#where is leo floating? you be the judge

[skelenova]

real sad post-apocalyptic man hours

do not repost 💖

[somewhereincairparavel]

Angsty Jason prompt: dealing with Leo's death. And then the hurricane of emotions when Jason realized he wouldn't see his best friend again before he sacrificed himself for piper/apollo.

Author's note: I'm so sorry this took so long @obsessingoverl omg I was in a writer's block! But I hope you enjoy anyways, thanks for requesting :)

Every single fucking thing reminded Jason of him.

The fire crackling in Campfires.

The screwdrivers laying around on the table.

The Nintendo switch at the big house.

Even the food at camp half blood feasts.

Everything simply narrowed down to Leo Valdez.

Was this how it felt like to go insane? If that's the case, then Jason Grace had already crossed that path. He was beyond insane. His nightmares were plagued with images of the explosion that killed Leo Valdez. The booming noise, the burst of spreading flames that must've set Leo ablaze. Gods. Jason didn't want to think about it. But he realized that Leo died, the same way his mother had died too. Engulfed in flames.

So when Jason found out that he was going to die as well, in a few minutes in battle, he was hit with a wave of gut-wrenching emotions.

He was always hopeful that Leo was out there somewhere, screaming “I'm the bad boy supreme” grinning with his typical latino elf demeanor. He had always held on to the hope that Leo would come back riding on Festus, yelling “I GOT Y'ALL GOOD DIDN'T I?? Did ya miss me Superman??” That's just Leo on a normal day, and Jason would've curled up into a ball, cringing at his antics, albeit fondly. But right now? Jason would've killed for Leo to do that again.

He would've killed to be pranked by Leo again

He would've killed to play Mario party six on Nintendo switch in the big house with Leo again.

He would've killed to taste Leo's food again.

He would've killed to see Leo make random things out of metal as gifts, for Jason again.

He would've killed to listen to Leo's corny jokes again.

Recalling all of these things, Jason was hit with the realization that he would die, never getting to see Leo Valdez again.

But Jason had another thread of hope to hang on to, it was thin, but it was still there. If Leo was indeed dead, that means he's probably in Elysium, right? And if Jason dies too, then he'd also go to Elysium.. Jason would see Leo again after all, right?

Wrong.

After Jason Grace's death, He was judged in the fields of asphodel, and was sentenced to go to Elysium, Jason's soul was vibrating with excitement. Once he reached the golden paradise of Elysium, his soul floated around, yelling for Leo's name. He saw so many hero's spirits floating around in the Paradise, but where was Leo? For the love of Jupiter. Where. Was. Leo. Valdez?

Jason Grace realized, with a pang, looking at all these other drifting souls, that if his curly haired friend was not amongst them causing a ruckus, it could only mean one thing.

That Leo Valdez was alive after all. Jason had simply not lived to see him.

[britt-kageryuu]

It's about noon in the lair. Donnie and Leo are moving the last of the mail they picked up from the P.O. Box. Including some not fanmail.

They enter the 'Studio' area, where they had a few computers set up, each color coded. There is a area that acts as the VR space with a lower ceiling then everywhere else, a wide open area where there is a projector and Karaoke machine, that was also were Raph did his workout streams.

Just to the side of the computers are two modified pet beds one purple, one teal that hid the charging docks for Shelldon and River. There were also a bunch of containers with alot of prop items incase they need to interact with an item during a stream, so it doesn't look as awkward on camera.

"I still can't believe you ordered a real inflatable chair!" Donnie complains as they set down the boxes, envelopes and packages, with the rest of the mail. "And the matching inflatable table, and coconut shell cups!" He gestured with exasperation.

Leo opens the box with said items, "Hey, I love that set! Besides I also got you..." he pulls out a couple boxes from the bottom of the package, "A matching purple chair, and some pillow cover things so it doesn't get uncomfortable sitting on them for so long! Plus we'll match for the stream, right!"

Leo looks very happy and proud of himself showing off what he got his twin, you could practically see little sparkles floating around him. Donnie doesn't look fully impressed, but appreciative of the gesture.

"Well. Thank you for the thought, but we need to figure out how to get the studio set for how we will do this 'Fanmail Opening' stream. That someone promised without consulting me! He said with warranted annoyance!" Donnie lightly stomps over to his setup to how the cameras would be placed, and how big of an area they need to clear.

The blue coded turtle decided to open and inflate the chairs and table, get the cups out, and sets it up near where he thinks they should open the fanmail. He pauses before taking a picture of the setup, and judging if he should post it to his social media or not.

Leo is not sure if Donnie would attack him for not checking if there was anything too revealing in the photo, but he ignores that thought to celebrate now having his favorite set in real life. He hears a ding from where Donnie is, and suddenly remembered how close they are.

"Nardo?"

"Yes, Dontron?"

They both turn and start staring at each other in silence, Donnie clearly more annoyed than before, and Leo looking for something to turn into a Mystic Katana to abscond from the situation.

"You, are very, very, VERY, lucky! You didn't take that TWO STEPS TO THE RIGHT!!!" Donnie starts yelling, while pointing out the fact that a few feet from where the Chairs and Table were set up, was a mirror that was for some reason in the studio. Probably Leo's fault actually. Definitely Leo's fault.

Leo continues to wonder if he should fear for his life.

"Annoyed Sigh, Sit down Dum Dum, I won't hurt you yet. We need you alive to continue this nonsense." Donnie grumbles as he continues to plan how this idea would work. "And your placement isn't bad, but you're not fully off the hook."

Leo grabs his Switch before he sits down in the new blue inflatable chair and played a game. River gets up from her charging dock, walks up to Leo and climbs onto his lap to watch him play the game.

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

Masterpost

I didn't know how to end this, and I wanted to try writing like this. I might do this some more.

[strawberrysatellite]

i did one thing right

inspired by taylor swift’s call it what you want

word count: 2.9k

Y/N and Harry met in October.

It was one of those super cliche Halloween meet cutes. But it was that Halloween party that brought them together, so they supposed the cliches weren’t all that eye roll worthy.

Truthfully, they already knew of each other; Y/N was what she likes to call a semi-influencer (she had a few hundred thousand followers- enough to make a living off of- but never really liked grouping herself with other influencers considering most of the ones she had met always looked down on her for not having millions of followers, and were known to be less than stellar people) and Harry was a tattoo artist. They followed each other because of some mutual friends who mentioned Harry to Y/N in passing after she had spoken about wanting to get a tattoo at some point.

So the two knew of each other’s existence, liked a few of the other’s posts, but had never actually met before that night.

Y/N was so glad to be going to a party that wasn’t brand funded or overflowing with other influencers. Don’t get her wrong, she was eternally grateful that she was in the position she was; being an influencer meant she was able to work whenever, wherever, and didn’t have half of the stresses as people with more conventional jobs. All she had to do was post her little youtube videos talking about her favourite books or the clothes she’s been wearing recently, share pictures on her perfectly curated Instagram, and make TikToks with trending songs in the background.

But it got so exhausting sometimes.

She felt like she was constantly performing, putting on a face for people to judge and critique. People seemed to forget that there was a real person behind the virtual image she portrayed; the amount of hate comments she received were nowhere near what she assumed other content creators got, but there were enough daily to where it got to her sometimes. Just because she chooses to put out content for people, doesn’t mean that she’s giving them permission to give opinions on every detail of her life.

It’s like she’s constantly just floating in this liminal space, trying to bend over backwards to please her followers whilst also trying to stay true to herself.

That’s one of the things most important to Y/N- being as true to herself as possible. After meeting more than her fair share of other influencers, she knows that most of the time the kind and polite image they project online is completely contradictory to their actual personalities.

The last thing she would ever want is someone thinking she was rude. It gives her nightmares just thinking about it. Especially considering she worked in hospitality through university before she gained an online platform, so she’s had more than enough rude encounters with the general public (and she also understands how important it is to be kind to people. And to always tip waiters.).

So really, Y/N was just happy to shed her ‘online’ persona for a couple of hours and be around her friends without feeling the need to perform for anyone or please them.

Also, she really really loved Halloween and was super excited to dress up as Juliet from the movie with Leo DiCaprio, complete with silky white dress and clip on angel wings. It was casual enough to where she didn’t feel like she was going overboard, but dressy enough to where she still felt in the Halloween spirit.

When she actually got to the little pub where Sarah had told her the group was meeting, she was met with the sight of Sarah and her long time boyfriend Mitch sat in a corner booth and dressed as Velma and Shaggy from Scooby Doo, complete with bright orange turtleneck and coke bottle glasses.

“Look at you guys! Cutest couple I ever did see!” Y/N manages to get her words out through laughs- she doesn’t think she’s ever seen Mitch in anything but black, nevermind puke green.

“Yeah, laugh it up.” Mitch’s eyes roll but he gives her a slight smile and a warm hug. That’s a secret between him and Y/N- Mitch is secretly a huge hugger. He just has to be either high or slightly tipsy to come anywhere close.

“Look at you, honey! Real life angel.” Sarah’s warm tone interrupts Mitch’s grumbling, her eyes crinkling with a smile behind her fake glasses and full fringe.

“Thank you, thank you. I do try.” Y/N curtsies and nearly falls about in giggles. “I’m gonna go get a drink and mingle, think I saw Niall on the way in.”

She sets off through the packed pub after a wave to the couple at the booth, trying to avoid knocking into people with her slightly inconvenient wings.

She likes this. Likes not being immediately recognised. Likes not being considered an internet celebrity. Likes being treated like a normal person. Loves being around people she can be herself with.

When she does eventually get to the bar, she finds another figure already talking with the bartender. From what she guesses, it’s a guy. An attractive guy.

Well, from the back of his head he seems attractive.

She guesses over 6 foot, with long hair down to his shoulders and a sheer black almost blousey shirt loosely buttoned. And the skinny jeans make him look like something straight out of a tumblr post.

Through the chiffon fabric of his shirt she’s able to see the masterpiece that is his back. There must be well over a hundred tattoos collated across it, spreading down his arms and wrapping around his neck. Most- if not all- are monochrome, and only serve to make him look even more intimidating.

Kinda turns her on, if she’s being completely transparent.

Making her way next to him to wait for the bartender to be free, she somehow manages to bump him with her new temporary appendages, startling him enough to make him twist to see who it was.

When he does turn around, she’s greeted with his actual costume: a skull painted on one half of his face and only serving to accentuate the impossibly perfect structure of his face. He has model-worthy cheekbones and brows so furrowed he seems to have been born with a frown.

Upon seeing Y/N in her angelic fluster though, he softens up and a look of recognition flashes through his eyes.

“Oh, hi. Y/N, right?” He asks, as if he hasn’t looked at her Instagram more times than can be considered healthy. Like he doesn’t view her stories daily just to see what she’s interested in and which books she’s reading at that moment. Like he doesn’t get hot and blushy when he gets the little notification to say she liked one of his posts.

It takes her a minute to place him, having been slightly caught up in the aura he radiates, “Hi! Harry…right? God, I hope you are, otherwise I’ll look like such a massive bitch. Okay, even if you aren’t Harry, please just go along with it.”

Her world stops turning when she hears the chuckle he lets out at her anxious word vomit. Like, literally stops on its axis. She’s pretty sure she hears the screech of it skidding to a halt, the elevator music that plays in her ears after her brain turns to mush.

“No, love. I’m Harry, don’t worry.” An amused smile covers his face, endeared with her rambling that he’s familiar with after watching her videos where she rants about book characters and their “stupid, unrealistic actions” and why Gus Everett was actually the best book boyfriend ever (he had no idea who that was- just took her word for it) and why her favourite Starbucks drink is the best ever and how she’s so upset that it’s being taken off the menu because it’s seasonal.

A relieved breath whooshes out of her pouted lips, face now covered in a slight flush, “Oh, thank fucking god. How embarrassing would that have been? I’ve probably made it so much worse now, huh? Nice one, Y/N. Fucking idiot.” Her eyes roll at her own actions, words coming out as barely a mumble, and Harry’s smile just grows even more.

She’s cute when she rambles, he thinks.

“Honestly, don’t worry ‘bout it. Won’t mention it. Never happened.” His hand comes up to graze her shoulder comfortingly and a tangible spark passes between them, “D’ya want me to get you a drink? We can go sit with Mitch and them lot?” Harry secretly crosses in fingers in the hopes that she takes him up on his offer.

Her smile is wide and relaxed, looking up at him like he’d just gifted her a litter of kittens, “That would be so nice, thanks Harry. Listen, don’t judge me but my favourite drink is..”

As long as she keeps smiling at him like that, Harry doesn’t think it possible to ever judge her.

Their first date is kept casual and relaxed- which you wouldn’t be able to tell by the sweat Harry is currently working up just thinking about meeting up with her for an official date- and Harry decides to take her to the shop, named Satellite Studios, after a walk around Hyde Park and a stop in Pret to get chai lattes. She had been asking him for a while now to show her his tattoo shop and some of his sketches (yes, she had seen them on his Instagram, but she was on the pull and this was the one talking point she could think of at the time- also, she truly did want a tattoo, so this worked perfectly).

Harry didn’t expect that the date would end with him actually giving Y/N a tattoo, but here he was, perched over her and inking the skin of her collarbone. She had decided on a quote she lived by- ‘treat people with kindness’.

A month or so later, and the two are freshly into couple status, still just getting comfortable referring to the other as their significant other.

It’s late November by this point, and Die Hard (the first one, obviously) is playing on Harry’s TV while the two sit on his black velvet couch, Harry sprawled on one end whilst Y/N lays horizontally and props her feet up on his lap underneath a fuzzy blanket. Neither of them are that into the film, only putting it on to fill the silence, and so Y/N decides to scroll through Instagram to check the comments on her recent post.

She had actually really liked it; the picture was one Harry had taken of her when they went to Waterstones, a puffer jacket wrapped around her while she carries a stack of books and looks back at the camera, smiling wide and mid-laugh (she recalls his joke- something about being replaced by fictional men- and a tiny smile breaks on her face when she remembers how proud he looked at having made her laugh).

Only, that smile quickly disappears when she begins to read the comments.

Of course, there’s so many from her fans and other influencer friends being so sweet and love;y, complementing her and talking about how relatable the caption was (something along the lines of “a book for every situation”). But there were more rude ones than normal. Of course she was more than used to people being rude by this point, she had been a content creator for long enough now that she knew how to compartmentalise and ignore hate. But it was nearing her time of the month and she was feeling extra sensitive and seeing people talk about how annoying she seemed, or how she looked to be gaining weight, or how they just in general disliked her, really wasn’t what she needed.

A small sniffle makes Harry’s ears perk up and his head shoots towards his girlfriend- she wasn’t ill the last time he checked, why was she sniffl-.

His face completely drops when he sees the face of his sweet girl covered in tears, cheeks glistening and flushed, lips pouted and more pink than usual, eyes watery and glassy. “Hey, pretty girl, what’s up? Come on, talk to me.” He immediately leaps up and kneels beside her, hand cradling her cheek and thumb wiping under her reddened eyes.

She just shakes her head and frustratedly wipes her face, “Nothing, I’m just being stupid.”

Harry tuts at her and reaches up with his other hand, gripping her face gently but with enough strength to force her to look at him, “It’s not stupid if it’s making you cry like this, honey. Tell me what happened, babe, let me help, hm?” He doesn’t want to force her to talk if she truly doesn’t want to, but he can’t bear to see her so distraught and dishevelled.

Her face collapses at his gentle words, “I just- people are so mean. I don’t know what I did to deserve it. They’re so- it’s just,” A heavy breath is released from her cry-swollen lips and her head leans into his palm.

“I know, lovely girl. You didn’t do anything. Don’t listen to them, they’re just bitter and projecting onto anyone they can.” He feels anger flare in the bottom of his chest. How could anyone be anything but sweet to his lovely girl? The last thing he would ever want to do would be to make her feel as though he’s angry with her, so he reigns it in for her sake, but knows that he may have to go to the gym for an extra hour to let it out.

“I just wish I could get away from it all for a bit. Like I love my job- you know I do. But it just would be nice to run away for a bit.” The words come out sad, unenthusiastic- nothing like his girlfriend normally sounds- and it haunts him. He has to do something.

That’s how the two find themselves in Scotland for a month. Just them, their rented cottage in the Highlands, and Harry’s tiny black kitten, Pumpkin. Harry had booked them a train from Paddington Station to Edinburgh that same night when Y/N finished crying, wrapped up next to him in his black silk sheets with tear tracks still staining her face.

Harry figures he can trust Mitch to look after the shop whilst he’s gone, having saved enough days up to take off for a bit (and being the owner of the shop meaning he’s his own boss and can afford to) and he tells Y/N not to even open Instagram or YouTube or TikTok until they get back home, going so far as to delete them from her phone.

“Out of sight, out of mind, my petal.” He tells her with a kiss on the tip of her nose upon seeing her slight frown.

The couple spend every waking moment together, making breakfast together in the morning (or really, afternoon considering neither of them bothers with an alarm upon having nowhere to be) and eating it lazing on the couch with an old movie on in the background- Y/N has rediscovered how much she truly loves The Sound of Music after watching it nearly daily for a month. They take walks around the lake near their cottage, skimming stones and having competitions on who can throw one the farthest; usually Harry wins, but Y/N calls it unfair everytime because of the wingspan advantage and how strong his hands are after years of tattooing. Their favourite part is how they spend the week of Christmas: they take a train into Edinburgh city centre, go window shopping and wander around the markets, marvelling at the displays and thousands of twinkling fairy lights, Harry calls his mum from the cottage on Christmas Eve and lets her know he’ll be round in a couple weeks to drop presents off, and the two exchange gifts whilst sat next to the giant log burner fireplace.

Neither went too crazy on the other after having only been official for a little over two months, but Harry gifts Y/N a new Kindle (she had been complaining for months how hers was out of storage and “soooooooo” slow) and a delicate necklace with a silver ‘H’ pendant dangling from it.

“Not because I’m like claiming you, or some shit.” He hastily explains when he sees the furrow of her brows.”But I just- I know you, sweet girl, and I want you to have a little piece of me wherever you are.” Y/N’s lip trembles at his words and she nearly mauls him with how fast she tackles him with a hug.

“I love it, H. Thank you.”

Y/N in turn gifts him a vintage Fleetwood Mac vinyl that she had scoured every London flea market for and a new sketchpad with some pencils he had been eyeing for weeks but couldn’t justify buying himself.

When the two do eventually return home, Y/N’s phone is hit with an influx of comments from fans wondering where she had disappeared to and, instead of doing the (technically) right thing and answering their questions, she decides her next post will be a picture of the chain around her neck and Harry’s tattooed hand lazily draped over her shoulder and her tattoo on display. Unexplained, but enough to reintroduce herself onto the internet after people not having heard from her for months.

She tags him in the picture, leading to his already substantial following increasing rapidly, his page (‘satellitestudios’) being mostly pictures of his work and sketches, the occasional black and white filtered selfie or picture with a celebrity client (the one he brags about most being Dave Grohl), with the most recent post being a black and white picture of the bottom half of his face, bunny teeth on full show with Y/N kissing his cheek and captioned ‘kissy.’.

Of course her fans go wild, flooding her comments with questions and labels, rumours and timeline theories. She decides they can call it what they like, but she’s happy. So very happy.

[kayssweetdreams]

Maestro Hiccups 3: Chaos Incarnate Ch 39

"You...Don't have to talk about it if you don't want to NiGHTS." you say, your eyes pulling away from the picture. The jester seemed to agree with your sentiment before pulling you out of the room.

"Ok. So we got Aria, and we've got the Dream Berries, Now we can go take these to Balan and find the others." You say. "Where...exactly ARE the others?" You ask. NiGHTS looks around the twisting halls of Nightmare. "Hmm...I don't remeber. They must have gotten lost in here..." they said, looking around.

"Well...we better find them." You say. The two of you set off, in search of the group that you lost. You LUCKILY were able to find Leo, Emma and Owl first, trying to hide from Wizeman and the rest of the nightmaren. "Hoo! There you are!" Owl squwaks,, his tail getting in the way as he struts along. "Where are Debbie and Aria?" You asked "Well. Debbie is with Jackle...or rather, Jackle is with HER." Leo says with a smirk.

You gave a chuckle, knowing that Debbie could keep the now 'Slime in a Jar' Jackle out of trouble. "However...I think I saw Reala fly to his room with Aria..." Owl said. You paled at the word. You remember the "scene" that NiGHTS and Reala did during the dinner...and it didn't seem the two of them had a good history together. "Well. We're not leaving without Aria." You say.

The others nodded, "NiGHTS? Which way to Reala's room?" You ask. The dream jester took your hand and floated through the hallways, before stopping at a big red door with jagged black lines, and a mask sat at the center of the room "Judging by the red. I'd say this is Reala's room..." Owl hoots "It is. But I'm staying out here. No way am I going in there..." NiGHTS says, turning their back to the door.

You're hesitant, but you give a nod "I'm gonna peek in there to see if Aria and Reala are in there." You say. Your hand gently grazes the door and you hold your breath as you gently opened it. You can see that it is a GREAT change from NiGHTS room, dark reds and blacks meet your eyes, along with various items such as...torn up dolls of the Nightopians, NiGHTS, and various humans that you have both met, and not met.

Inside the room, Aria is seen sitting on a large black and red bed, looking around as if she's waiting for something. "PSST! Aria!" You whisper, catching her attention "C'mon! Let's get out of-" you were cut off by the sounds of flying. "Reala's back! Quickly! Hide!" She said, pushing you underneath the bed. You can see Reala's boots just near the edge of the bed. "Now. I had to talk to you visitor." You hear Reala say.

"About what Reala?" You hear Aria ask. "Those hiccups of your beloved maestros. They grow stronger with every passing moment. And the stronger they get. The more reality begins to destroy itself. No matter what dimension it is. No matter what it holds. I had to ask master Wizeman for a Charm that keeps Balan's last hiccups from affecting me." He says.

You listen to the conversation, as Reala explains that he has a crush on Aria, and wouldn't want anything to happen to her...unfortunately, That conversation turns into "Come with me. We can hide in another world until the hiccups stop." You looked shocked. No way do you trust Reala now, but he did sound genuine...but time was also running out.

Aria belongs to @shadowqueen402

Debbie belongs to @mayordebbie

[magnolia-rhodes]

– character inspiration: serena van der woodsen (gossip girl), elle woods (legally blonde), emma woodhouse (emma by jane austen), kitty scherbatsky (anna karenina), karen smith (mean girls), meg thrombey (knives out), amy march (little women), madicken (madicken by astrid lindgren), daphne (scooby doo), anneliese (barbie as the princess and the pauper), sansa stark (asoiaf), rachel green (friends), rory gilmore (gilmore girls), trina vega (victorious), phoebe borehall-blaxworth (you)

{ SABRINA CARPENTER, 19, CISWOMAN, SHE/HER } Is that MAGNOLIA ‘LOLA’ RHODES? A FRESHMAN originally from CHARLESTON, SC, they decided to come to Ogden College to study CLASSICS. They’re the SPOILED SWEET on campus, but even they could get blamed for Greer’s disappearance.

the basics.

full name: magnolia faye rhodes nickname: lola, mags, lia birthdate: 2 july 2003 birth place: charleston, sc big six: cancer sun, leo moon, sag rising, gemini venus, cancer mercury, pisces mars gender: ciswoman orentiation: bisexual

the context. 

parents: george rhodes ( managing director for a hedge fund 🤢 ) & athena rhodes ( née dowell,  stay-at-home-mum ) siblings: fox (28), aspen (26), dahlia (25), heather (23) & bluebell rhodes (22) 

lola began her existence as a happy accident. after the birth of their fifth child, george and athena rhodes had decided to throw in the proverbial towel. five kids were more than enough, thank you very much. one more and they’d have to start travelling in two different cars. and yet, for all their rationalising and self-affirming nods that served to underline five as the magic number, there it was. that bright red plus, almost staring back at them. turns out it hadn’t been that magic after all.

george and athena had met during their college days, the sort of relationship where the sparks are instant and unquestionable. and perhaps the initial zing of puppy love had faded with time, or perhaps it had grown with them, but the love remained all the same. unconditional, unwavering, undeniable. and as the family grew, so did the love. morphed and changed and made place for the rest of them. 

she grew out without a want in the world - love, opportunities, material goods, attention. the sort of doting upbringing that, while well-intended, makes monsters of teenagers. the sort of upbringing that is sorely lacking in boundaries. in learning to be challenged. the sort of environment that never teaches a child about the realities of being rejected. as a result, magnolia has managed to float through life without ever coming into contact with real conflict - loving home, straight into the popular crowd at school. which means she’s made it all the way to college with absolutely no life experience. 

the person.

+ soft-hearted, effervescent, engaging, free-spirited, magnetic - self-centred, ditzy, inconsiderate, gullible, indecisive, passive primary trope: spoiled sweet secondary tropes: it’s all about me, princess classic, sheep in sheep’s clothing, dumb blonde, nice girl, horrible judge of character,  secret-keeper, in love with love, never my fault, team mum, upper-class twit

there’s maybe something about the way she looks, or the way she carries herself, that makes you think she’s a bitch. maybe it’s the meticulously done nails, the perfectly coordinated outfits, the tendency to travel in a pack with other girls. she’s the archetypal mean girl, right down to the blonde blow-out. only, there’s one crucial component missing: she’s not that mean. and does it not make some sort of strange sense, for a child who was so fervently showered in love and affection to have an abundance to share in return?

she’s a bubbly, social thing – always in conversation with someone, always looking for ways to connect. more than anything, she’s well-intentioned. the type to offer a shoulder to cry on or a helping hand. to remember your birthday. to notice the little things. to go to extreme lengths to make you feel seen. 

having lived a somewhat socially sheltered existence, there is a quite noticeable disconnect with the way she relates to others. it’s not intentional, but she has a habit of putting her foot in it without noticing. saying the wrong thing, not considering the implications her actions may have on others. and because the idea that she means well is so deeply encoded in the way she sees herself, she has a genuinely hard time recognising when she’s in the wrong. 

on top of that, she’s incredibly conflict averse. meaning she may pay lip service to whoever she’s speaking to, just to stay on their good side. without really noticing that that’s what she’s doing. 

[darkness-to-redemption]

"I dare her." Mizu crossed his arms. "I really want to see this." His eyes held an amused look. Leo, wasn't one to mess with and they all knew it.

They also all knew Inferna had no restraint.

.

.

River curiously turned her head and watched as the local fauna gathered around Zamasiel. "They seem to like you." She noted. That reassured River some. Animals were usually a good judge of character. Zamasiel might put on lofty airs, but nature could see right through arrogance. No matter if divine or not.

There was something behind her curtain of disdain. Even if she wouldn't admit it.

River chose not to annoy her guardian about it though. Instead, she began to unlace her soft boots. They were pulled off and set next to her before the socks followed. Then she unhooked her weapons belt, and her regular one. It was obvious that she had decided to take a dip in the clear pool.

She dove into the water with barely a ripple after her clothes had been neatly removed and folded. River came back to the surface and floated on her back, her eyes looking up at the stars.

"Zamasiel? I've always wondered, where exactly is heaven? They say it's supposed to be in the skies. But we can't see it."

@infuriatedleprechaun

Opposites Attract

“Careful, you idiot.” Leonardo snarled at his youngest brother. “They’ll hear you, scatter and I’ll have to chase them all around the city.”

[dxrkenedheights]

Name: Hazel Jones

Age & Birthday: 26 years old, June 9th 1997

Gender/Pronouns: cis woman she/her

Birthplace: Shady Dale, GA

Time in Hollow Cove: 3 years - Sept 2020

Species: Werewolf / Jones Pack

Role: Kitchens / Supply Depot

Positives: passionate, empathetic, energetic

Negatives: impulsive, outspoken, emotional

ABOUT

If you can hear humming, singing and the padding of dancing feet, then Hazel Jones is usually nearby. It's a soft sound, until the chorus hits and she's up on any surface, belting out the tune. That's always been her way. Gentle and light and then a sonic boom, always smiling, always laughing. Ready to burst at the seams with excitement and passion. But with high highs come low lows, and Hazel can hit the deck as if all the clouds have been snatched from her feet. It comes with the territory, the gift and the curse of feeling everything so intensely. There's no love and no pain greater.

Born in the Georgia countryside to a big family and welcoming wolf pack, Hazel has the Jones' scrappy spirit and warm heart. She doesn't judge people very closely, and usually gives them the benefit of the doubt. This is sometimes to her own detriment, but her voice always echoes with the same mantra. "I'd rather be the one hurting than the one hurting others." because she knows how to handle her hurt, nothing a good cry doesn't fix. But, tears are sniffed away so she can get back to her feet. Loving like she's never lost it.

Her childhood was idyllic, even though her mother left her and her brother when they were young. Hazel isn't sure if she feels sadness whenever she thinks about Michelle, or just a longing where a mother is supposed to be. However, her life was far from empty. Between her older brother and cousins, Hazel was surrounded by love and people she cared for deeply. In many ways, there wasn't a single thing she'd change.

Like most little girls, her father was her rock and still is everything that keeps her grounded to this day. Everett Jones and his laid back nature is the perfect remedy for when Hazel is almost ready to fly to new heights. Her brother Brody is the same, bringing her back to Earth before her head floats away. In return, Hazel hopes to fill their lives with brightness and laughter, always cracking jokes to keep smiles on their faces.

Hazel never considered that she needed anything else, her life was full enough and then along came motherhood. The timing was less than ideal, along with the Cross that Hazel had impulsively been drawn to. She discovered she was pregnant amidst the chaos of 2020, and little Lucy wasn't born until the October of that year once the Jones' settled in Hollow Cove. Hazel tried to keep tabs on whether Leo was found by the Crosses, terrified but desperate for him to be safe in order for their daughter to know her father. When he finally was found at the start of 2023, Hazel and Leo began working through the difficult navigation of co-parenting. His Cross nature sometimes scaring her, other times exciting her. Her own passionate ways being a problem too.

Existing within a war and also becoming a mother has drawn Hazel's thoughts back to her own mother. There's been plenty of times where she wondered about Michelle throughout her life. But, now more than ever, Hazel finds herself eager for answers. To know if the woman is safe and alive, at least. She hasn't uttered a word of this to her family, but she's making secretive inquiries where she can. So far, nothing has come of it but as always, it's very hard for Hazel to let go of a dream.

[sparklytravelmoviepersona]

Acceptance/Anata wa hitori janai pt 1

After your passing, you wake up and find yourself in a dream like empty black void. And suddenly, you hear a voice. And you get the feeling that you are not alone.

“We have been watching you for a long, long time.”

“Who are you?”

“I am who I am.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I am the turtles gram gram. But you can call me, hamato karai.

You get a surprised feeling and realized it was the other family figure the guys had told you about.

“Is there something that you want to ask of me?”

“I have seen the things you have done for our family. You protect them. You have fought for the turtles. And it seems like you have been fighting for our clan.”

You turn around and see the ghosts of the entire hamato clan with you.

“A friend worthy of our family.”

“Really? But, how can you be sure? I’m not one of you.”

“Oh my child, you have always been one of us But I have also seen your mutant has been getting out of hand.”

“Look, I know it. I really didn’t mean to hurt leo. When…uh… when he looked at me, it seemed like he was seeing a monster.”

Karai gave you a sad look

“I know how it is. But I know that when you ran away, you just felt scared and alone. And believe me, splinter and the boys know what that feels like. To be judged unfairly. To feel alone in this world.”

And at that moment, you just felt mesmerized by what she was saying.

“So we just want to say… that we all forgive you.”

Another surprise.

“Thank you, karai. And…”

She wanted to hear what else you had to say.

“I’m really sorry. When I told Leo that I was dangerous. I didn’t really mean it. Wha… what I should have said is…”

You began to get sad and nearly cried

“Karai, the truth is… I just wish I wasn’t mutated. And I wish me and my inner mutant. And the guys. I just wish we didn’t fight all the time. I… I just… I wish I could have spent more time with Leo and they probably could have seen… like everything I’ve been through. But… but I wasn’t gaining control over it. I just.. I wish I was with the boys. I wish I could get that time back and…”

Karai really felt bad for you

“I… I need my family. I just… I need to be home with my family.”

“Look, I know you don’t want to be here right now, but you are, and there’s no change in that. If you can’t accept yourself for who you are, this nightmare of yours will probably never end. So what do you say? Truce, for now?”

“Actually, let’s call it a forever truce.”

And then she smiled

“I just hope you can still be able to do great things when you go back.”

Another surprise

“What?! Back?! Wait! You mean…”

“Yes. We will let you get back into your body. Back to our family.”

Karai manages to open a gateway to New York.

“Thank you. So much.”

“And y/n, Anata wa hitori janai.”

You jumped out and you feel yourself floating in air and find out your flying.

“Okay y/n. Find your way home. And be reunited with your family.”

You fly around the city for hours, calling their names. And friends of theirs.

“Leo?”

“Raph?”

“Donnie, you there?”

“Mikey? April?”

“Draxum?”

“Splinter? Cassandra?”

“Hello?”

“Casey? Hueso?”

“Todd?”

“Sunita?”

“Where is everybody?”

You sit on a swing seat in a playground. Even though no one can see you.

“Aw man. It doesn’t make sense. It’s like they just took off or something.”

[sentfromwolves]

HIS BODY A BROKEN LAW. WIP INTRO & DIRECTORY

There’s a clock tattooed on Nemesis’s wrist, and when it reaches midnight on his 21st birthday, it will kill him.

It doesn’t help that his mother was the one who cursed him, and that the demon possessing his car ate her down to the bones before Nemesis could get her to break it. But Nemesis is nothing if not versatile, not when he’s only got a few months left until the big bad end. If a deal with the devil under the hood of his vintage car is what it takes to survive, Nemesis doesn’t mind selling what’s left of his soul.

But Judge doesn’t just want Nemesis’s soul. The demon has bigger, meaner plans than that, and he needs Nemesis’s help to see them through. After all, stealing the heart of a living city isn’t a one-man job, and for all Nemesis is cursed, he’s still the first True Witch in a generation. And with a centuries old turf war raging through the streets of the Veldt, Judge and Nemesis are going to need each other’s power if they hope to make it past every last exorcist, demon, and vengeful witch in their way―regardless of whether they can stand each other or not.

💢 GENRE ―

adult dark urban fantasy 

💥 THEMES ―

survival at any cost, morality versus the corrupt systems that raised you, the ugly path away from abuse

⭐ STATUS ―

working on first draft, target goal: 90k

📛 POVS ―

third person limited past tense.

🌃 SETTING ―

A century ago, a city came to life and began crawling across the wastelands of the west coast. No one knows how it came to be, or who built it, only that now, the Midnight City is a fabled urban legend, and a hunting ground for all creatures that called the hidden world of the occult their home. 

Guarded from the rest of the world by the warped labyrinth of the Zero—a hostile ley line now curled like a serpent around the city within—the Midnight City brims and bristled with danger on all sides. A turf war a century in the making has turned its streets crimson with blood between the witches of the Foxtail Coven and the exorcists of Rapture, and the stalemate has left both sides desperate and hungry for a way to finally slaughter their enemy and claim the Midnight City for their own.

But there are darker things asleep beneath the concrete and cracked asphalt of the living city, where its heartbeat thunders out through the twisted rib cage of floating highways and migrating cathedrals, and its dreams shift the landscape with every nightmare, every breath. As the first True Witch in a century and the demon inhabiting his car race ever closer to the city limits, one thing becomes certain above all else: whatever has been slumbering all this time is at long last beginning to wake.

🚬 CHARACTERS ―

❌ NEMESIS. trans he/him  ― scorpio  ― a true witch, the first in a century

The first True Witch in a century, Nemesis was born to Agatha Bluesummers, the Sanguine Witch. Greedy for a taste of eternity, Nemesis’s mother stole his immortality from him in the cradle and cursed him to die on his 21st birthday. Now, Nemesis seeks a way to lift his curse before it kills him, making a deal with the devil in a last ditch effort not to bite the dust.

🖤 JUDGE. ?? he/they/yikes that’s a demon ― ??  ― eternal, immortal, undefined by time.

A mysterious demon from the Restlessness, Judge ate Nemesis’s mother after she summoned him for her own greedy use and found herself unable to control his appetite. Now set on bigger things to consume, Judge seeks out her son, Nemesis, for a taste of his blood and to use him as bait in luring out the monstrous things asleep beneath the skin of the Midnight City. But the truth is that he bears a curse just as fatal as Nemesis’s own.

🧨 HALLIDAY. cis he/him  ― leo/virgo cusp ― exorcist; heir of the book of genesis

A formidable exorcist, Halliday has worked hard and long to prove his own merit beyond the imposing weight of his family name. The Heir of the Book of Genesis, one of the most powerful grimoires in existence, Halliday intends to live up to the expectations set upon him by his community and his family. Unfortunately, fate has other plans the moment a True Witch walks right out of a fairytale and into his life―by running him over with his possessed car. 

🧥 DESMOND. cis he/him ― ??  ― exorcist; the Tower of Rapture

The leader of the Exorcists inhabiting the Midnight City, Desmond is a ruthless, charismatic ruler that many follow without question, even into hell. Bored of the stagnation of the turf war against the Foxtail Coven and desirous for a taste of something new, Desmond sees Nemesis not as the omen most exorcists beneath him do but as a key to unlocking his deepest desires. The only problem now is dealing with the demon with his name tattooed to Nemesis’s soul.

⏳ TARGET DATE: THIRD DRAFT; September 30 2024 goal date for line edits ⏳

👋PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU’D LIKE TO BE ADDED TO A TAGLIST! I’ll probably update this post with more characters and information as I work more on the project.👋

[crayonverse]

Lab Rats S4EP23 - Marbles and Worry

back at it again with the scriptverse......

same AU as the vanishing rewrite and also based off of a incorrect quote i posted a bit ago.

features a lil bit of leo/logan. also ig in the AU the upgrade wasn’t as op in canon. Elite Force hasn’t happened yet as well

cw some swearing + brief implications of past abuse/current abuse

INT, BIONIC ACADEMY, DOUGLAS‘S LAB

Douglas is busy tinkering with Marcus’s arm, and also seemingly overwriting something engraved in their framework. A brief glance shown on what Douglas is working on, shows that in Marcus’s palm, is ‘Property of Giselle Vickers’s engraved into the framework.

DOUGLAS: Anddd... there we go. All gone!

Marcus looks at their palm, and thumbs over where the words used to be, now stating ‘Belongs to no one.’ Marcus smiles, but they seem to control their joy.

MARCUS: Thanks.

Douglas seems to give Marcus a leading look.

MARCUS: ... Dad. (Rolls eyes)

DOUGLAS: (Giddy) Aw, why thank-you, son.

MARCUS: Don’t get used to it. I’m still not fully trusting you.

DOUGLAS: Yeah, yeah, okay. (Reattaching Marcus’s skin casing) How’s your capsule holding up?

MARCUS: Well, it’s not a closet like with Giselle, and it doesn’t look like a cage, like with a certain somebody...

DOUGLAS: Hey, it fit the theme of the liar! Can’t judge me for that.

MARCUS: Eh, I can judge you a little.

Douglas sarcastically laughs in response, finishing up fixing Marcus. They check out their arm for any cracks or imperfections, and they find none. Marcus stands from their chair and begins to leave, but is knocked into by Logan and Taylor, who are running in.

LOGAN: Mr. Douglas! We’ve got an issue, can you please help us?

TAYLOR: Yeah, our capsules are frizzing out!

DOUGLAS: Uh, yep. Okay. I’ll handle it. (mumbling) How does Donnie’s tech keep breaking...?

Douglas quickly leaves, carrying his tool box with him. Taylor and Logan suddenly take notice of Marcus, and Logan quickly moves forward to shake their hand.

LOGAN: Oh, hi! I’m Logan.

MARCUS: Um. Cool.

Marcus awkwardly shakes Logan’s hand, and Taylor offers her hand as well.

TAYLOR: I’m Taylor. I don’t think we’ve met?

MARCUS: Right, uh... I’m Marcus. Douglas’s... other child.

LOGAN: (Casually) Damn, he gets around.

TAYLOR:(panicked) Logan!

LOGAN: Right! Filter! Filter thoughts!

MARCUS: Well, don’t worry about that. I wasn’t... b-born.

TAYLOR: ... C-Section?

MARCUS: I’m, uh, made out of metal. Completely.

LOGAN: Like a robot?

MARCUS: (slightly annoyed) Android, actually.

TAYLOR: Huh, wait... Leo told us about you. ( You’re the weirdo android that tried to kill him.

MARCUS: Ah, right. He’d tell people that. Uhm, well, we’ve... moved past that experience.

TAYLOR: “Moved past”? Really?

MARCUS: Yeah, moved past, as in, I’m not trying to kill him anymore, and he only vaguely wants to murder me.

LOGAN: Huh, guess that makes sense.

TAYLOR: (Uncertain) If... If you aren’t trying to hurt Leo anymore, then I guess you’re cool.

MARCUS: You’re... giving me a chance that easily?

TAYLOR: Well, I tired to kill Leo too, so it’d be hypocritical if I hated you for that. He gave me a second chance, so I’m giving you one too.

MARCUS: (Half-genuine) Thanks...

Logan squints a little at Marcus, placing a hand on his hips.

LOGAN: So... Can you do anything... cool?

Marcus once overs Logan, then smiles.

Transition

Marcus is holding Logan and Taylor up with one hand each. Taylor seems to be enjoying herself, and Logan looks ecstatic.

LOGAN: (Giggling) This is so cool! I can never get anyone else to do this!

TAYLOR: It feels like I’m floating!

Marcus starts laughing too, enjoying their amusement, when Douglas reenters holding his toolbox and a fistful of corroded wires.

DOUGLAS: I found the issue, sea water--

He notices what is going on.

DOUGLAS: ... The hell are you three doing?

LOGAN: (Grinning) I asked Marcus to pick us up!

DOUGLAS: Why?

Marcus replies in a way that sounds like what they’re saying is completely obvious.

MARCUS: Because I can?

DOUGLAS: Marcus, put them down. Now.

MARCUS: Ugh, fine.

Marcus carefully lowers them both, with Logan making sure Taylor lands correctly. She silently thanks him with a pat on his back.

DOUGLAS: You can’t just pick people up!

MARCUS: (Annoyed) Adam picks up Chase and throws him all the time!

DOUGLAS: That’s- That’s different! That’s Donnie’s parenting, not mine.

MARCUS: (Sarcastically) Still your genetics, why don’t you try to parent them too?

DOUGLAS: (Sighing, said quietly) Why can’t you be through your asshole teenager phase yet...

Douglas pinches the bridge of his nose and dumps his toolbox on the floor. He’s clearly restraining his anger in front of Logan and Taylor.

DOUGLAS: Taylor, Logan, can you two leave?

TAYLOR: Alright...

LOGAN: Um, bye Mr. Douglas. Goodbye Marcus.

The two leave, although they are both nervous, as they’ve never seen Douglas so wound up before.

DOUGLAS: Listen, I know you’re happy about... freedom and stuff, but there’s still some rules to follow. Like not potentially endangering someone who’s blind.

MARCUS: Huh? What are you talking about?

DOUGLAS: You didn’t- Taylor! She’s blind.

MARCUS: Oh, I didn’t know that... I thought she was just having trouble with her laser sight or something...

DOUGLAS: Just, try not to use your bionics on students, alright? I don’t want anyone getting hurt and you leaving a bad impression.

MARCUS: I feel like... you’re overreacting. I have super strength, I wouldn’t drop anyone.

DOUGLAS: That’s not the point! I haven’t done a check on you yet. I don’t know what Giselle did to your chip. She could’ve put some stupid... I don’t know, killing bionic!

MARCUS: I would know, I can tell when--

DOUGLAS: (Yelling) Marcus!

Marcus immediately stills and freezes in place. They instantly straighten up and take the posture of a military unit.

DOUGLAS: No, sorry, I shouldn’t have- Sorry I yelled at you. (Sighing) The dorm capsules just made me mad, I won’t take it out on you. My bad.

MARCUS: R-R...Right. Yeah.

Although Marcus loosened up from their posture, it’s clear they’ve receded into themselves, covering their lower stomach with their arms and awkwardly looking into the floor.

DOUGLAS: Sorry.

Douglas makes a move to place a hand on Marcus’s shoulder, but they flinch away briefly. Douglas nervously takes his hand back and pats his legs awkwardly.

DOUGLAS: Just... don’t pick anyone up until I’ve done a check on your bionics, yeah?

MARCUS: ... Okay. Sorry.

DOUGLAS: It’s- It’s fine, Marcus. Don’t worry.

MARCUS: Okay...

Marcus slowly leaves Douglas’s Lab.

Fade out

Fade in

INT, BIONIC ACADEMY, MENTOR’S QUARTERS

Leo and Bree are sitting on the couch, eating from separate chip bowls. They are watching some sort of horror movie.

BREE: These things kinda lost their flair now that we know why they got made.

LEO: Yeah... knowing that the lead director tried to kill us and everyone we care about really dampens the way the zombie’s bite into heads of innocent victims.

The TV plays a chomping sound effect and a woman screams in a high pitch.

BREE: Do you want to see if Zombie Hair Stylist is any good?

LEO: Oh, I watched it already, I give it... a 6/10. Effects were up to standard but the plot? Way too messy to follow. There’s about 8 different subplots and half of them aren’t relevant.

BREE: Is it gory?

LEO: Yeah?

BREE: Let’s watch it.

Leo shrugs and makes a move to grab the TV remote, when Taylor and Logan wander in, still looking nervous.

LEO: Hey!

Leo warms up instantly, giving the pair a bright smile.

TAYLOR: Hey Leo.

BREE: Also here.

TAYLOR: Oh, hey Bree, as well.

LOGAN: Uhm, can we ask you guys a family question?

BREE: (Pausing the movie) Sure? Go ahead.

LOGAN: So uh, is Douglas known for-

TAYLOR: Being uhm, violent?

Bree and Leo look between each other in confusion.

LEO: He yells... I don’t think he’s ever hit anyone in retaliation, though.

BREE: Yeah, he mostly uses a gun or something.

LOGAN: Oh well that’s worse.

LEO: (Worried) Why? Is something happening?

TAYLOR: We, uhm, met Marcus.

LOGAN: Yeah! And we asked if they could pick us up, because they have super strength, like Adam, but Douglas came back and he seemed really mad at Marcus, so we--

TAYLOR: --We were worried Marcus might be hurt. We’ve never seen Douglas so... pissed before.

LEO: Oh, uhh... Douglas is just really wound up because of everything. I’m sure in a few days he’ll calm down.

BREE: Yeah, there’s no issue!

Logan and Taylor look at each other for half a second, then turn back to Leo and Bree.

TAYLOR: Um, not to be rude, but that... didn’t really answer the question directly.

BREE: Uhh...

LEO: Okay, look. I’m like, 90% sure Douglas doesn’t get violent.

LOGAN: 90%...?

LEO: Listen, the man commits felonies on the reg, I have no clue what his morals are.

LOGAN: So, should we be... worried?

BREE: No! (Pause, uncertain) No?

LEO: Yeah-- No, no! Douglas isn’t a terrible person... Ish. He’s pretty forgiving and kind to Daniel, who’s also his son, so Marcus is going to be fine, trust me.

TAYLOR: Alright. Yeah. Thanks, sorry to uh, bother you both.

BREE: It’s cool, during our convo I changed my mind. (Turns to Leo) Let’s watch Zombie Truckers 10 again.

LEO: Oooh, yeah! That’s the best one.

BREE: (Obvious) Yea, that’s why I picked it, duh.

Logan and Taylor leave their quarters as Bree and Leo continue talking about their movie choice.

INT, BIONIC ACADEMY, MENTOR’S QUARTERS HALLWAY

LOGAN: Right. Marcus is all cool and fine. Nothing to worry about.

They both pause and look at each other.

TAYLOR: But, y’know, to be safe... Let’s just hang out with Marcus. To make sure everything is chill.

LOGAN: Because it is chill. And Marcus is fun.

TAYLOR: Yeah. Exactly.

They both nervously run off in the direction of the cafeteria.

Fade out

Fade in

EXT, BIONIC ACADEMY, ISLAND GARDEN/BEACH

Marcus is sitting on a bench embedded into the sand. They’re lasering various clumps of sand into glass, turning them into marbles. As they finish up another one, Logan and Taylor run into the garden, puffed out.

LOGAN: Hey!

Marcus turns around and sees them both, confused.

MARCUS: Um, what’s up?

Logan and Taylor walk over to Marcus’s bench and sit on either side of them.

TAYLOR: We wanted to know if... You’re okay.

MARCUS: Hm? Why wouldn’t I be?

LOGAN: Um, when we left, Douglas seemed really angry and...

MARCUS: (Realizing) Oh! No, um... My dad’s always been... a bit tougher on me. I guess. (Unsure) I-I know, he means well... probably.

TAYLOR: Well, y’know, glad you’re uhm, okay.

Logan looks down at the sand.

LOGAN: What are you doing?

MARCUS: ... Heating up sand so it turns into marbles?

TAYLOR: Oooh, cool.

LOGAN: (Picking one up) I bet Bob or Spin would like these right?

Taylor pauses as if she’s trying to remember something.

TAYLOR: Right, uhm...

LOGAN: One smells like ketchup and the other smells like Lego bricks?

TAYLOR: Oh! Yeah, they’d like that stuff.

MARCUS: Do you want them? I can literally make a handful in a second.

LOGAN: Hmm... I have a morally dubious idea.

TAYLOR: (Interested) What is it?

MARCUS: Why did you announce it like that?

Logan ignores Marcus’s question.

LOGAN: We could... do pranks with them. Right?

MARCUS: Like...?

TAYLOR: Do you want to fill Chase’s and Adam’s capsule with them?

MARCUS: (Grinning) Sounds fun.

LOGAN: Hah! I love doing pranks. Leo says that he’s “super cool and great” at doing them, so I want to be like that as well. He’s so amazing and cool, he has really good ideas too, and have you SEEN his cooking? Oh it’s so... (Continues speaking out of sight)

MARCUS: (Questioning) Hm?

They look at Taylor for a second.

TAYLOR: (Mouthing) ‘IN-LOVE-WITH-HIM’

MARCUS: Ah, makes sense.

Marcus watches as Logan continues to ramble about Leo, and Taylor tries to gather all the marbles below in her hands.

Fade out

[giggly-squiggily]

Ok, I promise this is the last YunLeo I'll request,

Ok so YunLeo, but this time lee Yuno👀

-😺 anon

I ended up doing your request order backwards drjakrkakjerjk Heyo friend! :D I love Yunleo so much, and this was such a fun fic to wrtie! Originally the fic today was supposed to be the Lee!Leopold one, but that one's still a work in progress, so today I bring you Lee!Yuno! I hope you like it!

“Look at you, studying away.” Leopold grinned, stretching out in the grass as he laid beside his boyfriend. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so dedicated to a spell.”

“There’s always a first.” Yuno replied, not bothering to look over from his grimoire. He had been working on a new spell as of late- studying the old ones and testing new moves to see if he could improve. Normally he wouldn’t put so much effort into the task- but Asta had been getting stronger lately; he needed to keep up. “Shouldn’t you be working on your own spells right now?”

“I would, but I’ve already exhausted my mana. Anymore and I’ll be down and out.” Leopold closed his eyes, brow furrowing when a new thought came to be. “Hey…didn’t you exhaust yours too?”

“....”

“Yuno?”

“I’m not using magic; I’m just reading.” Yuno wouldn’t look at him, his ears starting to tint pink. “I can’t overexert myself by doing that.”

Judging by the dark circles lining Yuno’s lids, Leopold begged to differ. Sitting up, he reached out and closed the book, pushing it off Yuno’s lap. “Yun. Take a break.”

“I’m fine, I promise-” Yuno was cut off when Leopold gently pushed him into the grass, climbing on top of him and lying down. “Leo, what are you doing?”

“Making you relax! You won’t stop unless I make you, so I’m doing that.” Leopold looked rather pleased with himself, snuggling close and tucking his head under Yuno’s chin. “Can’t study if I’m on you, can you?”

“....You know I can use magic to hold my grimoire up, right?”

“Try it.” Leopold dared.

Yuno quirked a brow and did just that, making his book lift. There was a moment where it held strong, floating a few inches off the ground. Suddenly it dropped, falling into the grass with a soft thump.

“Told ya.” Leopold snickered, earning a tsk from the brunette.

“Fine, I can’t use magic right now.” Yuno reached a hand out towards his book. “But at least let me read? I can still-”

He was abruptly cut off when Leopold poked his sides, making him shoot his arm back. “I said it’s break time.” He told him simply.

“Leo-”

“I’ll tickle you.”

Well, that was obvious. As if to further prove his point, Leopold spidered his fingers up Yuno’s sides, making him squirm with a soft giggle. “L-Leo, don’t!”

“Will you take a break?” Leopold asked again, sitting up enough so he could look the other in the eye.

The challenge had set in. Who would win out in this battle of wills?

“I won’t get stronger if I don’t study my magic.” Yuno argued.

“If you're physically and mentally drained, you won’t get better at all.” Leopold argued back.

“That sounds like something your brother would say.”

“It is. He’s got all sorts of good advice- hey.” Leopold glared. “Don’t try to sidetrack me!”

“Damn- it almost worked too.”

Leopold’s lips twitched, yet he held on firm. Gently, he wiggled his fingers up the wind mage’s sides once more, grinning with each small shiver and squirm the other made. “Come on, take the wind out of your sails! Enjoy the day off, Yuno! If you work yourself to near death you’ll have nothing to show for it!”

“Loohoohok who’s tahahalking!” Yuno snorted, squeezing his eyes shut as the giggles continued to spike. “Mhihihihster wohohohrkahohoohlic!”

“Touche.” Leopold grinned. “Now take THIS!”

“Leheheheheheopohohoohold!!” Yuno cackled as the other dug into his ribs, spidering his fingers all over and drawing out the funniest squeaks and snorts. “Wahahahhahahait pleheheahhAHAHAHHAHSE!”

“Please what? Please keep tickling you? Okay!” Leopold moved a hand down to Yuno’s belly, pushing past his shirt to tickle the warm skin there. His other hand came up and wormed against his neck. “How can I say no when you ask so nicely?”

Yuno was a mess of laughter, twisting and turning, any move to escape in vain as the other hung on tight. Bright bubbly laughter contrasted greatly with his aloof personality; only further encouraging the redhead to carry on. “YOHOOHOHOUR TEHEHEHHERRIBLE!”

“Naw- you’re just too ticklish for your own good!” Leopold snickered, leaning in and pressing kisses into his boyfriend’s cheeks as he moved his hands back to less sensitive spots. “And strong. *kiss* and creative *kiss kiss* and the best boyfriend ever even if you tend to overwork yourself. *kiss kiss kiss*”

If he wasn’t blushing before, he certainly was now. Yuno felt like his face was on fire- his cheeks sore from all his smiling. He’d be lying if he said it was only from the tickles.

Eventually, when his howls of laughter grew soft and raspy, and his eyes were misty with mirthful tears, Yuno finally gave in.

“Ohoohoohkay! *snort* Ohoohohkay! Yohohohou wiihiihihn!” Yuno reached out and squeezed Leopold’s arm- their signal for stopping. The redhead retracted his arms with a snicker and plopped down beside him, watching Yuno gasp for air. “See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

Yuno tried to glare, huffing softly when he got a kiss on the cheek. “Fine…eheheh…maybe it wasn’t so bahad.” He pointed a finger at the other then. “I’m gonna get you back.”

“Hah! I’d like to see you try!” Leopold snickered, crawling forward and resting his head against Yuno’s chest. “Rest now. Enjoy the day with me.”

And so they did, Leopold dozing off against Yuno’s chest while the other played with his hair. 

He would get him back- that was a promise.

I hope this was good!

[hyenahunt]

Beast Survival - 8 [END]

Writer: Nishioka Maiko

Season: Summer

Proofreading: royalquintet (JP & ENG)

Hiyori: After all, Jun-kun, you had the ambition to haul yourself up from that bottom rung, the spirit to stand up against those above you, and the determination to cling onto that opportunity.

[Location: Starmony Hall Courtyard]

Leo: Munch, munch, chew—

Aira: Nom, nom — this is the best ♪ It's delicious~! I never knew food could taste sooo good~ ♪

Tatsumi: I wouldn't have thought you'd be able to fish up a sea bream of all things, Jun-san. Impressive work.

Jun: Oh no, it was all luck, honestly. Right back at you, Kazehaya-senpai — thanks so much for handling all the food prep right away.

By stacking up some rocks together, you managed to make us all a simple stove ♪ [1]

Tatsumi: I read about it in a book once, some time ago. Who would have thought it'd come in handy as an idol?

And all that aside, you really went above and beyond in trying out a real-life survival game for the sake of getting into your role.

Jun: Nahhh, at first I just got swept up in the whole thing, really.

But if I'm gonna take up this stageplay role as a professional, I can't give 'em some half-assed work, so I decided to take this chance to really get into character.

Tatsumi: Hmm. Jun-san, you're truly diligent.

Jun: Mmm. Rather than diligence... you could say it's something like pride, maybe.

This is gonna be my first time performing in a stageplay, but that makes no difference to the audience.

Whether it's a big name or a newbie up there performing the lead role, guests still pay the same amount to come and see 'em...

So I believe it's only right that an actor shouldn't betray their level of experience to the audience.

Well, even if I say all that, my lack of experience is gonna jump out in some way.

It'll take time to build up experience, no matter what. There's no way I could rack it all up in a day, right?

But when it comes to learning my role, there's at least something I can do. That's what I figured, anyway.

If it really was something I couldn't do anything about, I would've resigned myself to it, but I don't wanna say something's impossible without even trying it first.

That's the pride I have as a pro in the making, after all.

Tatsumi: Heheh. That sort of attitude is most befitting of an actual professional, and to continue holding onto it is truly a challenge.

So, how did it go? Have you gotten a better grasp on your role?

Jun: Mm, well... Thanks to this experience, I've gained a newfound appreciation for things I normally have around me and my own abilities.

I feel like I now understand what it's like to be in a situation where I've no choice but to do everything with my own two hands, but I don't think I can really say I've completely gotten a grip on my role yet...

Since I'm no prince, much less one who's gotten exiled from his kingdom, I can't quite wrap my head around the sheer weight of responsibilities someone like that's gotta deal with.

Though my old man's a former idol, I grew up in a pretty average household, after all.

Tatsumi: ...Hmm. Jun-san, aren't you overthinking this a little?

Jun: Am I?

Tatsumi: Yes. You took such an impossible mission upon yourself, faced it squarely, and even accomplished it without ever throwing in the towel.

That kind of tenacious spirit and resolve would stay with you no matter what shape or form you take, don't you think?

Jun: ...!

Leo: Hey now~! You two over there! Quit floating off into your own little world and get over here~!

I've just had a flood of inspiration burst forth! Let's sing a survival song with everyone!

Aira: That's riiight! The veggie foil packs are gonna get all burnt, y'knooow!

Tatsumi: Ahh, so they are. I'll be right with you.

Jun: (I get it now... I'd thought I didn't know anything about the animal kingdom, but I was only judging things by my own standards.)

(Though I didn't realise it at first, all the things I felt today could be the very same things animals living out there in the wild experience, huh.)

Leo: Heeey! Namiii~! Hurry up and get over here, toooo~!

Aira: What he saaaid! Sazanami-senpaiii~!

Jun: (Maybe the Hyena Prince would feel all these things, too.)

(What a rag-tag, fun, and reliable group. If this band of merry men is the one I'm gonna be taking back my kingdom with, then well, I guess things aren't so bad after all ♪ )

I heard ya clear as day~ I'm comin' over now—!

✦✦✦✦✦

[Location: ES Breakroom]

Jun: Heya, thanks for all your hard work today. Huh? Are you the only one here, Ohii-san?

Hiyori: It seems Adam's running late at their current gig. Work is work so there's no way around it, but keeping me waiting is unacceptable!

Jun: Now, now. I'm sure they're gonna come by soon. Want some tea while you wait?

It looks like they've brought in that black tea you've been wanting to try, Ohii-san. Shall I brew some for you?

Hiyori: Yes, yes. But of course, you shouldn't even need to ask. It's a given that you brew tea for me, yes? It should be as natural as breathing for you!

Jun: There's seriously something wrong with your personality... Ohii-san.

Hiyori: What's this? Jun-kun, you seem like you've made some kind of breakthrough. That's a fine weather! A little while ago you were going around looking like you were dead inside. Did you manage to master your role?

Jun: Mmm~ Well, you could say I'm finally standing on the starting line.

Right, speaking of which. Ohii-san, you told me the other day that I was a good fit for this hyena role, didn't you?

And that I'd just have to remember why. What was that all about?

Hiyori: Hm? — Ahh, yes.

Jun-kun, you were a non-special student, weren't you? As a result, you had no more merit than a pebble on the roadside.

After all, that's the kind of system that school had, but...

Like a messiah, I extended my hand of salvation to you and lifted you up from that place. That's why you should be all the more grateful towards me, of course.

Jun: You really don't have to be so annoying about it, but I mean, it's true. I'm always telling you how grateful I am, aren't I?

But what does that have to do with what you said, Ohii-san?

Hiyori: Well, it's not like I chose you on a complete whim, of course.

After all, Jun-kun, you had the ambition to haul yourself up from that bottom rung, the spirit to stand up against those above you, and the determination to cling onto that opportunity.

That's the very Jun-kun I chose... and with a role like an exiled hyena prince, returning to reclaim his kingdom with the help of his friends — there's no way it wouldn't suit you, right?

Jun: ......!

Hiyori: As I've told you once before, you're a noble beast who can't tell lies. [2]

And you see, that's why I extended a hand to you. Isn't my foresight incredible!

Jun: Can you stop flattering yourself with everything you say? It really doesn't feel like I'm the one being praised at all.

Hiyori: I'm just saying it as it is, of course!

Now, if you just think back to those days in Reimei Academy, to when you'd first met me, then that alone would be enough for you to play the Hyena Prince better than anyone else.

Jun: ...So that's what you mean. If that's the case, then I feel like I could keep playing him all the way until the end. Those days are carved right into my soul, after all.

Hiyori: Exactly! That's why out of everyone out there, you're the one who has to play him! Jun-kun, no one else would understand the Hyena Prince better than you!

Jun: Well then, I should know just how to reply, shouldn't I?

"I'll swallow up all the fruits of your charity, and all the days I've lived through up 'til now — and then I'll show you how I've grown strong enough to hunt my own prey!" [2]

✦✦✦✦✦

Translation Notes:

[1]: Specifically a kamado, a traditional Japanese wood/charcoal-fueled cook stove.

[2]: These lines are a direct reference to quotes in Saga - Release 4 (which will hopefully be back up soon!)

✦✦✦✦✦

← prev ✦ all ✦

[fossadeileonixv]

Milan Loan Update

That’s Yacine Adli in case you didn’t know

YACINE ADLI Former PSG youth product that was bought in January and is currently finishing his season at French side Bourdeaux. Has 1 goal and 7 assists so far. Not bad for an attacking mid on a team in a relegation battle. Tall, lanky attacking mid that moves all over the park. He seems to float around wherever there is space and try to make things happen. Will most likely compete for the AM job alongside Brahim Diaz this summer. 

TOMMASO POBEGA All around CM that has been on loan at Torino this year after a fine year (6 goals) at Spezia last year. Big, strong and can play anywhere in the midfield. Four goals at Torino playing for a solid coach in Ivan Juric. I believe he can step in as an immediate replacement for Kessie next year. Also, possibly, a target for other teams that could bring in 20-25 million that would look very nice on the books as a Milan product. Not saying I am in favor of that just be aware it’s a possibility. 

JENS PETTER HAUGE RW on loan with obligation to by at Frankfurt. Scored 2 goals in their first 3 games and folks were freaking out. Hasn’t scored in the league since. Actually made his first start since October this past weekend against Frieburg and got an assist. Likely to get moved on this summer for 13 million plus a 15% sell on fee. 

LORENZO COLUMBO Big, strong CF on loan at Serie B side SPAL. Started off on fire scoring 2 goals in his first 3 games and 6 before December 1. Since then has not scored. Also after starting 19 of the first 20 games has been mostly part time. Only just turned 20 it will be interesting whether he gets some chances with the first team or remains on loan forever. I imagine this summer will be big for him in terms of evaluation and his future. 

MATTIA CALDARA On loan at Venezia. Made 25 starts for relegation bound team. Only thing that really matters is his deal ends this summer. Oh what might have been before injuries ate him up. 

LEO DUARTE CB on loan at Baseksehir in Turkey where he has made 26 starts. Team is currently in 4th and in a battle for a CL spot.  Hard to see any room here for another CB. Most likely on loan again next year or sold for a nominal fee. 

ALESSANDRO PLIZZARI Backup keeper at first place Lecce in Serie B. Behind our old friend Gabriel who is having another excellent season. Missed the first half of the season with a knee injury. Recently made 3 starts, all draws, and kept one clean sheet. 

This next group is all guys that have been on loan for the most part since they turned 18. Will they ever play for Milan? Hard to tell. 

FRANK TSADJOUT CF on loan at Ascoli. Team is fighting for promotion and he has started 21 games for them scoring twice. Been out on loan the last 3 years at different places. 5 goals in 55 games. 

MARCO BRESCIANINI CM on loan at Seroe B side Monza. Started the first 2 games but has not played since. Got a debut on the final day last season against Cagliari. Some hope there obviously but hard to say. 

GABRIELE BELLODI CB that has missed the whole season with a torn knee tendon. 

LEROY ABANDA LB on loan at 3rd division side Boulogne in France. Made 11 starts at LB and LM. Former U17 international for France. Maybe something long term and maybe nothing.

GABRIELE CAPANNI On loan at Ternana. Zero appearances. 

LUAN CAPANNI Spent the first half of the season at Viterbese and then moved to Grosseto in Serie C in January. He’s made 10 starts there despite injury and has 2 goals and an assist. Team is in last in the league but interestingly have only lost 2 of the 10 he has started at CF.

ALESSANDRO SALA On loan at Serie C side Pro Sesto. Mostly on the bench or late sub the first 20 games. Since then has played more and and actually started the last 2 at CM. 

That’s about it folks .It’s worth poking around and seeing what our loanees are up to and who is getting playing time. There does not appear to be much on the conveyor belt it’s aways tough to judge. You never know when someone is gonna have a breakout season. 

FORZA MILAN

Lisi

[plutoswrath]

i’m jealous of your big heart when it comes to animals lmao. i’m arachnophobic and it can be so annoying to have sometimes. i haven’t been able to tie it back to astrology, as much as i would like to. i asked because i was wondering if there was a clear indicator based off certain placements like how 6th house rules animals, 6th is ruled by mercury so i jumbled them even though i probs shouldn’t have lol. and with venus it ties to personal taste so i wondered if it could indicate a liking towards a certain animal. i have sag and sag venus in 6th and embarrassingly enough, i was obsessed with horses. like i came out of the womb adoring them. as soon as i learned to talk i was a walking horse encyclopedia. my obsession died down. i’m not a horse girl, i swear on my life.

i agree with you about the cancer loving animals. animals are babies and momma cancer loves to nurture the babies. i feel like cancers are the most likely to hate the “are you a dog or cat person” question. they’d get offended because how dare someone assume their heart isn’t big enough for both. more than both, really. throw a turtle in there. a rabbit even. cancer asc peeps usually have a shit ton of animals. it’s probably the sag/abundance in the 6th. or they either own a horse or Great Dane. but this is off topic because i forgot i had a follow up question.

if you could tie an animal or a couple animals to each sign that you think best represents that sign? or just seems like one they’d like? some are so easy and others just leave me blank. my arachnophobia thinks scorpio’s deserve better than scorpions but my terror blinds me. but i was looking up the symbolism behind animals and tying them to signs. so far, i’ve concluded that while horses should go with sag, their highly intuitive and empathetic animals. their behavior is like a mirror so if you’re nervous, they are too. so pisces or cancer actually seems to be a better fit. and to stay on topic of cancer with animals, i always tie wolves and dogs in general to cancer. the wolves are tied to the moon and familial dynamics and also i think they’re a great symbolic opposition to leo and how leos tend to resemble cats. sun and moon, dog and cat, night and day, that sort of thing. i realized i’ve rambled but i’m looking forward to your opinion because i’m so lost on what other signs would have. it’s been a year old question in my brain and it’s time for help from the master.

I'm sorry to hear that, I'm had a friend once who was arachnophobic and having phobias like these is really no fun, I can't imagine what it feels like really having them. And omg don't feel bad for liking horses when you were a child, literally so many children, especially young girls, like horses simply because people decided horses where a 'teenage girls only' thing somehow?? (and I will have to dig deeper into this at a point because here where I come from the horse girl thing is soooo painfully real and I want to understand the phenomena). And if I'm not mistake, arachnophobia (like most types of phobias), stem from some kind of trauma right? I absolutely don't try to get to personal but if we look at phobias in that way, maybe it's good to also include looking at planets/asteroids that point to trauma or aspects that can represent/indicate traumatic experiences in that sense! And I agree wholeheartedly to the 'dog or cat' question, I don't get offended by it but I hate this question in general because every animal deserves my love and empathy adfghj and yes, mother feelings definitely play into this haha! I think cancers enjoy (to an extent) having that occasional (or constant) outlet for their nurturing side and the bound you have to animals is also very intuitive and requires a lot of patience and getting educated as well as being observant and reading between the lines somehow and all that dedication paired with emotional knowledge just really speaks to water signs in general (and animals don't judge openly with words, just your energy asdfgh) Uhh, I like the question regarding the animals and I agree with your takes on it so far!! I think one animal can not represent all the core traits of a sign alltogether, but I'll try my best here! and psdfghj no need to call me master because I'm literally so far from anything close to that but thank you so much still, I feel honored really!!

The Signs as Animals:

Disclaimer: some of them are inspired by my ‘the Wild Unknown Animal Spirit’ tarot deck.

Aries: House cat. I know, I always thought cats actually link pretty well to Aries! Cats are just the perfect mixture of intelligen and curious, reserved, stubborn, aggressive, senstive as well as playful/impulsive! They are quick to learn and not afraid to face off against any other, bigger animals, but also can live pretty well together with other pets in the house, as long as they don‘t bother them too much. Especially when it comes to intimacy/pda they are very picky, but forceful when demand it. Seem flexible and unbothered at first but actually have the firmest boundaries when it comes to their personal freedom. Will let you believe they need you but give it a few weeks and the neighbor has better treats than you and gone they are asdfgh, but it's actually a harmful stereotype to believe that cats don't need you because they can become extremely fond of you and grow very attached.

Taurus: Elk. Based on the interpretation of my tarot deck. The elk represents earth energy, it is grounded, is established in itself and knows their core values and acts according to them. They show consistency, coherence and care. Dedicated to who they love and what they care for. Can become narrow minded due to knowing what's best, based on their perception of what's right and necessary, which can effect their ego negatively. Very Taurus for me. Gemini: Dragonfly. I refer to the interpretation of the Dragonfly based on my tarot deck. The dragonfly represents the mind: everchanging, quick, fascinating, a reflection of the world inside us and aroudn us. As the dragonfly is very quick (refering to Mercury's fast and nervous energy) the dragonfly also calles for paying attention to what quality our mind has and to become mindful, because on first glance things always appear different tahn on first glance (Mercury floats between detail-oriented and paying attenetion and being too fast, impatient). The dragonfly is joy and magic, as well as impatience, restlessness and being unable to concentrate. Cancer: Killer Whales (but also whales in general)! I thought especially about Killer Whales, because I once watched a documentary on them and they went in depth about how they have different cultures and different languages even (if I remember correctly) in their familys. Cancer often gets associated with the home life, but I think I wanted to look at it from another perspective, as in how does family 'become' family and how do those family roots develope, what do they consist of, how do we define family and what holds it together (and especially: how do our roots shape our own emotional patterns and nature in life?). I think the mystery of the Killer Whales but the whole complexity that lies behind the fascination of how these animals function and also how deeply affected Killer Whales are by their emotions/when they are absent from their kin, just opens up another big question of family dynamics and how we relate to one another and how principles we always condoned to human beings now apply to animals too. I think the whole part about the Killer Whales relation to emotions and their family's cultures just really made me link them to Cancer. Leo: Otter. I refer o the meaning of teh Otter based on my tarot deck. The Otter resembles the energy of the inner child: it's pure bliss, playfulness, they love to live and live for life itself, and out of this eagerness to enjoy life comes also a contentment and completeness towards life itself. To reconnect with otter energy, it is advised to step into settings of celebration, or total creative self expression and from the outside looking 'unproductive/selfish' indulgence. But actually, this energy is what makes life so enjoyable in the first place.

Virgo: Octopus. Highly intelligent beings that can quickly adapt and take the initiative. Self sufficient by nature, they aren't aggressive unless provoked, they like to mind their business unless they get curious (then they cling heavy onto you because you are their new object of interest). They can change color if it's needed (Virgo is a mutuable sign and can blend in perfectly in social occasions/new situations) and tbh the inking part about octopus just reminds me of the fact that most Virgos have a really quirky side to them you only get to see when you annoy them long enough (aka you are a long term friend). Libra: Gazelle. I refer to the meaning of ten Gazelle based on my tarot deck. The gazelle combines the creation of beauty and harmony, creativity and hyper awareness of it's surroundings, very affected of the imbalances in it's environment, but in it's try to remain this beauty around them, they tend to forget their achievments and stay in the present with their thoughts, as they constantly wheigh out the 'what if's'. A very perceptive animal in the tarot deck and this attribute is equally it's strong suit and downfall. Scorpio: Tiger. I refer here to the meaning of the Tiger based on my tarot deck. Waits in stillness and darkness to reconnect to their own inner power. Healing in isolation with the help of the lunar forces, waiting to regenerate. The Tiger energy shows itself in being passionate, sensual and stepping into ones own power, recognizing ones strength. For me, this is very Scorpio (Moon) for me. When the Tiger in unbalanced, it becomes overstimulated and acts according to this hyperawareness. Sagittarius: Zebra. I refer here to the meaning of the Zebra based on my tarot deck. The Zebra stands for an open mind, visionary and eccentric, new thinking, as well as being young at heart and expansion. I personally connect horses with passion and drive, because they are truly powerhouses. Based on the meaning of my tarit deck, the Zebra also is sociable, at least people find themselves drawn to the energy of the Zebra because it triggers their desire to learn, and I think this is something very beautiful Sagittarius symbolizes when they come into your life: be prepared to broaden your horizon for more. 

Capricorn: Camel. I refer to the meaning of the Camel based on my tarot deck. Camels here represent absolute dependence on self and being able to find the answer to problems in oneself. This self reliance and capability reminds me of capricorns, the camel is finding the 'cool' aka water inside of them and Capricorn is traditionally also symbolized as the sea-goat (which I seriously think should really be considered when anaylzing this archetype) and Capricorns have (imo at least) a rich emotional life, but it's just deeply locked within. The Camel represents showing responsibility for their own actions, regulating the self and circumstances around them as best as they can, which makes sense for Capricorns, ruled by Saturn they usually are confronted with task in their life. If the Camel energy is out of balance, it shows a lack of vitality, with Capricorn representing the senior age in life makes sense, especially since Capricorns can tend to feel very old (exhausted)- Aquarius: Platypus- and no, I’m not using the Platypus because ‚wow all Aquarius are so weird like straight up aliens 🤪🤪’ I think the platypus is a good representation because it makes us question what we’ve known so far about animals and Aquarius too is a sign that introduces us to new ideas and perspectives all in the favor of progress and considering alternatives, leaving the status quo. Pisces:  Raven/Crow. I name these two in particular because as far as I know it’s only the ravens that have been documented intimating people’s voices and tones, but crows are definitely more known for their bright mind. For me people often forget Pisces mutable nature and how quick witted they actually are. These birds are hyper intelligent and their observational skills are truly amazing. In my Wild Uknown Animal Spirit deck, the crow is an animal carrying 3rd eye energy. Here, the view is clear, the crow is moving through different dimensions and sees what other’s cant. For and the emotional depth (void) Pisces is conencted to it just seem to make sense. 

[starryeyes-darkestnights]

The City

The second part of the O’Knutzy au where Leo and Logan are still playing for the Lions, but Finn is a musician they met by chance on a roadie to Montreal.

I still don’t know what to call this story! But you can find part 1 here.

Also, this is kind of long, it got away from me :)

The song referenced in this part is The City, by Sam Fischer.

These beautiful characters and their world belong to the incredible @lumosinlove

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

Leo

When Leo and Logan stepped off the plane in Gryffindor painfully early the next morning, their phones buzzed in unison.  

Finn: Hey guys! It’s Finn. Just sending my number. I hope your morning wasn’t too bad after the late night. Mine was excellent, I slept all the way through your entire flight 😇. Anyway, let me know you get this, and I hope you were serious about getting together when we’re all back home. My dancing legs are ready.

Leo heard Logan snort under his breath and looked over to see him smirking as he typed out a response.

Logan: Our morning was awful, thanks for asking. Your dancing legs better be training before we get together again, because I can confirm that as of yesterday, they are not, in fact, ready.

Leo rolled his eyes affectionately, typing as he moved toward the baggage claim.

Leo: Tremz is just grumpy he didn’t get to limbo. Don’t listen to him.

He heard Logan let out an offended sound somewhere behind him and bit back a smile, restraining himself from turning to see Logan’s face.

Finn: Haha, sorry not sorry Logan. Also, if that’s how it’s going to be, then the competition just got real. Bring in the judge. We’ll see whose really got the moves. Spoiler alert, it’s me.

Logan: Challenge accepted. Though I would caution you to reconsider.

Finn: Back down from a dance contest?! Never! THIS. IS. SPARTAAA!!!!

Leo let out a surprised laugh at that. It would seem that Finn shared Logan’s love of a challenge.

Leo: … oh my god.

Finn: You know you love it Leo.

Leo: I do not.  

Logan: He does, I can literally see him laughing.

This time Leo did turn around, just in time to see a smirking Logan flipping him off. Leo shot him a glare.

Leo: Traitor!

Finn: Hahahahah

Logan: Ok our ride is here. I’m gonna go pass out.

Leo: Have a good holiday Finn. Let us know when you’re back in town.

Finn: You too guys. Talk to you soon.

Leo clicked off his phone with a smile and grabbed his bags.

One Week Later

Finn

Finn: Hey guys, just letting you know I’ll be back in Gryffindor tomorrow. I’ve got a late flight in.

Leo: Really? That’s cool. I thought for sure you’d be in Montreal until after the New Year.

Finn: Nah, I’ve got some stuff to do for school, and I have a gig the day after tomorrow I need to be back for.

This was at least 50% a lie.

Which meant, Finn had reasoned with himself earlier as he used the exact same line to explain to his family why he had moved his flight up almost a full week, that the other 50% was the truth.

Finn had been messaging with Leo and Logan since they left Montreal, and when he had found out two days ago that they had only had a three day break with their families over Christmas and that they were now back to work in Gryffindor, he hadn’t hesitated before looking for excuses to get back there himself.

As a result, he really did have a gig scheduled for the day after tomorrow that he had to be back for. He may have begged his way through his contacts list for the past two days to find that gig, but it was real. And even though he didn’t have a single thing due for school, if he now had to go back for the gig, he could totally get a head start on something. Which was kind of the exact same thing. So really, it was more like 75% truth. If you rounded, that made it 100%.

Logan: Sweet. Let us know the time and place, we’ll come and see if you’re any good without us 😉.

Finn scoffed at his phone. He dropped a pin with the location of the gig, took a selfie of himself shooting a rude gesture Logan’s way, and grabbed his guitar.

He prided himself on always putting his best into every show, and if Leo and Logan were going to come to this one, he needed to be a little extra prepared. He hadn’t been able to get either one of him out of his mind since the night they met, evergreen eyes and a sweet dimpled smile flashing behind his eyes every time he tried to play. It was going to be impossible to focus when they were right there in front of him, so if he didn’t want to make an idiot out of himself, he needed to get practicing.

---

Logan

Two days later, Logan was waiting for Leo outside of a coffee shop in downtown Gryffindor.

It was a chilly evening, starting to snow, and he shivered lightly as he looked up at the flakes floating gently in the light of the coffeeshop windows. He picked one and followed its path through the sky, trying to distract himself from the weird knot that had settled in his stomach earlier in the evening. The one he told himself had nothing to do with the visions of freckles and sinfully long lashes that he was trying desperately to keep from flashing through his mind unbidden.

“Whatcha looking at Tremz?”

Logan had been so focused that he nearly jumped out of his skin when a calm voice sounded just beside him.

His hand flew to his chest as he looked up to see Leo smiling down at him, his cheeks flushed from the cold, and a streetlight behind him lighting up his golden curls. Logan’s pulse stuttered. Fuck. He hated being caught off-guard.

“Mon dieu, Nutty.” He choked out, putting a hand to his heart, which was now pounding against his ribs. “Learn to make noise when you walk. You scared the shit out of me.”

Leo just laughed, “If you were paying attention you would have seen me coming. I’m not exactly easy to miss.” He gestured at his long limbs.

He had a point. Logan made a face at him and turned toward the door, looking up at the sign above the entrance as he tried to pull himself together. It read ‘The Burrow’.

“Come on,” he grumbled, his pulse beginning to calm, “let’s get a drink before Finn starts playing.”

When they walked in, Logan was surprised at what they found. The Burrow was much bigger than it looked from the outside. The brightly painted walls went back further than expected, and a second level ran around the perimeter of the room, giving patrons a view down onto the main floor, where a permanent stage was set up in the front corner. The back wall was taken up by a dark wooden bar, several baristas moving gracefully around one another in quick, practised, movements as they mixed and delivered drinks. The rest of the space was filled haphazardly with tables, and those tables were already filled with people, the low buzz of their conversation filling the room.

It was warm, and bright, and it smelled like chocolate and coffee.

“Wow,” said Leo, looking impressed, “This is… not what I expected.”

Logan hummed his agreement, eyebrows raised as he looked around, impressed at how cozy it managed to be despite its size. His eyes landed on an empty table halfway back from the stage and he nudged Leo.  “I’m gonna go grab us seats over there. Will you get drinks?”

Leo agreed, and as he headed toward the bar, Logan started to make his way across the room. He was halfway there when he caught a glimpse of red hair in his periphery. He stopped in his tracks as his stomach made an unexpected flip. Finn was standing near the stage, talking to an older woman who seemed to be helping him with some cables. He was laughing, and even from a distance Logan could see the way his face lit up with it, his wide brown eyes glowing in the warm lights of the coffee shop. Logan was suddenly gripped with the desire to be the one eliciting that laugh, the one who got to be right there to experience it.

He pulled in a sharp breath and stopped himself. This was why he had been trying to block those visions from his mind. It could never happen. Not so long as he was playing in the NHL. Logan had chosen this career knowing it would mean hiding this part of himself away, very deeply, for as long as he wanted to play. He had been doing so well with it, hadn’t even slipped up with Leo. He could shut this down too. Stop it before it had a chance to start.

He took another a deep breath and pulled his gaze away from Finn, moving more quickly now until he was able to slump into the chairs he had targeted. He closed his eyes and tilted his head back, trying to get his thoughts back under control. When he opened them again, it was to find Leo right behind him, full lips turned up in an amused smile at catching him staring straight up at nothing for the second time that night. His stomach flipped again at the unexpected sight. Damnit. He needed to get his feelings under control, and he needed to do it now.

“I would ask what you’re looking at again, but it didn’t go so well the first time.” Leo joked as he pulled out the chair across from him.

Logan forced out some kind of noncommittal response and straightened to look at the cups in Leo’s hands, desperate for any kind of distraction from his thoughts.

“What’d you bring me, Nut?” he asked, trying to keep his voice upbeat. But Leo was a goalie, and a good one. His observational skills were well-honed, and he knew Logan. His gaze shot immediately to the older boy’s face, soft blue eyes flickering over his features intently.  His eyebrows furrowed and Logan tensed under his gaze, silently praying for him to leave it alone. Whatever Leo saw in his face, he must have decided to let Logan have it, as he gave him a final once-over and then slowly pushed something that looked iced and sugary in his direction.

“I will never understand why you like these things,” he said carefully, “but I picked the most sweet-sounding one they had.”

“I like them because they’re delicious.” Logan replied, grateful to him for letting it go. “You just have no taste.”

Leo narrowed his eyes, “Strong words coming from – “

A voice interrupted him, “Logan Tremblay?”

Logan looked up to find a very pretty girl standing beside their table.

“And Leo Knut.” added a girl standing beside her.

Logan felt relief wash over him at their timing. This was familiar. This was a distraction he could work with.

---

Finn

Finn had just finished setting up the stage when he finally let himself look for Leo and Logan. He leaned against a wall and cast his gaze around the room, smiling at the comfortable familiarity of the space- one he had performed in dozens of times before. He was stoked to be introducing the boys to this place. He loved the Burrow, and the people who filled it. He had been coming here religiously since his freshman year of college, after falling in love with the strange way it managed to be both big and bright, and cozy and warm. He had been delighted by the contradictory nature of the place on his first visit, and had immediately turned himself into a fixture. After a while he had gotten to know the baristas, and through them, the owner, Molly.

Molly had become somewhat of a second mother to Finn over the years, and, due to their similar fiery red hair, was often mistaken by customers for his actual mother- something Finn found hilarious and she found… not so hilarious, given that she was only ten years older than him. It had been Molly who had helped him overcome his stage fright, had set up his first ever show here at The Burrow way back when. She was also the one who had come through when he was pleading for gigs earlier that week, and even though he was suspicious of the fact that she had, uncharacteristically, not questioned his last-minute request, he had been very happy to see her that evening when she had popped by and helped him untangle a mess of cables.

Now, though, there were only two people Finn wanted to see, and he was hoping to catch them before he started playing. His eyes skimmed across the crowd of cheerful patrons and quickly caught sight of Leo’s tousled blonde curls moving across the room, a head higher than almost everyone else. His smile gave way to a grin as he watched the younger man sit down at a table and pass a drink to Logan. Excitement thrummed in his veins as he pushed off the wall toward them, only to be stopped dead in his tracks when he saw two girls approach the hockey players. He watched as they introduced themselves, and his stomach twisted as Logan sent one of them a cocky, flirtatious grin, pulling out the chair next to him. The girls joined the table and leaned in, and Finn’s smile turned rueful. Of course. He didn’t know what he had been expecting from this reunion exactly, but as he watched Logan flirting shamelessly from where stood, he realized that he had been hoping they felt what he felt when they first met. That they had experienced the same sparks. Now, as reality came crashing down around him in the form of two beautiful girls, he recognized how ridiculous those hopes had been. They were NHL players for fuck’s sake. He was an idiot for thinking either one of them could have been anything more than a friend. He gave them one last look and changed his trajectory to the washroom instead.

---

Leo

Leo was worried. He had noticed something was up with Logan as soon as he saw him outside the Burrow earlier that evening. He had been distracted; his eyes distant. By the time they had sat down inside, he was completely in his own head, and the tension in his body was visible.  Leo had wanted to ask him about it, but after seeing the panic that flashed across his features when he made a move to do so, he had decided it was best to leave it alone for the time being. Give Logan the chance to bring it up himself.

But now Logan was flirting, openly and brazenly, with this random girl who had recognized him from the Lions, and Leo couldn’t leave it alone anymore.

It wasn’t that he wasn’t used to seeing Logan flirt — Logan was gorgeous, girls were constantly coming up to him at bars. But he didn’t usually encourage them this boldly. At least not when he was sober, and never if they recognized who he was. They had had more than one lecture from Coach Weasley about power dynamics and taking advantage of people who looked up to them, and Logan took them seriously. This wasn’t like him.  

After politely cutting off the conversation he had been trying to hold with the girl now seated beside him, Leo cleared his throat and spoke loudly enough for Logan to hear.

“Hey Tremzy, I think it’s time to go grab that snack.” He sent a bright smile to the girls. “It was really nice to meet you both. I’m glad to hear you’re fans of the team. Maybe we’ll see you at a game sometime.”

He kept that fake smile plastered on his face as he pushed his chair back from the table, catching Logan looking up at him with annoyance clear in his expression. Leo raised an eyebrow and prayed he would go along with him. He didn’t know what was going on with Logan, but what he was doing here was not okay, and it needed to stop.

Logan held his gaze for a moment before he huffed out a breath through his nose, his expression softening as he nodded. The tension he had built up since walking into the coffee shop seemed to bleed out of him as his shoulders dropped. He turned to the now confused looking girl beside him and gave her the same line Leo had used, shaking her hand and standing to follow Leo to the bar.

Leo waited until they were out of earshot before stopping and turning to Logan.

“You want to tell me what that was about?”

Logan sighed in response, pulling his hat off his head and running a hand through his hair before replacing it. “I don’t know. I wasn’t going to take it farther than that, I swear, I just…” He looked down at his shoes. “Look, I’m sorry. Can we just forget about it?”

Leo just watched him, waiting patiently until Logan’s eyes met his again. He reached out and rested a steady hand on his shoulder.

“Are you ok, Tremz? You seem… out of it, tonight.”

“What? No. I’m fine. Really. Just tired.” Logan tried his best to look it, but Leo saw right through him. He had spent the better part of the past year trying to pretend to himself that he didn’t want to learn everything there was to know about the beautiful man in front of him. He had failed, miserably. He knew Logan, and he knew something was still bothering him.

He briefly debated whether or not to push it this time, but even though Logan was clearly not yet fine, getting called out seemed to have helped. He did seem more like himself than he had five minutes earlier. So Leo settled on trying to cheer him up instead, resolving to follow up later when they weren’t in public.

“Alright,” he nodded at Logan, letting him have his excuse, “but you know I’m always here if you need me.”

Then he switched to a teasing voice. “You want me to order you another disgusting excuse for a coffee? Maybe that’ll wake you up.”

Logan let out a small laugh at that, and his smile finally seemed genuine. Leo nudged his shoulder and started moving toward the bar again.

“Come on. Finn’s gonna start any time, and I was serious about the snack. I need cake.”

Leo didn’t need to look back to know that despite the eyeroll he was certain had occurred, Logan would follow him to wherever there were baked goods.

---

Finn

Finn had given himself an excellent pep talk in the washroom, telling himself it was good he had come to his senses about the boys now, while he was alone, instead of embarrassing himself in front of them later. The disappointment he felt was still settled deep in his chest, but he knew himself well enough to be aware that he worked through his feelings best on a stage. And luckily for him, that was where he was currently headed

From the moment he started the show, Finn let himself get lost in the music, feeling his spirits lift back up as he watched the energy of the room rise and fall with his, letting the tempo of the songs he played encourage their dancing or their calm swaying. He had managed to sneak one of his own songs into the set list, and he played it for people for the first time, watching for reactions and not holding back his smile when people seemed to like it. It was a hard one for him to sing, bringing back some not so great memories. He didn’t look for Leo or Logan again, but he knew they were there, and he put in his best effort to make sure they were entertained. By the time he started his final song, his mind was blissfully clear again. Thank god for music.

After wrapping up the show with a grateful thank you to the crowd for their support, Finn started once again looking forward to reconnecting with the two men he suspected would become important to him. He may not be able to get rid of whatever these decidedly non-platonic feelings were, but he was confident he could push them to the side to make room for their friendship.

He had just hopped off the stage – buzzing with post-show energy, sweaty, and looking for water – when a familiar French-Canadian accent sounded from behind him. “Ok, you win. I admit that you are still incredible, even without our help.”

Finn spun around to find a head of dark curls bowing dramatically in front of him, Leo a few steps back with his eyes closed and a hand over his face, as if hiding from Logan’s antics. He threw his arms in the air and grinned at the two of them, genuinely happy to see them. “Guys! You made it!”

That brought a smile out of Leo. “Of course we did,” he laughed as he and Logan both moved in to give him congratulatory high fives, “your show was incredible, by the way. These people really liked you.”

Finn smiled sincerely at that. “Thanks, Leo.”

Leo handed him a bottle of water. “Also, we thought you might want this. You were looking kind of sweaty.”

“Oh my god, you absolute gem of a human,” Finn moaned as he cracked open the bottle, “I was just about to go hunt one of these down.”

Logan watched with an amused smile as he downed the whole thing in one go. “Glad to be of service.”

Finn wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and shot them both a grateful look “So much better. Thank you, guys.”

He looked back toward the mess he still had to pack up from the stage. “I need like twenty minutes or so to get this all cleaned up, then did you guys still want to head down to the bar?”

The three of them had previously planned to head out to a place down the street after Finn’s set, and Finn was looking forward to releasing some of the evening’s adrenaline on a dance floor.

“Ya, for sure.” Leo responded, eyes flicking up to the stage. “Is there anything we can help you with?”

“Nope! Cleaning up is a lot easier than setting up. You guys go enjoy yourselves, I’ll be done here quick.”

Leo and Logan looked at one another, and Logan looked like he was about to object, so Finn started shooing them away. “Go!” He encouraged them, waving his hands to guide them back toward the tables. He wanted them to enjoy themselves, not be stuck helping him clean. “It’s fine, I do this all the time, I have a system, I promise. Get a nice drink and relax.”

Logan put his arms up in surrender, green eyes sparkling with laughter as he watched Finn flap. “D’accord, ok, we will go. Put your crazy hands away. Just let us know if we can help, ok?”

Finn agreed, and then watched them head back over to the bar with a smile on his face. He was surprised, he thought to himself as he started looping up cables, at how the interaction left him feeling. He had expected to be a little nervous and awkward, especially after the way the evening began for him, but instead he found himself immediately feeling the sort of comfortable ease that usually comes from being around people you’ve known your entire life. It was like they belonged together.

As friends, he reminded himself. Only as friends. He could totally do this.  

---

Logan

Logan leaned against the bar, playing with the strings of his hoodie as Leo once again ordered drinks for them. He was feeling much better now, the knot that had taken up residence in his stomach earlier that evening finally gone. There had been something calming about watching Finn move across the stage, singing familiar covers with an energy that was uniquely his own. He had poured himself into it, connecting to the songs in a way that drew the audience, including Logan, along with his every move. It had been fascinating, seeing that version of Finn. His grin was still mischievous, his movements still wild, but he was also… purposeful. Less dorky on stage than he had been on the dance floor. Logan had been mesmerized. Sitting there next to Leo’s steady, grounding presence, letting Finn’s charisma pull him out of his own head, Logan had slowly unwound. By the time Finn had finished his final song, something unfamiliar that Logan had made a note to download later, he felt much more like himself.

“Hey, Nut,” he nudged Leo’s arm, “ask them what Finn likes. We should get him something for when he’s done.”

Leo looked over as the barista dropped three drinks on the counter in front of him, a stray curl falling in his eyes. “Already on it, Tremz.”

Logan ignored the way he wanted to reach out and push that curl back, and looked down at the drinks, surprised. “Oh shit. You’re fast.”

“Yes, Logan. That’s what happens when you don’t run through the entire list of drinks and their ingredients before you order.” Leo responded drily, standing as he wrapped his long fingers around two of the beverages in front of him.

“Well, how else are you supposed to know which one is going to taste the best?” Logan picked up the third cup, his own iced coffee, and sucked at the straw happily.

Leo huffed out an affectionate laugh. “You get the same thing every time anyway! Why does it matter?”

Logan shrugged as they headed back to their table. “I switch up the flavours sometimes. It’s not my fault nobody’s come up with anything better yet.”

They were still bickering about the pros and cons of knowing every component of your iced coffee when Finn pulled out the chair next to Leo and flopped into it with a grin. “Hey guys! Thanks for waiting.”

Logan looked over at him, definitely not noticing the way the warm lighting brought out the freckles scattered across the bridge of his nose. “Finn!” He cried, pointing at the redhead. “We have a drink for you, but first you have to pick my side in battle.”

Leo’s jaw dropped, affronted. “Logan! You can’t bribe your way to a win!”

“Watch me.”

Finn looked between them, amusement spreading across his face. “Hmm. Well, I don’t know what this battle is, but before I decide whether to help Logan cheat his way to victory, I need to know if the drink is worth it. What’s in it?”

There was a startling flurry of movement as Leo groaned loudly, dropping his face into his hands, and Logan jumped up from his chair with his fists in the air, letting out a victorious cheer. “Aye!! Right answer Finn!” He high fived the redhead and sat back down, feeling triumphant.

Finn laughed, looking startled and confused but accepting his drink from Leo’s outstretched hand anyway. He took a sip as the taller boy fold his arms on the table, dropping his head to hide inside of them.

“Hey! This is my drink. How did you know?”

“We asked the barista,” Leo’s muffled, grumpy, voice came from where his face was still buried in his arms. “She knew.”

“Chin up buttercup!” Logan crowed, leaning over to ruffle Leo’s blonde curls. “It’s ok to lose sometimes. As long as you’re not me.”

Leo lifted his head, eyes narrowed at Logan. “I am not a buttercup.”

Finn couldn’t help laughing at his disgruntled face. “Do you prefer daffodil?” Leo turned the withering glare his way. Finn tried again. “Marigold?”  

Leo just dropped his head again.

“Meh, I’ll call that a win. Marigold it is.”

Logan chuckled, deciding it was time to offer up an explanation for the scene Finn had walked into. “Leo doesn’t think it’s important to ask what’s in a drink before you order it. We were discussing why he’s wrong.”

Leo’s head shot back up as he glared at Logan again. “That is NOT what—” He stopped himself, sighing and closing his eyes as Logan just looked at him, face gloating. “You know what. No.” He opened his eyes again and raised his hands in surrender. “It’s fine. I accept my defeat.”

“Good man.” Finn clapped him on the shoulder. “Way to be the bigger person.”

“Thank you, Finn.” Leo smiled at the other man before turning to Logan. His intimidatingly blank goalie face slid perfectly into place as he looked Logan dead in the eyes. “I will get you back for this.”

Logan, used to Leo using this tactic to try and throw him off on the ice, simply met his gaze and grinned back cockily, straw between his teeth. “I look forward to you trying.”

“So,” Finn jumped in, changing the subject, “did you actually like the show?”

Leo turned to him, a genuine smile returning to his face. “We did! You didn’t tell us you wrote original music.”

“Is that what that song was? The last one?” Logan asked, surprised.

“Oh, ya. I don’t always play my own stuff at shows like the one we had in Montreal, but I can usually get away with sneaking a couple in at places like this. It’s part of why I like playing here so much.”

“I really liked it,” Logan complimented Finn, watching a red flush creep across his cheekbones again, “I was actually going to ask you what it was so I could download it. It reminded me of when I first moved to Gryffindor.”

Finn looked at him with an unreadable look on his face. “Seriously?”

Logan nodded, worried that he had said the wrong thing.

“That’s… I wrote that song about Gryffindor. About what it was like when I first moved here and didn’t know anybody. Before I made friends, before I discovered this place.”

“You really captured it.” Leo said softly.

Finn looked flustered, his calloused fingers rubbing the back of his neck in a way that made Logan want to take their place.

Leo, ever intuitive, noticed Finn’s discomfort and changed the subject, “You mentioned you were in grad school, are you studying music?”

“Nope! English Lit.” Finn looked relieved for the new topic, his features brightening. “But I did double major with music in undergrad.”

Logan sat back, content as he listened to the boys across from him talk, first about music and Finn’s connection to the Burrow, then about hockey, chiming in from time to time with questions or stories of his own as they moved smoothly between subjects. The time flew by as they chatted animatedly, and by the time Logan thought to check his watch, it was close to 1 am.

Surprised, he looked up at the room around them and realized it was nearly empty. He hadn’t even noticed people leaving. One of the baristas was sweeping the floor. He waited for Finn to finish a story about the time he had accidentally adopted his neighbours pet (“I helped her look for her cat for almost two weeks before I realized it was the one I had been feeding every night. Embarrassing does not begin to explain.”) to point it out to them.

“Uh, guys, I think we’re about to be kicked out.”

Leo and Finn both looked startled, turning to look around the room the same way he had, and Logan realized he wasn’t the only one oblivious to what had been going on outside of their bubble. The thought made him feel strangely happy.

Finn looked back at Logan, surprised. “Huh. I had no idea. What time is it?”

“Almost one. I know, I didn’t realize either.”

Leo checked his watch. “So it is.” The corners of his mouth turned down a bit, “I guess we aren’t going to the bar then. Sorry guys, I should have been paying attention”

Logan shook his head and reached over to nudge Leo’s shoulder. “Not your fault, Nut, none of us were paying attention.”

“Plus,” Finn added cheerfully, “now we get to add ‘closing down a coffee shop’ to our list of accomplishments as a trio. We already had the bar checked off, so no loss.”

Leo met Logan’s gaze across the table, blue eyes twinkling. “We’ve started a list?”

“Yes.” Finn stated, his voice confident. “We have. Which means we now need to make a plan to cross off the next item on it.”

“Okay,” Logan conceded, leaning his elbows on the table, fingers steepled, “I’ll bite. What’s next on the list?”

Finn looked at him, aghast. “Logan. That is not how the list works. The list is clearly unlabeled. We must first have the adventure, and then name it.”

Logan regarded him for a long moment. He had to give him credit, Finn could hold a straight face when he wanted to. But eventually, a twitch from the corner of his mouth gave him away and Logan dropped his arms and leaned back in his chair, laughing. “You are full of shit.”

Finn grinned in return, all hints of seriousness disappearing as he stood to grab his coat. “Maybe. But either way, we should get together again soon.”

“For sure, drop your schedule in the group chat. I’d love to see you play again, and I’m sure Logan would too.” Leo said as he led them to the door.

Finn’s face lit up at that, and Logan smiled softly at how adorable it was. He felt light and happy as they said their goodbyes, and when he saw Finn’s schedule dropped into their group chat on his cab ride home, he found himself already looking forward to when the three of them could do this again.