him! I was just convincing Caleb to try it out tomorrow when he has his next lesson," she chirped.

"Ah, you were not convincing me of doing anything," Caleb denied. The monk sighed, shoulders sagging in disappointment.

"C'mon man, what's the worst that could happen? Just, y'know, take one of your quills and run it over those stupid long ears of his, it's not that hard," she reasoned.

"For starters, he could get very mad at me and never share any spells with me ever again. Or worse, he could use them against me. You seem to have forgotten that he has the potential to be a very dangerous man, a man who we know next to nothing about," Caleb insisted. "Fjord, back me up on this."

Fjord was quietly listening, mulling over the possibilities in his head. "You've got a point, we don't really know what he's about."

"See?" Caleb said, gesturing to Fjord and giving both Jester and Beauregard a smug, "I'm right" look. A look that faded upon hearing the following words from Fjord's mouth.

"Which is why I think it would be interesting if we were to find out," he continued with a smirk. Jester yelled in triumph and gave him a high five that left a satisfying sting.

"I don't think there'd be any harm in finding out," Beau shrugged.

"Well I do."

"Come on Caleb, don't be such a stick in the mud. I dare you to tickle Essek tomorrow," Jester said, grinning so wide her face was practically split in two. Caleb's eyes bugged out of his head, a red blush painting his cheeks.

"Excuse me?"

"I double dog dare you!" she cried, tail wagging mischievously behind her.

"Nein," he shook his head, adamant in his stance.

"I triple dog dare you!"

Caleb was unable to fight off the amused smile on his face. "Still no."

"It's okay Caleb. I don't think any of us actually thought you'd go through with it anyways," Beauregard said in a patronizing tone, patting his back. He reared back to look at her.

"And what the hell does that mean?"

She tilted her head side to side, shoulders hunched slightly. "Eeeehh, nothing. But you're not exactly known for being bold and playful."

"Well fuck you too, I'm plenty bold," he snapped defensively. Fjord was quick to diffuse the situation.

"Uh, what I think Beau means is that you're not one to stir the pot. Unless of course you're provoked," he winked, slinging an arm over his shoulders and giving him a gentle shake.

"And are you trying to provoke me right now?" he asked, arching a brow. Fjord would be lying if he said the anxious twitch of Caleb's fingers didn't awaken his fight or flight instinct.

"Why don't you keep that energy focused on Essek," he advised, stepping away from him nonetheless.

"See Caleb? You're totally a tickle monster when you want to be!" Jester cooed. His blush returned and he adverted his gaze to the ground, but he sported a sly smile.

"I know, you speak from experience," he teased. Jester let out a muffled squeak, wrapping her arms around her belly.

"Shut uuuup! This isn't about me!"

"Honestly, I don't even know why you all care so much. Fine, I will ask him."

Beauregard shook her head, arms crossed over her chest. "Uh uh, he'll just lie. You gotta test it." The smirk she wore was downright wicked, and Caleb was relieved that it wasn't directed at him for once.

"Sheisse. Alright I will. Are you happy now?" he asked, more frustrated and flustered than he was at the beginning of this conversation.

"I'll be satisfied if you actually go through with it."

"What, do you think I'm going to chicken out or something?"

"Uh yeah, that's exactly what I think," Beau said with a wide, teasing grin. "In fact, I bet five gold you won't actually do it," she said smugly.

"I'll second that," Fjord said with a nod, raising two fingers to signal that he was in on the bet as well. Caleb stared between them in shock.

"Are you serious right now?" he asked, mouth slightly agape.

"Dead serious."

"Good, as am I. Tomorrow, you will see that I didn't chicken out and I will be ten gold richer," he said matter of factly.

"We'll see about that," Fjord joined in on the teasing.

"Just wait, at around 3:30 you will most likely hear a lot of laughter come from my room. And if you don't, assume he killed me for even trying," he said, only half joking.

"That's the spirit! Oooh I can't wait!" Jester cried with excitement.

Of course she immediately rushed off to spread the news to the rest of their group, giddy with excitement. Needless to say, everyone was eager to find out what would happen the following day. Tomorrow came soon enough, and when Essek arrived, he immediately picked up on the energy in the house. There was almost a tangible excitement buzzing in the air and he looked around the entryway with a judging eye. It was no surprise that Jester was the first to greet him.

"Helloooo how are you todaaaay?" she asked in her usual quirky drawl.

"I am fine," he hummed, continuing to scan his surroundings. Jester gave a small pout.

"You don't look fine, you look all grumpy," she pointed out.

"Just have a lot on my mind I suppose. Where's Caleb?"

"Right here," Caleb said, walking down the stairs. "Sorry, I was setting things up," he apologized. His hair was a bit disheveled and he couldn't tear his eyes away from the shadowhand. If he seemed more anxious than usual, Essek didn't comment on it.

"No worries. Let's get started then, shall we?" Caleb gave a curt nod, leading him up to his room. "Are we not studying in the tower today?" Essek asked.

"Nein, I am feeling a little lazy today, I'd rather stay in my room," he lied easily. The real reason being that he promised the rest of the mighty nein that he would keep them within earshot to prove he actually followed through.

"Not too lazy to learn I hope," Essek said, unamused.

"I could never be too lazy for that," he replied, a wide grin in place. They reached his door and Caleb held it open for him, allowing Essek to walk in first.

"Hm, your room is just as tidy and drab as I imagined it," he hummed, walking over to the desk. Caleb blushed at the backhanded compliment, fumbling for words.

"W-well we haven't had the chance to get much decor," he reasoned. After that snide little comment, he couldn't wait for 3:30.

"Your friends seemed... excited about something," Essek spoke up as he laid out various scrolls and spell components. He watched carefully as Caleb went a little stiff. "Any particular reason?"

"Not that I'm aware of, but they are an excitable bunch, ja?" Essek looked him up and down with a hum.

"Indeed. Well, we shouldn't waste much time. Let's get to it, shall we?" he asked, pulling a chair next to the bed where all the pages were spread out. Caleb's desk was a little small for what they had planned for today. Caleb himself sat on the bed, propped up with pillows with his legs stretched out.

"You can sit on the bed if you'd like, it's more comfortable than that chair," he invited, figuring this would be easier if he started warming up to him now.

"Uh, thank you but the chair is more than fine." Caleb had to shift the page he was holding to hide his smirk. Before he had arrived, Caleb had cast a simple spell on the chair to make it more uncomfortable the longer you sat in it. He was quite proud of it. That chair wouldn't be "fine" for very long.

"You're looking rather smug. Mind sharing with the class?" Essek asked, cocking his head to the side. Caleb startled at the question. He couldn't get caught this early, money (and his pride) was on the line.

"I am just a little... giddy about today's lesson. A lot of pranking potential in making objects lose their gravity," he mused. It was easier to lie because there was so much truth wrapped in his words. Essek let out a smooth, practiced chuckle and shook his head.

"I didn't picture you as the pranking type," he mused.

"That's because you don't know me," Caleb said, being so bold as to shoot him a wink. Essek blinked in suprise, looking him up and down.

"Hm, I suppose I don't." He went back to the pages of spells in front of them, but before he could continue with his teachings, Caleb spoke up once more.

"I have to be."

"What was that?" Essek asked without looking up.

Caleb continued, "I have to be the pranking type if I am to fit in with the group. I must admit, it is fun. It makes me feel normal again, and less like the man I have become." He now had Essek's full attention, his expression hard to read.

"And who is that man?" he asked, leaning forward. Caleb noticed him shifting in the chair uncomfortably, trying to find a better position.

"I thought I knew, but now I'm not as sure," he said, staring deep into his eyes.

It took a moment for Essek to answer. "You are a powerful man, Mr. Widogast. You're practically dripping with potential, I can see what the Assembly saw in you. But you must be careful who you let shape you. And while this group you've found yourself in is... eccentric, I can tell they have been good for you."

Well this suddenly got personal. A little too personal for Caleb's liking, but his words did offer a comfort. "Thank you, Herr Thelyss," he said with a soft smile. "But please call me Caleb. Mr. Widogast doesn't sound right," he said, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. Essek returned it with a smug smile of his own.

"In that case, just call me Essek. I think we're well past the point of formalities."

You have no idea, Caleb wanted to say, but he was smart enough to keep that to himself. Essek's face scrunched up in discomfort, wiggling in the seat. When that still didn't work, he crossed one leg over the other, then crossed them the other way. With a defeated huff, he pushed the chair away and sat on the edge of the bed. His posture was ramrod straight, his body tense as he sat as far from Caleb as he could.

He rolled his eyes, clearing a larger space and patting the spot next to him. "Sheisse, you act as though I'll burn you if you get too close. I don't bite," he teased. Essek let out a nervous chuckle, conceding by resting his legs on the mattress, stretched out in front of him.

"I'd be concerned if you did," he teased right back.

"Jester will be pleased to know you actually have a sense of humor," he mused as he copied a spell.

"Was that ever up for debate?" he asked incredulously.

"Oh you'd be surprised."

"I'll have you know I can be quite hilarious," he insisted.

"I'll believe it when I see it," he countered smugly. Essek scoffed and bumped their shoulders together, making Caleb's smile grow. Caleb glanced down at his feet, brows furrowing.

"No shoes on the bed please. I know your feet never touch the ground, but still," he requested. Essek complied, easily slipping them off. He set them off to the side with a wave of his hand.

"Of course, it is your room after all." Perhaps this was going to be easier than he thought.

They study for an hour and a half, Essek teaching and explaining a few new spells. 15 minutes left until 3:30... Within their study session, he's been twitchy and restless. His leg shook as he recited the verbal components of one of the spells, Essek's eyes glued to his movements.

"You're quite fidgety for someone claiming to be so lazy," he noted. Caleb immediately forced his leg to still, looking like a deer caught in headlights.

"Ah, just some pent up energy I suppose," he excused. They both jumped out of their skin when a knock rapped against the door.

"Who is it?" Caleb asked, scrambling off the bed the same time the door opened.

"It's just me- oh. Don't you two look cozy," Caduceus said in his usual calm, polite manner. Both wizards were blushing profusely, Caleb in the middle of crawling over Essek's legs in an attempt to go open the door before he came in. It left them in quite the position.

"What do you want Caduceus?" Caleb hissed. He had told all of them to leave them alone! And he had been sure he'd locked his door.

"I come bearing refreshments," he said, holding up a tray with two glasses on top. "It's a new blend of green tea and jasmine, mixed with some fresh lemonade." Caleb sighed, pressing his fingers to his temple and rubbing as he walked over to his friend. He took the glasses from him.

"Thank you Caduceus, but I would appreciate it if you would wait for me to open the door next time, ja?" he asked, annoyance laced in his voice.

"Sorry, I didn't know what I was walking in on," he apologized. Caleb's blush returned as he escorted him out.

"You walked in on nothing! We are just studying, now please leave I have a lot of work to do." Then, quietly he leaned in and whisper-scolded, "Do you know what time it is? Leave me be I need privacy!"

"Again, sorry to interrupt. I just know how much la- er, spell casting works up a thirst. Mhm, sorry, tickle in my throat," he feigned clearing his throat, winking at Caleb as he left. Essek watched with a scrutinizing gaze, studying Caleb a little closer. He seemed more frazzled than earlier, but then again so would anyone if they'd been walked in on in such a manner.

"What was that?" he asked, fixing him with a studious glare and a raised brow.

"Nothing, y-you know how Caduceus is," he brushed off the question not as smoothly as he hoped. When Essek didn't reply, he rambled on, "Always checking up on people." He hesitated before walking back over to his bed. Essek scooted over against the wall so that Caleb wouldn't have to climb over him to get in his previous seat.

"What were the two of you whispering about?" Essek asked once he settled back down. Caleb refused to meet his eyes.

"Nothing. I was just, ah, getting onto him for barging in here like that."

"Is that so?" he questioned further.

"Ya, it is," he insisted, using all the strength he had not to back down. Essek merely hummed, going back to his teachings. He seemed more guarded and weary of him than before.

Caleb knew the moment 3:30 hit. Now or never. He tried to go about it subtly, reaching down to grab his knee as he shifted his position on the bed. Essek jerked away with a startled gasp.

"What do you think you're doing?" he asked, hand clasped tightly around his wrist. Maybe he would break it...

"Um, getting comfy. Sorry, I didn't mean to touch you," he apologized, but couldn't hide the growing smirk.

"Is that why you're smiling like an idiot then?" he asked, his former amusement flown out the window. Caleb blushed, said smile wiped from his face. For good measure, he hid his mouth behind his hand.

Now that he was being all huffy, Essek was really getting on his nerves. He deserved every bit of this, he justified. And so Caleb reached up to scratch along his beard, holding his long feather quill as he did so. Watching from the corner of his eye, he made sure to run it over the shell of Essek's ear, just like Beau said. And it was worth it.

Essek jerked away with a surprised yelp, fixing him with a death glare. Caleb continued to act innocent, scratching his chin. When he "noticed" his harsh look he froze, looking at his hand and the soft feather held between two fingers. He gave a sheepish grin.

"Ah, sorry I didn't realize I was still holding it. I didn't mean to tickle you," he apologized. Essek sputtered, a soft purple blush spreading over his cheeks.

"You did no such thing, so no apology necessary," he lied. Caleb tilted his head to look at him.

"You sure about that? You acted pretty ticklish to me. And trust me, I've been around the Nein long enough to know what that looks like," he teased, but also gave him a chance to revoke his lie.

"Well I am not, and I suggest you keep your hands to yourself," he advised in a harsh tone.

"Okaaay," he said, going back to his work. He grumbled under his breath, "Seemed pretty ticklish though," he said more to himself than anything.

"Well I'm not, so drop it," he demanded. Caleb's eyes widened, not expecting the shadowhand to be so defensive. As if to challenge him, he raised the feather once more and gave his ear another swipe. This time, a short giggle followed.

"Surely you of all people know that lying is a punishable offense," he teased. Essek scrunched his shoulders up high in an attempt to block his horrible touches.

"Nohohot for mehe!" he scolded through giggles, reaching up to snatch Caleb's wrist. He didn't try to struggle or pull away, but rather leaned in closer. The stern anger on Essek's face melted to nervousness as he leaned away.

"Are you saying that you are above the consequences of your actions?" Caleb asked, a growing smirk overtaking his features.

"N-no, no one is-" Caleb cut him off with another flutter of the feather to his ear. An uncharacteristically high pitched giggle escaped him as realization dawned on him. He was trapped. This whole thing was a trap. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you had planned this from the beginning," he accused.

"As usual you are right." Before Essek could react, Caleb's hand darted down to his knee and squeezed. Much to his delight and Essek's horror, he snorted very loud. His eyes went wide, both hands covering his mouth in shock. Caleb was grinning ear to ear, letting out a few snickers of his own, the bastard. He went back to squeezing his knee, this time going after both of them. He let out a slightly muffled squeak before falling victim to a fit of loud laughter.

"Stohohop this ahahat once!" he demanded, trying to scamper away on the bed. Caleb grabbed his legs to keep him in place, but allowed him a moment to catch his breath. "Alright, but only for a second."

"Whahat the fuck do you think you're doing?" Essek hissed, reaching to try and pry his grip loose. His grip was surprisingly strong.

"Tickling you, what else?" he asked nonchalantly, as if it was the stupidest question in the world. To make matters worse, he reached under him to scribble the backs of his knees as he asked. Essek snorted again before bursting into melodious laughter, tucking his knees in and managed to roll onto his side. His cheeks were growing a darker shade of purple before he grabbed his shirt's collar and pulled it up to hide his face.

"Oh no you don't. You can't hide from me," he tsked, pulling it back down. He used the opportunity to scratch under his chin, earning a giggly shriek. His chin slammed down to the base of his neck, trapping Caleb's fingers. His nose scrunched up as giggles and snickers continued to pour from his mouth.

"Hehe, you look like you have a double chin right now," he teased, wiggling his trapped fingers. There was a flash of anger for a brief second before utter embarrassment took over. He closed his eyes so he wouldn't have to look at Caleb's dumb, happy, smug face. Okay, maybe he peaked every few seconds.

"Quit ihihit or ehelse you'll rehehegret being bohohorn!" he threatened. He was as intimidating as anyone in that position would be. Caleb knew in the back of his mind that he should heed the warning. That's what the last shred of self preservation he does have tells him. But if he doesn't listen to that part of his brain in a life threatening fight, there's no way he'd listen to it now when he's having this much fun.

"Already way ahead of you," he joked at his own expense, shifting Essek's legs into a headlock. Essek's brows shot up to meet his hairline, frantically shaking his head. "I bet these are rather sensitive seeing as you never bother to use them," he taunted, scratching up his arches.

"Why ahahare you dohohoing thihis? Ihihi thought you wehere mature!" he cried out indignantly. His head was tossed back as hysterical laughter flew from his open mouthed smile.

"I have my pride and 10 gold on the line. You understand," he shrugged, not seeming apologetic at all. Ah, so it was some sort of bet. Blunt nails scratched at his heels and he kicked out as much as he could. "Wow, you're feet are very soft. Did you know that?" Caleb asked, and you could just hear the joy in his voice.

"Yehehes I knohohow! Give thehehem bahack!" he cried out, falling victim to a bout of cackles and shrieks.

"I don't really feel like it," he said, walking his fingers up to the balls of his feet. Essek shook his head, eyes filled with a thrilled kind of terror.

"Don't you dahahare go any farther," he warned, reaching down to shove him away, but Caleb blocked him. Instead of a verbal answer, he started scribbling just underneath his toes. A surprisingly girlish squeal pierced the air and he scrunched his feet in an attempt to lessen the ticklish feeling.

"See, that's what this all started out as: a dare. But now we're both enjoying ourselves," he teased, shooting him a wink as his dexterous fingers wormed their way between each toe. Essek shrieked, cheeks a dark purple.

"I-I ahaham nohohot! Whahatever mahahakes you thihink that?" Essek asked indignantly. Caleb's grin nearly split his face in two.

"For starters, you're laughing way too much to not be at least a little happy," he teased, squeezing both of his knees all of a sudden. He kicked out with a snort.

"Y-you're mahahaking mehehe!" he whined. Caleb shrugged smugly.

"Ja, I am, aren't I hilarious? But we both know you could easily make me stop. I'm not exactly strong," he pointed out, knowing from experience how flustering it was to be called out on your true thoughts on the matter. Essek shook his head, reaching up to cover his ears so he wouldn't have to listen to his teasing. For some reason, he thought Caleb wouldn't be such a tease. How foolish he'd been.

"Ihihif I could concehehentrate you'd behehe dead!" he continued his thinly veiled threats. Caleb actually cooed at him, leaning into his personal space as his fingers spidered up his ribs. Essek shrieked, arms crashing down to press against his sides.

Caleb tsked, shaking his head. "There you go again, trapping my fingers. Almost like you don't want me to stop," he teased with a wink, setting Essek's already profound blush aflame.

"Ihihi most certainly dohoho!" he tried to scold through his hysterics.

"Tell you what, if you can lift your arms so I can get my hands back, I'll stop," Caleb bargained. Essek shook his head as laughter poured from his lips. Caleb's brows shot up in surprise, his grin growing. "No? And why not?"

"Ihihi cahan feel you c-crossed your fihihingers! You're lying!" he spat out. Caleb gave a smug yet sheepish smile, shrugging his shoulder. He uncrossed his fingers, wiggling them in between his ribs earning another shriek of laughter.

"Guilty. Okay okay okay, now lift your arms and I'll stop for real this time," he promised. Essek glared at him through watery eyes, tears of mirth streaming down his cheeks and he wore a bright smile. Essek studied him even through his hysterics judging whether or not he should believe him. Finally, he slowly lifted his arms with a great deal of hesitation. His arms would jerk down a bit as he watched Caleb for any signs of an attack. Caleb only continued to smile the most dazzling smile Essek had seen from the man. Damn him.

Then his eyes flashed with a mixture of mischief and danger and before Essek could get away, he dug his fingers into his willingly exposed hollows.

"You fuhuhucking trahahaitor!" he yelled, immediately curling in a ball, arms pressed to his sides. Caleb laughed along with him, pulling his hands out from under his arms. Their laughter faded into the air, Caleb's much sooner than Essek's.

"Ohoho man, I'm sorry friend but I was having too much fun to stop," he apologized, patting his shoulder.

He greedily sucked in air, reaching out for the iced tea Caduceus had brought and gulped a quarter of it down. He smacked his lips, looking at the glass with a pleased expression, muttering under his breath, "Damn it, that's good." He took another large sip and set it down, flopping onto the mattress in an exhausted motion. He shot a glare at Caleb, "What the hell was that for?"

"Well, like I said; I was dared and then money got involved. But ah, you might've been laughing too hard to hear me," he teased with a wink. Just when his blush began to fade, it returned in full force.

"So... you were planning this from the start," Essek mused from where he laid on the bed.

"Yes, but you should know I was adamantly against it," Caleb said, hoping to smooth things over.

"And yet here you are: luring me here under false pretenses to torture and make a fool out of me. Besides, you clearly weren't very opposed to the idea." He regained his breath rather quickly, and when he turned to look at Caleb, all that mirth was gone. His features were set in a harsh glare and a fire burned in his eyes.

Caleb's own happy expression immediately fell from his face. "No! No that's not what I did at all! I really do appreciate our time together and learning these spells," he assured. "We did not do this to mock or make fun of you. Jester was just curious and got a little carried away-"

"Oh but you are the one who got carried away, if my aching belly is any proof," he sassed, raising to a sitting position. "I warned you multiple times to stop, and yet you ignored my pleas." Caleb looked down at the mattress, feeling guilty.

"I am sorry, but I've never heard you laugh like that before. And it felt nice to, y'know, be the one to make you lose your shit like that," he said, not meeting his gaze. Essek's expression softened for a moment.

"I... agree, that is the most I've laughed in quite some time. But there are other ways you know. Sure it might not be as- unhinged as what you just heard, but you could get a chuckle out of me. And I would think that would be more than enough," he scolded. And just because he could, he smacked Caleb upside the head. It wasn't meant to hurt, but rather to reprimand and startle him. And maybe make him feel a little more guilty than he already was.

"I-I know, I tried to tell them, but then they said I didn't have the guts to test it out. And by then I was more than a little curious myself," he rambled. "I really am sorry if I made you think we were doing this to make fun of you. We respect you. I respect you." He finally managed to look him in the eye. Then the corners of his lips tugged upwards as he looked back at the bed. "And just because the whole house heard you giggling like a school girl doesn't mean we don't."

The gentle expression that had managed to find Essek's face dropped upon hearing the teasing. "Oh Caleb... they were right about you." Said wizard's head snapped up, a confused and startled look on his face.

"What?" he breathed out.

"You really have no self preservation, do you?" he asked, amusement and mock sympathy lacing his voice. Caleb's brows shot up in surprise and he turned to make a run for it, only for his door to lock itself. He winced, standing there in the middle of his room and slowly turned to face Essek.

He'd seen that look before, and it never boded well for whoever it was directed at. It was a look of anger and determination, and it was utterly terrifying. Celeb felt himself shrink under such a gaze as he loomed closer.

"I-I'm sorry Essek, I really am. I-if you never want to teach me magic again, or if you want to take away the spells I just learned, I won't stop you. You have every right to-" Essek held his hand up to stop his ramblings.

"I do not wish for any of those things. But you will not get out of this unscathed." Without warning, or perhaps that was his warning, Essek cast hold person on him, and Caleb's never felt more screwed in his life. His eyes went wide and a nervous grin overtook his features. He cracked his knuckles, taking a step forward.

"Essek, please, I said I'm sorry. T-there's no need for this! I mean, do you really want to stoop to our level?" Essek leaned in, resting his hands on the dips of his sides. Caleb gasped, biting his lip to try and contain any sounds.

He whispered in his ear, "Right now, I'd love nothing more." Caleb was speechless as Essek leaned back to look directly at him. "Oh and just so you know, I won't stop until I feel like it, regardless of begging. After all, that's what you did to me," he said. He looked to the ground, shaking his head with a low chuckle. "Remember, you brought this on yourself."

Caleb whimpered at the teasing remark, trying to resist the spell and break free, but Essek grabbed his still body and plopped him onto the bed. Essek took a moment to position him, lifting his arms above his head without struggle.

"Please, you don't have to do this! I said I'm sorry, I won't do it again," he pleaded as he watched him roll his shirt up to expose his stomach. He yelped, more out of anticipation and nerves than anything.

"Oh but I'm afraid I have to. I must make an example out of you, so your friends will know what will happen to them if they are to be so bold," he spoke in a calm, even manner that sent chills up Caleb's spine. He couldn't even squirm... he'd really dug his own grave. A surprised, breathy giggle slipped out as Essek spidered his fingers over the soft skin. "Besides, what kind of friend would I be if I didn't get some well deserved revenge?" he asked, flashing a genuine smile. Even through his giggles he breathed a sigh of relief, knowing Essek wasn't as mad as he expected. But of course, that didn't mean he wouldn't make him live through hell.

"A-aha, so you ahahadmit we're friends?" Caleb asked, sucking his belly in. His fingers followed easily and began to pick up speed.

"Well, I never outright denied the claim. And if we're apparently comfortable doing this, I guess we are," he said, sounding a little surprised himself. As though the prospect of them actually being friends rather than work companions was entirely new. He shook himself out of the thought, prodding up his sides.

Caleb shrieked, a bought of bright laughter filling the air. His immediate reaction was rather pleasing for Essek to hear. He squeezed his fleshy sides, eliciting a loud snort. Essek's smile widened at the sound.

"You're this ticklish and you decided to test your luck with me? Not your brightest moment," he teased. His fingers prodded and vibrated on his stomach, and if he could, Caleb would've curled into a ball by now.

"Shuhuhut up!" he snapped, cheeks turning red. Essek's jaw dropped in shock, digging his fingers in a little more and picking up the pace. His hysterical giggling turned to deep bellylaughs, and his arms strained to pull down against the spell.

"Have you no manners, or do you just want me to tickle you stupid?" he asked in a huff. Poor Caleb's blush turned a shade darker from the mean taunt. To make matters worse, he couldn't even shake his head. So he had to answer verbally, lest Essek think he actually does want that.

"Nohoho dohohon't!" he squealed, trying with all his might to save himself against the spell. Due to his persistent laughter, it was an epic failure.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't," he said, fingers crawling up his ribs.

"Ihihit tihihihickles!" he squealed, nose scrunched up adorably as he laughed. Essek chuckled along with him.

"I said to give a reason why I should stop, not to keep going," he teased, pinching at his lowest ribs. His laughter spiked and his body twitched, slowly beginning to regain the ability to move. Essek took notice before eyeing the book holsters on Caleb's chest. He traced around them and his giggling turned more nervous and hysteric.

"Nehehein, nein nohohot thehere!" he pleaded. In that moment, Caleb looked happier than Essek had ever seen him. Perhaps he could understand how he had gotten so carried away with his own torture.

"A good spot I presume?" he asked, taking advantage of the last of the spell to unclip the holster and slide it off. Caleb whined in protest, eyes closed and head tilted back. "I'll take that as a yes," he mused, ghosting his hands over the newly exposed spot. Caleb shrieked before loud, carefree laughter flowed from his lips.

Essek scratched between the spaces of his previously (semi) protected ribs, eliciting a very loud snort from the other wizard. It fueled his embarrassment enough for him to break the spell in order to hide his cherry red face behind his hands.

"Show me that happy face, or I might be compelled to cast again," he threatened playfully. Caleb squealed but shook his head, rolling onto his side. He tucked his knees to his chest, forming a tight ball. Essek grabbed his wrists in one hand to pull them away. Caleb tried to fight him off, but his arms were pulled over his head once more.

Essek wore a triumphant smirk as he leaned in, "I know your friends tease you about being weak, but this is ridiculous," he taunted, scratching his exposed hollow. Caleb let out a scream of laughter, writhing underneath him.

"Shuhut uhuhup! Ihihi cahahan't!" he whined, body jolting as he switched to his other armpit. High pitched cackles escaped from his mouth and his legs kicked in the air frantically, as if he were riding a bicycle.

"You can't what? I'm afraid you'll have to be more clear," Essek said, clearly enjoying the reversal of power in this situation.

"Q-quit teheheasing arschloch," he managed to swear through hysterics.

"I may not speak Zemnian, but that certainly sounds a lot like asshole to me. And well, I can't let you get away with calling me that, now can I?" he asked, drilling his thumbs in the center of his underarms.

If Essek giggled like a little school girl, Caleb certainly shrieked like one. The hand returned to cover his mouth, barely muffling the snorts and cackles that followed. Unfortunately for Essek, it also hid that dazzling smile he didn't know he loved so much. Emotions began to swell in his chest; emotions he wasn't quite ready to deal with just yet. He should stop...

But not yet. He did grant him a quick breather as he straddled him, keeping him pinned. Caleb's hair was a wild mess, a few strands stuck to his forehead by a thin layer of sweat. His head flopped back as he panted for breath, letting out a low whine.

"You're being cruel. You're a cruel man, Essek Thelyss," he said in a slightly dazed voice. There was no venom in his words, and his smile remained prominent.

"Then you should keep that in mind the next time you try this," he practically purred. Caleb arched a brow, sweet grin morphing into a playful smirk.

"That insinuates that there will be a next time." Essek floundered for a moment, sputtering for an answer.

"T-there won't," he tried to sound stern.

"If you don't think I'm already planning ahead then you're foolish."

"You do realize I'm not done yet, right?" Essek teased, fluttering up his sides. He squeaked and fell into a stream of giggles, squirming underneath him. His hands crawled their way up to his neck where he cupped his face. Caleb froze, staring deep into his eyes. "You really are a glutton for punishment," he playfully chastised, scratching just behind his ears.

Caleb shrieked, trapped in an endless cycle of snorts and giggles. Essek's gentle hold around his neck made it impossible for him to toss his head around to escape the feeling, and it just heightened the torturously wonderful feeling of hopelessness he was in. If this was the consequences that came with fucking with Essek, then he'd have to mess with the man more often.

"Wow, you just get more ticklish the longer this goes on, don't you?" he asked, as if amazed. Caleb's never felt more flustered.

"T-thahahat's nohohot true!" he denied. Another snort slipped out, followed by shrill giggles.

"No? How about you prove it then," Essek challenged, a hungry, almost predatory look in his eye. His fingers slowed to a stop and he started to lean in. He was leaning in! Caleb licked his lips, closing his eyes as he craned his neck to meet him.

Suddenly, he felt a hand on top of his head, pulling it to the side to expose his neck. His eyes flew open, a sinking feeling in his stomach. "What-"

Essek's lips collided with the taut skin of his neck and he blew a loud raspberry that reverberated through the room. Caleb's reaction was immediate.

Hysterical cackling filled the air around him and he weakly shoved and smacked at Essek's shoulders and chest. "Nehehein thihihis ihisn't fahahair!" he squealed, body quickly turning to jelly.

As an answer, Essek blew another raspberry, renewing the laughing fit Caleb had been lost to. He made a show of pulling away, taking a comically deep breath.

Caleb frantically shook his head, "No no nohohoho! You bahahahastard, stohohop!" he pleaded. Essek repeated the process two more times on the other side of his neck before letting him go.

He curled up in a giggling heap, body still twitching from phantom touches that lingered on his skin.

"And that is what happens if you try to tickle me. Do keep that in mind," Essek said with a wink. Caleb whimpered, grabbing a pillow and shoving it over his face. "Oh don't be like that," Essek teased, poking his soft tummy a few times, wiggling his fingers a bit. Caleb squealed, a few short giggles slipping out as he smacked the offending hands. Essek pulled the pillow away without struggle, revealing a rather embarrassed, but happy, looking Caleb.

"I think your face matches your hair right now," he teased, moving some of the stray locks from his forehead. Caleb adverted his eyes, sitting up.

"Shut up, I can't help it. I embarrass easily," he complained. Essek's smile only grew.

"You're telling me." There was a quiet moment filled with a thick tension that neither of them decided to break. Essek smacked the tops of his thighs, standing up. "Well! I believe I must be going. I had another spell I wanted to teach you, but since you wasted our valuable time-"

"It definitely wasn't a waste," Caleb interrupted, a satisfied smile firmly in place. Essek blinked in surprise, taken aback by the statement. "If you ask me, that was time well spent."

Essek huffed out an amused chuckle, staring at the floor. He tilted his head to look at him, pausing to think of what to say. "Yes well, if you had so much fun, you should look forward to our next session. Where you will practice maintaining concentration while casting," he said the last part with a slight edge to his tone, giving Caleb a stern look. Just in case he didn't get the hint, he wiggled his fingers in his direction for good measure.

His mouth gaped open and closed, at a loss for words. Essek smiled proudly, feeling as though he won that conversation. He was putting his cloak on when he heard something at the door.

"Aww that's so cute- Ow!" came Jester's muffled voice.

"You're being loud!" Beauregard scolded in a loud hush. Essek and Caleb locked eyes. Caleb with a look of "oh shit, I'm fucked" while Essek's flashed with anger.

"You're both being loud, we have to leave," Fjord said next. With a quick wave of his hand, the door opened and in tumbled the three of them, plus Nott. They laid scattered on the floor in a guilty heap, Jester grinning up at him nervously with a tiny wave.

"Wha- how long have you been listening?" he asked incredulously. Beauregard answered hesitantly. "Kinda like, the whole time."

"So since around 3:30," Jestered answered. Essek's head snapped to glare at Caleb.

"You had a time picked out?" he asked in a dark yet patient tone. Caleb merely nodded. "Huh. Consider this part one of my revenge.

"What? But-"

"No buts," he shut him down, taking on the air of his authority.

Nott scrambled free, but Essek reached down and grabbed her by her shirt collar and picked her up.

"And where do you think you're going?" he asked. Nott threw punches in the air, and yelled, "I'm an innocent bystander! They asked me to come along!"

"It's true, she had nothing to do with this," Caleb spoke up, vouching for her. Essek set her down without a word, letting her dash away.

Essek stepped aside, gesturing with a "welcoming" arm to the others. "By all means, do come in." It wasn't a request, it was an order. They crawled in and stood in the middle of the room, all looking some degree of guilty, some more than others. Fjord looked the most genuine. Beauregard was at least trying to act remorseful, but it was clear she thought this was hilarious. Jester seemed to be quite pleased with herself, barely suppressing her smug grin and doing a rather poor job.

Essek closed the door, trapping them in the room. He then began pacing in front of them and spoke. "I can't believe that you all would devise this scheme."

"You can't? Don't you know us by now?" Beau asked.

"I thought I made the boundaries of our relationship quite clear, but apparently such things mean nothing to you," he scolded. Beau shut her mouth, knowing when to shut up while getting chewed out.

"Look, we meant no disrespect. It was just a little misguided curiosity that got out of hand. You have our word, it won't happen again,” Fjord assured.

"It most certainly will not. And if you feel like testing your luck, I dare you to try. I promise you'll end up in worse shape than Caleb," he said, pointing over to him. He lifted his red face from his hands to let out a sound of protest.

"I don't know, I think I can hold out better than him," Jester bragged aloud.

"In that case I'll be sure to go after you next," he said, glaring her down. She squeaked, wrapping her arms around her body. "Then you," he said, pointing at Beauregard, making her pale. "Then you," he continued down the line, ending with Fjord. He poked his chest, making him lean back. They all looked like scared puppies cowering in a corner. Good, he thought. They should be nervous.

"Wait a minute, does this mean you'll actually start hanging out with us?" Jester asked, not bothering to contain her excitement. He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Unfortunately yes."

"Hey don't say that like it's the worst thing ever," Beau said, crossing her arms.

"Yeah, you totally had a blast!" Jester exclaimed. Essek reeled back, cheeks blushing a darker purple.

"I-I did not!"

"You did tell Caleb this would happen again," Fjord spoke up, rubbing the back of his neck shyly. "Technically twice." He finally succumbed to the teasing smile that fought its way onto his face. "It's okay if you had a lil fun. We won't tell," he assured the shadowhand, shooting him a wink.

"Caleb is like, really fun to tickle, isn't he?" Jester asked, grinning from ear to ear.

"I am not!" Caleb yelped from his spot on the bed.

"No I'm afraid she's right. But I don't know what you three are so smug about. Using poor Caleb as your scape goat and then eaves dropping on my demise: it's cowardly and conniving, but clever." They hung their heads in shame- well, as much as one can have while biting back a smug grin.

"I'm sorry Ms. Beauregard, is something about this funny?" he asked in a dangerous growl. She quickly schooled her features and shook her head.

"N-no," she bluffed, meeting his eyes for a few seconds before breaking down into snickers, nodding her head. "Yeheah I do, but I can't help it! You're all you but then your laugh is super high pitched. It's uh, shocking."

"You would all be wise to sleep with one eye open until further notice," Essek said, glaring them down one by one. Fjord shifted uncomfortably under the scrutiny.

Jester rocked on the balls of her feet, tentatively asking, "You aren't like, actually planning to sneak into our house in the middle of the night just to tickle us, are you?" she asked nervously. She gasped and a hand slapped over her mouth. "Oh no you guys, I think I accidentally gave the Traveler an idea!" she squeaked in shock.

Essek stared at her, blinking in shock. "Um, no but the fact you feel compelled to ask that is a little concerning," he said a little wearily, keeping an eye on all of their hands. He stood at the doorway, ready to leave. He turned to face them and said, "Don't worry about Nott, she'll get what's coming eventually. As will Caduceus."

Fjord's stomach twisted at the prospect of roping their innocent friends into this mess. Mostly because they'd be in search of their own revenge. "Now wait a minute, he didn't have anything to do with this," Fjord defended.

"Oh but he did," he said, holding up the glass of lemonade tea. He took another sip and offered a tight lipped smile. "He knew what was going to happen and didn't even try to tip me off. I consider that being an accessory after the fact."

"Pft, you say that like it's a crime or something," Jester giggled.

"If I wanted to I could classify this as an assault," he scolded. He paused to let his words take effect before continuing. "But seeing as no one got hurt and I'm already planning on taking matters into my own hands, that won't be necessary." He turned to leave when Fjord spoke up.

"Maybe go easier on us than you did Caleb," he said, gesturing to himself and Beauregard. "We didn't play as big a part in this as Jester." She gasped and pinched his sides, making him jerk away with a quick yelp.

"What is wrong with you? You can't throw me to the wolves like that!" she whined.

Essek gave an annoyed grin and hummed, "I don't think you're in the position to be making requests. Goodbye."

"What's the matter, are you not staying for dinner?" Beau asked teasingly. He let out a half amused, half nervous chuckle.

"You're out of your mind if you think I'd stick around after this."

Jester nodded, "Mm that's fair. Oh wait!" He sighed, turning to face her. "What?" he asked exasperatedly.

"You forgot your shoes! Not that you really need them or anything," she teased, rolling her eyes as she held out his shoes. His cheeks flushed slightly and he took them wordlessly, giving them all a side eyed glance. "You have a really nice laugh by the way."

His mouth gaped open before promptly snapping it shut. "Er- thank you." He slipped on his shoes and left, more flustered than he intended to be.

On his way out, Caduceus caught him in the walkway. "Oh hey, how're you feeling after all that?" he asked in his usual warm tone.

"Exhausted and more embarrassed than I ever remember being," he huffed. He placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, giving a comforting pat.

"Heh, I know. But it's good to let those emotions out every once in a while. Like a soul cleanse," he mused.

"Uh, that's not how I see it, but I guess I do feel lighter," he admitted before he could think better of it. "Don't tell anyone I said that," he ordered.

Caduceus held his hands up in surrender. "Not a word." He looked him up and down, as if judging whether or not he was telling the truth.

"Good. Thank you for the tea by the way. Very refreshing." He perked up at the compliment, a wide smile stretching across his face.

"Really? Oh, I'm so glad you liked it," he said with a mix of excitement and relief.

"Yes. I'll be sure to keep your kindness in mind when I go after you," he said absentmindedly.

His smile twitched downwards and his perked up ears dropped. "W-what?"

"As far as I'm concerned, you all have some blame in this."

His gentle smile found its way back on his face and he shook his head. "Nah, I'm an angel." Essek didn't bother to stop the wide grin from forming.

"Maybe compared to the others," he joked. Caduceus chuckled, waving as he walked out the door. "Well I'll look forward to it."

That certainly threw him for a loop. He stopped to look at him, bewilderment and confusion in his eyes. "You do realize that was a threat."

Caduceus just shrugged. "Maybe to you. To me, I just see a new friend finally coming around."

Essek didn't know what to say to that. Instead he just shook his head, chuckling. "You are a strange bunch, that's for sure." He paused before closing the door, looking over his shoulder. "Oh and Caduceus?"

"Hm?"

"Tell everyone to watch their back." With a wink and a quick flash of teeth, he shut the door. He left feeling both tired and rejuvenated, floating a little higher than he normally did. Maybe this group of people were his friends after all.

[calebcresswell]

“It’s a shame the British don’t celebrate Thanksgiving. It already gets overshadowed by the two far more popular holidays it’s smushed in between,” Caleb mused with a chuckle. “I hear you guys do turkey for Christmas though, so I guess that evens things out in a way,” he added in a joking manner.