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@prophecieswithoutcause
Walking through the picturesque streets of Cardinal Hill, you find Levi Jenkins, the 32 year old mechanic at Romano’s originally from Cardinal Hill, WA. Living alongside them in such a small town, you know that they're disciplined and moody, but what you might not know is that they are a witch, and that they’re hiding something…
twist - knuckle puck
While the long wasn't very long at the moment, they still had to wait, and that gave Miriam enough time to ask about carousels. Miriam had never been to a fair, or carnival, or any equivalent phrasing of the festival. She had seen them going on though, whether on television, or through a fence, but she'd never been inside of one herself, never been able to explore the different attractions and games. "Are carousels at every carnival in America, all the ones I've been to haven't had one." She lied, she didn't want Levi to know about her lack of carnival experience. Miriam was a secretive person, but this was pretty secretive even for her, but she felt a little bit embarrassed. An emotion that she wasn't used to, there was just something about the bright lights and music and smells that made her long for it more than everything else she missed out on.
"not always, but they're pretty standard in terms of rides. lots of amusements parks have 'em too, then sometimes they're just in a baseball stadium for some reason. you been on one before?" they glance at miriam with a curious expression on their face, she'd mentioned that she'd seen a carousel but not if she'd ridden one. they did seem like they were more the little kid kind of ride, hence why levi had been hesitant to ride it alone, but it didn't seem to far-fetched that miriam may have ridden one. "they aren't anything to sweat, just some animals on poles that move up and down while the whole thing spins in a circle."
Winter felt suddenly embarrassed. All these people around them were here with loved ones, just enjoying their time together, and here he was alone. And the thing was that he didn’t even know why he felt so bad about that now. It wasn’t like he didn’t have friends or anything bedside he did. He had Annette and Tripps and a lot of other people, it was just right now he was by himself. And no one else cared that he was here alone, plus so was this person talking to him, and Winter didn’t think it was strange. He was just too up in his head about all of this right now.
Nodding, Winter agreed, “Yeah, let’s do it,” doing just that and getting in line. He hadn’t expected them to call him out, and Winter just laughed, appreciating the way this person got right to it and didn’t hold back. “I’m just…feeling a little lonely tonight,” he admitted. “I had this, uh, accident I guess you could say, and now I have really bad memory issues. So when I looked at you, I couldn’t be sure I didn’t know you already even though you don’t look familiar, and that’s just really discouraging. It’s really isolating. It…it makes me feel like I’m trapped in my own mind, you know?” As he said this, Winter groaned, shaking his head. “And now I’m making things weird,” he said. “I’m sorry. What’s your name by the way?” Winter needed to change the subject immediately.
"don't sweat it, dude. i don't have a problem with your memory issues, not like it's hurtin' anyone. well, besides maybe you." they genuinely don't see an issue with it, it's not like he chose to have the problem. it sounds more annoying than anything else, levi can't imagine being in his shoes. "we may not know each other, but don't worry about it for now, yeah? sounds like you got a pretty shit end of the deal, i'd be lonely too. just for now, try to forget about it and be in the moment."
they're not really sure where they're mini motivational pep speech came from, but they hope it proved at least somewhat helpful to this person. they can empathize with his experience, even if they haven't gone through it firsthand. they don't know the details of what he went through or what happened but that doesn't matter, they don't need to know. right now, levi is just set on having fun on that carousel in front of them and they'll be damned if their companion doesn't have a good time too. "you got any idea which animal you're gonna go for? i kinda want the frog or somethin' else weird but i have this sinking feelin' i'm gonna get stuck something normal like a horse."
He couldn’t help the grin that bloomed across his face the moment Levi’s arms wrapped around him. It took half a second, maybe less, before he hugged them back, arms winding tight around their frame like he could physically anchor them there.
Felix rested his chin atop their head, swaying slightly with them in the quiet of his apartment. His voice, when he finally spoke, was quiet. “I could never let the people I care about not have a home,” he said, “Don’t be silly. You’re always welcome here.”
He gave them another squeeze for good measure, then added with a grin, “I hope you’re ready to meet Stevie. She’s basically the girl version of me, which is either the best thing to ever happen to you or a terrifying cosmic punishment. We’ll find out.”
That pulled a laugh out of him, genuine and a little sleepy, and then he stepped back just enough to look at them properly. His hands rose instinctively, giving both of their shoulders a light tap, like he was checking to make sure they were really standing there.
“Water. Right. I can do that.” He spun on his heel dramatically and padded toward the kitchen. A moment later, he returned with a cup of water, and when Levi spoke again, it felt like his blood turned to ice. “Oh,” he said lamely, expression shifting into one of concern.
“Oh, no, don’t listen to her.” Felix offered the glass of water to them, then sat next to them on the couch. He picked at his nails for a moment before saying, “I… don’t listen to her. She was just trying to hurt you.”
It was a strange feeling that lingered in his stomach–he knew he was adopted, but he’d never been in the system. His parents adopted him immediately, and he couldn’t imagine how… lonely it must have been for Levi.
they don't respond to him, instead taking in the words and mulling over them. it's odd for levi to hear that they're actually welcome somewhere, it feels almost foreign to them. maybe their first couple of foster homes had attempted a warm welcome, but those memories were buried beneath all the times they felt unwanted or like a burden.
"the girl version of you? so what you're sayin' is i can basically just kiss my 'lone wolf' status goodbye then? god, can't believe i actually have friends now." their tone is light, trying to make levity out of their nerves. "if she's anything like you, i'm sure she's great. can't wait to meet her."
they take a sip of the water that was handed to them, still feeling a little raw from sharing what their roommate said. miranda had been cordial at first, she seemed like a decent enough person from when levi met her. but, based on their experiences, it seemed like levi was a bad judge of character in this situation. even if what they heard wasn't anything new, it still hurt.
"yeah...i'm tryin' not to let what she said get to me, but it's hard. i've been told things like that my whole fuckin' life, sometimes it feels like it might just be true." they sigh, putting the glass down on a side table. they look down at their hands, idly twisting a ring on one of their fingers as they think, before looking over at felix.
"i'm gonna have to go back there to get the rest of my stuff...do you think you could go with me? i can totally find someone else if you're busy or whatever, no big deal." they feel anxiety rise in their chest as they ask the favor of him, even though they know they probably don't have reason for their nerves.
closed for levi (@prophecieswithoutcause) located at felix's apartment
Stevie hadn't expected anyone else to hide out at the apartment that was swiftly becoming like a second home, but then there was Levi. She'd been glad to have company, as Felix and Leo were off running errands and left the pair to their own devices. This small home was a sanctuary for the misfit toys that had been tossed out by the world, not that Stevie wanted to be anyone else, loving even the misshapen parts of her. Still, she knew next to nothing about Levi but wanted to get started changing that, especially if they'd be spending more time together. "How did you get into boxing?" That hadn't been a hobby that Stevie picked up while gathering dust in her aunts' house. In fact, she'd only seen a fight on television before because it came through on her tiny television set when she held the antennas just right. Meeting someone who did that sort of thing firsthand was something else entirely, and Stevie was curious about anything she knew nothing about. "Have you ever gotten really hurt doing it? I always wondered if your nose gets hurt being out in the open like that. I almost broke mine once by walking into a wall. I can't imagine a fist."
levi was still becoming accustomed to felix's apartment, but it was quickly beginning to feel more like home. it felt weird to them, not having to walk on eggshells constantly, like with their former roommate. felix had done a lot to make them feel welcomed and they did feel that way, maybe just a little out of place. but, that was how every new place felt to them, they just needed to adjust. today, they had the day off from the auto shop, so they were just lounging around the apartment. levi had met stevie through a few instances after moving here, but the two of them hadn't gotten to talking much. when they hear her addressing them, they turn in the direction of stevie's voice, pausing the movie they have playing on the television. "huh? oh, i guess i just got into it because it was an outlet for my emotions. you ever get so angry you just wanna hit something? well, boxing basically lets you do that, except it's way more socially acceptable when you're just practicin'." they explain, gesturing vaguely with one hand as they talk. "i think the worst i've gotten was a broken nose from one match. mighta gotten a concussion at one point too. you thinkin' about tryin' it out or something?"
Their energy was contagious, and that was something that Len needed. He was a friendly, talkative, and outgoing person in many ways, but he wasn't completely free of his more reserved or shy moments. It often took another person to initiate something for Len to completely lean into it without reservation, and that was exactly what Levi had done by inviting him to ride the ride with them.
"Sure, sure," he nodded and he laughed as he did so, laughing happily, out of excitement for the ride - no matter how childish he felt as he did so. He followed them without a second thought. "Kind of! I mean, I haven't been to a carnival like this for a little while, but I go to as many fun events as I can, you know? Even if I don't necessarily have anyone to go with. I try to not let that get in my way of having a good time, and I think it's healthy to do things alone." Len was somewhat of a hypocrite, being clingy at the same time as independent, but he himself hadn't even noticed that, not really. "Len," he introduced himself. "It's nice to meet you, and to ride with you. That's another perk of going to things alone; you never know what friends you might meet."
"i try to make it out at least once every time the carnival is in town. feels like tradition, y'know? i think i've been going every year since high school, maybe earlier." they reply, reminiscing on the memories from those years. school wasn't really full of great experiences for levi, but some of the good ones they did have involved in the carnival.
"i'm not typically one to even consider asking if people will ride with me, i guess it really was fate. we're lucky we ran into each other." destiny isn't really something that they put a lot of stock in, but this did seem like an unlikely coincidence. after all, what were the odds that two people at the carnival alone would run into each other? levi looks back at the carousel, scrutinizing the fixtures on the ride. "any idea which animal you're gonna go for? i'm gunnin' for the lion and i will push a small child out of the way...not really, of course."
Felix opened the door expecting a package or maybe someone selling carnival raffle tickets again–not Levi, not like this. The sight made his breath catch. He took in the way they stood–shoulders tight, bags clutched like shields, eyes glued to the floor.
“Oh, hey. Hey.” His voice softened immediately, all brightness smoothed into something gentler. He stepped aside without hesitation, already motioning them in. “Of course you can stay. Are you kidding? You don’t even have to ask.”
As soon as Levi stepped through the doorway, Felix reached out, gently grabbing at their arm. “You okay? No, dumb question. Come in. Sit. Or stand. Or pace. I’ll make tea. Or get the good lemonade. OR! Ah! I can bake for you! Whatever you need. Stevie’s out on a date and Leo’s at home, so you can yell or I can hold a pillow and we can pretend it’s your roommate's head.” He shrugged.
He closed the door behind them and turned back around, expression soft but fierce in the way only Felix could manage. “I don’t care if it’s sooner than expected, or if you only brought two socks in that bag. You’re here, and this is your home now until you say otherwise, okay?”
He paused, brows furrowing a little as he caught a fuller glimpse of their face, of the flush still creeping up their neck. “Oh, man, should I start a fight or something? I mean, I’m mostly, recovered from getting attacked a few weeks ago, I could do it, really. I’m stronger than I look.” There wasn’t any real threat in his voice–he really was just trying to make them laugh, or smile.
Man, it was really looking like a full house now. Like a home.
the second they cross the threshold of felix's apartment, levi feels a wave of relief wash over them. their posture relaxes somewhat, grip on their bag loosening. they weren't really sure why they had been so nervous, felix is a friend, after all and it's not lost on them how willing he is to help.
internally, they were just grateful they didn't have to be around their roommate anymore. the living situation had been fine at first but over time it had become painfully clear that their habits weren't compatible. their roommate liked to be loud and have people over when levi was trying to sleep, and she would also find the smallest things to nitpick about levi.
"can i just have a glass of water for now? maybe i'll be in the mood for something else later, i dunno." they kick off their boots at the front door and drop their bags near a couch. when they turn back towards felix, they pull him into a hug, something they rarely initiate first. with how vulnerable they feel right now, it feels like something that they need. "i don't really have anywhere else to go, it means a lot that you're willing to take me in."
when they pull away they allow themself to sink into the cushions of the couch, taking in their surroundings. it immediately occurs to them how the apartment feels like a home, somewhere lived in. it's a stark contrast to the blank walls they're used to, as a foster child they didn't decorate their room and that habit carried somewhat into adulthood.
"felix, she started saying awful things about me...it started off with a comment about me forgetting to vacuum, but then things escalated and she got personal..." their voice trails off for a moment, threatening to crack with emotion. "i don't think i ever told you that i was in the foster system when i was a kid, but she started saying things like 'it makes sense that a foster kid like you wouldn't know how to pick up after themself.' "
plot drop 9
location: cardinal hill carnival and fun fair
their hands are stuffed in their jacket as they wander around the carnival, trying to figure out what they want to do next. levi had already ridden most of the rides, they weren't sure if they wanted to get food or go on one again. lemonade didn't sound appealing to them right now and they already had their rite of passage dessert; a funnel cake with strawberries on top.
they pass by several carnie games as they ponder their decision, but suddenly a chill runs down their spine and their head snaps up. their magic is gone. immediately, levi wonders how long their magic has been missing for and if they've only just noticed it now. they had gotten used to the constant buzzing of magic in their body, it felt as natural as breathing. but this, this felt different. it felt unnerving and discomforting.
they look around the carnival, noticing that there's not as many people around. the once crowded fair is now uncharacteristically empty, the only people levi can hear are distant shouts. they hear a scream and they whip their head toward the sound, spotting a few people running away from the gravitron.
with that, levi moves slightly closer to the ride and plants themself firmly down on a bench, determined to see what the chaos is about.
it's not long before the police and emergency services arrive, and levi catches a glimpse of a body bag being hauled out of the gravitron. as they watch their posture tightens, fists clenching and unclenching in an attempt to relieve some stress. the buzz of their magic is back, but they can't help but feel a pit in their stomach at what they just witnessed.
"what is going on?" they whisper to themself.
"People I don't know keep smiling at me today. What is life?" "Did you accidentally put your friendly face on today?" "Impossible. I don't own one." (@prophecieswithoutcause)
They blinked, eyebrows raised as they took in the advice. Genuinely. “Oh? Well, I suppose that’s why you’re the expert here, not me.” Felix had never been into sports, preferring their workout to come from throwing fists and elbows in a wall of death at a concert. Though, things were changing lately. They’d started watching baseball for Xander, so who knew what was next for them?
…Though, realistically, they knew that participating would probably never be in the cards for them, unless they wanted to pass out again. The image of them in boxing gloves was one that was so foreign, Felix could barely imagine it. Instead they sat there, nibbling on their food.
When Levi agreed to head to the game with them, a grin flashed across their face. “It’s just around the way, follow me!” Their boots crunched along the gravel, side-stepping stray pieces of popcorn, and while the two of them walked toward the games section, Felix looked over at Levi again. "You know, it would never happen, but this would be a pretty cool backdrop for a Black Sabbath set. Imagine all the clowns, colorful lights, the juxtaposition? Pretty incredible, really."
the thought of felix in a boxing ring is enough that levi has to stifle their laughter, not wanting to laugh at him. knowing the kind of person he was, it was just difficult to see him throwing punches in a ring. he definitely struck them as someone who would stick other sports, if he even enjoyed playing sports in general. "yeah, probably best you just stay out of boxing rings in general."
they follow him in the direction aforementioned game, internally hoping it's not too far from where they met. not that it really mattered, they had just already wandered the grounds once or twice. at worst, they'd find some ride and make felix go on it with them as revenge.
their eyes had been on the ground until felix mentioned black sabbath and when they hear him mention that artist their head snaps up to look in his direction. they hadn't taken him for a metal fan, but then again they supposed it was hard to tell if someone liked the genre based on looking at them. "you're into black sabbath? no shit, i never woulda taken you for a metalhead. i love them, but i listen to a lot of metallica too. there's this new group called alice in chains. they're pretty good, you should check them out."
The carnival had become a real joy for Miriam to come to, this being her second or third time coming. The disorientation from the large crowd really threw her the first time she came, but after coming again with a smaller crowd around, she felt much more relaxed and was able to enjoy more of the attractions. She was still completely disorientated, but it a fun way, bouncing from way place to the other and enjoying every stop. Her most recent stop was bumping into one of her boxing students, Levi.
Shrugging at Levi's request, Miriam replied, "Sure, why not? I haven't actually been on a carousel." This was also the first carnival she has been to, but she decided not to mention that. "I've ridden actual horses though, if that's anything. I've also never had funnel cake, let's give it a lash, aye?" She was never one to turn down a challenge, even if it wasn't a challenge, she was definitely one to make a challenge out of nothing.
levi's eyebrows rise in surprise at the woman's statement, they had assumed that basically everyone had gone on a carousel before. well, most people who lived in the united states, anyway. but once they clock the accent the woman has, that makes more sense to them. they didn't know what fairs were like in europe, or if they even had them, but they were probably different from the american variety.
"well, it's definitely less difficult than riding a horse. i would assume anyway, i've never ridden one." they hadn't been into horseback riding growing up, nor did they have the means to do so even if they had been into it. they give a grin at hearing she's never had a funnel cake either. "aww man, you're in luck! those are my favorite. let's get in line before it gets too long, yeah?"
Winter was feeling a little lonely. He had thought maybe he’d run into some friends here at the carnival, like Annette or Tripps or Jinhwan or someone, and he thought he’d called and asked them if they wanted to meet. But once he got here, Winter doubted that memory, and he looked at his notebook - where he normally documented such things - and saw no such note, which seemed to support his doubt about having actually checked in with any of his friends. So now he was sitting on a bench just people watching and trying not to feel sorry for himself. He hated that his memory was such shit, and Winter wondered why he even bothered staying; it was bad when you couldn’t be in a good mood at a place as happy as a carnival.
As he watched the crowd searching for someone he knew, Winter turned to the voice when the person standing next to him spoke. Looking at their face, Winter didn’t think he knew them, no flash of recognition coming. But they seemed kind, and Winter understood how it felt to be here alone. “I’d love to,” he said, smiling at the person. “My name is Winter.”
levi had been enjoying the carnival by themself for the most part, enough of the rides allowed one person. they'd already indulged in an elephant ear and some nachos, which had been decent enough. the loneliness only really hit them in situations like these, where they felt too awkward to go on a ride alone or it required more than one person. the man they had approached looked like he was in a similar boat, they recognized the look on his face. so, even if they'd never met before, the least they could do was provide some company for a little while.
awesome, you wanna get in line?" their voice is uncharacteristically soft as they ask, gesturing with their thumb to the queue for the carousel. "um, if you don't mind me asking, you doin' alright? i couldn't help but notice you seemed a little down in the dumps. if i'm overstepping you can totally tell me to fuck off though."
"I would rather you not rock it at all," Mateo stressed, keeping his eyes closed and holding onto the lap bar for some sense of grounding. "It sways enough on its own naturally as is, anything more than that can encourage its nuts and bolts to loosen and you know what happens then? The basket dislodges and we go with it, straight down to the ground in a horrible mess of crushed steel and bodies." There was a cringe on his face, because now he was imagining all kinds of scenarios. "Or what if another one of those storms decide to come out of nowhere again, and blows us away with it?"
Mateo scooted to the middle of his seat, because it seemed safer than leaving himself leaning towards one side or the other. "Why would you risk it at all? Too many things could go wrong." Though, he wondered if this question was more for himself than his company.
"damn ok, no rocking the basket. got it." they hold their hands up in mock defeat, it's not worth that much effort to them. they can tell that the man has already gotten himself worked up about it and to be honest, they're feeling a bit tense now too. maybe they put too much faith in the carnival rides, it really was all too possible for something to go wrong. they take a few deep breaths to calm themself and then lean forward, giving the man an earnest look as they speak. "listen man, i'm sorry, i didn't mean to freak you out. it was just a joke, if it freaks you out that much i promise i won't do it. cross my heart." they make the crossing motion over their chest.
there's a few moments of silence where they sit idly, waiting for the ride operator to begin the ride. they tap their fingers against the metal rail in front of them, trying to curb their boredom. "you ride ferris wheels alone often? i didn't think they typically allowed single riders."
"i've been asked weirder shit," lupe replied as she finished up the cotton candy she had gotten herself. it was making her feel nostalgic and for the first time in a long time she was missing home. it was a weird sensation and she was doing what she could to push it further down. so the question was a welcome interruption from her thoughts. "oh definitely funnel cake, corn dogs are just not my thing. for multiple reasons," she said with a little laugh that was more of a joke to herself. "but we can pretend to be a couple if that'll help the whole aesthetic," lupe told them with a smirk as she got rid of her cotton candy and wiped her hands down. "though I think carousels are open to all. it'd feel silly for something so whimsical to discriminate against age or single status. then i'd never be on a carousel," she joked, backing up slowly towards the ride as she held out her hand. "throw in some ice cream and we'll see if we can get away riding the same horse."
"i have too, actually. mostly by men, now that i think about it, but that's not really surprising." they think back to the experiences they've had, cringing internally at the ones that come to mind. it was impressive to levi how many people felt entitled to ask personal or invasive questions seconds into knowing a person. they tune back in to the woman when she's brings up funnel cake. "hey, me too! and i'm totally with you on corn dogs, i just don't get why people would want a hot dog with an inch of breading surrounding it." they could extend their rant further but choose not to, they don't want to scare off the person who agreed to go on a carousel with them. plus, she's cute enough that they don't want to scare her off in general.
they feign a heavy sigh at the ice cream request, eyes lighting up as the other haggles for a better deal. "i don't know if they'll let that happen, but i'm willing to give it a shot if you are, it's worth buying an ice cream. come on, let's get in line."
Eleanor found herself lost in the lights and colors of the carousel before her, watching as couples stared at each other with loving eyes and children giggled with their parents. The whole scene made her feel more emotional than she had originally thought she would. Before she could determine whether it was sadness or jealousy, a voice at her right drew her attention.
A soft smile grew on her lips as the confused tears that welled behind her eyes blinked away. "I noticed that, and I also lack both of those things." Laughing, she then shrugged. "Sure, I'd love that, and I was hoping for some cotton candy."
"I'm Eleanor."
going to a fair seemed like something you would do with your friends, but levi didn't have very much of those. they did grow up in cardinal hill, but being a foster kid kind of put a dampener on social relationships. they only had a few people who were close and even with most of those they kept them at arm's length for fear they might leave or betray them. this in mind, they were grateful that someone had accepted their request.
"yeah, i kinda hate it. i'm not one to go on the kiddie rides but i don't think there's anything wrong with enjoying a carousel, y'know? i dunno, guess i just don't wanna be judged." they look down, stuffing their hands in their pockets. "i think i can manage that. my name's levi."
"someone took their eye off the ball. put way too much oil. made like mutant corn dogs," he replied with a laugh at his own joke. "definitely wouldn't get any closer. they're gonna need a bit of time to clear out the smoke and set back up again. we'll see if any grand corn dog lovers start a riot. I've seen stranger things," he told them with a shrug.
xander pretended to consider this deal but his mind had already been made up. "sounds like a deal to me. oh yeah? i'm pretty good myself but it's been a while since i've been at a carnival. you play basketball? i've been looking for people to play pickup games with but my best friend can barely dribble. they keep shooting the ball at the pole that holds the basket instead of the actual basket," he told them with a laugh as the image of Felix with the basketball popped in his head.
"sounds disgusting." they return, scrunching their nose at the thought of "mutant corndogs". carnival food was questionable at best, they couldn't imagine it being even moreso. "i've never been a fan of corndogs anyway. i don't like the breading and you have to bite through all of that just to get to the actual hot dog. what's the point?"
they smile when he takes them up on their deal, already moving in the direction of the carnival game. "well, i've never played on a team or anything, but i can make baskets pretty regularly. not every time or something crazy like that. i mean, if anything it sounds like i'm more competent than your friend, i know to aim at the basket." they give a small laugh at the mental image of someone throwing the basketball at the pole.
