#jude 01

Who: @sangranteria​

There was no manual on how to grieve – Eliza knew as much, and yet when it came to her own grieving process, she often wished there was. She liked to think it would make things easier. How soon was too soon to tidy a loved one’s belongings away, to remove the remnants that proved Michael had once lived what had felt like a museum rather than her home since his passing? He was nowhere to be found physically, and yet he walked with her wherever she went, always occupying her mind. A mere day after the first anniversary of his death, the sight of her wedding ring had suddenly filled her with an emotion she never thought she’d feel for anything that reminded her of Michael – rage.

Since then, her ring lived in the same tiny box Michael’s ring was hidden away in. For a while, she had been too scared to think of what the next step might be. It felt wrong not to have it on her, but she couldn’t wear it on the job, and she could no longer justify wearing it at any other time. Deep down, she knew it was a hinderance as she grew used to her new life.

The box was safely tucked away in her bag as she made her way to the jewelry store on Magnificent Mile just a few minutes after closing hours. She entered, gaze darting about nervously until her eyes landed on Jude. Eliza smiled despite the pressure she felt in her chest, her heart grappling with what her mind had already decided on. “Hi – I hope you’re still alright with my dropping by, I promise I won’t keep you long.” Well, she could make no such promise really as she had no idea what the plan of turning wedding bands into a necklace would entail, but she didn’t want to be a bother.

“Oh, you’re a doctor?” It’s a little surprising, but Lucretia doesn’t seem outwardly shocked. After all, she herself had graduated college by 18, and she’s seen the skills Angus possesses. It’s not unfathomable to think that a boy his age could have earned a doctorate, and it’s not in her nature to underestimate anyone.

She’s found herself out and about a bit more these days. Chatting with a stranger in the library is as good a way to socialize as any, and it sure beats holing up in the house all the time. Plus, it’s been fascinating to learn about the other people here. She hopes she isn’t being too nosy when the boy had mentioned his education.

“Hey, ‘s anyone sitting here?” Getting used to public transport has been easy enough for Ed-- after all, he’s taken enough trains in his life. But he’s used to traveling with Al, so asking strangers if he can sit by them on the trains traversing the city has been a little awkward. Normally he’d sit by himself, but the compartment’s almost full as it is. damn.

It doesn’t help that he looks like a wreck. He’d just come back from an investigation into Cotes’ Underside, and got his ass thoroughly kicked. He’d have to go see Deb for repairs on the arm, and maybe see if she knows any first aid for the nasty cut on his forehead...

For now though, he tries to play it cool, hoping this guy won’t be freaked out at least.

he wonders if any of them have yelled or cried. 

he wonders if he will.

with a small basket of flowers he found around the forest and a twig that branches off into a Y, he starts to make his way toward the temple, heart pounding. he stops at the stairs, seeing a figure there. slowly, kian walks up toward the other demigod—just one of a few he’s not said much to. “have you visited before?” he asks, almost a whisper. “or are you nervous like i am?” 

                                                            { ★ }

           Cafes were stifling for Yuri, and, to be honest, he would not have been here if it weren’t for his friend’s request. At first glance, one wouldn’t think the two to be friends at all: physically (and perhaps even mentally), the two were complete opposites. Nevertheless, he was happy that he managed to find at least one other person in the Hive who had a grasp of his world, albeit an inkling. Thankfully, Yuri didn’t need to wait long, as he spotted the smaller figure of his friend push through the cafe’s doorway.

           And like a rocket, he made a beeline towards his comrade, and catapulted into their next escapade with a wide grin. “So I managed to scrape us up a job over at this restaurant.” He paused mid-thought, his hand still placed on Jude’s shoulder. “Well, not the restaurant, per se. See, the owner’s got this second business. And I know, I know. You’re thinking it’s shady; but it’s not. I scoped it out last night. Anyway, he wants us to--”

           “--Hey, why the long face? The party’s just begun.” Though he was pretty sure with a face that dismal, Jude probably wasn’t in the mood for jokes. It wasn’t until he had stopped rambling and turned down to actually look at the bemused teen that Yuri realized there was a bigger picture he had been missing from the get-go. Something was seriously bothering his younger cohort -- and it looked like today was going to be more of a sounding board session than the usual aimless ambling around the Hive. “Something’s bothering you.” There was no doubt about it. He nodded over towards a table that was tucked away in a corner of the cafe. Thankfully, they had avoided peak time by a smidgen of minutes, leaving the cafe quiet, casual, and private. He walked over and took a seat by the glass window, then motioned for his friend to sit. “So tell me -- what seems to be the problem?”