firelight

CHRYSALIS i was born the day i thought: what is? what was? what if? muses: rohan lakra (he/they) seonho jones (he/him) penned by logan

[ircnman3000]

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ECHO & ROHAN​:

“Oh, yeah, the Sheriff will have my head,” she agrees, mirroring them with a hand on her own chest. “Trust me, this move is turning over a new leaf. I will not be seen, I will not be heard.” Because the last time she was seen or heard, people nearly got killed. Her success in Charming was reliant on her temper being in check.

And apparently enjoying her partner’s company, which she has. The encouragement mixed with sarcastic humor has her grinning without abandon now, attention turning to the overhead TVs. “Fuck off, you’re such a shit. And it was Nothing Gold Can Stay, which… a seven year-old trying to read that at the height of her childhood career sounds pretty grim because it was.”

She’d read a glimpse of their file, but Echo was more interested in hearing it directly from the source: papers can only offer so much. “Actual royalty? Well sor-ry, your Highness, I should’ve… curtsied on my way in here.” A series of jokes feels weird on her lips, but Rohan is easy to talk to. Personable. She can see why they might’ve been ‘in’ with some of the club members.

“Mm, it is to die for. I already miss it.” She misses everything about it. “I’ll, uh… I have to invite you over sometime. Authentic-like, not the restaurant shit.”

“Needing to turn over a new leaf implies that the you of old was loud and in your face,” Rohan points out with a curious raise of his brow. “I don’t want a silent partner. That would make stakeouts even more painstakingly long, and I only have so many stories to tell.” 

And they would tell them, in time. “Wow, seven-year-old Echo Galaeus must have been pretty somber in that retelling. Or not, since you didn’t win those.” He kicks back in his chair, balancing the front legs in front of him precariously as he swings. 

 “Please, please, no curtsies. That pageantry stuff is behind you, right? And it wasn’t me, it was my dad. He was essentially head Guard for Her Majesty. Could never be me though.” Still, they feel like there is a legacy to upkeep there. “Why he was then drawn to Charming, I’ll never really know, but it’s been my home for the better part of two decades, and swearing to serve and protect it? Easiest decision I’ve ever made.”

An invitation to her home feels like a big deal, even if it’s presented in the future tense. “I’d love that!” Bright smile takes residence on their face. “Feel free to be liberal on the spice. I can handle it.”

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closed starter for @landcnteller​ from rohan lakra location: hale’s diner

“My compliments to the chef on the weekly special. The meatloaf? Does taste just like grandma’s.” His grandmother did not make meatloaf and would likely be offended at the suggestion that she had. After making a happy plate of their meal, they grin up at Landon with a chef’s kiss motion. “Do you get free grub if you work here? Think yours truly has what it takes to serve tables every other Saturday?” Frequenting Hale’s Diner was a no brainer. It’s the only place that he could still jam to his oldies on the jukebox and get some of the best homecooking, though he more often indulged in the breakfast items. They had decided to switch up their order for once, live life on the edge as if they don’t get enough of a thrill in the line of duty. 

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jasey 📲 seonho.

jasey: PARTY AT MY APARTMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jasey: if you're getting this text, you are invited to my housewarming party 🙂

jasey: I'm really in need of a toaster oven so if someone 👀 can gofundme one, it will be a successful time

jasey: are you coming!?!?

seonho: instead of a gofundme, you should put together an amazon registry so you don't end up with a thousand toasters

seonho: i will do my best to make it. what day + time?

seonho: you can definitely at least count on a gift from me 🙂

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MARLEY & SEONHO​:

There was a certain charm to the laundromat. The squeaky linoleum flooring, the hum of the machines lining the walls, the smell of detergent–almost like stepping into a time machine, or more like a place where time simply stopped. There was a kind of peace that fell over Marley upon entering the building, even if it was with a full laundry bag in tow. She’d place her headphones over her ears, do a couple loads, read a couple chapters of her book…but as she set up station at one of the empty machines, and reached for the suspiciously light detergent bottle on top of her pile of clothes, she realized that may be difficult to achieve. Even before she shook the bottle, she knew it was empty, a sigh escaping her lips as she vaguely thought back to the last time she did laundry, and set the empty detergent bottle back into her laundry basket for a reminder to buy more. Fat load of help that was, Marley. 

Going over the options in her head, movement from the corner of her eye caught the blonde’s attention, the machine next to her having been occupied. Figuring it couldn’t hurt to ask, she leaned in closer, a carefully curated half-embarrassed smile on her lips as she asked, “don’t suppose you’d be willin’ trade some detergent for whatever your heart desires from that vendin’ machine over there?” 

@charmingextras​​​

Air pods were comfortably stationed in Seonho’s ears, volume kept on low so that he could make out the noise of his two youngest siblings hanging in the background of the laundromat, diligently working on their homework as he worked on a song that had been plaguing him for the better part of the year. The other two were otherwise occupied at their after-school activities. Between all of them, laundry felt like the chore that he could never catch up on, and coupled with all of the washing he had to do at the motel, it was the one that he dreaded most. 

As one of the dryers he was using beeped in indication that the load was done, Seonho made a beeline for the machine after setting down his notepad with one of his many laundry baskets in hand. Catching enough of the request next of him to get the gist, Seonho reached for his pocketed phone and paused his music, surprised to see Marley when he popped his head up from where he was kneeling on the ground and piling clothes into a heap. “You know you don’t have to go this far out for laundry service. The motel has a spot,” he informed her kindly with a warm smile to match as he stood up to grab his detergent from the top of the washer next to him. “The dryer available to guests kind of sucks though, so you have to cycle through multiple times if you don’t want to deal with damp clothes.” As he prattled on with his advice, he extended the lavender-scented bottle in her direction. “Here, no need to worry about any kind of compensation.” He gave a dismissive wave of his hand. 

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LYRIC & ROHAN​:

“I really feel like you get some sick enjoyment out of losing to me in these pseudo debates every week. That or you enjoy the free coffee.” Lyric lifted her mug, cradling it between both hands as she sipped. Shaking her head, she contemplated, how strong of a stance to take. Rohan wasn’t an educator with thirty years of preconceived notions and sadistic streak that manifested in the way students were treated. Now, their enjoyment came from watching that one vein in Lyric’s temple threaten to burst. “If you really want my opinion, I agree. Home work should be practice or at best the encouragement to further explore topics of interest. Not an excuse to use self directed learning because you chose a career for the retirement and not the development of minds and creativity.” She shook her finger again. “You are testing me today Rohan Lakra. We could always forego the topic of education and delve into the criminal justice system and your thoughts on the dismantlement of the police as we know it.” She dared another sip of warm tea before stealing a taste of the massive muffin on the plate before her. “Later schooling hours, no. Just no. I’m actually a proponent for shorter days, with a targeted learning approach. Blame selfishness. Do I really want to work sixteen hours instead of twelve?”

“Consider this: it might be both. Try to imagine some of the conversations I have throughout the day. This is a welcomed reprieve for me, and I much prefer this kind of challenge. Also I’m a cop: free coffee is kind of a given. It’s the company I come here for.” Even if Rohan was often outwitted by Lyric, he welcomed it. They could appreciate the fresh perspective that Lyric provided, and it’s not like they weren’t willing to go toe-for-toe in debates where they had more of a heated opinion. Today, he just wanted to learn about her stance on topics that were more relevant to her everyday live, bringing the cup in front of him to his lips for a long gulp as he listened. “I think you chose the right career, for what it’s worth. Wish I could’ve had a teacher like you when I was at Charming High. Busy work always felt like a kind of punishment.” And they had been one of the lucky ones. So many teens in Charming didn’t have the luxury to have time to do homework considering their home lives. “If you want to delve into the criminal justice, by all means. I’m not against reform.” He holds out his free hand as if inviting the discussion, though it would open a whole other can of worms up. “Don’t you already work sixteen hours in essence, between all the after-hours work that you do? I don’t blame you for that one. I guess I should have clarified. I have heard that it would be better to start later. Like at nine in the morning rather than seven.” 

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MINJUN & SEONHO​:

Honorific or genuine respect Jun still hated to be referred to as boss, however he knew Seonho meant no harm. Looking up from the monitor’s screen, he waved his hand, motioning for the young man to enter. “Are you still scared of me? I don’t grumble like my father, not all the time.” He ticked the imaginary box beside each accomplishment, thinking of one or two others that were missed that he refused to mention. Seonho worked hard, too hard, like most of the staff on payroll. “Do you work at the motel tonight after this?” He was sure the answer was yes, which meant sleep was hours away for the other. Sometimes he wondered how he managed to still stand, smile in place, even if it faltered. Sliding the drawer to his left open, Jun lifted a short stack of tens and twenties. “Tips, you missed over the weekend.” Jun knew no tips were missed and Seonho did as well but that didn’t stop him from sliding the cash across the desk. “You can head out. Inventory I can handle on my own or it will give you something to do tomorrow.” 

“I’m not scared of you,” Seonho insisted, only wanting to show the other man the respect that he felt he was due. It’s a hard balance for Seonho to navigate, considering how long Jun had been connected to his family. Calling him by his name felt like it would be breaking some kind of unspoken etiquette, but he did hop his way inside the office when invited, taking a seat in front of him. As if needing to showcase that he’s comfortable in the other’s presence, he pushed his foot onto the ground to levitate the two front legs of the chair in the air, rocking it back and forth. He eyed the money that was put forth on the desk, lips pursing. “Yeah, I work at the motel. Graveyard shift.” And he knew what the older man was trying to pull. “That’s weird. I don’t typically miss anything.” He didn’t make a motion to grab the cash, hesitant to do so even if he understood the motive behind the gesture. Seonho did a lot of things he’d rather not for money, but he still had some pride about him. “Are you sure you don’t want to just go ahead and get it over with together? My shift doesn’t start for another hour, and that’s not enough time to go home or do anything else, so I have the time to kill.” 

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SOFIA & SEONHO​:

the only good thing about staying in the same town her entire life? people knew you. which could be a blessing or a curse, but with seonho it was definitely considered a blessing. after growing up together their whole lives, he knew exactly what she needed in that instant. “thank you,” she chimed, a look of admiration as she opened the bag to reveal her favorite meal. “you act like i’m the town drunk or something,” stuffing the nuggets in her mouth, “for your information that is not the case.” sure, she was drunk, but it wasn’t like anything serious. “fuck your boss, that job can’t be worth it.”

“You’re not the town drunk.” He’s sure that someone else boasted that honor, considering the patrons that he had served as a bartender. “It’s just that I’m your friend, so I worry about you. That isn’t a crime, is it?” It’s Seonho’s default mode to take care of people, and that extended to Sofia, looking at her from his peripherals as he drove down the road. “I am totally fine with you letting loose and having fun. Wish I could do more of that, honestly.” And that was the truth, though he may never go quite as hard as Sofia or a number of his other previous classmates. “I just definitely need to hang onto my job, and I’m sure you can relate.” Besides, he liked his boss. “Unless Mayhem Maidens is suddenly accepting men for their positions, that is.” He’s kidding. Mostly.

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ECHO & ROHAN​:

The reaction to her confession is not unusual. The person some people know and the person the others have been told to know are night and day. Rohan’s jaw drops and she has half a mind to make a dry joke about being chin-up, but she stays silent on the defensive to field the inevitable questions coming her way. 

“My talent? Oh, Christ, I… Besides mouthing off when I didn’t wanna answer the damn questions that seemed to be my weird, twisted calling to a win?” She asks, grin brief but nonetheless present. “No, there was no… baton twirling or tap dancing for Miss Louisiana. Thank fucking God. I had to do a couple of pageants out of state as a kid, though, where I had to recite some Robert Frost poetry. I didn’t win those competitions.”

Yeah, because poetry is fucking abysmal.

It doesn’t happen right away, but the realization that she’s talking – really talking, not just giving one-word answers – causes her to finish her beer in a few gulps. She nods at a passing waitress, pointing to the empty bottle before looking back to her new partner. “That’s what m’planning on. Good cop until I can’t be.”

Except the little tidbit Rohan offers is appreciated. More than appreciated, actually, by the way she snorts and covers her mouth with the back of her hand. “Cowboy Number 3? Damn, I didn’t know I was sitting with a fucking rock star. I was in Wizard of Oz as a bush in elementary school ‘cus I wasn’t tall enough to pass as a tree.”

"You, mouthing off? Don’t tell the Sheriff you have a habit of rebelling. That could be a problem around here.” It’s a tease, hand covering their heart. Truthfully, few in the police department seemed to follow the rules by the letter, though some of them bent them for more nefarious reasons than Rohan did, his last partner included. 

“Reciting Robert Frost poetry. Was it The Road Not Taken? That has me weeping every time. Would have been a surefire 10/10 from me.” They attempt to picture Echo all dolled up with prim curls, a sparkly dress, and a sash across her chest. “You may have benefitted from the baton twirling, though, in this profession.” Another jest. Rohan doesn’t employ any kind of weaponry unless he’s left with no other choice. 

“Yeah, well, you’re talking to Charming Royalty, I’ll have you know. Haven’t been here all my life, but before that, my father worked for actual royalty, so.” They puff out their chest as if it’s something to boast about even though there’s no heart in it. “We could have been the perfect bush and tree through. I was tall even when I was a wee lad. Didn’t properly sprout up until I was near fourteen, but still was never one to mess with.” 

The way that people ‘messed’ with him wasn’t physical. At least, not with drawn fists. They finish their own drink, and gesture to the bartender for another round. “Louisiana, huh? I hear the cuisine there is to die for.” 

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closed starter for @demolitioniism​​ from seonho jones location: overtime

“Next time, I’m going to have to stop by Renegade for one of your classes. I go there to workout a few times a week, but I have never signed up for any of the courses,” Seonho muses as he spins a bottle of alcohol idly in his hands. It’s more of a motion he conducts because he’s restless rather than an attempt to show off to his relatively new friend, something to keep his hands busy as the bar has yet to pick up. The next soccer game will be starting shortly, though, so he intends to take advantage of the lull in business while he can. He sets his elbows up on the counter, cocking his head at Maeve. “What inspired that career choice, if you don’t mind me asking?” Then he remembers that all she has in front of her is a glass of water. “Oh, and pick your poison. This one can be on me. I can make pretty much anything with whatever you see here.” He gestures toward the display of liquor behind him with his free hand. 

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closed starter for @charmingmarley​​ from rohan lakra

Inhaling a breath of fresh air, Rohan leans against his pickup truck. “This is the best spot in town,” they boast to Marley, moving to stand at the edge of the cliff that overlooks the entirety of Charming. “You can make out every landmark in town from this angle. Look, there’s the Shack.” They point at one of the small buildings that could be barely made out in the distance if one squinted. “Charming does have its...forgive the pun, but it has its charm.” He can’t deny that it also has more than its fair share of problem, especially when one considers the population, but he can’t imagine living anywhere else at this point in his life. They certainly are not rushing back to the United Kingdom anytime soon. There is too much work to be done. “What would you say has been your favorite spot so far?”  

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closed starter for @olivebeau​ from seonho jones

Rolling up to the receptionist desk with his cart in tow, Seonho continues folding clean towels so that he can tell Olive the latest gossip while still actually working in the event management reared their ugly head. “Okay, so are you ready to hear the latest on that couple that has been staying in room 303?” It’s early enough in the morning that no guests are nearby, so he doesn’t have to worry about their conversation being overheard, leaning as close as he can over the counter. The walls are thin enough that when he had been cleaning in the next room, he had overheard a conversation that he thinks might interest his co-worker who seems to thrive on the drama. “Apparently they are here in an attempt to rekindle the ‘romance’ after the husband was caught messing around with her sister and her best friend. I’m actually kind of dreading having to clean their room after that Do Not Disturb sign comes down when I heard their detailed plans on how they intend to do that. Though I guess it can’t be as bad as that makeshift meth lab I cleaned up the other day.”

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closed starter for @svddenlys​​ from rohan lakra

“I swear to God, kid, you better just not resist this time.” Jacoby isn’t under arrest. No, Rohan had long ago given up on the idea that what this young man needs is hard time behind bars. Heaving the inebriated body upward off the ground and into his arms, he inches his way to his cruiser, mumbling under his breath the entire while. They should have guessed when there had been a report of public intoxication that it may be Jacoby, though there’s an entire cast of characters that it could have been in reality. Most of the 20-somethings around town are chasing after some kind of high or another. Sprawling him across the backseat of his patrol vehicle, Rohan climbs into the driver’s side, starts up the engine, and heads in the familiar direction of where he remembers Jacoby staying last time. “I feel like you’re just doing this for the free rides at this point, J.” They glance at him from the rearview mirror. 

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closed starter for @brcvcty​​ from seonho jones location: overtime

Knocking on Jun’s office door, Seonho waits a few beats before poking his head in with a grin that is fraying at the edges. The bar has officially closed, but he still has a long night ahead of him before his head will be hitting a pillow. Well, before he will be able to go to sleep while in bed, anyway. “Hey, Boss. I counted down the till, cleaned the taps, locked the coolers, emptied the trash...” As he began to prattle on the long list, he summed it up instead, sweeping a hand through his bangs, “I finished all the usual closing duties. Can I help you with inventory before I take off?” While he may have to stay awake long passed the soon rising sun, he’d rather see to it that Jun go home before he leaves. It’s the least he can do to also look out for the older man in his own small ways. 

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closed starter for @ingcnicus from rohan lakra location: mad batter

“Okay, so in the interest of real heated debate,” Rohan begins, legs crossed and one hand curled around a coffee mug. “I pose this question: some experts have said that homework should be banned. You have any strong opinions on that as an education of today’s youth?” He’s quite honestly not versed enough in the topic to have formulated a completely robust opinion, but they are interested in hearing Lyric’s perspective on the subject. “Or would you rather talk about the prospect of later schooling hours? Lots of juicy stuff we can talk about in your world.” It’s a much preferable world for them to dip their toes into compared to the one that Rohan worked in, at any rate. 

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closed starter for @scfiafm​​ from seonho jones

He thanks the McDonald’s employee that hands him their bag through the drive-thru window, pulling out of the parking lot and back onto the street in the direction of Sofia’s place. “Here you go. A 10-piece McNugget meal.” Hopefully that would soak up some of the alcohol that his friend had consumed throughout the course of the night. Though he would still recommend that she down a bottle of water and shoot back some Ibuprofen as extra measures to fight off that hangover that is sure to be pounding at her temples in the morning. “Sorry I had to cut you off earlier. Boss’s a stickler about overserving.” That may not actually be something that Jun has told him, but considering how the owner of the bar tends to fret, Seonho thinks it’s a safe assumption. Besides, he doesn’t ever want to end up having to drive Sofia to the hospital for alcohol poisoning. 

[awek-s-archived]

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awek-s​:

it’s ok king