magic like wine.

𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕡𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕒𝕝 𝕥𝕠 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕚𝕗𝕦𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤. 𝕐𝕖𝕤, 𝕪𝕠𝕦.☽

[bean-damnaithe]

Briana stood in the middle of the shop not sure if they would even have something to help her. She wanted to sleep. Thing is Vampires didn’t need a lot of sleep. She walked the entire shop a few times before heading to the counter. “I need to know if you have a sleep aid strong enough to work on an original vampire. None of the bullshit you sell to humans.” @murphxthexwitch​

[murphxthexwitch]

Murph had been busying himself unpacking cauldrons when the woman spoke. Banana had been watching the woman pace around the shop for a while now, back and forth. Cat and owner both were surprised they were actually asked for help.

Murph placed his hands on his hips in thought, “I may.” Then sat on the counter, casually crossing one leg over the other, “I also may need more information.” And with that, he lifted one finger to flip the sign on the door and used his free hand to wave a stool over to the counter, “Think of this as a consultation. -- Sit, please.” He retrieved a note book, twirling a pencil between his fingers. Behind him, a mug floated by, positioning itself under a kettle to catch the pouring water,  “I brew all the potions in this shop personally, some are less... potent than others. I also take custom orders. That said. I’m not going to just hand over something that will knock you out, I’m afraid. That’s not the kind of business I run. I fancy myself most well versed in a... holistic approach to magic. -- tea?” Banana brushed against the leg of the woman’s stool. Whether Briana wanted tea or not, the mug landed in her hands anyway, “The more I know about you the better I can craft something that will truly help.” He tilted his head, “For example: Are you seeking a sleep aid because you’re plagued by horrible night terrors, or, are you seeking a sleep aid because you’re plagued by what you experience while you’re awake? Both? The distinction’s quite important. -- I hope you don’t take this the wrong way. We’re all plagued by something, aren’t we?”

[everettbriggs]

“Hey, Murph” Everett smirked as he sat down in the empty seat across from the other male, “You’re not eating this are you?” he added, grabbing the item of food that was on the plate in front of him. “How’s it going?” he asked as he looked down at it, deciding whether or not it looked worth taking a bite. 

@murphxthexwitch​ 

[murphxthexwitch]

Murph’s fingers tightened around his coffee cup when he heard his name. He was about one sneeze away from piecing through the paper cup with his fingers.

He didn’t even care about the muffin that was taken off of his plate. Taking things. That’s what Everett seemed to do best, wasn’t it?

“...I’ve been advised that’d it’d be very unwise of me to assault you. Know this is taking every ounce of restraint I can manage and also that I hate you.”

[murphxthexwitch]

fanish-modi​:

~

“It is in my nature to take care of others, to protect them, not the other way around.” Fanish admitted, “You could even say I was trained for it.” the naga had never spoken much about his past, it was definitely a long one. He laughed a little, amused by Murph’s version of a nightmare scenario had things gone the other way. “Good thing our story isn’t a tragedy then, isn’t it?”

///

“When you say ‘trained for it’...” Murph began before pulling the other man to a stop, “Fanish. We don’t have to do this right now. If you’re not ready. Just...” He patted the naga’s chest fondly, “Know I’m here to listen when you are.” His hands ran easily over Fanish’s shoulders, one of his own lifted into a half-shrug.

“We’ve all got... stuff.” A snort, “You know I do. But the difference between you and I is I’ve got a big mouth and very little control of what comes out of it anymore.” That wasn’t necessarily fair. Murph tended to be what other people wanted him to be -- He couldn’t even be his full self with his ex-fiance, the person he almost married. So maybe they were both helping each other be more open. “...This is the easiest relationship I’ve been in. -- I mean I’m sure we’ll get on each other’s nerves eventually but I don’t really have to think about this. Before, well, Wildemount, I remember putting on such a character back in New York and London and wherever. It wasn’t me. I don’t think I was very happy. At least, I don’t remember being. But what do I know, I remember so little.” A pause, “Feels so far away now... But a wee couple of years for me is probably nothing in comparison, is it?”

[murphxthexwitch]

☎

for your muse’s info in my muses phone (name, ringtone, picture, last text received/sent)...

Name (for now, I think the emojis fluctuate): Emery 🌿👯🌿

Ringtone: The duck quack one

Picture:

Last text(s):

[txt >> Emery 🌿👯🌿]: Happy birthday, Emery. I’m glad we finally found each other. ⛄️It’s not winter anymore but this snowman looks quite enthusiastic doesn’t it?

[txt >> Emery 🌿👯🌿]: I almost forgot I’ve something for you at home!! Come say hello to Banana and I can give it to you. Hurry because you KNOW me, I can’t keep a secret for long and I don’t want to ruin the surprise.

[txt >> Emery 🌿👯🌿]: Also look at this photo of Fanish.

[txt >> Emery 🌿👯🌿]: I can’t remember its name but he was very sweet.

[txt >> Emery 🌿👯🌿]: JAKE. His name was Jake.

[txt >> Emery 🌿👯🌿]: Fanish would not let me steal the dog. Banana and Misu would have rioted anyhow.

ft. @fanish-modi

[murphxthexwitch]

❌

Gentle neck kisses. He will just... melt... If you want to get any of those cute little gasps of breath or squeaks of surprise out of him that’s a good place to start. Murph likes to be handled gently, and his neck can be a emotionally touchy area.

[murphxthexwitch]

❌

The feeling of his back hitting the wall when someone kisses him. Being sandwiched in between a hard place and a person he fancies.

[jamesvaldez]

♪I’m out of touch, I’m out of sync with you♪

[murphxthexwitch]

@fanish-modi

[murphxthexwitch]

fanish-modi​:

~

“It is in my nature to take care of others, to protect them, not the other way around.” Fanish admitted, “You could even say I was trained for it.” the naga had never spoken much about his past, it was definitely a long one. He laughed a little, amused by Murph’s version of a nightmare scenario had things gone the other way. “Good thing our story isn’t a tragedy then, isn’t it?”

///

“But who takes care of you? That’s just as important.” Murph might have rambled on, but this was new information and he wanted to remember it. A thoughtful paused as Fanish continued, “...Trained for it?” He wanted Fanish to go at his own pace; he wouldn’t push too forcefully. He didn’t take for granted that Fanish was a private person, and, most likely, hadn’t shared much of his life with anyone in a long while. It was hard to start.

“A tragedy, no. Bits of it feel like a horror film at times -- I can’t believe my mother asked you about... Actually, I can. That is absolutely something she would do. Christ.” He lifted his free hand to run it over his brow, “I can’t remember what I had for breakfast this morning but I’ll never forget that.” despite his EMBARRASSMENT, his lips twitched into a small smile, “...My mum is... Lovely, really. The most amazing woman you will ever meet. Brilliant and kind and wild and colorful. You can’t help but love her, even with her... intricacies, (even when she’s a lot.) -- And I know we’re more alike than we’re aren’t. So no need to remind me that I am co-presitdent of the ‘far too much’ club. I know.” Glancing at the taller man out of the corner of his eye, “All this to say. If you can manage me, you’ll be alright with her. Promise. 

...She likes you anyway.”

[murphxthexwitch]

carolmurphy​:

The witch let out an exasperated sigh.  “Kennyyyyy, I just told you that would ruin the surprise.  Why would I call you?”  As Kendall mentioned being upset she pulled back as well, brows furrowed.  “Oh shoot, I didn’t tell you?  God I knew there was something I’d been forgetting.  Baby, you know I forget things.  I’m sorry,” she gave her son a pout.  

Carol scoffed as she picked up Banana.  “How dare you deprive this Queen of her treats.  You don’t get to tell a lady what she can and can’t do with her body.”  She rubbed her face against the cat, cooing.  “Isn’t that right sweetheart?  We can have all the treats we want and no one’s gonna stop us.”  

She looked back over to Kendall, her expression waning.  “Are you really not happy to see me?”

///

His face softened, moving to bring his mother into a tight hug, “I’m always happy to see you, Mum.” pulling back a bit, “Always.”

And that was the truth. In all honesty, it was really nice to have his mother so close. He missed her more than he realized. Growing up it had always just been her and him. They shared a special bond.

C’mon, Mum. You’re holding out on me! I know you bombarded Fanish about his and my sex life, it’s only fair I know if you have your eyes set on anyone in town.” He wiped his hands against his gardening apron, happy to toil away with Carol outside of his cottage. Banana yawned happily, lounging in the sun as they worked. “Any lucky bachelors you’ve on your radar? I’m sure there must be one.”

[fanish-modi]

“You know I can’t remember the last time someone has made me this happy” Fanish admitted, giving Murph’s hand a light squeeze as they walked, “or the last time I let someone try.” The other had started out as a slight nuisance, but now he was glad the younger man had stuck around to bother him. 

@murphxthexwitch​

[murphxthexwitch]

It was almost surreal. When he first started flirting with the cute librarian across the street Murph didn’t actually expect them to connect. But they did. There was something about Fanish that hooked him early on in their acquaintanceship. Eventually it wasn’t just gentle teases, but vulnerable conversations and an active effort to do exactly this: to make Fanish happy. (And maybe still be a little bit of a nuisance.)

His thumb brushes gently across the man’s knuckles.

“Why’s that?” It was a short response from Murph, glancing up with a small smile, “Why won’t you let anyone take care of you? — I’m serious!” Still, his face warmed contently, more than he’d felt in a while now. Continuing softly, “Anyway, I’m glad you let me try... This could have gone one of two ways, you know. This or you banning me from the library which would’ve just been tragic. Who’d I leave with all my pathos cuttings then? Banana would be stranded. I’d have no one to disturb with cookie dough at odd hours of the night. Horrible, really. Nightmare scenario.”

[noramachwitz]

“What do you like about him?”

[murphxthexwitch]

@fanish-modi

[macden]

[damienbalik]

@murphxthexwitch

[fanish-modi]

murphxthexwitch·:

[ txt >> @fanish-modi 🥰🌿]: Good morning ~ I wanted to talk with you about something which sounds very serious, doesn’t it? But it’s nothing bad!!

…

[ txt >> Fanish 🥰🌿]: Actually, it may be. Depending. 

[ txt >> Fanish 🥰🌿]: Well, not “bad” necessarily but very probably overwhelming and as I happen to like you quite a lot it’s important you have fair warning that my mother is in town. She does this from time to time. Just pops up, no warning. At the moment I’ve been guilted into a marathon of Dynasty. Fanish there are 9 seasons.

[ txt >> Fanish 🥰🌿]: Anyway, I believe she’s working at the flower shop for the time being. I’m not sure how long she’s staying.

…

[ txt >> Fanish 🥰🌿]: Did you get the flowers?

[txt >>Murph]: I did. They are lovely.

[txt>>Murph]: Is your mother being here overwhelming for you? Do you need time away from her? I have a spare room that Lucas sometimes uses that I could make up for you. 

[murphxthexwitch]

[ txt >> Fanish 🥰🌿]: She means well, and I love her of course but a bit, yes. It’s not just her, there’s quite a few things going onin my life at the moment.

[ txt >> Fanish 🥰🌿]: I wouldn’t want to intrude...

[ txt >> Fanish 🥰🌿]: Though give me an excuse to cook dinner for you this time, it is my turn isn’t it?

[murphxthexwitch]

[ txt >> @fanish-modi 🥰🌿]: Good morning ~ I wanted to talk with you about something which sounds very serious, doesn’t it? But it’s nothing bad!!

...

[ txt >> Fanish 🥰🌿]: Actually, it may be. Depending. 

[ txt >> Fanish 🥰🌿]: Well, not “bad” necessarily but very probably overwhelming and as I happen to like you quite a lot it’s important you have fair warning that my mother is in town. She does this from time to time. Just pops up, no warning. At the moment I’ve been guilted into a marathon of Dynasty. Fanish there are 9 seasons.

[ txt >> Fanish 🥰🌿]: Anyway, I believe she’s working at the flower shop for the time being. I’m not sure how long she’s staying.

...

[ txt >> Fanish 🥰🌿]: Did you get the flowers?

[carolmurphy]

Carol lounged on Kendall’s couch, Banana purring atop her lap as the woman ran her hands along the soft fur.  Both perked up as the front door finally opened.  “Surprise,” she called out, wasting no time to rush her son and envelop him into a hug!  “God, I’ve been waiting for ages.  Do you have any idea how hard it was to not call and tell you to hurry up?  But then it would have ruined the surprise.  Oh, such a difficult decision, let me tell you.”

@murphxthexwitch​

[murphxthexwitch]

Murph wasn’t expecting his mother to be sat on his couch. But she never called beforehand. So while this wasn’t completely out of the usual it was still something Murph had to process.

“M-Mother?” He stumbled back a step when he caught her letting his bag slip from over his shoulder and kicking the door shut with his foot, “...You could have called and told me you were coming in the first place...” Still he hugged her back, small smile tugging at his lips. That is before he remembered...

“-- Mum, hold on. No. I’m upset with you.” pulling back, “Damien is here. Did you organize this? Why didn’t you give me any warning?” He groaned, pausing to glance at a very happy Banana. He wasn’t even going to bother to ask how his mother got in his cottage, breaking and entering no doubt, “Have you been giving her treats? She’s meant to be on a diet.” It was a good thing he hadn’t invited Fanish over for dinner tonight like he’d planned. Murph didn’t exacly think they were at the ‘meet my zany mother’ stage of their relationship yet.

[fanish-modi]

murphxthexwitch·:

Murph couldn’t help his own smile. He bit down on the inside of his lip. “If you aren’t careful Fanish, I’ll start to think you enjoy my company. – It looks  good…” A sudden shiver bolted through his body – from the tip of his head to his toes – just because Fanish said his name. It had to be the first time. He’d have remembered how this felt. It wasn’t as if Murph had never been this close to someone before, this was tame in comparison, really. And here he was, feeling the most nervous. This was the most intimate he’d been with someone since he’d came to Wildemount.

“I… won’t even attempt to be demure. Yes.” a hesitant hand rose, landing to rest against Fanish’s chest, “I’d like that.” He was quiet for a moment then, eyes fixed on the man’s face. With Fanish, Murph had these impulses – flirt immediately after meeting him, ask him to dinner at random… So his body did what it wanted, rolling onto the balls of his feet to more easily catch Fanish’s lips with his own.

“I’m sorry.” pulling back quickly, “No I’m not. But I am. I should’ve…” Murph knew his face was red, he’d accepted that at this point. He tugged at the collar of his sweater, “Shit.”

~

Fanish wasn’t sure if he was surprised or not when he felt Murph’s lips pressed against his. It had been centuries since someone had been so impulsive or perhaps bold to do so. He had politely declined the advances of the young woman back then, but as Murph pulled away almost immediately, Fanish found himself disappointed in the sudden space between them. 

“There is no need for all of this” Fanish shook his head as Murph apologized but also didn’t for his recent actions. His hand moved to take the one at his collar, bringing it to his lips to kiss his knuckles briefly, before resting his free hand against the side of his face. His thumb brushed against his cheek, as he leaned down to kiss him. He let the kiss linger for a few seconds, pulling back just enough to whisper close to him, “Happy Yule, Kendall Murph.”

[murphxthexwitch]

A sheepish smile on his face he didn’t rven bother to hid how flushed he was.

“You’ve got to stop doing this...” His eyes flickered up to meet Fanish’s, relishing in the feel of the man’s lips against his knuckles, “— Making me blush.” As if that would happen anytime soon. It was all too easy for his hands to find Fanish’s shoulders, fingers hooking under the apron straps.

He kept his voice equally as low, more than content to familarize himself with how Fanish’s nose felt brushing against his. How their lips fit together. How he tasted. How wonderful and safe it felt to have Fanish’s hand brush against his cheek. More than anything, Murph wanted to remember this. He couldn’t have asked for a better gift.

“Happy Yule, Fanish.”

( end! )

[murphxthexwitch]

damienbalik​:

Damien was slowly shaking his head, an incredulous look on his face. Was…was Murph trying to be a smartass? His hands clenched at his sides, there was a tightness in his chest, his heart stuck in his throat. After all this time, was Murph really going to stand there, pretend like nothing was wrong? 

“You’re bloody joking,” Dames huffed out. “No. No, this is…Murph, you can’t do that. Three years…you’re gone for three years. No phone call, no text. Fuck, not even a curtesy letter? Nothing. For three years. Your own mother had the decency to tell me that at least you weren’t dead in a ditch somewhere.” He let out a frustrated sigh, a hand running through his hair, having to look anywhere else that wasn’t at his ex for just a moment to get his bearings. 

Looking back at the other, at the man he poured his heart and soul to, the man he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. “So? You’ve got anything to say for yourself?” 

///

“My mother..?” He was starting to panic now. It felt like he couldn’t breathe. Like the walls were slowly closing around him. “Did I...” forget something? He had; Murph knew now he had forgotten something important and he didn’t know how to bring it back.

Three years. What happened three years ago? Three years ago he had been bitten -- he knew that -- but anything before then was nothing more than a haze. Like he was flipping through a photo album with no photos. When the man looked away Murph slipped around him to turn the shop sign to ‘closed.’ At this point Banana had retreated to the back.

“I’m... sorry...” facing the man once more, “I believe you, that we know— knew(?) each other at some point. It’s just that I’m a bit overwhelmed. I hadn’t planned for...” he let his voice trail off, distracted by something glinting around one of the ‘strangers’ fingers. “— for... is that...” he took a step forward, “That ring.” Another step forward, tilting his head to examine the piece of jewelry, “I know that ring.” He looked down at his own ring finger, there was nothing there. His own ring had been lost in the woods years ago, no doubt stolen at this point.

Murph didn’t know what possessed him to reach out and brush his fingertips against this stranger’s. But he wasn’t a stranger was he?

“...Holy shit.” A sharp inhale, pulling his hand back as if he’d touched a hot burner. It was a mix of the man’s aura and the tone of his voice that triggered him. How many times had they fought like this? It was different now, of course, this was the first time Murph hadn’t come back. “Damien?” Another shocked exhale, “What-- When did you call my mother?” and why didn’t his mother call him. Oh, this was typical. “You two were always chatting behind my back. I was nearly dead in a ditch, did she tell you that? Or just about her holiday to Tahiti?”