https://blood-ties.net/rp/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:02:10 +0000 MyBB https://blood-ties.net/rp/showthread.php?tid=378 Fri, 10 Jun 2022 08:27:46 +0000 Nocturne Jackson]]> https://blood-ties.net/rp/showthread.php?tid=378
Instead he was making a pot of coffee that would soon become a delicious sweet treat. Maybe caramel. That extra sugar sounded nice. He started grabbing the necessary items when he heard a car pull into the driveway. He froze, listening, but it was familiar enough he didn't go into battle mode. A minute later and the jingling of keys and his dad was coming through the door.

"Hey, Pops. Can't decide if I should grab another mug for you or clear the path to your bed. You look like hell," he helpfully pointed out as he grabbed a mug for himself from one shelf and two travel mugs from the one above. This was a two mugs morning.]]>
Instead he was making a pot of coffee that would soon become a delicious sweet treat. Maybe caramel. That extra sugar sounded nice. He started grabbing the necessary items when he heard a car pull into the driveway. He froze, listening, but it was familiar enough he didn't go into battle mode. A minute later and the jingling of keys and his dad was coming through the door.

"Hey, Pops. Can't decide if I should grab another mug for you or clear the path to your bed. You look like hell," he helpfully pointed out as he grabbed a mug for himself from one shelf and two travel mugs from the one above. This was a two mugs morning.]]> https://blood-ties.net/rp/showthread.php?tid=328 Tue, 29 Mar 2022 12:19:50 +0000 Nocturne Jackson]]> https://blood-ties.net/rp/showthread.php?tid=328
He hadn't mentioned anything about Rivalee to Lyric until only two days ago as he hadn't wanted to get her interested in the idea if it didn't work out. Once he felt Rivalee was safe and she was also into the idea of helping a young mage, Nocturne brought it up to Lyric. She was thrilled at the idea of someone guiding her with her nature magic and far too excited at the mention of sex magic. Nocturne had debated whether he should bring that up or not but decided she should know that was an option to her as well given how interested in that activity she was as well. Still, it wasn't the most comfortable conversation they'd ever had, at least on his end. He thought he was a pretty cool older brother and remained calm and understanding in any situation but suggesting to his little sister she could use sex to make her magic stronger had started pushing him into awkwardness and hesitation as he found the right words.

"Since you're so... enthusiastic... when it comes to... sexual activities with Cody... I thought you should learn of ways to use that... energy."

Maybe it wasn't his finest moment but it had still made Lyric happy and Nocturne left to go make the arrangements for an evening his sister was free so they could at least meet and then go from there. But thanks to her job and her dedication to dancing, it had to be on a school night. So Nocturne was currently pulling into their driveway with Rivalee in the passenger seat and Lyric hopefully preparing some tea like he asked and setting it out with the plate of cookies he had prepared earlier.

Escorting the gorgeous woman through the front door of their home was odd considering he hadn't really brought anyone over since high school. He'd become too cautious--paranoid--that someone could do his family harm or his lover or friend could be a liability and the wrong person could use them for information. But there he was, holding the door open for Rivalee so she could enter and kick off her ankle boots before bringing her into the family room where Lyric sat with the tea and cookies.

"Lyric, meet Rivalee Mitchell. Rivalee, this is my little sister Lyric." He was smiling, genuinely happy to give his sister a chance to learn and grow but he was still uneasy, always her protector. It was with some effort as well that he made himself say the next words and get his feet to move.

"I'll leave you ladies alone but I'll be in the kitchen doing some meal prep, if you need me."]]>
He hadn't mentioned anything about Rivalee to Lyric until only two days ago as he hadn't wanted to get her interested in the idea if it didn't work out. Once he felt Rivalee was safe and she was also into the idea of helping a young mage, Nocturne brought it up to Lyric. She was thrilled at the idea of someone guiding her with her nature magic and far too excited at the mention of sex magic. Nocturne had debated whether he should bring that up or not but decided she should know that was an option to her as well given how interested in that activity she was as well. Still, it wasn't the most comfortable conversation they'd ever had, at least on his end. He thought he was a pretty cool older brother and remained calm and understanding in any situation but suggesting to his little sister she could use sex to make her magic stronger had started pushing him into awkwardness and hesitation as he found the right words.

"Since you're so... enthusiastic... when it comes to... sexual activities with Cody... I thought you should learn of ways to use that... energy."

Maybe it wasn't his finest moment but it had still made Lyric happy and Nocturne left to go make the arrangements for an evening his sister was free so they could at least meet and then go from there. But thanks to her job and her dedication to dancing, it had to be on a school night. So Nocturne was currently pulling into their driveway with Rivalee in the passenger seat and Lyric hopefully preparing some tea like he asked and setting it out with the plate of cookies he had prepared earlier.

Escorting the gorgeous woman through the front door of their home was odd considering he hadn't really brought anyone over since high school. He'd become too cautious--paranoid--that someone could do his family harm or his lover or friend could be a liability and the wrong person could use them for information. But there he was, holding the door open for Rivalee so she could enter and kick off her ankle boots before bringing her into the family room where Lyric sat with the tea and cookies.

"Lyric, meet Rivalee Mitchell. Rivalee, this is my little sister Lyric." He was smiling, genuinely happy to give his sister a chance to learn and grow but he was still uneasy, always her protector. It was with some effort as well that he made himself say the next words and get his feet to move.

"I'll leave you ladies alone but I'll be in the kitchen doing some meal prep, if you need me."]]> https://blood-ties.net/rp/showthread.php?tid=261 Mon, 28 Feb 2022 08:24:05 +0000 Lyric Jackson]]> https://blood-ties.net/rp/showthread.php?tid=261
Lyric, who had never been particularly interested in driving a car, had gotten her license around Christmas, after confiding to Nocturne that she wanted a motorcycle. He’d promised her she could go for a bike license after she passed her car driving test. Not that either of them were going to be telling Papa that. Much like her sexual exploits with Cody; Nocturne took care of helping her get her hands on the pill, and making sure she had access to actual information so she could take care of herself. Lyric thought he was being somewhat dramatic, but she went along with it so he wouldn’t spoil her fun.

“What were you doing?” Lyric demanded dramatically when Nocturne finally appeared and climbed into the passenger seat, watching him as he put on his seatbelt. Huffing and muttering under her breath about big brothers, how annoying they were, and the fact that she had to rely on him for driving practice because she couldn’t afford official lessons, Lyric turned the key and the car rumbled into power. Turning the heat down, and the music on (lowly), Lyric carefully backed the jeep out of the driveway, and onto the road.

Usually, they didn’t have any particular destination in mind, just drove around the neighbourhood for an hour or two or until Nocturne got bored and wanted to go home. So that was what Lyric planned to do, though she did look at her brother out of the corner of her eye and ask him cheerfully if there was anywhere he wanted to go that afternoon. She found it kind of enchanting to be his chauffer when usually it was he driving her around, dropping her off for her dates with Chance, or to dance, or events, or whatever.]]>
Lyric, who had never been particularly interested in driving a car, had gotten her license around Christmas, after confiding to Nocturne that she wanted a motorcycle. He’d promised her she could go for a bike license after she passed her car driving test. Not that either of them were going to be telling Papa that. Much like her sexual exploits with Cody; Nocturne took care of helping her get her hands on the pill, and making sure she had access to actual information so she could take care of herself. Lyric thought he was being somewhat dramatic, but she went along with it so he wouldn’t spoil her fun.

“What were you doing?” Lyric demanded dramatically when Nocturne finally appeared and climbed into the passenger seat, watching him as he put on his seatbelt. Huffing and muttering under her breath about big brothers, how annoying they were, and the fact that she had to rely on him for driving practice because she couldn’t afford official lessons, Lyric turned the key and the car rumbled into power. Turning the heat down, and the music on (lowly), Lyric carefully backed the jeep out of the driveway, and onto the road.

Usually, they didn’t have any particular destination in mind, just drove around the neighbourhood for an hour or two or until Nocturne got bored and wanted to go home. So that was what Lyric planned to do, though she did look at her brother out of the corner of her eye and ask him cheerfully if there was anywhere he wanted to go that afternoon. She found it kind of enchanting to be his chauffer when usually it was he driving her around, dropping her off for her dates with Chance, or to dance, or events, or whatever.]]> https://blood-ties.net/rp/showthread.php?tid=224 Sun, 20 Feb 2022 12:27:11 +0000 Sunny Song]]> https://blood-ties.net/rp/showthread.php?tid=224
In the middle of the Local Library, Sunny quietly set her phone onto the table and slumped in her chair. The amount was less than she’d expected. Raening needed lunch money the other day because you forgot to cook the god damn rice.

She was barely able to stay awake long enough to help him with his homework that night. The last thing on her mind was cooking– Stupid. How could she be so careless? The irritation was beginning to press sharply behind her eyes so she raised her palms to them, let them close, and took a long steady breath. This morning Raening had slipped in a permission slip from his teacher with his reading list. The grade took some sort of vote to go camping and this was the School’s little prod towards the parents to help pay for the supplies. Not that she’d mind… if she’d gotten paid this week. Where would she get twenty dollars by Monday? Better question: Why did Raening give her the slip so late? There’s no way the school was only giving the parents a weekend to come up with their child’s portion, right? She couldn’t be the only one strapped for cash, right?

Sunny took another moment to center herself, folding the permission slip and Raening’s small list of books. She wasn’t going to get anywhere just staring at her bank account and the deadline. What she needed was a zen space to think. A moment later she had her sketchbook in front of her and clicked her pen into action with a satisfied sigh. Swirls took up a majority of the center space. Some areas grew tighter than others, mindless scribbles that within minutes began to take the form of a child’s face– Raening’s. He’d looked so timid this morning.

He must really want to go… Sunny realized as she sketched in his expression. She murmured under her breath, “I just need 5 dollars…” It’d wipe her account clean, but that wouldn’t be the first time it had happened. She could manage a few days until her next paycheck hit. What was important was that she did this for her brother.

A shadow suddenly loomed over her sketch, Sunny’s scribbling slowed as she studied the shape and realized someone was standing in front of her. She lifted her head, staring up at the stranger in silence. Enough of it would pass that her brows narrowed.

“... Yes?”]]>
In the middle of the Local Library, Sunny quietly set her phone onto the table and slumped in her chair. The amount was less than she’d expected. Raening needed lunch money the other day because you forgot to cook the god damn rice.

She was barely able to stay awake long enough to help him with his homework that night. The last thing on her mind was cooking– Stupid. How could she be so careless? The irritation was beginning to press sharply behind her eyes so she raised her palms to them, let them close, and took a long steady breath. This morning Raening had slipped in a permission slip from his teacher with his reading list. The grade took some sort of vote to go camping and this was the School’s little prod towards the parents to help pay for the supplies. Not that she’d mind… if she’d gotten paid this week. Where would she get twenty dollars by Monday? Better question: Why did Raening give her the slip so late? There’s no way the school was only giving the parents a weekend to come up with their child’s portion, right? She couldn’t be the only one strapped for cash, right?

Sunny took another moment to center herself, folding the permission slip and Raening’s small list of books. She wasn’t going to get anywhere just staring at her bank account and the deadline. What she needed was a zen space to think. A moment later she had her sketchbook in front of her and clicked her pen into action with a satisfied sigh. Swirls took up a majority of the center space. Some areas grew tighter than others, mindless scribbles that within minutes began to take the form of a child’s face– Raening’s. He’d looked so timid this morning.

He must really want to go… Sunny realized as she sketched in his expression. She murmured under her breath, “I just need 5 dollars…” It’d wipe her account clean, but that wouldn’t be the first time it had happened. She could manage a few days until her next paycheck hit. What was important was that she did this for her brother.

A shadow suddenly loomed over her sketch, Sunny’s scribbling slowed as she studied the shape and realized someone was standing in front of her. She lifted her head, staring up at the stranger in silence. Enough of it would pass that her brows narrowed.

“... Yes?”]]> https://blood-ties.net/rp/showthread.php?tid=204 Sat, 06 Nov 2021 11:27:27 +0000 Nocturne Jackson]]> https://blood-ties.net/rp/showthread.php?tid=204
Going trick-or-treating was always fun. His dad did his best to be there for holidays and important events and Nocturne had many wonderful memories of the three of them celebrating each one. But going out wandering the neighbourhood and venturing out even further into the fancier ones that he told his dad gave out way more candy and even the full size chocolate bars was a treat in itself. They’d then go home with his hull that would be dumped out on the floor of the kitchen and he’d separate the treats into three bowls; chocolate, candy, and chips. His dad inspected everything to ensure they weren’t tampered with and Nocturne had snacks for his school lunches and after-school snacks to last him until nearly Christmas.

And then Lyric was born and when she was old enough to start her turn knocking on doors, Nocturne got to tag along even after he was too old to really be going out himself. Sometimes he had to be her chaperone because their mom had left them and their dad was out of town and sometimes he simply walked beside his dad, enjoying the moment and watching the joy his sister now got out of the experience. In either situation, he still always dressed up though he typically commissioned someone since his own sewing skills had been in the early stages of development at the time.

Now that Lyric was in high school and hit the unspoken agreement that that meant she was of an age that shouldn’t be going out, Nocturne didn’t have a reason to go out either. She either had parties to attend or tagged along with Cody’s family since he had little siblings. That left Nocturne alone again since their dad kept getting pulled into missions and Nocturne wasn’t always in the mood for crowds and parties even if the idea of a costumed random hook up held some appeal.

Although he did love haunted houses and mazes. They gave him a thrill as the exhilaration of artificial fear tried to grip him. There were plenty of things in the real world that scared him but such things as someone in a costume jumping out at him and the intense music or silence before the next scare were perfect. He knew it was all fake and allowed himself to give into a moment’s fear that always left him laughing and having a great time.

That was why he spent the day before at Canada’s Wonderland with Lyric and Cody, enjoying all they had to offer for their Halloween special that year. His two charges seemed to have had as much fun as he had though the way they kept clinging to each other and squealing was adorable. Mostly, he was thankful that Cody was old enough to control his shifting when his emotions spiked in the extreme one way or the other. He really didn’t want to explain a bear suddenly appearing in the middle of a theme park.

Currently, he was in the main house, watching horror movies in the den, in costume, and giving out the candy to any trick-or-treaters that came knocking. It was the second year in a row that he’d done it and found it wasn’t quite the same as being on the other side of the door but he still took some enjoyment from the act. It was also disappointing to see so many of the same manufactured costumes rolling through. It seemed like most people didn’t have time to make things themselves anymore and simply chose from the racks at the big box stores.

A glance at the time explained why the knocks had petered off and Nocturne got up and peered out the large front window to see the street seemed to be pretty quiet now. Tomorrow he’d have to take down their decorations but they would be fine for one more night. He flicked a light switch and turned off the porch light—the official sign that they were either out of candy or done for the night and then turned his attention to cleaning up the room.

A check of his phone showed Lyric would be home soon so instead of turning off the movie and heading back to his little place above the studio that used to be the garage, Nocturne flopped back down on the couch to wait for her. He hated the thought of her ever coming home to a dark and empty house even though it would one day happen as she neared adulthood and a life of her own. Now that was the most terrifying thing of the season. He’d been her protector since the day she was born and soon he’d have to find a new job.

For now, he would continue to be her big brother that would tease her when she came in about being up past her bedtime before handing her a mug from the apple cider he’d made earlier in the day and had warming on the stove. The house smelled heavenly and inviting thanks to it. It would be a good way to end the night and apparently autumn as a whole as he knew the following day would bring about Christmas but he would get into that festive spirit at his own pace and went back to enjoying the current one.]]>
Going trick-or-treating was always fun. His dad did his best to be there for holidays and important events and Nocturne had many wonderful memories of the three of them celebrating each one. But going out wandering the neighbourhood and venturing out even further into the fancier ones that he told his dad gave out way more candy and even the full size chocolate bars was a treat in itself. They’d then go home with his hull that would be dumped out on the floor of the kitchen and he’d separate the treats into three bowls; chocolate, candy, and chips. His dad inspected everything to ensure they weren’t tampered with and Nocturne had snacks for his school lunches and after-school snacks to last him until nearly Christmas.

And then Lyric was born and when she was old enough to start her turn knocking on doors, Nocturne got to tag along even after he was too old to really be going out himself. Sometimes he had to be her chaperone because their mom had left them and their dad was out of town and sometimes he simply walked beside his dad, enjoying the moment and watching the joy his sister now got out of the experience. In either situation, he still always dressed up though he typically commissioned someone since his own sewing skills had been in the early stages of development at the time.

Now that Lyric was in high school and hit the unspoken agreement that that meant she was of an age that shouldn’t be going out, Nocturne didn’t have a reason to go out either. She either had parties to attend or tagged along with Cody’s family since he had little siblings. That left Nocturne alone again since their dad kept getting pulled into missions and Nocturne wasn’t always in the mood for crowds and parties even if the idea of a costumed random hook up held some appeal.

Although he did love haunted houses and mazes. They gave him a thrill as the exhilaration of artificial fear tried to grip him. There were plenty of things in the real world that scared him but such things as someone in a costume jumping out at him and the intense music or silence before the next scare were perfect. He knew it was all fake and allowed himself to give into a moment’s fear that always left him laughing and having a great time.

That was why he spent the day before at Canada’s Wonderland with Lyric and Cody, enjoying all they had to offer for their Halloween special that year. His two charges seemed to have had as much fun as he had though the way they kept clinging to each other and squealing was adorable. Mostly, he was thankful that Cody was old enough to control his shifting when his emotions spiked in the extreme one way or the other. He really didn’t want to explain a bear suddenly appearing in the middle of a theme park.

Currently, he was in the main house, watching horror movies in the den, in costume, and giving out the candy to any trick-or-treaters that came knocking. It was the second year in a row that he’d done it and found it wasn’t quite the same as being on the other side of the door but he still took some enjoyment from the act. It was also disappointing to see so many of the same manufactured costumes rolling through. It seemed like most people didn’t have time to make things themselves anymore and simply chose from the racks at the big box stores.

A glance at the time explained why the knocks had petered off and Nocturne got up and peered out the large front window to see the street seemed to be pretty quiet now. Tomorrow he’d have to take down their decorations but they would be fine for one more night. He flicked a light switch and turned off the porch light—the official sign that they were either out of candy or done for the night and then turned his attention to cleaning up the room.

A check of his phone showed Lyric would be home soon so instead of turning off the movie and heading back to his little place above the studio that used to be the garage, Nocturne flopped back down on the couch to wait for her. He hated the thought of her ever coming home to a dark and empty house even though it would one day happen as she neared adulthood and a life of her own. Now that was the most terrifying thing of the season. He’d been her protector since the day she was born and soon he’d have to find a new job.

For now, he would continue to be her big brother that would tease her when she came in about being up past her bedtime before handing her a mug from the apple cider he’d made earlier in the day and had warming on the stove. The house smelled heavenly and inviting thanks to it. It would be a good way to end the night and apparently autumn as a whole as he knew the following day would bring about Christmas but he would get into that festive spirit at his own pace and went back to enjoying the current one.]]> https://blood-ties.net/rp/showthread.php?tid=191 Mon, 18 Oct 2021 16:30:11 +0000 Persephone Miller]]> https://blood-ties.net/rp/showthread.php?tid=191
Finally, as she flopped back with a sigh of relief and a decision that she had worked out enough for at least four days, Percy pulled out her phone and saw she had a few missed messages. She replied quickly to her mom as parents always got top priority in her mind but completely ignored her friend when Asher's name caught her eye. With a smile she had his message open and laughed aloud at his question.

Have you ever been to The Dubois Annual Masquerade Ball?

Really? Her? At a fancy pants masquerade thrown by one of the richest people in the city? Yeah, okay. She hoisted her legs up to rest on the seat of the couch and sent the reply, wondering why Asher was asking. Maybe he was invited and was trying to get some more information on it before RSVPing. A part of her hoped he was going to ask her to go as his date but they'd really only exchanged flirty texts and Percy figured they were more likely to go for beers and hang out rather than dress to the nines. Not that she didn't think Asher wouldn't splurge on a fancy date as he definitely gave off the rich boy vibes and his clothes were of good quality.

His response interrupted her ponderings and Percy bit her lower lip in how to reply. She was now leaning toward the possibility of being asked but did she dare get her hopes up for it? She went for a sassy little joke instead. That depends on if someone I know asks me to go as his date and isn't simply passing along a job posting he heard about.

A wince met his reply. That had been a bit offensive, hadn't it? Damn it, she was out of practice with dating and dealing with men and their fragile egos in general. But Asher did seem to be a decent man and from what she knew of him so far, he really wouldn't pass along a job posting, especially with the way he had first brought up the topic. Still, she didn't apologise and instead stared at the words on her screen a bit longer.

"Gertie!" Percy called out for her roommate of sorts, smile stuck in place as she started a reply and then hesitated. When Gertrude still didn’t appear, Percy sighed and shouted again, “Gertrude! It’s about a boy!” Seconds later her live-in ghost appeared, standing by her head. It would have been an odd view if Gertrude wasn’t solid to her thanks to her abilities. Percy still wondered how many ghosts she had spoken with over the years without knowing it since they looked like everyone else; minus the clothing in some cases. Gertrude had died at age twenty in 1910 while hosting a small bridal shower two days before her wedding. It was out in the garden while they played croquet and her friend was now forever wearing a lovely ankle length lacy dress. It really suited her.

“It’s Gertie, bitch!” Gertrude announced herself with a pleased grin and Percy rolled her eyes. It seemed someone was in her Britney Spears mood again. Percy normally didn’t mind but that phrase was something she wished the popstar hadn’t uttered.

“Remember me telling you about Asher? He just asked me to go to a freaking ball with him!” Percy excitedly announced while sitting up and spinning around to see the ghost at a more appropriate angle.

“Oh! That is lovely! You accepted of course?”

She hadn’t hit send on the message yet, not wanting to seem too eager but she also didn’t want to make it seem like she was thinking too long and hard on it. Checking the time when Asher’s message was sent and the current time, Percy decided five minutes was perfect and hit send. Still no apology to be seen but she implied it would happen in person. “Just did. But I don’t know anything about it and I can only imagine how much a dress would cost for it. Do you think grandma would mind if I used some of the inheritance to buy the perfect dress for it?” She missed her grandma every single day but did her best to live a full life like she always wanted for her favourite granddaughter.

Gertrude giggled and waved off the fears before sitting daintily on the couch. Percy couldn’t figure out the logistics of ghosts interacting with objects since sometimes they could pass through something solid while other times they acted like they had mass like a human. “You know she wanted you to use it to live comfortably and to be happy. I think splurging on a dress for an important night and with an attractive man counts.” Of course she did. Gertrude was a bit boy crazy and Percy chalked that up to dying a virgin before she was wed since she figured she’d be a thirsty ghost in that situation.

“You will have to shop online, of course, so that I may assist you in finding the perfect dress.”

“We will definitely start there! We need to research as well; check out some photos from past events and get an idea of what we’re looking for.” Percy glanced at her phone again and saw another message come through and smiled again. Asher had never been either and that put her at ease. She would likely still be nervous at the Ball but at least she wouldn’t have to worry about floundering on her own.

Oh good, we can sink or swim together.
I think I have some shopping to do.

“Let me shower first and then we’ll start the hunt!” Percy laughed as Gertie squealed with excitement and vanished again, likely to go wait in the den where she was pretty sure she’d left the laptop the last time she used it.]]>
Finally, as she flopped back with a sigh of relief and a decision that she had worked out enough for at least four days, Percy pulled out her phone and saw she had a few missed messages. She replied quickly to her mom as parents always got top priority in her mind but completely ignored her friend when Asher's name caught her eye. With a smile she had his message open and laughed aloud at his question.

Have you ever been to The Dubois Annual Masquerade Ball?

Really? Her? At a fancy pants masquerade thrown by one of the richest people in the city? Yeah, okay. She hoisted her legs up to rest on the seat of the couch and sent the reply, wondering why Asher was asking. Maybe he was invited and was trying to get some more information on it before RSVPing. A part of her hoped he was going to ask her to go as his date but they'd really only exchanged flirty texts and Percy figured they were more likely to go for beers and hang out rather than dress to the nines. Not that she didn't think Asher wouldn't splurge on a fancy date as he definitely gave off the rich boy vibes and his clothes were of good quality.

His response interrupted her ponderings and Percy bit her lower lip in how to reply. She was now leaning toward the possibility of being asked but did she dare get her hopes up for it? She went for a sassy little joke instead. That depends on if someone I know asks me to go as his date and isn't simply passing along a job posting he heard about.

A wince met his reply. That had been a bit offensive, hadn't it? Damn it, she was out of practice with dating and dealing with men and their fragile egos in general. But Asher did seem to be a decent man and from what she knew of him so far, he really wouldn't pass along a job posting, especially with the way he had first brought up the topic. Still, she didn't apologise and instead stared at the words on her screen a bit longer.

"Gertie!" Percy called out for her roommate of sorts, smile stuck in place as she started a reply and then hesitated. When Gertrude still didn’t appear, Percy sighed and shouted again, “Gertrude! It’s about a boy!” Seconds later her live-in ghost appeared, standing by her head. It would have been an odd view if Gertrude wasn’t solid to her thanks to her abilities. Percy still wondered how many ghosts she had spoken with over the years without knowing it since they looked like everyone else; minus the clothing in some cases. Gertrude had died at age twenty in 1910 while hosting a small bridal shower two days before her wedding. It was out in the garden while they played croquet and her friend was now forever wearing a lovely ankle length lacy dress. It really suited her.

“It’s Gertie, bitch!” Gertrude announced herself with a pleased grin and Percy rolled her eyes. It seemed someone was in her Britney Spears mood again. Percy normally didn’t mind but that phrase was something she wished the popstar hadn’t uttered.

“Remember me telling you about Asher? He just asked me to go to a freaking ball with him!” Percy excitedly announced while sitting up and spinning around to see the ghost at a more appropriate angle.

“Oh! That is lovely! You accepted of course?”

She hadn’t hit send on the message yet, not wanting to seem too eager but she also didn’t want to make it seem like she was thinking too long and hard on it. Checking the time when Asher’s message was sent and the current time, Percy decided five minutes was perfect and hit send. Still no apology to be seen but she implied it would happen in person. “Just did. But I don’t know anything about it and I can only imagine how much a dress would cost for it. Do you think grandma would mind if I used some of the inheritance to buy the perfect dress for it?” She missed her grandma every single day but did her best to live a full life like she always wanted for her favourite granddaughter.

Gertrude giggled and waved off the fears before sitting daintily on the couch. Percy couldn’t figure out the logistics of ghosts interacting with objects since sometimes they could pass through something solid while other times they acted like they had mass like a human. “You know she wanted you to use it to live comfortably and to be happy. I think splurging on a dress for an important night and with an attractive man counts.” Of course she did. Gertrude was a bit boy crazy and Percy chalked that up to dying a virgin before she was wed since she figured she’d be a thirsty ghost in that situation.

“You will have to shop online, of course, so that I may assist you in finding the perfect dress.”

“We will definitely start there! We need to research as well; check out some photos from past events and get an idea of what we’re looking for.” Percy glanced at her phone again and saw another message come through and smiled again. Asher had never been either and that put her at ease. She would likely still be nervous at the Ball but at least she wouldn’t have to worry about floundering on her own.

Oh good, we can sink or swim together.
I think I have some shopping to do.

“Let me shower first and then we’ll start the hunt!” Percy laughed as Gertie squealed with excitement and vanished again, likely to go wait in the den where she was pretty sure she’d left the laptop the last time she used it.]]> https://blood-ties.net/rp/showthread.php?tid=184 Thu, 14 Oct 2021 07:34:24 +0000 Nocturne Jackson]]> https://blood-ties.net/rp/showthread.php?tid=184
His lessons also helped to keep them fed. With their mom gone and their dad busy with work even when he was stationed in town, they were left to their own devices. He may have moved into his own place above the studio when they converted the garage several years ago but it didn't have a kitchen so the one in the main house was still his domain and Nocturne was always relaxed in it. He had memories of his mom cooking and how she would sing as she whipped together a meal or how he sometimes tried to help, but they seemed so distant now that they almost belonged to another. Maybe they weren't his. Maybe they were from an old family sitcom.

It didn't matter; this was his kitchen now and filled with overpriced gadgets to help him create things that Lyric would not only love but would fit into her dietary plan the dance school insisted was good for her. Nocturne had his suspicions about some of it and took the plan to their doctor and all seemed to check out. He would have had no problems murdering someone if they inadvertently harmed his sister.

It was early afternoon on the Sunday before Thanksgiving which of course meant more memories were trying to ruin his day. Holidays were weird with mom gone as everyone tried to pretend things were normal, especially the early years when it was still fresh and perhaps some hope lingered. But she wasn't coming back and neither was a piece of their dad that died when she left. The three of them started making new traditions and it didn't hurt as much or at all but memories were a bitch. Nocturne turned up the music to help drown them out as he focused on the lyrics he only knew from reading translations. A girl he had dated was into Japanese rock and Nocturne found a lot of the bands she liked were damn good as Luna Sea blasting from his laptop showed.

His preparations for his contribution for dinner were almost done. Pops had been sent out of town to some problem that required the best and a lot of mage power so they were on their own again. It didn't happen regularly but often enough that Cody's family started to invite them to join their celebrations. At first Noct tried to just let Lyric go but he quickly learned how intimidating four adult bears were, even in human form. The little teins were also clingy and had already perfected the pouty look. And Cody... the brat used his own nicknames against him by stating Pooh and Piglet couldn't have a family dinner without Tigger. So resisting really wasn't an option anymore.

But they couldn't stop him from bringing some dishes as a way of thanking them for their hospitality. It was also a way to ensure he and Lyric got a proper meal, not that he had to worry with the Parks. They always cooked a lot of food with a large variety but it still made Nocturne feel like he wasn't entirely crashing the party.

A peek in the oven confirmed the extra two minutes was exactly what the stuffed acorn squash needed and Noct pulled the trays out and set them cool enough to be packaged up for transport. They would only need a fee minutes in the oven to reheat and add the final crisping the top needed.

He turned his music down before giving the pumpkin soup a stir. "Twenty minute warning, Lyric! I don't care if he's your friend. I'll leave you behind with a PB sandwich." They both knew he wasn't serious but one day he could very well shock them both and follow through with it.

A nod of approval was given as a taste test of the soup was had. It was a new recipe and he had tripled it to make enough for eight bears and two humans as speaking with mama bear had assured him they would all love to try his soup for a starting course. He was bringing a few extra servings of the squash as well but that dish was mostly for Lyric and him.

All that was left was to feed his cats, change, and bundle up the food before heading to the Jeep where Lyric would drive as it was a nice enough day out. As he went through those tasks, Kagrra now singing him on, Nocturne realised he was smiling as he was about to make new more memories of holidays. Ones that he could look back on without guilt, longing, or even hatred.

"I'm getting the peanut butter out!" Nocturne called out when he came back into the main house and heard Lyric still rummaging around upstairs. Teasing his little sister would always have to be a part of every holiday tradition.]]>
His lessons also helped to keep them fed. With their mom gone and their dad busy with work even when he was stationed in town, they were left to their own devices. He may have moved into his own place above the studio when they converted the garage several years ago but it didn't have a kitchen so the one in the main house was still his domain and Nocturne was always relaxed in it. He had memories of his mom cooking and how she would sing as she whipped together a meal or how he sometimes tried to help, but they seemed so distant now that they almost belonged to another. Maybe they weren't his. Maybe they were from an old family sitcom.

It didn't matter; this was his kitchen now and filled with overpriced gadgets to help him create things that Lyric would not only love but would fit into her dietary plan the dance school insisted was good for her. Nocturne had his suspicions about some of it and took the plan to their doctor and all seemed to check out. He would have had no problems murdering someone if they inadvertently harmed his sister.

It was early afternoon on the Sunday before Thanksgiving which of course meant more memories were trying to ruin his day. Holidays were weird with mom gone as everyone tried to pretend things were normal, especially the early years when it was still fresh and perhaps some hope lingered. But she wasn't coming back and neither was a piece of their dad that died when she left. The three of them started making new traditions and it didn't hurt as much or at all but memories were a bitch. Nocturne turned up the music to help drown them out as he focused on the lyrics he only knew from reading translations. A girl he had dated was into Japanese rock and Nocturne found a lot of the bands she liked were damn good as Luna Sea blasting from his laptop showed.

His preparations for his contribution for dinner were almost done. Pops had been sent out of town to some problem that required the best and a lot of mage power so they were on their own again. It didn't happen regularly but often enough that Cody's family started to invite them to join their celebrations. At first Noct tried to just let Lyric go but he quickly learned how intimidating four adult bears were, even in human form. The little teins were also clingy and had already perfected the pouty look. And Cody... the brat used his own nicknames against him by stating Pooh and Piglet couldn't have a family dinner without Tigger. So resisting really wasn't an option anymore.

But they couldn't stop him from bringing some dishes as a way of thanking them for their hospitality. It was also a way to ensure he and Lyric got a proper meal, not that he had to worry with the Parks. They always cooked a lot of food with a large variety but it still made Nocturne feel like he wasn't entirely crashing the party.

A peek in the oven confirmed the extra two minutes was exactly what the stuffed acorn squash needed and Noct pulled the trays out and set them cool enough to be packaged up for transport. They would only need a fee minutes in the oven to reheat and add the final crisping the top needed.

He turned his music down before giving the pumpkin soup a stir. "Twenty minute warning, Lyric! I don't care if he's your friend. I'll leave you behind with a PB sandwich." They both knew he wasn't serious but one day he could very well shock them both and follow through with it.

A nod of approval was given as a taste test of the soup was had. It was a new recipe and he had tripled it to make enough for eight bears and two humans as speaking with mama bear had assured him they would all love to try his soup for a starting course. He was bringing a few extra servings of the squash as well but that dish was mostly for Lyric and him.

All that was left was to feed his cats, change, and bundle up the food before heading to the Jeep where Lyric would drive as it was a nice enough day out. As he went through those tasks, Kagrra now singing him on, Nocturne realised he was smiling as he was about to make new more memories of holidays. Ones that he could look back on without guilt, longing, or even hatred.

"I'm getting the peanut butter out!" Nocturne called out when he came back into the main house and heard Lyric still rummaging around upstairs. Teasing his little sister would always have to be a part of every holiday tradition.]]> https://blood-ties.net/rp/showthread.php?tid=114 Wed, 25 Aug 2021 01:59:34 +0000 Nocturne Jackson]]> https://blood-ties.net/rp/showthread.php?tid=114
When it was his turn at the counter, Nocturne pulled out the cash he wanted to add, had his phone scanned, and then placed the two drink order before scanning the card app once more. He moved down to the waiting area and tossed his sister a quick text to say he would be there soon so she would be ready at the door. He had never missed one of her shows and even sat in on the occasional open practice but Nocturne tried to avoid loitering in the halls as Lyric’s classmates liked to chat him up. Sometimes it was amusing but he tried his best not to encourage it and preferred Lyric dashing out as soon as he pulled up.

As he tucked his phone back into his pocket, Nocturne felt like he was being watched and caught the barista making Lyric’s frappucino glancing continuously at him. What was her problem? He was fairly certain he didn’t know her and recognized her as one of the girls that sometimes worked when he came in but that was it. Strange but as long as she made the drinks right, he didn’t care how much she ogled him.]]>
When it was his turn at the counter, Nocturne pulled out the cash he wanted to add, had his phone scanned, and then placed the two drink order before scanning the card app once more. He moved down to the waiting area and tossed his sister a quick text to say he would be there soon so she would be ready at the door. He had never missed one of her shows and even sat in on the occasional open practice but Nocturne tried to avoid loitering in the halls as Lyric’s classmates liked to chat him up. Sometimes it was amusing but he tried his best not to encourage it and preferred Lyric dashing out as soon as he pulled up.

As he tucked his phone back into his pocket, Nocturne felt like he was being watched and caught the barista making Lyric’s frappucino glancing continuously at him. What was her problem? He was fairly certain he didn’t know her and recognized her as one of the girls that sometimes worked when he came in but that was it. Strange but as long as she made the drinks right, he didn’t care how much she ogled him.]]> https://blood-ties.net/rp/showthread.php?tid=85 Tue, 03 Aug 2021 11:59:57 +0000 Lyric Jackson]]> https://blood-ties.net/rp/showthread.php?tid=85
The interruption was much welcomed, but it didn’t take long for Lyric to bring up the subject of her disagreeable numbers, and while Chance had been modest and denied having any skills in the subject, he had been able to help her figure out what she was doing wrong, and get the answer she needed. Lyric was pretty pleased with herself and Chance, and even sent an excited text to Cody to show off the equation and the answer, pleased and delighted when she got back a happy response. She’d only been putting off the damned subject since she got it, but was pleased it was almost complete now. Still one chapter to go, but Lyric felt like she’d done enough for one night.

Packing everything up, Lyric was still exchanging texts with Chance, which included asking if the wanted to meet up, if he was free to, and hang out for a little bit. There was a park nearby that grew lots of daisies and had the best swing set! Lyric mentioned it was where she had met her longest and best friend, which obviously made the park lucky; it would be an excellent spot to cement their week of late night texting and general chatter.

Changing into leggings and a cute tee shirt with flowers on it, Lyric grabbed a small handbag she carried with her when she went out and about. Besides being convenient for holding her phone and purse, it also secreted away a small collection of protective items she could use in case of an emergency. Not that Lyric went hunting for trouble like her brother and Papa, but they insisted she carry it with her to keep her safe. Silly overprotective wonderful people, her brother and Papa.

“I’ll be back soon!” Was all the warning either man got that Lyric was going to out before she was out, the door clicking closed behind her and she checked her purse to make sure her house key was in there safe and sound where she’d left it; it was. Lyric made her way with confidence from home to the park that wasn’t far away, where she had first met Cody all those years ago. Okay, so not that many, but between the pair of them they had a lot of years to enjoy each other’s company! Smiling at the thought, Lyrics came in through the far end of the park and glanced around. There were large lights set around the park, to illuminate it for the local kids so they didn’t have to go home just because it was dark. Lyric loved it. She sent Chance another text, letting him know she’d arrived at the park.

Lyric made a beeline for the area where the small garden was kept, and brushed her fingers along the tops of the flowers, infusing a very small amount of magic into her touch; it brightened the flowers a little, made them stand a little taller and smell a little sweeter. Smiling to herself, Lyric found the patch of daisies - they were blooming by the score, and she sat down next to them, crossing her legs and carefully plucking one flower and stem from the thick of the pack, then another, as she fashioned a daisy chain that would fit on her head.]]>
The interruption was much welcomed, but it didn’t take long for Lyric to bring up the subject of her disagreeable numbers, and while Chance had been modest and denied having any skills in the subject, he had been able to help her figure out what she was doing wrong, and get the answer she needed. Lyric was pretty pleased with herself and Chance, and even sent an excited text to Cody to show off the equation and the answer, pleased and delighted when she got back a happy response. She’d only been putting off the damned subject since she got it, but was pleased it was almost complete now. Still one chapter to go, but Lyric felt like she’d done enough for one night.

Packing everything up, Lyric was still exchanging texts with Chance, which included asking if the wanted to meet up, if he was free to, and hang out for a little bit. There was a park nearby that grew lots of daisies and had the best swing set! Lyric mentioned it was where she had met her longest and best friend, which obviously made the park lucky; it would be an excellent spot to cement their week of late night texting and general chatter.

Changing into leggings and a cute tee shirt with flowers on it, Lyric grabbed a small handbag she carried with her when she went out and about. Besides being convenient for holding her phone and purse, it also secreted away a small collection of protective items she could use in case of an emergency. Not that Lyric went hunting for trouble like her brother and Papa, but they insisted she carry it with her to keep her safe. Silly overprotective wonderful people, her brother and Papa.

“I’ll be back soon!” Was all the warning either man got that Lyric was going to out before she was out, the door clicking closed behind her and she checked her purse to make sure her house key was in there safe and sound where she’d left it; it was. Lyric made her way with confidence from home to the park that wasn’t far away, where she had first met Cody all those years ago. Okay, so not that many, but between the pair of them they had a lot of years to enjoy each other’s company! Smiling at the thought, Lyrics came in through the far end of the park and glanced around. There were large lights set around the park, to illuminate it for the local kids so they didn’t have to go home just because it was dark. Lyric loved it. She sent Chance another text, letting him know she’d arrived at the park.

Lyric made a beeline for the area where the small garden was kept, and brushed her fingers along the tops of the flowers, infusing a very small amount of magic into her touch; it brightened the flowers a little, made them stand a little taller and smell a little sweeter. Smiling to herself, Lyric found the patch of daisies - they were blooming by the score, and she sat down next to them, crossing her legs and carefully plucking one flower and stem from the thick of the pack, then another, as she fashioned a daisy chain that would fit on her head.]]>