#writtcn

unable to sleep, the merman needed to get his energy somewhere. the water was home. it was supposed to bring comfort. but nothing can make his skin stop crawling, as if something was behind him or something bad was going to happen. he's mostly dressed, just pulling a shirt one when noticing he's not alone. ❝ i don't usually expect people out here when its cold. ❞ no matter the temperature, jumping into the water always felt refreshing to kai. until lately, that is. ❝ you shouldn't be walking around alone. ❞

of course, some of the business were in disarray as well with everything going on. powers acting up indoors never led to anything good. it was a miracle to see them still standing. and luckily so was spell & bourbon, though the witch isn't picky when she heads to the bar. ❝ whatever your best single malt is, ❞ she says, to the bartender there. ❝ its like everyone is going through puberty at the same time, ❞ she says aloud to the other close by, trying to extinguish her annoyance with a light joke.

viinyl had quickly become one of hansa's favorite places in portum. anyone who knew her knew that; it was no secret that the gorgon had an affinity for records. viinyl may not have been as extensive as some of the record stores in larger cities she'd been to, but it did the trick and she didn't mind taking her time searching. it was peaceful. she's not sure how much time has lapsed while browsing, but eventually she checks her phone and looks up at another looking around. ❝ find anything good? ❞ which was biased, but she was still curious — always when it came to music.

hansa didn't know why she was being so ridiculous about this. it was just school. but that meant she might actually stay in portum for a while. four years, at least. leaving home, pretty much, the day she turned eighteen and never staying anywhere long, the gorgon never attended college. she never thought about it. but now ... people were kind and understanding. some were even trustworthy, perhaps. the moment she convinces herself it's a good idea, she changes it once more and is headed back down the stairs where she nearly smacks into the other. ❝ ah! shouldn't you be wearing a bell?! ... i mean ... sorry. ❞ it was a sign. might as well be a wall telling her to turn back around. ❝ sorry. ❞ adrenaline settling, sincerity replaces annoyance in her tone.