(Rolled Dice (D6 and D20) for postcard inspiration and got #3 and #13)
Rating: PG (for slightly suggestive content
Pairing: Julian/Sparrow (Apprentice, She/Her)
Word Count: 608
Summary: On a warm summer night, dancing in the palace fountain is a must...
The moon was full that summer night, bathing everything in a magical silverly light. Julian grinned as he quickly removed his boots and climbed right into the refreshing waters of the place fountain. The water was cool and refreshing against his bare feet. Grinning he then turned to Sparrow who watched him with eyebrows raised. He held out his hand to her. “Care for a dance?” he asked dramatically.
Sparrow looked up at him, first looking as if to question the idea before she allowed herself to smile. She quickly removed her boots as well and took his hand, allowing him to pull her up and into the water.
He gave her a bow. “Milady.”
She gave him a curtsy. “Doctor.”
Then he swept her up in a quick step that sent water spraying everywhere. They both laughed as the water went flying like glittering fairy orbs in the moonlight. They were both quite skilled though there were a couple of trips due to the slippery bottom of the fountain. Still, they managed a twirl and a dip, as well as a fall which ended up with Sparrow on top of Julian, soaking them both. Still, they laughed as they didn’t mind the fact that they were dripping and shivering just a little.
Sparrow looked Julian in the eye, still smiling. “I must say that you are a bad influence Mister Devorak,” she said brushing a bit of wet hair back behind her ear.
Julian chuckled then smirked. “Indeed, I am, and would you have me any other way?”
“No, probably not,” Sparrow answered as she leaned forwards and kissed him, at first sweetly but soon the kiss developed into more, with tasting and biting. Unfortunately, the moment was interrupted by the sound of the guards.
“The sound came from over here!”
“Oh fuck!” Julian hissed as they both scrambled to their feet. They may have been friends to the empress, but it was probably better not to be caught playing around in the fountain. Quickly they both jumped to the ground, grabbing their boots and ran for the nearest secret exit they could. All the while they continued to laugh as they laced their fingers together, holding on for dear life as they made their getaway. They made it back home without issue, where they raced upstairs to strip out of their wet clothes.
Sparrow hummed a little as Julian took a moment to kiss her damp shoulder once it was in view. “Again, I think you are a bad influence, doctor. A very bad influence indeed.”
Julian grinned as he kissed another bit of skin, taking a moment to leave a clear mark. “Oh, and what are you going to do about it?” He felt a rush of excitement as she grabbed the back of his neck pulling him down, allowing her to nip at his jaw. The night’s excitement was far from over.
…
The next morning there was a knock at the clinic door. Julian was the one to answer and was promptly handed one of his boots by the palace guards who eyed him with a knowing look. At first Julian panicked out of old habit. But then the guard handed him his boot. “The empress expresses her dearest hopes that you enjoyed your little dance in the fountain last night,” the guard said in a very serious tone, “though she would like me to tell you that if you are to do it again, to inform her majesty so that she can join as well.” It was a good thing that the guard couldn’t hear the cackle from Sparrow inside the door.
For @whumpuary 2026 Prompt #7: "Something isn't Right" (also think it could kind of work for 'drowning' as well, as I thought of drowning in grief but I figured it was better for this one specifically).
Title: The Dream
Rating: PG
Fandom: The Arcana (the story game from Nix Hydra)
Characters/Pairings: Asra/Robin (He/Him Apprentice), Mentions of Sparrow and Lark (Robin's younger twin siblings and also Apprentices)
Word Count: 515
Summary: Pre-Game plague era, while hiding in Nopal, Asra has a dream that fills him with dread.
Author Notes: So, I know I skip prompt #5, I just have been having brain goblins and sleeping trouble, so I was unable to get anything out. Will be doing so soon as I want to complete this thing even if it kills me (which it won't I just really want to complete a challenge). Also, when I saw the prompts, this was the one I really was excited for because the Robin coming to Asra dream scene has been in my head forever.
...
Asra was dreaming. He knew he was, but he wasn’t. He was standing on a beach looking out at the dark water. The sky was dark gray, as if a storm was rolling in, and it was hot. He could smell something burning.
Then he felt someone wrap their arms around him from behind. Tension seized him. He knew these arms and missed them dearly. Leaving them was something he had regretted. “Robin…” Asra breathed.
“I’m sorry.” There was a distinct, tearful hitch in Robin’s voice. There was also something else that Asra could not figure out, but that something filled him with a foreboding dread. “I am so sorry, Asra. I am sorry for what I said, for how things ended. I shouldn’t have let it go like that. And now…”
“Robin…” Asra tried to speak, but the words didn’t seem to come. He wanted to say he was sorry too. That he should have stayed or worked something out. Robin, Sparrow, and Lark — they were part of his family, and he let his fear come between that. He wanted to say that, but the words wouldn’t come. He wanted to turn, to look at Robin’s face, but the taller man held tight.
Behind him, Robin let out a sob. “They’re gone, Asra. Sparrow and Lark…I couldn’t protect them. I couldn’t save them, Asra!”
Asra’s eyes grew wide as the dread he had been feeling became genuine horror. No…It couldn’t be…His heart stopped as he felt Robin’s arms fall away.
“I’m sorry, Asra. I love you.”
Asra turned, trying to get the words out. I love you too! Don’t leave! Don’t go! But everything tasted like ash in his mouth.
…
Asra shot up in bed, one hand reaching out as he screamed. Faust was slithering up out of his shirt, her tongue tickling his cheek as she tried to understand why her magician was distressed. Asra stared out at the space in front of him. The night air in Nopal was cold and made colder by the sweat on Asra’s skin.
“We need to go back,” Asra said when he had his mind again. He threw back the covers and grabbed everything he needed. A part of him knew it was too late, but another part wanted to deny the truth. Maybe it was just a dream, maybe he still had a chance to…
…
Just as warm as his dream was the beach that housed the Lazaret. The bright blue sky was the only difference. The sky mocked Asra’s pain. Following the pull of familiar magic, he rushed forward to burning sand. His fingers blistered and bled as he dug in. The place in his mind that was in denial was screaming now.
Lark’s merry laugh…
Sparrow’s talks over tea…
Robin…his handsome Robin…
The little family from the magic shop…
All that came up in Asra’s bloodied hands were fragments of bone that stabbed his already wounded skin. The inner screams became outwards screams as Asra curled in on himself, blood and ash seeping into his clothes and skin. They were gone.
Fandom: The Arcana (The story game from Nix Hydra)
Rating: PG (Does take place during Julian's public execution but nothing graphic)
Characters/Pairings: Julian x Sparrow (She/Her apprentice), mentions of Lucio (and so close to his birthday XD).
Word Count: 419
Summary: Julian meets a pirate's end at the gallows.
Note: Originally had another idea for this prompt but it wasn't working out so I pivoted to the other idea. I almost found it fitting that I could also tie in Julian's pirate background in with the idea. I kind of want to write what comes after but this was the whump part of the story, so for now I write this.
...
A pirate’s fate is at the end of the hangman’s noose. There were few pirates Julian had known who felt their life would end gently. Mezalinka was one exception because, unlike many on the seas, she was smart. She would never have made the choices Julian did. The same choices that put him now upon that podium, looking out over the millions of faces, with a noose around his neck. His former life came to catch up with him.
It weighed more than he had expected.
He understood that this was the only way. He has already made this choice. There was no turning back now, so in his last words to the crowd he spoke only truth. Each of them understood but were too scared to voice it. He wished Lucio were there to hear it, to watch his smug face witness the crowd reaction. But Lucio wasn’t there; he was dead, and Julian was about to be so as well. Though not for long.
As Julian looked out over the crowd, he found one face. One beautiful face, he swore he could pick out of any crowd, with its brilliant sapphire eyes framed by long dark hair. The face of his beautiful Sparrow. Sparrow, always resolute, who trailed him through it all, knew the genuine person hidden behind the plague doctor mask. He hated how she looked so upset. Throughout their misadventures so far, she had been a pillar of strength, carrying with her a stubbornness that rivaled his own. She never let him waver, not even in the dire moments. She never appeared scared... until now. Now she looked at him with wide eyes, misted with tears unfallen. He knew she would rush the stage if she could save him once again. But they both knew it would never work. She had to trust his plan, which he knew went against her instincts as the guard dog she was.
He wished he could say something to her. Reassure her that this would succeed, that he wasn't leaving, remembering her holding his hand as if he would before. He wanted to tell her that he would return to her soon. Yet, after they tightened the noose, he could not find the words. He prayed it would be a quick death, as he would not wish her to see any more than she had to. He attempted to express himself with his eyes, to reassure her.
Then, the bottom gave way, and he felt like he was falling.
Summary: A doctor and his assistant work into the night to transcribe his notes.
Vesuvia Weekly Prompt: Midnight Deadlines
Tonight was the night, the monthly reading and transcribing of Julian’s notes which are many and in great need of organization. Like so many things in his life, Julian was a bit…disorganized. That’s not to say that he was a complete mess, but there was some room for improvement especially with just how many notes he could take in a day (being both a doctor and a man of science). At first, he had taken it upon himself to do the work, putting only himself in danger of not getting enough sleep. But Sparrow was quick to point out that one, she was his assistant, and it was her job to assist, and two, that it was also her job to see that he didn’t fall into old habits, like not getting enough sleep. They could get through twice as many notes with two heads than they could with one. So began the tradition of Sparrow making tea, Julian making coffee, and the both of them settling in his office to begin some much-needed work under candlelight.
Julian settled behind his desk while Sparrow settled on the sofa behind him, both having their own piles to deal with as they settled into a comfortable work silence. Of course, as hard as Julian tried to work, he couldn’t help stealing a moment to watch Sparrow work. He loved how her green eyes almost looked aflame with focus in the light from the lantern above, the way she brushed a bit of errant hair from her face back up behind her ear. Though they were working and usually when she worked it would be up, these late evenings she would decide to be more comfortable and let it down. Julian loved to run his hair through the long dark gentle curls of hair which were very well maintained. He also loved the way she carefully moved her hand to make that cute little loopy handwriting of hers. He almost wished that she could dot her alphabet with hearts like she did in her many love letters, but then again that wasn’t professional (and he secretly enjoyed that she only did it for him). She was a great assistant, probably the best he had ever had, which was good because she was really the only one, he had ever had.
“Julian,” Sparrow said suddenly, not looking up, “you are getting distracted.”
Julian jumped to attention. “Yes, mam,” he said turning quickly back around his chair again. He began to scratch out notes again but felt a set of familiar lips kiss his cheek. He smiled. “Now who’s getting distracted?”
“Just taking a bit of break,” Sparrow answered, one hand coming up to play with his hair. “I’m going to make some more tea, do you want some?”
“No thank you, but I will take some more coffee.”
“Fine but only one more cup sir,” she warned. “You are jittery enough, plus we don’t want to cause you any more ulcers, got me?”
“Yes mam,” Julian said with a slight grin, shivering a little as she played a little with the sensitive hair on his neck.
She was right, he knew that, but he had managed years on coffee alone (which he knew wasn’t healthy, but he had been deep in the hole then), so the addiction was a little hard to break. Still, she brought him more coffee and he was happy. They again settled into a content silence, which stretched for a long while. Julian couldn’t be sure how long, a few hours maybe. Luckily, he managed to finish his piles, which meant it was probably time for bed. He turned to ask if Sparrow was ready but instead, he found her sweetly curled up on the sofa, fast asleep. He smiled softly as he looked at her peaceful form. There were still a couple of piles around her, a testament to the fact that she was still not as used to the insomnia as he was. Julian rose quietly from his desk and grabbed his coat from where it hung, draping it over Sparrow like a blanket. He then knelt beside her, kissing her forehead gently. He looked at her face lovingly, brushing away a bit of hair behind her ear before settling at his desk again to finish. In the end he probably would end up sleeping on the floor beside her, which, of course, would make Sparrow cross with him (because why would you not just wake her up or at least get some kind of pillow rather than breaking your back), but in the end it would be worth it.
So hey, this is me being unable to sleep until I put this down into words, so if you have no interest then this probably isn't for you, but since it's his birthday I have been thinking about Lucio a lot especially as it pertains to my AU that I am currently writing. Now Lucio doesn't feature in a lot of my work currently, not because I don't like him (because I really do I find him fascinating and an interesting character) but more because the three routes I'm weaving together are Asra's, Julian's, and Muriel's, all of which feature Lucio as the "villain" and essentially defeated in the end.
That being said I was thinking of ideas of how-to bring Lucio back and 'redeem' in such a way to make him a more friendly figure. My ideas range from a Lucio from another world who has seen the light and is already working on changing, (though if you have any ideas let me know) but all this thought about it has made me think on how the Songbirds would actually interact with Lucio once he is a friend.
Robin, I think would be the most patient with him, given Robin's dad kind of attitude. I have thought that if Robin hadn't ended up with Asra, Lucio would probably have been my second choice because I could see Robin's gentleness as a good foil to Lucio's attitude. I think Lucio, like Asra, would be good at bringing out Robin's courage as well. I had a story line a while back that had Lucio even teaching Robin sword fighting (though that story line isn't really being used anymore, though could make for a cute side story).
Sparrow is a tricky one as she doesn't take any guff from people, and Lucio would probably try to push back, which would probably make him see why Sparrow is called 'the guard dog'. She would probably stare him down enough to make him listen, though once she could see his better side, I bet she would ease up a little (just a bit). She probably would over time develop a friendship with him, talking about adventure stories over tea which Sparrow would convince him is good.
Lark is probably the hardest of all however, even though he has the lightest temperament. I think because most of early interaction with Lucio came from Muriel's Route, that (without giving too many spoilers for those who have not actually played it) is a rough one for Lucio being a villain. It takes Lark a long time to realize that this is not the same Lucio and that he can chance for the better. I have the joke in my head that Lark says, "Old Lucio is a guy with the same name as you (New Lucio), who looks similar, but your face is better" (New Lucio: *Smirking* "Damn Straight."). I think they would become good friends, and I imagine they would start writing music together, with Lark playing guitar and Lucio singing (he might actually have a nice voice if he wouldn't try to do anything crazy).
Anyways that's my musing on Lucio's birthday. Happy birthday Lucio from the Songbirds who have adopted you as their goat friend.
Part of the Songbird AU and written for @vesuviaweekly's prompt 'Snuggle Weather'
Inspired by this song:
Julian cursed as he tried his best to focus. The storm had rolled in far too quickly and he was unable to avoid it. His first instinct was to panic as the rain and wind threatened to drown him, but he bit his lip and tried to focus. He just had to make it home. The streets were dark and cold but if he could make it home and not be swallowed up, he would be fine. Just had to make it home and-
He blinked as he suddenly found himself near blinded by a bright light. At first he thought it might have been the sun but as his eyes adjusted he realized that it was a orb of light. A magical orb of light, followed by the damp shadowy form of-
“Sparrow!” Julian gasped, panic growing, “Darling, you shouldn’t be out here! It isn’t-“
“It might not be,” Sparrow said, determination in her eyes as she took his hand, “but I am not leaving you to face this alone. Come on, let’s go home.”
And he followed her. As they walked, his hand held tightly in hers, he could see her face illuminated by the ball of light she held. She seemed unafraid, though she held his hand just as tightly. Strangely though the storm still raged, Julian felt his anxiety lessen. He knew they weren’t out of it yet but still there was hope.
Suddenly the storm was gone, the clouds opening up to a clear night sky. The stars were bright, forming many a familiar constellation. Julian could feel the sand under his boots and hear the gentle sound of the waves. In the distance there was a swirling light. A light house perhaps? Julian felt Sparrow squeeze his hand. He looked at her as she smiled. “We’re okay,” she said as she hugged him. He felt her warmth even through the cold. He wrapped his arms around her.
Then he woke up. Julian’s mind eased back into reality as he came to realize that he was at home in the clinic, in his own bedroom no less. The room was dark, the fire having died down ages ago, though his eyes had no trouble seeing. He could hear the sounds of the storm outside, though they were muffled by the walls and windows. Beside him, Sparrow stirred only a little under their blankets. She shifted closer to him, arms wrapped around him, warming his cold body. Julian smiled as he snuggled in, resting his head atop her hair, breathing in and letting out a happy sigh.
Author Notes:
So, I am writing this at the final hour on Christmas Eve, after having written several different versions over the past week or so (lol). I wasn't sure I wanted Sparrow and Julian to be so dramatic but frankly they are my dramatic couple. Anyways, i hope you enjoyed and are having a good holiday.
Pairing: Julian/Sparrow (She/Her Apprentice), a little Asra/Robin (He/Him Apprentice)
Word Count: 1,414
Summary: Asra and Robin go into action when others in their family are at odds.
...
All was not well in the magic shop. Well, that wasn’t completely true as it was well but there was a clear tension in the air as Asra and Robin, huddled by the kitchen door listening to the love birds ‘argue’.
“I don’t see why you take such an issue with my drinking coffee!”
“I take issue with that sludge because every time you drink that stuff it causes you no amount of bodily harm!”
“Nonsense, I have been drinking it for years and I’m fine!”
“Seriously?”
Robin and Asra shared a knowing look. “Divide and conquer?” Robin asked.
Asra nodded. “I’ll take Sparrow, and you take Julian.”
“I don’t think we’ve had to use this maneuver since the twins were kids,” Robin sighed, as he prepared to open the door, “let’s hope it’s as effective now as it was then.”
Asra smiled as he moved to put the tea kettle on the stove.
…
The kettle let out a shout and Asra removed it, pouring some into a couple cups. “What do you think, rose and lavender or something spicier?” He asked, turning to Sparrow who stood with her arms crossed. “What is better to dish over? It’s been a while since we’ve had the chance to sit here and talk.”
Sparrow sighed. “I don’t think I’m really in the mood master.”
“Indulge me,” Asra said as he moved over to the pantry. “As the mistress of making tea I trust your judgement in this matter.”
Sparrow sighed again but released her arms. “At least you do,” she said as she joined Asra in the pantry. She quickly selected box of rose tea, showing Asra. “This one is a good sitting tea.”
Asra smiled as he nodded. “Once again, you are very right my dear. Shall we?” Soon he was leaning back against the counter, watching as Sparrow carefully steeped the tea, adding the right amount of magic to it before handing it to him, and then beginning on her cup. There was a bit of tartness to the tea, which Asra assumed could only be the emotion in Sparrow’s magic. Soul magic was sometimes very emotionally based. He didn’t make a face just watched as Sparrow took her sip. “You know we used to do this a lot when you were younger,” he mused, “we’d make a cup of tea and then talk about things going on.”
Sparrow shot him just a bit of side eye. “If you are trying to get me to talk about Julian- “
“I know how much of a handful he can be,” Asra said, in between sips, “I know he can be kind of set in his ways, especially with his habits.”
Sparrow set her tea down as she sighed. “I know, I just thought I was finally getting through to him. He was getting more sleep, eating better, and now with this he refuses to even listen. It’s just a cup of coffee, not even that it’s sludge! It’s black ooze and he refuses to even consider he toll it’s taking on his body!” Sparrow threw up her hands in exasperation as she continued, soon settling into crossing her arms again as her face became pouty. “It makes him all jittery, breaks his sleep cycle, not to mention I am pretty sure it’s one of the reasons he’s getting ulcers! But every time I try to bring up the idea of giving it up, he refuses to listen! Why is he so attached to this stuff?”
Asra set his cup aside and looked at the young lady in front of him. She had come a long way from the days of crying over young men, but clearly some things never really changed. He smiled gently as he chose his next words carefully. “Did Julian ever tell you the story of how he discovered coffee?”
Sparrow’s face perked up, just a little. “No, he hasn’t.”
“It’s probably because it came at a very chaotic time,” Asra mused, “you see, he once told me it was back when he was a medic in the war.”
“He…” Sparrow began, her body softening a bit as she released her arms, “Julian doesn’t talk about that time.”
“He will,” Asra assured, laying a hand on her shoulder, “it took him a long time to be comfortable in telling me. I remember he told me that coffee was one of the few things that he and the other soldiers had to hold on to. They would enjoy a cup of coffee and talk about their lives back home. It was something they could share, a good thing that brought them a bit of happiness and made them think it was possible to get back home. Now for Julian It’s a reminder of those good times, of sharing a drink with those he cared about. Asra knowingly glanced at his and Sparrow’s teacup. “Kind of reminds me of how you make tea for the people you care about.”
Sparrow said nothing at first, just looked at Asra. She then leaned in and gave his cheek a kiss. “Excuse me,” she said as she moved to the door. She turned back as she reached it and smiled. “Thank you.”
Asra watched her go with a smile. He set the teacups into the sink and wondered how Robin was doing.
…
“If you brought me here to talk about Sparrow- “Julian began but stopped as Robin poured a drink into his glass. The alcohol was clear and sweet smelling.
Robin shrugged as he poured himself some drink before putting the bottle back down on the bar. The Rowdy Raven was pretty quiet, it being a weekday afternoon which was probably a good thing. “I just figured you could use a drink,” Robin offered picking up the drink in his hand, “that sounded like quiet the disagreement.”
Julian sighed as he picked up his own glass leaning back against the bar. “I love your sister, but I swear sometimes she can be so stubborn!”
“You are preaching to the choir,” Robin chuckled, “I grew up with her.”
“Granted I know she was only trying to take care of me,” Julian argued, “and usually I would agree but giving up coffee, the thing that has gotten me through these hard times! I would rather give up one of my big toes and not be able to walk correctly for the rest of my life than give up coffee! And then she suggested that I take up drinking tea, I mean nothing against tea but it’s hardly coffee! I mean you’ve had coffee, so you understand right?”
Robin winced just a little. “Well…”
“Et tu Robin?”
“You fell in with a tea loving family,” Robin chuckled, “Sorry bro, it’s a trait passed down through our family. Actually, did you know our mother used tea to heal people?”
Julian’s eyes widened a bit as he blinked. “No, I don’t think you…or Sparrow have ever brought it up?”
“Well, I don’t know how much Sparrow actually remembers,” Robin mused, taking a sip of his drink. “I think I got most of the memories when the whole thing happened, and I haven’t wanted to cause my sibs any pain, so I’ve kept it to myself. But yeah, our mother was kind of a healer, kind of like a doctor but with just a bit more magic to it. She would make potions for people as well as special teas that would help heal sickness as well as maybe send a bit of love or luck their way. When Sparrow was little, she used to follow our mother around, being her little helper. I think it’s where Sparrow found her love of helping people as well as her skills in making potions and more importantly tea.” Robin swirled the clear liquid in his glass, watching as it sparkled, even in the low light. “You know, after our mother’s…death, I think that was what she really held on to. She makes potions and tea to help people, because she inherited not only our mother’s looks but also the desire to help all those that she can. Sometimes she gets a bit too stubborn about it but it’s always because she cares.”
Julian was silent, staring down at the drink in his hand. Then he downed it with one gulp. “I have to go,” he said as he hurried towards the door.
Robin smiled. His part in divide and conquer was a clear success.
After Notes:
Sparrow and Julian did make up, and they came up with an agreement of three coffee at most, it just didn't fit well in the end.
Not me waking up in the middle of the night remembering how I wanted to try this year (*cried in lack of sleep*). Anyways please ask, will answer for all three of them (Robin, Sparrow and Lark), and this will probably help me flesh them out as I work on their longer story. Please ask me and get my brain flowing!
(Borrowed from the ever lovely @iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia and the Arcana tumblr.)
