H A U N T E D

[ianxfairchild]

aleynagreer​:

▬ 

“Of course,” Giggles escaped from her lips, expressing her joy at that moment. Aleyna created that image clearly within her mind while Ian talked about Hugo. It was a low blow, but it was an effective one. “And here we are now, I need to grab another glass of wine so I’ll stop worrying about leaving sooner than I have to,” Andy was safe, they weren’t alone and she could enjoy one night out; there was no harm at doing so. 

She wanted that glass of wine, so she could move it closer to her lips, even to pretend to take a sip from the liquor that used to be there so she could cover her cheeks. In case they had a shade of red after his comment, but Aleyna couldn’t hide behind that maneuver, therefore the brunette only hoped it wasn’t perceptive. “You’re not so bad yourself,” she smiled. “Oh, it has. It’s been months actually and everything is… different. I mean– a lot has happened ever since,” ever since they broke up. “Do you have the time? We can sneak out to their balcony and you can also tell me about how you’ve been.”

•

“It could be worse,” Ian noted, thinking that he had been dragged to worse for work fundraisers and events before. A friend’s party was hardly the biggest sacrifice despite his preference for more low-key events. “Andy with a sitter tonight?” He inquired, knowing that Ally’s child was the center of her universe and had been since before he met her. “Thanks, leave it to Hugo to have an over-the-top birthday party. I think I saw some lady in a ballgown earlier.” A basic suit and tie was all that Ian really had to throw on but it worked and Ines had approved of his outfit before he left which was as much a seal of approval as he needed.

Stuffing hands into his pockets, Ian nodded towards the bar, “right...yeah, of course.” They’d gone their separate ways amicably but it was always strange to have dated someone, even for a handful of months and then diverge so completely. He’d always hoped she was well but had never really felt in the place to reach out and check in like he might’ve before. “Wine first?” 

[reyjis-deactivated20220625]

Michiel Huisman in The Ottoman Lieutenant (2017)

[vivienvalentino]

MICHIEL HUISMAN as Dawsey Adams in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, 2018

[persephones-fruit]

A ghost can be a lot of things. A memory, a daydream, a secret. Grief, anger, guilt. But, in my experience, they’re just what we want to see.

Steven Crain, The Haunting of Hill House (via persephones-fruit)

[ianxfairchild]

lornanieman​:

Lorna couldn’t help but let a laugh escape from her lips watching him run his hand through his hair. “Oh don’t worry about it, you wouldn’t be the first guy to come in here for it, their excuse is that it’s either for their girlfriend or wife.” She admitted to him. “I thought that it was an interesting way to conclude it but I do believe that sometimes when it comes to books about things that have happened and they weren’t involved in it in any way that it is best to leave the opinions to the conclusion, if there are any of course.”She replied to him.

• 

Ian pointedly ignored his sister’s giggling and turned his attention to the raven-haired woman. “Excuse? You think they’re getting it for themselves?” He raised a brow, somewhat amused before his expression faltered slightly and he shook his head, “I’m not making an excuse though. I mean...just if you thought I was doing the same? I’m not. I just...” Ines had a hand covering her mouth now, holding back laughter and Ian only sighed, gesturing at the book in his hand, “this is what I came for. Really. Do you have any other recommendations?” Hopeful to refocus the conversation, he canted his head to the side, “conclusion or not, I’m open to reading them. I think it’s fascinating how people try to go back now and solve cases from nearly a hundred years ago. Just think of how many cases could’ve been solved with DNA testing.”

[ianxfairchild]

“What the hell did I just drink” Ian grimaced, glancing at the drink he’d gotten from some stall at the Winter Carnival. He glanced down at the peppermint-like smelling concoction, having though it was more akin to a hot chocolate only to find out that it tasted like black liquorice which was to say...it was incredibly disappointing. He glanced at Bash and then at Ines who was busy giggling at Ian’s expression. 

“I don’t think I’m the first person who’s been subject to this little bait and switch either,” he gestured at the discarded cups by a few tables they passed, all from the same stall, all more than halfway full it seemed. That’s probably what he got for trying to mystery flavor at his sister’s beckoning, especially from a stall run by fellow witches. Ian didn’t begrudge them their entertainment, though, it was harmless after all, if not just a bit disappointing.  @bashianofonte

[ianxfairchild]

He’d parted ways from Bash nearly half an hour prior and had been ready to head home, the cold nipping at his face despite the scarf furled neatly around his neck and the beanie that covered to the tip of his ears. He trailed after Ines through the ice and snow sculptures since they were her favorite part of the Winter Carnival. Despite having gone through them when they’d first arrived, she insisted on seeing them once more before they departed. Night had fallen and the lights strung around the carnival were reflecting off the ice and packed snow. Though Ines couldn’t go that far ahead of him, Ian still felt like he was catching up to her through the sculptures, rubbing gloved hands together and thinking of a spell with which to warm himself with when he turned the corner and nearly barreled into someone. 

All thought of magic vanished in a second and he caught hold of their shoulders to keep them from toppling over entirely. Ines had stopped short, hands clamped over her mouth in surprise as Ian helped the woman upright. “I’m so sorry. I was...I honestly didn’t see you there. Are you...” okay was what he meant to say but he lost his train of thought altogether at the sight of an old but familiar face, even after almost twenty years. It took a beat for him to realize he was staring before he snatched his hands away, shaking his head, “Sorry...I don’t mean –– you just...Moira?” It was entirely possible he was mistaken, in which case his embarrassment would be tenfold what it already was in the moment.  @moirahardwicke​

[ianxfairchild]

laurelgavaris​:

▬

A wink was shared before she chuckled, “I mean, I don’t mind waiting too much if you message me telling me you’re going to be late, so I can find something to do with my time. But, it’d be better if it didn’t become an habit,” she teased her friend. “And hey, it’s a good ‘drink’. At least, it’s something I can appreciate,” when the barista would do it exactly how she liked it. Then, the brunette merely nodded watching as Ian would make his way closer to the counter for their coffee, which gave her time to check her phone and go through her agenda one more time before he was back to the table. 

“I’d be nothing without some caffeine in my system or else I’d fall asleep right here, right now. I spend almost the whole night awake while going through a few things I need to share with my students for their routine. I have no freaking clue how my neighbors didn’t curse me for gently dancing all over my room, trying my best not to disturb their sleep.” Her mind was restless, specially because days were passing by and the day for their presentation was getting closer. “But, while it’s something I appreciate doing so, enough about me. How are you? How’s life treating you?”

•

“Right, I’ll be sure to stop surgery and text you next time I think I’m going to be late,” Ian replied with a haphazard laugh, knowing Laurel didn’t mean anything by her words really. Taking a sip of his coffee as he sat down opposite her, handing over her cup, Ian leaned back in his seat, shoulders slumping a bit in relief. He’d been going all day and it was nice to stop for once, even if it was only a quick coffee with a friend. “Well...I guess as long as you’re not doing that uh, what is it called when you do a spiny jump?” he chuckled, not even sure if he was asking his question correctly. 

“Whatever that is, I guess if you’re not doing that, then it can’t be that loud?” He took another sip of his coffee, savoring the bitter taste as he set his cup down and waved a hand, eyes bouncing about for a beat. Ines wasn’t around, knowing that Laurel could see her if she was, and Ian always felt a bit emptier without his sister’s presence but knew that she’d be back as soon as they were alone. “Not bad, just busy – they’ve asked me to be an attendee for the next group of residents so...I’m weighing how much I like having a life,” however quiet it was, it still counted in Ian’s book, “verses a raise and teaching young minds and all that stuff. Not sure I’d be a great teacher, though.” 

[inkskinned]

you found a raven inside of your chest where other people had songbirds how are you supposed to be brilliant when you are darkness in a world of color

[ianxfairchild]

kaidemir​:

Kai nodded in agreement. He was more than happy to spend the rest of his life in the sun now that he had it back. It still made him wary to just offer the information up about his species, but he supposed he would get used to it as he spent more time in the city. “Brand new, I got into the country a couple months ago but this is my first real day in Astoria.” He could not help a full grin when the other man agreed to show him the spot he referred to earlier. It was good to make some connections in the city, as well. Especially since he planned to make the place his home, as terrifying as that sounded even in his head. “Lead the way sir. How long have you been in Astoria?” Kai asked. “Also, if I can ask, why did you choose this place? It seems everyone has their own story about their home.” And Kai liked to listen.

•

Ian caught Ines inspecting their new companion curiously and shot her a subtle look that said it was rude to stare but she just stuck her tongue out at him and Ian couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “Ah, well, welcome. How’s it been so far?” The shells in the bag in his hand clanked together lightly as they walked, Ian listening to the other’s words, ever attentive. “Uh, years – came for college, never left. One of those type of places, you know? Kinda just draws you in I guess. And the people are good so it seemed as good a place as any.” He glanced over at Kai, brow raised, “what about you? Thinking you’re gonna stay here for long?” 

[wishbzne-deactivated20210526]

plainwater: essays and poetry — the anthropology of water: kinds of water, anne carson

[ID: “I feel so lonely, like childhood again.” end ID]

[ianxfairchild]

mscarleighaortiz​:

Carleigha likely didn’t need any more books, she was running out of room on her shelves. Still she was here, searching out the best new read. Running her fingers along the shelves she found herself searching for something though she wasn’t quite sure what. Her ears perked as she heard a whisper and her head shifted catching sight of the man down the way. Her eyebrow raised at his exclamation though not entirely sure who he was speaking to. Her eyes drifted down to the book in his hands. “Oh that is a good one, I read it when it first came out. If you like that one here’s a new Black Dahlia book that brings up some great new theories. Still no actual conclusion on that murder. I guess like Jack the ripper it never will be solved” 

•

It was easy for Ian to trail off in the middle of a thought, switching gears mid-sentence internally before speaking.  But he realized he was rambling and was grateful when she commented on the latter topic of true crime rather than the former of erotica. “Oh? Black Dahlia? What’s it called? I’ve read a few on it but, you know, older books. Would be interesting to get a new take.” He adjusted the bag on his shoulder, and glanced down at the books in his hand. “Have you read Devil in the White City? HH Holmes was pretty messed up...still fascinating to read about. Not Jack the Ripper but close.”

[aleynagreer]

set: saturday night location: someone’s birthday party @ their own house availability: closed | @ianxfairchild​

Aleyna debated whether or not it was worth leaving her apartment for that birthday party, the comfort of staying indoors in the presence of her child was endearing enough that almost caused her to deny it. If it wasn’t for her friend texting her about being there, and playing the card that Ally was still too young and she should live it up a little, the werewolf would indeed cancel her plans for that particular night. Aleyna got ready and left with the promise that it wouldn’t take so long for her return back to Andy — though she knew the child would be sleeping by the time she was back home.

Her fingers were wrapping around an almost empty glass of wine, when her attention was drawn to him. Aside from unexpected encounters, though this could possibly fall into the category, it had been awhile ever since Aleyna delighted herself into exchanged words that would go far beyond from a simply ‘hello’ or a mere wave. Short steps led her closer to Ian, wearing a sympathetic smile. “Between us two, you could’ve tried to play the card that you were at the hospital prepping for a big surgery or something,” she chuckled, finally finishing her drink. “Did Vanya blackmailed you too?’

[ianxfairchild]

Ian wasn’t exactly one for parties but he also wasn’t one to blow off a friend, and certainly not on their birthday. He’d been politely schmoozing with people he didn’t know for the better part of an hour before spotting a familiar face. Friendly smile forming, Ian dipped his head in a hello and lifted his glass, “blackmailed and bribed with wine.” he joked, taking a sip of his wine befor shaking his head. 

“But, uh, no, no blackmail. Just general Hugo would love it if you were there. It would mean so much to him. So...couldn’t really come up with a great excuse on the fly. I tried but...instead of saying I’ll check my schedule I guess I said of course, I’ll be there so...” he laughed slightly, gesturing around them, “here I am.” Ian watched Ines’s ghost flit to and fro, admiring the attire of the party goers before returning his gaze to Ally, “you look nice, by the way...it’s been a while, hasn’t it? Things alright?” 

[vivienvalentino]

MICHIEL HUISMAN — Game of Thrones, 4.03

[ianxfairchild]

lornanieman​:

When she wasn’t making sure that everybody was doing alright with their coffee or pastries, Lorna was busy going up and down the aisles, fixing things that needed to be fixed or putting books back to their right sections.  She was bringing a few books back to their rightful place when she couldn’t help but overhear the man, causing her eyebrow to raise in a little bit of confusion. She couldn’t help but let a gentle laugh escape from her lips once he noticed her. “Oh that is a good one indeed, you are right it isn’t the type of book for the faint of heart. Don’t worry I won’t tell anybody about you pondering the thought of Fifty Shades of Grey. I didn’t understand the hype of it myself.”

•

Ian raked a hand through his hair sheepishly, “yeah uh...that’d be appreciated. I wasn’t, you know, actually contemplating it. Just uh...you know. putting it out there in case anyone thought oh, he looks like he’d read Fifty Shades of Grey. Wanted to uh, dissuade them of any notion like that...” He was rambling now, as he tended to do when chagrined and after a second just paused and cleared his throat. “Anyway, uh, did you like the way they concluded it?” He held up the book in his hand, “I thought they kind of interjected more of their personal opinion than they had anywhere else in the book so it kinda jarred me...but it’s still good. I lost my copy so I figure I’d get another...” 

[justaholesir]

Michiel Huisman as Ellis Jones in The Age of Adaline (2015) dir. Lee Toland Krieger 

[violentwavesofemotion-deactivat]

Chelsea Hodson, from Tonight I’m Someone Else: Essays; “The End Of Longing,”