r-chaics

[r-chaics]

"mnhm." the agreement escapes from his pleated lips as ine laps up the crumbs from his open palm, making them disappear in no time. she’s off his lap within seconds, and her human father methodically wipes his hands clean of saliva and other remnants with a moist antimicrobial towelette. his countenance reflects deliberations of what salt water might do to his restless pores. “you know, i’ve never camped on a beach. i think it would be perfect actually—after a long day of learning to surf.” his voice threads through the tapestry of memories he wished he had, memories they were destined to create if he had any say in their shared future. “making a bonfire for grilling and sitting close while the fire crackles.” the roasted s'mores were only a dream away. “the waves soothing our ears and our eyes on the stars.” he was such a romantic, painfully schmaltzy and sentimental, and perhaps oblivious to the amounts of sand this would actually require. yet, he couldn't help but envision the pair wrapped up in a sand-crusted blanket as the ocean air kissed their noses. “you do owe me a surfing lesson, don’t you?”

he advances swiftly, his set of slender fingers brushing against taka’s skin to move a thicket of bangs away from her umber eyes. mirrored in their reflection is the hesitant housekeeper, careful as he tends to what he considers home, tucking hair away from his countenance as his fingers linger to caress the spot at their temple. he seesaws—teeters on that edge of safety, fearful to traverse the bounds that tether them to each other, worried that those threads could catch fire and fizzle out in a moment's notice. don't take too much, aang, he warns himself, despite approaching the next topic of conversation. “i wouldn’t mind visiting adelaide too.” a notable wince in his tone wavers from a lack of confidence. “i can never stop thinking about you when you leave. i worry—a lot. i worry that maybe you lose yourself in taking care of everything—that maybe you forget to care for yourself.” it was his job to take care of taka regardless of what the other thought.

crowing over the playful reproach and affectionate title, he accepts this answer, “fine." though aang was still intending on cooking, and as for zenki, now that t had put her foot down, he would not be gaining any more treats from aang despite the cute wagging tail. "you don’t have to eat now. we can have something later for supper. you'll need your strength after all this paperwork.” each glance, each touch, was charged with unuttered confessions and unfulfilled desires, yet this one voiced that concern and care that distended beyond job roles and friendship.

Cool, dark eyes settle upon one of less than a handful of people who could forcibly wrestle Taka into bed without much resistance. The right hand, the spine, the heart, the soul... Long, lithe fingers twitch and clench and unclench in Takaharu's lap, feeling unsettled by his own increasing vulnerability. Christ, he's getting old, isn't he? "You know it's still too cold for me around here, even during so-called summer." And yet, for some reason, she'd settled down up here for several years now. "I should take you down to Cali with me this summer" Taka mused, eyes drifting over to Zenki. "Finally teach you how to surf if you're down. You deserve a break, too, from school and workin' around the house. I'm inclined to think sun, sand, and saltwater have healing properties for everybody."

Calculating gaze returns to the stack of papers, a compendium of benefits that Taka's mother would be receiving while residing in the care home she's currently in, in the suburbs of Adelaide. It feels like its own bible, or encyclopedia, complete with glossary of medical terms and abbreviations; and it should have been hole-punched and inserted into a three-ring binder as soon as Taka had printed it out so it wouldn't end up mixed up and out of order like it currently is. "Don't you Tsuki-san me, Ru-tan," Takaharu shoots back; though it sounds stern, it's anything but, exuding playfulness in its attitude. "You don't gotta cook for me, I'm just not all that hungry at the mo'." Eyes flit back to Zenki, "I'm on the fence about givin' him some'o this, I don't want him gettin' too used to human treats, you know the doc is always on my case about his weight."

[r-chaics]

on the southernmost border of anchorage, nestled near the sinuous turnagain arm of cook inlet, lay rabbit creek- a neighborhood where the majesty of towering peaks converges with the serenity of winding brooks, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty and comfort. families find solace in the embrace of reputable schools and a quieter lifestyle while still within commuting distance to anchorage. it is a beautiful place to call home. residents often encounter local wildlife such as moose, bears, and various bird species, which adds to the natural appeal, but never in their reports had they ever noted skies littered with flying bats the size of monkeys. no, rabbit creek, the small waterway that runs through the area, didn't have tainted waters just yet. it is a safe haven, or rather, was… it seemed like nightmares could find their way through any living creature these days; manifesting on paper- growing.

the reason why aang had chosen to volunteer at the shack was because of the children. to be a role model for them. or perhaps it was one last dream to latch onto- knowing that one day as a queer individual it would be harder for him to have a biological ffamily on his own. he clung to those ideals that rabbit creek had to offer, but to think his own students were harmed by this thing? hurt him more than he could say.

anka's voice pierces through the encroaching gloom, offering a fleeting respite from the suffocating darkness. "i suppose it doesn't really help matters, knowing that they lack stable homes to return to," he remarks, his words a stark acknowledgment of the unforgiving realities lurking beyond the sanctuary of hopeful light. "sometimes, i find myself wishing i could just take them home with me," he continues, his tone tinged with a wistful longing. it's a fanciful notion, borne from the desire to shield the vulnerable from the malevolent forces that prowl in the shadows of the night. yet, he knows deep down that his altruistic aspirations may not be enough to stave off the looming threat. "i'd do everything in my power to keep them safe, to ensure they feel cherished and protected," he declares, his voice quivering with earnest resolve. even as the words spill from his lips, a gnawing sense of inadequacy gnaws at his conscience. despite his best intentions, he grapples with the sobering realization that his benevolent intentions may fall short in his efforts.

on the matter of mireu, aang's response is tinged with a palpable sense of ignorance. "unsure," he murmurs softly, his words weighted with the burden of his limited knowledge. unlike some of the other volunteers with more regular schedules, he finds himself on the periphery of the organization, his contributions sporadic and his involvement intermittent. though his heart pulses with an earnest desire to offer solace and sanctuary to those in need, the constraints of his obligations bind him to the confines of his own limitations—a boundary he dare not breach, lest he risk losing himself in the enveloping darkness that threatens to consume them all.

"that's very considerate of you," he responds, his voice a soft murmur of appreciation. despite the relentless tug of his studies, he cannot ignore the genuine warmth of their kindness, nor the sincerity of their offer. with a nod of gratitude, he acquiesces to their invitation, his heart uplifted by the promise of forging new connections and kindling friendships. "it must be immensely rewarding—spreading kindness through treats and witnessing the immediate joy it brings. baking truly is a beautiful expression of love, isn't it?"

Anka hadn't found the time to breeze over to their spouse's project in a while, devote time to the children in need of attention — unfortunately, the bakery took up their time in the summers when tourism and truck stops picked up as the cruises docked at harbor and their own children had been clamoring for their attention once the schools were nearing close. Two months from now, their pride and joy would be eleven years old — Diego Jr. was growing like moss on a rock and they had been machinating the perfect birthday in their head. The last cold front was hitting hard in Anchorage, snow pluming on the top of the bulletin board and the trees surrounding the Shack's property in Rabbit Creek, and they stopped on their stroll to dust the white mounds accumulating on the bulletins, wiping off the glass with the sleeve of their cushy parka.

Clutching the faux fur stole around their shoulders, they daintily stepped through the threshold of the shoppe, a cursory glance around identifying the volunteers who were currently supervising. In a small town, everyone knew just about everyone — but they couldn't say they'd ever met Veronica Bridgers, a model hailing from some big name city. They felt a pang of sympathy for the fashion show's mishap, all the same — it didn't turn out to be the travesty that the old biddies at the coffee shoppe had been gossiping it to be. Anka didn't believe in strange creatures with wings, or talking puppets, or a killer snowman. Boisterous imaginations were renowned to be propped up in a peculiar town like this, and they'd lived in their fair share.

A click of their heels fell into tandem with the other's, and their glossy pink lips curved into a smile, answering warmly, "I don't think they picked it 'cause they were scared, if it makes ya feel better. I'll bet that they've come up with all kinds'a stories about it. When I was their age, kids would take any folktale they could get their paws on an' run with it. 'Sides, they got bigger things to worry about — all these kids need homes." A hand propped on their hip, they looked behind them and around Hopeful Light a second time, thoroughly. "Mireu ain't here? I was looking for him, but," their smile widens, holding out their hand to Aang and wiggling their fingers invitingly, "If he ain't, then you can be my guinea pig for some'a the new treats I brought with me! I saved some for the kiddos, too. Haerin's been stuck with icing up that big wedding cake for the Górkas, said she'll swing by later. Come, come! We can talk about what's on your mind over a pastry."

[r-chaics]

contumaciously, aang couldn’t find reprieve unless he was tasked with a bathroom in need of shining, a sink full of dishes, or clothing that needed to be pressed, folded, or hung in a closet. he was the paradigm and prototype of a character who had to smooth over tucked-in bed sheets following the abrupt greeting song of a couple of mourning doves. to say he found a sense of purpose in aiding his sister with these tasks was an understatement. aang, if he could, would tackle her chores for her in a defiant act of service and love, and he’d do it before she ever had to ask. never mind pride, pretense, or any other abashedly human restraint—he was the older brother, and he was to take care of both of his sisters whenever possible.

these acts of kindness and support were how he displayed his love for others—how he communicated that he was there for them. he chided back, shaking a playful head at his little sister. “no need to fuss, little miss. i’ve got this. you just relax, and tell me about the many adventures of my marvelous millie.” he loved busying his hands with work—it kept the many consternations at bay, and boy, were there many. “after this, you’ll let me treat you to a snack. you could come over, and we could have a sibling retreat. i’m sure taka would love to entertain company, and setting the table for more than two means i get to use my—our other set of china.”

to his sister’s next pair of inquiries, he bobbed along, continuing to separate clothing into piles of whites, darks, and spot cleanings. her attire would be pristine and untarnished by any indication of soil once he was finished. there was no stain he couldn’t overcome; he was the true adversary to blots and blemishes. the smile upon his face reached the apples of his cheeks and spread wide at the mention of takaharu—the figure whom aang exalted as his one true soulmate. an ever-dynamic and lively languish of a lovelorn rustle quaked in his lungs. “my haru”—his nickname for taka—“is doing so well, despite the news of her mother. i was loathe to admit that my studies were important enough to prevent me from taking the trip with him, but it worked out the way it did for reasons, i believe. i was able to refocus.”

studies could be better, truthfully—in that aang is incessantly trying to rush his courses. the poor student feels as if the finish line keeps moving backward by miles. he keeps up with his work but continues to overachieve as the ruans were taught to do. “i think it was good for them to see her given her condition.”

( the flying dutchman laundromat, june 2, afternoon ) @r-chaics

"You know you don't have to go through all this trouble for me. You spend all week cleaning, I doubt you want to spend your Sunday helping me do laundry," Mingxia chided her older brother playfully, but her inflection was light-hearted (even despite the new bags under her eyes, the recent lack of sleep making the vet tech appear a touch wearier than usual). As much as Millie was doing her best to prove her independence in Anchorage, that she didn't need their parents managing her life just to get by, there were undeniable gaps in her knowledge as she learned to take care of herself over the last couple of months—particularly when it came to cooking and laundry. Considering the fact that her brother was much more skilled in those arenas than she was, you'd think she would've called him up long before her laundry had piled up to such cartoonish heights. But the brunette had too much pride to outright ask for Aang's help, to admit that she couldn't do all this alone just yet.

She hadn't even told him about the recent nightmares that had been keeping her from getting a good night's sleep, the suffocating feeling they induced that lingered into her waking hours.

Nestled atop a nearby counter, feet swinging underneath her as she watched her brother's fuzzy form move about the piles of clothes, Millie's expression fell for a moment. They were an academic bunch, her family. How could she possibly explain to him that she had a bad feeling about her nightmares, that a part of her feared they were an omen? Her dreams were the reason she'd chosen Alaska in the first place, the reason she'd found Mei after all these years. How could she explain that when there was no rationale? "So... how's everything at Taka's? You're not spreading yourself too thin with school, are you?"

[r-chaics]

the art studio around them exuded an air of solemn tranquility, the tall shelves burdened with art supplies, the bristles of their paint brushes whispering secrets in the silence. the light filtering through the grand, windows cast intricate patterns on the timeworn wooden floors. the scent of aged paints and paper stock mingled with the dust motes dancing in the sunbeams, creating an atmosphere of serene introspection. eyes continued to scrutinize the child’s painting. the swirling amalgamation of grays, blacks, and browns formed a chaotic vortex, as if attempting to draw him into an abyss, pulling him away from the solid reality his feet were anchored in. a sharp pang of concern stabbed at his heart, igniting worry for the young student’s well-being. shouldn’t children be painting sunshines, rainbows, happy families, and playful puppies, rather than ominous, nightmarish monsters? he fervently hoped this wasn’t an indicator of trouble at home, or worse, a sinister reflection of a troubled mind. what else could he do but alert the parents? and yet, what power did they truly hold, especially given that such creatures had been sighted?

“what do you mean?” he inquired, his curiosity piqued by their perspective. family, to him, was a drift mark etched deeply into the silent veins of his existence. he carried them with him in every shared hobby, in the subtle echoes of their mannerisms, and in the unique nuances of his speech. he bore his sisters within his heart, and his parents in his pride. striving to be a paragon of filial duty, he sought to be the model child, adhering to his parents’ expectations despite his own imperfections.

“we all owe our parents apologies, don’t we?” he remarked, offering her a curt smile tinged with a trace of pain. “they’re just people. they’re just as lost as we are.”

he took a step forward, bridging the gap between them. “what sorts of stories would your mother tell?”

Life was vastly different in the current age than it'd seemed even a year ago. Back then, Nadine was still taking refuge on an island in the Caribbean and ignoring her festering self-loathing that always lapped upon the shores of her mind once every few years, just to keep her in check—now, though, she was thriving. The new relationship glow had melted into her pores, giving her skin a dewy finish without any artificial intervention in the shape of highlighter compacts or setting spray, and she would be damned if she didn't let everyone in Anchorage see the changes that she herself had tricked herself into believing would never come to fruition for as long as she remained in her home town. What was once a tether was now an anchor. She could feel both her feet planted firmly in the earth and she wasn't going anywhere.

And then she sustained an injury to her eye that incapacitated her, sucking away the light from her flesh instantaneously and engulfing an entire week of her life until she was somewhat recovered enough to drag herself out from underneath her duvet and force herself to do something. Stretch her muscles, regulate her blood circulation, literally anything that kept her body from atrophying at a moment's notice.

A demented desire to behold the art shack during daylight hours had motivated her to catch a cab—currently incapable of operating her beloved motorcycle—where she was hoping she could find some closure. She sat in on one of the classes, awkwardly glancing around while grappling with the idea of being perceived again, and just before she excused herself she felt a magnetic pull toward one of the pieces. She stood in front of it, head cocked sideways as she tried to discern the meaning of it. "I'd be more scared if I were their parents," she couldn't resist commenting, gaze drifting to where who she assumed was an employee stood. "Honestly? Your guess is as good as mine, but... My mom did always used to talk about strange things happening here. I didn't believe her back then. Feel like I should apologize for that now."

[r-chaics]

𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐊 𝟎𝟕: 𝐎𝐅 𝐆𝐎𝐃𝐒 & 𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒

# 𝙸𝙼𝙿𝙾𝚁𝚃𝙰𝙽𝚃 𝚃𝚁𝙸𝙶𝙶𝙴𝚁 𝚆𝙰𝚁𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙶𝚂. dependency, separation anxiety, depictions of fire, financial stress

star sign: libra

libras are said to be diplomatic, just, and prioritize love and beauty. they are also known for being obsessed with symmetry and creating balance in their lives. libras are ruled by venus, the planet of love, beauty, and money, so they are said to enjoy art, intellectualism, and beautiful objects. some say libras make great designers, decorators, art critics, and stylists. however, they may also struggle with indecisiveness, dependency, and laziness.

mythological creature: chi long — dragon of protection and auspiciousness

chi long was originally an animal from the sea; after years of magical cultivation, it became a type of dragon that looks like a gecko with no horns.  the marine origin made chi long a good fighter against fire. unlike other strong dragons, chi long is closer to people’s daily lives, which makes it the symbol of luck, happiness, romantic relationships, and a promising career. therefore, its image was widely used in people’s clothes, accessories, and decorations.

folktale: the butterfly lovers

it's the story of two lovers, liang shanbo 梁山伯 and zhu yingtai 祝英台, separated by fate and yet, not even death could separate them. death transforms them in two marvellous butterflies whose wings will beat together forever.

fairytale character (classical or modern): sosuke from ponyo

sōsuke is a five-year-old boy who lives with his mother, lisa, in a small house on a cliff by the sea. his father, kōichi, works as a captain on a ship, which means he's often away from home. sōsuke is kind, brave, and mature for his age, taking on responsibilities that are beyond his years. by the end of the film, sōsuke's pure-hearted love and commitment are instrumental in ponyo's transformation and in restoring harmony between the human and magical worlds.

3 fictional tropes: golden retriever boyfriend, malewife, the power of love

golden retriever boyfriend - a "golden retriever boyfriend" is a male character who embodies the cheerful, loyal, and loving traits commonly associated with a golden retriever dog. he is the epitome of positivity and enthusiasm, always eager to please and deeply devoted to his partner. his affectionate nature is expressed through physical touches, kind words, and thoughtful actions that demonstrate his unwavering support. this character often brightens the mood with his playful and sometimes goofy demeanor, providing a sense of joy and comfort to those around him. he stands in contrast to more aloof or brooding characters, highlighting his warmth and approachability. in romantic comedies or dramas, the "golden retriever boyfriend" is the heart of the relationship, offering steadfast loyalty and an infectious zest for life that makes him an ideal partner. malewife - the "malewife" trope describes a male character who takes on traditional domestic roles typically associated with a housewife, challenging conventional gender norms. this character is nurturing and emotionally supportive, often excelling in household chores such as cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the home. he provides a loving and stable environment, acting as the caregiver within the family dynamic. the "malewife" supports a partner who may be the primary breadwinner or more career-focused, demonstrating that domestic labor is valuable and respectable regardless of gender. in sitcoms or dramas, the "malewife" is portrayed as competent and caring, emphasizing the importance of emotional labor and the strength it brings to family and relationships. the power of love - the "power of love" trope is a timeless theme in literature and media, depicting love as a transformative and redemptive force capable of overcoming great obstacles. love motivates characters to perform heroic acts, make significant sacrifices, and achieve personal growth. it serves as a healing force, helping characters recover from past traumas or emotional wounds. love unifies and brings harmony, often leading to reconciliation and happy endings. in romantic narratives, love triumphs over adversity, while in epic tales, it inspires protagonists to defeat evil and save the day. the enduring message of "the power of love" is that love's strength lies in its ability to transform lives and bring about positive change, making it a central theme in stories of all genres.

romantic or platonic trope: puppy love, defrosting ice queen, friends to lovers

puppy love - the intense, often naive affection and infatuation typically experienced during the early stages of a young romance. This relationship dynamic is characterized by its innocence, playfulness, and earnest emotions, mirroring the boundless energy and enthusiasm of a young puppy. Partners in a puppy love relationship are often deeply enamored with each other, displaying an idealistic and romanticized view of their bond. They revel in each other's company, engaging in affectionate gestures, constant communication, and a seemingly insatiable desire to spend time together. defrosting ice queen- she is the ice queen: cool, reserved, and giving nothing away. she may want love as ardently as anyone, but she masks her soft heart behind a wall of ice. it is up to someone else, typically her love interest, to soften her cold demeanor and win her love. friends to lovers - the "friends to lovers" relationship dynamic is a beloved trope in literature, film, and real life, characterized by the gradual evolution of a deep friendship into a romantic relationship. this dynamic begins with two individuals who share a strong, platonic bond built on mutual trust, understanding, and shared experiences. they are each other's confidants, offering unwavering support, laughter, and companionship. the beauty of this dynamic lies in its foundation; the couple has already established a significant emotional connection and a profound understanding of each other's personalities, quirks, and dreams. intimate healing - oftentimes, the only way to treat someone is to engage in some rather intimate activity. some of these techniques are derived from actual methods, but often they're played up. you know why. frequently done to a plot-induced illness. variants include the "mouth-to-mouth medicine dosing" or "medicine kiss", climbing into bed with the patient to keep them warm/cool them down (nakedness "for better skin contact" optional), and so forth. more explicit titles may have straight-up "healing through sex"

creepypasta story: the fire

it's right up against the city's edge now. it's no longer speaking. it's screaming. its hundred voices are shouting in that language. this all sounds crazy, even to me, and i'm living through it. the guys in white coats obviously failed at whatever they were trying to do with the fire. we saw an unmarked white helicopter fly overhead, with that same guy's voice blaring down. something about an evacuation. i couldn't hear him. the fire was screaming too loud. there are more of those crazy people, like the ones in the tents. maybe it's just the fire driving people insane. i'm surprised i'm not totally cracked, having to live next to a screaming fire. i suppose it's just a matter of time now.

greek god or goddess: apollo

greek mythology states that apollo had been mocking the god of love, eros (also known as cupid). in retaliation, eros fired two arrows: a gold arrow that struck apollo and made him fall in love with daphne, and a lead arrow that made daphne hate apollo. under the spell of the arrow, apollo continued to follow daphne, but she continued to reject him. apollo told daphne that he would love her forever.

time of day where they draw the most energy: 6 am

their achilles heel: kindness

medieval weapon of choice: fire ships

survival, starvation, or death by the undead in the apocalypse: survival

which of the seven sins represent them? horseman of the apocalypse?: lust, none

what their superpower would be: healing touch

could they pull excalibur from the stone?: yes

one aesthetic for each of the five senses (taste, hearing, sight, smell, touch):

taste - the salty taste of your best friend's blood while sucking on their papercut before bandaging it. hearing - side-splitting laughter over a bad joke ringing with pure delight sight - a harrowingly beautiful sunrise in a lurid colors of vibrant reds and oranges that remind you of fire smell - a rich and enticing smell of savory dishes simmering on the stove lulling you into satiation touch - a golden locket containing a picture of your loved one pressed against the heart

a bad habit that won’t go away: frivolous spending

a recurring nightmare: a house fire, separating him from his loved ones

an object they consider their lucky charm: a key to taka’s home worn around their neck instead of on a keychain

[r-chaics]

# 𝙱𝙰𝚂𝙸𝙲 𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾𝚁𝙼𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽

full name: aang ruan nickname: ru (derived from surname) age: thirty date of birth: oct 1 hometown: fremont county, colorado current location: anchorage, alaska ethnicity: chinese nationality: american gender: nonbinary pronouns: he/they orientation: alloromantic pansexual religion: none political affiliation: none occupation: full time student & housekeeper living arrangements: winterwood estates with takahuru language(s) spoken: chinese, japanese & english accent: none

# 𝙿𝙷𝚈𝚂𝙸𝙲𝙰𝙻 𝙰𝙿𝙿𝙴𝙰𝚁𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴

face claim: xu minghao hair colour: currently dyed blonde - soon to be dyed on a whim eye colour: brown height: 5′ 10″ weight: 60 kg build: slightly toned tattoos: none piercings: ears clothing style: typically clean, old money sweater vests, clean cut button downs and dress pants- when he's at home, he wears an apron usual expression: bright and smiley distinguishing characteristics: thick rimmed glasses that often glint in the light

# 𝙾𝚅𝙴𝚁𝙰𝙻𝙻 𝙷𝙴𝙰𝙻𝚃𝙷

physical ailments: very poor eyesight - legally blind without his glasses neurological conditions: mild symptoms of OCD ( hoarding) never diagnosed allergies: mango sleeping habits: early riser / morning bird & feels terribly guilty if he sleeps in or sleeps too late eating habits: fresh vegetables & fruits, clean eating & typically preferring exotic fish for protein exercise habits: regular afternoon walks with the dogs emotional stability: wears his emotions on his sleeve and isn't afraid to talk about them- boundaries, however are horribly communicated sociability: extrovert body temperature: normally regulated addictions: none drug use: weed with taka alcohol use: loves plum sake too much

# 𝙿𝙴𝚁𝚂𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈

label: the obsequious positive traits: romantic & social negative traits: vain & manipulative goals/desires: take care of taka in all aspects, finish school and earn a degree to help support their life together so that they can share financial responsibilities and not have to solely rely on her fears: losing his sisters, taka or anyone else he considers family hobbies: homemaking, baking, cleaning, reading smutty romance novels, volunteering & tending to the garden habits: putting others first, humming to themself or loudly singing showtumes / musicals, skin picking, & eating way too fast

# 𝙵𝙰𝙼𝙸𝙻𝚈

father: tba mother: tba sibling(s): two sisters: mei & millie children: none pet(s): dogs, shared with takaharu family’s financial status: upper class

#𝙾𝙲𝙲𝚄𝙿𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽 & 𝙸𝙽𝙲𝙾𝙼𝙴

primary source of income: takaharu secondary source of income: none spending habits: useless items to supply their never-ending collections, accessories for the home, expensive furniture, lavish clothing  valuable possession: a key to taka's home worn around their neck instead of on a keychain

# 𝙵𝙰𝚅𝙾𝚁𝙸𝚃𝙴𝚂

weather/ season: summer colour: mint green animal: all ! music: alternative / indie movies: romeo + juliet ( 1996 ) series: port charles book: the vampire armand art style: romanticism beverage: jasmine tea food: cucumbers dessert: sorbet cocktail: tom collins pizza toppings: just cheese fruit: figs ice cream flavour: mint chocolate

# 𝙴𝚇𝚃𝚁𝙰𝚂

zodiac sign: libra mbti: esfj enneagram: two temperament: sanguine hogwarts house:  alignment: chaotic good primary vice: lust virtue: kindness element: air

[r-chaics]

#𝙾𝙿𝙴𝙽 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝚁𝚃𝙴𝚁

who: any / volunteers / workers / kid’s parents etc ! ( assume connections )  where: hopeful light art shack when: after may 17th

wrapping up one of his free art classes, aang meticulously packs up his supplies. though "art class" was a generous term; there was no structured instruction for the children during his volunteering. he knows he's nothing but a glorified babysitter, and while he loves art he recognizes he is in no position to teach about it. in fact, his classes embraced the opposite philosophy. he often reiterated his personal mantras to the kids, “draw what you love! paint how you feel! scribble what doesn’t make sense to you!” consequently, the back wall was adorned with a vibrant menagerie of gifts they had made him, each piece drying and awaiting its place on the bulletin boards outside. like leaves on a fall branch, they swayed in disharmony on a fishing line of twine and whatever other resources the shack had.

he turns his attention to a box of watercolors and paint tubes, methodically sorting them by color to be stored in the closet. his mind begins to drift to taka and the pets, who would soon need his attention. perhaps he should hurry to surprise them with gifts on his way home?

however, a particular painting catches a stranger's eye—a more haunting piece that demands both of their focus. walking up to them, his footsteps reverberate through the little art shelter. irises glue themselves to the black and brown scotches on canvas paper. it’s a portrait inspired by a recent news report, depicting a creature with bat-like wings. aang bites his lip as he speaks about the painting. “scary, isn’t it?” a frown tugs at his lips. “a lot of detail, but kind of sad that they picked, you know… that subject.” he hesitates to name the creature, fearing that uttering it aloud might summon it, or worse, threaten his family back in winter wood. after a moment of silence, he asks, “do you think they’re real? or just figments of our imaginations?”

[r-chaics]

takaharu's housekeeper, instead, redirects and scolds ine from barking at the passerby. aang asks her playful yet stern questions, "why are you trying to make so many friends?! can't you see they are just walking? can't you be more like your sibling? look at zenki—" he pauses, noticing that zenki is simply food-motivated, which sparks a lightbulb moment. "ine, here. come get some food!" aang holds out a treat of his leftovers in the palm of his hand, and the pomeranian eagerly crawls onto his lap, lapping at the morsel. all was perfect. wasn't it? the morning light filtered through a couple of clouds, casting a gentle glow over the scene. ine, now content with her treat, settled quietly upon his lap, her previous excitement forgotten. the soft rustling of leaves outside mingled with the distant hum of city life, creating a serene backdrop to their domestic tranquility. "it's so beautiful out, isn't it? not too cold. i suppose summer is on her way. i can't wait to spend more time outside with you."

it doesn't surprise him that their attention is on her work. aang's eyes fall upon the loose-leaf paper, then the half-eaten bun. "you should eat, tsuki-san. or if you don't like it, i'm sure zenki would love to finish it off for you." aang's gaze shifted from taka's work to her, a hint of concern in his eyes. "it's easy to get lost in what you're doing," he said softly, "but you need to take care of yourself too." his words, though simple, carried a weight of genuine care and affection, a reminder of the delicate balance between passion and well-being. “i can order something else or we could go home and i could cook for you?”

when: early to mid may with: @anchoragestarters where: food truck alley

A half-eaten red bean bun sits forgotten in its wrapping on the surface of the picnic table, forgone for the sake of a foreboding stack of papers spread around, threatening to blow away at any minute. Zenki, the Affenpinscher, one of Taka's more energetic dogs, sniffs around the base of the table, searching for discarded scraps; while Ine, the equally over-energetic Pomeranian, yips at passersby. Her owner is too distracted to admonish her: the lanky fashion model has their eyebrows furrowed and their middle finger and thumb pressed to their temples, expression clearly reading frustration—and an increasing headache. 'What?' Takaharu mouths, jaw clenched, confusion mounting in dark eyes. Perhaps she's been looking at this for too long, as nothing is making sense anymore.

So much for fresh air being the thing that knocks the brain block loose. Maybe vastly irregular sleeping habits are starting to affect his cognitive abilities; but nobody on earth could force him into bed when he doesn't want to go.

(Okay, maybe there are a couple.)

Setting a loose leaf down into one of the stacks, genuine surprise washes over Taka's visage as they rediscover the forgotten treat from Yumpling. "Forgot I even had this."

[r-chaics]

❀ *◦ xu minghao. nonbinary. he/they. alloromantic pansexual. ⇝ hey, isn’t that aang ruan ( apollo ) ? i think that the thirty year old from fremont county, colorado works as housekeeper for takaharu mochizuki, a full time biomedical engineering student & an arsonist for the grim fox, but outside of that people describe them as holding an umbrella for your lover ⸻ always standing up for your friends⸻ and side-splitting laughter over a bad joke . i hear they are vain & manipulative, but they are also known to be romantic & social. consider giving them a visit at their home in winterwood estates and get to know why they’re called the obsequious.

𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐎 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐒 𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐓𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒

# 𝙸𝙼𝙿𝙾𝚁𝚃𝙰𝙽𝚃 𝚃𝚁𝙸𝙶𝙶𝙴𝚁 𝚆𝙰𝚁𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙶𝚂