As It Was

Open starter: @paradisusstart​

The island was finally beginning to get back to normal after the attack. Everything that had been damaged was either already rebuilt or not terribly far from being finished. Of course, the residents of the island were still trying to get through their own traumas, but most had recovered from their injuries and were finally starting to fall back into their routines. This was the first time in months Ignas had seen On the Rocks this packed. Despite the rush, he was thankful for some form of normalcy back in his life. 

“What can I get started for ya?” Ignas asked as he leaned against the counter as the other sat down at the bar.

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“A magical drink that make’s all the words in my ethics textbook go into my brain?” Nora tried, watching the others face for a reaction. She adored Ignas, if she was honest. He was sweet, fun, and safe, if nothing else. Nora was back on her own, single and studying and keeping herself out of trouble. “I missed you, Igs. How are you?” 

Closed starter: @nora-aster​

Alex didn’t know why he felt so nervous to stand outside his sisters’ apartment. He’d spoken to both of them since the attack and they assured him they were okay, but it was almost like he needed see them with his own eyes to believe it. He hadn’t told them what happened to him and Charlie and he wasn’t planning on it either. As a shifter, his wounds were almost healed by now anyway. 

Alex reached up and gently knocked on the door, giving Nora a little smile when she opened the door. “hey..” he breathed, letting out a little sigh of relief he didn’t realize he was holding until he saw her.

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Nora hadn’t been herself lately. Since the attack, the shifter had found herself a little bit more jumpy, a little bit more clingy to those she cared about. She had spent a ton of time at Doyles, and then at home. She had been studying at home, she hadn’t been at the library as often.

A quick glance a her was accompanied by a smile. “You may not think so, but I still think you look great.” Once they reached the home, Doyle propped open the door with a hand and tried his best to guide Nora into the house. Marina. That name sounded awfully familiar, but he couldn’t place where. He knew she had a sister so maybe it was her, but how he knew the name was another question in itself. “I’ll get you a shower ready and you can clean up. And you can stay here as long as you need.” The male closed the door behind him. “Or until Marina comes and gets you. I’m not holding you hostage, there’s enough of that chaos going on right now.” He chuckled. The brunet stepped out of the room and made his way down a small hallway to the bathroom, where he was beginning to prepare her a shower. “Also, welcome to my humble abode.” He spoke loudly down the hallway.

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This wasn’t how Nora saw things going forward that was for sure, but she didn’t mind letting her eyes wander. It was a nice place, simple, warm even. The energy was calming. And then there was doyle, getting her fresh towels, starting the shower for her like nothing was going on outside. That she was safe here, entirely. “Can I borrow some clothes? It’s okay that they’ll be big on me. I just don’t want to smell like this anymore.” She called back, fingers trailing over the hall table before her attention turned back to him. She stepped into the bathroom, watching the steam rise from the water near instantly. She’d have to use his soap but given how he smelled, that she didn’t really mind. 

She stepped close, Nora pressing herself to his side. It was safe there, comfortable and safe. “Hey Doyle?” She hummed, waiting for his attention to turn to her before she pecked his lips. “Thank you, for everything.” 

Doyle wasn’t one to be saddened by much, but hearing Nora’s voice was enough to break his heart. “I’ve been told cats jump like five foot in the air. I thought I’d test the theory.” He stated as he wrapped his arms around the girl in return. As she pulled away, he shrugged. “I got a heat rash on my tail feathers when I was flying around to see what the hell was going on, but other than that, I’m fine.” He chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. “I wasn’t there. I’ve been at home all day – Well, at home since I got off work. You, on the other hand …” He trailed off as he could hear the chaos in the distance. Chills went through his body as he put a hand on her back and began to push her forward and toward the house. “Come on, we need to get out of the open. We need to get you cleaned up.”

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Nora laughed again, wiping at her face and walking toward the home. “Not quite a good look for a second d-date? I only went for snacks, I was supposed to meet Marina...” The woman pulled her phone from her pocket, texting her that she was okay at Doyle’s, but when he pushed her forward. She didn’t want to focus on it. She didn’t want to think about it. “I smell like smoke. My hair smells so bad.” 

This person just looked like a deer in the headlights, as if they were more scared of him than they were of the chaos ensuing. It felt like forever as he stood, watching the person as they stared equally back. But within a blink of an eye, the person seemed to sprint out the front door, into the almost empty street. Rolling his eyes, Doyle muttered out “Fucking Humans.” Though as the person fled and his gaze stayed on them, something out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. The shifter would know that figure anywhere. 

While it seemed stupid to leave Nora sitting out there, she hadn’t noticed him yet. Popping back inside the open door, Doyle grabbed a blanket from the linen closet and walked quickly to the curb where the girl sat. Without question and without thought, he threw the blanket around the girl’s shoulders and spoke softly. “I figured it would scare you even more if I called out for you like I would calling a cat in from the bathroom.” He was trying to be funny to lighten the mood, but it felt like there was no lightening the mood here. “But come on, kitty cat, let’s get you out of this street.” Doyle nodded toward his house sitting behind them.

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She was able to slowly text her sister, sending a message to Alex too asking him to check in too, before the closeness of the others voice made her jump a little. The laugh that escaped her was mixed with a sob, and Nora was quick to stand- arms wrapping around the other’s middle. “You s-shouldn’t sneak up on c-cats.” She mumbled, pulling the blanket around her shoulders as she pulled away. 

“Are you okay? You weren’t there were you?” she looked him over, then looking to his home. 

Marina: I was already out, heading home from the library and got caught at the carnival.

Marina: Don't worry about me. I have a friend making sure I'm safe.

Marina: Where are you guys? I'll be there soon and we can go home.

Nora: I'm at his house. He's got the light on for others too if they need help. I was going to shower and then help him.

Marina: Oh thank god.

Marina: Okay, find somewhere to duck into. A restaurant, store, anything. Just get out of the chaos. Send me your live location when you can and I'll be there in minutes.

Marina: I'm okay, I don't know where Alex is. He isn't picking up his phone.

Marina: It's going to be okay, Nor.

Marina: I love you.

Nora: I'm okay- I found Doyle.

It was custom that when you’ve got an open door, you leave the front light on. That’s how he was raised. So when shit seemed to hit the fan, Doyle immediately turned his front porch light on. However, his home probably wasn’t seen as a welcoming hole. The brunet male wasn’t the nicest to anyone — But you have to help others sometimes. He wasn’t anywhere but home when the explosions happened or the fire broke out. He was fine. In fact, the shifter did take a flight around to see the chaos — To see the damage.

Doyle had just returned home to the lit up, welcoming home. He had flapped and shook until his feathers disappeared before walking into his house. It was kind of a shocker to see the other standing in the house. Maybe they ran for cover? Maybe they were lost? Maybe they needed a safe haven. Yet, that’s why the front porch light was on and the door was unlocked. “Would you like something to eat?” He asked in cold voice. There wasn’t much emotion to be sold. This was an event that was wrecking his home. It was wrecking his safe haven. “Or would you like me to get some fresh towels?”

@paradisusstart​

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Nora wasn’t sure what was happening. One second, she was in line to buy churros, smiling and laughing and watching the kind chaos that was the carnival. It was nice. But things changed quickly, the air felt dense. She was ran into when another was running away from fire. Caught off guard, the young shifter fell to the dirt. Things were popping, exploding and only getting more disorienting and loud. Scrambling to her feet- Nora took off in the only direction that felt safe. She knew the city enough to find home, hopefully. 

Finally far enough, Nora stopped running. With a spin she realized she had no idea where to go. Her senses were completely overwhelmed, shaking hands made her phone near impossible to use. In the haze she could hear others talking, but all she could smell was smoke. There was too much going on. She wanted nothing more than to be home- under her blankets in the dark. Anywhere but here. So she sat down on the curb, the adrenaline expelling from her body in the form of tears. 

Marina: Where are you?

Marina: There's fire and explosions and it's crazy out here.

Marina: Are you safe?

Marina: Nor PLEASE pick up.

Marina: Dear god PLEASE PICK UP YOUR PHONE where are you?!

Nora: I'm okay.

Nora: I'm trying to find home but I'm definitely lost and the chaos isn't helping so I'm just going to find somewhere safe and I'll let you know where I'm at?

Alex watched the girls as Marina threw her arms around their younger sister. He didn’t know too much about either of them, but he could see how close they were and how excited they seemed to be with each other, and there was always a tinge of jealousy and sadness that followed him when he was with them. He could’ve had the life they had. The three of them could’ve grown up together and been close, and he could’ve known his little brother, (whom he hadn’t even asked about yet). Life could’ve been just as easy for him as it was for them. But Alex quickly shoved those feelings aside reminding himself that if he hadn’t lived the life he did, he wouldn’t have met Charlie.

And speaking of Charlie, at least he and Nora were already tormenting each other like real siblings. “Wha- no. I mean… yes, she’s my girlfriend and she is gorgeous and mean but you’re just redirecting.” Alex looked to Marina before he continued, “she’s been hanging out some asshole of a shifter.” His tone was playful, but he was genuinely a bit concerned. He never thought he’d feel so protective of his siblings, especially with something like this, and if he were honest, he almost felt it was none of his business- that he shouldn’t get so worked up over it because it felt strange to take on the big brother role now at twenty-four rather than having that role his whole life.

@marina-aster​​

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Marina glanced between the two of them, left speechless for a moment. What on earth had she missed? “Oh- Okay- uh.” She laughed, turning to Alex, “I definitely want to hear more about this gorgeous and mean woman. Wait-” She remembered back to her encounter at the library with a tiny, blonde, gorgeous, mean woman. “I think I might know who it is. But we’ll revisit. And don’t think I’ll forget.” She gave Alex a playful, pointed look before turning to their little sister. “But first, asshole of a shifter? What is this? You haven’t told me about anyone, Nor. Who is it?” She looked from Nora to Alex, silently pleading to be caught up.

@nora-aster​

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“Why are you knowingly dating someone who’s mean!” Nora turned, eyes wide and only growing wider when she listened to her brother completely narc her out. Though, Asshole? That didn’t seem to fit her own description of the sweet, kind, southern gentleman she had met. The one she went on a date with. 

“Doyle is not an asshole, so I’m convinced you have the wrong guy.” Nora turned. “And it’s nothing really yet. I just met him this week. We went to the carnival together-he won me a goldfish- his name is donut and he’s in my room at home.” Were her cheeks on fire? It surely felt like it. 

“Your turn, big brother. Tell us about the pretty, mean fire witch.” 

She had made her way to the carnival, finally ready to face the hordes of people and eat a few tasty treats. A bright grin grew on her face when she saw her siblings and quickly made her way over.  She wrapped her arm around her baby sister’s shoulders, catching only the very tail end of what they were talking about. “Does Marina know about what?” 

@nora-aster​

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Nora’s face flushed, swinging the book at her brother and looking at him. “Alexander, here, has a girlfriend.” She was quick to spill, “who is gorgeous, but like... is not the nicest. At least to me. And he’s been keeping it from us!” She huffed, smiling now at Alex. “I told him repayment was coming out tonight, I was actually going to text you.” @alexander-evanss​

The leaning into him left all warm feeling, which wasn’t a normal feeling for him. Affection wasn’t normal for him. The closest he had been was his family – But in no way was that the same kind of affection. “That makes so much sense actually. I’m assuming your dad was a lynx or some other kind. What did your mom shift into?” A chuckle escaped Doyle’s lips at how it seemed humorous that he was referring to himself as a death bird. “Sometimes the sweetest faces hide the ugly behind them.” A chuckle escaped once again, followed by his hand that was draped over her shoulder moving to push some hair behind her ear. “Plus, it’s like a family lineage thing. My dad was a vulture, my grandpa, everyone in my family essentially, I think. My mom was a fox though. I think that would be pretty cool. A fox is close to a cat, right?” Was he consistently laughing because he was nervous? Or was he laughing because he was genuinely funny? More than likely the first. It wasn’t until they reached the top of the Ferris Wheel, stopping to load more people on. “Look how nice it looks. It looks a lot better up here.” Looking at her, Doyle smiled softly. “Anything you see that you like? Or want to do?”

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Listening to him explain it all, the family line if you will, left a grin on her face. “A bombay cat, I think- she looks pretty similar to my older siblings, the twins.” But still, in just the simplest of moments, in the way he played with her hair- Nora knew she was a goner. “Well if it’s in the family or not, I think you’re a very sweet death bird and if you think I’m not saving your name in my phone as that you have underestimated me.” Nora laughed, only leaning back to peck his cheek with a kiss. “A very cute death bird who I should be careful around because he’s very charming.” 

“Absolute sap.” He repeated her words a smile perched on his lips. “I’ve got to make you swoon somehow and if being an absolute sap is what it takes, by god, I’m going to do my damnedest.” He stated, his southern accent getting a bit thicker with the phrase. Standing in line, it was kind of odd to see so many people wanting to ride a giant mechanical wheel. He couldn’t judge because he was in line. Doyle snuggled close into the seat beside her. It wasn’t very roomy, but he wasn’t going to complain a bit. “A lynx is one of those with the pointy ears, right? I think I’ve seen one of those in a picture book once. How did you get one of those while they got house cats? I mean, I understand they’re all cats, but I figured you got whatever the dominant one was.” The whole lineage never made sense to him. Doyle’s lips pursed as he wrapped his arm around Nora, resting his hand dangling off her shoulder. “Well, you can’t laugh.” Brown eyes resting on her, his smile returned. “I shift into a vulture. It’s not near as cool as a lynx cat, but I guess the only reasonable option was a death bird.”

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Nora couldn’t help the small smile that graced her features. She couldn’t scoot closer, but she did wind up leaning more into Doyle, “Different Dad’s and Mom has a type, I suppose.” Was it the accent? What was dooming her to a night of smiles and butterflies and laughter right now? Doyle was sweet, and comforting. A stark contrast to what her mother warned of the male species in general. “Death bird huh? With a face as sweet as that you’re telling me you’re a death bird? I don’t believe you in the slightest. ”

Alex crossed his arms over his chest, rolling his eyes with a slight grin on his face as she went on about the carnival and siblings’ laws. “He’s sweet? Is he?” Alex’s brows raised in a surprise, knowing he definitely wasn’t what Alex would consider sweet. Admittedly, Charlie wasn’t what everyone would consider sweet either, so he did at least think about needing to take that into consideration before judging the guy- of course, however, Alex shoved those thoughts away, knowing he already had a distrust for the guy. “Alright. Fine. If I go with you, you have to tell me about him, and maybe- just maybe… I’ll tell you who she is.” His tone was almost playful as he spoke, deciding it was the second week into the carnival, and considering how the town was its usual bustling self again, he figured most of the excitement had already died down and it wouldn’t be as bad crowd wise. “But I’m not going on any rides. Deal?” 

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“No rides. Cheesy photo ops, snacks and games are a go though. Deal.” SHe said it quick, so he couldn’t back out before stealing his book and using a sticky note to mark his page. Nora walked away with it cradled to her chest, triumphant in nature, “I can text Mars too! Let her know I’m holding your book hostage for your love and affection?” 

Alex let out a soft chuckle as he listened to her go on and on “you know, I’m pretty sure there’s more ways for siblings to hang out than at carnivals.” A grin pulled at his lips as she continued going on about wanting pictures and calling up Marina. He hadn’t known Nora for long, but he felt closer to her than he ever thought he would be with any of his siblings. He could already tell he was close to caving, surprising himself more and more every time he thought of how badly he wanted a relationship with his siblings, despite everything that happened in their family. 

Alex’s face softened as she mentioned Charlie, more so out of sympathy for Nora because he wasn’t sure how Charlie would have really acted around his siblings. He knew Charlie was upset for him, but he hoped she wasn’t too cold towards her. “So, you’ve met her? well, maybe I’ll tell you about her if you tell me about the brown-haired boy I ran into the other night- the one who smelled like you.” He said, almost in a teasing tone despite genuinely wanting to know who he was. Again, surprising himself for the way he was with his siblings- he never thought he’d feel overprotective of them, especially so soon.

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“And yet... none of them involve us sitting inside, reading while there’s a literal carnival going on outside. There’s going to be fireworks later. We should at least go find a seat on the beach further away.” She didn’t care for that level of noise either. 

But it was when Doyle was thrown into the conversation that he cheeks flushed pink, “I asked first. You have to legally tell me who she is, that’s sibling law.” She crossed her arms. “He is sweet, and that’s all you get until you come out with me.” 

“Grandpa sounds like a pretty cool dude. Smooth, cool, a lady killer.” A teasing smirk came across his lips as his eyes left her to scan through the crowd. As long as this was going on, he didn’t expect so many people to crawl from the woodworks to come to a carnival. “Whoops.” He chuckled lightly at the mention of family time. “Don’t let me keep you from hanging out with your family. I can always find some mayhem to reek.” His hand traced over where she poked. “Ow, that hurt.” Doyle stated in disbelief that she poked him. Did it hurt? No. Was he just acting out a show? Yes. “Honestly, I don’t think I could ever get sick of you.” A wink went her way as he squeezed her hand, holding the light squeeze as he maneuvered through people. “Anyways, I meant to ask the other day. I mean, I can smell it. What do you shift into?”

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Nora couldn’t help but laugh, rolling her eyes as she tugged him along. “C’mon, you absolute sap.” She teased, quickly pulling him into the line. It moved quick, the line was quickly gone and they were settling into a seat with a smile. 

“So I’m a lynx cat.” She hummed, “Quite dopey looking if you ask me, but my brother and sister are smaller house cats so I guess it’s funny to me.” As the machine moved, she smiled a little more. “What are you?” 

Alex knew this was coming- Nora coming to invite him to go to the carnival with her. In all honesty, he didn’t even want to go to the carnival with Charlie, so he wasn’t planning on going with anyone else. But maybe it was because Alex had always longed for a family- a sense of belonging, but he wasn’t quite sure he’d be able to say no to Nora if she pressed enough. He found the whole event to be overwhelming, as his heightened senses made large crowds dreadful. So, he was completely content reading his book until she pushed it away. He looked up at her from where he sat. “I’m not sure it’s my kind of thing. Yours, yeah. Mine? No.” He said before returning to his book. 

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“Boooooooo” Nora huffed. “How are we supposed to bond like brother and sister without the aide of carnival festivities?” The girl settled with her elbows on the counter, pouting. “We could go to a photobooth! Take cute pictures! I could even try and grab Mars. I want cheesy photos to hang on my fridge. You could tell me about the pretty blonde that’s kinda mean if I’m being entirely honest- that smells like you?”