#namasiao

[marmolady]

Zahra and Craig now!

Confession: I struggle so hard writing these two (and Raj and Sean and Jake... all the worst), so a chapter that's just Namasiao is just.... eek.

But I love them.

Anyways, it's really nice to be writing again. It's also fun to imagine where each of the Catalysts might be at after a few months on La Huerta. Some are definitely going to be faring better than others!

[sceptilemasterr]

SHIP QUESTIONS! For Quinchelle, I would pretty please like 4-6 in pre-relationship, 1-3 in general, and 1, 7 and 9 in love. <3 Five domestic of your choice for Namasiao! Aaaand all the pre-relationship questions for Atlas/Beckett!

I'd be happy to, thanks for the request!

Quinnchelle:

4. Who felt romantic feelings first?

Quinn. At first she spent much of her time on La Huerta at first being afraid to get too close to anyone, afraid of burdening them with her terminal diagnosis. After being healed, Quinn had a lot of inner confusion as she adjusted to her new reality; through it all, Michelle was always there as a sort of emotional anchor for her. It wasn't long before Quinn realized just how much she wanted Michelle in her life; not just as a friend, but as something more.

5. Did either of them try to resist their feelings?

Quinn was very shut down to any romantic thoughts prior to her recovery, as mentioned above. After being healed, she quickly became open to the idea, though Michelle took a little longer to come around. It took Quinn flat-out asking Michelle on a date for her to acknowledge her feelings.

6. If you had told one of them that the other would be their soulmate, what would they think?

Quinn would've been sad at the idea that anyone would be "cursed" to be the soulmate of someone like her who was destined for a short life. She'd have hoped Michelle found someone who could stick around for her a bit longer, if possible. Michelle probably would've been a little skeptical of the idea of a "soulmate" at all but gradually opened up to the idea of dating Quinn.

1. Who initiated the relationship, and how did it go?

Quinn initiated; it wasn't long after she was healed that she decided to take the risk and ask Michelle out. She asked her while at the Elysian Lodge with the other Catalysts; Michelle was a little hesitant at first but finally acknowledged that she was starting to feel something for Quinn and was willing to try it out. Quinn was very relieved and somehow managed to be even cheerier than usual for the rest of the night, a feat the others acknowledged should probably have been impossible.

2. Did they have an official first date? If so, what was it like?

They had two, actually! Their first first date was at the Vaanti festival of shak'nalen, a rough equivalent to Thanksgiving. The two of them danced, enjoyed some Vaanti games, and ate plenty of food! The other Catalysts were all incredibly supportive and happy to see the two of them find each other.

Later, after returning from La Huerta, Michelle had the idea to ask Quinn out on a "second first date" now that they were back home. It was a bit silly, but it was really a way to take Quinn (and her own) mind off of everything that had happened. She took her to a fancy restaurant in downtown Northbridge, and then afterward to visit the opening of The Grand nightclub nearby. Here, they briefly ran into Sasha Stevens, who Quinn realized had a strong aura, similar to the one she'd started to notice around the Czasa twins near the end of their time on La Huerta. They quickly lost sight of her, and put the strange aura out of their minds as they enjoyed the rest of their night before returning to Michelle's dorm and spending the night together.

A few weeks later, Quinn would remember what she'd spotted that night. She immediately reaches out to Estela and Jake with what she'd found, leading them to investigate Northbridge further... but that's another story altogether!

3. What was their first kiss like?

New Year's Eve at midnight, at the tallest platform of Elyys'tel during the Catalysts' second New Year's party. They were both a little shy about it at first, but then Quinn took her attitude of "living life to the fullest" and went in for the kiss. Michelle reciprocated, to plenty of cheers and whoops from the rest of the Catalysts.

1. Who said “I love you” first?

Michelle! They were falling asleep together late at night in Elyys'tel; she didn't think Quinn could hear her at first, and was a bit surprised when she heard a mumbled "Love you too, 'Chelle."

It turned out Quinn hadn't remembered hearing that the next morning, but Michelle asking her was essentially saying it again, and Quinn reciprocated, this time while wide awake!

7. What are their favorite things to do together?

If you asked Quinn, she'd say "Anything as long as we're together." But, to be more precise, they really love having time to themselves; a night cuddled up on the couch together watching a movie is heaven for the two of them. They also enjoy baking together. Despite plenty of practice, Michelle hasn't gotten very good at it, but Quinn appreciates her effort and enthusiasm for helping out. They don't really have much fun when out in large groups; their experiences on La Huerta have set them apart from the rest of the world in a way they can't quite place, much like the other Catalysts. For that reason, they're always eager to invite some or all of the Catalysts to visit any chance they can. Furball appreciates the attention, too!

9. Who’s more protective?

Michelle tends to be the more protective of the two in most situations. She will not tolerate anyone insulting or belittling Quinn or herself and always makes her anger known very quickly. In contrast, it takes a lot to make Quinn truly furious, but when she does... the powers that awakened on La Huerta are enough to scare off most "normal" threats fairly quickly.

Namasiao:

1. If they get married, who proposes?

Zahra proposes a few years after returning from La Huerta. She dropped increasingly obvious hints to Craig, who missed each and every one of them, including straight up asking "you ever think about gettin' married?" to which he replied "well, yeah, of course we should" but didn't follow up whatsoever. She later went out and bought simple matching engagement rings, asked Craig the big question, then as soon as he said 'yes,' she put the ring on his finger telling him "You're stuck with me now!" He was, of course, plenty happy with that arrangement.

2. What’s the wedding like? Who attends?

As fitting Zahra and Craig, they had a very small wedding, held in the most isolated place they could think of: La Huerta, the Celestial ballroom. (It also helped that Aleister and Grace didn't charge them a cent for the venue.) The Catalysts and some of the Vaanti were invited, along with a few others they had met during their adventures. It was a Catalyst party like no other, and mostly an excuse for everyone to drink a lot, but they wouldn't have had it any other way.

6. Who worries the most?

Craig worries about every possibility under the sun, including those that are completely outrageous ("what if a meteor hits the bridge today and we fall in the ocean while driving and drown?") Zahra's better at keeping him down-to-earth and prefers to stay realistic. It does annoy her a bit that the definition of "realistic" keeps getting stretched with each new adventure they and the other Catalysts find themselves wrapped up in, as Craig is fond of reminding her.

7. Who kills the bugs in the house?

Zahra always insists on taking care of it herself, since whenever Craig tries to kill a bug, he usually ends up destroying everything in the room except the bug in question.

10. Who’s the better cook?

The one thing that Craig can cook is scrambled eggs, for some reason, which is still one more food dish than Zahra can cook. Their diet largely consists of take-out and frozen meals, save the rare occasions when one of the other Catalysts (typically Quinn or Raj) decides to cook for them while visiting.

Atlas/Beckett ("Batlas? "Ackett?" never mind those are both terrible)

1. How did they first meet?

Their first meeting was in Penderghast's library, though Beckett didn't realize it at the time since Atlas was in disguise as her twin sister Fiora. Atlas was looking for information on the Dread, and encountered Beckett early in the morning.

Beckett's first time meeting Atlas not disguised was during the surprise birthday party for Fiora. He was completely taken off-guard by the reveal that Fiora had a twin sister who he had been interacting with all this time, though he tried to pretend he'd known all along (no one believed him.)

2. What was their first impression of each other?

Atlas found Beckett annoying at first, especially in her efforts to not be noticed while in disguise as Fiora. Gradually, particularly once she no longer had to disguise herself any more, she started to respect Beckett for his abilities.

Beckett, for his part, didn't realize it was Atlas he was talking to, and simply thought "Fiora" was behaving strangely on the occasions he saw her in disguise. After the reveal, things made a lot more sense to him. He was reluctantly impressed by her abilities with her Water- and Energy-Attunement, and quickly started to see her in a competitive light.

3. Did any of their friends or family want them to get together?

Zeph, from the moment he discovered Atlas existed. He even physically dragged Beckett over to ask Atlas to the gala, since he was reluctant to do it himself. Fiora was also very encouraging of the two of them, but in a less overt way than Zeph.

4. Who felt romantic feelings first?

Neither one could say when exactly their mutual competitiveness and respect for one another evolved into true friendship, and from there into romance. It sort of happened over time; they don't even have an anniversary of their first date. They use Atlas and Fiora's birthday, since that was the first time they met with Atlas out of disguise. Their feelings grew naturally, and by the end of Beckett's second year at Penderghast they were official.

5. Did either of them try to resist their feelings?

Not when it comes to romantic feelings, but in terms of friendship, Atlas was very reluctant. It took some time before she was willing to let the Pend Pals--including Beckett--truly befriend her.

6. If you had told one of them that the other would be their soulmate, what would they think?

Beckett would laugh and explain fifteen different scholarly proofs as to why the idea of a "soulmate" has been thoroughly debunked by the highest Attuned scientists.

Atlas would send you flying into the nearest body of water, or create her own if there was none nearby.

7. What would their lives be like if they had never met?

Atlas would still open up to the others as friends, but she likely would have taken a long time before she found someone equally as skilled and driven as Beckett to impress her. She probably would have ended up spending a lot more time with Fiora and Shreya, simply because they're the only family she'd have.

Beckett, likewise, would not find a romantic partner for many years, if at all, simply because of his incredibly high standards. He would live most of his life alone and would not go out of his way much to seek out the others. The other Pend Pals would end up forcing him to join in on their get-togethers.

...And, of course, Beckett III, Evie, little Zeph, and Rel would never have existed. Though the house would still be standing at least, so there's that.

--------------------

Thanks again for the asks! This was fun!

[normal-thoughts-official]

namasiao AU proposition:

ID: Pamphlet glued to an outer wall, which says; "Missed connection. You were the girl sitting on this park bench, I was the guy fighting a duck for my pants and losing. If you saw me, please call me 614-344-8994 (p.s. I got them back - let's hang out!)" end ID

[itsagoodluckkiss]

Zahra: We've been together for a while now and I've been thinking that it is time to take the next step in our relationship.

Craig: What?

Zahra: *kneels down on one knee*

Zahra: *pulls out sticky note* Here. My WiFi password.

Craig: *tears up*

[kenjkats]

WHAT AN ICON

[sherereadssthemanuscript]

"I think I'm in love with you, and I don't know how to stop. I don't think I can."

- Kyan-Yu Craig Hsiao to Zahra Yasmin Namazi

[sceptilemasterr]

Love love love this! Oh how I miss ES...

Sadly I don’t have time to create something entirely new for the Anniversary this week but still

Congratulations to @playchoices for their 1 Year Anniversary! It’s been awesome to see your studio grow so much from when it started, here’s to you wonderful people and to many more years to come! 

I adore Endless Summer, I love the puzzles the mystery and all the characters. It keeps me on edge and really makes you think. Definitely my favourite book! 

[scgdoeswhat]

Zahra x Craig - The Challenge

Because I’m a dumbass, I totally misread the original prompt from @sophie-summer. 

Since this is my mistake, everyone gets a second Namasiao ficlet instead! Though to be honest, I liked the “Are you challenging me” prompt quite a bit. 

Hope you enjoy this almost crack!ficlet. It takes place after everyone gets off the island and are back at Hartfeld.

"DUDE. You know I can."

"I'm not asking if you can, I'm asking if you have the balls to do it." Sean smirked at his best friend.

Craig narrowed his eyes at Sean. "Brah, you challenging me?"

"Maybe. It's your funeral if you do."

"We'll see about that."

Craig got up from the table they were sitting at in Hartfeld's student union and marched over to where Zahra was standing. Her smile dropped as she saw her boyfriend approach with a determined look on his face.

"Hey, what's u-AH!"

Before she knew it, Craig had hoisted her above his body and proceeded to do five reps of overhead lifts. In front of everyone. Zahra was mortified AND dumbstruck.

"Craig, what in the living hell do you think you're doing?!" She whispered fiercely in his ear, as he held her bridal style. "Put me down, you big oaf!"

"Not my fault, Z. Sean challenged me." He shrugged.

They both looked over to the school's star QB, who was laughing so hard that he didn't notice his chair tilting back until it was too late.

Zahra barked out in laughter seeing Sean hit the floor while everyone snapped pictures of the projected number one draft pick sprawled out unceremoniously.

"Not even gonna lie, Craig," she said as she wiped tears from her eyes, "that was worth it."

"Chyeah, I knew you'd see it my way, Z!" He exclaimed with a big shit-eating grin on his face.

"But, if you ever do that to me in public again-”

"Then that means I'll just have to do it in private," he grinned, giving her a quick kiss on the nose before walking away, leaving his normally cool as a cucumber girlfriend with cheeks as red as a tomato.

[choicesislife-blog]

Endless Summer Fantasy AU Chapter 2

A/N: Another annoying author's note in the way! Either way...these r things you should be reminded about...

Ships present in the fanfic:

Jake x Female! MC (Taylor)

Estela x Male! MC (Travis)

Zahra x Craig (Namasiao)

Sean x Michelle (Seanelle)

Grace x Aleister (Graleister)

Varynn x Diego (Variego)

Malatesta x Yvonne (Malavonne)

If you haven't checked out Chap 1, do check it out! :D Hope you enjoy!

The night had struck the kingdom. Silence is present in the grand palace of Aethiopia...

In her bedroom, Taylor watches the clock as its hands slowly tick its way to midnight. The moment they do reach midnight, the princess grins.

"The perfect time to strike." Taylor smiles to herself.

The princess rises from her bed, and dons a black cloak before exitting her bedroom. Lucky for her, her twin brother's room was just across hers. Taylor raises her fist and gently knocks on the door.

Tapping her foot in slight impatience, the pale-skinned girl knew that she had no other choice but to wait.

Finally, the door swings open. Travis strides out of the bedroom in the same black cloak Taylor is wearing, sleepily rubbing his eyes.

"Gee, do we really have to?" Travis says.

"Come on, we don't have all day...!" Taylor says in a hushed tone.

She grabs her brother's wrist and drags him with her.

"Are you sure Aleister won't reprimand us for sneaking out of our rooms at midnight?" Travis blurts out. "He did say we have a curfew..."

"At least we have a good reason to be awake," Taylor says, irritated.

The twins continued their way down the dimly lit corridors.

"If we get caught, I'm definitely going to blame you." Travis muttered under his breath.

"Hey, you were the one who said you'd help," Taylor says.

"I didn't know we'd do it tonight," Travis whispered back. "Where the heck are we going, anyway?"

"You'll see." replied Taylor.

Taylor pauses once she's reached a pair of large, tall doors. Travis stops right behind her.

Travis's brows raise, "The library? Isn't it locked right now?"

"True," Taylor hums. "but I have a key."

"Say what?" Travis exclaims. "How?"

Taylor grins, tossing her platinum-blonde hair over her shoulder. "Perks of being a princess."

Taylor inserts the key into the keyhole, twisting it...

"Is...that the key itself or a duplicate?" Travis asks in curiosity.

"The key itself," Taylor responds. "but don't worry, we'll put this back to where it belongs."

Taylor pushes the doors open, revealing a vast library filled with numerous bookshelves.

"Come on, I'll show you my progress." said Taylor, beckoning her brother to follow her.

Travis stalks off behind her, taking a few moments to gaze at the beautifully lit library. Taylor stops in her tracks before a long, brown table. Files and books were stacked on top of it.

"That's all I've got," said Taylor, pointing at the documents and books piled up.

Travis takes a book, beginning to flip through its pages. "This reminds me of the history lessons we'd take under Aleister's tutelage, to be honest."

"Believe me, I've spent hours in this library..." Taylor sighs.

Travis sits atop the desk, while Taylor takes a seat on a nearby chair, with both of them reading.

"All I see here is the history of Aethiopia," commented Travis. "How's that supposed to help us find the killer of our parents?"

"Well, it's important to know the history of the realm." Taylor says, shutting a book she'd just finished reading closed. "That way we can find out who's against our kingdom."

"I guess you have a point," Travis nods thoughtfully.

An hour passed, and the twins had already finished reading all the documents and books Taylor had stacked up in her hours of research.

"Still nothing?" Travis asks, turning to his twin.

"No...unfortunately." Taylor bites on her lower lip.

A curtain of silence draped over them...

"Why are you so desperate to find out who...murdered our parents?" Travis says ever so suddenly. "I mean, I know I'm upset, but...--"

"I'm scared."

Taylor's words made Travis pause mid-sentence.

"...What?" Travis asks, confused.

Taylor releases a heavy sigh, "I'm scared that it might happen to you, Travis. We lost Mother and Father before, and I...I don't want to lose you like we lost them. So I thought that if we'd catch our parents' killer...no one would harm our kingdom."

Travis's eyes softened. "Hey...you won't lose me, sis."

Travis climbs off the table, taking a seat beside her and flashing his signature smile at her. "In fact, we'll make Mother and Father proud. We can start by becoming great leaders to our people."

Taylor forces a small smile. "Thanks, Travis."

"Say...wanna keep searching?" Travis asks.

"You bet." Taylor beams.

The next morning, Taylor is seen sleepily snoring on her bed. She and her brother had gone to sleep at around three in the morning, so they barely got enough sleep.

The door to her bedroom slammed open, and the Royal Advisor, Aleister angrily stormed inside.

"Princess Taylor, your sleeping habits are completely intolerable!" Aleister yells.

Taylor groans, removing her sleeping mask. "What's the big deal?"

"Don't act like a fool, Princess Taylor." Aleister glares at her. "You've overslept, yet again!"

Taylor yawns, rising up from her canopy bed. "Yeah, yeah...Sorry 'bout that."

Aleister sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose as he shakes his head. "I'm quite disappointed in you, Princess Taylor."

"Well, I'll leave you be to dress properly for breakfast." said Aleister, walking off to exit the room. "I'll be expecting you to be in the Dining Hall in the next few minutes."

Taylor sighs as her advisor leaves. A dark-skinned beauty enters the grand bedroom, wearing a pale-orange maid dress with white frills.

"Your Highness," the maid politely curtsied.

"There's no need for the formalities, Grace..." Taylor says.

"O-Oh...I see." Grace meekly responds. "Here...let me help you prepare for breakfast, Princess."

"Taylor's just fine." said the young princess.

"I understand, Pri--I mean, Taylor." Grace quickly corrects herself.

Taylor smiles and takes a seat in front of her vanity, while Grace begins to brush her pale-blonde hair.

In the Dining Hall, Travis drums his fingers on the table, glancing around the room to find something that'd entertain him. Aleister enters, looking stressed. "Aleister," said Travis, snapping his head up to look at him. "Where's Taylor?" Aleister sighed, taking a seat across him. "She is still preparing, as usual. Your sister has been late seven days straight."

"That's my sister for you," Travis sheepishly laughs.

Aleister simply blinks.

"Uh...never mind." Travis awkwardly says, scratching the back of his head.

A/N: Just note that I wanted to make this fanfic for fun! Also, I’m really sorry if there r no ship moments yet! I wanted to introduce the characters first (at least two new characters per chapter). I hope you liked, reblogged, and left a comment/note! ^_^

[normal-thoughts-official]

ID: Craig Hsiao from Endless Summer grinning and saying, "Looking at those dirty tumblrs again? I told you, I'm cool with it..." end ID

endless summer | book 2, ch 8

[marmolady]

Reunion: 2022

Main Pairings: Estela x (F)MC, Michelle x Quinn, Graleister, Namasiao

Here it is! My main writing project right now. I'll be giving little windows into the annual Catalyst Reunions as they happen over the years. Some will be little snippets, some will be longer fics. Generally, I'd like to go in chronological order, but me being me, that might not happen. Do feel free to shout out a year between 2022 and 2097 if you want me to write one. So, without further ado, here is the first instalment-- enjoy!

Word Count: 3866

Tagging: @saivilo, @edgydepressedchoicesthot, @sceptilemasterr, ​@mauvecatfic @rhemenway888

Thanks for reading! Comments and re-blogs make me EXTRA happy.

________________________

From their vantage point up on ‘their’ hill, Estela and Taylor caught sight of the plane coming in before anyone else did.

While Taylor laughed and waved beside her-- even knowing there was little chance she could be seen from the plane-- Estela was quiet, her stomach turning. It had been so long since the twelve of them had been all together; the pandemic had seen to that. Two years had passed since Diego, Grace, Aleister, Taylor and herself returned to La Huerta to stay, pretty much picking up where they left off, but always there had been the sense of something missing… or rather, seven someones. Having spent most of her young life alone and friendless save for her mother and uncle, Estela didn’t have a lot to compare with, but she had a sense that this bond the twelve of them had forged was something uncommonly deep. She supposed shared trauma could do that. It didn’t stop the nerves, though. Estela was no fool; she knew that emotions were bound to be stirred up big time. For better or for worse.

Taylor grasped her hand. “Come on-- let’s head down to the hangar.”

Quinn wasn’t sure what hit first as she stepped out the plane; the humidity or the all-too familiar scent of soil and jungle mixed with sea salt. But there was no mistaking what her senses screamed at her, as if responding to the whirring of an alarm; she was back on La Huerta. Beside her, she felt Michelle such in a breath.

“It’s surreal, isn’t it?” Quinn whispered, while others in the group disembarked.

She hadn’t intended on staying away for so long-- she didn’t think anyone had. But intentions didn’t mean much when a pandemic was thrown into the mix, and the priority had to be keeping the Vaanti safe. It didn’t look like almost three and a half years had passed since she stepped foot on the island. The hangar, the tangle of forest creeping towards the runway… it was all as she remembered. La Huerta might not have changed, but she had. All of them had.

“God,” Michelle was muttering, “just being here is making my hair stand on end….”

“Well,” Zahra said, “record’s a year and a half. Guess we’ll see how long it takes us to escape this time.”

“Zahra!”

In contrast to the all-too-easily-baited Michelle, Sean wouldn’t let his spirits be dampened. That they were all coming back there together, safe and happy and thriving-- it was them having won. For all the pain he’d endured on this island, what he’d got out of it meant so much more.

“Clear skies as we came in,” he chuckled. “I think we’re all right.”

Then, running up from the beach-- or waddling in the case of heavily pregnant Grace-- those who’d built a permanent life for themselves upon La Huerta joined the visitors, and the group erupted into cheers and hugs, and in some cases, tears.

There were great sighs of relief, for it was this very sense of unity they’d come so far to feel once more, the thing that brought them back to their strongest selves. Not another human being on Earth could understand that connection-- of surviving the end of everything side by side. As they laughed and hugged and cried, the very first annual Catalyst reunion had begun.

The group trudged up the beach to the same old part of the island that they’d first called home such a long time ago, and under the most unusual circumstances. The Celestial-- or rather, The Old Celestial-- was no longer standing; in its place was a far smaller resort, just four storeys tall and shrouded in the plant life that came off its green walls.

There was some amount of oohing and aahing, and Raj wondered aloud to Craig as to whether Aleister had indeed taken the memo about the need for waterslides.

“Y-you cannot be serious!” Aleister spluttered. “A modern marvel in environmentally-sound architecture is before you, but no, ‘does it have a slide?’--”

“There’s a waterslide, Raj,” said Estela. “So it’ll automatically get a better review from you than the last one.”

 A Vaanti woman dressed in an eclectic mix of traditional clothing and modern human accessories  came through the front doors with a nervous flourish.

“Finally you are all here!” she said. “We have been waiting since the beginning to share what we have worked so hard on with you, Catalysts.”

Taylor stepped forward. “For those of you who haven’t met her and her husband yet, this is Elyywa, who’s been helping us out so much with The Celestial.”

Elyywa looked to her side bashfully, her cheeks flushing a brighter green. “It is our home now and we are proud of it.”

“Elyywa is one of the handiest people I’ve ever met,” Taylor said, “she makes keeping the place running look easy, and I know it’s not.”

As they came through to the newly rebuilt atrium, Quinn gave a little gasp. The high walls were lined with beautifully carved bookshelves, and she suspected that every volume in Rourke’s prized collection had made the transfer. No longer were they hidden away, but shared; several armchairs were occupied by folks who’d wandered over from Elyys’tel for the sole purpose of a reading retreat and a cup of tea.

“This is the central room-- and the library,” Grace said proudly. “I know Aleister and I had such special memories in the old library… it was a comforting place when starting again felt so overwhelming.” She grinned. “It sounds crazy, but it felt like we were liberating all these books from Rourke’s keep. Now all this knowledge, all these stories… they belong to everyone here. We’ve even started translating some of the most sought out works into Vaanti-- which Diego has been amazing with!”

“It’s gorgeous!” Michelle gushed. “Pictures really didn’t do this place justice. I’m dying to see our rooms!”

Aleister flushed happily. “It was certainly a labour of love. Some of the lessons learned here have already helped us with the San Trobida project; but this isn’t just a trial run, it’s intended to be both a sanctuary and a place of learning.”

“I’m so glad we can finally see it for ourselves!” Quinn said, beaming. She wandered to the wall at the back of the room, painted with illustrations she and her friends had left there the night before they all left La Huerta so long ago. Memories shared, then remembered together. Of all the things that had been salvaged from the old Celestial, it was the one she treasured most. Her slender fingers traced over brushstrokes of one of her own contributions to the mural wall; an illustration of the thirteen of them relaxing by a shimmering lake. “It really is beautiful.” She turned to Elyywa, who was watching her and the others with undisguised curiosity. “Do you have a lot of people come and stay here?”

“Oh, yes!” Elyywa said, beaming. “We have a market every eighth day, Delphinus, which brings people from across Vaanu to trade their wares-- many regulars. There is great pride in taking back a part of our home that the Hydra had seen our people banished from. In the beginning we had much attention from the remaining devout, but that is less so.”

Zahra frowned. “How’s your security? We’re not gonna have any nutbags like Uqzhaal skulking around, looking for an easy mark to poison….”

Horror filled Elyywa’s thin face, but it was Varyyn who spoke, his tone utterly calm.

“It has been a time of unease,” he said,  “but the tension is passing. The fall of the Hydra and the safe conclusion of Raan’losti speak for themselves; what The Endless predicted-- whatever her motivations were-- have come to pass and brought about a future that brings us great hope. Should any individuals disturb this hard-won peace, they would be rising up against the united front of our people. Many in Elyys’tel see you Catalysts as part of our community even after you left our shores, and would see you protected as they would any Vaanti.”

“Basically,” Taylor said, “keep it respectful to the people who live here, and any issues go through Varyyn. Yeah, there’s probably a few dangerous extremists out there, people being people, but we’ve not had any problems even with some of the more intense followers of the religion. It didn’t take long for the initial excitement to all calm down; now we’re just part of the furniture again.”

It hadn’t even crossed Quinn’s mind that a threat might remain; after everything they’d all been through, this was their second home. In all honesty, it felt like no time had passed at all-- making the seemingly sudden replacement of Rourke’s old resort almost jarring. It was almost like she’d stumbled into an alternate universe; everything was hauntingly familiar and yet new.

When Grace showed her and Michelle to their suite, that same feeling came back to Quinn tenfold. Several pieces of furniture were exactly as she’d remembered them, and they looked over the same old shimmering sea, but the Vaanti influence in the design was proudly there too, and it made it quite clear that this was no hotel of Rourke’s.

Exhausted, she flopped on the bed and Michelle fell into her arms, making her giggle.

“Is it just me,” Michelle asked, looking up at the ceiling hung with glowing lights and vines, “or is this surreal as hell?”

Definitely not just you.

______________________

The sun dipped below the horizon, the end of a long and busy day. The poolside was ringing with voices as old family rekindled their bonds, sharing jokes that not a soul outside themselves would ever understand. Having been given a tour of the kitchen by Elyywa and husband Asti, Raj had refused to emerge without a full spread to lay out in celebration of the reunion. By the edge of the beach, a happily full Estela had taken refuge away from the main hubbub, and sipped a virgin variation of her usual signature drink as she sat cross-legged upon the sand, joined by Quinn and Michelle as they too opted for just a little quiet time.

 It wasn’t often she had the opportunity to really talk about the things that had been troubling her most-- not with friends with a human perspective. It was easier than she’d imagined it to be, the time apart from her friends doing nothing to change how comfortable she felt bearing herself to them. She was among family-- certainly in any way that mattered to her. And in the way they shared with her in return… that trust touched her deeply, every time.

“...it really means a lot that you worked with my insane schedule so we can come,” Michelle was saying. “I honestly would have been devastated. You’re good as sisters to me, and you don’t just miss your sisters’ wedding! Having something like that to look forward to might just get me through my exams.”

Quinn’s blue eyes twinkled and she gave Michelle’s shoulder a nudge. “And here I was thinking I was getting you through?”

“Babe, you’re a fucking ray of sunshine, but to get through med school I’m going to want all the motivation I can get.”

They laughed together, and Estela felt safe.

“I, uh, I’m really excited to show you my home,” she said, her cheeks reddening. Comfortable with her La Huerta sisters she might be, but she was still a little awkward. She scratched the back of her neck. “I hope your families don’t freak on you when you tell them the wedding’s in San Trobida….”

It was aimed more at Quinn who she knew had been struggling to manage the protectiveness of her mother and father as they adjusted to their daughter’s freedom from the impact of Rotterdam’s.

Quinn met Estela’s eyes, appreciating the understanding and offering a smile. “Oh, they will. Mom’ll cry and beg me not to go, then she’ll cry all over again and tell me to go for it and make the most of every second. Dad’ll encourage me, but be pretty much having kittens all the same.”

“I don’t blame them for being afraid,” Estela said quietly, looking out over the foaming sea as it gently lapped the shore. “We pretty much put everyone back home through hell, and no one knows the half of it. And your parents spent your whole life scared of losing you before you even came here.” She looked back to Quinn. “But it’s good you’re living your life for you. It’s all any decent parents really want, isn’t it? You being happy.”

“Yeah… and I think that’s the only thing allowing them to let go. But, hey! Once I’ve shown them all the photos I take of the resort you guys built over there, they’ll be wanting a San Trobida vacation themselves!”

Estela didn’t think it likely, but then if anyone could paint a picture of sunshine and rainbows, it would surely be Quinn. Maybe they needed to rope her into San Trobida’s tourism board.

Then, Michelle ventured the gentle query Estela had most been dreading.

“You can tell me to fuck off if this is too personal--”

Estela snorted softly, finding humour in Michelle’s Michelle-ness even as her stomach churned.

“--how are you and Tay doing on the baby front?”

“Well, I’m not pregnant. We keep trying every month, but…” Estela shrugged her shoulders and stared at her hands. A heart to heart was one thing, but she didn’t have any intention of full-on crying at what was meant to be a celebration. “Shit outta luck so far. It’s getting us both down-- and Diego too. He wants it so bad, but he downplays it to protect us. It’s pretty obvious to everyone that it’s starting to break me. Sometimes I can’t think of anything else, and it just… it just hurts.”

Her fears and frustrations over her thus-far failed attempts at falling pregnant had rarely been uttered aloud… not since it came about that Grace and Aleister were expecting their own little one. She daren’t broach the subject too deeply with her uncle; she couldn’t bear to have him hurting on her behalf after everything she’d already put him through, and Taylor had given up her well-meaning but unwelcome encouragement in finding support in that avenue. Taylor had Diego. Estela had him too, but as the proposed donor and a very emotionally invested party, he was too close to the situation to make talking easy.

“I’m selfish,” she said shortly.  “I’m selfish to care so much about genetics when there’s god knows how many kids in San Trobida who need loving families.”

“I wouldn’t say that’s selfish, Estela….” Michelle said, squeezing her hand. “For better or worse, most people take biological children as a given. It’s a tangible connection to people you love. I don’t think that holding a lot of meaning is selfish.”

“I guess…, Estela said, “it doesn’t matter if it is selfish or if it’s not. It… doesn’t change the way I feel. I want what I want, and it’s not going away. So, I push the guilt aside. I’ve done my part. Why shouldn’t I have one selfish thing that I want? Someone to love with a little piece of my mom in them.” She shook her head with a dark chuckle. “It’s looking, though, like my selfish want isn’t meant to come to anything anyhow. Iris says everything’s in working order, we get the timing right… but we can’t make it happen.”

Quinn hugged her. “That must be so hard. Even with everything doing what it’s meant to, there’s still so much luck involved. I’m sorry.”

Estela just sighed. “It is what it is. We have options-- and we can certainly afford medical assistance if it really just isn’t working. That would either mean moving back to the States or preferably bringing doctors over for short visits to La Huerta to perform IVF. But I’m not quite ready to throw the towel in and get help.”

“I’m guessing,” Quinn queried, “it’s a stupid question as to whether there are many options within San Trobida right now?”

“There’s so much that needs fixing. I do what I can, but it’s a long way off fertility treatment from being a priority. It’s frustrating, but my tio says I’m impatient, that things are truly progressing so well and so fast.”

Again, Estela shook her head, but with the finality that said she was done with the subject. It was a hard one, and she was fast approaching her limit. “We’re taking a break anyway. I’m about to be a tia, and I’m going to be there-- fully there-- for whenever Grace, Aleister and the baby need me. Right now, that’s what’s most important. We’ll go back to trying later… couple of months maybe.”

“Just make sure you’re looking after yourself as well,” Michelle said gravely. “Don’t think we don’t know how stubborn you are! We’re always on the end of the line if you need to vent. I’ll vent right back at you, because med school is a bitch, but I’ll always be there.”

Estela couldn’t help the small smile that quirked at her lips. “I’m sure we can work out a fair exchange.”

“How about a toast?” Quinn suggested, lifting her glass. “To our family growing.”

Pleased that the message had been received and the subject being put to rest, Estela raised her own to Quinn’s and gently chinked it, and Michelle followed suit. “Our family.”

Somehow, she felt that little bit lighter… a burden shared and all that.

________________________

The rest of the group were still buzzing when Estela rejoined them. She kept to the sidelines, though she never felt unwelcome.

“Katniss!” Jake called from the bar, which he’d apparently managed to commandeer from Raj, “Lemon, lime, bitters?”

“I’m good,” she replied. “You’re… sitting out of pool noodle jousting? Funny, that’s not like you.”

Jake smirked. “What can I say? Gotta give poor Heisman a chance to win one now and then.”

“I bet he really appreciates the condescension.”

“I’m a gift that keeps giving.”

“Sure you are, cabrón. Just don’t give it to me.”

While she ribbed Jake, Estela knew that he was finding this whole reunion business harder than most. He’d already made it pretty clear that he didn’t want to talk, so she didn’t push. But he’d be thinking on Mike as much as she herself was thinking on her mom.

Not wanting to get caught up too deep in that particular head-space, she focused back on the rest of their friends as they shouted and splashed in the pool. They all carried their own scars from La Huerta, but they were letting them fade into the background in favour of the simple joy of being with the people they loved most.

Her eye was drawn helplessly to Taylor-- how could it not be? Bathed in the light of the setting sun, Estela’s wife was literally glowing. Taylor in her happy place; surrounded by her people. She was a remarkable woman, Estela knew, as open-hearted as she was brave, and with an uncanny knack for feeling when the people around her needed a hand to hold or a shoulder to cry on. Poor Taylor had struggled so much with what she’d come from that she so easily missed the sheer wonder of who she was. Estela never did. She saw Taylor. Taylor-the-person. Sparkling with laughter as she talked with her friends. And Estela couldn’t help but smile as she watched her like that, and wonder how the hell a social butterfly like that could wind up falling in love with the strange loner. Then Taylor turned and met her wife’s gaze, and the smile changed, if anything becoming even sweeter. The warmth and understanding there needed no words.

“Hey!” Zahra called from the pool, “When you’re done making heart-eyes at Tayls, wanna team up and kick some ass?”

“Aw, Z!” Craig whined, and he dumped her from his shoulders. “After all we’ve been through?”

Estela didn’t need a lot of convincing. Either she could get caught up in her own head, or she could have a little fun with the best people she knew. The choice was easy. She stripped down to her swimwear, and having neatly placed her clothes on a deck chair, dived in.

Zahra was dishevelled from being dunked, but was smirking. “Heh, I’ve got freaking Estela. I hope you losers are bracing yourselves for a world of pain….”

________________________

From their balcony, tucked just away from the waning action at the poolside, Quinn and Michelle cuddled beneath a blanket and watched as one by one-- or two by two in some cases-- their friends retired to their respective hotel rooms. Like most everything else that day, there was a strange and comforting familiarity about it all.

Quinn noticed Estela helping up Grace, unsteady on her feet and eight months pregnant, and thinking back to the talk she’d had with Estela, was glad for them that they had one another. Then, with Aleister having retaken up his role as Grace’s arm to lean on, Estela and Taylor were wrapped around one another once more, giggling as they danced across the tiled ground. Sean, Craig and Raj all parted ways with exchanged slaps on the back and clasping of shoulders that snowballed into bear hugs. Tentative at first, Diego joined in, soon swamped in affection from the three much-larger men, while Jake jeered until he got roped into his own noogie. Quinn realised that those alarm bells her body had been blaring at her had all but subsided, as though the old confidence she’d always felt in the company of these friends had gotten the hint and kicked in. Trepidation had fallen away, and what remained was nothing short of contentment. Born, she knew, of a sense of belonging she could only have dreamed of for most of her life, sheltered as she’d been from her peers.

“’Chellie…,” she said softly, snuggling her head against Michelle’s neck, “you know, I am really, really happy to be back here. So much it’s surprised me.”

Michelle laughed dryly. “You know how much I was dreading this. If I don’t have another panic attack or three before the week’s out it’ll be a miracle….” She sighed, amused. “But it’s crazy how much it feels like home. It’s got to be the company. And I cannot wait to get back to the old med centre and catch up with the old team.”

Quinn kissed her lover’s cheek, slightly cool in the evening air. “This might turn into an annual group therapy session!”

“Yeah. It wouldn’t hurt… it’s not as if we can tell a damn soul back home half of what we went through.”

A soft smile came to Michelle’s face as she looked up from the resort grounds to the wilderness beyond. Further still, she knew, was the Catalyst village still standing, then Elyys’tel. After everything, it couldn’t not remain home to her in some deep way, this beautiful, insane place.

“I want us to keep coming back.”

[sceptilemasterr]

do some of the ship questions for zahra x craig you choose the ones you like haha

Thanks, anon! I'd be happy to! (Note: I answered a few other Namasiao questions in another ask!)

Namasiao:

1. Who initiated the relationship, and how did it go?

That was Zahra, with a little encouragement from Alyssa encouraging her to take a risk. She chased after Craig, and started to ask him if he'd maybe want to try "being close" again, but got tongue-tied and admitted she was "shit at this kinda stuff." Luckily for her, even Craig was able to figure out what she was asking, after a few wrong guesses (no, she wasn't asking to borrow a rock, and she definitely hadn't found a gaming PC somewhere in Elyys'tel, though Zahra did admit that she wished that second one was true.) They then had a moment where they bonded over both of them being afraid and awkward to say anything about how they felt; like Zahra, Craig had needed some encouragement from Ian to be willing to say anything. They had a good laugh wondering whether the twins had planned this out beforehand! (If you're wondering, no, they didn't. Pure coincidence.)

2. Did they have an official first date? If so, what was it like?

Nope. If you had to describe their "first date," it was hanging out on a platform in Elyys'tel.

Zahra: So, uh... we're dating now?

Craig: Yeah.

Zahra: Cool.

...And that was it.

3. What was their first kiss like?

On New Year's Eve, at the Elysian Lodge. The other couples were doing it, and Craig admitted he hadn't ever kissed anyone at midnight on New Year's before. Zahra pretended to not care and start walking away, only to turn around at the last minute and kiss him at midnight. He was surprised but definitely happy; Zahra couldn't get over the look on his face!

--------------------

Thanks again, anon!

[itsagoodluckkiss]

MC: Is there a word that's a mix between angry and sad?

Grace: Malcontented, disgruntled, miserable, desolated.

Craig: Smad.

Zahra: *looks into the camera like she's on The Office*

[kenjkats]

WOW I'M SO EMOTIONAL RN

[sherereadssthemanuscript]

JSJSHDJWJDJWJFJE I WAS CRYING THIS WAS SO BEAUTIFUL... I'm gonna frame this... you know what no... I'm gonna make this into a wallpaper and hang it ALL over my room, iconic, so so iconic...

[livinthechoiceslife]

I knew it!!!

I knew my girl was alive and kicking!!!!! Only she would be morbid and smart enough to design a corpse after herself!! PB YALL CANNOT FOOL ME ZAHRA HAS ALWAYS HAD THE BEST CHANCE OF SURVIVAL IN THE GANG.

The Namasiao momentS tho. Those were just. So pure. So very pure.