silver stars

EMMETT & CARLISLE.

“If he gets hurt, then it’s a good thing there’s an esteemed doctor so close,” Emmett flashed a dimpled grin at his adoptive father, before glancing back towards the person currently getting ready to skydive. Honestly, he didn’t see the big deal - hell, chances were Emmett would do it himself sooner or later - but a human jumping out of a plane wasn’t exactly a sane idea. “C’mon Carlisle, it’s an option here for a reason.”

--

———— ｡･:*:･ﾟ’★,｡･:*:･ﾟ’☆charles / crowley

He shook his head. There was no blocking out the voices. The only gift he’d received so far from Woodshore was that it limited the amount of them in his head at any given moment. Outside of the Woodshore bubble, he was hearing voices from miles and miles around, but whatever magic kept this place going was also affecting his telepathy. He could only hear the people of Woodshore and honestly? That made it difficult to hate being stuck here.

“You are right. I haven’t met very many people but we’re all here for a reason right? Perhaps there is something truly unique about us all.”

Again, he found Crowley’s words to hold much truth. Good could mean different things depending on who one asked. Good, evil… all a matter of perspective really. He could recall an old friend saying something like this to him but everything about that friend was a blur.

“You’re right. It’s all a matter of perspective really — and very well. We don’t have to talk about anything you don’t want to. Promise.”

He looks down again, almost unsure of what to say. He had been teasing, yes, but Crowley’s reaction was noted. He’d have to be mindful of that in the future, especially since they were still getting to know one another.

He was going to respond but thought the better of it. Some of Crowley’s thoughts were filtering into his mind again and try as he might to shut them out, they were overpowering many of the others. There was a lot to unpack here but after everything that’s happened so far, Charles was unsure if openly addressing them all would be best. He certainly didn’t want Crowley to feel intruded upon. No matter what they said, these private insecurities were their own. Charles had no right to them. On the other hand, Crowley was dead wrong about some things. Some of their assumptions were way, way off, but how to even address them without making things even more awkward?

He wasn’t trying to push them away— not really. Was Charles confused? A little. He wasn’t used to connecting to people like this and having that connection being returned so quickly in the process. It…shook him a little but he wasn’t—-

And then the words that spilled from Crowley’s lips had Charles feeling like a knot. How was he to explain that some of his actions was just plain old anxiety and insecurity? Would they understand? Charles didn’t know anymore and was far too intimidated to say too much on the matter.

So he squeezed his bag, hoping the right words would follow. The night had gone so well. He didn’t want to end it on a sour note so he was going to speak what he could and hope for the best.

“No, it’s… I thought— Saturday…” He paused, taking a moment to breathe again. Anxiety was not going to keep him from getting his words out — at least not yet. “I never said that I didn’t want to talk to you ever again. That’s…a little extreme don’t you think? Perhaps it is just me, but a few light disagreements shouldn’t be the end of everything. Yes, we are very much opposite, but we still have things in common. Perhaps much more if…”

He paused again, looking down and fidgeting nervously. He wasn’t sure he was making things better, but at least he was trying which was a lot more than he’d normally do given his personality. “I would still like to see Woodshore with you on Saturday, but if things are just too awkward now, I understand.” Despite his nerves, he looked up again because he needed Crowley to see that he was very much sincere. “I—I did not mind the kiss, Crowley. It was good — and I gave you permission so… but it escalated in a manner I did not expect. It got heated and…. My pulling away wasn’t a rejection. This is fast. I am used to slow and… I’m… I don’t want to get hurt again.”

“Oh well that has to be tiring.  Yes I can see why you wouldn’t be jealous if you were in my shoes.  Are there ways to make it quieter?  Can you just tune people out?  Is it easier or worse with crowds?” they asked unable to stop asking questions once they started.

“I guess yeah we must be.  I can’t think of a reason that makes sense but it’s probably part of someone’s plan.  This is too odd for it to be completely random.”

They nodded in response to Charles’ not really sure how to expand on that or really wanting to.  Talking about what they were was a challenging topic.  Certain aspects about it hurt to talk or think about and other parts were confusing like figuring out appropriate phrasing and behaviors now that they didn’t have a side, they just had Aziraphale or well currently just them.

The more Charles looked away from them the more certain Crowley became that their thoughts were right.  Charles was uncomfortable around them, didn’t want them around.  He thought the kiss was a mistake.  The rational side of his brain would tell them they were overthinking things and Charles wouldn’t have give them permission to kiss him, wouldn’t have kissed them back if he didn’t want it or end up enjoying it.  No they were too busy focusing on every little negative thing and assuming their fear of rejection was playing out right before their eyes.

This is absolutely ridiculous, you’re over six thousand years old you shouldn’t care what he thinks.  You shouldn’t be so hurt by him pushing you away.  Who cares if some human doesn’t want you?  You’re a demon, you aren’t supposed to care about humans, about anyone else.  But that was the problem wasn’t it?  They cared too much, they always had.  They weren’t supposed to fall for an angel or become so attached to humans and the world they created.  Times like this made them wish they were either more like the others of their kind and didn’t have these emotions and concerns or that they had never fallen at all.  At least then it would make sense for them to like humans and it wouldn’t have been wrong for- 

No, no, no they were not going to let themselves go down that route again.  They didn’t need to start a whole what if inner monologue, especially not when their present company was a telepath.  Charles most certainly didn’t need to hear any of that nor did they want to think any of that themselves.  It was best to keep everything related to heaven and those kinds of what ifs in a box tucked away in a far corner of their mind that was never acknowledged.

They stared at Charles, their eyes blinking a few times behind their dark sunglasses trying to process exactly what they had heard.  Charles still wanted to spend time with them?  He wasn’t disgusted or horrified?  Well that was... that seemed almost a little too good to be true.  “You didn’t exactly say anything.  You never finished your sentence, just left the end hanging there like a... like something that hangs.”  They shook their head at the mention of disagreements.  “My words had nothing to do with that.  Don’t care if we disagree or are opposites, spend plenty of time with beings opposite of me.  I’ve found I rather enjoy it.  I thought this was what you wanted, that you were dismissing me.”

“...You still want to do that?” They asked removing their sunglasses to get a better view of Charles’ face.  They wanted as clear of a view of his facial expression and body language, they needed more information.  This conversation, this whole evening in fact was just too confusing for them to keep up with and make an accurate read on anything.  “I thought- you were saying you need to leave so I just- you still want to spend time with me? ...You didn’t mind the kiss,” they repeated trying to get that bit of information to sink in.  “Right, yeah escalated, didn’t plan on that happening, didn’t really plan on doing it in the first place.”

——— ｡･:*:･ﾟ’★,｡･:*:･ﾟ’☆charles / crowley

“I don’t know if I’d be entirely jealous. There are pros and cons to being able to hear people’s thoughts. More often than not, I hear things I’d rather not. It’s pretty crushing when you hear someone breaking down your every flaw — inside and out. It’s why I don’t really date much and have always sought other mutants. I just feel… someone like me is less likely to get upset about my abilities. I can’t fix myself and other mutants likely feel the same as I do — out of place.”

He left it at that though because he didn’t really want to dive into a deep conversation about that kind of thing. He very much disliked talking about himself and in his mind, had said more than enough for one night.

“You would know more than I about whether or not you are a good demon. Until today, I had my doubts they were even real. I mean, you read testaments about them in the good book and there are other stories floating around libraries, but most people don’t wake up everyday wondering whether or not they’re going to cross paths with an angelic or demonic  being of any kind. We go about our day assuming its just going to be another of the same.”

The slight frown confuses him at first until Crowley huffs and speaks. Oh? Were they truly upset at something that was supposed to be a joke? It wasn’t meant to be malicious at all, but he guessed Crowley was just one of those people who didn’t like insults of any kind, even the ones meant as jests.

“Right. Sorry. It wasn’t meant the way you think, but fine.”

And now he felt the need to dial it back a LOT. It was late anyhow and well, suspending time for this long wasn’t the best idea. To his knowledge, nothing bad had ever happened but then, he wouldn’t know either way. With his memories all hazy, it was probably best not to tempt fate for too long.

——— ｡･:*:･ﾟ’★,｡･:*:･ﾟ’☆charles / crowley

He didn’t mind Crowley’s inquisitive nature. In fact, Charles surmised that if he himself was centuries years old, he’d probably have a lot of questions too from time to time. At any rate, Crowley’s questions were harmless so far and didn’t make Charles feel like he was being interrogated so he wasn’t going to make a fuss. He’d let Crowley know if he felt uncomfortable. He seemed agreeable enough so he knew it wouldn’t be a problem.

“You’re fine, I promise,” he said, reassuring him. “And yes, it does kind of give me an edge. At the very least, I know right away if someone’s a danger to my feelings.” He laughed again, knowing that Crowley was likely referring to his identity in general, but Charles didn’t care. Demon or not, he was kind to Charles. If this was all an elaborate act, well, he guessed the demon had won the night. They had his undivided attention right now in a manner that made Charles nervous.

“Maybe you are not supposed to be, but you have been all night. You’ve been awake off and on an awfully long time Crowley. People and even demons it seems, can change over time. Maybe you’ve changed too and it does not feel like it was for the worst.”

He laughed again, shaking his head. “One day I will teach you the art of subtle flirting, but fine. No more mister. Just Crowley if it pleases you.”

Well at least it didn’t seem like their questions bothered Charles.  They didn’t really want to be a bother or get in trouble for questions again.  It was bad enough the first time that happened.  No, nope don’t go down that road.  Don’t think about that.

“Okay,” they replied nodding.  “Kind of jealous of that.  I mean I have a relatively good idea of whether or not I can trust people but it could be useful you know.  Although I’m sure you wish you had a way to switch it off.

“Looking back on it I don’t think I ever was a particularly good demon.  I did a lot more small scale things.  I did take credit for a lot of things but that’s hardly a crime, besides sometimes the office decided I did something themselves.  That is true, I’ve been around a long time.  I didn’t think we were supposed to be able to change.  I was always told I was unforgivable.”

They frowned at the flirting comment.  The insinuation that they didn’t know how to flirt bothered them more than anything else in the conversation, more than the mind reading or the mental conversation, yeah sure that sounded like a good way to describe it.  “I know how to flirt, Charles.  I’m over 6,000 years old.  I don’t need lessons on flirting, I know what I’m doing.  I’ve spent enough time doing it.  Just Crowley is easier, the mister or miss thing just doesn’t always feel appropriate.”

     Steve was in the midst of the library, he had a report due in literally twelve hours and how much did he do? zilch, none. “Stupid…why won’t words go in huh?” A light chuckle as he tapped the end of his pen against the desk, practically causing the entire library to stare as him as he sat back in his chair, trying to think of what to write. ‘This is why I shouldn’t of gone to college, maybe I would of done better at…culinary school or some shit.” He muttered to the person across from him. @woodshorestarters​

--

change really wasn’t something Spencer enjoyed, honestly, if he could keep his life exactly the same, he would, yet, change was necessary to be human. moving was necessary to be…happy, safe. kat wouldn’t leave him alone if he was somewhere she could find him. his mother would never truly be safe. spencer really hoped things would be different in woodshore, he could leave…everything that happened to him behind. 

right now, he was sat in the quietest area of the plant sanctuary, taking moment for himself to take in the different scents of each plants, see which ones calmed him most and which he didn’t truly like. “you know…” he sighs, mostly to himself but to anyone near by “theres a flower that blooms every four to six years for approximately twenty four to forty eight hours, and it is called the worst smelling flower in the world. it’s called the titan arum, the corpse flower.” he reaches out to gently touch the petal of a flower. “the scent of all flowers are spread throughout parts of their petals, its not the pollen that gives them that scent.”’

@woodshorestarters​

--

it was safe to say adam had a complicated relationship with plants.  while he generally enjoyed having them in his backyard or garden and in the house sometimes to liven up the place and make it more pleasant smelling, he generally kept his distance from them.  he preferred to pay someone else to mind his plants.  he had enough issues with one rose, he didn’t need any more plants to worry about.  

sam pushed a huff of air out of his nose, giving a slight shrug of his shoulders at the man’s suggestion that he should stay away from him to avoid having a few new enemies. the list of enemies that the winchesters had gathered over the years was already as long as could be, and included god himself on it, so there felt like there was little to truly fear from the people who lived in this place, who wanted the same thing as he did: answers, a solution. still, he understood where the other was coming from. he’d pushed people away time and time again to try and keep them out of the tragedy that was his life. it didn’t always work. in fact, it rarely seemed to. even sarah, so many years later, had been dragged down by his life. “i’m not worried about that.” he didn’t bother to offer further explanation for why – either hux would ask or he wouldn’t. there’d been enough honesty in that group that he could actually offer some semblance of the truth. “powers like that can be extremely dangerous and it’s generally good to try not to make an enemy out of them, if you don’t have to. most of the ones here aren’t bad, but… that’s not true of everywhere. it’s hard for people like that to get it.” it was a road that went two ways. “it’s fine. i don’t think it deterred anyway.”

--

taylor was glad she was right about something it didn’t come often to the blonde either did writing essays. “well lucky for me my essay doesn’t require for me to do that just to write about it”

“Hold on a second essay?  Am I giving you answers?” Crowley asked.  They were torn over whether or not it would be right to help her.  Cheating was the sort of thing they were supposed to tempt people to do but was this cheating?  Part of them also wasn’t sure how they felt about it, they hadn’t really liked giving Warlock answers were they a nanny but that was mostly because they didn’t want to do the boy’s work for him.  “I don’t tutor at least not for free.”

“Quite hard for me to lie. I have been told that I am too blunt” Magnus said and shrugged. He understood how hard it must be for people to wrap their heads around the fact that the supernatural did exist. He never thought he would have to tell people that he’s a Warlock, he had gotten used to people just knowing. How do you tell someone who clearly is not used to the supernatural that you are indeed not human? “So I take it that you are new new. Hm been a while since I ran into a newbie”

--

“Might want to work on that then.  Lying can be very useful.  No one likes someone who is blunt and honest all the time,” Nicolas replied shaking his head.  The conversation seemed pointless but it was better than talking about the supernatural.  He would much rather continue to live in denial than admit any of it was real.  Doing that would open up too many doors he would rather keep closed and/or pretend didn’t exist.  No he would much rather continue to believe he was seeing things or had very vivid nightmares than admit some of the other supernatural possibilities.  “That depends upon what you consider new new.  I’ve been here a couple months, was here for the whole weird other planet thing.”

Giggles and laughs could be heard around the store as the Shadowreaper clan were picking out stuff for their new house. Astrid was just glad that she and her family can live in a house without someone fighting over the bed or the shower. She turned her back for a second-just one-and her little brother was gone, which made her panic a bit. She started to walk around, whispering his name or Chicken Feet when she overheard someone grumbling. “Don’t like looking at furniture?” she guessed.

The idea there was any common sleeping place in a bookstore someone was even capable of falling off of momentarily threw a wrench in Eve’s cogs. She pictured the person before her sleeping on a table, or crammed into an empty shelf like a contortionist. Yikes. The casual confidence with which they suggested the situation brought a mixture of amusement and disbelief.

“Disturbing anyone?” Eve laughed sharply. “What, was I looking at books too loud?” She stubbornly refused to acknowledge that she may have been talking to herself. Maybe if someone hadn’t been asleep in there, it wouldn’t have been a problem. Despite the confrontational nature of her words, Eve couldn’t help but feel excited– it was exhausting, the polite song and dance that usually came with meeting new people, and the simple absurdity of this bespectacled stranger’s claims allowed her to skip right past small talk and into self-righteousness.

It was safe to say that Crowley was very cranky when woken up from a nap.  They were certainly not a morning person.  It wouldn’t take much for this woman to say something that would set off the serpent.

———— ｡･:*:･ﾟ’★,｡･:*:･ﾟ’☆charles / crowley

His lips curved into a small smile as he looked down. This one was undeniably sweet and their thoughts strongly alluded that Charles wasn’t wrong about them in the slightest. He hadn’t intended on making Crowley feel uneasy, but then, Charles wasn’t used to this— the attention. Talking about himself was extremely difficult, even more so when an inexplicable connection was felt in the air. Yet despite how anxious he felt himself, he looked past Crowley’s thoughts and finally looked to him again with a small smile.

“It’s fine. I mean, perhaps you weren’t expecting anything but… I feel better knowing that we’re somewhat on equal footing.”

He laughed, his smile brighter than usual, but few would know it. “Yes, gift is appropriate. Most mutants prefer to look it like this. The word ‘mutant’, short for mutation, just sounds like a science experiment gone wrong. But my trust isn’t just linked to my telepathy. You’ve given me no reason to distrust you all evening so I’m kind of going with my gut here.”

His eyes softened for a moment as he looked at them. A smile played at his lips as hands gently squeeze Crowley’s own. “There is nothing wrong with being a little soft you know. I mean, I suppose most guys wouldn’t want to be seen as such. At least not by everyone for reputation’s sake but… it isn’t terrible. You do soft well Mr. Crowley.”

And now he finds the eye contact faltering again, mostly because it’s difficult keeping it when you know the other person is truly looking. So he bit his lip, looking down and feeling a whole lot of flustered. This was NOT supposed to happen — not to HIM of all people — yet it was and if Crowley did not stop thinking such things, it would only get worse.

                     'How quickly you forget I can hear your thoughts.’

He knows his little trick is likely to garner another reaction so he paused just long enough to give them time to come to terms with the fact that he was actually speaking inside their head. Only then would he continue.

'Yes, I can speak inside your head. Useful little tool when you need to communicate in secret.’ He paused. ‘You keep flustering me with your thoughts, but I am not upset. And you cannot run me off either. I suppose it is only natural for you to feel such curiosities, especially if you are reminded of the one you love.’

“I won’t be upset,” he said a loud this time. “And I won’t lash out at you. I told you before. I think you’re terribly sweet. How could I possibly lash out at someone who has been so kind to me all evening?” And with this he pulls one hand away only to reach out, slowly running his fingers through Crowley’s hair. “Perhaps I wanted to do it to. Touch you, I mean. It’s soft… your hair.”

This was not the ideal local to be doing such things. Innocent or not, if someone walked by… so everything froze in place. Perhaps they’d notice. Perhaps not, but at least no one could walk by and draw the wrong conclusions ( or the right ones ) — not for the time being anyhow.

“Alright then as long as it makes you feel better.  I won’t press you for information or at least I’ll try not to.  I know there can be times when I ask too many questions.

Charles’ laugh was contagious, it put a smile on their face and made them laugh.  “Then that’s the word I’ll use.  It does have a very clinical sound.  I’m sure it gives you an edge though.  It lets you know if someone’s lying to you, that’s got to be helpful with the whole trust thing.  Really?  No reason I could think of a couple most people, most beings would consider not trusting me.”

“Well maybe not for you but my ...species, I don’t know if that is the right word.  I’m not supposed to be nice, that’s not supposed to be my nature any more.  Then again I’ve done a lot of things occult beings aren’t supposed to do.”  They shook their head.  “It has nothing to do with masculinity, couldn’t care less about that.  I’m just still not used to not having to look over my shoulder or act a certain way not to get in trouble with the home office.”  They made a face at the word mister that didn’t feel right.  “No, not mister that just- no not right now, it doesn’t feel right.”

They were startled when they heard another voice inside their head.  It was weird, maybe technically a bit intrusive but not unwelcome.  It took them a bit to realize exactly what had been said to them.  They could feel their cheeks turning red realizing Charles had heard everything.  

How did this work?  Did they just keep thinking?  Would it work like a normal conversation?  ‘Hello?’ they thought, feeling very stupid as they did this. ‘I’m making you flustered?  I could uh try and stop thinking stuff like that if it er bothers or flusters you.  I won’t? But I’m- surely you must understand from my thoughts who I am, what I am.  Shouldn’t that bother you especially with what I’ve been thinking, what I’m curious about, what I want to do?  I er one I love might not be right, at least not number wise.  Not that I’m saying, er thinking I love you but uh I have strong feelings for you too.  This er, haven’t really had this happen before except with y’know...’

“You wouldn’t?” they repeated trying to process well everything going on in the last minute or two.  “Alright  now terribly sweet that one I think I can stand.  It doesn’t sound as sickeningly sweet and not me.  People are known to lash out if they don’t like something.  It wouldn’t be uncalled for if you reacted negatively to what I want.” They hadn’t really been expecting Charles to reach out and touch their hair but it felt nice, rather soothing.  Oh they could understand now why cats and dogs liked to be petted, this felt heavenly er hellish.  Could they use the phrase heavenly now?  Would they get in trouble or smighted for thinking it?  

“I er... ngk, nice, feels nice,” they said struggling to form a sentence or even a coherent phrase.  They were too distracted by the hands in their hair and Charles’ presence in general.  Charles’ words and touch were definitely making them lose the self-control, the temptation to close that final few inches between the two of them was so strong.  Charles had said he wouldn’t mind it and it was in their nature to tempt people so surely it was the right thing to do to give in to temptation every once in a while.  Before they could come up with a counter argument they placed their free hand on Charles’ cheek and leaned in gently pressing their lips against his.

“You just want to stand here and watch?  What if he gets hurt?  It would partially be our responsibility.  We can’t we need to stop him.  It might be interesting to watch but that’s not a good enough reason to just... well we technically did try to talk him out of it,” Carlisle said shaking his head, trying to come up with an answer to the moral dilemma.  How did his “children” always end up dragging him into things like this?  

——— ｡･:*:･ﾟ’★,｡･:*:･ﾟ’☆charles / crowley

Charles couldn’t really imagine himself actually yelling at his plants. At the same time, he was rather curious if it would work. Music supposedly was good for plants too. It gave him the idea to try angry emo music and see how his plants fared for two weeks. It was certainly worth testing.

But he couldn’t focus on the fun for long. The wave of anxiety he felt before washed over him again and his eyes looked anywhere but at Crowley. Experience had taught him to embrace himself for the inevitable; that they would be angry and not talk to him anymore. He remembered getting yelled at in the past by faces he had no names for. Always screaming ‘GET OUT OF MY HEAD CHARLES’ as if it was something he could control.

Thoughts drifted and at Crowley’s request, he slowly looked up. Maybe he SHOULDN’T have. Maybe he should have looked anywhere but at them, but he needed the comfort more than he thought. His anxiety was all over the place, but the warmth FROM Crowley’s hands gave him something else to focus on. Hands more gentle than he expected folded over his own and that’s when he realized how nice actual contact could be if he only allowed it. But rarely did he let people in; let them get close enough for much more than a night between the sheets.

The words that spilled from Crowley’s lips were enough to get him way too sentimental, but he had trained himself not to feel; — not to let it get to him except that wall of his was c r u m b l i n g — way too fast for his liking. This wasn’t supposed to happen at all and yet…

Charles looked away again, but it wasn’t because of the unique eyes on Crowley or the kind of fear Crowley might have thought was coursing through the mutants veins. He was looking away because their actions were getting unwanted? wanted? — he didn’t know! — reactions out of him. His heart actually skipped a fucking beat and that—that shook him a bit.

Even so, he swallowed it, turning bright blue eyes on them again. Their question was a fair one and deserved an answer though Charles hoped he could explain himself without scaring them off in another manner entirely. “I… well, it was only fair yes? You shared something with me. It is the law of equivalent exchange. I had to share something of equal worth, but…” He paused. “You…I don’t know, Crowley. We talked with such ease all evening that trusting you felt…right. I’ve been wrong before. Telepathy isn’t foolproof, but if your words hold true then it would seem I made a good decision for once." 

And for a moment he’s tempted—tempted to reach out an run fingers through his hair. The feels of strands slipping between fingers was so comforting but having their hands was more than enough. But he’d have to let go soon. After all, it was getting late and anybody could walk by and mistake one thing for another.

The quiet was starting to make Crowley feel a bit uneasy, more uneasy than the telepathy revelation actually.  They could handle powers, they’d been around enough beings with them.  What they didn’t like though was not knowing what was going on in Charles’ head or how to help them.  Oh Satan, God, whoever was willing to listen they were really going soft.  It was one thing to be like this with Aziraphale who they had known and loved forever but this human they barely even knew, now this was ridiculous.

They wanted to pull away, put up some of those walls they normally had around humans and act more like someone occult was supposed to but then those blue eyes turned to meet their own and all those thoughts went out the window.  Oh this was a thousand times worse than when Aziraphale would practically flash puppy dog eyes at them asking for some sort of miracle.  No this look hurt their arguably non-existent or non-functioning heart.  They had to do something about this, they had to get rid of that look.  It was one thing for a human to fear them because of what they are but this look, this anxiety that they could read on Charles’ face was different and they didn’t like it at all.  

Oh they really didn’t like it when Charles turned away again.  They didn’t want to lose the eye contact, the attention they had been receiving but it was more than just that.  They didn’t want Charles to be upset or hurting, they couldn’t entirely explain why or where this connection and desire to be near the human had come from but it was there and felt oddly familiar.  They were not going to let themselves analyze that though, they did not need to complicate things further especially not if Charles was so convinced they would run away.

“I wasn’t expecting anything in exchange.  I only told you so you’d understand what I was offering you and I most certainly wouldn’t have asked for anything in return for helping you.  You didn’t have to share something with me, especially if it makes you uncomfortable,” they said shaking their head.  They wanted nothing more right now than to pull Charles’ close and physically comfort him, reassure him about their words.  Would that work?  It had worked with Warlock but that was with a child, Charles might not be receptive to that.  

“You have no idea how weird it feels to hear another person say they trust me ...well ah maybe you do given your er gift?  Is that word appropriate?  Well I can’t argue that you’re wrong this time.  I have no plans to betray or harm you.  I must have fully gone native and gotten soft, resembling you lot now.”  They sighed and shook their head hoping to get a laugh or at the very least a small smile or grin from Charles.

“Oh we are all from different worlds and timelines. What doesn’t exist in your world may exist in someone else’s. Do not make people feel bad for believing in what they believe in” Magnus said and shook his head as he looked at the other. “In my world for example, the supernatural isn’t really something you make up. It exists and is a part of my everyday life” now he didn’t feel the need to tell the other that he found his words quite amusing. Especially due to the fact that he was talking to a warlock without even knowing. How endearing. “Good for you. I don’t have much to unpack either. I have gotten better at not buying things I don’t need”

Nicolas sighed at the different worlds and timelines comment.  It was simpler to believe that only he had been brought forward in time, given alternate memories.  It meant what he thought he saw, what he could have sworn he felt on that other planet was real.  He didn’t want any of that or his nightmares to be real.  “You have no idea how much I would have preferred you say it’s all pretend.  No, now these things might be real that’s just great.”  He shook his head. He didn’t want to consider those nightmares to be memories of his former life, hell if he could he’d forget that former life completely right now.  Those memories didn’t seem to be doing him any good, just confusing him and making him long for someone long gone.  “Yeah well it helps when you don’t have a lot of money to spend on things anyways but curbing spending habits always a good thing.”

“In my defense this is the first festival I’ve had the ‘pleasure’ of participating in. So this is all rather new to me in a manner of speaking.” Ratigan shrugged slightly and raised a brow in response to their comment. Although he had to admit that alcohol was probably better than any of the edible options there he wasn’t entirely sure if any of the vendors were selling it just yet. “A good drink can make just about anything better. Having a shitty day? A glass of wine or beer, good music and either a good book or show can fix that up in no time flat. Get promoted and want to celebrate it? A glass of just about anything and good friends can help with that. Although I don’t know if their selling any just yet… but maybe they are. It couldn’t hurt to ask.”

“Oh of course I find the one human with less knowledge about food than me,” Crowley replied groaning.  How did they manage to find the one useless human?  Weren’t they supposed to be good for this kind of thing?  They had places for food all over the place surely that must mean they have some knowledge of what tastes good or not.  “Yes, yes I’m well aware of all that.  Have had plenty of shitty days or reasons to celebrate,” they said waving their hand at the man.  They really had no use for them anymore, they had proved to be utterly worthless and they were in no mood for listening to someone blabbering on about drinks.  “Or maybe I’ll just go find a bar or restaurant where they’ll definitely serving alcohol.  That certainly seems much more tempting than staying here.”