Sophie Hadder

just an old lady

[ahearts-a-heavyburden]

SOPHIE NESTA HADDER

there is no charm equal to tenderness of heart - jane austen

Nicknames: Soph Magic status: Gifted, she can imbue objects with properties she speaks (unaware); Cursed, when she feels deeply insecure she ages! (very aware) Nationality: Welsh/Ingarian Ethnicity: White Accent: Welsh Height: 5′3″ Build: Petite Complexion: Fair, freckled, OR as Granny Sophie... quite wrinkly! Eye color: Greyish Blue/Green Hair color/length/style: Mostly a mousey brown color, but depending on her curse's effects, it can be streaked or tipped with blonde or grey! It is entirely white blonde or grey when she is Granny Sophie. It is medium, chest length, and often found down or in a messy bun on the back of her head. She occasionally wears it half up or in a braid as well. Tattoos/piercings/daily jewelry: She only has her ears pierced, and often wears dainty gold jewelry. They are mostly passed down from her parents or gifts she has received because she would never purchase something like that for herself! No tattoos either.

What would you find if you Googled them? The Haddery! Information on her father's Hat Shoppe in Market Chipping would be available, as well as that she took it over and managed it after his passing. He was well loved by the community. It is now managed by his widow. Very minimal social media presence, mostly prompted by her sisters who are a lot more active.

What natives would know about them: Sophie lived in Ivy Grove and was fixing it up for Toulouse Bonfamille before it burned down. She works as housekeeping at the Hauntley Inn and mostly keeps to herself, she seems very timid.

Granny Sophie is rarely around, but when she is she is often crocheting in the park and nursing a hot cocoa from Hatter's... She is a very sweet old lady, natives might wonder where her family is.

Other: Sophie is vegetarian and loves to bake! She is not the best cook though. Her sisters (Lettie and Martha) are her half sisters. Both of them are sorceresses (Kitchen and Love Witch specialties!) and they live in Ingary still.

[wintersselene]

Chapter Three | OPEN

[wintersselene]

"I guess we have to start somewhere." It might be a little odd to show up the first time without reading the book, but hopefully the group would be understanding. They all had a first meeting too, right?

Selene was a little nervous at the thought of showing up and being the only person not in the know, but she wouldn't be the only person if Sophie showed up too. "Just don't let me be the only one who didn't read the book, okay?"

@ahearts-a-heavyburden

[ahearts-a-heavyburden]

Sophie hated the idea of barging into a meeting without having done any of the work, but in a notion of solidarity she nodded. Resolute. "Surely they let us in on the goings on and what chapters we have to read by the next meet." Sophie assuaged her own fears as well as Selene's.

"Hope you can read fast."

@wintersselene

[wintersselene]

Chapter Three | OPEN

[wintersselene]

"Nice to meet you, Sophie." Selene made a mental note of this Hatter also, needing to know where to get some good tea around here. She would surely need that when she started university in the fall.

"A book club? That could be fun." Selene usually wouldn't go out of her way to join a club, but she needed to make some friends here in Swynlake. "It would be easier to go if we already know someone, right?"

@ahearts-a-heavyburden

[ahearts-a-heavyburden]

Sophie nodded, "Yeah, the woman that runs it owns this shop. She's very clever and I think she seems like a classics girl. But I haven't gotten much of an opportunity to talk books with her..."

She thought back to her interactions with Belle. The meetings in her office, Belle, Ting-Ting, occasionally poor Gem or Wolf. It was the closest she felt to something like a family here. They all worked tirelessly to find a way to help Snow Song. It was no book club, but after the affair Sophie did feel kindred to the group of them.

"We can grab a flyer for it. I think there's some..." she parried around Selene to peer across the counter. "Here. It doesn't say what they're reading, but I don't think they'll blame us for showing up empty handed."

@wintersselene

[wintersselene]

Chapter Three | OPEN

[ahearts-a-heavyburden]

"Oh gosh, yeah it's a bit of a steep read at times... Tolkien... has a tendency to just keep going on and on..." she excused, but realized she was droning on and on...

Sophie perked back up when the girl brought up Austen. "I love her! If I could find a modern day Darcy... phew. I think I could die happy. Though I do enjoy the Bronte's quite a bit too. Wuthering Heights is just... classic."

@wintersselene

[wintersselene]

Selene smiled when she saw the way the woman lit up. They clearly had this in common, which was such a relief after the day she had had. She had been afraid she wouldn't be able to make friends in Swynlake, but maybe it would be alright after all.

"Ooh, I'm more of a Jane Eyre girl myself." She said with a small laugh.

"I'm Selene, by the way. Selene Winters."

@ahearts-a-heavyburden

[ahearts-a-heavyburden]

“Selene, that’s a lovely name. Very serene. I’m Sophie. Hadder, not to be confused with Hatter, the one who makes the tea and coffees.” She noted pointing in the direction of the coffee shop down Main Street.

“You know, I haven’t joined it, but there is a book club in Swynlake. It meets here, actually. Maybe we would both do well to check it out.”

@wintersselene

[wintersselene]

Chapter Three | OPEN

[ahearts-a-heavyburden]

Sophie smiled, "I was in the same boat a few years ago. I wish books didn't weigh so much or I'd have taken a lot more with me when I moved."

She stepped a half step forward and plucked a copy off the shelf to hand to the girl. The Hobbit. "This is one of my favorites and is one of the first things I picked up when I came here. It's a fantasy staple, I think. Everyone should have a copy and if you're trying to rebuild your collection... I wouldn't skip Tolkien."

@wintersselene

[wintersselene]

Selene ran her hand over the cover of the book. It was a really pretty edition of the book and one she would be happy to have in her collection.

"I tried to read this when I was maybe a bit too young for it and never picked it back up. But I'll have to give it another try." She smiled at the woman, grateful for her help.

"Anything else on your must-have list? The top of my list is anything by Jane Austen."

@ahearts-a-heavyburden

[ahearts-a-heavyburden]

"Oh gosh, yeah it's a bit of a steep read at times... Tolkien... has a tendency to just keep going on and on..." she excused, but realized she was droning on and on...

Sophie perked back up when the girl brought up Austen. "I love her! If I could find a modern day Darcy... phew. I think I could die happy. Though I do enjoy the Bronte's quite a bit too. Wuthering Heights is just... classic."

@wintersselene

[poor-princejohn]

Go fetch || Open

[poor-princejohn]

The day was not so hot that any time spent in direct sunlight felt like being slow roasted, but thankfully just warm enough that sitting by the lake seemed like a good idea. Reconnecting with nature, that was what people on the internet like to drone on about, right? Johnny had brought along his copy of Atomic Habits that had gone unread since he had bought it about six years ago, and had brought the dog along for a bit of a change of scenery, too.

Titan was pretty good at staying where he was meant to be, so Johnny didn't pay him too much mind as they sat near the shore. Hence why he didn't realise when the doberman padded away, only noticing he'd been gone at all when he came back with something in his mouth.

"What the-- what is that?" Johnny tossed his book down without checking the page he was on, trying to finagle the now-soggy item from the dog's mouth. Titan let go of it, huffing as he sat down, and Johnny peered at it, trying to figure out what it was. It was a little difficult, covered in drool and slightly chewed... he looked at the person closest to their spot, holding it up and saying, "Er-- don't suppose this is yours?"

[ahearts-a-heavyburden]

The minty green yarn rolled and bounced across the beach unspooling as it went. Sophie trailed behind it, grabbing at the tail it left in its wake. The beautiful spring wind had become a bit of a nightmare for the crocheter.

A tall shadow loomed over her, stopping her in her tracks.

"Uh. Yes, I'm so sorry I didn't mean to- to invade your space. My yarn... it has a mind of its own!" She awkwardly leaned up and took the wet, half unraveled ball. "Hope it wasn't too much trouble to get it for me. Thank you."

@poor-princejohn

[wintersselene]

Chapter Three | OPEN

[wintersselene]

Selene startled a little when she heard the woman speak, not having expected to be addressed by anyone. She was pretty used to being ignored, especially by strangers. Really pretty strangers.

"H-Hi... I'm not really looking for anything specific, just browsing. I just moved here and I didn't bring too many books with me, so I guess I have to start my collection over."

She reminded herself to smile, hoping it came across as genuine. She was determined that things would be different here--that she'd be able to make friends and be happier.

@ahearts-a-heavyburden

[ahearts-a-heavyburden]

Sophie smiled, "I was in the same boat a few years ago. I wish books didn't weigh so much or I'd have taken a lot more with me when I moved."

She stepped a half step forward and plucked a copy off the shelf to hand to the girl. The Hobbit. "This is one of my favorites and is one of the first things I picked up when I came here. It's a fantasy staple, I think. Everyone should have a copy and if you're trying to rebuild your collection... I wouldn't skip Tolkien."

@wintersselene

[wintersselene]

Chapter Three | OPEN

[wintersselene]

Since arriving in Swynlake, Selene had been holed up in her hotel room. She needed a break from people after being trapped on a seven hour flight surrounded by people. The screaming kids, the miserable parents, the overworked flight attendants... it all took a toll on her.

But after a few hours on her own, she knew she needed to make her first real journey into her new home. She was looking for somewhere to grab a bite to eat when she saw the bookshop. Well, a quick visit couldn't hurt!

Selene wandered around the store, looking for her favorite sections or anything that caught her eye.

[ahearts-a-heavyburden]

Sophie was doing her monthly book shop. It was an unfortunate truth that while most of her life remained bare with her house having burned down, she still found a way to budget for the growing stack of books she had. Today was no different, she came with no intentions just an open mind.

Her favorite section, fantasy and sci-fi, was occupied by a new face. With her introverted nature, Sophie's first instinct was to just let the girl pass by and continue to peruse. Then she remembered what Lettie said... 'You'll never meet the One if you don't talk to anyone, Soph!'

She supposed any practice is better than none...

"Hi." She gave a little wave, hair turning just a smidge more blonde. "What are you looking for? I'm just browsing, but if you've got any recommendations I'd love to hear them."

@wintersselene

[knightley--phillip]

It'd Be An Awfully Empty Galaxy Without You || Helmet || VDay Trope Extravaganza

[knightley--phillip]

Sophie Hadder kept him on the edge.

There was a reason she was probably the most consistent relationship in his entire life. They just worked well together, on the battlefield and off it (and in the bedroom and out of it). She pushed him; he pushed her. He knew her weak spots, which were entirely too easy to poke and prod — but also, he wouldn’t let anyone else poke and prod at them.

And she could read him like a damn datapad.

He followed her — of course he followed her — out of the ballroom and into the quiet courtyards of the Presidium level of the Citadel. During the day, the parks were full of government officials from across the galaxy, along with the wealthiest residents of the Citadel who could afford the luxurious shops, restaurants, and recreational facilities. 

But all of those people were in the ballroom now, meaning it was almost entirety empty.

Phillip caught up with Sophie and in one fluid motion, grabbed her by the waist and spun her around. 

“Twenty minutes, eh?” He smirked, pulling her close so that their bodies were flush together, before he leaned to kiss her. "We can do a lot in twenty minutes."

@ahearts-a-heavyburden

[ahearts-a-heavyburden]

It was self harm, Sophie's need for Knightley. A way that she could hurt herself just that bit more. Her reputation would never compare to his, but just between them she could be the on top. The highs of him came with the lows of Sophie's ego.

She accepted the kiss hungrily. It intoxicated her with the power she had over him in moments like this. Commander Knightley, a slave to her needs. Her core heated with each caress. Still, to keep control she kept the cat and mouse game going. What made him want her? Because she was so below him? Because she claimed to not want him like everyone else? If he knew how she felt would his want disappear?

Sophie pulled away, smirking, "You. You can do a lot in twenty minutes. I think I deserve to be treated tonight considering it's my award you're stealing."

She made her way to the oasis of grass and a tree, leaning against it. Tilting her head back, she eyed Phil with a wanton lust.

@knightley--phillip

[knightley--phillip]

It'd Be An Awfully Empty Galaxy Without You || Helmet || VDay Trope Extravaganza

[knightley--phillip]

Phillip’s eyebrows shot up. 

Oh, he liked it when Sophie got a bit of bite to her. You’d never know it, from the way she carried herself. Responsible, stoic, Sophie Hadder, the Alliance’s most reliable and steadfast soldier. 

Honestly, it was a shame that she wasn’t more decorated.

Phillip knew it was all politics. That his shiny medals came from his family name and prestige. That Sophie didn’t have the same military pedigree. That if the world were fair, they’d be honored together in this same ceremony.

He didn’t admit that, though.

Of course not.

His mouth ticked up a tad. 

“Aren’t you feisty tonight?” he chuckled. “Maybe we should direct that energy into more pleasurable pursuits later. Assuming I’m free this evening.” He glanced around the ballroom. “I’m sure I’ll have my pick of the lot tonight.” 

@ahearts-a-heavyburden

[ahearts-a-heavyburden]

A twinge of jealously shot through Sophie's veins at the thought of Knightley treating other women the way he did her behind closed doors. She followed his gaze to the Asari huntresses keenly aware of his attentions.

Sophie couldn't mind meld, but she could still blow his mind. Between all this tension and rivalry, the pair had unreal chemistry. Knightley was the most unbearable smarmy asshole but he knew how to take her to the edge of a galaxy better than any ship. Their constant verbal sparring, how she could feel his breath against her cheek as he leaned in to speak... it made Sophie feel unbelievably horny.

"Maybe I'm tired of waiting my turn." Sophie insinuated something more, calling back to a cheeky line he gave her once from between her legs. "Awards, recognitions... whatever meaningless sexual encounter will warm your bunk. I don't want to wait my turn anymore. It's my turn now."

She looked up at the podium, gauging the time until the ceremony truly began based on how other conversations seemed to be going. "I'd say we have about twenty minutes until you get yours, so I'm going to get mine. Even if it's not the award I deserve and whether you feel like joining me or not."

It was hard to feel alluring in her dress blues, but they did make her feel powerful. That was the only way she'd have the confidence to walk away from Phillip Knightley like that and turn to look at him through her lashes as she sashayed away, beckoning him to follow.

@knightley--phillip

[the-pumpkin-king-lament]

Jack's Party (Come Get It) || Jack and the Hauntleys

[the-pumpkin-king-lament]

"Can't dance? Now who told you that?" said Jack.

And then he dipped Sophie back into his arms, fast enough that her stomach would whoosh into her throat. Jack, personally, loved a good stomach whoosh. Nothing quite like the adrenaline rush that followed, that dizzying high when you realized that you weren't falling to your death-- you had survived.

Jack grinned over her. The music was so loud it shook the entire floor underfoot.

"Why don't you try dancing with me?"

@ahearts-a-heavyburden

[ahearts-a-heavyburden]

"I-- I," she couldn't tell him who said that because, well, no one had. Every person she had the pleasure of dancing with had been too kind to say so, but Sophie tended to think the least of herself no matter the context.

Sophie hated the stomach whoosh though. She felt weightless, breathless, and beet red. "Be-Because! You can't be having a party! I should not be dancing with you."

The housekeeper was not doing a great job of standing her ground, especially not as the ground rattled underneath her. She yanked her hands away and tucked them tightly to her sides like a petulant child.

"If you stop the music and send these guests home right now, I'll consider not calling security up here to deal with it."

@the-pumpkin-king-lament

[knightley--phillip]

It'd Be An Awfully Empty Galaxy Without You || Helmet || VDay Trope Extravaganza

[knightley--phillip]

“Oh, you know me,” said Phillip, his gaze lowering slightly and lingering on Sophie’s wide pink lips, before he returned his eyes to hers. “I remember all the important things.”

Like the night before the final assault, when the two of them had stayed up arguing over what the best defense position would be, and Phillip, running on adrenaline and passion and fear, had pinned Sophie to the wall with a kiss and they fucked right on the table in the middle of the command room. 

It hadn’t been the first time they’d hooked up. It hadn’t even been the most recent time. It had definitely been one of the more memorable times, though. 

Maybe that’s what got Sophie into a little tizzy now: she expected him to thank her for helping him blow off some steam. 

He winked at her.

“Don’t worry, Hadder; I’ll thank you in my speech. You were certainly instrumental in preparations for the final assault.” He lowered his voice. “Especially with the positions.” 

@ahearts-a-heavyburden

[ahearts-a-heavyburden]

It didn't get past her where he looked, Sophie tried not to give the fluttering in her gut any weight. She quickly reminded herself that Knightley would fuck a Vorcha if it seemed amicable enough.

What they had was purely carnal and whatever feelings being this close to him elicited... it was a mirage.

Sophie tightly smiled back, she hated when he spoke about their relations out loud. The risks he took were never calculated, merely foolhardy shows of bravado. Knightley thought he could get away with anything as long as he threw a quick smile their way. She threatened with a smile, "Don't be so crass, you'll ruin your sparkling reputation."

It was her reputation that would be ruined if word got out though. Sophie hoped he knew that. Even if he didn't, or didn't care that it would ruin any credibility she had... she hoped he'd take the hint.

"Besides, everyone knows you need to be ordered around to get anything done. If I didn't tell you where to be, who would?" She teased, because at the end of the day even though she could claim to hate him... Sophie could never say she hated the game they played.

@knightley--phillip

[knightley--phillip]

It'd Be An Awfully Empty Galaxy Without You || Helmet || VDay Trope Extravaganza

[knightley--phillip]

It wasn’t a surprise to anyone in the Systems Alliance military that Commander Phillip Knightley was being awarded the Star of Terra tonight. After all, he’d been instrumental in defending the human colony of Swyn against a band of pirates, slavers, and batarian warlords, intent on securing a vital nexus in humanity’s expansion into the Walt System. 

He also came from a very impressive military pedigree, with his father Hubert Knightley being one of the military leaders who’d led the First Contact War thirty years ago and his older brothers decorated officers across the Alliance military. One more Knightley added to the collection. 

Phillip, dressed in military blues, smiled from his place in the Citadel ballroom. He was used to events like this, and had attended them ever since he was a little boy. Sometimes he liked them; sometimes all he wanted to do was be on a ship, looking out at the stars instead. Still, he always kept a smile on his face, dispensing sweet words when necessary and laughing in all the right places.

That was one thing about being a military leader that many underestimated — sometimes, a smile and a well-timed word were your most powerful weapons.

He took a sip of his drink as he talked to a couple of  very beautiful (and very intimidating) Asari commandos, but his eyes wandered, focusing on a familiar figure who’d just stepped into the ballroom. He excused himself from the conversation and slipped through the crowd, grabbing another glass of champagne as he did so.

“Well, well, well,” he said, tipping his head to Sophie Hadder — frustratingly impossible, wonderfully brilliant Sophie Hadder. “And here I thought you wouldn’t want to watch me get another shiny medal.” 

He smirked, then handed her the glass. 

[outfit]

@ahearts-a-heavyburden

[ahearts-a-heavyburden]

Time and time again.

Time and time again, Commander Knightley stole accolades that should have been hers. Sophie just had to grin and bear it. Hadder didn't hold the weight that Knightley did in the Alliance and she knew that. Still, she often gazed out into the stars and wished upon them that one day her name would be known even in the far reaches of the dimmest of them all.

It would just take the downfall of Phillip fucking Knightley to finally be recognized. While she plotted the doom of her former quartermate, she smiled and made idle chat with other officers all here to celebrate and dote on the award recipients. A few even dared to share their condolences for her loss. Many of their colleagues were aware of the very public distaste Hadder and Knightley had for each other and knew the Star going to him had to have bothered her. Especially when she had been half of the brain behind the operation that won him the damn thing!

Sophie merely smiled tightly and avoided saying something untoward.

A grimace did find her face when he had the gall to finally approach her, and not for an apology either. She took the glass, still scowling as she took a gulp. "I wouldn't have come if my absence wouldn't have been notable. I was on that mission too, you know."

Rolling her eyes, "Though I wouldn't be surprised if you forgot about all those minute details..." Her voice was not as low as it should have been, talking to the Commander like that. The tone she used only expressed half the vehemence she felt toward the superior officer.

[outfit]

@knightley--phillip

[the-pumpkin-king-lament]

Jack's Party (Come Get It) || Jack and the Hauntleys

[the-pumpkin-king-lament]

Had Jack seen this housekeeper before?

He could have. But housekeepers were like squirrels. They all looked the same, scurrying from place to place during daylight hours when Jack was at his most delirious. He kept his own door firmly shut, his DO NOT DISTURB sign swinging from the doorknob until after 5pm. He let the Hauntley Staff do their magic then. Outta sight, outta mind.

So maybe he'd met her, maybe he hadn't.

Now, Jack was awake. And he thought to himself, Hey, she's pretty cute.

He jumped off the piano dramatically. "Oi, keep my Lady company," he said, passing off the painting to someone else, who held it cluelessly.

Then he sauntered to the new guest, all wide-eyed like a porcelain doll.

He grabbed her hand and kissed the top of it.

"Then how come there's a party here?" He grinned. "C'mon, you need a dance."

He twirled her without warning.

@ahearts-a-heavyburden

[ahearts-a-heavyburden]

Sophie squeaked when Jack leapt off the piano, expecting the fallout to be much worse. Her timid nature only proving his point that she was a forgettable rodent.

"Don't--" she held her hand out, reaching for the painting being handled haphazardly only for it to be grabbed by the most unruly guest she'd ever met. Her face flushed as she tried to pull it back from his lips.

"There shouldn't be. The manager isn't here to approoove!" Sophie's words elongated as she spun around in surprise. "I can't dance! Really."

Sophie eyed the door, wondering if she could slip through or that the music made its way down to the staff's quarters. Wolf or Bones would have this party packed up in ten.

@the-pumpkin-king-lament

[the-pumpkin-king-lament]

Jack's Party (Come Get It) || Jack and the Hauntleys

[the-pumpkin-king-lament]

[Set during the night of January 15]

You know what the Hauntley needed?

A fuckin' party.

And good boy Jack, he waited until Mummy was gone on some holiday with her boyfriend. During the first dinner hour, Limitless was spotted going between the Cinnamon Room and the unused ballroom, carrying various materials to fulfill Jack's fantastic vision. His last trip was to go into the Rose Room and unhook The Algerian Lady Hawking from her place over the mantel.

"Wh-what are you doing!" Demi exclaimed. "Put her down!"

"Lady Hawking is invited," was Limitless's limited explanation, delivered in his cool murmur.

By sundown, the music pumped furiously through the walls. Guests began to arrive, bypassing the front desk and heading right upstairs to the ballroom to join into the mass celebration of absolutely nothing! Just Jack's shits and giggles!

Upon entering among the throng of Alive and Undead guests, you'd find Jack dancing on top of Lady Miracle's piano with The Algerian Lady Hawking.

"Oi-- there you are! Come on, join the party!" Jack shouted when the door opened, one of the Hauntley Staff poking their head in.

[outfit]

@wolf-innsheepsclothing , @bones-weary , @ahearts-a-heavyburden

[ahearts-a-heavyburden]

Oh, this is very bad.

That was the mantra ticking like a film reel in the background of Jack's projection in Sophie's head as she poked her head in the door. She had waded through the unchecked in guests to got to the source of the pounding music.

It was beyond bad. Sophie had met many unruly guests in her time, but never, never a guest who threw a party this large. Snow would have put a stop to it immediately. If Snow were here this wouldn't have happened in the first place!

"Uh... I can't... I- I, you need to turn the music down. There--" She spun in a circle, dazed at the sheer number of people in the ballroom. "... there can't be a party here..." Sophie breathlessly mumbled to herself, her demands drowned out by the booming bass.

The housekeeper was in far over her head with this...

[outfit]

@the-pumpkin-king-lament

[sailor--thomas]

Peace, Love, and Tofu ~~ [Sopht]

[sailor--thomas]

"Ah, Martha," Tom said, repeating the name so he would commit it to memory. It was a simple, pretty name. It should be easy to remember.

He didn't mind talking about his family but--it was also a little difficult these days. Not only because he was estranged from two of his sisters (and one of them was in jail for conspiracy), but there was also the problem of Maddy now.

Tom didn't think talking about family was too familiar. He just...found it complicated.

"Three," he decided on, after thinking about it. It probably was too familiar to go into the whole: I just found out I might have a half sister but she also might not be my half sister...thing.

"Olivia, Eloise, and Melody's the youngest. She is the one who lives in town and is in her last year of her Literature PhD," he recounted proudly. "I'm older than Melody, but Liv and Eloise are older than me. I'm not that close with Liv, I adore her, obviously, but she is nine years older than me. By the time I was a teenager she was already married."

And, even as a 13 year old, he was arranging his sister's marriage, since their father was dead. It left for a strange dynamic...

"I'm closest to Melody, even though Eloise and I are closest in age. She's three years older than me and Melody is five years younger. What about your sisters?"

@ahearts-a-heavyburden

[ahearts-a-heavyburden]

Sophie, at first, felt a little overwhelmed thinking about how she would ever win that many sisters over. And they all sounded so impressive. Tom would have his work cut out for him to impress Lettie and Martha though, so they were at least on an even playing field with that.

She nodded, committing the details to memory. Leaning on her hands while listening. Tom was beaming talking about them and it made her feel fuzzy inside, like they could really be compatible. She could wax poetic about her family too.

"A PhD! I bet you're so proud, that's amazing! My sisters are quite different than me, in age and everything else, really. Lettie is twenty and Martha is eighteen. They make me feel so old sometimes," Sophie laughed. "Technically, they're my half sisters so it makes sense that our ages are so far apart, but I don't like to see it that way."

While Sophie often felt like an 'other' in her world, it was never because of her blood or abilities. Her sisters never treated her differently, neither did Fantine. "I didn't mind it so much, but I think when I have children I'd prefer they were a bit closer in age than I was to them."

@prince--thomas

[sailor--thomas]

Peace, Love, and Tofu ~~ [Sopht]

[sailor--thomas]

"Oh," Tom said, blushing and ducking his head as he realized that he'd misunderstood. He picked it back up again when she mentioned her sisters, his own heart giving a little squeeze as he thought about his own. Even Eloise. Who was a huge bitch but, well, his sister nonetheless.

"Well, uh--yes and no. Phil was never in the Navy. That was just John and I. And then--John doesn't live with us anymore. He's in London doing a law degree. But, otherwise yes: Phil is my roommate, John used to be. Sorry. I've known them my whole life so--I always forget to explain."

"Your sisters are, uh, Lettie and...sorry, I don't I remember." Honestly, he wasn't even sure Lettie was right, but he didn't want her to think he hadn't been listening.

@ahearts-a-heavyburden

[ahearts-a-heavyburden]

"Yes!" Sophie perked up when Tom remembered her sister's name. "Lettie and Martha. They're back in Ingary and loving it there. Though they express interest in coming up here all the time."

She leaned on her elbow, fully invested in talking about families. It was something always close to Sophie's heart. It was nice to know Tom felt the same. Part of her cringed, thinking family talk might be too familiar for a date... but he already had a kid right? How much more familiar can you get before marriage?

"You have a few sisters too, right? And... One lives in town?"

@prince--thomas