For all I've done for want of wit, to mem'ry now I can't recall.

A Nevermore Oc rp blog (pfp by: Elenaillustrate on picrew)

[fionan-james]

Character Biography

Name: Fionán James Quigly

Age: 20

Date of Birth: 1 April, 1892

Date of Death: 15 April 1912

Rules:

-Just follow everyone else's guidelines and you'll be good :p

-No Nsfw please!!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

*Fionan slips into the room, nervously fiddling with the cuffs of his shirt.. he's dressed more nicely than usual, with a sweater vest that looks like it's possibly been pilfered from Kipley, and an awkwardly tied bowtie (he tried).*

....Holly?

-@fionan-james

{she turns. It appears they’ve tried a new thing lately with their hair, tying it into pigtails that rested on their shoulders. He smiles at Fionán.}

What’s got you all dressed up? {she spares a sympathetic giggle at the mess of the bow tie, deciding to help him with it.}

[fionan-james]

*the tips of his ears turn pink as she fixes his bowtie, and he gives a sheepish grin*

I was... well, I was wondering... *he clears his throat nervously* ....Would you like to go out to supper?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…Out to supper where exactly? we, ah, don’t exactly have many places to go? {she gives a few beats before then realizing what he means.}

—OH. hgsgsSure. Oh my goodness.

[fionan-james]

*he flushes deeper* Platonically of course— if that's alright. Derrick has Cillian, so we should be free to go anywhere, depending on where you want to go— *he's rambling now, clearly nervous*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Oh? {she can’t help but smirk a little. It was hilarious to see him so flustered and anxious.}

Any time is good with me, I don’t really mind where we go.

[fionan-james]

Oh... ah... Shite. *he's clearly not planned this out*

...Are you certain you don't mind?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{Doubt shines in their face.}

..Why would I mind? You don’t have to do this if you really don’t want to. {his eyes blink with the slightest shine growing across the waterline.}

[fionan-james]

*He immediately winces, trying to backtrack*

Nay! Nay I want to do this- I just... *he sighs* I maybe didn't think this through because I thought you'd have somethign you wanted to do...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{her expression immediately breaks into a grin}

Pft. I was only messing with you. but.. yeah you really didn’t think this one through, did ya? Hm.

{they pull up a stool to the counter nearby.}

Alright. Let’s.. plan a date today.

[fionan-james]

*he looks slightly like he's about to cry from anxiety, but nods*

...No... I don't think any thinking went into this, because if I started thinking about it I'd get to nervous to ask, and then we wouldn't be anywhere-

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{she holds onto his hand.}

I’m gonna need you to take a chill pill, Fionán. You’re psyching yourself out and it’s going to do neither of us any good.

mm.. How about.. you let me take the reigns of planning?

[fionan-james]

They have pills for chills in the future???

....Yes ma'am.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

something like that, …and I should look into getting you some lexapro.. but for right now I mean metaphorical pills. It’s an expression meaning you need to calm down.

and, thank you.

{she grins, mild satisfaction at the response, then murmuring about routes and such, crawling on all fours into the nearest vent.}

[fionan-james]

What is a "lexapro?"

*he crouches down beside teh vent and stares inside*

....I don't think I can go in there, Holly.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Not asking you to. I’m just trying to see where is occupied right now. {she peeps back out from the vent square.}

and lexapro is anxiety medication, which you clearly need.

[fionan-james]

...Ah, very well.

I don't have anxiety!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

It’s cute that you think you can lie to me about that. {she giggles.}

[fionan-james]

I don't! *He gives them a grouchy look*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she reaches into their pocket and wriggles out a license and flashes it to him. It’s a medical license. She then pulls out a paper with diagnoses on a paper.}

[fionan-james]

...Why do you just have that on hand?!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

because everybody here is mentally ill and nobody believes the literal medical professional.

[fionan-james]

...I thought you were an animal doctor, not a human doctor???

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

with my parents??? No way.

They forced me to delve more into human healths studies as well..

[fionan-james]

I see.. *his tone indicates that he's wondering if he needs to have "a word" with Holly's parents*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

anywayyyyy. I think we could potentially go through a stroll..? And then stop by the garden.

[fionan-james]

Oh, aye, that sounds nice. *he nods, taking a deep breath.* Do you like the garden? I assumed that was Mr. Frazier's domain.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

Mhm.. I grew up in Arizona so we didn’t see much variation in plants. I like seeing a bit of everything.

and.. as for the garden, Mr. Frazier owns it but Gladys runs it like the navy.

{she climbs out of the vent and tumbles to the floor.}

augh..

[fionan-james]

Arizona? Where's that? *he chuckles softly* Gladys? I don't know if I can see that...

...Are you alright? *his brow furrows in concern, and he offers his hand to him*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {they take his hand and struggle to their feet.}

…It’s.. err… this state in south west America that’s very arid and dry..

[fionan-james]

*he keeps holding her hand, even after they're up, hovering anxiously*

Ah, I don't believe I'd heard of that one when I was alive... Moreso the ones on the eastern coast.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

mm, over the centuries, they expanded westward.. and now I’m here.

[fionan-james]

I see... I probably couldn't name most of what they had when I was alive anyhow... The only one I truly cared about was New York, and wherever it was Owen lived— haven't remembered where that was yet. Anythin' else I could go from there. *He shrugs*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

I’ve always wanted to visit New York. {she sighs.}

[fionan-james]

I never made it either... *he shoves his hands in his pockets with a shrug*

...If I could take you there, I would.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small little sad sound came from Holly.}

[fionan-james]

*he immediately turns and wraps his arms around her, resting his chin on their head.*

... I'm sorry

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… don’t be. I’m just wishing I could travel there with you.

[fionan-james]

....I wish I could take you to see where I grew up too. Show you where my Ma is buried.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…

{she doesn’t say anything else.}

[fionan-james]

...I'm sorry.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

you don’t need to be sorry. You. just need to stay by my side.

{her words ring with a sense of cling and fear.}

[fionan-james]

I can do that.... *he takes a shaky breath* I promise.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

.. {there’s a kind of distant look in Holly’s eyes. It’s almost Déjà vu to her, hearing these words.}

[fionan-james]

...Are you alright?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{The room melted into a more modern scene: outside of the Cyprus, a nearby bar and nightclub in its prominence for most students who attended the college a block down.}

{Holly, in her delusional state, felt as though she was back to that night, shaky in a sparkled bandage dress and jacket that her then-friends had offered her. It was a small attempt for Holly to explore themself. Expression was something she usually kept on the down low, only ever previously being exposed to dressing femininely in the confines of her own house.}

{to be out here tonight with friends, being unabashedly queer and still figuring things out, to even take the risk of publicity, it was a sickening exhilaration she felt}

{Fear crept into her chest, however. Constantly feeling a pair of eyes peer at her, likely perceiving her as just a man in a dress. She didn’t want to cause any problems, so she clung to her group as they made their way into the Cyprus. She had stopped one of them, her best friend Trinity, to not leave her side.}

{It was a record time for that promise to be broken in half an hour. Intoxicated and gleeful had been the state that Holly found her friends in, between dancing and drinking.}

{She had decided it was time for her to go home. She didn’t really like clubs anyway. If it were up to her, they’d be in their room watching Tokyo Mew Mew, maybe seeing whatever the local theatre had, or even an arcade trip. Not.. whatever this was.}

{Details of leaving the dizzy neon oasis had been skewed in her head, but it was as though the eyes followed her as she left.}

{and maybe the paranoia was justified considering the attack.}

{she felt the bruising of her back against a brick wall and the firm hand around her throat, and fuck, she’s never seen a man so angry. If she could croak out anything, it wouldn’t be intelligible.}

{she claws at imaginary hands, trying to pull them away from her throat as they stir back to consciousness, her eyes darting around back at the academy.}

[fionan-james]

...Holly?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she wheezes for a few moments, as though the weight of the world was on their windpipes for a minute.

[fionan-james]

Holly.... Are you okay? *he's worried, but trying not to let them know*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..I’m.. yeah.. just.. a few minutes.

{if she was trying to play it off, she wasn’t doing it well.}

[fionan-james]

....Do you want a glass of water?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..maybe. {she frowns, dread and embarrassment lining her face.}

[fionan-james]

*he nods quickly, glad to have something to do* ...Are you alirhgt if I leave for a moment?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small whine dejectedly. She’s okay with it but it doesn’t mean she’s happy about it.}

[fionan-james]

...Would you rather come with me?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

if that’s alright.

[fionan-james]

Of course 'tis. *he wraps his arm around their shoulders as he turns towards the kitchen* C'mon...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{they lean into him, faint breathing as though still in fight or flight. It seems she’s chosen freeze.}

[fionan-james]

*he pauses for a moment, then sits on the floor, gently pulling her down with him as he wraps his arms around him*

Breathe please...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..sorry..

[fionan-james]

Ah, nay, don't apologize-

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she sits up and hugs her knees, seeming forlorn.}

[fionan-james]

....Do you want to talk about it, or no?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

I got a flashback to.. the night I died..

[fionan-james]

Ah, fuck, I'm sorry... *he rests his chin on her head, humming in concern*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…You think you know what terrifying is until you essentially die again.

[fionan-james]

...Was the second time worse?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…

{she stops to process the question, her eyes almost dulling over.}

…I’d believe so. Have you ever felt your entire thread of humanity be pulled and hawned from your skin..?

[fionan-james]

*he goes pale and shakes his head*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

*Fionan slips into the room, nervously fiddling with the cuffs of his shirt.. he's dressed more nicely than usual, with a sweater vest that looks like it's possibly been pilfered from Kipley, and an awkwardly tied bowtie (he tried).*

....Holly?

-@fionan-james

{she turns. It appears they’ve tried a new thing lately with their hair, tying it into pigtails that rested on their shoulders. He smiles at Fionán.}

What’s got you all dressed up? {she spares a sympathetic giggle at the mess of the bow tie, deciding to help him with it.}

[fionan-james]

*the tips of his ears turn pink as she fixes his bowtie, and he gives a sheepish grin*

I was... well, I was wondering... *he clears his throat nervously* ....Would you like to go out to supper?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…Out to supper where exactly? we, ah, don’t exactly have many places to go? {she gives a few beats before then realizing what he means.}

—OH. hgsgsSure. Oh my goodness.

[fionan-james]

*he flushes deeper* Platonically of course— if that's alright. Derrick has Cillian, so we should be free to go anywhere, depending on where you want to go— *he's rambling now, clearly nervous*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Oh? {she can’t help but smirk a little. It was hilarious to see him so flustered and anxious.}

Any time is good with me, I don’t really mind where we go.

[fionan-james]

Oh... ah... Shite. *he's clearly not planned this out*

...Are you certain you don't mind?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{Doubt shines in their face.}

..Why would I mind? You don’t have to do this if you really don’t want to. {his eyes blink with the slightest shine growing across the waterline.}

[fionan-james]

*He immediately winces, trying to backtrack*

Nay! Nay I want to do this- I just... *he sighs* I maybe didn't think this through because I thought you'd have somethign you wanted to do...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{her expression immediately breaks into a grin}

Pft. I was only messing with you. but.. yeah you really didn’t think this one through, did ya? Hm.

{they pull up a stool to the counter nearby.}

Alright. Let’s.. plan a date today.

[fionan-james]

*he looks slightly like he's about to cry from anxiety, but nods*

...No... I don't think any thinking went into this, because if I started thinking about it I'd get to nervous to ask, and then we wouldn't be anywhere-

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{she holds onto his hand.}

I’m gonna need you to take a chill pill, Fionán. You’re psyching yourself out and it’s going to do neither of us any good.

mm.. How about.. you let me take the reigns of planning?

[fionan-james]

They have pills for chills in the future???

....Yes ma'am.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

something like that, …and I should look into getting you some lexapro.. but for right now I mean metaphorical pills. It’s an expression meaning you need to calm down.

and, thank you.

{she grins, mild satisfaction at the response, then murmuring about routes and such, crawling on all fours into the nearest vent.}

[fionan-james]

What is a "lexapro?"

*he crouches down beside teh vent and stares inside*

....I don't think I can go in there, Holly.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Not asking you to. I’m just trying to see where is occupied right now. {she peeps back out from the vent square.}

and lexapro is anxiety medication, which you clearly need.

[fionan-james]

...Ah, very well.

I don't have anxiety!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

It’s cute that you think you can lie to me about that. {she giggles.}

[fionan-james]

I don't! *He gives them a grouchy look*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she reaches into their pocket and wriggles out a license and flashes it to him. It’s a medical license. She then pulls out a paper with diagnoses on a paper.}

[fionan-james]

...Why do you just have that on hand?!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

because everybody here is mentally ill and nobody believes the literal medical professional.

[fionan-james]

...I thought you were an animal doctor, not a human doctor???

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

with my parents??? No way.

They forced me to delve more into human healths studies as well..

[fionan-james]

I see.. *his tone indicates that he's wondering if he needs to have "a word" with Holly's parents*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

anywayyyyy. I think we could potentially go through a stroll..? And then stop by the garden.

[fionan-james]

Oh, aye, that sounds nice. *he nods, taking a deep breath.* Do you like the garden? I assumed that was Mr. Frazier's domain.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

Mhm.. I grew up in Arizona so we didn’t see much variation in plants. I like seeing a bit of everything.

and.. as for the garden, Mr. Frazier owns it but Gladys runs it like the navy.

{she climbs out of the vent and tumbles to the floor.}

augh..

[fionan-james]

Arizona? Where's that? *he chuckles softly* Gladys? I don't know if I can see that...

...Are you alright? *his brow furrows in concern, and he offers his hand to him*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {they take his hand and struggle to their feet.}

…It’s.. err… this state in south west America that’s very arid and dry..

[fionan-james]

*he keeps holding her hand, even after they're up, hovering anxiously*

Ah, I don't believe I'd heard of that one when I was alive... Moreso the ones on the eastern coast.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

mm, over the centuries, they expanded westward.. and now I’m here.

[fionan-james]

I see... I probably couldn't name most of what they had when I was alive anyhow... The only one I truly cared about was New York, and wherever it was Owen lived— haven't remembered where that was yet. Anythin' else I could go from there. *He shrugs*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

I’ve always wanted to visit New York. {she sighs.}

[fionan-james]

I never made it either... *he shoves his hands in his pockets with a shrug*

...If I could take you there, I would.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small little sad sound came from Holly.}

[fionan-james]

*he immediately turns and wraps his arms around her, resting his chin on their head.*

... I'm sorry

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… don’t be. I’m just wishing I could travel there with you.

[fionan-james]

....I wish I could take you to see where I grew up too. Show you where my Ma is buried.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…

{she doesn’t say anything else.}

[fionan-james]

...I'm sorry.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

you don’t need to be sorry. You. just need to stay by my side.

{her words ring with a sense of cling and fear.}

[fionan-james]

I can do that.... *he takes a shaky breath* I promise.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

.. {there’s a kind of distant look in Holly’s eyes. It’s almost Déjà vu to her, hearing these words.}

[fionan-james]

...Are you alright?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{The room melted into a more modern scene: outside of the Cyprus, a nearby bar and nightclub in its prominence for most students who attended the college a block down.}

{Holly, in her delusional state, felt as though she was back to that night, shaky in a sparkled bandage dress and jacket that her then-friends had offered her. It was a small attempt for Holly to explore themself. Expression was something she usually kept on the down low, only ever previously being exposed to dressing femininely in the confines of her own house.}

{to be out here tonight with friends, being unabashedly queer and still figuring things out, to even take the risk of publicity, it was a sickening exhilaration she felt}

{Fear crept into her chest, however. Constantly feeling a pair of eyes peer at her, likely perceiving her as just a man in a dress. She didn’t want to cause any problems, so she clung to her group as they made their way into the Cyprus. She had stopped one of them, her best friend Trinity, to not leave her side.}

{It was a record time for that promise to be broken in half an hour. Intoxicated and gleeful had been the state that Holly found her friends in, between dancing and drinking.}

{She had decided it was time for her to go home. She didn’t really like clubs anyway. If it were up to her, they’d be in their room watching Tokyo Mew Mew, maybe seeing whatever the local theatre had, or even an arcade trip. Not.. whatever this was.}

{Details of leaving the dizzy neon oasis had been skewed in her head, but it was as though the eyes followed her as she left.}

{and maybe the paranoia was justified considering the attack.}

{she felt the bruising of her back against a brick wall and the firm hand around her throat, and fuck, she’s never seen a man so angry. If she could croak out anything, it wouldn’t be intelligible.}

{she claws at imaginary hands, trying to pull them away from her throat as they stir back to consciousness, her eyes darting around back at the academy.}

[fionan-james]

...Holly?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she wheezes for a few moments, as though the weight of the world was on their windpipes for a minute.

[fionan-james]

Holly.... Are you okay? *he's worried, but trying not to let them know*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..I’m.. yeah.. just.. a few minutes.

{if she was trying to play it off, she wasn’t doing it well.}

[fionan-james]

....Do you want a glass of water?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..maybe. {she frowns, dread and embarrassment lining her face.}

[fionan-james]

*he nods quickly, glad to have something to do* ...Are you alirhgt if I leave for a moment?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small whine dejectedly. She’s okay with it but it doesn’t mean she’s happy about it.}

[fionan-james]

...Would you rather come with me?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

if that’s alright.

[fionan-james]

Of course 'tis. *he wraps his arm around their shoulders as he turns towards the kitchen* C'mon...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{they lean into him, faint breathing as though still in fight or flight. It seems she’s chosen freeze.}

[fionan-james]

*he pauses for a moment, then sits on the floor, gently pulling her down with him as he wraps his arms around him*

Breathe please...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..sorry..

[fionan-james]

Ah, nay, don't apologize-

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she sits up and hugs her knees, seeming forlorn.}

[fionan-james]

....Do you want to talk about it, or no?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

I got a flashback to.. the night I died..

[fionan-james]

Ah, fuck, I'm sorry... *he rests his chin on her head, humming in concern*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…You think you know what terrifying is until you essentially die again.

[fionan-james]

...Was the second time worse?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

*Fionan slips into the room, nervously fiddling with the cuffs of his shirt.. he's dressed more nicely than usual, with a sweater vest that looks like it's possibly been pilfered from Kipley, and an awkwardly tied bowtie (he tried).*

....Holly?

-@fionan-james

{she turns. It appears they’ve tried a new thing lately with their hair, tying it into pigtails that rested on their shoulders. He smiles at Fionán.}

What’s got you all dressed up? {she spares a sympathetic giggle at the mess of the bow tie, deciding to help him with it.}

[fionan-james]

*the tips of his ears turn pink as she fixes his bowtie, and he gives a sheepish grin*

I was... well, I was wondering... *he clears his throat nervously* ....Would you like to go out to supper?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…Out to supper where exactly? we, ah, don’t exactly have many places to go? {she gives a few beats before then realizing what he means.}

—OH. hgsgsSure. Oh my goodness.

[fionan-james]

*he flushes deeper* Platonically of course— if that's alright. Derrick has Cillian, so we should be free to go anywhere, depending on where you want to go— *he's rambling now, clearly nervous*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Oh? {she can’t help but smirk a little. It was hilarious to see him so flustered and anxious.}

Any time is good with me, I don’t really mind where we go.

[fionan-james]

Oh... ah... Shite. *he's clearly not planned this out*

...Are you certain you don't mind?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{Doubt shines in their face.}

..Why would I mind? You don’t have to do this if you really don’t want to. {his eyes blink with the slightest shine growing across the waterline.}

[fionan-james]

*He immediately winces, trying to backtrack*

Nay! Nay I want to do this- I just... *he sighs* I maybe didn't think this through because I thought you'd have somethign you wanted to do...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{her expression immediately breaks into a grin}

Pft. I was only messing with you. but.. yeah you really didn’t think this one through, did ya? Hm.

{they pull up a stool to the counter nearby.}

Alright. Let’s.. plan a date today.

[fionan-james]

*he looks slightly like he's about to cry from anxiety, but nods*

...No... I don't think any thinking went into this, because if I started thinking about it I'd get to nervous to ask, and then we wouldn't be anywhere-

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{she holds onto his hand.}

I’m gonna need you to take a chill pill, Fionán. You’re psyching yourself out and it’s going to do neither of us any good.

mm.. How about.. you let me take the reigns of planning?

[fionan-james]

They have pills for chills in the future???

....Yes ma'am.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

something like that, …and I should look into getting you some lexapro.. but for right now I mean metaphorical pills. It’s an expression meaning you need to calm down.

and, thank you.

{she grins, mild satisfaction at the response, then murmuring about routes and such, crawling on all fours into the nearest vent.}

[fionan-james]

What is a "lexapro?"

*he crouches down beside teh vent and stares inside*

....I don't think I can go in there, Holly.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Not asking you to. I’m just trying to see where is occupied right now. {she peeps back out from the vent square.}

and lexapro is anxiety medication, which you clearly need.

[fionan-james]

...Ah, very well.

I don't have anxiety!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

It’s cute that you think you can lie to me about that. {she giggles.}

[fionan-james]

I don't! *He gives them a grouchy look*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she reaches into their pocket and wriggles out a license and flashes it to him. It’s a medical license. She then pulls out a paper with diagnoses on a paper.}

[fionan-james]

...Why do you just have that on hand?!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

because everybody here is mentally ill and nobody believes the literal medical professional.

[fionan-james]

...I thought you were an animal doctor, not a human doctor???

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

with my parents??? No way.

They forced me to delve more into human healths studies as well..

[fionan-james]

I see.. *his tone indicates that he's wondering if he needs to have "a word" with Holly's parents*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

anywayyyyy. I think we could potentially go through a stroll..? And then stop by the garden.

[fionan-james]

Oh, aye, that sounds nice. *he nods, taking a deep breath.* Do you like the garden? I assumed that was Mr. Frazier's domain.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

Mhm.. I grew up in Arizona so we didn’t see much variation in plants. I like seeing a bit of everything.

and.. as for the garden, Mr. Frazier owns it but Gladys runs it like the navy.

{she climbs out of the vent and tumbles to the floor.}

augh..

[fionan-james]

Arizona? Where's that? *he chuckles softly* Gladys? I don't know if I can see that...

...Are you alright? *his brow furrows in concern, and he offers his hand to him*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {they take his hand and struggle to their feet.}

…It’s.. err… this state in south west America that’s very arid and dry..

[fionan-james]

*he keeps holding her hand, even after they're up, hovering anxiously*

Ah, I don't believe I'd heard of that one when I was alive... Moreso the ones on the eastern coast.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

mm, over the centuries, they expanded westward.. and now I’m here.

[fionan-james]

I see... I probably couldn't name most of what they had when I was alive anyhow... The only one I truly cared about was New York, and wherever it was Owen lived— haven't remembered where that was yet. Anythin' else I could go from there. *He shrugs*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

I’ve always wanted to visit New York. {she sighs.}

[fionan-james]

I never made it either... *he shoves his hands in his pockets with a shrug*

...If I could take you there, I would.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small little sad sound came from Holly.}

[fionan-james]

*he immediately turns and wraps his arms around her, resting his chin on their head.*

... I'm sorry

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… don’t be. I’m just wishing I could travel there with you.

[fionan-james]

....I wish I could take you to see where I grew up too. Show you where my Ma is buried.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…

{she doesn’t say anything else.}

[fionan-james]

...I'm sorry.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

you don’t need to be sorry. You. just need to stay by my side.

{her words ring with a sense of cling and fear.}

[fionan-james]

I can do that.... *he takes a shaky breath* I promise.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

.. {there’s a kind of distant look in Holly’s eyes. It’s almost Déjà vu to her, hearing these words.}

[fionan-james]

...Are you alright?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{The room melted into a more modern scene: outside of the Cyprus, a nearby bar and nightclub in its prominence for most students who attended the college a block down.}

{Holly, in her delusional state, felt as though she was back to that night, shaky in a sparkled bandage dress and jacket that her then-friends had offered her. It was a small attempt for Holly to explore themself. Expression was something she usually kept on the down low, only ever previously being exposed to dressing femininely in the confines of her own house.}

{to be out here tonight with friends, being unabashedly queer and still figuring things out, to even take the risk of publicity, it was a sickening exhilaration she felt}

{Fear crept into her chest, however. Constantly feeling a pair of eyes peer at her, likely perceiving her as just a man in a dress. She didn’t want to cause any problems, so she clung to her group as they made their way into the Cyprus. She had stopped one of them, her best friend Trinity, to not leave her side.}

{It was a record time for that promise to be broken in half an hour. Intoxicated and gleeful had been the state that Holly found her friends in, between dancing and drinking.}

{She had decided it was time for her to go home. She didn’t really like clubs anyway. If it were up to her, they’d be in their room watching Tokyo Mew Mew, maybe seeing whatever the local theatre had, or even an arcade trip. Not.. whatever this was.}

{Details of leaving the dizzy neon oasis had been skewed in her head, but it was as though the eyes followed her as she left.}

{and maybe the paranoia was justified considering the attack.}

{she felt the bruising of her back against a brick wall and the firm hand around her throat, and fuck, she’s never seen a man so angry. If she could croak out anything, it wouldn’t be intelligible.}

{she claws at imaginary hands, trying to pull them away from her throat as they stir back to consciousness, her eyes darting around back at the academy.}

[fionan-james]

...Holly?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she wheezes for a few moments, as though the weight of the world was on their windpipes for a minute.

[fionan-james]

Holly.... Are you okay? *he's worried, but trying not to let them know*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..I’m.. yeah.. just.. a few minutes.

{if she was trying to play it off, she wasn’t doing it well.}

[fionan-james]

....Do you want a glass of water?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..maybe. {she frowns, dread and embarrassment lining her face.}

[fionan-james]

*he nods quickly, glad to have something to do* ...Are you alirhgt if I leave for a moment?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small whine dejectedly. She’s okay with it but it doesn’t mean she’s happy about it.}

[fionan-james]

...Would you rather come with me?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

if that’s alright.

[fionan-james]

Of course 'tis. *he wraps his arm around their shoulders as he turns towards the kitchen* C'mon...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{they lean into him, faint breathing as though still in fight or flight. It seems she’s chosen freeze.}

[fionan-james]

*he pauses for a moment, then sits on the floor, gently pulling her down with him as he wraps his arms around him*

Breathe please...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..sorry..

[fionan-james]

Ah, nay, don't apologize-

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she sits up and hugs her knees, seeming forlorn.}

[fionan-james]

....Do you want to talk about it, or no?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

I got a flashback to.. the night I died..

[fionan-james]

Ah, fuck, I'm sorry... *he rests his chin on her head, humming in concern*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

*Fionan slips into the room, nervously fiddling with the cuffs of his shirt.. he's dressed more nicely than usual, with a sweater vest that looks like it's possibly been pilfered from Kipley, and an awkwardly tied bowtie (he tried).*

....Holly?

-@fionan-james

{she turns. It appears they’ve tried a new thing lately with their hair, tying it into pigtails that rested on their shoulders. He smiles at Fionán.}

What’s got you all dressed up? {she spares a sympathetic giggle at the mess of the bow tie, deciding to help him with it.}

[fionan-james]

*the tips of his ears turn pink as she fixes his bowtie, and he gives a sheepish grin*

I was... well, I was wondering... *he clears his throat nervously* ....Would you like to go out to supper?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…Out to supper where exactly? we, ah, don’t exactly have many places to go? {she gives a few beats before then realizing what he means.}

—OH. hgsgsSure. Oh my goodness.

[fionan-james]

*he flushes deeper* Platonically of course— if that's alright. Derrick has Cillian, so we should be free to go anywhere, depending on where you want to go— *he's rambling now, clearly nervous*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Oh? {she can’t help but smirk a little. It was hilarious to see him so flustered and anxious.}

Any time is good with me, I don’t really mind where we go.

[fionan-james]

Oh... ah... Shite. *he's clearly not planned this out*

...Are you certain you don't mind?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{Doubt shines in their face.}

..Why would I mind? You don’t have to do this if you really don’t want to. {his eyes blink with the slightest shine growing across the waterline.}

[fionan-james]

*He immediately winces, trying to backtrack*

Nay! Nay I want to do this- I just... *he sighs* I maybe didn't think this through because I thought you'd have somethign you wanted to do...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{her expression immediately breaks into a grin}

Pft. I was only messing with you. but.. yeah you really didn’t think this one through, did ya? Hm.

{they pull up a stool to the counter nearby.}

Alright. Let’s.. plan a date today.

[fionan-james]

*he looks slightly like he's about to cry from anxiety, but nods*

...No... I don't think any thinking went into this, because if I started thinking about it I'd get to nervous to ask, and then we wouldn't be anywhere-

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{she holds onto his hand.}

I’m gonna need you to take a chill pill, Fionán. You’re psyching yourself out and it’s going to do neither of us any good.

mm.. How about.. you let me take the reigns of planning?

[fionan-james]

They have pills for chills in the future???

....Yes ma'am.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

something like that, …and I should look into getting you some lexapro.. but for right now I mean metaphorical pills. It’s an expression meaning you need to calm down.

and, thank you.

{she grins, mild satisfaction at the response, then murmuring about routes and such, crawling on all fours into the nearest vent.}

[fionan-james]

What is a "lexapro?"

*he crouches down beside teh vent and stares inside*

....I don't think I can go in there, Holly.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Not asking you to. I’m just trying to see where is occupied right now. {she peeps back out from the vent square.}

and lexapro is anxiety medication, which you clearly need.

[fionan-james]

...Ah, very well.

I don't have anxiety!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

It’s cute that you think you can lie to me about that. {she giggles.}

[fionan-james]

I don't! *He gives them a grouchy look*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she reaches into their pocket and wriggles out a license and flashes it to him. It’s a medical license. She then pulls out a paper with diagnoses on a paper.}

[fionan-james]

...Why do you just have that on hand?!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

because everybody here is mentally ill and nobody believes the literal medical professional.

[fionan-james]

...I thought you were an animal doctor, not a human doctor???

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

with my parents??? No way.

They forced me to delve more into human healths studies as well..

[fionan-james]

I see.. *his tone indicates that he's wondering if he needs to have "a word" with Holly's parents*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

anywayyyyy. I think we could potentially go through a stroll..? And then stop by the garden.

[fionan-james]

Oh, aye, that sounds nice. *he nods, taking a deep breath.* Do you like the garden? I assumed that was Mr. Frazier's domain.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

Mhm.. I grew up in Arizona so we didn’t see much variation in plants. I like seeing a bit of everything.

and.. as for the garden, Mr. Frazier owns it but Gladys runs it like the navy.

{she climbs out of the vent and tumbles to the floor.}

augh..

[fionan-james]

Arizona? Where's that? *he chuckles softly* Gladys? I don't know if I can see that...

...Are you alright? *his brow furrows in concern, and he offers his hand to him*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {they take his hand and struggle to their feet.}

…It’s.. err… this state in south west America that’s very arid and dry..

[fionan-james]

*he keeps holding her hand, even after they're up, hovering anxiously*

Ah, I don't believe I'd heard of that one when I was alive... Moreso the ones on the eastern coast.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

mm, over the centuries, they expanded westward.. and now I’m here.

[fionan-james]

I see... I probably couldn't name most of what they had when I was alive anyhow... The only one I truly cared about was New York, and wherever it was Owen lived— haven't remembered where that was yet. Anythin' else I could go from there. *He shrugs*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

I’ve always wanted to visit New York. {she sighs.}

[fionan-james]

I never made it either... *he shoves his hands in his pockets with a shrug*

...If I could take you there, I would.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small little sad sound came from Holly.}

[fionan-james]

*he immediately turns and wraps his arms around her, resting his chin on their head.*

... I'm sorry

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… don’t be. I’m just wishing I could travel there with you.

[fionan-james]

....I wish I could take you to see where I grew up too. Show you where my Ma is buried.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…

{she doesn’t say anything else.}

[fionan-james]

...I'm sorry.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

you don’t need to be sorry. You. just need to stay by my side.

{her words ring with a sense of cling and fear.}

[fionan-james]

I can do that.... *he takes a shaky breath* I promise.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

.. {there’s a kind of distant look in Holly’s eyes. It’s almost Déjà vu to her, hearing these words.}

[fionan-james]

...Are you alright?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{The room melted into a more modern scene: outside of the Cyprus, a nearby bar and nightclub in its prominence for most students who attended the college a block down.}

{Holly, in her delusional state, felt as though she was back to that night, shaky in a sparkled bandage dress and jacket that her then-friends had offered her. It was a small attempt for Holly to explore themself. Expression was something she usually kept on the down low, only ever previously being exposed to dressing femininely in the confines of her own house.}

{to be out here tonight with friends, being unabashedly queer and still figuring things out, to even take the risk of publicity, it was a sickening exhilaration she felt}

{Fear crept into her chest, however. Constantly feeling a pair of eyes peer at her, likely perceiving her as just a man in a dress. She didn’t want to cause any problems, so she clung to her group as they made their way into the Cyprus. She had stopped one of them, her best friend Trinity, to not leave her side.}

{It was a record time for that promise to be broken in half an hour. Intoxicated and gleeful had been the state that Holly found her friends in, between dancing and drinking.}

{She had decided it was time for her to go home. She didn’t really like clubs anyway. If it were up to her, they’d be in their room watching Tokyo Mew Mew, maybe seeing whatever the local theatre had, or even an arcade trip. Not.. whatever this was.}

{Details of leaving the dizzy neon oasis had been skewed in her head, but it was as though the eyes followed her as she left.}

{and maybe the paranoia was justified considering the attack.}

{she felt the bruising of her back against a brick wall and the firm hand around her throat, and fuck, she’s never seen a man so angry. If she could croak out anything, it wouldn’t be intelligible.}

{she claws at imaginary hands, trying to pull them away from her throat as they stir back to consciousness, her eyes darting around back at the academy.}

[fionan-james]

...Holly?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she wheezes for a few moments, as though the weight of the world was on their windpipes for a minute.

[fionan-james]

Holly.... Are you okay? *he's worried, but trying not to let them know*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..I’m.. yeah.. just.. a few minutes.

{if she was trying to play it off, she wasn’t doing it well.}

[fionan-james]

....Do you want a glass of water?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..maybe. {she frowns, dread and embarrassment lining her face.}

[fionan-james]

*he nods quickly, glad to have something to do* ...Are you alirhgt if I leave for a moment?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small whine dejectedly. She’s okay with it but it doesn’t mean she’s happy about it.}

[fionan-james]

...Would you rather come with me?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

if that’s alright.

[fionan-james]

Of course 'tis. *he wraps his arm around their shoulders as he turns towards the kitchen* C'mon...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{they lean into him, faint breathing as though still in fight or flight. It seems she’s chosen freeze.}

[fionan-james]

*he pauses for a moment, then sits on the floor, gently pulling her down with him as he wraps his arms around him*

Breathe please...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..sorry..

[fionan-james]

Ah, nay, don't apologize-

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she sits up and hugs her knees, seeming forlorn.}

[fionan-james]

....Do you want to talk about it, or no?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

*Fionan slips into the room, nervously fiddling with the cuffs of his shirt.. he's dressed more nicely than usual, with a sweater vest that looks like it's possibly been pilfered from Kipley, and an awkwardly tied bowtie (he tried).*

....Holly?

-@fionan-james

{she turns. It appears they’ve tried a new thing lately with their hair, tying it into pigtails that rested on their shoulders. He smiles at Fionán.}

What’s got you all dressed up? {she spares a sympathetic giggle at the mess of the bow tie, deciding to help him with it.}

[fionan-james]

*the tips of his ears turn pink as she fixes his bowtie, and he gives a sheepish grin*

I was... well, I was wondering... *he clears his throat nervously* ....Would you like to go out to supper?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…Out to supper where exactly? we, ah, don’t exactly have many places to go? {she gives a few beats before then realizing what he means.}

—OH. hgsgsSure. Oh my goodness.

[fionan-james]

*he flushes deeper* Platonically of course— if that's alright. Derrick has Cillian, so we should be free to go anywhere, depending on where you want to go— *he's rambling now, clearly nervous*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Oh? {she can’t help but smirk a little. It was hilarious to see him so flustered and anxious.}

Any time is good with me, I don’t really mind where we go.

[fionan-james]

Oh... ah... Shite. *he's clearly not planned this out*

...Are you certain you don't mind?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{Doubt shines in their face.}

..Why would I mind? You don’t have to do this if you really don’t want to. {his eyes blink with the slightest shine growing across the waterline.}

[fionan-james]

*He immediately winces, trying to backtrack*

Nay! Nay I want to do this- I just... *he sighs* I maybe didn't think this through because I thought you'd have somethign you wanted to do...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{her expression immediately breaks into a grin}

Pft. I was only messing with you. but.. yeah you really didn’t think this one through, did ya? Hm.

{they pull up a stool to the counter nearby.}

Alright. Let’s.. plan a date today.

[fionan-james]

*he looks slightly like he's about to cry from anxiety, but nods*

...No... I don't think any thinking went into this, because if I started thinking about it I'd get to nervous to ask, and then we wouldn't be anywhere-

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{she holds onto his hand.}

I’m gonna need you to take a chill pill, Fionán. You’re psyching yourself out and it’s going to do neither of us any good.

mm.. How about.. you let me take the reigns of planning?

[fionan-james]

They have pills for chills in the future???

....Yes ma'am.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

something like that, …and I should look into getting you some lexapro.. but for right now I mean metaphorical pills. It’s an expression meaning you need to calm down.

and, thank you.

{she grins, mild satisfaction at the response, then murmuring about routes and such, crawling on all fours into the nearest vent.}

[fionan-james]

What is a "lexapro?"

*he crouches down beside teh vent and stares inside*

....I don't think I can go in there, Holly.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Not asking you to. I’m just trying to see where is occupied right now. {she peeps back out from the vent square.}

and lexapro is anxiety medication, which you clearly need.

[fionan-james]

...Ah, very well.

I don't have anxiety!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

It’s cute that you think you can lie to me about that. {she giggles.}

[fionan-james]

I don't! *He gives them a grouchy look*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she reaches into their pocket and wriggles out a license and flashes it to him. It’s a medical license. She then pulls out a paper with diagnoses on a paper.}

[fionan-james]

...Why do you just have that on hand?!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

because everybody here is mentally ill and nobody believes the literal medical professional.

[fionan-james]

...I thought you were an animal doctor, not a human doctor???

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

with my parents??? No way.

They forced me to delve more into human healths studies as well..

[fionan-james]

I see.. *his tone indicates that he's wondering if he needs to have "a word" with Holly's parents*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

anywayyyyy. I think we could potentially go through a stroll..? And then stop by the garden.

[fionan-james]

Oh, aye, that sounds nice. *he nods, taking a deep breath.* Do you like the garden? I assumed that was Mr. Frazier's domain.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

Mhm.. I grew up in Arizona so we didn’t see much variation in plants. I like seeing a bit of everything.

and.. as for the garden, Mr. Frazier owns it but Gladys runs it like the navy.

{she climbs out of the vent and tumbles to the floor.}

augh..

[fionan-james]

Arizona? Where's that? *he chuckles softly* Gladys? I don't know if I can see that...

...Are you alright? *his brow furrows in concern, and he offers his hand to him*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {they take his hand and struggle to their feet.}

…It’s.. err… this state in south west America that’s very arid and dry..

[fionan-james]

*he keeps holding her hand, even after they're up, hovering anxiously*

Ah, I don't believe I'd heard of that one when I was alive... Moreso the ones on the eastern coast.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

mm, over the centuries, they expanded westward.. and now I’m here.

[fionan-james]

I see... I probably couldn't name most of what they had when I was alive anyhow... The only one I truly cared about was New York, and wherever it was Owen lived— haven't remembered where that was yet. Anythin' else I could go from there. *He shrugs*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

I’ve always wanted to visit New York. {she sighs.}

[fionan-james]

I never made it either... *he shoves his hands in his pockets with a shrug*

...If I could take you there, I would.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small little sad sound came from Holly.}

[fionan-james]

*he immediately turns and wraps his arms around her, resting his chin on their head.*

... I'm sorry

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… don’t be. I’m just wishing I could travel there with you.

[fionan-james]

....I wish I could take you to see where I grew up too. Show you where my Ma is buried.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…

{she doesn’t say anything else.}

[fionan-james]

...I'm sorry.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

you don’t need to be sorry. You. just need to stay by my side.

{her words ring with a sense of cling and fear.}

[fionan-james]

I can do that.... *he takes a shaky breath* I promise.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

.. {there’s a kind of distant look in Holly’s eyes. It’s almost Déjà vu to her, hearing these words.}

[fionan-james]

...Are you alright?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{The room melted into a more modern scene: outside of the Cyprus, a nearby bar and nightclub in its prominence for most students who attended the college a block down.}

{Holly, in her delusional state, felt as though she was back to that night, shaky in a sparkled bandage dress and jacket that her then-friends had offered her. It was a small attempt for Holly to explore themself. Expression was something she usually kept on the down low, only ever previously being exposed to dressing femininely in the confines of her own house.}

{to be out here tonight with friends, being unabashedly queer and still figuring things out, to even take the risk of publicity, it was a sickening exhilaration she felt}

{Fear crept into her chest, however. Constantly feeling a pair of eyes peer at her, likely perceiving her as just a man in a dress. She didn’t want to cause any problems, so she clung to her group as they made their way into the Cyprus. She had stopped one of them, her best friend Trinity, to not leave her side.}

{It was a record time for that promise to be broken in half an hour. Intoxicated and gleeful had been the state that Holly found her friends in, between dancing and drinking.}

{She had decided it was time for her to go home. She didn’t really like clubs anyway. If it were up to her, they’d be in their room watching Tokyo Mew Mew, maybe seeing whatever the local theatre had, or even an arcade trip. Not.. whatever this was.}

{Details of leaving the dizzy neon oasis had been skewed in her head, but it was as though the eyes followed her as she left.}

{and maybe the paranoia was justified considering the attack.}

{she felt the bruising of her back against a brick wall and the firm hand around her throat, and fuck, she’s never seen a man so angry. If she could croak out anything, it wouldn’t be intelligible.}

{she claws at imaginary hands, trying to pull them away from her throat as they stir back to consciousness, her eyes darting around back at the academy.}

[fionan-james]

...Holly?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she wheezes for a few moments, as though the weight of the world was on their windpipes for a minute.

[fionan-james]

Holly.... Are you okay? *he's worried, but trying not to let them know*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..I’m.. yeah.. just.. a few minutes.

{if she was trying to play it off, she wasn’t doing it well.}

[fionan-james]

....Do you want a glass of water?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..maybe. {she frowns, dread and embarrassment lining her face.}

[fionan-james]

*he nods quickly, glad to have something to do* ...Are you alirhgt if I leave for a moment?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small whine dejectedly. She’s okay with it but it doesn’t mean she’s happy about it.}

[fionan-james]

...Would you rather come with me?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

if that’s alright.

[fionan-james]

Of course 'tis. *he wraps his arm around their shoulders as he turns towards the kitchen* C'mon...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{they lean into him, faint breathing as though still in fight or flight. It seems she’s chosen freeze.}

[fionan-james]

*he pauses for a moment, then sits on the floor, gently pulling her down with him as he wraps his arms around him*

Breathe please...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..sorry..

[fionan-james]

Ah, nay, don't apologize-

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

*Fionan slips into the room, nervously fiddling with the cuffs of his shirt.. he's dressed more nicely than usual, with a sweater vest that looks like it's possibly been pilfered from Kipley, and an awkwardly tied bowtie (he tried).*

....Holly?

-@fionan-james

{she turns. It appears they’ve tried a new thing lately with their hair, tying it into pigtails that rested on their shoulders. He smiles at Fionán.}

What’s got you all dressed up? {she spares a sympathetic giggle at the mess of the bow tie, deciding to help him with it.}

[fionan-james]

*the tips of his ears turn pink as she fixes his bowtie, and he gives a sheepish grin*

I was... well, I was wondering... *he clears his throat nervously* ....Would you like to go out to supper?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…Out to supper where exactly? we, ah, don’t exactly have many places to go? {she gives a few beats before then realizing what he means.}

—OH. hgsgsSure. Oh my goodness.

[fionan-james]

*he flushes deeper* Platonically of course— if that's alright. Derrick has Cillian, so we should be free to go anywhere, depending on where you want to go— *he's rambling now, clearly nervous*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Oh? {she can’t help but smirk a little. It was hilarious to see him so flustered and anxious.}

Any time is good with me, I don’t really mind where we go.

[fionan-james]

Oh... ah... Shite. *he's clearly not planned this out*

...Are you certain you don't mind?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{Doubt shines in their face.}

..Why would I mind? You don’t have to do this if you really don’t want to. {his eyes blink with the slightest shine growing across the waterline.}

[fionan-james]

*He immediately winces, trying to backtrack*

Nay! Nay I want to do this- I just... *he sighs* I maybe didn't think this through because I thought you'd have somethign you wanted to do...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{her expression immediately breaks into a grin}

Pft. I was only messing with you. but.. yeah you really didn’t think this one through, did ya? Hm.

{they pull up a stool to the counter nearby.}

Alright. Let’s.. plan a date today.

[fionan-james]

*he looks slightly like he's about to cry from anxiety, but nods*

...No... I don't think any thinking went into this, because if I started thinking about it I'd get to nervous to ask, and then we wouldn't be anywhere-

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{she holds onto his hand.}

I’m gonna need you to take a chill pill, Fionán. You’re psyching yourself out and it’s going to do neither of us any good.

mm.. How about.. you let me take the reigns of planning?

[fionan-james]

They have pills for chills in the future???

....Yes ma'am.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

something like that, …and I should look into getting you some lexapro.. but for right now I mean metaphorical pills. It’s an expression meaning you need to calm down.

and, thank you.

{she grins, mild satisfaction at the response, then murmuring about routes and such, crawling on all fours into the nearest vent.}

[fionan-james]

What is a "lexapro?"

*he crouches down beside teh vent and stares inside*

....I don't think I can go in there, Holly.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Not asking you to. I’m just trying to see where is occupied right now. {she peeps back out from the vent square.}

and lexapro is anxiety medication, which you clearly need.

[fionan-james]

...Ah, very well.

I don't have anxiety!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

It’s cute that you think you can lie to me about that. {she giggles.}

[fionan-james]

I don't! *He gives them a grouchy look*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she reaches into their pocket and wriggles out a license and flashes it to him. It’s a medical license. She then pulls out a paper with diagnoses on a paper.}

[fionan-james]

...Why do you just have that on hand?!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

because everybody here is mentally ill and nobody believes the literal medical professional.

[fionan-james]

...I thought you were an animal doctor, not a human doctor???

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

with my parents??? No way.

They forced me to delve more into human healths studies as well..

[fionan-james]

I see.. *his tone indicates that he's wondering if he needs to have "a word" with Holly's parents*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

anywayyyyy. I think we could potentially go through a stroll..? And then stop by the garden.

[fionan-james]

Oh, aye, that sounds nice. *he nods, taking a deep breath.* Do you like the garden? I assumed that was Mr. Frazier's domain.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

Mhm.. I grew up in Arizona so we didn’t see much variation in plants. I like seeing a bit of everything.

and.. as for the garden, Mr. Frazier owns it but Gladys runs it like the navy.

{she climbs out of the vent and tumbles to the floor.}

augh..

[fionan-james]

Arizona? Where's that? *he chuckles softly* Gladys? I don't know if I can see that...

...Are you alright? *his brow furrows in concern, and he offers his hand to him*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {they take his hand and struggle to their feet.}

…It’s.. err… this state in south west America that’s very arid and dry..

[fionan-james]

*he keeps holding her hand, even after they're up, hovering anxiously*

Ah, I don't believe I'd heard of that one when I was alive... Moreso the ones on the eastern coast.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

mm, over the centuries, they expanded westward.. and now I’m here.

[fionan-james]

I see... I probably couldn't name most of what they had when I was alive anyhow... The only one I truly cared about was New York, and wherever it was Owen lived— haven't remembered where that was yet. Anythin' else I could go from there. *He shrugs*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

I’ve always wanted to visit New York. {she sighs.}

[fionan-james]

I never made it either... *he shoves his hands in his pockets with a shrug*

...If I could take you there, I would.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small little sad sound came from Holly.}

[fionan-james]

*he immediately turns and wraps his arms around her, resting his chin on their head.*

... I'm sorry

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… don’t be. I’m just wishing I could travel there with you.

[fionan-james]

....I wish I could take you to see where I grew up too. Show you where my Ma is buried.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…

{she doesn’t say anything else.}

[fionan-james]

...I'm sorry.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

you don’t need to be sorry. You. just need to stay by my side.

{her words ring with a sense of cling and fear.}

[fionan-james]

I can do that.... *he takes a shaky breath* I promise.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

.. {there’s a kind of distant look in Holly’s eyes. It’s almost Déjà vu to her, hearing these words.}

[fionan-james]

...Are you alright?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{The room melted into a more modern scene: outside of the Cyprus, a nearby bar and nightclub in its prominence for most students who attended the college a block down.}

{Holly, in her delusional state, felt as though she was back to that night, shaky in a sparkled bandage dress and jacket that her then-friends had offered her. It was a small attempt for Holly to explore themself. Expression was something she usually kept on the down low, only ever previously being exposed to dressing femininely in the confines of her own house.}

{to be out here tonight with friends, being unabashedly queer and still figuring things out, to even take the risk of publicity, it was a sickening exhilaration she felt}

{Fear crept into her chest, however. Constantly feeling a pair of eyes peer at her, likely perceiving her as just a man in a dress. She didn’t want to cause any problems, so she clung to her group as they made their way into the Cyprus. She had stopped one of them, her best friend Trinity, to not leave her side.}

{It was a record time for that promise to be broken in half an hour. Intoxicated and gleeful had been the state that Holly found her friends in, between dancing and drinking.}

{She had decided it was time for her to go home. She didn’t really like clubs anyway. If it were up to her, they’d be in their room watching Tokyo Mew Mew, maybe seeing whatever the local theatre had, or even an arcade trip. Not.. whatever this was.}

{Details of leaving the dizzy neon oasis had been skewed in her head, but it was as though the eyes followed her as she left.}

{and maybe the paranoia was justified considering the attack.}

{she felt the bruising of her back against a brick wall and the firm hand around her throat, and fuck, she’s never seen a man so angry. If she could croak out anything, it wouldn’t be intelligible.}

{she claws at imaginary hands, trying to pull them away from her throat as they stir back to consciousness, her eyes darting around back at the academy.}

[fionan-james]

...Holly?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she wheezes for a few moments, as though the weight of the world was on their windpipes for a minute.

[fionan-james]

Holly.... Are you okay? *he's worried, but trying not to let them know*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..I’m.. yeah.. just.. a few minutes.

{if she was trying to play it off, she wasn’t doing it well.}

[fionan-james]

....Do you want a glass of water?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..maybe. {she frowns, dread and embarrassment lining her face.}

[fionan-james]

*he nods quickly, glad to have something to do* ...Are you alirhgt if I leave for a moment?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small whine dejectedly. She’s okay with it but it doesn’t mean she’s happy about it.}

[fionan-james]

...Would you rather come with me?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

if that’s alright.

[fionan-james]

Of course 'tis. *he wraps his arm around their shoulders as he turns towards the kitchen* C'mon...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{they lean into him, faint breathing as though still in fight or flight. It seems she’s chosen freeze.}

[fionan-james]

*he pauses for a moment, then sits on the floor, gently pulling her down with him as he wraps his arms around him*

Breathe please...

[fionan-james]

*ciaran walks into the room, holding a clarinet (of all things, really?), with a grin on his face.*

"apparently," *he says without waiting for fionan to acknowledge him.* "i used to play the clarinet while i was alive. and i have now remembered how to play it." *he smiles mischeviously.*

-( @ciaran-leith )

*he's sitting on his bed rubbing his temples when Ciarán walks in, but looks up in curiosity when he speaks*

You play music? *His tone is interested, though he seems abnormally out of it, but hardly enough to tell.*

[ciaran-leith]

"apparently." *he hums.* "are you alright? you look ill."

[fionan-james]

I'm quite fine. *He gives a slight nod as he stands up, coming over to examine the instrument*

I've always wanted to learn to play something, but never truly got the chance.

[ciaran-leith]

"you seem like you'd play the flute. or, at least, you seem as if you'd like it. iren was learning how to play." *he hummed, holding out the instrument for fionán to look at.* "don't touch the reed. it'll break. are you sure you're fine? you look terrible."

[fionan-james]

I remember being most interested in the piano, *he hums.softly, running his fingers down the length of the body* Aye, I'm sure. Tis nothing more than a headache.

[ciaran-leith]

"they have a piano in the music room, if you're ever inclined to learn." *he shrugs, bringing the clarinet up to do a basic scale before setting it down on his dresser.* "you should sit down. you dont look well at all. you're paler than usual."

[fionan-james]

Aye, I'm aware, *he gives a slight nod as he sits back on the bed* I've been experimenting with it a bit... Gladys said she's teach me to play violin, but then I bruised a few ribs sparring with Kipley, and we haven't gotten around to it yet. I feel alright.

[ciaran-leith]

"take her up on the offer. i'd love to see you play. and i don't care if you feel fine, you look ill, so you're going to keep yourself sat there for a little while until you look even remotely better."

[fionan-james]

Are you mothering me? *He raises an eyebrow, but lays back on the bed, throwing his arm over his eyes*

[ciaran-leith]

"if you'd like to call it mothering, then go ahead." *he smiles.*

[fionan-james]

Hm, next think I know you'll be calling Holly because you think I'm too pale. *teasing*

[ciaran-leith]

"who's holly?" *he cocks his head to the side, frowning.*

[fionan-james]

You don't remember Holly? *He raises his brow at him*

[ciaran-leith]

"no." *he waits a second before continuing.* "have i met her?"

[fionan-james]

....Aye, she was nearly the first wisp you met.

[ciaran-leith]

"what? since when?"

[fionan-james]

...Since I took you to meet Laura? Holly was there too.

[ciaran-leith]

"i do not remember that in the slight- oh. thats a lie. yes i do. i dont remember anything about that situation because i was terrified, but i know what youre talking about now."

[fionan-james]

*he chuckles* Holly isn't too scary... Unless she wishes to be.

[ciaran-leith]

"i am automatically terrified of her because she's a wisp. the wisps scare me."

[fionan-james]

*he chuckles, then grabs his head*

...Shite.

[ciaran-leith]

*when fionán curses, ciarán gives him A Look before moving to turn off the lights in hope that it'll help.*

[fionan-james]

I'm fine... *he waves his hand dismissively* It's nothing.

*Cillian makes a grumpy noise at Ciaran when he turns off the light, rolling over and crawling over to pull himself up on his legs*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

*Fionan slips into the room, nervously fiddling with the cuffs of his shirt.. he's dressed more nicely than usual, with a sweater vest that looks like it's possibly been pilfered from Kipley, and an awkwardly tied bowtie (he tried).*

....Holly?

-@fionan-james

{she turns. It appears they’ve tried a new thing lately with their hair, tying it into pigtails that rested on their shoulders. He smiles at Fionán.}

What’s got you all dressed up? {she spares a sympathetic giggle at the mess of the bow tie, deciding to help him with it.}

[fionan-james]

*the tips of his ears turn pink as she fixes his bowtie, and he gives a sheepish grin*

I was... well, I was wondering... *he clears his throat nervously* ....Would you like to go out to supper?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…Out to supper where exactly? we, ah, don’t exactly have many places to go? {she gives a few beats before then realizing what he means.}

—OH. hgsgsSure. Oh my goodness.

[fionan-james]

*he flushes deeper* Platonically of course— if that's alright. Derrick has Cillian, so we should be free to go anywhere, depending on where you want to go— *he's rambling now, clearly nervous*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Oh? {she can’t help but smirk a little. It was hilarious to see him so flustered and anxious.}

Any time is good with me, I don’t really mind where we go.

[fionan-james]

Oh... ah... Shite. *he's clearly not planned this out*

...Are you certain you don't mind?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{Doubt shines in their face.}

..Why would I mind? You don’t have to do this if you really don’t want to. {his eyes blink with the slightest shine growing across the waterline.}

[fionan-james]

*He immediately winces, trying to backtrack*

Nay! Nay I want to do this- I just... *he sighs* I maybe didn't think this through because I thought you'd have somethign you wanted to do...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{her expression immediately breaks into a grin}

Pft. I was only messing with you. but.. yeah you really didn’t think this one through, did ya? Hm.

{they pull up a stool to the counter nearby.}

Alright. Let’s.. plan a date today.

[fionan-james]

*he looks slightly like he's about to cry from anxiety, but nods*

...No... I don't think any thinking went into this, because if I started thinking about it I'd get to nervous to ask, and then we wouldn't be anywhere-

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{she holds onto his hand.}

I’m gonna need you to take a chill pill, Fionán. You’re psyching yourself out and it’s going to do neither of us any good.

mm.. How about.. you let me take the reigns of planning?

[fionan-james]

They have pills for chills in the future???

....Yes ma'am.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

something like that, …and I should look into getting you some lexapro.. but for right now I mean metaphorical pills. It’s an expression meaning you need to calm down.

and, thank you.

{she grins, mild satisfaction at the response, then murmuring about routes and such, crawling on all fours into the nearest vent.}

[fionan-james]

What is a "lexapro?"

*he crouches down beside teh vent and stares inside*

....I don't think I can go in there, Holly.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Not asking you to. I’m just trying to see where is occupied right now. {she peeps back out from the vent square.}

and lexapro is anxiety medication, which you clearly need.

[fionan-james]

...Ah, very well.

I don't have anxiety!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

It’s cute that you think you can lie to me about that. {she giggles.}

[fionan-james]

I don't! *He gives them a grouchy look*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she reaches into their pocket and wriggles out a license and flashes it to him. It’s a medical license. She then pulls out a paper with diagnoses on a paper.}

[fionan-james]

...Why do you just have that on hand?!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

because everybody here is mentally ill and nobody believes the literal medical professional.

[fionan-james]

...I thought you were an animal doctor, not a human doctor???

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

with my parents??? No way.

They forced me to delve more into human healths studies as well..

[fionan-james]

I see.. *his tone indicates that he's wondering if he needs to have "a word" with Holly's parents*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

anywayyyyy. I think we could potentially go through a stroll..? And then stop by the garden.

[fionan-james]

Oh, aye, that sounds nice. *he nods, taking a deep breath.* Do you like the garden? I assumed that was Mr. Frazier's domain.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

Mhm.. I grew up in Arizona so we didn’t see much variation in plants. I like seeing a bit of everything.

and.. as for the garden, Mr. Frazier owns it but Gladys runs it like the navy.

{she climbs out of the vent and tumbles to the floor.}

augh..

[fionan-james]

Arizona? Where's that? *he chuckles softly* Gladys? I don't know if I can see that...

...Are you alright? *his brow furrows in concern, and he offers his hand to him*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {they take his hand and struggle to their feet.}

…It’s.. err… this state in south west America that’s very arid and dry..

[fionan-james]

*he keeps holding her hand, even after they're up, hovering anxiously*

Ah, I don't believe I'd heard of that one when I was alive... Moreso the ones on the eastern coast.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

mm, over the centuries, they expanded westward.. and now I’m here.

[fionan-james]

I see... I probably couldn't name most of what they had when I was alive anyhow... The only one I truly cared about was New York, and wherever it was Owen lived— haven't remembered where that was yet. Anythin' else I could go from there. *He shrugs*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

I’ve always wanted to visit New York. {she sighs.}

[fionan-james]

I never made it either... *he shoves his hands in his pockets with a shrug*

...If I could take you there, I would.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small little sad sound came from Holly.}

[fionan-james]

*he immediately turns and wraps his arms around her, resting his chin on their head.*

... I'm sorry

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… don’t be. I’m just wishing I could travel there with you.

[fionan-james]

....I wish I could take you to see where I grew up too. Show you where my Ma is buried.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…

{she doesn’t say anything else.}

[fionan-james]

...I'm sorry.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

you don’t need to be sorry. You. just need to stay by my side.

{her words ring with a sense of cling and fear.}

[fionan-james]

I can do that.... *he takes a shaky breath* I promise.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

.. {there’s a kind of distant look in Holly’s eyes. It’s almost Déjà vu to her, hearing these words.}

[fionan-james]

...Are you alright?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{The room melted into a more modern scene: outside of the Cyprus, a nearby bar and nightclub in its prominence for most students who attended the college a block down.}

{Holly, in her delusional state, felt as though she was back to that night, shaky in a sparkled bandage dress and jacket that her then-friends had offered her. It was a small attempt for Holly to explore themself. Expression was something she usually kept on the down low, only ever previously being exposed to dressing femininely in the confines of her own house.}

{to be out here tonight with friends, being unabashedly queer and still figuring things out, to even take the risk of publicity, it was a sickening exhilaration she felt}

{Fear crept into her chest, however. Constantly feeling a pair of eyes peer at her, likely perceiving her as just a man in a dress. She didn’t want to cause any problems, so she clung to her group as they made their way into the Cyprus. She had stopped one of them, her best friend Trinity, to not leave her side.}

{It was a record time for that promise to be broken in half an hour. Intoxicated and gleeful had been the state that Holly found her friends in, between dancing and drinking.}

{She had decided it was time for her to go home. She didn’t really like clubs anyway. If it were up to her, they’d be in their room watching Tokyo Mew Mew, maybe seeing whatever the local theatre had, or even an arcade trip. Not.. whatever this was.}

{Details of leaving the dizzy neon oasis had been skewed in her head, but it was as though the eyes followed her as she left.}

{and maybe the paranoia was justified considering the attack.}

{she felt the bruising of her back against a brick wall and the firm hand around her throat, and fuck, she’s never seen a man so angry. If she could croak out anything, it wouldn’t be intelligible.}

{she claws at imaginary hands, trying to pull them away from her throat as they stir back to consciousness, her eyes darting around back at the academy.}

[fionan-james]

...Holly?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she wheezes for a few moments, as though the weight of the world was on their windpipes for a minute.

[fionan-james]

Holly.... Are you okay? *he's worried, but trying not to let them know*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..I’m.. yeah.. just.. a few minutes.

{if she was trying to play it off, she wasn’t doing it well.}

[fionan-james]

....Do you want a glass of water?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..maybe. {she frowns, dread and embarrassment lining her face.}

[fionan-james]

*he nods quickly, glad to have something to do* ...Are you alirhgt if I leave for a moment?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small whine dejectedly. She’s okay with it but it doesn’t mean she’s happy about it.}

[fionan-james]

...Would you rather come with me?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

if that’s alright.

[fionan-james]

Of course 'tis. *he wraps his arm around their shoulders as he turns towards the kitchen* C'mon...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

*Fionan slips into the room, nervously fiddling with the cuffs of his shirt.. he's dressed more nicely than usual, with a sweater vest that looks like it's possibly been pilfered from Kipley, and an awkwardly tied bowtie (he tried).*

....Holly?

-@fionan-james

{she turns. It appears they’ve tried a new thing lately with their hair, tying it into pigtails that rested on their shoulders. He smiles at Fionán.}

What’s got you all dressed up? {she spares a sympathetic giggle at the mess of the bow tie, deciding to help him with it.}

[fionan-james]

*the tips of his ears turn pink as she fixes his bowtie, and he gives a sheepish grin*

I was... well, I was wondering... *he clears his throat nervously* ....Would you like to go out to supper?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…Out to supper where exactly? we, ah, don’t exactly have many places to go? {she gives a few beats before then realizing what he means.}

—OH. hgsgsSure. Oh my goodness.

[fionan-james]

*he flushes deeper* Platonically of course— if that's alright. Derrick has Cillian, so we should be free to go anywhere, depending on where you want to go— *he's rambling now, clearly nervous*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Oh? {she can’t help but smirk a little. It was hilarious to see him so flustered and anxious.}

Any time is good with me, I don’t really mind where we go.

[fionan-james]

Oh... ah... Shite. *he's clearly not planned this out*

...Are you certain you don't mind?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{Doubt shines in their face.}

..Why would I mind? You don’t have to do this if you really don’t want to. {his eyes blink with the slightest shine growing across the waterline.}

[fionan-james]

*He immediately winces, trying to backtrack*

Nay! Nay I want to do this- I just... *he sighs* I maybe didn't think this through because I thought you'd have somethign you wanted to do...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{her expression immediately breaks into a grin}

Pft. I was only messing with you. but.. yeah you really didn’t think this one through, did ya? Hm.

{they pull up a stool to the counter nearby.}

Alright. Let’s.. plan a date today.

[fionan-james]

*he looks slightly like he's about to cry from anxiety, but nods*

...No... I don't think any thinking went into this, because if I started thinking about it I'd get to nervous to ask, and then we wouldn't be anywhere-

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{she holds onto his hand.}

I’m gonna need you to take a chill pill, Fionán. You’re psyching yourself out and it’s going to do neither of us any good.

mm.. How about.. you let me take the reigns of planning?

[fionan-james]

They have pills for chills in the future???

....Yes ma'am.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

something like that, …and I should look into getting you some lexapro.. but for right now I mean metaphorical pills. It’s an expression meaning you need to calm down.

and, thank you.

{she grins, mild satisfaction at the response, then murmuring about routes and such, crawling on all fours into the nearest vent.}

[fionan-james]

What is a "lexapro?"

*he crouches down beside teh vent and stares inside*

....I don't think I can go in there, Holly.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Not asking you to. I’m just trying to see where is occupied right now. {she peeps back out from the vent square.}

and lexapro is anxiety medication, which you clearly need.

[fionan-james]

...Ah, very well.

I don't have anxiety!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

It’s cute that you think you can lie to me about that. {she giggles.}

[fionan-james]

I don't! *He gives them a grouchy look*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she reaches into their pocket and wriggles out a license and flashes it to him. It’s a medical license. She then pulls out a paper with diagnoses on a paper.}

[fionan-james]

...Why do you just have that on hand?!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

because everybody here is mentally ill and nobody believes the literal medical professional.

[fionan-james]

...I thought you were an animal doctor, not a human doctor???

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

with my parents??? No way.

They forced me to delve more into human healths studies as well..

[fionan-james]

I see.. *his tone indicates that he's wondering if he needs to have "a word" with Holly's parents*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

anywayyyyy. I think we could potentially go through a stroll..? And then stop by the garden.

[fionan-james]

Oh, aye, that sounds nice. *he nods, taking a deep breath.* Do you like the garden? I assumed that was Mr. Frazier's domain.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

Mhm.. I grew up in Arizona so we didn’t see much variation in plants. I like seeing a bit of everything.

and.. as for the garden, Mr. Frazier owns it but Gladys runs it like the navy.

{she climbs out of the vent and tumbles to the floor.}

augh..

[fionan-james]

Arizona? Where's that? *he chuckles softly* Gladys? I don't know if I can see that...

...Are you alright? *his brow furrows in concern, and he offers his hand to him*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {they take his hand and struggle to their feet.}

…It’s.. err… this state in south west America that’s very arid and dry..

[fionan-james]

*he keeps holding her hand, even after they're up, hovering anxiously*

Ah, I don't believe I'd heard of that one when I was alive... Moreso the ones on the eastern coast.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

mm, over the centuries, they expanded westward.. and now I’m here.

[fionan-james]

I see... I probably couldn't name most of what they had when I was alive anyhow... The only one I truly cared about was New York, and wherever it was Owen lived— haven't remembered where that was yet. Anythin' else I could go from there. *He shrugs*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

I’ve always wanted to visit New York. {she sighs.}

[fionan-james]

I never made it either... *he shoves his hands in his pockets with a shrug*

...If I could take you there, I would.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small little sad sound came from Holly.}

[fionan-james]

*he immediately turns and wraps his arms around her, resting his chin on their head.*

... I'm sorry

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… don’t be. I’m just wishing I could travel there with you.

[fionan-james]

....I wish I could take you to see where I grew up too. Show you where my Ma is buried.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…

{she doesn’t say anything else.}

[fionan-james]

...I'm sorry.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

you don’t need to be sorry. You. just need to stay by my side.

{her words ring with a sense of cling and fear.}

[fionan-james]

I can do that.... *he takes a shaky breath* I promise.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

.. {there’s a kind of distant look in Holly’s eyes. It’s almost Déjà vu to her, hearing these words.}

[fionan-james]

...Are you alright?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{The room melted into a more modern scene: outside of the Cyprus, a nearby bar and nightclub in its prominence for most students who attended the college a block down.}

{Holly, in her delusional state, felt as though she was back to that night, shaky in a sparkled bandage dress and jacket that her then-friends had offered her. It was a small attempt for Holly to explore themself. Expression was something she usually kept on the down low, only ever previously being exposed to dressing femininely in the confines of her own house.}

{to be out here tonight with friends, being unabashedly queer and still figuring things out, to even take the risk of publicity, it was a sickening exhilaration she felt}

{Fear crept into her chest, however. Constantly feeling a pair of eyes peer at her, likely perceiving her as just a man in a dress. She didn’t want to cause any problems, so she clung to her group as they made their way into the Cyprus. She had stopped one of them, her best friend Trinity, to not leave her side.}

{It was a record time for that promise to be broken in half an hour. Intoxicated and gleeful had been the state that Holly found her friends in, between dancing and drinking.}

{She had decided it was time for her to go home. She didn’t really like clubs anyway. If it were up to her, they’d be in their room watching Tokyo Mew Mew, maybe seeing whatever the local theatre had, or even an arcade trip. Not.. whatever this was.}

{Details of leaving the dizzy neon oasis had been skewed in her head, but it was as though the eyes followed her as she left.}

{and maybe the paranoia was justified considering the attack.}

{she felt the bruising of her back against a brick wall and the firm hand around her throat, and fuck, she’s never seen a man so angry. If she could croak out anything, it wouldn’t be intelligible.}

{she claws at imaginary hands, trying to pull them away from her throat as they stir back to consciousness, her eyes darting around back at the academy.}

[fionan-james]

...Holly?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she wheezes for a few moments, as though the weight of the world was on their windpipes for a minute.

[fionan-james]

Holly.... Are you okay? *he's worried, but trying not to let them know*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..I’m.. yeah.. just.. a few minutes.

{if she was trying to play it off, she wasn’t doing it well.}

[fionan-james]

....Do you want a glass of water?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..maybe. {she frowns, dread and embarrassment lining her face.}

[fionan-james]

*he nods quickly, glad to have something to do* ...Are you alirhgt if I leave for a moment?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small whine dejectedly. She’s okay with it but it doesn’t mean she’s happy about it.}

[fionan-james]

...Would you rather come with me?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

*Fionan slips into the room, nervously fiddling with the cuffs of his shirt.. he's dressed more nicely than usual, with a sweater vest that looks like it's possibly been pilfered from Kipley, and an awkwardly tied bowtie (he tried).*

....Holly?

-@fionan-james

{she turns. It appears they’ve tried a new thing lately with their hair, tying it into pigtails that rested on their shoulders. He smiles at Fionán.}

What’s got you all dressed up? {she spares a sympathetic giggle at the mess of the bow tie, deciding to help him with it.}

[fionan-james]

*the tips of his ears turn pink as she fixes his bowtie, and he gives a sheepish grin*

I was... well, I was wondering... *he clears his throat nervously* ....Would you like to go out to supper?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…Out to supper where exactly? we, ah, don’t exactly have many places to go? {she gives a few beats before then realizing what he means.}

—OH. hgsgsSure. Oh my goodness.

[fionan-james]

*he flushes deeper* Platonically of course— if that's alright. Derrick has Cillian, so we should be free to go anywhere, depending on where you want to go— *he's rambling now, clearly nervous*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Oh? {she can’t help but smirk a little. It was hilarious to see him so flustered and anxious.}

Any time is good with me, I don’t really mind where we go.

[fionan-james]

Oh... ah... Shite. *he's clearly not planned this out*

...Are you certain you don't mind?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{Doubt shines in their face.}

..Why would I mind? You don’t have to do this if you really don’t want to. {his eyes blink with the slightest shine growing across the waterline.}

[fionan-james]

*He immediately winces, trying to backtrack*

Nay! Nay I want to do this- I just... *he sighs* I maybe didn't think this through because I thought you'd have somethign you wanted to do...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{her expression immediately breaks into a grin}

Pft. I was only messing with you. but.. yeah you really didn’t think this one through, did ya? Hm.

{they pull up a stool to the counter nearby.}

Alright. Let’s.. plan a date today.

[fionan-james]

*he looks slightly like he's about to cry from anxiety, but nods*

...No... I don't think any thinking went into this, because if I started thinking about it I'd get to nervous to ask, and then we wouldn't be anywhere-

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{she holds onto his hand.}

I’m gonna need you to take a chill pill, Fionán. You’re psyching yourself out and it’s going to do neither of us any good.

mm.. How about.. you let me take the reigns of planning?

[fionan-james]

They have pills for chills in the future???

....Yes ma'am.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

something like that, …and I should look into getting you some lexapro.. but for right now I mean metaphorical pills. It’s an expression meaning you need to calm down.

and, thank you.

{she grins, mild satisfaction at the response, then murmuring about routes and such, crawling on all fours into the nearest vent.}

[fionan-james]

What is a "lexapro?"

*he crouches down beside teh vent and stares inside*

....I don't think I can go in there, Holly.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Not asking you to. I’m just trying to see where is occupied right now. {she peeps back out from the vent square.}

and lexapro is anxiety medication, which you clearly need.

[fionan-james]

...Ah, very well.

I don't have anxiety!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

It’s cute that you think you can lie to me about that. {she giggles.}

[fionan-james]

I don't! *He gives them a grouchy look*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she reaches into their pocket and wriggles out a license and flashes it to him. It’s a medical license. She then pulls out a paper with diagnoses on a paper.}

[fionan-james]

...Why do you just have that on hand?!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

because everybody here is mentally ill and nobody believes the literal medical professional.

[fionan-james]

...I thought you were an animal doctor, not a human doctor???

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

with my parents??? No way.

They forced me to delve more into human healths studies as well..

[fionan-james]

I see.. *his tone indicates that he's wondering if he needs to have "a word" with Holly's parents*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

anywayyyyy. I think we could potentially go through a stroll..? And then stop by the garden.

[fionan-james]

Oh, aye, that sounds nice. *he nods, taking a deep breath.* Do you like the garden? I assumed that was Mr. Frazier's domain.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

Mhm.. I grew up in Arizona so we didn’t see much variation in plants. I like seeing a bit of everything.

and.. as for the garden, Mr. Frazier owns it but Gladys runs it like the navy.

{she climbs out of the vent and tumbles to the floor.}

augh..

[fionan-james]

Arizona? Where's that? *he chuckles softly* Gladys? I don't know if I can see that...

...Are you alright? *his brow furrows in concern, and he offers his hand to him*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {they take his hand and struggle to their feet.}

…It’s.. err… this state in south west America that’s very arid and dry..

[fionan-james]

*he keeps holding her hand, even after they're up, hovering anxiously*

Ah, I don't believe I'd heard of that one when I was alive... Moreso the ones on the eastern coast.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

mm, over the centuries, they expanded westward.. and now I’m here.

[fionan-james]

I see... I probably couldn't name most of what they had when I was alive anyhow... The only one I truly cared about was New York, and wherever it was Owen lived— haven't remembered where that was yet. Anythin' else I could go from there. *He shrugs*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

I’ve always wanted to visit New York. {she sighs.}

[fionan-james]

I never made it either... *he shoves his hands in his pockets with a shrug*

...If I could take you there, I would.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small little sad sound came from Holly.}

[fionan-james]

*he immediately turns and wraps his arms around her, resting his chin on their head.*

... I'm sorry

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… don’t be. I’m just wishing I could travel there with you.

[fionan-james]

....I wish I could take you to see where I grew up too. Show you where my Ma is buried.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…

{she doesn’t say anything else.}

[fionan-james]

...I'm sorry.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

you don’t need to be sorry. You. just need to stay by my side.

{her words ring with a sense of cling and fear.}

[fionan-james]

I can do that.... *he takes a shaky breath* I promise.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

.. {there’s a kind of distant look in Holly’s eyes. It’s almost Déjà vu to her, hearing these words.}

[fionan-james]

...Are you alright?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{The room melted into a more modern scene: outside of the Cyprus, a nearby bar and nightclub in its prominence for most students who attended the college a block down.}

{Holly, in her delusional state, felt as though she was back to that night, shaky in a sparkled bandage dress and jacket that her then-friends had offered her. It was a small attempt for Holly to explore themself. Expression was something she usually kept on the down low, only ever previously being exposed to dressing femininely in the confines of her own house.}

{to be out here tonight with friends, being unabashedly queer and still figuring things out, to even take the risk of publicity, it was a sickening exhilaration she felt}

{Fear crept into her chest, however. Constantly feeling a pair of eyes peer at her, likely perceiving her as just a man in a dress. She didn’t want to cause any problems, so she clung to her group as they made their way into the Cyprus. She had stopped one of them, her best friend Trinity, to not leave her side.}

{It was a record time for that promise to be broken in half an hour. Intoxicated and gleeful had been the state that Holly found her friends in, between dancing and drinking.}

{She had decided it was time for her to go home. She didn’t really like clubs anyway. If it were up to her, they’d be in their room watching Tokyo Mew Mew, maybe seeing whatever the local theatre had, or even an arcade trip. Not.. whatever this was.}

{Details of leaving the dizzy neon oasis had been skewed in her head, but it was as though the eyes followed her as she left.}

{and maybe the paranoia was justified considering the attack.}

{she felt the bruising of her back against a brick wall and the firm hand around her throat, and fuck, she’s never seen a man so angry. If she could croak out anything, it wouldn’t be intelligible.}

{she claws at imaginary hands, trying to pull them away from her throat as they stir back to consciousness, her eyes darting around back at the academy.}

[fionan-james]

...Holly?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she wheezes for a few moments, as though the weight of the world was on their windpipes for a minute.

[fionan-james]

Holly.... Are you okay? *he's worried, but trying not to let them know*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..I’m.. yeah.. just.. a few minutes.

{if she was trying to play it off, she wasn’t doing it well.}

[fionan-james]

....Do you want a glass of water?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..maybe. {she frowns, dread and embarrassment lining her face.}

[fionan-james]

*he nods quickly, glad to have something to do* ...Are you alirhgt if I leave for a moment?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

*Fionan slips into the room, nervously fiddling with the cuffs of his shirt.. he's dressed more nicely than usual, with a sweater vest that looks like it's possibly been pilfered from Kipley, and an awkwardly tied bowtie (he tried).*

....Holly?

-@fionan-james

{she turns. It appears they’ve tried a new thing lately with their hair, tying it into pigtails that rested on their shoulders. He smiles at Fionán.}

What’s got you all dressed up? {she spares a sympathetic giggle at the mess of the bow tie, deciding to help him with it.}

[fionan-james]

*the tips of his ears turn pink as she fixes his bowtie, and he gives a sheepish grin*

I was... well, I was wondering... *he clears his throat nervously* ....Would you like to go out to supper?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…Out to supper where exactly? we, ah, don’t exactly have many places to go? {she gives a few beats before then realizing what he means.}

—OH. hgsgsSure. Oh my goodness.

[fionan-james]

*he flushes deeper* Platonically of course— if that's alright. Derrick has Cillian, so we should be free to go anywhere, depending on where you want to go— *he's rambling now, clearly nervous*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Oh? {she can’t help but smirk a little. It was hilarious to see him so flustered and anxious.}

Any time is good with me, I don’t really mind where we go.

[fionan-james]

Oh... ah... Shite. *he's clearly not planned this out*

...Are you certain you don't mind?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{Doubt shines in their face.}

..Why would I mind? You don’t have to do this if you really don’t want to. {his eyes blink with the slightest shine growing across the waterline.}

[fionan-james]

*He immediately winces, trying to backtrack*

Nay! Nay I want to do this- I just... *he sighs* I maybe didn't think this through because I thought you'd have somethign you wanted to do...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{her expression immediately breaks into a grin}

Pft. I was only messing with you. but.. yeah you really didn’t think this one through, did ya? Hm.

{they pull up a stool to the counter nearby.}

Alright. Let’s.. plan a date today.

[fionan-james]

*he looks slightly like he's about to cry from anxiety, but nods*

...No... I don't think any thinking went into this, because if I started thinking about it I'd get to nervous to ask, and then we wouldn't be anywhere-

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{she holds onto his hand.}

I’m gonna need you to take a chill pill, Fionán. You’re psyching yourself out and it’s going to do neither of us any good.

mm.. How about.. you let me take the reigns of planning?

[fionan-james]

They have pills for chills in the future???

....Yes ma'am.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

something like that, …and I should look into getting you some lexapro.. but for right now I mean metaphorical pills. It’s an expression meaning you need to calm down.

and, thank you.

{she grins, mild satisfaction at the response, then murmuring about routes and such, crawling on all fours into the nearest vent.}

[fionan-james]

What is a "lexapro?"

*he crouches down beside teh vent and stares inside*

....I don't think I can go in there, Holly.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Not asking you to. I’m just trying to see where is occupied right now. {she peeps back out from the vent square.}

and lexapro is anxiety medication, which you clearly need.

[fionan-james]

...Ah, very well.

I don't have anxiety!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

It’s cute that you think you can lie to me about that. {she giggles.}

[fionan-james]

I don't! *He gives them a grouchy look*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she reaches into their pocket and wriggles out a license and flashes it to him. It’s a medical license. She then pulls out a paper with diagnoses on a paper.}

[fionan-james]

...Why do you just have that on hand?!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

because everybody here is mentally ill and nobody believes the literal medical professional.

[fionan-james]

...I thought you were an animal doctor, not a human doctor???

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

with my parents??? No way.

They forced me to delve more into human healths studies as well..

[fionan-james]

I see.. *his tone indicates that he's wondering if he needs to have "a word" with Holly's parents*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

anywayyyyy. I think we could potentially go through a stroll..? And then stop by the garden.

[fionan-james]

Oh, aye, that sounds nice. *he nods, taking a deep breath.* Do you like the garden? I assumed that was Mr. Frazier's domain.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

Mhm.. I grew up in Arizona so we didn’t see much variation in plants. I like seeing a bit of everything.

and.. as for the garden, Mr. Frazier owns it but Gladys runs it like the navy.

{she climbs out of the vent and tumbles to the floor.}

augh..

[fionan-james]

Arizona? Where's that? *he chuckles softly* Gladys? I don't know if I can see that...

...Are you alright? *his brow furrows in concern, and he offers his hand to him*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {they take his hand and struggle to their feet.}

…It’s.. err… this state in south west America that’s very arid and dry..

[fionan-james]

*he keeps holding her hand, even after they're up, hovering anxiously*

Ah, I don't believe I'd heard of that one when I was alive... Moreso the ones on the eastern coast.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

mm, over the centuries, they expanded westward.. and now I’m here.

[fionan-james]

I see... I probably couldn't name most of what they had when I was alive anyhow... The only one I truly cared about was New York, and wherever it was Owen lived— haven't remembered where that was yet. Anythin' else I could go from there. *He shrugs*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

I’ve always wanted to visit New York. {she sighs.}

[fionan-james]

I never made it either... *he shoves his hands in his pockets with a shrug*

...If I could take you there, I would.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small little sad sound came from Holly.}

[fionan-james]

*he immediately turns and wraps his arms around her, resting his chin on their head.*

... I'm sorry

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… don’t be. I’m just wishing I could travel there with you.

[fionan-james]

....I wish I could take you to see where I grew up too. Show you where my Ma is buried.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…

{she doesn’t say anything else.}

[fionan-james]

...I'm sorry.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

you don’t need to be sorry. You. just need to stay by my side.

{her words ring with a sense of cling and fear.}

[fionan-james]

I can do that.... *he takes a shaky breath* I promise.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

.. {there’s a kind of distant look in Holly’s eyes. It’s almost Déjà vu to her, hearing these words.}

[fionan-james]

...Are you alright?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{The room melted into a more modern scene: outside of the Cyprus, a nearby bar and nightclub in its prominence for most students who attended the college a block down.}

{Holly, in her delusional state, felt as though she was back to that night, shaky in a sparkled bandage dress and jacket that her then-friends had offered her. It was a small attempt for Holly to explore themself. Expression was something she usually kept on the down low, only ever previously being exposed to dressing femininely in the confines of her own house.}

{to be out here tonight with friends, being unabashedly queer and still figuring things out, to even take the risk of publicity, it was a sickening exhilaration she felt}

{Fear crept into her chest, however. Constantly feeling a pair of eyes peer at her, likely perceiving her as just a man in a dress. She didn’t want to cause any problems, so she clung to her group as they made their way into the Cyprus. She had stopped one of them, her best friend Trinity, to not leave her side.}

{It was a record time for that promise to be broken in half an hour. Intoxicated and gleeful had been the state that Holly found her friends in, between dancing and drinking.}

{She had decided it was time for her to go home. She didn’t really like clubs anyway. If it were up to her, they’d be in their room watching Tokyo Mew Mew, maybe seeing whatever the local theatre had, or even an arcade trip. Not.. whatever this was.}

{Details of leaving the dizzy neon oasis had been skewed in her head, but it was as though the eyes followed her as she left.}

{and maybe the paranoia was justified considering the attack.}

{she felt the bruising of her back against a brick wall and the firm hand around her throat, and fuck, she’s never seen a man so angry. If she could croak out anything, it wouldn’t be intelligible.}

{she claws at imaginary hands, trying to pull them away from her throat as they stir back to consciousness, her eyes darting around back at the academy.}

[fionan-james]

...Holly?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she wheezes for a few moments, as though the weight of the world was on their windpipes for a minute.

[fionan-james]

Holly.... Are you okay? *he's worried, but trying not to let them know*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..I’m.. yeah.. just.. a few minutes.

{if she was trying to play it off, she wasn’t doing it well.}

[fionan-james]

....Do you want a glass of water?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

*Fionan slips into the room, nervously fiddling with the cuffs of his shirt.. he's dressed more nicely than usual, with a sweater vest that looks like it's possibly been pilfered from Kipley, and an awkwardly tied bowtie (he tried).*

....Holly?

-@fionan-james

{she turns. It appears they’ve tried a new thing lately with their hair, tying it into pigtails that rested on their shoulders. He smiles at Fionán.}

What’s got you all dressed up? {she spares a sympathetic giggle at the mess of the bow tie, deciding to help him with it.}

[fionan-james]

*the tips of his ears turn pink as she fixes his bowtie, and he gives a sheepish grin*

I was... well, I was wondering... *he clears his throat nervously* ....Would you like to go out to supper?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…Out to supper where exactly? we, ah, don’t exactly have many places to go? {she gives a few beats before then realizing what he means.}

—OH. hgsgsSure. Oh my goodness.

[fionan-james]

*he flushes deeper* Platonically of course— if that's alright. Derrick has Cillian, so we should be free to go anywhere, depending on where you want to go— *he's rambling now, clearly nervous*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Oh? {she can’t help but smirk a little. It was hilarious to see him so flustered and anxious.}

Any time is good with me, I don’t really mind where we go.

[fionan-james]

Oh... ah... Shite. *he's clearly not planned this out*

...Are you certain you don't mind?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{Doubt shines in their face.}

..Why would I mind? You don’t have to do this if you really don’t want to. {his eyes blink with the slightest shine growing across the waterline.}

[fionan-james]

*He immediately winces, trying to backtrack*

Nay! Nay I want to do this- I just... *he sighs* I maybe didn't think this through because I thought you'd have somethign you wanted to do...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{her expression immediately breaks into a grin}

Pft. I was only messing with you. but.. yeah you really didn’t think this one through, did ya? Hm.

{they pull up a stool to the counter nearby.}

Alright. Let’s.. plan a date today.

[fionan-james]

*he looks slightly like he's about to cry from anxiety, but nods*

...No... I don't think any thinking went into this, because if I started thinking about it I'd get to nervous to ask, and then we wouldn't be anywhere-

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{she holds onto his hand.}

I’m gonna need you to take a chill pill, Fionán. You’re psyching yourself out and it’s going to do neither of us any good.

mm.. How about.. you let me take the reigns of planning?

[fionan-james]

They have pills for chills in the future???

....Yes ma'am.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

something like that, …and I should look into getting you some lexapro.. but for right now I mean metaphorical pills. It’s an expression meaning you need to calm down.

and, thank you.

{she grins, mild satisfaction at the response, then murmuring about routes and such, crawling on all fours into the nearest vent.}

[fionan-james]

What is a "lexapro?"

*he crouches down beside teh vent and stares inside*

....I don't think I can go in there, Holly.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Not asking you to. I’m just trying to see where is occupied right now. {she peeps back out from the vent square.}

and lexapro is anxiety medication, which you clearly need.

[fionan-james]

...Ah, very well.

I don't have anxiety!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

It’s cute that you think you can lie to me about that. {she giggles.}

[fionan-james]

I don't! *He gives them a grouchy look*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she reaches into their pocket and wriggles out a license and flashes it to him. It’s a medical license. She then pulls out a paper with diagnoses on a paper.}

[fionan-james]

...Why do you just have that on hand?!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

because everybody here is mentally ill and nobody believes the literal medical professional.

[fionan-james]

...I thought you were an animal doctor, not a human doctor???

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

with my parents??? No way.

They forced me to delve more into human healths studies as well..

[fionan-james]

I see.. *his tone indicates that he's wondering if he needs to have "a word" with Holly's parents*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

anywayyyyy. I think we could potentially go through a stroll..? And then stop by the garden.

[fionan-james]

Oh, aye, that sounds nice. *he nods, taking a deep breath.* Do you like the garden? I assumed that was Mr. Frazier's domain.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

Mhm.. I grew up in Arizona so we didn’t see much variation in plants. I like seeing a bit of everything.

and.. as for the garden, Mr. Frazier owns it but Gladys runs it like the navy.

{she climbs out of the vent and tumbles to the floor.}

augh..

[fionan-james]

Arizona? Where's that? *he chuckles softly* Gladys? I don't know if I can see that...

...Are you alright? *his brow furrows in concern, and he offers his hand to him*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {they take his hand and struggle to their feet.}

…It’s.. err… this state in south west America that’s very arid and dry..

[fionan-james]

*he keeps holding her hand, even after they're up, hovering anxiously*

Ah, I don't believe I'd heard of that one when I was alive... Moreso the ones on the eastern coast.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

mm, over the centuries, they expanded westward.. and now I’m here.

[fionan-james]

I see... I probably couldn't name most of what they had when I was alive anyhow... The only one I truly cared about was New York, and wherever it was Owen lived— haven't remembered where that was yet. Anythin' else I could go from there. *He shrugs*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

I’ve always wanted to visit New York. {she sighs.}

[fionan-james]

I never made it either... *he shoves his hands in his pockets with a shrug*

...If I could take you there, I would.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small little sad sound came from Holly.}

[fionan-james]

*he immediately turns and wraps his arms around her, resting his chin on their head.*

... I'm sorry

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… don’t be. I’m just wishing I could travel there with you.

[fionan-james]

....I wish I could take you to see where I grew up too. Show you where my Ma is buried.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…

{she doesn’t say anything else.}

[fionan-james]

...I'm sorry.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

you don’t need to be sorry. You. just need to stay by my side.

{her words ring with a sense of cling and fear.}

[fionan-james]

I can do that.... *he takes a shaky breath* I promise.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

.. {there’s a kind of distant look in Holly’s eyes. It’s almost Déjà vu to her, hearing these words.}

[fionan-james]

...Are you alright?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{The room melted into a more modern scene: outside of the Cyprus, a nearby bar and nightclub in its prominence for most students who attended the college a block down.}

{Holly, in her delusional state, felt as though she was back to that night, shaky in a sparkled bandage dress and jacket that her then-friends had offered her. It was a small attempt for Holly to explore themself. Expression was something she usually kept on the down low, only ever previously being exposed to dressing femininely in the confines of her own house.}

{to be out here tonight with friends, being unabashedly queer and still figuring things out, to even take the risk of publicity, it was a sickening exhilaration she felt}

{Fear crept into her chest, however. Constantly feeling a pair of eyes peer at her, likely perceiving her as just a man in a dress. She didn’t want to cause any problems, so she clung to her group as they made their way into the Cyprus. She had stopped one of them, her best friend Trinity, to not leave her side.}

{It was a record time for that promise to be broken in half an hour. Intoxicated and gleeful had been the state that Holly found her friends in, between dancing and drinking.}

{She had decided it was time for her to go home. She didn’t really like clubs anyway. If it were up to her, they’d be in their room watching Tokyo Mew Mew, maybe seeing whatever the local theatre had, or even an arcade trip. Not.. whatever this was.}

{Details of leaving the dizzy neon oasis had been skewed in her head, but it was as though the eyes followed her as she left.}

{and maybe the paranoia was justified considering the attack.}

{she felt the bruising of her back against a brick wall and the firm hand around her throat, and fuck, she’s never seen a man so angry. If she could croak out anything, it wouldn’t be intelligible.}

{she claws at imaginary hands, trying to pull them away from her throat as they stir back to consciousness, her eyes darting around back at the academy.}

[fionan-james]

...Holly?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she wheezes for a few moments, as though the weight of the world was on their windpipes for a minute.

[fionan-james]

Holly.... Are you okay? *he's worried, but trying not to let them know*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

*Fionan slips into the room, nervously fiddling with the cuffs of his shirt.. he's dressed more nicely than usual, with a sweater vest that looks like it's possibly been pilfered from Kipley, and an awkwardly tied bowtie (he tried).*

....Holly?

-@fionan-james

{she turns. It appears they’ve tried a new thing lately with their hair, tying it into pigtails that rested on their shoulders. He smiles at Fionán.}

What’s got you all dressed up? {she spares a sympathetic giggle at the mess of the bow tie, deciding to help him with it.}

[fionan-james]

*the tips of his ears turn pink as she fixes his bowtie, and he gives a sheepish grin*

I was... well, I was wondering... *he clears his throat nervously* ....Would you like to go out to supper?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…Out to supper where exactly? we, ah, don’t exactly have many places to go? {she gives a few beats before then realizing what he means.}

—OH. hgsgsSure. Oh my goodness.

[fionan-james]

*he flushes deeper* Platonically of course— if that's alright. Derrick has Cillian, so we should be free to go anywhere, depending on where you want to go— *he's rambling now, clearly nervous*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Oh? {she can’t help but smirk a little. It was hilarious to see him so flustered and anxious.}

Any time is good with me, I don’t really mind where we go.

[fionan-james]

Oh... ah... Shite. *he's clearly not planned this out*

...Are you certain you don't mind?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{Doubt shines in their face.}

..Why would I mind? You don’t have to do this if you really don’t want to. {his eyes blink with the slightest shine growing across the waterline.}

[fionan-james]

*He immediately winces, trying to backtrack*

Nay! Nay I want to do this- I just... *he sighs* I maybe didn't think this through because I thought you'd have somethign you wanted to do...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{her expression immediately breaks into a grin}

Pft. I was only messing with you. but.. yeah you really didn’t think this one through, did ya? Hm.

{they pull up a stool to the counter nearby.}

Alright. Let’s.. plan a date today.

[fionan-james]

*he looks slightly like he's about to cry from anxiety, but nods*

...No... I don't think any thinking went into this, because if I started thinking about it I'd get to nervous to ask, and then we wouldn't be anywhere-

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{she holds onto his hand.}

I’m gonna need you to take a chill pill, Fionán. You’re psyching yourself out and it’s going to do neither of us any good.

mm.. How about.. you let me take the reigns of planning?

[fionan-james]

They have pills for chills in the future???

....Yes ma'am.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

something like that, …and I should look into getting you some lexapro.. but for right now I mean metaphorical pills. It’s an expression meaning you need to calm down.

and, thank you.

{she grins, mild satisfaction at the response, then murmuring about routes and such, crawling on all fours into the nearest vent.}

[fionan-james]

What is a "lexapro?"

*he crouches down beside teh vent and stares inside*

....I don't think I can go in there, Holly.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Not asking you to. I’m just trying to see where is occupied right now. {she peeps back out from the vent square.}

and lexapro is anxiety medication, which you clearly need.

[fionan-james]

...Ah, very well.

I don't have anxiety!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

It’s cute that you think you can lie to me about that. {she giggles.}

[fionan-james]

I don't! *He gives them a grouchy look*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she reaches into their pocket and wriggles out a license and flashes it to him. It’s a medical license. She then pulls out a paper with diagnoses on a paper.}

[fionan-james]

...Why do you just have that on hand?!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

because everybody here is mentally ill and nobody believes the literal medical professional.

[fionan-james]

...I thought you were an animal doctor, not a human doctor???

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

with my parents??? No way.

They forced me to delve more into human healths studies as well..

[fionan-james]

I see.. *his tone indicates that he's wondering if he needs to have "a word" with Holly's parents*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

anywayyyyy. I think we could potentially go through a stroll..? And then stop by the garden.

[fionan-james]

Oh, aye, that sounds nice. *he nods, taking a deep breath.* Do you like the garden? I assumed that was Mr. Frazier's domain.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

Mhm.. I grew up in Arizona so we didn’t see much variation in plants. I like seeing a bit of everything.

and.. as for the garden, Mr. Frazier owns it but Gladys runs it like the navy.

{she climbs out of the vent and tumbles to the floor.}

augh..

[fionan-james]

Arizona? Where's that? *he chuckles softly* Gladys? I don't know if I can see that...

...Are you alright? *his brow furrows in concern, and he offers his hand to him*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {they take his hand and struggle to their feet.}

…It’s.. err… this state in south west America that’s very arid and dry..

[fionan-james]

*he keeps holding her hand, even after they're up, hovering anxiously*

Ah, I don't believe I'd heard of that one when I was alive... Moreso the ones on the eastern coast.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

mm, over the centuries, they expanded westward.. and now I’m here.

[fionan-james]

I see... I probably couldn't name most of what they had when I was alive anyhow... The only one I truly cared about was New York, and wherever it was Owen lived— haven't remembered where that was yet. Anythin' else I could go from there. *He shrugs*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

I’ve always wanted to visit New York. {she sighs.}

[fionan-james]

I never made it either... *he shoves his hands in his pockets with a shrug*

...If I could take you there, I would.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small little sad sound came from Holly.}

[fionan-james]

*he immediately turns and wraps his arms around her, resting his chin on their head.*

... I'm sorry

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… don’t be. I’m just wishing I could travel there with you.

[fionan-james]

....I wish I could take you to see where I grew up too. Show you where my Ma is buried.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…

{she doesn’t say anything else.}

[fionan-james]

...I'm sorry.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

you don’t need to be sorry. You. just need to stay by my side.

{her words ring with a sense of cling and fear.}

[fionan-james]

I can do that.... *he takes a shaky breath* I promise.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

.. {there’s a kind of distant look in Holly’s eyes. It’s almost Déjà vu to her, hearing these words.}

[fionan-james]

...Are you alright?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{The room melted into a more modern scene: outside of the Cyprus, a nearby bar and nightclub in its prominence for most students who attended the college a block down.}

{Holly, in her delusional state, felt as though she was back to that night, shaky in a sparkled bandage dress and jacket that her then-friends had offered her. It was a small attempt for Holly to explore themself. Expression was something she usually kept on the down low, only ever previously being exposed to dressing femininely in the confines of her own house.}

{to be out here tonight with friends, being unabashedly queer and still figuring things out, to even take the risk of publicity, it was a sickening exhilaration she felt}

{Fear crept into her chest, however. Constantly feeling a pair of eyes peer at her, likely perceiving her as just a man in a dress. She didn’t want to cause any problems, so she clung to her group as they made their way into the Cyprus. She had stopped one of them, her best friend Trinity, to not leave her side.}

{It was a record time for that promise to be broken in half an hour. Intoxicated and gleeful had been the state that Holly found her friends in, between dancing and drinking.}

{She had decided it was time for her to go home. She didn’t really like clubs anyway. If it were up to her, they’d be in their room watching Tokyo Mew Mew, maybe seeing whatever the local theatre had, or even an arcade trip. Not.. whatever this was.}

{Details of leaving the dizzy neon oasis had been skewed in her head, but it was as though the eyes followed her as she left.}

{and maybe the paranoia was justified considering the attack.}

{she felt the bruising of her back against a brick wall and the firm hand around her throat, and fuck, she’s never seen a man so angry. If she could croak out anything, it wouldn’t be intelligible.}

{she claws at imaginary hands, trying to pull them away from her throat as they stir back to consciousness, her eyes darting around back at the academy.}

[fionan-james]

...Holly?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

*Fionan slips into the room, nervously fiddling with the cuffs of his shirt.. he's dressed more nicely than usual, with a sweater vest that looks like it's possibly been pilfered from Kipley, and an awkwardly tied bowtie (he tried).*

....Holly?

-@fionan-james

{she turns. It appears they’ve tried a new thing lately with their hair, tying it into pigtails that rested on their shoulders. He smiles at Fionán.}

What’s got you all dressed up? {she spares a sympathetic giggle at the mess of the bow tie, deciding to help him with it.}

[fionan-james]

*the tips of his ears turn pink as she fixes his bowtie, and he gives a sheepish grin*

I was... well, I was wondering... *he clears his throat nervously* ....Would you like to go out to supper?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…Out to supper where exactly? we, ah, don’t exactly have many places to go? {she gives a few beats before then realizing what he means.}

—OH. hgsgsSure. Oh my goodness.

[fionan-james]

*he flushes deeper* Platonically of course— if that's alright. Derrick has Cillian, so we should be free to go anywhere, depending on where you want to go— *he's rambling now, clearly nervous*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Oh? {she can’t help but smirk a little. It was hilarious to see him so flustered and anxious.}

Any time is good with me, I don’t really mind where we go.

[fionan-james]

Oh... ah... Shite. *he's clearly not planned this out*

...Are you certain you don't mind?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{Doubt shines in their face.}

..Why would I mind? You don’t have to do this if you really don’t want to. {his eyes blink with the slightest shine growing across the waterline.}

[fionan-james]

*He immediately winces, trying to backtrack*

Nay! Nay I want to do this- I just... *he sighs* I maybe didn't think this through because I thought you'd have somethign you wanted to do...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{her expression immediately breaks into a grin}

Pft. I was only messing with you. but.. yeah you really didn’t think this one through, did ya? Hm.

{they pull up a stool to the counter nearby.}

Alright. Let’s.. plan a date today.

[fionan-james]

*he looks slightly like he's about to cry from anxiety, but nods*

...No... I don't think any thinking went into this, because if I started thinking about it I'd get to nervous to ask, and then we wouldn't be anywhere-

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{she holds onto his hand.}

I’m gonna need you to take a chill pill, Fionán. You’re psyching yourself out and it’s going to do neither of us any good.

mm.. How about.. you let me take the reigns of planning?

[fionan-james]

They have pills for chills in the future???

....Yes ma'am.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

something like that, …and I should look into getting you some lexapro.. but for right now I mean metaphorical pills. It’s an expression meaning you need to calm down.

and, thank you.

{she grins, mild satisfaction at the response, then murmuring about routes and such, crawling on all fours into the nearest vent.}

[fionan-james]

What is a "lexapro?"

*he crouches down beside teh vent and stares inside*

....I don't think I can go in there, Holly.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Not asking you to. I’m just trying to see where is occupied right now. {she peeps back out from the vent square.}

and lexapro is anxiety medication, which you clearly need.

[fionan-james]

...Ah, very well.

I don't have anxiety!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

It’s cute that you think you can lie to me about that. {she giggles.}

[fionan-james]

I don't! *He gives them a grouchy look*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she reaches into their pocket and wriggles out a license and flashes it to him. It’s a medical license. She then pulls out a paper with diagnoses on a paper.}

[fionan-james]

...Why do you just have that on hand?!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

because everybody here is mentally ill and nobody believes the literal medical professional.

[fionan-james]

...I thought you were an animal doctor, not a human doctor???

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

with my parents??? No way.

They forced me to delve more into human healths studies as well..

[fionan-james]

I see.. *his tone indicates that he's wondering if he needs to have "a word" with Holly's parents*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

anywayyyyy. I think we could potentially go through a stroll..? And then stop by the garden.

[fionan-james]

Oh, aye, that sounds nice. *he nods, taking a deep breath.* Do you like the garden? I assumed that was Mr. Frazier's domain.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

Mhm.. I grew up in Arizona so we didn’t see much variation in plants. I like seeing a bit of everything.

and.. as for the garden, Mr. Frazier owns it but Gladys runs it like the navy.

{she climbs out of the vent and tumbles to the floor.}

augh..

[fionan-james]

Arizona? Where's that? *he chuckles softly* Gladys? I don't know if I can see that...

...Are you alright? *his brow furrows in concern, and he offers his hand to him*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {they take his hand and struggle to their feet.}

…It’s.. err… this state in south west America that’s very arid and dry..

[fionan-james]

*he keeps holding her hand, even after they're up, hovering anxiously*

Ah, I don't believe I'd heard of that one when I was alive... Moreso the ones on the eastern coast.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

mm, over the centuries, they expanded westward.. and now I’m here.

[fionan-james]

I see... I probably couldn't name most of what they had when I was alive anyhow... The only one I truly cared about was New York, and wherever it was Owen lived— haven't remembered where that was yet. Anythin' else I could go from there. *He shrugs*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

I’ve always wanted to visit New York. {she sighs.}

[fionan-james]

I never made it either... *he shoves his hands in his pockets with a shrug*

...If I could take you there, I would.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small little sad sound came from Holly.}

[fionan-james]

*he immediately turns and wraps his arms around her, resting his chin on their head.*

... I'm sorry

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… don’t be. I’m just wishing I could travel there with you.

[fionan-james]

....I wish I could take you to see where I grew up too. Show you where my Ma is buried.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…

{she doesn’t say anything else.}

[fionan-james]

...I'm sorry.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

you don’t need to be sorry. You. just need to stay by my side.

{her words ring with a sense of cling and fear.}

[fionan-james]

I can do that.... *he takes a shaky breath* I promise.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

.. {there’s a kind of distant look in Holly’s eyes. It’s almost Déjà vu to her, hearing these words.}

[fionan-james]

...Are you alright?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

*Fionan slips into the room, nervously fiddling with the cuffs of his shirt.. he's dressed more nicely than usual, with a sweater vest that looks like it's possibly been pilfered from Kipley, and an awkwardly tied bowtie (he tried).*

....Holly?

-@fionan-james

{she turns. It appears they’ve tried a new thing lately with their hair, tying it into pigtails that rested on their shoulders. He smiles at Fionán.}

What’s got you all dressed up? {she spares a sympathetic giggle at the mess of the bow tie, deciding to help him with it.}

[fionan-james]

*the tips of his ears turn pink as she fixes his bowtie, and he gives a sheepish grin*

I was... well, I was wondering... *he clears his throat nervously* ....Would you like to go out to supper?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…Out to supper where exactly? we, ah, don’t exactly have many places to go? {she gives a few beats before then realizing what he means.}

—OH. hgsgsSure. Oh my goodness.

[fionan-james]

*he flushes deeper* Platonically of course— if that's alright. Derrick has Cillian, so we should be free to go anywhere, depending on where you want to go— *he's rambling now, clearly nervous*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Oh? {she can’t help but smirk a little. It was hilarious to see him so flustered and anxious.}

Any time is good with me, I don’t really mind where we go.

[fionan-james]

Oh... ah... Shite. *he's clearly not planned this out*

...Are you certain you don't mind?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{Doubt shines in their face.}

..Why would I mind? You don’t have to do this if you really don’t want to. {his eyes blink with the slightest shine growing across the waterline.}

[fionan-james]

*He immediately winces, trying to backtrack*

Nay! Nay I want to do this- I just... *he sighs* I maybe didn't think this through because I thought you'd have somethign you wanted to do...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{her expression immediately breaks into a grin}

Pft. I was only messing with you. but.. yeah you really didn’t think this one through, did ya? Hm.

{they pull up a stool to the counter nearby.}

Alright. Let’s.. plan a date today.

[fionan-james]

*he looks slightly like he's about to cry from anxiety, but nods*

...No... I don't think any thinking went into this, because if I started thinking about it I'd get to nervous to ask, and then we wouldn't be anywhere-

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{she holds onto his hand.}

I’m gonna need you to take a chill pill, Fionán. You’re psyching yourself out and it’s going to do neither of us any good.

mm.. How about.. you let me take the reigns of planning?

[fionan-james]

They have pills for chills in the future???

....Yes ma'am.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

something like that, …and I should look into getting you some lexapro.. but for right now I mean metaphorical pills. It’s an expression meaning you need to calm down.

and, thank you.

{she grins, mild satisfaction at the response, then murmuring about routes and such, crawling on all fours into the nearest vent.}

[fionan-james]

What is a "lexapro?"

*he crouches down beside teh vent and stares inside*

....I don't think I can go in there, Holly.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Not asking you to. I’m just trying to see where is occupied right now. {she peeps back out from the vent square.}

and lexapro is anxiety medication, which you clearly need.

[fionan-james]

...Ah, very well.

I don't have anxiety!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

It’s cute that you think you can lie to me about that. {she giggles.}

[fionan-james]

I don't! *He gives them a grouchy look*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she reaches into their pocket and wriggles out a license and flashes it to him. It’s a medical license. She then pulls out a paper with diagnoses on a paper.}

[fionan-james]

...Why do you just have that on hand?!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

because everybody here is mentally ill and nobody believes the literal medical professional.

[fionan-james]

...I thought you were an animal doctor, not a human doctor???

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

with my parents??? No way.

They forced me to delve more into human healths studies as well..

[fionan-james]

I see.. *his tone indicates that he's wondering if he needs to have "a word" with Holly's parents*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

anywayyyyy. I think we could potentially go through a stroll..? And then stop by the garden.

[fionan-james]

Oh, aye, that sounds nice. *he nods, taking a deep breath.* Do you like the garden? I assumed that was Mr. Frazier's domain.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

Mhm.. I grew up in Arizona so we didn’t see much variation in plants. I like seeing a bit of everything.

and.. as for the garden, Mr. Frazier owns it but Gladys runs it like the navy.

{she climbs out of the vent and tumbles to the floor.}

augh..

[fionan-james]

Arizona? Where's that? *he chuckles softly* Gladys? I don't know if I can see that...

...Are you alright? *his brow furrows in concern, and he offers his hand to him*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {they take his hand and struggle to their feet.}

…It’s.. err… this state in south west America that’s very arid and dry..

[fionan-james]

*he keeps holding her hand, even after they're up, hovering anxiously*

Ah, I don't believe I'd heard of that one when I was alive... Moreso the ones on the eastern coast.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

mm, over the centuries, they expanded westward.. and now I’m here.

[fionan-james]

I see... I probably couldn't name most of what they had when I was alive anyhow... The only one I truly cared about was New York, and wherever it was Owen lived— haven't remembered where that was yet. Anythin' else I could go from there. *He shrugs*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

I’ve always wanted to visit New York. {she sighs.}

[fionan-james]

I never made it either... *he shoves his hands in his pockets with a shrug*

...If I could take you there, I would.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small little sad sound came from Holly.}

[fionan-james]

*he immediately turns and wraps his arms around her, resting his chin on their head.*

... I'm sorry

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… don’t be. I’m just wishing I could travel there with you.

[fionan-james]

....I wish I could take you to see where I grew up too. Show you where my Ma is buried.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…

{she doesn’t say anything else.}

[fionan-james]

...I'm sorry.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

you don’t need to be sorry. You. just need to stay by my side.

{her words ring with a sense of cling and fear.}

[fionan-james]

I can do that.... *he takes a shaky breath* I promise.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

*Fionan slips into the room, nervously fiddling with the cuffs of his shirt.. he's dressed more nicely than usual, with a sweater vest that looks like it's possibly been pilfered from Kipley, and an awkwardly tied bowtie (he tried).*

....Holly?

-@fionan-james

{she turns. It appears they’ve tried a new thing lately with their hair, tying it into pigtails that rested on their shoulders. He smiles at Fionán.}

What’s got you all dressed up? {she spares a sympathetic giggle at the mess of the bow tie, deciding to help him with it.}

[fionan-james]

*the tips of his ears turn pink as she fixes his bowtie, and he gives a sheepish grin*

I was... well, I was wondering... *he clears his throat nervously* ....Would you like to go out to supper?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…Out to supper where exactly? we, ah, don’t exactly have many places to go? {she gives a few beats before then realizing what he means.}

—OH. hgsgsSure. Oh my goodness.

[fionan-james]

*he flushes deeper* Platonically of course— if that's alright. Derrick has Cillian, so we should be free to go anywhere, depending on where you want to go— *he's rambling now, clearly nervous*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Oh? {she can’t help but smirk a little. It was hilarious to see him so flustered and anxious.}

Any time is good with me, I don’t really mind where we go.

[fionan-james]

Oh... ah... Shite. *he's clearly not planned this out*

...Are you certain you don't mind?

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{Doubt shines in their face.}

..Why would I mind? You don’t have to do this if you really don’t want to. {his eyes blink with the slightest shine growing across the waterline.}

[fionan-james]

*He immediately winces, trying to backtrack*

Nay! Nay I want to do this- I just... *he sighs* I maybe didn't think this through because I thought you'd have somethign you wanted to do...

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{her expression immediately breaks into a grin}

Pft. I was only messing with you. but.. yeah you really didn’t think this one through, did ya? Hm.

{they pull up a stool to the counter nearby.}

Alright. Let’s.. plan a date today.

[fionan-james]

*he looks slightly like he's about to cry from anxiety, but nods*

...No... I don't think any thinking went into this, because if I started thinking about it I'd get to nervous to ask, and then we wouldn't be anywhere-

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

{she holds onto his hand.}

I’m gonna need you to take a chill pill, Fionán. You’re psyching yourself out and it’s going to do neither of us any good.

mm.. How about.. you let me take the reigns of planning?

[fionan-james]

They have pills for chills in the future???

....Yes ma'am.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

something like that, …and I should look into getting you some lexapro.. but for right now I mean metaphorical pills. It’s an expression meaning you need to calm down.

and, thank you.

{she grins, mild satisfaction at the response, then murmuring about routes and such, crawling on all fours into the nearest vent.}

[fionan-james]

What is a "lexapro?"

*he crouches down beside teh vent and stares inside*

....I don't think I can go in there, Holly.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

..Not asking you to. I’m just trying to see where is occupied right now. {she peeps back out from the vent square.}

and lexapro is anxiety medication, which you clearly need.

[fionan-james]

...Ah, very well.

I don't have anxiety!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

It’s cute that you think you can lie to me about that. {she giggles.}

[fionan-james]

I don't! *He gives them a grouchy look*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {she reaches into their pocket and wriggles out a license and flashes it to him. It’s a medical license. She then pulls out a paper with diagnoses on a paper.}

[fionan-james]

...Why do you just have that on hand?!

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

because everybody here is mentally ill and nobody believes the literal medical professional.

[fionan-james]

...I thought you were an animal doctor, not a human doctor???

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

with my parents??? No way.

They forced me to delve more into human healths studies as well..

[fionan-james]

I see.. *his tone indicates that he's wondering if he needs to have "a word" with Holly's parents*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

anywayyyyy. I think we could potentially go through a stroll..? And then stop by the garden.

[fionan-james]

Oh, aye, that sounds nice. *he nods, taking a deep breath.* Do you like the garden? I assumed that was Mr. Frazier's domain.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

Mhm.. I grew up in Arizona so we didn’t see much variation in plants. I like seeing a bit of everything.

and.. as for the garden, Mr. Frazier owns it but Gladys runs it like the navy.

{she climbs out of the vent and tumbles to the floor.}

augh..

[fionan-james]

Arizona? Where's that? *he chuckles softly* Gladys? I don't know if I can see that...

...Are you alright? *his brow furrows in concern, and he offers his hand to him*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {they take his hand and struggle to their feet.}

…It’s.. err… this state in south west America that’s very arid and dry..

[fionan-james]

*he keeps holding her hand, even after they're up, hovering anxiously*

Ah, I don't believe I'd heard of that one when I was alive... Moreso the ones on the eastern coast.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

mm, over the centuries, they expanded westward.. and now I’m here.

[fionan-james]

I see... I probably couldn't name most of what they had when I was alive anyhow... The only one I truly cared about was New York, and wherever it was Owen lived— haven't remembered where that was yet. Anythin' else I could go from there. *He shrugs*

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

I’ve always wanted to visit New York. {she sighs.}

[fionan-james]

I never made it either... *he shoves his hands in his pockets with a shrug*

...If I could take you there, I would.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… {a small little sad sound came from Holly.}

[fionan-james]

*he immediately turns and wraps his arms around her, resting his chin on their head.*

... I'm sorry

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

… don’t be. I’m just wishing I could travel there with you.

[fionan-james]

....I wish I could take you to see where I grew up too. Show you where my Ma is buried.

[wispsofthenevermoreacademy]

…

{she doesn’t say anything else.}

[fionan-james]

...I'm sorry.