Fantasy Hidden Magic // (All spots full!)

[Sir Damien]

Hunter

Normally Hunter wasn't a quitter. It could be the worst scenario he could think of and he would resiliently push through until the end. Hell, when he first found his air powers wavering and could turn a room pitch black in seconds, when he could blind someone with the brightness of a light, he wasn't scared. Hell, he was excited? He didn't hide his powers. Despite being the only person he knew (or only person he could find) with said abilities he wasn't ashamed. Dru leaving him there on that floor, however, damn near broke the man. Did she know the courage that it took to climb that stupid fucking lattice just to told that it wasn't his fault, it wasn't her fault, it was someone else's' fault? She didn't need to be brave, he could be brave for the both of them.

That's what he wanted to tell her. He jumped to his feet and ran after her, completely refusing to acknowledge that this was the end of it. He followed after her, down the stairs, and stormed into the kitchen. However when he saw Dru and Larkyn together he froze. She could talk to him but not Hunter? Of course she could talk to him. He was perfect, they were engaged, her parents loved him. Hunter couldn't measure up.

There was only one person besides Larkyn and Dru he could turn to and he expected her to laugh at him. At least it'd be something familiar, y'know? Only, she wasn't with Cyrus, she wasn't in her room, he went around looking for her and ended up finding her crying on the porch. Her nose was red, her eyes were puffy. How long had she been out there? It was becoming more and more clear that they were stuck with each other whether they liked it or not, and if Cyrus and Larkyn were too busy to look out for her that was when Hunter had to step in. Right? At least they wouldn't both be alone.

So, that month Hunter did his groundskeeping and returned to Loire for most of the day. She was sick and refused to go to meals or the infirmary, refused to leave unless it was for class or a bath. He fetched her tea, cocoa, and he kept her secret from everyone especially his angry looking roommate. In turn she listened to him for the first time without mocking him, she even sympathized with him. She was either dying or a new person, but a cold wouldn't kill someone so he assumed she just took on a new leaf when Cyrus abandoned her. Hunter and Loire would never love each other, hell they barely liked each other, but at least together they had somebody to talk to.

She did tell him to give up on love, that it was stupid and it would only hurt in the end. Boy, where was this advice a couple months ago? Still, Hunter didn't regret falling for Dru. He'd still watch her from the kitchen while she readied herself to leave with Larkyn, he didn't know where they would go but he couldn't help but wish that it was Hunter going with her. He...was just happy that she was just leaving her room. Hunter just wanted the best for her, whatever made her happy. He didn't care how much it crushed him that it wasn't him making her happy.

"It'd go better if you stayed back and got medical attention." Hunter muttered grumpily, dropping his bag next to her suitcase as they made it to the bottom of the stairs. Hunter just wanted him and Dru to be on good terms again... even if it wasn't romantic. He just missed her, and hopefully Larkyn would cut the cord and step away from her for five fucking minutes. Part of him wanted to rat out Loire to her brother to distract him but he also knew that this was the first time him and Loire were on speaking terms. If he said anything she'd fucking kill him. “Ay Sapph that’s a big rock, when did you get that?” Anything to kill the awkward silence already in the room.

 

[EclipseRosee]

Larkyn

The last few days had been a bit of a mess, suddenly he and Dru were attached at the hip again, Loire and Hunter were pouting together, Dixie and Terran kept scolding everyone and Sapphira… well she wasn’t a mess but he sure didn’t approve of this man she was going out with. It was making him insane, how much time she was spending with this guy, seeing her all dolled up to go out with him despite not looking very happy. Maybe the last part was just him projecting but still! He meant it! She didn’t look giddy and excited like she did during their flying lessons or watching the games. Sapphira just looked content and pretty, she deserved someone who brought out that beautiful smile he knew she had…

Besides the jealous idiot that Larkyn had become when it came to her, there was also the drama going on with Dru. Larkyn knew he was one of few people that knew about her powers not working the way he should and honestly he felt kind of guilty that she hadn’t included him on the new updates! Hell even Loire knew! Even if he and Dru had admitted and accepted not being romantically involved, she was basically family. He should have stuck around more through this… She was a seer? He had heard of them but honestly didn’t fully understand until they went to meet Loires contact.

Dru didn’t seem to handle the information they got from the guy. Seers didn’t exist in their faction of magic, it was another form of hereditary powers. It likely meant one of her parents was either lying or not her parent at all. Furthermore her visions were so violent and scary from being repressed and untrained. But that was what they were, visions of the current future. Things could always change but… it depended on the path you chose. It was all very mystical and strange to Larkyn but he did his best to be supportive despite his own shit mood.

It was after that meeting that Dru told Larkyn about her vision, the one about Hunter. It was then that the two decided to go forward with their wedding, neither of them loved one another like that but they weren’t willing to let anyone get hurt over it. It wasn’t like they couldn’t still live happy lives right? Although Larkyn had to admit he was a bit worried about why this wedding was so important…. And what type of person his future father in law was. They had always known him to be shady but this was a new level of bad.

The holiday break came around and Dru left that morning without a word. Thankfully he didn’t know about Larkyns plan otherwise she probably would have killed him. Dru was heading to a family property that Larkyn had been to a few times before. It was small, old, very small. But if Loire could lock people in rooms and make them get along so could Larkyn! So he convinced everyone to go on holiday together in some way or form. The best part was that Alex or whatever his name was, was NOT welcome.

“Okay guys i think we’re all ready yeah?” Larkyn finished prepping the fireplace just as soon as he heard Hunter say something about a rock? He stood and turned around, seeing that Sapphira had joined them now. He tried to give her a smile but his eyes instantly fell on the large ring on her finger and his face fell. “Let’s just get going.”

 

[KAYDEN]

Cyrus

Cyrus admitted to the investigators that he had lied. It killed him, tore him apart truly but it was finally his last straw with his father. Hell with his whole family, it only sucked that Cyrus had literally destroyed his life trying to protect the man who clearly didn’t care for him at all. They had found more evidence at the house, his father hadn’t used any magic to kill the man and had instead a knife and stupidly hidden it in his couch. Once in custody he admitted that it had been him and that he was paid an insane amount to shut the man up and stop his advocacy. It was just all too much for Cyrus to handle. Not only was his father a piece of shit, he was an insane piece of shit. He couldn’t understand how he changed so much from the man Cyrus remembered as a child…

Of course perjury was a crime and thus Cyrus was sentenced to spend the next three months on continued house arrest but was allowed to move about campus and outside campus when supervised by Larkyn. Great. A babysitter. As if that wasn’t bad enough Cyrus has been royally awful to Loire… but he didn’t know how to fix it. It was true that he was still hurt, he knew why she felt the need to give it to him but still… Of course Cyrus being the person he was, an awkward stupid and slightly arrogant mess, he couldn’t find it in him to speak to her and apologize. They were both stubborn to a fucking fault. Plus suddenly her and Hunter were fucking BFFS? So that didn’t help trying to talk to her either!

As they all prepared to get ready to leave Cyrus found himself staring at Loire. She hadn’t looked herself the past few weeks but had been dodging him so much that he chummed it up to that. However now, standing in the same room for more than a millisecond… he caught a slight feeling that he had felt in the past. She didn’t look good, she looked cold and frail and sick. If she was sick though she would tell Larkyn right? She always told him. And surely he wouldn’t allow this trip.

Cyrus was pulled away from his train of thought when Larkyn mentioned leaving. “Right.” He tossed another look over at Loire before moving to the fireplace himself, standing inside before taking a bit of floo powder and reciting the address Larkyn had given him before tossing the powder down and disappearing in green flame.

 

[ZombieBaee]

Dixie

Her mother lost her job, they accused her of getting into an argument with a customer and taking it to far. Of course Della insisted it wasn’t that bad but… Dixie wasn’t sure. The only saving grace right now for the woman was that when Dixie offered to help her find a job or cheaper place her mother refused and said it wasn’t her job to do that. Supposedly she already had rent paid up for a while from the savings and was already scheduled for a few interviews. The old Della that Dixie knew would have asked for money or groveled for charity… so this was a good step right? Even though she got fired?

Beyond that her month had been mostly uneventful, she did her best to keep her housemates in line and did her job. Before Dixie left she made sure everything was in order for the headmistress and the students staying on campus over holiday. For the last few years it was Dixie who stayed! She would plan game nights and snowball fights and fun meals! If it wasn’t for the headmistress convincing her to go on her own holiday for once that was exactly what she would be doing now. Honestly part of her kind of wished she was staying…

“Sapph what is that?” Dixie stood with her suitcase in hand, watching the fireplace as Larkyn set up. However her attention quickly moved to Sapphira at Hunters question of the “rock.” It sure as heck looked like an engagement ring… wasn’t that a wee bit soon? Dixie knew she was the one pulling for these dates but as a way to get over Larkyn! It wasn’t meant for the girl to jump into a committed relationship after a few weeks! Beyond them the fire roared green and Dixie noted the absence of Cyrus. “You have to tell me all about that as soon as we unpack.”

 

[ZombieBaee]

Dru

Hell. That was the only way to explain what Dru has been going through, the way it all felt. Her father was a monster, more of one than she already thought. She was falling in love with an idiot, one that was putting her entire life at risk and she didn’t care, all she cared about was making sure he didn’t end up hurt. Larkyn and her were basically cornered into going through with their wedding. He was being weird about Sapphira. It was all just too fucking much. Then on top of it all? This dude Loire sent her too had to tell her she was likely a bastard child? That was why she had her powers? Great. All just fucking great.

That was why Dru got away, she wanted to just go to her favorite place and be alone for a while. Think, learn and plan. Her mother had a secret property that she had taken Dru to a few times as a child, a property that Dru took over as her own little escape from reality as she got older. It was an old water mill, the wheel still operated as long as the creek wasn’t too frozen but the rest of the house was fairly … rustic. It was clean and safe but small and old. The house only had one large master bedroom and then a small spare meant to be more of an office than a bedroom but it still had a day bed with a trundle. There was a singular bathroom with a pump bathtub and sink. The kitchen was the real kicker, it was an old icebox style fridge along with a real wood burning stove. The main floor was a simple living room area with no TV or anything like that. It was peaceful and quiet, it was a good place to run away to.

At least it was.

Dru had just returned from the nearby village and was packing away things in the kitchen when she heard her fireplace whoosh and a thud. Quickly she drew out her wand and made her way out of the kitchen and into the living room, wand pointed in front of her as she looked for the source of the noise. “C-Cyrus?! What in the fuck are you doing here?” Then one by one more and more members of the house appeared and Dru felt herself getting more and more pissed. “Seriously guys what the fuck?!” The only one of them who knew about this place was Larkyn so her eyes instantly went to him, a literal glare on her face as she stalked towards him and pointed her wand in his chest. “I should strangle you literally.”

 

[Pax Pardus Hale]

Loire

Cyrus acted like Loire gave him the paper to purposely hurt him, like it was something she just did so flippantly. While hurting over family wasn't something she understood, she hated her family other than Larkyn, she still didn't want to hurt him. He was better off moving on from her, writing her off, and getting on with his life. So why the fuck did he keep staring at her? Already she was more irritable than usual thanks to the fever and chills, but with him just looking at her like a wounded puppy waiting in the corner it pissed her off to the extreme.

Soon the lot of them were traveling via fireplace, Cyrus went first and then one by one they were standing in their destination. Only, it wasn't some tropical beach or some luxury resort. Clearly Dru was not expecting them either with the glare on the woman's face and Loire let out the heaviest of sighs. "Not if I kill him first." This place was nice... if there were two, maybe three people. For eight fucking people though? What made her brother think this was a good idea? "Is it too late to meet up with our parents?" That wasn't probably the best idea either. Great. "So we just make ourselves cozy?" Without another word Loire grabbed her suitcase from Hunter and walked off.

--

The next few days were excruciating to say the least. There was absolutely no breathing room, no space to run away. The old little watermill was tucked away in the forest on a creek and it seemed their arrival brought an endless snowstorm. More than once she found herself wandering outside for a breather, however with being under the weather she was freezing already so she never stayed out very long. It was either tucked in the corner of the living room (basement?) or unsuccessfully napping. Hey, her eyes were closed and no one talked to her, that was all that mattered. Thankfully after two days Dru caved and allowed the girls to sleep in the master suite with her. They were still all stuck in close quarters, but at least there was a little bit more room.

"If you don't quit staring at me I'm going to lose my ever loving mind." Loire jumped up from her chair as Cyrus in the kitchen as he went off by himself and walked after him. There wasn't much room to breath let alone find space to confront him quietly. If she had done this in the living room Larkyn was far more likely to hear and she didn't want them to know of anything that has happened. A good twin probably would have confided in her brother but we all know Loire wasn't good at much, that wouldn't be happening anytime soon.

"Look. I hurt you-- I get it. You think that I wanted to tell you that to purposely hurt you? Larkyn gave me the paper and left the decision in my hands, and I thought you deserved to know the truth. But, you're right. I'm a stone cold bitch that would rather you know the truth than live with blinders on. I'm... I'm sorry. You deserve better family, better friends. I wish I could be that for you but it's obvious I'm not." Loire wanted to be the person who could support him but it was clear that she just wasn't the right one to do that. She made him cry, yell, and slam the door on her. Why did she think it was a good idea to promise to look out for him? Not only was she failing Cyrus but now she was failing his mom, and she just wanted to disappear the more she thought about it.

It was probably the fever talking at this point because at this point it felt like she was rambling just like her brother.

 

[Pax Pardus Hale]

Sapphira

What was everyone's deal? The 'rock' as Hunter called it was on her right hand. RIGHT. An engagement ring would be on the left, right? She thought Dixie would at least know that! Oh well. It was probably her fault for not telling anyone what happened. Just... it wasn't memorable for her, y'know? Paris was fun and all, they had a lovely time, but it wasn't really... fun? Alex was charming and all, he knew all the right things to say, but that was just it. Everything was too perfect, she was just a normal muggle on a normal date. Boring.

The look on Larkyn's face made her heart break. What was that for? Quickly she slipped off the ring and tucked it into her pocket. Why did she feel so embarrassed? The man was fucking engaged to be married with Dru, the two had been spending so much time together and looked like they were rekindling something. Why did he care what she did? It was all so...so frustrating, and Sapphira never got angry at anything.

Once they got to the windmill though her mood lightened, albeit a little. Dru was there, cranky but given the situation she couldn't blame her, and the place was just adorable. Rustic, kind of like a storybook cottage. The sleeping situations were a little tough for the first new nights but it was kind of like camp? Middle of the woods, tight quarters, impossible long term living conditions with this many people. It would have been better as a girls trip but, hey, they just had to power through and make the best of things. That was her attitude going into this experience, mind you.

By day three Saph was COMPLETELY over it. There was nothing to do! There wasn't any TV, she could only play chess so many times before going insane. Terran seemed to be occupying Dixie's time and Saph was on her own. The storm had them pretty much snowed in, they were all on top of each other, and Saph kept noticing the awkward glances her and Larkyn were exchanging. What were they about? The ring? The first night they were there she talked to Dixie about what happened, did she have to explain it to him too? It felt wrong. So, so, so wrong to tell the guy that she loved, yes loved at this point, about her relationship.

"Oh, just do it." Sapphira pepped herself up in the mirror of the master suite, trying to work up the energy to just clear the air with Larkyn. With a deep breath of encouragement she stormed out into the living room with the upmost confidence. "I miss you." Was that what she meant to say? No, not at all. But... that's what came out. And now she lost all her confidence. "I-, um, what I mean to say is I'm sorry I've been so distant. I thought maybe some space between us would make things easier." The red headed woman sat down next to him as she tried to make some sort of sense but it didn't seem to be working. Being away from him just made her feel sad. She wanted him in her life.

 

[Sir Damien]

Hunter

Well this was a horrible bunch to go on vacation with each other. They were all so grumpy and moody, Hunter included. Seeing Dru and Larkyn hanging out together made him uncomfortable. It was never like that growing up. Dru and Larkyn were good friends and it wasn't odd for her to be around when Hunter went to find Larkyn, back then it didn't upset him like this. It wasn't that he was completely upset for himself though. The past few months as Dru gained her independence she had a new glow to her. Her smile went from casual business to bright, vibrant. She was actually having fun, y'know? Teaching and getting to know her students, the thought of her future not with Larkyn and paving her own path.

Hunter wanted to be there with Dru while she hit all those independent goals she wanted, whether he was a cheerleader or her partner. He just wanted to see her succeed! She was avoiding him though, he couldn't even tell what her plans were anymore. As of late she had looked so upset, and all he wanted to do was find out why and fix it. Something about her dad, right? He was there, he made her cry.

The next few days fucking sucked. He had to share the damn trundle bed with Cyrus of all people. It was almost scary to go to sleep with the tension in the air, he was kind of afraid that Cyrus would burn him in his sleep. What was up his ass? Oh, he committed perjury. That shit was kind of funny, but he sympathized with the guy. He was a good guy but Hunter could do without his fucking attitude. Of course Hunter wasn't the brightest when it came to relationships so it didn't occur to him that being around Loire was why he was being so pissy. Oh well.

"Y'know," Hunter was hanging out on the window sill staring outside as more snow continued to fall, "this place is super pretty. Do you come out here a lot Dru? I'd have pegged you for a nice relaxing beach kind of girl." The beach was never Hunter's cup of tea either. He liked seclusion, he liked remote. While the others were slowly losing their minds he was feeling a little bit more calm about everything. With a long exhale he straightened himself up and decided to try for the millionth time to strike up a conversation with Dru. Lately she would just brush him off but he was bound and determined to get her to talk. Hell, he'd talk about anything to get her to talk. "So, um, I don't mean to pry but how are things with Larkyn? You seem sad and-and I hate seeing you sad. Need me to kick his ass into shape?" Or just kick his ass away from her, but that's splitting hairs.

 

[Colt Voltage]

Terran

Things were going well, right? Terran was doing his best to help Dixie keep it all together but their group was starting to get too much even for him. They had successfully gotten Sapphira a boyfriend and got her away from Larkyn, Dixie's mom and her were still doing fine (the loss of job was slightly concerning but she didn't want to talk much about that subject), and things around the house seemed more quiet. Everyone was busy, so when winter break snuck up on them he was hoping to spend some time relaxing. Terran didn't have family to visit so he planned to stay on campus, so when Dixie sprung up the trip they were all going on he was curious. Of course he had to go and see how things played out. Hopefully good, but with this crew he doubted it.

When they arrived to the small windmill he already knew things would be the opposite of calm. First Dru wanted to strangle Larkyn and his sister seemed to be on board, then they were pretty much on their own. Dru practically locked herself away in the master suite and told them to figure it out on their own. The tension in the room could be cut with a knife; all they really had to do was read, play chess, writing, or watching the snow fall. It was relaxing, but he wished the others would have relaxed more.

Over the next couple of days he did a few runs to the village that Dru told them about to make sure they had enough groceries for the lot of them. Terran and Dixie made simple things like soup on the wood stove that thankfully paired well with the cold weather. Yet again the two of them were basically parents the whole time it felt like. It was odd being the responsible one for once, but it was nice to be able to take some of the stress off of Dixie's shoulders.

"Whoo, it's cold out there." Terran quickly shut the door behind him as he shook off the snow on his shoulders. Early that morning he embarked on a mission for something else to do in the windmill to hopefully put all of them in a better mood. Uno, charades. Nice, calming games? Plus, there were a couple shops he wanted to stop at. "Here you are, miss Dixie." With a warm smile he handed her a dozen white and blue winter calla lillies and some locally made assortment of chocolates. "Something to brighten your day I hope. I got charades, I tried to get the least aggravating games I could find. How were the kids?" Like an old married couple. The thought made his face heat up. That couple topic kept popping up in his head as of late. He had always been so afraid of having a partner in life, but Dixie felt... different. She felt like comfort, warmth and home, which was such a silly thing to think. Terran didn't have a home, he had a physical home where he stored his things but... never a home.

For the first time in his life Terran lacked confidence. He was nervous to bring it up to Dixie, he was afraid of rejection.

 

[ZombieBaee]

Druella “Dru” Arville

What was supposed to be her nice relaxing trip to get away from everyone quickly turned into chaos. What in the hell was Larkyn thinking?! He had been here before and knew how small the place was! He also knew damn well it was where she went to escape. He had tried to get her to understand, explained that he felt they all just needed time away from everything together, time to support each other and realize that with all the shit that was going on their weird little group was the best version of support any of them had. He may have been correct but still! Dru didn’t want to deal with this right now. So naturally she locked herself in the master suite and ignored everything for two days. The master suite itself was probably two thirds of the upper floor, it had a large king bed along with a chaise lounge and an area with a window bench and bookshelves. Those facts started to weigh on Drus guilt and after two nights she finally allowed the girls into the room to share more appropriate sleeping arrangements. The boys could go fuck off elsewhere though.

For the most part everyone was keeping to themselves, doing their own thing. But even doing your own thing was still partially together in a place this small! Dru personally tried to spend as much time as she could away from common areas, well away from Hunter. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to be around him, it’s exactly the opposite. She wanted to be around him so badly but knew it wasn’t a good idea. Her and Larkyn were getting married, moving forward with that insanity to keep people safe. At this point even trying to be friends felt painful…

Apparently Hunter had other opinions on the matter because the first time she found herself without an escape plan he was talking to her. Trying to be normal. Dru looked up from where she was curled up in the old arm chair near the window, her eyes focused on the book in hand even though she was completely distracted by his proximity to her. He mentioned the beach and her eyes flicked to him for a moment as he looked out the window. Dru planned to ignore him as she had been doing all week but then his follow up question about Larkyn made her ears go red and her heart hurt. “I don’t like being hot.” Dru stated simply, turning the page of the book she was pretending to be invested in. “And you know it’s not like that. It won’t ever be like that, Larkyn is a really good friend. A great friend. That’s all… and eventually he’ll be a fair husband.” Dru kept her eyes trained on the book as she spoke, she hadn’t told him about the two of them deciding on going forward with the wedding. She really hadn’t told him anything but still. “Larkyns the reason I’m sad but he’s not the reason I’m sad. No need to kick his ass.” Dru finally gave up pretend reading the book and looked up at Hunter, a look in her eyes that pleaded with him to stop pretending this was all normal and okay. That only lasted for a moment before her feelings started to catch up with her, tears stinging and a lump in her throat. “I can’t do this..” Quickly she got up and moved to the door, heading out to the back yard for some fresh air without bothering to grab her coat.

 

[ZombieBaee]

Dixie

Of course even this vacation was a hoax! Dixie could not believe these people. It was a beautiful location in its own way, Dixie was more of a spring person herself but still. Even so? It was not meant as a group destination. It appeared to be a scheme pulled together by Larkyn to get everyone together, what was with these twins and their little tricks? It was all getting so exhausting. Despite the awful situation she was trying her best to enjoy her time. Honestly she could have gone back to the school, it was a simple fireplace away but she was trying to enjoy new things and branch out a little more. Emphasis on trying, especially considering it seemed like Dru really didn’t want the others here.

Thankfully after a few days Dru warmed up, at least to the girls being there. It made it a little easier to get through the days. Most of it was spent being their mother despite being one of the youngest in the bunch. Terran would run and get the things they needed from the village. Apparently they were in a small remote area of Scotland, high up in the mountains. The nearby village was magical folk and the next nearest town was over an hour away. Dixie would handle keeping everyone at bay, making sure no tempers or tears happened. When she wasn’t having to do that she would find herself by one of the windows, sketching or simply watching. Dixie was a rare type of person, one who could be content with watching nature. The only thing that was missing was Turtle but he was much happier sleeping in his comfy bed at home and having one of the older students come check on him and the other pets.

“It sure is!” Dixie chattered, shivering in the large light green sweater that hung over her curves. The door opening brought in a draft but it quickly left once the door was closed. “Thanks for running again Terran.” She smiled at him brightly from where she stood behind the stove, prepping their meal for the evening. When he approached her with the flowers and chocolates she felt her face falter slightly and her heart flutter. Oh no no no. Don’t you do that Dixie, it’s just Terran. He’s just being sweet and friendly. He doesn’t do relationships or things like that. “T-thank you.” She took them from him, holding the flowers close for a moment and breathing them in. “Really, they’re gorgeous.”

Dixie leaned up and planted a quick kiss on his cheek before turning and finding a vase for the flowers and filling it with water. He would do things like this constantly, things that confused her and her heart. When she first met him she clocked him as a handsome flirt of a man, honestly even talking to him a bit she realized that was fairly true. But after knowing him longer she realized that while he was a flirt, he was also kind and gentle and confident. Terran was growing on her and it scared her, he told her up front his view on relationships and feelings and Dixie didn’t want her heart to jump into something that her brain knew it shouldn’t. Terran was a good friend and Dixie didn’t want to lose that.

“Games huh?” Dixie cleared her throat and turned back around after finding the flowers a home on the windowsill. “I sure hope games means games and not an absolutely insane amount of drinking like last time. Although a glass of wine does sound lovely after dealing with this crew.”

 

[KAYDEN]

Cyrus

Why would Larkyn pull a stunt like this? The place was a fucking shoebox. Not that Cyrus was used to luxury but still, even he wouldn’t stay at a place like this with more than another person, maybe two. If it wasn’t for his house arrest he would have turned right back around and gone home. It was hard enough being stuck in the other house and that one was much larger than this!

“Don’t flatter yourself.” Cyrus was staring but he wasn’t going to fucking admit it. He was worried! She looked BAD, like not bad but sick. However he was still a tangled up mess of stupid confusing emotions so he couldn’t just flat out SAY he was worried. Cyrus had the emotional intelligence of a banana. Cyrus kept walking, trying to avoid the conversation but it was clear Loire wasn’t going to let that happen and followed after him. Unfortunately there was no real places to hide here so he was kind of stuck with her talking at his back as he stood and sulked, staring at the wall.

“You-“ When she was done Cyrus finally turned around, looking down at her and trying to come up with the words to explain himself. “You just shoved it in my hands. This information that you knew would blow up my world and didn’t say anything. That hurt more than what was on the page… then I know I said something really mean to you but, god Loire why do I have to come back to you?” That was what it boiled down to. She didn’t come after him. Cyrus knew he was the one who ran, she wrote letters in the past but ever since he came home it felt like he was giving her everything and it wasn’t enough. She was still hiding shit from him, holding back, running ahead. Cyrus shared his feelings… kind of. It was just all a lot of hurt.

“And even now you’re hiding from me. You’re sick right? Why haven’t you told anyone? Why is it always you against the world? All I want is for us to be on the same page anymore but even at our best it’s like we’re not!” Cyrus was talking quietly to avoid the others hearing him. “Loire you mean the fucking world to me and I promised to be around as much as I can but you’re so unwilling to let me in. I get it, I hurt you, I left and disappeared but I’m here and I’m trying. It hurts.”

 

[EclipseRosee]

Larkyn

Larkyn knew that his little plan wouldn’t go over great at first but he hoped everyone would warm up to it all. It was a good idea! Really! They all needed each other in some way or another, well maybe not Dixie and Terran, those two actually had their shot together. But the rest of them were basically fucking trauma bonded at this point thanks to their families.

What Larkyn didn’t plan for was how boring everything would be. He didn’t think about it all but …. There was nothing. At least in the summers or spring up here they could easily go outside and explore but in the winter it was damn near impossible. They were all cooped up and stuck. For a few days he tried to get everyone to pep up but was swiftly shut down by pretty much everyone. Sapphira kind of entertained his stupidity but things were fairly awakened between them and often he found himself running away from her to avoid that awkwardness. Any time he felt kind of okay and able to talk she was equally as avoidant!

That is until he was forced to deal with it.

“What?” Larkyn stammered, looking at her with wide eyes and quickly putting down the chess piece he was holding, a game against himself. “I-“ Sapphira continued before he could and he couldn’t help but look up at her with a smile. As she sat down Larkyn tried to come up with words, ones that weren’t moody or awkward. “I missed you too. I’m sorry I’ve been so stupid and ridiculous about everything. I -“ Say it. “I have to admit that I’m jealous. I was selfish and was taking up so much of your time but I genuinely enjoy being around you so I was hard to let go a little.”

Larkyns eyes moved to her hands and noticed the lack of the ring. “How are things going with… what’s his name?” He had to be at least a little childish

 

[Pax Pardus Hale]

Loire

To say Loire was tired would be an understatement. Exhausted, dead on her feet. Yet here she was confronting him, trying to get him to hate her a little bit more before she dropped. If he hated her then it would make losing her all the more easier. "Oh, because going after you when you were mad at me was such a great idea?" As he spoke she scowled at him, though she knew that deep down he was right. He was here, he was staying for the first time in years and he was trying. On some level she was terrified of so many things. Hurting him, him finding out her secrets and looking at her in a different light. Maybe it would be good for him to find out and cast her aside.

Her against the world? Why was he so fucking right sometimes? It pissed her off. "I-" big tears formed in her eyes and she looked away for a moment to try to compose herself. Why was she being such a baby about this? "I wanted to go after you, I really did, but I'm the one that made the decision to give you the paper. I made the decision to make you feel those feelings. I didn't know what to say, it drove me insane for days and I was just glad I was able to get the courage to give it to you. I just kind of froze when you left and..." Cried her heart out on the porch. Waited all day for him to come back and try to work things out? She knew it took two but for once she wasn't the one yelling or slamming things.

Suddenly her arm stretched out and a ball of ice flew into the wooden wall, shattering and falling into tiny fragmented bits of shimmering ice onto the floor. "THAT'S why it's me versus the world. I-I can't control this shit like I could water magic, if I get emotional I just... I'm a hazard. I'm not safe to be around, so that's why we're not on the same page. You're the most important person in my life, I couldn't live with myself if I hurt you." There it was. It was out in the open and she felt... embarrassed. Ashamed. Like she just wanted to crawl into a hole and die. Wasn't confessions supposed to make you feel better?

Tears spilled from her icy blue tired eyes and she quickly rubbed them away with her warm hands. Loire was tired, that's why she didn't tell Larkyn about her being sick. She was tired of feeling ashamed every day. Life was hard enough without this curse looming over her. Without another word she brushed past Cyrus and walked out the back door with just her house slippers and no coat. She was already sick, what was going to happen? She wanted to disappear but she couldn't. The next best thing was going to the barn to sit with the cute, fluffy cow in a pile of hay sniffling her tears away.

 

[Pax Pardus Hale]

Sapphira

There had to be a mistake. Larkyn was jealous? He missed her and enjoyed being around her? Suddenly her head was spinning. That's how she felt about him! She was jealous of Dru, she was jealous that they were spending time together, and most of all she missed spending time with him. Thankfully he was able to pull her from the dizzy thoughts when he asked about Alex. "O-Oh, um, you mean Alex? Things are fine." Once she sat down across from him she quickly reset the board so she could play against him, a sad smile playing on her face. "By definition I suppose you could say things are going perfect. I mean, what girl didn't dream of Paris, fancy dinners, or boat rides? I'm guessing I'm clinically insane for not being as thrilled as I should be." Sapphira was a gorgeous girl from an old money family and Alex would have fit in great.

The only problem was Sapphira didn't even fit in with her family. Sapph wanted a partner like her, who she could be her true self around. She wanted to be with Larkyn, she knew that now. "I'm sorry for being so awkward too. I've just been really confused about everything, I've even been jealous of Dru a-and I'm not a jealous person. Just, when I think of you with someone I..." Her face heated slightly as she finished setting all of the pieces back in order, "wish that it could be us. I had a huge crush on you in school and I guess I still have some lingering feelings. Silly, right? I mean the whole reason I'm even with Alex is because I needed to get over you." The words came out faster than her brain could process it and before she knew it everything was all out on the table.

They needed a topic change. "Do you think when the year is over you'd come to New York to visit me?" Once again her face heated up a bright red. "I-I mean not me, but the city! I could show you around. Your wedding is going to be sometime soon s-so you guys can come to the city and I'll throw you guys a party." Those words wounded her coming out but as long as they were happy she'd be happy for them. Sapph just didn't want to lose him again.

She probably sounded like a bumbling fool at this point but she didn't care. If this month had proved anything it was that she needed him in her life. Sapph quickly moved her piece on the board and looked up at him with her warm smile. "Your turn."

 

[Sir Damien]

Hunter

Did Hunter know that it wasn't like that? He was a fucking idiot when it came to people and emotions, he didn't know shit. She left him feeling all of these frustrated, confusing feelings to himself and just buried herself back into her fake life with Larkyn it seemed and it drove him insane! And then he fell silent for a long moment. The wedding was back on again? When did she decide that? His dark steel eyes locked with hers for a moment and he could hear her plea, he could see her tears. He could see how much she was hurting from all of this.

Before he could say anything Dru was running into the backyard without so much as a coat and he freaked out. Jumping to his feet he grabbed his coat and took off after her. Due to their size difference and his long legs he was able to catch up rather quickly.

"Are you scared of the future or something?" Hunter panted as he sprinted after her but he didn't stop until he was standing right in front of her. "Is your dad making threats? Quit being afraid. What happened to that independent spirit you had? WE make our own future! Not some old fucker who doesn't even love his daughter!" Hunter was shouting at this point he was so flustered. Quickly he backed away and ran his large hand over his face as he tried to calm himself down. "I'm, I'm sorry. That was wrong of me. I-I just, I love you Dru. I don't want a future with Loire and you know you don't want a future with Larkyn. Can't you please trust me?" He had to assure her that things would be fine but he didn't know how. "Here, put this on." Whether she was pissed at him or not he moved closer to her and wrapped the coat he had been hugging to make warm for her around her shoulders.

Then it hit him. He hadn't told her, had he? Truth be told he hadn't told anyone! It wasn't a big secret to him but also people never noticed. "I- Can I show you something? I can keep us safe Dru, I promise. I'm not really an air wizard. It's just probably easier to show you, yeah? Don't be afraid but it's going to be dark for a second." Hunter waved his wand and suddenly everything became dark around them despite the bright, snowy day they were having. It was total, complete darkness that didn't even allow them to see the snow under their feet or their hand in front of their face. He left them in that complete darkness for a long moment before speaking up again. "This is something I can do to keep us safe. My magic's different, I've protected myself this long so let me protect us. OK?" Another wave of his wand and the darkness was gone, leaving the two of them to stand in the middle of the cold yard.

"Please believe in me. I won't let anything happen a-as long as I don't lose you again. You were shining so bright, and I don't want you to be dimmed by anyone or anything." His large warm hands grabbed hold of hers gently and gave her a weak, hopeful smile. This was his make or break moment.

 

[Colt Voltage]

Terran

Truth be told the longer Terran was around Dixie he had the odd notion that he wanted to stay with her. When he contacted Alex he hadn't thought much of it, honestly he was just looking for one of his most eligible bachelor friends to set up the blind date, however it took a turn the longer he talked to his old friend. Alex asked where did Terran see himself in the future and the first thought that came to mind was Dixie. Being around her made him smile, doing kind and thoughtful things for her made his day. She was important to him, he wanted to be able to stay around her and look out for her in the ways that no one ever did. Much to his surprise, apparently that's what a relationship was like according to Alex.

A relationship. A life with someone... suddenly it sounded nice. Scary, foreign, but he wanted something like that. Did Dixie feel the same way, he wondered. Her family never seemed to have been there for her and it looked like it was just her and Sapph for a good portion of their life, would she be open to a relationship? She believed in butterflies so she must have believed in love, right?

Love. The word made his face heat up, especially when her lips landed on his cheek. "Did you sketch anything at all or were you too busy watching the kids?" Terran playfully teased as he pulled the games out of the bag and placed them on the coffee table. Buying flowers and gifts was something he did usually once for a woman when they go on their first date together, only making that initial effort to woo them. Dixie, however, he liked the way she brightened the room with her smile so he found himself going out of his way constantly.

As she spoke up he tossed the bag in the garbage before turning to see her putting the flowers in the windowsill. "I don't think the wine will get us all that drunk, just take a little of the edge off around here. There's some hidden tension with everyone here." Just as he said that the door slammed and he could see Dru run out, Hunter running right after her with a coat. Then another door slammed and he assumed it was Loire or Cyrus. All Terran could do was sigh and shake his head. "Let's just relax and enjoy some wind, they're big kids and can take care of themselves." With that said he walked to the kitchen to pop the cork, grab four glasses, and return to the living room to pour tall glasses of wine for Sapph, Larkyn, Dixie and himself.

"So, Dixie I had an idea." His heart began to beat loudly in his chest. He had never been so afraid of rejection before... just do it, Terran. "I was thinking of staying around a little longer, past the mandatory year. I'd... like to find a place to settle down. Would you be opposed to me keeping you company longer?" Terran tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear with a nervous smile before handing her a glass of wine. "Cheers to settling down and growing roots?"

 

[ZombieBaee]

Druella “Dru” Arville

Please just leave me alone. It was all Dru could think over and over again as Hunter stopped her. She hated this, why did he have to make it so hard? How could she have gone from a woman who worked so hard for a good relationship, to one who settled and accepted that love was fake, it was a tainted thing that either made you crazy trying to find it or turned you jaded when you stopped believing. To this. To now this woman who felt it but couldn’t have it, who felt it but knew that if she went down that road people would get hurt. Why was it so fucking cruel?

Was she afraid? Hell yes! Was he making threats? HELL YES. But Hunter didn’t understand that it wasn’t just threats, she SAW it, she saw Hunter lying on the ground hurt. He fucking looked like he had gone through hell! Then the green light emitting from the wand could have only meant one thing! She didn’t see it happen but someone used the killing curse. It was all because she was thinking she could chose her own path…

Hunter was yelling and Dru clutched the jacket tighter around herself. It wasn’t his yelling that hurt it was the emotion, if she had known how things would go she would have never even spoken to him. When they got locked in that room she would have busted out a window and jumped. At least she wanted to believe she would have the strength to walk away, but whatever bit of strength that was there was nearly destroyed when he said he loved her. “I-“ Dru looked ups at him stunned, he had let it slip before but this was so direct. So certain. “Hunter please- I know we don’t want that but I just don’t see another way okay?! I trust you, I trust you so much. But it’s not just some fear I have okay! I know bad things are going to happen.”

Then Hunter started to act a little strange and at first Dru thought that all of the emotions were getting to his brain. Then he said something that made Drus heart fall to her feet. He wasn’t an air wizard? They had been in the same house! She saw him specialize! However, people saw her specialize too. Then the world around her went dark and Dru gasped, it wasn’t scary at all. Honestly it was kind of amazing. Dru reached out to feel for Hunter, her hand landing on his chest as if confirming that she hadn’t just died or fallen into some insane sinkhole. Whatever this darkness was Hunter had done it.

After a few moments the world came back into view and Dru simply watched Hunter in amazement for a moment, listening as he pleaded with her. He was different. He was like her and Loire. He shared that with her, showed her something so insanely vulnerable… maybe she could too. His words were so sweet and his hands on her made some of her fears melt away but they were still there, and she needed to share them.

“Hunter, I just don’t want anything to happen to you. Or anyone else. I can’t handle the thought of someone getting hurt because I wanted to follow my heart… not even thought. I know someone will. I’ve seen it.” Dru gave him a weary smile before continuing, explaining everything about her visions and what she saw. Sharing about the man they went to see and why she asked Larkyn because he already knew she wasn’t an air witch. All of it, except anything about Loire. “Do you see why I’m so scared?”

 

[ZombieBaee]

Dixie

“Well when they all went down for their naps I was able to get a nice outline of the water wheel but not much more.” Dixie laughed, finishing up with the stew on the stove before putting on the lid and allowing it to simmer until everyone was ready for dinner. As much as she joked about it, she really did enjoy the dynamic of their strange family. Dixie did wish that they would all be a little less dramatic sometimes but she liked helping people, making them happy and talking through hard times with them. Growing up she never had someone like that so she wanted to be that person for others. Plus she had Terran as her partner, the two of them worked really well together.

“I really don’t think it’s hidden.” Dixie have Terran a tired smile as she moved towards the table, looking over the options for games as he unpacked everything. Then two doors slammed nearly in sync. Didn’t they know this house was old? It couldn’t take this amount of abuse! Dixie was ready to go play damage control when Terran spoke up, causing Dixie to stop and take a breath. He was right, they were adults and honestly maybe they needed to just get all their big adult emotions out.

Dixie found a spot on the couch, curling up with her legs tucked under her as she leaned against the armrest. Terran soon returned to the living room with a few glasses of well deserved wine and Dixie drank nearly half of hers before setting it on the table and turning her attention back to the games. “Hmmm?” She hummed a response to him as he said her name, not really paying full attention until he continued.

What Terran said made Dixie turn and look at Sapphira and Larkyn for a moment, making sure they were still there and she wasn’t in some sort of dream. Dixie loved having Terran in the classroom, the students adored him and he was such a big help. But it was more than that, Dixie loved having him around. Terran brought her out of her shell and made her feel… well lots of things. He made her feel pretty and kind and smart. But most of all Terran made her feel worthy. The idea that he wanted to stick around somewhere warmed her heart so much she nearly teared up. This was the man that when they first met told her all about how he didn’t like to grow roots or attachments, how he didn’t stay one place too long and was always out doing new things. Meeting new women. The last part made her heart sting a little.

Dixie picked back up her wine glass and held it up to him, “Terran I would absolutely love that. Truly.” She clinked their glasses together and took a sip. She was trying to play her cool but before she knew it her excitement got the best of her and Dixie was jumping up from her seat on the couch and throwing her arms around his shoulders, giving him a big hug. “I’m so happy you want to stay! Merlin I was so sad thinking about you having to go but I didn’t think you would even want to stay!” She giggled a bit and finally let him go, straightening out his shirt that she messed up with her sudden hug. “I’m sorry I’m just so happy you’re going to stay. Uh-“ Embarrassment at her actions caught up with her and she quickly sat back down on the couch. “What game guys?”

 

[KAYDEN]

Cyrus

Cyrus was ready to scream. Yes it would have been a good idea! Further more he wanted her to chase him! Sure it might have been stupid and childish but dammit he did! He had to admit it. At this point Cyrus just wished he had a time turner to go back to when they were in school and fix all this shit back then! Give up on his loser father, not be so stupid when it came to his relationship with Loire, graduate and be an auror. All of it, all if it was Cyrus’ fuck ups and he knew it but dammit he had been trying to compromise and do better.

Then the tears started and Cyrus’ anger was washed away. He couldn’t handle when Loire cried, it made him feel terrible. No matter the fucking cause. She started to yell at him only this time it was words that both warmed and broke his heart. “Loire-“

Then the ice went flying and Cyrus jumped a bit, the sound catching him by surprise. What in the hell was that? Cyrus turned and looked, seeing a pile of shattered ice and snow on the floor. Loire began to explain and things began to click. That ice came from Loire… he had heard of people being subcategories of their element but it was rare and frowned upon. The only pieces of it Cyrus had learned about in history classes, nothing any where near current times. Before he could form a thought Loire was running away, leaving him standing their stunned for a moment.

Then a thought hit him and Cyrus was off after her, out the door and finding her by following her footprints to the barn. She was in there, among the hay and leaning against one of the highland cattle.

“I’m literally the perfect counter for you.” Cyrus blurted, it didn’t sound very romantic or cute but it was true. “I don’t want to brag but I am a VERY good fire wizard. Your magic might be unexpected and uncontrolled but you can learn and while you learn I can deal. Loire I have been attacked, jumped. I have broken into places and done some questionable things. All of it required vigilance. If you ever were to lose control? I’d stop it before any damage happens.”

Cyrus wanted her to believe him, to believe he could handle it. That he would do what he had to do to keep her safe and calm her worries. “If that is the only thing really standing between you and I, I’ll prove it right now.” Cyrus moved closer, standing and pulling out his wand. “Try and hit me. If I melt it before anyone gets hurt you have no reason to be worried right?”

 

[EclipseRosee]

Larkyn

Why was he so giddy that Sapphira didn’t sound over the moon about Alex? Larkyn cared about her, he should want her to be happy, he should want the best for her and honestly Alex didn’t sound like an awful guy. But here he was, finding himself stifling a smirk as she told him about everything. “Eh, all that sounds overrated.” Spending time with someone was about enjoying it, not about how fancy or expensive it was. Of course you should treat your partner and try new things and experiences but it only was great if it’s something you both enjoy. “You don’t.” Larkyn smiled over at Sapphira as he spoke, sure she liked fashion and had expensive tastes. But even with all that Sapphira was the type of girl who enjoyed eating dozens of snacks at a Quidditch match. She was the one who would watch games rain or shine. She liked shopping and wine. She liked spending time with her friends and loved magic. Sapphira deserved more than Paris, she deserved the world and more.

“Jealous, needed to get over me?” Larkyn was stunned. This was all foreign to him, he didn’t dabble in relationships or crushes because he was always so invested in his familial duty to Dru. But Larkyn had to admit he felt something for Sapphira, something that wasn’t anything he felt for someone before. It was new and he didn’t understand it fully, it scared him. Despite it scaring him, Larkyn wanted to explore it.. with her. “It’s not silly at all Sapph. I get it.” Larkyn wanted to tell her more, tell her that he had those feelings too. That he wanted her to not get over him. But that wasn’t fair to her… not with him being engaged.

“Id come visit you.” Larkyn looked at her, holding her gaze for a moment as he spoke. He meant her, not the city. After this year he wanted to come see her. “The city is just a good side effect of that visit.” His mouth turned up in the corners slightly, taking his turn before leaning back in his chair. “Plus there’s no reason to throw a party. It’s not like Dru or I want to have this wedding, it’s just an unfortunate circumstance.”

 

[Pax Pardus Hale]

Loire

Growing up in any pureblood home you're taught that you had to be the strongest and the best at your element, that you're bred for success and they expected nothing less. It was a stain on the family to have a subcategory and they were always shunned and scrubbed clean from the family history. Loire was just thankful that Larkyn didn't hate her. All her life she hated being a burden on him, their parents always tasked him with babysitting her and it wasn't fair for him. He could have easily sold her out but he didn't. Instead he helped her hide it so she could go on with her life, all the while she was terrified that Cyrus would find out next. She was scared that he wouldn't look at her the same way, way more afraid that some simple family exile.

When Cyrus came busting into the barn she buried her face into her arms. Honestly she didn't know what to expect but she didn't want him to look at her tear stained face. "W-What?" Surely she was hearing him wrong. With feverish pink cheeks her face turned up to look at him, her teary eyes shifting to a look of bewilderment. Why hadn't the twins thought of this sooner? It was... brilliant. Fucking bloody genius, actually. Loire couldn't train well with her brother; the one time they made an attempt to control her magic she froze everything he threw at her and it created a bigger mess. The ice ball she had made nearly hit his head and left a large dent in the wall. After that she decided it best to train on her own and not endanger anyone else.

"You're insane, you know that?" Despite her words she stumbled to her feet, plucked some hay casually off of her black sweater and pulled out her black and white wand from her pocket. Cyrus was right, he was a damn good wizard. Even when she was a normal water witch he was a worthy rival, she had always admired his abilities. "All right. If you insist.” If this worked, if Loire was able to actually practice and feel safe enough to do so then maybe she could get a hold of this damn magic. They’d be able to be together… there was hope? That wasn't something she had felt in years. "Best block it then." It took everything in her to raise her wand, the fear of hurting him weighed like a bag of bricks on her chest. However as soon as her wand raised Loire felt her nose tickle. Oh, no. She started to sneeze into her arm, her wand shooting out a volley of ice projectiles at him. One, two, six sneezes paired with the six projectiles that fired at Cyrus from all directions.

Hopefully he was as vigilant as he was claiming to be.

 

[Pax Pardus Hale]

Sapphira

Overrated and underwhelming, that's exactly how Sapph felt about the dates that she went on. The dates weren't about interests, they were meant to impress her and she just wasn't impressed. She just wanted to have fun! That was the purpose of a date, right? Actually now that she thought about it that's what she felt whenever she was with Larkyn. Whether she was crashing into walls on a broom, sitting in the stands watching the kids play, or just spending any time with him. Were those considered dates? The thought heated her face up to the color of her fire red hair. He was the good guy, he was the prim and perfect guy and didn't fuck things up like the lot of them. They were definitely not dates.

His words definitely weren't helping her pounding heartbeat. He was engaged, she was probably in a relationship at this point and she shouldn't be feeling these things anymore! She looked up at him for a briefly as he mentioned coming to visit her and met his gaze. Maybe she wasn't overreading the situation. There was no mixed signals for that one, he specifically spoke of her and the city separately! Internally she was screaming. Especially at the 'unfortunate circumstance' comment. Him and Dru didn't want to get married, it was an arraigned marriage. "I just-- I don't get it. You guys are adults right? So why do the marriage? You deserve to be happy with someone that makes you happy. She does too! I know I'm not one to talk but Larkyn I see the way you smile when you're having fun a-and it lights up the room. I just don't see the reason to walk the aisle, say vows you don't mean, and just live an unhappy life."

Quietly she sighed as she looked down at the move he made on the board. "Oh, let's just run away." Sapphira spoke nonchalantly as she moved one of her pawns forward. "I've got plenty saved up to start a new life. We could join a traveling circus? That'd be fun. Open up a shop somewhere, though I don't know what we'd sell. Huh. We can work on that." If she wanted Larkyn in her life she'd have to give up her family and everything that made her feel safe. She'd be able to see Dixie more, she'd be able to use magic freely like she wanted. Sapphira would never have to live a lie again... but she'd never ask Larkyn to sacrifice his family or bright future just to build a life with her, no matter how amazing it sounded. "Well, it's a nice thought anyways. I'm totally going to start planning for everyone to visit though! You obviously have to stay with me. I'll show you the museums, botanical gardens, central park, the statue of liberty. Jetboats! America doesn't have much magic but it's fun."

The thought of having to go back home permanently again made her heart sink a bit. They hadn't been together long but home was with their ragtag group.

 

[Colt Voltage]

Terran

It was the loving person that Dixie was that made confused. He had never met such a genuinely nice person. To a fault she was nice, this woman would put herself at risk just for someone else's sake. Hell, just look at her! She was cooking for a bunch of bratty individuals that couldn't even act right for a cozy cottage getaway. He loved how helping people made her smile, and that smile made him feel those confusing butterflies in his stomach. Terran was used to wooing women and having company for a short bit before he took off on another trip. He treasured and valued those women for time but he never felt love for anyone, nothing to the degree that Dixie made him feel. He wanted to be the person that made her feel treasured, valued, and most importantly happy. That was a brand new want for the man and he didn't even know where to begin with these feelings.

Grow roots, grow attachments, that was such an easy thing when it came to magic. He could fill a room with vines in seconds but putting down roots in his life was scary, but he was going to try his best. So when their glasses clinked he felt his face heat up and he quickly nodded. "Oh, oui I'm so glad to hear that." He took a small sip of his drink but nearly choked on it as she threw her arms around him. For once in his life he froze, like the cogs in his head took a hot second to kick in. As soon as he registered what was happening and that he wasn't going crazy his hands moved to return the hug. Unfortunately she had already pulled away and sat down and leaving a befuddled Terran standing there. That really just happened?

Here's the thing, Terran typically handled his alcohol rather well, but there was something about wine that got him drunk fast. As they got Larkyn and Sapphira to play Uno with them Terran had already put down a large glass. His face was flushed from both the nerves and drink. By two glasses he was obviously intoxicated and had drunk nerves of steel. He was no stranger with physical contact with women, he was a man whore according to Dru, but for some reason that simple hug from Dixie made his heart absolutely soar. It was a feeling he had never felt before and he was elated. They were three games in and once again he had a large hand of cards (really he was not good at this game) and he found himself getting quite frustrated with Larkyn giving him +4's all the time. Then he thought about the hug and he-he lost his composure.

Terran paid no attention to Sapph or Larkyn at this point. He turned to Dixie with his sudden confidence and cleared his throat. "Dixie?" That was all he managed to say before he was cupping her face in his large, soft, warm hands and leaned in to press his lips to hers for a long moment.

 

[Sir Damien]

Hunter

She KNEW bad things were going to happen? How, how did she know these things? If she trusted him she would tell him HOW she knew these fucking things, right? However the doubt washed away when she grabbed him in the midst of the pitch black darkness they were in. He gently grabbed her hand to try and comfort her a bit. The first time he had discovered it he swore he had gone blind and it took a minute to go away. Thankfully for her he had decent control of it now.

While Dru could have been scared of him, a fraction of him was terrified that that would be the case, she wasn't. She didn't run or scream. She then started talking seeing things happening and he felt confused again. Her explanation cleared things up a little, Hunter knew of them existing in the past but he didn't think that they were a thing nowadays. They were though, there was one standing right in front of him, hand in hand telling him her story. It sounded scary and lonely.

"Dru I-I'm sorry you had to see that. That shit would scare me too. But... I've heard of them before, read about Seer's in some book. Their visions aren't always accurate. They can be changed with our actions. So-- we can shape our own future. If that shit happens we face it head on, we face it together. I'm not scared, all right? I can get myself out of any situation, trust me. I'll keep us safe from him, 'kay? I'll keep you safe."

Hunter knew that Dru felt like the decision she was making was the best one, all Hunter wanted to do was support her to the best of his abilities. "You're brilliant, headstrong, and wise beyond your years. Dru, if you think marrying Larkyn is going to prevent that future then fine, I hate it but that's your choice. But that doesn't stop me from loving you. I'll prove that I can protect us before you walk down that aisle. I know that you don't love him so I'm, I'm not scared on that front. Larkyn's completely lame and you enjoy some zest in your life."

A bright grin spread on his face as his large hands cupped her weary face. "I'm fighting for ya' girl, whether you curse me for it or not. You deserve to be free to make your own choices and be happy, and I'm going to see to you being just that." The scene was perfect, really. Snow falling all around them, bearing their hearts for each other. Call it the romantic in him he didn't know he had he found himself planting a warm kiss on her lips.

Like her, however, he pulled away quickly, though this time he had a big smirk on his face. "Now can we get inside before we catch a cold? Dixie made soup, I'll get you a bowl and some tea."