Other Characters and Written Works

[Lumpkinz11]

Index:
- Samuel Harrington [OC]
- Ruth B. Norden [Hogwarts OC]
- Mordecai Harrington [OC]
- Zara T78600 Knight [OC]
- Aria [OC]
- Evelyn Ancrett [OC]
- Lu Bao [OC]
- Ashley J. Kerridge [Hogwarts OC]

DNP; message me for anything!​

 

[Lumpkinz11]

Samuel: Male: 25-26: Human: Bisexual: Single
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Works:
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Full name: Samuel Harrington
Nickname/Alias: Sam
Birthday and age: November 13th, 1999 25-26
Gender: AMAB, Male
Height: 5'9"
Eye color: Deep blue
Hair color and style: Dark black, swooping emo bangs.
Defining features: Sam has some scarring on his body from past experiences, but he tends to keep these hidden, often wearing long sleeves or jackets to cover them up
How old do they look? Under 21; he still gets asked for his ID at the bar.
Sexual preference: Bisexual
Body type: "...thinner than most guys his age. Very gangly, as if he never grew into his limbs." Slim, athletic build.
Skin tone: Pale white
Species: Human with supernatural powers
Superpower: Able to show anyone their greatest fear, though it is a difficult to control power.
Allergies: None that he knows of.
Life expectancy: Normal for an average human, barring any tragedy.
Medications: On an anti-depressant and another drug for his mental health.
Do they smoke/drink alcohol/do drugs? He vapes most days, but does not smoke cigarettes unless he is feeling very low.
What languages do they speak? English
Do they have an accent? No, but he speaks very gently.
Can they read? Yes
Personality: Sam is generally a kind and caring person, often going out of his way to help others. However, he can sometimes let his anger get the better of him, causing him to be more harsh or aggressive than he intends, especially during times of hardship. Underneath his tough exterior, Sam has a gentle and forgiving nature. He values loyalty and honesty in his relationships.
Backstory: WIP
Hobbies:
Quirks and habits: When feeling overwhelmed, Sam tends to pace back and forth. He also doodles intricate patterns as a form of relaxation and expression of his inner turmoil.
Quote they live by: “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” - Mark Twain
Place they grew up:
Place they live now: A small, eclectic apartment in a bustling city, where he feels a sense of anonymity and community.
Favorite memory: Meeting Jay, the love of his life, who introduced him to the possibility of love and acceptance.
How it still affects them: This experience has fostered a sense of hope and the desire to heal, as he realizes he can love and be loved in return.
Worst memory: Watching his parents abandon him, a trauma that lingers in his psyche, manifesting in nightmares and a fear of abandonment.
How it still affects them: Even to this day, he has nightmares and trusts very few. Also, this experience makes him wary of forming close relationships, as he often anticipates betrayal or abandonment.
Dreams/goals: Sam dreams of healing from his past traumas and building meaningful relationships. He seeks fulfillment in life, driven by a desire to create a brighter future not just for himself but for those who have gone through similar struggles. Sam is determined to help others find their way, using his experiences to empower and comfort them.
Fears: His greatest fears include abandonment and loneliness, stemming from his childhood experiences.
Virtues/strengths:He is empathetic and good at comforting others and intelligent and resourceful. Thus, he is skilled at problem-solving and critical thinking.
Flaws/weaknesses: While generally a loving individual, Sam’s struggle with anger sometimes leads to impulsive decisions. He also finds it difficult to open up about his feelings, which complicates his relationships. His stubbornness can make it hard for him to compromise, and he often grapples with self-doubt and insecurity.
Relationships: WIP
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[Lumpkinz11]

Ruth: Female: 11: Witch: Unsorted: First Year
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Full name: Ruth Beatrice Norden
Nickname/Alias: Ruth, Ruthie, Bee, Ruth "Bee" Norden
Birthday and age: April 26th, she is currently 11 years old
Gender: AFAB, Female
Height: 4' 6"
Eye color: Green
Hair color and style: Brunette long hair, often braided or tied up.
Defining features: Has braces
How old do they look? 11
Sexual preference: Straight
Body type: Average for an 11 year old
Skin tone: Pale white
Species: Human, witch
Allergies: None
Life expectancy: Average, baring any tragedy.
Medications: None
Do they smoke/drink alcohol/do drugs? No
What languages do they speak? English
Do they have an accent? American
Can they read? Yes
Personality: Ruth is a curious and intelligent child, with a deep fascination for the magical world she was born into. She is often lost in thought, pondering the mysteries of her newfound abilities. However, she can also be shy and reserved, preferring to observe rather than actively participate at times. Beneath her quiet demeanor, Ruth possesses a strong sense of determination and a desire to excel in her studies.
Hobbies: Reading and writing stories about her friends and events in her life.
Quirks and habits: Biting her nails, and eating anything without any regard for her braces.
Quote they live by: "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning." -Albert Einstein
Place they grew up: New England, USA in a small, quiet town with less than 5,000 people living there.
Place they live now: Ruth can't pronounce it, nor does she care; the only positive thing about the move was her going to Hogwarts.
Favorite memory: Spending the Christmas holiday with her small family; specifically cuddling up with her mother in front of the Christmas tree.
How it still affects them: This is her most cherished memory, and she holds it close to her when times get dark.
Worst memory: The one time, due to a "freak" accident", Ruth ended up stranded on her neighbors roof. It took hours for her family to find her and offer aid.
How it still affects them: Since this event, she has a horrible fear of heights. Her grade in Flight class is falling rapidly.
Dreams/goals: To become a Prefect, and to graduate near the top of the class.
Fears: Heights, the dark, small bugs and spiders.
Virtues/strengths: She has exceptional academic abilities, particularly in subjects like Transfiguration and Charms, and a natural affinity for potion-making, displaying a keen eye for detail and precision.
Flaws/weaknesses: Her lack of confidence in her own abilities, often doubting her skills as a young witch as well having difficulty adapting to the fast-paced and sometimes overwhelming environment of Hogwarts. She also has a tendency to become easily overwhelmed or intimidated by her more experienced classmates
Nationality: American
Blood status: Pureblood
Wand: "Hazel wood with a unicorn core 12 ¼" and unyielding flexibility"
Hogwarts House: Hufflepuff
Patronus: Calico cat
Favorite subject: Not 100% sure, but she's leaning towards Herbology.
Least favorite subject: Flying
Pet: Her barn cat, Essie
Relationships: WIP
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[Lumpkinz11]

Mordecai: Male: 25-26: Human: Straight: Single
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Works:
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Full name: Mordecai Harrington
Nickname/Alias: -
Birthday and age: November 13th, 1999 25-26
Gender: AMAB, Male
Height: 6'0"
Eye color: Has piercing hazel eyes that seem to sparkle with a zest for life.
Hair color and style: His hair is a rich, warm brown, often styled in a tousled, effortless manner.
Defining features: Rosy cheeks that enhance his youthful appearance, giving him an almost ageless quality.
How old do they look? Under 18, due to his rosy cheeks and twinkling eyes.
Sexual preference: Heterosexual
Body type: He has a tall, slender build, and is far less gangly than Sam.
Skin tone: White, very slightly sun-kissed
Species: "Human" with supernatural powers (he is Sam's "good" side, and is not a whole person)
Superpower: Some may say his charm is his superpower. Otherwise, he is able to hurt others physically, without moving a muscle.
Allergies: None
Life expectancy: Unknown, as he is not a full/whole person.
Medications: None
Do they smoke/drink alcohol/do drugs? No
What languages do they speak? English
Do they have an accent? No, but he speaks with a bouncy tone.
Can they read? Yes
Personality: He is an eternally optimistic and charismatic individual, with a personality that draws people in like a magnetic force. His infectious laughter and genuine enthusiasm for life are contagious, and he has a remarkable ability to lift the spirits of those around him, even in the darkest of times. Mordecai is also highly empathetic, always able to provide a listening ear and a comforting presence to those in need.
Backstory: During one of Sam Harrington’s darkest moments, overwhelmed by mental anguish, a flash of light marked the birth of Mordecai—a joyful persona that emerged from the crisis. Seeing himself as a symbol of hope, Mordecai often reflects on his existence as simultaneously freeing and constricting. While he enjoys the ability to inspire happiness, he is also acutely aware of the complex existence he shares with Sam, whom he sees as a darker side. Despite living in Sam's shadow, Mordecai considers his own life journey separate, embracing every moment with gratitude.
Hobbies: Going to malls and people watching, donating to charities, and playing with Legos.
Quirks and habits: Blowing bubbles with gum, and snapping their gum. He has also been known to hum when in a good mood.
Quote they live by: "Sometimes the hardest part isn't letting go but rather learning to start over." - Nicole Sobon
Place they grew up: They view childhood memories as those belonging to Sam, even though they both lived the same life.
Place they live now: Sunny California, where the warmth of the sun seems to reflect their inner joy.
Favorite memory: The day he emerged from Sam, marking his first taste of independence.
How it still affects them: They still have no care for Sam, and view their time together as a prison sentence.
Worst memory: Losing his friends, due to his anger towards Sam.
How it still affects them: Losing friends due to his anger towards Sam, which created an emotional rift. The anger of that loss lingers, often overshadowing his cheerful demeanor.
Dreams/goals: Mordecai dreams of spreading joy and making a positive impact on others. He aims to nurture connections, improve lives, and ultimately find personal fulfillment while navigating the complexities of his "own" existence.
Fears: The fear of giving up and succumbing to the darkness he believes Sam embodies weighs heavy on him, driving his relentless pursuit of joy.
Virtues/strengths: His remarkable talent for connecting with people; he has an uncanny knack for sensing the emotional needs of others and providing the right support or encouragement at the right time. This, combined with his natural charisma and infectious optimism, make him a skilled communicator and a natural leader, able to inspire and uplift those around him.
Flaws/weaknesses: He can sometimes be overly idealistic, struggling to see the complexities and nuances of certain situations; his unwavering belief in the inherent goodness of people can also make him vulnerable to being taken advantage of or hurt. His own relentless pursuit of happiness can sometimes blind him to the very real struggles and pain that others may be experiencing.
Relationships:
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[Lumpkinz11]

Zara: Female: 28: Cyborg: Asexual: Single

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Full name: Zara T78600 Knight
Nickname/Alias: Zara T. Knight, Zara, Tee
Birthday and age: October 31, 1995 28-29
Gender: AFAB, Female
Height: 5'11"
Eye color: Her almond-shaped eyes are a piercing emerald green, enhanced by subtle cybernetic implants that give them a slight glow in low light.
Hair color and style: She has long, jet-black hair with neon blue highlights.
Defining features: She has a few tasteful, glowing circuit-like tattoos.
How old do they look? Older than her physical age, showing signs of wear from her enhancements
Sexual preference: Asexual
Body type: Very tall and very slender.
Skin tone: Pale white, almost blue.
Species: Cyborg
Superpower: Her implants allow her to unlock digital systems effortlessly and her built-in calculator aids in complex computations; she relentlessly seeks new enhancements for her frail human form.
Allergies: None
Life expectancy: Gradually decreasing due to the strain of enhancements on her biological tissue
Medications: None
Do they smoke/drink alcohol/do drugs? Abstains from smoking, alcohol, or drugs to protect her cybernetic systems
What languages do they speak? English, Binary Code
Do they have an accent? Monotone speech, lacking distinct inflection
Can they read? Yes
Personality: Zara is brilliant, confident, and fiercely independent. She has a dry sense of humor and a penchant for sarcasm. While generally introverted, she becomes animated and passionate when discussing technology or ethics; she's driven by a strong moral compass but isn't afraid to bend rules for what she believes is right.
Backstory: Zara grew up in a neglected section of a dilapidated city in the USA, in a trailer home with her lower-middle-class family. Financial struggles marked her childhood, where technology became her only refuge. Tasked with managing household finances, she developed a keen aptitude for numbers and technology from an early age. By her teenage years, she found an unconventional path to income by repairing vending machines and office equipment within her community. Her prodigious talents earned her a scholarship to a prestigious tech university. Post-graduation, she became fascinated by the concept of cybernetic enhancements, eventually beginning to self-create implants and modifications. As she embraced her cyborg nature, the wear on her biological body became evident, leading her to grapple with the duality of her existence as both human and machine.
Hobbies: Coding, designing new implants, and learning about ethics and sociology.
Quirks and habits: She always carries a custom-built, high-tech smartphone of her own design and habitually cracks her knuckles when thinking deeply. Oddly, she prefers to work in complete darkness, illuminated only by screen glow.
Quote they live by: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." - Arthur C. Clarke
Place they grew up: A neglected city (USA), residing in a rundown trailer home on its outskirts.
Place they live now: A trendy, high-end apartment in the heart of New York City
Favorite memory: x
How it still affects them: x
Worst memory: The day her family lost their home due to accumulating debt, forcing her into a constant struggle between succeeding in the tech field and familial obligations.
How it still affects them: The trauma has ingrained in her a fear of instability and losing meaningful connections.
Dreams/goals: She hopes to someday develop cutting-edge cybersecurity systems and implants that protect individual privacy and improve quality of life. During this, she wants to find a balance between her digital life and real-world connections. She is fueled by a desire to right the wrongs of a system she sees as fundamentally flawed, the thrill of outsmarting those who abuse their power and technology, and a need to prove her worth in a male-dominated field.
Fears: She has a fear of becoming obsolete or losing her humanity, and of betrayal and never finding true companionship.
Virtues/strengths: Her unmatched problem-solving abilities, expertise in computer networks, quick thinking, adaptability, and unwavering ethical principles set her apart in her field.
Flaws/weaknesses: Zara’s deep-seated trust issues often isolate her, while her drive for perfection leads to periods of extreme burnout. Her introverted nature complicates her efforts to foster meaningful relationships, leaving her with feelings of loneliness despite her ambitious pursuits.
Relationships:
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[Lumpkinz11]

Aria: Female: 21: Human: Pansexual: Single
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Works:
"The Ocean Loves the Rain..."
Aria - Bio Story
Aria - Backstory
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Full name: Aria
Nickname/Alias: x
Birthday and age: June 14th, 2003 - 21 years old
Gender: AFAB, Female
Height: 5'5"
Eye color: Her eyes are a captivating shade of teal that seem to shift and sparkle like the surface of the sea.
Hair color and style: Long, flowing hair that shimmers in shades of deep blue and turquoise, reminiscent of ocean waves, often adorned with small shells or strands of seaweed.
Defining features: A natural glow emanates from her skin, especially under moonlight, making her appear ethereal. Her presence evokes a sense of serenity and calm that those around her can't help but feel.
How old do they look? She looks her age, appearing youthful, with an ageless grace.
Sexual preference: Pansexual
Body type: Slender, graceful build; her movements are fluid and reminiscent of both ocean currents and gentle waves.
Skin tone: Fair and smooth, with a light sheen that gives her an almost otherworldly appearance.
Species: Goddess/Ethereal being
Superpower: Aria is one with the ocean, and it seems to respond well to her voice. This means she can manipulate water, listen to its needs, and even calm storms with her voice. She can summon sea creatures to her aid in times of need.
Allergies: None
Life expectancy: Immortal
Medications: None
Do they smoke/drink alcohol/do drugs? No, she embodies purity and avoids substances that might cloud her mind.
What languages do they speak? English, though she understands the sounds of the ocean and communicates with marine life.
Do they have an accent? No traditional accent, but her voice carries a melodic quality that is soothing and gentle.
Can they read? Yes
Personality: Serene and compassionate, Aria is often seen as a beacon of tranquility. She possesses a strong will and protective nature, particularly towards the ocean and its inhabitants. While her demeanor is gentle, she can become fiercely passionate when confronted with injustices against nature, revealing her determination to enact change.
Backstory: x
Hobbies: Aria continues to explore tide pools, marveling at the delicate ecosystems that bustle within them. She also enjoys singing to the ocean, her voice becoming a conduit for her emotions and the ocean’s needs. Also, she also enjoys creating small art pieces from shells and driftwood, leaving them along the shore as gifts to the tide.
Quirks and habits: Aria often finds herself staring at her own reflection in the ocean water.
Quote they live by: x
Place they grew up: A quaint coastal village, with warm sandy beaches and vibrant marine life.
Place they live now: In the depths of the ocean, among coral reefs, and along serene shores where the tide pools teem with life.
Favorite memory: The moment the ocean embraced her, flooding her with divine energy and transforming her into a guardian. It felt like falling into a comforting embrace that enveloped her heart and soul.
How it still affects them: Aria owes her life to the ocean, and she is devoted to serving it in any way she can.
Worst memory: The pain of the moment she fell and felt her life slipping away continues to haunt her, reminding her of the fragility of life and the importance of her guardianship with the ocean.
How it still affects them: This memory fuels her passion and sense of duty, driving her to ensure that the ocean remains a living being.
Dreams/goals: Her primary goal is to protect and preserve the ocean and its delicate ecosystems. She is driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the ocean. Aria is also motivated by a need to heal the ocean's wounds and restore its vitality, in the hopes of creating a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.
Fears: The end of the world, the end of humanity, the collapse of the ocean's ecosystems.
Virtues/strengths: Aria possesses a deep understanding of the ocean and its complex systems. She can also communicate with the ocean, and is immortal.
Flaws/weaknesses: She can be overly idealistic and stubborn at times, unwilling to compromise or consider alternative perspectives. Her deep emotional connection to the ocean can also make her vulnerable, as she feels the pain and suffering of the ocean as her own. Additionally, Aria can sometimes struggle with feelings of isolation and loneliness, as her only companion is the ocean and its silent inhabitants.
Relationships:
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[Lumpkinz11]

------ Sam had always been aware of the shadows lurking in the corners of his mind, whispering doubts and fears that twisted in the dark. Throughout his life, he had made a conscious effort to stand firmly in the light, convinced that if he kept himself illuminated, the darkness would remain at bay. But as he delved deeper into therapy, guided by Dr. Lewis’s insightful and persistent probing, he came to an unsettling realization: avoidance hadn’t banished the shadows but merely driven them deeper into the recesses of his mind. They lurked there, twisting and coiling, waiting patiently for a moment when his defenses would falter and he would inadvertently let them resurface.
------ Each therapy session felt like a precarious dance, as if he were tiptoeing onto a fragile sheet of ice that threatened to crack beneath his weight. Dr. Lewis’s questions were the sharp blades of ice, each cut revealing deeper truths about himself. "Why do you fear your power so much, Sam?" she would ask, her voice resonating in him long after he walked out of her office. That question burrowed into his consciousness, stirring feelings of discomfort that wracked him with unsettling energy. As he began the work of peeling back the layers he had shielded himself with for years, memories long buried pushed their way to the surface.
------ He recalled the days of his childhood, a tapestry woven with bright moments and darker threads of pain. Those early memories crystallized his understanding of power as something frightening—akin to a flickering flame in cupped hands. He could vividly picture himself standing vulnerable before his parents, seeing their traumatic reaction to him and his power. Their faces, once softened by love, twisted with panic as his power seemed to torment them. It was then he internalized a harsh lesson, so he learned to shrink away, to melt into the backdrop of others' lives. However, with each session of therapy, a new path unfolded before him, revealing that he had the choice to harness his power for healing rather than destruction.
------ Over time, he garnered the strength to address his emotions that had once felt like a raging storm within. Dr. Lewis introduced him to grounding techniques that provided him a haven, offering a sense of stability amidst his turbulent feelings. Whenever his nerves surged during confrontations with Jay, he found solace in visualization exercises—transforming his fears into tangible images he could dissect and conquer, turning the intangible chaos into manageable pieces. This newfound clarity compelled him to take the plunge into self-expression through journaling, each entry becoming a sanctuary where he could articulate the tumultuous thoughts and emotions he had suppressed for far too long.
------ It was on a particularly dreary afternoon, the rain tapping rhythmically against the café window, when Sam unearthed a draft of a letter he had started writing to Jay. Initially an exercise in vulnerability, the letter unfurled into something more profound—a heartening manifesto filled with hopes, desires, and a longing for connection. He poured out his passion for art, expressing how it served both as a comforting refuge and a vibrant canvas for his imagination. When he finally found the courage to share that letter with Jay, a transformative shift occurred in their dynamic. Their conversations deepened, evolving from playful banter into profound exchanges about their dreams and aspirations.
------ “I want to travel the world someday,” Jay confessed, eyes alight with excitement, his enthusiasm infectious. “What about you?” In that moment, a warm energy surged through Sam as he shared, “I’ve always dreamed of showcasing my work in galleries.” It felt exhilarating to express his aspirations openly, and for the first time, he felt like he was not just existing but actively co-creating with Jay. Their bond transcended the boundaries of a mere relationship; they were constructing a future rich with intertwined hopes, a roadmap layered with shared ambitions.
------ Yet, as life often has its way of doing, the universe conspired to test them. On an evening expedition to an energetic art gallery, surrounded by art that surged with emotion, Sam felt an overwhelming wave of vulnerability crash over him. Each painting portrayed pieces of his buried twilight, his insecurities laid bare. In a spontaneous gesture, he reached for Jay, brushing against his arm, but in that fleeting moment, a disquieting vision flickered in his mind’s eye—a glimpse of Jay’s hidden insecurities, dark shadows lurking just beneath the surface.
------ Fear surged through Sam as he instinctively recoiled, the realization that he had exposed Jay in such an intimate way, threatening to drown him. “I didn’t mean to,” he stammered, the wavering tremor in his voice betraying his inner turmoil. Jay stepped back, his features taut with discomfort. "Sam, that wasn’t okay,” he replied, an air of disappointment hanging heavily between them like an unwelcome fog. The moment felt suffocating, a weight of guilt pressing down on Sam's shoulders.
------ What followed was a painful silence, each passing day transforming their once vibrant camaraderie into an uncomfortable void. The laughter that had formed the backdrop of their friendship faded, and Sam could feel the familiar warmth of Jay's support slipping through his fingers like grains of sand. In the absence of Jay’s presence, Sam retreated to his canvas—a desperate bid to articulate his sorrow through color and composition. Each brushstroke became a dance of vulnerability, expressing the chaos swirling within and forming a kaleidoscopic tapestry of his emotions. Each painted piece was a catharsis; he was no longer the frightened child lost amid shadows—he was a man reclaiming his narrative, crafting his own light.
------ And just when the darkness felt insurmountable, like a beacon slicing through the obscurity, Jay reached out. “I need to talk.” As the words illuminated Sam’s phone screen, his heart raced—not with dread but with a flicker of hope. They agreed to meet at their beloved café, a familiar sanctuary where memories lingered sweetly in the air. Sam's heart pounded as he prepared to leap into vulnerability once more, daring to lay down the fears that had haunted him like well-remembered ghosts.
------ “I’m truly sorry for what happened at the gallery. I’m learning to navigate this chaos inside of me,” he confessed, his voice shaking yet punctuated by a genuine desire for understanding. "I... I need your help.” Sam met Jay’s gaze, vulnerability shimmering in his eyes.
Jay inhaled deeply, the tension that had wound around him slowly dissipating. “I want to understand,” Jay replied, earnestness etched across his face. “But I need to be honest—this is hard for me.”
------ In that intimate space, they began to open up, sharing their fears, insecurities, and vulnerabilities like scattered puzzle pieces, slowly assembling a clearer picture of their dynamic. As they spoke, the distance between them began to dissolve—an intricate dance of honesty forging new pathways in their relationship. They were no longer two isolated souls wandering through their respective darknesses; they were two individuals stepping forward together, entwined in a relationship that blossomed with understanding and growth.
------ Sam stood at the precipice of a revelation: love was not merely a connection made through shared laughter but rather a tapestry woven from threads of understanding, patience, and the willingness to grow together. It was a commitment to support each other in their vulnerabilities, navigating the intricacies of their emotions with grace. They found themselves peering into the future, ready to embark on a journey rich in complexities, leaning on each other as they stepped into the light of new beginnings, embracing each imperfection along the way.
As they walked forward, hand in hand, a profound sense of hope enveloped them. Each day dawned anew as they learned the delicate art of healing, discovering the strength nestled within their shared journey. To Sam, liberation was no longer elusive; it was waiting just beyond the horizon of vulnerability. No longer defined by a haunted past, he found himself stepping into a new dawn, an emerging soul fueled by dreams, desire, and love.

 

[Lumpkinz11]

------ The dim light of the bar cast a muted glow over the faces gathered at the counter. Samuel Harrington, or Sam as he liked to be called, sat in a corner booth, his fingers tracing unseen patterns on a napkin. Despite the laughter and chatter surrounding him, he felt a familiar heaviness in his chest. It was a Friday night, and the bustle of the city outside was in direct contrast to the stillness he clung to within.
------ With deep blue eyes that seemed to absorb the light rather than reflect it, Sam watched the world around him. His dark hair, with swooping jet black bangs that framed his face, partially obscured his features. He tugged his shirt down, covering the scars hidden beneath the sleeves of his jacket. Those marks, remnants of a boyhood filled with chaos, whispered secrets he dared not tell. They served as a reminder that healing was not just a destination but a journey, fraught with ups and downs.
------ As he sipped on his drink, he caught sight of Jay entering the bar. Sam’s heart raced slightly—Jay was the person who had opened up an entirely new world for him. Their eyes met, and Jay smiled, a bright, infectious grin that seemed to push all of Sam's anxieties aside. Jay's presence was like the sun breaking through a dense fog, illuminating the dark corners of Sam's mind.
------ "Hey, you," Jay said, sliding into the seat across from Sam. “You alright?”
------ Sam nodded, though his insides churned. “Just thinking. You know how it gets.”
------ Jay’s brow furrowed, concern etched across his handsome face. "You want to talk about it?"
------ The offer rested like a fragile glass on the table—one shake and it could shatter. Sam’s default was to withdraw, to cover his heart with a wall of silence. But there was warmth in Jay’s gaze, a promise that he wouldn't let Sam fall without catching him.
------ “Sometimes I feel like… I don’t deserve to be happy,” Sam admitted, his voice barely louder than a whisper.
------ Jay reached across the table, placing a hand over Sam’s. “That’s not true. You’ve come so far, Sam. Don’t you see? You matter.”
------ Those words ignited a flurry of emotions. Recognition, love, but also the echo of fear. The fear of abandonment that loomed over Sam like a specter determined to haunt him forever. He could feel the anger bubbling beneath the surface, the remnants of his past stirring uneasily.
------ “I don’t want to hurt you,” Sam said, his voice rising slightly, a tremor lacing through it.
------ “You’re not going to hurt me,” Jay replied firmly, squeezing his hand. “I believe in you. You can be angry, scared, even lost. But you’re still you. Just don’t push me away.”
------ Sam inhaled sharply, memories of his parents’ abandonment flooding his mind—their indifference, the weight of their absence that suffocated him. “What if I do?”
------ Jay leaned in, his expression earnest. “Then we’ll work through it. Together.”
------ Despite the tears welling up, Sam felt hopeful. For years, he had avoided the belief that someone could love him without condition. Alongside Jay, he had started to understand that vulnerability wasn’t a weakness, but an act of bravery.
------ As the night wore on, the laughter and music faded into the background. Sam and Jay shared stories, dreams, and fears—each revelation weaving a delicate tapestry of trust between them. Sam felt lighter, the burdens he carried no longer suffocating him but transforming into something that could be managed.
------ “Remember that time I showed you my doodles?” Sam began, a mischievous grin breaking through his earlier solemn expression.
------ “Of course! They were incredible. How do you even do that?” Jay chuckled.
------ “It’s just patterns that help me think—or not think,” Sam replied, his cheeks flushing slightly. “I get overwhelmed sometimes, and I have to pace or draw. It’s how I cope.”
------ “You should show me more,” Jay encouraged, his eyes sparkling with genuine interest.
Just then, the bar’s atmosphere shifted. A loud commotion erupted from a nearby table, and several patrons began yelling. Sam inhaled sharply, instinctively retreating into himself. The tension in the air triggered his anxiety, memories of chaotic nights flooding back like shadows.
------ “Hey, look at me,” Jay said, his voice steady and warm. “Focus on my voice. Breathe with me.”
------ Sam mirrored Jay's breathing, feeling his heartbeat begin to stabilize. The noise faded, becoming less important than the gentle consistency of Jay’s presence. He met Jay's gaze and felt his fears begin to dissipate, eviscerated by a feeling of safety—a rare and precious emotion he had long since buried.
------ “I’m here,” Jay whispered, a promise that slipped quiet and unguarded between them.
------ Sam allowed the moment to wash over him, a rush of gratitude swelling within him. Perhaps healing was indeed a language that could be shared—a bridge to traverse dark waters and reach safer shores.
------ That night, as they left the bar together into the cool embrace of the city air, Sam didn't feel the usual tremor of uncertainty clutching at his heart. Instead, he felt a resolute sense of hope. For the first time, he allowed himself to believe that he was capable of loving and being loved in return.
And as they walked hand in hand under the glow of streetlights, Sam knew that together, they could navigate the shadows of the past, offering the light of kindness—both to each other and to a world that could often feel so grim.