Happy Ghost Swap @cherryflavdluv!! Of course they’re friends! ✨
[Ghost Trick, Jowd/Cabanela] Old bridges
Sometimes the past weighs on Cabanela too. [technically FFVI AU but reads like a no-reset scenario]
Happy Ghost Swap @siverwrites dearest!!! Some good old-fashioned comfort for our whitecoat...
[Ghost Trick, Cabanela & Jowd] Coffee break blues
Sometimes a love language is being stubborn in your general proximity and hoping it sticks.
Happy Ghost Swap dear @yunalystelle! Cabanela lightening Jowd’s mood, coming up!
“I’m still not sure… She told me about the time travel, but…” There was still an issue there. He didn’t know the details of it or if it would even work in his case. Plus, there was also his confusing feelings for the werewolf girl.
“Not sure I want to go that path. Of course I want to feel alive again, have a normal life… But I just don’t know yet. I guess I’ll just have to keep looking for the solution.”
Not that he would tell everything to the inspector. The only one he truly trusted was Seluna and he was sure that she could help him find a solution to his “curse” without having to sacrifice everything.
“But there are pitfalls there, tryin’ to retroengineer it.”
“...do you? Normal lives, maaan... they’ve got pros and cons. Anyhoot. Nothin’ wrong with lookin’ into things.”
Of course he wants to feel alive again. Huh. What do you know, maybe he’s right.
“I’ve…never been tortured,” she says slowly. “So please understand that I’m not…trying to make light of what happened. Making light is, as always, your job.” A weak smile there, but she continues.
“Yes, no one can hurt you here,” she takes his hand, tracing her fingers up his, “or here,” moving to his face, “or…anywhere else on your body that’s a literal injury. And gods know I don’t want you to be vulnerable to that pain any more than you do.” She places her hand on his chest, over his heart. No beat. No breath. But it’s the symbolism here that matters anyway. “But this, here, can still be broken.” She draws her hand up and taps her finger on his forehead. “You depriving yourself of pleasure is destroying you just as tidily as anyone who ever took a knife to you.”
The bile rises in her at someone hurting him that way, and the fury she rarely shows rises in her at this thought. “They want to take you from us any way they can, and they’ve already started, by letting you do their work for them. In a way they’ve already won! How many times have you wanted to kiss Jowd this year? Or dance with me until we’re both laughing too hard to speak? Do you remember what it was like to eat and drink with us? To feel our hands in yours? Is the fire you gained worth the fire you lost?”
She turns away and bows her head. “A mere year in this state has brought you to the point of asking me for clarity. What will ten years look like? A hundred? Jowd and I will do anything to keep you safe with us, but we aren’t eternal. Eventually we’ll be gone and those who want to hurt us will have won whether you see that now or not. When that day comes… Sissel will still be Sissel because that’s who he knows how to be. He doesn’t know what it was like to be a Cabanela, with all that entails. But you do.. and you won’t be him anymore. You won’t even remember him.”
When was the last time he even thought about kissing? Dancing, yes, on his own, experimenting with guiding his body in new, impossible ways. New pleasures that can’t be shared. But kissing... first it had been a convenient reprieve from the constant, forbidden yearning that used to be the background noise of his friendship with them. Then things changed and at first it was almost fun to see the tables turn and let them desire him for a day, a week, a month, what’s a little tease, they’d have their payoff eventually... and then it didn’t cross his mind at all.
“I should be wanting to kiss you right now,” he admits. “I love you alright. I know that hasn’t changed. It never will. But there was a part to it that just ain’t there now.”
There is some very fake, very pointed blinking as he grapples with the fact that at least two people see him better than he can see himself. That this one change is undeniable and she says there’s more where that came from, even though he didn’t feel himself changing, day after unending day. To trust them now, from this position of safety and power, feels like jumping off a very tall building, with no ground in sight.
He remains silent. This usually either means he’s candidly admitting a defeat so thorough that it doesn’t warrant a response, or that he’s about to do something very stubborn and generally unadvisable and doesn’t want to be talked out of it. In this case, for the record, it’s the former.
“...thanks for that boiling rage, by the way. That’s beautiful, that intensity. I’ll cherish it.”
It’s the most human response he could have given and to hear it from his mouth is honestly such a relief that Alma has to give out the tiniest gasp. He gives and gives, all to keep others safe. All to keep judging eyes off his own internal terrors. He’s a hero and sometimes that means that, well…he’s just a little bit of a fool. Her heart is breaking that this dear, brave, beautiful soul is so strong and yet so brittle. She aches to hold him, to reassure him, but:
“You’re the bravest person I’ve ever met,” she says. “Brave enough to torture yourself for an entire year (and apparently five years some other when). Tell me, how is self-imposed mental torture for one of the most intelligent people I know any better, in the end, than physical torture?”
Before he can answer, she adds, “And you’ve added physical torture–sensory deprivation too. So you’re voluntarily subjecting yourself to two types of torture to save yourself from one? Dearest, I know you like a bargain, but this particular BOGO seems like a terrible deal.”
Her tone is flippant but she is absolutely serious. “You’re not a coward. Jowd and I have loved you and will love you whatever your choice, but please. Stop torturing yourself, because to see you in this pain is torture for us too.”
“Yes, oh yes it is,” he answers, a bit too hastily, as if to cover up an old wound. “Nobody can take a knife to me now. Nobody. I’ll melt it off their hands, too. No more.”
There’s a gallery of old wounds, really, flaring up again through the blessed fog of his current detachment. But he has been listening, too, to all her arguments. And he slowly raises an eyebrow as the realization hits, like a dog who is just now starting to see that the room is in fact on fire.
“...is this what it looks like to you? Pain? Torture? I don’t... feel... in pain.” One could even say he’s not feeling much of anything, compared to what he used to, but who remembers that after a year! And anyway! The cat is fine, and what’s fine for the cat is fine for humans, right?
He's such a little gentleman
ah yes i was looking for a soap dispenser labeled “ketchup” with a picture of grapes
I really want this bottle in my bathroom. I’d place it next to matching decorative soaps and towels as if it seems like it fits, but I’ll actually fill the thing up with ketchup. So when I have guests over and they decide to use the bathroom, they will see this bottle and have a moment of cognitive dissonance, “This [Soap Bottle] in the [Bathroom] is labelled [Ketchup], so surely it must dispense [Soap] instead of [Ketchup] despite the label saying [Ketchup] right?” and then let them have a moment of realization followed by abject horror as they pump viscous ketchup all over their hands instead of soap
I might not be the right one It might not be the right time But there’s something about us I’ve got to do Some kind of secret I will share with you
I need you more than anything in my life I want you more than anything in my life I’ll miss you more than anyone in my life I love you more than anyone in my life
“I have a promisse I intend on keeping. Plus no one came to disturb me.” There was the other inspector, the one with the black coat, but he wouldn’t mention that for now. Plus, that didn’t go too far, so it wasn’t worth it.
“I’ve been occupying myself in trying to search for an alternative. A way to bring Sissel back from the dead kinda thing. That or another way to make myself a new life. I already know Sith and his people are bad news, thanks to Seluna.”
“That’s a head start.”
Keep it calm and reasonable, Cabanela, tone down the anger AND the sparkles, there’s a whole timeline at stake here. Oh this is so much easier without nasty neurons firin’ up all their nonsense.
“So between necromancy and time travel, what’s lookin’ viable?”
Well, I would definitely not refuse a handsome man like you to join me in bed.
“And on any other year, baby, I’d join you in a whiff. As iiis, no offense if I stick to theoretical answers on internet memes? You’re definitely one of the celebrities I’d have a threesome with. Or even kick the third fella off the bed for some privacy.”
So much has changed! He doesn’t know where Alma and Jowd stand on friends with benefits and the likes, he hasn’t sorted out where he stands on such topics while navigating a relationship that’s all-important, new and uncharted, aaand also he’s dead so that tends to put a hamper on things.
The Inspector was beeing too nice, which was suspicious, but if he wasn’t showing hostility, there was no need to be hostile either.
“Well, I haven’t killed or harassed anyone.”
“This time of the year is not good for me. Lots of awful memories… The spooky atmosphere doesn’t help either, so I’ve just been sad and brooding as usual.”
“Thaaat’s good to hear.”
“The ‘not killed or harassed anyone’ part, I meeean. Not the rest. Consider findin’ some insular group of Christmas enthusiasts to hang out with, the ones that start with the tinsel in late August.”
@nooothinglikeme said: Hey, Shaaard?
He’s too tired to start an argument so he just shrugs and greets the Inspector.
“Ah, it’s… you. Yes? What do you want?”
Just checkin’, juuust checkin’.
How’s this October been treatin’ you?
32. Which celebrities would you have a threesome with?
Billie Holiday and Fre-wait, is that a trick queeestion?
“Wait, these are actually hella cute questions.”
—
1. Who was the last person you held hands with? 2. Are you outgoing or shy? 3. Who are you looking forward to seeing? 4. Are you easy to get along with? 5. If you were drunk would the person you like take care of you? 6. What kind of people are you attracted to? 7. Do you think you’ll be in a relationship two months from now? 8. Who from the opposite gender is on your mind? 9. Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable? 10. Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with? 11. What does the most recent text that you sent say? 12. What are your 5 favorite songs right now? 13. Do you like it when people play with your hair? 14. Do you believe in luck and miracles? 15. What good thing happened this summer? 16. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? 17. Do you think there is life on other planets? 18. Do you still talk to your first crush? 19. Do you like bubble baths? 20. Do you like your neighbors? 21. What are you bad habits? 22. Where would you like to travel? 23. Do you have trust issues? 24. Favorite part of your daily routine? 25. What part of your body are you most uncomfortable with? 26. What do you do when you wake up? 27. Do you wish your skin was lighter or darker? 28. Who are you most comfortable around? 29. Have any of your ex’s told you they regret breaking up? 30. Do you ever want to get married? 31. Is your hair long enough for a pony tail? 32. Which celebrities would you have a threesome with? 33. Spell your name with your chin. 34. Do you play sports? What sports? 35. Would you rather live without TV or music? 36. Have you ever liked someone and never told them? 37. What do you say during awkward silences? 38. Describe your dream girl/guy? 39. What are your favorite stores to shop in? 40. What do you want to do after high school? 41. Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance? 42. If your being extremely quiet what does it mean? 43. Do you smile at strangers? 44. Trip to outer space or bottom of the ocean? 45. What makes you get out of bed in the morning? 46. What are you paranoid about? 47. Have you ever been high? 48. Have you ever been drunk? 49. Have you done anything recently that you hope nobody finds out about? 50. What was the colour of the last hoodie you wore? 51. Ever wished you were someone else? 52. One thing you wish you could change about yourself? 53. Favourite makeup brand? 54. Favourite store? 55. Favourite blog? 56. Favourite colour? 57. Favourite food? 58. Last thing you ate? 59. First thing you ate this morning? 60. Ever won a competition? For what? 61. Been suspended/expelled? For what? 62. Been arrested? For what? 63. Ever been in love? 64. Tell us the story of your first kiss? 65. Are you hungry right now? 66. Do you like your tumblr friends more than your real friends? 67. Facebook or Twitter? 68. Twitter or Tumblr? 69. Are you watching tv right now? 70. Names of your bestfriends? 71. Craving something? What? 72. What colour are your towels? 72. How many pillows do you sleep with? 73. Do you sleep with stuffed animals? 74. How many stuffed animals do you think you have? 75. Favourite animal? 76. What colour is your underwear? 77. Chocolate or Vanilla? 78. Favourite ice cream flavour? 79. What colour shirt are you wearing? 80. What colour pants? 81. Favourite tv show? 82. Favourite movie? 83. Mean Girls or Mean Girls 2? 84. Mean Girls or 21 Jump Street? 85. Favourite character from Mean Girls? 86. Favourite character from Finding Nemo? 87. First person you talked to today? 88. Last person you talked to today? 89. Name a person you hate? 90. Name a person you love? 91. Is there anyone you want to punch in the face right now? 92. In a fight with someone? 93. How many sweatpants do you have? 94. How many sweaters/hoodies do you have? 95. Last movie you watched? 96. Favourite actress? 97. Favourite actor? 98. Do you tan a lot? 99. Have any pets? 100. How are you feeling? 101. Do you type fast? 102. Do you regret anything from your past? 103. Can you spell well? 104. Do you miss anyone from your past? 105. Ever been to a bonfire party? 106. Ever broken someone’s heart? 107. Have you ever been on a horse? 108. What should you be doing? 109. Is something irritating you right now? 110. Have you ever liked someone so much it hurt? 111. Do you have trust issues? 112. Who was the last person you cried in front of? 113. What was your childhood nickname? 114. Have you ever been out of your province/state? 115. Do you play the Wii? 116. Are you listening to music right now? 117. Do you like chicken noodle soup? 118. Do you like Chinese food? 119. Favourite book? 120. Are you afraid of the dark? 121. Are you mean? 122. Is cheating ever okay? 123. Can you keep white shoes clean? 124. Do you believe in love at first sight? 125. Do you believe in true love? 126. Are you currently bored? 127. What makes you happy? 128. Would you change your name? 129. What your zodiac sign? 130. Do you like subway? 131. Your bestfriend of the opposite sex likes you, what do you do? 132. Who’s the last person you had a deep conversation with? 133. Favourite lyrics right now? 134. Can you count to one million? 135. Dumbest lie you ever told? 136. Do you sleep with your doors open or closed? 137. How tall are you? 138. Curly or Straight hair? 139. Brunette or Blonde? 140. Summer or Winter? 141. Night or Day? 142. Favourite month? 143. Are you a vegetarian? 144. Dark, milk or white chocolate? 145. Tea or Coffee? 146. Was today a good day? 147. Mars or Snickers? 148. What’s your favourite quote? 149. Do you believe in ghosts? 150. Get the closest book next to you, open it to page 42, what’s the first line on that page? (via tchitsnathan)
These are really good. Drop a number or a few in my inbox :)
HAVE AT THEE!!!!!! Also please include the question, thank you
Ray was a bit touched by how much care cabanela was holding him. He hasn’t been held this way… in a very, very long time.. “…” He goes quiet for a moment, taking in the joys of such a small action. Finally letting his weary ‘bones’ relax as he’s held.
It’s nice.
He does snap back to himself when Cabanela spoke again. “That sounds wonderful my friend.. I’m terribly sorry for the trouble again!” He spoke, a hint of guilt in his voice. However he doesn’t dwell on it long as he receives a few gentle pats on his head.
Oh god he could cry right now!
“Oh? Who would that be?”
“My bestest friend in the whooole wide world has got the smartest daughter!"
Having found a comfortable position for holding the lamp, Cabanela trots along at a good pace. He thinks he can feel the old ghost relax, so he’s generous with the ‘head’ pats.
“She can build a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g, I’m sure she can patch you up!”
He doesn’t know. If somebody sat him down and nudged him toward connecting the dots of the tales he’s heard of who Ray was and how Kamila lived in the other timeline, sure, he could probably suspect a connection. As is, he’s got a gazillion more pressing things on his mind and didn’t sweat the details...