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 Posted: Thu Jan 25, 2024 7:19 pm
Luke was tired of studying for this test. Honestly, he thought if he continued staring at his textbook, his head would honestly explode. This weekend was going to be their camping trip, but this damn test was on Friday afternoon so it was the very last hurdle but.
“...Julian, I swear I’m going to go mad if I stare at one more formula right now…could you perhaps be coaxed into doing a quick patrol? I think the air will do me really good to clear my head, and you’ve been working just as hard, so I’m hoping it’ll do as good for you as well. What do you say? A quick walk around a few blocks then come back ready to keep studying?”
There was hope in his voice, and an edge of desperate pleading. It just…sounded amazing to get out for a bit, and it wouldn’t be nearly as fun to go alone.
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Posted: Thu Jan 25, 2024 7:27 pm
Julian was naturally quiet so he didn’t mind keeping to himself. He wasn’t the best student, but he could keep to himself and studying was a good excuse to sit quietly and stay out of everyone’s way.
Luke’s voice startled him from the line he’d reread three times already and was just not absorbing. He was trying to get ahead so they could go camping without him needing to drag all his materials with him.
“Oh–um, yeah, we can do that.”
A quick patrol didn’t sound like too much of a distraction from his work.
And how could he say no? Luke sounded like he needed a break.
“We’ve been cooped up in here for a while. A little break does sound nice.”
It wasn’t freezing outside, so what better time to patrol? Without snow on the ground, no one would even be able to tell they’d gone out. Probably. Hopefully.
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Posted: Thu Jan 25, 2024 7:29 pm
Luke gave a pleased and relieved sigh and stood, stretching and holding a hand to Julian, eyes suddenly bright with anticipation of not being here. Not studying.
“We’ve never patrolled together so that’s pretty fun! I’m really excited.”
With his free hand, he grabbed his jacket and scarf from the back of his chair and shrugged them both on. “I’ll bring some money just in case we wanna stop somewhere and grab something to eat.” He always had money with him just in case but…still. It was good to let Julian know, that way it wouldn't be a surprise if it happened. “I know you don’t need me to buy you things but I like to, so there.”
They might not stop anyway so, he wasn’t sure what would happen.
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Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2024 9:04 am
With only the slightest hesitation, Julian took Luke’s hand and pulled himself up. He was always worried about making some mistake, like pulling Luke down. Or embarrassing himself with sweaty hands, or tripping over something, or–
When Luke began to dress up, Julian followed suit. His jacket and gloves were thinned from age and use but they did a decent job. He brushed his hair over his ears to help keep warm.
“You didn’t eat enough at dinner?” he asked, a little amused. He wondered if Luke always had a meal on his mind. The meals at the cafeteria weren’t always the best but Julian had a full belly and that was really all he hoped for. “We can stop if you get hungry. I feel like you’re always pampering me, I feel bad that I can’t do much for you. I don’t think I can get permission to get a part time job, either. But if I did, it’d have to be at a restaurant. Then I could feed you for a change.”
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Posted: Thu Feb 01, 2024 7:40 pm
“I’m pretty sure I’m in the middle of a growth spurt,” Luke chuckled, half hoping that it was true, and more than half hoping that he would end up taller than Jason in the long run…that would make his brother so unhappy.
“Or at least, I hope that’s the case. Like I’m just hungry all the time, and the dinner here…isn’t the best so maybe that’s the reason too.”
He looked at his roommate and shook his head, chuckling. “I enjoy pampering you, and you absolutely deserve it. Like, I’ve said it before but you’re the best part of this place and I just…well I…”
Hesitating, Luke shrugged. “I like to eat, and I’m not going to just eat and not have you eat too, so pampering you is just…great?”
The words sounded lame, and Luke quickly turned away, feeling his face grow warm. Worrisome. Hopefully Julian didn’t notice.
“You shouldn’t have to work, we’re just…kids so…I don’t know.”
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Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2024 10:18 am
Julian still felt a bit embarrassed about being pampered, but it was hard to refuse when Luke always made it sound like it was actually fun for him. He still didn’t know that he deserved it, but he was warming up to the idea that Luke just seemed to like trying to make his friends happy.
His eyes were on the ground while he mulled this over so Luke was spared any scrutiny or questioning about his appearance.
“Maybe,” he mused. “But I’m going to get a job eventually. Probably as soon as I can. I want to help out my parents. And maybe save up for college”
He was usually very particular about what he said of his private life, and now was no different. He trusted Luke, so sometimes little bits and pieces of truth were sprinkled into conversation.
“But if I’m being honest, the more you talk about food, the hungrier I get. I’m still waiting for a growth spurt.” Maybe he was worrying too much and his body kept putting it off.
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Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2024 7:21 pm
“You’re due for one, that’s for sure. I hope that you get taller than Jason too, he deserves to be a short king.” Luke grinned and felt his gaze softening at the mention of saving up for college and helping his parents. He knew that Julian didn’t…talk about his family all that often, and it was one of the reasons he was so eager to share his own with the other boy…his mom was pretty good, even if he complained sometimes. That was just…the job of a teenager but.
“Do you know what you want to do for college? Like what you want to study? I honestly haven’t put much thought into it…but I guess I’ll be staying in the city since…” He gestured and gave a small smile. “Since I have a purpose here and all.”
Carefully, he slipped outside and began walking on the path that he knew didn’t have any watchers or cameras. It wasn’t either of their first rodeo, but it was nice that it was their first rodeo together.
It made it seem like an adventure more than just…
Sneaking out.
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Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2024 11:08 am
Julian followed suit, and though he didn’t look comfortable sneaking around, he seemed like he had a bit more skill than he wanted to admit. He was on high alert and his eyes darted across the horizon worriedly, like he expected a teacher or police officer or something to suddenly spot them.
His caution was a good excuse for his quiet; in more typical fashion, he didn’t really have an answer.
He shrugged and his lips were pressed together tightly for a moment before he spoke again. “I have some ideas but I think it depends on how well I do in school. If my grades are good enough.” And if he ever felt comfortable playing an instrument again.
There wasn’t any guarantee he’d get into college, and if he didn’t–
Well, he didn’t really know what he’d do, but he wasn’t ready to deal with that sort of panic, not tonight while they were trying to enjoy the evening.
“Do you think you’ll be a Knight forever? Nobody’s ever talked to me about the long term of any of this. Not that I’m complaining! I was just thinking about it. Can you imagine juggling being a Knight, and going to school, and having a job?” He briefly entertained the thought but shuddered. “I hope this war is over by then. But I hope I can always go back to my Wonder.”
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Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2024 12:37 pm
Luke…hadn’t been expecting that thought. He paused and frowned slightly. “I…honestly hadn’t thought about it. Do you think that it will go away when the war is over? Like…I hope not. I mean, I hope that there’s no reason to keep fighting but…I don’t want to lose Lisse…”
He ran his hand over his face and when they were in the shelter provided by some trees, he allowed his power to overtake him, becoming Lisse instead of Luke. “It does sound like a lot to do, but…we’re doing half of it now, and we’re not doing too badly, I think. I hope that we can always go back to our Wonders too…and I’m so excited to see yours soon!”
Maybe he would work on getting a second camping set for his own…it would be easier than trying to move it between the two, or bringing it down to the city after each use.
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Posted: Wed Feb 07, 2024 5:19 pm
Even though he knew Luke was Lisse, it was still strange to see him go from one form to the next. Julian was anxious in the same way he might have been if he were changing clothes in the locker room, so he transformed with his back to Lisse. As Dering, he had to immediately adjust the lute in his arms and shift it to a more comfortable position, but he held it close and cradled it like the treasure it was.
“I feel like…if the war ended here on Earth, there’s no reason to lose our powers. I hope. I mean, that just seems unfair.”
He had rapidly gotten attached to his Wonder, but there were others who had far more to lose. What about Lysithea, would she lose her whole world? And Brooklyn was living on her Wonder right now, what was she supposed to do?
…No, the universe couldn’t be so cruel. It wouldn’t take away their worlds or wonders, not if they accomplished their goal of saving the world.
…Right?
He shook his head to clear his thoughts. “Oh–right. Just, um. Don’t get your hopes up yet. There’s still a lot that I don’t know about it, I don’t want it to disappoint you.”
In the distance, he felt something vague and foggy. Something that sent a shiver down his spine. His body understood it was uncomfortable even before his mind identified why.
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Posted: Wed Feb 07, 2024 7:06 pm
Lisse looked over Dering for a moment, grinning slightly. “I love your hat, I’m a little jealous of it, honestly. Like, mine is okay...but yours is utterly outstanding.” It was fancy, and made Dering look…rather dashing, honestly.
He paused then, the grin fading slightly as he felt…something.
It felt…awful, honestly. “I…you know maybe…”
He was about to say something witty, something about them having come out at the right time when a wet…growling sound came from the darkness. It was a youma, that much was clear, but…it was…absolutely horrifying. It looked like some kind of a deformed dog, and the head of the creature came up to nearly Lisse’s shoulders. “Oh..well. I was um. Going to say maybe we…were here for a reason…”
His weapon came to his hand, the thick braided thread a…somewhat welcome sight.
At least it was better than it had been.
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Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2024 12:59 pm
Dering instinctively reached up to touch his hat, like he needed to feel it to remember what it looked like. It felt strange mumbling a soft word of thanks when he hadn’t even picked it out, but if he were being honest, he also loved his hat.
If they hadn’t had an uncomfortable energy signature on the horizon he most certainly would have complimented Lisse’s, but that could wait.
Once more, dread filled his stomach. He clutched his lute closer and shuddered as he looked at the youma.
“Yeah, I guess,” he answered reluctantly.
Better them than someone helpless, but still.
“...I hope you’ve got good magic,” he said softly. He stayed close to Lisse, but he was ready to attack, if he had to. He didn’t know how sturdy his lute was, but he was going to do everything in his power to dust this youma before it hurt someone.
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Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2024 8:16 pm
“I have magic!” Lisse honestly…hoped that he did. He hadn’t yet had to try his magic but…that was what happened upon growing so…maybe he would just know what to do? Yeah, that…that worked. Maybe. Hopefully…
“Do um…do you have good magic? I bet your lute does amazing things! It’s so pretty and…big?”
There was…a small bit of panic in the squire’s voice, but he was working very hard to smash it down, and after a deep breath, he felt that…maybe it was actually possible. Okay.
“We can do this, Dering. We’ve got this!”
The youma was….honestly. Terrifying as hell and the desire to run was high but. Instead, Lisse began to spin his rope, and felt a strange…something...but as a…ghost? A ghost unicorn? Was that seriously what was going on? Appeared out of nowhere and reared back, charging at the youma, he let out a confused laugh. “Oh…I…Guess I do have magic!”
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Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2024 3:41 pm
Dering immediately flushed because–did he have good magic? He didn’t know! He just knew that he was supposed to have magic and the stronger he got the more potent it would be.
“Um, I’ve actually never–I’ve never used mine before. But I’m sure I can figure it out!” he insisted.
He hoped. He held the lute a little closer because he’d never actually wielded that, either, and he was actually a bit afraid of breaking it.
Lisse sounded nervous, and it was contagious. He wanted to reassure his friend that everything was, but–
No, it would be. And Lisse was already doing amazing things! He’d just made something appear–a unicorn?–it was fitting, at least.
He sucked in a breath. “You’re doing a great job!”
So great a job that he probably didn’t even need Dering, but he wasn’t going to just sit on the sidelines–just in case!
When there was an opening, and when he was sure he wasn’t going to hit Lisse, he swung the lute as hard as he could. He squeezed his eyes shut on instinct and he felt it collide, but his heart was in his throat and he probably would have been much better at this if he’d actually tried to do it with his eyes open.
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Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2024 7:46 pm
Lisse would have blushed if he wasn’t so worried about this youma, the fact Dering was praising him, it was great, and honestly, the unicorn was amazing and the youma seemed as though it was having a rough time of things…though the squelching noises it made when the unicorn attacked were…
Honestly gross, but then Dering came out of nowhere and smashed his lute into the youma, and the howl it let out made Lisse clamp his hands over his ears, the unicorn fading away but…
It seemed that was the last resort of the youma who turned to dust a moment later, worn out from the lute and unicorn.
“Dering! You did it!”
His ears were ringing but Lisse threw himself at the other Squire, hugging him and going as far as to lift him slightly, laughing in utter relief.
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