callofthxvoid

[callofthxvoid]

Marisol looked up and scowled when they flicked her on the forehead before sticking her tongue out at them. "Be nice, Gizmo," she replied petulantly. "He's been nothing but a perfect gentleman. Arguably more so than any of the boys that go to my actual school." The genuine curiosity in their voice caused her to smile as she nodded. "I'm a little nervous," she admitted, hesitating before reaching out to pull her brother into a tight hug. "Thank you for helping with the dress. You know I love you the most, right? Even when you're being annoying. I... I know you're just looking out for me."

"That's he's a walking hazard, trips over your dress and takes you both out in one go," Mo grumbled, though his lips twitched as he resisted the urge to smile. Making a face they brought their hand up and flicked her on the forehead, "I can't deage him but I can make him shorter, don't start with me," they said shaking their head. Giving her one last look over he stepped back fully, "Well at least one of you is going to look good tonight," he'd probably riled her up enough at this point. "You nervous?" he asked genuinely giving her a curious look.

#interactions: marisol #marisol: mo #event: art festival #marisol: art festival

[callofthxvoid]

Scarlette smiled softly at her dad when he kissed the side of her head before letting go and taking a step back. "Well, for what it's worth, I do hope you work it out," she said, the words coming out of her mouth reluctantly but sincerely. She shrugged. "But hey, if it doesn't pan out, you can always steal your co-star from her boyfriend. I'm sure she would be down." She laughed and held up her hands. "I'm kidding! Don't do that."

"I never sat still before you were born either." He said with a smile then gave her a squeeze, holding onto her a little longer before kissing the side of her head and letting her go, she had grown into an amazing woman in such a short space of time, he couldn't help but feel proud of her. Joey sighed and shrugged his shoulders. "Eventually, yeah. We just have to keep working at it."

#interactions: scarlette #scarlette: joey #event: art festival #scarlette: art festival #art festival: pre plot drop

[callofthxvoid]

Yvette rolled her eyes but quickly fell into step with him. "Well, this isn't that scary, is it?" she asked with a grin, shuffling a little closer to rest her head against him as they moved on the dance floor. After a moment, she pulled back to look at him. "I love you."

"Okay, you were right," Yvette admitted once the initial chaos had simmered down and people were starting to settle in for the evening. "We should have stayed at home."

Louis wasn't expecting her to want to dance right this second so he had to down his whole glass, set it down then let her pull him towards the dance floor. "Well now you say that, I might chicken out right now." He sighed all dramatically then started to dance with her, he wasn't the best at it but he could at least get into the groove.

#interactions: yvette #yvette: louis #event: art festival #yvette: art festival #art festival: post plot drop

[callofthxvoid]

Georgie wanted to believe him. She really did. She told herself that it was fine, even if everything in her was screaming at her to leave, to go find her siblings, their parents... Looking out the window, she let out an audible gasp when she saw what was going on outside, blinking several times to make sure that she wasn't hallucinating. "Yag," she said, gripping his arm as she glanced back at him. There was a look of determination on her face when she saw where his attention was focused. "Come on," she added, nudging him to follow her as she started making her way to Sutton and Sora.

"That's what you think," Jäger pointed, but nodded. "No immediate throwing of the affections, got it. Noted."

He had been trying to convince himself it was nothing - but Georgie moving closer made it very hard. "Probably nothing; this town does weird shit all the time, you know?" His eyes locked on Sutton - she wasn't even that far away from him, but it was comforting to see her. "I - maybe just a weird tremor?"

#interactions: georgie #georgie: jäger #event: art festival #georgie: art festival #art festival: post plot drop

[callofthxvoid]

Karma squeezed Finch's hand back instinctively, feeling her own panic start to set in before watching Jovi climb up on the bar—a soft sigh of relief leaving her lips when she said that she could see Neptune. When her friend gasped, she looked out the window and managed to catch the tail end of what looked like torrential rainfall, picking up the roaring sound of water in the distance, except... That felt like an extreme difference in weather from what they had been experiencing that day. She looked back at Jovi and nodded. "Yeah, please, get him to come over here," she said, shuffling closer to Finch.

"Don't threaten me with a good time," Jovi grinned, about to actually take Karma up on the offer when the shaking began. She paused, surveying the room for a moment before looking back at Karma. Finch had already reached out to grip Karma's hand hard, and Jovi wasted little time as she climbed up on the bar, staying on her knees but popping up above the crowd like a lemming.

"Blond buff baby man - yeah, I can see him from here." Jovi reported, letting out a gasp as it seemed like it started raining. "It didn't look like rain..." she murmured, but looked back down at Karma. "Need me to shout at him to haul his buff ass over here? I think I can probably catch his attention before this entire hall erupts in chaos."

#interactions: karma #karma: jovi #event: art festival #karma: art festival #art festival: post plot drop

[callofthxvoid]

Vero let out a loud laugh at his protest. "Okay, yeah, maybe that was a bit too casual, but your reaction was worth it," she replied with a wide grin, before her expression softened when talking about Lia. "She was already pregnant when we met, but she's doing it with a friend of hers, like, co-parenting? I haven't been that involved, but I did get the heads up when she went into labour, so I was able to be there for that." She smiled. "She also has a daughter named Juniper whom I adore. And yes, I do realise that the whole kids thing isn't something I've ever expressed interest in, but..."

"I cannot believe how casually you just dropped the fact that you had a girlfriend in the same sentence of saying she had babies," Pyotr protested, rolling his eyes. "I know you like to act all cool and collected but just acting so casual like oh yeah my pregnant girlfriend by the way!" He was grinning despite riffing into her. "I'm happy for you - I know you have feelings even after you bury them so deep down. Have you been like... part of that? The baby thing?"

#interactions: vero #vero: pyotr #event: art festival #vero: art festival #art festival: pre plot drop

[callofthxvoid]

Karma curled up a little closer when she heard the tone in Finch's voice. She wouldn't necessarily classify herself as doing fine at the moment, but she did think that she was doing a little better than Finch, and she was hopeful that once Neptune was less busy, that would help both of them feel better. "It is funny, and yet she still manages to look graceful doing it," she replied, letting out a soft laugh. She fell silent for a few seconds before sighing. "I'm a little scared too," she admitted. Of course she had heard about what had been happening in Huntsville over the past ten years. Hell, she had just spent the day with someone who had lost their best friend in the last disaster. But it was different experiencing it herself. "I don't like not knowing what's happening."

~~~ time skip ~~~

Finch felt sick. He was grateful, however, that being locked in meant that he had Neptune and Karma within his sight. "Thanks," he mumbled. He had gotten off his stool and was sitting behind the bar now, curled up in the corner where he could peer around the exit to see Neptune, but he felt safe being as small as possible. He took a hesitant sip of the water. "I'm okay." It sounded robotic; he wasn't sure what else he was supposed to say. He just wanted to be wrapped around Neptune, face buried in his neck. However, that was selfish as Neptune needed to help. "I'm really glad we're not separated either." He pulled his focus back to Karma, attempting to give her a smile. "It's funny to watch Jovi scoot back and forth on the bar on her butt."

#interactions: karma #karma: finch #event: art festival #karma: art festival #art festival: post plot drop

[callofthxvoid]

Scarlette let out an indignant huff as she shook her head to herself. "You know Ciara is gonna wanna kill this guy, right?" she replied, a small smile playing on her lips. "And I can't say that I blame her. I kind of want to kill him too." She sighed. "You should tell Edgar about it, though. If I had a psycho ex running around pulling this shit with my loved ones I'd want to know. If only so that I could warn other people about him."

Art winced a little then held a finger over his mouth to shush. "I know, it's messy and I don't know what to do about it." He shielded his face some as a couple people walked by them and sighed. This was definitely not the type of press Edgar was going to want for this play. "His name is Christian, I haven't told Edgar yet, and Ciara had to hand me clothes after I was left just butt naked." He let out a breath. "It's been a fucking ride and I wanna get off."

#interactions: scarlette #scarlette: art #event: art festival #scarlette: art festival #art festival: pre plot drop

[callofthxvoid]

Yvette offered a small, grateful smile back at Bev, before taking a deep breath and happily moving to their next topic of conversation. She shook her head and squeezed her friend's hand reassuringly. "No, it's not weird at all," she replied with a knowing smile. "It's pretty normal to be scared that things are going to go wrong, especially if things feel like they're almost going too well, like... Like we don't trust the smooth sailing because it feels too good to be true." She paused. "But I'm glad to hear he's supportive of your adventurous side. I would hate to see you tied down by someone who doesn't understand how important that part of you is right now, you know?"

She knew. At least some of it, at the very least. Even if she was joking, it was still something that followed the lighthearted bits like a plague. Beverly set a hand gently on her arm and gave it a little squeeze of reassurance. "You absolutely have and I am so happy for you." She was so happy to see her happier.

"He's very-- different than anyone I normally date. Maybe that's why it's all going well." He'd already seen her a sad drunken mess. That was something. "I'm afraid that something is going to change and go wrong... Is that weird?" It was all she knew. So many times in her relationships did someone appear one way when they were really the exact opposite. "Oh! Um," she coughed, laughing a little from the slight embarrassment. "He's helped with a few of those now. I'm definitely not stopping anytime soon... Might make up a few more, to be honest."

#interactions: yvette #yvette: beverly #event: art festival #yvette: art festival #art festival: pre plot drop

[callofthxvoid]

"Sí," Val replied with a grin before cocking their head to the side, as if considering whether or not to give him their name. "Hmm, that offer is tempting, but I think a drink earns you a name. It's Val. Val Moreno." She offered her hand. "My friends call me Val, my coworkers call me Ranger Moreno, and my bandmates call me just a little crazy."

Santiago grinned in response to Val tugging on the leash. Fuck they were hot. "Whiskey neat for the muñeca then? And can I get a name? Though I can keep calling you sweet nothings all day bebé."

#interactions: val #val: santiago #event: art festival #val: art festival #art festival: pre plot drop

[callofthxvoid]

Ames nodded slowly as she accepted Satine's logic. "Well, here's hoping some of that pure dumb luck rubs off on us," she replied with a grin, before reaching out over the booth to take her friend's hand, her gaze sympathetic but also determined. "Hey, she's a fool if she doesn't see you like that. But I get it, I mean... It's scary to put yourself out there. Especially if it's someone you're already friends with. You don't want to risk it going badly and losing that person entirely. Also, rejection just... Fucking sucks."

"It's not my fault everyone is intimidated by my strength," Satine pushed back "In your defense Ames, Reid doesn't even realize he has game. He just happens to like playing video games like Essie does. It's more like pure dumb luck than game." They hesitated for a moment, snorting. "No one is vying for my attention. I'm so hung up over Lilith, but honestly I don't think she even sees me like that. And as big a game as I talk, I can't bring myself to be like hey I like you like you wanna go on a date?"

#interactions: ames #ames: satine #event: art festival #ames: art festival #art festival: pre plot drop

[callofthxvoid]

"Thanks, Eags," Marisol replied with a smile, feeling a little less self-conscious about the whole thing now than she had earlier. But one thing she was not self-conscious about was wanting to help. "I know I don't have to but I want to," she insisted. "You're family. You're important to Gizmo and you're important to me. Just... Think about it, okay? I'll set the ration cards aside either way." Marisol felt a faint blush on her cheeks. "Did Gizmo tell you that the tall boy is my boyfriend now? I'm dating a Knightley."

"why wouldn't people want to buy your art? They'd be stupid not to want to." She started, shaking her head some as Marisol continued "no, no you don't have to do that. You should use those ration cards to get something for yourself or do something with the tall boy you hang out with"

#interactions: marisol #marisol: eagan #event: art festival #marisol: art festival #art festival: pre plot drop

[callofthxvoid]

Clara returned the smile before letting out a soft laugh. "Thank you, Nick," she replied sincerely, before cocking her head to the side in an inquisitive manner. "Oh? Well, then I should thank him, because the food was delicious. How did the two of you meet?"

"you-you've done a good job" Nick gave her a little nod and smile "still umm still are" they had to add on feeling the need to clarify that even though Tiffany was back that that didn't change things or put it all in the past. "New frie- oh that's umm that's Blue. He hel-helped wi- did the catering. He did the catering for the umm the wedding"

#interactions: clara #clara: nick #event: art festival #clara: art festival #art festival: pre plot drop

[callofthxvoid]

Vero couldn't help the smile on her face when Lia said that Marisol deserved it. After all, if there was one surefire way to win her over, it was being kind to her family, and Lia had already passed that test with flying colours. "Cake?!" she gasped, pretending to be outraged for a moment before laughing as well. "Sure, kid. We'll get some cake. If not from around here then from the coffee shop down the street." She looked back at Lia with a grin. "And what would you like, beautiful? I'm thinking... Maybe smoothies?"

"oh no that's okay. If there's one I like I don't mind paying the full price. She deserves it. Something to eat and drink sounds really good right about now." Lia nodded, giving a look around to see if there was anything nearby that caught her eye. "Cake!" Juni shouted excitedly when asked what she'd like "you heard the kid. You think anyone has some cake around here?" Lia laughed

#interactions: vero #vero: lia #event: art festival #vero: art festival #art festival: pre plot drop

[callofthxvoid]

Georgie grinned and subtly bit her bottom lip when he looked her up and down. "It's alright," she replied with a shrug, looking him up and down as well. "I'm mostly killing time until I'm meeting up with my friends. But I could think of a couple of things I'd rather be doing." She gave him a suggestive look. "If you're looking to ditch, that is."

Connor’s smirk widened. “That is lucky for me. And lucky for you, I don’t have a girlfriend,” he said, trying to lean on a nearby table in a cool way. He looked her up and down briefly. “You liking the festival so far? I’m a bit bored myself.”

#interactions: georgie #georgie: connor #event: art festival #georgie: art festival #[ sora look away this means nothing ]

[callofthxvoid]

Marisol let out a soft giggle. It wasn't like she hadn't already seen Jaiden that day at the festival, but she had been giddy about the ball ever since he agreed to go with her, and the closer that they got to it, the more nervous and excited she became. "So, who are you going with?" she asked after a few seconds of watching Martha braid her hair, looking at her in the mirror with a cryptic grin on her lips. "And did that someone get a love letter from you recently? Don't think I've forgotten about our deal, Tía Martha."

Martha grinned, clasping her hands together in pure, honest joy for Marisol. “Really? Oh my gosh, that is so romantic and amazing! Oh wow, honey, I am so happy for you! And Jaiden is definitely going to like it. He’ll be absolutely speechless, I bet. You’re a glowing goddess.” She grinned, returning to the braids she was putting in Marisol’s hair, planning to gather them into a braided half-bun with the rest of her hair falling around her shoulders in waves.

#interactions: marisol #marisol: martha #event: art festival #marisol: art festival #art festival: pre plot drop

[callofthxvoid]

Marisol nodded along with his words. It felt good, having discovered something that she had a natural talent for, and hearing that she shouldn't sweat the technical stuff from someone she considered a mentor was a relief. She beamed and nodded when he called Jaiden handsome before glancing at the photograph he gestured to. "Oh, that's Lonnie! He's friends with my brother. He's super cute and really nice."

When Sam returned, Marisol accepted the cup with a smile and held it up to him in a cheers. "To a productive festival day," she repeated, having a sip and letting out a hum of approval. "Oh, this tastes really good. This tastes waaay better than moonshine." She giggled softly. "So, do you know what you plan to do with your profits from today?"

"Honestly? Yeah. I've only gotten to where I'm at in photography after doing this for so many years. The fact it comes so naturally to you is amazing. And don't worry too much about the technicalities outside of what I've shown you. It's like walking or breathing air. You don't need to know how it works or why, so long as you're able to do what you need to."

Sam offered a small smile. "I would be in the same boat if something happened to my sibling. I'm lucky they haven't come looking for me." He glanced at the photo Marisol pointed out, smile growing. "He's handsome." Sam inclined his head to one of his own photographs. "That's mine, who's also sweet," he chuckled.

"Alright, nothing too strong, I'll be right back." He gave Marisol a two fingered salute and walked off to get them drinks. After a while he came back with two cups of a wine-juice mixture, a sort of pseudo-mimosa to justify having a drink so early in the day. Sam offered one of the cups to his booth partner, and then held up his own in a cheers. "To a productive festival day."

#interactions: marisol #marisol: sam #event: art festival #marisol: art festival #art festival: pre plot drop