Topher Romijn

Shapeshifter - 25 yo - Enby (they/them)

[christopherromijn]

BIRTH NAME: Christopher Romijn NICKNAME: Topher AGE: 25 years old DATE OF BIRTH: 9th of June, 1985 SPECIES: Shapeshifter  FROM: Luik/Liege, Belgium IN ASTORIA SINCE: August 2021 NEIGHBORHOOD: North Valley OCCUPATION: Rookie Firefighter

SHORT BIO: (death tw, cancer tw, violence tw) Topher has always been a righteous and violent kid, they always learned how to take care of themselves, and how to fight back. Their father was a strong man once, until cancer overtook him, and he died after a long fight with a disease that did not see a difference between sinners and saints. Their mother was a sex worker, she used her Shapeshifting skills to get more costumers. At age seventeen, when Topher was madly in love with the girl next-door, they learned of their mother’s skill in a violent manner when one of her costumers had followed her home and saw her shift in front of his eyes. He killed their mother, and Topher killed him. They burned the house, kidnapped the love their life and set off towards Spain. They had made it maybe halfway there, when the two of them were found. Topher was left by the side of the road beaten, and their love was taken back to Belgium. They fled to Astoria, where for many years they lived on the streets, never wishing for a better life, until it got boring. They studied in Belgium for a year before returning to Astoria with a degree and an occupation, intent on staying this time, but also intent on making something more of the life they had. 

WANTED CONNECTIONS:

You’re Something Different - Topher came to Astoria seven years ago, heavily bandaged, looking like shit, and a little feral after a huge heart break. They would trash and bark at any form of kindness extended to them. You tried to get past those defences, and found the harder you tried, the easier Topher opened up to you. You know all their secrets, from the death of their father, to the murder of their father. 

A little Too Feisty - Topher doesn’t hold back when it comes to doing the right thing. As you’ve found out the hard way. It was an innocent gesture, a wrong word, a person who overreacted, but Topher’s violence towards the injustice came sudden and quick. They didn’t care to explain why you needed to be hurt, but you’ve since come to understand it’s nothing personal.

QUICK CONNECTIONS

A search for love: ex, one-night-stand, unrequited love

Trouble: rivals, enemies, had that one very terrible run in

Kindred spirit: fellow shapeshifter who can show Topher the ropes

Yearning for connection: friends

HEADCANONS: 

Topher is the type of shy person who wears oversized clothing and refrains from talking about anything that has to do with their past. They always want to help and react angry to unfair situations. 

[christopherromijn]

laurelgavaris​:

“Good, good! We could always recreate our first ‘date’ back when we went to Eat Fresh? Unfortunately I can’t go today or else I’d definitely leave the studio right now and head there. I just love their food so freaking much,” there was an emphasis in her last sentence. Laurel was a big fan of that restaurant, it was one of her favorite ones in the city.

And then, attempting to be silent for a couple of seconds, Laurel merely watched as they would share a bit about their experience outside of Nova Pangaea, which was a delight to hear about.

Though, it was hardly something people would notice back in the day as her father didn’t allow Laurel to have her own voice, she’s the kind of person that will, naturally, care about others and hope for their happiness. So, the fact that Topher was able to do something for their life and create new memories was an important act in Laurel’s perspective. 

“That’s fancy. I don’t know anything in french, but good to know if I’m ever to head there. And I’m glad you were able to study something you like. Did you get a job after moving back here?”A question mostly to be sure that Topher was doing well. Or as good as they could, at the moment. “I’m sorry, it’s just– I missed you and I feel like asking so many questions!”

Topher smiled, not a regular one, but one that would suggest they shared some inside joke with Laurel, some shared knowledge that nobody else was privy to. “I also really love that place,” they said, which felt very uncharacteristic, and maybe a little awkward like hearing someone else talk, but it was true. They did like that place a lot. 

“Half of the people in Belgium speak French,” they said. “Sometimes they like to assume someone else speaks French too. Which happened to me a lot.” Though they still did not know why. They shrugged when Laurel said she was asking a lot of questions, a slight grin on their face. “I don’t mind,” they said, though maybe they did a little, or maybe they just worried they weren’t being a decent conversational partner themselves. “I got hired as a firefighter,” they shared. “It doesn’t include dogs, but I like it.”

[christopherromijn]

jamalsgrand​:

Jamal hummed thoughtfully before issuing a response to the question. “Something like that, yeah,” he said, despite knowing fully well that it’s exactly like that. Hopefully, they wouldn’t make a big deal of it. So far the pretty chill energy from this stranger is one that he appreciates. “Being in spotlight has its ups and downs,” he noted while indirectrictly confirming their suspicions. “This is clearly one instance where I’d rather not be interrogated.” Jamal is dealing with a lot at home, it’s been six months since Khari vanished without a trace and he’s not sure how much more of ‘not knowing’ that he could endure. “Ah, that explains the bright hue,” he nods in understanding. The flavour didn’t sound as wild as he anticipated. “I thought it was going to be something ridiculous like cotton candy blast or tutti frutti surprise,” he’s making names up at the moment, but they legit sound like things his daughters had him purchase in the past. A little weird they say, and he wonders if there’s some interesting delicacies on display. “Point me in the direction of weirdsville, I could use the distraction.” 

Topher nodded, not even slightly surprised by it. Not that they had met that many celebrities, but it was easy to not really care about the lives of the rich and famous when you didn’t watch any television or… did much else. They only recognised the people who were on the advertisements. “By the reporters?” they asked. Surely he didn’t expect them to do any interrogation, Topher barely liked full sentences. 

They shook their head. “No, that’s too many chemicals, they’re more… uhm, they don’t like chemicals.” Topher took another sip from their smoothie as they studied the person in front of them. They had nothing else to do, of course. “Okay,” they said, gesturing to the back of the store. “What are you famous for?” they asked.Or maybe that was interrogation? “I’m a fire fighter,” they decided to ask, so it didn’t look like they were being nosey.

[christopherromijn]

laurelgavaris​:

Squeaking, Laurel reached closer pulling them for a brief hug, before returning to her previous position and offering back to Topher their personal space. “Water it is, then. Please, follow me.” A quick stop to get fresh water for herself and her friend prior to getting inside her office. One of the few spots at the studio that could provide some privacy; one of the places people would rarely find Laurel in unless it’d be needed to. “And, no, no. I already ate. I might have a snack later after the last class I have for today.”

Getting rid of the wings over her back and placing it on top of her table. Laurel finally took a seat, offering the one in front of her to Topher. “It’s so nice to see you again! I’m really happy to have you back here!” Joy was often worn in her words, especially when she was expressing them to people she cared about. 

“Completely different from what I had to face back in the day, but I think that’s because I was just really nervous,” after all she had to consider her background and the person she called her father. Laurel knew that it could be harder if the odds weren’t in her favor that day. “We should go out to celebrate whenever you’re free. Get some drinks or have something to eat. Take a new picture together so I can update my photo wall. Anyway– did you enjoy your time in Belgium?”

The hug was the perfect length, not too long and short enough to feel meaningful at least. They were content with it. It wasn’t something that might happen a whole lot of more times, but given the time span between them leaving and returning, it was okay. It seemed to do a whole lot for Laurel after all. 

They followed, familiar enough with the place from the few months they had worked there to know where Laurel’s office was and to know what was behind each door. Topher nodded as Laurel stated she was also not that hungry. A snack sounded good, but they weren’t sure what snack they felt like. 

They blushed just a little bit when Laurel spoke again, pushing their lips together in an awkward notion, but the corners of their eyes had turned upwards a bit. They were smiling because it was sweet and nice to be wanted, but affection was always going to feel a little awkward. 

“That sounds good,” they said in response to going out and doing a picture together, they liked the vegan place Laurel had taken them to the last time, and they liked the park, but they decided not to make suggestions and see where Laurel wanted to go to, unless if she asked that was. 

“I did,” they said in response. “It was colder and rainier than in Astoria. And sometimes people talked in French, but other than that, it was fun studying something.”

[christopherromijn]

sarayoon​:

Sara’s eyes squinted at the word drunk. Not that there would be anything wrong if she was drunk, because she was in pain and people dealt with their crap and missing husbands however they wanted, to… but she wasn’t drunk. And she didn’t know why, but the assumption annoyed her. “It’s only my first glass, so definitely not drunk.” Her tone was dry as Sara twirled the glass of wine, watching as the pink liquid kisses the insides of the glass. At least the information shared about Topher’s whereabouts was a good change of topic. “That sounds nice. I had no idea you’d been gone for that long.” Which probably made her less of a friend than she thought she was. It explained the continuously dryness in her tone. “Are you enjoying it? At least you don’t have to worry about being too weak to carry your crew mates or anyone who might need you.” Among humans, Sara knew that was an excuse given to discourage women (or anyone as slim as Topher) from becoming firefighters.

Moving her head from one side to the other to relax the muscles of her neck, Sara then ordered the juice as promised and took another sip from her glass of one. “Besides working on more things for Hidden Killer, I’ve been working at Gemini Gallery for a few months now as a plan b. All that hype is going to end someday, and with a little one at home, I don’t want to have to raise him on a tight budget. I mean, if I can avoid it, then sure… why not?”

“Oh,” Topher looked apologetic, but didn’t say it, it didn’t feel right to say. They smelled alcohol, it was a pretty distinct scent, but that didn’t mean someone was drunk. They just awkwardly waited for the drink to arrive. “I am not much of a texter,” Topher explained. Anyone unaware of them being gone had not to worry, because Topher wasn’t the type to mind much. They didn’t need to keep up with people constantly to value the friendship. It should make it easier: because then they had something to talk about… only Topher wasn’t that great at talking - still.

Topher nodded with a smile. “I like it,” they said. “I still pretend like my noodle arms are just that, waiting for the moment to inform my colleagues of my super human strength,” they added with a twinkle in their eyes. Some already knew they were a shapeshifter. They could do great things if they wanted to, but they were still in the habit of playing weaker - after all their year in Belgium had once again forced them to keep that part of them a secret.

“Is that an art gallery?” They asked. “Maybe after Hidden Killer you will get the idea for a new story,” they suggested, slightly excited. “But a plan b is good just in case,” they added. They could never do what Sara did, be their own boss, she seemed so independent in such a different way, actually being able to adult without needing to have her work hours planned by someone else.

[christopherromijn]

laurelgavaris​:

“Can I hug you?” Usually Laurel would simply go for it. But it was always for the best to question people if they were comfortable to let her reach closer. And, deep down, that’s all she wanted to do. Topher meant so much to her, and even if from afar, Laurel was proud of everything they were able to accomplish out there.

Looking down at her own clothes, she chuckled. “We’ll have a fairy-themed dance routine. I commit to things… more than I should maybe? But I do look cute!” Her lips curved upwards, still staring at them with pure joy resonating from Laurel. “How was your trip? Do you want some coffee? A glass of water? I won’t say I’ll leave the studio looking like this, but I can offer you something to drink or eat in here while we talk to each other. I have some time to spare.” It wasn’t much, but it was enough to catch up.

Topher was glad that Laurel asked, they didn’t like hugs, at all, or as much as most people. It wasn’t the physical touch, not really, because hugs from friends was alright, but it was the idea that touching other people constantly was so normal to people. They nodded, aware that they would never really initiate a hug themselves, even if they wanted to. 

Except for hugging dogs or kids when they were clearly showing in their body language that it was necessary. 

Topher didn’t even take a moment to consider if Laurel looked cute, they just nodded intensely as an affirmation: yes. “I’ll settle for water,” they informed her, smiling as broadly as Topher ever did. “Uhm, I just had food, so I’m not in particular hungry, but I can sit with you if you’re hungry,” they suggested. Then opted for just answering the question and not telling Laurel they’d been back for a bit already, it wouldn’t change anything. And they didn’t want Laurel to feel bad that they hadn’t come to her right away, because that was not the type of person they were. “It was good, it was weird landing back here, I had to do the interview again, since I was living in Belgium for a bit, but they were pretty mild.” 

[christopherromijn]

sarayoon​:

Just like before, as soon as she heard Topher’s voice on the other side of the line, it was like she could breathe again. Maybe it had something to do with coming to terms with being a mother–maybe it was because, like her son, Topher was also a shapeshifter… whatever the reason was, Sara had always felt highly protective of Topher, so knowing the shapeshifter was alive and well brought warmth to her heart.

Upon seeing them, the brunette smiled, turning her body to wrap her arms around Topher’s petite frame and pressing a light kiss upon their cheek. “Oh, you know… it’s my Spidey senses.” Sara teased, wiggling her fingers at them, before letting out a soft chuckle. “I actually didn’t even know you were gone. I guess that makes me a bad friend, doesn’t it? You should tell me about where you went and what you did. What can I get you?”

Topher blinked a few times and cocked their head, confused at the return they got, maybe... oh, she was drunk. They wiggled their nose and noted the smell of alcohol. “I think it makes you a drunk friend,” they said, grinning the smallest grin imaginable. “I was back in Belgium, to study, now I’m a Firefighter,” they said, which was Topher code for: there is more, I just need more pointed questions to create a bigger story.

“Uhm... I want an orange juice,” they said. Because in fancy places the orange juice was often fresh and they loved the idea of owning a machine that made that themselves at some point. “What have you been up to since the last time?” they asked. 

[christopherromijn]

jamalsgrand​:

Glossing over their response to not being startled Jamal only gave a curt nod. As long as he apologised they can pretend to be invincible or whatever. Jamal’s initial deduction questions the ‘they have good food’ statement being one that’s subjective. Granted he’s only taken a glance around and hasn’t really settled his racing thoughts yet enough to actually assess the potential of this hole-in-the-wall establishment. “It seems kinda….interesting in here,” he commented. Jamal adjusted the sunglasses and hat he wore, ensuring they were still in tact. “Vultures of the media,” he muttered with disdain, before speaking up so they could hear him clearly. “Don’t worry about it, just some people that can’t take no for an answer.” He was dealing with a difficult situation and all there cared about was prying into his life. Why couldn’t they use their skills of tracking his every move into finding his missing wife. 

Perhaps their insight into the food options here meant they are a regular patron or at least found something worthwhile. Honestly, nothing could beat his wife’s cooking. Coming from a talented family of chefs and bakers, his palate has been truly blessed. Unfortunately, just thinking about Khari for that brief moment caused a sad mood to descend upon him. “So,” he cleared his throat, “The food’s good here, huh?” Casually crossing his arms over his chest, he walked further into the store and began looking at what they had to offer. “What’s that you’re drinking?” The pink concoction looked like something his one of his daughters would get.

Topher nodded, agreeing that it was indeed: interesting. It had weird stuff, and they liked to just browse around and look at all the things they were never going to buy but they hoped other people might get them at some point. Even though Topher hated receiving presents. Especially ones that weren’t practical. “Oh, are you famous?” they asked. 

Topher nodded, once more, expressing a very clear agreement to the fact that the yes, the food was good. They took another sip from the drink. “It’s a Strawberry Cinnamon smoothie, I think they add something to make it bright pink,” they informed him. “It’s very sweet. All their other food is also a little weird.” 

[christopherromijn]

thatssotaylor​:

Taylor’s stretching got interrupted by her need to burst out laughing. Topher saying that they can barely lift a dog filled her head with imagery of her friend trying to accomplish this task and failing miserably. “This is why we’re holding each other accountable every week to make this happen,” Taylor flexed a bicep. Without making this commitment to one another who knows if either of them would have given working out this much of an effort. “I need to know that my badass firefighting star is in tip-top shape.” Even though Topher’s just a rookie right now, Taylor couldn’t wait to see them thrive. “Of course, dog park vibes.” Now why wasn’t Taylor surprised by that response. To say she’s happy that Topher’s back in Astoria is an understatement. “So, the usual?” a little smirk played on her lips as she teased them. “All I see in my future is a shower, food and sleep. Aren’t we a wildly fun pair, especially after gym,” she chuckled.

Topher grinned at the laugh that followed their very true comment. They bit their lip and nodded. “Else neither of us would turn up,” they agreed. Certainly they wouldn’t, if they didn’t feel bad about letting Taylor train alone. Not that she needed them, but they thought she would feel sad if they didn’t show up. At the flexing of a muscle, Topher lifted their sleeve but failed to get it all the way to their shoulder so they just pretended to be flexing what little muscle and skin they were hiding away. They were strong enough. “Tip-top,” they said. 

“The usual,” they agreed, smiling a little. Taylor’s suggested plans for the evening might be much better, if Topher didn’t really hate staying home alone doing nothing. They would rather just go out, hang with people... or dogs. “Meeting dogs is wildly fun,” they informed her. “If they’re familiar with me they’ll all jump around and wag their tales,” they said. 

[christopherromijn]

aeraxhills​:

Aera gives a small growl of annoyance as the food hits her in the forehead, wrinkling her nose with distaste as she glances over at the offender. “Take it easy,” she lets out a huff, wrist coming up to wipe the remaining crumbs from her forehead. “I’m more of a meat eater. For the next time you want to get my attention.” She offers with a slight chuckle, already past the incident and playfully snapping her teeth at the oncoming birds that came to feast from her disposal. 

Topher stared for a moment, gauging whether the response to their accidental throw was annoyance or amusement. In the meantime they threw some more crumbs to the floor beside the stranger to feed some birdies. 

They cock their head, expression almost blank, though a small smile pulled on their mouth. “I’m vegan, but I can buy you some meat replacements that look like meat and throw that at you,” they suggested. “Or some dog cookies.”

[christopherromijn]

jamalsgrand​:

setting: Any random place such as; Art Gallery / Bakery / Cafe / General Store / Dance Studio in the afternoon 

status: Open

Darting into the nearest establishment, Jamal hid behind one of the pillars inside. From the large windows, he watched the paparazzi run by. At one point they paused and looked inside, but ultimately they did not notice him. Breathing a sigh of relief he watched them head off in a different direction. It was only then that he noticed to his surroundings and the curious faces that assessed his seemingly odd behaviour. He hoped their interests remained that of confusion and not like the tabloid vultures that spotted him despite his disguise. Not that a hat and sunglasses really did much when they knew all his vehicles by now. “Hey…” he awkwardly drawled. “Sorry if I startled you,” there was a perfectly logical explanation for his actions if there were so inclined to hear. “I just needed to get off the streets.” Jamal’s brow furrowed in thought then. “What is this place anyway?” he absent-mindedly asked while while looking around.  

“I don’t startle,” Topher informed that individual who had startled them a little. They took a sip from their bright pink smoothie and brushed wild strands of their curly hair behind their ear. “What are you running from?” they asked, because it was very clear he was running. “It’s a store.” Though not a normal store, it had all these things that nobody wanted unless if they were looking for a fun gift for other people. And they sold weird looking snacks and drinks. It was Topher’s favourite store now. Hands down.

“They have good food.” A+ advertisement.

[christopherromijn]

laurelgavaris​:

— location: sol dance studio — date and time: thursday afternoon — availability: closed | @christopherromijn​

The studio was entire fairy-themed due to the presentation they’d have over the weekend. A small one with the kids, which was having a positive feedback and a great amount of tickets sold. While sunday was far from coming, they’d keep practicing and this time with the clothes they’d have to wear over the weekend.

Even if she wasn’t part of the dance routine, she liked to encourage her students to feel less awkward with their own costumes; and that was the main reason why, Laurel was wearing those wings and having her students showering her with compliments before her eyes landed at the door by the end of the atrium. “Yo no puedo creer.” The words came out in spanish before she could even think about it. Because, yes, she couldn’t believe she was seeing them again. “Topher!” The excitement was all over one word. Their name. Laurel reached closer while one of her assistants kept an eye on her students. “Don’t tell me you’re back! In fact, oh my… please do tell me you’re back!”

Topher was incredibly aware that being back in Astoria meant catching up with the people they had only kept tabs on through the internet. A text here, a photo there, they had never been too great at keeping people up-to-date. But they found them were awkward in general about getting close to people, already being back for over a week and still needing a whole lot of courage to go and talk to people. 

Their ears rang for a moment with Laurel’s excitement, they figured they should be adjusted to it by now. She had been one of their friends when they were in Astoria, and they had totally managed to be a decent human being around her, so they could too now. “Hi, no, I’m really back. Or yes I’m really back. Why are you dressed as a fairy?” 

[christopherromijn]

thatssotaylor​:

setting: mid-morning at Gym Winchester

status: open to friends

Yes! Another workout crushed, or at least done to the best of her ability, but she liked to think the former just to hype herself up. Starting and maintaining a routine like this can be a challenge, so any bit of intrinsic motivation she can stir up, Taylor doesn’t hesitate. “After I’m finished stretching here, I don’t think I’ll be able to move,” she admitted to her workout buddy. From her comfy position on her yoga mat, the Actor continued to run through her regular stretch routine. “I’ll give you everything I own for you to carry me out of here,” she joked. 

Taking another deep breath, she stretched her arms up in the air, then out in front of her and down to her sides. Speaking of sides, she then continued to lean to her right then she held that position for a bit. “What do you have planned for the rest of the day?” Taylor wanted to grab something to eat before heading home. 

Topher really hated the idea of doing sports. It felt kind of useless unless if it was like competitive team sport. They wondered why people even wanted to do work outs on a daily basis to stay fit... maybe it was this strange obsession with health and self-image, maybe they were just too Topher to ever understand.

Sadly, it was part of being a firefighter that you spend at least four hours at the gym every week. But they luckily had a work-out buddy, which made the time more bearable. Though they were still awkward Topher, wearing a sweat-shirt so big the hem of it reached their knees and they had to pull up the sleeves to get their arms out. “I think that is going to hurt the both of us,” they informed her. “I can barely lift a dog.”

“I was going to pet some dogs in the park,” they said. Which, to anyone who knew Topher, was the most natural answer to any type of late evening event. Walk the park, pet some dogs. 

[christopherromijn]

WHERE: Lammas Garden WHEN: Tuesday afternoon WITH open

Topher brought their fork down on the vegan pancake, eager to eat every single crum on their table now they had bought the far too expensive meal with their own money. They had ordered far too much, accepting the dogging bag afterwards with greedy hands and buying another vegan milkshake to top it off. Purchases in hand, they crossed the street and settled down on the first free bench they found in the park, crossing their legs on it, huge jacket still over their shoulder which hid the more tightly fit fire fighter outfit, despite how warm the weather was. Taking a sip from their milkshake, they grabbed the bag out of their backpack that contained the crumbs of their lunch. They grabbed a handful of the bread remains and threw them behind them for the birds, noticing a shadow as the crumbs left their hand, shooting around to see them hit a person right in the face. “Oeps.”

[christopherromijn]

sarayoon​:

setting: skye bar, around noon - weekend

status: open | feel free to assume connections

         — Sara knew today would be a hard day from the moment she’d woken up that morning, but the reminder on her phone, which included a photo album made specifically for that evening all those years ago, turned even the water bitter. That’s why she was sitting there right now, going through pictures she told herself she’d stop looking through, wasn’t it?

“Are we day-drinking now?” Sara mumbled to herself, in Korean while twirling the glass of rose in her hands. “Wow, Sara-yah… you’ve really outdone yourself. Congratulations…” A single tear rolled down her cheek, which she quickly wiped off and straightened her back while drawing in a deep breath. Sara then closed her eyes and scrolled through her contacts before landing on a random number and calling it.

“Hey… are you busy? Do you feel like meeting and catching up? I’m at Skye… Mkay, I’ll wait for you.”

Topher felt a little awkward that Sara would call them out of nowhere... they knew nobody, or barely a soul, knew they were back in town. So maybe Sara had some sixth sense about it. Or maybe she was as drunk as she sounded at the phone. They hurried to Skye, which was an easy find despite the time between having been there last and finding it again. 

They snuck in, wearing their long baggy coat and their hair down into two fluffy pony-tails. They felt a little underdressed, but then again, they always looked like this, so maybe they were always underdressed. 

They found Sara sitting all by herself, glass in hand, and narrowed their eyes slightly as they edged closer. “How did you know I was back?” they asked, sitting down, arms on the table and leaning into it. 

[astoriaroleplayy]

MEET CHRISTOPHER “TOPHER” ROMIJN

AGE: Twenty-five years old

BIRTHDAY: August 28th, 1996

GENDER / PRONOUNS: Non-binary, they/them

OCCUPATION:  Rookie Firefighter

PLACE OF BIRTH:  Luik (or Liege in French), Belgium

NEIGHBORHOOD:  North Valley

HAS LIVED IN ASTORIA FOR: 1 week

BIOGRAPHY

There’s a story behind every person

Topher was a very violent, trash bag kind of kid. They grew up on the wrong side of town, had the wrong friends, often got into trouble, but they always stuck up for those who were being served injustice. They didn’t really know the right words to express themselves or the injustice they were witnessing, so oftentimes their response was more violence than it was… arguments. They would come home with bruises and cuts a lot.

Their father died of cancer when they were five, they remember very little of him, other than that he was big and had a nasty snarl. Their mom would always tell them stories about him, about how he was a great man, a righteous man. She would say how much they reminded her of him. The same smile, the same quick wit, the same rebellious attitude that would always serve those in need.

Their mother was a sex worker, although during the day she would make a little money in a clothing store out of town, but it was always too little to keep Topher in school. They didn’t know about their mom’s night-job. She never worked from home, and she used her ability to shape-shift to get more customers. If they were unhappy with her service, she would simply offer her services again in a different form. It always worked. Until it didn’t.

Topher was seventeen - infuriatingly in love with the girl two blocks away, and still very oblivious to their mother’s career choice even though the rumours had always spread - when they came home to the scene of a large man stabbing their mother to death with a blunt kitchen knife. They killed the man in a skirmish, set fire to the house, took their mom’s motorcycle, picked up the girl they loved, and hit the road. They’ve long since gotten over the girl, she is no longer within their reach, and they hope she’s moved on. For her sake more than their own. They hope she got out, that she found love and hope somewhere else.

They’re technically homeless.

After almost half a decade in Astoria, they decided to return to Luik to study. They did a general course at the university of Ghent to receive something like a high school diploma, then were offered a few more classes in Animal Studies, before deciding to return to Astoria, once again realising that they did not belong in Belgium after all.

They only recently returned after applying for a job at the fire department while still living in their dorm room. They feared it would be an adjustment, but after landing at the airport, they felt right at home once again.

They’ve grown a lot while a student, still shy and reluctant, still can be violent or impulsive, but they smile more, are more open with people they know, and try to use how righteous they are for good, through helping people rather than fighting.

FACECLAIM: Quintessa Swindell PLAYED BY: Nico

[soundcfsilence]

Quintessa Swindell as Tabitha Foster >>> Trinkets season 2