kaelasloane

[kaelasloane]

Kaela snorted into her tea, nearly choking on her sip. “Okay, that’s fair. Medical necessity snacks—sacred and untouchable. Honestly? Power move.” She grinned over her mug. “Now I’m picturing you guarding a gluten-free cupcake like it’s a national treasure. Whole pack knows better than to test you.”

Laurel let out a small laugh, "Oh first pick? I get special snacks at the gatherings no one can touch. However, I don't think that's beta perks, but more so celiacs perks."

[kaelasloane]

Kaela grinned at that, something warm and flickering behind her eyes, like a lantern finally catching the flame. “Peaceful rebellion. I like that,” she echoed, nodding slightly. “Sounds way more appealing than codependent botany.” She leaned back, hands tucked into her sleeves again, letting her shoulder bump gently into his in quiet camaraderie. “I think we forget sometimes we’re allowed to rewrite the script. Like—we don’t have to die inside someone else’s story. We can just… chill. Read books under trees. Say things that matter without bleeding to do it.” Her gaze lifted to the canopy above, the shifting light dappling across her face. “The world’s heavy enough. Maybe it’s okay if we don’t carry it all the time.” A breath. A beat. Then she turned to him again with a soft smirk, that familiar fire sparking back into her voice. “So. You got any more metaphors, or was that your best shot?”

Zafir laughed, the sound low and GENUINE, carried off gently by the breeze. ❝ Two STRANGE creatures, indeed, ❞ he agreed, a silent understanding BEHIND his words. ❝ I suppose I'm happy to avoid the fig-based D E S T I N Y all together. Sounds like a peaceful kind of rebellion. ❞ His eyes studied her. ❝ And you’re right. Maybe the G I V I N G doesn’t have to go on forever, like you said. Maybe at some point we’re A L L O W E D to keep something we've grown for ourselves. Build something instead of being the F O U N D A T I O N everyone else uses to stand on... ❞ He thought he might've said too much so he LEANED back on the bench, letting the Q U I E T sit with them a moment. ❝ It’s a wild thought — but I LIKE it. ❞

[kaelasloane]

Kaela sighed, not out of frustration—more like resignation. “Yeah, figures. Liability ruins everything these days,” she muttered, but there was no real bite to it. She glanced down at her wrist again, then offered a crooked smile. “Alright, call it in. Just don’t let them make a big deal out of it, yeah? I’m not trying to end up in a full trauma bay over a glorified toaster kiss.”

"Unfortunately, I'm just the receptionist. I've probably got enough training to treat it because it looks superficial but because I'm not qualified as a doctor or nurse, I'd risk liability if I treated you," Farraine explained, leaving out the part that the reason she had enough training was because she dropped out, "I have to direct you to the Emergency Room for someone to look at and treat it. I can can call someone to deal with you quickly though?"

[kaelasloane]

Kaela narrowed her eyes at him, nose wrinkling in that you’re technically right but I still hate it kind of way. “God, you make it sound so simple,” she muttered, flopping into the chair across from him like gravity had personally offended her. “Just ask her,” she mimicked under her breath with a huff. “Yeah, cool, let me just do that while my soul actively tries to claw its way out of my body.” She kicked her foot against the leg of his desk, a light thunk punctuating the moment before she added, quieter, “But like… you’re not wrong.” There was a long pause where she just stared at the controlled chaos of his workspace, tapping her nails against the armrest. “It’s just—what if I say something and it ruins it?” she asked, voice soft, vulnerable. “What if she’s happy with the way things are, and I go and make it weird because I need a label like some anxious little gremlin?” She peeked up at him again, mouth quirking just slightly. “Do you think I’m overthinking it?” A beat. “Wait—don’t answer that. I know I’m overthinking it. Just… promise if I crash and burn, you’ll be the one to drag me out of the wreckage and not Mom.”

Aristotle, mid-sip of L U K E W A R M coffee, blinked at her OVER the drink he'd PURCHASED from Cool Beans earlier that MORNING, then slowly set it D O W N with an exaggerated motion. ❝ First of all, don’t C O M E at me like I’m some relationship G U R U, okay? ❞ he chuckled, gesturing V A G U E L Y to the chaos that was his desk — which was, ARGUABLY, in the same state of his L O V E life. ❝ My LONGEST relationship? Went down in F L A M E S. ❞ He leaned back in his chair, STUDYING her in that rare OLDER brother way. ❝ But... From the WAY you’re talking though? Sounds like you T W O definitely have got it B A D for each other. If it W A L K S and talks like a R E L A T I O N S H I P, it's probably a relationship, y'know? You two JUST haven’t S L A P P E D a label on it yet. Which, by the WAY, isn’t the end of the W O R L D, some of the best SHIT happens without a label, UNLESS it’s bugging you — which CLEARLY, it is. ❞ He pointed out, picking up on the C L U E S. He tapped a P E N against the edge of the D E S K. ❝ So, maybe don’t T R E A T it like a bomb you’re diffusing. Just... I DUNNO, ask her? ❞ He expressed, B O I L I N G down her problems to a SIMPLE solution although it P R O B A B L Y wasn't what his SISTER was seeking in regards to ADVICE, but that's what she received CHOOSING to come to a D R A G O N like Aristotle.

[kaelasloane]

Kaela slowed as she passed the fountain, the late sunlight catching in the frames of her crooked glasses, a tote bag bouncing lightly against her hip. She hadn’t meant to stop—just on her way back from the bookstore, cats to feed, journal entries to obsess over—but Colette’s voice, sharp and sweet like a sour candy, caught her attention mid-step. She turned, brow arched and a smile twitching at the corners of her mouth. “You mean like that moment right before a thunderstorm hits, when the air feels like it’s holding its breath and your brain’s like, welp; guess we’re in for it?”

Kaela walked closer, easing onto the fountain’s edge a few feet away, cross-legged in her big jeans and a hoodie that looked like it’d survived three emotional breakdowns and a nap in the library stacks. “Yeah,” she added, eyes flicking to the twirling vape with an amused look, “I’ve been getting that vibe all week. It’s like the universe is queuing up a plot twist and forgot to warn the main character. I’m the main character, by the way. Obviously.” She gave Colette a sly grin. “So what are we thinking: life crisis, surprise romance, or impromptu crime spree?”

COLETTE SAT ON THE EDGE OF THE FOUNTAIN in the town square , legs crossed , a half-melted iced coffee sweating beside her . she’d told the costume director she needed an early break due to ❛ creative burnout ❜ . the late afternoon sun cast a warm glow across the stone , and truth be told , she already felt much better — despite the burnout excuse being a total lie . she’d actually been feeling very inspired lately . but something about being under an open sky felt better than the stuffy backrooms of the theater . a cherry-lime menthol flavored vape twirled between her fingers — more for the d r a m a than the nicotine . she had nowhere to be and too much energy to sit still , which usually meant one thing: trouble. either it found her, or she found it — usually the latter . glancing up at whoever passed just a little too close , she smirked and called out , ❝ you ever have one of those days where everything feels like change is about to slap you in the face ?? ❞

[kaelasloane]

Kaela sat on the exam table, legs swinging slightly, arms folded tight like she was bracing for an interrogation. “Okay, so before you go full doctor mode on me, this isn’t a medical emergency,” she started, pointing at Jameson like she was cutting him off before he could ask. “It’s more of a… hypothetical, existential, what-the-hell-am-I-doing kind of emergency.” She exhaled, tapping her fingers against her knee. “Let’s say someone, you know, just someone, has maybe, possibly, definitely caught feelings for a ghost. And let’s say it’s going really well, like, suspiciously well. No haunting, no weird curses, just… soft, glowy, hand-holding in the moonlight kind of well.” She paused, then added quickly, “Not that I’d know or anything.” Her gaze flickered up to his, a little uncertain, a little hopeful. “Do I just… go with it? Or is there some supernatural fine print I should be worried about?” @fikazephyr

[kaelasloane]

Kaela leaned against Aristotle’s cluttered desk, arms crossed, chewing the inside of her cheek like it held the answer to all her problems. “Okay, so… how do you know when you’re in a relationship?” she asked, tone serious, like she was asking him to solve a complex equation. She glanced out the window before continuing, her fingers idly drumming against the desk. “Because Aida and I… we do all the things, you know? We go on walks, we read together, she waits for me after work... well, she kinda floats but, you get it, and she always tucks my hair behind my ear like it’s her full-time job.” Kaela huffed, throwing her hands up. “But we haven’t actually said it...” She finally looked at him, eyes expectant. “So, wise and worldly brother of mine; how do I bring it up without sounding like a total disaster?” @fairywilds

[kaelasloane]

Kaela felt her breath hitch, the compliment settling in her chest like a slow-burning ember. She wasn’t used to being called pretty, let alone the prettiest, but the way Aida said it, so effortlessly, like it was the most obvious thing in the world, made her stomach flip. Her fingers toyed with the edge of her glass as she let out a small, almost disbelieving laugh. “You can’t just say stuff like that, Aida,” she murmured, her voice teasing but undeniably flustered. “How am I supposed to survive the rest of the night now?”

She glanced down for a moment, trying to will away the warmth rising to her cheeks before meeting Aida’s gaze again. There was something about the way she looked tonight, like moonlight given form, something untouchable but standing right in front of her, and Kaela wanted, needed, to be a little braver. She took a steadying breath and held out her hand. “Since you’re the reason I’m here, think you could spare me a dance? You know, before I melt into a puddle of embarrassment?” Her smile was small but hopeful, a quiet invitation wrapped in nervous anticipation.

Aida had been the one to ask Kaela to the event, and she wasn't sure what it meant. She knew that most of the time, if you asked someone to something like this, it was a date. But she wondered if it was just a friend date. She didn't know much about feelings beyond the platonic kind. Before she died, she'd never felt love for anyone except her family. She didn't know what romantic feelings felt like. She didn't know how to identify them, let alone identify them for someone of the same sex. Same sex relationships weren't thought of back then. But for Aida, she knew that it was okay, she just needed to know what it was she was feeling; she needed to know if it was a friendly feeling, or more than that.

"Hi," she greeted her gently. "I do?" she asked, a grin tugging at her lips. "I'm not.. as shiny as everyone else," she said. She'd gone for white, it made her feel ethereal, it felt right for her as a ghost, and it made her feel good that Kaela liked it. "You look beautiful too. You're the prettiest girl I've ever seen."

[kaelasloane]

Kaela tilted her head, considering Laurel’s words as she took a slow sip of her tea. “That’s a lot,” she said after a beat, her voice thoughtful. “Wanting to be that steady for someone, making sure everything doesn’t fall apart when they’re not looking.” She offered a small, knowing smile. “Bet that gets heavy sometimes, though. Even when you want it.” She tapped her fingers lightly against the ceramic of her mug, glancing at Laurel with a teasing glint in her eyes. “So, what’s the fun stuff then? Special perks? First pick of the best snacks at pack gatherings?” A smirk played at her lips. “C’mon, don’t tell me it’s all just responsibility and no wolfy bonuses.”

"Mostly fun stuff," Laurel replied. "Orlaith does a lot of the heavy work, and most of the pack respects her that there's nothing to really worry about honestly. I've had a lot of responsibility lately though with Orlaith focusing a lot on her family, and I want it, I want her to be able to trust me to hold everything when she needs me to."

[kaelasloane]

Kaela blinked down at their joined hands, her breath hitching just slightly before she forced herself to play it cool; like her heart wasn’t currently trying to slam its way out of her chest. She huffed a small, nervous laugh, squeezing Aida’s fingers like she could ground herself in the touch. “Yeah, of course, for you,” she admitted, voice softer now, like she was saying something she wasn’t quite ready to name. “I mean, it’s not like I was gonna drink two whole thermoses of hot chocolate by myself. That’d just be sad.” She let Aida lead her to the bench, grateful for the excuse to focus on something other than the warmth blooming in her chest. She settled in, setting the books beside her, and glanced at Aida with a half-smirk.

“I wouldn’t say no to a blanket, but…” Her gaze flickered toward the library door, considering. Then she shrugged off her jacket and draped it over her lap. “I’ll survive. Plus, if I get too cold, I can always start dramatically complaining until you feel bad enough to fetch it for me.” Her teasing was light, but the moment still felt fragile, delicate in a way she wasn’t used to. She busied herself unscrewing the thermos lid, pouring a careful stream of steaming hot chocolate into the cap before holding it out to Aida. “Since you already know it’s good, guess I won’t have to convince you this time,” she murmured, watching her with something gentle in her expression. “And, y’know… if you ever wanted to try something new, I’d always be down.” Maybe she wasn’t just talking about the hot chocolate...

As much as the young ghost loved being in the library, there was something about the calmness of the garden that brought her great comfort. She'd been back in this world for a fair bit of time now, and it still never ceased to amaze her, how beautiful nature here was, how full of new experiences life was. When she heard a soft voice speaking her name, she made her presence known. Her light eyes looked up at Kaela, and the light breeze blew her dark locks slightly behind her.

"You brought all of this just... for me? To do things with me?" she asked. She wasn't used to that. Aside from her family, Aida didn't really expect anyone to reach out like this. Every time she was with Kaela, she didn't know what her feelings were feeling. It was something she hadn't experienced before, and she could never figure out what to call it. "I do love those things," she admitted. "I tried hot chocolate last winter, it's delicious." The ghost reached out a hand, and took one of Kaela's in hers gently. It was a cold night, but she couldn't really feel it, but she wondered if the other was cold. "Let's sit over here," she said, leading her to her favourite bench. "Do you need a blanket? I think there's one inside."

[kaelasloane]

Kaela let out a soft laugh, shaking her head as she pulled her hoodie sleeves over her hands. “Yeah, life really doesn’t take a day off, huh?” she mused, her gaze flickering from Zafir’s book to the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. His words settled over her like the lingering warmth of autumn; gentle but a little bittersweet. She considered what he said, the weight of it pressing against something in her chest. “The wasp gives until there’s nothing left,” she echoed, voice quieter now. “I get that. Too much, maybe.” Her fingers toyed with the frayed hem of her hoodie as she exhaled. “But I don’t think that means you have to keep being the wasp forever, y’know? Like, maybe at some point, you get to stop giving everything away and start growing something for yourself.” She turned to him then, her smile lopsided but sincere. “Or, wild thought, maybe neither of us have to be the fig or the wasp. Maybe we can just be the weird little creatures who sit on park benches talking about existential fruit metaphors instead.” Her eyes glimmered with humor, but beneath it was something real; an unspoken understanding.

Zafir let out a chuckle, his gaze falling briefly to the book in his lap as if searching its pages for an answer. “Deep for a park hangout? Maybe. But life rarely takes a day off, even when we try to.” He tilted his head, considering her choice. “The fig… enduring, flourishing, creating something meaningful out of loss. There’s beauty in that, no doubt.” He looked up, meeting Kaela’s gaze with a faint, wry smile. “Me? I think I'd be the wasp.” His tone grew softer, introspective. “Fleeting, perhaps. Sacrificial. But in its short existence, it gives something essential. Something only it can offer.” He leaned back against the bench, his expression growing distant, as though caught in a memory. “Maybe I've been the wasp one too many times in my life. Giving pieces of myself away until there was barely anything left. Or maybe I just romanticize the idea of purpose, even at a cost.” Zafir smirked, his tone lightening slightly. “Though, if I’m honest, I think I’d rather find a way to be neither. No fig, no wasp. But then again...” He gestured to nothing in particular. “Even that feels like wishful thinking, doesn’t it?”

[kaelasloane]

Kaela felt a nervous flutter in her chest as she adjusted the fabric of her yellow gown. The gown felt like a foreign second skin, flowing gently to her ankles, and for once, she didn’t feel like she was drowning in oversized hoodies and baggy jeans. The dress was light and bright, a shade of sunshine that almost made her forget how heavy the weight of her nerves were. She shifted awkwardly, glancing around the room as her fingers lightly grazed the edge of her glass of sparkling water. The air was alive with chatter and the soft rustling of elegant dresses, but all Kaela could focus on was Aida, standing across the room, her ghostly presence a delicate contrast against the lively crowd. Aida’s dark hair shimmered as if it held its own stars, and her smile, so gentle, so kind, was enough to make Kaela’s heart do somersaults. Aida had been the one who convinced her to come to the ball, promising her that it would be fun, but now, in the soft music-filled air, Kaela wasn't so sure. She wasn’t the type for big events like this, but for Aida, well, she’d try anything. The sight of Aida's eyes catching hers sent a heat creeping up Kaela’s neck. She caught herself almost staring, and quickly tore her gaze away, hoping it wasn’t too obvious. But Aida had already seen, and that small, knowing smile was all the confirmation Kaela needed to feel her pulse quicken. She hesitated, shifting her weight from one foot to the other, debating whether she should approach or stay where she was. Her nerves were making everything feel ten times worse. The hem of her gown brushed against her feet, and she caught a glance of her reflection in the nearby mirror; a bundle of yellow surrounded by so much light, but the person inside felt so small. So unsure. Kaela took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. There was no point in overthinking this. She had to go for it. She finally made her way across the room, her heels clicking softly on the floor, and as she got closer, Aida’s gaze met hers once again. Her stomach did that thing again; the fluttering, the swirling, and it felt like everything else faded into the background. "Hey," Kaela started, her voice surprisingly steady for how much her heart was racing. “I, uh, I didn’t expect to feel so... out of place, but you—" she paused, the words almost tripping over each other. “You look amazing, Aida. I’m... glad you convinced me to come.” @howmcnythings

[kaelasloane]

NYE 2025 Ball at Town Hall: Kaela Sloane

[kaelasloane]

Kaela lingered near the edge of the small garden tucked away behind the library, the soft glow of the moonlight casting an almost magical sheen over the flowers. Her fingers played nervously with the hem of her jacket as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “Aida?” she called out softly, her voice just above a whisper. She wasn’t even sure if Aida would hear her; it wasn’t like she could just knock on a door. But this place, this garden, had always seemed like Aida’s kind of space. It wasn’t long before a faint shimmer appeared, Aida’s ghostly form materializing among the flowers. She looked as radiant as ever, her presence both calming and mesmerizing. Kaela’s heart gave a little flutter, and she quickly looked down, hoping her face wasn’t as red as it felt. “I, uh, I thought maybe you’d like to hang out,” Kaela said, her voice shy but genuine. She held up a thermos in one hand and a small stack of books in the other. “I brought some hot chocolate… and, um, a few stories I thought you might like. You always say you love hearing about new books.” Her smile was small but warm as she met Aida’s gaze. “I figured it might be nice to, you know… just talk. Or read. Or whatever you feel like.” Kaela tried to sound casual, but the truth was, she cherished these moments with Aida more than she could ever admit. She just hoped the offer didn’t seem too silly... or too obvious. @howmcnythings

[kaelasloane]

Kaela leaned against the counter of the local diner, her hands wrapped around a warm cup of tea as she glanced over at Laurel. The beta wolf always seemed like the steady type; calm, collected, with an air of authority that Kaela had come to recognize in pack leaders and their second-in-commands. Though they weren’t exactly tight, they’d crossed paths enough times that the young dragon felt comfortable striking up a conversation. “So,” Kaela began, her tone light, “I’ve always wondered; what’s it like, being the beta of a werewolf pack? Like, is it all breaking up fights and keeping everyone in line, or do you get to do the fun stuff too?” She smiled, a little curious spark in her eyes. “I mean, it sounds kind of intense, but I figure there’s gotta be some perks, right?” @mcnstercus

[kaelasloane]

Kaela crossed her arms and gave Emilia a small, teasing smile. “Cold water? Yeah, that’s definitely not my vibe. I don’t have the whole magical mermaid immunity thing going on,” she said with a chuckle. “But the sirens? That’s a little more serious.” She tilted her head thoughtfully. “I mean, I trust you to keep me safe if something happens, but I’m not trying to throw myself into danger just for some waves. I’d rather not find out what sirens think of dragons up close, you know?” Her smile softened as she added, “Maybe we save surfing for when things calm down a bit? Besides, we can always hang out on the beach and pretend we’re in a music video or something instead.”

closed starter - emilia & kaela ( @kaelasloane )

"I'm not sure if it's smart to go surfing right now," Emilia said to the other. "I mean, not only is it starting to get cold which I'm unsure you'd be cool with, I don't mine it but I'm also a mermaid. There's also the threat of sirens right now, and I can't guarantee that they won't be in the waters."

[kaelasloane]

Kaela tilted her head, considering Zafir’s question with a thoughtful hum. “The wasp or the fig?” she repeated, her lips curving into a small smile. “That’s kinda deep for a casual park hangout, don't you think?” She leaned back against the bench, crossing her legs as she gazed at the trees swaying gently in the breeze. “I guess I’d choose to be the fig,” she said finally. “I mean, it’s not like I want to kill anything, but... the fig thrives, right? It grows, it provides. It lives on. That seems worth the sacrifice, even if the wasp doesn’t make it. At least something good comes out of it all.” She glanced at Zafir, raising an eyebrow. “What about you? Are you more of a martyr wasp type or the thriving fig?”

Zafir wandered through the local park, savoring a rare moment of leisure. He found a bench beneath the shade of a large tree and settled down. From his coat pocket, he pulled out a small leather-bound book, its cover embossed with delicate patterns. As he began to read, he momentarily escaped from his usual responsibilities. He glanced up to appreciate the beauty of the park’s surroundings— the gentle rustling of leaves, the distant laughter of a couple of friends. In a moment of contemplation, he spoke to the person who had joined him on the bench. “So, essentially,” he mused aloud, a thoughtful expression creeping onto his face, “the figs and the wasps rely on each other to thrive. Even though the wasp dies inside the fig, the fig cannot flourish without the wasp, and the wasps cannot survive without the fig to continue on.” He paused, the metaphor stirring something within him. “It’s a fascinating reflection, isn’t it? If you had to choose, would you be the wasp or the fig?”