5 Apr 2023, 20:37
WHEN LION AND SNAKE COLLIDE
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"Oh, yeah? Mine, too. I'm Rhys, Rhys Read." They paused, considering Qrow's name. "Qrow... is that spelled like the bird? Or a different spelling? Out of pure curiosity, I am inclined to ask." They reached the classroom, and Rhys paused to look up at Qrow.
Qrow imagined that the ‘mine too’ was in reference to their pronouns. Though what had spurred the question about the Slytherins name was beyond them.
Walking into the classroom, Qrow headed straight for the blackboard at the front of the room, picked up a piece of chalk, and in neat cursive calligraphy, wrote out
Before turning around and stating, "It is of Welsh origin and it means blessed white crow or raven. Though, personally, I wouldn’t say I’m very blessed." The redhead paused before leaning nonchalantly against a desk and continuing. "And if you’re wondering, my surname, Beithir, is the name of a large snake-like creature from Scottish folklore. It's literally Gaelic for serpent. Rather ironic considering what house I was sorted into. It’s–"Qrow Beithir
They stopped, and the fond look that had appeared on their face during their tangent was quickly replaced by a small frown.
They felt as if they were losing form; their skin was crawling and itchy and if they weren’t careful, they wouldn’t fall apart in front of someone they barely knew.
But the Gryffindor seemed good, kind even, in a ‘kindred spirit’ sort of way. Not that that mattered; Qrow wouldn’t completely lose control; just enough to blow off some steam, and allow them some minor sense of comfort.
The Slytherin stood from where they were leaned, crossing the room towards the door and closing it behind the student.
As the door snapped shut, and Qrow silently maneuvered to the closest table to unload the contents of their bag—a quill, an inkwell, a few long rolls of parchment, and several books of varying sizes and topics—onto a nearby table.
"Well, you wanted somewhere to focus." Conversations were awkward and this point the child was just trying to make small talk (they hated small talk - it was so mind numbingly boring); they craved the companionship that came with friendship; however, their personality had always caused them to struggle whilst interacting with peers their own age.
Their skin was itchy and hot and the child's need for comfort won out as the better option. The young metamorphmagus shifted, their hair growing, and in place of their short, choppy curls, now lay a much longer set of messy curls that hung down their back, with occasional bits tied in plaids of varying sizes. The hairstyle gave them a similar appearance to that of a Norse viking. Their jawline became a tad sharper too, giving them a more masculine appearance.
Looking up again, they regarded the room's other occupant before sitting down atop the table with their legs crossed.
They smirked, making eye contact with the other student - a venomous shade of green with slit pupils locking onto their own hazel.
"Well, how do I look? Convincingly human?"
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code by Lucia Fox
OCC:
ReducioI'm hoping for the quote: "How do I look? Convincingly human?" to become a sort of inside joke?
Last edited by Qrowley Beithir on 3 May 2023, 09:15, edited 1 time in total.
11 Apr 2023, 18:10
WHEN LION AND SNAKE COLLIDE
Rhys listened as Qrow explained about their name origin, feeling a bit jealous that their name was so abjectly cool in comparison to theirs, which, while androgynous, was meant to be a girl's name in their parents' eyes. It seemed that their entire name was designed either around birds, or snakes, and it fit, considering they were a Slytherin. Meanwhile, Rhys didn't really like the results they'd wielded when they had dived into finding out more about their names. They knew their first name meant 'fire', which could account for their temperament issues, and that their last name meant "red." Their middle name, however, they completely disliked. Rae meant "ewe/female sheep," and they didn't much care for the feminine implications of it. After Qrow had written their name out, Rhys took the chalk and wrote theirs, omitting their middle name.
Rhys was about to explain the meaning behind their names, but they were distracted as they noticed that Qrow had stopped talking about their own, and they noted the small frown that traced their lips for a moment before they walked over to a nearby table. Rhys followed.
"Well, you wanted somewhere to focus." There it was, the phrase that could either be a dismissal or boring small talk. Rhys never cared for small talk-- it was unimportant, filler conversation that, really, was a waste of time. But the air had a certain tension to it, now. Perhaps since Qrow had so suddenly dropped off of what they had been in the process of saying. Again, Rhys didn't have time to reply before their attention was drawn to something else. Qrow's appearance started to change, shifting gradually and effortlessly until, just a few moments later, they sat, giving a Norse viking appearance as their eyes, now snakelike, flicked over to Rhys. They wore a smirk, and Rhys pretended like it didn't affect them.
"Well, how do I look? Convincingly human?" Rhys swallowed, giving a chuckle.
"Well, I'm not sure about that, but my standards of human seem to be lower than others'," They waved a dismissive hand, quirking a dark brow as they assessed the Slytherin. "Though I wouldn't argue that this is a bad look, per se. A bit different, but not entirely unattractive." Shit. Had they really just said that? It had sounded fine while they were saying it, but now that Rhys thought about it, it definitely felt flirtatious. And they didn't flirt. It was an unofficial rule they set for themself, one they'd broken with Azzy, sure, but one that was still there nonetheless. They didn't even know how Azzy felt, and had decided to try and dismiss the feelings, and yet here they were, flirting again. With another genderqueer first year. But unless Qrow commented on it, Rhys decided not to acknowledge it. Perhaps it would go unnoticed. "But, yeah. 'Convincingly' human."
Reducio
interacting with @Qrow Beithir
ooc: yes, inside jokes abound! also, let the dynamic of unintentional flirtatious besties begin >:)
ooc: yes, inside jokes abound! also, let the dynamic of unintentional flirtatious besties begin >:)
11 Apr 2023, 20:02
WHEN LION AND SNAKE COLLIDE
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"Well, I'm not sure about that, but my standards of human seem to be lower than others'." They waved a dismissive hand, quirking a dark brow as they seemingly assessed Qrow. "Though I wouldn't argue that this is a bad look per se, A bit different, but not entirely unattractive."
They paused.
"But, yeah. "Convincingly" human."
The Slytherin hadn’t expected such a response, however, it did aid in creating a sense of giddy eagerness to this whole interaction. It was rather refreshing to be around somebody so blunt and honest, and Qrow could tell that they were beginning to like this student already.
Their smirk grew into a slight smile as the child tilted their head and observed their fellow student with amusement as they let out a slight hum of acknowledgement.
"You’re not bad-looking yourself, Rhys." They stated this with coy mirth.
‘Rhys’... The name felt right to say. warm, like its meaning, and oddly comforting, like the way it seemed to roll off the redhead's tongue. The Slytherin could get used to their company, and they’d be lying if they didn’t agree with their statement on the Gryffindors' looks. In fact, Qrow rather wished to draw them. Gods, this student had both earned their respect and caught their eye. Whatever would they do?
Picking up their sticker-adorned sketchbook and quill, they flicked to a clean page and began working on a drawing of the student.
"It means fire, right? Your name, that is. And then ‘Read' means red." The redhead paused, looking at the student in thought, before switching to another tongue and focusing their attention on their sketch.
"Teine dearg, or in English, red fire. It’s rather fitting considering that temper you had earlier—though mine was no better—but I’ve always found fire rather fascinating. People always compare dangerous beauty to thorny roses, but if you ask me, a flame is a much better metaphor. Fire is warm and bright, like a comforting fireplace, but it can also cause devastation. I’ve not known you for long, but I feel as if that description rather suits you."
They had finished out a rough drawing of Rhys during their tangent about fire and their name. They had always had a habit of rambling, but something about this hazel-eyed Gryffindor made it difficult to keep their thoughts straight, and honestly, Qrow couldn’t find it in them to care.
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code by Lucia Fox
OCC:
ReducioQrow speaks Scots Gaelic here
ALSO: difficult to keep their thoughts straight - as if this kid ever had a straight thought in their life...
12 Apr 2023, 17:38
WHEN LION AND SNAKE COLLIDE
"You’re not bad-looking yourself, Rhys." Qrow responded coyly, making Rhys's stomach flip-flop.
No, Rhys thought, determinedly. I recognize these symptoms, and they, once again, are unreasonable. Just ignore it.
They had gotten into a whole emotional jumble over Azzy, and had resolved to dismiss the feelings unless something were to happen to indicate that they felt the same for Rhys. And even then, the last thing Rhys needed was a relationship. Or any sort of emotional attachment.
They couldn't afford another crush. Their stomach still formed knots at the thought of Azzy, despite their best efforts, and they were hoping the winter holidays would allow for some time for them to fade, if not go away completely. Surely, they weren't forming another crush when they were still dealing with one already?
"It means fire, right? Your name, that is. And then ‘Read' means red." Qrow guessed, right on. Rhys tried to hide their shock as the other first year continued. "Teine dearg, or in English, red fire. It’s rather fitting considering that temper you had earlier—though mine was no better—but I’ve always found fire rather fascinating. People always compare dangerous beauty to thorny roses, but if you ask me, a flame is a much better metaphor. Fire is warm and bright, like a comforting fireplace, but it can also cause devastation. I’ve not known you for long, but I feel as if that description rather suits you."
Holy. Shit. Rhys's heart was threatening to pound out of their chest. Swallowing, they could only hope their face wasn't as red as it felt as they deigned to take a deep breath before responding.
"Uh, yeah. You're actually spot on. Fancy yourself a linguist, or something?" They tilted their head, glancing discreetly at Qrow's sketchbook as they started to sketch lightly, eventually ending with a rather rough sketch of a person that looked suspiciously like Rhys. But they wouldn't comment on it unless Qrow volunteered it. Also, they could be wrong. They'd been wrong before. But Azzy had drawn them in their first interaction, and Rhys was nosy by nature, so they had a strong inclination to observe as Qrow drew.
"So what I'm gathering is you think I have dangerous beauty, am warm and comforting, and can also cause devastation?" Rhys arched their brows, trying not to stammer over their words incredulously. "I'm not sure whether to feel flattered or offended. Perhaps both,"
Reducio
interacting with @Qrow Beithir
ooc: what a mess they are
ooc: what a mess they are
12 Apr 2023, 20:24
WHEN LION AND SNAKE COLLIDE
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ReducioInteracting with @Rhys Read"Uh, yeah. You're actually spot on. Fancy yourself a linguist, or something?"
They tilted their head discreetly towards the sketchbook on the Slytherin's lap.
Qrow rather enjoyed people watching, and having grown up often surrounded by fake-faced rich snobs, they thought themselves to be rather good at reading people. For instance, the button-nosed Gryffindor, Rhys Read, was the curious sort, as evidenced by the way their eyes quickly glanced over at the sketch the Slytherin was working on. Curiosity was a good trait...
"So what I'm gathering is that you think I have dangerous beauty, am warm and comforting, and can also cause devastation?" Rhys arched their brows, clearly trying not to stammer over their words. "I'm not sure whether to feel flattered or offended. Perhaps both."
Dangerous beauty was right, and if Qrow wasn’t careful, those eyes were going to be their downfall. Windows to the soul, and every bit telling about the individual before them. Warm and welcoming despite their cool tone and every bit fierce. Teine dearg was right.
Qrow had never had a crush before, having scarcely interacted with many people their own age and not entirely understanding the concept of having a celebrity crush
—they're unattainable, what’s the point?—
but if they had to guess, this is probably what a crush felt like. There was something so undeniably... brilliant... about Rhys Read that Qrow wanted to just bask in it. They hardly knew this student, and of course, the Slytherin knew that realistically they shouldn't be falling for this... THIS STRANGER! But somewhere, hidden underneath stony walls built from the foundations of rational thinking, there was something bold, curious, and just about impulsive enough to not push down the bubbling feelings that kept blossoming each time they would look into those ocean eyes; that made them think, I may know how to swim, but in those eyes, I would rather drown.
Though it was rather ironic how the one thing that the child hated to draw was also the most beautiful aspect of this individual, It felt as if each time they contemplated Rhys’ eyes, they would lose their memory and have to look again.
In the end, they settled on just covering Rhys’ eyes with flowers before turning the book to face the student.
"As a matter of fact, I do fancy myself a linguist, and I’d say I’m rather well read." They answered, scattering their pile of books across the desk—most of which were reading materials required for the upperclassmen—before darting their hand into their bag and pulling out a packet of sweets.
"And it was a compliment. You’ve earned my respect. If you ask me, blatant beauty is rather dull, and whilst there's nothing wrong with it, I’d much rather be in the presence of someone with a little... excitement."
They paused.
Qrow Corvus Beithir had never felt so unsure of something in their entire life. They were intelligent, rich, and naturally above average in looks (even if they did say so themselves), so there was no need to feel unsure, but something about Rhys Read was so utterly mind-boggling and confusing and Qrow couldn’t help but want to chase that feeling. God's, when did they become a hopeless romantic?
But Qrow had never been good at talking to people their own age, so instead of even attempting to verbalise any of the tangled thoughts in their head, they raised the bag in an offering, patted an empty space on the table, and asked...
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Reducio
OOC: I did this drawing on my laptop with the mousepad in the space of like... 20 minutes??? at like 10pm, I am so sorry...
13 Apr 2023, 18:36
WHEN LION AND SNAKE COLLIDE
Qrow took a moment to consider Rhys's words before they appeared to finish their sketch, turning their sketchbook so that Rhys had a full, unobstructed view of their artwork. "As a matter of fact, I do fancy myself a linguist, and I’d say I’m rather well read," Qrow answered, scattering their pile of books across the desk and then reaching into their bag. "And it was a compliment. You’ve earned my respect. If you ask me, blatant beauty is rather dull, and whilst there's nothing wrong with it, I’d much rather be in the presence of someone with a little... excitement."
A blush rose to Rhys's cheeks, and they envied the metamorphmagus of their ability to easily change their appearance. If they had the same talent, they would tamp down the red in their cheeks in a heartbeat. For as unfeeling as they pretended to be, they flushed surprisingly easily. Their body betrayed their mind, in more ways than one, and Rhys hated it.
"I'm rather inclined to agree," They said after a moment, inspecting the sketch for a few minutes before looking back up to Qrow. "In all senses, I suppose. I must say you strike me as someone with blatant and natural beauty, but you have the ability to manipulate it as you wish. I have to admit I envy that, especially since I didn't think I possessed any beauty." They gave an awkward chuckle. God, they were, once again, so out of their depth.
Rhys's attention was drawn to a bag of sweets that Qrow had procured from their bag, and when the Slytherin offered one to Rhys, they couldn't help but grin.
"Of course, I'm not completely unstable." They joked, without really thinking, and then paused. What if that was a bit much, and it didn't land? Rhys had learned that their dark humor didn't always agree with others, but they hoped it would agree with Qrow. They sat on the table where Qrow had indicated, reaching a hand into the bag and helping themself to some of the sweets.
Reducio
Flirting with @Qrow Beithir
14 Apr 2023, 11:47
WHEN LION AND SNAKE COLLIDE
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ReducioFlirting with @Rhys Read"I'm rather inclined to agree," they said after a moment, inspecting the sketch for a few minutes before looking back up at Qrow. "In all senses, I suppose. I must say you strike me as someone with blatant and natural beauty, but you have the ability to manipulate it as you wish. I have to admit I envy that, especially since I didn't think I possessed any beauty." They gave an awkward chuckle before grinning as the now blushing Slytherin offered their bag of sweets.Rule Number One: Do not show any weakness. As far as anyone knows, I am emotionless. This has been the most effective buffer for pain that I have ever used.
"Of course, I'm not completely unstable."
At that remark, the redhead snapped out of their thoughts, snorting in amusement, before their already flushed face darkened, making their freckles stick out rather prominently on their usually pale skin.
Lucent and fiery with a dark sense of humour. Not to mention beautiful. Have you ever seen hell in someones eyes and loved it anyways? There were innocent little demons inside, those orbs of blue-green hazel, that recklessly played with matches and Qrow Beithir had never seen sparks so pretty.
Rhys had thought themselves to not possess any beauty? No, they were not just pretty. They were otherworldly and vaguely threatening.
The Slytherin smiled.
"You think I’m pretty spitfire? Flattery will certainly get you places." The redhead huffed out a laugh at another fire-related nickname.
"I wouldn’t say I’m completely unstable myself, though I suppose that’s for you to decide the more we get to know one another."
They wanted nothing more than to be "not completely unstable" with someone like Rhys.
Most people wanted stability, normality, and the ordinary. Qrow was none of that, and being a metamorphmagus only seemed to make people think that the child would eventually become something like that. It was the main reason they hadn’t had any friends before starting Hogwarts, and while being unordinary was lonely, they were thankful for their parents for pushing them to be their own person. Being alone was better than trying to be someone they weren’t. It was why their ability was only used for their own benefit—to make them feel comfortable—and not others.
There was something about Rhys that made the Slytherin feel. And as much as they hated it, they couldn’t help but find comfort in it all. No masks. No walls. Just Qrow. And if ‘Just Qrow’ was a flirtatious menace with a love of fire and a heart that hammered in their chest each time they looked at the hazel-eyed Gryffindor, then that’s who they would be. Even if only for this moment.
Qrow eyed their collection of books and remembered the homework they had to get on with. It was the reason they had come here to begin with. No matter; they were a chronic insomniac, and they would need something to fill an undoubtedly sleepless night ahead of them. The homework could wait.
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Reducio
OOC: For the love of the gods, please take pinterest off me!
17 Apr 2023, 17:07
WHEN LION AND SNAKE COLLIDE
Qrow smiled, and Rhys melted on the inside. God, the things they would do just to see that smile a lot more in their life.ABOVE ALL ELSE: do NOT form any friendships or attachments of any kind
"You think I’m pretty spitfire? Flattery will certainly get you places." Rhys bit their lip at the nickname, not entirely against the way it made them feel. "I wouldn’t say I’m completely unstable myself, though I suppose that’s for you to decide the more we get to know one another."
Rhys noted, with satisfaction, that Qrow, at this point, was also sufficiently red in the face, making their smattering of freckles stand out even more. Rhys wanted to count them, there was so many. Like, they had freckles, but Qrow had so much more. Rhys wanted to spend hours analyzing them, and memorize their placements. Both of these realizations terrified them, but hey. At least Qrow was giving more away about how they felt than Azzy had. God, the genderneutral Gryffindor confused the everloving hell out of Rhys. At least Qrow was being a bit more transparent.
But gods, they needed to slow down. This was their first interaction. Plus there was still the whole Azzy debate rattling around in their head. But they would see this interaction through, and then deal with their feelings later. Entertaining their impulses in the moment was risky, but lord,it felt so good to do it.
"Of course I do," They replied coolly, giving Qrow a smirk. "I figure I'd have to be blind not to." Rhys grabbed another handful of the sweets, considering Qrow's comment about getting to know each other more as they popped one in their mouth and swung their feet lightly. "Mm, sounds like a plan. For the time being, I say you're just as sane as I am." They quirked a brow, looking over at Qrow slyly.
Reducio
playing a dangerous game with @Qrow Beithir
qrow #064107 | rhys #550c00
qrow #064107 | rhys #550c00
18 Apr 2023, 10:57
WHEN LION AND SNAKE COLLIDE
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"Of course I do," they replied coolly, giving Qrow a smirk. "I figure I'd have to be blind not to." Rhys grabbed another handful of the sweets, seemingly considering something as they popped one in their mouth and swung their feet lightly. "Mm, that sounds like a plan. For the time being, I say you're just as sane as I am." They quirked a brow, looking over at Qrow slyly, and the Slytherin couldn't help but laugh.
ReducioInteracting with @TRhys Read
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It was getting late. Both of them would have to head back to their respective dorms soon, and the Slytherin wasn’t looking forward to it. Not to mention, with how close it was getting to Christmas break, the teachers were really piling on the workload, and then Qrow was returning home for the holiday too. What if they didn’t see Rhys again?
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's almost curfew and both of our dorms are three floors away."
They didn’t want this to be the end.
Without thinking, Qrow tore a blank piece of paper out of their sketch book and scribbled down their address before passing it off to Rhys with the rest of their sweets—they had more in their dorm anyways.
"To owl me during Christmas break." They said, haphazardly shoving the rest of their belongings into their bag, before closing it and looking back at Rhys as they clambered off the table. There was something satisfying about the fact they were taller than the Gryffindor. "It's getting busy at the minute with all this homework and stuff, and I wasn’t lying about getting to know you. Send me an owl every now and again, and if you need to get in touch when at school, my dorm room is Snape:03."
Qrow shoved their bag on before heading towards the door, pausing with their hand on its handle.
"We should get a butterbeer one day." The Slytherin added with a wink, and then they left.
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Reducio
OOC: Gods, they're so gay. I love them.
18 Apr 2023, 17:24
WHEN LION AND SNAKE COLLIDE
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's almost curfew and both of our dorms are three floors away." Qrow said at last, and Rhys inwardly sighed. Like most good things, this interaction had to come to an end.
But it wouldn't end badly. Just as Rhys had relented to grab their stuff from where they'd set it, their attention was again caught by the redheaded genderqueer as they tore a page from their sketchbook, scribbled something on it, and then thrust it towards Rhys with the bag of sweets.
"To owl me during Christmas break." Qrow explained, shoving the rest of their things away before getting off of the table and looking back at Rhys. "It's getting busy at the minute with all this homework and stuff, and I wasn’t lying about getting to know you. Send me an owl every now and again, and if you need to get in touch when at school, my dorm room is Snape:03."
Rhys nodded, barely having time before anything else as the metamorphmagus shoved on their bag and hurried off towards the door. Stopping short of opening it, they cast a glance over their shoulder to Rhys, who still sat, processing everything.
"We should get a butterbeer one day." They gave a wink before leaving Rhys alone in the empty classroom. Dumbfoundedly, Rhys pulled the paper aside from the bag of sweets, staring at the address written in Qrow's neat hand. To owl me during Christmas break...
Fuck, Rhys was in trouble again. Now they had not only one, but two attractive individuals in their life. Two people to be miss and/or lose sleep over during winter break. Two people to write out their feelings to and then change their mind before they could send them. (Rhys had already written a few to Azzy that they'd scrapped immediately.)
We should get a butterbeer one day. Could Rhys, realistically, pursue this? What exactly was 'this'? And was it even a good idea?
Azzy gave Rhys very much mixed signals, and between those and their close relationship with Jessicah, Rhys had no idea just how they felt. Maybe the entire thing with Azzy had been in Rhys's head, and that they'd been hallucinating the few signals that Azzy reciprocated the feelings.
Qrow, however...
Rhys let out a loud groan, covering their flushed face with their hands briefly before looking up at the ceiling and running a hand through their hair. What, exactly, were they getting themself into?
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Eventually, Rhys's eye caught on the clock, and they decided they should make the trip back up to their dorm to retire for the night. They slipped the paper with Qrow's address into the folds of their robes, balanced the bag of sweets on top of the books they'd been carrying, and started the walk back to Gryffindor.
Oh, the amount of thoughts running through their head.
Reducio
ljasdhfjdshfdsjhfsdjhfsdjhsdjfhsdufhdjfhsfdjfhsdu
@Qrow Beithir
@Qrow Beithir