dhruvxmehta

[dhruvxmehta]

END.

Ignacio gave a soft hum at that. "And perhaps there are others that neither of us know. But you are the scientist...so perhaps you can tell me. In this life, I do have parents that are very much human. I must be theirs, and yet I must also not be. What does that look like under your microscope?" He gave a wrinkling of his nose.

A low laugh bubbled in his throat. "Perhaps we have met them here already, hm?" He nodded. "I would like that, but ah, then you have seen my home. But I can show you the Paris you have not explored. Rooftops and balconies dotted with beehives. Catacombs damp and dark for the making of mead. As above, so it is below."

Nodding along, Ignacio began to fiddle with the tools in his pockets, taking this opportunity to inspect them as he worked. "I believe you. I cannot combat what I do not understand, but I promise it will be an honorable battle," he joked softly. "It is in their nature. They cannot help the way they were created. Food chains are food chains. Hypoaspis mites will prey on them, did you know? Mite against mite. How strange is the world. Some beekeepers have experimented in it. I am not so sure." he sighed. "Two years. Missing. Disappeared. Not dead. No burial. No funeral. But how can I speak to them? How to explain? How to keep them from danger to find me? To find this? To find us?"

Clicking his tongue, Ignacio shook his head back and forth, voice ringing with stubborn frustration, as though he were reaching for something he could not quite grasp. Trailing off, however, he seemed to compel himself enough to soften his electric edges. "Domestic hives are different than wild ones. I am a farmer. I must make the land work for me," he replied. "Symbiose," Ignacio agreed.

"That is a fair suggestion. I was near recruiting a werewolf to perhaps...walk around, you understand? Make the raccoon believe this is the lair of something stronger. That is not a request or an invitation, so you know. Pardon." Extending a sweeping hand of his own, Ignacio gestured at the surrounding woods. "Wildflowers. All kinds. Too varied to say truly, but there are many kinds. I also raise citrus, but only certain boxes enjoy access. My greenhouse." He pointed to the small building some ways away. "To flavor the honey, you understand?"

Ignacio laughed again, warmly, then, bubbling with genuine excitement. "Too fun to stop! You understand! We are here to know, to learn! Mon Dieu. How beautiful, how brilliant. I will be born again and again, through many lifetimes, and I will never, never draw even close to seeing it all as it is. That is the point, though, yes, yes, to know the universe, and in such, to know ourselves." He clapped Dhruv's shoulder. "Do not forget that worthwhile does not mean the same as 'large,' yes? Worthwhile means worthwhile."

His grip tightened, a squeeze more physical, knowingly jostling, flirtatious. "Do not be shocked. I am Fae, after all. I can only speak true. Me telling the truth should be not be shocking at all, oui? I find you very interesting." Ignacio rolled his head since his eyes were not visible. "Ach! Dangerous. Look at these stingers. Their venom. Do they harm me? No. I do not fear words. Bon. Come now. Let me get you what you came for."

END?

[dhruvxmehta]

"Maybe when I'm actually dead. Or a century from now. Who knows we could be vampires." With the way his life had been going, either was a possibility. "Not what I meant by help," he replied with a slight shake of his head A scoff rose in his throat. Funny, as if he was meant to be a wolf. "No, I had to be the chosen one for that didn't I, buddy." Thinking back to it now only caused Dhruv to grip onto the railing a little tighter. Life, potential, everything changed after that moment, none he could wish back.

Hand on his shoulder felt like an anchor; heavy— simultaneously pulling him down but also keeping him from drifting. Stuck in the dichotomy, Dhruv's thoughts slowly tempered in the quietness of simply existing, a soft sigh escaping when he felt the hand lift away taking the edge to his tone as well. "Dilan, actually. Wasn't expecting it." It still felt a bit strange too. "That's likely why I didn't end up with broken bones."

"Name a time and a place and I'll meet you at the altar," He quipped. Though, as Dhruv's demeanor shifted, Seo-Joon's own gaze took a dip. "If I were meant to be a wolf, I'd already have been one, buddy," He murmured under his breath and they both knew it. He was the one who dropped the syringe. But no matter what he did, magic had never been meant for him.

The air grew silent then. A prolonged beat sat between them and without so much of a word, Seo-Joon rested his hand on Dhruv's shoulder, holding it there for a moment before it fell back to his side and slipped into his pocket. "Oh yeah? Which pixie gave you that?"

[dhruvxmehta]

"Who keeps bulls as pets?" he asked looking over to Bones with a light shudder. He say much as she filled him in, the details were far too worrisome that he had imagined, but from she said and the snippets he already knew, the picture came to light and turned to be nothing pleasant.

"It's not that I don't acknowledge that you're going through a rough time but is it actually unfair? I don't think it'd be very nice if I tell you to keep putting yourself down now would it." He shrugged, unsure what to say anymore. "I never said innocent flower? I just meant that despite it all you're kind—" But being made to stop talking as she held up her hand, Dhruv let the topic drop with a resigned sigh, "Alright. I won't say anything more."

When she didn't expand on the story, he didn't prod her to continue either, letting that one drop as well. "Right, yes, I gathered," he responded still a bit bewildered. Lips curled downwards as a frown took hold, he didn't know how to stop her from over apologising but unable to stop himself he said it outright. "You really need to stop apologising. No, you're not an idiot… this is just… surprising that's all." He was okay with brushing it off and moving on without dwelling on it too much but awkwardness began to set changing the air about them when it felt like she was unable to do that casually. Her movements, the rush to leave, tripping over people and words seemed to reflect it. When she seemed so intent on going, he couldn't really stop her. "A day is still pretty long…" He wanted to ask if she wanted to reverse it, he could take on a bull without luck, that was the intention from the start anyway, but of course he knew it wasn't possible. He had it now and she didn't. "You don't deserve that." He didn't think it was worth wasting it on him. "Listen..uh... if you want to forget this whole thing, we can? I don't want to make things too awkward for you. Just. dunno, give me bad luck on Friday and we can call it even."

─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“I mean they’re someone’s pet, just not ours.” She pointed out with a smile before continuing on about the event that he had missed. Highlighting the details that he would need to know for later if it was ever brought up again. “It’s not, but we can pretend it is.” She shrugged when he tried to brush it off with a it’s fine. She’d heard that many times around town and knew better than to press.

Dilan waved off his apologetic look and just gave him a smile. “I think we can blame it all.” Gesturing to him with a hand as she made a circle over him. “Oh so you can believe it, but I can’t?” Questioning as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Seems a little unfair.” Pointing out to him as he mentioned she was nice person and she cringed. “I can promise you I’m not some nice little innocent flower.” She explained before putting up a hand to stop him from going further. “I’ve done a lot of fucked up shit to a lot of people who didn’t deserve it.” She’d conned and hurt so many people in her short life that she would spent the rest of eternity trying make up for it in whatever ways she could.

“Very easy in this town.” She laughed. “No, but you’ll know her when you see her. She’ll probably be doing all of this too so I’m sure you’ll see her. “It’s a long story.” She didn’t even attempt to explain before taking another step forward.

Dilan felt his hand touch her shoulder, but she had already pulled back and had her hands up in defense. At his reaction and asking what had happened she stumbled over her words. “I kissed you.” She finally got out with shock still overwhelming her. Putting a hand to the back of her neck and she rubbed with embarrassment creeping up her cheeks. “I— I’m sorry.” She got out before looking down at the dirt below her, she couldn’t look at him. Practically falling over the other person as she debated how to get out of this mess, but stopped when he spoke. When he repeated her words back to her it showed how stupid her plan was. “I’m an idiot I’m so sorry.” She apologized once again, but she didn’t know what else to do. She had ruined things between them now and she couldn’t take it back. “No, I will maybe have a day of bad luck. That’s it.” She reassured him, but still couldn’t look up. “Although I probably deserve it for that stunt.”

[dhruvxmehta]

"Eh, I'll take it," he responded to that with a shrug, taking it as a compliment of sorts, "Win some, lose some, right?" He didn't stand any reason to try and be funny all the time, this was a spur of the moment thought voiced more than a planned one. And if it got a smile out of her, then really, wasn't too shabby at all. "My cousin always used to say we need a little silliness in life. What is real humour, then?" he asked, smile creeping across as he made a sweeping motion, "World's your stage, love, let's hear your best joke." This he realised had a fifty-fifty chance of success, she could take up the game and say something, but his money was on hearing a solid no.

"Perhaps doesn't indicate certainty," he pointed out, but threw up hands in acceptance, "But okay large tree it is. Do you need an extra hand with pulling it down? I can be there to yell timber if nothing else." Yes, it was another attempt a humourless joke but that was all he seemed to have in these moments with her. Nice and safe sounded like repetitions rather than assurance as he observed her expressions shift. "Nice and safe," he echoed and hoped that really was the case.

I was asking, but it's nice that you're aware that you're not funny," Lara said. "Honesty and self... awareness are good qualities. They might make up for your lack of humor." All the same, the conversation does make her smile a bit. He's not funny. Perhaps that's where the true humor lies. "Werecabbages is just silly. That's not real humor. Not even a good joke."

Lara snorted. "I never said I was joking about the gardening, ese. Perhaps I have a very large tree that needs help coming down." She rattled the chains. "Helps with the pulling. She frowned softly. Safe. Wasn't this place supposed to be safe? Besides, that's what the chains were for. To keep others safe, on the chance that emotion overcame reason with the shift. There was no pack to fall back on, now, merely her own sheer force of will. "Nice and safe."

[dhruvxmehta]

"Stalking you? You're fuckin' with me…" Though a sharp, hollow laugh echoed through the space, his voice dropped dangerously close to a growl at that accusation. "Do you know what stalkers are capable of doing?" His mind flashed to Elif and Damien, thoughts to what he had done had his irritation flare up overshadowing the worry upon hearing about the crash. He did not need to see her face to pinpoint the emotion, it lined every syllable, coated every letter of what she said. Layers of hate, dense and fiery, wrapped around his already frantic state of mind threatening to make it worse. "For god's sake, shut your trap," he snapped. "You hate me. You'll kill me. I've heard it before." Breath came out in a loud exhale trying to regain composure, but blame the heat, the humidity, the storm, the approaching full moon, tension did not curb and annoyance from that added to his fast diminishing mood.

"Now I'm sexist?" Features flickered with incredulity, "I have to shift. You realise tonight is full moon, yes? Tell me you didn't forget what happens." No. He knew the answer to that. She couldn't forget what werewolves were like. Monstrous in all ways. She faced the horrors, seen the effects, and well, he'd been told time and time again that it was all his fault, did he? How could he not believe it? Pain and hurt were ever present even if irritation masked that right now but as he looked to her intensity of anger lessened instinctively. Because above all there was concern. A fucking lot of it.

"I'd like to have a shirt when I turn back, am I allowed?" He let the dress fall by his feet not bothering to pick it up. "Fine. Keep your kit off." Mutterings continued though, "...calls herself an archaeologist..." Thoughts he didn't care to hold back spilled out in hushed tones under his breath, "...traversed through sewers but suddenly mud is a problem…" he huffed, "…prissy vampires…" Retreating into the shadows, Dhruv put more distance between them. He would not beg this time though, would not plead, determination set in to not let hard won control falter so easily in her presence. "Stay away, you hear me?"

No sooner had the vampire freed herself of her mud soaked dress did a voice come forth from the dark. The sound of his movements lost to the raging storm outside, though her voice boomed loud and with clarity. "What the fuck!" Hands drug, heavy down her face is exasperation before she theatrically threw them into the air. "Are you stalking me?" An accusation that actually caused Gia to laugh. The sound distorted by something else; disgust. "First the crypt and now — what? You saw me wrap my car around a tree and followed me in here!? I'm never going to forgive you! I hat-" Her ranting and raging cut short at Dhruv's hypocrisy.

"Keep it on?" While it was dark, the room only lit by strikes of lightening, the expression on her face was unmistakable. If only because her annoyance was audible in her voice. "That's sexist!" She agitatedly gestured between them both in states of undress. "My clothes are covered in mud!" Georgiana threw the soiled garment at the wolf, as she demanded." What's your excuse!?"

[dhruvxmehta]

"That's a heavy sounding might, love," he replied with a slight amused expression, one that didn't falter as she continued. If he had a pound for each time someone said they'd kill him... It pushed him to move, small talk was made right? He could easily put the bowl back down, decline the challenge and the mystery contents of the bowl and move along, but details were voiced and Frankenchili didn't go unheard. "Oh? That's funny choice of word," he said with a chuckle, "I consider myself somewhat of a Frankenstein." Both the doctor and monster really. "And do find most American things boring. This seems to be made for me." Eyes rolled softly at the gesture, "Yes, yes, death awaits." He took a bite, tender meat of the lamb and the heat from the chili exploded in full flavour causing him to give a satisfied hum, "S'good," Dhruv mumbled covering his mouth a little, "Got a nice kick to it too."

"Well then you might be up for the challenge." She chuckled as he took the bowl. Personally, she didn't find it too spicy, but she had a tongue for hot food. "If I told you, I would have to kill you." The vampire teased, before adding as she served herself a bowl: "it's a sort of Frankenchili, a mix of birria and American chili, with a lot of peppers thrown in to the mix. I've always found American chili a bit boring. But if I tell you any more-" She let her words trail off and drew a line across her throat with a finger.

[dhruvxmehta]

for: @faerietothe-otherside time & location: june 13th, cemetery

His ex had left a long time go. Mason left in a different sense a year ago. Kitty too a few months ago. And now, with Elif's goodbye there goes another person he had begun to care for. He couldn't help but let the thought fester; was it him? But it couldn't be, could it? No one cared about him that much. Mason did, but he was family, Kitty did, but she too was family. Both their deaths rocked him to the core of his being and he still felt weighed down by the grief of it all. To function was a requirement but to move on an impossible feat. Dhruv remembered just being silent throughout the remembrance, not a glance, not a word, afraid if he looked at anyone he'd break, afraid if he spoke he'd cry.

it sat with him though, long after people left, him alone in Mason's room, untouched. A shrine almost, of a life lived, of a life lost. And he stayed the night. Sleeping on the floor, staring up at the glow in the dark stars on the ceiling pretending that Mason was right there next to him. He missed on so many memories living away but he could never think there wouldn't be more. How could he think that? Mason deserve a full life.

He drifted off at some point, sun's ray cutting into him far too quickly but it had him get up, move about, because he had to. Days moved too except he could hardly recollect what happened. It was as if everything had been blanketed by a thick haze, he couldn't see, couldn't even take a deep breath without it feeling like something was choking him. It's okay to cry they said. But Dhruv couldn't even do that. Tears wouldn't change a thing.

He saw Elif at some point too, one final farewell. Expression stoic by his eyes held everything. She wasn't even a proper friend but it hurt like a proper goodbye. He didn't even the walkman and music she had given him to make himself calm. Shaky hands curled into fists as he shoved them into his pockets as he walked away. Head pounding with every memory and every heartbreak, Dhruv didn't know where to go anymore. Everywhere felt wrong, even being his own skin began to feel wrong.

Feet picked a path and he simply wandered. And wandered. And—oh.

Not here, he thought, no no, but yes. This was where he needed to be. Pulled by an invisible string, Dhruv headed into the cemetery.

But then he saw her hunched over Mason's headstone and breath hitched his throat for a second. Something threatened to break but nails dug into palms deeper till he felt a stinging pain. A thought to leave came and went in a flash, as much as he didn't want to disturb her, he couldn't walk away right now.

"I know you probably don't want to see me," he spoke softly, not trying to startle her, gaze darting to the headstone, "But please don't ask me to leave. I—" he swallowed a lump, "Unless you really don't want me here right now..."

[dhruvxmehta]

Option B:

A stare was all that was needed for Dhruv to do as told. Knowing that his mother could read thoughts ensured extra caution was taken to not confine his grumbles to his head, because really it was the same as saying it out loud for her. Though he couldn't quite hide the unwillingness to be here, Dhruv helped her set up for the cook off without protest.

Needing a break and wanting to get away, he wandered about the different stalls, aromas already making him hungry even if he didn't have the appetite to stomach much these days. "I have a relatively high tolerance genetically and culturally speaking," Dhruv answered taking the bowl from her, "What's in it?"

option a where : barrel racing, the rodeo

In the year since the camp fire retreat she had headed to the stables when she could to ride, the racing at the camp having reinvigorated her love for it. So here she was, having just done the barrel racing, her hair windblown and heart racing as she and Milo headed back into the holding area, her giving him excited pats. "¡Lo hiciste asombroso, Milo!" She exclaimed running a hand down his neck before swinging a leg over him and jumping off. Such open, childish glee was rare for her and she relished in it. "We might have won that one buddy." She added, beaming at the horse, rein in her hands and blind to the world.

option b where: chili cook-off

Putting her chili down, she had to smirk, knowing it may cause a little drama when people went to eat it. It was a Frankenstein concoction of chili and birria, with a few Carolina Reaper peppers added in for a healthy kick of spice. Feeling someone inch close to her she ladled a serving into a bowl, holding it out to them, cocking her head slightly: "how do you like spice?"

option c where : mechanical bull, sinners

She was enough drinks in that this seemed like a good idea. Was it? Probably not. Did she approach it with the confidence of a professional bull rider? Yes. "Betsy, if you throw me on my ass, before I win my bets, I will figure out how to turn a mechanical bull into a steak." She mock whispered to the mechanical bull before it turned on. She did far better than she thought she would, before she was tossed up, not even the bump to her ego could wipe the cocky smirk on her face as she walked out of the ring, a little dance to her step as she said: "pay up, I won that fair and square."

@lunarcovestarters

[dhruvxmehta]

"It is indeed. In all your lifetimes you've never been human but in one of mine I've been two species; human and wolf." A possibility of a third, of being a vampire, had been dangerously close had he not rejected the offer of blood. Funny thing that would've been. "I don't doubt it! Wikipedia cannot hold that information but I'm sure that there have been, and might still exist, an immortal inventor." He met Ignacio's gaze with understanding, "Yes, I do understand. This place has a home but it's not home." Never truly had been despite having family here, the feeling of it was different. "I hope you get to go back at some point. If it's in my lifetime, maybe I'll come visit, yeah? I've only ever seen Paris."

That line of thought was not at all surprising to him. "Don't blame you, it's an entirely new world when we get into molecular sizes. I'd be more than happy to, yes, it's every bit fascinating I assure you." Continuing with a laugh, Dhruv nodded about the mites, "Agreed. Annoying little buggers aren't they." The turn of the conversation, despite being said as such, was not grim. It was how things had to be for some folks here. "You're okay, it's a sad reality that supernatural kind have to face. How long has it been since you've last them? If you don't mind me asking? You don't have to answer but I'm sure they would appreciate to know you're no longer missing as well. It's hard, the worry and the time apart, affects both sides."

He listened and gave a slight shrug, "You're not going against anything with reversing the hives, if it works for you and if it helps, which it seems to be, then, why stop? Keep going with it." With a quick flick of his hand, Dhruv swept the thanks aside, "Ah, please, no need, I enjoy greatly when people speak on such things offers me interesting perspectives and shapes my understanding. Mutualism. Symbiosis. Like plants and pollinators, we both benefited from this in our own ways." He certainly had.

"Can't rule out the possibility," he said with a light chuckle, "Ah, the marine biologist. We've interacted a few times. You could try the coven too," he offered up another the idea, "They should have other witches with animal communication." He brow rose, "Pollen? Fascinating. It'll be interesting to deduce which plants that came from. Or do you know what they favour? I'll be on the lookout for stray antenna too." He shrugged, not remotely apologetic for neatly fitting into a box, "I am that type, yes, I don't know how to not be this way? It's far too fun to stop." He didn't know how people lived without not letting curiosity get the better of learning something new, but he also had to admit that maybe not everyone would go to the extent to read and analyse their own genetic code because they were bored either.

"Yes, we leave our mark on the work in one way or another, it might as well be worthwhile." He wanted to achieve a lot, do something good, leave behind a legacy, win a nobel prize... lofty lofty dreams that may have been tangible once, now were held up pillars of sand on an illusory foundation. Dhruv knew attaining that was no longer a real possibility, but giving up entirely on everything was also not an option, his goals just shifted to fit current circumstances. Forcing himself away from such sad thoughts, he met Ignacio's gaze with a nod, "I completely understand. Everything go well feels rewarding, to be among it all feels like you're alive."

It wasn't that he couldn't handle compliments well, he could, there was no self doubt when it came to his work or interests either, but lately things had felt far too heavy, a lot more weighed on his mind and rather than breaking out of that mentality he seemed to wrap himself into it. "Somewhat shocking I'll have to admit." Grateful for the cover that hid his face, Dhruv felt his face flush at what Ignacio continued to say. "Likewise. It is nice to find a kindred spirit. Dangerous to let me keep talking though," he pointed out with a chuckle, but I wish to learn truly sounded like music to his ears. "Yes, I know the place. Brilliant then, sounds like a plan."

Ignacio smiled, managing a short laugh. "And yet, I suppose that, in my many lifetimes, I have never been human. That is a funny thing, is it not? Surely, some of our...eh, great inventors must not have been either. But they do not list vampirism on the Wikipedia." Clicking his tongue, he allowed these musings to fade away. "You are right. All we have rests on backs that are so very small. Extraordinary," he hummed. "Ach! You forget that I will live a very long time...barring trouble. Ten years? Twenty? Fifty? One hundred? I hope I will get to spend some of it back in France. I do miss home terribly. Here is home too, oui, but...you must understand. You are English? I have visited."

Ignacio allowed a private smile to tug at his lips. "Microscopic things plague me. Now, I cannot fault the bacteria for doing that which they are designed to do, but I must defend against them. You will have to show me the most interesting kind. I have never been to New Zealand either. At least not in this life. But yes, yes...our mortal activity sends ripples through our habitats." He sighed. "Except for mites. Can we agree that we do not care for mites? Mon dieu." Varroa mites were, of course, his sworn enemy. "Hm? I am a violinist. I also box. These things are at odds. My father would have liked me to be a fighter, my mother a musician. And here I tend hives. In truth, they would be grateful to know I am not missing. I do not mean to be grim."

He nodded. "Yes. Yes. If the bees run out of space for their honey, they will begin swarming. And you will lose them. So, beekeepers move the brood down. Not all agree. There are those who would not reverse their hives, but it has served me well. That is my intervention, however, in what nature provides. We go in funny circles, you and I, despite ourselves, but I think we feel the same. Harmony. Nature provides, yes, but we can help. It helps us. Thank you for allowing me to speak it aloud. It is a reminder of my place in it all, and good to quell the fear of innovation."

Ignacio laughed warmly. "The same! Ach! Do they travel as such? I am no expert on raccoons. We must find ourselves a mammal specialist. My friend Jonah deals in fish. Perhaps he would know someone." Ignacio hummed. "Oui. I can tell you what you will see, though. You will see pollen. Perhaps an unfortunate lost antenna," he teased. "But you are the type to look for yourself, and that is worthy of admiration. Many lead unexamined lives."

Dhruv's own energy seemed to brighten him too; he enjoyed the way his passion seemed to bubble outward, even through his seemingly more reserved demeanor. "I do agree. We are here to...leave something behind, yes? Some little part of ourselves for all who come after. Sometimes, I jump out of bed in the morning because I cannot wait to get down here. Once the season is in full-swing, hives only need inspecting every two weeks, you understand? Satisfaction that all is running well, frantic because I wish to be there among it."

Ignacio laughed again. "Of course not. You sound surprised. Is it so shocking? An intelligent man with dark hair and flashing eyes is sharing his passions with me. And allowing me to share mine with him. You cannot see me blushing beneath my netting. I would very much like to get to know you better." He shook his head. "Why would I want you to shut up? You are interesting. Talk, talk, talk. I wish to learn." A sharp nod came. "Then it is a dea;. Do you know the Farmshop? They stock my honey for their desserts. You can try some."

[dhruvxmehta]

Dhruv gave him a blank stare, holding it for a few seconds to convey how unamusing it was before he clicked his tongue, "Well shit, hotshot, should've told me sooner. I got a ring and everything ready to go. What's stopping you now? You're enough of a dimwit to get with a ghost." Despite the joke, his mood didn't lighten in the slightest, and now due to a careless slip of tongue, the admittance that he still held onto to that damn ring resurfaced clear in his mind adding to his strife. "If it's broken bones you want, let me help, no need for bulls."

Dhruv looked to his friend for a prolonged beat, a hidden question, loaded and heavy, hanging in the air. He didn't need to joke, didn't need to lie, the answer was tucked away too but clear in the shared beat of silence. Eventually he nodded because of course it was asked on the tangible. "I'm fine. Just sore. I–uh," he met Seo-Joon's gaze as somewhat of a confession fell from his lips, "I got given luck."

"Wow. Who knew that even through death, we wouldn't part? We should've taken vows. Cashed in on that tax right off," He let out a low whistle at the thought. "I wasn't planning on it. A bull's pretty low on the list of anything I actually have any intention of riding, but now that you mention it, the possibility of breaking a bone, does sound enticing," The sarcasm rolled off his tongue with ease, only for his gaze to soften ever so slightly as he asked his friend, "You okay? For real?" He knew the answer to the question, of course. No, Dhruv wasn't okay. He'd likely never be okay again, but they also both knew that Seo-Joon was referring more in the physical sense. "I've heard being thrown can actually be fairly rough."

[dhruvxmehta]

"Is it? I don't know, I wouldn't be naming bulls at all. They're not pets." Or familiars, which he knew from Mason, had to have names. Listening to the summary of what went down, Dhruv couldn't imagine what it must've been like for everyone. He missed a lot being away, good and the bad, but it had been his choice to stay away even after losing memories was no longer an issue. "Hmm?" He brushed off the apology, "You're fine."

Feeling like he messed up somewhere he shot her an apologetic look, "No no, I —uh. Listen I have a fucked up sense of humour, yeah? Blame the Britishness. We love sarcasm, insults, self-deprecation… all that," he waved his hand about listing things, "I personally also blame Song for it. But just..." he sighed a little, "Don't let yourself believe that you don't deserve anything." Though he believed that about himself now, it hadn't been like that all the time but those days were long gone. "You're a nice person."

Hoping to move on, he gave a brisk nod, "Sure. Blonde hair and blue eyes. That should be really easy." He hummed a little, debating on whether or not to explain that was sarcasm he held back as she took a step forward. "A week?" he began shaking his head, "Let's actually not—" but words he had formulated to voice were cut off as she said fuck it and grabbed him. Registering what was happening was delayed as surprise took hold, but things came back with all to clear clarity in a couple seconds. Pressing a hand on her shoulder to nudge her away, he was thankful that she pulled back.

"Uhhh what just happened?" he breathed out, question more rhetorical than anything because it was pretty clear what did happen. Luck transference worked in a lot of ways of course but this certainly was a first. Looking at her when she spoke, disbelief coloured his expression, "What?...you thought I'd run so you kissed me?" Thoughts and their subsequent words fell away between a huffed laugh and an exhale while Dhruv stood there, surprise was still present that much was evident and with it lingered unsurety on what to say as she began to walk away. "Wait! You didn't give yourself a week of bad luck did you?"

─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“Do you really because this whole thing suggest otherwise.” Gesturing to him, then the Bull that was off to the side. “Cause that’s like the most common sense thing ever? Of course the bulls would have scary names and not a name like Betsy. “Yeah, Silas aka the Reeds dad had a sign up sheet for the neighborhood watch and basically the vampires and witches lost their minds.” Reaching out when he mentioned Mason and she put a hand on his fore arm and gave it a squeeze. “Yeah…” Trailing off before she left her hand drop back to her sides. Figuring it wasn’t the best time to have Mason mentioned especially when he was clearly going to need his focus. “I’m sorry.” She nervously said before fixing the ends of her already curly hair. 

Slightly startled by his laughter and she raised an eyebrow at him. “I mean it’s not impossible.” She remarked with a shrug before putting her hands in her back pockets. “Listen, I think it’s hard and I’ll agree with you. I mean hell half the time I don’t think I’m deserving of anything.” Admitting to him before she looked down at her boots once more. “Maybe, you’re right.” Shaking her head disapprovingly. “I don’t know what I’m saying just ignore me.” Trying to brush it all off with a wave of her hand. 

“You’ll know her when you see her. Just look for the girl who could be a Reed but isn’t. She’s got blonde hair and blue eyes.” Explaining to him before she let the accent drop with a laugh. Taking a step forward when he said yes, but she froze when he continued on. “I’ll be fine.” She promised. “Been unlucky before and last time it was a week. Let’s try not to do that.” Hesitating as she went to grab his arm, but she knew he could jerk it back quicker than she could grab and hold onto him. Dark eyes darted over him waiting for movement away from her before she said fuck it aloud and grabbed him by the shoulder and the other on the back of his neck. Standing on her tip toes quickly as she pressed her lips against his and counted to three. One Mississippi, two Mississippi, and Three — with that the luck was transferred. “I umm…” Pulling back before she removed her hands from him and backed up. “I should have asked—  just I thought you—  would run.” She stuttered nervously and kept moving back. “I’m, I’m so— sorry. I should go.” Continuing to stutter as she bumped into another person. 

[dhruvxmehta]

No. No, of course things didn't seem okay. The silence told him that long before she was able to answer. He wished he could do something to help, but with everything and seeing that she had already made a decision Dhruv didn't know what to say. What else was left to say? They weren't that close, not really, what started off as annoyance did dissolve from it, but they were just roommates at the end of the day who were just starting to get to know each other. He didn't respond with anything more than nod at the mention of what she had packed, he knew that feeling. If he had to leave right now, a thought that always rested in the back of his mind, clothes would be most of all he had too aside a few notebooks.

It was her surprise that didn't quite register with him. "Yeah?" he answered, "Why else would I have stayed? Don't really have five star luxuries here do we." While he was thankful for Nico for setting up the house, that fact that he dropped by in frequently and lived not too far from here, weren't factors that sold him on staying. "You said it got lonely here sometimes and I know what's that like. I also know that others come and go but figured that even if it is me, company is company. If a constant roommate made things little less lonely it'd be alright. For a while at least." He looked at her, "Again with the surprise, why wouldn't I? Shouldn't I? Not that you should remember me, that's a waste of head space actually but you gave me something unexpected and nice," he said looking at the charm, "I should return the gesture."

At once a sinking feeling took hold, chest rising and falling a little quicker and quicker till he had to curl his hand into a tight fist to fight for control when Mason's name was whispered out. Entire demeanour shifted and the act that he had been putting on in front of her, to show that he was okay, crumbled on his face. An already frazzled head thrown for a loop with the news of her leaving, was now further agitated on what tomorrow held. One whole year. He couldn't account for the time, it felt far too short yet somehow seemed like the longest year ever. "Wanting more time with people can't be a bad thing can it? You're not horrible to spend time with." But people leave, he had to realise that, towns, cities, even death, he should be used to that by now. "If I didn't have to stay I might have tagged along." It was supposed to be an attempt to joke but fell flat due to the not so subtle undertones of seriousness the words held. He wanted to go, he did, but he had tethered himself to this town now. Come what may.

"What if something happens to you out there?" A scoff rose in his throat at his own words, "But I suppose it's not any safer here either. I'm not trying to chide you, I get it, I do, you made your choice but a plan might be good, especially in times like these." He paused for a moment, chewing on his words, debating, but clearing his throat he met her gaze, "Can I ask what sealed the deal? What finally made you pack that bag?"

Elif pressed her lips together. Her bottom lip began to quiver as she shook her head once back and forth. Hayir. "No," Her voice was no more than a whisper as she found it again. No, everything was far from okay.

She watched him blink over at her. The silence took hold as he asked her if the little wolf figurine and the Walkman were for him. "Mhm," She gave him a small nod as if to say yes. Elif had always hated goodbyes. Her and Nico used to ditch town without so much as a glance back when it was time to move on to the next place for a reason. But something about the way Dhruv was looking at her, like he'd already miss her, made her chest tighten until she could hardly breathe. She sank into herself. Her shoulders curled inward as if trying to make herself smaller like vanishing would hurt less than walking away. But even the silence seemed loud between them.

"Some t-shirts and hoodies," She gave him another small nod. "I still don't really have much," She admitted. Only when he told her there was no point in staying in this house anymore, it was her turn to blink. Her eyes widened as she found herself having to double-check that she had heard him right. "What? Wait- what do you mean? Why would you do that? Why? You really only stayed here for me?"

"Why would you have anything for me?" If she had been taken aback by the fact that she remotely seemed to make an impact on him, she was left even more confused now at the notion that he would have had anything for her already prepared.

Tomorrow is...

"Mason," The name left her lips before she could stop herself. But a quiet understanding of the pain he must be feeling flickered across her gaze before she found her brows creasing once more. "More time?... with me?"

When he started to say he didn't do anything, she shook her head profusely once more. "You did everything," She told him point blank and she meant it. It might have felt like nothing to him, but the simple gesture of drowning out the sound of thunder with music had meant the world to her. "No." She wasn't sure. Far from it. But staying didn't feel right either. "I don't know?"

[dhruvxmehta]

Her immediate shut down and refusal to entrain sarcasm was amusing. He should find it as such, and he wasn't outright laughing but a lighter feeling did wash through him as he observed her. "Noted."

What also was noted was the near imperceptible smile that may have crossed her face, or at least he perceived it to be. "Are you asking or stating? I'd like to think I have my moments, but overall? No. I'll admit I'm not that funny," he answered with an easy shrug. "Not where my talents lie." Outside the lab, he really didn't know what other skills he possessed. "Werecabbages, though, I think is rather funny if one saw the comical aspect to it. Much like how I took gardening as an answer as to why the chains." Funny yet very false. He didn't push for a proper reason though. "You'll be safe, yeah?"

"No," Lara said, not bothering to meet his sarcasm with her own. It was a rarely utilized skill for her. She did not find speaking to be brilliant. Maybe she preferred him as a wolf. Animals were much easier to deal with than talking, except, of course, when it came to people inside the body of an animal. Maybe she preferred him to where he could get his point across. She just couldn't decide. "It has nothing to do with you being British.

"Dhruv," she said, giving him a nod. There. Now they could refer to each other as people, rather than feral or farm girl. Her lips twitched. Annoyance, amusement, both? Both. "You're not that funny, are you?" she asked. "Werecabbages is new. That doesn't make it very funny, though."

[dhruvxmehta]

He forwent the tasting aspect and asking for a pint instead, it wasn't what they were promoting sure, it strayed away from the themed activities yes, but Dhruv desperately needed this. So, he sat, drink in hand and attempted to drown out both the world and all his thoughts into the bottom of this glass and more if it was needed. And it seemed like it would be needed. So much happened. So much. In a short amount of time too. Things replayed in a loop, a supercut of everything that pounded away at his head which only drove him to drink more.

With a groan he checked his phone when it buzzed, the typical thing and he did what he always did — ignored the message. Didn't need that right now on top of this shite. As he returned to his drink, Dhruv caught onto JC also not sipping the drink. Perhaps that was what did it or maybe because he did genuinely enjoy JC's company, but either way without thought he picked up his glass and wandered over.

"Hey," he greeted but shrugged at the question, a succinct reply really because who the fuck knew how he truly was anymore. Thankful for not being sent away, Dhruv sat in the empty seat and shook his head, "No? Maybe? What kinda news?"

Closed starter for @dhruvxmehta Location: Whiskey Tasting, Bad Moon Brewery

Júlio César was not sure how he felt about all this cowboy nonsense. The brewery itself was one of his usual hangouts, but with it filled now by unfamiliar faces enjoying the festivities, he found himself longing for its typically calmer vibes. Still, he supposed he was glad for the owners to get the business.

With a sigh, however, he threw back one of the glasses from his whiskey flight, downing it hard and letting it settle in his stomach like a stone. They were probably supposed to be sipped and savored, he thought, but hell, no one would begrudge him a little light coping.

"Dhruv," he said, looking up and clearing his throat. "How are you, man? Sit. Sit. You heard the news?"

[dhruvxmehta]

The woods were no place to shift tonight he quickly realised as franticness took hold. Already on edge given the summer heat and humidity, annoyed would still be far too simple to describe his mood when warnings sounded of an oncoming storm. Sparing no glance nor uttering a word to his colleagues, Dhruv took off. There was time still, yes, but with head fuming and weather really pushing limits of patience, to seek shelter was of utmost importance — not just away from the hurricane but to shift when the time came.

Dipping into a barn as rain petled down, Dhruv grew still trying to assess if any occupants were present, but no noises indicating life, some tension was released with a slow exhale and a little more by taking a couple of sips from the hip flask he had snatched off a colleague before separating himself from the group. He knew he shouldn't drink but tonight like every other night was an exception. Settling down on a haybale, despite the dusty and damp nature of this place, it was better than nothing.

Growing too warm due to the liquor adding to his naturally high body heat, and thinking ahead, Dhruv had just taken off his shirt when he sensed another presence, another scent that different greatly from what he was growing accustomed to, one that — he turned sharply towards the entrance just as lightning struck somewhere in the distance, illuminating the place and the figure in a bright glow.

Of all the barns in these woods, she had to walk in here.

Body tensed at the sight of her. He shouldn't care anymore but a multitude of emotions swirled within before he was able to push them down. "What are you doing?" The question echoed over the storm. Emerging from the shadows bare shouldered, Dhruv leaned against a support beam as gaze locked with hers for a moment before it shifted to her shoes that lay discarded. Then slowly but surely, with no other direction to go, his eyes travelled up her frame taking in the way her clothes seemed to cl— senses caught him and eyes snapped up to meet hers in a flash. "Keep them on."

closed | @dhruvxmehta

Street racing was Gia's only interest when a rodeo was decreed as the town's next community event. The vampire's love of cars began with the first automobile. The collection in her private garage a reflection of such appreciation, coupled with the time and means to acquire a lofty catalogue. It was exhilarating to sit behind the wheel of a vehicle and make it fly. The severe weather announcement and sudden downpour of rain not enough to stop her, until she hydroplaned off the road. In the madness of her uncontrollable spinning through a flooding field, Georgiana began to laugh. Her hands off the wheel as she enjoyed the ride until her car collided with tree and stopped.

Unharmed, the vampire climbed from her wrecked McLaren and into the storm. After a short attempt to walk home, that soaked her clothes in rain and mud, Gia ducked into a nearby barn to avoid electrocution as unrelenting lightening lit up the dark sky.

It wasn't the ideal place to wait out a storm, but she committed to making herself comfortable. Her shoes came off first, then began her attempt to peel off her clothes. Every layer stuck to her skin in a way that made the fabric difficult to remove even as she hopped and wiggled about.

[dhruvxmehta]

"Yeah mate, I've come back as a ghost to haunt you." He strode up towards him, "Why you hoping I'd die? Weren't taking bets, were you? Hate to disappoint and have you lose. Aptly name though, Bones, I think I broke a bone or something." While the ride itself had been thrilling for the five seconds he lasted, getting bucked off hurt a ton but pain wasn't something foreign to him, neither was breaking bones, he'd have to do it at the upcoming full moon anyway. Bull riding was one among the handful of activities he had packed into his calendar just to prove to others that he did have a life outside the lab, a thing that sometimes he doubted too. "You're not getting on one?"

@dhruvxmehta

"That bull kill you yet?" He called out to his best friend from the stands, having just wrapped up at the lasso showdown himself. Bull Riding had been one of the last activities he had pegged Dhruv to sign up for, but after the past few months, he hardly could blame him. Trauma changed you and he was no stranger to opting for adrenaline-filled activities to feel even a sliver more alive than he did on the daily.

[dhruvxmehta]

"I read lots of fine prints!" he protested, "They named all the bulls, even the mechanical one. How am I supposed to know that they'd give the real ones inanimate names like Hammer or Bones over here," he pointed to the bull in question, "and fake bull a real name like Betsy?" Either way though this was not well thought out. "Spell? Oh that...I wasn't around for that but I heard from Mason—" he cut himself off, not wanting to talk about that right now. "That was bad."

Relieved that he didn't have continue, Dhruv looked to Dilan and couldn't hold back a bubble of laughter. "Self love? In this town? You're taking the piss." But when her expression didn't break its sternness, he cleared his throat and schooled his features to neutral, "Oh you were serious...That's hunky dory and all but it ain't reality, at least not from what I've seen." He shrugged, "You can disagree but it's not wrong." He was a mistake and a bad idea in many ways.

"Savannah? Never heard of her, but I'll keep an eye and ear out." But there really wasn't a desire to get the phrasing or accent right. "Yes," he said without thinking but meaning caught up and had him rush to clarify. "Wait no, you shouldn't give me luck. Not when you'd be unlucky!"

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

“I was in the stands….” Pointing behind her aimlessly as she shrugged. Putting out a hand to attempt to catch him in case he fell but he had steadied himself long before she could do anything. “You really should learn how to read the fine print before signing things. Isn’t that how the witches and the vampires fell under a spell when Silas was here.” Pointing out as she crossed her arms over her chest. Turning back to look at the bull, she grimaced at it rattling the cage. 

Turning back to him to watch him grin and she shook her head disapprovingly. “I see. So that’s what we’re calling this. A mistake and bad idea? I don’t think you should refer to yourself that way, isn’t there a self love movement or something always going on in this town?” Tapping her pink boots against the dirt and she shook her head. “Yeah I think that’s a bit how it goes. You’d have to ask Savannah. I’m only pretend southern.” Slipping into an accent to make him feel better before laughing. “Well—“ She hadn’t gave luck to anyone ever but one person and last time she did it horribly wrong. “How about some luck?” Taking a step closer to him as she looked up with her dark eyes. “I mean you do know a pixie with a lot of luck on her side.”