Post by Catcher Reeves on Aug 9, 2021 23:14:54 GMT -5
”Yea something like that.” It was a breezy statement, sarcastic but mostly offhanded. They were the idiots that ended up in Starbutts doing random things they couldn’t even remember. Out of the humiliation of that itself, there was nothing more to be ashamed of if they were to find out the truth. That ultimate need outweighed the shame he had for whatever he had done at the strip club. It was embarrassing but he was hiding that, his ears burning from a blush he couldn’t see.
Catcher waited for Natasha as she said she was getting a drink, and watched Seth bounce up, readily following Veronica who had come down the stairs shortly after he ditched her out of anxiety for his buried feelings. He had heard the beginning of her opinion briefly and vaguely before rushing down the stairs and he wondered how she had never seen him look exactly the way she had wanted to style him sans makeup, realising that she always saw him when he was messy since the moment they met.That fateful day on the pink bicycle, windy and sweaty, underdressed and tipsy at prom, all other days in between practically naked and rolling out of bed, now fresh out of a grave and dead in a shower. Was marrying a stripper that much worse?
Seth had been laughing so hard at his predicament, mocking the name of the strip club and making him worry about the person he was looking for. He just looked up and around in silent exasperation back at his best friend, flailing his hands in questioning how this was helping. ”Why is everyone calling her my wife already?” For all they knew, it was nothing but a gesture that he gave her the ring, and nobody was even there to wed them in a real bond. All in all, he understood they found it hilarious and this was one for the books so whatever he said didn’t change a thing. He just groaned to himself as he turned to follow Natasha out of the house to her car, hearing Seth and Veronica make a bet about taking the girl home. The panic was in that he now wondered if it even was a girl because nothing else would throw them off the gamble as such a revelation. Even if they did get married, maybe she wouldn't want to be with him or move in; he couldn't believe he was entertaining the idea that the shotgun wedding could be real enough it had to be annulled the next day.
Natasha began digging in the backseat and he went to the front seat beside the wheel, this time Seth was driving as he'd preferred. Sitting down and closing the door, he reflected how he was in fact not moody enough for being the craziest situation amongst them and just flattened his mouth into a straight line unamused, while Veronica went to her car, regrouping them. They should just let her talk to the person or bouncer at the club, she seemed to be most likely to make progress; none of them would be taken seriously and he would probably create havoc out of desperation if they weren’t let in again and he wondered if she was going to lead the way.
Unsure, he took out his phone and searched for the address, just leaving it on the dashboard for Seth who had slapped him on the back in his usual joking sympathetic manner and warned him about Natasha’s possible reaction; the thought prompting him to glance back at her, scanning her up and down in consideration. She had been very uncharacteristically stoic all day and he was beginning to believe she would actually snap; for such a nice person, she must have bottled so much and he didn't want to be the one who popped that bubble for the explosion.”Tash, the paper bag dress wasn’t even that bad. It could’ve been that astronaut’s idea. Can we please just get through this without any fights?” It wasn’t much of a question as it was mostly him giving her an ultimatum that they would get to a dead end if they didn’t play their cards right and he sounded as earnest as possible. ”We’ll just let V talk and if that doesn’t work then we’ll throw all the reasons we have.”
Last Edit: Aug 9, 2021 23:26:41 GMT -5 by Catcher Reeves
Post by Seth Rivers on Aug 11, 2021 8:26:16 GMT -5
Leaving Cullen's house, Seth closed the door behind him and hopped into the little yellow Volkswagen. He noticed Veronica had seemed a bit moody but wasn't going to say anything to her or mention it to his friends. Everything already seemed so little tense and he didn't want to make things worse. Bringing the engine to life he pulled out of the driveways. He listened as Catcher spoke about her paper dress and how it wasn't even that bad. It did hold up to whatever they got themselves into and it didn't rip apart into pieces before she was able to find more clothes. "Hey at least you had underwear when you woke up." Seth laughed though the night was a disaster it was over and there was nothing that could be done now then to joke. Whatever happened at the club was probably full of hilarious moments. He was just hoping they ran into the right people and they could fill in the blanks. Some spots in his mind were still unclear like what was he doing during Catcher's wedding and why didn't he stop anything. He was hoping like a bad mystery novel everything would soon be pieced together.
He looked over at Catcher trying to read his buddy's face wondering what was going through his mind, he knew at the prom he was enjoying his time with Tash, afterward with Veronica and then he married a total stranger. They guy must have thought filling a void with a stranger would have been better than not having someone at all. Drugs and alcohol have weird ways of messing with people's brains. It had made him dress in drag, miss depression Barbie into a stripper and Catcher into a lady collector? This night would be one that lived not only in memories but it would be one they wouldn't want to share again. "Let's make a pact here. If we find out some weird shit went down in this club we never mention it to anyone else."
Looking at the phone he followed the instructions on the GPS. Turning down the road where Starrbutt should be, he didn't even remember what the outside of the building looked like. How the car didn't have any damage shocked Seth too one of them must drive incredibly focused under the influence to get from Starrbutts, to the Cullen's and then to the cemetery with being stopped by Chief Swann. He would be in trouble if he was caught, Charlie was a good friend to his dad before and if he saw him acting like a fool he would probably lock him up for a night or two to teach him a lesson. A red brick building came into view with black out windows and a Small sign that said Starrbutts out front, Seth pulled into the parking lot and killed the engine. " I guess we all wait and see if V can sweet talk the door guy."
Last Edit: Aug 11, 2021 8:28:36 GMT -5 by Seth Rivers
Post by Natasha Black on Aug 11, 2021 9:09:08 GMT -5
Tash sat in the back seat boiling, they were heading out to Starbutts now and she wished she could just go home and sit in her room. She scrunched up her face angry. "It doesn't matter at this point who did the dress, spaceman or stripper girl what the problem was leaving my house in the first place. Nothing good ever comes from stupidity." She crossed her arms across her chest and turned to stare out the window. She had felt like her rational mind last night had been stolen away but aliens and replaced with one of a stupid valley girl or something who wanted to get out for a night on the town. Had she really been repressing all of her feelings for so long that whatever she consumed pushed them past her rational self and to the surface. "I'll join that pact and any pictures of me must be deleted. If I find out there is even one left on your phones I'll smash them." She poked her head between the seats, looked over at Catcher, her face was flushed,and pointed a finger in his face trying to look more threatening." I mean it. After you showed the door guy who you're looking to get rid of them all" She didn't even look bad in most of the pictures from her phone she just didn't want the wrong people getting their hands on pictures with her barely dressed. She was always so modest that she would even phase without knowing he'd have clothes to get in after being nearby. It was that the girl in the photos wasn't the one who was left behind. She was a completely different creature.
Seth seemed to have found the place and parked.he wanted them to wait for Veronica to do her thing because somehow they thought she would be the best one for the job. Natasha thought differently and climbed out of the car and headed for the door. Kicking it hard a few times, she stood there tapping her foot angrily waiting for someone to open the door. It must have not been the right approach because no one came to open the door right away. She threw her hands up in the air"See look no answer, let's just come back at seven when the open."
Post by Veronica Call on Aug 12, 2021 8:19:55 GMT -5
Veronica saw her friends leaving Cullen’s ground, shortly after she left as well. Following instructions on her phone GPS, she made her way to Starbutts, laughing at the name and whoever came up with the name must have been high. There was things from last night that had her worried, though she was trying not to show it with her friends. If they hadn’t came by, she would have enjoyed breakfast, tried to remember what happened and with luck she would have remembered bits and pieces. If not, it would have taken whole day maybe a day later she would have remembered everything. Veronica’s stomach growled at her and she shush it like it was going to listen. She needed food and fast; her GPS told her she would be arriving at Starbutts in few minutes. Veronica found fast food chain, she pulled into drive-thru, ordered hash browns enough for herself and her friends and 4 frozen coffee. Least she could do is make sure her friends were somewhat fed and had good coffee in their system as this was somewhat her fault. Veronica paid for food, coffee and placed them in the passenger seat then made her way to the club.
She pulled into parking lot of Starbutts, parked her car next to her friend’s car in time to see Natasha angrily kicking door like a kid throwing tantrums then throwing her hands in the air, made Veronica laugh. It was messed up of Veronica to laugh but she couldn’t help it. She truly didn’t know what was going inside Natasha’s brain and she didn’t want to know. She placed straws in each coffee cup, took her out and sipped waiting for her friend to get stop throwing tantrums. Veronica had been there last night, she remembers talking to the bouncer / security person named Tre and a short blond stripper whose name she couldn’t remember.
Veronica had enough of Natasha’s shenanigans, she turned off her car, opened the door, grabbed coffee tray, placed hash brown bag in the middle and got out of the car. “Have some coffee to cool off, Tash. There are some hash browns in the bag. Stay here!” Veronica placed coffee tray on her friend’s car bonnet, grabbed a piece of hash brown and her coffee and went around the club. She was humming and eating her food and sipping on coffee here and there as she made it to the back entrance of the club. She hoped someone was inside the club to let them in. Veronica knocked on the door and called out Tre’s name. ”Yo Tre, it’s Veronica, open the door man. I need to ask you something.” Veronica sipped more on coffee as she waited for someone to hear her knocking.
Tre was inside the club sitting inside security office watching a dark haired girl who still had some dyed colors of rainbow, bang on the door and shook his hand. He wasn’t going to open the door for anyone, they could come back during business hours. Tre kept watching the girl and he remembered who she was, she was a giftbag, rainbow colored troll looking thing; they created havoc last night and he wasn’t impressed with the girl kicking door like a little kid. Not too soon, he watched dark haired girl come out of her car, carrying coffee and food for her friends; he shook his head and laughed when she went around the place and knocked on the door calling him. Tre got up from his seat and opened the door for his friend Veronica. When Veronica had came in last night, she was a hoot. Loved talking, making friends with everyone, making sure everyone was drinking with her and she reminded him of his own fiancee who was like her. Smart mouthed, life of a party and just to have fun. Tre opened the back door and let Veronica in.
Veronica was about knock on the door again when 6 foot, bald, little bulky man opened the door with a smile on his face. “What’s going on Tre-Tre! Sorry to bother you and I hope your boss doesn’t get upset but I need your help. My friends and I were here last night and gotta be honest man, we don’t remember shit we did. Do you mind opening the front door to let my friends in?” She chuckled and walked inside the club. Tre laughed as he remembered what Veronica and her friends did. “Don’t worry about. You guys came in, had some drinks, ordered food and when Candi came on the stage, you cheered her on and told the bartender that you wanted to get on the stage and put on a show. Veronica, you are one insane person. You persuaded everyone including your friends, to put on a show. Gotta say, you guys were amazing.” It was memorable night and one for the book of being a bouncer / security person at Starbutts. He doesn’t know how Claude agreed to have them get ready and put on a show. Tre opened the front door for Veronica’s friends, stepped outside and waited for Veronica’s friends to come in.
Veronica listened Tre talk about what happened, she wasn’t horrified about it but knew her friends would be. She finished her coffee, threw her cup in the trash along with empty bag that held hash brown. “Oh I believe you. Thanks Tre!” She got on stage, scanned dimly lit room, Montero by Lil Nas X was playing through the speakers making her dance. As Tre opened the door, Veronica danced on the stage for fun as she waited for her friends.
Last Edit: Aug 12, 2021 8:35:10 GMT -5 by Veronica Call
Post by Catcher Reeves on Aug 12, 2021 15:42:34 GMT -5
He gave Seth a side eye glance for a second when he talked about underwear. Of all of them, there was no one else who woke up without it, just himself and he made a face looking out the window. When Seth asked about a pact, he turned back and looked between him and Natasha slowly, just flicking his eyes widely until he nodded in agreement; needless to say, this was all between the four of them and maybe the people at the strip club. At the dance, everything seemed to be a precursor to a release and he wondered if he made too many mistakes in one night not to need some actual help. He let it all get so out of control when it started out so much like teen spirit and nothing more. If he was just being overly nice with the stripper’s situation then he could live with himself but it was still troubling. Not as troubling as the fact he couldn’t walk away from Veronica, and didn’t seem to believe in having anything with Natasha no matter how much the night had shown him there was something there; it was all jumbled and he could feel Seth deducing him.
”Hey, all the pictures you saw on mine were taken by you, you’re not even in them.” He looked squarely from her finger to her face and replied with no intentions of deleting anything. He was no one to worry about, who else was he going to show pictures of them or her to? It wasn’t like he broadcasted anything about himself or the handful of people he cared about to the world; no one else would be interested in the first place. Although, he would delete hers if she didn't want him to see how she looked even if he thought she looked as good as ever. Coolly, he sat back forward and ignored Natasha, completely brushing off her threatening act with a twitching smile on his face that she couldn’t see.
Their destination was no better than what he pictured and he stayed in the car seeing Natasha throw a tantrum at the door, it was both funny and shocking; he had never seen her behave in such a way but also thought it was about time she wasn’t so graceful. It made her more relatable and for all he cared, she could do whatever she wanted right then. About to say something regarding the time, he shut his mouth as Veronica got out of her car with coffee and a brown bag of what she said was hashed browns; it all surprised him despite seeing her drive through a breakfast store, he just assumed she was hungry like she said when they left the house.
Unlocking the door, he got out and picked up a coffee from the carton holder, crumpling the top of the brown bag as he picked it up and reached back down into the car to hand them to Seth, before taking another a drink for himself. He would have thanked Veronica but she had already walked to the door and started talking to what he thought was a camera. Shortly after, a burly bald man opened the creaking entrance, not taking a step out but staying in the door way to speak with her. He could hear the friendly banter, but was very befuddled. She had befriended the bouncer; all while being in a hula skirt and drunk dancing on the bar? If he did that, he would probably be thrown out; unless they thought he was a stripper. The last part formed the weirdest expression on his face and he wiped down across his mouth to erase it, drinking from the paper cup as he walked after Veronica into the dark interior.
While she went directly to the stage and did a happy dance, he looked around the room with mixed emotions, parts of the sights and smells merging with evocative feeling. He turned back to Tre and tapped him on the arm with the back of his hand in casual gratitude before walking to the bar and asking the bartender about the woman in his phone; he just simply described a petite woman with blonde hair and a bright smile, not resorting to pulling out photographs and sounding like a stalker. The description was not as great as it should've been, it really could have been mistaken for anyone but for some reason the black haired pin-up woman behind the counter who was cleaning glasses and opening cans of maraschino cherries just paused and laughed at him like he was no stranger, pointing to a door at the side of the stage. The faint music playing it the background couldn't hide the uncomfortable silence around the space, heavy beat drops unable to hide how easy it was to focus on a voice. Now he didn’t know what to think and languished over what to say or do in no particular order.
Post by Candela Steele on Aug 12, 2021 17:57:11 GMT -5
Candela’s shift ended hours ago, club was empty except for her, Tre and bartender named Dani. These three always stayed back to relax after a hectic night. They would either order coffee and food from restaurant down the street or make coffee in the break room and eat chips as they listen to music, catch up on week worth of drama with each other lives and drama used to be from her end. Candela was attending college part time, working as a stripper couple nights out of the week and as a waitress at a Mexican restaurant a part time just so she could support her expenses, school and her occasional drug addict mom.
Candela had a paper due in couple of days, she finished typing up her paper in biology, uploaded online for her professor to grade, turned off her laptop and placed it inside her tote bag. Being a stripper wasn’t ideal profession however she got paid extra so she can buy outfits, shoes and anything she needed for costumes; she had been eyeing this white faux fur white coat that was perfect for winter that was coming and costed few hundred dollars. She wasn’t used to winter as she born in south, raised in California and moved to Washington to talk to Rafael and giving them a chance. But that chance went out the window when last night when she received a text from Rafael right before her shift that stated she wasn’t the right person for him. He wanted someone who didn’t seek attention from other men while being in a relationship and he wanted a family type woman. Candela read text several times with tears in her eyes and hoped that it wasn’t true. They had hooked up several times back home which led her to fall for him. They didn’t have much communications aside from booty calls. Back home She had texted him that she had something to tell him, she was going to confess how she felt however he had responded that his uncle isn’t feeling well and he needed to move to La Push to help him. She didn’t think twice, packed up her things, told her employer that she won’t be returning and followed Rafael. Back of her mind and in her heart she knew Rafael doesn’t deserve her. It was a sign first time around when he had moved away that it wasn’t going to work and her being a stripper was another.
She wiped her tears away, got ready for the shift and slapped a smile on her face even though it was killing her on the inside. Being on stage, she isn’t Candela Steele, daughter of a drug addict but she’s Candi, tiny stripper who is making her dreams of being a nurse become true. No one knew her outside of four walls and only few people did were her boss, Tre and Dani who were like her family. She needed to pack her things and go back to where she came from as she didn’t have anyone in Washington anymore. She was going to speak with Claude and hoped that he understood as to why she was leaving. She was happy working there but that meant dealing with man child, Rafael, and she didn’t want that.
Candela cleaned her station in the back, grateful she didn’t have much to clean however she did have loads of laundry to do. As much as she loved dressing up in different costumes for her job, she loved comfy, baggy clothes more. She took off her floor length robe, slipped into casual off one shoulder off-white jumpsuit and wore flip flops. She turned around looking around the area, taking a step she stumbled on her neon pink heels and smiled as she caught herself from falling face down. Last night was eventful, a group of friends came who were drunk, laughing, having a good time. She remembered a medium length dark haired girl came to her and told her to show her some moves then introduced herself as Veronica. Candela couldn’t say no to Veronica and hoped Claude didn’t mind at all. She showed few steps on the stage, putting on shows with customers who had whistled, clapped and hollered at both of them. Despite having a broken heart, she was actually happy in the moment.
Candela was almost out the dressing room when she saw Catcher. Her eyes widen in shock, heart skipped a beat when she saw him dressed a lot better than he had last night. ”Oh hey there partner of mine. How you doin?” Candela awkwardly hugged Catcher, feeling a tiny person without her heels. She let him go, grabbed his hand in hers and looked at his face. “Well, don’t you look dashing right now. I’m about to head out, want to join me” Candela grabbed his hand and walked outside and saw Veronica dancing her life on stage, Tre at the front door and Dani behind bar. “You learn quick, Nic! You might just replace me here.” Candela cheered her new friend Veronica and laughed. She let Catcher’s hand go, placed her things on nearest table and turned around to see him clearly. She had her own troubles and luggages to deal with but there was something that tugged her heart when she saw Catcher, sorrow, confusion was written all over his face.
Last Edit: Aug 12, 2021 18:10:17 GMT -5 by Candela Steele
Post by Natasha Black on Aug 12, 2021 19:47:04 GMT -5
Tash was irritated and hungry so it wasn't helping her mood any. She didn't understand why she was dumb enough to leave her clothes behind last night, she rather be anywhere else then trying to track down Catcher's bargain stripper wife, if it was up to her she find her clothes and her purse and get the hell out of there. She rolled her eyes and her attention was caught by Veronica showing up, she had bought iced coffee which actually was a good idea and then hashbrowns smelled amazing. "Fine..I'm hungry anyway."
She walked over to the car and picked up a cup, she put the straw in her mouth and let the cold coffee slip down her throat, the taste of the caffeine made her realize how dependent she was on coffee after a night with little sleep. She was always grumpy when she was overtired and hungry and right now she was both so it wasn't the best combination. It would take more than a cup of coffee and a few potato patties to get in a better mood. Tash watched as Catcher handed the bag over to Seth and she ran over to the driver side door and pulled the bag out of his hand. "Hey let me have one before you eat them all." She pulled one out of the bag and kept a hold of the brown bag in he three bottom fingers hosing it in the same hand as her coffee cup. She chewed it down quickly like a ravenous racoon. Her attention was taken away from eating as she watched Veronica talking to some big bald bouncer at the door. Tash coughed and pushed the bag of food back to Seth. She remembered being picked up off the floor by him at some point or the night or maybe it was the astronaut she just remembered as some shiny dome.
Veronica seemed to be getting somewhere because the guy who Tash had overheard name was Tre had opened the door for them. Coffee clenched in her hand he followed Catcher into the club. He walked up to the bartender and she just stood behind chewing away on her straw, as she listened to him trying to describe Candi to the black haired bartender. She rolled her eyes at his description and was about to blurt something out but the bartender pointed toward the back room. She tried to take another sip of her drink but she had chew the straw so badly she had to ask the bartender for a new one. The woman behind the counter had pretty dark hair and she handed her a new one calling her Sprinkles. She rolled her eyes and followed in Catcher's direction.
When she arrived in the room Candi was calling Catcher her partner and was giving him a hug. Tash sighed and pushed passed them for a second seeing her stuff sitting at one of the mirrored sections. She saw Candi a little blonde bimbo holding onto his hand and her asking if he wanted to take off with her sent Tash over the edge. She didn't trust new people as much as she did before,she used to be more accepting to others, but it didn't do her any god in life. People who she accepted, gave her heart to tossed her away like she didn't matter making her a little less friendly over the past few years.
She waited until Candi was finished speaking to Veronica and barged right i, Tash pulled Catcher's hand out of Candi's. " Just slow your roll sugar tits. I don't know why you're holding his hand until an hour ago he didn't even remember you existed." She didn't know this girl and neither did Catcher they were all drunk and probably higher than the moon, Tash was overprotective of the people who still seemed to care for her and after last night finding out at prom that Catch at some point had a crush on her she couldn't see he show interest in a girl like Candi ever. "He's not going anywhere with you, we're going to figure out what happened last night and hopefully never have to speak about last night again."
Last Edit: Aug 13, 2021 6:41:55 GMT -5 by Natasha Black
Post by Seth Rivers on Aug 13, 2021 8:07:23 GMT -5
Seth remained sitting in the driver seat after they arrived at Starbutts. He could see just by Tash’s little door kicking tantrum she wasn't in a good mood. He smirked looking over at Catcher beside him wondering what he thought as he watched her mint green converse bang on the door. It had been a while since he had seen her so cranky that he almost forgot how she got when she didn't sleep well. He popped his head out the driver's window trying to get her tone down a notch. "How about we get you some cof.." just as he was suggesting to get her coffee Veronica showed up placing the frozen coffee and the hashbrowns on the hood. Seth was happy someone thought of food the sandwiches he had eaten earlier seemed to have evaporated completely out of his stomach. He was always hungry so he usually accepted anything. That was offered to him.
Catcher passes him a bag of hashbrowns and coffee and passes them over. Seth took them in his hands but he had not even pulled anything out of the bag before Natasha grabbed it away. " I would save you one, I can tell when you're hungry." He continued to sit in the car. He watched Tash shove the hashbrown into her mouth like a hamster filling up his cheeks to hide snacks for later. He laughed a little and he wasn't sure if shebhwad him or not because moments later she was shoving the bag through the window again and dropping it on his lap.When he saw Catcher and Tash move towards the door he got out of the car bringing what was left of the hashbrowns and his coffee with him.
Looking around the room, he remembered the place,it was a lot quieter and subdued then the night before but the dark haired chick behind the bar was paying him no attention almost like she didn't even recognize her and that was possible last night he wasn't Seth, he was someone else be it Leah or Stacy he was banking in the fact most people wouldn't remember. Flashes of trying to make out with someone filled his head and it made his stomach turn slightly. He couldn't even remember the person's face but he hoped no one would bring it up, right now it wasn't him in the hot seat,they were there to find Catcher, a new play thing. He looked over at Tash as she pulled her straw out of her cup and asked the pretty tattooed pinup politely for a new straw but could see the attitude written all over her face. He was hoping she wasn't going to do anything stupid.
He loved Tash like a sister, he still thought she was beautiful and would never forget spending his whole allowance at her kissing booth, their relationship had developed more into a brothery one. He knew she already had a few but them being away he took on looking after her. Following behind her, Seth was holding his breath. The last thing he wanted to do was drag her out before she got too heated and had to drag her out before she phased.
Walking into the backroom he smiled seeing Catcher's little prize wasn't a she beast. Sometimes people look a lot prettier when you're drunk, lucky for Catcher she was still a pretty little Cinderella in the daylight. "She's hot still."He stood there almost laughing as he called Catcher her partner and mentioned Veronica would be a good replacement for her. He couldn't see Veronica ever taking on becoming a stripper for a future job. He didn't have a problem with striping as as a profession to him it didn't suit her well. He could see her working in a high end clothing store in the shoe department or something. Seth rubbed head as he was musing about Veronica's future. " Would you work here here V?"Tash was starting with her bullshit. Her words weren't completely untrue,till about an hour ago Catcher had not remembered Candi yet alone the name of the strip club. She didn't have to be so mean about it. Seth placed a hand on her shoulder and pulled her back slightly. "If you're going to act so bratty how about you head back to the car, or cut your shit."
Seth looked over at Candi and smiled." Don't mind her, she just a little sleep deprived, we all are were just all trying to wrap our heads around what we did last night."
Last Edit: Aug 13, 2021 16:49:58 GMT -5 by Seth Rivers
Post by Veronica Call on Aug 13, 2021 18:53:53 GMT -5
Veronica was in her own world, dancing while the music changed and she was feeling it. Now she wanted to go a club, alone as her friends would kill her if she told them she wanted to go a club with them. She wouldn’t be shocked if they all screamed no and tied her to a tree for the weekend. She could picture it clearly - Natasha tying her to a tree with a rope, while Seth and Catcher held and distracted her with imagine or their lack of dance skills. Familiar perky voice made her stop dancing and imagining things in her head and looked at another addition to the group who was holding Catcher’s hand. “I don’t remember your name but damn girl, you were lit last night. I can never replace you. This stage for built for you.” Veronica smiled at blond girl.
Tre watched Veronica’s moody, bratty friends enter the club. He closed and locked the door before turning to monitor. Candi and Dani along with him were only people there and as a bouncer it was up to him to make sure these ladies were not harmed and if he had to, he would kick everyone out. Tre folded his arms across his chest and monitored Candi with depressing kid next to the stage. He knew that Candi’s casual sex man had broken up with her even though they weren’t dating right before her shift. Tre was protective of Candi as she was like his little sister. Taking his eyes off for one second and looked at Dani, he heard Troll girl raised her voice at Candi.
Tre made a bee line towards the group and took in front of Candi. ‘I need you to back the fuck up, troll before I kick your sorry ass out the door.’ Tre looked at Candi with concern in his eyes then looked at group of kids, putting on his stern, deep voice on again. ‘Little girl, I let you and your friends in because of Veronica. That does not mean you barge in here thinking you own this place and go off on Candi or anyone. Tre did not stand men and women who think they can boss others around especially when someone who was being nice. ’Candi, say the word and I will kick this troll out the door.’
Thing got heated real quick; one minute she was smiling and having a good time the next Natasha being her cranky self even though she had coffee and food towards blond mortal. Then it clicked to her, blond short girl was none other than Candi; last night flashed some moments of her and Candi dancing, laughing and enjoying the moment. Being on that stage in front of strangers was nerve wrecking for Veronica; she doesn’t know how others can do it with so much confidence. She danced with a stripper and what looks like she made a friend with her and a bouncer in one night so that was a plus for her. Veronica jumped off the stage and looked at Tre. “Chill man. She’s harmless. She’s all bark, no bite. Why don’t you monitor us by the bar? Or step aside?” Veronica sweetly told Tre and batted her eyes couple of times for hell of it.
Tre chuckled at Veronica batting her eyes at him. He was comfortable with Veronica and after last night, Tre felt she was part of their group now. Tre nodded and walked away from the group. He told Dani to give him glass of water. Dani had rolled her eyes and gave him water bottle that she hides below the counter.
“Why wouldn’t I work here? You get to dance, have fun and not be stressed about 9-5 job. You meet people all the time and some will be your regular. Who knows maybe I can find my sugar daddy here.” Veronica winked at Seth with a huge grin on her lips. She was kidding about sugar daddy and being a stripper. Half kidding. “Tash, I love you, I truly do but if you do not get hold of yourself, you will get all of kicked out and you can kiss finding out what happened last night goodbye.” Veronica wasn’t happy with her friend’s behavior and what was more odd was that Catcher was quiet the whole time. Barely said anything and it scared her. She learned that when Catcher is quiet, he’s doing couple of things inside - thinking up a storm, screaming while running in circle or wondering how he and Candi got married. ”Candi, can you tell us what happened last night?” Veronica looked at Candi and hoped she had all the answers for them. Sooner her friends figure things out the better; she wants to go home and knock out for two days.
Post by Catcher Reeves on Aug 15, 2021 16:23:24 GMT -5
Blood had definitely blushed his face when Candela took his hand then it drained like a sink was unplugged in the sea when Natasha snatched it out of her grasp. He might have been anemic for a moment from such a drastic drop of feelings and he started consciously thinking about regulating his breathing as his eyes moved back and forth from the two women, creasing his brows in a search for the right verdict. This seemed like a beautiful mistake. Then things got a little rocky and he knew he shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions. Sugar tits; what did that even mean? It was embarrassing he didn’t remember this woman until an hour ago and he felt bad for her; he would never have told her that but it was too late now. There was only hope she wouldn’t be upset by it but he had faith she didn’t have genuine feelings for him so he was just overthinking.
Natasha was in a foul mood today but she really unleashed all of her protectiveness and anger at Candela, who seemed to be normal enough he just wanted to go to bed and rest easy now. He wanted to tell her that the wolf in Natasha was just hangry, but Candela seemed like she could handle it since she dealt with grubby men all night and he just picked up her hand again, also seeing if she had the ring which she wasn’t wearing. Natasha was right that they needed to get to the bottom of things first before all other conversations should be had but it wasn’t like they had a deadline either. Seth’s voice came through, showering him like a burst hose; now Candela would hear their concern that she might have been some beastly woman and he inwardly cringed. She was still hot, he saw her properly now for the first time since they met again but that wasn’t what he was focused on, it was just Seth’s words influencing him again, the way it used to with Natasha. These women were more refined, their faces too pretty to be described as generic as hot and he frowned that now he was being shallow.
The exchange between all four of them were just blurry auto-tuned sounds passing by his ears and his train of thought finally began to make sense after Seth told Natasha to cut out her attitude. They were all tired, all beyond spent but he was functioning on the lack of sleep and determination to fix this. It didn’t help that before Prom, he hadn’t slept a wink.
When Tre entered due to the commotion, he didn’t expect the reaction to be so extreme. He had only ever seen bouncers ask what the problem was and then make people leave. The way he was describing Natasha indicated he had some form of disdain for her; a large grown man was calling her a troll, not just because she had been dressed as one. In all of his inner struggles, it annoyed him enough to halt his concerns and his frown became more of a grimace and he glared from everything he was looking at to Tre and away again. There was no need for all of that, and then it became more. There was no point in every single aggravating thing everyone was doing or saying and getting them nowhere. It was agitating him to the point he wanted to walk home and call it a day. He didn’t even care if he couldn’t find his bike, or his house keys or anything; he’d just smash a window and fuck it all. If Candela regretted anything she could just out and say it, then he’d just do what was necessary. It was like zero to sixty and he was bottling it only because they wouldn’t be here if not for him pulling some last minute crazy and he genuinely apologetic about that. Veronica resolved that like the savior she had been all day, and he let his friends say and do whatever that mellowed them out.
”This was about Raf!” In the boiling temper of his, it suddenly clicked and he turned, cutting in innocently and stared at Candela in shock, all that fuming energy collapsing like a tower of finely milled powder. He didn’t remember the full name or the man’s description but he had walked in on Candela being both sad and mad over someone who walked through the curtain of her dressing room shortly before he entered, looking for the astronaut. Now he was starting to realize he got the drugs or what was just multi coloured pills from the man in the reflective helmet mask; it had taken the edge off everything but it was probably a really bad idea to eat it after Cloud’s pills at the tattoo shop. Essentially, he was the one who got fucked up first and then made his friends more fucked up, which was unlike him; he wasn’t the crazy one or so he thought.”It’s Candi…” He was looking at her and sounding like a broken robot saying her name as it came to him; he didn’t want to ask her if he was right but in his stare, he was naively hopeful. There was an awkward pause and he blurted.
”Did we get married?” It sounded like the only thing anyone could hear and he released her hand to pull out his phone, handing it to her with the photos of her, the shuffling unable to make it all seem normal. They danced all night, probably not to the best song ever but how couldn’t he remember her, he must have hit his head. ”You were upset… and I promised you something.” In his mind there was a hyper sped scene where their voices just sounded like chipmunks and everyone moved too fast, but it seemed there were some tears, some laughing and a lot of drinking, nothing very uncomfortable or defeatist from her. Did he give her some drugs too? There was a lot of suspicious activity he kept pushing to the side and his eyes trailed to Tre, wondering just how bad it could’ve been if the bouncer didn’t step in; the only sense he could figure was that Natasha and Veronica, even Seth might have been very popular, raking in audiences all night with the stripping astronaut.
Last Edit: Aug 15, 2021 16:24:18 GMT -5 by Catcher Reeves
Post by Candela Steele on Aug 16, 2021 8:19:58 GMT -5
Not too soon after, Natasha and Seth came in the picture. Candela eyes lit up when her eyes laid eyes on them. She thought that after last night, they won’t come back and talk to her. She opened her mouth to talk but she got interrupted by Natasha pulling her hand and calling her sugar tits along with other things. Candela understood why there was confusion between four of them and reason why Catcher didn’t seem to remember her. The way Natasha was last night and the one she was right now, were two different people. Candela did not stand rude, judgey people and bullies. She doesn’t know Natasha like her friends and she can hint why she was irritated. Candela blushed and smiled when Seth complimented her follow by apologizing his friend’s behavior.
“Damn Seth! Look at you all handsome and sexy. I can book a spot for you, if you want to show some gents and ladies what’s underneath clothes.” Candela hugged Seth briefly just to irritate Natasha more. She looked at Natasha with a big smile on her lips while she placed her hair in a messy bun. “Thank you for admiring my boobs last night and right now. They’re very real you know. I forgot the world revolves around you. My apologies! How silly of me.” Candela has a limit for people who treat her like shit and judge her before getting to know her. Knowing how Natasha was in the moment, she wanted to throw her out as she ruined her morning er night. Tre came in front of her, blocking her view on Natasha, going off on her and calling her troll. It was harsh to call someone a troll but Candela didn’t seem to care. In her head, if someone misbehaves and gets called out on it, then they deserved it. It doesn’t matter if they were hangry, hungover, sober or drunk.
Tre had left and Veronica stood next to her. She sighed, walked to the stage and sat on the edge looking at everyone. She didn’t want to be close to Natasha if she was going to behave irrationally which might cause from issues that will not end well for both of them. Tears welled up in her eyes when Catcher said Rafael’s name. She quickly blinked away tears, sucked in air and slowly exhaled to calm and distract herself. Clearing her throat she looked at everyone and plastered another fake smile. She hated showing her emotions in the public, it showed that she was weak. That may be true but she will fight like hell if she had to.
“I don’t know what you guys did prior to coming here or after. You guys came here somewhat drunk, started drinking more, convinced my boss and myself to let you put on a show. It was Veronica’s idea at first. She started stripping her red gown I believe then she had this idea of dressing everyone up. She wanted to dress up angel but ended up wearing hula girl outfit, Natasha wanted something out of the box, so I made her gift bag outfit and every gift bag needs tissue so I used her hair to make it look like rainbow tissue, Seth was already in drag queen attire but I added some of my touches on makeup and hair. And for my sweet Catcher, I envisioned him to be this sexy policeman that would arrest me. So I dressed him up in navy blue spandex shorts, black suspenders over his body and a cap. ” Candela was lost in her thoughts trying to figure what else happened. There wasn’t much aside from drinking ,stripping, laughing and….SHIT.
It seemed Candela forgot most important thing that happened to her and Catcher. “Catcher, you are such a gentleman and sweetest man alive. I was upset and maybe I still am not the point. I spilled my whole situation about what this guy Rafael did to me, how I followed him here to give me a chance but said no because I’m a stripper,” Candela laughed dryly as tears were fighting to come out. “Well, long story short, you said you’d let me stay at your place as you have extra room. We sort of got married. It’s not official until you file it. And truth be told, I’m not taking you up on your offer. I decided to leave and move far away from west coast.” It was a tough decision she had to make but she knew it was the right one. Candela doesn’t want to hold herself back from any future opportunities that life may throw at her.
She slid off the stage and walked to her bag. She took out ring that Catcher had given her when she unofficially got married. What he did for her was very sweet and it was something that melted her heart. Over the years she had relationships with men but they weren’t like Catcher. Rafael broke her heart because of her profession and others cheated on her. She turned around, grabbed Catcher’s hand and placed his ring in his palm then closed it with his fingers. “Thank you again for showing me that not all men are bad. Whoever ends up with you, I know she will be treated like a queen.” She whispered to Catcher and prayed that he would never change. Getting on her toes, she kissed him on his cheek before letting him go. She turned to pick up her things, licked her lips before turning to look at Natasha. “You don’t have be to rude just because you’re unhappy with things in life. If you want something, take it but don’t be harsh on people. You don’t know their story or what they have been through.”
She hugged Veronica, squeezed her hand then hugged Seth one more time. ”Nic, you’re hurt and sad but don’t put up a facade of happiness. It’s okay to be sad and you have my number, call me if you want to escape from here and we do whatever you want. Two broken girls take on the world.” Veronica had briefly told her what happened to her and she felt bad for her. She gave Veronica her phone number if she ever wanted to hang out and take mind off of things. Candela walked away from the group and went to the bar. She chatted up with Tre and Dani for a bit as she didn’t know what else to say to the group.
Last Edit: Aug 16, 2021 9:47:24 GMT -5 by Candela Steele
Post by Natasha Black on Aug 18, 2021 7:23:55 GMT -5
She wasn't being a brat, at least Tash didn't feel like she was. Sleep-deprived she was cranky on top of that she had become very distrusting of strangers. Pulling the arm away from Seth she shot daggers out of her eye in his direction. "Call me bratty again and see what happens to you." She growled slightly under her breath. She rolled her eyes as Candi, thanked her for complimenting her breast. She rolled her eyes because it was not. She put on a fake valley girl accent " Really? I was going to ask you who your surgeon was don't I seem stupid now. ". Tash didn't understand her statement about the world revolving around her. She out of the whole group was the last one who wanted attention. Did the drugs turn her into some entitled bitch or something? She twirled her finger in her hair sarcastically before Tre stepped in trying to play the tough jackass hero. Folding her one right arm across her chest, she used her left one to give Tre the middle finger. She wasn't impressed with the troll insult and she was almost about to walk up to him and punch him in the face, she would have hit him a lot harder than he would expect from a girl her size. Tash looked tiny but she could have easily hit him with the force of a bodybuilder and knock him on his ass. She began to clench her fist but Veronica spoke up she had saved the bald asshole and she watched him walk away to grab a drink from the bar. She whispered under her breath. "Whatever, I could have taken him."
Almost too irritated now to care, Tash just put her straw back to her lips and continued to drink coffee. She kept her lips closed and listened to Veronica speak. It was weird that when I was even musing the thought of being a stripper. V was far from the girl she had remembered. Experiences had changed them in some way over their time apart. She looked over at Catcher, she realized right now she was being selfish and she took a few deep breaths and counted to ten in her head, claiming herself a bit, it brought her back to a time were Quil had been teaching he the best way to control her anger and she turned away looking in the opposite direction of the group, almost feeling teary eyed.
She listened as Veronica asked Candi about what had happened, half heartedly she listened to Candi explain what she remembered. When she heard it was Candi's idea to dress her in a paper bag and mess up her hair, she almost lost it but she had not been done explaining what happened so she let Candi continue. Tash was snapped back into her earlier mood when she heard Candi calling Catcher sweet and mentioning she had dressed him up in spandex. She wished she had remembered seeing him in costume. It would have been very amusing, she didn't know what she might have done around Catcher and made her rethink Candi's earlier statement that she could have been all over him trying to make herself the center of attention. She rubbed her eyes, trying to make them look like they were red from rubbing them rather than being on the verge of tears. " Candi you said I thought the world revolved around me. What did you mean by that?"
She didn't get an answer right away and Catcher mentioned some guy named Raf and it sent her down an entirely different road of conversation about how he was sweet and listened to her problems. Tash didn't understand how he got himself into things like this. Under his tough lone wolf persona he always had a way of having girls fawn over him. It was almost annoying because it was almost like high school where all the girls were talking about how cute he was. Last night at prom standing in her blue dress,while he held her she actually had a glimmer of happiness, but just as it came It left with Veronica walking right to the door. Between Veronica being playful in the pool and now Candi , she couldn't see why she had even hoped to spend time with him. All boys are annoying.
She was about to just take her keys from Seth,and just head home. Whatever she did at this point didn't matter. She heard about it from one of the others and just pretended she still cared. Right before she decided Candi came over and told her she didn't have to be rude because she was unhappy with life, and if she wanted something just take it and not be harsh on people. Who did Candi think she was a Therapist? Making comments about her like she truly knew who she was, if anything from what she could remember she was more open and friendly last night maybe even a bit to flirty at times. She remembered the astronaut and smiling and being happy. She wasn't one party. Tash was the the good girl, unless good girl went bad on the cocktail of choice for the evening. "I'm rude and judging because I'm unhappy? You don't even know me! I was drunk and probably high,now you think you know all my personal problems, forsure I wouldn't have shared them with you. I'm glad to hear your leaving though, one less mess in this town to worry about." Tash almost felt bad for saying the last part but no one really knew her anymore.
Post by Seth Rivers on Aug 18, 2021 9:56:45 GMT -5
Seth chuckled when Candi called him hot, he knew he had a nice enough body, wolf genes helped with that. "I'm sure if I need to make a few extra bucks, you might see me here but right now I'm going to decline the offer." He was comfortable enough in himself to be outwardly expressive but since last night did he have the words open and proud tattoo on his forehead. He hasn't even told his friends yet, did he let something slip to Candi. He had felt Tash shoulder shift under his hand and he let go of his grip. She just seemed like she was in a foul mood today. She wasn't going to press her calm down anymore. If she wanted to be bitchy then everyone would just have to deal."You won't do shit you love me too much."
A very audible laugh came flying out of his mouth as Candi began talking about her boobs, they were nice but you see one nice small pair you saw them all. He listens to Tash being faker than he ever before and to break the tension he spoke up."My boobs were all natural if it counts. One hundred percent cotton." It didn't seem to work because the bouncer Tre stepped in like heated calling Tash a troll. He could almost see the flames coming out of his brown glossy dome, he sure was defensive of Candi. He was about to speak up because no man deserves to speak to a woman like that,Veronica said something and it seemed like it was enough to get Tre to back down. "Jeez, someone didn't eat his breakfast this morning.", Seth had never seen Tash get such a heated response out of someone she must have really pissed him off last night.
No longer feeling like wanting to listen to the drama, I was glad to hear Veronica begin talking about the benefits of working as a stripper and finding a sugar daddy. "You probably would work here too bad . It smells so bad up here. Does anybody else smell the dead rat on the ceiling?" There wasn't actually a dead rat,or maybe that was all Seth was picking up was there had been a vampire in the place recently and without windows and poor airflow he was picking up trace amounts floating in the air. It probably wasn't helping the mood in the room at all. Looking behind him he started to walk around the costume room as Candi,V and Catcher spoke. He begins picking up a few articles of clothing while taking a sniff, trying to see if maybe one of the dancers were a vampire. Picking up the astronaut costume he took a big whiff and dropped the costume back on the ground coughing a few times before joining the group again.
"That's our Catch, wanting to be friends with all the ladies and help them solve their problems. Even in blue spandex." Seth pinched Catcher’s cheek. " That is what makes him so sweet." He was shocked that Catcher would let a total stranger live in his house but under the influence of all the drugs they were on Seth was surprised he wasn't the one who ended up with a bride and having to explain to his mother why there was some random girl in his house. " This Raf must really be a dick, unless he is just overprotective of his things."He watched Candi give Catcher back his ring rightfully being placed back in his finger.
He listened as Candi seemed to be analyzing all his friends besides him and he was glad she skipped right past him because if she said something about him embracing his sexuality he would probably die. He moved closer to Veronica and put his arm over her shoulder. "She's not broken, she just got home, there's no way I'll let you steal this girl away yet. I have one question for you, Candi. It’s that astronaut costume , were is the guy in the suit?"
Last Edit: Aug 20, 2021 8:09:41 GMT -5 by Seth Rivers
Post by Veronica Call on Aug 18, 2021 14:09:11 GMT -5
Veronica felt like a referee between Natasha and Candela and god knows who else. She was tired of everyone’s bullshit and just wanted to sleep it off. Natasha was being a pain in ass in her own way, Seth was trying to be zen and calm about it and Catcher…well no words would describe him aside from being confused and lost. For a lost boy, he was definitely ladies man. Every walking lady loved Catcher and how he was towards them but barely handful knew what the battle was in his head. If she could roll her eyes and kill someone with it, she would have done it in a heartbeat. Her head hurts with all talking and her stomach slowly growling at her even more. What was Tash going on about being cracky due to lack of sleep and food. That was everyone right now but no one seems to be cranky about it. Veronica pushed that on the side, didn’t have the energy to think or dwell on the fact on how her friend is. She was letting it go.
She listened to what everyone had to say even the fact that Natasha would have beat the crap out of Tre if no one had stopped her. “We are not here to kill or beat anyone up, hun.” Veronica whispered to Natasha and hoping she would calm down. They were there to figure out what was going on and it meant that they had to behave. Veronica’s eyes widen, her cheeks flushed when Candi said she had started to strip her red grown on stage. She couldn’t wrap her brain around the fact that she had stripped in front of everyone like that then wore hula skirt and coconut bra. It was tad embarrassing though no embarrassing as walking around with dick drawn on forehead. She cleared her throat, suddenly dry and needed to drink something to process what she did. She walked to the bar and told Dani to make her virgin strawberry daiquiri. She would have preferred with alcohol but she was going to drive her car and didn’t believe in driving while intoxicated. That’s how one of friend got killed and since then she would either walk or call a cab after she had one too many drink. She’s normally fine after have couple of shots or a drink or two then she will switch to water. Which brings back to question, how did she get home yesterday. Veronica thanked Dani for her drink and placed twenty dollar bill on the table for her. She sipped on her drink and came in time to Candi telling everyone that she was leaving.
She almost choked on her drink and hated to see that Candi was leaving. She eyed Natasha carefully when Candi started telling her what she saw. Veronica murmured and prayed that Natasha would not lash her crankiness out on Candi. “You don’t have to leave the west coast. I understand why you need to. I feel like I found my long lost sister in you Candela. Thank you for being a sport last night and I will hit you up so we can go on cross country road trip.” Veronica hugged her friend with a sad smile on her face and gave death to her friends. She let go of Candi and when Seth placed his arm around her shoulder. “You could always come along girls trip, Seth. It’s high time you see the world outside of Washington.” Going on a trip with Candi and Seth was a good idea. They could have fun, relax, and make memories together.
“Tash, she didn’t mean it like that. She was telling you how she felt and she wants you to be happy. Hell, she wants both of us to be happy. She means well.” Veronica sipped on drink, while eyeing Natasha. Veronica truly wished Cullens were around so it would have been easier to control the atmosphere. Edward reading everyone mind and Jasper controlling or manipulating mood around him. Everyone needed to take a step back and breathe. Or go home, take a shot and take a nap. “Are you okay, C? You’re not married, so that’s a relief.”
Post by Catcher Reeves on Aug 19, 2021 6:01:11 GMT -5
They just kept talking about boobs and he tried to ignore the fact that he had helped Seth stuff Leah’s bra and thought about Candela’s pushed up breasts as implants; it was almost a compliment that should never be said and he swallowed discreetly, in the privacy of his mind.
He enjoyed costumes but that spandex was giving him a vivid imagination and he couldn’t picture himself leaving this place wearing it, asserting that it meant his clothes must have been here or in one of his friends’ trunks; a thought that comforted him. It started to come together that his vehicle was at Seth’s house so all his worries toppled like Jenga pieces.
It was too soon to mention Rafael’s name and he felt bad enough for it his heart dropped as Candela’s voice cracked with tremors of emotion; it had been one night and he forgot she wouldn’t be over it. The blunder caused him to avoid all her compliments as he listened to her synopsis of the night’s events. Thankfully he wasn’t the only one who had to come up with something encouraging as he struggled. Both Veronica and Seth attempted to make Candela feel welcomed and missed as he held the cup of coffee in his other hand to his mouth to drink it and let the warm aroma fill his nose like a palette cleanser, wiping that wafting stench of dead mice. It was the city and he almost expected vampires to work here, utilizing their seductive beauty on humans, assuming at least a few of the women here were undead. He raised his eyebrows, still demure hearing Seth complain about the odour and waved the cup around his face like a hovering object so the hot air that misted with the caffeine drifted to around him to the same effect.
”Who said it was just ladies?” Seth teased as he pinched his cheek and Catcher flinched but allowed it, smirking deviously at him before and after puckering up to send him a kiss that never touched his face. Aware that the women standing around them had no idea this was regular for them, he tilted his head, continuing to make passes at Seth with a flirtatious expression as he covered his lips with dainty fingers after mouthing ‘cutie’ while coyly gazing at his best friend until Candela returned from her bag. What he didn’t know was Seth’s emerging confidence in his sexuality and all the implications of this behaviour being confusing, though strictly he was never going to change his ways. He rotated the metal in his fingers as she pressed her lips to the side of his face and left him, returning the accessory with a solemn finality. His eyes followed Candela’s movements around the area, sliding the ring back on after she stopped at the bar, automatically going to the counter after her, hoping to make sense of her changed plans. The words he spoke did not have the full force of persuasion as he carefully suggested, hoping he wouldn’t affect things negatively for her. ”Not trying to stop you from doing what you think is right but you have a place until you leave. The offer will always stand.” Resting against the counter, his elbows supporting him on the cold surface, he studied her, trying to be supportive. ”If all that’s left is moving your stuff out of his place, just tell me.” In an idea, he backed up from where he leaned and stepped a few paces from her, gesturing with both hands like it was no big deal if she needed help one more time, brightness in his eyes matching a cute childlike smile. ”We could do that right now.”
They were sidetracked when the question on the whereabouts of the astronaut popped up and he deduced it wouldn’t be ‘a speak of the devil’ situation; the man wouldn’t just magically show but they had reason to be curious. The masked man was probably a ladies’ night hit attraction, he reflected as he listened to the bickering resume in moderation, looking between the three women who called themselves broken. They were so high functioning there was not a trace of their heartbreak and ruin upon first impression, knowing he was exactly the same. At least Veronica had found a kindred spirit in Candela; they were like two peas in a pod but all he saw were two different people and he didn’t fully comprehend this bond beyond that there was no friction, which was a great thing compared to what was happening with Natasha and those two. Then she invited Seth on a girl’s trip instead of Natasha and he just lost all comprehension of what was going on; he was definitely missing something.
For a second Natasha seemed to be depressed, rubbing her eyes frantically and asking a strange question, then she flared up and he knew she was escalating quickly, bobbing his head in mild exasperation, shoulders slumping along with the motion. ”No one knows all your personal problems because none of you talk about it.” He sighed as he glanced up to the black painted ceiling before sauntering over to Natasha, smothering her in a hug that held her like a struggling infant, petting her head in slow strokes down her hair like a precious doll as he pressed her close so she would stop fuming and potentially throwing hands. ”Do you want to go home? You’ll miss out on a lot of good food later…”
Everyone was hungry and cranky but these three had some genuine complications and he just stated the obvious, that they should reevaluate themselves over dinner, reading her mind as he faced Veronica, defusing her as much as he could, half teasing in his usual manner of interaction with Natasha. She wouldn’t shoot the messenger even if she was mad at everyone including him. He didn’t really care why she was bothered by him too, all he remembered was that she kept speaking of Quil and he was out of depth there; now he was just avoiding conflict like it was his favourite thing to do. The vise hold clamping Natasha so she wasn’t death glaring Candela because she couldn’t eye her from the side, he didn’t let go of until she softened, forcing her to diminish her raising voice, muffling it as though she were a cat that needed a chin rub, a toddler who needed a stuffed animal. She could yell into him and it would still be better than setting her free after Candela. She didn’t have a lot to smile about but the entire time she was just keeping a record of the wreckage like it was all her life when they were all in this together. She couldn’t see but he shook his head and rolled his eyes, slightly swaying her until he pulled back and just stared at her face with a gaze that everyone frustratingly mistook as chemistry with just about anyone, trying to see if her unsteady rage could be pacified.
”I’m fine.” He turned his head as he smiled at Veronica quickly for caring before furrowing his brows; lips parted in concentration as he proceeded back to Candela, asking her.”You said it isn’t official unless it’s filed, do you have it? It’s a piece of paper?”Wherever that document was, he didn’t need her to hand it over, she could keep it or it could stay lost forever; he surprised himself how much he trusted a stranger. Perhaps it was because she poured her heart out over her life story and he believed her enough she wasn’t specifically a stranger anymore. ”Married or not married, if she wants to move in she still can.” Standing between Seth and Veronica, he put his arms around both of them and moved them nearer, hushing his voice amusedly that for once, he didn’t mind being predictable, waiting for Candela to make a choice as he watched her calmly. ”You two have fun with that bet. We’ll see what she decides.”
Last Edit: Aug 19, 2021 6:05:01 GMT -5 by Catcher Reeves