Saw a Flicker

[the-littlest-illusionist]

theboywithironblood:

Loren smiled, “Maybe someday.” For now it was his secret. Running one hand through his hair, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was forgetting something.

“Oh!” He startled at little as it hit him, “I made you something.” His eyes swept over to his desk with apprehension, “Finding it might be a different question.” He made his way to the messy surface, stepping over papers that were still on the floor from that time he passed out.

As he pawed through papers, he smiled up at Selene, “How could I ever say no to wine. As a frenchman it would be a scandal!”

It wasn’t on his desk, in fact the ring he’d made her was hanging on a chain on the cork board he’d attached to the pillar beside it. There was a sticky note attached that just read, “You’re welcome” on it in sharp letters. Pulling the ring free, he made a mental note to thank Ari later.

Loren presented the ring to Selene with a smile, “I may have improved your handgun while I was in my work haze.” It was one of the more elegant ones he’d created; a white opal surrounded by delicate silver swirls and an embroidery-esque woven band. Even he’d been impressed with his work, and he considered himself hard to please. The gun was just as fancy, with an ivory grip and floral designs carved in.

He may have gone overboard.

Selene smiled. Loren was always making something it seemed. He took his work seriously, a trait she really did admire. She’d always taken her study of magic seriously. It was nice to know that someone else was as serious as she was. 

She watched Loren look around frantically, wondering what he was looking for. That lasted a moment before she retrieved two glasses. Okay. This was a hard spell. She wasn’t sure she could do it anymore. But she’d try. For Loren, she would try. 

She held her hands over he glasses, and whispered a simple incantation “Incantare vitrum aqua,” Selene whispered, both glasses filling with water. Okay. She still had a chance. But this was the first spell she’d worked in a month. She needed to stay focused. Or else, well, this could all backfire. 

Selene glanced up at Loren, seeing the son of Hephaestus was still searching his desk, she turned her attention back to the glasses of water. “Incantare aquam in vinum,” she whispered, the liquid in the glasses only turning a pale lavender. “Merde,” she muttered, closing her eyes to whisper the incantation again. 

Selene opened her eyes, distracted from the glasses by Loren. In his hands was the most beautiful ring she’d ever see. “Loren,” she whispered, taking the ring and slipping it on to her finger. “C'est très belle .” Selene finally turned her attention to the glasses, seeing rich, dark purple liquid in both. “I did it,” Selene said, barely believing it. She hadn’t expected it to work. She smiled at Loren. “I hope it’s better than the boxed wine taste of last time.”

[the-littlest-illusionist]

wesley-of-the-sea:

The spark was pretty, though it was really just a small flash of light. Spells seemed hard to cast and they wondered how she didn’t mix up one with another at times.

“Not practicing something for a while can cause problems. Don’t beat yourself over it, I understand.” Most things were hard to do after long periods of time. Magic, not being commonly used must be much harder than other everyday tasks.

“Same to you.” This was the person that they heard about. She seemed like a good person and all that they heard matched up. They have seen her before too. “Yes, you’re a Mist Support Field Agent if I’m not mistaken right?” There were so many people around here, mainly Hunters making it hard for Wes to determine who was what.

“Just wondering, how old were you when you first began casting spells? Was it a surprise to you?” Not trying to sound rude and wanting to change the subject so she wouldn’t dwell on what previously happened. Maybe she was just being shy, that’s how they’d probably react to someone they knew little about too.

Selene nodded. There was some truth to that. She was out of practise. That’s why she lost the control so easily. It took more focus than she was used to exerting. She’d get it back though. She would. She had to. “I’m a little out of practise,” she admitted, glancing over at her spellbook. “With my, injuries, it was hard to practise." 

That wasn’t the real reason she was out of practise. That was only part of it. She’d been so afraid of what Loren would think of her magic. She’d refused to touch it again even considering giving her spellbook to the devil cat, Catsby. 

Selene nodded. "Yes, I’m partner with Balo,” she said with a small smile. “We haven’t done much though. Shortly after being assigned partners, I was put on bed rest.” That was code for, had her sides smashed in by some kind of blunt weapon and nearly dying in Loren’s arms some five minutes after her first kiss. 

“Oh, um, I was, six or seven I think,” Selene murmured. “It wasn’t on purpose. I used to be afraid of the dark and there was a storm that took out our power and my nightlight. I was very scared and just wished I could have a light and then, I don’t know how it happened, but lights just sprung from hands. I’m not sure what was scarier. The fact that lights came from my hands or the dark." 

Selene blushed. "Oh, I’m sorry,” she said quickly. “I’m sure you didn’t want to hear my story.” No that’s wrong. She knew that was. They’d asked her about these things. But she didn’t often ramble about herself. It was just habit to apologise for it.

[the-littlest-illusionist]

wesley-of-the-sea:

It wasn’t everyday that Wes would find them self here but they actually didn’t mind the quiet. They kept part their mind on the book, picking up some useful information that they may need in the future. Maybe not as much as others, they were Mist Support anyways.

They began drifting away in thought, the words on the pages didn’t mean anything anymore. Just then a spark of light appeared a few inches away from their face, snapping them out of their thought. Looking around to see who it may have been. They spotted a lady standing parallel to them.

They knew a slight bit of French but not enough to piece the entire sentence together. Then she translated which made much more sense to them. “Oh, don’t worry it’s fine. A lot of things get out of hand at times, if anything the glint of light was a reminder for me to finish reading my book.”

Was she the girl that they heard people talking about? The one who could cast spells? Wes knew her name was something like Selena- no that doesn’t sound right. Maybe Selene? Yes, that sounds about right. “Well, I guess we should introduce ourselves. I’m Wesley, who may you be?”

Selene’s face blushed brightly. She hadn’t meant to let the magic get out of control. Usually she was better than that. But really, her mind hadn’t been with it totally as of late. She was out of practice and rather unfocused. She needed to get some good practise in.

“I really am sorry,” Selene said again, her cheeks still burning. “I, I am rather out of practice. I haven’t worked a spell in about a month.” Part of it was the injury. Punctured lung, broken ribs, all of that did make it hard to work magic. She needed more of her strength to work a spell or she risked it backfiring.

“Um, I’m Selene,” she said softly, twirling a blonde curl around her finger absently. “It’s nice to meet you, um, I think I’ve seen you around. You’re a, handler right? With Mist Support?” It wasn’t like she’d had much field work. Shortly after being assigned her partner, the, incident happened.

She had been recovering, no time for field work. But that was okay. With how foggy and unfocused her mind was? She wasn’t going to be any good to anyone.

[the-littlest-illusionist]

wesley-of-the-sea:

Wes woke up to a rough start today. First they knocked their phone off of their nightstand, cracking the screen. The second part was that they couldn’t find where they left their wallet. Their room was just too messy that morning. It took them about an hour to clean everything and find it underneath a pile of clothes.

They walked to the library needing somewhere where they could relax and just settle down to read a book. Upon arriving there they smoothed their hand across the books looking for a good story to read.

They looked and stopped for a second, finding one of their favorite books. Turning away they switched isles and looked in the survival guide section. Picking up one book and seating themselves in one of the empty seats reading quietly.

She found herself in the library for the first time in about a month. She had her spellbook open, reading some more simple incantations. She hadn’t worked any magic in a month. She needed a simple spell. Something that would be easily cast and maintained. She turned to one of the first spells she’d learned.

Closing her eyes in quiet concentration, she willed forth the magic in her blood. “Incantare lumina chorum,” she whispered, feeling the energies pulse through her finger tips as two, small balls of light spring forth from them. She smiled, the faint, twinkling lights dancing above the table.

Okay, so she hadn’t lost her talent for magic. She’d have to come up with someway to surprise Loren later. Maybe she’d attempt to make them wine again. The wine had been shitty the first time, but she really wanted to try again.

So distracted was she by the thought of surprising Loren that she lost her focus, one of the balls of light breaking free of her control and whizzing through the air before bursting in front of another person. “Oh, um, je suit désolé,” Selene said quickly, forgetting for a moment that most people here didn’t speak French. “Uh, sorry, I’m so sorry. It just kinda got away from me.” The spell itself was harmless. But still, a burst of light exploding in your face, well, that could be a bit surprising.

[the-littlest-illusionist]

theboywithironblood:

At her mention of not speaking German, Loren let out a soft laugh, “I know, that’s why I said it in German.” German was something of a safety net, and he wasn’t exactly ready to repeat his sentence in any other language.

He wasn’t quite ready to let her go yet, but pulled back just enough that they were face to face, “I’d never ask you to give up magic, Selene. That’d be like asking me to stop engineering. You do what makes you happy. Don’t worry about me, I have nothing against magic.”

The brunette smiled, “Especially not after you just learned how to turn water into semi-decent wine, come on now. This is exactly the magic this world needs.”

Selene gave Loren a look. Now she was really curious, but she wasn’t sure she even remembered what he said to google it later. She’d just have to wait for him to be ready to say in another language. Preferably one she understood. “D’accord,” she murmured, giving Loren a smile. Gods it felt so good to see him again. “You don’t have to say anything you don’t want to you know.”

For the first time in weeks, Selene felt like smiling. She felt like a huge weight had been lifted getting to see Loren again. She’d missed him so much. He dominated her waking thoughts and the incidents and potential futures haunted her nightmares. To see Loren, to know he didn’t hate her, it felt so amazing. The corners of her lips turned up in an almost permanent smile. She just felt so, right with Loren.

Selene smiled at Loren shyly. “I just, maybe, um, je ferais n’importe quoi pour toi,” she admitted, defaulting to French after the English failed her. “It’s just, tu me rends heureux et je veux tu rendre heureux aussi…” Selene leaned in, rolling up on her toes to place a gentle kiss to his cheek. “But if you don’t mind magic, I won’t stop it.”

Selene felt her cheeks heat into a blush. “It was, a tough incantation,” she said with a shy smile. “But I suppose I could try to make us some wine if you want? It’s been a while since I’ve done any magic, or even played with an illusion.”

[the-littlest-illusionist]

theboywithironblood:

Loren let out a small, incredibly awkward laugh, “Sorry. German was my first language…” German, than French and then English. All three had blurred into one mess of a language in his house.

He absolutely wasn’t expecting her to kiss him and he wasn’t ready to admit that he let out a panicked squeak when she yanked him down. Once’s he’s over the initial shock of being kissed, he’s startled by just how cold Selene is. In their time apart he’d forgotten. Pouring as much gentle warmth into his skin as he could, he cupped her cheek and pulled her closer.

Loren can’t answer her right away when she pulls back, from the sheer ridiculousness of everything and probably from lack of sleep. They’d both been so far off, running circles around each other for fear the other thought something that they didn’t.

He pulled her in for a hug, tucking his chin against her shoulder, “Magic’s saved my ass far to many times for me to hate it.” he smiled, “Ausserdem, Ich liebe dich zu viel fur.”  

Selene blushed brightly at Loren's response to her kiss. She was about to pull away, apologise when his warm hand moved to her cheek, pulling her in. She'd only just surprised him. Honestly, she's surprised herself. She really didn't think she would do something like that. But she'd felt like she had to. She needed him to know how she felt.

Selene closed her eyes against Loren's embrace, pressing her nose against his neck. He was so warm. His skin seemed to radiate warmth. He truly was the fire to her ice. Selene's arms wrapped Loren, palms resting against his back. "I don't speak German," she whispered, wanting to stay like this for forever.

"I'm sorry Loren," she murmured, her nose still pressed against the warmth of his neck. "I didn't, I didn't think you'd like me because of the magic. I haven't done any magic or illusions since that night. If you wanted me to, I'd never do any of that again." She meant that. If Loren wanted her to stop, she would. She'd do whatever she needed to do to make Loren happy.

[the-littlest-illusionist]

theboywithironblood:

Loren listened to Selene talk, biting down on the inside of his cheek. He didn’t know how to react, didn’t really want to in a way. If he could melt between the cracks in the tile floor he would; everything was going wrong. At her last words however, Loren half recoiled, mind sparking like a wire.

He tried to work around the words, but French and English had deserted him, “Augenblick!” Holding up his hands, he barely noticed he has lapsed into German, “Warum Man sollte meinen!?” He took a step forward and froze.

Taking a deep breath and running a hand through his hair, he managed to find English at least, “You understood none of that, did you?”

Closing his eyes, Loren pinched the bridge of his nose, “I said, why would you think that.” he let out a small, sad laugh, “I tried to come see you actually. But I uh. Passed out. Haven’t really been sleeping” Gesturing vaugley towards his face he continued, “I thought you wouldn’t want to see me. You got hurt so badly because I got caught up in a stupid fear and couldn’t see past it for two seconds to help you.” Loren could feel his body heating up and forced himself to breath, counting to thirty until the air sweeping past his lips wasn’t scalding.

He tugged at the collar of his shirt like it would help him talk around the lump in his throat, “I can make weapons all day, seven days a week, but I was outside these walls for three hours and I couldn’t even help protect the person I care about more than anything from one guy.”

Selene looked at Loren, a crease forming between her brow. She didn’t speak German. She never did. She was confused. She just stood there, watching him with a tear filled gaze. “I, I don’t speak German,” she admitted, playing her hair nervously. “I’m just, I’m still from Canada.” She blushed, her cheeks red. She spoke French and English fluently, sure, but she was still Canadian. Learning German hadn’t been high on her priorities.

“B-because,” she said, frowning with confusion. “You, you did? I, I wanted to see you so badly. You’re all I’ve thought about. I kept trying to come see you, but Balo and Ches, they wouldn’t let me come down to see you.” Selene watched Loren, watched the way he moved. If that’s what he thought, than, than it wasn’t what she wanted.

“Loren, tu es un idiot,” she murmured, swallowing before surging forward, pulling Loren down to press her lips to his. She felt the warmth spread across her lips and body. She hadn’t been warm like this since that night. Loren was warm, something she never was. He made her warm. She liked it. She liked the way his lips felt against hers.

Pulling back, she trailed her fingers along his chest softly. “Je ne veux pas du tout,” she murmured. “I, I thought you maybe wouldn’t want to see me because, because it was magic that put you there. It was an illusion. I thought you maybe thought that magic was, was dangerous. And I, je craignais que tu ne voudrais pas moi.”

[the-littlest-illusionist]

theboywithironblood:

Loren had actually slept, for once, and it had kick started his need to work even more. At least now he was doing some actual work, not senseless ideas caused by a delirious fever. He was also repairing his own weapon, something he rarely did. Even so, he still heard Selene’s voice over the sound of the sharpening wheel. It wouldn’t have mattered if she’d whispered, it would’ve cut through to him. 

Her voice closed around his chest like a vice.

He pulled his sword off the wheel and lifted his foot off the pedal, peeling the wielding mask back. Dropping the mask on the nearest table he met her eyes, “Ca fait un bail, Selene.” His lips half twitched into a smile, moving across the room to hand up his sword. Loren let his shaking fingers rest of the flat of the blade, closing his eyes to try and steady them. This wall had become his coping mechanism of sorts. Lined with weapon upon weapon to prove to himself that he wasn’t a failure.

“Je suis le meilleur possible.” He finally forced the answer through his teeth, trying to keep his voice level, “Tu te sens mieux?”

Selene swallowed. She couldn’t do this. She really could not do this. She wanted to turn and run. He was so casual, so calm. And inside, she was dying. She felt her eyes water. She fought back the tears. He didn’t, did he not miss her? All she’d thought about for the last month was Loren. And here, it’s like, she hadn’t even crossed his mind. She tightened her arm around her side, trying to stop herself from breaking down. Selene just wanted to curl up and fall apart. He didn’t care about her at all….

“Tu n'es pas venu me voir,” Selene said, swallowing heavily. She wanted to curl up and pretend none of this was happening right now. “I, I thought you would have come to visit me. I wanted to see you.” She shifted nervously, playing with a loose blonde curl absently. “Between Balo and Ches, I’ve barely been allowed out of my room…. I tried to come see you though, I’m sorry, about, you know, everything…”

She swallowed. Here goes nothing. “I know, um, I don’t, um, si tu ne voulais pas me voir plus,” Selene looked away, trying to hide the few stray tears that fell from her eyes. She wiped at them quickly. Keep it together Selene. “Je comprends….”

[the-littlest-illusionist]

@theboywithironblood

She'd done what she was told. Selene had waited until she was healed. She was close enough to being perfect. Her sides ached a little here and there, but ultimately not too bad. Oscar had said she was healing fine. That meant she was well enough to go down to the labs. That meant she was well enough to see Loren. She still hadn't seen him since that night. She knew what he was thinking. She was a witch, and now that he'd seen the evil magic could do, he'd want nothing to do with her.

But she needed to hear it from him. Selene made her way to the lab, arm wrapped around her side. It wasn't that she was in pain, not yet at least. After little more than a month of resting and recuperating, she was healed enough to make the walk to the labs. Just, holding her sides had become more of a habit than anything. Selene had spent weeks staring at the Devil Cat, preying to the gods that he left her well-enough alone.

Getting out of her room was a rare enough occasion. Getting to see Loren? That's all she'd thought about since that night. She stopped outside the door to the lab, hesitating. He wouldn't want to see her. She was a witch. The evil magic could do would be fresh on his mind. But Selene hadn't touched an illusion or an incantation since that night. She'd never do magic again if it meant Loren would still want to see her.

Selene took a deep breath, knocking on the door before pushing the door open. "Um, bonjour Loren," she said, stepping into the room. She didn't see him right away. But she knew he'd be here. Loren was always here. "Um, comment ça va?"

[the-littlest-illusionist]

rainbowsandbalian:

Balo shrugs, “it’s fine. I feel horrible for making you speak English. Ches tried teaching me once and I did not have an easy time.” She supposed going to someone who was naturally fluent due to their mother’s powers was not the smartest choice in teacher - but regardless. Balo had failed miserably at her one and only attempt - and avoided Ches’s offers to teach her since.

She shakes her head, “Selene, it’s not a good idea - trust me. You should rest for now. When you’re better you can see him. Promise.” She didn’t want to tell her partner about Loren’s current condition.  She wouldn’t be happy - and she needed to focus on her own recovery.

“Just - next time Ches brings food to him, I’ll have her request he stops down.” She says the words without thinking and she bites her lip when she realizes they slipped out. “He’s been so busy with his work - he’s forgetting meal times. Ches has been bringing him food - making sure he’s eating. She’s really good at that.”

Ches could be the food police in all honesty - she was way too good at noticing people weren’t eating and sneaking them food in an attempt to get them to eat. It was actually kind of scary.

Selene shrugged. “I could teach you,” she said with a soft smile. She was going crazy in here. “I imagine it might be easier to learn from someone who had to learn it, as opposed to just being born capable of comprehending it.” Selene needed something to do. She just, the desire to work on magic was weak, her desire to work on her illusions was gone. She needed an outlet.

Something to focus on besides Loren.

“Wait, he’s not eating?” Selene asked, a frown passing across her features. Now, she knew Loren got caught up in his work easily. But it wasn’t like him to skip full meals like that. “Il va être la mort de moi,” Selene mumbled. She got to her feet shakily, her sides screaming in pain.

“Either you come with me, or you get out of my way,” Selene said, her voice quivering against the strain. “I’m going to see him. Et tu ne pouves pas me arrêter.” Selene trembled. She wasn’t in any condition to do anything really. But if Loren wasn’t eating, that meant something was really wrong. And she needed to help. This was her fault anyway.

Selene staggered to the door, stumbling slightly. Her sides were killing her. She needed to be resting, needed to give her bones a chance to heal correctly, but she just, she needed to see Loren. “Ce qui est erroné Loren?” she whispered, knowing full well that Loren couldn’t hear her.

She’d never been so concerned about someone before.

[the-littlest-illusionist]

rainbowsandbalian:

Balo raises an eyebrow, she didn’t speak French - Ches had offered but one failed lesson and Balo wasn’t exactly looking forward to learning the language of love. It gave Ches a language to swear in though - and she recognized that word from her friend’s mouth.

Which meant Selene swore.

“Please say that was a nice swear…” Balo fretted, “I know you hate being cooped up and I get it - but your recovery is very important, Selene. I hope if I injured myself you’d keep me from doing anything that could agitate the injury.” She gives her a reassuring smile. “Once you get the all clear though, I think we need to sneak out and do some shopping or something.”

She helps Selene to her bed, ignoring her comment on films - if she didn’t want to watch a movie it was fine. She could read to her instead or something. She just couldn’t go see Loren - Ches said he looked like something out of The Walking Dead - and while she was sure the red head was exaggerating if Loren wasn’t doing well.

It was better to keep Selene and him apart until she was recovered.

“I know, and I’m sorry, but, you have to rest. The labs are quite the walk.” She tells Selene. “It’s not that - I know it’s not that. He’s just been busy.” It’s not a total lie - he was busy, throwing himself in his work - and it wasn’t that he didn’t like her.

He was literally a walking zombie.

“I’m sure he’ll be down to visit soon. You know how he gets when he works.” Lies, utter lies - but it wasn’t like she could tell her Loren was practically among the dead.

That wouldn’t go over well.

Selene sighed. “Désolé,” she mumbled, pushing her blonde hair from her face. “Uh, sorry.” She had to remember that Balo didn’t speak French. But she wasn’t used to really talking to people outside Loren. She usually hung out around the Labs because it was quiet there. There wasn’t a lot of foot traffic. And honestly? The only disturbances to the peace were the sounds of Loren and Austin and the other Research and Technology staff tinkering inside the Lab.

She missed sitting outside of there. She could work in peace, only occasionally interrupted by Loren asking for help with an enchantment or just to talk. She missed that so much. She just wanted to see him more than anything. She just had to know. She had to know what he really thought of her. No more speculating, just get the answer and move on with her life.

“I can make it,” Selene protested. “I’m almost better. I can make a walk to the lab. It wouldn’t be that hard.” She knew that wasn’t true. She wasn’t almost better and she probably would not have been able to make the walk. She’d have to take multiple breaks. She wasn’t stupid. “I just want to see him.”

She needed to see him. Loren had been all she could think about these last few days, or weeks, or whatever. She needed to see him. She woke up in a sweat every night, nightmares weighing on her mind. Watching Loren’s lost, illusion-enhanced gaze, him blaming her. Calling her a witch. Selene shuddered, making her hiss in pain. She needed to see him. To know if that’s what he thought, or not.

[the-littlest-illusionist]

rainbowsandbalian:

Balo’s hands were covered in marker, she supposed that drawing on a handler’s face was frowned upon - but in all honesty - it had been Ches’s idea - and Collen wasn’t aggressive - if there was anyone for Ches to prank, he was the safest bet. He was more of a giant teddy bear than anything - and he gave excellent hugs.

Ace was lucky - he was a good friend.

She was about to head in her room when she runs into Selene and her eyes narrow. If Selene hadn’t been attempting to sneak out constantly - she would have believed her partner - but this was a lie, it was clear as day. “We both know that’s a lie.” She points out, “so, how about we get you back to bed? We can watch a movie or something.”

“We don’t want you to get hurt worse - after all.” It was a valid concern, Selene had been hurt - and Balo didn’t want anything worse to happen to her partner. “I’ll even let you pick the movie! Just nothing scary - and no Rugrats.. Reptar is freaky.”

She wasn’t joking either - the scene where the robotic dinosaur malfunctioned in Rugrats in Paris always freaked her out. Ches said it was one of her more adorable quirks. She just thought that scene was horrible.

Scary dinosaurs were not appreciated - no doubt about that.

Selene sighed. Yeah. She’d been caught red handed. “Merde,” she swore, sighing and clutching her sides tentatively. She should have looked up an invisibility spell first. But she wasn’t practised in it. Using a spell she wasn’t practised in on herself was typically a really bad idea. She could have fooled Balo with an illusion easily, but Selene hadn’t touched illusions since that day.

She didn’t want anything to do with them. Illusions had hurt Loren, had driven him from her. She’d never touch an illusion again. Not if it meant Loren would stop avoiding her. She couldn’t stop thinking about him, from his tall frame, to strong, calloused fingers. She couldn’t stop imaging that kiss either. Not the part after, but just that brief moment their lips had touched gently, the warm taste of coffee still lingering on his lips.

Loren was warm. Everything about him was warmth. She was so cold without him. Nothing that could touch her skin would make her feel so warm. Gods did her miss him. “Je ne veux pas regarder un film,” Selene mumbled, slumping back and allowing Balo to drag her back to her bed. She held her sides gingerly, sitting on her mattress with a huff.

“I just wanted to go see Loren,” Selene admitted. “I haven’t seen him, well, since that night... I’m afraid he doesn’t like me anymore. I just, I wanted to hear it from him, that’s all. It was only going to take five minutes. Then I’ll come right back. Please?” Nobody would let her go to see Loren. It’s like a conspiracy to keep them apart or something. She just wanted to see his face, see his smile, even for just a moment.

[the-littlest-illusionist]

@rainbowsandbalian

How long had she been trapped here? Days? Weeks? It hardly mattered. Time ran together, days blurring together. She wasn't allowed out of the room without supervision. Couldn't even use the bathroom without someone there to keep an eye on her. Everyone seemed wary around her, looking at her differently. Not that she could blame them. She would look at her differently too. The worst part about all of this wasn't the way her sides wailed in pain when ever she moved, it was that she hadn't seen Loren since.

She knew it would be different. He'd seen the chaos and horrors magic and illusions could create. He'd seen what evil she could do. He'd only see her as a witch. She didn't blame him. She couldn't. She'd have the same opinion. But, after knowing each other as long as they have, she thought maybe he'd be different.... Apparently not.

Selene was so miserable. Her body hurt, her heart ached. She missed Loren. She missed the way his dark hair was always so messy. She missed the way he always smelled of warm coffee and pine. She missed the way his long fingers were always smudged with blue ink. And she missed the way he spoke, soft French accent, gently spoken English. She was so lonely.

Most of her time had been spent staring at Catsby. The devil cat always stared back. She couldn't deal with that today. She had to see why Loren hadn't come to see her. She knew the answer, but to have him answer her directly. That's all she needed. Carefully, Selene got to her feet, hissing as her body protested the movement. Balo was out currently. It was just Selene right now. She could get out before anyone noticed. Clutching her sides gingerly, Selene opened the door to see the blonde daughter if Iris staring back at her.

"Oh, h-hi Balo," Selene stammered, feeling her cheeks turn red. "I just, needed to use the restroom?" It was a haphazard excuse. And one she'd tried before. Balo would see right through her lie. Selene never was a good liar.

[the-littlest-illusionist]

theboywithironblood:

Loren slid one arm under Selene’s back to prop her up a bit more. Whatever had happened to her was serious. Her breathing was wheezy and shallow, broken ribs or a punctured lung was his best guess.

Her eyes flickered and he felt a burst of panic, “Selene! Reste avec moi!” He reached out to brush her hair away and froze. His hands were covered in blood. A flash of the horrible Émeric from his nightmare flashed in his head.

This was his fault. He’d been the one to sugest they sneak out, he’d been the one to stop, he’d been the one too caught up by his own damn fears to stop this from happening.

He’d failed her.

The thought slams down on his chest with the force of a landslide. Panic rose up like a tide and threatened to overwhelm him but he held it back with gritted teeth, one blood stained hand tight in the fabric of his shirt over his heart.

“Selene.” Loren fought to keep his voice even despite the pain throbbing in his chest, “This might hurt.” He slid one arm under her knees and hefted her into his arms as gently as he could.

Loren got shakily to his feet, cradling Selene close to his chest. He had to ignore the blood coating his hands, ignore how easily it replaced the ink that usually stained his skin. Ignore how much it almost seemed to fit him. He broke into the fastest jog his shaking legs could manage.

If she dies, it’s your fault.

Loren stumbled, chest seizing and then staggered onwards, “Laisse moi juste son retour, s'il vous plait.” His eyes sought the moon again, sending his words to whoever up there was listening, “Ensuite, vous pouvez faire ce que vous voulez avec moi”

Halfblood Inc loomed into view. He had to make it in time for Selene.

Loren Holmes killed us.

Scorching pain shot up her sides, clouding her head as Loren faded in and out of focus. She tried to take a shaky breath, to say something, but she managed only to wheeze and make quiet, unpleasant noises whenever he shifted her even slightly. She didn’t even have the air to cry out, to complain. It didn’t matter. Even in pain and out of breath, she was in Loren’s arms.

She couldn’t help but feel safe.

He was so strong, so warm. She drew what strength she could from him. Stay with him? She could do that. She could stay with him forever, just like this. She would let the pain fade away in his arms. Nothing else mattered. She was so warm, so peaceful.

“N-non,” Selene managed, wheezing her complaints quietly as Loren lifted her. Her sides screamed in pain, feeling like some great weight were crushing her slowly. “Fait mal.” Selene tried to move, to shift, anything to make the pain stop. Even the warmth Loren’s body gave off wasn’t distracting her from the devastating ache in her sides.

“L-Loren,” Selene wheezed, trying in a shallow breath. She hurt so terribly. She’d never been in this much pain before. She wasn’t a fighter, not really. She wasn’t a monster hunter and that’s with good reason. She had never been skilled at combat, and she’d never been good about taking hits.

“J-je s-s-suis d-désolé,” Selene whispered, looking up at Loren with sad eyes. She couldn’t help but feel like if she’d been able to contain that illusion early, none of this would have happened. If she had only been able to break it before she had to battle the drug. Loren never would have seen that, those horrors. He never would have had to endure the harm magic could do.

He would look at her just like everyone else now. A witch.

[the-littlest-illusionist]

theboywithironblood:

Selene’s voice hurtled Loren back to reality, just in time to hear Selene scream in pain. His body shuddered violently from a toxic mix of adrenaline and shock but he gritted his teeth and braced his feet under him.

There were several reasons why Loren had chosen Tech and Research instead of being a Field Agent, and this was the first reason.

As the man’s arm went up to strike Selene again Loren lunged, grabbing the man’s fist. He let momentum twist it back, and brought his hand down hard on the man’s forearm; it snapped under the force with an audible noise and bone broke through skin. The man screamed and came around with a knife; It chipped uselessly off the arm the brunette raised to block it. The rage coiling in his stomach lurched at the fear that flooded his attacker’s icy eyes.

Loren slammed the palm of that hand against the man’s nose, feeling it burst before closing his other around the man’s throat. A kick to the back of the knees and Loren slammed him down on the stones.

The Demigod stood and twisted the gem in his ring, jabbing the tip of his sword at the hollow of his throat, “Get out of here.” Loren snarled through his teeth and twisted the saber enough to create a small cut, “And if I ever see you again I will separate your head from your shoulders, comprends?” Spitting blood from his mouth the man scrambled out from Loren’s sword and ran.

Loren hid his sword back in its place and raced to Selene, “Selene!” He dropped down beside her and carefully pulled her into his lap, “Gods, que s'est-il passé!?”

When she didn’t feel a third blow, Selene opened her eyes to see Loren, twisting the man’s arm. She closed her eyes at the sickening snap. She needed to help him. Loren needed her, and she was helpless. No. She was useless. Selene was weak. She couldn’t focus enough to even cloak the stranger in a simple illusion.

If anything happened to Loren, she’d blame herself. There was a reason that demigods were sent out into the field in pairs. It was too dangerous to be alone. And right now, she was dead weight. He’d better be okay. She couldn’t bare the thought of anything happening to him. There was something about Loren, she’d always felt it.

He was special, unlike anyone she’d ever met. He made her feel warm. Selene never felt warm. She always ran cold and nothing had changed that. But Loren’s hands left her skin warm. She liked feeling warm. She didn’t want to lose that. She’d only just discovered what it felt like to be close to someone. She was only just now learning what it felt like to have someone care about her, to risk their life to protect her.

But that’s what she’d done too. Selene knew that the moment she decided to break Loren out of the illusion, that she wouldn’t live. She knew the moment the illusions hold on Loren had been lifted that the man would turn to her. But she hadn’t even hesitated. Not even for a moment.

She felt so short of breath. Like she’d run a mile. She was so tired. Her sides screamed in pain as she felt her body shift, feeling immense warmth emanating from Loren’s body, feeling his strong arms wrap around her body gently. What happened? Well, Loren was trapped in an illusion, Selene freed him, and took two blows to the sides with some kind of blunt weapon. She didn’t get a good look.

Selene took a ragged breath, feeling her lungs burn for air. “Avait pour tu sauver,” she wheezed, struggling to find enough air to say the words. She could feel the large bruises already blossoming under her skin. She needed a medic. That part was obvious. But she was so comfortable.

Loren was so warm, so strong, so safe.

[the-littlest-illusionist]

theboywithironblood:

Loren felt something slam into his side, sending him staggering away from Selene. His feet skidded on the grass, struggling for purchase. Fingers curling around the ring on his thumb, he staggered upright and froze. Selene struggled in the grip of a blonde man, his thin lips twisted into a predatory smile. Surrounding him were grotesque, ethereal beings, ghosts. His whole body stiffened, cold sweat breaking out across the back of his neck.

It’s an illusion! Nothing processed in his mind, his whole body shaking like a hurricane raged around him. He managed a halfstep forward, ‘Selene-“

His vision went white.

When it faded he stood in the middle of a cobblestone road, brick buildings rising up on either side of him. Fog drifted lazily around his feet, pooling at sewer drains and flowing down alleys like a river current. Mind and heart racing, Loren walked. He knew this road; it ran past his mother apartment and lead to the river. One side of buildings gave away to a stone wall and the rush of the river met his ears. A girl sat on the wall, a bike leaning against the wall near her as she tapped her heels against the stones. Her hair was long, curling over her right shoulder as she watched the methodical tapping of her feet.

Loren’s throat tightened, “Dessa?”

Her eyes snapped up, pale eyes wide and a twisted smiled curling her lips, “Look who it is.” Her usual light voice sounded tight and faraway.

“And here we thought you’d forgotten about us.” Loren whipped around. Bathed in fog and a sickly pale light, Nathaniёl’s face was blank as he stared his friend down. His blue eyes seemed black as they bored into Loren’s brown ones.

“Forgotten?” This was accompanied by a huff as a boy stalked from the shadows, tall and dark haired, “Loren failed us.” Loren’s stomach dropped.

He curled his shaking hands into fists to try and stop them from shaking, “Émeric- what are you-“

A voice exploded behind his ears, “He killed us!” Rough hands on his back shoved him down, skinning his hands. Loren twisted, feet kicking to get away. His breath came is desperate gasps, his heart seizing in his chest. Émeric stood over him, hands dripping blood like ink, behind him Nathaniёl lurked, expressionless as before. Dessa’s voice rose above the river, a high mocking chant sung to the beat of her clapping hands.

“Loren Holmes failed us! Loren Holmes killed us! Loren Holmes failed us!”

Loren slammed his hands down on his ears, “STOP IT-”

Selene was swimming, no sinking. Blackness consumed her. But she could feel the magic, feel the illusion. She couldn’t let this happen to Loren. She willed up every ounce of reserve she had, trying to fight this drug in her system. Her body trembled as the scene before her blurred back into view.

Loren moved around, looking around, talking to nothing. She saw the look in his eyes, glassy and distant. He wasn’t here. He was trapped in an illusion. Her hands were bound. She was all but useless, but she could work on those illusions. She had to peel them away from him. A blonde man stood idly by, watching Loren with a twisted gleam in his eyes.

She couldn’t draw attention to herself. She needed him to think she was unconscious. He needed to think he’d won. Closing her eyes, Selene projected her mind into the illusion. Suddenly, she was surrounded by brick buildings and cobblestone roads beneath her feet. She couldn’t interact with Loren. That would give her away.

Selene could only watch as the horror of this nightmare collapsed onto Loren. She had to separate it, layer by layer, weaken it. Once the illusion was weak enough, she could shatter it, freeing him. She needed to free it. She started small, the grey sky. She altered that part of the illusion, allowing the real world the gleam through. The stars and bright moon shown down upon the scene. It wasn’t much, but it was something.

The fog was next, peeling away the haze bit by bit. She was rather practised in illusion, thank the gods. This illusion was strong. If she had been any weaker, she would have been unable to break it. Even still it was taking her too long. She could see the intensity of the illusion growing. She could see the panic set on Loren’s face. That chant, it was horrible.

There. That was enough. She could shatter the illusion, she could set Loren free. But the man standing near her, he’d know she was conscious, and worse still, know that she was stronger than he was even in her weakened state. He would retaliate. But she had to do this for Loren. “Loren!” Selene shouted, her voice echoing as the delicate walls of the illusion shattered around them.

She was back in the back, arms bound behind her. Loren’s eyes returned to normal. Panicked, yes, but they were no longer glassy and far away. She’d done it. She’d saved him from the illusion. But now, the blonde man was looking at her with unmasked rage. “Of all the things you could do with your gifts,” the man said, eyeing her like she was his prey. “And you choose this? What a waste. I have yet to see another quite as competent with illusion magic as you.” 

Selene felt a broad pain in her side, feeling the crack of her ribs against the force. She cried out as another blow struck in the other side. “G-get, a-a-away,” Selene stammered, unable to catch her breath. She closed her eyes as the man raised his arms again for another blow. This would be it. She just felt that in her bones.

At least Loren was safe.

[the-littlest-illusionist]

theboywithironblood:

He was going to regret it if he didn’t and he might regret it if he did. Something Oscar once told him tugged at his mind, like a voice whispering in his ear. No one ever fell in love without being a little brave.

Loren cast one last look up at the moon, like he could draw some sort of strength from it and then ducked slightly to press his lips to Selene’s. He did little more than that, one hand cupping her chin and the other on her shoulder; whole body stiff as a steel cable.

It felt like heat was rushing across his skin, down his hands from where they rested to his chest to seize his heart. His mind couldn’t decide if he wanted this to last forever or if he wanted something to interrupt them.

Selene felt Loren’s chapped lips brush against hers. It sent a shiver down her spine, making her body tingle. Her lips respond before her mind can catch up, moving her lips against his as her hands move to rest against his chest. His skin is warm, almost burning. It was amazing. He was, like the sun to her moon. The fire to her ice.

Her mind caught up with body, relaxing into the delicate touch of their lips, relaxing against him. This moment was perfect. Her first kiss, and it was this, magical. It seemed so hard to believe, but it felt like magic. Real magic. The burning sensation in her lips seemed to spark along her skin, warming her at her core. She was never warm, not like this. Nothing could ruin this moment.

Except one thing. Suddenly some force pulled her away, Selene was pulled backwards until she felt strong, rough hands grip her arms. Her hands were bound before she could even twist her ring. She couldn’t focus enough to work out an incantation.  Loren. She had to do something.

That’s when the world shifted, surrounding Loren with five, ethereal looking beings. Ghosts. No. Illusions. But Loren, he wouldn’t realise that. “Loren!” Selene shouted, feeling her arms jerked roughly. “It’s not real! It’s an illusion!” She knew an illusion when she saw one. 

Selene tried to dispel the illusion, or at least weaken its power so Loren would see it’s falsity. She felt rough hands yank her hair, exposing her neck as a syringe was stabbed into her. The liquid entered her bloodstream like a stone, heavy and thick. She felt immediately sluggish, she couldn’t struggle like she was. She was losing strength. “L-Loren, h-help,” Selene managed to whisper, her body falling into heaviness as she slipped into blackness.