A moment of peace. on Library

Evelyn Stones

August 04, 2018 11:02 PM

A moment of peace. by Evelyn Stones

All the excitement of new faces and new friends and new everything had left Evelyn rather...exhausted. At her first opportunity, she'd made her excuses and slipped away, disappearing to the one place in which she knew she'd always find solace , even without having been there before: the library.

Climbing trees was all well and good, but she hadn't had an opportunity to survey the local wooded areas (and hated to concede that there might not be much in the desert of Arizona), and wasn't sure how long it would take her to find a good place outside. Every library had books though, and books were always good.

She had had concerns that this particular library would be lacking in the areas she enjoyed to read about most-- philosophy and religion-- but found herself pleasantly surprised and soon was diving into a book on the ethics of muggle liaisons.

Tucked into a comfortable seat, feet tucked up and knees at her chest, Evelyn propped the book up in front of her and began reading. She'd never considered how different countries might address moral issues regarding the protection of magical people and how that appeared in relations with non-magical people. It was a fascinating read and she lost herself in the pages.

Which is why it was so surprising that her attention was drawn to someone as they approached. She blinked and look up at them, curiosity on her face.

"Hi," she said blankly.

22 Evelyn Stones A moment of peace. 1422 Evelyn Stones 1 5

Ness McLeod

August 05, 2018 1:44 AM

A moment of happiness by Ness McLeod

The first night in the Aladren dorm had been… interesting. Ness was keen to get down to breakfast and find Evelyn. Yesterday already felt like such a long time ago - since then, there had been the trauma of Evelyn going to Pecari, and everything that had happened to her since, plus the fact that last night had been… interesting. It felt like they had a lot of catching up to do, plus Ness couldn’t wait to see the person who seemed to so easily understand everything.

It turned out, that getting as far as the Cascade Hall wasn’t even necessary. Ness had got up early, a combination of not quite being in the right timezone any more, and a desire not to spend longer than the minimum possible in the Room of Labelling and Offence. Passing through the library, which was necessary when exiting the Aladren Common Room, meant passing by a familiar blonde head, currently bent over a book. Ness smiled, heading over, and feeling more reassured than ever (not that there had really been any doubt) that Evelyn was a great person.

“Library before breakfast? I still really don’t understand how you didn’t end up in Aladren - how we didn’t end up roommates,” the last past came out slightly rushed at the end. But other people knew now and it didn’t seem fair if Evelyn didn’t. “I saw the person you were with making some kind of slime explosion,” Ness pulled a face, a mixture of sympathy and disgust, “Hope none of it got on you. How was your night?”

OOC - deliberately left the comments about Aladren dorm vague enough to cover a multitude of possibilities. It being the ‘Room of Labelling and Offence’ can easily refer to Ness’ dislike for the gendering of their rooms if nothing in particular comes up, or could end up referring to something more if it does.

13 Ness McLeod A moment of happiness 1419 Ness McLeod 0 5

Evelyn Stones

August 05, 2018 2:01 AM

A moment between us. by Evelyn Stones

Evelyn was momentarily surprised to see her friend, and even more surprised to find that they were still friends. She hadn't had a chance to find out about Ness' feelings towards Pecari students and had been more than a little concerned that she would be unwelcome in the other student's social circle. Apparently, this fear was unfounded, and Evelyn's expression of blank shock turned into a grin. She snapped shut her book, muggle relations quickly set aside, and sat up straighter. This was difficult in as large and poofy a chair as she had managed to find to read in.

"Ness!" Evelyn blurted. "I'm so glad to see you. I want to be roommates, too." She frowned, thinking of her own dorm experience. Pecari wasn't bad, but Ness was so easy to talk to, and she didn't like the idea of being separated for the next...forever.

She pressed her lips-- a vibrant shade of coral blue-- together in a sort of sad smile. Ness was sad, too, and that made her sort of happy in a weird way.

"Sit with me," she said, making room on her own chair. It was large and the two would fit easily beside each other.

"That was Malikhi you saw with the slime," Evelyn laughed. The memory was a happy one and a recent one, but still tinged with all the weird feelings of everything that had occurred since then. She was also mildly worried Malikhi would think she'd been trying to escape him by leaving so early, but decided that she couldn't waste time worrying about everything that other people thought. She had herself to take care of first and foremost, and had to trust her friends to do the same.

"He's really fun. I hope you guys get on. He wants to be a Chaser, too! I told him I'd come to games, I hope I can see you both play!" Evelyn had a near overwhelming urge to hug Ness.

She wasn't sure how much of that was just desperation, but it was certainly accompanied by the thought that crying on a friend's shoulder sounded lovely. However, so did a nice morning together. She chose the latter.

"How was your night? I missed you loads, but I guess now we can find out people's secret stories twice as fast. Your sibling's in the house with the girl with the big hat, right? That's kind of an in!"

Evelyn knew she was rambling, and she sort of regretted wearing her hair in a ponytail. It was a habit while she was reading, as it was easy to put up and take down in no time, but it left her feeling exposed when she couldn't brush her hair out of her face. It also revealed her chunky jewelry, orange cacti earrings and a dark blue beaded necklace. The latter clacked as she adjusted herself in her seat, trying to avoid brushing too closely against Ness. She wasn't quite ready to make this friend uncomfortable and didn't want to push any boundaries. She also was just nervous, although she couldn't place the reason.

OOC-- Ness sitting with Evelyn approved with Ness' author.

22 Evelyn Stones A moment between us. 1422 Evelyn Stones 0 5

Ness

August 07, 2018 7:38 PM

In a big squishy chair by Ness

Ness beamed at Evelyn’s enthusiastic welcome, feeling warm and appreciated. The invitation to sit was eagerly and quickly taken up, and Ness flopped down in the big squishy chair appreciating just about everything the situation involved; here was Evelyn, just the same as she had been last night, except with a new and improved shade of lipstick, and they were in the library (and who couldn’t be happy in a library?) and being all squished into the chair together made them feel special and close. It was the kind of chair where you whispered with your best friend. Ness had never had a best friend before, not one where it had felt like this - where they could tell each other everything, and just be comfy and cosy.

“Well, you can be an honorary Aladren. You’ve got the right lipstick colour. Another excellent choice, and I like the Sonora themed jewellery. And hey, house tables only count for the feast, so we can sit together for breakfast. And Kir brought cake cos it’s his girlfriend’s birthday. So, this could potentially be the best breakfast ever,” Ness grinned. Cake for breakfast, at wizarding school, with a best friend. Check, check, check.

She was a bit thrown by the fact that Evelyn was laughing over the slime, like it was funny rather than just gross. But maybe she was laughing at him for being an idiot.

“That’s… cool,” she said hesitantly, when Evelyn mentioned Malikhi wanting to play Quidditch too. It was good that other people wanted to play. They’d need that for a full team. The boy had been covered in slime though… And there was just something about Pecari boy plus slime and wanting to play that screamed a certain kind of idiot jock in her head. But it was wrong to judge people before getting to know them. And Evelyn seemed to like him, and Ness wanted to trust her judgement. “Yeah, I guess I’ll meet him soon,” she nodded, deciding to try giving Malakhi a chance to make a proper first impression. It was only fair. “Or Beater. I said Chaser or Beater,” Ness reminded Evelyn because it was important to be factually correct.

“I missed you too,” Ness smiled, reassured by the sentiment. “I’ll set Kir to spying on her straight away,” said with a smile and a laugh. Hat girl had actually removed her hat for the feast, and there had not been any freaky eye in the back of her head or concealed snake monster underneath but that didn’t seem any reason to stop pretending like it was a fun mystery.

“My night… Well, talking to Zevalyn was cool. She seems nice, and obviously she’s smart being an Aladren. Kir’s a good person, and he deserves cute, smart girls to think he’s awesome, so that’s good,” Ness began, the way the word ‘good’ came out sounded a bit wrong, or maybe it was that there was too much emphasis on the ‘that.’ Something had been good, something else had not been. “One of my roommates is this proper hoity toity Pureblood girl though,” Ness kept her voice low. Well, it had already been low because they needed to be using Respectful Library Voices, but she dropped it even further, afraid that Topaz might be passing by behind the bookshelves. It wasn’t beyond the realms of possibility, given how near they were to the Aladren Common Room. “She has this stuffed raccoon - like, not a soft toy, but an actual taxidermied real dead animal. I mean, that kind of thing is ok in like… museums and stuff, but who keeps one in their room? It’s horrible. I’m a vegetarian. I don’t want a dead animal in our bedroom! And-” Ness stopped abruptly, not wanting to hog the conversation. There was a heck of a lot more one could say about Topaz, and Ness sort of wanted to vent it all out to someone who would listen and care. But Evelyn probably had stories of her own.

“How was yours?”

OOC - summaries of Ness's evening checked with Zev and Topaz. The fact of being PB and the stuffed raccoon would definitely come up - the 'hoity toity' is Ness' opinion, and may be based on solid evidence or on very little.

13 Ness In a big squishy chair 1419 Ness 0 5

Evelyn Stones, Pecari

August 07, 2018 8:54 PM

In a big awesome library by Evelyn Stones, Pecari

"I'd love cake! And breakfast! That sounds wonderful," Evelyn laughed. It was so easy to laugh with Ness, and she hoped this wasn't just a week one thing.

"I did try to coordinate a bit, it's true," she admitted when Ness commented on her jewelry and lipstick. "Although I wasn't going for Aladren colors, I just like blue. Maybe it's a sign!"

Ness seemed hesitant and Evelyn felt like she was the center of a conspiracy. Malikhi had had a similar sort of expression when she'd talked about Ness, and she really couldn't understand it. Maybe they were both just shy.

"That'd be great! We're going to try to sit together in class, but I want to sit with you, too, so that'll be perfect! Two sides for my two friends. I hope you guys get on well."

Then the topic shifted to Quidditch and Evelyn blushed.

"I think I'm going to try out for Quidditch too," she said. "I'm a pretty good flier, but I haven't played much. I'd hate to miss the chance to play with you guys! I'll come watch either way though." She grinned and had the sudden urge to just put her head back and close her eyes and smile. It was so easy to smile now.

The idea of Ness' older brother following the girl with the big hat around was just a funny one, particularly if she wore the hat when he did it.

"I feel like I want a proper witch's hat so I can keep all my secrets in there," she laughed. "Then you and I can find a place to hide and we'll pull secrets from a hat to laugh about." It was way too close to a muggle magic trick and somehow the parallel just seemed hilarious to Evelyn, who snickered at the suggestion.

It turned to a grimace though when Ness started talking about roommate experiences. She noticed the way Ness' voice dropped and she felt like she was in on a big secret, practically whispering with her friend in the library. Although the topic wasn't really worth laughing over, and actually kind of gross, the feeling made Evelyn warm.

"That's... ugh. You don't have to be a vegetarian to not want dead animals in your room. That's awful. Plus she's going to have to get off her high horse if she thinks being pureblood is going to mean anything," she grumbled. "I'm... whatever I am. I'm sort of halfblood, and Malikhi's halfblood, and I think a lot of people are. That's so weird."

"Honestly, I was just exhausted when I got back to my room, I hardly remember talking to anybody." She thought of all the reasons she'd been exhausted and decided that Ness, being the lovely, responsible student she was, might not find it as funny that accidental magic and a wand in her mouth had caused such a mess. Perhaps it was best to keep that story to herself. However, she did have something that she thought Ness might be good to ask, however loath she was to ask anybody.

"Hey, I wanted to talk to you about something sorta serious, is that okay? I don't really know what to do about... so like... what do you do if you know an adult that isn't very nice to you? And you kinda don't want to tell anybody, but you're worried people are going to find out?"

She frowned, feeling like her explanation was entirely lame.

"You know how nervous I am to be here, we did orientation together. I just...I don't wanna let my family down and I don't think they'll be very nice if I don't do well...."

Evelyn couldn't think of any other way to phrase this. She wasn't sure why she was trying to do it at all. It seemed so much easier to just not say anything. But she was more worried that she wouldn't be able to focus on her schoolwork or anything else if she didn't have anyone to talk to. Eventually, her father would write, and then she'd be a mess. She wanted someone to talk to about it and Ness was the sort of decisive person who might know.

22 Evelyn Stones, Pecari In a big awesome library 1422 Evelyn Stones, Pecari 0 5

Ness

August 08, 2018 7:02 AM

And a scary topic of conversation by Ness

“That sounds great,” Ness agreed with enthusiasm, when Evelyn talked about them all sitting together in class. Malakhi was probably okay, If Evelyn thought he was, but more than that, Ness just felt reassured by having people to sit with. The thought of walking into class and no one wanting you was not a pleasant one, and – having never exactly been popular – was one that had definitely occurred. “I can’t wait for our first classes!” And it was nice to have a friend it felt safe admitting that to. One who wanted to study just as much, and didn’t think good grades were ‘lame’ or ‘uncool.’

“Wow! That’s so great! What changed your mind?” Ness asked, when Evelyn talked about signing up for Quidditch. They already had a bunch in common but if they both made the team, that would be even better. Between that and pulling secrets out of a hat, it seemed they would get to spend all their time together. Ness laughed at the image of the big hat, wondering what shocking revelations it could come out with.

“Right! Exactly!” Ness agreed emphatically, when Evelyn was one hundred percent behind all the reasons why Topaz was a terrible person. For all the confidence on the surface, there was really a lot of relief, deep down inside. “Thanks for being on my side,” Ness added, in a much more serious and sincere tone, “I mean, I thought that her behaviour was pretty out there but like… it still means a lot. It’s nice… not being on your own when you have a problem. Or like, in general.”

Speaking of problems... Ness nodded, and gave Evelyn full and serious attention when she asked if she could share a problem. Ness listened, torn between confusion and concern. She knew exactly what the answer was to not nice adults. But she was surprised at Evelyn’s suggestion that her parents fitted into that category. How bad was ‘not nice’?

“You should tell a grown up who is nice to you,” Ness answered, “And… you shouldn’t worry about other people finding out, because if someone’s not being nice to you, it’s not you that’s at fault, so you have nothing to be ashamed of.” It felt a little bit weird and scary to be saying all of this out loud. The responses were good and they were right – that much was certain. And Ness had often imagined bringing rescue cases to the foundation, saving people from terrible fates. It was a bit different though, when it seemed to be really happening. Or not. Maybe Evelyn wasn’t talking about anything that serious. Just… parents getting mad about grades and stuff. Nagging and grounding. That kind of thing. “Not nice in what way?” Ness asked with concern.

13 Ness And a scary topic of conversation 1419 Ness 0 5

Evelyn Stones

August 08, 2018 11:32 AM

The scariest. by Evelyn Stones

Sitting as close as she was with Ness, everything that had been bothering Evelyn suddenly seemed so much less important. She felt silly for worrying about her parents when she was at Sonora and not really close enough for them to do anything anymore. At least not for now. But she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that she wasn't supposed to think like that. At least Ness seemed understanding, if not a little perplexed. Or maybe that was concern. She supposed it made sense to be concerned.

"Honestly, I don't really know any adults," Evelyn admitted. "I guess I could talk to Professor Carter or something but that seems . . . awkward."

Evelyn frowned, feeling torn between regret and gratitude. It was an odd combination but at least it was a sincere one. She was worried to talk to Malikhi about this and didn't really have anyone else to talk to. Besides, Ness was a good friend and if Evelyn was feeling worried enough to talk about it, she couldn't think of anyone safer. Still, humor seemed better than gravitas and she changed her tone to something lighter.

"I'm pretty sure my dad won't let me come home if I don't develop some pretty awesome magic in the next couple
months." Evelyn forced a laugh and peered at her friend, trying not to look too concerned. Then she sighed, giving up on the effort.

Ness was good and kind and Evelyn knew she was being ridiculous. She'd brought this up because she was . . . afraid. She wanted to say something more adult, like 'I've had some concerns about the ethical treatment of children in the Stones household' but that just wasn't going to happen. She knew she wasn't concerned, she was afraid. It made her skin crawl to think of what might happen if she and Malikhi continued hanging out. What if they had a fight and he yelled at her? Would she be reminded of home and end the friendship? She doubted Malikhi would do that but the possibilities were endless.

"It's not a big deal probably," Evelyn murmured, speaking more quietly. "Sometimes my dad gets really mad. He's worried that I'm not going to have any magic. I haven't had any accidental magic since I was like . . . five years old. Sometimes he just gets . . . mad." She thought this was a rather lame way to end this statement but couldn't think of anything better.

Evelyn turned her neck to look Ness in the face more directly, wanting to see her friend's reaction to the news she wanted to share next. "You know . . . technically I'm pureblood. My mom's a muggle now but her dad's a wizard. Her whole family is magical. My dad didn't know that could impact my magic. I don't even know. He's alright to her but I don't think he likes me very much." She searched Ness' face. "Do you still want to be my friend? Being friends with a half-squib mess like me won't make you popular, especially with your new roommate."

Having said it all and gotten it all out, Evelyn felt exhausted. She didn't want to keep crying everyday and stifled that urge, but it was horrifying to know that she was about to be consoled or utterly rejected by the first person that mattered at Sonora.

"I'll understand if you don't want to be," she said. "But if you don't mind whether people think you're cool or not, I'd still really like to be your friend."

22 Evelyn Stones The scariest. 1422 Evelyn Stones 0 5

Ness

August 10, 2018 9:39 AM

We rescue professionally by Ness

“Yeah, I bet she’s nice,” Ness nodded, when Evelyn suggested talking to Professor Carter, “I mean, that’s what they always tell us - if you have a problem, go to a teacher. I bet they’ve heard everything. And it’s part of their job to listen, so it shouldn’t be awkward. There’s my parents too. I know you don’t know them but like… they rescue people from their rubbish lives, professionally.”

Ness was pretty sure that, by the technical definition of Pureblood, having a squib mother definitely did not count. Though she got what Evelyn was saying - her family went way back. She was from a wizarding line. Still, having a non-magical parent of whatever variety pretty much ruled you out as capital P Pureblood territory.

“I assume you’re joking,” Ness stated, when Evelyn talked about being popular with her roommate, “One, how is someone as queer as me, with a disowned dad and aunt ever going to get in with someone like Topaz Brockert regardless of who my friends are, and two, why the heck would I want to? I’m just as much a mixed blood bag as you are, every bit as terrible and disreputable,” Ness said with a smile, always completely up for totally owning the weirdness that was the McLeod family. “I’ve never been ‘cool’ and I don’t care about starting now

“It’s rough about your dad though…” Ness had to wonder how someone who cared so much about that kind of thing had ended up marrying a squib. If Evelyn’s dad was so obsessed with how magically powerful they were… It couldn’t be a very happy relationship. “And, like I said, we rescue people, professionally. If you ever need a place to come stay… I mean, are- are you serious about that? He wouldn’t let you come home?” Sure, parents expected good grades, and could be known to harp on (though not in the McLeod house, as neither Ness nor Kir had ever really needed much persuasion to try hard at school. Well, to work hard enough to get top grades. That hadn’t necessarily involved trying that hard most of the time…) but Evelyn seemed so serious and so worried.

13 Ness We rescue professionally 1419 Ness 0 5

Evelyn Stones

August 10, 2018 6:09 PM

I probably need it. by Evelyn Stones

Evelyn was surprised by the wave of feelings that came with Ness' offer, and she blinked to hold it all back. She wasn't actually sure if she'd be welcome home. She'd probably be allowed home, but whether her father would actually want her there was another story.

She voiced this difference to Ness and added her own feelings on the matter: "Honestly, I'm a bit homesick because I miss the Oregon coast... but I don't miss being at home. I wouldn't want to impose on your family but going anywhere but my own house sounds amazing."

Evelyn let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. It felt good to admit how little she enjoyed being at home. Spending time with her mother was nice, but things certainly weren't getting any easier on that front either. The only reason her father even put up with her mom's lack of magic was because of her family background; he hadn't expected his new father-in-law to play such a little role in his squib daughter's life.

Putting these thoughts aside, Evelyn smiled gratefully. "It means a lot that you'd even offer, honestly," she told Ness. She hoped her voice carried all the meaning she meant it to, although she doubted that was possible. "Does everybody have to go home for the holidays? I think spending Christmas in here might be the best thing ever," she laughed, gesturing at the library and rows of books around them. She was sure Ness understood the draw.

22 Evelyn Stones I probably need it. 1422 Evelyn Stones 0 5

Ness

August 12, 2018 3:58 AM

And then we party with drag queens by Ness

It made Ness really sad to know that Evelyn missed the area around her home more than home itself. Ness knew, from what the McLeod family did, that there were some people with really, really crappy families out there. And she had met them before - the McLeods limited their children’s involvement in the actual activities of the refuge, of course, because that was just not appropriate. But they had the New Year parties and fundraisers all the time, and people who had come to the McLeods in search of help tended to be pretty loyal to them - they helped with fundraisers, they came round for the New Year party, like one big extended crazy family. And Ness knew that some of those people had ‘real issues’ or ‘had been through the mill.’ But that was usually in the past by the time they had any contact with each other.

“You wouldn’t be imposing,” Ness assured Evelyn. Even though Christmas was usually a family time, Ness couldn’t imagine her family getting precious about it, or not wanting to help someone who needed help.

“Um, I’m not sure. Kir’s never said,” Ness shrugged, when Evelyn asked about staying at school during the holidays. In some ways, Ness supposed that could be kind of an adventure - having the library almost to themselves (because Ness was now automatically picturing spending Christmas with Evelyn, it was just a question of where). It would have sounded super cool any time except Christmas. There were just too many things Ness would miss about home. Half of last night had already been mentally drafted into letters, and Ness just wanted to share everything that was happening here with everyone back home. “I guess here wouldn’t be bad. I still think you should come home with me though. We could be room-mates!” Ness beamed, as the thought of it being like a two week long sleepover occurred to her. There were also the amazing spiced cookies that her mom made, and the crazy games her aunts got them playing, all of which Evelyn was bound to love, but Ness didn’t want to go on about it too much in case it seemed like rubbing it in when Evelyn’s own family sounded so awful. “And you could come to our New Year party - it’s half and half a traditional Scottish ceilidh and queer disco with lip synching drag queens,” Ness beamed, deciding that this counted as weird (but awesome) enough that it was just a unique selling point of life in the McLeod house, and would hopefully be enough to persuade Evelyn that the best plan was spending Christmas with them.

13 Ness And then we party with drag queens 1419 Ness 0 5

Evelyn Stones

August 12, 2018 4:14 AM

Well in that case! by Evelyn Stones

Evelyn wasn't sure how much she could get into lip synching herself, but watching drag queens at a disco something or other do it sounded amazing. And rooming with Ness for two weeks? She wondered a bit at what Ness' family's rules were for people sharing rooms. Her own family probably wouldn't let her share a room with a boy, but what if she didn't like boys? What if she was sharing with someone who wasn't a boy or a girl? She wondered how the McLeods would handle such conundrums but decided that was best answered by the people in question themselves. Anyone who raised someone like Ness probably didn't mind having such questions asked of them. This train of thought made Evelyn realize she was sort of planning on staying with Ness now.

"I've never had any friends like you before," Evelyn said, smiling. "Not just because you're a bit odd, although that too, but because I've never had anyone care so much about me." She laughed as she said this, hoping to keep the tone light and to make sure that 'odd' was a good thing.

"I think that I'd really like to stay with you guys," she said. "It makes me feel so guilty to say that and I think my mom would be upset but... I think she'd enjoy the holiday more if she wasn't trying to worry so much about me."

For a moment, her eyes searched Ness' face, trying to decide how much to say. "My dad likes holidays a lot," she began. "I wouldn't want to ruin them and... Ness, do all parents sometimes sort of hit their children when they're upset? Or when they have too much to drink?"

She was pretty sure that wasn't normal, but didn't want to find out by seeing Ness' dad do the same things. At that point, she'd certainly rather stay at Sonora. She flushed, realizing that she'd probably know whether it was normal if she'd ever had any friends to speak of.

Evelyn took a deep breath and leaned over to the side, putting her head on Ness' shoulder. "Would you help me write the letter?"

And then she waited, hoping desperately it was okay for her to put her head there, hoping Ness would say yes, and hoping that she was safe. She felt safe... But how could she be sure? And so she waited.

22 Evelyn Stones Well in that case! 1422 Evelyn Stones 0 5

Ness

August 12, 2018 6:57 AM

Consensual cuddle? by Ness

“I’ve never had a friend like you before,” Ness smiled, “Someone who likes that I’m odd and just… well, that really. Likes me for being me.”

Evelyn seemed settled on coming to stay with them for the holidays, and that was awesome. Ness was really excited about the plan, although the more Evelyn talked the more it seemed like a great plan but for terrible reasons. Ness’ stomach went all squirmy as Evelyn asked about a couple of things.

“No,” Ness replied firmly, wanting to make it clear that this was way, way, way unacceptable and not something Evelyn should ever have had to put up with. “No, they don’t. And… I mean, is that what happens? You definitely have to get out of there. And tell a grown up about it. People aren’t supposed to stay in situations like that.

“Of course,” Ness nodded, as Evelyn was cuddling up, and asking for help. “I’ll help you with absolutely anything you need help with. Ever. All the time. Would you like a hug?” It seemed pretty obvious from context that Evelyn was ok with getting a bit closer because she had initiated snuggling into Ness, and it definitely seemed like a hug-worthy kind of situation, but equally they had only known each other a day, and Ness wasn’t confident that there was 100% explicit and clear permission to touch Evelyn right now, so it seemed better to ask.

13 Ness Consensual cuddle? 1419 Ness 0 5

Evelyn Stones

August 13, 2018 2:50 AM

I should've asked! by Evelyn Stones

Evelyn frowned and tried not to tremble. She hated to think that her life was so different or unacceptable, and she hated to think what would happen to her little family if she told an adult. But she knew Ness was right, and resolved to talk to Professor Carter in the coming days.

"I'm so sorry," she said, pulling away when Ness asked if she wanted a hug. "I should've asked before just touching you, that wasn't cool. But I'd love a hug." She managed a small smile.

"Would you... I mean if I have to write to my family about Christmas... would you help me write it out? And maybe be with me when I get a letter back?" she frowned again. "I don't want to tell anyone else right now... just you and an adult." She thought of Malikhi and her stomach felt heavy, but she knew that she had reasons for doing this her way and it was hard enough without trying to worry about what other people thought.

"I didn't mean to make your morning all dramatic," she murmured. She felt bad, but was also way too grateful to worry too much about that. "I appreciate it a lot, Ness."

22 Evelyn Stones I should've asked! 1422 Evelyn Stones 0 5

Ness

August 15, 2018 9:26 AM

It's ok. It's all ok or better. by Ness

“That’s ok,” Ness assured Evelyn, when she retreated and apologised. Evelyn came from a house where people hit other people. Ness was going to go out on a limb and guess that bodily autonomy was not a big watch word for them. And Ness already knew that… average people, people who did not come from homes where actual bad stuff was happening, still didn’t often grow up being taught about that. Ness enjoyed physical closeness, and was a very huggy person. But it was sometimes hard to get people to understand that caring about having permission to touch each other and liking being touched weren’t mutually exclusive. People either tended to assume Ness was saying they needed to back off, or to make a joke out of it. At best, they were confused about why Ness asked when most people didn’t. But now Evelyn was talking about it properly, and that meant that world. “I don’t mind that you cuddled in. I would want you to do that when you’re sad,” Ness established, because the whole point of consent castles wasn’t that you had to ask something every single time, the point was that you understood what the rules were by talking them through, “I like hugs. And you can assume that I generally want them, and that I especially would want to give them to you if you are sad or hurt.”

Ness sort of felt wrong, finding any kind of happiness in such a messed up situation, but when Evelyn said she didn’t want to tell anyone except Ness (and an adult), it made the Aladren feel kind of special. It wasn’t a good secret to have to have, but if Evelyn was going to trust just one person to keep it, then it was very, very nice to be that person. So long as an adult got told too. That part was important, and was not a responsibility that Ness wanted.

“Of course,” Ness promised, about helping with the letters.

“It’s ok. I’m really glad you told me,” Ness assured Evelyn, when she worried that she had somehow marred Ness’ morning, “It’s important that we fix this.”

13 Ness It's ok. It's all ok or better. 1419 Ness 0 5

Evelyn Stones

August 15, 2018 8:05 PM

That makes me feel better. by Evelyn Stones

Relief fluttered in Evelyn's chest when Ness assured her that her sudden touch had been alright. She hadn't really thought about the fact that touching people without their permission wasn't really appropriate, which was odd, all things considered. She of all people should know how dreadful it is to be touched when you don't want to be.

"Thank you," she smiled. She wasn't sure whether she should go ahead and hug Ness now or if the offered hug was meant to be a post-conversation comfort. Preferring to play it safe this time, she decided to wait for Ness to initiate the contact.

"I'll talk to Professor Carter," Evelyn said. "She's the Pecari Head of House and I think she seems nice. She seems... I dunno. She seems nice." Then she frowned. "I love my mom... I don't want to go to an orphanage or something... I want to go home sometime. Can I still live with my mom? Are they going to make my dad leave? Or just stop hurting people?"

It hurt to breathe. It hurt to think. It hurt that Evelyn wasn't sure whether she wanted her dad completely gone or just fixed. It hurt to admit all this to herself, let alone to somebody else.

"I hate this."

22 Evelyn Stones That makes me feel better. 1422 Evelyn Stones 0 5

Ness

August 19, 2018 12:40 AM

Phew by Ness

Ness put an arm around Evelyn, wanting to comfort her now that the idea of a hug had been approved. And as Evelyn panicked, Ness’s arms wrapped tighter around her, and a hand stroked her back, and… Ness just tried to make it better.

“That sounds like a good plan.” Ness agreed, glad that Evelyn felt her head of house was someone she could talk to. They probably chose nice people to do that job to make it easier.

“You won’t go to an orphanage. We live here most of the time and then you’ll be coming home with me at Christmas and then… Then that’s loads of time to let the grown ups work things out,” Ness promised. Beyond that, it was hard to say what would happen, although there was the way the McLeods did things, which Ness knew a bit about. “When people come to us, to my parents… They get choices. Like, my parents do lots of different things with different people. Some of them want to never see their families again, and my parents help them to keep away from them. But some of them want to talk things through, and they help them do that too. I don’t know if it’ll be exactly the same for you, but… maybe something like that? And it’ll be ok. Sometimes things get scary or bad, but there are always people who are going to help make it okay again.”

13 Ness Phew 1419 Ness 0 5

Evelyn Stones

August 19, 2018 1:48 PM

Much better. by Evelyn Stones

The grown ups would work it out? Evelyn didn't have a lot of life experience to prove that grown ups could ever work anything out, but she didn't really have any experience to prove she could work it out on her own, either. At least grown ups had had more time to try and learn some stuff about fixing problems.

"That sounds good," Evelyn said, appreciating the soft comfort of her friend. She was surprised at how warm Ness was... maybe everybody was just warm? She didn't think so, but Ness and Malikhi both were and she found herself leaning into the Aladren, appreciating the closeness. The thought that she was overdoing her gratitude crossed her mind, and she pulled back a bit, but she was just a bit of a mess and wasn't sure what she wanted so it was fine.

"Your parents sound great," Evelyn murmured. Her tears had abated but it was hard to tell whether it was heartache or jealousy that stung her eyes now. "I'm excited for Christmas now... that's sort of a first."

It was true enough. It definitely wasn't a lie but being "excited" about not being at home for Christmas wasn't really right either, and she'd certainly miss her mom. What if her mom didn't want to see her anymore?

"Ness, my mom's a grown up. Why didn't she say anything? Will she be mad at me for talking to another grown up about it?"

Evelyn didn't even know exactly what "it" was. She just knew it didn't feel good and she didn't want to live it anymore.

22 Evelyn Stones Much better. 1422 Evelyn Stones 0 5