Pari grabbed his hand while moving past him, dragging him along into the room, which was unnervingly empty. As he closed and latched the door, she glanced around. "You said you left the kids here--"

She gave him a half-hearted shrug (after all, was anyone really ready for a demon?) and pushed the door open with her shoulder. Almost immediately, they were met with a low, keening wail that rose sharply in pitch as light cascaded into the house. Roo cringed, stepping aside to allow Giovanni the full length of the doorway.
The demon stood on the stairway, seeming to have just made its way to the top. It turned around at the interference and from its breast glistened a blade, now caked in tar-like viscera, which also probably accounted for its loudly-proclaimed rage. It bristled at Giovanni's presence, as demons were wont to do, and stalked down the stairs in a mockery of a normal, human gait.

"It's me," she confirmed again, "Open the door please. We need to get you out of here."

“Yeah,” her jaw tensed before she continued, “… not because of me. One of the Lumanliscs’ boyfriends chopped it up, and then they used the blood to draw wards around the house to keep more demons from breaking in.”

peach — 01/13/2021 2:36 PM
"That's a very strong if." Tasia said with a laugh.

plum — 01/13/2021 10:41 PM
"It is," he agreed. "The important thing is they really do love each other underneath all that. I mean, look at how much he's missed her and we're only here for a couple of days."
January 14, 2021

peach — 01/14/2021 1:48 AM
"He's been Facetiming her every second of the day. My phone isn't even my own anymore. I'd have brought her with us, but her grandfather is visiting."

plum — 01/14/2021 1:48 AM
"He won't get to see her much with her on calls the whole day. The toy store was a good idea."

peach — 01/14/2021 1:49 AM
The corner of her lips tugged up. "I do have those once in a while."

plum — 01/14/2021 1:49 AM
"Hey, speaking of which, shouldn't you be heading out for the meeting?" His brows creased in concern as he glanced down to the watch on his wrist.

peach — 01/14/2021 1:51 AM
Tasia exhaled a sigh and nodded, pushing herself up and brushing out her pants. "I'll freshen up and be downstairs in a few minutes if you'd like to head out now. I'm not looking forward to it. Ambassador Artemy enjoys his droll conversation."

plum — 01/14/2021 1:52 AM
"You want me there?" He questioned.

peach — 01/14/2021 1:53 AM
"No, it's probably best if you don't come..." she admitted, "And best if you aren't in my rooms when I leave. I should be back within the next few hours. If Kyros gets back by then, will you make sure he eats dinner?"

plum — 01/14/2021 1:56 AM
"Of course," he agreed. "Good luck. Um... please stay safe."

peach — 01/14/2021 2:04 AM
"I will." Tasia assured him. "Don't worry so much."
February 2, 2021

Later that night, Parisa lay on her bed in a set of silk pajamas, waiting for Kyros to turn up.
She wasn't all too delighted about Sparrow's new boyfriend either, but Sparrow had made her swear to not say anything unless she had something nice to say, so she found herself silenced. It wasn't that Gabriel was a bad guy. Actually, he was fine. But he took Sparrow away for long lengths of time, and that was annoying.
February 9, 2021

plum — 02/09/2021 2:03 AM
He let himself in after a curt knock on the door, moving to collapse beside her with a huge sigh.
"Okay, so what the hell?"

peach — 02/09/2021 9:21 AM
"What the hell indeed." Pari agreed, propping herself up on an elbow to look at him. "What do you think?" (edited)

plum — 02/09/2021 10:44 AM
"I think it's bizarre that one day things are normal and the next day Sparrow suddenly has a boyfriend. Did you know this was happening at all? When did she tell you?"

peach — 02/09/2021 10:48 AM
"I knew she liked Gabe but that was like, a year ago. And lots of girls like Gabe. He's like Prince Charming." she shrugged. "But I didn't think anything of it. Must have started when Sparrow started going to Vic's water polo practice sessions. She told me that she was getting coffee with him and I thought it wouldn't go anywhere because, come on, he's boring as hell."

plum — 02/09/2021 8:15 PM
"Sparrow would go for boring as hell, though. I mean come on, the fisherman? Not exactly a daredevil there."

peach — 02/09/2021 8:18 PM
"I mean, at least he's better than a fisherman." Pari noted. "He's good at chem and he wants to be a heart surgeon. And he's Baron Ardelean's kid. Although I have no idea how that old fart has a kid that young." (edited)

plum — 02/09/2021 8:20 PM
He just raised his eyebrows meaningfully. "You know how."

peach — 02/09/2021 8:20 PM
"No, please explain the birds and the bees to me."

plum — 02/09/2021 8:23 PM
He rolled his eyes. "I'm just saying, those green eyes had to come from somewhere, and the Baroness doesn't have em."

peach — 02/09/2021 8:24 PM
"Oh my god," she grinned, rolling over. "You really think he's an affair baby? That would be hilarious."

plum — 02/09/2021 8:26 PM
He put his hands up and shrugged. "I just wonder what he wants with her."

peach — 02/09/2021 8:30 PM
"I mean, you saw them together. He can't keep his hands off of her." Pari's nose wrinkled in disgust. "It's totally gross. He's a simp." (edited)

plum — 02/09/2021 8:32 PM
"But like you said... a lot of girls like Gabriel." He narrowed his eyes a bit. "So... why Sparrow?"

peach — 02/09/2021 8:34 PM
She looked at him and shrugged faintly. "Vic says that Gabe's liked her for a long time."

The kids were hanging out in their private lounge during their lunch break. Well, most of them: everyone except Parisa had made it there; the princess was running a little late.
Sparrow was working hard on some math problems that were due right after lunch while Mirza skimmed the last few pages of a book for a book report which he had not written, and which was due at the end of the day. Things had been quiet for the last month; after the Sevan debacle, a mutually unsaid peace had been achieved between Sparrow, Kyros, and Pari. They had decided that none of them would talk about it. Sparrow was starting to look a little better after being "fired" from her job at the palace; her cheeks were more pink, her eyes were brighter, and she was enveloped with a warm energy that she'd been missing for years. Nothing much had come of the incident beyond this, though Sevan no longer visited the palace and Sparrow had not mentioned his whereabouts. (edited)
February 4, 2021

plum — 02/04/2021 1:11 AM
"So I was thinking go-karts after school today," Vic pitched, "Before I leave to Murrica tomorrow."
"You say that as if you're not going to be back in six days." Feo remarked.
"And? We never use the go-kart track, that thing's fun."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:12 AM
"I like the bumper cars better," Mirza noted. "I can't be king of Atherdale but I can be king of the bumper car scene."

plum — 02/04/2021 1:12 AM
"For the last time, it's the same thing."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:13 AM
"Maybe in America," he closed his book. "But here in Atherdale, we're sophisticated enough to separate the tracks."
"No we're not." Sparrow said, tapping her chin. "They're the same thing."
"They are? Oh."

plum — 02/04/2021 1:14 AM
Vic jerked his thumb at Sparrow as if to say told you so. "You're just afraid of this mad go-karting action."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:15 AM
"No way. I'll even buy you ice cream if you beat me." Mirza declared. They all chose not to point out that he could afford an entire creamery, not just a cone.

plum — 02/04/2021 1:16 AM
"Worthless bet, but you're on."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:17 AM
"Yeah-ha," the prince grinned. "Who else? Feo, you coming?"

plum — 02/04/2021 1:20 AM
"Only if the girls can tag along, I'm supposed to watch them tonight."
"Aren't they like, twelve?" Kyros pointed out, gaze not diverting from the screen of his phone.
"There was an incident with some candles... They do not have home alone privileges."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:20 AM
"Ooh," Sparrow winced. "Another seance?"

plum — 02/04/2021 1:23 AM
"Yeah, to Joan of Arc apparently." He scoffed, then explained, "History homework."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:25 AM
That brought out a laugh. "Joan of Arc! I mean, go big or go home, right?"
"Imagine if they actually channeled her though." Mirza shuddered. Sparrow grinned, leaning against him. "Afraid of ghosts, Miz?"
"Duh."

plum — 02/04/2021 1:26 AM
"They need to learn a thing or two from you then," Feo shook his head. "Those two don't know how to leave well enough alone."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:27 AM
"It'll get them places." Mirza assured him. "I don't know what places, but it'll get them there."
"They would love go-karting. Illy's a fiend, though, you're all at risk of losing." Sparrow told the boys.

plum — 02/04/2021 1:28 AM
"Yeah, she gives me whiplash when she's not ramming me full speed with a small motorized vehicle."
"Eh, depends when." Kyros said in response to the original question. "I'm Skyping with Sol tonight."
"When are you not, though?" Vic pointed out.

peach — 02/04/2021 1:31 AM
"Yeahhh, come on. One night." Mirza cajoled, "For the boys. And Pari. And Sparrow."
Sparrow hesitated then, biting her tongue. "Actually..."
"What, do you have work? I thought you weren't doing that anymore."
"Well, no..."
"And if it's homework, you can skip for one night! You're doing a lot better now, right?"

Pari, who had just swung the door open and strode into the room, collapsed onto the couch besides Sparrow. She tossed her bag over the back of her seat and said, "She has a date and I'm helping her get ready for it."

plum — 02/04/2021 1:32 AM
Kyros snorted in amusement.
"Is it a big one?" Vic wondered.

peach — 02/04/2021 1:33 AM
Sparrow noticed his derision and her lips dipped into a frown, but she just turned her attention to Vic. "It's our one-month anniversary."

plum — 02/04/2021 1:35 AM
"Just invite him," Kyros said. "I'm sure Feo can bring his prank girlfriend too."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:35 AM
"Prank girlfriend?"

plum — 02/04/2021 1:36 AM
"What? Like I wouldn't know if you had a real live boyfriend?" He glanced up from his phone. "I'm not stupid."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:36 AM
Mirza's eyes widened marginally. "Wait, you didn't know?" (edited)

plum — 02/04/2021 1:37 AM
"Oh, shut up. You're not even a good liar."
A shit-eating grin grew on Vic's face as he looked from Kyros to Sparrow.

peach — 02/04/2021 1:40 AM
"Oh my god," the princess cackled. "Wait, Sparrow, you didn't tell him?"
"I wasn't trying to hide it!" Sparrow protested, tugging her hair over her shoulder as she looked away from Kyros. "It just... never came up."
Parisa leaned forward in delight, her dark eyes glittering malevolently. "Oh shit, you actually left him out of the loop!" (edited)

plum — 02/04/2021 1:44 AM
At this, Kyros became annoyed. "You all do not seriously expect me to believe Parisa wouldn't have come barreling into my room as soon as she found out? Please."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:50 AM
"Hey man, I tried, but Sol was over for the whole week." Pari raised her hands as though washing them of the situation. "By the time you were available for gossip, I'd already vented to Vic."
"You vented?" Sparrow asked. "About what?"
"That's between me and the ventee."

plum — 02/04/2021 1:51 AM
Vic shot her an apologetic look confirming the statement.
"I call bullshit. That's too big a thing to sit on."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:52 AM
"I wasn't sitting on it. When's the last time you came to a hang out?" Sparrow accused. "What was I supposed to do, knock on your door and be like, 'hey Kyros, I have a boyfriend!'?"

plum — 02/04/2021 1:58 AM
"Yeah? I mean, what the hell? I've been around."

peach — 02/04/2021 2:00 AM
"Well, apparently not when I mentioned him." she said.
"You have only been to two of our hangouts this month," Mirza noted, glancing at his phone. "You left the second one early and Gabe and Sparrow had only been on like, three dates around the time of the first one, so she hadn't mentioned it yet."
"Two dates! The first was just friendly coffee."

plum — 02/04/2021 2:57 AM
"Oh, woah, woah, woah," he lifted a finger. "Dweeby Gabe? Gabriel Ardelean?"
"He's not dweeby, he's fine," Feo muttered. (edited)

peach — 02/04/2021 12:17 PM
"I like him." Sparrow defended. "I met him through Vic. They're on the same water polo team. And he's not dweeby."
At the incredulous look her cousin cast her, Pari lifted her hands again. "Hey, I already swore off of making fun of the guy, sorry." (edited)

plum — 02/04/2021 12:33 PM
"Oh, that explains why you haven't come by." He rolled his eyes. "So is this a real thing? I could text him right now and he'd say 'yeah, Sparrow's my girlfriend'?"
The phrase felt so strange out of his mouth.
"I mean, you don't have his number, do you?" Vic asked.
"I mean if I did, moron."

peach — 02/04/2021 12:36 PM
"I mean, yeah. That's generally what happens when you date someone." Sparrow shot back. Pari laughed. "I still can't believe you just... didn't tell Kyros."
"Like I said, it would have been weird to randomly bring up! Like, what would it matter to him, you know?"
"Pari's the only one that ever gets to know anything." Mirza said, casting a wounded look at the two of them. "No one told me. I had to find out secondhand."
"You found out when I told Vic!" Sparrow blustered. Miz pressed a hand upon his heart. "Yeah. The last two to know."
"Actually, Vic knew because Gabe's on water polo. So really you were just the last one to know, Miz." Pari pointed out.
Mirza shook his head, forever the tragic hero. Sparrow frowned apologetically. (edited)

plum — 02/04/2021 12:48 PM
"Wait," Kyros's face scrunched up in disgusted disbelief, "So all of you knew and no one thought to bring it up before now?"
"This... is us bringing it up, K." Vic pointed out. "Honestly, this is probably why no one told you. Why can't you just be cool about it for once?"
"Mirza was just complaining about being the last to know and he wasn't even the last one!" He defended.
"Yeah, but Miz was just being dramatic. You immediately went to asshole."
"I just-- like-- obviously I would care."

peach — 02/04/2021 12:51 PM
"I didn't mean it like that," Sparrow sighed. She'd been on the defensive when it came to Kyros for weeks - for good reason. "It's just that... I mean, first of all, you were really busy with Sol so there was never time to pop in and tell you anything." Because Sol hates my guts.
"And we fucked up with Sevan, 'member?" Pari reminded. "That's why I'm on a gag order. Sparrow won't say so because she's afraid of hurting your feelings."
"I mean, n-no--" she protested, waving her hands dismissively. But then she faltered. "Maybe a little bit. That did suck really bad."
"I'm not dramatic." Mirza frowned. "I could have died of heartbreak. You don't know." (edited)

plum — 02/04/2021 1:21 PM
"I know, I know, and I already apologized."
"I don't think you did, actually," Feo commented in nothing but a murmur.
"-- but come on, that's different."

peach — 02/04/2021 1:52 PM
"Well, what's done is done." Sparrow said abruptly. "I'll ask Gabe if he wants to come for go-karts. If that's okay?"
"Yeah!" Mirza cheered. "One more ass to kick, yes. I'm gonna be the go-kart champion."
"I'm not doing your hair and dressing you up just for you to ruin it all by whizzing around at mach 10." Pari warned. Sparrow shrugged with a small smile. "We'll do dinner tomorrow night, maybe. Will you help me get ready then?"
"... if I have time, sure."

plum — 02/04/2021 2:02 PM
"Hey," Feo caught her gaze. "Don't give up nice anniversary plans just for us, okay? There will always be another day for go-karts."
"What about y'all do dinner after go-karts?" Vic suggested. "Or before, whatever works."
Kyros sat in a deep glower, still processing all his irritation at the situation.

peach — 02/04/2021 3:01 PM
"We could probably do an early dinner that day," she agreed, pulling out her phone. "I'll text him to ask."
Pari glanced over and sighed in relief. "Oh, good, I was worried you'd be one of those emoji girlfriends."
"What?"
"You know, the ones that name their contact something like... baby boy."
"No," she laughed and returned her attention to her phone.
Mirza looked at the rest of them. "I wanna get dinner somewhere too. Something greasy."

plum — 02/04/2021 3:41 PM
Kyros couldn't help but glance over at Sparrow's phone, though he did so with contempt.
"Ohh!" Vic snapped his fingers. "Jo's Diner! They have the best parmesan garlic fries."

peach — 02/04/2021 4:01 PM
"I'm ready for some parmesan garlic fries." Mirza agreed. "As long as they also have fried chicken."
"Aren't you a bird? Shouldn't you hate eating other birds?"
"I'm a bird of prey!" Mirza protested. "Or... I can become one."
"Mirza, in that whole situation, you would definitely be the prey." Pari informed him. "Does Jo's have salads? Because I'm trying not to gain ten pounds before the next gala."
"You could stand to gain a few pounds." Sparrow assured her. Pari shook her head in disgust.

plum — 02/04/2021 4:05 PM
"Uh... they have potato salads as a side?" Vic offered.
"So is this just how it is now, then?" Kyros asked. "Us and Gabe?"

peach — 02/04/2021 4:27 PM
"Well, we've hung out with Gabe before." Mirza said. "He's cool."
"And he wants to hang out." Sparrow added. Unlike a certain someone. "But if you guys don't want him to come..."
"We want him to come." Pari decided. (edited)

plum — 02/04/2021 4:41 PM
Kyros groused at her directly.
"Didn't you say you were Skyping Sol anyway?" Vic pointed out.
"That doesn't mean I wasn't gonna come."

peach — 02/04/2021 4:52 PM
"Kyros can Skype Sol while Gabe and I are at dinner and then we can all meet up for go-karts! That works," Sparrow suggested hopefully. "Right?"

plum — 02/04/2021 5:47 PM
"I suppose..." Kyros heaved a long-suffering sigh.

peach — 02/04/2021 6:11 PM
Pari threw a pillow at him. "Hey drama king, you can dial it down a little."
"Maybe Sol can come to the next one." Mirza offered, ever diplomatic, even though they all knew the last thing in the world the Kalyharan Empress would do was to step into a dingy metal cart. "We'll need to make a jersey for Gabe though. What team will he be on?"
"We have to split them up or else Sparrow has an unfair advantage."
"But if we do that, how do we know he won't go easy on her while he's on the other team?" Miz postulated. (edited)

plum — 02/04/2021 9:22 PM
"We could use the two-person ones and do every kart for themselves," Feo suggested.
"Ooh, I call Pari, she's vicious on the trash talk." Vic claimed.

peach — 02/04/2021 9:26 PM
"Yessss," Pari chortled, high-fiving Vic. But Sparrow looked hesitant. "I don't think that's a good idea because we have an odd number of people."

plum — 02/04/2021 9:29 PM
"Do we?" The corner of Vic's right eye crinkled as he counted them all up. "Huh, I guess so. Someone could go solo."

peach — 02/04/2021 9:34 PM
"No, no." Sparrow assured him. "We'll just do every man for himself! It'll be fun!"

plum — 02/04/2021 9:55 PM
"Alriiiight, but y'all better not cheat." Vic pointed at her.

peach — 02/04/2021 10:07 PM
"Of course not," Sparrow batted her lashes at him, leaning over to rest her elbow upon his shoulder. "I would never."
February 5, 2021

peach — 02/05/2021 2:55 AM
Sparrow was running just a little bit late for her date with Gabe, but this was okay because he was also running late. Her phone buzzed with a message - Be there in fifteen. It was one of the things she liked best about him.
It felt like so much time had passed since that day she'd admitted her tiny crush to Feo. Who knew that months later, Gabe would approach her while she was waiting for Vic after water polo practice, and ask if she wanted to grab a coffee sometime? Part of her had wondered if Vic had talked her up. Maybe he'd convinced Gabe to take her on a pity date? But no, Vic wasn't like that, and neither was Gabriel.
He was the son of a baron so he really shouldn't have noticed her at all. He was part of Pari and Kyros' crowd, though the latter would most certainly snort and remind her that Gabe belonged to the lowest rungs of their social ladder, but Sparrow thought this was even better; she was intimately acquainted with the two people at the apex of the pyramid and she knew what it turned a person into. It wasn't that she didn't like Parisa or Kyros - never - but their world was so incredibly detached from hers that sometimes they felt like strangers. Gabe was rich too. He had a sterling reputation. He consorted with all matters of nobility. But he was kind, and he was humble. She'd met his mom and dad only a week ago, but being there had been... comfortable. Their home wasn't particularly large for a manor and everyone stayed in the central rooms, leaving the outer corners for guests and entertaining. It meant that those living spaces were warm and cozy and casual, and Mr. and Mrs. Ardelean had never made her feel less-than. Not like she often did at the palace. They had sat with her and Gabe and they hadn't even mentioned that she was an ex-staff member at the palace; in fact, they'd talked to her like she was... a person. It was a refreshing change. Gabe had been embarrassed while Sparrow had fallen in love.
[3:00 AM]
But before she met him for dinner, she had to make a quick stop. The conversation earlier that day sat in the pit of her stomach like a stone, weighing her down with guilt.
She had never meant to keep the whole thing from Kyros. In all honesty, she was just trying to avoid Mojisola, and in doing so, had inadvertently avoided the prince as well. But Sol hated her, and she wasn't nice, and Sparrow was sick of skirting around the Kalyharan empress-to-be. It was easier to just not be around when she was visiting.
But that wasn't the entire truth either. She had known that Kyros hadn't known and she'd been putting it off. She could have mentioned it one of many times - it might have been a little odd and very unprompted, but she could have. She'd known how Kyros would react, though: his derision that she'd agreed to date someone as comparatively inconsequential as Gabriel, and his disbelief that she'd snagged anyone at all. Pari had let it slip, after all, their mutual concern about her alleged romance with Sevan. He's a fisherman! the princess had cried. I mean, we were so worried that you couldn't get anyone better. Like Kyros said, maybe a doctor or something at least, but a fisherman?!
Sevan was no fisherman - at least, that wasn't all he was - and even if it had been everything about him, he had no reason to be embarrassed. Gabe had no reason to be embarrassed either. But Sparrow felt her heart shrivel at the idea that Kyros pitied her.

That wasn't the point of her brief stop at his room tonight, though. She knocked on the door, hoping that he hadn't already dialed Sol's number.

plum — 02/05/2021 3:04 AM
"Who is it?" The prince's voice called from inside the chamber.

peach — 02/05/2021 3:05 AM
"Me," Sparrow said, her hand on the knob. "Can I come in?"

plum — 02/05/2021 3:08 AM
"Oh," there was a note of surprise in his voice. At least the derision and moodiness from lunch was gone. He tugged on his tangled laptop charger, inviting, "Yeah, whatever, it's open."

peach — 02/05/2021 3:14 AM
She poked her head inside, glancing about the room. She looked... a little different. Pari had done her hair and makeup, so her eyes were dark and large and her cheeks were pink, though there was no telling how much of that was the blush of puppy love and how much of it was actual blush. The princess had managed to accentuate her long throat with a few thin strands of gold, to define her shoulders and clavicle with a brush of shimmering dust. But since she and Gabe had decided to go to a small Asian bistro, nothing fancy, Pari had allowed her to utilize her own wardrobe. Her outfit was that of a crop top and shorts, both familiar sights. The complex hairdo, which had taken Pari a good hour to put together, was already starting to fall out in gently curling strands. It was these things that kept her looking like herself. "Hey, Kyros. Do you have a sec?"

plum — 02/05/2021 3:17 AM
It was hard to hide the double take, but after a moment of marvel, his mind turned quickly to his own girlfriend and how incensed she would be if she was watching this, so he simply didn't mention it.
"Yeah." He confirmed easily. "Stupid laptop's dead."

peach — 02/05/2021 3:18 AM
"Oh no, is it gonna take long to charge?" she asked, approaching the couch to sit beside him.

plum — 02/05/2021 3:22 AM
"Nah," he snapped the charger into place. "Aren't you supposed to be somewhere?"

peach — 02/05/2021 3:22 AM
"We're both running late." she grinned faintly. "Guess it's meant to be."

plum — 02/05/2021 3:33 AM
Her wording confused him for a moment before he realized she was probably talking about her and Gabriel, not the two of them here. "You'll be later if you stick around, you know."

peach — 02/05/2021 3:33 AM
"He'll be at the palace in fifteen." she assured him. "And this won't... take super long. And it's way overdue. I just wanted to apologize. I'm really sorry that I didn't tell you about... us."

plum — 02/05/2021 3:37 AM
Ugh, the word sent a revolted shiver down his spine. Something about her words still rang in his head like a joke, but here she was, dolled up and doe-eyed for Gabriel Ardelean.
"It's fine. I've decided I don't care-- I'm happy for you." He tried so badly to sell it.

peach — 02/05/2021 3:40 AM
"Oh." that stung a little - that he didn't care. And then he'd tried to overcompensate by claiming that he was happy for them, but he didn't... actually care. Why did she think he would care? Sparrow's face flushed a little in embarrassment. She'd hoped that Kyros would at least... genuinely be happy for her. But it didn't matter and that wasn't the crux of the issue. "Um, thanks. I just... I didn't mean to not tell you. I guess I was kind of avoiding it, and that was wrong of me to do... that's not something friends do. So I'm sorry."

plum — 02/05/2021 3:44 AM
"Well, you said it yourself. I don't have the best track record." He wrapped his fingertips tightly around the opposite edge of the laptop. "I just got spooked. Guess I'm no better than Pari in that sense. But I mean it when I say good for you, he's a nice guy."

peach — 02/05/2021 3:45 AM
The corner of her lips tugged up in a hesitant smile; she bumped her shoulder against his. "Thanks. That really means a lot to me -- your opinion."

plum — 02/05/2021 3:47 AM
"Yeah," he let out a small puff of air. "Well. He's boring, but good boring. Won't get you assassinated or targeted by mysterious evil entities boring."

peach — 02/05/2021 3:48 AM
"Oh my god," she laughed a little. "I hope not. He's super... chill. His parents are really nice too. Too nice to be assassinated."

plum — 02/05/2021 3:53 AM
"Weird to think that's definitely how I'm gonna go," he remarked, but redirected, although he did not miss the line about meeting the parents. "But hey, it's cool to date someone who's got their death options so open. You know? You two can both die normal person deaths together."
He knew it was strange territory to veer into but he didn't seem to have full control over his thoughts right now.

peach — 02/05/2021 3:54 AM
Sparrow, however, was not going to let go of that extremely ominous statement. Brow creased in concern, she reached over to take his hand. "Hey, what? Why would you say that? Nothing's going to happen to you." (edited)

plum — 02/05/2021 3:59 AM
"I mean, yeah, hopefully not for a while." He confirmed, oddly unbothered at the moment.

peach — 02/05/2021 4:00 AM
"No," Sparrow told him. "Not "not for a while". Never. Tasia will take care of you, Faey and Rosco will, I mean-- Parisa will. You don't actually think you're going to get assassinated - do you?"

plum — 02/05/2021 4:01 AM
"Sparrow, listen, when I die-- because we all eventually will-- what's the most likely scenario for me? It just tracks."

peach — 02/05/2021 4:06 AM
She frowned and said decisively, "No it's not. You'll die old and happy with... with Sol at your side! And lots and lots of grandkids."

Wow. Why did it still ache to say things like that? She was - she was happy for him, of course she was! She saw the way he and Sol looked at each other, held each other, both lit up each others' worlds. She'd seen the way he whispered in the Kalyharan heir's ear and the way Sol pressed her lips to Kyros's cheek proudly, out in public, even when she was supposed to be regal. She'd known a lot of their peers to find love, but never had she seen a romance that seemed to run as deeply and truly as the one that had blossomed between Kyros and Sol - and they were perfect for each other. Everyone knew it. Even if they weren't both the most powerful leaders of their respective countries, they were both proud and important and razor-blade sharp. They'd both sliced Sparrow's heart to ribbons in their own ways.
She gave his hand a squeeze and dropped it, laughing around the lump that had suddenly risen in her throat. "You're going to live a long and happy life, K." (edited)

plum — 02/05/2021 4:10 AM
"You too, Sparrow." He dropped a hand on her shoulder. The tone had grown far too serious for his liking, so he added, "And if it makes you happy... I'll keep tragic but genuine travel accident on the board."

peach — 02/05/2021 4:11 AM
She snickered this time, shaking her head again. "Stop it!"
At that moment, her phone buzzed in her pocket. With a glance toward Kyros, she pulled it out and looked to the phone screen. Gabe's picture grinned back at her, a single message beneath: Here :)
A soft smile bloomed upon her lips.

plum — 02/05/2021 4:20 AM
He pressed his lips together and inhaled deeply, patting the laptop. "Well. I guess I'll see you at go-karts."

peach — 02/05/2021 4:24 AM
She bounced off the couch and tossed one last smile in his direction. It came easier now, as all things did, with a little bit of re-evaluation. She'd never been meant for Kyros. Kyros hadn't been meant for her. They were of completely different worlds, even taking the whole "future king" thing out of consideration.
Gabriel... well, she wasn't sure if they were bound together the way she imagined she one day would be. He was two-tailed. But maybe she could bring him into the fold... one day. And Gabriel liked her back, which was the most important part of it. "Have fun with Sol... see you later." Sparrow bid before heading out the door.

plum — 02/05/2021 4:32 AM
Kyros heaved a sigh that turned into a groan once she'd cleared the hallway, letting his head roll back onto the couch. Apparently whatever stupid pep-talk-slash-talking-to Feo had put him through after lunch had worked, at least in making up for being so shitty about Gabriel to Sparrow's face earlier. Even if he still felt justified. But their friendship mattered more to him than whatever dumb guy she picked to be her high school puppy crush and he owed it to her to be someone she felt good about talking to. Even if it meant sitting through things like that. Feo had at least talked the idea of losing her to this guy out of his head-- "it'll be your fault if you lose her, not his." The rest was just bottling it up and saving it for Parisa, because though he knew she'd taken a vow of silence, she could still there and validate him... right?
February 6, 2021

peach — 02/06/2021 6:37 PM
peach — 02/06/2021 6:53 PM
The group had enjoyed a fast-paced, high-adrenaline game of go-karts-slash-bumper-cars with Mirza having reigned supreme, for which he was currently gloating. Vic owed him ice cream now. Feo trailed dutifully after Illy and Vera, who were dancing around the prince in hopes of joining in on the ice cream action. Pari and Kyros were perched beside each other now, the former examining her nails to make sure nothing had broken, while the latter nursed a glass of cool water. Sparrow and Gabriel were in his line of sight, standing together in the doorway of the recreation room.
There was no accusing Sparrow of making up a boyfriend now - when Gabriel wasn't doting on her, he was looking at her tenderly from wherever he stood. They held hands and she leaned against him while Vic mapped out the rules. He'd spun her around before setting her in a kart, and then when he'd won a game, she'd laughed and thrown her arms around him. (edited)
[6:56 PM]
Gabriel Ardelean. He was a quiet guy but friendly, with a good reputation among his peers. He was known for his ability to explain chemistry with relative ease, and in a way that those who were listening in might understand. He was on water polo with Vic as well as a litany of other sports. He wasn't very remarkable in any other aspect, but Sparrow gazed at him like she was looking at a stack of precious stones.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Sparrow asked, touching his shoulder as she stood in the circle of his arms. "I saw you get tossed against the car. Sorry, Vera can be so competitive."
"No way, don't worry!" Gabe assured her with a soft smile. "I've had it much worse from lacrosse."
"Your game is tomorrow night, I just want to make sure nothing happened to that winning arm. Vic would be upset."
"But not you?"
"No." she teased with a grin, her cheeks dimpling. Gabe laughed and pressed his thumb against one as he reached up to cup her face. "Don't worry, I'm a strong, independent man."
"I still like taking care of you."
"I like it when you take care of me." he leaned down and Sparrow rose to meet him and then they were kissing, and he traced a line along her lower lip. "I'll see you tomorrow, Sparrow."
"See you." she said quietly, glowing pink as they pulled away from each other. (edited)

plum — 02/06/2021 9:59 PM
Kyros's knuckles were white against the water glass and it was all he could do to tear his vitriolic gaze away before they had the chance to catch him looking. He uttered to his cousin, "You know we have to talk about this."

peach — 02/06/2021 10:11 PM
"Oh, for sure." Pari muttered back, resting her elbow on the table as she glanced the couple over. Her nose wrinkled just the slightest bit. "I only said I'd be nice to his face."

plum — 02/06/2021 10:11 PM
"Thank God. Your room after this?"

peach — 02/06/2021 10:23 PM
"Yeah, I'll text you after I'm done with my shower."

Sparrow flounced over and dropped to sit besides Pari, resting her chin on her hands and offering the two a brilliant smile.

plum — 02/06/2021 10:48 PM
Kyros's expression cleared up and he gave her the best teasing grin he could muster. "Looks like you had fun."

peach — 02/06/2021 11:11 PM
"Yeah..." she sighed happily.
Pari snorted, looking over to the others. "I can't believe Miz won. He actually wasn't bullshitting this time."
February 8, 2021

plum — 02/08/2021 3:42 PM
"Miz is the silent killer when he wants to be." Kyros confirmed. "Underestimate him and you're in trouble."

peach — 02/08/2021 4:30 PM
"Underestimate Mirza?" Sparrow laughed. "Never. I've seen that maniacal Tyrneamitore grin."
"Hey! What are you talking about?" Pari demanded.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about." Sparrow retorted. "Your MTG is a permanent fixture."

plum — 02/08/2021 6:11 PM
"I wouldn't call it... maniacal."

peach — 02/08/2021 6:12 PM
She bared her teeth in what could only be described as a demented mockery of a smile, then pointed at him. "That's you."
Pari crowed with laughter. "Please never make that face again!"
"What face? My Kyros face?" (edited)

plum — 02/08/2021 7:00 PM
"That is not what I look like. Ask anyone."

peach — 02/08/2021 7:01 PM
"Okay. Pari, does K look like this?" she asked and made the face, to which the princess gave her an enthusiastic nod.

plum — 02/08/2021 7:02 PM
"Someone who doesn't have a vested interest in pissing me off," he clarified.

peach — 02/08/2021 7:04 PM
"You didn't say that before!" she prodded him reproachfully, laughing. "And geez, I don't think there's anyone in this room without a vested interest in pissing you off." (edited)

plum — 02/08/2021 7:04 PM
"Wow." He shook his head. "And I trusted you lot."

peach — 02/08/2021 7:05 PM
"That was your mistake, cuz." Pari said, leaning back in her chair. Sparrow beamed at him. "You make it so easy."

plum — 02/08/2021 7:06 PM
"See, Pari I expect to take the low road, but you?"

peach — 02/08/2021 7:07 PM
"Not so morally superior anymore, am I?" she teased in a mild tone, though bringing up the fight stirred a pang of discomfort deep in her chest. (edited)

plum — 02/08/2021 9:43 PM
He shrugged affably as Feo and the girls called their goodbyes from the door.

plum — 02/09/2021 8:35 PM
He turned his head to peer at the opposite wall, gaze calculating as if the answers would be written in the marble. "It'll just suck if she gets hurt."

peach — 02/09/2021 8:37 PM
"I mean yeah, but from everything I can tell, he really is genuine. You don't think I poked around? So far he's taken her out to nice places - casual, because it's Sparrow, but still nice; they're constantly facetiming or texting each other; she even met his parents." Pari snorted. "Watch. He's gonna get her a promise ring in another month at the rate this is going.

Sparrow: hiya
plum — 07/22/2019 1:12 AM
Kyros: What’s up?
peach — 07/22/2019 1:14 AM
Sparrow: I have a little break before I have to start decorating for your very very important gala 🙃
Sparrow: tis fine. I'm just tired. What's up with you?
plum — 07/22/2019 1:16 AM
Kyros: Going over my speech for the thing tomorrow
peach — 07/22/2019 1:24 AM
Sparrow: aw good luck
peach — 07/22/2019 1:24 AM
Sparrow: you'll be great
[1:25 AM]
Sparrow: what's this one about?

plum — 07/22/2019 1:36 AM
Kyros: The new cultural initiative. It’s whatever
[1:36 AM]
Kyros: Afterparty’s gonna be boring to
[1:36 AM]
Kyros: *too

peach — 07/22/2019 1:45 AM
Sparrow: yuck.
[1:45 AM]
Sparrow: at least the food will be DELICIOUS
[1:45 AM]
Sparrow: make sure you eat the creme brulee. I made it!
[1:46 AM]
Sparrow: unless you hate it. Then it was someone else.

plum — 07/22/2019 1:54 AM
Kyros: Ha
[1:54 AM]
Kyros: Gramsey let you slip something in?

peach — 07/22/2019 2:01 AM
Sparrow: yeah. All the drugs I could get from ingora.
[2:01 AM]
Sparrow: hey speaking of which
[2:01 AM]
Sparrow: do you like

plum — 07/22/2019 2:02 AM
Kyros: Like...?

peach — 07/22/2019 2:02 AM
Sparrow: have trouble sleeping?
[2:03 AM]
Sparrow: sorry

plum — 07/22/2019 2:03 AM
Kyros: Why?? Random topic change.

peach — 07/22/2019 2:04 AM
Sparrow: I was trying to figure out a way to say it without sounding ominous

plum — 07/22/2019 2:04 AM
Kyros: What I’m getting from this is there’s sleeping pills in the creme brulee

peach — 07/22/2019 2:04 AM
Sparrow: idk I was following the whole creme brulee > tastes funny > drugs > sleeping issues???
[2:05 AM]
Sparrow: yeah watch out trying to make people more receptive to your speech
[2:05 AM]
Sparrow: ha ha joking
[2:05 AM]
Sparrow: anyways it was a very sophisticated line of thought because I also circled back around to my comment on being tired but whatever. You have to have a certain sort of social finesse to get it

plum — 07/22/2019 2:06 AM
Kyros: Honestly I wouldn’t mind if you did. Would make it okay to just home and nap instead of schmoozing

peach — 07/22/2019 2:07 AM
Sparrow: always got your best interests at heart ;P

plum — 07/22/2019 2:08 AM
Kyros: You’re my man on the inside

peach — 07/22/2019 2:14 AM
Sparrow: that also reminds me
[2:14 AM]
Sparrow: did Pari tell you she's gotten proposals?
[2:14 AM]
Sparrow: it's crazy. Apparently Faey and Rosco have been hiding them from her. The first ones came when she was sixteen.

plum — 07/22/2019 2:16 AM
Kyros: Jesus. What the hell? She didn’t tell me

peach — 07/22/2019 2:17 AM
Sparrow: she was not too happy about it :/
[2:17 AM]
Sparrow: is it :/? Or :\

plum — 07/22/2019 2:17 AM
Kyros: Vic has a whole dumb schpiel about that

peach — 07/22/2019 2:18 AM
Sparrow: it's pretty important
[2:18 AM]
Sparrow: changes the whole tone if you get it wrong

plum — 07/22/2019 2:18 AM
Kyros: I wasn’t listening though. They convey different kinds of disappointment or something.

peach — 07/22/2019 2:19 AM
Sparrow: makes sense. Doesn't it? I think :\ looks more uncertain and :/ is more disgusted/mad
[2:19 AM]
Sparrow: anyways yeah I think some of her suitors are coming to your thing tomorrow because she mentioned beating the shit out of someone so like. Be careful? I guess?
[2:20 AM]
Sparrow: I wouldn't want her to blow her top. Not that she isn't justified. And beating the shit out of someone might dissuade people from proposing to her

plum — 07/22/2019 2:28 AM
Kyros: Do you have names?

peach — 07/22/2019 2:34 AM
Sparrow: a few but not all of them. I'll send you the texts I got from Parisa.
[2:34 AM]
Sparrow: might take a second though.

plum — 07/22/2019 2:34 AM
Kyros: Yeah do that. I’ll keep them away from her.

peach — 07/22/2019 2:35 AM
Sparrow: you got it.
[2:36 AM]
Sparrow: just.... to be sure. No sleeping problems? Really? How?

plum — 07/22/2019 2:36 AM
Kyros: Never said that :\

peach — 07/22/2019 2:36 AM
Sparrow: ah

plum — 07/22/2019 2:37 AM
Kyros: Just depends on how tired I am honestly

peach — 07/22/2019 2:37 AM
Sparrow: an mad-disgusted :\ but I'm detecting notes of........... sorrow
[2:37 AM]
Sparrow: ok yeah makes sense
[2:38 AM]
Sparrow: me too. Ever since that whole
[2:38 AM]
Sparrow: situation at the carnival.
[2:39 AM]
Sparrow: when it happened I was just. Like. Chock full of adrenaline and so freaked out I dont think I really took the time to try and understand what happened. But now that time has passed.... plus I think I'm freaking myself out more lol

plum — 07/22/2019 2:39 AM
Kyros: Aw
[2:39 AM]
Kyros: Don’t freak out. If anything, it’ll come for me, not you.

peach — 07/22/2019 2:40 AM
Sparrow: oh it's all good then
[2:40 AM]
Sparrow: >:( dummy

plum — 07/22/2019 2:40 AM
Kyros: Yeah just use me as your human shield and I’ll be fine

peach — 07/22/2019 2:40 AM
Sparrow: if anything that makes me feel worse

plum — 07/22/2019 2:40 AM
Kyros: *you’ll be fine

peach — 07/22/2019 2:40 AM
Sparrow: what on earth WAS it? It wasn't a person... right?

plum — 07/22/2019 2:40 AM
Kyros: Sorry I’m tired I’ve been up since four thirty
[2:41 AM]
Kyros: I don’t know. People have powers, maybe its power is... that

Sparrow: when do you get to sleep?
[2:42 AM]
Sparrow: and God what do you even look out for? It's just... like big and scary and mad
[2:42 AM]
Sparrow: like pyros = fire and hydros = water and cryos = ice but this thing was like pure and unadulterated fear
[2:46 AM]
Sparrow: sorry
[2:47 AM]
Sparrow: I'm making it worse
[2:47 AM]
Sparrow: are you okay? You... don't have anyone else to talk to about it, do you?
[2:47 AM]
Sparrow: or have you told mojisola..?

plum — 07/22/2019 2:48 AM
Kyros: One sec Mala’s here

plum — 07/22/2019 3:38 AM
Kyros: I don't know. I can feel it when it's close by so I usually have a heads up. The thing's just dread incarnate
[3:38 AM]
Kyros: Sol doesn't know
[3:39 AM]
Kyros: Tasia still thinks it's make believe I'm pretty sure

peach — 07/22/2019 3:40 AM
Sparrow: Sol doesn't know???

plum — 07/22/2019 3:40 AM
Kyros: Don't be so surprised. It's not exactly an easy thing to explain

peach — 07/22/2019 3:40 AM
Sparrow: dude the last time it came for you we were pretty much alone together and

plum — 07/22/2019 3:40 AM
Kyros: Be honest, would you believe me if you were her?

peach — 07/22/2019 3:40 AM
Sparrow: you and Mojisola spend a LOT of time together. Alone. So.
[3:41 AM]
Sparrow: yes
[3:41 AM]
Sparrow: I know you.
[3:41 AM]
Sparrow: you've been together for a year. She knows you too! She'd believe you.

plum — 07/22/2019 3:42 AM
Kyros: Even if she didn't think I was crazy, why would you want to stay with someone after that?
[3:42 AM]
Kyros: You know I'm figuring it out
[3:42 AM]
Kyros: I'll just deal with it before it ever becomes an issue.

peach — 07/22/2019 3:43 AM
Sparrow: because you love them???
[3:43 AM]
Sparrow: I don't think you're giving her enough credit :/

plum — 07/22/2019 3:44 AM
Kyros: Yeah, well, either way, it's better if it's just not an issue

peach — 07/22/2019 3:44 AM
Sparrow: how can you be sure that it won't be an issue?
[3:44 AM]
Sparrow: what if it takes you by surprise again?
[3:45 AM]
Sparrow: I honestly think that we survived last time was a huge huge fluke

plum — 07/22/2019 3:45 AM
Kyros: I've survived all the other times though, haven't I?
[3:45 AM]
Kyros: And I was a kid back then. I can actually fight now

peach — 07/22/2019 3:45 AM
Sparrow: that's honestly the dumbest excuse I've ever heard
[3:45 AM]
Sparrow: nothing happens until it does
[3:46 AM]
Sparrow: you know? Not to be like callous but

plum — 07/22/2019 3:46 AM
Kyros: Then I'll just make sure I happen to it before it happens to me

peach — 07/22/2019 3:46 AM
Sparrow: also what are you going to fight??? Are you going to punch a monster???????
[3:46 AM]
Sparrow: God if this were a movie I might believe you with lines like that
[3:47 AM]
Sparrow: what if it just absorbs you or something

plum — 07/22/2019 3:47 AM
Kyros: Why not? I'll burn his face off. If anything it'll buy me time

peach — 07/22/2019 3:47 AM
Sparrow: what if it's like resistant to fire
[3:47 AM]
Sparrow: my point is
[3:47 AM]
Sparrow: you don't know for sure that you're safe and you should be taking ALL the precautions
[3:47 AM]
Sparrow: especially with sol

plum — 07/22/2019 3:47 AM
Kyros: Like what, Sparrow?
[3:48 AM]
Kyros: Backup?? No one believes me

peach — 07/22/2019 3:49 AM
Sparrow: she's with you almost 24/7. It would be better for her to know that this thing exists - even if she doesn't believe it - so that if something happened while the two of you were together, she'd be more prepared than if something happened and she just had like, no idea that this was a thing
[3:49 AM]
Sparrow: weirder things exist, trust me

plum — 07/22/2019 3:49 AM
Kyros: IF I feel it coming, I'll just leave her somewhere safe
[3:49 AM]
Kyros: Weirder things like what?

peach — 07/22/2019 3:49 AM
Sparrow: especially if you told people now. You're not a kid anymore. People will believe you
[3:50 AM]
Sparrow: what if it goes after her?

plum — 07/22/2019 3:50 AM
Kyros: Why would it do that?

peach — 07/22/2019 3:50 AM
Sparrow: I feel like we may be discounting its intelligence
[3:50 AM]
Sparrow: sol would be perfect bait dude

plum — 07/22/2019 3:50 AM
Kyros: Would it make you feel better if I shared what I have with you?

peach — 07/22/2019 3:50 AM
Sparrow: yes

plum — 07/22/2019 3:50 AM
Kyros: It makes me sound like a goddamned conspiracy theorist though
[3:51 AM]
Kyros: So
[3:51 AM]
Kyros: Just buckle up I guess

peach — 07/22/2019 3:51 AM
Sparrow: we're in this together so I guess we're both mental

plum — 07/22/2019 3:51 AM
Kyros: Great
[3:51 AM]
Kyros: I think there's a pattern
[3:51 AM]
Kyros: Every time it's happened, it's always around the same time of year. October-November
[3:52 AM]
Kyros: And it's been 4 times now. The chances of that being a coincidence are small

peach — 07/22/2019 3:53 AM
Sparrow: that's creepy
[3:53 AM]
Sparrow: but super useful. You have a time frame, even if it's vague

plum — 07/22/2019 3:54 AM
Kyros: Yeah. And it's never come for me when I'm with a group
[3:55 AM]
Kyros: Increased security around those months
[3:55 AM]
Kyros:

peach — 07/22/2019 3:55 AM
Sparrow: and stay in a group as much as you can
[3:56 AM]
Sparrow: ha ha ha you're a very pretty emoji girl, k

plum — 07/22/2019 3:56 AM
Kyros: Shut up
[3:56 AM]
Kyros: There's no guy shrug on here

peach — 07/22/2019 3:56 AM
Sparrow: sexism

plum — 07/22/2019 3:56 AM
Kyros: It really is real

peach — 07/22/2019 3:56 AM
Sparrow: so it's confronted you how many times?
[3:57 AM]
Sparrow: not sexism. The bad man.

plum — 07/22/2019 3:57 AM
Kyros: Four as far as I know
[3:57 AM]
Kyros: Ha ha

peach — 07/22/2019 3:57 AM
Sparrow: right.
[3:57 AM]
Sparrow: weird that it hasn't even touched you though.

plum — 07/22/2019 3:57 AM
Kyros: Once when I got the scar, once during the bodyguard contest, once with you, and once at the sleepover
[3:58 AM]
Kyros: Yeah I don't know what it wants
[3:58 AM]
Kyros: If it wanted me dead why didn't it just kill me in my crib if it knew where I was

peach — 07/22/2019 3:58 AM
Sparrow: there's no pattern of like, high octane situations or emotional stuff or anything
[3:58 AM]
Sparrow: Yeah. For real.
[3:58 AM]
Sparrow: unless
[3:59 AM]
Sparrow: it doesn't want to kill you?

plum — 07/22/2019 3:59 AM
Kyros: What does it want then???
[3:59 AM]
Kyros: Are you saying it's some elaborate YouTube prankster?

peach — 07/22/2019 3:59 AM
Sparrow: dk. Maybe.
[3:59 AM]
Sparrow: it just makes no sense.
[4:00 AM]
Sparrow: like, if it were spying on you, it would be more subtle and not reveal itself. If it were trying to kill you it should have done it already. And if it were trying to communicate with you... we would probably know by now right?

plum — 07/22/2019 4:00 AM
Kyros: Maybe it's just trying to scare me
[4:01 AM]
Kyros: Maybe I'm cursed
[4:01 AM]
Kyros: I don't know

peach — 07/22/2019 4:01 AM
Sparrow: don't say that
[4:01 AM]
Sparrow: also, if you were cursed, why hasn't it gone after Tasia?

plum — 07/22/2019 4:01 AM
Kyros: Because I'm the cursed one, idk
[4:02 AM]
Kyros: Or maybe it has and she hasn't said
[4:02 AM]
Kyros: But then she might believe me. I really don't know

peach — 07/22/2019 4:02 AM
Sparrow: tasia would have absolutely smothered you in protective measures, don't you think?
[4:02 AM]
Sparrow: if she had even an inkling of an idea that you were im danger?
[4:02 AM]
Sparrow: *in

plum — 07/22/2019 4:03 AM
Kyros: Yeah
[4:03 AM]
Kyros: You're right

peach — 07/22/2019 4:03 AM
Sparrow: you said it doesn't get you in groups but it tried to get you during one of our sleepovers?

plum — 07/22/2019 4:03 AM
Kyros: Fair
[4:03 AM]
Kyros: Is anyone in that group really a threat though

peach — 07/22/2019 4:04 AM
Sparrow: feo's got a hell of a punch

plum — 07/22/2019 4:04 AM
Kyros: Lmao

peach — 07/22/2019 4:04 AM
Sparrow: jokes. I shouldn't joke about that.

plum — 07/22/2019 4:04 AM
Kyros: Boy broke his hand afterwards though

peach — 07/22/2019 4:04 AM
Sparrow: yeah. God. I feel terrible about that. Thank goodness for Maari.

plum — 07/22/2019 4:05 AM
Kyros: Eh, it could've been worse
[4:05 AM]
Kyros: It was pretty badass

peach — 07/22/2019 4:05 AM
Sparrow: :)
[4:05 AM]
Sparrow: I'll tell him you said ha ha

plum — 07/22/2019 4:05 AM
Kyros: Go ahead :P

peach — 07/22/2019 4:05 AM
Sparrow: he'd sink into the earth from embarrassment
[4:05 AM]
Sparrow: feo's pretty badass

plum — 07/22/2019 4:06 AM
Kyros: He is when he wants to be
[4:06 AM]
Kyros: Other times he panics for an hour because his mom's making him call the dentist
[4:06 AM]
Kyros: It's a mixed bag with that kid

Sparrow: he grew up with all those uncles and saskia and sasha. I guess. What is it called? O something
[4:06 AM]
Sparrow: osmosis
[4:07 AM]
Sparrow: ha ha ha yes
[4:07 AM]
Sparrow: the other day he walked into the kitchen, saw gramsey, and walked right back out

plum — 07/22/2019 4:07 AM
Kyros: Sparrow did you even take freshman biology

peach — 07/22/2019 4:08 AM
Sparrow: honestly could not tell you. It all blends together

plum — 07/22/2019 4:09 AM
Kyros: God are you typing a novel?

peach — 07/22/2019 4:09 AM
Sparrow: school is not my strong suit it's fine
[4:09 AM]
Sparrow: I have a lot of thoughts, ok?

plum — 07/22/2019 4:09 AM
Kyros: Why is that, anyway?
[4:09 AM]
Kyros: The school not the thoughts

peach — 07/22/2019 4:09 AM
Sparrow: ha ha. Idk. I'm just not cut out for it?? Maybe?
[4:10 AM]
Sparrow: who knows. I'd ask my parents buuuut. There's a small issue with that.

plum — 07/22/2019 4:10 AM
Kyros: I guess...
[4:10 AM]
Kyros: Aw :\
[4:10 AM]
Kyros: Speaking of parents I have a theory

peach — 07/22/2019 4:10 AM
Sparrow: I'm kidding. Didn't mean to put a damper on things

plum — 07/22/2019 4:10 AM
Kyros: Nah you're fine

peach — 07/22/2019 4:10 AM
Sparrow: even though we were just talking about the monster

plum — 07/22/2019 4:11 AM
Kyros: Our parents are dead. It's whatever

peach — 07/22/2019 4:11 AM
Sparrow: what's your theory?

plum — 07/22/2019 4:11 AM
Kyros: What if its motivation is revenge?
[4:12 AM]
Kyros: I mean... my parents had some enemies
[4:12 AM]
Kyros: Maybe it's playing some twisted long con

peach — 07/22/2019 4:12 AM
Sparrow: look who's also writing a two sentence novel
[4:12 AM]
Sparrow: what would the end result even be?? It's not even doing anything

plum — 07/22/2019 4:13 AM
Kyros: Who knows? Nobody right in the head would do the shit it does, so clearly we're not dealing with a rational person here
[4:13 AM]
Kyros: I think the reason it sticks to that time frame, also, is because of Halloween. It's easier to blend in. That's my idea anyway.

peach — 07/22/2019 4:14 AM
Sparrow: what a weirdo

plum — 07/22/2019 4:14 AM
Kyros: I'm just trying to make sense of it all with the tiny scraps of info that I have

peach — 07/22/2019 4:14 AM
Sparrow: I get it. It feels like there's some obvious answer that's just out of reach because all you have is threads
[4:15 AM]
Sparrow: and no one tells you anything....
[4:15 AM]
Sparrow: it's a good theory

plum — 07/22/2019 4:15 AM
Kyros: Yeah, that's fun
[4:15 AM]
Kyros: There's so many stupid family secrets
[4:15 AM]
Kyros: I'm part of the family too though?
[4:16 AM]
Kyros: Hello?
[4:16 AM]
Kyros: It's fine. I'll find out one way or another

peach — 07/22/2019 4:16 AM
Sparrow: tasia just won't tell you or?
[4:16 AM]
Sparrow: maybe... she has her reasons. Although that doesn't mean that they're good ones.
[4:16 AM]
Sparrow: have y ou u
[4:17 AM]
Sparrow: don't take this the wrong way
[4:17 AM]
Sparrow: have you ever considered talking to Chitori?

plum — 07/22/2019 4:17 AM
Kyros: Chitori???
[4:18 AM]
Kyros: Why would I ever talk to her?

peach — 07/22/2019 4:18 AM
Sparrow: she might know about your family secrets. Right?

plum — 07/22/2019 4:18 AM
Kyros: Ugh. I guess

peach — 07/22/2019 4:18 AM
Sparrow: since she knew your dad before tasia was even born

plum — 07/22/2019 4:18 AM
Kyros: She's so resentful she probably wouldn't even tell me
[4:19 AM]
Kyros: I don't blame her, but she does deserve it

peach — 07/22/2019 4:20 AM
Sparrow: you don't blame her for being resentful?

plum — 07/22/2019 4:20 AM
Kyros: Wouldn't you be?

peach — 07/22/2019 4:20 AM
Sparrow: yes
[4:21 AM]
Sparrow: can I ask you something and you'll promise to give me an honest answer?

plum — 07/22/2019 4:21 AM
Kyros: Kinda depends on what it is, but okay
[4:22 AM]
Kyros: Just go for it, Sparrow

peach — 07/22/2019 4:23 AM
Sparrow: do you genuinely think she deserves it?

plum — 07/22/2019 4:24 AM
Kyros: Deserves what? Prison?
[4:24 AM]
Kyros: She stabbed my dad like fifty times. She's crazy. Yeah, she deserves it.

peach — 07/22/2019 4:24 AM
Sparrow: I don't know if I'd call that prison, k
[4:24 AM]
Sparrow: it's like prolonged torture

plum — 07/22/2019 4:25 AM
Kyros: Is that not what prison basically is?

peach — 07/22/2019 4:25 AM
Sparrow: I'm not saying that what she did was okay. It was horrible and it needed punishment, but

plum — 07/22/2019 4:25 AM
Kyros: If she didn't want this to happen maybe she shouldn't have murdered the king in cold blood
[4:26 AM]
Kyros: Seems like a pretty easy thing not to do
[4:26 AM]
Kyros: Most people managed it

peach — 07/22/2019 4:26 AM
Sparrow: I mean... there are regulations in prisons, right? I don't think she's seen the sun in decades.
[4:26 AM]
Sparrow: I don't think she's moved in decades
[4:26 AM]
Sparrow: yeah you're right
[4:26 AM]
Sparrow: do you know why she did it? Even if she's crazy. She must have had a reason

plum — 07/22/2019 4:27 AM
Kyros: I mean she had a lot to say about it
[4:28 AM]
Kyros: I've read the court transcripts. It's textbook crazy rambling. That's what they decided, and that's the punishment she got. Tough luck.
[4:28 AM]
Kyros: Nothing she ever said was substantiated.

peach — 07/22/2019 4:29 AM
Sparrow: I guess so

plum — 07/22/2019 4:29 AM
Kyros: So even if she did tell me any secrets I don't know if I could believe her

peach — 07/22/2019 4:30 AM
Sparrow: I just don't see why she'd lie to you

plum — 07/22/2019 4:31 AM
Kyros: Why wouldn't she?

peach — 07/22/2019 4:32 AM
Sparrow: it wouldn't do her any good

plum — 07/22/2019 4:32 AM
Kyros: Wouldn't do her any bad either
[4:32 AM]
Kyros: I mean
[4:32 AM]
Kyros: I can't deny I'm curious
[4:32 AM]
Kyros: I just don't know that it would lead anywhere

peach — 07/22/2019 4:33 AM
Sparrow: it couldn't hurt to try

plum — 07/22/2019 4:33 AM
Kyros: I guess

Pari had sent all her staff out of the rooms for the day - she wanted to be alone. Kyros had left for his morning meeting with Tasia, even though they'd stayed up the entire night until Sparrow had left at sunrise. He was as efficient as always.
She pressed her cool hands to her face, trying to soothe her swollen eyes. You dumb bitch. What was the point of crying? Sparrow had made her choice - a stupid, reckless choice - and she was gone. She wasn't coming back. No matter how certain her cousin seemed that this was a temporary thing, Pari knew in her heart that their friend was gone.

She'd tried to sleep again, but sleep would not come. She'd tried to prep for the day, but then one of her idiot stylists had given her scalp a sharp tug while braiding her hair and she'd screamed at the lot to get out of her room. They'd gone scurrying, and now Parisa was blissfully alone.

She didn't want their sympathetic gazes. She didn't want their concerned doting. How the fuck did the staff even know how upset she was? She wasn't that easy to read, was she?
It was probably Sparrow's fault. Oversharing, simpering, naive Sparrow. She was gone. At least the staff wouldn't be privy to all of Pari's moods anymore, though that realization did nothing nothing assuage her mood. She moved her hands up to bury her fingers in her hair, leaning back against her chair with a deep, shaky exhale. (edited)
March 17, 2021

plum — 03/17/2021 11:42 PM
The door opened quietly, and the cause was immediately clear. No knock, so it wasn't a servant. There was no presumptuous or boisterous introduction, so it wasn't Kyros or Vic. She's heard it open, so it wasn't accidentally-stealthy Mirza. And after last night she knew it wasn't Sparrow. By default, that left Feo, who was indeed tentatively occupying her doorstep. He peered inside with eyes that betrayed the exhaustion they all felt.

peach — 03/17/2021 11:43 PM
She cracked one scarlet eye open to glower at him from the mirror of her vanity, her voice like the crack of a whip. "What do you want, Feofil?" (edited)
April 16, 2021

But a glimpse at the window revealed that it was still sealed shut, which Pari knew they couldn't have done from the outside. "I don't think so. I don't know. We can't really help them now..." she closed her eyes, dread taking the place of the warmth from before. "Shit."

Meanwhile, Roo and Giovanni were plodding through the blankets of snow, squinting through the steady swirl of winter and making their way as quickly as they could. Roo had stumbled through the cottage that she and Gio had taken refuge in during the storm, a small placed owned by Behzefur, the local apothecarist. "They're in trouble," she'd panted, and then they'd been off.
She pressed against his back now, more for security than for the cold, because he was also cold, but also because she could since they were riding. It wasn't out of the question that she might feel unsteady on the back of an Altirian goat. "I hope they're okay."

"I'm sorry for dragging you out here in... all of this." she said. "And... that you have to do this in general. I imagine it's not fun being part of Altair's demon clean up crew. And it's not really fun being in Altair in general. Especially for you, you've been working since you decided to stay. I'm not sure why you did that -- though, that's not to say that I don't appreciate your staying. Well, I mean, not just me, personally, but everyone here is lucky to have you. Because you're very good at what you do, even if it's a bit... bloody. But I guess that's what you have to be when you're in Altair," she finished sadly, and, seeming to have realized that she'd started rambling and her teeth were chattering, finished off her monologue with, "Anyways, I'm glad you're here, even if I wish you didn't have to be, not because I don't like that you're around but because being here isn't exactly anyone's idea of a good vacation."