all new, 𝒇𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒅 for her.

𝙻𝙸𝙺𝙴  𝙰  𝙶𝙾𝙳 𝑾𝑶𝑹𝑺𝑯𝑰𝑷  𝑴𝑬  𝚂𝙻𝙾𝚆𝙻𝚈.

[fatelore]

but   when   does   a   comet   become   a   meteor.   when   does   a   candle   become   a   blaze.   when   does   a   ripple   become   a   tidal   wave.   when   does   the   reason   become   the   blame   . . .   when   does   a   man   become   a   monster.

fatelore.     an   exclusive   muse   blog   written   for   propheciesfm,   as   adored   by   luna   (   thirty   two   ,   est   ,   she   +   her   ).   a   fate   written   in   death   woven   with   tenderness,   echoes   of   bloom   and   decay,   soft   hands   that   remember   cruelty,   the   girl   who   stayed   when   no   one   else   did,   mortality   made   myth,   the   storm   and   the   calm   that   follows.   this   blog   contains   fluff,   angst   +   mature   content.

›    aurelina    wayne    :    intro.    tag.    pintrest. ›    violet    rhodes    :    intro.    tag.    pintrest. ›    rhys    álvarez    :    intro.    tag.    pintrest. ›    aurora    de'    medici    :    intro.    tag.    pintrest.

[dslkfhlsadkfh]

“ you deserve to relax , after everything . ” and as much as valeriya needs to relax , she does want violet to be able to relax despite everything . she's sure her friend needs it more . she does appreciate cosimo accompanying them to the building , though . to make sure violet's safe , in case anyone who would take issue with her is aware of things .

the water feels lovely and she sinks a little more into it . “ i do not want to worry about any of it . is problems for later . or maybe it will all feel less of a problem after this . is mostly i am worried for you and your brother , for our family and friends . is there anything you want to or need to talk about ? ” she asks .

[fatelore]

❛  you  know  ignoring  it  is  only  going  to  make  it  worse.  ❜  speaking  from  experience.  she's  done  it  herself  (  bottled  it  up,  shoved  it  aside,  convinced  herself  it  would  pass  )  and  it  never  does.  it  only  waits  until  it  spills  over  in  ways  you  can't  control  and  may  regret.  her  gaze  traces  the  gentle  ripples  of  the  pool,  and  sighs.  ❛  not  really.  not  any  more,  anyways  .  .  .  i'm  moving  forward.  i'm  more  okay  with  what  i've  become.  and  i  want  to  figure  out  how  to  use  it,  instead  of  letting  it  use  me.  ❜

[evermyth]

he should have known better than to unleash the puppy in the middle of the beach . styx is racing around like he's lost his mind , but julian cannot contain the bright smile that forms as he watches him explore . the hellhound seems to enjoy the world above ⸻ a relief . a part of him still wonders if he should have left him down below , but it's not like he could have , even if he tried . once they found each other , styx refused to let him take a single step without him . the erebide crosses his arms , a chuckle leaving his lips right as the puppy races into someone , replacing the chuckle with a sigh . ❛ sorry about that . ❜ he calls as he jogs toward @startingprophecies , immediately leaning down to catch the pup and put him in air prison . ❛ you're okay , aren't you ? puppies . . . now i get why people say raising them is just as hard as raising a newborn . ❜ and this one definitely seems to have far more energy than the ones that can be found on the mortal plane .

[fatelore]

violet  watches  from  a  few  feet  away,  trying  not  to  laugh  as  styx  barrels  past  her,  ears  flopping  and  tail  wagging  like  it  has  a  mind  of  its  own.  she  shakes  her  head.  puppies  . . .  they  are  a  different  kind  of  chaos.  just  impossibly  eager,  and  that  makes  it  easier  to  forgive  him.

❛  he's  a  handful.  ❜  she  chuckles,  quieter  than  usual,  but  hey  it's  there.  the  infectious  energy  of  a  puppy  is  hard  to  ignore.  ❛  but  he  seems  happy.  ❜  obvious  in  the  way  styx  wriggles  in  his  air  prison.

[evermyth]

of course he came back . cosimo needed space to breathe , yes , but he meant it when he said that he would be gone for a couple of hours , a single night at most . none of it was meant to punish her or to play into her fears and that's the reason why the fury tried to communicate , all in hopes of keeping her from overthinking ⸻ though judging by the look on her face , his plan may not have worked as well as he hoped . mismatched eyes follow her as she rises to her feet and it takes him no time to notice the relief woven into her voice . ❛ hi . ❜ he breathes as he closes the distance between them , lips pressing a gentle kiss to the crown of her head before his fingertips thread through her hair .

another question burns on his tongue , but he chooses to simply nod once she agrees to have pizza with him . ❛ we can eat on the couch , as long as you promise to be very careful . ❜ it may not sound like it , but the last part is nothing short of a tease . insulting to think that cosimo would not be able to fix a greasy couch . ❛ unless you would rather sit at the table ? i brought your favorite . ❜

[fatelore]

he  did  communicate.  her  fear  of  being  left  isn't  cosimo's  fault.  it's  tied  to  old  wounds,  hard  to  shake  even  when  she  understands.  but  it  was  only  one  night.  and  he  needed  that  space  ⸻  which  is  more  important  than  her  worry.  one  that  only  fades  more  as  he  comes  close.  when  his  lips  brush  the  crown  of  her  head  and  his  fingers  thread  through  her  hair,  she  leans  into  him,  arms  wrapping  around  his  waist  gently.

she   only   pulls   back   at   his   next   words.   his   tone   may   not   sound   teasing,   but   she   knows   it   is.   ❛   i   promise.   all   couches   i   have   thus   far   ate   pizza   on   have   survived.   ❜   she   chuckles   quietly,   a   small,   fond   smile   tugging   at   her   lips.   margherita   (   her   favorite   )   just   as   he   always   remembers.   ❛   i   can   help   grab   the   plates.   ❜

[firercts]

she  shifter  blinks  at  her  in  response,  before  she  curls  her  hand  around  her  glass  to  take  a  sip  of  the  whiskey  that  she  wished  she  could  taste.  nailah  wasn't  exactly  known  for  playing  well  with  others,  but  with  violet  being  cosimo's  girlfriend  and  one  of  em's  friends  she  at  least  tried  not  to  turn  her  nose  up  at  the  corny  joke,  though  she's  not  sure  she  succeeded.  another  dark  gaze  trailed  to  the  person  in  question,  assessing  them  with  a  bored  gaze  before  she  shook  her  head.  ‟  then  don't  pay  them  any  attention  to  begin  with.  most  people  don't  care  about  subtlety.  ”  nailah  was  used  to  people  staring  more  often  than  not,  but  she  didn't  play  the  subtle  games  unless  she  got  paid  to.  she's  didn't  understand  being  passive,  but  it  wasn't  her  burden  to  bare.  it  was  cosimo's  club,  his  girlfriend,  and  the  person's untimely  end  they'd  meet  if  they  tried  something.

‟  get  me  what  i  like,  please,  ”  directs  to  the  bartender,  regular  enough  that  they  already  moved  to  grab  her  usual  whiskey  without  her  needing  to  say  anything  else.  ‟  i  guess  another  whatever  it  is  you're  drinking,  too,  until  you've  worked  up  the  courage  to  say  whatever  it  is  you  want.  ”  most  people  didn't  randomly  approach  someone  at  a  bar  to  ask  about  their  well  being,  especially  ill  acquainted.

[fatelore]

violet  can  practically  feel  the  judgment  radiating  off  nailah,  and  it  almost  makes  her  laugh.  if  one  is  going  to  throw  corny  lines  into  the  air,  don't  get  to  act  scandalized  when  someone  tosses  one  back.  but  it  doesn't  bother  her.  ❛  that's  the  plan.  i'm  trying  not  to  start  a  murder  tonight.  ❜  she  chuckles.  because  too  many  ways  it  could  go  wrong.  calling  the  guy  out  could  mean  noise.  noise  means  attention.  attention  means  cosimo  . . .  and  cosimo  means  somebody  dies.  and  there  is  still  the  matter  of  her  new  powers.  no,  silence  is  safer  for  everyone.  even  if  it  looks  like  passive.  at  least  until  the  opposite  is  needed.

❛  i  don't  want  anything.  ❜  the  darklighter  tilts  her  head.  how  sad  to  think  that  could  be  the  only  reason  someone  would  want  to  approach  her.  she  asks  the  bartender  for  a  vodka  shot  before  sipping  on  her  martini.  ❛  just  wanted  to  say  hi.  besides,  clubs  are  more  fun  with  company.  ❜

[ofates]

"it really is good to see you, violet." tabitha’s smile is gentle, a touch of surprise still soft in her expression as she shifts the book in her hands. "and i’m really happy for you — that sounds... wonderful, actually. peaceful." there’s an honesty to her voice, something unfeigned. she doesn’t pry, though curiosity flickers briefly in her eyes. violet had always been a bit of a mystery — more so now, it seems — but tabitha knows better than to press when someone finally looks content. "you deserve that kind of quiet." she pauses, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear before adding with a light laugh, "and hey, maybe one day you’ll let me visit this little piece of calm you’ve found."

[fatelore]

❛  it  is  peaceful.  ❜  even  with  all  the  difficulties.  there  is  so  much  that  stains  her  old  home  (  the  absences,  the  shadows  that  never  quite  left  )  that  getting  away  has  been  good.  the  only  good  thing  about  it  had  been  her  brother  and  siblings.  but  all  of  them  were  in  better  places  now.

❛  i  would  love  that.  ❜  a  small,  tentative  smile  tugging  at  her  lips.  ❛  i'm  still  settling  in  my  new  place,  but  once  i  have  we'll  definitely  do  something.  ❜

[fatelore]

aurelina's  fingers  brush  over  the  drying  bundles  of  chamomile  and  rosemary,  methodical  as  she  weaves  them  together.  soil  clings  to  her  hands,  and  she  hums  softly,  letting  the  sound  carry  through  the  greenhouse.  she  glances  toward  @evermyth  moving  among  the  shelves  the  greenhouse.  ❛  thanks  for  helping.  i  don't  think  i'd  be  able  to  get  through  all  of  it  this  year.  ❜  early  preparation  for  the  winter  solstice,  and  end  of  the  year  gift  giving,  is  a  ritual  she  returns  to  each  year.  but  she  moves  more  slowly  now,  her  current  condition  making  tasks  longer.  ❛  just  don't  look  in  that  drawer  there  . . .  your  gift  is  in  there  and  i  want  it  to  be  a  surprise.  ❜

[evermyth]

the last few weeks had come with a heaviness that seemed impossible to escape . between his concern for aurelina , his fear for the coven's safety and his own personal demons , leopold found himself struggling harder than he ever thought possible . even now , he finds it difficult to surrender to any sense of normalcy ⸻ so he leaves the bed and his sleeping wife to prepare something that couldn't possibly be more mundane : breakfast . ❛ good morning . ❜ the smile on his lips is more genuine than it has been in a while as the scent of coffee and baked goods fills the air around them . ❛ not too busy , no . just enough to make sure it will be a good morning . besides , it has been a while , hasn't it ? ❜ the high priest lowers the tray so he can lean in , pressing a soft kiss to her lips .

[fatelore]

there  is  so  much  that  has  been  weighing  on  her  husband's  shoulders.  both  of  theirs.  something  hard  to  shake,  even  now  with  the  shadows  retreated  back  into  the  underworld.  it's  why  her  smile  is  so  wide  now  ⸻  seeing  the  brightness  despite  how  difficult  normalcy  may  be  hard  to  return  to  after  all  they've  been  through.

she  hums  softly  at  the  kiss,  tilting  her  head  to  meet  it,  returning  with  tenderness.  ❛  it  has.  ❜  both  of  them  far  too  busy  lately,  which  makes  her  treasure  it  all  the  more.  she  lingers  for  a  moment  longer,  pressing  another  kiss  to  his  lips,  before  letting  her  hand  close  around  the  warm  cup  of  decaf  coffee.  ❛  this  is  however  making  me  not  want  to  get  out  of  bed  any  time  soon  now.  ❜

[ofates]

sabrina held the half-finished bouquet in her hands, stepping back to study it from every angle. the mix of deep purples, bright yellows, and soft pinks felt a little chaotic to her eyes, but she wasn’t sure if it was charming or overwhelming. “okay… be honest,” she said, tilting her head with a small, nervous smile. “is this too much, or not enough?”

[fatelore]

aurelina  steps  closer,  tilting  her  head  as  she  studies  the  bouquet.  the  colours  clash  and  collide,  but  ...  ❛  it's  lively.  ❜  she  says,  a  small  smile  tugging  at  her  lips.  ❛  a  little  chaotic  maybe,  but  in  a  good  way.  ❜  she  reaches  out,  brushing  a  finger  against  a  stray  petal.  ❛  i  like  it.  ❜

[firercts]

she  knew  how  busy  things  could  be,  but  seeing  her  friends  that  had  children  reminded  her  how  happy  she  was  that  she  didn't  have  that  big  of  a  responsibility  yet.  she  didn't  even  know  how  she'd  do  with  her  dogs  yet,  let  alone  little  humans.  ‟  yeah,  i  get  it.  the  spa  is  good,  going  well.  getting  busy  this  time  of  the  year  which  is  why  i  only  have  a  little  bit  of  time.  sorry,  ”  she  adds,  guilty  as  she  drops  down  into  the  chair  with  another  big  gulp  of  her  coffee.  ‟  whatever  you  want,  or,  i  guess  whatever  the  baby  wants.  ”  smiles  as  she  shakes  her  head,  holding  up  the  cup.  ‟  not  hungry,  have  too  much  zoom  zoom  bean  juice  to  be  hungry  right  now,  but  i'd  get  one  of  their  burgers.  ”  

[fatelore]

everyone  knew  the  hierarchy  :  puppies  first,  then  toddlers.  dogs  were  just  the  beta  test  for  small,  demanding  creatures.  so  there  was  still  time  for  araminta  . . .  wink  wink.  ❛  oh,  don't  apologize.  i'm  glad  the  spa  is  doing  well  !  ❜  thinking  maybe  she  should  plan  a  trip  there  herself  soon  ⸻  it  had  been  far  too  long.  she  smiles  at  the  asteria's  comment  about  whatever  the  baby  wants.  ❛  story  of  my  life  right  now.  ❜  everything  she  does  these  days  revolved  around  the  little  one  inside  her…  not  that  she  was  complaining.  she  cannot  (  and  will  not  )  deny  enjoying  being  pregnant.

her  laughter  only  grows  when  she  refers  to  her  coffee  as  zoom  zoom  bean  juice.  still  the  same  minty.  ❛  i  will  get  the  burger  then.  you  can  snack  on  my  fries  if  you  end  up  getting  hungry.  ❜

[toiledtrovble]

she was happy that the other woman agreed. as much as aura liked to race around with the other wolves in the pack, kalani didn't think that her daughter got to be around other kids enough. she'd been so protective over her that she knew it was her fault. her classmates had parties and other things that kalani hadn't let her go to, and she felt guilty for it but she couldn't stomach the thought that something happened to aura without her there to try to protect her. "go ahead." she said softly as she nudged her daughter towards lielle. with permission aura ran off to join them which made kalani smile. "i already told aura that if she wants to run she had to find a friend or wait until we got back home. you've saved her from boredom."

[fatelore]

aurelina  understands  the  protective  nature  of  a  mother.  she  is  very  much  that  herself  ⸻  it's  never  easy  to  let  go.  the  sight  of  the  three  girls  racing  off,  laughter  spilling  across  the  field,  brings  a  soft  smile  to  her  face.  ❛  happy  to  help.  victorine  and  lielle  are  always  looking  for  new  friends.  ❜  the  two  sisters  had  each  other,  thankfully  (  never  alone,  never  bored  )  but  it  is  nice  to  see  someone  new  join  in  their  fun.

she  glances  at  the  other  mother,  realizing  they  haven't  yet  properly  introduced  themselves.  ❛  i'm  aurelina,  by  the  way.  ❜

[requiemxverso-deactivated202512]

"I've been the same. You?" Despite how he held himself, Verso was a terrible gossip. It was always easier to be a sideliner – it was much more fun that way. He turned one of the arrangements towards Aurelina, the card that stuck out like a sore thumb clipped in between some of the stems and leaves. "I got this request and I can't tell if it's a joke or the real deal. The note says, 'RIP Dad, if only you were alive to see your wife move on with your brother.' And I'm guessing these are being delivered to the wife. Name is feminine and all that. Should I send them or should I...hand deliver?" Maybe he'd gotten the definition of crashing out wrong, but this was still going to end in someone crashing.

[fatelore]

verso's  answer  is  not  surprising.  he  always  tends  to  linger  at  the  edges,  watching  rather  than  stepping  into  the  spotlight.  ❛  the  same,  but  not.  ❜  she  begins  to  answer,  chuckling  softly.  ❛  leo  and  i  still  leading  the  coven  here  in  kairos.  we've  had  a  couple  new  members,  which  is  always  welcome.  ❜  though  more  hands,  more  energy,  more  work,  even  with  helpers  around.  ❛  and  our  girls  just  keep  growing  and  growing.  i  don't  think  i  can  keep  up.  ❜  let  alone  now  with  her  growing  stomach,  beginning  to  be  big  enough  that's  becoming  harder  to  hide.

the  witch's  attention  is  brought  to  the  arrangements  that  verso  spins  her  way.  she  reads  the  request  slowly,  brow  lifting,  a  laugh  escaping  despite  herself.  ❛  oh  my  . . .  well,  i  would  say  that  if  you  want  to  avoid  an  actual  scene  . . .  sending  might  be  the  better  option  than  hand  delivering.  ❜

[evermyth]

a part of him wants to question it , thinks that there must be something wrong with him if he accepts it like it has always slumbered beneath the surface ⸻ but julian recognizes that as self - destructive behavior . his death had been violent enough , why should he suffer even more now ? a sigh falls from his lips as he nods . ❛ i guess i should take your word for it . you are much older , after all . ❜ lips twitch until aurora's words make him look up , his eyes narrowing into a playful frown . ❛ what did you just call me ? i've never been squishy . ❜

his gaze lowers as he adds cheese to his dough to form the crust around it . hearing those words should come as a relief , but jules has never been the type to want someone to be upset . ❛ i am trying . ❜ isn't that why he invited her over ? to try and see if they could move past things ? he takes a deep breath before he looks at her , nodding once more . ❛ i missed you too . ❜ it makes him feel vulnerable to say it out loud , but the erebide isn't going to lie about it . is it selfish ? trust does not come easily to either one of them and , against all odds , they still became one of each other's closest friends . he cannot make promises , but he wouldn't call aurora selfish for wanting to fix them . hands reach for the toppings and he spreads them on his pizza to buy himself another moment . ❛ we'll try . i don't know if we're gonna make it , but . . . ❜ the word hope makes him uncomfortable , so he tries to find another one . ❛ i would like it , if we do . ❜

[fatelore]

no,  it's  not  wrong.  not  in  aurora's  mind.  if  this  is  truly  something  that  slumbered  beneath  julian's  being,  if  it  surfaced  because  of  his  past  life,  if  he  feels  right  in  his  skin  . . .  then  it  doesn't  matter  that  it  came  from  the  void  of  an  ancient  primordial.  it  is  him.  ❛  i  am.  so  you  should.  ❜  states  so  matter-of-factly.  ❛  all  humans  are  a  little  squishy.  ❜  she  reminds  then.  at  least  compared  to  an  erinys.  ❛  maybe  you'll  even  be  able  to  beat  me  in  a  sparing  match  now.  ❜

she  can  see  he  is  trying.  because  yes  . . .  he  wouldn't  have  invited  her  right  after  something  so  traumatic  if  he  didn't  want  to  see  her  or  try  to  rebuild  what  they've  always  had.  it  softens  her  in  ways  she  rarely  allows.  vulnerable,  perhaps  (  for  both  of  them  )  but  there  was  a  time,  before  this  year  apart,  when  they  could  be  this  open  with  each  other.  more  open  than  she's  ever  been  with  anyone  outside  her  family.

❛  then  we  try.  ❜  no  matter  how  long  it  takes,  fall  into  spring.  she  finishes  spreading  her  toppings  on  her  pizza  and  opens  the  oven  door  so  they  can  both  slide  theirs  in  to  cook.  when  the  task  is  done,  she  stands  in  front  of  him,  a  smile  on  her  face.  ❛  i'll  introduce  you  to  clio  next  time.  i  think  she'll  like  you.  and  theron.  ❜

[evermyth]

he never returns from italy without a little something for his daughter , who loves the country just as much as cosimo does . sometimes he cannot help but wonder why he decides to leave it so often ⸻ the answer is obvious , but he refuses to entertain any of his own thoughts as he steps into the living room of the mansion . ❛ buona sera . ❜ the fury greets , though his usual excitement to surprise her is all but missing . so much for thinking a single night away from home would make a difference . ❛ are you well ? ❜ he asks while he hands @fatelore a black bag with a beautiful ribbon , containing her favorite handcrafted perfume from florence as well as fresh cantuccini . ❛ i take it everything has been quiet ? ❜

[fatelore]

aurora  is  worried.  her  father  always  carries  so  much  on  his  shoulders  (  a  fury  like  atlas,  holding  the  world  )  but  lately,  the  weight  seems  like  too  much.  she  did  not  know  everything  that  is  happening,  but  like  both  of  them,  they  rarely  push  to  ask.  not  unless  the  other  is  willing  to  share.

❛  ciao,  papà.  ❜  she  greets,  noting  the  tone  in  his  voice.  she  takes  the  gift,  letting  it  rest  in  her  hands  for  now,  unopened.  ❛  i'm  okay.  a  little  tired  still.  ❜  rest  always  needed  after  doing  something  so  strenuous.  ❛  but  things  have  been  quiet.  ❜  even  as  kairos  rebuilds  after  ritual  that  purged  the  shadows.  ❛  how  was  italy  ?  ❜

[evermyth]

she knows her well enough to understand that aurora is not being dismissive . the daemon must be lost in her own thoughts and she simply offers a gentle smile . ❛ consider it . if you feel bored the offer stands ⸻ anytime . ❜

using magic on an animal is an intrusion , even if someone means well , but the other suggestion makes her laugh . ❛ you think he is going to neigh if he likes one ? ❜ she pauses for a second , thinking . ❛ wait , can you talk to animals ? i always forget if all daemons can . ❜ the name leaves a look of surprise on the hybrid's face . ❛ clio ? that has been a long time , hasn't it ? ❜ centuries , even . ❛ she might startle elif a little , but at least she's bigger than a hamster or a guinea pig . ❜ still , smaller than a rabbit so who knows how her daughter is going to take it . ❛ where is the baby ? when did she return to you ? ❜ impossible not to wonder , though she'd never press for an answer . ❛ thank you for saying so . i can't count all of the times i feel like i'm failing . ❜

[fatelore]

aurora  nods.  she'll  consider  anything,  even  when  she's  not  entirely  sure.  but  above  all,  she  trusts  talia.  and  who  knows  . . .  maybe  having  something  to  do  beyond  what  she  does  now  could  be  good  for  her.  she  takes  a  sip  of  her  coffee  before  answering  so  simply.  ❛  yes.  ❜  it  may  seem  silly,  but  hey  maybe  he  would  neigh.  animals  are  far  smarter  than  most  give  them  credit.  ❛  i  can.  so  if  you  want  me  to  ask  him,  i  could.  ❜  or  anything  else  for  that  matter.

❛  yeah,  it  has.  ❜  clio's  departure  had  been  bittersweet,  just  as  the  reunion  was.  but  aurora  finds  herself  spilling  more  words  than  usual,  rare  for  her  to  let  them  tumble  out  at  once.  ❛  she's  off  doing  her  own  thing,  as  usual.  she  found  me  a  couple  weeks  back.  i  was  at  our  old  cottage  in  italy.  you  know,  the  one  i  used  to  sneak  off  to  as  a  kid.  apparently  she'd  been  huddled  up  there  like  she  owns  the  place.  probably  judging  the  furniture  and  waiting  for  me  to  get  my  act  together.  ❜  she  shakes  her  head,  a  quiet  laugh  slipping  out.  ❛  honestly,  she  didn't  even  give  me  a  warning.  just  appeared  one  evening  like  ‘  surprise,  i'm  back.  deal  with  it  ’  . . .  she  hasn't  changed  a  bit.  ❜

aurora  reaches  out  to  grab  talia's  hand,  when  doubts  of  her  being  a  mother  surfaces.  ❛  i  think  every  parent  thinks  that  at  some  point.  ❜  again,  she  wouldn't  know,  but  she's  been  around  enough  to  see  it.  ❛  she  clearly  loves  you  so  you're  not  failing.  ❜

[ofates]

“oh, please — you making your own light sounds like a potential fire hazard,” tara teased, pencil pausing mid-stroke as she glanced up at him with a grin. “though, i’ll admit, dramatic lighting does suit you.” she shifted slightly on the bench, squinting at him in mock evaluation. “and don’t tempt me with the whole make me work for it thing. you forget who you’re talking to — i’m stubborn enough to turn that into a challenge.” playful lilt colored her tone, but there was warmth behind it — that easy familiarity of someone who’s seen every version of him and still chooses to laugh. “besides,” she added, gesturing at her sketchbook, “you’d probably fidget halfway through and claim you were doing me a favor. you’re lucky i find the chaos entertaining.” a beat, then a sly smile. “so go ahead, join the view. i’ll risk the moving target — might even make the piece more alive.”

[fatelore]

❛  dramatic  lighting  suits  everyone.  ❜  he  says,  stepping  in  just  enough  for  his  shadow  to  stretch  across  her  page  again.  he  tilts  his  head  when  she  calls  herself  stubborn.  ❛  that  i  don't  forget.  i've  learned  my  lessons.  the  hard  way.  repeatedly.  ❜

rhys  steps  past  her,  toward  the  spot  she's  been  sketching  around,  and  settles  into  the  scene  with  a  slow,  unhurried  ease.  he  lowers  himself  onto  the  edge  of  the  stone  ledge,  one  knee  bent,  one  foot  braced  against  the  ground,  posture  relaxed  but  quietly  intentional.  ❛  there.  consider  your  moving  target  acquired.  i’ll  try  not  to  . . .  adjust  too  much.  no  promises  ❜

[rcttens]

they  looked  up  from  the  menu,  toeing  the  line  of  picking  something  from  the  nitro  or  turbo  hot  side  of  the  menu.  ❛  yes  ?  i  never  knew  you  to  be  scared  of  a  little  bit  of  spice.  ❜  but  maybe  it  was  because  it  was  her.  it  may  not  have  had  anything  to  do  with  the  deal  to  see  how  much  spice  you  could  handle,  win  a  prize  if  you  held  it  in  longer  than  the  next  person  but  because  it  was  odd  to  see  someone  that  was  like  a  different  side  of  the  same  coin.  ❛  you  can  punk  out  if  you'd  like,  but  i'm  going  to  try  the  nitro  noodles  and  win  a  prize.  ❜         

[fatelore]

❛  it  is  less  being  scared  and  more  worried  for  the  insides  of  my  stomach.  ❜  but  yes.  it  is  because  it's  for  her.  he  could  care  less  about  any  deal  or  prize,  but  the  spark  in  her  eyes  when  she  challenges  him  ?  that's  harder  to  ignore.

rhys  flips  the  menu  in  his  hands,  scanning  the  columns  of  escalating  heat  levels  like  they're  some  sort  of  tactical  briefing.  nitro.  turbo.  inferno.  half  these  dishes  seem  like  they  could  melt  through  the  table.  he  sets  the  menu  down.  ❛  if  i  end  up  in  gastrointestinal  distress,  i'm  blaming  you.  ❜  he  leans  back  in  his  chair,  resigned  and  amused  in  equal  measure.  ❛  and  i  suppose  i'm  ordering  them  too.  clearly.  ❜