Flame of Protection

Benito "Benny" Alvarez |65| Pheonix "Nuestro amor mutuo vivirá para siempre En cada latido de mi orgulloso corazón"

[avxvidalis]

Sitting, criss-cross applesauce like a grade schooler, and a play in hand, Ava took in the beautiful weather of Corinth Bay from outside of the park. Her book bags, that was filled various books and plays, was used as a way to prop herself up. Her attention was entirely on the play, The Tempest by William Shakespeare, her all time favorite play. Honestly, Shakespeare was her favorite playwright, many of his plays lined the bookshelf in her room. Her mother always wondered why she would go to the library to read the plays when she could just read them at home, it was just the setting that added to all of it for Ava. 

Completely into the play, she was unaware of the presence that was nearing her until it cast a shadow over her. Instead of looking up, Ava just spoke to the other. “Hell is empty and all the devils are here, said Ariel in act one, scene two,” she said, eyes trailing up to the other. “That line has always stood out to me, ya’ know? It just resonates with me for some odd reason. Then again, The Tempest just resonates with me as a whole, the reason why it’s my favorite play by Shakespeare. What about you, do you like the big guy?” @corinthbaystarters​

[benny-alvarez]

Taking some time to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather of the bay Benny felt like taking time this particular day to take a walk. He was always intrigued by the beauty of the streets and buildings. He also enjoy the parks that were green and bountiful. Normally he took time to walk the path of a park that was a in proximity to were he lived. Honestly the ease of walking in this city surprised him as it was not always common in other places. 

Though it wasn’t his intention to disturb anyone while he was out he was surprised when a voice spoke out to him. Looking over he noticed a young girl a play book in hand and a hefty looking bag next to her. “Well, I have read a couple of his plays. Though I can’t say that I really got into them.” this was true since Spanish was his home language he’d always struggle with books in school and well Shakespeare was very difficult for him. “Though that’s neat that his words resonate with you.”

[callumsomethingelse]

In truth, he was a bit nervous when it came to having Benny following him. After all, he said he had something to show him, and in Callum's experience that was rarely a good thing. However, along with his other words, coming over to Callum's place was only logical. The area they were in was just too crowded and he was just better. Cal pulled his jeep in front of his place. The sign in front of the old villa showing it had been turned into apartments and lofts. The latter of which was one that Callum called home. Pulling his car into his spot; he jumped out and guided Benny to a free guest spot. "Place is pretty much a ghost town right now. Whatever old greek guy made this villa probably didn't expect it to get turn into apartments and lofts. But this 'home' has more gates and areas than most manors." @benny-alvarez​

[benny-alvarez]

callum-marcoh “So you’re saying use magic so you’re phone doesn’t work? well as long as I got your permission.” He smirked at the other tilting his head up in a cocky gesture. “Of course, that means your here to catch me snacking in the wee hours of the night. Just what are your intentions for me Mr. Possible Dragon?“

He let out a laugh as he watched Benny with Kent. the wolf had sniffed at the man but he kept one corner of his mouth raised. "Looks like you know some etiquette. However, avoid eye contact until he fully acknowledges you. But keep your presence shown, shows respect but that you ain’t going to roll over.” Kent sniffed the other and then after a few seconds brushed the side of his body against Benny’s frame before panting and wagging his tail excitingly like a normal dog. “Approval, nice.” Walking over to Benny, Cal helps him to stand up before placing a hand below the man’s air to cup his head. “I approve to.” Leaning in, he kissed Benny once again.

“Don’t you dare magic my phone with your witchcraft.” He tried his best to give Cal a menacing look. “Or I’ll melt yours” Benny continued trying to harden the look. Though he couldn’t fight the lilt at the corners of his lips suggesting a sarcastic tone. smirking, “who said I have intentions? you’re the one that brought me to your place in the night”

“Yeah, I’ve had a few dogs over the years. None were wolf-dogs but similar behaviors.” He continued to pet Kent, scratching between the ears. Feeling Cal’s lips against his send more warmth and fire through him. Feelings he’s used to however this one is slightly different. He buts his hips against Cal’s “I’m glad you approve” he give a playful smirk. 

[callumsomethingelse]

In truth, he was a bit nervous when it came to having Benny following him. After all, he said he had something to show him, and in Callum's experience that was rarely a good thing. However, along with his other words, coming over to Callum's place was only logical. The area they were in was just too crowded and he was just better. Cal pulled his jeep in front of his place. The sign in front of the old villa showing it had been turned into apartments and lofts. The latter of which was one that Callum called home. Pulling his car into his spot; he jumped out and guided Benny to a free guest spot. "Place is pretty much a ghost town right now. Whatever old greek guy made this villa probably didn't expect it to get turn into apartments and lofts. But this 'home' has more gates and areas than most manors." @benny-alvarez​

[benny-alvarez]

  callum-marcoh

“Ahhhh….” Cal hadn’t quite realized that he had spoken that part out loudly when Benny mentioned it. With a laugh, Cal let his head hang nervously for a second before lifting it back up.“We’ll get to that…. maybe.” Shaking his head, he turned back to his loyal pooch before noticing it snap to attention at the sound of Benny’s voice. The cereal box swaying between where he thought the man was and were Cal stood. “What I wanna know is…. how did he break the boundary spell….” Looking around, he noticed that the pass wat doors between the wall in his kitchen and living room were open. “Clever little….” Leaning down, Cal ran a reassuring rub down the length of Kent’s body patting it before reaching for the box and yanking it off of his head. Kent reacted with a small grunt before licking Cal and turning to Benny. Although his stance was generally relaxed, his head arched up like someone peacocking to another. “Careful, his father was a wolf dog, you occasionally have to remind him who the alpha is. But he’s normally nice. It’s the reason he took him. He wasn’t very easy for people to keep him tamed or attach easily. We have a bit in common and I’m used to …..interacting with those with wolf instincts so he was perfect for me.” Although Cal would only really hint to the wolf ‘father having wolf genes’ bit. He knew there were more matching traits.

“Hmmm so you’re a bit of a sleep snacker then” Benny smirked at Cal and wiggled a brow “No shame in that, if I ever find you with a cereal box on your head. Be warned there will be a picture taken and I will use it mercilessly.” Taking a moment an idea cam into his brain “I could make a bolo with that.” he nodded, “wanted cereal killer, consider him extremely armed and dangerous when spoon is in hand” Benny couldn’t help his chuckle breaking in to giggles as he thought of the idea.

“Alpha dog, eh? So he’s the one in charge around here. Aren’t you buddy?” Now that the box was of the dogs head he knelt down and extended a hand the back facing the dog. It was an offering for the dog to take his scent. 

[benny-alvarez]

For @noahkramer​ 

It was a nice spring morning about Corinth Bay. The leftover evidence of the recent festivities could still be seen here and there as people still took time to clean up and enjoy the after feel of the festival. However, it was early and as usual Benny needed his coffee. The nectar of life that he was certain he had an addiction to. He had just left his bare apartment, still not finding the time to really get the place decent looking since his move a few weeks ago, making his way to the local coffee shop.

Caffeine & Caffeine it was a very apt name for the place and their service was usually pretty quick. Having put in his order he waited near the counter to receive his much-anticipated coffee. It didn’t take long for his order to come up and him to get his coffee from the nice barista. Needless to say, it was early in the morning and not having a drop of coffee in his system. Benny wasn’t paying attention when he managed to bump into some nearly spilling his coffee all over them. Though thanks to his protective nature of coffee and decent reflexes he was able to keep it to a splash that escaped the cup in his hand.

“I’m so sorry. That must be incredibly hot” Jumping into action he turned quickly to grab a few napkins to help wipe up the dark scalding liquid. Turning he held the napkins toward the blond haired young man he had ungraciously bumped into “Let me help you with that”

[benny-alvarez]

noahkramer

    Noah couldn’t help but laugh at Benny’s words, as he was saying exactly what Noah felt pretty much all the time since he’d been turned. “I feel like a baby compared to all of you,” he corrected, a playful smile taking over his lips as he looked over at the other. Noah hadn’t known the smallest thing about the supernatural world, so in the end he had been completely new to every aspect of this life. It hadn’t been easy – it still wasn’t, but he was getting there. “I just try to learn as fast as I can. That’s really all I can do.”

       He shook his head ever so slightly, the picture of someone turning into a phoenix still one he was trying to get used to. While he had done it himself by now, it was hard to connect the human and the bird form in his mind. “I’m still trying to get used to that. It hasn’t really become a hobby for me yet,” he admitted, a soft laugh falling from his lips. “Thanks, that makes me feel a bit better. I know about… the fire, the bird, the healing, and the luck. I don’t have it all figured out, but that’s what they let me in on.”

“You’ll get used to it in time, especially after you fly around a few times.” He took a moment to remember one of his first times in phoenix form. He could remember feeling free and the way the air swirled around him. It was amazing to enjoy being in the sky and flying under his own power. It was one of the things that really helped him enjoy being what he was. 

“We do have quite the set of abilities. actually didn’t even know about the luck until I talked to Petrichor recently. He gave me a long overdue lesson of what it means to be a phoenix.” Benny perked up a little at the mention of others. He knew others existed, however Noah was the first he’r ran into besides Petrichor. “Others? how many of us are around here?”

[marketofstars]

Cherry blossom petals still lingered in corners of the cobblestone street as Rowan’s feet followed the sweet smell that resided in the air, incense, and smoke trailing in the breeze from the night before. She’s new in town and new to death, a new phenomenon occurred in Rowan’s life as the bullet met her ribcage, and what she had always been taught was --- that’s it. lights out, gun fired, blood spills and the natural physics of it all equates death. Unless a miracle occurs on a doctor's table somewhere, but this miracle was performed in Rowan’s dingy apartment kitchen in NYC with Petrichor informing her that she had risen again into a firebird. A light laugh had breezed out of Rowan’s lips at the news and as her eyes met contact with the appearance of her dinner plates, she never believed that she would have been chosen as a pure one. She was just a waitress missing her family and taken from the world young, she was raised to believe she would just be another statistic, in an odd way of luck however the tragic end to her short life might have gifted her more than she could possibly imagine.

The plane had landed a few hours ago, and as the Corinth sun bathed over her, she softens from the outside in.  It’s not a dramatic leap in her features like she had been smacked. It’s more like a sigh of relief because in a way it was. That heaviness was still there, it’s always there, it’s just now– now, she felt a little lighter. The type of lightness someone felt after a haircut trim or when they took off a heavy coat. It felt a little like home and as the appearance of another comes into sight, she speaks. “Must have missed one hell of a party... do you know what happened here?”

[benny-alvarez]

xrowansmithx

“Ms. Rowan Smith.” she answers with a mischievous twinkle in her oceanic hues. It feels fancy and she’s flirting with casual as she answers his question formally, normally she never introduced her full name and it was a rarity that she was addressed as a Ms. so the ceremony of it all amused her. “I’ve cracked a few books but I have a feeling there are much bigger nerds to be found around this city.. I was called here to help.” She was reborn in order to be a savior to those who had been corrupted, those who had been fed on, she literally had within herself the ability to heal such devastation. She didn’t know how just yet, she knew she could cry and those tears would heal but she hadn’t experienced what it meant to give part of your soul in healing of another.

Her last name meant little, a common name that could match anyone on the street. Smith was one of the most popular surname in the yellow pages and her dad had never been in her life with her mother vanishing when Rowan turned nineteen. Sometimes she wonder if she escaped into a life where she didn’t have to raise a child, she had Rowan young and might have craved to experience life for herself. A sorrow that plucked at Rowan’s heartstrings because she had always had a close relationship with her mother.

“Benny,” he responded to the other using her formal full name. He could see the sparks of mischief in the others eyes. “interesting you gave your full name, to someone you don’t even know. Always this forthcoming with information?” As a current detective he always felt it was better to be brief with information when first meeting a person. This either made him come off as distant or guarded. However, years in criminal investigation taught him how easy information can be used against you. 

“That may be, they do seem to respect their old traditions around here. Called here to help?” He took moment to feel for magic around the other and was only subtly surprised to sense a similar brand of magic in the other that existed within him. Understanding flickered on Benny’s face “I see” 

[callumsomethingelse]

In truth, he was a bit nervous when it came to having Benny following him. After all, he said he had something to show him, and in Callum's experience that was rarely a good thing. However, along with his other words, coming over to Callum's place was only logical. The area they were in was just too crowded and he was just better. Cal pulled his jeep in front of his place. The sign in front of the old villa showing it had been turned into apartments and lofts. The latter of which was one that Callum called home. Pulling his car into his spot; he jumped out and guided Benny to a free guest spot. "Place is pretty much a ghost town right now. Whatever old greek guy made this villa probably didn't expect it to get turn into apartments and lofts. But this 'home' has more gates and areas than most manors." @benny-alvarez​

[benny-alvarez]

callum-marcoh

“Mmmmmmm, pretty sure you just want to see me with this shirt tightly against me. A little bit of water fun after having fire fun?” His head tilted just a bit before he shook it with a laugh. “That’s just one of these sections too. There are two others with four lofts and apartments each. Of course, this one has its own Lil guard dog.” Pulling Benny along, Callum went to the second floor and to his door. Opening it, Cal peeked in and let out a sigh before turning on the light and walking in enough to let Benny inside. On his couch, his dog sprung to life, jumping up as cereal came down his head stuck in a box of captain crunch. “Why do I get the feeling I’ve woken up like this before?”

Shrugging, “I wouldn’t mind that at all. Gotta cool you off some how.” Benny gave Cal a cocky grin as they passed the pool and headed towards Cal’s apartment. Stepping into the apartment Benny couldn’t help the burst of laughter that escaped him as he saw the sight of a dog it’s head stuck in a cereal box, “Woken up like this before? Get your head stuck in cereal boxes as well?” Benny moved into the apartment further wanting to great the adorable dog. “Hey there, Im sure you are muy guapo with out this box on your head. Eh?’

[benny-alvarez]

For @noahkramer​ 

It was a nice spring morning about Corinth Bay. The leftover evidence of the recent festivities could still be seen here and there as people still took time to clean up and enjoy the after feel of the festival. However, it was early and as usual Benny needed his coffee. The nectar of life that he was certain he had an addiction to. He had just left his bare apartment, still not finding the time to really get the place decent looking since his move a few weeks ago, making his way to the local coffee shop.

Caffeine & Caffeine it was a very apt name for the place and their service was usually pretty quick. Having put in his order he waited near the counter to receive his much-anticipated coffee. It didn’t take long for his order to come up and him to get his coffee from the nice barista. Needless to say, it was early in the morning and not having a drop of coffee in his system. Benny wasn’t paying attention when he managed to bump into some nearly spilling his coffee all over them. Though thanks to his protective nature of coffee and decent reflexes he was able to keep it to a splash that escaped the cup in his hand.

“I’m so sorry. That must be incredibly hot” Jumping into action he turned quickly to grab a few napkins to help wipe up the dark scalding liquid. Turning he held the napkins toward the blond haired young man he had ungraciously bumped into “Let me help you with that”

[benny-alvarez]

noahkramer

    “I didn’t do a lot of research. I think that would just scare me,” Noah admitted with a soft laugh. He had solely relied on the other phoenixes around him to teach him things, or on what some of his closer friends knew or could look up for him. He wasn’t even sure where he couldlook anything about immortality up. That was probably still the human side of him feeling lost. Looking over at the other, he shook his head a little, a smile blooming on his lips. “Oh, absolutely. I can’t wait to still look good at sixty-five.” Though the thought itself was enough to still send a shudder down his spine.

     “Then it’s not just me, that’s good.” Noah exhaled a deep sigh, looking up into the sky. He had gotten the hang of the fire thing quite soon, but hadn’t dared approach the shifting until much later. At least he knew these things were possibilities because Petrichor told him about them, but still – it had been weird. “Yeah, honestly, the bird thing almost freaked me out as much as the no aging one,” he chuckled, brushing a hand through his hair while he took a sip from his coffee cup. “I think that’s normal though, right? There’s too much to learn to know all of it in such a short amount of time.”

Nodding Benny could see how loads of research could be overwhelming and scary. However, being persistent he couldn’t help researching every aspect of what he was that he could. He’d also don all the research with out the aid of the internet seeing as it was still in its infant stages when he first turned. “Yeah, you’ll get used to the idea after a few years. Though compared to our maker, we are very young. Actually we must seem like infants to him” Benny couldn’t help chuckling at the thought. 

Shaking his head a chuckling smirk on his face “I only thought about the idea cause well a phoenix is always depicted as a fiery bird. Actually should have seen me when I focused on the idea and started sprouting feathers. I actually thought I’d have wings made of fire.” he let out a deep sigh, “Now I like to just spread my wings and fly around a bit every so often,” he looked towards Noah, “There was a lot to learn that’s for sure, you’ll get the hang of it. What do you know so far?” 

[benny-alvarez]

For @noahkramer​ 

It was a nice spring morning about Corinth Bay. The leftover evidence of the recent festivities could still be seen here and there as people still took time to clean up and enjoy the after feel of the festival. However, it was early and as usual Benny needed his coffee. The nectar of life that he was certain he had an addiction to. He had just left his bare apartment, still not finding the time to really get the place decent looking since his move a few weeks ago, making his way to the local coffee shop.

Caffeine & Caffeine it was a very apt name for the place and their service was usually pretty quick. Having put in his order he waited near the counter to receive his much-anticipated coffee. It didn’t take long for his order to come up and him to get his coffee from the nice barista. Needless to say, it was early in the morning and not having a drop of coffee in his system. Benny wasn’t paying attention when he managed to bump into some nearly spilling his coffee all over them. Though thanks to his protective nature of coffee and decent reflexes he was able to keep it to a splash that escaped the cup in his hand.

“I’m so sorry. That must be incredibly hot” Jumping into action he turned quickly to grab a few napkins to help wipe up the dark scalding liquid. Turning he held the napkins toward the blond haired young man he had ungraciously bumped into “Let me help you with that”

[benny-alvarez]

noahkramer

       “Yeah, I heard about that. I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to celebrate something like my hundredth birthday, let alone five hundred, but I guess that’s just part of the deal, isn’t it?” There was a crooked smile on Noah’s lips as he spoke. Truthfully, after the weeks he had lived like this now, the whole long life and rebirth part was still what freaked him out the most. Noah had spent more than half of his life in torture and distress, and while he was happy he got out of it, he never thought he’d grow particularly old. The lifetime ahead of him now sounded like so much more potential for pain. “You’re right – at least I don’t have to worry about wrinkles or grey hair now. That’s a plus.”

         Leading the way out of the coffee shop and down the road towards the direction of the hospital, he took a sip of his coffee. “So you’re doing okay with all of this? Because I have to admit I still freak out about it sometimes.”

Following the other out of the shop he took Benny took in the fresh breeze of the warming spring morning. “Yeah, I’m only sixty-five and even I’m a still a little astonished at our life span.” He chuckled and shook his head “should have been there when I was researching everything. So much about immortality and such.” Thinking back he could remember how strange and weird everything about what he had become was. The newness was so frightening and awesome same time, “Well, I do look good for sixty-five; don’t I?”

Stepping down the street letting Noah lead he could sense the unease in the his voice, “Yeah, like you when this was all new to me I was a bit where you where” He remembered freaking out the first time he accidentally started a fire. “Should have seen me when I first burst into flames or when I figured out that I could shift into a bird.” There were so many things he persistently tried out and even experimented with. He was also cautious and at times under used his abilities.  “It’s okay, there’s a lot to learn about what we are and even I still had some questions for Petrichor when I first ran into him.” 

[callumsomethingelse]

In truth, he was a bit nervous when it came to having Benny following him. After all, he said he had something to show him, and in Callum's experience that was rarely a good thing. However, along with his other words, coming over to Callum's place was only logical. The area they were in was just too crowded and he was just better. Cal pulled his jeep in front of his place. The sign in front of the old villa showing it had been turned into apartments and lofts. The latter of which was one that Callum called home. Pulling his car into his spot; he jumped out and guided Benny to a free guest spot. "Place is pretty much a ghost town right now. Whatever old greek guy made this villa probably didn't expect it to get turn into apartments and lofts. But this 'home' has more gates and areas than most manors." @benny-alvarez​

[benny-alvarez]

callum-marcoh

Cal didn’t have to look to tell when Benny took his arm, the warmth the man gave off the and feel of his touch was something that he had gotten pretty used to at this point. It did cause him to smile and instinctive wrap his hand around the other’s own. “Well according to the den mother… what I call the landlady. It was built as the home for some senator’s mother. Meant to house many families for gatherings.”

Togging on the other a bit, Cal leads him passed a few of the small gateway entrances into other courtyards and pushed open one that had the doors freshly painted. The courtyard itself was one of the larger ones. Most of the floral lined the walkways circled around the pool and what was a moderate-sized sand garden not far from it. The lower floor had its large archway entrances into its room left bare as each was used more like a kitchen, locker room, and lounge room for the four lofts on the second floor. “That’s for when you get too hot, I’ll just throw you in.” Cal smirked at Benny and playfully tugged him in the pool’s direction. “My place is right above the pool with a witch to my left who tends to take care of the courtyard, a wolf to my right who does most of the maintenance, and the den mother herself right across from me. Who will probably think I’m a hussie for bringing a guy over this late.”

Following Cal, Benny took in the courtyard area over looking the pool, It was quite lovely and gave the place a cute charm. “You just want to see steam come off me don’t you?” he chuckled as he caught his footing as the other playfully tugged him towards the pool. “You know if I go in I’m taking you in with me. Then we’ll see who needs a real cool down” returning a playful smirk to match Cal’s. 

“So we have a courtyard tender, maintenance man, and den mother. Seems everyone has a role here” Benny could recall how in his own household everyone had their own responsibilities, “Sounds like a nice little community.”

[callumsomethingelse]

In truth, he was a bit nervous when it came to having Benny following him. After all, he said he had something to show him, and in Callum’s experience that was rarely a good thing. However, along with his other words, coming over to Callum’s place was only logical. The area they were in was just too crowded and he was just better. Cal pulled his jeep in front of his place. The sign in front of the old villa showing it had been turned into apartments and lofts. The latter of which was one that Callum called home. Pulling his car into his spot; he jumped out and guided Benny to a free guest spot. “Place is pretty much a ghost town right now. Whatever old greek guy made this villa probably didn’t expect it to get turn into apartments and lofts. But this ‘home’ has more gates and areas than most manors.” @benny-alvarez​

[benny-alvarez]

Taking in the old villa Benny could see the gates that enclosed what looked like courtyards and garden areas for some of the apartments. It looked pretty nice and very much like a lot of the villas and dwellings around here. Benny himself had managed to find a nice dwelling himself. his was a cottage, set up next to several others, that was decently sized. Very much apartment sized in his mind. “Doesn’t look to bad, kind of makes it look like you live in a little Greek manor.” He smirked “So which way to your’s?” He decided to take Cal’s arm and motion for him to lead the way. 

[benny-alvarez]

For @noahkramer​ 

It was a nice spring morning about Corinth Bay. The leftover evidence of the recent festivities could still be seen here and there as people still took time to clean up and enjoy the after feel of the festival. However, it was early and as usual Benny needed his coffee. The nectar of life that he was certain he had an addiction to. He had just left his bare apartment, still not finding the time to really get the place decent looking since his move a few weeks ago, making his way to the local coffee shop.

Caffeine & Caffeine it was a very apt name for the place and their service was usually pretty quick. Having put in his order he waited near the counter to receive his much-anticipated coffee. It didn’t take long for his order to come up and him to get his coffee from the nice barista. Needless to say, it was early in the morning and not having a drop of coffee in his system. Benny wasn’t paying attention when he managed to bump into some nearly spilling his coffee all over them. Though thanks to his protective nature of coffee and decent reflexes he was able to keep it to a splash that escaped the cup in his hand.

“I’m so sorry. That must be incredibly hot” Jumping into action he turned quickly to grab a few napkins to help wipe up the dark scalding liquid. Turning he held the napkins toward the blond haired young man he had ungraciously bumped into “Let me help you with that”

[benny-alvarez]

noahkramer

    While it really hadn’t been that long, Noah had to admit it felt like an eternity since he had woken up in the hospital as an entirely different species. So much had happened since – it seemed impossible that it had only been a few weeks of adjusting to this new life. “Yeah, woah,” he agreed, a soft chuckle falling from his lips. “Forty years? Wow, that’s a long time.” Though he inevitably remembered what Petrichor had told him about the length of their lifetimes, and in contrast to that, forty years really didn’t seem all that long. “The whole… long ass life thing is still weird to me,” he admitted then, a crooked smile appearing on his lips as he rubbed his free hand over the back of his neck.

         Eyes glancing around the coffee shop, he then cast a look down at the watch on his left wrist. “I have about half an hour before I have to be at the hospital. We could take a walk in that direction, if you don’t mind,” he suggested.

“It has been a pretty decent amount of time.Though nothing compared to Petrichor and a few other’s like us,” Benny gave a light chuckle at the thought. Now a few decades in he’d gotten used to the idea of a fairly immortal life span, “It can be quite an idea to wrap one’s head around,’ tilting his head to one side “Though when you end up looking the same for a few decades you kind of get used to it.”

 Looking at his own watch he didn’t need to be anywhere for a while himself, “Sure I could use a walk. don’t have much going on today anyways” motioning towards the door, “After you” 

[marketofstars]

Cherry blossom petals still lingered in corners of the cobblestone street as Rowan’s feet followed the sweet smell that resided in the air, incense, and smoke trailing in the breeze from the night before. She’s new in town and new to death, a new phenomenon occurred in Rowan’s life as the bullet met her ribcage, and what she had always been taught was --- that’s it. lights out, gun fired, blood spills and the natural physics of it all equates death. Unless a miracle occurs on a doctor's table somewhere, but this miracle was performed in Rowan’s dingy apartment kitchen in NYC with Petrichor informing her that she had risen again into a firebird. A light laugh had breezed out of Rowan’s lips at the news and as her eyes met contact with the appearance of her dinner plates, she never believed that she would have been chosen as a pure one. She was just a waitress missing her family and taken from the world young, she was raised to believe she would just be another statistic, in an odd way of luck however the tragic end to her short life might have gifted her more than she could possibly imagine.

The plane had landed a few hours ago, and as the Corinth sun bathed over her, she softens from the outside in.  It’s not a dramatic leap in her features like she had been smacked. It’s more like a sigh of relief because in a way it was. That heaviness was still there, it’s always there, it’s just now– now, she felt a little lighter. The type of lightness someone felt after a haircut trim or when they took off a heavy coat. It felt a little like home and as the appearance of another comes into sight, she speaks. “Must have missed one hell of a party... do you know what happened here?”

[benny-alvarez]

xrowansmithx

“Aw shucks..” and there’s a bit of disappointment flash across her face but her voice still remains threaded with warmth and good humor. “I hate when I miss a good party.” and it’s true, Rowan liked to have fun. She could often be found taking shots or giggling the night away on a balcony while smoking weed with her friends. In New York City, you had to dress warm and a lot of flannel and fingerless gloves had taken over. Whiskey poured into coffee cups as she headed to another basement punk show, taking sips on the underground train. Often the crowd would spill out into the alleyway for smokes and fresh air from the thrashin show and when her lungs met that fresh air after dancing so hard, glimpsing the stars above would always allow a smile to blossom across her lips.

A giggle breezes and she speaks again. “I’m sure there will be tons of parties in the future… this type of revelry looks like the mark of Dionysis. I can’t wait until they celebrate Aphrodite or Hecate.” She’s a nerd, you should see her pokemon deck. Of course, she did her greek myth research before moving to a city in Greece and her excitement is already making references

“it was a good party” A smile graced Benny’s lips as he remembered some of the event of the party. Especially the a select person he met. For Benny parties weren’t a big thing. Having been the oldest sibling and spending a lot of time helping out it put a damper on his social life. Even when he was studying for his career he spent more time hitting the books than slamming back a drink. Though, that didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy himself when he was in the mood, “The whole town was out and partying” 

“One could assume that,” Benny continued. He wasn’t up-to-date on lore. Actually he was even surprised people partied in an ancient god’s honor. Course after learning that he was the product of a deity’s creation he wasn’t that surprised anymore. “Sounds like you know your mythos, is that what brought you to the city?Ms...?” it was in his investigative nature to question, even if it was annoying.

[benny-alvarez]

callum-marcoh

“Out of how awesome that would be; I like to believe they at least did at one point. However, the sheer amount of people claiming to have parts of a dragon and the number of spells and other things that require them…. they were probably hunted to extinction.”In truth, it was something he gave a lot of thought to. As well as googled ‘how to turn into a dragon like Maleficent’ once or twice.

Smirking at Benny, Cal couldn’t help but think that this was probably what it was like to be smitten with someone. Every little thing the guy did made him want to smile. Being near him not only made him warm but…fuzzy in a technical way. and the Spanish…. too much. “I only got a D in Spanish. But as for that being a challenge, you think its one you can step to my possible scale having friend?

“Dragons could be pretty awesome creatures.” Benny nodded his head in agreement. He took a moment to ponder whether turning into a big scaly dragon would be cooler than a red falcon-looking bird. He concluded that he liked the bird a bit better. Less conspicuous. He after all understood that the rest of the world was pretty ignorant of the supernatural creatures that existed. “Really, there are spells that require them? interesting”

¡Pobrecito! why a D? Not pay attention well? Benny chuckled at him. “Follow me,” he stepped away motioning for Cal to follow him, “I can show you my skill.” 

[benny-alvarez]

fire-blooded

“You can dump me at a wine tasting station if it suits you.” Damien replied, lazily propping his head up as he looked over the other man. “You always worry so much about complete strangers?” It struck him how kind people could be sometimes, and he wondered if they just hadn’t been stabbed in the back or screwed over enough times to stop caring about everyone except for themselves. The world had a way of sapping the good out of people, but it was sweet ones like this that drew Damien in a bit, though if that was to expose himself to something better or taint it, he had no way of knowing. It depended solely on his mood.

Right now, he was in a relatively good one.

“Look just…” He picked up a cupcake and started guiding it towards the man’s mouth. “Take a bite. You’ll understand then.” He needed more wine. Already tipsy, the only way to go was up until the mix of alcohol and sugar sent him spiraling downwards. For now, he would enjoy it.

A slight smile tugged at the edge of Benny’s face, “Could say that it’s a part of my job to worry about strangers” He took the the cupcake form the tipsy and overly stuffed man. The way he looked over the cupcake one would think that Benny might have been suspicious. It was as a part of his nature now as his sense to help others. Years training and working in law enforcement he always made sure he assessed any situation he walked into. 

Peeling back the paper wrapped around the cupcake he took a quick bite enjoying the sweet flavor of the frosting and baked item “They are good I’ll give you that. Though I wouldn’t over indulge unless you want to see what you’ve eaten come back up.” he took another bite then set the partly eaten cupcake on the table. “So whats got you drinking so hard core?” 

[benny-alvarez]

callum-marcoh

“Dad jokes you mean, but if you were one of those it would be unfair. A bloodline that would be far too attractive.” He let out a laugh as he smiled. Benny reached for his shirt, Cal instinctively put his arms on the other’s waist when he felt the tug and squeezed the man a bit when doing so. With both pulling on the other, Cal’s body smacked lightly into the other’s own as his lower face nestled a bit into the nip of Benny’s neck. Absentmindedly, he let his nose graze the side of the other’s neck before leaning out. “So you’re not exactly ruling out dragon here. I might need to do another tail examination with a scale check just in case.” Smirking, Cal shook his head knowing there were other species that had fire and shapeshifting abilities according to legend and what parts his family had for… use but dragon was definitely the coolest.

“I’ll be the judge after all its not just about cooking what’s inside. If you can’t wrap it right, then its all just stir fry.”

Chuckling Benny shook his head as Cal seemed to lightly fall into him. The feeling was organic a natural as Cal's head nestled into the nape of his neck. Than there was the tingle as the others nose lightly tickled against him. it was hard to resist the feeling of pulling Cal back into him. he remembered similar feelings from a time when he felt a strong connection like this to another. “Ah, I can’t give anymore hints with out giving it away. You seem to like the idea of me being a dragon. Do they even exist?” 

 “¿Qué? ¿Dudas de mi?” Smirking, “Sounds like a challenge” 

[benny-alvarez]

noahkramer

  Meeting others like him was always a way to make himself feel a little bit better about the whole situation. It meant he wasn’t alone in this, nor going absolutely crazy. The smile on Noah’s lips was genuine when he shook the other’s hand, trying to wrap his head around the fact that he was standing in front of another phoenix. While it was nice on one hand, it was also kind of scary on the other hand – simply because Noah himself still felt pretty inadequate as a Phoenix. He still had so much to learn. “Nice to meet you, Benny,” he smiled, before nodding a little.

      “Well, I’ve met two, but it’s still strange,” he admitted, shrugging his shoulders a little. His eyes scanned their surroundings, as if trying to assess if anyone was listening, then he looked back at Benny. “Not very long. It’s been…”, he trailed off, trying to remember how long ago Petrichor had come to him in the hospital. “About a month, I think. How long has it been for you?”

“Whoa” Benny took in the length of time. It took him back to when he was a new reborn phoenix and trying to figure things out. He recalled learning that he could summon fire and even the first time he shifted into his bird form. It all seemed like a long time ago now having been a phoenix for a few decades. However, he could remember how strange and scary that first month, “Well, almost 40 years; I think” His eyebrows creased as his faced scrunched a little while he was remembering the years in his mind. “I’ve looked the same way since then”

Taking a quick look around the coffee shop he noted that it wasn’t overly busy, however he still wanted to avoid prying ears. “Wonder if we should find a more quiet spot? how much time do you have?” he wasn’t sure if the other was on his way to work or not. 

[benny-alvarez]

noahkramer 

     This was new. So far Noah hadn’t really made a lot of experiences in how to meet others like him. Both Sebastián and Lucas had simply just known who he was, possibly because Petrichor told them to help him out. As if he was some sort of newborn that needed to be taken care of – which, now that he thought about it, was probably quite a fitting description. Whether he liked it or not. Brushing a hand through his hair, he managed a small smile as he looked at the other.

         “Seems like it,” he stated slowly, figuring they were both referring to the same thing, and simply didn’t know how to address it properly. Again, Noah wasn’t really an expert on the field yet. After a moment of hesitation, he extended his hand. A polite introduction was never the wrong way to go, right? “I’m Noah.” There was another moment of hesitation, followed by a nervous laugh from his side. “I’m sorry, I’m still… very new to all of this.”

“It does” Benny nodded. He hadn’t been paying to much attention before. However, it was unmistakable to him now. Noah was a phoenix just like himself and he could feel the same energy burning from the other that he had always felt around him. This was new to Benny since other phoenixes seemed so rare. In fact he almost thought Petrichor was the only other phoenix until their discussion the other night. 

He took the other’s hand and gave it a firm shake. He almost wondered if he would feel the difference in body temperature that others noted about him. He could only slightly tell that the other was at a higher body temperature than a normal human. “Benny,” he responded in introduction and released Noah’s hand. “No worries, honestly I’ve hardly ever come across others like us. How long have you been..” Benny paused and looked around, “what we are?” He felt weird being cryptic but he was always cautious of eavesdroppers.