Bask in moonlight

-

“Yes, ma’am,” Zach agreed, another grin touching his lips as he spoke. He’d be the first to admit that he was an absolute flirt, to an obnoxious level, but it was different with Mar’i. It was easier – well, even easier – to lay on the charm with her than with anyone else. Her sweet nature just brought it out of him. “Oh, yeah?” he said, his eyebrows pulling together in a slight frown of disappointment. Then he sat up and flashed her another smile, reaching a hand up to run his fingers through his hair. “Well, I’m not surprised,” he said. “We should start a sign-up sheet for everyone who wants to spend time with you.” He grinned again. “I definitely won’t put a spell on it so no one else could sign up.”

Mar'i cleared her throat, trying to quell the butterflies in her stomach caused by Zach's charming ways. "You know," she said with a teasing smile, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, "it's not fair that you get to be so effortlessly charming all the time." She leaned back in her chair, her gaze drifting towards the window. "Honestly, I'm not sure how you do it. Most people struggle to string together a coherent sentence, let alone charm the pants off everyone they meet." A small laugh escaped her lips. "But I suppose that's just one of the many things that make you so special." Mar'i shifted in her seat, her expression turning pensive. "As for me, well," she said, her voice trailing off. "I'm afraid all my plans are work-related. Meetings with new transfers, check-ins with the tutors, double shifts at the infirmary... it feels like I'm always running from one thing to the next." She sighed. "Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to help in anyway I can, but sometimes I wish I had more time for myself. For my friends." Her gaze flickered back to Zach. "Speaking of which, how are you doing?" she asked, hoping to steer the conversation towards her. "I feel like we haven't caught up in ages. What's new in your world?"

-

Maggie smiled faintly as Nico spoke, glancing up at the platform. “Yes, I can catch you,” she said. She sent a tendril of chaos magic to waft around him like smoke, before directing it to bump gently against his shoulder, so that he could feel it had the potential to be solid. “You’ll be fine,” she told him, with a slight shrug. “Of all the times children have died here, I don’t think any of them have died during a training episode.” She paused. “At least, not so many. That I know of.”

Nico took a deep breath and looked up at the platform again. He knew he had to do this, but that didn't make it any less terrifying. "Okay," he said, nodding to Maggie. "I trust you." He closed his eyes for a moment and tried to calm his nerves. When he opened them again, he took a running start and launched himself into the air. For a moment, he felt weightless, the wind rushing past him. Then, he felt a jolt as his scarab's wings faltered. "Oh, no," he muttered to himself, panic rising in his chest. “Maggie….MAGGIE!”

closed starter for @petalsinmoonlight​ & Mar’i Grayson

Already making notes mentally on what his next update was going to be, Zaiden made his way to where he was meeting the campus liaison. Slade said that there was someone there of importance at LKU who he wanted Zaid to interact with and he was all for it giving him only the first name, saying something along the lines that “one you hear the last name, you’ll know.” He arrived to meeting point and saw someone standing there. “hey Im Zaiden, they said I’m meeting someone named Mar’i.”

Mar'i beamed with excitement and extended a hand. "Hi there! That’s me! The welcome committee for LKU. It's so great to meet you, Zaiden!" They shook hands and Mar'i continued, "I'm thrilled to show you around campus and answer any questions you’d have. Have you had breakfast? We can grab a coffee and chat?" she offered with a beaming smile.

Nico looked at Ruby, who was sitting on the ground, with a mixture of concern and amusement. He’d seen her fall and had come over to help. "How angry will you be if I insist on carrying you?" he asked. “You shouldn’t put any weight on that until we can get some ice on it.”

Nico scanned the room, his eyes darting from one person to the next. As he stood in the crowded cafeteria, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over him. Suddenly, he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around to see Reagan, a familiar face he had met here and there. He hadn’t been in the life until recently, but he had met all the hero kids at one point or another.  "Long time no see," Nico said with a smile. “Please say you’re here to stop be from the embarrassment of eating alone. 

As Nico stood in the arena, sweat dripping down his forehead, he couldn't help but feel grateful for Maggie ‘s help. She had been helping learn to control his scarab, and he was slowly getting the hang of it. Kinda. He looked over at Maggie, who was standing a few feet away from him, and asked, "You can save my ass again, right? Cause that’s like really high and what if the wings just stop you know...working?" he asked as he looked up at the platform he was supposed to fly to.

𝐉𝐨𝐧 - 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐫

         “N-” Valor kept speaking and so Jon stopped, allowing him the room to finish what he was saying before he tried again. “No, I was asking if you could turn your music down so we could get to know each other.” Jon’s tone was kept even, unwavering from it’s solid calm. He refused to let the first interaction with his sponsee get under his skin. “I’m sorry, I don’t speak Spanish.”  The most he knew was a little Portuguese thanks to Yara. “But that’s incredible.” He said, referring to the painting that Valor had been working on. “How long have you been painting?” 

Valor paused his music, turning to face Jon with an over exaggerated sigh. “You He felt a twinge of annoyance at the interruption, but tried to keep his cool. When Jon asked about the painting, Valor felt a glimmer of pride. He had been working on it for a while, and it was nice to have someone appreciate his art. "Thanks," he said, giving a small smile. "I've been painting for a few years now. It's a good way to pass the time." It was the only think he had to occupy himself most days growing up, drawing on the walls of his room. He’d gotten better as the years went on. “so, is this the part where you tell me how i should be turning my life around boy scout?”

“No.” Daphne said watching him pull himself up from the ground. “You, have no idea what i’m capable of.” Daphne was supposedly trying to work on her anger issues but lately all that work had gone to shit. “I could squish you like an ant, which is what you are, nothing but a pest, gum on my shoe.” she turned her back on him beginning to walk out. “Stay away Valor from both of them.” she didn’t need to explain herself, she knew he’d likely been watching them. 

Valor clenched his jaw. He knew better than to underestimate her, but he refused to be intimidated. He had his own agenda, and he wouldn't let anyone stand in his way. "You think you've won?" he called after her. "You'll regret crossing me Princess." With that, he turned and walked in the opposite direction, his mind already working on his next move.

Leaning back, Gil eyed him in amusement for a long moment. “Lucky for you, I get that,” he chuckled. “Fire’s got a mind of its own if I don’t keep a grip too … and people get a little freaked by it.” Which, okay, he could get – burning didn’t seem like a fun way to die.  For him, it held no terror, but he figured he could relate by imagining himself drowning. Repressing a shudder at the idea, he grinned at the younger guy. “Thanks, man – people wouldn’t believe you, but no point in risking it, right?”

Nico, feeling a bit self-conscious about his lack of control over his powers, shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “Yeah...it feels like a lot of the people here are lightyears ahead of me...which well I guess they are.” he sighed. It had only been a few months since his father passed and he inherited the scarab. He looked at Gil, hoping to distract himself from his own thoughts. " whats the rush? Running late?" he asked, trying to sound casual. 

@petalsinmoonlight​

“Okay, come on,” Zach said, leaning back in his chair as he looked over at Mar’i, a grin playing over his lips. “You can’t just walk around looking that gorgeous. What is a poor lonely guy like me supposed to do, huh? I’m gonna run out of air if I keep doing this.” He propped his chin in his hand and sighed dramatically, looking up at Mar’i from underneath his eyelashes in a puppy-dog expression. He flashed her another grin as he looked up at her. “You can always let me take you out to lunch, to make it up to me,” he said.​

"Zachary Zatara, you're such a flirt," Mar'i giggled, her skin heating up as she blushed. She knew Zach's reputation all too well, but she couldn't deny the tingle of excitement that ran through her every time he turned on the charm. She loved how he always knew how to make her smile, and how his witty comments could brighten even the gloomiest of days. "As much as I'd love to indulge in your company today, I have important matters to attend to." She shifted in her seat, hoping to put some distance between herself and Zach's gaze. “Maybe next time?” she smiled.. 

,

He wasn’t sure why he hadn’t been expecting to hear that from her, but he hadn’t. He took a moment to silently soak in her words. She promised that she’d always be there for him and he smiled a little again. Feeling a sudden warmth heating up his cheeks. “Really?” He asked before continuing in a teasing tone. “This won’t be the last time I do something stupid.” He told her as though he was warning her before cautiously reaching forwards and tucking one of her dark curls behind her ear. “I’m always here for you too, you know? Even if you rarely mess up.” 

She pulled on her hoodie and he looked away from her, feeling a little like he overstepped by staring. He thought about apologizing to her but figured bringing it up would only draw more attention to the tension they always seemed to have. As she focused in on work, he scrolled down the movies before landing on one of his two options. Moulin Rouge. Clicking it and starting the movie, he settled in against the pillows and tried to relax a little. Something that came a lot easier in this room with her than in his own by himself. He listened to her writing and erasing until her head lifted from the page curiously. “Moulin Rouge.” He answered her, “It’s a musical about a couple with a forbidden love.” He paused, “I figured I’d pick something you could enjoy listening to while you worked and I’m a sucker for musicals. I’ll have to take you to Broadway some day… if you end up liking them.” 

Marina listened to Wren as he spoke, feeling warmth spread through her chest at his words. She had meant what she said, and it was nice to hear that he believed her. She chuckled at his teasing tone, shaking her head slightly. "I know you, Wren. I'm prepared for the inevitable." She grinned at him, her eyes shining with amusement. When he reached out to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear, she held her breath for a moment, before looking away in shame. “I mess up plenty.” she muttered.

“A forbidden love huh?” she she chuckled more to herself. She wondered if he chose it purposely. When Wren mentioned taking her to Broadway someday, she couldn't help but look up from her work, her eyes meeting his. "Broadway?” she asked curiously. Then name seemed familiar but she couldn’t place how she knew it. “Is it like the movie theatres?

“I’m sorry to interrupt your incessant flirting, but may I please have my coffee now?” Tamara had been trying to keep hold of her patience, but she’d been up much too late the evening before and needed the caffeine if she wanted to make through her classes this morning. 

Alec couldn't help but smile at Tamara's comment. He had been chatting with the barista for a few minutes, but he didn't realize how much time had passed. "Of course, sorry about that," he said, turning to the barista. "Can we get a coffee for Tamara?" he requested, before looking back at her. "I promise to focus on you from now on."

“You don’t care?” Daphne repeated Valentinas words. “You don’t care?” her voice raised. Someone had just killed Rocky, didn’t this cause the slightest bit of alarm. They were both going through shock. “Leave?!” Daphne really needed to stop repeating Valentina’s words. “You have a fucking heart in your room - Rocky’s - “ Daphne’s voice broke her eyes glossing over with tears. She placed her hand over her heart trying to calm her breathing. 

Valentina struggled to keep her composure as Daphne's emotions spiraled out of control. “That’s right I don’t care. I don’t give a damn about Bruce. I don’t know how many times I have to tell you all this. We’re not friends.” she pointed to her ears as she spoke. Valor had already been in her room when he left his present. For all she knew, he could have bugged her dorm. "I’m well aware of what I have in my room. "she said firmly, hoping to get through to her friend. “But I can handle my own business. Now get out and keep your mouth shut. Go cry to Bruce if you’re so worried about him.” Go make sure he’s okay were the unspoken words.

.

His heart fluttered in his chest quickly, like a humming bird’s wingbeats as she gave him a playful grin. Flashing him her bright white teeth. Even knowing that she was just pitying him at the moment, he loved seeing it. Her smile nearly melted him every single time she gave it to him. She’d always been beautiful but even more so when she was happy or relaxed. She said she was a good multitasker and he chuckled. “Oh, I believe that.” She always kept herself busy with her royal duties and her work. He wished she’d just relax sometimes.

“I have the best movie taste.” He said with a proud lift of his chin and a dazzling smile on his lips. “You’ll love what I pick.” Wren promised her. Deciding then and there that it would be a musical. Maybe Rent or Moulin Rouge? Something with good songs. Since she wouldn’t be too focussed on the movie’s visuals while she worked. Once she disappeared to the shower, he ordered a pizza. Since he didn’t really want to have to think too hard on what to get them. Once it got there and it was in his hands, Marina called for him to join her in her room and he walked in with the food. Finally seeing her in her sleep-ware. He took only a moment to glance her over before reminding himself to be a little more respectful. Placing the pizza box down on the bed and sitting down beside her. He shot her another smile. “Thanks ‘Rina.” 

Marina watched as Wren set the pizza box down on the bed, smiling at him in response. She couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest at the sight of him. “It’s nothing. I’ll always be here for you when you need me.” she told him. She’d been so angry before. But now, seeing him injured and vulnerable, she couldn't help but feel a protective instinct towards him. She went to her desk, grabbing the papers and her notebook. She had to work on some battle formations for the Atlantean army and marina did not trust anything that could be hacked. 

As Wren settled in beside her, Marina pretended not to notice the way he was looking at her. She didn't want to encourage him, not when she couldn't afford to be distracted. So before getting in, she put on a hoodie, partly to shield herself from his gaze and partly to help her focus on her work. She dove into her research, pouring over textbooks and notes. She absent mindedly chewed on her pizza as she wrote and erased. wrote and erased.  wrote and erased. Even then, she couldn't help but let her thoughts roam to how it felt to feel Wren's eyes on her. she couldn't shake the feeling that this was going to be more complicated than she had anticipated. Suddenly music started, and she realized it was the opening number to a musical. It grabbed her attention as she looked up. She’d always loved music. Something about the way it was played on the surface was just…magical. “What is this?” she asked him.

Daphne scoffed he wasn’t even paying attention to her she couldn’t even believe it. His eyes glazed over and he kept taunting her. He didn’t care. “Rocket was a person, with friends and family and - you don’t even care, you don’t deserve to walk free and the second I have the proof - “ she took in a shaky breath trying to control her anger. She wasn’t like him. She thought of Wylder and what he would think of her. “Here’s your own message. If you don’t stay away, if you hurt someone else I don’t care if you don’t fear me or death but I will end you.” She squeezed just a bit tighter before tossing him to the ground effortlessly. “You touch anyone else I love and I won’t even think twice.” 

Valor sneered as Daphne spoke, not bothering to hide his lack of interest. He knew Rocket was just a means to an end, a tool to be used and discarded. But as Daphne's grip tightened, he winced slightly. He wasn't used to being on the receiving end of violence, and her threat hit a little close to home. Still, he remained unapologetic. "You think you scare me?" he spat, pushing himself up from the ground. "You have no idea what I'm capable of but don’t worry you will.."

Daphne closed her eyes at the feel of his hand on top of hers in comfort. She let a tear run down her cheek and she wiped it away angrily. “Will it even be enough? They just go to Arkham or some other maximum prison and get out in a few years and go back to doing this shit and i’m so tired of it.” 

Wylder looked at Daphne and saw the tear running down her cheek. He knew that she was feeling a lot of pain and anger, and he wanted to help in any way he could. He gently lifted her chin with his fingers, and looked into her eyes. "It's okay to be angry," he said softly. "It's okay to cry. You don't have to hold it in. I'm here for you, and I'll support you no matter what." He wiped away her tear with his thumb, and held her face for a moment longer before letting go. “We’ll send them somewhere they can never hurt anyone again…..I’ll send them to the netherworld" he promised her. The Netherworld was a dark and ominous realm full og mystery and fear, where the spirits of the deceased were said to wander aimlessly or suffer eternal damnation. Wylder had accidentally sent himself there once. only for a moment or two, but it felt like weeks for him. “It’s not killing them..they deserve more than death.” 

Johari/Sekani:

Johari looked at the other for a moment she wasn’t overly worried but it was still disconcerting to think someone was using the mind of a student to further their gain. “I’m glad you meant it and you know if you get snarky I return the favor” she replied looking at the other for a moment and nodding her head “It’s very suspicious especially given that was supposed to be for a project, what if the project was just to try and use our intelligence to hurt others?  I know we shouldn’t that’s why I came to you in hopes of looking into things”

Sekani listened attentively to Johari's concerns, nodding in agreement. He could understand her unease at the thought of someone using their intelligence for nefarious purposes. "That's a good point," he said, "It's possible that this project was just a cover for something more sinister. We should investigate further to see if there's any truth to that." He paused for a moment, lost in thought. "I'll see what I can find out on my end and we can compare notes later. Thanks for bringing this to my attention, Johari."