[celesticlglow]

𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐮𝐞.

ɴᴏᴛᴇ: ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴛɪᴄ ꜱʜɪᴘꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ᴄʟᴏꜱᴇᴅ.

ʀᴇᴀᴅ / ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀꜱ

❄️ ᴍᴀɪɴ & ᴀꜰꜰɪʟɪᴀᴛᴇꜱ: 𝖈𝖚𝖕𝖝𝖔𝖋𝖝𝖘𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖘, &; 𝖘𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖗𝖞𝖑𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖇𝖚𝖌. ❄️

[starrylovebug]

Okay, he made a fair point. It would take time for her to do this - to be a convincing bullshitter, as he put it. But, he was one of the few, apart from her brother who were saying things as they were without so many roundabouts. And without making her feel like a complete idiot like Joey. "He was supposed to be my guide." And why she, more or less, followed what he shared. "He did mention you were not exactly trustworthy. Something about you, though he didn't say what."

She caught sight of his confusion and couldn't help but give him a look. "I know. How do I not know? I still need to sift through everything - find out what's true and what are spun stories. To put my cluelessness in perspective, I just found out Matty is a replica of you. That I, myself, am a replica." Catching up was taking a little while. 'Not to mention, encountered Joey and his great, genuine intentions. Max began sharing some things, trying to catch me up but honestly, assume whatever you're telling me - I'm not an expert on. With company like my mother and Joey, lot of things were kept from me." Hearing herself say that was devastating. A sense of naivety was there. How could she have ever thought she could protect Matty when she was so out of he depth? Observing his body language, Selene figured he would share. It was in their best interest, if he really was considering this plan. So, she adjusted in her seat and leaned in a bit, trying to gather everything he said. The piece about her mother sounded correct. The way her division was run now was enough evidence. Everyone there was practically an extra set of eyes for her, taking a lot of sweet words and convincing for someone to even consider looking the other way.

"I see," she finally said after hearing how he described what his wife did and what his overall plan was. How it involved destabilizing her mother and Joey. Both with different purposes, but the same end goal. "You're not wrong. I did not understand. When you said continue the work, I understood that to mean the work was as it is now. But, of course, it was corrupted." By her. "Can I see? The files of your wife's work?" She could take his words at face value, but that had already burned her more than once. "So, rage baiting Joey into acting first, thinking later? That's your plan. Seeing what he wants be achieved and knowing he can't do it now. Sure. My mother too, she's desperate searching for Matty. I'm sure she'd want another shot at cloning someone else." By her standards, Selene had been a failure, Matty too. She knew her mother would not pass up the opportunity to try again. "Dangling what they want in front of them as a means to distract, destroying from the inside while they focus on this one thing." That is what she wanted. Never having to worry about someone else being subjected to this. "We would need to disappear. Well, me." Joey knew the story, knew she was a carbon copy of Laurie. Matty a copy of Gabe. They couldn't leave room for doubt that it was them taking up a role. "I need to die," she breathed out.

[celesticlglow]

"He didn't like that I didn't share Laurie with him. Apparently wasn't used to being told no. But, it doesn't surprise me that he told you that. What better play than to make you distrust anyone who even challenges his way of thinking. Abusers and manipulators are great at that." Something he knew she would know Joey was. "Might also be the fact that he was jealous of our marriage. We didn't need to show off to be real nor did we need to force her to love me back."

"Sift through what? Do you think this is on record?" The curious eyebrow raised made it obvious he was a little bit confused on what she thought she'd be looking through. "Was this something Joey told you? He had files or something?" He understood that as a point of overwhelm. "I get it. This is a lot of information to get back to back. It makes sense why you looked at me like you knew me. In a way you do. That's not your fault. Go easy on yourself. You're handling it pretty well for someone who just got ten thousand balls thrown at her."

"Sure. Any day you're available to look through them. Just not here. It's not safe. Hope you understand. Kind of but this isn't a revenge tour on Joey. I don't necessarily think he's the one we need to focus on. But, that's me. You have a lot more ire to burn on him. That will be up to you." She was understanding it now which only made him smile and nod. "Hm. That's what your brother is here for is it not?" He knew Max was the one who made things and people disappear. "That's where your Matty comes in. I'm retiring and with that I won't need to be Gabe anymore." His eyes glanced over at Matty who was now leaning over the counter for a new drink. "He was coveted for a reason, look at him." No sign of the anxious person who walked inside an hour ago. Now Matty was leaning with an air of confidence that he smiled at. He was gonna be easy to mold. "But he's not up to bat right now. What is important now is you. Maybe you should meet Laurie."

[starrylovebug]

"You're sweeter than pie," she said in response with a wide smile on her lips. Her constant response to his kind gestures or words. Pie being an absolute favorite of hers, but Freddie always seemed to surpass even that. "You're kidding, my birthday's not for another two months. You know I'm happy just spending the day with you." Which seemed like a basic ask, but with their hectic schedules, it was the biggest gift she could ask for.

"Third base," she confirmed with a grin. "I'm so generous," she teased, trying to withhold her chuckle. And, seeing his smirk, Nari caved in and chuckled lightly. Such a disarming look. "See, that makes me feel like I guessed completely right. But, you could also be saying that to throw me off. The ice cream shop has to be stop number one. Oh my god, a banana split with extra whipped cream and chocolate sauce," she couldn't help but lick her lips. Oh, that sounded divine. "Honestly, if you could get me that banana split, it'd be the greatest night ever. Best surprise of the night." Leaning against his chest before stepping on her tip toes to press her lips against his. "Let's go before you keep tempting me with this look." Any longer and she might skip the banana split and just go right back to bed.

It wasn't a far drive into town, but she was thankful it was later in the evening and any traffic had already died down. Nari spent most of the car ride mesmerized by her husband, that was nothing new. But, it had been astounding this time. So mesmerized that she hadn't noticed they were pulling up to the shop. It was amusing to see - the only storefront with lights on. Everything else was already closed for the night. Just going to show all he did for her. "Do I get to see you behind the counter, wearing the hat and apron?"

[celesticlglow]

"Oh," he laughed as he opened the door for her and let her pass through first. The small mom and pop shop still looked like it did when they were younger. Nothing really changed except the frames off the walls. "I don't know if I can hardly say no to that request." With that he left her at the counter and tried to find the apron. Freddie worked at a shop like this in college, not to pay for tuition or anything like that. Aunt tilly had a set fund for each kid so that was one thing he never worried about but still worked so his aunt could have a fund of her own. Something she could dig into without guilt.

He made a whole thing about his counter and smiled when he could see she was amused. Making her a banana split he made it perfect then squirted the chocolate sauce in her direction. "Never said I'd actually behave." A raised eyebrow in her direction made him look just as he did in his twenties. "So, you got your split and now I get to know what had your eyes all glossy in the car. Was it love?" He looked around knowing they had a pie fridge. "Take your guess. Will we find blueberry, apple or pumpkin?"

[starrylovebug]

What was smirk worthy? She couldn’t tell. It was such an odd feeling - like there was some inside joke she was missing out on or something along those lines. “I wasn’t implying that either.” His territory, god no. The thought of being anyone’s territory or property made her stomach churn. Unfathomable. “Not quite sure to be honest,” she shrugged at the thought. Trying to think of a reason behind it, though she didn’t have any at the moment. “Must be my programming.” Did she have programming? Was that a thing? Selene still had questions about all of this. “Hey! I don’t think I’m worthless.” Not entirely anyway. “I get the whole, believe in yourself thing. That, I do get. I'm not disagreeing with that. But it's not like I can flip a switch and I'm the all-confident woman. So, if you have any tips or tricks, I'm all ears. Her weaknesses seem non-existent. Again, if you know anything, feel free to share."

"Something along those lines," she dared to tease. Selene couldn't think of a reason why she'd tell him to fuck off. But, who knows, maybe he was right and knowledge would evoke such a reaction. "So, I was always the plan?" This existence was inevitable, and she didn't really know how to process that. Maybe things would be different. "Don't think that's really lifting my spirits here. And, you continuing her work...how does it save people? Because, me and Matty existing, that's far from saving anyone. And, frankly, I don't want to put anyone else through that so if it's to continue this....then, I can't help." She couldn't bring herself to put anyone else through this, she'd hold steady on that. "I want him to be happy. Not normal. Abilities or not, as long as he's happy. Taking your wife's place in the work she did...but I'm not a scientist." She was barely an agent, and that was saying a lot (according to some). "He did mention, he wants his wife back. He's far from here right now, in Ontario. I know Matty would agree with you, not letting Joey do this. I'm just not convinced continuing your wife's work is the right move."

[celesticlglow]

He was amused by her and it showed in the small bursts of laughter that escaped him as he took his gaze away from her. If Laurie could see her now, she'd finally believe she was a scientist worth her salt. "It's not a flip of a switch. It's you believing you know your shit. Anyone can bullshit but to be a convincing bullshitter, you don't just need to sell it but believe in the crap you're putting out. You crumble with the slight touch of someone talking over you. When you and Joey were here. You conformed to what he wanted. You looked uncomfortable and out of your depth. He hated and probably told you not to trust me after I said to come alone, right?" Gabe chuckled and shook his head. "Her major weakness is being selfish. You should have already seen that. Hunger to get something before anyone else." Had it not been obvious? He had to wonder if Selene actually paid attention to just her surroundings.

The tease made him smirk and give it to her. The confused brow he gave her when she asked what it was that they did made him pause. Did she really not know? He scooted himself further into his chair and wrapped his hands over the other. "The science division was tasked with finding cures for the illnesses that didn't have any. Your mother once she assumed her role, torn it down and kept Laurie and myself on the team. Said she wanted to be an improved division for science. Threw an exorbitant amount of money at it and installed yes men around her. Or in Joey's case, sex toys. Being told no doesn't bode well for her. My wife found the genetic mutation that could open up cures for people. She also helped create the treatment for IVF for people who couldn't do needles. Your mother turned that into firestarter. You were supposed to be an embryo who would attach to a hostile environment. He was supposed to be the key to cooking up a new shot. I don't think you understand me. You'd finish the job she never could. Joey wants his wife back, seeing Laurie back in action means that what he thought was possible came to fruition. I know my Laurie can't come back, and I've made my peace with that but he doesn't know that. He and Karina are chasing their own tails in the dark. You taking her place means destroying them from the inside. So this never reopens not even in twenty years."

[starrylovebug]

A huff of air fell from her lips, causing the strands of hair at the front to raise with the puff of air. Seems she was not fooling him on the confidence and know it all vibe. A silent, sarcastic thank you Joey ran through her mind. If she had any confidence building, he had absolutely demolished it with their confrontation earlier. “Analyzing the hell out of me huh? Well, you definitely impose in your territory. But yeah, you got me - I fold to authority very quickly.” If was one of the few reasons Karina kept her around. Still, even with her propensity for obedience there was something that pushed her to question and go against. “You think it’s hidden somewhere, this confidence,” he really didn’t know anything about her or was optimistic. Both were not great options.

Her features were an answer in it of itself. A resounding no. “Not my kind of job.” Now Selene did say whatever it takes, but that was a line she didn’t want to cross. “He did mention the DNA connection. I didn’t know, when Joey brought me.” She nodded in agreement. It was true, she could breathe now because of this woman. But then again, she didn’t ask to be brought into the world. It was complicated to say the least. “Scientist,” that made a lot of sense. Her involvement, how her DNA was chosen to become Selene. “She sounds like a very smart woman. I’m not acting tough,” she replied, almost defensively. It wasn’t a Gabe thing, or maybe it was. But, after the event with Joey, she was on high alert. Defense mechanisms included. “Wait hold on, she knew about me?” Knew about her creation? Does that mean she was willing to give her DNA to this, or knew about her creation in general terms? “What kind of plan? Is it to dismantle your wife’s work?” Or continue it? His answer would determine her thoughts. She couldn’t fathom another having an existence like hers, or like Matty’s. “It’s not that I’m not willing, but I’m not exactly on my own. I need more information before I make a call. Whatever decision I make will affect him,” she gestured to Matty. She was going to honor her promise, about staying together.

[celesticlglow]

That quip made him smirk, almost like he was thoroughly amused. He was amused but more than that, he saw Laurie in her words. Countless times he had stared at her after she found some new scientific breakthrough and she'd give him the same speech. It was fascinating to see this work that once was a sheet of paper and endless mathematical equations be sitting and getting mouthy with him. "I never said you were my territory." he countered. "It is obvious. Why do you fold so easily, especially to men." He gave her a quick head nod. "I do. But seems like you don't believe it. You can't do much if you don't believe in yourself and taking on a juggernaut like your mother is not for the mind that think they are actually worthless. Karina isn't this scary monster, she's human and with that comes a lot of weaknesses. Learn how to see that and you get the upper hand. It has never been about being stronger than her."

"Didn't think so," he remarked as the smile didn't disappear. "I figured you didn't know. Otherwise your first response to seeing me would be to tell me to fuck off." A laugh escaped him and nodded. "You were never supposed to be created by your mother. You were supposed to be our new wave baby. Not in the literal sense but it was a scientific breakthrough. Kind of like how IVF was when it first became a thing. It gets complicated when your mom jumped the gun and created you but that's not of any importance right now. No. I want to continue my wife's work. Her work would save a lot of people. Your mom just got greedy. But, no. My plan is to finish what she started. Our success rate," he looked at Matty. "Was one in a million. Thing is, I can't finish it without the last components. I have the equations and the million of paperwork but not the lever to make it work. That's where you come in. Or well, both of you. I know you want him to be normal. Not like he is right now. He isn't finished. But more on him later. This is about you, you'd be taking my wife's place. Joey is looking for a redo on his own. I can't let him do that. I owe that much to my Laurie. Who by the way she hated."

[yuckyguyliker]

Succession (2018 - 2023)

2x10 - This Is Not for Tears

[starrylovebug]

txt: a two in one, even better!

txt: everything's fine, well sort of. Let me just call you.

She added both of her siblings to the call before activating it. It was late, Inez knew that but she couldn't really think of anyone else to process this with. She used the small side table to adjust her phone, knowing she'd likely not be too visible. The porch light was not that strong. "Sorry about this," she waved around the empty space to demonstrate she was outside in the dark. "Rafa's moonlighting as the family electrician and the power just went out here." Which was amusing on its own, until she let curiosity get the better of her. "Have the porch light but not super strong. The 411...honestly, I don't even know if I'm completely off base here. But, he lent me his family photo albums today." Which, realistically, didn't mean anything. Baby pictures, others with friends, and the awkward school pictures. Nothing more, right? "His pictures...they're, there's so many here with with my ex." Someone her family was only half-familiar with. They never formally met him. He had never interested in it. So, her family only met him through the occasional picture.

"That's weird, right! I mean, regardless of who he is, him being in Rafa's family albums feels like some shitty coincidence. I don't want to even think about how they know each other." Inez was still avoiding saying what she found in the last picture. Because, that plainly...couldn't be. "I don't want to ask Rafa, but it's not like I can ask my ex either." He had been gone for a while now. "Guys...there's one that has a caption that says, brothers enjoying the sun...you don't think?" There wasn't any family resemblance. At least not any that Inez could think of when she thought of both of them. But, she knew that didn't mean much. Occasionally, people didn't find the resemblance between her and some of her siblings. "Please tell me I'm making a big deal out of this for no reason." Her mind went back to her earlier conversations with Rafa though. The comments she had made about her ex, the things he shared of his brother. Life just couldn't be this funny. No way.

[celesticlglow]

"Hear that Ems, we are talking to ghost Inez. We have to tell Isa about this." Eli tried to make it light feeling an abundance of anxious vibes coming from his sister. Still, he let her talk and get it out. Every now and again, he'd look at Emma and raised his eyebrows as the elusive ex was mentioned. It was a running joke between siblings that he must have not existed since Inez never brought him over. But the more she spoke the more Eli was intrigued. So much so that he had a question. "It said brothers underneath? I mean we don't look a like but still are siblings though our pictures never have that brothers or sisters thing. Can we see the picture? I know this may sound dumb but have you asked what the brother's name was? Maybe they are the same person and it's just the fates way of making you have closure on your ex?"

"Before you freak out on this dude. What if they are brothers, what are you afraid of? That you'll still hung up on your ex? Will your feelings change over him now?" Eli asked as his brain tried to come up with a way to calm her down. "What's his last name?" He heard Emma clear her throat and that made him smile. "I'm just curious, totally not typing." Though the typing could be heard.

[starrylovebug]

Her frown was momentary, his comment stinging even if that wasn't his intention behind it. Or, maybe it was. Selene was frankly too exhausted to be hung up on it. "I didn't say sorry." But, knowing what she knew now, perhaps he was right and she had learned to apologize for existing incorrectly. She sat across from him, as he requested, and felt almost...shy, with his gaze. He was staring, and it wasn't subtle either. The conversation with Max helped, knowing her resemblance to who Gabe knew. Still, didn't mean that the examining was any more comfortable. Then again, it felt terrible to tell the guy with a dead partner to stop staring.

"A job?" What the? That's not what she was expecting when he asked her to come alone, without Joey. "Not necessarily," her gaze flickering to her brother and Matty sitting together, she bit the inside of her cheek. "Things have changed." A swift change, but she was certain he was used to it. Especially after he acknowledged their presence in the corner of the room. "Joey made some things clear earlier and truthfully, we weren't aligning on those goals. You suggest a job, I assume here? Joey knows this place." If it wasn't obvious already, she did not want to encounter him just yet. "Long hours, shitty pay, that's fine. I know what I need. What are you fighting for then?" Since he sounded so sure. "My brother told me, about the resemblance to someone you knew. Doesn't that deter you from all of this madness?" Not as oblivious as before, but surely she still had a long way to go. Still, she was partly curious for herself. How did he manage to stick around near all of this? Why?

[celesticlglow]

"You're words didn't say sorry but your actions did. You hunch in on yourself like you give me too much authority. Who am I? No one to bend to. Shake that confidence from the depths of wherever you are hiding it." Gabe was blunt and his words rang true whenever he said them. If this plan were to work, then she'd need to quit being meek.

"No," he shook his head and knew she'd think that. "You wouldn't work here unless you love sex with strangers. Yeah, to my wife. Her dna is coursing through your veins right now. Thanks to her, you can breathe. And no. I am continuing her work. She was a scientist," looking at Matty. "Made the connection between him and I. We shared one important dna sequence. Primary reason why we are both breathing and neither of us are sucking the air out of each other's spaces. You don't need to act tough with me. Not needed. That front before was more so for Joey's benefit so he thought he'd have something over you." He looked down and gestured to her. "That's why you are alive and she's not. Her findings were too early for herself." Though he had every right to be angry, he wasn't. His wife actually made it possible for her work to continue. "You're the product that she wanted to see through. I do have a plan but first I need to know if you'd be willing to take on a job."

[starrylovebug]

"Mom with another baby, god," she muttered at the thought. Selene never really asked her brothers - how their mother differed between them. Some of it was noticeable and it was more than she wanted dig on. "I can't believe she wants to do this again." Not to mention her lack of limits - willing to put a baby through anything for the sake of obtaining her goal. "I get it," she said in a monotone voice. Not useful at all, hey not a surprise though. Joey often made a comment of the sort. "A win win situation for her. Someone devoted to her without her having to give anything in return." Something she had completely failed at. But, would anyone ever fulfill that? Abilities or not....Matty was proof that feelings inevitably developed. Good or bad.

"But, Maggie's progress was stumped...." with her death, no? Selene stared at her brother, her eyes narrow as she analyzed his words. What Max shared and didn't share. "She's not gone," she finally landed on. Not in the life and death sense, at least. A look in Max's direction and she confirmed her suspicion. Max knew. But, she didn't push it further. If she was alive, she wasn't going to put that at risk. "I know, he's learning a lot." Humming half-happy, she smiled. "He'll soon be smarter than both of us." She nodded slowly, listening to the possibility her brother presented. It wasn't new to her mind. She knew that, from the moment, she decided to help Matty that their life would always entail disappearing and living some form of nomad life. Away from everyone else. Which, sounded difficult, but it felt like a small price to pay for his happiness. "That's fine, whatever it takes," she reiterated to her brother. "As long as you guys still find a way to visit." Her face reddened at Matty's question. This was definitely not a topic she expected her brother to talk about. It felt embarrassing, but she still found his question cute. And, had to admit, the question had crossed her mind after Joey talked about his own wife.

"I...I think that's a big piece in question. Whether we'd be making kids with abilities. I mean, I don't want to accidentally play right into her hands." Karina wanted a super powered baby, she couldn't forget that. "Maybe once we're out, and away from all of this. You'd make a good uncle," she offered to her brother.

"Recreating her, fuck. He is sick. But, I think you're right. He has his own selfish goal, meaning mom knowing will get in the way. Two selfish people can't work together." Selene sighed and shook her head. Of course Joey's help only served to get her into deeper shit with her mother. "Ugh, she can have that toy back. It was never mine to begin with. For now though, might be good to keep them apart. Wouldn't want them to find us as a common thread they can tear down. Oh, you're familiar with him then?" It wasn't a full vote of confidence but Selene did feel a bit more at ease knowing Gabe helped her brother in some way. "A tiny bit weird, but I get it. I was trying so hard to not freak out when I saw him." An exact copy of Matty. "The backup would be much appreciated." Glancing down at her watch, "okay we might still have time. Meet you there?" She wasn't sure if Matty was up for joining, to have such an impression. See his double. Being in the dark was no good, as she just learned. And, she had promised staying together so they both headed to Gabe’s club.

As they arrived, she flagged someone down and informed them that she had a meeting with Gabe. When she caught sight of him, she piped up. “Hope I didn’t keep you waiting long. Realized a little late that I had no way of updating you on my ETA.”

[celesticlglow]

Gabe looked up not realizing someone had spoken to him. And not just anybody but his wife's double. He adjusted himself in the seat and smiled at Selene. It wasn't her fault she seemed so riddled with self doubt and a non existent confidence. It was weird to see his wife and have her be completely different than how she actually was. "You've been made to apologize for just existing haven't you?" He gestured for her to take a seat across from him as his eyes examined her. Her features, she didn't have the birth mark his own had. Nor the little dip on her nose on the left side of her nostril. "Do you need a job?" The question seemed out of left field but in reality, he asked to gauge where her head was at. She seemed too green to do the type of job her mother would expect of her. Something that, if he assumed correctly, would be determintal to the boy.

He raised his head at Max sitting in the corner with the subject. It was fascinating to see the subject trying to fit into the space of normalcy. Which was why he offered her an out somewhat. "Say hi to your brother for me. Drinks are on the house. I'm not here to coddle you. You can do what you please but the only thing I'd advice you on is to know what you're actually fighting for. Not because Joey tells you what you want to hear. You know what you're headed for. Just because you were created doesn't mean you'll need be a soldier."

"The pay is shit. Hours are long but," as waitresses went by, "People seem to find themselves. The choice is up to you." Gabe wasn't usually so helpful but Selene held a soft spot in him knowing that his wife would be one to help someone else in need. Even if they didn't think so.

Matty smiled as he watched the bubbles come from the straw straight into his drink. Max watched over him as he nodded his head at Gabe and then figured he'd ask Matty questions. "Do you have hobbies?" Matty looked over surprised he was being spoken to but smiled. "I love to build things. Selene gave me a wooden kit. Built a frame." That gave him an idea and wondered if his sister would be willing to let this be a thing. "Would you want to work?" Matty's eyes bugged out of their sockets and nodded. "Yes!"

[starrylovebug]

In the back of her head, she had been half processing that resemblance between Gabe and Matty. It didn't go over her head, more so, there hadn't been enough time to let her mind freak out properly. Even now, hearing words that completely turned her world upside down, she couldn't allow herself to cave into the madness. But, just how else could she react to the fact that she was....created? Selene understood the cloning piece, to some extent. She was familiar with it from Matty, but how did that translate to her? She would remember. Matty remembered. "Well no, I didn't think out of thin air, but I would know if...." well, if she was created. It took her some time to hear the rest of Max's words, where he explained the connection to Gabe. And, there some pieces began settling in. Why he seemed a bit stunned to see her, when they had never met. "So, she wanted someone with power," and instead got her. Go figure.

She shook her head in response, not because she denied what he said. In fact, it was sweet that he had known this for however long and hadn't viewed her any differently. That he still saw her as his sister, and he still went out of his way to protect her, the way older brothers did. "I'm trying not to freak out," she admitted to Max. Still, after many minutes, a shaky sigh escaped her. "I can't, you're right. Have someone counting on me," she said softly, thinking of Matty. She had already let him down, couldn't do it again. "That was his whole plan," Selene said reluctantly. Fuck, how far had she gone down? "And I ran right into it too. So eager to be involved and do something. I'd suggest him moving away, but after today, I don't know that we can be apart for too long. If that could be the last option, discarding everything I know." It wasn't much, but it was important to her.

The more she heard about Joey, the more disgusted she was. Even more disgusted at her decisions the last few weeks. But, what she really couldn't fathom was who Joey was. What he had done to someone he proclaimed to love so much. The way he spoke, it had made her believe that he truly cared for her, his wife. Instead, he had been the reason for her demise. He sounded just like her mother. The search for power, the lack of consideration for consequences. "So, he killed her." She didn't die by her mother's hand, it had been him. But, how easy it was to believe Karina was the reason for it. "But, if he killed her, why is he still so obsessed with having Matty's abilities at his disposal? What is he, trying to create someone else?" That would be the cherry on top of this whole mess.

Her? What. A success without abilities, Max and their mother had very different definitions. "I know. I've known from the moment I said hi to Matty, that I would end up on mom's list." It felt inevitable, looking back on it now. She would do it all over again. "That was Joey's shit too. Well, one of the ways he saved my ass last time we were at the lab. Well, thought he was saving my ass. He was probably just trying to get a rise out of mom." She nodded slowly, a consequence she knew was coming: their mom being upset. Selene, irrationally though, still feared it. Like a scolded child. "Well, it's nothing of concern. Just trying to sift through everything he said - what's true and what isn't. Rumors that mom is after too though, according to him." Unable to say his name now. "I know. It's been all hands on deck on finding Matty since he escaped." Some of the other agents had mentioned it, in a mocking manner, the agents finding it silly that her mom was so hyper fixated on this one thing. "Joey knows. Where our cabin was. That's where we just came from. Matty, he's found more control over his abilities and he protected us. He's somewhere in Ontario now, but as soon as he makes his way back, he'll tell her where we are. I know that....Matty, he's saying we can stay, but I think we need to move. If him and mom are on the same side, that cabin might as well be on fire right now. Speaking of Gabe too, I had a meeting with him later tonight. He was specific in requesting I didn't go with Joey. I was going to let that meeting go to shit, but maybe worth salvaging?"

[celesticlglow]

"No you wouldn't. The process with a baby is different. It's why mom wants to find another baby that will withstand the process. Matty was different. He wasn't born with abilities, he was injected with them. His memory didn't fade because of it. He has all human features but has no needs, you have needs and are completely human." Max understood how this could break her soul, finding out that she wasn't even useful on the basic level. But, he also didn't understand the feeling of never feeling good enough and being told that you wouldn't ever be. "She wants a weapon. After being rejected twice, she wanted something to attach to her and needed her but that she didn't need to love back." Not something she needed to hear but nonetheless something she had to.

Looking over to Matty who had focused on the sky, he nodded. "Yeah, you do. He won't always be like this though. Not if Maggie's progress means anything." The childlike wonder would be part of him but it would not make him think like one. "Well, moving away and also a change of identities. I know you don't want to think of that but after all this, witsec would be the best option. A chance to live a normal life." Matty heard that and smiled. He'd love a normal life, in their small cabin. "Could we have a baby?" he asked as his head snapped up to look at Max. "Really."

Max glanced at him and sighed, "I'm not sure. Honest answer is I don't know. There's never been a case where two people who aren't human got together. You're a first. I assume everything is the same so technically yes you could make a baby." Then turned to Selene. "You can do everything anyone else can do. The only issue would be that if the kid would be with abilities or not. But, if you should want that in the future, your baby would be safe."

"Joey wants to recreate his wife. Make her nitro charged if you will. I don't pretend I know what he is thinking but if I were a betting man. That's what I can guess he'd be in search of. Joey may be a lot of things but I don't think this is information that mom will get. Not if he wants to create a new version of his wife. Aside from that mom is more pissed that you're playing with her toy. Gabe is a toss up. He lets us use his club as a front. But can't imagine that he'd want to hurt you or Matty. If he asked you to come alone, without Joey then I presume he wants to see how his own sweetheart walks and talks. You look just like her. Go to the meeting. I'll be your back up. I'll advise to be honest but not too honest."

[starrylovebug]

"Pinky promise," Andrea said to her with all conviction as she held up her pinky finger. Waving at Wally, she already knew this would be a conversation later. Andrea looked over at him then down at the flowers. Had something shifted? "You okay?" He seemed almost, distracted. "Definitely a sure way to get it right," she noted, avoiding the joke that they hadn't gotten to the favorite flowers part yet. "They're very pretty, so thank you."

"It's fine, I promise. I will owe a lengthy snack time but those are better anyway." She hummed in thought, smiling proudly when he said that. "You think so? She is a pretty great kid." So, being loved by her was a point of pride. "Uh, yeah. They're longtime family friends. Wally, who you met, we've been friends since we were kids and somehow ended up befriending the whole family." She nodded a yes, "Nope, I'm an only child," had they really not even gotten through the family conversations? How much did she not know about Shawn? "Think my parents wanted more, but timing just didn't work for them. You have siblings?"

[celesticlglow]

"I'm fine." A small smile overtook over his features as he looked at her. "I'm just thinking she's a cute kid. Looks an awful lot like her father or is that just me?" He hadn't met anyone who took to genes quite like the child and her father. "No problem. Is that really your favorite flower? He didn't believe her so he narrowed his eyes at her.

"Yeah, she really takes to you. Usually see that kind of attachment with mother and daughters. You're kind of an unnatural. That makes sense. So you two have always been friends?" Not that he needed to be jealous of Wally but he was curious. "No, I'm an only child. I think I just had my first interaction just a mere minutes ago."

[cupxofxstars]

── .✦ @celesticlglow

"Oh, you poor thing." Ximena continued to coo at the doe as she held is head in her lap. She had been heading home after some blind date Órlaith and Briggs had set up for her, which to no surprise, did not end well, when she saw the poor thing in the middle of the road. Pulling over her little old Volkswagon rabbit, a hand me down from her dad, she set up some flares and assessed the creatures. Someone had hit it and it it seemed like one of its hind legs was broken.

There was no way that she could take it in her little car to Sunburst, so she called the nearest person she thought she could depend on. As headlights began to to make their way towards them, she recognized the truck right away. Petting the doe's head on more time, she spoke it again. "I'll be right back, that's my friend, we'll get you somewhere safe okay. We'll help you get better."

Laying its head gently back down to the ground, she ran over to Declan's truck and began to talk rapidly as he got out. "I need to get it over to Sunburst and I can't pick her up on my own or fit her in my truck. I'll really sorry to bother you this late but I really needed your help. I called Amelia and she said she'll open up the clinic and get it ready to exam her but I really need your help to get her there."

[celesticlglow]

There weren't many people in the world Declan would get out of bed for or drive somewhere at an insane hour just to pick them up. One had to be special, so as he approached and his headlights put into view his friend, he couldn't help but smile and put the truck in park. The fast paced roll of the tongue manner which she spoke had him chuckling and set his hands on her shoulders. "Breathe. First off hi and second, I figured it was either you found a wounded animal, you saw someone wound an animal or you ran one over on accident. Your call didn't have that urgency of when you don't feel great." His smile still held a twinge of amusement as he went around and grabbed the blanket and showed it off. "In case the poor soul got cold. How'd I do?"

"Stop it. I meant it when I said anytime and anywhere. Just as long as I wasn't asleep. I got you. I will hear none of your aplogy. It will fall on deaf ears. Okay, so Amelia knows and she's gonna be ready by the time we get there. Great, do you think the chances of survival are good?" he asked as his feet got closer to the animal. "Should I pick up the legs and you the head?"

Using all his willpower he thought of anything else to ask but it was to no avail. "Were you out before you came to the rescue?" He tried keeping it casual, not like she owed him anything but his curiosity was piqued. Did she have a date? Did she enjoy herself? "You just look really nice."

[starrylovebug]

"She never lets you rest," she grumbled before sighing. Because, well she might as well add herself to that list. Selene caught her brother's eyes in Matty's direction and her teeth clenched, nervous this wouldn't go well. Matty being in a debrief, she wasn't surprised about. He had been a hot topic since he had escaped. But, her and Joey in that same conversation was frightening. Had her mom figured it out? Or, had Joey spilled the beans? "He knew what I was up to. Seemed helpful, saved my ass once or twice in front of mom." Which was the biggest point in his favor. Getting her out of tight spaces was what had helped sell her on the idea that Joey would help. "And, he had a special connection to all of this. Said he knew how to help." She could tell her brother wasn't upset, but she felt ashamed in telling him how it all had happened. "Only a little stubborn," she offered with a small smile. Max knew that much.

Selene sat down as he asked and, as she did so, she observed his movements. Everything he communicated silently before a word was even said. "Wait, hold on - what do you mean?" This whole time, she thought he was deep in their mom's work. Which, of course, didn't keep her from telling him about the shit she was in. She trusted him as her brother, the agent piece was usually left at the door.

"Wait, sorry...Maggie didn't have abilities? Joey was pushing for her to obtain them?" Add that to the list of lies she had fallen for. But, Joey had said that his wife had passed away? "She was human," what kind of psychopath had she been hanging out with? "What's Gabe got to do with it? Joey took me to him earlier today, his method..."is that what Joey wanted out of him? And, why they had gone there today? The sinking feeling in her chest was just growing, the feeling of failure was the greatest it had ever been. It only subsided momentarily upon hearing he had helped her out. To know Joey wasn't successful. But, it only confirmed what Joey's insanity entailed. "So, you've been at this a while. He was, well he wanted Matty. With what you just told me, his abilities more like. I was just the method to get to him." Which, made her feel worse. She stared at her brother dumbfounded, how did he know that she questioned her connection to Matty? She never did, not in the sense of her feelings towards him. However, Selene did question how and why she had bonded with him so quickly upon meeting him. How quick they were to dedicate themselves to each other, to risk their lives for each other. "What do you mean? Why would anything change that we're siblings?" Her brows furrowed in complete confusion.

At a loss. Max's words felt heavier by the second. Heavier and completely non-sensical. There had been a point in her life when Selene had questioned if she had been adopted. If that was the reason she couldn't find her place in their family. Why her mom always seemed to be annoyed with her, couldn't be bothered to help her advance the way she did her brothers. Adopted crossed her mind, created? Not so much. "Created, like Matty was? Wait, hold on, she wanted me to have powers?" As she processed, it became clear for her. Why there was a disinterest in her. She was human, nothing special to offer her mother. It all lined up, why she wouldn't have a chance. "I'm not related to you?" He said she was still his sister, but it hit her somewhere in her gut - to know she was created on a whim. At her mother's wish, and was a disappointment from the jump. What even was her life? How did creating make sense? She didn't remember labs or experiments. Not the way Matty described it. "You think there's actually a way out of this Max? I get mom wants this super powered person, but surely after two attempts...what more could she try?" It was then that she remembered something Joey said, and she wondered if it was also part of his lies. Still, worth a shot to bring up. "Joey had said something, about a baby. Rumors of a baby born from someone with abilities. Is that her next goal? Raising someone right, this time around?"

[celesticlglow]

"Yeah, you and Matty were created using DNA that was already available. You didn't come out of thin air, Selly. You met Gabe so putting pieces together and why Joey brought you to see him, you saw how much he resembles Matty, well his sweetheart, Laurie, you came from her. Mom had her duplicated thinking she'd get the same result in you. But, what she didn't know then was that two superpowered sequences did not make another ultra powerful entity. They cancel each other out and made it human." Shaking his head he sighed. "Hey, no. You're my sister and I'm your brother. That has never stopped being true. The love was never a lie. You love just as I do."

Max wanted to make sure that Selene didn't focus on the things she couldn't control. "I need you to not freak out on me okay? You are my sister. You are so much more than what you think you are. You cannot focus on this side. Feel the feelings but don't give into the dark deep hole of destruction." Max sighed and nodded. "It is possible to get you out safely but now that Joey has thrown you into it. It is going to be more difficult. Not impossible. The thing is with this it won't be easy to have you two just move away. You'd have to shed all you've known. But that's something to pin. We've got bigger fish to fry."

He stayed quiet for a second as his sister processed everything he had just told her. A few glances at Matty and he could tell he was learning and adapting to life. Something he had seen with Maggie. "She was human but had the dna sequence to be a match. The thing was that joey didn't wait. He thought the most viable was the first option. Laurie. Except Maggie couldn't take it. Joey tortured her all under the guise of trying to do good."

"My assumption is he wants Matty but also wants you. You for all intents and purposes worked. A success. You can't worry about that right now. Mom is going to come after you. I didn't buy that romance thing she said you and joey had. But she is upset." The baby topic did come up or it was bound to. He didn't have anything concrete so all he could do was be honest. "I'm still looking into that. For now those are just rumors. It's not uncommon but different if it's reversed. No, her next goal is Matty. Couldn't have Gabe so his second copy is the trick."

[cupxofxstars]

── .✦ @celesticlglow

It was her turn to go over to Kooks Coffee for the office coffee run but she wasn't focused on the task itself. More about the drinks that she was getting. Theo and herself were getting their usuals but not her boss. Which had her mind running a million miles a minute. Though she was pretty suspicious of her boss seeing as she was ordering a Hibiscus drink instead of her usual pleasure the Party Wave – they all knew of Wally's allergies and it was a guilty pleasure of her boss to have the honey'd drink with cinnamon when she knew he wasn't around – the reason behind why she might be was what really made her mind run.

They were about to get married and with the wedding around the corner she seemed a little more suspicious than normal about her bosses changing patterns. She could chalk it up to her being nervous about their big day, or being stressed with the twins, or her number one suspicion that her boss –

The thought died as the drinks in her hands came crashing against her chest covering in her hot and cold caffeinated, and one non caffeinated, drinks that she was sure would be a sticky mess soon seeing how Theo liked the sugary drinks. Shoving her sunglasses to the top of her head, she looked at the mess before turning her attention to the man that had run into her. Now she'd have to go change and still have to come back for coffee again. It didn't matter that he was pretty to look at, right now he was target of her ire.

"Hey Abercrombie. Watch where you’re going! "

[celesticlglow]

Clark liked routine, comfort and being familiar with a setting. Where his attention to detail lacked, he made up with the creative worlds he imagined and created every single day at his job. So, when his coffee shop moved or rather got demolished for some new wave condominiums he had to resort to finding a new spot. The name alone piqued his interest and knew his brain wouldn't let him drop it until he figured out what and why someone named the shop Kooks. He knew island names weren't always outlandish but this one seemed like it had a story attached to it.

So, as he walked in and got met with the rush of people, he half groaned to himself thinking he picked the perfect time to get that hankering for coffee. He weasled himself between the crowds and excused himself when he reached the counter. Task one was complete. Coffee was ordered and minutes away from melting in his mouth. The next feat was the desserts. Now, that he couldn't figure out why the window was on the other side of the shop. It seemed absurd but he wasn't a coffeehouse owner so what did he know. He heard his name being called and half sighed as he sped walked over trying not to bump into anyone but of course, that was not something he'd be able to do. Next thing he knew he heard a loud splat and then came a voice, a voice who if he didn't know better was full of irritatability.

Oh. Oh. One look at the floor and another at the woman who was soaked had him widened his eyes and leave his biscuit half forgotten. "Oh fuck, jesus." He let out as he blew out air and stood there blinking like an idiot. Then it clicked that he had been given a nickname. Ambercrombie. That made him laugh, an unfiltered laugh that had his eyebrows knit together. "I'm sorry, Ambercrombie?" That was not what he had to focus on and yet it was what caught his attention the most.

[culkinzzz]

kieran culkin in wiener-dog (2016)

[starrylovebug]

"Good," she said, feeling relief wash over her. "You did amazing by the way, if I hadn't said before." To say she was in awe was an understatement. Selene couldn't be prouder of him, to see him stand up for himself. "That's what you wanted to share with me," she said in realization. Thinking back to, what felt like days ago. "Now I know why our spoons stash was slowly depleting. That's impressive control, I knew you could do it." Mostly from blind belief, but also from his strength readings from the lab. Countless times spent reading over the files she had managed to copy, trying to piece things together - anything that could help him find control or a cure. Explaining what Joey had shared about his wife felt odd. As far as her and Matty had known, he was the only one. Something Joey had chuckled about and corrected immediately. She shared everything she had learned from him. Her abilities, her pregnancy, and eventually her demise. "I suppose. It...maybe. You know how Karina is about resources." Nothing wasted. Everything found a purpose. "I just need to be smarter about things." Selene smiled sadly in return. His kindness and generosity was something she didn't herself worth of. Especially when she couldn't quite detach herself from that place yer. "I know, and I wish I could. But, if I leave, she'll catch on immediately." Going from eager and practically begging for assignments to quitting it all? Karina would figure her out in seconds. "I just need to find an excuse to leave."

Her belief in him was intact and that part of her trusted his words, but belief in herself was fairly slim and that part still didn’t trust entirely that her mother wouldn’t gain the upper hand at the slightest mistake. “Stronger,” she replied, finding it was all she could say before nodding and reaching for his hand, gently squeezing it. “Far enough, he’ll have a hard time getting back here.” Not impossible, but Selene could guess his back was against the wall. Crossing the Canadian border without his passport meant finding a way to sneak in or calling in a big favor. Which would mean explaining why he ended up there in the first place. “You see me in a very positive light,” even after everything. “I trust you,” she shook her head, declining the offer to see herself through his eyes. He had used enough of his energy today. “you’re practically my moral compass.” She knew how heavy that could sound. Her connection to him, it was strong. Stronger than she’d ever been connected to another person. But, she also couldn’t help but think of Joey and his wife. The lengths he was going to for her. How she understood that, at the thought of losing Matty. But, she never wanted to break her promise to Matty, to hurt people. “My brother,” she said half-hesitant, unsure how he’d react to being near someone from her family. She didn’t hesitate, however, to run into his arms and hug him tightly. Her safe space was always him.

After finding the tracker Joey implanted, Selene drove them to the place Max had sent her. It’d be a while before he could get here, but her paranoia was at an all time high. Even higher considering she had Matty with her. The extra time she had, she used to ensure their surroundings were safe. Hearing her brother's call pull into the parking lot, she couldn't help her smile. "Yes, my big brother Max," turning to Matty, she squeezed his hand once more. "I need to talk to him for a quick minute, but you don't have to get out of the car. Your decision," she reminded him.

Her eyes closed as her brother's comforting embrace. "Yes yes, I'm okay," she tried reassuring him, spotting his gaze falling on Matty. Of course, her brother was still an agent. "She had you away for a long time. When'd you get back, today?" She did have questions on her mother's debrief, but she hadn't seen Max in so long. And, Selene had missed him more than she realized. She wanted to catch up with him before the shop talk. Her words were quiet when she finally allowed herself to ask. "So, what was mom's debrief about?"

[celesticlglow]

"Mhm at dawn." His eyes flickered toward Matty and smiled then at his sister. It seemed like she had inadvertently gotten herself twisted up in a web she wasn't truly equipped to handle. "Him," his eyes glanced at him and sighed. "You. Joey. Not in that specific order. We need to talk, really talk and I think you need to learn what I actually do. What compelled you to get mixed up with Joey? Of all people." He wasn't upset, just surprised and already thought of ten different ways to get her an out. Matty spoke up at that moment when he read his thoughts. "She says she can't get out until it's been dismantled so I don't know how you'll convince her." Max didn't blink knowing that Matty talked. "She's stubborn, I know."

He guided her over to the small shop and gestured for her to sit. As he took a seat, a long exhale escaped him. He sat for a beat trying his best to figure out how to best put it to her in a way she'd understand she wasn't being babied into submission to sit in the corner. "First off, I don't work for mom. I mean I do but I don't. She thinks I do but in reality, I've been helping subjects, like Matty, find their way and a new life. I guess I should go back to the beginning." With that Matty scooted closer, he could see the woman in his head, the one he helped, the one he saw in Joey's mind. "Maggie was Joey's wife. She was human, an innocent that got roped into the latest tech evolution brought upon by Joey. He wanted to recreate Gabe's method." He didn't tell her about his sweetheart since he knew that Selene wouldn't be ready to hear it yet. Though, he knew Matty already knew. His features made it obvious that he understood why he had a connection with Selene and why she could see what he saw. She was one like him.

"He thought that recreating the method would give him something powerful. Instead what it did give him was nothing. No results. An empty vessel that just begged to be put out of her misery. The result of someone who just couldn't stop. Sounds a little rapey, doesn't it? She was the first one that I could get out. Of course, the play was to have her killed which is the story everyone knows and believes. With you getting involved, I'm sure he's trying to test your limits. As for why? I know you question your connection with him. This doesn't change the fact that you're my sister and that I love you and have done so since you came home."

"It just means that you were created. Not born. Mom never accounted for your connection to Matty because you never should have met. It was supposed to a meet to an end. But, because you took on human abilities then you became Selene. Instead of experiment 246. I know this is hard to hear but I need you to know before I actually tell you how to get out of this web." Matty smiled, she didn't look any different than him though he now knew she was just like him.

[starrylovebug]

"Don't let Zeke hear you or he'll actually give us an F for month four." It had been a funny development, how serious he took his role as first-time uncle. A pan? She couldn't help her laughter, hearing their boy get a new nickname. a never ending list. "The cutest pan." Ivette shook her head gently. "Well, the last thing I want, is to make you jumpy. Even if your inner awkward is cute." The kiss to her hair was soothing, making her wide smile appear. One that didn't fade at his words. "Another one, really?" Her eyes were bright, perhaps a little glossy from the emotion, thinking of the possibility of another child with the love of her life. "Tempting," reaching to rest her hand on his chest. "You are a pretty hot dad." Something she never thought she'd be saying, but Javi seemed to have that effect on her. "A girl, oh that'd be so amazing. Our Tavo as a big brother to a little girl and you as a girl dad...it sounds like a dream." Giving birth to another big baby, now that? She wasn't too sure about, but she opted to ignore that piece for now.

"Well, you exceeded all my expectations...as a partner and a parent. You could never be bad at this, I don't think you've seen the way our Tavo looks at you. He adores you." And even that didn't encompass it all. She looked around in the directions he did before chuckling. Joking about sneaking away from the hacienda was amusing to her, a callback to their kid days. "See, you spoil me too much. Makes it impossible to go back to work," she teased. That wasn't the reason she was still home. She hadn't really been a full-time nurse in some time, instead focusing her efforts on the new hospital wing being built. But, she knew the topic of work had to be discussed at some point. "Yes! Zeke was telling me about it, sounds like we might be able to skip dinner prep if we go to the festival." Hearing their son's cries, she chuckled at the nickname sticking. "I'll meet you out front, love you."

She had brought the car nearer to the entrance and quickly ran back in to grab Tavo's blanket. It was a pretty warm day, but the evenings could be deceiving here. A small chill could easily creep up on them. Not to mention, the blanket had become a favorite of Tavo's lately. "My two handsome boys," she teased with a low whistle as she saw them coming down the stairs. "The getaway car is ready to go."

[celesticlglow]

"Nothing he'd enjoy more." Thinking to zeke, he was a lover of giving them both a hard time. "He takes his role of uncle extremely seriously." The surprise in her voice made him look down and nod. It wasn't flashy or anything but the fact that he felt ready for another one didn't go over his head. Laurel and Eli already had their hands full with their latest one so he thought why not add in another cousin. Expand the family so Tavo didn't grow up alone. He hated the thought of him growing up alone. He, at least had Zeke but Laurel had no one until she met Eli. "I think we're ready for another one. Tavo is age of awareness so maybe we should try. We can have a pan dulce if it's a girl." He'd admit girls scared him but he was up to the task. "What do you think? Do you feel ready for round two?"

He smiled softly as he rubbed his nose against her. "The only reason I'm half as good is because of you baby. You're the best mom there is. There was never any doubt on your abilities." His hand caressed her cheek and poked her nose. Getting Tavo up and ready was easy enough, the boy was ready to be up and head to adventure. His gummy smile bright as he saw his father walking in.

Tavo screeched seeing his mother and made grabby hands for her. He loved that her hair was not up so his fingers itched to pull on it. Almost like Javi could sense it, he laughed. "Oh, baby. Wrap that princess hair up. Tavo is on a mission." Reaching the car he buckled him in and gave him the blanket which Tavo took instantly and pulled close. His comfort blanket. "Festival shenanigans awaits us."