And so she sang, of the sea, of the tides that came and went and the life that lurked down below. For she was the queen of the waves and the seafoam, who reigned over the secrets of sharks and the treasures tucked into the reefs.
For @tootheskies: Sophie Simon in the sea! No more aliens to worry about: just sun, sea, and the sand beneath her feet. It took a while to get this up, so thank you for your patience!
Sophie wandered through the waves, the dress she’d chosen to wear today now soaked. When she chose it she didn’t plan on doing what she did, it was just going to be a walk on the beach, but the water was so clear...
Carefully, she didn’t disturb any of the ocean life around her. Never did she want to hurt anything, just to take a few seconds to enjoy it. Being here with them made her feel important, strong, like she was apart of them. It was enough to make her laugh.
There was a lot of happiness, a lot of pure emotions. A clown fish swam up, bumping into her legs. She jumped a bit, but not enough to disturb things. All she wanted to do was stay here and watch, forever, never to leave.
Sophie (L) and Emra ® the Skirmisher, from @tootheskies‘s stories! Sophie is the nightcrawler, and Emra the mothman, as from the “types of people: cryptid” meme.
Palette is “Speak to Me”, from askthestargazers palette challenge.
For anyone wondering, this blog is now open again. I had content planned but I’ve been having a hell of a time mentally, so that’s going to be a bit. Otherwise, I’m back!
It was amazing how full the house could be whenever everyone was over. From Will and John taking up a couch cuddled together, to Sally trying to chase Caleb as he ran off after Dogmeat again. It could be loud and chaotic, but it was something that Sophie learned to work through. The first few times were needlessly hard, but it was a learning process. The wasn’t bad noise, it was good, it was… her family.
She was trying to finish up a picture before dinner, but she knew her efforts were in vain. It wasn’t something she really minded, it was kind of annoying, but she still had some more time left over regardless. There was no rush to get it done, she could take a break. By the time she decided to get up John had left Will to go help Emra in the kitchen, leaving Will pouting on the couch. Sally had managed to finally catch Caleb, them building legos in his playroom now.
“You don’t have to look so sad, I’m sure he’ll be back soon.” Sophie said as she sat down on the couch next to her dad. That was another thing she was still getting used it. Having people who acted as parents again was strange, to say the least. She still felt like she was walking on a thin wire between her being okay and them starting to hate her, but she was learning. Slowly but surely she was finding herself being more comfortable.
“They won’t even let me walk in the kitchen, they act like something will go wrong as soon as I’m in there.”
“I mean to be fair, I’m pretty sure you being around any uncooked food is uh, trouble.” She leaned back against the couch, pulling her knees up to her chest. “Or active kitchen appliances, they see you and just want to explode.”
“Maybe that’s my superpower, if there was a villain in your kitchen I’d be able to take care of it, no problem.”
“Okay, if someone breaks into the kitchen, you’re allowed to work your magic.” They both laughed, Sophie feeling more relaxed now.
They sat quiet for awhile, Sophie listening to the idle conversations. Caleb was going on about ghosts again from what she could gather, Emra was talking about the cupcakes that she had made earlier today for tonight.
“It still feels fake.” Sophie spoke quietly, not wanting Sally and Caleb to pick up on her words. “I keep expecting to wake up, for this all to be a dream.”
“I get that.”
“There’s times where I’m so scared and I just, I know this has to be real, that it is. That I have something I really shouldn’t and don’t deserve-”
“After all you’ve been through? You deserve this. Don’t question it, I’ve found it’s pointless. There’s answers you’ll never get.” She knew he was right, that trying to think against this was pointless. It was hard to just accept it, but it was something she needed to do.
“Yeah, all is great until I fuck up.” She leaned against him closing her eyes.
“You won’t.” His answer was almost firm enough for her to believe, she wanted to, but it was hard. He hugged her, she was happy to rest her head on his chest. It only lasted a few seconds before John let Freya and Currer in, the border collie instantly running to his dad, upset when Sophie was in the way.
Sophie took that as her cue to go. Both Currer and Freya now trying to climb into Will’s lap. Even the little bit of talking she did made her feel better, more sure of things.
She walked into the kitchen, tapping Emra on the shoulder before wrapping her arms around her back and kissing her neck.
“Everything okay?” Emra asked, taking her hand and kissing it.
“Mm, couldn’t be better. Smells great in here.”
“Still wearing your painting shirt, really?” Emra asked as she glanced over her shoulder.
“I just stopped ten minutes ago! I’ll change!” She said before sneaking a kiss onto the other’s lips.
“Good, go do that now.” Emra said, even though she kissed her again after words.
“Fine, fine. I’ll go.” Sophie said breaking the hug, rolling her eyes.
“Sophie? I-”
Whatever she was going to say was interrupted by Dogmeat running through the kitchen with something in his mouth, it looked like a stuffed animal.Caleb was running behind him trying to grab it.
“Dogmeat has mothman!” He yelled, causing nearly everyone to laugh.
“Never a dull moment.” Sophie mumbled.
“Never.” Emra answered, shaking her head.
Well, at least she could say she didn’t live a boring life.
Sophie was home alone with her mom, probably her least favorite time of the day. It wasn’t abnormal for her to be with her alone being her dad always went places and Sadie was allowed to go, unlike her, but she still hated it. Her and her mom, they didn’t exactly get along. Something always went wrong, and Sophie was always to blame.
She was sitting on the couch, curled up with Sif. Her mom had told her to sit still, to not move. So she just laid on the dog, hoping that she’d fall asleep soon enough so she wasn’t a problem. Just as she started to fall asleep Sif whimpered, looking at the door.
“Mom? Sif needs to go out.” She said to the lady cooking in the kitchen.
“She’s going to have to wait until I’m done.” The response was short, angry. Sophie just sighed as Sif continued to whimper.
Sophie knew she could walk Sif whenever she was allowed out, and she knew her mom would eventually walk away from the door. It was just a waiting game until she could sneak out. Running her tiny fingers through the dog’s coat she whispered in her ears. ‘It’s okay girl, a few more minutes.’
Sif seemed to understand, she stopped whimpering and laid her big head on Sophie’s lap. The girl kissing it before resting hers on top.
She waited until her mom went downstairs, and then she quietly got up, pushing Sif off her. The dog followed behind her, head hung low. Sophie had to climb a bit to get her collar and leash, but she eventually reached them. Sif happily let her put the collar on after, tag wagging, but careful not to smack into anything. Sophie didn’t bother with shoes and a coat, wasn’t something she was ever worried about.
When they snuck out the door Sophie was happy to see it was raining outside, she instantly ran to a puddle, splashing into it. Sif following her, the two playing happily. Sophie seemed to forget that she was supposed to just sneak out, now yelling and laughing. Her mom at the back of her mind.
It lasted maybe five minutes, but it felt like barely anytime to Sophie.
“Sophie, what did I tell you!” Sophie swore she felt her heart stop working whenever her mom yelled.
“Sif really needed to-“
“Get in here, right now.”
She looked at her, then to Sif, and then towards the driveway. It didn’t take much thought to try and run, but she was scared. She hesitated, long enough for her mom to get to her and grab her arm as she tried to take off. Her mom’s grip was tight, her arm instantly hurting as she tried to pull away, so she scram. That was when her mom hit her across her face. The last thing she remembered was falling into the puddle.
———
‘She needs to realize she can’t be outside, people will ask questions.’
‘No one cares Karen, honestly, we can’t keep her hidden forever.’
‘She should be dead. We wouldn’t have to deal with this.’
‘Well, she’s not, so get used to it already. She’s just a kid, let her be one.’
———
Sophie woke up coughing, her dad’s arms tightly around her. He had her wrapped in a towel and three other blankets but she was still shivering. She looked up at him and he just shook his head.
“What happened?”
“Just go back to sleep, okay?”
“Am I gonna be okay?”
“You’ll be fine, I wouldn’t let you be hurt.”
She nodded her head and then leaned it against his chest, closing her eyes again. Maybe forgetting was the best bet.
He wasn’t sure why out of all people Sophie had asked him to babysit, but here he was watching over the sleeping toddler. He glanced over the note that was left again, it was typed. Sophie had been getting a lot of use out of the braille keyboard it seemed.
‘He’s... very sensitive, there was a lot of him hiding behind Emra before he warmed up to me. If he’s shy that’s why, just take it slow, okay?’
There were probably hundreds of people Sophie could’ve hired, that probably would do a better job. Yet she insisted that he would do fine and she had no worries.
After nap time was lunch time, the note said all he had to do was heat up some pre-made food.
‘Surely I can trust you with a microwave to not start a fire I hope.’
He had to laugh, he wasn’t even sure if that was something he was capable of. At least it wasn’t something impossible, he could try his best.
Nap time was about two hours according to Sophie. So he had some time to relax, watch tv, not worry about dealing with a kid that was seemingly horrified of him. He had turned the tv on to find some rerun of a sports game, it was good enough to watch. Somewhere along the line Princess jumped on the couch, laying down next to him. He scratched the goat between the horns, at least she didn’t seem to be scared of him.
Thirty minutes had gone by, if that, and he was suddenly greeted by Dogmeat running out, whimpering. The dog bit gently onto his sleeve, as if he was trying to pull him somewhere. Curious, Weir followed him. The dog lead him to the steps of Caleb’s room. Of course something had to go wrong, why wouldn’t it.
He took a deep breath before walking up the steps, he didn’t know what to do if something was wrong. What if he was hurt? Or sick? There was no way he was cleaning up throw up. Though what he was greeted by was a surprise, Caleb was curled up in a ball, shaking. He could guess that was crying, Weir had to assume he had a nightmare. He sighed, this was probably harder than the other situations.
He walked up to the bed, looking down at the child who was curled up the other way. “Hey Caleb, you okay?” He tried to be quiet as he spoke, not to scare the child.
He quickly shook his head in response, not moving otherwise. Weir had recalled something about Sophie saying he knows how to ask for what he wants, he just won’t out right say it.
“What do you need me to do?” He tried, Caleb instantly responding to that.
He rolled over, green eyes full of tears, and reached his arms out. “Pwease?” He asked so kindly.
Weir sat down next to him, Caleb instantly climbing into his lap. Tiny hands gripping around his neck, his shirt getting a wet spot from where Caleb pressed his face against. Weir held him gently, rubbing his back. He clung on, the fear he had before seemingly gone.
“My moms aren’t... they won’t...” His voice was cracking. Weir was confused for a few moments then he remembered. There was a story in the news about two parents dying in a car crash, they had a kid around Caleb’s age. Probably in the same preschool together.
“No, you don’t have to worry about loosing anyone bud. We’ll all be here for a long long time.”
Caleb was quiet after that, it seemed to calm him down. Weir assumed he was falling back asleep.
“Grandpa? I love you.” He said in a tired voice before he slipped off back into sleep.
Weir didn’t respond, he didn’t want to wake him again. Plus it was hard to not only deal with being called grandpa still, but dealing with the part after. It was the first time Caleb had said it to him, and really this was the first time they held an actual conversation alone.
The bed was small, he was still in jeans, but he made it work anyways. He curled up with Caleb, not wanting him to have another nightmare. Maybe Sophie asking him to babysit wasn’t all that bad after all.
a list of oc questions in alphabetical categories - i made each category based on the first word I could think of in alphabetical order, so enjoy!
A: Aptitude
1. what are your oc’s natural abilities, things they’ve been doing since young?
2. what activities have they participated in?
3. what abilities do they have that they’ve worked for?
4. what things are they bad at?
5. what is their most impressive talent?
B: Basics
1. what is their hair color?
2. what is their eye color?
3. how tall are they?
4. how old are they?
5. how much do they weigh?
C: Comfort
1. how do they sit in a chair?
2. in what position do they sleep?
3. what is their ideal comfort day?
4. what is their major comfort food? why?
5. who is the best at comforting them when down?
D: Decoration
1. how would they decorate a house if they had one under their name?
2. how would they decorate their child’s room?
3. how do they decorate their own room?
4. what type of clothes and accessories do they wear?
5. do they like makeup/nail/beauty trends?
E: External Personality
1. does the way they do things portray their internal personality?
2. do they do things that conform to the norm?
3. do they follow trends or do their own thing?
4. are they up-to-date on the internet fads?
5. do they portray their personality intentionally or let people figure it out on their own?
F: Fun
1. what do they do for fun?
2. what is their ideal party?
3. who would they have the most fun with?
4. can they have fun while conforming to rules?
5. do they go out a lot?
G: Gorgeous
1. what is their most attractive external feature?
2. what is the most attractive part of their personality?
3. what benefits come with being their friend?
4. what parts of them do they like and dislike?
5. what parts of others do they envy?
H: Heat
1. do they rather a hot or cold room?
2. do they prefer summer or winter?
3. do they like the snow?
4. do they have a favorite summer activity?
5. do they have a favorite winter activity?
I: In-the-closet
1. what is their sexuality?
2. have they ever questioned their sexuality?
3. have they ever questioned their gender?
4. would/was their family be okay with them being LGBT?
5. how long would/did it take for them to come out?
J: Joy
1. what makes them happy?
2. who makes them happy?
3. are there any songs that bring them joy?
4. are they happy often?
5. what brings them the most joy in the world?
K: Kill
1. have they ever thought about suicide?
2. have they ever thought about homicide?
3. if they could kill anyone without punishment, would they? who?
4. who would miss them if they died?
5. who would be happy they died, anyone?
L: Lemons
1. what is their favorite fruit?
2. what is their least favorite fruit?
3. are there any foods they hate?
4. do they have any food intolerances?
5. what is their favorite food?
M: Maternal
1. would they want a daughter or a son?
2. how many children do they want?
3. would they be a good parent?
4. what would they name a son? what would they name a daughter?
5. would they adopt?
N: Never Have I Ever
1. what would they never do?
2. what have they never done that they want to do?
3. is there anything they absolutely can’t believe people do?
4. what is the most embarrassing thing they’ve done?
5. have they done anything they thought they’d never do?
O: Optimism
1. are they optimistic or pessimistic?
2. are they openly optimistic, throwing it on others?
3. are they good at giving advice?
4. is there anyone in their life that throws optimism on them?
5. were they always optimistic?
P: Personality
1. what is their best personality trait?
2. what is their worst personality trait?
3. what of their personality do others love?
4. what of their personality do others envy?
5. do they hate anything about their personality/about other’s personalities?
Q: Questions
1. do they ask for help?
2. do they ask questions in class?
3. do they answer questions that make them a little uncomfortable?
4. do they ask weird questions?
5. are they curious?
R: Rules
1. do they follow rules?
2. would they be a strict or laid-back parent?
3. have they ever been consequenced for breaking a rule?
4. have they broken any rules they now regret breaking?
5. do they find any rules they/others follow absolutely ridiculous?
S: Streets
1. are they street-smart?
2. would they give money to someone on the streets?
3. have they ever gotten in a fight on the streets?
4. has anything happened to them on the streets?
5. are they cautious when out?
T: Truth
1. are they honest?
2. can they tell if someone is lying?
3. is it obvious when they’re lying?
4. have they lied about anything they regret lying about?
5. have they told truths that have been spread against their will?
U: Underdog
1. have they been bullied?
2. have they bullied anyone?
3. have they been physically attacked by a bully?
4. have they ever been doubted?
5. have they surprised people with being good at something?
V: Vomit
1. do they vomit often?
2. do they get lots of stomach aches?
3. are they good at comforting someone ill?
4. what do they like as far as comfort goes?
5. do they burp, cough, or hiccup most when nauseous? when vomiting?
W: Water
1. do they drink enough water?
2. have they learned to swim?
3. do they like to swim?
4. can they dive?
5. can they swim without holding their nose?
X: Xylophone
1. what is their favorite genre of music?
2. do they have a favorite song?
3. do they have a favorite band/artist/singer?
4. can they sing well?
5. can they rap?
Y: You
1. how old were you when you created them?
2. what inspired you to create them?
3. were they different when they were first created?
4. do you enjoy writing them more than other characters?
5. what’s your favorite thing about them?
Z: Zebra
1. what’s their favorite animal?
2. do they like animals?
3. cats or dogs?
4. what’s their dream pet?
5. do they have any pets at the moment?
Sophie didn’t know why, but Will came to see her. Maybe he knew she was upset, sensed it somehow. It wasn’t like him to just show up whenever, and it really wasn’t like him to lead her to another dimension, but here they were. They were fishing, calmly, as if nothing was wrong. As if they belonged in this dimension, or that they even belonged in the same one. Will was quiet, he seemed relaxed, just watching his line. Sophie knew she should’ve felt the same way, but with everything that happened recently her mind was racing too fast to calm down.
She had already tried to see if her feet could hit the water from sitting on the dock, and was unsurprised to find they were too short. Sighing, she pulled her knees up to her chin, placing the pole between them and her chin on top. Little mind was placed towards the fishing rod, she was too caught up in her own thoughts. There was a lot going on, a lot she needed to deal with, a lot she didn’t want to deal with.
“Sophie, your line.” She almost jumped when she heard Will talk. He wasn’t overly loud or anything, her mind was completely elsewhere.
By the time she reacted the fish had already gotten free, Sophie pulled the line back in to redo her hook and bait.
She wasn’t talking much, but Will seemed to pay no mind to that. It was kind of him, even if he asked how she was doing she wasn’t sure she’d be able to answer. There were a few times she caught him looking, the tinniest bit of worry, but he didn’t say anything.
The sleep deprivation was setting in now that she was around someone she trusted enough that would protect her if anything happened. It was getting harder and harder for her to even keep her eyes open. If if wasn’t her thoughts distracting her, it was the fact she could barely stay awake. Without thinking she leaned against Will, letting out a small yawn. She hadn’t even noticed till he tensed up slightly, he didn’t make any move to push her away or tell her to move, so she assumed it was okay.
They were quiet for a bit longer, Will catching several fish, Sophie had left her pole laying on the dock, not caring enough to try and pay attention.
“You know, what you’re doing, it’s not healthy. You need to be able to talk about what’s going on in your head.” Her fist clenched at those words, she was hoping he wouldn’t bring it up.
“Lexi doesn’t believe in therapy.” It was half the truth, half an excuse. Sophie wasn’t good at talking about things, she didn’t like to. Therapy scared the hell out of her and she’d like to avoid it any costs.
“Fuck her, you need to find a way to get help.” His voice wasn’t angry, but it was serious. “It’s going to hurt more if you shove this all away.”
She knew he was right, and he meant well. However, that didn’t make it any easier. There was a way, if she could get approved to go train with the templars, or just leave. There was one on the ship she’d talk to, from what she said finding balance was important. Maybe that’s something Sophie needed.
“I can... try.” She was quiet when the words came out. This was something she didn’t want to do, but something she probably needed.
He was hesitant as he wrapped his arms around her for a hug, Sophie not realizing how much she missed human contact until then. She could feel herself start to cry, that was something new.
“Will? You’re...” She bit her lip, trying to figure out how to put what she wanted to say. “You’re a better father to me than my actual dad, he never cared like this for me. Thank you.”
He just squeezed her tighter, Sophie hugging him back. Neither of them being good at this kind of stuff, but it still felt natural to Sophie. She was comfortable, almost like this was meant to happen in some weird way. Though confusing, she wasn’t about to question it, some things were better just to accept.
Sophie was out walking by herself, bored out of her mind. It was a Tuesday night and she had nothing to do, getting exercise and listening to music seemingly being her best choices.
There was a house on her road she didn’t know the person living in. To be honest, if there weren’t constantly two ravens flying back and forth she probably wouldn’t even believe there was anyone living there. They had to be there for a reason, surely. That and she was told to avoid the house, several times over by her dad. Always curious what was hiding in it, but she knew better than to not listen. Glancing at the house for a few seconds, a cat walked up to her, rubbing in between her legs purring.
“Hey little dude, what’s up?” She asked, leaning down to scratch it behind the ear, the animal rubbing up against her hand now.
After a few seconds of pets it ran to the porch of the seemingly empty house, Sophie giving it a questioning look. It reached up, scratching at the door.
“This your home buddy?” Sophie said as she walked up, carefully checking over her shoulders. It wasn’t the easiest thing to walk up the steps, each creaking as she went up. She was nervous, but the cat made it up safely, she was sure she would be fine.
The cat meowing, looking up at the doorbell. It wiggled its butt before trying to jump up and hit the button. Sophie laughed as she pressed the button afterwords.
“Alright, I gotta go you silly thing.” She said before running off.
She made it maybe twenty feet away from the house before she heard a man yell out.
“Holy shit, where’d you learn how to ring the bell?”
Sophie laughed, it was the cat’s idea after all. It deserved some credit.
There wasn’t anyone Sophie had to turn to, had to talk to. She was completely alone now, ironically something she wished for years ago that now scared the hell out of her. Sure, she could leave the ship, find somewhere with a therapist to help her, but she finally wasn’t completely afraid of Lexi and that wasn’t something she wanted to worry about again.
So she stayed, and hid. There were several places around the ship, tiny corners that really only she was small enough to fit in. Everyone was looking at her like some sort of monster, that she was about to attack them. It was too hard to deal with. Normally she’d turn to Emra and hide, or ask Sadie to help, but that wasn’t an option now. She was alone, fully. So she hid.
Lexi didn’t use her on missions unless it was needed, people were scared of her. Even if she was more effective now that she didn’t have to hide her powers, people were scared, she needed to be hidden.
She so wanted to blurt the commander was just like her, but pointless spite was what got her into this mess. Her mouth needed to stay shut in this case, it was for the better.
Hiding was her best bet for now, it was all she had. Though she wasn’t sure if it counted as hiding if no one cared to look. This would be her life now, cowering in a corner, wishing someone would care. Deep down, she knew no one cared, that no one would. She wouldn’t let herself give up hope though, she needed something to hold onto.
Tatiana has come to know and love a small group of locals who seem to treat her pub as a sort of second home. There is Volk, of course and unfortunately, there is Geist and his friends, there is lovely Betos, and there are the dozens of locals that stop by for a drink and a chat when they have the time. She is, of course, not surprised even to find that travellers find their way back to her pub, either.
What she is surprised about is the sight of Cass stepping through the door again, this time without her girlfriend in tow. She eyes her a bit warily, but nevertheless offers her a smile. “What can I do for you?”
“Can I drink outside?” Cass asks, pointing over her shoulder with her thumb.
Tatiana glances beyond her, but does not see anything out of the usual. “I wouldn’t suggest straying far from the area, but yes you can, if you’d like,” she says, turning her attention back to the woman. “Does your girlfriend know you’re here?”
Cass laughs, loud and drawing the attention of everyone in the pub. “She’s the one that dragged me here,” she says once she catches her breath again.
“She what?” Tatiana asks incredulously. “She came off like she hated being here.”
“Oh, she does. She hates, pretty much everything. But she hates your taste in alcohol more than she hates being here,” Cass explains, muffling another laugh. “She’s outside, protesting.”
Tatiana gapes at her for a moment, then rubs a hand over her face. “She - Oh my god, I need to see this.”
“I need some of the worst beer you have, first,” Cass says quickly. “To embarrass her.”
Tatiana grins at her and turns to get her a bottle. “It’s on the house,” she says. She waves Horák over to take over at the bar, then hops out to follow Cass outside.
Lexi sits on the sidewalk a few feet from the door with a little sign beside her, glaring at every passerby. Cass, unphased, sits down right beside her and takes a drink.
Lexi looks at her girlfriend, then scoffs and shakes her head. “Why are you always like this?” she grumbles.
“Cause I love you,” Cass retorts. She leans in and presses a kiss to Lexi’s cheek.
Tatiana steps around them just enough to read the sign. ‘Vodka is better than Beer,’ it says, a small angry face in the corner. She tries not to laugh too loudly. “You won’t find many people that agree with you here,” she says.
“That’s why I have to protest, so the lot of you might develop better taste,” Lexi retorts.
“Good luck with that,” Tatiana says, laughing. “Cass, if you want to come inside, I can get you a spot by the window.”
Cass raises her bottle in thanks, then curls a bit closer to Lexi for the time being. Tatiana shakes her head in amusement and heads back inside.
Sophie was sitting on the deck of her pool, Kader floating in his peacock raft. She still had no idea how he managed to incorporate peacocks into everything and yet, he did. Bob was even perched on the fence, watching over.
“Heard the new story about you. Break up with that guy you were dating?” She took a sip of her wine, through a twisty straw of course. Most of the expensive wines Kader insisted on drinking she wasn’t too fond of, this one seemed decent enough however.
“Oh, yeah, he was a real jerk, can’t ever have a clean break up.” He had sun glasses on, but it didn’t take much to guess he was rolling his eyes. “You know how exes can be.”
“No, uh, actually I don’t.” She admitted, taking another sip of wine. “I mean, Em and I broke up for maybe a week and half once but other than that, no.”
“Emra’s your first-“ He paused when he looked at Sophie, sighing after words. “Wait- Are you really drinking out of a bendy straw?” She had to laugh when she saw the look of disgust on his face.
“Yeah? What else am I supposed to use?”
“God, you’re awful.” He laid back down, Sophie still laughing. “No wonder you don’t go to any public events.”
“Yeah, not my style.” She admitted with a shrug. “At least I don’t have peacock everything.”
“Listen, I have a style. Gotta go with it.”
“Style of an arrogant asshole.” She let her feet fall into the water, kicking some at him. He frowned.
“Really?”
“Hey, cheer up, could be sectoid guts you’re being splashed with.” Sophie shrugged, Kader just groaned. “They’re gross, though I know a few people who swear they make the best gravy… or maybe that was their skin?”
“Oh my god, shut up, please. I’d like to be able to sleep tonight.”
“Then I won’t tell you about the roast beef thing.” She laughed, it was way too easy to make him look like he was going to through up.
“I don’t even want to know. To try and change this awful topic, it’s sweet, the thing with you and Emra.”
“Oh, yeah, guess I got lucky.” Sophie just shrugged, it was something she never paid any mind to. It just seems normal, she found someone she wanted to be with, they made it work. “Wasn’t easy, but we did it.”
“They should do a press story on that, cute couple meets, beats all the odds, star crossed lovers.”
“Oh, yeah no. I think a story between a psionic person and a hybrid would go over well.” Sophie rolled her eyes.
“Okay it’s still kinda cute, at least to a decent person.”
Sophie shook her head. She still wasn’t sure why she was spending time with Kader, or why she enjoyed his company. They only seemed to get along based of the bases of annoying each other, but it worked. It was calming, nice to relax.
The thing that made it all worth it? When something scared Bob and he knocked Kader into the pool by trying to land on his lap. Seemed there was always something to keep Kader’s head out of the air.
alternative title: William Weir is a BAD influence
When Caleb came home today, he came with a book, one that he hadn’t put down since. He even brought it to the dinner table with him, reading it under the table. Directly after dinner he ran right back up to his room, not even really speaking. Sophie followed him up. She found him curled up, looking at his tablet.
“Hey bud, what’s up?” She leaned against the doorway.
“So grandpa gave me this book, it’s about things called cryptids“ He was so excited, but Sophie couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “Look! They’re so cool! People go hunting for them and try to prove they’re real!”
“Caleb-“ She was trying her best not to laugh, it was hard.
“He even said he used to hunt them!” His eyes were sparkling as he handed her the tablet. “Look! This one’s called mothman, it’s a giant moth!”
“Yeah, I see!” She sat down on his bed next to him, him crawling into her lap. “Which one is your favorite?”
“I like goatman, cause he’s a goat, and I think that’s cool.” He said, lying on his back. “He throws people off his bridge!”
“That doesn’t sound very nice!”
“He doesn’t gotta be nice! He’s Goatman!” It was easy to see his excitement, the smile he had was almost as big as his whole face.
“Maybe if you ask Grandpa nicely, he can take you out hunting.” That made Caleb jump up, running for the phone instantly.
“You really think so? It could be dangerous, you’re okay with that?”
“I think you’ll be fine Caleb.” She watched as he called Will, a face of disappointment when he got his voicemail.
“Hey Grandpa? It’s me, Caleb. I was reading the books and mom found out and she said it’s okay for me to be your hunting buddy! Just wanted to let you know that, bye!” He was smiling when he hung up the phone.
“Oh, so you already asked him about it?”
“He said I had to ask you, but I was nervous, but you told me to! So it all works out!” He jumped onto the bed, bouncing. Sophie gave him a kiss on the forehead before getting up.
“Just make sure you have all your chores done, don’t want the cryptids thinking your a bad kid, then they might go after you.” She walked toward the door, shaking her head.
“They wouldn’t go after me for that! Maybe they’d go after a parent for making their kid clean their room.” Where did he even come up with this? He was getting too creative.
“Or moms could make their kids not go cryptid hunting because their rooms aren’t clean.”
“Ugh, fine.” The phone rang after that, Caleb jumping for it, disappointed to see it was just a random caller.
“Hey Caleb? Love you.”
“Yeah, yeah love you too mom.”
He curled back up with his tablet as she shut the door, she ran into Emra on the way out.
“What was that about?”
“You don’t want to know sweetie, you really don’t want to know.” Was all she could say as she started laughing, Emra looking at her confused. “I’ll explain later, let’s go finish up in the barns.”
“...This involves some weird thing with your dad, doesn’t it?”
“Doesn’t it always?” Sophie took her hand, kissing her fingers. “Come on, let’s just go.” She said, leading her towards the door.
There were a lot of situations Sophie imagined in her life, but explaining cryptids to her alien wife and her son begging her to go cryptid hunting really weren’t up there. Seemed every day was a new surprise.
You were a star that had gone supernova.
I tried to catch your energy,
But I let you slip through my fingers
And fade into my universe
Sophie didn’t remember much from the mission, she was even still having a hard time staying conscious after the fact. Tygan would give her a brief summary of what happened, she’d pass out again, wake up in a panic a bit later only to have to be told again. The short story was simple, her psionics freaked out because of anger, her mom dead as a result. However, nothing was as simple as the short story.
Everyone knew by now, she was sure of it. ‘Disclosed information’ didn’t mean much to Raven, the ship’s reaper, and surely this was something that he couldn’t keep quiet. He was always looking for gossip, and telling everyone that Sophie was actually a clone, well, why would he care how it would affect her?
Her x-pad was shaking, no, maybe that was her. She’d asked for anything that was saved video wise from her… incident. For once the commander didn’t give her shit, just supplied her with the recording. It came as a surprise she wasn’t down in the med bay right away to yell at her. Truth be told no one had seen her besides Tygan, even that being brief. There was a sinking feeling in her stomach after that. Never since she joined the avenger had she woken up alone in the med bay, Emra was always by her side, holding her hand. Some sort of tradition between the two, starting back to Emra dealing with her screaming as her chip was removed, staying with her through the night, not letting go of her hand.
She hadn’t even stopped by to see her, that Sophie knew of. There was no feeling of Emra being here at all, her energy missing. If what Sophie thought happened was right, Emra had every reason to hide from her.
She decided to just listen to the vod at first, not thinking she could stomach watching. She laid the thing upside down, letting just the sound play.
It started when her mom first told her that she knew of her original capture, that she even eventually had part in the experiments, things she said she always wanted to do but was told no.
Incredible really that cloning someone and throwing an all powerful being in the head of the child when they were two wasn’t too far, maybe they should’ve classified that as too far. Sophie just laughed now, it was all she could do.
She wasn’t sure what happened in the middle, a lot of her own words too quiet to hear. There were memories of her turning off her comms, probably why her audio didn’t transfer.
‘And what exactly are you going to do, kill me? Prove that you are the monster everyone thought you would be? You say your father died to a headshot wound, but what really happened. Admit it, it’s fine.’
The video was paused, there was no way Sophie could continue watching right now. Her stomach felt like death, it was all she could to just not throw up. Realization hit about how lonely she was, that this would be easier with Emra.
The idea was bad, but she pulled up messages anyways. The only recent thing being from Sadie, telling her ‘never fucking talk to me again you freak. what the fuck is wrong with you, I guess she wasn’t even your mom. Thanks for killing the only family I had left.’ She should’ve been more upset from that, but it was fair, Sadie had every right to be mad at her. Closing out of that she opened up Emra’s and hers chat log. She really wasn’t ready for the last conversation they had.
‘You do not have to be afraid, nothing is going to change my feelings.’
‘Promise?’
‘You have me till the end of time, that will not change. I love you, always.’
‘I love you too Emmy, thank you.’
She locked the device, wrapping her arms around it and then laying her head down on it. Everything in her told her she wanted to cry, to get this out. It wouldn’t happen, it’s like she couldn’t. All she could do was lay there, her stomach in knots. Though she wanted to finish the video, she knew she couldn’t right now. Her relationship was most likely very over, she needed to mourn that first.
Everything they did, every second they spent together, it was running rampant through Emra’s mind. Sophie’s laugh, her smile, the little sounds she would make, the tiny sad whimpers when Emra had to get up from cuddling, how her body felt against hers, all of it. They were all good and happy things, until Emra found out Sophie’s secret.
Emra wasn’t sure what hurt more, being in love with someone who had the equivalent of the very thing that held her race into slavery, or the fact Sophie lied about it for so long. She was selfish, completely, to keep it hidden. Emra felt absolutely disgusted to know what she was actually kissing all those times. She wasn’t one for showers, but after she found out she stayed in one, way over her allotted time, trying to make herself feel clean again. It wasn’t working.
The irony of it all? She was currently curled up in Sophie’s bunk, because it still smelled of her, and that smell was comfort. Mad as all hell at Sophie, the smell of her was what even still calmed her down. Blankets wrapped tightly around her, she breathed in.
Thoughts of Sophie alone in an isolated area, like some sort of experiment gone wrong, hurt Emra. She had clearances to go see her, but she didn’t think she’d be able to manage that.
Sophie being a clone of her dad changed nothing, at least for Emra. She could care less about that, if that was the only thing she’d absolutely be right by her side trying to make her feel better. What bothered her was that she hid that she had some sort of… baby elder (at least, that’s what her mom called it) in her head. It was broken apart, or at least that’s what her mom said. The way Sophie killed her seemed to state otherwise, if there was a lack of power Emra didn’t want to see it’s potential when it was whole.
The storm that resulted made her sick, not that she was scared of them, but because it reminded Emra of what happened the day she was pulled from the facility. Blue lightning, purple clouds, had she caused that too because she was upset? It was hard to shake out of her head, no matter how much effort she put forth.
She wanted to sleep, but she was told she was at her limits for sleeping pills, even if they weren’t working. All she could do was lay awake and think.
In her defense, she didn’t realize the person they were told to extract was Karen. Based on the description she probably could have guessed it, and probably should have, but she didn’t. Now she lost the one person that could give her more answers, and there was the problem of Sophie.
Another thing she should have assumed was that Mark had told Sophie, or that she found out on her own. The fact she was able to manipulate different psionic forces was always confusing to Lexi, and it left her with the assumption that she didn’t know the real power that she had. It turns out she was just damn good at hiding it.
From what was gathered, Sophie had very limited memories of what actually happened, if she had any. She blacked out, put herself into a coma for almost two days. Overexertion was the best guess that Tygan had. She was still struggling to keep herself awake from the reports. It was decided it was best to tell her that she was in the med bay, not that she was locked up in basically quarantine in the psi lab until it was sure she had herself under control and wasn’t a threat.
Lexi felt bad, she did, she never wanted to hate Sophie. She only wanted the opposite, trying to help her. It was clear very fast that Sophie wasn’t exactly someone to reach out for help, or to even accept it. Lexi got frustrated, things got bad. She truly didn’t mean to lash out on her, she was just… angry. Once it happened once it was easy to be mad at her. Lexi never got to take her anger over the whole situation out on anyone, it was pushed aside. Sophie had no idea of the situation, she was just a baby when it happened, but it still brought back memories she didn’t want.
Back then when she was upset she would go to Mark, he was smart, caring. He’d talk her through it, make it seem like the two babies they kept in a lab were fine. She missed him, that’s something she hated to admit, but she did. Even if he fucked her over, left her with a position she really wasn’t ready for. She’d give anything to have his advice right now. Even one of his giant hugs could probably make her feel a little better.
Sophie had asked for any recordings of what happened, Lexi hesitated before approving the request. She knew, however, if she didn’t get them she’d have to learn it through someone else, probably through the way of gossip. That wasn’t fair on her. The request was approved, hopefully Sophie would stay awake long enough to process it all.
Lexi made a note to ask Cass to go check on her, she knew Sophie wouldn’t take well to her being around. At least Cass was better dealing with this kid of stuff anyways. She’d be able to comfort her, try to help. It was clear Lexi’s attempts to help were just a failure.
It took awhile, but she finally watched the video. She watched it several times over, feeling more dead each time. It was all there, her mother yelling her life story, admitting to experimenting on her, purely degrading her.
If you asked her why she was constantly watching it, she really didn’t have an answer. It was a lot to take in, sure, but there wasn’t a lot to see. It wasn’t much different than the day she found out she had these powers, the scene at least. Something she’s seen before, she really shouldn’t be obsessing over it.
The last part of the video was a bit reassuring, at least in the ways of her and Emra. When she fell over, passed out or whatever, Emra caught her. She went out of her way to make sure that she didn’t hit the ground even if she was in full armor. After everything that happened, everything she’d been hiding announced, Emra still was there for her in that moment.
She looked down at her hand, she had it curled up into a ball. There was a lot she was dealing with, she shouldn’t really be worried about her relationship. It was obvious they had her locked up in the psi labs, though the lie was nice to try and make her feel more comfortable. Emra didn’t like being around areas that were heavy with psionic energy, maybe she just didn’t wait with Sophie because she didn’t want to be in this area. She still cared, Sophie knew she still cared, Emra wasn’t one to give up. She had hoped this wasn’t something that would push that test.
There was a knock on the door, Sophie raised her eyes to see someone she wasn’t familiar with walk in. Sophie tried not to get to know the medics on the avenger, she didn’t feel safe around medical people, it wasn’t fair to them to have to deal with her when they didn’t have to. Though this poor lady look terrified, seems news spread fast.
“I’m just here to check your vitals, okay?” She was being so careful, Sophie had to laugh.
“I won’t hurt you, I promise.” The fact that actually made the lady look more relaxed made Sophie roll her eyes. Did people actually think she was going to go on a killing spree now?
She took her arm to check her pulse, a confused face forming. Sophie didn’t have to guess it was because of the lack of scars that weren’t there anymore. She was thankful when the lady didn’t ask anymore questions. The checkup was short, quick, her wanting to do anything to go away from Sophie. Sophie couldn’t exactly blame her, though it was stupid there was reasons to fear her. She wondered how well it would go over with all the staff if they found out about the commander having one too, at least she was spared of having her secrets poured out. Out if the corner of her eye she saw a her tablet light up, a message from Emra.
‘After all this, I think I made a mistake. Everyone was right, humans can’t be trusted.’
That was it, the entirety of the message. Sophie felt her stomach turn again. She curled up on the bed, pulling out the iv that was just put in before closing her eyes. Sleeping probably wouldn’t be something she could accomplish, but she could try.
“I think you need to be the one to talk to her.”
“Cass.”
“Lexi, I’m serious, if you actually know what is going on with her, which, incredibly enough, you say you do, you need to help her.” She was right, and Lexi hated to admit that.
“She’s just going to be scared.”
“You said you wanted a chance to fix things with her. Do it now.” Cass was serious, Lexi hated when she was like this. She wasn’t going to be able to back down from this.
“Fine, you win, I’ll go down tomorrow morning.” Lexi sighed, looking at the ground.
“Do it out of the avenger, I’ll find an area to cover you. Just in case.” When Lexi looked up she expected to see Cass smiling, that it was just a joke. However, she was greeted with the most serious face she’d seen Cass make.
“Cass, that’s… you can’t.”
She wrapped an arm around her, kissing her forehead. “We can’t risk losing you, but you need to talk to her. If she doesn’t try anything I think it shows that she’s safe, but if she does…”
“This… it seems wrong.” Lexi closed her eyes, leaning into Cass.
“I don’t like it either, but we need you, she’s replaceable.”
“You won’t hesitate if need be? I can ask Burns.”
“No, this isn’t something I want on someone else, I’ll be fine.” Cass wrapped her arms around her, squeezing her tightly. Lexi just sighed.
“I guess we have a plan then.”
Sophie was happy to get some fresh air, incredibly happy. With everything that was going on she felt way too trapped, too vulnerable to those around her. She didn’t like feeling weak. Though she wasn’t excited for the reason to be out here, she was excited to get out.
She sat on an empty supply box, waiting for the commander. She wore a large hoodie to cover her head, that way if anyone did know her they didn’t start freaking out. That was getting really old, really quick. They weren’t important to her, why would she try to hurt them for no reason, did she seem that cruel?
She pulled her knees up to her chest, her hoodie able to go over them. She had nothing to do but wait, and listen to others conversations. There was one in particular that peaked her interest.
“Just did inventory, that ancient rifle Cass insists on keeping around is missing.”
“Oh really? wonder why?”
“Maybe she finally got rid of the damn thing, just keeping up space.”
“Maybe.”
Sophie shouldn’t be paranoid, the Commander just wanted to talk. Cass would also never hurt her, if she trusted anyone besides Emra it was her. If the Commander wanted her dead Sophie was sure there was an easier way to do it than this.
Her thoughts were interrupted as the Commander walked out, motioning for Sophie to follow her. Sophie was hesitant, but followed anyways.
“First off, I want to apologize. I never wanted to hurt you Sophie, I swear.” She still sounded so formal, like she was just saying this because it was her job. Sophie rolled her eyes. “Secondly, you can call me Lexi right now, this is going to be personal anyways.”
“That’s nice of you, so kind for you to apologizing for me having to fear for my life by doing the right thing and joining your crew to help fight aliens. Thank you.” Sophie wasn’t happy with the situation, she wasn’t going to act it either.
“Watch yourself.” That made Sophie jump, it sounded like a growl.
“So you’re not playing nice.” She stood still, crossing her arms. Lexi took a big breath, trying to calm herself.
“Okay, let’s start from the beginning. What did your dad tell you.”
“Okay, first thing? I don’t have a fucking dad, or a mom. So please just, spare me of that. Second thing, Mark told me basically the same thing my mom did. Nothing more, nothing less. I’m a clone of him, I was created to be some super powerful alien fighter or some shit.”
“Something like that, yeah.” Lexi nodded, she went to put a hand on Sophie’s back, causing her to jump away and glare. She wasn’t letting Lexi win with this whole being friendly thing. “Your dad and I, we-“
“I literally just fucking said he’s not my fucking dad. I’m a fucking clone. A copy. I don’t have parents. I’m not meant to. Just please, please, stop.” She really didn’t want to hear any tragic backstories, she knew all she needed to know. That was it. “This is all pointless. I don’t care what you have to say Lexi, I don’t. Just- just please, If you want things to be clean between us, fine. Put this all behind you. Treat me like you would any fucking soldier.”
“Sophie, with your power, you need someone to watch over you.”
“No, with my powers, you should be watching over someone else, instead of fucking worrying about me. Leave the damn past behind.” She was mad now, the last thing she needed was protected.
“I cared about you before Mark did, I watched you every night, talked to you, slept in that god awful lab they kept you in. I swear to you, I care.” She actually sounded serious, her voice breaking into a heavy Russian accent. Was she upset? This was unbelievable, Sophie didn’t need this.
“Lexi, I don’t know what you want from me. If you want me to see you as some sort of parent figure, I’m sorry, clones don’t get parents, or families. Their made for a reason, and I intend to do what I was made for.” She turned her back to her, and took a deep sigh. “I have this under control, the thing that happened was a fluke, it was personal, there’s no one left that can make me angry like that. I don’t need help or advice.”
“As long as you’re okay.”
“I am, and by the way, thank Cass for me, glad she decided not to pull the trigger.”
“Sophie, I’m-“ She reached out, Sophie pushed her away.
“It’s fine. I don’t care. Just give me my clearances back and let me do what I was made to fucking do.”
“You’re cleared. Dismissed.”
“Thank you.” She whispered before running off back to the ship, wanting nothing more than to finally get to talk to Emra.
Sophie’s bunk didn’t smell like her anymore, mainly because it was where Emra spent most of her time. She still didn’t want to leave. There were too many memories here that she still believed were good, she didn’t want to let them go yet. Once Sophie was cleared she’d have to move, of course, but she still had time, she planned on using it.
She was half lost in thought, half reading a cookbook she had found her last time out. A few weeks ago Sophie would’ve been in her lap, pointing out all the best things. Them making plans for having a small farm one day, growing their own foods. Emra bit her lip, trying to not think of that. It wasn’t a choice now.
She put the book down, knowing she wasn’t going to be able to enjoy it much anymore. Everything was tainted in memories of Sophie, it was hard to let go even if she knew she had to. Everything felt wrong about the relationship now, it couldn’t be possible. She rested on her side, she knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep, but she could at least make herself comfortable. Relaxed for a few seconds, she then heard the curtain covering the bed open.
“Em?”
“You’re cleared?” Emra wasn’t ready to see Sophie again, really wasn’t ready. It had maybe been five days at most since she last saw her, but it hit her hard. She was still as perfect looking as ever, Emra having to fight to not pull her into her lap.
“Yeah it was kinda a rushed thing- what are you doing here?”
“Just, grabbing my things, sorry. I think I have a meeting I need to get to with Betos, anyways.” She needed some excuse to run away, it made her feel gross to know the truth about Sophie and have to deal with seeing her and now hiding her feelings.
“You free to talk when that’s over?” Sophie said, sitting on the bed next to her. Emra felt awful, she was so close, she wanted to pull her closer- but…
“Sophie, there is no talking to be had. With what is in your head, it is wrong for me to…”
“I understand.” Was all Sophie mumbled, her eyes looking at the ground. “If that’s your choice, that’s fine. Know that I still love you however.”
Emra got up after that, and didn’t look back. She couldn’t check to see if Sophie was hurting, or if she looked upset. She needed to be strong. Even if there was tears forming in her eyes she needed to walk away. It was what was right, what she deserved.
She knew she could never stop loving her, but she had to try.
Sophie curled up in her bed, the smell of Emra incredibly strong. Her nose being stronger than most the smell was deeply affective. Blankets pulled over her head she sighed, she knew better than to try to cry.
“Well, fuck.” Was all she mumbled. That was the best way to describe what had happened.
If she didn’t believe that fighting wasn’t a thing she needed to do, she would’ve shot herself. Or even tried to kill Lexi, letting Cass deliver the killing blow. This however, was what she was made for. She didn’t have a choice but to keep fighting. One day she wouldn’t be needed, it could all be over then. Right now, however? She had to fight
For the most part she was personality-less, and pretty lifeless. It was rare that she ever talked, and when she did it was barely a whisper. She didn’t act like she didn’t trust them, but she surely didn’t act like she was comfortable. Constantly watching, never relaxing, Emra wasn’t sure how to help the human feel comfortable.
There were a few times, when it rained, or she found something that caught her interest (like convincing Corra to paint her armor hot pink with stripes) that some sort of personality could be seen.
Emra tried to not to pay mind to the nights she was woken up by screaming, or to find Sophie missing completely. It was hard to not give up hope in the human, she seemed to just want to distance herself away. However, even when she left she found her way back by the mornings, even if they had to leave in the middle of the night. No matter how much it seemed that she wanted to be apart, she came back.
It wasn’t abnormal for a skirmisher or even a human dealing with the process of readjusting to take their own life, it was something they had grown accustomed to. Emra refused to believe in the fate for Sophie, even if she was following the same path some of them took. There was a look in her eyes, she wanted to live, Emra believed that.
She had hope in the human, as stupid as that sounded. She wouldn’t give up in her, it was not an option. They were in this together now, it would work out in the end, Emra believed that.
