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another low hum, almost rumbling in his throat, escapes his lips as he looks between his meal and the adeptus. zhongli ponders momentarily before getting up slowly from the table.
he smiles slightly at xiao, gesturing for him to remain seated. "would you like for me to take the dish back to the chef and ask if they could make it anew? or shall i ask for a separate plate of chicken, cooked to your specifications if you are at least comfortable with that choice," he offers, his hand reaching for the edges of the plate, eyes on the man and waiting for his answer. he didn’t want to pressure him, but he wouldn't mind doing so for xiao—he invited him out for a meal and time to chat, after all.
starter for @ballad-of-encore .
a (small) glare is shot at morax as the adeptus looks between both him and the meal on the table in front. ‘ are you positive this is prepared properly.. ? ’ knowing xiao, he would be eating his usual meal without any complaints-- that is unless it's a dish that includes meat.
his fork simply glazes over the plate of chicken and rice; the food itself smells alright but the looks and xiao's mind can't seem to shake something slightly wrong with the dish. ‘ my apologies, sir zhongli.. i understand you've invited me to this outing to eat and not scowl over the food before me. ’
a response to @adeptai
noting the reaction of the adeptus before him, zhongli's expression changes subtly, noting the changes in xiao's face as he reacts to the food. surely, the meal would've been prepared like how it usually was, but seeing that the adepti didn't seem too pleased with it, made zhongli lean over to examine the meal itself. he could smell that the dish was fine, but even he would agree with xiao's observations that it seemed off.
he turns to the adepti when he apologizes to him for scowling at his food, and he shakes his head, a low hum escaping his throat. "apologize not for it, young adepti. i do believe that this dish is... not prepared exactly for your tastes. it is likely a mistake with the chef," he told with a nod, looking at the plate with xiao's meal, looking back up at the adepti again.
starter for @ballad-of-encore .
a (small) glare is shot at morax as the adeptus looks between both him and the meal on the table in front. ‘ are you positive this is prepared properly.. ? ’ knowing xiao, he would be eating his usual meal without any complaints-- that is unless it's a dish that includes meat.
his fork simply glazes over the plate of chicken and rice; the food itself smells alright but the looks and xiao's mind can't seem to shake something slightly wrong with the dish. ‘ my apologies, sir zhongli.. i understand you've invited me to this outing to eat and not scowl over the food before me. ’
Having returned from her usual routine, tending to the people and walking around Inazuma City, Ayaka released an exhale from her lips, a smile gracing it as she was done with all her scheduled duties for the day.
But upon hearing from some of the guards and housekeepers that she had a visitor, Ayaka's head tilted, until she heard the familiar voice of the Traveler once more. Which surprised her, as it hadn't been long since she sent her that letter those few days ago. Not only that, but Paimon was also present.
Bringing her fan to her lips, a giggle escaped them as she started to walk in the direction of where the blonde and her floating companion were. She found them quickly, and with the fan still covering the lower half of her face, her eyes formed into crescents as she smiled behind the object, putting it away after a moment as she walked over to them, her smile fully visible.
"Traveler, Paimon! It's a pleasant surprise to see you, and perfect timing as I don't have much else to do today." She greeted Paimon first with a light pat on her head, but also pulling out a strawberry mochi from out of nowhere to give to the floating companion. She's been keenly aware of how gluttonous of a being Paimon was, so it was only natural that she gave her a snack.
Turning to Lumine, she embraced the blonde gently, holding the embrace for a moment before pulling away, smiling as her hands reached for the blonde's. "I'm assuming you both are here for the 'legendary' hotpot, yes? Then we might have to wait a moment to get the soup prepared, as well as the ingredients." A giggle escapes her lips as she start leading the both of them further into the estate.
"You both likely already have your ingredients ready, right? Considering that you seem to always be collecting and carrying various things all over Teyvat."
@stelliferousduo
@ballad-of-encore said:
A letter from the far archipelago reaches the duo of the Traveller and Paimon, the crest of the Kamisato Clan stamped in a wax seal at the center. Should the letter be opened, the contents of the letter are followed, in elegant yet neat handwriting:
'Traveller, Paimon, it's a wonderful pleasure to hear of you two and your achievements over the time you have departed from Inazuma, and though I wholly miss you both, we would be honoured to have you both in Inazuma whenever you both have time. Until then, I hope to hear from you whenever there is a time to write, but also the time to breathe.
Please let me know when to inform Thoma to do another hotpot, where we'll fill it with wonderful (^^) ingredients once more.'
- Kamisato Ayaka
Even without opening the letter, Lumine already knew who it would be from - the seal giving it away. While she was acquaintanced with both Kamisato siblings, her relationship with Ayaka was considerably different from the one with Ayato. The latter was busy with his official duties as the head of his clan and while they got along just fine, the blonde always just felt a tad bit nervous in his presence.
Meanwhile Ayaka was born with a silver spoon in her mouth as well, but her overall attitude and demeanor was just so humble and modest, you would never assume she is actually what they'd call can 'ojou-sama' in the region of Inazuma. During her initial stay in the region of the Electro archon, the two of them quickly grew close to the point where she now dared call the other her 'best friend'.
"Paimon. Are you hungry for Thoma's famous hotspot? I was thinking of hitting up Inazuma to visit some of our friends there."
"Thoma's hotpot!? Say no more! I am ready to board the boat to Ritou!"
"Fufu~ I figured you'd say that! Let's get going then!"
***
Without further ado, the duo was on their way, arriving at Inazuma just a couple of hours later. She wanted to surprise her friend, so she headed straight to the Kamisato Estate, being recognized by the guards and housekeepers and therefore granted access to enter.
"...Ayaka! It's me, Lumine! Paimon and I are here to visit!"
"Not psychic, but I really wish I was joking..." A sigh escapes her lips, bringing a tea cup to her lips as she judges the world for once.
Childe is gonna casually kiss her cheek and walk away
@snezhnayain-carrot-top
"What's everyone's deal today...!?"
She sighs. Well, at least that Harbinger had the decency to go for the cheek.
"I'm starting to wonder if today is a 'every man on Teyvat kiss the Traveler' day today... ^^;"
Childe is gonna casually kiss her cheek and walk away
@snezhnayain-carrot-top
"What's everyone's deal today...!?"
She sighs. Well, at least that Harbinger had the decency to go for the cheek.
"As a matter of fact, he did. It's almost as if he knew that the next moment of distress and to make dorayaki for it was going to be today." Ayaka nods, letting go of the blonde in her embrace as she smiles, her hand gently patting the top of the Traveler's head.
The matter of this moment was the involuntary taking of the Traveler's first kiss, as unprompted as it was, and the identity of the person remaining completely unknown to the both of them.
No matter, at least she was able to help a friend forget something she obviously didn't want.
"Actually, you don’t need to do that. I was on my way to sit down and have tea in another room. Plus, it wouldn't make sense if you were to set it up while you're attempting to cool down from a state of distress." Ayaka grabs the blonde by the hand, leading her in the direction of the room she was to have tea in.
"Please, have a seat and help yourself." She ushered the blonde, gesturing to the tea set on the tea table—chabudai—and a few small platters of dorayaki and daifuku, a sweet mochi treat with bean paste filling.
@stelliferousduo
The appearance of the stellar Traveler was sudden but welcomed despite her surprise. The embrace being returned, a look of concern graced her expression upon seeing the foulness of the blonde's.
Ayaka's unasked question ended up answered, the corners of her lips betraying her almost in attempt to hide her amusement.
"Perhaps you're more desired than what the world says, and maybe the person in question wanted to have a... Let's say, curious test of the Traveler herself?"
Her hands reach into Lumine's short, blonde locks as she smiles reassuringly at her, though she herself was at a slight loss. Primarily because these interactions don't occur with her because of her status.
"If the thought bothers and persists in your mind, might I suggest we soothe it over with some tea? Amongst other things that can make you forget it ever happened, unless your kind heart prevents you from doing so." A smile was evident in her words, but she sighs nonetheless, soothing her dearest friend. "Just so that the one who occupies your heart and mind can finally take it when the time comes."
@stelliferousduo
The appearance of the stellar Traveler was sudden but welcomed despite her surprise. The embrace being returned, a look of concern graced her expression upon seeing the foulness of the blonde's.
Ayaka's unasked question ended up answered, the corners of her lips betraying her almost in attempt to hide her amusement.
"Perhaps you're more desired than what the world says, and maybe the person in question wanted to have a... Let's say, curious test of the Traveler herself?"
Her hands reach into Lumine's short, blonde locks as she smiles reassuringly at her, though she herself was at a slight loss. Primarily because these interactions don't occur with her because of her status.
"If the thought bothers and persists in your mind, might I suggest we soothe it over with some tea? Amongst other things that can make you forget it ever happened, unless your kind heart prevents you from doing so." A smile was evident in her words, but she sighs nonetheless, soothing her dearest friend. "Just so that the one who occupies your heart and mind can finally take it when the time comes."
@stelliferousduo
"Ayaka...!!"
The blonde Traveler practically fell into her best friend's arms, her foul mood apparent by the expression on her face.
"Listen to this! Some random stranger came up to me, kissed me on the lips and then just ran off again! Can you believe that!?" She ranted, her voice a mixture a frustration, desparation and anger.
"That was my first real kiss too...I was hoping to save it for someone else..."
@ballad-of-encore
Good to know that for once I did something well enough. Sometimes. Perhaps. *Coughs into a fist*
How to praise writers and influence fics
I’ve seen a lot of posts recently reminding readers to leave feedback on fics, which is great!! Writers deserve all the love they can get. Likes, reblogs, comments, messages, these are the lifeblood of writers. They are proof that people are reading, that they’re enjoying, and that they want more.
But maybe readers don’t know what to say. Maybe you’re new to Tumblr, new to reading fan fiction, shy, or just not sure how to say what you want to say.
Let me start by saying, no matter how popular the blog or how cool you think they are, everyone loves a compliment. If you’re worried about sounding silly or bothering people, let me assure you- a message will make your writer do a happy dance (depending on the writer, they may actually get up and dance. I have.)
Here’s the basic ways of communicating with writers on Tumblr:
Likes and kudos- these are great, they’re the high-fives in this world. They’re the “hey, nice” nod. Reblogs- even better, because they mean exposure. More people see the story and that makes us really happy. A reblog with a comment is amazing, especially one that entices others to read. These make a writer’s day. Comments and messages- these are the thing that keeps us going. Most of us have anon turned on- and if we don’t, just let us know you want a private reply. (And, if your writer has anon off, it probably means they’ve been getting hate and deserve extra love.) Recommendations- recs are like coming in to work to find someone baked your favorite cake and left it on your desk. Recommendations make your writer feel so loved and valued!
So, that’s all good, but what do you actually SAY to writers? It doesn’t have to be much or take a lot of time.
A simple “This is great/funny/hot!” is wonderful. "Best fic I’ve read this week!“ "Funny as hell and cute too.” "You have to read this, it’s awesome!“ "I can’t wait for more of this.” "I hope you keep going!“ These are great in reblogs and in messages.
Even better is specific feedback. We love specific feedback, because it tells us what readers liked and what they didn’t. Want to influence our next fic? Tell us what you liked about this one and I bet you it will keep showing up! Specific feedback is just telling the writer what you liked. It doesn’t have to be long or complicated, either. (But if you write a lot, we will love you so much.)
Was there a character you liked? Talk about them: "I love how you wrote X” “Y was so funny!” "OMG I wanted to STRANGLE Q!“ "You can really feel X’s frustration.” "Y has so much depth, they’re a really well-rounded character.“ "R says so much with so few words, it’s amazing.”
What about a part or line you enjoyed? "That bit in the park- LOVE IT.“ "I have never read a better description of a cup of tea.” "The way you wrote about his fear, that was heartbreaking.“
Was there a part that made you feel something? Happy, sad, angry? "That last sentence killed me, he’s so broken.” "I wanted to jump around when they finally kissed!“ "This chapter was so tense, my heart was pounding by the end.”
Did the characters or plot or setting remind you of your life? "I live in Brussels, that’s just how that street looks.“ "When Y talked about R, I knew exactly how he felt.” "You captured that lost, aimless feeling perfectly; I’ve so been there.“
Are there unanswered questions? Mention how much you want the answers. "I can’t wait to find out what’s in the basket!” "That was a cliffhanger ending, wow.“ "How is she going to explain THAT?” (some writers are touchy about predicting, though, so stay away from “I bet he’ll throw that letter out.” or “X is clearly coming back.”)
A few closing notes: be enthusiastic if that’s your style, go crazy with exclamation marks, smileys, caps! Tell a writer if you’re rereading their work- very little makes us happier than knowing our writing has the staying power for a second, third, sixth, tenth read. Did a reread give you a new insight or feeling about the fic? Tell us! We will be so excited to hear. And remember, recommendations are wonderful- putting up a random post tagging your favorite writers or fics you’re enjoying will show the writers that they’re writing is more than a flash in the opan and they’ll get some new readers too!
We can’t do this writing thing without you guys. So thank you so much! Without readers, we’re just talking to ourselves. We love and appreciate you for reading- but we need to know you’re doing it. We need feedback like we need air. Don’t let your favorite writers suffocate! :)
cool user
thanks !!! uh i can’t say the same because it’s anon but thanks anon
Ahh, I love it when a story has two characters who fit with each other’s story and their personalities mean they will get along but are cursed by never meeting in canon whether by missing each other, never in the same place or death. At least fanfics help remedy this.
— penned by silk.
silkie :: twenty-five :: she/her
warning: this multi-fandom blog contains & potentially promotes mature content. If you are under the age of EIGHTEEN please do not interact. If you are easily triggered I may not be the writer for you as some of my work will include dark subject matter. Don’t be fooled by the soft aesthetic, we get crazy here.
⭆ 001. About Me | ⭆ 002. Guidelines | ⭆ 003. W.I.D
STATS
daydreaming about franklin clinton... streaming lost on you by lp... requests currently open...
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Coming Soon!
COMING SOON :: the boys, bg3, cod, & the quarry
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interactions🐚
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© all rights reserved — writing belongs to silkfyre..
A Song of Ice & Fire account can be found @grcnseer
Anime sideblog can be found @silkois
— penned by silk.
silkie (silk) :: twenty-five :: she/her
warning: this multi-fandom blog contains & potentially promotes mature content. If you are under the age of EIGHTEEN please do not interact. If you are easily triggered I may not be the writer for you as some of my work will include dark subject matter.
⭆ 001. About Me | ⭆ 002. Guidelines | ⭆ 003. W.I.D
STATS
daydreaming about rk900... streaming the love I give by rhodes... requests currently open...
MASTERLISTS
Coming Soon!
COMING SOON :: the boys, rdr2, cod, & the quarry
TAG KEY
silk.speaks🪶
interactions📻
oneshots🗝️
blurbs♟️
series🪽
recs🪞
© all rights reserved — writing belongs to silkfyre.
A Song of Ice & Fire account can be found @grcnseer
@srphne liked
He’s glad to see that Aimée is here too. He can’t overstate how much a friendly face makes him feel less nervous. He’s only here at all because he didn’t want to disappoint his roommate. Montague seems very nice, but also like... a lot. Just a lot to deal with, and Jules really doesn’t want disappoint him so soon after they’ve met. So... he’s here.
❝Would it be rude to leave an impromptu Bonfire your roommate planned early?❞ His tone is joking, but he really does want to leave. He’s nervous around people in general, and this- with so many people around- is worse. So Aimée being here helps a little.
❝Kidding, o-of course. I want to stay for the ghost stories at least. I’m very interested to hear what other people might think they’ve seen here...❞
Wanting to hear those stories and not wanting to disappoint Montague are the only things keeping him here. And he does really want to hear those stories. He even brought his notebook with him, though he’s not mentioning that detail to Aimée.
Julian doesn’t believe in ghosts, but he’d be lying if the quiet of campus in the dark didn’t make him uneasy, and he had his phone out as a flashlight by the time he got to the garden. At least it didn’t take him too long to find the bonfire itself.
And he gravitated to sit near the first person he spotted that he actually knew to any degree, his roommate. He’s pretty quiet, saying as little as possible while keeping the conversation going, but Montague saying that gets a pause from Jules.
❝... Huh.❞ He says quietly, pushing his glasses up his nose. He’s actually wearing his glasses for once, having taken his contacts out earlier in the evening. They were starting to burn his eyes a bit, so he knew better than to keep them in. He’s sure his eyes are invisible because of that, with the flickering glare of the fire on his lenses.
That’s good. Maybe it’s not so obvious how nervous he is to even be here.
He really doesn’t know what to make of his roommate. Montague seems incredibly nice, but also like... just... a lot. Very exuberant and friendly.
A hell of a Roommate for someone like Julian to end up with ( Awkward, shy, nervous, reserved. Someone people just forget. No one would forget the likes of Montague for sure ). He’s only at this bonfire party at all because it was his roommate’s idea, and it would feel rude to not come.
❝Maybe it’s just because I’ve never had close friends before, but I really cannot fathom that. The social part of the college experience has legitimately never crossed my mind before now.❞
Julian is sitting cross-legged on a think fleece blanket he brought with him, and he has his writing notebook out on his lap, with a pen held loosely in his hand. He heard there were going to be Ghost Stories, and he wanted to take notes. He feels like there’s a lot that could be done with the ideas floating around this campus. There’s nothing quite like hearing people tell the spooky things they think they’ve experienced (or want us to think they experienced) for inspiration.
Though he doesn’t know why he bothers. He’s never going to go anywhere with this. Just a dumb hobby. He clicks his pen a few times, before looking back up at Montague.
❝Could you not just... keep in contact with your college friends upon graduating, or uh dropping out? Or would that somehow not be the same?❞
no matter how much time montague spent away from the university, he’d never forget the feeling of just walking through the gardens during the night. right now, the ethereal feeling was mixed with excitement for the impromptu rendezvous, but he could recognize it nonetheless. montague never believed in magic. he used to say that he met too many faithful people, learned too many conflicted myths to actually believe in any of them, so he’d never say that château campus was supernaturally magical. however, not even him could deny that the university carried some kind of magic. it was the same feeling he got when he hiked up a huge mountain just to have the view up there remind him that the world was a huge place. naturally magical.
he took a deep breath, stretched his arm to catch one more bottle of beer and rearranged himself on the blanket in which he was seated. i’m serious, ok? the true reason i came back is this. not the fact that i should graduate before i turn thirty and i’ve been in this college for almost a decade already … i missed the people and this moments. this is what make the whole college experience worth it. it wasn’t exactly a lie. of course, he had a time limit to graduate because of his father, but it wouldn’t be the first time montague went against the man. the thing that made the classes bearable was these moments, with the hockey team, his friends and his future friends.
srphne:
for someone that spent all her life alone, it was surprising how easily it was for aimée to grow closer to people now that she was in college. she only had a couple of friends during high school and, before that, her circle of people was even more limited. however, she found herself quickly feeling comfortable and happy with julian’s presence. few conversations and they were friends, and that’s all it was needed for aimée to never let him go.
no fucking way! you lived in a actually haunted house? that’s so …. the girl stoped herself was soon as she noticed that she was being kind of rude. hm, sorry about your granfather. i’m not gonna lie, it does sounds cool to live in a haunted house, in theory. but it must be annoying and scary and specially harsh if it was someone you loved… even if you don’t believe in any of this. she quickly added, expecting him to protest her casual acceptance of the supernatural, like many people usually did.
she was used to people going against her beliefs in ghosts and supernatural, but she didn’t care. specially since believing in the existence of ghosts meant that she could pretend that her parents were still with her.
❝I didn’t know him,❞ Jules says with a laugh. ❝This was years before I was born. I didn’t even really get stories about him, since he was my father’s father, and my father died when I was so young that I don’t remember him at all. So it’s really a nothing thing, emotionally.❞
Her excitement is fun, and he can’t help but grin at her. It’s clear she’s a believer, and he’s certainly not going to fault her for it, even if he doesn’t. The idea is fascinating, and he certainly understands the impulse to believe.
❝Closest I’ve ever gotten to knowing anything about him is my mother telling me how strong and respectable he was. How he should be a role model.❞ He snorts. ❝Yeah, no, I’m not gonna try to emulate the guy who pissed off his business partner so much that he literally got murdered.❞
( Not that he could ever live up to it anyway... )
He leans toward her slightly, still beaming, and he clasps his hands together.
❝One of my classmates liked to say they’d see him standing in the attic window, where he died. He’d swear up and down to his friends that he saw it.❞
That insistence was always particularly funny to Julian, since there’s a solid chance that he saw Julian, since he used his grandfather’s old study up there as a quiet place to write, where it was unlikely his mother would bother him. She found the whole thing creepy, since she knew the man who died there.
He did his homework there a lot too. It was those nights where he’d aaaaaalmost convinced himself he heard something. Saw something out of the corner of his eye. But that’s normal, on less than two hours sleep that he had sometimes back then.
( And now still, honestly )
❝It’s an old victorian mansion, built in the mid-1800s, so I super get why people were so ready to think it was haunted. It looks like it should be a haunted house- though one in very good condition.❞
parkerperhaps:
Parker has noticed him for awhile now. Granted, they make it a point to note who’s around them generally because that’s always a good thing but they’d noticed him looking, off to the side. They didn’t mean to leave him hanging or anything of that sort, but maybe they were sort of hoping he’d eventually come to them like they figured he wanted to. They were beginning to get anxious too, wondering if they should just come up to him themselves, but that was quelled when they hear him.
“Yeah, something like that,” they replied, offering him a smile, “You could also say I missed the boat with people my age, but that makes me like I’m in my thirties.” They instinctively relax their shoulders so as to seem chilled out, just so it’d be easier for him to feel at ease. “You’re in the LGBTQIA+ Alliance with me right? I’m Parker.” Instead of sticking their hand out for a shake, they waved their hand.
Thirties? He laughs slightly. Yeah no, they aren’t that much older than him. He wouldn’t have pegged them any older than mid twenties.
❝I considered taking some time off, honestly, but I didn’t want to lose academic momentum, you know?❞
Jules is almost relieved when they don’t extend their hand for a handshake, clasping his own hands behind his back. He’s never liked handshakes because touching a stranger just... bothers him.
Oh but a good strong handshake is the proper way for a man to greet someone he’s just met. Get over it Julie, it’s just for a few seconds.
She’s. Not. Here. He doesn’t need to sweat her arbitrary rules or the way she would try to shame him for not measuring up.
❝I’m, uh, I’m Julian.❞ He stammers out, rocking on the balls of his feet. ❝I usually go by Jules though.❞
( Not true not true )- He always wanted to go by Jules, but Julian was more appropriate. And... he didn’t pick it. His mother did, based on his dead name. And it’s... fine, but he much prefers the nickname he chose.
He can be whatever he wants here. Within limits, anyway. His social life isn’t going to get back to his mother at least. He can go by whatever he wants and just be... awkward without worrying about her reaction.
❝And, y-yeah. Sure am.❞ He exhales hard. ❝That’s, uh, kinda why I... wanted to talk? Sorry, it’s dumb, I just want to actually you know... know the people I’m in a club with?”
@parkerperhaps liked
Jules rocks on the balls of his feet, looking at the other freshman. They’re in the lgbtqia+ alliance too, but he’s always been bad at introductions. Or talking to people in general ( not respectable- awkward and introverted and weird- never good enough ), but he wants to try.
This isn’t like the GSA back home. He’s not... expected to be perfect and always perform the the ‘perfect’ trans person. He doesn’t have to be some flawless person and representative of trans people in his small upstate New York town where he’s the only Trans guy. His mother is not here, and this is a progressive campus. And this is another person who is not Cis.
There is no reason to be this awkward, and yet...
❝So- uh, did you take a gap year or two?❞ They seem a few years older than him, but he’s not... sure. And it was the only thing he could think of to say.
He’s never been good at small talk, and that’s certainly not changing now. Nevertheless he’s going to be as friendly as he can manage. Social expectations be damned.
He can practically here his mother’s upset now.
@eliasfynn liked
Jules just came here to watch the figure skaters practice. It’s not the kind of thing he could ever do- he simply does not have the grace for it- but he can appreciate the artistry of it.
It’s like ballet, but on ice. It’s pretty and... like... there’s nothing wrong with wanting to appreciate elegant choreography when his ultimate goal is to be a theatre director right?
Besides, it’s the only sport he’s ever found interesting to watch. And his friend Aimée is a figure skater here. He needs to have something he can just enjoy watching, to have an easy thing to do while studying. Otherwise he’d lose his mind here quickly, with how little enjoyment he actually gets out of his Major.
He was hoping to just go unnoticed with his book in the stands, half studying, half watching, but... it didn’t work out that way.
❝I, uh. I’m sorry!❞ He quickly stands up, ready to leave if he’s a bother with his presence. ❝I-I can go, if- if you don’t want me here.❞
@srphne liked
Julian hasn’t been here very long ( right? He only just started here? It feels like a lifetime ago that he left his New York home and everything he’d ever known behind ) but Aimée was someone he clicked with instantly. They share a few classes, since she’s a Performing Arts major to his Drama and Theatre Production.
While he would never say this to her ( she’d think it’s creepy how quickly he’s become attached ), she’s already like... the older sister he never had.
❝-No really. People would say my childhood house was haunted. I never saw anything, but my grandfather died in the house, uh, violently. So people talked.❞
A few sleep deprived auditory hallucinations, and imaginary things in his peripheral vision aside, he didn’t. He’s never seen anything, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t interest him.
They got onto this topic because of the supposed hauntings and such of campus, which he’s definitely curious about. He can understand the impulse to believe that about a place like this, with it’s bloody history and how isolated it is up on the mountain. Something that gruesome has to matter for some people, so it’s imagined as ghosts and things that go bump in the night.
It’s all fascinating.
nalini lets out a small sigh and blows away at the strand of hair that fell in front of her . listen , she understands that these curfews are in everyone’s best interests but it’s pointless . they’re all sitting ducks waiting for vigilante to strike . even more so now that everyone in beverly park is restrained to the confines of their own home after 9pm . “ god , i hate being that person but i don’t even know what i’m in the mood for . this has just been all so much . and for what ? this person has made it very clear that they’re not stopping . and there’s strength in numbers , right ? what good is it if most of us are home alone , anyway ? ” she’ll muse before looking over apologetically at regina . “ sorry , i was thinking out loud . but a drink or two sounds good . what’ve you got ? should we do a little cocktail night ? ”
ꨄ 𝅄 ❛ she thought the days of curfews ended when she became an adult , but , evidently , she was mistaken . now , she had to adhere to an even stricter one than she had in her younger years . what the hell was this ? she felt it was pointless to begin with , but no amount of complaining she did was going to change anyone's minds , anyways . she sighed , sympathizing with where the other was coming from . she knew it wasn't easy to handle everything going on . “ i get it , ” regina said , nodding . “ it's a lot to take in , ” she agreed . “ it's crazy that this person's still out there . ” regina tried not to talk about vigilante too often , didn't want to give the guy any more attention than he was already getting . “ that depends on what you're in the mood for . we have a lot of options here . we can watch a movie , or we can drink . i've got a pretty impressive liquor cabinet . or , i'm open to other suggestions , really . what are you in the mood for ? ”
a small grin surfaces as she shakes her head . “ unfortunately not ! just maybe one or two dying to catch a glimpse as they hang out in front of my store . ” nalini will playfully wink . hands move up to place over her chest at val’s admission . for there’s truly nothing more satisfying than to see someone’s reaction to her compliments . “ well you shouldn’t have said that val , now i’ll have to make it my mission to throw out a compliment every time i see you . and that’s a promise ! ” laughter expels past the designer’s lips . what ? she can’t help it . “ oh life … ” she starts , blowing out a breath of air . “ i mean nothing new . all i do is work . attend the obligatory social gatherings . honestly val , my life is boring . it just revolves around fashion week and the met gala . and what about you ? the musician life has got to be FAR more interesting . ”
her lips turn upwards involuntarily , without a second thought . and god , how she loved anybody who wasn't a man ! ' oh , come on , i don't believe that . surely you've got the longest line of suitors waiting for their chance to even catch a glimpse . ' a small suck of her teeth , disbelief , came out . val's head will tilt to the side slightly , eyes lighting up - the quickest way to her heart is through her looks ! ' you know , i would never lie to you , so yes i've been told quite a few similar things , but just between you and i ... i like it much better coming from you . ' reign it back in , girl ! ' now tell me ... how's life been treating you these days ? '
despite now running in the same circles , it never ceases to amuse harlowe just how much of a fan ace is of their music . don’t get them wrong ! it’s nice and they’re grateful . but they’re going with the assumption that it’ll take a bit more time for him to adjust so they’re sure the giddiness will pass eventually . “ it’s like the cinderella effect or something . but i gotta say , i’m a little disappointed . thought they’d hold out for another hour , y’know ? feels like 1AM kinda behavior . ” eyes will playfully roll at his comment . “ who me ? and take that honor away from you ? ” they’ll jest . “ i’m just saying that the rando probably will have done something to deserve it . what do you take me for ? just because i’m a rockstar doesn’t mean i’m completely uncivilized . ” and perhaps that’s why they took to him so quickly . nothing forms a bond quicker than knocking a jerk flat out . “ but i am thinking of getting outta here soon . maybe grab a bite at in-n-out or something . could go for a burger honestly . you in ? ”
shifts his weight , hand shooting out instinctively to land firm but gentle on harlowe’s shoulder , steadying them before they get shoved deeper into the crowd . “ nah , i’m good . drink’s safe . ” and shakes his head with a slight grin , playing it cool — even if inside , he’s a little giddy . ( i mean , it’s not every day your favorite musician turns around and checks on you , you know ? ) . “ but you might be right about leaving early . midnight hit , and they all turned into animals , swear to god . i mean , could stick around , but i dunno … wouldn’t wanna risk you takin’ someone down tonight . can’t have you going viral twice for knockin’ out some rando , can we ? ” lips pull into a teasing grin . ( they’re kind of alike in that way — both the type to throw fists at the right kind of jerk who deserves it . and by the looks of tonight’s crowd , it might just come to that if they hang around any longer ) .
harlowe’s glad to see some lightheartedness at this party . from the moment they stepped in , it seemed like everyone was walking on eggshells and using this party as a distraction from the latest vigilante news . just like how the masked killer called out the group’s mannerisms . “ glad to know that you’re one of the few i can count on to agree that an old fashioned isn’t pretentious , ” laughter expels past the musician’s lips . “ a spicy margarita , i hope ? that would DEFINITELY get mr. flavortown’s approval . ”
when bash sees harlowe smile, he's pleased with himself. if he even made one person smile with his silly goofy costume, mission accomplished. that was his entire thought process when picking out a costume. not if he'd look hot but if he'd make people smile. he smiles back at them and replies, "it doesn't sound pretentious to me at all." he picks up his drink and adds, "i'm having a margarita. i think mr. flavortown would approve."
“ it’s fine . titus sometimes gets that kind of reaction from dogs , ” she half-jokes , head nodding towards the european doberman that just moved to take a seat beside her . “ but uh , interesting name for a yorkie , ” she’ll comment , light amusement dancing in her eyes as she continues to stare at the smaller dog . attention shifts when they start speaking once more . “ don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure . i’m freya . and welcome to the neighborhood , i suppose ? forgive me but why the interest in living here ? masked murderer running loose doesn’t exactly scream ‘ move in ! ’ . but i guess if you’re trying to take advantage of the lower property value , can’t blame you there . ”
· open starter , assume connections ! · located at the mailbox closest to her residence .
“ oh , stop your yapping , nosferatu . ” they command the yorkie located at her feet , who is barking continuously at the other's sudden appearance . “ — he's not a fan of people . ” just as she ! hand tugs on the leash while the other closes the door to the opening of her mailbox , shuffling the envelopes now in their grasp . “ have we met before ? i'm dolores ; i just moved into the neighborhood about a week ago . ”
freya’s head turns , her cool gaze meeting gwen’s . “ reckless ? or something more out of your comfort zone ? ” she quirks a brow at the younger woman . “ you know as well as i they’re always sniffing out the next best salacious thing to report on , ” she’ll shrug , casually bringing her cup of tea to her lips to take a small sip . “ the more important questions is : do you think doing something reckless will get them off your back ? ” she already knows the answer . it’ll only bring more attention to gwen and further drive the ‘ golden girl corrupted ’ narrative the tabloids have gone with . “ don’t get me wrong , it’s certainly one way to pivot from your old image but i don’t think it’s the most effective way to cement your image . people will say what they want no matter what you do , but you have to ask yourself what is impulsively doing something reckless going to prove ? ”
open starter ; for all . location ; gwen's place . connections can be assumed .
ꨄ 𝅄 ❛ “ you know , i've been thinkin' i should do something a little more reckless, ” she said , turning to look at the other . “ i'm getting real sick of seeing all those gossip articles still talking about those pictures and how hollywood's golden girl has been corrupted . i mean , its been like . . . weeks , ” gwen stated , shaking her head . didn't they have anything better to do with their time ? why were people so hung up on her image still ? gwen wondered if she'd ever fully shed the image she'd held for years . “ what do you think i should do ? ”
“ seriously , it’s no problem at all , ” harlowe brushes it off with a dismissive wave . they lean back in their seat . perhaps the lockdown was more beneficial to them than anyone else living in beverly park . lucas’ death had been tough . hell , it still is . and vigilante’s note certainly didn’t help matters . their manager had been apprehensive about them going out . vigilante had named them specifically in his note . eyes dart between the displays as if to try and find something to catch their attention . retail therapy is supposed to help , right ? however , ahunna’s voice pierces through and harlowe shakes their wandering thoughts away . “ he could be lying , ” they hum . “ or he could be getting bolder . i mean , two murders in one night ? i don’t want to be a downer but it sounds like more than a coincidence . ”
· open starter , assume connections ! · located at the prada store on rodeo drive .
“ thanks for tagging along . feels good to be out of the house , doesn't it ? ” exhaling a breath of relief as she enters the store after being cooped up since the loss of lucas , per her management's request . now that halloween was over , it was deemed ‘ safe ’ for her to finally go outside and resume to her normal life ( management and police officers believing vigilante will disappear now . ) she grabs hold of a leather bag near a mannequin , eyeing the item . “ are your people going crazy over this too ? i feel like it's a bit ridiculous ; i mean , they haven't completely ruled out that this vigilante guy killed lucas and these other people . sure , he wrote a letter but — he could be lying . ”
harlowe glances over at xavier as soon as he plops down on the vacant seat next to them . their cool gaze sweeps over the other musician continues to talk . try as they might , lucas’ death took a toll on harlowe . while their friendship with the prince was an unlikely one , they were still close . and they could’ve gone without vigilante’s chilling birthday message . “ i mean hey , at least you’re giving the man ideas . makes you wonder just how extensive his google searches are , ” they comment before shrugging at his question . “ i’m not giving him any creative ideas but honestly , he’d probably strangle me with a microphone cord or something . lay my dead body against my drum set . but just know that if he kills me , i won’t go down without a fight . i could probably get a couple hits in . call it a thank you gift for the birthday gift he gave me , ” they comment facetiously . “ but i think we’d be giving him a little too much credit that he’d take our preferred ways to go . ”
who: xavier & your muse
where: idfk ??
xavier plops down on the couch with a dramatic sigh . " you know , at this point , i'm starting to think the killer's right . we are kinda terrible . i mean , look at us , " they wave a hand at the scene—vodka bottles tilted sideways , joints half-buried in ashtrays , and scattered lines of cocaine across the glass table . " if i weren't me , i'd hate me . " leaning back , they tap their chin thoughtfully . " and you gotta give it to this guy—he’s creative . when it's my turn , i want him to go all out , like , maybe sharpen my old cds and launch them at me like ninja stars until , bam , poetic justice . and yeah , i said when , because let's be real : statistically , i've made enough poor life choices to qualify . " then he glances over , eyebrows raising . " anyway , that's my preferred way out . what about you ? "
the lockdown was depressing as hell . a curfew ? imposed on adults ? jeeze . this was certainly NOT how nalini wanted to spend her evenings . what good is a curfew and increased security going to do if vigilante knows how to break through the gilded gates of beverly park ? while it’s supposed to bring her some form of reassurance to know that there’s extra security , all it does is show that this gated community is slowly turning into a compound . eyes will flicker over to the younger woman . “ can’t help it , ” she shrugged . “ just tense from … ” she pauses as if how best to word her thoughts . “ well everything . ” she’ll smile apologetically at regina . “ what’ve you got ? a temporary distraction would be nice . ”
open starter ; for all . location ; regina's place . connections can be assumed .
was this how she wanted to spend her twenties ? definitely not . being confined to her home was far from ideal , but she'd be damned if she remained alone every night . she preferred having company , hence the reason she had the other over . sitting alone in her place could be a little intimidating , and having someone else there made it a lot easier for her . “ you don't need to be so on edge , ” she stated , shaking her head . “ nobody's getting in here unnoticed . we're fine here . try to relax and have a little fun , will you ? ” she knew she wanted to enjoy herself , she didn't want to think about what a joke their lives had become . “ come on . what'll take your mind off things ? we might be stuck in here , but we still have a lot of options . ”
nalini presses her lips together in slight apprehension at the sight of the ouija board in charunee’s hands . “ it’s certainly one way of coping , ” she comments with a light chuckle and fondly shakes her head at the other . listen , all things regarding the occult ? she tries to steer clear of them . doesn’t want any of the bad energy that may potentially come with dabbling in such things . “ but what if we’re trying to talk to lucas but instead we’re met with a troublesome spirit that has no intention on helping us solve this case at all ? ” like charunee , she didn’t know lucas all that well . however , it will be hard to brush off his death as a coincidence given … all the other deaths that have already occurred with the masked killer quickly taking credit . “ i don’t like our odds and i do not want that kind of negative energy , y’know ? ”
· open starter , assume connections ! · located in the living room of her home .
“ i haven't played this in ages , ” referencing to the ouija board in her hands , blowing the dust on top of the cover that has been collected for years . it's probably insensitive of her to do this when several are grieving the loss of a prince ; though she didn't know him well , this is her own method of coping as well . “ look , i'm not trying to be funny — but what if we can talk to lucas ? he could tell us if it was really vigilante who killed him , or maybe he just got a little too wasted at bootsy bellows and tried to go out for a swim . . . ? ” again , she didn't know him ! sitting beside the other in a criss - crossed position as she lays out the game between them , taking a brief pause to toss some popcorn into her mouth before proceeding . “ we could solve this case , you know , and this will all be over . ”
「 🔗 」 STATUS. ﹕ closed 「 🔗 」 LOCATION. ﹕ poolside @ freya's house 「 🔗 」 FEAT. ﹕ freya & ace ( @eclatdefille )
“ i’ve seriously got start charging you a premium for the amount of times i have to bail you out of jail . ” freya’s eyes flutter open as she turns to look at ace . “ friends and family discount should no longer be applicable . ” had she not been so good at her job , maybe there’d be more bite to her words . but in comparison to the rest of her clients , her cousin’s proclivity for getting into physical altercations with strangers really isn’t all that bad .