#illiris delphine

[minimink]

“May I have this dance?” Mini said, walking up to Illiris with a flower they picked on the way in their hand. “I’m surprised I didn’t run into you earlier. How’s your Founder’s day celebrations been?” @illirisdelphine

[minimink]

There she was; sitting at the shoreline. Mini figured she would find her here. No matter how much she tried to resist it, she was a water baby at her core. Mini was nervous. She told Illiris how she felt after they danced and she said thanks... before making up an excuse to leave. It felt good to get it off their chest but it only made things a little more complicated between them. Mini wasn’t sure what ‘thanks’ meant. “Hey,” they smiled a little. “May I join you?” @illirisdelphine​

[maj-araxie]

An afternoon, October 26th

Maj had half a cupcake sitting on the table in front of her—the kind the staff brought out after group, all frosting and love and too-sweet cheer—and a paper crown tilted crookedly over her messy hair. Eighty-five days sober. Twenty-nine years old. Both numbers felt impossible. When the door buzzed and Illiris stepped in, Maj’s face cracked open into something warm and real. “Damn, look at you,” she said with a laugh, standing to meet her. “I swear, you make this whole sterile rehab lighting look like a damn ocean glow-up.” She hesitated a beat before pulling Illiris into a hug—tight, a little shaky—then leaned back enough to smirk. “Can’t believe you came all the way here just to watch me eat half a cupcake and talk about my feelings. That’s real friendship.” A pause, then quieter, the humor fading into something raw and sincere. “Thanks for being here, though. It’s been… a weird birthday. But seeing you—it kind of makes it feel like the world outside isn’t gone, y’know? Just waiting.” She nudged the other half of the cupcake toward her. “Now c’mon, help me commit frosting-based crimes before someone from group therapy catches us.” @howmcnythings

[minimink]

Mini was glowing—literally, in a blinding shade of cartoon yellow that still managed to look weirdly good under the reception lights. They wiggled their painted fingers at their two partners, grinning wide enough to rival their costume’s inspiration. “Okay, but look at us,” they said, spinning in place, flecks of glitter catching on their cheeks. “Tell me this isn’t art.” They gestured between the three of them—Quinn in their perfect Patrick pink, Illiris in her deadpan Squidward blue-green—and let out a laugh that was more sunshine than sound. “You can’t tell me we’re not the most iconic trio here,” they said, voice bubbling with pride and just a little smugness. “We give Bikini Bottom.” Leaning closer, Mini’s voice dropped into a conspiratorial whisper. “If we don’t win best costume, we’re storming the dance floor in protest. Spongebob-style. Full choreography. I’ll lead.” @howmcnythings & @immcrtalsx

[minimink]

Halloween 2025: Minerva Mink as Spongebob Squarepants (not pictured: Illiris (@howmcnythings) as Squidward Tentacles & Quinn (@immcrtalsx) as Patrick Star

[maj-araxie]

Maj hadn’t meant to go radio silent. She never really did. It just sort of happened; one day bleeding into the next, weeks slipping through her fingers like seawater. By the time she thought about reaching out, it always felt too late. And now? Now she was jobless, at risk of losing her place, and barely keeping it together. But Illiris had always been good to her. The kind of friend who didn’t expect sunshine when there was only storm. So, Maj swallowed whatever pride she had left and sent a simple message: You busy? And before she could talk herself out of it, another: Need some air. Thought maybe I’d swing by. @howmcnythings

[minimink]

Mini flopped dramatically onto the couch, sprawling out with a theatrical groan. “I swear, if I look at one more textbook, my brain is going to officially quit.” They tilted their head back to look at Illiris with a grin, their face softening. “Tell me you have something fun planned for us tonight... Or at least something that doesn’t involve me memorizing the anatomy of a cat.” Reaching out, they wiggled their fingers toward her. “Save me, please. I’m begging.” @howmcnythings

[minimink]

Mini couldn't help the smile that appeared on her lips and the little giggles that escaped them as she danced with Illiris over the music. She looked over every now and again at Quinn who'd been watching them and would give them a smile. Today was perfect. The past couple of months they've spent together have been perfect. It was the best decision they've had in a while to move in with them. Mini was nervous about how things would play out between the three of them after the whole fiasco at their graduation but things had been good. They were so grateful to have them in their life. Smiling as she moved a piece of Illiris's hair out of her face and planted a soft kiss to her lips, she said, "Have I already told you how beautiful you look tonight?" @howmcnythings