#writing: Mirabel

[canis-or-cannotis-lycaon]

Mirabel

TIMING: July 9th LOCATION: Gael and Elias’ House PARTIES: Elias (@ and Gael SUMMARY: Elias brings Gael’s favorite kitten home as a surprise. CONTENT WARNINGS: None, just literal and emotional fluff!

After picking up Mirabel, Elias drove home with the rambunctious little kitten in the carrier he had picked up for her. She mewed the entire way home, and he attempted to calm her by talking to her and singing along to the radio. It worked. Because by the time he got back, Mirabel had calmed down in her carrier enough to fall asleep in a curled-up ball. He had picked up a litter box, food, and bowls for her before picking her up, and he first brought the cat in, then set up everything else in a discrete area that Gael wouldn’t see immediately upon coming home. 

Much to Elias's relief, Ren and Gael were both out when he got back. So he took the kitten out of her carrier and spent time playing with her and hanging out on the couch. Having the day off, Elias decided to get to work in the kitchen, having Mirabel beside him as he cooked. He had decided to make butter chicken with his mother’s recipe. The aroma filled the house, and he smiled at his work—nothing like a home-cooked meal. 

Before he knew it, he heard the jingling of keys to unlock the front door. Springing into action, Elias quickly hid the carrier beside the couch and put Mirabel back inside it, praying she kept quiet. And thankfully, she did. 

As Gael entered the front door, Elias stared at him with a giant grin on his face. “Welcome home!” He greeted, waving a hand toward him. He knew his smile would give it away that he was up to something, but he wanted to keep up the charade for even a moment. “How was work?” He innocently asked, hands folded in his lap, hoping Gael wouldn’t notice he was covered in animal fur. “I made dinner!” He then added, realizing that the smell would probably give him away. “And I have something for you.” He confessed, scratching at the back of his neck.  ____ There was a lot of thinking in Gael’s head the past few days, though he rather wished he could just turn his brain off. And the worst part was that he knew he was unintentionally making these internal thoughts and feelings external. He legitimately couldn’t remember the last time he was so prone to spacing out since he dedicated himself to sobering up aside from possibly being really sick. Was that what this was? Was he just sick? That would explain the nausea and possibly nightmares, which was another thing he couldn’t remember having. Too many variables. Whatever was going on wasn’t contagious or else Elias probably would’ve caught it by now. Or it was psychosomatic. Either way, as Gael examined himself in the rear-view mirror of his little car (that he had since put a plastic covering on his seat due to the glitter from his ‘amazing’ date with Beau a few weeks ago that he held zero memory of), he did a proficient job at cleaning himself up, changing his expression to his usual one of friendly attention. The good news was that he wasn’t even mopey, just… absent. And he hated it. He liked to be present, to listen to other people and participate and engage in the conversation. He hated someone having to tap him on the shoulder or yell at him to get his attention, that wasn’t him. So he shaped up. Cleaned himself, made himself look presentable (now if only he could get rid of the bags under his eyes) and exhaled with resolve that would carry him through the rest of the day. Gael heard that Elias was off that day, which was good because he figured the man could use it and he got out of his car, unlocked the door and before he could say anything, he was greeted with the warm aroma of chicken and spices. He closed his eyes instinctively, a smile finding its way onto his face. Opening his eyes again, the smile was for Elias now as the latter welcomed him home with his usual enthusiasm. Perhaps even a little bit more than normal, which Gael never minded. “Hello!” He waved back, setting his trusty messenger back on the hearth next to the fireplace, its familiar spot whenever he first got home. “Work was fine! Nice and easy. I’m guessing your day was good, too?” He asked, raising his eyebrows, his eyes dancing over Elias’ frame briefly. “You– you got me something?” Gael tilted his head slightly, his smile still evident though a little bit of confusion made its way onto his face. “...What are you up to?” Between making dinner, the way he was acting and the grin on Elias, it didn’t take him long to figure that something was evidently on Elias’ mind. ____ Upon seeing Gael’s face melt at the smell, he knew he’d done his mother proud by following the recipe. He had called her earlier that day asking for the recipe, which immediately aroused her suspicions. “Who is it for?” She had wanted to know. “What’s their name?” She immediately followed up. “You can’t just refuse to talk to us in forever and not expect questions, Elias!” She had finished with. It was worth it, in the end. He had ended up talking to her for over an hour, answering where he was working and what he’d been doing, and the fact that he had a roommate. He left out the part where he wasn’t sure where they stood. That wasn’t important, and he wasn’t about to reveal that to his mother. He’d never hear the end of it.

Elias thought about waiting until after dinner to reveal the cat, but he also knew it was on its own time and might make herself known first. “I’m up to nothing, thank you very much. What, I can’t make my mom’s butter chicken recipe?” He raised his brows, continuing up the innocence charade. He crossed a leg over the other, his long legs splayed out on the couch. “My day was just fine. I spent it running errands and cooking.” He replied, which wasn’t technically a lie. The errands were just picking things up for the cat. 

Then, he tilted his head toward where the cat carrier was hidden. “Go take a look.” His grin widened as he continued to tilt his head toward where Mirabel slept. “I thought you could use a pick-me-up.” He began to explain, standing up from the couch to follow Gael. “I noticed you’ve been more exhausted and out of sorts lately, and before you try to play it off, it’s already too late. I noticed.” He shoved his hands in his pocket, awaiting Gael’s reaction. He couldn’t help but be a little nervous. The good thing was he hadn’t been having any allergic reactions to Mirabel, and he had thoroughly tested it out by playing with her and cuddling with her. He’d like to believe that they had bonded rather well.  ____ When Elias mischievously replied that he wasn’t up to anything accompanied with what he’d done that day and crossing his legs, Gael quirked an eyebrow in obvious disbelief, though the smile never left his face. His gaze moved when the taller man motioned to ‘go take a look’ and Gael’s smile lessened slightly, casting Elias a quick look as he went to the spot that was indicated. He did, however, stop and start to protest when Elias called him out, his brow furrowing slightly but Gael clasped his mouth shut again, biting his lower lip as his expression faltered; had he been that obvious? He felt like he was being obvious but at the same time, the thought that it was so evident sent a fresh wave of guilt in his abdomen that he stuffed into a bottle. Later. For now, the only indicator that escaped from whatever denial he would’ve responded was a small exhale and instead of looking at Elias, he turned his attention to what seemed to be a small animal carrier. Immediately the wave was replaced by something else, something warm and a little bit exciting, almost as though he were a child who just realized that he was being taken to the toy store after excitedly talking about a toy he wanted. “This isn’t…” Gael didn’t finish his sentence as he dropped to a crouch slowly and carefully before falling back to sit on his rear as he leaned forward and peered through the bars of the carrier. A smile slid onto his face, wide, gentle, bright. “Ola, Mirabel.” He cooed softly, opening the carrier gate and welcoming the small, fuzzy black kitten he’d picked himself, gone out to see, and sat with in the barn. As the kitten, recognizing him, mewled and exited the carrier to clamber onto his knee, her claws going into his jeans, Gael leaned forward and buried his face in her side affectionately. She smelled like the barn, the hay, and he swore he could catch what he associated with Monty on her. “What are you doing here?” He asked the kitten though the both of them knew he was actually asking Elias. Naturally, he wanted to ask Elias directly but he was torn in two - on the one hand, he was overjoyed to see the little kitten, to hold her in his hands again but on the other…”I thought I’d have to settle for seeing you at Leticia’s store.” If Leticia ever wanted to talk to him again. ____

Elias clasped his hands behind his back as he watched Gael interact with the kitten. He knew that Gael would protest, claim that his allergies were important, but he didn’t care. When it came to the people he cared about, he had a habit of showering them with gifts. He wanted Gael to know he cared, so he’d gone out of his way to pick up the kitten. “I reached out to Monty the other day and went and got the kitten I know you’ve been missing.” He began to explain, picking at his nails as a nervous tick. He didn’t want this to go over poorly. “I thought you two could use each other.” He spoke in a soft voice as if afraid to speak further. 

He perked up at the mention of Leticia, a familiar name. He had befriended her at the bar. He didn’t comment on it, however. He just wanted to ensure that Gael was happy with the situation. “Before you ask, I’m on medication for my allergies. And yes, this was a decision I wanted to make, and yes, the medication is working. Mirabel and I played all afternoon.” He rocked back and forth on his heels, catching the kitten’s eye for a moment, only for her to wriggle out of Gael’s arms and bound toward Elias, batting at his socks. He chuckled. “And as you see, she likes socks.” 

He kneeled to pet her, unable to keep a soft and intimate smile off his face. He knew that the cat would be good for not only Gael but Elias as well. Something about an animal’s presence was just good for the soul. Mirabel quickly turned directions and ran back to Gael, now batting at his shoelace. “She’s got a lot of spunk.” He commented with a soft chuckle. “I hope you’re not mad…” He trailed off, smile turning to one of worry. He then began to ramble on, fidgeting with his hands. “I picked up two litter boxes, I got her the food they were feeding her and some dishes and toys…” He bit his lip, not knowing when to stop talking.  ____ The question that was on Gael’s mind, the question he was hoping Elias would answer without him having to, was ‘what about your health’. And fortunately, as he stroked Mirabel’s soft ears, her little head, under her chin, Elias seemed to know it and he answered. At first, Gael wasn’t mad or even upset, he was just concerned, and for what he thought was a good reason. But as Elias explained all the precautions he’d taken, the steps to help himself and the time that he had obviously thought about it, Gael realized that he hadn’t learned anything with his conversation with Monty. He still controlled other people, assumed their intentions, made decisions based on what he figured other people wanted or needed. Then as though to prove his point, Mirabel jumped out of his lap and pranced over to the taller man where she proceeded to mess with his socks. Gael’s gaze flickered from the kitten to Elias. He opened his mouth as if to say something but as he tended to do when he was nervous, the bartender started talking again himself. ‘I hope you’re not mad’. Gael felt guilty that no matter what all he’d done so far, he still gave people the impression that he got mad about things. Keeping his eyes on the taller man, he reached forward and unlaced his shoes around the ball of fluff. Gael should’ve gotten up to respond more immediately but he didn’t, instead just giving Elias a look that he hoped expressed his gratitude, his thankfulness and appreciation for all the trouble Elias had gone through, what he’d keep going through for Gael’s sake. “You know what I think?” Gael said matter-of-factly, still sitting down - it was gonna take him a minute or two to stand - but keeping his dark eyes on the other man. “I think this was an excellent decision.” He scooped the kitten up, poking her nose affectionately and wiggling his fingers to get her attention. “I think this is one of the best coming-home surprises I’ve ever had and of course I’m not mad.” He set Mirabel down again, pulling off his shoes so she could play with them. “I’m just glad you two get along.” He beamed up at Elias. ____ As Mirabel began to play with Gael’s shoelaces, Elias couldn’t help but smile. Maybe the kitten would be good for all three of them, not just Gael. Her presence made him feel better just by proxy. He couldn’t help but smile back at the professor. “I didn’t think you were mad,” Elias clarified as he decided to sit on the floor across from him. “I just got worried that you’d think about my health and not want to keep her for my sake, which would start an endless cycle of guilt.” He waved his hands in the air as he spoke. “I’ll stop talking.” He then muttered, watching Mirabel explore the living room further. “It’s just how I show that I like someone is all.” He nearly whispered to himself, finding himself a little embarrassed.

Then, it was just the two of them sitting on the ground. “I’m glad you’re happy,” Elias spoke, putting his hand over Gael’s momentarily before getting up from the ground and offering him his hand to help him up. “The food’s going to get cold,” he spoke with a grin. “We can let her explore for a little bit, right? I made sure all the doors were closed so we didn’t lose her that quickly.” Mirabel walked around a bit but made herself back at home in her carrier, which Elias had lined with a small blanket and some mouse toys. “I know she’s technically your cat, but… I’m definitely going to spoil her.” ____ “You’re a grown adult and you can make your own choices.” Gael replied first, tilting his head and giving Elias a keen look. He felt like he’d been saying that more recently and it just made him more aware that he kept making decisions that he felt were best when they weren’t, necessarily. He wondered if he made things more complicated sometimes, like with Monty. Then Gael’s sharp hearing picked up on a sentence that wasn’t meant to be heard and he made a decision right there. Inhaling, feeling Elias’ hand over his for a moment before the taller man stood and offered to help him up, Gael glanced up with his expressive eyes and took Elias’ hands. With some effort and an escaped grunt of pain, he was to his feet, where he glanced down at the kitten that wandered around before going to her crate, her little cave of safety. He smiled and looked back up at Elias, squeezing his hands gently. “I hope you do spoil her.” Gael assured. “She’s not my cat. She’s our cat. All three of us; I can’t possibly hoard her to myself.” He inhaled. “Elias, do you want to go out with me?” ____ After helping Gael up to his feet, he turned to the kitchen to turn the stove burner back on. It had begun to cool down, and he would be damned if he ate cold food. He laughed at Gael’s response to telling him to spoil the cat and nodded as he spoke of it being a household cat. “I have a good feeling that Ren will like her.” He spoke, stirring the mixture on the stove. Elias hadn’t had a chance to cook for the household much, but he enjoyed doing it. “I think I should cook for the house more.” He insisted aloud, then freezing in place when Gael spoke up again. 

“Huh?” He responded with as much tact as an elephant in a china shop. “I mean. Yeah, I’d love to!” He then said with a perked-up tone. He was confused. What had brought that question up all of a sudden? He turned around, still holding the wooden spoon in his hand. He didn’t know what to say, “We’ve gone out before?” He said with a question mark, narrowing his eyes at the man with a confused yet playful expression. The question didn’t put him off, but he found it funny. 

He then turned back to the food to make sure it didn’t burn and went into the pantry to find the naan he had purchased to go with it. “Get over here. It’s been ready.” He then said, not making a big deal of being asked out (even though they’ve gone out before). “It’s butter chicken.” He then explained as he plated up the food for two people, making sure there were left overs for Ren when she got home. “Have you had it before?” He then asked.  ____ The look that painted Gael’s face at the response ‘we’ve gone out before’ was wide-eyed and completely caught off-guard, almost as though Elias just slapped him out of nowhere. Accompanying it was a fine shade of red that dusted his cheeks. They… of course they’d gone out before, but– “I-I was…” He stammered stupidly as he followed Elias to the kitchen, treading carefully as though Mirabel could’ve been anywhere on the floor now. His mouth opened and closed like a fish out of the water as he wanted to say something but faltered and Gael had to shake his head to pull himself out of his head where he suddenly found himself wondering what he did wrong. Was it the wording? It had to be the wording, right? It had been a while since he’d effectively been part of the dating scene and even then… At the question of where or not he’d had butter chicken before, Gael shook his head. “No, I haven’t… at least I don’t think I have.” He admitted. As he spoke, a fresh wave of the scent of the food wafted through his sinuses and he couldn’t help but inhale the aroma again, the scent seeming to calm him down. “It smells REALLY good though,” He added enthusiastically. “Hey, I uh…” He cleared his throat. “I meant like… if you wanted to date.” He felt the need to clarify as his eating utensil hovered over the food, wondering if he would even keep it down but hoping for the best in multiple ways as he further explained his initial inquiry. “Like… be a couple.” ____

After plating the food, Elias pushed the plate over to the other man, brow raised in confusion as Gael became flustered. He wasn’t sure what was going on, the sudden embarrassment on the professor’s face was enough to make him realize that maybe he had misinterpreted what he was asking. He narrowed his gaze, staring at the floor where Mirabel was sniffing around, trying to decipher what he was referring to. Putting a piece of naan onto each plate, he then turned himself around to grab a fork for the both of them. Mirabel darted back over to Gael’s discarded shoes and began to bat at the laces for everything it was worth. Elias turned around at the ruckus, smiling taking over his face at the level of cuteness she was exuding. 

Then, “be a couple.” That caught him off guard. He hadn’t been expecting that. The last time he was part of any couple was back in college when he was twenty-two. Needless to say, he didn’t know the first thing about these things. He had thrown his whole life into work and now that he was establishing relationships with people for the first time in his life at forty-three, he realized there were a lot of unfortunate firsts that were happening to him. “I…” he trailed off, blinking. He wore owlish features on his face, dropping his fork in shock. “Really?” He asked, ducking his head with those same wide eyes. 

He thought for a moment. In the past few weeks, they had surely grown a lot closer, not to mention they had more intimate moments. There was something about Gael that was magnetic and intoxicating. He then nodded his head, trying to get the words to connect to his mouth and work. “I’d love that.” He finally said, a soft smile growing over his face after speaking.  ____ Gael was holding his breath again and not even the loving obsession he’d formed over Mirabel could take his gaze away from Elias as the latter didn’t respond immediately, at least verbally. He evidently didn’t see the question coming as he dropped his fork and Gael realized that it was his error; he’d used the wrong wording before, saying what he said back when he was in high school instead of respecting Elias as an adult. He could be childish sometimes, unintentionally so so when Elias replied after the pause between them, confirming the question that floated ambiguously in the air, he practically vibrated with energy, his expression getting brighter and even seeming to eliminate the dark circles under his eyes, if only for a moment. “I’d love that, too!” Gael said, barely containing his enthusiasm and he looked down at at Mirabel, the latter of which had wandered over to their feet for a few moment. “He said yes!” He hummed down to her. Turning back to his food, he dug in, the nausea in his stomach dissipating at least long enough for him to actually enjoy the food that was made by his newly-appointed boyfriend after the latter picked up his kitten from Monty, all shows of faith and kindness that Gael hadn’t been able to offer Elias yet. It was unfair, really, how needy Gael had been the past week and he was sure that he’d do better in the future, if not for him than for Elias, for Ren, for Monty and Mirabel and Leticia. He owed a lot of people a lot of things and Gael gladly took on that challenge. Sleepwalker or no, it was Gael and that was all he could do and be for everyone. “This is SO good.” He complimented his mouth full of the butter chicken. “Thank you.” A pause. “For everything.” ____

The feeling of elation made Elias feel as if he were floating on air, his footsteps light as he pulled up to the kitchen island and set his food in front of him. Gael was cheering Mirabel, which put a bright smile on his face. Nothing could destroy such a fantastic mood he found himself in, and would probably ride the high for the rest of the day. “I haven’t… you’re the first person I’ve seriously dated since college.” He confessed sheepishly. “So forgive me if I have not a clue what I’m doing.” He frowned, though it didn’t last long as it was overtaken again by an infectious smile.

As they sat to eat, Elias hummed. It didn’t taste quite as good as his mother made it, but it was a close second. “It’s my mom’s recipe.” He explained between forkfuls, Watching as Mirabel sprinted around the island a few times, seemingly a boundless flow of energy. He chuckled at it. “So if you like this, you’d love hers.” He explained with a soft smile, thinking of his family. He’d have to contact them soon. He’d never hear the end of it if he didn’t tell his mom about the new development in his personal life. 

“You’re welcome.” He then replied, nudging the man softly. “You deserve nice things.” He added. “Like I said, it’s kinda how I show people they mean a lot to me.” He waved a hand in the air as he spoke, fork in hand. “So I’ll probably do it again, consider it a threat.” He took another bite, that same floating feeling in his body threatening to lift him up to the sky. He couldn’t get enough of it.  ____ “You deserve nice things too,” Gael responded lightly as he continued to eat the butter chicken, dipping the bread he was given into it on occasion. Elias could’ve told him that it was a store brand and he would’ve loved it - it wasn’t the comparison, it was that Elias took the time and effort to make it for him. This was for him. The kitten, a gift from two people who meant a lot to him. The food, a consideration after his poor behavior the past week. The globe, the stargazing, the kindness and the discussion to bring him back from the ledge he wasn’t aware he was even on. Either that or Gael was being utterly selfish and failing to read the room, something that wasn’t common for him but it happened on occasion. And maybe he could be selfish, just as he was when someone would let him know a small, intimate piece of them and he kept it close to his heart. Maybe, despite the new nightmares, the apologies he owed, the brain injury, he did deserve nice things. He was still tired. And he knew the shadow would return to his dreams tonight. But the illumination and joy that the past half hour brought him was sure to carry his mood through the rest of the day, which was a luxury he allowed himself to afford as he sat there eating the homemade meal, seeing the newest addition to their strange little family hopping around out of the corner of his eye.

[smokin-salmon]

HAPPY (very, very late) BIRTHDAY MIRABELLE!!

[llilyrose]

Doodle for @the-bitter-ocean's In Cycles and Cessation au!!!!! (Alt. Version and writing under the cut!!)

{You pat the spot next to you.}

{They take it, albeit a bit hesitantly.}

"Mira? What's, um... What's this about?"

{What's this about, indeed...}

>"You like the stars, don't you?"

{They hum, simply.}

"... Yeah."

>"Well,"

{In the past you've struggled with sharing your thoughts, and the processes that lead to them. There's just -- there's SO MUCH going on in there!}

{At least you're good at remembering lines.}

>"I've noticed that you like to skygaze. A lot. And, you know, there's nothing wrong with that! But."

>"But you're not cloudgazing. Isabeau told me you're looking at the stars - the twinkly things in the sky?"

{He nods. It's permission.}

>"He also told me that, er, that thing you say sometimes - it roughly translates to stars in Vaugardian."

{He nods again, though it's more reserved. It's still permission. You haven't messed up yet. You continue.}

>"So I thought!! Um!!! Maybe you would want to skygaze with me?"

{Their smile is fond.}

"Mira. You didn't have to go out of your way..."

{No! You do!!! You absolutely do, because you know this means a lot to them, you know they're yearning, you're achingly familiar with their anxieties --}

{Change!! He won't even let you help him if you don't get anything out of it yourself!}

{... It feels like cheating. A bit selfish, to impose your problems on him, in a moment that's meant to be his. So you'll just... repeat your lines. Repeat it, Mira.}

>"The stars. Are they important to you?"

{Silence drags on. You hear the rustling of fabric. You're not sure if he's rubbing his arms or shifting to get a better view of the sky.}

{The lack of response urges you to bring a nail to your teeth. You make the beginnings of the motion, but Siffrin interrupts you before you get the chance.}

"Kind of. I think? I'm not ... entirely sure."

{It's the same thing they've always said.}

{The lack of change hurts you. The lack of change is comforting.}

{You...}

>"It's okay."

{A breeze brushes past you. It drowns out the gentle sounds of their breath.}

>"This kind of thing is . . . complicated. For me, too, if you can believe it."

{Hook. You hear him turning his head towards you, curiously.}

>"The change belief is home, for me. Growing up in a House of Change, of course, probably influenced a lot of my thinking, but."

>"As important as change is, as close as this ever-shifting belief sits to my heart, I have a complicated relationship with it."

>"The housemaidens... each of them has Changed, at least once. We have festivals to embrace it! And I'm happy for them! I'm so, so happy for them."

>"But I'm disappointed. In myself, I think? Because... Because I haven't changed. Or, I have changed, but I've never Changed, capital-C."

{Line. You hear a disgruntled "hrmpf" from beside you. You keep going.}

>"And nobody is pressuring me. I don't have to. But, I feel like- in this belief, this belief that revolves entirely around changing myself, changing the core of my being, into something completely different, completely new-"

>"I like me as I am, Siffrin."

>"But sometimes it feels like I'm missing out on key experiences in my culture."

>"So... yeah. It's complicated. These things are complicated. It's okay to be complicated."

>"Is it-- are the stars something like that, to you?"

{Sinker. You look back, and Siffrin is staring at you, sadly. He notices you looking, though, and shifts his gaze back towards the sky. The stars. They're thinking.}

"... Yeah."

{They pause. You wait. You'll give them the time.}

{You have plenty of it! Hahahahaha!!!!!!!}

{No. Positive. It's okay.}

"It's complicated for me, too."

"You like to say I'm easygoing. I think it's just the way I was raised."

"To say I follow my belief is more literal than anything."

"The Universe leads. We follow."

>"The Universe?"

{Wait for your cue.}

"The Universe. It's... everything. It's everything at once, and also everything beyond?"

"It's... the stars, in the sky, I think. It's the waves crashing onto a beach, the whistle of wind in your ears."

"It's not like everything is predetermined. We just... if something goes wrong, or you think you see a sign, you can throw your arms up and say 'the Universe willed it.' And you wouldn't be wrong."

"I... don't really like that idea? That some higher force makes the decisions for me. That I can't shape who I am on my own."

"I don't like the idea that-..."

{They snap their mouth closed. You don't miss the way their voice cracked.}

{It hurts. It hurts you every time. Every time you help them it just resets. You're not sure how many more times you can do this.}

{It's like all your change never mattered in the first place...!}

>"You don't have to share, if you don't want to!!!"

{You won't complete his quest if you do this. You won't get his ability if you do this. You won't be family if you do this. But you can't anymore. You can't.}

{But.}

"... It's okay. I just..."

{There's no backdoor anymore.}

{Your gut clenches as they speak the words you've toiled over for loops, now.}

"I don't like the idea that forgetting everything about my culture was for some greater purpose. I don't want that. I don't want to forget who I was, I don't want to forget who I am, I don't want to forget you! Any of you!"

{His voice is wet. Something pangs in your chest.}

"If forgetting is all I can do, if forgetting like this is the path set out for me, then..."

"What kind of person can't remember their home? Their childhood? What is a person without their memories?"

"is this what the Universe wanted from me? Is this all I'm for?"

{You've heard it all before.}

{And yet. And yet.}

>"Don't talk about yourself like that!"

{He flinches. You yelled! Why did you yell???}

>"You don't...! You don't deserve to treat yourself like that!"

{You can't stop yourself. The thoughts you bite back flow out of you like a river.}

>"'What kind of person am I without my memories?' You're Siffrin, that's who! With or without your memories, we love you as you are, the person you are!"

{You pause. He's scared of you, isn't he? You're being loud. Too loud. You're derailing the conversation.}

{Change is good. Change should be good. But it feels like every time you try to change your situation, it bites you back and turns tail!}

{You messed it up, you messed it up, you--}

{You feel a tug on your heart.}

~~

"-is this all I'm for?"

{You smile, softly.}

>"Of course not, Siffrin."

{He tenses. You always notice it.}

>"You... don't have to deal with this alone. Why didn't you tell me? Or anyone?"

"It-"

{They pull their hat over their face.}

"It, um... didn't really matter."

{It still hurts you. That he didn't think he could tell you.}

>"We'll never forget you, Siffrin. And you'll never forget us, either. I'm sure of it."

>"Memories or not... you belong here. With us. We love you, you know that, right?"

{They shrink back, flustered. It hurts. You've seen it before. You've seen it.}

>"If you're so worried about your lack of memories, we'll just... make new ones!!! Together!!!"

>"You're not alone in this anymore. You're here, with us, and we have a future to look forward to, together."

{He's crying.}

{That look in their eyes. You know.}

{You know he knows he is loved.}

{You hate that you're getting tired of it.}

[vulpixisananimal]

(. . . Ouch.)

(You're back in the field. That, that one hurt. It really, really hurt. You're not entierly sure what you did different that time, was it that you asked him why he looked like that? Either way, the result was one you wouldn't forget.)

(You were fighting the king. You must have gotten careless, or maybe distracted, but you took a blow meant or Mirabelle, it flung you into the wall and you felt something snap. You weren't able to move, only watch your party try and win without you. You didn't know what was worse, the fact Bonnie tried dragging you away when you lost, or that the King killed you last, since now, you were the least threatening of them all.)

(Mirabelle, Isabeau, Odile. . .)

(. . . . It doesnt matter. Lesson learned. Get up Siffrin, you have a country to save.)

(. . . . . . .)

(. . . . . . . . . . . . . .)

(You. . . . . . . You can't move.)

(You can't move. You can't move!?! Why can't you move!!! You tried your arms, your hands, fingers, toes, legs, head- okay!! You could move your head! So, so you're not frozen in time, aha, hahaha!! AHHAHAHHAHAHA WHY CANT YOU MOVE!!!!!)

(This isn't right, this isn't right this shouldn't happen this, this is impossible right?!? You always went back to normal after a Loop!!! Did, did you do something wrong? No, did you die wrong? How can you die wrong!!! That makes no sense!! Was this a joke?!? Okay, okay call Loop they'll know what t- NO YOU COULDN'T, EVEN DO THAT!!! HA, HAHAHAHAHA)

(You had to move!! You had to!! Because, because if you cant then you, you, you-)

(Then you couldn't go to the clock tower you couldn't go to the house you couldn't stop the boulder in the first hall you couldn't find the key or the crests or fight and you couldn't look through everything for how to get out of the loops you couldn't use the keyknife you couldnt do anything you'd be the useless dead weight that you always were and you'd be stuck here!!! YOU HAD TO MOVE. JUST, MOVE!!! PLEASE!!!)

(JUST MOVE MOVE MOVE MOVE MOVE MOVE MOVE MOVE-)

"S-Siffrin!!!!"

(You snap back to reality, Mirabelle, she, she was right there. In front of you, she looked panicked. How long had she been there? How long had you been lying here. You open your mouth, no sound comes out. What do you say, what CAN you say?!?! How can you say ANYTHING?!??!?)

(You look Mirabelle in the eyes. She's, shes starting to cry. You, you have to, say, something, anything!!)

". . . M-mira. . ."

"Siffrin!!!" (She looks releaved a little that you talked, putting an arm up to your head before quickly putting it back.) "A-are you alright?!? You weren't responding at all and, a-and I, I-"

"Mira. . ." (You can feel yourself starting to tear up.)

(You have to tell her. You don't want to. You would rather die. But if you don't tell her, then you'll be stuck lying here as she waits for you at the clock tower!! And, and you. . .)

"I. . . I can't move."

". . . WHAT?!?!" (It took Mirabelle a second to process what you said. She looked shocked, terrified.) "W-what happened?? Was it a nightmare?!? Or, or did, u-uhm let me try something!!"

(You can see a slight glow from Miras hand. Healing craft!! Right!! Haha, that should fix it easy!! Of course!!! She places her hand gently on your chest.)

(. . . You don't feel it. You don't feel the warmth of Mirabelles healing, or her hand, or, or anything. No, you couldn't feel the grass underneath your hands, or, the wind or, o-or. You're starting to hyperventilate, please, please work please please please.)

"Did that. . ." (Mirabelle takes her hand back, looking at you.)

(You try and move a finger. . .)

(. . .)

(You. Still. Can't. MOVE!)

(You can feel yourself starting to cry, you can't stop it. No, no no no no no, after all this, all this work. You're stuck!!! You're stuck and you can't move!!!)

"O-oh Change. . . Siffrin. . ." (You could see Mirabelle starting to cry, surely she was thinking about tomorrow, about everything, the King, the fight, and now just how useless you were, stupid. Stupid stupid stupid!!!)

"I-it's fine. . ." (You mumble.)

"It's not fine!!!" (She yells.) "Y-you're my friend!!! And!!! A-and you can't move and I couldn't heal it!!! It's not fine at all!!!"

"M-mira. . ." (It was fine. It was fine. It was fine.)

"I'm going to get Madame Odile, she'll know what to do! A-and, and everyone too!! Just, just- I'll be right back!!"

(You watch her go as much as you could. You couldn't stop her even if you tried. Stars. . . You try to stop crying. It doesn't work. You close your eyes.)

>>>

"How about here?" (Odile asked, pressing against your back.)

(Mirabelle had came back a few minutes later, everyone in tow. They were all so worried about you, wanting to make sure you were okay. Odile had the though to check your reflexes, then after that came up with nothing, to check your spine. Isabeau was holding you up as Odile pressed along your back. Or, at least, you think she was.)

"N-nothing still. . ." (You mumble back.)

(This was maybe the worst part.)

(After all those little moments where you snuck a poke or touch in the plant room, after all the time you wanted someone to just, hold you. It finally happened.)

(And you couldn't feel it.)

(It had taken all of your might not to scream.)

"Gems. . . What about here?" (You shake your head.) "Hmm. . ."

". . . Frin gonna be okay?" (You hear Bonnie ask.)

"I, hmm, I'm not sure." (Odile sighed.) "There's no broken spine segments, and you're sure you didn't have any strange sensations leading up to this?"

"N-no. . ." (It's only half a lie.) "Just, woke up like this. . ."

"Aw Sif. . ." (You can hear the anguish in Isabeaus voice. You feel a gentle hand on the back of your head, you barely even wince.)

"We, w-we can figure this out! It'll, uhm, it'll just take some work!! It'll be okay!!!" (Mirabelle sounds like she's about to burst into tears again.)

(No, It won't be okay if you're stuck like this. You lead them through the house each time, and if you can't do that, they die. You all die. Stars, everythings changing, everythings, wrong!!)

"I-I'm sorry. . ."

"No!!!" (They all yell at you.)

"You don't need to apolagise!! This isn't your fault!!" (Mirabelle continues.)

"Stupid!! You just took a NAP there's no way it's your fault!!!" (Bonnie looked angry, or, wait, was that concern?)

"We can figure out something, Siffrin. Even if you can't move tomorrow I'm sure Isabeau could carry you through the House." (Odile adds, you sense some teasing in her voice.)

"M-ME?!?" (Isa replies.) "I-I mean, of course!! I would any day of the week!! Haha, if Siffrin needs a hand somewhere then, u-uh--"

(You let out a weak laugh. Oh, oh Isabeau, oh everyone. . .) ". . . T-thank you. . ."

[. . .]

[You got the Memory of Powerless.]

[With the Memory of Powerless equipped, all your familys stats and EXP gain is doubled!]

[You may be unmoving, but they are willing to pick up the slack.]

[poorly-drawn-mdzs]

In Stars and Disco

(Disco side of the swap)

[mikodrawnnarratives]

Have some art + fic rn cuz i had this idea plaguing me for a whlie in my first playthrough of the game and i needed to have it realized.

I don't want to edit my writing just yet so i'll do that later, but for now have some mentally unstable Siffrin 👍

I'll come up with a title ltr, prob when i edit this and post to ao3 (so if this gets reblogs just check out the og post for latest ver.)

For now the warnings you should know of are just character death, lots of Siff hating himself, and i think suicide ideation? I wrote this a few hours ago n still don't want to go back just yet but basically its nothing that doesn't already exist in the game

Fic starts under the cut! Roughly 2000 words

(edit: i forgor some colors don't exist/can't be seen 🤡, fixed now!)

Siffrin can’t seem to fall asleep at all anymore. The night right before the loops he can only pretend to get some rest before facing the king. He isn’t quite sure what the reason is. Being stuck in one place for too long? Useless? His urges to reach out for Isa’s touch that keep him awake at night, yearning for connection that is immediately are followed by disgust in himself?  The pure exhaustion at the thought of repeating the next day again? None seem to be the answer. Maybe its a combination.

He only knows that he’s exhausted. Exhausted, yet unable to rest. Even if he were able, would he want to risk what ever dream or nightmare his head might concoct? A blend of memories and deaths to remind him that he can’t escape?

Not being able to sleep makes them worse at the loops too unfortunately. They got along fine for the first few loops after his first sleepless night, though the mistakes ramped up. They cursed their body, cursed themself for being so weak. Simple and stupid mistakes getting them killed via boulder when they forgot and slip of the hand resulting in the weakest of Sadnesses offing him.

Loop of course taunted about his failures, like they always do. He couldn’t fully blame them, knowing deep down he deserved it. There was a pull he sometimes had though, to rest with them, even for just a little bit. He’s hung out with them before, when it gets overwhelming, never for very long. Despite that, to actually sleep with them is a different story. Different vulnerability that, he wasn’t comfortable with. Too weak, he didn’t need another thing for Loop to tease him about. No matter how tempting it would be to sit in the tree and doze off. He wouldn’t doubt that, if he could rest at this point, he would doze off until the next loop.

He can’t have that. He can’t let his family die again.

The next loop began, the stage set, and Siff opened his eye, despite every ache in their body telling them not too. They can’t listen to their body right now though. They need to travel the entire house in the next few loops for anything he might have missed before. One more sweep. 

He carries out his lines, plays the role he’s meant, rehearsing the other actor’s lines in his head before they speak up. Familiar steps, expressions, directions. When they get to Isabeau, they slip up again, Isa’s concern blooms. But they’ve seen this before. It’ll be fine. Their gut twists at forcing Isa to be concerned, but theres a warmth in it too. That Isa cares. Cares about them. It’s strange, when Odile gets close to the truth, stars when she FINDS OUT the truth, there isn’t any warmth. Just, fear. But knowing Isa won’t find out, just cares and makes them promise to talk about it at a time they know won’t come, it’s a guilty pleasure. At least, for now. Before it becomes meshed with all the other lines Siffrin has come to expect from The Fighter.

While navigation the House like normal, they slip up occasionally, interacting with objects that spark Odile’s concern. They don’t bother reversing the mistakes, he hasn’t slipped up that much. There’s no way she could know. Siff crumbled on the first floor at the counter they jabbed themself into again. Unable to see it and always stupidly forgetting to be cautious there. Stupid. 

And they kept making mistakes. Their exhaustion pulling at their body, their nerves eating them alive. There’s no warmth with new lines of concern from their actors. Just spikes of panic followed by their attempts to reassure them. To continue on.

By the final snack stop before the King, their actor’s change the script again. Siffrin tensed, their hand tracing the handle of their dagger in case of emergency. Odile… odile doesn’t call out suspicious connections to time craft this time. Everyone just.. Just asks him to nap.

The third floor they had fumbled the most, their quick grabs at the keys became more clumsy against his will. His hands can’t stop shaking. The aches won’t cease their whining in his body. Change, of course they noticed, they aren’t blind. The script is similar, repeating the words that simultaneously warm his body and send nausea through it. They’re a family. They care.

Absently, Siffrin notes Mira’s asking him if he’ll accept a comb, again. At least that’s familiar. At least one of them new the script to stick to. And, he really wouldn’t mind it again. The loops reset his hair back to the tangled and knotted mess it was when he startled back to awareness in Dormont. Everytime. Sometimes they briefly wondered if Mirabelle would comb their hair out back in town too. They would never ask though.

Their family quietly chated as Mirabelle combed through his hair. Gently, dare they think lovingly. Careful not to hurt him. Like he’s fragile and weak. Pathetic. They are pathetic aren’t they. For wanting this. Selfish for forcing them. Their hands continued to tremble, as much as Siff tried to suppress it.

The Fighter changes the script first. First to notice. Notice a slip up. They tense, not for any particular reason just, they don’t know this script. The Fighter’s face is concerned but softens. Isa. Isa asked hesitantly it he could see their hands. Siff let him, letting their pathetic shaking hands be engulfed in Isa’s large ones. He hesitantly rubs their knuckles, Mira continues to brush the tangles out of their hair. Siff’s eyelid got heavier, their body screaming to just let go, just relax. They haven’t reached the king yet, the head housemaid, they can’t yet. 

When they heard Odile close her book, another off script action, they jolted up and looked her way. Odile was about to speak up, but hesitated at their startled form. Her concerned and piercing expression remained.

“Siffrin, did you get any rest at all last night?”

They stop and meekly speak up, “I slept..”

“That’s not what I asked.”

Siffrin grimaced, tensing up. “I got.. Some rest. Why do you ask?”

“The fumbling around and absent performance don’t suggest you did.”

She had them there. Their fingers twitch as they internally remind themselves their dagger is still on their person. Even if their hands are occupied with being held by Isa’s. They take a breath.

The other actors contribute, sharing their nerves about facing the King. Needing to be ready before confronting the Threat, that could be their final standing place. No. No they won’t fail. They won’t die here. He might, but he won’t let his family.

Odile is actually the first to suggest Siffrin rest before they face the King. They can’t have any weak links before such a moment. Weak members. Weak. They were clumsy this loop. Their other family members share in the sentiment. They probably think he’s weak too. Their concerned smiles are hard to say no to though. The aches and exhaustion overwhelming his body probably wouldn’t let him refuse such an opportunity either. Surely. Surely they went through the first couple floors quick enough that another fifteen minutes before the king wouldn’t be too long. Right?

It’s a thought that didn’t seem to cross his family member’s faces when he gave into their requests and laid down. Mira scooted over, getting started on the next clump of tangled hair. Isa offered his lap as a pillow, and Siffrin’s slow mind just. Accepts the request. Not noting the dark shade flooding The Fighter’s face as they dragged their body to his lap, their head and partial upper body relaxing immediately. They rest their head on their blind side, one hand interlaced with The Fighter’s, behind them Mira finishing off the last of their tangles. The concern from their family’s faces hasn’t completely disappeared, but it’s eased. And that is enough to release the remaining tension in his body. It’s enough. 

Their family makes a few jokes that their brain muffles. Some laughing. Bonnie’s working on their snacks in the corner, still. They’ll be ready when they wake up. Their legs adjusted and placed in someone else’s lap, they think. Whoever it was, rubs circles into their calf. His eyelid grows heavier, their breathes come easy. Deep breaths. Someone rubs their back. 

It’s nice. Really.. really nice. One could easily forget they were even about to face the King at all. Face the end. They close their eyelid. It’s warm. One breath in. And out. Just.. just a quick nap. Where they are loved. They.. they are loved right? This is what this means… at least right now…

Yeah. They hope this is right.

Sleep engulfs them for the first time in several loops and their breaths slow.

The chatting continues around him, not lacking some glances exchanged between the adults in the room. But mostly, just relief fills the air. Mira stayed by Siffrin’s side, threading her fingers through his now completely combed out hair. The flush in Isabeau’s cheeks still hadn’t fully left, every movement reminding him of his crush resting so peacefully in his lap. Like a sleeping cat that once it has claimed you as it’s cushion, you are bound by the universe to not move for any reason. Odile didn’t pass up the opportunity to tease him, met with Isa’s shushing and hushed whisper “what if he wakes up and hears you!!”

Siff had done a lot today, and everyone would have assumed he was completely calm about fighting the king if not for his uncharacteristic clumsiness. Mirabelle supposed it made sense though. A night of rough sleep right before facing the most dangerous threat facing the country? That would make anyone mess up.

After another twenty minutes, Bonnie comes over with the freshly prepared snacks. Made extra special since they were more ahead of schedule than expected. Last hurrah before the king, everyone needed to be at their best.

Mirabelle smiles, heading over to were Bonnie had announced the snacks. Isa attempts to move but flounders at the idea of moving Siff. Mirabelle giggles at his flushing face as Odile moves their legs out of their lap. Well, time to end their nap she supposes. Their sleepy family member probably won’t be too thrilled about waking up but it is snack time.

Mirabelle collects her choice of snack and crouches over to Siff, moving their hat from where it had obscured their resting expression. Isa looked both upset to have the time his crush sleeps on their lap come to an end, and relieved. He lets out a chuckle as Mira gently shakes their shoulder.

“Time to wake up, Siffrin! Bonnie has snacks for everyone.” Mira moves a few hairs out of their face. “Siffrin?”

Isabeau adjusts, and joins in. “Siff? Sorry to wake you bud but..” He pauses, seeing Mirabelle’s face shift. Odile’s gaze sharpens as Mirabelle’s leans over them, placing her ear to their chest.

“They- th-they aren’t” Mira cries out. “They aren’t breathing! No no no-” 

Isabeau moves Siffrin off his lap with shaking hands. Odile rushes over to their side, checking their wrist and neck for a pulse. Bonnie’s face crumbles in the corner, alarm replacing the happy air.

Isabeau shakes Siffrin’s still body, Mirabelle readies a heal craft as Odile begins to try resuscitating them.

but 

the 

world

goes

blank

Siffrin first feels the gentle breeze around them. The grass moving in tune, sometimes brushing up against the small areas their clothes don’t cover. They hear Mirabelle in the distance and when they open their eyes, she’s right above them, apologetic for waking them. Siffrin blinks. It’s been a while since Mira’s been the one to wake them up. 

“Good morning! Well, more like good afternoon, I gue- wow. Are you okay?”

That’s new. Why would her lines-

“You’re crying.. Is something wrong, Siffrin?”

He blinks and brings a hand to his face. Sure enough, his cheek is stained with tears. He doesn’t remember crying, he just woke up too. From..

“Must’ve happened in my sleep” He says absently.

Mira frowns, “Oh no! What did you dream about…?”

Siffrin shrugs and repeats lines he remembers that will reassure her the quickest. She sighs and returns back to town. They’ll be waiting for him.

He takes a moment to think about what happened in the last loop. He.. doesn’t remember dying. Must have been when he went to sleep. That. That probably should worry him, that falling asleep could end a loop, but he doesn’t feel any regret about it. Actually, it’d be nice if all his loops ended like that. Just, dying with his loved ones around. It would take too long though, even if it could happen again. This loop needs to be faster. Last loop they didn’t even reach the king, and they have questions. 

He grumbles as he sits up, a part of him yearning to go back to that warmth. Oh if only the universe could have let it be permanent. A permanent death that didn’t even hurt. That’s wishful thinking though, the universe isn’t so kind. And they have work to do, his family- actors. They need what he knows. He can’t rest forever yet.

The show must go on.

[the-bitter-ocean]

(ACT 3 SPOILERS) Hi everyone! I Wanted to post writing I did for @tealgoat In tales of time au!! For context it’s set around act 3, where Odile reached the end for the first time with a family run. The art I used in this post is made by teal and you can find the links to those drawings individually over here and here! Writing is under the cut:

< You’re here again. >

< But something feels different. >

< You managed to beat the king like always… but this time..>

< This time you had the courage to call your companions your family. >

< You got to understand all of them a little better and in turn that made you all grow closer. >

< Is that what you needed? Is that the solution to the problem? >

< You didn’t think that helping them would amount to anything much, but the story’s outcome changed a little didn’t it? >

< Even if it was small.. you know how important it is. >

< Your father used to tell you that rereading a story allows you to see details you may have not noticed on a first pass. >

< That it can your change your entire perception of the story itself, even. >

< Is this what you needed all along? >

<Your heart feels warm. >

< He used to read you stories like that all the time. >

< Fairytales about love and friendship saving the world. >

< It gave you comfort then.. and it seems it’s giving you comfort now. >

< You’ve talked to everyone.. they all said different lines then the ones you’re used to.>

< With that logic in mind.. then it should be obvious that the Head Housemaiden should say something different. >

=> < Talk to her. >

=> < Don’t talk to her yet.>

=> < Talk to her.>

< You’ve said everything you needed to say to your companions. >

< It’s time for the moment of truth. >

< You approach the Head Housemaiden and greet her. >

< “Hello!” >

< The head Housemaiden smiles at you and waves. >

((“Hello traveling one! Are you done talking to your companions? Yes, wonderful wonderful-“))

< ….?>

((“ I’d like to thank you for accompanying young Mirabelle on the journey. You have my gratitude.”))

((“ Odile, yes? If there’s anything I can do to thank you, please don’t hesitate to let me know!”))

<….?!>

((“I know you will go back on your travels soon but I do hope-”))

<…>

<…… Ah. >

< Of course. >

((“ Just know that no matter what that Dormont will always be open to you! Please come back any…time….”))

((“…!!!! Oh… oh no no no.. oh nonono-“))

< Ahahaha…!>

< You should’ve expected this. >

< Why would whatever happened before change the story’s ending now? >

< Just because you felt loved and safe? Stupid stupid stupid- you should’ve known better! Why did you decide to rely on how you felt instead of looking at the reality of the situation you’re in? >

< You try to breathe. >

((“ Oh Odile! I’m so sorry..!”))

< It’s fine. It’s just the end again. It’s the same. >

((“ I’m so sorry..there’s no way we can stop it now!” ))

< You’ll just be..>

((“- going back! Back when everything started!”))

< You know her lines by heart, now. >

< If you know what happens next…then you can always know how to react and never be disappointed.>

< You’re fine. >

< You’re…>

<| “…? Odile?” |>

<| “Is everything okay?”|>

< You turn your head and look in Siffrin’s direction. >

< He’s staring right at you. >

< You can’t shift your expression fast enough. >

<| “ Odile what’s wrong- “|>

{“ Head Housemaiden, is something the matter?” }

((“ I cant fix it on my own, not before it all ends… if only I noticed it all sooner!”))

[“Huh? What’s happening? ]

(“ Dile?”)

< You can’t move. >

< You’re frozen. >

{ “Madame, what’s-Urgh!”}

[“ Is something happening? The air around us.. it feels like.. AGH!” ]

(“ My head hurts!!!”)

((“ It’s my fault you have to suffer like this…”))

<| “ODILE!!!”|>

[“ M’DAME!!!”]

< They’re all running, reaching towards you..>

(“ Dile come back! Somethings wrong!!!”)

< You have to move. >

{“ MADAME ODILE!!!!”}

< Maybe you can catch Isabeau’s hand if you reach out to him. >

((“I just hope that one day..”))

< You slowly hold your hand out for him to hold. >

< You take a step forward. >

((“ You could learn to forgive-“))

< And you- >

__________________________________________________________

<You open your eyes, your hand reaching out to nothing. >

< You’re back in the store once more. >

< You grip unto the shelf and take a deep breath. >

< Foolish. >

< You press your fingers against the bridge of your nose and adjust your glasses. >

< You laugh quietly as you can. >

< You truly believed this could work, didn’t you?>

< You really thought helping them all would be the key to your escape! >

< That if you helped them, if you were loved, then surely it had to free you, right? >

< Hahahahaha! >

< That was awfully childish of you! >

< They loved you but it’s not enough to save you! >

< And why would it? When has anything ever been that simple for you? >

< You should know better. >

< Everything was reset back to the beginning. >

< Any character development reversed and undone. As if it never happened at all. >

< Mirabelle is back to feeling out of place because of her identity. >

< Isabeau is still hiding everything about himself, pretending to be something he’s not. >

< Boniface is back to feeling like they’re useless and that they don’t contribute enough to the rest of you. >

< Siffrin won't remember the times you spent together.. back to being scared of you..! >

< And you're back here.. again.. and again .. and again! >

< That's what you get for hoping! That's what you deserve, for being so blinding incompetent and - >

< You slowly look up and glance at the clock. >

< Siffrin will enter the shop soon, won't he? >

<…>

< You need to cut this spiral of yours short then. That’s fine, it’s not like crying ever did you any favors.>

< Focus on the present. >

<The power of friendship didn't work. That’s fine. >

< All you can do is try something else now.>

< You owe it to everyone to keep going. >

< The story isn’t over for you yet. >

| You got a MEMORY OF FAMILY! |

< You'll always remember this. >

| When equipped, Memory of Family doubles everyone's EXP gained in battle, except for yours. |

[theriverdraws]

I know this movie is recent-ish, but the lack of an Encanto series is still crazy to me.

Like, it doesn't even need crazy magical lore, it can be episodic, it's so simple:

Family dynamics not seen in the movie

Why doesn't Mirabel have a gift (theory of her being the next matriarch being the most obvious one)

Seeing the other rooms

Bruno's new interactions with the townspeople and the family

FERAL ISABELA!!!

Dolores and Mariano

Unexplored trauma with Dolores and Camilo, GET THEM THEIR SOLO SONGS!!!!

The dads' sides of the family

Abuela Alma trying to do better

Childhoods of the triplets

On that same note, how the couples met each other.

More on Alma and Pedro. Etc

And if you wanted new stuff, HAVE THEM OPEN THE ENCANTO TO LET MORE PEOPLE IN, new technology that Encanto doesn't have access to, new ideas and cultures - it can even bring drama if the new people try to do bad things and the family goes all x-men on them.

It's so many possibilities that if they never do it it's a damn shame.

[justanotheryellowsoul]

More pages under the cut, it just got a little long!

So if Mira doesn't have her big talk in the last run and neither does Isa, what if, just hear me out- they talked to each other.

Part 2!

[azureblooet]

Ok Loop nation as much as it makes sense for Odile to be the one to clock loop as being a clone, I feel like it would be Mirabelle. Like I feel like she would be the one to have enough genre savviness to be like “ oh, you’re like a time clone or something right?”  like she might be an anxiety creature who would sooner die than trust her own judgment but you know she’s absolutely read about time loop stories before.

like she is very geared to view the world through a somewhat narrative perspective and narratively Loop being Siffrin is the most obvious thing ever to be written

I just want one ONE fic where they have the whole dramatic reveal of Loop’s identity and Mira is just like “Wait did we not already know this?”

Like the whole time she was just like “oh they’re probably Siffrin but they chose the new name and stuff so I don’t want to be rude”

[chronologically-challenged]

There was this one art a little while ago about the family stuck in a situation where they're forced to play ISAT in some post game scenerio. I keep having many thoughts, but here's some about them figuring out who Loop is:

1) They all BAFFLED by how Loop usually talks. They all thought Loop was this shy little star person. Immediately, they get hit with "have you tried not dying~~~~" into "I think you deserve help" and do not know what to think.

2) Odile is in charge of the controller. Mainly bc no one else wants to control Siffrin and they all have equal amount of video game experience aka none, so Odile is being practical about it. This has the side effect that Odile gets to be all investigative. Odile makes it her MISSION to find stuff out about Loop.

3) Siffrin has complicated feelings about them finding out about Loop??? Like okay they HATE their family has to see all this, ESPECIALLY THAT THEY CAN SEE HIS THOUGHTS!!!! But. Loop. Siffrin hasn't told his family the truth. It's not his story to tell. But. If they figure it out...? In a way that proves Loop wrong, right? That they can recognize them. Maybe it takes a bit because Loop looks different is and actively trying to be different from Siffrin. But. Maybe...? Either way they encourage Odile to talk to Loop. If this is a simulation... if this is real in some way even... yeah he wants to talk to Loop.

Anyway here's a list on how they find out one by one:

Odile: She catches the little stuff. She notes the royal We, the fact that Loop alludes to having an old body by accident, the casual familiarity in some places. All of that. She is also the first to note their eyes being different shades. However, Odile doesn't make the connection 100%, not until Isabeau. Well.

Isabeau: He gets some of the weird stuff Loop says but not as many as Odile. HE finds Loops side comments weirder. He sees Loop's reactions and they're a bit. Uncanny.... and then he has another realization, Loop and Siffrin have the same eyes. When Isabeau notes this, it all clicks for Odile.

Mirabelle: Okay, so. You cannot tell me that Mirabelle has not read fantasy stories with weird guide characters. She has to have!!!! So at first, she's not even looking for who Loop is. And tbh? She has the best read on Loop's personality otherwise. Sassy, but clearly caring. A bit of a shit, but serious when needed. And mainly, she appreciates Loop Being There when the rest of them couldn't. That being said, the moment where the "have you wondered who I am" happens. And suddenly Mirabelle Is Thinking Of the Possibilties. And then the ME option pops up!!!! Odile was already about to pick it but Mirabelle YELLS to pick that one!!!!! Uh. Shortly after that they all have a conversation about how yeah, Loop is VERY likely Siffrin. Mirabelle justifies herself with tropes. Of course!!! Of course they're Siffrin!!! If they're anyone they have to be Siffrin. Siffrin got transformed and became the guide they needed!!!! It Just Makes Sense.

Bonnie: ....Tbh doesn't really figure it out on their own? But also. Loop. Feels like Frin. Not exactly like Frin. But they're Frin enough to be trusted so who cares. It takes awhile for them to really get it too because... it's weird. Also they're the one to really ask why there would be two Frins??? Duh??? And why would Frin become Loop???

Anyway, basically, after picking "Me?" They pretty much are all on the same page. They got that it was wishcraft. They got Loop is Siffrin somehow. I think Odile might figure out that "hey, uh if Loop is the guide then what happens when Loop doesn't have a guide" and Mirabelle probably says "wait Siffrin didn't you say to me once that without Loop you wouldn't have made it?"

Meanwhile Siffrin is a mix of sad and very emotionally touched. Because. Yeah. Even when trying to actively hide, their family recognized them.

Notably, Siffrin gets them to twohats (Siffrin remembers that they understood Loop most after showing them the coin. So yes, the family does get to see Siffrin's "I will forget everything I love" moment. Goes as well as you expect. Lots of hugs and the reassurance that they will bug Siffrin until the end of their days so he can't forget him so HA!)

But yeah. Siffrin really wants to make sure they can get little simulation Siffrin to realize Loop is Siffrin as well. Because if there is any chance of this being real and that they're guiding a Siffrin in another reality, then they want to make sure they can get Loop to know just how much they did. How much they helped and changed Siffrin's fate for the better.

To note: I'd imagine in this scenario, Odile wouldn't go do any of the side stuff. At least not too much of it. There wouldn't be as much exploration either. Siffrin likely would be very underleveled as a result.

So perhaps in this scenario? Imagine if you will that while the Siffrin watching definitely defeated Loop, the simulation Siffrin loses.

And Siffrin finds out that... no. No! Of course Loop couldn't kill him. Of course they wouldn't. There is a catharsis to that realization.

(After they finish the game, either a) prologue playthrough time or b) they're freed and the group IMMEDIATELY try to figure out a way to find Loop bc uh??? Even if they weren't Siffrin, they want to find them. But like. Two Frins. Two Frins they know are different but who cares, no matter who Loop chooses to be, Loop Is Family Too).

Anyway, family plays isat featuring the Loop Saga.

[basilpaste]

i had a whole big idea for this, but im afraid im not terribly good at comics! or drawing fast!!! but its isas birthday!!! happy birthday!!

(the gifts are under the cut! written out!)

"Thank you! But, oh Change, you really didn't have to get little ol' me anything, ehe!"

"Nonsense, Isabeau." Odile huffs fondly. "You're part of our little team, after all. Did you think we'd forget?"

Maybe a little? You don't even entirely remember telling them about your birthday! From the look on Mira's face, though, you must have told her. It seems like she orchestrated the whole thing.

She claps her hands together cheerfully, "So! Who wants to go first!"

Bonnie waves their hands wildly, hopping up and down. "Oh!! Oh me! I want to give Za my gift!!!"

Heh! It doesn't seem like anyone's willing to fight them on it. After a moment of silence, they cheer, rushing off to heft up a small gift bag. They hurtle back towards you and present the bag dramatically.

You gingerly take the bag from them and pull it open. Inside is a-

"WAUGH?" You yelp, dropping it!

The bag falls on its side, sending the contents tumbling out. A spider?! A spider!

A... spider-shaped pin cushion.

Oh.

Bonnie lets out a long hard laugh, pointing at you, "Hahah!!! You thought it was a real spider!! Spiders don't get that big, dummy!"

"You'd be surprised," Sif speaks up, batting their lashes oh-so innocently.

You shiver. Bonnie also shivers.

"Thank you Bonbon for the pin cushion." You say, grabbing it off the ground.

... Stabbing a spider-shaped thing might feel kinda nice, actually. It was obviously a prank gift, but you'll still get plenty of use out of it!

Bonnie grins at you brightly.

Odile steps up next, bowing her head to you. She passes you a neatly wrapped box. You carefully remove the paper (its pretty!) and unfold the box.

Oh! A book!

Colour Me Curious: A History Of Colour Theory.

"Back in Dormont's House," she glances back at Sif when she says the word Dormont, you pretend you don't see, "you mentioned having an interest in colour theory. A librarian a few towns back recommended this to me. I figured you might enjoy it."

You nod rapidly. Oh!! You're surprised you haven't looked into it yet! You're not sure how you forgot! Especially considering the weird shade - colour - you all have seen! With your eyes!

"Thank you, m'dame!!" You say, trying to be mindful of your volume.

She smiles, "Of course. I'd like to hear what you take from it."

"Of course!!"

"Okay! Okay, um... me next!" Mira pulls two boxes from her dress pocket (?????) and holds them anxiously, "I shouldn't have gotten two! I don't want to overshadow anyone else! But! I think you'd like these both! So! So. I got them both! Happy birthday, Isabeau!!"

You scoop them from her arms, "I don't think anyone is worried about you overshadowing them, Mira!"

The rest of your friends hum in agreement.

"Okay."

A beat.

"Start with the smaller one!"

The smaller one turns out to be a light novel of some sort. Oh! She's talked about this one before!! How she thought you'd like it because it's super cute! You thank her and place it softly on top of Odile's gift before turning your attention to the larger box.

This is...

"Oh?" You squeak, feeling a little choked up.

"Oh?" Mira echoes, "Oh no! Do you- do you not like it?"

You grab the gift from its box, running your hand along the grain. Oh no! You might cry! Oh Change!

"Mira!! Mira this is so expensive? This is so much?" You feel unworthy to even hold it.

This is like... three meters of silk?? It's dyed such a rich lightless shade? That's unbelievably expensive!! It's beautiful and so well made that you're not sure what to do with yourself. Oh crab.

"It wasn't so bad, really!!" She yelps, worry clouding her expression.

You very softly (very, very carefully) tuck the silk back into its gift box. Then you throw yourself at Mira, sweeping her up into a tight hug. She cries out, clinging to you. And then bursts into a fit of giggles.

"Thank you thank you thank you???"

"Waaa!!" She laughs, "I'm glad you like it!!!"

"I know I know lightless isn't really your shade but you HAVE to let me make you a bow with this, Mira!!"

"Ah!! If you want to!!"

"I Do!!"

"Okay!"

You pull away from the hug, glancing back at the silk. You feel your chest swell with joy!! Oh Change!! This is so much stuff! And you're still not done!

Sif looks... a little bit nervous. They shift the box they're holding in their hands and shuffle up to you. After a moment of hesitation, he holds it out.

"... Happy birthday, Isa."

You take the box with care. It's small, but heavier than you're expecting. There's a bow on top that Bonbon snatches after you take it off. All of these gifts have been a surprise! But you're really not sure what Sif got you!

You open the box.

A piece of lightless fabric sits under the lid. It's embroidered! Not perfect or flawless, but done with care. Darkless spots are scattered on its surface and in big capital letters, it reads "You're A Star!"

Oh!! You get this joke, now! It used to only make sense to Sif but you know now!! Your chest feels light. You laugh.

"There's more." They say quietly.

You nod, gingerly removing the embroidery and setting it to the side. It reveals... a wood carving!! You pull the carving from the box, turning it over in your hands. This is you!!! It's a carving of you!!

How did you not notice him working on it??

"Sif!!" You gasp, "Sif it's perfect!!!"

"O-Oh?"

"This is beautiful!!! You made this? And the patch??"

He looks away, hiding his face in his cloak, "Um... yeah."

"I love them!" You grin so wide it hurts your face, "I love you! All of you!! This is all so... ah!! I need to start thinking about gifts for your birthdays, now!!"

"How about we finish celebrating yours first?" M'dame hums.

You feel light as a feather. You love your friends - your family - more than you can say.

[chikotora]

Mirabelle asks the worm question

(Mirabelle shuffles in place, approaching the rest of the party)

Isabeau: "Hey Mira! You doing alright?"

Mirabelle: "Um… I have an important question. AND YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED TO LAUGH AT ME >:("

(The party is all focused on Mira)

Odile: "Well? We're waiting."

Mirabelle: "Okay… Would you all still be my friend …If I were a worm?"

(what)

Odile: "What"

Isabeau: "Yes!"

Bonnie: "A worm? Like the ones that wiggle and stuff? The dirt guys?"

Mirabelle: "Yes! That kind of worm! If I were magically transformed into a wriggling worm, would you all still be my friend?????"

(It's all you can do to hold back a laugh)

Isabeau: "Mira, I would be your friend if you were in any shape."

Bonnie: "Even a crab?"

Isabeau: "Yes. Even a crab. (small text) but it would definitely be harder."

Odile: "So in this hypothetical situation, can you still communicate? Can you speak? How do we even know it's you in the first place?"

Mirabelle: "I don't really know… But you would know the worm was me."

Odile: "Then yes, I think you could still hang around us. It would be sad that we couldn't have you join in on the conversation, but I think we would bring you along."

Bonnie: "Worms are icky and slimy so I don't want to carry you."

Mirabelle: "!"

Bonnie: "But we could get a little box! Some of the other kids at school really liked collecting bugs, and I remember they use this special kind of box. So we could use that to carry you around!"

(Mirabelle is intent on hearing all the answers, seemingly taking mental notes.)

(Uh oh, she's looking at you now.)

(Quick, think of an answer!) Uh… Siffrin: I think you'd probably manage to... Mirabelle: "Uh huh??"

Siffrin: worm your way into my heart.

Mirabelle: "Siffrin!!!!!!!!!!"

Isabeau: "HA!"

[bluerosefox]

\(=•○•=)/ *shyly posts my Anemo/Genshin older Mirabel idea doodles*

Outfits, outfits, outfits (*▪︎*))

Mirabel owns a small clothing shop in Mond, she used to be part of the Adventurers Guild (ignore the fact I spelt it wrong btw) full time but does odd jobs every so often now. Her 'old' outfit was meant to be her adult outfit and the new one was meant to be her teen years but I liked the teen outfit better and decided to switch them.

She's actually friends with Chiori, they met in Inazuma and Chiori helped upgrade her outfit from the AG uniform (a few months after gaining her vision too). They write to each other and often use Kirara to send other things like fashion samples and trades.

Mirabel's outfit is meant to look like a butterfly wings.

Her shop isn't popular to non-locals but everyone in Mond knows to head to her place if you want something fixed or made.

She is also younger than Diluc, Jean's, and Keaya's ages but older than Bennett, Razor, Fischl.

[abowlofsourcream]

⏳💫Switch a Loop! ACT 5: A Prologue 💫⏳

<-Prev

Next->

[traumaboyexo]

Mindful of the Stars (ISAT AU)

My take on the "Everybody else but Siffrin is looping au" but with a twist

Alright gang real legit au idea

Au where while Siffrin is stuck in the loops, he gets into more and more events, beginning to overload him with more and more memories. Eventually, it hits a breaking point where he begins accidentally spilling out these memories and forgetting them.

These memories are then either "picked up" by his other family members, or accidentally passed to them via contactwithh Siffrin. As the loops continue, Siffrin forgets more and more, but the family members begin to remember little by little, now themselves connected to these memories not intended for them.

Eventually, it will reach a point where everyone else in the party can remember through the loops, and Siffrin is only left with certain instincts on things that are important for everyone to make it through the House, unaware of his own past or why they seem to know exactly what to do.

The effects of the memories are now different depending on how they feel towards this event, and may even keep certain memories a secret from the others for various reasons, like Mirabelle keeping the secret of the Bad Touch memory away from Isabeau in fear they might grow to hate Siffrin.

Loop is now forced to work with everyone in the family besides Siffrin, and they're constantly on edge they don't find out about who they really are, while also needing to keep secrets of their own, Siffrin's own secrets.

---------------------------------------------------

Memories:

Memory of Self - Stays with Siffrin. It's the only thing they have left, after all. +5 to all stats.

Memory of Keys - Picked up by Bonnie. Unfortunately, vague directions is the best they can get.

Memory of Ghosts - Picked up by Odile. A mix of mystery, curiosity and terror. Her attack is down, but her ATKSPD is up significantly.

Memory of Touch - Picked up by Mirabelle. She doesn't understand it, and at the same time it frightens her. Her healing efficency on Siffrin and Isabeau is reduced with this memory equipped.

Memory of Fishing - Picked up by Bonnie. Though, children don't have much patience for actual fishing. However, when equipped, each time Siffrin eats the fish head, the entire party scales in ATK by +2.

Memory of Barrels - Picked up by Isabeau, who doesn't really get it. But that won't stop him from checking anyways. Break barrels for a chance to get an item.

Memory of Pillars - Also picked up by Isabeau, who doesn't really get this one either. Also, it's much harder to break down a pillar. But he'll be able to, eventually. When equipped, get a random buff for the next battle when checking any pillar.

Memory of Looping - Picked up by Bonnie. The same school day, over and over again, seems pretty awful. That's why Bonnie needs to support them. Significantly more likely to perform status buffs.

Memory of Sadnesses - Picked up by Odile. The anger and fear running through this memory terrifies her. When equipped, able to hear the thoughts of Sadnesses with Examine.

Memory of Defeat - Picked up by Mirabelle. She can barely believe she let that happen. No more losing. When equipped, upon a family member becoming K.O., revive them and heal entire party, at the detriment of ATK power.

Memory of Victory - Picked by Isabeau. Optimism, with existential dread. Buff everyone else's ATK automatically at the start of every battle, but personally suffer a DEF loss.

Memory of Family - Picked up by Odile. She's embarrassed she would even say such a touchy feely thing. Nevertheless, she too doesn't wish to leave anyone behind. Siffrin gets 2x more exp.

Memory of Bomb - Picked up by Bonnie. The holder of items sadly has no idea where they got this. When looping to The King, get a Bomb(???) that deals randomised damage or effects.

Memory of Knifekey - Picked up by Isabeau. Please be sharp, they used to say. Now they can barely remember. Regular attacks are now split between equipped craft and scissors craft damage.

Memory of Memories - [AND YET, THIS KNOWLEDGE REMAINS FORBIDDEN.] PICKED UP BY LOOP.

Memory of Emptiness - Shall not appear until a husk has been chosen.