28 Nov 2022, 16:36
Humpty Dumpty
Backdated: 09/11/22
Percival moved the food about his plate with his fork. With his head barely propped up with his left hand. Food was hardly appetizing when he was still reeling from how this year had started so far. The boy glowered at the familiar face of his now ex-best friend a few tables away. It seemed that Hanako was doing his very best to avoid him after their disaster of a summer. He had given up their friendship the second the boy had moved out of their shared dorm room quietly.
It irked him so much he wanted to lash out at everyone around him. Especially at a very specific black-haired boy. Percival ran his fingers through his hair. Pulling his long hair away from his face and out of the way. As he took another bite of the sausage he had pierced with his fork a couple of minutes ago. The boy glanced to his right as he noticed movement in his peripheral vision. Black hair and a small stature brought his pulse into his throat as he quickly thought it might be Hanako coming to finally talk to him. Glancing over he felt disappointment and annoyance crashing through his hopefulness and nervousness.
Percival felt a frown pull at his lips as he watched the boy pass with a full plate. It appeared that the other was determined to switch places to a different table. He wondered vaguely if it was because he had far too many friends that he had to cycle through whom he sat. At that thought, he found himself unable to help the sour expression that spilled across his features. An itchy feeling grew in his chest. As anger slowly bubbled up within his chest. The want to lash out was strong, and he decided it was far easier to just lean into his feelings than bottle it up. Percival stuck his leg out as the boy started to pass him effectively tripping the other. As Chen went down he could not help the cruel snicker that escaped his throat as he casually turned around back to his own breakfast. Though he would keep an eye on the other. Wanting to savor every second he could possibly have.
Interacting with: @Hanako Tone, @Avery Chen
Last edited by Opeila Winters on 28 Nov 2022, 17:22, edited 1 time in total.
"I doubt you'll remember me with a smile."
iNPC Mikael Halldorson
16 Feb 2023, 02:50
Humpty Dumpty
"Yeah? Well let's see you eat two whole sweet potatoes in under a minute next time!" Avery chided @Colin McCoire with his signature competitive nature. Honestly, it was a wonder how he hadn't had a timed food war with the boy by now. "Maybe we'll add hot sauce to the mix, one day," he said with a wink.
And with that, he grabbed his plate and moved several benches down the table. "Vale! Buried anything interesting lately? My extendable ears are gone -- maybe you know where they might've went?" Maybe @Vale Ashwood decided to put them on her new doll.
Ah, there was @Kim Sato! "I am sooo done with this school uniform. Do you have any other cool outfits for me to try on? Like, not the animal ones. The really cool ones, like you wear!" Honestly, his Gryffindor friend was a trend-setter. And Avery really needed fashion advice and upgraded wardrobe. Hopefully, Kim was his guy.
He saw @Pax Zhang a few seats away, and picked up his plate, calling out to them as he passed by. "Pax! Take it easy on us next match, okay? If you knock me out of the sky, I'll make sure you're my Charms partner for the rest of the semester!" He flashed his friend a lopsided grin, and then he was gone, moving to the next table after piling up his plate for a large fourth serving of food: sausage, pie, beans, you name it.
He waved to someone else across the hall, and carried his plate carelessly. Such was his usual dinnertime adventure, meandering through the crowds, food haphazardly balanced in front of him. It was too late when he felt the impact at his ankles. His eyes widened, and his mouth let out a silent gasp before he crashed face-first to the floor, spattering food juices everywhere: onto his hair, his face, and his clothes. He looked like a boy that had been cooked into a pie.
Dreadfully confused and disoriented, he pushed himself up onto his elbow. Ouch! It really, really hurt! He sat up and looked around, but no one seemed to be sticking their leg out any longer. He tried to push himself up with his arm, and winced. Something was not quite right in that right elbow, and it was likely going to be very bruised. His eyes scanned the row of people sitting nearby, and landed upon that tall boy with the slightly wavy, brown side-swept hair.
"Rainwood!" he screeched, dripping sauce and beans. "You're really asking for it!" He grabbed some beans stuck to his shirt. "Don't pretend you have nothing to do with this! I know only an empty-headed barbarian like you would do that!" Then he flung those beans in the direction of Rainwood's face. "No wonder you have no friends!" he hollered, voice rising in volume from his growing temper. He'd had enough of this boy! The one who shot fireworks at him on the train, and locked him in his room with a dungbomb... He was honestly at wit's end and the urge to get back at him was at its pinnacle.
Let's see how proud and full of himself Rainwood can possibly look with food on his face.
@Percival Rainwood @Hanako Tone
28 Mar 2023, 03:06
Humpty Dumpty
𝙳𝚊𝚝𝚎: 𝟶𝟿 . 𝟷𝟷 . 𝟸𝟸
English & Parseltongue
Bless his ability for making superficial friends as quick as a snap of his fingers. He had figured out that it took just enough confidence and the gift of humour to have a good time with anyone. It was an incredibly useful skill when you want to forget your recent breakup.
Recently, Hanako had opted to hang out with random npc’s during meal times. Their faceless antics and forgettable responses was just enough to distract him from a certain brunette boy. It was Hanako’s fault really. What prompted him to sit within Rainwood’s eyesight was beyond him. So he had planned to be extra pleasant to these side characters, whom he will soon forget after a few minutes. Laughing at whatever dry conversations they tried to make and smiling like he was having the time of his life, when really all he wanted was to get up and leave.
It was still so …incredibly noisy.
The NPC’s, the hallway, and the stupid idiot that just crashed landed into an embarrassing fall. Wait a second, that idiot looked familiar. Hanako turned his head away, wanting nothing to do with what had happened. Chen’s issue was not his problem. He was nothing but a roommate Hanako easily fooled into letting him room with him. Enough sacrifices have been made for that to happen. His pride, mainly. Hanako wasn’t going to make it worse.
And he will always detest how despite his resolve, his eyes managed to follow Chen’s pathetic form. His eyes narrowed at the trouble Chen had when he tried to push himself off the now dirty floor. It wasn’t necessary to feel pity for him. Stil, that must’ve hurt.
Just keep your head down. It’s just that easy.
"Rainwood!"
A simple task that Chen doesn’t seem to be able to comprehend. As if on instinct, Hanako was unable to stop himself from gazing at the mentioned boy for a split second before snapping back at his plate. Shoulders tensing once he realised the situation that was unfolding. Chen, you crazy brat. Have you lost your mind?
"You're really asking for it!"
Hanako groaned and rubbed his temple as if a headache was kicking in. “ Stop it you idiot, just shut up..” He uttered under his breath. Why would you poke a sleeping bear? Hanako knew more than most how Rainwood dealt with issues. Even if he was the culprit behind his trip, it would never be worth confronting Rainwood. Ever. A rule Hanako held close to his heart. And apparently, between him and Chen, it was only Hanako that understood that rule. It wouldn’t be his fault that Chen’s an idiot.
Hanako kept his head down whilst gathering as much as he could from the crowd around them. Why wasn’t anyone standing up? Why haven't Chen’s many friends come and stop him? What were they waiting for?
Nope nope. Not his problem, n o t his problem. He planted his feet firmly on the floor, intending to ground them as if they were roots to an unmoving tree. Just keep your head down. It’ll all be over soon. Whatever happens, will happen. It wouldn’t be his fault. It was not his problem.
"Don't pretend you have nothing to do with this! I know only an empty-headed barbarian like you would do that!"
Unfortunately, Hanako made the horrendous mistake of looking back at the scene. It was like everything was going slow motion, really. He admits the sight of Rainwood being splattered on the face with beans almost had Hana laughing if Chen hadn’t dropped the next bomb.
"No wonder you have no friends!"
And boom. There it goes. Game over for Avery Chen. The painful fact, although backed up with tremendous evidence- was still quite a stinger. He knew what would come next. The hot-headed bear would be awoken and find its latest target, despite the eyes around the scene.
He didn’t want to get into any of that. Just keep his head down, and feet planted on the ground. That was the plan. Alas, the thought of Chen’s bruised up face plagued his thoughts more than he wanted to allow. It would be such a pain if Hana had to find another roommate, surely…
“ CHEN !” he called out, attempting to pretend like the scene didn’t faze him. And failing. Leaving his group of npc friends, Hanako rushed to Chen’s side with his back turned towards Percival- acting like some sort of barrier between the two. “ I have the worst memory, honestly. Forgot to tell you that someone’s waiting for you at the courtyard right about now. She’s pretty cute too~. The least you could do is …..wash up, maybe?” The more words he said, he less..’Hanako’ he sounded. The last few sentences almost completely lose their earlier enthusiasm and are replaced with a trace of gentleness Hana’s tone rarely used. As if a silent plea for Chen to get some brains and gtfo.
It may have something to do with the increasing realization that Rainwood was right behind Hanako. No faceless NPC’s could save him, now. “ Or you know, be an asshole and stand up to her. Fine by me~” there goes his usual demeanour again. He was wondering why he did this much just to save Chen from a good punch, cause after this Hanako certainly felt like punching Chen himself.
Without turning back, he intended to grab the other bow’s elbow and drag him away from the scene before it turned sour. However, the way it happened ( avery can choose if Hana legit accidentally grabbed him where it hurt and realised it hurt ), Hanako pulled his hand back and for a split second, he looked guilty. “ Sor-” he stopped himself. Why on earth would he need to feel sorry for this idiot that got himself in this situation in the first place. “ Dirty and injured? Now you’ll just insult her” without another word, he whipped out his wand and pointed towards Avery. “ Reparifors “ (or if thats the wrong spell, just assume Hana used a minor healing spell)
Reducio
Thankfully, it looked like all those extra practice during duelling paid off. Healing was not his ..specialty. And he wouldn’t be able to hide his relief at it working its magic on Chen’s wound. It was then that he was hit with a sense of nostalgia. Shattered glass, crumpled paper, and two friends.
It became tragically aware that that ‘friend’ was just a few feet behind him, probably seconds from exploding. Half of him wanted to squirm and seek the nearest exit before it came to Rainwood’s realisation too. His hesitation encouraged a sinister thought. Wouldn’t it be nice if he sensed it too? Swept away by the bitter nostalgia only for the reality of their current relationship to slap them awake. To feel as awful as Hanako felt right now? Hana kept his distance, but it didn’t mean that he didn’t want Rainwood to regret what he did.
He had convinced himself enough that Rainwood didn't care enough to feel bad. But hey, there was always that tantalizing hope that he would. At least, Hanako could assure himself that their time together wasn’t all mindless entertainment for the other boy. Before he could stop himself, a sneaky smile appeared on his face just seconds before dissapearing. If Rainwood was observant, he could notice the way Hanako turned his head to the side for a second, as if wanting to make sure he was still looking, before turning back to Chen.
“…Is your arm feeling better now? “ The shift was gentle, much like the way he’s speaking to Chen right now. Perhaps it was less odd than the encouraging smile he wore. While slightly tense, he made an effort into it. For once. His gaze shifted towards Chen, silently checking if there were any other bruises he was not aware of. (No, he was not checking him out again).
Was that loud enough for Rainwood to hear? Enough convincing? OooOo look at me, I can show concern and kindness for someone else that’s not youuuu.
At least that’s what his childish side is saying.
26 Jun 2023, 19:18
Humpty Dumpty
Percival had to say he was fairly proud of what he had done. It was hilarious watching the other boy go from all happy to angry. It felt good for someone to be in as much of a bad mood as he was in. The boy turned about slowly a cruel smirk barely contained underneath a neutral look. A dangerous snake weaving its way around his prey. He wondered if anyone could see him. See the true him. The one that lashed out and hurt. The one whose anger only accepted tears and pain as retribution. "Oh Chen. Didn't see you there." he chortled. The boy sounded like a squawking bird. Something very easy to strangle. Looking at the boy covered in sauce and beans did nothing but soothe his ego. Practically stroking it as he stood above the boy. Untouchable. Honestly, it was riveting. "Is that a fashion statement?" he asked cruelly pointing to the beans on the boy's shirt.
The boy blinked for a second in a bit of shock as he felt the mildly warm beans hit his cheek. Percival felt his smirk slowly dip down into a frown. Raising his hand he wiped the offending beans off of him staring at them for a second before scowling. Percival stood up from the bench standing over the smaller boy. Hands clenching into his fists, shaking ever so slightly as he stood over him. "What the fuck did you just say?" he ground out. Percival's hand itched for his wand. The want to break the boy beyond recognition was the only thing at the forefront of his mind. The want to hurt. To break every small thing Chen held dear to him.
Percival blinked whipping his head as he watched in utter shock. Hanako was in front of him, back still turned to him. Even when trying to save Chen from his own stupidity, because it honestly wasn't hard to tell what Hanako was trying to do, he wasn't born yesterday. Even now he still has his back to him. Still shunning him. Still treating him like dirt underneath his shoe. Percival gritted his teeth together hard enough his jaw began to ache. How badly he wanted to show Hanako that he was nothing if not unforgettable. That he should have treated him with the respect he fucking deserved. He wasn't too sure what his tipping point was when he realized he didn't give two fucks anymore. Hearing Hanako treat Chen, weak fucking Chen, with such tenderness. The same tenderness he had once received, had lit the jealousy deep within his chest.
Percival grabbed Hanako's arm pulling him back towards him forcing him to fucking acknowledge him. Squeezing his fingers into the boy's skin. Percival looked into the boy's eyes wanting to see any small sense the other felt pain. "Well look what the fucking cat dragged in. Didn't realize you were a hero, Hana." he ground out of his throat. "Last time I checked you were nothing but a coward." he sneered a smirk pulling at his face. He probably looked fairly unhinged, but he could not find it within himself to care. He was tired of being ignored by the one thing he used to care the most about. Percival turned to glower at Avery. "You heard him, three's a crowd, Chen." he warned. If Hanako wanted to protect Chen, so be it, he'd use the other as a replacement punching bag.
Interacting with: @Hanako Tone, @Avery Chen
"I doubt you'll remember me with a smile."
iNPC Mikael Halldorson
5 Jul 2023, 02:01
Humpty Dumpty
His round face burned as Rainwood pointed to the beans on his shirt. The small boy knew he must've looked a right mess, smack dab in the middle of the Great Hall during its busiest time of day. But, any embarrassment was easily forgotten as he tossed a fistful of his 'fashionable' beans at Rainwood's face, and uttered those dastardly words. It was unfortunate that this older boy had the single-handed talent of bringing out the most rage from the otherwise easy-going and well-tempered second-year.
It seemed that his words actually struck a chord. Oooh? Was big bad Rainwood actually upset? Avery smiled a fiendish little smile, taking some unexpected pleasure at his tormentor's bristled response. Sauce still dripping from his own face, he stuck up his chin and stood taller, such that his eyes were likely level with Rainwood's chest. "Yeah, you heard me!" he piped, as if looking to get pummeled. "Do you have the ability to chase away any friends, in addition to underclassmen?" Any sense of his own safely was tossed neatly out the window as his naive fearlessness and desire to get back at Rainwood reigned supreme. To some degree, it seemed that our boy quite liked playing the hero of his own likely short story.
Someone yelled his name, and the small boy turned to see Hanako rushing towards him. Oh, was something the matter? “I have the worst memory, honestly. Forgot to tell you that someone’s waiting for you at the courtyard right about now. She’s pretty cute too~. The least you could do is …..wash up, maybe?” A cute girl? Waiting for him? Wait, did Hana mean that someone wanted to confess to him? His look of confusion was almost immediately replaced by a glow of anticipation. It wasn't every day that a cute girl wanted to speak with him, privately. "Oh, really? Did you catch her name? Was it Vale?" Because @Vale Ashwood was definitely pretty cute, and wouldn't it just be the best thing in the world if she actually had something she really needed to share with him? He was practically itching to run to the courtyard right this second, covered in beans or not. "Wow, someone is going to confess to me before anyone confesses to you this year!" Okay, hold up, that sounded a little too stuck-up, didn't it? But the words joyfully escaped from his unfiltered mouth before he could shut his gob. Rainwood was practically forgotten for a split second as the flower petals fluttered within Avery's mind's eye.
"Yeowch!" he yelped, as his roommate dragged him by his injured elbow. Hanako drew back quickly, and Avery held his arm pitifully. It was worse than he thought. “Sor- Dirty and injured? Now you’ll just insult her. Reparifors.” Immediately, a tingling feeling enveloped his arm, and Avery watched with wide eyes as the forming bruise all but disappeared, and the swelling stopped. He flexed his arm in amazement, then at Hanako with an open mouth and unfettered, newfound admiration. He had always considered his roommate to be more of the purely sly, sneaky, and big-mouthed type, but clearly, he had been wrong, and even had many skills to back it up (including healing and uwu, obviously). "Wow, Hana... thank you," he said gratefully, seeing his roommate in new eyes. Perhaps, they really were friends, and it wasn't simply a figment of his imagination. "Yeah, my arm is feeling so much better now. You are so good at this!" he couldn't help exclaiming in near awe. In his eyes, Hanako was becoming more and more of a true friend mentor: rushing to his rescue, telling him the news about a girl, and healing his injuries.
However, Rainwood's harsh words to Hanako brought Avery back to the present. Something stirred in Avery's chest, and he glared back at Rainwood. He was so sick and tired of this boy trying to hurt him and the people around him: first Henry, then Pea, and now Hanako. To him, the older boy was evil reincarnated, and not acting now was giving Rainwood the chance to step over himself and everyone he might care about. Avery sucked in a deep inhale and stepped in between the two older boys, small fists clenched at his sides to muster up his determination. "Hana is brave, you know? He had the guts to walk away from you, because you're toxic! That doesn't look like a coward to me," he said. The small boy did not know all the details between his roommate and Rainwood, but he knew that Hanako must've left his former roommate and despised him for a reason. In his determination to make his words count, he blurted whatever came to mind that seemed like it would remotely make sense, but most of all, would likely make the most impact on Rainwood and drive him away. "Three's a crowd, for sure. So why don't you just leave us alone?" he squeaked, looking up at Rainwood furiously, dark eyes and slanted brows urging him to step aside.
@Percival Rainwood @Hanako Tone