this is Salem, a land filled with magic and maladies. It is a place where witches and their elemental familiars gather, a home to legend and
lore that predates time itself. Yet of all the wicked and wonderful stories the past can tell us of, the most magical are the ones yet to happen.
This is Salem - this is the start of your very own journey. Welcome to starfall
Starfall is an animaga witch roleplay set in mostly modern times. Members play as witches in a world plagued by monsters, where the only safe spots are walled cities. Starfall strives to be a character-driven roleplay with expansive lore and a highly interactive plotline. We want to allow members to
create and look back on a magical journey, and mold the site and its plot as their characters grow.
[attr="class","a1lyric"]i got nothing but dreams inside[break] i got nothing but dreams
[attr="class","a1lyric2"]i'm just young enough to still believe, still believe [break]young enough not to know what to believe
[attr="class","a1icon"]
[attr="class","a1white"]
[attr="class","a1scroll"] Aiden blinked, taken back by Charani’s words considering he had once tried to nurse the boy back to health while he’d worn a Giraffe Onesie. “G-…good boy…? I can-…prooobably do that.” The redhead stated carefully, not wanting to promise more than he could deliver. After all, he might’ve been downed but he had to get back to his work. He had to put all that frustration and fear into something productive. He could already feel the feeble foundation of his station cracking under the weight of his mistakes. The Emerson’s vying for position as heir would challenge him in one way or another. He couldn’t let them take it from him just yet. Not before finding his dad.
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“I don’t know much about Seers or seeing, but I think I’d still find your work fascinating.” He said. Most of what he’d witnessed Charani do was purification. He’d shared with him some things a coupe of times, but Aiden still didn’t understand much of it. “In any case, I have a lot of experience sitting through boring stuff.” He added with a small laugh. Sometimes lectures and business meetings weren’t the most appealing thing. He kept himself occupied by excusing himself to use the bathroom and coming back 20 minutes later in hopes it was over by then.
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He nodded at his friend, looking over once more at the crystal. “It feels nice. Fights off the grogginess.” The redhead commented. “Maybe the next time you use it on me I won’t be at banged up as now.” The boy added trying to laugh but it came out a tad strained. “If you want someone to practice on anyway. I don’t have a problem taking care of things myself.” Even as he offered it up, he felt a twinge of hesitance. Becoming a practice dummy for his friend might bring on more trouble than its worth. Especially if he was imposing new ‘consequences’ on him for getting hurt.
[break][break]
Aiden felt his nervousness grow, wondering quietly how much contact Rosario and Charani really had. It had to have been her. He doubted the Emersons wanted to publicize his injuries at all, despite it being so public. The less people that showed up the better right? “Well- uhh- glad she’s kept you in the loop.” He said as he stared down at his hands, picking as a bandage stuck on his palm. She had done a far better job than he had. He dug a finger into his palm, looking to tear at something as he zoned out a little. “I’m glad she did… It’s a relief really, to see you again after all that.” He scratched slowly, focused on keeping his nerve. “Even if you’re a little different it’s nice that I get to again.” His eyebrows furrowed as the memory of what would have been his last moments of consciousness surfaced again. His grandparents, Charani, her. All bittersweet, all regrets.
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He took a shaky breath before he continued. “Actually, when I went down I-… I saw my family, but I also saw you. And- and I felt so…ashamed of how I treated you. I really thought…I’d never see you again and that I’d leave you on the shittiest terms.” His eyebrows furrowed together in concentration as he tried to convey whatever tangled up thing he’d been feeling. He didn’t know what love was like. He barely understood his own affections, but he knew he felt strongly enough about Charani to think of him in his dying breaths. “I’m sorry I was insensitive towards you.” The was the best way he could put it. “And I- I care deeply for you. I’m so grateful I still get to see you and say that.” He still didn’t know if this was ok to say. Everything he said lately seemed to lead to more trouble than it was worth, but it was clearest way he could think of conveying his own feelings on the matter. It scared him but dying had been scarier. "If there's anything I can do to make it up to you...please tell me and I will."
[attr="class","a1notes"]enjoy the uWu softboi content Charani Petrov
"That wasn't a question." He would be a good boy. He just would. There was no other option for this. I mean realistically there was but in his mind this was the only option. He would be good. He just would.
"Nah even I find it kind of boring sometimes. Though some of the more tangible things are a little more fun." He did enjoy spells like telepathy and dreamwalking. They were much more straightforward spells when it came to application. Sure he couldn't control dreams at this point in his training... but just experiencing someone else's mind was interesting enough.
"I feel like given how much our coven likes to fight I'll get lots of practice with these kinds of spells." He sighed at the thought. They had plenty of strong witches sure and that bred injuries since people always wanted to fight those they thought to be strong. He never got that... that desire to just fight.
He was of course correct with whom had kept in contact with the young man. The Emerson Family he probably saw more thanks to his grandmother but they were always closed ranks when he was around them. They seemed somewhat wary of him at parties or events.
"You're grandmother is lovely. I'm always happy to listen to her talk about you... it makes me feel less like a worry wart sometimes." He didnt worry as much about Aiden as she did. Then again they were flesh and blood relatives. Of course she would worry a lot about him as her grandson. Especially when he was all that remained her own child.
Feelings came pouring out of the redhead at a rather flooded pace. He to be honest hadn't expected this. Sure he figured the other boy was sorry about how he had hurt the seer but still. Maybe it was his own mortality at work? A grave experience causing these feelings and words to surface.
"You don't have to apologize or do anything. It was unfair of me to place my feelings on you like and expect the answer I wanted without considering how you feel." He had of course kind of been forced to admit these feelings under the pressure of the redheaded boy but that wasn't something he was going to bring up. Especially not now when things were going well. "I'm just happy that we can talk again. That's all."
[attr="class","a1lyric"]i got nothing but dreams inside[break] i got nothing but dreams
[attr="class","a1lyric2"]i'm just young enough to still believe, still believe [break]young enough not to know what to believe
[attr="class","a1icon"]
[attr="class","a1white"]
[attr="class","a1scroll"] He wasn’t sure how he could comply with Charani’s order. The only person that called him a good boy had been his grandmother, and even then, she hadn’t said that to him in a few years now. He wouldn’t argue it, however, not wanting to upset Charani anymore than he’d already been after the scare Aiden had given him. “I’ll live. Besides if she wants me there maybe it won’t be so boring.” He tended to make messes and cause ruckuses wherever he went. Having him around only upped the chances of problems arising.
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“Considering a huge focus of the knights is protection its unavoidable that there’d be skirmishes.” Sometimes you took hits for those that couldn’t. At least, Aiden believed that to be the case. Their coven had a name that invoked chivalry after all. It was to be expected that the highest standards of justice and self-sacrifice maintained. “I think a lot of people would appreciate your help though. Like Miss Claire for instance.” She was as head on a fighter as any witch he’d met in their coven. He had no doubt she took up a majority of their coven’s healing resources. He shrunk at the thought of her, not recalling what exactly had happened with her in the tournament. A lot of things had gone badly for everyone that day.
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Aiden nodded at his friend as he basically confirmed they spoke often enough. Though, it didn’t really make him feel any better. He wondered if Charani had told her about what had happened between them. He’d chosen to keep that to himself. A fresh wave of shame began to bubble up once more. “If…you’re ok with it then I won’t complain.” He managed to say. “She really loves you too. I think she appreciates having more than just me visit her and grandpa.” What had started simply as an interest in Aiden having close friends again had become an actual bond with Charani. His grandparents always asked about him with genuine concern. It’d been hard giving them vague updates on Charani. “Grandpa too- I mean- they both really like you.” He added, not wanting to leave out his old man.
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"I still hurt you, intentionally or not, you deserved a apology." He couldn’t bring himself to look at Charani even at the seer rebuffed his apology. He didn’t blame the blonde for wanting to settle things quickly. Maybe Aiden was overthinking things again and his friend had already gotten over it. After considering a lot of things, was it really so irrational to think maybe he had felt the same way? He’d gone along with whatever Charani had wanted after all. In the end, things just didn’t sit well with him. How could Charani consider how he felt when even that was unclear? Aiden almost wished the boy would lash out at him. Just let the punishment hit him. It’d be deserved. Holding back a sigh Aiden gave his friend a nod, “I'm happy too. I hope we do it more.” Once more, he felt a simmering frustration in the pit of his stomach at leaving things as they were. At the very least, the seer still wanted to speak with him. It was a small relief, but something to be thankful for. He wouldn't run away form this a second time.
[attr="class","a1notes"]enjoy the uWu softboi content Charani Petrov
"Yes... but I really wish there was less of these skirmishes than there are now." There always did seem to be some member of the coven in the infirmary or here in the hospital. Then again a large chunk of resources probably went to the newer or more inexperienced witches who tended to get hurt a lot more on missions... though usually their injuries were much less... dire.
"I'm sure Lady Claire has her own personal doctor at this point given her style of magic and standing in the coven." She probably did have someone she would go to for healing purposes. He was very certain of that given her time and experience in combat. That and since she was good at augmentation magic she was probably okay enough at healing her own minor wounds.
"I am. It feels nice. They are both very lovely.." He enjoyed hearing things about Aiden and the family. It was nice. It was also nice to get to see baby pictures of Aiden because LOOKIT THOSE TINY CHUBCHUB CHEEKS. How could you not want to pinch them? HOW.
"Its really okay. I just needed some time apart from you so I could process the rejection without the overwhelming desire to smash your face in while crying. You know, hormonal angsty stuff." He probably wouldnt have actually smashed the redheads face in. He would have more than likely smacked him in the chest a couple times while crying or maybe shoved him away with his body or his magic. He didnt have the heart to do any major damage even now.
He didnt hear anyone come into the room. Nobody had disturbed them yet. It was nice getting to air at least some of his feelings out. Though he doubted this would be the last time they spoke of this. "Love is... complicated."
[attr="class","a1lyric"]i got nothing but dreams inside[break] i got nothing but dreams
[attr="class","a1lyric2"]i'm just young enough to still believe, still believe [break]young enough not to know what to believe
[attr="class","a1icon"]
[attr="class","a1white"]
[attr="class","a1scroll"] He supposed there had been a weird increase of violence. Aiden had heard rumors of something rumbling in the underbelly of Sundial, but he hadn’t been told anything yet. Recent events however, and especially the terrorist in the tournament had probably upped tensions in the city. He wouldn’t be surprised if this was used as an excuse to cause havoc and the crime rates sky rocketed. He finally allowed himself to look over at his companion. “I guess. But maybe if you asked her she’d help. She seems up for training sometimes, when she’s not busy.” He suggested. He still thought about the training he’d had with her. She’d focused on enchantment and Aiden had made many notes on purifying.
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Aiden found himself smiling, happy his friend was just as fond as his family as they were of him. The Cunningham’s were big hearted people though. Since before he’d been born they’d been pseudo raising and rearing children of friends and family. Their family wasn’t that close knit, both branches of Rosario and Macintosh living scattered across the continent, but he had heard of reunions every few years or so. Family gatherings for holidays. He hoped they’d organize one again soon. Meanwhile, Aiden still hoped he could salvage whatever vague relationship he held with Charani’s family. He’d already been nervous around them before but after this mess up, he couldn’t bring himself to face them. The only reason he was with Charani now was his temporary immobility.
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The redhead nodded slowly, as if he understood. Hormonal angsty stuff wasn’t something he was familiar with. Not in relationships anyway. That was a movie scene though. After break ups or just general failures, that tantrum slash burning everything slash getting drunk kind of scene. He felt a twinge of guilt but pushed it down. He would’ve deserved what he got after all. This was fine, all things considered. “Well…whatever you need to do to feel better. I won’t judge.” He returned, shrugging slowly. Aiden thought back to their conversation that night. How he’d brought up the strange, domestic dreams and the visions. How he’d more or less cornered Charani for the truth despite not considering how he would handle the results. Even if he could redo that night he wouldn’t have known what to do differently or how to handle Charani. He could have accepted form the get go, but then Charani knew him well enough to know he was only appeasing. “I can only imagine.”
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He looked at the doorway briefly wondering how his grandmother was fairing. Maybe she was taking care of Macintosh or found an old friend to chat up. Then again, his sense of time was fucked. The witch sighed, resigning himself to his ignorance. There wasn’t much you could say when you didn’t know how it felt. Still, at this point maybe it was better if he never knew. He dind’t want to share that kind of secret with Charani. He shouldn’t. The guilt would destroy him. “That’s probably why people write about it so much.” A novel would be the closest he’d come in contact with the damn thing. He had so much to do now and when he was done he would be so tired he’d just sleep for years. He looked over at the blonde, wanting to know briefly how he’d figured that out anyway. How had he’d known the difference between passing infatuation and love. But that question at the tip of his tongue was useless information in the end. If it was something that could hurt him, it was completely useless. He didn’t need to know.
[attr="class","a1notes"]enjoy the uWu softboi content Charani Petrov
"She doesn't need help. She wouldnt need help." While is was true that someone as powerful as that woman probably wouldnt need help it was... just a very strange reaction. Something was definitely off.
"Oh? You want to help me feel better?" That was hilarious... since he was the cause of this pain. This gaping hole. Aiden would feel the air shift... it was heavy... harder to breath. Harder to move. It felt familiar yet strange. Off.
If he looked closely he could see a couple of butterflies on the end table flapping their wings. They were purple and kind of beautiful looking. The air around them felt cold. Strange.
"Anything? Well since you offered... I can think of one thing you could do to help me feel better." The blonde seemed to have moved closer to his friend in the blink of an eye. Like teleporting magic... but no smoke. They were close enough to touch. Close enough. To close.
"May I see your hand? We could try reading your palm. I need to practice it more." He did need to get better at reading palms that much was true. Would he allow this though? Would he know? His wound would probably start to itch at this point. The feeling foreign.
[attr="class","a1lyric"]i got nothing but dreams inside[break] i got nothing but dreams
[attr="class","a1lyric2"]i'm just young enough to still believe, still believe [break]young enough not to know what to believe
[attr="class","a1icon"]
[attr="class","a1white"]
[attr="class","a1scroll"] Aiden took pause, wondering if he’d somehow hit a nerve with Charani. Even more than before. He wondered if something had happened between them since he didn’t recall Charani’s attitude towards Miss Claire being this…dismissive? He wasn’t sure what to call it exactly but like most things with the blonde, he didn’t push it too much. For now, anyway. He’d bring it up later when he wasn’t currently lying in bed for major injuries. “Ah…well, like you said, there’ll be plenty of other knights who wouldn’t mind.” If they ignored Charani’s current bedside manner.
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“Always. I meant what I offered.” The redhead said without hesitation. He’d been serious. He was still serious. Despite the shift in mood, he forced himself not to look away. His friend suddenly felt…oppressive and he supposed those unexpressed negative feelings were bubbling up in him. A shiver through his head and spread down to his legs. He caught the sight of a strange, purple butterfly for a moment before looking back at his friend unsure of what exactly was going soon. Was he hallucinating that or was it a manifestation of his friend’s mana?
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He wasn’t sure what exactly was going on, but he had that looming feeling of being in trouble. He was definitely in trouble. Even if he had wanted to, he doubted he could’ve gotten up in this state. He was unwilling to rip out ivs. His breath caught in his throat. A small glance at the open window had made him miss Charani moving so close to him. They hadn’t been this close together in months, though this didn’t feel warm. It didn’t feel friendly. “Sure-” he sputtered out, a bit more quietly than intended.
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His palm?? He instinctively moved his right hand away, brushing it over the stab wound. His fingertips began to curve inward ready to scratch the sudden itch on his bandaged skin. He passed his fingers over what he felt were stitches before stopping himself. He wasn’t allowed to do that he might reopen his wounds. Still, the discomfort was clear, and he shifted uncomfortably in an effort to hide it. “Of course… Go ahead.” Aiden said as he lifted his dominant hand off his side and extended it towards his companion. He didn’t want to doubt his friend, and he steeled his nerves with the rationalization that in the end he deserved anything Charani dolled out. He had, after all, majorly fucked up.
[attr="class","a1notes"]enjoy the uWu softboi content Charani Petrov
He ignored much of the conversation that Aiden was trying to have. His face seemed to be one of concentration. His eyes lacked their normal hue and warmth. His smile slowly becoming colder. Aiden would probably feel colder himself.
"Let's see what we see then~" Charani grabbed the other boys hand. His hands would feel like ice. If Aiden would look away or blink for to long he would see Charani's body turn black and smokey... like a demon.
Charani would trace his fingers along the palm of the other boys hand as if to study them. The purple butterflies starting to gather on the bed. Someone was wrong.
"Hmmm... I see flames. All consuming flames. A man... someone tied to you. Blood perhaps? The line is short... young. A goal that will end with its pursuer." The blonde seemed to be pressing into the palm of his friend. His eyes moving from the hand to his friends eyes. "A quest to avenge your own pain leading to hurting everyone around you."
Aiden would probably see his vision flash for a moment. His right hand would feel warm and wet now instead of icy. If he looked downward he would see his right arm plunged into his friends chest. He would feel a slow beating in his palm. "Are you going to take this thing out?" He was dreaming. His bodies fatigue winning out while talking with his friend... blurring reality. He would wake up soon.
[attr="class","a1lyric"]i got nothing but dreams inside[break] i got nothing but dreams
[attr="class","a1lyric2"]i'm just young enough to still believe, still believe [break]young enough not to know what to believe
[attr="class","a1icon"]
[attr="class","a1white"]
[attr="class","a1scroll"] There had definitely been a sudden shift in mood. The air between them felt cold, distant. He found it hard to stay calm, all things considered. He’d never seen Charani act this way. He couldn’t help but flinch at the touch, stopping himself before his ripped his hand away from the seer. He frowned deeply in concern and a momentary glance at the door and back startled him. Dark, wispy smoke. The essence of it brought adrenaline to the surface as he remembered those shared visions with Charani. He was sure his heart rate monitor was upping in intensity, but he couldn’t hear it, too focused on Charani. As if he would vanish if he looked away.
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Purple filled his peripheral and for the life of him he wasn’t sure why, but it filled him with panic. If they were just a shade darker they would’ve resembled the shadow bugs that that almost choked him to death and eaten him alive. There’s a wince at his words and a slight stab of discomfort as Charani held onto his hand. Forced to look into Charani’s own eyes, he didn’t feel any comfort there. Just distance. It was harsher than before.
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He felt himself clench his jaw closed, refusing to speak as Charani read his palm, wondering how that specifically had come up. Before he could press any further, his sight flickered into something different. Sensation changed, and a once guarded, and steely expression shifted into confusion and then panic once more. How did- When did- His heart beat inside his ears as he felt something move in his hand at a much, much slower pace. Warmth- Body warmth he didn’t think possible to experience again. It’s not the coldness form before but it’s just as jarring. “I- I-” he found himself sputtering out. Was Charani in pain? Could he let go and take his hand back? “Stop it.” He found himself, trying to order his arm to come back to him, without a heart in hand. He tugged it back freezing up as he felt something move with him and heard a sickening swish. “No- no, no, no, no” he rambled on and on and on trying in vain to pull his arm out without tugging forward the beating heart in his palm.
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Aiden clasped his other hand on his arm, digging in nails into his own flesh in a play to get his hand to let go before ripping backwards his trapped arm. It didn’t work. He felt as he ripped out tissue and veins holding in place Charani’s heart and watched his own hand pull back, slick and red, organ still in it bruised form his tight grip. “No- I didn’t mean to-” He never meant anything did he? Tears pricked at the corner of his eyes and his breathing sped up as he began hyperventilating form the nightmare.
[attr="class","a1notes"]enjoy the uWu softboi content Charani Petrov
The damaged organ slowly beat in the redhead's hand. Purple butterflies slowly starting to turn black swarming around Charani. He moved towards his friend till he was pretty much in the boys lap.
"You're just like your father." Selfish. Uncaring. Using everyone else for his own gain. Caring about nobody else. Those were the implications dripping in those words. Of course none of these words were true. None of this was happening. It was all just a nightmare.
There was a shadowy figure Aiden could probably make out in his peripheral vision. It was black and shadowy just like Charani had flickered. Its shape was adult and vaguely male.
"He will never forgive you. Never." The blonde said. Aiden should probably wake up soon. This dream would loop again if he didnt. Again. And again. A nightmare he needed to wake up from.
In reality Charani was happily talking to Aiden's grandmother as the redhead dreamed. He needed lots of rest after all and didnt mind when he fell asleep. "He seemed to be feeling okay. Thank you for the food as well." he hummed to the grandmother. She had brought some lemon squares and was happily sitting by the two boys. Both unaware of anything wrong in his head. i
[attr="class","a1lyric"]i got nothing but dreams inside[break] i got nothing but dreams
[attr="class","a1lyric2"]i'm just young enough to still believe, still believe [break]young enough not to know what to believe
[attr="class","a1icon"]
[attr="class","a1white"]
[attr="class","a1scroll"] This kind of proximity was familiar and foreign at the same time. He couldn’t run, couldn’t escape Charani’s oppressive nature as he took a seat so close to him, wrapped and wreathed in black bugs that sent his skin crawling. He could almost feel them digging into his own flesh and he could practically hear the sounds of them trying to eat Charani’s own. His lips moved, and Aiden felt a spike of fury, denial streaking so fast through his bones mixed with hurt. He almost grabbed the blonde by the shirt collar, his face twisting in anger. “What do you- what do you even know?!” he snarled at an uncaring vision of his friend. He was starting to doubt this was even his friend. The Charani he knew would never-
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Or would he? The doubt crept into his mind, tugging at a long-buried worry and helping it flow back up to the surface. “Back off-” he ordered before he could continue such a terrible thought. His attention is caught between both spotting something dark in the distance. He could barely make it out, but he searched for that same vibrant red hair and piercing eyes. He had no idea how the man looked, but his grandparents kept a portrait of the man in his old room, locked away from the rest of the family. He’d caught a glimpse of it once. That was all.
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He tried to shoo away his shadowy friend, feeling his stab would flare up at he spoke once more. Were the bugs getting aggressive? He could barely hear himself think as Charani’s words echoed, over and over again. He’d never be forgiven- Was that true? Couldn’t he salvage anything? Should he leave again? He should leave. But he’d promised not to. But it would be better. But he’d be breaking his own promise to himself. The nightmare continued over and over. The sounds and senses in it seemed to intensify with each repetition. It left him uncertain, frustrated, and angry. And as he tried to back talk one of the visions he gasped himself awake, sitting up from the pillow he’d rested behind his back and breathing hard as he looked around the room again.
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“Charani-” He stopped himself as he spotted his granny, sitting idly and suddenly turning to watch him as he regained consciousness. “Aiden! Are you alright- You look pale-” he began before he cut her off with clipped words. “Fine- I’m fine, Gran.” The redhead returned as he caught his breath, momentarily suspicious o his surroundings before he looked over at the equipment he was hooked up to. His heart monitor spiked, but gradually coming back down. Rosario frowned a moment before turning back to Charani and nodding at him. “You’re very welcome. Got ta make sure you’re both fed. Food can be scarce in hospitals.” Good food anyway.
[break][break]
The lemon squares while appetizing, didn’t interest Aiden too much as he mulled over his nightmare. When had he fallen asleep exactly? Had Charani even asked for his hand or had he already passed out from exertion? He didn’t know for sure. “Aiden.” The redhead snapped his head up, staring back at his grandmother who had managed to herself over to his bedside so she could inspect him. “Always a troubling one aren’tcha?” she noted before tugging at his ear sharply. “Macintosh was worried sick! You almost gave him a heart attack!” she began. “Reckless child! Oooh by the gods, if you weren’t laying in this bed so help me.” Rosario then let go of a now red, and sore ear with her grandson frowning intensely as his bed sheets. “I’m sorry. It- it ain’t like I plan this, Gran.” He murmured unable to really justify himself in the presence of his caretaker.
[break][break]
The old woman let out a huff before dropping a paper plate with a couple of lemons squares on it in his lap. “Eat this. And drink some water before you pass out in your own sick bed.” She ordered. Aiden obeyed, forcing himself to chew on the end of one of the squares as he looked over at Charani. They were on speaking terms. That was good. How long could he maintain that now? He didn’t know anymore. He didn’t want to doubt the blonde, but now he wasn’t so sure how sincere he was either. “Sorry, I didn’t realize I was that tired.” He murmured, averting his gaze back to the sweet in his hand.
[attr="class","a1notes"]enjoy the uWu softboi content Charani Petrov
Again and again this dream raged on... until all at once it didnt. Aiden's grandmother was quick to chastise his behavior. This earned a laugh from Charani. Not just a chuckle but a full on laugh when she grabbed his ear like he had earlier.
"She's right but I still feel bad for your ear. That's twice now its been assaulted." Charani would attempt to place his hand on the other boys ear with a hum of mana. Assuming this was allowed he would use Episkey to help dull the pain caused by the two people.
The boy had fallen asleep just as his grandmother had come in. Or rather the excitement of the conversation maybe tired him out? Charani couldn't be sure. He didn't look good though... in fact he looked less well rested than before.
"It's okay Aiden. You lost a lot of blood you're going to be pretty tired." The blonde tried to smile and make small talk with Aiden's grandmother. He would of course ask for her recipe as he nibbled on the lemon square in his hand. He loved to bake and cook... at least way more than Aiden it would seem.
Charani watched Aiden from the corner of his eye. The boy seemed less interested in the conversation than before. Maybe he was just very tired. He would use telepathy to speak to Aiden to keep the concern away from the grandmother. 'Aiden? It's me... are you feeling okay? You seem... not okay...'
[attr="class","a1lyric"]i got nothing but dreams inside[break] i got nothing but dreams
[attr="class","a1lyric2"]i'm just young enough to still believe, still believe [break]young enough not to know what to believe
[attr="class","a1icon"]
[attr="class","a1white"]
[attr="class","a1scroll"] Aiden tried not to fall into his own thought with people present, not wanting to really answer their questions. He dind’t want to discuss things. First because he wasn’t sure what exactly had just transpired, and secondly if it was just his own hang ups getting to him amid overwhelming exhaustion…well he didn’t need to tell them that. He didn’t need to tell Charani that. He tried to control his breathing, soothe his nerves, anything to get back to normal, but a soft touch at his ear made him flinch harshly, sucking in his breath. His hand snapped upward smacking Charani’s away with wild, panicked eyes as he momentarily forgot how to breath. He looked at Charani’s face for a moment only before his eyes darted around the blonde’s figure and then the room.
[break][break]
Rosario, who had only stood up to give her grandson some space eyed him carefully, but not before shouting a very loud and chastising “AIDEN!” at his actions. To this, the redhead flinched a second time, covering his bright red ear protectively from the other too. “Sorry- anti ear grab instincts-” he lied looking back at his lap apologetically once it was clear this wasn’t a dream and he wasn’t about to fall into another nightmare fueled dreamscape. If his grandmother was nagging at him, which he was, he didn’t hear it, glancing around for his things. Where was his bag? He probably still had a dreamcatcher in there right? Was this leftover from the terrorist attack? Or was she fucking with him again from his stab wound? Was that even possible? He didn’t know.
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The old woman sighed as she watched grandson get mildly distracted once more turning to Charani to pat him carefully on the shoulder, murmuring something vaguely comforting. It wasn’t him it was something else. After all, they knew how much Aiden cared for Charani. Something else was going on. She didn’t seem to push the subject, not wanting to really talk about the incident while Aiden was still hospitalized. He probably needed time to process it himself. She delighted in dangling the Cunningham secret over the boy’s head, offering to teach him herself if only he visited her next weekend. Aiden nodded vaguely at Charani, face twisted in emotion as he tried to push it all down while his visitors were present. He’d agonize over this later. “Yeah…that…” he said, nodding slowly before finally turning back his attention to his grandmother and best friend.
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He didn’t notice the mental connection until Charani’s voice appeared in his head, making him flinch once more. Though this time, his friend’s voice wasn’t harsh or malicious, just worried. This was dangerous. He wasn’t exactly sure how the spell worked, but he tried his hardest to think only of the lemon pastries on his lap, not wanting to share what he’d seen or the doubts he was having with his friend. Aiden wanted to keep him out and even that he was afraid of accidentally transmitting. His words were tentative, unused to communicating in such a way. ‘I um…’ No, he was definitely not ok, that much was clear. ‘I- I’m processing? I guess? It’s hitting me in waves.’ What he wasn’t sure about yet, but he hoped the vagueness of his answer was enough to satisfy his friend’s curiosity. ‘I’ll be fine once…I can leave this place.’ He added, a little more assertively. ‘Sorry.’
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Charani slowly pulled his hand back as his friend flinched away from him. He did just get his ear attacked twice within the span of half an hour so that explanation would be sufficient. It didnt sit well with him though and he wasnt sure why. Seer instinct perhaps? Or maybe wishful thinking.
"It's okay really. I didn't mean to startle you.... I was just going to fix up your ear a smidge since it got attacked twice today." Charani would not make a move to repeat what he had tried. He was waiting for an okay or a no thank you before doing anything else. He didnt want to spook the boy.
The grandmother had offered to teach him the recipe if he came over. He nodded and smiled at the idea. Sure it was an excuse to maybe force Aiden to hang out with him and by extension the grandmother once he felt a little better. Or maybe learn more about Aiden.
"That sounds lovely." The blonde tried to smile and continue to make small talk with Aiden's grandmother. His brain however was hyper focused on Aiden at the moment. Mixed of worry and sorrow and something else. It was a strange feeling... this mix of emotions.
Charani didn't want to press farther into his friends mind. It was highly invasive and not something he was comfortable doing. Even when he was at his most vulnerable he had only ever forced his own thoughts and memories on someone else never the other way around. Could he do that? He wasnt sure and honestly he didnt want to find out. 'Okay. If you ever want to talk about it I'm here for you okay? I won't press you.'
[attr="class","a1lyric"]i got nothing but dreams inside[break] i got nothing but dreams
[attr="class","a1lyric2"]i'm just young enough to still believe, still believe [break]young enough not to know what to believe
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Aiden did his best to smile and nod in understanding, but his movements were weak, and it was clear he was trying to suppress whatever jitters still lingered. “Oh, yeah- thanks. But, you don’t have to it’s not as bad as…uh, anyway.” He said brushing the subject off as he rubbed his ear. “It’s not really punishment if I don’t suffer through it, right?” he added with a small laugh. After all, they’d both done it because they’d been worried about him. He’d let it sting for now. If it still bothered him later, he could always ask for some ice, but it didn’t feel like a big deal. Rosario made a note to force Aiden to come over sooner rather than later. Just in case he needed to talk with them at some point. He hadn’t unloaded on them in months.
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Rosario seemed to grin, striking a small deal with the blonde. She made a note to call upon the seer when her grandson came over, if only because she hadn’t seen the pair together in so long. Something had developed happened, but Aiden had yet to explain himself on that end either. Regardless, it didn’t seem too bad all things considered. Not today anyway. “Perfect, I’ll set up the guest bathroom.” The old woman returned. Aiden briefly looked over at his grandmother eyeing the woman. She didn’t know so she probably assumed Charani and him would be sharing. He made note to pack a sleeping back to sleep on the floor. Maybe he should tell her after Charani left, or sometime during the week. Then it wouldn’t be awkward. Probably. Wasn’t it still awkward?
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He scanned the room once more before eyeing his friend as he spoke, digging into the words he heard echo softly in his head, searching. Despite himself, he was scared of falling into that nightmare realm and holding Charani accountable for it. The last he remembered was a palm reading, and he already knew he could shape dreams as he saw fit but…inducing sleep? He wasn’t aware if that was with in Charani’s capabilities. He only felt guiltier for holding suspicions of the boy he’d already hurt so much. ‘I- I’ll talk. I’ll tell you about this soon.’ He returned wanting to put his friend at ease. ‘I’ll do it sooner than last time.’ He added, as he idly cracked his knuckles. 'Don't worry about it.' To show he was doing better, he picked up a lemon tart and took a bite out of it, chewing slowly while Rosario nodded along with whatever conversation she had going on with Charani. Entrusting Aiden’s consciousness with Charani, she mentioned she would go find a doctor to discuss his current status like a true guardian. Because he was an idiot and she was still his legal guardian somehow.
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