── .✦ multimuse blog dependent on portumhq. penned by jace. 28. cst. they/them.
dominic king — forty-two year old werewolf. sinqua walls ── .✦ intro. musings. sithara velu — thirty-one (85) year old heretic. simone ashley ── .✦ intro. musings.

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── .✦ multimuse blog dependent on portumhq. penned by jace. 28. cst. they/them.
dominic king — forty-two year old werewolf. sinqua walls ── .✦ intro. musings. sithara velu — thirty-one (85) year old heretic. simone ashley ── .✦ intro. musings.

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where: the old mill when: late october who: sithara & nila (@scvntillas)
Sithara supposed she should be thankful that she wasn't a banshee or medium — but still, the weight of the air around the old mill threatened to overwhelm her senses. It was clear the ghosts were playing with her — she had heard they typically acted up during the holiday season, and it seemed they thought she had not seen her fair share of horrors. The whole way the mill seemed to breathe was unsettling enough for her, so its no surprise that when she heard a twig snap, the usually composed heretic leapt away from the mill, hand on her chest. "Shit." She cursed, as the form came into view. “Shouldn't there be some rule about sneaking up on someone when they are acting foolish?” They asked, half trying to break the tension, half serious. Sithara took a few steps toward the other, surprise coloring her features. "Nila?” The name was said as a question, surprised to see a familiar face in this town. “Gods, its been years.” Sita said, coming a respectable distance to the other, unsure if they were the type of friends who hugged or not. Did Sithara even like hugs? “How have you been?”
Claudia had always thought of herself as someone who was too pretty to go through some things–and yet, those things hadn’t stopped happening to her, but hey… she could still think that. So yes, of course, when Sita’s little comment reached her ears, the brunette just shrugged, offering the other one of her usual smirks. “ I happen to think you’re too pretty to be sitting here alone instead of having fun with me. ” Her bottom lip stuck out in a little pout. Her hands clasped behind her back as Claudia stepped closer to the hybrid. “Pretty please?” Oh, she would definitely beg if she had to. The dragon had never been shameful enough not to beg bashfully anyways. And when Sita twirled around, her heart almost skipped a beat. Too beautiful for words, honestly. “ I mean… ” She then placed her hands on Sita’s shoulders and gently turned the other around. In the short distance, there was the same reflective surface the dragon had used to adjust her lip oil on. “ Look at you. Can’t you see how even more gorg you look standing next to me? ” Finally, Sithara seemed to have allowed themselves to relax a little, and so, Claudia couldn’t help but take advantage of. “ We won’t be out for long, babes. I just want to parade your beautiful self around town, you know? ” Another nonchalant shrug, before wrapping her arms around Sita’s waist and resting her chin on the other’s shoulder. “ Just long enough for coffee… and treats. And maybe more. ” She added in between pauses, meaning to keep adding things as she kept looking at their reflection in the mirrored surface again. “ Hm? ”
If there was ever someone Sithara found hard to read, it had to be the dragon before her. Claudia had a way about her — somewhere between nonchalance and eccentricity, with her arrogance dripping in every word spoken. And yet, the astronomer still found herself trying to parse through what was the other's truest motive. What was her intention with her? Was it really as simple as attraction? Or the notion that those who were deemed ‘pretty’ should be by her side? “Pleading won't work on me.” She lied, her mind already half convinced to give into temptation and do something scary — live a little. Then, there's the sensation of hands on her shoulders, and their reflection in the mirror. Sithara isn't looking at themself, completely wrapped up in the plumpness of Claudia's lips. “Yes…” Sita said slowly, their gaze finally flickering to their own form in the mirror, the warmth building on her skin as thoughts she should bury down surfaced. “What a sight we would be…” Her voice is distant, an image of bodies flush against one another before she brought herself back down to earth.
There should have been some discomfort wrapped in the other's arms — some jump or recoil as arms snaked around their waist — but there was nothing but warmth. Perhaps, it was something neurochemical a desire for touch she had ignored so long that they didn't realize she had been craving it. But maybe it was something else, and deeper, and perhaps only directed at Claudia. If that was the case, it was not planned. “I fail to see what the point of parading me around town would do.” She murmured, one hand running gently against the other's arm. “It's not as if I'm yours.” The comment was meant to draw the other away from them, and yet, Sithara wanted her closer. When Claudia's chin rested in the crook of her neck, Sithara let out an exhale, soft and surprised. Her free hand reached up then, caressing Claudia's cheek and angling her head to look clearly at the other, outside of the reflection. “I can agree to coffee and treats.” She spoke, her voice low. “But if you have any tricks up your sleeve…” They trailed off, getting lost in the other's brown eyes for a moment longer than intended. “Um…leave them.” Sita ended rather lacking the intimidation and sterness that usually coated her words.
many currently living in portum hadn't known the dragon when he first arrived and was a wreck who could barely be around others. now, centuries later, yong sun was able to hold himself together a little better, but was still slightly on edge from everything that went on. things were different now, though. he had so much, built a life in portum — hence his protectiveness over it, but it meant it was easier for the dragon to feel grounded a little quicker than he would have in the past. a familiar scent approaches, leaving sunni relaxed when the arms wrap around him, one of his own arms coming up to hold onto the werewolf's arm. ❝ that's because you spend so much time rolling around in the woods, like an animal, instead of coming to the spa, ❞ said with a teasing grin. sunni liked the outdoors, too, though. sometimes slept out there in his dragon form, needing to watch and protect. ❝ a mud bath will do wonders ... and a nice middle ground, hm?, ❞ he continues his joking, leaning into the touch and glad to be taken out of whatever darkness could try and tug at his mind. nicci was another person found that sunni couldn't help keeping close, him and rory, both. and he'd been happy with that decision ever since.
Dominic could let himself be offended, but truthfully, all he wanted was to lighten any sort of sour mood that might have fallen over the other. Besides, its not like Sunni hadn't said anything wrong. He did prefer to roll around in the dirt. Could anyone really see him having a spa day anytime soon? "Ice cold, man." He shook his head, but his face cracked into a big grin at the other's teasing. “Yeah, yeah, but it's not like I can dig around in the mud. I'd just make a mess of the whole room.” He shrugged. “Doubt anyone would wanna clean up that mess.” Nicci laughed, the mental image amusing him — probably more than the actual act of messing up his friend's establishment might bring him.
“But back to your scaly self —” He said, his free hand pinching the skin of his older companion's cheek. “You really telling me that the secret to your immortality and flawless skin, is a spa?” He shook his head, releasing the other from his grasp. “Nah, nah. I don't buy it. ‘Less you’re secretly a witch on top of all your dragon thing.” While Nicci had been working at the outpost for a little over five years, he'd be honest — he was fairly sure he'd never seen Sunni in dragon form. Maybe he just hadn't recognized him? But most likely, it was because the older and wiser man was more than capable of keeping himself under control. Dominic liked to think he was similar in that nature, a wolf well in control of his capabilities, but the hunters had tested him, reminded him how quick he could turn to violence when provoked. And that scared him. He decided to distract them both with more conversation. “How's our girl?” He meant Rory, of course, forever thankful those two ancient supernaturals had been the ones to rescue and protect him. “And I guess, how are you?” He rolled his eyes as if he didn't want to know, because affection had a tendency to scare him sometimes. He wanted to be close to people, but he always worried he came on too strong, became too much for them to handle. Keeping them on their toes in his whiplash was the only way he knew how to protect himself.
being guided away hits sasha with the realization that this is strange, even here. they had assumed you didn't see much of it because of the lack of humans in town. their learning on what they were was going slow because they didn't care or want to be this thing. and yet curiosity is always piqued when there is some new discovery. if sasha could blush, they were sure they'd turn crimson at sithara's words. at least until the mention of the scarring that makes sasha take a better look. not growing up supernatural, it seemed they missed out on some horrors many in portum had experienced. their own life had not been easy, but nothing that could have caused this. but sithara speaks words that give encouragement and they're even hungrier now with the scent of the hybrid so close. so they do as they're told, not holding back when their fangs pierce through sita's flesh. air is released in a sigh through their nose, hum of relief when tasting warm, fresh blood for the first time. both hands grip the others arm to hold it steady as they drink, their own eyes closing as well until they hear the hybrid's voice and sash's eyes open up to look at them, a gaze they're used to from others in a different predicament combined with how it felt better than eating as a human; now they understand the discretion of it all. but they pull back, using one hand to wipe their mouth while the other still holds sita's arm. ❝ is ... are you okay? ❞ obviously the other was more experienced with this, it felt silly to ask — but also strange not to; impolite even. what was good vampire etiquette?
In Sithara's very limited time in town, she has noticed that most of anything was still going on behind closed doors. She had, of course, once heard rumors of this place and she supposed they expected something akin to ghosts walking down the sidewalk and candles floating in every home. Instead, they'd found it to be that though they were free to be themselves, many still clung to their pasta of hiding in plain sight. She too, was also too afraid to show what their powers could do. Being both a batter for magic and a witch was exhausting, and the hunger that triggered after a spell could knock her out for a day at least. The curiosity building in Sasha raised an alarm in Sithara. Though it was only passing, and had only been brought to the other's attention at their own mention, the slight inspection of her wrist had left her feelings vulnerable, and prickly. Though, soon Sita became preoccupied with the eternal kiss draining at her wrist. It was an entirely new sensation to have offered herself to someone, to have given their own flesh willingly for the other to take, and they were left with that high most humans became dependent on when bitten by a vampire, though she was almost positive their connection would not run that deep.
Though her instruction has been given, they had not expected the other to give up so soon. Part of Sithara wanted to pull the other back their wrist, or offer their neck for the other to get a closer taste, but that was the trick of the fangs, the lingering pleasure buzzing through her veins. And it would be far too contradictory to the point they had just made. "Y-yes." Her voice comes out dry and rough, harder to speak than she had anticipated. "I will be fine in a moment." She rolled her wrist to fight the tingling sensation, reminiscent as if a limb had fallen asleep. The bite marks turn to small indentions like pressing a pen into skin, slower to heal because of a last not worth mentioning. "You did good. Not too much pressure, drank just enough." They offered as if they were the other's vampire coach. She pressed her lips together and allowed a deep inhale through her nose, but the only smell that was drowning between them was her blood. "Are you feeling any better? Feeding direct from the veins is best. Anything else doesn't numb the heightened sensations quite right." At least, in her experience. She knew how hungry vampires could get, having watched them fester in their hunger beside her, swat at her as she walked by. It was the same hunger she would get in her canines if she deprived herself of biting into the ripe, pumping flesh of a human. Which, since coming here, was getting increasingly harder and harder to do. Perhaps that was part of the reason she had willingly offered herself to the other, because she knew what it was like to be starving.

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when the werewolf nears, adelaide drops the skates she's carrying so both arms can be used in her hug. apparently needing one more than she thought, the hybrid squeezes to keep it going a moment later before she lets go and looks past him to see if she sees taz yet. ❝ if you lose my dog, you're gonna have to go sniff her out. ❞ a playful finger pokes at his chest before she picks up the skates so they can walk back over to his campsite. what she had to hide from was still unknown to adelaide, as well. she just knew she wanted to be surrounded by nature and couldn't think of a better place to do that. ❝ mmh ... how sad the town still looks. ❞ it was getting better, but still a drastic change to the town she was used to. sadness wasn't something adelaide usually ran from, either. sugar spun, she turned those emotions into something she deemed more positive. if not, a lot of things about her life could be quite sad. lately, that darkness had been unavoidable and, at times, suffocating. but nicci had that thing that she imagined others thought she had, some warmth and light that was nice to bask in for a little while. ❝ we're still trying to learn how to work together so i wouldn't bet on that, just yet, ❞ she says with a laugh, putting her hands out for taz to come to her when she sits. ❝ do you need help with the fire? words of encouragement, of course. because i don't know how to make one. ❞ another small breath of laughter leaves from her nose while she and taz get comfortable where they sit.
Dominic rocked them as he hugged her, and would have lifted her off the ground if he wasn't so wore out from the shifts he's been pulling at the Outpost. But, Ade didn't needa know all that. What she needed was a safe place, and he would provide that. "Hey!" He scoffed, gesturing off in the direction Taz had gone. "She's a damn good girl. She always finds her way back home." His smile widened as he looked at Adelaide, all bright eyed and genuine.
But then, he had to go and ruin it by asking the dumb questions. The one that should be obvious, given how intense his job has been lately. Of course she didn't want to be in town — no one did, to some extent — but where else could they go when this was the place they all had run to because they had nowhere to go? He shook his head, letting his laid-back nature take the backseat, if only for a minute. "Yeah. Yeah — town's been in better shape that's for sure." He placed a hand back on her shoulder, his more positive self coming through -- though sometimes it's hard to tell if it's real or fake anymore. "You need anything, you come to me. Got me? You're never alone with me around."
He made a face at her and shook his head. "Nope. You're a lucky charm out here. I'm telling you." He pointed one of the sticks he was using to build the fire at her for emphasis. What was about to be a speech of believing in herself and trusting in her magic gets lost in her shift of conversation, so he let it slide. After all, she came to hide, why would he make it harder for her? "Nah, you stay over there with them skates and let me build this fire. You might turn out to be as flammable as leaves." He teased as he rubbed the sticks together, a chuckle escaping him. "You can help by talking to me. How's life been treating my Adelaide?"
grayson wasn't sure what it was about dominic — but there was something that got under his skin so quickly after he'd met the other werewolf. it had led to many moments of both of them making annoyed comments towards one another, give each other a hard time, always doing whatever to get under the other's skin. it wasn't as if grayson disliked dominic, or had any feeling of hatred towards the other. he didn't, but they just seemingly got on each other's nerves no matter what they did. he tried to ignore the other the second that he'd found out that dominic was at the elementary school as well. knew that it wouldn't help him at all, knew it wouldn't help anything when it came to actually trying to help out & rebuild everything. does it annoy grayson? absolutely. but he'd been trying his best to just keep his nose in the job he offered to do & keep his focus on that. but every time the other came in carrying another box, tension builds in the room even if it isn't on purpose. it's why after what felt like the hundredth time of nicci coming in the room he finally lets his annoyance bubble over. grayson's lip twitches into a scowl as the other speaks, his eyes landing on the fact that dominic still steadied the ladder for him regardless of what the other was saying. "maybe you should watch your fucking mouth." the werewolf retorts with a snippy tone, brow raising as he turns to face the other — eyes rolling at the next comment the other made. "i wasn't taken out by a paint brush, shut up. stupid ladder wobbled." grayson says as he brushes past dominic to the paint brush, middle finger pointing at the other werewolf before grayson picks the brush up. he hates being in pain like this, hates feeling almost helpless because he has always been independent, always hated asking for help. he refused to do so, even now as the other asks for the paint brush. "fuck off, would you?" grayson groans, carefully making his way back up a few rungs of the ladder. "look... just... let me do this." his tone changes at that, less aggressive, less tense. like he needed to be there, needed to help out like this.
“Don't you think getting this worked up over me trying to help is a little...” He trailed off, the phrase melodramatic coming to mind, but Dominic is trying to remain a fixture of composure. If the other wanted to crash out over a paint brush, that was his problem, not Nicci's. As much as he wanted to provoke him, he tried to let the words fall against him like a tide. “Much? I mean we're both stuck here -- you might as well accept my help when offered.” There's a slight smugness to his words, but he hid it by grinding his teeth down to the gums.
With anyone else, Dominic might have laughed at the finger flown in his direction -- hell, even now he is still fighting the snort that threatened to escape his lips. But his irritation swirled around him like a leaky fly he just couldn't swat, it's buzzing growing louder and louder until he is aching to snap and whack it. And his irritation was directed at Grayson, so he supposed it'd be a lucky day if he didn't end up coming to blows with the other. He reminded himself it wouldn't be a fair fight, but it was getting harder when the other was purposely on his worst behavior. Injury be damned, Grayson didn't get a free pass.
“Well. The ladder isn't going anywhere now.” Dominic shrugged, placing his hand on the side of it for emphasis. If he wasn't handing the paint brush over, the least Nicci could do is make sure he wasting a danger to anyone, or, he guessed himself either. Dominic, ever on the job of helping and healing others, almost lurched forward when Grayson haphazardly clambered back up the ladder. Then, something snapped in the other, but it's not the rage he was expecting, it's something much more honest. And Dominic almost felt bad for his behavior. Almost. "Okay." He relented, his shoulder shrugging simply. "Problem is though, I don't think you should do it alone." He doesn't meet the other's gaze, almost like he's hesitant to show this care and vulnerability to someone he'd rather curse and punch. "So, you paint. I'll steady you. You get tired, we switch." He paused, finally turning to the other with as much disinterest as he could muster. "Cool with you?" Dominic really hoped Gray didn't go the macho route. That could get ugly fast.
The werewolf across from her kind of reminded her of how she was. Or… maybe used to be? Aeri had been trying really hard not to go back to that person. The one who often tried to make room for strangers to walk into her life and make a mess out of it. He spoke as if he was used to doing it: flirting. He used his charm as a decoy and maybe, if Aeri wasn’t so used to being left behind, she would’ve fallen right into his trap. “ I… yeah, I’m pretty attentive, yes. You should see how I get when I spot a typo in the Times crosswords. ” Attention to detail was part of her job. Editors had way less trouble with her out of everyone in the paper, because Aeri needed her words to fit perfectly when telling a story. “ I don’t mind getting my hands dirty. ” If only he knew the amount of times she’d left Portum searching for stories and ended up banged up or somewhere she shouldn’t have been. Benny had called her out the last time when she had a mild concussion as a result. “ It’s just… I’m still getting used to blood, and construction sites are pretty much an accident warzone. ” She didn’t know how life was for werewolves, but, given the stories she’d heard from Dani about wolves on a full moon. Bloodthirsty, vicious, hungry creatures–like her. The difference was that Aeri didn’t need a specific time of the month to feel that way. It felt like the more she felt, the hungrier she got. Maybe that was why Calahan and Hera had such restraint when it came to blood, but for now, Aeri wasn’t worried about it. She still had a good head above her shoulders, so she could handle it.
It was easy to follow him around the station. The last time Aeri had been there, was to interview some of the squad members after Cosima’s sudden death in the middle of the town square. She wished she had written happier pieces on them. Like how they had rescued people from a fire, or how they had been able to stop a building from collapsing, sadly, life had different plans for her. Then, he brought up some sort of dog joke, which not only made Aeri chuckle, but it also made her feel like she was talking to one of her own. The little references here and there, the jokes to keep others always entertained, all of it. “ Are you always this smiley? ” The former medium asked. She had been like that once, and it’s not like her positivity had died with her humanity, but, given the amount of bad and sad things that had happened in Portum, it was hard for Aeri to remain positive for the moment. “ Not that there’s anything wrong with that! ” She was quick to add, however, waving her hands to dismiss any type of ill thought from her, and knowing for a fact that if someone had asked her that, the journalist would have shied away and hidden inside her own restlessness. “ It’s actually pretty refreshing. Everyone’s been very upset lately, and within reason, of course, so it’s nice to see that some of us are still brave enough to smile. ” But then again–was she still one of them? Was she still willing to see the good in the world, to see the good side of things and to fight to keep others positive too? “ It’s very nice to meet you, Dominic. ” The young vampire pressed her plump lips together, then she gave another try and slid her hands down her back pockets. This time, her daylight ring didn’t get caught on one of her pockets, so it was nice to have somewhere to place her hands.
Her dark amber hues watched the floor as she followed him. Steps moving her closer to the donation point with ease, it almost felt like she’d been transported to one of the Twilight movies, because she was almost certain she could hear a Muse song playing in the distance. Dominic spoke again and Aeri returned her gaze to the werewolf, a mix of confusion and amusement clear in face and body language when he mentioned knowing what she was doing. “ I–what? ” It was impossible not to laugh at his antics. Not because it was pathetic, but it was the type of nervous laughter she would give when people started giving her the attention she had desperately sought for–back when she was still alive and breathing. The type of chuckle that made her ready to dismiss any type of attention, compliments or niceties. “ Are you really flirting with me, right now? ” It came out more as a mutter to herself, as if she was talking to herself, but, given his heightened senses, he probably would have heard her awkwardness and disbelief. “ But you’re so tired, Dominic. Are you sure coffee is a good idea? ” She tried dismissing the word date from what he’d said. Because he had definitely mentioned a date. Or dates. Plural. Which was weird, considering they had just met and she was there to deliver some donations. One of her hands gestured to the box that Nic had placed along with several others at the post. “ Thanks for carrying it all the way here. ” Even if it wasn’t exactly all that far from where they’d first met, but it was still nice of him… and the way he was walking backwards as he spoke, made Aeri watch him apprehensive, scared that he might end up tripping or something, which was silly, considering he probably knew this place better than her.
“Have you been a firef–hm… no. ” She was about to ask how long he had been a firefighter for, but… “ You’re not a firefighter. ” He wasn’t a firefighter. It wasn’t easy to pick up on. The scent firefighters usually had and it was different from the one Dominic sported. “ How long have you been a paramedic? ” Good to know that even though she didn’t have the spirits to tell her who to talk to or how to talk to, their newfound heightened senses helped her pick up information here and there. Like the scent of sanitizing alcohol. “ I heard you guys lost a few of your people. I’m… so sorry for your loss. ”
The pretty little angel before him had a sort of wall that hit him square in the face — every subtle advance actually sent him three steps back. It was probably inappropriate of him to think that made it all a little more exciting, especially considering the time, the place, the literal situation carrying on around them. But what could he say? He felt as if his heart had opened — truly — for the first time in years. All because she was a little lost on her way to donate to them. What an angel she was indeed. “Bet you're real cute rereading the pages.” The giggle that followed was of a giddy man not of strong resolve, and he would like to blame the sleep deprivation for that. He cleared his throat, looking down, then side to side before braving another attempt at what he meant. “I just meant, you probably get a little furrow on your face while you read — I think I can see the divot now if I squint.” Nicci teased her, hoping to get a little under her skin as he pointed between her eyebrows. There was a simplicity to her that unnerved and fascinated him — luring him closer to her without meaning to. “You like to get dirty, huh?” His brows raise and his eyes are half lidded, gazing at her with a newfound appreciation he hoped snaked its way under her skin. Dominic could not, for the life of him, figure out what she was. Part of him thought an angel, it only made sense why that was the phrase that kept popping up as he thought about her. But he could also see a siren or a witch, maybe that was why he was lured in by her song or her spell. But at the mention of blood, recognition crossed his features. It made the most sense of course — why she was in no need of food, her icy white skin and the lack of flush on her cheeks when he spoke to her (surely she couldn't have just been uninterested). “Oh, I gotcha.” He nodded, his smile as easy as it was before. “Got a vaewolf on the team — she does just fine ‘round blood. You’ll get there in time. Scout's honor.” His desire to flirt with her was overshadowed by his need to comfort and protect, because something told him even just standing this safe distance from him was triggering her senses. In any other case, this would have been the perfect moment to press the advantage, make her squirm. But it was more important to be a good man to him.
It was a relief she hadn't taken him up on the offer to make a dog joke, though, it would have been deserved if she had. There was a part of him underneath all the bravado that just wanted to lie down and have a good cry about what had happened. And maybe he would, in a few weeks or during the memorial service — but today he was energetic and able to share his warmth with the world, just as he had been taught. So her laugh was music to his ears, proof he could still be good, despite it all. “No, no. I am actually real serious. All doom and gloom. All. The. Time.” He teased, fighting the temptation to bump his shoulder against hers. It would have been more his arm against her shoulder, but he fought the instinct nonetheless, because there was coming on too strong, and there was coming on way too strong. He tried to stay in the former, but couldn't resist the “You must bring it out of me.” that escaped him as he caught her gaze. Nicci gives a slow, pointed smile, his eyes giving a once over that could be taken however she liked. Her words don't have the sting she feared, though, her explanation wasn't what he wanted to hear. ‘Brave enough to smile’ made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Who were the hunters to take their joy and squash it so desperately? He was sure many had lost a lot recently, but that didn't mean they had to hide in their fear and grief and be scared to express the good things. Like meeting Aeri was a good thing for him, might be the highlight of his week. It broke his heart to know that so many people in town were too afraid to let anything but hate, anger, grief, and sadness touch their souls. What he wouldn't give to change that. “Just doing what I can for the people.” His smile doesn't reach his eyes this time, the phrase something of an autopilot as he tried to regain his composure. Instead, he gave her a piece of himself behind the happy go lucky man, and says softly, “It helps with morale. Glad to know its raising your spirits too.”
The laugh that rang between his eardrums is angelic and so taken aback my his come on that if Dominic were a lighter man, he'd sure be showing a blush. It didn't help that as a werewolf he already ran hot, and the flush of embarrassment on his cheeks at her laugh had him downright scalding underneath his skin. The whole room suddenly felt loud and dull at the same time, the ringing of chatter like a pitch only he could hear, steady and resounding in contrast to the irregular pumps of his heart. He was simultaneously embarrassed and more smitten by the way she brushed him off, and it was the sort of doomed kind of attention his family always warned him to run from. And yet, he wanted closer, to convince her of his worth. “Why wouldn't I flirt with a beautiful woman?” He asked, his face hot and burning, making it feel like the imaginary heat radiating off of him was clouding his vision. When she persisted, asking follow up questions, he felt like he was on trial. He'd have much rather had her just say it wouldn't happen and be done with it. He tried to answer her truthfully, with as much dignity as he could muster, but he was definitely feeling a little flustered. “It's not like I'm forcing you. Please feel free to say no." He assured her, though she had been the one to initially ask. “I just wanted to stay up and talk to that pretty face of yours." He paused, his expression softening for a moment. "Kind of like your energy, angel.” His gaze broke from hers as he looked down in embarrassment. “Is that so hard to believe?” This question broke him out of his sorrow long enough to look genuinely concerned for her well being. Had no one chosen her over anything else? Surely a girl like her has been loved — she's probably drowning in all her suitors' affections, never having to decide on a person. Dominic shrugged his shoulders, “Can't have anyone thinking the guns were just for show.” As much as he wanted to retain an ounce of his dignity, her flexed his arms for her, hoping she would get just a hint of as flustered as she made him.
The questions return, and he has to remind himself that she just said she worked at the chronicle. Clearly investigating was just part of her nature, even if he did feel like he didn't have the answers. “No ma'am.” He agreed, nodding his head in her direction. He didn't have that valiance to run into a burning building — sue him. He'd much rather tend to the wounded while all the other's played hero — he had already fought and lost a battle, and he wasn't keen on returning to that state of mind. He had hardly escaped that man now, no need to make it harder by falling back on his old ways. Especially after this attack. “A little after I got here, actually. Mostly trained with dummies and followed Rory around until they let me officially join the outpost.” Then there comes the phrase he really doesn't like. ‘I’m sorry for your loss' had become a mantra here, on the lips of every wolf, angel, nymph, or what have you that wandered into the Outpost. Everyone had lost someone. He couldn't think about their bodies all crumpled and lifeless, the light fading from them. “Everyone lost someone.” He nodded, his voice quiet. “Thank you, Aeri. I know this hasn't been easy on anyone.” He paused, a small smile pulling on his lips. “I hope you and your loved ones are healing.”
( ↻ ) “ if you’re sure . the offer still stands , ” hera elegantly shrugs . she’s genuine in her offer . despite her complaints about this town , driving out the council left quite the power vacuum . she holds no qualms about immediately grasping that power , but she doubts it’ll play well in a town like this so here she is , strategizing . there’s an opportunity to really rebuild but she knows she can’t do this on her own . and while she’s familiar with most of the residents in this town , the newer ones are still a bit of a mystery to her .
“ understandable . the town has been put through its paces . ” eyes will flicker up towards the ceiling . “ the best we can do now is mourn our losses and recover . ” her words are a little more direct than intended but there’s no point in dancing around the death and destruction . she refuses to let the events of the attack become a taboo topic that the town refuses to talk about it . it’s pretty much what got them here in the first place . “ i was . ” the vampire confirms . “ not here in particular but i was at the town hall . ” and doing a little more than just protecting the town . “ were you ? ”
Though Sithara knew she would not go to this stranger if they needed it, they still offer the pleasantry with a wave of their hand and tight lipped smile in the other's direction. “Thank you. Now I know where to look if I'm ever in need.” Somehow, they got the feeling they were swallowed into some sort of campaign trail, but they brushed off the thought as her usual paranoia and assumptions when it came other's. Not everyone had an underlying reason for being kind — especially after an attack this severe. Tara should just allow others to be kind without passing judgment, though it was a practice she had failed in for many years now.
There's a moments hesitation in Sithara's movements, a quiver of confusion on her lips while she sifts through what is an appropriate thing to say. This would probably be a good moment to offer sympathies to the poor souls upstairs, and the ones who perished. “Yes, I imagine there will be a great period of mourning for those lost.” Her expression is an attempt of gentle, though it does not touch her eyes. “While they remain here, I am doing what is in my capabilities to let this remain a safe haven for them.” The astronomer nodded, though they felt the notion and words were moot. What could change the fact that they had been through hell? Her remedies were small potatoes compared to the kind of attention and care they needed.
“Ah.” Her tongue clicked to the roof of her mouth in thought, then they look almost surprised when the question is redirected back to them. It should have been anticipated, they had asked an incredibly delicate question. “No, no. I came to town after this occurred.” A sort of tension has filled the room they aren't sure how to break, or if its self inflicted from the way her mind is racing with other questions to ask. “You must have seen your fair share of horrors out there." The statement by itself is, well, factual albeit lacking tact, so, she slapped on, “I hope you are able to move past it.” Though, that also seemed to be impolite, so Sita forced herself to speak one last time, hoping someone would put her out of her misery. “Though, if you ever need to speak to someone…” She gestured to herself as she trailed off, uncomfortable with the situation she had just led them to. Her nosiness was a curse.
"oh, please. i’m reckless, not cruel." cosima quipped, head tipping just slightly as she regarded sithara with an amused spark in her eye. "i wouldn’t hand a stranger something i hadn’t tried myself first. what do you take me for?" there was a lightness in her tone, but the hybrid’s grin said she was enjoying the back-and-forth far more than she’d admit. experiments, after all, were only half as fun without someone around to witness the results. "you’re braver than you think, letting me play bartender with you as my test subject," she added, swirling the liquid in her glass with easy confidence. "though i’ll take that one more try. after all, if i have to start paying you by the glass, i’m going to expect a receipt." the laugh that followed was soft, genuine, paired with a mischievous glance like she’d already decided to push the limits of that bargain.
“You'd be surprised how often they go hand in hand.” Sithara shrugged, knowing all too well the cruelty many had suffered at the hands of reckless fools. But it would seem, if for the time being, madness had yet to consume Cosima. So, she would play her games — after all, better a seasoned lab rat than a poor passerby unaware of what experiments can do. Though, this seemed on a much lesser scale than she was used to. “At least you are willing to take the first sip. Now I know you'll never poison me.” Sita let her lips twitch upwards, but, scared her joke didn't land, offered an awkward chuckle after a beat. When the other laughed, Sithara was surprised and elated enough to offer a small laugh with her. “I think the pricing of further trials will depend on size, quality, and taste.” She counted them on her fingers, pausing for a minute, then gave an almost grin and said, “Obviously.”

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"...y'know what, it never occurred to me that pancakes could ruin anything at all ever in my entire life, so, actually, like... fuck off, pancakes are fucking amazing?" he made a face, but it was quickly replaced with a smile. messing around about something lighthearted was exactly what he needed, and he could almost feel his old self coming back, without guilt creeping up under his skin making him feel like shit for even thinking about being happy again. (as if he's ever truly been happy since the manifestation of his abilities)
"the woods? nah... way too many bugs." he shook his head. he'd always been a city kid, or a beach kid, but somewhere remote with only trees around and nothing else? now that brought a shiver down his spine. "told ya my fave spot's the skate park." he shrugged, then looked in the direction the other pointed in, squinting before he finally saw his shirt floating in the water. after a series of very colorful cursing in spanish, he let a soft sigh escape him. "...maybe one of the mermaids will find it and bring it to the station?" wishful thinking. but hope would die last.
For a minute, Nicci was worried he actually struck a nerve on the younger, but when he bounced back with a smile, the older man pointed at him, chuckling and shaking his head. “You got spirit, kid, I'll give you that.” The feeling of camaraderie fell between them in a comforting sort of way — exactly the kind of easy nature he had hoped to cultivate with the random passerby of town. He hoped on some level it could be authentic, that the other could see past the grief and the danger of whatever brought him to town, and the recent events.
“Too many bugs? Boy, they are everywhere.” He shook his head at Danny, unimpressed with his excuse. Nature was meant to be embraced, not swatted and sprayed at with whatever repellent one had on him. “I know you said the skate park. But you can't really find all that concrete entertaining, so I was giving you another shot at it.” He shrugged, brushing past the topic like it was nothing. But Dominic was bad at letting things truly go. “Just sayin' the woods seem better in comparison. I mean you already like the sea. Bugs out here too.” His shoe kicked a rock over for emphasis, though nothing was underneath it. He glared at it like it had ruined his point on purpose. “Sure, sure. And then the mermaids will feel up your biceps and seduce you with their siren song.” He rolled his eyes, looking around for a stick to grab the other's shirt with. “Get real man. You want your shirt, you gotta fish it out.” He held out the stick he'd found for the other.
jo’s brows knit faintly, shoes still clutched in her hands. she wasn’t used to people stepping closer without her pulling away — yet somehow, she stayed. his words had caught her off guard, the corners of her mouth tugging in the faintest twitch that might’ve been the start of a smile. “...i don’t know if i’m the best judge of that,” she admitted, eyes darting toward the waves before flicking back to him. “but you… don’t feel un–friendly.” it sounded almost hesitant, like she was testing the words as she spoke them. her fingers shifted around the shoes in her hands, loosening the death grip just a little, though not fully letting go. “guess i haven’t known you long enough to say more than that.” a pause, then softer, almost despite herself: “but… you seem like you mean it.”
How quickly it felt like the tables had turned, and now he was the one who needed gentle coaxing out of his shell. What was he if he wasn't friendly? Who was he if not the guy people could turn to? Her smile, though faint, eased him from his almost downward spiral and he returned back to his default of being the helper and not the helped. "You gotta trust your gut here, Jo." Dominic's lips twist in a smile that is somewhere between confused and authentic, but he meant his words just the same. “Well thanks, at least, I think.” He chuckled, at being told he didn't seem unfriendly. He did tell her to trust her gut after all. And if that was what it told her… “Look — I'm sorry. I didn't mean to put you on the spot like this. But I appreciate the reassurance. I'd hate to be known as anything else.” He nodded, his hand patting his chest partly for the motion of his gesture, and partly for comfort. “But why don't we change that, yeah? Get to know each other? Then maybe you can tell me if I'm a friendly person or not. Whaddya say?”
where: town square when: late september who: dominic & yong sun (@mystvcs)
Dominic knew that repairing the town would not be an overnight success. But damn, was he starting to feel the burden of it all. It reminded him of his first days in Portum, only, there wasn't such disarray back then. His recovery had been slow, the ache in his muscles a dull and constant pain only made better by Aurora and Yong Sun's welcoming and kind natures. Now, he was lucky enough to have come out unscathed, and even luckier to call Sunni a friend. So, when he saw the other across town square, he bustled past those repairing and those wandering, trying to catch up with him before it was too late.
“Aren't you a sight for sore eyes?” He grinned, his arm casually wrapping around the older man's shoulders. “You know…” Dominic began, shaking his head in mock irritation at the other. “I don't think it's fair you look younger than me.” On one hand, maybe Sunni deserved eternal youth. After all, he was his savior — him and Rory. He wouldn't have made it very far in town if he hadn't been tucked safely under their wings, learning how to be a good person all over again. Who was he if not grief stricken and angry? It was a question that would have been left to the sands of time had they not intervened. “Shouldn't you be all crusty and scaly on account of being a dragon?” A laugh escaped him as he looked at the other man, trying to keep his air of casualness about him. Today was not one of those days to search a little deeper. He wanted to keep things light.
where: the observatory when: september 21st who: sithara & coralia (@moonspull)
One of the educators had asked Sithara to assist in a lecture, and provide insight and assist with a safe viewing of night sky. "As you can see, because of our town's ever changing location, our telescopes allow us to view Saturn at its opposition. Perhaps clearer than anywhere else." Sithara concluded, and the crowds dispersed to watch the stars through the sheltered roof windows. A moonless sky hung above them, and the would be a dark night if not for Saturn shining brighter than any star shimmered above them. The dim lighting of the room allowed the heretic a chance to slip through the crowds unseen. Their intention was to find a quiet corner to hide out by, stick to the shadows and hope the viewers would go an educator with a question.
However, such a hope was easily shattered as the brunette with coiled hair made her way to Sithara. “Yes?” Her best attempt at customer service was curt and to the point. But, considering the woman hadn't done a thing to her yet, Sithara tried again, kinder. “Are you enjoying Saturn in the sky? It is the closest and brightest it will be for some time.” Perhaps reminding the other that there was a limited time would get her to leave her alone, but still, she remained. “Did you have a question?”
cosima laughed, not at the monotone exactly, but at the effort she caught behind it. “see? that’s practically enthusiasm. i’ll take it.” she leaned an elbow against the counter, thoughtful. “honey, though… i like that. smoother, softer than straight sugar. maybe it’ll take the edge off without losing the bite.” she tapped her nails against the glass, already filing it away in her mental list of tweaks. at the question, her grin curved sharper. “depends what you count as ‘in the works.’ if you mean half-formed scribbles and three a.m. brainwaves, i’ve got… oh, at least a dozen. if you mean ones i’d actually let someone drink?” a dramatic pause, her hand lifting like she was weighing the two. “mm, maybe four. five if you don’t mind me calling it an experiment instead of a recipe.” she tilted her head at sithara, eyes glittering. “you volunteering to be the brave taste tester for the next one, too?”
Sithara nodded at the other, satisfied in her attempts to convince her of natural sweeteners. There was technically nothing wrong with sugar, they just hated the way it sometimes didn't dissolve completely, or pooled at the bottom. The same could be said about honey, of course, but they would fight anyone who said it to their face. "And these dozen...they're nothing you'd actually place in front of an unsuspecting stranger?" A tilt of her head, curiosity intriguing her. Sithara supposed they were the same with their spells and wards for safety. They wouldn't cast just any spell they had come up with for someone in need of safety. No, they would trial and error their magic on their own before submitting another soul to their attempt. It was interesting to see that Cosima was the same way. "Experiments..." Sithara let the word roll over her tongue, trying to find less aversion to it. In time she might succeed. "You get one more test out of me." Sithara, surprisingly, agreed. "After that, I charge by the glass." Her lips ghosted a smile.

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( ↻ ) “ oh i’ve been tempted to see if any witches want to hold a seance . gotta find a way to catch my old friends up to speed , ” she’ll joke . while elodie’s time in portum was always fleeting , she did have a steady friendship with the founders of this town . it’s that friendship that makes the attack a much harder pill to swallow . they would’ve done anything to protect this town . “ no but you’re right , nic . can’t focus on the past otherwise you’ll lose yourself in it , ” she concedes with a shrug . elodie would know more than anyone about what it’s like to live in the past . “ i breathe just fine . don’t you worry about me . that’s why i leave every twenty to thirty years ! ” they half-joke . “ kidding , mostly . i don’t have any plans to leave for now . i’ve got hobbies outside of the outpost and the bar . ”
she watches and waits patiently for him to finally try the drinks . “ more alcohol ? here i was thinking i should be classy about it . funerals and all . wouldn’t want to ply people with too much alcohol , you know ? ” she points to the glass he just tried . “ last rites . a play on last word and i swapped the maraschino liqueur for aperol . give the next one a try and lemme know what you think ? ”
"If you're holding a seance, I deserve a warning." He laughed shaking his head. "I wanna be as far away from that trouble as possible." It was odd that they hadn't come back around as ghosts, the founders. But maybe it was for the best. An eternity of listening to the same people in charge sounded like torment to Nicci, but he was still new here. After all, he was five years shy of his first decade. He grinned at their joke, but shook his head in disbelief. "I dunno El, you are awfully still." After a moment's pause, he continued his joke, "Besides, I think if you could breathe and smell. You'd be a helluva lot stricter about the barracks upkeep, boss. It's rank in there." He wafted his hand in front of his nose for emphasis.
At Elodie's words, Nic nodded in understanding. He didn't personally agree, but he could understand an air of civility might be due for all those lost. He just seemed to lack it. "Come on though. It's a celebration of the lives we lost. We should be honoring them with heavy drinks." He tried again, gesturing grandly around him like he could paint a picture in the vaewolf's mind. While Nicci wanted to rage and thrash, he knew that ceremony in equal parts respect and celebration were due for all they had lost. His anger could swallow him another day, this was about unity. "That's a good name, I like it. But imagine how much harder it'll hit if the drink takes you out." Dominic reached for the next glass as instructed, eyeing the liquor before lifting it to his lips and taking a drink. This one, he liked. Dominic smiled and downed the glass, using the back of his hand to wipe any excess liquor off his mouth. "Now that is a drink. Was I tasting rum? Or did you slip in tequila?" He was not well versed in how to make a drink, so his expertise was limited, to say the least.
jo’s toes dug deeper into the sand, as if she could disappear into the shore itself. “i… wouldn’t say friendly,” she murmured, the word tasting uncertain on her tongue. “quiet, maybe. cautious, usually.” her gaze slid away, settling on the tide as it rolled in, steady and safe. “people don’t really call me friendly.” she shifted the shoes in her hands, fingers tightening around the worn leather. after a beat, she let a small, unsure breath escape, almost like a laugh. “but i guess there’s worse things i could be called.” finally, her eyes flicked back toward him, studying him in the sunlight, as if weighing whether he was teasing or sincere. “what about you?” she asked, the question soft but genuine. “do you think of yourself as friendly?”
When he got a laugh, Dominic smiled. He must have done something right, or at the very least, she had given him an inch. Never known not to take the mile, he approached closer, now just a few steps away form her. This distance felt more acceptable for a casual conversation, but he hoped Jo wouldn't mind his presence. "I think you're plenty friendly. So there's at least one person out there who calls you that." He smiled, trying to seem encouraging. It was a careful balance he walked, trying to keep his upbeat and friendly attitude while struggling to reach deeper with people. He had never been good at the real, and people often kept him surface level because of this. But Nicci was working on it, day by day. "Me?" He touched his chest, the question catching him off guard. Wasn't he friendly? It was, by his own self appointment, what was his defining characteristic. "Hell yeah." A grin spread on his lips and he shrugged. "I don't got a reason to be anything else." His first, and perhaps only, lie. Curious, he gestured in her direction, now seeking approval and confirmation. "Wouldn't you say I'm friendly?"