[SEMI-OPEN] Better not be the one who falls in love again

[plasticasshole]

Who: Connor and an open prompt (with other closed prompts later)
When: April!
Where: Aefenglom
What: Meteor shower for now
Warnings: None yet


Everyone wants to fly with the fireflies; (April 3rd)
[It's beautiful, honestly. Connor has never seen a meteor shower, nor has he seen the insects that accompany it. They land on him, and he might glow a soft pink or blue in places, or even green. The emotions that accompany the colours don't bother him as much as the folks pushing him towards anyone whose colours match, but he just lets it happen. He was going to meet new people anyway, right? Strangers get small, polite smiles.]

I'm sorry. We could take this time to get to know each other better, and they'll leave us alone?

[Of course, people who know him get a different response-]

Oh. Well, it could probably be worse.

[He's joking. Made (hopefully) obvious by the way he nudges the other person playfully. The Full Moons are nearing, he's feeling a little bit sassy.]

Wildcard;
(I'll write a prompt out if we plot something, or you can write your own! I'd rather keep memory share stuff to the event post when it goes up, but anything else goes! My plurk is novicecity if you want to plan something! As for which colour Connor gets, I'll either RNG it or you can pick~)

Comments

backdated to feb 17th - for Niles

[plasticasshole]

[After his talk with Myr, Connor has made it a point to keep an eye on L more than he would have. And just who should he see creeping around them not long after, but Niles?

Connor waits until L is busy with other things before he approaches Niles, a hand at his back as he nudges him into a secluded area where they can talk.]

Niles. I know you’re following Linden. This should stop now.

[cyclopticsadist]

[Niles' lets Connor maneuver him into the alley way, assuming Connor wanted to get frisky, and pleasantly surprised he's open to a bit of exhibitionism. When he speaks though, Niles bristles, swatting Connor's arm away from him and taking a step back to face him head on.]

Well it won't.

[Arms crossed, eye narrowed to a glower, and tail flicking in obvious irritation. He's not about to be dissuaded so easily.]

[plasticasshole]

Look.

[Connor won't back down either, and he gives Niles a pleading look.]

Whatever Linden did, as... poorly thought out it may have been, I don't think he intended to cause you any distress. He's simply... very socially and emotionally challenged.

[cyclopticsadist]

[Niles' glare turns into a full on snarl, fangs bared and eye bright with fury.]

Bullshit.

[The word is spat out, harsh and definitive.]

You have no idea what you're talking about, and it's none of your concern. This is between Linden and I.

[plasticasshole]

[Connor frowns, but doesn't seem dissuaded.]

It becomes everyone's problem when you take matters further like this. What exactly are you planning on doing?

[Because there's no way Niles is just stalking L because he wants to look at him more often. He's planning something.]

Fireflies

[stopfen]

[Oh, it had been a while since she'd seen him. And not with legs. But she knew that strange circle light on his head. Though the other lights she didn't know. Much like the ones that were lining her antenna, making the dull brown a small rainbow of splotches of colour(like an led light strip).

The comment gets a dry nod.]

That's fine. It's not cold, and you're not in the water now.

[She knew Armin loved the ocean. But she couldn't get over not being able to see what was hiding in the water and sand, or how her weight would cause her to sink.]

[plasticasshole]

[Connor wonders if his joke came across, his hair glowing a soft yellow. He feels friendly towards her nonetheless.]

You must have been swarmed by the insects.

[He nods to her antenna, and all the colours there.]

[stopfen]

I wonder if it's because I'm a bigger insect... [It gets a small snort, the movement of her head causing the yellow bugs resting at the bend of one antenna to scatter.]

They seem to really like people. I thought they'd avoid us because of how small they are. [Then she looks down, like it's something they both already didn't know.]

You have legs now.

[plasticasshole]

Maybe.

[He smiles as another one lands on his arm, though the resulting cold feeling in his arm as it turns blue is a little off-putting.]

Oh, I do. I was only bound to the water for the full moons. I still need to swim regularly to stay hydrated of course, but I can choose when I do that at least.

[stopfen]

[It gets a steady hum from her. ]

That's good. But it's a shame too. Back during my first full moon I was telling a guy he'd lose his arms as well because fish don't have them.

[Tragic. Her horrible joke has flopped even more. Much like the shark merrow had in the shallows. ]

For Dimitri

[plasticasshole]

[It's not often that Connor gets an actual excuse to play his violin for people, but the people here seem to love it. He even sings them a few songs while he plays, and when he's done he leaves the little crowd of people gathered and lets someone else have a turn.

Later, he can be found teaching people hand to hand combat. He keeps his distance where he can, but he does take the offered gloves and face mask too, even though he doesn't actually breathe. Better to be safe, right?

Whether he'd just finished singing or fighting, Connor will walk past Dimitri and offer a smile in greeting, the mask pulled down under his chin.]

Are you here to help too?

[boarddyd]

[Dimitri has heard the swell of violin music a few times, though he's never been able to wander the streets and find the source. Always in the middle of something - carrying a load, delivering food, or asking a child what they need...

Now, he's on his way to teaching a few kids to defend themselves, several wooden swords wrapped in a thin cloth slung under one arm.

They function on a vague time schedule, rather than anything rigid, as life in the outer city can be unpredictable - so he has no concerns stopping for a stranger's greeting.

He returns the smile, though he isn't wearing a mask or gloves. The children aren't afflicted, at least not that he can see.] I am.

I'm glad there are so many of us, though I'm sure we could always use more help. [Ultimately, the aid would have to come from the governing body, but he won't delve too deeply into politics at the moment.] For the moment, I'm teaching some children the basics of fighting.

Perhaps, eventually, they could even be employed to defend the city. [A trade that could elevate them, he hopes.]

What about you?

[plasticasshole]

I've been teaching people how to fight, too. I've also been playing the violin for them. They seem to enjoy it.

[He holds out a hand to shake.]

My name is Connor. I haven't seen you around before... are you new here?

[He remembers every face he sees, and this is one he's never seen before.]

[boarddyd]

[Dimitri shifts the weight of his parcel to better offer his hand - he gives a firm but curt shake before releasing his grip.] I am, yes.

My name is Dimitri - I've only arrived a week or so ago.

Still, I've found ways to put myself to use. [For the people of the city, rather than the coven itself. Not that he distrusts the organization - he's simply out of his depth in talks of monsters and witches.]

Though, it sounds as if we may be working towards the same goal.

I've wondered, perhaps prematurely, about setting up a more formal training hall in this area. What do you think? [Alone, it would take months to gather the resources and build, but with help...

He's excited at the prospect.]

[plasticasshole]

[Connor looks around as if debating where a training hall would stand. Then he nods.]

...I could see it. It would do a lot of good for the people here.

[He seems to brighten a little at the prospect.]

It sounds like a great idea.

Let's start with Fireflies

[fuckingpassw0rd]

Wow. You have a mouth on you, you fucking asshole. Should I turn this dog around and just leave then?

[That's Hank talk for hello, how are you doing.]

This reminds me of fireflies you know. Saw them as a kid, the kind that looked like little beeping white lights, but as I grew older and more pollution happened...well...they mostly died out. Like the bees and shit.

[Well not like Connor wouldn't know with his databanks but Hank did like to talk a lot. He won't be sad for too long, regardless, because he's smiling.]

Wonder if they are attracted to light...

[plasticasshole]

[Connor smirks and loops an arm around Hank's.]

Leave the dog at least.

[Hi to you too.]

I would have liked to have seen them... but this is nice, too.

[Another lands on him, turning his arm a soft pink. He leans into Hank more, feeling more affectionate.]

Have you been watching the sky with Sumo?

[fuckingpassw0rd]

Not a fucking chance.

[He allows the loops and steps closer to him, the smile on his face never leaving.]

Well it's about time for Sumo's walk so, you know ended up enjoying the show.

[Excuses, excuses.]

Your pet even hitched a ride in my hair.

[This is what happens when you finally make amends with something that breathes fire, Hank. Your slight glow due to his fire usage has calmed the beast that he once loathed.]

What about you?

[plasticasshole]

I’ve been watching. It’s... pretty.

[Sometimes the best word for something is the simplest one.]

The insects are, too. Though I wish they didn’t affect the way I feel when they land on me.

[fuckingpassw0rd]

Pretty's one way to look at it yeah.

[Hey his vocabulary is still better than Hank, he'd have sprinkled some swears in there. He looks around like he's half afraid they'll do the same to him too. Maybe it's his heat keeping them away for now?

He can't help but also think that a few months ago the idea of 'bugs causing emotions' was something he'd believe in.]

Awww shit...what type of feelings are we talking about?

[He's pretty sure he'll feel them soon regardless with his Bond, but might as well be mentally prepared.]

For L (cw: substance/alcohol abuse)

[plasticasshole]

[It's been a while since Connor last saw L, and he isn't surprised. Their last talk got a little heated. He's decided to leave it a little while and see how things play out. Niles, as far as he knows, hasn't taken revenge on him yet. And Connor still doesn't know how he feels after getting Niles' side of the story.

He gets a photo late at night though, of L drinking alone. The photo was obviously taken through a window, and Niles is the sender. Of course Niles is still stalking him. And he probably knows Connor well enough by now to assume, correctly, that he's going to go have words with the detective.

Though first, he does shoot him a text back. This is creepy, Niles.

The motel is easy enough to find. And it's not hard to figure out which room L is staying in, either. He knocks sharply, but for once doesn't announce who it is. He doesn't want L to refuse to open the door just because he thinks he's getting a lecture.]

[text]

[cyclopticsadist]

you're welcome. ;)

[hearthebell]

[L's routine lately has been fastidious, organized, and, for lack of a better word, robotic. Transient living in a sustainable way requires some careful planning and foresight, and he cannot wear out his welcome with Myr, who is the only person he finds comforting in any form lately. He takes what he feels is alright from the faun, leaving before his presence can get old after just a night, never more than twice a week... but Friday nights are always solitary, reserved for oblivion that no one else really needs to know about.

There's a ritual to it. The cheapest liquor, not because it's all he can afford. Pills derived from poppies meant to dull his senses and relax his mind. He looks forward to it, draws it out, taking his time with each step so that it doesn't have to be over as quickly. Why would anyone rush their moments with a silent friend who alleviates burdens without expectation or disappointment?

The hours eventually begin to melt together. He could sleep this way, will sleep, possibly even in the bed, when the sound of a sharp knock slices through the warm cocoon he's sheathed in.]

No deliveries...

[He calls out dully, thickly. There are other rooms; clearly, it's a mistake.]

[plasticasshole]

[The slurred speech brings back memories of Hank, and Connor frowns to himself. How intoxicated has L gotten? Does he need to sober him up? He pauses for a moment, and then...]

Linden? It's Myr.

[He mimicks that voice so perfectly, he almost feels bad. But he has to get inside, for L's own good.]

Please open the door.

[hearthebell]

[Not a mistake, then. L's eyes tense around the edges in a moment of conflict that is inevitably going to resolve in him moving his heavy limbs to go to the door, sliding aside the deadbolt, admitting someone who should not be here. Fauns could fill their time so much more happily than a man who anticipates snuffing out his own stars.]

Why are you here...?

[Muted shock and dismay. This is the sole time and place where L's given himself permission to bar shame and obligation from encroaching... but he's still unlatching the door. Still opening it a crack, peering out with a hollow eye that is slow to register what it actually sees.]