sycrx

[sycrx]

»       OPEN   STARTER    !            @beforedawnstarters  :

          ❛     𝑢𝑛𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑢𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑦 ,        what  this  woman  is   asking   for  is  impossible .     ❜

#» 〈 ⸻ ◟ 𝖛𝖎 . THREADS ． #dawn:start #here you go JAKE

[sycrx]

B.  LESTRANGE       ╱     gammaoricnis

—      𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐑       /      @sycrx        ・

the  blacks  were  taught  how  to  entertain  :  how  to  open  their  homes  to  guests  and  be  as  perfect  of  a  host  as  could  be  ,  and  while  bellatrix  had  never  been  much  of  a  fan  of  people  invading  her  space  ,  she  was  wise  enough  to  know  it  was  an  important  skill  worth  having  .  and  ,  while  she  missed  her  childhood  home  greatly  ,  the  house  she  shared  with  rodolphus  had  an  imposing  air  about  it  :  it  could  be  warm  and  comfortable  despite  it  size  ,  or  it  could  be  grand  and  intimidating  if  she  so  pleased  .  tonight  ,  she  wasn’t  sure  which  she  was  going  for  ,  but  the  small  room  the  elves  had  set  up  with  a  near  casual  atmosphere  was  perfect  for  what  she  wanted  to  accomplish  .  barty  chao  was  an  interesting  young  man  ,  and  the  dinner  invitation  had  been  both  a  test  and  a  need  to  satisfy  her  curiosity  about  him  ,  to  be  able  to  study  him  in  a  setting  where  conversations  stayed  private  and  relaxation  was  called  for  .  yet  ,  she’d  been  sure  to  dig  through  perfectly  aged  bottles  and  instruct  for  food  fit  for  royalty  to  be  served  ,  just  a  hint  of  a  power  play  wrapped  up  in  a  show  of  carefully  thought  out  appreciation  .  despite  the  lull  of  summer  ending  outside  ,  the  fireplace  had  been  lit  and  the  wix  settled  in  front  of  the  gentle  crackling  even  as  she  heard  the  young  man  arrive  ,  heard  pip  (  the  house  elf  her  mother  had  gifted  her  when  she’d  officially  become  mrs  .  lestrange  ,  who  seemed  still  as  overwhelmingly  concerned  for  bella  as  she  had  twenty  years  prior  )  grant  him  entrance  and  instruct  him  towards  the  sitting  room  .  the  smile  she  let  swim  up  her  lips  was  glorious  as  she  thanked  the  little  elf  ,  moved  to  press  a  kiss  inches  from  barty’s  cheek  ,  let  herself  fall  back  down  on  the  armchair  even  as  she  gestured  him  to  sit  .  "  i’m  very  glad  you  were  able  to  come  ,  barty  ,  i’m  sure  training  has  been  time  consuming  .  "

    𝑖𝑡  𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑙𝑦  𝑖𝑠             quite  the   surprise   to  have  an  invite   right   to  the  lestrange  home .    it’s  the   goal ,   of  course ,   in  every  way   possible   —    but  barty   expects   a  compromise .   a  middle  ground  where  it’s  a  less  senior   black  or  lestrange  he  befriends ,   a   less  powerful   family  he  confides  in .    but  his  energy  on  rodolphus  or  bellatrix  doesn’t  seem  the  least   unfounded ,   now .   he’s   greeted   by  the  elf  at  their  door  and  finds  the  woman  seated  amongst  her  personal  space ,   the  invite   singling   him  alone  just  as  it  had  been   implied .   he  finds  himself  in  no  less  pleased  of  a  mood  as  he  returns  her  greeting ,   taking  a  seat  as   designated   and  feeling   much   like  the  next   blade   assessed  for  slaughter   —   just  as  he  wants  it .    it’s  certainly  beneficial  to  him ,   there’s  no   doubt  about  it .    he  just  needs  to  prove  what  he  can  give   in  turn ,   that  chance  now   offered   to  him  on  a  silver   dining   platter .    his  ties ,   reputation ,   and   skill   all  candidates  he’s  worked  on  long  enough ,   but   presentation   is  as  important  as  content ,   and  this  is  no  exception .   he  relaxes  his  expression  into  an  easy   smile ,   offering  a   somewhat  humble  shrug  at  the  statement .     ❛    it’s  taking  up  my  time  about  as  much  as  i   need   it  to ,   ❜       he  tells  bellatrix .    they   are   mostly  in  the   theory   aspect  of  it ,   and  much  of  his  classmates  are  very  much   not   in  hit  wix  training  for  such   mundane   activities .     ❛    i’ve  had  it   worse ,   but  it  certainly  leaves   constant   room  to  do   more .    i’m  sure  you’re  more  than  aware ,   ❜     barty  adds ,    brushing   a  hand  in  bellatrix’s  direction .     it’s  neither  much  of   her   domain  nor  the  one  of   most   she’s  close  to ,    but  with  such   secured   ties  in  the  ministry ,    he’s  sure  she’s  at  least  got  a  few  toes  dipped  on  the   knowledge of   the  great  majority .    barty  moves  his  hand  again  to  motion  at  the  place ,   eyes  flickering  up  to  the   walls   around  him .     ❛    beautiful   home ,   by  the  way ,  ❜    he  comments  before  sitting  back ,   fingers  crossing  together  as  if  to  get   comfortable  ,    and  listen ,   offering  the  same   formalities   right  back  her  way .     ❛    how  are  things  for   you ?  ❜

#» 〈 ⸻ ◟ 𝖛𝖎 . THREADS ． #» BELLATRIX ∕ 002 ． #gammaoricnis

[sycrx]

M.  SCOTT       ╱     hcrmincs

@sycrx

“barty! open the door!” she continued knocking, loudly, but mina wasn’t about to (willingly) be face to face with a naked barty (again) anytime soon. once was too many, and that was more than she was willing to discuss. and in the middle of the afternoon, she expected her cousin to be fully dressed. “please don’t be naked this time! if you’re naked again, i’m taking this food and going home!”

     𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑦'𝑠  𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦  𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔               through  his  old   notes   when  the  knock  comes  through  the  walls ,    with  him   sighing   as  he  takes  his   time   moving   towards   the  source  of  it .     ❛     i’m  not  naked ,   ❜       is  her  greeting ,   then .    he  quirks  an  incredulous  brow  up  his  cousin’s  way .     ❛     but  you  realise  a   call   first ,   or  some  means  of   warning ,    would  be  far  more  helpful  in  preventing   that .   ❜    he  states ,   eyeing  the  food  with  a  step   back   into  his flat ,   leaving  the  door  open  for  mina to  come  in .

#» 〈 ⸻ ◟ 𝖛𝖎 . THREADS ． #» MINA ∕ 002 ． #hcrmincs

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R.  CHAO       ╱     playbcy

                 ❝   because   i   think   it’d   be   funny.   ❞   rik   was   a   simple   kid   —   being   able   to   piss   off   big   brothers   blondie   girlfriend   gave   him   the   extra   pep   in   his   step   he   needed   each   morning.   ❝   only   asked   about   you,   like   you’re   doing   with   her   right   now.   aren’t   i   supposed   to   be   the   one   avoiding   her   ?   ❞   his   previous   grin   fell   flat   as   it   was   soon   accompanied   by   an   eye   roll.   ❝   other   than   that   ?   no.   ❞

    ❛     𝑎ℎ ,   𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 .   ❜              barty  replies  all  too  simply ,   dropping   the  matter  with  a  sigh .     ❛     i  only   mean   that you’re  starting  to   sound  like  her .    though  i’m  sure  she’d  be  more   subtle   in  the  names  she  chooses  for  ellie .   ❜       he  doesn't  comment  on  whether  he’s   avoiding  his  sister .   frankly ,   they  just  naturally   stay  apart .     ❛     is  she  getting  you  in   trouble   for  something  ?    i  don’t  see  why   you’d   be  needing  to   avoid   her ,   unless  i  missed   another   affair .   ❜

#» 〈 ⸻ ◟ 𝖛𝖎 . THREADS ． #» RIKARD ∕ 001 ． #playbcy

[sycrx]

A.  CHAO       ╱     henrvkas

𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐨.

@sycrx

                 ❝      do   you   always   answer   a   question   with   a   question   ?      ❞

    𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑦  𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑠            alice  a   look  ,   tilting  his  head  to  the  side  to   counter ,   mockingly :      ❛     i  don’t  know ,    do  i  ?   ❜

#» 〈 ⸻ ◟ 𝖛𝖎 . THREADS ． #» ALICE ∕ 005 ． #henrvkas

[sycrx]

L.  BELL       ╱     lczziez

𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐨.

@sycrx

                        ❝      i   know   how   it   looks   but   trust   me   ,      i   know   what   i’m   doing      ❞

    ❛      𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙 ,   𝑖𝑡   𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑠           like  you’re  running   this   right  out  of  your   home ,   which  is  the  part  that   caught   me  just  now .   i  did  think  i  would  be   brought   to  some   backroom   at  mungo’s .   ❜

#» 〈 ⸻ ◟ 𝖛𝖎 . THREADS ． #» LIZZIE ∕ 001 ． #lczziez

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E.  ALLAIRE       ╱     allaircss

                    it   was   the   fact   he   wouldn’t   lie   to   her   ,      no   empty   little   words   to   make   her   feel   better   ,      that   made   her   sure   in   this   .   made   her   sure   in   them   .      because   what   was   anything   that   was   built   on   a   lie   ,      even   if   the   lie   was   beautiful   or   meant   to   comfort   ,      nothing   but   false   .      nothing   that   wasn’t   about   ready   to   crumble   when   the   winds   picked   up   .      a   final   echo   of         ❝      almost   ❞         gracing   her   lips   one   final   time   ,      the   fifth   time   the   word   was   spoken   ,      as   she   sighed   and   nestled   in   against   him   .      it   was   a   thought   as   scary   as   the   realisation   from   the   start   of   the   summer   ,      that   she   loved   him   ,      that   she   was   facing   up   to   now   :      that   she   felt   safe   here   .      safe   with   him   .      such   a   wild   ,      floating   and   reckless   thing   as   she   was   ,   she   still   found   safety   in   someone’s   arms   .      but   it   was   still   so   much   to   say   it   .      still   felt   like   it   could   almost   be   too   much   .      one   word   .   one   little   question   .      but   such   a   large   weight   for   just   two   syllables   to   hold   .      again   .   a   -   gain   .      he   was   asking   ,      he   wanted   to   know   .      but   he   wasn’t   pushing   .      and   so   ellie   found   the   truth   eking   free   .         ❝      the   imperius   curse   ,   barty   .   she   and   i   are   old   friends   .   far   too   old   friends      ❞   because   that   was   the   truth   ,      wasn’t   it   ?      because   even   if   there   had   been   some   justification   behind   what   her   mother   had   done   ,   in   just   what   she’d   sunk   too   ,      ten   had   been   much   too   young   for   what   ellie   had   gone   through   .   ten   had   been   much   too   young   for   what   she’d   gone   through   to   be   ignored   .   and   for   once   she   let   things   die   ,      for   one   she   wasn’t   the   bitch   who   wouldn’t   give   up   a   bone   .      she   could   move   past   the   fight   they’d   had   ,   move   past   and   learn   .   there   had   been   a   problem   then   but   wasn’t   now   proof   they   were   moving   past   it   ?      eyes   continuing   to   hold   his   gaze   as   his   hand   came   to   settle   on   her   face   ,   glancing   down   before   they   fell   shut   ,      feeling   almost   whole   in   that   moment   .         ❝      why   am   i   worth   it   ?      ❞         she   had   so   much   now   ,   so   much   with   him   .      and   she   couldn’t   quite   believe   it   .

    𝑜𝑓  𝑡ℎ𝑒  𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛𝑠           barty   imagines  have  ellie  feeling   puppeteered   ,   he’ll  admit  to  the  shock  of  it  being  so   literal .   he  forgoes  the  subtlety  then ,   tensing  to  wait  on   more ,    ❛     from   who  ,   ❜    it’s  barely  posed  like  a  question ;   the  words   grating   through  his  frown ,   imposed   in  the  narrowing  of  his  eyes .   it  implodes  in  something  that   retracts   quickly  in  his  chest ,   a  not - too - unfamiliar  emotion  boiling   red   in   him .    it  isn’t  too  difficult  to  press   past   it  to  further  answer  her .   he’s  only  surprised  to  feel  it   simmer   as  he  goes  on ,   unwithstanding  his  usual  asphyxiation ,   despite  the  gentleness  he  exudes  in  bringing  a  hand  under  ellie’s  jaw  after  he  thinks  it  over ,   trying  to  coax  her  over  for  the  answer ,      ❛     you’re   unyielding ,   ❜      he  explains .    ❛    unapologetically   whatever   you   decide .   ❜      because  it’s  different  from  unapologetically   one’s  self .    he   knows   ellie  does   too  much   in  nothing  more  than  the  name  of  pettiness .  of   proof .   coercion .   and  likely   more .     ❛    i  can’t  say  it’s  common  to  find  that ,    let  alone  where  it  would  turn  an  interest  to   me ,   as  well .    most   would  read   disinterest  on   my   part .    but   you   didn’t .   i’m  fairly  sure  the  only  consensus   i’ve   gotten  is  that  we’re   not   the  same .    nearly   opposites ,  ❜    a  foil  to  myself ,   his  mind  supplies .   without  the   clash   that  should  usually  come  with  it ,   on  spectrums  much  like  the  parts   he   plays  himself .    smoke  to  his  mirror ,    as  if  pushing  all  that  he  isn’t  to  the  forefront  would  hide  much  of  what  he   is .     but  how  does  he   say   that  there's  the   mirror   of  it  in  her  without   revealing   too  much ?    that  she  chases ,   knowingly  or  not ,   for   every   aspect  of  him ,    relishes  in  it  —   without   confirming   it  outright .     it’s  all  another  game  to  play ,    but  a  new  one .    a  breath  from  the   boredom ,   without  having  to   forgo   any  of  it .     ❛    but  i  don’t  think   you   got  that  from  me  at  all ,  ❜   he  settles  on  the   hint  of  it  instead ,   eyes  fully  boring  into  hers  for  it ,    before  softening  again .     ❛    and  i’m   more   than  interested  in  seeing  how  you  came  to  that   conclusion .    just  as  i  am  interested  in   every   conclusion  you   come   to ,    should  it  be  grating  my  nerves  or   not .   ❜     he  supplies  with  an  added   gleam   in  his  eye .    it’s  true ,   in  the  end ,   that  he’s  only  ever  so   easy   on  the   forgiving   end  of  ellie  by  way  of  her  mind .   what  she  chooses  to   latch   to  surprising  him  to  no  end ,   and  honestly   —   it’s   refreshing ,   to  be  so   abruptly   taken  aback  without  it  necessarily  being   entirely   inane .

#» 〈 ⸻ ◟ 𝖛𝖎 . THREADS ． #» ELLIE ∕ 010 ． #allaircss

[sycrx]

M.  MACDONALD       ╱     mvcdcncld

“no, nothing does.” she commented, willing herself not to shrug so she didn’t drop her stack of papers. she wasn’t meant to even confirm or deny the news but it was sort of nice that he knew and she didn’t have to lie. “i think they have several teams on it to be quite honest. certainly I won’t be the only research assistant looking into it all.” she thought about that for a moment but came up short for an opinion. “it doesn’t affect me much, so why would it make my blood boil?”

    ❛     𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 ?    𝑖          didn’t  think  it’d  span  that   wide .   ❜       barty  gives  a   shrug   at  her  question ,   explaining  it   away :     ❛     if  it’s   not   what  you  want  to  hear ,   of  course .    a  lot  of  people  are  still    attached    to  the  place ,    it  seems .    or  think  of  it  as  affecting   the  next  generations .   ❜      he  shrugs  again ,   nodding .     ❛     but  that  is  good  on  you ,   if  you’re  unaffected   regardless .    journalism  is   supposed   to  be  unbiased ,   right ?    ❜     he  asks ,   but  there’s  a  definite   joking  tone  to  it ,   knowing  who  his   own   mother  is ,    and  having   that   definitely  make  the  case   opposite .

#» 〈 ⸻ ◟ 𝖛𝖎 . THREADS ． #» MACKENZIE ∕ 001 ． #mvcdcncld

[sycrx]

M.  ALLAIRE       ╱     mileneallaire

milene wasn’t an easy person to get to know or like, and she had always known that. she was a paranoid person by default, the eldest in the family tasked with a too big of a responsibility when it came to caring about people in her family. she didn’t know what her feelings were towards barty other than unsure. she didn’t know his intentions when it came to her sister but she would always protect her siblings before anything else. she watches him like a hawk, keeping track of his movements before trying to loosen up, but she didn’t know how, she wouldn’t know relaxed if it slapped her in the face. “sure.” she says, her voice a monotone, her smile polite despite all things. “i’m sure you’ll be exceptional.” she says, her voice still neutral, “otherwise, what’s the point?” her parents had raised her and her siblings to be the best and expected nothing else, unfortunate for her she expected the same unless it was her own children. maybe that made milene to be a little bit cruel to others that weren’t her own family but she had dealt with enough trauma in her life to be so. “well, you know how family expectations go.” she says, reaching over to grab her glass and taking a drink. she had known that ellie was somewhat fond of the man before her so she would play nice, but if he had even faltered for a second she had no guilt in destroying him before it even started. “if you’re looking for commiserating about family issues i assure you that i’m not the one to go to.” she says with a slight chuckle. “better off with eric or viviane.” she didn’t give out commiseration to people who maybe deserved it, milene was very hard to please when it came to her sisters affections, thinking that ellie deserved the world and more. 

      𝑖𝑛  𝑎  𝑤𝑎𝑦 ,          it  feels  almost   comedic ,    how  every  time  barty   shifts   to  read  milène  more  readily ,   she’s  just  as  much  on - edge  as  when  they   started .    he   meets   it ,   of  course ,    trying  to  remain  as   low   in  stature  as  he  can ,   without  looking  to   out - of - touch  with   himself .    a  curl  to  his  back  as  he   leans   away ,    the  mere  drag  of  fingers  falling  to  the  side  of  his   cup .    it’s  simply  unusual  to  get   this   far  into  a  conversation  without   some   equal  footing  meeting  half - way .     and  yet ,    he  gets  the  feeling  the   entire  ride   is  going  to  feel  like  this .    so  he   straps   in ,   listening  with  the  slow  nod  of  his  head ,   a  brow  coming  up  at   the   question .    his  smile  creeps  back  into  place  at  that .      ❛     that   is   the  idea ,   with  my  choice .    but  i  can’t  get   too   cocky ,   can  i ?    i  will  know  how  suited  i  am  by  the  time  i’m   actually   in  field .      ❜        it’s  always  a  bit   surprising   to  remember  how  the  allaires  were   expected   to  behave ,   to   think .    and  then  remember  how   little   ellie  exudes  any  of  it ,    while  still   somehow   keeping  association .    then  again   —   he   does   fully  understand  the  difference  between   a  problem  child   and  the  absolute  confirmation  a  straight   disownment   would  earn .    he’s  heard  the    gossip   surrounding  it  often  enough .    besides ,   does  he  really  believe ,   despite  it  all ,    that  his   own   parents  as  a  clear  example ,    would  be  so  quick  to  fully  cut  ties  with  their  children ?    not  at  all .    he  knows  that  a  foot  in  with   either ,    considering  how   little   they  could  ever  find  common  ground  on ,   would  mean   security .    it’s  a  game  he  plays   every  day .    but  he  isn’t  looking  for   empathy   over  that ,    not  unless  it   targets   the  right  spot  in  conversation .   but  for  it  to  be   better  off   with  éric  or  viviane ?    he  stores  that  little  bit  of   knowledge   at  the  back  of  his  head .    sounds  like  an  interesting   thing  to  look  into .       ❛     no ,   i’ve  my   own   siblings  for  that ,   ❜    barty  replies  with  his  own  huffed  laugh .    it’s  not  a  complete  lie ;   he  knows  that ,   should  forming  a   proper   bond  ever  be  an  issue ,   it’d  be  a   very   sweet  spot  to  hit ,   in  their  case .      ❛    but  you  never   know   what  people  have  to  say .    i   like   to  ask ,    even  if  i  know  the  answer’s  short .    some  people  surprise  you .    others  remind  you  who  they  are .   ❜

#» 〈 ⸻ ◟ 𝖛𝖎 . THREADS ． #» MILENE ∕ 001 ． #mileneallaire

[sycrx]

F.  LONGBOTTOM       ╱     frvnklongbttoms

it was late, and they were at a pub, and if frank was being honest, he’d rather be anywhere else, but he didn’t know where anywhere else was at the moment. “mate,” he says, motioning for the bartender to come towards them, “it looks like you need a refill, yeah?”

      ❛     ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒,   ❜          barty ,    eyeing   his  drink  at  th e  comment ,    takes  down  the  last  sip  and  holds  it   out   on  the  counter .    he’s  been   relatively   distracted   on  his  own .   he  decides  to   nudge   the  conversation  forward   again ,   noting  his  company  isn’t  being  too   talkative .    ❛    you  look   stumped   on  something ,    frank ,   ❜     a   smile   creeps  up  his  lips  as  he   brings   the  newly  filled  cup  to  his  lips .    ❛    do  i  dare   pry ?  ❜

#» 〈 ⸻ ◟ 𝖛𝖎 . THREADS ． #» FRANK ∕ 001 ． #frvnklongbttoms #alcohol tw

[sycrx]

E.  ALLAIRE       ╱     allaircss

                    ❝      almost   ?      ❞   she   echoed   ,      a   question   she   wasn’t   quite   sure   if   she   wanted   the   answer   to   but   that   she   asked   none   the   less   .      what   did   almost   mean   ?   not   quite   .      but   also   very   nearly   …      so   which   one   was   it   ?   strings   .      so   there   was   her   answer   .   he   only   got   half   of   what   she   said   and   in   his   answers   she   saw   just   how   surface   level   his   understanding   of   her   had   been   .      but   it   wasn’t   his   fault   ,      nor   was   it   hers   ,      it   was   too   tall   an   ask   to   expect   anyone   else   to   know   just   what   she   spoke   about   .      would   require   something   so   horrible   to   have   happened   to   him   that   even   in   her   darkest   moments   ellie   would   not   wish   it   on   anyone      (   other   than   her   sister   viviane   )      so   maybe   it   was   all   a   small   comfort   .      to   know   that   barty   had   not   lived   through   what   she   had   but   was   here   with   her   nonetheless   .         ❝      i   don’t   think   i’d   want   that   ,      i   think   i’d   make   myself   choke   .      i’d   rather   be   lost   to   the   winds   that   let   anyone   take   control   of   me   .      not   again   ,      i   couldn’t   cope   with   it   again      ❞         but   she’d   been   right   about   control   and   barty   ;      he’d   never   lacked   control   quite   as   she   had   but   he   valued   having   it   of   himself   so   much   that   having   a   little   less   of   it   ?      it   was   as   distressing   to   him   as   ellie   having   none   was   to   her   .      and   knowing   that   ,      and   with   his   hands   around   her   ,      for   the   first   time   in   what   maybe   could   be   a   long   time   ellie   felt   safe   .      she   felt   protected   by   someone   who   could   act   .         ❝      thank   you      ❞         eyes   daring   to   glance   up   to   his   again   as   his   hand   oh   so   gently   brushed   back   her   hair   ,      holding   his   gaze   now   and   smiling   ,   a   small   little   thing   .         ❝      there   was   a   time   ,      when   i   felt   like   i   couldn’t   because   you   didn’t   trust   me   .      when   you   didn’t   tell   me   things   and   i   —      i’m   trying   to   do   that   now      ❞

     ℎ𝑒  𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑠  𝑡ℎ𝑒           hesitation  in  her  tone ,   the   check   of   his   choice  in  them ,   covered  in  something  like   disappoint .   even  so ,     ❛      almost  ,   ❜     he  says  again ,    a  confirmation  on  his  lips .    he  won’t   act   like  they’re  any   more   similar  than  they  need  to  be ;    after  all .   for  a  moment ,   he   hesitates   on  this  decision .    it   does   seem  that  ellie  was   looking   for  it  to  be  another  way .   for  that   connection .    but  her   own   explanation  crumples  it  again  in  his  mind .   comfort   or  not ,   two   loose  canons  would  make  nothing  short  of  a   blast .    and  there’s   little   to  do  with  melted  scraps .    he  stands  his  ground ,    only  humming  in  acknowledgement  of  her   words ,   lips  pulling  together .     ❛     i  see ,   ❜     he  says ,    then :    ❛    again  ?   ❜       whether  or  not  he   should   prod  for  the  seeds  that  planted  her  act ,    as  he’s  sure  there’s   more   —   is  irrelevant .    he  makes  it  clear  he’d   want   to  hear  it .    that  he’d  want  to  listen ,    understand ,    whenever  she  wishes  to  however  much  of  share  it .     and  he   does ,   of  course .   context   is  always   helpful .   it’s  how  he   shapes   it  that  matters .    what   reaction   he  gives  out  of  it ,   and   when .    her  thanks  comes  as  a  relief  of  barely - present  tension ;   little  more  than  light  tightening  in  his  muscles .   even  with  the   dig   of  their  very  first  fight   (   he  hopes  their   quick   coupling  would   explain   that ,    and  not  that  she’s   truly   going  to  be  upset  by  it  so   long .    but  he  supposes  if  they’d  never   had  it ,   they  wouldn’t   be   here  ) .    barty  sees  no  use  of  explaining  himself   again .     instead ,   he  snorts  in  a  sort  of   exhale ,   eyes  falling  off  in  a  moment  of   collection   before  darting  back  up  to  ellie’s ,    reaffirming   instead :     ❛    there   was ,  ❜      he  echoes ,   consonants  exaggerated .   they  soften  on  emphasis  again  as  he  holds  a  palm  against  her  cheek .     ❛    i’m   trying   as  well .  ❜

#» 〈 ⸻ ◟ 𝖛𝖎 . THREADS ． #» ELLIE ∕ 010 ． #allaircss

[sycrx]

G.  PARKINSON       ╱     g-parkinson

“It’s quite the risk to trust something not truly your own,” she said, watching from the corner of her eye the person across the room. He seemed to be watching so she needed to keep talking. “I have managed to find several good charms for things such as that. Exactly what equipment have you been using?” She glanced at Barty, tilting her head to show he was still watching. 

   𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑒  𝑛𝑜𝑡  𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑦          unusual  for  barty  to  find  himself  in   impromptu   conversations ,   he'll  admit  that  acting  in  the   middle   of  one  is  slightly   more   challenging .     ❛   is  that  right  ?   ❜       he  makes  a  point  to   tilt   his  head  in   question ,    making  show  of  a   two - sided  conversation  to   whoever   the  other  party  may  be .     ❛   only   mundane   things .    nets ,    sticks .     i  wanted  to   save   the   trouble   of  creating  my   own   for attack   practice   and  thought  it  was   safe   enough,    but .   ❜

#» 〈 ⸻ ◟ 𝖛𝖎 . THREADS ． #» GEORGIANA ∕ 002 ． #g-parkinson

[sycrx]

E.  ALLAIRE       ╱     allaircss

                    what   had   she   even   been   expecting   of   this   ?      of   saying   any   of   it   ?      speaking   words   into   the   darkness   and   expecting   no   response   evidently   as   hearing   even   just   those   first   two   short   words   from   barty   startled   her   .      managing   not   to   jump   or   give   any   audible   show   of   her   surprise   ;   maybe   it   was   just   nerves   ,   but   by   the   way   her   shoulders   tensed   it   was   obvious   his   words   had   had   some   impact   .   even   more   obvious   to   one   who   lay   so   close   to   her   now   ,      who   knew   her      (   and   her   body   )      so   well   .      and   that   wasn’t   even   to   get   into   how   what   he   said   took   her   off   guard   too   ,   so   ready   to   be   shot   down   so   instantly   ,      to   be   told   she   was   just   being   silly   if   she   was   even   being   heard   to   be   heard   and   understood   was   something   else   .      i   do   ,      but   if   there   was   one   thing   ellie   had   come   to   associate   with   him   it   would   be   control   ,      it’d   been   what   she’d   seen   simmering   away   beneath   it   that   had   caught   ellie’s   attention   about   him   .         ❝      less   a   dream   and   more   a   nightmare   you   can’t   even   hope   to   wake   up   from   ?      and   you   just   want   someone   to   come   by   and   cut   your   strings   ?      ❞         she   couldn’t   bring   herself   to   hold   his   gaze   for   more   than   a   second   or   two   now   ,      vulnerability   had   never   come   easily   to   her   ,   avoiding   his   eyes   still   and   settling   instead   to   rest   her   head   on   his   chest   :      a   trepidatious   hand   coming   up   to   cradle   his   face   ,      thumb   stroking   idle   patterns   on   his   cheek   .         ❝      we   can   trust   each   other   ,   right   barty   ?      i   can   trust   you   ?      ❞

       ❛     𝑎𝑙𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 ,   ❜           he  answers   this   time .    barty   has  never  had   trouble   waking  from  his   nightmares .     he  can  spot  the  telltale   signs   of  a  dream  like  a   clue ;    the  strange  behaviours ,   vivid  colours    —   and   snap   his  subconscious   awake .   this ,   however . . .      ❛      i  would  want  the  strings  in   my   hands .    they  can   stay   all  they  like ,    but  i  want  them  wrapped  around  my   own   fingers ,    stirring  them  away  as  i  please .   ❜     having  turned   fully   to  face  ellie  now  —  mind  completely  awake   —   he  makes  to  move  his  own  hands  around  her  just  as   easily .    he  holds  her  gaze  where  she  doesn't .    and  he  realises ,    only  then ,    that  he'd  need  to  be  faced  with    quite    the   dilemma   to  ever  foot  himself   against   ellie .    he   fails   to  even  think  of  an  example .     maybe  because  she  simply  doesn't   align   herself  too  strongly  on  much  at  all  that   opposes   him ,    but  the   result   is  there  nonetheless .    he  can't  much   think   of  what  that  means  for  him .   whether  it  rests  layered  but  untouching  over  his  skin  or  passes  right   into   him ;  soft  and   vulnerable ,   like  he  knows  ellie  must   mean .    maybe  he  doesn't   want   to  know .    as  either  a   now   or  a   later   question .     either  answer  would  leave  him    restless .    ❛     you  can  trust  me ,   ❜      he  tells  her ,   hand  coming  up  to  brush  back  her  hair ,   trying  to   find   her  eyes  again .    ❛    i  hope  i've  never  made  you   think   you   couldn't  ,   ❜      he  smiles  a  little ,   soft  thing ,   and  lets  it  hang  a  moment  before   affirming ,    barely  prompted :     ❛     and  i  trust  you .  ❜

#» 〈 ⸻ ◟ 𝖛𝖎 . THREADS ． #» ELLIE ∕ 010 ． #allaircss #911 open up they're being CUTE #i mean barty's inner monologue is still a ride but

[sycrx]

G.  PARKINSON       ╱     g-parkinson

@sycrx

“Quick,” she said as she sat down next to Barty. “Pretend we’re deep in conversation. There’s this wizard my father is insisting I speak with who’s got about fifteen years on both of us. Must easier to ignore him if I’m already in conversation.”

    𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑦  ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠  𝑡ℎ𝑒          familiar   voice   before  georgie  can  even   take   a  seat ,   and  he  pauses  for  all  of  a   moment   to  glance  in  the   direction   she  came  from  and  follows   through   with  the   instruction  .     ❛     -   that’s  why  i’ll  never  trust   pre - charmed   equipment   again .   if  it  isn’t  a   fundamentally   magick’d  object ,   it  just  isn’t   stable ,   wouldn’t  you  say ?   ❜

#» 〈 ⸻ ◟ 𝖛𝖎 . THREADS ． #» GEORGIANA ∕ 002 ． #g-parkinson

[sycrx]

M.  MACDONALD       ╱     mvcdcncld

she stopped in her tracks and eyed him with both surprise and suspicion. “how have you heard about that already? nothing has been officially announced.” but then, he was a crouch, so maybe she shouldn’t be looking so bewildered that he may have insider information. “yes, i’ve spent — some time on it. why?”

     ❛     𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠𝑛'𝑡  𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑝  𝑡ℎ𝑒          gossip  train ,    does  it  ?    ❜        is  all  barty  really  offers  in  response ,    answering  with  a  shrug .    he   may   have  placed  more  than  a  few  deductions  in  there  looking  for  a  confirmation   moreso  than  anything  else .     ❛     only  curious .    i  was  not  sure  what   team   they’d  have  on  the  case .    must  be  plenty   interesting ,   hm ?     unless ,   of  course ,    it  just   leaves   your  blood   boiling .   ❜

#» 〈 ⸻ ◟ 𝖛𝖎 . THREADS ． #» MACKENZIE ∕ 001 ． #mvcdcncld

[sycrx]

P.  FLINT       ╱     persephoneflint

Seph shrugged, cycling through several different petty responses before deciding on her actual opinion. “It’s the age school starts that’s the problem. We don’t send off the kids until they’re old enough to be left home alone anyways, and there’s no standard system when they’re younger. So no wonder there are kids running around the Ministry, but the only people making laws are the ones with private nannies and tutors.”

      ❛     𝑎ℎ ,    𝑖  𝑠𝑒𝑒  𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡          you  mean ,      ❜       he  hums  in   acquiesce   to  her  thoughts .     he  follows  it  with  the  slow   nod   of  his  head ,    considering   options   in  his  head   despite   knowing  most  would  be  met  with  plain   dismissal ,    including  the   overly  complicated   act  of  establishing   primary  education   where  there’s  never  systematically   been   any .     ❛     it’s  not  like  that  mustn't   get   to  the  ones  who  can  hire  the   private  nannies  and  tutors ,   hm ?    why  not  try  and   feed   the  idea  of  a   playground   proper  around  here ,   at  least ?   ❜

#» 〈 ⸻ ◟ 𝖛𝖎 . THREADS ． #» PERSEPHONE ∕ 001 ． #persephoneflint

[sycrx]

E.  ALLAIRE       ╱     allaircss

𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡.

@sycrx

                    it   was   such   a   soft   moment   ,      something   so   unlike   everything   else   that   had   gone   between   them   ,      something   almost   normal   ;      lying   ,      tangled   up   in   bed   together   .      and   maybe   it   was   because   ellie   thought   barty   was   already   asleep   ,   or   maybe   it   was   the   normality   of   it   all   that   scared   her   ,      or   maybe   ,      just   maybe   ,      she   finally   felt   safe   enough   with   someone   to   share   that   which   she   would   never   otherwise   say   .      something   that   had   the   potential   to   shatter   the   moment   they   were   sharing   now   .         ❝      you   ever   know   what   it’s   like   to   not   be   yourself   ?      ❞         a   shake   in   her   voice   as   she   lacked   her   usual   confidence   .      cutting   through   the   silence   .         ❝      like   really   not   be   yourself   ?      ❞      it   was   all   so   vague   ,      so   puzzle   like   ,      but   for   once   it   wasn’t   some   intentional   game   she   was   playing   .         ❝      like   a   passenger   just   watching   everything   happening   to   you   ?      and   you’re   screaming   but   can’t   do   anything   ?      ❞

    ℎ𝑒'𝑑  𝑛𝑜𝑡  𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔          settled  into  his   new  place ,   and  hadn’t  even  thought   twice ,   now ,   before  bringing  ellie .    they  laid  by  each  other’s  sides  the   same   night ,    and  he  remained  still  in  catching  their   breaths  —   nearly  meditative .    when  ellie’s  voice   fills   the  air  again ,    he  assumes  he  could  easily   make   with  feigning  sleep .    instead ,   he  gives  a  light   pause ,   waiting  for  the   punchline   that  never  comes .     ❛     i  do ,   ❜     he  answers .     he  doesn’t  say  which   part .    he  doesn’t   specify   the  whys  or  the  hows .    he   opens   his  eyes  and   blinks ,   turning  their   tired   attention  to  ellie .   his  voice  is  deep  with   fatigue ,   and  he  lets  it  soften ,   attention   stilled   to  her  gaze .    ❛     as  a   puppet ,   or  in  a   dream ,   perhaps ,   ❜     he  fills  the  void   closer   in   echoes ,    but  there’s  still  no  lie  to  be   had   there .   he  only   assumes ,   from  the  last  half ,    that  it  must  mean  more   to  ellie .    he  hears  it  in  the  slight   tremor   to  her  words ,   in  the   trepidation   of  her  touch ;    or  lack  of  it .    he  steadies  on  the   study   of  her  expression ,   unsure  what’s   lead   to  it  passing  through .    ❛     why  mention  this  now  ?    ❜

#» 〈 ⸻ ◟ 𝖛𝖎 . THREADS ． #» ELLIE ∕ 010 ． #allaircss #barlie tw #it's just the slightly nsfw tag now y'all