Sunny Days in Cypress Cove

Multi-muse Rp blog for Cypress Cove Penned by: Jason

[hcppiestcoveonearth]

"Good." Joel said with a satisfied nod. "And if you ever forget, I will always be here to remind you." He assured Cyrus gently. "There's not going to be a fight." Joel promised. "But if there was, do you really think Hudson could kick my ass?" He asked skeptically. "We all know I could take the two of you. Easily." He teased.

"Yeah, you're still young, you got plenty of time to figure that out. I just want you to be happy bud." Joel said. "I just hate the idea of you being lonely. I used to think I was fine on my own too, that I didn't need anyone. And then I met Easton." He said with an affectionate smile. "I didn't know it was possible to be this happy." Joel admitted with a lopsided grin. "Can you sue me if I want that for my brothers too?" He teased.

"I'd really like that." Joel said nodding with a smile, until it fell a bit at the way Cyrus said 'plus Jamie' "Today is about you bud, he doesn't have to be invited if you don't want him there but he doesn't have anyone else. He may not share our last name but he's always been one of us. And if he does come with us to lunch you will make sure he feels that way" He insisted gently giving his brother a look that let him know he was serious.

[downxbyxaxcove]

Cyrus' brow furrowed as Joel tried to suggest that he could kick both of their asses. "You might be able to kick Hudson's ass, but there isn't a chance in hell that you could kick my ass. I swim at least three miles a day. Sometimes more if I'm feeling a little extra..." He wanted to say uptight, but then he figured Joel would worry about him so he chose not to say it. He liked swimming for fun, but swimming was also a stress relief. It was freedom. Nothing could hurt him in that water. He usually tried to go to the beach once a day, but he undoubtedly always ended up at the pool once a day. "I could take you."

He shook his head, smiling softly as Joel fawned about his relationship with Easton. It was adorable and he was really glad that Joel had found someone that made him happy. "No, it's not wrong for you to want that for us too. And I'm sure I'll find it, eventually... once I get my head out of the clouds..."

When Joel started to lecture him about Jamie though, his smile fell and he looked down. He felt like a reprimanded child and he was mentally kicking himself. "I didn't-" he began to say he didn't mean it that way but then he decided it was a waste of time to explain himself. He was stupid and said shit wrong. Surprise, surprise. He was pretty impulsive like that. He sighed. "He's a friend, sure... but he's not a Curtis by blood... And he is invited, I just want to make sure my brother is okay with him being there because at the end of the day... Hudson comes before Jamie. You come before Easton. You two are my brothers first and foremost. It doesn't mean I don't care about him and that he's not important, but I won't apologize for caring about you two more and most..."

[hcppiestcoveonearth]

"You keep telling yourself that bud." Joel said with a chuckle as he shook his head playfully. "You probably have more stamina than I do" He admitted "but I spend all day working on cars and usually spend a decent amount of time at the gym." He insisted before realizing the whole argument was silly anyway. "But that's something we're never going to find out, because we're never going to be in a position where we're fighting like that." Joel said decisively.

"I'm sure you'll find your person when the time is right." He agreed with a smile. "I can't wait to see that happen for you Cy." Joel said fondly. "But I don't want you to worry about all that now, it'll come. Right now you have this race to focus on. I know you've got this." He assured his younger brother encouragingly. "And we'll be right there cheering you on."

Joel sighed and nodded at Cyrus' words. He had definitely come across harsher than he meant. The last thing Cyrus needed right now was a lecture or to focus on anything other than his race right now. Joel had just seen first hand how much Jamie had been through, had to overcome and he didn't have anyone else looking out for him the way they had each other so he tended to be a bit protective of the boy sometimes. "Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry." Joel apologized with a sigh "I didn't mean to lecture ya." He added with a grimace. " You're a good brother, and Hudson and I are lucky to have you in our corner." He admitted. "Just like we'll always be here for you." Joel reminded him. "I can't wait to watch you kick everyone's ass at this meet Cy." He quipped with a smirk. "Would it embarrass you too much if we make signs and shit?" he asked.

[illustratedxillusions]

Malcolm looked up at the greeting, recognition flickering across his face almost immediately. "Mr. Alexander." His voice remained even, professional. Still, Liam had greeted him exactly as one ought to in an audition room. Respectfully. Without presuming that having worked together before entitled him to anything today. Malcolm made a brief note on the audition form before setting his pencil down. "And thank you for answering the question I asked. It is remarkable how many actors hear, 'Tell me your name and the role you're auditioning for,' and conclude I have instead asked for their life story." A faint smile threatened at the corner of his mouth before disappearing just as quickly.

"Mark Cohen." He nodded once. Then, after a brief pause, "And as for being happy with any role..." One eyebrow lifted. "I should hope not." The corner of his mouth twitched almost imperceptibly. "Actors ought to want something when they walk into an audition room. It tells me they've thought about the material. Leave the diplomacy to politicians. I'm asking what part you want, not whether you'll stage a mutiny if I cast you differently."

"Mark is an interesting choice. Far too many people mistake him for the passive observer. He's not. He watches because it's safer than allowing himself to be seen." Malcolm tapped his pencil lightly against the table once. "The trick is remembering that every time Mark points the camera at someone else, he's also deciding not to point it at himself." His gaze remained steady before he inclined his head toward Benito. "Whenever you're ready, we'll begin with your sixteen bars."

[hcppiestcoveonearth]

Liam couldn't help but notice Malcolm make a note and found himself wondering what the man he had written but he quickly shook the distraction away. That wasn't any of his business, his job was to convince Malcolm Hargrove that he was absolutely the best choice to play Mark and he refused to let himself get sidetracked by things he had no control over. "Of course." Liam said with a smile. So far things seemed to be going well. But just as quickly as the smile had formed it faded and Liam nodded. It was valid feedback, an actor needed to want something in an audition, work to earn the role the were after. This just made Liam even more determined to prove to Malcolm that he was the right choice for Mark.

Liam listened and nodded as Malcolm provided some insight into Mark. He knew exactly how it felt to be more comfortable watching than allowing himself to be seen. After all that was a big part of why he ended up in a tiny town on the Georgia coast, why he had given up a bright future on Broadway and was instead bartending at the Driftwood and auditioning for The Harbourlight Theatre. Liam himself was actively working on being okay being seen again. As much as it scared him. As much as a part of him wanted to play it safe. "Thank you for the insight into Mark, Mr. Hargrove. That's very helpful." he said hoping to incorporate that information into his audition. He gave his binder with his sheet music open to the correct page to Benito and pointed out the highlighted start and stop points thanking him before making his way back to the center of the stage. "I'll be singing 30/90 from Tick, Tick Boom!." Liam said before giving Mateo a smile and a nod to let the man know he was ready to begin.

"They're singing, "Happy birthday" You just wish you could run away Who cares about a birthday? But thirty-ninety

Hey, can you be optimistic? You're no longer the ingénue Turn 30, 1990 Boom! You're passé What caaaan you doooo? What can you doooooo? What can you do?"

He finished before smiling and nodding appreciatively at Benito and turning his attention back to Malcolm.

[downxbyxaxcove]

Where: Afterglow Whom: ?? // @cypresscove-starters

Fuck this entire night. Somehow Bellamy had managed to avoid thinking about that stupid man since coming back. Sure, every so often the Beauchamp name would pop up on some stupid ass poster but a lot of the time Bellamy could brush it off and ignore it. But seeing his dad so publicly making an ass of himself reminded him off all the times he wasn't good enough in that man's eyes. He'd never been good enough. Never would be good enough.

Shamefully, all Bellamy wanted to do was get drunk. Thankfully, he was already at Afterglow. He had finished up his paperwork for the night and now he was making himself a wall ornament on this fucking bar stool. "Leave the bottle..." He insisted, reaching out and throwing back the shot before immediately grabbing the bottle and filling up the glass again. "Once a disgrace, always a disgrace!" He cheered himself, throwing back another shot.

[hcppiestcoveonearth]

Bastian hated that their father still had this power over them. That one little moment could get to them so upset and riled up like this. Bastian spent a lot of time and effort pretending like he didn't care what his parents thought of him, that he was above it all, but unfortunately even after all this time that wasn't quite true. But what he hated most of all was the way their parent's words and actions affected his siblings especially Bellamy. The second Bellamy went radio silent Bastian knew it had an even bigger effect on him than he had let on.

As the oldest it was Bastian's responsibility to check on his younger siblings and make sure they were taken care of, and he took his older sibling duties very seriously. They were the whole reason he was in the one place he swore he would never come back to after all. If Bastian had to guess where Bellamy was, and he prided himself on his ability to know his siblings, he was probably at Afterglow drinking and feeling sorry for himself. He quickly made his way to his brother's business and began searching for him. It wasn't Bastian's kind of place but there was no denying Bellamy was doing well for himself. He was incredibly proud of him and what he had accomplished. As suspected there was Bellamy sitting at the bar, bottle of liquor in front of him. Bastian made his way over towards his brother and the empty barstool beside him. 'This seat taken?" He asked, not waiting for an answer before sliding onto the barstool next to his brother. "For the record you're not a disgrace Bell." He assured Bellamy softly. "And fuck that man for making you feel like anything other than a success. I mean hell look around us." He said gesturing at Afterglow around them. "You built all this and that's more than he could ever dream of building for himself." Bastian insisted. "I know it's not the same but I'm proud as hell to be your brother Bell." He offered with a gentle smile.

[downxbyxaxcove]

Joel's smile was intoxicating and he was wondering what he was thinking as he watched Joel's eyes hyper focus on his mouth. He knew it was still early to be wishing to go home, but he really did want to take Joel home. He hoped that was where they would end up after the movie. A little afterparty at one of their houses. He cleared his throat, asking his next question to ground them both and bring them back to the moment. "Dr. Pepper is pretty good..." Easton agreed.

With snacks in hand, he began to walk toward the theater. "I like pretty much any soda, especially the caramel colored ones. If I'm picking one, I do thing I would pick a Dr. Pepper or a Pepsi. If I'm going to have a coke, I want it to be a Mexican Coke, glass bottle..." He chuckled.

[hcppiestcoveonearth]

Joel noticed the way Easton clocked him staring at his mouth and blushed a bit. They both clearly wanted the same thing but Joel wasn't usually so conspicuous about it. He always prided himself in his ability to keep his emotions to himself, some might say he was guarded but Joel would argue he was being smart, it was harder to get hurt if you didn't get your hopes up, didn't let yourself want things and he definitely never let himself want things so obviously but Easton was different. He was hard to resist in ways no one else ever had been. Normally Joel loved the movies and the much needed escape they provided from the reality of life he had been handed but for the first time in his life Joel found himself eagerly awaiting the end of the movie, and it hadn't even started yet. He couldn't wait for what the rest of the night held in store for them. What might happen after the movie was over. "It is isn't it?" Joel replied with a satisfied smirk, pleased to learn that they had similar taste in soda at the very least.

They made their way to the theatre and although Joel understood why, they had to have their movie snacks, his hand already yearned for the feeling of Easton's hand in his. This was only their first official date and Joel was already down bad for the man. He'd never felt like this for anyone before. "Noted." Joel said with a smile making a mental note of Easton's favorites. "Other than seeing movies what do you like to do in your free time?" He asked curious to learn even more about the man.

[greekolivexlyre]

Toes buried in warm sand as she tiptoed along the edge of the coast. Waves were gentle, making soft sounds like music. Sky colored with beautiful pinks and oranges. Verity was pretty sure she could just sit on the beach and watch forever.

Pausing for a moment, Verity looked out as far as the eye could see. All the stress of a long day began to melt off her. She didn't need to worry about the lesson plans that she had to submit or the meeting that was coming up on Monday. Everything out here was perfect.

Then the bark came.

Verity turned just in time to see the dog bounding in her direction, running off from his owner. He didn't look threatening at all so Verity chose to drop to one knee.

"Hello-"

A coo sound in her voice as she reached out to begin to pet the dog that came stopping in front of her. Tail flipping wildly.

Very gently and unsuspecting, she curled a single hand around the dog's leash so that the owner could catch up while the other hand began to scratch behind the ears.

"Oh - don't be sorry. I'm great. I love dogs. I'm sorry he scared you."

Holding the leash out in his direction, Verity began to stand back up.

[hcppiestcoveonearth]

"Oh thank goodness." Bastian said letting out a sigh of relief. "Thank you for catching him. I swear he's normally much better behaved than this." He insisted. "I'm sorry we so rudely interrupted your relaxing evening." Bastian offered before giving Bennett a disapproving look, he had trained Bennett better than that but as well trained as he was the dog still had a mind of his own sometimes.

[holidaydiaz]

Holiday smiled softly at his concern, it was valid. "Well, luckily neither of those things are true." she reassured him, scratching the dog between the ears. "I'm sure hes a very good boy" her gaze drifted to the pup as her voice softened. Her eyes snapped back to the man as his hand extended "Bastian, its a pleasure." she greeted, meeting his hand in a warm shake. "I'm Holiday." She replied and nodded at his next question. "Fairly. Moved here about a month or so ago." she said with a small shrug. "You a local?"

[hcppiestcoveonearth]

"We definitely got lucky." Bastian agreed with a nod. "Most of the time. He has a tendency to be a little stubborn sometimes. A mind of his own." He admitted giving Bennett a look. "But he never runs off on me like this." He insisted. "It's a pleasure to meet you Holiday." Bastian said warmly as he shook her hand. "Welcome to Cypress Cove. How's the town treating you so far?" He asked. "Unfortunately." Bastian answered with a dry chuckle. "I keep trying to get out but somehow this town keeps pulling me back." He said shaking his head. "What brought you here of all places?" he asked curiously.

[illustratedxillusions]

Hudson laughed loudly before he could stop himself. "Okay, in my defense..." He pointed a finger at Jamie. "That gas gauge was a liar." His head shook as the memory settled in. "I was convinced we had another twenty miles." He let out a laugh, shaking his head. "We had... considerably less than twenty miles." He glanced toward Joel. "I still have think he enjoyed rescuing us way more than he should've." For a second, the years between then and now disappeared. It wasn't Southside and the coast. It was just the two of them stranded on the side of the road, taking turns pretending not to be worried while waiting for Joel's truck to appear over the hill.

Hudson smiled to himself before Jamie's shoulder bumped his. His eyes flicked over. "I know," he said quietly. "I appreciate it." The words sat there for a moment before Hudson cleared his throat, predictably uncomfortable with being sincere for more than about five consecutive seconds. "And for the record," he added, a crooked smile returning, "if you actually volunteer, I'll try to find a good job for you."

[hcppiestcoveonearth]

Hudson laughed, loud and unfiltered, and the sound sent shockwaves through Jamie, he couldn't help but smile widely. He had missed this, missed his best friend. "Still blaming it on the gas gauge I see." Jamie teased playfully. "Yeah we definitely didn't get twenty more miles." He quipped with a chuckle. "Oh for sure! You woulda thought he'd be pissed having to drive all that way to rescue our dumb asses but Joel pulled up practically jumping for joy." laughed shaking his head fondly at the memory. "I think he was just happy to learn we still needed him honestly." Jamie remarked. In the moment Jamie had been more than a little nervous, even though he tried hard not to let Hudson see just how anxious he was. But looking back at it now it was one of his fondest memories. Of course something like that would've happened to them, but it was something Jamie would never forget. Just him and Hudson against the world, and the fact that Joel showed up for them no matter how inconvenient it was for him, and sure he teased them about it but he never made it seem like they were a burden. The Curtises showed up for him in ways no one else in his life had. That had been the worst part of Hudson icing him out. Not only did he loose his best friend but he lost the closest thing he had ever had to family and he still didn't know what he'd done wrong to cause it. But he didn't want to dwell on what he had lost, he was here with them now, Hudson at his side as they all cheered on Cyrus. As it should be.

"Of course." Jamie said with a shrug. No matter what had happened between them, what would happen between them in the future Jamie would always support Hudson and want the best for him. "You better, because as much as I want y'all to be successful I draw the line at cleaning the bathrooms or some shit like that." He teased.

[scftmelodys]

@cypresscove-starters

Rémi & Open

Low Tide Distilling Co.

The afternoon sun poured through the tall warehouse windows, turning the copper stills into something almost molten. They dominated the back of the room, quietly humming through another batch while the scent of oak, citrus peel, molasses, and warm spice drifted lazily through the tasting room. It was the kind of smell that settled into old timber and clothing alike, impossible to mistake once you'd experienced it. Rémi stood behind the polished wood bar with a clean towel slung over one shoulder, studying a lineup of small tasting glasses with the concentration of someone conducting an orchestra rather than pouring rum. He adjusted one glass by barely half an inch. "...Better." Bernard, his enormous Irish Wolfhound, looked up from where he occupied an unreasonable amount of floor space beside the bar, gave Rémi a thoroughly unconvinced look, then sighed so dramatically it sounded like commentary. "You think precision is overrated," Rémi informed the dog in his easy French-Canadian accent. "I think standards are important. This is why only one of us has opposable thumbs." Bernard answered by rolling onto his side with all the dignity of a fallen moose. A laugh escaped Rémi before he reached for a bottle, pouring a measure of amber rum that caught the afternoon light. He lifted the glass to his nose, letting the aroma settle before taking the smallest sip imaginable. "Hm." He scribbled something in the weathered notebook that never seemed far from reach before glancing toward the entrance as the front door opened, the bell overhead giving a soft chime. "Welcome to Low Tide." He rested his forearms against the bar. "You've arrived at a dangerous hour. I'm either about to let you taste something that could become my next signature bottle...or you'll convince me it belongs down the drain."

[hcppiestcoveonearth]

Everything with his father had bothered Bastian more than he cared to admit. He hated the way the man still seemed to slither under his skin, the way he treated his siblings, the way the man's careless ness could hurt Bellamy, and the worst part was he didn't seem to care what kind of harm he caused his children, or anyone else for the matter as long as he got what he wanted. Bastian didn't understand how anyone could treat their children like that, especially when they were as loveable as his siblings. All they really wanted, all any of them wanted was his love and approval, but Bastian had learned long ago that that would never happen. He needed a drink badly. And he knew the perfect place to go.

Bastian liked visiting Low Tide for it's cozy vibe, incredible drinks, and great company. He enjoyed talking to Remi and Bernard's presence was always an added bonus. Bastian made his way inside and took a deep breath letting the familiar and comforting aroma fill his lungs. "Hey Remi!" He said greeting the man warmly. "It sounds to me like I arrived at the perfect time then." Bastian replied. "You always craft the most delicious drinks." He insisted "And you know I'll never say no to a free sample." He quipped with a chuckle as he made his way over to Bernard. "Hey buddy." Bastian said greeting the gentle giant laying beside the bar. "You working hard today?" He asked reaching down to pet the dog affectionately before turning his attention back to the man behind the bar. "What combination do I get the honor of trying today?" Bastian asked curiously "Or is it a surprise?"

[downxbyxaxcove]

"60?!?" The terror on Reid face was so genuine that one could almost believe he was offended and believed that Scott thought he looked 60. He shook his head, wrapping Reid in the headlock. "Excuse me? I can still take your ass in a fight..." He jostled his hair before letting him go and scoffing. "You are such an ass... but thank you for saying I look good for my ripe age of 51..." He shook his head, running his hands along his face. "60..." he muttered under his breath, reaching down to give his abs a little smack. "Fuck, I need to work harder..."

Reid offered a small nod. He had never found himself in a relationship with someone he loved enough not to lose. All of his relationships were almost more fling based, except maybe one in high school that lived its purpose until they outgrew each other. "I have confidence that you don't have to worry about losing him for a very long time. Cypress Cove is the safest place for emergency staff to work. Worst we get is runaway cows, a speeding ticket, an occasional flood..." He smiled when Scott offered him the same open door policy. He nodded. "Thank you..." he said in a soft voice before playfully nudging Scott in the shoulder. "Let's go play."

[hcppiestcoveonearth]

Scott couldn't help but bust out laughing at Reid's reaction. It was even better than he had expected and totally worth the headlock it had earned him. "You sure about that?" Scott teased raising an eyebrow challengingly. Reid released him from the headlock and Scott reached up to fix his hair Reid had so rudely ruffled. "Maybe, but it keeps your life interesting." He quipped with a shrug. "Oh come on." Scott protested rolling his eyes playfully. "You can't think I was serious. You look incredible Reid. There are plenty of guys in their 30's who would kill to have your physique." He assured the man who was not only his boss but had become one of his closest friends over the years.

Scott sighed and nodded at Reid's words. He was right, he always was. But Scott's biggest fear was loosing Brant again. He had done it once, spent years knowing what it was like to live without the man he loved, he never wanted to go through that ever again. "Of course. Someone's gotta take care of your old ass." He teased nudging Reid back gently. "Let's see if you can keep up." Scott quipped.

[whimsicallywitches]

"Maybe sometimes you need to let loose." she said smiling. "I mean if you're supporting me to be the best version of myself I'm going to support you to so you don't become a hardass like dad." she teased. "But fine. We'll have margarita night at my place and you can let loose there." she teased. "Thank you." she said hugging him

[hcppiestcoveonearth]

Zach was ready to protest, argue that he knew how to let loose but he knew Zoey was right. "Yeah... you're not wrong." He admitted. "But in the middle of The Salty Cowboy is not the place to do it." He insisted. "Sounds like a plan." He agreed with a smile, he was actually kinda excited about it, not that he'd ever admit it. "Of course!" He said hugging her back. "Gotta make sure my baby sister doesn't forget me when she's a world famous designer with shows at all the biggest fashion weeks." he teased affectionately. Zoey was extremely talented and Zach was sure it was a matter of when and not if she became rich and famous. She sure deserved it.

[downxbyxaxcove]

Noel had decided to take a walk on the beach today. Normally they avoided the beach because the sand was not their favorite texture. They were enjoying the breeze and watching the waves though as they made their way along the shore. They heard a bark and lifted their head, watching a dog come barreling toward them. They gave a small laugh, kneeling down and beginning to immediately pet the dog. "Hello..." they said in a soft voice, "Who do you belong to?"

The question got answered rather quickly and they wrapped their hand around the leash so that the dog didn't take off running and make the poor man chase him farther. They rose to stand up, nodding. "I'm fine... He's fine."

[hcppiestcoveonearth]

"Thank you." He said appreciative for the fact that the other person had grabbed Bennett's leash and he didn't have to chase him even further down the beach. "You're sure you're okay? You're not hurt or allergic or anything?" He asked concerned. "Bennett's not aware of his own size. Or strength honestly." Bastian admitted with a chuckle. "We're sorry to have interrupted your walk, it seemed like you were enjoying some peace before we so rudely interrupted it." He said. "Bennett loves making new friends but normally he's a bit better behaved than this." He insisted giving Bennett a look of disappointment.

[downxbyxaxcove]

Caide smiled and gave a small shrug. “We get plenty of sleep. We pass Stetson around to grandparents and each other. Sometimes he hangs out with Noah, sometimes he hangs out with Ellie, sometimes with Dawson… but also No is a very good babysitter even though they are both… babies…” He chuckled a bit. Last night Stetson and No had been curled up in the cutest little bundle on a pallet of blankets and pillow. Although if his being tired would get Eli to close early today… but somehow he expected it would be more likely that he would get sent home as Eli tried to bare the world by himself.

When Caide got breakfast, he went all out. He got two big breakfasts, orange juice, and he had noticed some apple pie that he also decided would be a good little desert. Apples were healthy right? It could be like… oatmeal except not oatmeal. With two bags in hand, Caide got out of the truck and made his way back inside the office. He made his way toward the back, listening for the sound of the shower but it seemed quiet. “I have retrieved breakfast! And I will hear no making fun of my decisions. I am an adult, I swear…” He laughed, beginning to lay out the food on the counter.

[hcppiestcoveonearth]

Eli listened and smiled softly. "Sounds like y'all have a good batch of people in your corner." His family were good people, well most of them anyway, and Eli was always proud to be a Harper. "But if you ever need another set of hands to help out with Stetson I'm always around." He offered. He'd always enjoyed helping take care of his younger siblings.

He had finished up in the shower and was changing into a fresh set of scrubs when he heard Caide return. He had to admit the shower had helped even more than he thought it would. While it hadn't completely washed away the events of the previous night it did help him feel a bit more refreshed and ready to face the day. "Perfect timing!" He called out. Before finishing getting ready and making his way to the breakroom where Caide had set up the food. "Hey, you'll hear no argument out of me." Eli assured him. "You certainly did better than I could've done." He insisted. It all looked great and of course the sight, and smell, were enough to cause his stomach to grumble again. And the pie would be the perfect extra pick-me-up. Elijah grabbed one of the meals and began digging in. "Thank you for this. I really appreciate it Caide." He said in between bites of food, careful not to talk with his mouth full. No matter how hungry he was his parents had raised him better than that.

[downxbyxaxcove]

Karington laughed. “I don’t mind putting them in. I just usually forget in the morning. I get in such a groove. Some people listen to music in the morning. I listen to my brain list off all the things I need to get done before the day begins.” She smirked a bit. It wasn’t necessarily the most exciting way to begin a day, but it helped her keep her sanity so she wasn’t missing 10 things after the day began. She could tell that Bastian wasn’t too confident that they were all okay, but honestly she had been hit the worst and that was okay with her. She could hold it together. She had to hold it together. Teagan barely even knew Wyatt which was sad to say, but it was true. Wyatt was constantly off trying to save the world and very rarely home with his wife and child.

“I have refused to find out the gender of the baby because Teagan has made it very, very clear that he will be happy to be a big brother as long as it is a little sister. If it is a little brother, the competition is going to be very, very real. And I am not ready to either confirm or deny yet.” She laughed. “He just walks around all the time announcing his little sister even though we don’t actually know yet. I think he’s watched Rhett and he thinks being a big brother to a sister is superior." She took another bite of her donut, smiling a bit when Bastian mentioned offering to help. “I might take you up on that. My kids need as many strong male role models as they can get.” She nodded when he said it was pretty boring. “End of year always is. So much free chaos time.”

[hcppiestcoveonearth]

Bastian chuckled lightly and nodded. "That's fair. A solid morning routine is very important. Doesn't sound too different from mine in all honesty." He offered. "Though I'm sure your list is much longer than mine." Bastian insisted with a sympathetic grin. "I'm sure it can't be easy keeping the school running as well as you do. Especially with everything else you have going on. Though for what it's worth I think you're doing an incredible job." He offered with an encouraging smile.

"Yeah, that sounds about right." Bastian said with a laugh. He remembered how protective he was about his younger siblings, how protective he still could be. "That's fair, he's just following the example he's seen. Rhett's made being the older brother to a little sister seem really cool. But he's a good kid. Take it from another oldest brother, I'm sure he'll step up to the responsibility no matter what you end up having." He assured her. He loved his younger siblings, both of them, and there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for them. They were the whole reason he had moved back to Cypress Cove after all. "Well you have my number, feel free to use it whenever you need." He insisted. "We're almost there. Home stretch." Bastian said encouragingly. "Do you all have anything exciting planned for the summer?" He asked.

[illustratedxillusions]

@cypresscove-starters

Who: Malcolm &

Where: The Harbourlight Theatre

The Harbourlight Theatre buzzed with the particular brand of nervous energy that only audition day could produce. Sheet music rustled. Quiet vocal warmups drifted through the lobby. Somewhere down the hall someone was practicing scales for what had to be the fiftieth time. Malcolm Hargrove sat behind the long table with a pencil in one hand and a stack of audition forms in the other, reading over the next résumé while barely looking up.

"...Time." The word cut cleanly through the room. The young man standing onstage either hadn't heard him or had decided not to. He barreled straight into the next paragraph of his monologue with enough dramatic anguish to fill three theaters. Malcolm pinched the bridge of his nose. "I said time." He kept going. Malcolm set his pencil down with deliberate care before looking up over the rims of his glasses. "Young man." Malcolm bellowed, making the actor freeze mid-sentence. "I know you're playing a man who refuses to listen, but I wasn't aware you intended to method act your way through the audition process. The one minute limit was not presented as a creative suggestion. If I cannot trust you to stop when asked in an audition, why would I trust you to take direction during rehearsal?"

Silence settled over the theater. "You may go." The actor gathered his things with burning cheeks and disappeared toward the wings. Malcolm let out a long breath, made a short note on the audition sheet, then looked toward the stage door as the next performer approached. He adjusted his glasses, picked up his pencil again, and nodded once. "Good afternoon." His voice had settled back into something calm and professional. "Let's start with something simple." His eyes met theirs. "Tell me your name...and who you're hoping to bring to life in RENT."

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By all accounts Liam shouldn't be nervous. He had no reason to be, not really. He had auditioned literally hundreds of times for some of the biggest names in the business. He'd even worked with Malcolm already and it'd been a positive experience. But he wanted this more than he'd let himself want anything in a long time. Not only did he love the show, RENT had always been one of his favorites, he wanted to prove that he still had it in him. Prove to those who doubted him sure but mostly to himself that he could still do this, could lead a musical.

Liam was waiting anxiously for his turn, taking a few deep breaths to calm his nerves when he heard Malcolm's voice cut across the theatre. And then the man completely disregarded Malcolm's direction and continued through his monologue and Liam couldn't help but cringe. Malcolm Hargrove was a talent director who knew exactly what he wanted and how to bring it out of his performers but he also had little patience for showboating or bullshit. The man was actively sabotaging his audition in real time. He hated to see it, even if the man had technically been his competition.

And then it was his turn. Liam took a deep breath and made his way onto the stage already feeling more at ease under the stage lights but trying to seem more confident than he felt. "It's a pleasure to see you again" he greeted the man warmly. "I'm Liam Alexander and I would love the opportunity to be your Mark Cohen." He said. "But I adore this show and I'd be more than happy to play any part you see fit." Liam was fully aware that it sounded like the PR stock answer but it was true. He was willing to fight as hard as he could for the chance to play Mark but he also trusted Malcolm Hargrove's judgement and he would happily accept whatever role the man cast him as. Though he had to admit he would be more than a bit disappointed if he didn't end up cast in the show but he would get over that. Eventually.

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Text -> Nicole

Zach: For the record being the responsible one is vastly overrated. 0/10 do not recommend. Zach: I HATE being the oldest sometimes. I'm always the bad guy. @illustratedxillusions

[illustratedxillusions]

Nicole: I'm guessing this has to do with your cousin's petition?

Nicole: What happened?

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Zach: Yup. 🙃

Zach: The exchange between Zoey and the Mayor was getting a bit heated so I told her she needed to stop engaging and reminded her that that was NOT how a St. James should speak to the mayor, that we have a reputation to uphold in this town.

Zach: Apparently that was the exact wrong thing to say. She said I was a "bootlicking sycophant" and "kowtowing to the white man" and that I could disown her like I did Zay if I didn't like it. I wasn't trying to make her feel attacked, I was just trying to remind her that there are other ways to go about it. Doing what I felt was best for the family. Just like I always do. I wish she could see that.

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Brant leaned into his hand and Scott sighed softly as his heart fluttered gently. Obviously he wished Brant wasn't feeling this way, wished at the very least that he could switch places with his husband, but even after all this time these small tender moments still got him sometimes. Still meant the world to him. Just a few years ago Scott had accepted that he would only be to share moments like this with Brant in his dreams. Even now, this was only possible because Brant had been brave enough to take a leap of faith and pack up his life and travel to tiny little Cypress Cove based on a connection the two of them had shared. Scott was beyond grateful that he had and while he knew he didn't have to, he would spend the rest of his life trying to prove to Brant in little ways, in small gestures like this that he had made the right choice. Scott noticed the way Brant's eyes began to close softly at the touch and began to rub the side of Brant's face gently with his thumb. "Okay, I guess that's not too long." He said.

"What good boys." Scott cooed encouragingly as he used his free hand to reach over and scratch each of their heads affectionately. "Good. It's nice to know someone's here to make sure you don't push yourself when I'm not around." He teased gently. Obviously Brant was in no condition to do anything other than lay on the couch and rest but Scott knew him well enough to know that that wouldn't stop him from trying. Especially the instant he started feeling even a little bit better. "Making sure you're taken care of. Especially when you're sick is always a rush home from work situation." Scott insisted gently. "Reid would've let me come home early." He murmured softly.

Scott frowned at the way Brant pouted. "It's okay babe. Once you're feeling better I'll take you out for a nice dinner." He promised "Or I could make you something special. Anything you wanted." Scott offered. "Yeah I can do that." He said reaching over to gently caress Brant's cheek again. "Just sitting with you is always my favorite way to spend the day." Scott uttered affectionately.

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Brant's expression softened immediately. It always got him a little, hearing things like that from Scott. Maybe because Scott never seemed to realize how devastatingly sincere he was when he said them. "You're ridiculous," Brant murmured, though there wasn't much conviction behind it. His hand found Scott's wrist, fingers curling loosely around it as he kept Scott's hand against his cheek. The cool touch felt nice. Everything felt a little too warm and a little too uncomfortable right now. "You know most people would've heard 'stomach bug' and maintained a safer distance. Instead you're over here tellin' me you would've left work early and that sittin' on the couch with me while I look like death is your ideal afternoon."

He shifted slightly beneath Astro's weight and immediately regretted it as another wave of nausea hit him. His thumb brushed absentmindedly over Scott's wrist. "I don't deserve you sometimes, you know that?" The words came quietly, without his usual humor to hide behind them. For a moment he simply looked at him. "I love you." He murmured softly.

He looked at Scott as he mentioned taking him out. "The worst part is I can't even properly appreciate the dinner bribery right now." He sighed dramatically. "Do you understand how serious this is? I don't even want cinnamon buns." He let out a small groan. "I think medically that means I'm dying."

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Scott gazed at Brant affectionately, even when the man felt like death, even when he looked just the tiniest bit less swoon worthy than usual the sight of the man he loved made his heart flutter the same way it did when they were sixteen and he was trying to figure out why he felt this way about his best friend. "Maybe a little." Scott admitted with a little shrug "But you know you love it." he teased gently. He sighed softly and nodded as Brant held his hand to his cheek. He continued to caress Brant's cheek and and rub his thumb gently across the man's face. "Oh if it were anyone else you can bet your ass I'd be keeping my distance." Scott insisted. He'd always been a bit of a germaphobe. Even when Sophia was sick, Scott would put a care package together, things to keep her occupied, medicine and tissues and whatever other supplies she might need, little treats and surprised to cheer her up, but he would leave them outside her door careful to keep his distance. Not willing to risk getting sick. Brant was different, special. The man was the love of his life after all. "It is sorta in the terms and conditions of marriage remember? In sickness and in health." He quipped lightly. "Besides, any day with you, even one like this, is far better than even the best day without you." Scott murmured fondly.

He winced as he saw the consequences of Brant trying to adjust himself flash across his face. Scott would give anything to switch places with his husband if he could. To take his pain away. But unfortunately he couldn't, so he would have to settle for just supporting him through it however he could. "You're the one who moved across the country on the chance that maybe we might end up together." Scott reminded his husband. "If anything I'm the one who doesn't deserve you babe." He insisted. "But that doesn't mean I'm ever going to stop trying to prove you made the right choice." Scott added gently. He sighed happily and couldn't help but smile widely at Brant's words. "I love you too babe. So damn much." He murmured back.

Scott's eyes widened in shock when Brant said he didn't even want cinnamon buns. Brant always wanted cinnamon buns. "Oh wow, you really are feeling sick huh." He said. "Is there anything else I can do to help?" He asked. All Brant had asked was that Scott sit with him but there had to be something else he could do. Anything to help Brant feel even a tiny bit better. He hated feeling powerless, just sitting here when his husband felt like this. Not being able to do something about it.

[hcppiestcoveonearth]

Text -> Nicole

Zach: For the record being the responsible one is vastly overrated. 0/10 do not recommend. Zach: I HATE being the oldest sometimes. Somehow I always end up being the bad guy. @illustratedxillusions